Shadow and Sunlight (Oliver)

[oliver]

"I can't imagine. Never seeing the sun again."

Oliver let his head hang for a while as they separated, giving them a bit of space to breathe and reflect. While Hayaki's thoughts turned to fears of a world with no light, Oliver's own turned to thoughts of fears of a world without Hayaki. But the vampire knew that deep in his heart, he could not have him and still be what he was. Either way, he would never be allowed to have the man. Not while he was ever remaining, a child of the night...
It would be like breaking some cosmic law.
A crime to try and keep this son of sunlight to himself.

And he knows that sooner or later the other shoe will fall. This ever observant, compassionate human being, was by no means blind or dumb. The tailor just hoped that hen the day of reckoning came, he wouldn't hurt this gentle soul too badly.

Or I shall dance once more under sunlight and never be heard of again...

"Oliver..."

Blinking up from morbid reverie, he sees the young man staring into his teacup as if searching for answers known only to himself.
"Y-yes Master Hayaki?"

"I need to change hotels. The one I'm in is very expensive. The best thing would be if I could find a little place to rent...a little apartment. Then I could paint without worrying if the maids are going to come in while I'm gone and mess it up."

The wheels began to turn and soon the small smile on Oliver's face grew into a full beam as an idea came into his head.
"Tell me, Sir Hawk, how do you feel about being ...something like neighbors hmn?"

[hayaki]

Hayaki looked up from his teacup, startled. Then, as the words sunk in, he smiled, his eyes lighting up. "Oh...." he leaned forward in his excitement. "Really? I mean...that would be so great! A place to stay and being nearer to you?"

He blushed, his eyes widening. That revealed a bit too much perhaps...but then, he hadn't exactly been being able to keep his attraction to the soft-spoken tailor very well hidden. Nor had Oliver's interest gone unnoticed by himself...he was just unsure and hesitant.

Putting the cup down, he eagerly reached out and touched Oliver's arm. "Where? I don't even care what shape the place is in...I just need a place to stay." he said happily. "A cheaper place than the hotel...it's draining me like a vampire." He said, wholely unaware of the irony of his statement, given his current host.

He was like a puppy; all excitement and happiness, nearly wiggling in his seat, his bright eyes fixed on Oliver hopefully.

[oliver]

There it was again, the bright burst of light that glowed from his very being with just one smile. It was just so contagious, like he could already imagine what the warmth of the sun would feel like if it didn't burn him into cinders.

"Oh.... Really? I mean...that would be so great! A place to stay and being nearer to you?"

His excitement was tangible, and not just from the accelerated heartbeat and flush of colour to his face. Oliver could almost feel the energy coming from Hayaki in waves, washing over him in scent, sound and touch. Almost enveloping the tailor, bordering on overwhelming...
It made him feel so alive.

"Where? I don't even care what shape the place is in...I just need a place to stay. A cheaper place than the hotel...it's draining me like a vampire."

He almost balked at the last word, but managed to hide his reaction with a soft laugh and shake of the head, "V-Vampire? Imagine that."

What are you doing?...
The voice of reason gave him a good mental nudge, even as Oliver became blinded by happy thoughts of seeing the mortal on a more regular basis. But said inner voice was right too, he was only dooming himself and the man by prolonging this odd relationship they'd started.
And yet, Oliver could argue that he'd been alone for so long, surely he was allowed this companionship, how ever long it may last. He'd already hurt Adrian so badly before, surely he didn't want to hurt Hayaki either.

"Yes, it was quite coincidental really. Just across the street ,the lady who once owned the shoe store is moving out, and it is being converted into a sort of housing area... I am on friendly terms with the proprietress, and I'm sure I could get you an early booking for a space."

And when he looked into those eager eyes, he knew that he'd stop at nothing until he reserved a space for his dear painter. Even if he had to hackle the landlady to no end.

[hayaki]

"Yes, it was quite coincidental really. Just across the street ,the lady who once owned the shoe store is moving out, and it is being converted into a sort of housing area... I am on friendly terms with the proprietress, and I'm sure I could get you an early booking for a space."


Hayaki couldn't believe it. A real place, right across the street...he could wander over here any time he wanted to. It was almost too good to be true. Beaming, he stood and moved to stand beside Oliver. He leaned down and threw his arms around Oliver, hugging him tightly. Laying his head on his chest, Hayaki sighed, closing his eyes.

"Thank you so much." He breathed. "That makes me feel so much better...I was worried about trying to find someplace..." he hesitated a moment. I said I was tired of going slow...but you have to take the initiative sometime, Hayaki. Don't be a coward...

He pulled back a little and carefully laid his hand on Oliver' chest, just where his head had been. "Thank you, Oliver." he said softly. Then, taking a nervous breath, he leaned forward, pressing his lips to Oliver's like yesterday. He'd been thinking about it all day, and he'd wanted to do it from the start.

Sometimes, it just took a little courage to follow your heart. And Hayaki's heart was leading him firmly towards Oliver, dispite everything.

[oliver]

It was a bad idea.
This was a bad idea.
And yet he couldn't help but feel selfishly pleased with himself for being able to find lodging for Hayaki, like he had been able to take care of him in some indirect manner.

And if the reward was to have the man this close, warm arms wrapped tightly around him and making him feel as if he was being protected in turn... Why not savor this one single indulgence? Oliver in turn lets his arms wind around the warm living body, soaking and immersing himself with all that was Hayaki.
Sunlight, earth and something subtly sweet.

"Thank you so much. That makes me feel so much better...I was worried about trying to find someplace..."

Deep breath and Oliver rested his cheek against soft hair, amazed at how silky like the texture was... Finer than the satin that rested on his table top.

"Thank you, Oliver."

So much he wanted to say, to express.
But Oliver was no artist with the ability to paint, nor was he a poet with a talent for waxing words into sonnets. He was just a tailor, and right now he was blessed, or cursed to have crossed paths with this human male. Whatever fates had decided to entwine his destiny with Hayaki's, somehow he felt like it had just simply meant to be.

And when lips were pressed to his like the night before, his breath hitched and eyes fluttering shut... Oliver couldn't help but feel like they fit just right. His hands clung onto the mortal's lean frame, trying not to be washed away by the strong tide of emotions that were threatening to bowl him over. That tingling sensation that sparked from the back of his head and raced down his spine made him shiver, weakened his knees...

Oh Master Hayaki, if only you knew the effect you have on me...

[hayaki]

Hayaki reluctantly parted from Oliver, his eyes fluttering open. He wasn't even aware he'd closed them to begin with. It felt like he wasn't breathing. Like he'd never have to breathe again. He looked into Oliver's eyes, his lips curling gently into a smile, and slid his hand down to carefully take Oliver's hand.

"Oliver." he said softly, smiling gently. He took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. "I like you." he said quietly, pushing his self-doubt away. "I need to know...how you feel." He forced himself to continue looking at Oliver, but he could feel the blood rushing to his face. "I've never...this is so strange." He said in a rush, his blush climbing higher. "But...I can't help it. I..." He finally dropped his eyes, staring at their joined hands. "I..." he lost his train of thought and trailed off.

He was so nervous he felt like he was shaking, but he was trying so hard. He had to know what this was, why he'd been thinking of Oliver all day. Why the slightest thougth could make him blush. Why he had been staring into space and smiling all day.

"Oliver..." he started, but once again, he couldn't find anything to say-or more accurately, he couldn't pick amongst the words and feelings that were pressing into his mouth and heart.

[oliver]

He on the other hand didn't want to open his eyes yet.
Somehow afraid that if he did ,he'd lose it all. As it was his mind swam in a myriad of colour and sensation, he needed a moment to gather scattered thoughts back together so that he could function coherently again.

Oliver hated his madness, the slip into the abyss of whimsical nightmares and strange visions. The lack of control over his actions, speech and thoughts while trapped within his own tormented mind as the worst kind of hell.
And yet, this sort of insanity, was just so sweet.
Like he was free falling, while secure in the knowledge that someone would be there to catch him.

"Oliver."

Only then did he slowly open his eyes, peeking through dusky lashes to see a soft, welcoming smile and soulful gaze.

"I like you. I need to know...how you feel. I've never...this is so strange. But...I can't help it. I...I..."

Here was where he cursed his lack of a beating heart. No racing beat to match Hayaki's own, no heavy thump to prove how he felt. Where was his ability to weave speech from air?

"Oliver..."

Soft panting, breathless just from one kiss and he too was scrambling for a response that could somehow convey even a fraction of how he felt at that exact moment.
"O-oh master Hayaki, do you have any idea... Any idea at all?" he whispered, his fingers curling around the ones that held his, "I wish, I knew what to say... But I think you've caught me, dear sir, completely off guard and..."

A slow shake of his head in wonder and he leaned forward to place a kiss on a flushed cheek, "I do..."
He cranes his neck to land another kiss on his forehead.
"I honestly do..."
Then back down again to those plush lips, where he bestows a kiss that lasts a little longer than the previous ones. Pulling back a few heart beats later to smile shyly at the young man.
"I do like you, a lot."

[hayaki]

Hayaki was drowning, but oh god, it felt so good...

"O-oh master Hayaki, do you have any idea... Any idea at all?" he whispered, his fingers curling around the ones that held his, "I wish, I knew what to say... But I think you've caught me, dear sir, completely off guard and..."

He held his breath, his eyes fixed on Oliver's hand. If Oliver told him he didn't want this, or that it was weird, or...Haya thought he would simply die. Just fall over and die from the shame and sorrow. This strange feeling...this rushing swirl...he had to share it...

And then the kiss on the cheek...and the forehead...and the lips...

"I do like you, a lot."

Hayaki felt his breath rush from his chest, a great exhalation of relief, joy, excitement...he opened his eyes and smiled brilliantly at Oliver. Then he rose, his smile turning different. Playful. Buoyed by Oliver's confession, Hayaki felt something stir in him that had been sleeping a long time. Playful, sensual...

"I'm glad." Hayaki said softly. Then he slowly slid onto Oliver's lap, straddling him, his hands moving to gently caress Oliver's cheeks. "So very glad." He purred softly. He felt recklessly alive and utterly captivated. He knew he was in love; he'd not confess it yet, but he knew it from the bottom of his toes to the top of his head.

[oliver]

There were times when Oliver in fascination stared into the eyes of his cat, just to watch the ever changing colours with his irises. And there were times when Pyewacket took on a look that would forever remind the vampire that he was felidae, once a wild creature that prowled the lands with hunter's blood ruining in his veins.
Funny how he now saw something very similar to that gleam in Hayaki's own human eyes. The curling smile twisting up at the edges in mischief and intention, and something shifted in the atmosphere, like a subtle changing of weather. Sparks of electricity dancing in the air, making him feel as if every cell on his body was jolted with this new sensation...
Set alight.

"I'm glad."

More warmth engulfed him, a warm shower that sent delightful shivers racing through his veins. Arms immediately curled themselves around a slim waist, not really wanting to let go.

"So very glad."

That throaty purr was met with a very soft high keen, that melted into a shadow of a groan and Oliver could only feel. Dark ,dilated eyes falling t half mast, leaning his face closer to those manipulating hands because he just wanted more. So unlike himself in this way, too free and too openly enjoying what he'd been abstaining from...
And yet he wanted more.

"M-master Hayaki... dear sit, you slay me."

[hayaki]

"M-master Hayaki... dear sit, you slay me."

Haya smiled and slid his hands into Oliver's hair, relishing the softness, the feel-the permission to touch. "Not my intention." he said softly. Oliver's hands around his waist felt so perfect, so right. He felt a moment's rush of fear; this was so...so unreal, like a dream. Like a beautiful dream that could come crashing down on him at any minute. He'd wake up alone, crying for the loss...

To stave off that thought, he leaned forward, capturing Oliver's lips with his own. This kiss started like the others-gentle, slow...but it built, and Hayaki put all of his feelings into it, shifting a little on Oliver's lap to better press against him, his eyes fluttering shut at the rush of pleasure, the desire, the sheer overwhelming need. He surrendered, melting into Oliver, a soft groan escaping into Oliver's mouth. Too much, too fast, too intense...but he never wanted it to end. Oliver was the only thing in the world, and all he could taste, feel, see, smell or believe in was right in front of him...

Eventually, as all things must, it ended. Hayaki pulled away only slightly, his forhead pressed against Oliver's, and panted softly, refusing to open his eyes. He struggled with himself, trying to exert some control but failing. Not that he wanted to control himself. He wanted to drown in these sensations.

[oliver]

"Not my intention."

A soft sigh falls from half bitten lips like an autumn leaf, slowly, almost reluctantly.
As fingers comb through his hair, his head tilted back, baring neck and soul to the man who had his unbeating heart in his very hands. It was amazing and frightening all at once to know that a single person could have so much power over him.
Oliver had heard of humans who were able to be enthralled by vampire mind tricks, but he'd never known that mortals had the exact same ability...
Or maybe it was just this man?
Maybe he was just enraptured by the comely creature now seated on his lap, placing him under some unnamable spell...

Just what was this feeling?

Oliver had yet to place a name on it, but it was so hard to do when his lips were once more taken into Hayaki's invitation to dance. His hands weren't idle either, running up and down a warm back, wanting feel as much as he could before the hours towards dawn came to separate them both once again.

What an odd feeling...

It was bordering on desperation, how they both gravitated towards each other, seeking each other out through touch and feel. Eyes closed, hearts open. Soft whines and muffled mewls tumbled from Oliver's lips into Hayaki's, while he in turn supped from the man's lips, grated groans and muttered sounds of delight.
The rush was almost too much for him to bear, he wanted to run, but he felt like he would die should Hayaki draw away from him and leave him bereft.

Even when they withdrew to take in air, they were still so intimately connected, foreheads pressed together and panted breaths mixing.

"M-master Hayaki..."
He breathed out like a prayer.
"I-I... I am lost, and yet found."

[hayaki]

Hayaki smiled sweetly. "So poetic." He teased softly. Tipping his head, he kissed Oliver's forhead, then sighed happily. If tomorrow never came, he'd die a happy man. Of course, there was more. And damn him if he didn't want it. All of it. The pleasure and the pain. He sensed, dimly, that there were things that Oliver was hiding, secrets that weren't his to know-yet. He would take them if it meant keeping this wonderful, sweet, utterly amazing man to himself for the rest of his life.

That thought should have scared him a bit, but he was too lost to even think about it.

Sitting back a little, he stroked his fingers through Oliver's hair, his expression still happily dreamy. "Oliver?" he said softly. "I..." He took a deep breath and found his courage again. "I want you." he admitted quietly, watching Oliver's eyes. "I know we're moving fast, but..." he shrugged helplessly, his smile growing. "It's just...right. It's been...a long time. But I know what I feel, and..."

He leaned forward and to the side, his lips ghosting gently over Oliver's ear. "I want you. Do you want me?" he breathed, his whole being suspended in anticipation of Oliver's answer. He was so easy to break, in this moment-suspended over a chasm, and the only thing keeping him up was Oliver's grip on his waist.

[oliver]

He wasn't lying, he indeed was lost.
Those fingers kept threading through his hair, gentle waves from a stream, making him feel heat even though his body was nowhere near Hayaki's own temperature. But it was so willingly shared and so freely given... It should be considered a sin to want something this much. Especially when Oliver had been brought up to be content with what he had instead of what he wanted.

But this...
This man who smiled so sweetly at him, like he actually meant something. Gowns and cloaks and garments , he could understand their beauty and worth... But he himself? Never till he met this man.

"Oliver?"

"Y-yes?"

"I..."

"Yes?"

"I want you."

Those dark eyes widened a little in surprise, pupils dilated and dark. The hands paused in the perusal of his back, but they settled gently and firmly on slim hips, still not wanting to relinquish his hold quite yet.
"Y-you want me?"
He parroted softly, wonderment in his tone.

"It's just...right. It's been...a long time. But I know what I feel, and... I want you. Do you want me?"

Oliver shivered at the promise that was breathed oh-so-delicately into his ear, his eyes nearly rolling back into their sockets and he bit back the sudden strong urge to groan in both need and despair. Thoughts warred in his head ,one side screaming at him to not hurt his poor man anymore than he already will with all the secrets he kept from Hayaki, the other with a voice reminiscent of a sly temptress dared him to look at the young man in the eye and say that he truly did not want him as badly as he did right now...

"How could I not?"
Shaking his head as he reached up with one hand to trail it from his cheek, all the way down to his chest.
"How could I say no, or deny you Sir Hawk, you've got me bewitched under this thrall and I...I..."
Deep breath and he ducks his chin bashfully.
"Please forgive me, b-but I must warn you now, I lack any... uh, experience."

[hayaki]

"How could I not?"

Hayaki let out his breath again at Oliver's reply, something singing in his chest. He'd almost been sure of the answer-but the little twinge of uncertainty had been there, nevertheless. He arched slightly into the hand, unconsiously, his body seeking contact with Oliver's.

Please forgive me, b-but I must warn you now, I lack any... uh, experience."

Hayaki stilled, his eyes widening in surprise. Oliver was...he'd never...Hayaki licked his lips, torn between a feeling that was almost guilt and...

Wild, possessive elation. All mine. Just for me. My Oliver...

Hayaki took a deep, shaky breath and carefully cupped Oliver's chin, his thumbs stroking over his cheeks. "Are you sure?" He asked softly, staring into Oliver's eyes, searching for the true answer to his question. "You don't...if you're not comfortable..." he said, his expression sweetly worried. "It's fine, you know..."

He felt like he was maybe pushing Oliver, but he wanted him badly, and he needed to know if Oliver was ok with this. Because if he was...

Hayaki planned on teaching everything he needed to know tonight.

[oliver]

Most men were concerned with their performance in the bedroom, a theory proven by the number of male clients that had walked through his doors and decided to share their feelings with the tailor as he took their measurements.

All that fuss and Oliver never stopped to wonder why, simply because he refused to indulge in such activities himself. Afraid to let anyone to close for that sort of intimacy, human or vampire. Such an act, to him, was just as good as sticking your neck out on a chopping board... Dangerous and leaving one feeling vulnerable.
Not to mention with his tendency to slip in and out of coherency which he had a feeling could kill the mood within seconds.

So he had shunned it.
Refused it with a firm hand and preferred to immerse himself in work rather than have to worry about such trivial matters. In all his years of existence, Oliver knew that firstly it would start with lust and later on become a coupling. But never did he know what it was like to be in the middle of such a storm. To feel so fragile and strong all at once while being looked upon with a gaze that spoke of want and desire. And while he'd heard it all before, read it all before, it was nothing compared to what he was feeling now.

With Adrian, he had forced him to return home and get married before he ruined his life and career. Left to wonder briefly what it would have been like, regret that he'd suppressed well in the many years that came after. Then came Hayaki, opening the floodgates to all these feelings he'd never thought he'd had the capacity to have.
Yes, there was uncertainty, but still...

"Are you sure? You don't...if you're not comfortable...It's fine, you know..."

It wasn't about the words.
It was the way he looked at him ,the concern in his eyes and the way he cradled his chin ever so carefully.
It made his mind up for him.

"I've never wanted anything more."

And this he said with a steady voice, his dark gaze meeting Hayaki's dead on.