a holiday in August, outside a bed and breakfast in sunny Southend - ota

[compulsion]

cw: possibility of talk of drug use, alcohol abuse, and violence.

Carpe Noctem came to life every night as the sun set. A gothic vampire of an establishment rising with the moon, casting shadows as music and people poured out onto the sidewalk until the sun first crept over the horizon. Until then though, it was a place of dark appetites, loud music, and writhing bodies. A place where the down and out and up and coming found a home.

It was a place where messages could be given to be passed onto Morrigan, and where those that were not on her best side avoided so that they could avoid her son. Not that avoiding him did anyone well. Eventually, if you were wanted, he would find you.

Most nights though he could be found at the bar, doing shots, dancing, visiting the dungeons and luring anyone that catches his fancy to come and spend some time with him. Any vice a person could want could be found within the club, and he encouraged visitors to explore it all.

Some nights thought he is behind the bar, his expression dark and glowering as he looks out over the crowd, looking for a face he thought he'd seen but he hopes hasn't been foolish enough to come into his space that night.

Either way he'll often weave through the crowd, picking out someone who catches his eye and his libido and might well bring them a drink, or just slide up against them, moving in rhythm to the music in his leather and lace and vinyl. Aggressive and used to getting his way, and loving it more when he's denied.

(open to any au ideas for umbrellaverse, and Vex's background is here. one of the children, raised by someone else. He misuses his power, hurts others, deals drugs and likes to lure people into their darkest desires.

assumed cr welcome, and will plot out and go along with most ideas.)

Comments

{That favorite habit, gotta have it, can't quit, I got your fix

[bestfuneralever]

Klaus knows all the best places to have some fun for a night, and Carpe Noctem might be one of his favorite places for a good time. Even when all his first tries can't seem to come up with something for him--be it they're legitimately out or only telling him so because Klaus owes them too much for all the fronts he's gotten recently--he can always count on this club to come through. A specific portion of the clientele here are bored, rich, and just want to pay for people to party with them. It's kind of the perfect set up for someone like Klaus. Some adorably innocent guy that looks incredibly out of place here paid his cover at the door with a little bit of flirting and then it's like the world was at his fingertips. But first, he needs to find the guy that runs the place. Vex is like a goddamn god among men, okay, anything he wants is always found with ease with him. He weaves through the people with an expert's sort of ease once he spots the man in question behind the bar. Klaus drops unceremoniously down onto a stool right in front of him. "Vex!" He calls out over the music. "Man, I'm gonna die tonight, if you can't help me."

[compulsion]

The music is loud, the crowd rowdy, and Vex is entirely in his element as he moves around behind the bar. Of course, it's in part to help, and a lot in grabbing himself a shot of bourbon. Just slamming the glass down on the table when he hears his name. It happens often, though that know him and those that think they do, but some are a delight.

Spying Klaus across the bar is definitely a delight, already reaching to pull up a second glass so he can pour him a double. Sliding it across the bar towards Klaus, Vex leans up and over the bar with it. The result is leather pulling tightly down his legs and ass as he practically bends himself halfway over the bar to get closer to Klaus.

"I'm always gladly willing to help you with just about anything," he growls, offering him a wink. "All you have to do is ask. Or beg. I'm good with begging," he teases.

[bestfuneralever]

"Mmm, I know. That's why you're my favorite." He drags the word out in a way that is definitely meant to be sensual, no doubt. Especially coupled with the way he leans way too far over the bar as he says it, almost a mirror of Vex's own action as he places the double shot of bourbon in front of him. He sits back after a moment, taking the shot and sliding the glass for another one. He knows Vex will either waive it or he can get someone else here to pay his tab for the night. "I may not be above begging, my friend. Either this city is in a serious dry spell or all my friends have decided they hate me."

[compulsion]

"I'm your favorite," Vex echoes, drawing out the word. "Because your tab keeps magically disappearing," he teases, not that he's bothered by it. He knows what he does for others, and why he does it. Some things that seem like acts of kindness benefit him so much more than they ever cost him.

Staying as he is, not caring he's in the way, or that he is making a spectacle of himself. Making a spectacle of himself is something that Vex does by existing, so he isn't bothered by it in the least.

"Obviously you haven't seeing the right friends," he says, pouring Klaus another. "Though it has been harder to get fun treats. They've tried twice coming in here, thinking they could send in someone undercover to shut me down." He pouts admitting that. "I love when they try and prove I've done something to their troops and yet can't prove I can do it."

[bestfuneralever]

"Mmnnn...I'll admit, it helps." He concedes, tugging his lower lip between his teeth. Who doesn't like a guy who just eats the charges he rings up? No one, that's who. Everyone would take that flavor of generosity in their lives, no matter the reasoning behind it.

"Clearly." He smirks a little. "I love how hard you work to provide for the rest of us," he admits. And that, at least, is not only a pure line of 'whatever it takes to get what I really want tonight'. In fact, it's absolutely the full, unaltered truth. Klaus really does appreciate the effort Vex puts in to make sure he has whatever his clients may want for a given night at the ready.

[compulsion]

Vex isn't at all above kindness for the sake of what it gets another. It's certainly quid pro quo in his life, and he won't hesitate to eat it up as much as he doles it out. After all, what's the point of being a monster if you can't be generous about it.

Though he did have a soft spot in his heart for that very specific minority that's like him. Those that were gifted from their unique birth to be better than others, at least in Vex's opinion. Another who came in here, laying on the compliments and expecting to be catered to might be used and abused and abandoned. Klaus was a cut above that though. He's one of them, and besides that, Vex thinks he's rather pretty. Combined it means he gets away with more than most.

"Come on, Darling. Let's get a bottle from the private cellar. I want to talk to you," he says, perhaps surprising if only in that he actually does mean talking. At least for a bit.

[bestfuneralever]

"Ooh, fancy." He croons, wasting absolutely no time in following Vex. He hasn't been here in awhile and that's really a giant shame because he loves Carpe Noctem. He's found many a good flings here, nevermind discovering some very interesting things he never knew he liked. But what ultimately always, without fail, keeps him walking back through that door is Vex. There's something so magnetizing about him, and Klaus just finds that it's hard to stay away most of the time. Once they're inside the cellar, Klaus leans against the wall, just watching Vex move about and get whatever he feels is right for the occasion. "So..." He purses his lips and cants his head slightly to give the other man a curious look. "what is it you wanted to- uh... talk about?" If there's the tiniest bit of suggestiveness in his tone, Klaus doesn't act like he notices.

☈ this scene is so played out with ulterior motives disguised

[channellings]

"This club is fucking awesome," are the first words that leave Klaus's mouth as soon as he's through the door. It's nothing quite like he's ever seen and he immediately wants to explore it all, although he knows he needs to show some form of control.

But a little something here and there wouldn't be so bad, right? Right.

Until that 'little' becomes too much at some point; the room starts spinning and his stomach rolls, warning him that he either better get water into his body or get ready to not have anything in there, which is why he's bobbing between other people, trying to make his way to the bar without getting too caught up.

He's almost there-- reaching out to grasp the edge of the bartop so he doesn't lose his balance, then someone crowds into his personal space, throws his concentration by pressing up flush against him. He turns on the person, readying a retort of some sort that ends up dying in his throat when he sees the other man.

The irritation also melts away from his face, so he's left open-mouthed and saucer-eyed for a moment, before it dawns on him: he should probably say something. "Hellooo," he drawls emphatically, sounding far too interested and leaning way too close for his own good. "And what can I do you for?" Is he being serious? Witty? Who knows.

[compulsion]

There's always a chance that's taken when the predator marks the prey. Looks can be deceiving, after all, and there's always a chance that the one you think is an easy mark might well turn the tables on you. It's all part of the fun and games though, at least in Vex's mind. The chances taken, the dangers that could lead to hunter being hunted.

Or to the hunter being delighted when he gets the reaction he could have only hoped for.

While it may be a teasing joke, Vex is not one to let offers made go untaken. Which is not always the best for others.

His hands instantly go to Klaus' waist, hooking into the waistband of his trousers and tugging him close. Playful and teasing as he sways in time to the music, pretending it's dancing and not grinding as he looks up into the other man's eyes.

"I believe my line is what can I do for you," he corrects, pushing up on his toes despite the heeled boots he wears to put his weight against Klaus and make it harder for him to get distance between them if he wanted it. All heat and flirtation before he winks at him. "Obviously in the most professional of manners. I'm Vex, and Carpe Noctem is mine," he admits. "Which means that whatever you want, is yours."

At least for now.

[channellings]

Luckily for Vex, he's chosen a good target. Klaus is already pretty intoxicated, shifting from one foot to the other so he's facing his newly acquired partner somewhat better, his arms moving to drape across Vex's shoulders, fingers lacing together at the back of his neck.

Then Vex is pulling them closer by grasping at his pants and the taller male lets him, crowding into Vex's space as much as he'll allow, pointedly rolling his hips in kind. God, this guy is already something and it's only been a minute or two at the most.

He tips his head, considering, green eyes sparking with excitement and curiosity. It's a dangerous line he's walking, but it'd been so long since he had gotten a proper high, how's he supposed to resist all this persuasion? The warmth of another body against his, the flirting, the way Vex is making it almost impossible to think when he toes up and leans even more firmly into him-- Klaus doesn't stand a damn chance.

"Oh." A moment longer for it to click, then: "Oh, holy shit! You own this place? Nice." He's unaware that he has done so, but with his arms locked around Vex to keep them together and moving steadily, he's drawn past the bar, moving them away from the main cluster of bodies. "Klaus," he offers in return. "Pleasure to meet you, Vex." For both of them, let's be real.

He inclines somewhat, resting their foreheads together and bridging the gap between them a little more. "Whatever I want?" This fool is absolutely (and figuratively as of now) screwed. "Have you got anything that'll take me real, real high?"

Subtle, he thinks, even if they don't necessarily need to be, considering their location and him being with the club's owner.

[compulsion]

Raised by a woman that most would call a crime boss, Vex has never known a time in his life where he's had to do without or given up on what he wants. Having a space where he makes the rules, no matter what the law might be, has done nothing to keep him in check. Within those walls, he was free to do anything he wants and it shows in his smile, his ease in molding himself to the taller man.

Letting himself be guided through the crowd, past the bar and the brunt of the noise that surrounds the bar as his hands slide along Klaus' form and curling in his waist. Enjoying the sway of his form, the thrum of the music through them. Grinning at that reaction, loving when he got that look from people. It always makes life so enjoyable to get to play up a life of decadence and money.

Especially when his desires bring himself someone like the man leaning into him, all eager and willing and oh the things that Vex is already thinking about doing to him.

"That depends on if you're looking for a chemical high or an endorphin high?" Vex asks, now taking the time to guide them, moving his step easily towards the back of the room and the door to his office just besides the door to the dungeons. "Though you don't have to choose. Whatever I can do for the guest, after all."

[channellings]

And in the direct opposite manner, Klaus has couch-surfed on and off for however long, slept in public places, hooked up with people just so he wouldn't have to be in the freezing cold— it's been far different for him, plain and simple, but dancing around the nightclub with Vex against him like this? Those are the furthest things from his mind.

Despite the fact he's got no idea where he's going, he leads them on anyhow, making sure to weave between the multitude of people, until Vex decides it's time for him to take the lead.

The only reason it's disappointing is because he has to shift, which in turn jostles the other man's arms around his waist. Once they've switched and Klaus is the one following though, he wastes no time crowding back into Vex's space, all heavy eyelashes and parted lips when he says, "What about both, then?" Because really, he's the go big or go home type, and if he does end up leaving, he absolutely wants a reason to come back.

Not that Carpe Noctem wasn't alluring on its own; the great music, the gratuitous amounts of alcohol and narcotics, the beautiful people-- each reasons for him to return, of course, but the man leading him further toward the back absolutely has his undivided attention.

[compulsion]

Much as he loves to indulge submissively, there's something to be said for taking charge to ensure that a man can get exactly what he wants. It's what Vex has done for most of his life, and that skill his birthright gave him only meant that he could easily take advantage of much as he want. And nothing has ever stepped in to stop him.

Delighting in their dance, physically and figuratively, as Vex easily guides the taller man towards the office door, the access to behind the scenes and the back doors to everything in Carpe Noctem.

"For you, darling? Oh you can have anything you want," he says, which may be what he says to all that he's set his sights on but it hasn't failed him yet as he moves to the door. Lifting his hand, the tumblers inside the lock turn and lift, unlocking the door without a key. The only way to get into the room and Vex obviously having no qualms about using his power when he wanted to.

Inside the room the music is much softer, not nearly as thrumming and teeth rattling. Elegantly appointed in what could only be called Gothic chic, with a full bar in the corner, and a massive black velvet sofa dominating one wall. "Can I get you a drink?"

[channellings]

How lucky for Vex that Klaus isn't inclined to barrel through and try to stop him, either. In fact, he's likely to do the opposite by encouraging the other man to do whatever he wants, because honestly: what reason would he have to stop something as awesome as this? He might also be planning to tell all the people he knows about the place, if they don't know about it by now.

Anything is such an enticing word. His impulsiveness is already a helluva thing; being offered anything won't be easy to resist when he's indulged in plenty of alcohol and partaken with a toke or two. He shouldn't – he really should just accept the booze – but for some fleeting time, it ought to be noted that he's contemplating something far stronger.

Klaus ooos and ahhhs while Vex magics the lock, blinking owlishly, even if he hasn't got any idea how the hell he just opened the door, since it looks like he's lacking an actual key. Wait, hold on. How did he just—?

Then he gets to peek inside, mouth falling open in astonishment. "Wow," gushes the taller of them, stepping into the room and immediately moving over to sit down on the oversized, downright exquisite looking couch, his knees bouncing excitedly. "Abso-fucking-lutely, sweetness. Hit me with your favorite one!"