Bitten By Love

Eleven

"Akiko," Uruha called.

"Hm?"

"Close your eyes."

"Why?"

"Trust me."

"Okay."

Akiko closed her eyes. When Uruha told her to open them again, she saw...

"They're beautiful!" She said softly.

For Uruha was holding a small set of earrings in his hands. They were in the shape of crescent moons, and would dangle from Akiko's ears when she wore them.

"I'll wear them right away!" She said, starting to remove her own gold studs. "Thank you so much, Uruha!"

Uruha blushed. He'd gone to the nearby town to find a perfect gift for Akiko. He wanted to do so much for her, and getting her little presents seemed like the best way to start.

"Thank you! I love it!" Akiko hugged Uruha so tightly he could barely breathe. How can someone so tiny give me such a bear-hug?? He wondered.

"It's so that you don't forget me," he wheezed.

"Forget you?" Akiko looked up at her boyfriend. "How would it be possible for me to do that?"

Uruha found himself falling deeper for this sweet girl. The way she looked at him, with those innocent eyes...it drove him insane.

He hadn't forgotten how much he wanted her blood, of course. But he was willing to wait. As he constantly reminded his slightly wild vampire side, he wanted her full consent before he drank her blood. It was difficult at times, however.

"I've got something for you too!" Akiko chirped happily. "Just wait here for a bit."

She went into her room, and came out after a couple of minutes. "Here you go!" She said, holding a small package in her hands.

Uruha opened it to find...a hand-knitted muffler.

"I know it's not much," he heard Akiko say, "but I didn't know what else to give you...and I can do a little knitting, so..."

He pulled her into his arms and hugged her so tightly that the air was almost knocked out from her lungs. "Thank you," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear.

"Y-you're w-welcome." Akiko could feel her face going red. She hoped Uruha wouldn't see her blushing.

*  *  *  *

Uruha had just finished packing, when there was a knock on the door. "Come in," he said, knowing it was Akiko. He'd suggested they take a last walk together the night before their departure. Akiko was taking an early train back to her hometown.

The girl quietly slipped into the room, and waited while Uruha zipped up his suitcase.

When he was done, he held out his hand for her to take. Akiko shyly did so, and they spent over an hour at the beach.

"It's getting late," Uruha said. "We should get going." He was quite happy staying up all night, because he felt strongest in the dark, but Akiko wasn't a vampire; she needed her rest.

"No," Akiko said firmly. "I'm fine."

"You're so stubborn." He poked her nose, and she giggled. "Then again, I like that about you." Hell, there are a lot of things I like about you.

"You'll stay in touch, won't you?" Akiko asked anxiously. She didn't know how well long distance relationships worked.

"Of course." Uruha ruffled her hair. "Why are you so worried?"

"I don't know..."

He wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his chin on her head. "I won't forget you. I promise," he said, holding her tight.

Akiko held onto his arms, as though she was scared he'd let go. Tears welled up in her eyes.

She hated being so emotional. Ever since the death of her parents, she'd promised herself she would be strong.

And yet, she felt so safe in Uruha's arms. That it was okay to be vulnerable, because he was there for her.

Akiko's POV

I turned around and buried my face in Uruha's chest until I could control my tears. When I looked up, I was shocked to see him crying.

"W-why are you crying?" I whispered.

"Heh, I don't quite know myself," he said, smiling through his tears. "But I guess it's because you're trying to be strong...and someone needs to let it out for you."

I lost it right then and there. Without even thinking, I stood on my toes, held his shoulders, and kissed him on his lips.

All I could think was You idiot...you damn idiot...there's no need to cry on my behalf...

Uruha's arms held me tight as he deepened the kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck, feeling my tears return.

It was a slow, gentle kiss, and when we pulled apart, both of us were blushing.

"You're crying," Uruha said softly.

I didn't reply, but wiped his tears away with my thumb.

"You don't have to cry for me, Uruha," I told him. "I'll be completely honest around you from now on."