Salty Ocean Breaths;

Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.

[nathanxlee]

Unintended || Nathan & Asce

[nathanxlee]

ascec: 

He tugs on fabric, unbuttoning Nathan’s shirt without further delay. Pushing it off of his shoulders and letting pale fingers skim over warm, flawless skin. Almost as if every inch consists of precious gold, he’s careful but still determined. Curios, and oh so very ambiguous to himself.  As to why the only thing he can think of is touching and getting closer to Nathan. Feeling his skin against his own, his breath and those gorgeous lips. Had there been a heartbeat to listen to as well, Asce believes it would have been just as intoxicating as everything else about the younger male is.  So he can’t really help himself when he rasps his fangs against soft skin, not enough to draw blood but still enough to produce a light sting. Chuckling as he pulls back again, spending a few seconds eyeing the other; his bare skin.

There’s warmth, spreading like wildfire. Impatience, clouding his mind like the thickest of mists.  All he can see, hear and breathe is Nathan. There is nothing else. Nobody else. And he speculates, how this hasn’t happened earlier. Why such an obvious spark has lain dormant for such a long amount of time. How come, they haven’t expressed any sort of need for each other prior to this moment? Is it because of their great amount of restraint, making the thought hard to even notice, alcohol giving the last nudge for them to cross the line? Or is it something entirely different? A question with an answer that lies hidden—woven into caresses and smiles.  Even this a tad strange to him. The fire starting from his belly and spreading through his chest and over his shoulders as fingers seek purchase over Nathan’s lean hips. Asce moves to push the younger back against the wall, grunts in somewhat frustrated need. Because yes, of course there is frustration. The frustration of breathing, the frustration of a sweet, ever so tempting scent. It’s mouth-watering, really. but he suppresses it,m because he knows better. Knows better than to harm.

Though Asce is still impatient. It’s noticeable in the way his lips move and how his eyes barely fall shut. Turquoise hinted beneath long eyelashes. He pulls back, for a few lingering seconds. Offers up a bit of a teasing grin before he speaks; voice a low rumble. “I think it’s time to pick you up on that offer of undressing.” His breaths are a tad paced, although they needn’t be. Maybe, because he has been caught in the moment like this. Because he’s giving up his ability to think, the longer he keeps this close to the other. His warmth, the way his heated body feels against Asce’s own, cold, one is an amazing contrast. It’s driving him crazy.Finger begin to wander shortly after his spoken sentence, sneaking in beneath Nathan’s shirt and beginning to drag it upwards along his torso, exploring exposed skin as he goes on — resuming their liplock for another few moments, giving the younger’s upper lip a gentle suckle before kissing down the pale column of his neck.

Every slightest trace of time and space, long forgotten and since long irrelevant. Not needed whatsoever, because somewhere deep inside of Nathan a purpose for his existence had been born. Still a small bud wet from morning dew, still oh so fragile, but with the possibilities of growing into something beautiful. With the proper time and care, it could. Shoulders already undressed although almost not noted by the younger, the difference in temperature had not changed. Because the fire within was still raging, an any outside factors could not cool him down. He drew a sharp breath from the sting of teeth against his skin, relishes in the sensation as principles he had had for years faded into the back of his mind. The need for closeness grew with the seconds passing by, and there won’t be enough of it. Asce retrieved his teeth, leaving behind what probably were red marks indicating skin irritation, and Nathan was once again lost in turquoise. 

Reaching out, and a small surprised sound manage to pass his lips and lips curl even more. Closeness. Gladly accepting whatever he can acquire in terms of closeness, lips returning every motion in a similar manner and hands behind Asce’s back, instinctively keeping him close. He doesn’t give it much thought though, why on earth he has allowed another vampire this close again, why he has willingly given up on the advantage he usually require in order to feel safe. Matters concerning Asce often can’t be logically explainable, but logic would have to give way for feeling. Purely giving into what he felt and he couldn’t get enough of the other. They stop as Asce pulled back, Nathan’s eyes questioningly opening to observe the other and with the still seconds, a growing impatience finally made itself noticed. He had only acted on instinct so far. A small, breathy chuckle escaped him. “I thought you already had.” Chilled fingers sending shivers down his spine just moments later, and Nathan leaned forward to connect their lips once more. Impatience fuelling him more so than ever. Pausing for just a second, a slight smile resting on his features, voice hushed but even so still noticeably low. “Please.., go ahead.”

With his shirt already unbuttoned  it would go relatively easily, moving one arm at a time for Asce to completely rid him of the piece of clothing. As his belt was being undone, fingers placed right at the hem of the blue shirt, with care staring to unbutton the elder’s shirt. Voice still unchanged. “I’d like to return the favour as well.” Not paying much attention to his own pants dropping to the floor, resting by his ankles, instead he was solely focused on the revelation of inked skin. Beautiful. Gaze caressing as many details of the pieces of art as possible, abstract concepts such as time had completely seized to exist. Nathan proceeded with care to brush off the fabric completely once every button had been undone. “I hope you don’t mind.”

[nathanxlee]

Unintended || Nathan & Asce

[nathanxlee]

ascec:

        —As if, every single sensation has grown different. In all its familiarity, there is something different. A certain spark, something that sets fire to mind and eyes. Something he cannot entirely put into words. It makes the loss pf physical contact so much more notable. Strange, to Asce who barely ever cared for something so… fickle as the presence of another. Who never bothered for the art of social acting — who’d rather be alone for the rest of eternity rather than falling into the arms of someone else. Something that was seemingly about to change. Much to his own surprise, maybe to Nathan’s as well. He believes. Maybe. Oh how easily, ice can melt and turn into fire; a million bright stars. Though of course neither of this reflects upon turquoise hues, nor in a perfectly controlled expression. Although his lips still carry that small hint of a playful grin. He believes, even in this state of odd intoxication that he cannot, will not, reveal the way his head is spinning like crazy. The way every touch feels like electricity. He won’t, because he really can’t afford to make such mistakes. A strong belief, not put into word or thought, but closer to a rule — something so deeply intertwined with all that he is, that it doesn’t even need to be thought of.

It’s an unwanted pause, when he stands. When he can’t feel sweet pressure of another body close to his own — another sensation he finds himself contemplating. He hasn’t experienced anything quite like it before. But he doesn’t mind it either, not entirely. The grin he wears grows wider when the younger takes his hand and Asce can help him get to his feet. A fleeting moment of contact, a brief gaze into mesmerizing eyes. And he is, stuck all over again. Acting on instinct rather than by good sense and he will curse at himself for it later, in a nearer future than he expects. “My room would be the safest option. Since I don’t have any roommate.” He responds with a slow nod, before fingers curl around his hand, and his own cur around Nathan’s in return. Without really knowing why, he’d ever do something like that. Then there’s movement — speed without the like. And for those seconds he know will be more than brief, he feels free. Free, because of the way the wind feels against his skin. Because all he has ever done, has been hiding everything he is. And being able to let those values go for even the faintest of seconds, is something he longs for each and everyday.And maybe that is one of the many reasons to why he feels drawn towards Nathan. Because he doesn’t have to hide anymore.

Yet another thought swallowed by impatience and need, as he increases their set pace, Soon reaching the building where they both reside. Past the entranceway, up the stairs. Not stopping until he reaches his own door. Hair tousled, eyes gleaming and not the slightest bit out of breath. He casts a glance at the other, at their clasped hands. Just a few seconds of silent admiration for beauty and comfort before he seeks his key. Not wasting a moment longer. Time is always brief, very much so. And they only have until morning. Though he wants to hurry, there is a slight dullness to his senses, alcohol not doing good in keeping him from fiddling. But it still only takes about five seconds for him to get the key in the lock and push the door open. He shuts it behind the both of them, moves with ease and not bothering to turn the lights on — sharp eyes allow him to see every single detail anyway. He reaches out, pushes a few strands of hair back behind Nathan’s ear before his fingertips slip lower, down along his neck to his shoulder.  Lighting that spark of impatience once more, turning it into fireworks and crackling fires. He leans forward; captures pretty lips.

Locks moving in the wind, the state of them more dishevelled than ever seen publicly before. Not that he noticed, too much was happening for Nathan to actually care how he appeared in the dark night, moving too fast with the elder vampire for the mortals’ poor vision, and too fast for it being an issue. With air surrounding him, the hard winds created due to movement, the last buzz from the alcohol fading as his thoughts are cleared. But even so, with anticipation growing and intoxication lessening, it takes its place. His hand felt heavier than before, as if it had gained new value and he does not intend to let go. Could be the circumstances, it could be just in the spur of a moment, but it felt right, too right. More right than anything ever had before. And maybe that was how Asce felt too, with the intertwining of fingers initiated by the elder and none of them letting go. Seconds of motion passing by, and they were already by the door. 

Nathan’s hues meets the now evidently turquoise ones of the crusnik, a marvellous colour, right before they both casts a glance at their intertwined fingers and Nathan turns to scan the corridor. Contently noticing the absence of even a single soul, the emptiness only increases the volume of a key finding it’s place and unlocking the very door in front of them. Following the older inside his room, the dull sound of the door being closed behind him forgotten as soon as it grows quiet again. He’s silent, only observing the slightly taller male in front of him with the astounding eyes, somehow gleaming even in the darkness. Fingertips brush over Nathan’s cheek before they continue down his neck and down even further, the sparks from before fading in comparison to the fire now lit in his veins. How had this not happened earlier? How had something in that very moment so obvious, managed to hide up to there? Slightly leaning into the male’s touch, the warmth in his body spreading, and his own palm finds the other’s cheek as lips meet. It starts out sweet, a somewhat questioning and careful tone to the action, and Nathan relishes in it. 

Although, that does not last for long. All his emotions, all his thoughts are in that very moment and there are no thoughts about eventual consequences. His body is conforming to Asce, as almost by instinct, and their first moments of intoxicated intimacy are coloured by a feeling of familiarity. A feeling that this had happened before, and a feeling of security - he won’t have to lie. But that’s completely illogical, they hadn’t even shared a kiss until brief minutes ago. Even so,  Nathan’s hands are once again not eager to let go of the other male, instead the roam over what they can, although slowly, adjusting their pace to that of the elder. The instinctual breaths that usually filled his since long useless lungs forgotten the second plush lips met his own, and there was nothing but Asce. Nothing but the turquoise shade intertwining with soft raven locks, nothing but the all too pleasant chill of the other’s skin. No words come to mind, and yet, there was a hint of a smile on his lips as the atmosphere grew more heated. A small but surprised sound managed to pass his lips as his back met the wall, and the smile grew in size.

[nathanxlee]

Unintended || Nathan & Asce

[ascec]

His fingers sought purchase over perfectly curved shoulders, eyes closed and mind spinning with a million thoughts at the same time. Thoughts he’d probably never come to voice. Because they all concerned Nathan, the way his lips felt upon his own, the way Asce’s own skin felt as if it had been set on fire wherever he touched him. But seemingly he remained calm, collected and focused albeit feeling as if his mind was about to explode. It was different, all of this was and he wouldn’t have expected it from himself, ever. Not considering how things had been only a few weeks back. But he did know, that even before tonight, he had kept his celadon hues by Nathan in a manner he wasn’t supposed to. It had captured his attention and he had scolded himself for it many times over, because no, it wasn’t supposed to be like that. Not with this. Not ever again. He had made too many mistakes when it came to emotional attachment. But even so, in his state of complete intoxication ( wether by alcohol or Nathan’s own sweetly addictive taste ) these thoughts seemed to fall out of his ind entirely. As if that little kick, that spread of warmth in his chest had been everything he needed. Of course, none of these thoughts were actually present in the crusnik’s mind, as lips moved against his own, as they remained in perfect harmony together.  

He rarely ever smiled, rarely ever expressed contentment nor happiness, but the turquoise gleam in his eyes spoke otherwise and somehow, Asce was indeed aware of its presence. As if he could feel the transition in progress. So he grinned, watching Nathan as he settled atop of him through slanting eyelids. He was mesmerizingly beautiful, in the soft brushes of moonlight upon his skin, almost illuminating their, quite matching, pallidness. Asce’s chest sparked with aspiring desires, cravings for more than just simple touches to the bits and pieces of bared skin he was able to find. But he wasn’t one to rush things, even as Nathan lowered himself to grace him with yet another delicious lip-lock. It was brief, far too brief, and disappointment consumed his hazed mind in a mere few seconds after it ended, although aware of the smirk Nathan was wearing. It kept the spark alive, of course, like the glow of a dying fire. And soon, soon the elder smirked as well, because those words had been more than pleasing to sharp ears. As he looked up at the other, mischief glinting amidst delighted turquoise — so close to one another — he couldn’t exactly help the way his lips sought the vampire’s. Even if only as an acknowledgement. ” Sounds sane. ” He then cooed as pulling back, fingers curling around sharp hips for but a few passing seconds.

" Then perhaps we should move indoors. I’m not very patient with these things. " He hummed pleasantly, quirking a brow in mild inquiry before he, with ease, shifted enough to sit up amidst green tufts, left arm wrapped almost protectively around the younger’s back; as if to keep him from moving away. As if he needed him to stay close just for a little bit longer. Asce graced a pale cheek with a gentle peck, before allowing himself the pleasure of kissing down a pale column. But as if it never happened, he then pulled back entirely, moved aside to stand and offering the younger a hand, out of pure, instinctive politeness. " Running or walking Nathan?" He then questioned with a light tilt of his head, smirking as he traced his fingertip along a smooth jawline. " I for one, prefer running. "

[nathanxlee]

The softness of coal coloured locks were beyond expectation, and the contrast of some intertwined strands of grass made it much more evident, there was no way Nathan’s fingertips would ever tire of the feeling. They moved only slightly as the young vampire hovered above the elder, and a spark of something he quite couldn’t form into words was lit inside of him. The smirk lingered upon already plush lips as they were sought by the other, by now the action feeling familiar. He felt a light pressure where Asce’s fingers had curled around his hips, but did not mind it the least. And he probably wouldn’t mind if they would stay there, but that was not anything he reflected upon. All that was in that moment were the syllables echoing in the rather quiet night, and his own voice answering them. “That makes two of us then.” 

A sudden shift in positions rather surprised him and reluctantly he loosened the grip he had had of the soft hair, though seemingly out of pure reflex. Following the movements of the elder, he too sat up, though he did not sit down in Asce’s lap and instead seated himself right next to him. The hold of a certain arm didn’t allow him to be any further away. Just as Nathan was about to stand up, a soft press of lips to his cheek held him still and as the pair made their way down his neck, instead he closed his eyes for just a moment of faint pleasure. As the sensation suddenly vanished his lids parted again, and in that amount of time Asce had somehow managed to stand up. Reaching upwards for the hand, he let the elder help him up on his feet again, and a rawer chill than before crept underneath his skin almost instantly. Feeling the cold spreading in his veins and so his blood slow down, he shuddered just in time with a tip of a finger tracing his jawline. It was the chill, he told himself, not the way his skin sparked every time Asce touched him. 

"Running it is." Turning away from the electrifying touch of the older vampire, Nathan scanned their surroundings before turning back to the elder, mind desperately trying to form a decent way of voicing his request. It was not an easy task with a mind only occupied with the need of feeling those soft lips against his own, and the sooner the better. "Your room I suppose? It’s probably the safest option." ( The thought of his room mate only occurred to him as an obstacle, and needless to say, it could raise an eyebrow or two if he accidentally found Asce in Nathan’s bed. Because for all he knew, Nathan was as straight as a ruler. ) Without thinking, the young vampire reached for the crusnik’s hand and turned towards the place of their residence, moving in a somewhat slow paste for a short moment until the both of them started running. Impatience fuelling legs more than enough.

[nathanxlee]

Unintended || Nathan & Asce

[ascec]

There was gentleness in his demeanor, something so rarely seen when he was his usual self. The cold air he surrounded himself with had seemingly withered away, the moment he  met those blue eyes of the younger vampire. The moment his fingertips took the liberty of brushing over alabaster skin. The amount of content inhabiting every fiber of his body exceeded that of explanations, exceeded his own understanding but it was yet another thing he failed to actually reflect over. Not a single trace of consideration for upcoming consequences occupied his mind at that moment and little did he know he’d come to regret this in the end. Because for the moment, there was nothing besides Nathan that could possibly occupy his mind. Awkward, to some extent, for someone who was never affected by the presence of another, whom only gave into physical desires rather than the longing of his own mind. But in all honesty, those perfectly curved lips had been all Asce could think of since the moment they had seen each other that night. So of course, it had led him to this, to hover over the other with their lips pressed together. It was so innocent at first, such a chaste press of plush tires against another pair. But it wouldn’t stay that way. It was growing pretty obvious already.

The warm palm cupping his cheek felt good, it felt right, and the way Nathan’s lips moved with his own in perfect unison, made things even better. The surprise had been obvious at first, even though Asce had kept his eyes perfectly closed, it was something he had calculated. He had also almost been completely sure he’d be pushed aside, shoved away, but he was happily surprised to say the least. It made him a bit more daring, Usually so calm and careful, it was as if his real personality had been blown away by the alcohol in his system, for a moment at least. So he shifted his position a bit, moved to drag his fingers over the curve of a pale neck. Of course he was still careful and a tiny bit hesitant, but for the longer the kiss proceeded, the easier it got to actually move forward with it. So after a moment’s passing, he dared himself to part his own lips, dared himself to let his tongue peek out to seek access with a gentle stroke over a pink upper lip. Though he didn’t remain to see of his wish would be granted, instead pulling back with a chiming chuckle and a pleasant smirk, spending a moment looking at the younger, observing his expression, his neat — beautiful— features. Every perfect line, from the arch of his eyebrows to the shape of his chin. But he wouldn’t just lay around like this, of course not. Driven by the attraction his mind spoke for, his hands moved, and not shyly, traveling downwards along a slim frame, to curl around lean hips.

His smirk widened for a second, an impish glint in turquoise hues before he casually rolled over, tugging the younger along with him of course, attempting to make him end up on top of him, easily succeeding without too much effort. Hopefully he wouldn’t pull back, he hoped immensely that he would not. Raven locks were splayed across green tufts of grass, eyes directed towards the features of the younger male, his lips still carrying traces of amusement and beautiful abuse, kiss-swollen and tainted with traces of red; for the motions created made his blood flow just a little bit. 

[nathanxlee]

As his lids had closed in intoxicated contentment, lips moving together, all that occupied his mind was how incredibly soft Asce's own pair was. Nathan hadn't picked up the other's surprise over his own actions, probably because the other male was a master at hiding it or because the control the young vampire needed had slipped through his slim fingers. And in all honesty, nothing had ever been so relieving. The palm he had placed on a soft cheek lingered, and a shiver was sent down his spine as digits traced the skin of his own neck. Even if he had been completely to his senses, the whole situation they were in would probably have made him feel drunk in a completely different, yet probably in the same way as he already was. With the elder hovering above him, kissing him sweetly in a way Nathan had never known before in his two centuries of life, his response probably wouldn't have differed much - influenced by alcohol or not. Though, as the moments passed by something inside the young vampire grew more wanting, wanting for more. A slick poke on Nathan's lower lip before it was all gone, his lids parted slowly to give a slightly displeased gaze at the crusnik. 

A soft chuckle chimed in his ears, a sound only adding to the newly found disappointment he felt. Odd indeed, but maybe not too surprising given the circumstances. A mere second or two later, there was an elegant switch in positions and Nathan found himself on top of the chuckling male. Letting orbs take in the sight of tousled locks spread out and interlacing with strands of grass, the pale light of the moon lightening feline features and sharp eyes, luminescence reflected in beautifully coloured orbs. Orbs the same shade as the Caribbean ocean Nathan noted, the realisation making his lips twitch into a soft curl. It was a funny thing, for weeks ago when the two of them couldn't stand one another, seen from Nathan's point of view at least, he would never have imagined to compare the other vampire to what he considered the love of his life — the sea. Though, now being in the hovering position instead of being the one that was hovered over, not any of these memories had come to mind. The only thing his intoxicated mind was able to focus on was those sweet and marvellously abused pair of lips, lightened by rays of silver. 

Leaning forward as well as lowering himself with the support of his arms, Nathan only hesitated for a fleeting moment, centimetres from that addictive pair, before placing a soft press that was interrupted by a sudden thought soon turning into an irresistible idea. A hinted smirk flashed upon his own pair of lips when he spoke, hushed words uttered not far away from Asce's own pair of lips, lids separating just slightly. "I hope you do know that if you plan on ridding me of my clothes, we won't be doing that outside." By the time he fell silent, fingers that had been placed on the lawn beneath now interlaced with the soft locks spread on top of it, for Nathan's elbows served as his support. The closed distance between them allowed it. 

[innerlighet]

[nathanxlee]

Unintended || Nathan & Asce

[ascec]

The grass was cold against his cheek, mild as it tickled his skin as innocently as anything ever could. It was pleasing, to be embraced by the calm of warming spring, with upcoming holidays just around the corner. he wondered how he’d spend them. Now when he actually had someone appropriate to spend his time with, leaving for France seemed like a decision based on idiocy. Therefore, perhaps he would come to stay, for the first time. Maybe he and Nathan could come up with something pleasant to waste their time on. Maybe. He didn’t glance at him like this, when he as well came to rest against soft grass, the scent so refreshing Asce had to sigh in content. His reactions were a bit more exaggerated than usually, clouded by intoxication like this he usually did make more of an effort to seem like he wasn’t affected at all, even though it was a bit apparent that he actually was. Humoring perhaps, for the onlooker but to him it was full on serious. As always, there’s pride and valuations involved, even though their influence on him has lessened. And perhaps, that’s the reason to why he doesn’t pull his hand back when Nathan takes it in his again, when he listens to the words he says. And perhaps, that is the reason to why he lets his own slim fingers slip in between the younger’s own; intertwining them.

" Briefly."  He then uttered, voice as soft as usually, nothing more than a simple whisper. " You told me briefly. " Then there was silence again, aside from the crickets playing their everyday tunes, the sound of a few cars here and there… plus the dull bass from the party they had left a moment earlier. He wasn’t sure being this close was appropriate, if the feeling in his chest was appropriate — they way it felt like his non-beating heart continuously fluttered. Even so, the next move was his own, as he scooted even closer than previously, squinting a little before he raised the hand his head had rested upon, to point up at the stretch of dark indigo. " Planet. " He then stated, pointing at one of the more clearly glowing dots decorating the night sky, a pleased smirk decorating those lips of his as he turned his head, to let turquoise hues focus upon the younger male, on the way he seemed to observe the mysteries of space as well. Asce was so oddly happy about it, all of this, it was something he had done on impulse and something he hadn’t really expected Nathan to go along with but he did and well, the result was a pleasing as it could ever be. The elder of the two always preferred when they were alone, when there was nothing around to bother them or interrupt a deep conversation about some historical event that history books always explained wrong. This was no exception, of course not. This was better than anything they had ever done together.

Asce didn’t reflect over they way he had unconsciously ended up lying on his side, facing the other more than he faced the sky, and paying Nathan’s features more attention than anything else.Tipsy and impish like this, he was reminiscent of the mention of heat, how the other wanted to stay warm, mind coming up with what he would have thought obscure in his sober state, something he would have discarded in less than three seconds. Though it was different this time, there was nothing telling him not to, not a single thing holding him back and as he shifted slowly, motions soft and graceful as always, it was without hesitation. Not even a moment of it. The air smelled like wild strawberries and Nathan, Nathan smelled like the ocean. Fresh, pure; intoxicating in his own way and it only made Asce believe in his own, quite odd, decision. He eyed him for a moment, before he let his elbow bend and he leaned down, hovering a few centimeters over neat features, his own shadowed by dark curls, another hinted smirk before the distance diminished and his eyes closed. Before he let his own pink lips press against Nathan’s without warning. 

[nathanxlee]

Nathan had had a content feeling filling him when their fingers intertwined, because he could keep his source of warmth. Yes that was the only reason he had told himself, the only reason. No mention of the fact that he was barely able to recognise the scent of moist in the night air, for the most his nose picked up was a strong cinnamon. He didn't really know what to think of it, the lingering of the spice he hadn't really paid attention to previously, but it wasn't unpleasant. Nothing of this was. Especially not the crusnik laying right beside him on the soft lawn. Barely paying attention to how the distance between their bodies closed, and how their shoulders bumped into each other at one point, Nathan simply hummed in response to the details about what the other knew about the blood flowing through his veins. Brief information, that is the best information he told himself, for the both of them. Details about how it worked would probably bore the very life out of the older crusnik, though a small part of him hoped not. For telling details about himself could mean he might get some details about Asce as well, something desired since he found him interesting. Luckily, or else this relationship wouldn't last. 

A sudden grin formed on the young vampire's lips at the exclamation, not at all expected and somewhere in the intoxicated mind, Asce's sudden need to point out just exactly what the shining dot in the sky was humoured Nathan. Simply because he seemed so ignorant whilst doing so, or maybe as if he learnt about planets in middle school a week or so prior. He hummed, trying to sound as interested as possible without sounding too much of a supporting parent. "A planet you say? How on earth can you tell?" But he never really got an answer, maybe he was supposed to know himself, but astrology had never really been a subject that Nathan had studied properly. He wanted to explore the very corners of the earth they both lived on and for now, whatever it was that was out there didn't really fascinate him all too much. But the sky was pretty, there was no point in denying such a basic fact, and when in this company it was very enjoyable, on the verge of charming to be honest. Even though he didn't really admit it, he became so preoccupied in his thoughts concerning the very stars gleaming in the night that he didn't notice how intently he was being watched. The way orbs wandered upon his features instead of where they were supposed to look. When he did note Asce's gaze, was in the exact moment the other moved to hover above the younger. Nathan didn't say a word for his mind was blank, but the shadow of a smirk hinted about what could come next, even though it was barely noticeable with the soft locks of raven framing the gorgeous face it belonged to. 

Lips met his own and naturally, Nathan's eyes widened. Never would he have imagined this, not when they had been on that balcony some distance away and especially not when he had seen Asce's figure come forth through the crowd. But even so, the state the young vampire was in, the honest state of mind it spoke for him now. And so, after some seconds of confusion, one of Nathan's palms moved to gently cup the male's cheeks right before his own lips started moving, slowly and innocently. A simple statement in all honesty, as to confirm that whatever it was that made the crusnik perform such actions, those things could be confirmed by the younger vamprie in question. It had simply become impossible to deny the natural attraction between them.

[nathanxlee]

Unintended || Nathan & Asce

[ascec]

What was that bout of childish skittishness? It was almost as confusing as watching your own life from above, when analyzing each and every step you had made, mistakes and progress. Asce didn’t understand a bit of what consumed his entire being at that moment, when he smirked up at the younger, when his eyes carried their unusual impish gleam; when celadon suddenly grew brighter around the edges. Eaten away at by eager turquoise. It was as if watching water colors mix, slipping into each other millimeter by millimeter, so beautifully and subtly that the human eye never would be able to detect it before the transition had been completed.  It was a delicate process, just as the emotion of pure joy was delicate as well, something his entire posture expressed. The way he carried himself differed so drastically, there was none of his usual demand for grace and perfect mannerisms, casual in everything he did — including the way he spoke. In the back of his mind, he knew there was no possible way to blame the alcohol for this, not entirely. But he chose to ignore it; chose to ignore that for every minute spent together with Nathan, the latter grew more and more special to him. Corrupted his heart with emotions he couldn’t bring himself to recognize. Another contributing factor to the change of hue in his eyes.

Those orbs of turquoise were what glued themselves to the slim frame of the other male, watched his leap from the railing with amusement as well as anticipation, chuckling as sweetly as before when the male landed, head once again tipping to the side, raven curls falling over his shoulder quite prettily and only adding to the demeanor he surrounded himself with. Charmant. ” Pleasing answer. ” He then said, voice a bit more husky than previously, causing him to clear his throat before observing university grounds, the open expanses of dulled green beneath the dark sky that stretched before them, the small twinkling dots making themselves known and presenting him with an idea, a proper suggestion as to what they could do together, while eloping like this. He was about to voice his thought when the other male spoke, when Asce suddenly snorted at the given nickname — hopefully a temporary one — and he covered his mouth with the back of his hand. ” I do have an idea, Mary Jane. ” He paused for a few seconds, humming in content, lips pursing in thought. He needed a creative way to act this out and thought he indeed had one, something that was a bit bold but when did Asce not take risks? Living was a risk. And hopefully Nathan wouldn’t mind.  They were friends after all, weren’t they?

So without second thought, he reached out for the younger’s hand, took it in his own before he began to walk in an undeclared direction. ” Watch the stars with me. ” He then said, turning his head to look back at the male, grinning for a fragment of a second before he looked back ahead. He would bring Nathan to his favorite spot, the little hill behind the library building. Where he always found peace when life was at it worst, where the flowers bloomed beautifully enough for him to draw. To make his senses rejoice. Thankfully, it was a short walk, probably because of the pace, and Asce didn’t let go of the younger’s hand before they were both standing there. He didn’t say a single word as he gazed out over the bits and pieces of grass below, the small bicycle road that led across campus. It was a nice sight, a dark place at this hour and a good location for stargazing. He glanced at the vampire, a few seconds passing before laying himself down, to rest amidst tufts of grass, right hand resting beneath his head for support while the left hand’s fingers intertwined with green straws. 

[nathanxlee]

How pleasing the sound the male emitted had been, the soft and almost invisible crinkling around the corners of his eyes completed the expression, his hand sadly covering his mouth. It truly was pleasing to get a humoured response to such a silly nickname. The response though, that actually made him snort as well as shaking his head. What a different feeling it was these days, especially tonight, to be around the crusnik than it had in the beginning. And in all honesty, Nathan truly preferred them being on friendly terms than detesting one another. It made his everyday so much more easy as well as pleasant, for now he actually didn't dread going to class as much as he actually had. That, and he actually had someone to discuss interesting matter with, one who actually had lived to witness some of the discussed topics. It was fascinating, to see someone who had lived for such a long time, someone who had lived through probably a whole lot more than he relieved, to behave in this manner. Though, he also supposed that the alcohol did help relieving the pressure he usually put on himself. That was at least the case of the younger of the two.

He didn't give any verbal response other than the snort though, and even though he did get caught off guard when his hand was reached for, there were no signs of resistance. Instead he followed Asce in silence, observing their surroundings as the passed until the moment his suggestion came. The grin, Nathan thought for a second, was the most radiant of smiles he had ever witnessed, and a small voice that seemingly belonged somewhere in his ribcage, did confirm that he really wouldn't mind seeing it again. The flashing of teeth had indeed scattered his thoughts if only for a moment, but he didn't really manage to recall what they had been about. They had all disappeared into the night, hiding between strands of grass or maybe even up in the sky, playing with the stars. When the two came to a stop and Asce had loosened the grip he had of the younger's hand, there had been some reluctance from Nathan's part, he didn't really feel like letting the now a bit warmer palm go. Why, one may ask. Simply because it had been comforting, in a way the young vampire hadn't known for decades. 

What he should think of the whole situation was none of his concerns in that moment, and as the raven haired male lied down on the grass looking so utterly carefree, he was soon joined by Nathan. He too lied down on the soft lawn, the night's chill now managed to dig deeper through his skin. It was a bit uncomfortable when he got cold, the blood inside of him got thicker and moved slower which resulted in a negative spiral which in time resulted in his entire blood system stopping from moving. And so, even though he knew the crusnik was no source of heat at all, he wiggled a little closer, taking the hand he had managed to warm moments earlier. He let his eyes glance over at his friend, he had to remind himself, and smiled a bit apologetically. "It's for the sake of my blood." He paused, eyes averting up to the lights dotted all over the black veil that was the sky. He added, in a quieter voice, "Did I tell you about that part of myself yet?"  

[nathanxlee]

Unintended || Nathan & Asce

[ascec]

He had to spend a sliver of a second to clear his mind again, to leave any traces of odd thoughts behind, to shove them past the boundary of remembrance. He didn’t mind finding someone attractive, what he did mind however was that it’s him. That it was Nathan he found attractive. He had his reasons though, well-founded since it wasn’t based on appearance but personality, most of it. his mesmerizing looks was just a bonus — a huge bonus. The majority of the beautiful people he had met through his years, they were all the same. Pleasing to the eye, though their personalities were pitch black. As if they had crawled out of hell to tear the earth and its inhabitants to pieces. Nathan was different and he was probably the first person Asce had come across that actually had a decent personality, something other’s lacked. He couldn’t tell what it was exactly, not pin-point it even though he tried. It remained to be one of those unsolved mysteries. Even more charming perhaps? The crusnik liked secrets, merely because he was quite secretive himself. 

This was where he focus had drifted off to, the reason to shy he almost had leaned a bit too far over the railing, only noticing when he felt his own weight waver a bit, flinching before he straightened himself properly, trying to recall the sound of a response, though not able to recall one at all. His own loss, his own mistake. He avoided it however, nodding instead of speaking, as if just accepting whatever fact that had been stated. He had been genuinely interested in the younger’s response, fancying the way he always learnt something new when they spoke, though letting it slip. He’d blame the alcohol yet again, he always did when like this. Instinctively, most likely. He turned around a moment later, to rest his back against the railing instead of his forearms, gaze kept by the younger male as his lips pursed slightly, brows lowering for a moment. ” Probably right. And I did see what was going on, I snorted at it. It’s not really of interest to me. ” He explained with a lazy shrug. He had definitely seen too much to let something like that affect him, positively or negatively didn’t matter. ” I suppose we can stay out here until you want to go back inside again. ” He then hummed, head lolling back as his eyes closed, hair tousling further and his lips parted to make way for a heavy exhale. ” If you’re too old for this, what the heck am I? Too ancient?” He teased a little, peering at the other with an impish grin, prodding a finger against his side, a little bit more gentle than he usually would have been.  

Even though his mind was already spinning in circles because of the alcohol, he still wanted more of it. It made him relax a bit more, grow more comfortable and pleasant, as far as he knew. Others had told him so and he actually believed them. He opened up better when there wasn’t as much pride involved, as many values and regulations as usually. But, there was no real loss in avoiding it either, the idea he caught himself with seeming much more tempting to be honest, because it was a bit rash. So he smirked to himself, he turned around again, graceful as he, with ease, climbed to stand on the railing, firmly. He crouched for a moment, the palm of his hand pressing against metal, fingers curling around it as his hues lingered by the ground, tried to figure out how far it was, a shrug of perfectly curved — quite broad — shoulders. He turned his head to the other, tipped it to the side for a moment, another grin flashed before he let go, pushed off of the railing and let the flow of air embrace him like a brisk blanket, if only for a few seconds. It was freeing, falling like this, even though he hit the ground safely a few seconds later, knees bending just in the slightest. One of the many perks of not being human; injuries were few and his body could take so much more than it would have otherwise. ” Are you going to stand there all night or are you going to elope with me?” He shouted at the younger, quirking a brow. It was unusual, so very unusual. But he liked it, and he liked it a lot. Maybe the influence the other had on him, together with intoxication, wasn’t so bad after all. 

[nathanxlee]

The poke in his side had not at all been expected, but that didn't mean he wouldn't react like he normally did when someone touched his sides. Accidentally or not, he still let out a soft giggle at the tickling feeling. Almost three centuries old he was and still ticklish like a three year old child. The laughter was still audible as he spoke, though not dominating like before. "I go by the philosophy that you're only as old as you feel though. You can feel like everything from thirty to three thousand years old, age is in the mind not in the years, dear Asce." Nathan couldn't help but add a wink at the end of his sentence, even though it was the truth he spoke. His own truth at least. Because to him, even though it sometimes was evident that the crusnik outnumbered him in years, their minds were the same age. Still resting his arms against the rail as he was watching the elder and how he moved, smiling amusedly when the male moved his body as effortlessly as usual, movements sharp even though Nathan strongly suspected he had gotten more to drink than the younger. Higher resistance must be the answer. As legs stretched and Asce's figure towered above Nathan there where he stood on the railing for a second and in the next to crouch back down, the surprise that filled the younger when the crusnik finally jumped was just as confusing as it was exciting. And as the affects of the alcohol continued to affect his mind, the wide grin Asce had shown prior to jumping was as much encouragement he needed to do the same. 

With Asce's words echoing in the night, Nathan let his head turn to look back into the party going on on the other side of the glass, only to make sure none actually caught sight of what he was about to do. Drunk or not, making sure humans never suspected he wasn't one of them had become an unbreakable habit. But he could be relieved, they had all been too occupied with whatever it was they had going on and he believed they had been able to escape out on the balcony unnoticed. So that was enough, and he too climbed up on the railing, copying the movements the elder had performed and enjoyed the few seconds surrounded by nothing else but air before landing on the ground. His feet barely managed to make the landing as smooth as possible, but at least he didn't fall like a complete idiot. Or so he hoped. Walking the few steps it was between him and the older vampire, he grinned just as he answered the previous question. "I'm eloping with you." He let his eyes get used to the vast darkness surrounding them and soon he was able to make out details the human eye would never catch with this little light provided. One of his brows rose. "The question is where we are eloping though."

Nathan was, without his own knowing, looking a bit more dishevelled than before, his white dress-shirt's sleeves had been rolled up to bare his forearms, the most shallow veins visible through his untainted skin. His hair was even messier than intended, the jump as well as the pressing through the crowd earlier had added to its original style and now his right hand's fingers smelled of nicotine. Though, the last thing he didn't mind. It had been a long time since he last touched a cigarette, but the flavour reminded him of younger, and in a way happier days. Happier as in not seeing the world as it truly was, and the reminder fit perfectly in the current moment. Asce was probably the man he would come to trust for a long time onwards, and he sincerely hoped the other felt the same for him. Shaking off the thoughts, he looked away from the dark and to Asce.  For the nth time that night and somewhere in the back of his clouded mind, he truly wondered how someone could be so utterly attractive. "So, any ideas, Spider-man?" 

[nathanxlee]

Unintended || Nathan & Asce

[ascec]

It was calming to get outside like this, to get away from the pounding music and all the mixed scents. They were still there, but they were dulled by the closed door, together with every made sound. He brisk air was refreshing and so was the bouts of his nicotine rush, mixing perfectly with the Alcohol. Maybe, that was the reason to why he noted how attractive Nathan’s smile was, how good his hair looked when it was a bit more messy than before. Maybe. Asce blamed the alcohol to the fullest for his thoughts, for there was nothing between them but friendship, one that was still developing. Meaning there was absolutely no room for idiotic mistakes. The crusnik wanted to keep his vampire friend after all, at all costs. It was a nice change, not being lonely anymore. Not being consumed by the dark veil of loneliness that had been his only, feigned, comfort for the past centuries. Letting someone into his life was different, almost terrifying to be honest, but he liked it. And he liked it a lot. To add to it, he was glad it was Nathan he had befriended and not some other imbecile, Because at least he knew how valued respect and proper manners were.  

To say there was a hint of surprise in his eyes would be an understatement, not having expected the younger to accept his offered cigarette, though not minding in the least, soon handing him his lighter before slipping it into his pocket as well. There was something strangely attractive about that sight, watching how the vampire moved over solid concrete, how he held the cigarette between his fingers quite gracefully. He couldn’t help the way his eyes stuck to his frame like moths were mesmerized by light. No matter how much he tried, there was no way he could look away, not even for a second. ” You’re welcome. ” He hummed, a moment too late perhaps, but better than than never, remembering his own valuations and practically tearing his eyes away from the younger male.  Friends, Asce. Friends. He scolded himself, shaking his head with a grin once the other spoke, letting out a chiming, low chuckle, to his own surprise. It was a rarity, always had been. Especially for the past five hundred years. But it was so easy around the other, almost making it seem like they had known each other for years even though it was only a matter of weeks, and the term was moving towards its end and not a single thought of what he was to do during vacation time had hit him yet. Maybe he would go home? He’d like that, a lot. Though those thoughts were for later, pushed aside as he took another drag before speaking, exhaling a pleasant cloud of scented smoke from his lips. Special occasions craved clove cigarettes after all.  ” I have seen my own reflection, but I still think you look good, undoubtedly so to be honest. Don’t think I didn’t notice the way the girls smiled at you when we walked past. ” He teased a bit, he always did when he could, when he had opened up a bit more that was.

Asce followed the younger’s given example, forearms resting upon the railing as he leaned over it a bit, inhaling the scent of newly cut grass and sleeping flowers, appreciating how kind the darkness was to his eyes, how sooting it actually was to experience a moment of peace like this. At least until Nathan’s question interrupted the silence and he looked back at him again, with a quirked brow. ” Hm?” The hum vibrated between his lips, another chuckle falling from his lips before he collected his thoughts, wanting to give a proper answer. ” I have, though it was not exactly recent. But I remember how it felt. Every little second of it still lingers in here. ” He tapped his own temple gently. ” Photographic memory. ” He then stated, to explain himself. Usually, he would never mention any of his sexual experiences, another thing he blamed on the alcohol. ” I assume you have as well? Judging by the way you speak of it?” He barely noticed how he moved closer to the younger, not until his shoulder bumped against the other’s and he snorted silently, putting his cigarette out before stretching his arms upwards, baring a sliver of skin just above the waistline of his jeans, curling his fingers a little. ” Whenever you’re done, let’s get back inside. Before people start to speculate too wildly. “

[nathanxlee]

There was no clue to why he had uttered the thought, it had just popped up in his head and without a care he had voiced it, not even thinking twice about it. He had glanced at the other, not really knowing what kind of reaction he should expect and was relieved when it was a casual one. Almost suspecting he'd get a more heated answer if he ever would ask about the crusnik's favourite flower. Letting the chuckling echo in his mind even after it had stopped, he smiled slightly whilst still peering at the other male. Letting the smile widen a little when Asce tapped his own forehead. Not a day passed without him learning something new about the elder, and it was something Nathan enjoyed. Not having a predictable person around would make his everyday life less monotonous. Indeed a quality he appreciated. As the questions fell from the elder's lips, Nathan himself moved the cigarette towards his own pair, taking a deep inhale of the nicotine tainted smoke. 

Their shoulders bumped into one another just as he let the grey blend with the crisp night breeze, and he formed an humoured smile upon those lips of his as they did. The amusement even coloured the tone of his voice. "Of course, though some parts of it was less enjoyable than others. I believe I found grass in my clothes a week after it." The memory was of both a good and a bad nature, the good and enjoyable parts being he wasn't forced to do it right there and then, though the negative aspects defiled the memory when he learnt he was being taken advantage of. Being young and still, against all odds, naïve could be hurtful. At least when you were the young one still believing there was some good people in the world. So far, none of those believes had been proven right. 

He wasn't able to catch the baring of skin, and by now, even the small amount of alcohol he had consumed so far managed to get the best of his mind. How could seeing one who was only a friend, as possibly something much more interesting instead, be harmful? Whatever sense had been left minutes ago had disappeared, for a short while at least. He rose an eyebrow at the words coming from Asce, the suggestion to get back inside of hell was not at all tempting, not when he had a chance to escape it. Finishing his offered cigarette and putting it out, he let a smug look linger upon his own features as he looked at the male. "What harm can a couple of more minutes out here do? I don't know if you cached what was going on in the sofa I was sitting on, but more interesting things must be happening inside than the sight of two friends sharing a smoke, don't you think?" One corner of his lips tugged into a smile for a split second, and his eyes left the other male and went back to the vast sea of grass. "Though I might just be getting too old for this type of events." 

[nathanxlee]

Unintended || Nathan & Asce

[ascec]

Supposedly, his was meant to be fun. However Asce couldn’t exactly grasp what was so funny about wandering through masses of people when one could barely hear one’s own thoughts. Maybe he was just a bit too old to get it? He snorted at that thought, shook his head just a bit as he stopped to rest his back against a empty wall. He didn’t know what kind of alcoholic liquid his plastic cup contained, just knowing it tasted better than he would have expected. Adding to it that he rarely had time to waste on alcohol these days, it made the party a bit more pleasurable. Because he could spend a moment somewhere without actually having to think about the goddamn million problems he had. Seemingly he only needed time, before he was used to the drumming beat, to the way it deafened his senses. Possibly because some of the alcohol kicked in, although it took a lot to actually get him intoxicated properly. It dulled his basic senses quickly however, not that they could function properly here in the first place. There were too many scents, liquor, sweat, perfume — which he despised— and whatnot. He didn’t really want to identify the rest. 

He pushed off the wall a moment later, after receiving several appreciative looks from the female students, flashing the same impish grin over and over, always receiving the same response; a smile and a quick flutter of an eyelid. Not that he intended to approach them further, but he figured he could just as well spend his time doing something while he waited for Nathan. He didn’t fancy being bored and honestly, there wasn’t anything better he could do. he refilled his cup, moved through the hive of people grinding against each other, greeting a few acquaintances here and there, who seemed genuinely surprised to see him there, asking questions he barely bothered to answer properly. His fingertips danced over his own skin, grinning when a fairly curvy girl with blond extensions asked him about his tattoos, how many, where and why. He explained as well as he could, considering he needed to make her understand and she seemed genuinely interested. She looked disappointed when he excused himself, saying he had to find his friend. Yeah.. because where on earth could Nathan be? He pursed his lips, stopped after downing his fourth or fifth cup of alcoholic substance, setting the piece of plastic aside.

Asce blinked a few times, grimacing for a sliver of a second before he began to move again, silken strands of raven moving slightly with every step, eyes sharp and senses trained. If he really made an effort, he could find fragments of the familiar scent that was Nathan, because those elements where undeniably the most attractive ones the room could provide. Probably because his kind was prey to Asce’s own. Not that he intended to let it play any role in his life, he just appreciated the ability to locate him like this. It didn’t take all too long before he spotted him, snorting at the sight of him at the edge of the sofa while the two girls beside him took up the rest, looking away for a moment when his name was called, nodding in response to the greeting but ignoring whatever words were shouted towards him, moving over the floor instead, to meet the other halfway.  ”Are you deaf yet?” He uttered, hopefully loud enough, when at an appropriate distance, instinctively leaning forward a bit. He tried to avoid letting his gaze linger upon the male’s frame, explore how he looked. If he did so too much, it’d seem odd. Most likely.

The bouts of alcoholic pleasure has made him itch for a nicotine boost, knowing there is something in resemblance of a balcony somewhere on this floor, it wasn’t long before he grabbed the other by the wrist and tugging him along with himself through the sea of students, hopefully in the right direction. He was happily surprised when finding the small glass door, closed and the balcony was fortunately unoccupied. Dwelling seemed dumb, so without warning he stepped outside, letting the door fall shut behind the two of them. ” Sorry. ” He muttered before feeling though the pockets of his jeans, seeking his package of Marlboro along with his silver lighter, finding them soon enough. He placed a cylinder between his lips, lit it with ease. It was the first time he smoked around the younger as far as he knew, though even so he still offered him one, quirking a brow as he took a long drag. ” I think my ears will fall off soon, honestly. Though glad to see you. ” He stretched his shoulders a bit, looking out over the open expanse of grass below them, soon peering at the vampire through slanting eyelids. ” Looking good too, nice. “

[nathanxlee]

Grateful he was when met by the elder, just the mere sight of the familiar features lightened his thoughts distinctively and made the still echoing moans easier to ignore. Was he still actually hearing them or had they etched themselves into his mind, with the intent to bother him until whenever? To be perfectly honest, he would probably do a whole lot of things to get rid of them, and not even that he wanted to think about. Especially not now. Not when Nathan himself felt like his appearance was like that of manatee and tonight, Asce certainly looked as exotic as a dragon fish. Distance between the two was closing, the comparison was in turn becoming more and more obvious. To feel lesser than another being was not anything he was used to, and the reason behind it was another thing Nathan did not want to ponder. There was always much going on inside of his mind, but right now there easily was too much. 

He let out a loud chuckle at the first thing coming from the crusnik, the smile caused by it lingered as he shouted back. "Apparently not." How close they were didn't get pass unnoticed, and the effort of not leaning forward was well was almost too much. Wait. Where exactly did that thought come from? He blamed the alcohol dimming his mind, all he felt for the male was just friendship. And he was hot, even the straightest guy in the room could see that, though that guy was obviously not Nathan. A thought finally scattering the last of the echoing sounds from a few moments earlier. Finally. 

Finding himself on a closed balcony perhaps a minute or so later, he could sigh heavily with the crisp winds of the evening embracing him, the cold not too bothersome. A pleasant realisation. Nathan simply let a smile play upon his plush lips as Asce searched his pockets, just a bit curious of what it was he was looking for. Slightly surprised as he was offered the cigarette, he accepted it nonetheless. "Thanks." As he was placing it between lips whilst waiting to be offered the lighter as well, the sudden peacefulness out there in the dark was a welcomed change to the loud contrast on the other side of the glass door. Another, though this time a lower chuckle left him as he lit the offered cigarette, he too took a long drag before answering. "Honestly, I was almost on the verge of leaving right before I saw you. So agreed, it's very nice to see you too." Another drag and eyebrows rose at the comment, his own orbs lingering by the features of his friend. The shirt contrasted beautifully against both the inked and the untouched parts of his skin, hair messier than expected though the sea of people he had waded through was probably to blame. "If I had consumed just another glass or two I would probably have asked if you just saw your own reflection." His smile widened a bit, his gaze leaving the male beside him and it too took in the sight of the sea of grass expanding in front of the balcony. 

Nathan leaned on the rail, a light trail of smoke mixing with the winds of the night. When had it become so dark? He didn't really know, his night so far had been to assure his room mate that he looked good and then to ignore whatever it was going on around him. He moved the cigarette to his lips once again, letting his thoughts transform into the audible form, something possible because of a number of reasons. Alcohol and the fact that he was easily influenced by it was a larger part of the reasons. "Have you ever had sex outside? To just hear how all sounds mix with those of nature, how the howling of the wind lets your pleased sounds fly off to who knows where. It's unexpectedly great to be honest."

[nathanxlee]

To not be in completely control of myself is what I fear, and right now it seems like it's time to be afraid.

[nathanxlee]

Unintended || Nathan & Asce

[ascec]

Over the past few weeks, he had indeed been pleasantly surprised by the behavior of the younger vampire. More than so, since he had actually found himself taking a liking to him, innocently he told himself. Innocently. He was convinced that was the case and he would settled with it, not doubt it for a second because he couldn’t afford to. It would only cause him more trouble than he had already gotten into. There was absolutely no need for that. But even so, he was fascinated, for he had gotten to know quite a bit about the other male, how he had lived his life throughout the years before he ended up where they both now were, of course always listening to his stories with interest, expecting the same diligence when he told his own. Because of course Asce had shared bits and pieces of his own life as well, his passions and some of his mistakes, his work, his beliefs. He had told the younger about his own beginnings, where he came from ( as far as he knew ) but he had not shared the problematic parts, the ones consisting his inability to perceive emotions correctly, to understand. He did not lack empathy for he could feel for others, much so, but only in situations his senses had the capacity of actually picking up. Many things were identifiable, as long as he recognized what he was watching. This problem, that his entire lifestyle practically surrounded, was one of the greatest secrets he kept. Tucked into his pocket where it rested safely so to say, locked into a box where he had thrown away the key. Maybe he would share this, because surely it would be needed when time came, but not now. Not when everything was so fragile.  

On the other hand, what he had shared, were the memories he treasured himself. He had shared some of the memories from the time he spent with Elie, in France, therefore also the origin of his name. He had flaunted about the french court, details brought up here and there, and of course pointing out the aspects that history books made mistakes about. Always. He had mentioned the political issues within the clan he belonged to, but not the way it all ended. Not how he lost his sire and became… what he was. He had told him about his species however, in great detail. He had been very serious that night in the library, when he explained exactly how he survived, what he did to survive and how he did it. Happily surprised to find that the younger wasn’t afraid of him. It was a first, and he hoped it would continue to be so. He had thoughtfully moved on to his time in Britain, finding it interesting that it was the country from where the younger originated, taking it into account for further topics, in case. He hadn’t stayed for all too long however, he hadn’t had reason to. Instead he had taken his interests elsewhere, visited countries for the sake of exploring the flora, to make pretty drawings of the flowers he loved so much. He had practically traveled the world by now, except from visiting the North Pole, he had almost been everywhere. He had avoided the subject of him trying to find his lost family, without the correct memories it had been a hard task, but bit and pieces had been puzzled together and he knew where he came from, simply because he had been able to dig out old documents Elie had stored, things he hadn’t been able to grab before he had to flee. He knew his old name, he knew where he had been found and he knew the year his parents had died, the dates for their burials but not more.  It was rare for him to be this talkative, but it seemed so easy with Nathan, so incredibly easy just to let the words flow — automatically. He appreciated it. 

All of this was probably what had led him to accepting the invitation he had been given a few days back, ear to ear of course, by a fellow classmate. He didn’t even know the name, but he had given his word on showing up, the pleas being that his presence would most likely make sure the female students stayed. They seemed stupidly interested in him.. for whatever reason. he couldn’t for the love of god understand why, since he never displayed the smallest bit of interest in them. Then there was the fact that he knew Nathan would be there was well, which would make the night a bit more bearable. Though he had spent most of his afternoon outdoors, to avoid the excessively loud music played by the students on the upper floor. His hearing exceeded that of a vampire, so spending time in his own dorm room was like pressing his ear against the speaker on full volume. It wasn’t exactly the most peaceful place. to be perfectly honest. So he had spent the few remaining hours of daylight, after classes, behind the library building again, drawing a few flowers anew, sketching tufts of grass, listening to the birds sing, It kept him calm, and he needed to be on his best side if he was to tolerate the imbeciles he expected to bump into later that night. After he had made his way back to his room, changed his clothing to something more suitable, though still not too fancy — settling for a tailored, royal blue button up, sleeves rolled up to his elbows to keep parts of his tattoos bared, tightly fitted black jeans and a simple leather bracelet— he had moved on to getting his hair in order, tying it back in a half pony tail, keeping some of the curly flow. Simply because he liked it that way. A few sprays of his cinnamon cologne and he had been out the door, making his way upstairs with confidence, the same grin he always wore left to decorate his plum, pink lips. Hopefully, this wouldn’t be too bothersome. 

[nathanxlee]

To be perfectly honest, Nathan hadn't really thought about what he should expect of the evening and the night following, attending the party he mainly did to just break his habits of avoiding them. He and his room mate arrived a bit late, seeing as it was already packed with intoxicated students, some grinding against each other on the area he supposed was the dance floor whilst others drowned their shyness with alcohol. He had stopped when the song playing had changed, the booming bass managed to completely paralyse him for a few seconds. Why did it have to be so painfully loud? In that small amount of time, he was abandoned by the same guy who had talked about this party all week. After returning to the present again and seeing the back of his room mate's head disappear in the crowd, a heavy sigh left the vampire. What was he doing here again?

Reaching for a cup, he filled it with some kind of alcoholic liquid and downed it in one go. Reaching for a different bottle this time, not even close to be able to hear the wonderful liquid hit the plastic due to the loud music drowning all other sound, he sat down in the nearest sofa with his cup. The edge of it was the best place for observing what was happening around him, who were attending and the most important question - was Asce there yet? He truly would need his company if he were to survive this horrible thing. Pressing closer to the edge of the sofa because of a pair of girls making out right next to him as he sipped his drink, Nathan's eyes scanned every face they could see. Not a trace of the elder, not yet at least, he thought to himself as he tried to ignore the stiffled moans coming from the girls next to him.

Immersing himself in the negative thoughts circulating around inside, he thought all other sound would be easier to ignore. He let his dislike towards parties like this dominate his mind for a while, they were too loud for his tastes, and they often lacked the refinement he needed in order to have a good time. And never would he have thought that even though he had dressed very simply, a pair of ripped, stone washed pair of jeans combined with a simple white dress-shirt being his outfit, completed with hair a bit messier than usual, that he would've been able to drawn attention to himself in the way he was. He thought himself too casual for the occasion, but the gazes various females threw at him spoke against his believes. Strange indeed, he thought, and there was still no sign of Asce. Where in the heavens- 

A question interrupted when the man in question did appear in Nathan's field of vision, and if the younger had felt under dressed before, that was nowhere near how he felt when laying eyes upon the majestic blue Asce wore. Downing the last contents in his cup before unbuttoning the top 2 buttons of his own shirt, he stood up, leaving the still moaning girls to go and meet his friend.  

[nathanxlee]

Unintended || Nathan & Asce

The turning of events in the two vampires' relationship had truly been a pleasant one for Nathan, since he against all previous odds found himself enjoying the company Asce provided him with. At this point, he'd actually say that the two were friends without much hesitation, it seemed like what he had learnt was an older, crusnik vampire, enjoyed their time together as much as the younger did. They had over the span of the previous weeks, learnt a lot about one another - or as much as they had felt comfortable with at least. Nathan had told Asce brief details about his protected childhood as well as his years spent abroad, in countries all over the world where the weather allowed him to live a somewhat normal life. Europe had been his home the past century and a half, with rare exceptions for visits in both China and Japan. And those trips had mainly been for mastering the cuisine in each country. Though, as he had explained for the elder as he had told him about it, his visit in China had been much shorter than planned. Simply because he couldn't stand the commoner's behaviour. It wasn't very refined in the eyes of the younger vampire, and as someone who had grown used to manners it was hard to ignore. 

And so, Nathan had moved to Japan instead and stayed many years more than originally intended. It had been a country living up to his high expectations, not to mention how cooking was actual art in the Japanese culture. He had, unintentionally going into details, explained how he got very interested in the Japanese traditions and culture and how he travelled all over the country to make observations. Having to part with the country had been painful, but it had been needed. And that was basically how he ended up in the current place, at the university they both attended. Things he did leave out for the moment, was small details such as his first decades as a vampire and how they had left him as a pale, apathetic shell of his former self. They way he looked at himself and the actions he had performed in his past was something he still struggled with, though he never bothered anyone with those thoughts. He had done so once, and that person had ended up using him in the same manner as those in his past. He really didn't want that with Asce and wouldn't even allow himself to consider sharing those bits of himself, not until he felt their relationship had matured enough. Something he knew could take years. But even so, it could be worth it. 

All things so far though, had led to the present time. Nathan had, a few days prior, been invited over (thanks to his room mate) to a party on a different floor of the dorm. A celebration of sorts, for having survived this far in university, though it was obviously just an excuse for throwing a party. Not that Nathan did mind and thought he'd be present, it could be a healthy change in surroundings for once. The ones holding the party weren't known for being very shy and considerate towards the rest of the students living in the dorms and even though it only was in the afternoon, they started playing music so loud the throbbing base could be felt in the walls. It was as if the pulsating music spoke of what was to be expected, and with his good hearing, Nathan could hear every syllable sung as clear as if they had played the music in the room next to them. Getting ready didn't take long, waiting for his room mate on the other hand, that was a completely different story. After all, they did have different goals set for the night: Nathan simply wanted to socialise whilst his room mate wanted to have sex with one of the girls present at the party. Sex wasn't what Nathan aimed for, not at all. 

[nathanxlee]

Strangers || Nathan & Asce

[ascec]

It was the simplicity of the atmosphere that really lured him to let his guard down entirely. He was used to the vampire’s scent by now, meaning it no longer triggered his senses to snap into frenzy like they had at first. Positive development, in his own personal opinion. Simply because it made everything so much more easy than it would have been otherwise— Asce would have had to quit classes. Or at least skip them and catch on what they were doing later on. Not worth it, since he desired nothing but top grades; something he got effortlessly of course. He was a lot more clever than the professor who seemed to have realized by no, much to the crusnik’s amusement. His judgement seemed to be something the old man feared, something he assumed from the way his gaze always wavered when he looked in his direction, stilling only when the raven haired male gave a nod of approval. These thoughts, they lingered in the back of his head as he finished the last stroke of his pencil upon bleak paper, the last dusting of color to a perfect petal. he chuckled at the sight, proud as always and not shy to express it either, especially not when receiving the younger’s comment. It urged him to look up, the lights of the library hall making his black hair shimmer with vivid facets of blue, motions calm and graceful as always, without faltering the way he kept his back straight, shoulders in line, chin in line with the center of his chest. ” I suppose it would. ” He began, a lightly amused sigh passing his pale pink lips. As moment later he pushed the leather covered book across the table, fingers gentle as he did so, giving an encouraging nod.  ”Go ahead and do so. If it pleases you.”

"And for the record, my name is Asce. Asce Chaussée." They were the last words he said before he picked up the remaining pieces of literature concerning flora and fauna, cradling them to his chest with care as he soon came to rise to his feet. He stood for a moment, watching the other for but a moment of time before he strolled away. I on the other hand, already know your name. He thought to himself, shaking his head a little as he headed towards the shelves where he had picked up the books in the first place. He took his time however, steps slow as they left their silent echo behind, to ring between towering walls. It was still so surprising to him, that he had taken interest in someone like this. He hadn’t let a single being caught his eye for five hundred years. What made this so much more different? Why did he bother and why did he care enough to ask questions? It was as confusing as anything could be and he really couldn’t come to terms with his own way of thinking; hadn’t been able to for the past three weeks to be perfectly honest. But today, it didn’t bother him to the same extent anymore. Instead he found himself feeling rather fine, gladdened by the way he and Nathan seemed to be on better terms now, during the past hour, than ever before. Pleasing to the mind as well as to the heart. his brows furrowed at that thought, muscles freezing for a sliver of a second before he managed to shake the odd feeling off, leaving it in the hallway  as he made a turn into the correct one.  

                                What are you thinking Asce? 

He questioned himself when putting the books back into place, stopping to think for a moment but failing to form a single coherent sentence for himself to work with, heaving a heavy sigh as he made a graceful pivot, turning to head back towards the table where the vampire still sat in all his comfort, or so the crusnik assumed. He hadn’t heard him move after all and it seemed unlikely that he would have without him noticing. After all, he was the predator here. Not vice versa. He snuck back in silence, footsteps soundless, hues of green harboring a mischievous gleam as he took the other way around, in order to sneak up behind the younger. And so he did, standing behind him for almost ten seconds before he spoke. “Finding anything of interest?” His voice was mild, fingertips swiping over polished wood as he headed back towards his own seat, packing up the items that were unmistakably his, pencils and whatnot. All placed into his satchel one by one. “It’s getting quite late, I think we should head back to our dorms.” He then suggested, a brow quirking as he looked up at the other. “Sneaking in past curfew is a hell of a game, but I’m not up for it today. Though if you are, feel welcome to stay. And you can return the book at another time. I trust you won’t rip the pages or something of the like.” He threw the bag strap over his shoulder, one last glance thrown at the other, a light tip of his head. “The choice is yours, however I am off. See you around no?” It remained to be his last sentence before he turned on his heels, to head for the exit. His smile wasn’t visible to anyone, though it was there, playing upon those plush lips of his, unconsciously. Because maybe, just maybe, he might have gained his first friend in half a millennia. 

[nathanxlee]

Being a bit taken back when the leather bound was pushed towards him, there was also a lingering curiosity beneath the surprise. It had merely been a thought that had been voiced, but even so his thoughts never spoke of lies. And neither did Nathan's words. Even in his earliest memories, when he still had been the human he once was, lies had always been frowned upon. And as he grew up in the guarded environment that was his home, he learnt to never lie as it was a sin. Already being a bastard was a sin in its own his father had told him, but if one showed throughout his life that he intended to make up for this sin, then God might grant one a place in heaven. And up to this day, if possible, he still longed for that place in heaven his father told him about all those years ago. His hands had been placed on the leather covering the insides of the book, his face had formed into an expression of gratitude. Thankful for the trust placed in him, especially since they didn't know each other all too well. Though, there was something about the male he couldn't put his finger on. That thing which had caused him to be curious about his name in the first place.

Asce Chaussée. Of course the name of the vampire he had desired the previous weeks would be something impossible to figure out, the fact that it was a French name was just the cherry on top. Sure, his own time in France had been a wonderful experience but also limited as his main focus had been cooking, literature and music. And never, had he met someone with the surname Chaussée, so even though he would've known which nationality the mysterious male was, Nathan would never have been able to get his name right. Not to mention the fact that his name didn't exactly match his name, he would probably have gone with something Chinese or Korean only judging by the looks. Though, Nathan supposed, having names not exactly matching their appearances was something they had in common. There had not been an opportunity for him to answer Asce as the latter had disappeared somewhere between the shelves of the library, with unnatural grace Nathan noted. His gaze had been fixated on a thin book, standing in a shelf several metres away from him. It looked like a good read, even though it was unpleasantly thin and he had absolutely no clue what it was about. It had become instinctual over the years, just knowing which volume would be worthy of his time. Though, as seconds passed, his eyes slowly let go of the book, far off in the distance and returned to the one right in front of him. 

It really wasn't alike anything he had seen before, and if he didn't know any better he would have almost believed Asce had made this book himself. Including its exterior. Letting soft fingers trace the leather, he almost felt affectionate towards the completely unique volume, as if it was something living. And if it had been, it probably would've been as innocent as a baby jellyfish. Even though he had simply been admiring its covers, he hadn't caught the sound of approaching footsteps. Neither did he notice when they stopped, right behind him. When the first word had been spoken, his heart had skipped just slightly. In surprise of course. "It is very interesting, actually." His eyes had let go of the soft leather and instead they took in the sight of the other male, moving gracefully as he did something as simple as picking up after himself. Why do I notice that? The thought was as relevant as the questions before it, but still, he had no answer to any of them. Not even glancing at the clock, he nodded in agreement to the other male's words, he wasn't up for the hassle of sneaking back in absolute silence in the middle of the night. Not tonight. A small chuckle did pass his lips though, the spontaneous reaction to the thought of ever harming the book he had been trusted with. He shook his head lightly as he spoke. "I would never harm a work of art, and especially not intentionally." Smiling softly, his voice had remained soft as well during the whole time. Surprisingly enough. "Yeah, I'll see you around." Bidding farewell to Asce as he exited the library, Nathan figured he would have to do the same. After all, he had a long night with studying the vampire's small works of art in front of him. And he would have to pick up that small book before he left as well.

[nathanxlee]

Strangers || Nathan & Asce

[ascec]

The softness in the other vampire’s voice as he spoke, simply to respond to Asce’s own question, it surprised him. It was so different from the way he had heard him speak before and it did indeed cause him to warm up to him a little bit at least. They needed a new start, not only because the older of the two had a slight interest in the younger but also because holding a grudge towards someone like this; someone who could be seen as a possible source of nutrition, could lead to unpleasant incidents and he did not want those to occur. Oh no. That would be much more of a hassle than he was prepared to handle and thus he had chosen to avoid it. Besides, he hadn’t revealed his true nature by this time, by this day, and would prefer if he didn’t have to. Ever. But when thinking it over, he’d probably have to. Though he let that particular thought go for now, as offering the younger a nod of acknowledgement and a tilt of his head to express his initial interest. “I’ve never read much about marine animals.” He stated , raising a hand to push aside a few strands of raven, placing them behind his ear. Even such a small gesture was performed with grace, habitual of course, merely because he had maintained the same hairstyle for several centuries by now. “Maybe you could tell me a little about the ones that interest you the most sometime.” He then said, tone rather positive as he looked back down at his own books, resuming his work and once again leaving everything else shut out. 

His eyes scanned every written word all over again, a determined sigh passing his lips as they pursed for but a sliver of a second. His fingertips trailed a photographed petal as he compared it to his own drawn one, a small smug smile tugging at plush lips when realizing his own illustration was more detailed, more accurate than the one printed in the book. He made a small note about it of course, handwriting neat as always and easy to read. Though holding elements from at least two or three centuries ago. Naturally. He flipped through the pages again, finding the next flower, writing the name down. the description as well as the information accessible. He was double checking of course, he knew most of this by heart but you could never be too sure, no? Of course not.  He hummed a soft tune, one hand reaching down into his satchel, getting the lid of the box he kept within, easily grasping one of the cookies he had received earlier and placing it in between his lips as he continued his work.  He glanced up at Nathan now and then of course, and it seemed like he wasn’t the only one lacking proper focus. 

He noticed when the male leaned forward, quirked a brow in silence as he munched on the cookie he had picked, holding it gently between his fingers to make sure not too many crumbs landed upon paper and wood. He didn’t want to create a mess. His smile was still there, unconsciously of course and he gave a small dip of his head, a polite bow. “Thanks.” He uttered at first, a few rehearsed flutters of his eyelids as he once again tipped his head to the side. “I’ve been doing this for years, it keeps me calm I suppose. Hence why I manage to make the drawings so detailed. I have an entire shelf with bound leather sketchbooks, just like this one.” He explained, putting his pencil down to look at the other vampire properly, green hues meeting blue ones and for a moment he was stuck, mesmerized, and he couldn’t look away. Whatever it was about this particular young vampire, he felt drawn to him and it was another source of slight annoyance but considering they were finally heading in the right direction, he pushed it aside. If anything, getting along with him was the best thing he could do. 

[nathanxlee]

The sight of an unexpected but familiar pink shade caught the young vampire's attention, and for a sweeping moment he was completely distracted by the cookie. The one he himself had baked. It was if the light shade in contrast to the fuller and darker shade of pink that was the other male's lips was the perfect combination, aesthetically that was. A highly surprising as well as confusing thought, Nathan never really noted things like that. He never wanted no notice things of that sort. Not anymore. Too many in his past had proved not any being was worthy of being thought of in that way, no human beings and not any beings ascending from humans at least. Fish on the other hand, they were much simpler creatures and didn't care on petty things as being aesthetically pleasing. So they were worth the thought. But the male sitting there on the other side of the table, munching on one of the small rose flavoured cookies he had made only hours prior, he seemed worth the thought too. But why? 

Even if he had tried answering the question he would've been interrupted nonetheless by the soft voice. As the words had started falling from the pair of lips admired just seconds before, Nathan couldn't take his eyes off of him. The gaze had moved from plush tires and instead they had settled on lids covering green eyes, eyes sometimes looking as if they contained an entire forest behind a clear lens. When his own met the forest, all thoughts vanished for a brief second. Struggling to pull back previous thinking, he instead flashed a small and rare smile and said the very first thing that came to mind. "It would probably be very interesting to study the development in your drawings." Not once had he broken eye contact with the other vampire, instead he had been trapped in what seemed like a deep woodland. Puzzled, he did realise just how different he had behaved the past half-an-hour or so, compared to previous times they had met. And just like before, regarding the matter with the contrast of pink shades, he once again asked himself 'why?'.

Ignoring the returning question, he realised something completely different. Something that usually annoyed him when alone but something he never remembered when he had the chance to ask about. A quiet chuckle had left him in realisation, and his eyes had travelled down to the cover of the book he had read. He studied the picture of the narwhal covering its front for another brief moment before finding the eyes of the other male once again. The smile was still present, and unintentionally, so were his dimples. "I apologise, but I don't believe I ever caught your name." He let his hand reach towards the other vampire, surprisingly unhesitating about it. "I'm Nathan." 

[nathanxlee]

Strangers || Nathan & Asce

[ascec]

After his note had been left by the male’s door, Asce had returned to his room. He had no plans for the rest of the afternoon, he had missed out on his last class for the day, thus leaving him otiose for more than a few hours. His lips remained pursed for almost an entire minute before his idea struck and he nodded to himself. To begin with, he grasped for a rubber band, tying his long raven curls back into their usual, neat ponytail. A few strands left to frame his flawless features. He glanced at himself in the mirror, approved how he looked before he proceeded. Striding over the old wooden floor of his single room, well double room that he inhabited on his own, and of course reestablished to his own likes, he soon reached his desk. Not the top drawer but the one below was opened in an instant, the smallest traces of a smile present upon those plush lips of his as gentle fingers grasped for his sketchbook. It was old, covers made of leather and bound by strings. He hadn’t bought if, of course not, he had made it. Just like everything within it, it was an artwork. Something he knew he’d appreciate endlessly merely because he had created it from scratch. Every itty bit of it was handmade, and to Asce, it was his greatest treasure. Nimble fingertips caressed over the binder ever so carefully, the curl of lips remaining as he picked it out of the drawer and placed it upon his desk, carefully as well. He didn’t want it to break, not ruin it. Sure his precautions were unnecessary, it wasn’t about to fall to pieces, but as always he found it better to be careful. It came naturally after all, mainly because Elie had always been so peculiar about it. 'Treat everything you treasure as if it can fall apart at any second. Caution, my dearest, you can never foresee when that of importance choose to effloresce.' He shook his head a little. Those words, had lead him through a lot for the past centuries. 

Beside the book there had been yet another few desired items, the drawer far from empty and his motions were still delicate as he grasped for the relatively small pencil-box he had purchased many years ago. It was still in perfect condition, not a single scratch made and he took pride in his own organized ways. When both items had been placed on the wooden table, he walked back across the room, leather satchel in hand as he returned, carefully placing each item down (after emptying it of void items he didn’t want to bring) with precision. When finished he placed the shoulder strap where it belonged, slipping into his white sneakers before he left the dorm and headed outside. The sun was still shining brightly, not a cloud in sight and it made everything so much better. The ground was dry, the air was warm and light spring breezes ruffled the free strands of hair as he wandered across campus grounds. He had, prior to leaving, snuck the little box of cookies into his bag as well. He was a sucker for sweets and always found it pleasing to have something to chew on when he concentrated. He strode over the beds of grass surrounding the back of the campus grounds, towards the east edge, where the little slope was. It was his favorite place. Not only was it secluded, but it was full of different sorts of flowers. So, of course he’d go there whenever he could, most of the time he just watched, but now, he had something else in mind. He had done this for at least nine hundred and fifty years by now, and it made it so much more important. More so since he had saved every single piece he had made since the day he started. He had several of these leather bound books, though of course he didn’t bring all of them along with him when doing momentarily occupations in life, such as attending university classes all over again. Oh no. They remained safe in the confinements of his apartment back in France. They all had their own row in his massive bookshelf. 

He seated himself upon the soft tufts of green, setting hs bag down beside him, spending a moment by merely gazing over different beds of spring flowers, another small nod given before both book and pens were brought forth. He chose his most used pen, the one used most easily for sketching and then he began to draw. Every single petal was carefully observed before he drew their shapes, how they curled around the center, the bends at the end. Every itty bitty detail was documented and drawn from several angles. This was his way of relaxing entirely. Because when engaging in something involving his greatest interest, botany, he didn’t have to think at all. The entire sketchbook was filled with the most vivid images of flowers he had seen over the many years, during every single on of his travels there was always something new to document. He knew most of their names, had seen pictures of them before, studied them, but it was always different when seeing them in reality. Once, not too long ago, he had indeed traveled to South Africa for the sake of observing a rare orchid. It had been blue, very beautiful, and he still remembered the excitement of seeing it up to this day.  He was passionate about this and he had been for as long as he could remember. And was thus sure he wouldn’t stop being either. He sat there, in the grass until it began to grow dark outside, wrinkling his nose when he had to pack his things up, taking one last cookie out of the box before stuffing it into his bag as well. He decided to head over to the library, to search through botany books for the flowers he had drawn, just to make sure he was correct with their names and descriptions. Perfectionistic, as always.   

The moment he stepped through those doors, the scent of the other vampire snuck into his nostrils and he furrowed his brows for a moment. He saw no reason to hold a grudge against him anylonger, and the issue with being close was since long overcome by now. His instincts were almost sleeping in the corner of his mind by now and easily ignored, much to his pleasure. So without worry he wandered towards his desired section of the library, picking the books needed before moving along to the closest seating area. Where he happened to find Nathan. Fate. He shrugged lazily, placing his books upon the table, soon followed by pencils and the sketchbook as well. The the flipping began and he was engulfed immediately. Smiling to himself, he read every name, observed the petals until finding the ones matching his drawing as well as his memories, writing the name with neat letters before moving on to the next. And so it continued, at least until the younger put his own book down and Asce couldn’t help but to look up. It wasn’t until then that he had taken notion of what it was he was reading, head tipping a little to the side before he hummed silently, returning to his own work, even though his focus had drifted a little. “Is the book good?” He then asked, looking up from his own for a moment, quirking a brow as bringing himself to flutter his eyelids a few times. 

[nathanxlee]

His eyes had set on words describing the humpback whale's breeding and mating habits, but they hadn't registered the meaning of any of them. There hadn't been enough concentration left after he had caught the sight of the vampire across the table, the smile on his lips and how genuinely happy he had looked. It truly was something he never had witnessed, the feeling the male radiated had Nathan not felt in a great number of years. Someone doing such an insignificant thing for the watching eye, but still being so content with exactly what they were doing. It was fascinating, though he had torn his eyes from the sight. Staring was rude, and between them, anything even remotely impolite could turn into something of an argument. Or that was the impression he had gotten, that they both cared about manners and behaviour to an extent none of the other students did. Manners and pride. Something that sometimes could be a bit tricky balancing. If they could start over, maybe this could evolve into something better than a rude and upsetting comment in the cafeteria. 

His thoughts got interrupted by a soft voice, speaking in a tone he couldn't recognise even though he had heard him speak before. It was as if the peacefulness he seemed to be radiating had tainted his voice as well. Naturally, the young vampire's hues had returned to the features of the male in front of him, though this time their gazes met. The small smile that had swept across his lips prior reappeared, hopefully this could be the new start he had hoped for, hope placed somewhere in the back of his head. "If one likes to read about whales, it is. The diversity among them is incredible, or that's what I think at least." He kept his sentences shorter than what they could've been, marine animals was something he considered himself passionate about and could - if allowed - talk about them for hours without an end. He didn't want to bore the vampire after all, especially not now. Not when he looked so at peace, or had at least. Letting out a light chuckle he returned to the printed words, presented in an open book lying there on the table. Though, by now it was absolutely no point in even trying to pretend he was in a state of absorbing facts about the mammals, something he did realise. And because of that, he instead closed the volume after placing a small piece of papers on the place where he had stopped reading. 

Eyes was brought to the male again, taking in the sight of slightly messy strands of black and a pair of surprisingly plush lips before they noticed what was on the table in front of the other. A sketchbook filled with absolutely gorgeous drawings of flowers, so realistic he was surprised he couldn't feel their scent filling his nostrils. All there was was the familiar one coming from the vampire, interlaced with a soft touch of old leather. Not letting the smile slip from his lips, he leaned forward, not remarkably but still noticeably. He hesitated for a second before opening his mouth, though as he did his voice was the complete opposite of what it had been during their last time meeting. It was surprisingly soft, completely lacking any bit of it's normal stinginess. "Your drawings are really beautiful." His lips twitched just slightly, causing his smile to expand in size. The whole situation was a bit odd he thought, though his voice now had a detectable amused tone in it. "It's almost as if I expect their scent to spread all over the library..."

[nathanxlee]

Strangers || Nathan & Asce

[ascec]

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed when his eyes finally reopened, irises a clear shade of golden now when he was both exhausted, starved and agitated all at once. His methods hand’t worked as well as he could have wished, by now even deeper into the mess than before and it drove him mad. As much as he wanted to go rampage, scold himself with loud, unnecessary words, he knew he was bound to keep quiet, to be calm and just for once in his life swallow his own pride; let the incident with Nathan pass and just let it be. But how does one let something be when the interest has rooted itself so deeply? When one’s thoughts always seem to circulate around those neat features, the color of his hues, the way his hair flicker in the tiniest manner when he turns his head? They were all questions Asce lacked answers for and oh how it kept him occupied, trying to figure it out. 

He sat up amongst his ruffled sheets, tousled raven locks pointing in each and every direction but he didn’t care, not as much as he would have if the circumstances had differed. Instead he merely ran his fingers through them a few times, tugging here and there before simply binding them back again in his usual pony tail. He then buried his features and his hands and that was it, rubbing at his eyelids he groaned silently, finally beginning to let himself get back to his senses, even though it was slow it was progress. It made him feel a bit more content. Focus drifted and so did his thoughts, in the end he merely stared out the sole window his room was decorated with, watching over the other students as they strolled along campus grounds. He had missed at least one class today, though it didn’t matter. He knew every subject he studied from scratch already and would surely be able to catch up as long as someone informed him of exactly what they had done. He’d just ask some of the people he usually socialized with, or well had socialized with up until the past few weeks when he had merely gone to his classes and then disappeared back into his room without a trace. No one had sought to bother him, no one had asked and it didn’t bother him. As far as Asce knew, he wasn’t exactly seen as the friendliest person, but even so the girls seemed to have taken a fair interest in him; a pleasant surprise indeed. 

He had been far to occupied with thought to react to the nearing presence, though when the knocks upon his door sounded, he froze. You. He recognized the scent, the way his footsteps sounded as he walked away and if anything Asce was completely dazed. He pivoted on his heels, brows furrowed as he opened the door to find the small lunch box with the turquoise lid outside. “What…” He began, shaking his head as he picked the item up, stepped back inside and closed the door. He brought the box to his desk, sitting down before opening it, to have a look at its contents. Met by the note at first he read it, snorting as he put it aside to have a look at the pastries. As dumb as it actually was, the crusnik grinned just a little, drawing his bottom lip in between his teeth as he shook his head, grasping for one of the cookies and holding it in between his fingers; inspecting it before bringing it to his lips for a taste. It was surprisingly good, another thing he wouldn’t have expected, in all honesty. He finished his chosen cookie, closing the lid before tearing a piece of paper off of his notebook, scribbling quickly with his usual squiggly writing. 

'Thank you.'

When he finished his note he rose, leaving everything as it was as heading out of his room. He knew exactly where Nathan’s door was, he had located it weeks back and it was where he was heading. His steps were as silent as ever, but paced even so and soon he was brought to stop before said door. He crouched, slipping the note in beneath the door, through the small crack between it and the cheap flooring, grin lingering still as he rose to walk back into his own room, a whistle vibrating in between his lips. 

[nathanxlee]

Nathan had hurried to his lecture after leaving the small container outside of the other vampire's door, and entered the hall just as the professor had hanged his coat right by his desk. It was one of the few classes he and the vampire didn't share, and lately he had missed his presence during those classes when he was alone. After weeks of getting used to the male beside him, the sound of his breaths but the absence of heartbeats now familiar, it felt strange to sit alone again. Almost wrong. Even though it was the marine biology class, one of his absolute favourites and one he had been thankful to not share with the male, the young immortal couldn't help getting distracted from time to time. Thoughts about the vampire kept reverting, and as the students got taught about different forms of life in the absolute depths of the ocean, Nathan grew more and more frustrated with his own mind. Usually, he had no trouble staying focused throughout the lectures, seeing as the professor's voice chewed holes in any other thoughts not related to the taught subject. But that day, it had been harder to concentrate on listening about jellyfish glowing in the dark, than what it would be to decide which of all books he had read that was his absolute favourite. 

The lesson finally finished, another thought that was unfamiliar to Nathan - he usually sighed in a disappointed manner whenever these lessons came to their end. He blamed the tattooed vampire who lived on the same floor as him. He blamed the hope that he had been forgiven, though he didn't exactly know why he wanted him to forgive him. He had made a number of people mad at him before, but this was the first time he actually had apologised about it. He usually didn't give it much thought, but why did he want to be forgiven? There was no answer to that. And that, that was the frustrating thing about this situation. Entering through the double doors of the building where many students lived, he walked up the stairs, step by step, and the sudden awareness of just how close they actually lived was crushing. Even so, he did make it to his shared room and was, as expected, met by his room mate. He did look a bit healthier which gladdened Nathan. It meant less snoring during night time after all. But what he hadn't expected, was the small piece of paper he was handed. He had given the mortal he lived with a confused look, and the latter had only shrugged. "I supposed it was for you, I haven't done anything for me to earn that." Nathan's eyes finally read the two words, and a somewhat rare smile made it's way to his lips. So the attempt on baking again had succeeded. 

Considering what had happened during lunch earlier, and even though Nathan didn't think it'd be repeated, he thought it best to skip it. As his room mate had left for eating, the room became awfully quiet. Another odd thing, wasn't silence what he always wished for? Ignoring the thought, he instead decided to take a walk around campus before heading to the library. It wasn't a very long one, and just as the sun was about to set, the young vampire walked through the heavy library doors. It was a building that brought him peace, and today it had the exact amount of sound he needed. Figuring, he decided for books about marine life and especially ones focused on the life in the deep abyss. He was so deeply immersed in the facts about the invertebrates, that he didn't notice the other male until he had finished the book and reached for another one. Another small smile swept across his lips, but he didn't say anything. The vampire looked too peaceful for him to disturb and so he opened the new volume, whales being the first thing meeting his eyes.