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Title: Black Wings. Summary:
After being expelled from the Thieves' Guild Remy has to make a living on his
own. While trying to steal the birth of Venus he runs in to Armand who
instantly takes an interest in the young thief. Warning:
This story is definitely Alternate Universe! This
stories was beta read by Sethra, thanks! //Dis
won' be easy,// Remy LeBeau realized disappointed, as he strolled leisurely
inside. The Louvre was crowded with people, mostly
tourists, who were all eager to
see some of the greatest masterpieces mankind had to offer and he struggled
through the crowd to get in to the next exhibition hall. His eyes closely examined
the paintings on the wall, each and every one of them was valuable, but the one
he had chosen to 'acquire' was in a different wing and he continued to force
himself a way through the large number of people. It would have been so much
easier, if only he'd still had access to the Guild's resources, but that was in
the past. He'd been exiled from New Orleans and now had to survive on his own.
Considering everything that had happened lately, he wasn't doing too badly. Rich people always wanted
the original paintings and shuddered at the thought of having a reproduction at
home. He gladly obliged and stole the art objects they craved and they paid him
large sums of money to get that one painting they'd always desired. Money wasn't an issue right
now, he had lots of it, but stealing 'The Birth of Venus' by Botticelli was. It was the ultimate challenge. Closely, he examined all
the safety measures they had taken to protect the art. These French were
thorough! Getting inside wasn't a problem, but remaining undetected and slipping
outside again might prove impossible. //Merde! I could use de money!// This
museum provided him with an incredible challenge. Except for his père, he was
probably the best thief in the world. There had to be a way to get his hands on
that canvas! As a LeBeau, he had a reputation to uphold! //Dey
even have lasers t' secure de floor!// No way he was going to walk in to that
room, pick up the painting and leave again. This would take a lot of
preparation and he wasn't sure that he had the time to do it. He had only been
given one week to steal the painting! Finally, he reached the
last room, which held the Birth of Venus and he allowed himself a moment to
admire the artist's craftsmanship. It was beautiful. Luckily, this section was
rather empty. Most people had drifted off to other rooms, waning to see the
Egyptian artefacts and the Mona Lisa the Louvre was
renowned for. He understood perfectly why
his 'employer' wanted the original. It was absolutely breath taking. Lost in
thought, Remy didn't notice the arrival of another admirer. /// //Beautiful,// was his
first thought and it wasn't aimed at the painting, but at the man standing in
front of it. His fingers itched to tangle in that silken hair and he glided
forward soundlessly. He'd only wanted to admire the
paintings, to study the art with his unique sight, but now something even more
intriguing had crossed his path. The stranger was of the same height and he
suspected that an agile body was hidden underneath the black coat and worn
jeans. The man tried to look casual, but there was something in his manner that
gave him away. This young man had come here with a purpose. Subconsciously, he tried to
read the stranger's mind, one talent his master had bestowed on him so many
centuries ago. Stunned, he realized that he couldn't penetrate the man's mind.
It was a solid wall, unreadable and it lured him closer. Humans hardly ever
possessed the ability to block his probing, but this handsome specimen had
succeeded brilliantly. It had been an eternity since he'd felt such a
challenge. He desperately needed to learn more about this handsome stranger. If
only the man would take off those annoying shades! The glasses hid his eyes
from view and he wanted to stare into them, read the secrets hidden in those orbs.
He had to take the
initiative. Thus far the stranger hadn't noticed his presence and he didn't
want to startle him, so he cleared his throat and whispered, "Beautiful,
isn't it?" Remy quickly turned around,
as the soft voice flowed into his mind. He hadn't sensed the man's arrival,
which was odd. His senses were trained to keep him alive! Cautiously, he took a
step away from the man and nodded his head. Better not to reveal too much yet
and he decided to pretend that he was a French tourist, admiring art.
"Yes," he replied carefully. "Botticelli
was a real master. The colors are superb and…" His
accent had vanished and his entire attitude had changed. This stranger might
have a hidden agenda! Slowly and methodically, Remy started to take in the
man's appearance. The first thing that struck him was the long black hair that
framed the chiselled face. The eyes were dark and brooding, like they wanted to
lure all his secrets from him. Alerted, Remy decided that
this was a dangerous man. The stranger's clothes were tailor made and
expensive. A black costume and a white silk shirt were partly hidden underneath
a heavy black cloak. A walking cane, adorned with a silver dragon's head
completed the outfit and he suddenly got the feeling that this man belonged to a
different era. "Do you come here
often?" the stranger asked and stepped forward. Remy couldn't move away, as
he stood with his back against the wall. Normally, he would never react like
this, but there was something about the stranger that… puzzled, no, scared,
him. The man resembled a predator and he felt very much like its prey.
"No, this is the first time," Remy replied, maintaining his disguise.
"You should come here
more often. One rarely sees such a marvellous example of beauty anymore." Remy's head jerked back.
What the hell was going on? His sixth sense told him that the stranger wasn't
talking about the painting on the wall behind him. The remark had been directed
at him. Pretending ignorance, Remy
decided it was time to play his part in the game, realizing it had been a good
idea to conceal his true identity. He could easily pretend being someone else.
The Guild had trained him well. A stabbing pain moved through his heart,
remembering the expression on Jean-Luc’s and Tante
Mattie's face, as he had packed his stuff to leave the house. "You look… sad,"
the man remarked in an odd tone. His instincts told him that
this man couldn't be fooled and Remy replied, "I lost someone very dear to
me recently." Hopefully, that would satisfy the man's curiosity. "I'm truly sorry to
hear that, but… it's getting late and Le Louvre is
about to close for the night. Would you care to join me for a late
dinner?" Remy blinked his eyes.
//Merde! What does he want from me?// The eyes, there was something wrong with
those eyes! Feeling distinctly uncomfortable, Remy pulled his coat closer to
his body and felt thankful for wearing the shades. He wasn't sure he wanted to
make 'real' eye contact with the man. Briefly, he considered if he would get
away with declining the invitation. "Please," the
stranger whispered, "I would like to talk to you." //Non, won' get 'way wid sayin' non,// Remy realized
and sighed. "Sure, I could use a cup of coffee and something to eat."
But he wasn't sure the stranger was buying his act. Something about those eyes
seemed to pierce his mind, reading the truth there. Pleased, the man nodded his
head. "You will like Fouquet's. It's an
excellent restaurant. We will take a cab to the avenue des
Champs-Elysées." Remy recognized the restaurant's
name. It was famous for its excellent kitchen and very expensive. Apparently,
this man was only interested in the best. Remy regretted accepting
the invitation when the stranger walked up to him with firm determination in
his eyes. Truth was that this man confused him. Usually, people stayed away
from him, but this man was different, even seemed attracted to him. //'Till he
sees my eyes an' realizes what I am,// Remy thought saddened. His alien eyes
always presented a barrier. He found himself off balance and wondered what the
hell was different about this man. "Where are my
manners?" the stranger said, softly admonishing himself and smiled
seductively. "I didn't even introduce myself. I'm Armand." /// Remy kept his distance when
they moved into the cab. He listened closely when Armand told the driver where
he wanted to go. When Armand settled down next to him, he tried to increase the
distance between them. His instincts were usually right and major warning bells
were ringing in his mind. He should never have accepted this invitation! What
did he know about this man except for his name? Nothing! Armand studied his guest
and noticed the unease in the man's movements. "So, what should I call
you?" he inquired, curious to see if his guest would tell him the truth or
a lie. He might be unable to read his mind, but lies weren't that hard to
detect. Deciding upon his strategy
he eventually replied, "Remy." He could make up a name, but knew from
previous experience that it might back fire on him, forgetting to react to it. "Remy," Armand
repeated, as if tasting the name. Then, he nodded his head approvingly.
"The name suits you." The uncomfortable silence still hung between
them and Armand wondered why the other man was this suspicious. Normally, humans
never saw through his disguise, but this one was different. "Tell
me," he started and felt once more irritated by the shades Remy was
wearing. "Why are you wearing those sun glasses? The sun has long
set." Indeed, she had set; otherwise he would still be in hiding. "I've got sensitive
eyes," Remy replied evasively, reminding himself to suppress the accent. Armand smiled seductively.
"So have I." Remy looked up at hearing
that remark. "There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with them," he
pointed out. Armand decided to let the
topic rest. He'd tried before to explain how unique a vampire's sight was, how
he perceived objects and his surroundings, but he had failed every time. Even
Daniel had only understood once he'd become a vampire. Daniel, he longed for
his companion, but the young man had decided that he needed more time to
himself and yes, Armand understood that need. He wondered if Daniel would ever
return to him. The cab had reached the
restaurant and Armand gestured his guest to follow him. As they walked up to
the entrance he asked. "Have you ever been here before? It's an excellent
restaurant." "Not yet," Remy
whispered cautiously. Inside, it was crowded and
people stood in line, waiting for a table. Garcons were trying to calm them
down, as it was apparent that the restaurant was fully booked. "Maybe we should go
some place else?" Remy suggested, feeling uncomfortable amidst this crowd.
If someone accidentally knocked off his shades, things might get out of hand.
He doubted that the French opinion of mutants differed from that of the rest of
the world. Armand sensed some of
Remy's discomfort and realized a change of plans was in order. He was going to
play it safe. This young man was exquisite and he wanted a chance to get to know
him. The headwaiter walked over
to them and Remy was about to start for the exit when Armand halted him with a
gentle hand on his arm. His first reaction was to shake it off, but as he
looked in to Armand's eyes he shivered. Those burning orbs were full of
promise. //Promisin' me what?// he wondered
privately. Unable to shake off the influence, he halted in his movement. "Monsieur Armand!
We're so glad to see you again. You honor this
establishment with your presence." Remy looked questioningly at
Armand, who smiled back at him. "A table for two…
secluded, my friend," Armand said and the waiter nodded his head, eager to
be of service. "Of course,
monsieur!" Curiosity had taken over
and Remy followed the two men to one of the suites, located behind the dining
room. "This will do,"
Armand whispered and the waiter's face lit up with pride. "Does your guest wish
to see the menu?" the waiter inquired. "Yes," Armand
replied and sat down. Gesturing Remy, he waited for his guest to join him. "Looks like that man
worships you," Remy remarked ill at ease, but sat down opposite Armand. "He's like a brother
to me," Armand replied and tried hard not to grin. "We've known each
other for a LONG time." Actually, he'd helped the vampire to get this job.
Working nights was the perfect solution for a fledgling and offered him a
chance to get to know potential victims. The waiter returned,
offered Remy a menu and poured him a glass of red wine. After Remy had made his
choice, the waiter left, promising to return quickly with the chosen dish. "Usually, I don't
drink wine," Remy objected weakly, but realized it would be impolite to
refuse at this belated moment. "Try it," Armand
encouraged him. "You might like it." Remy realized that it was a
very old and expensive wine and slowly sipped from his glass. Luckily, he
didn't get drunk easily. "You're right. It's delicious," he
whispered. It was getting harder to work around his accent and the wine
wouldn't help. Best to turn this conversation to his advantage and take the
lead. "Do you live in Paris?" Armand shook his head and
leaned back. "No, I'm only passing through." What would it take for
Remy to remove those shades? It was all he could think of. Remy sipped from the wine
and desperately tried to think up questions he could ask to keep the
conversation going. "Do you always ask people to join you for
dinner?" Merde, there was just one disadvantage to this strategy. He
couldn't let his accent slip back in! This time Armand allowed a
smile to break through. Maybe he'd found a way to get past Remy's defenses and he was going to test his theory now.
"Only if they're as beautiful as you are, my friend." Yes, he'd been
right. Remy blushed fiercely.
"What do y' want from me?" Too late did he realize that the accent
was slipping back in. Armand noticed the changed
pronunciation, but let it pass. "To watch you eat dinner, talk to you. I
want to get to know you." "Why?" Remy asked
and placed his now empty glass back on the table. "Because I love
beauty," Armand replied and leaned forward. "You're not used to
receiving compliments. That surprises me." Remy shrugged his
shoulders. "That's a long story," he replied and filled his glass
again. "Will you join me for a drink?" "No," Armand
whispered. "I'm neither hungry nor thirsty." Crossing his arms in
front of his chest he continued to observe Remy. "Why are you trying to
mislead me?" Remy's head jerked back and
confused, he stared at Armand. "You're a foreigner.
You don't live in Paris. Why lie to me?" Armand nodded his head. His
assumption had been correct. Caught off guard, Remy
licked his lips and tried to think of an answer. In the end he opted for the
truth. "Y're right. I don' live in Paris. Like
you, I'm only passin' t'hrough."
Pleased, Armand nodded his
head. "You weren't at the museum to admire art…" Remy was determined not to
reveal everything and asked, "Why do you go there? To pick up men?" Armand laughed softly.
"No, that's not my style, my friend. But you're right. We're both keeping
secrets and we should call a truce." Relieved, Remy sighed.
"I ain't sure what I'm doin'
here," he'd given up on hiding his accent. "It ain't
like me t' accept invitations like dis." Armand smiled knowingly.
"Maybe it's my charm?" "What did y'
say?" Remy asked. "Did y' say charm?" Was it possible that this
man knew of his charm power? But no, he was tightly controlling it. "Are
y' a telepat'?" he'd heard of mutants who could
read minds. Armand considered the man
in front of him. During these last few minutes he'd realized that he wanted
this to be more than just a brief fling. But this was going too fast! He was
actually considering telling Remy the truth about himself, who he really was.
When had he become this reckless? Remy hated the sudden
silence. What the hell was he doing? He couldn't trust anyone! Being a thief
and a mutant meant that only caution could keep him alive, and now… "How about this?"
Armand started and offered his guest the still full glass. "I'll tell you
who I am, if you do the same." Remy accepted without
hesitation. "Who goes first?" "I will," Armand
decided in a firm tone, "But there's one condition." Remy swallowed hard and
fumbled for a card, which he pulled from a pocket. He was ready to charge it,
if he needed to get out in a hurry. "What's de condition?" "I want you to take
off those shades," Armand whispered. /// Remy felt indecisive, but
realized that there was no way out of this situation. Slowly, his fingers
closed around the metal frame and after taking a deep breath, he took off the
shades. Previous experiences had told him that most people felt horrified when
seeing his red on black eyes and he expected Armand to react the same way.
Maybe, he subconsciously hoped that his eyes would scare Armand off. Then, they
could go their separate ways. Fascinated, Armand rose
from his chair and walked around to Remy. Gently, he cupped the young man's
chin in the palm of his hand and forced Remy to lock eyes with him.
"Magnificent," he whispered awed. He didn't know what humans saw when
they looked at those eyes, but he saw only beauty. The red iris consisted of
fire, and the blackness that surrounded them was soothing. "Magnificent?"
Remy repeated in disbelief. No one had ever reacted like that! Not even
Jean-Luc or Tante Mattie. "Yes, their beauty is
beyond words," Armand reassured him and reluctantly returned to his seat.
"I want to know everything about you, my friend, but I promised to share
my past with you first. I will keep my word." Feeling nervous, Remy
decided to put the shades back on. "Don't," Armand
said resolved. "I want to see your eyes." Undecided, the shades
remained in mid air. Eventually, Remy placed them on the table. He had to admit
that it felt good to be rid of them. The light, which the candles dispersed
through the room, wasn't bright. He didn't need the sunglasses, but… it worried
him that his red on black eyes hadn't repelled Armand. Again, he realized that
this was an extraordinary man. //Jus' who are y'?// he thought worried. He
hated not being in control. Armand smiled tenderly,
realizing that Remy felt ashamed for having such peculiar eyes. Right now, he
regretted committing to go first, as he craved hearing Remy's history, but…
"I was born in Russia," he started, "more than 500 years ago."
"What did y'
say?" Remy stuttered. "500 years? That's impossible!" While shaking his head,
Armand replied, "Let me continue." "'Course," Remy
said taken aback and drowned his second glass of wine. Armand was telling the
truth; at least his senses weren't picking up any lies or feelings of
manipulation. Captivated, he rested his elbows on the table and used his arms
to support his chin. Armand recognized the
curious and impatient expression that had appeared in Remy's eyes. Daniel had
once looked at him like that. But even Daniel didn't know everything. This time
however, it was going to be different. He wanted Remy to know the whole truth. Remy
couldn't tear himself away from Armand's eyes, even if he'd wanted to. The
man's tone was seductive and those eyes demanding. What was Armand's secret?
Was he a mutant too? "When I was only a
child, I was taken away from my family and sold off into slavery." Armand
noticed that Remy's eyes flashed dangerously at hearing that revelation. "Slavery?" Remy
whispered shakily, remembering his own childhood. He hadn't been a slave no,
but had done certain things to earn money and at times, he had felt like a
slave. "You've got to keep in
mind that this happened 500 years ago," Armand reminded him. "But,
eventually I was lucky. Instead of dying in one of the brothels in Italy I was
bought by a very kind man, an artist… a painter. His name is Marius." "Y' use de present
tense? Is dis Marius still 'live?" Remy asked,
intrigued by the story this far. He was letting go of his suspicions, feeling
akin to Armand. "Marius is still
alive, yes," Armand confirmed. "He took me with him and… at first he
kept me at a distance. Yes, he promised to teach me how to paint…" Armand
couldn't help thinking back to the time when he'd still lived with his parents.
He'd painted saints, and the monks had almost made him one of their own. He
shuddered, realizing how close he'd come to being buried alive, spending his
days in the earth, meditating on God and the sacrifice he would make by dying in
that lonely cell. "Armand?" Remy
whispered, slightly concerned as the man stopped talking. The expression in
those eyes had changed to melancholy, distant. "I'm fine,"
Armand said and nodded his head. "Slowly, I realized who and what Marius was.
I would lay with him during the night, but he was incapable of… doing the
deed." Remy felt entranced by
Armand's voice, knowing only too well what the other man had been through.
"Did y' love him? Did he love y'? How old were y' when dis
happened?" The questions flowed from his lips before he realized what he'd
asked. "Marius loves me, yes.
In his own way…" Armand grew silent. "And I still love him." "Did he treat y'
right? I mean, y' were a slave an' he de master?" Remy fidgeted with the
glass, it felt like listening to a twisted version of his own past. "I was ill for a
while, but Marius tended to my every need." Armand realized that he was
stalling and he wondered why. It was time to reveal the ultimate truth.
"Marius disappeared during the day and visited me at night. Every night he
would draw blood. His lips, placed at my throat, would gently suck the blood
from my veins." Remy released a surprised
yelp. "Mon Dieu!" and he fought the urge to say a quick prayer. New
Orleans was a city filled with tales of voodoo, ghosts, the living dead and…
"Was he a vampire?" Armand tapped his fingers on the table and only
now did Remy notice the long, transparent fingernails. "Yes, a vampire, but
don't draw conclusions too quickly." Armand stared at the flame.
"Don't believe the tales you may have heard about vampires. We can touch a
crucifix, are not appalled by garlic, and some of us even have a
conscience." "I…" Remy
stuttered. "Are y' tellin' me dat y're a… Y' said WE…"
This conversation had certainly taken an unexpected twist. Did Armand really
think that he was a vampire? Suddenly Remy was very glad that they were in a
restaurant. There were people everywhere and the waiter would return shortly
with his dish. "Yes, I am a
vampire," Armand confirmed. "A 500 year old vampire." Remy leaned back in to the
comfort of his chair. "I ain't sure I can
believe dat." Armand decided to ignore
the remark. "Do you want to hear the rest?" "Mon Dieu! Oui!" Armand smiled. Remy might
not believe him yet, but he didn't show any fear either. He liked that.
"Marius was reluctant to give me the dark gift, but one night he gave in.
I can't explain the sensations that washed through me when I opened my eyes for
the first time. You see, my sight differs from a human's. When I look at your
eyes… I see fire and pain." Remy had grown quiet, but
now his eyes clung to Armand. "Merci." Armand nodded his head in
polite acknowledgment. "Humans must have shunned you because of those
eyes." "Oui," Remy
muttered and fought hard to keep back the pain. Memories were about to crash in
on him and he didn't want them right now. "You will tell me when
it's your turn," Armand murmured and let the awkward moment pass.
"The house was attacked and I had to flee. That night I lost track of
Marius and I had to survive on my own. I ached inside now that he was gone and
I felt lost. I ended up in Paris. The vampires there were… old fashioned."
Armand smiled saddened, remembering the treatment he had received at their
hands. "I don'
understand," Remy whispered and almost reached out to squeeze Armand’s
hand reassuringly. The vampire's mind was filled with a never forgotten ache
and he couldn't, no, didn't want, to shut it out. "They thought that we
were the devil's chosen ones and should live like… the damned," he added
eventually. “With Marius I lived in luxury, wore silk clothes and we went out.
The coven lived underneath cemeteries and…" Armand paused. "It was
hell." "Je
suis désolé," Remy
whispered. His fingers inched closer to Armand's. "I don't like to think
back to that time," Armand said and just now noticing how close Remy's
hand was lying to his. "It ended when another vampire destroyed the coven
and I was alone again." Armand shifted in his chair and decided that he
wasn't going to tell Remy about Lestat yet. Also, it
was obvious that Remy wanted to say something. Now, it was Remy's turn to talk,
ask questions and if he could, he would answer them. Remy didn't really know
what he wanted to say. In a certain way he felt the need to comfort Armand,
whose life had been so rough and filled with pain. But that meant crossing a
line and he wasn't ready to take that step. Instead he asked, "Y're a vampire, non? Does dat
mean y' brought me here 'cause…" Armand heard Remy's
unspoken words in his mind. During these last minutes the man's mind had become
more… tangible. "No, I'm not going to kill you. I don't need your
blood." Remy looked up
apologetically. "I assumed dat…" "I'm old," Armand
explained. "Marius was a powerful vampire and his blood made me strong. As
the years passed, I… grew stronger. I can do without blood." Relieved, Remy locked eyes
with Armand. "I never believed Tante Mattie when
she told me ghost stories." "Vampires exist,"
Armand said and waited for Remy to continue. "Are you immortal? "Nearly
immortal," Armand whispered. "The light of the sun can destroy
me." "Holy water? Stake t'rough de heart?" Remy asked nervously. Armand shook his head.
"Have no effect on me." "Mon Dieu!" Remy
exclaimed again. "Why me? Why did y' pick me t' talk t'?" "I feel attracted to
you. I don’t know exactly why." That answer didn't reassure
Remy. "If y' didn' take me here for my blood,
den why?" The only other reason he could think of was sex. Armand laughed embittered. "My
body died 500 years ago, Remy," he pointed out. "Remember when I said
that Marius couldn't… 'perform'? Neither can I. But, I still remember ways to
make you experience ecstasy," he whispered, remembering the things Marius
had done to make him come when he'd been young. As a vampire he'd never made
love to a human, not even Daniel had been interested in him in that way. Daniel
had craved being a vampire. The expression on Remy's
face puzzled him. Was it… disappointment? He cursed the fact that Remy's mind
once more denied him entry. A moment ago he had managed to catch a few
thoughts. "Is that it? Would you like to find out how it feels to be a
vampire's lover?" Armand added teasingly. Remy's faint blush revealed his
answer and made him smile. "Yes, you would," and he felt strangely honored by that revelation. Remy did his best to avoid
Armand's simmering eyes. Making love to a vampire? Briefly, an image flashed
through his mind. Maybe Armand couldn't become erect, but what if…? A soft moan
left his lips as he envisioned what it would be like to ride this man, to
possess him in a way he'd maybe never experienced before. Shocked, Remy
realized that he was growing hard. Desperately, Remy tried to
think of something to say when the waiter entered the room to serve dinner. His
erection refused to go away and he suspected that Armand had picked up on it.
As he looked up at the vampire, his heart missed a beat. Slowly, Armand's
tongue moved over his upper lip, as if challenging him to claim it. In an effort to distract
himself, Remy focused his attention on the waiter. "Is he a vampire
too?" he asked, as the waiter closed the door behind him. As his arousal
weakened, he sighed relieved. "Yes," Armand
whispered and pondered his next move. "Do you have any questions for me to
answer?" He didn't want to embarrass Remy, whose face was still flustered.
Passion and desire clouded Remy's thoughts and amused, Armand watched the
confused young man. "Non, not right
now," Remy said eventually, stepping away from the unsettling topic. "In that case, I would
like to learn more about you. You already told me that you lived in New
Orleans, but I want you to start at the beginning." Remy stared at the food on
his plate. Suddenly, he found he'd lost all appetite. The past was still
painful and the last thing he wanted to do, was to discuss his exile. "I'm waiting,"
Armand said patiently, faintly tasting the pain and sadness in Remy's mind. Had
it been that pain that had attracted him in the first place? Remy composed himself and
looked up pleadingly at Armand. He really didn't want to share this with
anyone, but he couldn't walk out on Armand now that the man had bared part of
his soul. "My name's Remy LeBeau an' I'm a mutant." "A mutant?"
Armand repeated questioningly. "I’ve heard of them, but you're the first
I’ve ever encountered. I know little of mutants. Please, continue."
Armand's eyes narrowed as he noticed the unease that Remy emanated. He had
always hungered for something new, a mystery to unravel. Remy shrugged his
shoulders. "Jus' 'cause I am one, doesn' mean dat I know everyt'ing 'bout de
subject." But Armand's expression urged him to at least try and explain
things. "As far as I can tell it's de DNA. Mutants are born wid somet'ing called de
X-factor." Slowly, he started to feel more comfortable, Armand wasn't
pressuring him and he appreciated that. "At least, dat's
what I read in a scientific article written by one professor Xavier." Quietly, Armand stored away
this information, which might be of use to him later. "Mutants are
supposed to possess certain… gifts." Remy's smile darkened.
"Oui, but I would gladly do wit'out dem." "What are your
gifts?" Intrigued, Armand leaned forward. "Apart from those
magnificent eyes?" The small compliment caused the blush to return and
Armand smiled. The mystery that was Remy was slowly starting to become more
tangible, but he still needed more answers. How could it be that such a
handsome man would blush at the mere mention of his beauty? "I can charge objects wid kinetic energy," Remy explained. "I rat'er not demonstrate…" Even a little explosion might
draw attention and right now, he didn't feel in complete control of his senses.
"Fascinating,"
Armand remarked. "That would cause an explosion, am I correct?" "Oui." "A very effective way
to defend yourself, or launch an attack." Armand bit his lip, drawing a
tiny drop of blood. Startled, Remy noticed that
the puncture closed at once. Why had Armand done that? He'd realized by now
that the man acted methodically, with purpose. "Any other
talents?" Armand asked wickedly. Remy was still holding back and he wanted
to get to the core of this young human's feelings, desires and fears. "Charm power,"
Remy admitted reluctantly. Armand raised an eyebrow.
"Does that mean what I think it means?" In spite of the heavy
tension in the room, Remy smiled. "Oui, I guess so." "So you've put me
under your spell, my friend." Armand's teasing tone took
away all the accusation he had heard in other people's voices. Men and women
had reacted to the charm power and when he'd been younger, it had usually
backfired on him. "Would y' like t' be
under my spell?" Remy asked in a similar tone. //Mon Dieu! What am I doin'? He's a vampire!// But he had never shied away from danger
and he had never met someone like Armand. Perhaps it had been
Armand's reaction to his eyes, as he had seen them for the first time that had
aroused his interest in the vampire. Never before had he encountered such
complete acceptance. Armand was the first to find his eyes beautiful. //Mebbe it's true den an' I'm de devil's spawn.// Old,
hurtful remarks, that the other kids had once shouted at him, still echoed in
his ears. They would never go away. "The devil's
son?" Armand whispered puzzled and remembered Louis, who had asked him if
they were demons, children of the devil. "My friend," Armand
whispered and slowly, curled his fingers around Remy's. "Let a vampire
assure you that you're not the devil's offspring." Remy's watering eyes were
fixed on Armand's fingers, which were still tightly wrapped around his.
"You don' feel cold… for a corpse," he whispered in an unguarded
moment. Then, Armand's remark finally reached his brain. "I always t'ought, dat de eyes…" Armand shook his head, his
expression saddened. "Do not doubt yourself, my friend." "I've doubted m'self my entire life," Remy whispered embittered. "You were going to
share your past with me…" Armand said in an attempt to lure Remy away from
his self-doubt. "Now tell me, were you born in New Orleans?" "I don' know,"
Remy replied apologetically. "My parents abandoned me. All I remember is tryin' t' survive on de streets." Armand's fingers
seemed to burn through Remy’s skin and he wanted to pull away, but the other
man wouldn't let him. People usually didn't like to touch him, once they found
out that he was a mutant and after his experiences with his charm power running
loose, he preferred it that way. "Surviving must have
been hard on you, how old were you?" Armand was beginning to understand
something about this man opposite him, beginning to comprehend why Remy reacted
in a certain way. "Youn',"
Remy remarked, reluctantly thinking back to those days. "When I was…
twelve I t'ink, Jean-Luc LeBeau adopted me."
Remy looked up at Armand, but the man impatiently nodded his head for him to
continue. "I had a hard time gettin' used t' havin' a family. Mon père is a good man, but…" "He hurt you,"
Armand whispered passionately. "How did he do that?" He felt the
sudden urge to confront the man who had willingly, or unwillingly, hurt Remy. "He didn' mean t' hurt me," Remy explained. "He t'ought dat a marriage could
settle an argument between two parties." "And you had to
marry…?" "Belladonna,"
Remy whispered. "We're friends, but… I don' really love her. I've never
been in love, not really." He was struggling with his words and averted
his eyes. "I had t' leave 'cause I killed her brot'er."
Armand didn't react at
first. The fact that Remy was responsible for someone's death didn't really
change his opinion of the man. "It must have been self defense."
Remy remained quiet, his
thoughts had drifted off into the past and he wished that his father had never
asked him to marry Belladonna. From that moment on, everything had gone wrong. "Remy?" Armand gently
rubbed the young man's fingers, using touch to draw him away from the past. "Oui?" Remy
muttered slightly embarrassed, as he realized that he'd been staring at the
candle's flame, ignoring Armand. If only he could figure out why this man, this
vampire, had such a strong effect on him! It wasn't like him to confide in a
stranger! "Have more wine,"
Armand filled Remy's glass and offered it to him. "You look like you need
it." "Non, don' want t' get
drunk," Remy protested, but weakly. Armand pressed the glass into his
right hand and eventually he sipped from it. The cool liquid slid down his
throat and even managed to calm him down. "Can I ask y' a personal
question?" he whispered shakily. Something Armand had said continued to
circle in his mind. Armand nodded his head, but
kept a tight hold on Remy's hand. "What do you wish to know?" Remy's tone turned shy as
he asked, "Y' mentioned brot'els in Italy?"
"Ah, that."
Armand berated himself. He should have known Remy would ask him questions about
that. There was something tingling at the edge of his mind and those thoughts
originated from Remy. The images were violent and filled with horror, he had
felt like that once… several life times ago. Remy wasn't sure if Armand
was going to answer his question so he continued, "Did dey…?"
In the end, he couldn't speak the words. "Rape me?" Armand
finished for him. Remy's eyes revealed the truth at last and he realized he had
to share more of his past to gain this young man's trust. "When we made the
trip from Russia to Italy I was… sea sick and feverish. I still don't remember
everything that happened, but I do know they forced me, yes. Once I had reached
Italy I was taken to the brothels to… learn how to pleasure men. Is that what
you wanted to know?" Remy felt embarrassed for
asking Armand that question, but the answer made him feel even more akin to
this man. "I…" Mon Dieu, Armand had spoken the words so callously,
had made that admission so easily and he was stumbling over his words! Armand removed the wine
glass from Remy’s suddenly nerveless hand and placed it gently on the table,
then took hold of Remy's other hand and with great interest, he studied the
young man's agile fingers. "That happened 500 years ago," he reminded
Remy. "But for you, it's different. The pain is still raw and the scars
haven't healed yet." "How do y'
know…?" he whispered ashamed. "At times I can read
your thoughts," Armand admitted honestly. "But most of the time you
shield them well. I suspect that once you knew that I went through the same
experiences, your subconscious decided that I might be worthy of your
trust." "What else did y' read
in my mind?" Remy asked nervously. "You're a talented
thief," Armand teased and brushed Remy's left temple with his fingers. The feather light caress
sent shivers down his spine and Remy leaned into the touch. //Mon Dieu, do I
really want dis?// he questioned himself, but the
affection pouring off Armand was his undoing. He didn't understand why, but for
some elusive reason, this vampire cared for him. "You feel
abandoned," Armand whispered into Remy's ear. "But you're not
alone." Remy's eyes locked with his and Armand smiled seductively.
"Your soul bleeds, my friend." "I don' want t' feel
like dis," Remy confessed, "but…" "It's hard to
trust." "Oui." Briefly, Armand's
embittered laugh floated through the room. "Part of me remembers how you
must feel, my friend." Remy's eyes swam with tears
and he gazed pleadingly into Armand's. "I don' want t' be 'lone. I
need…" "What do you
need?" Remy never noticed that
Armand had moved so close to him, but as their lips touched, he tried to pull
away. His instincts warned him not to tempt death. "Do not fear me,"
Armand whispered in a hypnotic tone. "I mean you no harm." "I can' believe dat…" However, Remy didn't struggle as strong arms
encircled his waist in a possessive hug. "Believe it."
Slowly and with diabolical sensuality, Armand brushed Remy’s lips, tasting the
salt on them, tasting the life in them. He craved this young man, not even
Daniel had intrigued him like this. Remy gave in to the sensual
kiss, moaning as Armand's tongue separated his lips to gain entry to the
softness inside. Rational thought quickly deserted him and he wondered if
Armand possessed some charm power himself. Was this how people had felt when
they had succumbed to his charm? But this time he was the victim. //A willin' victim,// he realized and quivered all over his
body. Armand pulled back and
studied the young man trembling in his arms. //So willing to surrender?// he
thought slightly surprised. "Armand?" Remy
shivered as Armand increased the distance between them by returning to his
chair. But Armand continued to stare into his eyes and in the end Remy lowered
his, had he done something wrong? Somehow offended Armand? "Eat your dinner, your
food is growing cold," Armand urged gently, he needed time to think this
over. When he'd invited Remy to join him for dinner, he'd hoped the attraction
might be mutual, but now… Confused, Remy obeyed
mechanically. What had happened just now? "Armand? I don'
understand." Armand's gaze softened.
"I want you to finish dinner and then I'll show you Paris at night." Remy sighed, relieved. At
least Armand wasn't going to dump him here in the restaurant. But Armand's eyes
monitored every bite he ate and suddenly startled, Remy wondered if Armand had
changed his mind, had he been reduced to a meal of blood during these last
moments? Shivering, Remy had to admit that he was growing scared. Slowly, Remy stole a glance
and noticed Armand’s contented facial expression. Armand had insisted on paying
their bill at the restaurant and he hadn’t objected. Now that they were walking
in silence, his eyes fixed on the silvery water of the Seine, a full moon stood
above the Notre Dame and he wondered if the church was their destination.
“Where are we goin’?” Armand looked up and cocked
his head. “Would you like to see my private art collection? My apartment is
only minutes away.” Remy blushed. He simply couldn’t
stop that particular reaction. “Armand, mebbe we
should talk ‘bout t’ings first.” Armand’s questioning eyes
settled on the young man. “What is there to discuss?” He gestured Remy to
follow him as he chose a path, which would lead them to the Notre Dame’s
entrance. “What do y’ want from me?”
Remy asked in a nervous tone. “Your company,” Armand
replied truthfully and estimated that it would take them another 5 minutes to
reach the impressive cathedral. “Or my blood?” Remy halted
in his tracks and hesitantly placed his right hand on Armand’s arm. “Please
talk t’ me.” Armand smiled reassuringly.
“When I need a victim to drink from I call on one of the murderers, who hide in
this city. I told you before not to fear me.” Armand’s words reassured him,
but he still wasn’t sure why he was stalling. “I guess y’ could kill me wit’in a heartbeat,” he whispered eventually. “Yes, I could,” Armand
admitted, “but I yearn for mortal company.” They had reached the Notre
Dame and Remy was rather surprised to find the doors unlocked at this late
hour. Armand pushed open the
doors, after he’d stepped inside he immediately glanced at the statues and
religious paintings. “If only I could show you what I see with my vampire
eyes,” he murmured sadly. Remy followed him closely
and only now realized that his hand had slipped into Armand’s, whose fingers
were tightly wrapped around his. How could a corpse feel this warm? At times,
he almost forgot that Armand wasn’t human. Carefully, he took off his
shades to admire the interior of the cathedral. Oui, he understood the admiring
glint in Armand’s eyes. “It’s magnifique,” he
whispered awed. “When I was still a mortal
boy, I used to paint icons,” Armand revealed in a soft tone, unwilling to
disturb the handful of people, who were praying. “The monks believed I had a
special gift and that I should become one of them.” Armand wondered why he was
confiding in Remy. //Not made by human
hands.// His icons had possessed such beauty that people had believed that God
had guided his hands. “Do y’ still paint?” Remy
inquired, as he fell into step beside Armand. The vampire led him through the
cathedral. “No,” Armand whispered and
then decided to move away from this too personal topic. “Why do you want to
steal the birth of Venus?” Remy shrugged his shoulders
and smiled. “Money an’ opportunity. When I heard dat
it would be part of a temporary exhibition at de Louvre,
I accepted de assignment t’ steal it.” They had reached the exit
and thoughtfully, Armand watched Remy step outside into the night again. “You
certainly have good taste then.” “Mon père sent me t’
university t’ study, wanted me t’ know how t’ tell the real masters from
forgeries,” he explained quietly. “Who is your favorite artist?” Armand asked as they came to a
standstill, the Seine stretching out in front of them. “Dere
are too many,” Remy started, “Rembrandt, Cézanne…” Pleased, Armand nodded his
head. “Maybe we should head for my apartment then. I have collected several
paintings that might interest you.” Still feeling a little bit
apprehensive, Remy wavered about accepting. //Why do I feel so… insecure? I can
take him out wid charged cards! I ain’t
helpless!// But the lure of the unknown won in the end. “Oui, let’s go.” /// Baffled, Remy admired a
genuine painting by Monet, which had greeted him as he entered Armand’s
apartment. “Water Lilies, the clouds. Completed in 1903. Oil on canvas,” he
stated in a soft tone. The fact that Armand owned authentic work stunned him.
This painting was quite valuable! “I purchased it a long time
ago,” Armand replied and joined his guest. “Monet is one of my favorites.” As they stood next to each other, Armand’s
attention slipped away from the painting and focused on the young man’s
delicate neck. Licking his lips, Armand wished he could sink his fangs into the
soft flesh. It wasn’t that he thirsted
for blood, but he craved the experience itself. He wanted to hold Remy in his
arms, crush him to his chest and draw just a few droplets of blood. Remy’s skin turned to goose
flesh, as he realized that Armand was taking in his appearance and in
particular his neck. Shuffling his feet, he changed his position until he faced
the vampire. “Why did y’ bring me here? Jus’ t’ admire y’r
art collection?” Armand took hold of Remy’s
hands and guided him to the sofa. “Sit down,” he instructed. Obediently, Remy sat and
waited for Armand to take the initiative. //Mon Dieu, I’m attracted t’ him!//
Armand was intoxicating, pushing him towards surrender and submission and he
wanted the vampire to tell him what to do. “You’re lonely,” Armand
whispered and turned Remy’s hands until his eyes fixed on the inside of the
young man’s elegant wrists. Somehow, Remy’s barriers had weakened and he was
picking up on more and more intimate thoughts. The undertones of this young
man’s desire shocked him. “I AM alone,” Remy pointed
out to him and watched in fascination as Armand raised his arm, soft lips
brushing his lower arm, he sucked in his breath as vampire eyes fixed on his. “You miss your family,” Armand
whispered against soft skin. “And you need me to fight your loneliness.” Remy couldn’t deny the
truth. “Oui, I need y’.” Armand looked up as his
tongue slithered across the palm of Remy’s left hand. The young man’s body
trembled with want. “Remy,” he started and raised his head until he was staring
into red eyes. “You want me to take you, but I can’t do that.” Swallowing hard, Remy
licked his lips. “Do whatever y’ want t’ me,” he stuttered helplessly, needing
the contact like his lungs needed oxygen. He’d lost everything he’d ever held
precious in this life and had been set adrift without friends or loved ones.
Without his family, without Jean-Luc and tante, life
wasn’t worth living. “Your thoughts sadden me,”
Armand admitted as his lips tenderly brushed Remy’s eyes, which had closed. Armand’s soft kisses made
him moan. The vampire’s next question took him by surprise. “Tell me what you need from
me.” Armand kissed those seductive lips and his hands found a way underneath
Remy’s clothes. The young man’s flesh was warm and felt like silk. “And tell me
the truth, my friend. I know when you’re lying,” Armand chided the trembling
man. Remy moved in to Armand’s
arms and was startled by the lack of a heartbeat underneath his fingertips.
Armand’s long, black locks fell over his face and tenderly caressed him. “Hold
me?” Remy whispered shakily. Armand tightened the hold
he had on the young man, Remy’s thoughts were filled with despair and he
realized he’d tasted it before at the restaurant when Remy had willingly
surrendered to his kiss. //You feel lost and you need a friend.// Remy nuzzled Armand’s
throat and buried his face in the vampire’s locks. “I must be mad!” “Why?” Armand asked.
“Because you trust me? That’s what frightens you, isn’t it?” he continued and
Remy tensed up in his arms. “Yes, you trust me, but you don’t know why and that
scares you.” “Oui,” Remy mumbled. “I
feel like I’ve known y’ for years an’ not hours.” Armand’s hands snaked up
Remy’s back and then stroked in long soothing caresses. “I regret that I can’t
give you what you want.” Remy freed himself of the
hug and stared into Armand’s hypnotic eyes. “Can I touch y’?” he asked
hesitantly, aware that Armand knew the real question underneath the request. Armand watched him thoughtfully.
“I might get caught up in my feelings for you and draw blood,” he warned. “I don’ care what y’ do t’
me,” Remy repeated his earlier statement. His left hand was tugging at Armand’s
clothes and finally found bare skin. Armand’s body felt like nothing he had
touched before. Hard and soft, warm and cold… “Take off your clothes,”
Armand instructed and leaned back in to the comfort of the couch. “But do it
slowly.” Shakily, Remy got to his
feet and unbuttoned his shirt. As the cold air hit his sensitive nipples, they
hardened in response. Armand cocked his
head approvingly and suddenly he felt shy. “Continue,” Armand urged
him on. After he’d gathered his
courage, Remy unzipped his jeans and stepped out of them. Suddenly, he stood
naked in the centre of Armand’s living room. Armand noticed the unease,
even a twinge of shame in Remy’s eyes and rose from the sofa to circle the
young mortal. “How did you get these scars?” Remy bit his lip. “It
happened when I was livin’ on de streets.” In sudden understanding
Armand wrapped his arms around him. “Finish what you started,” he instructed
and placed Remy’s hands on his shirt. Nervously, Remy managed to
do away with it, but as he reached for the trousers, he hesitated. “You wanted this,” Armand
reminded him and sighed, as Remy’s hands freed him from the restraining fabric.
Armand’s body made his
mouth water and he regretted that this man couldn’t take him. “What do y’ want
t’ do?” Remy asked patiently. Armand’s hands roamed
Remy’s body and two fingers pinched an already erect nipple. He’d never
imagined that one day he would be doing this again. As a vampire his pleasure
originated from the surge of blood, but he’d never forgotten the way Marius had
pleasured him in those early days. Briefly he smiled weakly, remembering
Marius’ saddened face when he’d come for the first time, spilling the proof
that he had become a man in his master’s hands. Remy’s body twitched as
Armand’s fingers slipped underneath his locks to push them away revealing more of
his throat. Demanding lips brushed the skin underneath his left ear and his
knees almost gave away, the sensuality with which Armand was touching him made
his erection pound madly. “Armand?” “Yes?” Armand whispered
softly and then his lips suckled the other, neglected nipple. Involuntarily, Remy arched
his back at the stimulation. “Are y’ goin’ t’ kill
me?” Armand grinned as his
tongue moved towards Remy’s belly button. “No,” he stated. “I want you to
remain mortal.” “Why?” Remy asked
curiously, raising his hands, he clutched Armand’s face between them. Slowly,
he sank to his knees, taking the vampire down with him. “You are beautiful the way
you are, my friend, your wounds will heal and you need to live your life.” Remy yelped as Armand
slowly stroked his aching shaft, he wanted to be taken, but…”Y’r fingers…” he mumbled. Armand’s grin turned
wicked. “You want to be mine?” “Oui,” Remy groaned. He
longed to surrender to this man; he didn’t want to be in control of his life
any longer. “Remy,” Armand whispered
and pushed the young man on to his back. One hand continued to stroke his new
lover’s erect shaft and his lips found Remy’s, his tongue plunged inside and
his craving for blood awakened. “I’ll give you what you need.” “An’ y’ take whatever y’
need from me,” Remy whispered in a desperate tone, an ecstatic moan left his
lips as one of Armand’s finger, slick with precum,
slid into his body. “Oui,” he groaned and pushed down, eager to take in more. Armand’s eyes flashed
dangerously, sensing Remy’s desperate response, as he slid a second finger
inside, his eyes studied the young man’s reactions. //You are close to
release,// he realized. Remy panted hard, as Armand
continued the stimulation. Finally, he raised his head in a desperate effort to
kiss the vampire. Fire flowed through his veins and his body convulsed as he
came in the palm of Armand’s hand. “Armand,” he whispered, shocked at his own
surrender. Armand couldn’t keep back
any longer and sank his fangs in to Remy’s neck. Spasms racked Remy’s body
as something sharp and cold cut through his skin. The cold ripped through his
mind and finally he realized that Armand was holding him tightly, drinking his
blood. He couldn’t move his head to lock eyes with the vampire as Armand’s
teeth were deeply buried underneath his jaw. //I don’ regret dis,// he thought, as Armand drank his warm blood. //I
wanted dis an’ knew de price I had t’ pay. Mebbe dyin’ in his arms ain’t dat bad.// //I am not going to kill
you.// Armand’s thoughts suddenly
crashed into his mind and shocked, Remy's heart missed a beat. //You are too young to
become my fledgling,// Armand drew in one last taste of this beautiful young
man and then released him. Carefully, he licked his lips. “I can hear y’r thoughts!” Remy whispered softly, incredulously. His
body felt crushed and his mind refused to work properly, incapable of movement
he stared at Armand, who was kneeling beside him. “Yes, a telepathic link is
forming.” Armand recomposed himself, the moment had taken him and now he was
pondering the consequences of his deed. Slowly, with infinite tenderness, he
used his fingernail to open a vein near his wrist. “We’re going to finish what
we started,” he said firmly. “Drink.” Horrified, Remy stared at
the dark blood, clinging to the small wound. “Drink,” Armand repeated
and pressed his wrist to Remy’s lips. //Only a few drops, my friend. Drink a
few drops. That’s all I ask of you.// Unable to resist, his lips
sucked and Armand’s blood slid down his throat. //What am I doin’?//
But the warmth that finally settled in to his veins, took away his fears and he
fed off Armand until the vampire pulled away. //Enough!// Armand roared
the word into his mind. Paralysed, Remy remained motionless. What had he just
done? //Mon Dieu! I drank his blood!// Slowly, the realization of what had
happened set in. //Why did y’do dat?//
//Because I somehow KNOW
that we will one day need this link,// Armand explained and pushed his hands
underneath Remy’s knees and back. Tenderly, Armand lowered him on to the couch.
//After you’ve rested, you’ll go back to your hotel to retrieve your personal
belongings. You will stay at my apartment. Understood?// “Oui,” Remy mumbled
exhausted. Armand covered his new
lover’s trembling body with his heavy cloak. As he pushed back Remy’s damp
locks, he wondered why he’d allowed this young mortal to drink his blood. Only
time would tell. /// Warm beams of sunlight woke
Remy early the next morning, opening his eyes, he wondered where the hell he was.
This wasn’t his hotel room! His body hurt and his neck and throat ached dully.
Suddenly, he remembered where he was and who had taken him here. “Armand,” he whispered in a
tone filled with longing. The vampire had given him everything he’d needed last
night and was now nowhere in sight. “Oui, told me he couldn’
deal wid sun light.” Armand had surely gone into
hiding and Remy shivered. Did vampires really sleep in coffins? “Ain’t sure I should ask him dat!”
he mused, slightly frightened, but determined not to give into the feeling. The first thing he did was
to pay a visit to the bathroom. He sighed, seeing the luxurious bath tub.
Maybe… then his eyes met the mirror and he flinched, two bright puncture wounds
marked the spot where Armand had buried his fangs in his flesh. “It really
happened,” he whispered, as if trying to convince himself that it hadn’t all
been an erotic dream. Mon Dieu! Armand had woken
desires in him he never knew existed and now Armand had even given him a
choice, to comply and hurry back here after checking out of the hotel, or to
leave and never return to this apartment. Remy ran some warm water
over a washcloth and pushed it against his throat, trying to soothe the
irritated skin there. He still vividly remembered the sting of Armand’s teeth.
Armand could have killed him in that instant, sucking him dry, but he hadn’t. “An’ I drank his blood!”
Remy exclaimed as he stepped into the shower. He couldn’t return to the hotel
looking like this. “His blood, merde…” What did it
mean? Why had Armand made that decision? “De link… I heard his t’oughts,” Remy whispered as a warm stream of water hit his
sensitive skin. Closing his eyes he remembered, Armand’s hands slithering all
over his body and he quivered with desire. Would Armand seek him out tonight?
Would they spend the evening together? Drying his skin, he peeked
at his mirror image and was shocked to see his burning eyes. Quickly, he turned
away and collected his clothes. He had a lot to think about. /// Armand sensed that the sun
was about to set and got to his feet. His dreams had been filled with
delightful images of a red-eyed mutant. As he walked over to his wardrobe to
slip into another set of clothes, he considered the young man whom he’d taken
as his new lover. //Lover!// he chided himself. //It’s his decision, not mine.
I will know once I reach the apartment. If he isn’t there…// Taking his time Armand
selected the clothes he was going to wear tonight. Daniel had taught him well
about modern times and he grinned, slipping into his Levi’s. Daniel had bought
them for him, together with the black silk shirt and black leather coat, which
he would also wear tonight. Briefly, he considered
cutting off his hair, knowing it would be back to its normal length the next
time woke. Armand smiled fondly, remembering the time when he’d discovered what
a video camera was. Daniel had been shocked when the young man had found
several tapes, which he had made while he’d been asleep in his coffin. It had
been curiosity on his part; he’d wanted to know what he looked like in his
sleep. After he combed his hair,
Armand decided to let his locks hang loose on his shoulders. Remy had seemed to
like it that way. //Remy…// he sighed and slipped into his boots. Gazing at his reflection,
Armand wondered if this change in clothing would please Remy. //Immortal
idiot,// he chided himself, using Daniel’s words. Why did he always chase after
things he couldn’t have? If Remy agreed to stay with him, it would only be
temporary. The young man needed to heal before he could live his life. It would take him 30
minutes to get back to the apartment and then he would find out what Remy had
decided. For the first time in over a hundred years, Armand felt nervous. /// Remy placed his bag and
suitcase in the corridor. The apartment was empty and he quickly familiarized
himself with the layout. The kitchen didn’t have any food supplies and he made
a mental note to get some groceries later. “What de hell am I doin’ here?” He still couldn’t answer
that question. Maybe it was because Armand was the only ‘friend’ he had right
now, perhaps because he hungered for the return of the ecstasy Armand had
introduced him to. No matter what it was, he needed Armand close. Remy sat down on the couch
and mentally replayed everything that had happened here last night. It was hard
to explain what had made him scream with ecstasy; feeling Armand’s fingers
penetrating his body or the fangs claiming him as a vampire’s lover. If only Armand wasn’t such
a mystery to him! He would have understood if Armand had expressed the desire
to kill him, to suck him dry, but the vampire had vehemently denied such
intentions. Instead, he’d explained that he hungered for human companionship. “Why did I have t’ leave N'Awlins?” he whispered in a trembling voice. Compared to
his current situation, dealing with the assassins had been child’s play! Tante Mattie would
spank him for consorting with the dead, unholy demons… but if Armand was a
demon why did the man make him feel so loved and wanted? His thoughts circled like that for over two hours and
eventually he stormed outside to get something to eat. As luck would have it, a
number of super markets were located nearby and he took his time picking the
things he might need later. Satisfied, Remy paid for the groceries and walked
back to the apartment, now and then selecting a strawberry from his bag and
eating it. “Should tell him t’ get better locks!” Remy muttered
privately. The door had been open when he’d returned from the hotel, but even
if it had been locked it would have taken him only a minute to pick it. Then,
his senses warned him that he wasn’t alone in the room. “Armand?” he whispered.
“Yes.” Armand switched on the lights, more out of habit
than need, but seeing Remy flinch he dimmed them. “Are your eyes that
sensitive?” He even managed to lock out the relief, knowing that Remy had
chosen to be with him. “Oui,” Remy moaned, slowly growing more accustomed to the
light. Biting his lip, he studied Armand, who looked incredibly different. “De
black suit y’ wore yesterday suited y’ a lot better.” “But I’ve worn it for too many years,” Armand replied and
smiled. “It took me a long time to accept the time that we are living it and
occasionally, like yesterday, I feel the need to dwell in my memories, but
today…” Remy swallowed hard, caught by the sight of Armand’s long
hair dancing on his shoulders when the vampire approached him. “Do y’ still
want me t’ stay here?” he inquired, trying hard to sound casual. Armand nodded “I see you have made your decision,” and
pointed at the suitcase. Slowly, he wrapped one arm around Remy’s waist and
pulled him close enough for a kiss. “Armand?” Remy started, but the vampire silenced him by
vigorously kissing his lips. “What are your plans for tonight, beloved?” Armand asked
and traced the outline of Remy’s lips with his fingers. Surprised, he hissed as
Remy greedily suckled on them. “Make love t’ me,” Remy whispered seductively. “No, not tonight,” Armand decided. “I fed off you
yesterday. Today you must rest.” “Mais…” Remy objected, but Armand’s expression silenced
him. “Trust me, beloved. I know what’s best for you.” Armand
brushed his lips and caressed the soft auburn locks. “A compromise then.” “Compromise?” Remy did his best not to look too smug. “I will change my clothes, as will you. We will visit L’Opéra tonight and see a splendid performance of La Traviata.” Armand watched his lover’s eyes. “Or do you
dislike…” “Non!” Remy explained, “but…” “I want to be seen with you, Remy, I want to show you Paris
and take you wherever your heart desires, but…” and Armand paused a moment to
stress the importance of his next statement. “Don’t expect me to feed off you
every night; don’t expect this to be a physical relationship.” In silence, Remy’s eyes pleaded for an explanation.
Sighing, Armand gave in. “You’re so young, beloved. You shouldn’t be this eager
to die.” Remy bowed his head. “I can’ help how I feel,” he whispered
brokenly. “I will change that,” Armand stated determinedly. “But we
need to get changed now. I don’t want to be late.” /// “Dat was… “ Remy’s eyes sparkled
and his voice throbbed with enthusiasm. “T’ink we can
go tomorrow as well?” Armand smiled in return, as he walked his mortal lover back
to his apartment. They could have taken a cab or the metro, but he wanted to be
in the open air. “Of course.” Remy looked up and in a futile attempt, started counting
the stars. “How long will y’ be stayin’ in Paris?” “I don’t know,” Armand replied honestly. “Maybe I will
travel to Italy in a few weeks.” “Italy?” Remy halted and cocked his head. “Venice,” Armand clarified and amused, pulled Remy closer
to his body. “Would you like to accompany me?” Remy closed his eyes, savoring the sensation of Armand’s
fingers caressing his bare back. Those vampire fingers seemed fond of his skin.
“Oui, if y’ still want me by den.” Armand ignored Remy’s comment, which had been filled with
self-doubt. “You will sleep in my arms tonight and all the other nights that
will follow, beloved.” “Dat’s somet’ing
else.” Remy queried. “Why use dat old-fashioned
word?” “Because I am old,” Armand reminded him, but smiled in
return. “What do you prefer?” he asked, continuing before Remy had a chance to
reply, “Love? Cher? Darling?” Remy chuckled. Armand had given him some odd looks once he
had started calling the vampire cher. “’kay, y’ made y’r point,” he conceded, longing to fall asleep in Armand’s
arms. /// They traveled a lot during the next 12 months. First, they
visited Italy. Rome, Milan, Venice, staying at the best hotels. Remy made sure
no one harmed Armand’s body during the day and at night he slipped into his
lover’s possessive arms. They made love in their own unique way, each giving
the other what he needed most. After visiting Italy, Armand decided that he wanted to go
to Turkey and Remy agreed happily. It had always been one of his dreams and
hopes to travel the world. This was his chance. One night, after Armand had risen from his death-like
sleep, he found his lover on the balcony. It was a hot evening the temperature
refusing to drop and Remy was only wearing a T-shirt. Armand took the time to
study his lover, during this last year Remy had become more focused and his
sense of his self- doubt, maybe even self- hate, had diminished rapidly. Saddened,
Armand realized that Remy would leave him soon. The younger man had healed, had
found a way to deal with the pain that people had inflicted upon him during his
short life. Now the time had come for Remy to stand on his own two feet. He
didn’t want to lose Remy, but knew from painful experience that he shouldn’t
stand in his lover’s way. If this was about true love, Remy would one day find
his way back to him. However, one thing worried him, each time they had made
love he had fed on Remy’s blood. Once his craving had subdued, he had allowed
Remy a small amount of his blood as well. He wasn’t sure what would happen if
Remy died unexpectedly. Would his vampire blood trigger the transformation?
What if he wasn’t there to complete the process? //Y’re worried,// Remy thought
and looked up to greet his lover. The link had strengthened slowly more each
month and it had become nearly impossible to shield his thoughts. He knew that
Armand experienced the same problem. //Armand, cher…// Remy got to his feet and
slung his arms around his lover. He’d shed any fear he’d ever felt for this
vampire within a month of being together with him. //When will you leave?// Armand asked and refused to
acknowledge the pain that sliced through his heart. “Leave?” Remy repeated softly. He’d hoped to avoid this
subject tonight. “Remy, when will you learn that you cannot deceive me?”
Armand chided, but couldn’t repress his pleased tone. Remy had taught him to
love again and part of love was the pain of saying goodbye. He had to set Remy
free. “I… cher… I don’ want t’ leave y’, mais…” Remy stuttered. Armand sighed. “First Daniel leaves me and now you’re going
to do the same thing.” “Cher,” Remy kissed Armand’s lips, his hands tangling in
the long auburn hair. “Je t’aime,
you know dat!” “Yes, I do,” Armand smiled sadly. “I'm grateful that I
could help you heal, Remy.” “Dis ain’t
adieu forever!” Remy protested fiercely. //Live your life, beloved,// Armand thought gently. //Don’t
forget me and should you ever want to return to my arms, call me. I will hear
your thoughts, no matter where you are.// //Merci, cher,// Remy replied and buried his face one last
time in Armand’s clothes. “Where are you going next?” Armand inquired, committing
Remy’s face to memory. “Egypt… Cairo probably.” Remy’s tear filled eyes locked
with his lover’s. //I will miss y’// came the mental cry. //And I will miss you too.// Armand pulled away from Remy
and nodded his head. “I will always love you,” he whispered and seeing Remy
about to reply, he shook his head. “No more parting words. I need to hunt
tonight, be gone before I return.” Armand’s words were filled with pain and love and Remy
almost changed his mind. “Je suis
désolé,” he whispered, but knew better than to expect
an answer from Armand. He had made his choice. Now, he had to follow through
and gather his things. /// Years later, Gambit looked out over the lake at the X-Men’s
mansion and listened to Rogue’s fading footsteps. Their relationship was over
and Remy wondered if she’d ever truly loved him and like many years ago, he was
once again the outsider, with no friends left. Lonely, he stared at his
reflection in the lake’s surface and wondered if it wouldn’t be best to end
this torment right here and now. All he had to do was to walk into the water
and never stop. The cold water crept slowly up his torso. His mind had
stopped processing the protest his common sense was making. This was the right
thing to do. The X-Men no longer wanted him around. The trial had shown that clearly.
He’d been a fool for sticking around! He coughed as the water reached his lips.
Briefly, he considered returning to the shore, but quickly he decided against
it. //Jus’ keep on walkin’!// “What the hell do ya think yer doin’?” A loud voice demanded
to know. Hands grabbed him roughly and he lost his footing and as
the water closed over his head, he panicked. “Gotcha bub, now stop fightin’ me!” Logan struggled to maintain the hold he had
on the barely conscious Cajun. He’d followed Rogue, just to make sure things
wouldn’t get out of hand after she had ended the relationship. He had stuck
around to see how Gambit would react. During the years that they had been on
the team together, he had begun to respect the former thief and he couldn’t
just stand by as Remy walked into the water. The Cajun’s death wish had been
way too obvious. “Let go, Logan!” Remy demanded, but was unable to fight off
his savior. “Nope, yer too young to die,”
Logan countered, finally managing to drag the young man onto the shore. “Don’t
move!” he instructed as he checked Remy’s body for injuries. “I’m takin’ ya ta
the med lab. You need ta get warm!” “Don’,” Remy pleaded and hugged his cold and wet body. “Why
couldn’ y’ look ‘way? Would have solved all our
problems!” “Don’t start with me!” Logan berated the shivering Cajun.
“Why don’t ya fight back instead of lettin’ them push ya around?” Remy bowed his head. “I don’ want t’ fight back all my
life.” “Remy,” Logan said, as he sat on his heels. “There has to
be somethin’, someone worth living for. Suicide ain’t the answer.” A name, almost forgotten, struggled for attention in his
mind and Remy suddenly nodded his head. “Oui, dere’s
someone, but… I deserted him a lon’ time ago.” Logan looked puzzled. “Do I know him?” “Non, y’ don’,” Remy explained and shivered as a cold
breeze moved through his wet clothes, making him feel chilled to the bone. Logan correctly interpreted the expression on Remy’s face. The
depression had momentarily lifted and he pulled the Cajun to his feet. “C’mon,
let’s get ya back ta the
mansion.” “Logan,” Remy started as he slowly fell in to step next to
the shorter man. “Have y’ ever t’rown away love?” Logan eyed him inquiringly, finding guilt staring back at
him from Remy’s eyes. “Did ya do that?” “Oui,” Remy replied and rubbed his hands over his body in
an effort to get a little warmer. “I was such a fool back den. Didn’ recognize love when it stared right in my face!” “We all make mistakes,” Logan said reassuringly. “Live and
learn, kid.” Remy shook his head. “I made a mistake dat
will haunt me for de rest of my life.” “Can’t ya give this guy a call?”
Logan suggested and rested a soothing hand on the Cajun’s back. “Ya need someone ta be there for ya right now, Remy. I don’t plan on pullin’
ya outa the lake again.” “It’s dis place, “ Remy whispered
and shivered at the sight of the mansion. “I can feel dat
no one wants me here.” “That ain’t true,” Logan pointed
out to him. “The X-Men made mistakes too.” “Non, dey didn’,”
Remy objected. “Had every right t’ condemn me for workin’
wid Sinister.” Logan was about to object to that statement, when he caught
movement in the trees to his right. His claws appeared and he sniffed the air.
The mansion’s security system should have picked up any intruders on the
premises. Remy however, seemed oblivious and raved on. “Ain’t goin’
t’ stay here, Logan,” Remy stated determinedly. “Kid,” Logan growled and pointed the trees out to him. “We ain’t alone here.” Immediately, his training kicked in and Remy reached for a
card to charge. “Who is it, mon ami?” “Don’ know… I can’t pick up a real scent,” Logan growled,
displeased. Remy shivered. His ‘bath’ earlier would surely result in a
cold or worse and he just wanted to get to his room to change his clothes and
dry his hair. Something vaguely familiar tugged at the edges of his mind and
startled, he sucked in his breath. His senses had to be deceiving him! “Remy?” The soft, velvet like voice held concern and
affection. “Ya know him?” Logan asked in a
suspicious tone. As Remy nodded his head, Logan’s eyes narrowed. “Who is it?” “Armand,” Remy whispered in a lost tone. A figure, clad in
black clothes, appeared in front of the trees. “Mon Dieu,” Remy mumbled, unable
to believe that the vampire had come for him. He’d tried so hard NOT to think
of Armand. The way Remy saw it, Armand ignored the shorter man at Remy’s side. He’d
witnessed the rescue and if it hadn’t been for this Wolverine, he would have
pulled Remy out of the water himself. “Beloved,” he said firmly, loving the
sudden laughter in Remy’s eyes. “Beloved?” Logan repeated flabbergasted, as his claws
retracted. Apparently, this man presented no danger. However he was going to
keep a close watch on both men. “Dis is de man I told y’ about,”
Remy explained. “We were lover’s once.” Fatigue and resignation echoed in his
voice. Why had he left Armand in the first place? No one had ever loved and
accepted him like Armand had. Armand smiled seductively, but still kept his distance. “We
are still lovers, Remy,” he said steadfastly. It saddened him that Remy hadn’t
called him, and now, he realized that it had been a good thing to establish the
link all those years ago. It had enabled him to track Remy down once the
thief’s thoughts had turned distorted. Worried for Remy’s mental health he’d
decided to travel to the X-Men’s mansion. “Armand? Y’ really came for me?” Gentle surprise sounded in
his voice. “After what I did t’ y’?” Slowly, Armand advanced on the two men. The moment
Wolverine would try and meddle with their affairs he would take care of this X-Man.
He needed to talk to Remy now and no one was going to stop him. “The link told
me that you needed me.” Logan took a step aside and watched the two men closely. He
smelled Remy’s excitement, but this stranger carried no scent at all. “I can’ believe dat y’re here,” Remy confessed and fought the urge to fling
himself into Armand’s possessive arms. Did Armand still want him? Impossible!
But deep inside his heart he knew that Armand still loved him, would always
love him. “Have you made your decision?” Armand inquired. “Are you
ready to take your place at my side?” Remy swallowed hard. He wanted nothing more than to return
to Armand, to make it up to the vampire for deserting him. “I was a fool,” he
admitted shakily. “Remy, ya can’t do this,” Logan growled.
“Yer an X-Men!” “Get it over with!” Another voice called out from the cover
of the trees. “Armand, just take him!” Wavering between amusement and annoyance, Armand hissed his
reply, “Lestat, keep out of this!” He already
regretted giving in to the other vampire, but Lestat’s
interest in Remy had been aroused and Armand suspected that Lestat
would have sought Remy out with or without his permission. “Come on, Armand!” Lestat called
out as he revealed himself. “You want him and he wants you. There’s no need to
be this theatrical!” Remy raised an eyebrow, remembering the things Armand had
once told him about other vampires. Armand had mentioned Lestat’s
name as well. He’d never given much thought to how the other vampires might
react to Armand taking a mortal lover. Lestat
watched in growing amusement; trust Armand to find such a delicate young man
and then to let him slip away. The glowing red on black eyes fascinated him.
“If you don’t make your move, Amadeo, he’s mine!” Armand turned around, hearing his old name. “He’s mine,” he
berated Lestat, before realizing that the other
vampire was doing this to force him into making a decision. “Armand?” Remy took a step closer, quivering as he
remembered the passion they had once shared. “I want t’ be wid
y’.” Logan couldn’t believe Remy had actually spoken those
words. “Bub, don’t…” But Remy cut him short. “I ain’t an X-Man,” he started in
a soft tone. “I can’ stay here.” Slowly, he squeezed Logan’s hand, which still
rested on his shoulder. “I love Armand an’ for some unknown reason he loves me
back. I ain’t goin’ t’ make
dis mistake a second time.” Saddened and angered at the same time, Logan shook off
Remy’s hand. “Yer makin’ a
mistake by leavin’ de X-Men!” “Non, I’m makin’ de right choice
for once,” Remy replied steadfastly, his eyes begging Logan to try and
understand. “Tell dem dat I
drowned in de lake. Rogue will feel relieved an’ the oders
won’t mind bein’ rid off a traitor.” “That ain’t true!” Logan tried to
reach the Cajun one last time. “Don’t do this!” “I have to!” Remy exclaimed and trembled as Armand appeared
behind him. Those long, delicate hands caressed his neck and he sighed. “I am
his,” he explained. “And I am yours,” Armand affirmed. He gently brushed the
place underneath Remy’s left ear where he used to draw blood. Coming here to
claim his lover had been a risk. Remy might have denied him, but… “I will hold
you in my arms day and night.” “Oh please!” Lestat exclaimed
impatiently. “Armand, you’ll never change!” “Just ignore him,” Armand advised Remy. “Lestat can be a nuisance.” “A nuisance?” Lester repeated in mock shock. “You’re even
worse than Louis!” Turning his back to them, he grinned. It would certainly be
interesting to see Armand and this beautiful human argue and as he walked away
from the mansion, he wondered if Armand would ever ask him to give Remy the
Dark Gift. If not, he would offer it. That way the telepathic link
between them would remain intact. Grinning, Lestat
wondered what kind of vampire Remy would make. His ancient blood would make
Remy strong and the other vampires wouldn’t like the fact that he’d made a
fledgling. That was another reason to go ahead and propose it! Lestat was truly enjoying himself! Logan had realized by now that Remy had made up his mind.
“I’ll miss ya, kid.” Remy smiled and shocked, Logan
noted that it was the first genuine smile since Antarctica. Maybe Armand was
what the Cajun needed after all. “Keep in touch, bub,”
he whispered and watched in silence, as Armand wrapped his arms around the
shivering thief. “Come with me, beloved,” Armand whispered and crushed the
young man to his chest. “It’s time to come home.” Armand led his lover away
from the mansion and sensed Logan’s eyes on his back. //This one cares for
you.// “Je sais,”
Remy admitted. It shocked him to hear Armand’s thoughts once more in his mind.
Mon Dieu! How he had missed that! “Did I make de right decision?” he asked
aloud. //You can find the answer in your heart,// Armand whispered
into his mind. “My heart,” Remy repeated softly. “Rogue broke it.” “And I will mend it,” Armand vowed in a determined voice. /// “Dead?” Jean whispered stunned. “Remy can’t be dead!” “I’m sorry,” Logan grunted. He hated doing this to them, but
he had decided to respect Remy’s wishes. “He drowned.” After making that
statement, Logan walked to his room and sat down on his bed. He didn’t want to
hear the discussion going on in the dining room. Shocked, Xavier stared at his pupils, Storm was crying
softly and it looked like Jean was barely able to keep back her own pain.
Warren didn’t react verbally, but his eyes carried a guilty expression. Scott
and Hank remained silent, wondering what they could have done to prevent this
suicide. “Swamp rat made his decision,” Rogue said eventually and
shrugged her shoulders. “Told ya that he wanted ta die.” “No,” Xavier said, breaking the awkward silence. “The truth
is that we failed him.” /// “It feels good to have you this close again,” Armand
whispered and pulled Remy closer. Lestat had
discovered the joys of Nintendo and was shouting loudly at the screen. Armand
had fled the living room, only to find Remy wrapped up in thick towels in the
bedroom. Armand had seated himself behind Remy and was now pulling him into his
lap. Remy leaned into the embrace. “I missed y’,” Remy admitted in a strangled tone. “Mais…
what about de oders? Y’ once told me…” “Lestat finds you fascinating… I
even detect a jealous expression at times,” Armand revealed. “I guess he’s
angry that he didn’t find you first.” “An’ Daniel?” Remy turned in the embrace and faced his
lover. “He will accept this.” Armand’s voice carried
determination. “They won’t defy me.” Hungrily, Remy caressed Armand’s soft skin and slipped his
hands into position behind the vampire’s neck. “Make love t’ me like we used t’
do?” he begged in a pleading tone. “And I get to watch!” Lestat
quipped from the doorway. Armand raised his eyes and
they locked with Lestat’s. “Go and find yourself a
lover of your own. Remy’s mine!” Lestat grinned. “Now there’s an idea!
Maybe I’ll go back to the mansion. That Logan looked…” Remy’s big eyes made him
burst out laughing. Chuckling, Lestat closed the
door. “He’s just trying to bait
you,” Armand soothed in a tender voice. “Lestat is
bored and when he gets bored he becomes… irritating.” The sounds coming from the
living room indicated that Lestat had moved on to the
computer and was enjoying himself playing Quake. “Do you still want me to
make love to you?” Armand pressed a kiss to the inside of Remy’s left wrist. “Like we used t’ do, oui,” Remy confirmed. “I’ll never again desert y’,” he
promised passionately. Armand’s fangs brushed his throat and he arched his back
in want. “Take me,” he whispered. “I will,” Armand whispered
in Remy’s ear. “I’ll take you every night for the rest of my life. I’ll never
let you go again.” Surprised, Remy noted the
words Armand had used. //Y’r life?// //One day you’ll be like
me,// Armand replied. //You’re the companion I have always needed. Together, we
will face eternity.// Remy licked his lips,
hearing that promise. “Je t’aime,
Armand,” he whispered and sucked in a breath as Armand’s fangs drove themselves
into his flesh. //We belong together,//
Armand sent into his lover’s mind and stared into Remy’s eyes. //Fly with me to
eternity on black wings. I will always love you, beloved.// Sighing heavily, Remy
surrendered and wished for time to stand still. Oui, he belonged with Armand
and suddenly his mind raced towards Armand’s on his lover’s dark wings. The end. |