Xavier Adonis

[xavadonis]

( dominic sherwood, 25 (75), male, he/him, vampire). It’s been a while since we’ve seen XAVIER ADONIS. I hear they’re a VAMPIRE and they reside on the NORTHSIDE. They’ve been known as THE LOVER, but that’s not all they are.  Some may say they act DISTANT & APATHETIC, while others claim they are GENUINE & WITTY. With that being said, they’ve found the State of Calamity. HEADCANONS: - HUMAN LIFE: Xavier wanted out of The Haven, and wanted to get rid of his connection to his family. His mother was a little too obsessed with him, especially after his father died. Haven just wasn’t for him.

➵  BASICS

NAME: Xavier Adonis NICKNAME: Addy, Apollo (former, used by his father) AGE / D.O.B: 28th September, 2024. [36 yo ] GENDER & SEXUALITY: Cis-male, Bi.  OCCUPATION: Freelancer. SPECIES: Vampire

➵ TRAITS

POSITIVE: Genuine, Witty, Observant. NEGATIVE: Distant, Apathetic, Troubled.

➵  BIOGRAPHY

Before the world went to hell, Xavier might have been considered for film from a young age. His mother often doted over how handsome her son was, and often told anyone who would listen that he could have been a star - if it weren’t for the unfortunate discoloration in his eye. Funny that one little fact could have held him from a screen that no longer existed. Xavier found her praise rather unsettling and did everything he could to avoid it. His father hadn’t been much help and even less so an option for safety after he died in a bar fight with a werewolf. Xavier thinks of this as simply another stain on the life he has been handed - and doesn’t really regard his familial connections as anything other than they helped bring him into the world.  At the age of 15, he attended a carnival with the very few friends he’d made in Haven, and that, dear friends, is when his entire existence went to shit. Much like the rest of the boys his age, he was fascinated by the girls and about ready to follow them into hell. One caught his eye, and when she lured him away from the crowds, she took his chin in her hand … and he doesn’t remember what happened after.  When he came to, he was bound in what he could only describe as a prison. Except he was the only prisoner and what stood for guards were – terrifying. The vampires that came to feed from him were always different. As a blood bag, he was not given options to roam his prison. Nor was he allowed to question the Mistress. The only reason he knew a year had passed was because she’d bring him a little gift. A caramel covered apple - he fucking hated apples - with a bow tied around it. She’d sing happy birthday. And on his 18th? Well. Let’s just say at least she obeyed some ancient ass law that said she couldn’t touch him before he turned 18.  Xavier was her blood bag for a decade. He’d been planning to get out of the prison she’d kept him in, and his opportunity came exactly one day before his 25th birthday. The guard who’d been feeding him for the entirety of his capture had grown fond of him - and often let certain things slide. The food he was served stopped being thrown into his cell, and instead, gifted on a platter with an actual ceramic plate. The very last time he ate, he smashed the plate to shards and used it to slice open his veins. He hadn’t anticipated that the Mistress had fallen in love with him. Hadn’t expected her to bring him back to life - if such an existence could be coined as such.  When he awoke, it was on a soft bed. She had him wrapped in her arms and if it weren’t for the fact that he was starving he would have killed her right then and there. Intrinsically, he knew he needed her to survive. It took another ten years before he could free himself from the confines of her home. He left with her head in his hand and never looked back.

➵  CONNECTIONS [TBA]

➵  WANTED CONNECTIONS [TBA]

[logophilist1982]

Vintage Bookstore

[wxldxheart]

Cain really had no interest in whatever games the witches, vampires, or whoever else might be running this little setup. He'd only really ventured so far to see what all the fuss was about, to make sure it wasn't any danger to the pack, but then that all too familiar scent had caught his attention.

Xavier.

The vampire's scent had clung to Cain's consciousness ever since their chance encounters, and every moment since. The alpha found himself often thinking of it, even searching for it. On his runs, his paws always took him back to that lake, as if he could seek out a few more drops amber and sandalwood with the iron tang of blood to soak up.

For a moment he'd simply watched the vampire, curious if he was interested in this obvious trap - but then Xavier had gone and walked through one of the damn doors. And like hell Cain was going to let him just wander in alone. Without thinking twice he'd stepped through after him. He met the vampire's gaze, green eyes searching over Xavier's expression. "Course, wasn't gonna let ya just handle this alone." The alpha replied, his smile appearing confident, cocky, but there was a gentleness and genuine care hidden in his eyes.

[xavadonis]

Stupid wolf. Stupid wolf doing stupid things. It should not follow. It is going to die here and it will be your fault. Your fault. Stupid vampire. That's what you do though, isn't it? It's your fault-your fault-

They bled together into one cacophonous cry repeating your fault until he nearly covered his ears- as if that would ever help. They were not sound. His grip on Cain's wrist tightened imperceptibly. Steady. He must remain steady. This was not the time to fall into the pool of sounds and lose touch with the world around him. He swallowed, eyes trailing up to meet Cain's. In the softness of that gaze he found a modicum of peace and a small break in the voices. A slow exhale as he returned attention to the room just as the mist settled over them. The sounds of choking were so many that the sources could not be found - he among them. It burned down his throat - into his eyes until bloodied tears trailed down his cheeks. A useless defense in this case as it seemed to worsen burning. He bent at the hip, gasping for air. And just like that, even as his muscles shook with the need to run, run, run- the mist lifted. What replaced it was no better. His reddened gaze lifted to settle on the hovering symbols in the sky. He wiped away the blood from his eyes with his sleeve, blinking rapidly to clear it. He recognized the cipher, jaw tightening. He turned to check on Cain, releasing his wrist to run a hand up and down his back. "We'll get out. Just give me a few minutes and whatever you do - don't run."

[wxldxheart]

A low hum, almost a growl and almost a purr, seemed to rumble in the alpha's chest as he felt the lazy drag of fingers in idly patters along his spine. Cain had always been a physical being, enjoying the touch of those he allowed close enough. When he felt the drag of fingers against the nape of his neck, green eyes slowly closed in contentment, leaning into the touch a little, both seeking more and surrendering to it.

He found it oddly easy to be honest around Xavier, not something Cain would usually be around a vampire of all things. But the other just had this...aura that the alpha felt, something that told him he could let his guard drop a little. He was still wary enough not to offer any real detail, talk too openly about the pack with someone who was still essentially a stranger. But Cain could feel that he could trust Xavier.

Cain nodded at the other's response to his reciprocated question, not needing Xavier to elaborate more than he was willing. It was clear neither of them was really focused on talking anyway when Cain had been drinking up Xavier's scent, lulled into a tamed state by the other's touches. "Good." He replied before he felt Xavier's lips find his in a deep kiss. Cain's grip tightened around Xavier's waist, keeping their bodies close as he eagerly returned the kiss with a low growl of pleasure.

[xavadonis]

It was like the first time he’d ever been blood drunk. Light-headed, a bit dizzy, but blissfully unaware of the monstrous beasts that lived in his mind and whispered to him. That growl traveled its way down Xavier’s alabaster skin, raising goosebumps in his wake. It punched into his stomach and twisted it in a knot but not in a way that was unpleasant- no- it was delicious. Cain was delicious. Those lips drew a moan from the back of his throat that could have been accused of a pathetic whimper. He knew he was starved for connection. For touch. For - well, it would seem- this wolf in particular.

He wouldn’t consider what of betrayal this might have been to his long dead human family, though that might be an issue to be addressed later. He melted into the kiss, into the heated skin flush against his, the steady beat of his heart as it thrummed against his chest. And he touched everywhere he could. Staring from the top and working his way down.

He didn’t break that melding of their mouths for a moment, even as his fangs dipped down further like they wanted to get inside of him. He only stopped when he knew the man would need to breathe- trading his mouth for that soft spot at the cusp of his jaw. The vampire’s tongue chased that pulse like it was playing a game of tag. He chanced scraping a fang up the column of his neck, just as his hand found exactly why it was looking for- and slipped between Cain’s legs to explore.

[xavadonis]

closed;; — @wxldxheart (Cain)

red path

Xavier hadn’t meant to get this far into the Darklands - and he hadn’t even wanted to go anywhere near the old circus. There had been an imperceptible tug in his mind that worked its way through his body, leading him to straight into the lion’s den. He’d heard about Khaos so long ago- and when he tried to recall the memory it felt like he was watching it through someone else’s eyes.

It was his mother, whispering madly in the dark of the Haven to him about a twin pair of beasts and their toys. Their awful games and the types of danger that lurked there after their sudden departure. Xav had never once been curious about it- or anywhere else that might strike him unannounced and leave him dying alone for that matter. Still, he was not alone in his curiosity as crowds had gathered there, milling at an entrance and across the way, talking around the mysterious set of doors in the center. His gaze fell upon the red, staring intently at it.

The whispers began within seconds: He can do it. He can walk through the door. He should walk through the door. There is nothing there but a silly game. Silly game for silly people- they said. The four that liked to narrate his day, liked to tell him that any moment someone was going to snap his pretty neck. Or that he should do it before they have the chance.- it went on and on in varying degrees of absolutely bonkers to downright terrifying.

He hadn’t seen Cain as he approached the door. The voices were too loud and he couldn’t stop staring at the deep red slash on the murky horizon. As he stepped inside, they quieted like a crowd falling hush right before the curtains rose on stage. That was when everything snapped into clarity and he felt the presence of the alpha before he saw him- turning to reach for his wrist.

“Don’t tell me you followed me in here, Cain.”

[lili-mj]

[deathbeckons]

Pretty name - fitting for a pretty boy. "Well, it's a pleasure, Xavier." Malcolm spoke softly, the others name rolling off his tongue like honey. "Malcolm." He offered in return, eyes lingering as he watched the other hammer nails into old pieces of wood that looked like they'd tried to fall apart a hundred times over.

"I did not, no." Mal chuckled, taking a moment to look around the store before eyes set back on Xavier. "I was mainly just browsing, honestly. Killing time. Though I'm happy to take any recommendations if you think there's something I can't go through life without reading."

Books were a luxury in any lifetime he'd lived, which in reality was nothing compared to most other vampires in the state. He hadn't ever read much, never managing to connect with a world that wasn't his own and dream about what life once was. He'd never had that form of escapism.

[xavadonis]

It was the whispers that distracted him from the moment - little naggings in his ears that gave him pause before he could rightfully respond. He covered it by the work he was doing, hopefully not giving away that he was essentially insane. Malcolm. Mal. It rolled around in his mind and brought the tiniest of smiles to his face - as his brain began to pluck out words that went along with the name. Malcontent, malevolent, malachite- "What an unfortunate prefix," he hadn't realized he'd said it aloud - "Mal...bad, evil, wrong - ill. Sorry I-" he shook his head, "I didn't mean to say that's you- I like the origins of words...Your name is Scottish Gaelic. It was considered a royal name."

It occurred to him, as he adjusted the final shelf for fixing, that Malcolm had asked him for a reference book. And that'd he'd loosed his own tongue a little too much. He straightened, tucking the hammer into his toolbelt. "I uh - I have a few that are classics... although if you're not much of a reader they might not resonate. Here," he stepped around the man to a shelf across the way, "a book of poetry that I found. It's a mixture of some of the ancient poets."

[aylinvilliers]

Aylin stared at him for a moment, realizing the hues of his eyes were different colors.  She didn't intend to be rude, she was just amazed by it. It wasn't every day she came across something like this, and in all honesty, she couldn't help but think how beautiful they were. Blinking once, slowly, like his words had caught her somewhere between amusement and disbelief — that soft space where sarcasm went to curl and purr. The joke landed easily, just like the laugh that followed — the visual of him writing in a fluffy purple journal was enough to brighten her day. Her fingers were still tracing along the books, slow and idle. “Three books and a laugh?” she echoed, brows lifting. “You drive a hard bargain.

“That's bold of you,” Aylin said, voice light but edged with something wry, “Assuming that I don't already cry in bathtubs with candles lit. I'm a woman of depth, you know.” Complex, she thought, as if that wasn't the joke of the century. “A tragic heroine, really.” She hesitated before reaching for the book in his hand, weighing it for a moment before she smiled softly. “Well,” she said, quieter now, “If you’re offering full bookmarks, then I think that officially makes you the most generous bookshop assistant slash secret sentimentalist I’ve ever met.” Aylin murmured and tucked the novel beneath her arm. “And I will absolutely report back. With commentary. Maybe even footnotes if I’m feeling particularly dramatic. Don't say I didn't warn you.”

Her eyes scanned the shelf beside him again, but they didn’t linger on the titles. “You’re good at this,” she said after a moment — not teasing now, or joking. Just the simple truth spoken like it wasn’t a big deal, even if it kind of was. “The whole… being kind without making a thing out of it thing. I know that’s not always easy. You still need to work on your shelf-building skills though.”

[xavadonis]

There was a warmth that bloomed over him as she studied his gaze - for the first time in ... almost a century, he didn't mind that someone was staring at them. Like a distant memory of some happy place in his human life had settled into his chest. An old friend that he hadn't thought about in years popped into mind and he smiled at Aylin. She reminded him of her. The feeling buzzed in his chest. He almost wanted to thank her somehow - for reminding him that it was okay to exist in a space with someone else. That it was fine to laugh and joke. Even feeling some sort of semblance of normal in spite of the voices in his mind that told him all manner of things to spike his anxiety. "I would not tell anyone else that, Aylin," he teased, shaking his head in humor as he lifted a secondary book from the nearest shelf. It was to be a heroine in a world that was falling apart at the seams - ripping itself to pieces on the backs of monsters who, with any motivation, could blow it up in moments. Simple compassion could make a heroine. She seemed to have that in droves. "I do," he quipped, offering the second to her as he turned back.

"I'm trusting you with that secret." The softness of her tone caught him completely off guard, and the shyness reared its head as he tried to stammer out a sincere thanks for her observation - but he quickly bounced back with wit. "My shelf building skills are refined and perfect, thank you very much. It's not my fault the nails like to wiggle their way out of their designated holes. I do expect a full report, with footnotes, and perhaps marks in the margins if you're feeling extra festive about it."

[wxldxheart]

Cain couldn't deny how he liked Xavier's confident approach, the way he just wrapped his arms around the wolf's shoulders and nuzzled into his cheek like he damn well belonged there. It all felt surprisingly natural, not something Cain was used to feeling around vampires. What business that did take him to the Darklands was simply favours for favours. It was good to have bloodsuckers that owed him and in turn they liked having an alpha on their side.

Instinctively he wrapped an arm around Xavier's waist under the water, pulling him closer in the water so they were chest to chest. "Fair point. You did take off before I could scribble down my digits on your palm." Cain chuckled, the sound a low and rich noise. Instinctively he breathed in the other's scent, nose tracing along Xavier's jaw. He'd committed it to memory already from their first meeting, like any wolf once he had a scent he never forgot it, could track it anywhere. And well, he had quickly grown fond of this one.

"I ain't been one for etiquette if you hadn't noticed." The wolf smirked with a playful wink. He was classically rough around the edges, as wild as his nature, but he did answer Xav's question. "Good, as good as things can be in Calamity. Pack's doin' well, all I could ask for really." The alpha answered surprisingly honestly. "An' yourself?"

[xavadonis]

It was all too natural to be pressed up against the Alpha in such an intimate way. A part of him wanted to question that but the rest of him decidedly pushed that nagging emotion to the side in favor of how the natural warmth of Cain seeped into him - despite the chill in the water. His left hand dragged lazy patterns up his spine as Cain spoke. The brush of his nose as he inhaled caught Xavier off guard - and to no one's surprise, he enjoyed the idea of Cain knowing his scent. "Mmm, I did... I regret that." A little more than he was willing to admit out loud. His right hand found its way up into the hair at the nape of Cain's neck, nails dragging gently into skin. "Mm," he hum of acknowledgement, before his lips found purchase on the hinge of his jaw. "Not a fan of it myself.." nor was he a fan of people. Very few could get through the the unyielding walls he'd built. There was still more work to be done, but Cain had definitely scratched the surface. Xavier's trust was rather hard to earn, but the way Cain had handled his pack in that bar had set a fairly solid foundation- and if he wasn't enticed by how it felt to be seen in that moment - he might've not thought far too much about Cain in the aftermath. Tilting his head back up to meet his gaze, tongue dancing across his lips. "Glad to hear that," the sentiment was genuine- he had nothing against Cain's pack in particular - though recently he'd been battling with his views on werewolves in general.

Lids dropped as he focused on the minimal space between them, it was a loaded question. Not one that he was entirely sure he should answer. Not when he had the opportunity to finish what they'd started and the idea of trauma dumping in the middle of lake with a very naked, very attractive, man was decidedly not it. "I've been fine," he smiled - looking back up to the man. Fingers grazed his pulse, before he lent forward to catch him in a deep kiss.

[oftheatrics]

Pom did a slight handwave. "This happens more than you know." She tried to say with an effortless twang, yet some annoyance seeped in.There was a hum and a sigh.

"Yeah that's unfortunately my options- unless there's like casettes you can hear the book with." She lamented. Audio and braille were her go tos, even if admittedly she wished they werent.

[xavadonis]

"I-" he paused, ready to apologize again but instead, he excused himself around her to venture to the back of the shop. Here, all manner of things needed organizing, cleanup, and to be trashed. He'd realized about a quarter of the way through sifting through the boxes that he'd not told her where he was going- it wasn't on purpose - "Sorry, I am looking for something for you- just hold on for a moment-" Deep in the recesses of the stacks of mishap and random, he lifted out a small device. Square, what had once been a light teal was now scratched in places with age. But it still worked- at least the previous owner of the bookshop had insisted it did. With it, he found a pair of headphones and was powering it on when he re-entered the main area.

"So I have this..thing...nano-something or other from...a long time ago. It's got little tactile things on the wheel so you can pause, play, fast forward-rewind without looking at it." He placed it in her hand, "I can't remember what books are on it if I'm being honest but I want to say it is at least 30 or so...will that do?"

[xavadonis]

♫

Damaged Goods - Ajion Drdisarray

“Trying to be strong, but the cracks remain. Living every day with this constant pain.”

[wonderful-rp-resources]

Difficult Questions for Muses

Please remember to use trigger warnings as and when necessary. | Please specify for multimuses which muse the question is for.

Do you think that you’re a good person?

Do others like you? Do you want others to like you?

What do you think others like or admire about you?

How do you know when you’re in love? (romantic or platonic)

Would you or have you ever killed? What would drive you to kill? 

Do you think that killing is ever justified?

Have you ever done anything that you feel to be very morally wrong?

Should all people be treated as equal and have the same rights?

If you committed a crime, would you accept punishment willingly?

Is suicide ever the right choice?

Is euthanasia ever the right choice?

Is it right to have an intimate relationship with somebody you don’t love?

What could make you break your own moral code? 

Have you ever doubted your own beliefs? (Spiritual, philosophical)

Would you always be loyal to your loved ones even if they wronged you?

What would you consider a fate worse than death?

Why do you love the person or people you love? (romantic or platonic)

Do you agree with capital punishment?

Could you ever forgive your worst enemy?

What would you like to achieve before you die?

[wonderful-rp-resources]

Emoji asks 💫 (must be answered truthfully)

Specify which muse for multimuse blogs.

🐰 What is one secret that you’ve never told anyone?

💗 If you could hug anyone, who would it be? 

🐹 What are some of your favourite Pokémon and why?

🌠 If you were in charge of the world, what would the world look like?

👀 What was the most recent vivid dream that you had?

☀️ What do you like the most about your best friend?

😘 Talk about your crush or partner

💁 If someone were rude to you, would you be rude back?

🌟 What do you like about yourself? (must choose at least 3 things!)

🐾 What are you scared of most? How will you overcome it?

🎁 What never fails to make you happy?

💙 What annoys you about some people? 

😤 Do you get angry easily?

🐇 What do you always daydream about?

🌻 If you could change 3 things about the world, what would you change? 

🍓 Send me 4 names: kiss, befriend, kill, or marry?

✈️ What is your dream city and why?

☕️ talk about your ideal day

🌸 Are you an introvert, ambivert, or extrovert?

💧 When was the last time you cried?

🎵 Name 5 songs you love at the moment

⚡️ If you had any superpower, what would it be and why?

💛 If you could talk to your younger self, what would you say?

💚 Who are you jealous of and why? 

💎 Which one would you rather have more of: intelligence, beauty, kindness, wealth, or bravery? Why?

🙊 What are you ashamed of?

🌺 Which languages do you know? Which do you want to learn?

🍀 If you could be any fictional character’s best friend/lover, which fictional character would you be?

☁️ Talk about your dream universe.

💜 Which acts of kindness are you going to do today? 

🐬 If you could transform into any animal/magical creature, what would you be and why?

🍄 Talk about someone/something you really dislike

😣 Talk about some things that have been making you depressed/angry/anxious lately

🍪 What did you want to be as a kid, and what do you want to be now?

🍰 What are some of your favourite sugary foods?

🍑 What are you obsessed with?

💘 What happens to you when you’re stressed?

😪 What are you sick of?

🙀 Are you an adrenaline seeker?

💥 What are some unpopular opinions that you have?

☔️ Would you consider yourself a good person?

😊 What do you like to do as hobbies?

🎤 What’s the last song you hummed or sang by yourself?

🐝 What’s your worst trait? How are you planning to improve it?

🎨 What do you always doodle when you’re bored?

🐻 What’s stopping you from chasing your dreams?

🌷 What’s your MBTI personality, and why do you think it suits you?

🐶 Send me 3 fictional people and I’ll choose my favourite!

👑 Who are your favourite celebrities and why? 

🐴 Opinion on __?

🍋 Do you consider yourself an emotional person?

📚 Share 3 books that you love and your favourite quote from them.

😔 What do you always do when you feel sad? Does it help?

😌 What thoughts keep you going when you’re sad?

🌍 Which country do you live in?

🐧 Describe yourself in 3 words

🐵 Which quotes changed you?

💭 Do you keep a diary?

💫 Who inspires you?

👻 Do you believe in ghosts, and why?

🎀 What’s your fashion sense like?

🎬 What are some of your favourite films?

🍦 What is one treasured childhood memory?

🐼 If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?

[xavadonis]

Please add the question with the emoji.

[wonderful-rp-resources]

Send ♫ and I’ll shuffle my music library and use my favorite lyric as a starter!

Specify which muse for multimuse blogs.

[wxldxheart]

Cain couldn't help the smirk that played at his lips when he saw the way Xavier's eyes looked him over. He'd always been observant, catching the smallest of things, so he didn't miss it. Being a wolf, nakedness really wasn't an issue for him, going from one skin to another, it was all just a natural state of being - if anything it was clothing that felt unnatural. But he knew his state of undress likely had some effect on the vampire, if the memories of their last encounter were anything to go by.

Truthfully he didn't know how he'd ended up pinning the other to the wall of the bar's dingy bathroom. He'd only gone in to enjoy a few drinks with some packmates, not exactly looking for a rough and tumble with a bloodsucker of all things, but his boys had gotten rowdy, tried to pick a fight where there wasn't one and it had forced the Alpha to defuse the situation.

The perfect little introduction that had led to drinks, talking, flirting - because Cain had eyes and he'd always been a man who went after what he wanted. It had been highly disappointing when they hadn't left the bar together and the alpha had been forced to work off that extra steam alone.

He watched as Xavier swam back from the docks, an invitation if Cain ever saw one. "Didn't seem to have much of a problem with me loomin' over you before." Cain challenged with a smirk before he dove into the water, fingers pushing his hair back as he rose up. "You know Xav, if you wanted to see me, didn't need to sneak into my territory. Could have just called darlin'." He teased.

[xavadonis]

What he wouldn’t give to roll back time to that bathroom. Have the same control over the voices that crowded his mind in a cacophony of white noise that he did now. Cain hadn’t been the only one who needed to work that steam off alone. His came in the form of picking a fight with another vampire that led to a whole lot of blood on the pavement that didn’t belong to him. It had been ugly, vicious, and melancholy in the aftermath.

No, he had no issue with Cain looming over him. Like moth to flame it felt like a craving, clawing thing in him. The rough scrape of his teeth as they bit into his lower lip surged in his mind and he swore he felt the tingle of that pain now. “I’m not complaining. It’s a nice view.” All of his sorrow about not seeing the sun had died in just those few minutes - because the silver of moonlight as it splashed across Cain’s skin was high brow art.

As the water lapped against him, Xavier swam forward to greet Cain halfway. Being alone with him in an open space certainly made it easier to relax. He was confident as he approached, slipping his arms over the shoulders of the wolf, taking a chance at nuzzling his cheek before lifting to meet his gaze.

“I didn’t get your number before I left the bar. Had to get your attention somehow.” Which was, of course, not at all the reason he’d come here but it was most definitely a plus to end the evening on. "I'm sure social etiquette says I should ask how you've been before I ask if we should continue where we left off. So, how have you been, Cain?""

[aylinvilliers]

Aylin pressed a dramatic hand to her chest as if his bow had personally offended her. “Oh, come on,” she sighed, “Don’t tell me I’ve ruined a whole covert shelf-stabilizing career. I was really rooting for you and your secret hammer club.” Her tone was all mock tragedy, but the curl of her smile was real — soft around the edges, like this moment had carved out something light in her day without asking for permission. Her gaze flicked toward him as he twinkled — because yes, apparently that was the word for it. “Judge and jury and charming defendant? Multitasking icon.”

She let out a quiet laugh, “Hey, don’t knock it,” she teased. “Some of us have whole personalities shaped by books with weather metaphors in the title. Moonlight, Regret, Midnight in C Minor… It’s basically a genre at this point.” But her grin curved brighter at the rest — not just the offer, but the honest-to-gods laugh she’d pulled from him earlier. It felt like winning some quiet game she hadn’t known she was playing. “Three books, huh? Damn. That’s dangerously close to first round’s on me territory.”

Her fingers skimmed the edge of the shelf as she glanced around the shop like it had suddenly become a treasure hunt. “I’ll try not to pick anything that screams I cry in bathtubs with candles lit,” she mused, eyes scanning the spines. “But no promises. And hey — don’t worry. People say I’m just as predictable.” She shot him a look, faux solemn. “Apparently, I give off strong would die for fictional characters energy. Which… fair.” Then, softer, almost like an afterthought that still mattered. “I’m glad I made you laugh.” Her eyes flicked to his again, sincere beneath the teasing. “That should count for, like… half a bookmark at least, yeah?”

[xavadonis]

Like clockwork, the voices in his head had quite a lot to say about this human. Her intentions. The way she dressed. His reaction to her - the most prominent being that it was the first time he'd openly conversed with a woman since The Mistress. Women registered as danger and no amount of denial could ever move him past that. Despite the whispering, he masked it all well. Which was simple considering she was delightful to talk to. "You truly have, its a tragedy that I'll scribble about in my fluffy purple journal later." It was entirely possible he could manage to exist in society if this exchange was anything to speak of. Talking to people for more than a few minutes in casual conversation never went well. But a string of jokes and playful banter felt more natural anyway. As she examined the treasure trove - which the current owner had spent decades building with Xavier's help - he couldn't help but continue to smile softly at her. He raised his hands in mock deference, nodding with a chuckle. "Alright, alright, I won't mock it. I promise. Cross my heart." Brow raised and he shook his head. "Fellow bibliophiles unite. I am a giving person, and there's no reason not to offer a gift." That, at least, was true. Everyone deserved a little kindness every once in a while. He turned, plucking a novel off a low shelf - it had been restored to it's former glory. "Here," he offered it over, "it screams I cry in bed surrounded by snacks instead of bathtubs. I've read it a few times. And I'll throw in a whole bookmark if you promise to tell me what you think of it when you're done."

He paused, looking down for a moment before nodding, "yeah, I'm glad too."

[deathbeckons]

”Oh I know all about dramatic owners, trust me.” Malcolm chuckled, hands moving to support the shelving and hold it steady for the blonde. No heartbeat, no rushing of blood through his veins - good, he supposed that was good. He didn’t have a good track record with humans, despite only ever wanting to protect them. This pretty boy was better off being a vampire.

“And don’t you worry, I like to think I’ve got a pretty good memory. That photo can just stay etched into my mind instead.” The youngest Davenport teased, warm smile flashing up at the other as he worked and Malcolm did what he was told. “I at least get a name, though?” He half-pouted, playfully of course, moving onto hold the next shelf in place once they were done with the first.

[xavadonis]

You'd call me dramatic, wouldn't you, Xavier? His eyes slipped closed as he breathed through the onslaught - that grating, husky tone she had was enough to make him want to claw his skin off. Just as quickly as it came, he was able to battle it back. I wish you'd just shut the fuck up- he thought to her as his gaze leveled back on the man. Attractive man. It was a bit much - the eyes, the hair - the pout. He couldn't help the lick of his lips and he shook his head. A smirk danced at the edges of his mouth. "Uh- yeah, of course. Xavier," he nodded, not offering a hand because he started to work on the next set of shelves, hammering the nails through old wood. It was a miracle it was still standing but he imagined it was because he'd had to oil every shelf on the first day he asked if he could work here. And he'd done it yearly since.

"I imagine you didn't come in here looking to repair shelves, is there something in particular you're hunting down or just browsing?"