Diabolik Lovers, and canon plot based panfandom RP.
Raven
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Eri
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Ogo
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STAFFER NAME
POSITION
Little updates
Karl Heinz and his wives, and Richter are not available for application by the gen public. They will be written by admins or admin upon request. Any and all outside of the boys will be up for interaction for personal plot advancement upon request.
Hair done, dress smoothed out, jewelry in place, a spritz or two of her favorite perfume, makeup on point: Jen mentally and physically ran through this checklist one last time in her bathroom at home. She wanted to make sure that everything looked perfect, and that she felt confident, beautiful, sexy. This wasn't something special to Ruki (though she'd never tell him that) - she always put out her best efforts for a date.
Date...? Nah, that's too much. We're just getting drinks.
...at least at first.
The realization she'd come to - or rather, had been brought to - the previous week while tending to a certain hungover vampire, instead of fading into obscurity, it only got stronger. No matter how Jen looked at it, no matter how she tried to deny and deflect, her vivid imagination forced her to admit to her burgeoning curiosity. The fact was, she wanted to know Ruki better, in ways that mere talking simply would not, could not, satisfy.
She figured she had enough saved up in tips to pay for sufficient liquor (and maybe some food) to make this whole endeavor seem even a little bit less surreal, for both of them.
The dhampir intentionally arrived a little bit earlier than the decided time, so that she could find and save a place near the end of the bar, a little ways away from the rabble. Sure, there were actual tables and booths they could sit at, but Jen eschewed them; too 'date-like', this is casual.
She ordered something a bit simpler than last time: a classic mojito. Always partial to rum and rum-based drinks, she could count on it getting her just the right kind of buzz to facilitate conversation (and steer it toward her ulterior goals), though this cocktail had a sort of classiness to it that felt right for the occasion; more so than her usual extremely fruity fare, anyway.
Though it was tempting to just start drinking, Jen took small sips, savoring the mix of flavors as she awaited her company for the night.
[attr="class","textieno"]He wore his usual everyday clothing for today, nothing very special. At least that’s how Ruki views it. Of course, he has to give a reason why he’s going out, there’s no way he’s going to flat out and say Jen had invited him for a drink at the lounge. At least Kou’s out doing his concert that he’s scheduled to do. Meaning, Yuma’s going to be in charge of the mansion for now, Ruki should be home before his idol brother will. Even better for him. Once he notified Yuma of taking charge of the mansion, the eldest Mukami made his way out and headed for the exact same lounge he last went to.[break][break]
Is it odd enough to even accept the dhampir’s invitation to go out for a drink with her? Honestly, yes. Reality, Ruki should’ve denied it, and continue doing whatever he wanted to do for the rest of the day. But as of things lately with him, especially since it’s been involving with Jen, he couldn’t deny it. He should’ve, but he just couldn’t. Not to Jen.[break][break]
He can’t seem to figure out why, is it out of curiosity? Surely, it might’ve been. Then again, the vivid and rather explicit thoughts he’s been having of her have been surrounding his mind every now and then, recently. Another problem he couldn’t seem to solve out yet, he knows they’re only acquaintances and does she. Right?[break][break]
Perhaps he should’ve said no to her invitation. What good would that have done, though?[break][break]
Once Ruki made his arrival to the lounge, it’s still the same as the last time he went here. The music as well, same genre. It didn’t take him long enough to notice at the end of the bar, seeing a certain female. Still noticeable as ever. He walked up closer to her, getting a better view; hair nicely done, a short, off the shoulder black dress with black heels to match, and gold accessories. She sure dressed up for this. Suddenly, the familiar scent wafted over the vampire’s face; the perfume she wore. He restrained himself to not let it intoxicate him as he sat down beside Jen.[break][break]
“I see you’re already drinking.” He took notice of the mojito in her hands.
Though faint, Jen could almost smell him approach her before she saw or heard him - that earthy, minutely sweet musk that she'd damn near drowned in, both on the roof, and at the mansion. Her body reacted instantly, heart rate picking up ever so slightly; without thinking, her glance turned downward when she swiveled to look at him, then flickered up to his face. Her favorite sly smile appeared on glossy lips, even as her drink hovered near them, ready for another sip.
"I haven't had much of it yet. Didn't want to leave you out of the experience~"
She took her small measure of drink, "I already told the bartender I was expecting somebody. I ordered you a bourbon without ice, but if you want somethin' else, just say so," Jen passed him a confident head nod, "Got you top-shelf stuff too - see if you like it."
If someone were to accuse the dhampir of having slightly expensive tastes, she wouldn't exactly deny that accusation; but, because of this, Jen tried to take side jobs whenever she could in order to make her own money. Bartending, so far proved to be both the most fun and the most lucrative (though becoming an exotic dancer hadn't exactly been put off the table, either). Besides, she liked to spoil those she was fond of, just as much as (maybe even more so than) she liked spoiling herself.
Could she be said to be fond of Ruki? It probably wasn't exactly an inaccurate statement...
Almost as if on cue, the bartender came by with a highball glass full of amber liquid, and set it down within Ruki's reach. Jen passed a quick, "thanks," then turned back to the vampire, "Have any trouble getting out of the house the other day? I ended up being kind of busy this week so I didn't get the chance to check back in with you afterward."
While there was at least some grain of truth to this statement, the part she didn't want to admit to, was that for most of the week, she couldn't bring herself to seek him out, to talk to him. Processing that realization kept her mind more occupied than she wished to tell, though she did still have actual classwork, her job, and extracurricular activities to tend to on top of that.
Now that she wasn't alone at the bar, Jen's sips became longer and more frequent.
[attr="class","textieno"]"I haven't had much of it yet. Didn't want to leave you out of the experience~"[break][break]
That unforgettable, sly smirk formed on Jen’s face, and with those piercing hazel eyes and glossy lips, she’s looking very feline-like. Do not fall under temptation. Ruki thought. Surely, someone who shouldn’t easily fall under lust won’t be tempted by the dhampir, right?[break][break]
She got him the drink he always has, and in addition, it being high quality. She’s starting to know him a little bit too well, almost, as he would prefer it to be at least of the best taste. Yet, he’s not going to argue on it; it’s the top-shelf bourbon. “Fair enough.” he responds to the dhampir as he waits for his drink that she ordered. “You seem to know your drinks. At least, having the knowledge of high quality.” Then again, she does work at the bar down at the red light district, how else will she know? Well, there’s also her decades of life too. Either way, she would know.[break][break]
While waiting for his bourbon, Ruki couldn’t help but analyze Jen a bit more, now that he’s sitting beside her. Admittedly, she’s looking very attractive, classy almost. The choice of attire and that familiar perfume he recognizes. Some deity better grant him the strength to restrain the eldest Mukami from being intoxicated by it. Seriously though, Jen’s honestly a radiant beauty, at the moment. But Ruki can just straightforwardly tell her that. Though, he did wonder (since the thought came so suddenly in his head) if she’s still radiant, even without the somewhat classy dress. Why must he think of that? Seriously, her? Impossible. They’re too...opposite? Well, they’re not exactly opposite, but yet they are. Two sides of the same coin, if that’s a better way to describe them. Ruki knew he’d best stop thinking about this. This has been going way too far, and knowing how vivid these thoughts have become, recently.[break][break]
Thankfully, the bartender came back with Ruki’s drink. Perfect timing and distraction.[break][break]
"Have any trouble getting out of the house the other day? I ended up being kind of busy this week so I didn't get the chance to check back in with you afterward."[break][break]
Has it been a week since they last saw each other? It only seems like it’s been a few days. It’s true that they haven’t contacted each other since the hangover incident. Still however, a week? Where did time go?[break][break]
“Not at all, I took care of everything one you had left the premises.” Honestly, that’s a bit of a truth and a lie. Ruki however, didn’t plan to go into further details with that.[break][break]
Once the vampire finally took a sip of his bourbon and tasting the difference of it being high quality unlike the other bourbons he’s tried, he took notice of Jen’s more longer and frequent sips of her drink.[break][break]
“I would ask if something’s on your mind, right now but I want to believe that you’re just enjoying your beverage.” He took another sip of his bourbon, after saying that.
"You seem to know your drinks. At least, having the knowledge of high quality."
Jen couldn't help but chuckle a little bit at that, "Well, it is kind of part of the job description, but, I appreciate the compliment~ Mostly, I just pay attention to what people like, customers or otherwise. I've had a couple high rollers order that on good nights, figured it must be quality stuff since I'm not much for bourbon, myself."
She wasn't sure if Ruki was trying to be discreet or not, but she felt his eyes on her. Jen decided to leave that moment quiet for him, and took a somewhat longer sip to occupy her hands in the mean time; however, she was almost watching him just as much as he was watching her - she kept an eye on him through her peripheral vision. Would she have liked him to dress up a little more? She wouldn't have said no to it. However, Jen couldn't really get too hung up about it - if anything, it just told her that he valued comfort, and she couldn't find much fault with that.
"I would ask if something’s on your mind, right now but I want to believe that you’re just enjoying your beverage."
She turned her head more toward him, her eyes fixing and her enigmatic smile still on her face. Another small chuckle, "Not a moment passes where there isn't something on my mind, sweetheart," Jen took a little more of her mojito - now about three-quarters gone - and set the glass down, though her fingertips still danced on the rim, "I know you're not crazy about me calling you that, but I almost can't help it. It's not out of disrespect; if anything it means you're in my good graces."
The dhampir paused, her attention flickering back to her nearly-empty glass. Her smile faded, and when she spoke, her tone leveled out into one more serious, and she switched to English, "Before I go too much further with this, I have a favor to ask you."
She looked back up, and met Ruki's gaze head-on, "Tell me - what do you really think of me? And when I ask that, I mean I want you to be brutally honest."
[attr="class","textieno"]Too obvious that the fact that her job occupation was the reason for it. He nodded and lifted his glass to her appreciation, as he takes another sip of the bourbon, and this time a little longer than the former.[break][break]
“It’s not too strong for me and also has some sort of sweetness to it, hence me having a liking towards the beverage. Had it been something with much more alcohol, I don’t think I would bother drinking it.” The vampire made his drink swirl inside his glass, “I suppose you’re into alcoholic drinks that have more flavor, at least?”[break][break]
Clearly, while he was analyzing her, Ruki thought he caught a glimpse of Jen’s eye gazing at him. As if she’s doing the same action as he is. Perhaps not putting too much mind into it should be the best idea for now. It shouldn’t matter all too much for him, it’s only analyzation of one another. Unless, Jen is having that curiosity...he did remember her calling him attractive. Even though Ruki didn’t say that exact word to Jen, he did admit telling her that she’s also attractive, but added on to it by saying it’s nothing more than that. Because it is nothing more, the vampire believes it’s that.[break][break]
Is it really, however?[break][break]
"Not a moment passes where there isn't something on my mind, sweetheart,"[break][break]
He watched her drink more of her mojito, nearly finished with it. Making eye contact with her, he replies with, “Like me, for example?” Not even for a complete second did Ruki come to realize what he had just said. He can’t just leave it like that, there needs to be a recovery, immediately. “I meant that by how we see each other again, and whenever our conversations end, something I say makes you think about it for awhile.” He looked away from her, breaking their eye contact, and takes a large gulp out of his bourbon. It was a quick save, but why did he word it like that? The “sweetheart” nickname was practically ignored because of that.[break][break]
Jen suddenly changed her speaking language to English. Was this to make sure no one around them will understand what she’s saying? It seems serious as she, once again asks for a favor from the vampire. By now, he should be used to her asking him of things. Most of the time, it’s of something in return, this time, it’s not a bargain.[break][break]
Here, she makes eye contact with him, again. Her hazel eyes meeting his slate hues, her face serious than it was the first few minutes of being here. The music of blues playing very soft, the atmosphere, quiet, but yet, there are people chattering in almost a whisper. Despite the rather quiet background noise, it’s practically sounded out for the eldest Mukami. It felt as though, while their eyes are locked together, it was just him and Jen here, and no one else around them.[break][break]
"Tell me - what do you really think of me? And when I ask that, I mean I want you to be brutally honest." [break][break]
That is a question Ruki has been hoping to avoid from Jen for a while. Because he doesn’t know exactly how to answer that; Does he even know the answer, at all? The answer’s there, in the back of his mind, or maybe the tip of his tongue, but something in him wouldn’t let him answer it out so freely. He doesn’t believe it’s his pride that’s blocking him, but something else and he can’t even figure it out what it even is. Had he not have known Jen like how he does now, he would’ve easily answered this question, brutally. He would’ve been insulting her, and then bid his farewell to her, never seeing her again and thus, concluding his chapter with a salacious halfling like her. However, he can’t bring himself to say that, mostly because that’s not exactly a true definition of Jen. She can be, but so far towards him, it’s not really the case.[break][break]
So does he truly have the answer of what he thinks of her? Or is he stalling himself, because he knows he can’t make his way around this, and yet however unable to say it, despite her wanting total honesty from him?[break][break]
He pulled his gaze away from her, staring back at his glass that’s three quarters full of bourbon. While doing so, he began collecting his thoughts to put it all together, to find the right words to tell her and enough to where it’s true honesty.[break][break]
How come Ruki can’t manage to find the right words immediately with Jen, anymore? He used to do it before, until now, or at least as of recently. He was able to talk about anything with ease, conversations were not, one bit, difficult. Even with Jen, around the first time they spoke to each other, he had no trouble bringing out what comment he could say. But now, his mind frequently blanks, or at least something keeps stopping him, like road block. The odd part, it’s only with Jen and no one else. With his brothers, no problem, he can say whatever. With anything that’s important, all too simple. With Jen, it’s like a test; if he says the wrong words, he fails.[break][break]
To calm himself, or in other words, to keep himself at his most ease, Ruki has another drink of his bourbon. He takes a couple of small gulps and slowly, places his glass down on the bar, inhaling and exhaling a deep breath as the alcoholic drink runs down his throat and into his stomach. He looks back at the vampire once more, the eye contact returning. Like she did while asking for the favor, he too spoke in the English language for her.[break][break]
“Honestly, I am not even sure if these are the right words, for I actually had difficulties on trying to find them.” His eyes slightly gazing down, only to look up quickly back at her eyes, “But I will be as considerably honest as you asked for, with the words I have managed to think of, even though I am truly unsure of it being correct.”[break][break]
This is nearly feeling like a confession that involves something else, but that’s not the case, as Ruki doesn’t feel that way towards Jen (at least that’s what he believes). It’s still a confession however, just in Jen’s favor. She wants him to be honest, he can be honest and Hell, he can be painfully blunt. Honesty is the key for this moment, and he has to keep it up. He can lie, but in this case, he’s not going to do so.[break][break]
“First off, I’m sure you knew that before all of this, I did think of you as a simpleminded harlot; one who throws herself to anyone she sees possible.” He may as well do a whole before and after of events then and now. Is it going to be enough? “However as of now, even though you still give out the impression of being lecherous, on the other hand, I do see you being rather intelligent and understanding. Was it unexpected for me to learn that about you? Yes. The odd but also, impressive fact is, you did catch my interest because of this. And it is mostly because of how you’ve been standing your ground, not walking away like most people I have argued with. You’ve been a challenging person for me, I wondered if there’s a way for me to get into the core of your mind and see if I can manage to break you, hence why I attempted to figure your identity of being a dhampir. But the challenge was a failure. I couldn’t do it because you have managed to keep up and make good arguments.” Like Hell he’s not going to admit that moment at the rooftop also being the reason.[break][break]
Is that good enough? Was that sort of word choice, satisfactory? Maybe, just to conclude all of that,[break][break]
“What I’m trying to say is, you’re an interesting person. Not, a kind of person I get to see every day mostly because the people I know here are rather mindless. I used to hate you, I used to find you a complete nuisance. Not anymore, as I do see you being a rather understanding acquaintance. Maybe, one I can learn to tolerate with.”
You bet Jen caught that impromptu response; it was enough to cause her to pause drinking and raise her eyebrows at him. He wasn't entirely off the mark, whether with the short version of his answer, or the long one. She let Ruki explain himself, though a thought passed through her mind, betraying itself with only a hint of a smirk:
The question is: is it mutual?
Perhaps, however, she got her answer sooner than she anticipated. To be honest, though, Jen wasn't expecting him to be so thorough, even if she did request the blunt truth; considering, in her experience, that he almost never opened up about anything, it threw her for a loop. The dhampir found herself struck silent for a moment as she processed everything Ruki explained to her, and finished her drink in the mean time.
Jen gestured to the bartender for another mojito, then turned back to her... acquaintance? Friend? What is he to her?
"I suppose I owe you the same in return. Thank you, by the way..." she adjusted herself, her legs crossing, her spine straightening, and when her second drink of the night was served up, she took in in hand, "You're not the first one to believe that I'm, as you say, 'a simpleminded harlot.' I know we're conditioned to think that busty, attractive women are automatically dumb whores, and I admit that - to an outsider - I might seem easy or promiscuous because I don't necessarily wait for romance before I jump in the sack."
She took another mouthful of her mojito, and sighed, though her smile began to faintly return, and the look she gave Ruki shifted oh-so-subtly, one that the casual observer might not have caught, "But, I don't just go home with any schmuck with a handsome physique, or a chica who spends more time doing her makeup than learning about the world around her. Sure, I'll flirt with those types; but the ones who I like to have fun with, are the intelligent ones."
Knowing him, he'll pick up on that hint, but let's not make this too hasty...
Jen allowed her free hand to slide down and rest on her thigh, in particular the one going overhand in her crossed legs; though her skirt was not short enough to be obscene, the hem was still high enough to be enticing. She continued, her voice soft and a little smoky as she mused, "You intrigue me, Ruki. You're smart, you're composed, you basically seem to have your shit together and know what you want out of life. What other people find intimidating in you, I only find myself that much more fascinated by it. Frankly, they don't know what they're missing~"
Another solid mouthful of the drink, the dhampir was starting to feel the buzz kick in. Her skin started to tingle, her head felt a little lighter, the bluesy grooves of Bonamassa seeming to seep into her essence, making her itch to move along with the slow, sensuous rhythm. Jen swirled her mojito, and her train of thought seemed to change, for now, "You said, you wanted to try to 'break' me; do you usually succeed in doing that to others?"
Something in Jen's mind said that the answer was probably "yes". Ruki certainly had the upper hand already - with most, she imagined - by being a rather imposing young(?) man, but in her dealings with him, she got the sense of someone who enjoyed the feeling of power over another, enjoyed bending them to his will (which was, she dared say, quite formidable). Jen couldn't exactly fault him for liking this sort of authority, as she, too, was hardly incapable of exercising the same impulse.
"I'm going to take a shot in the dark here," she added, "and guess that you were once a military man? You definitely carry yourself like one."
[attr="class","textieno"]Even though he made his quick recovery, he still felt those feline, hazel eyes on him. A moment of silence between the two, yet the blues still play in the lounge. It wasn’t for long as soon as Jen finished her mojito, only to order another one after.[break][break]
After giving her thanks, Ruki responded to her by just lifting his glass of bourbon towards her, and taking a few sips. It’s her turn to return the favor, despite him not asking for it but he let her say whatever she wants or at least, has to. As soon as Jen got handed her second glass, she spoke.[break][break]
“That doesn’t surprise me, with all honesty.” Aside from not being the first to jump into the whole stereotype, but the whole idea of the romance. “I’m guessing you’re not simply ready for that sort of commitment throughout the time being, correct?” Of course she isn’t. Look what’s happened to her in the past years; she’s constantly moving around, and barely even has time to socialize with people due to her father and his studies (not that Ruki’s blaming him for it). It wouldn’t surprise him if she moves away from Kamina because of it. Will that happen, though? Considering how much supernatural activity that goes on here, despite the town seemingly harmless, there’s a doubt that Jen leaving this place is going to be the case any time soon.[break][break]
“...Sure, I'll flirt with those types; but the ones who I like to have fun with, are the intelligent ones."[break][break]
She’s not being too hasty about this, but something’s telling Ruki that the alcohol’s possibly kicking in. With her, at least. Ruki hasn’t even finished his first glass, it won’t be a surprise if she’ll hit her fourth once he’s on his second. However, he’s not disliking whatever she’s putting on here. The vampire may as well play along while they’re still here.[break][break]
He swirled his drink before taking a gulp out of it, “Is that because the intelligent ones can actually keep up with you?” He slightly shifted on his seat. Head turned to face her, along with the upper body and a slight lean on his side with his arm resting on the bar, while his other arm rests on his thigh. “Or because they know how to play along?”[break][break]
Her shifting caused him to analyze further, he couldn’t help but glance at her legs, the hem of her dress, nearly high enough to catch his attention. Only then however, he glanced back up to her face; he should avoid this but still, play along.[break][break]
"What other people find intimidating in you, I only find myself that much more fascinated by it. Frankly, they don't know what they're missing~"[break][break]
That’s very much a first. No one’s ever exactly told him about how intriguing he can be and to put some elaboration as to why this is so. To contain himself, he took another drink of his bourbon, already more than halfway done. There’s no doubt that had the relationship got any closer, he would feel himself slightly blushing about it.[break][break]
“Well then, I didn’t think I would hear this out from you. Tell me, what else do you think they’re missing out of me?” More like, let’s see if she can stroke his ego a bit more.[break][break]
"You said, you wanted to try to 'break' me; do you usually succeed in doing that to others?"[break][break]
Another swig taken, his glass completely done, “Very much, yes.” He’d best be careful not to drink too fast, the conversation is getting quite intriguing for the eldest Mukami. “You’d be surprised at how fragile most of the people’s minds are.”[break][break]
The type of dominance Ruki can give out can be military-like, so she’s not wrong on the subject, “I didn’t do anything that involves serving the military, if that’s what you’re aiming at. But I don’t blame you if you’re getting that sort of vibe out from me.”
“I’m guessing you’re not simply ready for that sort of commitment throughout the time being, correct?”
Jen flicked her eyebrows in affirmation as she took another sip of the sweet concoction in her hand, "Nailed it."
She let out a slightly wistful sigh, "Maybe at one time I believed I'd find romance - what girl doesn't, at some point in her life? - but between moving around, and, well... the obvious..." the look she gave Ruki at that moment gave all the indication of what she was referring to, "I just figured I'd have my fun and not worry about getting tied down. Live my life for myself, you know?"
The fingers on her thigh ever so slightly began to fiddle with the hem of her dress, not entirely unconsciously, as he remarked on her preference for smarter partners. Jen grinned again, even daring to let one of her fangs flash at him as she did so, "Y'all are generally a lot more imaginative too. Smart folks get more creative instead of just looking to wham-bam-thank-you-Ma'am. Plus," her voice almost took on a purr, "you're still interesting during the morning after, unlike the strictly pretty types~"
Jen's switch from an abstract "they" to a more personal, "you" reference was by no means accidental. Reel him in nice and slow.
"What are they missing?" she giggled, "What aren't they missing? Sharp wit, keen observation skills, actual conversation, not to mention being more than easy on the eyes... you're quite a catch. I bet you'll make some woman - or man, if you happen to play for both teams - very happy someday."
This wasn't to say that Jen got any kind of bisexual vibrations from Ruki, but she'd been surprised before, so she decided it was safer not to assume either way.
“You’d be surprised at how fragile most of the people’s minds are.”
She thought about this, breaking eye contact for a moment while it processed, but then she returned, "You know, now that I think on it, you're probably right. I've never actually tried to break someone like that, mind you..." she raised an eyebrow, "I'm curious, what appeal does that hold for you? What do you do with someone once you've broken them?"
Huh... well, it was worth a shot. Though it was reassuring that she wasn't totally off the mark; while Ruki explained that no, he hadn't served, Jen felt the rum taking effect more, and she was less subtle about letting her eyes run over his body, from head to toe, her smirk being disguised less even behind her glass, "Could've fooled me, hon... though I gotta say, you'd look damn sharp in an officer's uniform~"
Jen noted the empty glass in his hand, and set hers down on the bar, finger circling the rim again, "You want another one of those, or something else? Feel free to order whatever, I set aside plenty of cash so I can cover the charge easily."
[attr="class","textieno"]Ruki knew about girls and their longing desires for romance. Honestly though, most of them are being hopeless romantics, to the point where things are absolutely just fantasy. He’s heard of this sort of subject from Yui, and didn’t really care about it since it didn’t matter to him. The obvious thing, though...of course he would hear this coming from Jen.[break][break]
“Right, of course.” He stared down at his glass, “But say, if you were to suddenly feel like you were tying down, what will your reaction be?” To hear an answer from somebody who no longer has the time for relationships, it’s almost feeling like the vampire’s attempting to dig deeper to her thoughts.[break][break]
She’s beginning to fiddle with that hem still, he can see it from corner of his eye and manages to not stare at it, directly. It is rather tempting, so much to leave him thinking of what else she’s planning to do. He knows she’s drinking to where she should feel buzzed, and at this point, she might be possibly playful.[break][break]
A small smirk formed on his face when she talks about how the intelligent ones are rather imaginative and creative. When she gave off her little purring noise as she says about how he’s still intriguing in the morning, he’s not going to step back on this. “Well, since we’ve been honest throughout this time here, I think that’s because the intelligent ones want to...please the other. In my case, that’s what I would aim for; trying it out of curiosity to see if it’s a way to reach satisfaction. If so, keep it in mind. This is for knowing, learning to give out the right touch. All because it comes from the imagination and creativity.”[break][break]
“That’s if they can satisfy me first, or in return. Obviously, ones who tend to walk off can’t see the full picture because they are either timid or mindless.” Honestly aside from Jen, Ruki hasn’t found anyone here that seems intriguing enough for him to stick around, and talk to them even further. It’s that timid and dense behavior they give out, making them all too much of an eyesore and a bore to tolerate.[break][break]
"I'm curious, what appeal does that hold for you? What do you do with someone once you've broken them?"[break][break]
“I like to prove how much they’re actually weak, no matter how many times they believe they’re strong. People tend to try and outdo me, which ends up failing once I figured the exact truth about them.” The feeling of overpowering someone, always the icing on the cake for Ruki. It’s mostly his dominance that kicks in for that, also his sadism as he loves to see one being so broken, that they become less of themselves and ask for help, always ending up in need. It’s almost pitiful.[break][break]
“Once they’re broken, they become no more than mere toys to play with. But after awhile…” More like after many times, “It all seems to easy than it should be. Too repetitive, and that’s why most people here as I’ve said before, are too timid or dense.”[break][break]
"Could've fooled me, hon... though I gotta say, you'd look damn sharp in an officer's uniform~"[break][break]
With an empty glass in his hand, Ruki felt a slight warmth on his face; cheeks tinged with pink by a tad bit. He did notice Jen’s action turning out a little more obvious than usual. Her smirk being cheeky and those eyes thoroughly analyzing him. Those mojitos are really making her more playful, not that she wasn’t at first. “I suppose.” He didn’t know if he couldn’t take the compliment.[break][break]
He lifts his glass, “Another will do.” curious to see how this conversation is going to turn out, now with Jen hitting the buzz, and him continuing to drink.
"But say, if you were to suddenly feel like you were tying down, what will your reaction be?"
Yet again, Jen found herself struck silent; her expression fell into one of mute surprise as she stared back at Ruki. Then, her eyes diverted, her brow furrowed slightly, almost touching on a frown as she bit her lip, and she let out a sigh, "I don't know. I mean I guess if I'm to the point where I'm willing to commit like that, that person would need to be really special."
Her expression turned into a weak, almost sad smile, as she brought the glass to her lips, "Eight billion people in this world, I suppose statistically there's one out there who I might be able to spend my life with," she paused on this too, remembering that even though dhampirs did possess a lifespan, it was many times longer than that of a human, "or part of it, anyway... but there's no guarantee I'll ever meet them."
Though this was mostly truthful, Jen was somewhat glad that Ruki wasn't sitting any closer to her; her heart rate had begun to shoot up again, just the idea of getting attached like that got her nervous. She didn't enjoy the thought of being that vulnerable, the thought of someone knowing her that well - her strengths, her weaknesses, her aspirations, fears, everything - and worse, potentially being able to turn it against her if they so wished. How ironic, she thought, a child of a relatively healthy and happy marriage, is afraid of commitment.
I hope he's not looking for anything deeper. Friends, maybe friends with benefits, but that's where I draw the line.
Jen listened carefully to his answer, and she adjusted her position again, if only to slowly uncross her legs, and cross them again in the opposite direction. Subtle, but not so subtle as to be easy to miss. So far, he seemed to talk a good game; though, a vague flush hit her cheeks as she again recalled that night on the roof - would he embrace her the same way if there was no chance of them being caught? Would he wish to bite her elsewhere instead, from whence he could watch her face contort as he did so?
Maybe she'd be fortunate enough to get another taste of him, too...
The dhampir raised her eyebrow again, her cheeky grin widening, the sultry notes in her voice becoming more pronounced, "So by that logic, does that mean that I satisfy you?"
She was curious what his answer to that would be, because at this point in the night, she was hoping he'd give her the chance to satisfy him in other ways (and by extension, satisfy her).
Toys...
Jen wasn't sure why, but something about this confession - that he liked to expose weakness, to make others his playthings, sparked another curiosity in her mind. She fixed her gaze on him, first in response to his comment about them being too easy, though her voice dropped a few notches so as not to be too loud, "Guessing this is largely your experience with human girls? They do tend to submit awfully quickly, for the most part... I can see why you'd bore of that. You wanted a challenge, and here you are."
She leaned forward a bit, that toothy grin flashing, eyes half-lidded, the buzz creeping ever more on her, "You and I are alike in that way too - we like a challenge. And even as someone who, let's say, likes to be in charge," a glint formed in her eye, "both in public and private matters... it's more fun when they put up resistance, when you have to work to assert your dominance."
In the back of her mind, Jen was wondering if, perhaps, she could get Ruki to show a submissive side. Not groveling at her feet or any of that nonsense, but perhaps a bit more... suggestible. She couldn't resist a quick lick of her lips at the thought.
"Another will do."
Jen nodded, then hailed the bartender, who quickly grabbed another highball and filled it with the best bourbon in stock. He placed it near Ruki, and the dhampir continued, her voice still low, "Now, since we've established that neither of us is actually eighteen, dare I ask how old you really are? Or~" she gestured with her first finger, a playful expression on her face, "we can make this fun: you guess my age, I'll guess yours, and see if either of us gets it right. How do you wanna do this? No real use lying to each other, either way."
[attr="class","textieno"]That’s quite a big jumping conclusion, to say that it’s no guarantee that she is to ever see this person who could possibly have ties with her. “There is eight billion people as you said.” He reminded her, “You say it as if it’s practically impossible.” Then again, Rukis the same way. Like her, not interested in the romantic life. He doesn’t see the idea of commitment getting to him that easily. If it were to happen, like Jen, this significant other would have to be very special. No one has been like that towards him, however, thus the chances of a special someone is slim to none.[break][break]
“Though, I can respect your views on it. I can’t exactly argue about this sort of subject.”[break][break]
Before he could answer her that question, he had to think about it for a moment. He thought back about what he said and...it’s possible? Yet, it somewhat doesn’t seem like she’s satisfying him, but she is, in conversation. So in a way, she isn’t wrong about it. But…can she still do so, in many ways possible?[break][break]
He turned his face away from her, “I’m still here, aren’t I?” The small smirk remained on his face. “I don’t believe I will be leaving any time soon, for now.” He had only his eyes turn to see her and crossed his arms on the bar. [break][break]
“You’re seeming to satisfy me this far, as have I. Looks like we can both do so, just by the way we intrigue each other.”[break][break] “...I can see why you'd bore of that. You wanted a challenge, and here you are."[break][break]
That cheeky look on her face, she’s right, they rather are alike when it comes to dominance. Sure, there are some challenges where it can become ridiculous, but truly he did like one where the submissive does get resistant. All the more to break, the more to play with as he overpowers them with ease. They really do become mere toys, in the end.[break][break]
Another case of curiosity began to kick in to Ruki; since Jen, herself, can be a challenge, he wonders what it’d be like to make her the submissive one. Though not too submissive like a complete livestock. Unlike all other submissives, acting like timid animals, Jen’s more of the wild animal, than the one you have to always watch over. The thought of taming a wild animal, but not making them too domestic. Will that be worth the challenge?[break][break]
“It’s like you’re reading me pretty well, then. You do tend to have that intelligence.”[break][break]
Once having the bourbon in his hands, now comes in a rather deeper question. Not one that crosses the line, but it still reveals something. Ruki decided to go for the second option, guessing has been the main case, anyway.[break][break]
“I’ll play your little game. Starting off with you since you’ve been hinting your age one the recent conversations we’ve been having these past few weeks.” He remembered that huge argument they had back at the historical area of Kamina. She did say she was around during the 1970’s, and she did mention about keeping her dhampir identity hidden for around four decades. That’s already a big clue, itself. Meaning…[break][break]
“I’m going to guess by the support of the clue about you keeping secret of your identity for over four decades, that you’re about or less than half a century old. That’s my final answer.” Once he has given his answer, he may as well hint out his age or at least around the time he was born.[break][break]
“Now you have to guess my age and because of your obvious hint, I’ll give you some hint that can possibly make you figure it out easily. I was born around the time of poverty and war, it’s been less of a century since it happened.” That’s enough to where it’s not exactly mentioning his past, but where it should be obvious enough.
"I mean," Jen shrugged, "eight billion to one is, for all intents and purposes, basically impossible odds," she raised her glass to her lips, and drank about a quarter of her remaining mojito. She was glad, though, that he understood where she was coming from - not like other who had tried to sell her on fairy tales. Sure, there was still a part of her that wanted to believe that 'true love conquers all' and the rest of that jazz, but she just couldn't bring herself to swallow it.
The dhampir raised an eyebrow at his sudden - and comparatively drastic - change in direction, but she decided not to think too much on it. That said, she paused sipping in favor of drinking in Ruki's every answer; the smirk remained on her lips, perhaps she was reading more into his words than there were... but there was always the chance she properly heard all the ones left unsaid.
"Good," Jen's teeth flashed through her grin once more, "because I think I could make it worth your while to stay. There are ways to get to know a person that mere conversations can't begin to touch upon, after all..."
Yup, the buzz was definitely starting to kick in. She felt herself slowly becoming emboldened, her thoughts as she spoke with him taking ever more scandalous turns; her tongue threatened to loosen too much, lest words and spirits not be the only things it was used for tonight.
Jen wasn't sure if she should be surprised that he remembered her saying that much - Hell, she'd barely remembered mentioning it - but, it worked in his favor, since it meant he paid attention (more than she could say for some guys, anyway). She gave him a wink, "Fifty on the dot. Nice memory. If you know anything about the 60's and 70's, the only constant was change, and that's colored my entire life since."
Now came her turn: she repeated back his clues, plus one, and tapped her cheek in a thoughtful gesture, "Hmm... less than a century, poverty, war, and all of this in Denmark," keen to note this last piece of evidence, from one of their very first conversations, "so, if I gathered this right, you must have lived through the Great Depression era, and likely World War 2. But since you were never in the military, I'm going to assume you were too young to be enlisted at the time."
She partially mirrored his motion to turn toward the bar, legs still crossed so that her overhand thigh was the one in clearest view to the vampire; Jen leaned on the bar, the fingers of one hand ringing the lip of the glass, the other gracefully resting against her jaw as she locked eyes with him, "You probably date back to about the 1930's then?"
[attr="class","textieno"]“I suppose so.” As it stood, Ruki didn’t plan to argue with her on it. There’s no point on arguing with her, when he has agreed to her views upon it. At least it came down to an understanding about romance. Not a very pleasant subject to talk about since they have no consideration of commitment. In Ruki’s case, he has many doubts that being committed to a “special someone” will ever happen.[break][break]
He caught on to her emphasizing that word, knowing the direction of where this discussion is leading to, or at least, acknowledging the subject. He’s known what the subject’s been about, and it’s not surprise (alcohol or not) that Jen’s open about this. “Yes, that is true. I believe with these sorts of conversations, you would have to open yourself in order to understand it completely.” He had his fingers walking up on his glass, and making them go around the rim, “They do say actions speak louder than words, and sometimes these actions result some loud sounds.”[break][break]
Playing this sort of game with her, it’s rather enticing. Then again, the idea of playing with her has been clouding his mind for some time, which brings eagerness to different levels that he never thought of being on.[break][break]
Those clues certainly were of great use, she literally is half a century old. “I think you should know that my memory is pretty well enough for me to not forget.” Despite living for so long, he didn’t exactly pay much attention with the later decades, as he was too busy focusing on other plans[break][break]
He gripped onto his full glass of bourbon, taking a gulp once she guessed around the time he was born. He takes a glance at her, “Affirmative.” Even with those clues, he figured she’s very intelligent enough to see the obvious, “I will admit that time was not pleasant at all.” In many ways Ruki’s has experienced it, absolutely not. “Hence why I don’t like talking about it.”
Clever boy~ he didn't disappoint, and latched on to her double entendre immediately. Jen's body language opened up some with Ruki's own careful manipulation of language, and she polished her drink off as he spoke, setting the empty glass down in front of her. She glanced at it, wondering if she would need a third, then answered, "I cannot say you're necessarily wrong on that count~ though arguably," she shot back another quite suggestive look, "sometimes it's not the volume you should check for, but the frequency..."
She had to admit, though Ruki had initially seemed rather rigid when she first interacted with him (sober, at least), Jen grew increasingly sure that he could turn out to be more fun than she'd initially believed. His agile mind was weaving through every innuendo and casting more back at her with ease; good, this meant they were evenly matched. Just in case, though, the dhampir ordered her last mojito, along with a tall class of lightly-iced water.
As he confirmed her guess bout his age - accented by more consumption of his bourbon, and rather sullen utterance of not liking to talk about it - Jen's expression fell into a moment of contemplation as she gazed at him. A thought occurred to her, given the clues; she stared at his face, taking in his features, checking for certain characters. It was a long shot, but she decided it might be worth asking - she may even get a bit more information out of it than she would if she'd asked the implied question outright.
"If you don't mind me asking, and you don't have to go into detail," she brought the fresh mojito almost to her lips, "are you, by any chance, Jewish?"
It was ostensibly an innocent enough question, but her gaze flickering downward hinted at another layer of ulterior motive.
