Phantom

The mask makes me more handsome.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Hello. Phantom here. A friend convinced me to try this blog thing. Feel free to ask whatever you want, I guess.

I will update this post as time goes by.

He/him, by the way. They/it work too.

Hi chat. Mod is Void/Helel, they/he/it. Art above done by @/pixelsss, everything else taken from Pinterest and Tumblr.

Basic rules:

– Please no overly sexual asks I don't like those too much

– I can and will not respond if you say something weird

– OTHER NINAH BLOGS PLS DO INTERACT WITH THIS SILLY GUY :DDD

– Mod is an adult but you are free to interact regardless of your age

– You can find Phantom's character info here

That's all for now ^^

[phantom-at-your-door]

... Phantom? I'm awake... I'm sorry for disappearing for so long and without saying anything, I wasn't expecting that the weather would affect me so badly... I also moved to the attic, but I think it's better to stay away from it. We can still meet at the office if you want to.

- @thee-vampire

Phantom has been sleeping its days off these past few weeks, and only recently found the energy to start going back to its spot in the closet, and out into the kitchen where it met Rufus again.

Ruf? Hey. Good morning to you, then.

It approaches and hugs Rufus around the waist, squeezing him a little before letting go. His words capture its attention.

The attic? Didn’t know Homeowner had one. What's in there? Ghosts?

[thee-vampire]

... Something worse.

He mutters, leaning on Phantom's embrace.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Worse? What, he's got an attic full of dead bodies? Or does he do taxidermy on the bodies of his dead residents?

Phantom was originally planning to let go, but seeing the vampire relax even slightly in its arms makes it reconsider. Instead it opts to pick Rufus up into its arms once more, cradling him to its chest.

[thee-vampire]

Mhh, more like a species of creature that I thought to be instinct centuries ago.

He nuzzles Phantom's throat, it has been days since he last ate something. The hunger suddenly strikes him, his fangs aching to be buried on its skin.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom notices the subtle cues of Rufus' hunger, and it can't help but let out a snort of amusment.

You're lucky my sickness went away already. If you're hungry, I'm offering.

[thee-vampire]

With no need of saying it twice, Rufus bites its throat, letting out a purr when the sweet blood invades his mouth. His pupils dilate and he lets go after one or two minutes, limp and high on Phantom's arms.

Mmmnh...

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom lets out a grunt of surprise at the sudden bite. It was half expecting Ruf to resist the idea again, not go for the throat like this. Not that it minds anyway, as long as the vampire's not starving himself.

No hesitation this time, huh?

It tightens its hold on Rufus to make sure that he doesn't fall off, looking down at his face. How did everything even come to this? First its life went to hell, then the world, and now it's got a literal, honest to God, mythical vampire man high off its blood in its arms. Phantom is not a religious man, but if God is real, He must be playing some cruel joke on all of them.

[phantom-at-your-door]

... Phantom? I'm awake... I'm sorry for disappearing for so long and without saying anything, I wasn't expecting that the weather would affect me so badly... I also moved to the attic, but I think it's better to stay away from it. We can still meet at the office if you want to.

- @thee-vampire

Phantom has been sleeping its days off these past few weeks, and only recently found the energy to start going back to its spot in the closet, and out into the kitchen where it met Rufus again.

Ruf? Hey. Good morning to you, then.

It approaches and hugs Rufus around the waist, squeezing him a little before letting go. His words capture its attention.

The attic? Didn’t know Homeowner had one. What's in there? Ghosts?

[thee-vampire]

... Something worse.

He mutters, leaning on Phantom's embrace.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Worse? What, he's got an attic full of dead bodies? Or does he do taxidermy on the bodies of his dead residents?

Phantom was originally planning to let go, but seeing the vampire relax even slightly in its arms makes it reconsider. Instead it opts to pick Rufus up into its arms once more, cradling him to its chest.

[thee-vampire]

Mhh, more like a species of creature that I thought to be instinct centuries ago.

He nuzzles Phantom's throat, it has been days since he last ate something. The hunger suddenly strikes him, his fangs aching to be buried on its skin.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom notices the subtle cues of Rufus' hunger, and it can't help but let out a snort of amusment.

You're lucky my sickness went away already. If you're hungry, I'm offering.

[phantom-at-your-door]

... Phantom? I'm awake... I'm sorry for disappearing for so long and without saying anything, I wasn't expecting that the weather would affect me so badly... I also moved to the attic, but I think it's better to stay away from it. We can still meet at the office if you want to.

- @thee-vampire

Phantom has been sleeping its days off these past few weeks, and only recently found the energy to start going back to its spot in the closet, and out into the kitchen where it met Rufus again.

Ruf? Hey. Good morning to you, then.

It approaches and hugs Rufus around the waist, squeezing him a little before letting go. His words capture its attention.

The attic? Didn’t know Homeowner had one. What's in there? Ghosts?

[thee-vampire]

... Something worse.

He mutters, leaning on Phantom's embrace.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Worse? What, he's got an attic full of dead bodies? Or does he do taxidermy on the bodies of his dead residents?

Phantom was originally planning to let go, but seeing the vampire relax even slightly in its arms makes it reconsider. Instead it opts to pick Rufus up into its arms once more, cradling him to its chest.

[phantom-at-your-door]

... Phantom? I'm awake... I'm sorry for disappearing for so long and without saying anything, I wasn't expecting that the weather would affect me so badly... I also moved to the attic, but I think it's better to stay away from it. We can still meet at the office if you want to.

- @thee-vampire

Phantom has been sleeping its days off these past few weeks, and only recently found the energy to start going back to its spot in the closet, and out into the kitchen where it met Rufus again.

Ruf? Hey. Good morning to you, then.

It approaches and hugs Rufus around the waist, squeezing him a little before letting go. His words capture its attention.

The attic? Didn’t know Homeowner had one. What's in there? Ghosts?

[phantom-at-your-door]

"What is that mask even for?" He rised an eyebrow.

Fashion, if you can even call it that.

Phantom looks off to the side, idly messing with the cross around his neck.

It used to cover up this part of the scar, – he taps a finger against the reddish line of scarred skin going down from his forehead and towards the cheek, – but that piece broke off, so it's practically useless by now. I still like wearing it, though.

[thee-vampire]

I heard the kids talking about birthdays today, mine was last month... Or is this month? Maybe the next one? Hm, I don't really remember, it's been so long...

[phantom-at-your-door]

We should celebrate your birthday, no matter if it has passed or is yet to come.

[thee-vampire]

And here I thought I was a masochistic freak. Come to the bathroom right now. I need to make sure you're actually 'fine'. - @phantom-at-your-door

I really am alright, don't be dramatic, I'm no masochist.

He extends his left hand, the skin of which is an unsightly and pinkish scar tissue, with a shrug.

It will be back to normal in a few hours, it was worse half an hour ago.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom sighs, shaking its head in disapproval before pulling Rufus closer by the waist and pressing a soft little kiss to his lips.

Never thought I'd meet someone equally as mad as me. Never do that again, you hear me? If you're that bored you can always come bother me.

[thee-vampire]

I was not bored, I was just... Satisfying my curiosity.

He shrugs once again, leaning in kiss to Phantom's lips with a smirk.

But if you insist, yes, I will search for you when curiosity strikes me again.

[phantom-at-your-door]

You shall. Now come with me.

Phantom lifts Rufus into his arms yet again. It's becoming a habit at this point.

Homeowner asked me to cook something for the children of the house. And for anyone else if I feel like it. Would you like to help or watch me cook at least?

[thee-vampire]

Cooked food is tasteless for me, but I can watch you prepare it.

He answers, unfazed by being lift from the ground so easily.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Huh, that's a shame. I suppose I'll just catch another rat for you. Or you can always come bite me if you want.

Once they arrive to the kitchen, Phantom settles Ruf to sit on its shoulders, while it busied itself with preparing meals for everybody (for everybody they wanted to, anyway).

It seems like they take some kind of delight in the simple process, even in cleaning up after themself.

In total, Rufus was able to count 9 meals, 3 of which were for sure prepared for the children of the house.

You know, there's something I've been thinking about... But I don't know how appropriate it would be to ask such a thing to you.

[thee-vampire]

Hmmm, I don't know I want to be high so soon again.

He chuckles, playing with Phantom's hair.

Ah, believe, I've heard a lot of unsettling questions, anything that you ask me won't get me so surprised, so shot it.

[phantom-at-your-door]

It takes some courage-gathering, but eventually Phantom sighs and tilts its head up, to look at Rufus, its mask back into place.

Do you think... God, how do I phrase it...

They struggle to find the words for a good while, grappling with their own mixed and confusing feelings.

Do you think the homeowner... might be fond of me?

[thee-vampire]

And here I thought I was a masochistic freak. Come to the bathroom right now. I need to make sure you're actually 'fine'. - @phantom-at-your-door

I really am alright, don't be dramatic, I'm no masochist.

He extends his left hand, the skin of which is an unsightly and pinkish scar tissue, with a shrug.

It will be back to normal in a few hours, it was worse half an hour ago.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom sighs, shaking its head in disapproval before pulling Rufus closer by the waist and pressing a soft little kiss to his lips.

Never thought I'd meet someone equally as mad as me. Never do that again, you hear me? If you're that bored you can always come bother me.

[thee-vampire]

I was not bored, I was just... Satisfying my curiosity.

He shrugs once again, leaning in kiss to Phantom's lips with a smirk.

But if you insist, yes, I will search for you when curiosity strikes me again.

[phantom-at-your-door]

You shall. Now come with me.

Phantom lifts Rufus into his arms yet again. It's becoming a habit at this point.

Homeowner asked me to cook something for the children of the house. And for anyone else if I feel like it. Would you like to help or watch me cook at least?

[thee-vampire]

Cooked food is tasteless for me, but I can watch you prepare it.

He answers, unfazed by being lift from the ground so easily.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Huh, that's a shame. I suppose I'll just catch another rat for you. Or you can always come bite me if you want.

Once they arrive to the kitchen, Phantom settles Ruf to sit on its shoulders, while it busied itself with preparing meals for everybody (for everybody they wanted to, anyway).

It seems like they take some kind of delight in the simple process, even in cleaning up after themself.

In total, Rufus was able to count 9 meals, 3 of which were for sure prepared for the children of the house.

You know, there's something I've been thinking about... But I don't know how appropriate it would be to ask such a thing to you.

[thee-vampire]

And here I thought I was a masochistic freak. Come to the bathroom right now. I need to make sure you're actually 'fine'. - @phantom-at-your-door

I really am alright, don't be dramatic, I'm no masochist.

He extends his left hand, the skin of which is an unsightly and pinkish scar tissue, with a shrug.

It will be back to normal in a few hours, it was worse half an hour ago.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom sighs, shaking its head in disapproval before pulling Rufus closer by the waist and pressing a soft little kiss to his lips.

Never thought I'd meet someone equally as mad as me. Never do that again, you hear me? If you're that bored you can always come bother me.

[thee-vampire]

I was not bored, I was just... Satisfying my curiosity.

He shrugs once again, leaning in kiss to Phantom's lips with a smirk.

But if you insist, yes, I will search for you when curiosity strikes me again.

[phantom-at-your-door]

You shall. Now come with me.

Phantom lifts Rufus into his arms yet again. It's becoming a habit at this point.

Homeowner asked me to cook something for the children of the house. And for anyone else if I feel like it. Would you like to help or watch me cook at least?

[thee-vampire]

And here I thought I was a masochistic freak. Come to the bathroom right now. I need to make sure you're actually 'fine'. - @phantom-at-your-door

I really am alright, don't be dramatic, I'm no masochist.

He extends his left hand, the skin of which is an unsightly and pinkish scar tissue, with a shrug.

It will be back to normal in a few hours, it was worse half an hour ago.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom sighs, shaking its head in disapproval before pulling Rufus closer by the waist and pressing a soft little kiss to his lips.

Never thought I'd meet someone equally as mad as me. Never do that again, you hear me? If you're that bored you can always come bother me.

[phantom-at-your-door]

We're... Alright, aren't we? After we- after we kissed?

Rufus asks softly after sometime they're hugging, nuzzling Phantom's throat and kissing where his artery is, feeling his heartbeat.

I don't want to mess things up.

-@ruf-askblog-orwhatever

Phantom's heartbeat is calm, even, deep. It rests its head on top of Ruf's, letting him do whatever he wants. He likes to feel this closeness, especially with someone as sweet and intriguing as Rufus.

'course we are. I don't see any reason why we wouldn't be.

Just barely it manages to pry itself away from the vampire, holding his face in its cold hands.

Tell me how you're feeling? Did the um... 'effect' of my blood wear off already?

[thee-vampire]

The vampire nods with half lidded eyes, letting his head rest heavily in its hands, his chest still rumbling softly every now and then.

I'd forgotten what it was like to be... High. I kind of feel like I was put into a stretching machine, but in a good way.

He opens his eyes as he says this, looking up at Phantom, who can see his pupils slowly dilating again as he stares it.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom takes a moment to stare into Rufus' beautiful eyes, looking back at it with such a fondness and yearning. It smiles, leaning in to kiss his forehead.

No wonder Lucifer likes you so much.

Once again Phantom picks up Ruf into its arms, carrying him off back into the office where he normally resides.

Stretching machine? Like a medieval torture device type of thing?

[thee-vampire]

Rufus rubs his cheek against Phantom's, laying his head on its shoulder.

Yeah. I was put through those things a few times, it stopped being a problem after a while.

He hums, kissing its jaw and scraping his teeth against its neck in a playful manner.

And the cat likes me because we are both feline like creatures.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom stops dead in its track right in the middle of the office, staring down at Rufus. If his irises weren't so dark, it would be possible to see his pupils blown wide in anger.

You gotta be fucking with me. Who kept doing all that cruel shit to you?

Somewhat regaining his bearings, Phantom walked over and sat down by the drawer, placing the vampire in its lap.

[thee-vampire]

A lot of villages, cities and kingdoms. Just like they did with "witches", the difference is that most of them were innocent women and I am an actual monster. Honestly, they were right to do that a few times. You know, when I was insane and raiding villages and all.

He starts to play with with Phantom's hair, twirling long strands of hair with his fingers as he shifts himself to get more comfortable. He chuckles and points to himself.

And they just couldn't deal with all my pale beauty. They freaked out with that, and even more when they noticed I have pointy ears.

[phantom-at-your-door]

With what sounded like a low growl, Phantom leaned in and kissed Rufus again, this time in a more hungry, demanding way.

Absolutely not. You may as well be the fucking spaghetti monster and still wouldn't have deserved all that. Don't ever say such nonsense in front of me again.

And as he threatened to do many times, Phantom bites at Ruf's shoulder, and then the other shoulder, and then his neck, and then– you get the point.

[thee-vampire]

Rufus smirks when Phantom kisses him again, rolling his eyes at what it says.

Ow- hey!

He laughs loudly when it bites him repeatedly, his hands firmly grasping Phantom's hair and the back of its neck by reflex. He pulls it away with a giggle, holding his cheeks and and peppering its face and lips with kisses.

[phantom-at-your-door]

What? Am I wrong?

Phantom huffs, turning its head away and pretending to be even the slightest bit upset before landing one last bite on Ruf's shoulder.

Phantom briefly retreats to pick up its mask, but it doesn't put it back on in the presence of the vampire. It makes itself comfortable on the floor once again, leaning into Rufus' side and wrapping its arms around his waist.

This affection, this sense of togetherness have become addicting in such a short amount of time. And Phantom can't even feel upset about that, not when Ruf's right here indulging it in whatever it desires.

Oh, I remember you got some new book that drives people mad or something? I've heard talk of it in the asylum, I think.

[thee-vampire]

Hmmm, yes you are.

He chuckles, poking Phantom's cheek with one of his claws.

Thinking about what book Phantom could be talking about, the vampire curls himself closer to it, getting himself comfortable on the taller one's embrace.

You mean The King in Yellow? I didn't know it drives people mad. I'm still reading the Act I, and it's pretty banal until now. Maybe the Act II has something?

He muses, resting his cheek on Phantom's shoulder with a chuff, playing with Phantom's other hand, running his claws over his palm.

[phantom-at-your-door]

I mean, I could be wrong. My memory is not the most reliable thing.

On that hand which Rufus is holding in his own, and on the other one too, Phantom has the same type of scar that Ruf spotted in its hair when brushing it out.

We could read it together if you'd like? I'm already as mad as can be, so it's not like it's gonna double it and give it to the next person or something.

[thee-vampire]

Rufus chuffs once again, bringing its hand to his lips and kissing the scars there, cold skin on cold skin.

Sure, but I doubt a book could drive someone insane, and I was insane once or twice before, so what would it be one more time, hm?

At some point the vampire started purring again, holding Phantom's hand close to his chest.

He reaches under the drawi,erpulling the book from the hidding spot, opening it at the beginning, so Phantom could have the context of the whole story.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Can you read it aloud to me? I like hearing your voice.

Phantom grabs Rufus, settling him down onto its lap again and resting its chin on his shoulder, his wild ass hair tickling against the vampire's skin.

It remembers reading like this with its friend before everything went to shit in its life. Those were pleasant, nostalgic memories. To be here again, holding someone in its embrace... Maybe this isn't so bad. Maybe life is worth living again.

[thee-vampire]

Mhm, sure.

He leans back against Phantom's chest, starting to read the first scene oc Act I is pretty banal, it introduces the characters, the play really starts by the second scene, where Rufus reads Cassilda's Song out loud, describing the eerie place of Carcosa, where twin suns rise and black stars and weird moons decor the night.

Can you imagine a place like that? Sounds like the Dreamlands.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom listens attentively to each word that Rufus reads, its gaze following along on the pages of the book.

Dreamlands? Elaborate.

Its arms are wrapped around Ruf's waist, palms resting on his stomach and fiddling with the hem of his clothes.

The description does remind it of... something. It just doesn't remember of what exactly. Like a distant memory drifting somewhere out of reach. It could've heard it from the friend, or from the other patients, who knows.

[thee-vampire]

It's kind of exactly what the name suggests. It's an alternative realm reachable through dreams, it has its own civilizations, continents, seas, cities. From what I know there's inhabitants like the Monsters of Yuggoth.

The vampire starts talking, closing the book for a moment while he explains, starting to play with Phantom's hands again.

Maybe Carcosa really has something to do with the Dreamlands, it could be a city or a kingdom from there, considering how everyone wears masks as it says during the second scene. The stranger they find near the end of Act I says it doesn't wear a mask, do it's face is probably similae like one, so it could be Ythill or Pallid Mask itself.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Mask...

Phantom can't help but get distracted when it looks at its own mask, idly laying on the floor. It made the thing years ago, back in its first few days of cruel imprisonment. It was inspired by a character he really liked in a book... A book... What was it? Why can't he remember its name? Who was that character? What was their name? That mask... it was the character's, that he knows for sure... How much of them did he take? How much of his personality is his own?

Uh... Sorry, what? I think I might've missed something. Remind me what's this 'Pallid Mask' again?

[thee-vampire]

Pallid Mask is like an embodiment of an entity called Hastur. And it's probably that Stranger from Act I. From what I know, it is a tall, slender figure, it wears a yellow robe with the Yellow Sign and a white mask with openings for its eyes.

He squeezes Phantom's hand softly, nuzzling his throat with a purr, getting disteacted by the scent of the wound he made there. He coughs softly and blushes, looking back at the book.

Should we keep reading?

[phantom-at-your-door]

We can do something more fun if you'd prefer.

The emphasis Phantom puts on the word 'fun' is anything but innocent. He just couldn't help it when he saw that little blush on Rufus' face. He turns the man around so they were facing each other, the vampire's legs placed on either side of its own.

[phantom-at-your-door]

We're... Alright, aren't we? After we- after we kissed?

Rufus asks softly after sometime they're hugging, nuzzling Phantom's throat and kissing where his artery is, feeling his heartbeat.

I don't want to mess things up.

-@ruf-askblog-orwhatever

Phantom's heartbeat is calm, even, deep. It rests its head on top of Ruf's, letting him do whatever he wants. He likes to feel this closeness, especially with someone as sweet and intriguing as Rufus.

'course we are. I don't see any reason why we wouldn't be.

Just barely it manages to pry itself away from the vampire, holding his face in its cold hands.

Tell me how you're feeling? Did the um... 'effect' of my blood wear off already?

[thee-vampire]

The vampire nods with half lidded eyes, letting his head rest heavily in its hands, his chest still rumbling softly every now and then.

I'd forgotten what it was like to be... High. I kind of feel like I was put into a stretching machine, but in a good way.

He opens his eyes as he says this, looking up at Phantom, who can see his pupils slowly dilating again as he stares it.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom takes a moment to stare into Rufus' beautiful eyes, looking back at it with such a fondness and yearning. It smiles, leaning in to kiss his forehead.

No wonder Lucifer likes you so much.

Once again Phantom picks up Ruf into its arms, carrying him off back into the office where he normally resides.

Stretching machine? Like a medieval torture device type of thing?

[thee-vampire]

Rufus rubs his cheek against Phantom's, laying his head on its shoulder.

Yeah. I was put through those things a few times, it stopped being a problem after a while.

He hums, kissing its jaw and scraping his teeth against its neck in a playful manner.

And the cat likes me because we are both feline like creatures.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom stops dead in its track right in the middle of the office, staring down at Rufus. If his irises weren't so dark, it would be possible to see his pupils blown wide in anger.

You gotta be fucking with me. Who kept doing all that cruel shit to you?

Somewhat regaining his bearings, Phantom walked over and sat down by the drawer, placing the vampire in its lap.

[thee-vampire]

A lot of villages, cities and kingdoms. Just like they did with "witches", the difference is that most of them were innocent women and I am an actual monster. Honestly, they were right to do that a few times. You know, when I was insane and raiding villages and all.

He starts to play with with Phantom's hair, twirling long strands of hair with his fingers as he shifts himself to get more comfortable. He chuckles and points to himself.

And they just couldn't deal with all my pale beauty. They freaked out with that, and even more when they noticed I have pointy ears.

[phantom-at-your-door]

With what sounded like a low growl, Phantom leaned in and kissed Rufus again, this time in a more hungry, demanding way.

Absolutely not. You may as well be the fucking spaghetti monster and still wouldn't have deserved all that. Don't ever say such nonsense in front of me again.

And as he threatened to do many times, Phantom bites at Ruf's shoulder, and then the other shoulder, and then his neck, and then– you get the point.

[thee-vampire]

Rufus smirks when Phantom kisses him again, rolling his eyes at what it says.

Ow- hey!

He laughs loudly when it bites him repeatedly, his hands firmly grasping Phantom's hair and the back of its neck by reflex. He pulls it away with a giggle, holding his cheeks and and peppering its face and lips with kisses.

[phantom-at-your-door]

What? Am I wrong?

Phantom huffs, turning its head away and pretending to be even the slightest bit upset before landing one last bite on Ruf's shoulder.

Phantom briefly retreats to pick up its mask, but it doesn't put it back on in the presence of the vampire. It makes itself comfortable on the floor once again, leaning into Rufus' side and wrapping its arms around his waist.

This affection, this sense of togetherness have become addicting in such a short amount of time. And Phantom can't even feel upset about that, not when Ruf's right here indulging it in whatever it desires.

Oh, I remember you got some new book that drives people mad or something? I've heard talk of it in the asylum, I think.

[thee-vampire]

Hmmm, yes you are.

He chuckles, poking Phantom's cheek with one of his claws.

Thinking about what book Phantom could be talking about, the vampire curls himself closer to it, getting himself comfortable on the taller one's embrace.

You mean The King in Yellow? I didn't know it drives people mad. I'm still reading the Act I, and it's pretty banal until now. Maybe the Act II has something?

He muses, resting his cheek on Phantom's shoulder with a chuff, playing with Phantom's other hand, running his claws over his palm.

[phantom-at-your-door]

I mean, I could be wrong. My memory is not the most reliable thing.

On that hand which Rufus is holding in his own, and on the other one too, Phantom has the same type of scar that Ruf spotted in its hair when brushing it out.

We could read it together if you'd like? I'm already as mad as can be, so it's not like it's gonna double it and give it to the next person or something.

[thee-vampire]

Rufus chuffs once again, bringing its hand to his lips and kissing the scars there, cold skin on cold skin.

Sure, but I doubt a book could drive someone insane, and I was insane once or twice before, so what would it be one more time, hm?

At some point the vampire started purring again, holding Phantom's hand close to his chest.

He reaches under the drawi,erpulling the book from the hidding spot, opening it at the beginning, so Phantom could have the context of the whole story.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Can you read it aloud to me? I like hearing your voice.

Phantom grabs Rufus, settling him down onto its lap again and resting its chin on his shoulder, his wild ass hair tickling against the vampire's skin.

It remembers reading like this with its friend before everything went to shit in its life. Those were pleasant, nostalgic memories. To be here again, holding someone in its embrace... Maybe this isn't so bad. Maybe life is worth living again.

[thee-vampire]

Mhm, sure.

He leans back against Phantom's chest, starting to read the first scene oc Act I is pretty banal, it introduces the characters, the play really starts by the second scene, where Rufus reads Cassilda's Song out loud, describing the eerie place of Carcosa, where twin suns rise and black stars and weird moons decor the night.

Can you imagine a place like that? Sounds like the Dreamlands.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom listens attentively to each word that Rufus reads, its gaze following along on the pages of the book.

Dreamlands? Elaborate.

Its arms are wrapped around Ruf's waist, palms resting on his stomach and fiddling with the hem of his clothes.

The description does remind it of... something. It just doesn't remember of what exactly. Like a distant memory drifting somewhere out of reach. It could've heard it from the friend, or from the other patients, who knows.

[thee-vampire]

It's kind of exactly what the name suggests. It's an alternative realm reachable through dreams, it has its own civilizations, continents, seas, cities. From what I know there's inhabitants like the Monsters of Yuggoth.

The vampire starts talking, closing the book for a moment while he explains, starting to play with Phantom's hands again.

Maybe Carcosa really has something to do with the Dreamlands, it could be a city or a kingdom from there, considering how everyone wears masks as it says during the second scene. The stranger they find near the end of Act I says it doesn't wear a mask, do it's face is probably similae like one, so it could be Ythill or Pallid Mask itself.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Mask...

Phantom can't help but get distracted when it looks at its own mask, idly laying on the floor. It made the thing years ago, back in its first few days of cruel imprisonment. It was inspired by a character he really liked in a book... A book... What was it? Why can't he remember its name? Who was that character? What was their name? That mask... it was the character's, that he knows for sure... How much of them did he take? How much of his personality is his own?

Uh... Sorry, what? I think I might've missed something. Remind me what's this 'Pallid Mask' again?

[phantom-at-your-door]

We're... Alright, aren't we? After we- after we kissed?

Rufus asks softly after sometime they're hugging, nuzzling Phantom's throat and kissing where his artery is, feeling his heartbeat.

I don't want to mess things up.

-@ruf-askblog-orwhatever

Phantom's heartbeat is calm, even, deep. It rests its head on top of Ruf's, letting him do whatever he wants. He likes to feel this closeness, especially with someone as sweet and intriguing as Rufus.

'course we are. I don't see any reason why we wouldn't be.

Just barely it manages to pry itself away from the vampire, holding his face in its cold hands.

Tell me how you're feeling? Did the um... 'effect' of my blood wear off already?

[thee-vampire]

The vampire nods with half lidded eyes, letting his head rest heavily in its hands, his chest still rumbling softly every now and then.

I'd forgotten what it was like to be... High. I kind of feel like I was put into a stretching machine, but in a good way.

He opens his eyes as he says this, looking up at Phantom, who can see his pupils slowly dilating again as he stares it.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom takes a moment to stare into Rufus' beautiful eyes, looking back at it with such a fondness and yearning. It smiles, leaning in to kiss his forehead.

No wonder Lucifer likes you so much.

Once again Phantom picks up Ruf into its arms, carrying him off back into the office where he normally resides.

Stretching machine? Like a medieval torture device type of thing?

[thee-vampire]

Rufus rubs his cheek against Phantom's, laying his head on its shoulder.

Yeah. I was put through those things a few times, it stopped being a problem after a while.

He hums, kissing its jaw and scraping his teeth against its neck in a playful manner.

And the cat likes me because we are both feline like creatures.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom stops dead in its track right in the middle of the office, staring down at Rufus. If his irises weren't so dark, it would be possible to see his pupils blown wide in anger.

You gotta be fucking with me. Who kept doing all that cruel shit to you?

Somewhat regaining his bearings, Phantom walked over and sat down by the drawer, placing the vampire in its lap.

[thee-vampire]

A lot of villages, cities and kingdoms. Just like they did with "witches", the difference is that most of them were innocent women and I am an actual monster. Honestly, they were right to do that a few times. You know, when I was insane and raiding villages and all.

He starts to play with with Phantom's hair, twirling long strands of hair with his fingers as he shifts himself to get more comfortable. He chuckles and points to himself.

And they just couldn't deal with all my pale beauty. They freaked out with that, and even more when they noticed I have pointy ears.

[phantom-at-your-door]

With what sounded like a low growl, Phantom leaned in and kissed Rufus again, this time in a more hungry, demanding way.

Absolutely not. You may as well be the fucking spaghetti monster and still wouldn't have deserved all that. Don't ever say such nonsense in front of me again.

And as he threatened to do many times, Phantom bites at Ruf's shoulder, and then the other shoulder, and then his neck, and then– you get the point.

[thee-vampire]

Rufus smirks when Phantom kisses him again, rolling his eyes at what it says.

Ow- hey!

He laughs loudly when it bites him repeatedly, his hands firmly grasping Phantom's hair and the back of its neck by reflex. He pulls it away with a giggle, holding his cheeks and and peppering its face and lips with kisses.

[phantom-at-your-door]

What? Am I wrong?

Phantom huffs, turning its head away and pretending to be even the slightest bit upset before landing one last bite on Ruf's shoulder.

Phantom briefly retreats to pick up its mask, but it doesn't put it back on in the presence of the vampire. It makes itself comfortable on the floor once again, leaning into Rufus' side and wrapping its arms around his waist.

This affection, this sense of togetherness have become addicting in such a short amount of time. And Phantom can't even feel upset about that, not when Ruf's right here indulging it in whatever it desires.

Oh, I remember you got some new book that drives people mad or something? I've heard talk of it in the asylum, I think.

[thee-vampire]

Hmmm, yes you are.

He chuckles, poking Phantom's cheek with one of his claws.

Thinking about what book Phantom could be talking about, the vampire curls himself closer to it, getting himself comfortable on the taller one's embrace.

You mean The King in Yellow? I didn't know it drives people mad. I'm still reading the Act I, and it's pretty banal until now. Maybe the Act II has something?

He muses, resting his cheek on Phantom's shoulder with a chuff, playing with Phantom's other hand, running his claws over his palm.

[phantom-at-your-door]

I mean, I could be wrong. My memory is not the most reliable thing.

On that hand which Rufus is holding in his own, and on the other one too, Phantom has the same type of scar that Ruf spotted in its hair when brushing it out.

We could read it together if you'd like? I'm already as mad as can be, so it's not like it's gonna double it and give it to the next person or something.

[thee-vampire]

Rufus chuffs once again, bringing its hand to his lips and kissing the scars there, cold skin on cold skin.

Sure, but I doubt a book could drive someone insane, and I was insane once or twice before, so what would it be one more time, hm?

At some point the vampire started purring again, holding Phantom's hand close to his chest.

He reaches under the drawi,erpulling the book from the hidding spot, opening it at the beginning, so Phantom could have the context of the whole story.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Can you read it aloud to me? I like hearing your voice.

Phantom grabs Rufus, settling him down onto its lap again and resting its chin on his shoulder, his wild ass hair tickling against the vampire's skin.

It remembers reading like this with its friend before everything went to shit in its life. Those were pleasant, nostalgic memories. To be here again, holding someone in its embrace... Maybe this isn't so bad. Maybe life is worth living again.

[thee-vampire]

Mhm, sure.

He leans back against Phantom's chest, starting to read the first scene oc Act I is pretty banal, it introduces the characters, the play really starts by the second scene, where Rufus reads Cassilda's Song out loud, describing the eerie place of Carcosa, where twin suns rise and black stars and weird moons decor the night.

Can you imagine a place like that? Sounds like the Dreamlands.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom listens attentively to each word that Rufus reads, its gaze following along on the pages of the book.

Dreamlands? Elaborate.

Its arms are wrapped around Ruf's waist, palms resting on his stomach and fiddling with the hem of his clothes.

The description does remind it of... something. It just doesn't remember of what exactly. Like a distant memory drifting somewhere out of reach. It could've heard it from the friend, or from the other patients, who knows.

[phantom-at-your-door]

We're... Alright, aren't we? After we- after we kissed?

Rufus asks softly after sometime they're hugging, nuzzling Phantom's throat and kissing where his artery is, feeling his heartbeat.

I don't want to mess things up.

-@ruf-askblog-orwhatever

Phantom's heartbeat is calm, even, deep. It rests its head on top of Ruf's, letting him do whatever he wants. He likes to feel this closeness, especially with someone as sweet and intriguing as Rufus.

'course we are. I don't see any reason why we wouldn't be.

Just barely it manages to pry itself away from the vampire, holding his face in its cold hands.

Tell me how you're feeling? Did the um... 'effect' of my blood wear off already?

[thee-vampire]

The vampire nods with half lidded eyes, letting his head rest heavily in its hands, his chest still rumbling softly every now and then.

I'd forgotten what it was like to be... High. I kind of feel like I was put into a stretching machine, but in a good way.

He opens his eyes as he says this, looking up at Phantom, who can see his pupils slowly dilating again as he stares it.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom takes a moment to stare into Rufus' beautiful eyes, looking back at it with such a fondness and yearning. It smiles, leaning in to kiss his forehead.

No wonder Lucifer likes you so much.

Once again Phantom picks up Ruf into its arms, carrying him off back into the office where he normally resides.

Stretching machine? Like a medieval torture device type of thing?

[thee-vampire]

Rufus rubs his cheek against Phantom's, laying his head on its shoulder.

Yeah. I was put through those things a few times, it stopped being a problem after a while.

He hums, kissing its jaw and scraping his teeth against its neck in a playful manner.

And the cat likes me because we are both feline like creatures.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom stops dead in its track right in the middle of the office, staring down at Rufus. If his irises weren't so dark, it would be possible to see his pupils blown wide in anger.

You gotta be fucking with me. Who kept doing all that cruel shit to you?

Somewhat regaining his bearings, Phantom walked over and sat down by the drawer, placing the vampire in its lap.

[thee-vampire]

A lot of villages, cities and kingdoms. Just like they did with "witches", the difference is that most of them were innocent women and I am an actual monster. Honestly, they were right to do that a few times. You know, when I was insane and raiding villages and all.

He starts to play with with Phantom's hair, twirling long strands of hair with his fingers as he shifts himself to get more comfortable. He chuckles and points to himself.

And they just couldn't deal with all my pale beauty. They freaked out with that, and even more when they noticed I have pointy ears.

[phantom-at-your-door]

With what sounded like a low growl, Phantom leaned in and kissed Rufus again, this time in a more hungry, demanding way.

Absolutely not. You may as well be the fucking spaghetti monster and still wouldn't have deserved all that. Don't ever say such nonsense in front of me again.

And as he threatened to do many times, Phantom bites at Ruf's shoulder, and then the other shoulder, and then his neck, and then– you get the point.

[thee-vampire]

Rufus smirks when Phantom kisses him again, rolling his eyes at what it says.

Ow- hey!

He laughs loudly when it bites him repeatedly, his hands firmly grasping Phantom's hair and the back of its neck by reflex. He pulls it away with a giggle, holding his cheeks and and peppering its face and lips with kisses.

[phantom-at-your-door]

What? Am I wrong?

Phantom huffs, turning its head away and pretending to be even the slightest bit upset before landing one last bite on Ruf's shoulder.

Phantom briefly retreats to pick up its mask, but it doesn't put it back on in the presence of the vampire. It makes itself comfortable on the floor once again, leaning into Rufus' side and wrapping its arms around his waist.

This affection, this sense of togetherness have become addicting in such a short amount of time. And Phantom can't even feel upset about that, not when Ruf's right here indulging it in whatever it desires.

Oh, I remember you got some new book that drives people mad or something? I've heard talk of it in the asylum, I think.

[thee-vampire]

Hmmm, yes you are.

He chuckles, poking Phantom's cheek with one of his claws.

Thinking about what book Phantom could be talking about, the vampire curls himself closer to it, getting himself comfortable on the taller one's embrace.

You mean The King in Yellow? I didn't know it drives people mad. I'm still reading the Act I, and it's pretty banal until now. Maybe the Act II has something?

He muses, resting his cheek on Phantom's shoulder with a chuff, playing with Phantom's other hand, running his claws over his palm.

[phantom-at-your-door]

I mean, I could be wrong. My memory is not the most reliable thing.

On that hand which Rufus is holding in his own, and on the other one too, Phantom has the same type of scar that Ruf spotted in its hair when brushing it out.

We could read it together if you'd like? I'm already as mad as can be, so it's not like it's gonna double it and give it to the next person or something.

[thee-vampire]

Rufus chuffs once again, bringing its hand to his lips and kissing the scars there, cold skin on cold skin.

Sure, but I doubt a book could drive someone insane, and I was insane once or twice before, so what would it be one more time, hm?

At some point the vampire started purring again, holding Phantom's hand close to his chest.

He reaches under the drawi,erpulling the book from the hidding spot, opening it at the beginning, so Phantom could have the context of the whole story.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Can you read it aloud to me? I like hearing your voice.

Phantom grabs Rufus, settling him down onto its lap again and resting its chin on his shoulder, his wild ass hair tickling against the vampire's skin.

It remembers reading like this with its friend before everything went to shit in its life. Those were pleasant, nostalgic memories. To be here again, holding someone in its embrace... Maybe this isn't so bad. Maybe life is worth living again.

[phantom-at-your-door]

We're... Alright, aren't we? After we- after we kissed?

Rufus asks softly after sometime they're hugging, nuzzling Phantom's throat and kissing where his artery is, feeling his heartbeat.

I don't want to mess things up.

-@ruf-askblog-orwhatever

Phantom's heartbeat is calm, even, deep. It rests its head on top of Ruf's, letting him do whatever he wants. He likes to feel this closeness, especially with someone as sweet and intriguing as Rufus.

'course we are. I don't see any reason why we wouldn't be.

Just barely it manages to pry itself away from the vampire, holding his face in its cold hands.

Tell me how you're feeling? Did the um... 'effect' of my blood wear off already?

[thee-vampire]

The vampire nods with half lidded eyes, letting his head rest heavily in its hands, his chest still rumbling softly every now and then.

I'd forgotten what it was like to be... High. I kind of feel like I was put into a stretching machine, but in a good way.

He opens his eyes as he says this, looking up at Phantom, who can see his pupils slowly dilating again as he stares it.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom takes a moment to stare into Rufus' beautiful eyes, looking back at it with such a fondness and yearning. It smiles, leaning in to kiss his forehead.

No wonder Lucifer likes you so much.

Once again Phantom picks up Ruf into its arms, carrying him off back into the office where he normally resides.

Stretching machine? Like a medieval torture device type of thing?

[thee-vampire]

Rufus rubs his cheek against Phantom's, laying his head on its shoulder.

Yeah. I was put through those things a few times, it stopped being a problem after a while.

He hums, kissing its jaw and scraping his teeth against its neck in a playful manner.

And the cat likes me because we are both feline like creatures.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom stops dead in its track right in the middle of the office, staring down at Rufus. If his irises weren't so dark, it would be possible to see his pupils blown wide in anger.

You gotta be fucking with me. Who kept doing all that cruel shit to you?

Somewhat regaining his bearings, Phantom walked over and sat down by the drawer, placing the vampire in its lap.

[thee-vampire]

A lot of villages, cities and kingdoms. Just like they did with "witches", the difference is that most of them were innocent women and I am an actual monster. Honestly, they were right to do that a few times. You know, when I was insane and raiding villages and all.

He starts to play with with Phantom's hair, twirling long strands of hair with his fingers as he shifts himself to get more comfortable. He chuckles and points to himself.

And they just couldn't deal with all my pale beauty. They freaked out with that, and even more when they noticed I have pointy ears.

[phantom-at-your-door]

With what sounded like a low growl, Phantom leaned in and kissed Rufus again, this time in a more hungry, demanding way.

Absolutely not. You may as well be the fucking spaghetti monster and still wouldn't have deserved all that. Don't ever say such nonsense in front of me again.

And as he threatened to do many times, Phantom bites at Ruf's shoulder, and then the other shoulder, and then his neck, and then– you get the point.

[thee-vampire]

Rufus smirks when Phantom kisses him again, rolling his eyes at what it says.

Ow- hey!

He laughs loudly when it bites him repeatedly, his hands firmly grasping Phantom's hair and the back of its neck by reflex. He pulls it away with a giggle, holding his cheeks and and peppering its face and lips with kisses.

[phantom-at-your-door]

What? Am I wrong?

Phantom huffs, turning its head away and pretending to be even the slightest bit upset before landing one last bite on Ruf's shoulder.

Phantom briefly retreats to pick up its mask, but it doesn't put it back on in the presence of the vampire. It makes itself comfortable on the floor once again, leaning into Rufus' side and wrapping its arms around his waist.

This affection, this sense of togetherness have become addicting in such a short amount of time. And Phantom can't even feel upset about that, not when Ruf's right here indulging it in whatever it desires.

Oh, I remember you got some new book that drives people mad or something? I've heard talk of it in the asylum, I think.

[thee-vampire]

Hmmm, yes you are.

He chuckles, poking Phantom's cheek with one of his claws.

Thinking about what book Phantom could be talking about, the vampire curls himself closer to it, getting himself comfortable on the taller one's embrace.

You mean The King in Yellow? I didn't know it drives people mad. I'm still reading the Act I, and it's pretty banal until now. Maybe the Act II has something?

He muses, resting his cheek on Phantom's shoulder with a chuff, playing with Phantom's other hand, running his claws over his palm.

[phantom-at-your-door]

I mean, I could be wrong. My memory is not the most reliable thing.

On that hand which Rufus is holding in his own, and on the other one too, Phantom has the same type of scar that Ruf spotted in its hair when brushing it out.

We could read it together if you'd like? I'm already as mad as can be, so it's not like it's gonna double it and give it to the next person or something.

[phantom-at-your-door]

We're... Alright, aren't we? After we- after we kissed?

Rufus asks softly after sometime they're hugging, nuzzling Phantom's throat and kissing where his artery is, feeling his heartbeat.

I don't want to mess things up.

-@ruf-askblog-orwhatever

Phantom's heartbeat is calm, even, deep. It rests its head on top of Ruf's, letting him do whatever he wants. He likes to feel this closeness, especially with someone as sweet and intriguing as Rufus.

'course we are. I don't see any reason why we wouldn't be.

Just barely it manages to pry itself away from the vampire, holding his face in its cold hands.

Tell me how you're feeling? Did the um... 'effect' of my blood wear off already?

[thee-vampire]

The vampire nods with half lidded eyes, letting his head rest heavily in its hands, his chest still rumbling softly every now and then.

I'd forgotten what it was like to be... High. I kind of feel like I was put into a stretching machine, but in a good way.

He opens his eyes as he says this, looking up at Phantom, who can see his pupils slowly dilating again as he stares it.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom takes a moment to stare into Rufus' beautiful eyes, looking back at it with such a fondness and yearning. It smiles, leaning in to kiss his forehead.

No wonder Lucifer likes you so much.

Once again Phantom picks up Ruf into its arms, carrying him off back into the office where he normally resides.

Stretching machine? Like a medieval torture device type of thing?

[thee-vampire]

Rufus rubs his cheek against Phantom's, laying his head on its shoulder.

Yeah. I was put through those things a few times, it stopped being a problem after a while.

He hums, kissing its jaw and scraping his teeth against its neck in a playful manner.

And the cat likes me because we are both feline like creatures.

[phantom-at-your-door]

Phantom stops dead in its track right in the middle of the office, staring down at Rufus. If his irises weren't so dark, it would be possible to see his pupils blown wide in anger.

You gotta be fucking with me. Who kept doing all that cruel shit to you?

Somewhat regaining his bearings, Phantom walked over and sat down by the drawer, placing the vampire in its lap.

[thee-vampire]

A lot of villages, cities and kingdoms. Just like they did with "witches", the difference is that most of them were innocent women and I am an actual monster. Honestly, they were right to do that a few times. You know, when I was insane and raiding villages and all.

He starts to play with with Phantom's hair, twirling long strands of hair with his fingers as he shifts himself to get more comfortable. He chuckles and points to himself.

And they just couldn't deal with all my pale beauty. They freaked out with that, and even more when they noticed I have pointy ears.

[phantom-at-your-door]

With what sounded like a low growl, Phantom leaned in and kissed Rufus again, this time in a more hungry, demanding way.

Absolutely not. You may as well be the fucking spaghetti monster and still wouldn't have deserved all that. Don't ever say such nonsense in front of me again.

And as he threatened to do many times, Phantom bites at Ruf's shoulder, and then the other shoulder, and then his neck, and then– you get the point.

[thee-vampire]

Rufus smirks when Phantom kisses him again, rolling his eyes at what it says.

Ow- hey!

He laughs loudly when it bites him repeatedly, his hands firmly grasping Phantom's hair and the back of its neck by reflex. He pulls it away with a giggle, holding his cheeks and and peppering its face and lips with kisses.

[phantom-at-your-door]

What? Am I wrong?

Phantom huffs, turning its head away and pretending to be even the slightest bit upset before landing one last bite on Ruf's shoulder.

Phantom briefly retreats to pick up its mask, but it doesn't put it back on in the presence of the vampire. It makes itself comfortable on the floor once again, leaning into Rufus' side and wrapping its arms around his waist.

This affection, this sense of togetherness have become addicting in such a short amount of time. And Phantom can't even feel upset about that, not when Ruf's right here indulging it in whatever it desires.

Oh, I remember you got some new book that drives people mad or something? I've heard talk of it in the asylum, I think.