LESTAT AND LOUIS GET MARRIED Part 7- Posts 181-210 _________________________________________________________________ POST 181: (Jesse sitting in the courtyard of Lestat's place on Rue Royale) Oh! Your voice started me, Armand. I was a million miles off. (Giggles) I told Louis and Lestat I would be here soon, but they are (blush) occupied. I'll guess I'll wait here for a little while. If they aren't, um, done soon, I guess I'll just checkinto the Pon. That's where I'm staying. I've sort of misplaced Gabby. Thank you, I did have a pleasant sleep. (Blushes slightly) Are you here in New Orleans? if you are close by, you could come and keep me company while I wait for the lovebirds to come up for air. (Jesse sits on the decorative iron bench by the fountain and twirls a tendril of Queen's Wreath in her fingers, wondering if Armand will show up.) ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 182: (Letting Lestat drip all over him...) "It's all right, Lestat, truly. Don't you trust Louis? Mon ami, he wouldn't leave you. Especially not now. He's just gone to talk to Erik, nothing more! And Erik knows and loves both of you, he wouldn't try to lure Louis away from you. Lestat, you don't have anything to worry about. I promise. I've spoked to Louis, he said that Erik was upset, that's why he left so abruptly. He'll be back before you know it." (puts his arms around Lestat.) "It will turn out all right. You'll see." ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 183: ::: How pleasant to hear from you again, pauvre petit. Your new knowledge of 20th century words impresses me, but you picked the wrong phrase for this occasion.... I'd say it but it's too vulgar for your little ears, let's just say the first words starts with an F and the second word is "off". You get the idea. Lestat has much to occupy his time, such as Louis. He needn't be trouble by a problem so small as you. ::: To tell you the truth, all that transpires between everyone in this coven is MY concern. They're my family, and I happen to be concerned with them. And Jesse is my friend, you will NOT hurt her in any way. ::: But speaking of love....I am told I'm meeting your fledgling at a concert soon, you never know, Armand....you never know.::: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 184: ::: Jess, I'm in New Orleans. What happened to you anyway, girlfriend? I'm in fron tof this big white house in the Garden District, has a keyhole shaped door. Some black haired lady is staring at me and shaking her head. Wonder who she is? Anyway, I'm on my way to Lestat's now. I'll see you there.::: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 185: :: Yes, I think Marius is very nice-looking....what is so wrong with that? Plus, he's quite closer to my age than that impetuous fledgling of Armand's. Daniel doesn't seem to have much of a clue about him. But I must say, he is gorgeous. Hmm...It looks as if you and Lestat are going to have a war of the matchmakers for me, eh?::: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 186: ::: Dearest Marius, is all well with you, mon amie. You sound rather tired and sorrowful. I am in New Orleans now, I have been told you're staying at the Pon by Jesse. Would you like me to stop by to give you some company, Marius. If you need someone to talk to that is, I'm always there for you, you know. You're as much a father to my son as anyone, for that I am eternally grateful. My son and "fiancee" are a bit busy right now, so if you would like me to come by...Don't ever hesitate to ask. Avec amour Gabrielle ::: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 187: (sounding rather tired) ::My dear Gabrielle, you have no idea how much that means to me. Or how much I should love to throw this entire problem at someone else's feet. But I can't do that to you, dearheart. I got myself into this mess, I'm afraid that no one but me will be able to pull me out again. I seem to have managed to get quite a few people mad at me, but it's reassuring beyond measure to know that you aren't one of them.:: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 188: "Yes, I know... maybe... I suppose you're right." "Why Marius! I never realized how blue your eyes are... You're awfully beautiful! I love you!" "What? What's the matter? Don't like my lips?" "Wanna go home with me?" "Oh... I don't think I can walk... Marius you'll have to help me... Where's Mojo? Did he run away? Where's my Louis?" ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 189: (thouroughly puzzled and confused by EVERYONE ) ::: Dearest Marius, don't ever worry about my feeling towards you, I could never be mad. Just remember, if your problems get too tough and you need someone, the Lioncourt family is always here. (I cannot promise Lestat, but I am) Rest, mon cher, and gather your energy, you sound positvely exhausted. The situation you are dealing with shall come out all right in the end, I know it. I shall be here when anyone needs me. ::: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 190: ::Go Away. I'm busy.:: ::Did you say you're meeting Daniel??:: > ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 191: ::: Damn you Armand!! Damn you to hell. ::: Yes, I am meeting your fledgling.... ::: Turnabout is fair play, and this is war, Armand! "Lestat?! What in God's name are you doing!" (holding up one side of Lestat and Marius holding up the other, they help Lestat into a chair at the Rue Royal flat) . "That child gets himself into so much trouble and SO often." "Yes, I know he is the damnedest creature on earth, I am in full accord, Marius. Thanks ever so much for helping my son, ONCE AGAIN. What would all of us do without you Marius?" "Please Marius, whatever it is that is troubling you shall sort itself out. I know it will pass. It's so very strange being back with all the coven once more.... that last person I saw... well... that would have had to be you Marius." "I was quite changed after that visit and I wanted to tell you how much I....." "Damn him! Marius, I am very, very sorry but I must get to the Pon, I need to get to Jesse." ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 192: (Holding up Lestat and rather startled at bumping into Gabby) "Gabrielle! Oh good... ah, wait a minute! No, Lestat, not that way..." (grabs Lestat and keeps him from tipping over) "Gabrielle, could you take his other side? I'm afraid your son is trying to see if he can make the alchohol percentage in his blood go over 100%. What? No, I'd call it more of an attack of nerves. Louis went to go see Erik and Lestat had a sudden acute case of jealousy and decided to drown it at a frat party. Could you help me get him back to the house? He needs to sleep it off." ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 193: The dim light filtered across the black marble floor from the chandelier in the hall. It reflected off the gold fixtures on the sunken tub and the preternatural skin of the two figure holding each other in the jacuzi. The music of Vivaldi softly played in the background. She lifted her hand and brushed a damp wisp of aurburn hair away from the warm dark eyes. Armand smiled again and traced her profile with a gentle finger, "Did you ever expect...?" She attempted to whisper. He drew her closer and silenced her with a smoldering kiss. "Hush, Cara... no words... let the music..." he smiled, "... and these lovely bubbles... surround us." In the back of her mind, Jesse felt the presence of Gabrielle de Lioncourt in New Orleans. :Gabby... please don't bother me now...: She telepathed to her friend. She caught a slight distasteful expression flicker across Armand's face. "I know. Gabrielle." She whispered as she leaned forward to kiss his ear lobe. "I told her not to bother me." Armand returned the kiss and breathed across her damp skin. "She's too like her son..." Jesse slipped her arms around his neck and toyed with the damp curls that clung to his face. "I thought we weren't talking?" She smiled into his beautiful face," ...Armand... I'm not going anywhere tonight..." ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 194: Sub: Intermission A word from our sponsor (TAC): Our story has so far taken several twists: Louis has gone off to meet with Erik. Will Erik seduce Louis? Will Louis seduce Erik? Daniel is supposed to meet up with Erik at the House of Blues in New Orleans. Will Daniel make it? Will Erik? Louis and Lestat are supposed to meet Erik at the House of Blues. Will Lestat ever wake up? Will Louis and Erik just hang together? Will any of them make it to the House of Blues? Lestat has passed out from too much alcohol in the blood of a victim. Will he have a bad hangover when he wakes up? Will he wake up in time to meet Erik? Marius and Gabriel are helping the passed out Lestat back to his house. Will Marius and Gabriel get together? Will Marius get over his depression about David? Will David return from London? Armand and Jesse are, um, having a good time together. Will the two end up a couple? Will Daniel find out? What will Daniel do when he DOES find out? What will Jesse do? What will Gabriel do when she finds out about Armand and Jesse? David went back to the Talamasca because he's upset about Marius and Erik. Will David return? Will he forgive Marius? Will the two get together again? What will David do if Marius and Gabriel get together? Louis has not given the go ahead to set a date for the wedding yet. Will Louis and Lestat EVER get married? When is the bachelor party? Are all the vamps in New Orleans? Will Pandora show up? Or Maharet, Mekare, Mael, Santino, or Khayman? Tune in and find out as our ever expanding story Louis and Lestat Get Married continues... Back to our regularly scheduled program... ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 195: "Marius! You have a twin brother?" "Ah, seeing double are we?" says Marius. "Was my mother here? Where's my mother? I thought I heard her voice... Marius... why are there two of you?" "My dear boy, you're simply drunk as drunk can be!" says Marius. "Maybe some of your blood would help me? I could sure use a straight chaser..." . "Oh! Mojo! Get off me... this is not a good time... . "You get yourself into the damnedest positions, young one!" Marius laughs. "Help me, Marius. Get this dog off me. He stinks rather badly at the moment and I think I have to throw up... Oh, God! I feel awful..." "Oh great. Another fine mess you've gotten me into!" Marius says, with hands on hips. . "I think you need to just sleep this off, little one. I'm afraid, because of your condition, what my blood might do to the alcohol content in your system. It may just enhance it, you know." Marius tucks Lestat into bed and turns off the light. "Now you just stay put. No cavorting about! I'll stay here to make sure you don't get into any more trouble." "Marius! Wait... don't leave me... I... I feel so sick... ... where's my Louis? Where did he go?? zzzzzzzz..." Marius watches Lestat sleep a bit, smiles and shakes his head, and steps out of the room... ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 196: Gabrielle rushed down the back streets of New Orleans, whisking past people faster than the eye could see. It left her breathless as she arrived at the front door of the hotel. Without a moment's hesitation she burst in the doors and fixed her thoughts on locating Armand and Jesse. When she found what she was looking for she rushed to the elevator and proceeded to the top floor, impatiently. She tapped her fingers on the side of the elevator nervously, wishing the damn elevator would go faster. When the door finally opened to admit her to the top floor she stood staring at the door to the suite. She heard in her mind a message from Jesse :::Go away Gabby::: She responded with force, ::: Hell would freeze over before that would ever happen::: And then in typical Lioncourt fashion she never hestitated and forcefully burst her way into the suite. She made her way to the bathroom and burst open the door to find Armand and Jesse locked in an embrace in the hot tub. "GABRIELLE!" Jesse screamed. Armand's only reaction was a scowl. Gabrielle went over to the hot tub and yanked Jesse out of it by the hair and looked at her and glared, "Consorting with the enemy, are we? How do you think Lestat would like this? Or Louis for that matter." she turned her anger on Armand, "Would Daniel like to know about this?" She shook Jesse for emphathis, "What pitiful excuse do you have for me, eh?" ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 197: Armand silently regarded the two vampires glaring daggers at each other. Slowly, he rose from the sunken black marble tub, his beautifully sculpted body resembling a Michelangelo work of art come to life. He bent over to collect a velour bath sheet. He turned to Gabrielle as he draped the over-sized towel around Jesse's shoulders. "Madame, you display manners one would associate with a fishmonger's wife rather than that of a Marquise." His voice was pure ice. "But that is what is to be expected from the clan de Lioncourt." "Can it, Weasel." Gabrielle snapped, not taking her blazing eyes from Jesse's face. "I wasn't talking to you!" Gabrielle reached to grasp Jesse and give her another shake, but Jesse brought her arm up quicky and brushed the offending hand away. "What do you think you're doing," hissed Gabrielle. "I want an explanation, and I want it now!" Jesse lifted her head and shook the ginger curls from her eyes. The corner of Armand's lip almost lifted into a smile as he watched Jesse's suddenly found regal attitude. "I don't owe you any explanation of any sort, Gabby. You're not MY mother." "Ah, but when Lestat hear's about this, you'll have the devil himself to pay!" Gabrielle raged. "This doesn't have anything to do with Lestat, or Louis, or you for that matter. I am here of my own accord. I am not 'consorting with the enemy', I am passing a very enjoyable evening with another coven member... I was until you invaded our privacy." "HE SEDUCED YOU!" "No, he did NOT! I called him. I was alone waiting for you in the courtyard at the flat. Lestat and Louis were at it again, and I didn't want to go barging in." Jesse answered. Gabrielle gave Jesse an exasperated glare and sighed. "You've been brainwashed! Come on, put your clothes on," she grabbed Jesse's arm and began pulling her from the bathroom, "you're coming back to Rue Royale with me!" Jesse wrenched her arm away from Gabrielle. "NO!" "WHAT?" Gabby was agast. "You heard me. I'm not staying at Rue Royale. There are too many people there for this wedding. I have a suite here, and I'm staying!" Jesse suddenly grabbed Gabby's arm, escorted her from the suite, and pushed her into the hall, closing the door after her. Jesse turned and stalked back into the bathroom. "She busted the damn locks!" Jesse grumbled to the astounded Armand. "We may as well go down to my suite... what? What is it Armand?" She asked as she smiled gently into his huge eyes. "Nothing, Cara... nothing..." A smile began to trace it's way across his face. Jesse took a step closer and traced his collarbone with her finger. "I told you I wasn't going anywhere tonight...." she lifted her face to his, "didn't I?" ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 198: Well, the planned meeting at the House of Blues was obviously pretty much irrelevant at this point, but Marius went there anyways simply because it seemed like a good place to sit down and think and listen to the music... (crumpling up his fifth sheet of paper in a row...) "Damn!" (scribble, rip, crumple.) "No...." (scribble, rip, crumple.) (stabs the pen THROUGH the pad of paper and leans back pressing his hands to his temples and sighs) (sits back up, picks up the pen and smoothes out the hole in the paper. Chews on the pen for a bit, then starts writing.) Dear David, What can I possibly say to restore your trust in me? What can I do to secure your forgiveness? You have but to name it, and I shall do it without hesitation. David, I never meant to hurt you. I realize that leaving so abruptly last time was thoughtless, but I had to go. Pandora was (a few words scratched out) having problems, as I am sure you have heard. And I could no more leave her then you could leave Louis or Lestat at the time. As to Erik... (more chewing on the pen) Erik is a delightful man. He has a very sharp mind- I think the two of you would get along well together. He is a dear friend- but NOT lover! I have NEVER thought of him in that way. You, David, are the one I love and the only one I would spend eternity with. Yes, you read that correctly. David, I would spend forever with you. In any way you desire. Name your wish, beloved, and I shall do it. "(He) walks in beauty, like the night of cloudless climbs and starry skies, and all that is best and bright meet in (his) aspect and his eyes." What else can I say, David? You are my soul. I love you. I NEED you. I would do anything for you. With devoted love, Marius (puts the pen down. Folds the piece of paper up, then stands up and goes to find a fax machine before he can loose his nerve.) (at a florists, one of those places that swears it can send flowers around the globe in under 24 hours) "I need a dozen... no, make it TWO dozen long stemmed roses. To London, this address. In care of David Talbot." (picks up one of those little cards that are always included with such things and reaches for a pen) ::David, Please come back. Love, Marius:: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 199: My dear Erik, I hope I may call you that ? Please forgive my earlier harshness, it was inexcusable. You have nothing to either explain or apologise for, rather the fault was mine. I shall look forward to meeting you and hearing your most interesting tale, if you would be so kind as to confide in me. I have been the youngest vampire for too long, it is one title I shall be very glad to hand on to you.... I assure you there is nothing between Marius and myself, nor can there ever be - I am only too mindful of the claims of others upon him. Kind regards, David Talbot ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 200: Marius, Please stop this foolishness! First the flowers and then the fax, and try as I might I cannot shut your words out of my head.... Marius, I want you, the only time this "existence" has made sense is in your arms, but you must see that it cannot be! Whatever our own desires we cannot, and must not cause pain to the others. How can I step in over the claims of Pandora, Armand and now Erik. They love you, they need you! You say Erik is in love with Louis - then he is destined for heartbreak, he will need you. You know what the bond between maker and child is, how can I deny him that comfort ? I have thought about this deeply, Imust struggle with my own emotions, and you have so many to love you, it was just a momentary attraction between us. I am coming to New Orleans tomorrow night, and will of course be glad to see you as a beloved friend, but nothing more. I have written separately to Erik apologising for my appalling conduct. Your good friend, David ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 201: You claim seniority ? Only in vampire terms, and one would never think it from your behaviour (gentle grin) And we have a new addition to our family, Erik de Charis. But you're right, I do feel hopelessly out of my depth in all this. Everything was so simple before in the Talamasca, now I don't know what to make of anything. Do you understand the others? Perhaps talking to you and Jesse would be a good idea....I'll be in New Orleans late tommorrow evening, perhaps you and she could meet me the following night ? David ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 202: Louis, Please forgive your foolish friend! Of course it was nothing you said or did - how could you ever offend anyone ? I guess I was just blue-devilled! I have, I must put it behind me and I'll be with you shortly. I trust all the preparations are going smoothly - give Lestat a hug from me (not that I suppose he's noticed I've been gone, too taken up with dreams of you!) As to the book, I know Lestat claims he can read, but the only time I saw him open a book - it was upside down and back to front! I rest my case! Your friend, David ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 203: Jesse dear! I long to see you too! Still breaking everyone's hearts ? Yes, I'll be there shortly, in the meantime look after our dear ones for me! And try to show a little respect for your elders and betters....I get enough cheek from Daniel! David ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 204: Jesse rolls over onto her back and stares at the ceiling with anexasperated sigh. Telepaths: ::David - I'm surprised to hear from you. Where AREyou? Oh, never mind! ::Yes, my friend, I look forward to seeing you, too. But notright now...:: She looks up into Armand's eyes as he bends over her, leaning onhis elbow. His hair starts to fall onto her face. She reaches upand places her hand under his hair on the nape of his neck. ::um... I'm being VERY nice to my elders...(smoooooch!) um...andthey're being very nice to me in return.. (Smoooooch!)(giggle!) stop tickling me, Armand! Not when I'm (giggle) tryingto (kiss kiss) telepath!:: ::David? Would you mind if we talk later? I know I'll bump intoyou somewhere! (Gasp!) I'm a ....little.....busy..... ' mmmmmm ... Ooooh!GOD!!!!' Excuse me, (GASP!) but I think I'm about to have a religious experience!!!!:: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 205: My dear Monsieur Talbot: I implore you to contact Marius as soon as possible... he was in the House of Blues last evening, looking absolutely pathetic... I couldn't read him, of course, but then, I had no need to. Anyone with eyes could see that he was dying for you to return... I implore you, Monsieur... please come back. Your presence here is obviously sorely missed and I for one would appreciate the opportunity to meet the one whom Marius loves. A bientot, Erik, Marquis de Charis The Phantom of the Opera ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 206: Dear Erik, Again, I hope I may call you that, just as you must call me David. I shall indeed be returning to New Orleans and will look forward to seeing all my friends again, and to meeting you. Please do not distress yourself, I shall assure Marius that he has my affection and good wishes as always. He has my highest respect and I would not do anything to hurt him. Please believe me when I say that there will be no awkwardness between us and we may all meet as friends. Kindest regards, David ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 207: "Damn, Damn, Damn, DAMN!!" Gabrielle screamed as leaving Jesseand the twerp in the suite. She recieved some strange stares frompassers-by to which she smiled a VERY toothy-smile and walked onby. She bursted out of the hotel in a blind rage, kicking at theground beneath her feet. Seeing white from her anger, she quicklymade it back to the flat on Rue Royal. She gasped for some coolair, trying to clear her head of the image of Jesse and Armand inthe hot tub. "Damn the both of them, then. This is a war." She reached the front of the Rue Royal flat, scanning the house, hoping to find Marius there but alas, he was gone. But she did detect another presence in the courtyard, a presence not so unfamilar to her..... Into the courtyard she flew, the sound of the babbling fountainand the smell of Queen's Wreath meeting her deranged senses. Sitting on the wrought iron bench, a gorgeous ash blond, violet-eyed vampire sat waiting. Upon her unexpected arrival, he stood up. Faster than the eyes could detect, she was upon him. One firmly pulling him to her roughly and her other hand tangled in his golden hair, she roughly covered his mouth with his. He responded, deepening the kiss, crushing her to him. She drew back with a coy smile and ran a hand through his hair and whispered, "Daniel." ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 208: Armand drew himself up on one elbow, thoughtfully watching Jesse sleep. Once again he reminded himself to never underestimate this new, modern generation. Full of surprises. She stirred in her sleep and smiled, as though in the throws of a wonderful dream. Then, as he watched, her eyes fluttered open and she smiled dreamily at him. "Good evening, lovely Jesse," he whispered. Rather than speak, she drew him to her, kissing him passionately. When they parted some moments later, both breathing heavily, she surprised him all over again by laughing merrily. "Don't look so shocked." she smiled. "Did you think I would shake hands and trot out the door?" Armand felt the color drain from his face. How had this young one come so close to the mark? Damn Lestat - Damn his books. He hated the casual knowledge those around him possessed. "Jesse," he said softly, drawing his knuckle down her cheek, "we should, perhaps, rise and hunt." He saw the confusion in her eyes, but was in no mood to explain. Without further words he climbed out of the bed and dressed. His plans usually didn't backfire quite like this. Jesse joined him a moment later. "The party is tonight." she said. "I know. I hope Louis appreciates your efforts on his behalf." Impossible to hide the bitterness in his words. Jesse frowned. Then, startling him all over again, slid her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "I think we should talk." "Yes. But not now. Later." She drew away. "Later then." He did not look at her as she left the room, closing the door behind her. Instead he walked to the window and drew aside the curtain, staring blindly into the New Orleans night - lost in thought. ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 209: Dear David, You are NOT foolish. I won't tollerate you maligning my friends even when that friend happens to be yourself! Don't kid yourself, Lestat IS concerned about you. You don't usually bolt like that. May I ask what happened my friend, or would that be indiscrete? As for the book... hm... perhaps you're right! Maybe I should teach him. I think I have a copy of Petronius somewhere.... Love, Louis ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 210: Jesse left the Pontchartrain Hotel with a smile on her lips.' There's going to be Hell to pay,' she mused as she walked behind a building to find quarry. 'Gabby's going to be wild.. but, oh, he's worth it!' She lifted her head as she sensed something nasty and hulking behind her. The aggressor soon became victim as she quickly dispatched him. Jesse pitched the stiff into a dumpster. 'Now, to Rue Royale and face the music.' She didn't have to walk far before she picked up vibes from her favorite blue-eyed Devil. ::Good evening, Lestat::, she telepathed. ::I guess you've heard all about it from Mumsey by now.... care to hear my side before I'm incinerated?::