𝕱𝖑𝖔𝖗𝖊𝖘

“Wouldn’t it also be rude to deny a Lady the last drink available and take it for yourself?” She shot back with a little smirk–one that quickly turned into a pout before she took a sip and offered the glass over to her father, “Share?” she offered as a compromise, the pout staying in place for a few moments more before nodded, “Promise. And have I ever broken a promise to you?” 

The pouting and the teasing faded away soon enough though as he pulled her in and she easily leaned into him, letting out a happy little hum. “Given all eyes are on Octavian, that means all eyes are on me too. I needed to make sure I looked my best.” She gave a little wave of her skirt fabric in emphasis. “And you look very handsome, for the record. Are you having a good time–before I stole your drink anyways?”

-

Luciano grinned at her comeback, shaking his head at her as he took a sip before passing it back to her for her turn. “I think sharing is a good compromise,” he agreed, his eyes flitting from Luz to scan the crowd to find her partner and settling on the white suited man with the gold embellishments before coming back to his daughter. Matched quite nicely, the stylists had gone above and beyond the call of action. 

Luz kind of thrived in situations like this. She loved getting dressed up and going to big, lavish events, loved having eyes on her. Sure over the years some of the attention was negative given the gossip in vampiric circles pertaining to her relationship with the king, but she didn’t care. Particularly right now. The ball was a success, the island was a success, and there was no way she was going to let anything (or anyone) get her down. They deserved this win. 

Seeing a waiter walking by with one glass left Luz beelined for it, snagging it just as someone else’s hand went for it too and she gave them a little grin. “I promise if I see another waiter coming by I’ll grab one for you.”

​-

Luciano raised an eyebrow at his daughter, replacing his hands behind his back as he glanced from the glass to her face. “Now, Luisa, you know that was quite rude, hm? I don’t remember raising you that way,” he teased in an airy tone. “You better hope another glass comes by soon, and I expect two now.” 

The entire evening thus far had been hard for Evolet to reconcile with, the urge to step behind the caterer’s table to ensure the wait staff were perfect was almost overwhelming. As much to hide as to ensure the quality of service that had always been something she’d been so proud of at the height of her career. Being on this side of the table, wearing her pretty red bracelet and neck shockingly (at least to her) bare.

Mask feeling out of place on her face, the expense of the fabric draped across her, and the weight of the delicate pearls that she did so like… it was all so foreign. It let her almost frozen to her place, sipping water and trying to decide what manners and decorum dictate she do, but… there was no reference for what constituted those things in this world.

Thus… she sat, and watched, and willed herself invisible.

@paradisusstart

Luciano was looking forward to the Masquerade, he couldn’t help but examine all of the décor as he meandered around the sidelines. So many years keeping himself relatively hidden made these events feel almost unnatural to peacock what they were to the world, but perhaps he just needed more time to get used to it. The masks were a nice intro, to ease his nerves into the public display. 

He noticed the woman sitting, almost as if she was trying to be unnoticed, so he decided to approach in an attempt to be friendly and welcoming as he had not seen her before on the island.

“The one that got me fired and retired, yes.” The witch hummed, watching him for a few seconds with a shrug and a smile. She thought I was here to take her back.” He stated softly. He’d leave out the near death experience. Luciano didn’t need to know all that. “I wish someone could help her adjust more- to help all of them adjust more.” 

“Maybe that is something that can be worked on, a nice addition to Paradisus for shifters who came from unfortunate circumstances. I think they’re called... Therapists? Counselors? Could also include group support, but that might be something that would need to be talked about with those afflicted first.” He sighed, shaking his head as he rested his hands on his own hips while the thoughts rolled through his head. 

“Many things to think about on that front.” 

His laugh returned. “He found me at a bar, Lou. Before Addy could even break the news.Seems he believes in ripping the bandage off.” There were any number of reasons to approach Nyle in public, most designed to keep young Thomas safe. “If Addy deems him worthy, so be it. I won’t pressure the man until she feels otherwise.”

Lou’s reactions assured Nyle his friend would never be a threat in a poker game. His responses were emotional, reactionary. Honest. No diplomatic wording, no measured expressions. Nyle allowed a smile and nod of agreement, raising his glass in toast. “Then here’s to happiness and love. As long as it may last.”

“Sounds like he has just the right about of gumption to be a good addition to the Whitlock family, sometimes you just need someone who is willing to take the jump and dive right in to whatever might happen.” He raised his glass to accept the toast before taking another sip of the drink before resting it on his knee, balancing the stem between his fingers carefully. 

Bracing against the door, Rana was prepared to fight. If he wasn’t from the pits he’d be in for it. He never would have faced an opponent like her, vampire or not she’d be a force to reckon with. She was quiet though, waiting for him to get through what he was going to say. But, as he spoke she went through an array of emotions. Benji. She stiffened at his name. They did have a history. From him working for Edmund, to her almost killing him thinking he had tracked her down to bring her back, and now to this awkward fear and unease she felt as he still tried to help her. But it was his last words that caused her to open the door violently, a snarl escaping. “Fuck you and your praise.” Her eyes blazed, glowing in an almost animalistic way. “I rotted there for almost 200 years! I went through things you never could imagine. For 200 years I was left there to kill or be killed. And you did nothing to try and help me! I had to get out on my own, I had to survive and wait until I could. 200 years waiting. And now you tell me it’s commendable?” Her voice was low, snarling the whole time as her nails elongated and dug into her hands. 

Luciano kept his composure, allowing her to berate him while barely blinking with steady eye contact at what she was saying. Yes, he could get angry, recount the countless murders and destruction of civilization he had witnessed as the world progressed around him and he stayed almost the same, the pain of loss, the pain of change and adaptation that came from being alive far too long, but he stayed quiet as he listened because it was the least he could do. 

“You know just as much as I that it was not as simple as that, Rana. I am sorry that we could not help, but I do find it admirable you were able to overcome what you have and to get here on your own. What I can extend is support: financially, socially, or whatever you may need while on the island.” 

Alexander always chose to walk home from the library, usually taking the longest route as a way to take in the beauty of the island. However, on that particular day, he wasn’t worried about the scenery and he was simply tired and wanted to go home. He had dealt with plenty of sleepless nights in the past six years, but now they were different. If the guilt he felt and recurring nightmares he’d been having for years weren’t enough, it was now almost overwhelming to know Charlie and Jamie were on the island as well. How was he supposed to repair his relationships with them after all this time? He hadn’t found an answer yet.

These thoughts swirled in his mind as he walked, paying no mind to anyone or anything, a part from the headache he hadn’t been able to rid himself of since the night before. Needless to say, it had been a long day. And then someone bumped into him, causing the books he was holding to fall out of his hand and onto the ground. The sudden force caused him to stumble but he quickly regained his footing. As his eyes scanned over the books on the ground he let out a small huff, clearly annoyed. “It’s fine.” He gave a small shrug as he knelt down to pick up his belongings.

Luciano matched the movement of the other to help collect the items, carefully tucking them in his arms so when they stood he could pass the books to the other without a problem. “You have quite a handful here, do you need any help carrying them?” he asked, genuinely wanting to be helpful to the stranger. 

“I would be more than happy to help if you need help.”  

The door to A Fresh Tart closed behind her, box of treats in hand. She had tried a new flavor of cupcake during her shift at the bakery, and bought two more to be able to share with the friend she was meeting. “Yeah, I’m heading out now. I’ll see you in a bit. Be safe.” She mumbled into her phone with a smile before pressing the little red circle on the screen, ending the call.

A small gasp escaped her as she collided into the man, the sudden impact  just enough to make her drop the little box in her hands onto the pavement below. She reached out as well, wanting to make sure the stranger was okay while also steadying herself. “No, I’m so sorry. I should’ve looked where I was going.” She glanced down at the ground, noticing the cupcakes didn’t survive the fall. “I didn’t get any cupcake on you did I?”

Luciano shook his head with a smile as he placed a gentle hand on her elbow to steady her. “Even if you had-- shoes can be washed.” The older man squatted down to use the box to scoop up the fallen sweets. “I should have been paying attention more as not to ruin these cupcakes, I’m hoping there are a few replacements in there so you won’t go for not.” He stood up, the haphazardly scooped cupcake remnants boxed in his hands as he had not thought through just yet where he would toss it. Perhaps there was a trashcan nearby? His eyes scanned around the area before he found just what he needed, tossing in there. 

— 🐕 —

Luciano did at least seem interested in giving humans equal footing in Paradisus - or maybe the world, in general, sometime down the road. But Jesse sometimes wondered if it was all an act, this peaceful negotiation the vampires were going out of their way for. After all, if they wanted, Jesse knew it was just like a snap of the fingers to wipe the slate clean, put them under their spell so to speak. Get whatever they really wanted. In the long run, weren’t humans just their puppets, their living and breathing blood bags? 

He shook away the thought, hoping that of course the words kept true. From what he could tell most of them did believe in this ‘paradise’ of theirs, in surviving off blood donations, in setting standards and equality among all of them. But when it came down to it, Jesse was fully aware of where humanity stood on the food chain comparatively. For once, it didn’t look to be in their favor.

“Ah, nothing comes directly to mind. This place, for all intents and purposes, is much like any other city.” It was interesting to think that vampires had lived among them all this time and yet they could sometimes seem so clueless about the lives of those around them. “If you don’t look too closely, anyway.”

Luciano nodded, he had made note of some of the aspects of cities he had traveled throughout the years, but there were so many things he couldn’t relate to that were very human experiences. As he aged, many things that had once filled him with wonder lacked the luster they once had and were far distant memories. There was quite enough contentment for rest and to spend time with his family, wondering if he had missed opportunities when his children were younger to be more of a family during the lapses where he would be gone. 

Although, there was nothing he could do now besides be there for them when they need him, and there were other responsibilities he needed to attend to besides worries of his past faults.

With a sigh and a laugh, he only shook his head. “Just a few of Edmund’s- that dick head that ran the whole ring practically? There’s a couple of them that I recognize here.” A bunch that had gotten out, and that was enough for him to even know. “Rana’s here. The uh- she was the one that we all said was a death mission. His top fighter.” 

-

Luciano ‘hmed’ with his mouth downturned into a hidden smile as listened. “The one you got close to, no?” he asked, looking over at Benji. “So, she got out and here on her own? That shows great strength, I’m glad she was able to get here even if the group was not able to help her... I’m guessing she was displeased to see you, perhaps?” 

Luciano Flores

“Oh, I know, I know.” Nyle replied to the singular eyebrow lift. “We shall see how this progresses with some interest. See how he holds up once all three Whitlocks are on island.”

The blood was nutritional by and large, but the hint of witch gave it something extra.  Spice of life, etcetera. “You don’t track ’em, Lou? That’s a lot of trust.”  Another tip of the glass. Nyle, alas, only knew little Luisa in the way a distant uncle might. But one didn’t speak on such disappointment in front of a father. “It’s a good move - for her and for your family.“ Creatures who lived so long as them could pass years as others passed days. Lou’s little girl could well be a fling still. Better she play her position wisely while she could than keep fingers crossed on some long-term hope. Instead of any such thoughts, Nyle spoke closer to Lou’s heart. “One hopes he treats her well, for such loyalty.”

“Have you put the pressure on at all with the new beau? Or has she kept him away from the family for right now? I can’t imagine how nervous he would be at the prospect,” he commented with a light shrug. There was something to be said about others interacting with the noble families, most would be scared, or anxious he’d imagine. 

Laughing, the witch nodded. “Wouldn’t be the Flores family.” He hummed. The question made him pause, Did he tell Luciano about his run in with Rana? He didn’t want to get her in trouble. But the pause alone spoke volumes. 

“Paradisus is great. I’m a fan of the beaches- if I’m being honest. But there’s quite many familar faces here, Luc. A decent handful of shifters.” 

A flash of curiosity took over his face at the pause from Benji, wagging his finger in a playfully stern way at the man. “And what is it, or who is it that you ran into that is causing such pause?” 

Though she hadn’t been here very long, no one came to Rana’s apartment. The times others had wanted to see her, to make sure she was kept in line and not a rabid beast, they had summoned her through letters that she barely understood. So, to hear the knock, Rana was instantly on edge. Approaching the door slowly, she caught scent of the vampire on the other side and she let out a low warning growl. Edmund had been a vampire and she knew that made it so she had a biased against the species. Bracing herself against the door, she prepared to fight if it came to that. She’d been trying, really trying, since attacking Oliver and Benji to not get into fights. Still, her progress hadn’t been that swift and she still faced every situation as a perceived threat. “What do you want?” She called through the door, her voice booming and a verbal show of puffing out her chest. Rana did not know who came to see her, but she felt angry and on the defense. It was hard not to see the unknown man as a possible threat. 

Luciano could hear the edge in her voice and he paused before responding, speaking gently and evenly. “Ms. Bolat, I am Luciano Flores. You may know my  associates-- Benji, specifically. I believe you two have a history.” A pause once again as he took a moment to find the right words to say to the traumatized woman. “I came to extend an apology, and to commend you on your ability to persevere. It is a commendable quality.” 

— 🐕 —

It was hard to think of himself as some ‘advocator of humans’. He’d been in leadership roles often throughout his life, but it seemed the council role in Paradisus was a completely different kind of beast. In front of creatures who literally survived off of their blood, those who could shift forms and hide among the animals, and those who could spin magic at their fingertips…It seemed they were quite at a disadvantage. But trying to coexist - it seemed like it could be a good idea. But one island of people willing to try was different than the rest of the world. The hope was that it would lead to global change, he assumed. 

“Yeah,” he accepted the appreciation with a nod. “I uh - I guess someone has to do it.” 

He smiled a little at the mention of ways by which to contact him. He’d practically grown up around this technology and it still could illude him from time to time, he couldn’t imagine what it might be like for a vampire…one who was as old as Luciano…though, come to think of it, Jesse wasn’t even sure how old the man standing before him actually was. “Yeah, alright,” Jesse chuckled a bit. “I dunno that there would be anything in particular I could do for you…but just let me know if there is.”

“And I am glad you are the man to do it. Everyone should have a voice here, it is what is fair for us all to be equal socially. If there are any questions I have about needs for humans, or the likes I will most certainly reach out.” Luciano understood the stress for the humans to put trust into supernaturals like vampires, who have survived off of their lifeblood for centuries and left mysteries in their wake to be feared. He remembers with some fondness the stories told by people in his first few hundred years about what he was, about what his family was. 

Luz watched him pull his phone out, seeing the confusion on his face before she glanced over to the screen and playfully rolled her eyes, “Ay, papi..” she sighed teasingly, shaking her head as she smiled up at him. “One day we’ll get you to fully be tech-savvy. Maybe the Liu family can help you out with your struggles, get you one of those portable wifi things so you don’t lose signal when you’re off on one of your adventures.”

Her face lit up then when he said he had clothes for her, practically bouncing on the spot and she immediately took his hand in hers and gave a tug. “Of course! Presents and unpacking, let’s go! And you can tell me all about what you’ve been up to in…–where was it that you went now?”

“That could be a solution to my continuous problem... Sometimes I try to send things and it just doesn’t work, especially if I am on one of the cargo ships.” He sighed, shaking his head as he began to make his way up to his room with Luz so that they could successfully sort and put away his clothes as well as give her the items he had gotten her.