This is a self ship story of myself and Larten Crepsley. Spoilers ahead for the Cirque du Freak and Saga of Larten Crepsley.
There's also a bunch of art I got commissioned. Info on the artists in story and in the comments.
As I walked through the camp I saw several performers gather around for breakfast. I slowly walk over, feeling a bit nervous to introduce myself. I found a place to sit. They didn't seem to even notice me. They conversed between each other. "Hey" Evra says sitting by me "you must be new here, you seem a bit unsure. I'm Evra" "I'm Angelica " I say "Hey guys!" the snake kid shouts getting everyone's attention "this is Angelica! She's new!" Suddenly I was surrounded by performers greeting me and asking me questions. "Where are you from? Are you a performer?" and so on. I started feeling overwhelmed not able to keep up with all the questions. I look over at the kid for help. Evra was just smiling. "Calm down everyone " Mr.Tall walks over "I know it's exciting to have someone new, but let's give her some room to breathe." "Let me introduce you to everyone" Evra says "that's my dad Mr.Tall, Truska, Rhambus," he goes down the list introducing me to everyone "oh! Also Larten Crepsley, but he's probably asleep. He's a vampire " "Thank you Evra" I chuckle softly. I thought Evra would be older, but he couldn't be much more than 12. Later that night, Larten emerged from his tent, stretching. He approaches me, smiling. "How was your first day at the Cirque?" "Overwhelming " I reply "there was a lot of people to meet." I took a step toward him, as I did I tripped. I fell forward and was caught by him. My head buried in his chest. His arms wrapped around me tightly. His body keeping me from hitting the ground. He felt so warm, the material of his clothes felt soft. His grip was firm, but not too much so. I felt my cheeks heat up. This felt so right being in his arms. My heart was practically beating out of my chest.
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((Art by deryuj on Tumblr))
"Are you alright?" He asks helping me to my feet. I hoped he didn't notice me blushing, "I'm fine. Sorry about that." "It is quite alright. Nothing to be embarrassed about. " he says "mind if I ask you a favor?" This man could ask me to do anything and I'd do it "sure" I simply say. "I need to feed, I was wondering if you would allow me to feed from you." Oh gosh.... I think I was blushing more "I don't mind " my voice faltered slightly. It was true, I didn't mind one bit. "Follow me. I prefer a bit of privacy when I feed...... it is a personal thing." I follow him into his tent. I could still feel my heart beat quickly in my chest. "Are you okay? Your face is very red" Oh no he noticed, "I'm fine. Just....... very warm" "Just relax," he says getting closer to me, "it will only hurt for a second" He takes my arm. I wince as he makes a small incision on my wrist with his sharp nails. He brings his lips to the wound and begins feeding from me. His touch was so careful. His one hand holding mine, the other holding my arm. When he finished he licked his thumb and ran it over the cut. It healed over almost instantly. "Thank you." He says "I owe you for that." "Please, if anyone owes anyone for anything, it's me who owes you. You did save my life after all. Anytime you need blood, I'd be more than willing to help you. " I smile. "That is very kind of you " Larten says. I shrug like it's no big deal. We step out of the tent. He lets out breath, and looks over at me. He looks as though he's thinking something over. "There is somewhere I need to go, and I am not sure if I can bring you with me. The journey is quite treacherous." "Where are you going?" I ask "Vampire mountain. I am unsure if you would survive......" he says. "Then it'd probably be best for me not to go......" I was a bit disappointed, but I knew there was too great a risk. I was a bit upset that I would be stuck here while Larten got to go to vampire mountain. I reached in my pocket and pulled out that piece of paper that Mr. Tall gave me. "Come talk to me about going to vampire mountain " I read silently. "Hold on Mr. Crepsley. Don't leave just yet. I want to talk to Mr Tall about something." I hurry to his van and knock on the door. He opens it up and smiles down at me. "Larten's leaving for vampire mountain now isn't he? You want to go but are afraid of the journey ahead. " "Exactly " "I'm glad you came to see me. If you went you would have perished in the cold. I can send you directly to vampire mountain myself. Think of it like, fast travel. Go let Larten know and meet me here after he leaves. " I go back to Larten, "I have good news and bad news" Larten tilts his head "bad news first. " "The bad news is I won't be traveling with you. " "I figured you might not be. What about the good news?" I smile like a doofus "I'm going to vampire mountain. Mr. Tall said he would take me there." He smiles "That is great. Thank Hibernus for me. I guess I'll see you there then. " With that Larten left off to vampire mountain. I returned to Mr Tall. He greets me with a smile. I reach into my pocket and hand him back the paper. He shakes his head. "Keep it, you might need it later." I look at him confused. I look down at the paper. It changed. It now said "listen to what I have to say. " "Woah......" I mutter "Are you ready?" He asks. I nod "I'm going to transport you in front of the entrance to vampire mountain. Simply knock and tell the guard you were sent by me. You may be questioned, if so tell them Larten is on his way and will vouch for you." "Got it" I say.
