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Case 002 [Action/Written]
[There is a vase of snow white orchids sitting on the table. Muraki sits back with his hands folded and considers it for a long time in silence, until seconds taper into minutes, and then an indeterminable amount of time. It wasn't a Valentine's gift from someone, because he personally picked them up from the flower store to bring some grace to his apartment. Perhaps he got them because the person they would've been for wasn't in this limbo, and he was a man of habit. He needs a physical manifestation of his thoughts.
Extracting a flower from the cluster, he brings it to his nose and inhales the soft fragrance. A thoughtful expression crosses his features, and then he frowns.
Such sentimentality always leaves him feeling sticky.]
I thought some of you might be interested in the health benefits of chocolate. It contains a naturally-occurring compound known as flavonol, which acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants, by the way, assist in preventing diseases. If it hasn't been overly processed, dark chocolate in particular contains a large amount of these antioxidants, and a small bar a day can be good for your heart. It contains serotonin and stimulates the production of endorphins, which give a feeling of pleasure. Some studies have even indicated there is a link between the consumption of chocolate and the lessening of pain.
[A slow smirk forms on his lips as he rereads his post, finding his own rambling amusing as he finishes his thought.] ...To make a long story short, a little indulgence won't kill you. Just be sure to limit your intake to a reasonable amount today.
[OOC: Trafalgar Law and his fantastic pimp hat get first comment, and then it's open season. Tag away!]
[Written]
I suppose it does. [He could’ve said a variety of things to keep the intriguing banter going. That he would make an exception to his rule just this once—or what he had in mind wasn’t a lesson. Not a traditional lesson anyway, with notebooks and endless tedium, but rather something a little more demonstrational and amusing. He wonders how you might’ve reacted to a blatant proposition, and he’s a little sorry to cut his prospects short...
But it was far too early in the relationship for that.] I wouldn't want to contradict myself, would I?
[Muraki had the same amount of interest in sexual brackets as he did for the universal definitions of wrong and right and how they applied to him. He was above orientation. This natural fluidity fascinated him, ran through him, and helped him understand something precious to his nature. Biological sex, gender, sexuality, none of it mattered. All he saw was beauty and appealing character points.
Besides, all blood tastes the same to a vampire, doesn’t it?
It happened that way with Tsuzuki, who isn’t even human and captured his heart as a young boy. Funny, that was how he felt now: seized. It wasn’t completely sudden, since he noticed you before in the clothing shop. But that spark of interest seems to have been put under a microscope and magnified.
He might have to find you just to ask you what you did, Law. Methylxanthine wasn’t that exciting.]
I’ve been well, thank you. I’ve settled into an apartment and have obtained some semblance of a normal life. For the most part.
[Written]
Sex is not an idle thing and not lightly given, no matter how his blood burns.
... but it's far, far too early to discuss such things, yes.]
No. No, I would suppose not. [But, ohoho, you're thinking it. Law knows. He lounges, sprawled over his couch comfortably and considers what he's going to say. He taps his pen against his lips thoughtfully.] Well, those lonely suitors will have to make do somehow.
[Does it? Law wouldn't know. He is not a vampire... not a predator of that nature. He may be inclined to hunt in certain cases, but he also takes only what is truly willingly offered. Because anything else isn't winning. Anything else isn't honorable. Anything else isn't... right.
Force is not an option.
But seized is a good word for it. A very good word for what he's feeling.
Oh? And what does he get to find out about you in turn?]
I hope the building's nice. You can get a lot of variety here, especially with your potential neighbours. Have you met any of them?
[Written]
What was it you said earlier about there being no fun in the simple?]
They will make do. There are far worse conditions than being single.
You have such concern for the solitary men in the world. Are you merely speaking from the goodness of your heart? [Do you bleed for others?] ...Or do you have a personal stake in it?
[Which just might be his way of asking if you're single. He's sure as hell not going to degrade himself by asking obvious, pointed questions about your girlfriend/boyfriend/life partner/whatever.
And as for what you will find out about him in exchange...you'll just have to find out. But he'll try to make it fair.]
I believe a young woman lives on the same floor as me, but I haven't had the opportunity to meet her, or any of my neighbors. I suppose I've been rather antisocial. And your neighbors?
[Written]
Do you want this to be easy, Muraki?]
There certainly are.
A stake? Aa, but I'm quite content. [And really, he is right now. Good banter, and possibly better things to come. And a comfortable couch. Do note he isn't saying he's taken, however.] It's just a pity that so many men have no idea to approach the situation when it comes to such matters. Today makes it very evident.
[Bleed? Hardly. Not anymore. Risk his life? Sometimes...]
There is a man who lives below me, [By two floors.] and I know him and some of my other neighbours passably. Friendly folk for the most part and pleasant to live by.
[Written]
I'm afraid I haven't been paying much attention to the journal system this morning. I was out. [His attention briefly returns to the orchids on the table, but he doesn't miss the fact that you didn't mention being involved with anyone. That was promising, to say the least.] Have they been making fools of themselves?
That's a relief: it would be unfortunate if you had to deal with bad neighbors. And might I be so bold as to ask where you live? [It wasn't an ominous question, really. He was just making conversation. And if the conversation happens to suit his interests, then that was just the paper umbrella topping off the banana daiquiri.]
[Written]
Let's just say it's been a very entertaining morning.
[Very, very entertaining. Law hasn't felt this much amusement since Bepo's disapperance.
The journals can be wonderful things sometimes.
Sometimes.]
Why so curious? [Can't you just feel the teasing?] Are you planning to drop in for a visit, Mister Muraki? I didn't realise I warranted the attention.
Besides. Such things? Are better told in person.
[Come now... not on the first date, Muraki.]
[Written]
And I wasn't aware that you were so modest. [And that would be adorable, if it was real.] I don't believe it suits you. A man such as yourself should be more self-assured.
[Yet another carefully-concealed, genteel compliment. If you weren't worth the attention, he wouldn't bother. He has a very limited amount of patience for things that don't appeal to him.
And a slow smirk crawls up his features at the last line.] Oh? Do you want to see my face, Mr. Law? I'm afraid I don't do video. You'll understand if I don't particularly like the idea of my image being streamed from my living room for the entire world to see. Or I might've gone into television. [And probably escaped the grief and emotional torture that being a doctor brought him.]
[Written]
So I've noticed. [Again the pen taps at his lips a few times.] But. That's not quite what I meant.
[He meant meet you in person. At a time when you least expect it.]
... till later, Mister Muraki.
[Journal close.
What was it they always say?
Oh yes.
... leave them wanting more.
Do you want more?]