tampered | Log: Completed

Log: Completed

When: New Year's Eve
Rating: PG-13
Characters: Gren (

notapreacher) and Lestat (

vampbratprince)
Summary: Mama, can you tell me how vampires celebrate New Year's Eve?
Log: For as long as he can remember, he's been the musical entertainment somewhere on New Year's Eve. Tonight's the first time in years (he discounts his time in the Army and in prison because those were out of his control) that he's not playing saxophone somewhere.

In a way it's a relief, and so is the idea of just staying in and celebrating privately. Oh, he can share the champagne that's chilling in the refrigerator and the exquisite chocolate truffles sitting out on the counter. In fact, he plans to do just that. There's a quiet burn of happiness that goes along with the whole notion and he remembers from the few creative writing classes he took to pass the time back in high school that in fiction they say happiness is boring and it's struggle that's interesting. He happens to be perfectly content to be as dull as possible so long as it goes hand in hand with happiness.

Screw what anyone else thinks about the two of them: he's never given much care for what anybody else might think about any of the things he does. There are really only a few people whose opinions matter to him. One is doing whatever it is she's doing tonight (and he hopes Julia is happy and she knows she's always welcome over here) and the other is already here.

They could join the festivities at Lux, and they just might. Then again, they might just stay right here and hide out together. It wouldn't be the first time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Champagne and kisses as a cure for curses. You should try it. After all, we are going to want to make sure that I'm not cursed on the first day of this new year." The date is suddenly becoming a pleasant excuse. Despite the fact that he doesn't need one to begin with. He does have one idea though...

"Come. Let us relax on the roof while we watch the fireworks. We can can bring the champagne and truffles with us. That way, we can have privacy and a show." Chuckling, he tilts his head to the side.

This has all kinds of possibilities. "What do you think?"

"I think you're brilliant." He hasn't actually gone to see fireworks in a long time. Part of him says he saw enough explosions of all kinds on Titan, but at some point he needs to just let that go and enjoy things again the way he used to. This relationship has already helped him immeasurably as far as that goes.

"There's only one problem I see with that plan. We're going to have to move." At the moment he can't, not that he'll ever complain about his lover lying on top of him like this. Idly, he wonders if Lestat's ticklish and can't imagine why he hasn't found that out by now. He will sometime. It's a good thing to know.

"Only for a short time. I move quickly." Grabbing the champagne (he figures they really don't need the glass) and the truffles, he slides off Gren and wraps long arms around him. With a laugh, he whispers his usual thing of 'close your eyes' before moving quickly through the apartment to the closest window.

Upwards they rise until they get to the roof of the building. He settles them onto their feet before letting go. The truffles and bottle are still in his hands as he watches more fireworks explode in the sky. Laughing again, he pulls Gren to him for another kiss. "Just look at the sky and how beautiful it is lit up like this."

And cold: he huddles close to Lestat. Apparently dead people can get cold and when he forces breaths, little huffs of steam escape his lips. But he has to agree; the sky is beautiful lit up in an absolute fantasy of changing colors reflecting on the snow below.

This is the first time he's been to the rooftop of this building. On his own, he can't fly. Oh, he could climb up -- he really doesn't like elevators any more than he likes subway cars -- but he hasn't.

It's pretty.

(And cold.)

Grinning, he leads Gren over to an area of the roof where he can see a pile of wood. He's not wearing a shirt. But, he doesn't need one. Nor does he need the heat. Gren does. Eyeing the wood, he sets it on fire. The man who had left it here wouldn't need it now that he had 'better things to do'.

Sitting, he pulls his lover close to him as the fire builds up. "I was prepared." As if he planned it.

Which he didn't actually.

It ought to frighten him -- honestly -- that the man he sleeps with can set things on fire with the power of his mind, or whatever it is he does. But it doesn't frighten him and, grateful for the warmth, he holds his hands out to the flame.

"And you're not cold. At all." Of course he isn't, and he's also not worried about getting close to the fire. He would never let anything happen to Lestat on his watch anyway. It's time for more champagne. He sips, he shares. Sips, shares. It's the best way he can think of to drink it.

Overhead, the fireworks turn the sky red then green then blue before they vanish in a pop of bright white light. Hopefully the dogs aren't too frightened back inside. When he was little, his dogs always hid at fireworks or in the rare case of thunder.

"No. I'm not. It's part of accepting that I'm a vampire." Falling back into the snow on the roof, he feels the way it is cold beneath him. His eyes reflect the colors in the sky as he watches the explosions. The last time he saw fireworks of any kind was when he was in his world. And he's seeing them again with his lover, sharing champagne kisses.

He stops looking at the sky and looks at the man next to him instead. "I've decided something."

A smile fully of mischief toys with the corners of his mouth.

"Want to hear what it is?"

He recognizes that look on Lestat's face even if he's not quite sure what it is this time, but there's some sort of fun trouble brewing.

"Of course I do."

It could be anything from I like truffles to I'm leaving you, pack your things and get out. He really doesn't know, although he doesn't expect to hear the latter of those statements.

As impatient as his partner ever is, he nods. "Tell me what you've decided."

"I've decided you're more beautiful to look at than the fireworks. But to see you with them going off behind you is an image I won't be forgetting." Rolling onto his side and leaning on one elbow, he continues. "And it's more than love enhancing you for me. You were this beautiful before then and will always be this beautiful."

There's one more thing that he's decided.

"And, you should eat another truffle so you can surprise me with another flavor. I don't need the excuse but I'll make it anyways. Besides, I'm curious."

That's pure flattery but he'll take it: the words make him smile and cold or not, he plants his hands on the snow on either side of Lestat so he can deliver a pretty perfect if truffle-free kiss.

"That was the warm-up kiss." Now he opens that box and picks out one of the remaining two truffles. It's a dark chocolate one from the looks of it and he has no idea what's inside until...

Oh. This is his favorite and he didn't even know they made Mayan chocolate truffles at that place, the ones infused with hot chili. It's so good that he almost gets distracted but at the last minute, he leans forward again and gives a very thorough, very Mayan chocolate-laden kiss to his boyfriend.

It's a little... hot, if he does say so himself.

Because of the spice.

Whatever the flavor is, Gren truly seems to enjoy it. Perhaps it is a favorite of his? He'll have to find out.

After he's done with this kiss.

Right away he picks up on a spiciness. A kick laced in with the chocolate. He has to say that he likes it. Whatever it is. It's delicious. He wants to know what it is but at the same time he'd rather the kiss continued.

He can take a break. A short one.

"What is that?" The smile on his face says how much he loves the taste of it.

Coaxing Lestat up from the snow, he grins a little smugly. "Mayan chocolate. It's dark chocolate infused with chili. Those must be new to the shop. I don't remember them being there the last time I went." That was with Julia and it seems like a while ago. Things have happened so quickly.

"I would have saved that one for last if I'd known it was in the box. Those are my absolute favorites." To prove it, he has one more kiss to share before the taste leaves his mouth for good. At least he doesn't have to worry about getting fat on chocolates. That'll never happen.

He turns his hands toward the open flame again, warming them. So far, this has been a perfect night.

Moving up behind him, he places a leg on either side and wraps his arms around Gren. Settling his chin on his shoulder, he watches the flames. Fire has been a part of his life so many times and yet he is still enchanted by it.

"I'm going to remember that that one is your favorite. That way I can suprise you out of nowhere with them." It lets Gren know what the plan it but leaves the when up in the air. A manipulated surprise.

"Mayan chocolate will be yours."

His hands go immediately to Lestat's arms, holding him; a surge of absolute possessiveness overtakes him. He doesn't want anyone else even thinking about stepping in to claim some of what they have. He's way too jealous to want to share; it's just his nature and he's not sure why he thought it would ever work out that way to begin with and he's so glad he didn't have to find out it wouldn't the hard way. Really, he might as well be absolutely frank about his feelings, not that Lestat's given him any reason for doubt.

He just wants to make sure.

"Hey. Do you really think you could love me till beyond the end of time?" It sounds so small and sad and a little desperate when he says it aloud, but he wants to know. They've said words like yours and mine and forever and played around at claiming one another with rings and kisses, but he wouldn't mind making his own intentions -- and his own hopes, human and faulty though they might be -- clearly known.

He doesn't have to think about the answer to that. He's known it from the very beginning. Over the years he's loved a good number of people. And still loves them. All of them. That won't change for Gren either. When he gives his heart he doesn't know how to take it back.

"No. I don't think I could." Kissing the side of Gren's face, he smiles to himself. "I know that I will. I have given my love to you and now you will never be rid of it."

He kisses him again as returns his gaze to the fire dancing before them.

"Do not doubt that, Gren."

At that first no, I don't think I could he feels his heart absolutely drop to the pit of his stomach, but then the words go on to reassure and he almost laughs at himself out of pure relief.

It isn't Lestat he doubts. Something Anita said a long time ago's stuck with him and it isn't about her either. It's about the situation when he and Lestat first met, first got involved. Something about no one person being enough to satisfy him. Maybe it wasn't Anita; maybe it was him. He doesn't remember any more, but he remembers the thought or the sentiment, whatever anyone wants to call it.

"I don't doubt you. If there's anything I doubt, it's that I'll be able to hold your interest for that long."

He's only human. How fascinating can that be for an immortal?

"I don't want you to get bored and turn to someone else."

That's entirely possible, and the very prospect of it leaves him colder than ever before. Doubt is, after all, a peculiarly human emotion and it pretty much infuses everything humans do. His hands tighten on Lestat's arms; it's his turn to stake a claim here. "So. Don't do that, okay?"

His laugh is a little full of self-loathing. That's the problem with falling in love and he remembers it only too well. Other emotions always stow away, uninvited, for the ride.

Gren is so human. He will never stop loving that about him. But, these doubts are understandable. Completely. He knows that and that's the reason that he doesn't scold teasingly. Seriously either. The man who is here in his arms has been hurt many times in the past. So has he. These doubts...he understands them.

"I lived with someone who is so dull and depressing that one would think that I should have gone mad. I lived with him for years. You are not boring and I won't turn to someone else because you cannot keep me entertained. Gren, my angel, you are the one I want. Even if more of my world were to show up, those I love, that would not change. You have touched my heart in ways I thought was no longer possible. You. Not some other person. We've each staked our claim. That will stand strong."

Reaching up with one hand, he turns Gren's face towards his own.

This is his human lover. He loves him so completely.

"I never say things like 'I am yours' lightly. But, I said it to you. Do you remember?"

Of course he remembers: it's one of the single most significant things anyone's ever said to him his whole life and beyond. In fact, Lestat's insistence right now brings a slight sting of tears to his eyes which won't, of course, get to spill because that's just stupid. For a long moment he just studies Lestat: his eyes, his gaze, his composure. Then he nods.

"I remember. I said it to you too and I meant it. I don't want anyone else." Softly now, he kisses those lips.

Then he does it again, a little less softly.

"And I can't say I'm not happy that you feel the same way." He's possessive. He's jealous. He's human, and those are human emotions and he can't be any other way.

And Lestat thinks he's an angel. One of these days, he'll start to believe it.

How interesting that he doesn't want anyone else either. His vision of the future showed him that he would have someone else but he doesn't care about that. What he has here is what he wants. The future held nothing that he desires. All of that is right here. In his arms.

"Good. Because I'd be jealous if I knew that you were with someone else. I didn't think I'd ever feel like that again. Now look at me. I think about you always and I feel complete when I am with you. Never have I believed in soulmates." He pauses and rests his forehead against Gren's.

"I think you might change that for me though."

No one who knows him would ever believe that. Well, they don't have to. They don't believe much of what he says anyways.

That's crazy but he loves it. It makes him feel so... he doesn't even know what word to apply to it. It's not smug, not satisfied, not content, but... grateful. He's grateful to be the one to inspire that in Lestat, even if at his core he doesn't believe in forever.

He'd like to. Somewhere deep down inside, the part of him that's still a little innocent and pure thinks there could be such things as soul mates and there could be a relationship that lasts for centuries. But honestly, if he can grab a taste of something with that kind of potential -- even for a little while -- he'll be happy. He knows he won't be around forever.

But while he is, he wants this. More than anything, he wants this. His arms go around Lestat and he holds him tight, the words I love you, I love you play over and over in his head like the lyrics to their very own song.

He holds Gren close as a little smile tugs at his lips again. The fire crackles away and fireworks continue to explode in the sky but he's practically forgotten all about both of them. It feels so good to hold someone in his arms. Someone that he loves as much as he loves this man.

If they could, he'd have them stay out here all night. For awhile they can. The two of them and the fire to keep them warm. Even if only one of them actually needs it. But need and desire can be two very different things.

Quietly, he starts humming. Music is something that keeps them close so he wants it shared in this moment as well. The tune means nothing since it's something he heard on the streets once long ago. In a place he can't even recall.

He almost wants to protest how unfair that is. Lestat either sings because he's got something on his mind or to soothe, and he thinks this is the latter. It's a sure-fire way to make him mellow out and relax. Music is like a switch and once it gets flipped he's transported to a different place, a different time. It's how he got through Titan and it's definitely how he survived in prison: by going to that safe secluded spot in his brain and hiding out there.

This time, he wants to take Lestat along for the ride. He doesn't move, doesn't breathe, doesn't do a thing. He just keeps holding Lestat tightly, listening to the music.

At long last, he turns to kiss Lestat on the cheek. If the fireworks are still going on, he's unaware.

Still humming, he kisses Gren gently as he stands with him in his arms. The bottle and last truffle is grabbed as well. Going to the edge of the roof, he steps off and they float down to the ground. Everyone below is preoccupied so they don't notice. For those who do? He really doesn't care about them. Instead he lets them into their home and locks the window behind them.

To their bedroom and then to the bed. Setting Gren down, he gets in next to him. The animals all sound well so he doesn't worry about them.

"We have one more truffle, angel."

"Insatiable vampire." He says it with the utmost affection, though, and reaches for the box. "My only New Year's resolution is to get more of these." The last truffle (he really doesn't need more chocolate, but he's not about to waste it after such a nice request) is also delicious. "Vanilla malt, I think." He shares this one just as he's shared the others. It's been a great selection of chocolates, a fun way to eat them, and the night's been just about perfect.

Any time they spend together is just about perfect.

One kiss later, he pulls back, takes a sip of champagne, stifles a little yawn. "We can take the dogs for a walk in an hour or two if you want." Right now, all he wants to do is curl up with Lestat and be utterly, decadently lazy. There's no harm in that. Terrible though his French is, he uses it anyway. "Je t'aime, amant. Toujours, je suis à vous. And I hope I said that right."

Even if he's mangled it completely, the sentiment should still translate.

The yawn doesn't go unnoticed. There's no need to comment though. Instead, he holds his lover close to him and closes his eyes. The French makes him smile. "The dogs are fine for now. They can be taken care of later." And they'll guard the door until that time. Such patient animals they are. He'll reward them later.

"For now, you should sleep. I saw that yawn, angel of mine." Running his fingers through Gren's hair, he relaxes into the bed. "You don't sleep long enough. And do not tell me otherwise. As for your French?" He chuckles. "You did just fine."

And, he'll have to teach his lover more French at some point. Have Abby teach him more in sign language too. And any other language.

"Sleep now."

Log: Completed

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