Who: Edward and Kerr Where: Park in town When: Night, Thursday What: People watching and a snack
It had been a good evening out in New Orleans, or so Edward had thought. Maybe ‘good’ wasn’t the right word to use but he did find some enjoyment out of it. He had a new silk shirt and he had gotten Eva a surprise - a beautiful new dress to wear when they went out Saturday night. But of course the main focus of the evening was on his potential new pet Kerr.
They had walked along streets, looking through the windows into clothing stores and occasionally going in if either of them saw something that seemed interesting. He did learn about the origin of most of the clothing and it surprised him, almost everything now was made in some Asian country, obviously people didn’t have time to sew their own garments and tailors it seemed had all but died out. The browsing did make for an ideal opportunity to try and teach Kerr some more reading skills, from sounding out shop names to understanding the prices on tags that hung from the clothing and in the end he purchased her a new shirt to go with the outfit that she had gotten earlier that week.
As the evening wore on a bit and the two of them ended up in a concrete seat in some small park away from the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street and all the parties that seemed to be going on. The park wasn’t exactly deserted but it was a lot quieter than elsewhere, they were able to talk at a normal volume and not have to almost yell too hear each other.
--
Kerr had found it odd that the vampire had asked her to accompany him. Part of her had considered saying no, but she knew she needed to socialize with people more- even if they were different. He didn’t seem to judge her either, in fact he seemed genuinely nice. Which had been a surprise.
While shopping she did roll her eyes a few times at the reading lessons- though having someone who seemed to care about something like that was an unusual feeling. She was pretty useless on picking out a dress for his- cousin? Though the dress he picked was not something family would normally get for each other, at least not that she would expect. Maybe it was different with the fancier people. Kerr didn’t really understand the modern style of womens clothes all that much, almost grateful she’d been dressing as a man. Even before, before Zion when she still went by Audrey, she never cared much for dresses- not that she’d had much choice in the matter.
Odd, she’d not thought about that part of her in a while. Maybe it was strange with how easy she’d accustomed to pretending to be a man. When Edward had picked out a shirt for her, she was a bit stunned. It had been unexpected. “I can pay you back after the weekend.” She said once they were sitting, she’d been thinking about it for a while and the roustabouts had been told their payment would be increased to meet the increase prices the carnival was able to charge in this time. That meant she’d have enough to pay him back for the shirt once she got paid.
--
Most people tended to shy away or hide from Edward, it was known throughout Zion that he and Eva were vampires and as such virtually everyone didn’t want to go near them, they could sense the fear the humans had towards them and while it was a nice thing for a vampire to have mortals living in fear of them it also meant a rather lonely existence when Eva was busy with tricks or her pets.
There was something about Kerr, she could have walked away at any time or declined his offer, yet she had come along and it was nice to have a bit of company, it also meant that when they were in the stores the sales people didn’t bother them too much as the last time he went shopping by himself they would not leave him alone, wanting to help every minute or two. Petty humans.
“Do not worry about it.” Edward replied, glancing over at Kerr from the group of drunkards that were having an argument across the park. “I still have some finances at my disposal so I am not exactly poor at this present time.” Thank goodness for that gold that he had stored away, just selling a few ounces of it meant he wouldn’t have to worry about money for a bit longer at least. “Call it a gift.” His attention was drawn back to the drunkards who indeed had started to push at one another and curse in rather colorful language.
--
As Edward looked at the scene, she watched him, trying to figure him out. Why was he being so nice to her? “Thank you.” It was a strange feeling. She wasn’t used to people looking out for her, buying her things. Jean had for the holidays, but most of her life, since her aunt had just abandoned her. She had no memories of her parents and had been surviving on her own since she was ten. She should find it hard to trust people, but Edward already had plenty of chances to spill her secret and he hadn’t. Perhaps a part of her also wants to have someone she can trust. As much as she’d been avoiding it, she wanted a connection with people. She didn’t like having walls up… she envied those with families and friends.
Her eyes finally turned to the beginnings of a fight. “I suppose some things never change, yea?” She sighed. “What’s it, hundred years later they say?” She wasn’t sure of the math there. “Still brawlin’ over… nothin’ prolly. Not sure what a ‘slutbag cunt tart’ is though.”
--
Edward had been alone for many years after he became a vampire, yes he had tried to court and swindle rich women out of money, jewels and gold but it was such a lonely existence - at least until Eva. He knew every day how lucky he was that she had decided to stay with him instead of going out there on her own as he had done. But Kerr was alone in all sense of the word. She spent most of her time around the animals and of a night slept wherever she could lay out her bedroll.
He also knew what it was like to have secrets, which was why he hadn’t told anyone about Kerr’s, most of them were hiding from someone or something in Zion and he wasn’t going to let his own survival be jeopardized by ruining someone else’s life, it wouldn’t be hard for someone with a grudge to find a person wanting to kill a vampire.
“Indeed it has not, one hundred years and alcohol is still causing no end of trouble.” He said with a bit of a sigh, while so many things were different beyond belief the human male bravado obviously was still as idiotic as ever. Edward could hear the conversation a bit better though and that wasn’t the only foul language. “A female that he…” Gesturing to one man, “believes that he…” to the other “had sex with even though this female was in a relationship with the first man.” It was interesting to watch.
--
“Oh.” Kerr pursed her lips slightly. Jealousy, infidelity, intimacy… all were alien to her. For a moment she wondered what it would be like for two men to be fighting over her like these men were. Her hand moved to her chest, the flatness beneath her fingers, and the fantasy was shattered. How could she imagine someone attracted to her, when she didn’t feel attractive? When she wasn’t feminine like the other women? When she always seemed to see a stranger when she looked in the mirror.
Well, almost every time at least. When she’d been in the store and Viv had helped her. For a moment she felt… But no, that was wrong. She was only in disguise, for her own safety. But they were in the future now…
“I don’t get it. I mean… why-” her thought was halted when one guy decked the other. Their friends moved to separate them.
--
Edward had gotten into his fair share of arguments when he was human, once or twice they were over a woman but since he was turned things like that just became trivial, why should he waste precious time and energy on such an endeavour? The only woman he’d fight over now was Eva, but she was his world and the younger vampire knew it.
“That is something I am still trying to figure out young Kerr. It might be to assert dominance, like male gorillas fighting in a zoo, or they might just be a pair of jossers.” Even when separated they still tried to fight. “Correction. They’re definitely a pair of jossers.”
--
Kerr laughed lightly. “And a reminder of why I don’t socialize-” She bit her lip with a halted sigh. “Not that all gents are like that of course.” She glanced his way.
She removed her hat and ran her fingers through her hair, shaking her head slightly. “Sorry… Apparently I can only hold full conversations with animals.” Her eyes focused on the cobblestone walkway that trailed through the park. Yes sir. No sir. Is there an empty room. I didn’t steal that. I’m leaving. Can I have some soup miss? How many times had she actually just talked to someone? It was a wonder she functioned so well in Zion to that point. She’d a friend once… but they passed away one winter after becoming ill. “And even that’s new.” She laughed again at the ridiculousness of her sitting there with a vampire, so much older than her. There she was, dressed as a boy, sitting with a man who appeared older and was probably even moreso. A man who may have been pale, but was quite attractive and she was… no one. How many people had said no to going out with him that night that he’d settled on her?
--
“Of course, there is a difference between men and gentlemen. That is a good example of men, crude and nothing overly exceptional. Gentlemen however have class, learning and manners.” He looked at Kerr and smiled when their eyes met. “A gentleman would never call someone a ‘slutbag’.” Modern slang was kind of amusing.
“The animals would probably be better conversationalists than men like that.” Although that was more than a probability and more of a certainty, by the slurring and cursing that was still going on as the two groups of men left in different directions, yelling at each other. “I am not much of a conversationalist either, I guess that makes us in good company.”
--
“Why did you ask me to join you tonight?” She asked, the words came out before she could stop them. Kerr closed her eyes, wincing slightly. “I mean- I would have assumed you’d have taken Eva… or…” The other vampire he socialized with. “Lily.”
--
“Both Eva and Lily had prior commitments tonight.” That was kind of a lie, no doubt Eva would be with one of her pets and Lily was probably doing the same but he wasn’t entirely sure, it did make a good enough excuse though. “I wanted the dress to be a surprise, she needed something new for her show.” And as most people thought they were cousins a good reason for him to buy her something so… revealing, even though it was for himself in some way.
“Although you looked like you could do with some company. I quite enjoyed our last shopping expedition.” He reached over a placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a little squeeze.
--
“Yea, fumbling through racks of dresses.” She couldn’t help but laugh. “Sorry I wasn’t much help.” Kerr apologized. “I don’t really have an opinion on what looks good on women.” She shrugged. “Or what would be attractive at least.” Even if they were the ones who tended to hit on her.
--
“You did find a nice shirt for yourself though.” And it was, a soft long sleeved cotton shirt in a deep navy blue. “And you did give some advice on these other fabrics, I must admit that fashion has never been something that interested me, I used to have tailors and people who would buy my clothing. Even now, Eva has better taste than me, I let her do most of my shopping.” There was a genuine smile as he talked about Eva, the woman that he loved - in their own vampiric way.
“Have you noticed how people now seem to dress to impress others rather than what is comfortable or practical? Looking like peacocks strutting around for a mate.” His shoulders moved a bit, as if he was a peacock walking around. “Do not change Kerr, dress for yourself and do not let this modern world change who you are.”
--
“And how is that different from back home? I remember my Aunt putting on corsets and many layers to impress her suitors.” Before she found one who took her away. “Just seems that people aren’t as modest now.”
“Fashions never been- never had a chance to become a thing for me.” She admitted. “I’ve never put much thought into my dress- save for making sure… parts of me are hidden.” Kerr added in a mumble. “And hard to change when y’don’t know who y’are to begin with.”
—
Kerr did have a point, it wasn’t any different from the 1920’s, other than now it seemed like fashion had gone from long dresses and layers to next to nothing. Maybe it was just in America, or maybe it was worldwide, he didn’t know and wasn’t sure he wanted to find out the answer either, it made him miss what now seemed to be the simpler times.
“Then don’t change. Continue being who you want to be, it is your choice. If you feel happy living and dressing like a man then do so, the only person you have to please in life is yourself.” It was clear to Edward that Kerr had some issues with self esteem and self worth, and he knew that he could use those flaws to make turning the young woman into a good pet much easier.
--
Kerr gave Edward an incredulous look. “That is not how most view things. Though I guess Zion’s population isn’t most people.” She laughed a little with a shake of her head as she put her hat back on. “And for the record- I don’t want to be a man.” She added a bit as an afterthought. “I started dressing like this because… well because the law was after me. New name, new gender. It seemed like a good way to keep hidden.”
—
It was something he had wondered, why Kerr was dressing as a man and now he knew the answer. Edward thought that it was quite a clever disguise and so far had worked, no one would expect that roustabout cleaning the animal to actually be the woman they were looking for, Kerr’s neutral looks played in her favor, most people still thought that she was a man.
“I promised that I would not reveal your secret to anyone, and I will uphold that vow.” He smiled, glancing over at Kerr again. “It is a wonderful ruse I must admit, How many years has it been now?”
--
“It’s been a couple years now.” She said. “Coming up on about three I think.” Kerr had spent a bit of time on the run before she’d found Zion. “I suppose the reason for my ‘ruse’ doesn’t exist anymore though- does it?” So why was she still dressing as a man? Her hand brushed over the iron armrest of the bench they sat on, not really expecting and answer to the question- from him or herself. “I doubt anyone alive remembers my escape… though there’s no telling how long until we go back.”
—
He, Eva and Lily had only been in Zion for a year now, still on the run from the hunters and they knew that they couldn’t do the same, to let their guard down still might mean death and hunters had a good habit of blending in with common people which was why he was always suspicious of others. “Even if the reason has disappeared it is something that you have grown accustomed to, if you are somewhat happy then why change?”
--
Was she happy?
Kerr continued to fiddle with the armrest as she pondered that, watching as the drunkards finally dispersed completely and others strolled through. “I w- ah-“ she started, wincing as her finger caught on a stray screw sticking out of the bench. “Damnit.” She pulled her hand close, the middle joint of her ring finger had a small but deep cut in it.
—
The casual observation of people wandering past and the drunkards finally leaving was interrupted by the sudden smell that hit his nostrils, even before Kerr could curse Edward knew what had happened. The scent would’ve made his mouth water, if he still had saliva.
He turned in his seat a bit, reaching out for Kerr’s injured hand. “Here… let me.”
--
She was confused, as if for a moment she forgot he was a vampire. Kerr didn’t object to him taking her hand. “It’s just a cut. I’ve had worse.” Her hands were definitely rougher than most women. All that manual labor working with animal feed, time washing and brushing the animals, trimming hoods and much more.
—
When there was no objection Edward brought her hand to his mouth, his lips closing around the finger as he gently sucked on the small cut. The roughness of her palms didn’t bother him at all, he had feasted from far worse in his many years. His eyes were watching Kerr’s face as he tilted his head slightly, the tips of one of his fangs breaking the skin to the side of the cut, wondering if such a small bite was still pleasurable.
--
She felt the small prick but it didn’t hurt. Her brow furrowed as she swallowed, it was strange, painless, almost nice. It made her stomach a little… fluttery. She wasn’t sure how to describe it. Her heartbeat sped up a bit as she carefully pulled her hand back. “Oh… er… I’m sorry I shouldn’t have-“ but did she do anything actually? Kerr grabbed a kerchief from her pocket and wrapped her hand. She wasn’t upset, not really. It had been different, if that’s what it felt like to be fed upon, she wasn’t sure why people were so scared of vampires. It didn’t hurt that bad. Though some vampires might not have restraint like Edward appeared to.
—
It was obvious to him that the tiny bite had caused some kind of pleasure and that Kerr just wasn’t sure how to react to such a feeling, judging by the apology given. “Dear Kerr, you have nothing to be sorry about.” He reached up and tucked a group of stray hairs that stuck out from under the hat back behind Kerr’s ear, feeling a bit bolder to try a spot of seduction and interested to know if she would let him actually bite her. “Did I hurt you?”
--
Kerr shook her head softly. “No. You didn’t.” She replied, feeling a small shiver up her spine at the touch of his fingers.
—
“Then what is wrong?” He asked, hand still lingering. “I would never do you harm. I made a promise to Kristoph and I am a man of my word.” Edward’s voice had gotten a bit softer and his British accent a bit thicker as it normally did when seducing someone.
--
“I suppose I didn’t expect it…” which was silly considering what he was. She definitely didn’t expect it to feel good- or not bad? Her eyes looked up to him and she realized just how close he was sitting to her what much others have thought looking upon them? Not that she was actually thinking about that. No, her mind was on how cool he felt but how it made her feel a little warm as her cheeks heated and a blush came to them. Her lips parted as if to say something, but she felt at a loss. Kerr wasn’t sure what she was doing- or not doing- or just sitting there. Just sitting there, very close to Edward.
—
“To feel good?” Came the response. While he was sitting closer to Kerr it wasn’t too close, he wanted her to feel safe, protected and not scared. Others going past would probably just think they were just a couple out at night, nothing that drew attention to them. “I can make you feel like you’re up in the clouds, flying so high.” Edward’s hand had slipped lower and the side of a finger resting against the jaw bone just under her ear.
--
“Ha.” She couldn’t help it. The laugh was nervous, excited and yea, a little scared. But she wasn’t scared in a run and hide way. It was scared in a ‘this is new’ way. Kerr’s eyes closed briefly at his touch, before looking up at him. “I-I- why?” She breathed in wonder. Why had he picked her? Even still, she didn’t move away from him.
—
It was as if he knew the rest of that question behind the why, it wasn’t a ‘why would I want to feel good’ but ‘why me’. “Because I know what it’s like to be lonely, to have no one to talk to or confide in. To be sitting by yourself when everyone else is talking, laughing and having a good time.” His curved finger slid along her jaw to the chin, lifting Kerr’s head just slightly. “I can offer you companionship, someone you can tell anything to and teach you many new things.” And Edward wasn’t just talking about reading.
--
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation and emotion as they searched him for some sign of deceit. “Okay…” Kerr whispered, it was accepting his invitation, granting permission, a verbal opening of the door to discover what was possible.
—
A smile spread across Edward’s face at that confirmation, Eva was going to be so proud of him when he told her the news in a few hours time. Though instead of going for the neck which would’ve been the easier option he reached down for the hand that was still clutching the handkerchief and lifted it, a hand held onto it as he brought it to his lips, eyes again watching Kerr as his fangs broke the flesh. He stayed silent as the delicious blood filled his mouth, of course he wasn’t going to drink too much.
--
Her teeth caught her lip as she watched him. Two pricks, deeper this time but hurt even less than the first time. A sensation rushed down her arm as blood flowed to the open wound. That sensation pooled in her chest and then radiated out. It felt good, really good. Despite her body cooling a bit due to the mild blood loss, she felt warm… in places she wasn’t used to. A shiver came to her and she blushed more as her hand found his leg almost to brace herself.
—
He knew that he could drain her dry from these two marks alone, although he had purposely missed the blood vessels under the skin that would have made the blood pump faster into his mouth, this was more like a trickle and he sucked ever so gently. For once he was putting his own selfishness aside and let Kerr experience this pleasure. There was a slight smirk as she gripped onto his leg.
--
“I thought it would hurt.” She said softly. Kerr tried not to lean on him, but she felt a little weak, overwhelmed, confused by the mix of everything. “Doesn’t hurt…” she exhaled.
—
A little bit more and Edward slowly pulled back, leaving only two little marks on the inside of Kerr’s wrist. It had satisfied his hunger for now and obviously Kerr had enjoyed it. “What did you feel?” He asked, an arm gently coaxing her to rest against him. “Tell me everything.”
--
“Oh-“ she rubbed her arm slightly. His openness was inviting, if new, and it made her feel seen. Kerr wasn’t sure how or what to say to his question. “I’m not sure. I mean there was a prick, but it wasn’t painful. It felt like… it made my skin tingle.” She struggled to find the right words. “Then it… wasn’t just my arm but all over.” She looked away, embarrassed. “It was good.”
—
Edward found her embarrassment cute, that she couldn’t find the words to describe what it was like, then again she had never experienced them before so everything would be new and somewhat exciting. “Like a little shock went through your whole body, from the tips of your toes to deep in your belly?” Of course he hadn’t remembered the bite that had turned him, he was on death’s door at that point. “You don’t need to be shy around me dear Kerr.”
--
“Something like that.” She nodded.
Kerr finally looked back up to Edward. “You must think me very silly or strange… Not at all like… the girls you’re normally around.” She didn’t want to make judgements, but he did do the bally for the coochie show. She was the farthest thing from one of those girls.
--
In a way Kerr was strange, she had an innocence about her that he had not seen since Eva, but it was different. She was like clay at the hands of a potter, ready to turn and manipulate as he saw fit and Edward had a feeling that the young woman would make an exceptional pet even with it.
“They have many years more experience than you do, different pasts mould us all differently. You are unique and that is alright.” A hand reached up and brushed some more hair back behind Kerr’s ears.