deadly duet

"they wanna see hate, like a needle in your veins, a sickness with no name."

[profanata]

"my name? does not matter. you can call me vice if you insist."

"and me? well, i haven't even had a name in a while! right, babe? even you don't call me anythin'."

rp/ask blog for my fandude and hatred oc! quick rules to go over before i get into the rest.

- you have to be at least 16+. preferrably 18+ - no dni, i just block if i don't fw you - follow the standard rp etiquette and we'll be golden - freaks and paraphiles? yeah you can stay, vice and imyarek are also into some freaky shit - any fandoms are free 2 interact :)

the pfp and dividers by yours truly, the mod - @2b--frank

- asks: #𓆦 the humming swarm - story/lore bits: #𓁹 a revelation - all other in-character posts: #◟sorrow and decay◝

character refs + trivia (nudity, suicide, religious trauma, military mentions ahead):

vice:

- voiceclaim - nolan john "killstation" santana - a vampire, committed suicide in his late 20s somewhere in the 20th century - had an upbringing in a family of christian-adjacent cult followers. due to that, grew to detest religion as a concept even before his death - heterochromia of scalp and body hair. yes, he's naturally both noirette and ginger - has no eyes, which is compensated by excellent hearing - strong preference towards cold and non-firearm ranged weapons. weapon of choice - a segmented steel whip - probably gay but can't be bothered rn - trans if you couldn't tell. he/it - if he sounds mean... yeah. he is. one hell of a snarky bitch that delivers all of his jabs in the most deadpan way possible - does enjoy various puzzles and whatnot. if he could see, he'd spend hours on assembling huge jigsaws! - plays the violin since middle school, never stopped even after his death

imyarek:

- you don't get their voiceclaim. i can point you in the direction of agata kristi (russian rock band) or dk.inc but no further than that. yes they're very different. won't elaborate, imagine as you will. - nonbinary. they/them - former military interpreter. was captured by the enemy and dishonourably discharged under the suspicion of treason on return (none actually occurred) - the scar on their face is one of the many left by the torture they'd endured. not only their eye was damaged, but also one of the facial nerves, which resulted in some difficulty in making facial expressions - rage bait miniboss, and generally tries to stay unserious and lighthearted most of the time - sometimes has pretty crazy mood swings, which usually overlap with general anger issues and resulting in outbursts. they... don't like being angry, actually - really damn touchy-feely type of person. they kind of lost the understanding of, or respect for others' boundaries, vice is basically a loose exception - "no regrets". in fact, only entitlement and pride - they think that after what they'd gone through, they deserve to hurt others in whatever ways they desire whenever they please - in full seriousness consider chores to be their hobby. keeps their mind at bay

probably a useless but still funny thing to remark: vice is closer to notim in personality, whereas imyarek is this weird p2-p3 mix... AND THEY WERE ROOMMATES!!!

more to be added later... i make ths blog with the intent of writing them thru it :)

[grox]

Boss can I go home and tickle my roommate

[profanata]

"don't apologize babe, you're so right."

[profanata]

vice slowly peeled away at the bandages, bracing himself for a wave of sickening stench.

strangely enough, there was none.

"odd," he remarked out loud as well, tracing his fingertips over where the wound was. nothing but a barely noticeable scar. "you amaze me once more."

"hey, told ya back then that i'm full of surprises, yeah?" they chuckled. "do you really think it's that easy to take me out?"

"...i have been aware of some strange capabilities of yours, sure, but not to such an extent."

as he backed off, they immediately jumped back to their feet.

"do not tell me."

"the rent ain't gonna pay for itself, you know."

he groaned, hiding his face in hands. should have expected this, and yet, was still disappointed. and after all of that, also nervous.

"relax, i'll be careful."

"this is not the question of how careful you are," he snapped in return. and next moment, his façade finally gave a crack. "i beseech you, imyarek. do not."

vice bit his tongue, as he felt their piercing gaze on himself, and both of them froze in their places for just a second.

"could you repeat that?"

"...i beg of you to stay."

"no, no," they shook their head. "the entirety of it. again, slower."

[profanata]

weather like this wasn't just difficult to enjoy – it was disruptive.

as vice walked down the street, wind howled around him, pushing him in the back, impairing two of the senses he relied on most at the same time.

better this way, perhaps, than staying in that rundown apartment for god knows how much longer. at least the air outside was fresh, crisp, much easier to circulate. it didn't clog up his perception the way being stuck in a concrete box with a sick animal did.

one could say that taking walks just to breathe and take in the surroundings – well, as much as he could – was a small hobby that vice had. one he'd kind of forgotten about after nearly snuffing it.

and he was also feeling a little dry.

maybe he should've picked a different direction to go on a stroll in, though walking against the wind current would be much more difficult, especially when it's also drizzling.

on the other hand, extra precaution wasn't in his priorities. after the events of the past few months, he was confident that nothing – or nobody – was able to threaten him anymore.

the town probably looked pretty nice that night, in spite of the conditions.

[rykerroland]

He was lingering around the different ends of town, having finally gotten out of his stupid little slice of Paradise. More often than not he looked overdressed for the weather, but here it fit in. He had to hand it to Otis- it was a good deal to just zip across different areas of the world in a heartbeat.

He noticed the stranger walking semi-calmly down the streets, curious from afar. Should he be staring?? Probably not, but maybe this guy didn't notice him in return. Nothing wrong with an observation in that regard.

[profanata]

it definitely did not help that he wasn't quite able to smell his surroundings, either. without a clue about being observed, he kept walking for some more.

well, until something within told him to hold it.

vice froze in place, unsure about the direction from which he could sense someone else's stare. but he definitely did, and it quite a bit of willpower for him not to turn his head... not that it would help anyway.

for good several seconds, he hesitated. ultimately, though, he decided to continue, disregarding the concern. perhaps it was a stray of sorts, those could always feel everything wrong with him somehow. it was only fair that their sixth sense was telling them to stay away, and his - that he was being watched.

not that anyone else would be outside at night in a weather like this, right?

[rykerroland]

Once the man stopped, he got a much better look at the features in the wind. Even through the weather the scent of caution cut through the breeze. Light steps in combat boots mirrored Vice, the tall redhead following out of sheer curiosity. When the wind calmed slightly, he decided to speak,

"Excuse me?... are you from around here??"

His tone was even and sincere, curious as to why this man had no eyes.

[profanata]

no, this was definitely a person. it took too long to realise that, though, enough for the stranger to come a tad too close for comfort.

"terrible night to be outside, asking such pointless questions," he replied calmly, before turning his head towards the direction from which the voice speaking to him came. "i am not. though i have lived here for long enough."

he fixed his shades, buying some time to concentrate. the stranger didn't seem like a threat, at least not currently... not from what he could gather. dampened senses, inability to make out the picture quite yet bugged him.

[rykerroland]

This man was tall, seemingly a bit hefty in the middle by the way the wind was blocked and channeled where he stood.

"I'm sorry if I bothered you. Just. Got turned around by a friend. He dropped me off here and just left me to wander... uhm... I like your outfit, by the way."

His voice was measured and timid, a blend of both Rick Hunter and Matt Mercer.

[profanata]

he didn't sound too threatening, either.

"much appreciated," vice responded to the compliment in a tone that seemed a little too flat... but, well, he wasn't the type of person to exchange pleasantries with strangers. "i can only pity you. being left outside in such weather..."

he stepped forward a little. perhaps, this was an opportunity. a slim one, considering that vice didn't exactly have an upper hand both in terms of his build and the conditions...

"...knowing that people here are far from friendly. especially those that crawl out at night."

[rykerroland]

"I uh... take it you can't see?... most people would've run away if they saw how I looked."

Damn. This guy was pitiful. He would probably let someone walk all over him by the inflection in his voice.

[profanata]

"indeed, i cannot."

vice made another step, closing some more distance.

"yet, aversive or intimidating looks will not stop the residents of this town... normally. they can be quite the savages."

he barely held back a smirk, baring his teeth for a split second before assuming a grave expression once more.

"there is even a possibility that you are conversing with one right now. for that is something you should know, you cannot place any amount of trust in anybody living here."

[rykerroland]

He instantly caught the glint of teeth, noting the strange fangs and demeanor shift. That was what he thought... no simple man would come out here in this kind of weather to just walk around. Instead of fear, the meek of anticipation grew thick around this man. He hoped the cross wouldn't burn the strange being before him too badly...

"I can see those fangs. I know what you're hiding."

His tone of voice was now neurotic and hushed, a hint of perverse elation in his throat at finding yet another praeturnatural being.

[profanata]

"ah, such a rarity to meet someone clever enough around these parts. though, should i count you, a newcomer from out of town?"

vice stopped in his tracks. not out of hesitation or fear, but rather interest.

perhaps, he could allow a change of plans. being confronted was far from a common occurrence to him, and since he'd moved here – an impossibly rare one.

"i am almost impressed... though i would truly be if you observed with more than just your eyes," he tilted his head. "you intrigue me. so unready to dismiss one detail you have managed to catch onto... is it not the first encounter with the strange that you have had?"

[rykerroland]

This was quite exciting for him, his heartrate at a breakneck pace now with feverish curiosity.

"Counting you, its my seventh unique encounter. May I ask what your species is? I've already encountered a wraith, two demons, three eldritch entities and a vampire of Daywalking variety."

He spoke with the same level, meek tone, but the sheer joy was radiating from him

[profanata]

at this distance, vice could finally hear it. the strong, fast heartbeat.

"you are quite strange. it is odd to be this excited about an encounter with something that could very well kill you," he pointed out, making a small mental note to himself that this could be quite alarming. what if this one didn't have any reason to be afraid? "besides, something does not add up... but i could satisfy your curiosity i suppose."

a crooked smirk appeared on his face, this time for longer than just a fleeting moment.

"many, many years ago i was a man not unlike yourself... until death did me dirty. what would you assume i am now?"

[rykerroland]

"Well, I would assume based on your fangs and pale features that you're of a nocturnal Vampire. Its hard to tell based on looks alone, but the way you stopped in place and the way you picked up on my presence was far beyond what a blind human could do."

He reasoned before another question hit him,

"Do you have the ability to turn others? Or is it a curse causing your plight??"

[profanata]

"nocturnal... would you reckon that i rest during daytime?" vice raised an eyebrow. "you could call me that, i suppose, considering i do only go out when night falls."

the next question, however, was much less flattering to hear. his ear twitched as he scrunched his nose, suddenly going completely stiff with tension.

"i have not attempted to figure out the answer to that, but by the way you speak, i take it this and the curse of undying are aspects mutually exclusive," his voice suddenly turned harsher, quieter, resembling a hiss. "therefore, i could surmise that no, i do not. and if you excuse me, i do not wish to speak of how i came to be this way."

[rykerroland]

"Oh, uhm... I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I didn't mean to pry like that..."

He apologized sincerely, realizing he was getting ahead of himself.

"Please, feel free to ask me anything you want, by the way... its only fair..."

[profanata]

"i definitely had a question or two in mind, however, i will probably hold onto them for the time being."

the tension he'd expressed seemed to ease a little bit, and he backed off.

"i am afraid that the conditions tonight are not particularly fitting for a longer dialogue, not outside at least... and i still have some matters to attend to. perhaps, we will meet again, you have piqued my interest quite a bit."

[profanata]

weather like this wasn't just difficult to enjoy – it was disruptive.

as vice walked down the street, wind howled around him, pushing him in the back, impairing two of the senses he relied on most at the same time.

better this way, perhaps, than staying in that rundown apartment for god knows how much longer. at least the air outside was fresh, crisp, much easier to circulate. it didn't clog up his perception the way being stuck in a concrete box with a sick animal did.

one could say that taking walks just to breathe and take in the surroundings – well, as much as he could – was a small hobby that vice had. one he'd kind of forgotten about after nearly snuffing it.

and he was also feeling a little dry.

maybe he should've picked a different direction to go on a stroll in, though walking against the wind current would be much more difficult, especially when it's also drizzling.

on the other hand, extra precaution wasn't in his priorities. after the events of the past few months, he was confident that nothing – or nobody – was able to threaten him anymore.

the town probably looked pretty nice that night, in spite of the conditions.

[rykerroland]

He was lingering around the different ends of town, having finally gotten out of his stupid little slice of Paradise. More often than not he looked overdressed for the weather, but here it fit in. He had to hand it to Otis- it was a good deal to just zip across different areas of the world in a heartbeat.

He noticed the stranger walking semi-calmly down the streets, curious from afar. Should he be staring?? Probably not, but maybe this guy didn't notice him in return. Nothing wrong with an observation in that regard.

[profanata]

it definitely did not help that he wasn't quite able to smell his surroundings, either. without a clue about being observed, he kept walking for some more.

well, until something within told him to hold it.

vice froze in place, unsure about the direction from which he could sense someone else's stare. but he definitely did, and it quite a bit of willpower for him not to turn his head... not that it would help anyway.

for good several seconds, he hesitated. ultimately, though, he decided to continue, disregarding the concern. perhaps it was a stray of sorts, those could always feel everything wrong with him somehow. it was only fair that their sixth sense was telling them to stay away, and his - that he was being watched.

not that anyone else would be outside at night in a weather like this, right?

[rykerroland]

Once the man stopped, he got a much better look at the features in the wind. Even through the weather the scent of caution cut through the breeze. Light steps in combat boots mirrored Vice, the tall redhead following out of sheer curiosity. When the wind calmed slightly, he decided to speak,

"Excuse me?... are you from around here??"

His tone was even and sincere, curious as to why this man had no eyes.

[profanata]

no, this was definitely a person. it took too long to realise that, though, enough for the stranger to come a tad too close for comfort.

"terrible night to be outside, asking such pointless questions," he replied calmly, before turning his head towards the direction from which the voice speaking to him came. "i am not. though i have lived here for long enough."

he fixed his shades, buying some time to concentrate. the stranger didn't seem like a threat, at least not currently... not from what he could gather. dampened senses, inability to make out the picture quite yet bugged him.

[rykerroland]

This man was tall, seemingly a bit hefty in the middle by the way the wind was blocked and channeled where he stood.

"I'm sorry if I bothered you. Just. Got turned around by a friend. He dropped me off here and just left me to wander... uhm... I like your outfit, by the way."

His voice was measured and timid, a blend of both Rick Hunter and Matt Mercer.

[profanata]

he didn't sound too threatening, either.

"much appreciated," vice responded to the compliment in a tone that seemed a little too flat... but, well, he wasn't the type of person to exchange pleasantries with strangers. "i can only pity you. being left outside in such weather..."

he stepped forward a little. perhaps, this was an opportunity. a slim one, considering that vice didn't exactly have an upper hand both in terms of his build and the conditions...

"...knowing that people here are far from friendly. especially those that crawl out at night."

[rykerroland]

"I uh... take it you can't see?... most people would've run away if they saw how I looked."

Damn. This guy was pitiful. He would probably let someone walk all over him by the inflection in his voice.

[profanata]

"indeed, i cannot."

vice made another step, closing some more distance.

"yet, aversive or intimidating looks will not stop the residents of this town... normally. they can be quite the savages."

he barely held back a smirk, baring his teeth for a split second before assuming a grave expression once more.

"there is even a possibility that you are conversing with one right now. for that is something you should know, you cannot place any amount of trust in anybody living here."

[rykerroland]

He instantly caught the glint of teeth, noting the strange fangs and demeanor shift. That was what he thought... no simple man would come out here in this kind of weather to just walk around. Instead of fear, the meek of anticipation grew thick around this man. He hoped the cross wouldn't burn the strange being before him too badly...

"I can see those fangs. I know what you're hiding."

His tone of voice was now neurotic and hushed, a hint of perverse elation in his throat at finding yet another praeturnatural being.

[profanata]

"ah, such a rarity to meet someone clever enough around these parts. though, should i count you, a newcomer from out of town?"

vice stopped in his tracks. not out of hesitation or fear, but rather interest.

perhaps, he could allow a change of plans. being confronted was far from a common occurrence to him, and since he'd moved here – an impossibly rare one.

"i am almost impressed... though i would truly be if you observed with more than just your eyes," he tilted his head. "you intrigue me. so unready to dismiss one detail you have managed to catch onto... is it not the first encounter with the strange that you have had?"

[rykerroland]

This was quite exciting for him, his heartrate at a breakneck pace now with feverish curiosity.

"Counting you, its my seventh unique encounter. May I ask what your species is? I've already encountered a wraith, two demons, three eldritch entities and a vampire of Daywalking variety."

He spoke with the same level, meek tone, but the sheer joy was radiating from him

[profanata]

at this distance, vice could finally hear it. the strong, fast heartbeat.

"you are quite strange. it is odd to be this excited about an encounter with something that could very well kill you," he pointed out, making a small mental note to himself that this could be quite alarming. what if this one didn't have any reason to be afraid? "besides, something does not add up... but i could satisfy your curiosity i suppose."

a crooked smirk appeared on his face, this time for longer than just a fleeting moment.

"many, many years ago i was a man not unlike yourself... until death did me dirty. what would you assume i am now?"

[rykerroland]

"Well, I would assume based on your fangs and pale features that you're of a nocturnal Vampire. Its hard to tell based on looks alone, but the way you stopped in place and the way you picked up on my presence was far beyond what a blind human could do."

He reasoned before another question hit him,

"Do you have the ability to turn others? Or is it a curse causing your plight??"

[profanata]

"nocturnal... would you reckon that i rest during daytime?" vice raised an eyebrow. "you could call me that, i suppose, considering i do only go out when night falls."

the next question, however, was much less flattering to hear. his ear twitched as he scrunched his nose, suddenly going completely stiff with tension.

"i have not attempted to figure out the answer to that, but by the way you speak, i take it this and the curse of undying are aspects mutually exclusive," his voice suddenly turned harsher, quieter, resembling a hiss. "therefore, i could surmise that no, i do not. and if you excuse me, i do not wish to speak of how i came to be this way."

[profanata]

weather like this wasn't just difficult to enjoy – it was disruptive.

as vice walked down the street, wind howled around him, pushing him in the back, impairing two of the senses he relied on most at the same time.

better this way, perhaps, than staying in that rundown apartment for god knows how much longer. at least the air outside was fresh, crisp, much easier to circulate. it didn't clog up his perception the way being stuck in a concrete box with a sick animal did.

one could say that taking walks just to breathe and take in the surroundings – well, as much as he could – was a small hobby that vice had. one he'd kind of forgotten about after nearly snuffing it.

and he was also feeling a little dry.

maybe he should've picked a different direction to go on a stroll in, though walking against the wind current would be much more difficult, especially when it's also drizzling.

on the other hand, extra precaution wasn't in his priorities. after the events of the past few months, he was confident that nothing – or nobody – was able to threaten him anymore.

the town probably looked pretty nice that night, in spite of the conditions.

[rykerroland]

He was lingering around the different ends of town, having finally gotten out of his stupid little slice of Paradise. More often than not he looked overdressed for the weather, but here it fit in. He had to hand it to Otis- it was a good deal to just zip across different areas of the world in a heartbeat.

He noticed the stranger walking semi-calmly down the streets, curious from afar. Should he be staring?? Probably not, but maybe this guy didn't notice him in return. Nothing wrong with an observation in that regard.

[profanata]

it definitely did not help that he wasn't quite able to smell his surroundings, either. without a clue about being observed, he kept walking for some more.

well, until something within told him to hold it.

vice froze in place, unsure about the direction from which he could sense someone else's stare. but he definitely did, and it quite a bit of willpower for him not to turn his head... not that it would help anyway.

for good several seconds, he hesitated. ultimately, though, he decided to continue, disregarding the concern. perhaps it was a stray of sorts, those could always feel everything wrong with him somehow. it was only fair that their sixth sense was telling them to stay away, and his - that he was being watched.

not that anyone else would be outside at night in a weather like this, right?

[rykerroland]

Once the man stopped, he got a much better look at the features in the wind. Even through the weather the scent of caution cut through the breeze. Light steps in combat boots mirrored Vice, the tall redhead following out of sheer curiosity. When the wind calmed slightly, he decided to speak,

"Excuse me?... are you from around here??"

His tone was even and sincere, curious as to why this man had no eyes.

[profanata]

no, this was definitely a person. it took too long to realise that, though, enough for the stranger to come a tad too close for comfort.

"terrible night to be outside, asking such pointless questions," he replied calmly, before turning his head towards the direction from which the voice speaking to him came. "i am not. though i have lived here for long enough."

he fixed his shades, buying some time to concentrate. the stranger didn't seem like a threat, at least not currently... not from what he could gather. dampened senses, inability to make out the picture quite yet bugged him.

[rykerroland]

This man was tall, seemingly a bit hefty in the middle by the way the wind was blocked and channeled where he stood.

"I'm sorry if I bothered you. Just. Got turned around by a friend. He dropped me off here and just left me to wander... uhm... I like your outfit, by the way."

His voice was measured and timid, a blend of both Rick Hunter and Matt Mercer.

[profanata]

he didn't sound too threatening, either.

"much appreciated," vice responded to the compliment in a tone that seemed a little too flat... but, well, he wasn't the type of person to exchange pleasantries with strangers. "i can only pity you. being left outside in such weather..."

he stepped forward a little. perhaps, this was an opportunity. a slim one, considering that vice didn't exactly have an upper hand both in terms of his build and the conditions...

"...knowing that people here are far from friendly. especially those that crawl out at night."

[rykerroland]

"I uh... take it you can't see?... most people would've run away if they saw how I looked."

Damn. This guy was pitiful. He would probably let someone walk all over him by the inflection in his voice.

[profanata]

"indeed, i cannot."

vice made another step, closing some more distance.

"yet, aversive or intimidating looks will not stop the residents of this town... normally. they can be quite the savages."

he barely held back a smirk, baring his teeth for a split second before assuming a grave expression once more.

"there is even a possibility that you are conversing with one right now. for that is something you should know, you cannot place any amount of trust in anybody living here."

[rykerroland]

He instantly caught the glint of teeth, noting the strange fangs and demeanor shift. That was what he thought... no simple man would come out here in this kind of weather to just walk around. Instead of fear, the meek of anticipation grew thick around this man. He hoped the cross wouldn't burn the strange being before him too badly...

"I can see those fangs. I know what you're hiding."

His tone of voice was now neurotic and hushed, a hint of perverse elation in his throat at finding yet another praeturnatural being.

[profanata]

"ah, such a rarity to meet someone clever enough around these parts. though, should i count you, a newcomer from out of town?"

vice stopped in his tracks. not out of hesitation or fear, but rather interest.

perhaps, he could allow a change of plans. being confronted was far from a common occurrence to him, and since he'd moved here – an impossibly rare one.

"i am almost impressed... though i would truly be if you observed with more than just your eyes," he tilted his head. "you intrigue me. so unready to dismiss one detail you have managed to catch onto... is it not the first encounter with the strange that you have had?"

[rykerroland]

This was quite exciting for him, his heartrate at a breakneck pace now with feverish curiosity.

"Counting you, its my seventh unique encounter. May I ask what your species is? I've already encountered a wraith, two demons, three eldritch entities and a vampire of Daywalking variety."

He spoke with the same level, meek tone, but the sheer joy was radiating from him

[profanata]

at this distance, vice could finally hear it. the strong, fast heartbeat.

"you are quite strange. it is odd to be this excited about an encounter with something that could very well kill you," he pointed out, making a small mental note to himself that this could be quite alarming. what if this one didn't have any reason to be afraid? "besides, something does not add up... but i could satisfy your curiosity i suppose."

a crooked smirk appeared on his face, this time for longer than just a fleeting moment.

"many, many years ago i was a man not unlike yourself... until death did me dirty. what would you assume i am now?"

[profanata]

weather like this wasn't just difficult to enjoy – it was disruptive.

as vice walked down the street, wind howled around him, pushing him in the back, impairing two of the senses he relied on most at the same time.

better this way, perhaps, than staying in that rundown apartment for god knows how much longer. at least the air outside was fresh, crisp, much easier to circulate. it didn't clog up his perception the way being stuck in a concrete box with a sick animal did.

one could say that taking walks just to breathe and take in the surroundings – well, as much as he could – was a small hobby that vice had. one he'd kind of forgotten about after nearly snuffing it.

and he was also feeling a little dry.

maybe he should've picked a different direction to go on a stroll in, though walking against the wind current would be much more difficult, especially when it's also drizzling.

on the other hand, extra precaution wasn't in his priorities. after the events of the past few months, he was confident that nothing – or nobody – was able to threaten him anymore.

the town probably looked pretty nice that night, in spite of the conditions.

[rykerroland]

He was lingering around the different ends of town, having finally gotten out of his stupid little slice of Paradise. More often than not he looked overdressed for the weather, but here it fit in. He had to hand it to Otis- it was a good deal to just zip across different areas of the world in a heartbeat.

He noticed the stranger walking semi-calmly down the streets, curious from afar. Should he be staring?? Probably not, but maybe this guy didn't notice him in return. Nothing wrong with an observation in that regard.

[profanata]

it definitely did not help that he wasn't quite able to smell his surroundings, either. without a clue about being observed, he kept walking for some more.

well, until something within told him to hold it.

vice froze in place, unsure about the direction from which he could sense someone else's stare. but he definitely did, and it quite a bit of willpower for him not to turn his head... not that it would help anyway.

for good several seconds, he hesitated. ultimately, though, he decided to continue, disregarding the concern. perhaps it was a stray of sorts, those could always feel everything wrong with him somehow. it was only fair that their sixth sense was telling them to stay away, and his - that he was being watched.

not that anyone else would be outside at night in a weather like this, right?

[rykerroland]

Once the man stopped, he got a much better look at the features in the wind. Even through the weather the scent of caution cut through the breeze. Light steps in combat boots mirrored Vice, the tall redhead following out of sheer curiosity. When the wind calmed slightly, he decided to speak,

"Excuse me?... are you from around here??"

His tone was even and sincere, curious as to why this man had no eyes.

[profanata]

no, this was definitely a person. it took too long to realise that, though, enough for the stranger to come a tad too close for comfort.

"terrible night to be outside, asking such pointless questions," he replied calmly, before turning his head towards the direction from which the voice speaking to him came. "i am not. though i have lived here for long enough."

he fixed his shades, buying some time to concentrate. the stranger didn't seem like a threat, at least not currently... not from what he could gather. dampened senses, inability to make out the picture quite yet bugged him.

[rykerroland]

This man was tall, seemingly a bit hefty in the middle by the way the wind was blocked and channeled where he stood.

"I'm sorry if I bothered you. Just. Got turned around by a friend. He dropped me off here and just left me to wander... uhm... I like your outfit, by the way."

His voice was measured and timid, a blend of both Rick Hunter and Matt Mercer.

[profanata]

he didn't sound too threatening, either.

"much appreciated," vice responded to the compliment in a tone that seemed a little too flat... but, well, he wasn't the type of person to exchange pleasantries with strangers. "i can only pity you. being left outside in such weather..."

he stepped forward a little. perhaps, this was an opportunity. a slim one, considering that vice didn't exactly have an upper hand both in terms of his build and the conditions...

"...knowing that people here are far from friendly. especially those that crawl out at night."

[rykerroland]

"I uh... take it you can't see?... most people would've run away if they saw how I looked."

Damn. This guy was pitiful. He would probably let someone walk all over him by the inflection in his voice.

[profanata]

"indeed, i cannot."

vice made another step, closing some more distance.

"yet, aversive or intimidating looks will not stop the residents of this town... normally. they can be quite the savages."

he barely held back a smirk, baring his teeth for a split second before assuming a grave expression once more.

"there is even a possibility that you are conversing with one right now. for that is something you should know, you cannot place any amount of trust in anybody living here."

[rykerroland]

He instantly caught the glint of teeth, noting the strange fangs and demeanor shift. That was what he thought... no simple man would come out here in this kind of weather to just walk around. Instead of fear, the meek of anticipation grew thick around this man. He hoped the cross wouldn't burn the strange being before him too badly...

"I can see those fangs. I know what you're hiding."

His tone of voice was now neurotic and hushed, a hint of perverse elation in his throat at finding yet another praeturnatural being.

[profanata]

"ah, such a rarity to meet someone clever enough around these parts. though, should i count you, a newcomer from out of town?"

vice stopped in his tracks. not out of hesitation or fear, but rather interest.

perhaps, he could allow a change of plans. being confronted was far from a common occurrence to him, and since he'd moved here – an impossibly rare one.

"i am almost impressed... though i would truly be if you observed with more than just your eyes," he tilted his head. "you intrigue me. so unready to dismiss one detail you have managed to catch onto... is it not the first encounter with the strange that you have had?"

[profanata]

weather like this wasn't just difficult to enjoy – it was disruptive.

as vice walked down the street, wind howled around him, pushing him in the back, impairing two of the senses he relied on most at the same time.

better this way, perhaps, than staying in that rundown apartment for god knows how much longer. at least the air outside was fresh, crisp, much easier to circulate. it didn't clog up his perception the way being stuck in a concrete box with a sick animal did.

one could say that taking walks just to breathe and take in the surroundings – well, as much as he could – was a small hobby that vice had. one he'd kind of forgotten about after nearly snuffing it.

and he was also feeling a little dry.

maybe he should've picked a different direction to go on a stroll in, though walking against the wind current would be much more difficult, especially when it's also drizzling.

on the other hand, extra precaution wasn't in his priorities. after the events of the past few months, he was confident that nothing – or nobody – was able to threaten him anymore.

the town probably looked pretty nice that night, in spite of the conditions.

[rykerroland]

He was lingering around the different ends of town, having finally gotten out of his stupid little slice of Paradise. More often than not he looked overdressed for the weather, but here it fit in. He had to hand it to Otis- it was a good deal to just zip across different areas of the world in a heartbeat.

He noticed the stranger walking semi-calmly down the streets, curious from afar. Should he be staring?? Probably not, but maybe this guy didn't notice him in return. Nothing wrong with an observation in that regard.

[profanata]

it definitely did not help that he wasn't quite able to smell his surroundings, either. without a clue about being observed, he kept walking for some more.

well, until something within told him to hold it.

vice froze in place, unsure about the direction from which he could sense someone else's stare. but he definitely did, and it quite a bit of willpower for him not to turn his head... not that it would help anyway.

for good several seconds, he hesitated. ultimately, though, he decided to continue, disregarding the concern. perhaps it was a stray of sorts, those could always feel everything wrong with him somehow. it was only fair that their sixth sense was telling them to stay away, and his - that he was being watched.

not that anyone else would be outside at night in a weather like this, right?

[rykerroland]

Once the man stopped, he got a much better look at the features in the wind. Even through the weather the scent of caution cut through the breeze. Light steps in combat boots mirrored Vice, the tall redhead following out of sheer curiosity. When the wind calmed slightly, he decided to speak,

"Excuse me?... are you from around here??"

His tone was even and sincere, curious as to why this man had no eyes.

[profanata]

no, this was definitely a person. it took too long to realise that, though, enough for the stranger to come a tad too close for comfort.

"terrible night to be outside, asking such pointless questions," he replied calmly, before turning his head towards the direction from which the voice speaking to him came. "i am not. though i have lived here for long enough."

he fixed his shades, buying some time to concentrate. the stranger didn't seem like a threat, at least not currently... not from what he could gather. dampened senses, inability to make out the picture quite yet bugged him.

[rykerroland]

This man was tall, seemingly a bit hefty in the middle by the way the wind was blocked and channeled where he stood.

"I'm sorry if I bothered you. Just. Got turned around by a friend. He dropped me off here and just left me to wander... uhm... I like your outfit, by the way."

His voice was measured and timid, a blend of both Rick Hunter and Matt Mercer.

[profanata]

he didn't sound too threatening, either.

"much appreciated," vice responded to the compliment in a tone that seemed a little too flat... but, well, he wasn't the type of person to exchange pleasantries with strangers. "i can only pity you. being left outside in such weather..."

he stepped forward a little. perhaps, this was an opportunity. a slim one, considering that vice didn't exactly have an upper hand both in terms of his build and the conditions...

"...knowing that people here are far from friendly. especially those that crawl out at night."

[rykerroland]

"I uh... take it you can't see?... most people would've run away if they saw how I looked."

Damn. This guy was pitiful. He would probably let someone walk all over him by the inflection in his voice.

[profanata]

"indeed, i cannot."

vice made another step, closing some more distance.

"yet, aversive or intimidating looks will not stop the residents of this town... normally. they can be quite the savages."

he barely held back a smirk, baring his teeth for a split second before assuming a grave expression once more.

"there is even a possibility that you are conversing with one right now. for that is something you should know, you cannot place any amount of trust in anybody living here."

[profanata]

weather like this wasn't just difficult to enjoy – it was disruptive.

as vice walked down the street, wind howled around him, pushing him in the back, impairing two of the senses he relied on most at the same time.

better this way, perhaps, than staying in that rundown apartment for god knows how much longer. at least the air outside was fresh, crisp, much easier to circulate. it didn't clog up his perception the way being stuck in a concrete box with a sick animal did.

one could say that taking walks just to breathe and take in the surroundings – well, as much as he could – was a small hobby that vice had. one he'd kind of forgotten about after nearly snuffing it.

and he was also feeling a little dry.

maybe he should've picked a different direction to go on a stroll in, though walking against the wind current would be much more difficult, especially when it's also drizzling.

on the other hand, extra precaution wasn't in his priorities. after the events of the past few months, he was confident that nothing – or nobody – was able to threaten him anymore.

the town probably looked pretty nice that night, in spite of the conditions.

[rykerroland]

He was lingering around the different ends of town, having finally gotten out of his stupid little slice of Paradise. More often than not he looked overdressed for the weather, but here it fit in. He had to hand it to Otis- it was a good deal to just zip across different areas of the world in a heartbeat.

He noticed the stranger walking semi-calmly down the streets, curious from afar. Should he be staring?? Probably not, but maybe this guy didn't notice him in return. Nothing wrong with an observation in that regard.

[profanata]

it definitely did not help that he wasn't quite able to smell his surroundings, either. without a clue about being observed, he kept walking for some more.

well, until something within told him to hold it.

vice froze in place, unsure about the direction from which he could sense someone else's stare. but he definitely did, and it quite a bit of willpower for him not to turn his head... not that it would help anyway.

for good several seconds, he hesitated. ultimately, though, he decided to continue, disregarding the concern. perhaps it was a stray of sorts, those could always feel everything wrong with him somehow. it was only fair that their sixth sense was telling them to stay away, and his - that he was being watched.

not that anyone else would be outside at night in a weather like this, right?

[rykerroland]

Once the man stopped, he got a much better look at the features in the wind. Even through the weather the scent of caution cut through the breeze. Light steps in combat boots mirrored Vice, the tall redhead following out of sheer curiosity. When the wind calmed slightly, he decided to speak,

"Excuse me?... are you from around here??"

His tone was even and sincere, curious as to why this man had no eyes.

[profanata]

no, this was definitely a person. it took too long to realise that, though, enough for the stranger to come a tad too close for comfort.

"terrible night to be outside, asking such pointless questions," he replied calmly, before turning his head towards the direction from which the voice speaking to him came. "i am not. though i have lived here for long enough."

he fixed his shades, buying some time to concentrate. the stranger didn't seem like a threat, at least not currently... not from what he could gather. dampened senses, inability to make out the picture quite yet bugged him.

[rykerroland]

This man was tall, seemingly a bit hefty in the middle by the way the wind was blocked and channeled where he stood.

"I'm sorry if I bothered you. Just. Got turned around by a friend. He dropped me off here and just left me to wander... uhm... I like your outfit, by the way."

His voice was measured and timid, a blend of both Rick Hunter and Matt Mercer.

[profanata]

he didn't sound too threatening, either.

"much appreciated," vice responded to the compliment in a tone that seemed a little too flat... but, well, he wasn't the type of person to exchange pleasantries with strangers. "i can only pity you. being left outside in such weather..."

he stepped forward a little. perhaps, this was an opportunity. a slim one, considering that vice didn't exactly have an upper hand both in terms of his build and the conditions...

"...knowing that people here are far from friendly. especially those that crawl out at night."

[profanata]

weather like this wasn't just difficult to enjoy – it was disruptive.

as vice walked down the street, wind howled around him, pushing him in the back, impairing two of the senses he relied on most at the same time.

better this way, perhaps, than staying in that rundown apartment for god knows how much longer. at least the air outside was fresh, crisp, much easier to circulate. it didn't clog up his perception the way being stuck in a concrete box with a sick animal did.

one could say that taking walks just to breathe and take in the surroundings – well, as much as he could – was a small hobby that vice had. one he'd kind of forgotten about after nearly snuffing it.

and he was also feeling a little dry.

maybe he should've picked a different direction to go on a stroll in, though walking against the wind current would be much more difficult, especially when it's also drizzling.

on the other hand, extra precaution wasn't in his priorities. after the events of the past few months, he was confident that nothing – or nobody – was able to threaten him anymore.

the town probably looked pretty nice that night, in spite of the conditions.

[rykerroland]

He was lingering around the different ends of town, having finally gotten out of his stupid little slice of Paradise. More often than not he looked overdressed for the weather, but here it fit in. He had to hand it to Otis- it was a good deal to just zip across different areas of the world in a heartbeat.

He noticed the stranger walking semi-calmly down the streets, curious from afar. Should he be staring?? Probably not, but maybe this guy didn't notice him in return. Nothing wrong with an observation in that regard.

[profanata]

it definitely did not help that he wasn't quite able to smell his surroundings, either. without a clue about being observed, he kept walking for some more.

well, until something within told him to hold it.

vice froze in place, unsure about the direction from which he could sense someone else's stare. but he definitely did, and it quite a bit of willpower for him not to turn his head... not that it would help anyway.

for good several seconds, he hesitated. ultimately, though, he decided to continue, disregarding the concern. perhaps it was a stray of sorts, those could always feel everything wrong with him somehow. it was only fair that their sixth sense was telling them to stay away, and his - that he was being watched.

not that anyone else would be outside at night in a weather like this, right?

[rykerroland]

Once the man stopped, he got a much better look at the features in the wind. Even through the weather the scent of caution cut through the breeze. Light steps in combat boots mirrored Vice, the tall redhead following out of sheer curiosity. When the wind calmed slightly, he decided to speak,

"Excuse me?... are you from around here??"

His tone was even and sincere, curious as to why this man had no eyes.

[profanata]

no, this was definitely a person. it took too long to realise that, though, enough for the stranger to come a tad too close for comfort.

"terrible night to be outside, asking such pointless questions," he replied calmly, before turning his head towards the direction from which the voice speaking to him came. "i am not. though i have lived here for long enough."

he fixed his shades, buying some time to concentrate. the stranger didn't seem like a threat, at least not currently... not from what he could gather. dampened senses, inability to make out the picture quite yet bugged him.

[profanata]

weather like this wasn't just difficult to enjoy – it was disruptive.

as vice walked down the street, wind howled around him, pushing him in the back, impairing two of the senses he relied on most at the same time.

better this way, perhaps, than staying in that rundown apartment for god knows how much longer. at least the air outside was fresh, crisp, much easier to circulate. it didn't clog up his perception the way being stuck in a concrete box with a sick animal did.

one could say that taking walks just to breathe and take in the surroundings – well, as much as he could – was a small hobby that vice had. one he'd kind of forgotten about after nearly snuffing it.

and he was also feeling a little dry.

maybe he should've picked a different direction to go on a stroll in, though walking against the wind current would be much more difficult, especially when it's also drizzling.

on the other hand, extra precaution wasn't in his priorities. after the events of the past few months, he was confident that nothing – or nobody – was able to threaten him anymore.

the town probably looked pretty nice that night, in spite of the conditions.

[rykerroland]

He was lingering around the different ends of town, having finally gotten out of his stupid little slice of Paradise. More often than not he looked overdressed for the weather, but here it fit in. He had to hand it to Otis- it was a good deal to just zip across different areas of the world in a heartbeat.

He noticed the stranger walking semi-calmly down the streets, curious from afar. Should he be staring?? Probably not, but maybe this guy didn't notice him in return. Nothing wrong with an observation in that regard.

[profanata]

it definitely did not help that he wasn't quite able to smell his surroundings, either. without a clue about being observed, he kept walking for some more.

well, until something within told him to hold it.

vice froze in place, unsure about the direction from which he could sense someone else's stare. but he definitely did, and it quite a bit of willpower for him not to turn his head... not that it would help anyway.

for good several seconds, he hesitated. ultimately, though, he decided to continue, disregarding the concern. perhaps it was a stray of sorts, those could always feel everything wrong with him somehow. it was only fair that their sixth sense was telling them to stay away, and his - that he was being watched.

not that anyone else would be outside at night in a weather like this, right?

[profanata]

weather like this wasn't just difficult to enjoy – it was disruptive.

as vice walked down the street, wind howled around him, pushing him in the back, impairing two of the senses he relied on most at the same time.

better this way, perhaps, than staying in that rundown apartment for god knows how much longer. at least the air outside was fresh, crisp, much easier to circulate. it didn't clog up his perception the way being stuck in a concrete box with a sick animal did.

one could say that taking walks just to breathe and take in the surroundings – well, as much as he could – was a small hobby that vice had. one he'd kind of forgotten about after nearly snuffing it.

and he was also feeling a little dry.

maybe he should've picked a different direction to go on a stroll in, though walking against the wind current would be much more difficult, especially when it's also drizzling.

on the other hand, extra precaution wasn't in his priorities. after the events of the past few months, he was confident that nothing – or nobody – was able to threaten him anymore.

the town probably looked pretty nice that night, in spite of the conditions.

[profanata]

"you are burning up."

"it's nothin'. i can take it."

he could practically feel them wobble as they stood.

"you need to rest."

they reeked of sickness. vice was probably lucky he couldn't contract whatever it was, but it still seemed like a stark reproach... he should've put in some more effort and disinfected the damn wound.

"only if you come lie down with me... will you?"

he huffed as their arms wrapped around his waist. the embrace seemed to be much weaker than usual.

"i am not going to, and you are perfectly aware of the reasons to that."

their breath, hot and unsteady, burned his neck.

"please. just one more time," they whined, now rubbing against him uncomfortably.

"i should not have entertained you back then, and i am definitely not going to do it now."

it seemed that words alone weren't quite enough to persuade them, as vice had to swat away their hand mere seconds after.

it appeared to really displease them.

"...yeah, whatever, i'll just go and find someone else then."

yet, just as they stepped away, he heard them collapse, with some cuss word in what he could safely assume to be russian following.

"not even gonna help me get up?"

"you said you were going to go out on your own, so be it."

"fine! i'll go to bed. you fuckin'..."

he stopped listening, choosing to resume the practice instead.

[profanata]

"care to explain it now?"

a frustrated wheeze escaped their throat, and vice could only guess that they looked away at this question.

"i am not going to berate you if you simply tell me what happened, you know."

"a knife."

he glanced over his shoulder... well, figuratively – he really couldn't do so in the literal sense.

"...a knife," he raised an eyebrow. "this barely explains anything."

"one of them had a knife," they stammered harshly in return, but immediately went into a coughing fit.

vice sighed and turned back to the stove. if they didn't want to tell, he wasn't going to push.

he just hadn't felt like this in quite a bit. it seemed that deep down, he was still human, and it disgusted him to the core.

"i thought..." he began, but the softness of his own voice startled him into silence. he reconsidered. "...nevermind."

"...before you say 'i warned you', it wasn't a client," they rasped, their own hand over their throat muffling their voice just slightly. "well... not the one i was meeting, i mean."

"uh-huh."

they fidgeted in place nervously. then huffed, as if wanting to say something, but then changed their mind.

lastly, they spoke again.

"didn't know you can cook, considering you don't eat."

"i have kept this recipe memorized for decades, it is not an issue for me to recreate. besides, it is about time i began to contribute as well... i apologise if it is not to your liking."

"no, no... smells great."

[profanata]

"you coming back to your senses this quickly is quite unexpected."

they rolled their eyes, huffing, but didn't move an inch otherwise.

"most humans do not live after this. all of them, dare i say... turns out you are quite unusual yourself."

they barely moved their shoulders in a half-assed shrug, then dug into their pockets. surprisingly, their belongings were all there... but could it really be called that if it's just a half empty pack of cigarettes and a plastic lighter?

miraculously, it wasn't shattered.

"could you at least refrain from smoking for the time being?" he asked quietly at the flick of the flint, barely managing to void his voice of any concern as to not come off as too caring.

he was extremely aware that they couldn't exactly respond to him, and wasn't at all surprised when he felt the vibrations of the air from them stretching out their arm.

vice just knew that they were flipping him off.

the smoke seeped thinly through the improvised bandages. the dust mixed with it and dried blood was clogging his sense of smell.

it was overwhelming.

"...i apologise," he sighed. "i did not want any of this to happen."

they didn't make a sound.

[profanata]

i had a dream where you two were in a house and being visited by the archangel Uriel. i don't exactly know what he wanted but he took most interest in Vice so perhaps take that as a warning...

"i would really prefer it if nothing else of the supernatural kind approached us, in the nearest future at the very least. it has proven to be quite disastrous..."

[profanata]

all they could do was wheeze and whimper as vice traced the edges of the wound with his fingertips. it only got louder as he pushed, but they couldn't really resist.

they weren't even supposed to be alive by that point.

he squinted as putrid blood spurted in his face, staining the shades and probably the hair too. fucking disgusting. in the context of it all, that is.

he carefully put them back on the floor before letting go. a wheeze was all he got in return.

maybe it was for the best that he couldn't see their face at that moment.

he clicked his tongue as he wandered into the kitchen, scanning the area for something that could be of aid. anything. a towel right beside seemed like the only decent option that he had. well, hopefully they wouldn't be mad later if he ruined it.

vice didn't have a clue whether that was going to be of any help; he could only hope that this gash, somehow, would eventually heal. but at least a wound dressing could prevent further bleeding or tearing.

they had made it back somehow after all. everything else could be solved in some way, he was certain.