(no subject)

[akillersmile]

I. CHOCOLATIER DU MONDE - (OPEN)
It didn't take too long for Kyle to find a job in the city. He wasn't entirely sure if this one would last, given that he was hired for a seasonal trial period, but it meant doing something kind of cool and getting paid for it, so he couldn't complain. Working at a gourmet chocolate shop meant giving people things they actually wanted for prices they were already willing to pay. He didn't have to sell anyone on things they didn't want and had the added bonus of rarely dealing with agitated customers.

Of course, with Valentine's Day around the corner, the shop was busier than ever and most of his shifts were spent on his feet helping people. He was mostly grateful that they didn't do deliveries and that every transaction was straightforward and in-store. Plus he'd already been able to sample most of the flavors and could actually able to recommend some. Which is why, when the next customer was up, he immediately offered them a smile and a sample of the dark chocolate orange creme.

"Try this."

II. CAFE - (CLOSED TO ALEX)
Kyle couldn't help but wonder why Alex had asked him out on Valentine's Day. The girl seemed adamant in shutting down every attempt at flirting and diligent about insisting on their inability to ever progress. Which he was fine with if that's what she wanted, but the mixed message was more than a little confusing. There was a part of him that wondered if maybe she was oblivious to the day. Even still, she had to have a reason for asking him out to coffee then. Luckily, his new job at the chocolate shop provided a convenient excuse to bring her a gift without making a big deal out of it.

"Hey," he greeted her with a smile, taking a seat before she could even offer. Kyle set the small golden box in front of her. "Here, I got these for you. I figured you wouldn't like the heart box, so I went simple."

Comments

cafe

[facethewolves]

In truth, Alex hadn't realized it was Valentine's Day. She'd just wanted to spend time with Kyle. She hadn't been sure whether she was asking him on a date or just asking him to hang out at a coffee shop, but she'd worked up the nerve and asked him and then, half an hour later, she'd remembered.

Mentally kicking herself, she showed up to the not-date several minutes early, ordered herself a cup of black coffee, and sat there nervously waiting for him to arrive. When he finally did, she returned the smile. Hopefully he wouldn't make a big deal about it. It was just coffee, after all. It wasn't like she'd asked him out for dinner and dancing. "Hi."

The box of chocolate was completely unexpected, and she took it slowly. Chocolate was definitely romantic. You didn't buy your platonic coffee friend a box of chocolates on Valentine's Day, even if it wasn't heart-shaped.

She leaned towards him and said quietly, as though confiding a secret, "I forgot what day it is. The chocolate is nice, really, but I didn't mean--"

[akillersmile]

Kyle mirrored her movement, leaning in to share in the secret. When she admitted to the mistake, he quickly shifted his perception and expectations for the morning. Holding up a hand to dismiss her concerns, Kyle leaned back in his chair again and offered his usual smile. "To let me surprise you with the news that I got a new job? I work at the place, Alex. It's okay."

Sure, it set him back a little, but she didn't need to know that. Even platonic, he was happy to give her something which he had a feeling that she would never get for herself. Kyle set his hands on the table and stood, still wearing the same smile. "I'm going to grab a drink. Anything else you want while I'm up?"

[facethewolves]

Alex quickly relaxed at his revelation, giving him a relieved smile. "Okay. I just didn't want--" She cut herself off. Finishing that sentence would just be calling more attention to it and probably just digging herself deeper into the hole. She paused, smiled again, and started over. "Congratulations," she said sincerely. "I'm sure you'll make a great chocolate salesman."

When he got up, she shook her head. "I'm fine. I've already got coffee and chocolate."

[akillersmile]

"Thanks." He flashed her a grin, giving a nod to her polite decline.

Kyle headed for the counter, ordering a coffee with some cream and sugar. It gave him a delightfully long moment to think. He genuinely didn't mind being friends with Alex, even if it stayed there. It was her propensity to think that the flirting was meant to be something, and her tenacity in rejecting his innocent musings, that threw him off. He wasn't sure whether to stop flirting entirely or keep at it and continually gloss over her assurances that they weren't and would never be a thing. Cocky as he could be, it did wound him a little to be constantly reminded.

He accepted his drink and returned to the table, sitting with the same lightheartedness and no sign of his internal monologue or dilemma. Instead, he moved on to casual conversation. "So. Any big plans for the day?"

[facethewolves]

While she waited for him to come back, Alex decided to examine the chocolate more closely. Apart from cheap candy bars, she didn't eat much chocolate, and definitely not the fancy kind that came in individual paper cups in a gold box. At least there was a small legend on the inside of the lid that told her which chocolates were which, not that she was picky. She took a bite of a caramel just as he returned.

When he asked about her plans, she shook her head. It was an easy lie to tell. There was no reason Kyle had no know that she'd been making inquiries and tracking down a wanted murderer and planned to catch him later. "I thought today was just another Sunday. What about you?"

She pointed at the chocolates. "Those are really good, by the way."

[akillersmile]

"It really is," he replied with a shrug. Just another Sunday. Although Kyle wasn't oblivious to the date or holiday as Alex was, he was new to the city and had no one to spend the day with even if he wanted to. Truth be told, he couldn't remember the last time he spent Valentine's Day like a normal civilian guy though and it was kind of refreshing just to be around it all.

Besides, after last night's rave-turned-vampire-massacre, he was a little shaken up. Although damn good at hiding it, Kyle was really grateful to be back in what felt like a safer public space. Though maybe his gaze flitted to the door with every entry and exit and to anyone that passed nearby.

"The guy who runs the place is supposed to be some master from Brussels. He keeps a small staff and the pay's good. Classy place. This might sound dumb, but I'm lucky to be working there." It was fairly low key, all things considered, and his boss was surprisingly easygoing for such a perfectionist. "I'm glad you like them."

[facethewolves]

Alex wouldn't have noticed the way he kept looking around if not for the fact that she used to do that too. She still liked to make a quick note of exits and anyone that looked suspicious or threatening when she walked into someplace she'd never been. It was a habit. But what he was doing didn't quite look like an old habit. She didn't really know what to do about that other than keep going like nothing was different.

"It sounds really nice." She meant that absolutely sincerely. She understood the appeal of a job like that, and she knew she'd count herself lucky if she could have one, even for just a little while.

She pushed the box of chocolates across the table towards him, grinning. "You should try one. The caramels are amazing."

[akillersmile]

He smiled at her remark, taking a sip of his coffee. He was proud of himself for snagging the gig and it was nice to have at least one normal friend to back him up on something so mundane. Even if it already lead to a run-in with a vampire. She didn't need to know that part.

At her offer, he shakes his head and holds up a hand to decline. "No, thanks. My boss makes me try a few every shift to make sure I know what I'm selling. It's smart, but I think I've hit sugar overload. You'll have to come by sometime, pick out the ones you like."

[facethewolves]

"You get paid to eat chocolate? That's way more than nice." Alex grinned at him, somewhat bewildered by the fact that a job that cool actually existed but definitely happy for him.

She pulled the box back and took out another caramel. "You realize you're stuck now, right? You're gonna have to get me fancy chocolate for every holiday." She was mostly teasing, but she certainly wouldn't say no if he did.

[akillersmile]

He laughed at that, shaking his head yet again. Alex's face lit up like he was Wonka in his own chocolate factory rather than a guy with a sales job. As cool as the shop was, he still swept floors and made gift boxes and bags. "It's not like that. It's only until I try them all. He makes a crazy amount of flavors."

At the latter, Kyle's smile returned. It was weird how easy it was with her, even when it got awkward. She was distraction enough that, for the first time this morning, he wasn't dwelling on the night before at all. Instead, his attention was entirely with her. With the same humor as in her tone, he replied, "Can't wait."

[facethewolves]

It took her several seconds to realize that she was just staring at him with a grin plastered on her face, and she blinked a few times, her smile softening as her eyes drifted down to her coffee. It was easy and fun being around him, and easy to forget that she didn't want to be more than friends.

Alex picked up her cup and cleared her throat before looking back up at him, still unable to contain her smile. Partially just because she liked spending time with him, partially because his job really did sound that cool, no matter how much he insisted it wasn't.

"Well. Here's to Kyle Sutton, chocolatier." She moved to clink her cup against his in a little mini-toast before taking a sip.

[akillersmile]

Kyle couldn't help another grin spreading on his lips at her toast. He offered his mug for the toast and then took a long sip, enjoying the moment more than he knew he should. Flirting came easily. It was the part of him that wanted more that was trouble, the one that would put a civilian at risk. He was acutely aware of that after last night's reminder.

"Thanks," he replied after a bit, burying his mouth in his hand not a moment later. After another pause, he dropped it away and leaned back, relaxing into the chair and trying not to look at the door as another man exited. "How is everything?"

[facethewolves]

"The same," she said, shaking her head. There wasn't much of anything she could tell him about her life or what she spent her free time doing, and even though she'd only known him for about a month, that was already wearing on her conscience. He didn't deserve to be lied to. But the truth might get him killed, or it might make him never want to see her again. So she smiled, shrugged, and said, "Turns out having nothing but free time is boring. Who knew, right?"

Maybe she should get a job. It would be good for her cover. But then she'd have to explain to her boss why she could never work on the full moon and had to leave at odd times and might not be around for very much longer. No, a real job would be more trouble than it was worth.

Chocolatier du Monde

[dredefulchilde]

It was two days before Valentine's Day, and the chocolate shop was packed with last-minute shoppers, even into the evening. Joscelin liked this; it was far easier for him to blend in. Like all children, even undead ones, he had an overwhelming fondness for sweets and the free samples were simply too tempting to pass up. He took the chocolate from the human in front--an American, how quaint--and popped it into his mouth with obvious pleasure. Rich, very rich. Rich enough to flavor the blood.

The thought of blood made his stomach rumble. It'd been days since he'd gotten any good stuff. His last meal had been someone's darling purse-canine, too small and too animal to sate him for long. Life without a consistent bloodbag was tough indeed.

Without realizing it, Joss found himself staring at the vein on the American's neck, licking his lips with anticipation.

[akillersmile]

"Hey, kid. Look, I'm happy to give you a few free samples, but it sounds like you could use a real meal." Kyle offered, noticing the awkward staring. It was enough to pique his interest, but the mere action didn't scream vampire. Not yet, anyway. The soldier picked up a couple other chocolates and held them out as promised, taking the moment to look over the kid. He was dressed too well and looking a little too arrogant to be homeless. Which meant the kid probably had enough money to feed himself and Kyle didn't need to worry about him.

But he couldn't shake the feeling that the kid was someone to worry about.

Is the timeskip okay? If not, Plurk me and I'll fix it.

[dredefulchilde]

Joscelin smirked, taking the chocolate. Oh, yes, he could do with a real meal. He hadn't had an American in at least forty years; it was too risky to go after tourists these days and he still had his "rehabilitation" to think about. And it was working, for the most part. Just a few days ago he'd been promoted to baron. Not that that meant anything, of course. Just an empty title without any power to back it up.

There was still no news about whether or not he'd ever get his daylight jewel back.

"Maybe I will have to get something to eat," he replied, almost as if to himself.

To hell with caution.

Later that night, after the shop had closed and darkened, Joss waited for the American to emerge. He followed the man for several minutes until they were in a sufficiently darkened street.

"Good evening," Joscelin said with simpering politeness. "I had hoped to take you up on that meal you so kindly offered me."

S'all good

[akillersmile]

Kyle frowned at the kid exiting the shop yet almost immediately forgot about the encounter, already moving on to the next customer. It wasn't until later that night, walking home and getting the feeling he was being followed, that the memory resurfaced with the sound of the kid's voice. He frowned as he stopped and turned around to face him.

Yep, definitely a vampire.

"Sorry, kid. I don't swing that way," he replied congenially, not wanting to provoke the thing any more than he apparently already had.

[dredefulchilde]

"Goodness, how scandalous. And I, a mere child," Joss teased, emerging fully from the darkness. If he was surprised that the human didn't seem entirely phased by his arrival, he hid it well. So. He'd found a mortal in the know. The American certainly wasn't a wolf and he couldn't sense any magic, so that narrowed the field slightly.

How very intriguing.

"If you know what I am, you know that the chances of you leaving this encounter fully intact are rather slim."

[akillersmile]

"Somehow I doubt that," he muttered at the mention of being a child. This kid wouldn't be the first one that Kyle saw, but the soldier was currently without a gun and a knife wouldn't do much good against a vampire, regardless of the age. He supposed it was only a matter of time really.

"I can't remember the last time I was fully intact," he joked, glancing casually about for other potential weapons and not finding much of anything. At least there was an alley he could run down to get to a main street if he could distract the thing for a minute. It made for a decent plan B. "Look, we both know you're stronger and faster than me. But I'm also going to put up one hell of a fight. Why don't you hit the Jolly Roger and get a willing victim there? Win-win."

[dredefulchilde]

"Ah, so you know of that particular establishment, do you? My, my, we are well-informed, aren't we?" Joss gives the American his sweetest smile. "Alas, my apparent age makes it rather difficult for me to be served there. Nearly seven centuries, and youth and beauty are still so maligned." Which is why he needs to get himself sorted with a new foster family, lickity-split.

When he sees the American casting about for potential weapons, he laughs his childish, delighted laugh and produces a well-worn, centuries-old wooden stake from inside his coat. "Looking for this? It really does pay to carry some protection with oneself at all possible times. You'd like to use it on me, wouldn't you? I don't sense anything particularly magical or spectacular about you, so you must be someone who is familiar with killing kind."

He sighs. "That hurts my feelings, you know. I'm sure you've got your reasons and they're probably awfully noble ones, but now you're not going to want to hear the deal I was about to propose. One which might benefit both of us."

[akillersmile]

"I'm sure you could find something," he grumbles a little. Obviously the kid knows way more than he does about the many establishments a vampire can frequent for a meal. Hell, had he not stumbled on a vampire eating some kid in an alley, Kyle wouldn't even know about the Jolly Roger. In that regard, the kid's being pointedly obstinate. The benefits of being undead, Kyle supposes.

He doesn't give the laugh a second thought, though his eyes find the stake easily enough. A vampire carrying the weapon of his own demise; that's a new one. Kyle looks as confused as he feels and says nothing about wanting to kill the kid, even though every vampire is a tango in the making in the back of his mind.

"Look, I'm not that noble, I just don't like getting hurt. One of my least favorite pastimes, in fact. So if your deal involves walking away, then I'm all for it."

[dredefulchilde]

"It does, in fact!" Joss claps his hands, looking delighted.

"It involves both of us walking away. Eventually. You see, I don't take lives unless I absolutely have to. It's very messy and I have far too many enemies to begin with. Plus, I'm quite small; I can get by on less."

He takes a step forward, still just out of range.

"I can make it so you don't remember a thing. You'll wake up in bed and tonight will have been just like any other night. I'm very good at making people forget. You might even say it's something of a specialty of mine."

[akillersmile]

"Pass." Kyle replies easily. The only reason he'd rather be fed on than die is because surviving allows him the chance at revenge. It's not going down without a fight, however, and he makes that abundantly clear as he shifts his feet and posture into an expectant stance, ready to fight. His hands are still at his sides, but his arms are tense and ready.

[dredefulchilde]

Joscelin's smile grows broader, revealing straight, perfect teeth and two tiny fangs.

"You say that as if you have a choice."

[akillersmile]

"I sure as hell do," he murmurs in response, muscles tensing as he pulls into a defensive position. One-on-one, unarmed, Kyle has little to no hope of taking on a vampire and he knows it, but like hell he's going to run. He'll make it as difficult as possible on the asshole and do his best to wrestle the stake away for a kill. That's the best he's got for now. If he dies trying, well, hey, at least he tried.