you can't be found

bashiano 'bash' fonte. vampire. forever lost.

[yusufnicolo-moved-deactivated20]

[bashianofonte]

kai

-

Kai felt him move closer down the hall before he appeared near the doorway. The vampire had been spending more and more time at Bashiano’s home since the week long incident a month or so before. Not only because of the fear of losing his presence again but, because he had not fully realized how deeply he had missed co-existing with the other. It amazed him how after all this time they were still we able to move in sync without effort. As if their bodies were trained, silently, to each other. His eyes moved up from his paper to greet Bash, a slight smile formed at the sight of him, “You never need to apologize to me, habibi. Whether you are disturbing me or otherwise.” He responded softly and set the pencil in the spine of his journal to rest. “I assure you, I am far from disturbed. Come, tell me your thoughts, mia luna.” Kai beckoned him into the room to sit with him. 

—

           “Ah ha, so you admit that I have disturbed you. Or rather you are unwilling to admit when I have.” He commented lightly with a hint of a chuckle to his tone of voice even as he slipped into the room and leaned against the doorway for a beat longer. Even after all this time, Bash still stood in quiet comfort and awe at the other’s presence back in his life after walking away all those years before. It had been within reason, but that reason diminished greatly when that incident hit and took all those that he loved from him. Especially the one before him that he could stand around and watch writing for as long as the other let him, even as he moved into the room towards the other’s spot and sunk into the seat beside them. “My thoughts are many but they quiet when I am around you so call me selfish, but I enjoy your company here.”

[bashianofonte]

carly

Carleigha sighs softly, she understood what he meant. The witchery had thrown them all for a loop, but Atlas leaving had caught even her by surprise. She’d thought he’d been settled here, like her and Bashiano but maybe the spell had been too much. It had had its affect on them all, leaving them shaken and questioning their lives. “I know, I am too. Can’t say any of us were prepared for the last couple months.” Her head tilted toward him and she reached to squeeze his hand gently. “You’ve got a good crew, they can handle it while you take the time you need.” She bit her lip faintly before continuing. “Are you thinking of leaving?” 

—

He had contemplated the option of leaving Astoria and return to the life that he had lived for many years before where there had not been a place to rest for longer than a few years. Now? Now he was uncertain. It had been a clearer answer before, that he had not felt the urge or need to leave but everything that he thought had become normal had been twisted into something else. And now there was a slight gap in his chest and life, along with a growing desire to get to know what he thought that he had left behind half a century earlier. Bash offered a twist of his lips but they fell flat once more. “I am unsure. It would not be unusual if I were to begin traveling again, but the only home that I ever knew is here.” And he promised not to leave either. Bash glanced back at Carleigha. “Though I promise that I would not leave without letting you know, or taking it too lightly. I am only missing the confidence that I had before.” And he was unsure when or if it would return as he watched her. 

[bashianofonte]

aleyna

▬

“I’m– okay.” she arched an eyebrow, still slightly confused but unable to retain a smile from appearing over her features while being conducted inside the establishment. After all, that was exactly how she felt whenever she was near Bash, happiness would inhabit her being. Her eyes wandered around but it took his words for her to understand what was happening, to notice the difference in the scenario from the countless times she had been at the bar before. A sparkle appeared over her gaze, and although she had her eyes set over the jukebox for a period of time, soon she moved her attention back to the vampire. “That’s… incredible, Bash! I really do hope it’ll make your clients happy,” it made her happy, at least. Rushing closer to the machine, her hand rested against the glass while going through the list of songs the vintage jukebox could offer. “And what song should we choose at first? I can’t promise you that I’m a better dance now than I was before, but I’ll try my best.“

▬

He smiled gently when the recognition dawned on her features, with all the small surprises that he had strung together coming into play at one moment as he watched her expression soften with a glance at the jukebox. It had been custom ordered to the specifications from what he could remember of a time, years before when he last danced to the sounds of one. Another life, perhaps, but he could feel the way that others would take to the jukebox but none mattered so much as the woman before him that was already looking to choose the first song that would play on it. “You are a far better dancer then than you would let yourself believe,” he told her confidently before he gestured back towards the jukebox. “As long as it makes one happy, then I am more than satisfied with the addition to the bar.” And that one, he hoped was her. “I am also confident that whatever song you pick will be the right one for tonight.”

[bashianofonte]

sahid

“Brewing? What are you brewing?” they asked, wondering out loud, thinking about what it was that brewing actually meant. Maybe just cooking, they knew Bash sometimes used old-fashioned words, and it was interesting because they got to wonder at the meaning. “I always suggest some good spices. My mom used to cook bland food, but I’ve been eating at an Indian restaurant lately, and I never thought spicy would completely take over my life. Tiki Masala herbs, definitely getting those. It’s even good in porridge.” They nodded. “I figured you would be more likely to have people come over and do the cooking,” they said, grinning. 

—

            “New flavors of beer for the upcoming seasons.” Bash replied with a nod, having sought out many new spices and flavors throughout the year and Astoria in hopes that he would be able to continue to create new drinks that others would enjoy. “And then I have found that I enjoy to experiment with my own cooking as well, even if it is more for others than for myself.” He glanced towards one stall that carried a strong aroma of a medley of flavors before he smiled faintly back at his companion. “What gave you that impression?”

[weardes]

[bashianofonte]

carly

Careligha ran a hand through her hair as she made her way into Bash’s house. They’d been around eachother long enough to know certain patterns they could fall into. She couldn’t help but worry about the man, he hadn’t been to work in a week. Everything that had happened lately, she understood. Smiling softly to her friend she reached down to stroke his hair gently. “Not like I haven’t before. Same as you’ve found me in my weaker moments. They happen.” She settled in the spot next to him and shakes her head. “You didn’t miss anything, I just came by to see you.” Turning toward him she nudged his side. “Talk to me, tell me what’s going through your head right now” 

▬

Bash offered a weak smile before he pulled the cigarette from his lips and put it out under the heel of his boot as he leaned back in his seat. If anyone were to find him in such a state, Bash was grateful that it was the likes of Carleigha who had found him in similar ways before. Their history intertwined well enough that they had both been through a plethora of weak moments over time, but this was yet another that he had not seen coming. “I fear I am at a loss,” he admitted out loud with a slight sigh as he glanced back at his old friend who had settled in beside him. He would be remiss to say that he had not seen any of this coming from Atlas leaving to the aftermath of the missing people that came back and everything that came with it as well. “The brewery is in good hands though, I am told. It has not suffered in my absence and for that I am grateful,” he began, though he had yet to find his way through it all. “But my thoughts are not my own as I sit at a crossroads.”

[bashianofonte]

aleyna

▬ 

The moment she got the call, Aleyna couldn’t decline the idea; she never would do so. Getting ready to leave and meet him had been faster than usual, and soon she found herself in front of Pangean, waiting for his arrival after she rang the bell. “It’s the least I could do, consider myself your personal heroine,” playful words with a kind tone. “So, just let me know what I can do to help you and I’m here for it.” Just the idea of being in his presence was comforting enough for Aleyna; the moment she set her eyes on him, she felt home. And the brewery was another place filled up with memories that gave her a good sensation, and the brewery was the only other character in that scenario aside from them, causing her words to, almost, echo within the establishment. “Don’t tell me I’m too late… am I?”

▬

Bash had to keep from smiling when the other arrived, a whirlwind of emotions and happiness washed over him when she stepped into the brewery and was ready to tackle whatever task he had set aside for the both of them. “No, no, you are not late. You are right on time,” he called over his shoulder as he ushered them a bit further in the brewery as it had already been cleaned and closed early for the night as he wanted to share the surprise with her. As he turned, the slight smile spread on his face as he beckoned her a bit closer towards the side of the brewery where the vintage jukebox rest that he had brought in earlier in the day as a surprise to most when it came to the plans for future events that his employees and managers suggested. Not to mention the woman before him. “I thought that you would be able to help me test this machine out as it has finally arrived after careful consideration of future events at the brewery. All thanks to you suggestions.” 

[bashianofonte]

sahid

A farmer market - though they weren’t sure if people called them that here too - was opening up in front of them when they had met Bash. They hadn’t been able to keep a smile off of their face, in part their gladness at seeing the other again, and another part appreciating that extremely handsome face and piercing eyes. They awkwardly hid the arm that was still in a cast behind their body as they felt their skin grow slightly warmer with the words being spoken - and the lips being paid attention to. “Happy to be back,” they said with a lopsided smile. “Yeah, I… saw my niece again, she’s safe. But I missed Astoria too much,” they noted, which was a lie. But the real reason still hurt, that it was their choice to leave Wheeler despite how important Cassie was to them. “I don’t mind the selfish claim,” they offered, grinning. “Uhm, I’m mostly here to fill up Tuah’s herb stash, though fresh fruits are always a nice snack. You?”

—

Bash had found a small sense of peace when he strolled the market, letting the voices of the others take over the forefront of his thoughts long enough that he could remember the small list of ingredient that he was on the hunt for here. Seeing Sahid again brought a smile to his features with a nod, glad that they had returned even if he did not know the reasons behind the leaving. “There are many ingredients here that I would like to try for a few new flavor combinations with this next batch of brewing.” And he was constantly on the search for them and the company was welcome. “I hope that you are able to find all that you are in search for today. I have yet to be here in quite some time.”

[yusufnicolo-moved-deactivated20]

[bashianofonte]

It had been a difficult time for many as of late, some of which had rebounded faster than others as he himself often found himself second guessing that when he turned around that those he lost would be gone again. Time had passed since such an occasion, yet he often found himself haunting hallways and corners to watch those that he loved still to memorize them should he be the one to disappear. However, when he stood still and silent in a hallway, there were others that would still be able to notice and recognize his arrival when he watched the other stir from their writing. “I apologize. I did not wish to disturb you, not when you looked so — at peace.” @kaidemir

[bashianofonte]

Having stepped into the shop, Bash was immediately out of his comfort zone as he put his hands deep into his pockets and strolled the shelves for an idea of why he had stepped in there in the first place. Perhaps he had been more lost than he was willing to admit out loud or to those he was closest with in his life, which made for more frequent treks into newer places throughout town. He had a thought to leave for a moment, if only to travel and clear his head but his steps never took him as far as the ocean and back again when he noticed another in the shop. “Forgive me if the store is not open. I — I admit that I had not looked at the sign before I stepped inside for reasons that I have not been able to quite understand yet.” @amaraviy​

[bashianofonte]

            “I am glad to see your face again.” The last that he had heard was that the other had left town without promise that they would return any time soon but to see the other on the street had brought him a sense of happiness. And familiarity as he glanced past the other towards the stalls that lined either side of the square. “I hope that wherever your travels took you, that they gave you what you were looking for but I will claim to be selfish enough that I am happy that you have returned.” There were too many changes happening as of late, faster than he was used to observing when time turned faster than he would have liked when it came to those that were not like himself. “Has anything caught your eye at any of the stalls? The season has already begun to bring many fresh fruits and vegetables.” @sahid-chettair​

[bashianofonte]

Bash heard the other’s steps moments before they settled beside where he rested, the open book on his lap as the smoke hung loosely between his lips. “I fear you have caught me at a weaker moment,” he spoke slowly, trying to find a way to a better place for his head though it hadn’t been in the pages of a book. Or the old habit that he had yet to completely break even after the better part of a century of hiding it from most. “I apologize if we were supposed to meet and I missed it. There is a slight fear that I have yet to completely wrap my head around what has happened as of late.” Not to mention that he had been out of the brewery for the better part of a week without much to show for it either. @mscarleighaortiz​

[bashianofonte]

When Bash had called Aleyna earlier, it had been with a plan in mind to give them both a night off as he requested her help in setting up for another event down at the Pagean. It was mostly a truth, but there was a web of falsity in his voice when he promised that it would not take long. Or that there would not be too many in the space. There would be none, aside from the two of them and the machine that he had rented in hopes of alluring new customers to the brewery. As he hard the bell ring that alerted to the other showing up, Bash smiled as he finished up with the draft beer that he had been working on. “I am glad that you were able to come over tonight.” @aleynagreer​

[sigurism]

Luca Marinelli Il padre d'italia dir: Fabio Mollo

[bashianofonte]

kai

-

Was it over? Whatever this hell had been? Was it finished or would this just be a moment spared and the next moment he would be gone again? But, he was real. It was him, he was there and not gone. Kai could feel him beneath his fingers, in his chest, and hear him. An unnecessary exhale escaped him and he moved in without a second thought to press his mouth against the other’s. If this was the only moment they’d have, if time was stolen from them again, he did not want to waste one more second talking. Kai had spent a week wondering if he would get to kiss him one more time, hold the one he’d loved for centuries in his arms, or gaze into his endless ocean eyes again. He did not worry if Bash would push him away, if he would deny it, he just went for it and lost himself in that moment. 

When the moment passed Kai pulled back enough to rest his forehead against Bashiano’s. “I’ve been here, looking for you.” He answered the previous question softly. “I do not want to lose you again.” Kai added, not wanting the sentiment to get lost somewhere in the emotion of the moment or the notion of things going back to normal. They had flirted with leaving so much left unsaid in the past few months and he could not take the chance that those things would be left unsaid for eternity. He would not have another moment where he held back exactly what he felt, not with Bashiano or anyone he cared about. It was worthless to do. “I need you to know that you mean everything to me. Saying that I love you would not be enough. You are my light and my warmth and the reason I have survived this long in a world so cruel. You are my moon and my stars, Bashian.” Without Bashiano in that world he was positive he would not survive long in it.

―

The other was there. He stood before him as a solid being rather than a figment of his imagination that loved to play the cruelest of jokes on him in the days that wore on so slowly. It was an absence that consumed him, hollowed out until there was nothing left but the memories of those that he loved dearly that were long since gone. Or so he had loathed. It was only until this moment when he could feel the other beneath his fingertips that he dare not ask them again if they were lying to his very being in this moment. He had given up so many years with his pursuit of a life that would be different than the ones that preceded it, but he always thought that they would find each other again ― whatever that meant for them. 

It could have been the end or simply the beginning, but none of that existed in the moment that they collided into each other when he felt the press of the other’s lips against his own that had his body responding before his mind could make a decision. 

Time paused then, gifting them a silence to all the unanswered questions and fears that had been silenced in seeing the other temporarily. They would arise again, but not in this moment as his hands held the other’s face tight against his own before they broke apart, letting the other’s words wash over him even as his gaze fell ever so slightly. He could feel the other still there, still and silent but ever present that it took up the space that had been empty for far too long of a week. ( it felt far longer than that, essentially slowing time down to the point where it no longer held any meaning to him in the absence of others ) 

            “You were gone. You and so many others that I sought out again,” he whispered, barely audible despite their excellent hearing as he sorted through the conscious amount of thoughts and emotions with who had been in the forefront of his mind. Several names came to mind, and each for their own reasons and pain that struck his chest in knowing that it was bound to happen again with losing it all again eventually. “I never wished such a thing to happen. I never... sought to leave your side forever.” Not unless the other wished it to be the case. There had been a time when he had known that it was much needed, countless times over, but they were never meant to last forever as he pulled back enough to meet the other’s eyes. “You speak as if it were possible to survive such a cruel fate twice in a lifetime.”

It would not. That much was known even if he could not clearly see the way that his life would lead or the turn of his heart that was cold but would still echo. “You are the sun, Nikolai. You eclipse all. That has never been denied or forgotten. Not once.” And he knew far too well what it felt like to bask in the other’s warmth even as they spoke as if it were his own light that shone on the other. “I am here.” And he did not wish to leave, again.