ROLEPLAY HQ - children-of-eden

It hadn't been hard to hitch a ship to america. Captains were desperate for money and would take even eccentric clients for a good enough fare. The city welcomed him with open arms, though it's people were less so. But the cabarets were open to men with money, champagne filling glasses and weakening wills. They were as pliable as ever for him to mold. He came as a lawyer in guise and joined the dance of humans as if he was one, a game he knew well. He could get things done and it drew humans beneath his thumb. Puppets for his dance. Strings about his fingers. He left New York for the south, searching for a home akin to the one he left behind. With him came his cabaret. He charmed the deed of a building into hand and reformatted their performance. His insight into the mind meant he could make what they wanted, and he could stay out of the way. It became a joke. If you entered the cabarets, you left changed. If you entered the office, you didn't leave. But the party flocked to his doors eager for one of the rare invitations. He had the liquor, the whores for either inclination, and the power to keep it all a secret. It was a place of truth and silence. He looked out his window into the rain, blinking his eyes into focus. He wondered their colors; their hair, their clothing, their skin. His world was a wash of black and white and gray muddled as if ink by a wet brush. It blended all together and left him lost. He sent out his invitations, signed in red. Hed been told it was the color of the heat that spilled from them. He liked that idea. That color..... He tightened his vest and debated if he wanted to bear the crowds below. He kept the rooms dim to make the stages the centers of attentions, but what he couldn't hide was easy to see. He skimmed a finger over the puckered line, the mirror skimmed with dust. I need to eat... @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

12:13

The invitation came unexpected. The envelope with the letters in red with formed the word 'cabaret' appeared in his mailbox only a few days ago with no idea from who this truly special invitation had come from. But it was not like Laurent minded. In fact, he himself felt hints of excitement to have received this envelope. He looked in the mirror one last tine fixing his grey suit and tie knot before leaving his house, walking into the night of the swamp like forest that surrounded his house towards the bright city lights, drawn to it like a moth by the flames. It was the roaring Twenties here in Orleans. Champagne bottles popping, loud jazz music, women in shiny flapper dresses: for the most, life was one big party, and the party Laurent would visit today was the biggest and most exclusive one of all. People waited long for one of the desired invitations and although Laurent had not been pleading in his mind to get one, he certainly wouldn't let this opportunity go to waste. The streets were crowded by the hustling and buzzing of the nightlife. One big fever dream for those who seeked to escape a boring daily life. Days were the nights and nights were days, what could one want more? As Laurent made his way around the corner to the building of the cabaret, people already stood in a long line that reached all the way to the entrance doors. People would try to get in even without an invitation. Laurent let out an interal sigh as he had no choice but to get in line, listening to the jazz music that could be faintly heard from the inside already. He wondered how long it would take him to get inside, but for now he had to wait... @Vox: Too much Caramel

They turned away many at the door, letting in those with the few fabled letters, but the man in front of Laurent took his lack of invitation as insult. ".....Don't you know who I am?!" "Doesn't matter sir. No paper, no entry." "Get your damn boss down here now!" "Hes busy. Buzz off." The argument continued for a moment until the man moved to hit the guard. A thin hand grabbed hold of the man's wrist, pausing him. He'd turned up his collar to the rain, pale hair dampening in the drizzle. "Now please. Everyone take a breath." He said gently letting down the man's arm. The pale haired man smiled, but the bastard was staring wide eyed. "Who the hell do you think you are?!" "I am the owner. If you're so eager...." He stepped aside holding out his hand in offering, "Please. Come in."

He dug mental claws into the man's head. The doorway was arching aside, the dim light inside melting. The music had become keening wails, sobbing for help. Screaming. He smirked as the man stumbled away into the street and away, most of his waiting line watching. He turned to the next and Laurent saw the deep and apparent scar that crossed his face. "Do you have your invitation sir?" He held out a hand. His long nails were filed sharp and painted black. When Laurent handed his paper, Claude tugged a pen from his breast pocket, using his teeth to uncap the pen. He scrawled his name across the bottom. "As thanks for dealing with that man with patience. Show this to anyone inside and they'll serve you. Even those not normally available. Anyone you desire and any drink is on my house tonight." He bowed his head lightly to Laurent. He went back inside and had disappeared into the dim club the the time Laurent entered. Many stages were raised and lit for the dancers and singers, a single convoluted drone of sound. Small islands of light in the dimness. He watched Laurent silently. The man had beauty.... he wanted it.... he wanted it now. He nudged off a girl from his arm, sitting in a back table alone. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

The line moved quicker than Laurent had expected at first. Since it had been drizzling for a while now, Laurent had decided to open to keep the umbrella openened even in line that he had been carrying around since he left his house. Many people were quickly led in, but equal got sorted out and within only 15 minutes he was all the way in front of the line with only man in front of him remaining. As soon as the man in front of him started to get louder, Laurent only remained calm and watched. He was used to people like this roaming the street and late hours at the casinos. With every minute Laurent grew more annoyed by that man. He debated if he should step in, but this was not the time to play hero and as expected, he didn't have to when suddenly a tall man appeared besides him, seemingly out of nowhere. He was quite surprised since he did not see or hear this man approach from anywhere. All of a sudden he was just here. He raised an eyebrow in suspicion as the men fled in panic from the open invitation from the owner himself. Why would this guy refuse now? Laurent got lost in his questions for a moment, looking after the man before the owner now turned around to face him with a smile. Immediately Laurent's eyes were caught by his pale hair and the huge scar across his face. "Umm- yes. Here." He took the invitation out of the inner breast pocket of his coat before handing it to him and watching him sign it for that everything would be on the house tonight. Laurents eyes widened in a bit of a shock at this seemingly random and totally undeserved gesture. "Sir, this is very kind of you, but you really don't have to- I can't accept this. It was not a big deal, really Mister-" Laurent reassured, holding the card out to the man while also hoping for the owner to maybe tell him his name. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He closed Laurents hands about the page, "Not at all, please. Enjoy." He smiled, bent to be near Laurents level. "Let's be out of the rain." He looked to the gray sky and stepped aside, letting the other inside the dim light. A dancer, clad in pearls and a sparkling dress, waved to the owner. "Mista' Claude!" She was barefoot carefully getting to Claudes side. "Where are your shoes, Violet?" He sighed softly retucking one of her curls behind her ear. "Mary put them in the storage for me. But that man is back sir." "Ah. Damn. I apologize sir I need to step away." Claude bowed softly, "Violet make sure this man gets his flowers for me will you?" He smiled as the woman latched to Laurents arm. "Yes sir mister Claude." She smiled and looked to Laurent with a smile, "Come along with me sir. Just for a moment." She hummed to the music on the main stage, the whistles of men cutting the air like bullets. She pulled down a bouquet of paper flowers, each carefully folded into colored roses. "These tell who's attention you'd like to have. Men," she set a blue rose down, "women," another but red, "or both." She smiled leaving the third. "Just tuck them in your lapel and then you're free to go where you wish sir." She clapped her hands lightly once. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

When the man closed his hand over his own, a small jolt went up Laurent's back that made him accept this kind offer from this man. He went inside as the man guided him to. The atmosphere inside the cabaret was truly immaculate. It made it obvious that those were the times of the Roaring 20's they were living in. Looking around to admire the atmosphere and the bands that were playing on multiple stages, Laurents attention was back caught again by the woman in the Flapper dress approaching the Two barefoot with a sweet smile. "No problem... Mr. Claude" Laurent gave him a little nod before the man excused himself. The girl on the other hand clinged onto his arm to guide him to one of the table where she offered him the with grace paper folded roses. Laurent studied both for a second. He was hesitant. He was a man and therefore had to like women. He had never been taught another way from his family. Yet every visit at the brothels with his so called 'casino friends' felt forced if he had no chance to avoid the visit in general. If this cabaret already made this offer to choose... After a moment of careful thinking, out of instinct he took the red rose at first to tug it into his lapel, but just in case, he also put the other rose into an pocket of his grey vest beneath his suit. After he was set, Laurent looked back at Violet with a gentle smile. "I think I'm all set now." @Vox: Too much Caramel

She gestured to the club in welcome and he was tossed into their world. The light of the stages illuminated the men and woman that danced and sang for their crowds, flirting and playing and drinking in a whirl of pearls and feathers. They were steeped in love, in joy, and alcohol and cigarettes were traded freely for the money in their pockets. Gambling tables held raucous games and the winnings were traded without argument or fight. Women greeted Laurent with smiles and giggles and teasing touches and whispered words like velvet in his ears, soft as their lashes and lips. It started out as eerie, but soon it enveloped him in warmth like a blanket. He could do what he want. Nothing was barred. Back rooms provided safe dens of secrets where the secrets stayed untold. His card with Claude's name bought him all he could drink, smoke, eat, or fuck. Soon came the big show and when he opened his eyes he was looking at an angel. Her long legs led to a gown that dripped light, hands clad in silk. And her voice was just the same. Melodic and haunting and striking to the core where even Laurent thought he'd float away......

He passed the stage but paused in the wing to watch Loretta sing. She was central to his business. Her aura kept the humans happy and calm and polite. It didn't matter if he could be seen standing there at the side of the stage, as all eyes would be on her. He looked to the left side of the crowd, all he could see tucked by the wall where he stood, and noted the man from before looking... nearly bored. Not quite as enraptured... Funny... @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

The cabaret was a club like no other. To Laurent it felt like a peaceful place despite the loud music and the crowds of people. There were no fights, no loud arguments of drunk people pointing with knives at each other over who deserves the big win in the end. The women that Laurent approached were nice and gentle, almost tempting for him, but somehow Laurent felt no need today. From the card Claude signed him, Laurent only had gotten himself a few drinks while playing a round at one of the gambling tables. It was loud, but somehow he was still able to hear the jazz music coming from the closest stage nearby. The evening was truly pleasant. In difference to other clubs and casinos, Laurent felt truly safe here. No wonder all those people wanted to get into this heaven of a party. As the rest of the evening went on, Laurent had been wandering through the club with a drink in hand and at some point the halls darkened. A woman in a golden Flapper dress announced the name of the Grand act of the big evening. Roaring applause followed when the true angel of a woman came into view on stage. Laurent himself had been leaning against a nearby wall to watch since he wouldn't have been able to get a good place once the show now already started. Her voice was like the white feathers of those wings wrapping around his mind, making him oddly feel at ease. Yet at some point, he looked around to see everyone hypnotized by the woman's sheer beauty. Although Laurent himself had found it oddly hard to look away, he did not seem to be totally captivated by her. Rather, slowly the effect of the evening had begun to wear down like with every evening in this wretched city. Everything in Orleans was the same, especially when it came to the varieties in the clubs. At the end of the day, this cabaret was only different because you were free with secrets not leaving through any of the doors or windows. Rather bored looking, Laurent looked around while taking another sip of his Martini un

12:46

til his eyes stopped at a familiar sight. Claude,the owner of this establishment, stood next to the stage, somehow Laurent's attention being caught by this man's gaze as they randomly made eye contact. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He smiled softly and looked away as if embarrassed to be caught looking, tugging a small cigarette case from his pocket of his vest. When he'd pulled it back there was several blue roses in the pocket. He took the steps on the far left opposite the room and slipped outside. Shit... he sighed softly the cold calming his heart. He fought with his matches, cussing softly, cigarette between his lips. He'd done so well holding back his hunger in the new place but his mind kept wandering back to the other. He rubbed his thumb over his closed eyes, unlit cigarette in his fingers. I'll have to ask Lyza what he looks like.... he noted. He was curious. Of his hair. His eyes.... One hand holding his cigarette, he set the other against his face skimming his nails over his scars. I have to be careful not to scare him. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

After their short moment of eye contact, Laurent witnessed the man's kind and almost embarrassed smile before he left while fiddling around on his cigarette case. Only then Laurent spotted the several blue roses in the pockets. He didn't think much of it first, but once Claude had left, Laurent couldn't get this man out of his head. His hands unintentionally wandered to the invitation that the man had signed personally. That reminded him that Laurent had not properly thanked him for it. Maybe it was a good moment to do so now. Laurent decided it might be best to go after him now before he wouldn't see this man again tonight. He followed the way back to the outside of the club. It didn't take Laurent long to spot Claude standing there trying to light his cigarette with a match, but seemed to fail until it looked like the man had eventually given up. Carefully, Laurent approached him, one hand wandering into a pocket of his pants to pull out a fancy ornamented silver lighter, offering it to the man. "May I?" Laurent asked with a soft and open expression, blue eyes looking at the man. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He bent to the flame cupping it from the wind. His hand was shaking, turning his head away to let out the smoke. "Thank you." He smiled softly resting his back into the wall. He was careful to keep his eyes away, "Have you enjoyed your night?" His voice wavered softly as he suppressed a slight cough, looking at his shoes. He barely processed whatever Laurent said next. He mumbled an acceptable response, face turned up to the sky. "Why did you hide your blue roses?" He glanced over, dark eyes skimming to look to Laurent. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Once the cigarette was lit, Laurent tucked his lighter away again, leaning against the wall besides him. "I did. I- actually came here to thank you for the card earlier. Didn't found the right opportunity to except now so, thank you." Laurent gave the man a mild smile, accepting the a little muttered response before looking up into the sky with him. Once Claude hinted at the blue rose, Laurent looked down at his suit in confusion, only to see some blue of the rose, peeking out of the pocket eith the lighter. Quickly, he shoved everything back in before rather embarrassed looking over to Claude. "It's nothing just-- I've always felt like ladies were not as enticing for me as in the case for other men so- I figured why not... just in case..." Laurent rambled in front of the man, smiling nervously as he rubbed his neck, trying to play it off with a light but nervous chuckle. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He gently turned Laurents chin to him with a knuckle, letting out the breath of smoke in the humans face. Twisting thoughts to the positive was difficult for him, but he wanted to try. "I think you're lieing..." He smiled softly, pressing his thumb against Laurents lower lip. He guided Laurents back against the wall. Every voice was laced with smoke. Claudes eyes lightened to brilliant scarlet, his pupils slits. Gray coiled about his face and filled Laurents mind. "I don't think you like women at all..." He pressed close, holding Laurents face. "I think you're hiding it..." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

It took him by surprise when Claude reached out for his chin. For a moment, Laurent seemed flattered, quite in shock but he let it happen with the words stuck in his throat. Laurent's cheeks filled with even more color as he felt the man's cold, yet soft finger glide over his lips accompanied with the accusation. It took Laurent a moment to process what the man had said, but when he did, his eyes widened it another little shock. He didn't know what to do when Laurent felt the wall in his back, it all went so fast. "Wha- I..." Laurent wanted to protest, but the smoke that escaped the man's lips made him cough a little. How could this man just say that about him? He wasn't able to further protest though as he went silent, only being able to stare in those Crimson red eyes that seemed to overtake all his senses. His world began to spin a little as Laurent's gaze grew a little more empty, trying to fight this weird feeling that tried to overtake his mind. "I- I am not... hiding..." He was able to form those words in a shaky tone as it took him a lot of energy to be able to form those words. It was hard for him as his thoughts slowly started to melt away under the stare of this mysterious man. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"Then why are you avoiding my eye mm?" He teased softly, smiling. His teeth ached until he felt his own skull was being crushed. His skin was soft under his fingers. "Wouldn't you rather live in truth than this foolish little lie?" He whispered softly, thumb nail pressing against the others lower lip. He got distracted by it. The heat against his skin. The flesh near giving way beneath his touch. "I can give you what you want. Because it's obvious that...." He took the red rose from the others pocket crumpling it in his fingers and dropping it to the pavement, "red isn't your color." He panted softly, Laurents scent making his head spin. He wanted to taste him... to feel him break under his fingers like clay. He held firm to the man's chin, keeping their eyes locked. "Come with me. Upstairs. And I'll do whatever you want." He felt like he was begging, but prayed the other was drunk enough to consider. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

The cooling touch of this man's thumb pressing gently against his lips send shivers down Laurent's spine. He was fully captivated by this man's gaze, every word of his sending a small shiver down his spine. It was as if this man knew all of his deepest desires. He gulped heavy at Claude's last words. At first Laurent couldn't move himself to speak. All his words seemed to be stuck in his throat until finally... "I will... f-follow you..." He spoke slowly with a quivering breath, looking at the man almost in a pleading way. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He smiled for once with a slice of teeth, the barest view of white in the dim light. He took Laurents hand gently, pulling him along to the side of the building. A spiral staircase of metal rose to the upper floor. He nudged the human in front of him, closing off the steps. Both took the stairs, Claude's quiet clicks of his heels echoing off the bricked walls. He unlocked the door to his office. The room was relatively empty, apart from a desk and some sears for clients. Paintings set above the desk reflected the lights in a glare. He gestured lightly to another cracked doorway that led to his room before locking the doors behind him. "Go." Claude didn't mean it to sound so close to an order, but at this point it didn't matter. He had him for his own. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

He did not hesitate one bit as the man guided him up the stairs and into his room. Laurent simply had no choice, no other will but to obey. With his glazed over and empty eyes he was not able to truly take in his surroundings. The only thing that mattered now was the hand on his back that guided him, having nothing else to do and want. Slowly, a small part of his consciousness started to return, enough for Laurent to notice that he stood in front of a doorway. Yet at the order of the vampire sinking into his mind, his body did not belong to him yet, his feet carrying him through into something that Laurent only barely noticed as a sort of bedroom. Once he stood in the center, Laurent stopped, simply staring into nothing like the obedient little doll he was as he waited for another command. @Vox: Too much Caramel

A pretty little doll... He bent to craddle Laurents face in his hands, forcing his eyes back up. A lazy smile crossed his face, thumbs stroking Laurents cheekbones. As much as he adored his slack obedience, Claude grabbed his chin rougher, pulling his face up firmly. "Wake up. It's no fun if you're a dead mind." His eyes had gone colder pupils narrowed into slits. When Laurent hadn't responded, Claude hit him with enough force to sting. He couldn't help but grin, sharp teeth meshed. "There you are." He purred walking into his room, tugging his coat off. His scar continued down the back of his neck, disappearing beneath the collar of his black button down. The back of his vest was laced, tied tight, and he toed off his shoes. "I'd thought you were my kin. Suppose I'm wrong." He noted, hooking a long nail in his hair tie to pull it out. The only light was coming from the cracked door, falling across the carpet like a sheet. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Laurents eyes were barely able to focus at first as Claude lifted up his chin. His touch send a small shiver down his spine but his words barely came through, sounding muffled. He didn't care if his grip slowly tightened, if his head was lifted up further until... The stinging pain with the combination of the sharp sound made Laurent snap out of it immediately. He blinked a few times before the pain truly caught up to his senses, making him wince and touch his cheek. Again, he was met by Claudes stare, his smooth voice setting him at high alert as the stranger seemed to stroll away to take off his clothes. Only now Laurent was able to look around and realize that he was in an almost pitch black room alone with this strange man who had just slapped him across the face. Only with the help of the light that seemed to come from beneath the only door, Laurent was able to see Claude and his open white hair. "Your what? What are you talking about? How did i get here?" Laurent formulated his questions carefully as he slowly took a step towards the light of the door. Did that guy drug him? Who was this stranger in reality... @Vox: Too much Caramel (edited)

He flicked his fingers lazily like he was tugging a string and his door snapped shut, dropping Laurent into the dark. Claude twisted on a lantern, illuminating the space and lighting the wick. Claude forced his way into Laurents fear, feeling it like oil on his skin. Fear was slick and hot like blood. "You aren't afraid of me... interesting." He chuckled, stepping back before Laurent and grabbing his chin. "You're more afraid of boredom or a waste than of a stranger." His head tipped pale hair falling like a screen. It barely reached his shoulders, a messy wolf cut that framed his face and hid his scars. "Keep that lack of fear.... you won't remember tomorrow anyway." He got distracted by Laurents vest and unhooked the collar. "How much do you know of me? Of Caberet?" @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Slolwy, Laurent had taken a second step towards the door, but then flinched at the door banged shut, dropping the two into darkness for a moment until the shine of a lantern began to illuminate the room once more. His heart began to pick up the pace as Claude once again grabbed Laurent by the chin, grimacing a little as he found himself unable until... You're afraid of boredom or a waste than of a stranger... Laurent's eyes widened in shock as the man spoke. Laurent himself had never mentioned things like this in their minimalistic conversations. How was it possible that this stranger knew about this? How was it possible to shut the door from the other end of the room without touching it? How could Laurent not really remember how he'd gotten here? Slowly panic crept itself into Laurent's heart which only sank further at the man's quite concerning words? Why wouldn't he remember? What did this man plan to do with him? One thing was clear: This man was more dangerous then any thug he'd ever witnessed. Laurent didn't dare to move as Claudes hand wandered down to unhook Laurent's collar. "I barely know you... what do you want from me?" Laurent spoke in a rather quiet tone, promptly ignoring the man's questions. He had many more of his own that Laurent needed am answer for. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"I'm the one asking questions." He held Laurents chin tighter, tsking through his meshed teeth. He easily got hold on the front of Laurents vest and tugged, the buttons popping loose. At the end of the day he didn't care. He'd been here nearly a year surviving off scraps.... He pressed a kiss to the humans mouth and forced the others mouth open, wedging his fingers at Laurents cheeks. Claude felt himself purring. He didn't care enough to stop. He tasted good and he wanted more. More... now. He wrapped his tongue with the others, desperate for his taste. The heat. That rush that made his dead heart race like lovesick fool. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

He grit his teeth as he felt Claude tugging tighter at his chin. Laurent tried to pull away, tried to keep the man from unbuttoning his vest, but his hands seemed to be stuck to his side. Only when their lips connected, Laurents hands were able to move again, pressing against the man's chest as he tried to push him off. Keeping his mouth sealed shut he wanted to turn his head away, but quickly Claude forced his mouth open, forcefully pushing his tongue into Laurents mouth in this heated kiss. Soon, Laurent found his mind sinking into a numbness again as he found himself not able to resist the man's kiss anymore. The way his hands had pressed against the man's chest grew weaker the longer their kiss went on. As much as he did not want to admit it, Laurent couldn't deny that this kiss even tasted good in a bizarre way. It was a kiss that Laurent had not agreed to, but as his mind grew numb, so his worries started to slip further and further away. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He pulled back with a soft breath and a pop from sucking his tongue. Straightening up with soft breaths slipping between sharp teeth, Claude set him down gently flat on his feet. "You look much better when you aren't arguing with me." He teased. He'd gotten Laurents vest off completely and he turned round with it in hand, dropping it onto the bar. The cabinet opened with a quiet snap when Claude went into it for a drink, hands trembling. If he wasn't careful he'd kill him.... "Do you want alcohol? You're going to be here a while." He said lightly, looking back with a bottle of scotch in hand. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Time seemed to slow down as their kiss went on, but once Claude finally separated from his lips, Laurent took a small deep breath as if he'd been holding his breath. The look of confusion on the man's face was obvious at the stranger's sudden mood swing. From kissing now to liquor? He would be here for a while? "Do what you want but I will not stay here..." Laurent spoke, trying to sound determined with his cheeks still a little hot, slowly backing off towards the door. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"The door is locked from the outside Laurent." He poured a small glass and downed it, sucking his teeth at the alcohol burn. He poured another then held it out by the bottom, looking over the rim. "Drink this, and I'll give you whatever you desire. That attention and want. I can show you things you'd never see before...." He held out the glass, the amber liquid shining like gold. "If you don't, I'll unlock the door for you and let you walk away." He set the glass to the tabletop, tapping his long nails across the surface to release his anxious energy. "I will even let you set down rules." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

"As if you'd just let me go. You reek from all your foul play." Laurent scoffed as he looked at the drink that Claude offered him with a mischevous smile. As a gambler, Laurent knew foul play when he saw it and both options were extremely suspicious. He did not saw if the man put something inside his drink or not, if it was poisonous or something else. This man had crossed his boundaries before with the kiss he had forced upon him, so why would Claude suddenly care now. "Who....no, what are you?" Laurent asked after a minute, looking back at the man with furrowed eyes. Whatever this man was, he was dangerous... @Vox: Too much Caramel

He couldn't help but smile, and smiled with teeth. His teeth meshed more like an animals than a mans. "I am Claude. And I am what's called a dhampir. A cursed halfling." He sat back into a seat crossing his legs and lacing his hands. "I am a fair dealer when I play. If I say I'd let you go, I would. I keep my words." He chuckled softly. "But if you take that drink you will not get away from me. I am not a man to cut away." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

His eyes widened in a slight shock as he saw the teeth of this monster shine in the light of the lamp. Laurent already had a bad feeling around him, in his presence, but this made things even more dangerous...but also intriguing in a bizarre way... "Dhampir? Like... a vampire..." He asked carefully after a moment. Laurent was very well aware of all the myths and legends of the undead creatures of the night that fed off the blood from the living to survive. "How can I trust you? To let me go or with this?" Laurent asked, half pointing at the drink. "How can I know you're not lying?" "You're gonna kill me aren't you?" He whispered after a moment of silence, staring into the eyes of death and so into Claudes eyes. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"I can't lie. Very few of my kind can." He set his chin in his palm resting on the table."And if I wanted to kill you, I'd have done it already" His eyes flicked up to Laurents chuckling softly. "Look at it this way. I can give you whatever you wish. I'm willing to doing so. In return I want my own attention. Most are terribly boring that I've interacted with. You're the first to actually speak with me." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Claude was indeed telling the truth. If he'd wanted to kill Laurent already, he had multiple chances to do so this evening. His offer seemed quite tempting, yet Laurent couldn't wrap his head around why the Dhampir was offering him all of this, and for what prize... "You're not wise to choose me for giving you attention..." Laurent noted, looking away with one hand rubbing his neck a little. He'd seen the roses. Laurent himself never had it with a man before and therefore had no experience when it came to this point. Internally, Laurent scolded himself for his thoughts, that he actually considered to maybe even accept his monsters tempting and deadly offer... @Vox: Too much Caramel

"You would stop wasting your life on foolish means." He noted, turning back to his own glass of alcohol bringing it to his lips. "Satisfy me and I'll bring forth the life you want." He sipped his glass, before setting back with a soft click. "I won't kill you. Nor will anyone be able to touch you if you're by my side." He looked to the ceiling looking bored by it all. "Just answer me already." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

The life you want... The life Laurent wanted was not to be alone in a city of people who were consumed by greed and the temptation to always yearn for more. Yet Laurent had never given in. He hadn't gotten himself into any debts that are not easy to pay off. He was cautious about the people around him. But now there was Claude, offering him a life with thrill compared to his current bland ome. No night in the Casinos of the city had ever satisfied Laurent's desire for something fresh, new and exciting. He lived in a pretty comfortable position that was not worth loosing, but what he lost was his sanity with every night he did not visit the gambling halls to keep himself entertained. Truthfully said, Laurent needed something, someone... and that someone might be right here. After a moment of thinking and silence, Laurent reached for his glass with the golden liquor, bringing it up to his lips and downing it all in one sip while leaning his head back for a moments just before he put the glass in a rather rough slam type of gesture back on the table. The alcohol burned in his throat, an odd sensation he was used to by now. "Does this answer your question?" Laurent asked after a moment of calming his breathing a little. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He pushed up silently from his seat, gently taking Laurents chin back in hand. His new fragile little doll.... "Go prepare for bed. It's late. I will be back in a while. You will stay here." His grip on Laurents face went firm on the order, cold but not harsh. A firm command coming from a place of possessive affection. He stepped away, hooking his fingers in the back lacing of his vest and tightening it, retieing the knot at his lower back. He twisted his hair into a knot and held it in place with a long pin made of a long spike of bone. "It's best you sleep until I return. You won't get much once I'm back." He picked up his long jacket holding it over his shoulder. "I'm going to lock you back in." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

The words of the vampire caught Laurent by surprise. After all Claude had said now he just wanted to leave him already? Something inside him made Laurent feel stood aside, like a doll one had purchased and displayed on a shelf at home to possess without actually playing with her. Somehow this feel lightened a spark of anger in Laurents chest. Before Claude had made it out of the door, Laurent had managed to grab a hold of his wrist. "Wait- where are you going?! You can't just leave me here like that, especially not locked in!" Laurent protested with obvious anger in his voice, his cheeks a mild pink as he couldn't belive that he wanted this monster to stay, hoping that Claude would indeed help him out of his miserably bland life. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"Dear God you're an entitled brat aren't you?" He bared his teeth flinching back away from being touched. It had visibly startled him that Laurent had grabbed him. "I'm not leaving for good I will be back in an hour." He tsked, motioning to tug on his coat. It wasn't hard to see Claude hadn't spent much time with people. He surface level could communicate but beyond it he had the patience of a tired toddler. It made him sound far more aggressive than he attempted to and meant most feared his behavior. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

He was only startled lightly as Claude bared his teeth at him. His not understanding words fueled Laurent's rage even more. In this moment he felt no fear of what this man was. "You are the one who put me into this situation in the first place! Luring me in like that, all those promises just for you to leave after?" Laurent spoke, now clearly audible that he was angry. As he spoke, he did not let go of the vampire's wrist for a second, only tightening his grip the more angrier he got. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He got hold of Laurents chin fingers squishing his cheeks, "I told you I'd be back..." He sighed softly looking at Laurent holding his wrist. "Very well. Strip then. If you don't want me to leave then entertain." He grit his teeth with a soft sigh, dropping his coat. He let Laurent pull him back close and hooked his fingers into the collar of Laurents shirt. "I was going to find something to fuck but you've pissed me off now. So you're it." His eyes narrowed and he briskly motioned to the door to his room. The brat would back down. He knew he would. He was too hesitant to just listen.... He rolled his eyes and followed Laurent once he'd move, whether or not he was actively listening. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Once again, Claude held his face up by the chin, but once his words struck, Laurents eyes widened a little at the realization. "Wait- strip?" Laurent immediately let go of his wrist and took one step back, only for Claude to grab him by the collar. "Wait this is not... not what we planned..." Laurent tried to sound upset, but his voice was a little wavery compared to before. It had lost some of his bite as he just now stared at the vampire @Vox: Too much Caramel

"Oh? Are you already shying away from our deal?" He tipped his head lightly, chuckling. He'd dropped his coat aside, hooking his fingers in the ties of his vests spinning them bout his fingers. "You were so insistent I stay now deal with the punishment you desired." He stated. "I'll be gentler than I'd likely be." He chuckled noting the others shyness, the waver in his tone. He'd bend to be close their noses nearly touching. "As for plans, I give you an entertaining life and you satisfy me. That's all." He pecked a kiss to Laurents mouth before moving past him to his room, "But I understand you're too much a coward. Sadly." He sighed softly nudging open his door and disappearing inside. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Claude was right. Laurent had wanted this. A life to free him from the blandness of the city. He tsked at the vampire's teasing words, looking away with his cheeks flushed into a mild pink. His heart seemed to skip a beat as Claude came so close to him, his own body stupidly flinching a little at the quick kiss from the man. Laurent only dared to move once the man walked past him. At his last words, the man felt the anger inside his chest return. Claude was teasing him, but Laurent could prove him better. After a silent moment of thinking and without saying another word, Laurent followed the man into his bedroom. He kept his distance, looking away, the pink still remaining on his cheeks as Laurent remained silent for the moment. @Vox: Too much Caramel

Claude had distracted himself with his own clothes, trying to loosen the back of his vest and stepping back out of his shoes. Eventually he lifted off the waistcoat, dropping it aside, and sitting on the edge of his bed. He held out his hands, motioning Laurent to him. "Come here." The quiet words were laced with his aura, seeing Laurent be unsure. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Laurent tried to ignore the man in front of him as best as possible while Claude undressed himself. He only turned his head up at the sound of his voice. Seeing how he opened his arms for Laurent to come closer, his words seemed to sink into the human's mind as he felt the strong urge to jump into the monster's arms. Yet Laurent managed to resist, only taking one step into his direction before he sealed his eyes shut and avoiding his gaze. "Get out of my... fucking head..." He groaned with gritted teeth, trying to resist the urge to follow Claudes simple command. @Vox: Too much Caramel

His lips curled into a soft smile and stopped it, setting his hands across his lap. "Very well then." He couldn't help but laugh softly, eyes skimming over him. He returned his hands back up to Laurent, "Come on then..." He chuckled softly. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Once he felt the pressure in his mind ease, Laurent looked back up again to hear the man's soft laughter. Claude seemed amused and somehow Laurent did not like it. Taking one last deep breath to collect himself, Laurent went forward with slow steps until he stood in front of this man, his eyes rather cold, yet there was a hint of curiosity gleaming in them. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He tucked his arms around Laurents waist and tugged him in close, fingers pressing to his back. Claudes heart was racing beneath Laurent, nearly worrying in its speed. A lazy kiss was pressed into Laurents jawline, trailing over his skin, tightening his grip on the back of Laurents shirt. It was obvious he was amped into wild excitement. Claude looked to Laurent with absolute adoration, though he didn't express it vocally. He touched with soft obsession; gentle butterfly grazes. Kisses cooled Laurents burning skin. Hooking his fingers into the bottom of Laurents shirt he tugged it out of his waist with a soft purr. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Every small touch, every gentle caress over Laurents body send warm shivers up his spine. The man's gentle kiss on his jawline, his hands gently pressing against his back as Laurent was now sitting in this man's lap, it all made his heart race even faster. His breath grew a little shakier under every small touch. At the kiss on his neck, Laurent closed his eyes and leaned his head back to hesitantly savor this odd feeling. Laurents own hands settled now slowly on the man's shoulders, gasping softly as he felt the air from how his shirt was slowly tucked up, the bare touch of the vampire's hand sending a small shiver through his body. By now he couldn't deny that it felt good. Yet this demon that yearned for Laurents soul was a man which made his mind scream in protest. @Vox: Too much Caramel

His thin fingers ran up Laurents spine, nail skimming lightly, reaching under his shirt. Holding his throat he set his thumb to feel Laurents pulse, throbbing under his fingers. Laurents sweet scent made his head spin. Saliva made his mouth numb and wet Laurents throat and jaw. He lapped over his throat tongue rasping his thin skin, before biting down. Laurents skin popped beneath his teeth, and the spurt of blood made him groan. His grip tightened around Laurents waist and he held the back of his neck, cradling his head in a palm. Claude's eyes had rolled back in his head, swallowing down hard against Laurents throat. He'd forced himself to let go, saliva tainted pink stringing between his teeth. His breath had gone ragged, eyes blurred with lust, hard on throbbing beneath Laurents weight. He let his head loll, eyes closed, sucking his teeth. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Every touch made Laurent grow eager for something more but he couldn't describe how. He wanted this man. He held his breath for a second as the man's hand closed around his throat, eyes open half lidded and looking at the man, curious what he would do, his eyes begging for him to do something at this point. His mind was in a daze again, drunk from all the pleasure of the man's touch and raspy tongue on his throat. His body was relaxed, Laurent even felt somewhat almost save in his arms, although that must've been an illusion from the vampires trickery. Laurent hovered in this state of drunk for a little longer until the sting and aching pain that suddenly burnt in his shoulders pulled him back to reality. His eyes widened in shock once the pain spread in his body. He groaned, his hands digging into the man's shoulder at first with his whole body tensing up until after a moment, Laurent felt a wave of calming pleasure wash over him. It felt somewhat good, a feeling that he was unable to describe. Yet he felt connected to this man in a way vast beyond human comprehension. The longer the vampire drank from him, the feel of pleasure grew with his body leaning against Claudes chest. Everything felt so light and fluttery until Claude stopped. With quivering weak breaths, Laurent remained leaned against Claudes chest, seemingly drained of most of his energy as he did not care about the hard on pressing against him right now... @Vox: Too much Caramel

He laid back with Laurent in his arms, feet on the floor, half on the bed. He could barely keep his head up, mellowed out to the point of near falling asleep. He tucked his cheek to Laurents hair, panting softly, heart racing beneath Laurents ear. It felt good to not shake for once, his hands firm on the others back. He didn't ache nor feel the pain of his age. When Laurent felt the strength to move he'd notice Claude was out of it to the point of staring at the light, pupils flaring with his breath. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

He did not move at first. Claudes chest reflected Laurent's own body warmth. Compared with his mild dizziness, Laurent did not have the strength for a moment to get up. He could hear Claudes racing heart beating in his chest. He was wondering why he even had one if he was already dead. A few more moments passed until Laurent had channeled enough of his energy to push himself off this creature with a groan. The look on Claudes face was odd. It seemed almost as if he was high with his hot heavy breath and diluted eyes. That was his chance. Before the vampire could do anything more, Laurent slowly pushed himself up to stand on wobbly knees. He was still feeling a little light headed from the blood loss, but it was weak enough so that Laurent was able to walk towards the door, trying to take hand of this given opportunity as long as the vampire seemed to be knocked out. @Vox: Too much Caramel

His grip snapped to Laurent's waist of his pants, pulling him back down. He got hold of the man's hair and pulled him down onto the bed, rolling to sit over his waist. He hooked his fingers into his shirt and popped the buttons open, baring Laurents chest. He raked his nails gently over his skin and left faint red lines on the pale skin. His throat was red, small half healed marks crossing Laurents throat and Claude gently touched over it, testing his pain. He tipped the others head side to side, purring, red slitted eyes burning down. "You're not leaving." He said softly, voice hoarse and low. "Not yet." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

A small yelp escaped his lips as he felt his body being pulled backwards again, feeling the tight grip of the vampire's hand tugging at his hair and pulling him back onto the bed. Soon after he orientated himself on the bed again, he felt Claudes weight on his waist as he popped open his shirt ,one after one. He drew in a sharp breath through his teeth as the nails of his man left burning red thin wounds on his bare chest. The moment Claude pressed his fingers onto the bitemark, Laurent winced since a bit of the pain remained. Everything from this man was certainly painful now. "You had your blood now. That's what you were after, weren't you? So why keep me here..." Laurent questioned fiercely, battling the mesmerizing red glare of the vampire, but something inside of him already knew the answer of what was going to happen. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He licked up the faint well of blood from his chest, easing the pain. His hands set over Laurents ribs, holding him still. "I barely took anything. I want more." He rumbled softly, smoothly sitting back up, running his tongue over his teeth. He adjusted how he sat in order to bend, kissing and licking the fresh side of his neck. A hand skimmed down his chest, touching to adore but not violating. He explored his upper half alone. "You won't be leaving until you're covered in bites." He stated grinning, palm set over his pec, gripping down on what muscle he had. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

His back slightly arched when his tongue collected all the blood from his chest. Every touch of this man set his skin ablaze. Laurent could only but stare as Claude pulled away from him with his tongue sensationally gliding over his sharp teeth. His deep voice let him shiver. He felt how Claude had moved to the other side of his neck. He couldn't help but let a small moan slip from his lips at the feel of his tongue and the grip of this man's hand gripping onto his pectoral. He only tsked at the man's words, squeezing his eyes shut as his own hands had settled on this man's hips and lower back and now tightened a little. "You bastard..." Laurent was only able to form those words with the remains of his power... @Vox: Too much Caramel

"You enjoy this." He stated firmly, noting his response to it all. He slid a hand to his leg, hooking it up to his side, whispering against his throat. "Else you'd be fighting me like you were before." He rasped his tongue up his pulsing artery, fingers pressing tight into his leg holding it by his hips. He bit down into the other side of Laurents throat, barely drinking. He rolled the small mouthful of blood over his tongue, groaning and dropping his weight to grind onto him. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

He hated to admit that Claudes words were the truth that Laurent tried to deny for himself. He did not want to admit how Claude made him feel good indeed. He made him feel something Laurent had never felt before. His hands had now wandering up from Claudes hips up to be wrapped around his neck as part of the reaction of how the vampire lifted up his leg. He felt his firm possessive grip that made Laurent unable to move away from him. Before Laurent could respond to Claudes tease he felt the same burning sting on his throat followed by the indescribable feel and the pleasure that followed after. His body began to tremble a little from the new wave of pleasure, his back arching against Claudes now warm body. The grip of his hands tightened around his neck as he tried to silence his small moans and groans by putting one back of his hand over his mouth and even biting into it to silence himself. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He made sure his throat was fully numbed before he let go, releasing with a soft breath that heated his throat. His wavering moans were loud, arms shaking on either side of Laurent hard enough the bed moved with it. A kiss crashed into Laurents lips, pressing his tongue into his mouth, he ground his hips against his waist. Claude fumbled with his waist to merely loosen his pants before setting on to pull off Laurents shirt and dropped it off the side. "Where else shall I mark you?" He purred running fingers over his skin obsessed with the feeling; his softness, his warmth. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

His hard on grew with every movement of his hips against him with such force. Laurents muffled gasped an moans quickened along with the pace of Claudes movements. Taking a deep breath after Claude had pulled his teeth out, Laurent did not expect to be greeted with the vampire's tongue immediately after. Quite flustered, he tried to keep Claudes tongue out, but soon he gave in, wrapping his own tongue around his to taste him. Their kiss continued during Claudes heated procedure of taking Laurents shirt off, Laurent itself feeling how his buldge was rock hard by now. This man tasted just so good. "Everywhere... thighs... chest... hip... I don't care just..." Laurent replied, breathing heavily, looking up with glazed eyes filled with something that could be called desire. Now he'd let go from the man's neck, now laying on around head height. He wanted Claude, almost desperately needing him, wanting to feel it again, the way only this man was able to make him feel like this... @Vox: Too much Caramel

He obeyed the idea to the dot and left tiny little burning marks over his top half first. His lip, his chest.... fingers traced down his front to undo Laurents pants and push them down, letting them drop off the bed. He skimmed his fingertips up Laurents throbbing cock while he kissed down his stomach, lacing them down to the base, before he glanced back to Laurents eyes. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Every bite mark Claude left across his body filled Laurent with even more pleasure than he ever had before. The moment the vampire had pulled down his pants it revealed his rock hard and throbbing cock to both of them. The way Claude teased it further with his lips worshipping his stomach made Laurent yearn for more. By now he was already covered in various bitemarks scattered over his upper body. His eyes were glazed over, his body covered in a light sweat, his chest rising and falling deep and in a shaky manner. To the human it was a feel of pure bliss but also yearning for more, yet Laurent would not audibly beg for it to happen... @Vox: Too much Caramel

He gently brought the inside of Laurents thigh to his mouth, biting down knowing it was in view. He kept his eyes on the others, feeding with a soft purr. He held up Laurents hips gripping his ass to drink from his leg. He liked watching the man squirm. Liked how he responded even if his bites caused pain. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

By now, precum had been dripping all the way down his shaft. Laurent had been barely able to hold longer in. His cock was already throbbing eagerly, begging for a release. He had supported his upper body on his elbows to watch the vampire doing his work. Laurents eyes rested on the man, seeing his mischievous glint of delight as he bit down and send the last jolt of pleasure through his the human's body that he needed. Further smaller yet progressively louder moans came from Laurents lips, his with pleasure filled eyes resting on Claude as his back curved with one last long and deep moan escaping from his lips. His climax hit him hard, his eyes rolling back to his head as his hot stream of semen exploded from the tip of his cock. It left his whole body twitching, Laurent himself letting himself drop back onto the sheets. How could a man let him feel so good? His kisses and bites all over his body felt like heaven and hell at the same time. Laurent felt completely lost in the feel of pleasure and soon he felt his mind grow into a further haze caused by all this immense pleasure. And so the night went to the point where the sun started to rise in the dawn to send all the gamblers in the Casinos to their homes and rest... Laurent slowly opened his eyes the next evening slolwy. He was staring at the ceiling, trying to remember what happened last night. As soon ss he tried to sit up, a massive pain jolted through his body, making him groan in pain and lay down again. His head felt as if it was about to explode, he felt sick to his stomach, sore and weak. He was barely able to move and on top of that, he did not posses the whole memory of what happened yesterday. But what his body remembered were the cold touch of his fingers, his soft lips pressing against his skin, his glowing red eyes staring at him with desire... It took him a moment to actually process what had happened between him and this man and as soon as realization struck him, panic started to flare up

16:09

inside of him. He had to get out of this bed, out of this room, but his body simply refused to move without writhing in agony. And so with defeat, he had no choice but to remain notably completely naked beneath the blanket that covered him. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"I wouldn't move." He warned softly, bending to feel Laurents face. He was a bit too hot with a fever but it was to be expected. He held Laurent get a bit of water, holding the glass for him. Claude had let his hair back down, wearing a loose black blouse and black trousers. His arms were sliced open like he'd been dragging a knife down to barely break the skin. They covered his arms and down his throat, disappearing under his collar. "This will help. It's medicine." He said softly setting down the glass to the table beside. He'd pushed up to go back to the bar and was visibly limping, his ankle twisted and shattered. He used the table to keep off his weight. "Stay in bed. It's not safe for you to be up yet." He murmured pouring himself a glass of scotch. The pain up his legs and his hip made it difficult to move and the wounds wouldn't heal fast enough. Resting on the bar he let his head hang forward, back flexed as he gripped the bar in pain. He's gone.... We're ok. Laurent's ok. He sighed softly keeping his weight off his bad foot, He's gone. He sunk his head into his hand. He'd never thought he'd see him again, especially after so long.... He needed to flee. Take everything and leave.... He'd bumped into him on the road and he'd fled before he'd could get a good grip. Didn't save my fucking leg though. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

He held his breath at the sound of Claudes voice, shivering lighty at the touch of his hand. He saw the glass of water in his hand, but also some weird wounds that at close looked like he'd been dragged around, even at his neck. After a moment of staying laid down, Laurent pushed himself up to sit with a groan. With his eyes shimmering over his own body, he saw the bruised and blue bites that the vampire left over his upper body and he could feel that there were even more below. "Why? Are you gonne keep me here as your fucking blood bag?" Laurent scoffed at the request for him to stay in bed, as he carefully took a sip from the water and medicine. It tasted sweet, yet bitter and seemed to be dissolved in the water. It didn't take Laurent long to notice how odd Claude was limping. Something must've happened given the scars and now his leg... "What happened to your leg? And what are those wounds?" Laurent asked carefully with furrowed eyebrows. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"Ran into an old friend." He tsked through the alcohol burn, sinking down into a seat. Using a long stretch of bandages he adjusted his ankle to be the right way. Wincing he wrapped up his leg and ankle to keep in place. "And I'm suggesting you stay in bed because if you collapse I can't pick you up." He poured another glass and downed it. One of his eyes were gray, on the side of his scar, and he left it apparent. He didn't care if Laurent saw. He sunk his cheek to the chair, trying to settle himself and get through the pain. His healing was slow, even for minor wounds. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

"Seemed like it went well." Laurent scoffed at Claudes note of that old friend. At the note of the man about not leaving the bed, Laurent felt his jaw tighten from the note of him not being able to leave. It would take him a little longer until he would be able to walk again. "How long have you been like this?" He asked after a moment of silence as he was laying back down again onto his soft pillow, feeling how the medicine started to take some of his pain and nausea away... @Vox: Too much Caramel

"My entire waking life." He murmured, holding his glass. "About a hundred years." He let his hair remain in his eyes even as it made it difficult to keep his sight focused. "Once I turn you I won't be the youngest in our branch anymore." He huffed tucking his head into his arms. "Go back to bed. It's still early out." He left his broken ankle rest on the arm of the couch, trembling in his sleep, his breath deepening once he fell fully asleep. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

100 years was a long time. Laurent wondered what this man had all seen in those years, but a part in him did not want to know. Once I turn you... Laurent froze, eyes widening in shock as his mind began to spin a little again. His heart began to flare with panic as he tried to get up at least to look at Claude and protest, but it seemed as if he'd fallen asleep already. After that Laurent was certain: This man was dangerous. He had to get out of here, away from him. Laurent carefully turned around on his bed, placing his feet on the ground and standing up slolwy. Claudes words had made him feel nauseous, his knees weak and trembly. With the strong determination to escape from death, Laurent managed to walk over to the chair where his clothes were laying, nearly falling to the ground but Laurent caught himself just in time on a nearby table, but the thud on the table was loud nonetheless. Somehow and after some time, Laurent had been able to fully dress himself and to get up on his less shakey knees towards the door. "Where are you going?" It was Claude, mumbling as Laurent just had grabbed hold onto the door handle and immediately froze as he felt caught. "I'm leaving..." He spoke with determination, pushing the door open without looking back to Claude. "When are you coming back?" "I won't. I'm getting fucking out of here." With those words, Laurent closed the door without looking back to this man. Through some sort of wonder, Laurent made it barely back to his house, the morning sun barely standing above the horizon. He let himself drop into his bed, curling up into a ball of pain before falling asleep into a dreamless exhausted slumber. A week had passes since Laurents odd encounter. The man had been able to recover from his illness, few of the biting marks still evident all over his body. He had not heard or seen any of Claude over the this week which seemed like an either good or bad sign. This evening Laurent did not feel like visiting the ga

13:06

mbling halls. Instead he made himself comfortable on his favorite couch in his lounge where the walls were filled with high shelves of books. With a small sketchbook in hand Laurent sat there sketching, a gramophone nearby played a jazzy little tune to fill the silence. For the past week, Laurent couldn't seem to get this man out of his mind. He still felt his soft lips on his skin, the look in his eyes burnt into his mind. It was almost torture that he could not shake him off so easily despite him being an obvious danger for Laurent. Despite his questions, it had been for the better... @Vox: Too much Caramel

A knock rang through the house as the evening began to darken, the setting sun hidden beneath the horizon leaving only long shafts of light to illuminate the evening. The knocks went quiet but went again after a minute. Just three quick sounds. "Open the door I need to speak with the homeowner." A voice on the other side ordered. Another urgent knock demanded his attention. He'd had a week of freedom from Claude. The newspaper had reports of the sudden closure of his cabaret, the selling of the business to a man in town. It seemed like a sudden cut off to a dream.... Knock Knock broke off his thoughts. He was getting angry. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

It was already late. A visit around that time was unusual for Laurent. His thoughts had wandered back into the cabaret, once more into his arms. He still couldn't understand Claude suddenly decided to close it. The next three knocks on his front door made him snap back into reality. Laurent didn't know who this person could be. His voice was unfamiliar. Unfamiliar things in the late evening were the most dangerous so Laurent decided to further ignore the knocks in hope that this man would go away... @Vox: Too much Caramel

"I would open the door before I break it down." He stated firmly, knocking again. Waiting for him to come to the door. When no one answered, the door slammed in, smashing its way through the hall and taking the furniture with it. Shattered wood and glass scattered across the inside hall and entry. Boots crunched in the glass as someone walking inside. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

At first Laurent thought that this man was like any other and that once noone answered he would leave again, but not this time... At the sound of glass shattering and wood splintering, Laurent froze with his drawing, sitting up straight as he heard the incredibly loud and propably expensive noise. Out of instinct he shot up and sprinted towards the doorframe, grabbing the Springfield out of a drawer nearby. As much as he hated this weapon, it was a good rifle and as a man living alone he needed at least a way to defend himself. In quick but silent steps he went on over the second floor towards the staircase. Peeking around the corner at first he saw Noone so he quickly stood himself on top of the stairs, holding the rifle out, ready to shoot. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Laurent called angrily at the mess the intruder made. He'd certainly make him pay for it. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He stood in the hallway below and looked up. His face was perfectly flat and crossed over with bandages, a mask tucked under the hood. A large sygil was stitched into his robes in multiple places trimmed in gold. The door was more toothpicks than a door, wood piled across the rug. He took to the steps as if there was no rush or worry, boots clicking on the floor, palm skimming the banister. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

A cold shower ran over Laurents back as he saw the stranger's face all wrapped up tightly with no holes for eyes, nose or mouth. How was this man able to even breathe?! The grip around his Springfield tightened as the man seemingly casually walked up the stairs, slowly approaching the man as if he was not holding a rifle in his hand. "Don't get closer..." Laurent put his finger on the trigger, aiming at the man, his whole body only tensing up more as this man seemed to have no intention to stop. "I said STAY WHERE YOU ARE!" Laurent gave him a last warning as he instinctively took a small step back before catching himself and pulling a trigger... Blood splattered through the air at the roaring sound of the bullet that burried itself right into the intruders upper leg. The adrenaline made Laurents hands shaking by now, his heart seemingly cracking his ribcage from the inside as the man seemed to keep walking as if nothing had happened. Panic started to dwell up in Laurents mind, slolwy taking multiple steps back, keeping the riffle pointed at him as his quick steps backwards turned into a quick turnaround with Laurent sprinting towards one of the windows. This man was no ordinary human, reeking of danger. Laurent had to get away from him as quick as possible... @Vox: Too much Caramel (edited)

The bullet made his leg spasm but he forced himself to keep moving. It caused him no lasting pain. Laurent barely reached the wall when Seán yanked him back and put his chest to the carpet. He bent slightly to speak quietly in his ear. "Where's the pale vampire?" He stated firmly, a tight grip in his hair, "Keep still or I'll rip your head off." Seáns knee dug into Laurents back and a bandaged hand twisted his hair tightly. The other smelled like ashes and rain, his cloak heavy against Laurents body where'd it fallen across him. Seán fully bent to put his masked face in Laurents. "Tell me or I'll kill you." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

He let out a with pain filled grunt when Laurent was forcefully yanked back by his hair and pushed onto the floor. Of course was this man no human. The pain of his knee between his shoulders was quite painful and the cloak incredibly heavy. Laurent couldn't wrap his head around why someone could move so quickly in that thing unless. "I have no... fucking idea where he is... let me go..." He groaned in agony, his heart racing as he stared at the masked man with his nose suddenly filled with the scent of rain and ashes? @Vox: Too much Caramel (edited)

He silently pulled him off the floor, holding his arm tight, and pulling him through the house. He put him into a chair in his sitting room holding tight to his wrist. He needed information and he knew Laurent had it. Any of the ones he fed from and didn't erase their memories, Seán could use. "Don't be a fool and I won't have to kill you." He grabbed tight to his wrist, using a sharp metal claws attached at his gloved fingers. He cut the thick of Laurents hand and his own palm, holding both of their hands tight together. He'd stopped moving, his grip on Laurents wounded hand tight, bent leaning on the floor. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

He had no way to fight the grip of this man. His face twisted in anger and mild pain from the tight grip on his wrist, Laurent stared at the man in spite as he was forced to sit down. "What the-heugnnh!" Laurent pressed his teeth together in a grunt as the sharp metal teared his skin open like a knive through butter. He felt the warm blood drip from the palm of his hand before the man, who apparently did the same wound to himself, pressed their palms together in a tight grip. Their blood combined left a burning sensation on his hand and as much as Laurent wanted to let go, he was simply unable to. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"You say you don't know his location but he is in your home." He tsked angrily, pushing up. "Take me downstairs. Now." He ordered gripping the back of his shirt and hauling Laurent to his feet. He adjusted his mask as he forced Laurent to take him downstairs into the cellar, prying the top off a barrel. He came up with white hair in a fist, hauling Claude out. He was in an unconscious state, barely breathing. Seán tsked annoyed motioning for Laurent. "Sit. Now. You run, I snap your neck." He bent checking Claude's eye. In the dark, it took a moment for Laurent to realize half of Claudes face was missing. Red strings of flesh bridged from his cheek to his throat, pale white bone visible. His throat was red raw with scarred flesh. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

The look of horror and disbelief was written on Laurent's face when Seán told him where Claude was hiding. This couldn't be true. Laurent had heard noone entering the house, neither had there been odd sounds or signs of someone entering without permission. "What... he is not-" Laurent tried to protest, but got cut off as he was hurled back on his feet with this creature behind him that forced him to lead him down the stairs towards a door to the basement beneath the stairs. Laurent guided him down into the wine cellar where a few bottles and barrels were stacked, a few singular barrels just standing around. He watched Seán with worried glance as he stood back and kept his distance to him, watching him open the barrel in the dim light. He flinched as Seán suddenly hurled Claude out of the barrel besides Laurent on the floor, the man himself stumbling and falling backwards on his ass in disbelief. His eyes widened in shock at those bloody fleshy wounds on his throat. In panic he scooted away from the vampire, trying to get more distance between them, but froze as he remembered Seán's warning from earlier, looking over to him with panic written all over his face before his eyes were drawn back to the injured Claude. "What... happened?" Laurent gulped after a moment, feeling sick to his stomach the longer he looked at the unconscious vampire, still in complete shock about his own oblivion... @Vox: Too much Caramel

"Hunters went after him. I'm guessing he considered you a safe bet to hide." He sighed careful to keep the metal claws far from Claudes skin. The wound showed straight to the bone of his skull, fanged teeth held in place by webbing of blood vessels and tissues. "But other than this..." Seán grunted as he yanked a metal dart out of Claude's chest, "...shit. He's fine." With the removal of the few metal spikes in varying places, Seán seemed unconcerned for the appearing extensive damage to the rest of him. "If you have any cording, please bring it down here. I need to bring him home and he isn't going to go happily." Seán ordered, collecting up the stakes. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Still in utter shock, Laurent watched with wide eyes as Claude pulled out all those metal spikes and darts. He didn't know what to say about him hiding down here to flee and it still gave him an weird feeling that he'd been hiding down here all along "I- I don't have any." Laurent snapped back into reality at Seán's order, "What do you mean with home? Where are you Two gonna go?" He asked carefully, unsure if he should stand up or not @Vox: Too much Caramel

"A place for us. It's the only place with a doctor that can deal with Claude's temperament." Sean's voice had lightened to a more relaxed calm, hands settled into his work. "You may go. I apologize for my brash behavior." He bowed his head a little, cradling Claudes head gently. "And for hurting you." Seán went to pick Claude off the floor when the other startled awake, clawing out at Seán's mask. Seán appeared to react on impulse and punched him in the mouth, Claude coughing blood then passing back out unconscious. Seán paused making sure Claude was done, then picked him off the floor like a sack of potatoes. "Pack a bag and any paperwork. We will be leaving." Seán said softly, adjusting Claude better over his shoulder, and headed for the stairs, stepping over Laurents legs on his way out. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

He could not belive his ears as this man seemed to apologize for his... expensive intrusion. He only managed to give him a silent nod before witnessing how Claude suddenly gained consciousness again paired with the crunch of bones right after which send him unconscious again. Laurent watched how Seán picked up Claude with ease, yet he only stared confused at the words of him having to pack a bag. The man must've been joking. "I can't just leave! There is no way in hell I will come along to wherever you live!" Laurent protested as he got up and followed the two up the stairs. He did not plan to leave his life behind for the sake of 2 psychopaths. He did not even know where they were heading. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"I'm giving you time to pack. You don't have a choice. You will be coming." He grated out getting angry, bringing Claude upstairs. He returned just as he'd said he would, arms crossed. "You have ten minutes to pack." He ordered coldly, masked face revealing nothing of his feelings. Once his 10 minutes were up, Seán grabbed his arm, hauling him to the door. "I cannot leave you here alone. Especially now." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

At the growl that came from behind the man's mask, Laurent threw an angry glance at him before heading to his room huffing. He'd seen what this man was capable of and Laurent certainly did not want to end up like Claude. He headed for his own room to grab a bag from the closet, flinching a little as Seán announced that he had only 10 minutes. Laurent was certain that this man was not messing around so he did his best to grab something from everything that he could. After he had packed few of his clothes into the bag he went over to his writing desk to throw in a Sketcgbook along with a little sealed box of pens and pencils. Once he was done with his room, he went past the vampire into another room, returning with his most important papers and some of his savings. Apparently the whole process had not been fast enough for the man. Because as soon as Laurent came out of the other room with his bag around his arm and papers and cash in the other while sorting through it, Seán grabbed him by the arm to drag him out. "Hey fucking- Let me go! I can walk very well on my own!" Laurent protested loudly as he got dragged all the way out of his house onto the front porch with his things where he used his newly gained freedom to store his documents in his gray coat he'd thrown over in a hurry. He only threw a salty glance at the note of the other man, but deep down he was right. What if those hunters had found him in his home? What would they have done to him? Given what they were able to do to Claude it wouldn't have ended well for him. "Can you at least tell me where we are going?" Laurent grumbled a little, throwing a still pissed glance at. Telling the human where he would be heading was the least thing Seán could do. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"Eden. Keep your eyes to your fucking self and let me drive." He'd had to take off his mask, nervous of doing so. He hated driving with a passion. Heading out of town he eventually settled enough to focus, tugging free a small needle from his coat. He stopped the car, turned in his seat, and jammed it into Claudes leg. The man gasped clawing at his leg, and ripped it out with numb hands. "Motherfucker." He placed where he was and kicked the back of Sean's seat, pissed off. "Let me out." "No." "I'm not going back." "You are." "Why the fuck is he here?" Claude finally noticed, staring at Laurent. A trembling hand was half over the destroyed portion of his face. "Don't bother hiding it. He's already seen how fucked up you look." Seán laughed in the front seat as he started to drive again, Claude sinking down in the back like he wanted to collapse into himself like a dying star. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

After his bag was stored in the back storage of the cat, he got into the back of the car before Seán started driving. He couldn't help but glance over at the unconscious Claude in the backseat besides him. Seeing his wounds from this distance did not make it any better once they were on the road. On the other hand, when Seán told Laurent where they were heading, he got confused. He'd never heard of a place like this. He was about to ask more, but decided to keep quiet for now and glare for a moment before looking out of the window into the darkness of the night. He only looked back over once Seán stopped driving to see him wake Claude up in a rather brutal way. He couldn't but stare at how the vampire threw his little tantrum before noticing Laurent leaned against his own door for some distance from him while he was ready to throw hands. The man was a little surprised to see Claude sinking back into his seat as if he tried to hide in shame. "Can someone at least tell me now where we're heading? I've never heard of a place with the name 'Eden' before, besides the Bible that is." Laurent muttered his last words, the frustration slowly gnawing at him. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"It's the same garden." Claude said softly turned away and voice heavy. "A long time ago God gave it to his daughter, who gave it to us." "That's a bloody myth." Seán rebuked and Claude went quiet, curled up in the seat. "It's a territory of our king." Seán explained lightly. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Laurent only stared for a moment in disbelief at Claude as he spoke. He couldn't be serious that Eden was a real place, but his suspicion was proven right once Seán backed his thoughts up. The thought on the other hand still got stuck in Laurents mind, but he tried to ignore it for now. "Your... king..." he muttered to himself slowly before realization struck him. Of course there were more vampires out there than those Two. "But why take me there? Doesn't seem quite safe for me if there are... more of you." Laurent only asked coldly, staring at Seán. He tried his best not to sound afraid, yet he could feel his heart beating fast in his chest. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"The only one who ignores what I say is him." Seán tsked and Claude cackled laughing kicking the back of Sean's seat again. "And you're in more danger alone at home." "I would try to sleep. It'll be a while." He said softly, Claude resettling down into his seat. "It'll be alright."

Claude set his head on the window, the damaged side of his face away from Laurent. He didn't have the energy to hide it properly. He sighed softly closing his eyes, hating the situation. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Laurent had so many more questions. Questions that demanded an answer, but Seán was probably right. Only now that Laurent had a moment to breathe and the adrenaline winded down, it made it clear that his body yearned for some rest. Looking over one last time towards the curled up Claude, Laurent decided it would be best to rest now that he had the chance. He didn't know when he had the next chance to properly do so. He had no idea what awaited him at this Eden place besides danger. He had to be prepared and rest. And so he put his head back against the headrest, shifting into a more comfortable position and slowly drifted off into slumber. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He woke when Claude gently shook him awake. "Hey.... wake up." His face was back intact, the gruesome state of his body gone as if it'd never been. Seán was a ways away, back masked and waiting. They very much were not in the same state. Forests of trees spread up the mountainsides, a soaring black castle reaching to scrape the night sky. The stars were overshadowed by gray whisps of clouds. They'd parked in a large barn where there was several other cars and a bicycle. Claude straightened up to move out of Laurents way. They had food on the hood of the car for him. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

His whole body felt sore. It was as if Laurent hadn't moved in days. He groaned lightly when he opened his eyes to see Claude completely healed. "Where are we..." Laurent groaned sleepily, his throat completely dry as he slowly got out of the car, rolling his shoulders and stretching out his arms. Everything felt stiff and on top of that, he was starving like he hadn't eaten in days. It was night when he stepped out of the car, the area only illuminated by a small lamp at the barn nearby and the mysterious shine of the moon. Once his eyes accustomed a little to his surroundings he looked up to see the massive black castle winding itself into the starry night sky. It was a scenery straight out of a fairytale. "Whoa." Laurent whispered in fascination, staring at it in awe for a moment, almost unable to look away until his eyes settled on the Sandwich that laid on top of the cars hood. "Is... that for me?" He asked hesitantly, pointing at it lightly. When noone stopped him, he took it eagerly and took a hungry bite out of it. It tasted good and he continued to much on it rather quickly given his hunger. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"Of course." Claude chuckled, sitting on one of the other cars. Seán was looking up at the castle, standing outside. "Please. When we are there, listen to me or Seán." Claude said softly, talking as if hiding it from Seán. "Lorre is dangerous if he's upset... they all are." He looked to the castle with trepidation, pupils slits and leg bouncing. He was wearing Seáns coat, squeezing the sleeves in his fists. He'd left his hair down and hid his face. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

"Is he the..." Laurent looked over to Claude on the other car, not having to finish for Claude to be able to know what he wanted to say. This whole situation was something out of a wild dream. He kept munching on his sandwich, having almost finished it soon... @Vox: Too much Caramel

"Yes. Him, Min and Kay are the people to suck up to. And..." He trailed off and he tucked down into himself nervous. Seán tucked into the barn arms crossed. "Ready to go? I'm sick of waiting." He stated and when Claude curled up further Seán grabbed his arm to force him to take his first steps through. Seán gestured to take the main dirt road, needing to cross a long bridge to get to their destination. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

He had just downed the last piece of his sandwich while listening to Claude when Seán came in and told them that they would get going. With a sigh he pushed his back off the side of the car and went around to the trunk of the car to grab his bag and head out with the other two into the darkness. He followed the two along the dirt road, keeping himself close to them in the darkness, not wanting to fall behind especially if that was already home to other vampires where he was just a free meal to them. @Vox: Too much Caramel

It took close to an hour to reach the front doors, Claude standing staring at the wooden doors silently, rubbing his damaged cheek. Hidden away beneath a lie. Seán paused leaving Claude to open them after a moment. The inside was lit by flickering electric light, illuminating cracked marble floors. The main entry was like a throne room, a dias of stairs leading to a hall behind. Seán shut the doors behind them and had to grab Claudes arm to hold him still when he tried to slip off down a side hall. Seán whistled, the sound piercing the silence and echoing off the stone walls, ringing loud even after he stopped. Claude squirmed annoyed at being held until a soft voice said, "Sit down Claude." From the hall beyond the stairs a man was being pushed in a wheelchair by two twins. Claude had dropped to sit, and Sean bowed. The man had midlength black hair and a black eye patch over the side. His legs were clearly unusable, small and twisted. The two twins caught eyes more when they stepped aside of their master. Both were conjoined at the waist, arms tucked across their ribs to keep each other up. Both helped settle the disabled man more comfortable in his seat and the man smiled patting both of their faces. "Thank you darlings."

His eyes skimmed to the human before him, unsure. "Who is this Seán?"

"His name is Laurent." He'd stated bowed, relaxed and calm. He had a death grip on the back of Claudes neck.

"Why bring him?" He settled his sleeves sighing, Min & Kay behind him.

"Claude brought him into the fold. I felt he was unsafe in the public."

"Mm... Come here." He held out a thin hand, tipped in near translucent nails. The conjoined twins giggled, whispering to each other. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Laurent was exhausted from the long walk, yet relieved when they arrived. He stood behind the Two, staring up at the large wooden door until Claude pushed them open for the three to enter. He couldn't but stare at the moment, taking in the mythic architecture, although the atmosphere made his guts twist nervously. Laurent flinched lightly at the sharp whistle before his eyes settled on the three figures that entered the hall. The sight was not what he had expected for the king of the vampire's, neither did he expected the conjoined twins behind him. Laurent tried his best not to stare and kept quiet when Seán talked. He only looked up when he felt a shiver run down his spine as Lorren seemed to address himself. Slowly he made his way over to the man up the stairs, stopping on the second step before standing equal to the two, a simple sign of respect and the only sign he was able to show right now without having to say a word. He did not want to anger this man if he truly was the man Claude had warned him about. @Vox: Too much Caramel @

His eyes skimmed over him, black pupils thin lines. He seemed weak or frail, but his eyes told his age. He looked to Laurent with eyes that had seen kingdoms rise and fall, peoples slaughtered under the red moons. Old as stars and the dust in space. "Hand. Please." He opened his hand, palm up, to take his arm. Min went to talk and Lorre held up a hand without looking over, and both twins went completely silent. Lorre smiled but it brought no comfort or warmth. It was a lie like a dog showing its teeth at its masters command. Claude looked up and got out "N-" before Seán put a hand over his mouth and both started fighting behind Laurents back, from the sound of it Claude being smashed to the floor. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

His smile brought great discomfort, his old eyes setting Laurent at unease. When he demanded the human's hand he only turned his head around to see Claude getting pinned to the floor. Eyes slightly widened he stared for a moment before turning back around to look at Lorre, putting his hand into his with his heart beating quickly in his chest. @Vox: Too much Caramel (edited)

His grip was gentle but strong, bringing Laurent to his mouth. Lorre's teeth popped through his skin with a pouring of venom into his veins. He drank deep and when Laurent wobbled, the twins many arms wrapped around him to keep him up. Lorre's bite completely numbed his arm and made his legs into jelly. Further draws of Lorres drink started to make him ache like the king was twisting up his muscles, letting go when it started to broach on pain. He sunk back into his chair, licking his teeth, the twins keeping Laurent on his feet and cradling his cheek and petting back his hair from his sweaty skin. "Call Corven." He eventually stated and Claude's fight started double, pure panic making him scream. Lorre gently took Laurent into his arms, sitting in his lap, while the twins went to find this person. Lorre's fingers gently stroked Laurents skin and amongst his hair, cradling his cheek. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

What else did Laurent expect from the king to do. Yet running had no use and once Laurent realized what Lorre was doing, eyes widening in shock, it had already been too late. He grit his teeth together wincing when Lorre dug his fangs into his inner arm. It didn't take long until his head started to spin from the blood loss. His arm felt completely numb, suddenly all the powers in his knees vanishing. It was a strange sensation and it made Laurent feel weak. Sweat beaded on his forehead, mouth agape as stuttered groans and pants escaped, his eyes fluttering with white dots coming into his view. It didn't feel as peaceful and slowly pain crept up, twisting his muscles as it slowly became unbearable. Yet Laurent had no energy to fight, barely conscious as the world around him slowly slipped away. He was glad about the hands on his waist that prevented him from falling as he seemed to drift further and further off. The more intense the feel of pain got, the less energy Laurent had to fight, eyes partly rolled back into his head even after Lorre had stopped which made him gasp and completely sink against the Twins. Their touch was soft and soothing, gentle as they cradled his cheek. Laurent was barely conscious when he somehow slipped into Lorre's lap. The screams of Claudes rampage were distant, barely audible as he was only able to perceive the soft touch on his cheek, leaning into it a little as he clawed himself to staying awake. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"Open your eyes." He pet Laurents cheek, thumb running over his cheek bone. "Stay awake lovely." He smiled, beaming and soft in sight. Properly gentle and kind. He laced an arm under Laurents legs lifting him fully into his lap, cradling him close. A woman bent over his face, feeling Laurents forehead. "I want proper samples. Don't cut into him. I want him whole." Lorre ordered, and the woman nodded, lifting Laurent in her arms. The twins followed her, holding tight to Claude with Seán.

@Matcha Latte MJ🍵

The voice was soft and tender, almost comforting. Laurent's eyes fluttered open a little as he heard it, turning his head a little with a breathless groan. He had no energy to move nore fight against how his body was moved. Laurent did not perceive any further words once he felt himself lifted up, slowly sinking back into the state of barely conscious. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He woke on a table naked, only a thin blanket over his lap. His wrists were tied to his thighs with cording. A woman, her soft red hair tied up in a bun, bent over Laurents face. She held his cheeks in soft fingers, smiling demure. "Good morning." Her voice was soft and gentle like rain, a quiet rumble of thunder. "It's alright. I won't hurt you." She reassured, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "I love you very much. You brought back my Claude. I'm grateful to you." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

He opened his eyes to the feel of cold air on his exposed skin. He blinked tired, trying to recollect what happened and where he was until he felt the restriction that bound his arms. He felt the energy to move again, looking down his body to see how he was bound. Immediately he tried to wiggle him himself free, but it had no use. After a moment of struggling, he put his head back down and closing his eyes, huffing and when he looked up, this woman was there. Laurent immediately stiffened, holding his breath as he stared up at her, disgusted by the way she talked and mentioned Claude like he was some dog who had escaped his owner. "Then let me go. Now." Laurent pressed those words lightly through his teeth, fighting against his restrictions again with the energy that had returned to his body. He couldn't explain why his body felt so refreshed despite what had happened. All that he knew now was that he did not feel as shitty as before, but he was still in danger. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"I'm sotty but I can't." She held his chin, putting a hand over one of his eyes and pulling it away testing his reflection. She did the other, and scrawled something down on a pad of paper he couldn't see above his head. "Open your mouth." She ordered fingers tugging to open his chin. She'd moved to the side of the table turning his face to her. "Or ill break your jaw to do it." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Laurent gave the woman a spiteful glance as she, of course, declined his offer, trying to pull away as she did her tests and once she tucked on his chin. His eyes widened a little in shock at the threat of hers, pressing his teeth shut for a moment while staring angrily. Yet after some time, Laurent scoffed, slowly loosening the pressure to open his mouth a little, hopefully enough for her to not break his jaw. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"All the way." She stated firmly, looking at his teeth and throat. Her fingers pressed under his jaw feeling him. "Bare your teeth." She showed him what she wanted, writing down further information. "Do you have illnesses of any kind you know of?" She set into her seat with a pad of paper, drawing and writing. "What is your age?" @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

It wasn't hard for Laurent to barr his teeth at her since he already felt the spite to do so. "No." He replied coldly to her question of illness. "I'm 26, but I don't see what this is supposed to do now." He huffed pissed at her, looking up at the ceiling. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"You look good for your age." She patted his face. Someone groaned and drew Laurents eyes sideways. Claude was bent over a bucket like an Ill man, wearing only pants. His back was a rippled mess of scars, and fresh wounds weeping blood. She'd ripped out parts of his hair, bruises purpling his ribs and back and legs. She sighed softly picking up a large metal post and a hammer, putting it to the back of his neck, and driving it through. Claude choked clawed hands digging at the back of his neck trying to get grip. She left him flailing to take Laurents pulse. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

He only pulled his face away at her touch but Laurent's gaze got quickly caught by something else. The humans eyes widened in shock when he saw Claude in this truly miserable state bent over the bucket and "What the fuck are you doing to him!? Get away from him!" He didn't knew he was yelling until the final words left his lips. Laurent didn't know why he'd said that, why he spoke up for Claude, but he did with the rope around his wrists now digging even deeper into his skin. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"He won't die. He's incapable unless I destroy his brain." She went to his table, gripping his mouth to silence him. Her fingers dug to his cheeks. "I do not like loud brats." She sighed softly, bending over his face fingers tight on his cheeks. "The only reason I don't cut out your throat is Lorre wants you in one piece." Corvin let go to look over her racks of tools, eventually picking up a vial. "I'm supposed to put a tracker and return you." She sighed, resting her arms on the table, holding the glass. "But what fun is that?" She pushed up and sat on the table, holding Laurents hair, unscrewing the vial with her other hand. "Open your mouth." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

A muffled groan came from behind the hand on his mouth, wincing at the pain of her sharp fingers digging into his cheeks. Laurent took a deep breath once she let go of his mouth, glaring at her in disgust from her words and actions and watching her carefully as she approached with the vile in her hand. He winced, glaring daggers at her as she forced his head back with a grip in his hair, turning his head aside as much as he could and keeping his mouth shut. It probably wasn't the smartest decision, but at least Laurent knew that he had to survive thanks to Lorre. This woman was just a sadistic maniac. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"You can open your mouth or I'll put it in your eye." She warned, cross and grabbing his hair tighter to pull it back. "Do not test my patience." She held the vial in his eyesight, a twisting red tendril coiling about the inside, "Or I'll let it make its own decision but it tends to like invading through the nose or ears and make you deaf. Rip through the skin to get where it desires. Normally I'd never place one in a human but Lorre demanded me." She sighed softly watching the little worm twist as if it were a thing of beauty, a thing to be awed. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

His eyes widened in horror from what actually was in that vile, shocked on how it was an actual living thing that was supposed to be placed inside him. None of the given options sounded very enticing. He did not want to swallow it, nore become deaf. Laurent then decided for the option that seemed the least painful, opening his mouth after mumbling a few courses under his breath. @Vox: Too much Caramel

She smiled and let it down his throat, covering his mouth to keep him from coughing it back up. His throat burned like he had chugged alcohol. Cutting down his throat and red-hot. Metal scorching his throat and getting worse with every cough or swallow. The burn sunk low to his chest, then faded away, leaving his throat raw. He could taste blood on the back of his tongue. "Good boy." She smiled petting his cheek with soft fingers. "Wasn't that bad now was it." She rolled to sit on top of his stomach, pinning his arms with her legs. She wrapped a hand around his throat, holding like she was debating. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

The pain was unbearable. To Laurent it felt as if he was swallowing hot sharp shards of glass that sliced his insides open the deeper it went down his throat. He was screaming, wailing ling in agony with tears streaming down his face. It was a torture that after the pain was gone, it left Laurent with no energy to fight, not even when Corvin rolled on top of him and grabbed him by the throat. Laurent just stared into the void with no power left to fight or talk, only to breathe in weak horse breaths. @Vox: Too much Caramel

She rolled her eyes swinging her legs off the table, tsking pulling out a drawer. "I know he said don't cut, but...." She spun with a scalpel popping out a hip, "I'm bored." Laurent had found one of the ropes had loosened, having more ability to move. Corvin was briefly distracted by Claude moving, making soft sounds, turning her back to the table. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Laurent only recognized that Corvin moved down from him as he felt the pressure on his chest ease. He couldn't focus his eyes on anything around him, barely able to move. The loose rope on his right arm didn't help. Laurent had no energy to fight or escape. Unable to free himself, he only shifted a little with an empty groan, his world about to dip into darkness. @Vox: Too much Caramel

Soft hands caught him softly so his head didn't smack down, cradling his head. Soft coos meant to calm. "It's okay little one." He was gently lifted from the table held close. One of the two were screaming, the other holding a hand over one of his ears the other to his chest. He was gently lifted from the ground, a blanket wrapped around him. "It's okay..." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Still barely clawing onto his consciousness, Laurent felt his body moved again. He felt their hands on his body, against his ears, their beating heart against the other. At the soft reassuring coo's, Laurent let his eyes close, finally loosing this battle as his world turned dark once more. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He woke this time in a bed, and above him was a painting of the sky on the ceiling. Split down the middle of day and night, but a dragon twisting between both times. "Do lavender." "No honey. Lavender causes pain." "No its for sleep." "Either way its not the pick." "Fuck off." "Bastard." Both were making something, each hands moving with perfect practiced fluidity. Long black hair lined with brown and copper hung in sheets like tapestries. "Hes awake." One sing songed. "I know. Hush." "But." "No. Let him rest." Their room was an wild mess of collections. Things from the east, art supplies, books.

@Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Slowly Laurent became conscious again. This time when he opened his eyes, he was greeted with a pretty pictures above him. A pleasant and beautiful sight. When he turned his head with a small groan he was able to see the twins with their back turned to him. Their voices sounded still pretty far away and hollow and so Laurent just rested in his bed, not having the energy to take in the inviroment around him. His body was still aching, throat burning and he had a massive headache. Laurent couldn't help but feel weak... @Vox: Too much Caramel

The left gently cradled Laurents head and adjusted how he laid in bed while his brother adjusted the blankets, sitting carefully besides him. They carefully helped him sit up to drink from the shallow bowl they held, helping ease his sliced up throat. Their hands were gentle and careful, laying him back gently into the pillows. "It's alright." One smiled as the other focused on setting the bowl up on the table behind. "I'm sorry I didn't come sooner. You weren't supposed to feel anything of this." Min said softly, Kay ignoring them both. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

The care of the Twins somehow eased Laurents pain. They were gentle, carefully lifting the bowl up enough for him to drink slolwy. The pain in his throat started to get a little less when he got laid back down, a small groan escaping his lips from the movement in his body. "Really? Why did your king send me there in the first place then?" Laurent spoke slowly with croaky voice. Talking hurt like a bitch so when all those words were said, he was glad when he could stay silent again. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"She wasn't supposed to wake you." Kay grit his teeth enraged and Min sighed softly trying to soothe him. "It's alright. Seán already raised hell." Min chuckled softly shaking his head, ringing out water from a rag to gently wipe down Laurents face. "You're safe with us." Min promised and his words seemingly sunk heavy in Laurents mind. Pure truth. "Go back to sleep. We will take care of you." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Laurent only chuckled faintly at the note of one twin and how he wasn't supposed to wake up and how John would've already avenged him. He sighed softly at the feel of the moist rag that caressed over his face. It somehow helped him relax even more You are safe... Those words filled Laurents mind, setting his mind and breathing at ease. He could barely keep his eyes open at this point and when the Twins told him he could do so, he was out as quick like a blown out candle. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He woke to both of them asleep, and he quickly realized separate but still snuggled close enough together to fool at first. Min was awake but visibly sleepy, wrapped up in a dark blue robe. "How are you feeling?" He whispered softly gently reaching to pet Laurents cheek. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Stirring in his dreamless sleep a little, Laurent blinked awake slowly to see the Twins sleeping beside him. Blinking several times to make sure that he saw right, the confusion on Laurent's face was evident. "Wha- weren't you..." Laurent asked sleepily when he saw the Twins having two separate bodies now. How was that even possible? @Vox: Too much Caramel

"Kay wiggles around too much." Min chuckled softly, "We are separate twins. But we prefer to be together." He smiled faintly face set sleepily amongst his arms. Gently he tucked a palm to Laurents cheek, thumb skimming his face. "You look much better." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

To Laurent, those twins were only one... or well, two big mysteries at this point. "Why do you like to share one body then?" He asked honestly. Sleepily, Laurent leaned into their soft touch. He needed someone to be close to him, someone... Then it dawned on him, slowly pictures of the laboratory returning to him to remember him about one person. "Where is Claude?" Laurent asked, this time more serious. He had to know what happened to Claude after remembering his terrible state. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"Hes in the garden to heal. It's okay." He reassured with a little smile. "He was awake when I last saw him." He shifted a little in bed making a soft sound as he adjusted. "Just try to sleep." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Hearing that Claude seemed to be alright filled Laurent with a sort of relief besides the pain in his body. When the Twins instructed him to lay back down, he tried to sit himself up with a grunt. "No I- I have to get back to him." Laurent groaned a little, wincing at the pain in his body and throat. He had to get back to him, to get away from here, out of this bed. Laurent didn't know why, but he just had to... @Vox: Too much Caramel

Min smacked his brother to get up and Kay groaned annoyed, "Go alone." Min tsked pushing up in bed and slipping his feet into slippers. He helped a still naked Laurent into another blue robe, "I can carry you..." He offered softly. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

With Min's help, Laurent got out of bed, not minding that they saw him naked. "It's- it's okay. I can do it." Laurent waved Min off, taking a few steps towards the door before suddenly his feet gave away, making his knees buckle and almost trip. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He let go but caught him before he could fall, picking him up to walk. "You can be carried or left here." He warned. He carried him through the halls, Laurent set on his arm. Pushing open a door and they stepped down into grass. There was seemingly no roof, just an expanse of night sky and a full moon. A loose forest surrounded them, silent and without wind, and in the center was a massive twisting tree. He padded quietly across the grass amongst the sparse trees, heading for the center. A little boy peaked from the trees and Min offered his hand to him, the kid joining their travels. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

With a tired grumble, Laurent let himself swoop up and carry through the halls until they reached this huge door. Pushing it open, Laurents eyes were able to focus to see this beautiful forest with the nightly firmament spreading over them like a fairytale. It was a peaceful night. Laurent couldn't really belive that this place must be inside the castle. His eyes were caught quickly by the large twisted tree in the center. In the dim shine of the moonlight, it looked even magical. Laurent almost hadn't noticed the little boy who joined their walk. "Is he...?" Laurent shifted his attention back onto Min, his gaze a little confused where this boy was coming from and if he was just allowed to wander the garden. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"Hes the son of one of Lorre's friends. They leave him here sometimes because we can take care of them while they work." Min smiled, letting the boy run away giggling. His robe trailing in the grass he carried Laurent under the arch of the trees twisting roots and underground. The caverns were lit by flickering electric light. They passed arched doorways, unlit so Laurent couldn't see inside, but the one they did step into was bright. Claude was stretched out on a cot, a wild multitude of bandages wrapped around him. Tables were ladened with medications and bowls, pestles and mortars. The little boy had followed them down and crawled onto the bed by Claude. "Mr. Lorre told me to make sure he keeps breathin'." He said proudly and Min smiled. "You been doing a good job." Min pet his hair. Claudes wounds were hidden by bandages, but he was still asleep, the heavy permanent damage of his face visible. His hair was still matted with blood, his skin flat and gray. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

What Min told him came certainly unexpected. That Lorre had such close connections to humans seemed odd to him in a sense. Laurent's amazement only grew once he realized that the tree held an even bigger secret to it, looking up at how the roots twisted over their heads while Min carried him further down the stairs, below and into the roots of this ancient tree. Those caverns beneath had to be ancient. Laurent twisted his head in curiosity to try and look into the open arched doorways but they were too dark to look into, except for one. That was the one Min and the little boy were heading for. Laurents eyes widened in shock when he saw the condition Claude was in. An unexplainable anger and rage started to boil inside Laurent's chest at the sight of him. It all had to be this strange doctor's doing... "What did she do to him? Why..." Laurent asked, his voice a bare whisper, unable to take his eyes off the unconscious, seemingly barely alive Claude. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"Lorre needs her. She's the only few lords awake and semi sane. She understands this tree and... Claude is the price. She was given him to have to let out her stress on." Min sighed softly, helping Claude adjust in the bed sow the blankets weren't balled under his legs. "Hes only known Corvin. None of us are supposed to even talk to him but Seán does." Min got up, filling a small bowl with water and combing through his hair to clean out the blood. "I've never said more than a few words." He said softly, guilt obvious in his shaking hands. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Min's answer shook Laurent to the core. He couldn't believe what this vampire just said. He was talking about Claude like he was worthless, a mere object. A puppet not to be spoken to. "This is madness." Laurent whispered, his faint voice and glare filled with disgust as he leaned against the doorway, watching Min take care of him. "How can you just stand there and watch him suffer without saying anything? What did he do to deserve being treated like this?" Now his inner rage began to seep through into his voice. @Vox: Too much Caramel

"Because I am selfish. I do not want that pain. If my skull is crushed I die. He cannot. It is his role. Just as mine is to care for Lorre." He said softly, "I didn't say it was fair or even." He shook his head, sighing softly, carefully tugging knots from Claudes hair. He stirred and realized who was cleaning his hair and shoved at Min to get him away, claws catching him across the lip. Min backed away, holding his lip, Claude panting with pain, holding his throat. His pale eyes welled with tears, unable to focus to see. "Min. Min is that boy ok. The one who came with us. Is he ok?" He asked with stuttering, sudden welling panic. Please be okay Laurent... @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

As Min's explaination nourished Laurent's rage, the pity and sorrow he felt towards Claude made itself more evident as well. Nobody deserved a life, no, a existence like this. Just as Laurent was about to go off at Min again to demand more answers, he flinched a bit at the sudden action of the now conscious Claude. He looked weak, vulnerable with the tears beginning to roll over his cheeks. It took Laurent a moment to realize who Claude was asking for. When it dawned on him, he didn't know what to say at first. That was his first question? If Laurent was okay? "I- I'm here." Laurent brought those few words out with a sore throat, remaining leaned against the arch for this moment. @Vox: Too much Caramel

His head snapped to track the sound and reached out to him, silently crying. "Are you ok? Im sorry I couldn't protect you from her. I'm so sorry I dragged you into my mess. I was selfish..." He sobbed, the breaths hurting his chest from the wounds. "Please..." He whimpered hand still outstretched. @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

Seeing this broken man reach out with his hand towards Laurent, apologizing with all the regret in his voice was like a sting in his chest. His gaze filled unnoticeably with a softness he didn't know he felt for Claude. Yet it took Laurent a short moment to step forward and take this man's hand in both of his. "I'm here. I'm okay..." Laurent tried to calm him down, even giving him a little soft smile. He didn't say that ge had forgiven him yet or that it had been okay, but his heat couldn't bear to see Claude in this helpless state. @Vox: Too much Caramel

He relaxed being able to feel his hands, pressing his fingers to his forehead. "I'm sorry I brought you into this mess." He said softly. "Are you in one piece?" He asked softly, blinking hard. "I cannot see very well right now." @Matcha Latte MJ🍵

"I am. But honestly, I don't feel or look any better than you do." Laurent chuckled dryly before he sat down besides him with a small groan. "How are you feeling? Besides the pain..." @Vox: Too much Caramel