Out For Some Air

[Existentially Odd]

Kerr pulled the sleek BMW up against the curb and turned it off. He hastened out of the car and got to the passenger side as quickly as possible, managing only to offer Mandy a hand out, as she\'d already opened the door by herself. He was disappointed but realised that he probably had to say something next time, tell her to remain seated, because she was no doubt unused to someone waiting on her. Still, he helped her out with a smile, closed the door after her and locked it with a flash and a high-pitched beep as the alarm set itself. He took her hand as he slipped the keys into his back pocket, leading her slowly into the park.
 
He would have preferred to walk here from her apartment, but he had made the offer of a drive since he had the vehicle, and her eyes had immediately lit up. From the way she wiggled and sniffed when she\'d sat down, he knew she greatly approved of the black leather seats and immaculately-maintained cabin. Then, of course, the compliments had flowed and he\'d deferred them graciously; all he\'d done was buy the car, after all, not build it from scratch!
 
He allowed their joined hands to swing a little as they took their first awkward steps side by side, not yet in a synchronous rhythm. Tonight he found the small distance between them preferable to their usual habit of walking with her wrapped around his arm; every now and then he would smell her mixed with the night air or she would brush up against him in her ethereal skirt and each would cause a small burst of unnamed happiness to shiver through him. His smile was modest and not indicative of the true pleasure coursing through him as he took his new confidante exploring in the night.
 
"Do you know," he mused as they strolled along and he caught sight of the gazebo in the distance. There were lights designed to follow paths or shine up particularly large and beautiful trees throughout the park, but the gazebo was noticeable by the absence of light around it. "After our visit to the gallery the other night, I came for a walk through here to clear my head and I ran into the most unusual of creatures. A pretty little thing by the name of Naito - he was at the gallery, in fact; you may remember him looking at a painting as we passed and hearing bells not long after as he scampered off in fear. Looked quite feminine, but he was definitely a young male. He told me a great deal about him and his kind. He\'s not human, of course - he\'s a... a Pooka, or a Nightmare, apparently," Kerr informed her in a wondering tone of voice, only experiencing a momentary lapse of memory with regard to the creature\'s exact name.
 
Now that he\'d brought this topic to light, it reminded the vampire of the other non-mortal in Mandy\'s life; Arvis. He wondered if she knew what he was... and whether it was polite to broach the subject if she didn\'t. The man had been there for her at a time of crisis; the last thing Kerr wished to do was slander him.

[Mandy]

Mandy found herself blinking with amazement at the ease in which Kerr shared with her his encounter regarding another...non-human. Now that she knew about him (and had been so obviously understanding about it all) he probably had much he he longed to discuss with her, no doubt. It was understandable. If the roles had been reversed, she would likely be as excited to do the same - especially with someone she cared for so much.

   It really was interesting to hear about this strange, new world...anything that he felt comfortable enough to share would be appriciated. But the truth of the matter was...as much as she desired to know of the various creatures and hidden life thriving in the city - what she really wanted, was to know more about Kerr`s uniqueness. Problem was...he wasn`t offering up any more than he`d already said (and truly, he`d said quite a lot) and Mandy did not wish create another uncomfortable situation between them again; not while they were on the verge of what looked to be such a pleasant evening. Her questions would have to wait.

   "A...a nightmare?" she repeated, analysing the way the word felt on her tongue. "I`ve never heard of such a thing, well...outside the realm of dreaming." Pausing, she peered up lovingly at Kerr as they walked hand in hand down the path. "Can I assume from your tone that he was pleasant to you?" There was no hiding the faintest hint of concern in her voice. She knew that Kerr was more than capable of taking care of himself, but immortal beings (from what she`d read) could be very powerful, some times dangerous things. And she knew nothing of this \'nightmare\' he spoke of.

   Smiling, (as not to insult him) she squeezed at his hand and bumped his hip with hers - waiting for a reply.

[Existentially Odd]

"Yes, he was very kind. He communicated with me mentally, showing me his true form - a huge black horse," the vampire explained but frowned, realising that he was not an authority on the subject despite his enthusiasm, having forgotten a lot of it once he was home again.

Of course, Sawyl had been most intrigued by the imagery of the conversation and had snatched it from his mind as soon as he got a whiff of the tantalising details. That was Wyl, though; he was constantly fossicking about in the minds of others, looking for something exciting to enliven his existence.

"Well, I think it was his true form, anyway. From what I understand, Nightmares live in powerful dreams. It\'s how they feed, how they exist. They\'re ethereal creatures that travel from one strong dream state to another. They grant dreams, too. Naito said he\'d give me a pleasant one sometime," he chuckled, grinning at her, "but I didn\'t have the heart to tell him that I don\'t dream."

Impulsively, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her knuckles, happy to be spending time with her in the freedom of the night and in the wake of such a potentially disastrous confession. He felt suddenly very chatty, wanting to tell her everything all at once. It wouldn\'t solve his Arvis dilemma to do so, but hinting at the abundance of secrets kept by the Nameless City would satisfy him. For now.

"You know, there are many types of creatures living here.  I wouldn\'t know half of their races or... species or... whatever they are. But I know of enough to realise that you\'ve definitely come into contact with them and that you should be more careful at work because, as if drug-crazed human gunmen weren\'t enough, there are werewolves and demons about too!"  His tone was joking but his message was sincere; he reall did want her to be better protected. Information was the key to that. Being armed with knowledge would see her safe nine times out of ten.

He then leaned over and kissed her temple for good measure, lowering their hands to do so.  His words were suddenly causing him some concern... which was just stupid, but he couldn\'t help it! His gaze scanned the darkness over her head briefly, then he schooled his features into a smile as he pulled back to regard her once more.  He hoped his worry for her wasn\'t blatant, or she\'d accuse him of being domineering.

[Mandy]

Werewolves and...demons? Mandy hadn`t even thought that far ahead yet!

It was truly astonishing; the way her mind swirled and swooned in revelation of a world that had been existing right beneath her nose, and yet somehow... she`d managed to take no notice of at all. She was as amazed by it, as she was fascinated. His comment regarding her personal contact with these beings (and all unbeknownst to her) served to frighten her however. Did so many of these immortal creatures take on a human form? It would be exceedingly difficult to know for certain who among her were actually a werewolf or a demon...or a vampire - if they did.

Her heart hammered briskly within her chest as she found herself lost in a sea of excitement and slight apprehension. Which ones were of any immediate danger to her?

 Mandy was certain that Kerr only intended to make her aware of the beings roaming the city in order to ensure her continued safety; but without more information - without knowledge on how to spot the signs and know when to be cautious of certain individuals... it only succeeded in causing her alarm. She needed more...

"Are....are many of these beings, dangerous then?" she inquired nervously, observing her beloved confidante scanning the shadows up ahead. "How will I know one when I see one? What should I do if I`m approached?"

[Existentially Odd]

He chuckled and squeezed her hand reassuringly.  "You already have been approached, silly.  For the most part, you should simply keep doing what you do - it\'s kept you out of trouble this long - and just be wary should anyone make you feel... nervous.  You might develop an instinct for it, now that you know that anyone you meet could possibly be supernatural.  Though, in daylight, you can rule out vampires," he laughed, looking down at her and wrinkling his nose teasingly at her endearing panic.

Should I?  It seems the perfect time to tell her... but is that fair?  He should have the opportunity as I had... except I can\'t tell her much anyway, so would it really hurt?  But then... even saying he\'s supernatural might be too much.  And unfair.  Yes, back to fairness... but I do owe him that much for being there for her.

He looked around at the park as these thoughts occurred, realising he was leading her towards the gazebo instinctively and knowing that he probably shouldn\'t, as the dark privacy in amongst the heady scent of plantlife and night air wouldn\'t lead him to any chaste decisions.  His feet kept moving, along with the conversation, however.

"You\'ve managed to pass fairly safely through the world thus far, so as long as you stay away from known supernatural haunts - Risk being one of them, but I had you barred from there after that fiasco last time you followed me - you will remain whole.  And should anything actually threaten you... I\'ll deal with it."

[Mandy]

"You had me what?" she exclaimed with slight indignation, but it quickly melted as the full meaning of Kerr`s concluding words managed to filter through her mock agitation.
 
"And should anything actually threaten you... I\'ll deal with it."
 
A secret smile crept upon Mandy`s features as she relished in the idea that she had a vampiric guardian watching over her now - a sudden feeling of invincibility washing through her veins like a liberating stream of spring water. He would protect her... deal with whatever threat might present itself in her path. She had no lingering reason to fear the beings dwelling in this city, mortal or otherwise. She was Kerr\'s - and she got the distinct impression that he would never allow any real harm to befall that which belonged to him.
 
She leaned her head upon his shoulder as they continued toward the structure looming in the not so distant distance. He felt wonderful against her scantily clad skin.
 
"So... who`s this person... er... being that you keep telling me I`ve already been approached by? You eluded to it once before... is it someone from the hospital?"

[Existentially Odd]

Kerr fought the urge to smack himself in the face in consternation - but only barely. Just as he\'d made the decision to keep the information to himself, he found that he\'d already dropped too many hints! It was completely his fault for having it on the tip of his tongue for so long; she was a smart woman, of course she\'d figure it out! He was the shortsighted idiot that couldn\'t help himself.
 
"Uh, well," he stammered, considering lying but finding himself unable to go through with it, "not at the hospital, no. Not really. It\'s... well, I\'m not sure that I should tell you because... in truth, I don\'t know exactly what he is - I haven\'t been able to figure it out - I just know that he\'s not mortal. But I\'m... sort of... of the mind that he should have the right to tell you himself, as I did. I feel that that would be fair, do... do you agree?" he hedged hopefully, smiling down at her in kind.

[Mandy]

"He, hmmm?" she pondered, dramatically looking up to the sky and tapping at her chin as though in deep thought. She gave him a sideways glance, struggling to keep a straight face.
 
His resolve made sense to her... it sounded fair. And even though her curiosity was as piqued as it had been since just before discovering Kerr`s little secret - she found herself unable to press the matter further when it was obviously neither of their positions to press. Kerr didn`t appear fearful for her - or concerned per se - which at least meant that whoever this mystery man could be, he probably wasn`t out to harm her. Even though Kerr couldn`t figure out the species, he would at least have been able to sense any intended malice or discontent by the man in question... wouldn`t he?
 
She could wait a little while longer to learn the identity of this other supernatural being in her life. For now, all that she wanted was to just enjoy the company of her own, personally addictive immortal.
 
Feeling Kerr`s eyes fixed on her intently, she flashed him a brilliant smile and swung their clasped hands childishly through the air in a tremendous arc.
 
"I suppose that too many surprises in one evening may only serve to make a very demanding companion out of me. You would find yourself hard pressed to keep my interests piqued, I should think!" she winked at him, and in a burst of energy, broke free from his grasp - playfully scampering toward the inviting shelter of the gazebo ahead.

[Existentially Odd]

He watched her go, grinning indulgently as she skittered off. He realised she would want him to follow but his pace remained steady. He pushed his fists into his pockets (the one she\'d been holding feeling suddenly quite cold) and simply strolled after her, liking the silly game and appreciating the view as she flounced about, her skirt flying and body flexing energetically.
 
He allowed his mind to turn to what he could do when he caught her in the dark of the gazebo, where they could sit, against which posts he could press her. Yes, a kiss or eight was definitely warranted but he took his time catching up to her, enjoying the suspense and the way she giggled and turned to look at him, expecting him to be hot on her heels but finding him grinning secretively as he stalked methodically after her. If she was suspicious of his intentions, all the better; he wanted her to feel a shiver of excitement as he did, whenever the thought of pressing into her warmth ran through him. The cool of the air would only enhance her scent... he would have to be careful he didn\'t let her overwhelm him in such a place.
 
She had the potential to rock his world in so many ways.

[Mandy]

She pranced enticingly from the well-groomed city pathway onto the tightly woven planks of the gazebo`s foundation - her spirits running high on adrenalin and anticipation. It was wonderful to get out of her stuffy old apartment for a while and enjoy the freshness of the brisk evening air. Well, not so brisk, as spring had certainly sprung and the nights were becoming increasingly warmer with the passing of each new calendar day. In fact, tonight boasted the most pleasant temperatures that the nameless city had seen since the summer of the previous year; they couldn`t have picked a nicer time to head out if they`d tried!
 
It really made Mandy appreciate the fact that she was still alive.
 
In a spectacular twirl, she spun herself around one of the sturdy beams of the vine infested structure and hid behind a rather large collection of cascading foliage - the most enchanting floral fragrance saturating her overactive senses. What manner of flower could produce such a beautiful aroma? Perhaps Kerr would know the answer? She peeked out from behind the growth, (her body only partially blocked by the main entrance beam and waterfall of tendrils fingering down) watching him seductively from the tease of her hiding place. He was certainly taking his time....
 
He`d not taken the bait.
 
Her coy glances and playfully jouncing behaviour had apparently been unable to break the willpower that was his to possess. Even so, she could tell by the private little smile playing at the edges of his perfect lips that she was still having a notable effect on him. She giggled with more fervor the closer he drew... anticipating what he may or may not do when finally he reached her.
 
Mandy shivered - forcing the tiny hairs on her arms to stand at attention as with her perfect nipples. She tittered at the realisation of it all, eyes sparkling in the minimal lamp light. She rather liked the way her breasts looked when the tiny nubs of flesh became taut and stood out beneath whatever outfit she`d chosen to wear. They just seemed more appealing that way - as opposed to when the delicate areolas remained dormant... unstimulated. She secretly hoped that Kerr would notice and come to think the same.
 
Ah... you truly are at this man\'s mercy... aren`t you?
 
Releasing a final muted squeal of joy, she ducked entirely out of view... waiting patiently (amidst a sprig of purple flowers) for her vampiric knight to come calling.

[Existentially Odd]

He shook his head at the night sky, then walked around the side of the structure as quietly as he could. He felt predatory, his grin becoming sly as he crept as close as possible to the overflowing greenery that divided him from her. His senses were on overload as he sought her out, intending to spook her.
 
Slowly, he lifted his hands, eyeing off a good spot to grab and shake - preferably somewhere close to her ear. Locating just such a sweet spot, his tongue began to wriggle in his mouth as it scraped the roof of his mouth in anticipation.
 
"What are you thinking, trying to hide from me!" he bellowed loudly as he grabbed and shook the plantlife, then scooted back around to a place where he could enter the structure and see her reaction.  He stood before her within ten seconds.

[Mandy]

Mandy emitted a sharp scream - jumping with a start as Kerr suddenly gave the vines behind her an energetic shake, then appeared from nowhere. He must have crept in from around the back where she wouldn`t notice his approach... that sneaky little devil! It was a wonderful - albeit adrenalin boosting - surprise!
 
Clutching breathlessly at her chest, she spun round on her heels and eyed him with wild joy.
 
"You!" she blurted, pointing an accusing finger at the immortal. "You did that on purpose!" Talk about stating the obvious.
 
Of course the tease had been intentional, but that\'s what (she hoped) made her redundant comment so endearing. Laughing, she advanced on him and cuffed playfully at his shoulder. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!" He appeared nonchalant at her harmless attack and even less concerned by her words. If it weren`t for the presence of a barely visible smirk, she might almost have found him believable. "You\'re lucky you\'re cute!" she concluded and with a flash of teeth; leaning blissfully up against one of the many supporting beams of the structure. This was nice. There could be no better way to spend an evening.
 
Her eyes drifted dreamily up the gazebo`s woven trellises, focusing on each of the various colored blossoms growing there. They were beautiful, and their fragrances were intoxicating. Which reminded her...
 
"Kerr, do you have any idea what kind of flowers these are?"

[Willow]

(( Trying to figure out how to delete posts. ;_; ))

You can\'t delete them, only mods/admins can - PM me (E.O.) with what you want deleted and we can go from there.

[Existentially Odd]

He followed her gaze, giving it a moment of thought before he answered. "Uh... no? Pink ones?" he guessed guilelessly, reaching up to pluck a particularly large bloom from above her head. He held onto its stem as he stepped closer to her, watching intently as he made the soft petals stroke down her cheek, along her jaw, over her lips, down her neck and back again. He smiled more broadly, enjoying the way she sighed softly and let her eyes drift closed, clinging to the pole at her back but swaying slightly. She looked quite beautiful in the muted light, like a wood pixie in repose, and all of her looked enticing, to him.
 
"Actually; the pink is more of a guess, too. I used to be colour blind when I was alive - not that I really knew it, back then it wasn\'t exactly a popular diagnosis - but being embraced changed my vision. In bright light, I got the full scope of hues that I\'d always been missing, and in the night I got enhanced vision. The problem was, I spent my mortal life seeing colours at a reduced rate, so when I could comprehend the full spectrum, I was thoroughly dazzled and not much better off for a good while. Occasionally I still pick colours incorrectly, but it\'s only due to laziness - not a physical inability to interpret light correctly, any more," he told her in hushed, dreamy tones.
 
He wasn\'t paying much attention to what he was actually saying. He was thinking instead that it was a perfect moment to kiss her - and he knew she certainly wouldn\'t object - but that nothing was forcing him to comply. Teasing was more fun, for both of them. The flower moving over her slowly-flushing skin was hypnotic.
 
"So Wyl and I are a good pair; he doesn\'t read and I get confused with colours for no apparent reason. D\'you know there used to be a myth that if a vampire came into contact with a live flower, it would wilt immediately, giving away their true undead nature? I\'ve never been a big fan of flowers, I have to say - though I suppose you asked if I knew the name of these blooms because you thought I might have had the motivation to dedicate myself to learning a thing or two through my four centuries," he chuckled breathily, thinking of Ben\'s reaction that morning when he revealed Sawyl\'s illiteracy.
 
The vampire was now speaking almost autonomously as he stared, transfixed by what his hand was doing, eyelids drooping at his own, bewitching spell. Her warmth was as intoxicating as the floral fragrances and air mixed together, and he felt himself being pulled inexorably closer, wanting to kiss the pulse beating in the hollow of her throat, to nuzzle his face against her neck. But that would make him want to bite, which was a bad thing...

[Umbra-Conceal]

Naito let himself free for once of his skittish side and was dead set on being a little reckless. He\'d returned to this park time and time again only the bury his face in the flowers and vines he\'d take to keeping. It had been his delightful mistake to find the rundown gazebo, and had taken to it. He had with painstaking slowness cleared weeds and dead brush away and encouraging the flowers to grow and bloom again.
 
  This night was no different to him, the same draw had brought him back once more to this little out of the way spot of heaven. However one thing was different, he had chosen to forgo the appearance of being human. The little wooden haven with its white peeling paint was not on the main path, nor was it fitting to have any light making it just perfect to approach in other forms.
 
 Besides he told himself, the park held enough rumors of odd happenings and enchanted stories that even if he was seen none would find a horse odd in a partly untamed part of the park. Naito drew closer the grass muffling the soft sound of his hooves as he plotted along from the tree-line, he could smell the night jasmine blooming but the wisteria is what he wanted. The pink-lavender flowers that left the air heavy with the teasing sweet fragrance was as enchanting to him, as he\'s brethren the unicorn was to humans.
 
 So enchanted by the smell of the flower he had foolishly not checked to see if anyone else had taken the same idea to also inspect the gazebo. He had left the safety of the darkened line of trees into the more lighted area of grass as a stated pace. He had forgotten his indigo coat would catch any amount of light and send it along the contours of his body like a ripple over water.