Jake did as he was told, watching Akahana as she dressed in a cute, colorful yukata. She came close to him, dispelling his worries about garlic and touching him some more, which made him happy. He leaned into her embrace, closing his eyes briefly. He rarely got hugged; his mother wouldn't do such a thing and his father was usually not around. It felt so good to be touched.
When she asked about the kimono Jake nodded. His mother had made damn sure he knew how to wear traditional Japanese clothing. Particularly as a little boy, he'd worn it all the time, not having moved out of Japan until he was older.
He slipped into the yukata, folding it left over right and tying it closed with a casual bow just above his lean hips. It felt good; as much as he may have resented being forced to dress a certain way he actually did like Japanese clothing. He and Mina both wore yukata around their townhouse.
"I have it, thank you, Akahana-sama," he said as he finished dressing himself and joined her.
Not sure what she wanted to do between now and dinner he sat back down on the edge of the bed, running his hand over it softly as if he could still pick up traces of heat from their recent activity. Glancing down, he realized the yukata was going to turn into a tent if he kept reminiscing. It was already halfway too late, but he turned his thoughts to other things, looked around the room, and tried to generally get a grip. He did wonder, idly, if his physical response had anything to do with their bond or if he'd have been turned on again so quickly without it.
He thought the latter, but he would never know now, he supposed. He never wanted to break this bond. He had it, it was unbelievable, and he was going to do everything he could to keep it strong. Jake looked at Akahana and smiled peacefully. "Is there anything I can do for you right now?"
Some Conditions Apply (Attn:Jacob)
The previous night had gone quite well though Jacob was as tempting as he had been the first night. The public setting of Eternity kept her from doing more than she had been willing to do but the booth had offered enough privacy to enjoy another taste of her companion.
Tonight she need not restrain herself entirely though she still needed to be careful with him. At least she could indulge her other senses even if she needed to stay away from taking too much blood.
For now she waited for Jacob in the penthouse suite of the Grand Piazza. Normally one of the upper floor rooms was sufficient but for tonight the most grand was the most appropriate. It was a statement of the journey they were embarking on together and a promise that she would spare no expense in her care for him. Akahana planned to show Jacob just how personal that care would be as well.
Champagne was chilling on the table and soft music drifted from the speakers that existed in several places in each of the rooms. Perhaps there were even some in the bathroom; she had not checked. The selection was traditional and personal. It was a recording that she and Jin had made some years ago the last time they had met together before she had begun her mission with Mahesh. There were many different pieces from Japan and China; most were on the shamisen, koto and flute.
She was seated on the sofa, her tablet settled on her lap. The dress she chose for tonight was a modest design inspired by the fifties despite it being a strapless sheath dress. It came to just below her knees and was a soft shade of purple just slightly more vivid than lavender. Its wide belt matched the colour exactly, as did her shoes. She chose to wear no necklace, leaving her long neck bare of adornment. Tiny pearl earrings dangled from her ears.
Jacob should arrive fairly soon for the final night needed to complete the bond. This situation conjured up different feelings each time she did it. For the most part she was excited and looking forward to her future relationship with Jacob but a part of her disliked having a chemical bond be part of the experience. It was necessary to their survival, less now than many years ago, and Anantya frowned heavily upon any human who knew about their existence that wasn't a familiar. The more a human knew then the more likely it would be fatal for them if they didn't have a vampire claiming ownership and responsibility. In this enlightened age such practices seemed old fashioned and almost barbaric but some things didn't change.
At least Jacob actually wanted, sought out even, the exact relationship required of most familiars. He thought it would make him happy and she suspected that it truly would. If it turned out that he was wrong about what he wanted then they could allow the bond to fade. Nothing was permanent. The longer he remained a familiar though the greater the effect the bond had on him. She would like to eventually have more influence on Jacob than his mother so that she could right some of the wrongs from that cold, strict relationship. She wanted to sooth away his insecurities and show him that he did matter and was worth being noticed by many people. One day he would be a confident, capable man and she hoped very much to still be a part of his life when that day came.
But first she would simply like to spend the evening with him.
Jacob
10 years ago
Akahana Yoshida
10 years ago
Jacob said that he could dress himself properly. She wasn't surprised from what he had said about his mother; she would have been more shocked if he had not be submersed into every piece of Japanese history that his mother could manage. Akahana wondered idly what he knew about his French heritage or if it was almost entirely lacking. There were a couple of people that she knew that could help him with that particular culture if he had an interest. Claire would be the best but she might not be available since she appeared more occupied that usual.
She put the ring back into the suitcase and closed the lid. She had a standing order for room service not to wake them during the day but there was no sense in leaving private things open to curious eyes.
Joining Jacob on the bed, she moved up toward the lush padded headboard and reached out for him. "You can come join me.†Akahana smiled at him and answered his question. Pulling a menu out from the nightstand drawer, she placed it before the both of them. "Take a look.â€
Laying her head on his shoulder, she looked over the menu as well but only with a passing interest. She was not hungry thanks to the daily tiny meals on Jacob and nothing stood out enough to make her want to try it.
She was far more interested in her companion. "I am curious.†Akahana reached up and fingered the necklace he had given her. "What other hobbies and interests do you have?†They discussed a little bit briefly but there was plenty still to learn and she was curious.
She put the ring back into the suitcase and closed the lid. She had a standing order for room service not to wake them during the day but there was no sense in leaving private things open to curious eyes.
Joining Jacob on the bed, she moved up toward the lush padded headboard and reached out for him. "You can come join me.†Akahana smiled at him and answered his question. Pulling a menu out from the nightstand drawer, she placed it before the both of them. "Take a look.â€
Laying her head on his shoulder, she looked over the menu as well but only with a passing interest. She was not hungry thanks to the daily tiny meals on Jacob and nothing stood out enough to make her want to try it.
She was far more interested in her companion. "I am curious.†Akahana reached up and fingered the necklace he had given her. "What other hobbies and interests do you have?†They discussed a little bit briefly but there was plenty still to learn and she was curious.
Jacob
10 years ago
Jake shifted up the mattress until he was sitting up against the headboard next to Akahana. He wrapped his arm over her shoulders when she rested against him, letting his fingers drift idly over her silk-clad shoulder. He immediately looked at the section of the menu for pasta and his eye was quickly drawn to the manicotti, pasta stuffed with ricotta cheese, covered in sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. He pressed his finger against the menu.
"That looks perfect," he said. He didn't really need to look at it much more. It came with garlic bread, and he could get it with spinach inside as well which he liked.
Akahana asked him about his hobbies, and he smiled as he watched her touching the necklace he'd made for her. "Aside from that, I like to do knot work as well. It was something that was small enough to take with me when we traveled when I was little. I don't have that many hobbies though. I like to skate, and I played tennis in school. I play the flute, too, and I like that. My mother always wanted me to paint and sketch so I had a lot of lessons for it. I guess I like it all right but it wasn't ever my favorite thing to do."
Jake could create reliable sketches, understood how to use light and perspective, and was able to blend colors well enough. He was decent at art, but it had never been his passion. Playing the flute was enjoyable; music was really just math, after all, and he liked being able to express himself like that.
He lifted the shoulder that Akahana wasn't resting against. "Other than that I guess the usual stuff. I like to read, sometimes I write. I've always kept a journal like what I gave you but I don't write in it every day. I like being neat... my cousin Mina gets messy around the house sometimes and it drives me crazy."
Jake wasn't sure that was the sort of detail Akahana was looking for, but there it was. "What about you? You must know a lot, about everything really. Do you ever get bored?"
What sort of hobbies did one pick up in over a thousand years? Would books cease to entertain? Akahana was a professional, skilled courtesan. Maybe in today's culture in the US that didn't mean much but Jake had grown up in Tokyo and he understood exactly what that meant. She had a knowledge of culture, of ritual, of grace and beauty and masculine expectations that not everyone here would understand. She had to be adept at reading and understanding people, in a time when every single nuance of movement had meaning. That fascinated him, and he wanted to learn about that very much.
"That looks perfect," he said. He didn't really need to look at it much more. It came with garlic bread, and he could get it with spinach inside as well which he liked.
Akahana asked him about his hobbies, and he smiled as he watched her touching the necklace he'd made for her. "Aside from that, I like to do knot work as well. It was something that was small enough to take with me when we traveled when I was little. I don't have that many hobbies though. I like to skate, and I played tennis in school. I play the flute, too, and I like that. My mother always wanted me to paint and sketch so I had a lot of lessons for it. I guess I like it all right but it wasn't ever my favorite thing to do."
Jake could create reliable sketches, understood how to use light and perspective, and was able to blend colors well enough. He was decent at art, but it had never been his passion. Playing the flute was enjoyable; music was really just math, after all, and he liked being able to express himself like that.
He lifted the shoulder that Akahana wasn't resting against. "Other than that I guess the usual stuff. I like to read, sometimes I write. I've always kept a journal like what I gave you but I don't write in it every day. I like being neat... my cousin Mina gets messy around the house sometimes and it drives me crazy."
Jake wasn't sure that was the sort of detail Akahana was looking for, but there it was. "What about you? You must know a lot, about everything really. Do you ever get bored?"
What sort of hobbies did one pick up in over a thousand years? Would books cease to entertain? Akahana was a professional, skilled courtesan. Maybe in today's culture in the US that didn't mean much but Jake had grown up in Tokyo and he understood exactly what that meant. She had a knowledge of culture, of ritual, of grace and beauty and masculine expectations that not everyone here would understand. She had to be adept at reading and understanding people, in a time when every single nuance of movement had meaning. That fascinated him, and he wanted to learn about that very much.
Akahana Yoshida
10 years ago
Jacob quickly decided that he wanted the manicotti for dinner. She found him fascinating. So many people who willingly let other people make their decisions for them to the extent that Jacob had relinquished himself to her usually did so from an inability to make up their mind. Or, she supposed from a stress filled life that required that they make decisions constantly; Akahana had seen political leaders, military men and businessmen want to partake in being someone's sub for a while. It was a calming escape from having to decide and be in control. Jacob was neither indecisive nor overly stressed. Being subservient didn't seem be about decision making him but about serving someone.
She listened to his different hobbies, reminding herself that he was a human, and a young one at that. Jacob had led a sheltered academic sort of life until recently and that was clear in the things that he had been exposed to. It was a good base to build upon though and Akahana appreciated that. He knew how to learn something new, how to study and practice until he perfected it. Most importantly he was curious and interested in learning.
"An accountant with neat handwriting is a blessing." Akahana smiled and teased him gently. She noted mild amusement that he wanted things tidy and that his cousin was less meticulous. "Evidence aside," She glanced over at the dress she had collected from the floor and draped over a chair on her way to the suitcase. "I prefer things tidy myself."
"I also play the flute.†She smiled and hugged him. With one hand, Akahana gestured toward the living room where the radio was. The music was still playing and could be heard from the speakers in this room as well. "Perhaps the next time my brother and I play you could join us.â€
Jacob asked her about what she knew and whether she ever got bored. "I suppose I know a lot about people, different cultures, customs and languages. I like to learn those details where ever I go. But not just those things. I also have studied people in general, behavior, psychology and sociology.†Akahana mused over the different classes that she had taken and the different teachers that she had met over the years. "I have met whores and kings.†She laughed softly. "And sometimes the behavior of the latter group has been far worse than the first.â€
"I like making pottery, perhaps it is because I like molding something with my hands and seeing it take shape. Its very physical and real.†Like sex. Funny how things came back to that.
"Sometimes I get bored.†She shrugged her shoulder. "And when I do I know it is time to move on.â€
Leaning away from him for a moment, Akahana picked up the phone. "Good evening, Blake. I would like to order room service. Manicotti and, please, ask your chef to select an appropriate wine. Thank you, Sir. You are truly helpful, as always.â€
Turning back to Jacob, she smiled. "So what is something that you have always wanted to learn but had yet to have the opportunity?â€
She listened to his different hobbies, reminding herself that he was a human, and a young one at that. Jacob had led a sheltered academic sort of life until recently and that was clear in the things that he had been exposed to. It was a good base to build upon though and Akahana appreciated that. He knew how to learn something new, how to study and practice until he perfected it. Most importantly he was curious and interested in learning.
"An accountant with neat handwriting is a blessing." Akahana smiled and teased him gently. She noted mild amusement that he wanted things tidy and that his cousin was less meticulous. "Evidence aside," She glanced over at the dress she had collected from the floor and draped over a chair on her way to the suitcase. "I prefer things tidy myself."
"I also play the flute.†She smiled and hugged him. With one hand, Akahana gestured toward the living room where the radio was. The music was still playing and could be heard from the speakers in this room as well. "Perhaps the next time my brother and I play you could join us.â€
Jacob asked her about what she knew and whether she ever got bored. "I suppose I know a lot about people, different cultures, customs and languages. I like to learn those details where ever I go. But not just those things. I also have studied people in general, behavior, psychology and sociology.†Akahana mused over the different classes that she had taken and the different teachers that she had met over the years. "I have met whores and kings.†She laughed softly. "And sometimes the behavior of the latter group has been far worse than the first.â€
"I like making pottery, perhaps it is because I like molding something with my hands and seeing it take shape. Its very physical and real.†Like sex. Funny how things came back to that.
"Sometimes I get bored.†She shrugged her shoulder. "And when I do I know it is time to move on.â€
Leaning away from him for a moment, Akahana picked up the phone. "Good evening, Blake. I would like to order room service. Manicotti and, please, ask your chef to select an appropriate wine. Thank you, Sir. You are truly helpful, as always.â€
Turning back to Jacob, she smiled. "So what is something that you have always wanted to learn but had yet to have the opportunity?â€
Jacob
10 years ago
Jake nodded when Akahana said she preferred things tidy. She seemed like the sort, in spite of having pointed out the way they had shed their clothes earlier. He hadn't taken it as an indication of disorganization, so much as being caught up in the heat of the moment. He was happy to hear that she didn't mind his tidy habits, though. He knew he annoyed Mina on occasion.
When Akahana mentioned she played the flute and had a brother, Jake turned to her in surprise. "Your brother?"
He didn't think he had to elaborate; the question was plain. Her brother had actually been turned, too? That was kind of fascinating. She hadn't mentioned any of her immediate family before and Jake had assumed they had all grown old and died as humans always do.
She continued to speak, telling him about her life in a brief way, considering all she'd known and learned. He gave a short little laugh when she mentioned the difference between kings and whores; he took her at her word. After all, she knew. She said she enjoyed pottery, and Jake thought he would like to see her doing it. Akahana had beautiful hands, which would likely shape beautiful works of art. When she mentioned moving on he tensed briefly, wondering if she would leave him behind if that happened. No. She said he would stay with her.
He relaxed against the padded head board as she called for room service. He couldn't even think of being parted from her. He wouldn't think about it, not for now. For now, this bond was new and beautiful and consumed his world, and he wanted it so badly.
Jake closed his eyes thoughtfully when she asked if there was something specific he wanted to learn. He smiled softly. "Lots of things," he said. "I was so sheltered at home, I didn't get to do anything. I guess, first of all, I want to learn how to drive. It was 'too dangerous' when I was younger. But mostly I want to explore. I don't know what I want to know because I don't know everything I don't know yet."
He looked down at Akahana, head tilted, trying to make sure his words had made sense. He had so many years of frustrations built up, from not being allowed to express himself or do anything interesting or exciting. Just being with her, though, was opening him up to new things, allowing him to experience life. Jake thought Akahana would bring him the perfect mix of safety and shelter while introducing him to new experiences.
When Akahana mentioned she played the flute and had a brother, Jake turned to her in surprise. "Your brother?"
He didn't think he had to elaborate; the question was plain. Her brother had actually been turned, too? That was kind of fascinating. She hadn't mentioned any of her immediate family before and Jake had assumed they had all grown old and died as humans always do.
She continued to speak, telling him about her life in a brief way, considering all she'd known and learned. He gave a short little laugh when she mentioned the difference between kings and whores; he took her at her word. After all, she knew. She said she enjoyed pottery, and Jake thought he would like to see her doing it. Akahana had beautiful hands, which would likely shape beautiful works of art. When she mentioned moving on he tensed briefly, wondering if she would leave him behind if that happened. No. She said he would stay with her.
He relaxed against the padded head board as she called for room service. He couldn't even think of being parted from her. He wouldn't think about it, not for now. For now, this bond was new and beautiful and consumed his world, and he wanted it so badly.
Jake closed his eyes thoughtfully when she asked if there was something specific he wanted to learn. He smiled softly. "Lots of things," he said. "I was so sheltered at home, I didn't get to do anything. I guess, first of all, I want to learn how to drive. It was 'too dangerous' when I was younger. But mostly I want to explore. I don't know what I want to know because I don't know everything I don't know yet."
He looked down at Akahana, head tilted, trying to make sure his words had made sense. He had so many years of frustrations built up, from not being allowed to express himself or do anything interesting or exciting. Just being with her, though, was opening him up to new things, allowing him to experience life. Jake thought Akahana would bring him the perfect mix of safety and shelter while introducing him to new experiences.
Akahana Yoshida
10 years ago
"I can teach you to drive.†Akahana smiled. Unlike some of her clan, she had learned early how to operate the loud scary uncivilized machine that was the automobile. A wealthy Japanese businessman had bought one of the first to be seen in their country. She had requested a ride and he was more than happy to oblige her. He then decided that teaching her how to drive it was a fun and somewhat scandalous idea. Akahana agreed and they terrorized many a road together.
"We can figure out what you might want to learn next later.†Jacob would have plenty of opportunity to decide; there was no need to rush. "You will get to meet many of the men and woman who work at the businesses and some of them might also have skills you would like to learn.â€
He had asked her about her brother earlier and Akahana figured that now was as good a time as any to clear up vampire relationships. "My parents sent me to a temple when I was young. My human mother worried that my different features would cause me, them, and perhaps the whole village trouble. It would be safer for me at the temple. As it turned out. It wasn't.â€
"I mentioned some of that already. My mother is the vampire who saved me. She goes by the name Asahi Mai and she is very old.†Her eyes slid over to Jacob as she continued. "I am two thousand years old. I am not even half her age.â€
"My brother is another vampire created by Mai. He goes by the name Han Jin now and is not much older than I am.†Her mother had been on a veritable creating spree. Mai had a particularly social period and that had resulted in a few children.
"As a familiar now, I can explain to you a bit about our clan and its organization.†Akahana moved away so that she could sit in front of him. "We are called Anantya and among our clan there are three different orders. The Order of the Night, the Order of the Hunt and the Order of the Rose.†She held up three fingers and ticked them off as she explained them. "The Rose is concerned with leadership and organization. They run things in many different capacities. The Hunt protects us and is our army. They...well, you can guess what they do if needed.â€
Holding up the last finger, she smiled. "And then there is the Night. We gather information, keep an eye on our enemies and our interests. I am of this Order. Perhaps you can see why my business connections are helpful and why being observant of even seemingly harmless details can be very important to me and to the clan.†She had not gone into any detail about the most important reason behind owning an escort service and an strip club before but now she could. Most likely he had guessed the reason anyway; Jacob was an intelligent young man.
Getting up, she went around the bed to her other small suitcase. This one was really just an overnight bag and contained the basic necessities for staying somewhere other than home for a day or two. She had also placed an important object in there that she had intended to give him later but now seemed just as good.
Akahana went back to the living room and poured them a little more champagne and brought the glasses with her. Sitting back on the bed, she handed him his glass and showed him a wide leather band bracelet. In the center of it was a square ceramic tile in a slick fire red glaze. The raised image in the center was embossed in gold. Two slots in the sides of the tile allowed the band to be connected on both sides. The band was a deep red that was so dark that it was almost black. "This is our clan mark.†She ran her thumb gently over the front of the tile. "Where something with this on it, always. It says that you belong to someone in the clan and are not free to be just anyone's meal.†Akahana smiled gently at those words. It offered him protection as well as an owner. She turned the bracelet over and showed him the marking on the other side. "This is my jitsuin and it says you belong to me.†Not every vampire marked their familiars in the same way but giving their familiars something that had the clan mark was typical and the traditional way to keep them from being feasted upon. Not having a mark meant that the familiar had to assert that they were owned by someone and if they had been commanded or suggested then they had no way to stop the bite that was a violation of their owner's rights. She didn't think that it was fair to make any familiar responsible for that kind of trouble.
Akahana reached out for Jacob's wrist and placed the bracelet onto it, turning his arm over to snap it securely into place. She supposed that a collar would be the most traditional in these modern times but it would not always be practical to wear. Certainly she could, and probably would, give him one of those with the clan mark on it to wear when they were in places like the House of Pain. For every day use this was something he could wear while in a suit or in nothing at all. No one would look at him oddly or expect him to take it off.
"We can figure out what you might want to learn next later.†Jacob would have plenty of opportunity to decide; there was no need to rush. "You will get to meet many of the men and woman who work at the businesses and some of them might also have skills you would like to learn.â€
He had asked her about her brother earlier and Akahana figured that now was as good a time as any to clear up vampire relationships. "My parents sent me to a temple when I was young. My human mother worried that my different features would cause me, them, and perhaps the whole village trouble. It would be safer for me at the temple. As it turned out. It wasn't.â€
"I mentioned some of that already. My mother is the vampire who saved me. She goes by the name Asahi Mai and she is very old.†Her eyes slid over to Jacob as she continued. "I am two thousand years old. I am not even half her age.â€
"My brother is another vampire created by Mai. He goes by the name Han Jin now and is not much older than I am.†Her mother had been on a veritable creating spree. Mai had a particularly social period and that had resulted in a few children.
"As a familiar now, I can explain to you a bit about our clan and its organization.†Akahana moved away so that she could sit in front of him. "We are called Anantya and among our clan there are three different orders. The Order of the Night, the Order of the Hunt and the Order of the Rose.†She held up three fingers and ticked them off as she explained them. "The Rose is concerned with leadership and organization. They run things in many different capacities. The Hunt protects us and is our army. They...well, you can guess what they do if needed.â€
Holding up the last finger, she smiled. "And then there is the Night. We gather information, keep an eye on our enemies and our interests. I am of this Order. Perhaps you can see why my business connections are helpful and why being observant of even seemingly harmless details can be very important to me and to the clan.†She had not gone into any detail about the most important reason behind owning an escort service and an strip club before but now she could. Most likely he had guessed the reason anyway; Jacob was an intelligent young man.
Getting up, she went around the bed to her other small suitcase. This one was really just an overnight bag and contained the basic necessities for staying somewhere other than home for a day or two. She had also placed an important object in there that she had intended to give him later but now seemed just as good.
Akahana went back to the living room and poured them a little more champagne and brought the glasses with her. Sitting back on the bed, she handed him his glass and showed him a wide leather band bracelet. In the center of it was a square ceramic tile in a slick fire red glaze. The raised image in the center was embossed in gold. Two slots in the sides of the tile allowed the band to be connected on both sides. The band was a deep red that was so dark that it was almost black. "This is our clan mark.†She ran her thumb gently over the front of the tile. "Where something with this on it, always. It says that you belong to someone in the clan and are not free to be just anyone's meal.†Akahana smiled gently at those words. It offered him protection as well as an owner. She turned the bracelet over and showed him the marking on the other side. "This is my jitsuin and it says you belong to me.†Not every vampire marked their familiars in the same way but giving their familiars something that had the clan mark was typical and the traditional way to keep them from being feasted upon. Not having a mark meant that the familiar had to assert that they were owned by someone and if they had been commanded or suggested then they had no way to stop the bite that was a violation of their owner's rights. She didn't think that it was fair to make any familiar responsible for that kind of trouble.
Akahana reached out for Jacob's wrist and placed the bracelet onto it, turning his arm over to snap it securely into place. She supposed that a collar would be the most traditional in these modern times but it would not always be practical to wear. Certainly she could, and probably would, give him one of those with the clan mark on it to wear when they were in places like the House of Pain. For every day use this was something he could wear while in a suit or in nothing at all. No one would look at him oddly or expect him to take it off.
Jacob
10 years ago
"Thank you," Jacob said when Akahana offered to teach him how to drive herself. He smiled and nodded when she told him he could figure out what to do next, her words causing him to curl up a little around her and tighten his arm around her. She had told him it was all right to be affectionate like this, in private, and her ready support was touching. His own mother had never once told him to learn what he wanted to, pursue what interested him.
He listened quietly as Akahana spoke further about her life, his eyes widening slightly when she said she was more than two thousand. He'd known she was old, but that was incredible. She had so much she could teach, and he wanted to learn it all. And her mother, this Asahi Mai, was more than four thousand? It baffled the mind. Jake wasn't even sure he could fathom living that long.
She explained who her brother was and Jacob committed that name to memory, too. Asahi Mai. Han Jin. He did not interrupt, wouldn't have dared to even if he weren't raptly focused on Akahana's every word. When she moved and sat in front of him Jake sat forward, crossing his legs lotus style and making sure his yukata fell modestly over his thighs.
As Akahana ticked off names on her fingers Jake repeated them softly to himself. She belonged to a Clan called Anantya, in the Order of the Night. So he must belong to this Clan too? He nodded his understanding. still not talking, but his eyes sparkling with interest as he straightened each detail in his head. He wanted to write them down, the better to commit them to memory, but that would be a foolish thing to do. This lifestyle, Akahana's life, her family, her Clan, had to be his secret. No one would ever know about it from him.
When she left him and went to retrieve something from her suitcase Jake watched her move, each movement graceful and purposeful. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. When she returned she had two fresh glasses of champagne, which Jacob accepted from her and sipped lightly, and another object which she displayed to him that turned out to be a leather bracelet.
Jake looked down at it, admiring the deep red leather, the red and gold tile upon it. When Akahana traced her thumb over it he reached out gently and did the same with his forefinger. The symbol was familiar and he recognized it after a moment; for the past few weeks Mina had been wearing a pretty necklace with a similar symbol on it. When he'd asked her about it she had just said Ran had bought it for her. Now it made sense. Akahana said he should wear something with the Anantya mark on it always, so he was marked. He glanced up at her, cheeks coloring slightly.
She said he belonged to her. His lips parted and he sighed softly, happily. She owned him, he was hers. Her jitsuin was on the opposite side of the tile and that claimed him as hers, loudly and clearly. He traced that, too, knowing he would never forget the feel of it. Jake held his hand out as Akahana gently snapped the bracelet into place, feeling like that wasn't the only thing that had a place now.
His eyes bright with emotion, he looked up at his owner and smiled. "Thank you, Akahana-sama," he said softly. He frowned down at the bracelet, briefly, and then looked back up at her. "Should I seal it somehow? So it can't be removed?"
Jake didn't have any problem with that. He didn't want to lose this item. It was already the most precious thing he possessed. It was leather; he could get it wet, and he would have been surprised if it hadn't already been treated with something water-resistant anyway. He could wear it with anything, at any time, beneath the sleeve of a suit coat or out in the open on his naked arm at a club.
And he was hers. That was the best part about it. Jake would have worn anything Akahana had asked him to, and would likely do so in the future, but that this was the first thing she offered him made it even more special. He stared at the bracelet again, setting his champagne flute aside so that he could touch it with his other hand.
"I don't ever want it to come off," he murmured. Not by accident, not by intent.
He listened quietly as Akahana spoke further about her life, his eyes widening slightly when she said she was more than two thousand. He'd known she was old, but that was incredible. She had so much she could teach, and he wanted to learn it all. And her mother, this Asahi Mai, was more than four thousand? It baffled the mind. Jake wasn't even sure he could fathom living that long.
She explained who her brother was and Jacob committed that name to memory, too. Asahi Mai. Han Jin. He did not interrupt, wouldn't have dared to even if he weren't raptly focused on Akahana's every word. When she moved and sat in front of him Jake sat forward, crossing his legs lotus style and making sure his yukata fell modestly over his thighs.
As Akahana ticked off names on her fingers Jake repeated them softly to himself. She belonged to a Clan called Anantya, in the Order of the Night. So he must belong to this Clan too? He nodded his understanding. still not talking, but his eyes sparkling with interest as he straightened each detail in his head. He wanted to write them down, the better to commit them to memory, but that would be a foolish thing to do. This lifestyle, Akahana's life, her family, her Clan, had to be his secret. No one would ever know about it from him.
When she left him and went to retrieve something from her suitcase Jake watched her move, each movement graceful and purposeful. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. When she returned she had two fresh glasses of champagne, which Jacob accepted from her and sipped lightly, and another object which she displayed to him that turned out to be a leather bracelet.
Jake looked down at it, admiring the deep red leather, the red and gold tile upon it. When Akahana traced her thumb over it he reached out gently and did the same with his forefinger. The symbol was familiar and he recognized it after a moment; for the past few weeks Mina had been wearing a pretty necklace with a similar symbol on it. When he'd asked her about it she had just said Ran had bought it for her. Now it made sense. Akahana said he should wear something with the Anantya mark on it always, so he was marked. He glanced up at her, cheeks coloring slightly.
She said he belonged to her. His lips parted and he sighed softly, happily. She owned him, he was hers. Her jitsuin was on the opposite side of the tile and that claimed him as hers, loudly and clearly. He traced that, too, knowing he would never forget the feel of it. Jake held his hand out as Akahana gently snapped the bracelet into place, feeling like that wasn't the only thing that had a place now.
His eyes bright with emotion, he looked up at his owner and smiled. "Thank you, Akahana-sama," he said softly. He frowned down at the bracelet, briefly, and then looked back up at her. "Should I seal it somehow? So it can't be removed?"
Jake didn't have any problem with that. He didn't want to lose this item. It was already the most precious thing he possessed. It was leather; he could get it wet, and he would have been surprised if it hadn't already been treated with something water-resistant anyway. He could wear it with anything, at any time, beneath the sleeve of a suit coat or out in the open on his naked arm at a club.
And he was hers. That was the best part about it. Jake would have worn anything Akahana had asked him to, and would likely do so in the future, but that this was the first thing she offered him made it even more special. He stared at the bracelet again, setting his champagne flute aside so that he could touch it with his other hand.
"I don't ever want it to come off," he murmured. Not by accident, not by intent.
Akahana Yoshida
10 years ago
Akahana looked at the band and then up at Jacob. It was leather so at least it would be soft against his skin. There might be a time that they needed him not to appear as a familiar for some reason but she decided that was a bridge they could cross when they came to it. Right now it would make him happy if it was securely fastened and that they could manage.
"As it so happens. I think I have something that will do the trick.†She got up from the bed, setting her glass down on the nightstand. She rummaged through a pocket of her purse and came up with a small bottle. Nail glue was basically super glue. Akahana carried a small bottle around almost always. You never knew when you would tear a nail and could do an emergency repair. If you broke it off then there wasn't much to be done but during some high brow event having a less than perfect manicure was embarrassing.
Flipping his wrist over again, she unsnapped the bracelet. Akahana soothed her fingers down his arm and squeezed in reassurance. It would be back on in a moment. Opening the cap, she tipped the little bottle over and poured a generous amount into the snap and then pressed the other piece down onto it. She held it firmly for a moment or two and then let go.
"It will take a few seconds more to completely dry but then it should be good.†She leaned over and kissed him gently on the lips. "If it should ever come undone then let me know and I will find something stronger.â€
"There will be others though.†Her eyes went down to the tile and then back up. "but this one you should be able to wear all the time. Some of the others will be less every day appropriate.â€
She laid down on her back on the bed and then looked over at him. "You will look quite nice in a collar. Do you have clothes that suit the House of Pain?†Akahana knew that he had at least one pair of leather pants because she had picked those out herself but they were club wear and not bondage wear. "If not then we can always raid Babylon's closets again for something suitable.†They had clothing that fit many different body types and suited many different roles.
"I was thinking that perhaps we could go there together with Ran and your cousin.†It would be less stuffy than the last event they had attended and it wouldn't exactly be for work. They had made their own fun even while working so amusing themselves shouldn't be difficult when they didn't have other objectives to consider. She looked up at Jacob to see what he thought of the idea.
"As it so happens. I think I have something that will do the trick.†She got up from the bed, setting her glass down on the nightstand. She rummaged through a pocket of her purse and came up with a small bottle. Nail glue was basically super glue. Akahana carried a small bottle around almost always. You never knew when you would tear a nail and could do an emergency repair. If you broke it off then there wasn't much to be done but during some high brow event having a less than perfect manicure was embarrassing.
Flipping his wrist over again, she unsnapped the bracelet. Akahana soothed her fingers down his arm and squeezed in reassurance. It would be back on in a moment. Opening the cap, she tipped the little bottle over and poured a generous amount into the snap and then pressed the other piece down onto it. She held it firmly for a moment or two and then let go.
"It will take a few seconds more to completely dry but then it should be good.†She leaned over and kissed him gently on the lips. "If it should ever come undone then let me know and I will find something stronger.â€
"There will be others though.†Her eyes went down to the tile and then back up. "but this one you should be able to wear all the time. Some of the others will be less every day appropriate.â€
She laid down on her back on the bed and then looked over at him. "You will look quite nice in a collar. Do you have clothes that suit the House of Pain?†Akahana knew that he had at least one pair of leather pants because she had picked those out herself but they were club wear and not bondage wear. "If not then we can always raid Babylon's closets again for something suitable.†They had clothing that fit many different body types and suited many different roles.
"I was thinking that perhaps we could go there together with Ran and your cousin.†It would be less stuffy than the last event they had attended and it wouldn't exactly be for work. They had made their own fun even while working so amusing themselves shouldn't be difficult when they didn't have other objectives to consider. She looked up at Jacob to see what he thought of the idea.
Jacob
10 years ago
Jake bit his lip gently when Akahana said she had something useful. He hadn't expected her to do it for him right now and he felt bad that his question had been seen as a request. He didn't mean for her to do things for him. She didn't have to. But it made him so happy that she did, so he sat still and quiet, a satisfied, content smile on his lips when she applied the little tube of glue to the snap of the leather bracelet and fastened it around his wrist.
When she kissed him on the lips he sighed happily and leaned into it, moving his mouth over hers softly, wanting more. She backed away and he felt the loss of her. This was what it was always going to feel like with Akahana nearby, he supposed. She really was like the sun. Jacob loved that.
"Okay. I will," he said when she told him to let her know if the glue weakened. He would check it regularly. This bracelet must never be removed unless she told him to.
His eyes lit up when she said there would be other things for him to wear, other marks, which might not be appropriate. Jacob had no idea what those might be but he sure wanted to find out. Was there something more permanent? A tattoo, perhaps? He didn't have any ink but if he were to get some, his first choice would be something that marked him as her property.
A collar, she mentioned, now that would be nice. Jake knew many of his friends would recoil at the thought of such a thing but to him, it was security and safety and something he would very gladly wear, although he'd probably have to hide it beneath his clothes. Jake didn't want his friends or family to ask questions about his personal life. They would never understand his need to belong to someone and he feared the inevitable scrutiny and judgement he would get.
He shook his head when Akahana asked him about clothing for the House of Pain. "I have some things I wear to clubs, but please, what do you consider appropriate for there? I'll make sure I have it."
Akahana's perceptions and tastes were far more cultured than Jake's. That much was very obvious. What he considered appropriate for a night out might not be what she considered appropriate, and he had to make sure of what she wanted him in. He knew they could go back to Babylon; he'd seen into the dressing room she'd gotten the comfortable leather pants from, but he wondered if she might trust him to attire himself according to her specifications, if she was clear about her desires. He wanted to do something for her, something to please her. Perhaps working on his wardrobe was something he could do under her guidance.
When Akahana mentioned attending the club with Ran and Mina Jake smiled. "That would be fun. Mina and Ran are good company. Do you go there often?"
It went without saying, though, that the best company was Akahana's. Jake watched her where she lay, inclined so prettily, upon the bad before him. He wanted her again so badly, but even if she allowed it it would be pretty bad timing when they were expecting room service any minute. To take his mind off of her briefly, he picked up his champagne glass and sipped at it again.
When she kissed him on the lips he sighed happily and leaned into it, moving his mouth over hers softly, wanting more. She backed away and he felt the loss of her. This was what it was always going to feel like with Akahana nearby, he supposed. She really was like the sun. Jacob loved that.
"Okay. I will," he said when she told him to let her know if the glue weakened. He would check it regularly. This bracelet must never be removed unless she told him to.
His eyes lit up when she said there would be other things for him to wear, other marks, which might not be appropriate. Jacob had no idea what those might be but he sure wanted to find out. Was there something more permanent? A tattoo, perhaps? He didn't have any ink but if he were to get some, his first choice would be something that marked him as her property.
A collar, she mentioned, now that would be nice. Jake knew many of his friends would recoil at the thought of such a thing but to him, it was security and safety and something he would very gladly wear, although he'd probably have to hide it beneath his clothes. Jake didn't want his friends or family to ask questions about his personal life. They would never understand his need to belong to someone and he feared the inevitable scrutiny and judgement he would get.
He shook his head when Akahana asked him about clothing for the House of Pain. "I have some things I wear to clubs, but please, what do you consider appropriate for there? I'll make sure I have it."
Akahana's perceptions and tastes were far more cultured than Jake's. That much was very obvious. What he considered appropriate for a night out might not be what she considered appropriate, and he had to make sure of what she wanted him in. He knew they could go back to Babylon; he'd seen into the dressing room she'd gotten the comfortable leather pants from, but he wondered if she might trust him to attire himself according to her specifications, if she was clear about her desires. He wanted to do something for her, something to please her. Perhaps working on his wardrobe was something he could do under her guidance.
When Akahana mentioned attending the club with Ran and Mina Jake smiled. "That would be fun. Mina and Ran are good company. Do you go there often?"
It went without saying, though, that the best company was Akahana's. Jake watched her where she lay, inclined so prettily, upon the bad before him. He wanted her again so badly, but even if she allowed it it would be pretty bad timing when they were expecting room service any minute. To take his mind off of her briefly, he picked up his champagne glass and sipped at it again.
Akahana Yoshida
10 years ago
Jacob asked her what she considered appropriate attire for the House of Pain. She wondered if he had looked very closely at the different types of people that were there or if some of the deeper meaning behind different clothing choices were not known to him. Akahana had assumed that since he wanted to belong to someone and be completely subject to them that he would know more about the BDSM crowd. There were plenty of people who didn't know and, seeing all those people wearing leather and collars, decide to take up the look of a slave without having a clue about what they were announcing to others. Usually those were schooled pretty quickly.
Of course there was some variation on what people chose to wear even within the confines of appropriate sub attire and perhaps that is what Jacob meant or maybe he didn't associate her comment about the House of Pain with the comment about the collar.
Whether Jacob didn't understand at all or simply wanted clarification, he had asked her a question and it was one that she could easily answer. "With a collar, I would expect a harness...leather or latex pants. Something with easy access would be best.†Zippers, laces or snaps were all fine. "If we are simply going to dance and drink then normal club wear is fine.â€
Reaching out a hand, Akahana gently stroked his leg. "Don't worry. We can go shopping together and I can show you. You won't have to guess.†Once he knew her tastes and habits then he would feel more confident in picking things out on his own to suit the different occasions they were going to find themselves in.
"I have been there a few times.†She looked up at the ceiling. "It is what it is and sometimes that is nice.†The House of Pain hit you in the face with what it was on the surface. It was a nightclub that catered to the BDSM/Goth crowd. Leather, latex and velvet mixed together under the pulsing lights and gyrated to the blaring music. While its name advertised sexual and social deviancy with the brute force of a hammer to the face, it disguised the background of vampires who met and fed there on a regular basis.
Because he wanted to know how to please her, Akahana thought to add something about clothing. "I like soft or smooth textures most of the time, or something interesting to the touch. I like fashion that is well made and well tailored...and appropriate for the location.†She wouldn't wear a vintage dress and pearls when she went to the HoP and she wouldn't expect him to wear a suit.
"When I touch things, I sense things from them.†With her golden eyes half closed, Akahana reached up and stroked the stone that rested against her chest. "I can sense from this the hours of work you put into it. I tell that you wanted it to be perfect and took great care.â€
She tilted her head back to the side so she could look at him. "And there is dinner.†A few seconds after she announced his arrival, one of the wait staff knocked on the door.
((OOC: She is not sure how new he is to admitting these desires, whether he has looked deeply into the BDSM community or has only just begun to truly understand or admit what he wants. ))
Of course there was some variation on what people chose to wear even within the confines of appropriate sub attire and perhaps that is what Jacob meant or maybe he didn't associate her comment about the House of Pain with the comment about the collar.
Whether Jacob didn't understand at all or simply wanted clarification, he had asked her a question and it was one that she could easily answer. "With a collar, I would expect a harness...leather or latex pants. Something with easy access would be best.†Zippers, laces or snaps were all fine. "If we are simply going to dance and drink then normal club wear is fine.â€
Reaching out a hand, Akahana gently stroked his leg. "Don't worry. We can go shopping together and I can show you. You won't have to guess.†Once he knew her tastes and habits then he would feel more confident in picking things out on his own to suit the different occasions they were going to find themselves in.
"I have been there a few times.†She looked up at the ceiling. "It is what it is and sometimes that is nice.†The House of Pain hit you in the face with what it was on the surface. It was a nightclub that catered to the BDSM/Goth crowd. Leather, latex and velvet mixed together under the pulsing lights and gyrated to the blaring music. While its name advertised sexual and social deviancy with the brute force of a hammer to the face, it disguised the background of vampires who met and fed there on a regular basis.
Because he wanted to know how to please her, Akahana thought to add something about clothing. "I like soft or smooth textures most of the time, or something interesting to the touch. I like fashion that is well made and well tailored...and appropriate for the location.†She wouldn't wear a vintage dress and pearls when she went to the HoP and she wouldn't expect him to wear a suit.
"When I touch things, I sense things from them.†With her golden eyes half closed, Akahana reached up and stroked the stone that rested against her chest. "I can sense from this the hours of work you put into it. I tell that you wanted it to be perfect and took great care.â€
She tilted her head back to the side so she could look at him. "And there is dinner.†A few seconds after she announced his arrival, one of the wait staff knocked on the door.
((OOC: She is not sure how new he is to admitting these desires, whether he has looked deeply into the BDSM community or has only just begun to truly understand or admit what he wants. ))
Jacob
10 years ago
Once again Akahana's touch sent Jake's spirits soaring. Her hand on his leg had very pointed results, and he didn't seem able to temper his desire for her one way or another. He didn't want to, either. He just nodded at her and smiled when she said they would shop together.
"And eventually," he added, "I will be able to do it on my own. Maybe even for you, too."
Or her other employees, or anyone she needed to outfit for any reason. Akahana had told him he could assist her in ways other than just being an accountant, and Jake looked forward to being relied upon. To being given the responsibility of carrying out any task she set him to. To being given her trust, and, hopefully, earning it.
He nodded again when she expressed her opinion of the House of Pain. Jake had enjoyed his time there, but mostly because he and Mina had met Ran and that had turned out good for them both. It had been their first time there, and they hadn't been there very long before being picked up by the chain-and-mesh-clad vampire.
"It was good, because Ran brought me to you," he said softly. He would like the club for that, always. Had he not met Ran he may never have known Akahana and his life would forever be lacking something that he couldn't put a finger on.
Along with the many facts he'd already learned about his mistress, Jake mentally recorded her tastes when it came to clothing texture. He wasn't surprised; she had already shown on several occasions that she liked to touch. Little caresses, slides of her graceful hand, were common for her and Jake loved that.
What was surprising was her ability to determine things from objects. Jake had a little familiarity with the fact that their kind had certain abilities that seemed magical, but Akahana's was so very suitable for her too. "That has to have come in useful," he said. "As a supplement."
He didn't think she needed to touch something to learn about a person. Akahana was observant and perceptive already. But surely such an ability was still useful to have. Jake nodded and blushed a little when she told him what she felt from the necklace he'd made.
She told him dinner had arrived just before it actually did, which gave him a moment to be amazed at the sharpness of her hearing and also to try to do something about his physical state, which had been one of arousal for several minutes now. Not that the brief warning was enough time to change it, but at least his yukata was roomy enough that he was sort of able to conceal himself beneath it when he went to his clothes to get enough money from his wallet for a tip and answered the door. A waiter rolled a neatly-set tray table into the room, uncovered it with a little flourish, and left shortly after without wasting any time. He had a crisp, professional demeanor and hardly looked at them, for which Jake was grateful.
The rich, enticing smell of Italian food wafted up from the perfectly polished white china. Jake's stomach rumbled but rather than sit somewhere else and eat directly from the rolling cart, he moved all of the food and the drinks to the table in the outer room of the suite. Things like this, he could easily do. If Akahana wanted him to do it a particular way he was sure, by now, that she would have made it clear. She wouldn't make him flounder, she was far too kind for that.
"And eventually," he added, "I will be able to do it on my own. Maybe even for you, too."
Or her other employees, or anyone she needed to outfit for any reason. Akahana had told him he could assist her in ways other than just being an accountant, and Jake looked forward to being relied upon. To being given the responsibility of carrying out any task she set him to. To being given her trust, and, hopefully, earning it.
He nodded again when she expressed her opinion of the House of Pain. Jake had enjoyed his time there, but mostly because he and Mina had met Ran and that had turned out good for them both. It had been their first time there, and they hadn't been there very long before being picked up by the chain-and-mesh-clad vampire.
"It was good, because Ran brought me to you," he said softly. He would like the club for that, always. Had he not met Ran he may never have known Akahana and his life would forever be lacking something that he couldn't put a finger on.
Along with the many facts he'd already learned about his mistress, Jake mentally recorded her tastes when it came to clothing texture. He wasn't surprised; she had already shown on several occasions that she liked to touch. Little caresses, slides of her graceful hand, were common for her and Jake loved that.
What was surprising was her ability to determine things from objects. Jake had a little familiarity with the fact that their kind had certain abilities that seemed magical, but Akahana's was so very suitable for her too. "That has to have come in useful," he said. "As a supplement."
He didn't think she needed to touch something to learn about a person. Akahana was observant and perceptive already. But surely such an ability was still useful to have. Jake nodded and blushed a little when she told him what she felt from the necklace he'd made.
She told him dinner had arrived just before it actually did, which gave him a moment to be amazed at the sharpness of her hearing and also to try to do something about his physical state, which had been one of arousal for several minutes now. Not that the brief warning was enough time to change it, but at least his yukata was roomy enough that he was sort of able to conceal himself beneath it when he went to his clothes to get enough money from his wallet for a tip and answered the door. A waiter rolled a neatly-set tray table into the room, uncovered it with a little flourish, and left shortly after without wasting any time. He had a crisp, professional demeanor and hardly looked at them, for which Jake was grateful.
The rich, enticing smell of Italian food wafted up from the perfectly polished white china. Jake's stomach rumbled but rather than sit somewhere else and eat directly from the rolling cart, he moved all of the food and the drinks to the table in the outer room of the suite. Things like this, he could easily do. If Akahana wanted him to do it a particular way he was sure, by now, that she would have made it clear. She wouldn't make him flounder, she was far too kind for that.
Akahana Yoshida
10 years ago
Akahana followed Jacob into the outer room and settled herself in one of the chairs. "Bring the strawberries over as well.†A head nod indicated the bowl nearby. She sipped her champagne as she watched him eat and occasionally indulged in a chocolate covered strawberry, savoring the tangy sweetness of the fresh berries.
"It does come in handy.†She commented on her ability. "and occasionally it has been less than pleasant.†Akahana smiled ruefully. "If I ever refuse to sit down on something...well, there is probably a good reason.†Objects had long memories of potent emotional events; some of those she did not care to relive.
She debated about telling him her other abilities but decided against it. There was a lot for him to remember already, plus a girl needed a few secrets to hand out later. Eventually Jacob would know her better than most people and be closer to her, on a daily basis, than anyone. They didn't need to rush the proverbial dating period and go straight to the marriage.
And speaking of dating, Akahana hadn't failed to notice the reaction that Jacob had to adjust slightly to hide in order to get up and answer the door. She would let him take his time with dinner but after that she was taking him back to the bedroom to 'learn' a few new things about her.
((OOC: If you want to end it here then close just close it. If Jacob has a final overall reaction he wants to add then that's good too. ))
"It does come in handy.†She commented on her ability. "and occasionally it has been less than pleasant.†Akahana smiled ruefully. "If I ever refuse to sit down on something...well, there is probably a good reason.†Objects had long memories of potent emotional events; some of those she did not care to relive.
She debated about telling him her other abilities but decided against it. There was a lot for him to remember already, plus a girl needed a few secrets to hand out later. Eventually Jacob would know her better than most people and be closer to her, on a daily basis, than anyone. They didn't need to rush the proverbial dating period and go straight to the marriage.
And speaking of dating, Akahana hadn't failed to notice the reaction that Jacob had to adjust slightly to hide in order to get up and answer the door. She would let him take his time with dinner but after that she was taking him back to the bedroom to 'learn' a few new things about her.
((OOC: If you want to end it here then close just close it. If Jacob has a final overall reaction he wants to add then that's good too. ))