Soul of the Night

by Barbara Sheridan

  His thoughts were interrupted some time later when Nakamura grabbed his kimono sleeve.

  “Surely you haven’t changed your mind, Kiyoshi-kun? You’re walking right past the ryokan.” He feigned a horrified gasp. “If I didn’t know better I’d think you were trying to whisk me off to some private hideaway to have your wicked way with me.”

  “I would never think to do such a thing, Nakamura-san.”

  Ryuhei’s sigh was quite genuine this time. “Such a noble young man you are, Kiyoshi-kun. Such a noble young man.”

  As it turned out, Kiyoshi’s money went a long way in this small town. They were able to take some of the better seats on the knee-high platform along the inn’s walls, with the nicely polished tables and clean chopsticks. Two bottles of warm sake were brought to them, along with the steamed pork buns as Kiyoshi had promised. The rice wine was just to Ryuhei’s liking, so much so in fact, they drank a third bottle as well.

  “You’ll have to be careful with me now.” Ryuhei giggled lightly behind his hand. “Sake tends to loosen more than just my tongue.”

  Kiyoshi felt his cheeks color as he glanced down at Nakamura-san’s lap. If anything, it seemed to harden some parts of him.

  “You’re just so kind,” Ryuhei cooed, then hiccupped. “You’ve made my stay here so much more bearable—enjoyable I’d even say.” He reached across the low table and patted Kiyoshi’s hand. “I thought you might’ve been a traveling musician when I first saw you.” He smiled, his fingertips tracing the smooth skin on Kiyoshi’s knuckles. “You have such long, graceful fingers. There’s not a callus on them and your nails are so fine. That’s quite unusual for a farmer.”

  “I never said I was a very good farmer,” Kiyoshi replied softly as he turned his hand to lightly clasp Ryuhei’s. He stroked the pad of his thumb across the pulse point on Nakamura’s wrist and felt his own blood stir with the same steady rhythm of the actor’s. He licked his lips, his fangs tingling in his mouth as they tried to extend in anticipation.

  Forcing himself to release Ryuhei’s hand, he signaled for the innkeeper. “Perhaps we should see about arranging that room and finishing our drinks in private?”

  Ryuhei tilted his head forward to peer seductively up at Kiyoshi through a fringe of dark lashes. “I would like that, Kiyoshi-kun. I would like that very much.”

  The innkeeper trotted over and, pleased with Kiyoshi’s generosity of payment, dashed off to prepare them a room. Ryuhei stood a bit shakily, dipping a little and murmuring about how “That was good wine.”

  He started humming old folk songs about sakura blossoms and the moon, and Kiyoshi thought Ryuhei had a sweet-sounding voice. “Those are pretty songs.” He smiled at Nakamura, standing to help keep the actor steady as the innkeeper returned.

  Apparently, Ryuhei’s balance depended more on how close Kiyoshi was than any effect of the liquor. Dropping his arm around Kiyoshi’s waist, Ryuhei didn’t seem quite so tipsy after all. They followed the innkeeper up the wooden staircase that rose over the entrance to the kitchen, heading towards the room that had been readied for them.

  “If I still had my shamisen, I could play those songs for you and you could sing them,” Nakamura suggested playfully.

  “I don’t know the lyrics; you’d have to teach them to me.”

  Ryuhei gasped with mock horror. “But every child learns those songs.”

  “Neh…sometimes I forget things like that.” Kiyoshi laughed nervously. He’d been born long before the first versions of those songs had been sung in any country village.

  “Oh, Kiyoshi-kun.” Nakamura giggled. “You can remember my performances from ten years ago, but not this?” Ryuhei stopped in the middle of the hallway. “You do remember me, don’t you? You aren’t saying it to be kind?”

  “I do remember.” Kiyoshi nodded adamantly until the sad expression lifted from the actor’s face. “I couldn’t forget such a stirring performance.”

  “Nakamura!”

  They both turned in unison to stare over the railing at the man who’d just burst through the front entryway. His bright red costume was rumpled and soaked with sweat, the feathers crowning the brass lion’s mask under his arm were limp and soggy.

  Ryuhei tensed at first and then his shoulders slumped. “Oh no,” he groaned. “It’s Shosei from the Noh idiots…”

  “Nakamura!” Shosei bellowed again, jabbing his finger up in the air rather rudely. “We had a show tonight.”

  “Did we, Shosei-san?” Ryuhei blinked innocently.

  The Noh actor sputtered and then shouted, “Yes.”

  “Did anyone attend?”

  “What the hell do you mean ‘did anyone attend’? Half this town must have shown up.”

  “Did anyone important attend?”

  “You—” Shosei’s round face turned the same shade of scarlet as his costume. “I had to play all three roles myself. I’m not paying you to chase ass in these ryokan.”

  “You call that two-bit pittance payment?” Ryuhei leaned over the railing, just as worked up as the Noh actor. “It’s robbery. An actor of my skill stuck playing the role of waki—a meaningless secondary character? Insult.”

  Kiyoshi looked around, nervous at the attention the scene was getting from the other guests. One thing was certain—this was a far better show than anything performed at the Noh.

  “Robbery, is it?” Shosei shouted. “You washed up whore. You’re fired.” With that, he stormed back out of the inn.

  Everything was silent in the inn for a long time afterward. Then Nakamura stood up straight and pronounced with all the dignity of an official in the emperor’s court, “It’s a good thing I quit first.”

  Kiyoshi contained yet another laugh, rather surprised at how Nakamura brought so much lightness to his long, dreary existence. Oh, the man was most likely insufferable taken in large doses, but the sweetness of Ryuhei’s blood when he put himself into such a stir was undoubtedly worth the inconvenience.

  He touched Ryuhei’s shoulder and leaned in to whisper in his ear. “Perhaps we should get to our room. There’s no sense giving people a show they aren’t paying for.”

  Ryuhei’s arm slipped around his waist once more, his hand gliding down across Kiyoshi’s hip. “Yes, my friend. Private shows have always been my favorite.”

  Ryuhei kissed him the instant the innkeeper slid the shoji closed behind them. Kiyoshi responded with a need he hadn’t felt in ages.

  The actor’s lips were soft and moist, his eager tongue tasting of the sake they’d drunk together. Kiyoshi pulled back only long enough to set down the bottle of wine he carried, then wrapped his fingers around Nakamura’s obi sash and jerked the man forward into another deep kiss. His nimble fingers made quick work of the tight knot until the obi fell, giving him free access to the burning flesh within the robe.

  Ryuhei moaned into his mouth and arched forward as Kiyoshi ran his palm across the growing bulge contained within the front of the actor’s loincloth. Kiyoshi let out his own soft moan as Ryuhei’s lips slid down, the actor’s tongue snaking out to glide along the side of Kiyoshi’s neck as though it were a slice of ripe fruit. He teased the lobe of Kiyoshi’s ear with his teeth, murmuring words of delight when Kiyoshi leaned in for more.

  “Oh, you sweet, lovely thing.” Ryuhei’s hands stroked through the fabric of Kiyoshi’s kimono the way a musician ran his hands over a beloved instrument. “I haven’t wanted anyone as much as I want you, Kiyoshi-kun.”

  A lie, most probably. But it didn’t matter, for the invigorating scent of the man’s blood seeped from his pores, igniting the vampire’s appetite in so many ways. Kiyoshi dropped to his knees before Ryuhei, nuzzling his hard cock through the fabric of the fundoshi. He slipped his fingers inside, fondled the dusky warm flesh incased within the loincloth. Ryuhei, knees quaking, squeezed Kiyoshi’s shoulders to steady himself.

  “Oh, Gods. I can’t believe the effect you have on me.” Ryuhei moaned as Kiyoshi began to tug the fabric free. “Please don’t make
me wait…”

  Kiyoshi dropped Ryuhei’s loincloth to the floor, staring as the other’s flesh grew longer and harder still. He gripped the base of the erection and leaned in to stroke the rigid length with his tongue, licking at the top slit and the thick drop of fluid beading there.

  “Oh, Gods.” Ryuhei tangled his fingers in Kiyoshi’s hair and tried to pull him closer. But Kiyoshi drew away, freed himself and stood as the actor whimpered, “Don’t be a tease…”

  Stepping back, Kiyoshi said nothing. He took the rolled futon mattress from the corner of the room and spread it across the wooden floor. Shedding his own clothing, he held out his hand in invitation.

  Chapter Three

  “Kiyoshi-kun, really…” Ryuhei purred as he shrugged out of his yukata. A light film of sweat glistened on his lithe frame, the sharp angles of the taut muscles in his shoulders and along his abdomen highlighted by the orange glow coming from the paper lantern near the entrance. He moved softly across the tatami and took Kiyoshi’s hand, guiding him down to the mattress.

  “You’re so young and soft-spoken, I wondered if you might’ve been a virgin,” Ryuhei murmured between mouthfuls of Kiyoshi’s lips and neck. His fingers danced along the arch of Kiyoshi’s back and down around his trim waist as they kneeled before each other. “Now I think that perhaps you’re more experienced with methods of pleasuring than you let on.”

  Delivered with a coy smile, the actor’s comments were clearly meant to both tease and flatter. Leisurely sliding one hand up to rub and toy with one of Kiyoshi’s hard nipples, Ryuhei reached between them with the other to take hold of Kiyoshi’s cock. His eyes grew wide.

  “Gods,” he exclaimed. “Kiyoshi-kun—you’re possessed.”

  Ryuhei’s grip tightened around the thick base before sliding up and down the shaft in gentle, rhythmic strokes. Aroused by Nakamura’s explorative touch and eager for more, Kiyoshi could only make soft moans. Tilting his hips forward, he rocked against the man’s hand and leaned forward to devour Ryuhei’s lips in a long kiss that thirsted for passion.

  The strokes increased in intensity. Kiyoshi felt his fangs distend in his mouth but could do nothing to control them. The reaction was as innate, as physically unstoppable, as the erection stabbing up through Ryuhei’s fingers. Kiyoshi broke off the kiss and tried to push away before he gave in to the desire taunting his senses.

  “You’re almost too fast to keep up with,” Ryuhei panted, his cheeks alive with more color than they’d gotten from the rice wine.

  “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” Kiyoshi whispered shakily. “I’m sorry, Ryu-san, I have to go…”

  “No, no,” Ryuhei pleaded. He took Kiyoshi’s wrist in both hands and kissed each finger. “Please stay. I haven’t had such enjoyable company in a very long time. I’m usually not so…brusque…honestly. I misunderstood your excitement.”

  Nakamura touched the side of Kiyoshi’s head and encouraged him to ease down onto the bedding. The back of Kiyoshi’s head rested in Ryuhei’s lap and he caressed Kiyoshi’s cheeks with practiced delicacy. “I can see you’re a gentle soul in need of gentler methods.”

  Ryuhei dipped forward, kissing Kiyoshi’s throat, then stretched out lengthwise so his lips could wander down the center line of Kiyoshi’s chest and belly, and along the swelling organ below his abdomen. He used such slow, practiced movements of his mouth, suckling at the flesh with his kisses.

  Kiyoshi writhed and fought the dark hunger as long as he could, no matter how it made him ache to do so. He was on the verge of spilling his seed, half-drunk on the scent of Nakamura’s lust and the heat of the actor’s blood he could hear rushing through the delicate veins. With an animal-like growl, he wrested free of the sensual kiss and pushed Ryuhei onto his back.

  Ryuhei shrieked with pleasure as Kiyoshi kissed and licked a searing path over his torso and abdomen. Gasping, Ryuhei tangled his fingers in Kiyoshi’s dark hair when the vampire’s lips closed over his rigid cock.

  Positioning himself between the actor’s parted thighs, Kiyoshi reached underneath to grip the soft mounds of Ryuhei’s rear. He let his index finger press against the tight opening within, his mouth continuing to devour Ryuhei’s cock.

  The climax hit Ryuhei hard, a cry rising out of him. Kiyoshi lapped up the thick fluid, savoring the heady excitement flavoring the come. His fangs ached and he could take no more. Ryuhei was still trembling, semen oozing from his cock, as Kiyoshi moved to nuzzle the place at the juncture of his thigh and quickly bit. The rush of blood as he sucked was intoxicating. Kiyoshi wanted to drain the man dry, but he fought the urge and turned his attention once more to Ryuhei’s erect cock. He cleaned the hot flesh with lips and tongue, more than a little drunk from it all by the time he pulled away.

  “You wicked, wicked boy,” Ryuhei said between gasps for air. He shivered in Kiyoshi’s arms, lust radiating from his body and flooding Kiyoshi’s senses.

  Kiyoshi murmured, bit the side of his tongue and bent to lick the little wounds on Ryuhei’s inner thigh, watching as the small bites began to heal. He lay breathing heavily, his head resting on Ryuhei’s hip. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

  “Heavens no, dear one. You thrilled me beyond belief.” Ryuhei breathed a contented sigh and moved the leg Kiyoshi lay against. “But you let me have all the fun. You didn’t even come, did you?”

  “It’s all right, I’m fine. More than fine.”

  Ryuhei stroked his fingers through Kiyoshi’s hair. “Such a rare treasure you are. A rare, unexpected treasure.”

  Kiyoshi didn’t protest when Ryuhei moved to get the bottle of sake. He took a long drink when the liquor was offered to him, and he accepted the eager kisses the actor soon showered over his mouth and throat. He continued to bask in the euphoria of the blood taken and willingly gave himself to Ryuhei’s probing touch.

  The man’s fingers teased Kiyoshi’s opening, easing inwards with slow movements that stretched the tight entrance. Kiyoshi exhaled deeply at the pleasurable sensation and parted his legs further. His already stiff and aroused cock throbbed, aching to feel the same skillful touch.

  “Oh, Kiyo-kun.” Ryuhei giggled. He leaned forward, brushing his lips over the top of Kiyoshi’s swollen head. “You’ll make me blush.”

  Ryuhei was anything but blushing as he traced a line of kisses along the pulsing vein on the underside of Kiyoshi’s organ. He mouthed the taut sac below the cock, suckling and kissing the sensitive flesh until Kiyoshi gasped and arched upwards off the futon.

  Ryuhei dipped lower and withdrew his fingers from Kiyoshi. His tongue flicked around the stretched opening, leaving the area moist and Kiyoshi hungry for more than these playful explorations.

  “Take me,” Kiyoshi pleaded, his fingers slipping through the black strands of Ryuhei’s hair as he cradled the back of the actor’s neck.

  Moving forward, Ryuhei gathered Kiyoshi in his arms. He pressed his lips to Kiyoshi’s, the kiss deep and full of passion as they sank down to the futon. Ryuhei positioned his sex at Kiyoshi’s opening, pushing in slowly at first. The feel of that hot, pulsing length filling his passage brought a cry of pleasure to Kiyoshi’s throat.

  Kiyoshi pulled out of the kiss, groaning out loud with each of Ryuhei’s thrusts. Ryuhei buried his face against Kiyoshi’s shoulder, wordless exclamations of ecstasy tumbling out as he settled into a pounding rhythm. In the heat of the moment, Kiyoshi lifted off the futon just enough to skim Ryu’s shoulder with one fang.

  A droplet of blood oozed from the puncture wound. The sweet, vibrant scent overwhelmed Kiyoshi’s sense of control and he pressed his lips to the bloody flesh and sucked deeply. The taste of it—so warm, delicious and erotic all at once—brought Kiyoshi to a fevered climax. With a moan, he spilled out between them, his fluid sticky and hot on his own belly and Ryuhei’s. At the same moment, Ryuhei erupted deep within Kiyoshi’s body and they came together in a series of coursing spurts.

  Whispering Kiyoshi’s name over and over again in a breathless voice, R
yuhei eased out. He sat up slowly, smoothing his hands over Kiyoshi’s chest and tracing a finger through the sticky mess on Kiyoshi’s abdomen. He brought the come to his lips, teasing Kiyoshi with another coy smile.

  Kiyoshi sat up and caught Ryuhei’s hand. He flicked his tongue over the man’s finger to lap up the semen, and still breathing heavy from the sex, he smiled weakly. “Let’s finish the sake instead.”

  Ryuhei touched his cheek and giggled. “We shouldn’t let it go to waste.”

  When they caught their breath, they finished off the sake and fell back onto the futon, entwined in one another’s arms. The actor sighed with such contentment, the emotion stirred Kiyoshi’s heart.

  “I’m so glad we’ve met, Kiyo-kun.” Ryuhei nuzzled the side of Kiyoshi’s neck, his breath warm and moist on the bare skin. His happiness resonated inside of Kiyoshi as well.

  “So am I.” Kiyoshi brushed his fingers through the actor’s hair and along the smooth skin of his brow with some degree of wonder. How endearing this man’s spirit was, the way he managed to touch a part of Kiyoshi’s heart that had remained numb through the decades—centuries—after what happened with Liu.

  Kiyoshi’s fingers traveled down past Ryuhei’s jaw and along the side of his neck. Instinctually, they settled on the spot where the actor’s vein pulsed just underneath the skin in a steady cadence that raced against Kiyoshi’s fingertip. It was the pulse of a human’s life…one quite different from his own.

  “Tomorrow, I’ll be sad to say goodbye,” Kiyoshi whispered.

  Ryuhei gasped and raised his head. “What? Why?” He propped himself up on one elbow and looked down into Kiyoshi’s face with a pout. Gently, he touched Kiyoshi’s cheeks. “Why say goodbye?”

  “Nakamura-san…” Kiyoshi leaned his cheek into Ryuhei’s caress, enjoying the warmth and tenderness so very much even if only for a little while longer. “I can’t stay…” He was so used to wandering, never staying in one place for too long…never finding love to ease his loneliness…