Be Free, my Darlings

[Aedan O'Toole]

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Aedan's love in life wasn't a woman, nor was it a man. It wasn't some beautiful meadow or spooky forset. No... His love was cars. High performance machines of transportation that one could climb into and go on a sunday drive one day, and race through crowded streets the next. The power held in a combustion engine, whether it was roaring under the hood of a car or rumbling between his legs while riding a Harley, it held him in thrall. The raw power excited him, held him slave to it's every whim... He loved it.

Moving through Zeo's garage was a rare treat that he knew he'd come to treasure for the rest of his days. The Ferrarris and Lamborghinis and BMWs... They sang to his soul, calling to his very being, vying for his undivided attention.

He couldn't help but to run his fingers gently over their hoods, stroking them as gently as one would caress a lover. "Ah... Al' av dis beauty closed up in dis dark place... Why must yer master be so cruel?" His voice was a soft croon, breathy and light as air. To be caught speaking this way to another being would embarrass him, but being caught speaking this way to the candy red Aston Martin... He would be offended if asked why he wasn't embarrassed. Aedan's whole existence had been centered around these beautiful machines since their invention and he saw no problem with expressing his genuine love for them.

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Word Count: 248

[Antilles (Van Hasselt)]

  The end of a year often heralded the early release of the following year's models. That worked well and good for those who simply went in and picked up whatever they thought had the best features, could be afforded, and just so happen to be on the floor.  Zeo wasn't such a man.  He wanted the best, and the best didn't often mean shopping in the country, certainly never simply walking into any local dealership.

 There was always something that could be customized or specially made that the average consumer either didn't care to know, or couldn't afford if they did. It was no surprise that some models were arriving still. Antilles wasn't particularly fond of this sort of thing, but there was something quite important that needed to be done. He was on his way, with paperwork and a digital camera in hand, ready to meticulously take pictures to submit to the insurance company, as well as to keep track of Zeo's assets. 

   The two Italian models that the clanmaster had been waiting on had finally arrived, and he intended to leave not a single inch of it undocumented. No way was a lack of attention to detail going to risk an insurance agent representing some human client trying to deny the formerly pristine condition of Zeo's car. Antilles absently made note of some other vampire as he made his way to the new arrivals, and meant to pay him no mind.  

   What caught his attention was the other speaking the one of the models and seeming to stroke it.  The initiate couldn't help but raise a skeptical brow, an expression that was easier to become used to offering freely than most.  He was fond of the things that were in his possession, but to speak to them as if they could hear?  In any event, he cleared his throat a little pointedly at the higher ranking member of the clan.

   "I always thought a person looked with their eyes", offered the Initiate coolly, with a boldness that he would have kept carefully subdued but a year ago. Even now, there were many causes where he would have just played it safe and kept his mouth shut.  However, there was something about this unknown clan member putting his hands on something that belonged to Zeo. 

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Word Count: 394
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[Aedan O'Toole]

 

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The other vampire's presence didn't go unnoticed... He just simply didn't care enough to do more than make note of it. The other, apparently, had a different idea. "Aye, but oi wasn't lookin'. Oi wus, in fact, touchin'." The mischievous grin that crossed his face before he turned to look at the other man stayed there as he lightly leaned against the hood and crossed his arms. The visage of youth in front of him was stunning, lean, and obviously bold for his years. Aedan's eyes roamed the rather tempting body in front of him before looking to his eyes. "Bhuel, nach bhfuil tú rud deas beag? Agus dána ... B'fhéidir ina dhiaidh sin, beidh mé tú ag déileáil mar is féidir liom na gluaisteáin." He couldn't help the tease that the other more than likely didn't understand.

"De name's Aedan. Master mechanic, an' yisser new clan member. Pleasure ter meet yer." With a quirked brow and an easy smile on his face, he extended a long fingered hand in greeting. He guessed the man in front of him might still be a child and probably more comfortable with modern niceties than most.

He would wait for the other's introduction, or lack of one, before getting off the hood. "So, waat is it dat brings yer ter dis 'eaven?" He was interested in the boy's answer. It wasn't often that he saw someone in a garage, even one as lavish as this, with a camera and a fist full of paperwork unless they were documenting damage. Of course, with how much money Zeo had obviously invested in his collection, the boy could be documenting assets as insurance. 

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Word Count: 282

[Antilles (Van Hasselt)]

   As the other's gaze came to his own, Antilles couldn't quite help but squint his eyes very faintly, as a moment of tension in his body sprung up. It was very brief, and really, he was satisfied with the minimal response.  Zeo had been conditioning him to give up that well ingrained habit of averting his gaze to carefully avoid meeting the eyes of others. He'd been managing rather successfully, but it was difficult at times like this, when the vampire was one he didn't know, and of an age where the Initiate's weakness would betray the nature of his ability.  

    He didn't leave himself much time to dwell on it however. Eyes narrowing just a bit at the site of the other so casually leaning against the property belonging to his Zeo, Antilles recalled well the other's earlier words, and couldn't quite suppress the sniff the other's attitude inspired.  Though his bold display of displeasure was quickly cut through when the other spoke in some language he not only didn't know, but couldn't identify by the sound of it.  Squirming just a bit, not sure how to venture a response to those words, especially as he got the impression they were chosen specifically to keep him in the dark about what the other was saying.  Antilles tended towards suspicion, in fact, it often seemed to be his default response to others, and this certainly didn't inspire him to set those suspicions aside. 

   "I'm here to document the condition of the new cars", he offered somewhat primly.  Indeed, Antilles found himself in a rather unpleasant mood, and had a mind to chide the other for his continued, nonchalant contact with the car. However, he begrudgingly swallowed down such sentiments; certainly, as Zeo's 'master mechanic', he was at liberty to handle the cars.  Indeed, it seemed to Antilles, that he probably shouldn't press his luck, as the other not only outranked him by clan ranking, and age, but by virtue of his position in the clan, he held greater authority here then Antilles himself did.

 "Antilles, Master Zeo's assistant", he offers, as it would be rude not to, and if the other was amiable he would move to an extend a hand.  Again, it was a matter of propriety, rather than some sort of excuse to engage the other.  He'd never really been in the habit of shaking hands before, but it was another thing Zeo had conditioned him to, though this he had become comfortable with quite quickly. "Since you're here, perhaps you'd be kind enough to show me to the new models", he offers in that serious, semi-cool way. At this point it was not really personal, Antilles just didn't usually warm up to others quickly. The other, of course, wouldn't know this, and might decide he didn't care much for some uppity Initiate who adopted such tones with his betters, but Antilles hardly saw reason to care. He was here to complete a task for Master Zeo, not to get all buddy buddy with some new guy. 

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Word Count: 517
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[Aedan O'Toole]

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The man's anger was palpable and oh so sweet. He obviously didn't enjoy Aedan's relaxed pose or his roaming eyes. His grin grew wider as he spoke in Gaelic for the boy obviously didn't understand and the fire left his eyes. He decided to make it a point to tease the boy in his native tongue as often as possible. The younger vampire also seemed to fidget a bit. Possibly uncomfortable? Maybe he had caught Aedan's tone.
Whatever it was, he hoped to make him squirm some more, but on a later date. He'd been asked to look under the hood of the new models to check all of the basics along with making sure the features that Zeo had added were up to snuff and working properly. 

The boy introduced himself as Zeo's personal assistant and shook his hand. Ah... a gran', firm 'andshake. Aedan was one to appreciate strength of character as well as body. His purpose though, surprised the Irishman. "'ere ter document de condishun ye? Exactly 'ow were yer gonna do dat? Check de oil an' de coolant?" He couldn't help but roll his eyes and scoff at the idea of such a whelp knowing anything about this beautiful modern machinery that could be classified as art. "Oi doubt yer can even change de windshield wipers... Naw offense, t'be sure. Yer jist don't 'av de experience necessary ter fully perform de job you've been given. I'll show yer de things yer shud be takin' pictures av under de 'ud."

He turned briskly an headed towards the new GranTurismo Sport in a deep, lovely blue. Not unlike Zeo's other vehicles, it was expensive, aesthetically pleasing, and would no doubt make you feel sexy as hell just to be riding in it. He pulled the keys he'd been trusted with out of his pocket and popped the hood. He took a look. "Yer see de wires al' connected 'ere? They shud stay dat way. An' dis 'ere? 'tis de catalytic converter. 'tis a vehhikal emissions control device dat converts toxic pollu... Never mind al' av dat. Jist nu dat 'tis important." He stepped back so that Antilles could take his pictures, leaning against the door to wait. "An' don't forget de lack av corrosion on de battery. Dat's important too."

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Word Count: 382

[Antilles (Van Hasselt)]

   It was likely that the vast majority of men would have been insulted by such incompetence over something like cars being attached to them.  As it was, Antilles hardly cared, the other wasn't wrong; he didn't really know anything about cars.  Though, he was sure he could  figure out how to take pictures of one without much assistance.  Well, it was no matter, the other was complying with his wishes, and he was in this Aedan's domain as it were. 

   Following along to one of the cars in question, he politely waited until the other was ready for him to proceed.  He couldn't really ignore the other's words, nor did he attempt to.  The Initiate was well in the habit of listening to those talking around him, and especially those who were addressing him specifically. Though, he couldn't quite help the way his eyes narrowed as the other came into contact with the body of said car.  Antilles didn't really realize how he was reacting, certainly he would have never thought of himself as possessive before.  In the past, he didn't really have anything that was his, those things that in his mind were more or less on loan from the clan could be taken from him suddenly and without notice.  So, he certainly wouldn't recognize the somewhat territorial response he was having towards the older vampire's actions. 

   There wasn't really much time for him to dwell on it, however, as he began to document the condition of the engine, and eventually would move on to the body and the interior.  He did wonder when Zeo would wish to take them out the first time.  He'd long come to understand that these things were special to Zeo, and he certainly enjoyed taking them out for a good long drive.  Antilles didn't see the appeal of them, but he didn't have to. So long as Zeo was pleased, then that was all he needed to know. 

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Word Count: 333
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[Aedan O'Toole]

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He leaned against the frame until Antilles was done with the engine, then he moved his lean body against another car a few feet away so the boy could take more of his pictures. Aedan watched the other vampire move gracefully as he snapped away at the paint and every nook and cranny of the interior. He let his mind wander a bit, thinking of ways he could tease the boy to frustration... Ways he could bring anger and aggression to the surface. He knew he might never get a bite, but he could still get a little bit of that wild energy that practically oozed out of the male every time Aedan came in contact with one of the cars. In fact, it's why he kept leaning on them if he were to be honest... To test the younger man's limits... To see if he'd snap. 

After about twenty minutes of the involved picture taking, Aedan became bored and decided to strike up some "conversation". "'ow long 'av yer been livin' wi' Zeo? Not so long, Oi'm sure, if you've only been made an assistant. Most keep 'umans, or dhampirs." He gave the boy a once-over, as if assessing him. "Yer also canny be verra auld or powerful... Not an' be in such a low posishun." Sure, he was goading the man, but it was all in fun. For his fun anyhow. Plus, it's not like he was saying anything that hadn't at least been thought before, right? No matter. If the boy got angry enough to fight with him, Aedan had no doubt that he'd be able to protect himself. 

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Word Count: 274

[Antilles (Van Hasselt)]

    Allowing himself to become engrossed in the matter at hand, for a time, Antilles found it rather easy to 'forget' the other's presence.  Well, maybe not so much forget as not be irritated by it. Early words between them, that were displeasing, were losing their significance in the great scheme of things.  The mechanic, however, didn't seem interested in letting things calm down between them entirely.

   "Seeing I was a slave to another not long ago, I find any position Master Zeo chooses to give as one I should be grateful for.  I believe that is the way any clanmember is supposed to feel", he offers, more than just a bit coolly. Antilles wasn't shy, nor ashamed of the fact that he had once been a slave.  No, what had gotten to him was the implications that Zeo might have given him less than he deserved.  Zeo, was far to good to him , for him to simply allow such implications to stand, regardless of what was motivating the other. " I consider it an honor to serve as his personal assistant"  

  With that, he kept the sniff, and comments about his power to himself.  He didn't want others knowing what he was capable of it. Besides, despite the firm tensing of jaw muscles, that implied a determination to be stubborn; Antiles could tell that he would need to pick and choose his battles.  

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Word Count: 240
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[Aedan O'Toole]

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He couldn't help but grin hugely. The boy's voice was absolutely icy as he responded to Aedan's goading. If he were to be honest, it was rather adorable, seeing such a young vampire become cold. It was a shame that Antilles had been a slave before... It wasn't any kind of life for a vampire. They were meant to be royalty. To see such a handsome young man in a predicament like that... It was almost sacrilegious, you know, if he'd believed in that sort of thing. Slavery was a place for humans and dhampirs, the lowest of the low. Sure, most believed lycans to be worse than humans, but not Aedan. He actually favored them to the weakling race. Sure, humans were tasty, but one couldn't deny the warm, richness that one could only get from lycan blood. Not to mention that primal aggression that boiled just under the surface at all times. Sure, not all of them were outwardly bestial, but a few well placed words or insults could definitely bring that hot instinct to the surface.



Vampire aggression, though... It was sooo much sweeter, cooler... And this vampire was giving him plenty of it. It tickled his senses with a soft, cold caress. It played with his skin like an ice cube, sliding ever so tentatively, as if guided with careful fingers. Was it his fault he was being offered such a delicious morsel? And from such a lovely gilded platter? Well, no matter if it was his fault... He was going to enjoy it anyways. Taking a deep breath through his nose, he kept grinning. The fact that the boy hadn't commented on his power didn't escape Aedan. "That's waat oi thart. Not a bet av power, even for a babe. Why else wud yer stay silent? Well, it doesn't matter. You'll grow older, possibly gain sum sort av worth." He gave the boy another once-over. "T'be sure, thar's wan tin' ye'd be gran' for..." He let the thought trail off before giving Antilles a look similar to that of a predator looking over it's next meal.

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Word Count: 351

[Antilles (Van Hasselt)]

   Gaze narrowing, as he leveled it at the older vampire, his lips parted, ready to offer something scathing to the higher ranking clan member.  That had been the plan, that was, until the Irishman followed up with hints on what he might be 'good for'. For a brief moment, he just started, lips still slightly parted, though the muscles in his jaw had gone slack.  He had heard right hadn't he? Furthermore, he was quite sure he'd interpreted correctly. He did recover, but still wasn't immediately sure what he should say. 

    "You... should rethink who you set your sights on. I'm spoken for", he offers with a sniff.  He didn't mention who had a claim on him; he wasn't in the habit of dropping the clanmaster's name. Certainly, Antilles wasn't about to start relying on Zeo's favor to persuade others. No, if he couldn't make his point, then it wouldn't be made. "As for my power, that's none of your concern.  Sufficient for you to know that I am wise enough to keep my abilities to myself when I can."

   He couldn't have guessed just how very much like his father he could sound, when he settled into a stubborn, stern tones.  Well, that was, of course, narrowing down the wide spectrum of affects the Prussian could pull off to the stern and stubborn one.  Vesperes spent a far lower percentage of his time being serious in this way then this son he had no idea existed.  That stubbornness though, it was a useful tool, especially as he wasn't completely unaffected by the other's suggestion. There was no way he was anywhere near considering the possibility of getting close to this man; certainly Master Zeo suited him far better. Still, he was a very young, very male vampire, and somewhere within him was the genetic makeup from a vampire whose promiscuity sometimes reached legendary status. 

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Word Count: 323
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[Aedan O'Toole]

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Ah... The boy was taken. That'd be why he wasn't so hot on Aidan's advances. Still, the slack jaw and slightly under-offended reaction told him exactly what he needed to know. The boy was hot under the collar, and didn't see him as something akin to pond scum. Good. He waited until the boy was finished speaking to speak himself. "Oi'm sure ya are taken... After al', who in their roi' mind wud pass up somethin' as dandy as yer?" He noted that the boy didn't say who had claim upon him, but, if Aidan were to guess, it wasn't someone worth mentioning. Probably some other low-ranked clan member without a drop of power. 

"Oi won't be rethinkin' anythin', me dear Antilles. Oi'm de kind av paddy who goes after waat 'ee likes, an' oi caught a likin' ter yer de moment Oi set eyes on yer." He gave the boy a mischievous smirk. "No, 'tis not any av me concern. Though Oi 'ighly doubt yer 'av anythin' ter 'keep ter yerself'." The smirk fell into a frown as he thought for a moment, obviously engrossed in his own mind, before slowly looking back up to grin into Antilles' eyes again. It was another predatory look, though this one had a hint of that stubborn Irish will in it. "Beidh mé a bheith cinnte chun a fháil amach a mbaineann tú leis. Feicfidh mé a bheith ann chun labhairt leo, ina luí orthu nach mbeidh mé ruin tú, agus ansin a sheolann tú ceart ar ais ... Fós mian leo dom." He was hoping to see something other than confusion on the boy's face upon hearing his native tongue, something with more emotion, passion, maybe even anger.

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Word Count: 289

Notes: Sorry about his behaviour... He insisted upon it. Dumb, stubborn Irishman that he is. :/

[Antilles (Van Hasselt)]

   The other male was persistent, which normally wouldn't be a problem for Antilles. He could be incredibly stubborn himself.  There was just one problem, he was completely unused to these sorts of 'attacks'.  Really, what was it with the guys in this district anyway? First there was Master Zeo, and now this guy.  How fortunate for Antilles that vampires didn't blush, as his increasingly flustered stated likely would have betrayed itself in precisely that manner.  As it was, it took all his discipline, and cycling in his mind over and over that any emotions he was feeling were a weakness, to do more than the briefly flit  his gaze away.

   It was only brief, but in that moment, he couldn't quite keep eye contact with the other male, the only sign he was allowing to slip that he was uneasy and unsure of how to handle this situation.  Certainly his otherwise stern expression would have suggested the opposite, the question then was how old and how observant the male opposite of him was.  Younger vampires would have certainly missed the subtle betrayal of his body, older ones though, he couldn't necessarily count on being so lucky... Sometimes, he wished Zeo would have let him keep his habit of keeping his gaze averted. 

   As Aedan continued, he came to a rather unsettling conclusion.  This man was dangerous. Of course, not in a sense that he would do something to him outright, but there was just something about the way that the other acted. It made him want to do stupid things.  For example, that 'insult' to his power had his pupils narrowing and he felt the distinct impulse to pointedly correct the other.  That was stupid.  For how long had he been keeping the matter of his power to himself?  Why, he would have given anything for his previous clanmaster to think he was talentless and useless. Now here comes this irritating Irishman making him have these insane, contrary impulses. 

    It was little surprise that when the other slipped into that other language again, he permitted himself a low growl of irritation.  Honestly, he was on the verge of hissing, feeling a definite desire to meet the challenge the mechanic posed head on, if only he knew how to do so. 

  "Look, I don't know what you said, but I've got a job to do. If you don't get anything else through your thick head, you will learn that Master DiPaulo should not be kept waiting", he offers in a tone that he had wanted to be stern and no nonsense, but which carried hints of seething instead. This guy was getting under his skin, and it just didn't occur to Antilles that he might be playing into his hand by obliging. "If you need to get laid that badly, you could always work for Master DiPaulo in Carnivale, I'm sure someone could put that mouth of yours to good use." He nearly stumbled on his own words there, not used to so crudely referencing sexual acts, but he ignored just how odd it felt for him to push those words out, and hoped that maybe his point was made and this strange situation would end itself. 

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Word Count: 544
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Notes: XDD Aedan really gets under his skin.  It's hilarious.... << *hopes Zeo (character) doesn't hear me say that * (XP) 

[Aedan O'Toole]

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Yes, he noticed that momentary flick of the eyes that carried the other's gaze off of him for the briefest of moments. The other was either unsure how to respond to his goading or uncomfortable... Or both. Aedan would prefer the discomfort if he were to be honest. The hunt was much more fun when the prey knew they were being pursued. Antilles' growl at the string of Gaelic almost threw him off, but it was the desired effect. He simply didn't expect it to be vocalized so deliciously. "Nigh now Antilles... temper. Thar's really naw nade ter be 'ostile." He couldn't help but grin as he spoke, knowing full well that his words might anger the young man even more. 

When the other said that, if he needed to get laid, he could work at Zeo's club and find some way to put his mouth to good use. Aedan simply stared at the boy for a second, slack-jawed and dumbfounded, before doubling over and letting out the most raucous of laughter. "Oh my! It seems dat de young man 'as a 'idden battle axe!"  He continued laughing even as he spoke. "Nigh dohs are sum lips dat nade ter be put ter gran' use!"

His breathing was rough and there were almost tears in his eyes when he was finally finished and he stood up straight again, the humor still evident in his voice. "Oi canna believe yer said dat! 'tis as if you're sum wee dag that's finally nipped after someone stepped on 'is tail." A wide grin crossed his features as he hoped that the game could continue.

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Word Count: 271

[Antilles (Van Hasselt)]

    The other's behavior was mind blowing.  Now it was Antilles' turn to simply stare. The other vampire seemed amused?  What he had to say didn't help him sort this matter out any more than his reaction.  Just what was this guy doing anyway?  His own reaction was just as befuddling. 

    If he had thought through a scenario like this, Antilles would have figured that he would have become further irate.  That's the reaction that made sense.  Instead though, he felt suddenly shy.  Likely it came from his own lack of experience in dealing with social situations.  Zeo had helped him to improve in that area, but Zeo was also fairly consistent in his behavior, and those around him tended to conduct themselves in a business like manner.  This behavior, well, he had virtually no point of reference to gauge it against. 

    After that pause, his gaze slipped away, perhaps a bit of his old life creeping back up in him. So, after a bit of straightening out his shirt, and making sure he had the forms and camera settled with him, Antilles subconsciously came up with the best way to make his retreat, or at least the best way to attempt it. 

    "I really should get this on file and report to Master Zeo", he offers in a firm, no nonsense sort of way. One that, he hoped would counter the very real fact that he was trying to find a way to back out of this situation without giving his insecurities away. 

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