Baby Sister is Ashamed...
Addie & Koj
2000

Disclaimer: We don't own Anne Rice's vampires, she does. All rights reserved. We do own Marion and her children Kai, Rosemary and Jennifer. If you want to use them(you probably won't though) ask us first.

Koj is Daniel and Addie is Armand.

Baby Sister is Ashamed…

**Daniel**


"Armand, I will be right out," Daniel called as he grabbed his dinner jacket and looked himself over one more time. He wanted to surprise Armand and decided to wear black dress slacks and a violet turtleneck instead of his usual T-shirt and old jeans, "I still cannot believe that we are going to the fireworks and brass band show at the park tonight. You hate these kind of things."

He was just about to walk out the door when the phone rang, "Don't pick it up because if you do you'll never get off it and we'll never get a good seat." Daniel hated to admit it but he loved fireworks.

Armand picked up the phone. "Daniel," Armand called, "there is a woman on the phone for you; her name is Marion and she claims to be your sister."

"Dammit," Daniel said walked out of the room and went into the living room then took the portable phone from his lover, "Yes, Sis, what do you want?"

"Is that anyway to greet your baby sister?" Marion asked in a fit of giggles.

"Only when Big Brother is in a hurry," Daniel sighed, "listen Mar I'm in a hurry here, can I call you back later…?"

"Daniel, I'm getting remarried."

"What?" he asked in complete shock, "married? I thought you were never going to get married after Micho dumped you for a younger woman…"

"His name is William and he was a sensei in Micho's dojo…"

"I've heard of William before and he seems like a nice guy. How are Kai, Jennifer and Rosemary handling the news?"

"They just love William and are very happy for me," Marion said.

"If they like this guy then he's got the "okay" stamp in my book. Congrads, Marion."

"There is something else…"

"If you are going to tell me that you are pregnant I…" Daniel hissed as he walked out of the room.

"No, I wanted to remind you of your promise…"

"What promise?"

"You have to give me away, remember?"

"You want me to… wait Marion I can't."

"It's a night wedding."

"You didn't tell William…"

"No, I just said you were a Wiccian and you believed night weddings were blessed by the Empress for longer martial passion."

"And he believed that crack pot story…"

"I told me you insisted and you wouldn't come unless it was a night wedding and William loves to make me happy."

"Great now we can go over the details later because I really have to go… I hate to do this to you…"

"Only one more thing before I can let you go…"

"Okay, Marion, one more thing…"

"Come alone, okay?"

"Alone? Why?"

"Well… the kids, William and his family…. Daniel… well they don't…. well… er…"

"Spit it out, Marion, I don't have all night."

"They don't know you're gay and I don't want them to know!"

Daniel stood there in a complete state of shock, his mind was blank. He stood there like a manikin for a what felt like forever before he could speak again, "Excuse me…"

"You heard me."

"I see how it is."

"Daniel, this is the way it has to be."

"I can't change what I am, Marion, and I like being who and what I am. I love Armand…"

"Shut up."

"Marion!"

"The day I got divorced you promised me that you would walk through fire to go to my wedding, remember?"

"You can't be serious."

"I am."

"I won't do it," Daniel screamed, "I won't put on some goddamn act for you. I am what I am and I am gay. I am in love with another guy and if you want me to play it straight for your wedding you've got another thing coming…!"

"Daniel," she said soothingly, "Daniel, I've got it all taken care of. You remember my best friend, Yoho, don't you? Of course you do, she was at Rosemary's Christening. She has agreed to spend the wedding week with you… see it's all taken care of."

"Yoho? A fuckin' week! I am not spendin' a week with the woman who wants nothing but a father for her five kids… aw shit, this is another attempt to straighten me out isn't it?"

"Yoho is the prefect woman for you…"

"I don't want the prefect woman when I've got the prefect guy for me…"

"Daniel, stop being difficult."

"Marion, I'll stop being difficult when you do," Daniel screamed, rage boiled in his veins like never before, "I won't do it."

Marion burst into tears, "But Daniel you promised…"

"Stop whining, I gave my promise to my sister not a whiny, self righteous bitch," Daniel said as turned off the phone and slammed it onto a table. He put his back to the wall and slide to the floor, tears coming out of his eyes. His tears turned into sobs, his beloved little angelic sister was ashamed of him.

**Armand**

"Danny, what the hells the matter?" Armand was down on his knees next to Daniel, trying to prie his hands from his face.
*sob* "It's nothin'" *sob* wailed Daniel, so overwhelmed by his sister's attitude that he couldn't think straight.

"Was that woman really your sister Danny? I thought you were estranged from all your family."

*sob, sob* "Yeah" *sob* "It was. She's the only one I keep in touch with now." *sob*

"What did she say to you to make you so upset?"

"She's getting MARRIED AGAIN!" *sob, sob*

"What? Aren't you happy for her?"

"Yes! I am happy for her, I love her. We were always so close. It's just that she wants me to give her away."

"That's good isn't it? So why are you crying then?" Armand was confused. Daniel always managed to confuse him. He pulled him upright and brushed away his tears.

"Let's talk about it when we get to the fireworks Danny. We'll be late otherwise. Oh a wedding will be so good. We will both have to get new suits. What are we going to buy them?" Armand was cheerful. He hadn't been to a wedding in years.......centuries in fact. He could hardly remember the last time.

"You can't go Armand."

"What? Why can't I go? I look so good all dressed up."

"Marion has lined up a woman to partner me."

"A WOMAN! " Armand's mouth dropped, and his eyes popped open wide. "A woman!" he shouted again.

"Calm down boss. It's not my bloody idea. I want to take you. It's just that she is unhappy about me being............"

"A vampire?" Armand finished the sentence for him. "I promise I won't kill anyone, Danny. I'll be on my best behaviour. We just have to feed before we go, surely."

"No, it's not that. She's OK about me being a vampire, surprisingly. She actually thinks its kinda cool. I would have been dead from the booze if you hadn't saved me boss. Its just that......well she's...........homo.........."

"Shit Danny, spit it out."

"She homophobic."

Armand started to laugh. 'Is that what all this is about? She can't handle you being gay!" Armand guffawed, tears were running down his cheeks. "She's OK with you being a vampire, but she can't handle you being GAY!"

"Shut-up! It's not funny. She is really upset about it. She doesn't think the rest of the family could handle it. So I have to put up with some husband hungry vixen for the week. God! Armand. I want to give my sister away. What in hell am I going to do?"

"So you are telling me that she can cope with you turning up, white as a ghost, finger nails that sparkle, eyes that glow in the dark, little sharp fangs, and a lust for everyone's blood. Yet the thought of you fucking another man turns her off. What kind of a woman is she?"

"She's my sister, and I love her. So shut-up. Let's go to the fireworks. We'll talk about this later."

Armand managed to stifle another laugh, and grabbed Daniel's hand, pulling him out the door and into the car. All the way to the park he stared at Daniel, who was still fuming. He refused to look at Armand, and every time Armand tried to touch him on the arm, or pull him in for a kiss, he would turn away.

"Well this is going to be a fun night." Armand quipped, joining in their little game by huffing and staring out the other window.

They found a good spot on the grass, laid down their rug and pillows and settled in for the entertainment. Daniel still wouldn't talk to him. Armand sidled closer when all the park lights went off and the music began. He tried to nuzzle into his neck and kiss him on the cheek. Daniel kept easing further and further away, so that in the end he was on the damp grass, and Armand had the rug all to himself.

He took advantage of it, spreading out, using both the pillows and smiling gleefully. He loved it when Daniel moped, and he was in a very serious mope right now. It was always so much fun when he got him home and coaxed him out of it. He pictured it now, teasing him a little bit, ripping his clothes off, maybe tying his wrists to the bed. All the time Daniel would be grumbling and swearing at him.

He looked over again to where Daniel was sitting. He was gone!!

**Daniel**

I hated running away from Armand, my mind has been running away from him since Marion called. Just because his telepathic powers, doesn't work on me doesn't mean he still can't read my mind. Just one look into his eyes and I totally break down. He was being so sweet and understanding tonight. It took all my strength not to just give myself up to his strong arms. Damn, I'm in a bad situation. Why did I have to promise to be at my sister's next wedding? Marion has been married twice before.

Rosemary and Jennifer were from her first marriage to a 50-year-old businessman when she was 18. Dad picked out the husband for her and from what I reckon he was a pervert, who else would force himself on an 18-year-old girl.

Who did she cry to about it? Me.

After that bastard died five years later Stepmom wanted Marion to marry a well-to-do martial arts master, Micho Date, as soon as possible. She was horribly unhappy in that marriage as well. Micho was a Japanese man with the old fashion Japanese values and treated my sister as if she were dirt. Kai was their only child and I never met him. By the time Kai was born Marion knew I was gay.

I guess I know why she didn't want me to see him… now.

The reason the brother side of me wants to be at her wedding is because I never got to go to any of the others. Also I'd love it if Dad and Stepmom were there so I could do a little showing off. They thought that I would do absolutely nothing with my life.

Haha!

Wait I would've became nothing without my beloved Armand. I love Armand, like in a sonnet; a love to fight, kill and die for. Now my sister wants me to abandon him for her sake because she cannot stand what I am. I am what I am and I'm proud of it. Oh I'm really in a bad spot right about now. What do I do when I get into a bad spot?

Drink or call Benni.

Since I can not longer drink alcohol so I think I'll call Benni. I know the number off the top of my head and I dial it on my cell phone without even looking at the numbers.

"Foster here."

"Hello, Benni."

"I wondered if you were going to call. I just got off the phone with Marion, a very upset and bitchy Marion, who told me all about her conversion with you. I don't blame you for being upset, Daniel, I'm pretty upset too. The nerve of that girl. If it wasn't for you she never would have gotten the divorce from Micho and had full custody of Kai. After telling me how you reacted she turned right around and did the same thing to me…"

"So how is Adrian?"

"Oh he's fine… I haven't told him what Marion said and I know he's going to be pissed. How did Armand take it?"

"How does Armand usually take things?"

"That good, heh?"

"Benni, I don't want to be locked up for a week with Yoho…!"

"Ohmigod, not the Yo-Ho," Benni sighed, "she tried that on me once too. She learned not to do that again. Armand must be amused. Where is he anyway?"

"We're at the park listening to a brass band," Daniel sighed.

"And why are you talking to me?"

"I needed someone to talk to. I know that you'd understand what was going on because you know Marion."

"Its days like these I wish I didn't."

"Same here."

"What are you going to do?"

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know," Benni said, "I promised I'd go too. I don't want to have to pretend to be someone that I'm not because it's just damn disgraceful and it dishonors Adrian."

"I'm proud of my relationship with Armand I want to shout it from the rooftops and not hide it from everyone."

"I know," Benni said, "listen Adrian just walked through the front door so can I talk to you tomorrow night."

"Sure, Benni…"

"Take my advice, for once in your life, go back to Armand and enjoy the rest of your evening. Worrying about this is only going to eat you and I up inside."

"Okay, I will. Night Benni and give my best to Adrian," Daniel said as turned off his cell phone. He looked around for Armand's blanket but couldn't find it anywhere.

A arm came out of no where and gestured to a huge tree on the other side of the bandstand, "We're over there by that tree."

"Armand," Daniel sighed happily and turned to hug his beloved and kissed him soundly on the lips, "I'm glad you came and found me."

"Who is Benni?"

"My first boyfriend," Daniel said simply, "Marion and Benni's sister, Lizzy, were best friends and Benni and I had to baby-sit them a lot so we are all like a big happy family. Marion never knew that Benni and I were together but then I got kicked out of the house and we went our separate ways. We are still friends now and I figured that Marion would call Benni and probably give him the same riot act he gave me. She did and he is not amused either."

"Lets go home…"

"No," Daniel said.

"Yes…"

"No, Armand, please," he said grabbing a hold of Armand's arm and carefully dragging him back to the blanket, "I'm sorry for earlier…" Daniel felt the tears well up in his eyes… "please!"

**Armand**

Armand's heart skipped a beat for a minute when he saw that Daniel had disappeared, but he soon saw him slinking around behind one of the trees. He was talking on the phone so he followed him and tried to listen in to his conversation.

He heard the names Benni, Adrian, and Marion, so he realised that Danny was talking about his sister's intending marriage. When Daniel finally finished talking, he beckoned to him, offering to take him home.

Daniel soon talked him into wandering back to their blanket on the ground, which, thankfully, was still there and they wrapped it around themselves.

"I'm sorry I laughed at you before." Armand whispered to him.

"It's Ok boss, I was pissed off at Marion's reaction. I thought she might have gotten over it by now."

"You really mean to tell me that she can cope with you being a vampire, but not gay."

"Yeah, work that one out." Daniel replied, shrugging his shoulders.

"You must go to this wedding Dan. I'll cope without you for a week. It's important to your sister. You know this could be the last family thing you will get to."

"Why?" Daniel questioned him.

"Well look at yourself Danny. You don't look a day older than when I made you and you never will. In a few years time your younger sister will look like you mother. How will you explain that one to the rest of the relatives."

"I know!" Daniel replied wistfully. "It's a bitch really isn't it?"

"Sometimes." Armand replied, and pulled Daniel in for a long kiss.
He pushed him back onto the pillows and laid on top of him, keeping the kiss going for as long as he could.

"Fucking faggots." he heard someone berating them.

They stopped kissing and looked up simultaneously.

"Want some supper Danny?" Armand said to him.

"Sure do boss."

As one they rose and without causing even a ripple amongst the audience they grabbed the two hefty and ugly looking guys and pushed them into the bushes.

"What did you call us?" Armand said, with a wicked grin on his face.

"Well that's what you are, right, faggots, arse bandits...." He didn't get the rest of his sentence out, as Armand sunk his fangs into his neck so quickly and viciously that all his victim could manage was a squeaky yelp.

His burly friend, who was being held in a vice like grip by Danny was whimpering like a beaten puppy as Daniel bent him backwards, grabbed him in the crotch and sunk his fangs in as well.

"Well that was fun." Danny smiled at Armand. "Lets go and watch the fireworks. Then afterwards we can make some fireworks of our own."

"Oooooh I can hardly wait." replied Armand.

**Daniel**

'"It feels good just to be in your arms." Does Armand know how much I want to say that to him? I'm falling into one of my depressions but I'm trying to act happy for his sake. I want to take him to the wedding but he really has no desire to go anymore. I wish I kept my damn mouth shut.

I trust myself around Benni, maybe a few years ago I wouldn't have but I've had time to heal a lot of old wounds now. Amazing how slow those wounds are to heal and how quickly they do reopen.'

"Armand, I want you to go to the wedding with me," Daniel said as he put his arms around Armand as the fireworks started to go off, "you mean the world to me and I want everyone to know that."

"That's sweet of you," Armand answered, "but I want you to go alone."

"Forget what I said about Marion and about not taking you. I couldn't go anywhere without you…"

Now Daniel was worried, Armand went from being really sweet and understanding to being the iceman again. Does he think Daniel was throwing this in his face? "Daniel, I don't want to talk about this. Let's enjoy these fireworks and go home."

'I'd pay a hundred bucks to know what Armand is thinking right about now'

"Daniel, I look young," Armand said, "and you look so much older. If being gay isn't going to get you in trouble with your family maybe my age appearance might."

'Does fate want a hundred bucks cash or check?'

"Armand, what has gotten into you?"

"I'm angry, all right," Armand said as he wrenched free of Daniel's arms and stood up, "I'm going home, by myself, don't come home until after the wedding."

"What about our plans…?"

"I don't want to ruin your plans…"

'Even for Armand something is wrong here. I've never seen him be so loving then turn to ranting and raving so quickly. There is usually a warning period of at least five minutes.'

"My plans are our plans. Armand, sweet one, my feelings for you are like that Rod Sweater song 'You are my heart, you are my soul, you'll be my breath should I grow old. You are my lover and my best friend you're in my soul.' Listen, I don't want to be melodramatic because I'm not good at it, especially when I'm trying to be. I want to go home, with you," Daniel said as he jumped up and wrapped his arms around him tightly.

*Armand*

Dammit, I tried to give him an out. What *would* the relatives at the wedding think if *I* turned up on his arm. For god's sake, I look sixteen. They would all think that Daniel was a paedophile. I didn't want him trying to beg me. I had said I wasn't going. I had told him to go. What more can I do?

He was whining. I hate it when he whines. "Just go Daniel. I'll be fine. I might visit Louis and Lestat for a couple of days. Or maybe catch up with Marius. I haven't seen him in ages."

That did it. His mouth dropped, his brow furrowed. I thought he was going to dam well cry. "Daniel. Grow up. I just said I *might* visit them. If I do it will just be as a friend. All right, come home with me tonight and tomorrow we will go shopping."

"Shopping?" Daniel replied tersely. "Why do we have to go shopping?"

"Well you don't have a good suit to wear, and if you are going to be away for a week or more you will need new jeans, new shirts. Need I go on."

"Are you saying I don't have good enough clothes now." Daniel mumbled.

He really was looking miserable now. It was all I could do to stop from slapping him about a bit.

"No, I'm not saying that. I just thought perhaps you might like some new clothes. I thought it might take your mind off of things. You know, between you and me."

He looked at me morosely again, shrugged, picked up the blanket and followed me sullenly to the car.

The next morning he was still moping, even when I helped him shower and dress, which took rather a long time, and gave him my gold mastercard, telling him he could fill it up. He grumbled the whole time I helped him pick out a new suit, well three new suits. One black, one grey, one dark blue. He just couldn't decide and he looked so sexy in all of them. The jeans I made him try on were skin tight, the t-shirts the best money could buy.

"Now pack your bags Daniel and piss off. I don't want to see you until after the wedding."

"Please boss, come with me?" he begged again. Daniel flung his arms around me and kissed me hard. "Please come, I will miss you so much."

I prised him off of me, pushed him away. "Go Daniel. Have a good time. Give my love to your sister. No, take that back. Here my love, you might as well take my cheque book, buy her something really nice for the wedding."

Daniel stared at me. "What, have I got blood on my chin or something?"

He laughed.

"Thanks Armand. You're great. You know that." He kissed me again, picked up his bags and waited outside for the limo.

I watched him disappear up the street. Maybe I would visit Louis and Lestat, they would help me keep my mind off him for a while. Then again...........

Note: Danni is pronounced Danny just as Benni is pronounced Benny.

In this Spec Daniel's sister, Marion, is getting remarried and wants Daniel to give her away. The problem is that she doesn't want anyone to know he is gay.

Koj is Daniel and Addie is Armand.

**Daniel**

Daniel got off the plane that touched down at Portland Jetport, Portland Maine. The jetport was completely empty, probably because it was three in the morning. He ran his hands through his messy hair and checked his clothes: a black long sleeve shirt, blue jeans with belt, and hiking boots. He had lived long enough in Maine to know how cold it would get. He hid his cell phone and pager in his carryon because he had taken a normal passenger plane. Portland Jetport rarely gets private planes and he did not want to be noticed.

He still couldn't believe that his sister wanted to move back here after all she had seen around the world. She hated it here growing up because it had such rough winters. Oh well, maybe it was the peace and quiet that she missed about Maine. Marion would last here two years though; she'll go insane.

"I've got two questions for ya, Danni-baby, what was the last thing I saw when I left Portland Jetport 30 years ago and what is the first thing I see when I come back. Answer is the same for both: you."

Daniel turned around and saw this brown haired, almost Italian looking except this pale skin. He had his mid back length hair up in a pony tale, held by a leather strap that was the same color brown as his leather jacket. He wore a black T-shirt with "Whatever it is I didn't do it!" in white letters and wore blue jeans. Benni Foster didn't look at day over 30.

"Hello, Benni," Daniel said as he dropped his backpack of a carryon case and walked over to him and bear hugged him.

Benni hugged back with equal enthusiasm, "Danni, I have missed you so much!"

"Not as much as I missed you."

The pair broke apart and walked arm in arm picked up the dropped carryon and headed toward the door. "So how is the night club going?" Daniel asked.

"Really good and Adrian is glad you talked me into it," Benni said.

"I would've given you the start up money…"

"Adrian would've been jealous besides he needed to do it, god-knows-why."

"Because he loves you and I hope he still doesn't think of me as competition because he could kick my ass."

"Adrian loves you and you know it," Benni laughed, "you made a good impression on him when you came to visit last year."

"He's a nice guy and he is very lucky."

"So is Armand," Benni said as he kissed Daniel's cheek, "so is Armand."

*Armand*

He was gone. The house was so bloody quiet I could hardly stand it: a week without him. I picked up the phone and called the brat. Louis answered.

"Hello Armand. You sound a little down, what's the matter?" Louis, always so polite and considerate. He could tell how I was feeling even if he couldn't read my mind.

"Daniel's gone away for a few days that's all." I replied, trying to sound cheerful.

"Come around here for a while, Lestat's out shopping, but I'm sure he will be pleased to see you. How long has it been? A couple of months I suppose." Louis was rambling.

"Six!" I replied.

"Remember, it was last Christmas. Lestat and I had that fight."

"Oh yes!" Louis laughed. "How could I forget? Well I'm sure Lestat will still be pleased to see you. Just promise not to break anything while you are here."

"I promise." I grumbled.

We said our good-byes; I packed a few clothes, called my driver and headed off to the airport. Perhaps it wouldn't be too bad spending a week with Lestat and Louis. I thought about it some more. Louis I was looking forward to seeing. I always did. There would always be a little something between the two of us. But Lestat. How could I love him so much and hate him so much all in one breath. He was an enigma, obtruse, obstinate, infuriating, and adorable.

Then I began to think about Danny. Would he miss me? I was missing him already. His sweet face, those violet eyes, his hair so messy all the time, the way he wrinkled his nose when he was thinking about something. The way he looked at me when we awoke in the morning, the feel of his naked cool skin next to mine, that heated up so quickly when I caressed him. His lips, soft and pliant, so wanting, so needing. The back of his neck. The sexiest spot on his body, right where his hair finished, that little indentation that I always loved to tickle with my lips, my fangs.

"We are at the airport sir." The driver had awoken me from my reverie.

"Oh thank you!" I answered, and followed him through to the counter.

"I have a booking for New Orleans." I said to the lady behind the counter. "But can I change that please."

"Yes sir, where to?"

"Maine please."

**Daniel**

Benni and Daniel sat down near the terminal entrance and lounged about. The looked out of place in this empty airport, somehow very busy yet empty. They didn't have much to say to each other, knowing the other one's mind was on their left-behind lover. Benni handled his cell phone like a martial artist would a bow-staff. Daniel just stared for into place but soon got sick of staring at the boring ceiling and looked at his watch. "Ben, when were we supposed to be picked up?"

"It is almost dawn, isn't it?" Benni sighed, "you sister isn't very considerate, is she?"

"I wish she would've let us rent-a-car and we'd be there by now. Naples is only an hour and a half drive from here 'cause we'd make good time at night."

"You know that and I know that but obviously Marion doesn't know that," Benni said as he looked at Daniel nervously, "do you think…?"

"Yes, go call Adrian, I won't be offended," Daniel said, "I'm going to call Marion and see what is taking her so long. If she doesn't come in an hour I'm getting a fuckin' hotel room and come tomorrow night."

"Oh no, Daniel Molloy, I'm not going to that hellhole all by myself. I'm staying with you."

"Fine, we could rent-a-car and you could drive around Portland."

"Yeah and the Maine Mall isn't that far away and there are many movie theaters plus ATMs so I could get some cash from the ATM card."

"The ATM card?" Daniel asked.

"Adrian gave me his Platinum Visa and his ATM card."

"Credit card and check book," Daniel said pointing to himself.

"Are they afraid that we are going to run out of money? I brought my debit card and my own credit card."

"Nah, they just want us to have a good time and be very independent. I personally don't want to count on Marion for every little thing," Daniel said as he stood up and stretched.

"But…"

"It's their own little way of saying that they love us," he said as he dialed Marion's phone number.

"Hello," answered the other line.

"Yes, hi, can I please speak to Marion Molloy-Jameson-Date please."

"It's 4:30 in the morning…"

"And I've been at the jetport all night!" Daniel exclaimed.

"Excuse me?"

"I'm Daniel, Marion's brother and I'm here at the Portland Jetport with Benni Foster. We've been here for hours."

"Oh… umm…er… Mom and Will went over to Grandpa and Step-Grandma's last night and never came back. This is Kai."

"Wait, what do you mean they never came back? She left you and your sisters all alone?"

"I am 21 and my sisters are nearly 30."

"God, now I feel really old. Whew," Daniel whistled.

"I'm really sorry that you've been waiting all night, Uncle Daniel, but Mom took the only car we have. I can give her a message to pick you up in the morning…"

"Nah, don't worry about it. She probably won't feel like driving when they get back anyway. Just tell her that…"

"Hang on let me grab a pen," Kai said as a thump and a crash came over the phone line. He fell off his bed, "okay, please continue."

"Tell her that Daniel and Benni got into Portland all right and we got all our bags. We're just going to get a hotel room, double queen beds, and we'll meet her at Rick's Café tomorrow night at 11. We need to catch up on life anyway."

"Okay, Uncle Daniel, I got that," Kai said as he paused, "I'm looking forward to meeting you."

"Why?"

"You saved me and Mom's life," Kai said as he hung up the phone.

Benni looked at him, "Well?"

"William and Marion are getting drunk with Dad and Lorna."

"Shit…"

"Let's just get a room because I'm getting dead tired. Talk to Adrian?"

"He's not home but his Step-Grandmother, Katherine, told me he'd get in touch soon though."

"That's cool," Daniel said as he picked up his bags and headed toward the rent-a-car place, "shall we get going?"

"Sure, why not? At least Adrian and Armand aren't here because I wonder how they'd treat this warm welcome."

*Armand*

He settled into his first class seat, put his feet up, laid the headrest back, and began to doze. The music from the headphones was soothing, and he began to hum quietly to himself.

"Can I get you a drink young man?" Armand vaguely heard a Hostess asking him.

"Wha...what?"

"A drink, would you like a drink young man?"

Dam! He wished he had taken his own private jet, but it had been having a major overhaul and he didn't want to risk it. Something wrong with the landing gear so the pilot had said. He glared at the hostess. This wouldn't happen on his own jet, they knew better than to bother him when he was listening to his music.

He drew a deep breath, took the headphones off, and tried to compose himself. It wouldn't pay to be rude to the poor woman. She was after all just doing her job.

"I'll have a coffee thank you." Armand replied, with a very forced smile on his face. "And its Mr. Molloy to you young woman." he continued.

"Yes sir . . . er Mr. Molloy. Of course." She was very flustered and Armand was very pleased.

The young woman avoided him for the rest of the flight, for which he was truly thankful. He watched an in-flight movie, and dozed, but every time he shut his eyes he saw Daniel smiling at him. He wondered what Daniel's reaction would be when he turned up in Portland.

The airport was fairly quiet when he arrived at 5.a.m. He only had just enough time to grab a hire-car find a hotel and crash for the day. He sauntered up to the counter. The man looked at him, then promptly asked for his driver's license.

"I'm older than I look." Armand said to him as he flashed his license bearing the birth-date, 1975.

"You certainly don't look 25." the man said, as he stared at the photo on the license, then back at Armand a couple of times.

A quick flash into his mind, and the papers for the BMW were handed over. Armand smiled at the young man and winked, causing him to blush profusely. "Will you be staying in the same place as your brother, Mr. Molloy?" the man asked him, as he put his wallet away.

"My brother?" Armand questioned.

"Yes sir. I was assuming it was your brother who was here earlier with another gentleman. They were staying at the Ramada, in the center of the city."

"What makes you think my brother was here?"

"Just the same name I suppose: Mr. Molloy. Sorry for interfering."

Armand smiled and nodded, not giving the man the satisfaction of knowing the truth. At least now he knew where Daniel was staying for the evening.

When he entered the lobby of the Hotel, a very annoyed clerk came out from behind the desk. "Doesn't anyone sleep around here?" he said grumpily.

Armand was becoming very annoyed, and didn't even bother asking politely which room Daniel and his friend were in. He gleaned it quickly from the clerk's frazzled mind; ordered his bags to be sent up to his own room, and went on a detour to Daniel's room.

He thought about knocking...he really did...but for some reason he barged straight in. He wished that he hadn't, for there was Daniel in the arms of another man.

**Daniel**

Daniel crashed on the bed and snuggled up against the scratchy, thin bedspread messing all the covers up extremely. His bags he dropped at the door and he didn't bother to undress he was so damn tired. Benni followed close behind him and tripped over Daniel's bags. "Dammit, Danni!"

"Sorry," he mumbled into the pillow.

"Dammit, Danni…!"

"I heard you the first time," Daniel said as he picked his head up and looked at Benni.

"We got one bed!"

"Wha?" Daniel asked as he looked around the room, "I asked for two…"

"I know, I know," Benni sighed, "would it…"

"Benni, we are best friends and it isn't as if we hadn't slept in the same bed before. Even Adrian didn't have problems with us sharing a couch when we stayed at his Grandfather Don John's."

"True," Benni said as he took his coat off and laid it against the cheap armchair and dropped the extra key in an ash tray, "now Daniel I'm leaving your key in the ash tray on the lil round table. Daniel, where am I leaving your key?"

"You are leaving my key in the ask tray on the fuckin' lil round table, King Arthur."

"Fuck you too, Sir Lancelot, now move over you are hogging the bed."

"You wish," Daniel laughed as Benni got in on the left side of the bed: Armand's side. Daniel looked up at the water spotted ceiling and wondered how his beloved Armand was doing. He was probably with Lestat and Louis by now bashing him or the situation: probably both. Lestat was probably trying to figure out a way to cheer Armand up, which probably has to do with sex.

Daniel turned on his side and faced the wall; Benni turned on his side as well and put his arms around him; he kissed him on the cheek. "We're going to be all right, Danni, I know you miss Armand and I miss Adrian but we are stuck in this horrible situation and we always make the best of really bad situations."

Daniel turned toward Benni and gave him a huge bear hug and they kissed lightly but then the door flew up and Armand appeared in the doorway, Daniel proceeded to fall right off the bed and hit his head against the night stand, blood flew everywhere. "Goddammit!"

"Who in the hell?" Benni asked as he jumped off the bed to help Daniel up, "you really cracked your head, Danni-baby, you're bleeding like crazy."

"Danny-baby?" Armand hissed.

Daniel pointed to Armand, "Benni Foster, Armand. Armand, Benni."

"You look like you are 16," Benni said, "at least Adrian looks 30."

"Oh shuddup, Benni," Daniel said facing Armand, "Love, this isn't what it looked like. I asked that dumb ass at the front desk for a room with two beds but he gave us one bed instead."

"You were in his arms and you were kissing him!" Armand whispered violently.

"I lightly kissed him," Daniel said, "and the hug was a mutual support thingie. We were both waiting for hours at the Jetport and we got talking about you and Adrian…"

"Who is Adrian?"

"My husband," Benni said as he showed Armand his wedding band.

"See," Daniel said, "I wasn't cheating on you but I was thinking about you. He hugged me to cheer me up and I kissed him good night. I wasn't going to sleep with him."

Armand looked at Benni then walked over to Daniel, taking out a handkerchief and pressing it against Daniel's head wound. He handed a key to Benni; "You can have this room now take your things are go."

"We got to arrive together," Daniel sighed, "or Marion is going ask more questions than David."

Benni handed Armand his key, "Don't worry, Danni, I'll meet you at the front of the hotel tonight at nine, okay?"

"Yeah," Daniel smiled as Benni grabbed his stuff and booked it out of there.

"Danny-baby?" Armand asked angrily.

"It's a nick name," Daniel said as he took the compress from him, "he gave it to me before we were together."

Armand mumbled something under his breath and Daniel sighed then something hit him like lighting and it hurt like it too; "What are you doing here? I thought you didn't want to go to the wedding?"

*Armand*

"Danny-baby, Danny-baby" that bloody name kept going around and around Armand's head, as he held the handkerchief to Daniel's bleeding head.

"It sure looked like you were being more than just friendly my love." Armand said, trying to keep his voice calm, trying to stop from blowing up completely and rampaging up the corridor to suck Benni dry.

"Armand, please, I can do this." Daniel pulled away from him, and went into the bathroom to get cleaned up. "Aaaarrrgh!!" he shouted, when the cold water hit the wound on his head.

Armand followed him into the bathroom and sat on the toilet, trying not to sulk. This little surprise of his was supposed to be happy, but here they were arguing already.

"You didn't answer my question." Daniel said to him finally, when the blood finally stopped flowing.

"What question?"

"What are you doing here? I didn't think you wanted to go to the wedding?"

"I missed you, and I didn't feel like catching up with the brat at the moment. We didn't exactly get on that well last time, and I didn't feel like fighting with him, with poor Louis in the middle, like he always is."

"But I thought it was all arranged. You would spend some time down in New Orleans, while I did my duty up here."

"Are you saying you don't want me here, Danny?" Armand said quietly, his bottom lip dropping very effectively into a delicious sulk.

Daniel couldn't resist. He could never resist one of Armand's perfect pouts, so he kissed him hard on the mouth, drawing just a little blood from his puffed out bottom lip. Armand tried to smile, but the kiss stopped him, and almost stopped him from breathing as well. Gasping for air, and trying not to appear *too* happy, he stood up from the toilet and pulled Daniel into his arms.

"I don't have to actually *go* to this wedding Daniel. I could just hang around, be company for you when you get lonely. Maybe I could check out the sights, you know, go to a few museums and stuff."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm very sure Daniel. Someone has to keep an eye on you."

"And just what is that supposed to mean?" Daniel growled, his momentary happy mood plunging into confusion and anger again. "Do you think I can't look after myself?"

"No...I didn't mean that Daniel. It was just my way of saying..."

"WHAT??"

Armand pushed him away from him and walked out of the bathroom. He loved Daniel so much. He had missed him from the second he had gotten onto the plane, and here he was acting as though he wished he wasn't here.

Daniel followed him out, only to see him picking up his bags and heading out the door.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?" Daniel shouted at him.

But Armand didn't answer him. He hung his head and didn't turn back. He shouldn't have followed him. He should have given him some time with his old friends. He banged on the door to the room that was originally his, surprising Benni, who was just drifting off to sleep.
"Wha...what are you doing here?" Benni asked him, slightly taken aback by the desperate look on Armand's face.

"Want to swap again? Go and catch up with your friend. See if I care." and he shoved Benni in the direction of Daniel's room.


**Daniel**


Daniel followed Armand out into the hallway and found Benni looking very confused at Armand and Armand trying to get past him. 'Okay, I never said Benni was smart.'

"Wait a damn minute, Armand," Benni said, "you just can't except Danni-baby just to welcome you here with open arms when: #1) you throw opens the door, scare him outta his wits and his seriously hurts himself. #2) he feels guilty as hell leaving you behind, he feels like he has betrayed you show up all happy and shinny. #3) you accuse him of wanting to sleep with me. You and I know that when Danni wants sex he always naked and never half asleep which he was tonight…"

'Now I'm embarrassed. The whole hotel knows all about my sex life and if someone from Marion's wedding celebration is also here… Oh I have such a headache!'

Someone came up behind Daniel, Daniel turned around to face Adrian. He banged his head against the wall. "Nice to see you too, Daniel."

"Armand showed up without warning and got the wrong idea about Benni and me now you showed up without warning… Benni is going to flip."

"Yes, he is really letting Armand have it, isn't he?" Adrian laughed and handed Daniel a full glass, "I sensed you were hurt so I thought a true Bloody Mary would do you some good. It's my Grandfather's recipe."

Daniel drank the stuff slowly and looked up at Adrian, "Thanks."

"Any another thing Armand," Benni said, Armand had a blank look to him, it was humorous, "you know that Daniel loves you. Hell I think he wrote five letters to you while we were waiting for Marion to show up. He wanted you to be there because he is proud of the love you share. He was ready to risk the wrath of his father to have you there…"

"Benni," Daniel said as he walked up to the pair and broke in-between of Benni and Armand, "Armand doesn't know anything about my Dad."

Benni blinked, "He hasn't seen the scar…"

"I didn't tell Ad about your parents," Daniel sighed, "besides talking about Adrian…"

"Don't tell me…"

"He's in the room, just throw my stuff against the wall and I'll pick it up tonight," Daniel said as he put his arm around Armand's shoulders and ushered him into their room. He turned to Armand and sighed, "I'm sorry how all this turned out. I was really surprised to see you and I knew the scene didn't look good."

He turned Armand toward him, "I love you more than anything and I'm glad you are here."

"Are you?" Armand asked.

"What does that mean?" Daniel asked, obviously very hurt by Armand's cutting question.

"Do you love me enough to show me where that scar is and to tell me how you got it?"

Daniel turned his head and lifted his long hair behind his ear away. Hidden beneath the thick hair was a two-inch scar that looked deep. "My stepmother tripped me and I spilled purple soda on the rug and it stained. Dad took out a butcher's knife and said he was going to cut my head open to see if I had a brain in there. I was scared out of my mind and as he attacked with the knife I rolled away, he got me behind my ear."

*Armand*

Armand felt quite told off. This Benni was a character, and Armand warmed to him straight away. He always liked people who were strong and knew their mind. Then he saw another mortal talking to Daniel.

"What is this, Grand Central Station?" he said jokingly. . Then he heard them talking about Danny's scar. Something else Danny has just conveniently forgotten to tell him.

He was glad when this other guy, Adrian, disappeared into his old room again with Benni. He was ushered back into Daniel's room, being told how much he was loved. Yeah right! So loved that Daniel couldn't tell him about such a horrid thing as a scar.

He gasped when Daniel showed him. How had he never noticed it before? That's probably why Daniel always wore his hair quite long over the back of his neck. Armand fingered it gently.

"So you didn't think this was important enough to tell me about?" Armand seemed angry still.

Daniel pulled him to him to kiss his cold lips. "It was something I tried very hard to forget. Like all the other shithouse things my pop did to me."

"You told me he was a bastard, Daniel, and a drunkard. Anything else you haven't told me. I would like to know. It kinda helps me to understand your moods sometimes." Armand said softly and sincerely to him. They sat down on the edge of the bed together and held hands.

"Do you want me to tell you about the beatings, and the time he threw me out of the house in a snow storm and made me sleep in the garage. Or the time he caught me with Benni once, and he belted me in front of him. Oh he was a charmer, Armand. When he was sober he was fine, most of the time he just ignored me. God knows why I took up the drink. I swore when I was a kid that I would never follow in his footsteps. But you saw me as a mortal. God I hope I wasn't like him. Just as well I didn't have kids, eh!"

Daniel lowered his head to Armand's shoulder and began to weep. Armand rocked him, back and forth, cradling his head and whispering soft words of endearment.

"Caro, that's why I feel the need to take care of you. You were hurting so much when I found you."

"I know Armand. I'm sorry! It's just that I am rather emotional seeing my old friend again. He reminds me of my misspent youth. Parts of it were OK though, you know. Benni was a great friend, my best friend really. I loved him. I think I still do. He accepts me for what I am, just like you do."

"But you love me more don't you Danny?" Armand questioned him, pleading with his sorrowful brown eyes.

"Of course I do, Armie. I love Benni like a brother; you are everything to me. My lover, my maker, my..." But Daniel was cut off with a searing kiss that left Daniel reeling. He found himself pushed back onto the bed, his clothes stripped quickly off of his quivering body and Armand's cool slender hands caressing him all over.

"Say you love me, Danny."

"I love you, Danny," he said giggling, and found himself turned over and unceremoniously slapped hard on his bare rump.

"Be serious." Armand snarled, and slapped him again.

"Oooooh not if you are going to keep doing that." Daniel giggled again.

"You are incorrigible."

"Oh, I love it when you talk dirty." Daniel smirked, muffling another giggle into the pillow.

Daniel felt Armand move away for a second or two, but by the time he had turned around, he felt his naked body pressing against the back of him. "Do you want some more?" Armand crooned into his ear.

"What do you think?" Daniel answered him, with a lustful wiggle of his backside.

**Daniel**

The memories, he tried to push back the memories, they did not belong now. Now he belonged to Armand and not to the past. Armand held his hands down with one hand and was overwhelmed with such violent lust that it took Daniel's breath away. Armand's hand would not stay still on him, Daniel's skin heated up and he thought that he would explode from his want of Armand.

A knock on the door ruined their intimacy; Armand enraged at the interruption jumped off the bed with daggers in his eyes mumbling something about not coming between what him and what was his. He went to the door and barked, "What?"

"It's Benni, Armand, sorry to interrupt but someone is at the other room looking for Daniel. Adrian is keeping them in the other room but not for much longer. It's almost dawn but do you think it is possible to get Daniel out of the hotel?"

Daniel jumped out of bed, went up to the door and opened it slightly, "Who is here?"

"Danni-baby, it's Marion… with Lorna and Yoho. They want to see you right away. Poor Adrian is making some really fast explanations to them while I go run and find get my wallet from the case I gave Daniel…"

"What case?" Daniel asked.

"The case Adrian made up to get me out of there. I said I didn't think you were in your room but I would check. Oh Danny it's Lorna and the bitch hasn't changed a bit after all these years. She still wants your head on a silver platter and expects your Dad to give it to her. I think Marion knows that Armand is here… things have gone in the frying pan now, Daniel."

"I'm not frightened of Lorna and Marion can sit on her hat," Daniel said kissing Armand with all the passion inside him, which blew Armand away, "I love this man and no one will make me feel bad or able to frighten me to say other wise."

"Shit, Daniel, Lorna is coming…"

Daniel felt chills go up and down his spine and grabbed Armand's upper arm for support. This was the woman that watched his beatings and begged his father to beat him harder. She did the crimes and he was given the punishment. Now after all these years he had to face his Nemesis.

He released his death grip on Armand, he knew all the heat had left his body. To protect Armand from Lorna Daniel knew he must not show his fear to Armand. No telling how Armand would react to Lorna. Daniel threw on the pair of pants that were thrown in the corner. Back to the door Daniel went, saying a little prayer as he opened it slightly, Armand must've closed it. Standing in front of it was Lorna with Marion.

"Hello Daniel," Lorna said far too sweetly, "we are coming in."

" 'Fraid not, Lorna, you have never been welcome in my room. I need my sleep and will be staying here today, one of my bags were on the wrong plane and they should come in later today. I am being compensated for this by the airline so I might as well enjoy it."

"Daniel," Marion said, "is someone with you?"

Daniel gave Armand a quick side glance, grabbed his hand, with the arm that the door hid, and squeezed it tightly saying, "All I have with me, besides my material possessions is my heart, mind and soul. None of which either of you can take from me."

His heart, mind and soul, referring to Armand and Daniel hoped that Armand got the message. Lorna tossed her hair back and took off down the hall, Marion got her face really close to the crack in the door and whispered, "Not to the wedding, Daniel, or so help me God I will stake you myself!"

*Armand*

His body was warming under my touch, his eyes were glazing over, and his eyelids were fluttering delicately against the pale skin of his cheeks. I kissed him deeply, lustfully, on the lips, the neck, then further down to his torso, his lower belly, his...."SHIT" another interruption. Doesn't anyone in this bloody hotel sleep.

Daniel seemed quite distressed when Benni came banging on the door again. This time another name was mentioned. Lorna. Daniel was shaking, I could see the trembling running down the length of his body. He gripped my arms tightly when this 'Lorna' began speaking to him.

::Give me a couple of seconds with this bitch:: I thought to myself. ::I will drain her dry and fling her carcass out the fucking window::

Then I heard the words Daniel was saying...to me… and me only. "Heart, mind and soul" He said them to me, right? I could feel the tears welling in my eyes. I wiped them away hurriedly. Then the other bitch, his sister, poked her nose in through the crack of the door. I could see her eyes glaring at me, boring right through me. She threatened Daniel, and it was all he could do to hold me still.

"No Armand, leave it. I don't want any more trouble." Daniel seemed quite distressed, and I knew that the few minutes of darkness left to us would be placating his tears, not the hot sex I had in mind.

He fell asleep in my arms, the moisture from his tears running down my arms. I watched as the droplets slowly dripped onto the pillow. I kissed his face, so gentle and peaceful, finally, in his repose, then shut my own eyes.

.............Next evening:

I woke Daniel with a soft kiss, and pulled his cool body into mine for a quick snuggle before he had to be up and dressed.

"I'm sorry about last night, Armand." he whispered to me.

"So am I, Daniel. But we will make up for it, I promise." I said to him, with a flick of my tongue in his ear. He smiled, then hopped out of bed quickly. "I have to shower. Want to join me?"

Did he really need to ask? I followed his wonderfully firm white arse into the bathroom, and into the hot steam of the shower. With the cake of soap I lathered his body all over, beginning with his strongly muscled chest, his firm stomach, his cock that was rising to the occasion, greeting my hands and quivering at my touch. I lathered it thoroughly, up and down, gently at first, then increased the pressure. He rested back against the shower stall and shut his eyes, wonderful moans of pleasure emanating from his soft lips.

I kissed them, as I continued with my hands. His tongue probed deeply, scraping on my fangs, letting small droplets of blood seep down my parched throat. My moans joined his. A deep orgasm rose up throughout his body, and I squeezed even harder. His body shuddered violently, then his violet eyes sprang open. They were so full of love and lust that I almost passed out.


"Thank you, Armand." was all he could manage to squeeze out of his constricted throat.

Banging at the door. More bloody banging. I nearly threw my fist through the glass of the shower. Daniel stopped me.

"It's OK, Armand. I had better go. They will all be waiting for me down in the foyer. Will you be OK for a few hours?'

"Of course." I said, as I dried off quickly, and followed him back into the bedroom, watching him dress in his crumpled clothes from the night before.

He kissed me lightly as he sped out the door. I saw Benni wink at me through the door, and realized that I was still stark naked. I winked back at him and he blushed profusely.

Daniel giggled when he realized what Benni has seen, and shut the door.

I listened to their footsteps retreating down the corridor, and by the time they had
disappeared, I was dressed, out the window and ready to follow them; surreptitiously of course.

**Daniel**

Besides Benni there were four people waiting for Daniel in the lobby, Marion, Yoho a man in his lower 40s whom he presumed was William and then his Father. It was at the sight of Ryan Molloy that he wanted to turn right around and run back to Armand was fast as he could. "What took you so long?" Benni asked with a sarcastic smile, "you've been missing all the fun!"

"Your sarcasm is not welcomed, Benjamin Foster!" Ryan exclaimed distastefully.

"It wasn't said for your benefit, Father, so mind your own business," Daniel said with equal distaste, "but don't worry you won't see much of Benni or myself."

"Now Father and Danny please try to get along," Marion said, "you are going to be around each other a lot."

"Yes," Ryan said, "there is no room at your sister's place so you and Foster are going to stay with Lorna and me."

Benni nearly fell over and Daniel a nervous breakdown but living with Armand and his no longer frequent visits with him to see Louis and Lestat had taught him how to keep his 'cool' in such disasters. "It is a very nice offer on your part but I cannot accept it. There are cabins to rent up at Long Lake, I'll rent one and Benni can rent one so we'll all have our place…"

"It was not an offer, Daniel Ptolomy, it is an order."

"I don't take orders from you, Sir, and I will be renting as soon as I can find a phonebook. There wasn't one in my room nor Benni's room that is why I do not have my things with me."

"Danny, please," Marion whined.

"I'm sorry," Daniel said, "but absolutely not!"

"Marion," William said, "hey, he's here so let's start out his way and maybe later things might work your way."

Not in a million years Daniel thought to himself but put on a trademark Louis smile to the best of his ability. A phone rang and Benni took out his cell phone, "Excuse me a moment," he said graciously, "this is my work phone and I've given strict orders to only call me in emergencies."

"Gave the number to the guy who gave you the touch tone pager?" Daniel asked though no one got the gist besides Benni.

"Of course," Benni said heading towards the payphones, "excuse me I better see what he wants."

"Okay, Benni," Daniel said watching his friend leave as quickly as possible without making anyone suspicious, "anyway, Benni and I rented a car last night so we can come back here later tonight. We've got a little more business in Portland to do and by tomorrow night we can move into our cabins. Besides, days are tough for me working on inventory and the accounts at my bookstore in Night Island. I'm on the phone or on the e-business site taking orders and keeping everything in order. I started this business a little over a few months ago and am doing everything myself."

"Night Island?" Yoho asked, "you live in Miami?"

"Yes, a nice size apartment near Night Island."

"With a special someone?" Yoho asked innocently, "Benni told me that you where living with someone a little while ago. He said that Armie and his Adrienne where friends."

"Adrian? Where did you hear about Adrian?" Daniel asked, flabbergasted.

"Yes, Adrienne's brother, Don, told me all about her," Yoho smiled, "seems she is a writer and barely gets out of the house. What a hell for Benni."

Daniel ran the name Don through his brain trying to figure out who in the hell made up that really bad lie. Don… Don… Don… then it hit him… Don Adrian was Adrian's true name. Daniel bet any money that Benni did not know about this or he would have been very upset.

"Daniel is currently no longer with Armie, are you Daniel?" Marion slid in sweetly.

"Really!" Yoho exclaimed, "that is wonderful news."

Benni reappeared a few moments later with a small smile on his face upon Ryan questioning him about it Benni replied, "There was a phonebook at the payphone and I got two cabins on Long Lake. Everything is ready to go."

Daniel looked around wistfully for some sign of Armand as Marion dragged him and Benni out of the lobby and into the car.


… In the home of Ryan and Lorna Molloy two hours later:

Daniel was looking around the house; he looked tired and worn and was. It took a lot of energy to suppress all those horrible memories. He wished that somewhere Armand would mystically appear and take him away from all this. From the look in Benni's eyes he wished the same thing would happen but with Adrian.

Lorna came over to him and sat down, her attitude was far too kind and sweet. It brought his self-preservation instinct kicking into full gear. "What do you want, Lorna?"

"Why didn't you bring a date?" she asked.

"Marion asked me to be Yoho's date and Armie wasn't interested in coming."

"Why?"

"Marion doesn't like Armie and Armie doesn't like Marion. I'm doing the family one last favor before going out of everyone's lives forever."

"And what will you do then?"

Now Daniel was angry about all the questions and he let something slip that he wasn't ready to reveal to the world. "I'm going to ask Armie to marry me."

*Armand*

Armand quickly dressed, still laughing a little about the reaction from Benni, and hastily departed their dingy little room via the window. The last thing he wanted was for any of Daniel's family to catch sight of him.

Dressed casually in jeans and denim jacket, his hair cut short, he looked like just an ordinary pale teenager, out for a night on the town.

With his normal casual aplomb, he managed to spy on Daniel talking to a group of mortals, then overheard Benni's conversation on the phone. He took note of the address of the cabins. He was looking forward to catching up with Daniel later on that evening, and continuing from where they left off the night before.

He watched Daniel; Benni and the others disappear in a car. What was he going to do with his evening? He sauntered slowly along the city street, shivering a little, wishing he had brought a warmer coat. The bar up ahead looked warm and inviting, so he entered and parked himself at the bar, ordered a cocktail, and tried to act normal. Whatever normal is, he mused to himself.

The bartender refused to serve him, until Armand flashed his Gold MasterCard; funny how money speaks louder than ID. He had a driver's license in his pocket, but he felt like being a teenager tonight.

A young woman came and sat beside him, but she wasn't after his body. She seemed to think he was far too young to be in a place like this and offered to take him home. He refused politely, deciding against having her for his supper, she was too full of life.

Armand was bored, lonely and miserable. He thought about checking up on Daniel, so he fossicked around in his pocket for Marion's address. The cab driver also gave him a hard time, until he flashed his card again.

Marion's house was dark, no one was home. Dammit! Armand cursed. Perhaps he could seek out Daniel through Benni. His mind had seemed quite receptive to his probing earlier. He told the cab driver to wait for a few minutes while he paced up and down along the sidewalk. After a little while he found himself looking at Daniel, through Benni's eyes. He looked miserable, the poor thing.

He could see a woman sitting next to Daniel, quizzing him about his love life. He couldn't quite make out what Daniel was saying. He pried into Benni's mind for the address, and with a little luck Benni was thinking about calling Adrian and telling him where he was. So he wanted to be rescued as well.

The cabby smiled when Armand gave him a big tip, and a sly wink. Dinner could wait, Armand was on a rescue mission and he wondered just how he was going to do it.

He skirted the house and peered into the lit window. Daniel was edging away from this Lorna woman, trying to get as far away as possible from her on the couch. He was trying to smile, trying to act polite, but Armand could tell he was very uncomfortable.

Suddenly she stood up. Daniel had said something to her and she looked surprised; something about asking someone to marry him. Was Daniel talking about him? He fell backwards into the garden bed, right into the rose bush. "OUCH FUCK!" he cried, then slammed his hands over his mouth. The sudden shock of what Daniel had said caused him to momentarily lose control.

Had they heard him? Armand scrabbled to try and hide himself in a bush, but it was too late, Daniel, quick as a flash, had rushed outside. Armand stared at Daniel for a couple of seconds, trying to decide whether to disappear with vampiric speed, or whether to face up to being a peeping tom.

Daniel stared at him for a second, then rushed up to him and pulled him into his arms.

"Who the hell is this, Daniel?" a loud male voice said from behind them.



**Daniel**

"Ryan!" Daniel exclaimed as he stood up and pulled Armand up with him, "he fell."

"I guessed that, you shithead, but what is he doing at our window?" Ryan asked.

"I gave him the address," Daniel smiled as he gripped Armand's hand tightly to keep him from reacting to his father, " and from what he told me that paper had something spilled on it and he lost the house number. He was too shy to knock on a few doors so he was looking in the window."

"He is just a kid why would you…? Wait a fuckin' minute…"

"No, I'm not having sex with some 16 year old kid! I'm actually living with someone older than I am, so relax…"

"How am I supposed to relax when my son is a fag! Marion told me about this Armand character you've been living with for the past…"

"Armand is a million times a better person than you are. You have no right to even mention his name!"

"You bastard!"

"Ryan, if you think I came back here to beg forgiveness and kiss your feet and bow down to Goddess Lorna then you are one stupid fucked up, shit brained son of a…"

"What is going on out here?" Lorna asked as she appeared beside Ryan, "who is that nice young man with my Daniel."

"I am not your Daniel, I don't like you, Lorna."

"You would if you gave me a shot," Lorna smiled with wicked seductiveness. It rolled off Daniel like water on a duck.

"Who is your friend?" Ryan asked, "why is he so pale?"

"Is this the friend Marion told you not to bring with you?" Lorna said, moving her shoulders and neck slightly, trying to show off her cleavage.

"None of your business," Daniel said suddenly remembering that Armand was standing right behind him, his nails digging into Daniel's hand, "If you don't mind I think I'm going to call it a night and bandage him up."

"What is his name?" Ryan demanded, his hand raised slightly as if to strike Daniel.

Daniel turned half away, shut his eyes violently and whispered, "He's my best friend, Marius', adopted son. His name is Amadeo."

**Armand**

The feel of Daniel's arms around me was so good that I almost melted. Then I heard this gruff voice. Daniel was standing up to his father, probably for the first time in his life. I was so proud of him. Then this bitch arrived on the scene, the one that had been talking to Daniel when I first peered in through the window.

I could feel Daniel shaking, then I looked down at my hands that were digging into his. Shit, I had drawn blood, it was dripping down my wrist. I bent down to lick it away. I could feel Daniel trying to stand in front of me, protecting me. Like I really needed to be protected against these insipid mortals. But I wasn't going to make it any harder for Daniel than it already was. All I really wanted to do was to get him away from these peering eyes and filthy minds, and ask him if it was me he had been talking about earlier. If it was me he wanted to ask to marry him.

I smiled sweetly at them, when Daniel introduced me as Amadeo. How I wished at that moment that he could have told them the truth. That I was really, Armand that I was over 500 years old and that I was in love with Daniel. In fact that I had been fucking him for years now, and stick that up your stuffed shirts. But I didn't. My smile, when I want it to, could melt ice, and melt Lorna's cold heart it did. Ryan now was a different kettle of fish. He had the hardest heart and the most closed off mind of any one on the planet. How the hell Daniel sprang from his loins, I will never know.

"Why don't you ask your young friend inside, Daniel?" Lorna said, and I felt him cringe.

"No, Lorna. I'm taking him back to the cabin with me, and I don't want to see any of you again until the wedding." Daniel said gruffly.

Ryan stepped towards him, and I was sure he was going to try and strike him. If he had so much as thought about raising his hand to my Daniel I would have sunk my fangs in and drained him on the spot. But he backed away. It might have had something to do with the fact that I threatened him in no uncertain terms, into his mind of course. He glared at me, his eyes afire with anger, but something else had crept into his expression now, and that was fear.

I had won again. I always do really, and Daniel turned to me and winked. He had realized what I had done, and in front of everyone he kissed me on the lips. I could hear an astonished gasp behind our backs, but all I could do was snigger. Daniel too was smiling when he pulled back.

I saw Benni now, coming around the corner and stopping suddenly like there was a spider web or something in his way. He had heard a bit of what had happened, but just saw the kiss. He was smiling as well, but also seemed a little afraid. I sent calming thoughts and a few seductive ones into his brain, and his eyes opened wide in surprise.

Daniel stared at Benni, then back at me again. He glared. "I'm sorry." I whispered. "Can we go now, please." I begged him.

He nodded, then to Benni and me and said. "Come on guys, lets go." and with that we took off, hopped in the hire car and sped off into the night. I could feel Daniel shaking, but after a few minutes he began to laugh, then Benni joined in. I looked at them, thinking they had gone crazy, when I realized how it must have looked to his family. This young, sweet and innocent looking boy, peeking in their window, falling in their rose bed, then being kissed by their son. I began to laugh as well, a belly laugh that rose up out of my throat and startled the two of them.

"Shit boss, you nearly made me run off the road." Daniel shouted, and began to laugh again.

**Daniel**

Never has Daniel been so frightened in his life as to ask Armand to marry him. Throwing up like that did not help to bring the mood that he really wanted… this was not going the way he had planned. He wanted to have an engagement ring that had rubies, the jewel of passionate love, and obsidian, the stone of the night. No one loves symbolism like Armand does and Daniel knew that he would appreciate it.

Yes, he had the whole thing planned out. Daniel would actually wear an outfit that was not relaxed fit stuff he loves to wear. Their private beach behind Night Island, a full moon lighting up the night sky, Armand's pager and cell phone 'accidentally' turned off.

Daniel looked around the sandy lake beach, which they were in now. Things did not go as he wanted them to, first he threw up then screwed up the whole fuckin' thing. He barely got the words out at all. They were here because of his sister's wedding, a sister who was ashamed of him being with Armand, who he was now hiding.

Armand had said yes.

He his cheek against Armand's neck and looked out onto the lake. The only thing he was ashamed of now was that he did not have the ring. Armand shifted his head slightly and kissed him, also the movement exposed his neck, offering himself to Daniel. "Armand," Daniel whispered, "I want to be with you forever. I love you so much that it hurts sometimes."

"Forever is a long time," Armand said, "you might change your mind."

Daniel couldn't help but smile; "Why would I want anyone else when I could have you? I meant what I said… you mean more to me than my life."

Armand kissed him again and Daniel returned the kiss with equal fervor. Then an idea hit him! He stood up, bringing Armand up with him then broke the kiss. "Beloved," he said with a seductive smile, "it's time I taught you the Maine State sport for Lovers."

Daniel then took off his own clothes, throwing them on the ground and ran into the water. Armand just looked at him oddly a moment and stared at his body through the clear water. "What are you doing?" he asked.

"It's called skinny dipping."

"The water is cold… how can it be a sport for lovers," he joked quietly.

"Come here and find out," Daniel said as he swam out to a raft. Once he got to the raft he climbed up the ladder got onto the raft and shook himself to get the extra water off. He could see Armand out of the corner of his eye, he was totally focused on his groin. Daniel laughed to himself but then seriously began to wonder if Armand would take off his clothes and come up on the raft. Armand is very vulnerable when coming to certain parts of his sexuality. Naked in public places was the first and he always had to be on top. It was like he was afraid to surrender to their love completely.

Daniel laid down on the raft, closed his eyes and starting thinking about that a moment when he heard someone coming up behind him. When he opened his eyes he saw Armand sitting on the edge of the ladder. Daniel couldn't tell if he was angry or not. Armand's greatest weapon was his ability to conceal his emotions too well. Daniel sat up and turned to face Armand that was when he noticed that he only wore white silk boxers, the ones Daniel gave him last Christmas. The white silk was now practically see through and stuck to his hard body like a second skin.

Daniel fought down a lump in his throat and smiled, "I didn't even think before I did…"

Armand put his finger to Daniel's mouth silencing him. They stayed like that a moment until Armand stood up on the ladder, Daniel thought for sure he was going to leave but instead he got on the raft and into Daniel's waiting arms. "This isn't so bad," he whispered, "I understand why you like it."

"You do?"

Armand kissed him and mouthed, "Give me time." Daniel smiled and kissed him lightly. This was not going as bad as he thought it was; he thought as he nuzzled Armand's neck.

Then he felt a dark… there was no way to describe it but aura coming close. He turned around and faced the pathway through the woods. "What is it?" Armand whispered.

"I think someone is coming," Daniel sighed angrily.

"Are you sure?" Armand asked, visibly shaken. Daniel knew at that moment he had put his trademark shields down.

"It's Lorna," Daniel hissed, "damn bitch how did she find me!"

"Lorna?"

"The ladder is weird," he whispered, his voice full of concern for Armand, "I'll help you down and lead her away from you."

"Lead her away! Daniel, you are completely naked…"

Shivers went down Daniel's spine; "I know you don't like it…"

"What?"

"Being seen naked accept by members of the coven," he said very quickly and quietly.

"Daniel!" Lorna called coming down the path. The young looking wife of Ryan was wearing next to nothing.

Armand looked at him oddly, "What does she want?"

"What she always wanted… no man has ever refused to have sex with her but me," he said as he drifted off, knowing Armand got his meaning.

*Armand*

The water was cold but quite invigorating. I couldn't quite bring myself to removing my boxer shorts. Stupid, I know, but I hated being seen by others with nothing on, and we were out in the middle of the countryside. Anyone could happen along.

I finally reached the raft, and climbed up. Daniel looked delectable in the moonlight. His firm white body glistened with the water on it, and his eyes...Oh god those eyes...I could lose myself in them...shit I have lost myself in them. I realised that I had let my shields down and now someone was on the bank, someone with all our clothes. Dam!

Daniel was mumbling something almost incoherent to me. Something about this woman, what was her name? Oh yes, Lorna, the bitch. Something about having sex with her. I stood up quickly and nearly toppled into the water. Daniel grabbed me and smiled.

"Easy, Armand."

I watched him dive overboard and swim towards the shore. What the hell was he doing? I dove in after him and we came out of the water together. I could see this bitch eyeing Daniel's crotch. I could feel myself fuming. I stepped in front of him. He grabbed my shoulders and tried to push me aside.

"Not likely, Daniel. She's a pervert." I snarled at him.

I heard the bitch giggle, and realised that my silk boxers were completely see through when they were wet, and she was looking at my crotch now. What the hell did she want, to fuck us both?

"Armand, Armand, let me handle this." Daniel was growling in my ear. "I'll get rid of her, then we can get back to our cabin. My balls are shrivelling." He added as an afterthought.

"Good, then you won't be much good to her then." I said and I heard Daniel snicker.

"Well, are you two going to just stand there in your birthday suits, or what?" she said, with a cruel grin on her face.

I allowed Daniel to shove me aside, as I bent down to find my trousers. I handed him his as well, and heard Lorna sigh as he put them on. "Armand, stay here will you? I want to talk to Lorna for a minute. In private."

I acquiesced, being fully confident that he would be able to keep his hands off of her. I finished dressing, hating the feel of dry clothes going over my wet body, and sat down on the bench in a morose heap. Why did Daniel's family, or friends, always seem to interrupt us?

I felt sorry for myself, and stared out at the wondrous scene, not enjoying it a bit. In fact I was beginning to hate being out here in the woods. I wanted a warm bed, with a warm body next to it. Then I heard a car drive up, and footsteps coming down the path. I was curious and turned around.

"You *are* the little faggot, aren't you?" Ryan said to me. "Seen my wife by any chance?"

So he had gotten over his fear of me, had he? Pity, because now I will have to make him very afraid all over again, and I do hate wasting time. I stood up and faced him. At first he didn't seem intimidated, but after a few minutes of befuddling his mean cantankerous mind with.....images of his blood pouring all over the ground, and his head rolling from his body into the lake, the lake filling up with all his blood, his limbs being torn slowly out of their sockets...he was trembling.

"What the fuck!" he screamed. It was the last thing he ever said.

Daniel (Pt 11)

Daniel dropped Benni off at his cabin; Foster was still laughing his ass off. As soon as
Benni got out of the car Adrian appeared sitting on the front steps. He looked worried
and yet relieved to see his husband. "Well if that didn't scare the fuck outta your Dad
nothing else well," Benni said as he shut the door but then got very serious, "Ryan is
too stupid to remain scared for long. Just be careful Danni-baby."

"Benni, you worry too much," Daniel said knowing his friend was right but too tired to
worry about it tonight, "but for you I'll be careful."

"'Night, Danni," Benni said as he put an arm around Adrian, "and don't worry about your
family. I don't think they'll want to see you for awhile after tonight."

"Got it," Daniel said as he pulled out of the small driveway and headed back to their
cabin. He gave a small glance to Armand, "you are too quiet, are you okay?"

"You are nothing like your father," Armand stated simply, "how in the world could you
ever think you were like him? Your moods when you were drunk are better than his moods
when he is sober."

"Thanks," he said, "but is there something else?"

"How much further is the cabin?"

"About half a mile…"

"We'll talk about it when we get in there."

"Don't you want to head back to Portland and get our stuff?"

"I've taken care of it."

"You're a genius," Daniel smiled.

"No, I just think ahead… you might want to try it some time."

"You know that is what Louis says," he laughed now and Armand smiled too, "Now I'm more
like Lestat…"

"What a thought," Armand said shaking his head, "you being like Lestat… enough to give me
bad dreams…"

"Or erotic ones…" Daniel said and got slapped lightly on the arm as a punishment.

"Just wait until we get home…!

"I can't wait; especially since I want to know what is bugging you," Daniel said but then
stopped before finishing his train of thought. There out of the trees he could see Long
Lake. He pulled into a vacant driveway, probably another rental cabin, and stopped the
car.

Armand looked at the place, "It is too small…"

"This isn't our cabin," Daniel said, "but I want to show you something."

Armand quickly got out of the car as Daniel looked both ways and crossed the road. He
quickly followed Daniel across the road and through the little path until he saw it. The
lake was crystal clear, anyone could tell even at night, and it was completely still.
Two birds slowly swam in the lake; they made a mournful yet loving sound. They were
loons. The shoreline around the lake was covered in trees of all kinds and small
cabins. The sight was so beautiful it made Daniel want to cry.

"This is what I wanted to show you, Armand, this is Long Lake," Daniel explained, "That
cabin back there was not my home the lake was, those people were not my family the
animals that live in and on the lake now they are my family. I think it is only right
for you to meet them on our first night here."

A fish jumped out of the water that moment and Daniel smiled wistfully, "They like you,
Armand, I knew they would."

Daniel took Armand's hand and led him down to the small sandy beach were they both sat
down on the cool sand. "Please, Armand, tell me what is bothering you."

"I overheard you tell your Stepmother that you were thinking about getting married,"
Armand said as he looked down at the ground.

Daniel instantly ducked his head too. Fear and dread swamped over him and he felt like
he was going to throw up. "Yes, I did say something like that," he mumbled.

"Is it me you were planning on asking to marry you?"

"Armand…"
"Yes or no, Daniel," Armand ordered.

Daniel looked up at the lake a moment, he repeated to himself 'Vampires don't throw up,
vampires don't throw up, vampires don't throw up' a million times in his head. "Yes,
Armand, I have been thinking of the prefect time to ask you to marry me," Daniel began to
say as he felt another heave in his stomach. He jumped up, walked three steps and fell
to his knees holding his stomach and began to gag violently.


**Armand** (Pt 11)

It certainly was a magical spot, so peaceful, with a slight breeze blowing across the lake, causing little ripples on the surface. The moon was bright, and it reflected in the water, giving it an ethereal look. No wonder Daniel loved it so much. My Daniel can be so romantic at times, and this had to be the perfect place to ask me to marry him.

I was shaking. I'm not sure why. The night was cold, but I had warm clothes on. Daniel was trembling as well. God, at times like this how I wished I could read his mind. It would make things so much easier.

He was talking about marriage again, and I looked him in the face, trying to fathom how he was feeling right about now, when suddenly he jumped up and ran over to the waters edge. I was stunned for a couple of seconds, when I heard him making a terrible sound. I rushed to his aid, only to see him gagging, and a small amount of blood dribbling down his chin. He looked mortified, terrified and confused. All these emotions seemed to be bubbling out of him, just like the blood.

I licked it away, licked his lips, then pushed my tongue into his mouth. He responded, as he always does, with a kiss of equal passion. Drawing back I saw that he was crying, and I pulled him into my arms.

"Daniel, its all right, tonight has been rather traumatic for you, would you like to just get ready to retire for the day."

"Why didn't you tell me that we could throw up." Daniel spluttered.

"It doesn't happen very often, Daniel. Only when we are terribly upset about something. Are you still angry about seeing your father and Lorna?"

"Wh...what...." Daniel seemed even more confused now. "No, Armand, its not that. It's just that....I wanted to...."

I pulled him to me again and kissed his cheek lightly, then ran my fingers through his hair. "What did you want to ask me, Daniel?"

"Oh, shit! This is just not right, I have ruined everything." he cursed and began to cry again, his few tears soon building up to a full on weeping attack with sobs wracking his body. I hugged him again.

"Want to start over, caro?" I said, and handed him my handkerchief. "Come on, lets sit down over there on the bench and look at the moon for a while. Then you can say what's on your mind."

He gave me a wan little smile as I pulled him to his feet, and led him over to the bench. We sat hand in hand for several minutes, not talking, not looking at each other, just feeling each other's emotions washing over and through us. I could feel his love and his fear.

"There is nothing to be afraid of." I whispered to him. "I won't bite you." I added, trying to lighten the mood a little.

I heard him stifle a small giggle. "Dam it, Armand. You know how much I like it when you bite me." he said, turning to me now. He slipped down onto his knees in front of me and rested his hands on my knees.

I let my fingers run through his untidy hair, then down the side of his cheek. I put my hand under his chin and lifted his face so that I could see his bright violet eyes reflected in the moonlight. "Now caro, what is it you wanted to ask me?" I said to him softly, with a smile on my face and love in my eyes.

Daniel grabbed my hands in his and held them tightly, then slowly he began.

"Armand, caro, my brother, lover...you know how much I care for you." I nodded. "I want to think that we might spend eternity together, but I know that will probably be impossible. But maybe for a little while we...perhaps we..." he was stumbling now, so I squeezed his hands tightly, brought them up to my lips and kissed his knuckles gently.

"Please keep going, Daniel."

"Armand. What I am trying to say is that I love you more than anyone else, more than anything else...more than my life. I want to be more than just your lover, your friend. Would you please....would you.... Oh God! Oh God.......Will you marry me?" he finally managed to get out, amidst the tears that were streaming down his face. He bowed his head, trembling and coughing. I was afraid he was going to throw up again.

"Oh Daniel!" I cried and pulled him up to my lap, where I cradled him like a child and nestled my face in his hair.

"Is that a yes, Armand?" he stuttered.

"Oh caro, that's a yes."


**Daniel**

Daniel knew the instant his father has dead. Lorna looked at him funny a moment, ignoring her come-ons from the beginning he was in the middle of telling her off when he felt it. A pain in his heart, all the air abandon his lungs.

Ryan Molloy had had a heart attack.

Daniel quickly ran away from Lorna and went to Armand's side. Armand looked rather numb as he stared a moment at the body. Daniel was ashamed at first but he felt this great release. His tormentor was finally gone.

Armand looked up at Daniel with a slight look for worry, as if he wasn't sure how Daniel was going to take the scene. Daniel took Armand's hand in his own and squeezed it tightly. Finally it was over.


Instead of the wedding being this week Ryan's funeral was. Marion did not cry for she hated her father if equal passion as her brother did. The only person to cry at the funeral was Lorna but they were crocodile tears, which everyone ignored.

Daniel did not even to go the funeral, which was a small shock to everyone; Marion thoroughly cussed him out for it later. He and Benni went on a raft and played Blackjack all night. Armand disappeared the next night for no apparent reason and Adrian got a phone call telling him his Grandfather had been in an accident so he had to hurry home.

Like always Daniel and Benni were alone to suffer through the rough times of life together… with a deck of cards. The night after the funeral Daniel went down to Portland and picked out a ring. He did not know why because he had the horrible feeling that the wedding was going to be off.

When he got back he found at note on his door from Benni saying he was going to pick Adrian up at the airport and that Don John was just fine. Daniel crashed in the cabin for a while, booting up his laptop and checking his e-mail he thought only of Armand and where he could have gone. What did he really thing that Daniel would actually need time to be alone and grieve? He hated that man and felt nothing at his passing but relief for his sister. The only tears that would ever come from him about Ryan would be that Ryan had taught him to hate and hate was a horrible emotion.

Lucky Armand had taught him love and Louis and Lestat had taught him friendship. They had truly saved him from being just as destructive to himself as Ryan had been.

There was nothing in the e-mail account from Armand but the usually weekly newsletter from Louis saying what was going on with his life. Louis liked to vent to Daniel about Lestat and Daniel liked to vent to Louis but he had nothing to vent this time. This had been Fate's doing not his own. This was bound to happen, Destiny if you will but at least Fate had the kindness to hurry it up.

Daniel disconnected from the Internet, turned the computer off and sat it on the old footrest. He lay back in the chair and decided it was hot. He had been too busy with Benni or with thinking about a lot of philosophical crap to notice how hot it had gotten.

The memory of skinny-dipping and Armand on the raft made him even hotter. He wished Armand was here now and it hurt. He had gone too fast and drove his beloved away from him. Damn was he a fool.

To punish himself he decided to go skinny-dipping again but without Armand it would be like putting salt on a raw wound. He knew he deserved it so he got up out of the chair and took off his shirt, socks and shoes and headed toward his small private beach. It didn't take him long to get there even without the vampiric speed. He slowly took off his jeans, he wore no underwear underneath, and waded into the crisp water until it was up to his mid thigh then divided in.

Daniel enjoyed the icy feeling of the water against his hot skin and swam a slow freestyle over to the nearby raft so he could savor the feeling. He got on the raft and walked over toward the edge and lay down. He stared at the stars a moment and closed his eyes. He wanted Armand right there and right now. Where was his beloved?

"I was hoping to find you here," a soft voice whispered.

Daniel opened his eyes and saw Armand treading water near the raft. "Hello, Stranger," Daniel smiled, "need a lift?"

Armand smiled, grabbed hold of the raft and offered Daniel his hand. Daniel quickly looked the outstretched hand and pulled him out of the water, upon the raft and on his back. Armand still only wore a pair of boxers, this time a sheer black pair. Daniel quickly lay down beside him, his leg in between Armand's kissed Armand's chest. "I have missed you, my love, where have you been?" he asked in between starting the trail wet kisses up Armand chest to his lips, "I have something for you at the house. I have something for you here though as well."

*Armand* (Pt 13)

I didn't even get a chance to drain him; the idiot keeled right over in front of me with a heart attack. I got one quick glimpse into his ragged soul then he was gone. Blinked out like a light being switched off. Before I had a chance to even check his body, Daniel was at my side. I could feel the relief coursing through his body.

I didn't have the heart to tell him that I had literally scared his shit of a father to death. Well, there was always a first for everything. Lorna came tearing out of the bushes a few seconds after Daniel and began weeping and wailing. I decided that I would very quietly disappear for a night or two, not wanting to be dragged into any sort of investigation. The last thing I wanted was to have Daniel upset any more. I let them bury the bastard, and when I realized that Daniel didn't even go to his funeral I felt a lot better.

Daniel needed to be with his old friend. I knew there was nothing between them but a close comradeship. I watched them of course, then watched later as Daniel went for another "skinny dip". I was hiding behind the bushes when I saw him slip off his trousers, and the moonlight reflected delicately on his white backside. Such a delicious backside it is as well, and *all* mine.

I dipped into the cold water again and followed him. Now that the funeral was over, perhaps they could finally get on with the bloody wedding, and we could get our lives back again. I was shivering a bit when I pulled myself up onto the raft and fell back, my face staring up at the sky. Daniel lips were all over my chest and I sighed with pleasure and relief. He didn't blame me for what happened, even though it was *all* my fault. I think he was very pleased. I certainly would have been.

Ooooooh! I moaned as he slipped his cold wet body on top of mine and his kisses became a little more feverish. I ran my hands down his back and lingered for a few seconds on his firm ass, *my ass* all for me. He giggled as I tickled him in the ribs, then he pushed his tongue a little further down my throat, cutting off my breath.

I gasped when he pulled back a little. "You have made me so happy, Armand." he whispered. "He's gone, the bastard has finally gone. And now I have something for you, that is if you want it." He said grinning from ear to ear.

I let my hands flop to the surface of the raft, let my eyes close slowly and whispered. "Give me everything you have to give, Daniel."

I heard him moan loudly then as his hands came up to my face and he held it for a second, kissing my eyelids, my cheeks, my lips, then my chin. He feather kissed me further down my throat, my chest, nibbled on my nipples, one at a time, causing me to try and wriggle out of his grasp. He held me firmly. He nipped at them, drawing a little blood, which he lapped up greedily. Then he licked down over my stomach, my lower belly, so that his face was nestled in between my legs. He slipped my wet satin boxers down as I arched my back. He took my organ into his hot moist mouth and began to suck hard, licking the tip, then drawing it completely into his throat. I bucked and squirmed and grabbed onto his hair.

I shouted out loudly, not caring if the world heard my cries of ecstasy. I could hear his muffled groan and I stopped thrusting for a second or two, afraid that I might have been choking him. He bit down on my organ then, sank his teeth in hard and sucked for all he was worth. I nearly fainted with the pain, that was not really pain but a pleasure so intense it hurt.

Finally in the throes of orgasm, he released me, slithered up my body and took my mouth in his. He raked his tongue over my fangs and dribbled blood down my throat. He moved his body about on top of mine and I obligingly opened my legs, lifting them up so that he could gain easy access to my body. He frowned a little, but I nodded them pulled him down to me.

He entered me slowly, knowing that I was sometimes a little hesitant about this side of mortal sex. I always enjoyed it, whenever Daniel managed to coax me into it, but it was something that brought back painful memories of my former existence. He slipped inside of me easily, lovingly, and I wriggled a little to stop the raft from scratching my backside. We were slipping; I could feel myself sliding about underneath him. He tried to grab me, which only managed to push me further towards the edge of the raft.

It was rocking now, swaying with the movements of our bodies, we tried to stay still, but little waves were lapping over the sides of it now and I could feel myself heading towards the water.

"Shit!" he screamed out. Too late, we slipped right into the cold water and disappeared underneath its surface. We rose a few seconds later spluttering and laughing and grabbing for each other.

"Let's continue this back in the house, OK Armand." he said, stifling a raucous giggle.

"Good idea."