WHO: Eva and Kong WHEN: August 5th Evening WHERE: Zion ground, near(ish) an evening fire gathering WHAT: Eva getting something off her chest and Kong agreeing to be fed from for the first time WARNINGS: Eva’s a bitch. I mean: Vampire feeding STATUS: Complete
______________
It was late, the day shows had happened and Eva was finally up and about. Edward helped her do her hair and make up before they split up for the night. She assumed he was going to go off and visit his pet, another ‘lesson’. Eva was so proud of him for how wrapped the girl was around his finger. She decided to visit one of her pets- or pets in progress. He wasn’t a pet in the same way that James was, or some of the others. Kong didn’t really need her for her body. But he was special and interesting and she liked that. It had been a while since she’d visited- things had been so busy and disruptive with being out of time. And after her birthday present, she’d been preoccupied with making sure her child would be okay when they left- of course she’d been more than capable and an impressive vampire.
Eva spied the familiar long, dark hair of the wind dancer sitting near one of the fire pits. He wasn’t too close to be among the crowd, but was close enough that she could feel the heat as she approached him. Her simple dress flowed carefree around her legs and cut sharply down at the bodice. It would practically be considered an undergarment from their time, but it was quite usual to see her around Zion in such clothing. Outside the carnival she dressed just as any other proper woman would, but inside the safety of Zion, she preferred to be unbound.
“What a wonderful evening, wouldn’t you say, el cariño?” She asked, her fingers tracing his back from one shoulder to the other before she came around to face the Elemental. Her hand continued to trace down his arm, finally resting on his hand. “Miss me?”
--
There were few Kong could rely on. For a long time he had been alone, without family or friends to fall back on. Part of the prophecy insisted that he remain singular and solitary, but the human part of him yearned for more. Sought enlightenment in ways of the heart rather than of the mind, and so he had found company at the Carnival.
Eva had been one of the first to extend her strength and kindness, to take him in and show him the way. Forever he would be in her debt and while he didn’t have to tell her that, she never expected payment in return. Her company was highly sought after. Her absence was something he came to understand though she was never gone too long.
For a man like him danger could lurk in innocent places - a misplaced prop, the cage of an animal, a rogue wagon. But he managed. Sean was taking care to see that Kong stayed unharmed.
But he was glad when he caught the familiar scent of his friend carried by the wind. The warmth of the fire was nothing compared to the heat inside of his core. At the depth of him, he needed family and tradition. Eva was as close to family as he could get.
At her words Kong would smile, nod. “As beautiful as to be expected,” came the flowing string of words, kind yet strong and humbled.
Fingers would fold around her own as he felt them pause. “The way the sun misses the moon,” he assured her. Though the moon borrowed the light from the sun so in essence they were always together. “I hope that you have been well since we have last spoken. Many things have changed.”
—
Without bothering to ask, she slid onto his lap, “How sweet you are.” She said, running a finger along his jawline. “And things have changed, you are right. Not quite home, but definite a lot quieter than the last stop. Though I will say, I did find their style of dress to be quite…” Eva sought to find the right word. “Well, let me put it this way, what I tend to wear when I dance… some women wore on the street- in public.” She whispered as if scandalous. “Eddie even got me a number of new outfits to wear during my show that will send all the men back home to their pocket books for a second show.”
She laid her head on his shoulder with a sigh. “Can I tell you something? Something only Eddie and Lily know?” It wasn’t a secret that the three vampires were a tight knit group, so it wasn’t abnormal for them both to know what was going on in the others lives. “You’ve always been an ear I can talk to…” And he rarely judged her- at least not to her face. But, he also was truthful with her. Perhaps that’s why she kept him as a pet. James adored her body and needed her. Others loved to do little chores for her when she asked- or willingly provided a fresh meal. Not that she wouldn’t fuck him and feed from him and make him feel good with a thought if she thought it was the only way to get his admiration. But all she’d had to do was be nice.
--
He had been expecting the closeness. As the water would part for an object, Kong opened his arms to her and bore the addition of weight. She was not heavy or burdensome, together they probably seemed quite an odd sight nestled there by the glow of the fire but he welcomed the comfort. An arm would slide around Eva if only to keep her secure, always respectful of her when he touched. Palm would settle in the curve of her side and would not stray.
As she spoke about the clothing from the last place they’d been, Kong listened. He did his best to picture what she described - the illustration his mind painted of women clad in next to nothing, and he found it oddly curious.
“I was not that fond of the last age,” he confessed. “The noise was so loud, the people seemed as if they had lost their way.” Amongst other things. He sensed a great division and feared for the future ahead.
In response to her question, he would nod. Eva could always confide in him. He was none to judge anyone - not with the choices he had made and the blindfold wrapped delicately around the upper half of his face. “Of course you may.”
—
She agreed, it was very loud and the music was just noise. It was easier to kill in public as people never paid attention to other people- just their phones. The phone had also progressed nicely, being able to communicate so easily with Edward was wonderful.
“When we were in New Orleans… Edward and I celebrate my el cumpleaños- my birthday. And I- well I became a mother.” She sighed happily, eyes closed as she remembered her Andrea. “I miss her… but I am worried about her.” Eva frowned, her normal confidence parting to show a small bit of vulnerability.
--
Her words had weight. If that was one thing about being without sight it was the ability to pick up on emotions laced and woven into tone, words. Eva meant a lot to him in the sense that he cared about her well-being. While she was much more capable, that didn’t mean she didn’t also need others' support and strength from time to time.
“Please forgive me for missing your birthday,” he said softly as the gentle breeze fluttered around them. “And congratulations.” Kong would keep his words soft. She could hear him just fine, always had been able to.
“How can I help?” Sean said they were no longer in New Orleans - and while he had never been a guide to a child he knew what it was like to be parted from family. He also understood that the “child” that Eva spoke of was not an actual child. He never pried into her life or asked invasive questions, but then Eva told him exactly what she thought he needed to know and no more.
“I know what it is like to miss family. My own is far from here and always will be.” Always patient and kind with everyone, he gave her a bit of his own grief that he carried in his heart. The mixed feelings for tradition and family versus where he was presently were always commingled deep inside his core.
—
“Shh, no don’t bother with that.” She said, a finger pressing to his lips at the mention of her birthday. “Had I cared, I would have told you when it was. It’s a day that means much less than it used to.” It was something she typically only shared with Edward, even though Eva was the kind to love to be showered with gifts, she’d much rather celebrate her ‘rebirth’ with others than a day she was still a weak human.
“I just… I worry for her, all alone.” Eva frowned. Andrea seemed to be quite capable and she was aware that they’d be leaving. But they hadn’t exactly told her where- or when. What if she felt abandoned should they never return? What if she grew to hate them. What if she found herself chased by hunters and alone? “I keep wondering if it would have been better to bring her back with us. I believe she would have come if I’d asked. But that also would have been cruel to take her out of the time she is so familiar with.” It was very unlike Eva to consider someone else’s feelings in a matter. Perhaps motherhood had changed her. “I will miss being a mother. I think I could have been real good at it.”
--
The pressure upon his lips from her finger would silence him, though he knew that days tended to mean little when you lived such a lengthy life. While he knew that Eva was a child of the night, he didn’t press for any more information than what she was willing to give. Whatever day meant most to her he would do his best to remember it and celebrate it if that was what she wanted.
“Being alone often teaches one to be resourceful and now to survive on the barest of skills,” Kong would explain. “Some must face the world with no guide or direction. It makes us stronger because we must overcome obstacles. My heart tells me that you will see her again some day.”
The idea that Eva cared enough to consider the wellbeing of the child was good - she rarely showed consideration or compassion for others - and it meant more support for her during this time.
“Be comforted by the idea that she will be waiting for you. Whether she is upset or not is only something you can deal with at that time. But you have resolve, you will find a solution. I believe in you.”
—
Eva smiled, her palm resting on his chest as she took comfort in his warmth. “You always know what to say to make me feel better.” She said with a sigh, running a cold finger tip under his chin. “I could make you feel better too, if you desired.”
--
He did the best that he could. Kong would smile at her, comforted by her touch on his skin. “I feel fine, but I thank you. Your kindness is all that I need.” She never failed to make sure he was happy and taken care of.
Shifting a touch beneath her to better accommodate, Kong breathed softly and listened to the fire crackle.
—
“Probably better that way. Most find my gifts a bit much and then can’t get enough.” It was true, and she loved it. “But the offer is always there. I just want you to be happy.” Her cold lips briefly grazed his cheek before she laid her head back on his shoulder. It was true. She loved to make her pets happy. Because in return, they loved her for it and desired for her company and if she trained them right… they would need her company, feel lost without her visits. But it was important to her that they believe they have a choice in the matter. Otherwise, it was all fake and boring.
--
“I am happy,” he assured her. “Have you met Sean?” He wasn’t sure if Eva knew much about what had developed or even the man himself. It wasn’t for lack of wanting to tell her, she had just been away for a while and he’d not had the chance. Sean was different from most of the people he knew and interacted with.
He did enjoy Eva’s company. She was easy to talk to, so nurturing and protective. And she had been kindest to him upon his first arrival, ensuring he had everything he needed to survive there. She had been his eyes when he had none.
Kong was grateful for their friendship.
—
“I’ve heard of him. He’s the one who can talk to los fantasmas- er- ghosts, right?” She knew who he was, he was attractive but his gift meant she avoided him. There was no doubt a number of angry boring human ghosts who surrounded her. Those she’d drained of blood or torn apart in a fit of hunger- or killed because they’d been hunting her. “I did hear that you had moved into his wagon. I haven’t wanted to intrude.” Which was as good of an excuse as any for avoiding the Magi.
--
Kong would nod.
“Yes, that is the one.” Sean meant the world to him, had taken him in and took care of him. The next part didn’t surprise him at all and Kong would smile. “I did. We are in a relationship,” he explained quietly, unsure of anyone around who may be listening. He knew such things weren’t always accepted even in familiar company.
“You are never intruding.” That was something he wanted to reiterate. Eva was like family, she was never a burden or anyone he would keep on the fringes of his life.
—
“That’s wonderful.” She said with a smile. She never minded her pets making friends with others, but there was that caution she always took. Eva didn’t do well with rejection, if a pet chose to push her out of their life for the sake of another… let’s just say Edward has had to keep her calm a few times in the past. Now, if she chooses to keep her distance, that’s her choice. But Eva could not handle one of those she committed time to grooming deciding that she wasn’t worthy. It was unthinkable.
Her hand rose and brushed fingers lovingly through his hair. “You deserve to be happy. I hope the medium does that for you.”
--
There were so few he trusted in his life that that idea of pushing Eva out seemed impossible. She had been there for him long before Sean had been, and Kong was nothing of not loyal to those he considered friends and family. Eva was absolutely family.
As her fingers threaded through his hair his head would tilt in response, habit. “Thank you. I hope so, too. He is a very fine person, very caring and adoring.” Sean had been the first to say those three little words and while it had floored Kong at first, he’d come to feel them too.
—
Her eyes narrowed slightly, though her voice maintained a light and airy tone. “Always good qualities in a partner.” She needed some insurance. Another person who cared and adored for Kong… fine. But she enjoyed talking with the blind performer. He was quiet and had a different perception on the world that she found useful.
So, Eva moved to get off his lap. “I should probably let you- Oh.” Her voice trailed off as she let herself list, a cold hand grabbing his arm as it rested on the chair as if to steady herself. “Oh, I think I stood up too fast.” She said with a small laugh. “Must… be hungry or something.”
--
He agreed with her words. Sean was a wonderful partner, Kong was humbled and grateful for the adoration the man offered. That didn’t mean that his time was monopolized, Sean was not a jealous type but he could be passionate.
As Eva moved to stand, Kong held on until she was steady. Though he sensed an imbalance and hands would slip forward to catch her as her own clamped down onto his.
“Are you alright?” It was a natural question. His brow would furrow. “If you are in need, please…” he wouldn’t say too much as they were in public but the offer was there regardless. He wasn’t afraid of Eva, not in the sense that he felt she would put an end to his life though he knew she could.
—
“Oh hun, I wouldn’t want you to feel obligated.” She said, trying to sound like she was acting strong. Really, she was pleased he’d offered on his own. “Besides, we promised Kristoph that we’d only find nourishment from those who freely offered.” When on carnival grounds. “Though that can make it a tad harder to find when you’re scared to leave because of the time jumping.” She added quietly, as if not intending for her to hear.
--
Shaking his head, Kong patted her arm. “I do not feel obligated. If you need it, I will give it.” Perhaps it should’ve been a conversation he had with Sean considering their relationship, but there wasn’t time for a consultation. She needed strength and the moment was now. “Please Eva,” he insisted quietly.
The idea that she was scared to leave the Carnival didn’t surprise him. He heard murmurs on the wind, others felt the same way.
—
She slid back onto his lap. “Oh mi bailarina de aire, thank you.” Her voice sounded earnest- something she’d perfected in her time with Edward. It harkened back to a time when she was still human and would placate her father or brothers when she had to assure them that things would be okay- whether because times were tough due to the war or because they’d messed things up. Lying had been something that had always been easy to her and while it had starting as something to spare someone’s feelings; it was now a full on artform to get what she wanted. “I promise. It won’t hurt.” Carefully she took his hand and moved his sleeve up so as to not leave and obvious mark where others could readily see.
Not about to give him time to change his mind, she drew his arm up as her mouth moved down to meet his flesh. Two perfectly sharp fangs pierced his skin, the pain would last no more than a moment before those sensations so typical of the Nightwalker bite would take hold. A sense of calm, pleasure, arousal, excitement could be felt. However a person interpreted the sensations, it was positive. So much so, that most people lamented when it stopped. Eva wouldn’t take too much. Just enough to appear she’d needed to feed, enough to create that subtle bond Nightwalkers had with their prey- unseen by said prey. But not enough to harm him in any way. As her fangs retreated from his skin his flesh rebounded like a pair of scratches. Something that only happened when a vampire didn’t tear flesh. It meant a slower feed, but also meant that there would be no need for bandages. Nightwalkers (as well as Daywalkers) lived on discretion.
--
With patience he waited. The coolness of the exposed skin didn’t phase him - the way the sleeve fabric slipped easily up so as to expose the area she was after went noticed but silent. At first his face contorted a bit, twitched with the onset of initial pain but it eased away as she fed. A breath and his heart pounded. She’d never done this before and he had yet to experience it for himself so they were both sharing a moment together.
It was over far too quickly; he’d been alight with sensations and now that the scratches were all that was left a sense of emptiness and disappointment lingered. “Do you feel better?” He inquired kindly of her. His arm didn’t move from her grasp just in case she was not finished.
—
A thumb gently wiped across her lip to clean up any blood, Eva could be a dainty eater when she wanted. Not like the ugly humans who’s throats she’d routinely tear out in the smaller towns back in their own time. “Yes, thank you… I hope it didn’t hurt too bad.” She said meekly, of course she knew it wouldn’t. Even those who suffered her bite raking through their flesh moaned with pleasure at the sensation- before the fear and panic of death set in.
--
Shaking his head, that dark hair fell into his face. “It did not hurt at all.” If that was on purpose or even just luck of the draw, he was grateful. Explaining the marks to Sean would be a bit different challenge, but he knew it was better to own it than hide it and reap the losses. “If you ever need my help please do not be afraid to ask.”
He didn’t want to think she was going without. A woman like her probably never did; he knew Eva was lovely and more than capable of getting the things needed to survive, but her friendship was like gold.
—
Her fingers trailed through the brim of his hair as she smiled, pleased with herself. “You are too kind. Thank you for our talk tonight, and keeping me on my feet.” An airy laugh flowed from her lips. “I promise I will do my best not to be a stranger.” A cool kiss, though slightly warmer than before thanks to the fresh feeding, was placed at the side of his mouth. “Good luck with that boy of yours. I can’t wait to hear all the stories you’ll develop about him.” She loathed the idea of hearing Kong go on about his fling. But should he feel compelled to share them, choosing to share with her over others was always preferable.
Slowly, her weight lifted off him, fingertips trailing his arm until finally separating. “I should go check on Edward.” She mused as an excuse to part for now. As she bid her farewells and moved away, she glanced back at Kong and with a small smile left him with a little ‘gift’, a push, suggestion, feeling of desire and lust- undirected. Perhaps he’d seek out his mystic lover and have the best sex yet, all because of her influence.