Vampires vs. Trappers

10. "Welcome Home, Ken"

"Oh, we're going to have so much fun together! I simply can't wait!" I grin happily, taking a moment to admire my shiny, new Ken doll as I lead the way down the hall, toward yet another set of stairs. "But sadly, as for now, I only have enough time to get you set up in your new home, before I must then be on my way." I inform, knowing I mustn't dawdle, for the sake of my rather hot and bothered lover's sanity,  "A few other, prior engagements, you see." I hum in conclusion, trying my best to conceal the excited little smile having risen to my lips.

Come to think of it, amidst all the excitement of finding my first ever Ken doll, I'd almost completely forgotten about the delightful little Jasy in exchange.

But, anywho...

Reacting much like I suspected he would, Liam just remains painfully quiet; likely still stunned-silent. In fact, from the looks of it, all he appears to really be doing is just discreetly scanning his surroundings. Yet, while making sure to keep his head noticeably low, it almost appears as though he thinks his simple curiosity might somehow offend me if he were to otherwise flaunt it.

But all odd behavior aside, I still find myself sighing at his rather disappointing, introvert-like behavior.

So, tugging him a tad bit closer and leaning my head against his arm, I gaze up at him fondly as I bat my long, mascara-masked lashes, "Oh, don't clam up on me now, darling; what ever happened to the smooth talker back in the alley?" I chuckle, playfully nudging him as I lift my head back up off his arm with a smirk.

But, clearly, my attempt to coax him out of his shell isn't working, so as a rather disappointing result, I'm not even spared a single glance. He just keeps his lips pinched shut as he all but burns two adjacent holes into the carpet beneath our feet.

Somewhat losing my smile in return, I just groan and look ahead once more, "Ah, lighten up, would you?... I mean, at least you weren't picked up by that other Vamp, who- by the way, we both know would've just gulped you down like a cool drink on a hot day." I pester with a pinched brow, while absentmindedly readjusting my fingers around his bicep, "Besides, with so many benefits in store for you, I'm absolutely positive you'll come to love it here in my grand palace." I encourage with a feisty wink after finally noticing his eyes starting to peer up at me.

"But, what you're doing is wrong." he whispers, finally breaking his silence since we first left 'The White Raven' nearly forty-five minutes ago. "I'm not a possession... I'm a human being. I have rights." He continues, slowly but surely getting louder and far more bitter with every word to pass his lips.

Oh... Now I see...

Suddenly looking very frustrated and uncomfortable, he turns his head to me, "You can't do this to me... This is illegal!" He all but shouts in my face, with an adamant scowl seen replacing what used to be a solemn frown.

And without even intending to, the first thing to come flying out of my mouth is one, giant laugh- just as stiff as it is unexpected. But, after quickly placing a hand over my lips to prevent myself from laughing even more, I just look up to the ceiling in sheer exasperation. "Illegal he says! Ha!" I muse aloud mockingly, before then abruptly stopping us in place and tugging him around to face me, "So I take it you didn't know that my man and I practically founded this alliance between species then?" I retort sarcastically, quirking up a brow after returning his icy stare.

Now, standing before me with an undeniable look of surprise shown on his face, there's no question that I just caught him off guard with my impromptu trivia. But right as he prepares himself to respond, I hold a finger up to his mouth and silence him right on the spot.

"Ok honey-pants, let me just stop you right there and offer you some friendly advice before you manage to get your head any farther up that cute little äss of yours... So, first of all- I wouldn't start informing me about certain laws and regulations if I were you; especially when I was around long before they were. I mean, just by logic alone, I am above most man-made laws, because I myself predate them..." I snap hotly as I then take my finger away from his lips, but feel the need to prove my point becoming even stronger with ever passing second, "And second- from this moment on, you will no longer speak to me as though I'm some blithering child, or as if you know something I don't, because you are, by no means, the smartest being in the room. So, the next time you decide to address me, you will do so with veneration and humility... Am I understood, Mr. Human Rights?" I practically snarl as I use his own point of reason against him; the subtle twinge of hostility clear in my tone as I hold his challenging gaze.

Narrowing his eyes at me, but then quickly looking off in a clear sign of protest, his brow furrows momentarily in a rush of thought. Although, after taking a few seconds to himself, his eyes eventually find their way back to me and he offers me one particularly reluctant nod, before following it up with a frustrated huff.

I know he doesn't actually understand - and it's clear he doesn't agree with me either - but he's a clever boy, I can tell; knowing he'd much rather keep his mouth shut and go along with it than risk a losing battle against his superior.

So, after battling the urge to ring his little neck, I release his arm, but take his hand instead as I start to guide him down the stairs. And with each step, the path down to the basement seems to be getting quieter and quieter- of course, no thanks to his stubborn silence, or my utter lack of interest in taking at a wall. But, after finally making our way to the bottom of the spiraled staircase, we're then faced with a set of large, black double doors.

In fact, these darkened doors are the only thing the stairs lead to.

With beautiful, extravagant gold plated handles, 'Dream House' can be seen scrawled out across the front of the doors in big, bold, blood-red letters; which instantly plants a seed of excitement in the pit of my stomach.

"Mmm, even looking at those big, beautiful doors is enough to get me going these days." I chirp nostalgically, as I find myself dazedly curling a strand of hair between my fingers and gazing over to Liam, merely playing with the idea of what he'll look like strewn across my mulberry silk sheets in nothing but his own perspiration.

Yet of course, as I've come to expect, Liam says nothing, only doing his best to ignore my wondering eye.

"Well then..." I start anew after clearing my throat.

Releasing Liam's hand, I draw my keys from my pocket and take a single step forward, readily unlocking the doors as a sinister smile slowly finds its way onto my lips. And as soon as I feel the lock click from the other side of the door, I give them a soft push and twirl around to face him as the doors slowly glide open behind me.

"Welcome home, Ken."

FIN

Song:
Omniflux - 'She And Him'