RPG SPEC: Dagger of the Mind
Sequel to "Hollywood Vampires"
Part 11, Posts 301-330
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Post 301: Lestat

          Lestat's heart was pounding.  And he felt the most curious sensation
   of almost giddy illness.  Which, he thought, was utter nonsense.  After
   all, wasn't all of this to be expected?  Was there really a doubt that
   Louis would have come to him?
          Was there?
          But never mind that.  There were more important things.  Like the
   dreams!  There had been no nightmares the night before.  Surely Louis had
   noticed this!  Lestat had been in New Orleans, David and Santino were in
   the same suite as he was and yet there were still no nightmares!
          Of *course* Louis had noticed this.  Lestat was sure of it.  Why
   else would he have agreed to come to the opera with him?  It was all in the
   past now.  No more to worry about.  They could be together once more.
          The performance on stage might never have happened for all Lestat
   noticed.  He watched Louis the entire time, unable to take his eyes off of
   his beautiful lover.  And then Louis would turn his head slightly and see
   that Lestat was watching.  Then Louis would blush, Lestat would smile, and
   they would both laugh.
          If Louis noticed the opera, Lestat couldn't say.  But he doubted it.
    Louis had "accidentally" turned his head slightly a few too many times.
          And then when the curtain fell--or rather there was the thunderous
   applause of the audience--Louis turned to Lestat, smiled, then asked "Will
   you walk with me?"
          Perfection.  Intoxicating perfection.
          "That was very nice," Louis said, after a time.  "Thank you,
   Lestat."
          "I thought you might like the opera," Lestat said.  "I seem to
   remember you had a fondness for it once."
          Louis laughed.  "A fondness... yes, I suppose you could call it
   that.  And you--"  Louis' smile grew serious, yet still more brilliant.  "I
   liked your note, Lestat.  I liked it very much."
          They were at the Omni now.  Lestat summoned an elevator to take them
   upstairs.  "The journal?  Yes.  I thought you'd like that too.  After all,
   there's so much to write about."  Lestat grinned as they stepped into the
   elevator together.
          "True," Louis said.  "But that's not what I meant.  I meant your
   other note."
          "My--" the elevator doors opened.  They stepped out into the hallway
   and went to the door to Louis' room.  "My other note?" Lestat asked.
          "Yes," Louis said.  "'I feigned sleep, just to watch you - so--'"
          "'--beautiful, lost in the music,'"  They said it together,
   surprising themselves into silence.
          "You... liked that?" Lestat asked.
          "You seem surprised," Louis said.  "Why wouldn't I like it?  Words
   like that, from you, I--"  Louis stopped himself, looking away from Lestat
   and towards his hotel door.  For a moment, he looked miserable.
          Lestat would have done anything to make that misery go away.  He
   touched Louis' shoulder, drawing his attention back to him.  He was
   rewarded by seeing some of the happiness return to Louis' face.
          "Tonight was very nice though, yes?" Lestat asked him.  They were
   close now.  Closer than before.  Lestat couldn't remember how they'd gotten
   that way but he was too lost in the sensation to care.
          "Oui," Louis said.  He placed his hand on Lestat's chest as though
   to steady himself.  "Very nice, yes."
          Not knowing why his hand was trembling so, Lestat placed his palm on
   Louis' cheek, drawing him closer.  "Before I go--"
          "Go?"
          "--perhaps, a good night kiss?"
          "Oui," the word was a mere breath before their lips touched and then
   there were no more words at all.

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Post 302: David

	"Daniel!  Pandora!  It's so good to see you both again!  Your
looking exquiste as always Pandora." He leaned over and kissed her hand.
	"And you look like shit!"  Daniel interrupted. He put his hand on
David's face to feel the darkened skin. "What happened David!  It looks
like...I mean you didn't try to--"
	"No Daniel, I didn't try to end it. It was a mistake I made, but I'm
all right now."  He could see that Daniel didn't accept his quick brush off
and knew that he would have to go into an explanation...but it would have to
wait.  "Daniel, what on earth made you dress in that God awful outfit!" He
said attempting to change the subject.  Daniel shot an evil look over to
Pandora.  "Ah. Well come to think of it, it does kind of grow on you if you
try to avoid direct eye contact."  ::Don't ever let them dress you my dear
boy.:: David said directly to Daniel ::You'll come out looking like a fool
every time::  
	"May I ask what the two of you are doing here?"  Daniel and Pandora
looked at each other and wondered if they should let him in on their failed
scheme.
	::Should we tell him?:: Pandora asked
	::Why not, I think he's the most trust worthy out of the whole coven::
	::Mind including me in?  Forgive the pun:: David mused as they spoke
between each other privately. 
	"Well you see,"  Daniel said, "We got ourselves parts in the movie."
	"Oh?  And what parts were they?"  David asked
	"Very important, I assure you."  Pandora replied wickedly.  David
looked at the way Daniel was dressed one more time and fit it together.
	"Oh my. don't tell me!  Lestat?"  David began to laugh himself into
a fit. The thought of Daniel playing the Brat Prince, it was some how....
appropriate. He tried to regain his composure in front of them, but failed
miserably...or rather somewhat comically. "Dressed...heh...dressed like THAT!"
He began laughing again.  "He would burn you to a cinder for that alone!"
Daniel looked less then amused...but it had been so long since David laughed
like that...indeed, it had been many years! "Oh, I'm sorry Daniel, I'm sure
you'd be a great...hehheh...a great Lestat."  He tried to muffle the oncoming
laughter and was a little more successful this time. "Too bad the movie is
a no go, I think I would have paid *good* money to see that."
	"Well if you're done having fun at my expense, may I ask you what
*you* are doing here?  I thought you were in England with Santino."
	"I was, but...things came up and I had to return. I'll tell you
about it later, when I get more settled. As for why I'm on the set, I heard
Jesse and I thought I would see her."
	"Where is she?" Pandora asked with concern. "I thought I felt her
here earlier, she didn't seem too happy about something." 
	"She's a little concerned about her actor friend, a Mr. Brad Pitt.
So I told then they could stay at my new place till they could find something
better."
	"BRAD PITT!  Jesse is staying at your place with BRAD PITT!"  Daniel
said incredulessly. 
	"Yes. Just for the night, but we'll have to find a new place soon
because I bearly have any furnishing there.  I'm on my way there now if you
would like to join me."
	"I'll do you one better."  said Pandora, "I'll find all of you a 
luxurious place to call home."  She smiled at the two men that looked
totally confused and shocked.  David looked to Daniel who merely shrugged.
"I was saving this as a surprise for you Daniel, you looked so sad lately
and I knew that you didn't like staying in the hotel, so I bought us a house
to live in while we're here. David smiled to himself ::So Daniel found himself
someone while Armand was out tracking the beast...serves him right, and his
fledgling sister to boot!::  
	"Thanks for the offer Pandora, but I don't think you would want three
other people living in a house with--"
	"Yes we would!"  Daniel interrupted.
	"Yes, I think it would be best if we had some company. Daniel is a
little nervous around me sometimes."  She put her hand on Daniel's head and
mussled his hair a little. "Besides, it's appaulingly huge and if anyone needs
to be alone...with their thoughts, or what have you, there is more then enough
room.  Please, it would be my pleasure. And if you, Jesse and Mr. Pitt don't
like it, then you could always find something else. But wouldn't you rather
stay in a nice, comfortable, well decorated house, then a little old
apartment?"
	"M'Lady, you drive a hard bargin. Shall we go and tell them?" David
asked the two.
	"That would seem appropriate."  Pandora said with a wink. 
	"Daniel, you better grab hold of one of us--"
	"Not necessary my dear Mr. Talbot, I have aquired the gift from the
beautiful Mlle Reeves. Take note."  Daniel lept into the air and fell flat
on his face. He muffled into the ground. "I swear I did this before!"
	"Daniel for christ's sake you don't just jump!" David scolded. He
picked him up and took to the air with Pandora in persuit.

	They arrived on the roof of David's Apartment complex and headed down
the stairway. He opened the door to his room where Jesse and Brad were waiting.
"Hope you weren't here too long, but I ran into some friends. Mr. Pitt, these
are some mutual friends of Jesse and I. Daniel, Pandora, meet Mr. Brad Pitt.
I hope we can all be good friends, because Pandora has a little surprise
for all of us, it seems she has a rather large house we could all stay at
for an indefinate amount of time. What do the two of you think?"

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Post 303: Brad

     "Dan and I have already met, David. Nice to meet you, Pandora. I
have to tell you, you are one damned gorgeous woman!" Brad smiled at
the lovely dark haired women. He picked up her hand and made a courtly
bow. "I'm practicing my "Louis". I figure you guys can tell me where
I'm going wrong better than anyone - other than Louis, that is." He
winked at Pandora, strangely at ease in this room full of killers. 
     Damn it all, vampires or not, they seemed like nice people!
     "It would be a pleasure to say with you all. Jesse's told me to
make myself scarce when you're waking up - that kind of thing, and
I'll be sure to do whatever else you suggest. Quite frankly, I could
use a bit of advice...from vampires. 
     "You see I don't know what to do about, Tony - Antonio, and I
think Lestat's messing around with Tom. Tom says everything's fine,
but I don't think so."
     "What are you worried about that little cretin for," Jesse said
darkly.
     "Jess, I know he insulted you, and I'm going to speak to him
about that, but he's not a bad guy really - just a bit over the top.
His head's been all turned around by Lestat, I can tell - and I'm
worried about him. When he was in my trailer, he didn't mention Nick
and the kids once - and he *always* mentions them. He'll go on and on
until you want to jump for him! But this time he acted like they
didn't even exist anymore.
     "Man, you don't want to mess with Lestat!" Daniel piped in. "If
he's interested in Tom, you'd better steer clear, less you want to end
up looking like a piece of burnt toast!"
     "I've got to do something, Dan. Besides, I...I think Lestat might
try to hurt Tony."
     "Why would Lestat..." Daniel began.
     David sent a silent communique to the group.
     "Oh Lordy Jesus," Daniel moaned. "I'm outta here. It's been nice
knowing you guys, but I've just remembered an appointment I have clear
on the other side of the world. If I rush, I can just make it..."
Daniel tried to make for the door, but Pandora stopped him.
     "We are *not* running from Lestat!" she said firmly. Daniel
struggled with her, but when he saw it wasn't getting him anywhere,
gave it up. 
     "All right! But if I get hurt, I'm going to blame you, because
you halted my very sensible flight reflexes." Turned loose, Daniel
stomped over to Brad in a huff. Leaning in he whispered, "You're
borrowing a pack of trouble, Brad, if you interfere with Lestat."
     "Thanks for the warning, Dan, but there's nothing else I can do,
really." Brad smiled at him. He hesitated for a minute and then went
on. "Um, Dan? Pandora picked that outfit out didn't she?"
     "Yes," Daniel sighed heavily. "I've already been told it looks
ridiculous."
     "No - not ridiculous. It's just that the color is God-awful on
you. It's really clashing with your eyes! Makes you look like a lab
rat or something."
     "Gee, thanks."
     "Wait, I've got something." Brad dug around in his duffle and
pulled out a black Blues Travelers shirt and handed it to Daniel, who
pulled a face."
     "Ugh. I hate them. Got any NIN in there?"
     "Nope. Gotta excuse me, Danny, I'm a country boy at heart. Not
that I can't get into NIN mind you, but I've got to be really wasted
and partying hard first!"
     They shared a laugh as Daniel pulled the shirt over his head.
     "There. That's much better," Brad grinned at him. "Now you almost
look human..." Brad trailed off, realizing what he'd just said an
looked at Daniel. Daniel burst out laughing.
     "Thanks for the shirt, Brad."
     "Any time, Dan. And for God's sake don't put that jacket back on.
Carry it, not close to your face, mind you. And put it down somewhere
away from you every chance you get. Make sure you don't leave it
anywhere though. Women hate that shit. She'll think you did it on
purpose."
     "What's up, Danny Boy? Trying to steal my fella?" Jesse appeared
and wrapped a arm around Brad's waist. Brad blushed and Daniel smirked
at Jessica.
     "Wouldn't be too hard, Jessica. When's the last time you combed
your hair, by the way?" Daniel jumped back to avoid the swing Jesse
took at him.
     "If you three are finished, can we get this show on the road?"
Pandora said impatiently. "I was thinking of turning in a bit early
tonight..." she gave Daniel a small smile, and Jessie snickered.
     "Sure thing, Pan," Jessica grinned, sliding a glance at Daniel.
"Lead the way."

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Post 304: Louis

  Louis could feel his heart accelerate as he lifted his lips to meet
Lestat's. He felt Lestat's warm mouth claim him, his tongue moving
slowing, deliberately between Louis' parted lips deepening the kiss until
both were near breathlessness. There was no more hurt, no more anger; just
the lush sensuality that was Lestat. 
  Lestat pulled him closer, the gentle caress of his hand on Louis
shoulder now crept up the beautiful white throat and into the silky
midnight hair. He drew back, resting his forehead against Louis'. 
  "I need you..." Lestat whispered, his voice husky with emotion. "I can't
stand being parted from you..." 
   Louis brushed his lips against his lover's. 
   "I felt as if the world was ending..." Louis whispered. 
   Their mouths were together again, bodies entwined, hands in each
other's hair. Lestat pressed Louis against the door to his suite, kissing
him fiercely, Louis returning his passion. 
   "I want you so badly..." Louis heard himself whisper into Lestat's
hair. 
    Lestat moved back slightly, his eyes dark with desire. 
    "What are we waiting for?" He smiled, enticingly. 
    "The truth, I suppose..." said Antonio. He stood leaning against the
wall by the elevator, arms folded, dark eyes burning. He looked more like
Armand than himself at that very moment in his immortal life. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 305: Pandora

      "If you three are finished, can we get this show on the road?"
Pandora said impatiently. "I was thinking of turning in a bit early
tonight..." she gave Daniel a small smile, and Jessie snickered.
      "Sure thing, Pan," Jessica grinned, sliding a glance at Daniel.
"Lead the way."
	"Okay then, we're heading to the Garden district... I have a lovely
house on First Street.  Wait until you see it, I just bought it and I just
love it.  We'll have to refurnish it though.... I don't really like that
dreary old, plantation style stuff that's in there now.  there's even a
great garden for Gabby to sleep in."  She smiled wickedly around the
group.  "Well, how shall we get there?  Walk or fly?" 
	"Pandora, did you say First Street?" asked David.
	"Why yes, I did.  Is that a problem?"
	"Well," he answered, "not really, just don't say the word Talamasca
in that neighborhood.  There is one positive thing, the neighbors will be
used to strange occurences." 
	"Out with it David, what in God's name are you talking about"
demanded Daniel.  "I mean really, are you just *trying* to make me more
nervous?  Is that it?" 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 306: Jesse

  Brad drew Jesse aside. 
  "What's going on? What's all this about First Street?" He asked in a
hushed tone. 
  Jesse sighed and pulled him into the kitchen. 
  "I don't know why I'm doing this... they all can hear us," She
mumbled."Let me explain. There's a very strong witch clan that lives on
First Avenue." 
  Brad stifled a snicker. Jesse cuffed him lightly. 
  "I'm serious, Brad!" She hissed at him. 
  "Sorry. I guess if there can be vampires, there can also be witches!" He
replied. 
   "Damned straight. To make a long story short, when I was in the
Talamasca, one of my mentors made a study of them. His name was Aaron
Lightner. He actually married into the family. There were under currents
in the order, and somehow Arron was murdered. It's very involved and
unpleasant for David and me. We didn't know what was going on, and we
couldn't save him.  So it's very nasty." 
  "Is it going to bother you? I mean, living on First Street?" Brad took
her cool hand in his to comfort her. 
  She sighed. "It won't change anything if I get upset.  It's all over
anyway. Besides, I've got you to take care of, huh?"  She gave him a
dazzling smile. 
  They walked back into the main room. 
  "Alright." Jesse announced. "I'll take Brad over on my Harley. The rest
of you can get there on your own devises." 
  "This will be better for you, Brad." Jesse said as they walked to the
bike. "Garden District is more quiet. You won't have the press following
you around." 
  "No, just a flock of vampires." He laughed. 
  "The word is coven, Brad. Coven." Jesse climbed on the bike. 
  Brad sat behind her. "Jess, can I ask you a question?" 
  "Uh huh." She turned the key and the cycle roared to life. 
  "Did you..." Brad began. ::Did you really choose to be this way?" 
  ::What way, Sweetie?:: She replied in his mind. 
  ::A vampire. Did you really choose it the way it said in the book?:: 
  ::Yes. Does that shock you?:: 
  ::Not really. Not since I got to know you.:: He answered. 
  ::Why is that? Is it because we seem mysterious or glamourous? It's not
Brad. It can be very grim.:: Jesse touched his mind with a slight chill of
reality. 
  ::Not that, Jess. You just seem so determined.:: Brad replied to her. 
  Jesse sent him a hug. He responded by tightening his grip around her
waist. 
  ::What was that for, Brad?:: 
  :: I like you, Jess.:: 
  ::I like you too, sweetie.:: 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 307: Antonio

	The anger he felt was very specific - cold burning deep within
him. He moved from the shadows to confront the lovers with no fear, eyes
burning with iced fire.  "The truth, Louis." Antonio whispered, his voice
carrying just a hint of death.  "I have learned something which may be of
value to you.  Perhaps not.  It is for you to judge."
	"This display is melodramatic, even for the Jumping Bean." Lestat
commented evenly.
	Antonio spoke to Louis, but kept his gaze fixed on Lestat.  "I
have been on the phone for hours, tracking down an elusive bit of
information. I told you earlier, Louis, that the movie had been shut
down..."
	"It has *what*?" Lestat's question was cut short by the expression
on Antonio's face.
	"Which is unusual.  For a tiny production this is normal.  But for
this?  Millions upon millions at stake.  The power behind it is
staggering. Even if the distribution is cancelled, the film is always
made, just in case. The money is all up front, you see."  He smiled then,
redefining dangerous. "I get paid, no matter what."
	"This *is* facinating." Lestat snapped.  "Do you have a point?"
	"The point is that the production capital was shifted last week.
Were this a corporation, the term would be a very quiet hostile takeover.
When they learned the company name, at first they thought it was a joke.
Then, when the financing was withdrawn, in it's entirety, they thought it
a curse."
	"What company?" Louis asked quietly.
	"The name of the company that shut down the film is Lioncourt Inc.
You, Louis, stand in the arms of the Chief Executive Officer." 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 308: Louis

  Louis stood silent. Dumbfounded. He glanced from Antonio's face to
Lestat's and back again. 
  "I don't understand..." he whispered. 
  "He planned it, Louis!" Hissed Antonio, his blazing eyes meeting
Lestat'. 
  His hand slipped slowly from it's resting place on Lestat's arm, Louis
looked up into Lestat's face. "How could you?" 
  "How could I *WHAT*?" Replied Lestat. 
  "Shut down the entire production." As what had happened became clear to
Louis, his expression became one of contempt. "Tell me, Lestat. Was all
*this* part of it? Was it all some great, dramatic scheme to win my
confidence? Was this all part of some great plot of yours to rid me of
Antonio's friendship?" 
  Lestat held out his hands to Louis. "No... there isn't a plot." He
placed his hands on Louis' shoulders. "I didn't plan *any* of this." 
  Louis shook his head, pain registering in his eyes. "How can I believe a
word you say? How can you deny what has obviously happened? Lestat... you
never told me about this corporation of yours... what else have you been
keeping from me? When we were together I thought we were honest and open
with each other..." 
  "We were, Louis..." 
   Louis shook his head. "You planned this. It is so like you Lestat.
Jealousy, revenge... it's so like you." 
   Louis turned and placed his hand on the doorknob. 
   "Louis! Do you believe I would actually be threatened by this... this
third rate, calf-eyed, half-wit..." Lestat stormed. 
   "I don't know what to believe about you anymore, Lestat." Louis replied
in a controlled, icy voice. He opened the door to his suite and walked
inside. 
   "Tonio..." Louis called from inside. "Contact housekeeping. I want the
refuse from these rooms immediately! I'll be in my room." 
   Lestat levelled his gaze at Antonio. 
   "So." Lestat folded his arms and stared down his nose contemptuously.
"The Chihuahua wants to play." 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 309: Antonio

	Antonio gazed at Lestat, his expression as full of contempt as
Lestat's own.  "How could you do that to him?" he hissed.  "Your childish
games are pathetic."  Then, with an air of calm indifference, he entered
the suite and closed the door firmly behind him.  Ignoring the riot of
roses around him, he crossed to Louis' bedroom and knocked softly.
"Louis... do you wish to talk?  To leave, perhaps?  At least until the
rooms are cleaned... " 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 310: Pandora

	Daniel was quizzing David about the Mayfairs when Brad and Jesse
dissappeared into the kitchen.  Being the nosy vamps that they all were,
of *course* they eavesdropped.  Daniel gasped and turned to David
"Witches?!?! We're going to live with witches?" 
	Pandora sighed "not with witches Daniel, near them."
	At that point Jesse and Brad reappeared in the room and Jesse
announced that they would take the Harley over, she seemed to think that
that would be easier on Brad.  Silently Pandora agreed with her ::Good
call Jess, here's the address, it's 1616 First ok?:: 
	As they left Pandora turned to the others "Okay all, follow me" 
she turned and wrapped her arms around Daniel, "I'll take him, and David
you don't need the help."  With that she turned to the window and set off. 
David followed, although he was a little surprised at her abruptness. They
flew for a few minutes until Pandora landed on a lawn.  And what a lawn,
it was immense.  There was a tennis court, a pool, and what looked like a
sauna in the space surrounding them. 
	With a sigh that sounded somewhat like awe, David turned around to
see the house.  It was beautiful, Four floors of plantation style, New
Orleans perfection.  There was even Ivy climbing the walls, and a terrace
on the roof!  "Pandora, you have outdone yourself" he breathed, "this
place is magnificent.  Thank you for inviting me to join you." 
	"No problem," she smiled "shall we go in?"

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 311: Daniel

	 With a sigh that sounded somewhat like awe, David turned around to
see the house.  It was beautiful, Four floors of plantation style, New
Orleans perfection.  There was even Ivy climbing the walls, and a terrace
on the roof!  "Pandora, you have outdone yourself" he breathed, "this
place is magnificent.  Thank you for inviting me to join you." 
  	"No problem," she smiled "shall we go in?"
	"Definitely," Daniel said. "Can I get to pick my bedroom first?
Please?" he whined.
	"Sure, Daniel. Go ahead." Pandora shot a condescending look towards
David. :He's such a brat!:
	:I know...: David smiled.
	They walked inside the grandious mansion. The furnitures were mostly
antiques, ancient paintings all over the walls and a huge bookshelf filled
with books. "We really have to make some changes around here," Daniel frowned.
"For instance, instead of that horrible bookshelf, we could put a cool 
entertainment system like the one Armand got me last Christmas! You saw it,
right David?"
	"The one with the "movie screen sized T.V" and virtual reality 
equipment?"
	"Yup!" Daniel grinned.
	"Yes, I saw it, Daniel." David sent a mental message to Pandora,
:That's all he would talk about when I went to visit them! As soon as the
sun set, he ran downstairs to play games and watch movies. Armand and I 
had to bring him food, because he would not go out to hunt for the 
first few days.:
	Pandora had to laugh.
	"And instead of that painting," Daniel continued. "We could make
a new window...there's not enought light in this house...Are you two 
listening to me?" He turned to see David and Pandora who were already
walking away from him.
	"Daniel, you can play decorator tomorrow. I'm tired." Pandora said.
	"*WE* are tired!" David added.
	"So what are we waiting for, let's go to bed!" Daniel ran up the
stairs and began opening all the doors, inspecting each room until he found
one that suited him. "I like this one!" He pointed to the principal bedroom.
	"Daniel, just take it!" Pandora waved him off. "Go to sleep!"
	"I wonder were Jess and Brad are?" said David.
	"Good question," Pandora agreed.
	"They'll be here soon," Daniel said. "David, would you like to 
share room with me tonight? I mean, with the witches living so close
to us and all...just for a few days, while I get used to this house.
I'm a bit scared!" He shot David a smutty grim. 
 
_________________________________________________________________________
Post 312: Jesse

  The motorcycle came to a roaring halt outside of 1616 first street.
Lights seemed to illuminate every room of the massive house. 
  Jesse jumped off the Harley and gave it a disapproving glance. 
  "This thing is so loud! Do you think it needs a muffler?" 
  "Jess! They're supposed to sound like that." Brad laughed. 
  "Must be my hearing, then." She shrugged. "Let's go in. Looks like
everybody's here." 
   She paused by the front gate and shivered. Brad came up behind her and
placed his hands on her shoulders. "What is it?" 
   "Psychic disturbance." She muttered. 
   Brad wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close in a reassuring
hug. "Jesse, you and your bunch are enough to disturb *any* psychic! C'on.
I don't want to hang around in the street." 
   Jesse unlocked the front door with her agile mind, and they walked into
hall. There was a grand staircase going up to the second floor, and rooms
to eitherside of the hallway. 
   Daniel suddenly appeared at her side, jumping up and down, flapping his
hands and squeeking in a high falsetto voice "Miz Scarlet, Miz Scarlet!
The Yankees! The Yankees!" He fell in a laughing fit on the steps. 
  Jesse ignored him and walked through a great arch into a sitting room.
Pandora was loungling elegantly on one of the sofas. David was examining
one of the paintings that hung on the wall. Brad took two steps in and
suddenly sprinted into the adjoining room. 
  "Jesse! Come look at this!" he shouted. 
  "Mortals..." sighed Pandora. "So easiy excited." 
  Jesse followed Brad into a dining room. He was joyfully looking at the
stained glass windows that adorned the outside wall. 
  "Do you know what these are? Jess! They're Tiffany! Original Tiffany
windows! The morning sun will come right through! Oh, Jesse! Wait til you
see these colors..." He stopped, remembering she'd never see sunlight
through artglass windows. He turned to her. Jesse was smiling up at him
wistfully. 
   "You'll have to tell me all about it. In fact, you'll have to run out,
buy a camera, and take pictures to show me." Jesse touched his arm. "It's
OK, Brad. Why don't you go check out the upstairs? Maybe there are more
windows like that." 
   Brad gave her a peck on the cheek and dashed out of the room.  Jesse
walked slowly back into the sitting room. 
   Daniel had wrapped himself in one of the red velvet draperies. 
   "Ah've come home to Tara!" He squeeked. He flutterd his eyelashes at
David. "Oh! Rhett! Do you like mah dress? Ah made it myself!" 
   David blinked at Pandora. "Do you know what he's going on about?" 
   Daniel skipped over to them and knelt at Pandora's side. 
   "But Ah don't know how to birth a baby, Miz Mellie!!" He squeeked
   Jesse sank into an overstuffed arm chair. "I think our Daniel's fallen
through a time warp and into "Gone With The Wind". She glanced over at
Daniel,as he lie on the floor giggling. 
   "Shall we call this place Tara to confuse him?" Jesse looked at David. 
   "There's no place like home!" giggled Daniel. 
   "Wrong movie," Yawned Jesse. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 313: Daniel

    	"There's no place like home!" giggled Daniel.
    	"Wrong movie," Yawned Jesse.
	"Perhaps," said Daniel, a bit annoyed. "You know, Jess, I was
just about to go to sleep when you guys got here! Your motorcycle made
such an infernal noise that we all had to come downstairs to make sure
the house was not being demolished!"
	Brad grinned. "I already explained Jesse that's the way they're
supposed to sound, Daniel!"
	"Yeah, but having witches living next door, you have to be cautious
with every single sound! They could be casting a spell or something!"
	"You're such a big baby," said Pandora.
	"I know!" He smiled. "That's why David is going to sleep in the
same room with me tonight...to take care of me..." Daniel began walking
up the stairs, turning back to look at David. "Are you joining me or what?"
	David stood up and reluctantly approached Daniel. :Do I have a
choice?: He sent the thought to the others.
	:The guillotine?: Pandora teased.
	:Eternity in the bath with Lestat?: Jesse smiled.
	"Stop talking behind my back!" Daniel whined, striving to surpass
their shields.
	"It's 'PG13', Daniel! Armand would kill us if he knew we're letting
his baby hear this kind of conversations!" said Jesse.
	Daniel blushed slightly and without saying another word, ran up
the stairs. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 314: David

	"Daniel!"  David shouted up the steps to the unruly fledgling.
	"What?"  Daniel backtracked down the steps and peered over the ledge.
	"Don't you think it's a bit rude to leave Pandora without so much as
a good night kiss?"
	"Huh?"  Daniel looked genuinely confused.
	"After all, she did buy this house for you. A little gratitude would
be nice, don't you think?"
	"Uh...I guess so."  Daniel said sheepishly
	"Why thank you David."  Pandora grinned. "I'm glad someone remembered
their manners."  She extended her arms out and waited for Daniel to comply.
"Oh come on movie boy, I'm not going to bite...unless you ask me to."
	"Oh fine, hold on!"  Daniel hopped on the bannister and slid down the
railing to the bottom of the staircase where Pandora was waiting. He swept
her into his arms and dipped her ever so gracefully as he kissed her full on
the mouth.
	"You drop me," warned Pandora, "and the witches will be using your
ashes in their next brew!"
	"Frankly my dear Pandora, I--"
	"One more quote from that movie Danny Boy and you'll be lucky if there
are any ashes left to spread!"  Jesse cut in. Daniel set Pandora back on her
feet and started back up the steps.
	"Sheesh!  You women have no sense of humor!  David, are you going to
join me or what?"
	"Yes, I'll be up in a minute. Pandora, thank you again for having me
here, I don't think I could have spent another night at the St. Louis. 
Jessica, we'll talk more tomorrow. Looks like I'm going to have my hands
full tonight."  Jesse winked at him. 
	::Yes, it appears you will. *Do* tell me all about it tomorrow night::
	::Jessica, get you're mind out of the gutter. I thought I trained you
to act a little more professional then that!::  David jested.
	::*This* from the man that pissed off his lover's mother, the Candomble
preistess of the village and was plagued by spirits for weeks!::
	::Ah, well appearently you were under the false impression that I
teach by example, when in fact, I follow a 'do as I say, not as I do' policy.::
	"DAVID!"  Daniel shouted.  David rolled his eyes and started up the
steps.
	"Duty calls."

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 315: David

	David entered Daniel's room and was surprised to find it empty. 
"Daniel, quit playing games, I'm really not in the mood tonight."  Just
as he said it, the door slammed behind him. Daniel stood in front of it
with his arms crossed over his chest. The humor that had graced his face
just moments before was gone and replaced by a sad disappoving look. 
	"Why David!"
	"You mean Pandora? I was only joking Dan--"
	"I'm not talking about that and you know it! The tan David!  I want
you to tell me why you could play the stand in for George Hamilton!"
	"Daniel please!  I told you already."
	"Yeah, it was a mistake and you're okay now. Bullshit!  Vampires don't
'accidentally' stay out in the sun!  And what about Santino, why aren't you
with him?"  
	"I'd rather not get into that now!" David said in irritation.
	"Well I'm not letting up until you tell me!  Why would you go out in 
the sun! Is it that hard to get used to this life?  There must be a better
way then to end it all, there must be!"
	"Daniel!  I told you, I didn't try to kill myself.  It was near dawn
in England when I heard..."  David paused for a moment and wondered if it
would be wise to tell Daniel the truth. "I sensed that Lestat might be in
danger, so I flew to him. I was caught in the sun for a short length of time,
but I'm alright now."  Daniel looked away in disbelief, David did not look
okay to him.
	"Why would Lestat be in trouble, and how would you know if he was?"
	"That's not important. We're all fine now so--"
	"Damn it!, Why won't you tell me!  How did you know about Lestat!" 
David let out a sigh and gave in, Daniel deserved to know.
	"I sensed the tension from Marius and Armand. They had tracked him to
Hong Kong...I was worried about what might happen."
	"They tracked Lestat?"
	"Yes."
	"But why?" 
	"I don't know, I suppose Armand still blames Lestat for the dreams.
I don't pretend to know what goes on in his mind. What surprised me was Marius.
I didn't think he would blindly follow Armand in his quest."
	"So Armand really meant to kill Lestat?"
	"I don't *know* Daniel!  Maybe, but he didn't."
	"You wouldn't have flown halfway around the world before *dawn* if
you thought they just wanted to chat! He wanted to kill Lestat!  I hate him."
Daniel said coldly.
	"No you don't, your just angry now."
	"I hate him David, God help me I do!"
	"Daniel, calm down."
	"Calm down!  I gave all of myself to him! He made me love him!  He
made me obessess over him until I was at the point of death!  He made me
want either him, or nothing!  And now he leaves me to be with his new lover
and his own vengeful heart!  I'm not an idiot, I know that I'm not wanted
by him anymore."
	"Daniel no!  Armand still loves you."
	"Then where is he when I need him most?  Do you know the things he
made me do when I was still mortal?  The countless lovers he made me take
to bed so he could watch!  The countless places he would drag me off to,
when he knew I was too tired to keep up!  I lead him out of the darkness
and into the twentieth century!  He would have died without me!  Where is
he when I need him?!  Where is he in my darkness?  I was nothing more then
a toy!"  Daniel fell to his kness and began to sob uncontrollably. David
knelt beside him and put his arms around the shaking body.
	"Daniel, believe me, Armard does love you. He wouldn't have brought
you over if he didn't. He needs to be with Marius now...and he needs to
sort out his past with Lestat. He'll be back, you just have to give him
time."
	"No! He won't be back, because I have nothing left to give him!
I flamed away in his heart until I burnt myself out, there is nothing left!"
	"That's not true!  Daniel, why do you think this?" 
	"The fire, there is aways the fire..."
	"Daniel!  You're talking nonsense!"
	"No, I'm talking perfect sense! Why go on when you're all used up!
I can't stand it anymore I just can't--"  David pressed his mouth to Daniel's
and swallowed his last cry. Desperate to maintain Daniel, desperate to keep
from falling into the same state and losing both of them, David allowed his
passion to ignite. 
	::Think of me Daniel, think only of me. Nothing else exists. Not
Armand or Lestat or any of the coven. We are all that is.::
	::But--::
	::No, nothing else. It's time you learned that 'nothing' can be a
a pleasant thing::
	::I don't under--::
	::Shhhh, just enjoy the silence, and let yourself be::  Daniel 
collapsed into David arms and they passed away the rest of the night, thinking
only of each other.

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 316: Daniel

	::Shhhh, just enjoy the silence, and let yourself be::  Daniel 
collapsed into David arms and they passed away the rest of the night, thinking
only of each other.
	Nothing else in the world had mattered. Only their passion, their
desire. It had been really easy to seduce Daniel, in such a weak state.
And 'nothingness' acquired a whole new definition. It meant love, and
companionship, and trust, and lust...
	Daniel had pierced David's back with his sharp finger nails, tearing
the skin of his golden skin, hurting him, pleasuring him. 
	"Daniel," David moaned. 
	The only reply was a muffled sigh from Daniel's lips. Their hearts 
beating to the same rhythm, finally becoming one body, one soul.
	The lay on the bed, the white sheets were now scarlet, smeared
with their dark blood as a symbol of their union. They held onto each other,
as if every minute that passed, were the last one in their lifes, as if
they would never let go of each other. The morning sun would soon rise
over the horizon, and they wanted to enjoy the last hours of darkness in
company of each other.
	"Feel better, Daniel?" David asked, placing a soft kiss on the
boy's face.
	"I always do when you're around, David. Always."
	"You know, Pandora is really not going to like the aspect of this
room...And the broken mirror of that dressing table," David chuckled.
	"How that HELL did we do *that*!?" Daniel sat on the bed, noticing
the chaotic appearance of the room, total disarray.               
	"I don't know, Daniel...but I do have some glass incrusted in my
leg," David uncovered himself and showed Daniel the particles of glass
in his inner thigh. "see, right here!"
	Daniel fought hard to contain his laughter. "Oh, God! Let me get
that out of your leg before it heals." 
	"I'll get it," David waved him off. "It's not really deep under the
skin." He easily removed the piece of broken mirror from his leg.
	"David, I didn't realize we had done all this...I'm so embarrased!"
He blushed.
	"Embarrased? Why?"
	"Well, I'm sure the others could hear us! What are they going to
think? What will the mortal think?"
	"We'll claim it was a hurricane!" David teased. "That'll be a good
excuse for the noise and for this mess!" 
	Daniel smiled. "You know David, I wish I could forget about the
world spinning 'round me. I wish I could just stay here and love you for
eternity, you and no one else. I wish..."
	"What?"
	"I wish Armand would die!"
	"Daniel!"
	"I wish his death! May the light of the morning sun disturb his
rest and burn him to ashes, him and his lover!" He said bitterly.
	"Don't say that," David said saddly.
	"You're right. I won't say that. Maybe I should just find Lestat
and beg him to destroy Armand. Of maybe I'll go after him myself. He has
to settle with Marius somewhere, right? Maybe if I can find their lair,
I can go there before dawn and set the place on fire, the way Louis
burnt the theater of Vampires---"
	"STOP! You'r talking non-sense!"
	"If he ever goes back to the Night Island, I'll burn it, I'll burn
it with him and Marius inside! Even if I risk my life, shall I die
accomplishing my task, I'll die in peace....I'll be satisfied!"
	"Daniel, we'll talk tomorrow night, when you're sober." David turned
off the light and turned his back on Daniel.
	"Sweet dreams, David," Daniel whispered.

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 317: Louis

  He lay on the bed, curled on his side, facing the wall. 
  ::Please, Tonio,:: Louis touched Antonio's mind. ::I wish to be by
myself. It is far too close to dawn to leave the rooms.  We shall take
care of it tomorrow evening. I'll be stronger then. All I wish to do now
is sleep.:: 
  Louis closed his mind and eyes. It had all been too much for him.  The
instant he dared hope all would be well, that Lestat and he could be
reunited; the world had crashed in on him. 
  ::Lestat would never change. He'd forever be underhanded,
manipulative.:: The thoughts went round and round Louis' mind. :: He could
bring such depth of feeling, such passion- only to be dishonest, to lie,
to be hurtful...:: 
  He lay motionless, waiting for the death sleep to pull him under and let
him drown in oblivion. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 318: Antonio

	Antonio heard Louis' words, but worse, he felt the pain behind
them.  More of the emotional timebombs immortality hid beneath the
romantic surface.  Looking around the room, he knew that housekeeping
would never make it in time, and he did not wish Louis to wake to the
spectical.  So he made a quick decision.  Thowing open a large window o
overlooking the street, he gathered the roses, one armload at a time, and
threw them to the street below.  If anyone questioned it, he would assure
the press it was an old Spanish custom.  The strong breeze captured the
delicate flowers and scattered them far into the night.  The vases
followed into a nearby dumpster.  Finally all that remained was the
lingering scent... and the journal.
	"Twisted bastard." he thought, reading the inscription.  "How could
he hurt someone like Louis this way?"
	Finally he stood once more before Louis' door.  Antonio thought
about knocking, but decided against it.  He would leave, if asked.  But
the pain... it flowed like waves from within.  Opening the door quietly,
he saw Louis curled into a miserable ball on the bed.  Moving silently,
Antonio shut the door, pulled the drapes, then slid onto the bed behind
Louis.  After only a moment's hesitation, he placed his arms around his
friend, holding Louis tightly to him. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 319: Louis

  Louis covered Antonio's hand with his own. 
  "Thank you," he whispered, silently releasing a great shuddering sigh.
"I... I don't know what to say..." 
  "Shhh." Antonio soothed him, "words aren't necessary. They will only get
in the way. Try to sleep. I can't tell you it will be better tomorrow, but
you will be stronger. You will be stronger every night." 
  Louis nodded and closed his eyes. Antonio must have fed well that
evening. His body was warm and comforting. Louis settled against him and
sought sleep. He sighed again, his body trembling. It caught in his throat
and became a heartbroken sob. 
  "I'm sorry..." Louis wept. "I don't *do* this. I can't hold it back!" 
  "Let it go, Louis." Antonio whispered to him. "Let it go... Say good bye
to him, find the strength in your spirit. You can, Louis. You are strong.
I *know* you are. These are not tears of weakness, but of loss. Find the
resolve in your heart to leave him." 
   Louis turned his face into the pillow, silent tears tracing their
crimson paths. There could never again be anything between himself and
Lestat. He wouldn't be able to face Lestat until he could look into those
eyes with out being overcome with love. If necessary, he'd put distance
between them so he could heal. 
   'Good bye, Lestat.' Louis thought to himself. 'I'll never permit myself
to be seduced by your words or by the mere sight of you. Never again.'

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 320: Brad

     Brad wandered the upper floors of the mansion. Everywhere he
turned, something beautiful met his eye. But that beauty didn't hold
him for long because as the sound of laughter and conversation dimmed,
and the intense presences of his new companions faded, he began to
recall how he came to know them in the first place.
     Antonio.
     He hadn't seen him nor heard from him all night, and Brad was
beginning to worry. "You promised me, Tony." Brad whispered into the
darkened hall. Without conscious thought, his hand reached up and
touched the bite marks on his throat. "Damn you, you could have at
least called me, so I'd know you weren't a pile of ash somewhere!" 
     Brad spotted a phone on a small table at the end of the hall, and
went towards it. He called his personal assistant and checked for
messages. There were plenty of messages, but none were from Tony or
Tom. Brad hung up and dialed the Omni Hotel <ooc - is that the
hotel?>. 
     "Is Mr. DeValle in?" Brad asked, using the pseudonym Tony favored
when traveling these days. 
     "Mr. DeValle is in Sir," the concierge replied, "but he asked not
to be disturbed. Would you care to leave a message?"
     "Yes, I would. Tell him I'm staying with friends, he'll be able
to find me easily enough, and..." Brad hesitated a moment, "put this
down exactly as I say it."
     "Of course, Sir."
     "Say, 'You promised.' Would you read that back to me, please?"
     "'I'm staying with friends, you'll be able to find me easily
enough. Next line reads, 'You promised.' Is that correct, Sir?"
     "Yes, it is. Thank you. Just sign it "B", he'll know who it's
from."
     "Yes, Sir. Will that be all, Sir." The concierge positively oozed
high priced efficiency and confidentiality.
     "Yes, thank you again."
     "My pleasure, Sir. Have a good evening."
     Brad hung up the phone with a soft click. He stood in the dimly
lit hall for a few moments and fought off the depression that tried to
claim him. He was sinking into "Louis mode" already, and he hadn't
even shot one scene yet! Louis wasn't even depressed in this book! He
was worried, yes, but happy to be reunited with Lestat.
     Then Brad remembered what Louis had been worried about. Louis had
been worried that Lestat was in danger from other vampires, and might
end up as vampire toast. "Thanks a bunch, Louis," Brad muttered. "Now
that you've picked my best friend to fool around with, I've got my own
piece of impending vampire toast to worry about!"
     His anxiety for his friend was renewed by this train of thought,
and he hurried back downstairs to join the others, maybe they could
help him locate Antonio...

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 321: Jesse

  Jesse inspected the windows for security from the sun. Yes, Pandore ahd
chosen the house well. Not only were there shutters out side, but heavy
draped and shades as well. Jesse pulled the old maroon velvet drapes and
received a showering of dust.  She tipped her head forward and shook her
hair. Too close to dawn for a shower, she'd do that in the evening. 
  Jesse pulled off her jeans and laughed to herself. Tomorrow she'd have
to do some serious shopping. She'd lived in these for at least a week!
That never seemed to bother Maharet, she thought to herself. She'd wear
the same clothes until they were almost shreds. 
  She pulled back the covers and slid under the sheets. They too smelled
of dust. The death sleep came upon her, leaving Jesse with a question
lingering in her mind... How long would it be before she, like Maharet,
wouldn't care about dust? 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 322: Lestat

          Santino jumped out of his chair when he heard the suite door slam.
          "Don't EVEN ask," Lestat snarled, brushing past him to get to the
   phone.  Lestat punched in a few numbers then waited impatiently for an
   answer.
          "What--" Santino started, but stopped at Lestat's glare.
          "Yes?" Lestat turned his attention to the person on the line.
   "Jade?  What the HELL is going on?  What do--the movie of course!  How am I
   responsible for that?  I never said anything about the movie!  Fine, I'll
   wait."
          "You probably don't want me to ask again, do you?" Santino said,
   unable to stop feeling a little bemused by the situation.
          "Not really, no," Lestat said.  Jade spoke again.  "Oh great, just
   wonderful.  This is the last time I pay anyone this much.  They're supposed
   to be lazy and stupid for God's sake!  Although stupid sounds more and more
   appropriate.  Alright, fine, let me think....  Alright, fix it just to get
   it out of the way but don't put my name on it.  Right now I think anything
   coming from me will instantly be set on fire.  And I include myself in that
   statement.  Just get the movie back on track, leave me out of it as much as
   possible and I'll deal with the rest later.  Thanks, Jade."
          "So," Santino said as Lestat hung up the phone, "the movie has shut
   down due to something you did--"
          "Something I had no idea I did," Lestat said.
          "And now you think to fix it so that no one will be mad at you, but
   you're not going to put your name on it."
          "Yes."
          "So the end result of this is that everyone will be mad at you for a
   mistake you did not mean to make and no one will give you credit for the
   reparations you've gone out of your way to do.  Have I got this right?"
          Lestat drummed his fingers on a table.  "It sounded like a good idea
   at the time."
          "Indeed," Santino said.
          "Look, Santy, just keep this between us, please?  I can't deal with
   this right now.  At least this way it's not a constant problem and I've got
   some room in which to think."
          "You're thinking already and this is the result, which frightens
   me," Santino said.  "But you mean well.  Which is also frightening but I'll
   leave it at that.  Go to bed, Brat.  Sleep on it."
          "A good idea," Lestat said.  He started to head off to his bedroom
   but stopped halfway there.  "Santy?  Where's Da--"
          "Don't EVEN ask."
          Lestat smiled sympathetically.  "Right.  Night, Santy."

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 323: Marius

	It had become painfully obvious that, despite her protests,
Gabrielle was in no shape to do much of anything. Marius had over ridden
her objections and flatly refused to let her attempt to walk, much less
fly. "You, my dear Marquis, are going no where but back to bed," he had
told her firmly, ignoring the furious look she had shot him when he
scooped her up in his arms. 
	"But Antonio..." she had protested. 
	Marius sent out a touch, then nodded, shushing Gabrielle again. 
"Is with Louis. He's fine. We can go to him tomorrow night. Right now, we
are going to go back to the hotel. And you are going to bed and staying
there, if I have to tie you there. Do we understand each other?" 
	A smile had tugged at her lips. "Well, there's an interesting
mental image, Marius." He had glared and she had laughed. "Oh, stop it! 
I'm not impressed with that look, and you know it. Alright, alright. I'll
behave. I promise." 
	"And I will hold you to that," he replied. 
	They had gone back to the hotel and a quick exchange between
Armand and the man at the front desk had secured a room next to their own.
They took Gabrielle there and Marius put her down on the bed. She was
asleep almost as soon as her head touched the pillows, too tired to do
more then mumble a protest as they helped her out of her jacket and shoes.
Armand paused long enough to smooth the blankets over her and brush back
the hair that had fallen over her forehead before following Marius from
the room. 
	The question came as soon as they entered their own room. "Will
she..." 
	Marius nodded, reaching out to catch Armand's hand briefly in his
own. "Yes. She'll be fine. She just needs to rest." 
	Armand accepted that, the small line between his brows easing a
little. Marius drew him closer, running his fingers gently through the
tousled auburn curls. "She's not the only one. I think we're all tired." 
Armand started to speak but Marius hushed him, pressing a fingertip to his
lips. "No. Not now. We'll talk about it tomorrow evening, when Gabrielle
wakes." Bending, he pressed a light kiss to Armand's forehead.  "Let's go
to bed," he whispered. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 324: Brad

     Pandora patted the couch next to her. "Come sit here, and tell me
what's wrong?"
     "Is it that obvious?"
     "To a vampire?" Pandora chuckled, "Yes."
     Brad sighed heavily. "I'm just afraid that Lestat might have hurt
Antonio. I haven't heard from him all night and he promised he would
keep in touch with me, let me know he was all right." Brad couldn't
keep the hurt he felt from sounding in his voice.
     Pandora touched the bite marks on side of his neck with gentle
fingers. "Perhaps he is being wise, young man. It would be very hard
for him just now to be near you. You care for each other a great deal,
don't you?"
     Brad nodded miserably.
     "Then you must allow him time, Brad. If you have a deep affection
between you already, then it will be doubly hard for him. Everything
is amplified, when you are as we are, every sensation, every emotion
is more intense, more vibrant. And there is no mortal experience that
can compare with the taking and sharing of blood."
     Brad blushed a deep scarlet and Pandora's words.
     "I see I don't have to tell you that." Pandora's smiled at him
with gentle humor. She seemed quite different at the moment, the
sarcasm and wildness he'd seen earlier in the evening had vanished. He
suddenly remembered that she was very old, wondered just how old..."
     "Don't you dare ask me how old I am," Pandora grinned at him
showing just enough teeth to make him pale slightly.
     "Sorry, but that's not a good subject to get into with me,"
Pandora reached out and patted Brad's arm reassuringly. Just then
there was a loud crashing sound from upstairs.
     "What the..!" Brad jumped to his feet. "Is someone breaking in?"
He looked around for something to defend them with. Pandora laughed
until the blood tears streamed down her face. "Relax, child. You don't
need to protect me or this house. Anyone breaking in here would never
be seen or heard from again!" Brad looked sheepishly at her and
shrugged his shoulders. "Just reflex, Ma'am."
     "You `Ma'am' me again, Brad, and I'm going to dress you in a huge
diaper so that you appear to be some freakishly large child who, as a
child, would not be out of line calling me Ma'am."
     "Sorry, Ma...Pandora." Brad grinned at her.
     Pandora grinned back, this time keeping her teeth to herself.
"Anyway, that noise you heard was just Daniel and David having sex.
You know a bit what it's like, so you can imagine what it would be
like for two vampires. Although, breaking furniture usually doesn't
enter into it. But boys will be boys - always breaking things! Don't
they know if you take your time you can go all night? Why when I...
This is more than you wanted to know, isn't it?"
     Brad nodded his head vigorously. For the second time in the space
of a few minutes, Brad had blushed a deep, bright red. Pandora took
pity on him and rose from the sofa. "I think you've had enough
excitement for one night, come on - let's go to bed. Oh, child, I'd
didn't mean together!" Pandora was again laughing helplessly. "Brad,
I can see, you are going to be ruinous for my makeup jobs! I'm going
to spend all my time in the bathroom washing the tear streaks off my
face!"
     As the made there was slowly up the staircase, Pandora said
quietly. "Your Tony is safe. He's with Louis."
     "Thank you, Pandora. I'll be able to sleep now." Brad walked her
to her door and waited politely as she opened it. "Goodnight,
Pandora." Brad again took up her hand and made to kiss it.
     "Not this time," Pandora laughed, and grabbing him by the back
of the neck, pulled him into a deep kiss. "Hmmmm. You *are*
scrumptious. Jesse can't have all the fun!" Pandora winked at him and
then closed the door in his face.
     Brad just stood there a minute, staring at the closed door - only
to leap half way across the hall at the sound of glass breaking.
Daniel and David, again. He chuckled to himself, looking forward to
teasing Daniel about it the next time he saw him. As he made his way
to the room he'd selected for himself he paused, and made his way to a
huge window. 
     He stood silently and watched the sun come up, simply because he
could....

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 325: Louis

  The dream began as dreams begin - No definite beginning, just a gentle
drifting into an awareness.  He saw it through his own eyes, as if he was
living, breathing the dream. 
  Louis felt as if he was crossing a room. The surroundings were familiar.
The place lived in his memory... Pointe du Lac, his family's plantation. 
  "Louis." 
   He heard a voice call him. He turned and walked into the hall. 
   Lestat lounged on the staircase, smiling. 
   "I've been waiting for you." 
   "Why?" asked Louis. 
   "Is there a reason I should not be waiting for my lover?" Lestat rose
to his feet and walked slowly to Louis' side. He reached over and smoothed
the hair from Louis' eyes, and let his hand lightly trail down his neck.
"Come to me, Louis..." Lestat was closer, his lips brushing Louis' cheek.
Their lips met and Louis felt the heat of desire burn though him. 
   Louis drew back. "That didn't happen... we never kissed that way
until..." 
   Lestat laughed. The laugh echoed through the house. 
   "My sweet, shy Louis... were you shy with Antonio the way you were shy
with me?" 
   Again the laughter. 
   "Stop it, Lestat! You *know* I can't abide that laughter..."  Louis
covered his ears, turning away. 
   Lestat's hands were on his shoulders, spinning Louis around to face
him. 
   "Louis..." Lestat's voice was quiet. "Why do you go to him, when it's
me you long for? Didn't you tell me you wanted me? Didn't you tell me you
thought our separation felt as if the world ended?  Louis... you want me,
come to me..." 
   In his dream, Louis touched Lestat's face. "Yes... Lestat..." 
   "Lestat... Yes!  Lestat..." 
   Louis suddenly found himself sitting up in bed, in the hotel room, his
arms stretched out before him. 
   There was a hand on his shoulder, a firm grip... 
   With a gasp Louis turned to the one at his side. 
   "Louis... you're just dreaming... you're alright." Antonio said softly,
calming him. 
   "Mon Dieu..." Louis sighed and lay back against the pillows, covering
his face with his hands. 
   "You're alright." Antonio repeated, reassuringly. 
   Letting his hands fall to his sides, Louis sighed again. 
   "Go back to sleep. It's just sunset. You need to rest." Antonio's voice
was soft, gentle. 
   Louis closed his eyes. "Yes... I'll try." But the face of the golden
haired demon still glowed in the candle light in his mind's eye. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 326: David

	David woke to find Daniel still sleeping in his arms. From the
looks of the room, they had made quite an impression on their new home.
Hopefully, he could get it cleaned up before the rest of the newly formed
coven got a look of it. 
	The New Coven...that might take some getting used to, but that is
what it was. The old coven had dissolved, that was certain. It was
unlikely that a group that powerful and diverse would ever join together
as one again. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing, ::Too many chiefs and
no Indians:: David thoughtto himself. What would he tell Lestat and
Santino? He couldn't live with them again, it just wouldn't work. He had
been given a new start with life and he would be damned before letting
Lestat's antics decide the course of his action. David only wished Santino
understood this better. Playing attended to Lestat just wasn't on David's
agenda. 
	But for the moment, eveything was perfect. He was with Jesse
again, and he was happy for that. He would get to know the beautiful and
ancient Pandora, and all the stories that she must have locked within her!
The scholar in him looked on that with anticipation. Then there was
Daniel, Armand's only child...Armand's very lost child that hid behind the
pretense of humor. Daniel would find healing here, he was sure of it. They
were like two lost fledglings that clung to each other, an unlikely couple
that have only their dispair in common...But tonight, he had a good
feeling, things were going to get better for them. This new home, this new
life, it just seemed so...right. 
	Daniel stirred a bit in David's arms before his eyes fluttered
open. He smiled up at David and they kissed long and passionately.
	"I hope you're feeling better tonight."  David said with a smile.
	"How could I not when I have such a wonderful nursemaid." Daniel
joked.
	"Those things you said last night, about Armand, did you mean them?
Do you really hate him that much?" 
	"Yes." Daniel got out of the bed and began picking up his clothing.
	"Daniel, you have to let that hate go. Let Armand go, you have us
now. Jesse, Pandora, you, me, were together as a family, let us help you
get over *him*. You are not used up Daniel, I think we proved that last
night." David smiled and then pulled Daniel back on to the bed. "Tell me,
would you rather plan your revenge on Armand, or make love with me?" 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 327: Daniel

	"Would I rather do what or make love to you?" Daniel teased. "Well,
David, that's a though question..."
	David smiled and pulled Daniel down on the bed, pressing his lips
against the fledgling's.
	"Wait!" Daniel pulled away.
	"What is it?" 
	"Jesse is awake!"
	"So?" 
	"Well, nothing, I thought I would let you know. You know, in case
we get out of hand again and start playing rough...I don't want to make
too much noise!"
	"Daniel, there's *nothing* left to break! Don't worry about it.
We'll be fine," David paused. "Then again, perhaps you're right...we
should clean up this mess. I don't want to give Pandora a bad impression!"
	"And you're serious?" Daniel giggled.
	"Yes, I *am* serious, Mr. Molloy, now, help me to clean up!"
	"David, I think you got me mistaken. Do I look like a cleaning lady
to you?"
	"Do I?" David snapped.
	They both laughed. 

	The room looked presentable. Of course new furniture would have to
be purchased, for all that remained was the bed. A naked bed, the sheets
and bed spread ripped and stained with blood.  Daniel made a big bundle
with the sheets and opened the window.
	"What do you think you're doing?" David warned.
	"I'm disposing the sheets, that's what I'm doing!"
	"Are you crazy? What are people going to think! They'll think we
murdered someone in here, for God's sake! Give me that!"
	"Here," Daniel said sheepishly as he handed David the bundle of
blood smeared rags. "I'm sorry, David, but that's what Armand and I used
to do everytime we went to a hotel, so..."
	"Yes, but you left the hotel right away! We're staying in this
house, remember?"
	"Makes sense." Daniel nodded.
	David placed the clothes on the floor. He passed a hand through
his tangled dark curls. "Damn! We don't have a mirror in this room!"
	"You look fine. Who're you trying to impress?"
	"My victims, of course! Daniel I'm thirsty. Get your clothes on and
let's go out to hunt."
	The pair of dirty jeans and the shirt he had borrowed from Brad
the night before would serve the purpose. David also wore the clothes from
the night before.
	"I think we need to go shopping!" Daniel said.
	"Yes, I think so too. Ready?"
	They opened the door of their room and walked out to the long
corridor. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 328: Louis

  Louis had risen the moment the sun dipped below the horizon. Antonio
slept on, unaware that Louis had wakened. 
  Louis had silently gone into the bathroom to wash his face. The
bloodtears from the night before had dried and caked to his face. As he
dried himself off with a towel, Louis glanced at his reflection. The sad
green eyes in the gaunt face stared back at him. 
  "You are a sight, aren't you?" He shook his head, disapprovingly. Louis
dragged a brush through his hair and secured it at the nape of his neck.
The thought that Lestat hated it when Louis wore his hair pulled back
entered his mind. Louis closed his eyes. 
  "Damn." He muttered, as he headed for his closet. ::There is so much
unresolved... so much that MUST BE resolved:: 
  As he tucked the black silk shirt into his trousers, he glanced at the
sleeping form in the bed. 
  "I'm not being very fair to you, mon ami." Louis whispered. 
  There were so many feelings swirlling inside if him. So many feelings to
be sorted out, resolved. Louis stepped into the hall and closed the door.
There was one who deserved some answers. One he had to visit that night. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 329: Gabrielle

        Gabrielle climbed out of the depths of the death sleep, unfamiliar
with her present surroundings. She couldn't really remember how she had
ended up in Marius' and Armand's suite, then again, days lately were more
often than not lived in a haze. She sighed reluctantly and climbed out of
bed, shaking her heAd as she did so. She gathered her hair at the nape of
her neck and secured it there. 
        Softly, she opened the door and proceeded to Armand and Marius'
room. She giggled slightly,
        "I do hope I won't disturb the two in any way." 
        She laughed aloud as a mental picture formed in her mind, "Now
wouldn't that be a kodak moment?" 
        She softly rapped upon their door. No answer. Most likely they had
not risen yet, Gabrielle was known as an early bird, rising before the
rest of the coven when convenient. She turned the doorknob, trying in vain
not to make a sound. The door creaked unmercifully as the opened it, she
cursed it under her breath. 
        She smiled upon the bed where Marius and Armand lay curled
together, such contentment. She approached the bed and kneeled beside
Armand. She apprehensively reached out for him, running a finger along his
ivory cheek. Armand murmered softly and the dark eyes opened drowsily.
Gabrielle smiled as she smoothed the hair back away from his face,
        "Good evening, mon cher. It's time we found my fledgling, and time
we make some sense out of all this madness." 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 330: Pandora

	Pandora awoke early that evening; the last rays of amber could
still be seen filtering through the window as soon as she removed the
draperies. That was her favorite hour, the time when the night began and
the day ended, the time when the sun kissed the earth good-bye. It was a
glorious hour, the only hour when her pupils could recreate in the faint,
yet brilliant rays of the yellow star, a dim light, making the skies
appear to be of an indigo shade. She stretched her arms out and looked
down the street through the window. People passing by, carrying groceries,
the evening issue of the journal. A mother with her children. An old man
in a bicycle. Human, so lively, and warm. ALIVE.
	Pandora smiled to herself. She pulled the draperies back down and
sat back on the bed. She scanned for the others. Jesse was
awake...finally! David and Daniel had been awake for quite a while, she
could hear them whispering to each other in the middle room. She could've
gone there and greet them, but she didn't want to disturb. It was obvious
they were *busy* And Brad, her mortal guest, where could he be? She didn't
feel him in the house. He was probably out.
	What to do next? She now had a house, a new coven forming, the
friendship of David, and Daniel, the young one that she would take care
of. What else could she ask for? Happy. She was happy. But then, a shadow
from the past...a hidden desire...Martin.
	She had to call him. She walked towards the little night table
next to her bed and picked up the phone, dialed Martin's number and
waited.
	"Yes, I need to speak with----"
	"Mr. Martin is not taking any calls," the masculine voice responded
on the other end.
	"I see...well, this is really important. Please tell him that
Emerald called; tell him that I'll try to meet with him sometime soon."
	"I will, m'am. Anything else?"
	"No, that's all." Pandora hung up the phone and sat on the bed.
What couldn't she stop thinking about him? He was just a mortal, one more
of the thousands she had met throughout the years, but this one, was very
special.
	She lay back on the bed and closed her eyes. She was not hungry.
No need to hunt that night. She would wait until the others were ready to
socialize to go out of her room.