OCCUPATION:Â Administrator at the Mayorâs Office and part time Library Assistant at the Vievecor City Library
DISTRICT: Garond
HEADCANONS:
Sent to a private school in the city, Carmenâs family had a clear trajectory set out for her life. When she attended university, she was initially led into politics like her parents. But she grew bored of the routine and so when Isko de Guzman came into her life at age 20, it seemed like fate had brought them together. He was handsome and they seemed to run into each other in all the same places, when in reality, she was being stalked.
She was quick to fall for his charms and form an attachment, one that had her spending more and more time with him and less with her family and friends. They formed what she thought was a genuine relationship, all the while she was being glamoured into creating a life that revolved around him until he became her obsession.
When Carmen was 22, her family found out about the relationship and subsequent glamouring and Isko was sent to prison, where they continued to write letters which only fuelled her need for him more, despite being free of his glamouring.
In the 13 years that passed she suffered from what could be described as withdrawal from him. She eventually found another vampire to form a relationship with, though it never matched up to what she thought sheâd had. She neglected her family and duties, along with the marriage and career plans her parents set out for her. She spent more and more time around vampires and acted as a familiar for a while, eventually even moving into vampires home.
The vampire liked her human and attentive to him while she tolerated him as a placeholder to Isko. He changed her when she was 35 and her slack sire allowed her to go out killing recklessly. He had little patience for her once she was a vampire and desired a new human companion.
Left to go rogue for 2 years as vampire, her father eventually found her and sent her to the Sanitorium where she stayed for three years to receive âtreatmentâ to make her ânormalâ again in his eyes. It was kept as a secret as to not alert any attention from the human media.
Now released she is back working in office as administrator away from public but also has been allowed to work one day in the city library to attempt more contact with the public, under security. She continues to struggle with bloodlust and has had many accidents that have been covered up.
Carmen struggles with a different personality when taken over by bloodlust. She still feels some emptiness without Isko despite being aware that she was glamoured into it all. Her father is more worried about public image than her safety and attempts to keep her under tighter curfew with security at all times.
She does not currently know that Isko has been released from prison as her father has lied to her about it. She also only has access to a sun ring during her working hours and important social events.
Carmen was given a home in Garond in an attempt to keep her away from other vampires. Her parents view Garond as the safest but are unaware for her preference for Elven blood.
PERSONALITY: Before change: Uninhibited, Clumsy, Shy, Naive. After change: Disobedient, Erratic, Insecure, Obsessive.
CHARACTER TYPE: Wanted Connection - Isko's Ex-Lover
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âYou must be a busy man.â Carmen replied, but the softness of her voice suggested it was a compliment. She briefly glanced to Ayumu at her side before back to Robert, easily fluttering her eyelashes despite being unsure of what it was to really âuse her charmsâ. âWould you like to talk somewhere more private?â She asked him softly.
She had been exploring what it was to glamour since their last interaction and whilst her test subjects had come with varying levels of success, this time, she seemed to be able to grab hold of the human enough to at the very least draw him closer.
"I am," Robert chuckled. "More private?" His brows rose at Carmen's suggestion when she drew him closer. This was an relatively important figure in the city and Robert was a man who looked for opportunity, especially if they came in the form of a beautiful woman. "Yes. I'm always down for something more private," he grinned, the suggestion clear in his voice.
"We know you've got a private room, Robert," Ayumu called out out from somewhere behind them as they watched the interaction with keen interest. Already intent on following them to said room without their knowledge just to see how things would play out.
Carmen found herself a little irritated by Robertâs enthusiasm. Maybe it was the assumption that he wanted something from her that irritated her, or maybe it was the sheer notion that it wasnât Isko that was asking, that was enough to rattle her.
Still, she managed to keep her composure in favour of experimenting with some of her powers. âLead the way.â Carmen suggested, trying her best to sound confident and all the while attempting to use her glamour to make sure he did just that. She felt like she was stabbing at something in the dark and she found her gaze drifting over her shoulder to Ayumu almost to say âam I doing this right?â
Carmen looked around their surroundings, as if worried for a moment that somebody might be listening into their conversation. âYou sound like youâre speaking from experience?â The vampire questioned curiously, her voice still not lifting above a whisper. She didnât want to be helpless. She wanted to know what she was doing with her abilities for the first time since sheâd been turned.
Her hands lifted with them, allowing Ayumu to turn her in a circle. âWell⌠yes.â When she had first been created, it hadnât mattered that she was noticeably unstable, people had still flocked to her and made mealsâ huntingâ easy. Giving into the frenzy had been easy. âThatâs how I get what I want?â
"Experience by association. I've had dealings with vampires for centuries, young one," Ayumu replied. "Observed their abilities and behaviours for just as long... And I'm always a proponent for us supernaturals to live as we are meant to live. To not be shackled by propriety."
"That is indeed how you get what you want. Your vampiric charm and then glamouring if that doesn't work," the spirit explained. "Even if Artemis are trying to put those glamouring capabilities in check," they added with some derision.
"You should learn to hone these skills. Become the vampire you are meant to be."
âSo⌠could you help me?â Carmen asked. Beyond the blood, she wanted to know more about what it was to be a vampire, more than the foggy flickers of her early years of transformation allowed her. Her maker certainly hadnât been interested in maintaining the bond and teaching her and maybe someone who had been around so many vampires was a good idea. âWould you help me?â
Distracted again. This time the source of the noise revealed itself and Carmenâs head tilted as she watched the stranger approach. She didnât recognise him, nor could she quite recognise his species. The elderly man beneath the tree drank more out of his flask and seemed sluggishly disappointed at the lack of contents before slouching further down the trees trunk and quickly beginning to snore loudly.
âOh, Iâm fine.â Carmen reassured, just a little annoyed she had lost her practise subject for now. âI was just taking a breather. Sometimes it feels stifling to be in my house, so I like to come out here.â She admitted. While it hadnât been her sole reason for leaving that night, it wasnât a lie either, she often felt suffocated by her own situation.
Dorian studied her for a quiet beat, weighing the answer against everything he'd heard. She looked composed enough, certainly not frightened. Irritated, if anything. There were certain rumors that seemed to follow her wherever she went. The mayor's daughter was said to be⌠difficult. Peculiar, if one was feeling charitable. Unstable, if one wasn't. Hardly someone he'd imagined would be difficult to win over with a little charm, but now he wasn't so sure she was worth the trouble.
A faint smile tugged at one corner of his mouth, polite enough to smooth over any lingering awkwardness without pretending familiarity. "Very well, then," he said evenly, slipping his hands into his pockets. His eyes flicked once toward the old man beneath the tree before settling back on Carmen. "Just try not to make a habit of proving people right." He inclined his head in a small, almost absent-minded gesture, already angling himself as though to continue on his way. "Enjoy your breather, Miss La Greve."
âProving people right?â Carmen repeated his words with some confusion. âWaitââ she called when the stranger looked as though he was beginning to leave. âWhat do you mean?â Carmen didnât recognise him and yet he seemed to have some prior knowledge of her. It wasnât an uncommon scenario, Carmen was mostly used to it at this point, though sometimes it was a helpful exercise in remembering parts of her past where her memory had lapsed.
âHm. Thanks.â Carmen replied uncertainly. She didnât think her parents had done anything aside from damage control for their own personal gain, but right now they were serving a purpose.
âI guess I should let you get ready for your meeting. It was nice to meet you, Caleb.â Carmenâs lips lifted into a smile. She began to turn away, back to her trolley loaded full of books, before she quickly turned back. âOh. Next time you should try the white hot chocolate. I hear people saying theyâre the best.â She brightly added, âOkay, bye!â
"Oh, right. Of course." The meeting. Caleb was easily sidetracked from time to time so he was thankful to Carmen from the reminder. "White chocolate. I'll keep that in mind," he smiled. "Thank you, Carmen. I'll see you around."
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Carmen was extremely excited to be at a vampire event and away from the watchful eye of her parents and their security. That was of course, as long as she could avoid being dragged home like a grounded teenager once they figured out where she was. For now, she had been making the most of all the festivities had to offer.
âI asked you whatâs wrong.â Carmen repeated herself from where she stood just in front of him, though she still seemed very chipper despite the werewolfâs somber mood. Theyâd encountered each other earlier on in the night and he had been amiable in letting her have a taste of his blood. Werewolf had to be her least favourite of all the blood types, she had realised since⌠âYou look angry. Was it that bad?â She asked, nodding down the puncture wounds on his wrist.
Jax couldn't help the puzzled look on his face when the same vampire he'd met earlier was suddenly stood right in front of him. He knew that about vampires and yet, this one still managed to sneak up on him. Carmen, he remembered that. "Angry? No. Nothing's wrong. It's something I don't normally do, that's all.." Turning his wrist away didn't seem like a priority but the wolf did it anyway, trying to regain some semblance of composure. Maybe even confidence, but by the looks of it, he was a bit late. "Uhm..sorry. I didn't offend you, did I?"
âWhy not?â Carmen asked, not seeming to notice that it might be a somewhat personal question she was asking. She took a seat beside him just as she had earlier that evening and allowed her gaze to drift down to where the wolf had turned his wrist to conceal the wound. âNo, Iâm not offended. I just donât usually get toâ I mean, I use the donated blood usually. I thought maybe I hurt you.â She admitted, "Wolves have funny tasting blood." She casually confessed, "I never knew that until now."
Carmen was humming a quiet tune as she pushed her cart along the rows of alphabetised books, taking one from the cart every so often and slotting it back into its correct place on the shelf. The space was as quiet as ever and Carmen could only tune into the subtle sound of pages turning, the gentle tapping of fingers on keyboards as people worked on their laptops, the scratch of pen on paper. Then there were the heartbeats that seemed to seek her out from her quiet spot, forever trying to coax her closer. Instead she hummed a little louder, more intentionally. She didnât hear the person approaching, she was too busy allowing her mind to dwell on the events of the Wine Festival. It was supposed to have been a welcomed escape from the box her parents kept her in. Except it had only ended up causing her a world of hurt and confusion.
She told herself that Isko didn't mean what he had said to her. He would come back to her and everything would be fine, better than fine, she told herself.
"Doctor Wu." Carmen greeted when she finally acknowledged the persons presence. "What are you doing here?" She asked, sweeping a piece of hair behind her ear.
âOh.â Carmen replied, unable to hide the slight disappointment in her voice that it wasnât something more exciting, but now she thought about it, it did seem obvious that they as vampires wouldnât need it for anything. âThatâs very helpful.â She was quick to add.
Carmen was certain her parents didnât want her talking to any vampires. Though sheâd always wondered why they hadnât appealed to one of the vampire clans to take her off their hands. Maybe they couldnât trust them to take their reputation seriously enough to keep her in line.
Either way, Carmen wanted to meet them. âYou would do that for me? That would be great. Maybe here would be better⌠Iâm here every Tuesday.â When Iâm allowed out.
"Absolutely." He gave Carmen a reassuring smile. This next bit was more delicate. "I don't mean this to offend or worry you, but vampires can be dangerous if they don't know how to control their abilities. It's best for you and for all of us if you know other vampires who you can rely on and who can teach you." He had a feeling it might be her parents who were trying to keep her isolated, but no matter how much they knew about the supernatural as humans, it obviously wasn't enough. "I'll let Isabelle know to come on tuesday."
This man obviously did not know much about her history, she supposed she could thank her father for somehow managing to conceal her rampage. Learning from other vampires certainly would be better than landing herself a life sentence in Zamok, or more than likely, the Sanitorium. âThank you. Itâll be nice to meet her.â Carmen certainly hadnât had any vampire ever bother about her welfare before, least of all someone who was a clan leader coming to her. âAre you this helpful to all vampires?â
Carmen blinked when they spoke her name, lifting her chin to properly take in the face behind the familiar voice. âAdam.â She spoke quietly. She might have stared at him longer, had the womanâs shrieking not brought her back out of her thoughts. She let them take her wrist, his fingers as equally cold as her own, until they reached a spot away from the crowd.
âYes, um, five years.â Carmen responded, though three of them had been spent locked in the Sanitorium, with the world pretending she was overcoming some sort of mental health collapse or a drug addiction. âYouâre a vampire, too.â She noticed, surprised, by his very real existence more so than the idea that he was a vampire too. Heâd seemed so⌠gentle, during the dream. Loving, like she had meant everything to him. And she had seemed⌠normal. Happy. Like sheâd been beforeâŚ
The room seemed to suddenly zoom back into focus and Carmenâs gaze faltered from him, reaching up to wipe the dried blood stains from the corners of her mouth. âI know, Iâm sorry, itâs justââ She agreed, visibly jittery, because she was practically still salivating over everyone in the club. âItâs justâŚâ She tried again, unable to keep her fangs extending to sharp points.
Wow. Nobody had called him that, at least not in reality, in a long time. Though how different were they from that version of themselves, one that only came out in dreams these days? The way she said it sounded so sweet and he found he wouldn't mind if she continued to call him that name. "Actually, I go by Judas these days. But you can keep calling me Adam if it's less confusing."
Five years was still pretty young in terms of vampires. Barely more than Chris. It only seemed a few moments before the situation came back to her and left her in some kind of panicked state. Gently, they cupped her face and guided her chin up so she met their eyes. "Breathe, Carmen. It's okay." His thumb brushed away from remaining blood stain from her lips. "If you need a minute, I can take you to a quiet room for a bit."
Carmen was taken by surprise when the gentle touch guided her chin upwards, giving her something to focus on in the gentle darkness of his eyes, rather than the overwhelming scent of blood in the air and the thundering of hearts. She took a breath her lungs didnât need, allowing it to steady her when all she wanted to do was the opposite and release everything she kept caged inside like an animal. âMaybeâ that might be a good idea,â She agreed, knowing she probably wouldnât be capable of remaining rule-abiding if she didn't.
She waited for Judas to take the lead before she followed them wherever they wanted to take her. When they finally came to a stop, the sound of heartbeats faded away and slowly her fangs retracted. She took a breath, looking around them, before she met their eyes again. âWhy do people call you Judas now?â She asked, âwhat did you do?â Her voice was curious rather than accusatory.
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âNot yet!â Carmen replied, âI donât know many people here,â She admitted, âAnd Iâm not usually one for big events like these.â She finished, down-playing her situation massively. It was because she wasn't allowed at big events like these. She wasn't allowed to socialise with other vampires. âBut I wanted to come to this one.â She grinned. âHello Chris, the vampire.â Carmen laughed cheerfully, âIâm Carmen. Also a vampire.â Greeting his hand with her own, she shook it. âDo you like dancing?â
"They can definitely be overwhelming. I came up here to take a breather and a lot of people clearly had the same idea." He agreed with her, gesturing towards a few other people visible around the room who were in the same sort of position as them looking over the main area. "I haven't seen you around before. So, nice to meet you." He chuckled at Carmen's question and shrugged. "I'm ok with dancing, why do you ask?"
âOr maybe theyâre just being nosy?â Carmen suggested with a small but playful smile. It was fun to watch everyone from above, they were like little neon blobs moving to the music, but Carmen was more interested in finding the various red collars in what appeared to her as a birds eye view, all-you-can-eat buffet menu. âItâs nice to meet you too.â Her smile brightened as she shook the idea of feeding loose. âHave you lived in the city for long?â She paused, âHm? Oh. You asked if Iâd had chance to go on the dance floor, I wondered if you were hoping for a partner.â
Carmen wasnât sure whether to feel threatened by the man or not. Her family definitely wouldnât take kindly to knowing she was here, least of all in the company of someone who seemed to know how influential they were. She assumed Ayumu must have a reason for the introduction.
âWhat is it that you do?â Carmen asked Robert, before Ayumu interjected and handed her the glass of something. Carmen sniffed at it before raising it to her lips for a tentative sip.
"Why don't you give your vampiric charms a try? Robert will be an easy target. He's practically salivating already," Ayumu whispered into Carmen's ear as she took a sip of the alcoholic drink. There was no blood in it because there was a blood bag right in front of her.
"I own this club," Robert replied. "Amongst other things. Ayumu and I... We move in similar circles." And that meant competing in the same shady businesses.
âYou must be a busy man.â Carmen replied, but the softness of her voice suggested it was a compliment. She briefly glanced to Ayumu at her side before back to Robert, easily fluttering her eyelashes despite being unsure of what it was to really âuse her charmsâ. âWould you like to talk somewhere more private?â She asked him softly.
She had been exploring what it was to glamour since their last interaction and whilst her test subjects had come with varying levels of success, this time, she seemed to be able to grab hold of the human enough to at the very least draw him closer.
He didn't ask about what drugs were in Rei's system but Isko was starting to feel them now. He hummed in response, gently tucking her hair behind her ear before he touched her cheek. Her skin felt soft too but it wasn't warm like he remembered it to be. "And shiny," he agreed, watching the way the light caught the dress. Carmen's outfit was built to reflect the light and now it bounced around her as well. If she was still clinging onto him after the ferris wheel, he would agree to a dance and lose her in the crowd again.
He was pulled along without argument, too distracted by the party around them to notice how eager Carmen was for his attention tonight. She didn't really have it, he was already wondering where Rei was. He had promised not to leave again but part of him expected it of him. He chuckled at her impatience, wrapping an arm around her waist like he used to. "You need to learn patience, Carmen," he warned her. "Look, we're already moving up in the line," he pointed out, shuffling them a few steps closer.
@reiremington for after the read more~
Carmen:
âI am patient.â Carmen corrected, âI waited for you this whole time and here you are.â She smiled and it was unclear if she was intending to be as unsettling as her words sounded. She turned slightly, her turn to push a dark strand of hair back from his face. âNow I have you back.â She said, lingering for a moment before the intensity dipped. âDid you manage to speak to your witch friend?â Carmen asked curiously instead as they steadily moved up the line, Carmen remaining within the loop of Iskoâs arm and she found herself tracing absent patterns into the skin. When they reached the front, the attendee let them into one of the empty cars and secured the doors behind them.
Isko:
"I doubt that," he said with a laugh. A spoiled young creature like her was never going to be patient, not in life or death. The word's didn't stick how they should have, making it easy for the vampire to ignore the desperate way she still clung to him. Isko was back in her life but he had no plans on being with a vampire, unable to see the benefit it would provide.
"Rei?" He answered, his brow furrowing. When did he tell her about Rei? His mind was a little slow with the influence of said witch's blood but then it clicked. "The sun ring, right." Admittedly the vampire had forgotten about it but it was easier to get than Carmen likely understood. "It takes some time for enchanting but it shouldn't be too much longer," he lied easily. Next time he saw her, he knew he'd have to show up with it but that was a problem for the future.
Carmen:
Carmen vaguely recognised the name as someone she had met before, but put very little stock into any connection there might have been. âWell thatâs okay, I donât need it for now.â She reassured, âFor now, maybe you could come and see me instead?â She suggested, winding her fingers into the front of his outfit to pull him closer to her. âMy father never noticed before⌠you could do it again.â Carmen murmured.
Isko:
Isko needed to get in better control of his tongue. Whatever Rei had taken was stronger than he had thought. It was easier to forget what he was meant to be doing or what he was hiding. He chuckled, the words sounding funnier with the fuzzy feeling in his head. "Where would I come see you?" he asked, curious to how this fairy tale played out in her thought. He couldn't visit her at work or at her home and he didn't want to, unwilling to risk his probation for her. "And if I get caught, I'd go back to Zamok. Is that what you want, little bird?" he asked, his eyes narrowing. His hand cupped the back of her neck, tilting her head up as his grip tightened. He would not be going back to Zamok, not for her.
Carmen:
âYou could come to the houseââ Carmenâs lips parted to continue, but quickly closed, her brow furrowing instead as she considered Iskoâs words. She definitely didnât want to see him in trouble and definitely not back in prison because of her. Then how would she ever get to see him? Her eyes focused entirely on Isko when he took hold of the back of her neck. âOf course not.â She reassured him. âI could come and see you instead?â She suggested, âWe could share someone again,â Carmen suggested, curling her body closer to his. âAnd you could teach me some more about being a vampire. Unless⌠well, I did meet another vampire here tonight. I could ask him instead, if youâre too busy.â
Isko:
Even as a vampire, Carmen still was a little girl who had always had everything catered to her. She was spoilt but trapped and now she was trapped for all eternity. At least she couldn't blame him for that in a hundred years time. "Good, because that would be very selfish of you. I'm not allowed to be near you at all and I'm already risking jail time to spend time with you," he said. Her endless chatter was starting to mess up his high but the mention of yet another vampire brought his full attention back to her. "Is that what you are going to do to me Carmen?" he asked, tightening his grip on her neck. "Every time you don't get your own way, you'll run off and find another vampire to replace me?" he questioned.
Carmen:
There was something like a pout on her lips when Isko accused her of being selfish. There was a large part of her that desperately wanted to reassure him that she would never do anything to put him in danger of going back to prison and another, far quieter part, that told her to ask whatever she wanted of him, take whatever she wanted, because she could now. It wasnât as though he could really hurt her anymore, why couldnât she demand of him when he had taken so much from her without asking? Still, those thoughts dwindled somewhere buried beneath many others, lost within the chaos of all her thoughts, all competing with one other to see which one would win. âBut you do want to spend time with me, donât you?â She asked instead, not taking her eyes off of him as his grip tightened, dutiful to him as ever. âThey were nice! I think youâd like him. You said I should be independent, so I started talking to other vampires. There was a man I met the other day at the library, he said I should talk to somebody called Isabelle, too.â She continued, but seemed to soften the longer she spent staring into his eyes, âI would never replace you.â She murmured, âYouâre perfect.â
Isko:
He could see that selfishness in her eyes, still the same young girl he'd met decades ago. The privileged rich girl wanted to stamp her foot and have him at her beck and call but he wouldn't allow himself to be controlled that way. The vampire's expression remained neutral but he nodded. "Would I be here if I didn't want to spend time with you? I thought we could enjoy the ferris wheel and get some photos so you can take them home with you." Little did Carmen know but Isko was unlikely to enjoy the company of another vampire. There was only one real exception to that rule, aside from Carmen now as well. "I want you to be independent because your father is controlling you," he explained, his voice gentler now to appease her. The last thing he wanted was Carmen ending up in some sister cult and trying to kill him. "It sounds like you want to replace me. Maybe I should let you..." the vampire sighed, relenting his grip on her neck and returning his hands to his side. "You'd be happier with someone new."
Carmen:
âCanât I do that with the help of some other vampires? Arenât we supposed to join clanâs eventually? I could learn something from them and leave my mother and father.â Carmen said, though her curiosity was cut short as Isko continued with his guilt trip. It worked and she felt guilty for ever having brought it up and for making him feel like she was replacing him. âNo!â She insisted, grabbing his hand as he drew back from her, âI wonât talk to anyone else, I promise. Just you. You make me happy.â Her hands moved, cupping his face to bring his gaze back to her. âI love you.â
Isko:
"Isn't that just leaving one cage for another?," he answered. It didn't sound like freedom to him, to have someone above you and telling you what you can and can't do. That just sounded like prison and Isko had already endured that experience once. The change was quick, from a stubborn rich girl to the ever needy and adoring he'd trained her to be. It wasn't the first time that he'd heard Carmen declare her love but she had been human and warm. Now the words sounded desperate and cold, much like her hands. He had liked her so much better when she was still human. He tilted his head up and pressed his lips to her forehead. "Come on, it's our turn for the ride," he prompted.
Taking the hand she had held onto him with, he lead her inside the ferris wheel carriage and pulled her into his side. The vampire draped his arm over her shoulders, absently playing with her soft hair again. Now they were alone in the quiet carriage, he could feel that restless energy from Rei's blood returning. "Do you want to play with the photobooth?" he asked. After all his mistreatment of her that night, Isko knew he had to return to being sweet or else she'd go wandering off for some new vampire to toy with and Isko didn't like people playing with his things.
Carmen:
Carmen felt like sheâd been in one cage or another her entire life and it left her searching Iskoâs face for answers that never came. But then his lips were pressing to her forehead and he was guiding her inside the ferris wheel car. She sat down, still programmed to enjoy the feel of his arm around she shoulder and the fingers sliding in her hair. âOkay.â She conceded, a small smile touching her lips, before she turned her attention to the Photo Booth screen in front of them. She tapped at the screen, selecting a few different options until the camera came up, ready with a count down to take their pictures.
Isko:
He felt torn between wanting Carmen to gain independence from her family and having to be the one she'd cling to if she did. The Ferris wheel would work as a good distraction for them both. He sat back while she fiddled with the settings before returning back to his arms. As it counted down, he leaned in and pressed their cheeks together and smiled, waiting until the shutter went off. For the next one, he tilted his head to kiss her cheek. He could almost smell the sweet blood on her lips when they were this close together. She smelled nice and he was tempted to bury himself againsst her neck. Instead, his head dropped to her shoulder and kissed her neck for the third photo. "What should our last photo be, little bird?" He asked.
Carmen:
There had been a lot of emotional whiplash that evening and Carmen wasnât sure whether she had done enough to maintain this mood. Sheâd not heard the missed opportunity to tell her he loved her back, or the way he hadnât said he would try to help her live a life away from her parents. Instead she let him convince her yet again with his kisses, each captured in a photo. Carmen paused, but only for a beat, âKiss me?â She murmured, ever hopeful that he still wanted her.
Isko:
Isko had no desire to lie to her about things like love. She could feel comforted that he'd never told anyone he loved them and likely never would, he wasn't built for it. He could offer her a kiss, even if he couldn't love her the way she eagerly wanted him to. "Of course," he murmured in return. It was the request he was expecting so as the photobooth began it's next countdown, his hand went to her chin, tilting her head up before he kissed her softly. The vampire lingered against her lips, ensuring the photo was taken before he tried to pull back.
Carmen:
They hadnât kissed in so many years and yet it felt as familiar as the first, at least to Carmen. A time before she had realised he was a vampire, a time when she thought the way they kept meeting was fate pulling them together, and the butterflies would surge up in her stomach every time they crossed paths. He had been her first love, the person she thought she was choosing for herself rather than the man her father wanted her to marry, but she hadnât been granted long before any free-will for what she felt was taken away. It just hadnât been by the person she thought it would be.
Carmenâs thoughts came back into focus at the sound of the photos developing and dropping with a small âclinkâ down into the bottom of the machine. She suddenly broke into a smile and reached down to pick up the series of photos of them. She looked at them thoughtfully, before leaning in to show Isko. âTheyâre nice ones!â She happily observed, âDonât you think?â
He'd been looking around for Isko everywhere. He'd gone up to the second floor and even barged into some private rooms, but the vampire was nowhere to be seen. The longer he searched, the more stressed out he felt, worried he'd been ditched. Sure, it would be well deserved, but they were working on getting their relationship back to a good place. He was less sure by the second that Isko still wanted that. Rei snapped at people who tried to talk to him, barely containing his magic. He was already stressed out from the Eiji situation and this was not helping.
He was beginning to consider a spell to track him down when his eyes happened to move over the ferris wheel, the ride coming to a stop as another gondola lined up with the bottom, ready to free its current occupants and take on new ones. Why was Isko in the ferris wheel, without him? It took him a moment to recognise the woman with him. Carmen looked so intensely happy, more than he'd ever seen in the times he'd hung around her. Isko had said it was against his parole to be around her. Had that been a lie? Had he told the witch not to let Carmen find out they were dating not because she might hurt him but because then he could do what he wanted with both of them? His mind was swimming with horrible thoughts, his chest aching with a horrid mix of heartbreak and burning anger that he didn't know how to quell.
He was still standing there staring when the pair exited the gondola and his eyes met Isko's.
~~~
ISKO
Kissing Carmen felt different now. She was colder, her lips tasted of blood that wasn't her own. It was disappointing and though he already had his own lover, he did miss her humanity. As they pulled apart, he leaned into her side to look at the photos. "They're cute," he agreed. Taking his phone out, he snapped a photo of them like he wanted it for the memory. "Now they're all yours."
The ride came back down and was coming to an end. He stepped out first and held his hand out for Carmen, like a gentleman would. He hadn't realised they had someone watching them until he turned and met Rei's eyes. His instinct was to smile, a warmth filling him because he was happy to see his boyfriend. His smile turned to a frown quickly before he realised why his boyfriend looked so upset and quickly dropped Carmen's hand. Rei was already closing the space between them and he took a step forward to meet him. "Rei⌠Let's go get a drink."
~~~
CARMEN
Carmen smiled giddily and held onto the pictures in her hand like they were going to be her most treasured possession from now on. When they reached the bottom of the ferris wheel, she stepped out, happy to take the hand Isko offered to her. But it was very quickly dropped again and Carmen was confused for a moment as the two men suddenly approached each other. âRei? This is the witch you know?â She smiled brightly in realisation, seeming to miss the tension between them. âAre you friends? I didnât realise you knew each other.â Carmen asked as she looped her arm through the crook of Iskoâs and cuddled into his side.
~~~
REI
There was barely a second of Isko in front of him before Carmen slipped her arm around his again and leaned in like a trophy wife. "What, you want to get me more drunk so I can't think straight?" He replied, eyes turning back to Isko. "That's why you wanted to keep it a secret, right? So you could keep messing around with her and still keep me for when you get hungry."
"Yeah, just friends," he answered Carmen finally, shooting her a sharp look. She was leaning into him like she was in love and he was hers. So much for all those promises Isko had made him. Though his eyes were still filled with anger, they were also beginning to be brimmed with tears. Rei looked over the vampire couple once more before turning away to leave.
~~~
ISKO
This was not how Isko wanted the night to go. From the look on Rei's face, he'd already jumped to his conclusions and wasn't going to see anything else. If he was paying attention, the witch would have seen the look of annoyance on his face when Carmen's arm linked through his. "I was going to suggest water because you're already intoxicated and jumping to conclusions," he answered.
He took one last look at Carmen before shrugging her off and taking a few steps to follow after his boyfriend. "Jeremiah. I know you're upset but if you walk away and leave me at this party, that's it. I'm not chasing you again," he warned, speaking loud enough that he was sure they both heard him. When he was certain the witch was paying attention, he turned back to the wide eyes of his old toy. "Rei is my boyfriend."
~~~
CARMEN
âBoyfriend?â Carmen repeated, glancing between the two of them, âBut⌠but you love me.â It was something sheâd drummed into her head over and over, enough to make her obsessed with vampires in all the years Isko had been gone, enough to drive her to want to turn into one herself, enough to make her want to abandon everyone she knew. He loved her and she needed to do whatever it took to in order to stay with him. She didnât need to be glamoured to believe that anymore, the effects on her mind were permanent. What would she be left as if he was off with somebody else? What was she supposed to do? âYou just said you didnât want me to abandon you for anyone else.â She pointed out, âSo you can play with him. But youâre mine.â
~~~
REI
He didn't want to walk away. He hadn't planned on leaving but a part of him knew he was not in a state mentally or emotionally to deal with this right now without overreacting. It was honestly amazing he hadn't already blown up. His heart did warm, his expression softening, as he heard Isko call him his boyfriend. Sure, they said it to each other, but they hardly told anyone else. His heart urged him to step forward and wrap his arms around him, but he managed to keep himself from doing so.
His eyes returned to Carmen, his feel of possessiveness surging up and fueling the dark glare he turned on her. For a brief moment, he wondered if Isko had told her he loved her, feeling that anger flare, but he had trusted Isko when he said he liked him and wasn't sure if he could love. Rei felt like he'd already lost his brother tonight, he didn't want to lose his boyfriend, too. "He's not yours," he countered, his voice dark. His fingers curled at his side as small swirls of green magic formed around his fingers, poised to cast on her if she tried anything. "If you think for one second I'm going to let you take him from me, you've got another thing coming."
~~~
ISKO
"Yes, Rei is my boyfriend. We've been seeing each other about a year," he replied, not looking at the other vampire. While Isko felt a little guilty that Carmen was in this state but he had never told her to become a vampire and follow him forever, he had never even told her he loved her. Isko had enjoyed making the sweet mayor's daughter fall in love with him and adore him but it was never meant to be forever.
Rei's possessiveness made him feel warm and he had already taken a few more steps closer. It felt like Rei was still on his side. There would be a lot to explain but he had made his choice already and he was going home with the witch. "It's been twenty years, Carmen. I just wanted to make sure you got your independence. I feel guilty that you're a vampire now and that you didn't move on with your life but it's probably time that you do."
~~~
CARMEN
Carmen couldnât allow herself to believe that it had all been for nothing. âBut Iâm only allowed to be independent on my own? You donât want me but Iâm not allowed to be around anyone else either?â She wasnât sure where it came from, but something had bubbled up from beneath the surface. Her eyes fell, narrowing at the sight of the swirls of green magic at Reiâs fingertips, before back to Isko. âThis is what you wanted. You wanted me to want you.â She reminded him. Sheâd been told the story of what had happened to her countless times, the glamour and the after, but sheâd never properly registered it. âI didnât get to choose, why should you?â
~~~
ISKO
Isko knew he had said those things so he simply shrugged. "It's not independence if you're not on your own," he countered. He had been jealous and possessive and he still was, he was itching to reach out and grab her and make her submit again. Instead he sighed, clenching his hands into fists to stop him from reaching for her. "Yes," he agreed. That was what Isko had wanted but that was twenty years ago. He had already confessed to those crimes and served his time. "Everything that happened after I went to prison isn't my fault anymore," the vampire answered. "I didn't tell you to become a vampire. I didn't say we should be together for all eternity. You decided those things. Twenty years was long enough for those feelings to fade Carmen."
~~~
CARMEN
Carmen wasnât listening, her eyes were wild with anger, âI donât care.â She told him, claws extending from the beds of her nails as she quickly struck out, swiping at his face and cutting his cheek. Just as quickly, she moved forwards, picking up the blood on his cheek with her thumb, now as affectionate and sweet as she usually was. âYouâre not allowed to leave me.â She told him in a way that was matter-of-fact, but soft, her eyes suddenly wide and gentle. Her head tilted to look at Rei then, âWhy did you have to do that?â She pouted, âYou canât have him.â
~~~
REI
The last thing they needed was a big scene, but he was very, very happy that Isko wasn't trying to twist things, he was being a faithful boyfriend despite Carmen's clear confusion and anger. It did sound like Isko had been toying with her and leading her along, but the witch didn't feel bad enough about that to let go of his boyfriend. The movements were quick, far quicker than his drunken mind could follow but he quickly registered that she had attacked him and was making claims on him that Rei wasn't going to stand for.
His hand raised as he began manipulating the blood that she had ingested and now circulated her body, forcing her legs to bend and knee on the floor. "Hurt him again, and I'll kill you."
~~~
ISKO
It happened so fast that Isko barely registered that she had cut him with her claws. They slashed his cheek and he felt something warm start to pool. It was the first time someone had been able to physically hurt him and he turned his eyes back to her, widened with surprise. He wasn't sure if it was the drugs in Rei's blood or just his own shock that he didn't react to the violent outburst or her words.
Rei moved quicker and he watched as Carmen went to her knees and he looked between the pair. This was magic beyond what he thought Rei capable of and later, he would have to question if this was magic that could be used against him as well. "Rei, it's okay. I'm not hurt," he said, speaking after a long moment. "It will heal. Carmen is upset, we can forgive her for lashing out."
~~~
CARMEN
Carmenâs eyes widened with shock as she was suddenly forced down to her knees, but it soon turned into a hiss of frustration aimed at Rei. âWhat are you doing?â She demanded. âThatâs so mean!â Her glare turned into Isko, though it was fuelled by upset and anger in equal measure. âYou canât leave meâŚâ Her voice was smaller now, âEverything was for you.â
They had attracted a significant amount of attention from those waiting to get onto the ferris wheel with their little display and the attendant operating it was clearly attempting to summon some security. Carmen fidgeted, eager to get out of her embarrassing predicament on the floor.
~~~
REI
If not for Isko, Rei would have continued, if not done worse. He didn't care about the crowd, he cared that this woman had hurt his boyfriend and claimed him as her own, even after she was told about their relationship. After another few moments, Rei dispelled the magic. His eyes stayed locked on her for a few long moments before they turned to Isko.
"Are we leaving now?" He asked his expression and voice softened now that it was turned on his boyfriend. He reached forward, slipping his hand into Isko's. The vampire had made it clear that he chose him, after all.
~~~
ISKO
He wasn't sure if in his inhebriated state if Rei would let go. Part of him was curious to see what his magic could do but he also didn't want to make a scene, not when he was still on probation. "Yes, let's go home but just give me a second first," he said, giving the witch's hand a squeeze. "I feel responsible for her," he murmured softly just for the witch to hear.
He stepped away and kneeled down in front of Carmen and held his hand out for her and helped her get to her feet. "Enjoy the rest of the night, little bird. Drink your fill and dance with someone cute and go home and cuddle up with your pictures. I'll get you your sun ring," he promised, deciding he should keep that promise at the very least.
~~~~
CARMEN
Carmen watched the pair of them together, torn between so many emotions it was difficult to keep hold of herself. She glanced around them, noticing the amount of people who had gathered and were now standing and staring, whispering to each other about what was going on. Her hands moved to each side of her head, pushing the heels of them hard against her temples and squeezing her eyes shut. âItâs not fair. Itâs not fair. Youâre mine⌠youâre mine, Iâm yoursâŚâ she mumbled repeatedly, until she felt Isko take her hand and she stopped, slowly opening her eyes to him. She looked around her again and gradually got to her feet, which seemed to be within her own control again. The vampire looked somewhat dazed as he spoke. âOkay.â She replied meekly, lightly touching where the cut had already healed and disappeared on Iskoâs skin. âYou will?â She smiled, delusional.
âMove along.â The voice of one of the bouncers interrupted the three of them and Carmen skittishly pulled back to automatically back into the crowd, which quickly swallowed her up, and she was left searching for one last sight of them through the mass.
~~~
REI
After all this, she was still clinging to the idea that Isko was hers? A part of him knew he was just trying to keep her from exploding, but she seemed delusional enough to think she could still have him all to herself. Rei's eyes stayed on her, his glare sharp and dark.
He watched her as she slipped into the crowd. It was only when he could no longer see her that his expression softened and turned to Isko. "Let's go home," he said, holding out his hand to him.
Vievecor City Park was always peaceful at night and it was a convenient cut through back to Carmenâs apartment on the nights when she felt like walking. Luckily, the elder elf that looked after the park wasnât often there at night time and so Carmen didnât have to deal with his judgemental gaze. Her parents had assumed Garond would be the safest place to house her, with less temptation and bad influence readily available in the mostly elf populated district, but all it had done was enhance Carmenâs tastebuds and turn her favour towards the Elven population.
But it wasnât the peace of the park of the Elven blood that Carmen was in search of tonight. She sat on one of the benches, waiting for someone to approach that she could practise on. Sheâd noticed that late at night, most of the humans that wandered through the park were often intoxicated and heading back from a night out in the city bars, or those without a home to return to at all. They were easy targets for learning how to glamour.
She was focusing on a man who had settled with his back against one of the tree trunks, organising his blankets for the night and trying to balance his flask of liquor on the uneven ground, when she sensed someone else close by. Carmenâs brow furrowed, suddenly concerned, and she instead tried to find the source between the trees. When she failed, she convinced herself she had imagined the incident, before she returned to the task at hand, focusing more intently this time.
Dorian had almost passed her by. A woman alone on a park bench after dark was hardly his concern, and he had more pressing matters occupying his attention. Then recognition caught up with him. Even in the dim light, there was something familiar about her, enough to pull him to a stop and take a second look. Carmen La Greve. The mayor's daughter. What exactly she was doing sitting alone in a city park at this hour was anyone's guess, but he found himself changing course all the same.
With a faint shake of his head, he stepped closer, adopting the easy confidence that had carried him through boardrooms, negotiations, and more bad decisions than he cared to count. "Excuse me," he said, drawing her attention without raising his voice. "Are you alright?" His gaze swept briefly across the dark paths and clusters of trees before returning to her. "It's late. You shouldn't be out here all by yourself."
Distracted again. This time the source of the noise revealed itself and Carmenâs head tilted as she watched the stranger approach. She didnât recognise him, nor could she quite recognise his species. The elderly man beneath the tree drank more out of his flask and seemed sluggishly disappointed at the lack of contents before slouching further down the trees trunk and quickly beginning to snore loudly.
âOh, Iâm fine.â Carmen reassured, just a little annoyed she had lost her practise subject for now. âI was just taking a breather. Sometimes it feels stifling to be in my house, so I like to come out here.â She admitted. While it hadnât been her sole reason for leaving that night, it wasnât a lie either, she often felt suffocated by her own situation.
âOh, well, thatâs good.â Carmen responded with some relief, unsure whether she was more relieved to see the shadows disappear from the manâs sides, or that she hadnât hurt him during her frenzy. âHe was in prison forââ She paused. She knew why he was there. He glamoured you into believing you loved him, he derailed your entire life because he was bored and wanted a game to play. Carmen quickly banished the thought before it could take hold. Not her Isko, he wouldnât ever do such a thing to her. âHe was in prison at the time. Still is.â The confessed. âIt will be worth it.â She finally finished, trying to instil confidence in her own voice. âYou talk as though weâve met before.â
"We have, but you wouldn't remember. It was only in passing," he responded simply, not wanting to sound overly creepy about it. Augustine didn't make a habit of simply staring at strangers, let alone trying to input himself into their lives. He simply had had a sweet spot for potential victims of vampires, and Carmen had always come off as someone bound for trouble.
âOh.â Carmen replied. âSorry that I worried you tonight. I think I had better get home, anyway. Iâm sure my parents will realise Iâm gone soon, if they havenât already.â She added, not really taking much notice of how strange her words probably sounded coming from a grown woman and a vampire.
âAnd Iâm sorry that I donât remember you. Most things from before are⌠muddled.â She admitted, âAnyway.â She moved awkwardly, clearly someone who wasnât quite used to moving with all the usual grace of a vampire. âSee you.â Carmen moved around Augustine and began to walk away.
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Carmen smiled when Isko pulled her in closer, predictable in how easily he could make himself her sole focus with a single touch. âI got out! Someone sent me this pretty dress and an invite and I knew I needed to come. Do you like it?â Carmen replied excitedly, âitâs great here, isnât it? Do you want to go dancing?â
The vampiress wasnât exactly sure how much time she had before her worrisome parents sent their personal security to retrieve her from the venue, like a lost puppy that had bolted from the home at the first sign of freedom. But apparently she was going to make the very best of her time by asking Isko a litany of questions before he had time to answer the first one.
Now that he was feeling the effects of Rei's blood, he also began feeling other things. Like he had forgotten how much he enjoyed the adoration that Carmen gave him. It hadn't wavered or changed, even now she was an immortal like him. "I can see that. You're getting very good at that," he acknowledged. He had no idea what she would unleash on the city if she was let loose without supervision. Especially with so much blood on offer.
It was a lot of questions but Isko was momentarily distracted by the glimmering lights behind Carmen's hair, making her glow. "Pretty," he murmured, reaching out to touch her hair. "I don't want to go dancing. Do you want to go on the ferris wheel?" he asked, deciding he'd rather get her alone before Rei came and found them. Isko hadn't hidden Carmen from his past but he shouldn't have been in contact with her.
It was barely a touch, just fingers through her hair, but it made Carmenâs eyes shine brightly in the dimness of the club. âReally?â She smiled, undeniably desperate for his approval, his flattery, anything as long as it was him giving it to her. Carmen brushed down her dress, the iridescence shining. She didnât seem to notice the way he turned down her invitation to dance, even though she really would have liked to. âThat sounds fun.â She grinned.
Carmen didnât hesitate, reaching out to thread her fingers through the gaps of Iskoâs and tugging him through the crowds towards the large ferris wheel. She abruptly stopped at its queue, pouting for a second, before turning to face Isko, âIâm sure it wonât be long. I heard you can take photos inside!â
