The Velvet Brew Lounge (NeroMeowington/ChibiMonkey)

[NeroMeowington]

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Welcome to the Velvet Brew Lounge​

We hope that you enjoy your stay​

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The Velvet Brew Lounge was a quaint little café placed at the corner next to a busy junction. The window walls on the façade allowed to have a clear view of the square across the street and the monument at the centre of it. Like always, it was a busy day: many people passed through this area of the city, day and night. Perhaps this was the reason why the owner chose this location, aside from the aesthetic qualities.

The café was small, having fifteen covers total and six of those were at the counter. It had everything to evoke a sense of serenity: leather couches, pillows, aromatic candles, soft orange lights, gentle music, and rustic furniture. Above the counter were the TV and the blackboard with the beverage and dessert menu, and for the right price, the barista could take a custom order.

A few of the regulars were already here – the local beat cop that always seemed to get the short end of the stick; the weary, soft-spoken attorney that often stayed up late to work a case; the taxi driver that came by for a latte at the start of his shift. In the middle of this cozy picture was the owner and the almost perpetual night shift barista, Kaoru Williams: a pale, slender, feminine male in his early-to-mid-twenties with medium-length wavy dark hair. He always wore a black polo shirt, dark jeans, and a brown apron for work, and tonight his habits haven't changed in the slightest.

The man's main point of sale wasn't his skill as a barista, even if he was pretty good; no, it was his hospitality. He had a knack for knowing what people want, when they want it, and how they want it done. He weaved the questions about his customers' desires into the conversation effortlessly, and offered a smile to kill for while they wait for their order.

Right now, Kaoru gracefully floated between the espresso machine, the dessert cake showcase, and the tea station, preparing the orders of his current patrons, whilst entertaining them with small talk.

"How goes the beat, officer Miller?"

"Nice and quiet, Kaoru, just the way I like it."

"Glad to hear it! I hope your colleague will come back from his sick leave in no time."

"You and me both, bud; God knows I don't like working nights."

Kaoru chuckled. "Well, a cup of coffee should make the wait more bearable."

Miller laughed.

"…freak storm is approaching the coast…" The newscaster chimed impassively.

 

[ChibiMonkey]

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Akiho Hajime

Akiho Hajime
Age: 23 - Occupation: Professional Ear/Body Piercer.
Playful/Flirt, however has a darker and serious side if transgressed. While not entirely masochistic, gets a thrill and rush out of pain and adrenaline. Part of his occupation of choice, both for aesthetic, and enjoyment of piercings in general.

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"Shit shit shit" an exasperated voice groaned beneath his own breath, talking to himself as hurried footsteps splashed through the growing puddles in the streets. In the increasing downpour of rain, growing heavier by the minute, all Akiho had to protect himself was a cotton hoodie, hands desperately clinging to the edges of his hood as he held it close over his head to keep the wind from knocking off what little protection he had from the cold rain.

By the time the severely underprepared young adult had arrived at the inviting warmth of his favorite cafe, Akiho was drenched. The bell chimed above his head, further welcoming the cold male inside the inviting warmth of Velvet Brew Lounge. What was more inviting though, more than the delicious aroma or warmth of the heated cafe, was that pleasant face of the evening barista - equally the owner of this homey cafe - which Akiho always looked forward to seeing.

"Mannnn~" the young male whined as he tried to shake as much water off of him by the doorway as he could before stepping further into the clean and dry cafe, some of his hair still having gotten wet despite the hood, and some dampened pieces of his long bangs sticking to the sides of his cheeks. "Why didn't anyone warn me it was going to rain?" he voiced aloud in a childish complaint at the familiar faces within the cafe. Akiho himself was a regular, with the usual group around this time of evening, if not later even. Because of that they all were familiar with one another and friendly, despite any class, age, or occupational gaps. Velvet Brew Lounge created a seemingly equal haven they could all gather on and find commonality under. Which was why the taxi driver could retort the way he had without it seeming like a random comment from a rude stranger.

"The weatherman did, Akiho. It's not his fault you don't pay attention" Taku teased with a soft chuckle as he took a sip of his latte, causing the younger male to pout at the chiding he received as he walked across the cafe once ensuring he dried his feet off on the welcome rug by the doorway. "Why would I? He's wrong half of the time anyways" he sighed as he pulled himself up to the counter, resting his forearms on it as he leaned forward "That's alright. Kaoru'll warm me up- won't you Mr. Owner?" he grinned at the familiar face behind the counter.

As always, Akiho's words had an underlying flirtatious tone and manner to them as he spoke of Kaoru warming him up. While he could easily enough be referencing to his usual order of hot white-chocolate mocha with extra syrup that would warm him up, Akiho equally didn't hide his flirtatious tone of the double meaning, referring to Kaoru himself warming him up. This was just how Akiho always was, while he naturally had a playful air to him in the way he spoke, that was especially prevalent with his favorite barista. The service and items at Velvet Brew Lounge were a cut above the rest to begin with, but what really kept Akiho coming back was the owner he'd taken an interest in. He would never force himself on the other of course, but he didn't suppose there was any harm in his playful and flirtatious antics with the attractive male.[/spoiler]

 

[NeroMeowington]

The moment Akiho got inside he'd feel that familiar sensation, a type of unobtrusive radiance that only a few select individuals possess, the kind that makes you want to listen to a person, that makes you feel understood and welcomed in just the way one wants to be understood and welcomed. Kaoru made great use of his newfound powers: whilst already charming as a mortal, his supernatural abilities only augmented it further. The barista didn't skip a beat: by the time the body piercer stepped through the door, he was already making the usual order. He heard the man cursing outside well before he entered – a perk of his condition.

"That's alright. Kaoru'll warm me up- won't you Mr. Owner?"

"Of course I will, that's why I'm here: to keep your heart warm." Kaoru knew of the affection Akiho felt for him from the man's heartbeat whenever the barista flirted back. In but a few moments, a tall glass of mocha stood on the counter in front of Akiho, two straws in it instead of one, and a knowing, mischievous smile from Kaoru.

"Look what the cat dragged in." The attorney, Lillian Murphy, spoke with an exhausted smile on her face as she typed something intensely on her laptop that sat on the counter. She was a brunette lady with a wolf cut, in her mid-to-late-thirties, who wore a formal black pantsuit, the top buttons of her white dress shirt now undone. "You know, there's a convenience store with an umbrella on almost every street around here, right?"

"She has a point, Akiho. I'll be back in a moment." Kaoru said and disappeared into the backrooms of the café. When he came back, he carried a towel, which he placed alongside the mocha glass. "You're soaking wet. Dry yourself off, I don't want you to catch a cold." He said, his warm hand on Aki's, the double-entendre half-intentional. "How was work today? Did that lady, Angela, I believe? That wanted her left helix pierced, did she ever come around?"

"The kids these days…" Miller shook his head.

"The kids were always like this, officer." Kaoru chuckled. "Just remember your youth."

"We don't talk about my youth." Miller grumbled, and Kaoru and Lillian both laughed softly in response.

 

[ChibiMonkey]

Kaoru's response had Aikiho's eyes brightening and grin widening just a bit with delight. He always enjoyed the barista's company - even if the charming barista was just being hospitable to his customer, Akiho thoroughly enjoyed their interactions, and particularly whenever the man received and even returned his flirting antics. His heart swelled with a surge of warmth, both with Kaoru's flirtatious response back at him as well as quirking an eyebrow when he noticed his drink being accompanied with two straws instead of one, lifting his gaze back up at his barista only for his heart to skip a soft beat at that alluring, mischievous smile of Kaoru's.

Lillian's voice distracted him from his flutter, turning his head to glance over at the woman as she spoke of how easily it would be to grab an umbrella, with Kaoru agreeing before stepping off briefly. "If I did that every time I needed an umbrella, I could open up my own umbrella store" he grinned cheekily, with no shame about how he could sometimes be a bit forgetful and underprepared to such an extent he often found himself in such situations.

Feeling a warm hand on his own, Aikiho's gaze was immediately was pulled back to Kaoru with the other's words. "If I do, will you nurse me back to health?" he hummed playfully, sliding his fingers across Kaoru's hand, before reluctantly pulling his hand back so he could properly dry himself off. Pulling back from his leaned position on the counter, he grabbed the bottom hem of his soaked hoodie and pulled it off over his head, leaving him in his dark jeans still of course, and now black t-shirt with a semi-low v neck, with a couple pink cherry-blossom flower designs scattered on the bottom hem of it.

Grabbing the towel, he dried off the most he could, leaving the towel draped across his shoulders as he leaned in and took a sip from his hot drink, that equally aiding in warming his chilled core as he listened to Kaoru's inquiry about his work day. "Ah, yeah. She came by just this morning actually. I ended up talking her into a double helix, it just looked so much better on her than the one" he spoke as he finally actually took a seat at the counter stool, his wet sweater draped over the back of it.

"You know officer, it's never too late to get yourself a piercing" he grinned mischievously at the older man when he commented on 'kids these days', knowing the man would never dare. "I bet you'd look really cool. Women would just be asking you to handcuff them" he snickered, his words of course not the innocent intentions of being handcuffed for normal reasons of breaking laws, but the more playful and sexual sense. His words causing the relatively quiet taxi driver to snort out in laugher against his drink. "Ah yeah. I bet the wife would love that, huh Miller?"

Propping his right elbow up on the countertop, resting his chin in his palm, his gaze eventually landed back on Kaoru. "I could give you one too, Kaoru. Free of charge - I could even get us matching earrings" he winked.

 

[NeroMeowington]

It was endearing, watching the man squirm from such subtle gestures. Kaoru was an adept at the game and, right now, he really wanted to see if Akiho could keep up.

"That's really a part of the problem." Lillian quipped in response, then stretched her arms and shoulders with a tired groan. "I think I'm done; it's been a long day." The woman stood up, picked up her umbrella and satchel, and proceeded to leave. "Oh, and Kaoru, about that thing?"

"Tomorrow evening." Kaoru smiled softly. "You take care now."

"Well, that was mysterious." Taku spoke after the door closed shut with a thud.

"Ah, it's nothing serious: just a personal favour."'

"Whatever you say, kid."

The offer to nurse Akiho back to health elicited a chuckle out of Kaoru: the irony of it wasn't lost on the man. "If you make it worth my while, I just might." Kaoru smirked and winked subtly, just for the body piercer's eyes alone. "I like your shirt; the floral pattern is very vibrant." he said and, for just a second, fixed his gaze on Akiho's exposed neck. He concealed his enjoyment of that view, for it was the predator within that beckoned Kaoru to sink his fangs and taste that sweet, viscous, crimson liquid.

"Quite the salesman you are." Kaoru smiled. "A double-helix surely costs more than the single."

Before long, Miller and the cabbie finished their drinks as well and bid Akiho and Kaoru a good evening. Both had jobs to do, and time was money. The café was empty for now, just the barista, the body piercer, the sound of pouring rain against the windows, and the pleasant background music. Between the large foot and car traffic in the area and the rain, though, there would be a customer or a few here soon.

Kaoru leaned on the counter and looked at Akiho expectantly: he wanted to know what the next move was.

 

[ChibiMonkey]

Akiho was just as curious as the cabbie was in regards to some 'personal favor' that seemed to have been made between Lillian and Kaoru, but the body piercer didn't think too much of it, other than simple mere curiosity as he moved on with the flow of energy and conversation in the cafe after Lillian left.

He grinned cheekily at Kaoru as he was called out on the increased sale he ended up making from Angela, the male simply shrugging his shoulders "hey, it is how pay my bills" he spoke unashamed. "Besides, the double really did look better on her. But yeah, 'course making a couple extra bucks doesn't hurt either" he hummed as he sipped at his drink, eyes silently watching the two older men as they were eventually soon up and on their way out to make their own money.

Shifting his gaze back on his attractive barista, a playful glint shimmered in Aikiho's eyes as he was left alone with Kaoru, watching the dark-haired male meeting his own gaze as he leaned in closer. "So Kaoru" he hummed as he kept his chin resting in his palm as it had been, gaze playfully eying his barista "You never did respond to my offer to pierce you. What do you say? Or..." he hummed aloud in thought as his thoughts briefly trailed in wonder, before taunting the other with a conclusion he was oblivious to just how ironic his words were. "Or... do you have an aversion to pain and blood? Maybe you're the type that gets squimish with those things?" he questioned, half in a playful jest and taunt, but also half wondering, before smirking softly "Though, I wouldn't mind making you squirm."

 

[NeroMeowington]

Kaoru did chuckle from the irony of the comment, and his smile got wider and coyer; he obviously liked the bolder approach. The offer was tempting. "I wouldn't mind either of those things… though I don't suppose you just want to make me squirm, do you?" The barista leaned ever closer; the last words almost whispered in Akiho's ear. He usually kept his loose polo's buttons undone and the angle was intentionally picked to give the body piercer a sneak peek at Kaoru's slender, pale body.

He felt the blood pumping through the arteries and veins in the neck, so alive, so full of desire. It was so tempting to sink his fangs in it right here and now, but Kaoru restrained himself, gliding his tongue over his teeth and lips instead: he knew better than to feed in public like that, especially in his own café. He went back behind the counter. "But not right now, sweetheart." Kaoru giggled playfully. "Let's say tomorrow evening after eight, hm? I'll get Lucia to do the night shift. Where we go… is your pick. Surprise me." He winked.

Kaoru started sweeping the counter and cleaning the cups and the dessert plates left by the previous customers, his body language now deliberately sensual, with a lot of flirtatious hip swaying and risqué angles that showed more of his body than before. He wanted to enjoy this sensation of being the forbidden fruit, turning the tables on Akiho.

 

[ChibiMonkey]

Aikiho's eyes lit up a bit when he wasn't immediately rejected at the playful idea of making Kaoru squirm. While he knew the barista's behavior well enough by now that he wouldn't be rudely shot down and ignored for such flirtatious taunts, the brunet was still charming and smooth as ever, that Kaoru could probably shoot him down in such a charming way that it would be hard for Akiho to be upset. Much to his delight though, Kaoru continued to return such flirtations. And more than that.

The human's eyes briefly widened a bit in surprise when Kaoru actually invited and encouraged such an offer, setting a time. He could feel a chill of excitement run through his spine at such a prospect. It wasn't just flirting anymore...but it seemed like something far more real and promised.

His surprised expression didn't last long, eyes darkening a bit with desire as they fell down the path of Kaoru's now exposed neckline and collar bone where the top buttons of his shirt hung loosely open, his thoughts unable to keep from wandering.

His face was soon shifting into a grin "Alright" he nodded with a mischievous smirk "It's a date, then" he concluded, whether Kaoru was fully thinking of it as a date or not, that is entirely what Akiho decided it would be. "I'll stop by and pick you up at 8 then" he further confirmed the time and he'd come pick the other up.

As he finished off the rest of his drink, Akiho didn't try and hide his wandering eyes as he watched the others flawless body smoothly move around the counters. He couldn't help the slight excitement in his heartbeat as he eyed the other, and thought about all the possibilities for tomorrow night.

Akiho hung around the cafe for a little while longer, even as a couple other patrons strolled in and broke the enjoyable time alone he'd had with Kaoru. Soon taking his leave, Akiho stood up, pulling his still damp hoodie back on "Don't forget Kaoru. Tomorrow" he waved with a wink, before soon taking his leave back into the rain of the night.

 

[NeroMeowington]

"I would never forget about this, darling." Kaoru said softly as Akiho turned to leave. He left a card with an address for the body piercer. He called Lucia, his ghoul, to inform her about the night shift. It was a fair bargain – she had most of her days free, but from time to time, he'd entrust her with the café's operations. That way when there were strange visitors after dusk that left messages for Kaoru, there would be no alarm.

"Lucia? I hope you weren't sleeping."

"What?" She sounded drowsy. "No, boss."

"Alright. Take the night shift tomorrow. I have somewhere to be."

She yawned. "Okay. Is there uh, something else I need to know?"

"There's a parcel for Mrs. Murphy in the safe. Use discretion."

"You got it, boss."

The date was set. Driving home in his third-generation Mazda RX-7, Kaoru's mind drifted. He wondered if some unexpected business would come up as it often happened in a Kindred's tumultuous existence. Streets passed, but in his mind, he played out all the scenarios of how things may go wrong, and while it doured the romantic mood, it brought a certain calmness. Whatever may come his way, Kaoru would be prepared for it.

The rest of the night he spent choosing clothes and makeup. Outside of work, he always dressed to impress. Countless hours spent in the wardrobe and in-front of a trifold vanity mirror were hours well-spent if he managed to look his absolute best. Come dawn, he settled on a burgundy blazer, a matching beret, a white crop top, black shorts, and stylish shoes. A smoky eye shadow that outlined his blue eyes and a subtle outline looked like a good fit.

As the Sun steadily rose above the horizon, the vitae that kept Kaoru's body animated during the night slowly ground to a halt, urging him to sleep a cold, dreamless slumber that only released him come nightfall.

After doing some minor errands, at the designated time, Kaoru was there. He had a small tasteful purse that didn't hold anything significant – it was mostly there for the looks – and a balisong hiding in his jacket pocket.

 

[ChibiMonkey]

When offered the card Akiho had taken it without hesitation. He was looking forward to their date, after all. He had expected he would just come pick him up at the cafe, but he didn't mind an alternate location provided either, whether it was Kaoru's home address or a neutral one for them to meet up at.

After going home that evening, Akiho much like Kaoru, had spent quite some time picking out his outfit for tomorrow. While it's not like it was the first Kauro had seen him in casual clothing...it was the first Akiho was putting in such effort to look good. It's not that he never wanted to look good around the other previously, but usually those times at the cafe were him stopping by right after work, so his attire was always on the more casual and relaxed side.

He had ended up settling for a pair of black denim pants which had several large intentional rips in each pant leg. The pants were snug and fitted to his legs. With each large tear and open holes in his pant legs, there were fishnet that covered over the holes where his soft flesh was exposed beneath them. His shoes were black stylish sneakers with white and red seams and trims that stood out against the dark fabric of the sneaker. His shirt was loose-fitting, with a low draping v-neck, low enough to expose some of his toned, smooth chest, with the upper part of the neckline equally open and and hanging loose around his collarbone. It was a short sleeve, solid dark maroon shirt, where when worn he'd have the front of the shirt loosely tucked into his pants. Along with his usual piercings, his wrists and fingers were tastefully decorated in jewelry, nothing too extravagant, but just an extra layer of his style to his attire, along with a necklace that hung low on the exposed flesh of his chest. He wore a subtle but nicely fragrant pheromone cologne, not one full of chemicals but one that melded nicely with his natural scent, and brought out the sweetness of his natural scent all the more.

When he arrived at the designated location, Akiho had arrived early, not wanting to risk being late. When Kaoru had shown up, he smiled brightly at his date, waving at the other while his eyes took in the rare appearance of seeing his crush outside of his usual barista uniform and attire. "Hey cutie" he grinned as he approached the other "You look even hotter than usual" he hummed at the other, reaching a hand to gently press the side of his index knuckle under Kaoru's chin, smirking softly at him "Ready for a good time?" he cooed, eyes alight with excitement and desire.

 

[NeroMeowington]

"Why, thank you, darling." Kaoru smiled, the boldness in Akiho was incredibly amusing; the body piercer thought he was in control. The barista pressed his body against the man's, wrapped one hand around the waist and cupped the cheek with the other. His face was a mere inch away from Akiho's, and he gazed into the man's eyes lovingly. "You don't look half-bad yourself, and you smell lovely." He whispered, his hot breath landing gently on Akiho's ear.

And then Kaoru stepped away after teasing him thoroughly, leaning towards the man in a coquettish manner and grinning widely. "I'm excited to find out where it is you'll be taking me. If I'm impressed… maybe I'll let you have what you want." Kaoru winked.

"Do you have a car, or should we take mine?" He pointed towards the black Mazda RX-7 with an orange geometric pattern that stood on the parking lot nearby. It was a sports car and then some: taken good care of, with a modified suspension that a trained eye would know is meant for drifting. If probed, Kaoru would simply respond with a smile and the words, "I like driving fast."

 

[ChibiMonkey]

Akiho could feel the heat immediately raise to his cheeks at Kaoru's encouraged closeness, accepting the playful behavior and even giving some of his own. He loved this feeling though, and the fact that Kaoru could so flawlessly keep up with his quips. It wasn't only amusing, but exciting as well. It had him wanting to taunt and play with the barista all the more, especially when Kaoru's hot breath against his ear caused a shiver to run down his spine.

He chuckled softly at the male's comment regarding finding out where they were going and the potential of what could happen if impressed. "Well, hopefully I live up to your standards. I'm confident I can impress you though" he grinned with a playful wink. "But if not, just promise you'll still be my favorite barista at least" he chuckled softly, before his eyes fell on the direction of the car that was pointed out when the inquiry of driving came up. Akiho had to admit he was impressed, and admired the care briefly with a soft whistle "Some ride for a barista" he teased lightly.

"As much as I'd love for you to take me for a ride..." he commented, his words alluring with an underlying innuendo of referring to more than just the vehicle. "I wouldn't be a proper date to have you drive when I was the one to ask you out" he grinned as he slipped his arm low around the others waist. "It's this way" he began walking as he lead the other with him, walking to his car "You don't mind me driving right? I promise I won't kidnap you" he teased playfully, arriving at his deep blue honda accord ex. He opened the passenger side for Kaoru, before getting in on the opposite side. It was a newer year of the line of accords, and sportier in aesthetic than the average non-sports car - but by no means was it a true sports car of course. After all, he was just a humble body-piercer, with a humble paycheck to match. He wasn't broke by any means, and lived more than comfortably with spare money, but it was because he knew how to manage it well.

After Kaoru was in, he shut the passenger door and got in on the drivers side "a date after 8pm is a bit limited on options that aren't straight up scandalous...but I like to think I'm creative. So you'll find out when we get there" he spoke as he began driving, playfully keeping their destination a secret until they arrived. It wasn't hard to take a guess though a short bit into the drive, as they were getting closer to the beach. Where they lived, it was more downtown and populated, so the direction Akiho drove was pretty obvious when it was towards the beach, with not much else being out this way unless you're going on a long road trip.

With about a fifteen minute drive, Akiho made smalltalk along the way, and insisted Kaoru pick out any music if they listened to any on the way. He hardly knew much about the male after all, other than that he was definitely his type, and a great barista and owner of the cafe. Things as simple as music Akiho didn't even know, so he was interested to hear what the male would pick for them to listen to.

 

[NeroMeowington]

The streetlight scarcely outlined Kaoru's silhouette as they walked towards the car, giving beautiful and ghastly qualities to his appearance. The effeminate man swayed his hips seductively along the way, and Akiho would find that he barely needed to support his date at all – Kaoru's movements had a natural, effortless grace.

"I'm sure you'd love to ride… with me." Kaoru smirked. "That's a beautiful sedan you have." He quipped as he entered the vehicle. He quickly fastened the seatbelt and relaxed in the shotgun chair. "Kidnapping does sound scandalous." He chuckled. "I don't mind it, but I do like the secrecy. It makes me want to know more." Kaoru spoke sultrily.

"Usually it's the driver's pick, but I'll take the offer, thank you." Kaoru connected his phone to the vehicle's sound system and turned on one of his personal playlists, the one titled, "Fun". The man certainly had a particular definition of fun: the music on the playlist consisted of various tracks that were wildly different in style, tempo, genre, and obscurity, from mainstream performers to the completely unknown local artists, from electro, microhouse, and trance to hip-hop and metal, from sexual to chaste lyrics, old and new. They did share something in common with each other: a sense of fluidity; the flow and the rhythm compelled one to move. Akiho would notice that Kaoru in particular loved music that actively used rhythmic and melodic vocal chops as the core element. The man swayed to the beat, comfortable and relaxed, and sang along during sections and choruses that he particularly liked and his singing was actually decent, though not exceptional.

"Can you feel it?" Kaoru asked at some point, swaying side-to-side in his seat. "The pulse of the city, living, breathing in the streetlight and storefronts? The rush of cool night air? It's there even if you're stuck in rush-hour traffic. When you pick up on it, I promise you – there's nothing quite like it, darling." And he danced, enjoying himself, and made a point of indecently touching Akiho in passing when the man didn't have to drive, just enough to keep him riled up.

 

[ChibiMonkey]

With Kaoru’s relenting to being in charge of music, Akiho was pleased, looking forward to discovering what the other picked for their short ride. He wasn’t entirely sure what he’d been expecting, but he ended up being surprised by the mix of the playlist.

He did enjoy the music, but what he enjoyed most was watching Kaoru dance from the corner of his eyes, whenever he had a moment to pull his eyes away from the road briefly. Watching Kaoru sway to the music, and the occasional touches he received...

"If you keep teasing me, Kaoru, I'm going to want to skip the actual date part of this" he taunted with a mischievous smirk as he glanced at the other again through the corner of his eyes with a playful glint. It wasn't much longer after that though, they soon arrived at the beach and Akiho was parking.

"The life of the city is truly exciting. You're right, day or night, it's like the city is alive itself. It never sleeps. It's truly captivating" he agreed, before undoing his seatbelt. Taking a chance, seeing as he got interesting and fun reactions out of Kaoru whenever he was more bold, Akiho was then bracing himself with one arm on the armrest divider between their seats, and leaning over the other, his free hand, fingers gently grasping at the others chin and tilting it up as he met the others bright gaze, face just inches from the other "much like you are" he breathed, lips ghosting against Kaoru's lips with each of those last word, before he closed the little gap left and softly pressed his lips against the barista's.

 

[NeroMeowington]

Kaoru donned a sensual expression when Akiho began making moves. He placed his hand on the back Akiho's neck and tenderly pressed on it. Oh, how tempting it was for Kaoru to extend his fangs and draw blood from the lip, even just a taste would be intoxicating. He leaned deeply into the kiss with the excitement of a predator about to strike his prey, holding his lover close. But to indulge right now simply meant sex, and the thrill of the date would be lost. The man brushed his other hand on Akiho's groin and squeezed it teasingly, and without proceeding any further, he let go.

"We'll get to the good part…" Kaoru said and playfully nibbled on Akiho's neck. "But not right now. You promised you'd impress me, didn't you?" He gave the body piercer a little kiss on the cheek and fixed his hair. "Show me what you had in store."

 

[ChibiMonkey]

Kaoru’s lips on his own was tantalizing. He had only meant for a quick soft kiss to hold himself over until later, but when he finally felt those lips on his own, he couldn’t help but linger.

A spark of electricity shot through him from his groin when he was groped, but he pulled back despite he growing desires. “That I did” he agreed, relenting as he pulled back from the other “come on” he smiled as he then got out of the car.

Popping the trunk of his car, he retrieved a hidden bag. It was nothing suspicious or daunting by any means, though its contents remained a secret - mostly. Any keen senses would be able to smell the aroma of baked goods and coffee. Hooking the straps of the relatively small beach bag, Akiho led his date onto the beach, where they would find a large beach blanket already set up, with some battery operated candles - Akiho would have used real ones, but didn't want to risk a fire or hazard since he had set it up in advance before going to pick Kaoru up, and leaving the items alone.

Bowing playfully like a butler, he outstretched his hand to the blanket "After you, sweetheart" he cooed, before soon joining the other on the blanket. Given the hour, and the fact it had rained heavily the day prior, the beach was empty at this time of evening. Thankfully, the weather had let up perfectly, and the sand dried out, so that it wasn't wet, not too cold to be out on the beach.

Sitting beside Kaoru, he placed the mystery bag before them. "I can't promise it's as good as the Velvet Brew Lounge's, I wouldn't want to put you out of business after all" he teased lightly "but I figured you're always the one serving me, so you deserve a break, and to be waited on and served" he smiled at the other warmly.

As playful and flirtatious as he could be with Kaoru, he was equally as serious about his interest and intentions with the other. He had a genuine interest the male, and wanted to spoil him. While he didn't have his own cafe or wasn't any chef, when it came to baking he was quite adept, and thus had made some baked pastries for them, along with coffee he had brewed and packed in a large thermo before leaving his place for the date.

 

[NeroMeowington]

Just a few decades ago Kaoru would consider this gesture beyond romantic. Now, beyond being visibly enraptured by the presentation, the man simply thought, "A shame I'll have to vomit it all out later.", and the thought, for a brief second, reminded him of sadness. While he could still taste, come dawn all that he ate and drank would come out the same way – a grim reminder of what he was. He stared longingly and wistfully at the coffee and the desserts, before taking a seat on the beach blanket. "This looks amazing, darling." Kaoru cooed and took a sip of the offered coffee and a single small bite out of the offered pastries. "I like it. The technique could use some work, but it's the charm that's important. Skill doesn't matter if there's no love, because with love comes the genuine effort." It wasn't a lie: there was potential hidden here.

The waves of the ocean mellowly broke against the shoreline and rolled backwards, the lights of the amusement park on the pier and the Ferris wheel reflected against the water in a mesmerising kaleidoscope of colours. "The last time I was at the beach, I found a few people huddled around a campfire just by the shore. Called themselves 'The Chucklefucks'." Kaoru giggled. "I spent half the night with them, talking and trading stories. Good people, wanderers for the hell of it. There was a guy with them, Red. Rude, brash, loud, beard that puts Gimli to shame, and a mean poker player. Best damn fingerstyle guitarist I've ever heard. He made that acoustic sing. The guitar needed a smoke after that." The giggle turned into a soft laugh. "Never found them again. They probably kept on going and never stopped, and honestly?" Kaoru glanced at Akiho, his body towards the water. "All the best to them."

"It's why I opened a café instead of something with a higher profit margin, and why I work the night shift, you know. The people that come to get a coffee after dusk, they have the most interesting stories to tell, even about the small things, like a chance encounter with someone they loved and that spark reignited, or an interesting movie or book they read."

The more Kaoru spoke, the more relaxed he seemed. He was still careful to not let an accidental truth slip off his tongue, but telling half-truths instead of outright lies was refreshing. "Don't get me wrong, though, I'm a bit more than just a voyeur of other people's lives. I can do parkour, for example. Dead serious." Kaoru smiled softly.

 

[ChibiMonkey]

Sitting with the other as he was complimented on the items, he smiled softly as he leaned back on his hands behind him "You don't have to lie if you don't like it, I won't be offended" he spoke honestly with a genuine smile. While it was true he wanted to impress the other with his skills in the kitchen, he also had picked up on the seemingly initial hesitation behind Kaoru upon seeing the display. Otto wasn't sure if he was overthinking it perhaps... but he did hope he didn't end up boring the male.

Looking back out at the crashing waves, he listened as Kaoru explained one encounter he'd had in the late of the night on the beach. Hearing his laughter, he was captivated and found his gaze lingering back on the other, unable to help the soft smile on his face. Watching Kaoru talk, learning even small stories like this, was fr more interesting to Akiho than clubbing, or sitting in silence together to watch a movie they may or may not like.

"I had always wondered about that. Not many cafes are open so late - findings yours was like a warm light after a long day and night. And finding you in it, that was just icing on top" he chuckled a bit as he turned his gaze back out to the water.

"I find the beach incredibly relaxing from the constant hustle and bustle of the city. It's refreshing, when you can get so caught up in the constant swarms and noise of the city, feeling like a speck in it all....the beach has a grounding affect, reminding you do exist...and apart of something so huge. The world is just like one massive beehive."

It wasn't the first time he was alone with Kaoru. There had been plenty of times at the cafe when other customers weren't around and it was just the two of them. But this was different, and the first time it felt like they could relax and talk, outside of an owner and customer relationship.

"Parkour?" he laughed, the chuckles falling from his lips as he tried to imagine Kaoru doing such a thing "Really? Now that I've got to see sometime" He spoke "Parkour, dancing in the car...I'm thinking I failed and should have taken you dancing or something. Although on second thought I wouldn't want to tire you out too much this early on....there will be plenty of time for that later" he winked playfully at the other.

 

[NeroMeowington]

"I had always wondered about that. Not many cafes are open so late - findings yours was like a warm light after a long day and night. And finding you in it, that was just icing on top"

"I get that a lot, darling." Kaoru smiled. "I just have that magnetic personality."

"I find the beach incredibly relaxing from the constant hustle and bustle of the city. It's refreshing, when you can get so caught up in the constant swarms and noise of the city, feeling like a speck in it all... the beach has a grounding affect, reminding you do exist... a part of something so huge. The world is just like one massive beehive."

"I wouldn't say it's a beehive. Bees work together; they live and die by the will of the Queen that always propels them forward. You have to agree here: the world at large isn't as cooperative as the bees are. The beach, though, the beach does ground you." Kaoru paused, contemplating. "I have to show you a place I find to be the same for me, some time. It's not in the city though; it'll be quite a drive, but the view is worth it nonetheless." He slowly moved closer to Akiho and wrapped his arm around the other's waist, staring at the crescent moon high in the night sky.

"Parkour? Really? Now that I've got to see some time."

"I can do a lot of things, not just parkour. I can make a car drift on the edge of a canyon, tried and tested." Kaoru grinned to himself, obviously enjoying the memory. "Knowing that, at any point, I can climb on top of a building, jump over a fence, run across rough terrain, or descend from a twenty-foot ledge on the street; knowing that I can make a car leap and swirl and rush down the road at my command, or take down an overly aggressive person – it gives me freedom, power. Control. And the rush you get walking on the blade's edge? It never gets old."

"Although, on a second thought, I wouldn't want to tire you out too much this early on... there will be plenty of time for that later."

"You'd be surprised at my stamina. I bet a hundred you'll hardly stand on your legs before dawn." Kaoru smirked and, testing that, touched Akiho's thigh with the hand he had wrapped around the man. "You're already riled up. Think you can keep up?"

 

[ChibiMonkey]

"Ah, that's true" he agreed when Kaoru countered his comparison to the world being like a beehive "Humankind certainly isn't as organized or cooperative. Moreso, I was just referring to the busy, constant-workings of a hive." Otherwise though, Akiho definitely realized the inaccuracy in his comparison and agreed with Kaoru on that much. Humankind was far too seflfish and cruel to truly work together like a beehive.

Hearing the things Kaoru experienced, his talents and skills, they were all things Akiho was interested in learning more of, and experiencing more first hand. He lived for the thrill and excitement of life, very much having been compared to as an adrenaline-junky before.

'You're just as enthralling as your pastimes" he spoke as he leaned into the other, his left arm snaking around the small of Kaoru's back, fingertips dancing across the exposed skin of his midriff beneath his jacket from his crop-top he was wearing. "I'd love for you to show me your talents" he cooed against the others ear, referring to both his pastime talents such as drifting on cliff edges...to the more discreet talents of the intimate and sexual nature.

He smirked softly at the others hand on his thigh, and his playful taunts about keeping up, and his betting dare. "I can do more than keep up, baby. I'll take you up on that bet. You mentioned you like power and control..." He spoke against the others neck, lips brushing up towards the others ear playfully as he taunted him "I'll make you lose it tonight."

 

[NeroMeowington]

Upon awakening every night, without failure, Kaoru forced the vitae, coursing through his dead veins, to reanimate his body; to give it the appearance of life. It was a disguise, but it worked well – his heart was beating, and his skin felt warm to the touch. Kaoru cooed quietly at the gentle caress of his body by his companion.

"Let's test that theory. I'd like a taste." Kaoru smiled, wrapped his arms around the lover, and kissed him. It was a trained motion; one he'd done a hundred times before. He began with the mouth, nibbling at lips, then trailed off to the side, caressing the ear, before descending to the neck and, after a single playful smooch, he sunk his fangs into the jugular vein, and the instant he did that all the problems of the world went away. Blood was everything – it was food, drink, sleep, sex, and more. It was a purposeful plan to rile his companion up: the taste is always enhanced by the emotion of the victim, and Kaoru liked them happy, yearning for pleasure. A sip. Another one. His hand crept beneath the ripped jeans and masturbated Akiho to further enrich the taste. One more sip. And release.

Had there been a necessity to kill the victim every time, Kindred would be exterminated quickly from all the exsanguinated bodies littering the streets. Instead, Kaoru simply licked the wound close and held Akiho by the head so he wouldn't fall over from minor anaemia. He looked at his lover lovingly, visibly more relieved. "How are you feeling, love?" Kaoru asked, extricating his hand. "Don't worry. Nobody saw us."

 

[ChibiMonkey]

Akiho was entirely naive and clueless to the 'taste' Kaoru wanted, and was referring to. His mind was entirely one-tracked in that moment, and he grinned a bit in excitement. He eagerly returned the kiss, pressing closer to the other as his hand slipped around the others back more, his arm fully hooking around his waist and pulling him close. Even as the kiss broke, he was swept up in the excitement and desire coursing through him, a shiver running down his spine as he felt the other's lips dance across his neckline.

The moment he felt that sharpness piercing his flesh, he gasped out as his eyes briefly widened in unexpected surprise. Just as quickly though, his surprise was washed over with a euphoric high, eyes glazing over slightly as his cheeks flushed a soft pink, feeling his heart rate pick up, the vein pulsing against Kaoru's lips and fangs. The arm around Kaoru's waist hugged tighter, both for support as he felt the slight daze of lightheadedness, but also from the desire welling up inside him, unable to help the soft moan that fell from his lips as the other groped hm.

"Nng...Kaoru..." he breathed the other's name, full of desire. Another pleasurable shiver crept over his spine as he felt the hot, wet tongue glide over the wound. He blinked a few times as he heard the other asking him a question, it taking his hazy mind half a moment to play catch up through the light fog that was clearing. His eyes then widened a bit with realization as what just happened finally fully registered in his head, now that he wasn't fully under the effects of that euphoric sensation. "Ah...feeling fine..." he trailed off as he stared at his crush dumbfoundedly for a moment, how he was feeling being the last question on his mind in that moment. "You um...you..." he struggled to find the words to ask, without sounding like an idiot, or weirdo, before finally just stating it. "....you're a...vampire?" The sentence sounded weird, it never having been something he thought he'd say or call someone. Vampire were make-believe after all, weren't they? But what Kaoru just did....there wasn't another explanation, was there? Not a normal one, anyways.

 

[NeroMeowington]

Oh. Fuck. That never happened before. Not one of his victims usually remembered the act of feeding, they mostly perceived it as something sexual in nature. Kaoru projected outward composure and activated his supernatural charm to make his words appear more compelling, but within him a hurricane of panic has been born. "Hm? What do you mean?" He chuckled. "I'll take it as a compliment to the skill of my hand." He attempted to salvage the situation, a picture of what would happen if he didn't was shaped clearly in his head. "Besides, you're not bleeding, are you?" The man traced his fingers over the neck where there was not a single trace of a wound from which he sucked blood moments ago.

The problem had to be solved now. He wouldn't let Akiho go.

Not alive.

 

[ChibiMonkey]

Akiho's mind was a whirlwind of confusion. He knew it was crazy to call someone a vampire....but he definitely hadn't imagined what just happened. At first, Kaoru did have him questioning himself. It was unimaginable to believe, after all. His brows furrowed a bit in confusion as he contemplated, second guessing himself. But the more the fog cleared from his head, the more he was sure he'd felt the other biting him - and while it was pleasurable, it didn't feel like past pleasurable love-bites. He could definitely feel a red-hot like warmth radiate from where Kaoru had bitten him. But it was as Kaoru said... when he pressed a hand to his neck as though to check, it was true, and he wasn't bleeding.

"I'm not..." he agreed although trailed off, uncertainty in his voice "Sorry, I must be crazy" he gave a half-hearted laugh "I swear it felt like..." he mused as he averted his gaze to the side. He wasn't bleeding, so he couldn't confirm what he had accused the other of being... though as his eyes drifted to Kaoru's lips, another possibility crossed his mind. While his neck wasn't bleeding...

"You can ignore me" he smiled warmly at the other, feigning believing the other and that he truly was just imagining things. But he had an ulterior goal, wanting to confirm something. Gently grasping the others chin, he leaned in as he kissed the other, it coming off as nothing more then a lingering kiss of desire from the others touches. Which, while true the pleasurable sensation of the others touch lingered, he had a different goal in that moment. As his tongue danced over Kaoru's lips, and even slipped inside his mouth, he found what he was looking for.

Parting his lips back from the other, though not fully pulling back, he remained close to the male, lips just a breath a part as his fingers remain gently grasping the others chin, as he spoke against the others lips. "But if I'm wrong, why do you taste like blood?"

 

[NeroMeowington]

All bets were off. Even if he made up a plausible lie, there was no guarantee that Akiho wouldn't start asking the wrong kinds of questions. All of the sudden, the very atmosphere surrounding the barista changed; his power to influence other's emotional perception of him wasn't just for charming – it could also instil a supernatural sense of dread, and that was useful now. The grip Kaoru held on the man tightened. Akiho would find himself unable to escape it even if he tried to do so violently – his date appeared to be much, much stronger than he looked. "Akiho." Kaoru looked Akiho in the eye, and didn't blink anymore. "I don't know why you remember. Nobody does. I wanted so much for you to stop pursuing this line of thought. You will keep quiet now, lest I snap your neck right here on this beach."

"I want you to understand something very clearly: there's a good reason you didn't know about this before. It's because those that find out only have a few options. You either die, or become my retainer. Potentially, a childe. There are no other exits for you now, the moment you asked the question was the point of no return. Normally, I would've killed you immediately, but I like you. I was really looking forward to this date, and I wanted to show you a good time, but you had to get curious. Don't you have a shred of self-preservation?" Kaoru gripped tighter, his fingertips almost crushing the muscle. "Don't you?"

Kaoru paused. "I will give you the option to stay alive. That's not something most would give you." He grabbed Akiho by the throat and forced him to the sandy floor, squeezing the neck tightly, just to free his other hand. He extended his canines and bit into his wrist, drawing blood. "If you want to survive – open your mouth." He said and held the bleeding wrist above Akiho's mouth.