etrayalogs | When you cannot find peace of mind

[The more time he's spending in this alternate Earth, the more impatient Kirk is becoming with what he can't do to satisfy his hunger. Why should someone like him be so restricted to take care of such a basic need? It was bad enough that unlike most people, he didn't have a lot of meal choices in the first place.

Just when Kirk was once again contemplating hunting down another criminal, he smells and hears Hernan landing with an unusually loud thud. Something's wrong. Hernan doesn't land noisily unless it's on purpose. His scent... it's stronger than usual too.

Then Kirk hears the uncharacteristic yell and dashes out to the porch. He stops dead in his tracks at the sight before him]

Her...Hernan?

[Kirk is alarmed. The last time he saw Hernan actually bleeding was after getting shot by red sun beams. Were there more here somehow?

The beast in Kirk is also stirring. From the night they met, Hernan's scent always intrigued Kirk. Clearly not human, literally not of Earth, so mysterious, and so... tantalizing]

Edited (Ugh. Grammar and typos) 2025-07-31 02:45 (UTC)

[ Hernan could hear Kirk's approach and the cadence of his steps is oddly comforting. Makes more sense than an old man with a cane summoning a lion out of nothing. And right now, he needs things to make sense. He looks up when he hears Kirk call his name, holds a hand out for him to grasp. He doesn't want to ask for help standing. It's embarrassing enough that he fell out of the sky. ]

I just need a minute. I'm alright.

[ He's not alright. Not even a little. ]

[Hernan’s response doesn’t at all reassure Kirk. Rarely does Superman bleed. Kirk takes Hernan’s hand and uses his own enhanced strength to pull his best friend back up]

You’re bleeding.

[A blunt response to point out the reality of the situation. Kirk attempts to takes Hernan’s arm and drape it across his own shoulders to carry him back into their house]

What happened?

I hadn't noticed.

[ Hernan lets him put his arm across his shoulders, laughs a little, but that hurts too. He's grateful he doesn't have to carry himself inside, that he can lean on Kirk for a little bit of leverage. There wasn't anyone else he'd rather be fake married to. ]

An old man with a cane. [ Said like he's still trying to make sense of it. ] He made a lion with it and it attacked me.

[Kirk continues to frown as he also tries to make sense of the situation]

Were there red sun rays? This was magic?

[He tries to gently put Hernan on the couch. Again the beast in him is disturbed. Some of Hernan’s intriguing blood is on him. The smell is so much stronger now]

No. I don't know, Kirk.

[ For all he knows that cane had Kryptonite in it and he just couldn't see it because it was lead. He doesn't have another weakness, right?

Kirk is as gentle as he can be. It's not his fault it hurts to do much of anything. His duster is ripped, torn to shreds by the lion's paws. Blood oozes from the open wounds. His neck doesn't look much better. Teeth marks where the creature had been tearing him apart. It's no wonder Kirk could smell his blood. It's dripping out of him like a faucet. ]

It's healing. But it is taking a while.

[ Probably cause the wounds are so deep. ]

[As Hernan’s closest friend, Kirk is scared. The cane could have been made of lead and hid one of Hernan’s very few weaknesses. There could also be another Kryptonian weakness neither of them are aware of. So much of Krypton remains unknown, including Hernan’s biology.

Try as he might, Kirk’s primal instincts also keep gnawing. Hernan’s scent has never been this strong for Kirk before. It feels impossible to ignore. The beast wants to keep being on Hernan. It’s a discombobulating and conflicting tempest of feelings in Kirk.

Kirk finds himself staring at Hernan’s neck wounds for too long before forcing himself to pull away, searching for his first aid kit.

Even that feels surreal as he bought the kit for himself to use. He never expected it to use it on Hernan]

Who is this old man?

Well, I didn't exchange pleasantries with him.

[ Hernan did not need his superhuman senses to tell there is something off about Kirk. The truth was, he did not bleed. Not before those red sun guns. No matter how hard Imperiex struck him, it was never hard enough to break his skin. To make him bleed. So of course Kirk is concerned. Why wouldn't he be?

And, Hernan's not an idiot. Kirk is a vampire. Hernan is bleeding on the sofa. Two plus two equals four. He reaches for him when he's close by again. It's a gentle touch, just a brush of his fingers on Kirk's arm. ]

I don't need that. I'll be fine. [ He grins. He can't help himself. A little levity, so the gravity doesn’t pull them both under. ] Want a bite?

Edited 2025-07-31 22:10 (UTC)

[Kirk remains conflicted when Hernan reaches for him. His lips are pressed into a thin line as he forces himself to withdraw his fangs. He then risks himself to speak again. This time in a testy tone]

Seriously? While you're like that?

[Hernan might be joking but Kirk is not feeling very appreciative of it]

[ If there was anyone who at least pretended to appreciate Hernan's sense of humor, it's Kirk. It'd always been rather easy to make Kirk laugh, because Hernan knew how. Knew his friend well enough to understand the kind of macabre, bone-dry jokes Kirk would actually enjoy. It's how their friendship had always worked.

So for Kirk to be testy now doesn't wipe the grin on Hernan's face, but it does make him alert. ]

When would you have another chance?

[He's right, the beast urges. Kirk didn't ask if he could bite. Hernan is freely offering. There's nothing to be ashamed of. Wasn't it better to drink from Hernan than to hunt another human?

Kirk is quiet as he calculates all the reasons to do it. Or maybe the beast is trying to justify himself again. He then replies in a less harsher tone]

You're sure about this?

[Hernan did say he was healing. It's not as though Hernan would lie about that to him of all people. Only a small part of Kirk remains hesitant as Hernan did say it's been slow healing. That small part is concerned abut hurting Hernan more. Kirk suspects Hernan needs extra time under the yellow sun to mend more]

[ Hernan could see it - that internal debate Kirk lives through every time his fangs slide into place. It's familiar by now. And Hernan? He's never hesitated when it came to taking care of Kirk. Not once. Not even a little. He'd been one of the few bits of understanding he could find in the world. The least he could do is return it. He's never hesitated, and he's not going to start now.

Some of the smaller cuts and scrapes have already closed, sealed over with fading lines and flaking blood. But the gash on his neck still bleeds freely. Hernan tilts his head to the side. Just enough so Kirk could see it. ]

I'm sure about everything. [ There's no waver in the bravado. But Kirk can probably sense an uptick in Hernan's heartbeat. Not fear. Not doubt. Just the instinctive bristle that comes with being vulnerable in a way he can't control. A beat and then: ] I'll tell you if it's too much.

[It's subtle but Kirk also senses the blood scent fading away in some parts. The more serious injuries remain open though. It was now or never.

Even with all the strange recent frustrations they've been having with each other regarding morals, Kirk's faith in Hernan remains strong. He'll take his closest friend's word]

Okay.

[He finally sits by Hernan's side. For a moment, he ponders how he should do this physically. It's not like with his victims where he pins them in a monstrous vise grip. With Vander it's been in very intimate settings. But then, what was about to happen now is also intimate. There's the smallest hint of a wry smile as Kirk thinks that Vander was right after all. A lesson or two were about to come into play.

Kirk almost wants to apologize in advance but he knows Hernan would not want what could come off as pity like this. So instead, Kirk gently places his pale and cool hands on Hernan's shoulders and leans forward. His fangs emerge again as he opens his mouth. He hovers over Hernan's still bleeding neck and murmurs]

So strange.

[His fangs then sink into Hernan's neck and onto his wound]

[ He doesn't really know what to expect. Of all things, he's never been bitten before. Not like this. Not with an expectation of pain. When Kirk's fangs sink in, Hernan wonders if this is what getting stabbed feels like - pressure and then a piercing that feels like it's too deep. For a second, Hernan's breath catches, but he does not flinch. Too prideful for that. But his jaw clenches and his fingers catch in Kirk's shirt, curling in tight like he's trying to hold on.

Then the sensation shifts. A strange, heavy kind of lightheartedness. Not unpleasant. Just unexpected. It hurts. Because of course it does, but it's measured. Controlled. The careful restraint of someone who's spent a long time learning not to take too much. He can breathe through it. He doesn't tell Kirk to stop.

He'd keep his word. But only if it's too much. Right now? He could manage this. ]

[Other than not tasting human, Kirk didn't know what to expect when he bite into Hernan. When he finally taste and drinks Hernan's blood, Kirk immediately knows this is more satisfying than human. It feels more full-bodied. Kirk would have to drain a human almost fatally to get the same sensation he's feeling from the first few seconds of drinking Hernan's blood.

The greedy beast keeps drinking to envelop himself more into the sensation. His body is pressed all over Hernan as he embraces, remembering this isn't like drinking the people he's hunted]

[ Kirk presses in and it feels a little like suffocating. Hernan can't decide if he wants to drag him in closer or to shove him away. The pain is there but it's dulling, muting at the edges. Maybe it's his healing working. Maybe he's getting used to the feeling all together. His hands drift to Kirk's hips, settling there. Not pushing or pulling. Just there like an anchor. ]

[Before Kirk can stop himself, he softly hums when he feels Hernan's hands wander to his hips. He's still pressed all over him and drinking too. The combination of Kryptonian blood being more filling and still remembering he's not drinking some hapless human stranger gets Kirk to just very slightly loosening his mouth's grip.

Now instead of a deep bite into flesh, Kirk gently laps up whatever blood is still leaking from Hernan's neck wounds, almost like how a real vampire bat drinks. Kirk's fangs are still out and the sharp tips scrap over skin and open wounds]

[ he isn't sure how to explain it, but Hernan likes Kirk's weight bearing down on him. It's not uncomfortable, probably because he's known Kirk for such a long time. There's familiarity. Safety. Something deeply rooted. And probably because he knows if Kirk loses himself in all of this, Hernan's still strong enough to put space between them.

He pulls in a quiet breath when he feels tongue instead of teeth, fingers flexing where they rest on his hips. It's not unpleasant. Just another new sensation to get used to.

Then he feels the sharp sting of teeth and he cannot stop the quiet gasp that escapes. He laughs a little breathlessly. ]

Keep going. It's fine.

[Hernan’s strength and power are part of why Kirk has stayed by his side for so long. Most people would be scared and stay away but Kirk finds safety and reassurance in knowing Hernan can stop him if he ever slips out of control. He’s come close before and Hernan has always been there to ground him back to sanity. Hernan could even kill him at anytime but instead, he also always provides him understanding, compassion, and support. Few would ever do that for Kirk. It’s a deep bond few could understand.

Hernan is Kirk’s sanctuary.

Kirk hear the soft sounds Hernan makes and he considers stopping. But then Hernan tells him to keep going. Kirk realizes he’s heard these kinds of sounds before. He almost wants to blush. He’ll probably have to thank Vander later for the lessons.

He laps up more blood and does another scrap with his fangs. He keeps himself pressed against Hernan, aware of how… sensuous the experience was becoming for both of them]

You’re sure?

[Warm breath is over Hernan’s neck when Kirk asks. This was a new experience for both of them and Kirk wants to be certain he’s not misreading anything. He’s aware of how his own body is reacting as well]

[ That's the thing about Hernan. He knows how dark people's hearts can get, the kinds of things that darkness can drive people to do. He had to live with it. Grow up in it. And it shaped the kind of man he knew he wanted to be, even when he was just a little kid. He'd be someone who stood up to that darkness. He'd push it back so other people - people like his padre and sister and little nephew wouldn't have to see it.

He never saw that darkness in Kirk. Not once. Not that night on the docks when he ran for his life. And not in all of the ten years since. Even at his lowest, if Hernan would call anyone a good man, he'd call Kirk Langstrom one.

He smiles as Kirk's breath ghosts across his neck, shifting underneath him on the sofa now that he's got a bit of space to get comfortable again. But then he nods. The pain is dull, distant. Faraway now. It's just him and Kirk and Hernan doesn't think that's a bad thing at all. ]

Yes, I'm sure. Come on. Before it heals.

Edited 2025-08-02 23:29 (UTC)

[At Hernan's answer, Kirk's heart pounds a little harder and faster. He's nervous. It feels almost too good to be true that Hernan's allowing this. But Hernan's bravado remains ever strong. Kirk senses the blood scent fading away some more as Hernan continues to heal.

Reminding himself again that Hernan can always break his grip and push him away if needed, Kirk bites again and drinks in more of that heavenly blood. His pale, cold hands slide down on Hernan's broad shoulders and slip underneath his arms into a more affectionate embrace. His hips gently bump against Hernan's]

Edited 2025-08-03 00:12 (UTC)

[ Hernan doesn't need to hear Kirk's heart pounding to know he's nervous. He can see it in all of the little details - how he moves and the almost cautious way he holds himself against Hernan's body. Despite his current state, Hernan isn't fragile. Kirk couldn't hurt him anymore than that old man had. The sharp sting of his teeth sinking in barely registers.

He shifts, making space for Kirk to settle however he needs and once he does, Hernan lifts his hands and rests them against Kirk's back. It's a gentle touch - the kind he reserves for the people he believes deserves to feel it. ]

[The entire mission has been strange for Kirk so far. The arguments over morals don't feel right but being fake married to Hernan is far from being the worst experience. Hernan had no problems with sharing a bed and Kirk eventually adapted, even when they both discovered that when asleep, Kirk acts like a magnet towards the closest warm body.

What they're doing now feels like an escalation. Kirk's bite gradually lightens back into licking off the blood as Hernan's wound closes. Kirk feels Hernan's hands move from his hips to his back and recognizes the tenderness and affection in the gesture.

Kirk's heart pounds again before deciding to nuzzle against Hernan in response. It doesn't seem like he would mind, would he? His hips are still pressed against him as well]

[ For all his bravado, Hernan's a surprisingly tender man. Maybe if you were outside of his circle, if you only saw what they said about him on the news, you'd never believe it. You'd just know the violence. The rage. The man who left craters in concrete and warnings in blood. The Daily Planet never mentioned the man who took in strays. Lex Luthor liked to ignore the man who braved a cartel compound to pull children out alive. Or the man who let Kirk curl in close while they slept because he was cold and Hernan was the warmest thing around.

They never talk about that man. But he's there. And he's letting his friend drink his blood like it's proof. He smiles when he feels Kirk nuzzling into his neck, arms still holding him in place, mindful of the hips pressed against his own. ]

Full?

[Kirk nods, still holding Hernan close and taking in his scent and warmth like they were in bed again. He feels almost tipsy with how good Hernan's blood tasted. He's content. The beast will be satisfied for a while]

Thank you. I won't be hungry for a while.

[Finally, he looks back up at his closest friend]

How are you feeling now?

A bit drained.

[ Ha! Hernan thinks he's funny. ]

I could use a nap.

[Kirk’s lips quirk in amusement. Hernan’s keeping his spirits up at least]

Should I put you up on the roof so you can sunbathe?

[It almost sounds like a joke but given the way Hernan’s body works, could be a real option too]

[ Honestly? ]

That would be great, actually.

[Kirk isn't surprised. Hernan is dependent on the yellow sun for his abilities and healing. He gets up and stands before offering his hand again in case Hernan needs it.

Kirk's own vitals are stable, even if he's also almost dizzy with pleasure with the sensual experience they just had together]

Edited 2025-08-04 22:12 (UTC)

[ Hernan doesn't need the help, but he appreciates the gesture. He grasps Kirk's hand and hauls himself upright, only a little unsteady as the rush of standing and from the blood he's lost catches up to him. But it passes quickly and he smiles at Kirk. ]

You're in a good mood.

[Kirk nearly blushes at the comment. Having a best friend whose senses are so sharp that he can recognize heartbeats is both a blessing and a curse]

You taste different from the others.

[Normally Kirk would not be this blunt about how his meals taste but Hernan has always been the exception to a lot of things. Kirk knows Hernan would not judge him like others]

It's because I'm delicious. You can say it. It's true!

[ He laughs a lazy kind of laugh and takes a few unsteady steps toward the front door. Once he's in direct sunlight, he knows he'll feel much better. Just have to get there first. ]

[Kirk huffs as he stays by Hernan's side and has a hand on his shoulder as he leads them back outside.]

Kryptonian blood is apparently very... unique in taste. More filling and more flavorful.

[Kirk puts on his red sunglasses before they step outside]

[ The second he's in the sunlight, there's a sense of relief flooding over him. Already, his steps are more steady and more of his wounds close. The bleeding slows and he can breathe a little bit easier.

He grins at Kirk, swipes his thumb over his cheek where a bit of blood lingers. ]

So, like I said, delicious.

[Kirk's pallid cheeks flush when Hernan's thumb brushes onto him]

Yes, I suppose so.

[Kirk begins to levitate and offers his hand again]

Ah, you weren't too uncomfortable?

[He's still not entirely certain how much Hernan enjoyed it]

Edited 2025-08-04 23:43 (UTC)

No. It was a little strange at first, but I like having you close by. So I got over it.

[ It doesn't take nearly as much effort to lift up into the air. Having Kirk for leverage helps. He's steady as he climbs high enough to clear the roof's edges and gentle when he sits down on the shingles to bask in the warmth of the sun. ]

[There's just a small pause as Kirk floats and considers his options. He's the last person to want to casually be under the sun but Hernan is far from being the worst company to have and Kirk already has his sunglasses on for protection. Plus, Kirk feels he should monitor until Hernan's fully healed.

He sits besides him]

Is that also why you don't mind me sleeping all over you too?

Honestly, I didn't know you were such an octopus when you sleep, manito.

[ He knows Kirk isn't a fan of the sun and given the state of him, Hernan understands why. But he's glad for the company. When he sits down, Hernan scoots in closer. The wound on his neck is finally starting to close. ]

But I don't mind. It would have been lonely in that big bed all by myself.

[Kirk softly huffs as he watches Hernan's wound closing. The Kryptonian blood scent is fading more as well]

I didn't know I would be so clingy either. I suspects it has to do with heat.

Not because I'm sexy?

[ He puts a hand over his heart. ]

Wounded all over again.

[Congratulations, Superman. You're making a vampire blush some more]

Technically you're not the first man I slept with.

[Huh... and both Vander and Hernan are larger men with facial hair]

You're not helping my ego here, Kirk.

[ He might be willing to forgive because Kirk is cute when he blushes. ]

[Kirk's lips twitch, hinting that he's amused]

It'll heal soon enough, along with the rest of you.

[ True enough. That almost smile gets a real smile out of Hernan. ]

I know you don't like the sun. If you want to go back inside, I'll join you in a minute.

I'll be fine.

[What's a sunburn or two? Kirk may or may not still be concerned that something managed to injury Hernan and just wants that reassurance he's patching up fine]

The view isn't bad at least.

I'm feeling fine.

[ The wounds on his side were all but closed, the blood dry and flaky. For all the world, he looks like he'd never been injured in the first place. ]

I'll have to replace this coat. Should we go shopping?

Might as well.

[Kirk then adds in his usual deadpan tone]

Or maybe you could go traditional and do a cape.

And wear my underwear on the outside?

[ Come on, Kirk. Does he look like a nerd to you? ]

No. I'd rather keep my dignity.

[Kirk makes a small smile at Hernan]

Of course. Perish the thought.

When you cannot find peace of mind

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