iFain
MeruleAlexi hardly hears what the vampire has to say as a short, low, but intense level of anger passes into his system, igniting the feelings that had receded for now into a white hot flame. He lets out a small whine, his fingers digging into Joseph's shoulders, but he says nothing. The anger is fleeting, but the chain reaction inside his body is enough to make him need Joseph for support. The pain rolls over him, crashing into him and leaving him quite lost. When at last him mind begins functioning again he slowly sinks down to sit at the table again. He doesn't look at Erik, but he doesn't appear upset in any way.
'I know he did not mean to do that, and I do not blame him for feeling that way. I only spoke as I know Joseph would actually take seriously. If I had tried to tell him he has all the rights I do, at least in this house, he would have baulk, I know him. . .' Sighing softly he goes back to eating, his eyes almost closed as he works his way through the molten lead that is Eirk's negativity.
Joseph turned back to Master Alexi and took his hand, supporting him and guiding him back to sit down at the table to eat. It immediately clicked in his mind what had probably caused the reaction from Erik. The phrasing Alexi used. He probably found it offensive. He thinks I'm like the others. He doesn't realize that I deserve this, he thought.
“I'm not apologizing for that,” Erik muttered, which only caused Joseph to shoot him a rather annoyed look.
Chuckling lightly Alexi nibbles at his greens, “And I would never expect you to. You are free to feel your feelings, and are not at fault for them.” His voice is soft, almost a whisper. “Everyone is allowed to feel, because feelings are a natural part of being alive. . .I wonder what that makes me?” He falls silent, getting the feeling that such flighty and philosophical ideology is not Erik's cup of tea.
"A freak?" Erik teased, picking back at his food. "But an enviable one. I'd trade my life for yours any day. Lacking strong emotions has a lot of perks, right along with living in the lap of luxury." Joseph found himself glaring at Erik again, but merely pursed his lips.
“Maybe. . .”Alexi murmurs, looking up at Joseph. “About before, about how it would hurt you. . .I. . .can not understand it, but I thank you for letting me know. It will hopefully help me start puzzling out this enigma of emotions rolling around inside of me.” Reaching up a hand he pats Joseph's arm. “Not that I ever would replace you. You are unique and irreplaceable in my eyes.” He smiles and goes back to eating, looking over at Erik. 'I wonder what else I could possibly say to set him off. After all, I was trying to be nice there. . .'
Joseph smiled weakly, but there was a brightness behind his eyes that he had not allowed himself since Masters Mois and Alexi had been children. “Thank you, Master,” he replied, bowing as usual.
When both Erik and Alexi were finished eating, Joseph took the trays and left the room, closing and locking the door behind him.
“If you're such a kind master who loves him so much, then why does he act like a freakin' lost puppy?” Erik asked.
As soon as they are finished eating and Joseph is gone, Erik poses a question he knows is a long time coming. Not bothering to move from his spot on the ground the human stretches, curing and uncurling his toes. “Joseph is one of the first hard broken slaves, and while he has never spoken much on the experience, I have researched my family history. The man who broke him lost a child to Joseph, so I imagine the breaking was beyond brutal.” His voice is still soft, but now out of sadness for his beloved foster father. “And since then he has been broken, over and over again. Five hundred years of breaking will leave one rather broken, do you not agree?”
“I suppose you're right,” Erik replied, shivering a little at the idea of anyone remaining a slave for so long, regardless of what he had done. “I can see why you couldn't help him. But why can't you give him your antidote? At least start the healing process?”
Looking down Alexi curls up, wrapping his arms around his legs as he tucks them against his chest.
“Joseph will not accept freedom easily, and I will not order him to take it. He will be free, in his own time.” He looks at the floor, not really seeing it. “As to why I have not started the healing process. . .I need him like this. If I had started long ago trying to help him, he would not have been what I need him to be.” He glaces at Erik. “I need the perfect slave at my side right now, not a free thinking vampire. At least, not another one.”
“So you've let him suffer that much longer, just for the sake of your plan,” Erik retorted. But then he paused for a moment and turned back. “What do you need the perfect slave for?”
“To be my hand and follow my will. To be my tool where I need one and to follow my orders without question should I order it.” He keeps his eyes down, not wanting to see Erik's face as he reveals the colder side of himself. “Right now, even with permission to speak his mind, if I give him an order, he will follow it. Even if he wants to fight it, he can not do it for long, and he cares about me, so it is unlikely he will even try in most things. Mois may be devoted to me, but it still sometimes takes hours to talk him into certain things. Joseph, he will accept orders without them being explained to him.” Letting out a soft sigh he settles his chin on his knees. “Joseph is an extension of my will.”
“And you need him badly enough that its worth leaving him in that kind of pain, just to get what you want from him? I imagine he would follow you either way for a time, so his broken obedience is truly that important?”
Alexi smiles sadly. “Yes.”
Erik nodded, “Okay then. There's no point in fighting you on it. It's not like I have any choice here either. That being said, I've seen what potion breaking does to people. This collar is incredibly humane in comparison. And from the sound of it, Joseph will have a long road to recovery ahead of him, even after he takes the antidote.”
Alexi nods, yawning. Glancing at the door he murmurs, “I think I will go check on Riley now. Elaria will have your computer done by tomorrow morning so I will have Joseph bring it to you after I review it with her.” Uncurling he stands, stretching, looking to Erik to see if he has anything to say before he heads out. He is glad that the emotions coming out of Erik are mild, even if they are generally negative. 'I think I shall spend some time before I fall asleep trying to work through some of this jumble'
The vampire nodded and sighed. “Back to work, I suppose,” he muttered, looking back at the piles of papers with disdain. “I think I'd make a terrible slave. I'm much too lazy for the job,” he joked, glancing over at Alexi before sitting back down at the disheveled desk.
Alexi chuckles. “That is not what would make you a horrid slave Erik. . .” he murmurs, heading out and locking the door behind him. Once more he walks into Riley's room to find more plant growth than when last he was there, and the glow of the flowers surrounding the little critter the only source of light in the room. The M'Tinak glances at Alexi when he peeks into his little nest but instead of grumping about it this time he seems to accept it as a sign that the human simply wants to make sure he's okay.
In a sleepy whisper he mumbles, “Wanna go outside. . .”
Alexi sighs softly, “If you want to go out tomorrow, I will take you, but if I lose sight of you I shall have to put you to sleep, okay?” Riley grumbles but agrees, conking back out before the door to his room even closes. Once back in his own room Alexi goes over to his bed quietly, flipping the lights off after he's sure Erik has his head light, and settling in comfortably. At first he doesn't want to even glance at that dark pit inside of him, a part of him reasoning that soon enough it will go away and all he'll have to deal with is the minute by minute feelings of the vampire when they are in the same room instead of carrying around this painful void, but with a half smile to himself in the dark he knows he's going to at least try.
As he brushes over the mass here and there, like a child petting a dog doesn't know if it will bite or not, he feels the sting of self loathing, of righteous anger, and the low down ache of being unsure of oneself. It is this last one that befuddles him the most. He knows what it is, he understands it's normal for most people, but in his mind it is pointless. 'Not believing in one's self is a great way to set yourself up to fail. I know I am insanely lucky that my life has worked out the way it has, but I can not help but think that I must be doing something right other than just being lucky. . .' Having enough to think about now Alexi lets himself drift away, his breath smoothing out into a low faint rhythm.
~*~*~*~*~
Panting heavily at the end of his run Mois looks up at the mansion from the back garden. Nearby in the pool the new arrivals stare at him with wide eyes, having watched him pass several times already that evening. The disowned master of the house stares intently at the second floor, towards the blank stretch of wall he knows was put up after their father's death so Alexi could have complete darkness as he sleeps. 'He said if he was ever to be attacked in his sleep again he'd rather die never knowing his killer's face. . .That man messed him up so badly. . .Hurt him. . .So much. . . .' With a long sigh that makes the nymphs duck a little lower into the water Mois walks away, taking up a leisurely pace to get back to his own little dark room and after a hot shower, head to bed.
Elaria turned away from her computer with a scowl on her face. This SHOULD be working. I can't find what would possibly be causing that bug... I wrote it as a security browser plug-in, but I don't see what I could have messed up. Groaning, she turned to her new friend who was standing behind her, staring over her shoulder intently. She knew full well he was teaching himself to read English, but she also knew she did not have time to properly teach him at the moment. This task for Master Alexi was proving difficult enough.
Taking a short break, she turned to her new lover and grinned. Taking his hand, she hugged him deeply and clung tightly to him. Perhaps some quick fun will relax me enough to help me fix this, she reasoned, her smile turning a little mischievous. Within five minutes, the pair had transformed and disappeared into their underground home.
In contrast with his statement about himself, Erik worked through the new information quickly. Then he began drafting a list of missions he needed to plan and other information that would be required for each one. It was about an very nearly dawn by the time he finally dragged himself to the bed and allowed himself to nod off.
~*~*~
Joseph looked over his own documents and began drafting the schedules for the next week. He found several candidates who might not mind taking just a few extra hours of his more menial work for now. In the past, he had always put the most on himself, and added in a minimum of 20-30 hours of cleaning or yard work, just to be sure he did not appear “superior” to the other slaves. But starting this next week, he independently chose to delegate that to several other slaves, so that he could have more time to sleep and help Master Alexi with any other problems that arose. It was just a matter of determining who could take the shifts.
Only a few hours after Erik nods off Alexi wakes with a light noise, rolling about under his covers. He hisses lightly at the sting from his wounds but he does his best to keep it down just in case the vampire wishes to stay sleeping. Once he is fully stretched and awake he crawls out of bed, snatching up his phone to check his schedule and biting back a groan as he sees he has to leave the house today. Crawling slowly out of bed he uses a few slightly scented oils in lieu of taking a bath, as he is not really filthy at all, and heads to his wardrobe. After a few minutes he picks out a more subdued outfit than usual and puts it on slowly.
Making sure to stay quite he glances at the vampire from around the open door of his wardrobe and smiles softly before heading out to meet the day. 'Or at least my breakfast' he muses, making his way slowly down the stairs. And towards the dining room. His feelings are rather subdued for the moment, his mind on the matter at hand of breakfast and meeting with Elaria afterward. He comes in just as Mois' meal is placed before him and with a slightly startled look the middle aged shape shifter hurries off to get Alexi's. The master of the house simply smiles and gives his brother a hug before taking his seat across from the shorter male. The two share a comfortable silence, one of soft understanding they have when there are others around.
Breakfast is a quiet affair and once the food is all gone from their plates the siblings share one last embrace before Mois heads out and Alexi heads up. Once in his study he smiles as the drake is already waiting for him. Her own smile is not one she normally wears, and in fact he's does not recall ever seeing it before but as he recalls his drake lore he decides against asking about it. Elaria notices the way he drops his gaze a chuckles. As soon as the door is closed she's on her feet and setting up the laptop on Alexi's desk, patting his arm as he passes. Her face lights up in a very recognizable smile now and for the following hour the two of them delve into all the facts and figures, her doing some last minute tweaks to the functions. Once it is all figured out Alexi praises Elaria for her magnificent job before texting Joseph that he can pick it up and deliver it.
“Unless he's a master hacker, your rebel won't find a way around my programming. But just in case he does try something, I have a few magical safeguards in place, including one that will alert me if he's making a serious and dangerous attempt to circumvent the program. Minor attempts and snooping won't alert me, because honestly, I wrote it figuring that he would try,” Elaria commented once she had finished her edits.
“What does the rebel have to do with this, Master Alexi?” she asked curiously.
Nodding happily at her forethought Alexi settles back into his chair rather than sitting on the edge of it as he had been doing throughout the entire discussion. He glares at her slightly for using that particular word which causes her to smirk sheepishly at him. “My guest is being far more cooperative than initially anticipated and due to this cooperation I am able to move forward with this side plot of mine a bit more quickly than initially predicted.” He sighs softly, steepling his fingers in front of him. A concerned expression crosses Elaria's face however she stay silent, wondering if he has anything more to add.
'I can tell he's been having some major ups and downs recently, the signs of it all over the mansion and reflected in his ever present right hand vamp, but it's not like the whole thing's come crashing down. That would have had much more noticeable results' she muses silently, leaning up against his desk.
In a very soft voice he says simply, “I am sharing the experience with him Elaria, and his has my quite out of sorts sometimes. . .”
She is shocked to say the least, ready to deck him as she knows he's nowhere near the best candidate to “Share” in such an experience, but instead of that she simply sinks her head town on to the desk and bangs it a few times. An unintelligible noise comes from her throat which he's come to recognize as “Idiot” in drake and he smiles wide, as she is the only one with the guts to call him that aside form his brother.
“Yes, I know, not the smartest thing to do. . .” he murmurs, smiling at the top of her head since it's all he can see while she bangs her head a few more times.
“You can't handle the emotions of another, Master Alexi. Your mind is not accustomed to it. In your natural state, you have the emotional range of a teaspoon. And I'm not sure that its the best way for you to spend your last -” Elaria cut herself off. “Was it the only way to get him to cooperate?”
It was just then that Joseph knocked lightly on the door and entered the study to retrieve the laptop.
Alexi smiles gently. “No, not the only way, but most definitely the most humane.” He looks down at his hands, no shame in his voice as he says, “I could have tortured him by drawing it out, telling him nothing, and just getting it done the way I intended, but this. . .” He chuckles. “And I see you give me less credit than I give myself. I at least think I could fill a teacup.” He smiles at the drake. “It may be the second most unpleasant thing I have ever been through, but I am enjoying it none the less.”
Elaria is about to respond to this, trying to wrap her head around that last statement, however just then there is a knock ad the door opens. She looks over at Joseph and watches as Alexi snaps the laptop shut, handing it over to Joseph. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the vampire knows likely more than she about this situation and for a moment she considers yelling at him. However after a moment her anger vanishes, toward Joseph at least. 'He's the perfect slave. He also loves Alexi a lot. He's already in enough pain over this, I'm sure' So instead she gives him a sympathetic look and gestures to Alexi with her eyes before rolling them. “This guy, huh?” she asks playfully, knowing full well she's likely not to get any real honest answer.
Joseph took the laptop in his arms and bowed, just as Elaria was speaking to him. But he could only allow himself to grimace slightly towards her. “I cannot speak ill of my master,” he muttered. However, something about the way he spoke those words definitely implied agreement with the sentiment.
Elaria grinned, turned back to Alexi, reached across the desk, and took his right hand in both of hers. Her eyes closed and her grin was gone in an instant. “Powerful, even by most creatures' standards,” she muttered, gritting her teeth slightly. “So much underlying pain, and he's not even feeling particularly strongly right now. Minimal proximity, and its only the second dose. You are very brave to suffer this, just for his trust, Master Alexi.” And I know Joseph is keeping a close eye on this. Poor dear, having to watch his son go through this hell. As if their lives haven't been hard enough already.
Alexi chuckles at the little exchange between the drake and the vampire, making sure to give Joseph an extra smile so he knows he doesn't mind him agreeing with her. When Elaria reaches out to him he almost pulls back, not needing her knowing just how much he's being affected by Erik's input. He looks at her hard for a moment before sighing and allowing her to take his hand. 'She knows my resolve. She knows this will not affect the plan. All she can do is glare at me disapprovingly' He smiles at her honestly, tilting his head to the side cutely.
“It is for more than that now. I must say, one of my less calculated moves, however the only danger here is to myself, and I am willing to put up with the bad here if it will help this all get done sooner.” Her eyes flash in sadness for a moment but then she nods firmly. Of the two people who know what's coming, she is the one that actually agrees with him most. She approves of what he's planning, even if she will be quite sad to see him go. Pulling back her hands she rolls her eyes once more before taking her leave of him. Turing to Joseph he smile lightly and waves that he should take the laptop to Erik now.
Once the vampire is also gone Alexi drops his head to the desk, riding out another wave of negativity before dragging himself up to Riley's room to check on the little guy. The little guy greets him in the usual manner and as soon as Alexi can sit up again he stills. The light grin on his face fades as the M'Tinak looks at him seriously. “What is it Riley?” he murmurs softly.
“You smell different, something changed. Smelled it last night, but I was sleepy.” He mutters, leaning in to sniff at Alexi's face. Alexi brushes the boy's hair back with a smile and nods.
“Yes, something changed, but it was not bad.” He pauses as Riley glares. “Alright, it was and is bad because it hurts, but the ends and goal are not a bad thing.” Riley huffs at this but accepts the answer. Soon he is dragging the master of the house over to a new set of flowers that have begin growing along the top of the now rather lopsided bureau in one corner. After praising it's beauty however Alexi has to leave the little guy, promising him once more to bring him outside. “We shall have a picnic with Elaria and her new friend.” Riley squeals happily and goes over to a patch of ferns to tell them the good news. To most people this would look crazy, but as he knows the relation between M'Tinak and plant life he can't help but just find it cute.
Uwin has the car ready when he reaches the garage and as he slips into his seat Alexi texts Elaria that plan.
-I am going to take the M'Tinak out back for a picnic today and I want you there. I need you there just in case. Even with a sleeper collar and his trust, the call of the wild beyond the wall may be overwhelming. Bring your friend if you like.-
The following hour is spent getting to the new slave device shop he is suppose to be inspecting today, the trail of cars after him a few choice slaves who will be helping him install security strips. Made at home they have a double purpose, but for now they will help the workers feel safe from attack. Even after the missile attack there is very little change in Alexi's stock as there is always a need for slave devices. This particular store will be selling the fashionable and tasteful stuff used on slaves that are dragged around in public, stuff that blends with slave outfits or even normal clothing.
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Erik nodded and smiled, “Excellent,” he said brightly, and paced around the room a bit as Alexi finished getting dressed. He did not bother asking for a shirt, and decided he did not particularly need one that day. Besides, if he wanted a bit more covering, there was always the silk robes. It was not as though he was going to see anyone besides Alexi and Joseph.
It was just then that the elder vampire walked in, carrying a tray of food and a first aid kit. Though as usual, he kept it well-hidden, he appeared a bit haggard, as he had only slept a mere three hours the previous night. This was becoming a disturbing habit.
“Good morning, Master Alexi, Erik,” Joseph announced, somehow managing to open the bedroom door with his hands full. “Is everyone ready for the next dose?”
Slipping on his socks and shoes Alexi decides to stop there, rolling up his sleeve in anticipation of what's going to happen. He's back to being a little nervous, but over all very happy and positive towards Erik. 'This time, it will hit just as hard, and open up a small small channel in our emotions. It will be very little, and mostly beneath notice, but with how strongly Erik feels every now and then, I am sure I will be able to sense it when we are close'
Humming softly he smiles, watching the man pace until the door opens to reveal Joseph looking beat. Alexi sighs softly at the sight, biting his lip gently as he worries for the vampire. 'He should be more careful I do not like the idea of him working himself so hard. I would say working himself to death, but I am not sure the is possible. . .' He smiles warmly at the man, nodding gently as he shows off his rolled up sleeve.
Erik nodded and sat down next to Alexi in preparation for Joseph to take the blood. Joseph calmly removed a syringe and took the younger vampire's blood first, and mixed the potion for Alexi, handing it to him. Then, he also took his master's blood, and repeated the process for Erik's potion.
“Together this time?” Erik asked, turning to face the human and meeting his eyes.
Alexi turns away as his blood is being drawn, having seen enough of his blood leaving his body in the past few days. Despite not wanting to watch he remains calm and happy, his admiration for Erik strong and pure. Or, at least as strong as it can be from someone like Alexi. When at last it's done he presses the swab down and waits for Joseph to finish mixing in the potion. He watches Joseph hand the vial back to Erik and smiles. Taking his little cup he raises it in a “cheers” motion before downing it quickly. He makes a face at the taste of blood, handing the cup to Joseph and taking a slow breath, waiting for the feelings to set in.
Erik took his shot of the potion at the same time as Alexi. He found the taste much more pleasant, but of course, that was to be expected from a vampire.
At the moment, his emotions were muted, pushed to the back of his mind to focus on the task at hand. Still, he could not push away the fear and doubts he had about this whole plan, the paranoid fear that perhaps this was all some trick. He was beginning to trust Alexi, but years of hatred and mistrust for him, his family, and the people who held his position would not completely disappear in two days of heartfelt conversations. There was still a feeling that he was betraying himself and those he loved by doing this, but it was tempered by a determination to overcome his innate distrust and go through with it, on the belief that it would be for the greater good.
Behind the forefront of his mind, Erik could not overcome the embarrassment and humiliation he felt upon being captured in the first place, regardless of how much planning it took for Alexi and Mois to pull it off. It was also clear that being trapped in this room was making him frustrated and stir-crazy. There was an ever-present need to be able to exercise, run around, do things, anything besides being trapped here. Even with the plans to work on, he still felt – well, trapped.
When at last Erik's emotions hit him Alexi keels over on to his knees. Despite the much lower level of emotion this time, the complexity, the rush of so many different feelings all together takes his breath away and makes him sick to his stomach. His head begins to pound and he curls in around his middle, his head almost on the floor as his arms cross tightly over his chest. He begins to cry quietly, trying desperately to come to terms with all the different emotions. The doubt, the humiliation, the caged feelings all conflicting directly with his natural state of mind. Even the small flickers of trust do nothing to lessen the blow of such alien feelings.
Joseph could do nothing as he watched his beloved master fall to the ground with the pain of Erik's emotions. He could not help but glance up at the younger vampire with a confused and condemning look before realizing that it was not really Erik's fault. He could not control how he was feeling. The fact that Master Alexi could not control those emotions probably had more to do with his own madness.
Silently, Joseph knelt down and looked into Master Alexi's eyes. “Look at me, young Master. Breathe deeply and focus on my eyes, away from the storm,” he requested softly, touching the man's shoulder. “Let us place you on the couch and get some food into you. I asked the kitchens to make spiced oatmeal and hot tea with your omelet, so that you would have something soft and warm in case this happened.”
Erik just looked on in a sad confusion. Though Alexi had explained it, he still wished he could do something to alleviate the human's pain. But he also could not just stop feeling entirely.
In stark contrast to Alexi's state, Erik could not help but feel warm. There was a warm glow of confidence inside him, similar to what he had felt after the first dose, though a little less overbearing. He felt like he was admired, and somehow worthy of that admiration. Of course, it was a stark contrast to his own negative emotions towards himself, but it was not at all unpleasant.
A movement in front of him causes the human to look up. Spotting Joseph gazing at him with his soft, gentle eyes pulls a small smile from Alexi. 'Kind Joseph, always worried about me. . .' Taking slow, deep breaths as he's instructed to do he slowly begins to tear himself out from the middle of the torrent of emotions. Not all the way out though. He knows he can not simply push them back, ha can't let himself just avoid them. If he's ever going to learn to deal with them he's going to have to stay with them and let them do their thing.
The soft touch widens his small smile a fraction and he manages a slight nod. Slowly and carefully he reaches out, using the vampire for support as he drags himself to his feet. Once his feet are under him however he simply wraps his arms around Joseph and takes a minute to simply hold him. He breaths slowly, his forehead in the crook of the vampire's neck, his eyes closed. When at last the silence is broken it is Alexi's voice that breaks it. “You were right Erik, this time you do not hate me as much as before. . .That makes me happy. . .” His voice is gentle, wispy, not at all the confident self assured one he normally has.
Unable to put words to any more of his thoughts Alexi lets Joseph help him on to the couch where he curls up facing the plush backing. 'So this is what it is like for him right now. This is what it is like to be used by me, for a plan to fail, to be at my mercy. . .' He recalls when he and his brother were at their father's mercy, of which he had little, and wonders why it never hurt this much.
Joseph brought over a lightweight tray with the oatmeal and tea and gently sat it down next to the lord of the house. “Please, eat, young Master,” he implored. “Or at least drink some of the tea.”
Once the initial feelings of admiration had worn off, Erik began to feel a tiny pain in his chest, a slight feeling of pain and confusion. Somehow, he was sure that it was coming from Alexi, an echo of the human's reaction to his powerful emotions. Great, now my own emotions and their effects are going to hurt us both as the bond grows stronger. This should be oh so fun! he thought sarcastically, strolling over to grab his own food and sit next to Alexi.
“I wish I knew of some way to help you, Alexi,” he muttered.
Alexi focuses on his breathing, his life, that little bit of himself that's always been his and no one else's. Slowly he's able to open his eyes, staring at the rich, dark purple fabric in front of him, hearing the words spoken to him and smiling at them. “Erik, the size and depth of my natural emotional state can be held in a teacup with room to spare. It is not you fault, and I would never dream of asking you to do anything but be yourself, save for requesting that you not swear. I do not even resent you getting angry as that is natural.” He lets out a sigh, managing to unfurl a little and roll over.
Smiling at both of the vampires he lets his feelings for them flow, washing over all the hurt and soothing it. Despite how Erik's emotions linger, something he is wholly not accustom to, he is able to use his own, at least for a little while, to calm down and breath evenly. Staring at the meal he knows he will get no peace as long as Joseph is alive if he does not at least try to take care of himself so with slow deliberate movements he sits up and reaches for the spoon sticking out of the porridge. Eating slowly he begins trying to objectively look over the feelings. The rush of them causes his stomach to turn forcing him to pause his eating for a moment.
After another deep breath though he manages to go on. In between bites he begins talking aloud about the feelings. “You know, I am beginning to understand why people fear failure so much. It is a highly unpleasant feeling knowing you failed at something. It's actually quite odd to know that it was through my and my brother's efforts that you did too. Though because the feeling of failure is so strong, the clash against my joy that you are here and my hopes for the outcome are completely overridden. It is a very dark feeling. . .Not at all pleasant. . .I am eternally grateful I myself have never felt it naturally.”
Erik rolled his eyes as he ate. “Yeah... I know. Way to rub it in my face, hmm?” he teased. “It's not pleasant. I lasted two hundred years in the Resistance, saved hundreds of slaves, and taken down more owners and overseers than I can count. But I was never caught, not until you. Of course, if I had been, I'd be some hard broken robot now,” he pointed out ruefully. Then he turned to Joseph quickly. “Sorry,” he muttered.
“It's fine. It's been two centuries since I was last hard broken,” Joseph replied, focusing on making sure that Master Alexi ate.
“In fact, knowing that you beat me so easily, it's hard for me to understand why you admire me, to be honest,” Erik muttered.
“I did not meant to Erik. . .”Alexi murmurs, eating slowly. However at the comment about his capture being easy the human pauses. Slowly he sets his spoon down, turning his head to look at the vampire with an odd expression on his face. Blinking slowly he asks quite seriously, “You do realize that is a very powerful insult to me and my brother right?”
Erik blinked slowly, not understanding Alexi's point. “That you took someone down who hadn't been caught in two centuries? How is that an insult?”
With that same, slow, deliberate voice Alexi responds. “It took almost an entire year of research, secret keeping, breaking, information gathering, hunting, planning, arguing, deal making, and several acts I would be ashamed to tell you to get you here Erik. Not to mention the amount of risk to my bother not only professionally when he took on the entire department to make sure there would be no casualties, to his integrity when he had to carefully work around letting absolutely anyone know about you even being there, and physically when he actually had to retrieve you without getting killed by either side as I am sure even his own men could have mistaken him for a rebel the way he had to dress and act, along with his risk from you directly as you would not be shooting to capture finding him lurking in the dark behind you.”
Alexi takes a slow breath, unsure if it's his own feeling or Erik’s that are making him feel so upset over the vampire's flippancy. “For my plan to work I had to ensure not a soul would know what happened to you. No human knows you were even there save my brother and myself. Not a single magical knows what happened to you in that raid save Joseph and Elaria, though I am sure there are plenty of rumors flying about that you are either dead or captured. However instead of looking in private homes, the rebellion’s eyes needed to be elsewhere, and as I arranged it, they look only to the police and government.”
Taking another breath, sounding as calm as ever from the beginning of his spiel to now, his brows furrow lightly. “I know I am not the best at conveyinghow difficult something is as my unwavering confidence and undoubtable skills have given me no reference to the internal aspects of the challenges I undertake, however believe me now when I say I risked everything but the plan to free the slaves to bring you here. My home, my money, my brother, and though you may think me crass for saying this, my slaves happiness and livelihoods for if I was discovered to have captured and housed a know killer rather than turning it over to the government as is required by law, I could very well have been stripped of everything I call my own and slaves that now live better than any I know would be sold off to other people, and I myself would have been dead in no time as my face would be plastered everywhere for the magicals who served with you to see.”
Looking back to his food he begins eating slowly again. “No Erik, it was not -easy-.”
Erik listened carefully, realizing the source of the insult long before Alexi was finished. Right, calling it easy devalues the effort it took. I can understand that, he thought, but politely waited for the man to finish.
“Well, I'm glad that I didn't make it that easy for you, then. And I'm glad that if I had to be taken down, it was by two people as well-funded, skilled, and resourceful as you and your brother. But that doesn't make it feel that much better for my pride. If you could have done it, so could anyone else who really wanted me. And they would have had an easier time without having to keep so many secrets. That's what scares me,” he paused for a moment and ate another bite of food. “As far as anything else, well, I would ask you why the hell you went to so much trouble just to capture a simple rebel like me, but I know you won't tell me until you're good and ready anyway. So what's the point?”
Alexi's gaze goes dead and he enters full pout mode. Without a word he sets down his spoon, stands, walks slowly over tot he bathroom door, opens it, and heads inside, locking the door behind him. He's no angry, he's not even really upset, but at the words “If you could have done it, so could anyone else who really wanted me.” his brain had shut down. He didn't hear a single word after that. His pride took a hard hit and in his eyes Erik still does not appreciate what he and his brother went thought. His mind is blank and without caring that he's still wounded nor that he just ate, he makes his way over to the big pool and climbs in, fully clothed.
Erik rolled his eyes. “Sorry,” he muttered, looking to Joseph.
“It's fine. Master Alexi will be back in a few minutes. He just needed to calm down. I'll lay him out some new clothes,” Joseph replied, patting Erik's shoulder.
“New clothes?” the younger vampire asked, but the ever-loyal servant refrained from explaining and picked out a new outfit that Master Alexi would appreciate. But Erik was not blind to the slightest hint of a smirk behind his eyes.
The hot water does it's job quickly and after only a few short minutes his ears are hearing again. He is more determined now than ever to convince Erik that he is no slouch. 'You are an amazing man Rebel Leader Erik, and whether you like it or not, I am going to prove it. The things I have been through and the things I have done are not in vain. I may have done this for my own personal reasons that you may never really understand, but at the very least I will convince you before I die that there is a good reason I did all this to you, and it was not just some simple whim'
With a long slow breath his usual soft look returns. Climbing out of the tub he stretches. Feeling the heaviness on him he chuckles at his own silliness before grabbing a towel and wandering back into his room. Still in his sopping wet clothing he looks over at Joseph with a smile, spotting the clothing laid out for him. “Thank you Joseph.”
Erik was eating the last of his breakfast when Alexi came out of the bathroom, sopping wet. His eyes widened, but he just looked back at Joseph. Impressive, he thought, realizing that the elder vampire had anticipated Alexi's actions perfectly.
“Are- Are you all right, Alexi?” the former rebel leader asked tentatively.
Alexi plops the towel on his head and gives Joseph a cute questioning look clearly reading 'dry my hair for me?' before seeing to his wet clothes. Popping the first few buttons he looks over at Erik serenely. “I am fine Erik. Thank you for asking.” Without offering any explanation he peels off his top and begins working on his bottoms.
Joseph nodded almost imperceptibly, took the hairdryer from the bathroom, and began working on Master Alexi's hair. Of course, Erik was just utterly confused by this point and simply watched.
It was a few minutes later when he finally tried to speak again. “So, what do you have to say about why you won't tell me? Or anything I said before?”
Alexi just gave him a blank stare.
“Erik, he didn't hear you, ask him again,” Joseph explained.
“I mean, I guess it wasn't so much a question. I just... if it was so difficult, so risky, why bring me here at all? I know you won't tell me until you're ready. It's just, why was it so important that it was worth risking your own brother?”
Stripping out of the rest of his wet clothing Alexi shivers lightly, using the towel to dry while, with clear practiced ease, he keeps his head in the right place for Joseph to do his work. He smiles at the outfit picked out for him, shooting Joseph one of his award winning looks of delight. 'He always knows what I need to help me smile away the pain' While his own poutyness is gone, the affection he knows Joseph feels for him, and shows through his own little ways, helps him to recover in a completely different way than the hot water from the now pounding rush of Erik's emotions pressing into him with every breath.
He's just finishing the final fastening on his outfit when Erik poses ask about what he said before. His mind casts about for what to say, his gaze empty, when Joseph steps in for him and explains it quite simply. He wonders vaguely if Erik will take him serious, after all he had been there and was not deaf, but as Erik immediately just reposes the question Alexi feels a faint rush of joy. 'Despite all of his other doubts, at least he has come to believe just about any of my oddities. Perhaps there is hope. . .'
He focuses on the question, smoothing down the thin fabric as he thinks, shaking his head lightly to fluff out his hair when Joseph finishes. His gaze is on a point far away, somewhere only he can see as he tries to formulate how to answer the man. When at last he thinks he's ready he turns to look at Erik with a very gentle look. “You are willing to do anything, sacrificing even your own morality on the hope that I am not a lair, and will grant you your heart's desire. At this point you have this hope, you trust in your own judgment and have put your faith and desires on to me. As skeptical as you are, there is at least a small part of you that believes me without reason, and without any real proof beyond my simple words and actions.”
Moving over to Erik to stand beside the vampire, not even a pace between them he looks down at the man with a warm smile. “I may have had a lot more to lose bringing you here, but just as you would give anything to see your dreams come true, so am I.” Reaching out he gently cups Erik's cheek, his smile growing even wider, the soft sparkle in his eyes growing brighter for a moment. “In short Erik, there are some things whose value can not be measure on a scale, and my hopes for what I wish to accomplish with you is one of them. You are the only one that would work, the only one that called to me in that special way that has lead me my entire life to never falter. No matter how you view yourself, in my eyes, you are priceless and worth all the risks.”
On impulse Alexi leans down and kisses Erik's forehead the same way he kisses Joseph's when feeling particularly affectionate. As he leans back his hand slides off the vampire’s cheek and he turns to Joseph. “I think I am feeling well enough for that breakfast now.” He smiles brightly at the elder, tilting his head cutely to the side.
Joseph smiled at his master's reaction. Even without hard breaking, a master's approval of a slave could shine through the connection. Of course, Joseph's love for Master Alexi went far beyond that.
For his part, Erik merely listened, a state he was growing more and more accustomed to, seeing how much Alexi seemed to ramble on. But as he listened, his eyes widened and he looked away. He started to feel rather embarrassed, humbled by the value the human had placed in him. His own feelings were further enhanced by the wave of emotion coming from Alexi, this calming wave of complete confidence and hope for the future. He could not help but grin at the way Alexi touched his cheek and kissed his forehead, even if the happiness was mixed in with his own doubts and trepidation.
And despite this new torrent of conflicting emotions, his mind could not help but distill Alexi's information from the poetry of his words, only to realize that behind all of the emotion, there was very little real answer to his question.
He stood and took Alexi's hand. “I appreciate the kind words, and I cannot help but feel flattered by the effort you have taken to bring me here, despite my embarrassment that you were able to do so. But Alexi, you're essentially telling me that you chose me on a gut feeling with little supporting evidence. And, I guess that's fine. I do wish you would tell me what I'm here for though, what purpose I am supposed to serve for you. But it's clear that you won't. So, once again, you leave me with no choice but to trust you blindly. A deal with a walking enigma, and one that I'm crazy to take. But I'll continue to do it anyway,” Erik replied, kissing Alexi's forehead in the same way that the human had kissed his.
Alexi stills as he feels his hand enveloped in Erik's cool fingers. Despite his comforts with slaves like Joseph, Uwin, Elaria and the rest showing their affection physically, on a very deep level something in Alexi realizes that Erik is something different. Something he's never had to deal with before, and something that he is mostly at a loss of how to react to. Alexi does not look down on slaves, but they are still slaves. He looks down on those who are considered his peers because they are on the whole contemptible people. And Mois? Mois is his family, he grew up with him, he knows how to be around his brother, how to react.
But Erik, he is a different story and for the life of him Alexi's mind can not place him. He has no idea what he's suppose to do around the vampire most of the time, even if he has had a lot of luck imitating the people he's read about that he admires in his ancient texts. Looking up from where their hands are joined Alexi listens quietly, ignoring his body's odd reactions to the contact and simply letting that's happening happen. When he is kissed however he can not completely ignore the funny color his cheeks turn and he looks away with a somewhat shy expression. However a moment later he looks back at Erik with a very bright smile.
“You will know one day, I promise, and I can only hope you are not too angry at me for keeping it from you for so long.” He nods sharply, not noticing as his hand tightens around Erik's. “You are right, from your eyes a gut feeling is not an answer, and I can understand that. As long as you understand that, for me, a 'gut feeling' as you call it is more likely to be right than all the research in the world. At least until the day I am wrong. I know I am not a god, and eventually everyone falls from their winning streak, but I have not failed yet, so I will continue believing I made the right choice.” His confidence has not waned and now as he looks up at the vampire, his smile wide and clear, there is a touch of that shyness creeping around the edges. “I am weird, and I hope you will not come to hate me for it.” He adds softly, his eyes closing in his smile.
As he worked on straightening up the room, Joseph could not help but notice his beloved master's reactions to Erik's innocent touch. Damn. The first person who is not his slave, his employee, his family, or one of those selfish, wealthy, --- gentlemen --- that he has to spend his time with, and he has to fall in love with him. Why did it have to be someone in such a dangerous position, someone whose own damaged emotions already are hurting him. Master Alexi is unprepared for a relationship with someone like him. I sincerely hope he does not realize what he is feeling. I tried to encourage him to engage in more social activity as a child and as a teen, but now I suppose it might be better that he is not in touch with that side of himself. With any luck, Erik will be gone before Alexi realizes that he is attracted to him.
Erik felt Alexi's hand tighten around his own and nodded. I suppose I cannot deny that. His intuition has brought him a lot. And it helped him outsmart me, he thought ruefully. “You are a remarkable man, Alexi,” he muttered. “I hated you when you were acting cruel to me, comparing me to a dog, and when you had me chained to that damn wall, pretending to be evil. I- I don't hate you now. Even if you do still have a collar around my neck. So do you really think I'd hate you just for being weird?”
Alexi opens his eye slowly, his smile shifting into a vaguely confused look. “My classmates did. My father did. Aside from my slaves and my brother, most people do not like me, and mostly because I am odd.” He laughs lightly, releasing Erik's hand. “Even those who pretend to like me do not. They simply want things from me.” His eyes close again but this time not in a smile. His hands come up and he presses the heels to his temples. “And they may not hate me, but many of my slaves are almost terrified of me.” His voice is soft, as if he's thinking hard and trying to work something out at the same time. He takes half a step back, delving into Erik's emotions lingering inside him. “If I felt like you, I would feel very lonely and sad I think. . .” His breath quickens as Erik's emotions begin sweeping over him again, however this time he manages to keep his feet. 'Eb and flow. I just have to make it through this flow' He thinks, wondering how long it will last.
“As far as people not liking you or being scared of you, that has just as much to do with your power and influence as anything else. But honestly, now that you know what it's like, do you truly want to feel like me?” Erik asked curiously. “I would trade my doubts for that unshakable confidence of yours in a moment.”
Coming out of the flow Alexi lets out a long breath and relaxes, letting his arms fall to his sides. A small knowing smile touches his lips but shifts into an honest one an instant later. “If I did not need my lack of passion to do what I plan to, I would trade my confidence for passion in an instant.” His eyes open and he look at Erik with a wicked grin, “But, selfish man that I am, I would rather have both.” He lets out a sigh. “I do not envy your doubts, but this intensity? I wish I could feel even half as strong as you can. . .” Looking back to his meal he realizes that despite his need for it, he's no longer in the mood to eat. “Yeah, having power can bring about those emotions, though in school it was always about something else. . . The kids found me creepy. . .And now those kids, like me, are in charge, and I still can no find it in me to care what they think as long as they stay out of my way. . .”
“I know this wasn't your plan, but maybe you can have both. If you can learn to live with this connection, then maybe you'll learn to expand your own emotional repertoire as well. Maybe you can have both, you selfish bastard,” Erik replied.
Alexi smiles at the thought and nods, “Maybe. . .” he says softly, looking towards the door. With a hug for Joseph and a wave at Erik the eccentric man flits out of the room and down the hall to see Riley before heading out to deal with the rest of his day. The little M'Tinak is happy to see him, showing off a whole new set of flowers blooming along one wall. He stays with the happy creature as long as he can before heading out to deal with more official business. His work is long, and after a quick lunch in his study while pouring over the information he will need for the meeting next week he an Uwin head to one of the local shops to see the manager about some misplaced inventory.
After getting back, the incompetence of the man who was at fault bringing on another wave from Erik's lingering emotions leaving him drained, Alexi heads to his private study and locks himself in, putting together a new set of documents Erik may find useful. As soon as that is done h collapses on his desk, pulling out his phone to text Elaria to ask about her progress. She promises him what he needs the following morning, having taken all she needs to her own work station in the garage and working on nothing else. He smiles at the plastic screen. “Such a good girl. . .” he murmurs with a smile.
After resting on his desk for a good half an hour he finally drags himself to his feet and straightens himself up. After making sure he looks every bit the “master” he's always been he tucks the documents under his arm and makes his way out of his study and through the halls to his room. Once inside however Alexi sets down the folders on the desk and flops into bed, his clothes bunching and sliding up in the motion. However as soon as he's down, he stops moving completely, except to breath, his eyes closed, and his body completely still.
A strong pang of emotion flowed through Erik as Alexi left, as he wished that he could just walk through that doorway. Touching a finger to the collar around his neck, he sighed and strode back to the desk and its piles of paperwork. He could not help but grimace as he sat down to study the last stack of maps and read the last booklet of dossiers on top businessmen in the slave trade.
Around lunchtime, Joseph came in to serve the meal and to finish tidying up the room. Erik, happy to do anything that was not more paperwork, jumped up to assist. They did not converse much until the very end of the hour, when Joseph was about to leave.
“Erik, be careful around Master Alexi, please. He's a fragile man, and I don't want to see him get hurt,” the elder vampire requested softly.
“What do you mean? I know he's a human and all, but I'm not sparring with him or anything. How would I hurt him?” Erik pointed out. Joseph simply sighed and nodded.
“I suppose you're right. I am simply overprotective I suppose. Do you need anything before I leave?”
“The code to unlock this collar would be nice,” Erik retorted cheekily, but he was smirking. As much as he hated it and would continue to whine, his freedom really was a small price to pay for the freedom of millions. “No Joseph, I'm fine.” In truth, there were things that Erik was tempted to ask the elder vampire, but he did not want to overstep his bounds. Perhaps by tomorrow he would be able to formulate them in a non-invasive way. Right now, the conflicting emotions were making it difficult to think straight. So Joseph left the room with only a shallow bow and not another word.
After a short swim, Erik had put his pants back on, along with one of the silken robes, and set back to work. He was just finishing reviewing the last of the documents when Alexi flopped down on the bed.
Alexi lay there for a good ten minutes, just focusing on all the muscle aches tugging at him here and there. Despite his distinct lack of activity today, all that sitting and repetitive action can take it's toll. When at last he feels able to move he flops on to his back, his gaze going to the still dutifully working vampire. “So, how was your day? You look wet. . .I forgot to get dry bandages this morning, and my shoulder aches. . . .It only got a little wet, but I think it was enough to mess the bandage a bit. . .Am I bleeding?” His voice is a little hollow, like he's not really sure where he is.
“Your bandages were changed, silly. I watched Joseph do it myself. What's wrong with you?” Hanging from one of the bedposts, he grinned. “I finally finished reading through all of that paperwork you gave me. I'm ready to actually start planning some missions now,” he announced proudly, radiating a sense of accomplishment.
Watching the male stand move closer Alexi smiles softly at how fine Erik looks in his borrowed clothing. 'Nothing like the ragged beast that was brought in not a week ago ready to rip my face off first chance he got' “I am simply brain dead from all the screen time I clocked today. My eyes feel like jelly. . . .”His hands come up to rub at them but not before he points at the folder sitting on the corner of the desk. “I brought you some fresh material. Mostly on specific coordinates of important facilities and a list of sellers who keep fresh stock overseas that you may want to get to you cells over there. . .”
Rubbing his eyes like a little kitten he stretches out on the bed, slowly crawling out of his clothing until he is left with just the silky pants. “Joseph should be able to see to your clothing needs soon, however I think you pull off the robe look surprisingly well. . . .”
Erik could not help but groan. “Thanks Alexi,” he replied, and he did mean it. This intelligence was highly valuable, and it was far better than having nothing to do. It was just that Erik wished he could have had a bit more of a break before getting even more papers to sort through.
“I had something else to wear, and I could have asked Joseph for more. I just figured I would enjoy the pajamas look for today. It's not like I am going outside to see anyone.”
Alexi giggles at the groan, recognizing it from the many time he's made it in his life. “Sorry, sorry, I should have waited a bit on those.” He smiles warmly at the other male, kicking his clothes off the bed like a puppy clearing it's sleeping space. “You look good like that. You have the body for it, and the colors match quite well.” He grins like a fool, snuggling belly first into his coverlet. Looking at the vampire through one eye he adds, “Of my many hobbies, ancient fashion is one of the more frivolous ones, but as you may have noticed, it's one I engage in daily.” He chuckles. “Joseph should be up with dinner soon. . . .”
Erik looked at himself in the mirror, but turned away quickly. “It was just comfortable,” he muttered. “I'm not much of a fashion person myself. It's not a luxury I have the time or money for.”
It was just then that Joseph entered the room, having worked all day on scheduling and management issues. As expected, he carried a large tray holding dinner for both of the rooms occupants. Silently, he began setting all of the food out on the table.
Alexi smirks to himself. 'Aww, he can be shy sometimes. Or at least bashful' His attention shifts however as Joseph walks in bearing food and the human slowly slithers off the bed to crawls over to the food. Staying on the floor he crosses his legs and settles in for the meal. Looking up at the elder vampire with a tired smile he thanks him before digging into his potatoes slowly.
~*~*~*~*~
Mois takes his meal in his room. He is once more covered from head to toe in grime but today the blow to his mind an body was somewhat lessened. Most of the bodies had been removed and only the occasional broken figure put bullet points on his otherwise pointless day. He was informed that the following day he would go back to his regular duties as it's time for the actual construction crews to begin their work in earnest but the man knows the bloodied bodies will not be so easily left behind. After a hot shower that left his bathroom quite a mess Mois settles in to eat, waving the young werewolf off who leaves with some haste. Mois has never been cruel to the slaves of the household, but neither has he gone out of his way to be kind as his brother has.
As he begins eating he looks over to his track suit, all laid out and ready for him for his after dinner jog and his first smile of the day comes to his lips. “Even in all the rush of all the crap he needs to get done Joseph still endeavors to make our lives easier. . .I pray Alexi's right and after this is over I'll be able to keep him from collapsing in on himself. . . .” With a long sigh he continues eating, hardly tasting the food as his thoughts turn dark and brooding.
“Alexi, may I ask you something?” Erik asked, eating a bite of food and glancing over at the eccentric billionaire.
Running his tongue over his lip to snag some stray gravy Alexi glances at the vampire and nods. “Always.”
“Why were you such an evil bastard when I first arrived? It was more than just capturing me, or even chaining me to a wall. You were rude, arrogant, dismissive, and downright insulting. Why go that far when it's not who you are?” Erik asked.
Alexi smiles softly, poking at his food. “Did you expect anything less?” He smirks, looking at Erik with one of his infuriating know-it-all grins. “I mean really, if I had been nice and accommodating I seriously doubt that a. I would have survived the night, and b. you would have ever listened to anything I had to say thinking me, and rightly so, simple wanting something out of you.” He scoops up another fork full of potatoes and downs it quickly. “And you, clever man that you are, would not have bought it for a minute, or so I could reasonably believe given I know you are no fool. You expected an evil human, so I gave you one, and let you slowly see the real me to get you accustomed to the idea of my not being some cruel overlord type.”
“So, in other words, you knew that I was expecting cruelty, so you gave me cruelty because I would have never believed anything else so soon after being captured. In other words, you basically played me like a violin,” Erik responded, shooting Alexi a smirk. “For someone who lacks the normal depth and range of emotion, your ability to understand them in others is impressive.”
Alexi's smile fades slowly, his fork poking at his meal distractedly. He is silent for a few seconds before responding softly. “Knowing how to manipulate emotions is very different from understanding them. . .”
“Still, it's a valuable skill, if an incredibly annoying one for those of us you use it on.” The vampire paused and ate in silence for a few moments. “I hope my Second is getting along well without me,” he muttered. “You've put a lot of pressure on my officers to take up my slack. Well, we both have. I still blame myself for letting your brother catch me.”
Nodding vaguely Alexi manages to convince himself to continue eating after a moment, glancing at Erik with a kind of far away expression. “Yes. . .You do. . .” He shrugs, doing his best to let the feelings roll back away from the front of his mind, dropping instead into some calculations for the next few days. The calculations ease his mind and out of the blue he asks, “What is your second like? I am not asking specifics of course, but. . .How does this second seem to you? Do they hold your values?”
Erik nodded. “Sadly, I can't tell you many specifics given that your brother is an officer. I'm not insane. But I will tell you that she's a brilliant woman. She's of the best people we have in hand-to-hand, and she takes her job as an officer very seriously. She was the best choice for Second out there, and honestly, if anyone can handle taking over my job, it's her.”
Propping his head up on his hand Alexi listens to Erik like he's a child and this is story time. “Are you two friends or was it strictly a business thing?” Alexi curiosity stems from his own lack of equal friendships and he's sure that any friends the vampire has must be closer to a normal friend arrangement than anything the entitled selfish brat has ever had.
“We are friends. You tend to become friends with people when you are putting your life on the line for them every day. But I am not much closer with her than I am with the others. I can't promote my best friend beyond an officer level. It would appear to be favoritism,” Erik replied easily.
Tilting his head to the side Alexi's expression becomes confused. “Really? I put people in places where I know they will work best, and any relation I have to them is no matter, so if I thought, if I had one, that my best friend would be best in a high ranking position, I would put them there. . .Because I would know that is where they would serve best.” He shrugs and looks to Joseph. “Would you be offended if I suddenly decided Elaria would serve better in your place, or made a whole new position above your head for her to serve in because I reasoned there was a need for it?”
Yes, a little bit, Joseph thought. I would feel like you did not trust me, or that I had failed as your servant. It would hurt my pride.
“No, of course not, Master Alexi. It is your choice to place your slaves as you will. I would gladly step down if anyone else could serve you more effectively,” the elder vampire replied simply. He focused on making sure that his face did not convey his tiny lie, and smiled slightly.
Alexi eyes his foster father intently and after a moment he sighs softly. “You are lying Joseph, I know your 'I do not want to disagree with you' face. You have used it since I was little, and I have learned to tell when you are using it.” He smiles and taps his nose. “You always seem so intent on keeping me happy, but never more so than when you disagree.” He chuckles, crossing his arms over the table and laying his head down. “I do not understand it though. Well, I should say, I have observed it and know how to use it, but I do not for the life of me understand why you would resent someone you know is better at something than you. Especially if you both are working towards the same ends. . .”
Joseph seemed almost trapped for a moment, before finally coming to a conclusion.
“Master, may I be dismissed? I do not have the right to disagree with you, but I cannot change my opinions to match yours. I did not know until these past few days how easily you could tell when I not telling the truth,” Joseph requested carefully, turning away from Master Alexi.
Erik, curious about this exchange and the relationship between the pair, chose to say nothing and watch the scene play out. He had opinions on the matter, but they could wait.
Watching Joseph go into fret mode Alexi turns around to look at the man, a soft look in his eyes. He smiles a little sadly and climbs slowly to his feet, feeling nothing but care for the older male. Wrapping his arm around the vampire from behind he murmurs, “You have every right I see fit to give you Joseph, and as of now, in this room, or when we are alone together, I give you every right to disagree with me, both in your heart, and from your lips.” Settling his forehead on Joseph's shoulder he murmurs, “Until the past few days, it was in your best interest that you believe you could keep things from me, and to tell the truth it is not an easy task, let me tell you. However now, it is in everyone's best interest that you become more independent as I will be delighted to hear your opinions without that constant worry that you will upset me.”
Joseph closed his eyes and took a deep breath for a moment before choosing to speak his mind.
“Thank you for the permission, Master. I would be hurt if you replaced me, even knowing that the other person would be better at the job. I would say nothing and step down in an instant, but that would not change the pain. It would be a blow to my pride to know that I was not worthy of my role anymore.”
Erik's eyes glowed for a short moment at Alexi's words. You give him “permission” to have independent thought, but you still insist on dictating his rights as ones you bestow upon him! Entitled bastard! He has the right to speak because he has rights as a sentient being, not because you 'oh so kindly' allowed it! But despite his anger, Erik was no fool. He could see that this was a moment of progress for the slave, and a moment of kindness for Alexi. So, despite his irritation, he did not wish to ruin it.
Watching Joseph go Alexi sighs silently on the inside. 'He is such a good man. . .I would call him a vampire, but that makes it sound like I am speaking of a puppy, and he is a man by gender. . .' Shrugging to himself he heads back into his room, letting Erik alone to do whatever he's doing. Sending a text to Mois about moving the exercise to before dinner he gets dressed in some comfy sweats and heads to his office to work until them. Mois meets him outside at the appointed time and together they do Mois' light routine, parting at his house where Alexi gives him a hug and jogs back to the mansion. The smell of food hits him as he comes in but despite his moth watering he makes his way up to his room and slips inside.
Once the door is closed he does a few cool down stretches before stripping out of his now slightly stinky outfit and into something more satiny. The nightgown is slick without being feminine, lacking the frill and frock normally associated with the nightgowns of the time it was based off of. Letting out a light groan he ruffles his hair and flops carefully on to the bed as to not aggravate his wounds. “I need to see Riley after dinner, then a good night sleep before tomorrow's big event.” He smiles over at Erik.
Erik turns away from the paperwork and lays into his supper. “You smell terrible,” he teased. “Go take a short bath.” After pausing for a moment, he clarified. “It's not that bad really. A human would hardly notice unless they were right next to you. Riley is the new slave, right?” In a motion that seemed almost common now, he pulled up a chair next to Alexi's bed.
Alexi pouts but nods, slipping out of his gown and heading for the bathroom. Pausing in the doorway he replies, “Yes, he is just down the hall. He is the reason I am so holey right now.” He pokes gingerly at the bandage on his face. “This will be interesting.” he murmurs, wandering into the bathroom to do as Erik demanded. 'Funny how he feels so comfortable ordering me around now. . .Like I am one of his troops, heh' Rummaging around he manages to find the sponges and a bucket. Filling the bucket carefully he takes a seat and begins carefully trying to scrub without getting his bandages wet. 'He probably meant me not to do this, however if I am offending his senses, and I do like to be clean. . .'
As the human went to the restroom, Erik realized quickly that he had spoken without thinking, and without remembering the human's condition. He was still accustomed to species who healed much more quickly. “Alexi, I was just kidding. I didn't think you'd actually listen to me. Here, if you insist on doing this, how about you just clean the stinkiest parts of you so that we can avoid your bandages, okay?”
Looking over at the bathroom door Alexi blinks slowly. “It has been a long time since my last human anatomy lesson, so I am not sure other than armpits. . .However I do know there are other areas. . .” That last part is said to himself mostly as he looks down at his own body. 'I think it has something to do with where the most sweat glands are, but where?'
Erik saw Alexi's confusion in his eyes and groaned. “Pits and groin, on most humans. Wash your face too. It's not smelly, but you'll feel better. I swear Alexi, you're so privileged, you seem to lack simple knowledge. Now hurry, before Joseph comes in and kills us both?”
Alexi returns to pouting before sticking out his tongue. “I know more about you anatomy than my own. My business is magicals, not humans. . .” With a huff he scrubs up quickly and returns to the room, throwing his towel on the bathroom floor before slipping into his gown and retaking his bed. Rolling a little he seems almost like a cat, snuggling on to his sheets with his back. “Also, He would kill you, not me. Thank you for the remind though. About human stink. . .” He says this while on his back, looking at Erik in a way that makes him appear up side down.
Erik rolled his eyes, “Well, thanks for washing anyway. You smell much better now. What is happening tomorrow- besides- Oh my God. It's time to take the next dose, isn't it?” he asked, a flash of fear crossing his features.
Rolling slowly Alexi shift on to his stomach, his face calm and the look in his eyes gentle. “Yes Erik, it is.” He points to a stack of papers, some very ancient looking, setting on his coffee table. “I brought those, as you asked. It is all I have. The old script and their translations along with my own personal research. Sorry I did not get it to you sooner however you seemed so keen on the other documents I forgot.” His nods as a way of bowing in apology before crossing his arms and settling his head upon them. After a moment he whispers, “I am a little frightened too Erik. I trust you no longer hate me as you once did, however I have felt the strength of your emotions and to the greatest degree I am capable of, I fear feeling so strongly. However, I started this, and I will stick with it, no matter what.”
“Great, more paperwork,” Erik muttered, grimacing slightly. “I don't know what you should expect. As far as my feelings towards you, I'm not completely over what you almost did. You still tortured me for three days, and you would have been willing to continue until you broke me and got me to take this stupid potion to force your emotions into my head. I never had any choice here. But I do appreciate that you changed your mind. I still resent you, still resent the control you have over me, and the fact that I'm still not allowed to leave, but not to the degree I did, the echoes that you are feeling now. And that's just how I feel towards you. The rest of my emotions haven't just gone away. I'll finish reading these documents tonight.”
Alexi listens silently, simply watching Erik talk like he's the most interesting thing in the world. When at last he is done Alexi doesn't move. Only his eyes shift, moving down to stare at the floor. The gripping pain of emotions inside his chest throbs, the fear that this will be just as unpleasant as the first dose making him have to focus on breathing. “I understand.” he says softly, his voice distant. 'A part of me wishes I could tell him I had nor have plans to break him. But, I can not. . .The suspicions would grow. . .'
Erik shifted his chair closer to Alexi and took his hand on impulse. “I'm sorry,” he muttered. “I don't mean to upset you. I just wanted to warn you. I cannot help my resentment, but it is no where near as strong now. I think you will be better off.”
It was just then that Joseph walked in, carrying two heavily laden dinner trays, a feast for kings. “Would you like this in your bed or on the table, Master Alexi?” he asked.
The sudden contact startles Alexi out of his thoughts and he simply stares at the joined hands as Erik speaks. At last he smiles and looks up at Erik, before responding to Joseph he says softly, “I have already taken your worst, and I take you at your word it will not be that again. If I could survive that, I should be able to survive something less. . .” Taking his hand back gently he sits up, groaning. “I had better take it at the table else I will simply want to curl up after I eat.” He sighs and slips out of bed, taking a seat on the couch.
Joseph nodded and set the large meal out before Master Alexi. Then he set out Erik's, which was identical, except for the addition of a tall glass of animal blood. “I thought you might want an extra dose after all of that studying today.”
“Thanks, Joseph,” Erik muttered. God, you're perfect. Too damn perfect. If I didn't despise slavery so much, I'd practically want a servant like you myself, Erik found himself thinking. His embarrassment at those thoughts was, thankfully, hidden from view, as he dug into his food.
Smiling at the gusto with which Erik downs his food Alexi takes up his utensils and begins eating at his own pace. It is a little more hurried than usual, knowing he wants to get it done, see Riley, and get to bed in under an hour so he is at least near top form come the morn. Just in case Erik gets once more distracted Alexi says softly, “By the way Joseph, Erik has a request of you.”
The reminder snapped into Erik's mind quickly, and he looked up at the elder vampire.
“What do you know about this potion that Alexi is having me take?” he asked curiously. Joseph simply looked away for a moment. He knew that the lord would not mind him revealing his information now
“I found time to do a little bit of research on it, after I realized what it was. It was invented by ancient vampires. Its primary usage was in the vampire heyday, and began tapering off at least a century or two before my time. Originally, when two vampires fell in love and wanted to share their souls, obtain a truly empathic connection with each other, they would take the seven doses. Some took the first or the last dose as part of their marriage ritual. It allows two people to share each other's emotions, almost as if they were two halves of the same being. But at some point during the Great Magical War, an alchemist found a way to concentrate the potion and use it as a tool of oppression. By changing the ingredients slightly to focus on the oppressor's hate and mistrust, and on the drinker's loyalty it was turned into the hard breaking tool. A similar process created soft breaking. But both of these are a far cry from the original potion that you and Master Alexi are drinking. That is meant to be shared between lovers, or occasionally friends and family, as equals. It is a way to share pain and strength, not to suppress the desires of another. Those are the highlights of what I learned.”
“If that's true, then why did Alexi here want to force me to take it without him? And why are we taking it now? We aren't lovers. We are barely friends,” Erik retorted, temporarily forgetting his manners and speaking almost as though the human were not there. Joseph merely sighed.
“I can't answer that, Erik. I can guess, but even if I'm right, I won't betray my master's secrets,” he replied, looking back at Master Alexi's form for a moment. “When he is ready to tell you, he will,” he said, with an air of finality. “Do you need anything else, Master Alexi?”
Alexi eats silently as Joseph talks about the potion's history and evolution, along with it's uses. 'This is very accurate. You do good research Joseph, though, I have always known that' He smiles softly, thinking of how amazingly useful the vampire has been in all this unintentionally, including this research which will hopefully calm Erik down on the subject a bit. 'He seems to move naturally to make my life easier. It is quite a fantastic thing. . .' He has to admit he wonders strongly how Joseph will manage without him, but he also knows he is not a god. Joseph will recover, and that makes him happy.
When it comes to Erik's question Alexi almost feels like he shouldn't be there. It is an odd sensation he's not felt since his parents were around and would speak of him and Mois as if they were furniture. It is odd, but not entirely unpleasant. It reminds him of his own humanity in a way, along with how, in some peoples eyes, how even a man as powerful as he is not all that important. He smiles at Josephs reply, giving him one of his most winning honest smiles. “You are the best Joseph. . .” He murmurs before continuing his meal, wondering if Erik will then turn the question on to him.
Unfortunately, Erik knew better than to bother turning the question on Alexi. In fact, he knew it was silly to have even asked the man's most loyal slave any information that was not permitted by the lord. “Well, I doubt you're going to tell me until you're good and ready, so what's the point?” he pointed out, rolling his eyes slightly as he looked back into Alexi's.
His job clearly finished, Joseph bowed once more and left the room.
Alexi smiles back at the vampire, his eyes almost sparkling but with a touch of sadness behind the glee. “You will find out around the fourth dose. Definitely some time after that, I promise.” He says softly, watching Joseph leave. Still looking at the door he asks, “Anything else you wish to ask?”
Erik started picking at his food, not eating as quickly as he had been. “I should. But I think I'm still processing all of the information from before. Not to mention, these documents are still driving me nuts. I wish I had Nirale here to help me, or Aeji. Thanks though, really. I know I'm bitching, but I do appreciate the intel, more than you know.”
Alexi's face sours at the swearing but he doesn't comment. Mostly due to what he's about to say. “I will though. Understand it I mean. Eventually. Just like you will come to understand me. . .” He sighs softly. “I wish you luck with them. I will pick up one of those head lamps for you this evening after I have seen Riley.” Having finished what of his large meal that he can Alexi pats Erik on the arm and heads out. At Riley's door he carefully composes himself before opening it. Closing it quickly he waits for the inevitable pounce. . .That doesn't come. After a few minutes he follows a faint cooing sound through the mostly dark room to a glowing patch in the middle of the largest pile.
Climbing up carefully as to not hurt the plants too badly, he shifts up just high enough to peek into a little crater in the pile. He smiles warmly at the sight of Riley, curled into a little ball, a ring of faintly glowing blue flowers around him, with the odd green one here and there mixed in. Not wanting to disturb the little guy more than he already has, the grumpy looking eye peeking out from behind a wing making him chuckle, he slowly exits the room, closing the door gently. 'So cute' He smiles and makes his way to one of the utility closets at the end of the hall. It takes some searching but eventually he finds what he's looking for.
With a sound of triumph he exits the closet, pausing just long enough to click it on then back off, checking to make sure it works, and then with a spring in his step he makes his way back to his own room. Humming slightly he closes the door an looks around for Erik. Once he spots the vampire he calls out “Heads up!” before tossing the headlamp to him. Still smiling he adds, “The band is adjustable, and again, please, keep it pointed away from my bed while I sleep.” With a chuckle he wanders over to his bed and carefully flops down on to his belly, his body angled so he's facing Erik, once more assuming the pose of a stereotypical teenage girl on the phone.
Erik caught the hat gratefully and put it on the desk. But he decided he had earned himself a continued break from his work and sat down next to Alexi. “So, I guess I'll return the question. Do you have anything you want to ask me? I am curious about how much you already know.”
Shuffling to the side so he can look right at Erik, Alexi lets his head fall onto his crossed arm, feet flopping on to the bed as he tries to think. With a faint hum he says, “Well, honestly, I know very little beyond a few exploits where you went a bit out of your way to spare lives, and how on major missions you were smart, but right there with your men rather than standing back to give orders. Like a lot of them. . .” He smiles. Then, just as before, a random thought hits him. “What kind of music do you like?”
“I always try to spare lives, but often the casualties can't be helped. It's a war. But I've taught my successor well. I know she will do the same." Erik replied. But he did not want to dwell too long on his lost position, so he quickly switched to answering the question. "What music do I like? Skipping to the really important things about my life, hmm? Honestly, I like a lot of types, and the answer depends on my mood. But often classical or instrumental music helps me focus.”
“You are a kind person.” Alexi murmurs, smiling softly. 'He seems so sure he has lost his position. Well, even if that turns out to be true, he will have a new one to fill anyways, however my sources tell me that there has been no major changes in activity so as far as we can tell nothing has been settled' His smile widens at the music selection, several files jumping to mind he'll have downloaded tomorrow for Erik to listen to while he works. “Naturally I enjoy classical as well, along with some nature based and some ancient ditties. Oh, and I am particularly fond of Celtic and old stuff from the orient.” He chuckles lightly, smiling like a goof as he stares at the vampire.
Erik turned away from the stare, slightly embarrassed. “I wouldn't call it kindness. Simply pragmatism. I don't want to act like some of the other leaders and kill those we are trying to defend just by being careless. As far as avoiding killing civilians, many humans don't own slaves for whatever reason. I don't see the point of punishing them and making us look more like the psychotic villains than we already do. The media already paints us as the enemy. I choose not to conform to that belief.”
“That is called kindness, silly.” Alexi murmurs, yawning slightly. “You care, no matter your reasoning, and that is one of the things I like about you. . .” His smile widens as he thinks of another question. “Do you have any children? Of any kind. Adopted, turning, biological. . .”
“No children. I don't want to raise children in this messed up world. I don't like the idea of asking a child to live in fear of being turned into a slave. As far as turning, well... I've turned a few humans over the years, but I don't think of those that I turned as my children,” the vampire replied calmly.
“Makes sense. . .” Alexi muses, rolling on to his back to his head is dangling off the edge of the bed. Yawning again he smiles languidly up at Erik. “Do you have someone to make kids with? I mean, after the war and all. Once true freedom reins.”
Erik was silent for a moment, pondering the question. “I don't know. That feels too far away right now. I don't really know what kind of father I'd be, and honestly, there's a good chance I'll die before I find out. Even after you turn off the devices, humans aren't just going to hand magicals their rights just because their chains are broken. I just haven't thought about a world beyond that. Children, and for that matter, romance, just aren't on my mind,” he replied, looking into the human's eyes.
Alexi humms softly at this. He is not a fool as to think there is no way Erik will die during the war, however the way he phrased it sounded less like a worry and more like an inevitabily. Keeping his eyes locked on the vampire's he rolls back over, his smile turning into a kind of stern line. “I know it will take time, and death is one of the facates to war, however, you never actually answered my question.” Propping himself up on his elbows one eyebrow rises curiously. “Just because it is not on your mind does not mean it simply can not be there. If you would rather not talk about whatever lovers or lovers you may or may not have, I can accept that, but to say just because there is a war to fight that romance is completely removed from reality I find a very silly way of looking at things.” He smiles. “Some of the greatest fighters in the world took to the battlefield either for their love of another, or even with that love at their side. Romance is a part of war as much as any other aspect of life is.” Looking down at his hands he adds, “Besides, it never hurst to plan for the future, and I think it is nice to have something to look forward to. . .”
Erik just sighed, meeting Alexi's eyes. “Maybe I would consider children if I could be sure that they would grow up in a safe environment. But honestly, even then, I think I'd be a horrid father. I don't want to screw them up, you know?” He thought for a short moment. “As far as romance, it's just not my thing. I have to be focused on my work, so I don't have time for romantic trysts,” he explained. Of course, that was only part of the truth, but he was not eager to explain that to Alexi.
Alexi rolls his eyes but says nothing. He himself can not claim to be much different. He's been so busy for so long, and never really had an interest before then, that he's never even experienced a tender touch that was not given by his family. He counts Joseph as family of course, and the only time the vampire was anything but cordial with his touches is when he was sick or injured and the slave felt bead for him. 'But even being too busy, if I actually planned on surviving this I would think there be no other way for me to go in my life but to find someone to love and who would love me. I know that my work now is too important, and truthfully everyone I have ever met has either been family in my eyes, or too foul to even think of considering. . .I think my only reasons, should I have actually found someone I cared for that way in the past eleven years whom I loved, to not follow through would be I know how soon I will die and would not want them to suffer. Though I also know a part of me would likely give in anyways and pray they would not suffer too much. . .I am a fool in so many ways. . .'
His own internal tirade does not show on his face as he drops his head back down to lay on his arms. “Forgive me. I speak on subject I have no true understanding of. I must admit I have a bit of a romanticized notion of, well, romance and love making. But, for someone who gets all of his facts from books, I can excuse myself at least for being so naïve.” He idly draws designs in his covers, wondering if Erik will understand what he means.
Erik's eyes widened slightly at Alexi's words. “One of the wealthiest and most eligible bachelors in the country, and you're a virgin?” the vampire replied, smirking a bit. “Not surprising, I suppose, given the massive undertaking you've been working on and the kinds of people you've been stuck around. And I'm sure a kind man like you would never want to take advantage of his slaves, even if they were willing. It makes sense.” The rebel leader was not judging in the slightest, and his tone made that quite clear. In fact, he found the sacrifice understandable and even noble. “Besides, love impairs judgment, and that's downright dangerous on the battlefield. Granted, people need affection, especially in these tough times, but you can get that from friendships.”
Though not agreeing in the slightest about how love affects one's judgment, knowing at the least that his love for his foster father and his brother drive him to greatness, even as he sends his brother off on such dangerous undertakings almost monthly, the eccentric billionaire keeps his thoughts to himself and instead focuses on the disturbing that that though he seemed ready to tease the human for his virgin status, he somehow seemed to switch immediately into finding it understandable, and even respectable somehow. “You are correct. I know a few slaves that would not mind, but as I do not love any of them that way, I would not even dream of it. . .” he replies softly, keeping his gaze on the covers. His brows furrow a bit. “As to laying with friends. . . .while I do not disapprove of the practice, I know some people are just that way with their affections, I can say with absolute certainty that I have no desire to lay with anyone but someone I am truly in love with.” A soft sigh leaves his lips and he carefully shifts over so he can burrow under his blankets. Snuggling in he looks over at Erik with an apologetic expression. “Forgive me, but tomorrow is an important day and I think perhaps I should sleep a little early. Would you care to lend me a hand and get the main light for me?” He points to the switch on the wall while reaching for his bedside lamp.
Erik stood and turned off the room light. “I can understand that. I used to lay with friends, if we were both willing for a fun time, but it was a practice of my youth, not something I can easily justify now. Leaders tend to be held to a higher standard, and I can't afford to even appear to show favoritism. But alas, that's a discussion we can finish another time. Goodnight, Alexi.”
“Good night Erik.” Alexi murmurs, already nodding off before the lights flick off. Snuggling into his very comfortable, very expensive bed, Alexi lets his mind settle on the man's words, and he wonders idly why anyone would choose the things they choose if said choice would not bring them happiness. 'Can you really be happy, shunting love to the side like that? I wonder. . . .Though I doubt he has a care about being. . . .happy. . . . .for now. . . .' And with one finally yawn, the master of the house falls into a sound sleep.
~*~*~*~*~
On the other end of the grounds the elder Vandros has a much harder time of it. His planning and figuring taking him well into the wee hours of the morning until at last he forces himself to bed so he can have enough sleep to face the following day with at least a few hours under his belt. Unfortunately even his own extremely comfortable bed does not allow him to claim sleep for some time, his mind all abuzz with so much worry and sorrow that it is a miracle he sleeps at all. It isn't until his own exhaustion reaches it's peak that he finally passes into the land of dreams, but not before gazing long and hard in the direction of his brother, his sorrow clear but hidden in the dark.
Erik donned his light hat and turned back to his desk to work again, but not before writing a short entry in his diary.
I don't normally write in diaries. In the Resistance I didn't have the time. Besides, can you imagine the scandal if the Leader's diary was found? I'd have to write it as though it could be found and read by anyone, which kind of defeats the purpose. There's not a lot of privacy there, even for me. Yesterday, I asked for this essentially because I was bored to tears. Now, I'm still bored to tears, but its from doing something productive, which is no where near as horrid. It would have cost us months of man-hours to gather the kind of intel Alexi gave me, most of which he probably got because he is supposed to be trusted, supposed to be one of them. But I'm believing that he's not. If anything, he's the best spy ever. He has everyone fooled. It's rather remarkable.
He asked me about children today. Ha! I haven't thought about them since Pyrra and I decided we would be the worst parents alive. Gods, I miss you Pyrra. Your smile. Your laugh. The way we used to spar. Even that time you burned the hell out of my arm on accident. I miss your touch. You tried to teach me to carry a tune... but I never quite got that down. I miss the way we would draw together, and write our stories. Neither of us were great artists, or writers, but we had an excellent time. I should have never let you leave after we separated. If you hadn't, then maybe... DAMNIT!! I hate this. I hate thinking of where you are now. I don't even know if you're still alive. I just hope this eccentric human's plan will free you as well. I hope its not too little, too late. Damnit Alexi... there's a reason I don't think about this stuff!
A single tear dropped onto the page, and Erik slammed the notebook shut. He quietly stormed across the room to the bathhouse, tore off his slave's robes, and jumped into the coldest pool, letting the cool water relax his frayed emotions.
Alexi wakes with a jerk at the sound of the notebook being slammed, his heart jumping to his throat as he hears hard footsteps in the dark and it isn't until the door to his bathroom swings open to pour in some light that he actually has the courage to look towards the sound. However all he sees is a silhouette for a second, then it's gone. He remains frozen in fear until he hears the faint sound of a splash and with wide, frightened eyes glued on the doorway he slides out of bed. Feeling very much a coward at the moment he stops in the doorway, looking into the room while hidden half behind the frame.
He doesn't know what's wrong, or if anything actually is, but at the sight of the torn clothing he can feel a faint ache as if he's done something horribly wrong. 'Did I. . . .Am I the reason he is upset? I did not mean to upset him. . .Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut. I do not need to know these things, and though he offered to answer my questions, perhaps I just. . . ..shouldn't. . . . .' Slowly he walks into the room, his eyes staying off the vampire, instead focusing on the now ruined clothing.
Slowly he kneels, picking it up carefully. Taking it in both hands he stands, not looking away from the black fabric. In a soft voice that would still carry in the cavernous room he says, “I am sorry.” The without another word he turns around and walks back to the room. Chucking the ripped fabric into the trash he uses Erik's light to find a pair of soft pants that would fit the vampire and places it at the end of Erik's bed before setting the lamp in such a way that it would side on the garment and climbing back into his bed, taking a little longer to fall asleep this time around, and into a much less sound slumber.
The vampire's face immediately flushed at the realization that he had been overheard. But just as he turned to apologize, Alexi was already gone. Erik merely rest his head in his hands. “Damnit,” he muttered. He breathed deeply, began to swim around, and soon switched to the warmer pool. It was twenty minutes before he climbed out, dried himself off, put on his robe, and walked back to the other room. He was calm now, and worked on the paperwork for another hour. It would take him at least another day of reading, reviewing, and reorganizing, before he would even be ready to start drafting any kind of plans. Perhaps by then he would have that computer. After the last hour of work, he finally turned off his light and quickly fell asleep.
The next morning Alexi wakes before the vampire, his nerves relaxed a bit from the night's less than soothing end but as he slowly sits up and looks across to the vampire's bed his spirits plummet. 'Looks like he does not care for my peace offering. I am so sorry Erik, I did not know I would offend you so. . .' A tightness rises in his chest, reminiscent of the times he would send his brother on missions and he would return wounded. He never meant for Mois to get hurt, but it was still his orders that had drawn his beloved brother’s blood.
Carefully he climbs out of bed, slipping silently as he can over to his wardrobe. His sadness is hidden, knowing full well that he needs to get over it quickly. 'The last thing I want him to get from me this morning is mu hurt and sadness. . .This was my fault, for being nosy. Perhaps I have dealt so long with the vermin of this world a. . .a friend does not suit me. . .Perhaps I am better off not trying to put my twisted self on another' Touches of his untrusting nature brought on by his madness seeps into his mind as he dresses, a somber gray number circa the 1880s, and they go unnoticed as he tries desperately to get his mind and heart under control. He can feel a catch in the back of his throat as he breaths causing him to swallow repeatedly.
Erik awoke soon after Alexi had dressed, and noticed the pants immediately after he rose “Thanks for these!” he said quickly, assuming that the lord of the house had put them out that morning. It did not occur to him that he could have missed the pair from the previous night. Such oversight, even in the dark, was unlike him. Then again, so was ripping off a perfectly fine outfit in frustration. He donned the pair quickly and strode over to Alexi.
“Hey, I'm sorry for waking you up last night. I didn't realize how loud I was being. As far as your apology, I didn't get to tell you then, but you didn't do anything wrong. What was up with me, that was all my own issues. Those strong emotions that you volunteered to share. I should have been more careful. I apologize,” he announced firmly, with none of the preamble usually socially expected of such statements.
Alexi is just doing up his white undershirt buttons when he hears Erik call out his thanks for the pants. His mind does a little flip flop and a warmth passes through him bringing an honest smile to his lips. He has no reason to doubt the vampire is truly grateful, his tone lacking all the markers of a lie or sarcasm and he begins humming softly as he continues dressing. “No problem Erik. They should fit though made for me, the fabric stretches and is meant to be loose on me.”
At the next spiel however Alexi tilts his head to the side, his brows furrowing. “Never be sorry around me for expressing your emotions honestly. Truly, I envy you for them, and if I am ever to learn to handle them as well as you, though perhaps not in the same way, I would rather you not feel ashamed of them. I do not judge how one feels. Even when you wanted to kill me, I thought no less of you for it.” He smiles warmly, still a bit fuzzy over Erik accepting the pants. Smirking he plops down on the edge of the bed, dropping his suit jacket and tie down next to him. “I was just tired, and confused. No need for either apology in this case it seems.” He smiles up at the vampire, pure honesty written all over his face.
The words passing between the two as they stroll casually through the garden ring hollow in the fae's ears. Like all the inane babble of courtiers and noblemen that he's learned to filter out when on the job, what they are actually saying becomes a simple buzz of sound, only observed for possible dangers or hints of nefarious intent. _'So strange to know that the prince is not really like this. To listen to a tone I have heard a million times before coming from a man I actually know sounds very different'_ He travels in the shadows of the foliage, moving closer when he can, staying back when they move towards his location. _'And her. . .I do not know her, but the tone I know. She is a hunter, after a prize. It is strange what humans see as prizes. . .'_
His focus shifts slightly to the eyes gazing down from above. His movements have also been hampered but a need to keep something between him and a window up above. He spotted the princess as soon as she came to the window, however it was a split second decision in that instant on whether or not he should stay hidden from her gaze or not, and in that instant he decided to hide. There is no real concrete reason in his head to do this, she has not been shown to be a threat as of yet, however he has always trusted his instincts, and that look in her eyes when first he spotted her told him all he needed to know in that moment. Glancing up at her he grants himself a few seconds to examine her face closely before turning his attention back to the prince and his lady.
_'So angry that child. She may not have been proven a danger thus far, but she is capable, without a doubt'_ He had seen that expression many times, in the eyes of those who hired him as they thought of the one he was to kill. They would practically spit fire, hissing and snarling in their rage, sometimes even getting angry at him for not backing up their emotions with encouragement. His father had often said that it sometimes netted you more coin to pretend that you agree with your client, but Rei had never felt the need. His head perks up a little bit as the woman expresses a desire to sit down and gestures towards a bench. Rei waits to see if the prince will indulge her, his gaze skipping over a row of bushes that would be a good hiding place for him to listen in.
~*~*~*~*~
Walking over the rough, stony ground of the countryside is harder than the young fae had thought. Especially when he keeps finding the need to duck out of sight. So many little things that put him on edge. Little sounds, faint movements, even the taste in the air occasionally brings him to his knees. He does not complain however, not that there's anyone around to hear his complaints. The determination in his gaze never wavers and with each step he takes, his decision feels more and more right. He needs to do this, it's the right thing to do, and more than anything, he wants to see it through to the end.
Yays! I can use on my main computer again, thank you!
That was the first thing I tried. Didn't help.
This site refuses to load altogether on my main computer, even though it was working fine 2 days ago. What happened? Just tried it on IE, and now the site will load (IE only) but there is no option to log in.
*Looks around sadly* Nobody?
Only half listening to the exchange between the demon and the serving girl Amano vaguely wonders why anyone would want peel in their food, on purpose, but is far too distracted at the moment to actually ask. He doesn't notice his shoulders beginning to slouch, his spine beginning to curl, and by the time his elbows hit the table he's very much the image of what he always looks like when a bunch of people can see him, and are looking in his direction to boot. Because looking they are. Something about the exotic looking man at his table seems to catch the attention of just about every person in the room be it a jealous woman glaring at his beauty or an ensnared youth gazing fondly at the hellspawn in mortal form.
He is not left to muse very long however as Illiendi addresses him soon after the server leaves and almost on instinct he pulls himself straight again and flushes as he notices how much he'd slipped into his old habit of hiding in less than a couple minutes. He coughs lightly, trying to ignore all the staring eyes. Even if they are mostly on Illiendi, the ones that are shot his way are all less than pleasant. He glances over the tables, the rows of eyes more than enough to make him want to hide again. _'They ether envy me, or admire me, and either is enough to make me want to hide in the nearest fish barrel'_ He lets out a faint sigh and looks back at Illiendi.
“Nothing's wrong, I'm just. . .I'm not use to the attention. You know, being the youngest and all. . .” He lets out another sigh before checking himself over and cringing as he notices that he is indeed rather smudged in places. “Not to mention I look like I was just crawling around in an alley.” He's exaggeration, his skin and clothes only lightly marked here and there, but in his usual fashion he looks at himself through his father's never satisfied eyes. Following Illiendi's line of sight he gazes bitterly out the window, wondering vaguely what his father would think of him eating in such a nice place looking “Like common street trash”.
Heh, oki, oki, looks good. I'll go work on my guy now. Thanks for indulging my rather rare bout of logic.
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