Skye

“When someone you love dies, and you’re not expecting it, you don’t lose her all at once; you lose her in pieces over a long time--the way the mail stops coming, and her scent fades from the pillows and even from the clothes in her closet and drawers.”

The sheets had been a mess, but they were warm underneath, occupied by two nude forms that were practically intertwined, even though his skin hadn’t really held any warmth. He’d felt it radiating off of her, and it was comforting. Never had he gazed at a fae, so entranced and entrapped by her love that it nearly wounded him. At least not since-- it tamed the wildness within him, longing to be more than just a bloodthirsty monster. Only when she was with him did he ever wonder what if-- what if he hadn’t been created as such a horrid creature. 

At first when she had met him in the small town he’d been staying in temporarily, they’d flirted and courted each other like any potential lovers would. Though for him, it was predatory instinct and he had every intention of claiming her life, but within time and an odd sort of patience, he had changed his mind. There was a spark of interest, wanting to get close to her. To know everything about her. When she had found out about him being a vampire, the news was hard at first-- and he had to admit that the vase to his head hurt like hell, but after a ton of flowers and his sad attempt at poetry did she finally come around. Their kinds were not meant to be together. 

She had multiple bite marks across her skin, one being on her shoulder that he lightly touched with the pads of his fingertips. He’d thought that maybe he bit her too hard, but then again, she’d liked being marked by him. It was too bad that any mark made by her would heal quickly. He liked the idea of having purple little love marks across his skin. 

Slowly she starts to stir, his fingers now trailing a line down her spine slowly. There’s a deep inhale of the morning air, and she turns to look over towards him, nearly squinting at the light that would turn into the warmest of smiles. His own smile is soft towards her, greeting her just the same. 

“Good morning,” her voice cracked and hoarse from using it for the first time that day. “Did you not sleep?” 

Skye wasn't really into Halloween or anything, but the castle's inhabitants always seemed lively this time of year. He had found Taryn in the Undercroft, and while he hadn't really thought of much, he was at least glad to get him out for a time so he could rest easily in the vampire's suite. Skye was innocent enough and didn't do anything without asking. The two would spend their time together watching some horror movie, but Skye couldn't help but laugh just a tad. "You know, these 'monsters' actually exist. It's strange watching a horror movie and knowing some of these tropes aren't real." He'd munch on some popcorn, staring at the flashing television before them, without much thought coming to mind other than what just ran out of his mouth.

There was a very rare groan of reluctance that escaped as Ember tugged him along for costume shopping. While he was happy that it was kind of like a date, Skye was rather old-fashioned and rather boring when it came to parties and dressing up. He preferred being away from crowds, let alone when it came to the castle's festivities. It was always an excuse to ogle at the nude forms of others and partake in things he preferred the privacy of his bedroom for. However, he couldn't say 'no' exactly when Ember seemed excited and happy for such a thing, and Skye would do his best to make the other as happy and comfortable as possible. Still-- he couldn't hide the mild boredom he held with each passing rack of clothing. "You know, what is the point of dressing up? I am only going to be taking off your clothes by the end of the night, and everyone that we don't like will be there."

Bat: If you could transform into any kind of animal, what animal would you be?

If I could transfer into any kind of animal, I think I would simply say a cat. Only because they seem to do whatever they please without a care and can sleep all day basking the warmth of the sun.

Gravestone: Ideal way you’d like to die?

As an old man. Going through the stages of mortal life.

Vampire: Which one are you? Early bird or night owl?

He was on the bed in the bedroom, having decided to spend the day there instead of roaming the castle like he usually did. He couldn’t help himself and cuddle up to a shirt he’d found in the closet that smelled of Skye, he missed him and as the days went on he didn’t know when he’d see him again. His fear that he would never come back was something he had to fight away, that he’d be sent back to the undercroft at any moment because his master never came back. At these thoughts he’d bury his face further into the shirt, trying to banish those thoughts to the far reaches of his mind. It would not do him well to ponder on it despite it feeling more and more like a reality every day. As he laid there thinking he heard rustling within the suite, he perked up a bit, for a moment he thought maybe it was someone else until he heard his voice. He shifted as his heart beat grew faster, his hands still holding the garment when the other appeared in the doorframe. “I didn’t think you’d ever come back.” He said softly, eyeing him slowly, taking him in just to make sure it wasn’t some sort of trick. “Didn’t hear from you… I thought you’d left for good.” He could feel the stinging of tears in his eyes, for which he did his best to keep them back.

`

Lucien had heard someone approach, but kept or tried to keep his focus on the book before him. It made no sense why he was a hot, both species in him lacked actual life so how could he be warm when he hadn’t fed. Fundamentally he understood what heat did, but scientifically it made no sense why a creature like himself was going into this ridiculous state of heightened everything, or at least that’s how it felt. 

Not once did he raise his head from the book. Assuring himself if he poured all his focus into what was before him he could control himself. He’d always been able to before, far better than most, save for during those times of magical antics at the castle and this was no magic. It explained Cairo, he, without a doubt, the genetic variable that was missed causing the failure that walked the castle. 

Lost in his own thoughts he missed the first few utterances from the man that had invited himself to his table, but his attention finally moved to him at the last. He wasn’t sure what he was feeling nor was he happy with them or their cause. “What?” He near hissed and it had him questioning if he had hissed before he noticed how little the other was wearing and that along with the comment, the smirk, the other’s tone, and his own inability to keep his emotions in check had things appearing that shouldn’t be. Lucien quickly raising a book to separate the others gaze from him and trying to hide the ridiculously puffy tail that just added insult to injury. Being a domesticated house cat was embarrassing enough, but one that was more fur than cat was infuriating. 

“What are you doing here Mr. Hughes?” Lucien meant to snap, but was far more breathless than he’d intended. The library should have been his and his alone that evening. Kaden had told him to stay in, told him to go to the village, not as though he was going to listen to his idiot slave. He was fine. He had everything under control. If he could calm down and keep his mind focused or focused on data and not other…things. Everything would be fine. 

~

The other clearly seemed lost or had way too much on his mind. Not that Skye was bothered. Alot was happening right now in the castle, plus being a councilman kept at least Skye, busier than the norm. He hadn’t even noticed that Lucien was hiding from him at first, far too intrigued by the books he carried until his crimson hues peered over and noticed something was different. His mouth opened to make a comment, but the other had beaten him to the punch with his question, and his gaping mouth turned into a smile. “I uh--” he’d clear his throat, this time moving to sit on the corner of the table closest to the other. “I came to take a break from my claim....he’s uh...going through a heat. I told him to eat and take an ice bath before I even amuse the idea of...” he’d click his tongue, trying so hard not to tease, reminding himself that the other was a colleague and hardly a friend. Skye hadn’t even known him well. “...fucking him more. I think I may have left more bites than usual.” He’d paused. “I usually hide here when I don’t want to be found or heard--” Now he really couldn’t help himself, and he had to look away to hide his smile and inward laugh. 

.

Percy couldn’t quite make heads or tails of it. He understood the idea just not the desire. Tilting his head as the other spoke, answering he question he’d just blurted out - it didn’t satisfy his curiosity in the least. “But why?” His voice was small, questioning and almost accusatory in equal measure. “Why…why would any of y’all be botherin’ with animals when humans are right there? I…that doesn’t seem to make much sense to me? Y’all…?” He chuckled, more at himself than the other for his own lack of knowledge on the matter. “You vamps…you…y’all won though? Like…the world’s yours? Why not - why wouldn’t you take what you’d fought for and what you’d earned? You’ll keep a slave but draw the line at blood? Genocide, eradication, rape, pillagin’, murderin’? All that’s fine and dandy but you’ll drink a poor fuckin’ housecat over a person?” It wasn’t the most outlandish thing Perceval had ever heard of but he still found it strange. 

Like those women his mama used to have over who only ate plants and veggies, claiming it was for the good of the earth but taking the damn things from poor folks who had nothing else. But who was Percy to judge? 

When the vampire took Percy’s hand, he stopped short. When the vampire lifted Percy’s hand towards his mouth, he tensed for the bite. As lips met his knuckles, Percy felt heat rise across his face as he glanced away - his eyes wide, a small gasp on his lips that he was immediately embarrassed of. Only one other man had ever taken his hand and kissed it and even at those memories, the color on his cheeks only deepened. Percy wasn’t used to flirting. He was used to business. Being asked how much he was. If he was ‘clean’. If he’d been ‘used’ that night. People didn’t kiss his hand. People didn’t…

People just didn’t…

“Keep it,”

He clenched his eyes, hating himself for the argument that bubbled up. “I…” He sighed to himself, still clutching the folded bills. “I…I didn’t…earn it, though?” Dropping his hands down to his sides, he felt his posture go a little slack. “I…If I didn’t earn it, it feels like…” A handout. “You don’t ‘ave to be nice to me just because you went and scared me. It’s fine. You don’t got anythin’ to apologize for.” Walking alongside the vampire - looking down at the folded up bills, Percy eyed the man’s pocket as they walked. 

He wondered if he was sly enough to slip the money back into his pocket without him noticing. Carefully reaching over, he used just a touch of his power. The bird somewhere in his soul crested for the split second it took for the bills to lift from his hand and slip back into the other’s pocket. Immediately turning his head in the other direction, Percy let out a very nonchalant little whistle. 

“Is that how you wish for them to see us? Me just fucking the whore?”

Percy answered without missing a beat. “I mean - not that I’d be sayin’ no.” He grinned; glancing back at him with a wink. “Just cause’ I’m cheap don’t mean I don’t have a…how would y’all say it? A…uh, discerning - eye. I ain’t blind, yer hot as hell.” He felt like a schoolboy, blush rising across his cheeks once more as he turned his gaze away. He listened to the other’s voice, to the words and sighed softly to himself. He’d heard it before. How self-image was important and all that jazz but it wasn’t necessarily that he had a poor self-image to begin with. 

Percy actually thought he had a rather healthy sense of self-esteem. He didn’t hate himself. He hurt himself at times sure but it was only ever to distract himself from a different, worse pain. That was logical. But he also knew how others saw him. Standing in front of a dozen people and all their thoughts flowed like water. Clear, slipping through the cracks in his hands. Each drop reflecting some hideous opinion. “It’s not about how I see myself. It’s about how others do.” He whispered. “You get told enough times as a little kid that you’ll…” He paused, voice strained; “…that you’ll ‘never amount to a fuckin’ thing’. And…shit, anyone’ll believe that after enough years of it.” 

Crossing another street, Percy paused at the sight of the neon signs out front refracting off the street-puddles. “That’s it.” He nodded towards the brightly lit eyesore. “Home sweet home.” 

`

Skye knew that his diet would be hard to understand for most people. Let alone someone who clearly didn’t understand his world. “Well....the why--” he’d paused, swallowing thickly before offering a pained smile. “Without going into too much detail, I hurt the one I loved most once upon a time, and it is because of love that I had to reevaluate my choices in life. Which meant, showing more compassion and-- giving life a chance.” His eyes would crinkle at the sides while he smiled, but he’d turn his head to look away. “The blood of animals and the blood of humans are not the same. Animal blood provides just enough sustenance to survive, but...human and supernatural blood has....other effects. Some not pleasant. It brings out the more animalistic nature in a vampire if you’re not careful. The older you get, the easier it becomes but-- not always.” 

“You’ll keep a slave but draw the line at blood?”

Skye would sigh at that. It was hard to explain, and he’d chew on the inside of his cheek for a moment to think. History was complicated when it came to vampires, but just like any other person, they too had thoughts of their own. Some agreed and some did not. “I did not vote on the enslavement of others,” he’d paused. “Nor did I partake on the war. I have a claim of my own, but it wasn’t without thought and I don’t abuse him or hurt him. Everything between us is consensual. When the time comes, I will give him his freedom but-- he’s not exactly cheap,” he’d muttered towards the end with some amusement. “Each vampire has a thought of their own, and trust me-- I am somewhat outcasted amongst councilmen because I do not wish to force myself upon someone else or to cause them pain. However, this is the position I am in and the responsibility given to me. A slave is not a need, but a want-- however blood is a need, and somewhat of a want being what I am. At least with animal blood, I give the chance of life to another. Someone else who may make a difference that I cannot.”

Skye had smiled at the other’s beautifully flushed cheeks, but he would not comment or tease on it. Instead, he’d continue on in front of the other, despite knowing he’d follow along quickly like a duckling to their mother, and he had hoped he would. Percy was pleasant company enough, without having to actually buy the kid out. Not that Skye cared for such things anyway. He’d never even purchased a prostitute that he could remember. “Of course you have,” he assured. “You’ve given me your time and conversation. Something rare, even for me.” His crimson hues would flicker to the corner’s to view behind him without making it obvious that he had. Still, he’d smile though. “I think our meeting simply started out terribly. I am more of a recluse with my books and privacy.” He’d hum. “Though I do like the occasional banter with the villagers. I feel more normal then.” There was a pause, but Skye would keep walking, having noticed what the other had done. Not that it mattered. Skye would be sure that the other got the money he’d given and more.

“I ain’t blind, yer hot as hell.”

Skye had to pause in his steps after hearing the other, a sort of silence before he’d start to laugh. He’d been flattered, sure-- but the other was just too cute for him to simply let it go. The vampire would pause to look at the other, his mouth opening with a smile to say something, but then the words wouldn’t come and he started walking again. He had to give it to the other. He was confident. “Look, I’m not even going to amuse the idea until you get it out of your head what you think you’re worth.” He’d pause again. 

“To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour.”

Skye would quote. A favorite if you will. “Even if you are someone so small, you are far greater than you realize. You just need to believe it. You let them see you in such a way, and you shouldn’t. People say they do not care, but that’s not true. That’s not true at all. There’s a power in merely appearance. I have it. My position as a councilman is proof enough.” There was another pause to his steps as the other continued, and he couldn’t help but reach out to grab the other by the upper arm, just to stare at him for a moment. Skye understood. He understood it all too well with his sire. “I learned a long time ago, to mold my own life with my own hands. To break free from something that threatened to keep me down, but... I didn’t give up. At some point I stopped listening and I got angry. I got really fucking angry, and that’s when I decided my fate was my own and no one else’s. It’s hard at first. You let the voices inside of your head get to you, but...at some point you just snap. When will you?” He’d let the other go, eyes flickering over to the neon lights as the other motioned towards them. He’d straighten himself out, swallowing thickly to let crimson hues glance back towards the other with a smile. “The road you walk is a lonely one, and I too have been there, but-- I’ve learned to have patience with myself. It’s hard. Life is hard, but find people-- good people to surround yourself with. This is a lesson I am only learning now... and I’m already over two-thousand years old,” he’d lean forward and wink at that, giving a smirk. “Since you are safe.... is my presence needed still?” Having not forgotten the bills in his pocket, he would surely find a way to give them back. 

    When Remus created the other. He had made the male at a time when he lost someone he cared about, he was consumed by rage, by pain and so much emotion. The vampire was wild and dangerous but, creating the other he saw something special and Skye eased that pain in a way. He had become attracted which was something he never expected. His words were honest and filled with emotions which was the first time in a very, very long time. He knew his vampires so well and Skye did not have to say anything and he was perfectly fine with their silence and him just talking. 

“You know me. I like to make things complicated,” he spoke as he slowly pulled away but keep the distance between small as he slowly rubbed the male’s cheeks with his thumbs and let out a soft sigh. “I know you will remember the promise I made to you that night. That night you got hurt. I promised to always keep you safe and always be there for my vampire that promise has never changed even till now….I have always been there and will be there always.”

`

Skye would huff just slightly at that, and shake his head. Yes, he had known all too well and it had clearly caused too many problems. The younger would swallow thickly, eyes peering towards the other. “Then why take away my memories? Why let me be angry at you? I still am but--” he’d pull back to shake his head, bringing his knees up to his chest in a barrier between them. Skye did not forgive easily, and it would take time before he had. “--but I deserved better. We deserved better.” He’d refer to his brothers, all who had struggled because of the man before him. “You...you have to make it right. To me, to Svein, to Ilya--” he’d paused. He hadn’t known Sansom well to say much, but the other two were just as hurt. “You are our sire. You are supposed to protect us, not hurt us. Not manipulate us. We....we deserve the truth. All of it. No more lies.” 

`

There was a small whine as he pulled on his hair, pulling his head back as he did so. Hearing his voice so close to his ear caused him to swallow thickly, any words he might have wanted to say easily died on his tongue. It was hard to put into words just what he wanted the other to do to him, he wanted to feel him in every part of his body. At the position he was in he could easily get that, at the mercy of the vampire behind him. When he bit into his neck he groaned, the hot sting of it only seemed to add onto his increasing arousal, his cock hard and pressed against the counter her was bent over. How much he wanted to touch himself right then, get himself off at just the bites alone. Something he found himself becoming rather fond of, the biting of his skin whenever they were together. He didn’t care if it made him look weird, he loved the way they felt and what they had meant. 

His heart began to race as the hand was moved from his entrance, a whine of protest was given at that, but then he heard the rustling of clothing. It was only a moment that passed before he felt those fingers against him again, something cool spreading across his hole which only meant one thing to him. His hands pressed against the countertop, finding something to hold onto as he felt him press into him slowly, “Skye–!” He grunted, his eyes would screw shut not from the small bit of pain but because he felt so good. The more he pushed into him the more he groaned, moving his hips backward to get even more of him. His entire length he wanted inside. “S-So good… don’t stop. Please, fuck me.” He’d lost any control he had and spewed whatever he wanted from his mouth. He wanted him to move as soon as he could. 

`

Skye would smirk as the other would whine for him, and that only encouraged him more. He knew he was taking a bit too long for the Phoenix but he didn’t want to just plunge right into him, not wanting to hurt him. Still he was careful, and with only the tip in, it was enough for the other to call for him. “Shh,” he’d coo softly, pressing his lips to the other’s shoulder. “It’s coming, love.” The other was eager, he had to give him that as he’d try to fuck himself on Skye’s cock. It was a sight to behold, and he couldn’t suppress the groan with the tight heat that surrounded him. The vampire would pull the other away from the counter just a bit, pulling his hips into him to bury himself deeper, but still slow in his movements. 

`

He cared not what he had to say about their sire, he was fully aware of how he seemed to feel about him. It was nothing he cared to know more about, nor did he feel it was entirely his business. As long as it didn’t affect his life in any way he was willing to let it lie, for now anyways. He was feeling particularly generous as he laid there on the floor, his hand coming up to rub at the blood that was silently oozing from his nose. Ilya was aware of how soft the other was, how he viewed the world much differently than he had, something that he doubted would ever truly change. Though he had not forgotten the beginning, when Skye was there for him during the early years of his vampire life. Ilya kept himself quiet as he looked over at the other, watching him in that silence as he went ahead to tell him of his life. “That’s your first mistake– having any feelings will only bring upon your downfall.” He hummed, he did not understand the complexities of love, nor did he ever truly want to know. “I won’t ever know it as I will never have those feelings for anyone. I was… it’s not possible for me to feel that way.” He couldn’t remember that last time he ever felt such a way towards anyone. Not even his family, he had very prominent memories of loathing his father. Viewing him as weak for losing everything he had, and forcing them all into poverty. That hate still lingered even after all this time, even after murdering him with his own hands. He’d do it again if he was ever given another chance. He’d look over at Skye once more, a rare smile that lifted the corners of his lips, “I’m afraid it’s too late for me. He’s molded me how he wants me to be.” He said softly, fully realizing the precarious situation he was in. “He wouldn’t let me go regardless of what you say. You know nothing of what he’s done to me, Skye, even I don’t know the full extent of it.” He fell silent for a moment, thinking on the last bit of what he said. “There’s no one in the world who would want that with me. It’s best not to think on it too much or you’ll go mad.”

`

Taryn didn’t know how to answer his initial question. Slaves were treated as whoever rented them saw fit, that’s what he was taught. “I think I’ve been treated… fairly.” He answered simply as he watched the other. But then Skye, as he’d introduced himself, pulled him into his lap. The cool skin wandering his both helped…. and caused the tension in his belly to rise along with other parts of his body as he shut his eyes, shuddering. “Thank you… Skye.” What he was thanking for, the touching or the cool, he wasn’t sure but both felt so wonderful in this instance he practically stilled and leaned his head onto the master’s. It was satiating a need and keeping him from overflowing with warmth all at once.

`

It had been quite some time since he’d last seen his ‘brother’, since he had the chance to play with him a little. He had much more important things on his mind to really consider what Skylar had been up to lately. He was not someone he viewed very highly due to the way he lived and how he treated their sire. The very person who had given them the life they had– washing it all away on some morals that were absurd. Ilya had been too busy with his other ‘sibling’ to really give much thought to the other, that was until he came to his door. He hadn’t been expecting just what awaited him when he opened it, a fist clocking him right in the face. It caught him off guard, leaving the other to take full advantage, pummeling him into the floor. It was an amusing scene to be a part of, and when he was finished it left the blond bloody but laughing. He laughed, if this was all he had for him he didn’t break him nearly enough. When he felt the weight of the other come off of him he laid there for a moment just taking in the pain he felt and how it made him feel alive. Not something that was easily done these days, the years have dulled him enough that his old ways weren’t having the same effect on him. He looked over to the other, chuckling again at his words, “You should but you won’t. You don’t hate me as much as you think you do.” He said, moving his hand to wipe at his face, seeing the crimson left on his hand. 

`