RPG SPEC: Dagger of the Mind Sequel to "Hollywood Vampires" Parts 69-71, Posts 681-710 --------------------------------------------- Post 681: Daniel No, no, I'm not going to look...I just might have her panties on! "You know Slater, we wouldn't be in this mess at all if you were watching the road." Jesse informed him. "That's true Chris." Daniel agreed. "It is you're fault that Jesse is driving now. Though I must say that I'm rather touched by you display of affection." Chris was still in Daniel's lap, his hands clinging to Daniel's blazer. Chris scoote off his lap and wedged himself between the two. "If you don't mind, I think it's safer if I just sit here." Chris took a deep breath and closed his eyes. ::I think we wore him out Danny.:: Jesse thought. ::Ummm, yeah. Perhaps we better play it cool for a while.:: Daniel was starting to feel bad for the poor actor. After all, who better knew then he, the toll that vampire games could pay on a mortal? Jesse's driving skills proved to be excellent, for they were the first to arrive at "The Box". "You guys ready for a fun night?" "Sure am!" Daniel hopped out of the car and ran around to the other- side to open the door for Jesse. Chris still sat in the car with his eyes shut. "You okay Chris? You look a little pale." "As oppose to the two of you?" Chris laughed weakly. "No, I'm fine. Just needed to catch my breath. You guys go on, I'll be there in a minute." Jesse shook her head "No can do Chris. They'll never let you in without us." "You're kidding, right? Why would they let you in and not me?" "Don't take it personal Chris." Said Jesse. "Yeah, they wouldn't let us in if we weren't friends of Pan. Come on! Times-a-wasting! Get your ass in gear Slate!" Daniel dragged him out of the car and they headed for the entrance.. --------------------------------------------- Post 682: George George felt the world tild in a very strange and technicolor way. Lightheadedness. Gimme a CBC, Chem-7, take him down to... wait, I'm in a car. Moreover, I only play a doctor George downed a drink offered to him gratefully. Then noticed that the world, in fact, really did spin on its axis, as exemplified by the landscape roling past the windows of the car at what had to be at least a 45 degree angle. George decided to put the drink down. then, very slowly, he rolled down the window. Then, just as slowly, he stopped trying to roll the window down with the door handle and pushed the button to make the window open. He took in several very deep breaths of frush night air before turning back to his lovely companion and was very relieved to see that she had stopped fading in and out of the range of visibility so annoyingly. "Wow," he grinned, glad to hear that his voice was only slightly slurred. "that's quite a kiss you have there." --------------------------------------------- Post 683: Pandora Pandora watched in amusement as the mortal slowly recovered, his mind filled with amusing snippets of dialogue from the television program he starred in. She chuckled as he tried to open the window via the door handle and was thankful the door had been locked. It wouldn't do to have him tumbling out into the street. They'd have to stop the caravan to pick him up. Not that that would be too much of a problem. It would give Brad and his Thomas that much more time to be alone. Still, they had to get on with the evening. The mortal across from her, chatting comfortably with David was making her unaccountably uncomfortable. She had given the two lovers as much time as she could. She scanned lightly to check their progress and then withdrew quickly. She would shamelessly eavesdrop on their physical protestations of affection, but she would not be so insensitive to Brad's feelings as to listen in on their discussion of their feelings for each other. "Wow," the mortal grinned at her, his hair slightly tousled from the blast of night air he had subjected himself to. "That's quite a kiss you have there." Pandora reached up and smoothed his hair back and smiled at him. "Georgie, that was just a peck. I doubt if you'd survive a full fledged kiss from me..." "You are the damndest creature, young one." Pandora's head snapped around at the words. David erupted in laughter telling the mortal how accurate he'd been. Pandora simply stared. Her fingers curled into the palms of her hands, the nails digging in as she fought to keep from killing the man. David's head turned in her direction as the smell of her bloody palms reached him. ::Pandora?:: Pandora tore her eyes away from the man who would be Marius and looked cooly at David. ::It's alright, David. Everything's fine. He took me by surprise is all. We'll be at the club in moments, and I'll have plenty to occupy my mind other than the amusing vampire impersonations we're being entertained with!:: --------------------------------------------- Post 684: David David's attention was torn between the mortal actor and Pandora. She emminated the feeling of one who was about to commit mass murder. He didn't know who he felt more sorry for, Pandora, who seemed to miss Marius more than she would ever let on, or poor Gordon who might incur her wrath for being unfortunate enough to be cast as the red knight. "I'm sorry, Gordon, what did you say?" David asked, a little embarassed that he had not heard all of Sting's question. "How many consultants would be on the set, and are they each specialized into certain areas of study?" He repeated for David. "I'm sorry, I haven't a clue how many of us will be working on the movie. I'm working on language... Pan, I believe, is the fashion consultant, for period clothing you see... I'm not quite sure what Antonio's friend does, but she seems delightful enough. I'm sure all of this will be explained to us in time." He looked back to Pan to see if she had settled a bit. She still seemed agitated, but more calm than before. "Pan, why don't you tell us what's on tonight's agenda so we can brace ourselves for the coming evening." --------------------------------------------- Post 685: Jesse Daniel tossed the keys to the parking attendant, and hooked his arm through Chris'. Jesse was already on the other side of the actor, her arm across his back. She reached across and poked Daniel in the ribs. "Hey..." She smiled to him. "I haven't seen you for all of three seconds..." Daniel leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Are you two going to keep at this all night?" Chris sighed. "Uh huh." Jesse nodded as they walked into the club. "We're going to make the rest of the cov... er... family crazy." A tall man in a leather jumpsuit walked up to the threesome and shook Daniel's hand. "What can I do for you tonight, Mr. Molloy? Table for three? Private room?" He asked. "Pan's about to arrive with three cars and an entourage." Daniel replied. "How many?" The man asked, smiling. "I don't know... sort of a Cast Party, plus..." Daniel shrugged. "We have Miss Pandora's private play room ready for her when ever she needs it, and of course there are her special guest rooms." --------------------------------------------- Post 686: Peter The limo slowed to a stop and Peter leaned forward to peer out of the window. "We have arrived, Johnny!" The driver scurried around and opened up the door for them and elegantly unfolded himself from the limo's interior. "Come along lad, many delights and all the "sins" of the world, await you inside Pandora's Box." Peter smiled a cool, worldly smile as the young man climbed out to stand beside him. He watched the boy take in the building's unprepossessing exterior. Truly, the only thing that drew attention to the place was the steady stream of vehicles that deposited "guests" outside the huge ebony doors. "Come along, Johnny. Mistress Pan does not allow loitering outside of her establishment. We must scurry along!" Peter led the young man up to the door and pressed the buzzer that was hidden in a gargoyle's eye in the intricate carving that covered the entire surface of the door. The door was open and the way blocked completely by a door sized mountain of heavily muscled flesh. "Mr. O'Toole," the mountain rumbled, "so glad you could join us again." "It's good to be back, my dear fellow! This young gentleman is my guest and, I believe, a guest of your mistress. "JEEEEsus," the boy squeaked from where he had scooted behind him. Peter hooked his arm through the boy's. "Fear not, young John. He doesn't bite... or at least he hasn't since that nasty business in court." Peter winked at The Bouncer as he whisked the trembling young actor inside. The boy stared openmouthed at everything they passed, and Peter chuckled. "It is a remarkable place, I agree, Johnny. But do try to keep your bottom lip from dangling..." Peter put a finger under the boy's chin as pushed upward, so he would at least have a closed mouth stare rather than a open one. He let the boy drink in the "atmosphere" of the place in awed silence as he steered him toward one of the dining rooms. He was feeling a bit peckish after his trip, and wanted a bite. "I feel like the Devil will come up to me any minute and offer me a deal in exchange for my immortal soul!" the young man exclaimed, almost in delight. Peter went still for a moment, testing the air. "Nooo. He's not here tonight. There's always a certain something in the air when he's in the House." The boy stared at him wide-eyed and Peter threw back his head and shouted with laughter. "'Nicki!' You're going to have to be a touch more jaded and cynical, and certainly less easily shocked if you're going to capture the attention of Lestat de Lioncourt!" Johnny laughed as well. "Give a guy a break here, Peter. This is a bit much to take in all at once!" "True, my dear young man, True!" "Come Johnny, I do believe I spy our Daniel. Let's go and introduce ourselves, shall we?" --------------------------------------------- Post 687: Louis Louis followed Lestat into his personal suite and sat on the bed. The bed was massive and soft and covered with black fur throws. Turning to Louis as he pulled the rumpled shirt over his head, Lestat winked. "What do you think of this for furnishings rather than all that antique stuff, hum?" Lestat shook the mass of hair back from his face, and grinned. Louis glanced around at the sleek modern lines of the decor that surrounded them. He spread his arms out and allowed himself to fall backwards into the thick fur bedcovering. "Quite decadent. I could get used to it." He heard the familiar throaty laugh, and looked over to see Lestat watching him. "You are a sight if I must say so myself... here... put this on. That sweater will never do for tonight..." Lestat tossed a forest green silk turtleneck at Louis. Chuckling to himself, Louis closed his eyes. "What's wrong with my sweater? It's cashmere. Besides. Your shirts never fit me. The arms will be too long..." In an instant, Lestat was kneeling over him, a laughing blond demon pulling the sweater from his body. Louis was helpless with laughter. "Mon amour, if you felt so strongly about my attire..." Louis chortled as Lestat finished ripping the sweater off him. He gave Lestat an exasperated, but loving expression. "I have no choice in the matter?" "Correct. None what so ever...." Lestat answered. "Mon Dieu, but you are appealing!" He collapsed on top of the raven haired vampire, covering Louis' mouth with his own. Louis melted into the kiss, threading his fingers into Lestat's hair and letting his fingers travel over the muscular shoulders and down the strong back. Drawing away, Lestat kissed the ivory neck. "We will never get out of here at this rate." With a regretful sigh, Louis nodded. "Oui. If we are not careful, the world will pass us by tonight. Ah, well..." He kissed Lestat lightly on his cheek and pushed him to the floor. Louis sat up and pulled the silk turtleneck over his head. Lestat was on his feet, laughing to himself, as he crossed the room to his armoire. He pondered over his shirts and glanced back at Louis. "You need a jacket... black velvet would be nice... see if you could borrow one from Santi." Louis shook his head as he tucked the excessive shirttail into his pants. "Santino always looks like a defrocked cleric..." He nodded to Lestat. "But if you wish me to wear a velvet jacket, I will borrow one from him." He walked over to the door. "Make it snappy..." Lestat called over his shoulder as he drew a fourth shirt from the armoire then tossed it back into the drawer. "We don't want to keep Armand and Marius waiting..." --------------------------------------------- Post 688: Brad "I love you, William Bradley. And whatever time we have left... before it all comes down around us... I want to spend it with you." Brad absorbed the words through his very pores. Tom loved him! He felt the corners of his eyes crinkle and a big goofy grin spread over his face. "Well alright then!" was his contribution to endless volumes of prose and poetic declarations of love. He laughed at Tom's slightly bemused expression and grabbing him by the lapels of his suit, kissed him so hard their teeth met - which problem Tom solved by opening his mouth. Brad completely gave up trying to analyze the situation and the problems that would arise from it in favor of getting his tongue as far down his lover's throat as he could. Tom was laughing with delight at his response (when he could breath that is) and Brad discovered that they had ended up on the floor of the limo doing a damned good impersonation of a human pretzel. "What happened to your concern about my suit?" Tom asked laughing, his eyes gleaming with happiness. "That went right out the window when you said you loved me," Brad murmured planting kisses wherever his fancy directed him. "The suit itself is about to follow!" Tom was laughing with helpless glee at his enthusiasm and Brad thrilled deep in his heart and soul that he could bring such a carefree light to his lover's eyes and such a genuinely happy smile to his face. Tom was not known for ever being truly happy about anything. It would seem that he had found something at last that could take that slightly anxious, slightly angry, determination and drive that always simmered just below his surface and replace it with a gentle, happy feeling instead. "Me," Brad said in wonder, touching the corner of his lover's smile. "I'm that something." "What?" Tom asked, smiling at him and running the back of his hand down his cheek, then slipping his fingers into his hair and pulling him down for a long, sweet kiss. "I make you this happy!" Brad said incredulously when he could speak again. He honestly couldn't see what he had to offer this man, who had everything. "Yes," Tom said simply and drew him down for another kiss. Not so sweet and gentle this time, and Brad groaned as he felt the heat of desire flood him once again. ::Brad?:: It was Pandora. Brad pulled away from Tom's lips so he could concentrate - not that it helped much, as Tom simply switched to his neck! ::Yes, Pandora?:: Brad thought at her. ::I hate to interrupt, my dear. But we're almost there. You have just enough time to make sure you're clothes are fastened properly...:: ::Gottcha, Pan. Thanks for the warning!:: Brad grabbed a fistful of Tom's hair and pull him away from his throat. He kissed him deeply letting it drag out way longer than it should before pulling away and hauling him up onto the seat again. "Pan says, we're almost there, and we should fix ourselves up. She's right, you're all rumpled now..." "Is she going to be listening in on everything we do?" Tom asked disgustedly. Brad grinned at him, smoothing his clothing into place, then tucking the wisps of blond hair back into the neat ponytail. "Probably. But don't let it bother you too much. She's pretty cool," Tom snorted at that, but Brad let it pass, "and it's not like there's anything we can do about it!" "True," Tom agreed ruefully. "And I suppose we should be grateful for the warning. If we had to get redressed after the limos stopped, the others would begin to wonder..." Brad watched, fascinated, as Tom gave him the once over, fixing and adjusting whatever was out of place on him. Tom looked up to find him staring, and raised an eyebrow in question. "Don't mind me, I'm just busy being amazed and incredulous about this whole thing." A laugh bubbled up from the very depths of his being and Tom growled deep in his throat and reached for him. The limo stopped. "SHIT!" Tom swore, groaning. Brad laughed, and kissed him anyway. --------------------------------------------- Post 689: Jesse "Are we having fun yet?" Jesse giggled into Daniel's ear, as they moved around the dance floor. "Nope." Daniel grinned at her. "You've never been here before, have you?" Jesse shook her head, curls bouncing humorously around her face. "Just you wait..." He grinned, "if you want a nosh, we can go down to "The Dungeon", the mortals down there are feeling no pain..." "Speaking of feeling no pain... Chris seems to fit into that category." She nodded toward the actor as he knocked back his Guinness. "Do you know that stuff's made with milk?" She made a face and shuddered. "That's why it's good for you." Daniel laughed. "Puts hair on your chest!" "Not mine, personally, I hope." She nestled into his arms as the rhythm of the music changed from boisterous to soft and sweet. "This is more like it." "Wait til you see the Roof Garden. Very romantic..." He closed his eyes and rested his head against hers. "You know, living with you in a villa is going to be romantic... that villa in Pompeii... have you ever seen it? ...That's one amazing place... so ancient..." "Will you love me when I'm ancient?" She lifted her eyes teasingly to his. "You will never be ancient, Jess..." Daniel looked up just as two men approached Chris' table. "Whoa... isn't that Peter O'Toole with Johnny Depp?" Jesse snapped her head around so fast she made herself dizzy. "Oooooooh." She breathed. "Ya know, when I first heard about the first movie, I thought they'd give Depp the part of Louis... look at his eyes... Man, if he were a little taller, and had green contacts, he'd be a ringer... Jess? Jess! Did you hear what I said?" Jesse was staring at Johnny. Her eyes were wide and she had an expression that was a cross between shock and adoration. Daniel placed his fingertips under her chin and turned her face to his. "What is it, Jess? Is there anything wrong?" Slowly, she pulled her eyes away from the dark haired young actor, to Daniel's face. "I...." she began, a slightly dazed look on her face. "You what?" Daniel asked. "I wanna make a baby." She replied dreamily, her glance drifting over to Johnny. --------------------------------------------- Post 690: Lestat The choice of clothes was easy: pure Vampire Lestat. Not the tight-assed bastard Marius had met in Hong Kong, of course. The rock star. Lestat pulled on everything he owned that was leather. Black, of course. Pants tight enough to know if he'd ever been intimate with a scalpel as a child and a black leather jacket which hugged his muscular frame. Matching boots, a quick toss of his hair into a ponytail and a pair of dark sunglasses rounded out the edges on an already deadly seductive appearance. He wasn't sure if Santino or Louis was more shocked to see him when he returned. "Invading my closet?" Santino asked. "You wish," Lestat grinned, then took Louis into his arms for a hard kiss. The look of heat in those green eyes was appreciation enough. "You might want to save such displays for the mortals," Santy said as he walked past them, giving them a small nudge as he headed to the door. "I quite agree," Lestat replied, slipping his arm around Louis and hearding him toward the door. "I don't," Louis said, though his eyes still held appreciation even as he tried to give him the Look. "Of course not," Lestat replied at his sweetest. "It wouldn't be fun otherwise now would it? Come now, let's not keep our family waiting any longer." --------------------------------------------- Post 691: Armand ::Tell me, mon frere, what did the bitch do?:: Armand watched the joy fade from Marius' eyes and felt a shot of cold fire go through him. Rather than reply to Lestat in words, he sent an encapsulated version of past events: Marius weeping in his arms, the anger and the pain and the words of confused love and rejection, and finally the reaction to the news of the Pit's... no the Box's owner. He shot it all to Lestat, then ended it with one single burst of his own. ::<>:: Whatever Lestat chose to do with the information, Armand would back him. It was what brothers did, so he was told. He noted automatically Lestat's motion and destination - he was heading for the club. It was time to go. Very softly, he said "We'll meet them there. Come, let's go." Unable to resist, he moved back into Marius' arms, cradling him now, gently, offering wordless support and unconditional love. Physically he told Marius that he was not alone, and that they would face the night together. Then it was out the door, to the cab, and an all too short ride later, standing before the Box. Armand slipped his arm around Marius' waist. "Together." he whispered, smiling at him just a little. "Come, let us announce to the world what true happiness is." Then, with just a slight pressure, he urged Marius inside. --------------------------------------------- Post 692: Pandora The limousine pulled up to the curb and everyone climbed out. She paused for a moment, allowing Gabrielle and her fledgling to emerge, and lastly a supremely giddy Brad and Tom. Hmmm. They were going to need a bit of help tonight it seemed... Pandora hooked her arms, one through each of the two mortal's arms, and like a battleship under full sail, steamed ahead toward the club. She smiled with satisfaction as the huge black portals of Pandora's Box swung open and her beloved Bouncer stepped forward, bowing deeply to her. She swept up the stairs, her mortals in tow and trailing a slightly worried David and the others behind her. She paused briefly to plant a red lipsticked kiss on the smooth dome of The Bouncer's head, winking at him as he straightened and smiled at her. As she crossed the threshold, he began speaking into a small button secured to the lapel of the huge Armani suit he wore. As she stepped into the main hall, the executive staff of The Box appeared and began to form neat rows on either side of the hall. Excellent. She did so love efficient employees. As the doors swung shut behind them, she called her staff to attention. "Good evening my dears." "Good evening, Pandora," came the murmurs from up and down the line. "These are my guests of the evening," she gestured at the little group that surrounded her. After they sign the release form they are to have free run of the place, Basement to Roof Garden," Pandora smiled at the raised eyebrows among the Exec staff this statement caused. ::Pandora, Brad needs to eat.:: The annoying Tom's voice sounded in her head. Pandora gritted her teeth slightly. He really was a bit too confident with her. She'd have to do something about that. But for now he was right, Brad was very hungry and was in such a state that he would totally forget to eat or could be fed straw and declare it delicious! One thing Tom had going for him was that he did do his level best to look after Brad. She was not yet prepared to acknowledge that he was also responsible for bubbling happiness that Brad was now experiencing. She'd rather choke and die first. She watched as the staff gathered the required signatures, and when her executive assistant, Jules, informed her that Peter was here along with two other actors from to be in the film, she instructed some of the staff to escort the party to that dining room. The rest remained behind for further instructions. "The tall beautiful one..." "Brad Pitt," one of the men sighed. Pandora smiled at him. Brad cut a wide swath through the populace it would appear! "Yes, Brad Pitt. He's to have whatever he likes. I don't want him to wait more than a heartbeat for anything he might want, do I make myself clear? The Exec staff will handle this party. I don't want any of the juniors around them." Nods all around. "Good. Instruct your underlings as that no one is to look at him or his companion..." "Tom Cruise!" one of the young women piped up. "Yes," Pandora said drily. "Mr. Cruise will also be picking up the tab for this evening's 'cast party'. Here are his credit card numbers," Pandora rattled off a stream of numbers that were jotted down by her Exec. "Put it on whatever card can handle it strain. "Ta, children. I'm off!" Pandora, satisfied with the arrangements, set off to greet the guests she'd not had the pleasure of meeting thus far. --------------------------------------------- Post 693: George The rush of night air as he got out of the car did wonders for clearing his head from what had to be the most powerful drink of alcohol he'd ever had in his life (not that Pandora's wonderful lips had hurt the swoon, of course...) But once he got inside of the club that feeling of clarity quickly left as he stepped into what had to be a Fruedian dream. The faces of the famous stars around him he quickly got used to. He was in awe of some of them, of course, but still, it was nothing he could not and had not handled before. The decor, however.... He laughed. This was wonderful! And either Tom had the best sense of humor he'd ever encountered before or he knew how to throw one HELL of a cast party. And either way, who was George to complain? He decided to mingle. --------------------------------------------- Post 694: Sting It was... impressive. To the point of being a little mindboggling. You just didn't sign release forms before walking into a club. And the entire staff did not pour forth to greet one woman and jump at the slightest snap of her fingers. Then again, seemingly, at the Box they did. At that point, Sting was ready to believe it. They were all shepherded into a dining area, there to meet and greet and get to know each other, including three new faces already there... 'new' only in the sense that he didn't know them personally, as opposed to watching them in various movies. And anyone who didn't know of Peter O'Toole was in severe need of being hauled off of their solitary mountain top and educated in the modern world. Big name acting stars, unknown consultants, and one lone little singer. Quite a crowd you've gotten yourself into, he told himself. Well, nothing for it. Grab a drink, put on the most charming smile and manners, and set out to rub elbows with the other side of the entertainment industry. Why not? You only live once. --------------------------------------------- Post 695: Christian Chris ordered another pitcher, tonight he would be feeling no pain. As he was pouring himself his sixth glass, he vaguely heard the sound of his name being called... or was it Daniel's? He wasn't sure. He turned around anyways and saw two familiar figures standing before him. "Hey! Well I'll be damned! I didn't know you were in this picture! Ummm," Chris paused trying to remember names. Peter smiled down at him as he visibly struggle by snapping his fingers. "Edward Scissorhands!" Chris smiled smuggly at his sharp memory reflexes. Peter and Johnny looked at each other sharing one of those knowing smiles. "Chris, it's Johnny, we've met a few times, remember?" Chris kicked out a chair. "Then take a load off and share a beer with me." He stood up and extended his hand to Peter. "Nice to finally meet you Mr. O'Toole! Been an admirer for quite some time." "Young man, any friend of Johnny's may call me Peter. And thank you for your praises. It's nice to know the young generation has a taste for quality." "Amen." Chris agreed nodding. "And you may call me Chris," He thought for a moment. "Or Slate, but not Christian. I don't like it, makes me feel like a nameless born-again." Chris began to feel dizzy standing. "Please, sit down and join me, have a beer!" "Why I'd be delighted!" said Peter. "What are you drinking?" asked Johnny. "Guinness." Chris replied. "Guiness is good for you." Johnny added. "Yeah." Chris agreed. --------------------------------------------- Post 696: Peter Peter smiled at the young men and languidly raised his hand. It had not reached shoulder height before a waiter appeared at their table. "Peter! Good to see you man," the young waiter beamed at him. "It's good to see you too, Eddie. I'll have my usual. My friends are drinking Guinness." "Martini, and two Guinnesses coming up!" with a jaunty wave the young waiter was off. "You are a regular here aren't you?" Johnny grinned at him. "Whenever I'm in the states, after the required stop in New York, I usually spend the rest of my time here," Peter admitted. He smiled and waved at several people, noting a couple of young vampires taking a turn around the small dance area in the dining room. 'That would be Jessica and Daniel,' Peter mused being very familiar with the attributes off all the known remaining vampires. He looked at the young actor sitting across from him and wondered if he had any idea the "character" he was portraying was at this very moment pitching woo too a gorgeous redheaded vampire. Then Peter noted the fascinated stare that the young vampire woman was giving Johnny. Oh dear. Peter turned to look at the beautiful young man, and sighed. He was far too beautiful to be in the company of the immortals. They could not resist such human beauty, especially coupled with a sweet nature such as this boy possessed. He did his best to give warning. "You are too beautiful, Johnny." The waiter appeared and left their drinks, and Peter sipped his gratefully. "The vampires will want to keep you, you know...." The boy laughed. "Peter! You're yanking me, right?" Peter leaned forward and grasped the young man's face in one hand. He pulled him slightly forward. "I'm not "yanking" you, boy. You have the face, the eyes of an angel, beautiful Nicki." He turned the boy's face toward the other young man who stared owlishly at them. "Isn't he beautiful, Slate? He quite takes my breath away! Why, if I were Magnus..." Peter's eyes blazed into the boy's and he felt him tremble slightly. 'That's right young Johnny. Be afraid,' Peter thought. "Just be on your guard in this place, Johnny. Other's will notice you here, and it won't be the kind of notice you're used to. This can be a dangerous place. I advise you not to wander off alone. "Slate, you seem like a sensible, if slightly intoxicated young man. Keep close to our Nicki here and make sure no one...bothers... him. If they do you, either of you, call for Pandora. She'll be there instantly to take care of the problem!" He knew he ran the risk of alarming the youngsters, but Jessica's look had alarmed him somewhat. She and Daniel were young. Very young. And the young were impetuous... "MAN, you are gonna make one outstanding Magnus!" Young Slate pounded the table with delight. "Whooo! That was great!! Damn, Johnny he had me going there. I almost wanted to bite you myself!" Slate grinned at the unnerved young actor and clapped his shoulder. "Looks like he shook you up too. Here, drink up. It'll help settle your nerves. My are just hitting a comfortable place again after the ride I had here with Dan and Jessie." Peter raised his eyebrows at that. So he knew the two young vampires were "Dan and Jessie" did he? Again he felt compelled to warn them. "Just be careful here boys. Be on your guard..." --------------------------------------------- Post 697: Daniel Daniel turned a whiter shade of pale. "You wanna what!" Jesse, still caught under Johnny's spell, swung her head back to Daniel as if in slow motion. "I want to make a baby." She repeated almost sing-song. "Ha! Good one Jess." "I'm serious." She said turning her head back to Johnny. "Oh you got it bad girl! Should I be jealous?" Daniel uneasily teased her. He had suddenly become very uncomfortable. "Ummmm. What?" "I said," He annunciated slowly and turned her head back around so she would look at him. "*should* *I* *be* *jealous*?" "Oh Danny!" She threw her head back and laughed. "Of course not! But wouldn't he be a perfect specimen to turn? Wouldn't mind an eternal hunk of Johnny!" Daniel turned away and grimaced. "Jess! I thought we'd run amok and be wild for a while before we settled down and had a litter of vampire babies." "We could still do that!" she insisted. "No," he shook his head. "We do this now and it's gonna be 'Ma, I have a fangache! Dad, why don't the mortals move after we play with them?' Trust me, it will be nag, nag, nag all the time. We'll never get a chance to wreck havoc with the coven." "Oh you are jealous!" "I am not! If I were jealous, Johnny-O would be a permenant fixture on the wall. Not that anyone would notice in a place like this. No, now that I look at him, I think you right. He has deep brown eyes...reminds me of Armand more then Louis, come to think of it. Yes, he is rather dreamy, I think you might be right." Daniel turned a lustful eye at Johnny. --------------------------------------------- Post 698: Johnny (Played by Heather) The waiter had come back with their drinks, for which Johnny was grateful. Chris was urging him to drink up, and Peter still had that odd gleam in his eyes, which was giving Johnny chills. It was a relief to pick up the Guinness and let a good half of it slide down his throat, settling his jangled nerves, and then a half of what was left, just for good measure, taken in one great gulp. And then a half of that, just because there wasn't much left, and hell, he might as well just finish the glass, so he did. Chris was laughing as he set the glass down. "Damn! Might as well just get another pitcher." "Allow me." Peter was once again all polite smiles, flagging down an all too happy to serve waiter and instructing them to bring back an entire pitcher this time. But his eyes, on Johhny, were still disturbing and in an effort to escape them Johnny turned to Chris, smiling as he reached automatically to pull out his cigarettes, shaking one out with hands that quivered just the slightest bit as he lit it. "So," he began, feeling a sudden need to turn the conversation back to more mundane things, "who are Dan and Jessie? Just friends of yours, or some people on the movie?" --------------------------------------------- Post 699: Christian "Funny you should ask Johnny. I don't think you'd believe me if told you how I met Dan. Hell, I don't believe it m'self... totally coincidental that I met him. I thought I sprained my shoulder the way I went flying down the staircase, but I'm not feeling it anymore, so I guess it s'ok." Chris stopped for moment and thought about something that seemed rather profound to him. He didn't notice the confusion the unconnected phrases of his meeting with Dan made for Johnny and Peter, who were trying to follow his train of thought and still maintain some type of cohesion. "He's some kinda rich psychic kid that's on the movie set 'cause his family is powerful and he wants to be there. Like TOM! Only Danny doesn't try to scare the shit outa you at every turn!" Chris started shaking his finger at Johnny and Peter. "THAT'S what you have to watch out for!" He nodded his head at himself in agreement. "M. le Criuse Control. If they wouldof stuck to the book I wouldn'd have seen him at all, but they changed it and and had him drooling all over my neck." Chris made a grimace. "Which of course meant an entire month of him stalking me and jumping outa nowhere! Just to get into character, you see? "Ah Johnny, why couldn't be Nicki that finds Daniel, hell, if we're gonna be rewriting it!" He laughed and looked into those deep milk chocolate wide eyes of the actor. "I wouldn't mind that so much...I wouldn't mind that at all." --------------------------------------------- Post 700: Johnny Johnny grinned a little at Chris. "What? You wouldn't mind me stalking you? Or did you mean the drooling all over your neck part?" Chris gaped for a moment, then burst out laughing. "What?" he demanded inbetween laughs. "You're telling me my neck isn't good enough to be drooled on?" That was enough to send them both off into laughs, but when Johnny turned to share the rather infectious laughter with Peter he found the older man smiling at them both but with that same damn peculiar gleam in his eyes that brought the chills right back to Johnny's spine. Without thinking he shifted a little closer to Chris' side of the table, reaching for his glass and finding it was empty. Easily solved - the waiter had returned with a pitcher and Johnny reached to retrieve it, pouring another glass for himself and filling Chris' as well, urging it on him to combat the little hiccuped gasps Chris was making from laughing too hard --------------------------------------------- Post 701: Peter Peter watched with barely concealed amusement as the two young men flirted drunkenly with each other. It would seem Johnny had made another conquest with those fawn- like eyes of his. Young Slate had quite the difficult time keeping track of what he was saying as he stared at Johnny's laughing face. Peter took a sip of his martini so as not to laugh when Johnny caught him looking and moved a bit closer to Slate. 'It's not me you have to concerned with, Johnny,' Peter thought, letting his eyes slip from first one, then the other of the boys before him. 'This little drama should prove to be quite entertaining as the evening progresses,' he mused. He wondered if he should play the devil and help things along. He did so love a good romance! A slight change in the atmosphere of the room brought his eyes up from studying the olive in his martini glass. Someone was making an entrance! "Oh, I say. Here come our stars," he nodded toward the doorway, directing the gaze of the young men to the party bearing down on them surrounded by a coterie of Pandora's top staff people. "Good Lord, what a beauty!" he exclaimed. He'd heard stories about Brad Pitt, but had never met the lad in the flesh. And what flesh! Peter sighed appreciatively. Like a young god he was! He was being protectively herded toward them by young Mr. Cruise. Peter's eyebrows rose slightly at the looks the two were exchanging. Subtle though they were, if one had the great good fortune of being subtle oneself, those looks were also quite revealing. They were accompanied by Gordon Sumner, a fellow countrymen of a musical bent, and two dark-haired young men, one of whom was a vampaire. 'David,' Peter cataloged him. 'Was all the coven to put in an appearance tonight?' he wondered. All that was summarily dismissed from the forefront of his mind as yet another spectacular creature hove into view. On the arm of a petite blond-haired beauty that could only be the infamous Gabrielle, was a brand new vampire of devastating beauty and sensuality. "I always did have a weakness for the smoldering, darkhaired types," he murmured softly to no one in particular. "I don't think my poor old heart can stand too much more of this onslaught of beauty," he said in a louder voice. "I swear I shall die from sensory overload if one more exquisitely lovely creature marches through that door." As if to test his word, at that moment Pandora appeared in the doorway. ::Pandora, my darling! Come give us a kiss!:: --------------------------------------------- Post 702: Tom "Don't touch him. Don't look at him. No! Don't touch... " Tom, easy smile fixed firmly in place, repeated this litney until he thought his brain would burst. And still he found his hand moving toward Brad, to cup his elbow or slide to the small of his back. He hadn't quite touched him yet, but it was only a matter of time. The looks were bad enough. A casual glance nearly undid him. Those sparkling blue eyes, so full of good humor, turned in his direction and lingered, the glance suddenly becoming an intimate caress. "Feed him, Thomas. Press flesh. Meet and greet. Then get the Hell out of here." His inner voice never lied. Without really touching he steered Brad to a table. "You've got to be starving." he said softly. "Order something so that we can get out of here." He flashed a smile, unable to help himself. Then he sighed. As short as he could make it, it was still stacking up to be a horribly long evening. He watched as Brad ordered, absently telling the waiter to bring two of whatever it was Brad was having. "Can you read my mind? Do you know what it is that you do to me?" He caught the thought going through his mind and winced slightly. If he was going to think of poetry, could it possibly Shakespeare and not song lyrics? He sighed again, watching Brad as he spoke easily with any who approached. He wasn't working the crowd. He was talking to them. Amazing. "You could teach me, Brad. We could be together forever. You do this to me. I am so in love with you." Tom couldn't help but smile as he remembered Brad's simple response to his heartfelt declaration. It was perfect. Pure Brad. And when Brad turned again to look at him, the smile remained. Not preditory, not hungry, simply happy. "For you, lover." he thought. "This is what you do to me." --------------------------------------------- Post 703: Pandora Pandora swept into the small dining room and survey the room, checking to see that everything was running smoothly before checking on her mortals and wayward vampire children. Daniel and Jessie were using a dance as an excuse to snuggle. Tom was steering Brad toward a table away from everyone else, only to be stopped by Jesse who wanted to check on Brad, and the others were... ::Pandora my darling. Come give us a kiss!:: Pandora uttered a muffled shriek of delight and nearly flew across the room, to be swept up and danced around in a small circle by Magnificent Peter. As he gave her one of his best wicked grins, she kissed him, biting his tongue just a little and her own as well. She felt his small delicious shiver as the blood made itself known, and rifled freely through his thoughts. He nudged her toward one outrageous happening in his life after another and she caught him up with all her news almost simultaneously. "Ah... Zing went the strings of my heart!" he laughed, picking up his ever present Martini glass to wash away the traces of her blood. "A very great pleasure, as always my dear." Pandora drew her fingernails gently down his cheek and gave him a smoldering look. ::Have you changed your mind yet, my beauty?:: She smiled at him, letting just the tip of her fangs show. Peter's eyes fell to half mast as he looked at the gleam points that meant death to most who saw them, or felt their kiss. "La Belle Dame, sans merci..." "Nooo," Pandora countered. "That would be Maharet!" Peter chuckled and gave her another quick kiss. "It could be said equally of all the ladies of your 'family,' my dear. The women of Clan Nosferatu all seem to be made of stern and rather ruthless stuff." "We have to be, darling. Our men take rather a lot of effort to maintain. So emotional, those fellows! Why even Khayman is taken to fits of melancholy blubbering. Drives Maharet around the bend." "Speaking of melancholy blubbering, is that morose individual there one David Talbot?" Pandora turned and beckoned to David. "David come here and meet Peter!" David moved to join her silently, and Peter reached out to shake his hand. Out of sheer reflex David responded, putting out his own. Pandora watched fascinated as Peter took in all the little details of David's person... and personality. Eavesdropping shamelessly on his thoughts she burst out with a very unladylike guffaw. "Right on most counts, Peter, but I assure you that luscious body is not wasted on him!" "Pandora, really," Peter smiled at her, not at all offended that she had shared his private thoughts with the horrified David. "Please excuse us old man... Pandora, that is not funny - it is a Briticism... Pandora and I are very old friends. I do apologize for embarrassing you." "May the Gods save us from The Empire!" Pandora moaned, rolling her eyes. "Careful my dear, your Paganism is showing!" Pandora laughed again, fangs flashing as she buried her face in Peter's shoulder, playfully pretending to bite him, hiding it behind a kiss. "Away, you wicked thing, or I shall brain you... as soon as I find something harder than your head!" Pandora hooted with delighted laughter and moved away from him, tucking her arm through David's she smiled at Peter. "I can't let him wander through my place looking like Mr. Chips. He'll bring the rep down in an instant! That one there," she nodded in George's direction, "is rather fun. He seems to be a "game chap", to use another Briticism," Pandora grinned widely at Peter, reveling in the fact that he niether flinched away nor blinked at the full display. "Play with him 'till I return?" "Your wish is my command, Milady," Peter sketched a courtly bow, as laughing, Pandora drew David away to get changed. --------------------------------------------- Post 704: Sting Sting had snagged a drink from one of the passing waiters, just to give himself something to hold, and had found himself drifting towards the tables along with everyone else but without any true direction or purpose. He had shared a glance with George, who was smiling and laughing, and watched as the others mingled and seperated out again, Cruise and Brad Pitt to one table, the three who had already been at one table being joined by Ms. Pan, who had swept over to Peter O'Toole with a smile. He and George and the other young consultant were left to free-float about, along with Antonio Banderas and the petite blonde who was still on his arm. Sting watched as Antonio very soberly but gently bent to kiss the blonde's cheek and whisper something to her. She was frowning a little, concerned, and only released his arm reluctantly, patting his shoulder slightly and slipping away. Not his lover... she looked more like a very concerned friend or sister. And then he had to blink. She was gone. Between one moment and the next, in which he could have sworn he had not looked away, the beautiful blonde woman had drifted off in the crowd and disappeared. Antonio was standing alone, still looking sober and very pale. After a moment he tossed back his dark hair, straightening up a little but still so very withdrawn and shielded behind those dark eyes. It gave Sting a small chill, and for a moment he couldn't think why. But if he didn't know better, he would have said that Antonio was already in character. And in make-up too, for that matter, with that almost ivory complexion. It made it almost natural to go slightly still himself as he approached the other man. Some part of his mind was saying 'yes, these scenes will be easy, his natural style will be so easy to react to, he's a superb actor and it will be easy to follow in his wake'. And another part was looking at it, and at Antonio, and saying 'something is not RIGHT', but just as with Ms. Pan and the young man, he could not place WHAT. And some part of him was looking not at Antonio Banderas but at his own child and chosen one and he was no mortal rock singer but an ancient and fearsome creature, who treasured this other before him more than his own life. Words, phrases, rang through his mind as he stepped forward and it took all his effort to call himself back enough to not utter them, let them fall from his tongue in the deeper richness tinged with Italian. To reach out and touch that pale face, run his fingers through that soft fall of hair with all the freedom of a parent and lover. "My love... My beautiful Amadeo..." And somehow, impossibly, he managed to snap those words back from his own lips, regain himself and smile and only hold out his hand and introduce himself, though his hand shook slightly and his voice was tight. --------------------------------------------- Post 705: Antonio "My love... My beautiful Amadeo..." It took that phrase to snap Antonio back from his melancholy thoughts. Gabrielle had tried but in the end simply sat and stared at himunhappily as the darkness consumed him. Brad - lost. Tom - lost. And as he looked around them he could see the vampiric infection spreading. Beautiful, alive, tragic Nicki. As doomed as his dead and gone counterpart. Christian? He had heard in an interview that Christian wanted the Gift as much as Tom did. Gone. All dead and gone. He felt he walked in a room of animated corpses. And then, drifting around him, the most perfect love. That of a lover to his beloved, of a father to his child... of a creator to a fledgling. He felt the words even as he sought the source. There, walking toward him... the mortal Marius. Thinking words of love for his child Amadeo... it was blissfully, ironically perfect. Sting stood before him quietly, without knowledge of what he faced. He held out his hand, trembling only slightly, and introduced himself. His voice was tight as he spoke, as though the vocal cords longed to drop into the Italian accent which echoed through his mind. It was simply irresistable, and at this point Antonio was not up to resisting anything. At once he stepped into Sting's arms and gave him a gentle, but quite thorough kiss, making sure with a small nudge that no mortal saw anything unusual. "Buonasera, mi padrone." he whispered, smiling just slightly. "Welcome to wonderland." --------------------------------------------- Post 706: Daniel "Danny...." Jesse whispered as she cupped his face in her hands. "Do you know what almost happened? We almost had a fight." She looked into his eyes. "I don't know what came over me... I didn't know vampires could get a case of 'hormones'." She rested her head against him and sighed. "I should have kept my big mouth shut." Daniel pressed a kiss into her hair, still eyeing Johnny. "It's all right, Jess... He is a beautiful creature, though." Jesse lifted her face to his again, slipping her arms around his neck. "Maybe we should just watch him for a while... you know, make sure he doesn't go on self-destruct, the way some of these Hollywood types do..." "Uh-huh..." Daniel murmured, beginning to move with her to the slow dance rhythm again. "Besides, I really do want to raise a little hell with you before we raise our own brood of hellions. But, Danny... I want our fledglings to be special. I want them to be young, and full of life to sustain them through 'forever'. I want them to be gifted and beautiful. I want them to really love us and each other. I hate all this fighting stuff that goes on in the coven. I really do... Danny? Are you listening to me? Danny?" "What you were saying about love... look at Chris' face... Do you think...?" Daniel was staring at the group of actors at the table they had vacated. Jesse picked up his thoughts "That Cupid just hit somebody with an arrow?" She smiled. "I think Cupid used a 'two by four' this time..." Daniel kissed her. --------------------------------------------- Post 707: Jesse The music had lulled them into a dreamy condition. With her head on Daniel's shoulder, she had watched Chris and Johnny flirting, beginning their own courtship dance. She sighed and turned her face towards Daniel, his hair tickling her nose. "I've just realized I'm starving." She said softly. "If I don't feel a little, I'll take out the first mortal I stumble over." "I don't think Pan would be too happy about that." Daniel replied. "Why don't you go for a nibble? I'll wait at the table with Chris and the others. I want to cheek out the old dude. I keep getting the oddest vibes from him." Jesse kissed his cheek. "He knows, that's all. I get the feeling he's been friends with Pan for ages. When I get back, maybe we can go up to the roof?" Daniel touched his lips to hers. "Anything you want. And Jesse...?" he called after her as she began to thread her way though the crowd. "Save some for the rest of us?" She giggled a little as she walked through the dancers. A waiter carrying a tray full of drinks above his head was walking toward her. Jesse stepped out of the way and bumped into a warm bady. She turned, smiling to excuse herself. "Brad!" Her eyes met the smiling face of the beautiful mortal. "Where have you been?" "I could ask you the same question!" Brad slipped an arm easily around her waist and hugged her. Shocked, he stiffened at the touch of her cold skin. :: It's alright, Sweetie,:: Jesse whispered into his mind. ::Things happened and I sort of forgot to feed...:: A big smile grew on Brad's lips. "Jesse! What's his name?" "Oh, God! If I wasn't so starving, I'd blush!" She laughed. "It's Danny... I'll tell you all about it later..." She stepped away from him and into Tom. "Hi...." Their eyes met and in an instant, Jesse knew everything. She could feel the emotions that swirled between the two men. Her smile softened and she gave Tom and understanding nod. ::Take care of him, Tom. If there is a need, call to me.:: Tom regarded her with serious eyes. "I'll see you later!" Jesse chirpped, as she move away from them. ::Tom?:: She touched his mind again. :: Do the old boyscout thing and 'be prepared'. Remember, how you look when he brings you over is how you'll be forever.:: She didn't look back at Tom. There was that gut feeling that he wouldn't be mortal all that long. She walked down the spiral staircase to the rooms below. There was that thought again in the back of her mind. Another would be made, another would be brought over, given the gift. Very soon. Perhaps tonight. The pulsing music surrounded her as the bronze double doors were opened for her. The scent of blood and sweat hit her full in the face. A beautiful young woman wearing nothing but black and red glitter, handed her a black satin mask. Jesse placed the mask over her face and entered the room. --------------------------------------------- Post 708: Pandora "Excuse us, please..." Pandora hooked her arm through David's and led him off. Ignoring his soft protests, she dragged him to her office. "Now you stay put," she poked him in the chest sharply. "I'll be right back, and I expect you to be here when I return!" She opened the window, and took off. She hated flying almost as much as her maker did, but emergencies were emergencies! She was back in less than five minutes. "Strip!" she ordered. "I beg your pardon," David stammered. "Take your clothes off," Pandora sighed. This one was supposed to be one of the smart ones of the new batch! "Pandora, really, we've got guests, mortal guests to look after and..." "Save it Davey boy, I'm not after your body, I'm after your clothes. How do to you expect to get Santino to forget his home address in that get up! Just let old Pan fix you up!" Pandora gave him a big toothy grin. David fixed her with a frightened look. "Need some help?" Pandora began to advance on him. David hastily began removing his tweed. Pandora laughed and began pulling the things she'd returned with out of the bag. She turned back to David and grinned again. "Boxers too, David." "I am not going without undergarments Pandora!" David drew himself up indignantly. "Nooo, not without - though that's an idea..." Pandora shook her head, not wanting to push David to far out of his purely surface prudery. He'd been having a bad enough time of it lately. She held up a really skimpy pair of black silk briefs - very briefs they should be called! She laughed at David's expression. "Trust me, David, these will be a real crowd pleaser." "Crowd?" David said faintly. "Of one. Santino. Remember?" David blushed and Pandora relented, and said softly, "I think he's worth the effort, don't you?" David didn't answer. He turned away and slipped off his shorts. Panda gave him a small bit of privacy and turned away as well, selecting the pants as the next to be donned. She turned back, and a growl sprang unbidden from deep in her throat. David stepped back away from her. "You look... really, really, good in those," Pandora knew there was no way she could get him to wear just the briefs and a smile out to the party, and she sighed her disappointment, handing him the pants. "Here you go, David. Cover that," she looked down at the scrap of black silk that barley covered natures generous gifts to that body, "before I jump you myself." David hurriedly stepped into the pants. "I'm ready for the shirt," he murmured. He left the waist of the pants unfastened for tucking purposes. Pandora handed him a deep dark midnight blue velvet jacket. It was exquisitely cut and would fit snugly in all the right places. "You forgot the shirt, Pandora," David prompted her politely. "No I didn't," Pandora replied, smiling widely. --------------------------------------------- Post 709: Sting In the space of an instant, his entire world fractured. Suddenly, abruptly, as though the floor had dropped out from under his feet, he could no longer remember even his own name. He did not know who he was, or where, or when. There was nothing left, just the unfamiliar and utterly terrifying press of lips against his, arms around him, a body pressed to his that he clung to more by instinct than anything else. And then the lips withdrew, and soft words spilled from them. "Buonasera, mi padrone." And the world suddenly snapped back into focus, a thousand times clearer then before yet somehow skewed, shifted, and terribly, terribly different. And the words were the key. They defined him. And suddenly he knew who he was. Tears springing to his eyes. He reached out, threaded his fingersthrough the soft, silky hair, stroked the cool cheek. Gently and so verylightly kissed those lips. Small, convulsive gestures, making sure theother was real and just needing to touch that reality. Barely able toforce the whisper past his tightened throat, rough, the accent drippingheavy off his tongue with emotion. "Amadeo.... gods, mi Amadeo... They're waiting, aren't they? They won't give us more than a few moments now." Terrible knowledge, feel the others, waiting, and all he wanted was to sweep this child and lover into his arms. And the world shifted again, splintered. He knew what would be said, even before the slight indrawn breath, before those beloved lips parted to utter them. He was watching it, moments before it happened, deja-vu so strong it took his breath away. He knew the words. "It's enough," he would say. "I always knew that we would meet again." He knew it in his bones. But the words did not come, and reality quivered around him, nauseating. Dark brows drawn down over those liquid eyes, surprise andsudden concern on the face. The breath came, but what was uttered on itwas a soft exclamation, possibly a curse. And the world shattered all over again, sensation of those pale fingers brushing gently across his mind, impossible... Sting stumbled back, the room dipping sickeningly for a moment. He took a deep breath, shaking his head slightly, steadying himself. Antonio was at his side, offering a supporting hand and Sting accepted it but waved him off after a moment, managing a rather pale smile. "I'm sorry," he managed. "Just a moment's lightheadedness... I forgot lunch. It's nothing, really." --------------------------------------------- Post 710: Brad Brad saw the happy smile curl the corners of Tom's mouth, and just as he was about to shout to Pan or Tony to cover for him so he could kiss the shit out of his beloved Brat, the waiter arrived with the food. "Oh well. I'll have to finish that... thought... later," Brad murmured and grinned at Tom. He nudged Tom's knee under the table, delighting in the flush that seeped up from Tom's collar as the waiter deftly arranged the food on the table with lightning speed and efficiency. He knew Tom wanted to get out of here and go back to the house so they could rip the sheet and howl at the moon, which was definitely on tonight's agenda, but he wanted to be out with him, just for a bit. He snuck looks at Tom, who was eating in a precise and business like manner, chewing and swallowing as if the fate of the world depended on properly chewed food reaching his stomach. Brad laughed, and promptly choked on a piece of steak. Tom leaped into action, preparing to Heimlich maneuver him. "I'm alright, babe, just went down the wrong pipe," Brad wiped at the tears, streaming from his eyes, still fighting off the laugh that started him choking in the first place, enjoying the feel of Tom's hands touching him here and there to make sure he was all right. Brad had a sudden mental image of Tom moving into position to Heimlich him, pressed against his back, arms around him tightly...and how they would probably wind up being the floor show for the other patron's dining pleasure. He laughed again, still choking slightly, swallowing hard as Tom handed him the heavy crystal goblet filled with water. "I hope that's lead free crystal..." Tom frowned at the glass. "Thomas, love, relax," Brad said softly. He smiled at Tom as he settled back into the seat studying the table minutely for other potential hazards. "I know you're a bit tense, but we'll be okay here. This is Pan's place. No way in Hell is anyone going to mess with us here. Remember that bit in the hotel with Tony?" "Yes, and I remember what happened when he left!" Tom retorted quietly. "Well, we don't have to just depend on Tony tonight. Pan's here, David and Jesse - and she even seems to be warming up to you! Imagine! But you did manage to escape her presence without insulting her this time..." "Lestat," Tom said softly. Brad slipped his hand into Tom's where it rested under the table. "What, is he talking to you?" "He here," Tom said quietly. Brad felt a icy chill begin to creep up his spine as he turned in to follow the direction of Tom's eyes. Lestat. Striding through the door like he owned the place, beautiful Louis firmly in tow. Lestat and Louis, together once again. Louis and ... "Tony!" Brad gasped, and was up out of his seat and moving toward his friend as fast as he could without breaking into a run. --------------------------------------------- [ Back ] [ Home ] [ Next ]