High as Hope

Sleep had not come to him that night, as much as he had wanted it to, tossing and turning into his bed lead to him leaving his space entirely. He had settled somewhere in the kitchen area, picking at some food he’d gotten for himself in an attempt to find that sleep. Only to realize he wasn’t hungry at all– instead he looked at the food with mild disgust. He couldn’t shake off the restlessness he suddenly felt. Realizing now that he needed to go for a walk, leave perhaps, do something with himself before he drove himself crazy. 

With his phone in hand he began to pace up and down the hallways, looking around for anything that could have been suspicious. If he was going to be up he might as well try to be productive about it, that was when he felt the phone vibrate. It did it once then again a short time later, which he’d pull from the pocket of his pants to see just what it was. The first thing he recognized was the name instantly he felt himself feel a bit at ease. ‘I’m up.’ He’d respond, a small smile lifted up at his lips. ‘I would like that. Going a little crazy in the castle right now.’ He chuckled, to himself, ‘We’ll see about that booty call ;)’ 

After the last message he moved himself into a small area away from the main hallway, tucked away so that no one else could bother him. Not that he really thought anyone would, but it was better to be safe than not. He was waiting patiently, well, as much as he could. Looking at his phone hoping a message would pop up at any moment, eager to see what he had planned for their middle of the night hang out. It had been some time since they last saw each other, since the party, that meeting replaying in his head almost daily now. Hoping he’d said things or done more, analyzing every bit of what he remembered which was a lot. Mostly, he liked imagining the others face, his eyes and his lips, the more he thought on him the more excited he seemed to grow.

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Curled into the couch, eye half-lidded - Percy wasn’t really expecting an answer. He was sure Emmett was asleep, dreaming something nice. Despite the rattling echoing from the other room as a song switched over and a new kind of hellish audio began to distortedly rip apart their speakers; he felt he could almost sleep. Exhaustion was a heavy blanket, pulling down on his lids. His phone vibrated once and Percy shot awake. 

Sitting up, heart thundering for a reason he didn’t want to dissect at that moment - he quickly began to scan the message; grinning to himself. As two more messages came in - Percy’s smile widened even further. He quickly tapped back out; ‘You’re going crazy up there and I’m going crazy down here.’ Drumming his fingers against his kneecap as he considered what to say next; he settled into typing. ‘Do you wanna like...go for a drive? You have that car still right? We could just like...drive around for a bit. Talk and stuff. I think the gas-station near my apartment is still open and they have great coffee. Whataya say?’ 

Despite what the other man might say, Percy realized he really did want some of that coffee quite bad and pushed himself up. Heading for the bathroom, narrowly avoiding stumbling over his old, broken coffeetable and almost slipping on a drawing that he’d left on the floor - he quickly splashed his face with some icy water from the faucet and went about pulling on some clothes that weren’t pajama pants and a hoodie covered with burns from dropped cigarettes. 

He was on his second pack. Lifting the cigarette to his lips, he pressed the ember of the old one into it - chain-lighting and taking a deep inhale. Head craned back over the edge of his couch - he felt the migraine strain against the iotas of his waking mind. The two guys next door to him had decided to stay up all night, partying to Siberian speed metal and the feedback was so bad it had set Percy’s fillings on edge. Sleep was a dream and so he also had decided to simply stay up all night rather than struggle to remain any kind of asleep. He’d pounded on the walls once but they’d only bothered to turn up the volume. 

A part of him wanted to set the fucking wall on fire but he knew it’d be his unit that burnt down and theirs that got saved when the firefighters eventually arrived. Dragging off the cigarette, he twisted over onto his side - watching the moon from his shitty leather couch. He could barely see it begin to crest past the edge of the plywood Emmett had hammered in over his busted window. Meant it was probably somewhere around 2 AM.

Plucking his phone from where he’d left it, the screen cracked from his run-in with that fella ‘Angel’ or whatever his name had been - Percy scrolled. He ached in places he didn’t even know he had and every once in a while - he’d find himself glancing over at his kitchen counter. At the little baggie still resting there beside the sink. He’d done well - he’d thrown out most of his stash. Everything in the bathroom went down the toilet and he’d begrudgingly tossed all his Molly as well. But when it came to the Xanax...

It had been his favorite even back in Louisiana. The Pale Man said it had been easy for him to obtain. Crushed up under a cellphone, the back of a kitchen knife, a book. He knew he had more than enough to just...knock himself out for a few hours. He wouldn’t care about any speed metal then, would he? Eyes shifted back to his phone as his heart sped up - a near-panic at trying to...do something. Do anything. Be better.

He pulled up Emmett’s contact and struck the message icon. 

‘You up?’ He bit his lip, rereading it several times before sending a second message. ‘Not a booty call btw. I know it’s late but do you wanna hang out? I can’t be here right now in this fucking apartment. Also could be a booty call if you’re into it.’ Turning over, he took another drag. He wouldn’t look at the counter. 

He wouldn’t look at the fucking counter.

It took a moment for Emmett to fully understand what was just told to him– that he had these sort of strong feelings towards him. It was unusual, a new experience for the hybrid, he did not have much experience when it came to love. None at all, in fact, living his exceptionally long life he had an understanding that most would keep their distance from him. He may not have been a vampire, but most people had grown to fear him above anything else. A mix that should not have occurred, an abomination now freely walking the Earth. He never would have imagined a time where someone would see him in such a way that it left him more than a little shocked, speechless even. 

All he could do was stare at Percy, looking at his features and how tired he seemed to be. How worn of the world he had became, from the use of the drugs and whatever else he had gone through. He wanted to learn more about him, about the road he had traveled on to get to where they are now. He wanted to hold him, keep him close, protect him from the monsters that lurked within the shadows. “Oh, Percy.” He said softly, holding him tightly as the other seemingly did the same. Though for other reasons than his own, he could feel him shaking against him. It stung at his heart, even if he wasn’t so sure about how he felt right now he knew he had strong ties to him. “I won’t leave you– not even during the worst of it. No matter what happens, I’ll be here for you.”

Emmett would hold him close for a moment longer, burying his face within his hair in an attempt to memorize his smell. If he could he would have taken them both away from here, but the weight of the collar around his neck was a simple reminder of how trapped he really was. He could never leave, and that bothered him the most. Keeping himself from falling into that hole of despair he shook the feeling away, taking the others hands so they could dance. “Of course.” He’d say with a simple, soft smile at the other. Hiding his mix of emotions that battled with one another just beneath the surface. Easy to hide how he felt from ever showing on his face. “What I know I’ll teach you.” Then he’d lean in close and whisper, “In truth, I’m not that great at dancing.”

He’d then look over to the music player, with a squint of his eyes he turned it on to whatever song was going to play next. He didn’t care what it was, as long as they could easily sway to it, one song was all he asked for. “I won’t ever leave you, you know. Not willingly. Remember that.” 

.

It was soft. The music that echoed from the jukebox. A tune he hadn’t heard in a very long time. He wasn’t sure what it was called or who it was even by. Simple and lovely; strings and piano. Leaning against the other’s chest as they swayed, Percy trying to keep from stepping on Emmett’s feet - he ran the words over and over again in his mind. Somewhere, beneath the skin - the itch never let up. A raging fire, burning like acid. He needed a needle, a pill, a line. Blue eyes flickered up to the bottles lining the shelves behind the bar - backlit by cheap halogen. 

He could feel himself slipping. Already. So soon - barely even started on this supposed journey to sobriety and he already wanted more. He knew what he was. Fiend. Abuser. Addict. He rolled the truth around on his tongue but didn’t dare speak - didn’t dare break the spell that had come over the moment. 

Junkie. 

Perceval knew his reflection. He also knew he’d said too much. He could feel it, practically smell it. Too much, too fast. Like always. Percy never did know how to handle things in moderation. Emmett had been kind. He hadn’t pushed him away. Told him that ‘love’ was a bit much. He was mulling it over. Deciding. For a moment - Percy wanted to peer into his mind. The desire for just a peek felt like a waterfall crashing into him. He tightened his hold on the back of Emmett’s suit jacket. Shifting, just enough so that he could look up at him - he raised a hand to his cheek and kissed him on the other. A gentle peck, right below the cheekbone. Simple. Quiet. He kept replaying the words. 

“I won’t ever leave you, you know. Not willingly. Remember that.”

Percy swallowed thickly. “If I end up makin’ you regret those words. I...I’m really sorry.” His voice was small. 

He had the rhythm down. He wasn’t scared of tripping anymore. A step towards progress. A step towards...something. 

Skye had been careful when it came to the other. Their rising heartbeat loud in his ears which only made him more hungry to have but a taste of the other. It was no easy feat to keep himself all contained so perfectly, but the other was a bitter reminder that he had no longer been of the living. However, that tainted blood he had coursing through his veins had helped heal the young man before him, and knowing that pulled him from his darker thoughts. It was only in times like these that he felt– normal. His gaze would soften, encouraging the other to continue until he felt relief and then he’d pull away. The other’s words, only making him laugh. “Yes, we can. It’s….not an easy diet for most. The longer you’ve had a taste of the real thing, the harder it is to wean off of it. I can certainly tell you, that it was no easy feat in the beginning but–” he’d pause, remembering his encounter with his brother that started this mess to begin with. “–once you actually gain control, everything else just seems easier and the hunger is less unbearable. You might get cranky if you don’t feed, but the mind is definitely clearer then. Less murderous intentions.” Which had been the only time Skye had felt true peace in a long while, but now he was angry all the time all over again, and his urges craved for more than just tearing someone apart. That of which, he would keep to himself.  

“I ain’t important enough to even be in the room with ya’.“

He didn’t know why, but that had slightly bugged him. Was that how he had been viewed? Why heads would turn when he walked into a bar, or nobody paid him any mind but to give him the best service they could provide? Skye had liked coming to the village when he could, but never had the thought crossed his mind. He’d figured that maybe– maybe they were all afraid of him. Maybe it was a bit of both. “It’s important, yes. Unfortunately, we are the ones who have– helped in the decision of enslaving all. There are many castles quite like Krovs around the world. This one is just my least favorite,” he’d mutter towards the end to himself. “However, my title does not deter from who I am as a person. It is but a title.” Eyes would avert to Percy’s hand, but the vampire was careful. Instead of simply taking it, he’d carefully hold it so that he’d bring the younger’s knuckles to his lips, giving it but a gentle kiss like he’d been a gentleman. Yet, Skye had not been a gentleman, and he’d release the other carefully to place his hands within his pockets, a smile creeping up on his face. “Keep it,” he’d whisper softly, almost flirtatiously. 

“Do we now?” He’d give a breathy chuckle at that, a reminder of someone else he knew who liked to be bitten as well. “Quite frankly, I have all the time in the world. It’s quite depressing really.” Eyes would flutter to the corners and then back towards the other, his toothy side grin rather bright in the lamp lit night. The other was a rather interesting little thing. Something Skye could not understand. The way he spoke, belittling himself and making himself smaller– the vampire wasn’t sure if the other knew he was doing it or if it was intentional, but now he felt slightly guilty for having tried at all. A hand would carefully reach out to lift the other’s face by his chin, eyes locking on the other’s own for a long pause, though he knew the other would most likely protest. Yet– Skye felt empathetic towards him. Something so fragile. The lives he had met recently. It confused him. He’d suck in a breath and pull away again, drawing his hands behind his back this time. “Is that how you wish for them to see us? Me just fucking the whore?” He’d pause. Under normal circumstances, Skye one-hundred percent cared about how others perceived him. Part of that coming from his title, but the other part, was to hide the sadder, darker parts of himself. Vulnerable parts. “How about this? I will escort you safely where you need to be, and then– we will see where the night takes us? Afterall, it’s quite nice out for a stroll.” He’d pause. “–And I highly doubt you’re just some whore from a dive-bar. You should try seeing yourself differently. No one is ever truly what they seem on the surface,” he’d walk past the other nonchalantly, making his way towards where he’d been instructed, as if paying the other no mind, even though he’d been hyper-focused on him.

.

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.” 

Of course there was going to be some apprehension – Todd had basically just offered for the guy to go home with him in the middle of the street, in the dark and in the cold.. in hindsight, it did sound like a proposition rather than just a genuine offer to get out of the cold for a night. “Oh, man, I know how that sounded, but I– I mean, I can give you money. You don’t need to do anything for it, I just wanna help, y’know?” He tried to explain, hoping he didn’t sound like a complete creep.

At the revelation that the other male was also a bartender, Todd smiled softly, his eyes shifting to glance at the boys on the corner before looking back at the stranger he’d approached. Todd really hoped that he was genuinely offering his company and not just being polite because he was creeped out by him. The last thing Todd wanted to do was scare anyone, but covered in tattoos and standing at six-four, often he did look a little intimidating. Perhaps he should’ve approached the other male in his fox form instead. Small and fluffy usually worked.

“Yeah, sure, I’ll join you.. as long as you’re okay with that?” He chuckled. “I don’t wanna intrude if you had set plans for the night. I’ll never say no to a drink though.” Todd offered the other boy a smile before giving another soft laugh. “Believe me, man, if I were an axe murderer, I’m pretty sure I’d have been caught by now. I don’t exactly blend in.. and I’m far too clumsy. I’d leave behind all kinds of evidence.”

.

“Oh, man, I know how that sounded, but I– I mean, I can give you money. You don’t need to do anything for it, I just wanna help, y’know?”

There was a quirk to Percy’s lips. He didn’t want to be rude. He didn’t want to snap at the other - after all; it seemed genuine though to what end Percy couldn’t be sure. He shook his head slightly, fighting the grimace. “I...uh, thank ya’ but I’m alright. I don’t be needin’ anyone’s charity but that was a kind gesture and I really do mean it when I say thanks. Uh...lemme know if you ever wanna...pay me for...services rendered.” He finished, rather lamely though he did try to keep his tone light. He hated handouts, hated being seen as guttersnipe in need of saving - not that that was what the other man thought. 

Percy didn’t have a lot of pride. What he had left he wanted to keep. 

When the man took him up on his offer, Percy just nodded and began to cross the street when the light turned red; covering up a yawn with the crook of his arm. “Ain’t got no plans, no worries. Just...got no where else to be y’know? Empty night? May as well try to fill it somehow and a job’s a job.” When the other started on his supposed clumsiness; Percy found himself chuckling. 

“Yeah, I could see that. You ain’t exactly the villager type, I’d be sayin’. Most of the men who come through my bar are rough ol’ fucks with beards past their tits and pox-scars.” He glanced at the man, offering him a wink. “You be lookin’ far too pretty.” 

“Been a long time since I’ve ventured out in those parts,” Kaden admitted his unfamiliarity with the territory. Things changed a lot over the centuries while others remained the same. He was interesting to see all the rise and fall now that he lived forever. Starting his family settled him into a routine where he never really left Texas the last couple of decades save for vacations with the kids or the honeymoon with his wife or when the job required traveling to another department for collaboration on a case. He absently made a face at the cigarette; it must be the celestial in him that made him so judgy towards things he disapproved of. That or it was raising two teenagers. 

“Yes, sir,” he answered with a nod, quickly training his features back to neutrality. He met Percy’s grin with one of his own, laughing lightly at the compliment. He wasn’t arrogant although he sure knew what he looked like and held a healthy degree of confidence. All he had to do was smirk the right way and his prim and proper scientist of a master even fell weak in the knee. “I’m with you on that one. I’m still kind of one, I suppose you can say, but I’ve got a lot more freedoms now thanks to the doc.” Lucien drove him crazy sometimes with some of his behaviors and the things that left his mouth, but at least he was generous enough to grant him that much in life. 

Kaden hummed, smiling wryly in sympathy at the all too familiar feeling of getting overwhelmed with those noises. “I know exactly what you mean,” he said. “The volume and all that chatter almost make you want to tear through your own skull and rip your brain out for some peace and quiet.” The kresnik looked over at his walking companion, raising a brow ever so slightly in surprise. “I would’ve expected where you’ve come from to have plenty of witches and magic around what with its reputation for bein’ haunted. ‘Course I can show you sometime. It’s a handy trick to keep others from trying to read or manipulate your mind. Also good to have if you plan on livin’ in the world’s hottest supernatural spot with vampires and demons and their mind control.” 

The other’s reaction didn’t really surprise the former detective, who hardly flinched in response. That was the attitude of many sex workers he’d met, all distrusting cops and the system to defend them because they were judged for what they did. And history proved that persisting someone to get help from law enforcement only caused frustration. “I think that’s a damn shame. World shouldn’t work like that,” he commented as he followed Percy into the bar. Kaden found himself a seat away from the few small crowds that remained, grinning crookedly. “How could I say no to a deal like that?” He had the time and he could easily patrol the streets by expanding his mind telepathically, detecting any trouble in the area he was working. Not a lot happened in Krovs Town at these hours anyway aside from maybe a bar fight and prostitution. “I’ll start with my first whiskey then, please.” 

.

Percy hated remembering his home but as the other spoke, the memories came regardless. He could see the city lights, smell the rain - the cooking, hear the music. He glanced at Kaden with a small shrug. “There was.” He admitted. “I knew a few witches actually, nice ladies for the most part but...uh...” His mouth upturned into a grimace. “Most couldn’t help. Or wouldn’t. I wasn’t bein’ allowed outside much back then. My ma and pa...they...they were uh...I guess you could call them ‘difficult’.” Perceval bit the word, trying to keep it from sounding as poisonous as it felt. 

“Kept me in-doors a lot. I went down a shop once, one of them tarot stores. I went real late at night. I was a bad kid, I’d...I’d sneak out every now and then. This one lady was turnin’ cards and I was havin’ weird dreams and I asked her about ‘em and she told me there wasn’t much she could do. Said we didn’t share ancestors and I mean...she was a black lady and I’m white trash - her and I were as different as apples and oranges.” Grinning, he scratched at his chin with a shrug. “Said she didn’t have anyone to ask on my behalf. No one who would know anythin’.” 

As they arrived at the bar and Kaden took his seat - Perceval was quick to throw him a quick wave before he headed towards back. Knocking on Earl’s door a couple of times, he called through the thin ply-wood that he needed a shift. After hearing the man heft himself up and come to the door, Percy took a few steps back - keeping his gaze low as the heavy-set man looked him over. “Tips only, don’t clock in.” Percy’s fists curled into balls. “You gotta be fuckin’ kiddin’ me.” 

Earl took one step towards him. Percy took an equal one back. “What was that?” For a moment - Percy wondered if he’d hit him. If he’d be given another black eye. 

   For a moment Angel wish he’d had his cigarettes with him; perhaps then he could offer the other something to help apologize with the way he had disturbed the other in someway. But he still wasn’t sure he should ask Hadrian for something that was toxic like that, so instead he tried to push out a pack for as long as he could. There were parts of him that didn’t want to explore his vices or faults too much.

   It was too much of a risk.

    “Is your… phone alright?” He asked softly. The technology was still a mystery to him. He’d never had one before and then never bothered to try after he became a slave. Though from what he’d seen, water and phones didn’t generally mix.

   Angel hesitated for a moment, not sure if he should go before he slowly nodded. “As long as you don’t mind me drinking water.” He told the other softly. He’d made promises, promises he was planning on keeping.

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At the man’s question, Percy glanced down to his phone with a raised eyebrow - rotating the device in his hand. A crack snaked it’s way across the screen but it didn’t seem particularly bad and when he clicked the button on the side, it still turned on and swiped when he moved his thumb. He shrugged slightly. “It’s fine. Just a crack, nothin’ I can’t live with. My own fault.” He chuckled, glancing over at the light - waiting for it turn red. 

“As long as you don’t mind me drinking water.”

Once they had reached the bar, Merek waved a hand quickly over himself, using a bit of magic to make himself look a little less ruffled after his stroll through the village.  Probably no real reason to make himself appear too presentable for someone such as this Earl, but Merek liked to be as put together as possible whenever he could.  “From up on high.”  He repeated with a chuckle, starting toward the back and giving Percy a little smirk.  “I may just take you up on that offer, darling.”  Luckily, this little visit didn’t require anything other than dropping the envelope off to the bar owner and getting another one to deliver to the castle, so Merek was back and seated at one of the stools in no time.

“Could you get me a beer before I have to head back?”  He asked, loosening his tie a little bit before Merek rested his arms against the bar, clearly not in a rush to get back now that his job had been finished for the most part.

.

It was never a wise idea to eavesdrop but Percy couldn’t help himself. Standing near the back corner of the bar itself - the side closest to the hallway; he listened. Not to the fancy man, to Merek - but to Earl. It wasn’t the first time Perceval had listened in to his boss’s thoughts and knew it probably wouldn’t be the last. Anxiety rushed through the man’s mind as it whirled when the letter was handed to him and when he quickly scrawled out the message to be handed back to Merek. 

As the man exited the office, Percy dropped the link - not wanting to be caught by the more experienced psychic. Moving to the tap as Merek requested a beer; Percy was already in the middle of a pull - watching the amber fluid fill the glass to the brim. Taking the back of a bar knife - he quickly swiped it over the top, removing the excess foam. Like he’d seen them do in movies and presented it to the other man. “Had a feelin’.” He chuckled, sliding it across the bar on a napkin. Leaning on the other side, he watched Merek for a moment - eyeing him curiously. “You ain’t a vampire.” It wasn’t a question. Percy kept his voice low. 

“You ain’t a vampire and yet, yer really handsome and well-dressed to be one of the slaves. You...you work for them? What...?” Percy was having a difficult time trying to imagine what that would be like. He knew Emmett was relatively in the same situation but it still just seemed so...odd to him. “...what is that like? Do you get...paid well?” His eyes travelled the man’s suit, his brows pulling together. 

   Nathaniel was walking from the church to the bar, The Booth. Sure it wasn’t the typical place you wouldn’t expect to find him, but he thought that he could spend some time with other people would be good. He could avoid the temptations that came with a bar, he was sure he could. As he was walking he saw another figure, and soon he came to the realization that they were probably headed towards the same place. Based on how he was dressed it was probably hard to tell that he was technically the town’s priest. He smiled, the figure next to him was familiar. He believed they had met before. 

“It’s Percy right? I’m Nathan, I believe we’ve met before.” 

.

He was halfway there when he heard footsteps approaching. On most nights, Percy would’ve been personable - maybe tried to sell a little skin but after the rotten evening he’d already had getting turned down every time he walked up to an open window; he wasn’t in the best of spirits for such. Glancing towards the shape as he walked a little closer just as they reached a streetlight - he offered a small smile before turning away, not wanting to get caught up in anything with the wrong guy. 

“It’s Percy right? I’m Nathan, I believe we’ve met before.”

It took him a moment to recognize the voice, the name. Brows knitting together, Percy looked back to the man - dragging off his cigarette and squinting a little in the low light. “Oh shit, hey!” He chuckled, popping the cigarette back between his lips - his own awkwardness baring itself in full opacity. “You were the...?” He tilted his head a little, almost in confusion. 

He wasn’t sure why but his last encounter like this flashed within his head, hearing the sounds of their words as they spoke to him telling him how good he had felt. It caused his brows to draw close, the man he’d been with at that time wasn’t someone he really knew, nor really cared about, just a body he felt almost obligated to enjoy. He did. His body had its own needs while his mind often wandered away, left the scene to unfold while it went into the deep recesses of his mind. Something he found himself doing the first night he spent with a master once the slave collar was placed around his neck. Much of those times he spent separate from himself, the easiest of ways he dealt with the situations. Especially those that wished to humiliate him, break him down, treat him as though he was lesser than they. 

Emmett thought about those time and this one, he actively wanted to be present here, wanted to see Percy unravel before him. Wanted to remember. A stark contrast to his old self, he knew that Percy would be someone special to him right in this moment. He brought him back, brought some life into his life again, one that he wanted to enjoy. Feeling his skin under his hands pulled him in further, intwined their fates indefinitely, even if he had no idea where it would lead them. They touched, they kissed, and he was here enjoying every moment of it. No pull to escape, no fear, just simple pleasure and want that was pumping through his veins. 

‘I ain’t ever been shy a day in my life, baby.’

He believed it, a difference in them, as he was more reserved in his sexual nature while the other wasn’t. Suppose it was because of what he did for work, he had to be a level of open for the John’s that wanted to use him. He would have thought further when his lips found his, lost in their embrace he noted the way he pushed off the jacket he wore. Helping him in doing so he’d toss the garment elsewhere leaving him with the shirt he pulled off of him. He wouldn’t have cared if it had ripped, torn to pieces, it hung too heavy as he grew more and more hot. Emmett moved backwards as he was guided to, lips never breaking from the others as he returned the hunger with his own. Possessive in the way he kissed him, wanting to linger on those lips long after they were done. Wanting to stand out from the other men Percy had been with– wanting to be the difference. 

Emmett laid back, watching as he trailed kisses down his neck to his chest, watching him as he enjoyed as much of his available skin as he could. HIs hand would come up to delve into his hair as he continued downward, his pants now slack at the belt had been loosened, opened so that his pants could easily be slid off. He bit into his lower lip as he watched, mesmerized by him as he got lower until he reached the waistband. He’d lift his hips up some, allowing it to come off of his ass. There was a soft chuckle at being called pretty, the thumb on his lip was met with his tongue, licking it gingerly as his breathing quickened. Chest rising up and down faster just as his cock slipped between his lips, his mouth engulfing him entirely. The moan that came from him was genuine, it reverberated from deep within his chest. “Oh– Percy.” He’d softly moan, watching him as he began. “Mm– You’re… really pretty too… like this.” 

.

It felt like more as he took him down his throat. It felt special in a way sex hadn’t felt for Percy in what seemed like years. More often than not, Percy found himself tired of sex - seeing it as little more than work. Nothing to be gained from it, certainly not pleasure. No one ever got him off, no one ever cared too. Used, tossed aside, discarded. Money thrown at him without even glancing in his direction as the john’s would hike their pants up and walk out of the hotel room. As he stared at Emmett, shivered as the man sucked on the tip of his thumb when he brushed it across his mouth - it felt different. 

Slowly, he took him down again - enjoying the taste of the other, the firmness between his lips. The way he was hard for him, not some fantasy of a different man or woman. It was Percy that Emmett seemingly wanted to be with. He wasn’t a stand-in this time, he was the main fuckin’ character. Time to deliver then. Percy smiled to himself, rising up to the top of Emmett’s cock - sucking hard on the head before deepthroating him once more. His gag reflex was a thing of the past and he kept a steady pace - moaning as each pass; thoroughly enjoying it. He wanted to see the other lose it, he wanted him to unravel, his breath to quicken. Making Emmett feel good would make himself feel good in turn. Pulling off, he stroked the other’s cock with one hand while moving his mouth to Emmett’s balls - licking and sucking them gently, peering up at the man every so often but more often than not - closing his eyes as he enjoyed the moment. 

“Mm– You’re… really pretty too… like this.”

Percy could help the giggle as he rose up, wiping at the spit on his chin with the back of his hand. “I do look good with yer cock in my mouth, don’t I?” He asked, stroking him fast. “It gets better though, sugar.” Leaning down, he swallowed him once more - taking Emmett as far into the back of his throat as he was able. Sucking and swallowing, tightening the muscles of his throat to milk the pleasure out of him - Percy placed his hands at Emmett’s hips, his fingertips running along the other’s taut ass. He pulled him up once, encouraging him to thrust - to fuck his mouth. Gazing up at him with wide, excited blue eyes; Percy nodded once - his lips stretched wide. 

The pain he was going through was so much that even the Nephalem could feel it, and his heart ached for him. If he could he would make the pain easier, soothe it so he didn’t have to suffer as much as he had been. The more he learned of Percy the more he saw bits of himself, back when he was much younger and alone. When the world turned their back on him because of what he was, because of the fear they had of him. Of the unknown. Back then he found shelter in his own isolation, kept away from everyone else as to appease them more than anything. Despite the pain he felt, the loneliness… as the years went by he accepted it more, became numb to it. He had no one, but right now Percy had someone, he had him and he wasn’t going to let him drown. Not if he could help it. 

His history, his use of drugs, weren’t something that scared him. There were things far worse than what he was being told, and from where he stood he could see that Percy was a victim. Of circumstance he was still ignorant of understanding, though perhaps he will understand over time. He did not speak until Percy had said what he needed to say, taking in everything that came from him, addiction was not something he knew on a personal level but he understand to toll and hold it had. Just looking at the other was proof enough of that, the struggle of choosing what he actually wanted and what his body wanted. The drugs were a means to fill a void, perhaps to make him feel a certain way or to forget. He was not sure, but they were ruining him the more he took them, that he knew. 

Emmett said nothing for a while, trying to formulate what he wanted to say, though he kept him close all the same. Just holding him to his chest, letting him take comfort in what he could offer to him now, without the burdens of saying anything. He wanted to believe him that he wanted to change, that he didn’t want to do this anymore, but it would have been naïve of him to go into this with that standard. “You need to choose for yourself, Percy, if you really want to let go of the life you’ve lived for so long.” He started, his voice was soft and gentle. “I know it’s a scary choice to make, to leave everything that gave you some peace behind for something unsure. You won’t be alone, I’ll be here, however you may need me.” 

He would burying his face within his hair, breathing in the way he smelled, unable to stop himself from enjoying it. He wanted to hold him tight, protect him, never to let him go. He knew better, nothing would change if he didn’t let him make his own decisions. “You’re not alone. I’ll be here– every step of the way.” Emmett hesitated, not wanting to let go, not wanting to end the night like this. He wanted to give him a night that he didn’t need to use drugs to forget, something he could look on and smile. He wanted to dance with him, “Please– Please, have a dance with me. Just one.” 

.

Sanctuary. That’s what he was. Perceval had been trying to find the word, to name of it, the meaning. Standing next to the much taller man, wrapped in his arms, hearing his voice - he understood it. He was a sanctuary. A small one, and definitely not the sort he could hide within for forever. But Percy knew that’s what Emmett was trying to tell him. That he had a place to hide for a while, at least. It was more than he’d ever had before. More than he’d ever dreamed of. Pressed against Emmett’s chest once more, Percy placed his ear over the taller man’s heart - listening to the thundering rhythm, closing his eyes as if it were a lullaby. 

“I’ll be here– every step of the way.”

He felt the burn of their arrival before they actually spilled over. Held in the other’s grasp, Percy cried. It wasn’t a sobbing, wracking cry. It wasn’t stoic, silent tears. It was something worse than either, something smaller and weaker. A cry that hurt. He tightened his grip around Emmett’s sides, feeling like a fool and that only spurred further tears to stain the other’s beautiful suit. After a moment, with a gasp he leaned back to look up at the Nephilim. Raising a hand, he placed it against Emmett’s cheek, his thumb gently tracing the cheekbone. “Then...please believe me when I say this.” He whispered, calming his tone with a heavy inhale. “...I’ve...I’ve sorta fallen for ya’. Pretty bad actually.” His voice broke into the slightest laugh and he wiped some of the tears from his eyes. “...and I know...I know how it sounds and...I know what I’m sayin’ and...” He took a deep breath. 

“When I’m detoxin’, I’m gonna say and do shit I don’t mean. It’s...I have my mama’s temper and...please just remember I don’t mean it...please know that, baby. I don’t really mean it.” It was a strange kind of terror. Like standing at the base of a mountain, watching as it crumbles and knowing you can’t escape. Percy could see the rage on the horizon, the screaming, the way he’d want to scratch himself out of his own skin. He could hear his mother’s voice screaming in his head, feel the first punch his father had ever landed against the side of his face for daring to set aside ‘Penelope’. 

Blinking past the fear, he looked up into Emmett’s eyes and hoped his sanctuary would be enough to get him through it. “And...if...if it ever becomes too much. If...If I become too much. I want you to take care of yourself first. It ain’t fair for me to expect you to be some fuckin’ guardian angel, you take care of you, Emmett. You hear me?” Perceval tried to make his voice harder. Firmer, he stood a little straighter and tried to look tough. He wouldn’t be a burden. Not to anyone. Never. 

~

Okay, Skye had to admit. He felt pretty bad after watching the other nearly fall, even reaching out just slightly to catch him if he had to, but the other was up quick and berating him rather loudly. The vampire had to blink quickly, unsure of what or how to handle the situation without having to glamour the boy into submission. Even if a part of him had not cared and was ready to just take what he wanted. It took every part of him to reign that other side of him back in. He didn’t know what came over him, but Skye would reach out quickly to grab the other’s wrist that had covered his injured eye, leaning forward to take a closer look. He had not cared if the other protested or threw out his slurs towards him. He’d heard it all before. “Shut up,” he’d finally say, as if the other had been doing too much. “Where did you get that?” He’d nod his head over to his injured eye, before coming to the decision to bite at his own wrist, letting the blood ooze onto it and damn near pressing it to Percy’s lips. “Drink,” he’d say sternly, almost threateningly so. He already felt awkward at trying to feed from a person, and now the other was just too loud for him to deal with. Also leave it to Skye to have a bleeding heart. Ironic considering what he was. “I am only trying to feed because my main provider for animal blood is now gone, and I’ve had to continue to resort to you village people. So please, stop talking,” he’d nearly hiss towards the end, and practically tossing Percy’s wrist back at him, Skye would cross his own over his chest. 

“–and I meant ‘Little One’ as most are younger than me. I’m quite old seeing as I’m on the Council.” Skye would clench his jaw, eyes narrowing at the individual in front of him. It was almost as if both of them were acting like pouting children, a sight to be seen should someone walk by. Eyes would shift to the wrist offered to him, but he’d quickly look away in disbelief. Now he was too annoyed to actually feed. “I’ll have you know it’s been….centuries since I’ve murdered anyone. On purpose–” he’d muttered, thinking about how he’d accidentally done so to his beloved, thus starting him onto his “vegan” diet to begin with. “I’m not hungry anymore,” he’d lie, putting the money he held right into the other’s hands and closing Percy’s fingers around it carefully. “However, you really should not be out here this late. Where are you going?” 

.

It was like trying to stop a hurricane. As the vampire leaned in closer, close enough for Percy to smell the scent of the other’s skin - there was a piece of him inside whirling. Somewhere, down in the depths of his core - he felt the bird come to life. Painful almost, a sting in the base of his skull. A desire to set fire and let burn. He swallowed the knot at the back of his throat, his face an impassive mask - unwilling to show such a creature the rising panic. But Percy had been around vampires before. The Pale Man had always known when he was scared, when he was stressed, when he was turned on. He told him once that he could hear the rhythm of his heart. A beat he could almost dance too, he said. Staring at the other, watching him bite into the meat of his own wrist - Perceval wondered if this one could hear it as well. 

“Drink,”

He looked down to the proffered wrist, too close to his mouth but oh - was it tantalizing. The best high in the world held out to him without him even having to ask. Percy said nothing - merely pressed his lips to the wound, wincing at the strange, coppery, almost rotted taste of a vampire’s blood. Yet even as he grimaced, he felt relief course through him. The throbbing pain in his eye ceased, the headache settled, even the itch became quiet. As the man retracted, explaining his predicament - Percy couldn’t help the chuckle. “Wait, wait, wait...” His smile was small, wavering on the edge of whether or not he should show. “Animal blood? You...holy shit, you out here drinkin’ animal blood? You and yours can do that? Why the fuck...?” Tilting his head, he regarded the man for a moment - his opinion twisting around on itself. 

“I’ll have you know it’s been….centuries since I’ve murdered anyone. On purpose–”

Percy chuckled again; “Oh, lucky fuckin’ me then. I’ve been accosted by the nice vampire. And...is the Council impressive or somethin’? Sounds fancy but...” He shrugged; “Titles mean fuckall to me, fella. But from the sounds of it, I ain’t important enough to even be in the room with ya’.” It wasn’t a dig, at least not at the other. He glanced down, looked at himself - at his ratty old shirt, his torn up jeans, his weary boots. When the vampire pressed the money to his hand and stated he wasn’t hungry anymore - Percy deflated, if only slightly. A small guilt welled and though he wasn’t keen on handing back such a nice looking wad of cash - he took a step forward and held out his hand. “Hey, hey, hey...now...c’mon.” He said, his voice a little softer. 

“We both know that ain’t true. You ain’t comin’ all the way down here to turn back now. I...you can bite me, it’s fine. I don’t mind...I...I actually kinda like it sometimes. You just...surprised me is all, vampires aren’t the - y’know, friendliest bunch sometimes. I...uh...” He sighed, glancing up at the sky before turning to look at some of the street signs surrounding them. 

“I’m makin’ my way to my proper job. I tend bar down at the Booth. Now...you can come with me, make sure I don’t get beat up with your all fancy strength and shit and...I’ll feed ya’. If you don’t be wantin’ people to know what you are, we can go to the bathroom at the back and I’ll hold the money and...” A small, bitter smirk lit up Percy’s features, his eyes staring at nothing. “...and they’ll all just think yer fuckin’ the whore. Ain’t nobody gonna bat an eyelash, baby.” 

Shade was surprised there was hookers in town, nothing he wasn’t familiar with, not something he did. He fucked for free when he got the few opportunities he had growing up. Still surprised Captain America and the Falcon weren’t out making the streets safe, though it was hard to tell between Kaden and Ransom who was who. Then there was Mason, who would probably pay for it, corrupt fucker. He didn’t feel bad for them by any means. Maybe they liked that line of work, maybe that didn’t. Wasn’t his place to judge. 

Still now that he was in town and had a lot of extra shit he decided to give them some food and shit if they wanted. Some of it was regular fair and some of it was the infused kind, he sure to mark the shit. Wasn’t like he got anything from them getting high. Course if they wanted to trade ass for food he sure as hell wouldn’t say no. Handing out shit to those standing under the light he moved on and just in fucking time as he saw Ransom pulling up and hurriedly moved down the street away from said cop. Wasn’t sure if he’d get busted or not, but his record with the police wasn’t a good one. He caught up with a guy he’d seen with the others heading off to another place in town. 

“Oi oi, cockbite. You hungry?” He asked as he fell in step next to the other with a joint hanging from his lips. He was off and could get blasted as fuck now. “Got some food if yer into it. Some infused some not.” He looked in the bag he was carrying. “Some smoked mac and cheese infused butter and cheese, nice hybrid. Got some indica bruschetta and regular shit if you ain’t down to clown this evening and a few other odds and ends. Was a go in the trash cause I can’t eat anymore of this shit. Yer call tho.”  

.

He eyed the cruiser with no small amount of annoyance. He heard the single blast of the siren, the lights flare once - he watched as the other boys had to scatter. Leaning against the lightpole, he tossed the nub of his cigarette onto the concrete - pressed it out with the heel of his boot. He was about to turn as soon as the light went red when he heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Smirking at the name, his eyes widened at the mention of food. 

Stopping short on the other side of the street, away from the fleeing hookers - Percy turned to look into the bag. “Holy shit, you serious?” His tone showed his very obvious hunger as he pulled the box of bruschetta out from the bag. Picking up pace when he heard the sound of handcuffs being tightened on someone’s wrist, he was quick to shove a piece of bread in his mouth. “Abso-fuckin-lutely.” He said around the bite he took. Holding out his hand, he snapped his fingers - a small spark lighting up the guy’s spliff for him while he kept eating. “I’ll eat that other shit too, holy fuck. Thank you, man.” Another siren blare and he not-so-gently pulled his newfound friend into an alley, pressing up behind a dumpster as the cruiser made it’s way by. Out of sight, Percy kept chewing while waiting to see if the coast was clear. After a moment or two, he crept out - peeking his eyes around the corner before nodding. “We’re good.” He said, turning to glance at the other. 

Angel had never been allowed to wander, and he supposed the same was true. But Hadrian was kind, perhaps more kind than Angel deserved. He allowed the boy to walk the night in what felt like the first time in several decades. Allowed him to soak in the moonlight and the soft wind that was kissing against his cheeks in almost a welcoming manner.

The only problem were the people. Angel wasn’t feeling very social anymore. He didn’t have to pretend with others anymore. He cleared his throat as the other came closer, looking as if he might knock him over. “Excuse me…”

.

His fingers were quick as they tapped out the message to Emmett - asking if he’d be down to come hang out later that night if Percy couldn’t score a shift with Earl. But there wasn’t a way to ask if which he didn’t feel desperate. Deleting the message, he started over - getting halfway through the first sentence before sighing to himself and backspacing it away once again. Lifting his cigarette to his lips he took a heavy drag as he heard the voice call out. Stopping short of nearly walking into the other guy; Percy’s butter fingers showed off their many talents by losing their grip on his phone as well as the cigarette. 

A clatter of plastic followed before the muffled ‘shit’ under Percy’s breath as he plucked his phone from the gutter. Not wet thankfully but the screen had one long crack through it. Sighing to himself, he glanced about for his cigarette - sorrow filling him to the limit when he saw that had in fact landed in a small puddle. “Oh...god damn it.” He whispered to himself, gesturing the forlorn cigarette. “Worst part of my night.” Chuckling, he glanced at the other with a small smile. “Not your fault at all, bud. I shoulda’ been checkin’ where I was goin’.” He held up one hand in dismissive flair. 

Kain cracked a smile at the other, nodding in response to the salute, pleased that the other had followed along with his little tease. He watched the other walk passed him, eyes dropping down and giving another nod as he enjoyed what he saw. He went back to his drink, downing it and tapping it on the counter for another while he overheard what happened nearby, chuckling to himself. Seemed this place was about to get very interesting. He listened as the other walked over to the bathroom, his ears taking in the sounds of his heels against the tiles, the rustle of his bag against the porcelain sink, the heady breath he took in as he snorted something … things had definitely started to get interesting.

“The view from the back notched you up a couple places and I like the makeup,” he responded dryly and without hesitation, smirking back at the other. “I’ve no complaints just yet, but I’ll be sure to keep that in mind,” he hummed into the glass of his new drink. He also wouldn’t know what the difference between a better and a worse make-up brand would even be. “Heard you visiting the slopes just now,” he said, somewhat cryptically, glancing over at the bathroom door, “Anything fun?” he asked with a little wink.

“What’s your story- you from the Castle or the town?” he asked, leaning against the bar, finally taking his glasses off and setting them down before letting one hand play with the ring around his middle finger, turning it slowly as he looked at the other. The other was in need of money, that much he’d ascertained from him shout-asking for what sounded like extra shifts at this dive bar. Also, he still couldn’t quite figure out the other’s smell, ”You reek like something supernatural but I can’t quite make it out,” he said honestly, leaning back in his seat, picking up the carton of cigarettes he’d taken out of his pocket earlier and tapping one out, before tossing it back onto the bar and lighting up.

.

His hurt eye stung. The swelling had gone down thankfully and there was little more than just discoloration around the pale skin where the blood vessels had broken from the punch but the eyeshadow wasn’t doing him any favors. Percy smirked - nodding his head once to the compliment from the other man; staring at the seat he sat in. The same seat he’d been flung into when that ogre had pulled him across the bar. His eyes travelled up to the others and he prayed such a thing wouldn’t be happening again. Glancing at the seat at the end, Emmett’s seat - he sighed. 

“You be one of th’ first then, friend.” He chuckled, lifting his pinkie to swipe at the edge of his liner and eyeshadow, blending them just a little bit more. He didn’t comment on the mention of his ass, only smirked and lifted his brow salaciously. He had never been good at accepting compliments. When the other kept talking however, after Percy had moved from where he’d been scrubbing the bar-top clean - he shifted his gaze to Aster for only a moment who was doing a very good job of pretending not to hear anything. 

Opening the cocktail kit, Percy plucked a dripping cherry from the tin and - biting the flesh between his front teeth and pulling the stem off with a slight smirk towards the newcomer - he shrugged. “Aspirin, o’ course.” His lie was bad and boldfaced and obvious and he smiled through it. He fluttered his hand over his chest, like a hummingbird’s wings. “I get palpitations.” Tossing the cherry stem in the trash - he leaned against the edge of the bar-top; becoming a little more invested in the conversation as it continued. 

”You reek like something supernatural but I can’t quite make it out,”

When the man placed his cigarettes on the bar, Percy took it as an invitation - pulling one from the pack and with snap of his fingers, lighting it from a small, candle-wick flame produced at the tip of his thumb. Blowing the little, hovering spark out as soon as it’d served its purpose, he shrugged once again behind a veil of exhaled smoke. “Honestly, sugar - your guess is good as mine. Came all the way to this place to hopefully find something out ‘bout myself and gotten fuck-all. How it goes, y’know?” Tapping the ash off into the trash, he took another drag - eyeing the other. “Never seen you here before and I have a pretty good memory. You a vamper...?” He glanced at the castle through the bar’s window; “From up on high and such?”