< A Suitable Fellow
by joey
Rating: NC17 m/m sex
Email: jra@deathsdoor.com
Distribution: AngelSlash, anyone's welcome to it if they let me know
Disclaimer: All hail Joss the creator. No harm intended.
Feedback: Please, I live for it, truly.
Summary: Angelus has his eye on a potential companion.
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Angelus arrived at a nondescript, but well-maintained, terrace house. The family who lived within were prosperous but not ostentatiously so. He mounted the short flight of steps to the door, grateful for the late afternoon twilight of a London winter. It had allowed him to reach his destination at a reasonable hour, although he was ten minutes late for the five o'clock appointment. He knocked upon the dark-stained timber of the door and waited, patiently.

A few moments later, the door was opened by a heavyset man of late middle age. His round face was framed by mutton-chop sideburns, and it broke into a smile as he held out his hand. It was a smile that didn't quite reach his crinkling blue eyes, however. Angelus' sharp senses could detect worry and apprehension, which pleased him no end, as he took the proffered hand in a firm handshake.

"So glad you could make it," said the owner of the house, warmly. "I was about to close up the books for the evening, I'm afraid."

"I was unavoidably detained," replied Angelus smoothly. "May I come in?"

"Oh, yes, of course. How remiss of me," apologised the elder man. "You're very cold," he added, dropping Angelus' hand, "Come warm yourself by the fire."

Angelus was ushered into the front room which served as the man's office. "Please, have a seat," the man offered cordially as he sat down behind his own large, mahogany desk. "I understand you have some information for me."

"Yes, I do indeed. I'm not one to beat around the bush, sir, so I'll speak plainly. I have news of a shipment arriving tomorrow that could make both of us a great deal of money. I have it on very good authority that this is money you sorely need. Your debts are being called in at a rather alarming rate, of late - or so I've been told."

"I demand to know where you heard tell of this!" the previously jovial man was now red-faced and spluttering.

"Calm yourself, man. I have no intention of indulging in idle gossip. Suffice to say, I have my sources, and I can see from your reaction that they were correct."

"So, do you propose that I should place myself in your debt?"

"Not at all. This transaction will be lucrative enough for the both of us. I will require no further monetary payment from you." This last was said with a faintly menacing air, which the merchant utterly failed to recognise.

"Why did you approach me with this?"

"I like to keep my dealings very quiet. I do not wish to conduct business with anybody face to face. I prefer to keep my identity something of a secret."

The man at the desk was clearly discomfited by the implications of this statement. He suspected that the handsome, well-dressed man seated before him was involved in something not strictly legal. That was far from unusual in the shipping game, but there was a predatory elegance about the man which was vaguely sinister of itself. Nevertheless, he was in no financial position to look a gift horse in the mouth. A hesitant knock ended his musings.

"Ah, very good," he stated as a young man peered around the door.

"You wanted to see me, father?" he asked, casting a long, appraising look at the visitor to his father's study.

"Yes, yes. This is my son, William, the younger," he said by way of introduction. "I thought he could help you with the business we've discussed. He has quite a head for figures."

"I'm sure he has," purred Angelus, "He seems a most suitable fellow."

William smiled shyly at the praise. "I'd be honoured to assist you, sir. I hope I can be of some help to you."

"Yes, lad. I can think of a use for you, already." Rising from his seat he addressed the father. "Have him come 'round tomorrow evening at six with the preliminary contracts." He tossed a calling card onto the desk. "Good evening, gentlemen. I'll see myself out."

A smirk of accomplishment lit Angelus' features as he strode down the snow lined streets. A shivering beggar girl beckoned him from the path. "Kind sir, can I trouble you for a bite to eat," she whispered.

Angelus' face changed to its monstrous mask as he lifted her in one hand. "Thank you," he said. "Don't mind if I do."

************

William stood in the foyer of Angelus' townhouse. It was opulently furnished in an eclectic style the like of which he had never seen before. Angelus called to him from the parlour. "Please come in."

Dominating the parlour was an enormous couch upholstered in rich red velvet. Matching draperies hung heavily on the windows, curiously open to show a glimpse of the night sky. *When does he close them, then - during the day?* William wondered to himself. The room was filled with the golden, flickering light and pleasant warmth cast by a roaring fire. Angelus was sprawled languidly in an armchair by the window. He turned to regard William and waved casually at the sofa. "Sit," he commanded. William did as he was bid, shuffling awkwardly with the leather document satchel in his lap.

Angelus rose and went over to the sideboard. "Brandy?" he enquired, lifting a crystal decanter. William nodded and swallowed nervously. This was unlike any business meeting he'd ever attended.

Angelus sat beside William and handed him a balloon glass, gleaming with amber liquid. The young man took it one hand, still clutching the sheaf of papers in the other. "The contracts," he muttered, offering the folder to Angelus. The vampire smiled as he took them and laid them on an endtable. "Let's look them over later, shall we? Drink, now. You must be half frozen from the walk."

William took a sip of the excellent brandy, his eyes locking with Angelus' over the rim of the glass. Angelus took the opportunity to study him intently. He had seen him before, many times, of course. There was nothing random about this latest business partnership. The real reason for the venture was this beautiful young man. The fine bone structure was his most remarkable feature, the high cheekbones and slim, chiselled jaw. His eyes were of the clearest pale blue, framed by dark lashes. His light brown hair was pulled back into a loose braid, the ends an even paler hue. He had, no doubt, been blond as a child - a sunny, golden-haired little boy - but his hair was much darker now he had reached his twenties. The face was not flawless, however. A jagged scar dissected one eyebrow and Angelus could see a fading bruise on the opposite cheek. In Angelus' eyes these imperfections only served to enhance his beauty.

"What happened there?" he asked softly, indicating the marks he had seen.

William looked down, a trifle embarrassed but not at all cowed by the inquiry. "Me and a few of my mates got into a fight at the pub the other night. It's nothing."

"You do that often, don't you?"

William paused, suspicious, unsure of what to say. For all his diligent work at the family firm during the day, he knew his father would not approve of his night time activities. Somewhat alarmingly, he found he couldn't resist Angelus' probing gaze and he responded, "Yes. I guess I do."

"You like it," smiled Angelus, "the bloodlust, the heat of battle. The violence excites you."

William's heartbeat quickened in spite of himself. How had this man measured him so quickly, stripping back his soul to reveal his deepest secrets? "A shipping clerk doesn't get to see much in the way of battles."

"And your father would not allow you to be a soldier?"

Again, William was struck by the penetrating insight. "No. He would not." His chest tightened and his eyes locked Angelus' in steely silence.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of, my friend. We are men. Bloodshed is our birthright."

Angelus rose and crossed to the window, apparently finished with the topic. "I shall look over those contracts tonight. Come by tomorrow to collect the signed copies."

William was taken aback by the dismissal. He mustered as much dignity as possible as he stood. "Tomorrow night, then," he acknowledged, and hastily left the room.

Angelus watched the cobbled street from the window. "Good night, sweet William," he whispered to the retreating back.

*********

William stood at the doorway the following evening. He had considered sending a courier for the documents, but had been drawn here as if by the sirens' call. It was not that he was afraid, he was no slouch with his fists and had bested larger men than Angelus in both the boxing ring and tavern brawls. If it came to that, he was certain that he could beat any man senseless with a few well-placed blows. He'd had enough practice. But it was not fear of Angelus which unsettled him so. Well, not precisely. When he was in Angelus' presence he was mesmerised, he felt as if he lost all control over his words and actions when subjected to the scrutiny of those piercing brown eyes. And he liked it. That was the most disturbing part. He would willingly seek out the company of a man who made him feel that way, and worse, would do almost anything to please him, to win his respect.

He knocked.

Angelus answered the door himself. William was stunned by his sudden appearance. Adding to the effect was Angelus' clothing. He wore his customary dark breeches and stockings but had added a magnificent silk housecoat of cobalt blue woven through with gold thread. His hair hung loose around his shoulders, and William could not refrain from hitching in a sharp breath.

Noting the reaction, Angelus asked casually, "Do you like it? It came in on a luxury shipment from the Orient. It's most comfortable."

"I like it very much," said William quietly, trying to force back the depraved thoughts that he knew he should not be having.

"I see you admire fine things. You must have quite the eye for beauty." He paused. "Come in, we have much to discuss."

William followed Angelus into the parlour, certain he was entering the lion's den.

*********

William was amazed at how relaxed he had become in three short hours. No trace of his previous sense of dread remained. On the contrary, Angelus had been a charming host, witty and urbane. After the mundane matters of business were dispensed with, they had engaged in conversation about a variety of subjects - art, poetry, travel. William found himself to be quite enthralled by the man.

"So, your fabled eye for beauty. Does it extend to the ladies?" asked Angelus with a teasing glint in his eyes.

William blushed crimson. "There's one girl. Elizabeth." Her name was almost a sigh from his lips. "She is so perfect. I adore her. I have written her father to request her hand, but he has refused me," he confided.

Angelus smiled. This boy was obviously capable of loving deeply and devotedly, if not always wisely. It was his nature to sacrifice his own needs entirely for the object of his affection. Angelus was more than pleased to discover this. It was certainly not beyond his power to twist the boy's devotion in his direction.

"She is not worthy of you. You need someone who can share true passion with you, someone who will love you eternally."

William looked earnestly at Angelus. "Does such a being truly walk the earth? Who would be steadfast enough to return such love?"

Angelus was sitting very close to him now. "I would," he said, as he claimed William's lips in a searing kiss.

Beyond all thought and reason, William kissed him back. He wrapped his arms around Angelus' shoulders as he felt strong hands encircle his waist. He gasped as those hands found the skin beneath his shirt and rubbed the small of his back. His lips parted and he entangled his hands in Angelus' thick, shining hair, pressing his head closer against his ravishing mouth. His tongue collided with Angelus', which was strangely cold, but stroking the inside of his mouth so skilfully he paid it no mind.

Angelus broke the kiss but kept his face bare inches from William. "Come up to my room," he demanded in a hoarse whisper. William couldn't help but nod.

They rose together, in one fluid movement, and Angelus led him upstairs by the hand. When they reached the bedchamber, Angelus pulled him inside and shut the door behind him. "Remove your clothing," he commanded.

William hesitated only for a moment. His gaze never left Angelus' face as he stripped, slowly. He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside. He lowered his breeches, allowing them to pool at his feet. His member was semi-erect when he had finished and he could tell that Angelus was impressed by what he saw.

Leaning against the door, Angelus watched the young man. He stood proudly, the look on his face a challenge to his seducer. Angelus needed to gain the upper hand. "Now, come here and undress me."

William walked over to the older man, his hands shaking slightly. He unbuttoned the row of tiny gold buttons which held the coat closed. It hung open, revealing a broad, smooth chest. William could not resist reaching inside to caress the dark skin. He felt Angelus' nipple harden under his palm as a hand caught his wrist. "Later," hissed Angelus. William returned to the task at hand, walking around to stand behind Angelus and slip the coat from his shoulders. His errant fingers again touched the skin, this time to trace the intricate tattoo adorning his shoulderblade. Admonishing himself for this second lapse in concentration, William ran his hands down the alabaster flesh of Angelus' muscled back. He hooked his thumbs into the waistband of the black trousers and peeled them down as he sank to his knees. He leaned forward and rested his cheek against the firm mound of a buttock. Tentatively, he placed a kiss on the dimpled juncture of hip and thigh.

Angelus smiled as he turned and lifted the boy into his embrace. "Well done," he praised as he resumed their passionate kissing. Angelus let his hands explore William's warm skin while his mouth traced the curve of his jaw. Lapping at the pulse in his neck, his hand stroked the taut stomach. The pulse began to race and a delicious moan escaped the younger man's lips as Angelus' hand moved lower. William was fully hard now and his organ pulsed in Angelus' hand. Angelus dropped to his knees and replaced his hand with his cool mouth. William shouted in pleasure as he was taken to the hilt down his lover's throat. Angelus' tongue worked its magic as he sucked William towards his climax. He needed the young man to be relaxed, pleasured and willing in order to enjoy what he had planned for the remainder of the evening. Not to mention his plans for eternity. So he stifled a growl of lust and triumph as the first warm spurts poured down his throat.

He finished swallowing and stood, drawing William in close along the length of his body. The look in those glazed blue eyes was one of pure amazement. Angelus kissed the parted lips, the taste of William's seed still lingering on his tongue, and he felt a stirring of arousal against his belly, signalling the swift recovery that is the blessing of youth.

Angelus manoeuvred his young lover to the bed and pushed him down onto the coverlet. "Angelus," he whimpered in protest.

"Ssh, love," soothed Angelus, stroking his rigid back, "It will be wonderful, I promise." He picked up a bottle of spice-scented oil from the nightstand, removing the stopper single-handedly with dexterous fingers. He poured a thin stream of oil down William's spine, the other hand continuing to ease out the tension from his muscles. William groaned into the pillow beneath his head. Angelus continued to pour the oil onto his lover's rosy skin, allowing it to pool in the crevice between his buttocks. His hands massaged William's back until he was limp and utterly relaxed, then moved lower to knead the firm, white arse. His fingers slipped into the slick channel of oil and he rubbed the pads of his thumbs over William's virgin opening. The young man moaned and wriggled against the bed. "Be still," cajoled Angelus with the lightest of slaps to one rounded cheek. William instantly obeyed.

Angelus pressed forward, inserting one long finger into the puckered hole.William struggled to control his ragged breathing at the new sensation. Angelus stretched the skin around his finger gently, until he felt William's muscles relax. Adding a second finger, Angelus found William's pleasure centre, delighting in his sudden shout. Angelus withdrew his hand and William squirmed on the bed. "Please ..." he whispered. Kneeling between his legs, Angelus lifted William onto his thighs and positioned his rock hard, oil slick cock at the boy's entrance. He pushed his way inside, allowing his partner to grow accustomed to the invasion. First the head, then inch by painful inch, Angelus buried himself as far as he could go. William keened with lust, the burning sensation giving way to pure pleasure as Angelus began to thrust inside him.

Angelus could feel his climax rapidly approaching. He lifted William's upper body so that the boy straddled his thighs, his back held tight against his chest. He placed his mouth against his lover's ear and whispered, "Do you want more?"

Dazed and panting, William responded, "More? What more is there than this?"

"This," breathed Angelus, his face changing to its true demonic nature, his fangs sinking into the soft flesh of William's neck. He drank deeply as his young lover spent himself for the second time that night, his seed mingling with a spray of his own blood, staining the bedclothes with his life's essence. Angelus drew an elegantly manicured fingernail across his wrist and held it to William's mouth. As he, too, began to drink Angel's cold seed filled his body. Long moments passed as each drank their fill of the other then, sated, they collapsed into sleep.

*******

The sun shone harmlessly behind heavy black curtains. William ambled naked around the room without a hint of shame. Angelus reclined naked on the bed, watching his new protégé explore his surroundings. "Come back to bed," he beckoned.

William turned to regard him with one raised eyebrow. He picked up an object from the cluttered dresser, and sauntered back to the bed. "What is this?" he asked, holding up a pointed wedge of rough cast iron.

"It's used to construct those new steam carriage lines. It's called a railway spike," answered his sire.

"What does one do with it?"

Angelus wrested it from his grasp. "I'd be delighted to show you. We could pay a visit to your father...." He flung the piece of metal to the floor and pulled his childe towards him, "Later."

The End