Alright, perhaps I was mistaken.
Thaddeus listened to Arin carefully, and came to the tentative conclusion that he still had his wits about him. In fact, the man seemed to be one step ahead of him in thinking, something that Thaddeus found he admired.
He took what could not properly be called a sip, but rather a gulp, of his drink when he observed the Evenhet doing something else he admired.
Admiration he could cope with. There were few people he truly admired, but he found the idea of admiring Arin not at all hard to accept. It was that...pull...that worried him, made him feel off balance. That odd desire to pull Arin's hand away from his hair and replace it with his own.
It's just the place. And perhaps the drink; go easy Thaddeus.
Another valid point; I hadn't considered that the killer might do that. So, for tonight, we'll watch.
And yes...I think he must be hard to forget. Those eyes.
Thaddeus shivered and remembered that twisting, terrible feeling he had when he looked in the killer's eyes.
Fetish Clubbing 101
Thaddeus followed closely behind Arin through the throng of people as they headed for the bar. It was becoming more clear to him now that the Evenhet knew what he was doing; he moved easily and seamlessly through the crowd, while Thaddeus found himself in constant collision with the other patrons. Bodies brushed against his own without inhibition or even notice, and it was all Thaddeus could do not to cringe. When he found himself turning sideways to work his way between two people, the woman he was attempting to pass turned around to face him, pressing a pair of impossibly large breasts, barely contained by a red leather top, against his chest and pinning him in place against a rather large man. For some reason he felt the odd urge to apologize before she slowly looked him up and down, licked her lips, and turned back to her drink.
Thaddeus moved quickly away from her and hurried to catch up with Arin.
The Evenhet had been right about the clothes. And the manners.
Just keep playing the part, Thaddeus. You can do this.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn looked over at Thaddeus and smiled gently.
"You've done a great job so far, Thaddeus. This isn't exactly a familiar scene for you but you've handled the surprises admirably. " He wanted to say more,to say that the man had surprised him with his adaptability and yet still maintained that core of pride and calm that would make him a true gentleman no matter where he went or what he wore. Plenty of people had titles and demanded they be used, Thaddeus deserved his and didn't even seem to be aware of it.
He put both hands around his glass to keep them from straying and stared into it a moment before looking back at the crowd.
"You've done a great job so far, Thaddeus. This isn't exactly a familiar scene for you but you've handled the surprises admirably. " He wanted to say more,to say that the man had surprised him with his adaptability and yet still maintained that core of pride and calm that would make him a true gentleman no matter where he went or what he wore. Plenty of people had titles and demanded they be used, Thaddeus deserved his and didn't even seem to be aware of it.
He put both hands around his glass to keep them from straying and stared into it a moment before looking back at the crowd.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus, still vaguely disturbed, moved to pinch the bridge of his nose and then thought better of it, settling for biting his lip absently instead. He looked out at the crowd, seemingly caught up in a frenzy of oblivious and uninhibited dancing and drinking, and wondered at it. Wondered how people could consider this place familiar and comfortable. Was this their Japanese Garden? That safe place to go where one can be who they are, and nothing else, nothing more and nothing less? Or was it their formal dining room, where everything is for show and nothing is sincere?
So how did this come to be a familiar scene for you, Arin?
So how did this come to be a familiar scene for you, Arin?
Alfarinn
18 years ago
He grinned and leaned an elbow on the table resting his head in the open palm.
"Well it would just so happen that I have the fortune or misfortune to have been turned in my youth. Despite our mental understanding that this person who appears to be a mere child might be something more ancient it is natural to judge based on the outward visage. So I've played the part of a youth for longer than some civilizations have stood. Keeping current with the interests of today is easier than trying to catch up to it."
Alfarinn sighed and closed his eyes briefly, mentally banishing the club and the noise and returning to a simpler time. He deluded himself, no time was less complex than the others it just seemed that way. Tribal politics were every bit as full of intrigue as today's globe spanning liaisons. Media propaganda was just another form of the shaman's magic showing a willing crowd what to believe. Still sometimes the modern lights and pulsing beats seemed oppressive to him and Alfarinn felt like he was loosing himself to it all. Alfarinn would die and Arin would be all that was left. He opened his eyes and wondered why he was contemplating such things now. Perhaps it was having a timeless Anantya with him. The fast pace of Evenhet was sharply contrasted to the constancy that was Anantyan tradition.
"As for the House of Pain in particular. It is a favorite of some of Meridian's employees."
"Well it would just so happen that I have the fortune or misfortune to have been turned in my youth. Despite our mental understanding that this person who appears to be a mere child might be something more ancient it is natural to judge based on the outward visage. So I've played the part of a youth for longer than some civilizations have stood. Keeping current with the interests of today is easier than trying to catch up to it."
Alfarinn sighed and closed his eyes briefly, mentally banishing the club and the noise and returning to a simpler time. He deluded himself, no time was less complex than the others it just seemed that way. Tribal politics were every bit as full of intrigue as today's globe spanning liaisons. Media propaganda was just another form of the shaman's magic showing a willing crowd what to believe. Still sometimes the modern lights and pulsing beats seemed oppressive to him and Alfarinn felt like he was loosing himself to it all. Alfarinn would die and Arin would be all that was left. He opened his eyes and wondered why he was contemplating such things now. Perhaps it was having a timeless Anantya with him. The fast pace of Evenhet was sharply contrasted to the constancy that was Anantyan tradition.
"As for the House of Pain in particular. It is a favorite of some of Meridian's employees."
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Longer than some civilizations have stood.
You really have seen it all.
It really was easy to forget that, though Thaddeus did not believe it had anything to do with Arin's appearance. He found that he had to remind himself that the Evenhet had -been- to places and times he'd only read about in books. While Thaddeus was still held in rapture by ancient stories, Arin had actually -lived- them, lived them and moved on, along with the rest of the world.
Thaddeus took another sip of his drink, absently now, hardly noticing the taste. He half wanted to ask more about Meridian, but felt that might be rude. It really wasn't any of his business, and while his idle curiosity might be harmless, Arin may not think so. He had no wish to pry, especially into Clan business. Still, there was surely no harm in keeping the discussion personal, rather than inquiring on a broader scope.
I hope all of this isn't pulling you away from your work at Meridian. I myself took leave of my duties and can't imagine having the time for work and...this.
You really have seen it all.
It really was easy to forget that, though Thaddeus did not believe it had anything to do with Arin's appearance. He found that he had to remind himself that the Evenhet had -been- to places and times he'd only read about in books. While Thaddeus was still held in rapture by ancient stories, Arin had actually -lived- them, lived them and moved on, along with the rest of the world.
Thaddeus took another sip of his drink, absently now, hardly noticing the taste. He half wanted to ask more about Meridian, but felt that might be rude. It really wasn't any of his business, and while his idle curiosity might be harmless, Arin may not think so. He had no wish to pry, especially into Clan business. Still, there was surely no harm in keeping the discussion personal, rather than inquiring on a broader scope.
I hope all of this isn't pulling you away from your work at Meridian. I myself took leave of my duties and can't imagine having the time for work and...this.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn waived a dismissive hand "Nothing that won't go on without me. Looking like the rich young slacker has its perks in that I don't have much to do that a secretary couldn't take over. In fact, its believed my aid is the one who does the real work for me. I'm just the pretty boy with the luck to have been born into lots of money." He smiled good naturedly. It wasn't like that image hadn't been carefully cultivated. His job was to appear less competent than he was both to the young humans as well as their vampiric counter-parts. Arin was one of their own. A dissatisfied youth that was willing to take risks and had no love for authority. Most never knew he was the "authority" along with Megan. Lack of recognition for this fact never bothered him. He knew his place and purpose.
"As far as my other duties, well I can hope things will be quiet for the moment. Though Simon's words about Tacharan cause me a great deal of unease." He frowned thinking back on the mention of Ellis and her big plans. He shuddered to think what those could be because it was certainly nothing good for the rest of them.
"As far as my other duties, well I can hope things will be quiet for the moment. Though Simon's words about Tacharan cause me a great deal of unease." He frowned thinking back on the mention of Ellis and her big plans. He shuddered to think what those could be because it was certainly nothing good for the rest of them.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Slacker? Whatever does he mean?
Thaddeus looked down at his drink and was surprised to find it empty. Hmm.
It seemed that Arin had made some sort of arrangements for work, though Thaddeus did not fully understand the dynamics. Still, he was satisfied enough by the Evenhet's answer.
You're not, though. And yes, the Orphans worry me as well. Then again, I think they take great enjoyment in causing worry as loudly and publicly as possible.
Thaddeus looked down at his drink and was surprised to find it empty. Hmm.
It seemed that Arin had made some sort of arrangements for work, though Thaddeus did not fully understand the dynamics. Still, he was satisfied enough by the Evenhet's answer.
You're not, though. And yes, the Orphans worry me as well. Then again, I think they take great enjoyment in causing worry as loudly and publicly as possible.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn chuckled at the pointed and accurate assessment of the youngest group of vampires. Waiving his hand in the direction of the moving sea of people, he said
"As the evidence would suggest."
He felt a rush of unexpected relief at Thaddeus's denial of his role of nearly worthless youth. It was something he took in stride from most, he even enjoyed being underestimated. It had its uses but he found himself pleased that the Anantya saw through all that. Alfarinn knew he came off as flippant and rash but it would disappoint him if that is what Thaddeus thought of him. He did rush into things from time to time but not without thinking about them. It was most often in order to protect those he cared about, to keep them from doing something that would put them into harm's way by doing it himself.
"Thank you. I appreciate that you have not labeled me a shallow,self obsessed teen just yet." Alfarinn grinned and hoped his light words didn't betray just how much sentiment was behind them.
"As the evidence would suggest."
He felt a rush of unexpected relief at Thaddeus's denial of his role of nearly worthless youth. It was something he took in stride from most, he even enjoyed being underestimated. It had its uses but he found himself pleased that the Anantya saw through all that. Alfarinn knew he came off as flippant and rash but it would disappoint him if that is what Thaddeus thought of him. He did rush into things from time to time but not without thinking about them. It was most often in order to protect those he cared about, to keep them from doing something that would put them into harm's way by doing it himself.
"Thank you. I appreciate that you have not labeled me a shallow,self obsessed teen just yet." Alfarinn grinned and hoped his light words didn't betray just how much sentiment was behind them.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
What is he going on about?
Thaddeus found the idea amusing. Those particular adjectives had never crossed his mind in association with Arin, and the odd juxtaposition made him smile.
Far from it; what a thing to say. He gestured grandly, still smiling. And I -meant-, you're not pretty. That's a word for the gaping idiots at the art museum.Waving his hands in impersonation of said idiots, Thaddeus continued. 'Oh, look at the pretty painting Fred!' 'That's such a pretty sword.' Thaddeus snorted in contempt and looked to his drink. Oh. It's empty. Right. I swear. They call masterpieces 'pretty,' it makes me wonder about their intelligence.
Realizing he was rambling, Thaddeus looked down at the drink in his hand. Ah, it's empty. Right.
Thaddeus found the idea amusing. Those particular adjectives had never crossed his mind in association with Arin, and the odd juxtaposition made him smile.
Far from it; what a thing to say. He gestured grandly, still smiling. And I -meant-, you're not pretty. That's a word for the gaping idiots at the art museum.Waving his hands in impersonation of said idiots, Thaddeus continued. 'Oh, look at the pretty painting Fred!' 'That's such a pretty sword.' Thaddeus snorted in contempt and looked to his drink. Oh. It's empty. Right. I swear. They call masterpieces 'pretty,' it makes me wonder about their intelligence.
Realizing he was rambling, Thaddeus looked down at the drink in his hand. Ah, it's empty. Right.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn noticed both their glasses were empty and stood up to head to the bar, coming back with two more of the same, he handed one to Thaddeus before sliding back into the booth.
Alfarinn chuckled remembering the witty little rant and took a sip of his drink.
Looking back at Thaddeus, he said.
"So I'm not pretty, Thaddeus. Just what am I?" He raised an eyebrow at his companion. "Are you comparing me to a "masterpiece?" He really shouldn't tease the Anantya but he couldn't help but be curious and it was far easier to have those questions answered under the cover meaningless banter than to expose just how much they might mean to him.
Alfarinn chuckled remembering the witty little rant and took a sip of his drink.
Looking back at Thaddeus, he said.
"So I'm not pretty, Thaddeus. Just what am I?" He raised an eyebrow at his companion. "Are you comparing me to a "masterpiece?" He really shouldn't tease the Anantya but he couldn't help but be curious and it was far easier to have those questions answered under the cover meaningless banter than to expose just how much they might mean to him.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus continued watching the crowd as Arin returned to the bar, presumably to get more drinks, and refined his theory on the people in general. He came to the tentative conclusion that it was a mix; some, like the two women dancing in the center of the floor, were genuinely at ease in these surroundings. Their movements held an almost tranquil air in spite of their quickness with the thumping beat. But the man and the woman standing off to the side...they were in the formal dining room. The man had her pushed against a support beam, a hand around her neck, the other hand pinching her...okay that's not really something to do in public. In any case, she was putting on a great show of enjoying what he was doing to her. But it was pretense. Thaddeus suspected that what they -really- enjoyed were the heads turning their way. The irony was lost on him.
Thaddeus looked away when the man put his hand up her short skirt.
He was glad when Arin returned, drinks in hand. His glass was empty, after all. He nodded in thanks and mused over the other man's question. A masterpiece. It was a good way to describe Arin, with his classic good looks and appealing features, but Thaddeus struggled to place an example to illustrate his point. The issue was, he reasoned, Arin's -presence-. It was something that couldn't quite be portrayed through any medium other than the man himself.
He took a sip from his drink and looked Arin in the eyes. He lifted a hand, then, realizing what he had been about to do, spread out his fingers in what he hoped was a thoughtful gesture instead.
"I suppose not, when it comes down to that. No...the masters couldn't capture you."Â?
Thaddeus paused, musing over the matter. And anyway, they'd get your hair all wrong.
Thaddeus looked away when the man put his hand up her short skirt.
He was glad when Arin returned, drinks in hand. His glass was empty, after all. He nodded in thanks and mused over the other man's question. A masterpiece. It was a good way to describe Arin, with his classic good looks and appealing features, but Thaddeus struggled to place an example to illustrate his point. The issue was, he reasoned, Arin's -presence-. It was something that couldn't quite be portrayed through any medium other than the man himself.
He took a sip from his drink and looked Arin in the eyes. He lifted a hand, then, realizing what he had been about to do, spread out his fingers in what he hoped was a thoughtful gesture instead.
"I suppose not, when it comes down to that. No...the masters couldn't capture you."Â?
Thaddeus paused, musing over the matter. And anyway, they'd get your hair all wrong.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn looked at Thaddeus incredulously. Had he just heard him correctly? He tried to search with his abilities for any sign of joking and felt none. That had to be correct because Alfarinn would have expected joking. Sensing something he did not expect validated for him that it was not his own wishful thinking.
He blushed, actually blushed at the compliment.
The alcohol was not helping him nearly as much as he had hoped and Thaddeus was looking more tempting by the minute. So pleasantly different, totally himself despite the role they were playing. He found himself wanting to know the Anantya better, all that had happened to make him this incredible mix of intelligence and sensitivity. He just couldn't afford to. Not that Thaddeus would allow him anyway.
-No, the masters couldn't capture you.- Alfarinn took a deep breath. Perhaps not, but with words like that you most certainly could.
It frightened him. He felt himself being pulled down into this feeling with no hope of coming back up again. He'd drown and most likely alone.
He reached out a hand squeezed the other man's wrist slightly not trusting himself to say much of anything.
"Thank you.
He blushed, actually blushed at the compliment.
The alcohol was not helping him nearly as much as he had hoped and Thaddeus was looking more tempting by the minute. So pleasantly different, totally himself despite the role they were playing. He found himself wanting to know the Anantya better, all that had happened to make him this incredible mix of intelligence and sensitivity. He just couldn't afford to. Not that Thaddeus would allow him anyway.
-No, the masters couldn't capture you.- Alfarinn took a deep breath. Perhaps not, but with words like that you most certainly could.
It frightened him. He felt himself being pulled down into this feeling with no hope of coming back up again. He'd drown and most likely alone.
He reached out a hand squeezed the other man's wrist slightly not trusting himself to say much of anything.
"Thank you.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus looked at the pale hand placed over his gloved wrist. He thought it was an appealing contrast, and found himself wondering what their fingers would look like intertwined. And then his hand was gone, leaving him with that odd feeling of something -missing-, as when he would get in the habit of wearing a wrist watch only to lose it.
How odd. The Evenhet had seemed almost...touched by Thaddeus's remarks. Thaddeus mused over this for a moment before realization came, and he smiled, shaking his head and looking at Arin with new interest.
And he doesn't even know it.
Thaddeus found that thought endearing. He had merely been speaking the truth; any idiot could see that Arin had a quality to him, something that people both respected and wanted to get closer to. And yet that fact had been oddly missed by Arin himself.
How could he not know the effect he had on people? The way people gave way respectfully, but turned their heads as he passed. The way Arin's hair fell on his shoulders and spilled down his back...he'd be lying to himself if he said this was the first time he'd noticed, and in Thaddeus's current condition lying to himself was hard to do.
Uncomfortable with this line of thought, he looked back at the dance floor, watching the people once more. There seemed to be a bit of a scuffle going on at the far edge of the club, and, suddenly concerned, he gripped Arin's arm and nodded his head questioningly in the direction of the commotion.
How odd. The Evenhet had seemed almost...touched by Thaddeus's remarks. Thaddeus mused over this for a moment before realization came, and he smiled, shaking his head and looking at Arin with new interest.
And he doesn't even know it.
Thaddeus found that thought endearing. He had merely been speaking the truth; any idiot could see that Arin had a quality to him, something that people both respected and wanted to get closer to. And yet that fact had been oddly missed by Arin himself.
How could he not know the effect he had on people? The way people gave way respectfully, but turned their heads as he passed. The way Arin's hair fell on his shoulders and spilled down his back...he'd be lying to himself if he said this was the first time he'd noticed, and in Thaddeus's current condition lying to himself was hard to do.
Uncomfortable with this line of thought, he looked back at the dance floor, watching the people once more. There seemed to be a bit of a scuffle going on at the far edge of the club, and, suddenly concerned, he gripped Arin's arm and nodded his head questioningly in the direction of the commotion.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn looked up startled at the hand gripping his shoulder, Was there something wrong? He slipped his arm around Thaddeus without even noticing the protective gesture and looked down in concern.
Looking to where Thaddeus indicated he noticed two boys, one pushing the other on the table. Oh, no not fighting.
He looked slightly to the left. Now -that- was a fight. It would seem several people on the dance floor came to some disagreement. There were two women pulling hair and a man in black leather pants and a collar who looked on with a grin. A bouncer watched with a bored expression. He'd move in if he had to but it would take more than a little hair pulling and loud words to get him to move. Perhaps if they broke something that would stir up some interest.
"Its nothing unusual. I'm afraid." He shrugged and continued to watch the scene play out. Noticing but not noticing the comfortable warmth underneath his arm.
Looking to where Thaddeus indicated he noticed two boys, one pushing the other on the table. Oh, no not fighting.
He looked slightly to the left. Now -that- was a fight. It would seem several people on the dance floor came to some disagreement. There were two women pulling hair and a man in black leather pants and a collar who looked on with a grin. A bouncer watched with a bored expression. He'd move in if he had to but it would take more than a little hair pulling and loud words to get him to move. Perhaps if they broke something that would stir up some interest.
"Its nothing unusual. I'm afraid." He shrugged and continued to watch the scene play out. Noticing but not noticing the comfortable warmth underneath his arm.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
One woman slapped the other, hard, raking flesh with her nails and drawing blood. The victim shrieked in rage and lunged, shoving her attacker to the ground as the crowd cheered on.
For the second time that night, Thaddeus turned away from the sight.
And found himself resting his head just below Arin's shoulder. He hadn't even noticed the other man slip his arm around him, but now he felt the cool weight of the Evenhet against him as though it had been there all along.
He found he didn't want to move. He marveled at the way they had slipped together and clicked in place like the clasp of a fine necklace, so easily and comfortably.
He wished he could stay this way. He wished more than anything that he could let his eyes slip closed, that he could forget everything else and just be held like this, even if only for another moment...but reality hounded him through the alcohol induced haze, and he knew wanting something this badly meant that he had to pull away.
He lifted his head and looked back at the crowd. It seemed the worst of the brawl was over; the bouncer had one woman by her arms, bodily dragging her away as she kicked and flailed, while the other woman was propped up against a wall, bleeding badly and apparently unconscious. He reached for his drink, shifting his weight and letting Arin's arm fall away from him.
His hand trembled, rattling the ice in the tumbler. He winced, sure he was completely transparent, and set the drink back down, staring into its depths before finally working up the nerve to look up at Arin again.
The police don't come here?
For the second time that night, Thaddeus turned away from the sight.
And found himself resting his head just below Arin's shoulder. He hadn't even noticed the other man slip his arm around him, but now he felt the cool weight of the Evenhet against him as though it had been there all along.
He found he didn't want to move. He marveled at the way they had slipped together and clicked in place like the clasp of a fine necklace, so easily and comfortably.
He wished he could stay this way. He wished more than anything that he could let his eyes slip closed, that he could forget everything else and just be held like this, even if only for another moment...but reality hounded him through the alcohol induced haze, and he knew wanting something this badly meant that he had to pull away.
He lifted his head and looked back at the crowd. It seemed the worst of the brawl was over; the bouncer had one woman by her arms, bodily dragging her away as she kicked and flailed, while the other woman was propped up against a wall, bleeding badly and apparently unconscious. He reached for his drink, shifting his weight and letting Arin's arm fall away from him.
His hand trembled, rattling the ice in the tumbler. He winced, sure he was completely transparent, and set the drink back down, staring into its depths before finally working up the nerve to look up at Arin again.
The police don't come here?
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn looked at Thaddeus, realizing he had put his arm around the man and seeing that it was definitely not wanted. Seeing but not sensing. He felt confused and rather embarrassed. Was he so very wrong in what he was sensing? and when did he let this happen?
"I'm sorry, Thaddeus. I.." He pushed himself away from the Anantya with a frown. "wasn't thinking." He finished weakly and went back to watching the crowd.
Alfarinn couldn't believe he'd done that. He had been trying so hard not to push his interest on the other blonde and yet he'd done so without even giving it a second thought. Very selfish of him. It was obvious that he'd mistaken his own desires for some kind of affection towards him from Thaddeus. The uncomfortable move to brush away his arm made it all very plain.
Alfarinn would have gotten up to leave feeling his presence unwanted but they were here for a reason. Forgetting that reason is what got him in trouble in the first place. He couldn't leave Thaddeus alone just because he'd screwed up. Even if it made them both uncomfortable.
It was then that he remembered Thaddeus had actually asked a question.
"No, not often. They are probably afraid of this place. The bouncers handle it eventually."
"I'm sorry, Thaddeus. I.." He pushed himself away from the Anantya with a frown. "wasn't thinking." He finished weakly and went back to watching the crowd.
Alfarinn couldn't believe he'd done that. He had been trying so hard not to push his interest on the other blonde and yet he'd done so without even giving it a second thought. Very selfish of him. It was obvious that he'd mistaken his own desires for some kind of affection towards him from Thaddeus. The uncomfortable move to brush away his arm made it all very plain.
Alfarinn would have gotten up to leave feeling his presence unwanted but they were here for a reason. Forgetting that reason is what got him in trouble in the first place. He couldn't leave Thaddeus alone just because he'd screwed up. Even if it made them both uncomfortable.
It was then that he remembered Thaddeus had actually asked a question.
"No, not often. They are probably afraid of this place. The bouncers handle it eventually."
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus frowned. Apologies and compliments and gratitude...these things were never really something the Anantya had ever dealt with comfortably in a sincere capacity, and Arin had thrown each his way tonight. Not for the first time, he found himself wishing he understood the Evenhet better.
Oh. Hell. Arin was an -empath-. While Thaddeus might find some of Arin's behavior somewhat mystifying, the other man likely understood -his- feelings perfectly well, especially when they were in such close proximity.
And he was trying to let him down easy. It was quite courteous of him, really, and ironically only increased the admiration Thaddeus felt. Arin hadn't overreacted, hadn't lectured or become angry...he'd simply been kind and understanding. It eased his mind somewhat, soothed away the embarrassment and left him with the facts. He was attracted to Arin. Nothing was going to come of that. They both understood this.
Don't be. Really, it's alright. He smiled gently to indicate he was not hurt, then continued in a slightly lighter tone. I may not have seen as much as -you-, but I assure you, I am an adult, naïve as I may appear in this situation.Thaddeus smirked lightly.
There. We've worked that out like two responsible vampires.
Thaddeus turned his attention back to the crowds, gesturing.
In all honesty, I suppose I'm still getting used to the idea of this place. It's surprising to me that this sort of behavior is permitted.
Oh. Hell. Arin was an -empath-. While Thaddeus might find some of Arin's behavior somewhat mystifying, the other man likely understood -his- feelings perfectly well, especially when they were in such close proximity.
And he was trying to let him down easy. It was quite courteous of him, really, and ironically only increased the admiration Thaddeus felt. Arin hadn't overreacted, hadn't lectured or become angry...he'd simply been kind and understanding. It eased his mind somewhat, soothed away the embarrassment and left him with the facts. He was attracted to Arin. Nothing was going to come of that. They both understood this.
Don't be. Really, it's alright. He smiled gently to indicate he was not hurt, then continued in a slightly lighter tone. I may not have seen as much as -you-, but I assure you, I am an adult, naïve as I may appear in this situation.Thaddeus smirked lightly.
There. We've worked that out like two responsible vampires.
Thaddeus turned his attention back to the crowds, gesturing.
In all honesty, I suppose I'm still getting used to the idea of this place. It's surprising to me that this sort of behavior is permitted.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn now felt worse. Thaddeus pushed past his awkward apology and continued on as if nothing had happened. He leaned his head against the booth feeling the cool surface against his own cold cheek. Not hardly as comforting as the warmth he'd felt a moment ago.
He still couldn't seem to sense Thaddeus correctly. His own emotions must be very strong for them to over power his ability to understand someone else's feelings. They were strong. He was surprised. So intense they were painful. Alfarinn could imagine Thaddeus taking comfort in his embrace and wanting to stay there in his arms but that wasn't true. It was simply what he wanted and he was projecting those feelings onto someone else.
"I know you're an adult Thaddeus. Nothing would ever convince me otherwise. This isn't quite the norm for most people. It is for the young vampire scene but hardly everyday for anyone else. There is no reason you should have known about it."
None at all. In the ordered world of Anantya this place was a nightmare. Just one more reminder of how different their lives actually were. This place was normal for him and the role he'd come to play. It wasn't his true self and perhaps that is what attracted him so much to the Anantya. Thaddeus saw him as something other than a young kid or an elder. He was just a person perhaps liked, at least as a friend, for his own merit.
"Its." Alfarinn looked around the room trying to explain. "Its a statement of freedom, I suppose. A show of being able to enjoy whatever you want and have it accepted. Pain, pleasure, the same sex, obsessions. Some people are playing roles and some people are just being themselves but this place allows them to be whatever they what to be without judgement on what that thing is." He looked at Thaddeus and shrugged before going back to staring blankly at the dancing crowd.
((OOC: Feeling both his feelings and Thaddeus's make them more intense for him, but he obviously doesn't believe that he's feeling anyone's but his own. ))
He still couldn't seem to sense Thaddeus correctly. His own emotions must be very strong for them to over power his ability to understand someone else's feelings. They were strong. He was surprised. So intense they were painful. Alfarinn could imagine Thaddeus taking comfort in his embrace and wanting to stay there in his arms but that wasn't true. It was simply what he wanted and he was projecting those feelings onto someone else.
"I know you're an adult Thaddeus. Nothing would ever convince me otherwise. This isn't quite the norm for most people. It is for the young vampire scene but hardly everyday for anyone else. There is no reason you should have known about it."
None at all. In the ordered world of Anantya this place was a nightmare. Just one more reminder of how different their lives actually were. This place was normal for him and the role he'd come to play. It wasn't his true self and perhaps that is what attracted him so much to the Anantya. Thaddeus saw him as something other than a young kid or an elder. He was just a person perhaps liked, at least as a friend, for his own merit.
"Its." Alfarinn looked around the room trying to explain. "Its a statement of freedom, I suppose. A show of being able to enjoy whatever you want and have it accepted. Pain, pleasure, the same sex, obsessions. Some people are playing roles and some people are just being themselves but this place allows them to be whatever they what to be without judgement on what that thing is." He looked at Thaddeus and shrugged before going back to staring blankly at the dancing crowd.
((OOC: Feeling both his feelings and Thaddeus's make them more intense for him, but he obviously doesn't believe that he's feeling anyone's but his own. ))
Chryseis Angelique
18 years ago
Chryseis made her way through the crowd towards the door. Once there she turned her back to it and eye'd the crowd hoping to catch a glimpse again of what she was looking for. A fight broke out not to far from her and she had to side step 3 paces to not get involved in it. She checked back to her booth and noticed Birseis was gone. Immediatly she sent her mind out to the dog demanding to know why she had left from under the table. It was hard to keep a booth in this place specially if you wanted to walk around. Achilles sent back an image of him properly gaurding the table. She smiled in her minds eye to the loyal dog and sent out a warning to Birseis again.
This time she got an answer.
Scent master.....smells good like friend.....pets me when i'm bad.....want to find...want to find friend....
The images were a jumble as the dog weaved in and out of the crowd. People swatted at her, shoved her and even one man hissed at her. Chryseis's temper flarred but Birseis didn't seem bothered by the others. Intent on finding her 'friend'.
This friend must be the other Anantya in here. But who does Birseis concider a friend? It certainly wasnt someone from the order of the hunt. They dispised both of Chryseis's dogs and their dog smells they left all over.
Finally Birseis stopped. She was standing at a booth front, panting with a silly dog grin. She ducked under the table and Chryseis could see a pale hand beginning to be licked and slobbered on. It was so very pale that she was not sure if the hand was gloved or not. The legs beneath the table appeared to be male. Birseis used her giant head to rub and push against the legs, begging for attention.
This is peculiar. looking for clues to the surroundings she began to walk through the crowd again.
This time she got an answer.
Scent master.....smells good like friend.....pets me when i'm bad.....want to find...want to find friend....
The images were a jumble as the dog weaved in and out of the crowd. People swatted at her, shoved her and even one man hissed at her. Chryseis's temper flarred but Birseis didn't seem bothered by the others. Intent on finding her 'friend'.
This friend must be the other Anantya in here. But who does Birseis concider a friend? It certainly wasnt someone from the order of the hunt. They dispised both of Chryseis's dogs and their dog smells they left all over.
Finally Birseis stopped. She was standing at a booth front, panting with a silly dog grin. She ducked under the table and Chryseis could see a pale hand beginning to be licked and slobbered on. It was so very pale that she was not sure if the hand was gloved or not. The legs beneath the table appeared to be male. Birseis used her giant head to rub and push against the legs, begging for attention.
This is peculiar. looking for clues to the surroundings she began to walk through the crowd again.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
But sometimes the things we -want- are not what is best for us.
'Case in point,' Thaddeus thought but did not say. He could only take making light of his own feelings, brushing them off and putting them away as pointless, to a certain extent. Maybe some day the two of them would be able to laugh together about tonight.
No. You're going to solve this mystery, find Emma's killer and her accomplice, and then go -home-. To your Clan. As Arin will go to his.
I honestly don't know that I'd want to live in a world where people are permitted to do whatever they want and have that be acceptable. Humans -and- vampires are naturally self destructive creatures, I really believe that. It is the rules we choose to live by that make it possible to progress, to fulfill our destinies. That and...each other. Our communities, our clans, our families. I suppose that's where I take issue with this place; it seems to be so greatly about self gratification without regard for anyone or anything. Someone really got hurt tonight. But the beat never stopped.
Thaddeus cocked his head to one side expectantly, curious as to what Arin's response might be on that matter. While he wasn't trying to bait the man into an argument, he did find that Arin's opinion was to be respected, and was helpful in refining his own. There was a -mind- at work here, and if he couldn't have Arin's arms around him, surely this was acceptable?
'Case in point,' Thaddeus thought but did not say. He could only take making light of his own feelings, brushing them off and putting them away as pointless, to a certain extent. Maybe some day the two of them would be able to laugh together about tonight.
No. You're going to solve this mystery, find Emma's killer and her accomplice, and then go -home-. To your Clan. As Arin will go to his.
I honestly don't know that I'd want to live in a world where people are permitted to do whatever they want and have that be acceptable. Humans -and- vampires are naturally self destructive creatures, I really believe that. It is the rules we choose to live by that make it possible to progress, to fulfill our destinies. That and...each other. Our communities, our clans, our families. I suppose that's where I take issue with this place; it seems to be so greatly about self gratification without regard for anyone or anything. Someone really got hurt tonight. But the beat never stopped.
Thaddeus cocked his head to one side expectantly, curious as to what Arin's response might be on that matter. While he wasn't trying to bait the man into an argument, he did find that Arin's opinion was to be respected, and was helpful in refining his own. There was a -mind- at work here, and if he couldn't have Arin's arms around him, surely this was acceptable?