THE BRIDE

feel free to edit pronouns as needed! content warning for some strong language,  threats and implied violence.

to each other:

❝  you’re mine. only mine.  ❞

❝  i’m all yours.  ❞

❝  mine.  ❞

❝  yours.  ❞

❝  we belong to each other.   ❞

❝  you belong to me.  ❞

❝  i belong to you.  only ever you.  ❞

❝  i just didn’t like the way they were looking at you.  like you weren’t mine.  ❞

❝  you know i’m yours,  right?  i only have eyes for you.  ❞

❝  no one else is ever gonna have a chance with me.  you’re it.  you’re all i want.  ❞

❝  i chose you.  and i need you to trust that my decision is final.  trust me.  ❞

❝  wait are you jealous?  ❞

❝  aw,  baby.  it’s cute when you’re jealous.  ❞

❝  i don’t like the way they keep staring at you.   ❞

❝  i don’t like how they keep staring at me.   ❞

❝  are they making you uncomfortable?  i can do something about it.  ❞

❝  no one should even get to look at you unless you want them to.  ❞

❝  stop—  it’s okay.  they’re not worth your anger.  just kiss me.  ❞

❝  stop saying i’m jealous.  i’m not—  i just.  i don’t like having to share. ❞

❝  i’m not jealous,  who said i’m jealous?  ❞

❝  well if i’m all yours then kiss me like it.  ❞

❝  show everyone who i belong to.  ❞

❝  i’m gonna remind them you’re mine.  ❞

❝  i want everyone here to see that you’re mine.  ❞

❝  i want everyone here to see that i’m yours.  ❞

❝  hey—  look at me.  why are you all upset?  ❞

❝  you can’t keep getting your feathers all ruffled when anyone else gives me attention.  ❞

❝  they don’t deserve you—  i don’t deserve you.  but at least i’m aware of it.  ❞

❝  i promise there’s no one else.  you have my heart completely.  ❞

❝  hey,  is this asshole bothering you?  ❞

❝  tell me you’re mine.  ❞

to a third party:

❝  get the fuck away from them!  ❞

❝  look at them like that again and you’ll won’t be seeing anything.  ❞

❝  don’t you dare touch them.  ❞

❝  yeah it’s time to walk the fuck away.  ❞

❝  you’re gonna lose a finger if you don’t get outta my sight right now.  ❞

❝  you heard them,  get lost.  ❞

❝  lucky for you,  i don’t wanna ruin their night.  but i see you sniffing around here again you might not be so fortunate.  ❞

❝  you wanna lose a limb?  beat it,  fucker.  ❞

❝  see,  i woulda left it alone.  but you made them fucking cry.  so now you’re gonna lose your eyes.  ❞

❝  hey,  they said ‘no.’  ❞

❝  hey asshole,  shut the fuck up or i’ll make you shut up.  ❞

❝  what did you just say to them,  you little shit?  ❞

❝  oh yeah.  now you’re all quiet.  not so bold when you’re not the toughest guy in the room,  huh?  ❞

❝  get lost.  ❞

❝  go.  ❞

❝  leave.  before my patience runs out.  ❞

❝  get the fuck outta their face.  ❞

❝  hey,  that’s enough.  ❞

actions:

[ CLAIM ]  for one muse to possessively place their hands on their shoulders or hips. 

[ HOLD ]  for one muse to slide their arm around the other in a possessive way. 

[ SHELTER ]  for one muse to lean into the other’s side or hug them to seek comfort from a crowd or individual while in public. 

[ STAKE ]  for one muse to protectively and/or possessively stand behind the other to intimidate a third party. 

[ RESCUE ]  for one muse to intervene upon seeing a third party making the other one uncomfortable. 

[ CHASE ]  for one muse to interrupt and make a third party leave the other alone out of jealousy/possessiveness. 

[ TENSION ]  for one muse to get in a fight on behalf of the other. 

[ STOP ]  for one muse to break up a fight which started because of them. 

[ MEND ]  for one muse to treat the other’s wounds they got from protecting them. 

[ SCOLD ]  for one muse to treat the other’s wounds they got from fighting over them. 

[ CARESS ]  for one muse to possessively kiss the other in public.

[ TAKE ]  for one muse to passionately kiss the other,  fueled by jealousy. 

[ TAUNT ]  for one muse to flirt with a third party to try and get the other to act possessively. 

[ REMIND ]  for our muses to have passionate sex meant to remind one party who they belong to. 

[ EMBRACE ]  for one muse to dominate the other due to possessiveness/jealousy. 

[ LINKED ]  for one muse to hold the other’s hand in public to stake claim. 

DIALOGUE

blood tastes different under moonlight.

i don't need permission from the dark.

that scar wasn't from feeding.

you hear footsteps. i hear veins.

you should stop trusting monsters.

i prefer alleys. less witnesses.

i hate how much i want you.

this is the part where you're supposed to be afraid.

i don't need your blood. i want it.

i don't turn people lightly.

i don't chase unless i mean to kill.

you smell different when you're afraid.

i never feed where i live.

nightfall is my beginning.

you're not afraid enough.

hunger doesn't make me cruel. it makes me honest.

i hunt by instinct, not thought.

i can't remember the last time i watched the sun rise.

you won't survive loving me.

stay still. i'm trying to be gentle.

you're warm. god, you're warm.

i won't feed unless you ask me to.

i haven't tasted fresh blood since yesterday.

i could hear your heart from across the room.

the night forgives nothing, it only hides it.

the night remembers what the sun forgets.

you'd make a terrible vampire.

you're not prey if i choose you.

i can hear your pulse speeding up.

i hear you even when you're quiet.

that's not hunger you're feeling.

you glow when you're alive.

i fed poorly tonight. i'm still starving.

the night belongs to us.

don't move. you'll only make it worse.

you don't know what you're offering.

you taste like you want to be kept.

don't bare your throat at me like that.

i don't hunt children. i don't hunt lovers.

prey always thinks it has time.

the city exhales at night.

running only makes the blood warmer.

i feed quickly. mercy is efficiency.

i could make this hurt. i won't.

i don't sleep anymore. i wait.

i mark my territory in subtler ways.

i fed already. this is something else.

don't ask me to choose between you and hunger.

you bleed so easily.

you should be running.

cities sound different after midnight.

you're safe. for now.

you won't look at me the same after this.

i only hunt when the moon is high.

the dark knows me.

night hides sins better than daylight ever could.

i hunt better when i'm hungry.

i don't need blood often. i need it precisely.

blood is louder than screams.

don't look back. it excites me.

hunger sharpens everything.

i can taste fear in the air.

you don't survive centuries without learning restraint.

i don't hunt every night. that's how monsters are made.

i can smell you before i see you.

i could drain you. i won't.

you feel different when you're asleep.

i've killed for less than this.

every heartbeat is a countdown.

i don't drink from people i care about.

if i wanted you dead, you wouldn't be talking.

i hunt alone for a reason.

do you trust me, or are you just out of options?

i warned you not to fall asleep near me.

you invited me in. you knew what that meant.

don't look at my mouth like that.

i only drink enough to keep my hands steady.

i've stalked quieter cities than this.

silence makes prey careless.

i remember my first kill.

you're safer when you don't smell like adrenaline.

i can follow your pulse through walls.

i haven't fed in days. you shouldn't stand so close.

you shouldn't wander after dark.

ACTIONS

( ambush ) : for SENDER to ambush RECEIVER from the shadows.

( protect ) : for SENDER to shield RECEIVER from another vampire.

( bare ) : for SENDER to expose their throat to RECEIVER in trust.

( hunger ) : for SENDER to struggle visibly with thirst near RECEIVER.

( chase ) : for OUR MUSES to run through empty streets at night.

( breathe ) : for SENDER to steady themselves after feeding on RECEIVER.

( clean ) : for SENDER to clean blood from RECEIVER'S mouth.

( restrain ) : for SENDER to restrain RECEIVER mid-hunt.

( mark ) : for SENDER to mark up RECEIVER as theirs.

( invite ) : for SENDER to invite RECEIVER inside their secret abode.

( circle ) : for SENDER to circle RECEIVER without being seen.

( hide ) : for OUR MUSES to hide from approaching dawn.

( refuse ) : for SENDER to refuse to feed on RECEIVER.

( stalk ) : for SENDER to follow RECEIVER through the night.

( vanish ) : for SENDER to disappear before RECEIVER notices.

( bind ) : for SENDER to bind RECEIVER'S wrist for feeding.

( scent ) : for SENDER to recognize RECEIVER by scent alone.

( awaken ) : for SENDER to wake RECEIVER at nightfall, already hungry.

( flee ) : for SENDER to run after realizing what RECEIVER is.

( feed ) : for SENDER to feed carefully from RECEIVER.

( linger ) : for SENDER to linger close to RECEIVER'S pulse.

( confess ) : for SENDER to admit they've been watching RECEIVER.

( spare ) : for SENDER to spare RECEIVER'S life at the last second.

( heal ) : for SENDER to lick RECEIVER'S wound closed.

( sunrise ) : for OUR MUSES to carefully watch from the sunrise together.

( endure ) : for SENDER to endure hunger rather than kill RECEIVER.

( turn ) : for SENDER to begin the process of turning RECEIVER.

( listen ) : for OUR MUSES to listen to the city settle into night.

( hunt ) : for SENDER to hunt RECEIVER silently through empty streets.

( pin ) : for SENDER to pin RECEIVER against a wall without feeding.

( sense ) : for SENDER to sense RECEIVER hunting nearby.

( offer ) : for SENDER to offer immortality to RECEIVER.

( stalked ) : for RECEIVER to realize they are being stalked by SENDER.

( claim ) : for SENDER to mark RECEIVER as theirs.

Guy is still covering his mouth when she closes in, breath stalling at the top of his lungs, reflexively leaning away from a touch that finds him anyway, delicate as a petal this time. His hand slowly lowers, reaching for purchase on the back of a wobbly chair beside him. A streak of blood dries on his chin, ceases trickling into his mouth, though the wound still stings under the press of her nail and he flinches– hardly a man, he wants to say, and to make some very inappropriate joke about her being with a beast. Frankly, he feels only a little more than a boy, still finding his feet, trying to make rent. Can't say any of that in a moment like this; even he knows how to be silent when his life depends on it.

His heart drums at a worrying tempo, gaze drifting down the vampire's Hellenic features, contemplating the call of the abyss that her mouth brings. Teeth stained with him; elegant lips parted, red, red, red. His free hand locates her waist, hesitantly hooking her in. He wants this. He doesn't want this. The earlier encounter with Jasper's revenants threw his compass for a spin, he was no longer interested in what fear had to say.

Maybe just enough. Just enough for both of them.

( admittance aches in her chest. concept so utterly FOREIGN to julia - mortal life &. fledgling rebirth sung to rhythms of WAR, bloodied wallachia &. CONQUEROR husband raising lustful neophyte to take without apology. wolves pounce without question, no? why would strigoi ask anything of victim beyond sweet BEGGING for release before ripping tissue, flowing ichor? why would master ask permission from bride before claiming as he so desired? )

( human touch is almost IMPOSSIBLY warm against taut preternatural muscle. hips press forward instinctually, unneeded EXHALE blown through flared nostrils as TREMBLING digits clutch desperately at tables edge, gripping at his nape. STARVED as beast is for taste, for touch it only heightens insatiable THIRST until it burns so keenly in throat &. makes COHERENT musings failed effort. )

( it is IMPOSSIBLE for vampyr to ignore line of viscous crimson - tongue drags with DELIBERATE lethargy up, up, to relish flavor of sweat &. fragrant blood. sampling has proven DAZZLING every time; notes of such LUMINOUS complexity hesperid cannot help but chase in its shadow. ENSLAVED to night, to abysses dark &. yawning pursuit of ELYSIAN taste is all nosferatu can do. )

( scarlet lips envelop his, tongue pressing for more SUNLIGHT. a kiss of such intimate DELICACY, as if no fangs lie within perfectly formed mouth to tear, MAIM. another moan whimper of hungry animal reveals centuries of practiced RESTRAINT against all instinct to bite down. even then it is not enough - SANGUINE dea pulls away with panting gasp, forehead pressed to boy's as strange tongue is HISSED out in single breath. )

' ah, dar tu vei fi ruina mea! '

( stone edge of table crumbles in one CRACK beneath white-knuckle grip. onyx gaze lifts to study him, uncaring for stone turned POWDER in fist. bride bites own bottom lip, UNBLINKING as canines slice own flesh, as dark ICHOR stains pale canvas of chin. hands move to cradle doe's features between palms, flinted hues HYPNOTIC in their pitch-dark intensity. accented melody is HUSKY, hoarse with appetite, with basal pleading. )

' a gift ... but only if you are willing. not near enough to turn - but an honor nonetheless. blood is lives, boy. tell me you want this &. i heal such trivial wound by exchanging this, a most sacred sacrament ... '

She's planning to kill him.

<<< LOOK AT ME. >>>

Startled, celestite eyes flicker up to hers, cigarette hanging on unresponsive lips, stuck to his skin. He tries to come up for air, shuffle back, and ends up following the path her spidery fingers slice through the air to brush ever so gingerly over his jacket. Guy falters, becoming all too aware that the more he thrashes the more her web will stick to him and what would be just another insomniac walk after hours could very well end up with him drained and dead.

She's still talking, distracting, entertaining him, spinning her charm like a lethal weapon. He fills his lungs with anodyne smoke, as if she meant to make him soft, pliant, as if somehow he wasn't worthy of the same end she gave to others who tried to fight her off.

"I couldn't sleep." He gives her a rueful smile, faint, fading quickly. He doesn't realistically think he can stop her if she tries to attack him, but perhaps he can keep... talking. "London's very loud, especially on a Friday night." His pacing discreetly buys him a little extra distance, the gelid night air smarting his cheeks, helping him to focus. From the corner of his eye he observes her, this nightshade that blooms in his path, inviting him in. He lifts an accusing finger, though his tone attempts to remain curious, non-confrontrational.

( heady smoke spirals in midnight air. sensation like no other - third eye peering past tissue, muscle, bone to RAKE over grey matter. invasion of highest order, unwanted VOYEUR to voracious thoughts; ability bride had never witnessed in so many passing centuries, never TASTED. it enrages already smoldering temper &. utterly FASCINATES all at once even as novel chill runs down spine, even as fingers lift from his person to curl into clenched fist at her side. )

( he knows. electric FEAR in cornflower hues with unintended command gives him away - what prey has in unprecedented TALENT he lacks in proficiency to mask as she does. GOOD BOY - would he hear? see? would saccharine beauty recognize the SHEDDING of sheepswool, removal of pretense? a stillness overcomes sensuous silhouette, STATUESQUE resplendence of heart-wrenching perfection. only starless gaze follows as doe paces, UNBLINKING, flash of hungry crimson to reflect in pupils. wolf tears at skin, howling for release. )

( last inhale of herbal smoke before cigarette is dropped, CRUSHED beneath bootheel what a waste. CONDEMNATION so casually uttered is watched with HELLFIRE burning within onyx gaze. smoke curls from nostrils, from parted lips, dragon's daughter considering MORSEL with nascent intrigue. even nosferatu of such singular ARROGANCE must admit she MISJUDGED boy - ravenous for sunlit sweetness his skills went unnoticed until little dove so clumsily PILFERED through thoughts. perhaps some struggle - even fight - within him yet. but first - PUNISHMENT for his brazenness. julia always played with her food. )

( vampyr moves within span of single blink - unseen, unheard. STEEL grip catches outstretched wrist aimed at her, digits gentle as they pull back fabric of his sleeve to reveal bared skin. touch, CARESS of lover - hesperid lifts wrist to waiting mouth, eyes otherwise focused on PULSING veins flickering to watch mortal's expression. parted lips finally reveal those four DEVIOUS pearly points within maw, glinting in moonlight. )

' one of ... what? '

' ... say it. '

( voice is rich red velvet, a hymn of MESMERIC intonation, a song just for him. despite INNOCENT cadence tones carry sinister currents, delicate MENACE hissed into air. mouth poised to BITE instead leans, full lips pressing to POUNDING pulse beneath thin skin. result is DIZZYING, eyes fluttering shut as bride reels; it is selene kissing helios, galatea awakening to warm touch, cold death basking in SUNLIGHT for singular moment. pomegranate lips linger for longer than necessary, than APPROPRIATE. when lips finally lift from DELICIOUS pulse it is with pupils blown, tongue running over crimson mouth to taste WARMTH left burning on skin. )

' say it. say it so your other may know mine, cititor de gânduri. '

He's all edges as she works on him, dining table turned butcher's block. Wired, fidgeting, the instinct to survive giving way to other, more perilous impulses now that he's made it to 'safety'. Guy tries to sit still under her suturing needle, weaving so delicately into the torn skin of his shoulder, tries to say out of her mind as his blood and sweat stain her immaculate flat, her sanctuary– Jesus, he has no right to be here. He's too alive to be here.

The problem is she feels the same.

The problem is he reads her without filters, without pretence. All the faces of her hunger; that profound loneliness he can only relate to for twenty something years, let alone her centuries of existing on the sidelines, in the shadow. Self-sufficiency to an extreme, designed to exist... alone.

Oh and to be wanted. To be sacrifice.

He moves irrationally, something between intense sorrow and lust, in a way he instantly regrets. Rash, stupid fucking fool, trespassing her generosity for a taste of supple, ferrous lips, just to see what she'd do– why, boy, why the death wish all of a sudden? And he doesn't snap out of it until his mouth is bleeding, throbbing and torn, shocked into sobriety. Guy instinctively brings his hand to his lips, wincing, unsure if he can stomach the taste of his own fear. He's punished, alright, he learns his lesson, and then forgets it quickly (the ghost of her fingers seizing his hair, the electrical clash of bodies that yield to the inevitable...).

Lifting his gaze, he leans as though to reclaim some distance, though terror roots him; she regards him as a feral beast, he is not worthy of being her sustenance.

( it is not first time a man SQUIRMS beneath cooled touch - nor will it be the last. key difference in setting, in willingness to RESTRAIN against wonderfully human whimpers, salt of sweat, BLOOD pooling against stone. utterly foreign to not be the cause of such DISTRESS, to not be relishing handiwork, to not SHIVER with pleasure as victim bleats their last. foreign, but not unwelcome - especially not when mortal is as continually FASCINATING as mr. anatole. )

( he whose reach eclipsed her own, whose mortal mysteries were only SURPASSED by inconceivable ability to reach into mind &. peruse long stretches of gory MEMORY. to know her as none before had, not even beloved sisters or cruel husband; even dragon's daughter capable of WANTON destruction &. soaring heights of desire both could not peer into thoughts. &. now - noted with curious tilt of head - does bride recognize no small amount of STEEL in him, even in his own nervous way. boldness to reach across unspoken years of EMPTINESS between them both recognized &. not - it is why dark brows draw together with subsequent RAMBLING, gaze &. inflection softly chastising. )

' why do you apologize for knowing what you desire - &. taking it? '

( a trait predator &. prey seem to share. though perhaps not now, not tonight, not with him; to take all hesperid CRAVED would be to rip boy asunder, for tongue to know every INCH of warm skin &. fangs to render soft tissue apart. all in HEATED pursuit of enlightenment, of want to CONSUME dove for herself. scent of him maddening, ENIGMA of him ever more so. )

( pale, thin fingers reach to grasp at his chin, careful now to utilize GENTLENESS in touch. starless gaze settles on torn lip &. needs within - lust for viscera &. skin - are so KEEN it is near a physical, uncontrollable pull in gut. masterfully guised beneath VENEER of sheepish grin despite cacophony of thought. MELODIOUS laughter does not mock but is, remarkably, chagrined in tone. )

' i always forget human fragility ... for so long i lay with a beast, you see, not a man. '

( it is vampyr's turn to close distance. done with equal PATIENCE, softness as with touch, CLAWED fingertip so carefully resting on his lower lip. bride cannot remember when touch had last been so tender. arched nose knocks into his - constantly surrounded by SPRING of his smell nosferatu can fool herself into imagining she is adjusting even as digits tremble. rueful laughter again even as hues remain TRANSFIXED on brilliant ruby welling on his lip. )

' such a little thing! &. easily remedied ... so let me in. '

finally kissing the person you’ve been pining for.

pulling them in for a kiss while showering together.

a kiss shared during a game  ( truth or dare,  spin the bottle,  etc ).

kissing your lover to show you forgive them.

a coy, chaste kiss meant to say thank you.

an intimate kiss full of relief the second you're finally alone.

wiping away your lover’s tears as you kiss them.

a kiss muffled by laughter in a library, hidden away among the shelves.

lazy kisses on the sofa while the television runs.

kisses while wrapping your legs around your lover.

a quick peck on the cheek as one party rushes off.

a kiss to prove you don’t have feelings for them.

a kiss to convince them not to leave bed in the morning.

a kiss to distract them from stitching a wound.

a parting kiss before one party goes away for a long time.

biting their lip amidst a kiss, drawing blood.

heated kisses while tugging on their hair.

abruptly kissing a stranger to scare off the people following you.

an emotional kiss bringing one party to tears.

a bruising kiss full of desperation and urgency.

distracting your lover from a task by kissing their neck.

standing on your tiptoes to kiss their forehead.

kissing down the column of your lover's neck, leaving marks.

a kiss while being reunited after a long time.

kissing your lover in a moment of sheer joy.

a dutiful kiss with no true feeling behind it.

kissing your lover to take away their pain.

colliding with a wall, then each other's lips.

a kiss placed over their freshly bandaged wound.

a kiss while slow dancing close and intimately.

sharing a spontaneous kiss with a stranger.

an abrupt ,  heated kiss during the middle of a fight.

a kiss motivated by a dare from a third party.

an adrenaline-fueled kiss while standing on the ledge of a rooftop.

kissing them to shut them up.

urgent, messy kisses as both parties scramble to undress.

a kiss to wake your lover up in the morning.

sharing a kiss in a heavy downpour of rain.

kissing your lover just above their waistband.

kissing your partner to seal a marriage.

pushing your love down onto the bed to worship their body with kisses.

a possessive kiss to stake a claim.

a kiss to resolve suppressed ( romantic / sexual ) tension.

a kiss attempting to convince the other party to stay.

kissing the top of their head as you hold them.

a risky kiss between forbidden lovers.

a kiss while hiding away from flashing cameras.

a kiss that means absolutely nothing.

kissing the swell of your lover's breast.

a kiss that leaves lipstick stains.

a kiss shared on a rooftop while the sun ( sets / rises ).

a flirtatious kiss on the back of the hand.

sensual kisses down the length of their back.

kissing them to confess your true feelings.

sneaking off to a public bathroom to make out.

a kiss to forgive one another after a fight.

a kiss on the forehead as the other sleeps.

an  ( accidental / mutually )  drunken kiss.

an unexpected kiss during a fake dating scheme.

kissing your partner after they've given you head.

caging your lover against a wall with your arms to kiss them.

a kiss after receiving good news.

an emotional kiss, relieved to find your lover alive.

crowded, heated kisses in the backseat of a car.

a tentative ,  exploratory kiss between friends.

a kiss shared between enemies during combat.

a kiss that smears blood everywhere.

kissing them even though you know you shouldn't.

kissing your lover after believing you’d lost them.

a kiss after a devastating event ,  meant to comfort.

a possessive kiss in front of a jealous third party.

kisses while pulling them into your lap.

a heated kiss while holding them by the throat.

kissing your lover under the night sky while stargazing.

a kiss to seal a promise that you just made.

kissing your lover lazily first thing in the morning.

holding your lover by the jaw to kiss them.

holding their face, kissing the tears from their cheeks.

a kiss to your lover’s stomach as you travel down their body.

an abrupt kiss that you melt into after a moment of hesitation.

sleepy ,  domestic morning kisses in the kitchen while making breakfast.

a rushed kiss before one party leaves for work.

"No! No, that's not..." Helen, Keves, 'you're-a-real-class-act-Olive'... "That's not what I mean." Doris. He clicks his tongue, disgusted with himself that this is the image he's putting across, which he tries to quickly expel with a dismissive wave. It was just a coincidence. He could swear this was an outlier experience, not part of the general trend of his life. "You know what, sorry, I'm sorry. I'm a little paranoid these days."

Guy makes as if to walk away again, intending to leave it at that. He's gonna embarrass himself if he keeps talking, and truth be told he doesn't think the cemetery feels safe anymore so he's just... Oh. Pale stranger draws closer, spinning him back into her web. He can smell the sticky sweet earthiness of her cigarettes, something medicinal about it. At first it's faint, seeping into the air when the saturated tin opens, the way fragrances cling to metal. But then it's in her breath and all around him; inside him, too.

He doesn't know how to say no to this.

"Depends on who you ask." He reaches for an offered cigarette, the faintest tremor in his hand a mix of nerves and cold, mumbling his gratitude while slotting the filter between his lips. He has half a mind to procure his own lighter and ignores it, leaning slightly forward instead, searching for warmth if she'd spare it. Still can't look the woman in the eye.

( he's cute. cute when usual pick of SACRIFICE are virile brutes; when corded muscle, hissed curses, hot breath mean NOTHING against snapping teeth. if strigoi wrestles BEASTS by night then newfound companion is doe-eyed INNOCENT of palpable sweetness. selfishly boy's BEAUTY is coveted by bride, finding sport watching TREMBLE of his lip &. tension in his brow. PATISSERIE on golden plate, honey-sweet dessert presented before being STARVED of saccharinity for centuries. )

( melodious chuckles lift in midnight air with heady smoke. PREDATOR with prey in narrowed sights, bait taken in warm fingers bride is tempted to BITE. cigarette case tucked away &. lighter - amber flame still sputtering - is offered with BEGUILING grin. he must lean in close to capture fire &. julia RELISHES in opportunity, nostrils of acquiline nose flaring to better SAVOR scent. animal within cannot be helped - mouth parts just so to TASTE his air, though still careful not to reveal four glinting points within not yet!. thirst burns with ignited FEROCITY, pacing wolf barely disguised beneath sheepswool. )

' quiet. i seem to have more in common with the dead than the living these days. '

( said with amused SILVERY tones, leaning back as cigarette is lit - cannot help but to spell his DOOM. scent of ebony curls still lingers in sparse space between; though overwhelmingly clove, base notes of petrichor &. coppery musk ENVELOP to lull, to seduce. preternatural beauty is CELESTIAL in pooling moonlight yet mortal seems to dare not to look as if knowing single glance may ANNIHILATE. unpredictable temperament SMOLDERS with familiar rage - look at me. LOOK AT ME. )

' &. you, my new friend? do you also seek solace amongst the dead? perhaps from the hordes of women who stalk you, hmm? '

( it is shattering of glass, crashing of waves upon ragged cliffs - momentous, beatific, RHAPSODIC with pleasures both strange &. familiar. bride is FIERCELY independent, especially with so much time lapsing since death of husband, MASTER. but this is reacquainted habit, emotion &. sensation perhaps unhealthy yet still DESIRED; always warring between vicious want of individuality &. craving DOMINEERING grip vampyr had come to associate with affection. it is why hesperid holds him close, digits clutching at both hair &. cloth - why GROAN emits deep within throat with sharp, INTIMATE pain, &. why strigoi smiles even as he IMPRISONS her against wall in his embrace. )

( unnecessary breath comes quick &. heavy with sheer exertion. a shiver of delight - he had indeed TAKEN his fill, leaving julia somewhat of clouded mind &. weak-kneed. lidded gaze holds his as is forced, pleased CHUCKLES from grinning lips as curls are wound between thick fingers. BLOODLUST is matched by equal craving in onyx hues heavy with dark lashes - had she met an equal, after so many centuries alone? )

' careful, boy - i am a difficult woman to contain. '

( sweetness, ADDICTION - flattery is working on bride, seen in LASCIVIOUSNESS of expression &. heard in melodious laughter. when was the last time dragon's daughter had been accused of sweetness? messiness of AFTERMATH is felt cooling on pallid complexion; viscous CRIMSON smeared along throat, soaking into dress &. trailing between soft valleys of heaving decolletage. tone is CHALLENGING, mischievous, eager to disrobe what is left of his human VENEER so each beast can meet the other. )

"Thanks." Embarrassment and fright chase off any lingering cold from his frame, which he clumsily works to straighten and shake the dirt off his pantleg and left palm, patting down the front of his canvas jacket. He also awkwardly disentangles himself from the woman's preternatural grip, still a bit too winded to take a good look at her. Give a man a second. He contemplates the shallow grave and tries to rub two thoughts together, fair brows pinned into a frown.

"Haha, yeah, I think the dead would have some competition." If London could stop trying quarter him for a second, that would be nice. He searches in vain for his lost cigarette, stalling. Amateur. It's only then that his gaze lifts, tentatively resting on the pale woman's face and all her gelid, terrifying loveliness. Guy's too helpless and nervous to keep staring so he starts to walk away, because that's what you do if a stranger fishes you out of a hole in the ground of a cemetery, but stops maybe five steps away and reverses, fists in his pockets, head at an angle.

( boy is not usual choice of fragrant, FLAILING victim to sink teeth into. preferring scoundrels, rapists, MURDERS in own right - men cut from same blood-soaked cloth as bride. tonight, however, as cornflower hues - wide with naivete - settle NERVOUSLY upon countenance does vampyr smile. acrid cut of lost cigarette cannot STIFLE greenery of youth in his blood &. something, something that draws creature so IRRESISTABLY. but what - what?! )

( smile never reaches black pools of her eyes. instead they OBSERVE, narrowed upon fumbling companion with all precision of practiced HUNTER. allowing for grip to be released for she could just as easily bring him to his knees strigoi studies CLUMSY movement; knobby-kneed grace of newborn DOE with spring still clinging to skin. almost CHARMING, in similar way as lamb sent to slaughter. perhaps now does warbride comprehend late husband's penchant for INNOCENTS - boy is sweet, &. bride envisions length of future MACHINATIONS. )

( head tilts as fawn turns UNEASILY from wolf, meticulously planning next move beneath ILLEGIBLE expression. yet there is no need, as julia suspected - boy's unintentional MAGNETISM is superseded by own. angular, ARCHAIC beauty must be witnessed; selene made flesh, marble perfection given life whose crimson lips invite to all SINFUL indulgence. of course he turns to look - who could turn away from such UNAPOLOGETIC splendor? )

( dark brows rise with GENUINE surprise before giggle - rich &. silvery - escapes scarlet smile before bride can help herself. pale hand presses DEMURELY to mouth to hide moonlit glint of fang to attempt polite INCREDULITY - but gleam in inky hues is playful, almost MISCHIEVOUS. he is more observant than vampyr had given him credit for ... game, set match. )

' ha - ! quite a serious accusation! are you ... frequently followed by women? '

( inquiry carries all icy BITE it is meant to, even between MELODIOUS chuckles. boots click upon stone with approach, engraved silver case &. lighter produced; clove cigarettes wrapped in paper as BLACK as starless gaze. stick placed between shapely lips, FLAME illuminating milky perfection before leaves catch &. smoke exits maw. dragon's daughter is close now he cannot run off! &. cigarette case is proffered with INVITING grin. )

"I   dare   you   to   try."

"Do   you   always   get   close?"

"You’re   pushing   my   limits."

"Stop   looking   at   me   like   that."

"I’m   losing   control   here."

"You   have   no   idea,   do   you?"

"I   can’t   resist   you   anymore."

"Stay   back,   or   don’t."

"I   know   what   you   want."

"This   is   getting   dangerous   now."

"You’re   too   tempting   for   me."

"I   shouldn’t   want   this,   but…"

"I   don’t   play   fair,   remember?"

"Careful,   you’re   testing   me."

"You’re   just   making   it   worse."

"You’re   too   close   for   comfort."

"Do   you   always   push   buttons?"

"Stop   before   I   kiss   you."

"You’re   making   it   too   hard."

"I   can’t   stop   thinking   about   you."

"I   want   you   too   much."

"You   know   exactly   what   you’re   doing."

"I’m   not   playing   games   here."

"You’ve   crossed   the   line   now."

"Keep   pushing,   and   you’ll   regret   it."

"This   is   dangerous,   isn’t   it?"

"I’m   trying   not   to   care."

"Don’t   make   me   regret   this."

"You’re   playing   with   fire."

"You   don’t   know   what’s   coming."

"I   shouldn’t   be   this   close."

"We’re   getting   dangerously   close   now."

"I   can   feel   the   heat."

"Don’t   test   me   right   now."

"I   want   you   too   badly."

"Don’t   make   me   chase   you."

"You’re   distracting   me,   you   know."

"I   won’t   fall   for   this."

"I   want   you,   but…"

"What   do   you   want   from   me?"

"I’ll   never   give   in."

"I’m   trying   not   to   care."

"You’re   playing   with   my   patience."

"Don’t   make   this   harder,   please."

"I   can’t   stop   this   feeling."

"I’m   already   in   too   deep."

"You   won’t   walk   away   unscathed."

"You’re   walking   a   fine   line."

"I’m   trying   to   stay   calm."

( to imbibe on blood of the dragon is to consume the song of war. it is a HONOR not freely given, &. only to few - at least to observance of the bride. the master regarded sharing of ICHOR as unholy sacrament; to be allowed a taste of flesh &. blood meant undying LOYALTY, devotion unto death in exchange for singular sip of a hundred lives. blood is the life - &. now with husband gone, sisters gone, power &. rarity of dragon's blood belonged solely to STRIGOI with ebony curls. )

( still, no one had asked her to taste - until now. HESPERID had not given thought to action so INTIMATE &. previously forbidden. deep umber hues study the other - trepidation, curiosity, then MISCHIEF with a curl of crimson lips. his gaze WICKED, motivation almost certainly dubious at best, yet bride is feeling DEFIANT against master long dead. )

' come, boy ... '

( glinting fanged grin, gathering MIDNIGHT waves over shoulder to expose milky curve of throat. clawed fingertip slashing down, down, down so CRIMSON rivers may flow past pale curtain. julia hisses, breath cool &. fluid BURNING against skin in what little space remains between them. she is scented clove, smoke, steel. )

( bride does not realize how STARVED she has become until moment fingers wind in obsidian curls. this is not DEPRIVATION of blood but of touch; life without TYRANNICAL husband has been revivication of spirit, FREEDOM from brutality yet she had not considered absence of contact until this moment. o, but she has missed this - hesperid RELISHES weight of his arm pulling sensuous form to his, DOMINANT clutch of digits twisted in ebony waves. shallow unneeded breath, his GROWL rippling across skin, soft moan escaping LANGUID grin with unyielding press of his tongue before strigoi can clamp it behind fanged teeth. )

( pale arms encircle companion's neck in dark EMBRACE. though julia may have been initially motivated by intrigue, REBELLION, focus is now entirely on press of his lips, TEETH, familiar ecstasy with sharp sting of bite. in fact SANGUINE beauty is forgetting sentences, words, thought altogether - crimson NECTAR sings with rediscovered desire, skin ACHING for more of his touch. )

( tapered digits GRASP desperately at stranger's own hair if only to press him further into her. warbride so overwhelmed by forgotten feeling mother tongue is whispered SWEETLY into shell of his ear amidst rich, VELVETY laughter. )

[ lean ] sender rests their head on receiver's shoulder

[ shop ] sender and receiver go to the grocery store together

[ brush ] sender brushes receiver's hair

[ tie ] sender helps receiver with their tie, either by putting it on or adjusting it

[ necklace ] sender helps receiver with the clasp of their necklace from behind

[ zip up ] sender assists receiver with zipping up a piece of clothing

[ unzip ] sender assists receiver with unzipping a piece of clothing

[ shoelaces ] sender bends down to tie receiver's shoelaces

[ swipe ] sender notices a smudge of something on receiver's face and gently wipes it off

[ braid ] sender braids receiver's hair

[ jacket ] sender takes their jacket off and hangs it on receiver's shoulders

[ puddle ] sender hurries to stop receiver from stepping into a puddle

[ drinks ] sender brings receiver a drink from a bar/their kitchen

[ feed ] sender feeds receiver's pet/s for them

[ cook ] sender and receiver cook a meal together

[ feed ] sender allows receiver to try a bite of their dish, holding their fork out for receiver to taste

[ teach ] sender, an expert at something, takes time to teach receiver how it works and how they can get better at it, too

[ readjust ] sender comes up behind receiver and readjusts their stance (maybe holding a gun, holding a golf club, aiming for something, etc.) to help them

[ makeup ] sender fixes receiver's makeup for them

[ bathroom ] sender and receiver go to a public restroom together and have a normal conversation in between the stalls

[ aloud ] sender reads aloud to receiver

[ refill ] sender refills receiver's glass without asking

[ massage ] sender notices receiver looks tense, steps up behind them, and massages their shoulders

[ listen ] sender listens to receiver explain something they're passionate about

[ silence ] sender and receiver comfortably exist in silence together, both of them working or reading or focusing on something different

[ food ] sender brings food over to receiver's house

[ hum ] sender hums along to a song receiver is singing

[ see ] sender sees something that reminds them of receiver and texts them a picture of it

[ admire ] sender stares at receiver across a room, silently admiring and appreciating them from afar

[ win ] sender lets receiver beat them in a game

[ puzzle ] sender helps receiver solve/put together a puzzle

[ carry ] after receiver falls asleep in an inconvenient place, sender carries them to a bed and tucks them in

[ kneel ] sender finds receiver sick in the bathroom ("tossing their cookies"), and kneels beside them, holding their hair back and cleaning their face

[ clean ] sender helps bathe receiver

[ wash ] sender helps receiver wash their hair