|
Avery had fled to their hollow with Vinny when the fireworks started on New Years. It was quiet there, not loud like the explosions. It took a solid 5 minutes of deep breaths to venture back out into Ironside. And it was well past midnight now for that very reason.
Avery looked around the space, making sure it was clear... no evil fireworks here!
"I hate those things..."
"Yeah they suck," he says on the couch, patting the spot next to him for them to sit, "If I could I would murder everyone who lit a firework for you babe, but Happy New Years anyway." he says opening his arms for them
Avery does a round to make themselves feel safe, then practically melted into Vinny. They aren't hiding the fluidity of their motions tonight. It's earily graceful, and is a reminder of just how inhuman Avery is.
"Theres too many of them...don't think you could...but I appreciate the sentiment."
he rubs their back, "It's ok babe, I hate them too, load noises suck." he says, "But you know why I love New Years?"
Avery stretches out to get the perfect back scratch spot, and grumble into his thigh. "Hate loud noises... and bright lights..."
They turn their head to look at him. "Why?"
"Because," he says playfully bopping their nose, "Now that it's New Years, that means I have an entire year to be with you." he kisses their neck, giving a playful bite like they like.
Their nose twitches at the nose bop. Not surprised, never surprised, but a strange feeling.
"Yeah... thats true, I- oh" Avery tilts their neck, a quiet but joyful sound being made.
Sadly if the love birds thought they would set a mood it was ruined, Avery's hyper senses could tell the door to the stair well was slammed and pair of feet walked the abandoned hall way, clearly coming in their direction, Vinny was none the wiser and too focused on Avery
Avery pushed gently against Vincent, shaking their head and pulling away their neck.
"Alice...shes mad. We should...wait on this." An eye flick towards the door.
"Alice what are you-" he stop however as the door slams open
"VINCENT" a voice yells, Alice Drake has often been called by Val. . .temperamental. The eighteen year old girl was the apple of her brother eye and thorn in his side at the same time. Wearing a nice blouse and cardigan complementing her jeans, she throws her jacket at her brother, "Where the hell have you been-" she then looks at Avery and facelpalms, "Ok, now I know what you've been doing, Vinny you have a problem," she says walking in, "Your weak for blonds and it's going to be the death of you." she sits on the table in front of the couch and looks to Avery, "Whatever he said it's not true, he's not a french exchange student and he's not the secret bastard son of Prince Henry, he's just a lazy bum." she says giving a 'I'm sorry' gesture
Avery flinches as the door opens and yelling begins, hiding partially under one of the blankets. NOT helping the image.
Avery shakes their head, voice quiet and reserved. "He's not any of those, no. He's kind even while he is a thief."
Avery looks to Vincent, bemused and half picking. "So blonds? Ok."
"What, I have a type, sue me!" he exclaims, 'a blond was the death of me though'
"Ok, so you know he's a bum. . .Vinny, is this one of your criminal friends," she trows her scarf at him, "What did I say about those people, their a bad influence, or is this one the reason why you've been avoiding me for days, you missed the interview-"
"It was a Wendys-"
"It was a job!"
Avery flinches again, whispering. "Quiet please...loud."
"Alice please calm down, Avy has sensory issues." he says putting an arm around them, "This is Avery, they are my partner, we're dating." he says with pride, leaving the younger Drake to stare.
"You're. . .dating," she says with some disbelief, "The guy who went through 4 people in a week, sold weed under the bleachers before he dropped out and said he never wanted to settle down, that guy is dating. . .ok Vinny, I get it, they rich, they have a sick rich parent, what's your bloody angle cause I'm not letting you break someones heart over cash-oh my god, he didn't get you-"
"Alice!" he cries before she can finish the thought
Avery looks a little put on the spot and nervous, glancing to Vinny.
"I don't know my parents. Amnesia." Not a total lie. "And he denied me trying to help with my money." A truth. "And I can't have children, I think." Oh?
They look up to Vincent, then at Alice. "He's been helping me through a hard time. You should be kinder to your brother." Avery keeps neutral, but holds Vincent's arm around them.
she has what many refer to as the 'thousand yard stare', "Vincent. . .has a partner, my brother is dating. ..it's the end times, judgement day is nigh-"
"It's kind a open polyamourus thing-"
"Oh, now it makes sense," she mutters, collecting herself and then smiling, not like Vincent's smiles, well his normal non-avery smiles, their was nothing forced, it was warm and genuine, "Ok, let me start over, I'm Alice, this knuckleheads sister," she offers a hand, "I don't know what this idiot said to you but if he ever breaks your heart tell me, I'll set him straight."
Avery gives a small smile, slightly loving, up at Vincent.
"Yes...poly helps."
Back at Alice. "You may call me Avery. He said kind words to me when I needed them." Avery shakes her hand, and when Avery's hand leaves hers, she can find a knife on her palm.
"I can handle myself from your brother. But I appreciate it, Alice."
Alice looks at the knife and sighs, "Vinny, don't give this one a reason the castrate you ok?" she says, "So. . .how did you two meet?" she asks, gone was the only adult in the room admonishing her bum brother, here was the sister ready to interrogate the one that snagged her sibling.
Avery takes back the knife, almost possessively. They rest their head on Vinny's arm.
"I have sensory issues. Someone was... picking at my issues... Vinny helped me. Then the person threatened Vinny so...I pulled my Ta- knife."
Avery holds his arm close. The knife was gone, when did it dissapear?
"And...it felt nice to have someone who would stand up for me."
"That's Vincent, he loves picking on people but when others do it it's gloves off. . .I take it this is why you've been out late recently?"
"Yeah," Vincent admits, not wanting to hint at anything fang related.
"You missed an interview I set up.. .but you got a cute partner so I think I'll give it a pass, so Avery, what do you do?"
Avery lokks at Vincent, then back. "Night is quieter for me." There's that natural liar coming out.
She still latches onto his arm, clarity still slightly banged up.
"I'm an artist. Or...trying to be again. Vinny is helping me set things up to post things online...which I've been scared to do."
They aren't nearly as good as Vincent's silver tongue, but they lie about these things like its second nature anyway.
"That's nice, Vincent's good at networking, would help him if he went to business school-"
"Please not now."
"Fine, point is despite he's attitude he's actually good at dealing with what people want. . .when he's not making people hate him, hopefully you can fix him." She chuckled
Avery gave a teasing smile up at Vincent. "I think you would make a good buisinessman for what its worth."
Back at Alice. "He is much better at people than I am...people scare me. He...understands that well. It's nice...hes nice."
"I'm just glad he's found someone to last longer than a day," she nods, "but to why I'm here, Vinny, I haven't heard from Val in a bit and I'm worried, can you look around for her?"
"Yeah, yeah, I know, I'll keep my ears out."
She smiles, "Ok," she nods smiling, picking up her jacket, "It was nice meeting you Avery, Vinny I got to get going, I won't be a third wheel don't worry." She heads out, "if you lose this one I'll kick your ass." She shouts from the hallway
Avery tilts their head at the Val comment but doesn't press. She waves as Alice leaves. As soon as the door closes he looks to Vinny.
"I like her."
"Well, that's good," he sighs, "She doesn't like what I do, I can't understand why." He shrugs, "But she loves me enough to try to 'put me back on track', sadly I don't think it'll work, especially with the fangs."
Avery waits until the footsteps fade.
"She loves you, that's important. I think you should listen a bit. I think you could do way better than a conman. Fangs or not."
"Hey, I'm upgrading you know, I'm getting into the information business, remember." he says holding them close, "I'm going to be running this town one day, things are going to be how we want them too, even if it takes two hundred years to do it."
Avery frowns. "I know you do...200 years is a long time."
he spots the frown, "What's wrong Angel, tell me what's on your mind," he kisses their neck a bit, "I hate seeing you frown."
They lean their neck for more kisses. "I'm not sure..."
Another frown, and Avery looks at him worried. "No secrets...I think theres better you can do...you ruling the city...it makes me feel weird. Its not a part of you I enjoy as much..."
now it's his turn to frown, "Avy. . .I grew up with nothing, I've always had someones boot on my neck and now, now that I have this. . . power, I want to be somebody, somebody whose respected and feared, someone with enough power and wealth that nobody will fuck with me again and I can provide for the people I care about, you, Alice," he kisses their cheek, "I want to be a man who provides."
Avery doesn't lean away from the kiss, but doesn't lean into it either.
"I know...and I know its unfair...and you want better...but wanting to be respected through fear...hurts. I want you to be respected for being you...not for...causing pain."
"Avy. . ." he sighs, "If I deal with unsavory people, I want them to fear me and I want to respected by people like you, the Lost, my own kind. . .maybe then your co-workers will approve of me."
Avery frowns. "How do you know who is unsavory?"
"Well, I would imagine drug dealers, pimps, and hitman are the kind of folks I would rather be scared of me, don't you think?"
They nod slowly. "That...I guess. I just don't want to see you be cruel. It reminds me of...Titania."
"Don't worry babe," he says, "I won't end up like Titania," he says, "So, can I ask what ya like about Vorpal?" he asks, not in a jealous way but in a way a teenager wants to hear the latest gossip, "Have to admit, I'm happy you have someone who understands Lost stuff."
Avery slowly curls into him, of you have ever seen a bird do a loaf, its not far off. Just jelly avery, no bones!
"Please don't...it would make me sad." Avery thinks for a moment. "She's...a lot like me I guess. I have been on patrols with her and...she can be terrifying...but she is also kind, and safe. She...made sure I was okay the entire time we did...things. And she is teaching me to be stronger and more careful...like her."
he chuckles, "Oh, so you did do. . .things," he holds the jelly beard close, "One day, I'm sure you'll be the strongest changeling, you'll kick the witches ass. . .if I don't turn the tables on her first, the more she drinks my blood she might get. . .well, I learned it's called a 'blood bond'."
Avery blushes. "Yes...we did things. It was different..."
They shake their head. "No...I don't want to be the strongest. Its not a competition for us...we work together. As I get closer to the Wyrd...I'll get stronger...but not the strongest."
Avery hides their head in his thighs. "I don't want to talk about Her."
"Ok, ok, what's the Wyrd?" he asks, "Is it. . .like your Beast?"
Avery stays face down in his lap, but answers. "Not...really from what I understand. Your Beast is a part of you...yes? I...am known as a Beast since I was turned into an animal so that's confused me."
Avery fully goes limp, relaxed. "The Wyrd is...the energy of all the promises kind of? Its just...a thing. It is its own presence and...its behind all of our things. Even They have to listen to the Wyrd. For the Lost...as we connect to the Wyrd we become stronger...but it gives us more weaknesses to balance it. What we call Frailties. I have 4...well...5 if you count Iron."
he nods, "If were sharing. . .I got what's called, well they call it the Beast, it's like. . .I'm not human anymore, I'm a walking corpse running on blood and the Beast is, it's the predator, our natural instincts to hunt, fuck, and be the top dog in a room, hell, I know someone is a vampire because my Beast goes, 'oh shit, I smell competition." he sighs, "It's like having a wolf that's barely chained in your soul." he squeezes her, "Frailties. . .sounds like Banes to be honest, Sunlight and Fire are big no no's but I got two others that come from my blood, basically because I'm-" he thinks, "Babe, we said no secrets, why don't you explain to me what you mean by being a Beast and why you joined your court. . .I'll tell you what I learned about my blood and the 'Court' I'm apart of?"
Avery nods. "I...can do that? We...can we talk about Frailties...or Banes...so we know what to avoid? I didn't know you have them too. But sunlight makes sense...and Fire with the diner."
"So. . .apparently Vampires have five 'Clans', I was turned by a bitch who was what's called a 'Daeva', so I'm a Daeva, apparently we're vampires who have a reputation for using desire and seduction to get what we want and wanting to be the center of attention, as a Daeva I was told my Bane is that . . .if I feed from a human more than once I might get dependent on them, like emotionally I think," he shrugs, "Other than that their's bloodlines apparently, small deviations of the clans, like sub-groups, and turns out I'm something called a Scion, if I leave Philadelphia I might go insane."
Avery nods, hugging him close. "You...seduction seems accurate. As does center of attention." She teases gently.
"So...does that mean you are emotionally dependent on me? And...I'd rather you not go insane...insane is bad...I've been there."
"No, I think it's just normal humans," he says then smiles, "So, I'm seductive am I," he kisses their neck again, "So, because I'm a Scion, I got taken in by one of our Courts, we call them Covenants and my bloodline belongs to this one, they call themselves Invictus. . ." he tries to think of the words, "They crave power for the sake of power, think old rich white people but vampires, a group dedicated to running shit and making sure everyone knows their place."
Avery isn't sure if they should feel dissapointed or relieved by the lack of emotional dependency, and isn't sure how to feel about not knowing, but that thought is immediately broken by the kiss.
"Mhmm...you are yes." She listens closely. "Power for the sake of power...I'm...I see."
Avery folds their arms under their head, still resting on him.
"I guess its my turn...I have 5 frailties. 2 are banes like you said...which are things that hurt me badly, and 3 of them are taboos, which are things I have to or can't do." They hold out a fist and put up one finger for each. "Every Fae creature is hurt by Cold Iron, Lost included. I am personally hurt by the weapons of Einherjar. The once slain. Weapons of those that died honorably in combat, picked up by another."
They pause to see how Vincent reacts
"So. . .if your shot buy a gun that was held by a Vet or was in a famous battle, it's going to hurt you worse," he says, "So, is Cold Iron like normal iron or is it special, if it hurts your foes we can stock up on it, if it's too dangerous I'll forget the idea." he says with concern, "This is good, we're learning what can hurt the other so we can prepare." he says cupping their face
"Yes...but the Vet had to die honorably." Avery squeezes his legs and leans into the hand.
"I'm...not entirely sure...but no...keep it away from me. I know if I am killed by Iron...I unravel. Thats...hard to explain. Like...it tears me apart bit by bit. Even touching a little bit disrupts all of my magic, and leaves me with burns that last days if not longer."
"Fuck, so keep you away from Iron, got it," he says, "So, you have Clans, you said your a Beast?"
Avery nods. "No Iron...yes I'm a Beast. Its not...exact, but its how we describe the Role they make us and how we dealt with it. I am a Beast...an animal. We were made to rely on instincts and...become what they made us. I was one of His ravens...I am a raven in many ways. Then we have Kiths...a bit more specific. How we adjusted to the role...or what they made our role. Its weird..." Avery lays there for a minute. "I'm what we call a Hunterheart. I was built for the hunt...either the recieving or giving end. I hunted information...all the details to report back to Him."
"So that's why you have sensory issues. . ." he hugs them, "Fuck babe, I'm sorry," he pats them on the back, "You're you Angel, not what some piece of shit made you, take what you can do and use it against them."
Avery is snugged, and is happier. "Yes...thats why. It isn't something I wanted."
Avery smiles faintly. "You sound like an Autumn. Thats what they do...like what Vorpal does. Uses Contracts ahainst Them."
Avery frowns. "I have 3 other Frailties you should know...they relate to who I was made to me. The first two are more minor, the third is...it is painful to even think about not doing. I was a scout...I need to travel. Im not sure how far but every day I need to move. I just...feel better once I hit whatever milestone I need. Then...the other mild one...if a superior tells me to deliver a message...I have to. I have to drop everything and go right then. If they ask...I dont...if its an order, I have to. And it has to be someone higher up than me..."
Avery hesitates, and almost doesn't say the last one. They show how much they trust Vinny by forcing themselves to say it. "And I need to stay in the dark...at least once a day...for an hour or so. It...was because He kept me in a cage. That one I don't mind...it makes my sensory issues better...and why I am in the hollow a lot. He...covered the cage...to keep me useful. So I need to hide in darkness to stay sane..." Avery shakes in Vincent's lap.
he hugs them, silently promising himself if he ever learned anything of Odin, any sympathizers in the city, any viking shit that seems suspicious, he'll tell the Lost, free of charge, "I'm hear Avery, the darkness is now my friend too, so even if you need to hide you won't be alone, I'm here for you, now and forever, your foes are my foes and I will kill anyone who seeks you harm." he kisses their cheek, "I promise you that."
Avery holds Vincent tight, no longer a loaf. "Thank you...but don't promise. Never promise like that...without thinking. It will hurt you, especially if you are around the Lost or our enemies."
Avery leans into him. "I love you...?"
"I love you too. .." he kisses their neck, "I'm feeling a little thirsty," he whispers
"I love you too..." she tilts her neck. "I...also need Glamour...may I?"
"Go ahead," he says, biting their neck, he doesn't drink deep, he learned his lesson, but he drinks enough to sustain him.
Avery gasps, leaning into the bite. It takes them a second to remember they were supposed to be harvesting too, so they don't gain as much Glamour as needed. They smile as the fangs are in their throat.
"It feels good...so good. I feel amazing." Avery grips his thigh gently for support. "I like when...when we both do this."
Once he's done, Vincent smiles, "Oh, I think I can do more, I'm a Daeva after all. . .seduction is our art." he says as smooth as he can, putting his hand on theirs at the thigh.
Avery blushes, a still healthy amount of blood in them. "Maybe...maybe in a bit. Just...cuddles for now." She keeps her hand on his thigh, leaning into his shoulder.
"I...you wanted to know...something else too....I forgot...from that." Avery is a tiny bit shaky from the afterglow. "Harvesting...too...intense...but I'll need more...later. Not now. If...thats ok?"
"I drink from you so it's only fair you take what you want from me," he says leaning into cuddle, "I don't want to just take from you, I want to give you what you need as well," he caresses their arm, "Sure, what matters is what you want, if ya just want to cuddle I'll be the best damn cuddler you ever met."
Avery nods, still leaning on him. "Cuddles...yes please. Harvesting...may make you tired...if I do it too much. Its easier if I'm close to someone..like you. And...if I harvest Wrath...but I don't want you to be angry."
"Oh, someone like me, and what does that mean exactly," he asks, kissing and lightly biting their neck
Avery makes a few small noises at the kisses and bites, it still being tender.
"A touchstone...or just someone that I spend a lot of time with."
"Well them, it's a good thing I'm here for you, keeping you sane with love and affection, plus your blood is like fine wine, best I've ever tasted."
Avery's blush gets worse and they bury their face in Vinny's shoulder. "I-yes. Being around you makes me feel better. And...I'm glad my blood tastes good."
"And being around you reminds me to stay human and that sometimes it's good to let someone close."
Avery nods. "Staying human...its important. I want you to stay...close to human if you can...I know I'm not and that makes me feel....makes me feel weird."
"I don't want to end up like my Elders," he says, "I want to stay as close to human as I can and you can help me do that."
Avery nods. "I don't want you to end up like them either...how do I help?"
"Just be you," he says, "Let me love you and you love me, as long as I have you I know to be grounded,keep me from becoming a monster and I'll be here to keep you grounded in reality."
Avery nods. "I can do that...I can do that definitely. It helps...so I hope it helps you the same way."
Avery rubs her face against his shoulder to get the feeling. "Can you...tell me more about your 'Court'?"
"The Invictus. . ." he thinks, "My boss tells me they've been calling the shots since Rome, but I doubt that, nothing lasts that long." he admits, "But I've seen the wealth they have, CEO's, Bankers, Mob Bosses, these are the kind of folks who seem to join, I have met a vampire from an opposing court who seems to have knowledge of how they work. . .a mentor I guess?", he shrugs, "The Invictus don't want power to change anything, we want power for the sake of it, if I survive in say a hundred years, I'm sure to have people working for me apparently."
Avery frowns. "I don't like them. I feel like at this point...they're using you. I don't want them to use you."
"What are the other 'Courts' like?"
"I know I'm being used but by playing my cards right I can climb to the top," he says, "The witch is in a Court called the Circle, a mixed bag of pagan practitioners and cults," he says, "My mentor is in a group called the Union, vampires who want to do what they want without anyone else telling them what to do, my boss called them commies," he shrugs, "Theirs the Order of Dracula, I don't know much on them and a Vampire Catholic Church, no fucking way I'm joining that." he all but spits, "We don't seem to work together as much as smile and insult each other."
Avery frowns. "None of those...sound great. At least from how you explain them. I'm... would think you would at least...help others like you."
"I'll be a good noble," he says holding them close, "One who looks out for people under my protection, you know?" he says, "Imagine how jealous my peers would be seeing a little piece of heaven like you on my arm?" he chuckles, "Don't worry, I won't bring you to vampire parties."
Avery hugs him. "The throne is where good men go to die. Just...be careful please. I hope you stay that way."
Avery nods. "I don't want to go to a vampire party ever."
"And you don't have to," he says hugging them back, "I have you to keep me from becoming a monster, " he kisses their head, "I may be a monster, but you keep me human.. .I love you for that."
Avery blushes at the forehead kiss. "Im glad...I'm glad I do."
"I love you Angel," he says, "I never want you to forget that, you make me a better person. ..I don't want to be like the elders, I want to feel every emotion I can." he holds them, "And I want to keep you grounded, to remind you someone is here for you no matter what. . ." he seems to tear up, "Even if I wasn't a vampire, I'd want to be with you."
Avery tears up as well. "I'm glad...im so glad. I want to help you with emotions...and keeping those emotions...okay?"
"Yes, I want to stay grounded and I want to keep you grounded. . " he looks at them with pure adoration, "I've never felt like this for anyone else, I feel like I can just be me when I'm with you," he cups their cheeks and bring them closer to kiss them, one deep and passionate
They melt into the kiss, then break it suddenly. They brush his cheek.
"I want you to always just be you... you don't have to hide who you are Vinny." She goes back into the kiss.
he continues to kiss them, holding them tightly, 'I wanna marry this person', he thinks, 'I don't care what the kindred or lost think, I'm going to marry Avery one day', their's no other word, he's a fool in love and want to with them forever, breaking the kiss he looks at them a looks of pure adoration and worship
Avery gives a small smile. She presses her forehead against his, happiness on her face.
"I love you Vinny. I really do. You are so much more that what people see and I appreciate that you try so hard with me."
he smiles, lifting them up, "I'm going to devour you," he grins, "I'm not going to drain you but it's going to be hard to walk tomorrow, but not from bloodloss." he smiles as he carry's them to his room
|