Happy Candy Days

1- Blood Sugar

A flash of red plagues your mind as you push through the large crowds of people. Each person producing so much chatter— it could make one's head explode. Making things awfully worse, are the bright lights of the many scamming tourist shops. And oh, these things were everywhere in this shitty city, you couldn't ever get away from them.

You can feel yourself slowly losing consciousness as you stumble to the right, reaching out to whatever was in front of you for support. The thing looks up at you with its big crimson eyes glowing from the inside of its black dark hood. It smacks your hand away before their eyes widen a bit for a split second.

"I see... Well, this is truly unfortunate... for you that is..." A soft female voice hums gently and she reaches her cold hands out placing them onto your heated face.

"When was the last time you ate?" Her calming voice goes through one ear and out the other, in the state you are in, you couldn't understand anything she was saying. It is all a blur.

"Oh? With that reaction, I'm guessing not for at least a week." Steadying you on her shoulder, she brings you to walk slowly towards a dark alley and far away from the horrid lights of the city.

"There's nothing to eat around here, so I hope you like candy."

After some time had passed, you can feel the smaller girl shift slightly as she turns right and towards a small lit-up sign. The sign is a bit too dim to read in your state. The sign was held beside the door to an odd-looking candy shop. Its door handle is a glass rose that shines against the dull light. Squinting your eyes to look through the window and into the shop, you can see many intricate-looking jars full of bright blood-red candy in many shapes and sizes. Making your way to the red-painted door of the shop, the girl knocks and calls out.

"Uncle, open up!" Within a few seconds, a young-ish-looking man pops his head out and glares at the girl not noticing you yet.

"How many times have we been over this Megumi? I'm not old enough to be your uncle! So stop calling me it!" He blinks when he notices you, his face burns a slight pink.

"She doesn't look so good.." The girl promptly nods her head at his words.

"Shit... hurry up and bring her in quickly." He pushes the door open, letting the two of you in, and then he runs over to the counter coming back with a bottle that is tinted the colour black.

"Give her this and I'll be right back with something more to help her regain a more stable state." Shoving the small bottle in the girl's hands he rushes to a door near the back of the shop. your tired eyes follow him until he enters the room and you can hear the girl open the bottle. Before you can try to resist, its chilled surface is brought to your lips and the sweet metallic-tasting liquid is slides down your throat. It was sweet like strawberries...

"I'm glad she's not resisting or things would've been difficult.. and, y'know.. she could've died." The man that you notice to have striking soft pale blonde hair, chuckles when exiting the back room. He walks over to your side while carrying a beautiful heart-shaped jar full of weirdly shaped candies different from the ones displayed. Giving the black-haired girl six of these candies from the jar; no more no less of the odd candies, he offers you a light smile.

"I'll check her eyes while you feed her those." The blondie grabs a flashlight from the drawer of the cashier's desk and he shines it straight in your face. Which affects you much in the state you are in it burns just like those horrible street lights. You can't help but wince.

"Her eyes are darkening, good." He pats your soft hair gingerly. "So, how'd the two of you meet anyways?" Looking from you to the shorter girl, his dark red eyes glisten with curiosity.

"On the Main Street of the city..." The girl lets out a huff as she places some of the odd candies in your mouth.

"Oh? Thank goodness you hadn't found her a moment later or who knows what would've happened to her." He grins, eyes flicking between you and the small girl.

"Yeah..." As the last candy is placed into your mouth, you could feel yourself calm and regain some composure.

"Umm, thank you very much.." You meekly mumble, forcing yourself to look down to hide from their happy gazes. It was a bit intimidating... so your fingers began to twitch with anxiety.

"And the goddess herself is fixed!" The tall blonde guy cheers still with his happy grin. "Oh! What is your name?" He then clears his throat and asks you trying to hide his happy go lucky nature.

"(y/n)..." You're able to whisper in reply.

"It's an honour to meet you (y/n)! I'm Earl, and this girl who found you is Megumi. Know, don't take this the wrong way but... why were you starving yourself like that? Did you want to die? Was the only way out of this cruel world starving yourself?" What... is he talking about... You had just eaten dinner before deciding to go out for a walk for some fresh air.

Megumi observed your reaction before giving Earl a side glare.

"You're a new blood, aren't you?" Your eyes widen. A what?

"Can you recall when you got bitten?" Earl raises an eyebrow at Megumi's words. A small gasp escapes him.

"Her scent... I should've noticed earlier. I was too focused on helping her—I didn't even realize." Earl sighs, angry with himself that he didn't pick up on it earlier.

"You don't remember, do you?" Megumi places her small pale white hands in yours, giving you a sympathetic look.

"No, I... I was on a date. He came home with me and attacked me." You shook your head in regret. Man, it was a stupid idea. You were only on a high from the lively night before and decided to let the man come home with you; alcohol may have also influenced your opinion. Probably a little more than you'd want to admit...

"Oh... Well, I believe we'll have to figure out a way to help you." Earl smiles, ruffling both yours and Megumi's hair—Megumi nods in agreement.

"I'd appreciate that." You smile back, letting yourself finally relax in their presence.