anothercontinuity | Red vs Blue pt 2

"And yet, still a step up from how I was living before." More like vaulting a whole damn mountain up. "I can live with that."

Getting attached means watching them wither and die and he's had enough of watching people he cares about get killed or sent off to do just that. No thanks. "Besides. I got you."

Locus gives him an odd look at that. It's not scornful or disapproving, almost surprise if anything, but not overtly so. He just studies him for a time as though gauging what he means by that exactly, before appearing to dismiss it entirely.

"I doubt we will ever come to the situation you were living in. There are ways to avoid that, and provided neither of us do anything too drastic or foolish, we should manage."

York quirks a brow up at Locus- remember the 'will I be alone' thing? Still a thing. He's got Delta, he's got another living(ish) person to talk to and live with and that's...more than enough. Not being so damn afraid of being caught is plenty.

Real rooms with real beds? Amazing.

"I try to keep a low profile anyway, so. No problems there."

"Then there shouldn't be an issue."

His eyes narrow again as he considers something else. "...I think finding another club might be a good idea, actually. I haven't fed yet, and it's already been a few days."

Never mind the fact that he'd just recently given a good deal of blood to bring York back from the brink of death. He could stretch things when necessary, but that taste of blood just a few minutes ago is a reminder of how strong that hunger really is.

And is not in any way a reflect of how much he'd like to chew on York on the future.

"I thought you grabbed someone while I was trying to figure it out-" That's- kind of sweet but mostly practical. Keep an eye on the baby and make sure they don't accidentally murder someone. "Come on, you need to eat and I could use another round of dancing."

Playing the distraction, he can do that. Also: A chance to watch Locus work would be pretty interesting; a chance to learn how he does it his way. Standing and being approached isn't really his bag, but.

Different strokes, different folks.

"Hn. Let's go, then."

And with York's additional impetus, they're heading across town towards another bar. There isn't much difference between the two, full of the same sort of crowds, the same scents and sights, the same lights and loud music.

Breezing past the door together is easy, and from there? Locus detaches himself and takes up residence on one side of the bar, near the end. He orders a drink but only swirls it, occasionally bringing it to his nose as though he might be drinking it. Mostly, however? His eyes are on the surrounding crowd.

Searching.

Taylor finds his way back on the dancefloor, moving to find a group to sway with. Not breaking out anything really complicated in the moment, but. Enjoying the music while he watches Locus from a distance. Solid and stoic and entrancing. The way the light plays over his face, catches his eyes?

It doesn't take long for a slim young man to peel away from the group and try his luck, arms slung up casual as can be against the bartop.

Locus lets his eyes move over the man. Talking isn't strictly necessary. Tipping his head, moving his gaze slowly along the length of the young man, even just fixing him with a stare? Is usually enough. There's a certain type that approaches him, and he knows how to work with them.

When he does speak, the words are soft. Close. Close enough for the rumble of his voice to rival the bass of the club in the young man's ear.

It's easy to be lured in. Easier still to shiver and settle and follow the lure given to him so quickly. York, well. Observes. Considers Locus' technique-

And contemplates nabbing a second nibble himself. Maybe.

When he nods towards a corner of the club, he knows the young man will follow. He's eager, trying not to show it, thrilled that he got the attention of the seemingly untouchable.

It makes it easier when Locus leans close, tips his head back, and sinks in for a bite. That first rush of warmth and he hums into it, one hand sliding to the young man's waist.

Eager and easily pleased, leaning in close at the first sign of attention-

Clinging and shivering at the sharpness of this man's kiss, pulse picking up as his heart starts to flutter. He groans softly, eyes fluttering closed.

He drinks deep for a moment, taking in the taste of him. The things that make this man who he is, unique. York will discover that soon, that every mortal tastes differently. Locus? Feeds on this one's arrogance. It's hot, vibrant, and satisfying for a number of reasons.

But soon he's biting his tongue, sealing the wound and slipping back, murmuring something about getting them a drink.

He sags against Locus' chest, eyes half lidded and hazy- but murmurs quiet thanks. Another round of...this would be amazing after a drink.

In the crowd York's slipped off for a moment himself. A quick nibble to top off since- well. The hunger's a thing. Another sweet, shy girl, another helpful friend with a suggestive wink, another dark corner. Kissed and bitten and sipped and done in the briefest of moments, friend coming about to check on her shortly afterward. York secures their exit soon enough, flitting to Locus' side near the dark back wall.

The difference is night and day. There's a warmth to his skin, a human sheen to his eyes again. He observes York for a moment as he approaches. "Couldn't help yourself, could you?"

He doesn't sound exactly disapproving. Wry, if anything. He can't very well blame him. This is what it is to sustain themselves, and better he get the practice while he can.

"She was lonely." He shrugs, falling into step with a much more alive looking Locus. There's a warmth to him now, a real weight. A flush to his skin that York almost wants to reach out and touch-

But. Doesn't. Because personal boundaries are a thing. "I figure many smaller spaced out meals is better and safer than one big one."

For all parties involved.

"You're right. But I think that's likely enough for tonight. Too many too close together and people may start taking notice. Even in a large city like this."

His eyes dart towards the exit before he arches a brow. "Had your fill of the club yet?"

"Honestly? No. But We shouldn't linger." The girl's friend might hunt him down to ask wtf happened even if she's coherent and buzzed and safe- and he can always dance more another time. He's got plenty of it and-

They're not supposed to get noticed. He can stick to that.

"We'll come back. Some other night."

With a subtle hand to the small of York's back, he leads them back out into the crisp night air. Always a relief to be free of the club, he feels. While it's the easiest hunting ground, it always feels like a bit much.

This, walking along the street with York at his side, is much preferable.

"That'll be nice." It's nice to have had this much time out and about among other people without having to be afraid, honestly. To enjoy the bass and the music and the thrum of humanity that he is, technically, no longer a part of anymore.

But he's got this. The calm of the night, Locus walking next to him, and a sky full of stars he can see so clearly. "God I'd missed this."

"The club? Or..."

He gestures absently to the city around them. York was once a part of all this, in a way Locus never was. He still has ties to his sense of humanity.

Locus is less certain of his own, in truth.

"Yes." The mathematician's answer. "The clubbing, the being in a city, the sound of people not in an active warzone- music and dancing and...all of it. But also being able to see with both eyes."

He tips his head in Locus' direction, lips curled in an easy smile. "Better than I ever have before. Everything's so damn clear; it's breathtaking."

Or would be if he needed to do the breathing thing out of more than habit.

"...I'm glad."

It's blunt, but it's honest. It's not as though this life doesn't have its share of wonders to offer, but York's taken to it like a duck to water. He just seems so grateful, so glad for all of it. Would any other Freelancer he offered this gift to be quite the same?

He doesn't think so. Perhaps this was how it was meant to turn out.

"You could've approached any of us, probably." During the project they would've taken any supposed leg up possible. They'd take any risk if it meant improving. "I know it was timing and circumstance but- thanks. For saving me."

For deciding his life was worth keeping around this much longer.

"You could have said no. It was your choice."

He'd simply had the means. It didn't really seem to bear thanking him for, but here he was, doing it regardless. Locus let out a quiet noise that could have been a sigh, his eyes moving to rest on some distant point on the street they were walking.

"But...you are welcome."

"You could've turned me, given me the cliffnotes, and fucked off. But you didn't." Even if it seems like maybe he's not all that used to traveling with someone anymore. York is still adjusting himself but- It's nice.

Having someone.

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