RPG SPEC: Dagger of the Mind
Sequel to "Hollywood Vampires"
Part 13, Posts 361-390
_________________________________________________________________________
Post 361: Pandora

After Daniel left her rom she burrowed under the covers again.  She 
really wanted to lie in bed for days and just not have to do anything.  
Her mind, however, refused to co-operate.  It kept running around in 
circles.  Jesse had finally filled her in on all the happenings while she 
had been asleep, and the last few days had only been more of the same.  
Problems, and their possible solutions were running through her head.

"Screw it!" she exclaimed and sat up.  "If they're going to run around in 
my head I might as well be with them!"  She strode to the door and went 
to open it, and then stopped.  "Oops, clothes might help."  She looked 
around and realized that she had no choice but to wear last night's 
clothes.  "Hmmm.... better go shopping, maybe Jesse will want to come 
with me..."  She dressed hurriedly and stepped out the door.  After a 
quick scan she found Daniel and Jesse and decided to join them.  she 
stepped over to the window and through it.

The sight that met her eyes was hilarious.  Daniel was standing in the 
air, hanging onto a tree branch for dear life and screaming at Jesse to 
get him down.  Pandora couldn't help it, she erupted into giggles.  Jesse 
caught her eye and the two of them proceeded to have a really long 
laughing fit puntuated by gasps for breath by the two female vampires and 
screams for help from Daniel.

"Hush Daniel," said Pandora, "you might wake up the Mayfairs."  With that 
Jesse and Pandora collapsed into giggles again.

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 362: Tom

	Of all the things he might have expected, cooking dinner for
Brad in a house full of vampires was near the bottom of the list.  He
refused to contemplate the last item on the list of "things to expect
happening tonight" ... Brad was rattled enough as it was.
	Brad's stomach rumbled again as they were rummaging around for
usable pots and pans, so Tom decided to keep it simple.  The kitchen was
surprisingly well stocked, he had no trouble finding material to work
with.  In no time he was slicing veggies and tossing chicken into a
sauce.  He frowned at the instant rice - it would have to do.  In a
whirlwind of controlled activity, he had the stirfry ready to eat in less
than twenty minutes.
	Brad tore into the meal as though he were tasting food for the
first time.  Tom was only too happy to watch him eat... he had ordered
room service earlier.  He toyed with the food more to give his hands 
something to do than anything else.  He had said it.  He was actually 
considering the dark gift... or at least not rejecting the idea outright 
as he had before.  
	A dream suddenly, terrifyingly real.
	Tom had considered, in the back of his mind, what he would do if 
Lestat offered him The Gift.  He was fairly sure he'd take it.  
Especially if sired by Lestat.  But Brad... he startled suddenly, finding 
the sapphire eyes locked with his.  "What are you thinking about?" Brad 
asked simply.
	"The Gift." he returned with similar honesty.
	"Lestat made you an offer yet?"
	"No." Tom shook his head, still watching Brad, wondering what his
companion saw in his own emerald eyes.  Would they turn the shade of
jewels, like Louis', should Lestat give him The Gift?  "But I've been
thinking about it nonetheless."
	Brad smiled slightly.  "The man with the plan."
	"I could sing a round of 'Be Prepared'." Tom grinned.
	"No, really, that's ok."  Brad's expression turned serious again
almost at once.  "What would you do if he offered?"
	Tom drew a deep breath.  "Take it, I think."  He couldn't look away.
It was as though Brad's eyes held him.  His voice dropped to a whisper as
he fought the sudden urge to simply take Brad in his arms and be done
with it.  "You'd be the only one of us left."

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 363: Jesse

   Jesse looked at Pandora and smiled. "So, you'd like to go shopping?"
   "Get me down!" Screamed Daniel
   "Are you going to leave him hanging like that?" Pandora asked.
   "Jeeeesssssseeeeeeeee!" He wailed.
   Jesse looked up at Daniel, clinging to the tree limb, legs kicking wildly.
"I suppose
I should do something... we don't want to leave him there to get toasted, do
we?"
   "Help meeeeee!" Daniel cried.
   Jesse sighed. "Hold on, Danny... Mommy's coming." Jesse rose vertically
until she was at eye level with Daniel. "Calm down. Take my hand."
   "You'll drop me!"
   "No I won't. Promise." She smiled at the panicking fledgling. She reached
out and
grabbed him by the waist and hauled him away from the tree.
   "Don't drop me!"
   "Daniel...relax...you're immortal, remember? Now just think "down" and
where you want to land..." 
    As Jesse watched, Daniel gradually lowered himself to the ground while
Jesse watched from mid air. "See? Easy, isn't it." She said, grinning.
   "I'm down! I did it!" Daniel looked up at her.
    "Now go up and down a few times... practice, Daniel, practice; but don't
leave the yard tonight. I don't want you stranded when the sun comes up!"
    Jesse lowered herself to the ground and turned to Pandora. "Let's go
shopping. I saw a perfectly wonderful store we could break into. All designer
clothes at very reasonable prices."
   Pandora giggled. "You could say they're all a real steal!"

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 364: David

	David's heart sank, Marius had noticed him. He forced himself to
walk across the lobby to greet him. He walked with none of the grace and
agility that Marius now displayed. Every movement was a ridged and 
exaggerated step forward, as if he were a condemned man off to face his
exicutioner. This was madness, he had nothing to fear from Marius, yet
the closer he got, the more repulsed he became. This was the creature that
he had been compared to, this was his lover, his mentor, his happiness and
his pain. David fought the convulsion that was building within. 
	"Hello David. I didn't expect to see you here." Marius said in his
typical congenial voice, only a slight trace of nerviousness present.
	"I...I didn't expect to see you either."  David felt a tightness in
his chest that made it difficult to choke out the sentence. If he didn't know
better, he would have sworn he was experiencing a heart attack...no such luck.
	"I've come to talk to Lestat."
	"Of course you have."  David muttered under his breath.
	"Excuse me?"  
	"You should talk to Lestat if you feel you must."
	"Is there something wrong David?"
	"No, nothing. It makes sense you being here. Our eternal father, we
should be lucky to have a guardian so commited as you. Your burden, it must
be unbearable at times."
	"You don't approve of me being here, do you?"  Marius asked. "You're
upset about Hong Kong, you don't think I have the right to be here."
	"On the contrary, you are doing what you have always done...you are
fulfiling your function. We could no more expect you not to get involved,
then we could expect Lestat to obey any rules. Disapprove?  No, there is no
sense to fly in the face of destiny."  Marius frowned, David had a way of
driving home a point through irony. What did Lestat call him once?  That
silver tongued British bastard...this was one of David's shining moments.
He decided to proceed with caution.
	"And what of you, what is your function, David?"  A hint of a smile
pursed on David's lips and he looked deep into the eyes of the ancient
vampire. He put his hands on Marius' face and drew him close to himself and
passionately kissed the shocked Roman's lips. He then put his lips to 
Marius' ear and whispered,
	"Eternal unrealized potential."
	"Well, isn't *this* a pleasant surprise" came a voice from behind
them. Niether of them had heard the other vampire approach. They turned to
see the tall figuare of Santino standing, his arms crossed and a scowl on
his face. 
	"Santino,"  said David "What an oppertune moment for you to arrive.
I'm sure you and Marius will have a wonderful time planning the next Lestat
strategy. I wish I could stay, but I promised Jesse I wouldn't be gone long.
If either of you need me, I'm staying at Pandora's. It's a quaint little
house in the garden district, 1616 First Street. Santino, please tell Lestat
that i will be there if he wants to talk."  
	David quickly left the hotel, dispite the calls of both Marius and
Santino. He could face one of them, bearly. But both of them?  No, he hadn't
the strength or will. 
	He felt a little better now, as if he had experienced a catharsis of
sorts. So much anger and pain released. Now, with the help of Jesse, Daniel
and Pandora, he would find his path, his reason to go on. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 365: Armand

	Armand waited until Marius left the building, then strolled to the
window, watching as he hailed a cab and sped away.  After that he sighed,
pulled up a chair, and stared out into the night.  He had been doing
that rather often of late.  His mind drifted occasionally to Antonio
and Gabrielle, but they seemed fine.  Antonio had launched into the tale
of his last several nights - that should keep him busy for hours.
	Marius.  What to do about Marius?  Caught between himself and
Lestat... suddenly Armand was out of the chair, out the window, and 
into the sky.  He hated flying, but for this...  Of all the foolish
things!  Armand had no doubt where his lover had gone.
	He reached the St. Louis in minutes and entered the lobby,
scanning frantically for Lestat.  Which is why he nearly missed the
spectacle unfolding before him.  Marius and David talking... then suddenly
David threw himself into Marius' startled arms. kissing him deeply.  Armand
almost laughed out loud at the expression on Marius' face when David let
him go, only to come face to face with Santino.  It was too good an
opportunity to miss.  As soon as David cleared the lobby, Armand strolled
up to them, as casually as though he were meeting friends for dinner.
	"Good evening, gentlemen.  Have I missed anything?"

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 366: David

	David took to the air once he was out of mortal sight and flew
back to the new coven house. Brad and Tom were still inside talking, so
he decided to go around back and see if Daniel was still in his lesson.
Jesse and Pandora were gone, but Daniel was still there going up and
down like an elevator. David perched himself on the roof and watched him
a bit. After a few minutes, he finally let Daniel know he was there.
	"I thought you wanted to learn how to fly Daniel."  Daniel looked
to the roof and saw the cross legged figure of David sitting there.
	"I *am* flying!"
	"Looks more like jumping to me. Flying is actually a three 
demensional endeavor. Up and down is nice, but I'm afraid it's not going
to get you very far."
	"I'm learning in steps, this is the first one. And besides, Jesse
didn't want me to leave the yard alone."
	"Where did she go?"
	"Shopping with Pandora."
	"Ah"  Daniel was still moving vertically throw the air and David
was starting to get dizzy watching him. "Daniel, why don't you come over here
and sit down a bit."
	"You mean fly over to you?"
	"Um-hum"
	"I can't, Jesse didn't teach me that yet."
	"Be a self starter. It's not hard, I promise. Conscentrate on the
spot on the roof next to me. Don't think of anything else, and it will just
happen. There's a spirit in us all, you have to trust in it, and it will take
you were you want to be."  Daniel closed his eyes and thought of the roof. In
an instant, he was crashing threw the attic window a few feet away from where
David was sitting. David peered through the broken window at the dazed Daniel.
	"What did I do wrong?"
 	"You slightly over shot your destination. You might want to try slowing
down a bit to."
	"Too fast?"
	"It was comparable to driving 100K from the end of the driveway to
the garage.  Yes, I would say it was too fast. What in god's name do you have
hanging from your nose?"
	"A nose ring, do you like it?"  David still hovered in front of the
window and shook his head. 
	"Not my cup of tea, but I never really understood
this latest generation." 
	"Not as civilized as yours, I take it?"
	"No, it's very odd indeed."
	"I could see what you mean. Everything made sense back in the time
of the great war."
	"Exactly"  David said with a broad smile spreading across his face.
"Now clean this mess up, we don't want to be responsible for wrecking the
entire estate do we?" 
	David slowly floated to the ground and went into the house by the back
door. He passed threw the kitchen where Tom and Brad were eating their dinner.
	"I'm sorry, I don't want to interrupt, but Brad, if you would be so
kind, could you please call a person to repair the attic window tomorrow. 
Daniel had a little flight accident and I'm afraid most businesses don't make
night calls."  Brad nodded.  "Mr. Criuse, nice to see you again. I'll get out
of your way so you could continue your discussion. Accept my appologies for
the intrusion." 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 367: Brad

     "You'd be the only one of us left," Tom whispered. Brad looked
into those eyes, the rich olive color of jade, and whispered back,
"For how long? I don't know if I could deal with this alone. I have to
talk to someone about this--someone human. Who better than you?" 
     Brad shook his head in amazement. "I never in my life thought I'd
be talking to you like this," He reached out and touched the back of
Tom's hand where it rested against Tom's jeans covered thigh. The
sleeve of his T-shirt slid backward as he reached revealing a faint
blue mottling on the flesh of his upper arm.
     Tom uttered a sharp exclamation and turned the stool of the
breakfast bar where they were eating so that he could see Brad's other
arm. There were bruises there as well. "I'm sorry! I didn't
realize..."
     "I know. Forget about it, I...," Brad completely lost track of
his next statement as the warm green gaze fixed on him. Tom's eyes
were filled with contrite apology and his hands gently gripped Brad's
biceps his thumbs softly stroked the bruised skin. Brad felt a
shockwave of lust explode through him as a flash of that damned dream
caught him unaware - those hands softly stroking him... 
     With a sharp breath, Brad fought of the moan that threatened to
escape him. "Brad?" Tom voice was filled with concern. "What is it?"
Brad opened his eyes, at some point he had closed them. "Nothing, Tom,
nothing." He pulled back from Tom's light grip on his arms and spun
the stool back around to face the counter, digging into the last of
the food to give himself a moment to gather his scattered thoughts.
     "When I'm thinking straight, I still don't want the Dark Gift,"
Brad went on finally. "But it's a hell of a lot harder to think
straight now. I mean in just the little bit of time that I've been
hanging out with these guys, I've seen that they're not monsters.
They're just as screwed up and miserable as regular people, hell they
even have fun on occasion." 
     Brad smiled to himself remembering Daniel's Scarlet O'Hara antics
and the subsequent hilarity at Pandora's confusion, Daniel and Jesse's
playful banter - Daniel and David breaking furniture upstairs. Brad
grinned widely at that one. He hadn't seen Daniel yet this evening but
when he did that little episode would certainly get an honorable
mention!
     Just at that moment half of the Demolition Duo entered the
kitchen. "I'm sorry, I don't want to interrupt, but Brad, if you would
be so kind, could you please call a person to repair the attic window
tomorrow. Daniel had a little flight accident and I'm afraid most
businesses don't make night calls." David paused politely in his
speech to give Brad a chance to reply.
     Brad nodded, desperately trying to keep a straight face. He
decided to sing K.C. and the Sunshine Band's, "That's the Way (Uh Huh,
Uh Huh) I Like It" to himself until David cleared the area. There was
no _way_ he was going to read through that! If David had the great
misfortune to pick up on that little tune, a hundred years from now
he'd still be "uh huh-ing"!
     "Mr. Cruise, nice to see you again. I'll get out of your way so
you could continue your discussion. Accept my apologies for the
intrusion." Tom nodded politely as David left the room. Brad held his
breath until he thought he would explode. When he could stand it no
longer he dissolved into a fit of laughter. He laughed until he
started to hiccup. Tom got him a glass of water and made him hold his
nose shut and drink it straight down.
     "Care to share the reason behind that laughing fit with me?" Tom
asked with faint amusement. Brad choked and sputtered, the laughter
threatening to claim him again, ""A little flight accident" my ass! I
suppose they were practicing some indoor flying last night. I'm
telling you Tom, Old Mr. British Sterling there's got a lot more to
him than you would first think."
     "David and Daniel?" Tom asked, looking at the door David had just
passed through. "They're an item?"
     "I guess you could call 'em that, or they could just be having
sex, as Pandora put it." This sent Brad off into another laughing fit,
and Tom just sat back and watched him, chuckling as Brad tee-heed
himself red in the face. 
     "Okay, that's enough of that now. Stop it before you make
yourself sick." Tom abruptly stood up and went to rake his plate into
the trash. He started to move around the kitchen picking up things and
stacking them in the sink. His movements were jerky and stiff. Brad
got up and went to him. 
     "Hey, what is it?" Tom shook his head no, that it was nothing.
"I'll make a deal with you," Brad said quietly. "You stop saying it's
nothing, and I'll do the same." Brad tugged on Tom's shoulder until
the green eyes met his blue one's. "Deal?"
     Tom was silent for a moment. "Deal," he said at last.
     "Well, what then?" Brad pressed.
     Tom said nothing for a long time before he spoke. "What I said
when you were laughing...I used to tell my little girl that exact same
thing." Tom's face twisted into a parody of a smile. "Funny, hun?"
     Brad grabbed him and hugged him tight. "No! It's not funny. None
of this is funny! You stood there and told me you'd take the Dark
Gift. So that means you're done with your old life. You're going to
give up hearing your little girl making herself sick laughing, or
dancing with her on her sixteenth birthday, or holding *her* child in
your arms one day. Of course, you could always skulk around in the
background of your kid's life and watch them grow up without you. You
could hide in the shadows and watch because you don't want to make
them crazy by showing your face to them!" Brad was suddenly,
inexplicably furious.
     "Playing hardball now are we?" Tom asked pulling away enough to
fix Brad with a hard stare.
     "Damn straight! And I hope you'd do the same for me," Brad glared
back at him. "Don't let me go down without a fight, Tom!" Brad gasped
with a touch of desperation in his voice, his mind suddenly filled
with all the things *he'd* loose if he let that insidious desire claim
him body and soul.

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 368: Antonio

	With Gabrielle in his arms, Antonio felt calmer, stronger than
he had in many nights.  "That you will be by my side give me great
comfort." he said softly.  "There are circumstances, however... situations
I have set in motion which I must deal with.  Louis, Lestat and Brad are
important parts of all of them.  I can not ask you to become involved."
	"You did not ask me, cher." Gabrielle replied.  "I volunteered."
	"Can you tell Louis that we should no longer be lovers?  Can you
tell Lestat that he belongs in the arms on one one creature on earth?  Well,
perhaps you can do that, though I doubt he will listen."  Antonio smiled
softly, the expression echoing in his voice as he nuzzled Gabrielle's
hair.  "Can you possibly tell Brad to either leave me forever or come into
the night with me?"
	Gabrielle stiffened in his embrace.  "Do you wish to part company,
then?"
	"No!" he protested at once, tightening his arms around her.  "Never.
You are my savior... my creator.  I will love you always.  But you can
not fight my battles for me.  Nor can you live my life for me."
	"I don't wish to do either of those.  I only wish to be by your
side."
	"You are." he assured her.  "Always, I feel your love.  But 
Gabrielle, the matters I mentioned are terribly important.  I must deal
with them.  Lestat...  he shut down the film.  Out of spite, I imagine.
To strike at Louis and myself.  Everyone concerned.  This is extreme, even
for him.  Maybe, while I deal with Brad and Louis, you could go to your
son, and discover if he still wishes my death, or mearly my discomfort."
Gabrielle glanced up to see if he was joking.  His dark eyes told her
at once that he was totally serious.  "This is one way you could assist me.
I dare not approach him again.  I honestly believe he will kill me."

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 369: Gabrielle

        Gabrielle drew her head up from Antonio's shoulder. She locked eyes
with him, still loving their mysterious depths even now after all they had
been through. She had wondered in the past few nights, while she lay
exhausted on her bed, that maybe making him had been a mistake. When she
was being beaten by the fire and hell seemed so within her grasp, she had
her doubts about her child. These doubts were present no more.
        She took one of her slender hands and ran it though his think hair,
smiling slightly as she did so. She drew his lips to her own and kissed him
deeply with a passion that had been too long forgotten. She broke she kiss
and whispered into his ear.
        "You know I love you, Antonio. That will never change. They will
not harm you. I would sooner place myself between you and Lestat than lose
either of you."
        She felt his arms tighten around her waist and she rested her head
against him chest.
        "Seeing you, cher, it gives me a strength I've lacked for the past
few days. It is about time that I help you..." she was at a loss for the
right word.
        "Adjust?" Antonio replied, his eyes twinkling with slight humor.
        She laughed softly as she untangled herself from his arms. She
walked out onto the balcony, savoring the cool wind, his footsteps followed
her. She felt him arms encirle her waist as she looked out at the twinkling
city of New Orleans.
        "Yes, mon cher." she whispered as she faced him, "You will see Brad
again, Louis, and Lestat. I shall be at your side, no harm will come to
you. I promise. It is time that we set out to accomplish a few things."

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 370: Gabrielle

        Gabrielle gathered Antonio to her and tightly held him,
        "You know how sometimes I thought that I might have made a mistake
with you along the way, cher? That possibly making you wasn't all that
bright of an idea. I was wrong."
        His curious eyes met hers,
        "In what way?"
        Gabrielle took a step away from him, towards the balcony railing,
she smiled,
        "Why, you wear immortality very well. Stick with me, babe, and the
sky's the limit."
        Gabrielle watched in amusement as the corners of Antonio's mouth
turned up and he laughed softly. She smiled mischievously and took a step
towards him and caught his mouth in a forceful kiss,
        "And that was for?" he inquired gently.
        She ran a finger along his perfectly sculpted cheekbone and smiled,
        "I didn't want you to forgot about me anytime soon and..." she
looked down at her feet and softly whispered, "I love you too, don't forget
that. It's a dangerous thing among our coven, keep that in mind as well."
        With a wink, she vaulted up onto the railing, waving a good-bye and
took to the air in the direction of the St. Louis hotel.

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 371: Gabrielle

        Gabrielle wiped the single tear trickling down her face away. She
hated to admit that she was frightened, that she would lose composure. She
was known as being the strong one, not the one to break. Truth being that
she was scared for Antonio, she wanted no harm to come to him. And if that
meant groveling in front of Lestat, so be it.
        She pushed herself furiously and fast to get to the St. Louis, a
million things racing inside her head. She shook them away and concentrated
on what she would tell Lestat, provided she would make it that far.
        She dropped down in front of the hotel, fixing her hair and taking
a deep breath to regain her composure. Into the lobby she went, carefully
scanning for other vampires. She groaned, she didn't even have to scan,
there they were, looking more than mildly amusing while standing by the
elevator.
        "What next?" she mumbled under her breath.
        Locking her mind up tight, she approached.
        "Well, boys. You look mildly ridiculous standing here as the
elevator opens and closes. I take it you all have appointments with my son?
So, the question is. Am I going to have to negotiate my place in line for a
talk with my son or fight you all for it?" she smiled gently, meeting all
their eyes.

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 372: Jesse

   They had become separated. Jesse had waited for Pandora to finish in
the fitting room, but when she'd gone to get her, Pandora was nowhere to
be found. 
   "That's just wonderful." Jesse grumbled as she gathered her shopping
bags together. ::Pan! Where are you?:: 
   No reply. 
   ::Pan?:: 
   "Dammit." Jesse sighed. She guessed Pan had suddenly gotten hungry and
decided to hunt.  Jesse mad her way out of the deserted mall, passing some
dumpsters. Rats crawled over the refuse. Jesse's lips curled into a smile. 
  "Just what Daniel needs for a little pre-dawn snack!" She giggled.
Gingerly, she picked up a rodent by it's tail and held it up to inspect
it. "Hello, care to join a friend for dinner?" She laughed. She dropped it
in the shopping bag. 
   The Garden district was just a quick flight. Jesse landed in the back
yard.  Noticing the broken attic window, she shook her head. Daniel, no
doubt. 
   She let herself in the back door and was walking down the hall when she
heard voices. Brad's and... Tom's. They were in the kitchen, by the smell
of it someone had done some cooking. Jesse looked around the door and saw
then sitting at the kitchen table. 
   "Well... hello, boys." She smiled, sauntering into the room. "Don't let
me disturb you." 
   Brad stood up. 
   'Always the gentleman,' Jesse thought to herself. 
   "Jesse..." Brad smiled and pulled a chair up to the table for her, "Sit
with us." 
    She smiled a saccharin smile to Tom. "If your friend doesn't mind?" 
    Tom nodded. "Not at all..." He smiled. 
    Jesse sat down opposite Tom and locked her eyes on him. 
    Brad suddenly wondered if Tom was in danger. 
    ::I won't hurt him, Brad:: Jesse sent back to him, her eyes still
fixed on Tom's face. 
    "Jesse... been shopping?" Brad looked at the bulky shopping bags next
to her chair. 
    "Uh-huh." She replied. "Would you mind if I had a little snack?" She
looked directly at Tom. 
    "That all depends..." Brad answered, nervously. 
    "Oh, don't worry," She smiled, the tips of her fangs gleamed under the
fluorescent light. "I picked up something at "Wendy's"." She dipped into a
bag and brought out a wiggling rat. "Tom? Has Lestat done this for you?
It's really very amusing." Locking her eyes again on Tom's, she sank her
fangs into the rat and drained it. 
    Tom couldn't take his eyes from her, by Brad looked away. 
    "Hmm. A little bland." Jesse tossed the emptied rat into the trashcan.
She took a napkin from the table and daintily dabbed at her lips. 
    "Tom... I understand you're Lestat's roomie?" 
    "Yes." Tom replied, smiling. 
    "Are you waiting for him to offer you The Gift?" 
    "I don't know if I would take it..." Tom began. 
    Jesse leaned across the table and stared into his eyes. "Don't lie to
me.  You want The Gift. You want to be Lestat." 
    "Jesse..." Brad touched her arm. 
    She turned and looked calmly at Brad. "He doesn't have the slightest
idea about this, does he? He thinks it's all razzle-dazzle, you think it's
youth and beauty for eternity." She looked back at Tom. "You don't know,
do you?" She stood up, and before Brad could stop her, she was standing
next to Tom, pulling him to his feet. 
   "Don't be afraid of me," she whispered. "I'm just going to show you...
let you taste what it's *really* like..." She kissed him lightly, and then
pressed her forehead against his. Closing her eyes she sent a stream of
images into Tom's mind. Images of darkness and death, of horror and
isolation, of waking at sunset after sleeping the day hidden in a
subterranean crypt. It was nothing near as frightening as some moments she
had experienced. "Think on this" She breathed, as she lowered him to the
chair, "Think on this before you accept the gift. There is no turning
back." 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 373: Tom

	Tom was overwhelmed by the images.  He saw the life of a vampire
in the bleakest of terms... the very worst Jesse could show him.  The
very fact that his mind was being flooded should have been enough to
bring him to his knees, but he fought it with the same raw determination
that had kept him on top of the Hollywood sewage heap for years.  When
Jesse finally released him, he did not flinch, but stared back into 
her emerald eyes.
	"You are the most ill mannered brat this coven has yet produced."
he said evenly.  "I thought I was a guest in this house.  I have done
nothing to you.  This attack is unprovoked, ill-thought, and worst of
all, laughable."  His eyes glittered with a very real inner fire as his
voice dropped to a harsh whisper.  "You think to show me the darkness
within the life of the immortal?  Lady, you could show me nothing I
haven't been through already.  And as for the rat trick... *I* am the one
who invented it!  Granted it was a Hollywood stunt at the time, but give
credit where it is due.  I have no wish to be Lestat, but I do admire
him.  And I have thought about taking the Gift from him, should he offer."
He smiled, dangerous even without the fangs.  "Now tell me, do you have
a problem with that?"

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 374: Jesse

  Jesse sat down, a smile curling on her lips. "I have no problem with
that, my dear, none what so ever." She leaned back. "Brad, he surprises
me. I honestly didn't think he was made of such strong stuff." 
  She tossed her hair back over her shoulder and leaned toward Tom. "Look,
Buster. I don't care what you do with your life. It's none of my business
if Lestat wants to bring you over or not. I'm just trying to warn you.
It's not all roses, it's far from it. But if he does offer it to you, come
to me. No, I won't try to dissuade you." She rose to her feet. "I wouldn't
want a friend of Brad's to make a mistake. You see, I'm not as terrible as
I seem. And if you think I'm a brat, Lestat must seem like a choir boy to
you! Or perhaps he's just been too introverted with all the Louis
problems." 
  She bent over and brushed her lips across Brad's cheek. "If you need me,
just call." 
  She picked up her shopping bags and went to the door. Looking back over
her shoulder, she cast a wink in Tom's direction. "First you consider me a
slut, now you call me an ill mannered brat." Jesse giggled. "Must be
love!" 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 375: Marius

	If he didn't catch his breath soon he was fairly sure he was 
going to pass out, right there, on the carpet of the St. Louis' lobby.
	First David, and that could hardly have been called a 
'conversation' with his former lover. Rather, David had spoken and Marius 
had listened and every word had knotted his insides one knotch more, 
until it was a palpable pain in his chest. And the kiss- it had stolen 
his breath away, not with the deisre he would have once felt but with a 
sharp stab of pain that had nothing to do with David's touch and 
everything to do with the maelstrom of emotion and saddness and anger 
that was washing through him. 
	And then David was gone, turned on his heel and striding away, 
and Santino was there. Marius had stared at him numbly, trying to regain 
his composure, and Santino had stared back with a mingling of emotions in 
his dark eyes that might have been anything from anger to fear. Neither 
had spoken- they hadn't had time. Because there, from seemingly out of 
thin air, was Armand. Marius had nearly sat down on the floor right then 
and there because his knees abruptly decided they had had enough of 
fighting against gravity and simply weren't going to do it any more. 
	Armand had smiled, and his words were congenial, but Marius knew 
the look in his eyes and winced. Of all the things he had hoped, keeping 
Armand from knowing where he was or what he was doing had been foremost 
on the list. It raised too many questions, too many chances for 
misunderstanding that he had been hoping to avoid, and now he wasn't 
going to get the chance.
	When he had looked up to meet a flashing pair of blue eyes and a 
devilish smile he had been sure that all of this was for naught, but then 
his eyes had focused and he had realized that it was Gabrielle, not her 
son. And she was here to see Lestat as well, and could things possible 
get any more complex then this?
	Marius bit his tongue, told himself not to invite bad luck by 
saying such things, and offered up a quick prayer to several gods that 
only existed in history books any more.
	"Gabrielle," he said aloud, strongly enough to call all of their 
attentions to him. "Where's Antonio?"
	She looked startled for a moment. "He went to talk to Brad. And I 
need to talk to my son."
	"Well, so do I," Marius said grimly. All of the fluttering and 
nerves and little pains of muscles clenched too tight with too much 
adrenaline suddenly crystalized within him, as though the words had 
released a floodgate. He did need to speak to Lestat. And he would. And 
anything beyond that wasn't really a factor any more.
	::Gabrielle,:: he sent. He saw her wince and lowered his mental 
tone slightly. ::I need to speak to Lestat. Now. It really can't wait.::
	::Well, it's waited while you've been dwadling about in the 
lobby,:: she sent back. ::Why...::
	::NOW.:: He snapped, and then abruptly shut her out.
	He saw her eyes widen and her brows draw down. He could almost 
hear the scathing words poised on her tongue. But it didn't matter. 
Because he had also seen the echo of her recent words with Antonio, and 
it added impetous to his need.
	Gabrielle hesitated, still frowning, and then nodded slightly. 
Marius nodded back, and then inclined his head to the others. "Santino. 
Armand." He made himself drop his voice and address his lover. "Forgive 
me, Amadeo, but I have to do this. We'll speak when I return shortly."
	And then he turned away from all of them, took the steps to the 
elevator, and jabbed fiercely at the little button that would call the 
car to the lobby, all the while feeling their gazes like hot beams across 
his back.

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 376: Armand

	Armand watched as Marius withstood it all.  He could feel the
tension radiating from his creator as he stood before the elevator, not
moving until one arrived.  Marius moved into the elevator - Armand could
hear him push the button that would take him to Lestat's floor.  Before he
could think about it he was in motion, so swift that the doors did not
register his passage as they slid shut.  But in the blink of an eye he
stood beside Marius... who actually jumped when he saw him.
	"Ragazzo, please..."
	Armand held up his hand in a placating gesture.  "This won't take
long, I assure you."  Marius, suddenly seeming defeated, nodded weary 
agreement.  "I only wanted to tell you that I love you, and I am here."
	Marius blinked, looking as though he wasn't sure he had heard
the words properly.  "That's all?"
	"I wish you would not do this.  But you understand my views.  You
always have.  I... do not wish to see you hurt, padrone.  And in my heart
of hearts, I *know* that is what will come of this.  But I can not stop
you.  So, rather than try, I will simply be here.  If you will permit me,
I will wait for you in the lobby, until you return."  He shook his head,
his eyes wide and sorrowful.  "I will not interfere."
	The bell chimed softly and the door slid open with a whispered
sigh a the two of them looked at each other.  Neither moved, speaking
with a look.  Then Marius whispered "Thank you" and left the elevator. 
Still Armand did not move, but watched as Marius made his way down the
hall and to one of the doors.  Before he could see Marius knock, the
elevator closed again and began it's decent.  Only then did Armand move.
He turned his back on the door and moved to the far wall, resting his
forhead against the cool panel.  "Damn." he whispered, his eyes tightly
closed.  He did not move again until the elevator reached the lobby.

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 377: Tom

	Tom groaned, low in his chest.  So much for mood.  He had been
rather proud of himself, actually.  Until David and Jesse did individual
imitiations of a tornado he had thought he was making serious progress
with Brad.  Now...  He risked a look over at Brad, who favored him with
a glare that would have done Louis proud.
	"I'll apologize to her, I promise.  She just caught me off guard,
not to mention gave me one hell of a headache."  Without further 
discussion he went back to the bar and poured himself another stiff drink,
with a mental reminder that he should really lay off the alcohol.  Later.
	How could he possibly salvage this?  Was there any way he could
recapture anything like their former mood?  It was obvious that he ranked
once more as King Prick of the Universe in Brad's eyes...  over the pounding
of his head he made a mental note to take advantage of the next opportunity
for payback that presented itself regarding a certain red-headed vampire.
	He sighed, leaning rather heavily on the bar, willing the pain away,
when he heard a slight noise in the doorway.  Brad stood there, watching him.
Tom thought about saying something, but then reconsidered, waiting for
Brad to no doubt tell him to get the hell out of his house and his life.
It seemed to be that kind of a night.

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 378: Marius

	Marius stood before the door of Lestat's suite and took a deep 
breath. 
	"I do not wish to see you hurt, padrone."
	Such simple words, and they drove the splinter of guilt farther 
into his soul with every syllable that had passed those beloved lips.
	"I only wanted to tell you that I love you, and I am here."
	Marius closed his eyes as a shudder passed through him. It had to 
end. The duality of soul and heart- it had to stop. It had drawn him into 
the darkness once, and it threatened to do so again. No longer. He 
couldn't bear it. 
	"I *do* love you, Amadeo," he whispered softly. "But I cannot 
choose between you. And I will not."
	He reached up and rapped his knuckles hard against the wood of 
the door, even as he reached out to brush against the mind within the 
suite. ::Lestat... we must speak. Please.::

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 379: Lestat

	::Lestat... we must speak. Please.::
	He had no idea how long he had been sitting there, lost in
thought.  He had moved very little since Tom had left.  Tom... the one
person he knew who had absolute faith in him.  A mortal actor.  The
irony killed him.  Louis had faith in him, as did Antonio.  Faith in his
ability to strike in blind anger, uncaring of who he hurt.  Santino...
his friend in spite of himself.  Armand seemed to be waging war against
him on a very personal front.  And Marius...
	When the summons came, he knew no surprise.  Just a weary 
resignation.  ::Come in, if you must.::
	He did not look up when Marius silently entered moments later.
The silence streched between them until Lestat could stand it no longer.
"Well?"

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 380: Marius

	Marius stood for some moments in the doorway, studying Lestat's
still form where he sat. There was a tiredness there, a heavy resignation
that was worse then even the anger. It brushed against his nerves like the
warm touch of fire over skin, not close enough to burn but only to warn.
Finally, he stepped into the room, circling slowly around to Lestat's
right. He gestured to a chair. "May I?"
	Lestat shrugged, the gesture a work of art in the medium of
indifference. Marius seated himself, his eyes still training on the figure
before him.
	It was Lestat who broke the silence between them, something like a
touch of irritation in his voice. "Well? Did you come to sit and stare, or
to talk? Shall I expect Armand to come following at your heels at any
second?"
	"No," Marius said softly. "No, he will not come. I came to talk to
you alone, Lestat, just the two of us." Lestat's eyes flickered to him for
a second and Marius inclined his head slightly, spreading his hands
briefly with a little shrug. "To appologize, if you will accept it." 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 381: Lestat

	"Apologize?" Lestat snorted.  "For what?  No, Marius, let
me see if I can tell you.  For causing me unending pain and suffering,
for not being there when I needed you, for... stop me when it sounds
familiar... for..."
	"Enough, Lestat."  Marius' words cut through the sarcastic
recital.  "I have come to you to try to make amends.  Does that mean
nothing to you?"
	"Should it?"
	"Yes, it should."
	Lestat let the silence spin between them once more, not responding,
barely breathing.  The emotions were there - close to the surface.  If
only Marius knew.  Finally the elder vampire sighed and stood, moving
silently toward the door.  Lestat gathered himself for combat once more,
of a type he most hated.  Against himself.  "Don't go.

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 382: Marius

	Marius was halted by Lestat's soft words. He kept his back turned 
and his voice was harsher then he intended. His hands were shaking, 
whether with hurt of anger he could not tell. "Will you listen?"
	Silence again, that hateful silence, his heartbeat ringing 
impossibly loud in his own ears until he knew he would have to leave if 
only to retain his sanity. And then, finally, came the quiet response. 
Barely a breath of sound. "Yes."
	Marius released a breath he had not been aware of holding. He 
swallowed hard, locking the muscles within his jaw to keep the trembling 
from affecting his voice. Woodenly, he forced himself to turn and walk 
back to his seat. The tendons in his hands stood out in sharp relief 
against his pale skin as he clutched at the arms of the chair, the only 
outward sign of his tension.
	Lestat was watching him from beneath slitted eyes, his own coiled 
expectancy just as carefully masked. His posture made it obvious that any 
beginning would have to be made by the elder vampire. Marius gathered 
himself, forcing the trembling to ease until he could speak clearly.
	"You're right," he said softly.
	It wasn't what Lestat had been expecting. Cool blue eyes flashed 
at him for a moment, a hint of a frown drawing down the blonde brows. 
"About what?"
	"What I came here for." Marius drew another breath, raising a 
hand to tick off points and almost proud of being able to hide all but the 
faintest tremor in it. "I came to apologize for hurting you. For arguing 
with you. For not being there when you needed me, and attacking you like 
I did."
	Silence for a moment. Lestat moved, twisting his chair around to 
look at Marius and drawing one long leg up to rest against the arm. His 
tone was almost light. "For Hong Kong, in other words."
	Marius forced himself to swallow again, to wet dry lips with an 
equally dry tongue. "Yes. I... Lestat, what I said to you there was 
unforgivable, and I can only claim anger as my excuse. I didn't mean it."
	Lestat's voice was cold. "Of course you didn't. But tell me, 
Marius, tell me just one thing... when do you ever mean what you say? Or 
are all of your words just lies, to be taken back and forgotten when it 
becomes convenient?"
	It was like a physical blow. Marius stared, shocked, his mouth 
and mind gaping for a moment as he struggled to take in what Lestat had 
just said. "Wha... no! Lestat, what in heaven's name... I am trying to 
apologize to you!"
	"Yes, I know," Lestat said, sounding almost patient. "To take 
back what you said to me in Hong Kong. Wipe the slate clean. You 'don't 
mean them', you said. But you never really do mean what you say, do you? 
It's all just words, to be apologized for and declared null whenever it 
suits you. Oh come, Marius, you and I both know that if your precious 
Amadeo gets upset about you talking to me like this then any apology 
you've made to me automatically becomes meaningless. What will you tell 
him? That this was all just a means of placating me, that you were just 
keeping the peace? Marius, the peacekeeper." Abruptly, Lestat slammed his 
hand against the chair, leaning forward, his eyes hard and bright. "Well 
I don't need it! I don't need the lies! So tell me, Marius, when do you 
speak the truth? How can I tell?"
	"I am telling you the truth," Marius breathed, stunned. "Dear gods,
how can you speak to me like that? When have I ever lied to you?" 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 383: Santino

	Santino watched as Marius and Armand disappeared in the elevator.
There was nothing he could do if Marius was intent on talking to Lestat, 
and he knew that Lestat could take care of himself. He wasn't about to sit
in the lobby and chew the fat with Gabrielle. He had more pressing matters
to attend to, like David. Where did he get off talking to Santino in that
fashion?  Santino hadn't said or did anything to him, that would provoke
that kind of response. Normally, he would have expected that kind of 
treatment from the coven, but this was different. It was appearent that
David had caught Marius off guard as well. It wasn't like David to go
about the coven maligning them for the hell of it. 
	::I just know I'm going to regret doing this.:: Santino thought
to himself as he walked out the doors of the St. Louis and hailed a cab.
"1616 First Street, and there's a bonus for you if you hurry."  The cab
driver floored it and they sped off to the garden district. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 384: Brad

     "Fix me one of those will ya? Not with that - with this." Brad
handed Tom the bottle of scotch he'd brought to the trailer...when was
that? Last night? The night before? It was all becoming a blur, and
that wasn't a good sign.
     Tom took the bottle of scotch from him and poured a drink for
Brad. He drained what was left in his glass and refilled it from the
bottle Brad had handed him. "Now what," he asked, not looking at Brad.
     "Come on," Brad reached around Tom and picked up his glass, not
waiting to see if he followed Brad went to the front door, opened it
and went out. He crossed the wide expanse of porch and settled himself
on the long swinging wicker bench. It creaked softly as his weight
settled in it. "You coming?" he ask quietly of Tom, who still stood by
the door.
     "Sure." Tom walked over to him and handed him his drink. "Hold
this for a minute. I forgot something." He vanished around the
opposite end of the porch, only to return moments later wheeling a
shiny red mountain bike.
     "I got this for you a few days ago, only I didn't get a chance to
give it to you. And with one thing or another I forgot it again!" Brad
was amazed. "You bought me a bike?"
     "Well, I know how you are, and I know you didn't get a chance to
get one since you've been here - so I picked one up for you..." Tom
trailed off. "I don't suppose you want anything from me at the
moment."
     "My mom says it's ill mannered to refuse a gift." Brad stood up
and admired the bike. It was outfitted with all the trimmings,
reflectors, a light for night riding, duffle bag, water bottle - the
works. "It's a beauty, Tom, thank you." Brad leaned the bike against
the banister and sat back down on the porch swing. He stretched out
his arm holding the glass of scotch out for Tom to take. Tom took the
glass and settled beside Brad.
     The silence fell heavily between them, and stretched out to
envelope the night. Finally Tom spoke, "These bugs are going to eat us
alive."
     "City boy," Brad retorted.
     "What's that phrase you like to use?" Tom queried. "Damn
straight!"
     Brad laughed and the tension eased perceptibly. "How's your
head?" 
     "Better now," Tom answered giving the swing a little push off
with his feet. "You pissed at me?"
     "Not really, I figure you were still a bit fired up from the
conversation we were having before Jesse came in." Brad turned he's
head and studied Tom's profile in the soft light that filter out from
the windows. "I must say you are making it mighty damned difficult for
me to keep Jesse from roasting you."
     "Yeah, well, you know I have to do my very best at whatever I
undertake." Brad could see the flash of gleaming white teeth as Tom
flashed him one of those million dollar smiles.
     "So - we still friends," Tom asked quietly, all trace of humor
gone.
     "Is that what we are?" Brad stared off into the darkness,
wondering himself just what to call his relationship with the man who
sat next to him.
     
_________________________________________________________________________
Post 385: David

	Santino had the cab drop him off a few blocks up the street. He
noticed Tom and Brad sitting on the porch and he wasn't up for pleasantly
chatting with them. He made his way to the house and went around the back
entrance. He saw the broken window in the attic and decided to use it.
Once in the house, he searched for any sign of David.
	"I wasn't expecting you here this soon."  Came a voice from the
attic door. "I wasn't expecting you to *ever* show up here. To what do I
owe this visit?  Come to lecture me on the rules of loyalty and
friendship?" Santino blinked, startled by David's bluntness and cruelty. 
	"I came only yo see how you were. I wanted to know if you were
happy, if you found here, what I could not give you."  David was taken
back by Santino's gentle words and concern. He said nothing, he just
stared into the Italian vampires eyes with a vacant expression. "Why are
you so defensive?  Do you think I would come here just to hurt you?" David
looked away from Santino, he felt a shame wash over him. Santino was
right, he had been wrong to say the things he had to him.
	"I don't know what I should think any more. Please, accept my
apology, I didn't mean to accuse you...sit down, we should talk."  Santino
sat in an old dusty couch and was surprised when David sat down next to
him. 
	"Talking, that's what usually gets us into trouble."  David smiled.
	"Yes, it does seem to be our downfall. There is an old provide
among the northwest coast Indians. 'Words are heavy things. If birds
spoke, they couldn't fly'". 
	"Then maybe we shouldn't talk."  Santino said as he move closer to
David taking him in his arms. Their mouths met and all the anger and past
pain melted away. Santino slid his hands under David's shirt and moved
them across the smooth silken skin, caressing David, moving him towards
ecstasy. David was pliant in Santino's arms, surrendering total control.
This is what he wanted, this is what he long for, just them, no coven, no
fighting, no killing, no pain. Just this love that David could only feel
when he was with Santino. 
	"Don't leave me."  He whisper in a feverish voice.
	"Never. Come back with me to the St. Louis and--"
	"What?"  David backed away as if suddenly he had been shock.
	"Only for a little while, until Lestat finds a more--"
	"No! Santino, I...why don't you stay here, there's plenty of room."
	"I think Lestat has other plans."
	"I'm not talking about Lestat, I talking about us. *Please*
Santino, for me, for our love, stay here." 
	"I can't just abandon Lestat, he needs our help!"  David covered
his face with his hands and mentally tried to calm the storm rising inside
of him. Finally, he looked up at Santino, his cheek streaked by a single
tear.
	"What Lestat needs is to be left the *fuck* alone, with time enough
to gather his thoughts and make up his own mind! You think you can counsel
Lestat? Take a look at how much your own life is messed up! You, Marius,
Gabrielle and Armand all think you know what's best for Lestat. Well fine,
go to him! Kill each other for all I care!  I can't take this any more!  I
will *not* have my life governed around Lestat or anyone else. I've found
a peace in this house, and I'm not giving it up.  I want you to stay with
me. I want you to see what life could be like with only each other to
think of and nothing else."
	"I'm sorry, I can't be that selfish when a friend is in need."
Santino said coldly.
	"*I'm* in need! Can't you see how much I need you, how much I *want*
you?"
	"No, David, I can't.  I should leave now."  David nodded to him,
his expression full of grief and hurt. He watched as Santino left the same
way he entered. He laid down on the couch, closed his eyes, and wept. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 386: Lestat

	"When have you ever *not* lied to me?" Lestat demanded, his 
anger evident in the coiled tension of his body.  He would not permit more 
of a show than that.  He was too close to the edge as it was.  "When 
have your words ever been more than a compromise toward keeping the 
majority in line and happy?"  His look narrowed dangerously.  "When have 
you ever once spoken the truth to me?"
	Though to see Marius rendered speechless had not been his 
intent,it was an interesting bonus.  Lestat leaned in, like a lion intent 
on the kill.  "If Armand knew how upset you are right now... what would 
you tell him?  Shall I tell you?  You would say, your voice so grave and 
concerned, "He was upset, Amadeo."  He pitched his voice into a near 
perfect imitation of Marius' rich tone, touched with the slight 
Continental accent."What could I do, Amadeo?  I had to keep the peace."
	Lestat abruptly sat back.  "It's all a game to you.  You don't 
have a life - you perform a function.  One I currently have no use for."He 
waved his hand in a grand gesture toward the door.  "Go back to 
your precious Armand, who's so hot for my blood already.  Don't tell him 
of our little clandistine meeting.  It would upset the little darling so, 
and I have more important things to worry about than the bruised ego of 
your lover."

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 387: Marius

	It took him a long moment to regain his breath. To find the 
words. Or word. 
	"No."
	Marius could feel the pattern of the chair's upholstery against 
his palms, almost feel the piece of wood and fabric as a part of himself 
as he willed himself to stay where he was, not to leap up and take the 
escape that was offered. "No. I will not leave it like this, not again."
	"Then you're a fool," Lestat snapped.
	"Perhaps," Marius replied. "Quite likely, actually. But I won't 
leave with this between us."
	"I don't need this," Lestat said grimly. "And neither do you. Go 
back to your Armand, before he gets too upset again."
	"Then he will be upset," Marius said firmly. "I will not leave, 
Lestat. And you will hear me out."
	"Why should I?" Lestat asked with abrupt quiet. "It doesn't 
matter, Marius. What's said is said. Go. Peace isn't an option this time."
	"I will not go," Marius said, repeating the words like the stanza 
of a saving prayer. "I WILL NOT GO. I will not... I CAN not face this 
choice again! It ends, here, now!"

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 388: Lestat

	"What choice?" Lestat snapped, his eyes flashing.  "You speak as
though you have an option here.  I tell you there is none.  I told you I
would listen, but you have said nothing worth listening to." 
	"I will *not* leave until you hear me!  Dear God, why do you 
insist on doing this?"  Marius was powerful in his pain.  "Why insist on 
torturing those around you when they do not dance precisely to your 
tune?" Marius' voice dropped, as though the whole of his spirit hung on 
each word.  "Don't you understand?  I can *not* do this any longer."
	"Do what?"  Lestat frowned.  "I have demanded nothing from you.I 
did not ask you to come.  You came to me."
	"You called to me."
	"You are mistaken.  I did no such thing.  I haven't even 
*thought* of you."  The lies tore into him, but Lestat could not stop.  
Marius' pain triggered too much of his own.  "Your words are lies.  You 
have lied to me, I daresay you have lied to Armand as well.  I would even 
wager that you lie to yourself.  Why else would you be here, now... 
unless you had convinced yourself that *I gave a damn about you*?"

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 389: Marius

	"No," Marius whispered. "No, you have it wrong. Don't you see? It 
is *I* who care about *you*. Every word I spoke to you in Hong Kong left 
it's mark on me. Every moment of pain I have caused you has scarred my 
soul. And I cannot do this any more."
	His eyes were almost glazed in the grip of emotion, his quiet 
voice breaking softly. "I will not choose between you. I can not. We must 
resolve this, Lestat, and it must be now."

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 390: Lestat

	The pain rattled Lestat.  His words struck far too close for 
comfort.  "You mistake me for someone who gives a damn."
	"Do I?"
	"Yes.  I don't care."
	"I think you do."
	"About a choice?  What choice?  I have demanded no such thing from
you.  The games you play with "Amadeo"" he stressed the word slightly,
making it into an insult "are your own affaire, and frankly, they bore me. 
There is nothing to be resolved." 
	"You expect me to get up and walk out of your life, don't you?"
	"I wish you would."
	"I won't."
	"Why not?  Don't let me stop you.  There's the door."  His half 
lidded gaze would have convinced most than he did not have a care in the 
world, and was wholly bored by the entire conversation.