A Late Night Stroll (Open)

[Volker Van Hasselt]

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   So now he was alone... with the Frenchman.  Volker tried to tell himself that he only had to wait, his brother would be back. Jean-Renee's words weren't so easily ignored, however. Now, facts were that for a vampire of any age, Volker was a bit prickly when it came to his sexuality.  Another reason for him to keep others firmly at arm's length, as even aside from his own feelings of inadequacy, there was also the matter of that which he wore beneath his clothing.

   He nearly flinched away from that touch, the impulse to bare his fangs at the other in warning, just barely suppressed. No, he couldn't let himself overreact; that could make this far worse then it was. Still, he couldn't keep his muscles from tightening under that touch, and even as that touch retreated, perhaps not betraying him; Volker kept very close tabs on the other's movements. 

   That might have been enough to power him through this matter with the older vampire.  However, those words, and the clear intention behind them, had the younger of the two close to hemming and hawing. Indeed, then when the other seemed to be asking him for a commitment tomorrow night, Volker had to struggle to come up with something, anything to say that would keep himself from getting so entrapped. 

   "I...I'm not sure. I probably have to work, but I'm not sure when.  I haven't exactly gotten my schedule figured out yet... Though I intend to, tonight, when we go back to the clanhouse", he offers coolly, but his emotional cap wasn't able to keep his answer from being a bit disjointed and marked with the sudden rushed stops and drop offs of one stammering. 

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Word Count: 295
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[Kristian Van Hasselt]

  Kristian wasn't a fool, he knew one encounter wasn't likely to mean his brother was going to be hooked. Still, first times were required to get things going, and he did hope that maybe the Frenchman had a mind to pursue his brother persistently.  He remained away for a time, seeming to be waiting for a response from their formerly mentioned elder.  After all, the two didn't know that he hadn't texted something that required a response.  Though honestly, he suspected that Jean-Renee just might have been on to him. He thought that he might have seen a gesture of gratitude as he wandered a short distance to see to his 'errand'. 

   Volker though, Volker likely wouldn't suspect a thing, even if he did give him a glare when he returned. If Klaus did so happen to text him back, he would respond of course. Most likely he never had to though, most likely the ancient would merely be amused, and leave them to their own devices. After all, Klaus would know there couldn't be too much trouble that they could get into, not with Kristian present. Volker was very careful about that.  Honestly though, Kristian did half wish that Volker wasn't allowed go out without either himself, Vati, or one of their Onkels.

   The thought of just how easy it would be for Volker to inadvertently rub the wrong human the wrong way had him briefly frowning just a bit.  Briefly his gaze found the younger vampire, his own lashes lowering just a bit.  He, of course, wasn't about to tell his brother that he was worried that the other might do something rash one day, and get himself in serious trouble.  It was good to be with Vati, Onkel Klaus, and Onkel Gunnar, but honestly, sometimes he yearned to insist Volker take him back to Germany. In Germany, Volker was considerably safer.  Shaking such negative matters, Kristian estimated the amount of time he could continue to stay away, likely he would have to return soon, but a bit longer wouldn't hurt. 

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Word Count: 351
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[Jean-Renée Saulnier]

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It was terribly kind of Kristian to stay away as long as he did, though Jean-Renée could see quite clearly that the other's continued absence was a source of discomfort for the younger vampire that the Frenchman was currently contemplating. As Volker stood there, nervous energy pouring off of him, Jean-Renée merely observed - his gaze dropping casually down to the ground after a moment as if he was aware that such a thing as that silent study could have been seen as unnerving. This boy...it seemed like he lacked confidence, and honestly it was a thing that Jean-Renée couldn't even imagine. Volker was beautiful, and though he didn't know him well enough quite yet to make a lot of statements about his personality, he rather liked that their dealings together hadn't been boring as of yet. Nor did he mind that the other had failed to immediately succumb to his charms, at least outwardly. 


Oh, he supposed that there were little signs here and there that made it clear - at least to him - that Volker was at least in some small way interested. The way he fidgeted in place for one, those telling nerves seeming to be a sure sign that at the very least the other might find the Frenchman to be at least a little attractive in return. A little, Jean-Renée was sure, was the best he could hope for as he was all too aware that a great many people did not put much stock into his type of looks. Long hair, effeminate features, and slight build...and in this age when men seemed to be towering hulks of muscle with stubble on their chins. No, for most people in this age he was likely far too 'pretty' to be considered masculine enough to take an interest in. But it seemed like with this particular male that maybe his 'prettiness' wasnt' an entirely bad thing. 


A hint of a smile did curve his lips though, subtly tinged with a rather gentle amusement as he heard the other finally stammer out a reply...and though the other's tones were over all quite cool, that stumbling speech pattern was enough to throw it off. " Mmm. Well, certainly I wouldn't expect you to refrain from working on my account. Work is...important." His lashes raised a bit, the expression on his shift shifting into something a bit more somber. "But one can not work all of the time, and I would appreciate it if during those times you would be willing to set some aside for me. So that we might get to know each other a bit better. Since you can not commit immediately, how about I merely inquire about such things tomorrow night and if you are free we can go from there?" The tones he offered were likely significantly warmer than the ones he'd received from the other, but there was a hint of something firm in them as well...as if to make it clear that while he was willing to concede on some things he was not about to simply abandon the chase. No, if anything, Jean-Renée could be quite persistent when it came to matters of the heart - and he didn't mind having to work for what he wanted - so he employed that firmness to make such things clear as he didn't want Voler to suffer from 'false hope' that he would simply give up because the younger vampire decided to be difficult.  

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Word Count: 587
Wearing:Outfit - the one on the left

[Volker Van Hasselt]

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   He was still talking to him. Really? Wasn't this guy getting the hint? Volker felt a spike of irritation, though he found himself keeping his mouth shut. The other's words, continued to make him uneasy, and truthfully, he couldn't help but squirm further at the other's persistence.  Just what was it he wanted from him anyway?  Oh sure, Volker was more or less aware of what the other was after, but it hardly made any bit of sense.  People were supposed to want nice, friendly people like his brother, or strong, impressive sorts like his Onkel, or the pretty stubborn confidence of his father.  People weren't supposed to be interested in him.  He was standoffish, rude sometimes, and there was certainly nothing impressive about him, least of all his strength. 

   Then there was silence, and Volker really caught up with the matter at hand. The other was backing him into a corner. All this talk of his spare time, and really, a part of him had the urge to sniff and point out that he was Germanic. It was generally excepted that yes, Germans could indeed work all the time. However, the need to try to come up with some sort of excuse, or harsh word that would be warranted so that he could avoid having to admit that he had time to spare. Sadly, he couldn't come up with anything. 

   "Yeah... sure, you can ask me later", he offers a bit disgustedly, leaving unsaid the 'if you can find me' that his mind added in there. It should be simple enough to avoid the older vampire. He'd make sure to do extra work for his Onkel, steal away lots of time with Kristian where other's wouldn't feel it appropriate to encroach.  Of course, there was always his room to barricade himself in if need be.  All he'd have to do is keep from being cornered in a hall somewhere, and everything should work out.  Then this guy would get bored and take a hike. 

   Finally, it seemed that Kristian was done. What all could he possibly have had to say to Onkel Klaus anyway? A warm smile met the glare he shot at the elder Van Hasselt for leaving him like that. Kristian, of course, played it off in that seemingly oblivious way, that they both knew well enough was far from the other being unaware.  Kristian had a way of doing that, not acknowledging the irritation of others, and really it was quite effective.  Somehow, even though he knew Kristian knew he was pissed, just the fact that the other continued to smile, and behaved as though, obviously Volker shouldn't be displeased with him, made him uneasy in his mood, and mostly drop it.  At the very least, it got the scowl aimed at the path through the park instead, before returning to his cool, begrudgingly present affect. 

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Word Count: 488
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[Kristian Van Hasselt]

  Well, it seemed time was up. He couldn't stay away too much longer. So, Kristian casually made his way back to the pair.  Volker's glare certainly didn't go unnoticed, but Kristian only offered his 'little' brother that much brighter of a smile. Now of course, he was coming back, Volker might like very much for the pair of them to now go on about their own business. Indeed, the Frenchman likely would assume that would be the way of things; after all, he might feel he was being rude to merely remain when so clearly this was a family outing.  Well, Kristian fully meant to fix this matter. 

   "Sorry about that", he offers warmly, including both men in his apologies. "Monsieur, perhaps you would care to join us? We are only going for a walk and enjoying the night, but perhaps it would help you feel better welcomed into our father's home", he offers politely. It was easy for him to find a reason to demonstrate a reason for the invitation other than his trying to encourage the Frenchman to take heart that there would be opportunity for him to enjoy Volker's presence.  It wasn't really fabricated either.  Kristian really would want the other to feel welcomed, and honestly was delighted to invite him regardless of his interest in Volker.

 It really was just a walk after all, sort of an exploration of new territory as it were.  Now, if they had come specifically to get lost in the evening; he might have felt it more appropriate to allow them to devote their time to just being with family. Poor Volker, it seemed luck wasn't on his side, well at least it would seem that way to the other.  Kristian actually found the way things had lined out to be quite fortunate indeed. 

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Word Count: 311
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[Jean-Renée Saulnier]

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"Yeah... sure, you can ask me later."


It was all Jean-Renée could do not to physically flinch away from such tones as the disgusted ones that the other's words were offered in, but he managed it - and instead simply allowed for a small, somewhat shaky sigh and a perhaps momentarily telling lowering of lashes. Now, of course, those tones weren't directed at him - but honestly, and some part of Jean-Renée even realized this, but he was quite used to those sorts of things being directed at him by those he chose to take an interest in and really couldn't help it if those tones caused a small ding in what little ego he had. It didn't help that nearly all of those of his own kind he'd ever cared for had been Born rather than Turned, and that generally, Born didn't much care for his sort. But still, it was too early on for him to be genuinely offended, or even hurt - so upsetting as it was for him to have things start out this way, it was something he recovered from quickly. It wasn't Jean-Renée's way to allow himself to give up just because things didn't start out pleasant, or appear to be easy to acquire and Volker would soon learn that - like most Frenchmen - this one had a stubborn streak a mile wide in him. 

"Thank you.", he said once his gaze found itself travelling back up to meet Volker's once more. There was even a hint of amusement present in the smile he leveled on the other as he caught the unsaid words in the hardened edge of the tones that had previously made him want to flinch. " Perhaps you might even have time to show me around the clan house itself, oui? It is so vast, and I would hate to get lost if there came a time that your father should call on me for something." And though his tones were light, and playful - it was likely clear that this was still a very real concern as Jean-Renée was not one to enjoy being late. In fact, tardiness on his part usually only tended to make him irate, so Volker doing this kindness for him would be very much appreciated indeed. And it was most probably demonstrated in the somewhat hopeful light that entered his expression. 


Whether Volker answered him or not, though, at the very least they wouldn't be left in silence for more - the other's sibling returning and then kindly asking if he'd care to join them on their walk. A glance was darted Volker's way, a hint of playful mischief forming briefly and demonstrating itself rather clearly in the quirk of his lips. "Oui s'il vous plaît ... I would enjoy that very much. I rather like your company, and wasn't looking forward to enjoying the evening alone." He offered Kristian a charming, and friendly smile, even as that playful mischief remained in it. "And it would be lovely to talk with you both some more. Perhaps you will even tell me what brings you to this country, if I might inquire out of curiosity of course?" He paused, a brow arching as he waited before falling into step easily beside Kristian - choosing to walk on the side of the smaller of the other two vampires so he could give Volker just a small break from his immediate presence. "Is it to visit your Vati, or is it perhaps something else? And how long are you planning on remaining here?" that last question, well, it was likely rather obvious why he wanted to know but even under the best of circumstances, Jean-Renée could never claim to be difficult to read. No, pretty much all that he was could be found ready to see right where one looked.  

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Word Count: 631
Wearing: Outfit - the one on the left

[Volker Van Hasselt]

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   The Frenchman just so happened to nail one of his 'weak points'. That, at least, was one way to look at the fact that, despite his determination to avoid the other at nearly all costs, the fact that the other brought up a need to know the outlay of the clanhouse changed the matter completely.  Even if he wasn't nearly as sensitive as Kristian towards the needs of others, and that he really should be more helpful, he was aware that he had certain obligations. Their Vati had always made it clear that this was the case with a leader, and the family that was held in regard because of his position.  
    Gaze falling a bit, he had to cross his arms across his chest to keep from fidgeting, or rather, to keep from fidgeting obviously.  The easiest shift, as if he meant only to get a bit more comfortable in his position of waiting for his kin to return, helped to add a firmer contact with his 'security blanket'.  He was rather adept at doing such a thing, and looking quite natural about the whole a fair.

   "I probably could find some time... to show you around, and make sure you won't get lost getting where you're supposed to be", he offered not sounding nearly as begrudging as he would have liked to be able to sound.  Doing such a thing though, he could only offer so much displeasure, after all, this was his 'duty' of sorts.

    Things were supposed to improve with his brother's return. He really should have known better. As Kristian invited this 'Jean-Renee' guy to accompany them, he could feel himself stiffen defensively.  He didn't want this guy around, no way in hell. Now really, if one could read his mind, one might wonder just why he was making such a fuss about the matter, albeit in his head. At least the Frenchman took the side near Kristian, it made him feel just a bit less ill at ease. 

    As they walked, he would calm down a bit, and really, he had little choice but to allow his brother to take his hand.  He wasn't going to deny Kristian.  Still, he kept his gaze just a bit lowered, and almost pointedly on the path. It had been a long while since someone who wasn't a direct family member had managed to wrangle extended time around him. Volker was feeling just a bit out of place. 

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Word Count: 418
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[Kristian Van Hasselt]

  Kristian wasn't about to allow Volker to close himself off entirely, and made a point to take his brother's hand as they walked.  Even if the younger Van Hasselt wouldn't be provoked into speaking quite yet, he intended to at least have that contact keeping the other's mind very much with them. Volker could 'check out' quite effectively when he had a mind too, but ever since their relationship had altered from what it had once been, Volker never seemed to have a mind to tune him out completely.  The fact that the Frenchman had agreed to join them was promising.  At least Jean-Renee had managed a first 'meeting' with his brother so far. 

    "In part it was to visit our Vati yes, and also our Onkeln. Volker tends to get in a great deal of trouble when our Onkel isn't around, so we thought we'd follow him here." There was just a hint of teasing in Kristian's tones, and he ignored the sniff and slight grousing of Volker at having such a thing told to a 'stranger'. "As to how long... it's hard to say. It seems that our Onkel may choose to stay here for awhile. Likely we'll at least be staying that long. What about you?  How long will you be staying with us?" He certainly asked pleasantly, his tones warm. It was a good question for him to ask, as he genuinely did want to know, and if Volker were to ask... well even if the younger Van Hasselt wanted to know, his tones would have been off putting, and made it seem like they were hoping to be rid of the Frenchman. 

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Word Count: --
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[Jean-Renée Saulnier]

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The fact that his continued presence was a source of some distress to the tallest of the three vampires was not lost on Jean-Renée...no to the contrary, it was something that the sensitive French vampire was very much aware of. It would just take time for the other to become accustomed to him, that was all. Besides, just because he knew what sort of person he was didn't mean others did...so he hardly expected to just 'win' over the pretty Prussian within a matter of moments. Progress had been made, and honestly, Jean-Renée was more than pleased to let that small momentary 'victory' be enough for the moment. 


So it was, that as the other two started walking again, Jean-Renée did the same - though rather than take up anyone's hand in his own, he merely tucked his own into his pockets and then fell into momentary silence as his questions were answered. When they were turned back on him, however, he did offer a faint smile before speaking. "Originally I had thought that this would be just a little visit. But things panning out how they have..." his voice trailed off thoughtfully, lashes lowering a moment before finally just giving an elegant little shrug. " Well, it is just best all around for me to be somewhere new." He glanced up, grinning - clearly whatever had been troubling him enough to cause him to come to America not deemed troubling enough to dwell on it. "Besides, my work can be done anywhere...and I had been pondering on expanding my list of clientele." 

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Word Count: 268

[Volker Van Hasselt]

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  While his brother and the Frenchman did most of the talking, Volker allowed his attention to wane. In truth, he, much like his father actually, vastly preferred to be in Germany. Still, the States had been his first home, one might have thought he was pleased to be in the country once more.  Thing was, the country was vast, and while the same country, the fact that they were in the opposite 'corner' of the continental portion of the nation was almost like being in another country entirely.  

    Volker couldn't say he had much use for the Southeast. For one, there was the warm climate, which he was neither used to, nor would it allow him to really wear the sorts of outer clothing he preferred, at least not without sticking out. Everything was different, even things that most people would take for granted if they hadn't actually seen it.  The very grass on people's lawns looked different for the Mistress' sake.  Maybe the wildlife was sort of interesting, if only there weren't so many humans to go along with it, not to mention he'd heard this unusually cold winter (well for this part of the country) might very well take its toll on the wildlife. 

    Ok, so his mind was wandering, but that was probably a good thing. Volker usually didn't directly engage in conversation when among a group.  No, he quite typically simply remained around, and it was his preference to do so. Not talking meant he wouldn't get himself into trouble, or draw attention he didn't want to himself. 

   He did, however, sniff some at the idea of how long they might be staying. He was hoping to get back to their proper home soon.  Then again... right now that would mean leaving their Vati, even if Onkel Klaus went home.  So, absently, he sighed to himself, gaze slipping to the side to take in the pair in an air of indifference.      

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Word Count: 333
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Notes: Boy is he going to have issues when he can't hide behind a Kristian ^^;; 

[Kristian Van Hasselt]

   As his brother continued to settle, Kristian couldn't help but widen his grin just a bit. Still, he kept hold of that hand, while also keeping close mind to their companion. Well, the only thing that he could do was try to facilitate the other two males getting to know more about one another, even though Volker would be resistant.  Truthfully, his brother wouldn't even have to choose to be resistant intentionally, it just tended to be who he was.  Certainly, if he knew what was going on, he would keep his mouth shut, not including his typical disposition. As the other brought his work, it gave Kristian some opening. 

    "Well, it's good to know that you'll be staying with us for awhile. If you don't mind my being curious, what is it that you do?", he asks easily, allowing the other plenty of time to answer to his leisure.  He, in turn, was ready to answer questions, of course for himself, because that would be expected, but for Volker in greater detail.  No doubt, this seemingly clever Frenchman might pick up on what he was doing; hopefully he would be amiable. Something told Kristian he would be. Once the conversation of profession had passed, well then there were always other interests to inquire about.   

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Word Count: 223
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