Coming Around Again 
By Isilwath (tci100@psu.edu)


Official Statement:  This is a non-profit, amateur effort and does 
not intend to infringe upon the rights of Anne Rice, Random House, or any other copyright  holders, etc, etc.  

Spoilers for QoTD
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Miami, 1984- three months before Lestat rises from his long sleep.  
The Night Island.

	As usual he rose before his beloved.  The drunken stupor 
induced by Daniel's favorite pastime often made him sleep a good two 
or three hours after sunset.  By then, Armand had already hunted, 
collected and gone through the day's newspapers, messages and mail, 
and begun the nightly duties of running the massive operation which 
was his creation.  He had laid out a new set of clothes for Daniel, and 
started a fresh pot of coffee, the kind he knew Daniel liked.  It would 
seem that it was going to be a wholly ordinary evening, save for one 
thing.  Daniel had gotten a letter.  This in and of itself was not 
unusual.  Daniel received letters from their business partners all the 
time.  No, this was a personal letter, with the envelope written in a 
smooth hand- definitely a female's penmanship, and had been placed 
in their mailbox by hand, there was no postmark and no return 
address.  He frowned.  Someone had been bold enough to place a letter 
directly in their mailbox, and managed to do it in spite of the security 
lock.  It was a mystery. 
	He placed the letter on top of the day's paper, resisting his 
natural curiosity to open and read its contents, and put it next to the 
coffee cup Daniel would use when he awakened.  Then he went about 
his business, ordering supplies and seeing to some managerial disputes 
in one of the clubs.
	When Daniel finally dragged himself out of bed, his head 
pounding, and his body unkempt and unshaven, it was eight-thirty.  
Armand had been up for more than two hours, and he could sense his 
lover's displeasure at his slovenly appearance as he shuffled into the 
living room, wrapped in his dressing robe.  He slumped down on the 
leather couch and the coffee was brought to him along with the 
newspaper and his mail for the day.  He gave it a disinterested glance 
then raised his eyes to his lover, who was standing in the doorway, 
scowling at him.
	"What?"
	"Do you intend to look like that all night?" Armand asked 
tersely.
	"Don't worry.  I'll dress when I feel human again.  Unless, of 
course, you want to bathe me, shave me and dress me yourself," he 
answered with a drunken, leering grin.
	The glare he received in answer told him that Armand was 
not amused.  "Drink your coffee, then go get dressed."
	Armand then turned and disappeared into his study.  Daniel 
frowned, reaching for the pot and cup.  
	"Drink your coffee and go get dressed," he repeated 
petulantly, pouring the hot liquid into the mug.  "Yent, yent, yent."  
	He sipped at his coffee and turned his attention to the mail.  It 
was a light day; he only had one letter... and it was hand written.  The 
writing looked very familiar.  He narrowed his eyes, trying to force his 
muddled mind to focus, and opened the letter.
	Armand heard the crash of porcelain hitting the floor and felt 
the shock run through Daniel's mind.  He whisked immediately from 
his study back to the living room to find Daniel transfixed and frantic, 
holding the letter in his hand.
	"Beloved, what is it?" he asked, concerned.
	Daniel gave him a wild-eyed look.  "What day is it?"
	"Friday."
	"No!  The date!"
	"It's the seventeenth."
	"Shit!!"
	Daniel began to look around helplessly, agitated.
	"Daniel, what is going on?"
	"Damn, there's no clock in this room!  We have four million 
dollars in stereo, video and computer equipment, but we don't have a 
damn clock!  What time is it?"
	"Quarter to nine."
	"Quarter to nine?!" he shrieked.  "Oh God, I only have fifteen 
minutes!!  And Jesus!  I look like Hell!"
	In a mad panic, his mind a jumble of shock and confusion, 
Daniel raced back to his room, dropping the letter.  Armand 
immediately snatched it up and read the simple message.
	
		Danny-
			You are a hard man to find, but I tracked 
you down.
		It's you-know-who.  Yes, me.  The one and only.  
Listen, sweets,
		I am going to be on your little Night Island on the 
seventeenth and I'd
		really like to see you.  Meet me at nine in front of 
that garish, over done
		fountain you are so proud of.
			I really hope to see you then.

							Love 
you always,
							
	Tishana

	Tishana?  Who was Tishana?  Daniel had never mentioned a 
Tishana, and there was no Tishana on his family list that he sent 
checks to.  And she called him sweets?  Love you always?  Armand 
wondered if he should be jealous.  Feeling Daniel's obvious excitement 
and distress, he decided that yes, he ought to be jealous.  But this was 
so intriguing!  And what a straightforward woman she was.  Garish 
and overdone!  He had designed that fountain himself.  
	"I demand to know what is going on.  Who is this woman?" 
Armand said angrily as he entered Daniel's room.
	Daniel had hastily thrown on the clothes Armand had laid out 
for him: Armani suit, pressed shirt, he left off the silk tie, and was 
desperately trying to do something with his tousled hair.
	"She's a friend.  An old friend.  A very old friend."
	"From home?"
	"Yes, from home," he replied, looking in the mirror, then 
back at the clock.  "Shit, I don't have time to shave!  I have to get 
down there.  How do I look?"
	"Like you woke up fifteen minutes ago," Armand 
deadpanned.
	Daniel stilled, looked at himself very seriously in the mirror, 
and his mind grew calm.
	"She's seen me worse," he said cryptically, and turned to 
leave.  
	He brushed past Armand and headed for the elevator.
	"Where will you take her?" Armand asked.
	"I'm going to bring her back here.  And, Armand... you are 
not to hurt her," Daniel insisted, in an uncharacteristic display of 
authority.  "Do you understand me?"
	Armand grated his teeth.  How dare Daniel order him to do 
anything!  He had half a mind to go kill this mortal now, but yet he 
was still intrigued, intrigued by this part of Daniel's life which he 
knew nothing about.  So he let Daniel go.  And followed shortly 
thereafter.
	
	Daniel searched the area around the fountain from above as 
he rode the escalator down from the upper floor.  He was late, but only 
by a few minutes.  He hoped Tishana would wait at least a little while 
to see if he would show, but his hopes were sinking as he failed to find 
her.  Then a small crowd of people moved to one side and he spied the 
familiar figure seated on a bench right next to the fountain.  His heart 
skipped and he felt giddy, both with relief and with fear.  What would 
she think of him now, after all these years?  He laughed to himself like 
a nervous teenager, and he was suddenly reminded of that Christmas 
song "Lover's Auld Lang Sagne".
	"Met my old lover in the grocery store..." he sang softly to 
himself as the escalator set him gently down.
	He walked forward, the butterflies fluttering in his stomach.  
God!  He was eighteen again.  She hadn't seen him yet, so he studied 
her as he approached.  Her hair was longer, falling in black waves 
down her shoulders, and she seemed just as thin and pale as he 
remembered her: the delicate beauty of her Oriental blood showing 
though.  He saw her look down at her watch, her small mouth 
frowning, and he walked right up to her.  For a moment, he couldn't 
find his voice, then he whispered softly.
	"Hey, Puffs."
	At the sound of his voice, she looked up and their eyes met 
for the first time in twelve years.  Her green irises shown out at him 
from her beautiful face and his legs nearly went to water.  He managed 
a small, sheepish smile.
	"Hey, Danno," she replied with a tender smile.
	"You're a long way from Michigan," he remarked, for lack of 
his brain giving him anything else to say.
	Her smile broadened and a twinkle entered her eyes.  "Yeah, 
well, I've got twelve years worth of Christmas presents to give you, 
and I figured I'd better track you down before they took over my 
basement."
	They laughed, then their smiles faded and they stared at each 
other, oblivious to the world around them.
	"It's so good to see you.  I'm so glad you came."
	"Yeah, well, I just got your letter twenty minutes ago," he 
explained.
	"Still, you made it.  I'm glad you're here."
	"Me too," he said.
	"Do I get a hug?" she asked teasingly.
	The smiles came back, and he opened his arms.  "You bet."
	She stood and entered his embrace, and they hugged tightly.  
Daniel hoped she couldn't feel him trembling, but he knew she could.  
She didn't say anything, though, just held him closer.
	"You look great," he complimented.
	"And you're looking okay.  If not in need of a shave."
	He smiled shyly.  "I know.  In truth I didn't have any time to 
shave.  I only just woke up at eight-thirty."
	"Eight-thirty!  Oh, tough life.  The trials of being filthy rich," 
she chided.
	"I know.  I know.  Rub it in."
	"Next you'll be telling that you got up so late because your 
private jet from Monte Carlo was delayed in bringing you home."
	"No.  That was last week."
	Her smile faded a little.  "You're not seriously telling me you 
have your own jet, are you?"
	"No.  We have two."	
	"Two!  What on earth do you need two for?"
	"One has a bedroom.  One doesn't," he answered matter-of-
factly.
	"Oh, of course.  I see.  Makes perfect sense."
	"Hey, don't look at me.  I didn't buy them."
	"Well then who..."
	"I did," came a voice that made Daniel's heart nearly stop.
	He'd followed him.  Damn you, Armand.  
	Tishana's attention was now turned to the slim auburn haired 
youth who stood just slightly behind them, and she left Daniel's 
embrace to greet him.
	"And you are?" she asked, extending her hand, but casting a 
glance at Daniel.
	Daniel remained quiet, staring at Armand and waiting for 
Armand to tell Tishana whatever pseudonym he was going to assume 
for her.  He would then try to remember it.  He hoped Armand would 
pick one he was familiar with. 
	"Forgive me.  Daniel has no manners," Armand said, taking 
Tishana's offered hand.  "I am Armand."
	Armand felt the rush of terror and rage from Daniel when he 
told Tishana his real name.  The thoughts were so intense they were 
almost incoherent.
	*Don't you dare!!  Don't you dare mark her as prey!!!  I will 
never forgive you if you hurt her!  Never!!  Do you hear me?!  
Never!!*
	The sheer power of them, and the strength of the emotion 
behind them, nearly brought Armand to his knees.  Daniel was 
seething, but also terrified.  His care for this one ran deep, deeper than 
Armand had ever experienced from Daniel.  He was protective to the 
point of ferocity.  Old friends, indeed.  No.  More like old lovers, and 
something more, something deeper than even that.  Something he 
couldn't quite place.  Whatever the reason for Daniel's fierce 
protectiveness of this mortal, it reminded him of Louis and Claudia 
and he suddenly feared that if he harmed this woman, he may do to 
Daniel what he had done to Louis.
	"Hi, Armand.  I'm Tishana.  Danny and I are old friends."
	"So I gathered.  Welcome, Tishana, to our Night Island," the 
auburn haired vampire answered, kissing her hand.
	"Thank you," she said, gently slipping her hand from his 
grasp, and looking questioningly at Daniel.
	Daniel glared at Armand and moved to put himself between 
him and Tishana, without being too obvious about it, while at the same 
time making sure Armand knew he was serious.
	"Tisha, Armand is my partner... and my lover," Daniel said 
softly.
	Armand raised an eyebrow.  To the best of his knowledge, 
Daniel had never called him his lover to anyone before.  Always he 
had been introduced as partner, companion, close friend, room mate, 
but never lover.  And here Daniel was admitting that Armand was his 
lover.  Interesting.  Very interesting indeed.  That told him more about 
the nature of the relationship between these two: Daniel trusted her 
implicitly.  There was another dimension to her as well: outwardly her 
features were remarkably like Louis'.  She had green eyes and black 
hair and pale skin, and she had the same delicate quality to her that 
Louis possessed.  While it could not be said that they strongly 
resembled each other, the surface characteristics were identical.  
Armand wondered what it meant. He looked at her and was shocked to 
see her smiling warmly at him.
	"I am very very pleased to meet you," she assured, and she 
placed her hand on his arm, a happy, pleased look in her eyes.
	Armand was taken back by the genuine pleasure and joy in 
her eyes, and he probed her mind to see what was there.  She had been 
afraid for Daniel, that all the wealth and extravagance had been to 
make up for love lost and to soothe loneliness.  It relieved her greatly 
to see that her friend was not alone, or without love, and it did not 
matter to her that the lover was male.  The strength of her emotion 
humbled him somewhat and he lowered his eyes.  Daniel meant a 
great deal to her, but he still was not quite sure why.  It was blocked.  
Every time he tried to probe deeper into their memories, he met the 
wall, and he knew he could not breach it without at least Daniel 
knowing it, and he feared to do that; he did not know how Daniel 
would react.  He got the distinct impression that they were all treading 
on delicate soil.
	In the meantime, Tishana had turned to get a better look at 
Daniel and she gasped.
	"Danny!  You're thin as a wraith!  Doesn't he feed you??"
	Daniel blushed at the irony of the statement.  "Being rich is 
hard on the appetite."
	"I can see.  Don't you eat?"
	"One gets tired of quail eggs and p‰tŽ," he quipped.
	"So?  Go get a burger.  Or hire a cook!"
	For a moment Daniel just blinked at her, then his mouth 
turned up into a sweet smile.
	"You cook for me," he whispered.
	"What?  Oh, oh no.  I am not falling for that..."
	He put his hands on her arms and leaned close.  "Lemon 
chicken, please?  Please, it's been so long."
	"Hah!  Filthy rich, owns his own island, and he wants me to 
cook for him!" she shot back in mock anger, but she was smiling.
	"Please??  I'll get down on my hands and knees and beg if 
you'll do it."
	"Oh, now that is something I'd like to see," she teased.
	Without a moment's hesitation, Daniel dropped to his knees 
right there beside the fountain, shocking the hell out of Armand and 
the woman, and drawing strange looks from the passerbys.
	"Daniel," she hissed, looking at the people milling by.  
"Daniel, what are you doing?"
	He wrapped his arms around her waist.  "I'm begging.   
Please cook for me.  Please make the lemon chicken.  I am desperate 
need of a good, home cooked meal.  You see me.  I'm a poor, half-
starved rich boy.  I need your tender ministrations."
	She sighed, defeated.  "Well, there goes my dinner at a fancy 
restaurant."
	"I'll make it up to you.  I promise," Daniel assured.
	"Oh, all right."
	He brightened.  "Does this mean you'll do it?"
	"If it means you'll get up and stop making a spectacle of 
yourself, yes, I'll do it."
	Daniel grinned and rose to his feet.
	"Thank you."
	"I never could resist you, Danny," she said fondly.
	He smiled.  "No, and that was what I was counting on.  So?  
Shall we make a list and send someone to the store for ingredients, as I 
am certain we don't have anything in the kitchen."
	"Send someone to the store?  No way.  I'll go get what I need 
myself.  I won't have someone else do my shopping for me.  You know 
how particular I am."
	Daniel smiled with some recalled memory.  "I remember.  
We'll go together then."
	"I'll have Martin bring the boat around," Armand offered 
pleasantly.  "Meet me at the dock."
	"Okay, we'll be there in a few minutes," Daniel answered, 
watching Armand walk away.
	"He's gorgeous, but isn't he a little young?" Tishana 
commented when she thought he was out of range.
	Daniel laughed.  "Don't let his young appearance fool you.  
He's older than me."
	"You're kidding!"
	"Nope."
	"Damn, plastic surgery does wonders, eh?"
	Daniel laughed again.  "Something like that."
	He dropped his hand down as they fell into step, side by side, 
brushing his fingers against the back of her hand in a silent signal that 
was almost as old as he was.  The signal was recognized and 
understood, and her hand clasped his gently.  He sighed.  He had 
forgotten how good just holding her hand felt.  It was like coming 
home.  It was so good to see her.  Just looking at her choked him up.  
She was still as beautiful as she had been twelve years ago.  God, what 
was he going to tell Armand?  Surely, his vampire lover would have 
questions, and would demand answers.  Armand hated secrets, unless 
they were his own, and he'd been keeping this one for so long.  He 
didn't know how he had managed it, but somehow he had been able to 
keep her memory from being witnessed by Armand.  Maybe it was 
because Louis overpowered her memory so completely, and because he 
rarely thought about his life before his interview with the vampire.  
Whatever the reason, it was obvious that Armand had no idea who 
Tishana was, or what she had once meant to Daniel.  But that had 
come to an end.  Now she was here and he was touching her, and all 
the old feelings were coming back.  How much would he have to tell 
Armand?  How much did he want Armand to know?  And would he be 
able to keep any of it back at all once Armand set to looking for 
answers?



	Daniel sighed with contentment and relaxed, holding his full 
stomach.  He had a sweet, satisfied smile on his face, and barely 
moved when the servant removed his empty plate.
	"That was delicious," he purred.  "Just what I needed."
	Indeed, Armand had never seen Daniel eat quite so much, or 
so eagerly.  At least, not since that night in Boston, but that had been 
so very long ago.  Daniel all but inhaled the dish Tishana prepared, 
practically bolting the food, to the point where Tishana herself told 
him to slow down.  
	"God, Danny, one would think you haven't eaten in weeks," 
she commented, still amazed by the speed and veracity of his eating.
	Daniel licked his lips, still tasting the lemon.  "Maybe I 
haven't.  Maybe I was a man dying of thirst and you brought me sweet 
water," he murmured vaguely.  "No one cooks like you, Tisha.  I've 
eaten in famous restaurants, dined with royalty, and supped in the 
poshest of the posh, but nothing tastes as good as something you've 
made with your own two hands.  You should have been a chef."
	"No, then they'd make me cook quail eggs and p‰tŽ," she 
joked, smiling at him.  "Still, I am glad you enjoyed the meal.  
Armand, are you sure you don't want any?"
	"No, but thank you," the auburn-haired man answered 
pleasantly.
	They were all seated comfortably in the huge dining room, 
sequestered at one end of the table.  Daniel was on the end while 
Tishana and Armand each took opposing seats on either side of him.  
Armand insisted upon using the good china and lighting candles, so 
the room glowed with warm, yellow light and sparkled off the crystal 
goblets.  All in all, the atmosphere was pleasant and welcoming.  So 
why did Tishana feel the weight of unanswered questions hanging in 
the air?  She watched Armand rise and push back his chair.
	"I will go see if the coffee is almost ready," he announced and 
quietly left the room.
 	When he was gone, Daniel leaned very close to her and 
whispered almost soundlessly.
	"He has a very delicate palette.  He can't eat very many 
things.  In fact, there are only a couple of things he can stomach 
without getting sick."
	"Oh.  Well, why didn't you say so?  I could have made 
something for him.  That wasn't very considerate of you, Danny."
	Daniel shook his head.  "No.  You don't understand.  He is... 
very sensitive about it.  He doesn't like people to know.  Don't worry, 
he's already eaten.  He's fine.  He was just being polite."
	Her face grew thoughtful.  "He is very gracious."
	"Yes, he is.  He takes very good care of me."
	She looked down into her glass.  "You haven't told him about 
us, have you?"
	He couldn't meet her gaze.  "No."
	"So he knows nothing?"
	"He knows nothing."
	She played with her napkin absently, her face drawn and 
Daniel put his hand over hers.
	"No. I know what you are thinking and it's not that.  I would 
never be embarrassed of you, Tisha, not ever.  The past 12 years have 
been really different for me and things have changed so much.  I 
haven't told Armand anything about my life before I left for 
California."
	She looked at him, but her eyes were sad.  "Okay.  I believe 
you."
	He smiled.  "Thanks.  It means a lot to me."
	"I know."
	The door opened and Armand reentered.
	"I told the butler to bring the coffee into the den.  I thought 
we would retire there where it is more comfortable," he announced.
	"That sounds like a wonderful idea.  Thank you, Armand.  
Daniel?  Shall we?"
	"Ooof.  I don't think I can move.  Help me up. Tisha?"
	"Oh no.  You were the one who stuffed yourself.  You get up 
on your own."
	"Allow me, my beloved," Armand said tenderly, offering his 
arm.
	Daniel smiled and let Armand help him to his feet and they 
all walked together into the den.  The room was warm and cozy with 
plush furniture and a fireplace.  A silver tray with a coffee service and 
three cups was sitting on the table, and Tishana poured the coffee for 
them all.
	"Danny, still like it black with three sugars?"
	"Yep."
	"Armand?"
	"Black, no sugar.  Thank you."
	She mixed the coffee and handed out the cups, settling on a 
small sofa while Armand and Daniel took up residence on the larger 
couch across from her.  
	"So, what brings you to Florida?" Armand began.
	"Him," she replied, pointing at Daniel.  "I have 12 years of 
Christmas presents taking over my basement, and I need to get rid of 
them before they take my washing machine hostage and demand 
ransom."
	Armand laughed softly.  "So you knew Daniel in Michigan?"
	Daniel shifted uncomfortably.  The interrogation had begun.  
If Armand couldn't weasel answers out of him, he'd get them from 
Tishana.  Why did he feel as he were on trial all of a sudden?
	"Knew him?  We practically grew up together.  We've known 
each other since we were what... five years old?"
	"Yep.  Mrs. Holland's kindergarten class.  You stepped on my 
foot," Daniel answered.
	"And you dumped my thermos.  It was love at first sight," she 
sighed with a wistful grin.
	Daniel groaned.  "Oh, please.  You sound like Timmy 
Winesock."
	"You mean WHINE-sock."
	"Oh yeah, that's right."
	Armand tried to steer the conversation back to the subject.  
"Then I take it you went to school together."
	Tishana took a sip of her coffee, looking to Daniel for 
guidance.  She wanted him to silently tell her how much he wanted 
Armand to know about their past, but she got no answers from 
Daniel's face.  He only looked stricken and very unsettled. 
	"Yep.  Grade school, junior high, high school.  Almost went 
to the same college, but Danny got wanderlust and split town for 
California."
	"And how long will you be staying here in Miami?"
	Tishana shrugged.  "I dunno.  A few days.  I'm between jobs 
right now so I'm rather flexible."
	"Where are you staying?" Daniel broke in, seizing the 
opportunity to change the subject.
	"Ummmm...."  She rose and went to the tall windows that 
over looked the twinkling lights of Miami.  "Somewhere over there," 
she replied, pointing to a place along South Beach.
	Daniel joined her by the window, looking out.  "Ahhh, no.  
You're not staying there."
	"Oh, I'm not, am I?"
	"No.  You're staying here.  South Beach is far too dangerous."
	She gave him a shocked look.  "Danny, I can take care of 
myself."
	Again Daniel's protectiveness of this woman intrigued 
Armand.  He seemed genuinely concerned for her safety, and it 
triggered his curiosity even more.  What bound these two together?  
What ties ran so deep as to affect his lover so?  Then something else 
struck him.  Daniel had not had a single drink all evening.  Very 
interesting indeed.
	"I know that.  That's not what I meant."
	"And what did you mean?" she demanded, her hands on her 
hips.
	"That I would be more comfortable if you were close.  Hell 
Tisha, some poor shlep got gunned down in South Beach just last 
week."
	"So?  Detroit's just as bad."
	Daniel was getting frustrated, even more so because he knew 
Armand was watching their little argument with rapt fascination, and 
that made him nervous.
	"I know that.  But you're on vacation and you shouldn't have 
to worry about your safety."
	She gave a short laugh.  "Danny, I'll be fine."
	But Daniel was adamant.  "No, really Tisha, I want you stay 
here."
	"Why Danny?  I like the hotel I'm staying at."
	Daniel was getting frustrated and Armand could feel his 
agitation rising.  It amused him to no end.  This woman was tying his 
lover into knots and she wasn't even trying.
	"Oh Tisha, we both know you won't be spending any time 
there anyway," he finally blurted.
	Anger flashed in her green eyes and Daniel shivered.
	"Oh I won't, will I?" she said, her voice like ice.
	Armand stood and walked around to the back of the couch, 
leaning against it with his arms crossed in expectation.  Daniel sighed 
heavily.
	"That is _not_ what I meant!"
	"Oh?  And what did you mean?"
	Daniel looked frantically to Armand for help, but his lover 
just shrugged.
	"Well, you know us, Tisha.  Your dad would find us passed 
out on the couch with a bowl of half eaten pop-corn and an old B-
movie at three o'clock in the morning," he hastily explained.
	Some of the anger went out of her eyes, and she relaxed a 
little so he took his chance and grabbed her hands.
	"Besides, it has been so long, Tisha, and I don't want to let 
you out of my sight for even a minute."
	His heartfelt confession calmed her and she gave him a shy 
smile.  "You always were a sweetheart," she admitted.  "But I can't just 
stay here.  It's too much, and what would Armand think?"
	"I don't mind in the least.  It has been quite a while since we 
had any guests.  It might be nice to put the old guest bedrooms to good 
use," Armand assured.
	"So will you stay?  Please?"
	"Oh, Danny, I don't know..."
	"Look, if it will make you feel better, you can cook for me in 
return for the room.  How's that for a deal?"
	She looked at him, smiling.  "Let me get this straight.  You 
are willing to put me up in this place that makes Buckingham Palace 
look like shepherd's cottage, in return for my cooking?"
	"Absolutely."
	A wicked grin came to her lips.  "Hmmm, I need to think 
about this.  You may be taking advantage of my generous nature."
	Daniel smiled and took her in his arms.  "I assure you that is 
_exactly_ what I am doing."
	"Oh, I see."
	"So?  Have we got a deal?"
	She grinned.  "Deal."
	"Great!"
	"I'll have Sarah prepare the guest room next to yours, 
beloved," Armand said considerately.
	"That would be perfect Armand."  He turned and wrapped his 
arm around Tishana's shoulder. 
	"At some point we should send someone to get your things," 
Armand informed.
	"Oh, I'll go get them.  I don't like the idea of someone 
handling my clothes and personal effects," she countered.
	"But of course.  But not right now."  He gestured to the couch.  
"Come, let's finish our coffee.  You were telling me about you and 
Daniel in Michigan."
	Daniel's heart sank.  So much for postponing the inquisition.  
He gave Tishana one last squeeze before she slipped from his grasp 
and they returned to their seats: Tishana on the small sofa with 
Armand and Daniel on the larger.  Armand crossed his leg in a 
semblance of physical ease and assumed his gentle interrogation.
	"So you and Daniel went to high school together.  Did both of 
you study journalism?"
	Tishana laughed.  "Hell no.  Neither of us were studying that.  
I was an English major and he concentrated on troublemaking.  He 
was the bane of every teacher there.  Do you remember when you and 
Steve Elmer stole Mrs. Black's Thinker statue?"
	Daniel laughed.  "Damn, yes I do.  That poor old bat.  I 
thought she was going to bust an eye when she realized it was 
missing!"
	"And you sent those postcards!"  She turned her attention to 
Armand to tell him the story.  "Mrs. Black, the English Lit teacher 
had a miniature statue of The Thinker.  Well, Danny and his friend 
Steve kidnapped it one year, and they left a note saying that the 
Thinker was tired of sitting in the classroom and was going to go out 
to see the world.  So for four months, they would take the statue 
places, dress it up, take pictures and then send Mrs. Black a postcard, 
or a letter with the photos.  And sometimes Steve's mom would sew 
clothes for the thing."
	"I loved the Hawaiian beach outfit she made.  That was a 
trip."
	"Anyway, one day they snuck the statue back in when Mrs. 
Black was out of the room and when she came back in, there it was in 
its old spot with a Hawaiian lei around its neck.  She never did find 
out who did it."
	Daniel was chuckling.  "No, she didn't.  She would have 
skinned my hide if she found out it was me."
	"Or flunked you."
	"But she didn't," Daniel smoothed, brushing his knuckles 
against his chest.  "As usual, I got away with it."
	"Only because I lied for you and gave Mrs. Black a reason to 
leave the room."
	He grinned at her.  "As always, my accomplice in crime."
	"You wish, Danny-boy.  More like saving your butt," she shot 
back, taking a sip of her coffee.
	Their eyes met and for a moment Daniel forgot Armand was 
there.
	"God, I can't believe you're here.  You don't know how much 
I've missed you," he breathed with emotion.
	"I've missed you too, Danny."
	The wash of love and longing that came from Daniel almost 
made Armand tremble, and he knew Daniel was fighting the urge to 
run and hug her.  This was much, much more than a reunion of old 
lovers.
	"So you were close friends then?" he pressed, trying to figure 
out the key to all of this.
	"Close friends?  No," Tishana answered.  "Best friends.  
Better than best friends."
	"High school sweethearts," Daniel added.
	"And lovers," Armand completed.
	Daniel looked away, embarrassed.  "Yes.  We were lovers too, 
but that wasn't all we were to each other."
	"No," Tishana agreed.
	"What ever happened to Phoebe Parks?" Daniel asked 
suddenly, changing the subject.
	"I saw her two years ago at the ten year reunion.  She looked 
good.  Seemed to have forgiven you for putting gum in her hair.  She 
asked for you.  A lot of people asked for you.  I think it was what made 
me decide to finally track you down," she replied.
	"And Dougie Gates?"
	She smiled.  "That's Reverend Dougie Gates to you now."
	Daniel gasped.  "No!  Dougie!  A minister??"
	"Yep.  Has his own parish outside of Kalamazoo."
	"You have got to be kidding me!  He is the last person I 
would peg for entering the seminary."
	"Frankly, I think he did it to avoid the draft and decided he 
liked it, but that is just my opinion," she noted, taking another sip of 
her coffee.
	Daniel frowned.  "Well, I don't blame him.  A lot of us did a 
lot of things to avoid the draft."
	"Sam Hillis couldn't dodge it.  His name can be found on The 
Wall.  1973.  His sister brought a rubbing to the party, she wanted all 
of us to sign it.  He's MIA."
	They fell quiet.  "Hard to believe," Daniel whispered.
	"You're telling me.  Jim Shepard went too, and died.  He's on 
The Wall.  I think a good fifth of our graduating class went to 
Vietnam, and half of them didn't come back."  She gave him a 
heartbroken look.  "Danny, I'm so glad you weren't drafted.  I don't 
know what I would have done if you'd been killed or missing in action, 
or taken prisoner." 
	Daniel laughed nervously.  "More like I'd have gone AWOL."
	She chuckled.  "And I would have hid you in my basement."
	"Would have been just like old times," he kidded softly.
	"What?  You in my basement?"
	They laughed, and Daniel lolled his head back to rest against 
the couch, looking up at the ceiling.  He was all but ignoring Armand, 
but the vampire didn't really care.  He was learning things about 
Daniel that he never knew: draft-dodger, troublemaker, and although 
all of it fit with what he knew of Daniel, it was still exciting to hear it 
first hand.  And there was still the matter of figuring out exactly what 
it was between these two.
	"I take it you knew this Sam Hillis and Jim Shepard well?" he 
asked quietly.
	Daniel jerked at the sound of his voice, his eyes dilating as if 
he had forgotten Armand was there, and looked at Armand, confused.
	"Yes, they were classmates.  We hung out a lot.  Danny 
played basketball with them," Tishana explained.
	"Ah, I see."
	"It's hard to believe that they are dead.  Hell, I would have 
thought Sam would be married, and have a whole mess of rug rats by 
now," Daniel remarked.
	Tishana sighed.  "Yeah, well you know.  Things don't always 
work out the way we want them to."
	"Yeah," Daniel agreed, his voice far away.
	Tishana rested her elbows on her knees, and Armand could 
sense she was getting ready to broach a subject that frightened her.  
She cleared her throat and spoke haltingly.
	"Speaking of rug rats.  Shimmels gave me a picture taken last 
year.  You want to see him?"
	A shock ran through Daniel and his eyes clouded.  Armand 
stayed silent as his lover bowed his head, lost in concentration and 
thought for several moments.  Then he swept out his hand towards 
Tishana.
	"Yeah.  Yeah, show it to me," he answered, but his voice was 
strained and raw.
	"You sure?"
	There was a long pause, then Daniel nodded.  "Yeah, I'm 
sure."
	Tishana dug in her purse and pulled out a photograph, 
reaching over the coffee table to put it in Daniel's hand.  Daniel took 
it, looking away until he had brought the picture to his face, then he 
turned and let his eyes see what was there.
	A choked sound echoed through the room, and Armand felt 
the pain of a very old wound opening inside Daniel.
	"He's got your hair," Daniel whispered.
	"Yes, but he has your eyes."
	And then, Armand understood.  He peered over Daniel's 
shoulder to see the figure in the photograph.  It was a boy, about 
twelve years old, fair of face, with Daniel's violet eyes and a tousled 
mop of thick black hair.  He was beautiful.  And the sorrow coming 
from Daniel was unmistakable.  Now it all made sense, the closeness, 
the familiarity, the soft love between them.  The depth of feeling and 
emotion, why Daniel had been so protective of her.  They had had a 
baby together.  This woman had borne him a son, a son he could not 
keep, and he still felt the pain of separation.  Everything took on a new 
perspective, and he raised his eyes to Daniel's to see that they had 
become filled with tears.  He would not dream of harming Tishana 
now; she was safer with him than anywhere else in the world.  She 
was the mother of Daniel's child.
	The reality settled upon him and he cleared his throat.
	"When?" he asked softly.
	"When we were 18.  We were young, stupid and they didn't 
test condoms as thoroughly as they do now," Tishana answered 
because Daniel was not able to.
	"And the child?"
	"He went to a couple we chose.  It was a private adoption.  
We wanted it that way.  They named him Nicholas."
	"Does he know?  Have they told him yet?" Daniel questioned, 
his voice thick with unshed tears.
	"Yeah.  They told him a while ago.  Was kinda hard 
considering his coloring.  They're both blond.  It was pretty obvious."
	"How did he take it?"
	"Pretty well.  Though, in light of what I have learned here 
and what I already suspect, I think I need to warn them that there is a 
good chance he is gay.  I don't know if they are going to like that."
	"If you think it will make life hard for him, don't tell them.  
You are the only one who really knows about Armand and I," Daniel 
requested.  "Just send him to me if he seems to show the signs, and I'll 
talk to him."
	"Okay.  I won't say anything then, just see how it goes."
	"Has he contacted you?" Daniel inquired.
	"No, but he has my address."
	"Good."  His fingers brushed wistfully across the face in the 
photograph.  "He's beautiful.  It shouldn't have been this way.  It 
should have been different," he whispered hoarsely.
	Tishana sighed and closed her eyes.  "Danny, please.  We 
both know it was the only choice we had."
	He stared at the picture.  "I know, but that doesn't make me 
wish it wasn't so."
	"The Shimmels are good people, Danny; they've raised him 
well.  You can't honestly tell me that he would have been better off 
with us.  We were eighteen for Chris-sakes!  No education, no skills, 
no money and no way to provide for a child.  He would have been no 
better off than we were," she insisted.  "And look!  Look at all you 
have now.  You'd have none of this if we had kept him.  We'd both 
still be stuck in Michigan, poor and miserable.  You wouldn't have 
your fortune, or this island, or your beautiful lover."
	Armand blushed at her praise but said nothing.
	"And if you had stayed with me, wouldn't that have been a 
lie?  Look at you.  You are gay.  Would it have been fair of me to hold 
you to a lifestyle you didn't want?  Would it have been fair to me?  Or 
our child?  Children?"
	"I'm not gay!" Daniel snapped.  "I'm bi, and I love both sexes 
equally and sleep with both equally.  My sexual orientation isn't the 
point here."
	"No, the point is that you've always wanted what you can't 
have.  I thought we had put all this behind us years ago, Danny.  We 
made the right choice."
	"I know we made the right choice!" Daniel cried, the tears 
spilling down his face.  "But he's still my son, damnit.  He's still my 
son..."
	Armand could feel the ache in Daniel as he wept almost 
silently, clutching the photograph, and it made him ache too, but he 
could also feel the overwhelming need Daniel had for this woman.  He 
decided to quietly withdrawal and let them have their pain in private.  
He stood, surprising both of them.
	"Forgive me.  I will leave the two of you alone.  There are 
some matters which I need to attend to, and you need some time to 
yourselves," he said gently.
	Then he walked to Tishana and took her hand, pulling her 
from the sofa and guiding her to sit next to Daniel.
	"You need each other now," he informed, placing her hand in 
Daniel's with a fond pat.
	*Sometimes your ability to understand surprises even me, 
Armand.  Thank you,* Daniel said silently.
	Armand gave him a soft smile in answer.  *I love you, and I 
can feel your pain.*
	Daniel reached up and took Armand's face in his hand, lifting 
his chin to kiss him tenderly.  "I love you."
	"I love you too, Daniel.  I'll be in my study if you have need of 
me."
	"Thanks."
	The auburn-haired vampire gave his lover a nod and then 
quietly left the room.  Daniel put his arms around Tishana and drew 
her close.  She hugged him tight and rocked him as he cried, letting 
the pain wash out of him in waves.
	"Oh God.  I didn't know it would hurt this much," he sobbed.
	"I know.  It's the same for me."
	"Does it ever get easier?"
	"No."	
	"God..." he choked and began to cry again.
	She said nothing as he wept, stroking his hair and crooning 
under her breath until he had spent himself.  They had curled around 
each other on the couch, nestling into its plush softness, limbs tangled 
together as they sought comfort.  Finally, Daniel's tears ebbed and he 
quieted.  They separated, sitting up, but still pressed together, their 
arms loosely around each other, and for a long time they did not speak, 
just listened to the sound of each other's breathing.  Then Tishana 
broke the silence.
	"He is such a sweetheart," she remarked thoughtfully, resting 
her head on his shoulder as he drew her close.
	"Who? Armand?  Yes, he has his moments."
	"You're very lucky.  I'm glad that you have him.  I was 
worried..."
	"That I'd be alone?  No.  Never alone.  Lonely, yes, but never 
alone," he said, caressing her arm lightly.
	"How long have you two been together?"
	"Going on eleven years now."
	She jolted with surprise.  "Eleven years?  Wow.  That is an 
awful long time."
	"Yeah..." he replied, trailing off, looking deeply at her.
	He smiled secretly and traced her lip with his finger, soft and 
loving.
	"Daniel?"
	His eyes misted over.  "You are so beautiful.  I've missed you 
so much."
	He bent his head to kiss her but she pulled away.  
	"Danny!  What are you doing?  What about Mr. Eleven Years 
in there?" she argued, shocked.
	Daniel smiled and shook his head.  "Armand and I have a 
very open relationship."
	Instead of easing her fears, it only agitated her more.
	"Oh, don't tell me that Danny.  That is so dangerous these 
days."
	"Don't worry.  They're all safe.  Armand makes sure they are 
clean."
	"Armand?"
	"Yeah.  He arranges it for me," he explained, then added 
when he saw her expression.  "Our relationship is complicated."
	"In more ways than I want to know."
	He held on to her, seeking to pull her closer.  "It doesn't 
matter.  What does matter is that he doesn't mind."
	He leaned to kiss her again, but she stopped him.  "He may 
not mind it when he picks them, but he may mind you sleeping with 
an old flame."
	"I can assure you, he won't bat an eye."
	"Still.  I think I want to talk to him about this first."
	"Suit yourself.  He'll only tell you the same thing."
	"I think I'd rather hear it from him, then I know for sure," she 
corrected.
	He gave her a sly smile.  "Are you fighting me because you 
don't want me or are you fighting me because you want me too much?"
	She placed a restraining hand upon his chest.  "I am fighting 
you because we've been apart for twelve years, and I think I'd like to 
get reacquainted with you again before I jump into bed with you."
	He eased up, smiling innocently.  "Makes sense."
	She swallowed and stroked his hair.  "Look.  I'll be here a few 
days.  Let's take this as it comes, okay?  I'll talk to Armand and see 
what he says, and we'll go from there.  And depending on what he 
says, whatever happens, happens.  Let's not force it, okay?"
	He caressed her cheek.  "Okay."
	They looked at each other again, each trying to read the 
other's mind, but Daniel knew that only he and Armand shared that 
gift.  Cautiously, he leaned forward and planted a tender kiss on her 
lips.  She did not pull away and they kissed sweetly, gently.  He 
pressed closer, seeking to deepen it, but met with her resistance as she 
broke the kiss.
	"I think..." she said breathlessly.  "That we ought to go get 
my things from the hotel.  It's getting late and I am getting tired."
	"I think that would be a good idea.  I'll have Martin get the 
boat ready."
	She moved to stand.  "And I'll go tell Armand we're going.  
Where is his study?"
	"Down the hall, second door on the left."
	She brushed off her jeans absently.  "I'll meet you down on 
the dock."
	"Okay.  Take the glass elevator.  It'll take you right down.  
Armand will show you which one."
	"Thanks.  See you there."
	Tishana left the den and went down the hall to the door 
Daniel had told her led to Armand's study.  It was closed, so she 
knocked lightly.
	"Enter," came the familiar voice.
	She opened the door and stepped in, closing it behind her.  He 
was sitting behind a desk, computers all around him, buzzing and 
whirring and doing things.  Something was being printed out, the 
pages slipping down to the floor from the dot matrix printer.  He gave 
her a brief look then returned his attention to the screen in front of 
him.
	"Danny and I are going to go get my stuff from the hotel.  
We'll be back shortly."
	"All right.  I told Sarah to make sure your room was ready."
	"Thanks."
	There was a short pause.  "How is he?" he asked softly.
	"He's okay."
	"Good."
	She took a step towards the desk.  "You were concerned."
	He glanced at her, his face unreadable, his brown eyes dark 
and glassy.  "Yes."
	She placed a hand on the wood of the desk, not quite sure 
how to begin.  "Danny... Danny, he says you and he have an... open 
relationship.  Is this true?"
	Now he looked at her fully and held her gaze.  There was a 
myriad of emotions swimming in his eyes, but she could not read 
them, and he was quiet, regarding her calmly.
	"Daniel does not exaggerate the nature of our arrangement," 
he answered carefully.
	She gave a small sigh of relief.  So he wasn't lying just to get 
what he wanted.
	"Why do you ask?" Armand questioned, his eyebrow raised 
curiously.
	She looked away, unable to withstand his penetrating gaze.  
"He's not taking it well.  I thought he was over it, but it's obvious he's 
not."
	"I agree."
	"There's something still broken inside him and I wanted to try 
to fix it, but I wanted to know where my boundaries were first."
	He blinked slowly and she felt released.  "I see... and I 
understand."
	She brightened and smiled at him.  "Good.  Thank you."
	"No.  Thank _you_.  I think you will be good for Daniel for a 
while."
	"Yes, for a while."  She ventured closer.  "I assure you, I am 
not here to take him from you."
	He smiled a secret smile.  "I doubt you would be able to even 
if you were."
	"Of that, I have no doubt, Armand."
	"I'll see you when you get back."
	"Yes.  Thanks."
	She moved to leave.
	"Oh, and the glass elevator to the dock is at the end of this 
hall.  Turn left when you exit and keep going until you see it," he told 
her, returning to his work.
	"Great, thanks!" she said and left the room.
	It was only after she had walked halfway down the corridor 
that she realized that she hadn't remembered to ask him about the 
elevator.

The bed was cold and lonely.  Tishana had been quiet and withdrawn 
all the way to and from her hotel, and he wondered what Armand said to her.  
Had he told her the truth?  Or had he lied out of some twisted sense of 
possessiveness?  She didn't answer him when he asked, and claimed exhaustion 
when they got back to the island.  She gave him a sweet, but chaste, kiss
good 
night, then retired to her room.  He had searched for Armand in the villa,
but 
had found him not home; so, alone and feeling dejected, he went to bed.  But
he 
couldn't sleep.  He tossed and turned, his emotions tearing him to pieces as
all 
the memories he had suppressed for so long began to resurface.  He felt
flayed 
as the layers peeled away, revealing memories he didn't even know he had: 
Tishana standing on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago.  A trip to Mackinaw Island, 
sitting on the porch of the grand old Inn.  Tishana pregnant, the feel of his
son 
moving beneath his hand...  He squeezed his eyes shut, holding back the pain.

Where was Armand?  Armand could make it go away.  He needed Armand.  
The tears leaked out from the corners of his eyes, and he sobbed softly.
Then, 
as if his thoughts had been silent prayers, the demon angel was there beside
his 
bed. 
	*I am here, beloved.*
	He looked up at the figure, both ghastly and indescribably beautiful to 
him at the same time, and reached up with both arms.  Armand bent down and 
crawled onto the mattress, taking Daniel into his embrace.
	*Armand...*
	*Hush.  It's all right.*
	*Hold me.  Just hold me.*
	Armand thrilled at the sound of it, the silent need.  He was needed, he 
was wanted, and yes, he was even loved.  And that was the best part of all, 
Daniel really loved him.
	*My beloved,* he said, holding Daniel close.
	Daniel wept, his fingers tangled in the collar of Armand's silk shirt, 
and Armand bedded them both down on the soft mattress, wrapping Daniel in 
blankets and his arms.  It was a long time before either of them spoke.
	"Do you want him?" Armand asked suddenly, after Daniel had quieted 
and they just lay together.
	"Huh?"
	Armand raised himself up on one elbow, looking down at Daniel.  "Do 
you want him?"
	"Who?"
	"Your son.  I'll get him for you.  You know I can."
	Daniel's eyes opened wide.  "God, no Armand!  Bring a child into this 
madness we live in??  Never.  No... Tisha is right.  He's better off with the

Shimmels.  They'll raise him better than I ever could."  He grew pensive.
"But 
it might be nice... to see him every now and then."
	"I can arrange for it.  If you like."
	He put a hand on Armand's chest.  "Let me think about it.  Let me talk 
to Tisha.  I may not be the best thing for Nicholas right now."
	At the mention of Tishana's name, Armand sobered and lowered 
himself to the mattress again.
	"Why did you never tell me you had a son?" the vampire asked softly.
	"Would it have made a difference?  Would I have been undesirable to 
you?"
	"No.  I would have loved you still."
	"Then why does it matter?"
	"Because it does.  Because I will never have a son," he replied sadly.
	Daniel heard the catch in Armand's throat and rolled to face his lover.  
"Family means a lot to you, doesn't it?"
	"Family, belonging, companionship, and end to the loneliness.  That is 
a vampire's greatest fear: loneliness.  We are so alone..."
	"But you have me," Daniel insisted.  "Make me what you are.  Bring 
me to you and I will never leave your side!"
	For a moment, Armand looked heartbroken.  "It doesn't work that way, 
Daniel.  You should know that.  Didn't Louis teach you that?"
	How rare of him to mention Louis, or any vampire for that matter.
	"But we're different, you and I," Daniel argued.  "You have no spell 
over me.  I love you!  I want to be with you forever.  Yes, we'll have the
silence, 
but we will have so much more."
	"The silence is everything, Daniel."
	"No, it's not.  Look how close Tisha and I became.  We never shared 
minds," Daniel pointed out.
	"It's different with mortals!  And she bore you a son.  She made you a 
father.  I cannot."
	Daniel tried to shake Armand's shoulder.  "I don't want to be a father.  
I want to be like you."
	"I'm dead, Daniel.  You don't want to be dead."
	"It's better than being alive."
	Armand closed his eyes wearily.  "Perhaps.  Perhaps when you are 
drunk and destroying your body with liquor, it is better than life.  But I
cannot 
help but notice that you have not had a single drink since Tishana arrived."
	Daniel blushed.  "Tisha doesn't like it when I drink.  At least, not 
when I drink to get drunk."
	"And so you refrain from it to please her?"
	Daniel tried to explain in words.  "I don't do anything that I know will 
purposefully upset her.  I've always done that, even when we were kids."
	"I understand."
	"You know I do the same thing with you, only there is so little that 
upsets you.  You don't care if I drink, or smoke, or carouse.  For you, I
have no 
bad habits, and half the time, I think you _want_ me to upset you.  Feeling
pain 
makes you feel alive, I think," Daniel added thoughtfully.
	Armand looked away and Daniel could feel his confusion and 
embarrassment.  He took Armand's hand.
	"There isn't a single thing that I would do for her that I wouldn't do for 
you.  I won't lie to you.  I love her and I probably always will.  She's a 
representation of everything that is good in me, and there was a time when I 
would have rather died than lived without her.  But I don't need her anymore,

and that is what she wanted to happen.  She wanted me to be me.  And now, I 
can live without her, but I don't want to live without you.  I love you,
Armand.  
Just as much as I love her.  We just express it in different ways."
	He saw red tears brimming in Armand's eyes.  "The two of you are so 
close..."
	"And we could be that close, too!  If you'd just let me in," Daniel 
enthused, pressing close.  "It's been eleven years, Armand.  Haven't I proven

myself to you time and time again?  Why do you keep me at arm's length?  It's

why I keep running away.  Please, Armand, let me in.  I'm not going to hurt 
you.  I promise..."
	"Enough.  Enough... please," Armand begged, his voice raw.
	"Give it to me..." Daniel whispered in his ear.
	"I can't," the vampire replied with a sob. "I can't."
	He pushed Daniel to his back and climbed almost on top of him, his 
cold lips seeking the warmth of Daniel's mortal flesh, and Daniel gave in, 
refusing to fight.  The tiny fangs pierced his skin and Daniel half wished 
Armand would kill him, that he would die in this sea of pleasure that was the

vampire's kiss.  But Armand took only a mouthful of blood, more or less, and 
gave some back to Daniel, kissing him with reddened lips so he tasted
himself.  
He remembered doing something similar with a mortal lover that Armand had 
arranged for him to sleep with: a young man.  The man had given him a blow-
job, opting to swallow what Daniel spurted into his eager mouth, and then 
kissed Daniel, the taste and smell of his own semen still on the man's lips.
He 
had been repulsed.
	He heard Armand make the tear and instinctively turned his head 
towards it, his mouth open.  The blood coated his tongue, sending shocks and 
sparks through his whole body.  He moaned.
	*Armand...*
	*My beloved.*
	Floating, drowsy, the wallpaper was singing.  He heard it, saw the 
eerie shapes of forgotten memories and ghosts, and materializing from the haze was an image of Tishana's face.  She was smiling warmly.

Armand rose from the cellars and returned from his hunt shortly after 
seven the following evening, and he was surprised to find Tishana and Daniel 
already awake and bustling about.  They were laughing about something while 
Tishana cooked in the kitchen, an apron tied around her small waist, and he 
entered easily, not bothering to announce his presence.  Daniel saw him 
approaching, whirled on one foot and ran to him, wrapping his arms fiercely 
around him, nearly lifting him up, and kissed him passionately.
	"Mmmmmmm, I love you!" Daniel breathed, squeezing him.
	"Daniel?  To what do I owe this pleasure?" Armand asked, his 
eyebrows raised.  Daniel was rarely this openly affectionate, and Tishana was

grinning at them from ear to ear.
	"No reason.  I just love you," Daniel answered simply, kissing him 
again, and again, and again, on all parts of his face.  "Mmmm, you're 
wonderful."
	"Daniel, are you feeling all right?"
	"I'm feeling great!  Better than great.  I feel fabulous!"
	He let go of Armand and skittered back to Tishana.  Armand gave her 
a questioning glance.  She merely smiled.
	"This is how he is when he is sober, well rested and well-fed," she 
explained.
	"And you, Armand, are you well fed?" Daniel teased.
	"I am sated, yes, thank you," Armand replied.
	Daniel rested his chin on Tishana's shoulder.  "See.  Told you.  He ate 
already.  Always does.  He's never let me watch him eat.  But that's okay.
That 
means more veal marsala for me."
	Tishana poked him in the belly with her wooden spoon.  "You are 
going to be a little pudge-pot when I leave, you know that."
	"Ooooo, Armand, how do you think I would look with love handles?"
	Now it was Armand's turn to smile.  *Positively delicious,* he 
answered mentally, then spoke aloud, "Wonderful.  It would give me something 
to hold on to."
	Daniel threw his head back and laughed.
	*Daniel... are you sure you are all right?*
	*Armand , I'm _fine_!*
	Armand's eyes narrowed.  *Did you and Tishana...*
	Daniel looked mildly surprised.  *Hell no.  She really hasn't done 
much other than kiss me.  From the way she's been acting, I thought you told 
her no.*
	*I did nothing of the sort.*
	Daniel sobered a little bit then shrugged.  *Whatever.*
	*Then what's gotten into you today?*
	*I haven't had a cigarette all day.  I'm jumpy.  Not to mention ragingly 
horny.  God, Armand, what did you do to me last night?  I woke up from an 
erotic dream of you that was so real I could almost taste the blood sweat all
over 
you.  That has never happened before.  What did you do?*
	Armand blinked, shocked.
	*Nothing I haven't done to you countless times before.*
	*Well, then something clicked, because it was one of the most vivid 
dreams I have ever had.  And I woke up with the hard-on to prove it.*
	*Interesting.  Why haven't you had a cigarette all day??*
	*I'll tell you in a minute.*  He turned around and hugged Tishana 
from behind.  "Can I help?"
	"You can stay out of my way."
	"Oh, but if I stay in your way, then you'll step on me, you'll feel so bad 
that you'll kiss my boo-boo and make it better."
	"God, you're horrible when you're sober and on a nic fit," she sighed, 
exasperated.
	He began to grope her sides.  "Oh, but I can't help it.  You're both here 
and you're both so gorgeous.  Can you blame me for wanting to..."
	"That's it," she said suddenly, pushing Daniel into Armand's arms 
with a smile.  "Go throw him into the shower, preferably a cold one."
	"I could always go fish my Carltons out of the sand," Daniel snipped 
back, giggling.
	"You'll do nothing of the sort," she insisted.
	He did his best to look dejected.  "But... I really want a cigarette."
	She sighed.  "Oh, all _right_," she blurted, putting her spoon down 
and coming to them.  
	Then she seized Daniel's face in her hands and kissed him hard and 
deep.  Armand could see her forcing her tongue far into his mouth, almost
into 
his throat.  Daniel moaned and his legs wobbled, he nearly collapsed.
Abruptly 
as she had begun it, she broke off the kiss, leaving Daniel panting and
glassy-
eyed.
	"There.  Better now?"
	"Yes," Daniel murmured, breathless.  "For the next twenty minutes at 
least, and I think I'll go take that cold shower."
	"Good.  Dinner will be ready by the time you get back.  Now shoo."
	"Yes, ma'am," Daniel answered with a grin. 
	Daniel walked out of the kitchen, a sly smile on his face, with Armand 
at his side.
	"What was that all about?" Armand asked.
	"Oh, Tisha and I made a deal.  She told me if I wanted her to kiss me, 
I'd better not smoke.  So I asked her if I could kiss her every time I wanted
a 
cigarette.  She agreed and I threw my cigarettes out the window.  I've been 
pestering her ever since," Daniel explained with a laugh as they arrived at
his 
bedroom.
	"And enjoying it."
	"Having the time of my life.  She's making veal marsala for dinner.  I 
love veal marsala."
	"I've never seen you eat it before," Armand commented.
	"That's because I didn't have Tisha to make it for me.   See, she doesn't 
just fry up veal then dump a sauce with marsala over it.  No, she cooks the
veal 
in the wine, so the meat tastes like the marsala, sweet and luscious.  God!
My 
mouth starts watering just  thinking about it."
	He was stripping off his dressing robe and moving easily to his marble 
bath.  He didn't care if Armand saw him naked, Armand had seen him naked 
thousands of times.  Nothing new.  But he'd never seen Armand naked.  He 
often wondered about it.  Armand had often promised to show him, to come 
into the shower or share a bath, but it had never happened.  It was part of
their 
problems now, the lack of physical intimacy, but he didn't like to dwell on
it.  It 
was just another of Armand's disappointments. 
	Armand turned on the water and adjusted it to Daniel's preferred 
temperature, then sat on the latrine as Daniel showered.
	"You're glamouring her, aren't you?" Daniel noted, soaping up.  "She 
hardly gives you a second glance."
	"Actually, no, beloved, I'm not, and it's very strange.  She seems 
completely unconcerned with me, except for my relationship to you and how I 
treat you.  No, you are her sole focus.  Everything else is peripheral.  It
is like 
she only has enough energy to concentrate on one thing."
	The water fell heavily as Daniel rinsed.  "How can that be?  I mean, if 
you're not glamouring her..."
	"I don't know."
	"You mean, she just accepts you?"
	"I mean, that she considers me part of the woodwork, so to speak.  Her 
thoughts are only of you.  To the point of obsession.  Like someone driven.
It 
can be rather disturbing at times, but she makes you so happy.  Ach...  I do
not 
wish to dwell on it.  If the novelty of being with you wears off and she
starts to 
question me, I'll glamour her; until then, I won't waste my energy," Armand 
clarified.
	There was a pause as Daniel washed his hair.  The bathroom was 
steaming up from the hot water, coating the glass shower door.
	"I thought you were supposed to take a cold shower," Armand said 
teasingly.
	"Well, with the way she's been acting, I suppose I should have.  You 
really didn't say anything to her that could have been taken as a no?"
	"Not that I can think of, beloved.  She asked me if our relationship was 
open and I told her it was," Armand answered truthfully.
	"Hmmmm," Daniel mused, rinsing his hair... "I wonder what is wrong 
then.  She hasn't been frigid, but she's been keeping things cool."
	"Maybe she just needs to get used to you again.  Twelve years is a long 
time and you both have changed so much."
	He turned the shower off and swiped the excess water from his body 
with his hands.  Then he slid open the shower door and Armand handed him a 
towel.
	"Thanks," he said, rubbing himself down.
	"My pleasure."
	Daniel smiled.  "I'm sure."
	He stepped out of the tub and slid easily into Armand's lap, one arm 
encircling the thin shoulders.
	"I love you," he whispered, leaning in for a kiss.
	Armand's lips were warm from the kill, and Daniel could almost taste 
the blood on them.  He moaned.
	"Mmmm, perhaps I can ease some of your discomfort, beloved," 
Armand offered.
	"What did you have in mind?"
	His answer was Armand's classic wry smile, just before his brown eyes 
misted over and he pressed his lips to Daniel's throat.  Daniel gasped and 
arched his neck, yielding as he felt the fangs sink in.
	"Oooooohhhhhh."
	He closed his eyes and rested against Armand's chest, lost in pleasure, 
until Armand shifted him slightly and offered the trickling wound on his
neck.  
He licked at it, trying to prolong the intimacy, the feel of Armand's body
under 
his hands, his legs, the roughness of the cotton suit Armand wore rubbing 
against his skin, and then sucked gently, groaning, sighing.  Armand shivered

and wrapped his arms around his mortal lover, locking them into the embrace 
for long moments.
	"Mmm, God, I love when you do that," Daniel murmured, licking his 
lips.
	"Did it help?" the vampire asked considerately.
	"Yes, a little."
	"You should get dressed.  Veal marsala is waiting," he said with a 
small smile.
	Daniel nuzzled him.  "I'd rather have your blood."
	"Should I go tell her that?  'I'm sorry, Tishana, Daniel won't be out to 
eat.  He's in the bedroom with me, drinking my blood.'  What do you think she

would say to that?"
	Daniel laughed.  Armand rarely made such jests.  "You have a point."
	Armand pushed him up and he stood, wrapping the towel around his 
waist.
	"What should I wear?"
	"I've already laid out a suitable outfit for you," the vampire replied.
	They walked into Daniel's bedroom, and Daniel found a new pair of 
jeans and a baseball jersey draped on his bed.
	"Huh?"
	Armand sighed.  "I was afraid you'd would forget.  Remember tonight 
is the opening game of spring training, and you promised that you would toss 
out the first ball."
	"Oh, damn, you're right.  Shit, what time is that?"
	"Eight."
	Daniel sighed heavily.  "I'll tell Tisha; maybe I'll try to get out of it."
	He pulled on the clothes, and headed out to the kitchen.
	"Hey, you look like you're ready to go to bat," Tishana mused as they 
came in.
	"Uh yeah..." Daniel began haltingly.  "See, tonight's the first game of 
the pre-season and I sorta promised that I'd toss the first ball, being that
they're 
christening Malloy Stadium."
	She laughed, swinging her spoon.  "Malloy Stadium.  That's not 
pretentious at all."
	"Hey, I didn't ask them to name it after me.  I just gave them the 
money."
	"Oh, you poor suffering soul.  Well, come on then, let's get you fed so 
you won't be late or rather too late.  You'll be late for your own funeral, 
Danny."
	"I certainly hope so.  Can't break with tradition.  But, Tisha, I can get 
out of it.  I am sure someone else can do it..."
	She waved a hand as she carried the pan with dinner to the counter 
top.  "Nonsense!  Go have fun."
	"Will you come with me?"
	"Oh, Danny, you know me and crowds.  And all the lights...  No, 
sweets.  I'll stay here and try to figure out the video system."
	Daniel bowed his head.  "I didn't think you would, but thought I'd 
ask."
	She ruffled his damp hair and sniffed it deeply.  "You'll be fine.  And 
I'll be here when you get back."
	"And I'll stay with her, teach her how to use the video system," 
Armand offered.
	"I won't stay for the whole game.  I'll only be gone for about an hour, 
hour and a half."
	"Okay."
	"Then maybe when I get back, we can watch a film.  We have an 
enormous library," he suggested.
	"Only if I can make popcorn."
	"Deal."
	"Good.  Now eat," she said, putting some veal onto his plate on the 
counter.
	Daniel sat on a stool and waited for her to serve dinner to them both, 
and then watched as she sat beside him.
	"What are you waiting for?" she asked,
	"You to kiss me.  I always have a cigarette before meals."
	She smiled and obliged him, giving him a sweet, tender kiss.
	"You gonna last at that ball game?" she questioned teasingly.
	"Yes, but I'll be dying for a kiss when I get back."
	"I consider myself warned."
	He giggled and began to eat.
	"Mmmmmm.  Better than I remembered it, Tisha.  It's wonderful.  
Thank you," he complimented, his mouth full.
	"Glad to see Armand has taught you table manners," she quipped 
good-naturedly.
	"How can I think of table manners when I am having food orgasms."
	Tishana burst into laughter and swatted him on the arm.  "Daniel, you 
are impossible!"
	He grinned, swallowing.  "I know."
	"Oh, eat and get out of here.  I have to think about what I am going to 
do with you," she kidded, still giggling.
	"Not without my good-bye kiss.  I always smoke after meals too."
	She groaned and ate her dinner as Daniel wolfed his down.
	"Okay, pucker-up, Puffs," he enthused when he was finished.  "I have 
to go."
	She nodded and finished chewing, turning her head to give him a 
loving kiss.  He stayed perfectly still, enjoying the tenderness of it, and
it was 
the first time all day she had kissed him with any real feeling.  His heart 
pounded, the adrenaline rushing through his body.  It was sweet, so sweet,
and 
tasted of promises yet to be fulfilled.
	"I'll get back as soon as I can," he said softly, when their lips parted.
	"I'll be waiting."
	He stood, his eyes practically glowing with an inner joy, and gave her 
a brief peck on the cheek.  "Bye."
	"Bye."
	He moved to kiss Armand.  "I'll see you when I get back."
	"Have fun, beloved."
	Daniel smiled.  "I will."
	"Martin is waiting to drive you to the stadium."
	"Thanks, Armand, you think of everything."
	Armand's lips turned up at the corners gently.  "You're welcome."
	Unable to prolong the inevitable any longer, Daniel nodded to both of 
them and left.  After he was gone, Tisha finished her dinner and began
washing 
the dishes.
	"Let Sarah take care of that," Armand said, placing his hand upon 
hers.  "We have to make her feel useful you know, and you are doing her job."
	She laughed.  "Can't have that, can we."
	"No."  He took her hand and led her from the kitchen.  "Why don't you 
come out onto the balcony with me?  The warm breezes of the Gulf are so 
wonderful."
	They went out through two huge sliding glass doors onto the verandah 
overlooking Miami Beach. 
	"It is beautiful here," she agreed.  "And Danny seems happy."
	"We've lived many places, Daniel and I, but I think we both like this 
one best."
	"Yeah.  I can see why."
	"Why does he call you 'Puffs'?" he asked suddenly.
	"Oh, it's an old nickname.  He would always call me Tisha, and that 
sounded a lot like tissues, so he took to calling me Puffs because Puffs
tissues 
are the softest."
	"Ahhh.  American logic," he commented.
	She smiled.  "I thought you were foreign.  Where did you originate 
from?"
	"Italy originally."
	"Ah Italia!  I loved it there.  I was in Rome four years ago.  Beautiful 
place."
	He returned the smile.  "Yes.  Daniel and I were there in 1977.  We 
went to Pompeii."
	"I'll bet you've been lots of places with him."
	"Yes."
	She nodded.  "He always had the explorer's soul.  You two are very 
good for each other.  I'm glad you are together.  Thanks for taking care of
him."
	He gave her a slight bow.  "Thank you for the compliments."
	"I only give them because they are true."
	"Then they are all the more precious."
	"I'll always love him," she said suddenly.  "But sometimes the biggest 
part of love is letting go."
	"I understand."	
	"He loves you.  Don't ever doubt that.  He may be a bit rough around 
the edges, but he's a diamond all the same."
	Armand sighed and gripped the rail.  "I know.  Still, there are times 
when I envy you.  How you knew him in his youth, and all the things you 
shared that he and I never will.  And how easily you get him to do what you 
want.  How completely he obeys you."
	She looked at him, her eyes glittering, as if she were trying to think of 
what to say.
	"It's not a matter of obedience, Armand.  I just know Daniel.  
Sometimes I think I know him better than he knows himself, better than *I* 
know myself, better than anyone who's ever known him.  To me, Daniel is just 
Daniel, but he is also another part of me.  An independent part of myself,"
she 
explained, looking back out at the calm waters.  
	"You must understand, I've known Daniel forever.  He was my first 
friend, and there were times when I was his only friend.  He was always 
different, and it always got him in trouble.  But I was there, and he knew he

could always count on me."
	She gave a little shrug and Armand could see her memories opening, 
bittersweet and sad, but cherished all the same.  
	"I was there when the Carter boys broke his arm.  And I helped him 
get his bike back when the stupid bullies down the street stole it, then
helped 
him fix what they'd done to it.  I protected him from his alcoholic louse of
a 
father.  I did his homework.  I cooked for him.  I hid him.  I was his date
for 
the Freshman Dance, The Soph Hop, the Junior and the Senior Proms.  We 
were each each other's first lover.  We were closer to each other than we
were 
to anyone else, parents and siblings included."
	She bowed her head.  "I think it was always assumed that Daniel and 
Tishana would get married and live happily ever after.  It seemed to be a 
foregone conclusion even before I got pregnant, and even more so afterwards.

Everyone thought it, everyone knew it.  Everyone except us."  
	Her thoughts trailed off and Armand knew she was no longer even 
seeing him, or the sparkling lights of Miami.  She was seeing across the
years, 
two teenagers in a ranch-style house, lying together on a small bed.  He saw
it 
all vividly in her mind, the tenderness in the scene played out before him,
the 
two souls, the two hearts cradling the beginning of a third.  A young
Daniel's 
hand rubbing the swelling womb of his companion.  'I can feel it move,
Tisha!'
	"When I got pregnant, Daniel moved in with us to be near me.  My 
parents allowed it.  His parents were furious.  I think it should have been
the 
other way around, but my folks have always loved Daniel, and still do.  As
the 
pregnancy went on, I saw him making sacrifices that I knew he shouldn't be 
making.  Not for me, not for anyone.  Daniel was losing himself to the family

we were becoming, and I couldn't let that happen.  I knew I had to let him
go.  
Neither of us were ready to give up our dreams.  I'd been accepted to go to 
Michigan State, just as he had, and I wanted to go.  I didn't want to be a
wife 
and mother, and he didn't want to be a father, not really.  Oh he loved the
idea 
of it, he loved the way the baby kicked when he pushed down, he loved to lay 
his head against my belly to hear its beating heart..."  She stopped for a 
moment, the pain getting too much even for her.  "But he didn't want to give
up 
his future for the child, and I couldn't see us giving it much of one
anyway."
	"So you talked Daniel into giving the child up."
	"I didn't have to get his permission.  Not in those days.  Fathers with 
bastard kids had no say in the matter.  He knew that, but he also knew I
would 
never do that to him."
	"He loved you and that child more than life itself," Armand whispered.
	She gave him a sad look.  "I know.  And that was wrong.  You must 
love yourself first and foremost.  Always love yourself.  Daniel has never 
understood that, and half the time I think that is my fault.  I shaped him
just as 
much as his family did.  Sometimes I wonder where I went wrong."
	He put a hand on her shoulder.  "I don't think you should bear the 
blame for that.  Self-love, like self-loathing, isn't something you can give 
someone.  It's something he or she finds for themselves."
	She nodded.  "You're right.  You're absolutely right."
	"Tell me what happened after the baby was born.  Why did Daniel 
leave Michigan and go to California?  Was it to get away from you?"
	"Oh no.   He wanted me to come with him.  I was the one who said no 
to that.  I knew our time together had ended.  Daniel needed to be Daniel,
and 
he couldn't be Daniel with me around.  No.  We had arranged the adoption with

Mr. & Mrs. Shimmel three months in advance..."  She shook her head, 
remembering.  "Oh, how we screened those prospective parents.  Daniel wanted 
to make sure his child was going to the best family possible.  He was
downright 
rude and intrusive at times, but I let him.  I knew how much it was hurting 
him."  
	She gave him a bright look, smiling softly.  "Do you know he was 
there in the delivery room when the baby was born?  That was unheard of in 
1971.  The doctors and nurses wanted to throw him out, but I forbade it.  I
told 
them if their second-year medical students could observe the birth of my
child, 
then the father had damn well better have the same rights."
	Armand chuckled.  He could see this woman telling the hospital staff 
just that, even at the tender age of eighteen.
	"They let him hold the baby for a few seconds," she confessed, her eyes 
misty.  "God, how he looked at that moment.  I was exhausted and drained and 
the placenta hadn't been expelled yet, but all I can remember is his face.
It was 
angelic, beatific... and the child reached up with one tiny hand, and touched
his 
cheek.  I nearly burst into tears right there, and would have if the pain
hadn't 
started again."
	She stopped, collecting herself, and Armand waited patiently.  He 
knew she would continue, besides, he was seeing that image of Daniel in her 
mind and she was right: it was angelic, the very picture of perfection.  He
saw 
the hand reach up, saw Daniel marvel about how his thumb was larger that the 
baby's entire fist.  He almost started crying himself.
	"After the adoption was over and done with, I was afraid that the pain 
would tear us apart, but Daniel was still as devoted and doting as ever, and
I 
realized how unhealthy that was.  I was going to MSU, and he was supposed to 
as well.  And I was at a loss for what to do.  We'd grown up an awful lot in 
those nine months, and I knew Daniel could not go on living his life through 
me.  It had to end somehow.  Then one night, while we were lazing together 
and things were almost like old times, he confessed to me that he dreamed of 
going to California.  He wanted to be a journalist, driving along the coast, 
soaking up sun and stories, and wouldn't that be wonderful."
	Armand smiled again as he saw it.  Daniel, tanned and young, alive 
with dreams, his violet eyes blazing with enthusiasm.  'It would be perfect, 
Tisha!'
	"I saw it as a way to get him away from me, for by then I knew I was 
polluting him just by being near him.  So the very next day, I sold my
jewelry 
and cashed in a savings bond my parents had gotten me for college, and bought

Daniel a bus ticket to San Francisco and enough money, I hoped, to help him 
live until he got settled.  It was supposed to be my tuition, that money, and
it 
would be two years before I would be able to afford, and get into a small 
community college near my house.  It wasn't MSU, but I got an education."
	"Did Daniel know?" Armand asked.
	"Know what?"
	"What you gave up for him."
	"I think he does now.  But he didn't then.  He was furious with me 
when he learned I wouldn't be going with him.  We had our first big fight,
ever.  
He left the next day, everything he wanted to keep stuffed into a dufflebag I
had 
bought him.  It was the last I saw of him, until now," she admitted.
	"And do you think he has forgiven you?" the auburn-haired man 
questioned politely.
	"Yes.  A year after he'd gone to California, he wrote me a letter.  He 
said he finally understood what I was trying to tell him, and that I had done

everything in love.  He told me he loved me, that he would love me forever,
that 
we were bound soul to soul, closer than any two people had ever been, and
that 
we'd meet again sometime soon.  I kept the letter.  I still have it.  It's
the only 
time he ever put how he felt about me in words on paper."
	She grew quiet and Armand felt a shivering of her mind.  He had felt 
it before, that struggle, but he couldn't place it.  It was as if she were
suddenly 
exhausted and weak.
	"Are you all right, Tishana?"
	She put a hand to her head.  "Yes, I'm fine.  Just tired.  Reminiscing 
takes so much out of me, you know," she answered with a weak smile.
	"Let me take you inside.  I am sure Daniel will be back soon.  Maybe 
you'd like to lie down."
	"That would probably be a good idea."
	He took her arm and moved to lead her into the house, but she stopped 
him, her eyes very clear and determined.
	"You want to know something about Daniel?  He likes to be told what 
to do, but he hates to be controlled.  You have to set up a reward system to 
make what he is gaining worth more to him than what he is giving up.  And 
even more so, never forget that Daniel does not need to be dominated, or 
tamed, or broken.  He only needs to be loved.  Love him and he will jump 
through hoops for you.  Never forget that," she said, her voice soft and very

serious.
	"I won't," he assured with equal seriousness.
	Her strength seemed to wane again and he took her inside, guiding her 
to her room.
	"I'll just take a nap.  Tell me when Danny gets home."
	"I will," he promised.
	She smiled.  "Thanks, Armand."
	She kissed him lightly on the cheek and disappeared into her room.

Daniel returned home about an hour later, and came whisking into the 
den all smiles and high spirits.  Armand was watching Blade Runner again, 
and Tishana was not with him.
	ÒWhereÕs Tisha?Ó
	ÒTaking a nap.  She tires easily, IÕm afraid.Ó
	Daniel frowned.  ÒYeah, I noticed that.  Is there anything wrong with 
her?Ó
	ÒNot that I can sense, and if she is hiding something from me, I have 
yet to discover what it is.  Still, I do get the feeling that all is not
quite right 
with her.Ó  He shrugged.  ÒI suppose it is nothing serious or I would be able
to 
identify it.Ó
	ÒOk, I trust your judgment.  IÕll go check on her.  Be right back.Ó
	He strode from the den and went up to the third floor to TishanaÕs 
room.  The door was closed, so he knocked, but no one answered.
	ÒTisha?Ó he called, knocking again.
	Still nothing.
	Finally, he opened the door and peered in, allowing his eyes to get 
used to the darkness.
	ÒTisha?Ó he asked again, his eyes scanning the room.
	It was empty.  The bed looked slept in, as if someone had rested there, 
but there was no one in it.  
	ÒTisha?  Where are you?Ó
	He stepped into the room and looked around.  Everything was dark, 
the door to the private bath stood open, the balcony doors were slid back to
let 
in the breeze, the chiffon curtains swayed gently back and forth.
	ÒCome on, Tish, no games,Ó Daniel chided, thinking she was hiding 
from him.
	He crossed the room and looked onto the balcony, but she wasnÕt there 
either.
He was searching the room, and at a loss when Armand came in.
	ÒWhat is wrong?Ó the vampire asked.
	ÒTishaÕs not here.Ó
	ÒWhat do you mean she isnÕt here?  I saw her go into this room myself 
and no one has been roaming the villa since.Ó
	ÒWell, sheÕs not here.  IÕve looked in the closet and the bathroom, and 
under the bed and anywhere I think she could have squeezed herself, but no 
luck.  Do you think she slipped by you?Ó
	Armand gave his lover a dubious stare.
	ÒI guess not.Ó
	ÒWell, she must be somewhere, Daniel.  IÕll ask Sarah if she has seen 
herÉÓ
	ÒIÕm right here, guys,Ó came TishanaÕs voice.
	They turned and saw her standing in the doorway of the balcony.  
DanielÕs jaw dropped.
	ÒWhere did you come from?Ó he blurted.
	ÒOut there,Ó she answered.  ÒI was out on the balcony.Ó
	ÒNo, you werenÕt.  I looked out there,Ó Daniel insisted.
	She laughed and came into the room.  
	ÒI was at the far end.  IÕd hopped the rail.  I heard you calling and 
came back,Ó she explained, giggling.  ÒDonÕt worry.  I have no intentions of 
running off.Ó
	She gave him a hug, ignoring his incredulous expression.  
	ÒSo, how was the opening game?Ó
	ÒEh.  IÕd rather be here.  And how are you, by the way?  Armand said 
you were tired and needed a nap.Ó
	ÒYes.  And I got about an hourÕs rest.  Just needed to recharge my 
batteries.  IÕm not as young as I used to be.Ó
	Now it was DanielÕs turn to laugh.  ÒI know how that is.Ó
	ÒOh now youÕre rich and over the hill, eh, Danny?Ó she kidded, 
poking him.
	ÒI know.  Horrible, isnÕt it.  You wouldnÕt want to be me.Ó
	She snickered.  ÒCome on, old man.  LetÕs go watch some movies.  
You pick em, and IÕll make the popcorn.Ó
	ÒGreat.  I brought gourmet popcorn home with me.  You can make it 
in the air popper.Ó
	ÒCool.  LetÕs do it.Ó
	She whisked past him and headed for the elevators.  Daniel moved to 
follow, but noticed ArmandÕs look of consternation on his face.
	ÒWhat is it?Ó
	*SheÕs lying,* he answered silently.
	ÒHuh?Ó  *About what?*
	*About where she has been.*
	*What do you mean?*
	*I am not sure.  I just know she isnÕt being entirely truthful.*
	*Armand, she had to be out there.  We looked everywhere else,* 
Daniel noted .
	ÒIndeed we did,Ó was ArmandÕs answer as they walked to the elevator.
	ÒI was thinking,Ó Tishana said as they got into the elevator.  ÒDo you 
guys have Better Off Dead?Ó
	ÒWhat?Ó Daniel blurted.
	ÒThe film, Better Off Dead.  Have you seen it?Ó
	ÒUh, no, I think I was absent that day,Ó Daniel answered.
	The elevator doors opened on the second floor and they stepped out.
	ÒOh, itÕs a fabulous film.  And it has skiing in it.  ItÕs wonderful!  I 
want to see it.Ó
	ÒI believe we have it,Ó Armand said thoughtfully.
	ÒIÕm glad you know what all is in our video library,Ó Daniel remarked.
	ÒGreat.  Let me drum up some popcorn and IÕll be right with you.Ó
	Armand took her wrist.  ÒLet Sarah make the popcorn, cara.  ItÕs her 
job.Ó
	She gave him a sheepish smile.  ÒOh yeah, I keep forgetting you have 
a maid.Ó
	ÒCome sit with us in the home theater,Ó he cajoled, guiding her.
	ÒYou have a home theater?Ó
	ÒBut of course.Ó
	They went to a large room with a big screen television and several 
plush sofas strategically positioned for optimum viewing.  Daniel and Tishana

sat on the first sofa while Armand went flipping through the video library to

select the eveningÕs repertoire.
	ÒDo you have it?Ó Tishana asked.
	ÒYes,Ó Armand answered.
	ÒGreat!Ó
	ÒWhat is so great about this movie?  IÕve never heard of it,Ó Daniel 
noted.
	Tishana draped an easy arm around his shoulders.  ÒItÕs about this kid 
who keeps trying to kill himself in all these weird ways, and he ends up
having 
to race this big ski jock in a downhill.  Believe me, Danny itÕs an absolute
riot.  
And it brings back lots of memories.Ó
	A warm light came into DanielÕs eyes.  ÒYeah.Ó
	ÒYou go skiing with Armand, Danny?Ó
	Daniel chuckled.  ÒNo.  I havenÕt been skiing since I left Michigan.  I 
became a California dude.Ó
	ÒDanny!  California has Tahoe!  I skied Heavenly.  They had some 
great trails.  Gun Barrel was nasty!Ó
	He smiled sheepishly and shrugged.  ÒI just never went.  No one to go 
with.  WhoÕd race me down the black diamonds?Ó
	She snorted.  ÒHell, I would have thought youÕd have bought Vail by 
now.Ó
	ÒYou ski, Daniel?Ó Armand asked innocently, plunking the tape into 
the VCR.
	ÒDoes he ski?  ThatÕs like asking a fish if it swims,Ó Tishana shot 
back.  ÒHe was the terror of the downhill ski club.  Not even the principal,
Mr. 
Alexander, could keep up with him.  Gave every chaperone there heart attacks 
every year.Ó
	Armand sat down on the other side of Daniel, the remote control in his 
hand.
	ÒDaniel, why is that I am suddenly learning all these things about you 
that I never knew?Ó
	Daniel looked at him and answered very seriously, ÒYou never asked.Ó
	Armand blinked at him a few times then nodded.  ÒTouchŽ.Ó
	ÒWe had great times back then, didnÕt we, Danny?Ó she smiled, 
remembering.  ÒWinter really was our playground.  Remember the year we both 
got our driverÕs licenses and we spent the whole ski season skiing Northern 
Michigan and Ontario every weekend?Ó
	Daniel laughed.  ÒOh yeah.  That was a great season.Ó
	ÒEvery weekend a new resort, even if we had to skip school on a 
Friday to get there.Ó
	ÒAnd Mr. Quinn vowing to catch us at it.Ó
	She giggled, curling her legs up underneath her.  ÒBut he never did.Ó
	Daniel leaned back against the couch.  ÒNope, he never did.Ó
	ÒShall I start the film?Ó Armand questioned.
	ÒSure,Ó Daniel replied.
	Armand clicked the play button on the remote and the television 
screen went a brilliant blue.  A few moments later, they settled in, Tishana 
resting her head against DanielÕs shoulder while he held ArmandÕs hand.  
Sarah brought in the popcorn during the opening credits.
	ÒHere, you go, sir,Ó she said, handing Daniel the bowl.
	ÒThanks, Sarah,Ó he answered, and put the bowl between himself and 
Tishana.
	Tishana took a handful and munched a few pieces down.
	ÒMmm.  Yum.  I love good popcorn,Ó she sighed.
	Daniel smiled and tossed a few pieces in his mouth.  ÒMmm.  Me too.Ó
	They took turns eating the popcorn as they watched the movie, not 
speaking, but letting their hands touch in passing.  It was very comfortable,
and 
Armand felt Daniel shift closer to Tishana, pressing more of his body against

hers.  She did not move away, and Armand smiled.
	*So, do you think it is a good assumption that I will not have to find 
you a bed mate for this Friday?* the vampire sent wryly, referring to his
habit 
of arranging a weekly tryst for Daniel.
	*Mmmmm, could be.*
	*Good.*
	*I don't want you to watch,* Daniel informed.
	*Why not?  I always watch.*
	*Not this time.  Not with Tisha.*
	*Would she not understand?*
	*I donÕt know, but itÕs not that.  I just donÕt want you there.*
	*YouÕve never minded before.*
	*ItÕs never been someone I knew before.  No, I mean it Armand, I want 
it kept private.*
	*As you wish,* he replied, but there was hurt in his thoughts.
	*Promise me.  YouÕll leave us alone.  Promise.*
	*I promise.*
	Daniel didnÕt really believe Armand was being sincere, but he said 
nothing.  No sense in ruining the fragile peace between them, besides the
movie 
was indeed very funny and he was enjoying it.
	ÒSo?  What did you think?Ó Tishana asked when the film was over.
	ÒThat was a riot,Ó Daniel answered.  ÒThat paper boy was hysterical.Ó
	ÒIÕm partial to the Oriental kid who speaks like Howard Cosell,Ó she 
admitted.
	Daniel giggled.  ÒThey were funny.Ó
	ÒDid you like the movie, Armand?Ó she questioned.
	ÒVery much so.  But tell me, is Daniel a better skier than Lane or that 
ski jock as you called it?Ó
	ÒInfinitely better,Ó Tishana assured.
	ÒI think I should like to see that some day.  What do you think Daniel?  
Would you like to go skiing?Ó
	ÒGo to Breckenridge.  They have night skiing on Keystone Mountain.  
It would suit your hours perfectly,Ó she suggested.
	Daniel grew pensive.  ÒYou know, thatÕs not a bad idea.  Wanna go?Ó
	ÒHuh?Ó she blurted.
	ÒWanna go skiing with me and Armand?Ó
	ÒWhen?Ó
	ÒTomorrow.Ó
	ÒWhat?!Ó she exclaimed, shocked.  ÒYouÕre joking, right?Ó
	ÒNo.  Tisha, IÕm filthy rich as youÕve so often reminded me.  I have 
two jets at my disposal and enough money to throw around that I get what I 
want when I want it.Ó
	ÒOh, gee, I am, like, so impressed,Ó she sneered.
	He wilted and looked truly pained.  ÒLook, that isnÕt what I meant.  I 
meant that if youÕd like to go skiing, we could and it wouldnÕt be any
problem.Ó
	Armand stood.  ÒIÕll make the reservations.  Breckenridge, Keystone 
Mountain.  Yes?Ó
	Tishana looked stunned.  ÒWhoa!  Wait a minute.  You guys are 
serious!Ó
	ÒAbsolutely,Ó Armand stated, purposefully leaving the room.
	Daniel laughed at her gaping expression.  ÒTisha, live a little.  When 
was the last time you just did something on a whim?Ó
	ÒDanny, I canÕt.  IÕve nothing to wear.  All my winter stuff is at 
home.Ó
	ÒSo weÕll buy you new stuff.Ó
	ÒYou canÕt do that!Ó she argued.
	ÒSure I can.  Have Visa Gold, will travel,Ó he replied innocently.
	ÒDanny, I canÕt do it.Ó
	He gave her a knowing glance.  ÒGive me one good reason why not.Ó
	She paused, staring at him, and for a moment she looked 
heartbreakingly sad.  It made him worry and he was about to speak, to renege 
the offer, when she shook her head.
	ÒNo, no reason at all.  Okay Danny.  IÕll go to Breckenridge with you.Ó
	He smiled, but her earlier expression bothered him.  It seemed that she 
was on the verge of telling him something, something important, but then had 
decided against it.  He was about to ask her about it when Armand returned.
	ÒIt is all settled.  Tomorrow you and Tishana will fly to Breckenridge 
and a car will be there to drive you to Liftside Condominiums at Keystone.
IÕve 
reserved a two bedroom condo under your name, Daniel, for five days.  YouÕll 
get there about 3 p.m.  I will be joining you the night after tomorrow,Ó he
told 
them calmly.
	ÒWhy?  Why not tomorrow night?Ó Tishana asked.
	ÒBecause the shareholdersÕ meeting is tomorrow night, and I think at 
least one of us should be there.Ó
	Daniel shied and smiled sheepishly.  ÒSorry.  I forgot about that.  
YouÕre better at those things than I am anyway.Ó 
	ÒThis is true.  I can sit still,Ó Armand kidded back with a tender smile.
	ÒHumph!  Just for that...Ó he snorted in mock-anger and twisted 
around so he was resting in TishanaÕs arms and they were both leaning against

the arm of the sofa.  ÒYou can find someone else to cuddle with tonight.Ó
	Tishana looked worried but Armand just laughed and sat down, 
draping DanielÕs legs across his lap.
	ÒAhh, but I know where all your ticklish spots are,Ó he teased with a
grin.
	ÒYou wouldnÕt,Ó Daniel warned, trying to wriggle his legs from 
ArmandÕs grasp.
	ÒJust try me,Ó his lover answered, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
	ÒAck!  Tisha, help!Ó
	She just laughed.  ÒYouÕre on your own, Danny-boy.Ó
	ÒUm um, werenÕt we going to watch another movie.  Armand, put on 
another movie.  Put on Blade Runner or Time Bandits again.Ó
	ÒIÕve watched them both numerous times,Ó Armand said dryly.
	ÒBut you love watching them.  DonÕt you want to watch them again?Ó
	ÒNot particularly.  I was thinking of doing something completely 
different.Ó
	ÒYou mean like toss Danny in the pool?Ó Tishana suggested jokingly.
	ÒYou know, that isnÕt a bad idea.  Wanna go swimming, Tisha?  The 
pool is heated,Ó Daniel said, beaming up at her.
	ÒNow a bathing suit, that is something I _do_ have,Ó she replied.
	ÒIÕll give you three minutes to change and get down to the pool,Ó 
Daniel challenged, sitting up.
	She laughed and went scurrying out of the room as Daniel stood.
	ÒComing, Armand?  The water will be warm.Ó
	ÒIÕll just watch from the pool side.Ó
	ÒSuit yourself,Ó Daniel shrugged and went to get into his bathing suit.
	Five minutes later Tishana and Daniel were frolicking in the warm 
water, splashing and chasing each other around the pool while Armand 
watched from a nearby lounge chair.
	ÒAre you sure you wonÕt come in, Armand?Ó Tishana asked.  ÒThe 
water is wonderful.Ó
	ÒNo, but thank you.  I just donÕt feel like getting wet tonight,Ó he 
answered softly.
	ÒOkay,Ó she said, then yelped as Daniel grabbed her feet and pulled 
her under.
	She didnÕt tire quite as easily as she usually did.  It was as if laughter 
and joy gave her energy.  She and Daniel played for a good forty minutes
before 
they had worn themselves out, and finally dragged their sodden bodies from
the 
pool.  Armand had thick beach towels to wrap them in so they would not catch 
a chill from the cool night air.
	ÒOh, that felt good,Ó Tishana enthused.
	Daniel was still giggling as he dried his hair.  ÒI havenÕt had that 
much fun in a pool in years.Ó
	ÒMe either.  Thanks, Danny.Ó
	ÒTired?Ó he asked suddenly.
	She nodded.  ÒYeah, and we should go to bed early.  We have to get up 
early.Ó
	ÒYikes, thatÕs right.  IÕm going to be awake before noon!Ó
	ÒOh you, poor baby!Ó
	ÒIÕll come tuck you in if thatÕs okay,Ó he offered.
	She gave him a tender smile.  ÒSure.  Then you can go tuck Armand 
in.  I wouldnÕt want him to feel left out.Ó
	Armand stood and put a hand on each of their shoulders.  ÒTrust me, 
Tishana, I donÕt feel left out at all.  I get plenty of attention from
Daniel.Ó
	ÒAnd sometimes more than he can handle,Ó Daniel teased with an evil 
smile.
	ÒI can imagine,Ó she commented knowingly.
	They headed back inside and took the elevator up to the third floor.  
Tishana sauntered to her bedroom, her towel slung over her shoulder, and 
Daniel followed, giving Armand a knowing look. 
	Two hours later he peeked in and found them asleep on the bed.  It 
was obvious that they had not done anything intimate.  Tishana was curled 
under the covers and Daniel was on top of the blanket snuggled up to her.
She 
had her arm around him protectively and he had buried his face in her hair.  
The position was very close and comforting, and Daniel seemed perfectly at 
peace.  
	*Daniel,* he sent, giving his lover a slight nudge.
	ÒMmmph,Ó came the voice from the bed.
	*Daniel.*
	ÒWhat?  Get out of my head,Ó he mumbled, nuzzling into TishanaÕs 
throat.
	She made a sound and he awakened, momentarily disoriented.
	*What?É Oh..*
	He turned and looked at Armand.
	*WhatÕs up?*
	*I was about to ask you the same thing.*
	*Huh?  OhÉ She was too tired.  I knew she would be.  We talked until 
we fell asleep.*
	Armand smiled wryly.  *Figures.*
	*Hey, you promised not to watch,* he accused.
	*I wasnÕt watching.  I came in because things were so quiet.*
	Daniel glared.  *You were listening in on us.*
	*Daniel, donÕt think for a moment that you can hide your thoughts 
from me.  Especially when you are in the height of mortal passion.  Your 
shields, my love, leak like sieves.*
	Daniel grumbled.  *ThatÕs not fair.*
	Armand chuckled.  *No, itÕs not.  Are you ready to come to bed?*
	Daniel looked over at Tishana and sighed.  *Guess so.  SheÕs out for 
the count.*
	Armand offered his hand.  *Then come.*
	The blond man nodded and extracted himself from the bed, giving his 
hand to his lover and following him from the room.

The condo was perfect: two bedrooms, a fireplace, full kitchen.  You could
ski right to the door.  It was just perfect.  Daniel and Tishana dropped off
their meager luggage, and then went into the town to buy equipment and
clothes.  He splurged and bought them both sets of Rossignols.  Tishana
protested, but he would have none of it, and outfitted her in the best ski
wear, boots and winter clothes.  They would have to rent skis for the
evening because their new skis would not be ready with the bindings and wax
until the following day. =20
	After they were finished buying the things they needed, they went to rent
skis and warm up on the beginner hill.  It had been twelve years since
Daniel had skied and his muscles weren=92t as strong as they used to be.  It
took him a little while to get his ski balance and control back, but Tishana
was patient and soon they were ready to go down a few of the intermediate
trails.
	"God!  I forgot what it felt like!" Daniel exclaimed as they slid to a stop
and hurried to get in line for the chair lift.  "What a rush!"
	Tishana grinned.  "I can=92t believe you gave this up.  You used to be the
original ski bum."
	"Well, let=92s just say I missed the company," he said.  "Skiing is no fun
all alone."
	"So you=92re telling me, you only went skiing because I=92d go with you?"
	"Yeah.  You were my best buddy, Tisha.  When I moved to San Francisco, I
lost all my friends and never made new ones."
	"That=92s not good, Danny," she chided as they got in position for the=
 chair.
	The chair swung around its pole and scooped them up effortlessly.  They
leaned back and got comfortable; it would be another long ride to the top.
	"After this run, I want to go up to the next level," he told her after a
while of comfortable silence.  "We=92ll cut across to the other lifts."
	"Sounds like a plan."
	"If you get tired, you let me know and we=92ll ski back to the condo, ok?"=
 he
said.
	She looked at him and smiled.  His face was flushed, his eyes bright,
reflecting the brilliant colors of the setting sun.  It was cold and getting
colder as night fell.  They would have to put their face guards on soon to
avoid frost bite.
	"I=92m okay, Danny.  I=92m not tired.  You make me stronger.  I feed off=
 your
excitement and energy."
	"Well, I certainly have a lot of that tonight.  Know what?"
	"What?"
	"I=92m really glad that Armand won=92t be joining us until tomorrow.  That
gives us a whole night to ourselves."
	She frowned.  "Danny, that isn=92t a very nice thing to say."
	"Oh, don't misunderstand me, Tisha.  I adore Armand.  I can=92t live=
 without
him.  But we don't share very much."
	"What do you mean?"
	Now it was his turn to frown.  "It=92s hard to explain."
	She was going to ask more, but the lift arrived at the top and it soon
became a moot point.  Daniel surged ahead of her, taking the turn and
gliding down the trail.  He still moved with effortless grace over the snow.
He had always made it look so easy.  She followed and soon they were racing
down the hill, wind whipping at their faces, snow flying as they took the
turns.  It was exhilarating, invigorating and wonderful.
	They skied until well after dark, finally stopping when both of them
realized they were starving.  They headed back to the condo, changed into
casual, warm clothing, and went out to eat.  Night found them three hours
later, snuggling in front of a fire in their condo=92s hearth, sipping hot
chocolate spiked with peppermint schnapps.
	"Ooh.  I hurt," Daniel sighed.  "But it=92s a good hurt."
	Tishana giggled.  "All those muscles you haven=92t used for 12 years are
complaining, eh?"
	"Loudly.  And I think they=92re going to go on strike."
	She gave him another smile and drank her hot chocolate.
	"Maybe we=92ll take a midnight dip in the hot tub, hmm?"
	"Are clothes optional?" he asked hopefully.
	"Depends on if there is anyone else there."
	"Hmm.  I dunno if I wanna take that chance."
	She sat back, her shoulders leaning against the base of the couch, mug in
her hand.  "Suit yourself."
	He chuckled and moved closer, his hand brushing her arm tenderly.  "But you
could give me a massage.  That wouldn=92t have us going out among other=
 people."
	"A massage?" she repeated, putting her mug down.
	"Yes.  You know, the kind you used to give me all the time when I was
sore," he said, tracing her hand with his finger.
	She seemed flustered about something, almost irritated, and he pulled back,
stung.
	"What?  What is it?  Why are you looking at me that way?"=20
	"Daniel, aren=92t you happy with Armand?"
	"Of course I am happy with Armand."
	She sighed.  "Let me put it this way.  When you and I were together, did
you ever think of sleeping with someone else?"
	"No!" he blurted.  "Never.  I was completely faithful."
	"See, and that is what I mean.  Ever since I found you, you=92ve been=
 trying
to get me into bed.  If you and Armand are so happy, why aren=92t you=
 telling
me to get lost so you and he can go to bed?"
	Daniel shook his head.  "It=92s not like that.  You don't understand. =
 Armand
and I, we don't share physical intimacy."  He stopped, trying to think of a
way to explain.  "He has...  he has a kind of incurable impotence that makes
it physically impossible for him to... you know... perform.  And he was very
severely physically and sexually abused as a child, and that makes him very
reluctant to do... the other."
	She blinked at him, but he could see that she was listening.
	"So when I told you that Armand arranges for me to have sex with other
people, it=92s to make up for what he cannot do.  That is why he doesn=92t=
 mind.
It doesn=92t mean I don=92t wish he could.  Lord knows, most of the time I
pretend it is him, and I want desperately for it to be him, but he can=92t,
and it hurts him and makes him pull away from me," he went on, a little sad.
"We don=92t really share any intimacies at all.  I=92ve never seen him=
 naked,
although he=92s bathed me a few times.  Tisha, he gives me everything else I
could ever hope for: companionship, affection, love and support.  But he
won=92t let me get close to him, you know, like this=85 or when we cuddle. =
 He
always keeps me just a little apart from him.  There are times when I think
the possibility of our being close frightens him."
	"If he was as abused as you say, I=92m not surprised," she said softly. =
 "Why
didn=92t you tell me all this before?"
	"I tried, but it never seemed the right time to tell it all.  It=92s not a
subject I find easy to talk about."
	She put her hand on his arm.  "And you are certain he is the one?  The one
you want for always?"
	Without hesitation Daniel nodded. "Yes.  He=92s the one."
	"All right then.  I believe you."
	"Forgive me if I have been a raging hormone.  I just want you so badly.
You are still so beautiful to me, and I love you, and you=92re _here_, and I
still can=92t believe it.  Just being around you drives me crazy, your=
 smell,
your voice, the way you move=85  God, Tisha, please=85"
	She placed a silencing finger on his lips and brushed back his hair.
"Shhhh.  It=92s all right.  I=92m just not used to being someone=92s object=
 of
desire.  It=92s been a long time since anyone has looked at me the way=
 you=92ve
been looking at me lately."
	He blushed.  "How have I been looking at you?"
	"Desperate going on wanton."
	He chuckled, embarrassed.=20
	"I=92m sorry for coming on so strong, and I am sorry if I=92ve made you=
 feel
pressured.  It=92s just that for the first time in a long time, I have the
opportunity to sleep with someone I know.  You=92re not some strange face=
 that
Armand bought or charmed, and I don=92t have to pretend to find you
attractive.  We know each other, we love each other, and I have the chance
to share myself with someone, not just have sex.  You have no idea how
erotic that is to me, Tisha.  I=92m starving for it, for the tenderness, for
the words that mean something.  For once it won=92t be empty, and I won=92t=
 feel
so cold afterwards."
	She softened and drew him into an embrace, pressing his face to her chest.
"Shhh, my darling.  It=92s okay.  I understand."
	He clung to her, the tears leaking from his eyes as she comforted him.=20
	"I need you, Tisha.  Please say you want me.  Please say you=92ll have me."
	She lifted his face and caressed his lip.
	"Shhhh.  I=92ll have you.  There was never any doubt of that.  I just=
 needed
to know why."
	He smiled, laughing slightly, giddy and she kissed him.  He melted into
her, groping at her, little moans escaping his lips.
	"Easy now," she said, pushing him away.  "Let=92s take this nice and slow."
	"Yes," he breathed, closing his eyes and leaning towards her again. =
 "Please."

	Armand entered the condo silently.  The shareholders=92 meeting had ended
early so he decided to fly out to Colorado that night.  He was also secretly
hoping to discover Daniel and Tishana in the throes of mortal passion.  He
knew it would mean breaking his promise to Daniel, but that really mattered
little to him.  Daniel would get over it, and he wanted to see what Daniel
was like when he was with someone he actually cared about.  It was the
difference between making love and having sex.
	He knew he was in luck the moment he arrived at the condo.  Daniel=92s mind
was full of erotic and passionate images, and he moved swiftly to the
apartment.  There was a fire burning low in the hearth and the door to the
bedroom was open, soft sounds coming from within.  He slipped into the
bedroom faster than mortal eyes could see, and took a place in the darkest
corner there, veiling himself in shadow.  It was an unnecessary act.  The
two people on the bed were oblivious to anything but each other as they
slowly made love.
	It was tender, and loving, more loving than any joining he had ever
witnessed.  They were infinitely patient with each other, responding to
subtle touch and sounds, taking pains to make sure the other was satisfied.
Two halves of a whole they were, and the more Armand watched, the more he
felt like an intruder, as though he should not be watching this tender
sharing.  He could almost feel himself blushing, guilty of a voyeurism that
had never bothered him before, but yet he couldn=92t tear his eyes away, he
couldn=92t bring his body to move.  He opened his mind and let the thoughts
and feelings wash over him like the tides.  Love and love, and pleasure, and
trust, and memories.  And Armand understood why Daniel had not wanted him
here.  It was too private, too sweet, and it meant too much.  Armand knew
Daniel would feel horribly betrayed, but he still could not make himself=
 leave.
	When they were finished, they held each other, whispering in the darkness
words of love and devotion.  Then Daniel turned his head and rested it upon
Tishana=92s bare chest, his eyes staring directly at the corner Armand was
crouched in.  Maybe it was the play of shadows, maybe he saw Armand=92s eyes
glittering in the dark, or maybe after eleven years together, Daniel could
just sense his lover=92s presence.  Whatever the reason, Armand saw Daniel
stiffen, and his face turn into a scowl.
	"You," Daniel growled.  "What are you doing here?"
	"Who?  Danny?  Who are you talking to?" Tishana asked, looking in the same
direction he was.
	Armand slowly stood and stepped into the light.
	"Oh..." she whispered, seeing him come out of the shadows.
	"You promised," Daniel accused, sitting up, glaring.
	"You know me better than that," came the calm answer.
	"You gave me your word that you=92d leave us alone.  You broke it."
	Armand said nothing, merely stood perfectly still., and Tishana watched
them both with a very odd look on her face, her mouth tight and drawn.
Daniel began to cry.
	"You bastard.  I=92ll never forgive you.  It was for me.  It wasn=92t for=
 you.
It was supposed to be for me," he sobbed.  "How could you do this to me,
damnit."
	"The shareholders=92 meeting ended early, so I came tonight."
	"Liar.  You planned it.  You were just waiting until I thought I had some
privacy," Daniel snapped back.
	"I=92m sorry, Daniel.  You are right.  I was wrong to have watched."
	"Damn straight!  I=92ll never trust you again."
	Armand looked away, his face pained.  "I will go..." he whispered.
	"You=92ll do no such thing," Tishana interrupted.
	"What?" Daniel blurted, staring at her.
	"No, Danny.  This has got to stop.  You said before you wished it was him,
and you thought he was frightened by the closeness.  Well, tonight is your
chance to change all that.  Both of you."
	"What do you mean?" Daniel asked.
	Tishana rose from the bed, stark naked, and approached Armand, her hand
outstretched.
	"Love grows when it is shared," she said.
	Armand shook his head.  "I am not capable of what you suggest.  I..."
	"It doesn=92t matter.  Give me your hand and I will show you that it=
 doesn=92t
matter," she assured.
	As she stood there she seemed to almost glow with a soft, comforting light,
her eyes certainly shined with it, and she smiled softly, drawing Armand
into her.  Almost against his own will, Armand found himself placing his
hand in hers and letting her guide him to the bed.
	"Shh now.  Don=92t be afraid.  Neither of us will hurt you.  There is only
love here," she cajoled, sitting down on the edge of the mattress.
	He stood before her, his arms at his sides like dead weights, and stared at
her as she slid her hands into the jacket of his suit and pushed it off his
shoulders.  It fell with a heavy thump to the floor.
	"Daniel," she called softly, almost hypnotically.  "Come here and help me."
	Armand looked dazedly at Daniel as the blond swung his legs around to sit
next to Tishana.  Daniel gazed up at him, uncertain, then began to undo the
buttons on Armand=92s shirt.  The auburn-haired man blinked and caught his
breath as the shirt was peeled open, but he did not move away.  He watched
it all with a detached fascination, numb and somewhat disoriented.  Tishana
said something to him, but he wasn=92t sure what it was, then his shirt=
 joined
the jacket on the floor.
	"My beloved," Daniel murmured, his lips against the white skin of Armand=92=
s
stomach.
	Armand shivered as Daniel planted tiny kisses all along his abdomen,
working up towards his chest.  He closed his eyes as Daniel reached his
breasts, and hands moved to unfasten his belt and trousers.
	The rest of his clothes fell away.  He could not even tell when they had
been stripped off.  Everything was a blur, a quiet sinking into comfort and
warmth as he was drawn down onto the bed.  Tishana was behind him, the hot
softness of her breasts cushioning his back while Daniel was in front to
him, kissing, licking, caressing.  He thought he heard himself moan.
	"Daniel..." he breathed.
	"I=92m here," came the beloved voice, soft and tender.
	Hands were in his hair, on his body, stroking his sensitive skin, and he
sighed, closing his eyes.  The smell of them was in his nostrils, sweet,
thick, the thunder of their beating hearts in his ears.  He was swimming in
heady pleasure, breathing them in, losing himself in their mortal heat.  He
reached out his hands to touch and caress, feeling the smoothness of
Daniel=92s muscular body, the soft hair on his chest and crotch.  Daniel
gasped and pressed closer.
	"Yes."
	And Armand knew what to do.  It was nothing he had not done before, many,
many times in the brothel.  He reached out, and grasped Daniel=92s swollen
organ and began to work it.  Daniel sighed and suckled his lover=92s breast,
enjoying the attention, but Armand started to tremble, the action bringing
him too close to too many bad memories.  The surrender frightened him, the
sounds of pleasure...  He heard the voice of the pimp, the slimy old man...
	Tishana must have felt his fear because she worked to soothe him, and her
voice was soft in his ear,  gentle and loving.
	"Look at him, Armand.  You love him.  He is yours, and no one can take him
from you."
	He cracked his eyes open to see Daniel kissing his chest.
	"They would not dare..." he murmured.
	"No.  They would not.  He is yours, your lover.  See how he loves you.  See
how he needs you."
	"Needs me..."
	"I love you, Armand," Daniel whispered, his breath warm on Armand=92s=
 throat
as mortal teeth nipped but did not break the surface.
	Armand groaned.  "Love you, Daniel..."
	Cool lips and hot ones melded, kissing, exploring, working in earnest
against each other.  Daniel pressed against him, one leg wrapped around his,
their bodies cleaved together, blessed heat.  Their hands were everywhere,
giving in to the passion, and Armand crushed Daniel to him, pulling him atop
him, his hands on Daniel=92s soft buttocks.  They writhed together, kissing,
rubbing against each other, Armand=92s hand working steadily, milking a
reaction out of Daniel, and Daniel began to mew softly, his hips thrusting
against Armand=92s thighs.
	*Armand...*
	*Oh, Daniel.  I love you, my beloved.*
	*I love you forever.*
	It was as if they forgot that Tishana was there and only had eyes for each
other.  They rolled, petting, kissing, stroking, loving, kicking the
blankets to the floor, and Armand pressed Daniel beneath him.  The taller
man tangled his hands in Armand=92s clipped hair.
	*Oh I wish you had left it long...*
	*I will, beloved, next time.*
	*Oh Armand.  I love you, Armand.  I love you.*
	They continued their sweet loving, oblivious to the woman in the room, as
they explored each other completely, and Armand brought his lover to climax
some half hour later.  It was a profound moment for both of them, Daniel
shaking in Armand=92s arms as Armand held him and whispered endearments.  A
barrier had been breached, a fear faced and conquered, and they smiled at
each other, understanding what had occurred between them, and giddily happy.
They kissed tenderly, laughing at each other and mildly bewildered, then
Daniel cast a knowing glance at Tishana.  Armand grinned and nodded, lifting
himself from Daniel and reaching for the woman.
	"Love grows when it is shared," he breathed, and the two of them drew her
into their embrace and started again.

	Armand awakened to the dark room, Daniel snuggled up against him, flesh
against flesh.  It felt wonderful.  He was so at peace, and he marveled at
this new dimension to their relationship.  There was a sweet smile on
Daniel=92s face, and he smiled himself.  Then he heard someone move behind=
 him
and turned his head.  Tishana was standing, fully dressed, by the bed.  Her
face was drawn and somewhat sad as he looked up at her, his brow creased.
	"Tishana?" he whispered.  "What is wrong?"
	"I have to go.  I have to go now," she answered quietly.
	"No you don=92t.  You showed us this.  You are welcome with us."
	She shook her head.  "It=92s not that.  I just have to go.  I=92ve already
stayed longer than I was supposed to.  It=92s cost me much."
	"What do you mean?"
	She gave him a small smile.  "In time, you will come to understand.  Just
know that I have been on borrowed time, and now my time is up.  I have to=
 go."
	"Where are you going?"
	"Home.  I can now.  He=92s going to be all right.  I had to make sure of
that.  But now I know, no matter what happens, you love him enough to get
him through it.  He=92ll be okay.  And eventually, you=92ll bring him to=
 you,
and you=92ll have eternity to love each other.  It is right and good."
	His eyes opened wide in alarm, but she put a calming finger to her lips.
	"Hush.  Yes, I know.  I=92ve known for a while.  But you have nothing to=
 fear
from me.  That you will also come to understand in time."  She looked fondly
at the sleeping Daniel.  "He loves you more than life, and in many ways,
more than he loved me.  You were meant to be together."
	She walked around the bed and leaned over to kiss Daniel on the cheek.
	"Tell him I love him, and that I am sorry I could not stay to say good-bye.
I=92ve never been one for long good-byes anyway."
	"Will you at least let me arrange for my plane to fly you back home?"
	Her lips turned up again.  "No, but thank you.  I have my own way back."
	She came back around and leaned down to kiss him on the forehead.  "I=92ll
miss you guys."
	"We=92ll miss you too," he said, somehow knowing this would be the last=
 time
they saw her.
	She straightened up and took a couple of steps backwards, towards the door.
"I know.  But you=92re with me."  She put a hand to her chest.  "It=92s all
right here.  That you never lose.  That you take with you always, and you
never forget."
	She had reached the door and was now opening it.  She stood in the doorway
for a few moments, looking at them lovingly, then waved.
	"Bye."
	"Good-bye, Tishana."
	She slipped out, closing the door behind her, and Armand heard the front
door open and close as she left the apartment.  He snuggled close to Daniel
and held him tight, not knowing how he would tell Daniel when Daniel woke
up, if Daniel awakened before dawn, which was doubtful.  He would have to
leave some kind of message if he had to go without talking to his beloved.
He didn=92t like it, but he didn=92t feel that he had much of a choice. =
 Daniel
was going to be so disappointed.
	As Armand expected, Daniel did not awaken before dawn, and Armand was lax
to wake him just to give him bad news, so he left a simple note explaining
that Tishana had to leave suddenly, and that he would talk to Daniel about
it when he got there that evening.  Then he went to find a safe place to
lair for the day.
	Daniel was already waiting anxiously for him when he arrived less than an
hour after dark.
	"Where did she go?" he demanded, hurt and angry.
	"She said she was going home," Armand answered.
	"Home?  Why?"=20
	"I don=92t know.  She said something about her being on borrowed time, and
that she had to leave."
	Daniel frowned and sat down on the couch.  "If that is true, why she didn=
=92t
tell me?"
	"I don=92t know."
	"Are you sure you didn=92t say anything to her that would make her want to
leave?"
	Armand was shocked.  "No beloved, I swear it.  I said nothing but kind
things to her.  I even asked her to stay."
	"Then why did she go?"
	Armand shook his head.  "I don=92t know.  She seemed sad, as if she did not
want to leave us, but had to."
	Daniel=92s shoulders slumped.  "She didn=92t even say good bye," he moaned.
	"She didn=92t want to wake you.  She said she wasn=92t one for long=
 good-byes.
She wanted me to tell you that she loves you and that she was sorry."
	Daniel looked up at him, sad.  "Did she say how she was getting home?"
	"I offered her the use of the jet, but she said she had her own way," he
replied, sitting next to Daniel and opening his arms.
	Daniel came into them, and he held his lover close, comforting.
	"I=92m sorry.  I don=92t understand either."
	"There has to be a reason.  This just isn=92t like her.  Did she say=
 anything
else to you?" he sniffed.
	"Only that she had to make sure you were going to be okay before she could
go, and that she could now because she knew you were going to be all right."
	Daniel rested against his lover for a few moments, trying not to cry, then
he sat up and wiped away his tears.
	"I=92m going to call her.  I still have her folks=92 number.  They can give=
 me
hers if she=92s not there.  I have to know what happened.  I have to know=
 why
she left.  Besides, I have her skis and all the stuff we bought.  I need an
address to send it all to."
	"All right."
	"Could you call Martin and have him look up Ann and Maxwell Delaney for me
in my rolodex?"
	"Of course."
	Armand rose and went to the phone, making the call and waiting patiently
while Martin found the number.  Then he thanked him and hung up the phone,
handing the paper with the number on it to Daniel.  Daniel picked up the
receiver and dialed, waiting impatiently for someone to answer.  After the
third ring, a woman finally picked up.
	"Hello?" =20
	"Hi, Mrs. D.  It=92s Daniel."
	"Daniel?" the woman repeated.
	"Yeah, you know, Daniel Malloy."
	There was a moment of silence, then the woman spoke haltingly.  "Oh my God,
Daniel, is it really you?"
	Daniel laughed.  "Yeah, it=92s me.  I=92m still among the living.  Look,=
 Mrs.
D, I know it=92s been a long time, but I need talk to Tisha.  Is she there,=
 or
may I have her number, please?"
	The woman was quiet again and Daniel began to get nervous.  Then he heard
what sounded like a muffled sob.
	"Mrs. D?  Mrs. D, what=92s wrong?"
	There was no answer and he heard Tishana=92s father asking her who it was=
 and
what was wrong.
	"It=92s Daniel," Tishana=92s mother choked between sobs.  "Oh Max, you tell
him.  I can=92t."
	"Hello, Daniel?" Maxwell Delaney said softly.
	"Hi, Mr. D.  Yes, it=92s me, Daniel.  Why is Mrs. D crying?"
	"It=92s so good to hear your voice, son.  We=92ve been trying to find you. =
 We
have some bad news..."
	"What is it, Mr. D?"
	There was another long pause and Daniel felt the dread rising up inside
him, all the hair on his neck standing up.
	"Tishana=92s dead, son."=09
	"What?  That can=92t be!  I just saw her last night!" he exclaimed, then
turned to Armand.  "Armand turn on the news, I want to hear if a plane
crashed on its way to Detroit!"
	"What did you say?" Max asked.  "You saw Tishana last night?"
	"Yeah.  She was here.  She found me on the Night Island.  We went skiing
together.  She left here last night.  Oh God, oh God.  Armand, the TV,=
 please!"
	Max was quiet again and Daniel could hear himself breathing heavily into
the receiver.=20
	"That=92s impossible, son.  You couldn=92t have seen her.  Tishana died in=
 an
avalanche in Aspen two months ago," the older man finally said sadly.
	"What?!!!" he shrieked.
	"I=92m sorry.  We couldn=92t find you..."
	Daniel began to tremble and cry.
	"That can=92t be... she was just here..."
	"We buried her six weeks ago, son.  I=92m sorry.  It couldn=92t have been=
 her."
	"But..."
	He was numb, the phone slipping from his fingers, and Armand took it gently
from him, speaking calmly into the phone.
	"Hello, this is Daniel=92s friend.  He is a little upset at the moment."
	"I understand," came the voice on the other end.
	"Thank you for all your help and information."
	"Yeah.  And tell Daniel we have some things for him.  Christmas presents
Tishana had bought but..."
	It seemed that he could not continue.
	"I will tell him.  Thank you.  We=92re sorry to have troubled you."
	"It=92s no trouble.  Our daughter adored that boy."
	"Yes, thank you.  You=92ll be hearing from us soon.  Good night."
	"Bye."
	Armand softly hung up the phone and put a comforting hand on Daniel=92s
shoulder.  His lover was in shock.
	"Daniel?"
	"I want to go there.  I want to go there now."
	"Of course.  There must have been a funeral announcement.  I=92ll make a=
 few
phone calls and find out the cemetery."
	"St. John=92s.  It=92s where everyone from my church was buried.  You heard=
 then?"
	"I heard your thoughts."
	"It can=92t be right, Armand.  There has to be some mistake."
	"I=92ll call the airport and have them make the plane ready."
	"I=92ll pack our things."
	They moved as if in a dream, Daniel not sure if he was awake or living a
nightmare.  Armand arranged for them to leave as soon as possible and a
black limousine picked them up.  Daniel laughed softly at the irony of it as
they got in, and slumped into Armand=92s arms as they drove off.
	They didn=92t speak.  They didn=92t speak in the car, or on the plane, and
Daniel stared out the window, but he didn=92t really see anything.  He was
lost in his thoughts, not even noticing Armand.  Another black limo was
waiting for them at the airport, and they got in, leaving their luggage on
the plane.  It was lightly snowing in Detroit, and they had about an hour=92=
s
drive ahead of them to the cemetery.
	Armand had the driver park the car by the gates and left it there idling.
The gates were closed, but no lock kept him from anything, and soon he was
admitting himself and Daniel into the burial ground.  There were markers
directing visitors where to find their loved ones, and Armand led the way
through the light dusting of snow, past the rows of neatly kept graves until
they came to a new grave, barely settled in the earth.  The flat plaque on
the ground was polished black marble with the writing etched deep:

				Tishana Delaney
			  Beloved Daughter and Friend
			  May 11, 1953- Dec 14, 1984

	It was as if seeing the headstone opened up something inside Daniel, and he
fell to his knees, sobbing.  His fingers dug into the loose earth, freezing
with the cold, as he wept.
	"Tisha!!!!!" he screamed to the night, the tears streaming down his cheeks.
	Armand knelt down next to him, trying to hold him.
	"It=92s all right, beloved."
	"But she was there!  She was with us!" Daniel choked.
	"She couldn=92t go on until she had seen you.  She was earthbound," Armand
whispered.
	"But she was real.  We felt her, we touched her, we even..."
	"I know, beloved.  I know."
	"I don=92t understand!"
	Armand pulled him close, ignoring the snow that was melting into their
clothes as Daniel cried until he couldn=92t cry anymore. =20
	Finally, cold, wet and spent of tears, he pulled from Armand=92s embrace=
 and
wiped his face on his sleeve.  He stared at the grave, stunned, mute, and
Armand watched him, his brown eyes revealing his heartbreak.
	"I=92m sorry, beloved," the vampire murmured.
	"Did you know?" Daniel asked, his voice raw.
	"No.  I did not even suspect.  She must have drawn all her energy from you.
But she was right.  Now I do understand."
	"It must have taken a great deal out of her to do it," Daniel commented=
 dully.
	"That would explain many things.  Why she got so tired so easily.  How she
disappeared from her room and reappeared on the balcony that night."
	He fell silent again and the only sound was that of the falling snow.
Armand waited patiently.  The cold didn=92t bother him.  Eventually, Daniel
rose shakily to his feet.
	"I want to go now."
	"Where to?  Do you want to go get the things Tishana left for you?"
	"No.  I want to go home.  Take me home, Armand."
	"Gladly, beloved."
	Armand took Daniel=92s arm and gently led him away from the grave.
	"I suppose I should contact the Shimmels and tell them where to find me.
Nick will prolly want to know about his mom someday," Daniel said absently.
	"I=92ll get our lawyers to take care of it."
	"Okay."
	"Let=92s go home, beloved."
	Daniel agreed and walked beside Armand for a few steps, then he stopped and
turned back to look at the grave.
	"Bye, Tisha," he whispered.
	A light wind swirled around him, spinning the tiny flakes of snow in a
whirlwind all around his body, and he felt the light touch of a pair of lips
upon his cheek.
	*Good-bye Danno.*
	He was suffused for a moment with inexpressible joy and a feeling of
undying love, and then it was gone.  The wind died down and the world was
silent once again.
	"Did you feel that?" he asked his lover.
	Armand smiled at him.  "No, but I don=92t think I was meant to," the=
 vampire
answered.
	Daniel blinked and followed Armand, accepting the offered arm.
	"They say love is stronger than death," he said, more to himself than to
Armand.
	"In this case, I suppose it was."
	Daniel nodded, and they didn=92t speak again as they left the cemetery. =20

finis