formmusebox | for Essek (lacrymaperle)

for Essek (lacrymaperle) - vampire/werewolf au

[There had been a simpler time, several years before when Bren hadn't yet known Trent Ikithon, a time when he was thoroughly and blissfully unaware of the things that existed in the dark, when the ideas of werewolves and vampires and other creatures that ought to have been nothing more than fairy tale fodder. Instead, his paths had crossed with Trent and everything had changed. He'd been thrown into a small walled courtyard one night, under the light of a full moon, and he had not been alone. That was the first time he had met a werewolf. Bren remembered the bite, still had the scar of it on one forearm, remembered the confusion and the terror -- both of which were nothing compared to the full moon that followed the month after, the first time he'd transformed. He remembered the pain of his entire body breaking and reshaping itself, the fear of losing himself entirely. He'd blacked out that night, woken up naked and aching as if he'd been run over by a bus.

It had been the same very moon since, except that piece by piece, bit by bit, he held onto some small shred of himself during the transformation. Trent Ikithon had explained that all this was for Bren's own good, that he was safer here than anywhere else. that there were vampires who would tear him apart on sight, one in particular, a singular monster who Trent seemed to have a personal loathing for. Bren tried to probe why any vampire, never mind a particular one, would have any interest in him. No explanation was ever given except that 'the Shadowhand will never have you. Not in this life or the next. I will see to that.'

Bren had no idea what that meant. Before all this, the only strange thing in his life were recurring dreams -- and oh they were beautiful things. Arms that were secure and safe around him, tender and gentle but not warm. The soft lilt of a voice that assured him everything would be well, that wherever he went he would be found again. Trent had hated the dreams and had done his best to cast them out of Bren's conscious awareness. Now they were barely shadows, things he could remember the feeling of more than the details. It hurt even trying to recall them, so he didn't.

This past moon Bren had made his escape after he transformed, finally aware enough of himself that he had his chance. He was free. That was the only thought in his mind right now and it repeated in echoed mantra over and over again as he tried to keep himself from spiraling into a breakdown. It had been years since he'd been out, actually out in the world, not kept with Trent Ikithon's control, trapped within the grounds of that monster's manor. He was, after all, Trent's pet project, for whatever reasons the old bastard had. It didn't matter. Back in that direction lay only pain and isolation. He wouldn't go back.

Of course, he didn't really have a plan to go forward either, really. Even before he'd been captured and turned, he hadn't had any family left, few friends, and he'd been out of the world for years now. He managed to ~~steal~~ find some clothes, ill-fitting, a coat that was too big on his underfed frame, a scarf wrapped about his neck. He was a mess, long copper hair in tangles past his shoulders, his beard untrimmed, a frantic fear in wide blue eyes as he tried to find somewhere to hide, somewhere to get his bearings. He couldn't let Trent find him again. This was freedom, and he would not give it up.

A soft meow caught his attention, and he looked up in surprise as a small orange tabby approached him. For the first time in a long while, Bren smiled.] Hello there... [The little creature sniffed his outstretched hand and headbutted his fingers. It was the first kind touch that he'd known in so long, he almost teared up over it.] Well, at least I am not alone anymore. That's comforting.

[Now if he could just figure out what the hell he was going to do, where he was going to go.]

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[ Essek knew there would be protestations, no matter how weak they were. But he also know that he had survived; that he would continue to survive, he stroked his fingers through locks of hair soothingly as he waited for Caleb to finish speaking his own thoughts; it was important that the werewolf have his own autonomy, it was likely more than Trent Ikithon would ever have granted him. ]

If you do not want me there, if it makes you uncomfortable then I do not have to be there, but I will offer one thing in that I have survived, Bren-- I will survive, and I can ward against you; if I feel threatened, I am equipped to restrain you as needed.

[ A gentle reminder that he was a vampire and that if he could walk into a room of a dozen or so more werewolves.. without fear-- then he could protect himself in a room with merely his mate. ] And if you attach me, it will not make me love you less. It will only make me hate Trent Ikithon more, for making you this way.

I want you there.

[Bren admitted. And Essek was right. He had never been given a choice, never been offered an option. He'd been powerless in Trent Ikithon's possession, caged and controlled and left at the mercy of the monster he'd been turned into. He'd clawed his way back to some semblance of humanity despite it all.]

I want it so badly, to not be alone with the moon. But I am afraid of what I could do.

[Yet Essek was right too. He was a powerful creature in his own right, longer-lived than Bren and brilliant. If anyone could handle himself even in the face of a monster, it was Essek.

And maybe it was those last words that truly did it, that soothed the worries that Bren had not even admitted to himself, that Essek seeing him as that monster, would it change how his mate saw him? He turned into him then, arms winding around him.]

Promise me you will not allow me to hurt you, to put even a scratch on you.

I would like to see you try to put a scratch on me, but if it makes you feel better perhaps we can arrange it so that you are bound for the first hour of the night until we can ascertain your behaviors, and then from there we can ease you off the cuffs?

[ It would allow Essek to be there while also preserving a safety net. It was important for the other man to be comfortable and Essek wanted to ease his mind in whatever way he was able to. He pressed a soft kiss to the top of that head, lightly salt and sweated-- against a splash of freckles against skin; and he hummed soothingly. ]

I understand that you are frightened of what you could do, and I respect that fear because it comes from a place deep inside of you that is filled with love, but also I know that you recognize me as your mate.

[ And then he softly teased as he pressed a soft kiss to the tip of that nose. ] Perhaps within a few cycles of the moon, we can mate when you are in your werewolf form, I would not be adverse to being close with my mate in such a way, for I love you no matter what-- the world has defined the both of us as monsters, and the monster within me loves the monster in you.. and together we are better for it.

[Oh, that idea is one that clearly catches Bren's attention.]

Ja. That would be a good idea, to be certain.

[It was an excellent compromise really, one that gave him some assurance that Essek would be protected from the worst of him until they knew just how bad that worst would be. His eyes shut once more at that kiss to his head, and he sighed softly, some of the tension bleeding out of him at this solution.]

You are my mate... the wolf should know that.

[He admits. And the wolf would never dream of hurting its mate, would instead tear the world apart to see him safe.

Then Essek kept speaking and Bren lifted his head to look at him, wide-eyed once more, unable to keep the way that certainly spoke to something inside him out of his expression. Oh.

Oh.]

I... ja. I would like that, if it is safe.

[ It was a wonder how perfect Bren fit within the circle of his arms like this, sweetly vulnerable and soft-- Essek knew that this was not always the case especially with a wolf who was growing closer to that time of the month where the moon rose high in the sky. This was a treasure and a gift, he'd seen how there had been posturing on the dance floor, had seen those looks darted by Bren at other wolves who had been circling.

In that Bren, there was nothing of the submissive; it was all alpha and inexplicably male.

It was attractive, if Essek was being honest with himself.

Now though, he stroked through hair and allowed his lips to find forehead, hair.. anything that he could get a hold of; all the while the shadow clone made work of the clean up and treating Bren just as gently and tenderly. Though very soon that too was gone, leaving the two of them together with the sound of the crowd below the mezzanine a drifting sweet backdrop to the closeness and intimacy that oftimes came from such situations as these. ] You have proven I am your mate to everyone here within this club, I like being your mate, it suits me to belong to you.

[ Those slightly widening eyes and then the back of his fingertips lightly grazed against a cheek and he was filled with how much he loved this man, how much each gesture was like a feast for him. Deep inside, he knew the stars would die before he let this man go again. ] We may cuddle first, and work up to that.. if you are a good boy for me.

[ Ah, he knew that would hit like an arrow to several parts of Bren. ]

[Bren was only this vulnerable and submissive for his mate, for Essek and no one else. He had indeed growled and bared his teeth at the other wolves who had the audacity to look at his mate. And he would do so again undoubtedly. That feral edge to the werewolf would be brought to bear to protect the vampire who held his heart. And the wolf inside him, oh yes, that wolf wanted to claim his mate again and again.

The thought of having Essek beneath him, of claiming him in his other form was now in his mind, and that would not be leaving any time soon.]

My mate... [If he were a cat he'd purr, because those words are some of the most delicious he will ever hear. He turned into that touch, gaze full of adoration and interest and then his eyes were almost entirely pupil as Essek said those words.

He may not have had a tail at the moment physically, but somehow it was wagging anyway. Bren half choked on a whimper.]

I will be very good.

[ Such did not escape Essek's notice when it came to Bren. He noticed the feral growl that curled at the very edge of acceptable in public, the harsh way that he stared at those who approached, mainly of wolf lineage. And Essek knew that much of it was not on a level that was licentious; there was hatred as wolves and vampires were supposed to be natural enemies. For a were to take a vampire as a mate therefore was simply not done; so he felt protected in those arms.

But just as much, Essek was protective of Bren.

The other man thought that he could keep all the wolves at bay, but Essek was practical to know that perhaps Bren alone against them may not ensure survival. Survival that was very important to him because he wanted the two of them to survive together. In which way he would help the other man and thus he pressed a soft kiss to that brow, tasting the purr in the air. ]

I know you will be good for me. [ He glanced up and around, the darkened room and the lights that strobed, and noises that filtered throughout this club. His fingers found the soft strands of hair. ] Now, I am never a fan of too many crowds so if you wish, we may return to the house? I believe our message has been sent to the recipient we wished for it to be sent; Trent Ikithon knows that we both know what he did and that he will pay for it.

[ And to clarify his previous words. ] Shall we return home?

[ To Widogast Manor, to their world. ]

[Bren had forgotten where they were, but at the reminder, all the sounds and scents of other people, other wolves, came rushing back all at once. It started the soft sound of a growl in his chest before he realized he was doing it. He may have submitted to his mate -- eagerly -- but the rest of the crowd would be treated only to the territorial wolf who would bare his teeth at anyone who even considered threatening his mate.

They were indeed protective of each other, and with Essek at his side, so much of Bren's terror at the world had disappeared. He was healing piece by piece in the drow's arms. Essek was good for him, and someday those barriers of magic that Trent had placed around the essence inside him that was Caleb would be torn aside, and he'd be whole.

Bren leaned into that touch through his hair, a softening sound that soothed the growl in his voice into a soft, thoughtful hum at the thought of home.]

Ja. Let's go home. I am ready to have you all to myself for the night.

[Essek would still find himself with a very clingy werewolf for the evening, after the rush of their little scene and the lingering afterglow of his submission, and the pull of the moon to stay near and protect what was his.]

...I should find my clothes.

[ already the Unseen Servants were picking up garments and carrying them back to Bren; as if the garments were made of gold; though they were finely crafted by Essek's own hand. Essek brushed a soft kiss against the collarbone, tasting salt there-- and then he pulled himself away so that he could straighten his own clothing. Bren's vantage point, he'd get to see exactly how he had ruined the drowpire.

The tussled hair that was normally so effortlessly styled, the barely there wrinkles in clothing, the rip in the stockings from their union; perhaps there was still a bit of a bruise against his neck from where they had fucked in the backseat of the car a few days ago-- a bright purple spot that should've been an impossibility due to his vampirism but rather seemed to catch and hold like a dark star of passion.

And yet he still attempted to make sense of it even if it was perhaps a lost cause, and that he would become rumpled once again, and likely by the hands of his mate. ] Do you need help standing? I may have been a contributing cause to that. [ And that smile was all beatific mischief with eyes that sparkled in equal parts gold and amethyst. ]

[Through an impressive display of self control he did not protest as Essekpulled away. Immediately he missed his mate's arms, but they would be back in one another's embrace soon, surely. So Bren could be a little patient, even with the full moon waiting for him the next coming night.

Bren took back his clothes, righting them before he considered the best way to rather gingerly go about reclothing himself. When the drowpire made that comment, he could feel his cheeks heat, a fresh and florid flush rising beneath sunkissed freckles.]

You are the entirety of the cause of it... and you should be congratulated for the entire event. [He narrowed his eyes playfully, but reached a hand out towards him.] I may need to be steadied. I do not trust my legs not to shake.

[Or the rest of him, for that matter. But he was not complaining about any of it.]

[ No amount of chagrin could take away the inner smugness that his wolf mate would be dripping from the inside out-- perhaps a simple prestidigitation spell could've sufficed but Essek found that he much rather that the were-man be allowed to percomelate for a little bit; there was something quite self-indulgent about knowing that particular bit of information.

A smile crossed over his lips before he wandered over to offer his hand. ] You will find that I am fairly sturdy despite my smaller stature, I am more than capable of supporting your weight.

[ Go on, put those pants on-- Essek would make sure that gravity at least for the time being stoppered up the other man, at least until he was able to drip properly; within a space space and where Essek could fully appreciate it. The scent though also would have the added benefit in riling up the wolves as they walked out, with the vampire having thoroughly not just scent-marked but rather scent-soaked the other man. ]

[Essek would find no argument from Bren on the fact that he was still utterly full of his lovers' seed, that by all rights, he ought to be dripping from his well-used hole that was still working to clench around nothing after being so stretched around two versions of his mate at the same time. He would take the magic for what it was though, managing not to squirm too much at the thought of, well, percomelating.

He took Essek's hand to help steady himself and managed to work his trousers back on without too much incident.]

I would not doubt your strength.

[Vampire and all. Caleb was stronger than he looked as well, but he was also a fucked out mess at the moment, still half floating on the rush of orgasm after having been denied and teased for so long before.

Dressed again, he still had not released Essek's hand.]

We can go home now?

[ the plaintive look in Bren's eyes, well he was absolutely no proof against that.

Instead Essek righted himself quickly and perhaps he used mage hand to assist in the process, but only because he did not want to spend anymore time then he absolutely had to apart from the werewolf. So once he was done up again, he moved to wrap his arms around that waist. ]

You require a bit of aftercare, and I refuse to do the majority of it in this too-loud club.

[ Essek had after all pushed Bren to his limits and in which case, Bren needed to be eased down off of that high; this meant of course that Bren would need to be cuddled and held for as much as possible. It was after all, a sort of self-care for Essek too for it had been strenuous denying Bren when all he had wanted to do was give him everything. ] We will go home, cuddle down and prepare ourselves mentally for tomorrow night, yes?

[Bren looked relieved at this, and at Essek coming close once more, sinking into those arms around him as if they were a promise of safety and completeness. And weren't they? This was where he belonged, just here beside his mate, wherever life took them.

It was true he had been brought to the very edge of his limits, of what he could endure without shattering apart, and the thrill of that was still saturated into his blood. The idea of being able to go home to the manor, to their safe and secure home and spend the rest of the evening cuddled up with the drowpire was the single most appealing thing that the werewolf could picture.]

That sounds perfect to me. You will let me sleep the day with you again?

[It had gone very well before, after all. No harm had been done, and Bren had adored waking up beside his mate as the sun set and day released its hold on his vampire lover.]

I would let you sleep with me, yes.

[ And he'd enjoyed that, the feeling of waking up in Bren's arms and with those lips pressed against his cool lips, as if awakening him from death's slumber. It was something out of a fairytale, the way that love's true kiss awakened him; and then that offered neck as he had been given breakfast in bed; the hot sweet pour of blood into his mouth while he lapped and sucked-- feeling the werewolf tremble within the circle of his arms.

He was filled with the senses of his mate and he would settle himself close to the other man on the way back home. He had a few things to do tonight, such as giving everyone the night off tomorrow-- so that the only people in Widogast Manor would be himself and Bren. ]

I will take care of you tonight, my darling.. my Chathtiu.

Good. I like that.

[He liked it so much. It soothed that instinct in him to safeguard his mate, to be close to him, and to take a certain amount of feeling safe and protected in his presence in turn. They were stronger together. They had always been stronger together.]

Keep me with you. That will be care taken enough.

[He was understating it. The werewolf very desperately needed to be held, to hold in return, to ground himself in the drowpire's presence.

Bren would linger close to Essek as they made their way out of the club and back to the car. He may have been walking on slightly weak and wobbly legs, but that did not stop him from glowering at any wolf who let their gaze linger to long on Essek, a low growl starting in his throat. Still too close to the moon for him not to be feeling protective and territorial where his mate was concerned.]

[ Essek did not believe that for a second, that Bren did not need that aftercare that he offered. He would make him accept it however; with arms that were tender and loving-- would stroke locks of amber fire and press kisses against that brow. All of the affection would be lavished on his soul's heart and the werewolf would be powerless to stop it. Just as the wolves were powerless to stop their speedy exit.

Essek nodded to Astarion as he walked by, a silent bid to 'keep the leashes on these werewolves strong' and then he was guiding Bren into the car so that they could ride back toward Widogast Manor. Within, he drew Bren into his arms and allowed for that cuddling while all around them the world passed by in a blur of motion.

Back into Widogast Manor, Essek left Bren very briefly so that he could let the staff know what the plans were for next night-- he gave them a rather hefty stipind to go out, enjoy themselves, party if they must and then return to the grounds once the sun rose where it would be business as usual. There was little questions though he could tell that there were some that got it (Cadeucus and Beau) but protection would be had; then he returned to Bren, so that he could continue the aftercare and then move onto the precare of just before the moon.

Those activities included a leisurely bath for the both of them, making sure that Bren had a good meal and was wrapped up in blankets; he tenderly plaited his love's hair and even gave him a manicure and pedicure, every single gesture was filled with love, so much love and then an hour before dawn, they retired to Essek's room where Essek continued to hold Bren until it was impossible to do so any longer, until he was the one who needed to be wrapped up in Bren's protective embrace, as the mantle of sleep wrapped around him.

Knowing that when they both woke up the next evening, they would have little time before Bren's transformation. ]

[Bren was thoroughly pampered by the drowpire, and bit by bit he seemed to settle back into himself. Essek was truly spoiling him, and he felt a bit overwhelmed by it, but he also wanted nothing more than to stay close to him.

By the time the sun rose and he lost Essek to the light, he was ready to drift off to sleep himself. His arms were settled securely around the other man, and he fell asleep that way, curled around him, exhausted from the night before, even if his blood was aboil with the impending moon that would rise the next night.

When day faded and darkness settled in once more, when Essek began to return to himself, Bren would already be awake, still curled around him but tense. More tense than he'd been since that night that Essek found him in the woods and brought him back home.]

[ Essek could feel the tenseness, it was the first thing he noticed-- the muscles were straining and every part was clenched; he could feel himself spiraling awake as he realized what time it was, the moon would be out soon, very soon-- within the hour; which meant that no time could be wasted. He remembered what he had promised Bren, that he would subdue him until they figured out how they would react to each other with the change.

They could not know how the bond would endure this.

He pressed a kiss to that forehead and then he wiggled his lethargic limbs to will life back into them and then he was searching for the rope that he had tucked within the drawers of his beside table. Once produced, he laid it on the bed and then he lifted his fingers to lightly curl through Bren's locks of hair. ]

Are you ready to be tied down, Chathtiu?

[ It ached that this would have to be done, but it had been Caleb's request, perhaps some deep seated fear that he'd hurt him, and Essek would respect those wishes. Underneath his fingertips, Bren felt feverish to the touch-- as if the beast was already struggling to get out. ] Will you be good for me?

[Bren's eyes shut briefly at the press of those lips to his forehead, remembering that he probably ought to breathe. Essek was right. He did feel feverish. Too hot, too restless, too close. His eyes were wide, blue subsumed by the black of pupils, a total eclipse that left only a small cerulean penumbra at the outer edges.]

I am ready. Hurry, please.

[He did not want to take the chance of being loose when the change took him. What if he tried to hurt Essek? What if he succeeded? But he still looked to Essek at that question, nodding.]

Always, Sternenlicht.

[And he managed a flicker of a smile.] We should try this sometime when the situation is less dire...

[Tie him up for fun sometime, Essek. Could be a good time.]

[ For a moment there was a bit of shock that Bren could manage a dose of levity, and then it sank in and he chuckled softly, even as he started to ease Bren onto his back and in a position where Essek could easily curl around the werewolf and lavish love on him.

Once his mate was in the appropriate place, he looped and knotted the rope around wrists. ] I promise you, when I tie you up.. I will use silk scarves. Unfortunately this is only utilitarian and I am afraid I will have to kiss much life into your wrists come the descent of the moon.

[ His lover deserved to be tied up yes, but he wanted there to be pleasure there, wanted to undo the werewolf; perhaps in the next week when Bren would be at his most submissive, all pliant and eager to please him. ] I promise you, there is not a should involved-- but rather, a will.

[That smile softened as Essek chuckled, the small moment to diffuse the tension that threatened to overwhelm the werewolf entirely. He would trust Essek to bind him securely, so that even in his other form he would not be able to tear the bonds free if he happened to sink into a frenzy at the presence of another after his change.

He settled back, letting Essek manipulate his limbs as he needed.]

Silk? You spoil me.

[Tonight though, the ropes, and really Bren would have been even happier were their chains. But he would trust this would do.]

If this goes badly, you will leave me here, ja? You promise. You will put distance between us and leave me to the change before I can get free of this bindings.

Despite your own opinion of yourself, you do deserve silk, Bren Ermendrud.

[ He was tightening the knots, making sure that they were secure. He would cut the other man out of them in the morning but for now they would do as he first did one and then the other in a series of complicated fastenings; he could've made it an art but for right now he was relying on expediency. ] If it helps soothe you, this rope is also magically fortified and will only be undone with a verbal component that only I know.

[ which was why the rope was not mind-numbingly tight. ]

If things go south, I need you to trust me in that I know how to take care of myself. I do not intend on meeting my end this day-- if you are able to work free of these fastenings, then I will merely dimension door away from you until you grow tired.

[ This was a compromise; Essek would tie Bren up, but he would not leave the other man-- because he would not abandon his mate. ]

Edited 2024-04-13 03:40 (UTC)

[Bren opened his mouth to protest that but closed it before he spoke. Essek meant those words, didn't he? So he wouldn't argue the point, would try to believe it himself. For now though he watched as those knots were tied.

Magic rope was good. He nodded. That was for the best. The wolf was strong, frighteningly strong.]

...Essek...

[A soft protest, lips pressing into a pout. Essek was not willing to leave him at all, was he? But after a moment, he nodded. He would trust the drowpire to be able to keep himself safe. He had to trust that.]

Ah... you have not eaten dinner. There is time before moonrise still. [He lifted his chin to bare his neck. Eat, Essek. Bren wanted him to be at his full strength.]

[ Essek had not eaten, and he probably would not have thought about it except that Bren called him out; once the knots were in place he leaned back and regarded the ginger man, all pale skin and haired chest; he was attempting to imagine this man covered with hair within his transformation, and then he blinked a bit as he was drawn back to the practicalities. ]

Ah, you do bring up an excellent point.

[ Finally Essek settled himself close to where Bren was laying down, and then he leaned down to nuzzle and hunt right against the neck, his teeth grazing. ] You are so good, offering me food.

[ He was dragging his teeth until finally he was creating a scratch that leaked a small copper trail, and then his tongue was pressing flat against the wound created, however miniscule it was. The deeper fact of the matter though was that every blood drawn was blood that strengthened their bond and finally he pierced that flesh in the exact place that was his favorite. ]

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