tampered | (no subject)

"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.

Reeve was temporarily distracted by Mercy, who seemed to have decided that if Anita's hair is off limits, Reeve's lap is the next best option. He doesn't have the heart to shoo the small kitten away.

Before answering, he helps himself to another bite of spaghetti. After all, with Lestat plotting, who knows when he'll get to finish his meal.

"Generally." He raised an eyebrow at Lestat, wondering where this was going.

Anita's been around Lestat enough to know when he's up to something but she also knows he won't reveal it until he's good and ready. Settling back in her chair, she take a sip of her water, eyes going back and forth between her boyfriend and her friend.

That's one question answered. Tapping his lips with his finger, he thinks for a moment. How to get his idea to actually work...

"You're in the company of friends. You can do something daring like..."

He pauses then smiles. "...like kiss her."

Oh, he gets it now, and no, this is Lestat's game to play, not his. He knows all about comfort zones and he likes Reeve, as much as he knows him. He reaches over and squeezes Lestat's leg, and it's as much a warning as a gesture of affection. A don't do anything mean, lover type of move.

Of course, Lestat will do exactly as he pleases no matter what. It's one of the things he's always loved about him and he wouldn't change it for the world. Still, Anita and Reeve are being so nice.

And his boyfriend will do whatever he does and he'll do it in such a way that everyone will thank him for it afterward. Such skill has to be admired.

Reeve's hand moved from the back of Anita's hair to her shoulder, hugging her briefly. He wanted her to know that this wasn't about her, and he wasn't ashamed of their relationship in any way. His fingers found their way to the ends of her hair, playing with the curls absently.

"I could," he agreed, a good natured smile just touching the corner of his lips, "But I don't usually make a show out of my affections. Especially for your entertainment, Lestat."

He might just sneak a kiss from her when they were clearing dishes, though. After all, it had been several entire hours since he'd gotten to hold her.

While the brief hug is appreciated, her smiles turns a little faint as she looks back down at her plate. She knows he's a private person and she appreciates that, and she knows Lestat's up to his usual tricks, but deep down, she kind of wishes he would. It isn't that she doubts things between them, but she's so very used to being with demonstrative lovers. Such contact might embarrass her to no end, but she find comfort in it, especially now.

Well. This is cheery.

"I think I can make enough of a show of affection all by myself to keep Lestat entertained for days. I'm sorry if we're making you uncomfortable, Reeve. That's certainly not my intention." He won't speak for Lestat. He'll only speak up for him. "I think it's just that we're so fond of you both. I've certainly seen you unhappy more than happy, Anita, and for me -- and I'm the only one I can speak for -- it's such a delight to see you with a smile on your face."

Yes, Lestat likes to push boundaries and test everyone's limits; he wouldn't be Lestat without that. He turns back to Reeve now, though his hand never leaves his boyfriend's thigh. It's too comfortable there.

"So Reeve, tell me what kinds of things you're doing at Lux. I usually don't get to really know what goes on behind the scenes there. Only from the stage forward. I feel like I miss a lot."

Something is said quietly about it not being for his entertainment as he quietly studies Anita now. Since he isn't eating, he has the time for that. Privacy for kissing. That is cute but Anita clearly would like otherwise. Reeve is interesting but he really doesn't care about him. Her, though, her he still cares about.

He still loves her. Even as he encourages others to make her happy. Encourages her to be with others. They had a falling out and he can't have her back. He knows what those are like and he accepts them.

The smile of mischief fades as his face becomes thoughtful and he listens for Reeve's answer.

Now he feels bad. He squeezes Anita's fingers gently and smiles at Gren. "I don't mind, really. I just enjoy bantering with Lestat." He'll stop, though, because he has a feeling that while he and Lestat are fine, the other two might not be.

They can discuss work, though. He's fine with that. He actually likes his job now. "Scheduling, mostly. Inventory, ordering. Honestly, nothing terribly exciting. Really, whatever Niko needs me to do."

Anita falls silent, enjoying the company around her as she finishes her dinner.

"Our banters are entertaining." He does have to admit that. They have been from the beginning. That job however...

"Do forgive me but that sounds like the dullest line of work I have ever heard of."

He smiles to show that while, yes he's serious, he doesn't really mean anything by it.