Page 33 of The Vanishing
I know. Can you help me shave again? Lifting my arms for too long is still painful.
“Of course.”
Careful, Nino sits straight, moving himself to the edge of the bed. During Sora’s last visit, she reported that his ribs have fused, but that his body will be tender and achy for a little while longer. Haruka holds his hands out and bends at the knees. Once Nino grips his hands, Haruka slides his palms down Nino’s arms to hold his elbows, firm and just as Sora taught him. Nino adjusts his weight, planting his feet on the floor. He counts, then lifts Nino from the bed to stand.
Nino groans, his face pained.This is such bullshit.
Haruka stands behind, holding his waist and guiding him to the master bathroom. “It is incredible to me that you conjured such a powerful defensive shield. I have never manipulated my energy in that way.”
You taught me how to focus and create that shape. Who knows what he would have done to me if I hadn’t learned that.Nino yawns, trembling as they move. Communicating like this for too long mentally exhausts him. Haruka needs to get him showered and back in bed as soon as possible.
Haru?
“Yes, my love.”
I keep thinking about that place… and Ladislao. He didn’t want to be there. Shouldn’t we try to help? Or at least tell someone?
“From what you’ve told me, this issue sounds like a family matter. In addition, Lajos’s realm has been established for almost two centuries. At this point, many of the vampires within that society were born there. It is not our place to kick a beehive, and you are still healing from our first encounter with him.”
Nino sighs.You’re right…
Sensing his discontent, Haruka adds, “Can we revisit this topic once you are healed?”
Okay,sure… Will you please eat today? G is right, you’ve lost a lot of weight. And when was the last time you slept?
In the bathroom,Haruka unties Nino’s robe, then slides the material over his honeyed shoulders to maneuver it from his body. “I will eat today—”
Promise me.Nino’s beautiful eyes are serious as he stares.
Haruka places a swift kiss on his mouth. “I promise. Enough about me. Let’s finish this so you can return to bed. The doctor said that sleep is the best way for your body to regenerate quickly. I will watch over you and keep you safe.”
Seventeen
Cellina rests against her hip on the tatami floor of the traditional restaurant, her arms folded atop the low table. The small building is situated along the Kamogawa river, streaming and sparkling in the sunlight. She’s seated beside a large, open window overlooking the downtown area of central Kyoto. The rain has stopped and the weather is glorious—a pristine, early summer day with white, fluffy clouds scattered across the blue sky.
Detecting his gingery scent, Cellina sits up straight and looks toward the entrance. A minute later he’s there. He smiles at the hostess and bows. Impeccably dressed as always, and his honey-brown waves are longer now, but pulled back to the nape of his neck in a neat style.
At the table, he nods in greeting. Cellina returns the gesture, distracted by the way the sunlight catches the green flecks in his eyes like flashes of emerald stone. Giovanni makes himself comfortable across from her as the waitress grins above them. She registers as vampiric in nature—maybe third-gen?
“Is there anything I can get you to start?”
He looks at Cellina. “Did you already order?”
“Just two iced coffees and a cake for myself.”
“Dessert first.” Giovanni offers a little half-smile, as if the choice has jogged something in his memory. He looks up at the waitress. “The iced coffee is fine for now, thank you.”
“You’re very welcome… Are you Nino Bianchi’s brother?”
Giovanni’s countenance shifts, oozing purebred charm as he smiles brighter. “I am.”
“Nino works with my brother in Osaka—Daiki Izumi,” she explains. “He told me you’ve been helping him and how awesome you are. Thank you for saving the family business.” She offers a deep, reverent bow.
Giovanni lifts his square jawline, his eyes thoughtful. “Your brother is a hard-working vampire with a lot of creative ideas. It’s my pleasure to support my kin in any way—particularly with entrepreneurial aspirations. The business will thrive in time.”
She bows again, bubbling with enthusiasm. “Thank you—when things are up and running, I want to go back home and work. I’m looking forward to it. I—I’ll go check on your coffees! Please excuse me.”
“Thank you.” He nods. When the young waitress shuffles away, Giovanni’s entire demeanor drops as he lays his scheduler on the table. He reminds Cellina of a helium balloon deflating. The shift is drastic, and the more time they spend together, the more she notices the hard lines forming in his chiseled face.
