I'm not your savior, so far away, blinded by anger, you forgot who to blame. I'll never be your lighthouse in the dusk, if I had my way, I'd guide you to the rocks
rp account for vievecorcityrp only. hate is deleted.
Daphne is a sister he never got to have and he adores her. He is constantly torn by being annoyed his father likes her so much but also understanding why completely. @daphne-blackwood
He is very into Isko, if that wasn't obvious. He just isn't sure if he can trust him with all of his secrets yet, even though he wants to. @iskodeguzman
💋 Do they have an ideal "type" in a romantic partner?
Rei would say he's into bad boys, which he is, but a real big factor is how they see him. Do they see him as an extension of his family, or his potential as a witch? Or do they see him as his own person.
🎾 What are they currently juggling in their life?
Too many secrets.
😒 What is something that will instantly annoy them?
Elijah came down into the lobby of the tower and couldn't help a smile when he saw Rei there. The two of them had talked about meeting to go to one of the events for vibe fest - though Elijah couldn't recognize most of the names of the groups or singers- and he'd been surprised but happy when Rei had said yes. Maybe asking him about who the new artists were would give them something to talk about that wasn't just the coven or other supernatural matters.
"Hi." It felt odd to just come to a stop a little ways from Rei and not reach out to hug him or shake his hand or something but he just had to shrug and keep going. Still, Rei looked like he was doing alright physically at least, though that was no guarantee given how much drama happened in VC. "How are you doing? I looked up the setlists for the venues, but did you have a specific one in mind?"
A part of him was questioning his sanity when he was willingly hanging out with his father. It was important to keep that connection open if he was ever going to get into the coven enough to find the weak point he needed. It was a means to an end. Thankfully, he had enough buried resentment that he did not feel guilty when he saw how happy his father was to see him, either unaware or ignoring the possible ulterior motives Rei clearly had. "I'm good. I was looking at the list too, I might visit the docks venue later but we can check out the main stage and light stage if you want?"
“Sure.” Eiji replied with another faint smile and reached for one of the bottled beers he knew his brother liked and set it on the bar top. “So… how’s things?” He asked, trying to get a read on his brother’s expression, since he didn’t even seem to want to make eye contact with him. “Did you have a nice Christmas?” The question didn’t feel the way it should have done. They hadn’t had a family Christmas in a very long time and even when they had, it had been strained. But his relationship with Rei had always been something he could count on, now Eiji wasn’t so sure Rei still felt that way about him. Everything felt uncomfortable and it left Eiji with a pained feeling in his chest. “Can we talk about what happened at Ice Fest?” It wasn’t the place, but Eiji didn’t know when he’d next get to see his brother, since he didn’t seem to want to see him.
He waited, tapping his fingers against the beer once it was in his hand. "No," he replied flatly. "I had to break up with the boyfriend I really liked." He knew Eiji would push for why so he didn't beat around the bush, though he kept to himself that he didn't go fully through with it, and that they were back together. "What's there to talk about? You said everything then." He took a big gulp of his beer, already letting his eyes wander a bit as he considered making a very early exit from this conversation. "I just needed time to figure things out."
Eiji had been taking on all the shifts he could at the Rubicund. It was either that, or spend his free time in a mouse infested apartment, listening to both sets of neighbours scream at each other— though that was perhaps better than having his own deafening thoughts reminding him of the mess he’d made of literally everything.
He’d just finished up on a cigarette break when he headed back into the bar. It wasn’t a particularly busy night, which for the Rubicund just meant that people weren’t climbing over each other to get to the bar. He was making someone a cocktail — which he’d gotten a lot better at— when he noticed Rei approaching the bar. It wasn’t a surprise, considering he’d barely seen or heard a single thing from his brother since the Ice Festival. He felt something in his chest tighten and he ushered the cocktail forwards, eyes still on his brother until he finally reached the bar. “Rei, hi.” He smiled slightly, “I— it’s been—“ the longest time they’d not spoken? Not seen each other? “It’s been ages.” He finished, unsure how obvious it was how his brother’s absence was effecting him.
Even though he loved his brother, dodging his calls and putting some space between them felt necessary. Ever since he came back to Vievecor City, it felt like he had stepped back into his brother's shadow, and that wasn't something he was interested in continuing. Rei knew he'd have to talk to him again at some point. Showing up at the club when he was working seemed like a solid option. He could duck out whenever he wanted, disappear into the crowd and Eiji wouldn't be able to follow him.
He spotted him right away as he approached the bar, but he didn't make eye contact. He would wait until Eiji approached him. "Hi," he replied in kind, letting his brother stumble through his thoughts. "It's been a while," he agreed. Even when he'd been out of town, they had messaged back and forth fairly frequently. This had been the longest they hadn't spoken. "Mind if I get a beer?"
It was difficult for Isko not to feel angry and betrayed by some unknown source. All that meddling had gotten into the middle of his relationship and as much as he wanted to say that it was okay and that he did want Rei to be his boyfriend, he hesitated.
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: I think I need some time.
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: I really thought you broke up with me and I don't know if I'm meant to forgive you right away because I talked to my friend and they said ghosting isn't cool
There was no point in trying to lie. Not when he was trying to fix things.
[ text: isko de guzman]: You're right, it isn't. You can let me know if you want to see me again. I won't bother you
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: oh. I don't even know him though?
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: I do want to see you again. I missed you
---
[ text: isko de guzman]: You don't remember it, but you spent a lot of time with him during that apocolypse, telling him about the things you did for fun. He doesn't like you, to say the least.
[ text: isko de guzman]: I can come see you, doesn't have to be anything other than just seeing each other.
----
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: That doesn't sound like me… but again, you can still ask me if you wanted to know.
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: Okay, you can come see me. You know where I am.
---
[ text: isko de guzman]: We can talk more about it when I get there, if you'd like
[ text: isko de guzman]: I've also decided that what you do in your free time doesn't matter
---
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: I'd prefer you heard it from me before you make your decision.
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: I won't hold it against you if it does matter
---
[ text: isko de guzman]: I want to hear it from you.
---
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: Okay, well you know where to find me when you're ready
…
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: I really did miss you x
---
[ text: isko de guzman]: Is tonight too soon?
[ text: isko de guzman]: I missed you so much
---
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: No, I'll be home. I don't have work until tomorrow.
---
[ text: isko de guzman]: Then I'll see you soon
He had no right to show up to Isko's place when he'd gone so far as to cast a spell to keep Isko out of his. He had no right to talk to him after ghosting him for over 7 weeks. He had no right to miss him when he was the one who put space between them. And yet, he practically ran the entire way to Isko's home, so anxious and eager to see him again.
Rei stood in front of Isko's door, hesitating for a long moment before knocking. He was grateful that Isko even wanted to see him again after all this. When the door opened, he let out a sigh. "Hi, Isko."
---
After the last message was sent, Isko waited in his living room. At first he was perfectly still, just waiting until he could hear Rei arrive. As the minutes ticked by, the vampire began to pace around, tidying up messes that weren't there.
When the knock came, he froze for a moment before his vampire speed had him at the door a moment later. When he laid eyes on the witch, his eyes scanned him all over, looking for any sign that he was hurt or injured in anyway. "Hello, Jeremiah," he answered. "Would you like to come in?" The vampire stepped aside, making space for the younger man to step inside. He knew that he didn't need to give permission for the witch to come inside. "Want something to drink? I'm afraid all the food I bought might have gone off since you were last here."
---
Seeing Isko made his chest ache. He had missed his beautiful face so damn much. "Yes, please." There was a decent amount of awkwardness between them now, all his fault of course. Rei stepped inside, remaining close to the door for the moment. "No, it's alright. Thank you." His heart ached again because the vampire had been so considerate to buy food for when he visited, and he'd forced him to have to throw it all out. "Should we sit?"
---
There was a level of awkwardness between them that hadn't been there before. It made him want to ring his brothers neck but that would not do them any good in this situation. Once Rei was inside and the door was shut, he led him over to his sofa. "Sure, we can sit," he agreed, leaving space beside him as he sat. He was quiet for a moment, watching the witch to see what had changed between them. "So… I'm not used to this being uncomfortable," he commented, signaling between the pair. "Did you have any questions that you wanted to ask me?"
---
Rei hated this, he hated how awkward this was and how far apart they were. He wanted so badly to press against Isko and feel his arm around his waist. Never in this life had he lack of connection hurt so bad. "I'm not, either," he murmured in response. Where should they start? Should he ask what Isko does in his free time or just tell him what he'd been told? "How about I tell you what Eiji told me, and you can tell me your side." He believed his brother was telling the truth, but clearly through a biased point of view. "He told me about the mayor's daughter, and how she ended up in the Sanitorium. He said you 'ruined her life'." Now that he was thinking about it, Eiji had not elaborated on that. "He also told me you were planning on stalking and glamouring a bartender we know."
---
He didn't think there had been this much space between them since the day they first met. Rei had a way of always touching him or being close enough that they were brushing against each other. Now the gap felt like miles rather than a metre away. "I guess that's the best place to start," he agreed. His eyes darkened slightly at the mention of Carmen and then the mention of Jacob, the bartender. Carmen was public knowledge so he wasn't going to deny it but Jacob wasn't, he'd barely started yet. "I think you'd have to ask Carmen if I ruined her life but… Yes, I glamoured her and I was arrested for it. I haven't done anything to her since," he answered. The other bartender was a little different and something told him not to deny it. "That was my intention but, after we started dating, I didn't keep following him. You wanted a relationship so I didn't need to keep looking for someone else. I'm not saying I'm a good person, I don't think you want me to be either."
---
He watched Isko's face closely, trying to gauge his reaction to the statements. "Carmen?" he echoed, having not been told her name before this. He knew her, knew a bit of her situation, but not enough to connect the dots previously. Still, there was something about the way Isko's eyes had darkened, and he knew there had to be more to the story that he wasn't saying. Rei wasn't sure if he wanted to approach Carmen about it, but he might have to if he wanted to understand fully. "You were in Zamok. Have you talked to her since you were released?" As for Jacob, he knew he'd been treading on thin ice, trying to not out Eiji but Isko was smart, he would definitely suspect something. "The time you told him was before we started dating, so in that alternate future, you probably did follow through with it," he said, though it was mostly thinking out loud. Rei hesitated, wondering how much he should say but he was learning he should just be completely honest with the vampire. "I'm not a good person, either. The magic I'm practicing isn't exactly allowed." He wasn't the person his brother thought he was, and maybe he didn't need to be.
---
He didn't like talking about all this so openly when he had never talked about it before. His suspicions about his brother were growing stronger but he was trying to get through this conversation first. "Yes, her name is Carmen. I know I didn't tell you much before but I can give you more details if you want them. I want to be honest with you." Even if it meant that Rei might run the other way away from him. "Yes. Not on purpose, it's against my parole. I was dumping a patron outside and she was in the alleyway. She's a vampire now… That wasn't me," he added, wanting to erase that doubt. There was definitely a connection between Jacob and his brother that was being left out but Isko bit his tongue. "So he told you to be wary of the future me when past me hasn't done the wrong thing yet?" He asked, trying to piece it together. "I don't care what you do, Rei. If you're looking for someone to chide you for your wrongdoings, maybe your brother is a better choice?"
---
"Yes, please. I want to know what happened and why she ended up in the Sanitarium." Did he do to her what he planned to do to Jacob? He nodded as Isko spoke, not an ounce of doubt in him. "She tends to do that. Hang out in alleyways." It was a small comment, something to take away a bit of the tension and unease he felt by thinking about something else, even briefly. "I don't think it mattered to him whether you did it or not, but that you were going to." He understood why, nobody knew his brother like he did, but he was starting to wonder if Eiji never saw past the younger brother who admired him to see the man Rei was now. "I'm not so sure about that," he murmured, unsure how Isko would react if he knew the full truth of his actions. Even though he wanted to be honest, as honest as possible, the risk of losing him if he was completely honest was too high. "What I want is to adopt a cat with you, and decorate for holidays together, and keep experiencing things in the sunshine that you've missed out on." Isko was not a monster to Rei, he could never be.
---
No matter how he said it, Isko wasn't going to look like the good guy in this scenario so he wasn't going to try. "I met her when she was twenty and she had a bit of a crush on me then. I like being adored, I guess. When she figured out I was a vampire that adoration disappeared quickly so… I glamoured her," he answered. "Maybe I did it too much and it had a lasting effect." The vampire shrugged because he had no idea really. Carmen had been his first. "As for Sanitarium, I don't know how she ended up there. I was already in Zamok though it wouldn't surprise me that her father put her in there to make her normal."
Isko eyes narrowed when Rei mentioned her with familiarity. "Does she now?" He asked, his tone emotionless. So his brother hated Isko regardless. It was hard not to hide his feelings on it, feeling like he wanted to tear out his brother's tongue for his storytelling. As sweet as the speech was, it clearly did matter if he had ignored him for weeks without explanation. "Maybe he was right. I'm not a good person, I'm not even an ok person. You should keep your distance from me. I manipulate, lie, glamour and kill people all the time. I'm a vampire." If Rei wanted his honesty, he would get all of it. "I'm not much of a person at all, I am a monster. But, I never was a monster with you. I never glamoured you… I just liked that you liked me as I am but I don't think it's enough."
---
He listened, quiet and attentive. Isko was likely not the first to use the glamour in such a way, and now he understood why Eiji had reacted to it the way he had, disgusted by any advantage a species had over a human. But Rei? He never had that hatred for other supernaturals and their abilities. Just his father.
There was something in Isko's eyes, in his tone, that made his eyebrows furrow together in obvious confusion. He'd never seen Isko react like this before. Was he upset that Rei knew Carmen, even slightly?
"Isko," he murmured softly, the sadness returning to his expression as the ache overtook his chest once more. "I don't think you're a monster…" It felt like the vampire was about to push him away, to close the door on their relationship and Rei felt desperate to grasp for anything that could have fixed it. "I've never liked anyone the way I like you. I was scared that I was falling in love with you but that you wouldn't feel the same. I…" He hated that he had let his brother's feelings convince him to ignore Isko for so long.
Rei dropped his gaze, feeling defeated. Isko was pushing him away and he was losing the one thing he wanted in life and he felt helpless. There was nothing he hated more than feeling helpless. "If you don't want to see me again, I… I'll respect your wishes." His voice broke and he bit his tongue to keep it together. Fuck, he was pathetic.
---
He didn't like feeling trapped like this. Too many of his secrets had slipped out and he felt vulnerable, something he hadn't felt in years. He hated it. He wanted to know how Rei knew Carmen. He wanted to warn him to be careful around her. He held his tongue for a long moment before he had to speak up. "You can't tell Carmen you're my boyfriend. If she is as unstable as your brother thinks, she could hurt you," he admitted, his voice softer with worry.
"I don't want to be the reason you get hurt," he added. The vampire's emotions were switching between anger and sadness and longing, all things that Isko wasn't used to. "Then why did you hide from me?" he asked. Human's always tried to hide from monster's.
The change in Rei's voice drew his eyes to the witch, watching a hundred emotions flicker across the young man's face. "Rei," he said softly, his voice being drowned out by the witch's words and broken voice.
He reached out and took his hand, pulling it into his lap so he could hold onto it. In a rare moment of vulnerability from the vampire, his grip tightened. "Please don't leave."
---
"I thought I wasn't your boyfriend anymore," he murmured, his mind focusing more on that than the warning itself. He was always in a moderate amount of danger, his secrets liable to get him killed by just about anyone. This would just add to the list.
"At first, I just needed to think, to figure out what I was going to do. But Eiji's always been the only person in my life who I would give anything for, and he wanted me far away from you. I couldn't bring myself to break up with you, so I avoided you instead, like a coward. Nothing he said changed how I felt about you."
He was aware how stupid and selfish it all was. He couldn't do right by anyone. Isko deserved better than that, better than him. But when he took Rei's hand and held it tight, his ability to keep himself together finally crumbled. Tears quickly filled his eyes and flooded his cheeks. His breathing hitched in the beginning of sobs. Rei dived forward, pressing his face into Isko's chest, needing so badly to touch him, to hold onto him.
"I'm so sorry. I love you so much, I don't want to hurt you anymore."
---
"I didn't break up with you," he reminded. Technically Rei hadn't broken up with him either, he'd just avoided him. The semantics of it all didn't matter and wouldn't matter to Carmen if she found out that Isko's affections laid elsewhere.
He understood the need to think and the concept of needing time but Isko still wished he had replied to his messages. "I was confused. I waited all night at the Christmas thing and then texted. And texted and texted you and I came by your building," he added. The Christmas date had stung the worse. Isko had wanted the first proper date to go well and it had gone incredibly bad instead. "It would have hurt less if you had just told me you needed some time."
He didn't want to keep making the young witch feel guilty but he needed him to know how he felt. It had felt unfair for Isko to be left with all these feelings he didn't know what to do with. Isko's eyes widened at Rei's reaction. The vampire hadn't expected tears and was quickly aware that he wasn't equipped to deal with them either. He didn't like seeing Rei cry, or knowing that he had some part in this sadness that he was feeling either.
As Rei pressed against his chest, Isko pulled the witch into his lap and wrapped his arms around him. "Come here," he murmured softly, pressing his lips to the top of Rei's head as he just held onto him. It was a big admission, even through tears and sobs but Isko didn't know how to answer either. "I don't know if I know how to love," he admitted, hoping that he words wouldn't upset him more. "But I've never felt like this about someone before. I hate seeing you upset or in pain, I want to be the reason you smile and laugh."
---
All he wanted to do was apologise and keep apologising. None of his excuses mattered now, not when he knew how much his actions had hurt Isko. There was a comfort in being in his lap again, one he knew he didn't deserve but he still so desperately craved it. Rei wrapped his arms around Isko, pressing himself close to him. It was difficult to think or talk when he was so overwhelmed with emotion. "I just want to be with you, I want to spend all the time I have left with you," he mumbled into Isko's shoulder, his sobs slowing down. "I'm so sorry for being an asshole."
---
When Rei wrapped around him in return, Isko held him tightly. He didn't like the idea of him crying, especially over him. There was something in the witch's tone that he didn't like and he squeezed him tightly, almost possessively holding onto him. "You have lots of time left," he murmured. Tilting his head, the vampire kissed his shoulder and neck. "I accept your apology. I can't change your brother's opinion of me but I hope you know you can ask me anything and I'll answer honestly."
---
The feel of Isko's lips against his skin was soothing in ways he could not explain, not because he didn't have the words but because there were not words that existed that could describe it. "I do. I trust you, even though I haven't acted like it recently." He sniffled, his nose running but the tears had stopped, thankfully. "I think it's my turn to be honest with you. Before I came back to Vievecor City, I made a deal with a demon for magic, stronger magic than I could develop on my own. I wanted to overthrow my father's coven but, with everything that's been going on, I haven't even tried."
---
He leaned back far enough to see Rei's eyes. His fingers brushed he tears away from his cheeks. Isko hadn't done anything to earn his trust either so he couldn't blame the witch. There was always something about Rei that didn't make sense to Isko. He had been working on figuring out that puzzle for months now and as Rei spoke, it finally clicked into place. A pact with a demon wasn't uncommon but he knew it came with strings attached. "Doesn't that mean your life can be extended as well?" he asked, deciding to start with one question at a time. "Do you want help over throwing your father?"
---
"It can, but the problem is I don't know what the demon wants yet. When I made the deal, I was so hellbent on destroying him that I agreed without knowing my end of the bargain. At any time, they could ask me for something and if I can't deliver…" He didn't know what the demon would want from him, but he did know it was likely they would consume his soul if he failed. "Maybe. I'm still figuring out how I want to do it. I don't hate everyone in it, I just want the coven itself to collapse. And I'm not looking to start up more trouble when all the Artemis stuff is temporarily at peace."
---
Isko wasn't sure he could protect Rei from a demon that had a claim to his soul. The vampire gave his waist a squeeze as he spoke. "Do you think the demon would come asking for his end of the deal?" he asked. If Rei hadn't accomplished what he wanted to, surely a demon would give him that time. "Demon's live forever, I don't think they'd come claiming your soul after a few years. That doesn't feel like a fair deal and under those shiny new Artemis rules, you could probably argue that it was an unfair deal."
---
He hadn't been scared of telling Isko this truth, it had just never felt like time. Now, he felt relieved to have less secrets weighing on him. "No. I honestly don't know why he agreed to the deal in the first place, he doesn't seem like the type. He's asked me for things informally a few times, but I understood why." Talking it though, he realised he didn't think the demon wanted his soul, but perhaps wanted to use his as a pawn in his own plans eventually. "Maybe I'll talk to him about it. Later."
---
This news wasn't as alarming to him as Rei might have thought. It explained the small flicker of something familiar and dark in the way Rei acted. It was another thing that the vampire liked about him. Now they were talking, his hands moved up and down the witch's back to keep soothing away his sadness. "You won't know until you ask. It doesn't sound like a demanding demon, I've known a few of those and they normally start making you work for them quickly," he added. "But you won't know until you ask, I guess." This wasn't something Isko could help him with, or save him from. The demon would collect regardless. "So what do you want to do now?" He asked, returning the conversation to what they could control.
---
His thoughts were going now and he was thinking of how to approach the subject. It was for a later time, his head hurt too much from the crying and he didn't want to leave Isko's arms now that they were close again. Slowly, he rested his head against Isko's shoulder. "For right now, I just want to stay here. Unless you don't want me to."
---
The conversation had been enlightening, giving Isko more information that Rei likely wanted to. He didn't want to fight with him anymore though, not tonight. Instead, he kissed his cheek and rested his head against Rei's. "I believe I did tell you that I don't want you to leave," he pointed out. Isko didn't like being vulnerable and tonight had been enough of that. "Are you allowed to stay over?" he asked, wondering how much his brother knew. From everything he had been told, the older Remington son was on the run so the fact he knew so much about Isko was an interesting tidbit of information that he would hold onto for later. "Your brother won't burst in and drag you out?" he asked, only half joking.
---
The fact that Isko wanted him to stay meant so much to him. He had genuinely thought he'd ruined any chance he had with the vampire. Being here in his arms was everything he needed. "If you want me here, I'm staying." There was nobody who was going to tell him what to do with his relationship, not anymore. "If he did, I'd beat his ass myself," he promised. He loved his brother, but the years apart had clearly allowed him to grow into someone not in Eiji's shadow, and he was now realizing he could never step back into that role. "I'm here and I'm yours."
---
If Rei wanted to stay, he wasn't going to stop him. It was taking a lot of his self control not to possessively cling to the witch to keep him there. "Good. I do want you to stay," he agreed, keeping his arms wrapped tightly around his waist. As much as he would have liked to see Rei beating anyone up, he didn't want to leave this spot either. "Can I keep you now?" He asked, hating that his voice had gotten soft and uncertain.
---
There was nowhere he'd rather be. Nothing could be better than this, curled up in Isko's arms and enjoying his affection. The tone of the vampire's voice was so strange, lacking all of the confidence he normally had. Rei sat back a bit to meet his eyes, lifting a hand to brush over his cheek. "Yes, you can. I want you to."
---
He didn't think he would let go of Rei unless the witch made him. The more Rei leaned into him, the closer he held him to his chest. He didn't like sounding vulnerable but the silence from Rei had left him feeling all sorts of things. It was hard for him to meet his eyes but he slowly brought his gaze up. "Mine," he said softly. The vampire still didn't know how to feel but he knew he wanted Rei all to himself.
---
The soft way he said it did not hide the possessiveness behind the word. Leaning in, Rei kissed him, using it as his way of promising. He'd already made the mistake once, he wasn't going to do it again and risk losing Isko for good. "Yours," he replied when he pulled away.
---
He knew he was going to be even more possessive about Rei now. The vampire had found out what it was like to lose him and he didn't want to do it again. His eyes fluttered shut as they kissed, his hands tightening on Rei's waist. He would have lingered there for far longer but hearing Rei's confirmation felt like a relief. "And I'm yours."
Isko sat back on his sofa, flipping his phone through his fingers. What hobbies had he learned about? Again he was left asking who was spilling his secrets? The vampire was quiet in contemplation, not knowing how to respond when he didn't know what Rei had been told. He sat in contemplation when his phone dinged again.
Isko had expected to feel unmoved by a desperate text message but something made his chest ache, not enjoying knowing Rei felt this way and was giving up on them already.
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: If you wanted to know something about me, you could have just asked me.
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: I've answered all your questions honestly before...
After the past miserable month, he didn't know if he should be Jeremiah's boyfriend. And yet, he was soon sending another message, hoping he wouldn't regret it and end up feeling like this again.
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: I don't want another boyfried.
It was taking all of his focus to not break down, not yet.
[ text: isko de guzman]: I know. I'm sorry. If I didn't hear it from who I did, I wouldn't have believed it.
He hesitated, knowing Isko had used past tense when talking about his feelings. Maybe the vampire was just done with the concept of dating as a whole because of him. But his heart needed to ask.
[ text: isko de guzman]: Do you still want to be my boyfriend?
Each message made Isko more confusion about what was going on or who had been in his ear and telling stories about him.
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: A play thing? Like a toy?
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: I actually liked you and wanted to be with you.
[ text: jeremiah remington ]: You we're the only boyfriend I've ever had
[ text: isko de guzman]: I'm sorry for doubting you
[ text: isko de guzman]: I learned things about your hobbies and wasn't sure what to believe
[ text: isko de guzman]: but I don't care about any of that. I just wanted you to like me and I fucked it up
He sat back on his sofa, overwhelmed with emotions he had been ignoring and pushing down for so long. He felt ready to cry, something he'd been doing a lot of lately despite having dried up his tears for a decade prior to this. After a few minutes of not receiving a response, he picked up his phone and began typing again.
[ text: isko de guzman]: I hope one day I can earn your forgiveness. I'm never going to stop thinking about you and regretting this past month. I hope your next boyfriend will treat you better, because you deserve to be loved. I'm really, truly sorry for hurting you.
It was true that the cold wasn't going to bother him but there were more comfortable outfits to be wearing. "I suppose that's all that really matters to me," he hummed, gently squeezing his boyfriend's hand. So long as Rei's attention and adoration stayed on him, Isko would be happy.
"I don't know what you mean, I'm very well behaved," he argued. Or at least the vampire was being well behaved when everyone was watching. It wasn't a fancy gift but he knew it was practical and they were warm and well made. "Good, I would be devastated if you got frost bite. I can't really protect you from the cold so this will have to suffice."
Tilting his head, he took the gift and shook his head. "I thought you said no gifts," he reminded, knowing they'd both failed at that. Opening the box, he smiled down at the ring. "That's very thoughtful of you. Thank you." This was the first time someone had gifted him something because they chose to and it was oddly touching to him. Isko removed it from the box and slipped it down his wedding ring finger and held it up for Rei to see. "I feel very protected from the sun now."
They had some serious problems if Isko was the well behaved one of the two of them. Still, he was being incredibly sweet ever since their conversation and Rei was enjoying every second of it. The toque and the scarf were warm already, and now that he had given Isko his gift, he pulled the mittens on, his hands extra toasty now too.
"Yeah, and you weren't going to stick to it," he countered. The gift was partially for him, too, ensuring that the vampire would be able to visit him more often. His heart fluttered, seeing what finger Isko put the ring on. It was just a finger and a ring, it didn't mean that much but it still felt special. Rei smiled warmly up at him. "Good." He reached up, stealing a soft kiss. "Now, where should we go?"
----
Isko was pleased with his gift choice because Rei looked rather cute all rugged up. And there was no need to worry about him getting too cold throughout the festival. "You're right, I wasn't and I didn't," he agreed, not bothering to apologise for it either.
The ring was a good weight, it felt like he wouldn't be able to lose it easily or break it. He caught Rei's expression and his head tilted in question but he left it unasked. It was just another piece of the puzzle that Isko had slowly been trying to unravel. He leaned down to meet his lips, giving his waist a small squeeze. "I heard there's hockey later, my friend is playing." Isko knew he'd have to check that out to support Judas because that's what good friends did. "If you're hungry we could check out the stalls, or I saw there's ice bars."
---
He enjoyed Isko's attitude, chuckling at his response and smiling all the while. The vampire never minced words and, as far as Rei could tell, was always honest with him. It was refreshing.
"Then we'll make sure to watch," he agreed. It sounded interesting enough, and he was curious if he would know anyone playing. "I'm not hungry yet but that might change when I see what they're offering. I probably shouldn't get drunk too early in the day, but I can tonight." The implication, of course, was that Isko could drink his blood after and they could be drunk together.
---
He took Rei's hand in his as they started walking, deciding to explore before they figured out what they wanted to do. "Thanks, I'm trying to be a good friend," he added. If Rei got bored, they could always find each other later.
"That's okay, you don't have to drink for my sake," he added. "I'm not on this date to get drunk off your blood." Something that also surprised him, he would have thought that deities frowned upon that kind of thing but he'd already been offered blood wine twice. "Do you need to check in with your dad?" he asked, knowing that the Remington coven leader would be wandering around here somewhere.
---
"I'm drinking for my enjoyment, and if you decide you want to join me, then you can," he replied simply. He didn't mind letting Isko drink from him, he liked getting to take care of him in that way. "Ugh, no. I'm not going to go searching him out. If I see him, then I'll talk to him." Rei was constantly sliding between annoyed at his father's existence and tolerating his presence. Right now, he just wanted to be with Isko, and maybe see Eiji later.
---
He was satisfied with that answer and he would decide if he wanted to drink from his lover later. Isko just wanted to enjoy their first proper date. "If you want to hide or piss him off, I can help you." He chuckled at Rei's distaste for his father. The vampire never knew how close they were but he was no stranger to hating his father. While he didn't know much about their relationship, Isko could tell that the witch still wanted his father's approval. "So which way should we go?" he asked once they approached the entrance to the market stalls.
---
"I'll keep that in mind," he replied, smiling up at his boyfriend. Isko always went along with whatever petty shit he felt like doing, especially when it came to his father. He probably didn't need the encouragement but he did enjoy it. Rei glanced up the row of stalls, trying to get an idea of what was there. "Let's go this way," he decided, heading up along one side. There were wonderful smells coming from the market and he could feel himself getting hungry. "I know you don't eat, but does any of it smell good to you still?"
---
Isko grinned, hoping that Rei would want to cause some mischief. He was always happy to help in that regard, it kept things interesting. He allowed himself to be pulled along, looking at the different stalls while they did. Some of the food looked alright but it didn't interest him very much. "It doesn't as good as you do," he answered. "I don't know how it works, it just seems unappealing. Like the scent of cardboard, I guess?"
---
"Interesting," he murmured, feeling his curiosity growing. "I wonder if cooking with blood would have any affect on it, or if it would just smell like whatever the blood came from." He would have liked to make things more interesting for Isko if he could, instead of just drinks. He knew raw meat would also work, but that was less cooking and just bloody meat. "Were you much of a foodie before you changed?"
---
He shrugged his shoulders, not knowing if it was weird or not. "It might be different for someone older but I have no idea," he admitted. Isko was fairly young in vampire years and he was still learning things like going in the sun again. His head tilted in thought but he couldn't recall anything that would make him a foodie. "No, I don't think so. I really liked cheeseburgers but I never got to eat steak or anything exciting." Isko had grown up poor and even when he was working, he never had much money. "What's your favourite thing to eat?"
---
"I guess you don't really mind living off blood, do you?" Rei didn't think he could do it, but he had become less disgusted by the idea the more time he spent with Isko. He'd also gotten a greater appreciation for blood since picking up blood magic. "Cheeseburgers are pretty great," he agreed easily. They'd had steak frequently throughout his youth, but he much preferred a cheeseburger any day. Now it was his turn to think, taking a moment to work through his thoughts. "I think pastries. They can be flaky, sweet, savory. I used to visit this one bakery all the time when I was training to be a fire fighter."
---
"Not really. Sometimes I wished there was more variety but I don't crave anything like I do blood," he admitted. The time in Zamok had simmered his thirst so he was very in control of himself. "What's your favourite, sweet or savoury?" he asked, curious and eager to learn more of Rei's favourite things. Isko could recall the difference but it felt like it was different when it came to blood. "I think I like your blood, if that helps? Not enough that I'd get addicted, I just like the taste of your magic."
---
He wondered if it was more akin to hunger or addiction cravings. He wasn't sure if Isko would be able to tell the difference. "Savory, but I don't mind sweet things every once and a while." There was something about the way Isko was looking at him right now. He wasn't sure what it was but it felt nice. "So long as you like it, I'm happy."
---
He hadn't discussed the topic of blood and cravings with anyone since his sire had been alive still. The vampire worried that Rei would be frightened by his thirst and desires but so far, the witch hadn't shied away from him. Isko might not have understood what it means but he knew he liked Rei just as much. "Noted, in case I need to bring you a pick me up at work one day," he replied. He enjoyed collecting all the pieces of information he knew about Rei, like he was figuring him out with each fact. "I like you, the taste of your blood is a bonus." The difference was, he wasn't using Jeremiah for his blood, just his company.
---
"Just seeing you would be a pick me up," he replied, "but I would never say no to a visit and something delicious." He was sure some of the guys would have questions, Sipho in particular, but negative attention was something he was familiar with. It wouldn't deter him. "So I've noticed. You've been drinking from me less often lately. I was starting to wonder if my blood went sour." He was making jokes, but hearing Isko say sweet things made his heart flutter. It wasn't often which made it special. He spied a food stall up ahead and let out a small sigh of relief. "Good, they have tamales. I was worried everything would be Christmas cakes."
---
"I'm the added perk, the pastry and coffee will actually get you through your shift," he pointed out. They were spending a lot of time together already, when their work schedules allowed it. It was new for Isko, he didn't want to run away or avoid him like he had with other lovers that he'd glamoured. Maybe his friends were good influences on him after all. "It did not. It's still sweet and kinda like pop rocks," he assured the witch. The mention of tamales made his eyes light up with an old memory he had forgotten. "My grandmother used to make tamales when I was a kid."
---
The comment made him laugh, a smile forming on his lips. "Something has to keep me from quitting my job to be a live-in boyfriend," he joked in response. He wouldn't have minded that. They had spent a lot more time together over December, and Rei was genuinely enjoying his company. "I think I've had a cocktail with something like that." The way Isko's face lit up was sweet, looking softer in that moment. The vampire didn't usually talk about his past, and the witch assumed it was a sore subject, but this seemed to be a safe topic. "Did you grow up spending a lot of time with your grandmother?"
---
He grinned, wondering if he would actually do it. "Can I be the live in boyfriend?" he asked, happy to have a reason to stop working. Whatever it was that made his blood taste good felt like magic to him. "I did spend a lot of time there until I was about thirteen," he answered, trying to remember back that far. Isko normally ignored his human life, not wanting to think of his moments of weakness. "She died around then but she always looked out for me and my older siblings." Unlike their actually parents, his grandmother would always feed them and take care of them. "Did you meet your grandmother?"
---
"I wouldn't mind that. You'll have to make me dinner when I come home from work, though. Think you can manage that?" He could probably support both of them if he was careful about it. He hadn't asked Isko about his human life before, but he was beyond curious. Rei tried to imagine a young Isko with siblings at his grandmother's house, watching her make tamales. "No. She was long gone before my brother or I were born. I would have liked to have known her, but from what I hear, she was a workaholic like my father so I didn't miss out on much."
---
"Then I better learn how to cook," he chuckled. "For now, I'll keep working and saving for when we start having babies." That's what came next for humans and witches like him. Not that Isko would be a good parent, he'd probably kill any child handed to him. It was new for Isko to talk about his life as a human, he hadn't thought about it many years but something about Rei made him feel more human than vampire sometimes. "That's a shame. It seems to run in your family. What about your mom's side?"
---
"Babies?" he echoed, surprised by the thought. He wasn't even sure if he wanted to be a parent, nevermind living long enough to be one. Not to mention they were both men. Would Isko even want kids with him? His mind was flooded with thoughts, too many to think through clearly. What he did know was that the idea of Isko wanting to have a family with him made him feel warm and fuzzy in a way nothing had before. "Mom left her coven and her family when she married my father. The closest I have to extended family is a distant aunt. I stayed with her when I moved out of the city after I turned 18."
---
Rei looked like he had been stunned, making the vampire chuckle as they approached the stall. "Maybe a puppy or a kitten?" he suggested. He had never had a pet either so that would be another first. Normally he didn't care about anything enough to take care of it but he thought he might be learning new habits. "It's not like either of us can have a baby." He knew a little about Rei's father and his family in that way but not much about his mother. Isko did know that he missed his brother, he had heard him say that before. "It's good to have someone close. Does she come and visit?" he asked.
---
"A pet would be nice," he replied, still amazed that they were talking about living a future together. "Have you ever owned any pets before?" he asked, still curious about his past. "That's part of why I was so surprised when you mentioned babies," he replied with a chuckle. "But I'm sure we could still try." He still wasn't sure what his future would look like, but he liked the idea of spending whatever time he had with Isko. "She actually lives in Vievecor City again, she's been teaching me some magic."
---
"Do you have a familiar?" He asked, having known some witches who did but he hadn't seen any animals hanging around the witch. He shook his head no. "I grew up pretty poor so no pets, that was a luxury thing back then," he explained. If he'd lived in the countryside it would have been more likely but he was a city kid. "It was my attempt at a joke but yeah, nothing stopping us from practicing," he said, winking at his boyfriend. He had to wonder if he had met her and he would have to be careful about what witches he interacted with. "Learning anything fun?" He asked as they approached the tamale stand. He quickly pulled his wallet out, wanting to pay for Rei's meal as part of their date. "Order whatever you want."
---
"No. I never really wanted to use my magic much so I didn't think I needed one." He'd only used water magic for such a long time, it felt weird to think of himself as a real witch. "Well, then we'll get a pet together." He couldn't give Isko everything he had missed out on, but he could do that at least. "Oh. Right. That makes more sense. It just caught me by surprise. I didn't think anyone would ever want a family with me." Of course it was a joke, he should have recognised that. What was going on with him that he didn't? Isko was a vampire after all and would easily outlive him. Talking about his aunt helped him get out of his head again. "Just a bit of dark magic," he replied, trying to get back to the easy joking and teasing energy. Rei ordered a couple of tamales and a drink, squeezing Isko's hand in appreciation.
---
"That makes sense. You're also young, if you wanted to learn that skill you've got time," he pointed out. Rei was still young, even for a witch so he would have time to learn what he wanted. "Okay, maybe a cat?" he suggested since they still lived in apartments and he figured dogs needed more space. Plus Rei's apartment was fancy and the guy didn't look like a dog lover. The way Rei said it made his brows furrow and he squeezed his hand. "That's not what I said, getting a pet is like a little family," he murmured. Isko hadn't had a family in a very long time, maybe since those times in his grandma's kitchen. "Family isn't always by birth."
He was happy to change the subject if Rei was though he kept hold of his hand. "That sounds fun," he chuckled. "I bet there's a whole world of magic that's just untouched because it's forbidden." He ordered one of the vampire appropriate drinks for himself before paying and stepping to the side to make space for the next partygoer.
---
Sometimes he forgot that he was supposed to live at least another 50 years. It was only Rei who felt like there was a countdown already and he was on borrowed time. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to make the most of it, though. When he looked up at Isko, there was a softness to his gaze that he hadn't seen before. Reaching up with his free hand, he gently held his neck as he stretched up to kiss him. "Yeah, let's get a cat." Family was such a weird and broken concept to him, but the idea of a little family with Isko and a cat felt nice, welcome even.
"There is, and she has shown me some things here and there. You might even find some of my other magics interesting." Before long, they were being handed food and drinks and he let go of Isko's hand only be to able to grab his share. "Should we find somewhere to sit, or keep wandering around?"
---
Isko didn't like the expression on Rei's face and he wished he knew how to fix it. He stopped for a moment, leaning down to meet his lips with a soft kiss. "Okay," he agreed with a grin. It was nice to think about a future where he planned on staying with someone and that they wanted him around. "What would we name it?" he asked, wanting to keep Rei's mind off any topic that turned his expression sad again.
"You can show me if you want to practice," he offered. Magic was one of the things he didn't know much about, he had no experience with it and no magic abilities. The best he could do is turn into a bat. Once they had their food, he looked around at their options. "There's a table there under one of the outdoor heaters. Might be easier to eat while you're sitting."
---
He could have stood there kissing Isko for hours. Seeing his grin made him want to lean back in immediately. He was so damn beautiful, Rei could stare at him forever. "Something ridiculous, like Sir Archibald the Great," he replied dramatically. It seemed more fun to him to have a dramatic name.
"Maybe. Some of it isn't easy to practice without some planning, but I'm sure I can think of something to show you." If Isko wanted him to show him some magic, he could do it. Once Isko pointed out the table, they headed over and took a seat, the warmth from the heater immediately hitting him. When he took his first bite of tamale, he let out a happy hum. "You're really missing out here," he commented once he'd swallowed the mouthful. "How's your drink?"
---
Despite the icy weather, Rei's smile was making him feel all sorts of warm things he wasn't used to unless he was full of blood. "If it's our cat, it'll likely be more like Ivan the Terrible," he chuckled, though he didn't mind the dramatics of it. "Maybe we'll have to meet the cat to match the name to him."
Magic seemed complicated but it was good for Rei to have someone to learn from that wasn't his father. "Do I get to be your assistant or am I the target?" he asked, imagining Rei dressed up as a magician. He sipped his drink but mostly he was watching the witch enjoy his food with a warm smile. "No need to rub it in," he said, gently pushing his knee to the side with his own. "It's alright. It's kinda spicy, like you."
---
He laughed at the equally ridiculous name, happy that Isko was playing along. "I guess we will. We have to make sure it's fitting." He would look into the animal shelters around the city and then they could figure out where to visit first.
"There's a couple I could do on you, but I think you'd have more fun being my assistant." The last thing he wanted to do was hurt him, at least not in a way he wouldn't enjoy. He winked at Isko, enjoying getting to tease him as he also enjoyed the delicious tamale. "So you like sweeter things more than spicy?"
---
Isko wasn't sure how to find a cat for them but maybe that was something they could keep talking about. Their relationship was still new but he was trying to be a good boyfriend and he wanted to learn how to make Rei happy.
"I will be the best assistant I can be," he promised. He would even try and juggle if it helped his show. "I like a mix, you can be spicy. Especially your attitude," he teased. "I think I just like you, spicy and sweet don't matter." Rei had become his favourite taste but he was also careful with him. He was taking the boyfriend thing as seriously as he could.
---
"You'll definitely be my favourite assistant," he promised. It was turning out to be the past date he'd had in a long time and he couldn't stop smiling. It made it difficult to eat, but he managed to focus enough to continue eating his tamale. "When did you become so romantic?" He teased, resisting the urge to kiss him.
---
"I better be," he warned playfully. If he was giving his full attention to Rei, he wanted it in return. He focused on his drink while watching Rei eat, feeling like he was watching an old memory play out in front of him. "Was that romantic?" he asked, tilting his head. "I was just telling you the truth."
---
He laughed, his grin widening across his face. "You are! I promise." Beside his aunt, Isko would be the only person who knew about his extra magic. He didn't think he would question it. "Just a little," he replied, his tone teasing. Pausing his eating, he leaned across the table to kiss his boyfriend. "I like being what you like."
---
Isko didn't even know what being his assistant would entail but he was up to the challenge. It was clear that Isko didn't know what he was doing half the time. He had watched relationships from the outside but never been in one himself. "I like being liked by you," he replied, humming against his lips. "Even when you're taunting me with food I can't eat," he added.
---
"Then it's a good thing I like you a lot," he hummed in response, enjoying being affectionate with Isko. Now he understood why some people got so sappy with their partners, it was how he felt now. "Hey, I didn't make you a vampire. And you can still eat it, it just won't taste like anything."
---
"It's a very good thing for me," he agreed with a soft hum. He shuffled closer to his boyfriend, cuddling up next to him under the heater. While it didn't effect him either way, he wanted to be a little closer to Rei and is teasing words and cute smile. "I know but the person who did is already dead so now I just have to blame you for this torture," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "It's a shame I can't taste what you eat through your blood. I'll just have to enjoy the smell of it I guess."
---
Rei leaned into Isko, happy to snuggle up with him while they had the chance. "I suppose I can handle the blame," he chuckled, taking another bite of tamale. The company was making the food even more enjoyable. "I would share with you if I could."
---
His arm stretched out along the back of Rei's chair, getting as close as he could while the witch ate. "You also get my affection, so it balances out," he teased. There was an earnestness about Rei that made him know he wasn't lying. Rei already shared food with him in some other ways and that was enough. "I know you would. But for now, you need to make sure you eat and keep your energy up. There's still hockey and ice bars to check out." The party was meant to go all night so he'd have to make sure Rei was okay. "And if you get tired, I heard there's igloos to rest in."
---
"I will gladly take the blame if I get your affection, too." He would probably do a lot of things for Isko's affection. With Isko's arm behind him, he leaned back in his chair slightly, feeling his arm against his shoulders. "You make it sound like I'm going to be playing hockey," he replied with a laugh, before finishing off the first tamale and moving on to the second. "I'd only be able to rest if you're not there, but then I'd be lonely so I don't know if it's worth it," he teased, grinning at his boyfriend.
---
"You already have it." Isko was rarely affectionate but Rei had a way of making him a better person. With Rei in his arm, he was able to gentle rub his shoulder as he ate. "I'm just trying to figure out our timetable for the evening. I like having a plan." He shook his head before sipping his drink. "Your loss, I was going to offer to tire you out inside the igloo's but if you're busy…"
---
"Then plan away. I'll do whatever you'd like." He took another bite of his tamale, only to have to swallow it quickly to respond. "I didn't say I was busy! I said I wouldn't be getting any rest, and that's exactly how I like it." It wasn't every day they got to spend a night together in an igloo and it seemed like a fun memory to have.
---
"I already am. I'll keep you posted as the night goes. Gotta keep somethings exciting," he teased. Isko's plans had just been to try and make this a good date. The rushed response made the vampire crack up, laughing at how eager Rei sounded. "I'll be sure to make your dreams true inside the igloo," he teased.
---
He would have gone anywhere and done anything Isko wanted to do, he hardly even needed to ask. "Is that why we're eating first? So I have enough energy for all your plans?" He had been hungry, evident by how quickly he was eating his tamales. It was the wonderful smells that had got his stomach rumbling. "Good. If the night doesn't end like that, it'll be a wash," he joked, grinning up at him.
---
There wasn't a lot of ways for them to get into trouble but he wanted to keep the night interesting for their first date. "Yep," he answered, grinning in acknowledgement. "I know you're human and if I distract you, you'll forget to eat," he said. Isko had been taking this whole thing seriously and figuring out what considerations he needed to make when dating a human. "I imagine so. I think I'm figuring out the easy ways to keep you happy and that's at the top of the list."
---
He was probably right. It wouldn't take much for Rei to become distracted by his boyfriend and forget all about food. He might have to get more snacks later, but the tamales were good enough for now. He finished the second one, feeling full. "Kissing is also at the top of that list. So is snuggling up with you."
---
From the look on the witch's face, he knew he was right. Isko normally liked when his lovers neglected themselves for him but he wanted to take care of Rei. "Is it now?" he asked. Stealing one of Rei's napkins, he used it to wipe away the crumbs from his lips before leaning forward to kiss him. "You're already snuggling up to me but I can spare you a few kisses too."
---
He laughed at the dramatics, but he didn't pull away or stop him, not when he was receiving the kisses he wanted. "You're so generous, I feel spoiled." Rei stole another kiss, too greedy to stop with just one. "So, what would you like to do next?"
---
He had stayed close, knowing that Rei would try and get as much as he could. His hand cupped his cheek, lingering against his lips for longer than was polite in public. The vampire sat back far enough to check his watch and hummed. "I would say hangout under some mistletoe but I heard it was banned this year." It seemed weird that an innocent plant was banned but he didn't need the plant to get kissed. "We still have time before the hockey. Do you want to look at the shopping stalls?"
---
When Isko kissed him like that, it felt like nothing else mattered. "There was a bit of magic mischief with those. Wasn't me, unfortunately, but I could probably make up for that in our igloo." They didn't need mistletoe, but the festive excuse was its own kind of fun. "Sure, why not. Maybe I can find you another gift."
---
From the look on the witch's face, he knew he had to pull away before they got carried away near the tamale stand. "We can. I'm sure you've got some tricks up your sleeves." He didn't know much about magic but Rei seemed pretty good with it for a younger witch. The igloo was his plan for the end of the night, or at least when they got bored. "I don't think that's how it's meant to work," he said. "You already got me a good gift."
---
"I always do," he replied with a mischievous grin. Mischief was about the most he got up to lately, careful not to disturb the peace. "There's no limit to gift giving. I can give you as many as I want." He also wanted to make up for the years Isko had been locked up. Carefully, he got to his feet and offered Isko his hand once more. "Shall we?"
---
The vampire had no doubts about that. Rei always seemed like he was one step ahead which was rare. "Luckily your wallet will force you into having a limit on your gift giving," he pointed out. He would have to be on the look out for another gift to give Rei as well. He couldn't be outdone on the first date. Taking the witch's hand, he pulled himself up and tugged the witch along with him. "This might end up in a gift giving war if we're not careful," he warned, eyeing the stalls as they got closer.
---
"That's what you think," he replied, his smile turning into a mischievous grin. He saved a lot of his money, and what better use for it than to spoil his boyfriend? Rei wasn't expecting to find a lot of things Isko would like, but if they did find something, he would be sure to get it. He rose to his feet, ready to continue on their date. "That doesn't sound so bad, I doubt there'll be any casualties," he laughed, his eyes also scanning the stalls.
After a bit of wandering and chatting, his phone dinged with a message from Jacob. He had said he would meet up with him at some point. "Hey, one of my friends wants to meet up. How about I go see them, and then we meet up at the hockey game?"
---
He managed to survive being drowned in Christmas trinkets but just barely. Isko turned back to Rei and he nodded. "Yeah of course. I'll save you a seat in the stands," he offered. Maybe he could grab him another gift while they were apart as well, suddenly determined to win there. Tugging on the witch's scarf, he pulled him in close and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "See you soon, Jeremiah."
---
He practically melted when Isko pulled him in by his scarf, sighing happily against his lips. There was nothing that could ruin this happy feeling. "Not soon enough," he hummed before stepping away.
Isko almost left it there. If Rei was safe and okay then it just meant he was ignoring him on purpose. The vampire caved a few minutes later, having too much he wanted to ask him.
[ text: isko de guzman]: I was trying to
[ text: isko de guzman]: but I don't think I can do it
He wanted to be honest, because ignoring Isko for the past several weeks had killed him inside. And now he'd opened the flood gates and he needed some peace of mind.
[ text: isko de guzman]: I don't think I should be doing this over text but I need to ask
[ text: isko de guzman]: I need you to be honest with me. Was I just a fun plaything for you, or do you actually like me and want to be with me?
[Text:] I think she might. She has lots of pictures of him up at her place. You should try to visit sometime.
[Text:] Are you going to berate me for more of my bad life choices?
[Text:] I was a camera man. I got to watch from the sidelines.
[Text:] Yeah, it was. It feels weird, having memories of a dad I didn't hate.
[Text:] We didn't even know Uncle Emmett, but I miss him.
[Text:] I don’t know. Just hadn’t heard from you, is all.
[Text:] Did you have another of the cities weird ‘dreams’ too?
[Text:] I've been busy, and I figured I shouldn't be drinking myself to death.
[Text:] You got that too, huh? I don't think anyone within the city limits is safe from those.
[Text:] Did you enjoy being an actor?
continued from here... after the starlight studios dream... @iskodeguzman
[ text: from isko de guzman ]: img att.
[ text: from isko de guzman ]: I really wish you'd just talk to me.
[ text: from isko de guzman ]: I miss you
He might have made a mistake sending flowers, but he could have continued to pretend that ghosting Isko would solve his problems. He could have. But then he woke up that Sunday morning with a dream of time spent with Isko in a different lifetime and it was too much to bare. He stared at those messages until he finally broke.
