The more comments I get the more fics I write. I can't just stop if people are waiting for more! ^_^

<Part 1>
 

    After leaving Doris and Dan,  D rode back to the site of the count's castle. A good hunter always went over the site of the kill before moving on. One never knew what messes the vampires would leave to clean up.

    He slid from his horse and walked quietly over the newly mended ground. Bits and pieces of walls and roof all that the earth hadn't claimed last night, by tomorrow night those too would be gone, absorbed into the Earth. Careful feet slipped into he main chamber, the wall that had held the count was still there, but bones were all that was left of D's foe. One light tap with his sword and they crumbled to dust. D removed his glove and the spirit residing in his hand sucked the remains into itself. Gone forever.

    "You did a good job D."

    He nodded and stood. A quick run through of the room and anything harmful was destroyed. Soon all that was left of the Count's rein was the ruins of his home. He stopped before the picture of the vampire's most ancient member. The count's 'God'.

    "It's a good likeness of me before." His hand snickered, "You get your looks from my side of the family."

    "Shh" D stiffened and strained his ears.

    "It's coming from the hall outside."

    D nodded and unsheathed his sword.

    In what was once the hallway, mounds of crumbled stone and rubble littered each surface. "This was the wedding isle."

    "Hai." D nodded and sparred a look to where the mutant who had spared his life and saved Dan had met his end. Dark eyes widened, "The blood is gone."

    A creaking at his feat caused D to jump into an attack position, that's when he saw the handless arm pushing against the floor. "Ungh. . . damn! Is anyone out there?! Damn it I'm stuck under here!"

    D dragged the stone and wood from off the person and knelt beside him.

    "D."

    "Hello Gensay."

    "I was afraid he'd kill you."

    D lifted the injured man and slung him over his shoulder.

    "Where are we going?"

    "Somewhere else."

    "Oh that tells me a lot ya sod!"

    D dropped Ray lengthwise over the saddle and used a hand the steady him as he reined his horse, "Ya!"

    "Ouch ouch ouch, damn! The saddle horn is digging into my ribs!"

    D shifted the grumbling mutant and kept up the quick pace.

    "What's your hurry anyway?"

    "We need to get clear of the spiritual site before daybreak or D will be pulled back into the Earth with the castle."

    Ray's eyes widened and he gave a yelp and began fighting D's hold on him. "Dhampir! Your hand is talking to me! Oh shit! I musta hit that wall hard!"

    "You used your powers to manipulate what the count saw." D stated as the rode.

    "Yeah, wasn't stupid enough to face him without a backup plan."

    "Why didn't you use that trick when you lost your hand?" D's hand asked.

    Ray frowned, "What is this? You caught me, I'm a bad guy, so kill me already."

    D finally brought the horse to a stop and slid off the lifted Ray to his feet, "Go."

    "Huh?"

    "I got you away from the castle, you're safe now. Go."

    "You aren't going to kill me."

    D gave him a look that told him that was a stupid question and climbed back into the saddle.

    "What's wrong with you?! You've had a chance to kill me how many times now? Why don't you just do it?!"

    D shrugged and led his horse into a steady walk.

    Ray starred after him, "Aren't you afraid I'll come back?! Hey! D! What's the deal?! You backwards little Dhampir! You don't let the enemy live!" He stood there until D was out of site then sat down in the road like a pouting child, "Well now what do I do?"

    "Why did you let him live?" Dracula asked his son.

    "He saved Dan."

    "He's right. You are backwards."

    ". . ."

    "You're too soft D."

    "Maybe."

    "You know we haven't seen the last of him. He doesn't have anywhere to go or anyone to serve now, why not come after you?"

    D shrugged.

    "You're stone D, pure stone."

    "I learned from the best."

    "Yeah, thanks, I do try."

    D got off the horse and tied it off, "Sun up is soon, we can sleep here in the shade."

    "Now that this job is over we're going back to our castle aren't we? You need some rest and I'm tired of traveling in your hand."

    "Yes father." D started a fire and leaned back against a tree, "You know if you hadn't flaunted your image to the world for a millennia you could still go out in your own body."

    "What, and miss out on all this father son bonding time?"

    "Sarcasm doesn't suit you."

    "Sure it does. Just as much as stone suits you."

    "Don't start."

    "You'll always go back to the darkness, it's in your veins. Find someone! You don't have to turn them, just play! You're too tense."

    "I'm still alive."

    "Some life."

    "I'm not having this conversation again. Good night father."

    "When we get home I'll teach you to respect your elders!"

    "Of course father. Good night."

    "Hn!"

    When Ray caught up to the Dhampir day had broken. //Might as well trail the sod, I have nowhere else to go now, maybe he'll lead me somewhere interesting.// He peeked from behind the branches of the tree he hid in and watched D in his sleep.

    The wide brimmed hat slopped down effectively blocking the light from disturbing his rest and stopping anyone from seeing his face. His long hair, deep brown in the light, not quite black, fell in cascades over his slim shoulders. The cloak was thrown over his horse and without it, the Dhampir looked small! Not short, nothing could make the illusion of height. But he was so thin! Almost gaunt but just stopping before it became ugly. Long limbs and slim waist and hips, all in all he was beautiful! Ray had never seen someone like that before.

    The mutant settled down to sleep in the tree. Making sure it was a lite sleep so that he would wake when D began to break camp. Maybe following the Dhampir would bring him more than just a place to stay. For the first time having survived the count's rein seemed more of a blessing than a curse.

    He closed his eyes with that thought and slept fully aware of the adorably backwards Dhampir just yards away from him.

    //Oh yes, life has suddenly gotten very promising indeed.//

<Part 2>
 

    The castle that loomed tall and foreboding in the distance was a welcome site to the Dhampir after weeks of travel. Home meant he could relax his guard a bit. Home meant his father would go back to 'his' body and leave his hand for a time. Giving D some peace. Of course home also meant his father would try to set him up with a nice 'plaything' again, but he would worry about that when it came to pass.
    He reined in his horse and dismounted without a sound. Nothing moved in the castle and no creatures of the night dared come near it but the wolves. "nkt nkt, come on." He lead his steed into the stable and settled him in before moving on to the castle's large doors.

    "Father."

    The face on his hand opened it's resting eyes and glared at him, "Nani?"

    "We're home."

    The face smiled and a black mist dissolved it from the palm and filtered into the coffin resting in the master bedroom. A moment later the doors opened and Dracula stood there with a welcoming smile, "Come in D."

    "It isn't necessary to invite me in each time."

    "I know." The vampire smiled at the Dhampir, "But I enjoy the theatrical nature."

    D refused to answer that. He walked up the narrow and winding stairway to his bedroom and easily blew all of the dust out the window. It was just as he left it and that familiarity allowed the hunter to relax. He walked into the connected bathroom for a shower and as the hot water tripped over him, he allowed it to wash away the blood this last journey had placed on his soul.
 

    The wolves howling covered any slight noise he made and he crept up the castle wall toward the high tower where firelight flickered. //D's room.// The window had no bars, the climb was easy enough, it was almost a crime to have such little security around such a treasure. //Treasure? Who?! D?! Man I've been traveling too long, the road's addled me wits!//

    The room was nice. Not as big as he'd have thought for the prince of darkness. Only about 20 by 20, and 10' by 8' of that space was taken up by the huge, soft looking bed centered with the headboard against the far wall near the window Ray had just entered through. Everything was black and silver, from bed and bedding to the black cedar wardrobe and shelves.

    Water running alerted him to the bathroom door that was hidden in the shadows. He crept closer and peeked inside. Classy! The whole place was black marble, No privy of course, since vampires and Dhampirs didn't really need one, but rod iron poles holding fluffy black bath sheets were attached to the wall. A mirror, since Dhampir's do have a reflection. And in the corner taking up most of the room, a pool of steaming water that must be heated from below somehow to remain so warm, a waterfall flowing over marble and into the same pool and. . .

    Ray gapped at the site. D stood in the waterfall, soapy bubbles sliding down his pale skin as he rinsed his hair. Said hair fell down to the small of his back and what the hair didn't cover was plain to see in all it's alabaster glory! Smooth, hard muscles and dark, oval circles surrounding peaked nipples. Every piece of him was as fetchingly noble as his face! Unable to help himself, Ray looked lower and his breath hitched. A thick foot of pure glorious maleness lay nestled in ebony curls and fell flaccid between those beautiful thighs. //Oh God!// Ray forced his heart to slow down but his own cock had already taken notice and seemed to be standing up for a closer look.

    //Holy fuck! I'm gettin' wood for the blasted hunter!//
 

    D's ears twitched and he spun to face the doorway with glowing white eyes. The sneer softened into a frown when he saw who the intruder was. "Gensay."

    "Hello luv, thought I'd drop in."

    "Do you mind?"

    He stared and then smiled, "Not at all."

   D gave a long suffering sigh, "Would you please give me a moment of privacy to finish up."

    Ray shrugged and turned back to the bedroom, "Your loss."

    "Doubtful." He deadpanned and stepped out of the relaxing water, wrapping a towel around his hips and entering his chambers. //So much for peace.//

    "Very nice pad you got here. Saw your old man. Dracula. Who'd-a-thunk it."

    D opened the wardrobe and pulled out a pair of loose black leggings then tossed another to Ray.

    "What's this?"

    "I plan on sleeping, those are for sleeping in. After you've washed you are free to stay here for a while if that's your wish. I don't intend to throw you out into the night."

    "Uh. . . thanks?"

    "Go. Wash up."

    Gensay let the cool night air dry him before slipping into the leggings and walking silently into the bedroom. D was asleep already. Laying still and pale, like that princess from the sleeping broad stories. But D was much more real.

    He slid into the blankets and was instantly pulled into long pale arms and up against a surprisingly warm body. //Wouldn't a guessed he was a cuddler.//

    Wrapped in such a firm embrace Ray actually felt. . . safe! He nestled his head into D's chest and closed his eyes, letting sleep claim him. The last thought he had before drifting of the join D in slumber was, //Maybe losing the battle won me something better the eternal life.//
 
 

<Part 3>

    D rose with the next nightfall, a day and night of rest doing much to revive him. He pulled a muslim
peasants shirt on and slipped off the black sleep bottoms.

    "Mmm. Nice. Hunting the baddies must give your ass a nice workout."

    D jumped and spun in a circle, grabbing his brown leather britches and flipping Ray the bird before disappearing into the bathroom.

    Ray just stood there and grinned until D walked back out. pants on, hair pulled back in a high ponytail and barefoot. "Yum. Ya look good 'nough ta eat luv."

    "Consider yourself fasting." D said without emotion and walked into the hall and down the stairs.

    Ray shrugged and followed.

    At the bottom, a goat skin wine bladder was thrown at the tall Dhampir and caught without a second glance.

    Dracula grinned from his place standing before the hearth. "Wonderful reflexes. Sheep's blood."

    D raised it in a mock toast and drank from the skin as though he'd been without for years. Which, Ray concieded, he may have been. There was no way of knowing how D fed on the road. perhaps he didn't.

    "I see I was right about our. . . friend."

    D nodded, "He followed me home."

    "Would you like to keep him?" Dracula leered.

    D walked out of the room without a backward glance.

    Ray looked from the retreating Dhampir to the Vampire lord and blinked, "I think I missed something."

    Dracula put his arm around Ray' shoulders, "Have you ever thought of the thrills you could get from sleeping with a Dhampir?"

    "What the fuck. . .?"

    "No no, hear me out. D doesn't need to breath. He's flexible and well versed in the . . . secular arts I mean he's had ages to practice. He isn't hard on the eyes either and I'm sure he will appeal to your sense of adventure. I might be inclined to reward your participation. . ."

    "FATHER!!!"

    Ray jumped a mile high! He'd never heard D raise his voice above a concerned holler, that had been a full blown howl!

    The black haired Dhampir dropped from the second story walk and glared at his father, "Do NOT encourage him!"

    "Oh so he's already taken notice of you. Good. Things will run much more smoothly. . ."

    "I am not taking a mate, a concubine, a thrall, a lover, or even a whore. Father please stop trying to fix what is not broken."

    "You've been holding it in a while now D. I just want you to relax."

    "Then stop plotting my life for me. I'm going for a walk."

    "It's daylight!"

    "I'm not a vampire father."

    "You hate daylight though."

    "I will tolerate it if it gives me peace."

    Dracula watched his son exit through the huge carved doors and frowned, "I might have pushed too hard."

    Ray was stunned motionless. He couldn't wrap his mind around the concept of the Dhampir acting human! Let alone arguing with the dark lord!

    "You look surprised. D is not so cold as he appears. He has to keep that front up while he's outside our land or he gets to emotionally drawn in to his jobs. Here he is just a man, a very reclusive and quiet man who needs a good friend and a good fuck."

    Ray blanched, "You're very ah. . . blunt."

    The vampire lord grinned, fangs glinting, "Yes, I have learned that culture only goes so far. Being blunt works much more quickly."

    The mutant just stared. This was shaping up to be a very odd place. Suddenly he felt a need to be outside. "D! Wait for me!"

    A smile graced Dracula's face. "Ah yes, allowing the mutant to find this place was a very good idea indeed."

    "D?"

    "Do no deal with my father Gensay. He will not grant you the gift."

    Ray blanched, "Dhampir, I wouldn't let your psycho father anywhere near my neck!"

    "You are getting smarter." D nodded and walked on.

    "Uh. . . so where are we going?"

    "I am going into the village to see about so parts for my horse and learn what has been going on in my absence. You are welcome to follow but please do not do anything stupid."

    "Me? I don't do stupid things."

    D looked at the stub that had been Ray's hand and back at Ray.

    "Usually." He admitted.

    They walked about an hour downhill before they could see the small village at the base of the mountain and past the black forest.

    "Kinda long walk isn't it?"

    "Villagers are less likely to revolt against my father if they have to not only brave the forest and the mountain but know that they will be seen at least a half hour before they reach our home."

    "And when he's asleep? In the day?"

    The Dhampir looked at him calmly, "I would kill them horribly and place their heads on pikes to warn off others."

    Ray stopped walking and watched D move ahead as if he'd been discussing the weather. He had to run to catch up after he'd gotten his wits about him. "Ok, for someone who's supposed to protect humans that was really morbid."

    He shrugged, "If they try to hurt my father then they are not under my protection anymore. He may be a foolish, interfering elder, but he is my only family. The villagers know that they would die by one of us if they attacked, and that even if they got one of us, the other would kill them all in retaliation."

    "You and your father are close then?"

    "He is my actual father. Not my sire. which means I am not a created childer but an actual blood son. That means a lot to the Tepes family."

    "And now he want's you to find a nice . . . whatever, to settle down with?"

    "In a manner of speaking I suppose."

    "And you don't want that."

    "I am old fashioned Gensay. I was raised in the victorian era. We have strong feelings toward monogamy." D looked at him carefully, "You know the meaning of the word ne?"

    "'course I do! It's some kind of wood."

    D rolled his eyes.

    "I was kidding ya ponce. It's the one person thing. Yeah so?"

    "When I take someone to my bed it will be for a stronger emotion than lust. And for much longer than one night."

    "Doesn't your dad get that?"

    "No. He does not." The Dhampir looked forward again. "We are here."

    Ray noticed that the people didn't shy away from D like in Doris' city. They smiled and nodded and offered their wares as if he was any other person. "They recognize you right?"

    "I have never hurt any of these people. That earns me their esteem."

    "But not their friendship."

    "I would not ask that of them. It's asking too much."

    "You're a nice guy though."

    D arched one elegant brow and looked at him in askance. "Thank you."

    "So where's the horse parts shop."

    He nodded and began to lead the way.

    //Too much to ask? What kind of Dhampir IS he?// Ray followed him quickly, //And Dracula 'was' right about one thing. There would be a Hell of a lot of good reasons to do the dirty with this one. I guess I'll just have to . . . stay around a little longer.//

~tbc~