RPG SPEC: Dagger of the Mind
Sequel to "Hollywood Vampires"
Parts 54 - 56, Posts 531-560		
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Post 531: Gabrielle

	Marius smiled gratefully at Gabrielle for the relayed information 
of Lestat's whereabouts and condition. It took a weight from his already 
overwrought mind to know that Lestat was with Louis. 
	"This has been... quite the night," he sighed. Gabrielle looked 
more then ready to agree, and her sympathetic presence was a comfort. 
Rousing himself slightly, Marius politely dropped into a chair beside 
her, reaching out to take her hand.
	She smiled at him. "They'll be fine," she told him. "Both your 
son and mine."
	It startled a laugh from him, at which Gabrielle raised a pale 
brow. Marius waved the look away. "No... it's just, I was about to say 
the same thing to you."
	That got him one of her low, throaty chuckles. "Well, you know 
what they say of great minds... or perhaps just the minds of parents, 
right now."
	He wagged an admonishing finger at her, supressing a grin. 
"Careful... you'll give away the secret. We have to take special classes 
to be able to think like that."
	Gabrielle burst into outright laughter and Marius smiled, 
inwardly cheered at having been able to lighten her mood. His own was 
entirely too sober and he waited until she had calmed down before turning 
the subject to more immediate things. "You have a room here? Or nearby?"
	"Here," Gabrielle replied.
	Marius nodded. "We're just across the street," he explained. "At 
the St. Anne." Without thinking he reached out, checking on the location 
of Daniel, and grimaced slightly. "At least, I assume we are."
	"Why... oh." Gabrielle glanced upwards, to where she could sense 
both Armand and Daniel, then back to Marius. Impulsively, she reached out 
to touch his hand again. "He'll come back down. They both will. They just 
need to talk."
	Marius smiled tiredly. "I know. And I don't begrudge them that. 
And even if it is more then talk, or if it takes all night and half the 
next... well, I am hardly a child that shall suffer if not tucked into 
bed properly. I think I can survive one night alone."
	Gabrielle cast him a rather sharp look, as though making sure he 
was all right, and Marius ignored it. Gabrielle continued to look at him, 
in a way he had never quite realized was so unnerving, until being on the 
wrong end of it. He tried to wave away her concern. "I'm *fine*," he said 
firmly. "Just... Well, as we already said, this has been quite the night."
	Gabrielle finally nodded, sitting back. She looked tired... about 
the way Marius felt, in truth, and he could only hope it was not as 
visible as Gabrielle's feeling, or she would have every right to stare at 
him. They sat in a companionable sort of silence for a time, just taking 
comfort in the other's reassuring presence.
	And finally, after what seemed a small eternity, he looked up to 
see Armand once again emerge from the courtyard doorway.
	It was not quite the frantic, heartstopping leap towards him as 
before, but it was a good deal quicker then a walk and showed his own 
agitation. And Armand looked tired, nearly dazed - it took an effort of 
will to not just scoop him up and carry him back to their rooms, there to 
tuck him in as though he were still a child and make sure he rested. 
Instead, he just took him in his arms, holding him carefully, like some 
fragile spun glass treasure. 
	Armand sagged against him for a moment, hands knotted in Marius' 
shirt, then slowly pushed away slightly. "I want to go back to our 
room," he said, the strain evident in his voice. Marius nodded at once, 
turning to find Gabrielle hovering a few steps away.
	"We're just across the street," he told her, glancing quickly 
back to Armand. "You could join us, if you like."
	Gabrielle shook her head slightly. "It's all right. I have a room 
here." She smiled, reaching out to place a light hand on Marius' arm. 
"Take care of yourself. And him." She smiled warmly to Armand, not trying 
to touch him, and then walked away, back towards the elevators. Marius 
nodded slightly, then turned his entire attention to Armand.
	"Come on," he said quietly. "We'll go back now."

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 532: Brad

     ::Not even for this, amigo? <humor>  Are you sure?::
     Tony's voice sounding unexpectedly in his head made Brad start
violently. He spun around looking for Tony, only to hear, "::Up::"
whispered softly into his thoughts. He looked up and met Tony's eyes
as he slowly descended and set Tom carefully on the ground.
     How did he end up with Tom again? And why did they seem like they
were actually getting along? And Tony was smiling... Why was Tony
dropping down from the sky holding Tom and smiling? What had they been
doing that would bring them - both of whom had *separately* stormed
out of the Omni pissed off at him - here together...
     Brad's wonder at his airborne experience faded as his mind
flashed through all kinds of reasons - none of which he cared to look
at too closely. He certainly didn't care to examine the funky little
twinge of feeling that twisted his gut for just a second. 
     Surely that wasn't...jealousy? But if it was, who was he being
jealous of?!! He was saved from that train of thought by Pandora. She
and Tom immediately went at it, only Tom hadn't actually said
anything...but with this crew he didn't have to!
     Whatever he'd thought got Pandora hopping mad, and David had to
drag her away from Tom, not that that would do any good if she wanted
to hurt him. Brad hoped that for his sake she wouldn't do anything too
bad to Tom. 
     Let's see...Tom had called Jessie a slut, and thought something
about Pandora that made her hiss and snarl about spankings and
simpering brats! They were sure to run into Gabrielle at some point,
so insulting her would be no problem. They'd have to travel to get to
Maharet and Mekare though...
     Brad's fear induced mental gibbering was brought up short by the
presence of a uncharacteristically awkward Tom standing beside him.

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 533: Brad

     Brad stared in surprised. Tom looked almost as if he would break and
run. Like he had no idea what to say next! 
     "Hi," Tom said softly. for lack of a better opening.  "Can we talk a
moment?" 
     Okay, so he didn't know what to say next... 
     "All right."  Brad tried to keep his voice neutral as they moved away
from the group. Tom kept his voice low as they walked, asking him if he
wanted to stay with the others. 
     "You have a better idea?" Brad asked, smiling at the appealing
shyness in Tom's manner. It made his seem more like he was when they'd
awakened - like he'd been before coming face to face with Lestat... 
     As Tom looked at him, he could see the shyness melt away, and the
habitual glint reappear in his eyes. 
     "We could leave.  Talk.  Whatever..." 
     Smile growing, Brad raised his eyebrows.  "Whatever?" 
     Tom laughed a little.  "It's all I could think of on short notice. 
Give me a break... this has got to be the longest night in history."
     "No, that was last night..." Brad laughed at Tom's expression and
clapped him on the shoulder.
     "We were supposed to be going club hopping - after Pandora picked
"appropriate" clothes out for me!" 
     They looked at each other and shuddered simultaneously - then burst
into laughter, leaning into each other. Brad felt Tom's arms slip around
him. 
     "So, what's it going to be?" Tom asked seriously. 
     "I'm feeling a bit tired. I've been fixing windows, been dragged all
over town by my companions...plus I didn't get much sleep..." he grinned
at Tom. "I think maybe I should call it a night." 
     Tom didn't respond for a moment, then said in a resigned voice, "Oh.
Okay, call me first thing when you get up, then. I think we should..." 
     "Call you?" Brad snorted. "Uh-uh. You're coming with me. I went to
your place last time so you can come to First Street with me tonight! And
don't give me that, "Lestat needs me" stuff again. I don't want to hear
it!" 
     Brad pulled away from Tom and folded his arms stubbornly, waiting for
Tom's answer. If it wasn't the right one, he was prepared to do battle
over the issue! 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 534: Tom

	Tom folded his arms.  "You're not going to take no for an answer."
	Brad dug in.  "No.  I'm not."
	"Even if I tell you Lestat needs me."
	"Especially for that.  You're coming home with me."
	Tom flashed him a genuine version of his mega-watt grin.  "Okay."
	Brad blinked a moment.  "What, Okay?"
	Tom moved forward again, slipping his arms around Brad, nuzzling 
him a little.  "You'd prefer to fight?"  He dropped his voice to a husky 
purr.  "Or would you prefer to go home and make love?"  He communicated 
his desire plainly with an intimate touch, a light kiss to the throat...

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 535: Brad

     As Tom touched him and lightly kissed his throat, Brad was consumed
with desire. The murmured suggestion of going home to make love filled his
mind with heated memories of the night before. 
     "What's happening to me?' Brad wondered as Tom claimed his lips in a
kiss filled with passion. 'How did I reach this point of desperate longing
for him...?" But that thought too was swept away as the strong hands of
his lover caressed him and promised to drive him to the edge to the edge
of ecstacy right where they stood. 
     "Stop," Brad gasped. 
     "You don't want to?" Disappointment was plain in Tom's voice. 
     Brad laughed shakily, "That's not it - I just don't want to put on a
show for our friends..." 
     "Your friends, you mean," Tom muttered. 
     "You seemed awfully friendly with Tony when you arrived..." Brad
stopped himself. He didn't like the way his own voice sounded when he
asked that question, and he flushed when Tom's eyebrows winged upward at
his tone. 
     "I'm sorry, "I...I'm...I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at the
moment..." again he broke off, pulling away from Tom's embrace and
scrubbing a hand back through his hair. Tom took up his hand and drew him
back toward the others.
     "You're just tired, that's all. We'll make our excuses and find away
to get back to the house on First Street." 
     As they joined the others Tom put his arm protectively around him, as
if he was prepared to take them all on if they insisted on Brad continuing
with the evenings revels. He felt Tony's eyes on them as they stopped. 
     ::He believes you to be fully his already. You realize that don't
you?:: 
     Brad looked into Tony's blazing eyes, as Tom told the others they
wanted to retire. 
     ::Yeah, Tony, I realize it. The funny thing is, I don't know how far
wrong his is...:: 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 536: David

	David leaned against a tree and began to rub his temples with his
fingers. His head was throbbing now and he longed for the solitude of his
estate in Cotsworth. Pandora had picked yet another fight, this time with
Tom; Jesse was still upset and crying over Daniel; Antonio was hovering
about and the tension from the two remaining mortals of the group was
high. 
	"Let's get going shall we?" Pandora cut into his quiet moment. 
"You look all tense, we're going to have to work on that tonight when
we--" 
	"OH FOR GOD'S SAKE WOMAN WILL YOU SHUT UP?!" Everyone's head
turned to the two of them as David shouted, even to the surprise of
himself, at Pandora. "It's perfectly obvious that *no one* is going to be
going *any where* tonight!  Do you think that perhaps, just maybe, if you
try *real* hard, you can use that ancient brain of yours and add two and
two together?"  David stopped himself before he lost control of the
rant...more then he already had that is.  "We're going back home, we're
going to settle into our respective rooms, and then some of us, namely me,
are going to get that long over due sleep that they've been waiting to
have for weeks!  Have I made myself clear?" 
	"Perfectly!" said Pandora in a huff and she took off in the air. 
David turned to find all eyes on him.
	"You all realize that had to be said?" There was a general nod of
consent. "Good."

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 537: Antonio and Tom

      ::He believes you to be fully his already. You realize that don't
you?:: 
      Brad looked into Tony's blazing eyes, as Tom told the others they
wanted to retire. 
      ::Yeah, Tony, I realize it. The funny thing is, I don't know how far
wrong his is...:: 

	Antonio could only look at his friend, his expression shifting
from sympathy to sadness.  "This from the man," he said softly, "who swore
to fight?" 
	Brads eyes flashed a little.  "I've not given up.  He's *still*
mortal.  And he's gonna stay that way, if I have to take on the whole
coven to prove it." 
	The sudden silence hung heavy around them.  Startled, Brad looked
up to find himself the focus of the attention of all remaining.  Tom
watched him intently, green eyes flashing in the moonlight.  But rather
than make an issue of it, all he said was "Come on.  I'm taking you home." 
	Antonio watched them go, sadly shaking his head.  Then he sighed,
knowing he was far too tired for another flight.  He quickly hailed a cab
and headed back to the room he shared with Gabrielle. 
	Tom bundled Brad into a cab headed in the opposite direction,
toward First Street.  Fortunately the cabbie either did not recognize them
or did not care, for the ride was without incident.  When they arrived at
the house Tom knew better than to grab Brad.  The "I can do it myself and
this has been one hell of a long night" vibes were clear.  Instead he
simply followed him into the house and into his bedroom.  Once inside,
however, it was a different story. 
	At once Tom moved into Brad's arms, simply holding him.  "I'm
sorry." 
	"What for?" 
	Tom shook his head.  "I don't know.  For everything.  I'm sorry I
stomped out.  I'm sorry I'm putting you through this.  I'm sorry I got you
tangled up in... I'm just sorry."  He sighed heavily, not wanting to move
suddenly until sunrise.  The sunrise.  It would come soon, he knew.  His
body already knew, was becoming attuned to that special moment of the day. 
He did not look up.  He couldn't.  His voice was soft as he spoke.  "I'll
understand if you're too tired to watch the sunrise with me today."  But
all the same, he tightened his arms around Brad, suprised by but accepting
the fact that sharing the sunrise with Brad had become, somehow, every bit
as important as seeing it at all. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 538: Jesse

	Sniffling, Jesse watched David glare after Pandora. She yanked her
shoulder strap back to it's proper place and took to the air. This
night... oh, it had started off grand enough... and the middle had been
wonderful... but the ending. The ending had been like a bad dream... the
kind where you stand there and can't move as the tumult swirls around you.
	Jesse alighted in the back garden of Pandora's Coven house. The
morning chorus of birds had started and the sky had paled. She sat on the
back steps and looked up at the sky through the trees. She remembered
sunrises. Sunrises after pulling all night study sessions back at Barnard,
sunrises in the desert while she was on a dig, and the pink and gold
sunrises in England while she was in the Talamasca. She closed her eyes
and leaned back against the baluster and listened to the carolling birds. 
	"Daniel... where are you?" she whispered. 
	He was shielding himself. Jesse felt his presence somewhere in the
city, but that was all. 
	A hand closed over her shoulder. 
	"Coming in, Jessica?" David asked softly. 
	Nodding, she rose to her feet. Jesse felt the comforting arm of
her friend slip around her waist as she and David walked into the house
together. 
	It had been a long night for both of them. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 539: Pandora (now played by Mick Colman)

     The house was so quiet.
     So quiet.
     All the loud and laughing children were absent, and the place
echoed. No banging or crashing around, no sound of breaking valuables
or shattering glass, no voices raised in anger...or love.
     Quiet as a tomb.
     The silence pressed in on her with the absence of the young ones.
The silence crept up on her, seeking to smother her again, to wrap her
up in a soft, wooly, muffling of sound - drying up her voice, stealing
her *motion*.
     She had tried to keep things lively. She'd done what she could to
keep the young one from tearing themselves apart with grief, and
anger, and confusion. While the old one's played at being young again,
repeating the follies of youth, the truly young were left to fend for
themselves. They'd been left to flounder, to hurt themselves and each
other...hurts that would last through the centuries.
     Even that beautiful mortal child was floundering, chasing after
his lost friend, not heeding the danger he put himself in, only seeing
that his beloved friend was in need. He had no idea how brightly he
burned, how none of them could truly look upon him without considering
- if only for the briefest moment - making him their's forever.
     She had considered it...
     But that had been her loneliness talking. Her lonely, bitter,
*quiet* heart that had been made glad by that young man's presence.
That young one had touched her heart. He sought to put himself between
his friend and any that would harm him, and though Antonio had managed
to commit the worst folly - putting himself between Lestat and Louis -
Brad had still determined to do what he could to keep him safe.
     And because he was so determined, because he, with his courage,
and great heart, had touched a long dormant well of feeling in her,
she had decided to protect him. And he would need protecting...
     She'd seen Antonio watching him, she knew that look well. And if
ever someone was foolish enough to turn that Hollywood Brat into one
of them, Brad's life was truly forfeit. She had seen that the mortal
Brat would not, *could* not live without Brad now.
     "Oh, Brad, my dear young one. I fear you are in more serious
trouble than you know..."

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 540: Pandora

     Jesse had arrived. She sat on the steps and pined for that young
rascal, Daniel. To ease her own mind, Pandora scanned quickly for
Daniel, prepared to and drag him back here if he was doing something
stupid.
     And there he was doing something, if not stupid, then hopelessly
futile. 
     He was trying to win Armand back from Marius. 
     The boy knew himself that he was wasting his time, but he had to
try. Like a moth to a flame, he had to singe his wings against the
immensity that was Armand. She listened for a moment, worried about
what would come of it, and what Daniel might do if things did not go
well, but they seem to be working their way through things. If neither
was completely happy, neither were they miserable.
     As she withdrew she scanned the area for others. Gabrielle waited
with Marius, both as anxious as she was that things go well between
Armand and Daniel. She felt better with them waiting below, ready to
step in if trouble arose, so she withdrew completely.
     David had come in and was talking with Jesse, soothing her
worries about Daniel and sending her off to bed, before taking himself
off as well. Pandora frowned as a cloud of melancholy settled over
David as soon as Jesse's door closed.
     Her decision made, she quickly made her way to his room. He
started when she opened the door and came in.
     "Pandora, I..."
     She cut him off as she began to strip off her clothes. "Relax,
David. I'm not in the mood either. I just wanted a bit of company." He
stood looking at her, holding the awful oxford shirt he'd been wearing
in his hand. She winked at him and flicked back the covers.
     David sighed resignedly and set about securing the room from the
coming dawn. As he settled in beside her, Pandora heard the door open
and close downstairs.
     Brad had made it home, safe and sound, though he had brought that
obnoxious little twit with him. Now she could rest. All her young ones
had come home to roost, except for Daniel, and he had stayed at the
hotel, when Armand left. Content, she snuggled against David's lovely
body - admitting reluctantly that Lestat did have excellent taste in
some areas - and made plans for the following night.
     "Daivd, we *are* going out dancing - and you *will* be
accompanying us." There was no response, and she look up at him. He
was close enough to being asleep for her to allow the pretense to
pass.
     "Tomorrow we're going to find Santino, and the two of you will
patch things up if I have to Superglue you together until you talk it
out!"
     Pandora laughed at the gurgling sounds David made as he tried to
fight his way back out of the descending sleep to protest her plan.
     "That's okay David," Pandora sighed, drifting down into sleep
herself. "Save it for tomorrow - and Santino!"

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 541: Brad

     Brad took the troubled face between his hands and tilted it up to
meet his kiss. He trailed soft, lingering kisses all across it,
soothing and stroking the tightly clenched muscles of Tom's jaw and
neck. Tom was just as tired as he was, though no one would ever get
him to admit it. It was time for them both to rest.
     "What are you sorry for?" Brad kissed away the frown that started
to form between Tom's brow. "I was in "this" from the very beginning.
I was always the Louis, then came you, and Tony...and the rest, as
they say is history." Brad tried to make light of it, but Tom wasn't
having it. 
     "Look, Thomas, if anyone's to blame for my being in this mess,
it's me. I made the choice to stay and try to help Tony after they did
*that* to him. No one else was trying to help him - except for
Louis...and Louis' help could very well get him killed!" Brad derailed
that train of thought for the moment, not wanting to start a argument
about Tom's precious Lestat.
     "And as for you and I...," Brad kissed Tom deeply. "We'll just
take it each day as it comes, and let the sorrys take care of
themselves." He slid his hands down the hard curve of his lover's
back, and pressed him close. "Of course I'll watch the sunrise with
you. Wouldn't miss the sunrise for anything in the world." Brad kissed
Tom once more, then broke away, fighting off Tom's roving hands to
lead him out to the small eastern balcony where they'd watched the sun
rise last night...this morning...? It seemed like years ago, like
they'd been together, been this close, for years.
     "Here we are," Brad said softly. "You say, goodbye. And I'll say
hello."
     "Brad..." Tom began.
     "What? It's just and old Beatles song. It's been on my mind all
day...can't turn around without seeing the Beatles these days," Brad
smiled at Tom and then moved to the little lounge and sat. "You say
yes. I say no. You say why, and I say...I say..." Brad looked out over
the baclony as Tom came to sit beside him and take him in his arms.
     "No." Brad whispered against Tom's shoulder. "I say no, Tom. Do
you hear me? Are you *listening* to me!"
     "I hear you," Tom whispered into his hair. But he didn't say
anthing else, didn't say he would honor that no.
     "It's really Tony I should be worried about, you know," Brad
murmured.
     "He'll be fine. I don't think Lestat's after him anymore. He
showed no signs that he was, anyway, and Antonio was actually doing
fairly well with the whole business..."
     "I didn't mean worry about harm *to* him, Tom," Brad said gently.
"Here I am worrying about what you *might* do *if* Lestat makes you
into a vampire, and not giving a thought to my best friend in the
whole world, who is lonely and miserable, who loves me far too much,
who is alreay a vampire - and has had his teeth in me!"

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 542: Tom

	Tom took this in soberly, then raised his head, looking deep into 
his lover's eyes.  "You're exactly right." he said quietly.  "On all 
counts.  Antonio needs you now, and you don't dare go near him.  Louis... he 
knew what he was talking about."
	"What are *you* talking about?" Brad asked, voice tight.
	"I spoke with Antonio."  Tom hesitated, but could think of no way 
to ease it.  "He wants you every bit as much as I do.  Brad..."  His 
voice droped to a whisper, nearly choaked suddenly.  "You're in a hell of 
a lot of trouble."
	Tom felt Brad shiver in his arms, and hated himself for being the 
cause of that fear.  He suddenly hung his head, the night catching up to 
him in an unexpected wave of exhaustion.  The sky paled around them, 
bathing the balcony with light, blue gray from the mist which still hovered.  
Once again birds began their dawn chorus.  "The sun is rising.  It's another 
day.  We've another day... and I don't want to begin it arguing.  
Especially not with you."
	Brad nodded, but said nothing.  He only moved to wrap his arms 
around Tom, and the two of them faced the new day.  They watched until 
the sun burned off the last of the fog.  Traffic started to appear, 
sounds of doors opening, dog barking, televisions coming to life could be 
heard up and down the street.  In a matter of minutes the world had 
changed completely, while the two of them stood and watched, caught in 
the twilight somewhere between the sun and the moon.
	Finally Brad loosened his hold, tugging Tom back into a house 
where vampires slept.  Tom thought nothing of it.  In fact, he thought of 
hardly anything at all.  Suddenly, all he wanted in the world was a bed, 
and Brad's arms around him.
	He watched in rather numb satisfaction as Brad skinned out of his 
clothes, then turned and very matter-of-factly got him out of his own.  
However, his detachment ended abruptly when they hit the sheets.  
Suddenly Brad's hands were everywhere, stirring him to new life.  Tom 
responded immediately, kissing Brad as thought it would be their last 
time together.  "Beautiful one..." he whispered against the heated satin 
of Brad's lips, "my beautiful one... one more day..." then his words were 
lost, swallowed by his lover's kiss.

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 543: Daniel

     Daniel leaned back against the bed, completely happy for the
first time in years. He had gotten his answer from Armand. He still
loved him and wanted Daniel in his life. He would begin his new
life with Armand...and Marius and Lestat and Louis...and if she
would still have him and didn't kill him first, Jesse. 
     "Yes, this is perfection." He smiled to himself. He thought of
cloud dancing with Jesse and how magic that moment had been. That's
what it would be like from now on. The young reporter, so full of
what could be, so idealistic, so in love with the prospect of
immortality, was some how reborn in this night. 
     He felt the tug of sleep and looked at the clock on the wall.
How long had he been laying there?  It was near dawn. He only had
a few moments to secure the room before the blazing sun would fill
it with it's deadly light. 
     He got up and closed the shade. He would have to tack a
blanket to the to be certain that no light would get through. He
began to wonder, not for the first time, how much sunlight he could
stand before he would be vaporized. With the powerful blood of
Armand and the near indestructable blood of Jesse, surely he could
at least have a glimpse of the fire demon. He pushed the shade
aside and looked into the fading night. A pink and yellowish light
appeared on the horizon. So tired. But still he watched, mezmorized
by the colors he saw. When was the last time he saw the dawn? 
Running around with Armand...running from Armand...was a nightshift
job. He was too exhausted by the end of the night to have the
luxury of sitting up and watching the sun rise. He must have been
in his mid twenties the last time he saw one.
     He continued to gaze, his mind lost in reminiscing. It seemed
so harmless, that little yellow dot--
     Pain jolted through his entire body, he staggard backwards
pulling the shade down with him. The room was exposed and Daniel
hadn't the time or energy to resecure it. His eyes felt as though
they were on fire and he had to fight himself to keep from ripping
them out. 
     He somehow managed to drag the bedspread over his body and
crawl under the bed. *Oh God,* he cried  *please don't let this be
it, not now.* 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 544: George Clooney (played by Laura Ann Troise)

	Vampire movies.  Who would have thought?
	Oh, sure, ER was nice.  Even introduced him to Tarantino.  But it 
was *nothing* compared to this.
	*I play one psychopath in a horror flick and now I get to show my 
mug in a Scorsese film.  Oh yeah, I can get used to this.*  George made 
his way through the lobby of the St. Louis, grinning at those who shied 
away from the sunglassed, heavily tattooed man until they realized who it 
was.  He looked over at the freshly healed tribal piece on his neck 
which matched the piece he'd worn in From Dusk 'Til Dawn exactly.  *I 
don't care what my agent says, _I_ like it.  And it certainly didn't hurt 
my chances _here_ now did it?*
	It wasn't a *large* role, by any means.  In fact, it was a role 
that originally wasn't going to be cast.  But the chance to add in 
another star face in what was already the most highly cast film of the 
year was just too good to pass up.
	*Even if the film only technically exists at the moment.*  George 
grinned as he made his way to the elevator and up to the room the studio 
had booked for him.  *But who am I to turn down a paid vacation in New 
Orleans?  Too bad Julianna couldn't come.  But who knows?  At this rate 
they'll probably get her to play one of those cemetary vamps.*  George 
laughed at the thought of Jullianna's ER scrubs changed into rotted out 
18th century clothing and her hair done up like the Bride of 
Frankenstein.  *I'll have to give her a call about that one.  And 
speaking of calling....*
	Tossing his things onto the bed, he made his way over to the 
hotel phone and dialed the number that the studio had given him.  He 
rolled his eyes as he was told to leave a message.  "Like anyone expects 
him to be there," he muttered as he waited for the tone, then quickly 
switched into his friendliest phone voice.
	"Hi, Tom?  It's George Clooney.  We would have met at the Golden 
Globes if you'd been there.  And speaking of being there, I'm kinda 
calling on behalf of the studio.  It looks like they're trying to get The 
Vampire Lestat back up again.  At least I hope so since they just cast me 
as Santino," he laughed.  "Anyway, much as I love hanging around in New 
Orleans I gotta tell you the studio's worried sick about the fact that 
the three major stars of the film haven't been seen in forever and 
they're putting the pressure on me to find you guys.  So if you can give 
me a call and at least let me know what to tell them, I can tell you 
that'd they'd probably calm down enough to be cool about giving you all 
the time you needed to do... well, whatever it is that you're doing.  
I'll be hanging around my room at the St. Louis for a while so if you 
want to stop on by and tell me in person, just give a knock.  Bye."

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 545: Tom

	Tom woke content.  It was so rare that at first he thought he was 
still dreaming.  He should be up, doing something.  Making a call, 
getting to the set, talk to the agent... something!  But no.  He had no 
where to be, nothing to do.  Had absolutely nothing to focus on except 
the delicious feeling of the arms around him... and the even stronger 
emotions tugging at his heart.
	"Beautiful one..." he whispered, so softly that he could hardly 
hear the words himself.  "My beautiful one... "  He closed his eyes again 
at the powerful wave of emotions the words evoked.  Those eyes which 
should be grainy from lack of sleep, heavy lidded and unfocused.  Should 
be, but were not.  He felt refreshed... as though he had slept days 
rather than scant hours.  "Thomas," he thought to himself, "peace is good 
for you.  Remember that."  Then he smiled as it registered what he had 
called himself.  He was coming to love that name.  He was coming to love...
	Slowly, moving with exquisite care, he slid from the bed.  It was 
either that of chance waking Brad with his body's reaction.  All Tom had 
to do was look at his lover, curled so spectacularly in a splash of 
mid-day sunshine, for his body to react like a teen-ager.  Tom slid into 
jeans which were just a little too tight and headed for the door.  Before 
he could quite make it, though, he turned and stopped... looking one last 
time at Brad.  It was irresistable.  He found himself drawn back to 
Brad's side before he even realized he had moved.  
	Tom gently reached for his hand, prepared to freeze at the 
slightest indication that he would wake.  Brad continued in peaceful 
slumber, causing Tom to smile.  "Have you any idea how beautiful you 
are?" he whispered, bringing Brad's hand to his lips for a kiss, so light 
it was barely a breath against his skin.  "I don't know what's happening 
to me.  I don't understand any of this.  All I know is that I care for
you, William Bradley."  He kissed Brad's hand once more, gently resting 
his cheek against it.  "I've never been in love before.  But I'm falling 
in love with you."  
	It was either move away, that moment, or take him.  The sunlight 
picked up the natural gold in his darkened hair, caressed his cheek, the 
lashes resting against his cheek tipped with gold... Tom shivered as he 
backed away, amazed at his self-control.  Once outside he took a deep 
breath, adjusted his Levi's once more, then moved downstairs.  He had to 
do *something* or he'd be driven mad by the image of his golden lover.
	For the next several hours he did just that.  Kept himself busy 
with that image.  Upon investigation he confirmed that the food in the 
fridge was down to nonexistant.  Easy enough to call a local store and 
have supplies delivered.  He spent time happily stocking both the fridge 
and the shelves to overflowing... everything from caviar to frozen pizza 
waited for Brad's discovery.  He called the set, intending to have Brad's 
belongings brought to the house.  Instead, Tom  was slightly 
astounded by the number of messages waiting for him.  Apparently the 
entire free world had been searching for  Brad, Antonio and himself, 
with very little luck.  He shook his head, glaring at the phone.  "I'll 
deal with it, fine.  But I'll be damned if I let that pack of wolves get 
to Brad."
	He glared at the phone once more, then decided that there was no 
way in hell he'd lead them to Brad's sanctuary.  Peace was all too rare 
in the business.  If Brad had found a safe haven, so be it.  He'd take the 
heat from his own hotel room.  Scribbling a quick note to let Brad know 
where to find him and why, he called a cab and headed back to the St. Louis.
	Once in the suite, he was unsurprised to find the phone blinking 
insistantly.  Sighing, he grabbed a pad and started to call for 
messages.  Martin... agent... Nicole... divorce papers?  Whatever.  Agent 
again.  Press statement re: said divorce papers.  Whatever.  He continued 
to scribble, his mind working to sort the information, process it, 
prioritize it.  
	The main source of the frenzy could be boiled down into one 
simple statement.  The movie was back.  New funding had been found.  The 
cast had shifted a little, one final rewrite on the script... Tom frowned 
a little at that.  And another character added, to both take advantage of 
Antonio's heightened popularity (and notoriaty since his "kidnapping") 
and to cast another superstar to the already top heavy cast.  Which led 
into the final call waiting for him.
	"Hi, Tom?  It's George Clooney.  We would have met at the Golden 
Globes if you'd been there.  And speaking of being there, I'm kinda 
calling on behalf of the studio.  It looks like they're trying to get The 
Vampire Lestat back up again.  At least I hope so since they just cast me 
as Santino," he laughed.  "Anyway, much as I love hanging around in New 
Orleans I gotta tell you the studio's worried sick about the fact that 
the three major stars of the film haven't been seen in forever and 
they're putting the pressure on me to find you guys.  So if you can give 
me a call and at least let me know what to tell them, I can tell you 
that'd they'd probably calm down enough to be cool about giving you all 
the time you needed to do... well, whatever it is that you're doing.  
I'll be hanging around my room at the St. Louis for a while so if you 
want to stop on by and tell me in person, just give a knock.  Bye."
	Tom hung up the phone then looked at it thoughtfully.  George 
Clooney.  Tom only knew of the guy by reptation.  Knew of his work on ER, 
knew of his film work, had never seen any of it.  Who had time for that?  
And now he was here, in the hotel... Tom continued to stare at the phone, 
wondering suddenly what George would do if he went to the room, knocked 
on the door and started telling him that the production was cursed and he 
should get out while he could?
	It was more than a little tempting.
	Sighing heavily, he ran a comb through his hair, fixed his best 
Lestat smile in place, and strode for the door.  He made it all the way 
down the hall before he simply stopped, shaking his head.  "Enough of 
that.  What the hell... "  He forced himself to relax.  He did not need 
to own this situation.  No matter how tempting it was to burst in and 
blaze superstar.  No.  Not this time.  Shaking his head one more time, he 
simply knocked.
	When the door opened, he was so astonished that he could only 
stare... not at the man who opened the door, but at the sinister, curling 
tattoo which wove senuous patterns over his neck.  Eyes slightly bulging 
he finally managed to look up.  George was grinning as he extended his 
hand.  "Hi Tom.  George Clooney.  Nice to meet you."

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 546: George

	"C'mon in," George stepped back from the doorway to let Tom into 
his hotel room.  He grinned to himself as he noticed Tom's reaction to 
his tat.  Then, just for the heck of it, he peeled his coat off to expose 
the pattern on his arm.  He couldn't help the laugh as the superstar gawked.
	"Is that--?" Tom was still staring.
	"Real?  Yeah."  George took a seat and gestured for Tom to do the 
same.  "My agent had a fit but I don't see the problem.  I'm always 
wearing high collars and long sleeves on ER and makeup can always take 
care of the rest.  Besides," he grinned, "what did he think would be 
better for my image:  this, or a butterfly on my ass?"
	Tom laughed, taking a seat across from him.  "Well modification 
does seem to be the latest thing."
	"So it does," George smiled and indicated Tom's hair.  "And it's 
yet to hurt any of our characters.  You get to play a rich rock star and 
I get to play a Satan whorshipping fiend."
	"I don't know if he thinks of himself like *that*," Tom muttered.
	"Hum?"
	"Uh... the character.  Of Santino."  Tom raked a hand through his 
hair.  "I've read the books and I didn't get the impression he thought of 
himself in the way you described."
	"Oh, right," George waved it off.  "I know.  I was just kidding.  
I do that."  Contradicting his own statement, he grew serious, actually 
looking at Tom.  "You know, I've got to say, you don't look so hot.  Can 
I get you anything?"
	Tom grinned.  "Doctor's orders?"
	George groaned.
	"Not the first time you've heard that, I'd wager."
	"No, and it certainly won't be the last, I'm sure."
	"If it's any consolation, I still get Top Gun jokes," Tom's grin 
grew broader.  "Mind you, it's usually in referance to my anatomy so it 
could be worse.  And in answer to your question, no.  I'm fine.  I just 
needed a vacation."
	George nodded.  "I know what you mean.  I heard your schedule was 
even worse than what I have to go through for the show.  And staying up 
all night long can't be helping."
	Tom rolled his eyes.  "*Tell* me about it."
	"I guess the 'Curse of The Vampire Lestat' has it's advantages--"
	"He's not cursed."
	"What?"
	"The movie.  The movie isn't cursed."  Tom seemed to roll his 
eyes again.  "Just really misunderstood."
	George looked at him for a bit, then nodded.  "I can imagine.  
You know how rumor mills are.  Heck, if half of what I've heard about the 
problems is true, I would have cut out on vacation long before you did."  
He gave a conspiratorial wink.  "So I'll tell the studio that you've gone 
off with Brad and Antonio in order to do more research to really get into 
the character and as soon as you're done with this exhaustive work, 
you'll be back on the set in no time.  And, since I love to get into 
character as much as the next guy, who right now is you, just where can I 
go to do this 'research'?  And if it's anywhere with either music or 
something to drink I'll be so grateful the tabloids can start doing 
rumors about *us*."

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 547: Tom

	Tom could only stare.  The urge to simply spill his guts was so 
overpowering that speech was becoming a serious issue.  "Exhaustive 
character study.  That would be... an appropriate excuse."
	 "Hey, Tom... you ok?"  George grinned, a little uneasily.  "You're
zoning bud."
	"Uh, yeah... I'm fine.  Sorry.  I'ev been up almost all night."  
He chewed his lip a little, frantically trying to think of some way to 
warn the mortal, to give him some sort of choice before it was too late.  
Antonio's words rang in his ears.  "For those who seek to bring his story 
to the world, it is the same."
	"Come again?"
	Tom blinked, unaware that he had spoken aloud.  In frustration he 
ran his hands through his hair, flipping the dark golden locks back over 
his shoulder.  "Listen, George, there's a lot going on here you ought to 
be aware of."
	George looked at him.  "You know, Tom, this isn't my first picture."
	"I know... I'm aware of your work.  But this set is... really 
unique.  We've got some... consultants.  They're... a little... intense."
	By his expresion it was clear that George had no idea what he was 
talking about, and Tom could do no better.  Finally he leaned forward, 
his expression intent.  "Listen, you want music and dancing and the 
works, we're going out tonight, I think.  Brad, Antonio, me... and 
probably most of those consultants I was talking about.  You're welcome 
to come along.  It's as good a time as any to meet them.  But there's one 
thing I want you to keep foremost in your mind.  If it gets too..." he 
trailed off, searching for the words.  "If you... if they... oh *hell*.  
Listen, just come to me if you need to talk.  All right?  I don't give a 
damn about salary, or experience, or who's playing what role.  Not on 
this film.  Just *come* to *me* before you talk to anyone else... all 
right?"
	George only stared.  "Yeah... fine.  Whatever Tom.  Listen, maybe 
that vacation of yours was cut a little short.  Why don't you kick back and 
rest?  I'll see you tonight."
	The man obviously thought he was insane.  Better that than hit 
him with the truth all at once.  Better to hit him with it when Santino 
was standing in front of him, Lestat and Louis... Antonio... oh hell.  
"You're right.  I definitely need rest.  I'll pick up you at sunset."
	"Sunset, huh?  You're really getting into this vampire stuff, huh?"
	Tom stood and headed for the door.  "George, you've seen nothing 
yet.  Absolutely nothing.  I'll see you tonight.  Get some rest.  You'll 
need it."  He smiled just a little, then headed for the door. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 548: Sting (Played by Heather Meloche)

	"There's a moon over Bourbon Street tonight... I see faces as 
they pass beneath the pale lamplight..."
	He was doing it again. It was the sixth time he had caught 
himself unconsiously singing that under his breath, and for the sixth 
time he made himself stop, made himself hum anything other then that 
insiduous tune that kept creeping up on him. Never mind that he actually 
had been on Bourbon Street less then a half hour before; the song was 
just *too* damned appropriate, and far too typical. Especially for him. 
So he firmly told himself for the sixth time that he was *not* going to 
sing it, not now, not during any time while this film was being made. Period.
	He bet himself another hour before he'd find himself humming it again.
	It was all just too surreal. To actually be in New Orleans, and 
part of this. He enjoyed his bouts into acting, but *this*... He had 
wanted the lead part desperately, when he had first heard of it, and had 
quickly been disabused of that notion. Impassioned enthusiasm not 
withstanding, it had been pointed out to him that his acting talents were 
simply not in the league they wanted. Hollywood wanted a big name star in 
that role... and he had nearly choked when he heard it had gone to Tom 
Cruise. When the first movie came out he hadn't watched it for months, 
not wanting to see what kind of mockery Hollywood had made, and then, 
when he had finally forced himself to sit down and watch the video tape, 
it had still stung. But he had to admit the man hadn't done *too* badly. 
Still...
	That he was here now was sheer luck. The near cancellation of the 
movie had made schedual conflicts for some of the actors, and several, 
such as Jeremy Irons, had simply walked. Which left open spots, open 
characters, and a whole new casting call. And now he was here, and there 
was a script up in his room, which he had read in it's entirity last 
night and nearly already commited to memory. And it wasn't such a bad 
part... Rather large, really, and important, and it suited him. Hell, 
having *anything* to do with this movie suited him, regardless. There was 
just something about this that made him itch to be near it.
	He walked into the lobby of the St. Louis, thoroughly enjoying 
the bored stares of the man behind the desk and the way he didn't draw so 
much as a second glance from anyone. The clothes were non-descript, the 
sunglasses hid a good portion of his upper face, and his hair, studiously 
grown out and now pulled back tightly, was so unlike his cultivated press 
image that very few people had actually recognized him so far. The 
complete invisibility was rather fun. He nodded to the staff, smiled in a 
friendly manner and walked back to the elevator. 
	He had not quite reached it when the doors opened of their own 
accord and a man stepped out, looking a little agitated, tired, and far 
too familiar.
	The man would have walked right past him without a second glance 
if he hadn't sidestepped into his way, presenting himself with a smile 
and a little nod of his head.
	"Well," he said pleasantly, "if it isn't Mr. Cruise, the man who 
would be Lestat."
	Cruise just gaped at him for a moment, obviously having no idea 
of who he was. Enjoying it thoroughly, he abruptly held out his hand, as 
though he had only just thought of the niceities of introduction. His 
voice held the epitome of British good manners. "Oh, pardon me. Gordon 
Sumner. We're going to be working together."

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 549: Tom

	"Well," the man said pleasantly, "if it isn't Mr. Cruise, the man who 
would be Lestat."
	Tom just gaped at him for a moment, having no idea who was 
addressing him in this manner.  Obviously enjoying it thoroughly, the 
stranger abruptly held out his hand, as though he had only just thought of 
the niceities of introduction. His voice held the epitome of British good
manners. "Oh, pardon me. Gordon Sumner. We're going to be working together."
	Tom blinked, taking in the manner, attitude and hand all at once, 
then offered him a blinding smile, relaxing into "superstar" with barely 
a thought.  "Gordon.  Nice to meet you.  Thanks for joining us on such 
short notice."  He took the proferred hand, offering a short, firm 
handshake.  "Jeremy had a conflict, I take it?"

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 550: Sting

	Sting pasted a polite smile over his face, returning the handshake
a little more firmly then necessary. "Yes, that's what I heard. Very good
call by the way." The smile stretched a little more, displaying white
teeth. He reached up, pulling off the sunglasses and tucking them into the
breast pocked of his shirt. "Or do I just somehow broadcast some essential
'Mariusness'?" 
	Tom looked surprised for a brief moment and Sting let the smile 
relax into a little more genuine expression, pleased to have shooken the 
'superstar' attitude for one moment. ::And I have to act opposite this?:: 
he thought. ::Bloody hell. I hope Banderas is easier.:: 
	An abrupt decision, and then he dropped the smile all together, 
becoming very business like. "You do know the entire studio and Martin 
are looking for you, don't you?"

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 551: Tom

	Warn him?  Out of the question.  On the contrary, Tom intended to
be front row center when "Gordon" came face to face with the
"consultants".  Some things in life were simply a moral imperative.  "Yes,
I know.  George just told me." 
	"George?"
	"Clooney.  You've heard of him?"
	The singer's eyes glittered for a moment and Tom simply smiled 
helpfully, squashing the chuckle before it could reach the outside 
world.  "I've heard of him.  Though... how did he know?"
	"George is playing Santino.  New part.  Have you seen the revised
script?" 
	"I've seen it."
	"Well then.  Wonderful."  Tom moved away, still simply oozing 
superstar charm.  "By the way, there's a little get together tonight.  
George, Antonio, Brad... that's Antonio Bandaras and Brad Pitt... myself, 
and a few of our consultants.  Would you be interested in joining us?"

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 552: Sting

	Consultants? And the full main cast. Interesting, and far too 
good to pass up. "I'd be delighted," Sting said politely, smile still 
pasted in place. ::Though a few hours of Mr. "My ego is the world" may 
drive me stark insane,:: he admitted privately, and then thoroughly 
squelched the thought as completely unproffessional. The man might rub 
him the wrong way, but they were still going to have to spend a good 
amount of time together filming. Might as well try to start off at least 
tolerating each other. "My room's upstairs... fourth floor. Tonight, you 
say?" One last effort of a smile. "I'll be looking forward to it. 
Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cruise." 
	A polite nod, answered by Tom, and then he stepped into the 
elevator, waiting until the door was closed to drop the air of congenial 
friendliness. "This is going to be a long night," he muttered.

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 553: Lestat

	Lestat stirred a little, sighing in pleasure.  He was home, Louis 
was holding him.... ah perfection.
	Then he opened his eyes.  "Damn," he muttered.  *It's not bad 
enough that Louis and I are still working on being together.  No, _I_ 
have to wake up to the cliche of thinking the fight was all a dream.  Ducky.*
	He felt Louis move next to him and instantly calmed himself.  He 
turned over and smiled, watching Louis as he slept.  The temptation to 
kiss that soft mouth was nearly overwhelming.  Just the thought of 
leaning in, brushing their lips together, feeling Louis move under him 
then start to respond....
	Lestat got out of bed before *that* thought went any further.
	*I refuse to ruin this!  I have no idea why I've been given such 
a break but I am not going to screw it up by any means.*  He looked back 
at the sleeping form wistfully.  *No matter how tempting those means may be.*
	Too cowardly to wake Louis up to continue their conversation and 
too weak to trust his willpower to hold up to the sight of Louis in their 
bed, Lestat decided the easiest way to distract himself was to watch the 
sea of mortality outside until Louis rose.  He smiled to himself as he 
crossed over to the window, thinking of how many times he'd looked out of 
it waiting for Louis to come home.  *And now that I've got him here, all 
I can do is look at everyone _but_ him.  I hate blatent irony.*
	After checking around the side of the curtain to make sure that 
there were no fading rays of sunlight to bother Louis in his sleep, 
Lestat gently pushed the curtains back, taking care to be quiet and not 
disturb Louis.
	Until the entire structure fell from the wall in a crash at his feet.
	Lestat lept back, instinctively holding his arms out to protect 
Louis from any debris.  The room filled with moonlight as Lestat turned 
to face the now awake and very confused Louis.
	"Lestat?"  Louis sat up carefully, brushing his hair away from 
his face. "What..."  Louis paused as he saw the remains of the curtains. 
"...happened?"
	Lestat gave an apologetic grimace.  "The curtains fell when I 
tried to open them.  I'm sorry, Louis.  I guess I was just careless."

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 554: Daniel

     Blessed Night!  Daniel rolled out from under the bed still wrapped in
the bed spread. He was afraid to open his eyes, they were still burning
from the morning ordeal. Slowly, he opened one and then the other.
Nothing.  He could see nothing. He tried to keep from panicking. Perhaps
it was just dark in the room...still, his vampire vision should be able to
cut through that. *Just sensitive, that's all* He said this over and over
to himself so he would believe it. He stumbled through the room until he
reached the door and moved his hand against the wall searching for the
light switch. *Found it!* He clicked it on. A white haze flooded the room,
but that was all. He couldn't make out objects. 
     "Goddamn it!" he shouted. "Christ, just when evrything was so right,
I do something stupid!" He wanted to cry, and found out he _was_ crying
when he felt the sticky wet blood clotting on his face. He fumbled his way
to the bathroom and throroughly washed his face...and most of the bathroom
in the process. 
     He made his way back to the door and left the room, his hands were
against the wall trying to feel his way to the back stairwell.  He thought
of calling room service for help, but there would be too much to explain,
and if his eyes started bleeding again, they might insist on calling a
doctor. 
     By the only luck he seemed to have this night, he reached his
destined door. He felt the raised lettering labeled across the glass and
pushed it open. He grabbed to the railing and began to race down the
steps. He never noticed the man approaching in the opposite direction,
until they were tumbling down the stairs together. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 555: Christian Slater (Played by Stephanie Buday)

     Chris hated crowds.  He hated them more after the incedent in the
airport with the gun. He had stashed one away in his bag to protect
himself and the security 'rent o' cops' had caught him. He should have
known better then to carry a concealed weapon through an airport, but the
last threat he had gotten really freaked him out. *Fucking deranged
people...a person can't live a goddamn normal life anymore!* The rentals
had carted off to the district attorny's office, all smug that they had
caught a movie star. The DA crossed the room and snidely stared at the
cool unperturbed face of the actor. 
     "Well Mr. Slater, what do you have to say for yourself? You know how
many kids look up to you?  What would you tell them now?  If I haulled
your ass in front of a group of kids, what moral would you teach them?" 
     Chris scooted up in his chair and looked the DA in the eye.  "I'd
tell 'em, 'Live and learn kids, live and learn.'" The DA snear at him and
then had the balifs take him down to holding for the night. 
     Chris shudder at the memory, it was nothing he wanted to remember
soon. Tabloids were begining to call him the fourth victim of The Vampire
Lestat curse. That was silly. He hadn't been to the set since Interview
with the Vampire was completed. He didn't even know they were going to
recast him in the role of "Daniel" till he got the call the other night.
Martin had phoned him and begged him to return. He had no other projects
at the moment, so he accepted. 
     It still upset him how he got the part. The death of River Pheneox
had shocked the entire cast. And there he was, taking over the role that
the dead actor was cast to play. It disturbed him greatly, he was only a
few years older then River. They had known each other well, and while they
didn't exactly hang out together, they ran in some of the same circles. 
     But here he was now in New Orleans, ready to once again don the
charater of Daniel Molloy, boy reporter turned vampire expert.  Even *he*
was curious to find out how his character would fit into the new version
of The Vampire Chronicles. *Please God, don't make me have too many scenes
with Tom!* It's not that he disliked Tom, but he always got so _into_ his
roles, that it had the tendency to get a little creepy. Chris prefered
winging it to Cruise's method acting.
     Martin had made the arrangments for Chris to stay at the St.  Louis.
Prefering to keep a low profile, he headed there in an '89 mint green
chevy that he had picked up in a poker game a few months ago. It was his
favorite car. 
     All the accomidations were settled. He grabbed the room key he had
been sent and quietly slipped into the hotel through the back stair well.
     Half way up to the fifth floor, he had been hit by an unkown force
that had him sailing backwards down the steps. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 556: Brad

     He stretched languidly. Happy, sated and still sleepy, he rolled
over and slid his arm across the bed, reaching for his love...
     "He's gone, amigo."
     Brad's eyes flew open and focused on Tony, seated in a chair he'd
pulled up next to the bed.
     "Tony, what are you doing here?" His eyes scanned the room,
looking for signs of Tom's presence. His clothes were gone, and there
was no sound coming from the room's bathroom.
     "I told you he'd gone, Brad," Tony said again, watching him
through narrowed eyes. "He's off about his business. The work of a
superstar is never done, you know. He can't spend all his time in bed
with you."
     Brad knew his face fell slightly at the news - at the same times
as he flushed at Tony's words. He'd hope to find Tom here when he
woke... Brad turned his head to look at the window curtains. They were
open slightly, and it was full dark outside. He turned his gaze back
to Tony...Tony who was awake - had been awake long enough to come here
and sit by his bed.
     "Yes, it has been dark for awhile now, amigo. And you lay here
alone. He left you asleep and unguarded in a house full of waking
vampires so he could go off to work..."
     Brad didn't know what had shown on his face or flitted across the
surface of his thoughts because Tony instantly crossed the space
between them and gathered him close in a fierce hug.
     "Ah, forgive me, mi amigo. I curse myself for this horrible
jealousy!" Antonio pulled back and smoothed the hair from his face.
Brad caught at his hand and held it tightly.
     "Hey, don't say that. Don't curse yourself for any reason!" He
frowned at his friend and squeezed his hand once more. Tony's emotions
were so wild, so mercurial these days it was scary!
     "But I hurt you by saying what I did - the way I did. It is true
that he left you here, but perhaps he intended to be back before you
awoke. He has been very busy while you slept. There is food in all the
cabinets in the kitchen, and signs that he has been working
downstairs. And he did leave this..."
     Tony pulled an envelope from his pocket and handed it to him.
Brad snatched the envelope from him and tore it open. As he read the
contents, he could feel his lips curl into a smile.
     "He's fielding for me, Tony! The pictures started up again, only
no one could find us! Marty's having a shit-fit over it... Tom's out
getting things squared away and stuff. He's gone back to the hotel so
no one would find out where I was!" Brad looked up at Tony, grinning
like an idiot - and felt the grin flutter then fall away at the look
on Tony's face.
     "So. You have given up, eh? You will fight no more forever!"
     Brad stared at Tony in confusion, puzzled at why he was so angry.
     "Tony, what's the *matter* with you? Why are you pissed at me
now?" 
     "You should see yourself, amigo. You should see your own face
when you read his words! One would say by looking at you read that,"
Tony flicked the note Brad still held tightly in his hands "that it
was filled with words of love! And even then, I would ask you why you
should look that way. And would I believe you if you said it was
nothing, when it is plain that you have given in to him, totally and
completely! You are falling in love with him!"
     Brad felt his own anger rising at Tony's word. What went on
between him and Tom was nobody's business but theirs! 
     "I'm not giving in to him!" Brad began hotly, throwing back the
sheets to get out of bed and get dressed. He wanted to get to the St.
Louis and check in with Tom...
     "No?" Tony sneered, catching his wrist and pulling him halfway
across the bed as if he weighed no more than the sheet. "You can't
keep your thoughts away from him for more that a second or two..."
     "I asked you to stay out of my head!" Brad snarled, wrestling
with Tony, trying to break free of his grip.
     "And look at you, *look* at yourself!" Tony gestured down the
length oh his body, indicating the red marks from Tom's bites. Tony
grabbed his head with both hands, holding him still effortlessly. He
twisted his head to the side, exposing the mark on his throat where
Tom had deliberately marred the skin, biting him hard in the heady
passion of their lovemaking.
     "He plays at vampire, my friend! Plays at it! He dreams of the
day when he can bite into your flesh and draw the life from you,
making you fully his for all eternity! And you will be ready for him
when he does. Brad, he makes you ready for him!"
     "NO! He's not! Tony you don't understand...he...he..." Brad
didn't know what he meant to say. What could he say? That Tom loved
him? Tom's words echoed in his mind, "...Never close enough to you my
beautiful one...I'll never be close enough..." Brad paused. Could Tony
be right? Did Tom only prepare him to be his "Beautiful One" his
Louis, to stay by his side and forgive all, throughout eternity?
     Brad shook his head, chasing away that thought. He remembered the
look on Tom's face - so unguarded, so vulnerable... When they were
making love Tom never seemed triumphant or smug. He always looked
slightly afraid - as if was doing something that frightened him and
thrilled him and made him happy all at once! That was it. That was it
exactly.
     "He's finally happy!" Brad looked at Tony in surprise. "I do
that. *I* make him happy. I saw it. I saw it in his face when he was
sleeping. I woke up, and looked at him a minute, and saw that he was
smiling. He was smiling in his sleep, and so relaxed and peacefully
*happy*!"
     "And why should he not be?" Tony growled, and Brad's eyes locked
with Tony's. "He has you! How could he not be supremely happy! But he
has not won you yet, amigo. You are not completely his yet!!"
     As Brad looked into Tony's blazing eyes, he recalled Tom's words
as they watched the sun rise over their balcony.
     "..."He wants you every bit as much as I do.  Brad... You're in a
hell of a lot of trouble."
     Brad looked into the eyes of his best friend and knew that he was
for sure in a hell of a lot of trouble...

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 557: Daniel

     The two layed in a huddled mass at the bottom of the stairwell.
Daniel began it move and tried to stand himself up. He grabbed hold of the
rail and eased himself down to sit on the step.  Christian picked his head
up for a moment, but then slumped back to the floor. 
     "Oh God, I think I'm dead!"  Daniel listen to the voice, it sounded
familiar.
     "No, your not dead." Daniel scanned the man looking for an injury
that would indicate a serious problem. "Nothing looks that bad, just a few
bruises. Get up, I need your help." 
     "Excuse me!" Christain shouted, his body still lying on the ground.
"You come like a force flying out from no where, run me down and...and
break my back, and now you want me to help you?!"  Ah, now Daniel new who
he was! 
     "Mr. Nicholson, I'm very sorry but--" 
     "Great, I get run over by a smartass. I'm really sick of hearing that
line! I don't think I sound anything vaguely like him." He propped himself
up on his arms and pushed himself against the wall for support. He focused
at his assailant sitting on the stair case. "Jesus Christ!" Christian
stared into the glowing red and violet eyes of Daniel. "What the hell are
you?  You're not going shoot some beam out of your eyes and kill me or
make me a zombie or something, are you?" 
     "What?"  Daniel was confused for a moment, usually he had quite an
easy time passing as a human. Must be the damage the sun did. "Oh. No.
I...I have an eye problem...glacoma. The medication does weird things to
them. I'm..." Daniel thought for a moment...yes, he was going to have some
fun with this. "I'm very sensitive about it." He turned away, appearently
ashamed of his illness. Christian regreted having made the comment. 
     "Hey, look man, I'm sorry!  Seen too much Star Trek. It was a stupid
thing to say. Those eyes are a beautiful color, really!  In fact, you get
the red cleared out of there and that's exactly the shade I'm looking for.
The character I play is suppose to have violet eyes like that." 
     "The character you play?" It was starting to register who this person
really was. 
     "Yeah. A reporter that one day interviews a vampire." 
     "Ah, so The Vampire Lestat is back on then?" 
     "That it is." 
     "And you're Christian Slater." 
     "Guilty." 
     "Will you do me a favor?" Daniel asked.  Christian hesitated, but
felt bad about his early comment. 
     "Uh...sure." 
     "Take me back to my house. It's not far from here." 
     "I...I don't know about that. What if I called you a cab?"  Daniel
frowned. He might have to try a bit of "persuation" on him.
     "I'd rather you do it. Cab drivers tend to try and take advantage of
my blindness." *You will drive me home*
     "Okay, I'll take you." Christian said, not sure why he had consented
without a fight. He reached into the inside pocket of his trench coat and
pulled out a pair of sunglasses that had miraculasly remained intact. 
"Here." He handed Daniel the glasses.  "Put these on. You don't need
anyone else gawking at you." He was about to add a comment about
attracting moths, but decided that would have been mean.
     "Good call." Daniel said while putting the glasses on. 
     "Grab my arm, I'll lead you over to my car." 
     "What kind is it?  A Mustang, Camero, Probe?" 
     "An old Chevy." 
     "Fire engine red?" 
     "Mint green. 
     "I wish I could see it now. Maybe in a few days, huh?"  Christian
eased Daniel into the car, shut the door and walked around to the other
side and got in. *What the hell, does he think I'm going to be, his
buddy?*
     "Sure. So what is this, some kind of twenty-four hour blindness?" 
     "Oh, sorta. It happens sometimes when I forget to take my
medication." Christian suddenly remembered something and swiftly changed
the subject. 
     "Hey, how did you know I wasn't injured?" 
     "What?" 
     "You told me I wasn't hurt. How did you know?" 
     "Oh *that*!" Daniel spewed out the first cover he could think of.
"I'm a psychic...uh, into healing and stuff like that." 
     "You're joking!" Christian was beginning to wonder what kind of mess
he had gotten himself into. "Well, if you don't mind my saying it, you're
not a very good one." 
     "Umm, tell me about it. Thought I'd take it up since I did just about
everything else." 
     "Lemme get this straight. You took up being a psychic 'cause you were
bored?  Great, I'm giving a scam artist a lift!" 
     "No! I would never use my powers for finacial gain!" Daniel nearly
busted up laughing from his own inside joke. "Seriously Mr.  Slater, I'm
filty rich, I don't have to do stuff like that. Even when I was penniless
and on the streets I never scammed a soul. Oh, I should tell you where
we're going huh?" 
     "That might help." 
     "1616 First Street. Know where it is?" 
     "Yeah, I think so. About five blocks from where we are now." 
Christian turned the car around and headed in the right direction.  The
sooner he dropped this guy off and got back to the hotel, the happier he
would be. 
     He pulled into the drive way and waited for Daniel to get out of the
car. "Uh, we're here." 
     "Aren't you going to help me out? Or would you rather I tripped my
way up to the door?" 
     "Oh, I'm sorry, sure." He got out and took Daniel by the arm and
walked him to the door. 
     "Do me a favor, don't tell Jesse I'm blind when she comes to the
door. I don't want her to know...she'll either be all worried or slug me
and quite frankly, either would be annoying right now." 
     "How long do you think I'm staying?  Look, I brought you home, I'm
taking off now. I'm sorry you're blind, I'm sorry you're an unsuccessful
psychic, and I'm sorry you have girlfiend problems, but I have to get back
to my hotel room and...and..." 
     "Yes?" 
     "I have plenty to do...read over the script!" 
     "Please, at most you'll have two lines again. Come on!  You'll like
it here...you might meet someone you know." 
     "What." Christian laughed, "you think we hang with the same people?" 
     "I'll bet you, that someone you know is in my house right now.  I'll
bet you that mint green car of yours." 
     "No way!" 
     "Why not, isn't that how you got it?" 
     Christian froze in disbelief, how did this guy know about that? 
Perhaps he *was* a little bit psychic?  "Alright, alright, sure, you're
on!  What will you give me if I don't know anyone in the house?" 
     Daniel thought for a moment. "If I'm wrong, I'll give you the
'gift'." 
     "Ha!  Is that psychic stuff transferable? How about something a
little more concrete?" 
     "You can have my car if I'm wrong. It's a '73 blue Mustang." 
     "Deal!" 
     Daniel fished for the keys in his pocket and then handed it to
Christian. No sooner had they walked through the door when Daniel shouted
at the top of his lungs "HEY BRAD! Get down here, someone wants to see
you!"

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 558: Jesse

	It had been a night of extremes. She had gone from the highest of
highs, dancing in his arms... to the lowest of lows... watching him fly
away from her.  Jesse sat on her bed, staring into space. The days sleep
hadn't helped much, if any. She felt totally listless on waking with the
setting sun, her face still sticky with dried bloodtears. Sighing, she
rose from her bed and plopped herself infront of the small dressingtable.
The mirror reflected two large sad eyes, red rimmed. 
	"Oh... shit," she muttered, picking up the comb. The red-gold
curls were a tangled mess. Glaring at herself, she began to tear at the
knots and snarls. The tresses seemed to have a life all their own, and
resisting her attempts to detangle, the strands seemed to wrap 'round the
teeth of the comb. "OH BLOODY HELL!" She swore through clenched teeth,
yanking the comb and a good amount of ahir from her head. She pitched it
across the room and seized the brush. It didn't wook much better. Jesse
slammed it down on the table top. 
	"Just lovely!" She peered at herself as she started to wiggle into
a pair of jean. "You should change your name to 'Brillo-Girl'!" Jesse
emptied the contents of a shopping bag on the bed and pulled out a
lavender silk shirt from the heap of clothing. 
	"Daniel..." She closed her eyes against the rising tears. "Why are
you shielding yourself from me? Please come home..."
	She cast a glance at her reflection again and sighed. "This hair
has got to go..." Jesse rooted in the dresser drawer until she found a
scissors. She was about to cut off a fistfull of knotted hair when she
heard a car door slam. Jesse closed her eyes and scanned. 
	"Daniel?" 
	"HEY BRAD! Get down here, someone wants to see you!" A familiar
voice bellowed from the ground floor. 
	"Brad hell!" Jesse dropped the scissors and nearly tore the
bedroom door off the hinges. "Danny Sweetie Honey....." She cried, and
streaked down the stairs to greet him. 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 559: Antonio

     It was the most frustrating conversation Antonio could ever recall
having The civil war he fought within his own heart terrified him.  He
woke that night with the fear raging through him and bolted at once into
the night, seeking out the one creature in all of creation he still
trusted to pull him from the madness.  He needed Brad's strength now.  He
needed Brad's courage.  Brad, who sat before him, gloriously bare and
covered with the wealts and bites which gave mute testimony to his
lovemaking with Tom.  Tom... who strove to join the insanity Antonio
himself had dreamed of... longed for... and now feared with all he was or
hoped to be.  Tom, who would pull Brad into the depths with him... if
Antonio didn't do it himself.  "And why should he not be?" Antonio
growled, locking eyes with Brad. "He has you! How could he not be
supremely happy! But he has not won you yet, amigo. You are not completely
his yet!!" 
	He wasn't sure how it happened.  One moment he was staring deep
into his friend's eyes, and the next he was devouring BradŐs lips in a
kiss as desperate as it was passionate.  Brad moaned against him, driving
Antonio to deepen the kiss further, plunging into the depths of his mouth. 
When the idea struck him it gripped him with an overwhelming intensity. 
Brad would be claimed.  It was only a matter of time.  And if that was the
case, *he* would be the one to do it.  He, and no other.  Especially not
Tom.  But first..  one last chance.  Antonio was lost.  Tom no better. 
But Brad... one last chance.  He moved to cradle Brad even closer, sealing
their lips together as though his very life depended upon it, then swiftly
bit into his tongue, allowing the blood to flow. 
	Antonio felt Brad jerk as he tasted the blood but did not allow
him to break the kiss.  ::Know what it is you fight... understand, mi
amigo...::  He could feel Brad's fear, his desperate struggle to resist
the overwhelming passion induced by the kiss... the blood.  He waited
until the blood slowed to a tiny trickle, enough shared between them to
sample the rapture without binding him forever.  Then he tore his mouth
from Brad's, driving his fangs into his throat. 
	"NO!"  Brad was truly fighting him now, his whole strength behind
the struggle.  But even as he drank Antonio could feel Brad's will
weakening, seduced completely by the power of the exchange of blood, the
ecstasy which no mortal could ever hope to imagine until they experience
it, then... once experienced... could ever hope to forget.  He took three
hard swallows then released him with a jagged cry, unsurprised when Brad
scrambled drunkenly across the bed to the far corner, trembling against
the wall, breathing hard.  The look of betrayal was almost impossible to
bear. 
	Brad had his hand against his throat, trembling in reaction.  "The
kiss of a vampire.  Does it compare to your mortal lover?" he asked
softly. 
	"...why?"  Brad shook his head slowly, his expresion one of
disbelief, shock.. and again betrayal.  "Why... WHY?  How could you do
this to me?" 
	With a shock Antonio realized what Brad thought.  "You are not my
child." he said softly.  "Not yet.  You are still as mortal as your
lover." 
	Brad's shoulders slumped with reaction and relief, the trembling
beginning in earnest.  But when Antonio moved to comfort him Brad
immediately sprang back, pressing harder against the wall.  Antonio
stopped at once.  Again the question came, stronger this time.  "WHY?" 
	"I did it because you are my friend." 
	Antonio expected anger.  Instead he watched as Brad heard his
words, truly heard them, and tried to fathom what the hell he was trying
to say.  It broke Antonio's heart.  "I did it to show you, mi amigo. 
Exactly as I showed Tom last night." 
	Brad blinked.  "You did this to *Tom*?" 
	"Si.  To you both.  To show you the power of it."  He laughed
bitterly, hopelessly.  "To show you the power of the dark side." 
	"This is not a god damned movie!" Brad shouted, beginning to
recover, anger replacing shock. 
	"And well I know it."  Antonio whirled on him, his anger suddenly
matching Brad's once more.  "NO one knows that better than I!  And yet
every *Moment* you spend with Tom... this is what you dance with.  He has
dedicated himself to becoming one of us... the very thing you struggle
against.  And I do not put it past him.  He will join us, somehow, if that
is truly his heartŐs desire.  But no less deep is his passion for you. 
And you know he will have both!  That is his very nature!  Do you think it
possible for him to resist *that*?"  He gestured angrily to the vivid
wound on his neck.  Then he lowered his voice, locking eyes with Brad once
more.  "And amigo...  are you absolutely sure you want him to?" 

_________________________________________________________________________
Post 560: Louis

	Louis extended his hand to Lestat. 
	"Will you sit with me?" He raised his eyes to those of his friend
and lover. 
	Taking the offered hand, Lestat held it for a moment, then turned
it over and kissed the palm. 
	"If I sit down beside you, I may not want to leave..." He said
quietly. 
	"Please, Lestat. We must talk... there are things that need to be
spoken between us, things that must be said, if we are _ever_ to get back
what we've nearly lost." Louis' voice waved slightly at the last two
words. 
	Lestat kicked the curtain rod out of the way and sat next to
Louis. "I don't know how I managed to bring _that_ down..." 
	"It was my fault... I was careless about the repair..." Louis
glanced down at the heap of maroon velvet. 
	"What do you mean by that..." Lestat tightened the grip on Louis'
hand. 
	A long sighed escaped his lips. "This is part of what I must tell
you..." Louis answered. 
	"Make it the first part, Louis..." Lestat replied, agitated. 
	"There is something I have to do first..." Louis rose form the bed
and crossed the room. He moved a small painting to one side, revealing a
safe. He quicky opened it, and removed a small velvet box. Louis returned
to Lestat's side and sat down. 
	"Do you remember the night you gave me this?" Louis asked,
snapping the box open. He removed a ring set with a canary diamond the
size of a Thrush's egg.
	Lestat took it from him and slipped it on his right hand ring
finger.  "London. How could I forget..." He smiled slighty."You've kept it
all this time." 
	Louis covered Lestat's left hand with his. "And you remember where
and when you gave me _this_ ring?" 
	Glancing down the ring, the entwined initials, and the small
perfect emerald, all Lestat could do was nod and whisper the word "Paris". 
	Louis bent forward and lay his head against Lestat's chest. "When
I woke up that dreadful night, in that wretched room... and you were
gone..." Louis began, "I felt as if my life had ended." 
	"Louis...." Lestat interupted softly. 
	"Please... let me finish before I lose courage." Louis took a
breath. "I walked home. All I could think about was the empty place in my
chest where my heart had been... you were gone. _Gone_. I had tried to
convince you to stay... my words could not sway you, the promises we made
to each other had not been strong enough to hold you." Pausing, Louis
permitted his arms to encircle his loved one. "It was if every reason to
live, everything that had kept my heart beating ... was gone." 
	He felt Lestat's fingers weaving into his hair, his arm creep
around his shoulder. 
	"So I came here... and prepared to die." Louis whispered