singinghuntress | IC Inbox: Duplicity

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You have reached the inbox of Rip van Winkle. Leave a message so I can get back to you later~.

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If it ever comes to that, I'm sure I will have done something to deserve it.

[Which is the crux of it, really, isn't it, that Lestat has so often wound up on the receiving end of people's vengeance solely as a consequence of his own actions. It's easy to accept Rip's threats in the same way he came to forgive Louis and Claudia, knowing the source of it all.

And perhaps there is something in him that would far prefer to be the subject of passionate anger than slow-numbing indifference. If those he cared for were to unleash their fury on him, then their furies meant they felt something for him, even if it were nothing more than truly passionate anger.

He curls his hand to her face, stroking it lightly with his thumb.]

I can understand why. I am not explaining myself or justifying it as well as I could. But I promise you that I am entirely sincere in believing that things between Louis & myself have changed for the better.

And I promise you as well, I have no intention of abandoning or neglecting you in this.

[She snorts when he admits he's not explaining himself well enough to put her at ease. To be fair, there's probably nothing he could say that would make her accept this with open arms and no worries. Especially not with her experience with this kind of thing. She remembers the anxiety and how unstable she felt when she agreed to contract with her own killer. Hopefully, Louis won't do the same thing to her dear Lestat.

Otherwise, there might be two bodies decorating her shop.

Rip leans into his hand before nuzzling against it as his thumb strokes her cheek.]

I am going to hold you to zhat und I am more zhat villing to beat your ass if you do zeem to be neglecting me in any vay.

[A moment later she's pulling away so she can shift and lean into him, her back pressed against his chest. Once she's settled, she's pulling his arms around her.]

Is he going to be staying here az vell? I'm not sure if zhis place is big enough for three vampires.

A fair punishment, I'd say. I'll accept your wrath if it ever comes to that.

[Lestat accepts the repositioning without question, letting Rip lean back against him with his arms wrapping around her. He leans his head against hers, feeling a tad more at ease in this pose, in spite of the heaviness of the conversation still unfolding.

Idly stroking her side underneath his fingers, Lestat shakes his head.]

No, I think he desires a place of his own. An apartment or townhouse elsewhere in the city, probably near the art gallery.

[Which might be for the best, Lestat thinks silently. Both Rip and Louis have their share of jealousies with the unfolding situation, which he cannot imagine forced proximity would help with.]

[It's definitely for the best. Rip's already feeling uneasy and a tiny bit confrontational over this. Add in their shared jealousies and there might be bloodshed sooner than later. Especially if Rip feels like she needs to defend her own claim on Lestat.

It's also a little bit of a relief not having to share space with someone else.]

So, zomevhere in zhe Up.

[Considering she's perfectly content staying in the Down, Louis cand stay in the Up for all she cares.]

You vill still be living vith me, right? Or vill you be splitting your time between us?

Possibly. I believe he's only just started looking.

[He doesn't want to promise her a location one way or the other, in case they might run across each other. Lestat can sense that, even as the conversation settles, there is still a sense of unease and envy lingering. It's something he's not entirely sure how to handle or quell, especially not when it comes at all sides.]

The way that the contracts are written, I would need to spend half the month with each of you. So I would spend half of it here, and half with him.

[Which he also suspects is not going to help with the uneasiness at play here.]

[She grumbles softly when he mentions the contracts and how they're written. It's been so long since that was put into place that she nearly forgot about it. Then again, Rip never thought she would have to share Lestat with anyone else before now.]

Half a month on my own, I zuppose I'll just haf to deal.

[It definitely won't help with the uneasiness when she's so used to having him around.]

I reserve zhe right to drag your body back down here if you go into a coma again. I'm not trusting anyone else to guard you in moments like zhat.

[He makes a sympathetic hum of sound at that, his palm stroking along her side in slow movements as they discuss.]

I'll have to make sure you're well attended-to while I am here. I would hate to leave ma belle neglected.

[Which is something he will need to cognizant of, he realizes. Making sure he is attentive to Rip when he is with her, and doing the same for Louis. Looking after them both so that neither feels as though they are being abandoned or rejected for the other.

That second bit gives him a slight pause, since he imagines that that could easily turn into a fight between Rip and Louis if it comes to pass. But then again, if he does go into a coma, it's not exactly like he'll be able to do anything about it.]

You always have taken most excellent care of me when I have fallen into a long sleep in this place. I've always been most grateful for it.

You better not.

[She huffs softly before resting her head back against his shoulder and allowing herself to relax a little. Rip still does not like this new arrangement and already feels slightly agitated over having to be on her own half the month while he's off with someone else.

His acknowledgement on how well she takes care of him during those times do help to partially put her at ease. Besides if it came down to a fight, Rip is confidant she could win. There weren't many vampires trained as soldiers or even snipers that she's aware of so...in her mind, she has the advantage. ~~even if she IS retired~~]

I'm glad because I do not intend on stopping vhen it comes to taking care of you vhen zhings like zhat happen.

I won't. And besides, why on earth would I wish to leave you ill-attended when I find looking after you so pleasurable?

[He's teasing, but there is a real well of affection in his voice. Lestat means what he says, and not just in terms of sex. All of this is an adjustment, but he intends to be diligent when he is with her, making it clear that she remains a priority.]

Yet another thing I appreciate from your care. I doubt many could get past you when you're on guard.

[There might be the slight quirk of a smile starting on her lips when she catches the affection in his voice. That seems to be the key to Rip finally, fully relaxing against him as she brings his hand to her mouth so she can playfully nip at his wrist.]

Perhaps you need to remind me just how pleasurable looking after me iz.

[He's also right. When Rip puts her mind to it to guard someone, nothing stops her short of her own death.]

You're right. Nozhing stops me from protecting zomeone important to me.

[Lestat smiles, at both the way Rip relaxes and the easy declaration of his importance to her. He lets her nip at his wrist with a low growl, his free hand reaching around to glide slowly down the front of her chest.]

Perhaps I do. I wonder how best I should do so, mon cher?

[Running his thumb along the swell of one breast, he murmurs:]

After all, I should reward such a loyal guardian.

[She can't help the little shudder that races down her spine at the sound of his growl. It appeals to her on such an instinctive level that she can't help bit nip a little harder at his wrist. A tease of her fangs and nothing more...for now.]

I zhink you can figure zomething out.

[SHe lays her head back against his shoulder, tilting it just slightly to bare her neck to him as he teases the swell of her breast.]

Vatever revard you zhink is vorthy of my loyalty vill be perfect~.