[ It's probably awful of him to feel so relieved to hear that. It is a surprise to hear someone declare they "parted ways" with religion. Of course, where he comes from, the fate of the Faithless is worse than death. ]
All right...
[ He took Max's arm with a light, delicate touch, holding it with cool careful fingers, the pad of his thumb running along the flesh to feel the pulse beneath before he found the best place to set his teeth. When he bit down, he tried use just enough pressure to pierce the skin and no more...when the blood flooded his mouth it was impossible to keep from moaning. Even though he wasn't hungry, after 200 years of an anemic existence, sucking what little sustenance he could get from dead rats, it was just...so delicious. His eyelids flickered, eyes rolling back a bit, but he remembered to pull slowly--to sip like a fine wine, not gorge himself on it, as was his instinct. ]
[Max works to keep his breathing steady. But the moment Astarion lowers fangs to his wrist, his pulse kicks up a few beats. It’s not fear if the flush in Max’s skin is any indication.
A soft exhalation is all the reaction Max has to the pain of the puncture. Even that doesn't sound entirely pained. The sensation of cold is new and interesting, he has to admit. It would be fun to simply let the numbing peaceful calm that follows take him over. But he quickly shakes his head to shake that idea way. He needs to be paying attention to Astarion.
The vampire spawn is doing a pretty good job, Max thinks with a note of pride. He's obviously enjoying this new pleasure of blood, and Max can't fault him, but so far he has stayed steady. Max will let him go just a little longer until the telltale lightheadedness starts. Now, the real test.]
[ It is easier this time to pull away, likely because he's not ravenous and weak. Even so, he runs his tongue over the marks his fangs left behind, to make sure he gets every available drop before the wounds seal, and his hands are trembling faintly as he wipes at the corners of his lips and sucks the stray smears of blood from his fingertips. Gods, it's almost, almost like being alive again. He's warm. He didn't get the chance to notice it before, but he can feel it now. How remarkable.
After a moment of...collecting himself, his dark red gaze turns to regard Max, teeth still stained slightly red as he smiles slowly. ]
Well...you haven't crumpled to the ground. That must be a good sign.
[Max just manages not to moan aloud at the obscene feeling of Astarion lapping his wound. But he can't hide another heated shudder.
Thankfully, Max has gotten better practiced with holding himself back from acting on the kinds of urges that come along with feedings. But his eyes are still half-lidded, and darkened with lust. Astarion's smile doesn't help anything.]
Yes. And you hardly hesitated pulling away. Also a good sign. How did that feel?
Much easier, this time. Less...desperate. I feel so warm.
[ He flexes his fingers, staring down at his hand in awe, Max's arm still cradled in a delicate hold being slowly lowered to his lap. Not in a salacious sense. Just laying it across his thighs. After a moment, he lifted one hand and laid it against the side of Max's neck, so he could feel how much warmer it was. ]
[It's no surprise to Max that Astarion's hand is warmer against his neck. His own master can remain warm for close to an hour after a good feeding. But it always fades, eventually.]
I--suppose I must have, after Quentin, but I didn't...there were more pressing matters. The blood of animals...it satisfies, but it doesn't make me feel, almost as though I were alive again.
[ His fingers flex and play almost absently, toying with the hair at the nape of Max's neck. ]
My former master. He...required a meal, every few weeks, but when he fed, he took all there was. [ Gods but it's humiliating, lowering, utterly pathetic to understand so little about his own nature. That Cazador kept him so ignorant, so weak, so starved. ] I'm not sure how many small feedings it will take to keep from becoming a danger again.
[If Astarion continues to toy with that area at the nape of Max's neck, he will no doubt brush up against his mark. Max's skin bears a raised brand in a perfect circle with his Master's coat of arms burned in the center. A griffin on one side and a shield crossed with a sword on the other.]
That's... not great.
[He does his best to put aside the knowledge of how many lives that adds up to. How many poor souls died in his master's jaws? That's not Astarion's fault. That's on his master.]
It's extremely hard to judge. In my world, the older a vampire gets, the less blood they need. I have no idea if that's true for you.
For you I just... I don't know. It's really not safe to do big feedings on the same human more than every three months. My master is old. Very old. So, he'd take a very small amount from me on a weekly basis... and even that had to be carefully managed with iron supplements, diet, and exercise. The first day after I'd usually have to spend sleeping.
Now, here, I have that special regeneration boon I asked the fae for so I could do feedings more frequently. But still I... I'm worried my master here isn't going to be happy if I'm double-ing up too much.
[He taps a finger to his lips, thoughtfully.]
There are creatures in the woods. Deer and other big game. And there are the brothels too. I've heard they will let you pay for a meal. I'm not saying I don't want to help, just that if you require a lot then you're going to have to plan on varying your sources.
[ Considering the large seal that marred his own back--and how it got there--even if Astarion's fingers did find it, he wouldn't think that much of it, or remark upon it. He would simply assume Max's master was as sadistic as his own.
Clearly there were too many factors to know for certain. Astarion was 200 years old, but what did that even mean in terms of undeath? Was it different for him, being a vampire spawn--and having his little passenger sleeping dormant in his head, allowing him to walk in sunlight and cross any threshold he liked without the need for invitation?
He sighed. He had quite a learning curve ahead of him, didn't he. Perhaps the game in the woods, coupled with a few sips of kith blood, would suffice HANG ON HOL' UP-- ]
...Wait. I'm sorry, your master here? [ Explain, Max, cause he is confusion. ]
Sorry, that came out wrong. I don't mean like... not the same guy.
It's someone I also feed here. Obviously. Honestly, they aren't very open about it so I'd appreciate if you keep that to yourself. I promise you, though. I'm in no way being forced.
[ Good news, Max, you don't have to worry about Astarion's hand straying near your mark any longer, because he is quite pointedly taking his hand back. The very thought of...willingly shackling oneself to another Master. It turns his stomach. ]
Well. You can be assured I have no desire at all to cross another vampire.
[Isn't it though? Maybe at the start... Max was so desperate for his world to make sense again when he threw himself at Jackie practically strong-arming the vampire into adopting him. But Jackie has helped him! At his Master, Jackie teaches Max to be better at consent, not worse. Their advice and support has been invaluable. It's not the same at all.]
But... yeah. They don't really want anyone to know their deal. So. Please don't tell anyone about this.
Oh, it isn't? It certainly sounded as though you fretted over earning their displeasure. The leash may be prettier, but it can still choke the life from you the moment the one holding it wishes to pull it.
[ He shook his head firmly and pushed off of the bed, putting a few steps of distance between himself and Max. Mostly out of fear. He'd have never asked for his help if he'd known he was risking the ire of a vampire he called Master. ]
As I said. I've no desire whatsoever to cross another vampire. If there's risk of that, then please, leave.
[ It's unlikely that Astarion would understand, even if he made the attempt. He's also not angry. He's genuinely scared. Slightly disgusted. But the primary emotion that his face displays is fear. ]
I'd ask you not to speak of me to them, but I've a feeling you wouldn't have a choice.
[ He! Hates! Ev-ry-thing a-bout this! The fact that Max feels he has to say something at all is mmmmmm bad sign mashing x to doubt!! Doesn't like that Max is risking punishment on his behalf! Doesn't like that another vampire might be angry at him for biting their pet human!
But you know. Apparently this is Max's choice (press x to doubt). Astarion swallows hard and nods. ]
Very well. I'll...take your word for it. [ Not like he has a choice at this point. ] I...pray you know what you are doing, Max.
[Astarion is valid. His concerns are all very well founded. Poor guy. ...Welcome to the hell of knowing Max.]
I'll get it worked out. You'll see. Everything will be fine. And, maybe... if they want to meet you, they can give you some advice too? I mean, they might know better how to teach you?
[ Maybe that's hypocritical of him. To reject the notion of meeting one of his own kind. It's just that they're NOT his own kind. He's a spawn. He's a lesser. He's an escaped slave. And he doesn't intend to put himself in the sights of another vampire that apparently likes to keep slaves. ]
I don't want the kind of trouble that would bring. I'll figure it out, for myself.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-06 10:15 pm (UTC)All right...
[ He took Max's arm with a light, delicate touch, holding it with cool careful fingers, the pad of his thumb running along the flesh to feel the pulse beneath before he found the best place to set his teeth. When he bit down, he tried use just enough pressure to pierce the skin and no more...when the blood flooded his mouth it was impossible to keep from moaning. Even though he wasn't hungry, after 200 years of an anemic existence, sucking what little sustenance he could get from dead rats, it was just...so delicious. His eyelids flickered, eyes rolling back a bit, but he remembered to pull slowly--to sip like a fine wine, not gorge himself on it, as was his instinct. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-07 03:55 am (UTC)A soft exhalation is all the reaction Max has to the pain of the puncture. Even that doesn't sound entirely pained. The sensation of cold is new and interesting, he has to admit. It would be fun to simply let the numbing peaceful calm that follows take him over. But he quickly shakes his head to shake that idea way. He needs to be paying attention to Astarion.
The vampire spawn is doing a pretty good job, Max thinks with a note of pride. He's obviously enjoying this new pleasure of blood, and Max can't fault him, but so far he has stayed steady. Max will let him go just a little longer until the telltale lightheadedness starts. Now, the real test.]
Okay, time to let up.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-07 07:29 am (UTC)After a moment of...collecting himself, his dark red gaze turns to regard Max, teeth still stained slightly red as he smiles slowly. ]
Well...you haven't crumpled to the ground. That must be a good sign.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-10 03:57 pm (UTC)Thankfully, Max has gotten better practiced with holding himself back from acting on the kinds of urges that come along with feedings. But his eyes are still half-lidded, and darkened with lust. Astarion's smile doesn't help anything.]
Yes. And you hardly hesitated pulling away. Also a good sign. How did that feel?
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-16 04:49 am (UTC)[ He flexes his fingers, staring down at his hand in awe, Max's arm still cradled in a delicate hold being slowly lowered to his lap. Not in a salacious sense. Just laying it across his thighs. After a moment, he lifted one hand and laid it against the side of Max's neck, so he could feel how much warmer it was. ]
Remarkable, isn't it?
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-17 10:21 pm (UTC)[It's no surprise to Max that Astarion's hand is warmer against his neck. His own master can remain warm for close to an hour after a good feeding. But it always fades, eventually.]
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-19 12:05 am (UTC)[ His fingers flex and play almost absently, toying with the hair at the nape of Max's neck. ]
My former master. He...required a meal, every few weeks, but when he fed, he took all there was. [ Gods but it's humiliating, lowering, utterly pathetic to understand so little about his own nature. That Cazador kept him so ignorant, so weak, so starved. ] I'm not sure how many small feedings it will take to keep from becoming a danger again.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-19 08:31 pm (UTC)That's... not great.
[He does his best to put aside the knowledge of how many lives that adds up to. How many poor souls died in his master's jaws? That's not Astarion's fault. That's on his master.]
It's extremely hard to judge. In my world, the older a vampire gets, the less blood they need. I have no idea if that's true for you.
For you I just... I don't know. It's really not safe to do big feedings on the same human more than every three months. My master is old. Very old. So, he'd take a very small amount from me on a weekly basis... and even that had to be carefully managed with iron supplements, diet, and exercise. The first day after I'd usually have to spend sleeping.
Now, here, I have that special regeneration boon I asked the fae for so I could do feedings more frequently. But still I... I'm worried my master here isn't going to be happy if I'm double-ing up too much.
[He taps a finger to his lips, thoughtfully.]
There are creatures in the woods. Deer and other big game. And there are the brothels too. I've heard they will let you pay for a meal. I'm not saying I don't want to help, just that if you require a lot then you're going to have to plan on varying your sources.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-22 07:51 pm (UTC)Clearly there were too many factors to know for certain. Astarion was 200 years old, but what did that even mean in terms of undeath? Was it different for him, being a vampire spawn--and having his little passenger sleeping dormant in his head, allowing him to walk in sunlight and cross any threshold he liked without the need for invitation?
He sighed. He had quite a learning curve ahead of him, didn't he. Perhaps the game in the woods, coupled with a few sips of kith blood, would suffice HANG ON HOL' UP-- ]
...Wait. I'm sorry, your master here? [ Explain, Max, cause he is confusion. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-23 03:50 pm (UTC)Sorry, that came out wrong. I don't mean like... not the same guy.
It's someone I also feed here. Obviously. Honestly, they aren't very open about it so I'd appreciate if you keep that to yourself. I promise you, though. I'm in no way being forced.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-23 04:28 pm (UTC)[ Good news, Max, you don't have to worry about Astarion's hand straying near your mark any longer, because he is quite pointedly taking his hand back. The very thought of...willingly shackling oneself to another Master. It turns his stomach. ]
Well. You can be assured I have no desire at all to cross another vampire.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-23 05:08 pm (UTC)[Isn't it though? Maybe at the start... Max was so desperate for his world to make sense again when he threw himself at Jackie practically strong-arming the vampire into adopting him. But Jackie has helped him! At his Master, Jackie teaches Max to be better at consent, not worse. Their advice and support has been invaluable. It's not the same at all.]
But... yeah. They don't really want anyone to know their deal. So. Please don't tell anyone about this.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-23 05:51 pm (UTC)[ He shook his head firmly and pushed off of the bed, putting a few steps of distance between himself and Max. Mostly out of fear. He'd have never asked for his help if he'd known he was risking the ire of a vampire he called Master. ]
As I said. I've no desire whatsoever to cross another vampire. If there's risk of that, then please, leave.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-23 05:57 pm (UTC)[No. He can't explain it better without giving too much away. And, he can't make any guarantees about how Jackie will feel about any of this, can he?
Max finally takes his hand back and stands.]
Okay. I'm sorry. It wasn't my intention to... entangle you.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-23 06:09 pm (UTC)I'd ask you not to speak of me to them, but I've a feeling you wouldn't have a choice.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-23 06:25 pm (UTC)[He can see the fear. And he's sorry for having made it worse.]
It will be okay. Honest! Their main concern would be you revealing them to other non-vampires. And you won't. So, there won't be a problem.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-23 07:42 pm (UTC)But you know. Apparently this is Max's choice (press x to doubt). Astarion swallows hard and nods. ]
Very well. I'll...take your word for it. [ Not like he has a choice at this point. ] I...pray you know what you are doing, Max.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-23 08:02 pm (UTC)I'll get it worked out. You'll see. Everything will be fine. And, maybe... if they want to meet you, they can give you some advice too? I mean, they might know better how to teach you?
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-23 09:50 pm (UTC)[ Maybe that's hypocritical of him. To reject the notion of meeting one of his own kind. It's just that they're NOT his own kind. He's a spawn. He's a lesser. He's an escaped slave. And he doesn't intend to put himself in the sights of another vampire that apparently likes to keep slaves. ]
I don't want the kind of trouble that would bring. I'll figure it out, for myself.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-29 12:30 pm (UTC)[Max's fingers fidget in front of him where he stands. He eyes the door.]
Um. Should I...? I should. I'll just go...
[He makes for the door now, but casts a look back over his shoulder.]
Will you be okay?
(no subject)
Date: 2021-01-01 12:11 am (UTC)[ He's not one for brave faces, but his expression softens and warms, just a bit. ]
This...it did help. Thank you. It won't be so difficult next time.
end
Date: 2021-01-03 07:12 pm (UTC)Take care of yourself.
[And he does finally go now before he makes this any more awkward for either of them.]