A certified date, a letter sealed with wax, signed in shimmering gold ink. Irrefutably, this is a couples' outing. As if the way Warren looks at Bandou were magnetism's invisible pull, keeping him close and everyone else repelled.
The sweetness and familiar beats of that dear heart draw Warren in, the background noise of other people likewise enjoying the fair, cold atmosphere dims to bare bones. Warren has known that narrowing of vision exclusively as a hunter's pleasure; it's so different now. A satisfaction intertwining both dark and human thirsts. A fox with a hare in its mouth... A fox with a mate in its den. How can they be one and the same?
-- Like a ringing in his ears, Bandou's voice brings Warren out of his thoughts.
The skating rink is semi-permanent, and thus the benches are fixed in place. Over-treated by varnish and chemicals but lacking the scent of either. The question makes Warren think back, long ago. Sitting on a very different bench, made of wood still close to its soul. By a single man, not a machine. The ways of the world are taken for granted. Yet, Warren doesn't mind the electric lights overhead nor the speakers playing pop music, or the aroma of all sorts of fabrics, treats, and perfumes utterly unthinkable to his hometown.
"No, not really."
Warren can skate. He learned back in the days when Masaferry believed he was human. He'd learned that, and how to lie very well. Bandou and the Masaferry of the past, they were both so young. And then, then... He had changed.
"Will you teach me?"
The encouraging tone is as genuine as Bandou's. He watches him as he finishes lacing his skates, mournful that they hadn't held hands long enough despite knowing more awaits in the near future. Warren's pair is untouched on his shoulder, one skate on either side of his upper body.
He sets aside - with practised effort - the worry that Bandou will change, too.
Without the dark lenses on, Warren will get to see the full beauty that is Bandou's eyes lighting up with excitement. His smile is broad across his face as he hops up from the bench, with zero effort needed to keep himself upright on the bladed shoes.
The young man knows nothing of the bittersweet memories that his companion has fluttering through his mind. Perhaps, one day Warren will be willing to share his past. And whether the stories he tells are full of happiness or sorrow, Bandou will listen. Listen and ask so many questions that one might think he's still a youngster with so much to learn about the big, wide world around him. And in truth, compared to his partner, he is.
But for now, Bandou's being what Warren has always known him to be. That young man who lives in the moment and holds little back when emotion hits him. His date needs a teacher, and he's more than willing to take on the role. While one hand rests at his waist, the other points directly at Warren.
"Okay, first lesson, and it's the most important part so pay attention."
Cue the dramatic pause so he can make sure Warren's listening.
"Number one: Put your damn skates on. I'm not lacing them up for you."
Edited (Just needed to add two more paragraphs. You know how it is.) Date: 2025-02-19 06:20 am (UTC)
Drat. How did he know!? Warren's dastardly plan evaporates. To delay putting on his skates, perhaps feigning an innocent ignorance, to lead Bandou towards offering a helping hand -- and kneeling before him.
No, it simply wasn't meant to be.
Nonetheless, Warren is blessed. The light in Bandou's eyes reflects sheer excitement. If he were human Warren might say it was infectious. He feels... enamoured? Certain emotions are lost forever, and others are muted, as if trapped in ice.
Look at him standing there. Fuck.
Warren shakes his head, at himself, aware at the very least that he's got it bad, whatever "it" may be called. He chuckles softly at the drama and start to kick off his winter boots, hustling to put on the skates.
"Aye, Sir! Aye, Sir!"
A pirate's life for-- Ah, that's a different AU.
Warren shoves his feet into the skates with a raised eyebrow. Will they fit? Bandou, did you somehow put him into a Cinderella scene?
"There we are," he says eventually. Triumph! The glass slipper are a perfect match. Warren stands gracefully; all pretending aside, he can't help what he is: A vision in the darkness.
Ah yes, being called 'Sir' with such obedience. Bandou's feeling proud as hell right now, the teacher, the one in charge, the head honcho around here. He'll bask in that title while he has a grasp on it.
He's a little surprised when Warren takes to standing so well, but really that's all just about balance. And how could a centuries (?) old vampire, always on the hunt, not have those type of skills. At least that's one lesson he doesn't have to give. They can get straight out onto the ice without Warren faceplanting immediately.
Well, hopefully. A hand is still held out to him, just incase.
"Now don't go expecting me to show you how to do jumps and all that. That's far too advanced for a newbie." Is he implying he knows how? Or is it all just for show? Let's get Warren moving first.
Bandou enjoyment of a smidgen of deference looks like a bursting aura of radiating sparks around his body. It's a wonder that Warren doesn't shield his eyes to protect them from the light! Maybe one of these days Bandou will be put in charge of a middle school soccer team and bask in a dozen small voices calling him Coach in unison.
The cool air of early winter is pleasant. For a brief moment once more Warren just takes in the sight of Bandou's smile under the heavenly blue light cascading from above.
...Until he is informed no impressive jumps will be forthcoming. No double axel? No triple sow cow? What kind of ice skating date is this?!
Hiding his massive disappoint Warren gingerly takes a step forward like a true newbie should. He does take the gently offered hand of support Bandou suggests, more for intimate reasons than need. Warren's gloves are supple leather with a thin layer of lamb's fur inside.
"Oh, I understand. You have to save something for our next date." Warren isn't serious, any more than he usually is, and continues to take baby steps on the thin layer of snow nearest the cozy bench until he has completely left it for the ice. Go on and praise him!
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pettymuch
(no subject)
Date: 2025-02-19 02:33 am (UTC)The sweetness and familiar beats of that dear heart draw Warren in, the background noise of other people likewise enjoying the fair, cold atmosphere dims to bare bones. Warren has known that narrowing of vision exclusively as a hunter's pleasure; it's so different now. A satisfaction intertwining both dark and human thirsts. A fox with a hare in its mouth... A fox with a mate in its den. How can they be one and the same?
-- Like a ringing in his ears, Bandou's voice brings Warren out of his thoughts.
The skating rink is semi-permanent, and thus the benches are fixed in place. Over-treated by varnish and chemicals but lacking the scent of either. The question makes Warren think back, long ago. Sitting on a very different bench, made of wood still close to its soul. By a single man, not a machine. The ways of the world are taken for granted. Yet, Warren doesn't mind the electric lights overhead nor the speakers playing pop music, or the aroma of all sorts of fabrics, treats, and perfumes utterly unthinkable to his hometown.
"No, not really."
Warren can skate. He learned back in the days when Masaferry believed he was human. He'd learned that, and how to lie very well. Bandou and the Masaferry of the past, they were both so young. And then, then... He had changed.
"Will you teach me?"
The encouraging tone is as genuine as Bandou's. He watches him as he finishes lacing his skates, mournful that they hadn't held hands long enough despite knowing more awaits in the near future. Warren's pair is untouched on his shoulder, one skate on either side of his upper body.
He sets aside - with practised effort - the worry that Bandou will change, too.
(no subject)
Date: 2025-02-19 04:57 am (UTC)Without the dark lenses on, Warren will get to see the full beauty that is Bandou's eyes lighting up with excitement. His smile is broad across his face as he hops up from the bench, with zero effort needed to keep himself upright on the bladed shoes.
The young man knows nothing of the bittersweet memories that his companion has fluttering through his mind. Perhaps, one day Warren will be willing to share his past. And whether the stories he tells are full of happiness or sorrow, Bandou will listen. Listen and ask so many questions that one might think he's still a youngster with so much to learn about the big, wide world around him. And in truth, compared to his partner, he is.
But for now, Bandou's being what Warren has always known him to be. That young man who lives in the moment and holds little back when emotion hits him. His date needs a teacher, and he's more than willing to take on the role. While one hand rests at his waist, the other points directly at Warren.
"Okay, first lesson, and it's the most important part so pay attention."
Cue the dramatic pause so he can make sure Warren's listening.
"Number one: Put your damn skates on. I'm not lacing them up for you."
(no subject)
Date: 2025-02-20 02:24 am (UTC)No, it simply wasn't meant to be.
Nonetheless, Warren is blessed. The light in Bandou's eyes reflects sheer excitement. If he were human Warren might say it was infectious. He feels... enamoured? Certain emotions are lost forever, and others are muted, as if trapped in ice.
Look at him standing there. Fuck.
Warren shakes his head, at himself, aware at the very least that he's got it bad, whatever "it" may be called. He chuckles softly at the drama and start to kick off his winter boots, hustling to put on the skates.
"Aye, Sir! Aye, Sir!"
A pirate's life for-- Ah, that's a different AU.
Warren shoves his feet into the skates with a raised eyebrow. Will they fit? Bandou, did you somehow put him into a Cinderella scene?
"There we are," he says eventually. Triumph! The glass slipper are a perfect match. Warren stands gracefully; all pretending aside, he can't help what he is: A vision in the darkness.
On skates.
(no subject)
Date: 2025-02-20 07:33 am (UTC)He's a little surprised when Warren takes to standing so well, but really that's all just about balance. And how could a centuries (?) old vampire, always on the hunt, not have those type of skills. At least that's one lesson he doesn't have to give. They can get straight out onto the ice without Warren faceplanting immediately.
Well, hopefully. A hand is still held out to him, just incase.
"Now don't go expecting me to show you how to do jumps and all that. That's far too advanced for a newbie." Is he implying he knows how? Or is it all just for show? Let's get Warren moving first.
(no subject)
Date: 2025-03-25 01:09 am (UTC)The cool air of early winter is pleasant. For a brief moment once more Warren just takes in the sight of Bandou's smile under the heavenly blue light cascading from above.
...Until he is informed no impressive jumps will be forthcoming. No double axel? No triple sow cow? What kind of ice skating date is this?!
Hiding his massive disappoint Warren gingerly takes a step forward like a true newbie should. He does take the gently offered hand of support Bandou suggests, more for intimate reasons than need. Warren's gloves are supple leather with a thin layer of lamb's fur inside.
"Oh, I understand. You have to save something for our next date." Warren isn't serious, any more than he usually is, and continues to take baby steps on the thin layer of snow nearest the cozy bench until he has completely left it for the ice. Go on and praise him!