tampered | (no subject)

He... loves how Lestat moves around as if he owns the place. Probably, he's like that everywhere but it becomes so much more evident in new places. No slouch at being perfectly sociable himself, he leans over and gives Smudge a little more attention, holding her in his arms as he moves to the dining room too. Equal opportunity for all cats.

"I'll have a glass." The temptation won't be in the drinking. It will be in not sharing it with Lestat as is their custom but... he can behave.

And so can Lestat, even though he hasn't managed to get that in writing... yet.

"Myself as well." Although he'll stop at one, that's his limit. He smiles, watching Mercutio sneak back under Anita's hair.

He helped Anita set up the table before turning back to Lestat, pointedly ignoring the statement about his dogs. "Well, there's always room for one more. And Mercy is quite a find. I wouldn't blame you for trying to steal him."

"No one will be stealing my baby. He's already spoiled enough." Her fondness for her pets shows in the gentle smile she doesn't even realize she's smiling. As soon as the kitten touches Anita's shoulder, he disappears back into her hair, but after a moment, there's sight of a little white nose and two bright eyes peeking out.

She motions for everyone to have a seat as she goes to pour the wine, clicking her tongue at Smudge as she goes. There's a treat in the kitchen for the larger cat, and don't think she doesn't know it. With a parting meow at Gren, she disappears after Anita, only to reappear a moment later, followed by Anita and the offered glasses as well as water for herself.

Gren's glass is handed over, then she offeres Reeve's to him, letting her hand brush his as he takes it from her.

"Please. Help yourself. I suck as a hostess, so from here on out, it's everyone for themselves."

He laughs as he leans back in his chair, one arm over the back. This isn't the first meal he's had in the City where he was the only one not eating. He can just add this one to the list. Besides, the smells around him are nice and it's amusing to see the way Anita and Reeve keep touching each other.

"Well, it certainly looks delicious. Do tell me how it is. I'm very curious."

It may be awkward for some of them with him not eating but he doesn't mind. A pity Gren will probably want to behave here. Otherwise he'd steal a taste. Perhaps he will anyways at some point.

He enjoys teasing Reeve and he doubts Anita will mind.

"Thanks, Anita. Cheers to everyone."

The way he reaches for Lestat's hand -- now that they're sitting -- is really so automatic that he doesn't even realize he's done it until a moment or two later when he looks down and sees their fingers intertwined. It doesn't matter, though: they're with friends and even if they weren't it wouldn't matter. He's in love, and he's proud of it and so, so proud of Lestat.

And because of that, he gets bold -- in his very own fashion -- and rubs the bridge of his nose.

Let me know if you want a taste. Why not? It's what they do, and it's very good wine.

Reeve smiled, letting their fingers brush together as he accepts the glass. "Thank you, sweetheart."

He glances over at the other two, wondering what exactly they're plotting. He can tell it's something, even if he's not entirely sure what.

Well, it's none of his business. He sneaks another quick hold of Anita's hands, lacing their fingers together as Lestat and Gren had done automatically. He still wants to keep her close, after all.

"Anytime, love."

Anita's well aware that the two of them are looking a bit smug but wuth Reeve's hand curled with her own, she just smirks around her fork. It won't be the first time certain vampires have misbehaved around her and it certainly won't be the last. It's something familiar to her and that settles her even more.

Mercutio picks then to peek out of her hair, sniffing at the rich smell so very close now. Anita just pauses, raises her hand and settles a fingertip on his nose.

"None of that. You'll eat in a little while, little Mercy."

A few bites in her stomach now, she looks over at Gren, smiling faintly.

"Domestic bliss suits both of you."

He has permission to get his tastes. At that, he actually slides his gaze over to look at Gren. That thought has greatly pleased him. And, he thinks he'll take advantage of it. The offer was opened to him, after all. He just wouldn't be himself if he didn't follow through.

Leaning forward, he grins at his lover. He is well aware that the other two are there. He doesn't care. However, he does stop long enough to say a quick something to Anita.

"Surprising isn't it? That someone like me would be suited to domestic bliss?" He laughs then his attention is entirely on Gren.

"I want a taste of the wine."

He shoots a little glance at Reeve and Anita. Anita will know what that means and she probably won't mind. But he did offer, and so he tilts his glass to the couple on the other side of the table. "To domestic bliss."

A sip later, he turns Lestat's face toward him with one gentle hand. The kiss isn't particularly showy or long, but it's not exactly innocent either. And as far as he goes, he's entirely unapologetic. Lestat gets the first little smile, but then he looks across the table and smiles almost shyly at Anita and Reeve.

"That's... what you get when you invite a vampire to dinner. You knew that, right?"

Reeve just rolls his shake his head a little, unsurprised. "Yes, we knew," he assures Gren. Even if he hadn't exactly, Lestat's nature oozes so much sensuality that it's not really a surprise.

They can't expect a return show, however. He has some dignity to maintain.

Honestly, Lestat can misbehave as much as he wants, as long as he's keeping Anita distracted and happy. That's something Reeve's been failing at, and it's what she needs. So he's not going to pitch a fit about what's working.

"Gren, I think you should amend that to 'what you get when you invite Lestat to dinner." There's not a hint of embarrassment on Anita's face; still almost no color in her pale face, but the corners of her lips are curled up in a bit of a smirk.

Secretly, she's pleased they hadn't unnerved Reeve. She knows he's such a proper person. Such things have a place, after all. She half thinks it'll be fun to show the two guests that they're not the only ones to show-off a bit, but she knows Reeve would never go for it, much to her regret.

"Want a taste of the food as well, Lestat?"

"Why? Are you offering?" He laughs since he knows he won't do it. And she won't do it. And Gren could possibly be very jealous of it. Still, he enjoys teasing and that was such a perfect opening.

Resting an elbow on the table, he waves he hand in dismissal. "All of you eat some. I can steal a taste in a moment or two."

Then, without any shame in the world, he brings up Gren's hand which is still entwined with his and presses a kiss to it. That done, he smiles at Anita. "You just wanted another show."

A long, long time ago -- before the army and Titan and prison and Callisto -- he was almost (but not quite) as vain and precocious as his boyfriend. He's buried that whole side of himself for years, but now -- with Lestat's help -- it's starting to come out again. It doesn't matter to him what people see when they look at him. All that matters is what he knows inside, and what he has to share with the ones he loves.

He's not at the club, even though Reeve and Anita both work there. There's no need to be an ambassador for Lux in the privacy of this apartment. The look he gives Lestat is simultaneously public and private, infused with a heavily intense adoration. Then he picks up his fork and tastes the food himself.

"This is delicious. Thanks so much."

Oh, he'll share it. He'll share it any time Lestat wants.

Reeve just smiles and shakes his head at the two of them, enjoying his own pasta. The food is excellent, after all, and he enjoys Gren's company. Even Lestat's, when he's behaving. Which he is, tonight. Mostly.

He gives Anita's fingers a quick squeeze, though, and reaches over to tug on one of her curls. "Be careful what you say. You'll give the vampire ideas."

Which is her plan, he has absolutely no doubt. It doesn't mean he can't be jealous.

"Like I'd turn down the chance to see two lovely men kissing."

Anita smirks a bit more as she takes another bite, raising her eyebrows at the tug.

"He's already got ideas in his head. I had nothing to do with putting them there."

"Why Reeve? Are you feeling left out? I'm sure there is a willing pair of lips at this table for you."

He smiles at Reeve as if he would do it himself. Given the right motivation, he would. The motivation isn't here so that doesn't matter.

The hint that he might do it is still there though. Even as he gives Gren's hand a subtle squeeze as if to say he won't. That this is just another tease.

Lestat's being a brat, but what else is new? He's only too glad to play along this time and anyway, it's all in good fun.

"I don't know, Lestat." He looks down at the table, suppressing a smile. "I think Anita wants to watch us together a little more. And I think Reeve could do without that." His shrug is genial and unconcerned; he smiles across the table at their hosts. "Correct me if I'm wrong. I'd like to be a good guest, because I like both of you and you know, being a poor musician and all, I'm sitting here angling for a repeat invite. I like it when people cook for me."

Now he really can't hide the smile.

Reeve is smiling too and he shakes his head. "Don't be silly, Gren,w you're a lovely guest. And you're always welcome."

Is he ignoring Lestat? Why yes he is! After all, he knows the vampire is just out for a reaction and he won't give him that. Nor Anita, either, if she's playing the vampire's game. After all, he's the mature one here.

"As if I would tell my guests how they should act in my home. I'm glad you two are like this. You both deserve to be happy." Still, she flicks her eyes over at Reeve, the smile shifting a little as she does so. It isn't enough of a motion for him to notice, really, just something unconscious.

"I'm afraid this'll be just about the only thing you'll eat here if you come over again. I'm not a very good cook, really. I didn't really learn a lot back in my youth."

For a time, he eyes Reeve with interest before smiling again and looking back at Gren. "Let me see how the food is. I can't eat it but a small taste is something."

He does love to show off too.

He doesn't even wait. Once Gren is finished with the bite, their lips are already sealed. And he isn't shy about the kiss either.

When it's done, he licks his lips. "Hm. I think I like it."

He won't let himself be used like this all night long, but this time it's okay. He loves this man, and that's what matters more than anything.

"It's excellent." For just a moment, he rests his hand fondly on Lestat's face before reaching for his wine glass. The evening's not quite comfortable yet, but maybe it will get there.

It's just that he's used to being draped all over his boyfriend and not caring about behaving. He's spoiled.

"The food, the drink, the company: it's all wonderful."

Okay, they're ridiculous. But they're also kind of sweet. He smiles a little, nuzzling Anita's hair gently, relieved that the evening has gone so well. More than just that they're getting along, but she seems happy and relaxed in a way she hasn't been since Cissnei went missing. It's a relief to him, and he loves it.

Anita just laughs softly as Lestat leans in for his 'taste'. "God, you're shameless." Still, the look she gives him is fond and open. Gren's compliment is met with another smile from her, and it's obvious she's relaxing a bit. "Thanks. It's one of the few things I remember mom teaching me how to fix. I always helped her with it."

When Reeve nuzzles her hair, the smile turns soft and gentle, right up until Mercy's paw reaches out to bat at his nose. Then, she's laughing full out as she reaches up and pulls the kitten down.

"Alright now, off you go. Go find your playmate and see if you can please stay out of the shower this time. I don't want to have to rescue you again."

Mercutio just mews and starts wandering around under the table.

".... yeah. They listen to me so well."

"You just need to learn their language." Smiling at the couple before him, he watches the subtle interactions between them. If he was really terrible, he's 'accidentally' find a way to get them to kiss as well. Even if it is just a brief one.

That's a tempting thought.

He rests his chin on his hand as he toys around with the idea. He doesn't even bother to hide the fact that he's thinking about it.

"Reeve, are you always so formal in dress and attitude?"

Lestat's up to something but he's not sure what it is. Whatever it might be, he's no partner to it. He can't read thoughts.

...maybe that's what Lestat's doing. That would make sense. He follows his boyfriend's gaze and waits for Reeve's answer: interrupting now with his own agenda would be rude, and that's one thing he's never been accused of.