Alexei

Alexei Barkov, 23 or 42. Vampire. Born in Moscow, grew up in New York City.

[kitt-johansson-deactivated20160]

“I’m saying I wish you were a wizard. The witches are pretty over in the East but I doubt they went to Hogwarts.” The fae stopped at a maroon looking shirt, admiring it for a moment before moving on. “Books are better. Always,” he grinned. Kitt’s eyes narrowed at the clothes offered to him before he nodded. They were indeed nicer clothes than the ones he had on. “I’ll just go find the changing rooms then. Oh?” That was unexpected, then again that was the point of a surprise. “What did you do?”

[alexeibarkov]

“Well I can wave a wand around if you want, but I’m afraid I don’t have any magic in me Kitt” Alexei laughed browsing a few if the more sparkly accessories even if he himself was rather decked out at the moment. “That’s true, though I’m still working on finishing that series” He admitted almost shyly. Reaching out, Alexei grinned and pressed his hand to the small of Kitt’s back to urge him toward the changing rooms. “You’ll see when you get there, but I think you’ll like it?”

[kitt-johansson-deactivated20160]

Kitt just shook his head and rolled his eyes fondly. He wasn’t for sure yet what he was going to do about Alexei but at least for now he would enjoy being with him anyway he could. As they walked his grin grew larger at the sight of their swinging hands. It was a simple gesture that brought him much pleasure. “If only it was like those Harry Potter pictures that move. That would be the best of both worlds.” His lips dipped down into a frown but Kitt didn’t say no, just allowed Alexei move him about through the displays of clothes. “Fine, fine.”

[alexeibarkov]

“Are you saying you wish I was a wizard?” Alexei teased, laughing as he looked through the racks of clothes, mentally trying to decide what Kitt would look best in. “I like those films though” He added with a smile, already pulling a blue shirt he thought might fit Kitt from the rack. Reaching out he also grabbed a pair of dark grey pants and black shoes. “Alright try these on I think the blue will match how pretty your eyes are” Alexei handed his choices over with a smile. “Also, I think you might like this show, I have a little bit of a surprise for you”

[niko-romanoff-deactivated201604]

“Are you saying that I’m beautiful? Charmer.”  Peter teases the vampire as he finishes up his steak.  “Actually, I think that’s both a wholly accurate assesment of photography and yet, a somehow romantic notion.”

“Especially coming from a vampire.  One who was plucked at the height of masculine charm and attention.  You, yourself, are a picture of youth and handsomeness.”  Peter says as he signals for the check.  

“Do you miss taking photographs during the day over much?”

[alexeibarkov]

The vampire bit his lip, nodding, “Though I could claim I just appreciate ascetics, you are very beautiful” Alexei gave him a shy smile. “I suppose we are in a perfect position to admire beauty though, living through the ages, frozen in time”

“I also wouldn’t say I was plucked, I did not embrace being a vampire for vastly different reasons than most” He hummed, but the compliments had him smiling a little more. 

“I’m getting more used to the sunlight as I grow older, so slowly I’m being able to take them again, but for a while I did”

[naveentrembley]

“New York! One of my most favorite places, I love the big Toys R Us. Have you been? It has a big, big, ferris wheel.” Marco stood up and grabbed his suitcase. “Yes, perfect. I will go back to your place. I will also be your model whenever you please. What is your name? I am Marco Cardoso.” He grabbed the backpack he was using as a pillow before offering his hand for a shake.

[alexeibarkov]

“I don’t think I’ve ever been there, I only go on occasion now, but I grew up there, which was a long while before it opened” Alexei admitted with a soft laugh. “Alright, when I next need a model I’ll let you know, but I also don’t mind taking pictures if you want a few. Alexei Barkov, pleasure to meet you Marco” The vampire shook the other’s hand, before gesturing in the way of his apartment. 

[sugarhoneyrobin-blog]

“If you like the puff, I have others as well. I also take special requests as well to which flavors people provide.” He told him with a warm smile, waiting for the other to continue tasting since he didn’t want to force more food on him. He knew that vampires didn’t have the same digestive system as the rest of the creatures in the world so he wanted to make sure to give him time to digest his samples. “If you need a drink, do let me know. I have blood-infused drinks as well to wash those down.” He winked to show he was being kind to him. Robin did love selling his baked goods, knowing it brought smiles to everyone who tasted them.

Wait, he mentioned Kitt? “Oh, yes, I know Kitt. He’s the florist and a good friend. We don’t talk much, though.” He admitted, frowning a bit before pulling a clean cloth from under the counter and wiping down the counter to get the crumbs off of it. “I know which sweets he’ll like, though! He loves pie, and he loves baking and cooking. Why don’t you come behind the counter and I’ll show you how to make it. He appreciates homemade goods more than store-bought.”

[alexeibarkov]

“I honestly don’t know what I would like, I’m still a bit young...well not really I’m just sort of picky about what I eat? And hesitant to try actual food” Alexei explained almost shyly. His experience with figuring out his taste for blood had been trying enough, and while he knew what human foods he had liked when he was living, it didn’t mean that he would like them now that his tastes had changed drastically. “I’m fine thank you, though that’s really nice to know for the future” the vampire smiled brightly, knowing he would pop in here again if he had the chance. Robin was nice, and didn’t seem to mind vampires like some did. 

“Oh, yeah, he has beautiful flowers, I kind of featured them in a few pieces of mine. Don’t tell him that though, I wanted it to be a surprise” Alexei hummed happily, thinking about it. A little disappointed to hear they didn’t talk much, Alexei brightened when Robin added that he knew what kind of sweets Kitt would like. “Um, I don’t know if I should...I’ve never been all that great at baking” He hesitated, chewing on his lower lip “But if you think he’l like it...alright”

[alexeibarkov]

[naveentrembley]

“I have traveled for a long time, but this was my first time alone.” Marco sobered at his words. He listened quietly to the other talk about his art. “I see, I see.” Marco let out a sigh and patted his own cheeks to change his mood. “Do you have your work on you? I would love to see! I am such a fan of art, especially when I am the one being photographed. I am a glutton for it.” 

[alexeibarkov]

“I was lucky to have my friend drop me off here, though I do have to make occasional trips to New York on my own” Alexei smile sweetly, leaning back a little as the other seemed to try and do something, the vampire wasn’t quite sure what. “I don’t really, not any of the finished pieces at least...you’re welcome to come back to my place if you like? And you have a lovely face, I wouldn’t mind taking photos of you sometime?”

[naveentrembley]

“Oh, you have no idea. I was on a bus for six hours and I had no, uh-,” Marco mimicked the motion of putting earbuds in his ears. “I have been traveling for days and the last stretch is always the worse, yes?” He hadn’t noticed the camera before but seeing it made Marco perk up. “A photographer? What kind of photos do you take? What is your aesthetic?”

[alexeibarkov]

“I’ve been there before, I used to travel a lot with a friend of mine, we’d end up doing things like that” Alexei hummed, nodding. “Да, the last bit always seems to be the worst, like it takes more hours than it actually is.” Alexei let the camera rest on it’s strap around his neck again. “It’s my hobby and sort of my job. Mine are a bit dark at times, I mostly shoot Black and White, with the occasional color added in”

[naveentrembley]

“Ah!” Marco took the paper and looked over it. “I apologize, my friend. This is important. Please, forgive me for my rudeness.” He folded the paper up and offered a warm smile. “I am resting for the moment, I have had quite the day. What are you doing? Besides talking to me, of course.” 

[alexeibarkov]

The reaction startled him for a moment before Alexei was smiling, happy that he had actually helped and hadn’t just been annoying the other. “That’s alright, especially if you’ve had a long day” He nodded, in answer he held up the camera around his neck, “I kind of just wander around sometimes, try to find inspiration”

[naveentrembley]

”Vá embora!” Marco grumbled when he felt someone swat at him. He was laying on a bench after giving up on trying to find his hotel. He had spent the last six hours on a greyhound bus next to a screaming child and naturally, he forgot his headphones. He had very little patience and decided this bench would be his bed tonight. “There is more than one bench, hm?” He asked when the other nudged him again. Marco opened his eyes and sat up. “What is it that you need?”

[alexeibarkov]

The first tap to the shoulder just got Alexei a few words that he understood to probably mean to leave the other alone. Biting his lip, Alexei looked down at the piece of paper the other had dropped for a moment, before sighing softly and reaching out to tap the other’s shoulder. At least this time the other sat up, that made the vampire feel a little less awkward. “Um, you dropped this” He spoke softly, holding out the piece of paper. “Though what are you doing out on this bench?”

[niko-romanoff-deactivated201604]

When the waiter arrives, Peter takes the liberty of ordering the very rarest filet mignon for Alexi while ordering a medium rare prime rib for himself.  He dispenses with a wave any question of appetizers or sides.  The werewolf wanted enough fuel and energy to properly “model” for the vampire, not put it off too long.  

“I’d take my shirt off for you now, but this isn’t that kind of place.”  Peter says with a smirk and a shrug.  “But thank you.  I’m actually rather surprised you’re a photographer.  I always thought that photographers weren’t attractive themselves and that was why they shot photos.  Yet you’re deliciously adorable.  Very cute boy next door looks.  What got you into it?”

[alexeibarkov]

The young vampire just sits back and lets Peter order for him, pleasantly surprised by the results. Usually he would get the whole meal, if only to look a little more normal to people. Just the steak was going to go down well though, at least his taste for beef hadn’t changed. Then he can properly focus on taking pictures of this gorgeous man.

“I imagine you’d probably get a mix of strange and admiring looks” Alexei grinned. The compliments to himself made the young vampire just cite his lower lip. “I don’t know if I’m deliciously adorable, but I found out I had an affinity for it when I was still human. It is a lovely concept, using a camera to capture a moment in time, and make that picture say so much more than just that frame. Besides that, I suppose you can say I admire beauty” He shrugged, a little smile on his lips.

[alexeibarkov]

sugarhoneyrobin:

Seeing the young vampire he recognized from the North had him smiling brightly. He hadn’t gotten a chance to welcome him openly like he wanted, but that was alright. Robin would have no problem taking care of the young man’s needs. Nodding once, he started to make his way towards the savory pastries and baked goods that he made as well. “The misconception of bakeries is that people assume it’s all about sweets. When, in fact, bakeries are far more than just sugar.” He told him simply as he gestured for him to come closer while preparing a small sample for the other. It was a blood-infused spinach puff pastry and a ham and swiss turnover. “I have more than just these so don’t feel as if this is all I’ve got.” He said with a bright smile, thinking of what else he could do for the other. “I also have tarts and miniature pies that will satisfy you as well.”

Wait, he mentioned a friend. “Oh! Well, if you have a friend you want to buy sweets for, I can definitely help you. Tell me about him and I’m sure I can pick out the right sweets for you to give to him.” Robin was more than willing to help a new customer, especially one who was part of the gang that had been kind enough to help him through his trials. Now, the question was, could he help this man buy something sweet for his friend? It was an obvious answer, of course, since Robin had quite the talent for picking out the right treats for people.

Seeing the other was headed to a particular section of the store, Alexei followed along dutifully, eager to see what the baker would come up with. To be honest, he hadn’t been in a bakery much, maybe when he’d been a kid in New York, but that would be a rare occurrence since their family had a cook at the time. He nodded along to what Robin was saying about sugar, at least that’s what he’d been hoping for when he came in. “No, no that’s alright, I’m sure these will be fine. I liked the basic ingredients when I was human, so I assume the same concept applies when it’s mixed with blood” Alexei laughed softly, “I’ve always been much more into savory” He reached out for the spinach puff, taking a hesitant bite. Less because he thought it would be bad and more because he hadn’t eaten a lot of regular food since turning. It was really good though, Alexei couldn’t help but eat the whole sample. “That’s really good” He hummed appreciatively. 

At the mention of his friend, Alexei got a bit shy, chewing on his lower lip for a moment. “Well, um, you might actually know this friend? Not that you had to of, but I know that the faeries were really close in this town and well, he’s kind of a faerie” He was rambling slightly, his accent messing up his words a little more. “His name is Kitt and I just want to surprise him at work with some sweets?” Alexei finally finished after taking a breath, tilting his head to the side as he looked at the baker. 

[godfrey-napier]

“On the bright side, you’re not in a bad mood anymore.” Godfrey smiled. “Doesn’t make too much of a difference either way, scared or mad he’s still likely to lash out. But I’d be happy to ask for you.” The vampire teased with a smirk.

[alexeibarkov]

“This is true, I think I let it out all in one go” The younger vampire laughed, rolling up onto his toes for a moment. “We might just let him go, see what happens? I’m kind of using you to hide at the moment, don’t give me away” Alexei bit his lower lip. 

[godfrey-napier]

“I’ve discovered a whole new side to you, Alexei.” Godfrey grinned, “How did you make Hagrid cry?”

[alexeibarkov]

“Not entirely sure if it’s a new side” Alexei laughed, “I was in a bad mood earlier, ended up cussing him out in Russian, not sure if I’ve made him mad, or  scared and I’m trying to avoid finding out”

[godfrey-napier]

“Who upset the giant?”

[alexeibarkov]

“Oh....um might have been me?”

[sugarhoneyrobin-blog]

Robin had been contemplating how to re-open his bakery and he found the best way to do it. He went early in the morning and started baking with brand new ingredients so he could keep everything fresh. The first thing he put together was a massive cake decorated in fall colors just in time to celebrate the rest of autumn. That cake, of course, was on display in the center of the bakery so many could see that he was, in fact, back in business.

He was frightened of opening his store again, of course, but he knew he couldn’t let some hunter stop him. He even purchased a couple of weapons to keep in the back and behind the counter just in case someone decided he would be a good target. He knew he would be grateful to the vampires for letting him stick around them for some sort of safety so he made sure they had access to his store and home whenever they pleased, just as Draven had told him so.

Hearing the bell ring at his front door once more, he sighed out a shaky breath so he could get through his anxiety. “Welcome to Sweet Dreams! We’re re-opened! Would you like a sample?”

[alexeibarkov]

Alexei had heard about the bakery, it was hard not to have. First it was just on the list of places in town that catered to a vampire appetite, it was hard to find places that would serve things they could eat. This was especially useful for Alexei because he didn’t actually see the appeal of drinking blood from anyone, he’d much rather have it from bags or in some other form. So the places that would give him blood in his coffee, or mix a bit of blood in with his meat were great. The only reason he hadn’t been sooner was Alexei wasn’t a great fan of sweets. 

Of course, the next reason he knew about the bakery was a little more complicated, the night of the hunters, and then suddenly having the faerie who ran the bakery under the protection of the vampires shortly after that. But Alexei wasn’t thinking too much about that as he slipped his hands into his pockets, looking up at the bakery sign. More he was thinking that he might get some nice treats that he could bring Kitt at work or something, and maybe a few he could eat too.

The cheerful greeting startled him for a moment, and the younger vampire went all wide eyed for a moment before offering a small smile. “Do you have anything that’s not too sweet that has blood in it? Afraid I’m not too much a fan of sweet things. I’d also like to pick something up for a friend, but I might figure out what I like first, Да?

[alexeibarkov]

kitt-johansson:

“..Okay I’mma little sleepy but I can’t help you’re so cuddly.” Kitt nodded while he yawned. “Mhm. Tell me about where you were born. Don’t leave anything out.” He opened tired eyes long enough to watch Alexei for a moment as his hand rested on his stomach. “You’re Russian? See this is why I want to know more about you. And I’m fine without seeing them. I can live when I have my friends looking out after me.” The fae stopping kissing Alexei’s jaw long enough to reply cheekily. “Really, really.” The quick touch of lips was too much and not enough all at the same time. Kitt barely had time to press his lips back before they were pulling apart.

“You’re cute, and really cuddly yourself” Alexei hummed, laughing as he tucked his face into Kitt’s curls and pressed a kissed to his head. “I only lived where I was born for three years, but we went back to visit a few times. Moscow is beautiful, I love when it snowed there, like a winter wonderland. You have all these big elaborate buildings mixed in with the new” He was smiling as he explained. “I moved to New York with my parents when I was three, that’s why I don’t have that thick of an accent. I’m glad you have friends looking after you, that’s the best” Alexei chuckled softly. After the kiss he paused slightly, he probably would have been blushing if he could, instead he just shyly nuzzled into Kitt.