Roleplay City
Infusco => INFUSCO: Enter The Shadows => The Carnival & Caravan Park => Topic started by: Black Philip on November 03, 2019, 08:41:38 AM
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The Traveler had taken the public bus, strumming their guitar for a crowd of gathered Brazilian kids. They'd accused Tyler of not being able to rap, and the proceeding rap battle between the kids and the guitarist had kept his mind company as he rode along towards the fairgrounds. They parted as friends, with some of the older kids promising to check out the traveler's weekly show at The White Rabbit. Tyler had a habit for making friends in unlikely places, and with a disarming smile and cool demeanor Tyler made a lot of friends. Of course, Tyler also made a lot of enemies, or as was the current case, Tyler inherited the enemies of the local Anarchs. Ben Samson had been misleading at best in their first meeting. It was a real shame since Tyler had liked the guy. However, his read out of Jake's situation had been outright untruthful, and led Tyler to generally believe Jake's warnings regarding Ben.
It made being sent to find Ben and talk to him all the more perilous, as Tyler didn't want to cause any more harm than was needed. Elections could be fair, and if Jake was to lose Tyler thought that was likely the will of the people. On the other hand, this was one of only a few cities where the Anarchs had any real representation, and so far Tyler didn't trust Ben to take care of them. Jake said Ben called them things like mindless followers and insane. Such a person was not fit to lead the vulnerable and the different. It was why Tyler had taken this mission from Lisa-Joe. The traveler wanted to hear from Ben directly, and gain assurances that should Jake fall, that the Anarchs would be respected and included in whatever new government came to be. Officially, he was here to see what kind of event Ben put together, to review his campaign literature, and most importantly to see where he stood on the issues. Tyler had managed to stay out of Jake's campaign directly, and so was appearing here as an undecided voter.
He wore his long tan overcoat and fedora, a knitted sweater underneath the outer layer. Dark jeans, a chain wallet and slicked back hair finished Tyler's look, and he carried his beat up guitar case as he stepped off the bus and moved his ways towards the carnival. After assuring ward security that the only thing in the guitar case was a guitar and that Tyler had heard about the party in a sup magazine, they waved him through. Once inside, the traveler moved through the food stalls, delighted by the humans clamoring for hot dogs and funnel cakes. Tyler might have a bite while here, but first he would do his job of observing.
They ended up in the sideshow alley, and found some stacked egg crates to sit on. They took out their guitar, and tuned it as they scanned the area. Now, they would wait.
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As the meet and greet drew to a close, the tent wall was rolled back in place. The crowd had thinned out in the last half hour already and as Ben spoke to the final few people hanging around, two of his staff returned to the front to hand out merchandise bags once again.
Ben and Kerr stole away. He'd anticipated they would be stopped on several occasions to shake hands or weather questions but other than his name being called out a few times and being waved at, he was generally left alone.
The carnival was packed with bodies. He'd been told by one of his staff that Brannigans had already received the first refill delivery truck and would probably call out for a second one soon. Vampires were taking advantage of the free blood provided by them and Ben was pleased about that because it meant it was less likely an incident would happen on the grounds. There were a lot of Wardens around though, as well as a private security company Kerr had vetted and hired. If the carnival went well, they would be hired for a lot more events. Ben couldn't rely on the Ward for private functions.
He was looking for members of the Sacrament. He was in their district and had hoped they would show. None of them had come to his first meet and greet but there was still a lot of time left. The night, for vampires, was very young.
He heard the guitar before he saw the person playing it. It had made him think of a long-ago human named Daniel who'd been teaching him guitar, and given him a spark of guilt for not keeping up with his lessons. He would've googled Daniel's name to see how he was doing with his music but he couldn't remember Daniel's last name. Thinking of him brought up a swirl of mixed emotions and he looked up at Kerr, squeezing their combined hands so Kerr would look down and he could steal another kiss. This time there wasn't a woop and he was grateful for that.
The guitarist turned out to be a familiar face and Ben was surprised. Of course he shouldn't be, but he hadn't seen Tyler again after he'd sent the newcomer to Jake after filling them in on the status of the city. He'd thought Tyler had come and gone already.
"Tyler, hello," he greeted, approaching with a smile. The drawing he'd been given by the other vampire was framed and in the library. "It's nice to see you again." He was aware that Tyler was one of Jake's people but their meeting had been civil and interesting and he'd been curious. "I hope things went well with Jake. Tyler, I'd like you to meet Kerr Galvin."
He was smiling, genuinely pleased that Tyler had come.
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Kerr smiled on cue and reached the hand that wasn't connected to Ben forward for shaking.
"Hi there, Tyler," he greeted warmly, his gaze travelling over the musician appreciatively. He thought the hat and overcoat were a bit kitschy but they did add to the guitarist's mysterious aesthetic. Tyler probably thought his black suit with his tie matching Ben's jacket and eyes was boring and/or corny, so that would be fair.
Ben had told him of Tyler's visit to the Luminary but Kerr didn't bother recalling details. They were an associate or friend (boss?) of Jake's, that was all that was important to Kerr just then.
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Tyler ended up being a shade for most of the night, a few stray people being taken in by the strumming of their guitar, but not much else. The traveler noted how populated the event was and considered it a bad sign for Jake. They overheard people saying they lived in the south, north, and a lot in the East. That didn't meant they didn't see Central District folks, but the musician wondered if the turnout from the actual voters would've been higher if he'd placed it at his fancy Luminary building. Jake had mentioned that Ben wanted a city wide election, and it seemed as though that was the campaign he was still running.
What the Brujah didn't know, was whether it was strategy, or if it was simply too late to change plans. Either way, it was something to report back to Jake. They'd missed Ben's speech, simply being in the wrong part of the carnival at the wrong time. However, they did overhear excited listeners chatting about it as they passed.
Omg, he's so young. It makes me feel like I can do something like this one day...
Jake better be worried about this one.
What a cool party. Ben's awesome!
There had been some negative comments too, mostly ancients grumbling about Ben's presentation, his relationship with Kerr and his level of respective power. Tyler didn't consider power a prerequisite for leadership, but they knew many vampires did. For creatures prone to the darker sides of existence, having a punitive parent was strangely effective, and the vampire had to know that the parent was capable of destroying them. The Camarilla and Sabbat both built their systems of control based on these principles, and from what Tyler understood about the city, so did the Oligarchy and so did the District Leaders.
A powerful witch, an ancient vampire family, a strange and mercurial shadow demon, and a pair of dark angels would be the leader's peers. Jake didn't suffer from this problem as bad as Ben. He was older, but also had a reputation as a fighter. Ben was clearly also a fighter, but as the musician sat locked in dreamy contemplation, they wondered if the city would see it the same way they did. It was in this sound chamber of thought that Tyler sensed a familiar aura approaching. As the young one stopped in front of the traveler, their hands came to a well timed end, the song somehow sounding perfectly in conclusion.
"Hey Ben, nice carnival. The vibe is real peaceful and fun." He smiled slowly, letting Ben wonder how wide it would be. They turned and looked over Kerr, the name fitting the description given before Tyler had come to the city. Mr. Galvin was much older than Ben, but still younger than the traveler. They placed the guitar neatly on top of its case, and took both their hands for a strange triple handshake.
"Nice to meet you Kerr, heard good things from my contacts elsewhere. Your reputation proceeds you."
Out of another's mouth, it would've sounded like lip service, flattery, or perhaps and abundance of politeness, but from Tyler's down to earth, and frankly slow, style of speech it sounded purely factual to their experience. Turning back to Ben, the traveler asked, "hey, you keep that picture?" A big smile beamed as they waited for a response.
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Ben answered Tyler's smile with his own, feeling oddly shy about the drawing even though Tyler was the artist who'd given it to him. It was like being at the receiving end of a serenade or having a bunch of strangers applaud and cheer when getting out of a car... they were positive things but made him feel out of place and awkward. The drawing wasn't anywhere near as extra.
"Yes, I framed it and it's hanging in the library. Nobody's ever given me a drawing before," he said. He forgot about Mandy, who was a passing woman from his movie memories and he didn't associate anything with her. Only Kerr would know that Ben was incorrect.
He looked from Tyler to Kerr with his smile still on his face because he was lost for words. His earlier passionate and confident demeanour was gone.
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Kerr's eyebrows lifted and he smiled, pleased that good things had preceded his arrival in Tyler's sphere. That wasn't always an easy thing to accomplish. Having it said to him so openly left him feeling a little embarrassed, in fact.
"Oh! Well, thank you, that's good," he stammered somewhat awkwardly, squeezing Tyler's hand. It somehow felt like very personal and deliberate attention. He noticed a similar sensation coming from Ben and marvelled at the musician's effect on the pair of them as he withdrew his hand and straightened, watching the relative stranger thoughtfully.
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Tyler smiled appreciatively that Ben had kept the sketch, and felt a little embarrassed it was hanging on display. He had a spark of life in him. He was so young he remembered human feelings and emotions. Tyler had wondered if perhaps this was a good reason for Ben to lead. He was a man of the modern world. For the critiques that Ben's age led to unique inexperience, Kerr's presence offered the insights of age, but seemingly without the baggage of an ancient. There was a warmness that Tyler received from Kerr. It bode well for him.
"Well, I thank you for liking it so much," they said to Ben. "I'll do you next Kerr, if ya like."
Tyler hadn't brought a sketch pad to the event, but perhaps they could schedule a sitting in the future. "Event seemed like a big hit for you," Tyler followed up. "Lots of voters been saying positive things."
It wasn't false flattery, but for now, Tyler left out the less positive things they'd heard. They wanted to see if Ben was open to hearing those things.
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At the comment about 'positive voters' Ben puffed laughter that wasn't quite a scoff but certainly held a tinge of cynicism. "Yes, it's nice to hear from my supporters," he agreed, wondering how long that afterglow would last once the carnival was shut down.
Even if they remained strong voters in his favour, he'd already overheard softly spoken comments (and those said loudly by carnival-goers when walking past his tent) that Ben's tactic of buying votes wouldn't work on them. Jake supporters. Or possibly those who resented having to vote in the first place.
There had been one comment that had stuck with him by someone in the tent, whispered to their friend; 'it doesn't matter who we vote for, we're going to end up with a vampire in charge'. That particular comment had struck home because he had no power to please them. He could talk about his advisors but he would still be the vampire in charge.
"We'll see what happens in the weeks to come," he added shortly, admitting that he didn't think the carnival had staying power in people's minds. If they could forget Jake's invasion of the west, they weren't going to remember a dinky little carnival, even if it was free. All he could hope for were lingering positives and lingering negatives.
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Kerr merely laughed and dipped his head towards his shrugging shoulder in an acquiescent manner when Tyler offered to draw him, thinking the older vampire was only being polite and didn't mean it. His demeanour was positive regardless, for Kerr was no stranger to having intimate artworks made of him and it would be rude to refuse such a friendly offer. He wasn't sure anyone ever said no to Tyler, no matter what was being offered, though he couldn't say exactly why he got that vibe from the Brujah.
He watched the interplay between Tyler and Ben; the one flattering and the other dishearteningly demure. His thumb stroked Ben's inner wrist gently, wishing to be encouraging. "So long as they remember when the election is, this endeavour will have been a success," he offered, for that was exactly the point of it all. He doubted the city's residents could forget, considering the amount of propaganda plastered around the carnival grounds; every flat surface sported election posters filled with all the necessary details. If they walked out with their bellies full and that date burnt into their brains, Kerr would be very satisfied.
~*~
Harm came upon Ben quite by accident. He'd arrived at the carnival after his frustrating evening with Trick, clean-shaven, dressed in a fresh outfit, exceedingly restless and thoroughly miserable. He knew he'd got back too late to attend Ben's first meet and greet so he'd been roaming the grounds while he waited for eleven o'clock to arrive. Well, he was stalking more than he was roaming, trying to shake off his hurt and confusion. To no avail.
Honestly, why he'd thought revisiting the place he'd had such a good time with Trick would work to get him out of his head was beyond him. Everything brought up happy and amazed feelings - ooh, the carpark where Trick had talked about the sweetness of their time together, awww, the eating area where Trick had shown him his water nymph abilities in action, heyyy the ride they'd kissed at while waiting in line... aargh! - which all soured immediately when the dominant memory of Trick practically running out of his apartment overwrote them. He was torturing himself, not distracting himself!
And then, without warning, there was Ben, just standing there in his awesome blue jacket, talking to a guitarist and holding hands with a tall, dark and handsome someone whose matching tie screamed sire/boyfriend. K... eith? Kel? Something starting with K. He knew his name but it was suddenly beyond him at that moment. Harm came to a stop, blinking in surprise as he worked out his eyes weren't deceiving him. The sexy vampire was real and of course he was an idiot to assume Ben wouldn't walk around his own carnival in between his meets. He felt foolish for not thinking of it earlier.
Hrmm. He looked involved in a conversation with the muso. Harm decided it would be rude to interrupt so he stepped back, glancing around to find a better position from which to satisfy his curiosity. His goal had been to observe Ben's relationship in action and this was the perfect opportunity. He could even stalk them along the walkways - from a discreet distance, of course - once they moved on. Or he could be an adult and approach. The problem was, if Ben was nice to him right now, he wasn't convinced he wouldn't cry and start blubbering about Trick. That would not be cool (though getting another perspective would be).
Harm worked his way around, off to the side and slightly behind Tyler, out of direct light and in the shadows. He was in Ben's line of sight but Harm strongly doubted he'd look over and (falsely) thought his cover of darkness would obscure him adequately. He was dressed nondescriptly in a pair of jeans, boots a white tee and a black hoodie with a zip down the middle. It was open because it kept him from overheating - the night was as cool as the day had been warm but his churning emotions were keeping his temperature high - but he wondered if he should zip up and pull the hood on for extra concealment.
Nah, that'd just ruin his hair.
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Tyler hadn't expected to get this much time with Ben, let alone meet the person that most people Tyler talked to considered this city's last stable leader. The traveler decided to use the access to see exactly what kind of leader Ben would be, and now wondered how much of a role Kerr would play in things. Monarchy had many forms, and handing the keys back to someone who once ruled through marriage could be just as bad as Jake calling himself the Black Prince. Tyler didn't registrar Harm's entrance, or hiding. They were mostly focused on Ben, his face, the way he'd be reacting to what they had to say.
"I want you to know," Tyler began, but paused for a few moments, their face an unchanging smile. "I'm an undecided voter. I should be team Jake, Anrach and all. But after my meeting with him I'm concerned he's not the man for the job. I want to see how the other guy would do it, you."
Tyler wanted to smoke, but considered it rude in this moment. They had no sketch pad, and their guitar was packed away. The lack of distraction showed in eyes that began to dart around.
"I think Jake's a warrior, and if I may say, a damn good person for a vampire, but...," and yet another pause. "I fear his love of power, coveting of it, and desire for more of it. Jake might not wish to be a prince of the Camarillia, but he would've made an excellent one."
Tyler waited for Ben's reaction to that, and for Ben's own personal relationship with power to be revealed. The Anarchs future depended on it.
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When Harm first moved at the edge of his sight Ben didn't immediately notice, for there were many people wandering around. When Harm dawdled in the shadows, Ben's gaze flicked off Tyler to him enough that he recognised the blond nurse and then came back again. Tyler gave Kerr eye contact at that moment, for Kerr spoke about the upcoming voting date and that being the carnival's aim for success (and he was so sincere in that delivery that even Ben doubted there was an ulterior motive - but as far as ulterior motives went, theirs was a positive one).
A secret smile crept upon his lips because of Harm's presence but it was dashed and the mortal forgotten when Tyler declared themselves an undecided voter.
"Well, being here at this carnival you already know how I would do it," Ben said, for he'd made no secret about his Table of Advisors, that he would surround himself with leaders of all species to share the responsibility of leadership. It was in all of his propaganda; on his website, on his flyers, on his posters. "I won't lie, I'm excited about the thought of leading, of making decisions that will improve life for everyone. It also fucking terrifies me, that I'll make a mistake or end up making things worse." This last confession was something only Kerr had heard from Ben, very early in the morning, when they were about to give in to sleep. Ben had made a habit of blurting out his worst fears right when they didn't have time to talk it over, but it would always be discussed when waking the next evening. "But a leader should carry that weight, should feel the gravitas of every decision. We all look at the world through one lens. It makes sense for a leader to see through as many as possible," Ben said finally.
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Almost at the tail end of Ben's encouraging words, Tyler put forth another question, this one with weight, and a more firm voice.
"How about an Anarch lens," the traveler challenged. "Can you see through one of those as leader?"
Tyler turned back to Kerr, as if he too were expected to speak to the question posed.
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Tyler's shift in tone irked Ben enough to form a sharpened reply.
"The Camarilla are the monarchs, leading from the top down. Anarchs are mediators, allowing everyone to live their lives and constantly negotiating for peace. I would have believed you saw that in me straight away."
Ben had come a long way during his time without Kerr. He'd thrown himself into the Academy, into research, isolating himself and burying his grief into knowledge. Sam's classes were informative, but every book she'd mentioned to read or only in passing (and even those she didn't but were footnotes at the texts she'd recommended) he'd read them all. He'd learnt a lot about the bloodline vampires and their politics, and Charon had taught him the rest about the old European alliances. He suspected his knowledge was still broad and general, but he knew enough to understand that Jake's leadership of the Anarchs was paid in lip service only. He was a poser, a fraud, a Camarilla slumming it with punks and thugs to shield the thing he really was.
A Ventrue through and through.
Ben was closer to the Anarch way than Jake, but he didn't lay a claim to it.
"You and I both know what Jake is," he said. It was as close as he dared speak ill of him to someone who was possibly in his pocket (or, as Ben suspected, the other way around).
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Kerr quirked an eyebrow and pulled a disbelieving face at Tyler when they asked a question that was, in Kerr's honest opinion, stupid. They had to be kidding... right?
Ben had just said his aim was to see through as many lenses as possible, to do his best to meet the needs of a highly diverse supernatural community (amongst which Anarchs didn't rank as particularly exotic, in Kerr's opinion). It was a given that an 'Anarch lens' would be amongst them, they were a significant cohort within the city.
Tyler was obviously looking for a bit of reassurance. To his absolute credit, Ben indulged the question anyway. Equably and insightfully (again... in Kerr's opinion). Kerr didn't take the bait and respond to the prompt of Tyler asking their question in his direction, though. As far as he was concerned, he had nothing of value to add.
The elder vampire had stated that they believed Jake to not be up to the job, that he was a Camarilla Prince at heart. Ben had concurred with that theory by agreeing they both knew what Jake was. A Ventrue cultivating a unique power base to serve his own purposes and at the expense of his true supporters - one of whom Tyler ought to be, surely? Kerr held his tongue, expecting Ben's answer to impress.
He relented enough to relax his expression, though, keeping it neutral.
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Tyler had hoped to be reassured that Ben would be a fair and good leader to the Anarchs if he won. Indeed, the statement Ben made regarding Anarch philosophy was accurate, although under explored for what was under discussion, but that seemed to be all he had to say on the subject, other than a further indictment of Jake. They did both know who Jake was, but what Tyler wanted to know was who Ben was. Disliking Jake's rule wasn't enough to make Tyler vote for Ben, no matter how troubled they were by Jake's lust for power. What Tyler really wanted to know was if Ben would be any better, or if he too would seek only the furtherance of his own agenda.
On the surface, that didn't seem to be the case. Ben spoke of the gravitates of each decision, of his excitement as well as his fear. The statements suggested at humility, although Tyler wouldn't have minded a more direct dose of it. Ben also made no attempts to explain his earlier statements regarding the Anarchs, the kind said to Jake during the genesis of this cycle of hatred.
The people you surround yourself with are mentally unstable, and instead of seeking professional help, you all make excuses for each other and celebrate how fucking awesome you all are.
True, Tyler hadn't specifically asked about that comment, and doubted they would at least here, but Ben knew what he'd said, and so far hadn't addressed it. It combined poorly with something Ben had actually uttered.
I would have believed you saw that in me straight away.
Arrogance. There was an assumption that Tyler would see something instead of just explaining why Ben thought he fit that mold. That was similar to how Jake saw things. Was Ben too a Camarilla prince in disguise, or could he really be something new? The Brujah still didn't know. Kerr was right to think that Tyler was here for reassurances, and so far he didn't have what he needed. The only thing they didn't know was how much they should probe Ben, and how much of it was Ben's responsibility to sway their vote. Here was a person telling Ben they didn't want to vote for Jake, and asking why Ben thought he was the better choice. This was the kind of vote practically dangling to be snatched, but could Ben close the deal? Did Ben not understand that the Anarchs would vote with Tyler, and that what was really being offered was the destruction of any chance Jake had at winning? It didn't appear so.
"I know who Jake is," Tyler said carefully, ignoring Kerr since he'd decided not to add to the dialogue regarding the Anarchs. "I want to know who you are. Not liking the other guy isn't enough, and while I like some of what I see, I still don't know enough to feel good about casting a vote for you. Maybe I just need time to absorb the information, or maybe I need to see that you will really listen to the people who look to me for guidance."
Then Tyler had an idea, a way to test Ben's metal. "Hey, how about you agree to meet some Anarchs? I could easily arrange an event of some kind. You could hear from some of them directly about what they think the city needs. I can also make sure Jake isn't anywhere near this meeting. Interested?"
Tyler very much wanted this to work out, for Ben to be the answer to what they'd dubbed, "the Jake problem." However, there was something to be said for voting for the snake you knew, instead of the one you didn't know. Tyler knew they could likely control Jake to an extent if he got out of hand, keep him in his proper place. Ben wouldn't provide that kind of access or influence to a stranger. "And I don't want this gig because being in actual power just isn't in the cards for me, but maybe for your council of advisers you should consider a Brujah. It would be nice for my clan to have some access to the new leader. Are you open to something like that? Far as I know, we are the biggest clan in the city."
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Ben saw the offering for what it was; access to Jake's supporters. He wouldn't have believed he'd get a chance to talk to them, that he would have a chance to present his case. For a moment Ben could only stare while his mind turned, shock apparent in his eyes rather than on the rest of his face. His lips parted just enough for him to lick them and his head turned toward Kerr but it never made the full way there. Instead, he looked at the distant ground between Tyler and Kerr before swinging his gaze back to Tyler.
"Of course I am," he said, hoping that the silence between the offer and his acceptance wouldn't be read as hostile when it had only been a gathering of focus. "I would love that opportunity, thank you. If you could promise me... Lisa-Joe won't be there," he said, the woman's name feeling toxic in his mouth even before he spoke it, "I'd welcome meeting anyone from your clan to become a potential Advisor, but I wouldn't feel safe with her in the room."
He would pick having Jake there over her, easily.
-
Tyler felt relief at Ben's acceptance. They'd feared Ben wouldn't take the opportunity being presented. It wouldn't come from any other source. The only other Anarch leader besides Jake and Tyler was Lisa-Joe, and she'd already made it clear to Tyler what she thought of Ben.
He's a total sociopath, Lisa-Joe had insulted as she wiped down some glasses. Classic pretty boy type with a case of the me, me, me's.
Tyler didn't share the opinion, and even Jake in all his anti Ben rants had never gone as far as Lisa-Joe. Jake certainly thought Ben was a prick, but he respected him in a strange way. Ben was someone who started with nothing, and even if he lost the election he would still be an incredibly influential vampire in the city. He'd cornered the private markets not already claimed, and had placed himself at the center of supernatural life. The academy, the app, the donor program, and the campaign had all made anyone who was anyone know the name Ben Samson.
"You ain't the first person I've met who's held that opinion," Tyler replied, in reference to Lisa-Joe. They hid their satisfaction. Lisa-Joe could be a scary bitch, and it was one of several reasons Tyler loved her. She was a true Brujah, unapologetic, strong, and always rebelling against something. She also had a nasty right hook. "I'll make sure she's busy."
-
"Thank you," Ben said, the warmth apparent in his voice. True gratitude. Lisa-Joe was unstable. It didn't matter what her personality type was, it was the instability, the unpredictability of her violent nature that he feared and loathed. To give a woman like that power was like giving someone like Digital access to bombs. No sane person would do it.
But Jake had. It was one of the greatest flaws of his leadership - the people he chose to surround himself with. It was what had made Ben look at Damien in a new, unpleasant way. He didn't know his employee all that well, but he seemed a calm type. Being involved with Jake was suspicious. Fucking around with lab experimentation on vampire blood was intensely suspicious. At least with Jake and Lazarus, you could see them coming.
He pushed Jake and Damien and Lisa-Joe out of his mind to answer the question Tyler had posed to him, twice. He didn't have a prepared speech, but he could speak from the heart about how he felt. Surprisingly, he always came across better when he spoke candidly than when he had prepared notes.
"Just so you know, I haven't talked about sub-groups within species for a reason. I recognise for the vampires that there will be majority groups such as the Anarchs, and then there's the Ancient Consort that will probably ignore me like they ignore Jake, and they're all going to want a specific something... but I can't address it into the general campaign because representation of every species is my banner. Delving into political groups within those species will just muddy my message, but rest assured that I understand and respect their influence. Your influence."
-
Tyler appreciated Ben's explanation of his strategy regarding sub-groups. They thought of pointing out that the clans didn't really see themselves as the same as catiff, but figured that was some of their own internal prejudice. Perhaps it was time to put old feuds aside and be one species. Maybe Ben was on to something. Jake's idea was that people didn't define by species but by faction and beliefs. It was also an interesting way to look at the groups in the city.
"I thank you for explaining," Tyler replied, nodding to make sure Ben knew the sincerity of their words. "I can say generally, we don't want anything more than to be treated like equals, given safety and respect, and the ability to have a small section of the city to congregate, a turf within your domain."
Tyler realized halfway through their answer that the Anarchs did actually want stuff. Asking for turf was actually a sizable demand. He smiled sheepishly, but decided not to correct his statement. "Well, you'll hear more when you meet people. I know you'll do great. I got one final favor to ask, and I hate to say it, but it's about Jake."
-
Ben was also aware that asking for 'turf' was a massive request, but there were already ideas forming in his mind for how to meet that... and then Tyler requested another favour to ask, mentioned Jake and then kept quiet.
Ben waited for a moment before he realised the other vampire needed a prompt.
"I'm listening," he said, careful to choose such words because he wanted to know that he would at least do that much for Tyler's request, and even try to consider it if it wasn't too off-the-wall.
-
Tyler grew more serious now, some of his laid back and casual nature being replaced by something aged, and weary. They were nervous because they feared overstepping. Interference, or the assumption of a relationship was not something Tyler wanted Ben to connect with them, and yet there was something that needed to be said. It was a hard decision to speak on it, but the traveler hoped it was the right one.
"Since I've been in town, I've heard about your feud with Jake." They let that sit for a second, but continued before it could be denied or confirmed. "Let the past die," Tyler advised, sending out a tendril of mental connection for Ben to take. Kerr was invited too, but not as warmly, and it seemed more out of politeness than desire to include him. In Tyler's experience, sires often wanted to be included in the mental communications of their childer. Misbehavior could occur otherwise.
If Ben accepted the connection, his mind would see a brief series of images, short bursts of memory meant to convey a relationship quickly. The first was of a handsome knight, in shinning armor who held the banner of King Charles the 7th of France. The knight extended his hand, and Tyler took it in their own. Ben would see unaltered flesh, no tattoos, and would fell the pulse of Tyler's long gone humanity. The feelings were relief, gratitude, infatuation, but mostly, anger. The anger was deep and bitter, well formed and chewed on. It was a lot of burden for one so young.
The next image was that of a monster. A tall, blonde, dark fey like creature bore down and hunted a hungry fledgling for sport. In reality, he was an ancient vampire, and Tyler was nothing more than a fledgling. They knew he was playing them, cutting them off when convenient, popping up to scare them every so often. The dread from his aura was terrifying, and all Tyler could think or feel in this moment was survive, survive, survive.
The next image was a mighty castle, the throne room in fact. The monster from before had been beaten to the point of death, even for a ancient Kindred. Hardenstadt looked on in fear as two Brujah pulled him to his feet, and tossed him upon the throne. His mind was weakened from loss of blood, and so he was no longer a threat. Tyler approached, and Ben would see their full image for the first time, the other moments vaguely glossing over their appearance. The traveler crossed to the throne, and whispered into Hardenstadt's ear.
The Ventrue don't deserve your power. But I do. Tyler moved their lips to the Ventrue's neck, and it was then that the ancient one knew how he'd face demise. In a moment of pure rage, they bit down on their hunter's flesh, their compatriots cheering as they consumed the essence of their mortal enemy. The Anarchs had lost the war, but Tyler would ensure that their Camarilla oppressors would know the beast they have created, and they would do it by taking the Camarilla's first son. It was personal, political, and terrible. As Tyler consumed the last of his blood, the vampire's body crumbled into dust. Tyler felt power like never before, but the other vampires in the room backed away slowly. For their vengeance, and their power, they'd blackened their own soul. A stain, dark as night was clear to all the Kindred around them, and in that moment, something good about Tyler died. It faded away, leaving them the worse for it. Their power would give them no relief from their guilt and regret.
The images ended. "Jake will never stop competing with you for power. If he loses, he'll find someway for you to continue this rivalry. It's just in his nature. But you can be the bigger person, and end it now. Two vampires vying for power and control will always compete for dominance, unless one of them stops it."
-
Ben watched the images and recoiled from the last, looking at Tyler in new light. His opinion changed in an instant but his respectful nature did not. No longer was he intrigued and adoring. He looked at Tyler now as he'd looked at Themba. Even at Charon, when he'd learnt more about the Ancient. They'd all come from darker times and Ben had the option of civilisation... but even though he was a modern vampire, he wasn't so naive as to confuse himself as a modern creature. His bloodline might not be from an ancient clan, but it was old just the same.
Asking him to let the feud go was something that was in his ability, but Ben understood that feuds were not one-sided. If he stopped warring with Jake there was no guarantee that Jake would stop warring with him. Tyler had even said as much.
It's just in his nature.
Ben's confusion drove his response.
"You tell me to end the rivalry but you also declare Jake won't stop if I win this campaign. It sounds like my only option is to drop out of the running but you've also offered me a chance to speak with your people and potentially win their votes. Help me to understand what it is you want because it's unclear."
There was no hostility in his request but a frankness, a desire to know what Tyler believed was the right option. Ben had no time for guidance in the guise of careful words and riddles. He needed to make informed decisions with all of the options laid out for him.
-
Tyler hoped their point would've been more clear, but that was the problem with storytelling to teach, sometimes the point get's lost. They locked eyes with Ben, forming an apologetic smile.
"I don't want you to drop out," they began. "Let me assure you of that first. I'm hoping you will win."
Now that was out of the way, Tyler explained what they'd meant about Jake, and how Ben could settle it. "My point is, make peace with him, if you can. He won't start the process. That's his pride, and as long as he thinks you want this to keep going, he'll keep it going; but if you offer him peace, offer him an olive branch, I think he will take it. His heart is conflicted and part of him wants an end to conflict, but he's stubborn and proud. That's why it has to be you. Break the cycle that has consumed our kind for as long as we've existed. If the city can see you and Jake make peace, then I feel the rest of the bubbling cauldrons of conflict in this metropolis will calm down. You and Jake making peace, means the whole city might find some, and I believe you're the one who will make it happen."
Ben and Jake both represented the new age of vampires. They were the leaders of tomorrow, of this city and the rest of the world. What kind of start would this generation have in power? Would Jake and Ben still be fighting five hundred years from now? More likely, one of them would be dead by then. Tyler hoped Ben would usher in a new era, and that the violent and destructive part of Kindred history would start to close when he was elected. It all hinged on his ability to make peace with Jake, and heal this city from the top down.
-
Ben couldn't contain his surprise at being told outright Taylor hoped he would win. It was subtle, but a perceptive vampire would see how his eyes widened slightly, how his muscles tensed here and there such as in his jaw but not in his neck or shoulders, but how his spine grew a little more rigid so he'd brought himself up a miniscule taller. Ben felt the surprise in his body and knew they wouldn't be missed so he didn't bother trying to cover it up.
The rest of it wasn't a surprise but a relief. He was hoping that was all Tyler meant, though in saying that it was still a big ask. He thought Tyler was putting a lot of stock in him, that he would be able to convince Jake that his request for peace would even be real. He could imagine how that would go, being accused of faking, spying, trying to catch Jake off-guard... and other melodramatic outcomes that he was sure the other vampire had up his sleeve. It was hard to believe that Jake had so many centuries on him because he behaved like the younger. Maybe it had to do with being turned at sixteen. Sawyl had been turned at nine or eleven or somewhere in his adolescence, and it had stunted his emotional intelligence and social development. Maybe at sixteen Jake had been too young as well.
"If I'm the poster boy for uniting the species, it makes sense to start in my own backyard," Ben said in the silence that followed Tyler's request. "I only hope he doesn't resent me for making the first move. And I'll do my best not to hold that over him."
It was a concession, really, that he taunted Jake just as much as Jake spat vitriol at him. Ben considered himself better at it, but was it really something to be proud of? His snark? Congratulations, you're best at being an asshole! Yeah, maybe not.
"Thank you for the chat, Tyler. Your words carry weight."
-
Tyler smiled with appreciation. Ben had heard the point, and now it was up to him. Tyler was happy that Ben had listened. So many young vampires thought they had all the answers. Then again, so did the old ones. Tyler had learned all of them were wrong. Nobody had the answers to any more than maybe one or two of life's big questions. The rest was all guess work and listening.
"I thank you for your time," they said in much the same tone as Ben. "I should be getting on though. I got a show to play at the Rabbit."
They picked up their guitar and turned first to Kerr. "Got a good one here. I know you'll keep 'em safe." A hand was extended for a shake goodbye.
-
Kerr frowned and blinked at Tyler, giving him a tight smile as he nodded and shook their hand. The words gave him pause; they sounded like a vague threat to Ben. What did he need to keep Ben safe from? When and why? It seemed logical to connect the words to Ben's impending visit with the Anarchs or to Jake but... perhaps it was also nothing. He was possibly reading too much into it but the words left Kerr unsettled anyway.
~*~
Harm had lost interest in lurking and spying as Ben and Kerr fell into extended conversation with the musician. His thoughts had turned inward, rotating obsessively around Trick and the events that had led up to the water nymph walking out on him. He was still tucked away in shadow but had found the back of a van to lean on. His gaze had fallen to the ground not far from his feet, seeing the lovely face of a certain blue-eyed water nymph rather than the grass he appeared to be looking at.
-
Tyler didn't know what to make of Kerr, but considered that as long as Ben heeded their words it didn't really matter in the long run. If Tyler picked up on Kerr's discomfort, they certainly didn't show it, an enthusiastic smile greeting Kerr's tight one. They would've laughed at the idea their words could be considered a threat. Hadn't Kerr seen Tyler was here to support Ben and sell out Jake? They turned once more to Ben, offering the same hand.
"See ya soon future district leader," they said in goodbye, waiting for Ben's hand, and any parting words he might have, before leaving the tent. They started walking towards the exit, taking the back roads instead of the main entrance. Tyler thought their night of official work was over, but they soon found themselves being drawn into a fresh adventure.
Tyler's story continues in Synthesized Angel (http://www.roleplaycity.com/forum/index.php?topic=7631.0)
-
With Tyler leaving them, Ben gave Kerr a perplexed look and smile. "They're powerful and... I didn't think they would ever be in my corner," he said. If he lost the Chinatown votes to Jake but gained the Anarch votes from him, it would put them on even ground. If Ben could have one of those voting groups, it would be a boon and he might actually win.
He took Kerr's hand and squeezed it before checking that Harm was still loitering in the shadows. With a sly grin he faced Kerr again.
"I want you to meet someone. That nurse I met up with, Harm, he's here," Ben said, indicating with a gesture of his head where to look. Kerr knew the story for Ben had gushed it all to him, about the role he'd played in Harm's first time experience and how it had Ben had felt truly 'vampiric' when he'd been with him. It had been a fantasy actualised.
-
“That was all rather... unexpected,” Kerr agreed with Ben, still pondering Tyler’s words but also beginning to appreciate the magnitude of Tyler’s offer, which Ben had grasped immediately. His thoughtful expression shifted into a more relaxed smile as Ben took his hand and he anticipated they’d continue their exploration of the carnival together.
Instead, he was reminded of Ben’s tryst after his Brazilian Quarter exploration. It piqued Kerr’s interest, not just because Ben had gushed about the interlude but because he’d seen the way Harm had responded to the bite and it’d made him salivate. Experiencing it from Ben’s memory had been arousing; he was definitely interested in meeting the nurse.
Kerr waited a moment before he followed Ben’s head tilt, moving his eyes to subtly check out the mortal lurking nearby. He quickly realised subtlety wasn’t necessary because the boy was lost in his own thoughts. Kerr breathed a laugh, wondering why he was tucked in the shadows like that. Was he stalking Ben? How adorable.
“Ooh, yes please,” Kerr purred at Ben, his grin decidedly lecherous as Ben led their approach.
Harm didn’t notice them until their feet crossed the point of his middle distance staring and by then it was far too late to move. Startled, he straightened off the van and watched the pair of vampires walking towards him, all matching suited gorgeousness and swagger. He blushed, forcing his hands to his sides, fiddling with the zip ends on each side of his hoodie as he tried to think of a decent explanation as to why he was standing in this particular place, staring at this particular pair while fantasising about the water nymph who’d gone away.
“Oh! Uh, hi, Ben,” he smiled, knowing he sounded about as casual as a robot. It didn’t help that, as Ben got closer, Harm’s body tingled its response, remembering what it had felt like to be fucked by him and making his mouth water. It was fed by the arousal he’d felt for Trick, which just made things even more confusing. “I didn’t realise you, uh, saw me, but I-“ he broke off abruptly as he realised his mistake. He blushed harder. “Oh. You can see in the dark, can’t you?” he asked, deadpan, glancing at Kerr as he said something too quiet for him to understand and then threw his head back and laughed.
What Kerr said, that only Ben would hear, was, “Adorable.”
-
Ben smiled broadly, liking that he made Harm nervous and that Kerr thought he was cute as well. When they got close, Ben stepped forward into Harm, his hand moving to his shoulder to hold him as he went in for a kiss on the cheek, but because Harm turned his head (for whatever reason, certainly not because he'd guessed what Ben was doing) Ben ended up planting a kiss on the corner of Harm's mouth.
He pulled back, giving Harm a wry grin and staying at his side when he looked at Kerr.
"This is my partner, Kerr," he introduced. "Kerr, this is Harm, the nurse I told you about who I shared an amazing experience with." Ben looked closely at Harm, his thumb rubbing Harm's shoulder gently because he knew there would likely be embarrassment about the night, but Ben was looking forward to a repeat and he wanted Harm to feel comfortable about contacting him again... and to know that he was desired.
-
“Pleased to meet you, Harm,” Kerr smiled, holding the hand not connected to Ben out for shaking.
Flustered, Harm had to reach past Ben to shake Kerr’s hand, making it feel a little like he was squashed between them in some pseudo threeway type arrangement. His brain latched onto that thought all too easily because being sandwiched between these two would be fucking amazing.
The worst of it was that he knew enough about body chemistry and vampiric sensitivity to guess that the two men either side of him could likely smell the lust pheromones he was exuding all because of his overactive, horny imagination. The way they were both smiling at him, like he was a delicious snack they wanted to gobble, only reinforced his giddiness... and his desire for that to happen.
He really wished Trick had made his intentions clearer because Harm still had hope that he would come back and if that was the case, succumbing to his interest in whatever the fuck was happening with these vampires would be wrong. But it would be so good. Kerr reminded him a bit of Trick because he was dark and Trick’s height and Harm thought maybe that was his type because it really appealed. Then again, he only had to turn his head and his body became jelly when he looked at Ben, so apparently his type was more along the lines of ‘hot’ and ‘male’.
What a pathetic mess.
“It’s, uh, nice to meet you too, Kerr,” he stammered, wondering just how red his face was. It felt like atomic tomato from the inside. Kerr’s cool, smooth hand felt delicious in his; he fought the urge to bring it up to his hot face and let it go abruptly - because that struck him as reasonable and he knew it wasn’t. He looked at Ben and swallowed nervously, though a smile lifted the corners of his mouth, too. “You told him about us, then?” he asked, insanely flattered that he’d been worth talking about.
“Showed me,” Kerr corrected. “Everything.”
Harm could only look between the two of them, baffled. “Showed?” he queried.
-
"He watched my memory of it, my viewpoint," Ben explained, squeezing lightly upon Harm's shoulder. He stretched out Kerr's arm as he moved his lips to Harm's ear. "We both really like you," Ben said softly. The whisper wouldn't stop Kerr from knowing what was said, but it implied there was privacy for Harm's sake.
Ben stepped back again, giving Harm space by dropping his hand off the mortal's shoulder. He didn't go too far but now he was more in between Kerr and Harm rather than favouring the latter.
"Are you enjoying the carnival?" he asked after a long moment, rescuing Harm from his own reactions.
-
Harm's excitement at realising that vampires could watch each other's memories was obliterated by Ben leaning closer to him. His breath caught and he instinctively turned his head, bumping his cheek against Ben's. His face zinged and a throb of desire shot through him as he anticipated Ben was going to kiss him. He didn't but what he said travelled all the way through Harm and curled his toes, the lust making his cock throb and thicken.
He only exhaled when Ben pulled back, his lips parting and his breath a little less even as he watched Ben intently. Fuck, he could think of nothing other than what it had been like in bed with him, the way he'd fucked him and left him dripping with his cum, like he was the vampire's (willing) soiled property. He licked his lips as he looked from the blond and over his shoulder to Kerr, the brooding older vampire. He knew what fucking him was like. It was so weird to think about.
~*~
Kerr stepped in behind Ben, winding his arms about his waist, his hands splayed over Ben's hips in such a way that his fingertips were applying pressure around his groin, encircling it as a tease, while his thumbs stroked his abs lightly. He fitted the bulge of his flaccid cock into the valley of Ben's ass and ground it subtly from side to side because it felt nice and the sexual tension in the air made him want to fuck. He'd vowed to only be with Ben... but inspiration could come from elsewhere, surely?
Harm's pupils were dilated with desire, his body ripe with the scent of it and it was affecting Kerr. Was he seriously not aware of what a tantalising package he was? It appeared entirely guileless, which was fascinating. It wasn't even his blood calling to the predator in Kerr, it was Harm's manner. No wonder Ben had enjoyed him so much. There was something about him... a curious presentation of innocence mixed with honesty and confidence that made him intensely alluring.
~*~
Harm's gaze slid back to Ben after Kerr moved closer to his lover. The pair of them certainly looked like delicious slices of bread that Harm would delight in being the meat between. The fact that they both knew what it was like to be inside him - sort of - blew his mind and made him want to know more. He barely registered Ben's question for considering what it would be like to experience his first ever threesome with these two, chastising himself immediately afterwards for thinking such inappropriate thoughts at a formal event (but it was impossible not to, with Ben whispering sexily in his ear and Kerr looking at him with dark, hungry eyes while he felt Ben up).
"What?" he asked stupidly, then blinked, clearing his throat and licking his lips again. "Oh, the carnival. Yeah, it's really cool! I actually spent all day here, on a date," he smiled, feeling suddenly shy as thoughts of Trick finally resurfaced. Guilt followed. He ran a hand through his hair, fluffing and settling it to soothe his nerves. Everything was feeling a little surreal and overheated; his jeans were too tight and his breath was too loose and it was hard to look anywhere besides Ben's amazing eyes or his mouth.
Thinking about Trick was good. He needed to do that, to keep himself honest and the water nymph real - and to stop him thinking that just surrendering to these urges and meeting Ben and Kerr at their hotel later would be a good idea. It wouldn't, if he had hope for Trick.
"I met him a week ago and he's supernatural so we met here. It was a great day, we did a few rides, got some food, played some games. He won me a giant unicorn and a stuffed frog," Harm laughed. A little voice buried in his brain was panicking, saying, 'What are you doing? Shut up about Trick! Stop talking about him NOW! They don't want to hear about your stupid boy troubles!' but he couldn't stop, once he'd started.
"He's so great. His car broke down, though, so we had to go back to his place with his dad and sister - which was a little weird but they were super nice and they fed me dinner - then Trick dropped me home in his dad's car. We were making out and I took my shirt off and Trick freaked out and left. That's weird, right? It's not just me? Like, he wanted to calm down so we wouldn't get too worked up so I agreed to slow it down and I was hot so I took my shirt off and then he just... ran away. I don't know what to think. Should I call him or wait til he calls me? Wait for him to call, right? It's his move?" Harm asked then pressed his lips together so he really would stop.
Well, if he'd wanted to turn Ben off, he was pretty sure talking about another guy would do it. "Sorry," he apologised, blushing again.
Kerr dropped his forehead onto Ben's shoulder to hide his smile. He didn't want Harm to think he was laughing at him (even though he really was). Jesus fuck, he's ridiculously adorable, he pressed into Ben's mind, his amusement flowing with it. Harm was an unexpected palate cleanser in an evening fraught with tension and pressure. His date left when he took his shirt off. Un-fucking-believable. Kerr was having a hard time not bursting out laughing.
-
Ben smiled but his smile was compassionate, unlike Kerr's. He remembered the pain and embarrassment that came with rejection, especially when he thought it was all going swimmingly.
"Don't be sorry," Ben said, shaking his head. "Your instincts are right, it's a weird thing to do. If he doesn't call, you can always come to me. I know what he's missing out on," Ben said, his smile shifting to something that felt sexy on his face, his hand stealing out to brush Harm's hair behind his ear and leave a trail of soft touches with his fingertips along Harm's jaw.
He hoped this Trick guy didn't call Harm back. Ben was super pleased that Kerr thought he was sweet.
-
Kerr lifted his head to watch when Ben started speaking, getting himself under control and settling for a polite smile to betray his interest. He kept his gaze on Harm's face but consulted his memory to compare what Ben had shared of the mortal from their night together. It made him restless, his interest stirring further so he stopped before he gave himself away, focussing on the mortal's answer determinedly.
Harm wasn't as reassured by Ben's agreement that Trick's behaviour was weird as he thought he would be. It didn't erase the hurt or the confusion. Or the longing to fix it. There was some satisfaction in Ben telling him he didn't have to be sorry because it made him feel he wasn't alone. That sensation was shortlived, as Ben made another heart stopping offer. Harm's heart started hammering again, his breath uneven as he gazed at the vampire, unable to stop thinking about exactly what Ben knew. His face turned instinctually towards Ben's touch but he didn't follow through with his urge to get his mouth involved.
His skin prickled with goosebumps and he swallowed as his mouth flooded with saliva. He felt so obvious, despite having thought himself so clever hiding in the shadows. From creatures who navigated shadows as a lifestyle. He was so naive. There was something so appealing about being out of his depth with these two vampires, though. "I'll... uh, let you know how it works out," he promised, blushing shyly. He smiled, forcing himself to look away from Ben's hypnotic eyes because if he stayed here with them, he knew he'd do something he'd regret but he didn't have the willpower to walk away.
-
When Harm pulled his stare away Ben knew that there was a crossroads decision facing him. The magnetism between them was charged, the attraction so electric it felt like the air sizzled with it. Kerr's acceptance of the blond man before him gave everything an air of approval. Ben wanted him and was interested in him in a way he hadn't felt for anyone else. The animal attraction he had for Saraekiel was different - that one was potent and raw and felt most primal. Harm... he appealed in a more temperate, seductive way. He was the ingenue who had no idea how sexy he was... but was willing to learn how to use it.
Ben could seduce him away from this Trick fellow, the one who'd cut and run on him. He thought he could say the right things for Harm to pursue experience over hope. But there might be regret and Ben didn't want that between them. Better that Harm regret not being with him than the other way around. Better to release Harm back into the wild.
"Promise?" Ben urged, his gaze fixed on him even as Harm stared at whatever wasn't Ben.
-
Ben's voice was like music, his presence a drug. Harm craved him, his veins inexplicably heavy with blood he wanted Ben to suck out of him, his body raw from Trick's attentions and opening to the potential of Ben with frightening familiarity. His blue-green eyes slid helplessly back to Ben's shining ones and it was like a pulse of heat flowed straight through him, down to his groin, making him throb and harden.
"I promise," he replied meekly, not even sure what he was surrendering to this magnetic man because he was so dazed by him. Impulsively, he leant forward and pressed a kiss to Ben's cheek, aware that he'd missed the seductive danger zone of his mouth on purpose. Any more would be too much, the cool of his face already seared his hot lips with its cool firmness. He pulled away hastily, blinking.
"I should go. It was great meeting you, Kerr," he murmured, his gaze flicking past Ben to meet eyes so dark they were inscrutable. They were filled with heat and a message he couldn't decipher. Was it amusement? Lust? Maybe he was just seeing things, projecting his own feelings. "I... thanks for talking with me," he told Ben, unable to muster a smile. He licked his lips, tasting the blond vampire and turned, hoping Ben would stop him walking away, hoping he wouldn't, unable to figure out where the fuck he was even going.
Anywhere, as long as it was away from them. They were dangerous.