Of This Arrangment (Joyabe)

[Theseus]

This pleasant filled tension between them was so different from their previous hatred towards one another that is was dizzying. Yet, Ravi does not in the slightest miss it. Granted, it would be easier if they fell back into that deep seated loathing their first time meeting resulted in. It was less complicated, less contradicting feelings. He did not question his feelings towards the runt during that time, for they were mutual. However, now that that was gone, now that they agreed on this balance of civility, Ravi has lost all sense of what was going on. He still very much holds a strong distaste for mutts, such a familiar feeling that he's sure will not go away in a span of a few days. Though, he's feelings towards Connor is different; it's a oxymoronic predicament in itself that Ravi did not prepare for. The runt still annoys him (he believes), but intrigues him. He still thinks his fiance is nothing more than a brat, but he wants nothing more but to be sure of the other's happiness. Ravi is beginning to realize just how bothersome this situation is. Does he care for the runt as a person? Or as a snack? Is it really his will to feel such importance of the small wolf's well being, or was it the scent's heavy influence of his senses that are clouding his normal way of thinking? The latter is what makes the most sense, how can he feel such a fondness towards a mutt after only two days of meeting? It was idiotic, impossible, and worse of all, (he does not know why it was worse) impossible.

 

Seeing that simple smile stretch across his lover's lips did nothing to help ease the conflict within himself. It only made a sharp warmth blossom within his chest, giving him a false sense of life. Ravi swallowed the acidic feeling down, even trying to disregard the small praise Connor gave him. (Does the runt really think so highly of him? Why is such a trivial thing make him so happy?) "I never was a scholar type," Ravi admits. "Besides, it has always been my brother's responsibility to learn as many languages as he can. Considering he's the diplomatic figure head for more international affairs." Ravi saw no need to travel to see the world, it would be troublesome for his more specific dietary needs. Also, there's nothing out there for him. It's only a bigger world, nothing more. (There was more to his outlook, however, it's a reasoning he does not want to review the details of.) But, if the runt knows such a dying language, what else does he know? Did his lover learn the language as the youngest of the head of his clan, or for mere enjoyment? (Ravi hates himself a little more for wanting to learn the exact reasoning behind it.)

 

The abrupt snap from the Connor made the smile on Ravi's face drop, his hand returning to its dull cold state when the small wolf snatched his own out of his hold. Did he do something wrong? It wasn't his intention to be rude. No, that's a lie, he did mean to be impolite. However, for a entirely different reason. It was out of the mere fact of how ironic the situation would be. That warmth within his chest began to chill to its previous freezing state. Feeling like heavy lead weighing against his rib cage. It wasn't his intention to offend the small wolf. (But it's his culture just as much as its the ones that he was going to insult with full intent.) Clenching his jaw, Ravi moves his hands into the pockets of his slacks. The dull noise of the chain wrapped around his wrist meant for his fiance sounding deafening to his ears. Ah, he doesn't want to see anyone get hurt. Ravi looked away; this is confusing, was the earlier praise just politeness? (You did agree on civility, he reminds himself.) Did Connor think... he wanted to hurt his people? It's not an entire lie, he still holds his prejudice to heart, however he has enough sense of mind not to do so. For his mother's (and finace's) sake. Does the wolf really think that little of him?

 

"Right," he answered, continuing to walk towards the runt's chambers. Distancing himself from the other. "My apologies." This sudden change is nauseating, Ravi does not know what to do anymore! How does he even respond to Connor's presence? It feels that no matter what small progress they (he) make, they fall five steps back immediately. Maybe.. it really is impossible. He was not sure what 'it' was, and Ravi does not want to dwell on it. Finally getting into his side of the manor, he stops in front of a deep red oak door. The doorknob made of polished gold with embroidered patterns. "This is where you'll be staying." Ravi pauses, shuffling from one foot to another. There isn't anything else to say, so why does he want to linger when he's clearly unwanted? Ah, this is too much. "Well...I shall take my leave then." With that, he turns towards the deeper part of the corridor, towards his own chambers.

 

What is wrong with him? Why is his emotions all over the place like he's a new youngling again? It should be obvious; the mutt still holds distaste towards him. And he should as well! He shouldn't let some sweet scent hinder the fact that the other is a mutt, and that he hates him. He shouldn't want to learn more about his arranged lover, to see what makes him smile, to make sure of his security. He's not a friend, not even an acquaintance. Ravi needs some fresh air, however, the sun is still high within the sky. And he still does not have a Day ring like mother and Samuel. So going to (hiding in) the gardens is impossible. Maybe he could just go down in the deeper catacombs of the manor. He doubts he will be bothered there.

[Joyabe]

Even if asked, Connor couldn't explain the reason behind the sharp pain in his chest as he saw Ravi walking away from him. Well, actually he probably could, but he would not go there. The unavoidable conclusions this would lead him to were not something he was ready to face yet. No less painful was the change in expression on his fiance's face, going from pure enjoyment and excitement to something else. Connor almost felt like he just put out some kind of light he was now desperate to rekindle.

 

The dry response he got caused him to unconsciously wrap his arms around himself as he continued following Ravi in silence. Clearly, their more than lacking communication once again ruined things. Something about his response (and there was probably a lot to chose from) evoked this response in Ravi, although he really didn't mean any harm. He just... responded without thinking. Again. This situation was getting way too familiar, and he was not enjoying it in the slightest. Not like you have anyone else to blame but yourself his subconscious returned once again to torment him, clearly you're the one who brought it upon himself. God, he would pay so much to have this voice just fucking shut up. But what if this really was the only option for them? It seemed that despite their best efforts, they kept falling back into those same places of discomfort and distaste caused by their words and actions, whether those were intentional or not. The thought caused Connor to frown as he chewed on his lip. It shouldn't bother that much, right? Maybe it was just unavoidable, given what they were. Maybe this marriage was destined to be confrontational, never going past cold politeness. Although, cold didn't seem to be something either of them was capable of. Well, maybe Ravi did in the very beginning of that first night. But ever since that, things always seemed to be either heating or warming up. And if he was completely honest with himself, he very much rather it that way. Well, not the whole screaming match, almost hitting each other thing. But he couldn't ignore the fact he still cared about Ravi at some level. He wanted to get along with him, to ease his mind, to make him happy...

 

The internal conflict he was experiencing only got worse when he was dropped off in his room. Instead of going into the room, he stood there frozen in place, hand stuck to the doorknob and eyes stuck to Ravi's back, debating what he should do. He wanted so badly to call out to him, to tell him to stop, to explain the whole thing. But at the same time he just couldn't bring himself to chase him again. He already did it once, and chasing after people that left him went against his very own nature. No matter how much he wanted, he just couldn't move his feet. He probably stood there for a few good minutes, deliberating with himself even long after Ravi's figure was out of sight, before letting out a small sigh and finally entering his new room.

 

Dropping his bag on the floor, ignoring the more than spacious room that seemed to be decorated as lavishly as the rest of the mention he headed straight to the huge four poster bed lined against one of the walls. Flopping face down on the soft mattress, Connor closed his eyes as he inhaled deeply. That day was suddenly not going the way he wanted to. The darkness and silence of the room, both of which were greater than those of the hall, seemed to allow his mind to focus only on those last events he desperately didn't want to think about. And the fact his lover's scent seemed to linger in the room, enveloping him from all directions, was not helping.

 

God, what was he even doing? Clearly he was not great with words. Or self control. And things were actually going really well before he had to go and do that. Ravi even agreed to learn the blessing... letting out a frustrated groan, Connor buried his face even deeper between the soft pillows. He didn't want to think about it anymore. He didn't want to think about his future in this house. About the family he was about to get. About the person he was to share the rest of his life with. Right now he just wanted to shut his brain off and think of absolutely nothing.

 

The next thing he saw was the blurry figure of someone. Actually, someone's back. It was still dark and quite, but it wasn't the same dark and quite. Connor knew this place. He knew this person. And still there was nothing he could do to stop her from going away, just like always. It didn't stop the suffocating feeling that seemed to clutch at his lungs and heart as he tried to move or make a sound, but to no avail.

 

Eyes flying open, it took Connor a moment to realize what happened and where he was. The fact the room was completely dark didn't help. Oh, right, he realized as he sat up. He was in the vampires' house. He must have fallen asleep... and for a while by the feeling of it. What time was it? Wasn't there some kind of rehearsal they had to be in today? The thought caused him to jump to his feet, his blood rushing down from the sudden movement. No, but if it was time already, someone for sure would come to look for him right? Rubbing his eyes as he headed for the door he stuck his head out, eyes squinting at the sudden light hitting them. He blinked a few times, trying to decide what he should do. He could just go downstairs, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to meet anyone he didn't have to right now. He could try and follow Ravi's scent, but it was a little more challenging seeing the place was full of it. Besides, he wasn't sure if he would be welcomed even if he were to find him. That thought did more than enough to persuade him not to. Instead, he just stood there, leaning against the open door, running his hands through his more than unruly hair, his groggy mind trying to come up with some plan of action.

[Theseus]

The heavy, empty feeling that settled deep within the confines of his ribs seem to expand with each step Ravi took away from the runt. As if threatening to break free at any moment, maybe even consume him entirely. However, there's not much that he can do. This just seems to be meant for their relationship; cold calculated politeness that does not cross any boundaries. To put it simply, the politeness of complete strangers. It was sickening to think, and yet, that is just what their relationship has to be. No matter how much Ravi wishes otherwise. Running his finger through his hair, he gets to his room, opening the dark wood door before closing it with a soft click. When has this become such a difficult task? They were to wed soon and yet still cannot interact easily without harming one another in some way. (Why is that so bothersome? We're both of different species, ones destined to hate one another. It's inevitable.) With a deep sigh, Ravi walks over towards his own bed, sitting down and sinking into the mattress. When has this simple arrangement become so complicated? He doesn't know how to approach the small wolf anymore, nor what to say. (Yet he still wants to know Connor, to be reason that the other smiles.)

 

Moving the sleeve of his dress shirt up, Ravi gazes down at the small chain wrapped around his wrist. The dulled coin swaying from being released of its confines. He wonders, what she would say about this. He knows dwelling on a dead soul from a lost past is meaningless, but he has no clue as to how to go about this arranged marriage. It was more simple when they loathed one another, when that scent wasn't influencing his senses and altering his thought process. When he never heard the small wolf laugh, never seen how hysterical this situation made him. If it wasn't for that, this situation would not be so delicate. Caressing the small chain for a moment, he shoved the sleeve back down. Standing once more before leaving his chambers. Now was not the time to be focus on such trivial things. So the runt truly was not fond of him, he could live with that. How his fiance felt for him is of no importance of him. Swallowing down the bile of a lie, Ravi ventured further into his side of the manor. The deeper he went, the denser the darkness became.

 

At the far end was a winding staircase, a straight path that descended down in the catacombs of the manor. The steps were different for the overall theme of the rest of the more known manor. The stairs made of worn cobblestone without a single railing. Dust gathered in clusters the further Ravi descends the stairs. He needs to clear his head, needs to part from that intoxicating scent of the mutt that does nothing but cause trouble for himself. After a few moments, most likely ten minutes or so, Ravi is greeted by a rusted gate. The lock long since eroded away and no longer in use, the entrance of the dungeons. Pushing the gate open, it creaked in loud protest which echoed off of the stone walls of the deep basement. A simple walk around should clear this conflict of his. Maybe even help him realize how idiotic his thoughts towards the small wolf are. How it should not bother him, that they can only simply hate one another. No different than the generations before them.

 

Walking along the stone ground, Ravi breathed in the tainted air that surrounds him. It's been quite some time since he last ventured down here, he nearly forgotten the musk of the air around him. His footsteps enacted around the hall as he comes up to a bolted up door to his left. He freezes, eyes trained on the chains that held the door in place and keeping anyone out. Or in. No matter how many times he came down here before, the sight still chills him. Knowing what's beyond the door. What's only a mere couple of feet away from him. No, no he does not want to go in there. He's suppose to be clearing his mind. Tearing his gaze away from the door, Ravi looked straight on ahead. Strolling past the daunting door with tensed shoulders.

 

He found himself, once again, going over the events leading up to this point. He wonders why, out of everyone, it's the runt's scent that hinders his ability to think. Dulls his rational thoughts. It could simply be his stomach speaking for him, adding up to him wanting a taste of the sweetness that coursed through Connor's veins. However, last that Ravi checked, he's never once felt such a need to protect his meal. To wish for it to know that its happiness is of upmost importance to him. Lord, since when has his thoughts fallen into such a hole of nonsense? This was a mutt he was describing, one that, not even a week ago, he wanted nothing more than to tear into. This was doing nothing to clear his mind, if anything, it was bringing more illogical things to light.

 

For the rest of the day, it seems, he found himself walking the twisted catacombs. Stopping once in a while to trail his fingers along some engraved stones before continuing on wards. Time really does seem to pass him by once he's down here, it should be alarming to say the least. Getting towards a different set of stairs, Ravi ascends them, coming to a door that seems to open into a back room towards the front of the manor. A small office, his mother's office. Hm, he does not remember such a path. Oh well. Like he stated previously, it has been a while since he's last ventured in the darker parts of the manor. Leaving the office and shutting the door behind him, Ravi enters the lobby, seeing mother talking with one of the servant girls. When she spotted the youngest, she waved him over. "Ah," she exclaimed. "There you are, Ravi. It's time to brush up on your lessons."

 

Lessons? He frowned, which lessons were mother referring to? When he came closer, he notices the servant girl fully. She was about in her mid thirties, hair a beautiful red that cascaded in curls that stopped just below her ears. Her clothes were simple, a flowing skirt of black made for movement and a button up of white. Ah. "Miss Mary, it's been quite a time." Ravi greeted; he remembers when Miss Mary's mother would bring her into work when she was a mere child. She was always fond of him, like a younger sister, despite his distaste for children. He tried avoiding her as much as possible, and yet stubbornly, the child still followed him around. Simply begging for his attention. Now, she's a woman of older age with a youngling of her own. She still works at the manor, not living far either, as his dance instructor. And despite the glaring fact that he has a couple of centuries on her, she still treats him as a child. It was quite annoying, but, he did not mind it that much. She was a much better sibling than Samuel.

 

"It has--," Mary began only to be interrupted.

 

"Oh, my little Raven! You wound me!"

 

Speak of the devil. With a huff, Ravi looks at the fight of stairs to see Samuel leaning against the railing. Hand against his heart as if he was injured by his thoughts. "Maybe," Ravi said slowly. "If you stopped reading people's minds, you would not hear what you would not like." Miss Mary only laughed at the two as his mother rolled her eyes fondly. Honestly, ever since his powers came in, Samuel has been abusing them. Even if he does try to explain that some thoughts are too loud to ignore, Ravi still believes that it's pure bullshit. "Samuel," mother said. "Please go gather Connor so that he may practice as well." Ah, she was going to let this insane man near the small wolf? He moved to protest, only to remember that though he felt this way, he was not sure how true it was. Adding that to the glaring fact that the runt was not in anyway fond of him. Ravi swallowed his remark, not noticing the odd look his older brother gave him before ascending the stairs to go find the small wolf.

 

Miss Mary abruptly wrapped her arms around him in a deep hug, startling him. "Ah, it's been so long little Ravi! You haven't aged a bit since the last time I've seen you!" She joked, moving back to ruffle his hair. Honestly, must they all do that? Mother smiled at the two before speaking; "I'll be in the kitchen. I must insure that the dinner being served will be of satisfaction for the ceremony." With, mother strolled towards the dinning area, dress flowing effortlessly behind her. Mother is really taking this ceremony seriously, Ravi notices. She's been quite diligent on making sure everything goes accordingly, and that the mutts are comfortable in their territory. For some odd reason, a sense of guilt filled him. Bypassing that, he turns his attention back on Miss Mary. "Really, no matter how many times you tell me such a joke, it's still very amusing." He deadpanned, earning a soft hit to his shoulder from the older woman. It has became quite the running gag for her, it seems. Though, he was not complaining. Today.

 

"So Ravi," Miss Mary began. "Do you still remember all that I taught you?" Ah, it has been a couple of months since he's practiced, or even had a waltz lesson. Mostly due to the arranging of his marriage his mother was keen on planning with the elder wolf at the time. And, because of his response to such political ideas, he was said to stay in the manor and wait for the word that everything was going according to plan. During that time, he desperately wished that the elder wolf would disagree. Well, look where they are now. Ravi tilted his head; "I believe so, yes." He held his hand out, more willing to show her that he does recall some things. With a smirk playing on her lips, Miss Mary rested her hand in his own (It was so much different than Connor's, less steady. Too fragile in touch), and with that, Ravi easily pulled her into a Waltz position.

 

Meanwhile, Samuel entered the deeper part of the manor. Trying to figure out why his little youngling suddenly had such a thought. What happened between him and the small wolf? Did they have a disagreement? What he does know, is that he's never seen such a pained expression on his little raven's face before. Not since her. Seeing the wolf, Samuel called out. "Ah, there you are *mic lup! You're lessons are awaiting you!" He said with a bow; he does not fully know what is going on between the wolf and his youngling, though, he does intend to find out in some way.

 

 

Mic lup= small wolf

 

[Joyabe]

The muffled voices that seemed to be coming from somewhere downstairs were somewhat helpful at diverting his attention from his own confusion. Instead, he now found that alongside waking him up, the conversation, whose contents he couldn't decipher, was also a big help in waking up his curiosity. Although he couldn't really hear what they were saying, Connor could certainly hear who was doing the talking. The first voice he heard belonged to his future mother in law, there was absolutely no doubt about it. As usual, she sounded like the social butterfly Connor just knew she was. The next voice that joined the conversation he knew just as well, if not better. Hearing Ravi's muffled voice, his body seemed to move on his own, inching out of the room and down the hallway in an attempt to decipher the words he was saying. The fact he couldn't figure out a single one of them had him frustrated, and to make things worse, for some reason the mere sound of his voice felt almost like it was calling to him.

 

That thought caused him to stop once again, this time midway down the hallway, and his forehead to crease. Why was he reacting like that to Ravi's voice, almost as if he was doing so by instinct? The scent was one thing, which, admittedly, he still couldn't explain but maybe it was some kind of weird hunting, lure your pray in kind of thing (although you don't feel the same about the other bloodsuckers). But what the hell did his voice had to do with it?

 

Oh, but suddenly another voice joined in on the conversation. That was a new one. A woman. Connor was positive he never heard her before- this one was completely new. And it seemed she and Ravi were talking about something. About what though? They sounded friendly and familiar with each other though.

 

In fact, the entire conversation seemed to be a pleasant one. Even as Samuel's voice joined in, and despite the fact he still couldn't figure much of it out, Connor found himself continue getting closer and closer to the source of the sounds. Maybe it was still curiosity, just the want to know what those people were talking about the drew him nearer. But, there was also the atmosphere that seemed to allure to him. It seemed that the hollow space in his abdomen that seemed to appear and persistently stay put after his earlier fight with Ravi was what inching him froward. It was almost as if it longed for that warmth, that lighthearted feeling to fill in the empty space. He hated that feeling.

 

As he continued inching his way through the path that lead him to his room earlier, the amount of voices downstairs seemed to be dwindling. First, it was Smauel's voice that went silent. Then, the mistress disappeared from the conversation as well. So that means the only two left... Connor continued listening, finding both the stranger's and Ravi's voice keep coming from downstairs. It seemed like those two knew each other. In fact, it seemed like there was at least some level of fondness between them. More specifically, that woman seemed to be able to talk with Ravi so casually. To talk, and laugh in what seemed like such a natural and lighthearted manner.

 

The sounds of their voices seemed to have attached some kind of invisible hooks to him, and were now luring him even closer (although one hook certainly seemed to be stronger than the other). He wanted to be downstairs too. He wanted to see the faces of the people talking, to hear what exactly they were saying, to be able to partake in that pleasant conversation... 'Ah' the sudden realization nearly shook Connor to his core. He was jealous.

 

Jealous.

 

Now that his mind finally figured out the puzzle, he was astonished by what he discovered. The thing that attracted him the most was how easily that unknown woman was able to communicate with Ravi. He wanted to switch places with her, to be able to do the same. To just erase that awkwardness and coldness their latest encounter brought upon. He just wanted to erase those last couple hours and start anew. This was how he hoped to be able to communicate with Ravi. He didn't want that cold, emotionless, avoiding each other relationship with him for the rest of his life. But, well, you reap what you sow, right? He reminded himself, the small bitter smile on his face not managing to completely erase the hurt and envy that dominated it a moment ago.

 

It also prevented him from realizing, before it was way too late, he was hearing the sound of footsteps way too close to him. When he did, Samuel had already turned the corner and spotted him. Okay, it might have been that his steps were extremely silent in comparison to humans, but he wasn't human himself. He shouldn't have been oblivious enough to allow for such a surprise. "Lessons?" he eyed Samuel suspiciously as he bowed (what was it with vampires and bowing?) "what lessons?". He was still a little wary about going with his future brother in law, although he seriously doubted he would try to harm him. He might not have been completely sane, but Connor was sure even he had the enough common sense to fear his mother. God that woman was terrifying.

 

But, he was never told anything about any lessons he had to attend. Damn his father for keeping him in the dark. Also, didn't Ravi say he didn't have to learn any Romanian for the ceremony? Was he lying? No, no that didn't make any sense. So what was it he had to learn? And with whom? The sounds heard from the first floor brought another, much less pleasant thought to mind. Was he going to have to sit in some dark, moldy room (Connor's hate of sitting on his ass and studying was clearly affecting the imagery his brain was creating), while that woman spends the afternoon with Ravi? More than having to study some kind of mysterious subject without notice, Connor found that particular thought surprisingly irritating, though he wouldn't try to go into the why of things.

[Theseus]

Samuel was taken aback from the thoughts that seemed to plague the small wolf's mind at rapid speed. It was dizzying trying to keep up, and, it did cause his head to ache from attempting to focus on them. This was more complicated than he thought. "Ah, I'm so shocked that the little raven did not tell you," he puts a hand on his hip. Most likely because something must have happened for the youngling to be in such a state of distress. He has some clue from the young wolf's thoughts, yet it was hard to really puzzle them with Ravi's. "Well, *mic lup, it is traditional for the newly wedded to have their first dance together! A way to show a happy beginning of eternity with one another, to learn one another's bodies with the movement of song!" Samuel smiles down at the wolf, playing up being giddy as he focuses in on the other's thoughts.

 

"Come, it's not good to be late now!" He gestured for the other to follow him as he walked back towards the direction that he came.

 

-----

 

Though his steps were less fluid without a thought, Ravi is somewhat proud that he remembers the steps that Miss Mary had taught him. It was easy for them to fall into step with another, their bodies knowing how to fit perfectly with one another as they move as one with the sound of silence. Swaying with their own beat. He does quite like dancing, though, he was not sure why he took such an intense interest in it. Was it how each dancer, despite being taught the same routine, moved in their own unique way? That could be part of the reasoning, yes. However, he never really speculated too intently on the why's for particularly favoring this lesson over the rest. Gently giving his partner space, with one hand Ravi leads Miss Mary into a delicate spin before returning into the traditional waltz position. She raised an eyebrow at him.

 

"I don't remember teaching that one, Ravi," she mused with no real irritability towards his swift change in the ordinary dance routine. While he did have to suffer those few months without his waltz lessons, he may or may not have picked up on a few things during some events that occurred during the untimely hiatus. Ravi simple shrugs, feigning disinterest as he remarks with a evident sigh; "Well, yes, I did find the standard teachings to be such a bore." Miss Mary scoffs and hits his shoulder with little force, he only smiled playfully down at her. She has grown so fast, it seems. Ravi still remembers her as that annoyance of a toddler that would not stop following him around. Now here she is, a mature and refined woman with a family of her own. However, her personality still holding onto that moxy she had all those years ago. Even besides the obvious age difference between them, they're quite close, and he did miss her in those couple of months. Though he will never admit such feelings. That's just seems to be how their relationship operates, silent fondness.

 

"So Ravi," she began again, "What is your fiance like? Is she as bratty as you thought she would be?" Ah, right. That's why Miss Mary is here. Ravi nearly forgot about Connor. No, he tried to forget about the small wolf whom was simply somewhere in the manor hidden away. He wanted so desperately to forget about all that came about today, about the sharpness that came to his chest at the mere mention of his lover. He has to keep reminding himself that such feelings are useless; his lover just simply does not care for him, and he should hold the same mutual stand point. How Connor perceives him should not be of major importance. (But he wants to be there to make him happy, he wants to know why the other still holds such distaste towards him as a person than what he is as a species. Does he just know so little on how to talk to his lover? Or, is he falling into some delusion and is easily confusing fondness with hunger? Or even hatred?) Ravi jolted when he felt a pinch to his cheek, narrowing his eyes down at Miss Mary whom returned his gaze with confusion. "Why did you suddenly have that look on your face?"

 

He had a look on his face? Ravi looked away; "I do not know what you're speaking of, Miss Mary." He does not want to talk about what happened between him and his lover. It sounds childish, but Ravi does not want to think about it for as long as he can, maybe even for the rest of the day. Simply because he no longer knows what to say or how to go about their situation. Does he just keeps it to politeness? With small acknowledgements here and there when they have no choice but to communicate? Ah, he hates how that makes his chest constrict. Once again, there's another pinch to his body, this time to his shoulder, from his dance partner. "You spaced out so that must mean everything is going quite shitty," Miss Mary concluded, giving him a look that dared him to disagree with her. Besides his mother, she was not a force to reckon with.

 

Ravi sighed; "It's not becoming for a woman to use such foul language." Was this him openly avoiding the topic of discussion, yes. And Miss Mary picks up on his avoidance, staring at him for a moment before saying; "Please, I've heard a gentlemen such as yourself say worse." She's not lying. "But, if you don't want to talk about it now, then that's okay. Besides, if you need to, I can give her a piece of my mind." Ah, he also forgot how violent she could be as well. She got into a lot of physical altercations, he even recalls her fighting another servant girl during her teen years for some reason or another. Her mother nearly had a heart attack from the scene.

 

Giving her a small smile, Ravi spins her once more. "A woman after my heart." He then leans her into a low dip, his grip not too tight yet secure enough to not allow her to fall to the floor. Miss Mary merely laughed; "Like you have a working heart." Even if he did laugh along with her, his mind was once again focused on the small wolf. On how it would feel different if he was dancing with him. Connor would most likely loathe the fact that he would not get to lead, or maybe even fumble here and there in such a charming way of clumsiness.

 

 

mic lip = small wolf

 

[Joyabe]

Dread. Dark, heavy, terrible dread was what landed on Connor as soon as his brain processed what Samuel was saying. He had to attend dancing lessons, in order to dance, in the ceremony, that was only weeks away. Connor didn't do dancing. Don't get him wrong, it's not like he's particularly clumsy. In fact, physical agility was something that kind of came naturally with what he was. But, well, somehow he had a feeling that this certain agility didn't include dancing. Something as structured and unnatural as that... yeah, he had a feeling that wasn't going to go exactly smoothly.

 

There was also that small matter that he had to dance with Ravi. That thought threw his brain into a whole different kind of loop. At first, the realization he didn't have to go study something alone in some dark corner of the mansion had him relieved. He was even happy that his ridiculous wish from moments ago to join the others was coming true. But then, he had to remind himself of the circumstances. To say things were awkward between him and Ravi right now was the fucking understatement of the year. Great, the happiness from before was suddenly all gone, and now he was even more nervous then in the beginning. The fear of dancing was all but forgotten in face of the prospect of spending who knows who long together with his betrothed, who was probably not exactly enthusiastic about it. learning how to dance. Together.

 

He really, really doesn't want to. Well, some part of him does. But he really doesn't know how to go about facing Ravi after his little outburst earlier. What if by going he would cement the unavoidable conclusion that the two of them simply can not get along? But then, if he doesn't go he's bound to make things worse. And he most certainly doesn't want that.

 

Letting out a small sigh he finally moved his feet, following Samuel as he was ordered to. It was part of the ceremony he tried to convince himself he already agreed to the whole thing. This was just a part of it. This has absolutely fucking nothing to do with the fact he wants to see Ravi. Nothing at all. God, even he had to admit he was becoming unconvincing. Clearly he did, although that was completely crazy. What kind of sane person wanted to see someone who was supposed to be his natural enemy and that seemed to despise him so badly? Maybe he was a masochist.

 

While one half of his brain was busy processing this information, the other half was focused on the conversation that seemed to still be flowing downstairs. That left no part of him available to produce any words. Lucky Samuel, witnessing the rare sight of a silent Connor and avoiding the shower of objections that would have come down on him any other day.

 

The closer they got, the better Connor was able to hear what they were saying. Ah, he wasn't wrong in assuming they were close. The woman seemed to be easily able to comment on Ravi's expression, which also made Connor curious about what expression it was. Did he see it before? Was it something new? Was it good or bad? What caused him to make it? What was he thinking about when he was making it?

 

They also seemed to able to really speak casually with each other. Something about the way that woman spoke reminded him a little of his brother's fiancee. That thought made him wonder how that woman looked like. Was she young? How did her eyes look like? Her hair? Her face? Was she another vampire, and if so did she share any physical resemblance with his almost-family? The faint heartbeat he could hear, if it indeed belonged to her, suggested otherwise though.

 

By that point, if he estimated correctly (and he pretty sure he did. He takes quite a lot of pride in his hearing), they were almost at the room where the others were. All those questions would probably be answered in a moment or two. He would finally be able to see the mystery woman, to see Ravi. Maybe he should apologize when he sees him? The last time he tried apologizing came into his mind at that thought. It would be safe to say it didn't go exactly well. He most certainly doesn't want that whole incident to repeat itself. Maybe instead of apologizing he should pull Ravi aside for a moment and explain things properly. Although that didn't exactly seem to be his strong suit either. He would just have to be careful. Calm, cool, collected, careful and rational. No shouting. No tackling to the ground. For the sake of their lesson, he would just politely ask to borrow Ravi for a moment, and then he would tell him that...

 

The last sentence Ravi seemed to address towards his companion made his mind go blank. A woman after his heart? He wouldn't read too much into that sentence under regular circumstances, but given the more than friendly atmosphere from before and the flirtatious response that came from the woman he couldn't help but feel like someone just knocked the air out of him, and very violently so. Was this how the relationship between those two was? Was it possible that the reason Ravi treated him the way he did was simply because he was already interested in someone else, yet forced to marry him? For some reason, that thought was worse than thinking Ravi simply hated him because of what or who he was. There was no way he could compete with her. And he was forcefully, even if unknowingly, taking Ravi away from someone else? That thought alone made his heart somehow leap to his throat and drop to his stomach at the same time. This can't be happening to him. Was the universe really cruel enough as to put him out of all people in that situation?

 

Turning the last corner, the picture in front of him more than reinforced his suspicions. What a lovely view, Ravi dancing with that woman (who, surprisingly not only resembled in voice but in appearance as well his future sister in law), dipping her with such ease as they laughed like two people without a care in the world. The perfect picture of a couple. He felt like someone just slapped him. In fact, he might have preferred that someone actually would. "Sorry for interrupting" the dry comment left his lips before he had the chance to think about it. Well, there goes rationality right out the window. "I was worried about being late but if you're in the middle of something..." Then what? He didn't finish his sentence, his face giving away some of the inner turmoil he was in. He would leave them alone? That would be the most logical thing to do, but he doesn't want to leave them alone. He doesn't really want to see this either. He wasn't even sure how to react to the situation.

[Theseus]

Samuel feign knowing any thing that was bothering the small youngling, and yet shock rung out throughout his mind. To think, the small wolf thought so lowly about his little brother. And not because of what he was, but because of some misunderstanding that must've happened between them previously. Yes, this was very much more complicated than he thought, or wanted. He does not know how he's going to survive living with the two, or even existing in the same room, if this is of any indication of their communication skills. Samuel wanted to tell Connor that he shared the same insecurities as his little raven. That he was over thinking. Then again, they are soon to be adults. He should not make it too easy for them. Maybe a little nudge here and there? Certainly, that would not be considered meddling? He was simply aiding a helpful hand for the youngling's first serious relationship. As he thought this, Samuel lead the young wolf towards the room Ravi and Mary resided. A skip in his step as he went. Yes, this could potentially be the best thing to ever happen to that little youngling.

 

---------------

 

It didn't feel right, dancing with Miss Mary despite her being his partner for years now. As he slowly lifter her up, their bodies flushed together in a unconscious embrace, Ravi's mind strayed towards the idea of it being Connor. Of what if's that he knew would never come to be. Yes, he does have to dance with the wolf, to practice for the ceremony. And he feels the small tingle of excitement within him at the very fact. Yet, Ravi still fears the sight of him; the other simply hates him, loathes him to the core and he can do nothing but accept that. No matter how much he wishes to change it, wishes to do something to alter this outcome in anyway that he can, the runt will seem to always hold a sense of distaste towards him. Swallowing down the morbid thoughts, he took in a deep breath. Odd, it smelled of bittersweet fruit, though, significantly sour. Rotten, even. He froze; that smell, that scent belonged to--. Turning his gaze towards the entrance of the room, he sees two new figures standing there in the room with them. The shorter of the two catching his eye like a magnet he had no choice but to find his gaze moving towards.

 

 

Connor. Ravi felt warm yet cold at the sight of his lover; he was not prepared to see the other so soon, he needed more time, more time to think of how to interact with his fiance. To fully accept that the runt evidently holds no feelings of fondness towards him. However, despite being reminded of such bitter thoughts, he felt his chest swell at seeing his lover. All while his stomach felt filled with cold steal settling deep inside of him, weighing the rest of him down with chilling reality while his head floats away. Hastily, he let go of Miss Mary, whom turned towards him in confusion at his abrupt change in demeanor before glancing at the small wolf in curiosity. Honestly, he assumed Samuel would take longer in bringing Connor here, even hoped. (Yes, he fully accepts the childish thoughts that plague his mind at the moment. He should be allowed to feel such things, his own fiance is disgusted with him. All while his mind raced with what made him a person disregarding such glaring knowledge, what he liked and disliked. What made him laugh. All things caused by that intoxicating scent that emanated from the wolf.)

 

The chilling comment that fell past the other's lips made Ravi pause; why did that remark fill him with such guilt? He has nothing to be guilty about, he was just easily dancing with Miss Mary. Something that they do naturally considering the circumstances. But, what if Connor does not know that transparent fact? He did just move here, what if...he thought something more intimate was going on between them? Ah, there's the biting guilt again. (It should not matter, how someone whom hates him so intensely sees the relationship between him and a family friend. And yet, because of that exhilarating scent, such conclusions did not sit well with him.) Ravi took a step forward, opening his mouth to say something. Anything to prove to the small wolf that this was not what he thought it was, whatever it was the other thought it was. To reach out to him even if it meant being rejected, until--.

 

"Connor?" Until Miss Mary spoke, walking towards his fiance with some hesitation. How..how does she know of him? Ravi looked between the two, along with Samuel. Though, his older brother looked more shocked than himself. Probably listening in on Miss Mary's thoughts. "You're Olly's brother, right?" Olly? Olly was the nickname she gave her husband, whom was human so how would him and the runt be related? Unless... was Olly the mutt that's related to his lover? The older wolf he met only a week or so ago, whom seems to hold a high regard of hatred towards him for one reason or another? A mutt? "Miss Mary," Ravi began, some doubt filling his voice. "You know my fiance?" Why does this feel like the ultimate betrayal?

 

Miss Mary looked over at him and, ah, that was guilt in her eyes. "Kind of? I could be wrong but. . .I think I'm married to his brother." She married a wolf. Miss Mary married a wolf. Miss Mary, knowing how he felt, still wedded a mutt. Samuel, sensing the sudden tension, quickly cut in. "Ah! Such a small world! Miss Mary, that means you really are Ravi's sister now!" (Samuel was trying to bring about that good side of what this revelation meant, not wanting his little raven to focus on whom it was Miss Marry wedded, nor what it was she married. Ah, and just when he thought he figure out a simple way of dealing with the youngling's relationship.)

[Joyabe]

From the moment he entered the room and throughout his little outburst, Connor didn't pay too much attention to the woman in the room. It wasn't like he did it intentionally, it was just that somehow his eyes and attention seemed to be trained to follow his fiance. It wasn't a conscious thing really. In fact, he only noticed he didn't really notice her when she addressed him directly.

 

Tearing his eyes away from Ravi, Connor finally took the time to take a good look at the stranger. Only, she wasn't a stranger at all. It might have been a while since the last time they saw each other, and she might have been the last person he expected to see there, but this was, undoubtedly, his brother's wife. What the actual hell.

 

The question his fiance addressed in her direction and the answer she provided only made it all the more clear. "What are you doing here Mary?" he stared at her wide-eyed, trying his best to leave any cuss words out of the sentence although the situation very damn well required a shit tone of them. "Does... does Olly know?". He must know. There was no way he didn't know, right? They seemed to be happily married, the 'there are no secrets between us' kind of annoying picture perfect married. Was this the reason Olly seemed to be so laid back about his own engagement? Could it be his trust in the vampires was all thanks to his wife, who seemed to be very friendly and familiar with them? How the hell did he not know anything about this? How the hell did Ravi not know anything about it? Clearly, he was just as shocked as Connor was, if not more. Did Marry hid his brother away from the vampires for some reason? Well, it wasn't too difficult to think of one, but, well...

 

This was all too much. He needed to sit down. Collapsing into the nearest chair, which was more of a lavish armchair, he continued staring at the scene unfolding in front of him in disbelieve. "Is it even okay for you to be here?" he looked at Mary in worry. Clearly, putting a human in a house full of vampires was a little bit problematic, seeing she was the equivalent of a meal. Granted, he was also food, but at least he was food capable of defending himself. Was it really safe to let her hang out so closely and casually with vampires?

 

And, well, he still wasn't sure about the type of relationship she had with his future family, specifically with his betrothed. Okay, so now that he knew who she actually was, the probability of her and Ravi having that kind of a relationship seemed less likely. This thought made him happy- in more than one way. Surely, Mary wouldn't betray Oliver like that, would she? She knew how he felt about her, how he was compelled to feel by his very own nature. She must have known about their family's history. No person would be as malicious as to do something like that. And as far as he knew, Mary really was a genuinely nice person. But still, he couldn't shake the need to know for sure. He couldn't possibly ask Mary directly though, to let her know what he was suspecting her of, not when there was the chance he was completely wrong. But if he wasn't... he couldn't possibly let that go on either. He couldn't let Oliver go through that. And if it wasn't Mary, there was only one other person he could turn to for some much needed answers.

 

Suddenly jumping out of the armchair, he grabbed Ravi's arm, trying to ignore that stupid excitement he felt about being able to touch him again. "A word" he grumbled as he pulled him out of the room and through the mansion. Wasn't he a master at executing plans? Okay, so what he planned to pull him aside for earlier was completely different, but there was no doubt about the fact he could have done that a lot more smoothly. He practically up and left, ignoring both Mary, Samuel and that lesson they were supposed to have. He even ignored the fact Ravi was probably still pissed at him. Quit frankly, he was probably about to make things a lot worse for them. But he didn't have a fucking choice.

 

He didn't wander too far away. After all, he just needed a place where Mary wouldn't be able to hear them. Pulling Ravi into an empty room, that seemed to be some kind of an informal lounge, he quickly proceeded to shut the door behind him and look at his fiance. Earlier he was thinking of pulling him aside to clear the air between them, to try and make things better, but he was probably about to do the exact opposite. No matter what answer he would receive, that was a sensitive subject to go about. And as he proved countless times in the past, Connor was the fucking master of sensitivity.

 

"I need to ask you something, and I need you to tell me the truth" he opened, eyes trained on the floor between them "I don't think this is how it is. I don't want to think this is how it is..." carefully he reminded himself no yelling or accusing. None of those things that wouldn't help us get to the bottom of this. "You and Mary, between the two of you, are you...?" He seemed to not be able to articulate the explicit words, although all the stuttering from his side was probably more than enough to convey the message.

 

Earlier he was so worried he was stealing Ravi away from someone else, but if it was Mary he was stealing him from... well, he would rather be that person than letting Oliver go through that. If his brother's wife... with his own fiance... and after their father... God if all of that was true their family must have been cursed or something. That thought was terrifying. It was enough to make him desperate. He can't, he just can't let something like that happen. "Even... even if you are, tell me the truth" he finally lifted his eyes to look at Ravi "I know this is a terrible thing to ask" they were now pleading the other "but please leave her. Please find someone else. I know it's selfish," his pulse seemed to be deafening in his own ears as it raced almost out of control. "Anyone else is fine" as soon as the words were out of his mouth he knew it wasn't true. He didn't want to see Ravi just go and find anyone else, but he had no right whatsoever to tell him anything. They only knew each other for a week for fuck's sake. "Just don't take her away from him. Please". If it wasn't for his brother, Connor would never, ever beg like that. But this was urgent, and he was desperate. He finally fell silent, gnawing on his bottom lip as his eyes watched Ravi intently, anxiously awaiting his reply.

[Theseus]

This day was not what Ravi ever expected to happen, nor ever wanted to happen. Yet, as fate would have it, Miss Mary is married to his lover's brother. A mutt. And she lied to him, hiding her husband's true nature. Talking about him as if he was human, knowing that one day he would find out the truth. To find out in this way, Ravi could feel something acidic and bitter crawl up the back of his throat as he turned his gaze away. When was she going to tell? Did Miss Mary ever plan to tell him? (He should not feel entitled, he knows he shouldn't. He even has some suspicions as to why she did not tell him. However, Ravi could not hold back the betrayal pounding within his chest. The coil of the chilling truth as to why she never brought her husband around, only speaking about him in riddles and vague descriptions making it that much harder to breathe.) His hands curled up into tightly held fists, he could feel his nails dig into the flesh of his palms from the force. Though, he can not find it within himself to care for the small harm he was causing to himself.

 

"Ah," Miss Mary said. "Olly.. actually does not know." Not even the older mutt knows of his existence? Is she embarrassed of him? Or, did she think she was doing a good deed by making sure they never met? Hearing the subtle accusation in the runt's voice, made everything that much worse. Ah, his fiance really does think so little of him (Can he really blame him? He did threaten his life not so long ago, even entertaining the thought during one of their spats.) Miss Mary glanced over at Ravi, whom was stubbornly look away from her direction. Jaw clenched and body stiff with this abrupt revelation. She turned her gaze back towards Connor, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow. "Well, if it wasn't, mom wouldn't have brought me here when I was just a toddler, Connor. They're practically family."

 

Samuel, hearing the raging thoughts coming from both younglings, chimed in to do something to ease the tension. "But alas, only practically." He rest the back of his hand against his forehead, feigning being faint of heart. Miss Mary only scoffed at his action but it did ease her guilt only the tiniest, hearing such familiar humor coming from the more dramatic Valentino. Yet, Ravi did not acknowledge the usual antics of his brother. He just wants to leave, he no longer cares for his lessons for today. He just wants to be left alone with his own thoughts at the moment, this is all too over whelming for him. As Ravi moved to leave the lobby, to maybe hide behind his mother in the kitchen (he does not care if that shows just how much of a childish individual he was, he will whole heartedly do such a cowardly deed), he hears someone move towards him. And quickly. Jolting at being suddenly grabbed by Connor, hating how his heart swelled at being touched voluntarily by the small wolf, he let himself be tugged along by his fiance. He wanted a word? What was is they needed to speak of? He...He could not possibly believe that Ravi knew of this from the very beginning?

 

Being pulled away from the lobby (both Samuel and Miss Mary looked at one another with puzzlement), Ravi loathed how he wished it was his hand being held instead of his arm .(Though, being touched by Connor, despite all they went through today, despite how the other still holds him in an unflattering light, made him want to hold onto the small wolf and never let go. Letting him succumb fully into that heady scent of his. Even if it will result in the wolf hating him even more.) When they entered the study lounge, Ravi looked down at the small wolf. Ah, so he really does believe he knew of this. A sigh fell past his lips, honestly, their marriage is going to be harmful for Ravi. All the accusations, the blatant hatred, why couldn't it have been Samuel in this situation? The vampire was better at this vulnerability when it was needed. Ravi, on one hand, does not have a single clue how to go about this. He does not go out of his way to befriend every stranger he encounters, only small politeness when he fed outside the manor and that was as far as his socialization goes.

 

Ravi tilted his head; what is Connor talking about? Oh, does the runt think him and Miss Mary. . ? The scent that was once intoxicating became suffocating with how sour it became, the sound of the other's beating heart becoming deafening to his ears. With hesitation, he took a step towards the wolf; did he do something for his fiance to act like this? He knows, logically, he knows that he didn't, yet, he still felt responsible. As if he was the cause of whatever was going wrong with his arranged lover, even though he , in a way, kind of was. And now that such a thought came to light, the initial concern for his fondness over Connor has dissipated. No, it was no longer fondness that he felt for his lover. It was something much more, more dangerous. For the both of them.

 

Ah, he thinks-. "Connor," Ravi gingerly lifted a hand up, hesitating for a mere moment, before resting only the tips of his fingers against the other's neck. Feeling the pulse rhythmically moving within the tendon of the throat. "You must understand, I do love Miss Mary." He moved closer, wanting to erase the space that they had between their bodies. "However, not in the way you believe. I knew her since she could barely talk, wanting to be intimate with her in such a way is... not really appealing." The mere thought made his tongue heavy with a disgusting taste. Even his face conveyed what the mere idea made him feel. No, he could never see himself ever feeling such a way towards Miss Mary. Many have assumed the same of their relationship yes, but he never took the time to correct them. Mostly out of the fact that he simply did not care for what they assumed. But, hearing that Connor thinks the same. Even assumes that that was their relationship, Ravi wants nothing more than to have the small wolf believe him. "*Dragul meu, I do not love her."

 

Ah, this really has become too dangerous for him. He wants to embrace him, maybe even hold him close. Yet, he knows how such a choice of action will end up. How Connor will feel about it. (As the seconds went on, it was becoming a difficult task trying to disregard such an urge.)

 

 

Dragul meu = my dear(if it's a guy, so like, if you're saying it to your dude)

 

[Joyabe]

Connor did not like the way Ravi was talking to him. He did not like it one bit. It was as if the other treated him like he was some kind of wounded animal, like he was about to land the fatal blow on him but was trying to do it in a way that wouldn't cause him to panic and run away. Everything about his behavior was reinforcing Connor's worst fears.

 

When his betrothed told him he did, in fact, love Mary he could feel the fucking ground just crumble beneath his feet. This was the worst. Now he had to deal with the fact that someone was trying to take his brother's mate away from him. To deal with the fact he had to convince someone to give up on the person he just admitted to loving for the sake of his brother. To deal with the fact this someone wasn't just someone, but his own fiance. To deal with the fact that Ravi loved Mary...

 

He wanted nothing more than to cover his ears with his hands and shut his eyes so he wouldn't have to listen to all of that, to pretend none of this was happening. Was the thought childish, juvenile even? Yes, yes it was. But he couldn't care less at the moment. For fuck's sake, he was the child, at least relatively so, in this situation. He didn't want to deal with any of that. He wanted to turn around and just leave that room and Ravi and all that mass far behind him. But he couldn't. While his mind was coming up with those fantasies, his body seemed to have its own opinion. The closer Ravi got to him, the further forgotten his ability to move seemed to become. He may have wanted to distance himself from the situation, but he couldn't bring himself to distance himself from Ravi. That ridiculous enchanting scent he was free from for the last few hours was assaulting him once again, and just like the very first time it did, it seemed to disable and disrupt all of his systems.

 

Eyes watching in dread as his betrothed continued talking, it took his brain a moment to realize the meaning of the things he was saying. That... that didn't sound like the continuation of the confession he was expecting at all. In fact, if he wasn't so sure he was right he would almost think Ravi was actually trying to say the exact opposite thing. He had to blink a few times at his fiance's last words to fully grasp their meaning. Did he just say he didn't love Mary? Connor found himself staring at his face in disbelief for a few moments, silently examining his expression intensely for any signs that he might have been lying. But there were none to be found. It was like all of a sudden the air was able to go back into his lungs, even though he didn't even notice its absence until that point. The pressure in his chest suddenly disappeared and the tension that filled his body left him all at once, along with his strength. Eyes closing at the feeling that washed over him, he leaned his face into the thing nearest to him, which just happened to be his fiance.

 

"Thank god" he mumbled into the other's chest. Sure, he would still have to make Mary talk properly to his brother- there was no way she could continue hiding this with everything that was about to happen- but they would be okay. She still loved Oliver, and Oliver would always love her, no matter what. Besides, he would probably take it a lot better than Mary thought. He seemed to be surprisingly fine around the vampires on their last visit- if you ignore that weird comment when they got back home. But he didn't have to worry about breaking anybody up. He wasn't about to see his brother's marriage fall apart, and he wasn't about to make Ravi suffer over this arranged marriage. Well, more than the obvious implications of the whole thing at least.

 

Inhaling deeply, that sweet, numbing scent that somehow made his nerves stand on end at the same time filled his body. Right now he didn't care he just did something incredibly embarrassing. He didn't care he might be doing something to cause Ravi a lot of discomfort (although there was this tiny part of him that cared just a little. He didn't want to think his fiance despised him enough as to hate this contact he himself found to be so comforting). Actually, now that he was thinking about it, there was probably something more he had to do. And even with how embarrassing what he just did was, what he was about to do was even worse. He would actually rather keep his face right there, where Ravi couldn't see it (it had nothing to do with the fact he enjoys this little position he found himself in, to the point he's fighting the strong urge to nuzzle his fiance and pull him even closer).

 

"About... earlier. It wasn't... I didn't mean it like that y'know?" he mumbled, his voice muffled by the other's body "you're just really confusing" he admitted. And truth was, he was. In the short time they knew each other, he went from ignoring him, to yelling at him, offering politeness, physically fighting him, protecting him, treating him gently, being mad at him, touching him, ignoring him... and all the while emitting this maddening scent that did nothing to help ease his confusion. Although, it's not like he was any better, getting mad at the other and yet wanting nothing more than to be with him at the same time. This whole arranged marriage was turning out to be a lot more complicated in ways he never expected it to be.

[Theseus]

The silent disbelief in his fiance's eyes, boring into his very being made it feel as if the air around him was constricting. Contouring around Ravi's body, making it difficult to breathe properly. He doesn't like that look, the look of doubt dulling Connor's eyes as the small wolf stares at him. Does he truly not believe what he's saying? Actually thinking that Miss Mary and himself are in love? No, no he doesn't want such deformed truths plaguing his lover's mind. And yet again, Ravi finds himself questioning his intentions; why is what the runt assumes so important? Would not such a lie finally end this arrangement, something they've both longed for since the announcement of their engagement from their parents? He should help feed this assumptions floating around his lover's mind, not wanting to desperately swat them away and shield the other from such idiocy.

 

Ravi returned the gaze of the small wolf in the uncomfortable silence. Waiting, dreading, wishing. Even wondering why such emotions found their home within him. However, of all that he expected (Connor maybe hitting him, yelling that he spit lies and leaving being the worse of them all), having the other lean into his body was not a scenario he conjured up. His body tensed up for a moment; doesn't the runt loathe him? Why is he suddenly allowing such close proximity after he stated his feelings so clearly earlier today? Ah, he feels a headache coming on. Inhaling slowly, that bittersweet scent swallowed him whole. Heavier at how close Connor was, so strong Ravi could nearly taste the tantalizing scent playing on his tastebuds.(He still cannot properly place the name of the scent.) Maybe, he can indulge himself a bit? Before the small wolf realizes what he is doing? With some hesitation, Ravi moved his hand so that it threaded through the hair on the nape of the other's neck. Leaning his head forward to rest his cheek against Connor's head in a sweet embrace. (He hates himself, hates how grateful he is for the betrayal that was discovered considering it led to this.)

 

When the other began to speak again, Ravi merely hummed. Petting the small wolf's head as he let his mind fog over from the drug of such a scent. Earlier? A lot has happened in a few hours, and he's trying hard to recall what it was the other was speaking of. It wasn't about him asking if he was intimate with Miss Mary.(He did find them in quite a promiscuous position.) So what...ah. "Oh, earlier." He's talking about the joke he made about the ceremony. Which led to them (him) being cold with one another once again. He wanted to forget that. Desperately. "It's quite all right, *Iubitul meu. I was being quite rude about your cultural." He mostly blames his lack of knowledge of the mutts for making a insensitive joke. (Honestly, Ravi still would've made such a jab even if he was not betrothed to the wolf. The only difference being, because Connor did not take it kindly, it made him feel entirely guilty for even saying such a thing. My, does he really have that tight of a hold on him?)

 

Ravi frowned; "Confusing? On the contrary, I believe I'm very. . . direct." Him? Confusing? He's never thought so, he has always been quite blunt with his opinion. Even during those horrendous once a month meetings with the councilmen, despite him having to feign caring about whatever the old barbarians had to say. But then, it could be very different for the small wolf. His mother has taught him how to act in vampiric society so maybe, it couod be considered baffling for his lover? Ravi began to mutter to himself absent mindedly. "If anyone is a puzzle I would have to say it's you. You seem to actually see me for myself, only to hate me once more. It's baffling, really. I have no idea what you're feeling, what you're thinking." He did not intend to confess that much to the small wolf. This is embarrassing.

 

"Maybe, we're just two very complicated individuals." Ravi said a bit louder, as if to erase the previous confession that slipped out. Hopefully (well, he hoped) Connor did not catch that slip of the tongue. Granted, it was not what he entirely felt. No where near the full truth, and yet, even having the tiniest of it out in the open made him vulnerable. He does not like this feeling, hates it even. Distastes it above all else. Ravi closed his eyes, taking in greedy inhales of that intoxicating smell of the other. Ah, he does not know if he'll ever want to stop this embrace now that he has let himself indulge after refusing such urges for a week.

 

 

Iubitul meu = my beloved (the dude version)

 

[Joyabe]

God the situation was proving to be more and more complicated with every passing second. The hand caressing his hair and the other's cheek leaning ever so gently against him made it nearly impossible to concentrate on anything Ravi was saying. Instead, Connor found himself almost melting into the hug, trying to hold back the purr that was building up in his chest at the strange feeling (wrong animal there dumbass his inner commentator insisted on adding). Being enveloped in the other's arms made it so he was literally the only thing occupying his senses; his body blocked almost all of the room form view, the words spoken right into his ear were the only thing he could hear, the soft humming and mumbling seeming to reverberate in his own chest... And of course that scent. That horrifying, addictive thing that was fogging his mind and preventing any kind of common sense to find hold in his thoughts or actions.

 

"I don't care about rudeness" Connor pout... frowned. He frowned into the other's chest. Not like he could tell him anything about being rude. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. "I told you I don't want anybody getting hurt. I don't care, but if you'll say something like that to the wrong person..." he didn't want to continue talking about it. The thought of Ravi being attacked by someone from his clan was making him uneasy. The vampires weren't the only clan around with people that were less than hospitable towards outsiders.

 

Closing his eyes, he drew in a deep breath, trying to calm himself back down as he listened to the other keep on talking. That beautiful scent that was feeling his lungs was certainly helping. Or at least, partially so. While putting his mind at ease, there was also something about it that seemed to call his very own being to attention. It was a strange feeling, having his senses stand on end and yet hindered at the same time. He was trying to pay attention to whatever Ravi was telling him, but it was a little hard concentrating. He was never in such a peculiar predicament with anybody else. While he was expecting this forced union to bring about a lot of strange, uncomfortable experiences, this was not anything he could even imagine happening between him and his betrothed. A week ago he was so set on hating this arrangement and everything that had to do anything with it. He could never possibly imagine being so comfortable and comforted by...

 

Eyes snapping open and head snapping up, Connor finally looked at Ravi when what he was saying finally cut through the thick fog of overthinking. "I don't" he loudly protested only to stop abruptly when he found himself very close to his lover's face "I don't hate you" he finished the thought, this time in a more appropriate volume. It wasn't a lie- although he was determined to do exactly that before and when they first met, the idea was now long gone. He couldn't possibly fool himself into thinking he hated his fiance. He couldn't say he was indifferent either. His thoughts and actions were proving time after time that he was certainly feeling something towards his betrothed.

 

And that was not part of the plan. A small part of the decision making process that brought him to accept the offer (besides the whole blind loyalty and commitment to the clan thing) was the fact Connor almost expected feelings like these to never come up towards a bloodsucker. It wasn't just that he didn't want to feel them towards a vampire- he didn't want to feel them towards anybody. He saw the disastrous implications of them, and it was something he never wanted to experience first-hand. There was this small part of him that desperately wanted to believe that by going into that unnatural union he would be able to shield himself from it forever. And while, yes, there was definitely something there towards Ravi, it was not that. He can not, will not, accept something like that.

 

He could hear his own heartbeat pulsing in his ears once again as his brain tried scanning through different types of emotions to try and find something to plaster over this situation to make it not as terrifying. Fondness was certainly not the right word, neither was empathy. Like wasn't working out well either- he liked Mary, he liked people back home, but that wasn't the same. Eyes suddenly clearing at the thought, it seemed some of the fog was finally lifting. Was it crazy? Probably, but his usual sense of judgement seemed to be nowhere to be found when he was around Ravi. And it was a good enough explanation for the mess that was going in his head, one that even he could believe for now. As insane as it was, it was still better than that option.

 

Arms snaking up Ravi's chest and around his neck, Connor pulled himself up, pressing his lips to the other's. Although lust was the last thing he was expecting to feel towards a vampire, his arranged lover to boot, it seemed like a reasonable explanation for the time being (if he was going with the preliminary assumption his sanity was probably gone, which he was). It never felt exactly like that when he wanted other people in the past, but for the time being it was close enough. "How's that for direct?" he growled lowly, his nose brushing against Ravi's and his lips close enough to the other for the words to almost dance on his'.

[Theseus]

The evident worry in the small wolf's voice was doing little to comfort Ravi's thoughts. He has no clue as to what it was that was happening between, nor how this situation changed with such drastic haste. Is this what it will be like living with Connor for the rest of forever? Constant ups and downs paired with swallowed urges of infatuation caused by the other's scent? Ravi doubts he'll even survive living like that(he can't even handle today), and yet, he's a tiniest bit thrilled. Excited for the small bits of comfort they will share together, the lingering touches of hesitant kindness. Maybe he was masochistic, to be willing to live through something painful like this, if it meant being close to Connor in one way or another. He wishes he could blame such easy acceptance on something, someone. But, given his track record, the only one that can be blame for such an unhealthy outlook his himself.

 

So, it seems when he made that joke, the runt was simply trying to warn him of the consequence if he were to do so in front of his clan. Not because he himself did not like what he said. That...should not make him so happy. Ravi found himself huffing out a small laugh of relief; this was becoming more and more ridiculous. Why should he find such joy in being accepted for his rudeness by the runt? He should not give a damn what his lover thinks, nor the mutts whom will be attending their ceremony in a few weeks time. Though, that want, that longing to make the other happy was still burning inside of him. No matter how hard Ravi tries to snuff such a flame out. With each second he spent with Connor, with each intake of that desirable scent, that fire only expanded. Becoming more and more dazzling and blinding. The ashes of yearning embedding itself into his very flesh and bones. Becoming one with him. And, he does not know how to stop it.

 

Ravi jolted at the abrupt volume of his lover's voice, eyes enlarging as shock settled in. Connor, does not hate him? But, all the things he's done; the blatant threats, making the other cry, even still holding his own resentment towards the runt's people, and he does not hate him? Ravi doesn't know what to feel. On one hand, his chest felt afloat. Soaring with light happiness that his lover did not hold any feelings of disgust towards him. And on the other, the confusion only multiplied; they should hate each other, should be spitting venom in each other's direction like the first night. Yet, here they were wanting so desperately for the other not to hate them, holding each other in their arms as if shielding themselves from the world. Ravi doesn't understand his feelings, doesn't want to. He needs to think logically, reason with himself that this is not normal to feel so strongly towards a mutt like his lover. Towards anyone so suddenly.

 

However, he had no time to convince himself. When Connor pressed his lips against his own, the first thing that came to mind was the taste. Apple cider, honey, a crisp green apple of a bitterly sweet taste, and autumn. So many things that he could now decipher from the simple chaste taste of the other. Though, more importantly, the wolf was kissing him. Connor was kissing him. Ravi should push him away, tell him that such feelings aren't reciprocated and fall into an easy facade of disinterested. To be nothing but cold politeness. But, as his chest expands and a burning warmth spreads throughout his body, he could not bring himself to do it. He was wanting, no, he craving more. To feel more of that heady taste dance along his tongue. A deep breath fell past his lips when the kiss was broken, a carnal urge pulsing through him as he tried to reign the appetite of lust back and bury it once more. No, no he shouldn't let such desires take over. He's treating the other simply as prey, as if he was food, for him to feel desire for mutt is...is...

 

Ravi's eyes illuminated a bright red, his fangs enlarging as a snarl fell past his lips. He wants more. Needs more. Hand fisting the wolf's hair, he pulled the other back in for another kiss. Deeper, more passionate and exhilarating than the previous chaste peck. He vaguely registers that he can taste autumn on Connor's lips again. Moving his hands downward, he rested them in a tight grip on the wolf's waist. Pulling his lover closer so that their bodies were flushed together. (Ravi noticed briefly how well the runt fit against him, fitting almost perfectly against his body. Which, should not be an abrupt thought to have during such a situation. And yet it still made itself known.)

[Joyabe]

It was only after he pulled away that Connor realized just what he did. He just kissed his arranged lover. His arranged lover that was a vampire. His arranged lover that was a vampire and also possibly hated his guts. Anyone would be potentially put off by such a sudden attack, and that's without taking into account the special circumstances they had. They were supposed to hate each other by nature- and there he goes and kisses Ravi out of the blue because he fucking felt like it. So long for being subtle and in control. But then again, Connor was never subtle or in control. This time however, he might have taken it one step too far, he thought as he waited for his fiance to react in some way, any way, anxiety starting to creep into his mind.

 

He wouldn't be surprised if he would be pushed away, shaken off, yelled at, punched... the possibilities were endless, and he wouldn't blame Ravi if he chose any one of them. He probably deserved whatever it was coming for him. More than he was worried about what his caprice would cause him however, he was bothered by what it would do to them. It seemed he had a special talent to doing something to throw them completely off whenever their relationship was getting close to anywhere that resembled okay. And instead of doing the smart, responsible thing and proceed with caution and responsibility, he would do something impulsive and idiotic to make the whole situation deteriorate, and fast. And this time he really went and did it. He couldn't see any way to get out of this situation, to make things go back to normal. And just when it seemed like things were starting to fall into place too.

 

But, more alarming was the fact that now, after he kissed Ravi, he didn't want things to go back to the way they were. It might have been smarter to withdraw completely, to give the other space as he processed what just happened, but he didn't want to. That chaste kiss seemed to open a door that might have been better left closed. He was given a small taste of something he was nowhere near exhausting. He wanted more. That chaste kiss was like taking a small bite of an exquisite delicacy- a whole new experience, something he never tasted before, but now that he did just a taste wasn't enough anymore. As usual, his thoughtless actions, fueled solely by his impulses, seemed to place him in difficult predicaments he had no one but himself to blame for.

 

Eyes widening at the other's sudden reaction, Connor shuddered, and not from the right reason. If he needed any further proof he was completely out of his mind, he just got it. Had he been in his right mind, this reaction would elicit fear, or at least activate some kind of defense mechanism. Gasping as he found himself pulled back into another kiss, it didn't take him longer than a second to react. Arms locking around Ravi's neck, this time with more confidence, he allowed himself to indulge more than he did in that first kiss. He now noticed Ravi's scent was translating into a taste, something that was still a combination of something sweet and heavy. He could feel warmth spreading through his entire body as that intoxicating cocktail of orange blossoms, dark chocolate and warm sun engulfed him from all directions. Slipping his tongue past the other's lips he allowed himself to explore that one of a kind taste, finding the fangs he carefully avoided more exhilarating than threatening. There were also zero complaints when he was pulled closer, if the low groan in the back of his throat was anything to judge by. The nails of one hand digging into his fiance's nape while the fingers of the other threaded through his hair, he pushed himself even closer, desperately trying not to leave any distance between any part of his body and Ravi's. He couldn't remember the last time a kiss made him react like that, made him this excited. It was like he was a fucking virgin again.

 

He didn't dare, nor did he have any desire, to break the kiss even when he had to- because one of them still needed air to live. "The lesson... and Mary and Samuel..." he growled as a small part of his brain insisted nagging him about being responsible and handling the situation properly. Not that Connor was very convincing, growling the words practically into Ravi's mouth seeing he didn't ease his grip in the slightest. His chest that was quickly rising and falling and his eyes that were laced with desire weren't exactly contributing to making the case a convincing one either.

[Theseus]

Unconsciously, he started to vaguely wonder if this was what is was like to feel alive. The warmth of the runt's body against his own, hearing Connor's heart pound relentlessly in haste with each passing second, this has to be what it's like to be living in a sense. What it's like to be mortal. A feeling long since forgotten. And yet, as Ravi kisses his lover, tasting that scent that drove him mad, he thinks he knows what it was like again. It was deranged, honestly, how his thoughts are coming about. Though, they were fogged over with insistent lust, so it couldn't possibly be Ravi's fault that they were senseless. However, such trivial concerns were of no matter to him. What was more important, what has his full attention, was his fiance. (If he would've known that this was a possible outcome between him and the runt the first day of their meeting, he would've suspected he possibly went insane in such a short time frame. To be honest, he still suspects that his mind was not all there whenever the small wolf was around. It's becoming more than a simple concern.)

 

As Connor reciprocated the exhilarating kiss, a low purr of satisfaction vibrated within Ravi's chest. His body relaxing further into the other's. He did not even know he was so tense. Perhaps, he had some fear that the first kiss that the other initiated was a fluke? A mistake? Ah, this is problematic, confusing, even. Ravi parted his lips to allow the runt access, feeling that wet muscle move against his own. Noticing how the taste was more potent now; honey, cinnamon, and lemons. He moved his tongue into the wet cavern of his fiance's mouth as well, wanting to taste more of that drug. Honestly, he does not wish to stop, doesn't really need to. Why should he? He can just taste the small wolf for as long as he wants, to explore and see what will make the wolf squirm or go pliant in his arms. See where exactly his lover is sensitive, if he'll try and hide the noises that'll fall past his lips from pure pleasure or let himself indulge fully.

 

Ravi groaned at the feeling of nails digging quite harshly into the flesh of his nape, which only made him press into the kiss that much more. Genuinely, it should bother him that a barely noticeable shudder traveled down the bones of his spine at the small infliction of pain. Though at this point, after "experiencing" a lot of what his immortal life has to offer, he cannot deny that such a reaction of thrill from the small feeling of pain excited him that much more. Ravi did not know for how long the kiss lasted, nor really gave it even a fleeting thought, until Connor broke away yet still stayed close. Ah, he almost forgot that the other was mortal, hence needing to breath. Even while logically he should give the other some time to regain oxygen, he snarled at the fact that they stopped. My, now that he has a taste, his urges are becoming more and more dangerous. More troubling to control now that he knows how his fiance feels.

 

Growling, he swallowed the words from Connor's mouth in another kiss. He doesn't care about the lesson right now, even loathes how that is what is plaguing the small wolf's mind that was not himself. They have all the time they need, and, he is going to use it wisely by not simply wasting it on such a useless lesson. (He also did not wish to see Miss Mary, not yet. He still feels betrayed from all that she hid from him, despite knowing practically knowing everything about Ravi. Even the past of his past, which is something no one else knows of besides his mother and Samuel.) Ravi moved his colds hands underneath Connor's shirt, feeling the smooth, warm skin of his lover. Mapping his fingers over his hipbones before moving up the sides.

 

This is becoming dangerous; he can't stop. No, he did not want to stop which is even moreof a problem. He wants to taste every trace of the small wolf, engrave the flavor to memory. Ravi broke the kiss to trail kiss marks along his lover's jawline, making a path downward towards the tendon of his neck. He wants to leaves his mark, he wants to fully devour the other. As he licked a long strip along the skin of the wolf's throat he could feel his pulse dance along his tongue. He craves more, he needs to taste everything. He wants to sink his teeth in and-.

Knock knock.

 

Ravi paused, moving his head away from marks he was so concerned with making on Connor's skin to bare his fangs at the door. Growling deeply, threatening whomever was interrupting at this very moment. Honestly, what is it that they needed right at this very moment? He was going to throttle them, tear them limb from limb at each socket and watch them cry out in pain from the ground for even knocking on this very door. (Of course, this is the thought that makes him silently worried about how far gone he's become on the small wolf.) There was another knock on the door before he heard the intruder clear their throat which sounded awfully like-. Oh. Oh no.

 

"While I am happy that you two made amends," Samuel began, a teasing tone to his voice. "I would rather not hear such explicit thoughts coming from my little raven's head." Of all the people present at the manor, it had to be him. No, luckily it was just him. He does not want to ponder what would have happened if it was mother whom found them like this. No, no that's not a thought he ever wants to have. Ever. Shame and embarrassment snuffed out the flames of desire effortlessly as he loosened his hold on Connor. Face dropping into guilty shock as his eyes dulled out and erased the illuminating red that once replaced his original eye color.

 

He nearly bit him. He almost bit Connor and, honestly who knows what else he would've done if Samuel interrupted. (For whom he still despises for doing so but he digresses such conflicting thoughts.)

[Joyabe]

Ah, this was getting dangerous. With every passing second his mind was further and further gone- and he didn't seem to mind all that much. Ravi pulling him in again was all that he needed to send any thought about the lesson, the people waiting for them, or anything that wasn't his fiance really, flying right out the window. With every rapid, shallow breath he took, that intoxicating scent was erasing anything and everything that wasn't Ravi, calling his own attention solely to him. It was beyond risky, beyond thoughtless, beyond irresponsible... it was crazy. The most scary part though, was that if this was crazy, he was more than willing to give his sanity up.

 

The touch of hands on his bare skin pulled a soft moan from his lips, only to be muffled by the other's. It was a strange feeling, one he wasn't used to yet. Ravi's skin was yet another thing about him Connor couldn't exactly put his finer on- it was cold, smooth yet not soft, foreign and very much exhilarating. It piqued his curiosity as well as something else, and as he pushed himself harder into the other's hands it simply wasn't enough. He wanted more. He needed to feel more.

 

A frustrated groan left his lips as his arms finally left Ravi's neck only to roam over his shoulder, down his arms and then back again, trying to feel whatever he could through the fabric of his shirt or find some kind of breach in it. But of course the asshole would be perfect. Travelling to his chest, his hands blindly fumbled around searching until they finally found the top button of his shirt. It was a bit of a struggle given how close to each other they were, but with a little effort and a lot of willpower the top three buttons of Ravi's shirt were finally undone. Eagerly, his fingers began tracing the outlines of his shoulders, his color bones and his chest, exploring and mapping the dips and ridges of every surface he was able to reach.

 

As their kiss was broken again, this time by Ravi, a growl of protest was built in the back of his throat only to come out as another low moan as soon as he felt the other's mouth on his neck. It was ridiculous just how easily Ravi was able to manipulate him, how he could make him change moods and his mind. Just a week ago he was the person he hated the most, and that was before they even met. Actually, maybe it was because they met that things took such a strange turn. Right now all he could think of was just how much he wanted to touch his lover more, how he wanted the other to touch him as well...

 

He didn't even notice the knock on the door until his fiance turned to threaten the intruder hidden behind the wooden barrier. He couldn't say he didn't identify with the sentiment. His mind was still hazy, taking a moment longer to realize who was talking and what was he saying, but when he finally did shock and embarrassment hit him like a ton of bricks. He suspected his fiance to be able to read his mind, but now it turns out Samuel actually holds this ability? And he just heard... everything? Oh god that was the worst. Does that also mean he heard everything he thought from the moment he got there? He had zero filters when he was talking as it was, even less when thinking and now...

 

Connor's mind seemed to go from a hundred to zero as soon as his eyes landed on Ravi's face. This expression wasn't too hard to read. It was regret. His lover just made a huge mistake. He was a huge mistake. That sobered him right up. The warmth that filled his chest only a moment ago was now replaced with what he could only describe as a ton of frozen cement cast right into his stomach. Like someone stabbed his lungs with a silver dagger, and then twisted it a little- just for fun. Was this how rejection felt? No one had ever completely rejected him before. Correction- one person completely rejected him. But that was years ago, and completely different than this...

 

Instinctively moving away, he knew he had to get out of there. He needed to go... anywhere else that wasn't there. He turned around, rushing to the door only to freeze with his hand on the handle. Samuel was on the other side of this door. He doesn't want to deal with him either. He was literally trapped between Ravi and Samuel. Maybe he shouldn't make such a thing out of it. He knew it was a risk, a crazy decision from the beginning. That was literally making Ravi go against his very own nature. The fact he even went with it to begin with, even for a little bit, was far-fetched. Well, if he was looking for an answer he just got one that was fucking crystal clear. He should just pretend none of this happened. Just go back to the civilized politeness they agreed upon that first night, even if the thought was making him sick to his stomach.

 

It's no big deal he reminded himself no big deal. no big deal he did his best to convince himself, even though the contraction of his throat was saying otherwise, making his voice come out almost choked up as he spoke. "Are... are you coming back?" he asked, keeping his eyes on the door "It's rude to keep Mary waiting if she came all the way here for this. And I still need to talk to her after that..." there he was going and spouting nonsense again. He didn't know what to say or how to act around Ravi anymore. He wasn't even sure if he would agree to go back with him. Could it be he was disgusted with him now? No, no he wouldn't go there. It doesn't matter now anyway, and he couldn't blame him even if he was.

[Theseus]

It was horrific, how easily that flame of urging desire dulled into a coldness of settled reality in such a short amount of time. Now that his mind began to come back to its senses, and those primal urges once more settled in the back of his mind, Ravi could effortlessly see the mistake that almost was. He does not regret kissing Connor to some extent, no, no such an action was consensual. He would even go as far as to say that the small wolf initiated such an outcome. Laying himself bare to Ravi in a way that the vampire was yearning for.

 

While yes, he should hold some disgust at the glaring fact that he willing kissed a mutt, he could no longer bring himself to see his fiance as that creature. Mutt's are mindless, careless, beastly things that always hunger for any poor soul no matter if it's to ease hunger pains or just for the thrill of the hunt. Connor was none of that; the runt was easily angered yet knew his mistakes, even seemed caring enough. (It also bothered him, how his mind seemed to carelessly come up with such a sudden vague idea of his lover's character when he himself still knows so little about him.)

 

No, what Ravi regrets is what he almost did. What almost happened in this room that he couldn't take back. He almost bit his lover. He does not remember when such an urge abruptly out weighed the others during their kiss, and, he was somewhat frightened to come to terms with it. However, he needs to in order to clearly see what he's actually feeling towards his fiance. And, it seems the darker part of his conscious, the part where Ravi buries whatever thought that was not to his liking, views Connor as prey. A challenge to obtain a taste of such delicacy that he's never once tasted before. It sickened him. Not a week ago, he was speaking of Connor as if he was a pet that he never wanted. One that was more of an annoyance that he held responsibility over. And yet there was him; confusing desire with hunger, longing with curiosity, fondness with his natural instinct that makes him a monster. A monster.

 

Ravi hated how warm his skin felt from where his lover touched him, hated how he wanted to reach up and trail those rapidly fading warm spots with his fingers. It was simply pathetic. He didn't question it when Connor swiftly moved from his grasp, even if his hands wanted to claw into that soft flesh and hold on tight. No, he allowed him such too much already. Ravi watched with self resentment as his lover rushed towards the door. As if frightened. Ah, so Connor noticed what he almost did. He's probably disgusted with him, maybe even fearful. It was hard to tell since he could not see the small wolf's face, nor was he allowing himself to breathe out of fear that he would once again fall victim to the other's sweet scent.

 

Ravi scared Connor, almost took advantage of him. But, it made little sense; he fed earlier this week and he should be satisfied for another two. However, once again, it must be because of his fiance; a foreign delicacy he never once tried before that he desires to taste like some starving creature. Hearing the choked up way his... that Connor was speaking, Ravi felt that guilt burn within him and embed itself into his very being. He wanted nothing more than to reach his hand out to comfort the other, to apologize in any way that he could fathom, to protect him. But, how is he to do so if he was that very danger? He did not notice when he took a step towards the wolf, nor a second, but before he could take a third he stopped himself. Piercing a fang into the inner flesh of his cheek to keep himself from moving forward. Filling his mouth with clotted copper to sober his mind up once more. Connor does not need him right now, does not want him. And to be painfully honest, after what he almost did, Ravi would not put it past him if his fiance actually loathed him now.

 

He's.. asking him if he'll come back? Ah, the lesson. Truthfully, Ravi is in no mood to dance. Nor thinks that it is wise to be in close proximity with the wolf once more after how obvious it was on how little hold he had on his self-control. Easing the no longer elongated canine from the self inflicted wound, feeling the flesh slowly knit itself back together, he answered to the other in a voice filled with easily feign composure; "Yes, I'll come back." Never before did lying so comfortably distaste Ravi until this very moment, after years of being able to feign any emotion or reaction. But, it's for the best. He needs to keep himself away, to try and regain some sense of control before once more being around the small wolf. And even then, Ravi knows he'll never let himself be so physically close to his lover ever again. It as too dangerous, it's evident to him now.

 

Ravi turned his gaze to the ground, catching himself staring at the back of Connor's head. He must calm down, maybe even wait until the other leaves the room before sneaking off. Ah, but there is the obstacle of going past Samuel whom is still near the room waiting for them. No, no he does not give a damn if his brother will try and coax him to do this lesson or to try and be civil. He's a danger to the runt and he needs to leave. (Miss Mary was right to not bring her family to the manor, he was a true danger. Such pronounced truth made something twist the guilt into his chest, pushing it deeper and deeper where his heart is. The truth really does hurt.)

[Joyabe]

He really was a real idiot, wasn't he? As he waited there, holding onto the door for dear life, he wasn't even sure what answer he wanted to hear. The immediate thought that came to mind was wanting to have Ravi with him. To know that they were still okay, at least to some extant. But what if he says yes and treats him coldly? Or with disgust, like he did that first night? If that was the unavoidable outcome he would much rather receiving a negative response and going to deal with Mary on his own. What if this whole arrangement would be cancelled? Would the mistress abide if her son would demand to call off the engagement? God, his thoughts were getting out of hand once again. And hearing the other shuffle closer to him sure wasn't helping. He could deny it as much as he wanted, but truth was he wanted him to get closer. Every single instinct in his body was telling him he wanted this distance closed, not widened. There was something seriously wrong with him.

 

As the few indifferent words left his fiance's lips, Connor had to make an effort not to visibly flinch. It wasn't the worst reaction he was fearing, but as soon as he heard that cold, apathetic tone he knew he didn't like it. Even if they weren't... well, as close as they were only moments ago due to his own thoughtless actions, they still managed to be friendly before. Not that this option was very realistic now after he had just went and pretty much jumped the other, but he still longed for something that was more than cold politeness. How foolish of him.

 

And yet, even after receiving the answer he couldn't bring himself to open the door. As soon as he would, as soon as they'll leave the room he would seal everything that just happened behind that door. He would leave the closeness they just shared along with the warmth it created in him in this room and head out to the cold reality in which he's despised again. There was zero logic in his actions, but even after receiving the other's response he remained frozen in place, holding the doorknob yet not turning it, blocking his as well as Ravi's way out of the room. It was more than not knowing how to deal with a freaking dance lesson, something he wasn't exactly enthusiastic about in the first place, now that they had this strange atmosphere going on between them. It's that he can't just leave with that. He didn't want to go back knowing that his betrothed hated him. That he was another mistake in his eyes. He didn't want Ravi to treat him so distantly just because he thought he might do something as crazy and appalling again without notice. And given their history of Connor attacking him, in various senses of the world, he couldn't really blame him for it.

 

He didn't know how long he stood there, silently talking himself in his head into what he knew he had to do, but eventually he drew a shaky breath before talking again in a low voice. At least this way it didn't come out sounding as if he was about to cry. "I'm sorry" he was still talking to the door, although he was pretty sure the person he was apologizing to had half a mind to realize he had nothing to apologize to the door for "don't worry I won't do this again" he promised, forcing the words out as his eyes mapped the natural pattern of the wood. Anything that might distract him even just a little from what he was doing. Why was it that every single one of their interactions ended up with Connor apologizing for something stupid he did? Well, maybe if you stop doing stupid things you wouldn't have to apologize. For once, Connor didn't mind that inner voice. Actually, he kind of agreed with it. It was a little bit pathetic, but he found loathing in self pity to be just a tad comforting at the moment.

 

Ah, but he certainly didn't want to hear the response to his apology. What if it would cause the other to suddenly blow up? To blame him for what he just did? To actually tell him to his face he was disgusting? That he hated him? That he wanted the whole thing cancelled? For them to just go back to having no connection to one another and pretend they never had? No, no he's not going to give him the opportunity to do so.

 

Slumming the door open, not caring in the slightest whether it would hit Samuel in the process (actually, he wouldn't mind if it did) Connor left the room. Ravi said he was going back. Now he doesn't have a choice but to come. And he wouldn't stay there long enough to hear anything he doesn't want to hear, yet certain he would if he would stay in that damn room. His fiance wouldn't have a choice but to at least keep a facade of politeness in front of Mary, right? Yes, good, that would give him a chance to think of a plan. He wasn't sure a plan of what exactly, but at least it would buy him some time. God, he was acting like a fucking kindergartner, he thought as he walked down the hallway as fast as he could without running. Okay, so Ravi could probably catch up to him easily enough, but he wouldn't do so just to spout insults in his face, would he? He was fully aware of the fact he was literally running away from the problem, showing a childish and very much embarrassing side of himself, but he didn't care. Right now he would even resort to covering his ears and singing, just as long as he doesn't have to hear the words he was dreading. He was certainly, and without a doubt, loosing his mind.

[Theseus]

Waiting for the wolf to leave him to his own mind, to run out of this room and never look back nor acknowledge him was the only reaction Ravi saw fit. He did not deserve even fleeting glance, or a good bye. Honestly, he would not even be surprised if his fiance treated him with cold politeness up until the ceremony, then to ignore him for the rest of their marriage of forever. It's what he deserves. What he almost did, what he intended to do without Connor's consent, he shouldn't be forgiven. He waited for the final seal of his punishment, the silence stretching around them with a heavy weight. The guilt becoming a burning wound he has no intention on healing. Ravi knows mother would not treat him so kindly when she finds out he skipped out on a lesson, however, he could not find it within himself to care for any other punishments to come his way for his childish decision making. Well, actually, it's the most responsible his mind has been since this entire engagement.

 

He was doing them a favor, if is to be quite blunt. Biting an arranged lover with no consent from a clan that loathes your own is not good. And, at the pace Ravi was going, the way his mind succumbed to pure instinct, he wouldn't have put the mark in a place the mutts wouldn't see. No, he wanted to make it visible. A signal that the runt was his. Though, he never was... nor will be. His desire of ownership over the other, it couldn't be romantic. It wasn't romantic. He wanted nothing more than to sink his fangs into the runt's skin and drain him. To fill his mouth with that tasteful drug and never come back up from drowning fully in it. To put simply, Ravi was a danger to his fiance. And dangers should be treated accordingly.

 

The minutes ticked by as he waited for Connor to open the door and leave, to let him fully accept the reality of what this actually was for him. But, the small wolf still did not move. The silence thickened as the seconds ticked on, and yet, the wolf was still in the room with him. Ravi looked up, still seeing his lover standing there. What was the other waiting for? Was he thinking of a way to verbally lash at him? Or, was he still frozen in fear? Ah, but if he was, wouldn't have Samuel come in to escort the other? Or, actually, why wasn't Samuel coming in in the first place? He knows his brother can read their thoughts, so he should know that Connor was scared behind comprehension. Lord, maybe his brother really is that irresponsible. Perhaps, he should just walk further within the study, hide himself for the other to better pull himself together.

 

Just as Ravi regarded such a thought, Connor spoke. And, it was words he did not understand. Why was his fiance apologizing? He has nothing to apologize for, it was him who made such a terrible mistake. Him who has no incline on what the meaning of self-control is. Can't even simply define it. So, why, why was the small wolf telling him sorry? Hesitantly, Ravi took a step forward, concern evident on his features but he knows he should not get too close. Not again. Yet, he was baffled; what was going through the runt's head? Was he blaming himself? But why? Something chilly settled over the warm guilt; this, does he mean..ah.

 

Ravi looked away, fists balling up at his sides as he took a step back. Right. This. They can't be left alone together ever again, nor too near. (He can feel something deep within him yearning at the very thought of not being so close to Connor. He'll never trust it again.) He loathed how hearing the other speak what was going on between into existence, acknowledging what needs to be done, made the wound of guilt widen and ablaze. He should have know, since mother first proposed such an idea of an arranged marriage with a mutt, how complicated it would actually be. Ravi waited a little longer before hearing the door slam open and Connor quickly walking out of the room. The final sound. He still refused to breathe as he waited another moment before walking out. Each movement feeling heavier than the last as he finally walked out of the study. He could hear his fiance's heart beat moving further and further away from him. He longed to follow...but..

 

"Raven." Ravi looked up, seeing sympathy and confusion on Samuel's face staring at him. "Don't do what I know you're about to do. This was just a simple misunderstanding." No, no it wasn't. Why was he attempting to make this less of a problem? His older brother put a hand of reassurance on his shoulder, a small smile so different from his usual teasing ones on his lip. "I'm sure if you spoke to the little wolf about what happened it will-." He moved out of the other vampire's hold, squeezing his eyes shut as he tried to ignore such words. No, he can't be around the runt. Can't be any where near him by themselves and...and

 

"I almost bit him," he confessed, digging his nails into the palms of his hands. Feeling them slice the cold flesh open. He needs to go, he needs to distance himself before he lets Samuel convince him that what he tried to do was okay. That Connor would forgive him. Wouldn't hate him. No, no he doesn't want to be here. He felt a surge course through his body; Ravi doesn't want to be here any more. He wants to-

 

Shock covered Samuel's features as he tried to reach out towards the youngling as he heard his thoughts. "Ravi don't!"

 

-He wants to be alone. The surge within him burst, the room around him shifting as his feet stumbled on new ground. Ravi opened his eyes gingerly; he was outside in the woods. The trees were swaying softly with the barely noticeable breeze, the stars shining as the moon glared down at what was in front of him in mockery. Where he stood, there was an open field in front of him about a mile in length. The moon's glow seeming to only illuminate this part of the forest. He took a deep breath, falling to his knees and burying his face in his hands as his breathing trembled. The scent smell of flowers doing nothing to ease his wallowing on the forest floor as their smell tore deeper into the wound.

 

The sweet smell of poppies.

 

----

 

Samuel stared at the place Ravi once stood, the only indication being the youngling's own scent and the smell of sulfur he left in his wake whenever he teleported. This...this is very bad. Shaking himself, he quickly jogged towards the direction of Miss Mary and Connor. He needs to reassure them before going to mother about what he just witnessed. He's never seen his little raven in such distress since then. Since her. Just as he made it to the lobby, mother waltzed from where the kitchen was.

 

"Ah, how are lessons yougnlings-," she halted, not seeing her youngest there. She blinked. "Where's Ravi?"

[Joyabe]

With every step Connor took away from that room and towards the lobby, his heart seemed to sink deeper and deeper. He hated how despite everything his ears were tuned to the space he left behind him, searching for any clue of following footsteps. He hated even more the sour taste of disappointment that settled in further with every passing step that wasn't echoed by one from Ravi. He shouldn't feel so disappointing. He shouldn't long for the other's closeness after he was so blatantly rejected. Ravi made it clear that he didn't want him, period. His self-respect really seemed to have reach an all-time low.

 

Somewhere along the not very long way to the lobby, he had to accept the unavoidable fact he would be walking in alone. He would be lying if he said he didn't consider just skipping the whole thing, acting like a little kid again and just going back to his room without a word. But he can't do that. He can't just keep running away from this forever, and after all he was still a big believer in the band-aid method- get it over with quick and as soon as possible. Ugh, but what should he tell Mary? How should he explain the very noticeable absence of his fiance? He was still trying to come to terms with everything that just happened, with how he just made a complete fool of himself and probably made his arranged lover hate him permanently. Maybe he should start with talking to Mary about Oliver and telling him everything. This conversation would take some time for sure and would keep her occupied, and then by the time they'll be done maybe he could come up with some believable excuse about why Ravi isn't coming. Yes, yes that seemed like a good way to go about things. Now he should just make sure he's the first person to speak as he enters the lobby so she wouldn't have the time to ask any unwanted questions.

 

Taking a deep breath, he stepped confidently into the lobby. He only looked at Mary for a split second though, not giving any one of them enough time to say a word, before he heard Samuel's plea. Turning abruptly, his hand unconsciously clutched the door frame forcefully, almost to the point of breaking it. If a moment ago it felt like his heart was sinking, now it violently leaped to his throat only to immediately drop to what seemed to be the mansion's dungeons while frantically beating in his ears, the loud sound making it harder for him to detect any additional voices he was so desperately searching for. He had never heard Samuel sounding so urgent. He never thought he was capable of expressing such an emotion.

 

He stood there, frozen in place, wondering what he should do. What did Samuel tried stopping Ravi from doing that made him sound like that? Did he do it? Was he okay? Did something happen to him? Was it his fault? He wanted to go. He wanted to go so badly- just to make sure the other was okay. He couldn't stand the thought of not knowing. But if he really was the cause of whatever it was that was happening, which was more than likely, he was probably the last person that should go.

 

Keeping his eyes on the direction from which he heard the voice, he tried his best to listen to any signs of... anything really. The sound of rushing footsteps was the first thing that broke through the loud heartbeat in his ears and caught his attention. He kept his eyes trained on the direction from which it was coming, never blinking as if he was afraid to miss something important. Maybe it was Ravi. He hoped it was Ravi. Even if he would rush past him without giving him a second look, he just needed reassurance that he was fine. The disappointment that hit him when Samuel's figure finally emerged was indescribable, and the anxiousness he was feeling increased a tenfold when he took in his expression. Something was definitely, without a doubt wrong for him to look like that.

 

The mistress' question was very accurate, he thought as she spoke somewhere behind him. Yes, where was Ravi? He tried listening for any clue that might point him in his general direction, but the other didn't have a heartbeat for him to search for, nor did he have to breath. And aside from the other people in the room, the mansion around them seemed disturbingly quiet. He also couldn't say for sure, given the fact his scent was somehow present all through the manor, but he couldn't smell it being especially strong anywhere. Keeping his eyes on Samuel's face, the urgency seemed to outweigh any discomfort he might have been feeling. "What happened?" he asked, brows pushed together in worry. The more accurate question he wanted to ask but didn't was what happened to Ravi?

 

How could he solve this situation without revealing too much in the process? He wasn't exactly thrilled telling the mistress something just happened to her son because he was acting like a stupid brat on his first day living in her home. He also wasn't sure what was and wasn't wise to reveal. Maybe, the beginning of a solution presented itself, if he understood the extant of Samuel's powers correctly he could actually use them. His eyes were still anxiously watching him, hoping and silently begging to be heard as the stream of question repeated itself in his mind. Not that it required any effort- they seemed to be more than happy to come up and haunt him. Where was Ravi? What happened to him? What did his idiotic self do? Should he do something about it? Should he do nothing? Should he leave the manor? Cancel the engagement for good? Just what could he do to make things right?

[Theseus]

Samuel was not sure on what to say. It wasn't his place to speak of what happened between the small wolf and his youngling, however, he is not sure how to explain to mother what happened to her youngest without saying too much. For their privacy's sake. He turned his gaze towards Connor when he asked what happened to his fiance, his thoughts being the loudest of the room. It was obvious, just how much the small wolf cared for his raven. Yet they do not seem to know how to communicate with one another. Just as it seemed everything was going well (Samuel will admit, he wished he never heard such thoughts coming from his little Ravi despite how it seem to, at the time, mean a positive outcome) something goes terribly wrong. And once more, he can hear the despair and concern clearly in the youngling's thoughts. Well, he could only hear Connor.

 

"Samuel?" He turned his gaze towards Miss Mary, whom seemed more puzzled than everyone in this room. Though, there was a wobble of worry in her voice. Samuel sighed, he has to answer them, it seems. This is going to prove difficult with the wolf in the room. He looked towards mother, hoping she will get the hint as he spoke evenly; "Ravi. . . was upset with himself. He. . . *Se simte cu musca pe căciulă." Mother's eyes seemed to fill with shock before settling for sad understanding. Good, he was able to tell her without saying too much on what developed between the two younglings in private.

 

Miss Mary looked to the young wolf. "Connor, what happened between you two?" Ah, he didn't think she would ask right at this moment while mother was still present. Samuel moved to speak on behalf of the small wolf when the mistress of the manor held up her hand to speak, silencing the vampire and human; "As long as Ravi is not in the dungeon during this time, I believe he is safe. Samuel, please escort Miss Mary to the kitchen. Dinner will begin shortly." Well, it looks like he can not stop mother from finding out what happened between them. Bowing his head, he gently took Miss Mary's arm into his own (whom looked at Connor with some concern) before leading her towards the kitchen. He knows that whatever mother has planned, it will fix whatever new rift developed between the young lovers.

 

He hopes.

 

The mistress watched the two leave the lobby before turning towards the young wolf. She gave him a small smile. His emotions were quite loud, very obvious in fact. It's a wonder how Ravi does not know what his fiance is feeling. Then again, his gifts are not exactly similar to her own and Samuel's. She's positive it must be difficult on them both. Poor things. "Connor, darling," she started walking towards the wolf. "Do you have any suspicion as to why Ravi with leave the manor so abruptly?" The closer she got to the youngling, the more distinct his emotions became; disappointment, worry, rejection (oh?), and sadness. What transpired when she was gone?

 

 

 

- - - -

 

 

 

The sweet smell of poppies burned his throat with every inhale he took, trying to drown out the lingering scent that was entirely Connor. It was odd; Ravi always held the smell of these particular flowers above everything else, each breath he took filling his body with delicious warmth. However, compared to the small wolf, such aroma no longer gives him simple pleasure. Ravi stopped breathing all together, gingerly moving his hands from his face as he gazed downwards. Staring at the few red flowers in his vision that seemed to gently dance to a breeze he himself could barely feel nor hear. There was very little sound in the forest, the occasional rustle of leaves over head being the only companion for him. Which is better.

 

The companionship of being completely alone; no reason for him to tuck away behind a facade, or ignore whatever he is feeling to put on a front of indifference. Yet, now that Ravi is completely alone with his thoughts and feelings, they seem to consume him all at once; Guilt, regret, shame, anger, and hope being the few main emotions berating him and choking his senses. He does not think he'll be able to go through with the ceremony. Surely, Connor would have told his mother of such an incident. And even if the runt decided to keep such a situation between just the two of them, Ravi is more than sure that mother would figure out something was amiss. She would likely be disappointed in him for not being able to reign in that urge, for being the very thing everyone calls them. He wouldn't be able to find it within himself to disagree with her.

 

Ravi lifted his gaze towards the field, the illuminating light of the moon causing the crimson petals to brighten in the dark of the night. It felt as if he was being mocked, it was not his intention to come here. He simply wanted to be by himself, to really process what he did and understand that what he wants was more than unacceptable. Perhaps this was his subconscious making the wound that much larger by bringing him here of all places. With an empty huff of laughter, Ravi picked a poppy. Turning the red flower in his hand as he moved backwards until his back hit the trunk of a tree. Ah, why couldn't he just easily hate the wolf? It wasn't so difficult when he first heard of this marriage, nor when they first met. But, somehow, along those days, he started to wonder what he was up to. What he was thinking, if he would be alright with living with him. He could see now that idiocy in believing what he was feeling at the time was fondness for a mutt.

 

Calmly, Ravi crushed the flower in his grasp, watching with hollow eyes as the stem bent from the effortless force. It wasn't fondness, he refuses to believe so. What he wanted to do in the heat of the moment was not out of fondness. It was hunger.

 

 

*Se simte cu musca pe căciulă = you feel guilty/ he feels guilty

Literal meaning = You feel the fly on your cap (i thought it said crap and nearly chocked)

 

 

[Joyabe]

Confusion certainly seemed to be the dominant emotion in the room for a while. Besides from Samuel, it seemed no one had an idea about what the hell was going on... and to an extent Connor preferred it that way. Of course he wanted to know what happened to Ravi, the concern about his unexplained disappearance didn't go anywhere, nor did it seem like it was going to stop being the main emotion dominating his mind in the foreseen future. But at the same time, there was this tiniest part of him that was glad the mistress and Mary didn't know what led to this confusion.

 

Understandably, he felt some sort of relief when Mary turned to Smauel and not to him for answer. He was not as enthusiastic about the return of the casual Romanian. Who knew what the hell Samuel just told his mother? What if it was something useful? What if it was something discriminating? The small part of his sentence he did understand didn't go unnoticed, but frankly it confused him. Ravi was upset with himself? That didn't make any sense. Ravi was upset because he went and kissed him out of the blue (and you probably would have done more, his subconscious jabbed at him). What reason did he have to be upset with himself? Was it because he surrendered to his own stupid, uncontrollable urges? Was it because he forced him into something he wasn't interested in, and was now regretting? Was it... was it possible he wasn't too far off the mark when he assumed Ravi was involved with Mary? Maybe he simply got the person wrong. Maybe Ravi was involved with someone else, and had to break it off because of their engagement, and then just a moment ago he...

 

Mary's sudden question caused Connor to snap out of his thought as his eyes turned to look at her in surprise mixed in slight panic. He thought he had dodged that bullet. How can he evade this question? Luckily, his future family stepped in to save him from his current family. He was grateful for that (and a little curious about that dungeons comment- but that was certainly not the right time, place or person to ask), but that gratefulness was quickly replaced by dread when he found himself alone with his future mother in law.

 

He was not ready for that. Nor was he ready for the question she asked him. Did he have any suspicions about why he left? Why, of course he had. Did he want to share them with the mother of the person he just presumably forced himself upon (although Ravi never tried rejecting him... at least not in the beginning. So at least it was just against his will in hindsight?), causing said abrupt leave? No, not really. As it was, he wasn't sure how to communicate with the mistress. From the beginning he only perceived her as the master mind behind this crazy scheme. As the scariest person in the mansion. As the one he knew the least about or at least thought he somewhat understood- even less than Ravi. There was also the more fundamental issue of communicating with mother figures. While he knew how to talk to his father and his brother, even to Mary, this was something he felt completely clueless about. And given their current more than complected circumstances, he had no fucking idea what he should or shouldn't say.

 

But he couldn't say nothing either. "I think..." he opened cautiously "I think it's my fault" he admitted in a quite voice. "I think I overstepped a line and now..." he couldn't bring himself to look the mistress in the eye. "I didn't mean to cause trouble for your family. Or for this..." he wasn't even sure how to call their strange arrangement anymore. If there was even one. "I'll take responsibility for this. I'll find another way to create a treaty" there wasn't much else he could do. Not only did he hurt Ravi, he also broke his promise, ruining the agreement between the mistress and his father. By acting so recklessly he was actually hurting two whole clans. He was hurting his own clan. "Just... tell me what to do to fix this". He has to fix this. He would fix this. Whatever it takes- whether he has to go and bring Ravi himself by begging (although by the other's behavior he doubts this is the way to go about things. Even if the irrational part of his brain still yearns to see him) or disappear immediately and forever.

[Theseus]

The mistress had some suspicions on how her youngling would react towards his arranged love, and they did come to light during the first meeting. However, what it developed into when they were both left alone after dinner to their own demise was still a mystery to her. It's been quite some times since she seen Ravi so attentive towards another individual such as young Connor. She even admits to finding some amusement at how the young vampire seemed to fuss over every small detail about his fiance. To be honest, it was adorable to the mistress. Yet, she still wishes she knew what conversation the two younglings had that day. Though, she highly doubts that the youngling would even share such details with his mother.

 

For a moment, she even looked on towards the ceremony with thrill; she assumed Ravi would be more difficult about the marriage, even try to transpire some scheme to hold it off for as long as he could (her young vampire is known for being stubborn when he wants to be, or quite the brat if she was to put it simply). But, now seeing the state that Connor and Ravi were in at the moment, it seems like something else took place. A rift, perhaps. Well, it seems she has to figure out what the problem was before giving the young wolf a small shove in the correct direction. (It was a wonder how she forgot that they were still strangers, so boundaries and communication will be lost for a while.)

 

The mistress listened carefully to the wolf's words and feelings behind each syllable. My, so it was a lack of communication. The guilt surrounding her son's fiance was more than suffocating at best, seeming the drench the youngling entirely in it. Well, it seems she has to be the advice giving mother. With a soft sigh, she moved closer to rest a dainty hand against the young wolf's cheek. Moving his head so that he would properly look her in the eyes. "Oh honey," she gave the other a small smile. "I do believe it's not your fault, this relationship between you two is still very much new. So some lines that you don't know will be crossed."

 

Moving her hand back, she feigned exasperation. (The mistress wanted to test out a small theory of hers. Just a small one.) "Besides, I don't think Ravi would react kindly when he finds that the wedding is called off from his fiance." She doubts her son would ever admit this, but, he still was not very skilled at holding back his emotions. Especially around his mother. So those fond feelings she noticed when the two of them came back towards the room where herself and the other two members of the wolf clan resided, was quite a shock. And for him to willing hold Connor's hand? Despite holding burning hatred towards unnecessary physical contact? She knew then that she made the right choice for this arrangement. (Even if they did not end up loving one another, there was some sort of bond holding them together, even when they want to move apart.)

 

The mistress smiled, folding her arms against her chest. "Telling you would not make the situation easier, it will just make more problems like this arise and you would still have no knowledge of how to attend to them correctly, Connor." Turning around, she walked a few steps away from the wolf, as if heading towards the kitchen, before pausing. "Ah, I don't believe he told you this, but Ravi took the time to hand-pick your room. Just to ensure that you would feel safe and secure in an unknown place." A small laugh fell past her lips as she turned her gaze towards the wolf from over her shoulder, mischief evident her eyes. Will Ravi resent her for telling such a (very useless) secret? Most likely, yes. And she knows she won't regret sharing such a small detail with the wolf.

 

"Now I wonder why." With that she looked away and continued her walk towards the kitchen, continuing with; "Ravi is past the gardens behind the manor, if you truly wish to fix this. It's quite a walk, though." The mistress wonders what it was that happened when they were suppose to be practicing. Then again, she nearly forgot about her eldest's very useful gift to stay in the know. A smirk graced her lips as she disappeared into the kitchen, ready to hear everything from Samuel as she lets the younglings work out their problem face to face.

[Joyabe]

Despite his best efforts, Connor couldn't help flinching at the mistress touch to his cheek, partly out of fear and partly out of guilt. If only she knew what just happened... he wasn't sure he was deserving of such a gentle treatment. He had to disagree with her on the whole Ravi being upset over cancelling the wedding argument. Again, surely she wouldn't be saying something like that had she knew what transpired between them. But then again, she was his mother and certainly knew Ravi better than Connor did. So did that mean that before this whole fiasco, if, in theory, Connor was a little less of an idiot, his fiance would harbor those kind of feelings? But why? Shouldn't he be happy about having the wedding cancelled? And why was it making him feel even more conflicted over the whole thing?

 

He was not only conflicted, but also very much confused when his future mother in law declared she's not going to help with this whole mess. Was she serious? What kind of sane person would let Connor sort out something like this on his own? That was a big mistake. Huge. Besides, he didn't have any knowledge of how to attend to the problem at hand correctly as is. Just what the hell is he supposed to do?! Is she seriously just going to leave him to handle this thing on his own? Does she realize he's the source of all the mess that's going on right now?

 

As he stood there, watching her walk away, frozen in place by the feeling of helplessness that weighed him down, the last comment she threw over her shoulder hit him. It was almost as if the words sent waves of shock through his body. Why did she say this? To confuse him even further? Why did she feel this little piece of information was something he would benefit from right now? Standing in the middle of the empty lobby, it took Connor a moment or two to realize just what he had to do. Actually, he never fully got to that realization, at leas not consciously, but given he was never the type that could just not do anything, his not completely conscious self seemed to make use of the one piece of information he was given that didn't require any deciphering. Anything was better than staying helpless in his eyes.

 

Before he knew it, he was outside of the manner, heading in the direction he was pointed towards, and before he knew it he was no longer walking or quickly pacing, but running as fast as he could in his current form. This entire night was so freaking confusing. None of it made sense. First he moved in with the vampires, then he had another spat with his arranged lover, somewhere in the middle he discovered his sister in law knows the vampires, he made up with his fiance, kissed him, chased him out of the mansion and now he was chasing after him. Again. And why did he do it in the first place? He was so right when he said Ravi was confusing. If he hated it this much shouldn't he have rejected him from the beginning? And even if he didn't, shouldn't he have chased him out instead of running away himself and making everybody else worried? And why did the mistress had to go and make it seem as if he cared? As if Ravi actually minded how Connor would feel? Each one of those thoughts seemed to make him run just a little faster, the action seemed to slowly turn his confusion into anger. He probably could have made it there a lot faster had he shifted, but it seemed like a good decision in hindsight, considering he didn't really feel like appearing naked in front of Ravi right now.

 

Even so, it didn't take him that long all in all to find his fiance. His pale complexion was almost reflective against the pale moonlight, making him stand out from the field of red that engulfed him. The sight caused Connor to break his pace, replacing the running with a slow, almost hesitant walk. It was then when he saw the expression the other was wearing, causing him to take a few more hesitant steps before suddenly stopping. He can't get too close. Not again. He might have been an idiot, but he wouldn't repeat this mistake twice. He will not touch his fiance, even though he wanted nothing more than to do exactly that, to wipe away that horrid expression that made Ravi look like he was all torn up inside. The fact he felt an echo of that expression somewhere in his chest wasn't helping. He didn't like it at all. It was almost like what the people back home were describing when they talked about...

 

"What were you thinking?" the quiet question came out without thinking, underlying with the same anger, hurt and confusion he was feeling. He didn't even know where to begin, but he was more than ready to finally understand just what the hell was Ravi thinking. About everything. "You always do this" he accused, although he hardly had the right to talk about 'always' after knowing each other for such a short time. "Why did you run away? You made everyone worry! I told you I wouldn't do it again" he spoke through gritted teeth that didn't manage to hold him back from lashing out at the other. "Even if you hated it this much it shouldn't be you that's going away! And then your mother..." he continued landing accusation after accusation, not letting the other to put a word in even if he wanted. He was so pissed off right now. "What's with that about not wanting to cancel... and you choosing the room..." the further he talked, the worse his verbal skills seemed to get. It might have been the result of trying to hold back the regression into the embarrassingly childish habit of crying out of frustration. He could feel it coming, but he would not cry because of him again. The first night was bad enough. However, the sting in his throat and in the corner of his eyes informed him he couldn't possibly say another word without doing exactly that. Instead, he resorted to glaring at the other, finally falling silent, his hand still balled into fists from the frustration while at the same time using as some way to try and hold onto his self control. He was almost visibly shaking with anger at that point.

[Theseus]

The illuminating light of the flowers, thanks to the light of the pale moon lit night, seemed to glow effortlessly around him. Surrounding him entirely in crimson. It was fitting, Ravi mused. A vampire whom had to leave its home to keep from devouring their husband finds themselves comforted by the low glow of red that engulfs them completely. He absolutely hates the symbolism in it, yet, he does not have the energy to scoff at such antics from the cruelty of nature. Just numb shame, and bare self resentment. He wonders what mother is probably doing with the information of his untimely absents. Most likely throwing a fit, he presumes. Ravi did not care what Miss Mary thought. No, no he still felt betrayed; she did not, for years, tell them the nature of her lover. Kept him a secret, and seemed to even have been willing to hold such a secret for who knows how long. Granted, he understands her hesitation, maybe even a few of her fears, but to keep it from her second family?

 

Ravi pulled his knees up to his chest, folding his arms ontop of his knees to rest his chin upon. The harshness of each feeling a heavy blanket around him. He can already guess the troubled thoughts of Samuel, considering he was the one to see him leave so abruptly. But ... what of Connor? Ravi clenched his teeth together, grinding the bones against one another roughly. He should not care about what the runt is doing at this very moment. Or any moment in time. His fiance hates him, fears him, and for good reason. The mutt even refused to look at him before he left the room, seeming to hug the wood of the door as if to avoid close proximity with Ravi again. And, he has no right to feel anger. He took advantage of the situation, nearly did something that truly proved what everyone says of vampires. Hell, he's confusing fondness and hunger. And he still cannot find the difference when it comes to his arranged lover. Glancing downwards, he stares at the broken flower. Its stem bent and crushed, its petals mangled and a few missing.

 

This is maddening. Ravi closed his eyes and took a deep breath; God, he could still distinctly smell the runt's scent. It's as if his fiance is so near to him. Though, the aroma smelled more sour. Bitter with heavy emotion. Hearing a voice, he jolted in his spot. Pressing his back against the bark of the tree and opening his eyes to see none other than the one he harmed today. How did Connor find him? He's beyond the gardens and quite far from the manor itself. No, how did he not hear the other coming? Was he so deep in thought that the wolf could just so easily sneak up on him? Ravi stared up at the wolf, guilt, worry, and (and taste of happiness upon seeing his fiance once more) puzzlement eating away at him as he tries to come up with something to say. But, nothing comes out. (He does not even know what to say.) The words lodged in his throat and refusing to come out. It would've been a problem, though, it seems the runt is doing the talking.

 

Sentence after sentence that confused Ravi much further fell from the other's lips without a break. Giving him no room to explain his case. (Even though he was guilty.) He wanted to refuse such accusations because he does not always run away. Well, when it came to the wolf. . . So maybe he runs from the runt. It was mostly due to the fact that Ravi has no hint as to what to do or how to speak with his fiance! Not only this, he does not understand his own feelings towards the wolf which only further escalates his problem. So running away is a lot more easier than trying to decipher his own and the other's (obviously hateful) feelings. However, again, he has no room to explain his side. Connor seeming to just bulldoze on. Wait, hated it? Him? What is this runt on about! This is just frustrating him! Did, did the runt truly believe that the reason for his reaction after their kiss was because he distaste it? Ravi took pause, trying to come over that realization. But, the small wolf regretted it more do than himself! So ..why...?

 

His fiance thought he hated the kiss? Does he not know- wait his mother? Mother told him about the room? Ah, of course she did. Subtle meddling seems to be her strong point it but, from what Ravi could see, it only seemed to have confused the small wolf further. However, when the other was done he felt angry. Not from what his lover said, no, for knowing that this was not well communicated. From having to be accused while the runt stands there not even fully explaining his own thoughts. With a snarl, Ravi stood to his full height; "I was thinking that it would be best if I left you alone!" It would have been better if Samuel was in his place. Though the man was a fool, speaking such vulnerability was easy for him. "And what if I wanted you to do it again?"

 

He started to move towards the other. He hated Connor for giving that small flame of hope back, he hated himself for making his fiance feel this way. He hated this whole thing. Why could it not be simplistic? "I ran away not because I hated it, I ran because I wanted to do more! So much so that I-," he paused, 'I nearly bit you' being difficult to speak. Instead, a hollow laugh fell past his lips with each step he took. The flowers crushing under his steps. "I was the one whom picked your room. I wanted you to be comfortable so much so that I did not even let the servants help! I want to own you completely for myself." Ravi stopped a few steps away from Connor.

 

He...he was surprised at his own confession. Always pushing those urges away, trying to chain them and hide them from the wolf. To hear them spill out, to hear what it was exactly-. Ravi ran his fingers through his hair, tugging on the dark strands as he turned his gaze away from the wolf. His mind whirling. His chest burning of embarrassment, hatred, shame, even something that he refused to name this whole time. Still does, to be quite honest. "I do not know what mother meant about canceling something or another. But, that kiss, I did not hate it. I wanted to taste more of you. So much so I nearly bit your neck without your consent." He laughed numbly once more; Ravi knows how this is to end. Even with that whisper of hope, he knows who stands alone here. He turned his gaze towards the flowers. Watching them sway as if mockingly. "I could be confusing hunger with fondness, maybe even interest. Ah, however, I do know that it's no longer safe for me to be around you with such complicated thoughts. Especially, when I'm the only one feeling like this."

 

It was only a matter of time before Connor found his confession disgusting and run off. Maybe even keep his distance. It would be better this way. (Then, pray tell, why did the very idea seem to make him sick?) "Even that scent of yours is a danger for yourself."