@eaterofnightmares / eaterofnightmares.tumblr.com
Alright y’all, the time has finally come! This blog is going dormant and the new multi-muse blog is finally ready! *Celebration plays in the background*
Because this message is long (and I know some of y’all’s dashes are about to get flooded) everything else will be under the ‘Read More.’ ^_^
Antonio Banderas as Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan in The 13th Warrior; based on the book Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton.
Gifs made by purpledragongifs. All gifs are 540px wide. Please do not delete credits.
eaterofnightmares:
‘I really must go.’ Was there a hint of something more in those words? An apology, perhaps? But also… fear? Anxiety? The potential of it teased at Alejandro’s senses, but he resisted the urge to step closer… inhale deeper. His eyes dropped to flushed, full lips as he considered what could make a demon feel such things… and remembered the man who’d once made him feel that way.
Pushing those memories aside, he cleared his throat and replied, “Then go you must, Mr. Townsend. I wouldn’t wish for our dalliance to cause you trouble.” Alejandro smiled, and offered the other man a shallow, slightly formal bow. “The pleasure was equally shared, I assure you.” Then, old memories flaring again, he couldn’t help saying, “Take care of yourself.”
Normally he would’ve corrected the use of his second surname, but an explanation would take time David didn’t have. Perhaps he would have the opportunity the next time they met. The pesanta hoped there would be a ‘next time.’ He would simply have to wait and see.
The word which came to mind for Alejandro Montoya was gentleman. It was attractive, as genuine etiquette could often be. Not to mention his classical appearance, posture, demeanor, and tone. A creature of a different era. Cut from quality cloth. He didn’t want to tear his eyes away, uncertain when he would see his beauty again. Fleeting gems, as always. Hope was too dangerous.
Maximus caught himself bowing as well. Quite comfortable with the custom. Far better than a handshake. He tried to think of something to say. Something polite or charming. Something perhaps flirtatious as a parting gift. But the demon smiled, almost sheepishly, ducked his chin and backed away in silence. He’d said his goodbye, he reminded himself. He had places to be, and a mistress to please. He would keep the business card close and hidden, though ever vulnerable. Perhaps someday he might find opportunity to seek this man out.
The End (For Now)
Tagged by: @anedendarkly (Many thanks!)
Tagging: @changingthelights - @leatherandsoil - @the-pillar - Anyone else who likes quizzes and wants to do the thing! - Also, @anedendarkly (if you’d like to do any additional muses? ^_^)
Your Result: Green
Oh, darling. you only chose to wear green because someone told you you look good in it. It's much the same with the rest of your life- you give advice, you're good at giving advice, and you're good at being everything they need from you. When is the last time you weren't useful? When is the last time you weren't cunning, and biting, and brilliant? When is the last time you thanked yourself?
Mun’s Opinion: I mean... it’s not wrong. LOL! Alejandro plays the role of a mentor pretty well, I think. He’s been around a long time and enjoys offering his knowledge to those he thinks genuinely want it.
He’s also very much the type who would wear something simply because someone else complimented him while wearing it. The man’s got a teeny tiny vain streak. XD
I also like the bit about cunning, etc. I don’t know how well I convey (or write) that part of Ale, but circumstances require he be both cunning and shrewd in general. It keeps him safe... and free.
Arn knew when the day dawned that chill and cold would come soon. He could tell by the way his striped cat Lion snuggled close as he lay under his warm furs in bed, by the way some of his old injuries ached, by the way his joints had stiffened more than usual in the night. With a groan, he got up and stretched, elbows and shoulders popping.
“Snow too, no doubt.” he said to the feline as he lifted the lid on an overlarge clay pot to grab a biscuit for breakfast. “The air’s been damp of late.” He thanked the fates he’d had the foresight to bring plenty of firewood indoors, since rooting through a snowbank was not among things he enjoyed doing. Plus it made stoking the fire in the night a lot easier. His cozy cabin was still warm, thanks to the small room size and heavy curtains that blocked any drafts from the windows. Between that and layers of warm wool clothing he was putting on he managed quite well, even when the temperatures turned to biting cold. His good fortune extended to the animals he kept. His three hens-Snow, Midnight, and Dawn-were well fed and happy. As a result, there were eggs waiting for him every morning when he went out to tend to them. His great grey horse Frost had a snug little shed to shelter from the weather in, as well as a thick coat of hair. “Eat well, friend.” Arn said to the animal as he dumped barley into his feed pan. “We’ve much to do today, and precious little time before the snow flies.”
That was the biggest problem with harsh weather. It made things take more time. A ride that only might take a morning suddenly had more hours tacked onto it if the weather turned for the worst. It slowed him down, and being slowed made him anxious. There were times that lives depended on him, for he was a Guardian. Not of men, for they looked after one another well enough. But of the Forest, and all the creatures therein. And today was such a day.
“Lion, be a good lass and watch things while I’m away.” he said as he stepped back indoors and began to put on the rest of his gear for his patrol. His cat, not having moved from the hollow his body had left in the down-filled mattress, merely flicked her tail in answer. Arn allowed himself a chuckle as he put on his outer layers. Gloves, kerchief, hood, cloak. Lion’s job was to keep nibbling and gnawing pests away from his stores, and that she did with great zeal. But anything else he was on his own. Not that anything ever happened. As he protected the beasts of the Forest, he himself was protected as well. As long as he did not take more than he needed, as long as he did not kill without good reason, as long as he kept his covenant with the Spirit, he was safe.
As a mark of this agreement, he carried a wondrous weapon-a longbow made from the very fabric of the Forest itself. Yew in make and nearly as long as his arms spread wide, it was woven through and through with enchantments. It never missed, never broke, never failed. The quiver was never empty of arrows no matter how many he shot, and when fired they shifted to bolts of pure energy mid flight. But, as often was the case with otherworldly gifts, there were caveats. The bow and arrows were gifts of the Forest, and the Forest was the source of their power. If he strayed from the boundaries too far, it’s powers waned or even disappeared entirely. It became an ordinary bow. The other was he could never use it’s power unjustly. He could take an animal for food or end its life with mercy or defend himself from enemies with it, but if he sought to use it in a way the Spirit deemed unworthy, the spells warding it remained dormant. He could still shoot with it, and shoot well given his skill, but there would be nothing magical about the shots.
Heading back to Frost’s shed, he gave the horse a thorough brush down before putting a saddle and bridle on him. “I envy your hair, friend.” he said as he threw a leg over the horse’s back. Nudging Frost’s ribs with his heel, he headed out into the brightening day.
Once Alejandro had led a good life… one might even say charmed. While it was a fact that the full moon made him something more than human, he had his family to teach and care for him. He grew up happy and loved. There was never anything but the pack. That was life… the only one he’d ever needed or wanted. When their Alpha (his father) died under mysterious circumstances, it was assumed that he or his brother would take over… but who was it to be?
Alejandro was the pack favorite. His nature was one of solemn strength coupled with a gentle but firm grip when it came to discipline. He would’ve gladly accepted the role of Alpha, but had no intention of fighting for it. Wolf or not, that wasn’t his way. Unfortunately, his brother was not so level-headed. Jealous of the respect and love Alejandro received from the pack, the older man betrayed him… tricked Alejandro into drinking a potion…one which stole his humanity, and left him trapped inside his lupine form. With the transformation unexpected, he lost control and tore out his brother’s throat without a second thought. Ashamed of killing his own kin (despite the circumstances) and unable to properly lead the pack without his human form, Alejandro fled into the woods, resigned to living the rest of his days without friends or family.
Eventually he found a witch who took him in for a time. She sensed the spell upon him and tried many times to counteract it. Her magic wasn’t strong enough to return him to normal, but it was able to grant Alejandro one small reprieve. Every fortnight, for a full day - one sunrise to the next - the wolf could return to his human form. It wasn’t much, and returning to his pack was still an impossibility, but he was grateful all the same. They shared a life for many years, but even magical humans don’t live forever.
After her death, Alejandro traveled extensively. Not because he didn’t want to find a new place to settle, but because the humans would rarely allow it. The sight of a giant wolf sent people into a panic… he became a target for hunters and thrill-seekers alike - which was how he found himself limping through the forest, two arrows stuck in his side that he had no hope of removing on his own (not for another week, at least.) The injuries were festering - making him feel hot and light-headed. They probably wouldn’t kill him… if he took some time to rest. But Alejandro wasn’t sure he had the time. If he stopped now and hunters found him, then he was done for… so the wolf kept moving.
Body heavy with weariness, he traveled until he literally couldn’t make himself go any further. When he collapsed, it wasn’t by choice… it was because his legs refused to take another step. He tried to hide himself in the underbrush, but any trained tracker would have no trouble finding him. Could this be when everything finally ended? Was he ready for that? Not really... but he had no more fight left. As darkness took him, Alejandro sensed someone approaching, but he was too far gone to care.
A word Maximus refused for his vocabulary, given so freely. ‘Hope’ was dangerous, and from Alejandro’s lips, genuine. One might argue its legitimacy from a demon, but he could not.
“David… Townsend.” An alias out of necessity, gifted by a former benevolent master. His true name given only to those in possession. He had his suspicions that the name on the card was true, and felt only the smallest pang of guilt in principle.
Wine flushed lips, naturally swollen, pursed as he swallowed. “I really must go.” A plead in its own right that this was not personal choice. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Montoya.”
‘I really must go.’ Was there a hint of something more in those words? An apology, perhaps? But also... fear? Anxiety? The potential of it teased at Alejandro’s senses, but he resisted the urge to step closer... inhale deeper. His eyes dropped to flushed, full lips as he considered what could make a demon feel such things... and remembered the man who’d once made him feel that way.
Pushing those memories aside, he cleared his throat and replied, “Then go you must, Mr. Townsend. I wouldn’t wish for our dalliance to cause you trouble.” Alejandro smiled, and offered the other man a shallow, slightly formal bow. “The pleasure was equally shared, I assure you.” Then, old memories flaring again, he couldn’t help saying, “Take care of yourself.”
Normally he would’ve corrected the use of his second surname, but an explanation would take time David didn’t have. Perhaps he would have the opportunity the next time they met. The pesanta hoped there would be a ‘next time.’ He would simply have to wait and see.
Startle would be too sharp a word for the cool wave of surprise felt throughout his skin. The demon paused in all but breathing. Almost all of his perception focused on observing. He could have easily missed another disturbance from the street just feet away.
The man was as beautiful as the creature. His reach for the card was unintentionally slow. When words finally manifested, they too were equally delayed. The card seemed harmless enough. Nothing disturbing with magic, so it was pocketed in his coat. His hat returned and presentable.
“Yes… of course. Thank you.”
Alejandro’s grin went a little wider as the card was accepted; there was less faux charm to his expression now, replaced with something much more genuine. “You’re quite welcome. I hope this will not be our last meeting. It’s not often I come across others so like myself. Not these days.” And even more rare when they were as handsome as this man was...
He tugged absentmindedly on the front of his dark trench coat. “Perhaps I could have a name to offer to my secretary? So she’ll know to send you through to me... should you decide to call.” Yes, it was less than subtle. But letting the man get away without so much as a name seemed truly criminal.
Cam nodded ask Alejandro explained- it made sense after their brief, and very dramatic, encounter that he’d have questions. Cam could also understand not wanting to approach him directly. If Cam were still a part of the Brotherhood, it’d be unlikely that he’d answer Alejandro’s inquiries willingly, let alone truthfully. Thankfully he wasn’t, and those days were long behind him.
A smile found Cam’s lips as Alejandro… flirted- Cam was fairly certain he was flirting- back, and it helped ease a tense line in Cam’s shoulders that he didn’t realize he was holding. Even back at the museum, while surrounded by burning building, Alejandro’s presence had been an easy way for Cam to ground himself and focus, and he seemed to have a similar effect on Cam even now.
“Alright- um….” Cam tried to recall the slowly fading fragments of the nightmare he’d just had and use them as a place to start to explain.
“I… I don’t like humans too much. I don’t judge all humans as a general whole, but I’m cautious around them. My mom was killed by one when I was really young - I… I made a mistake that exposed my powers and the town found out….” Cam trailed off as he figured that was enough detail about that experience. He hated talking about it, even now that he’d found some closure. He glanced off to the side to try and avoid eye contact with Alejandro as the tiniest twinge of shame started to crawl up his spine. Even knowing Alejandro already had a glimpse into these things through his nightmares did not make it easier to say out loud. It didn’t erase the embarrassment he felt. “My father wouldn’t let us use our powers, and when I hit 18 he kicked me out when he found out I wanted to… grow. I wanted to learn about myself and my powers - and well, I went to the Brotherhood of Mutants for that. They’re a mutant group that I knew would help me in general, like giving me a place to live because I spent a few months… couch surfing- to put it nicely. I knew they’d also help me with my powers, but I didn’t realize how radical of a group they were- are.
“I never wanted to hurt anyone, and back when we met I thought our mission at the museum was just to burn the place down, to send a message. Not that it makes burning a place down okay, I just… I was angry at a lot of things at the time, and I assumed that was all. Magneto, the leader of the Brotherhood, knew I’d have a problem with the rest of his message, trapping humans- those kids- inside, and he was right. When I did find out I wouldn’t accept it and… well - you know the rest.” Cam shrugged. “And you saw how that turned out - I think? It’s kinda hard to remember what I was dreaming but… that’s- that’s the jist of it all.
“I left after that, and now I’m here,” Cam gestured around his apartment. “It’s just me an Zeus.” Which wasn’t entirely true, but Cam didn’t show just anyone his warehouse, or the family he housed there.
His cheeks warmed a little, and he glanced back at Alejandro.
“I uh… I made an anonymous donation to the restoration efforts at the museum- once it was announced. I know it doesn’t make up for what I did, but… I did feel bad afterwards, and I made sure everyone still inside got out.” He shifted awkwardly on the bed and reached up to rub the back of his neck. “Do you- do you still work there?”
Alejandro listened to the explanation with patience and even understanding. While he didn’t know much about the mutants who’d gradually begun to appear over the years, he could still be compassionate when it came to their plight. Cam’s life obviously hadn’t been an easy one, and here Alejandro was - hurting him even more with nightmares he certainly didn’t need or deserve.
A soft smile flickered across the pesanta’s face at the mention of a donation. A lot of his own money had gone into the restoration, as well, but it pleased him to know Cam had helped, too. Nodding at the question, he replied, “I do still work there. For now. Eventually I’ll have to move on. People start to notice when a person doesn’t age in all the ways they ought. I think I’ll be nearing the end of that particular job in the next year or two.”
The smile turned slightly bitter and then faded away. “Had I known what was in store for you… I wouldn’t have stopped looking. Not until I found you. I’m sorry…” Alejandro wanted to reach out… create a connection to put more power behind his words, but wasn’t sure he had the right. He also couldn't bear the idea of seeing the younger man flinch away from him (as he had every right to do.)
His hand clenched and then unclenched several times as the pesanta tried to find the words for what he needed to say next. “I’m also sorry for what needs to happen now.” His eyes dropped to stare at his hands. “It’s not often that someone is capable of doing what you did tonight - breaking free of the nightmares I induced. Normally, my magic can keep a body sedated until I’m done. But since it didn’t - I… will need to finish feeding.” He looked up quickly, expression almost imploring. “Not for myself, but for you. There are consequences I have no control over…” The pesanta trailed off for a moment. “If there were any other way, I would take it, but I know of none.” There was apology and frustration in his tone. Alejandro did not want to cause Cam any more pain, but there were no other options. “I give my word - I will make this up to you…” Somehow.
eaterofnightmares:
Alejandro saw no reason not to nod his head at the question. Playing stupid with other supernaturals could be a dangerous game. Besides - he saw no harm in a bit of curiosity. It wasn’t often he met other immortals, and while he recognized (and remembered) the dangers of letting his guard down, the demon held his interest in a way that was difficult to ignore.
He made a soft sort of snuffle that was meant to be a laugh. So that was the reason for being followed. He’d been mistaken for a Hellhound. He’d never met one of the creatures before… but he did have demonic ties, so perhaps it wasn’t such an unusual thing. Alejandro was still pondering that line of thought when a sharp sound echoed from the alley’s entrance. Immediately he scented the demon’s fear. Not too strong… but it had him stepping a little closer… inhaling deeply. Not quite feeding. It seemed to be more than just the ripples of being startled. There was more to it… but what could a demon possibly have to fear? The pesanta wanted to know.
He could shift and ask… but would that be revealing too much too soon? Alejandro was left indecisive, and finally chose to wait At least for a little bit longer. Curiosity could be dangerous for more than just cats, after all.
To ask such a question would have spurred an hour’s worth of conversation. A relatively young demon such as Maximus was still subject to fear. An emotion which would inevitably wane. As so often with immortals. Humanity the steadfast struggle of youth.
The clicking of heels and murmurs of grapevine reports rounded the corner and faded. He turned to look for the creature. If not for his scent he would have expected him gone. Either both were too curious, or something else.
“I cannot stay. I did not mean to disturb you. Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of your company.”
And that was it. If he did nothing, the other would walk away. But Alejandro was still curious… still interested. So he took a risk. Taking a few steps back, he lowered his head in acknowledgement and then shifted into his human form, hoping it wouldn’t startle the other too much.
“You were hardly a disturbance,” he replied, giving the other a gentle smile as he pulled a business card from an inner pocket and held it out. The card offered his name and title at a local museum along with contact information. “Should you wish for more of my company,” he continued. “I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to seeing you again. At a time and place where we could have a more… fluent conversation?”
The question came unexpected, making Phileas stop mid-motion as was reaching for the kettle to fill both of their mugs with hot water. He looked over his shoulder, the fleeting notion of confusion gracing his face. Had he heard right? Though then again, even if he had… what difference did it make? Turning to his business on the small counterspace, Phileas went back to preparing tea for the both of them.
“Oh, but I can easily die… I think.”, he muttered with a sad smile. “I am neither strong nor quick. I do not know how to fight. They tried to teach me, but I cannot see or use my limbs well enough. Anyone could kill me. One man almost did. I…”
On any other day, Phileas would have simply nodded his head and expressed his delight over being able to make a friend - no matter how much experience had taught him to fear such hollow phrases. A tiny hope remained, however, and he did not wish to offend those making their promises in what he could only assume to be good faith, if not outright lies. Something about Alejandro though made him feel like he would not hold a grudge against his honesty. Phileas filled their cups in bitter silence before carrying them over to the small table.
“I am sorry.”, he said as he sat down, eyes fixed on the steaming water that was slowly changing colour. “But everyone who said they would be my friend and visit me never came back. Or sometimes they do, every once in a year, when they remember me for some reason, and the same thing happens again. I… I want to believe you are different. But if you are not…” He sighed.
“Do not make any promises you do not want to keep. I-it hurts, you know. You said you are tired of losing friends, so you understand, right? …So please. I will be happy to have you here. Even if I am not in the house, you can let yourself in. I will come around once the sun goes down. But don’t just say it and then go, okay?”
Alejandro wanted to have a conversation about the possibility of Phileas’ death. And about the person who’d almost killed him, but his offer of friendship seemed to change the other’s aura in a way he couldn’t quite grasp. He didn’t think he’d ever seen anyone react to the suggestion of friendship in such a way. As the other man began to speak, the pesanta listened, a concerned frown flickering across his features.
“I confess,” he replied with a thoughtful tone. “I am currently only passing through the area. However, I do not extend my friendship lightly.” He sipped at his tea, while trying to consider his words. “And humans… well, I don’t want to say they are fickle. That does your other friends a disservice. However, they certainly have obligations in their lives that beings such as ourselves do not. And friendship can also mean many different things to a person based on their own life experiences.” Another pause. “I would like to be your friend. However, I think in order to avoid causing you hurt, I will need to better understand what friendship means to you… and what you will expect of me should you choose to accept me as a friend?”
“Hm I would go for wait till I am asleep. Nightmares come naturally to me so not like you have to cause them und if I am asleep you won’t have much to worry about. They do tend to wake me up, so the window is about four to five hours.” Which was his normal sleep time. And he knew well enough his nightmares tended to crop up after about thirty minuets of sleep. Not like he hadn’t gotten medical help. Just most medication fucked with him in ways he wasn’t alright with. Smiling to the other he reached out rubbing a foot at his back teasingly.
“I mean this is a bit new for us, ja? We can see how it ends up in the morgen.“ Stretching he moved getting just under the sheet before turning out the lights. Settling in Kurt wasn’t awake long, and even then Alejandro didn’t have to wait long for the nightmares to come up for Kurt. – It was one of his standard ones, he knew that much. That slight awareness to it all. Cold iron bars caged him in and part of him hated that this was what his date would be seeing. Maybe it would work out. Or maybe it would just be too much. He didn’t know. This was a trial after all. Morphing shapes moved around the cage, mocking taunts and twisted faces filled the darkness as his heart started to hammer. Jerking slightly he paused noticing the chain in his ankle reaching down to try to grab it off only for more chains to shoot out wrapping around him and dragging him back through the darkness into the bright light of an exam table. It warped, as it so often did, to another memory that turned to pain. Twisted by fear and painted with the brush of dreams. He was being used again, experimented on. Prodded and poked, tested on like an animal. Shocks and a control collar on as they mocked and tormented him. He was bleeding, so much blood and he tried to fight, but chained up as he was, collared as he was, he couldn’t do much. Alejandro would get, as Kurt said, about four and a half hours before the man was bolting awake screaming.
‘New for us.’ Alejandro contemplated disagreeing and then stopped himself. Kurt was correct. While feeding certainly wasn’t new to him, this method certainly was. Not having to summon the nightmares himself was a rarity for the pesanta. And having Kurt aware of his abilities and what was about to happen… well, he couldn’t recall that ever happening before either. “In the morning,” he agreed, preparing to settle into the bed, as well.
He wondered if it was odd for the other man - having him there while he tried to drift off, but apparently not, as Kurt seemed to fall into sleep fairly quickly. Alejandro waited, watching the mutant sleep, and wondering what sorts of terrors could keep such a man from sleeping peacefully every night. He’d been told to expect about 4 to 5 hours worth of feeding, and the pesanta carefully set his phone to silently alert him when the time was near. While it was typically easy to keep someone asleep for as long as he needed, he didn’t want to risk Kurt waking up prematurely. Having their link severed that way could lead to complications… especially if the man were to decide he didn’t want to do this again.
As REM seemed to take over, Alejandro reached out and put a gentle hand on Kurt’s bare skin. A connection wasn’t needed in his spectral form, but if he was going to stay in his human guise, then skin-on-skin contact was required. With ease, the pesanta slipped into the other’s mind and instead of trying to encourage nightmares, he allowed Kurt’s subconscious full control.
As promised, the nightmares took little time to manifest. Alejandro watch in a sort of sad horror as things unfolded. He couldn’t deny wondering how much of what he was seeing was based in fact… too much, he suspected. Far too much. Not all nightmares were… but there was a level of detail to the scenes that left little doubt in his mind. When his phone finally buzzed softly, the pesanta was almost grateful for it. With the utmost care he withdrew from the mutant’s mind and waited for the other man’s eventual rousing. The pesanta certainly felt sated, but what he’d forgotten were the feelings of guilt and shame that came from experiencing the fears and subconscious of someone he knew… someone he wanted to know better.
Tagged by: @anedendarkly ( Many thanks! ^_^ )
Tagging: If it interests you, do the thing. :)
You cannot get over the past. You are constantly remembering, never forgetting. You cant live in the moment because the moment is not what brought you here. You are birthed, raised, and killed in the past. You will never get over what was done to you, be it big or be it small. You cannot escape what you refuse to confront.
Mun Thoughts: I’d say this is fairly accurate. His encounter with the dark wizard who enslaved him, and his memories of the creature he was forced to become during that time, motivate most of his present-day actions. It’s a time in his life he can’t ever forget... and probably wouldn’t want to even if he could.
Phileas could not remember the last time he had engaged in such a long conversation with anyone, let alone had sat down to drink some tea with them. Most of his guests always seemed to be in a hurry to leave, and save for some especially moody days Hassan had never been the most talkative either.
It was nice, really, to have some honestly curious and friendly company for a change. Yet it also rendered one thing almost painfully clear: That he had no clue how to keep the other entertained. Already he found himself silently wishing for Alejandro to stay longer than a single night. But how to express such? Thankfully, Alejandro himself did not seem quite so troubled about the flow of their exchange.
“…the only one who comes to visit me sometimes is Hassan.”, Phileas explained, gladly picking up on the other’s suggestion. “Everyone else only comes across the ruins by accident. We talk a little, but none of them ever return.”
No matter how many times he voiced these truths, and no matter how much he had grown accustomed to the situation, it seemed as if speaking of them would never fully go without that certain sting of crippling loneliness. As if putting the matter into words somehow made it all the more real. And then, of course, there were the memories it conjured.
“There used to be… this boy. In the beginning.” Phileas sighed. “He and his brother built this house for me. He taught me a lot, but… he was always angry. Always… very angry. I have not seen him in a long time. …do you have any other friends to spend time with?”
No one ever returned? Except for the one. “I wonder… perhaps it is something about the magic of this place. When one leaves… one forgets.” He offered Phileas a smile. “I can think of no other reason those who discover you wouldn’t wish for future interactions. And your friend Hassan… is immune somehow, perhaps?” Of course it was a theory that would have to be tested carefully. Alejandro had no desire to forget his time with Phileas.
As the curious man talked of those who’d built the house, the pesanta nodded. “Anger can be a powerful tool against the world. But some forget that it is a balance of emotions that creates the fullest life.” Alejandro hesitated in thought when Phileas asked about other friends. “I have many human acquaintances, but very few I would call… friends. Not anymore. Creating attachments to those who can so easily die…” For a moment pain flickered across his face as he remembered the man he’d loved… and been forced to kill. Pushing those thoughts away, the pesanta sighed and shook his head. “Eventually I grew tired of losing them. These days, it is far easier to keep my distance. Safer, you could say. But I suppose it can make things rather lonely at times.”
He hesitated briefly, considering his next words carefully. “For one such as yourself, however, I think I could make an exception. After all, death - while always a possibility - seems unlikely.” Another hesitation. “Would that be agreeable to you? I have no desire to insert myself into a place or a situation where I don’t belong.”
Yes. The creature’s assumptions were correct. This was a demon. One with black eyes. Not his decision by any means, but there it was. It seemed, for the time being, they would judge one another beyond initial study.
“You understand me, don’t you?”
Maximus smiled, bit the corner of his lip. “Forgive me. When I first saw you, I thought you were a hellhound. You seemed inappropriate for the neighborhood.”
A sharp sound from behind brought the demon to his feet. The sharp contrast in shadow, the sidewalk seemed to burn with sunlight. A false alarm. A small group of women. One, dressed in beige and pink, had dropped her purse. Maximus squeezed his hat. To have seen his reaction, Berger would have called him reckless. Downright stupid to have turned his back on the creature. He trusted his instincts; the calm between them was authentic.
The women continued on their way.
Alejandro saw no reason not to nod his head at the question. Playing stupid with other supernaturals could be a dangerous game. Besides - he saw no harm in a bit of curiosity. It wasn’t often he met other immortals, and while he recognized (and remembered) the dangers of letting his guard down, the demon held his interest in a way that was difficult to ignore.
He made a soft sort of snuffle that was meant to be a laugh. So that was the reason for being followed. He’d been mistaken for a Hellhound. He’d never met one of the creatures before… but he did have demonic ties, so perhaps it wasn’t such an unusual thing. Alejandro was still pondering that line of thought when a sharp sound echoed from the alley’s entrance. Immediately he scented the demon’s fear. Not too strong… but it had him stepping a little closer… inhaling deeply. Not quite feeding. It seemed to be more than just the ripples of being startled. There was more to it… but what could a demon possibly have to fear? The pesanta wanted to know.
He could shift and ask... but would that be revealing too much too soon? Alejandro was left indecisive, and finally chose to wait At least for a little bit longer. Curiosity could be dangerous for more than just cats, after all.
“Ah ja I suppose.” He nodded to that going to loosen his tie and slide it off lazily. No if he was going to lie down and let the man who ate nightmares have at him, he was going to be comfertable when doing so. Sliding his shirt off next he slowly stripped down to his boxers and tank top figuring it might be considered alluring or attractive if he was in a position for such things. But this was date, one and it was also to see how the man most would call a monster by the end of this woulod fair. How Kurt would fair as well.
Tail swished and he moved to go lie down stretching as he did so. “How does this work then Alejandro?” He asked laying on his side, leaning up to have an rm under his head so he could better see the other more curious then anything as to how this would play out. Would he wait for him to fall asleep, or would he induce the nightmares himself from some sort of power. Kurt didn’t know, not the details at least and was curious.
Watching Kurt strip, the pesanta found himself wishing even more that he was in the other’s bedroom for more… enjoyable reasons. He was so very graceful in his movements - beautiful in the room’s light. It was good, perhaps, that Alejandro didn’t equate feeding with sex… otherwise he’d be having far more difficulty thinking right now. No. There was nothing alluring about what he was about to do… not unless you were the kind of person that got off on another’s fear and pain. Which he, most certainly, did not.
Moving closer to the bed, he considered the other man’s question before replying. “Under normal circumstances I would transform into my true form and wait for the one I’d chosen to fall asleep. Only then would I feed from them. Sleep acts as… a safety net of sorts. While I can cause waking nightmares, in an unsuspecting victim the chances of something going wrong are much higher. Sleep makes everything easier.”
With careful movements, Alejandro took a seat on the bed’s edge, looking down at Kurt with open curiosity. “However, with you being willing and aware of what’s about to happen, I could feasibly feed while you’re awake. So… I think I will leave the choice up to you. Do you wish to be conscious or unconscious when your nightmares begin?” He would have to warn about the consequences of breaking contact too soon… but that would likely only matter if Kurt chose to stay conscious, so for now the pesanta held his tongue.
“Well you’ve got an odd way of greeting old acquaintances…” he shifted to sit at the edge of his bed and let his feet hit the cold wooden floor as a way to try and wake himself up. He shuddered and wished he could crawl back into bed.
He glanced at Alejandro with a quirked brow, and he tried to recall what had happened at the museum. It explained his abilities at least- he wasn’t human, or a mutant in the ways Cam understood it.
“I’d be gushing about how cool that is if I weren’t a little irked that you decided to try and feed off me instead of talking to me directly…” he sighed and gestured to the bed beside him. There was no point getting upset about it now, at least Alejandro seemed to show some regret over breaking his ‘moral code’ - that had to mean something.
“I’m guessing you’ve got questions, then? Or were you just hungry?” he pat the bed and then lay back over the covers with a stretch and a yawn. “You’re lucky I didn’t fall asleep naked tonight…Or maybe unlucky if you’re that kinda guy,” Cam looked up at Alejandro with a teasing smirk, hoping to lighten the mood a little.
Alejandro’s lips quirked up as Cam teased… and patted a spot beside him on the bed. He… was still confused. Still uncertain. But the young man had a very likable appeal, one that the pesanta found difficult to brush off. “Perhaps you’ve forgotten, but our parting left me with… many questions. And even more doubts.” He wasn’t trying to excuse himself. Not really. But he was still upset over the idea that Cam might’ve been involved in the museum’s blaze. “I couldn’t be certain you would talk to me at all… much less answer my questions.” He sighed, and shook his head. “Which is still no excuse…”
Moving with careful steps, the pesanta took the offered seat. He allowed himself a slightly larger smile as he continued, “And perhaps unlucky? Though that is a situation I would never abuse. I want my lovers awake and willing. Anything else would be unacceptable.” A more serious tone to playful words, but Alejandro felt the need to distance himself from his mother’s ilk. Granted… not all incubi and succubi fed off the unwilling or unknowing, but those who didn’t were in the minority.
“As for questions… your nightmare told me quite a lot. Though I think it might be better to hear an explanation from you personally?” He toned it as a question, which seemed the only polite thing to do, given the circumstances. “Whatever you’re willing to share with me, of course.”
Tagged by: @anedendarkly Tagging: Anyone who’d like to? Rules: Make a moodboard about yourself using the following images.
“..oh.”
It was in that exact moment that Phileas realised just how little of the most common human (or inhuman) life experiences he shared. Anybody with a beating heart would stop and gasp at the idea of a mother rejecting her children and leaving them unprotected and alone in the woods, likely with the intention of them dying out there. The concept of motherhood, no matter where in what culture, was vital for gaining a broader understanding of the world and one’s own position in it. Everyone and anyone had been born from some kind of mother, even if some had never met their’s. But although Phileas was familiar with the implications this truth entailed, none of his information stemmed from personal experience.
In short: He did not have a mother. Had never had a mother in that sense, and would never have one. This, in itself, was no news. But as Phileas observed the other’s expression flicker and change throughout the tale he was weaving, the pillar boy realised that he had absolutely no idea how to feel about it. He knew what he was supposed to feel. What people probably said in situations like this.
But turning his gaze inward, he did not find any words or emotion in himself that could somehow relate to what Alejandro was telling him. Why this fact so suddenly succeeded in making him feel sad, he did not know.
“Thank you.”, he uttered, gaze darting to the kettle as if the steam rising from it could somehow save him from having to give a real comment.
“…for telling me about that, I mean.”
“You’re quite welcome,” Alejandro replied with a smile that still held a lingering sadness. Something had changed in the other’s aura. Not significantly, but enough that that pesanta was able to pick up on the shift of emotion, and felt the need to say something. “I don’t often get to talk about myself… my true nature… so if I have over-shared or made you at all uncomfortable, I apologize.” After all, he didn’t want to upset his host unnecessarily.
“We can certainly talk of other things instead,” he offered with an expression meant to be encouraging “Perhaps you could tell me more of the others who visit you? Or if there’s more you wish to ask? If I haven’t scared you off with my candor, that is.” This was all such a fascinating experience; the pesanta found himself wanting to encourage continued communication - even beyond this single evening, if possible.
Maximus stood in awe of the creature. Larger than a wolf, but not of equal mass to a Fera. Not ones he’d seen. Instinctive etiquette told him to remove his hat. Whether spirit or demonic, sentient or otherwise, politeness would always be his first chess piece.
“I mean you no harm. I have no intent on capture.”
He wondered if hunching over would be seen as a sign of submission or intimidation. Instead, he would step closer. Deeper into the alley and out of the dismissive sight of the semi-busy street. No one took notice, naturally. It was the blessing and curse of his sub-species.
The demon would take a careful knee; the unnatural dog yet to leave his sight. He would offer his scent for inspection, fist out, palm down.
No harm meant. No capture intended. The words rang true… either because they were or because he hoped they were, Alejandro wasn’t certain. He should get out of this form… but wasn’t ready to reveal all his secrets just yet. So, with a thought, he became corporeal. Hopefully, this far into the alley, they’d remain unnoticed. But he was willing to risk it. Evading capture was far more important, and in his corporeal form there was no chance of being ensnared.
As Alejandro made his own decision, he watched the man who wasn’t a man make one of his own - kneeling down and extending a fisted hand. Curious. Padding closer, the pesanta accepted the act of submission for what it was and sniffed. Magic swirled around the man… That was why he’d had so much trouble! Not one scent - but two! The magic was dark… and reminded him uncomfortably of his past. But it wasn’t the man’s scent; his was richer… brimstone and sulfur. A demon? One who allied himself with dark magic?
The pesanta knew needed to be wary, and yet… Alejandro sat on his haunches and cocked his head, almost as if to say, ‘I’m waiting.’ He decided to allow his curiosity to get the better of him… for now. And maybe, with the right incentive, he’d reveal his human form.
