A Late Night Stroll (Open)

[Volker Van Hasselt]

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    They hadn't been in America long, and already he has asking himself, just why in the hell he was here. Well, at least that is what his body language likely 'said', as Volker followed along his older brother's lead, hand held in the others.  Honestly, Volker really didn't mind, neither the walking, nor the hand holding, but he made a point to seem to mind. As they came upon the pond, he let his gaze drop to settle on the water's surface. He only half heard what Kristian was saying to him, as he was a bit lost in his own thoughts. 

     At the very least they had managed  to find there way here.  Volker had been a bit concerned that they might end up wandering around the busier parts of the city, and he certainly had heard a thing or two about the sorts of establishments they had around here.  Of course, he'd been to Amsterdam, it just wasn't the same here in America. Besides, he hadn't really liked Kristian being in Amsterdam. His older brother wasn't really shy or particularly virginal, but that didn't stop him from feeling the distinct desire to shield his older sibling from such things.  Kristian was far to sweet to find himself in some sort of glorified sex shop, even if the elder wouldn't judge or let on any displeasure on his part.

    No, it was far better that they had found their way to the park. With a sigh, he followed his brother to a bench and settled for a minute while Kristian beside him paused to take his phone out to text someone.  No doubt it was either their Vati, or their Onkel Klaus.  Kristian was such a devoted child, always making a point to keep promises of texting their elders to inform them of where he was going, or when he had 'arrived safely' (well in this case, when he knew he wasn't going to get lost and need directions).  With a sigh, he raised a hand, settling his elbow on the arm of the bench so he could rest his chin and cheek against it.  He was still wearing long sleeves, the black sweatshirt likely to be out of place before too long, as winters so far south tended to be insanely mild and short.

   Rolling his shoulder's subtly, as if to work out some kink or something, he took comfort in the familiarity of the leather or the harness he had chosen this night brushing against his skin as he moved.  Soon he would have to choose to adapt his tenancies for the weather or to look out of place. He couldn't help but growl just a bit under his breath.  Just why did their Vati have to stay here anyway? Even if they didn't produce their own heat, vampires were no less apt to feel heat. Volker was already anticipating the discomfort of being far warmer than he might like.   

   "I'm not sure if we have time to find our way to visit Onkel Gunnar tonight.  Perhaps it would be best to contact him first anyway, he might be busy."  Yes he had heard Kristian ask him about visiting Onkel Gunnar.  Part of him found the idea mostly favorable, part of him wanted to come up with an excuse for Kristian to try to get Onkel Klaus to take him instead.  It wasn't like it'd take much coercing, both their Onkels adored Kristian, and as Onkel Klaus was Onkel Gunnar's maker, it would likely please him to go see the younger of the pair. 

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Word Count: 596
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[Kristian Van Hasselt]

   As he walked with his younger brother, Kristian knew that Volker was distracted by his own thoughts. It wasn't that uncommon of it to be so, and Kristian had become an expert of knowing when to pressure the younger vampire, and when to simply continue on with things and allow Volker to piece matters together for himself.  So it was, that Kristian continued to speak idly about the new district their Vati was currently in, as well as both their Onkels.  He knew Volker didn't care much for heat, in truth, he himself would take the cooler climate of District One or Germany over this place any day (especially once summer came along).  Still, Kristian was optimistic about being here, and was hoping to encourage his brother not to feel quite so displaced. 

    It had been Volker's idea to come here in the first place, but of course, that had had far more to do with the fact that Onkel Klaus had made the trek, and of course there was also the presence of other members of their family. Still, there was nothing wrong with bringing up the beaches, and that he had heard there was a great deal to see in the cities.  District One had cities, as, of course, did Germany, but that didn't detract from the appeal of getting to know the cities here. Indeed, every city had something worth finding or seeing in it, if one took the time to look. 

    The pond was rather lovely, he noted, and tugged his brother's hand gently to encourage him along.  Once at a bench facing the gently rippling waters, he made a point to take out his phone to contact one of their elder kin. First though, he took a moment to tuck some of the long strands of his dark hair behind and ear, and to lift his arms to encourage the slightly too long sleeves to fall back on the other side of his wrists.  Kristian also sported the longer sleeves, in his case, of an unzipped blue hoodie jacket settled over a lighter blue loose fitting tank top, add to that a pair of jeans that were just a bit tighter than one expected to find on a boy in this country, and honestly, Kristian looked more like a flat girl than a boy, though likely not enough to stump someone who tried to figure out which applied. 

      "I wonder what the other Clanleaders are like, I haven't had a chance to ask Vati if he's met them yet... At least though Onkel Gunnar is one of them... Do you suppose we should go see his new clan? He probably could use some cheering up after the mess with the Council."  No, he didn't know that much about what had happened, indeed he really hadn't been told enough to profess to know anything, but between siblings, they could all sort of figure out that likely the other members of the council had had something to do with their kin's change in title. Further more, knowing how much Onkel Gunnar had put in to this country and cared for it, it was pretty obvious this hand not been a change he would find favorable.

   When the younger vampire offered his response, Kristian merely smiled up at the other in his warm, fond, and yes patient way.  Volker could get rather prickly when it came to Onkel Gunnar sometimes. "Then we will call him later and see when he is available for us to see him", he offers easily, his tone far too gentle to be heard as a command of any sort.  Yet, the offhanded tone that assumed that of course there would be no reason not to contact their valued family member allowed for no arguments on the other's part. It wasn't good for Volker to tuck himself away from other members of the family, regardless of what reason his brother might think validated such behavior. 

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Word Count: 632
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[Jean-Renée Saulnier]

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Jean-Renee was not one to eaves-drop, and certainly he'd had no intention of doing any such thing. It was just that, the conversation that was being held on a bench not too far off from where he himself sat was a bit hard not to over hear. Oh, they weren't being particularly loud...no. It was just that his hearing was quite sensitive, a thing that - despite being over three hundred years of age - was something he still hadn't quite managed to get used to. Perhaps it was due to not having actually come into power until about ninety years ago so these things were still a bit new to him, or perhaps it was just something he would never get used to. Either way, he couldn't help but glance subtly up from the soft glow of his phone to see who was speaking. 


They weren't human, that much he'd gleaned from their scent. Other vampires had a particular lack in their smell that he had always found to be a bit peculiar...comforting yes, as he supposed it was only natural that he would be attracted to his own 'kind', but a certain coldness to their smell that clearly delineated them from others. Even dhampir as Jean-Renee had found that even those born of vampire and human still smelled warmer, meatier than vampires. And as he continued to idly listen while he expertly flicked through the texts displayed on his touch-screen, he could also glean that - like him - they were a bit new to this particular part of the world, if not the country itself. He detected a hint of Germanic accent in them, though it was subtle and something that they might not realize touched their voices, so perhaps like him, they were foreigners in a strange place and pretty much alone. 


No, no...it was none of his business. And it was rude to simply butt in, especially since people nowadays didn't generally appreciate a friendly word from a stranger, even one with as gentle a personality as Jean-Renee's tended to be. His gaze fixed back on his phone, a hand slipping up to idly tug on the end of the long braid of blond hair that had slithered over his shoulder. Onkel Gunnar...his brow furrowed absently as his mind meticulously ticked through a list of names that he was familiar with. Were they talking about Gunnar Helgison? Jean-Renee /had/ heard that he was here, having been recently deposed from the council for some such reason or another only to wind up in this district - not that he really cared about politics enough to want to know this. It was just something that was talked about in the Ankharu Matum, the kaiser having been kind enough to take him in - likely as a favor to his friend, Clan Master Zeo DiPaulo. It was rumored that this Gunnar was a relation of some kind to the new Kaiser, not that Jean-Renee really paid much attention to rumors. 


A text popped up, dragging his attention fully back to the screen of his phone and having the pretty man's brow furrowing lightly into a frown. It was his lawyer, texting from London to inform him that there had been some difficulty with arranging for the exportation of certain goods that Jean-Renee required. And there were commissions to be dealt with, even here in this country, and if he couldn't get the quality of fabric he wanted then it wasn't likely these commissions would remain so for long.


The fangs on the left side of his mouth absently bit into his lower lip, not enough to draw blood or cause pain of course, and his frown deepened. "Merde...", he muttered under his breath, agitated enough to resort to doing so in his native tongue. "Ce pays et la nécessité pour tous de cette bande rouge ... ils ne savent pas qu'un homme a le droit de gagner sa vie?" He continued, his tones low and just a bit annoyed - though it likely didn't show on his face as really he was hardly angry, merely tired of dealing with the trouble of all this paperwork, and his fingers began to fly over the screen in response - his ears now only half on the conversation of the other vampire as he found the need to remind his lawyer precisely what he was paying him for.     

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Word Count: 734  
Notes: I know, kinda lame but he was really telling me he wasn't about to just 

[Volker Van Hasselt]

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   Leave it to Kristian to be the 'voice of reason'.  With a silent sniff, Volker decided it was probably best to prepare himself for the likelihood that he was not going to be able to shake his brother in this. Kristian was gentle, permissive, and in general submissive by nature, but when his older brother had his mind set on something, especially something to do with family, well that was when his Prussian blood really showed. Of course, the other wouldn't yell or get angry, or even chide him, but Kristian had his own way of making the way of things known, and Volker was susceptible to them. 

    "I guess since we've got nothing better to do", he offers in a slightly disgruntled tone, as if seeing Onkel Gunnar was just such a chore.  Really, it wasn't, even if he had his issues with the older vampire, but apparently it wouldn't do for Gunnar to neglect making it seem so. Perhaps a bit restless, Volker dropped the hand that he had been resting his cheek on, in order to glance about the park at large.  Peaceful though it was, it seemed it was hardly abandoned for the night.  "I don't suppose we have a particular reason for being here at this time of night..."  Of course he knew they didn't Kristian just wanted to spend sometime with him, and wanted to enjoy the night, still that didn't stop the gruff, almost pointed comment. 

   In truth, Volker was particularly out of sorts.  He didn't handle changes in scenery well.  Then there was the fact that now they were, for the time being, settling somewhere new.  He'd have to get a new room, and what things he had in their proper order. Then he'd have to figure out what he was supposed to do with himself.  There was no guarantee that Onkel Klaus hadn't already procured himself assistance in preforming his duties while abroad. That meant, unlike in Germany, where he assisted Klaus in organizing and filing away important documents among other things, he might have no occupation to put his energy into.  An idle Volker, was not a good thing; he needed the structure and consistency Klaus' regime provided him. 

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Word Count: 377 
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[Kristian Van Hasselt]

   The edges of his lips twitched in a subtle widening of his seemingly ever present smile. Kristian had never been a brother who was interested in gloating, but that didn't mean he didn't recognize when one of the others had seen that it would do no good to argue with him. Though what was more amusing was the fact that he knew that arguing with him about this really hadn't been all that important to Volker in the first place. Sometimes he did wonder if his younger brother would ever grow out of this need to be so contrary

    "Not particularly. I think that it is good to be out to enjoy The Mistress, ja?", he suggests in that easy fashion of his, the tone of his question looking for confirmation rather than actually questioning the other.  It did Volker some good to admit to at least some things that he enjoyed, even if he would only do so begrudgingly, or in his own, almost painfully subtle way. 

   Picking himself up off the bench, Kristian settled his phone back in a pocket before reaching his hands high over his head, to stretch, his lithe frame arching with the motion.  As his arms swung back down, he offered Volker a smile, before preparing to offer some suggestions on what they might do this night.  It was about then that his own attention was directed away from his brother to another visitor in the night. 

   The Frenchman's tones were laced with his displeasure. Of course, Kristian, knowing French, and having spent a considerable amount of time hearing it spoken from actual native speakers while in Germany or the country itself, could easily identify that the man was likely a native speaker.  If not, then he must have spent a considerable amount of time in the country.  Absently his gaze slipped over the other reflexively, taking in what was no doubt another vampire, easier to note as, unlike Jean-Renee, he wasn't faced with an obscured view. 

     Kristian normally wasn't the sort to pry in the affairs of others. However, there were specific facts to consider in this case.  For one, Kristian knew well enough the laws and attitudes of this country. Lighthearted though he was, he wasn't ignorant to the world around him, and their Vati had always made sure they understood precisely what was expected of them by the humans, and how they were to stay out of trouble. Secondly, though he had never had to deal with any of the 'red tape' himself, Kristian knew he could go to their Vati for assistance in such things.  He had no way of knowing if the other understood just how different things were here than they were in Europe. The most important fact in this was that, it was very easy for a vampire to get himself killed in this country, especially if he didn't know how things worked. 

    "Pardonnez-moi, monsieur. Je suis désolé d'empiéter, mais si je peux demander, c'est est tout va bien?", he asked in a friendly, somewhat concerned tone, an accent no doubt present in his French, though it was on the subtle side and leaned more towards Germanic than English. Of course, Kristian had waited until the other was finished with his conversation, as to do otherwise would be rude.  As it was, the Frenchman might find his inquiry rude in and of itself, but it was his responsibility as one native to these lands to assist those who were not, especially as the son of the district's current Kaiser. 

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Word Count: 603
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[Jean-Renée Saulnier]

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The phone that was in his hand was quickly set aside, tucked into one of his inner jacket pockets. After all, someone was talking to him and it would be rude to continue to text while such a thing was going on. He was perhaps strangely surprised that he was being talked to at all - strange simply because it had never occurred to him that they could hear his mutterings, even while he could hear every word they said - but that was no matter. He was a friendly one, Jean-Renée was, and though he didn't precisely know anyone in this country he was hardly averse to the idea of making friends.

"Mes excuses..." he began, tone and expression faintly apologetic as he stood - choosing to rise to his feet as it was equally rude to talk to someone while sitting when the other person involved was not doing so. "I did not mean to disrupt your conversation." The smile that curved his lips was quick, and easy and even warm as his gaze flitted between the one talking to him and the one remaining stoically seated on the park bench. The one talking, he noted was pretty, and seemed to be possessed of a rather sweet temperament, but it was the one on the park bench that sparked just the subtle beginnings of interest in the Frenchman. It was a bad idea, he knew, to become intrigued by one simply by the set of their jaw or the angle of their cheekbone, but there it was. The smile on his lips widened a bit should that other vampire glance his way, and then, of all things, his lashes would lower briefly - gaze darting away almost coyly - before returning his attention back to the other man.  


"It is just some little legal thing...nothing to be overly concerned with yet...though I thank you for asking.", he sighed a bit, that braid of his brought back over his shoulder so he could absently tug on it's end once more. It was a bit of a nervous habit, that tugging, and it was likely more telling of the precise nature of his frustrations than anything else he said or did. After all, Jean-Renée hardly had any desire to trouble this stranger with his worries. Briefly, he frowned...his gaze lowering once more as he tried to consider back up options. Perhaps he could speak to his Italian friend, and see if he might be able to use some of his pull to make the importing of his much-needed fabrics go a bit easier. But he did so hate troubling others. It was just that he really didn't see any other option. He did have clientele this side of the ocean to deal with, after all, and he did not maintain such a brisk business by having to tell his clients he had no access to the proper materials. 


"Moi idiot..." he muttered to himself, shaking his head and absently brushing the tips of his fingers across his own forehead. The smile he gave the other man was once again tinged with embarassment, though this was done entirely on his own folly. "Here I am, telling you of these things and I have not even introduced myself. You must think me terribly rude." He chuckled lightly at himself before finally extending his hand, knowing they weren't nearly on familiar enough turns to greet each other in the Parisian fashion just yet, and waited until the other moved to shake to say his name. " Jean-Renée Saulnier, at your service. Who do I have the pleasure of meeting?" And perhaps surprisingly, it really would sound like it was a pleasure judging from the Frenchman's tones. 

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Word Count: 626

[Volker Van Hasselt]

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   The tones of the Frenchman had gone ignored by Volker; well, that is until he noted his brother taking interest. Inwardly he groaned. Why couldn't Kristian just leave this unknown man be? Of course, he knew the reason well enough, the fact was that Kristian, by his very nature was helpful, and genuinely concerned himself over the happiness of others. Absently, he picked himself up from the bench, smoothing out his wears idly as the younger of the pair prepared himself to just deal while his brother decided to be social.  Indeed, his gaze remained just as firm, as did the way his jaw was set. 

    In truth, he only marginally cared that really they should help the other. It wasn't so much that he didn't want to be helpful, but unfortunately, in most cases being helpful meant dealing with people.  Volker had a vast preference to keep that to a minimum, or at the very least, to focus it with matters of particular importance. It seemed he would have no such luck, and his mood wasn't much improved by the French speak.  Unlike Kristian, Volker didn't know French other than a word or two hear and there, and he didn't much care for the reminder of the deficit in his knowledge... not that that was reason enough to warrant him actually learning the flowery language. 

    When the other vampire's gaze was draw towards him, Volker remained mostly impassive, but he did return the gaze. What greeted him though was a bit confusing for the younger vampire. Oh, he had seen enough friendly smiles in his time to not be overly concerned by such a gesture.  No doubt if this guy knew him better, he wouldn't have felt inclined to widen that smile.  What got him though was the lowering of those lashes.  There was a moment, where his response was briefly unguarded, and his eyes widen subtly as he found himself quite perplexed that such a gesture was offered in his direction.

   It wasn't long before he returned to himself, and his own eyes slipped back into the absent, indifferent gaze.  After all, this man was French, he really should expect the coy lowering of lashes at anything that moved.  So, he told himself, it hardly mattered, the look was likely to have more to do with the other man's personality, or culture than any special mind being paid to him.  Still, an absent shifting, as though to get comfortable, that served to brush a cool metal ring against his front certainly didn't hurt.
 

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Word Count: 433
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[Kristian Van Hasselt]

 "Oh, there is no reason to apologize", he assures warmly in response to the other's concern about interrupting their conversation. In truth, he wasn't sure there would have been much more to say on the matter they had been talking about anyway. As the other vampire explained his circumstances a bit, Kristian couldn't help but notice a change in the other's expression as his gaze slipped in the direction of his younger brother.  The corners of his own lips twitched just a bit, likely unseen while the other paid mind to the junior Van Hasselt. Indeed, the thought that perhaps this vampire might find his brother attractive pleased Kristian in some way; Volker was in need of a companion, not that Kristian would dare say such a thing to his brother directly.  As attentions switched back to introductions, he took that hand in a gentle but firm handshake. 

    "Kristian Van Hasselt, it's a pleasure to meet you Monsieur Saulnier", he offers easily, taking a brief pause during which he afforded his brother a moment to step in close.  Volker would be unhappy about it, but would no doubt comply, as it would only be right for Kristian to likewise introduce his brother to the Frenchman, and it would have been rude for him not to offer his hand in turn. Vati and Onkel Klaus had always made it clear, that one should not deny the gesture without cause, and Volker concerned himself greatly with their opinions. "And, this is my younger brother, Volker Van Hasselt"

   Of course, it did occur to him that it might not be considered prudent to offer such a last name, not with the way the world was in this corner of it. However, Kristian knew it would not do to behave in an uncivilized way for fear of what might be. There was hardly enough threat to them to observe propriety, and certainly this man deserved no less. So, as greetings were exchanged, he concerned himself only with Volker's response to the situation.  No doubt, his brother would be rather stiff about the formalities.  Well there was nothing for it, it simply would be as it would be. 

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Word Count: 368
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[Jean-Renée Saulnier]

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If the younger vampire's reaction to his simplistic flirtation was surprising, Jean-Renée hardly let it show. Certainly he was aware that certain cultures were far more reserved about showing their emotions than his own was...though honestly his culture had very little to do with the interest demonstrated. No, it had everything to do with the much taller vampire's pretty face and form and little to do with Jean-Renée being French. Perhaps the other would come to see this in time, as he fully planned on acting on that interest...once it was, of course, appropriate to do so. 


Still, the older vampire did note the widening of those all too pretty blue eyes, and he couldn't help but allow his lips to twitch subtly in amusement that Volker should be so surprised. It was nice to meet someone who was so pleasing to the eye and find them to be so very unaware of it. It was rare in this day and age, and it was a quality Jean-Renée couldn't help but think was really rather sweet - even if others might think otherwise. He did not deign to comment on such a thing though, and instead allowed his gaze to slowly slide up along the other's long, lean physique before finally meeting Volker's eyes - an elegant hand extended in his direction by way of greeting. " Bonsoir...", he said softly, again those lashes dropping in that coy manner - a thing that it would be noted he did not do when it came to greeting Kristian. And if the other German actually did shake his hand, Jean-Renée's fingers would linger in that grasp and brush lightly against the other's palm before dropping back down by his side. 

"And please...call me Jean-Renée." He smiled, making the words seem as if they were for Volker and Volker alone as his gaze remained a bit longer on the taller vampire than it likely should have, but really it was likely clear he meant it for both of them. He was never one to stand on ceremony for long, especially when it came to himself.  Once introductions were finished, the Frenchman's smile brightened considerably - a hand tucking itself neatly into one of his jeans pockets. Even casually dressed, the French vampire was stylish, the cut and design of the jeans made to perfectly accent his own rather slim physique...and the tailoring done to the button down shirt and hooded jacket designed to do the same. After all, casual or no - he was a designer and perpetrator of men's fashion and it hardly did him good to not look the part when he was out and about. Besides, he always took great care with his appearance - and not because he was vain as anyone who knew him knew this was not so - but simply because it was something he took pride in.

"Van Hasselt? You are kin to the new Kaiser then?", he asked in cheery, easy tones as he really could not quite fathom his excellent luck. Since, he'd been allowed into the Kaiser's sanctuary as a sworn member of the clan he'd been troubling himself greatly over what might be an appropriate gift of thanks to the man for making such allowances on his part. He knew very little of him, save for the fact that he was Prussian and rumored to be of a rather wild nature. Zeo hadn't told him much, merely what he thought he needed to know - and honestly, the Frenchman was more than okay with this as it wasn't in him to demand more. Zeo had mentioned he was an honorable, and good man and well...the Italian's good opinion was more than enough recommendation for him.

He waited until it was confirmed that they were kin, however, before he continued on. " Perhaps you wouldn't mind assisting me with another bit of business I've been meaning to tend to then? Recently I've been allowed to join the clan's ranks and I've been wanting to do something nice for the Kaiser...in thanks for allowing me to stay in his home. Do either of you have any idea what might be considered a worthy gift?", he asked, brow raised in subtle curiosity even as his gaze took in the two other Van Hasselts as a whole - hopeful that perhaps they would be able to assist indeed. Oh, it was true - Jean-Renée could provide the man with some very lovely suits, hand-made for him and him alone...but he wasn't sure if that was something the Prussian ancient would desire.  

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Word Count: 787

[Volker Van Hasselt]

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   He had stuck out his hand, somewhat begrudgingly.  After all, it really didn't do to be too rude, and Onkel Klaus had certainly impressed upon him the importance of this gesture. He wouldn't shame either his Vati nor his Onkel  He intended to pay the other no mind really, but then as those fingers teased his palm after the hand had lingered, Volker found himself a bit uneasy. Shoving the matter down, he set his jaw that much more firmly.  
  As he shoved his hands into his own pockets, he strengthened his resolve to throw off interest in himself, letting the talking shift back to his brother Kristian.  Indeed, it might have seemed that all was going to go well, the other was cheerful enough, and unlikely to care to suffer his more surly behavior for long. However, something the other said caught his attention.

   "You... are staying in the house of the Kaiser Clan?" No he was not pleased, but perhaps he didn't hear right, and the lift to his tone likely made it clear he was questioning to confirm what his ears told him.  If that was true, he might be seeing a great deal more of the Frenchman.  Why was he certain that this was something he was going to regret? Indeed, it seemed he would have no luck this night.  Suppressing the inward groan was a bit of a challenge, but somehow the younger vampire managed it. Likely it was a good thing he was fresh from Germany, and the care of Klaus. 

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Word Count: 265
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[Kristian Van Hasselt]

   Some elder siblings might have taken offense that attention was diverted from them to one of the younger children.  Kristian wasn't that sort of brother though, and in fact the other's continued interest in Volker pleased Kristian a great deal. Perhaps he was a just too much of a romantic at heart, but he couldn't help but hope that things might work out well for them. It was difficult though, because that hope did make him want for coming up with an excuse to leave the two alone.  At the same time though, he knew his brother far too well to make that sort of mistake.  No, if he left Volker now the younger Van Hasselt would likely be quick to extricate himself from the situation immediately, perhaps rudely. Even if the Frenchman would suffer such a thing, it might cause the other to become upset. 

   With an easy smile, he resolved himself to merely see how things played out. In the mean time though, it wouldn't hurt to be helpful. It did seem, after all, that the other could use some advice in managing himself while under their Vati's roof, and even if only to put the other's mind at ease a bit, he felt it was only right ro offer what assistance he might. So, when the matter of what their Vati might like as a gift was brought up, Kristian gave it some serious consideration. 

   "Well... Vati tends to concern himself more with the gesture than what he might actually get... So, it's difficult to offer advice other than to only give him something if it's your desire to do so", he voice trailed off slowly, thoughtfully as he continued to consider what he might offer the other. "So really...anything would be well received if you chose it genuine intent... but I guess I could say, if you wish to give him anything to spike blood it would be best to be reflective of German culture.... Actually that is a safe bet for any sort of gift.  That or something that might have obvious meaning to be gifted by you in particular... I'm afraid I don't know much about you to be more specific." He offered a somewhat apologetic smile, for the sadly ill timed manner of the other's need to gift their Vati. "If we had brothers or sisters that were still children, I would suggest something to amuse one of them. Unfortunately, Volker is the youngest at present." 

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Word Count: 422
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Notes: Poor Kristian wanted to be more helpful ^^... but Ves wouldn't tell me anything special he might be interested ¬¬ fiend

[Jean-Renée Saulnier]

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Now, it might have been strange to someone else to note the subtle hint of panic that seemed to be present in Volker's voice as he spoke - but to one such as Jean-Renée, it wasn't so difficult to imagine why one might feel that way. Certainly he was aware that he could very easily be considered an interloper, especially since in his admittedly limited understanding of clans, he was aware that for the most part a clan consisted of immediate family, and other close friends and relations. For a vampire like himself, with no one to call family and certainly no one to call friend in the truest sense of the word (at least not in that clan) it would of course seem unusual that he should find a place there. And once having this seemingly confirmed, one would certainly expect a person to take offense - especially a person belonging to a culture that took offense at significantly smaller things than having their outcast status be pointed out. 


Jean-Renée, however, was not one of that sort. Yes, his lashes did lower - but this was not to mask offense as really the Frenchman was hardly the sort to know how to mask anything, least of all such a thing as feelings. No, this lowering of lashes was done in silent apology as he answered in soft tones. "Oui. I am afraid that this is so." His gaze raised once more, the smile quiet but still quite apologetic to match his tones...until his lips quirked upwards just a bit more to match the playfulness that quickly took over. "Perhaps you will find it is not so bad though, to have me around. I tend to play...nice." He chuckled a bit, adding a hint of suggestion to the last two words spoken without even really meaning to. "And for you, I will be sure to play very nice indeed." His gaze dropped down the other's figure, an impish light entering his eyes as he raised them once more to meet Volker's before then turning his attention back to Kristian - making note of the use of the word 'Vati' and smiling a bit more at it. 


"Ah, so the Kaiser is your father. Mmm..." He nodded a bit, gaze moving between the two in what was clearly meant as a brief moment of study. " Then it is perhaps quite pleasing that I have run into you as there would be no one who would know better what sort of gift a man might enjoy than his own sons." Again, he smiled, falling back into silence as he listened once more...his mind drifting off for a moment after Kristian was done speaking as he tried to think. 


Genuine intent...well, that was something that Jean-Renée had in spades. He'd never done well with the French sense of intrigue...had never bothered to try and weave much mystery around himself. No, if one wanted to know what there was to the French vampire, all they had to do was ask and Jean-Renée would be quite pleased to answer honestly as even with three-hundred plus years of age he'd never learned the art of lying and lying well. Problems did arise though with things that were reflective of German culture...as he couldn't quite profess to know enough about Germans to feel confident in providing such a gift. No, there was nothing for it. The only thing to do was really to provide the Kaiser with perhaps two or three new suits, made to his exact specifications...which of course brought him back to the problem that had initially sparked this conversation. Imports. 


"Hmm...then it will seem that I may have to bother my Italian friend whether I had wanted to or not.", he muttered quietly to himself, thoughtful expression cast slightly downwards for a moment before he finally glanced up again and smiled. "It would seem the only thing I could offer him with much confidence would be a new supply of suits.", and again he laughed, as even though he knew just what one of his suits normally cost his clients, he did realize it sounded silly to offer a gift of clothing. "Does...does your Vati like such things? Do you suppose he'd enjoy receiving a new supply of hand-made suits?", he asked - a brow raising slightly as he waited for a reply. After all, he knew Zeo would have never turned down such an offer - and indeed, hadn't in the past (though the Italian almost always paid anyway) - but he couldn't say the same for the Prussian. Not everyone put value on clothing, handmade or not, so he hardly wanted to feel a fool for offering something that wouldn't be wanted. 

---

Word Count: 798

[Volker Van Hasselt]

---

  There it was again, and there was no denying it now. the older vampire was clearly flirting with him.  What was wrong with this guy anyway?  Volker's own gaze flitted away as if distracted by some other matter, really though, he was just trying to stall a bit as he tried to figure out what he should do with himself. He wasn't supposed to be flirted with, and apparently the other wasn't getting the message with his stiff and not particularly welcoming stance.  Well... maybe he was just doing it to do it.  That was the way of some vampires, and certainly was the way of many Frenchman.  Yes, that must have been it precisely; he didn't really mean it.  Still, even as Volker tried to convince himself of this explanation, it didn't really sit right with him.

   "I... don't really 'play'", he offered, trying to sound as though he didn't quite understand what 'play' might mean.  He was quite certain he knew quite well though. With that he resolved himself to trying his best to ignore the Frenchman's presence. Indeed, wasn't this just perfect that he was going to be stuck with this... unusual man in his Vati's new clan. However, it seemed he wouldn't get away with checking out, not in the slightest.

   At first, it seemed, that all was going according to his plan.  However, after Kristian had offered his helpful response to the Frenchman's continued questions about their Vati, something he hadn't anticipated happened.  Eyes widening just a bit as Kristian excused himself, albeit briefly, for some apparent need to contact their Onkel Klaus.  What the hell? What could Kristian possibly have to talk to Onkel Klaus about at a time like this? Well, he wasn't about to get a chance to ask, as Kristian apologized, and held up a finger to excuse himself and moved a short distance away from the pair to attend to his text without 'disturbing them'.  Why was his brother abandoning him to this man?  Even if it was only briefly, that didn't make him feel any better about it.  So, he shifted some and merely looked at the other, waiting to see if he would make the first 'move'. 

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Word Count: 377
Tags: N/A
Notes: N/A

[Kristian Van Hasselt]

   He loved his brother, but honestly, he was being a bit of a brat, even if an adorable brat. Well, Kristian had a mind for a bit of 'punishment' that would further do his brother some good. First thing was first, however, and that was that the Frenchman was still in need of his help, in regards to their Vati, and his preference for gifting. 

   "Handmade? I think Vati would be pleased, especially if you're offering handmade because you yourself made it. I would keep it to only one though, or you might accidentally find yourself having to accept gifts as well."  He couldn't help but smile a bit fondly at that; he knew their father quite well indeed. "Vati doesn't like to receive too generously without returning such kindness... and he can tend to be a bit overly generous when he is repaying his 'debts'"  It was difficult not to giggle a bit at the thought of that. Why he could easily see the poor Frenchman beside himself, not knowing what to do with a determined Prussian thrusting gifts at him left and right. 

   Now, it was about time to serve Volker just a little bit of that 'punishment'.

   "Pardon, I'll only be a minute. It occurs to me, there is something quite important I need to let our Onkel know about.  He is sort of the patriarch of our family you might say.  Just a moment please", he excused himself quite prettily, and indeed he wasn't lying on any account. Klaus was sort of like the patriarch, as their Vati would always defer to him, and also, there really was an important matter it occurred to him that he ought to inform Klaus about.  Well, it was important to him anyway, and it would likely amuse their elder.

   So, once the Frenchman granted him leave, which he was quite certain the older vampire would, Kristian would take himself a short distance away.  The distance was slight, after all, he couldn't really abandon Volker, not completely, but it was enough that it should oblige his younger brother to, at the very least, acknowledge the vampire that seemed rather interested in the younger Van Hasselt. He himself took his time in constructing a text, wearing a subtle grin all the while.

   'There is a gentleman, who I think wants to steal our Volker away', read the text, completely with an impish smilie, and to Onkel Klaus this was sent. Indeed, when the he was sure the pair wouldn't notice, he even took a quick picture of the Frenchman to send it to his Onkel as well.  Of course, this was likely wise anyway. Kristian really didn't suspect the other of any ill will, but it was probably better not to wait for Onkel Klaus to ask.  This way the elder vampire could immediately assure himself it wasn't some old enemy of the family that the boys wouldn't be aware of.  Onkel Klaus was such a good protect, he no doubt, would consider such a thing.

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Word Count: 513
Tags: N/A
Notes: N/A

[Jean-Renée Saulnier]

---

For his part, Jean-Renée found that Kristian was a most helpful and yes, definitely sweet, individual. He especially appreciated the added bit about how he should be cautious when gifting his 'Vati'. After all, the Frenchman was well-used to the concept of giving gifts, but he was not even remotely accustomed to the receiving of them. In fact, he could safely say that he hadn't been given a gift in just about the entirety of his life span. Not even his human family had been keen on the giving of presents as they had much preferred the concept of earning what one had as opposed to having things handed easily to you, and honestly Jean-Renée preferred things this way. So, no...he would not accidentally want to make the Prussian Kaiser believe that he was in some way indebted merely because the French vampire had sought only to be generous in his thanks. 


Now, perhaps he might have had something more to say than the few subtle nods he offered in response to Kristian's advice...but it would seem he wasn't about to be given the chance. The younger vampire held up a single finger, and politely excused himself from both he and Volker's presence...all under the pretense of needing to speak to their Onkel - not that Jean-Renée actually had any idea that it was such a thing as truly he hardly knew enough about Kristian to be able to read these things. But there /was/ perhaps something of mischief in the other vampire's eyes and smile that made Jean-Renée chuckle inwardly...and perhaps toss him a look of silent thanks as well. After all, he hardly objected to a moment alone with the all too delicious Volker.

He could easily understand the point of view that one might take about his flirtations...the French were well known for flirting with everything that moved as really flirting was quite close to the only way that those from his home country generally knew how to communicate. It was not so with Jean-Renée, however - so while he'd been paying attention to Kristian, his expression had been friendly, and warm - yes...but still remained on the polite side of becoming acquaintances venturing into something close to friendship in the near future. But when Kristian slipped out of the picture, even if only slightly, the Frenchman's expression shifted into something still warmer, and while still friendly there was a distinct hint of something almost sensual about the slow curve of his lips as he smiled...and again coyly lowered his lashes as he dared to step in just a bit closer to the taller vampire in some venture for a more 'private' feel.

"Then perhaps it is all for the best that I am a good teacher...non?", he asked softly, a subtle hint of a purr entering into his voice as he slowly allowed his gaze to drift up to the other man's face - giving the impression of peering up at Volker from beneath his lashes. A hand moved to light softly against the muscle of one of Volker's lean upper arms...and if he felt the strap of the leather beneath that shirt, not so much of a twitch in his expression would demonstrate such a fact. "I'd like it if our 'lessons' could begin as soon as possible, cher...perhaps you will consent to my spending some time with you? When you are free?", he asked, keeping the words quiet but clearly sincere as he found he was really rather not wanting to simply allow this one to slip through his fingers.

It might seem odd to some, that a man so recently left by a long time lover should be so eager to jump back into things, but if he was anything, Jean-Renéee was a surprisingly practical man. There was no sense in mourning the loss of someone who never really wanted to belong to him in the first place, nor was there any sense in giving himself 'time', as it was simply not something he really needed. It was true that there was some bit of emotion behind this desire to see Volker alone, and to teach him to play and smile, but he was not so foolish as to be reticent with such things as that could lead to disaster as easily as pushing too hard. He stepped in a bit closer, the hand on the other's arm drifting up to brush lightly at the bend of Volker's neck and then rest gently there. "Please say you will. Perhaps even tomorrow night?", he asked again, expression openly hopeful - a thing that most would find alarming on a vampire of even a hundred years never mind one of three hundred.  

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Word Count: 820
Tags: Volker/Kristian
Notes Outfit - specifically the one on the left but with a black rather than brown belt.