Setting her glass down, an unreadable expression crossed her face. Gleaming sapphire-blue eyes looked back at him- with it, a silent seething. "Whatever you think I may or may not have been, is not for discussion. I am certain you are aware, the delicate nature of reputations facing ruin, dependent on what people learn."
One rather unfortunate downside of vampyric intuition was the difficulty in concealment and deceit. Vendetta knew she'd given too much away- Toshiro was sharp; and she had no doubt, well in touch with his Intuition. Looking around to ensure they were truly alone- and they were- her voiced took on a very low tone. "If whatever secrets you learn get out..." Semi-veiled threat, one Toshiro had little doubt she could uphold. But how would that be possible?..
Vendetta's words caused Toshiro's eyes to widen- it seemed being away from Japan for so long had taken it's toll on his knowledge of the customs. Bowing his head as the threat rang through his ears, such carelessness needed such a response. "I'm very sorry, I didn't think before I spoke. Being faced with something reminiscent of my homeland clouded my judgment."
"I have life in Japan to return to. If you've ever been involved with the twilight world... I may know more than you'd think." A beautiful, mysterious and dark place- suiting a beautiful, mysterious and dark woman. "Dependant upon your desire... I might be able to make arrangements, with certain people."
Immediately, his mind formed an image. He heard many stories of the inhuman beauty and grace of the Gothic Geisha, having never the chance to lay eyes on such a legendary figure himself. And yet here he was, wondering- was he sitting across from the woman beneath the makeup? And if so... Toshiro couldn't help but wonder just how many 'masks' Vendetta actually wore. "I'll keep that in mind, I always wanted to lay my eyes upon Japan's Dark Jewel."
A soft smile crept across his face as he took a sip from his glass, gaze once again fixated on Vendetta- truly an enigma, she was. "To think that a fellow artist in Venice holds a spot in their heart for Japan is quite something. Surely the odds of such a thing are slim to none, yet here we are."
"What are the chances?" Enigmatic smile matched enigmatic personality. "This is the part of the evening, where I ask what you would like to do~ After all... we have as much- or as little- of the night, as you are willing to give."
There was that smirk once more, she amused so far. "Whatever your light, or dark heart's desire... if I can grant it to you, I will." In a very daring move, her hand reached out, settling beneath his- before she drew it close to her, lips brushing the delicate skin of his wrist. Then the back of his hand, delightful twist on a classic Venetian gesture.
Even after such a brief kiss, a tingling sensation danced upon his wrist and hand. She was caught by surprise, his reaction to her boldness. Toshiro leaned in- she thought he intended to chastise her... Leaning over the table he placed a brief kiss upon her lips- sending a jolt down her spine, before returning to his seat. Her spicy-sweet perfume emanated from her skin, while his spicy cologne imprinted upon her memory...
"I certainly hope I didn't overstep any boundaries there, I just couldn't help myself. As for what next- with it being such a nice night out with a beautiful full moon, a walk around the city seems to me a good next step. It would also allow us opportunity to learn about one another."
She nodded, finishing her drink. Rising to her feet once more, she held out a hand for Toshiro. Finishing the rest of his glass Toshiro stood up from his seat. Seeing Vendetta holding her hand out to him he smiled softly as he took it, thinking nothing of it as they were about to head out anyways. She'd pull him close to her- and kiss him, full-on. Passionate, intense- full of spice and fire and lust- maybe even a dash of love?... Vendetta knew she was risking a lot, but it just felt... right. Vampyric Intuition was potent- and hers led to him.
Nearly stumbling as she pulled him in close, the familiar feeling of her lips pressed against him, this time with a passionate fire... The scent of her perfume engulfed him as he eased into the kiss, kissing her back just before she pulled away. The sweet taste of her soft lips lingered, as he composed himself. He hadn't expected such a sudden and passionate embrace, the doubt of her actually having any feelings for him melting away after such an action.
Vendetta had the grace to draw her eyes away, demure, as her manners re-asserted themselves. What are you thinking?! Damn it Vendetta, you're not some neophyte having her first immortal crush- get some self control! She bit her tongue, refusing to look at him as she gathered her coat and her bags.
"...Well then, shall we- we continue on with this lovely night?" Offering his arm to her before making their way out of the restaurant, Toshiro found himself lost for words.
Vendetta wished she held it just a little longer... Toshiro had fallen into the kiss, reciprocating it. Or so she thought. Reluctant to leave, she took the offered arm
The pair stepped into the night, an icy world contrasting candlelight and fire. Being greeted by a cool breeze, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. "Nothing like some fresh air."
Glancing up at the full moon above as they made their way along the streets, recalling a small park he adored, Toshiro decided that was the place to go. He led the way as the pair glided down the street, toward an as-yet unknown destination to her. Heads turned as the two walked along- whether recognized or not, they did have that supernatural charisma… Being incredibly good-looking helped with that too...
"I must say, feeling your passion first hand was even more breathtaking then seeing it in your artwork. That was a kiss that will never leave my mind." Toshiro spoke softly as he glanced over at Vendetta.
"You honour me, with your rather sweet words. And now... I'm tempted..." She blushed, looking away. But he caught her smile, and bitten lip- he could tell she had something on her mind. Whether just kissing him again- or something else, he couldn't quite say…
It had been quite a while since Toshiro had felt so many pairs of eyes on him, it seemed everyone they walked past had their eyes drawn to the couple. Something that he had attributed to the beautiful Vendetta at his side- and Toshiro allowed himself a daring grin. "Well, I certainly wouldn't be opposed to anything from such a beautiful woman. Especially with my lips still tingling after that last kiss."
Vendetta's face flushed gently- Toshiro couldn't help it, he laughed a bit. Playfully she smacked his arm- just enough to be felt. Arriving at the tiny park just after, Vendetta's eyes looked this way and that. Lush emerald grass sprawled out, golden touched leaves swaying in a gentle-yet-icy breeze. Autumn-blooming flowers swayed, careful cultivation creating a serene space. However, the most prominent feature stood out- the pond in the middle, surrounded with willow trees making it its own little oasis. The moon light reflected beautifully off the water's surface as they made their way down the path to the water's edge. "I've always loved this park, such a nice quiet little place."
Immediately, Vendetta’s feet walked to the centre- the oasis, which outshone everything else. Leading her companion gently- her hand fitting nicely in his. Was it the crystal waters, liquid obsidian reflective of the diamond light which Vendetta adored? Perhaps the trees, adding a delightful set of shadows, lush and inviting? Maybe it was Toshiro's love of this place- and the honour she felt, that he would show her something so beautiful. Something even she did not know of…
Turning to Vendetta once they arrived at the lake's edge, Toshiro wrapped his free arm around her waist just as she went to break away, pulling her close as he leaned in- placing a passionate kiss of his own upon her lips. After earlier, he wanted to ensure to reciprocate in kind, letting her know his feelings were just as intense. The sweet taste of her lips and lovely scent of her perfume was intoxicating to the male getting lost in the moment.
Surrendering to his embrace, Vendetta closed her eyes- revelling in the moment. Her fingers ran through his hair, while her other hand wrapped around his waist in turn, pulling him in even closer. If they were in Japan, the intensity and passion would downright scandalize and shock. Kissing just wasn't done in public over there... Maybe that's part of why it felt so wonderful.
Toshiro loved the park for privacy it offered, especially during the times of night he often found himself out and about. That privacy was being put to use at this moment, keeping their intimate moment away from prying eyes- although the unlikely chance of being caught adding a frisson of excitement and intensity to their kissing. Tracing a hand up her back, running his fingers through her silky hair, Toshiro could only feel bliss. At this moment it felt like they were the only two people in the world, everything around them seemed to melt away as the kiss went on.
Eventually Vendetta pulled away, though refused to relinquish her grip. Vampyric intuition was strong- and right now, it very firmly tied them together. She smiled at him, fingers moving from his hair to stroke his cheek. This was something both of them needed, she realized. Toshiro understood the life of an artist- euphoria, and agony. He could handle the glitter and gloss of fame, having been there once himself. Everything fit... and though that intuition told her the answer, Vendetta knew it was good to confirm it.
"...I suppose this means we're thinking of entering courtship of a sort together, doesn't it?"
Slowly coming back to reality as Vendetta pulled away, a bright smile spread across his face. Euphoria washed over him. He hadn't felt like this in years, and he was sure that tonight would be a night he would never forget. Listening to her question, he knew that moment would be set in his mind forever more. "It's been a long time since I last courted someone, but I would love to enter a courtship with you."
'Love' even saying the word in that sense left the tip of his tongue tingling. Long ago he had given up on actively finding someone- and yet here he was, his heart aflutter with Vendetta in his embrace. Could it be that he had finally found the one? His intuition seemed to think so... yet both of them felt the darkness of secrets...
Vendetta could feel Toshiro's emotions, the delight yet the prickling anxiety. Reflexive, Vendetta stroked the skin of his face- injecting some of her magick into the moment, settling the anxiety. Just the softest touch, but it worked wonders. "And I'd enjoy having you by my side~"
Shaking the thought from his mind for the time being, not wanting to dwell on it and potential rush and thus mess things up. There was no need to rush, right now he just wanted to enjoy his time together with the beautiful woman in front of him. "I must say, you finding my shoppe has been the best thing that has happened to me in as far back as I can remember." He spoke softly as though they were words he wanted her and her alone to hear.
She laughed gently, then kissed him once more- easily melting into the embrace... only to sharply yank herself away, tearing her eyes eastward. Sunrise was fast approaching, agony settling in alongside the delight. Hissing in pain, she melted into the shadows. "Time enough to retreat, I believe... I'll come find you soon- once the sun's gone down, I'll meet you at the shoppe. Please be safe... Don't let the fatal kiss of morning light get you."
Her hiss snapped him back to his senses, eyes widening as he followed her gaze eastward. Time had gotten away from them and the sun was on its way to interrupt their time together. "I will..." Before he could even finish his thought all traces of Vendetta had faded.
Focusing on the matter at hand, Toshiro hadn't time to waste with the sun approaching. Taking off, he kept to the alleyways and areas that would be safe from the sun as he made his way back to his apartment. Breathing a sigh of relief when he closing the door behind him, Toshiro chastised himself- he cut it far too close for comfort. Making his way through his dark apartment and entering his bedroom, a soft smile graced his features yet again as he caught wind of Vendetta's sweet perfume on his shirt. Against the far wall sat his bed, above which hung the last painting he created as a professional artist- sakura blossoms dancing in front of a full moon.
Slowly undressing, he tossed his clothes into the hamper before laying down on the large bed. Staring up at the ceiling, he replayed the night's events in his mind. He couldn't have asked for a better evening, though the fear of falling asleep and waking up to realize it had all been a dream crept into his mind. Shaking the thought from his mind, he focused on the tingling sensation she had left on his lips as he slid under the covers. Reasoning that the sooner he fell asleep the sooner he would see Vendetta again Toshiro slowly closed his eyes, a yawn escaping his lips as he drifted off to sleep.
~
If only the Lady could say the same for her journey. Vendetta felt the agonizing burn of morning's fatal light on her skin, as she ran. Hissing once more, she was grateful to have some sunlight resistance as she tumbled into the dark safety of home. Much longer, and the burns would have set in... She cut it far too close for comfort.
Damn it... Nearly got caught by sunlight... I must have more diligence- if not for both of us... Vendetta slowly exhaled, making her way into her room. Toshiro's cologne brought a smile to her lips, as she slowly undressed. Her clothes set aside, she turned to her bed- a silken and mesh masterpiece, beside which hung the first painting she ever made; a shower of sakura petals dancing beneath a full moon, floating along a silver stream. Inspired by the view outside her room in Japan, it held a special meaning for her. Vendetta slid into her bed, closing her eyes...
Nightmares plagued Vendetta as she slept that day, horrid visions of Toshiro burning in the fatal light of morning sun. When she awoke, she was horrified to find the wounds from the sunlight proved to be more intense than she thought. Ashen streaks marred her skin- they would heal, but it would take a couple days. She sighed, and contacted him- making him aware she needed time to heal. Naturally he understood, wishing her well. Vendetta scowled- the thing that annoyed her most, cancellation of her plans. How had we woven so deep into her mind?
~
Over the next few weeks, Vendetta and Toshiro met up for dates a few more times. Every time, the two fell deeper and deeper for one another- though somehow, neither wished to say it out loud after her question that night. It felt like it was too soon, in a way. Whenever she could, she would see him at Crimson Creations- sometimes just to chat the slow nights away, sometimes to see the new wares, sometimes with a purchase in mind. In all of that, though, unspoken sentiments hung between them. Things they would have to address, before this could go much farther.
One stormy-looking October night, she woke up after a bad slumber, and realized she'd not drawn the curtains quite properly- her body had a couple ash-burnt spots. Cursing, she decided to go about her night and see Toshiro again, in the place she was almost certain he would be... As she travelled toward the shoppe, growling could be heard from behind her. Looking around, the overwhelming stench made Vendetta realize she was beset by a small pack of lycans. Lycans on the hunt- targeting her as their prey. Immediately she sprang into action, as they closed in and gave chase. Skilled as she was, the open streets of Venice was not a place to her advantage. She would have to lure them away, gain some kind of edge over them...
Footfalls, growls and whimpers of pain could be heard running down toward, then past, his shoppe- her perfume, mixed with the deadly scent of lycan blood, filled the air. Running deeper into the labyrinth of the city, her intent to either kill them or escape... Her only thoughts were on Toshiro, and her own survival- and in a way, her emotions- her love, and terror, reached out to him...