Vampire and His Pleasant Companions: Volume 5 - Part 7

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Stan, pulled from the ruins of the collapsed hospital, was officially declared an accidental death. Richard was overjoyed at Al’s safe return after being missing, but at the same time, was so shocked by Stan’s death he was left speechless.

Stan had been an orphan with no surviving family, and since there was no one to claim his body, the funeral was held quietly by Richard, along with friends and work acquaintances.

Pat performed the embalming on Stan’s body, which had been crushed below the waist to the point of unrecognizability. Al tried to help, but every time he saw Stan’s face, he would remember that final moment and couldn’t stop the tears.

After sniffing and sniffling one too many times, he was finally kicked out of the prep room with a stern, [You're so annoying—just get out!]

Stan, now resting in his coffin, looked peaceful, as if merely asleep.

Al quietly slipped in a photo of Ashley. He had printed out that scene Stan had watched over and over.

It was all he could do for him now.

In the end, Al never told Richard the full truth—that everything started with Angel Sachs, and that the person who attacked him was Stan.

Richard had been very fond of Stan. Even if that affection had ultimately led to betrayal, Richard’s love for Stan was genuine.

And Stan was already dead. There was no meaning in tarnishing his memory now. Al simply wanted to protect the image of Stanley Griffith—the charming man Richard had known.

Left behind by Akira.

Attacked by Stan, almost killed.

His home burned down…

So many things had happened in the past six months, and yet with each passing day, it all receded further into the past.

The burned remains of the house were demolished, and the haunted hospital ruin was also set to be torn down.

After the incident, Al and Kyiv lived at Rose Funeral.

Richard had said, [You could live with us,] but without Akira around to support him, and with his body turning into a bat for two hours every day, Al wasn’t confident he could keep it hidden from Richard or Martha.

So he made the excuse, [It’s more convenient for my part-time work to stay at Pat’s place,] and continued to board there.

He quickly got used to the state of turning into a bat for just two hours a day.

He could now extend his fangs at will, but they were an awkward length and the idea of biting someone terrified him, so he had never tried.

As time passed, Al thought.

About Akira.

About everything that had happened to him until now.

…And then, he made a decision.

[I’m going back to Japan.]

He declared this at a dinner party Richard had arranged to cheer up a downcast Martha.

Kyiv, Pat, Mitani, and even Gary had all been invited.

To Al’s surprise, Richard and Martha weren’t as shocked as he had expected.

[After the house burned down, Akira called me over and over. He never directly asked about you… but this is the same kid who used to only reach out three times a year—for my birthday, Martha’s, and Christmas.]

Richard shrugged and chuckled.

[I guess for that one, love needs to be a little pushy to reach him properly.]

After returning to Rose Funeral, Al sat down again for a talk with Kyiv.

[Kind of sneaky to make your big announcement to everyone before coming to talk to me,] he said, with a little jab.

But Kyiv didn’t oppose the idea of Al going back to Japan.

[I don’t think a relationship built on mutual dependence is healthy. But now, I get the feeling that even if Akira doesn’t accept you, you won’t regret your choice. With just a bit of support, I think you could make it anywhere. You’ve got that kind of resolve.]

That’s what Kyiv told him.

Since the time he spent as a bat had shortened, Al decided to return by plane.

It took a little time to have a fake passport prepared by someone Kyiv knew, so his departure for Japan was set for the end of May.

[I think it’s about time to head out. You all ready?]

When Al turned away from the still-dark sky outside the second floor of Rose Funeral, Gary was standing at the open door, knocking lightly.

[Yeah, I’m good to go.]

He slung a small Boston bag over his shoulder and stepped out of the room he’d stayed in for nearly two months.

[That’s really all you’re taking?]

Gary asked as they walked side by side.

[Yeah, it’s just a change of clothes. I didn’t have much to begin with, and most of it burned in the fire.]

Gary lowered his gaze with a somber expression.

[Sorry for bringing that up.]

[I’m okay. Oh, and my bike—I can’t take it back to Japan with me. Mind if I leave it here?]

[Of course not.]

Nodding firmly, Gary then mumbled softly, [It’s gonna feel pretty lonely around here once you guys are gone.]

As they crossed through the entrance hall, a meow echoed through the air.

Halfway up the staircase was Beth, Pat’s black cat, looking down on them.

[Guess this is goodbye for you too.]

When Al crouched and held out a hand, Beth turned her face with an indignant huff and trotted up the stairs. Even after two months together, she never warmed up to him.

…When he was in bat form, she’d often stare at him through the window, and the gleam in her golden eyes practically spelled out [food]—which was, honestly, a little scary.

Just as he stood up from being snubbed by Beth, Gary suddenly leaned in close and whispered in his ear.

[Hey, Al. Since it’s the last time, I wanted to ask—while you were living here… did anything weird ever happen in this house?]

The bedroom door that had definitely been closed before going to sleep would be open by morning, and the stand light flickering on and off by itself had become an everyday occurrence. At first, it had been so frightening that Al nearly burst into tears, regretting not staying at Richard’s house instead. But since it was just creepy and not actually harmful, he eventually got used to it. Mitani, who was currently staying in the U.S. for a film shoot and using Rose Funeral as a kind of hotel, had wandered around the building at night multiple times trying to catch something on camera, saying, “I wonder if I can get something on tape”—but during those times, nothing ever happened, and he never managed to capture any definitive footage. As for Kyiv, he’d casually said things like [Erin the blonde beauty came by yesterday], so maybe he’d hit it off with someone, but Al hadn’t asked for the details. Without a doubt, there was “something” at Rose Funeral, but telling Gary—who was terrified of things that shouldn’t exist in this world—would’ve just been too cruel.

[I didn’t notice anything.]

Al hoped that would be enough to ease Gary’s mind, but instead, he was met with a heavy sigh.

[When I told my sister, she just laughed and said that kind of thing doesn’t happen… but Al, I actually saw a werewolf in this house.]

A bad feeling crept in.

[It was in broad daylight, right in the office. …It was terrifying. The thing had sharp eyes, pointed ears, and it opened its huge mouth like it was about to pounce on me.]

Maybe he wanted to convey his terror as vividly as possible—Gary spread his arms wide as he spoke with great emphasis. As usual, it was exaggerated. And also a misunderstanding. That wasn’t a wolf—it was a bat. And it was Al. But he couldn’t say that, so he just went silent.

Gary then took Al’s right hand and clasped it between both of his.

[…I can’t stop being afraid that I’ll run into that werewolf again. Al, please be honest with me. Do you think I should see a psychiatrist… or maybe call for an exorcist?]

He was dead serious. Al hesitated with an awkward [Uhh…] and scrambled to think.

[My grandma in Nebraska once told me a story… um, supposedly werewolves hate onions.]

[Onions!] Gary’s grip on Al’s hand tightened.

Al wasn’t even sure if that was true—he just vaguely remembered something like that—but if it helped Gary feel better, then accuracy didn’t really matter anymore.

[So, if you put onions at the corners of the house, the werewolf will never show up again. You’ll be fine.]

Gary’s eyes welled up with gratitude. Al felt conflicted, realizing just how scared Gary had been of the bat-human form. He vowed never to show that form to anyone again. If he was going to experiment, it would only be in front of Akira.

[…Hey now, what are you two doing, staring into each other’s eyes like that?]

Kyiv appeared from the door leading to the living room. Startled, the two quickly let go of each other’s hands and exchanged bashful smiles.

[Kyiv, are you all packed and ready?]

Gary asked.

[Perfectly,] Kyiv replied with a wink.

[Where’s your luggage? Want me to load it into the car first?]

[Just this,] Kyiv said, lightly swinging the black briefcase in his hand.

[Wait, that’s it? That’s all you’re bringing too?]

Yes—this time, along with Al’s departure for Japan, Kyiv had also said, [I felt like breathing air outside of America for the first time in a while,] and decided to visit a friend in France. Since there's a high chance Al might turn into a bat during the long flight from America to Japan, Kyiv had kindly agreed to take the same flight, traveling to France via a layover at Narita in Japan.

[…So, I guess the only ones heading to the airport are you, Kyiv, and Mitani?]

When Gary glanced toward the living room, Kyiv put a hand on his hip and replied, [Mitani’s already gone outside.] Though Mitani was planning to stay in the U.S. for a while longer, he’d decided to come see them off at the airport early this morning.

[In that case, we should head out too. No—wait, I’ll go call my sister. She should be in the prep room…]

[Ah, wait!]

Al stopped Gary just as he turned to go.

[Yesterday she said, ‘I want to see you guys off, but if I’m in the middle of work, absolutely do not interrupt me,’ remember?]

Gary still looked unconvinced and muttered, [But…] until Kyiv added, [If you try talking to Pat when she’s focused, she gets crankier than a hungry Bengal tiger.] That seemed to settle it for Gary.

[When I saw the two of you holding hands earlier, I thought maybe it was another proposal.]

At Kyiv’s murmured comment, Gary blinked and repeated, [Another?]

[Was it yesterday? Mitani proposed to Pat.]

Al and Gary both shouted, [What!] in perfect unison, and Kyiv winced and poked a finger in his ear in exaggerated annoyance.

[You don’t have to be that shocked.]

Mitani had been saying for a while that he found Pat “charming,” and he’d also seemed quite taken with the funeral home and its supernatural oddities…

[P-Proposed? T-To my s-sister?!]

Clearly rattled, Gary’s movements turned stiff and robotic.

[I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but from my room, I could hear the two of them talking out in the yard. Mitani said that if Pat agreed to marry him, he’d seriously consider moving his base of operations to America. Pat didn’t seem entirely against the idea either, but she turned him down because he doesn’t have the muscular build she likes.]

Gary’s face, which had been shining with surprise and maybe a little hope, instantly crumpled into despair.

[What a waste… it’s such a waste. Even if Mitani couldn’t help with the family business, he’s an actor—he could probably bring in more film industry clients than we’ve ever had. He’s quiet, responsible, doesn’t do drugs, and best of all, he genuinely loves this ‘monster house.’ My sister will never find someone with such perfect conditions again, ever.]

Kyiv gently placed an arm around Gary’s slumped shoulders and whispered, [That, too, is life.]

Out in the still-dark yard, Mitani sat perched on a garden stand, waiting for them.

[We’d better get going soon. It’s time.]

He checked the time and waved them over. Yes—Al’s flight to Japan was scheduled to depart at 7:00 a.m., and Gary had kindly agreed to drive him to the airport.

They loaded the luggage into the trunk, and the four of them climbed into the car. Gary’s antique Lincoln, inherited from his father, let out a clunky gass-gass noise as it rattled to life and rolled through the pre-dawn streets.

Al rolled down the window. The streets he had grown familiar with slowly began to fade into the distance. This dry, dusty air too—it was time to say goodbye. He opened his mouth wide and took a deep breath, as if to swallow the very atmosphere whole.

Despite the early hour, Martha had made it to the airport by taxi. [Richard wanted to come too, but he has a shoot this morning,] she told him. [He was really disappointed.]

[Al, Japan can be cold, so make sure to dress warmly, okay?]

[Martha, it’s not that cold in Japan in May.]

[And Tokyo’s gotten dangerous lately, so be careful.]

While it’s true that Japan is safer than L.A., Al didn’t want to dismiss her concern outright, so he just nodded along, [Yeah, yeah.] Martha had been her usual self at first, but as the time to pass through the gate drew near, her expression grew more and more forlorn. Al’s chest tightened with emotion.

[Take care… and give Akira my love. You’re always welcome to come back anytime.]

She hugged him so tightly it was hard to breathe, then said, [This is what you do when you cheer someone on, right? A friend of mine who loves Japan and pro wrestling taught me,] and with a loud thwack on the back, she shouted in Japanese, [Tōkon chūnyū!] as if casting a spell.

Even after Al passed through the gate, Martha, Mitani, and Gary continued waving until he was out of sight.

There was still about an hour until the flight departed. Al sat on a sofa by the window in the waiting area with a nice view. The plane they were going to board gleamed in the morning sunlight. If all went well, he’d arrive in Japan by late morning tomorrow. He was finally going home… And yet, it didn’t feel real. Even though he had wanted so badly to return to Japan, it still hadn’t sunk in. Would he really be standing on Japanese soil tomorrow?

[By the way, Al—did you tell Akira you’re coming back to Japan?]

Clutching the handles of his Boston bag tightly, Al shook his head.

[He’d probably tell me not to come back. Oh, but I did tell Nukariya, one of Akira’s friends. I’ve made up my mind to accept that it’ll take time before Akira accepts me again.]

Kyiv sighed and muttered, [Honestly. It’d be easier if you just stayed here.]

Over the past few days, Al had thought deeply about his relationship with Akira. He loved Akira’s gentleness, wanted him to feel the same, and had clung desperately to his side. But for Al, it had always been just about “being together.” There had been nothing else.

Then he’d been nearly killed by Stan. Against his will, he had become something closer to a true vampire. He had feared it, hated it—but once it happened, it wasn’t as terrible as he’d imagined. Even though he still turned into a bat for two hours each day, he could now walk under the sun in human form. He no longer had to wait for nightfall to meet people or go shopping. Becoming closer to a complete vampire hadn’t changed him—it had only made life more convenient.

Neither Kyiv nor Pat, nor even Martha, Richard, Mitani, or Gary, who didn’t know he was a vampire, had changed the way they treated him in the slightest. It was then he finally understood: becoming a true vampire had allowed him to finally stand as Akira’s equal. Only by standing on equal ground could he face Akira without any inferiority complex—could he face him simply as himself, as Albert Irving.

Kyiv had told him the same thing before, but he hadn’t truly understood it until he experienced it himself.

Before she went in to work, Pat had said, [If Akira turns you away, I’ll hire you for a part-time job anytime. We’re always short-staffed around here.] Richard had also come by Rose Funeral yesterday and hugged Al tightly as he said, [If Akira dumps you, come back to us. Martha and I will always welcome you. Even if you’re no longer Akira’s lover, you’ll still be our friend.] The people Akira had left behind for him in America… they were truly, truly kind. That’s why he could return to Japan with courage. Even if things didn’t go well with Akira and it ended in heartache, he knew there were still people who cared deeply for him.

When he saw Akira, he wanted to say, "I’m home." Akira would probably snap, "Why did you come back?" and try to drive him away, but Al would explain. He would tell him that he loved him, and that he chose to be in Japan of his own will. Even if Akira wouldn’t listen, he’d try his best to make him listen. Even if he got punched, or kicked, or ignored—he’d keep trying until Akira accepted him.

…And if, even after all that, Akira’s heart wouldn’t melt, if he couldn’t accept him… then that was that. You can’t control someone’s feelings. Even if he didn’t get the kind of love he wished for, even if he wasn’t loved in return, he still wanted to be by the side of that awkwardly kind man. If Akira ever found someone else, crying all night probably wouldn’t be enough to get over it—but even then, he wanted to stay by his side. As long as he tried his best, he could stay there. That’s right—a vampire can watch over the life of the one they love. They can remember it forever… And in the end, even if it’s just a tiny corner, if his presence remained in Akira’s memories, that would be enough.

Stan, who had lost the one he loved and was consumed by grief, plotted revenge. Al loved Akira—loved him so very much—but he would live differently than Stan. He wouldn’t let his love with nowhere to go turn into ruin.

[…By the way, I heard it’s raining in Tokyo,] Kyiv said with a small yawn. Through the airplane window, the L.A. sky was bathed in vivid orange from the morning sun.

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