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[talkative]

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*Don't limit yourself, live your best life! Or unlife. As it be. The difference is mostly the breathing, you know? You don't have to smell really gross stuff as much anymore because you don't need to breathe in unless you talk. But then again some people can achieve a better sense of scent and then talking in smelly areas becomes really unpleasant and now if you don't think that's a problem then I don't know what your priorities are.

Comments

[italicised]

[Akeldama's pleased to see Jackie in the robe - it suits them perfectly, just as he hoped. The rove waves to the younger vampire, intending on leaving them in peace, but hesitates when Jackie waves them over.

After a moment, he does so, draping himself into the armchair gracefully.]

Evening, darling. I must say, you look even better in that than I hoped. I'm glad it suits.

[talkative]

There is very little that doesn't suit me. [A grin goes with it, indicating that they aren't serious... even though they kind of are. Look at them. Something would have to be truly atrocious to look bad on them.] ...you should try it too, sometime. Not limit yourself to only one side of the wardrobe.

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[Akeldama can believe it. He tilts his head at the suggestion, giving a rueful smile.] Are you suggesting I cover up these legs? Please, darling, I shall keep keep my breeches, and leave the dresses to your beautiful self. Besides, my darling droney-poos get dreadfully upset when my nether regions are unduly covered. [Never mind that they aren't here, Akeldama has plenty of other reasons not to wear women's clothing, though he doesn't see an issue with Jackie selecting from both sides, as they put it.]

[talkative]

...Have you considered showing a bit more of your legs? There are beautiful cuts and fabrics that even with the tightest fit might give a tempting hint of revealing more without truly doing so.

[italicised]

Oh, darling, I've worn many styles over the years. [Trunk hose were a choice, though he rather liked them at the time.]

What type of thing are you considering?

[talkative]

[Oh, where to even start.]

Well, how do you like leather?

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I appreciate it perfectly on other men, but it's so drab. Why would one wear it when one could wear a beautiful silk?

[talkative]

It's just an entirely different look, and why stick to one style when you can have many?

[They would never wear something drab, but just think of the possibilities - wide colourful shirts over shining golden faux leather trousers! Deep purple stained wild leather with stencilled patterns! Even black biker leather can be used to great advantage if accessorised correctly.]

[italicised]

Because I prefer to keep to the height of fashion, darling. [And if he gently nudges fashion to keep it in the realms that he prefers, well, who can blame him. Imagine how dreadful fashion would be today if he'd allowed other vampires, or, heavens forbid, werewolves, dictate it.]

[talkative]

[They flap a hand outwards.] I guess that comes with age. I haven't been around for all those beautiful times of fashion, so...

Either way. I have a proposal to make.

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[Jackie’s too young for Akeldama to take offence at the age comment. It would be like a toddler trying to understand the life experience of an elderly person. It’s just how it’ll be with the gaping distance between them. Maybe one day, in 2000 years, Jackie will understand, but until then...]

Quite, darling. I’ve seen the worst and the best of it, and to be frank the further history takes us from codpieces the better.

But tell me about this proposal of yours. [He rests his chin on his hand, smiling at the younger vampire.]

[talkative]

[Jackie affects a visible shudder and gasp at the mention of codpieces - yeah, there's parts of fashion history that they definitely aren't sad about having missed.

But then they move on. There's another conversation to be had here.]

I believe my dearest Max has been talking to you about expanding the horizons of your physical interactions, has he not?

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Ah, so he did talk to you. He said he would, the little treacle tart. [Akeldama smiles broadly, but his eyes are on Jackie, watching them.

Did Max also tell them about the little test that Akeldama put him through?]

I'm not going to deny that I'm interested. Who wouldn't be? You have a delectable little treat there.

[talkative]

I do, I do.

[They shake their head.]

I also had a ...conversation with him. You might have noticed that he can be a bit, ah, overeager at times? [Probably a massive understatement, but such are the times.]

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[Akeldama sighs dramatically and nods.] The poor lamb isn't the first I've encountered with such tastes. I do believe that if you hadn't been there to sweep him up, then surely someone else would have. [Whether or not Jackie is taking advantage, there surely could have been worse options. Imagine if the Countess Nadasdy had gotten her hands on him? It doesn't bear thinking of.]

[talkative]

It simply seemed like the only responsible thing to do.

[Something like that, anyway - they can't even remember how they stumbled into this having a ghoul thing, but they certainly feel responsible now. It's like a Golden Retriever suddenly sat on your porch with soulful eyes, worming its way into your heart. ...While you have to play nice with the neighbourhood and can't hit the road when things are on fire.]

There are others who... it doesn't bear thinking. [Y'know. Would act like they would under normal circumstances.] Anyway, so to ...protect him from himself, really, it cannot be called anything else, it seemed the best to me to put down some rules in the regard, and I thought that you would be the perfect person for ...beginning to implement some ideas for how to keep him from overextending himself.

And thus I was wondering [they spread their hands] if you should like to join us for some adult teatime in this beautiful new year. Max would so love some time with you, but I should prefer the first playdate to be supervised so he gets the correct impression for future arrangements of such a nature, should they occur.

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Ah. [A spark of desire rips through Akeldama, but it's schooled by the uncomfortable knowledge that he would have to share this teatime. How long has it been since he shared someone with another vampire? But he wants Max more than he would ever let on, and Jackie certainly isn't the worst vampire that Akeldama has ever come across. They're more like a rove than anything else, despite their young age, and they seem to have come to agreement so far.

Besides, Akeldama can just think of how wonderful Max's reaction will be to the pair of them. If one vampire had him almost melting, what would two do?]

That would be simply lovely, my sweet. Of course, I would be honoured to accept!

However, I must make it clear that under such circumstances, I would be a guest, but not a plaything myself. I may take suggestion, but I would not take orders. Naturally Max's welfare is at the forefront of both of our minds, and you need not worry for that, but I would not take well to instruction as to how to deal with him. [To put it mildly.]

[talkative]

Of course.

[But.

And then they do the thing that so far, except for Max nobody in Ain has seen - and even Max has only witnessed it at two or three occasions.

They go still. Their grand, sometimes almost boneless movements, the constant gestures accompanying their talking, the facial expressions - but more strikingly all those inconsequential little movements, the breathing, the batting of their eyelashes, the twitching of muscles, that even the most unmoving human is constantly doing - all that falls away.

This is serious, and to underscore that they drop those well studied behaviours that make them appear human. At the same time, they drop all decorative elements of their voice, their tone unusually cool and straightforward - as are their words, suddenly.]

I will not intervene in your actions in word or deed unless they endanger the three principles on Max's part. Sane, safe, consensual. I do not expect any of those to be an issue with you, that is a large part of why I am happy to let this go forward. But I will warn you here and now that if an issue appears with any of these, I will call it off. Immediately.

I do not know what you are capable of. You don't know what I am capable of. I expects things to not come to either of us needing to learn.

[italicised]

[Akeldama is interested by this sudden change of posture, but not intimidated by it. Perhaps Jackie is a little older than he initially thought, but they're still clearly not an elder. But it's also nice to see that they do take Max's safety seriously.

Akeldama has never heard safe, sane and consensual before, but all three principles seem logical to him, and he nods.]

The last thing I would ever want to do would be to hurt Max. You have my word on this. In all of my years, I have never injured a drone in any lasting way or that was not specifically requested.

[talkative]

[They never expected to intimidate. Akeldama is clearly much, much older. They simply meant to convey that they're serious about this - and also: I might not be able to make your life hell, but I would sure be able to significantly inconvenience you, and I will.]

Well, even if he asks for it, he doesn't have my permission. Not that I believe he would, as he knows that I do not wish him to come to harm.

[Max might be reckless to terrible degrees, but he is fairly good at (...at least after the fact...) remembering that there are fences put up around his actions that he doesn't have to set himself.

And then they just fall back into their usual self. Nothing to see here, just a silly fashion fanatic.] So, since we all seem to be interested - I will find us a neutral place - perhaps down in the dungeons, I believe there should soon be additions that would lend themselves excellently to this use - and contact you to see if it works for you.

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Such things are hardly suitable for a genteel tea in any case. [Akeldama points out, smiling again.]

Wonderful, darling, I can hardly wait! I was unaware that the castle had dungeons, but naturally that makes sense.

Ah - and since a portion of my wardrobe has been returned to me, I can properly dress for the occasion too. Oh, darling sugar puff, you'll simply have to tell me which colours you intend on wearing so we can compliment one another. [Priorities.]

[talkative]

Naturally I shall do that. I would just so darken the mood if colours and style were to clash ....say, do you have wardrobe with an Far Eastern feeling to them yourself, akin to this?

[They spread out an arm, indicating the dressing gown Akeldama gifted them.]

I might be able to procure a room of such a style.

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Sadly not, darling. That's something I found here, before the return of my belongings. [Akeldama is a little bit too early for such things, not that he knows it.]

But perhaps I could find something that would suit? I had some experience with such things when I was younger, although I'm sure fashions have changed quite considerably since. [And he never made it quite that far himself.]

[talkative]

They likely have, but this is more an attempt of fitting the mood than historical re-enactment, is it not?

[They are fairly aware that in most times, people didn't wear knickers, and... no. Just. No.]

[italicised]

I suppose so. I would be more inclined towards something less covering myself, but if you say you can acquire access to a room that would match, that could be quite striking indeed.

Give me a few days to scour the market, darling, and I'll come back to you so we can discuss our options together. Do you have something in mind for our little morsel as well?