Cicil's eyes lit up with curiosity. He had expected to feel afraid even just a bit cautious about the other but instead he was excited, even proud to be Larson's partner, or what he had called, bonded. "Then I have to thank for this." He said, tilting his head the side to expose the tattoo and bite mark. "It's beautiful." Not necessarily because of the tattooed flowers, Cicil could remember what they were very well, but more so because he had trusted Larson so much as to bond himseld to the vampire. He tilted his head curiously "what does a long long time mean to us?" He asked, flicking through more photos until he found the ones he could only assume we're vintage filters or professional Photoshop of some kind.
Lars chuckled and gently touched the bite on his neck. “The first and only time I bit you. But you decided to get the tattoos to decorate it.” he smiled. “You actually got several in honor of different events in our lives together.” Though he laughed again at the question of time, his smile growing. “Long enough that each of those pictures you’re looking at… They’re all real. We scanned them so we’d have a digital copy of all of them.” he explained.
"I can understand why. If the tattoos signify important events then it makes sense I'd surround the bite marks as well." He shivered as Larson touched his neck and the mark. He looked as his arms, at least that the parts that were exposed and tried to find any familiarity in the abstract details and words decorating him. Some words or phrases were in different languages or symbols. Images depicting landscapes or mimicking art were also marivulously puzzle pieces together to make for a cohesive design even if they didn't relate to one another. "What's your favorite one?" He asked, as always looking back on his phone for more photos to help him piece together what his lack of memory could not.
“My favorite what?” the vampire asked. “Tattoo or picture? Because I don't really have a favorite picture other than the ones we you in them.” Lars teased when really there was always one that stood out among the others. “But at the risk of sounding like a sentimental sap, my favorite piece of art on you is the one on your neck. Because, to me, it symbolizes not just our bond but it reminds me of the day we met.” he smiled nostalgically.
"Anyhting, pictures, tattoos, memories." He listed, finally landing on a photo of them at their wedding. They were dancing together, mid laughing, completely enamored in the moment and each other without a care for anything else save for each other. They looked so happy, something that Cicil could easily see happening between them but not really experiencing the memoriy of anything like that actually happening. "I don't mind the sentimentality. Even if I can't remeber any of this, its very comforting knowing we have such a beautiful life together, filled with memories worth sentimentizing over." he reasoned, smiling softly back. "how did we meet?" He asked, trying his best to remeber back but it seemed all he could remeber was his early childhood, his mama and siblings and then not much else after adolecence.
(Would you be up for a flashback? )
(A flashback could be fun!)
“It was beautiful,” Lars sighed, hating speaking about their relationship in the past tense like that, “but I believe that it will be again. I feel like it has to be.” he admitted as he smiled at each of the pictures. “We met in Barcelona. Your home. It was late because I hadn't adapted to the hot sun yet. Being a vampire, it takes longer for me.” he chuckled. “And believe it or not it was around the start of the Victorian age.” he added with a smile.
(Ok! also i don't know Catalan, so if anything is in a diffrent language, it'll most likely be spanish😅)
Cicl smiled softly "it will be, my love. This is only temporary." He reassured, genuinely hoping whatever had happened to his lost memoires would be recoverable. His eyes widened in surprise, "The victorian ara, that far long ago?" he asked in disbelief but also awe. they had known each other for more than a few decades. centuries of love and being together was what was between them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cicil hopped over a puddle as he made his way through his hometown, clutching his satchel bag and top hat close to his person. It had been another late night at the university and some of his students had asked for one on one time so it only extended his work day that much further. But he was willing to sacrifice his sleep for his students, always. While Cicil didn't mind leaving the college late, he wasn't used to being out this late. He knew the alter the night, hte more dangerous the streets of barcelona became, especially with the new influx of vampires intot he capital as of late. Cicl honestly didn't mind the vampires, he ahd a few friends that were vampires but being alone at night usually wasn't a good idea for a human. He kept his eyes averted as he passed a group of people, muttering "perdoname" as he scooted past.
(It's ok. I don't know Catalan either. But I can manage with Spanish.)
Lars sighed softly and gave Cicil a gentle smile, appreciating the epithet as well as the agreeing hope that his memories would return. “You are very brave. I would never hurt you, of course, but it's nice to hear you talk like you still know me.” he admitted. Though he nearly laughed at the fact that it had been the time period when they met that shocked Cici and not the fact that he was a vampire. “Yes. It was that long ago.”
Larson hummed to himself as he meandered down the streets of Barcelona, already enjoying the night life he had encountered. Not necessarily “civilized company” an apparent “gentleman” should keep but he didn't care much about scandal since it would likely pass in a few decades. As a vampire, he had very little fear for the future or other people's opinions of him. He was determined to have a good time as he was going to live forever, or very nearly.
“Oh, discúlpeme señor.” he replied when a human passed by his little group.
"brave if not a bit clueless but thank you." He chuckled softly, a small smile crossing his features as he slowly moved his hand to rest ontop of Larson's "I do still know you. Or at least parts of me do. I may not remember knowing you but you are still familiar to me on some deeper level than just the mind." He reassured. "Should I question our immortal existence then?" He asked, the entire idea if loving somone for so long still captivating him
Cicil didn’t know what compelled him to peek up at the group as he passed, but he did anyways, the little group of both humans and vampires alike intriguing him. He wasn’t so naive as to think they simply have a few late night drinks and go home but he wasn’t going to judge what others did with their lives. “Safe travels to you all.” He gave a slight bow as a curteous thank you for being allowed to pass without harm, gaze flicking to the vampire who had apologized. He knew most vampires were beautiful in their slightly unnatural way but Cicil had gotten used to the innitial shock over the past few years as he met vampires among his students and everyday life. Or at least he had thought he had gotten over it, but now he wasn’t sure, as he briefly took in the Vampire’s appearance. It was’t even just the appearance, more the way the vampire held himself with a mixture of cocky confidence balanced out somewhat with the lesurliness only and ageless vampire could pull off. To make it seem like he wasn’t staring and to hide the blush he knew would bloom on his cheeks, he held his tophat to his heart and bowed his head to the vampire. “Thank you, senor.” He offered a small smile before turning back on his path back home.
Lars couldn't help the hopeful smile as he took Cici’s hand in his, the assuring words helping to soothe his nerves. “Perhaps it's because we spent so long together that you feel that way or it could even be our bond.” he theorized. Both options sounded plausible to him though he might have to do some research on the latter.
Larson smiled, letting his fangs show slightly, as he looked at the new human. It was easy to hear his heart rate increase but he could tell it wasn't from fear. And that only intrigued him more. The human was quite cute, he had to admit, but he raised a brow at the sudden feeling to watch him. After a brief excuse to his friends, he quickly walked up to the man. “Wait… Uh, espere!” he called out before joining him. “Would you like some company?”
"You've just made that much of an impression on me." he replied. "Even if I lose my memory a thousand times over, I don't think I could ever forget you completely. Your touch, your voice, there are still things about you that are familair to me even without knowing exactly why."
_______________________________
Cicil glanced back when he heard footsteps approaching. He checked his bag and file of notes quickly just in case he had dropped anything when he had passed the group but everything seemed to be still with him. He stopped and waited until the vampire caught up. It was the same one who had thanked. All the warnings from his human friends and stranger alike suddenly came flooding back, never be caught alone with a vampire, humans can easily be manipulated by vampires, humans can easily fall to the whims of vampires, things like that. He should have kept going, ignored the wait and slip into an ally. Cicl knew the backstreets of Barcelona well enough to manage his way through allyways and back streets back to his home. So why did he wait? Why did he want to prolong their little interactions no matter how brief? He stifled the flutter of excitement and blinked in surprise. "I wouldn't want to keep you enjoying your night." He reassured, glancing behind the vampire at the group. "Besides I'm not heading anywhere eventful tonight, just back home." Somehow rejecting the vampire's offer didn't feel right. Despite what they were and the countless rumors surrounding vampires, Cicil didn't think the man in front of him would hurt him, at least not out in public. It more felt wrong in the sense of loneliness. Here was Cicil's chance to spend more time with the stunning vampire, perhaps get to know them even on a surface level and at best make a friend, and yet he was still refusing the offer. Cicil took a deep breath and gave a smile. "Actually, I would like the company if your sure your friends wouldn't mind your absence."
Lars chuckled and kissed his husband's forehead. “You don't know what a relief that is to hear.”
He had to admit he was glad that the human did wait for him, not that it would have been a problem to catch up either way. But he liked it better when they were receptive to him. “Oh, I can catch up to them later.” he smiled charmingly. “And you really shouldn't walk anywhere alone at night. Not all vampires are as friendly as myself.” Lars chuckled softly, rebutting both the man’s reasons. Though he would let him go if he was insistent on continuing by himself. “I am sure. They’ll be fine.” he nodded when the human changed his mind. “Larson Carter, at your service.” he grinned.
Cicil's gladly leaned into the gentle kiss, "I don't mean to worry you, dear." he murmured apologetically, gently toying with Larson's hand, feeling the most at ease with Larson close by.
Cicil gave a slight shrug as he started to walk again. "its not something I do often. The few times I do leave work late, I run into very few vampires. Though I suppose thats going to change soon, seeing that Barcelona is becoming a popular place for humans andd vampires alike. Are you from around here?" He asked, waving a hand to gesture around them. "Luckily I ran into you then, rather than someone less favorable." He wasn't sure if he should be worried at how easily he felt comfortable around the vampire or reassured that he Larson was seemingly harless but for the time being he didn't mind walking back home with the vampire. "Cicil Louissa," he exchanged, matching Larson's smile with one of his own. “I quite like the night life of Barcelona, of course save for the danger but if you know where to go, its quite beautiful.”
“I know you didn't.” he nodded. “And I don't blame you for what happened. But I still worry.” he admitted with a loving smile.
Larson hummed in agreement. “Yes, it is becoming quite popular for both. Though I must admit, I’m not used to the sun here.” he smiled coyly. Some vampires had a higher tolerance for sunlight than others. “Oh, no. I've been traveling lately and this was the next stop.” he answered truthfully. His smile grew as the human picked up on the joke and responded in kind. “A pleasure to meet you, Senor Louissa. Perhaps we should plan a meeting sometime and you can show me the best places to see this nightlife of yours?” he suggested, hoping the man would agree since he was already looking forward to it.
"Whatever in our past led us to be together, fate or merely just chance, I will forever be grateful." He said. "The best we can hope for is we find a way to get my memories back, and if that doesn't work out, then at least I can fall in love with you all over again."
Cicil chuckled "I imagine not. Thankfully Barcelona is equally as beautiful at night as it is during the day. I have no doubt you'll find something here that'll peak your interest while you adjust." He reassured, eyes widening in intrigue. "Ah so you're a traveler. I imagine being a vampire can be stagnant at times. You must have enough time on your hands to travel anywhere you'd like." He mused curiously. "I aspire to travel the world one day. Perhaps that's unachievable in only one life but maybe a few holidays here and there every few decades would be just as nice. I think you'll be my motivations from now on. If an ageless vampire can travel the world for eternity than I can travel to a few countries and have just as good of a time." He reasoned, giving a hopeful smile. “Please, call me Cicil. And the pleasure is all mine. I'll admit I'm a bit surprise by the offer considering you seemed to be traveling with a more lively bunch before but if you would still like to, I can show you around our beloved city.” He agreed, allowing a shy smile to cross his features.
“I hope so too, my darling.” he admitted. “I won't lie, I want the first option very much but I can live with the second if it comes to it.”
Larson nodded along as the human told him of the town. “I take it you’ve lived here long?” he asked, already half expecting a confirmation. “Traveling does add a nice change when you live alone. At least I have others to keep in touch with when I'm not traveling.” he admitted with a light shrug. When he thought about it too much, it was pretty lonely. There were options but… “Well, I’m flattered if you would think of me as an inspiration and I hope you get a chance to travel as much as you can.” he grinned. “Alright. Cicil it is, but only if you call me Larson.” he nodded, enjoying the conversation. “Oh, yes, they’re friends and I do enjoy their company but sometimes a break is just as nice. And admittedly, my friends are travelers as well. I think there were a couple of humans who live here in the group and at least one older vampire who’s traveled here before. But it's still nice to have some one on one time with a local who knows the city well.” he explained.
"we'll be alright, love. No matter what happens." He murmured, glancing up as the doctor came in. He scooted up in bed a bit as best he could while gently squeezing Larson's hand.
Cicil nodded "all my life. I was born in Barcelona and never really left. I adore the city but I think a nice change for a bit is needed." He nodded ethusiastically "and making connections of course is quite fun, expands ones little world by quite a bit." Any chance Cicil got to share his love of travel and dream of seeing the world he would, even if he ran into very few people that truly understood the thrill of adventure. He smiled but relented quite easily. "Very well, Larson it is." He tipped his head, already going through a mental map in his head of the city, of all the secret little restaurants and store fronts he had discovered through his countless trips around the town. He also had to take into consideration the places that were open late enough for Larson to be comfortable being outside. "If you're up for a bit of walk, I think I have the perfect place in mind for our first tour." He suggested, finding an old business card among his notes and files and passed it to larson. "Madre Karenine. Brothel and Bar" "Its a little hole in the wall bar but they serve amazing food and drinks." He said, rounding a corner and pausing by an old building. "What nights will you be free?"
Lars smiled lovingly at his husband and kissed his temple as the doctor finally arrived. “You are amazing.” he whispered before turning to the doctor.
“Very true.” he said, agreeing with Cicil’s comments about meeting people on traveling. “I’m not complaining about what I am but it can get a little boring with just the same social circle for too long.” he admitted with a shrug. And honestly, that was part of the reason why he was traveling so much. The people were nice enough, most of the time, and interesting but any friendships made… didn't often last. “I don't mind walking.” he assured with a casual smirk as he accepted the card. “My, my… I was not expecting you to know of a place like this.” he commented as he read what kind of establishment it was. “But I'm free most nights. I rarely make many long-term plans on where I’m going when I travel.”
Cicil laughed softly, despite his body's protest to sudden movement, it felt good to laugh. "Thank you my love, as are you, more so in fact for dealing with all this mess." He praised, squeezing Larson's hand before focusing on the doctor and the nurse as they checked his vitals.
"Well, for however long or brief your stay is in Barcelona is, I hope your bordom is quenched." He smiled and gave a casual shrug. "I'm not their conventional patron. That doesn't mean I'm aloof to what goes on in those types of place just more that I focus on the bar aspect of the business rather than the brothel portion. Thats not to say the ladies and the gentlmen there are poor company though. Perhaps you'll find someone that strokes your fancy." He offered, nodding his head and passing Larson a second card. "As soon as you find a suitable night to explore our city, send me a message and we'll head out on a bit of a late nigth adventure." He found the keys to his apartment in his bag as well and nodded towards the building. "This is my stop, Senor Larson. I think this is where we part ways until we meet again, my hopes are soon."
(do you want to be the doctor?)
Lars chuckled softly and returned the squeeze gently as he watched and waited for the doctor to speak. He knew he had been the one to hit the call button but he didn't want to interrupt at this point. And he was having a hard time trying to get himself to say the words.
“I’m sure it will be but I haven't decided how long I’m going to stay yet.” Larson smiled coyly. To him, a “brief visit” could last a decade or two. But he nodded politely as Cicil defended himself well. “I didn't intend to sound harsh. It's your business what you do when you go there, not mine. However, your information does make the place sound very much like my kind of style. Perhaps we can go together sometime.” he suggested, still smirking. “I certainly will, Senor Cicil. And I also hope our paths will cross soon.” he nodded.
The doctor cleared his throat softly, flicking his gaze between Cicil and Larson, a bit nervous both because of the situation and due to the vampire's precence. "Mr Carter, Mr Luissa. I am Dr Yousiff Valdi. I have been following Mr Luissa's progress since his accident." He explained, opening Cicil's record folder. "You'll need a while to recover from all the broken bones and the broken arm as well as the innitial shock from the accident." He paused, glanced as his nurse and closed the records. "As for the memory loss, at the moment I have very little information about that. Mr Luissa, there's nothing you can recall at all before the accident, perhaps a person or description of the other driver?" The doctor asked to which Cicil shook his head apologetically. "No, nothing, ssave for a few childhood memories and even those are vague."
"you did not." Cicl reassured brightly, eye narrowing playfully as Larson insisted on goign together but he had been the one to suggest the brothel in the first place. It wasn't necessarily the idea of going out that made butterflies flutter in Cicil's stomach but more so the little smirk the vampire gave, the vampire himself intrigued Cicil, moreso than the typical crowd he ran into in his everday life. Cicil dipped into a little bow before. "Goodnight, Larson. May the night keep safe and sound as you continue your adventure through our dear city." He smiled softly before unlocking the door to his apartment and stepping inside, giving Larson a final wave before closed his door with a click.
Lars sat still and listened to the doctor’s explanation, though he held Cicil’s hand the entire time. “Thank you, doctor.” he nodded. “Do you think there is any chance of recovering those memories?” he asked, wanting to hear it was possible even though he was still going to try regardless of the answer.
Larson smirked, glad that he hadn’t offended the man, and returned the bow. “Good night, Cicil. I look forward to seeing you again.” he replied before the human went inside for the night. He smiled to himself at the thought of his new acquaintance and casually strolled down the streets to rejoin his friends. He couldn't wait to tell them about the charming man he had met.
The doctor hesitated for moment, looking between the couple. "There is." He confessed. "but theres still some risk and you'd still need to find the person who took Cicil's memories but if you do, theres this specialist I can recomend. They go by FInn. THeres not much information on him but I've heard from returning patients that they seem to specialize specifically in memoriy loss."
Cicil stayed by the door for a few moments after he had closed it behind him, letting his heart calm to a more reasonable pace. Now that the innitial shock and awe of meeting and making plans with Larson had faded a bit, Cicil actually considered what making aquantences with a vampire outside of his students. Was it safe? Cicil hadn't felt in any danger when he had walked home with Larson, in fact it had felt quite normal, he liked their little conversation, planning an evening together. It hadn't occured to Cicil that he was bringing a stranger directly to where he lived instead of a street or two off just in case Larson was someone dangerous. Even if he tried, Cicill couldn't picture Larson as someone to be feared, and maybe that was the point, to lure in naive humans like Cicil into a vulnerable place emotionally before showing their true intentions but somhow, Cicil wanted to trust Larson was better than that.
Lars nodded, letting out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding at the news. It gave him a little more hope for their situation. "Thank you, doctor. If we did find the person, how would we find this Finn?" he asked somewhere between wanting and needing to know. He wasn't going to give up on the chance of finding the person responsable unless he had to.
(Sorry it's short…Should we end the flashback here or do you want to keep going?)
(No worries and yeah we can end the flashback for now, maybe bring it up a little later)
THe doctor set the file down for a moment and found a scrap piece of paper to write down an address. "Its a bit out of the way from here but he should be staying here for the time being. He's known to move around every few years or so I suggest finding him soon, at least to explain your situation even if you can't find the person." He handed the paper off to Larson. "I genuinely do hope you find your memories, Mr Luissa. I can't imagine losing something so vital to who you are so I'm hoping for the best outcome for you both." The doctor checked Cicil's vitals once more, asked a few questions about how he felt and then departed quietly, leaving the couple alone to rest and talk.
"There's a chance then," Cicil said softly, as if saying too loud would suddenly make that small chance dissapear. "we can get them back." He looked up at Larson, tentative but hopeful.
