Joseph hung up the phone with eyes full of concern and fear for the lives of his masters, his sons. Slowly, he turned a red-eyed glare onto Erik. If looks could kill, his would have incinerated the rebel leader.
“There is nothing we can do now,” the head slave muttered. “For your sake, I would pray that Master Mois is able to protect him.”
Erik, for his part, merely returned the glare and the words with a calm, stoic, and seemingly fearless one of his own, attempting to hide his guilt and fear for the man that he had come to call friend. Years of working in the rebel ranks had taught him a certain stoicism, and he had no desire to show these men the intense sensations of worry and shame that threatened to overtake him.
Thankfully, his mask did not have to last too long. The two vampires glared at each other for about twenty seconds, and then Joseph abruptly turned and left the room. As he closed the door behind him, the elder vampire found that he was trembling, and his fists were clenching almost of their own accord.
The younger captive felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He did not really fear for himself, no, not even knowing that he would have a furious vampire father and a decent marksman brother coming after him if Alexi died. No, he was afraid because he knew Alexi to be a good man, who did not deserve to die in a grenade blast. And perhaps, a part of him feared for the plan if its orchestrator somehow died.
~*~*~*~*~
The representative from one of the smaller branches drones on and on, Alexi’s presence setting them back on track and the rather routine meeting plod dully on and on. Alexi has, over the years, made it so he only has to attend certain meetings. Not only from the actual corporate world point of view, but also for his own private planning purposes. ’I can not believe how horribly dull this is. I know that if I were not here things would be going more interesting, seeing as Lois seemed to be plotting something or another. . . .I wonder if he will bring it up anyways’ Giving a sideways glance towards the man in question Alexi lets out a faint sigh, hoping that this meeting will come to an end without the whole board coming up in arms over one thing or another.
~*~
He can feel it. His senses alert, he can feel that something is happening. Just out of sight, just past those doors as he flies past them. Something is happening, and he could care less. ’Alexi’s in danger, and that’s all that matters. I just need to get to him, protect him, and everything else will turn out the way these things always turn out’ His breath is harsh, the elder Vandros practically a blur as he climbs flight after flight. He counts each floor as he passes, not even sparing the signs a glance. he knows what floor Alexi’s on, and he will get there in time.
~*~
The rebels disperse through the building as planned, screams following their appearances, people running for cover as they fire carefully over their heads, the few more terrifying ones growling and snapping to keep the humans down and terrified. The tech heads race in, gathering files, hacking and decrypting as fast as they can while the final detachment take the elevator up to the mooting high above. The guard try to retaliate, but are brought down easily. This building isn’t very heavily guarded, but the rebels know just how long it will take after the silent alarm is tripped for the actual police to arrive.
Those in the elevator stand at the ready. There will be no survivors. They won’t let any of those foul slave owning bastard walk away alive if they can help it. The company may be small in the grand scheme of things, but a blow like this will have long reaching repercussions, especially with how many bigwigs are actually attending. Nirale’s finger slides up to rest on her trigger, they are almost there. She watches the little lights climb higher and higher, her heart beat picking up with each little ding. Five more floors. . . .Three. . . .Two. . . .One. . . .
~*~
At last the elder Vandros reaches the right floor and with a loud bang bashes open the door to the meeting room. From his place at the head of the table Alexi stands in a flash, the sight of his brother panting and pulling his gun has him completely on edge. Mois cries for them all to drop and without hesitation Alexi falls flat to the ground. Only a few others follow, most too confused and shouting at Mois, asking what the hell a man with a gun is doing in their board room. Mois ignores all of them, taking a long slow breath as he drops to a knee before the elevator. He glances up just long enough to note that the car is only a couple floors away then sets his sight on the doors, both handguns pointed and level.
Alexi bites his lip, watching his brother. A vague part of him wonders how Erik’s going to react, finding out that Mois had to mow someone or someones down in an effort to protect him. he’s got the very bad summation that it’s likely magicals and he does not look forward to that conversation. The ding makes his eyes jump from his brother’s back to the door and he holds his breath.
Mois opens fire as soon as there is a gap to fire through, aiming at about chest high. He knows that aiming to kill is not something anyone he cares about wants from him, but he can’t help his overwhelming drive to keep Alexi safe. Even if no one ever forgives him, he feels no remorse in protecting his beloved little brother, even if it means Joseph hating him for the rest of his miserable life. He already knows how much Joseph hates his work, the discussion long ago still a crushing weight on his heart ever magical life he takes, but he can only hope that Joseph will forgive him through their shared love of dearest Alexi.
In Mois’ eyes he has three confirmed kills before they seem to realize what’s going on and jump to the sides of the elevator for cover. Nirale looks to her fallen comrades and a dark expression crosses her face. How had they known? Did someone tell? Whoever is responsible for these deaths, will pay. . .
Mois empties both clips, praying that the magicals will just take their dead and leave, however as his last bullet fires and he goes into a roll so he can take cover to reload a pain rips through his back as a round from the rebel’s high speed machine guns tears through the flesh of his right shoulder blade. Thankfully it seems to skate along the skin rather than being a direct hit - burying itself in a wall after passing - And Mois is able to reload and take up return fire without too much difficulty.
Alexi stays down, unable to look away. Several members of the meeting are hit, their bodies falling around the youngest Vandros with sickening thumps. The glass outer walls shatter under the hail of bullets and Alexi covers his head just long enough to avoid most of the flying pieces. He feels the sting as his hands are lacerated but when he looks back up he sees something that raises his panic ten fold.
Mois sees it too, the dull green explosive tumbling through the air threatening to make his heart stop. However, he doesn’t have time for that. Dropping his weapons he dives, rolling hard and settling over Alexi protectively. The blast is deafening in the enclosed space, despite the windows being gone, and Mois cries out as a rush of burning telling him that the grenade exploded while in the air above them. He hears Alexi yelp beneath him but does not move from his position. An instant later debris rains down upon them as the floor above them begins crumbling and Mois can only pray that the table will take most of it.
~*~
And hour passes before the Vandros brothers are found, still laying one mostly atop the other, a harsh burn running across the top one’s back. Alexi’s managed to remain calm, rather easily in fact, from his place on the smooth carpet. He doesn’t really feel anything until Mois sits up carefully, the rescue team people helping him to do so, and he spots the pained expression on his dear brother’s face. With a whine he tries to scoot over to Mois but a sharp look from the elder reminds Alexi quickly that he can’t be the worried little brother right now. Instead Alexi’s expression fades into his neutral one and he stands, brushing off the paramedics to check over the room and the occupants. Most of the others have been removed, Alexi’s and Mois having been furthest from the stairs and most deeply buried beneath the table, but he still spots a few dead faces he recognizes and lets out a sigh.
“Fine mess.” He says with a hiss, heading over to the police to get as much information out of them as he can. Once he’s done confirming deaths and other medical statuses Alexi pulls out his phone and heads to a corner of the room to call Joseph.
For his part Mois sits as still as he can and lets the medics do their work. He knows he’s gonna want Joseph looking over his wounds later as well, maybe use some of the stuff Alexi’s had made special for the household to help the healing process, but for now he lets them do their work. His mind is in a completely different place, looking over at Alexi, seeing him walk around with various cuts and completely disheveled appearance he can’t even bring himself to admire the man as he sees him pull up his phone. ’Calling Joseph I bet. He’s got to be worried sick. . .And that other. . .’ His rage erupts inside his head and he is unable to complete his thought. His fury at his brother’s “guest” overwhelming. He’s already going to lose his brother in less than a month and a half, there is no way he will forgive the man who already shortened his time with his brother for fucking up and almost taking all that time away.
~*~*~
Erik paced around Alexi’s room with clear agitation. Or rather, it would have been clear had anyone been there to see it. He bit his nails and clenched his teeth, and at several points, tried to actually work before giving up and pacing again. How could I have let this happen?! How could I… how could I just FORGET that there was a mission coming up? How could I not have remembered?...
~*~*~
Meanwhile, Joseph strode back to his apartment, attempting to appear like everything was fine. He could not bring himself to work. Once, one of the newer slaves greeted him, but he said nothing, as he found himself unable to speak. They can’t die. They can’t. They aren’t allowed. Not so young… I forbid it... Ha! As if that ever did anything...The vampire was sitting at his desk, quietly rocking back and forth, when he heard his phone ring. In half a second, he picked up the device and glanced at the number. Upon seeing who it was from, he allowed himself a short breath to compose himself before answering, he just hoped that it was actually Master Alexi or Master Mois calling.
~*~
Barely half a ring passes before it gets cut off and Alexi knows Joseph is on the other end. Before the vampire has the chance to say anything Alexi says calmly, “Mois and I are alright Joseph. We are wounded but well, and will be returning home in a few hours.” He leaves the moment open so the vampire knows he is not going to hang up right away.
The vampire breathed a sigh of relief, for in all of his years, he was sure he had not heard such sweet sounds as his young Master saying those simple, wonderful words. He picked up on the tone easily, and knew that his Master was not in a place where he could speak freely, a place where he could be himself. So he too found his composure and answered quite calmly, “That is good to hear, Master Alexi. Everything will be prepared as usual. Would you like for me to send a driver to pick you up?” He was almost able to keep the palpable relief out of his voice, almost able to sound like everything was completely normal.
The relief in his foster father’s voice is clear to the well trained ear of the youngest Vandros and Alexi smiles widely on the inside. The love that comes through that voice is something he’s always appreciated, and now more than ever, he can feel it touching his heart. He’s sure it has something to do with being bonded to Erik but for now he sets that thought aside and replies, “Yes Joseph, thank you. Have Uwin bring one of my more modern models.”
“Yes, Master. It well be done. Is there anything else?” Joseph replied, still emotionally reeling from the realization that his beloved sons were alive.
Alexi glances over to see a couple medics laying Mois down on the board room floor and he lets out a faint sigh. “I may need help getting Mois in and out of the car. They sedated him. I have to go before they try to take him to the hospital. He would never forgive me for letting them do that.”
Joseph nodded. “I will come with Uwin to assist,” he said simply, his tone allowing no room for argument. “We will be there within half an hour. And please tell Master Mois to go to the hospital if the medics insist.”
“That sounds good Joseph, I will tell him.” With that Alexi hangs up and heads over to the medics. After a brief discussion he finds out that Mois’ wounds, while large, are mostly superficial. His back has some burning and the debris and graze have taken their toll, but over all he’ll need minimal medical care. After assuring them that he has an on site medic they agree to leave him in Alexi’s hands. A young woman tries to treat Alexi’s wound but a long hard stare makes her back off. He’s more worried about getting Mois somewhere he can rest and he knows Joseph will be able to take care of his significantly less severe wounds.
~*~*~
Meanwhile, Joseph hung up the phone and called Uwin to meet him in the garage as soon as possible. Within ten minutes the pair were driving off to the scene of the attack. The ride was mostly quiet, but Joseph did take a minute to politely text Erik and inform the vampire that Masters Mois and Alexi were all right.
He longs to kneel down beside his brother offer him love and comfort, but even if he wasn’t in the mostly incoherent state the sedation has put him into, Alexi knows he can not show such weakness and attachment in public. No matter the circumstance, he needs to remain the harsh, unyielding, cold man the world has come to expect.
Enlisting aid from a couple of the rescue workers Alexi and Mois make their way down to the first floor, arriving at the front doors just as his car appears outside Alexi smirks, his inner smile not showing as he praises Joseph mentally for his perfect timing. As soon as they are out the front door Joseph appears almost magically by Mois’ side and Alexi waves off the rescue workers. They give him deep scowls, clearly not approving of his choice, but putting up with it because they know better than to question an aggravated rich guy.
Carefully, Joseph supported the dazed Master Mois into the car. Then, quickly and respectfully, the vampire made sure to get the information on what treatments Master Mois had been provided with and the sedative he was given, before getting into the car himself.
Alexi follows behind Mois and Joseph, waiting until both are in the back seat before joining them there. The modern vehicle Joseph chose is rather roomie and Alexi nods in approval. From the driver’s seat Uwin looks worriedly over the back of his chair but refrains from speaking as he pulls out of the parking area. Alexi lets out a long sigh, knowing he can’t get the whole story out of anyone yet, but he does reach over to hold Mois’ hand, staring at his resting face. He quickly runs down everything the medics told him about treatment before reaching over with his other hand he pats his foster father’s and offers him a faint smile.
Joseph successfully returned his Master’s smile with a faint one of his own. After an hour of waiting to hear how these two were, he was just so relieved that they were alive, and so furious at Erik for allowing his sons to wind up in danger. But he did not speak now, for they were still in public, in a sense. Instead he merely waited for Master Alexi to address him.
With a faint sigh Alexi leans back, looking over his shoulder at Uwin he gives the young elf an apologetic smile before asking that he put up the window so he could speak in private with Joseph. Uwin glows at the smile - his master’s smile all he needs these days to know everything’s going to be alright - and complies without question. Once the window is in place Alexi turns to Joseph and raises an eyebrow. “There is no way Mois called you as he raced to save me, so he was not the one to spot this danger. So. . . .?” He does not seem at all upset, just curious.
“Erik,” Joseph began, turning towards the young man. “It was his cell. He was kind enough to finally remember that his comrades were going to kill everyone at your meeting. It was very nearly too late.” The anger was evident in the slave’s voice, though it came out as only a slight irritation. But then he took a deep breath. “To be honest, I do not think he realized you would be there, since your presence was a last minute decision.” He should have figured it out sooner though…
Alexi nods slowly, that option entering his mind even before he asked. A sad expression crosses his face even though he’s unable to really feel the sorrow of his words. “Mois killed several of the magicals that came to our floor. . . .I really hope none were close with Erik. I know even if none are it will still devastated him. He cares so much for those in his cell. . .”
Master Mois … killed … several of them…. Joseph found himself incredibly conflicted as he processed his Master’s words. Well, of course he did… he had no choice… I just, I still hate that he must do those things. I mean… they are still my people. But he was protecting Master Alexi… but those freedom fighters will never see the wonderful world Master Alexi wants to build for them… I just… I cannot… The vampire wanted to mourn for those lost lives, but he was also still relieved that his beloved sons were still alive.
“I find it surprising that you are so … concerned for him,” the head slave finally replied thoughtfully. “After all, he did put you in severe danger.”
Alexi looks over at his foster father with confusion creasing his brow. “Erik did not order an attack on me. I was not even suppose to be there today. Also, this is a war, and honestly, taking out those men really is a good move as far as the rebellion is concerned, so. . . .I can not bring myself to fault them Joseph, even if it means I was put in danger. . . .” He reaches out, giving Joseph’s hand another squeeze. “I am sure he is very conflicted right now. He. . . .I think he likes me. At least that is what it feels like, and knowing that his overworked forgetfulness almost got me killed will be hard for him to bear.” He knows he’s assuming the reason Erik didn’t tell them sooner, but as he sensed no deviousness from the vampire before he left, it’s a valid assumption.
The vampire sighed. “On some level, I know you are right, Master. He did not intend for you to be harmed. I just… I wish he had warned us. I do not like seeing you and Master Mois at risk.”
Alexi give Joseph one of his winning smiles. “You are sweet Joseph. I am glad to hear you so worried about me again. . . .it is good to hear you closer to the Joseph from my childhood once again. . . .Including that scolding tone you have had a few times this week.” Alexi smiles cutely, trying to help Joseph relax. now that the event is over, and they are away from the site, Alexi is no longer bothered that it happened and looks upon it objectively. Not only because he wants Joseph to feel better, but he knows that what waits for him at home is likely the closest thing to hell he can imagine. Even Erik’s hate for him seems like it will pale in comparison to what Erik is feeling right now. He does not fear feeling it, the house still a ways away, but he has an inkling, and he trusts his inklings.
After a moment of thought, Joseph decides to speak almost… freely. “Master Alexi, I never stopped worrying for you. I merely tend to avoid speaking my thoughts,” he replies simply. Though it is clear that his master does not mind the scolding, and in fact appreciates it, he still cannot help but feel a twinge of guilt as the human points out the kind of behavior that could have earned him a harsh backhand from another master.
Alexi feels a rush of happy at his beloved Joseph’s words and with a faint flash of his child like enthusiasm he had up through his teen years he launches himself at Joseph and gives him a tight hug. “Thank you. . .” he murmurs softly, wincing slightly as the motion causes him to, for the first time, realize he’s wounded.
Joseph hugged his former charge back very gently, naturally careful of the wounds on the boy’s back. He remembered all too clearly how many times his master had been wounded, to the point that he understood these days that Master Alexi could forget the pain he was in. “You’re welcome, Master,” he replied tenderly.
Alexi feels another warm rush as he sits back, looking at the bemused Mois with gentle eyes and thrumming happily over the fact that he is still so cared for by his beloved Joseph, even after all he’s put the man through. ’Though, others have put him through worse, I can only pray that Joseph did not love them as he loves Mois and me. Humming softly they past the time back to the mansion in peaceable silence, the peace only waning as they pull into the garage. Alexi isn’t quite sure what has changed, but he can tell there is something different inside him. Exiting the car he holds out a hand to help Joseph with his brother, the something inside of him growing stronger.
~*~*~
Erik received the message from Joseph and, for a moment, smiled with relief. But guilt soon began to wrack his brain as more and more realizations dawned on him. They are safe… I didn’t…. Oh thank goodness… Funny how two weeks ago I would have been cheering… What did I almost do? How could I not have known? … And if he’s safe, then … then what happened? Who … who died? I… I can’t… I should have… His eyes turned blood red as the vampire sunk to the floor in the corner of the room in a fearful mess. He shuddered, as a few tears came to his eyes. What have I done? … What have I done…? The former rebel Leader carried on like this for the next hour or so, only beginning to dry his tears and collect himself about ten minutes before the Vandros family came home. Even then, he continued to feel and unconsciously radiate his pain so that any poor emotionally-stunted billionaire who happened to be psychically joined to him would certainly feel overwhelmed by it.
~*~*~
Joseph exited the car quietly and took Master Mois up into his arms, bridal style. At Master Alexi’s silent request, he shook his head. “I have him, Master. If you like, just touch his shoulder or something. Let him know you are there.” Besides, I fear you may be unable to hold your own weight soon enough, with a certain emotional prisoner up there…
With that, he walked at a relatively slow pace, carrying his charge towards the spare bedroom next to Master Alexi’s, shooing off any curious slaves with piercing looks.
Alexi complies without a word, his mood growing darker and darker with every step they take. His hand clenches compulsively on Mois’ shoulder as they exit the garage and move into the main house. Uwin stands beside the car, worried and nervous, watching Alexi’s feet drag ever so slightly over the threshold. The wealthy man bites his lip hard, knowing very well where his pain and panic is coming from, but doing his best to keep silent even as the feelings begin to eat at his insides, ripping at his mind like rabid drakes. Taking long slow breaths he tries to remain steady, at least until he can reach the railing, but as luck would have it his feet are taken from him just a foot short, the hand reaching for it dropping to catch him before he crashes hard to the floor.
Now on his hands and knees Alexi greets whatever was left in his stomach from his last meal with a loud retching noise, the burn of it coming up making him cough and hack. He can feel himself swaying slightly but he manages to not fall completely over.
A part of Joseph wished he could go to his other beloved Master, but he knew better. He knew that he could not really assist while he still had the unconscious man in his arms. He also knew that even if he tried, the man would refuse the help and tell him to tend to his brother first. So, careful to hold to Mois tightly, he strode back to the door and called out to Uwin.
“Uwin, help Master Alexi, please. Take him to the lounge, get him some water, help him clean up, and bring someone in to clean up this mess. I will be back in ten minutes. With a quick look of apology to his younger son, he strode up the stairs to place Master Mois in the guest room.
Alexi listens to the exchange going on around him vaguely, only really coming out of it when he hears Joseph’s feet on the stairs. In a voice just loud enough for his foster father to hear he murmurs, “Don’t blame him. He can’t help it. . .” A moment later Uwin is at his side, murmuring encouragingly, trying to help the much larger man to his feet despite being wholly ill equipped to do so. With a bit of help from the floor and Uwin’s shoulder however Alexi manages to regain his feet. He knows the only way to get over this feeling it to get to his room, but as it is he can not allow anyone into the hallway leading to his room. He simply can not risk it.
So instead he allows his driver to help him to the lounge, taking a seat in his favorite chair with a groan, his head clutched between his hands. His whole body is hunched over and Uwin stands around fretting for a few seconds before remembering the rest of his orders and flying out of the room. Once he’s gone Alexi takes several deep breaths and tries desperately to reach out to Erik. He knows it’s futile. He can’t feel anything right now. No one’s around. The only things inside him are coming from the vampire himself, and right now all their bond allows him to do is share feelings when he has them. He want to help, to calm Erik down, for his sake, not his own, but it simply can not be done in this state.
These two are going to drive me mad, damnit, Joseph thought as he patiently and gently placed the elder brother onto the bed. Carefully, he removed the man’s shoes and checked that he was situated and able to be left alone before running back down the stairs to the younger brother. He knew exactly what was happening. It was obvious. The palpable state of Erik’s emotions over the attack today was clearly affecting Master Alexi. The only way to really help the eccentric billionaire was to help his near-murderer of a prisoner.
Soon enough, the vampire was down in the lounge, and he knelt down next to his beloved master. “Do you want to go upstairs now, Master Alexi?”
The human gives a faint nod, holding an arm out so Joseph can help him to his feet. Once up he places his arm across the vampire’s shoulders and motions for him to lead the way. “I have to talk to him. Joseph, he is, god, he hates himself so much right now. . . .How can anyone, how, could anyone ever feel like this about themselves? I am alive, and my brother killed his friends, but he was not there, how can he. . .’[/i] By now they are half way up the stairs and the pain becomes too much, he has to close his lips tightly to keep from dry heaving.
He should hate himself. He nearly got you killed… He got his own people killed. But I hate that you have to suffer for it, the vampire thought sadly. But he remained silent and merely supported his master up the stairs, more concerned with helping his dearest masters than mentally berating the rebel.
When they reached the bedroom door, Joseph opened it and led the little lord through to his bed. Quickly, he grabbed him more ice water and a wet cloth from the bathroom. “Everything will be fine, Master,” he offered, petting the human’s head with the cold cloth and offering him the drink.
Once the door to his room open, Alexi begins searching for his “guest”. As they had come closer and closer to his room, the feelings had grown more and more intense, but now, here, as he slowly shuffles in, Alexi’s pain has gone past the point where he can even identify it and he’s able to lift his head. His eyes still see, but just barely, but despite this he can’t seem to pick out just where Erik is. Once settle on to the plush mattress, the covers providing extra fluffyness, he flops to the side and breaths slowly. The cool of the cloth mixed with the chilled drink frees up his mind ever so slightly and Alexi calls out to Erik. “Erik. . . .Please. . . .Please stop, hating yourself. . .You should not. . . Hurt yourself. . . .I am fine, I live, Mois lives, and. . . .I do not blame you. . .”It’s hard to get the words out, but he knows that Erik would likely only withdraw from Alexi after this, not accepting that Alexi holds on him no shame.
Erik emerged from the corner where he had been standing wearing a seemingly impassive expression on his face. His voice seemed almost normal, if a tad monotone.
“Let me take the antidote. The potion is clearly malfunctioning. I am all right. It should not be making you feel like this. And I am glad you and Mois made it out alive,” was all he said, though he shifted until he was in the furthest corner possible from Alexi’s bed.
Alexi rolls his eyes, the effort to do so making him feel dizzy. “No Erik. . .If you were not feeling like this. . . .I would consider it, but no, even I, a rookie at feelings, knows you do not make big decisions when so upset. . .” Tears come to his eyes as he looks at Erik, tucked away in the furthest corner he can reach. “You, Mois, Joseph. . . .Why does everyone around me lock themselves so far away? This gift they have, that was given to them at birth, and all you all try to do is. . . .is hide it. Why must showing your feeling be this big, horrible thing, around those who care about you?” He sniffs, biting his finger for a moment before adding on sadly, “Am I really the only one who sees that if someone cares, it’s okay to be yourself? To feel?”
Erik’s eyes glowed bright red and he hesitated for several moments before answering. It was only when he was sure he could say a sentence without his voice breaking that he opened his mouth. “Perhaps you are.” It was another few moments before he said. “If you won’t take the antidote, then let me go. I-I’ll hide out in the woods for a few days and r-return before you need me. Th-there’s no reason for you to suffer like this, Alexi. The only way you will be free of this is to get me far away from you.”
His own pulse of pure pain shoots through the man laying atop his covers. ’I am really such a freak? Not only can I not feel as other do, but I can not even see the feelings as they should be?’ After a moment however he rejects the notion. He’s seen it other place. He seen people expressing themselves with loved one, read it in many books. No, Erik is wrong. People can feel. . .
His eyes light up slightly as he spots the red glow from the corner, a blissful feeling touching on the raging storm inside him. “I do not ask to be free Erik. I made my decision, and I will stick with it. I do not blame you for these feelings, but I do wish you would express them. It always feels better when you. . . .let things out. . . .” he swallows hard, taking and awkward sip from the drink Joseph had provided.
~*~
In the next room, the elder Vandros stirs, his mind quickly returning as the sedative wears off, and along with it, his rage.
The vampire gritted his teeth. “I told you, the potion is malfunctioning. I am fine,” he replied coldly. He closed his eyes. “I have nothing to express.” And if I did, young one, you would probably fucking explode with the pain. You naive idiot. Don’t you see that this is the only way I can process it?
It hurts that Erik is lying to him, especially since he’s never lied to the vampire but before he can say anything the door flies open to reveal an enraged Mois. Alexi has just enough time to register that this will not go well for him before Mois explodes at Erik. If this had been a different circumstance, perhaps Mois screaming at someone who’d actually done something wrong and not the innocent man whom he is bound to, Alexi would be quite amazed and happy to see Mois showing such passion. But as it is, Alexi shrinks back in terror, just waiting for the pain to come. Accusations and pure unrefined rage falls from Mois’ lips as he begins tearing Erik a new one, the sound near deafening.
Erik heard the door slam open and turned towards the noise. Somehow he could easily guess who it was. But… he just listened. His face was blank, probably infuriatingly so to his attacker. He listened passively, and said nothing. He deserved everything Mois was saying, of that there was no doubt. All the anger, all the hate, it washed over him like waves, adding to his own pain and self-doubt. But not a drop of it showed. His eyes had even returned to their usual gray hue, as he continued to glare at the screaming human with a stoic gaze, easily mistaken for uncaring. I nearly killed his brother. I nearly killed the man who will save us all. I got them both injured. I deserve this. He agreed with Mois completely regarding his culpability. But some speck of pride before another man, another soldier, kept his mask firmly bolted on.
No matter what he says, Erik’s face does not change. A part of him came in hoping to see the man curls in a little ball, or begging Alexi for forgiveness, or at the very least showing the faintest hint of remorse, but as he stand here, staring into the vampire’s dead gaze, the elder Vandros can feel his fury mutating into disgust and his screams go from angry about the facts, to jumping to conclusions. “You knew all along didn’t you!? You tricked my brother into thinking he could trust you, into, into fucking caring about you, so you could get him killed. You didn’t just want your freedom, you wanted some big victorious blow for your kind, bringing down the man who is the very face of their enslavement!”
On the bed Alexi begins to cry hard, curling up in the middle of the mattress. However Mois can not hear his sobs over the sound of his own voice.
“Fuck actually SAVING your people, no, you just needed one more win under your belt. Take the antidote and run! He’d die, your kind would be mostly free, and you would just go about your rescues being the big hero who made it all possible, taking all the credit!” Some part deep inside the man knows that he’s gone into the irrational. There’s no way Alexi could be tricked, that his dearest brother could be mislead, especially with being bound to the vampire, but he needs something, some kind of response, some kind of reaction, some sort of indication that this man his brother has put so much faith into and has. . . .Come to care for, is actually worth his little brother’s pain and suffering and deserves to live after his gross negligence.
A pool of bile appears around Alexi’s head as he heaves on to the bed, still laying on his side. However gross as his mind finds it, he’s in too much pain to move away from it. His sobs are still quiet despite the pain. His conflicted feelings only add to the mess inside his heart, and head. He understand why Mois is angry, but he doesn’t get why he’s mad like this Erik feels bad. he’s hurting, so bad. He does not deserve this pain. He’s punished himself enough. Everything turn out alright, why, WHY must the pain go on!?
In that moment, something broke inside the vampire’s mind. As if one could watch his mask shatter in slow motion, tearing off piece by piece. His voice started only slightly raised, and gradually increased in volume as he spoke.
“How the hell was I supposed to know that Alexi would be there?! Hmm? How the hell was I supposed to know anything from this single room doing paperwork all day?! Alexi Vandros was not on the docket for that meeting, not by my information. Did you really expect me to put my people in danger by telling a fucking magical murderer, no, excuse me, ‘police officer,’ everywhere they would be? What do you honestly think I could have done, hmm? No one told me anything. I didn’t even know until this morning that he would be there!” Already, his eyes were turning crimson again, as he slowly inched forwards toward the elder brother.
“So DON’T fucking tell me! TELL HIM. Fucking WARN him that you still have fucking plans in motion that are to be carried out! HE would fucking figure it out you brain dead slug! He knows what he’s doing and could have DONE something about this shit!” Mois screams, his anger reacting to the vampires. Despite the red eyes, the human does not back down.
“That was fucking obvious, you idiot? … Why would anyone in their right mind think that Xani plans suddenly would stop just because I was missing? Have you suddenly forgotten that we are terrorists?! If either of you had thought ahead, you would have told me Alexi’s schedule so I could tell you if any of the planned attacks were in places he would be, but noooo… clearly you’re both invincible and I’m more useful here doing paperwork! I didn’t know it would endanger him.” The mask was finally gone, and tears streamed from his crimson eyes down the vampire’s pale face, though his voice only quavered slightly. He was now directly in front of Mois, shaking his hands in agitation as he spoke.
The overprotective elder brother tried to open his mouth to say something, but Erik cut him off, continuing his rant.
“And another thing, don’t sit here and act like you’re so goddamn innocent. You capture and kill my kind, MY siblings, for a living, but here you are screaming at me when the war even touches your precious brother! How DARE the fighting touch the man who singlehandedly wants to initiate The Second Great Slave War.” He paused for a moment, a slight waver developing in his voice. “It’s all so senseless, so stupid. But you know what? I love him too. I don’t want him dead. I screwed up. I should have thought of checking this a week ago. But don’t act like my mistake was … intentional. I’m a terrorist, not a traitor.” He was breathing heavily now, glaring directly into the eyes of the man who dared accuse him.
Despite his fury Mois has to admit that someone should have brought up the idea of the attacks and wonders what could have kept his brother too busy to do so. he knows he could blame Erik, the two way bonding not part of the original plan and already causing his brother a fuckton of grief, but then his gaze turns to himself and with no excuses, even the ones he prepares to scream back die on his lips as Erik rages on. He does not move an inch as the slightly taller man bares down on him with a passion so hot it burns in his eyes. His mouth is open, ready to snap back on how Erik doesn’t truly have any siblings, he can’t know what it’s like to have an actual family member betrayed by someone they care about, but his voice leaves him as Erik admits his care for Alexi. He knows it’s only as a friend, he knows this, very well, it’s obvious how it was ment, but a small part of his brain, the last shred of rationalism, of actual soft humanity weathering the storm against the rage, latches on to the word “love” in all this insanity and for a moment it forces his rage to still. He’s seen it in his brother’s eyes, he’s heard it in his voice. Even without the feelings, Alexi. . . .
Joseph had spent this entire shouting match quietly tending to the man who was, ironically, the most affected by it. But he allowed the fight to go on, because he hoped that allowing Erik to have a “release valve” would help Alexi in the long run. Sure, he had his own anger at himself and the situation, but that was not his place. It was the place of other men to fight, argue, and squabble. His place where merely to quietly tend to his master’s needs.
But finally, he stood and turned to the two men, and used the pause to his advantage. In the most calm and quiet tone possible, he muttered, “Master Mois, go to your brother. You want to see Erik’s suffering, then you can watch it through Master Alexi’s eyes. Erik, get yourself some water, wash your face, and then sit down on that couch in the corner. If you two fight again, I will not hesitate to throw you out of the room and you to the farthest corner of the bathroom. You are hurting Master Alexi. He cannot take Erik’s adrenaline levels right now.” And with that, he turned back to his younger master and continued tending to the man, as if he had said nothing at all.
The movement out of the corner of his eye causes Mois to turn, his nerves still on edge from the constant bombardment of rage and conflict. The sight that greets his eyes makes him ill, his rage leaving him in an instant. Joseph’s words wash over him, like the scoldings from his childhood, and the walls around his feelings fall back into place like impenetrable steel doors around his heart. A low dread builds up behind the walls however as he complies, walking slowly past Joseph. He nearly jumps out of his skin as Alexi, for the first time, lets his pain be known with a sharp cry. Inside Alexi the pain changes and suddenly it pierces him deeper than before and he can’t hold back his voice from letting out a sharp scream, his tear blurred eyes going over to where Erik and Mois had been arguing and locking on to the vampire’s. Everything Erik is feeling rages behind those chilly blue eyes, almost as if Alexi himself is gone, and all that remains is the manifestation of Erik’s pain riddled soul. Despite the pain however, the face before him clears, and with a slow, shaking hand, he reaches out toward Erik, obviously trying to get the vampire to come closer, to come to him. . . .
Erik started to turn to follow Joseph’s instructions. He had no obligation to do so, but he still wanted to help the poor man, and he agreed that staying away would probably do that. But out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Alexi reaching for him, and slowly turned to face the human. After only a moment of thought, he walked over and joined him on the bed, sitting on the opposite side from Joseph. “I’m here, Alexi,” he muttered, taking the man’s hand, tears of pain and guilt still streaming down his face. I nearly killed him, and now my emotions are torturing him… It’s not fair. Why did he have to take that stupid potion?! This is… I feel so cruel. But I also cannot stop myself from feeling, he thought sadly.
Alexi tightens his grip on the hand within his own, something about it soothing his pain. He tightens, pulls, he wants it closer. He wants the pain to stop, for Erik’s pain, to stop. . .Mois watches the motion, wanting so badly to be the one Alexi needs, but as he watches, he knows better. His small shaking body scoots towards Erik, little by little, and in a soft voice the elder brother mutters, “Please, hold him. . . .He needs you. . .”
Erik nodded and lay down next to his human captor-turned-friend, holding him gently and petting his hair. “I’m here, Alexi,” he crooned kindly, resting his head near the human’s chest, wetting the fine fabrics of the bed and the human’s suit with his tears. “I’m sorry…. I’m so sorry,” he muttered, finally breaking into desperate sobs.
It. . .He, finally moves closer. ’Yes, he, Erik, the one in the pain. He needs the help, he needs. . . The body presses against him and with shaky arms Alexi wraps his arms around the emotionally wounded Vampire. He doesn’t know what he’s doing, not really, but drawing from what others have done for one another, and what Joseph has done for him on occasion, he tightens his grip and begins making soft shushing sounds. The pain, the sorrow, it’s still there, but with it’s source here in his arms he can focus, he can actually think again.
His hand comes up to Erik’s head, his fingers gently stroking through the sobbing man’s hair, even as his own tears cascade from his eyes like little waterfalls. “It is okay Erik, it is okay. . .I am h-here, I live. I d-do not blame you. . .” His crying steals his breath on and off, making him stutter.
Erik hesitated for just a moment before replying through his sobs. “B-but, but you should! I nearly got you and your brother killed. I nearly… I n-nearly stopped you from seeing the amazing world you are creating. And… and… I m-may not have killed you, but how many of my men died saving you? How many lives are on my hands because I FORGOT to make sure you weren’t walking into an attack?! Or because I prided saving your life over theirs. I… I d-don’t d-deserve to live,” the vampire gasped through his sobs, all pride forgotten.
From beside the bed Mois watches the man whom he’d been screaming at crumble and he can feel peace returning behind the walls. His brother’s soft words and lack of blame does wonders for him and without reservation he sheds a few tears for their joint pain.
Alexi continues making soft shushing noises, running his fingers through Erik’s hair over and over. “I am more to blame than you are Erik. I. . . .I had it in my plan to ask, to arrange things if you ever trusted me enough to tell me, just so I could keep both sides from losing their lives, but I got so s-swept up. . .It is very refreshing really, knowing feeling can actually take precedence over things. . .” Nuzzling Erik’s hair he lets himself look at the emotions now. With Erik right here, they are no longer just blind pain. “You made a mistake, and so did I, my fault larger than your own. I let it slide, telling myself I could do it later. . .” Tries to lighten the mood slightly. “Even if I had died in the attack, the world would still have changed as I have willed it. . . .”
Erik turned to Alexi, crimson eyes bleeding melancholy. “That is not all that I care about, and you know it. I was their commander. It was my j-job to protect them. And I have failed. I betrayed my own family to save you. And the worst part is, I fear that I would do it again in a s-second,” the vampire muttered, shaking with sobs. “They will never see the world you are building. All because I … I screwed up. I was their Leader. They were my… my…” His voice broke as his words dissolved into complete sobbing, and the vampire leaned into Alexi’s chest.
Alexi continues to stroke Erik’s hair, his other hand rubbing the vampire’s back. He holds tight to the trembling shuddering form while trying to also soothe and comfort him. “Not every life lost under your command is blood on your hands Erik. I told you, this is as much if not more so my fault, for letting my personal project overrun my need to keep my eyes open. . .” In another time, for another reason, Erik’s words would have brought joy to Alexi. The thought that anyone would turn from something so dear to save him kind of sweet, but now, with the pain of the man tearing through both bodies it’s all Alexi can manage to just keep breathing and murmuring.
“This is a war Erik, and they went into that building knowing full well that they may not walk out alive. Let their memories rest on their ideal that what they did they were doing for the good of their kind, their family, and do not let your own thoughts taint their memory. They died, this will not change, so let their deaths be the ones they chose. The ones they left their camp knowing what they may face.” Alexi’s arms tighten around Erik, tucking his head in tight against his chest and nuzzling his hair with his nose. “I know that every time Mois leaves this house, I may never see him again. He knows it too, but he goes anyways. He goes because he knows the. . . .Painful part he must play to see the world as I wish it, and even if he were to die tomorrow, I know he would not blame me for it. He would die doing what he chose to do for me. . .”
Mois nods and Alexi, catching the motion out of the corner of his eyes, manages a tiny smile through the pain. “I may not have so many under me, in fact I have only one with whom I have willing command over, and I have never lost anyone I love.” His mind flashes to Joseph at the word “willing” and he nods internally. ’The things he does for me, though he complies, can in no way be considered done “willingly”. . . .’ “I can not know your pain Erik, even if I had, but I. . . .I can only say what I know from my own tiny well of people I trust, and I can tell you now that you are no traitor, no killer of your kind. You are simply one vampire who made an impossible decision in a split second, and no one can hate you for it. . .”
“Y-yes they can,” Erik moaned, “And I h-hate m-myself. What I did… it’s unf-forgivable. D-don’t you understand?! It doesn’t ch-change what they thought, but it is unforgivable. It was more than a mistake. It was a choice. I chose you. I chose you, and the people you will save. I didn’t even think about the c-cost,” the rebel leader sobbed. “And all of it could have been prevented, the whole choice… if I had only thought ahead. If I had…” And there he just stopped and continued weeping into Alexi’s chest, the feedback loop spurring him on. No, it was not the first time he had lost people under his command, but it was the first time he had done so in this particular situation. Usually he mourned quietly, burying the emotions he felt about their deaths. But now, something about seeing Alexi wracked with his pain…. it broke through the walls he usually built.
Alexi makes soft shushing noises, petting the distraught man in his arms gently, trying to share the comfort he’s feeling from having Erik so close. Trying to do something, anything, to help this man through his pain. He doesn’t know how though. He doesn’t know how to mourn and get over things since he always did it without thinking. There was no “getting over it” period, time simply passed and he was. . .Over it. He would sometimes come across reminders, faint flashes of the emotions, but every time it was new, fresh, and even the most intense ones were so small compared to what he feels coming off the man in huge tearing waves.
He’s not even sure if he should argue the point with the man, or simply try talking about something else. Alexi feels so lost, unsure, incapable of doing what is needed for this man he’s grown to care about deeply, but as he continues running his fingers through those light slick locks he can feel more and more how simply being close, holding him tight, makes him feel a little bit better, and the loop inside of negative feelings becomes tainted with the calm feelings and he’s able to breath a little bit easier. ’I need. . .to relax. To help him, I need to make myself. . . .calm down. . . .’
Doing his best to take long slow breaths his eyes shift from the bundle in his arms to Joseph. The gentle expressions in his loving father’s eyes trigger his joy at being so loved and he manages to calm his breathing a bit, even going so far as to smile softly at his mentor before shifting his head back to look upon his brother. The emotions there are different, more passionate, and more fearful and Alexi feels the desire to wipe away the silent tears pouring from the man’s eyes. Then once more his gaze settles upon the bundle in his arms and now he can feel it, the calm, the true and clear feeling of care and devotion that initially drew Alexi to step outside of his own plan and entrust his life to the man.
“I forgive you Erik.” He says softly, his voice a little steadier, the caring clear and gentle. In a slightly halting way he manages a few more words. “I. . .Wish I could mourn for the loss of life as you do. I was sad when it happened, but I can’t now. I have never felt this pain before, and I am filled with sorrow that you are hurt so badly, but. . . .I will risk your hate by saying this, but I must.” His voice drops so low that Mois has to strain to hear. “I can not help but feel happy that you cared so much for me. I just. . . .Can not feel bad about that. . .Forgive me. . .” Tears have returned to his eyes, for he knows it is a terrible thing he’s just said, but a part of him prays it’s enough to distract the vampire, at least long enough to let the exhausted man sleep.
Joseph watched with eyes that conveyed a certain melancholy. The truth was, it was difficult to stay angry with the rebel vampire when he was so distraught. He was concerned for both men, and he felt as though he only wanted to help. There was also a certain pride for his wonderful son, who could so easily forgive and try to help the man who had nearly killed him.
Erik almost cracked a smile… almost. “You can forgive me, and I-I… appreciate that. But can they?” he wept quietly for several more minutes, still leaning into Alexi’s chest and soaking his fine linen shirt in tears. Within another ten minutes, he dropped off to sleep in that position, the adrenaline rush and the fear, followed by the conflicting waves of emotional distress and comfort, finally taking a toll on the vampire’s body.
’In their minds, there is nothing to forgive. The other rebels may have something to say about this, but. . . .But I can not see them hating you over this. What you are doing is too important, and you made the decision in an instant. They may hate me for not telling you that even my death would not stop the plan, and honestly could have been killed and their people would have been spared along with all the rest, but you hold no fault in this, dear Erik. . . .’ He does not say these thoughts aloud, not wanting to argue the point. Erik is too tired, too strained, and as the crying slowly fades and the vampire falls asleep, Alexi feels at last released from the loop of torment and is able to take a deep breath.
Having slept on and off with his brother since childhood, Alexi is quite used to sleeping with another in his bed. He’s even used to having a man in his arms, Mois sometimes simply needing the comfort for the evening. However having not had the chance to get comfortable Alexi immediately feels a cramp and mentally curses his lack of foresight. But when Mois leans in, obviously ready to take the vampire to his own bed, Alexi shakes his head, pointing towards the covers on Erik’s bed instead. The elder brother shakes his head, once more his mind falling back on those words so carelessly dropped from his brother’s captive’s lips and feeling the sorrow of it more acutely now that he’s no longer enraged. However, he complies, moving over to Erik’s bed and removing the top comforter, spreading it over the embracing men lying in the middle of the large four poster.
Joseph found it practically impossible to remain angry at the sleeping rebel, much like it was difficult to remain afraid of an adorable sleeping lion. Rather, he just pitied the conflicted man, though he wondered what he would have done if either one, or heaven’s forbid both, of his beloved sons had perished in the attack.
With more than his usual touch of gentleness, Joseph whispered to the younger brother the question he had asked thousands of times. “Do you require anything else, Master Alexi?”
“Nothing Joseph, thank you. . .for everything.” There’s more than a little depth behind those words this time as the feelings still playing about the man in his arms lick like flames against his wounded soul. So much had happened today, so many new things, so many sad old things, and over all, Alexi can not recall ever needing sleep more. Those familiar, comforting words from his father’s lips is enough to bring out a faint smile and as Mois tucks a pillow beneath his head before retreating Alexi turns the smile on him as well, nodding. Mois gives a nod in return, backing towards the door before pulling it open and holding it for Joseph.
“Goodnight, Master Alexi,” the vampire whispered. Then, with his usual bow, and a much more unusual hint of a smile, Joseph turned on his heel and left the bedroom.
Alexi watches the two vanish and lets out a soft sight, flexing his arms slightly around the vampire encapsulated in them. He hums softly to himself for a short while, hoping the noise of them leaving did not disturb the emotional wreck before letting himself relax and drift off.
~*~
Outside the room Mois closes the door quietly as he can behind them before motioning down the hall, looking intently upon the head slave making it clear he wants to talk, even if just for a little while. So naturally, the vampire followed until they reached a spare room at the end of the hall.
“Are you alright, Master Mois?” he asked gently, meeting the eyes of the elder brother for just a few moments.
Closing the door to the room Mois presses a hand to it for a moment, supporting his weight, then with a sigh he turns around to face the vampire, leaning against the smooth polished surface. He looks back at his mentor, eyes weary, breath short. He can feel the faint brush of tears and panic behind his ever present mask but as he looks into the worried eyes of his dearest friend of these many long years he feels the fortitude to keep his mask in place, pushing away his own mental pain and exhaustion enough to give the man a half smile. “Not in the slightest Joseph. Not in the least. I’m shot, burned, my brother almost dies, and the man at least partially responsible is laying exactly where I want to be right now, soaking up the comfort I’ve always had for myself whenever I needed it. . .”
Despite his pained words his voice remains soft, his eyes dry. He wants to feel, but he can’t, not yet. He can’t bring them out, bring them forward. He can’t even be properly upset that his brother, who had always put him and Joseph first, now lay with a practical stranger in his arms. ’A man he clearly cares about deeply even after knowing one another for a short time, and who doesn’t even have a clue about it. . . .I’m an emotionless train wreck, but even I know that there is more to Alexi’s kindness than him simply being a “good guy”. . . .’ His gaze remains locked on the man who has cared for him since birth and he can feel the strongest desire to just be held by the man, but a combination of pain from his wounds and his stubborn refusal to let his emotions out around the man lest he do something he’ll regret keep him leaning against the door with a faintly pained look in his eyes.
Joseph listened intently, keeping his eyes locked on the man who was almost a son. If the moment had not been filled with so much pain, he might have even smiled. Poor dear. I cannot tell if he is more irritated that Erik tried to kill Master Alexi or that his brother’s would-be murderer is in the man’s arms right now, he thought. Though none of it shone on the man’s face, some part of Joseph could feel how torn up Master Mois was about all of this, partially because he would not rant like this if he were not upset. And so, almost instinctively, for the moment completely forgetting his station, he strode forward and wrapped his eldest son into a gentle hug, gently petting his hair as he had done a few times when the man was still a child.
“Master Mois, there is nothing I can say that will make this day feel better for you. I do not believe in meaningless platitudes. However, consider that the bonding has offered Master Alexi a chance to feel more strongly than he ever has before. It is natural that it would also bring him closer to Erik. And I think, perhaps, there is enough room in your brother’s arms, and his heart, for both of you,” he replied gently, still holding the grown man in his arms.
A light tremble sets up in his limbs as those cool arms wrap around him and Mois, once heir to the Vandros fortune, uses every skill in self control he’s ever used to keep from seeking out every drop of comfort the man he loves could possibly give. Instead, he stays put, his eyes sliding closed, his twitching fingers coming up to wrap gently around his former mentor’s back in a gentle embrace. He lets his head fall, those long fingers brushing over his hair bringing him more comfort than the vampire knows. He longs to press deeper, to show the redhead how truly grateful he is to be shown this caring, this kindness.
His nods slowly, knowing the man is right, but almost hating that he is. Alexi had always had a sad lot in life as far as his heart goes, though for Mois those moments together with him where he could feel his brother’s love was more than enough for him for a long time. It wasn’t until later on that he realized, despite how happy he is around his older brother, Alexi lives a life he would not wish on the worst of men. ’Not knowing lasting feeling, having everything that passes through your heart fade after so short a time. Never being able to recall joy when sadness. . .’ Mois does not understand Alexi’s disorder all that well, it being one of the things Alexi’s tried to not talk about, but he does know that it’s something that brings his brother great sorrow.
His fingers twitch from their place on Joseph’s back when the head slave points out that Alexi can love them both and he has to almost bite his tongue to keep himself from saying ‘And that’s what I’m worried about’. He knows how it would sound, and he knows also this is not the time nor the place to bring up Alexi’s unhealthy attachment to the man, given what the crazy man plans to do to himself soon. His grip tightens for a moment as he remembers, yet again, that Alexi will be leaving him soon, the thought hitting him like a ton of bricks as it always does, but after a few seconds he gives Joseph one last squeeze before gently taking his waist and pushing the man back gently.
It takes all his willpower to let Joseph go, but he knows holding him any will cause him to do something he’ll regret. He manages another soft smile at the man before looking down, his hands sliding behind his back into their familiar comfortable place he’s held them at when unoccupied since his youth. “I know Joseph. I know he’s not forgotten me, nor replaces me, and I know I will recover from all of this, but you’re right. Nothing you could say here will make me feel better right now. . .” He swallows hard. In a very soft voice he whispers, “Thank you though, I. . . .Miss those. . .” He looks to the side as he says those last two words and with a gentle sigh he murmurs, “You are a good man Joseph. . .”
Naturally, the head slave was completely oblivious to Master Mois’ strong desire for greater comfort. So when the man separated from the hug, his vampire slave could not help but feel a bit of disappointment, for deep down he felt he needed the embrace as well. Of course he could not admit such things, even to himself. Still, he stepped back at the same time and flashed a gentle smile.
’No, I’m not. But I miss them too,’ the slave thought sadly. “And you are a better one,” he finally said after a short moment. “You should rest, Master Mois. It has been a long day.”
The flash of sad behind the man’s eyes tugs at the young human’s heart and with a nod he moves slowly past Joseph, reaching up to give his shoulder a squeeze as he passes. “Sorry I did it again today. . .That I had to, to protect him. . .” Long ago, when Mois first joined the police, it was very clear to him how much it pained Joseph to know that he would be killing his kind. Joseph has stopped, at least in any obvious way, expressing his sadness at the murders Mois has committed, and he’s stopped trying to apologize every time to the vampire when he does it, but in this case, in this moment, he feels compelled to once more. He pauses, still holding Joseph’s shoulder, wanting to see how his once mentor will respond this time, and at the same time dreading seeing any response.
For a half second, Joseph pursed his lips. Then he turned his eyes to Master Mois and replied simply, “I know. I understand.” His eyes were gentle as ever, his expression purely understanding, purely forgiving. “You did what was necessary to protect your family, Master Mois.”
Mois isn’t sure if he’s happy or sad that Joseph has come to accept his role in all this so completely, with perfect forgiveness. ’He was clearly so upset when it began, but now, he doesn’t even show my an ounce of direct disapproval. . .’ He’d noticed the twitch, the slight change in the man before he actually looked at him, but says nothing, giving the shoulder beneath his hand another squeeze before carefully flopping on to the bed nestled against the back wall of the guest room. He shifts and twists for a bit until he has most of the blankets are in his arms, then with a faint pout he curls up around the lump, wincing at his burn, then lets himself rest at last.
’He didn’t need to hear my distaste of this war. He didn’t need to hear how angry it makes me that he had to kill again, not at him, but at the stupidity of it all. He didn’t need to hear how stupid it is that people had to die today, just because we forgot to ask Erik something so simple. He knows all of this. No, he needs my forgiveness, and he has it. That is all he needed to see right now,’ Joseph thought as he bowed, strode towards the door and turned off the light.
For once in his life, he cared little for the rest of his chores, and merely went straight to his room, removed his clothing, and collapsed onto his bed, joining his masters in a deep slumber after a difficult day.
~*~
The morning is greeted by a rather stuff and honestly repulsed Alexi, his nose waking him up more than anything else and as he twitches, his head rotating back and forth to try and find the smell, he realizes with even greater disgust that the acrid odor is the smell of his own sick. He represses a groan however, the heavy body laying mostly on top of him reminding him of how bad things really were the night before for all involved, and despite his own inability to linger on those feelings, he knows that for most people those feelings would still be there, and that it’s best to be kind to people who have suffered such a blow.
’Not that waking to this smell is a kindness, but at the least I can let him sleep a little bit longer. . . .’ His internal clock tells him that he still has time, his plan for the day laying itself out plainly and simply, drawing a soft sigh from him as he thinks of just how to explain to Erik that his very free comrades, the ones that survived but were captured, would now serve as slaves for his own companies. The hand resting on Erik’s back comes up to begin petting his hair softly, the darkness of the room making touch his only way of interacting with the sleeping man and possibly assessing his status as far as internal turmoil goes. His body is a little numb, so only his fingers can really tell him if the man rests soundly, or if he is plagued by his pain.
Given the turmoil he had suffered the previous night, the vampire leader actually seemed to sleep quite peacefully. But upon Alexi’s gentle movements, he began to stir, his eyes opening slowly as he smelled the acrid stench. “Good morning,” he muttered, gently moving himself away from the other man, unsure if continued touch was acceptable at this point. He did not yet move off the bed however, simply to a spot further away from Alexi’s person.
Alexi lets out and unconscious pout as Erik pulls away. He’d liked having someone in his arms, the feeling one of comfort and calm. ’But, it is his right to move away. He is not a pet. . .’ With the pout still on his face he stretches, grimacing at the feeling of the foul stuff touching him, it’s half dry nature feeling like rotten half dried oatmeal on his clothes and skin. Making a face he moves away from the mess, coming to sit right next to Erik in his effort to flee his upchuck, and settling in such a way that his arm is pressed gently against Erik’s. “Good morning. . .” he murmurs, looking at the mess with growing disgust. “Join me for a bath?” he asks offhandedly, in obvious need of removing himself from the smell and feel of it all.
Erik nodded, having been contemplating the idea of a bath himself, and slowly rousted himself from the bed, shucking his clothes carelessly as he walked towards the palatial bathroom. In an attempt to “shock” himself out of his stupor, he stepped into the coldest pool, submerging his head completely. In truth, he could think of nothing to say to Alexi. He was just completely numb after the emotional outpour of the previous night. After a few minutes in the coldest tub, he silently switched over to the warmest, allowing the pleasant temperature to loosen his muscles.
Alexi follows suit, dropping his clothing carelessly and slipping into the first tub. He watches his companion head to the third one and lets out a soft sigh. ’So bland, so empty. It is almost as bad as the pain. . .It is like how I am without stimulus. . .’ He only watches Erik for a few seconds however before ducking under the water to begin scrubbing off the nasty. When he comes back up, the skin around his face a little raw, Erik is climbing into the tub with him. He watches, curious, as the vampire seems to relax slightly and he lets himself drift over slowly to go sit beside the other male.
He doesn’t know what to do after that however. He knows he wants to comfort Erik, but without the man actively seeking comfort, he feels a black in his mind. ’I know comfort, I. . . .I think I know how it works, and what people do. . .Mois is easy. He just needs a presence, some touching, some contact, and he seems to calm. But. . . .But Erik seems calm now, but I can tell, it is not a good calm. It feels. . .. I feels queasy. . . .’ Bitting his lip he reaches up and places a hand on Erik’s shoulder, slight rifts of uncertainty trickling through him as he tries to figure out what he can do for this poor, wounded man.
Erik felt the rifts of uncertainty as if from a great distance, and took the hand on his shoulder into his own. “Thank you,” he muttered. “Thanks for helping me last night. You are a good man, Alexi.” Shuffling away, he took some of the soap and began scrubbing himself down, luxuriating in the bath and just trying to make himself feel human again. Presently, he began washing his hair as well, wondering if Alexi would start rambling about something to fill the silence.
The warmth of Erik’s fingers around his own is comforting in it’s own way and Alexi wonders if he really fails so much at comforting that while trying to comfort, he instead is comforted, however he lets the thought slide away quickly as he turns his attention to Erik’s words. His eyes follow Erik as he moves away and he gives the man a half smile, mimicking his actions as he begins cleaning his own body. “I try to be. Joseph did his best with what he was given, however I am still unsure if I deserve the title of ‘good man’. . .” Taking out a finger brush he begins scrubbing his nails, hoping Joseph will have food waiting for them when they returns to the room. He’s starving.
When the pair finished their baths and dried off, they opened the bathroom door back into Alexi’s room to find that the bedsheets had been changed, their clothes had been put away to be washed, and two large hot plates of breakfast had been situated on the table. It was almost as if a magical cleaning fairy (or magical vampire who may or may not have been named Joseph) had cleaned everything to specifications while they had bathed, and had left so that they could have peaceful time alone.
Erik looked over the scene with a slight pang of guilt that he had not helped, and began putting on the light and comfortable sweatpants and t-shirt that had been put out for him today. The outfit was a little below the fashion statement of Alexi’s and Joseph’s usual calibers of choices, but Erik somewhat preferred the familiarity and informality of the clothing.
The rest of the bath is spent in relative silence, Alexi humming and splashing every so often. He uses all four baths, as is his preference, before following behind Erik back to his room. There he finds the place smelling like freshly cut grass and a hint of moon lilies and he can’t help but smile at the small things Joseph has learned and does to make his master happy and comfortable. Though he would much rather be seen as Joseph’s son, he knows the best he can manage is to see Alexi in a fond light.
Bounding over to his bed he scoops up his rather flashy attire, nodding in approval at Joseph’s choice. ’He knows I like looking odd and kind of scary when dealing with the police. This is perfect! I will look like an old mob boss who got bedazzled’ Humming softly he slips into the silk lined suit, the rich purple the seams and cuffs bedecked with real gems every few inches, making the overall look rather flashy and garish, but once on Alexi, it does not look at all out of place. Running his fingers over the fabric he relished in the familiarity and delightful feeling of it against his skin before looking over at his guest.
His smile sinks a little however as he once more focuses on the man’s feelings, realizing that most people do not like seeing people happy when they themselves are not happy. So instead of continuing to molest his clothing he takes a seat on his bed and stretches slightly. Smiling over at Erik with sympathetic eyes he murmurs softly, “I wish I knew how to help Erik. I. . . .I am not very good with honest interpersonal interactions. . .”
Despite himself, Erik could not help but grin as he looked over at the “bedazzled mob boss.” “It’s all right, Alexi,” he muttered, and instinctively, he took the billionaire’s hand and gently pulled him over to the breakfast table. “You look… eccentrically lovely,” he said absentmindedly, sipping his blood and opening the plate to see some fish, yogurt, and a gigantic veggie omelette.
Once more Alexi feels the small bout of comfort as Erik takes his hand and he smiles softly as he’s dragged off his bed. Taking his seat on the floor he squirms happily as Erik calls him lovely. He’s always liked compliments, and after the fiascos before when Erik saw him as needlessly eccentric and offensive he’s glad now at least he’s got some positive light in the vampire’s eyes. Pulling the lid off his own meal he begins eating slowly, his mind shifting to an important matter at hand. Glancing up at the vampire he broaches the subject as gently as he knows how. “I will have a rather busy day today. The sudden schedule shift will be a bit inconvenient, but I think I can recover the timeline within a day or so.”
Erik nodded, beginning to feel a tad more relaxed with the tasty meal. “The schedule shift?” he asked curiously. He was sure having one of your buildings broken into would cause a break in your schedule, but a part of him was interested in what exactly Alexi would have to deal with.
Alexi nods. “Yeas. I will have to reschedule a meeting I had this morning with the head of one of my offshore distributors to swing by the police station.” He keeps his tone calm, making sure Erik knows he’s not upset over this. “They will have the survivors from yesterday’s. . . Happening, and I will have to speak with the department chief to make the arrangements for their transfer into my name. . .” He keeps his eyes on his meal while he says this, a part of him not wanting to see Erik’s face when he says this. He doesn’t want to see the man’s anger as he admits that he will be purchasing Erik’s own men.
Erik turned his head and stared at the floor for a moment, unsure of how he felt that Alexi would be purchasing them. I should be happy, he thought, Alexi will provide for them and treat them well until he frees them all. But… it is frustrating. He has the power to destroy us all, and all I can do is thank the stars he is using it for good.
After a short moment, Erik turned back to his dining companion and nodded. “Do you always buy magicals who tried to kill you?” he asked. It was intended as a joke, but as he said it, he had to wonder.
The quiet man nods slowly. “Yes. I have purchased every magical that has ever sought my life. At least those that lived. . .Mois has killed a few. So too have the guards set about my various companies and the police when taking the magicals in, however I have paid good money for the officers to keep as many as they can alive so that I may acquire them. . .” He glances up at Erik, both curious and scared to see how he takes the news. He has no idea how he will react. He hasn’t felt too much thus far from the vampire, but it’s clear he’s not overjoyed at the prospect.
“Well, to my knowledge, we’ve never gone after you directly. You were, well, are too protected. But I’m starting to realize just how much of the world you control. And looking back on it, I’m wondering just how often we have attacked one of your holdings, actually. I imagine you have many that are not directly in your name,” Erik responded, almost curious more than anything else. “I’m not upset, or anything, if that’s what you are feeling, by the way. I know you treat your slaves well. I’m just surprised, I suppose.” Despite the vampire’s words, there was still a lingering nausea at the thought of Mois or the guards killing his friends, especially in light of last night, but it was not anger, just frustration and sadness.
Setting his fork down Alexi takes slow breaths. Though not overwhelming in any way, the frustration and sorrow coming off the other man does nothing to settle his stomach and with a sigh he looks up at Erik with a strained look. “I have not been allowed to be a kind man since before I became a man, but I did what I could to lessen the bloodshed. . .” Pushing his half eaten plate away he crosses his arms atop the table and settle his head on them. Letting out a long sigh he murmurs, “Yes. I have many, many holdings that are under my name. I have an entire alter ego in fact, but. . .That is not important.” He offers Erik a soft smile, looking up at him cutely.
Erik’s eyes saddened at the billionaire’s words, wondering just what his life had been like growing up. But there was no reason to ask such things now, instead he just laughed. “Well, you are a kind man, Alexi Vandros. Even if you don’t believe it. Any chance I could join you at the police station today? I’m sure I’d be a huge hit,” he teased, mirroring the man’s cute grin with his own.
Alexi’s expression goes from cute to calculating as he contemplates the man’s words. After a long moment he stands, stretching. “Sure.” he says, smiling once more. His smile becomes sly and with a wave he walks out of the room calling over his shoulder, “See you later Erik!” Closing the door he makes his way down the hall towards the main entryway. He moves quickly through the house and into the back garden, slipping into the shed. He’s in there for several minutes before reappearing with Elaria at his side, his smile still rather sly, but with a note of happiness.
His idea is both kind and cruel, but he hopes the good will outweigh the bad. She certainly feels that what he plans is a nice thing and as she hands over the equipment he’ll need she ruffles his hair lovingly before heading back to the shed for some sleep. Last night she was kept up but her new tunnel mate. Slipping the small camera carefully into a flower from the garden he slips the ruffly thing into his chest pocket and shoots Joseph a text asking him to meet him by the front door in a few minutes.
Seeing Joseph already waiting for him by the door Alexi smiles warmly at the man, producing a display tablet about the size of a notebook from inside his coat and handing it over to the vampire. Once Joseph takes it Alexi explains what it’s for. “My guest requested to come with me to the police station so I decided to give him a look see while I am there.” He speaks softly, only someone trying to overhear him would be able to hear him besides Joseph. “I would bring it up to him myself, but that would make me late for my later meetings today and I need to get back on schedule after the mishaps yesterday.”
Tapping the screen he murmurs, “It’s one way and easy to use. Deliver it to him for me will you?” Still smiling he gives Joseph’s arm a squeeze before heading out the door and down to his waiting car. Uwin smiles broadly and opens the door for him, glad to see his master in far better shape today than he was the night before. Closing the door behind the man he runs around to the driver door and slips inside, sitting of straight and adjusting his mirror so he can see into the back seat where his master sits relaxing against the custom leather seats.
“Of course, Master Alexi,” Joseph replied at once, with his usual bow, understanding the man’s words completely, and rather pleased that Alexi had found a way for Erik to see his comrade. He strides back inside and takes the tablet up to the bedroom, where Erik is still waiting worriedly. The younger vampire glances up at the old slave expectantly, wondering why he was here at such an odd hour. He is attempting (and mostly failing) to work, cursing his mind for being so frazzled by emotion that he cannot focus. In truth, he is glad for the distraction.
It is Joseph who speaks first, “Master Alexi has an idea, if you agree to it. He is riding down to the police station to answer some questions, and he will be speaking to your former comrades, as he will be purchasing them. He has had our resident expert devise a method for you to see them through untraceable surveillance. Would you like to do so?” he asked, his voice very businesslike, though with a hint of his signature empathy.
Erik hesitates for a moment, afraid that if he sees those he betrayed, he might break. But he nods, his crimson eyes the only sign of the pain that prospect is giving him. ‘I deserve this guilt, and I will not disrespect them by refusing to look into their eyes out of pure fear,’ he thinks, taking the tablet from Joseph. ‘Not to mention, Alexi is giving me this gift after what I almost did to him… How can he be so irritatingly merciful?’
Just from Erik’s eyes, his slight hesitation in answering, and the things he knows of the man, Joseph realizes how much pain he is in right now. He realizes quickly that the best thing he can do is leave him alone, as he is not close enough to truly comfort him. So, after setting up the tablet, he leaves, only stopping for a bow and to remind Erik that he can always contact him.
He steps out the door, closes it and locks it behind him, sighing sadly. ‘It’s all so stupid. So much pain. So many deaths… I just wish that everyone would just awake and see the cost of this system. I wish they could see how it’s held the world back for centuries, how cruel it is, not just to the magicals but to humans as well. But… Master Alexi is our only hope. Even his way will not end the bloodshed, though.’
Deciding to make sure he does nothing suspicious while in the police station, Alexi decides to get his camera set up before they reach the station house. Rubbing a finger lightly over the camera so it can read his fingerprint and bio readings he lets out a soft sigh when he feels it vibrate for a moment, letting him know it’s on. It’s a little dark in the back seat, but as he shifts, the camera would have a clear view of Uwin through the open window between the front and back seats. Looking forward he smiles at his beloved driver he pinks slightly as he sees the smile in the rear view mirror. “So, Uwin, how was your evening last night? Have any fun at the game?”
Uwin blushes a little deeper red and nods. He’s ever amazed that his master knows what all his slaves are doing, even on their days off. “Yes Master Alexi. I had a lot of fun. My team won two of the six rounds, coming in second only to Mushia team.” Alexi nods, smiling gently at his little elven driver and making him look shyer than ever.
Erik watched with some interest as Alexi spoke with his driver. Though he already knew Alexi to be a good man, it still somewhat surprised him to see him so such interest in his slaves’ daily lives. Quite apart from that, Uwin had an adorably childish air about him, though Erik knew that depending on his race, he might be older than the vampire himself. As he listened, he stood and wrapped a fuzzy blanket around himself, realizing that he probably was not going to be capable of much else today. ‘There’s no one around, no one to impress, to hide from. I can let myself have this,’ he thought, as he watched Alexi’s day as though it were a movie.
Alexi chats lightly with Uwin all the way to the station, but once they pull close he falls silent, letting Uwin have some time to adjust his face into one of subservience rather than fun. He himself makes sure to settle into his own mask before the small elf pulls the door open for him and he steps out, looking as cold and intimidating as ever. Uwin watches with his gaze as low as he can manage while keeping his eyes on the man as Alexi stalks up to the front door of the station. From his stride to his poise, Uwin sees power emanating from the man and he feels a faint wave of sympathy and a greater wave of awe for his master as he climbs back in the car to park it away from the entrance.
Once inside, Alexi walks right to where he’s needed without waiting for someone to show him the way. He’s done this many times before, though perhaps not at this precinct, but he has a good eye for the head man’s office and after only a couple minutes of gliding about he finds himself in the chief’s office. Without waiting he opens the door, strides in and, upon seeing that there is no one else in the room, takes a seat, his backside falling on to the worn leather seat of the chair just as the door clicks closed behind him. The chief looks at him, bewildered for a moment, then, recognizing Alexi from the day before, glowers at the man while trying and failing to look accommodating.
“Mister Vandros I presume?” he asks gruffly, raising an eyebrow and removing the end of the pen he’d been chewing from between his teeth.
Alexi nods. “You presume correctly.” he says in his cool ‘you are beneath me’ voice and he watches the man’s eyes flash angrily. However, knowing how rich and powerful Alexi is keeps the man’s retort behind his teeth.
Erik watches with interest as Uwin relates the day, and then listens with fascination as, within only fifteen minutes of silence, his voice is changed from the kind and eccentric man that he has come to know and love, back to the powerful and cruel master that he seemed when he arrived. It was almost frightening to hear the difference. Though, Erik could not help but chuckle at the same time. “If I ever tried to pull that tone with any of my friends or subordinates, I would be smacked, and rightfully so.”
The chief holds back his grumbles best he can as he pulls out several files and a huge stack of paperwork. “You know the drill Mister Vandros. You don’t get nothin’ til you fill these out.” He gives Alexi a nasty smile that was trying to pass for polite. “Don’t forget to dot your ‘i’s and cross your ‘t’s nos, eh?” and with that he leaves the room, likely expecting the paperwork to take forever.
However, Alexi Vandros was not top in his writing and business classes for nothing. With the speed of a viper he begins pawing through the documents, his writing so fast that it almost doesn’t look like a human is doing it. Within fifteen minutes he’s signed every document needed to take possession of the twelve surviving captured magicals who had assailed him the day before.
As Alexi works, Erik merely reads the papers, seeing if anything catches his eye. He has always found paperwork to be a particularly dull necessary evil, but this time is different. This time he watches each sheet as Alexi flips through it, and writes down the names. Seven he knew personally, Five in passing. The men and women who survived, the ones who have every right to hate him right now. He is glad that they will wind up in Alexi’s employ until the controls are lifted, but he also knows that they are probably suppressing great fright right now. So once again, he scolds himself for the pain he has caused, wishing there was some way to punish himself that could account for even a quarter of the damage. But he knows there isn’t. Nothing he can give will ever atone for this, not in his mind.
When the chief finally wanders back in he sees Alexi relaxing in his chair and is about to make a snide comment when he notices the untidy stacks he left are now in neat, perfectly ordered piles. Almost storming around his desk he begins looking them over and after ten minutes he lets out a long sigh and looks up at Alexi, clearly irritated. “Well Mister Vandros, you are now the proud owner of twelve monsters that tried to kill you. Would you care to meet’em?”
Alexi nods and without a word he stands and follows the man out of his office. The chief stops and orders triple checks and copies of all the paperwork before leading Alexi underground to the cells they keep their magical “guests” in. He refrains from wrinkling his nose at the smell in the basement cells and he waits a moment to let his eyes adjust at the bottom of the stairs before following the man further to the nearly unlit hallway lined with barred cells on either side. There are a good number of magicals being kept in the cages at this time, but the largest cell at the end is the one that hold the magicals Alexi is after. He wishes he could help them all, for Erik’s sake, but he simply doesn’t have that particular freedom.
Once at the last cell he surveys each of the chained inhabitants with a distant, nearly uninterested gaze. They each have various devices on them, designed to keep them placated or suppressed or controlled and he nods to himself, noting how each and every one come from one of his factories. Without looking at the man he says in a bored voice. “I put on the paperwork where each would be heading. They will be taken to my boarding house in an hour’s time to be prepared for their journey, then shipped to their locations from there.” The chief nods, grumbling at how fast Alexi wants the job done, but keeping it to himself.
Erik watches the scene with growing nausea, the superior tone in Alexi’s voice, the chief’s clear disgust with the magicals, the condition in which those captured are kept, and finally, seeing his men in chains. Tears come to his eyes once more, and he retches, but he does not allow himself the luxury of looking away. He will not dishonor them in such a way.
After looking over each and every one carefully he finally turns on his heel and walks away, leaving the chief to follow behind. ’I will stop at the boarding house so Erik can see them in better condition in a little while, but first. . .’ Slipping upstairs he bustles about the place in his usual busy body fashion, keeping half an eye out and all ears to make sure the chief doesn’t issues any extra orders to ensure that less than twelve arrive at his facility. Once he’s sure they are all loaded up Alexi finally lets the people get back to work, no longer pretending to want to know every detail about the case, and with his usual look of pure arrogance he marches out, slipping comfortably back into his car which is waiting for him, right on time.
Once in the vehicle he lets out a long sigh and calls up to Uwin once he’s seated. “To the Dolahos Boarding House, and take the long way Uwin. I need some fresh air. Uwin acknowledges with a nod and rolls down Alexi’s right hand window ever so slightly as to give the poor man some much needed fresh air.
They arrive over an hour later and once Uwin opens his door Alexi is back under his usual mask and walks into the building looking like the king himself. The head is called and after only a few minutes of bowing and scraping he’s lead to where the new slaves are being bathed, clothed, and if they consent, fed. He walks among them, many of their bindings removed and replaced with his top-of-the-line gear that is far less gastly and much more comfortable. Many of them give him a mix between a furious and a fearful glance, but a few of them simply glare as he passes, pure, unfettered loathing in their eyes as the magicals assigned to them was them without asking or try to comb their hair or fit them in clothing designed for them.
Erik lays on the bed for an hour, just thinking, wishing he could will himself to work, until finally he hears sound from the tablet again. He watches as Alexi enters the boarding house, watching the looks on the magicals’ faces. ‘What must it be like to be so loathed by those you are trying to help?’, he wonders guiltily, realizing that he had worn that exact expression not too long ago towards the man.
’I hope you feel better, seeing them not all covered in filth and in rags. I mean, some of them may have been wearing them on purpose, however. . . .’ SHaking his head lightly Alexi stops in front of each of them, surveying them carefully, giving Erik time to see them. He only has to step back twice, the magical cleaning the new arrivals holding them back as they try to lunge at Alexi. He doesn’t change his expression, and this angers them, but he simply can not show how he feels here. Once he’s done looking everyone over he does a quick survey of the place before departing, muttering, “And I think I’ll go alone from here.” as he walks back to the car. Once safely in the back seat he runs his finger over the camera again, hidden in the flower, and the tablet on Erik’s end goes dark.
Erik gazes into their faces intently, trying to commit each one to memory, more tears coming to his eyes as they glare at Alexi with such hatred. Once the tablet feed is blackened, he tucks his knees to his chin, rocking back and forth on the bed. It is with a very mechanical hand that he takes his lunch later, and Joseph knows better than to trouble him with conversation. But as the elder vampire leaves with the dirty dishes, he turns back to his younger counterpart. “No matter how long you try to torture yourself, it won’t bring them back, Erik. It won’t change what happened. Take the day to grieve, but you know as well as I do that the best way to honor their sacrifice is to keep fighting, to keep working.” And without so much as a moment for Erik to argue, he strides out the door. In the hallway, Joseph closes his eyes and leans against the wall, instinctively ashamed of himself for speaking so frankly like that. But Erik isn’t a master. He is a man in pain, and a man who is needed if this war is ever going to end.
Erik stares at the closed door for a minute. “Damn that man,” he said aloud, tempted to throw something at the wall. But he did not mean it. For Joseph was merely reminding him of what he already knew.
Alexi arrives home late in the evening, wandering into the house slowly, his eyes going immediately towards the direction of his room. Instead of ascending however he heads to the dining room, sending a message to Mois to see if he will be joining him for dinner, or if he wants the time alone.
~*~*~*~*~
His phone vibrates on the bedside table and Mois vaguely wonders when Joseph snuck in to remove it from his pocket. “Grabbing the thing carefully he flinches as the light makes his eyes hurt, but reads the message with interest once it comes into focus. ’Dinner?’ He stretches, wincing only slightly against the throbbing, itching pain.. ’I guess I can make that. . . . .’ Sending a message back that he will be there, Mois sends another to Joseph asking him to find him something to wear since all of his clothing is in his house and not in the manor.
Joseph receives the message and immediately finds Mois some comfortable, but stylish, clothing from the laundry, and takes a minute to iron out the shirt and pants. Taking all the items with him on a hanger, he walks to the bedroom near Alexi’s where the Mois is healing, and knocks on the door. At the man’s behest, he enters, laying the clothes down on the bed with a bow.
Erik spent the rest of the day swimming and training for hours until he had worked his mind and body to the point of sheer exhaustion. And at that point, he broke down in the corner of the bathroom and sobbed, glad that no one was here, dreading the moment Alexi returned, dreading the next day, for he knew that he would have to continue the fight. “I’ve lost people before,” he thought sadly. “But never like this. Never knowingly sacrificing them to save someone else.”
However, by the time Alexi returns from dinner, he is fully clothed, idly reading one of the dossiers on the desk. He is not working intently, but he is trying his best to get back into the swing of the work by the next day.
Mois is on his feet by the time Joseph arrives and he gives the man a pained smile as he enters. “Good evening Joseph.” he murmurs softly. “Thank you for this.” He gestures towards the clothes, giving them a once over. “And thanks for picking something not from Alexi’s wardrobe.”
Downstairs Alexi’s feeling a little queasy as he takes his seat at the dining room table. He knows he should really have the food sent upstairs so that Mois wouldn’t have to come down, but he knows the closer he gets to the wounded vampire, the less likely he will be able to finish a meal, and Mois would never stand for that. So, after reading Mois’ message, he contents himself with smiling faintly at the serving staff and nodding gratefully when they serve him.
“Good evening, Master Mois,” Joseph answers, his voice calm and quiet. He smiles a bit at the man’s thanks, perhaps brighter than he would have smiled around anyone else, Master Alexi included. “Do you… require anything else, Master?” he asks quietly, wanting to know if he is dismissed or if Mois wishes to speak with him longer.
Mois surveys his lifelong companion for a long moment before his smile widens slightly and he shakes his head. “No Joseph, I’m quite alright.” He chuckles lightly, his pain killers making him a little more loose of tongue than normal. “Won’t be long now before you won’t have to call me, or anyone for that matter, ‘Master’ any more. . .” He sighs gently. “I look forward to that. . .”
‘I wish I could as well, Master Mois. But I know what I would become. Still, there is no need to trouble you until the time comes. I should not have mentioned it before,’ Joseph thinks sadly, a deep pang arising in his chest. ‘I have lived as a slave, and I will die as one, though I will always be proud of Master Alexi for what he has done for the rest of our kind.’ But he says none of this, instead he just smiles, “I’m glad, Master Mois,” and leaves the room with a final bow.
Having a good feeling he knows what’s on his friend’s mind, Mois is careful to not show his sadness at them and instead continues to smile and nods as Joseph leaves the room. Carefully he pulls on his borrowed clothing and begins making his way carefully down to the dining room. ’If only we could convince him, here, now, where he can’t run away, that he’s not a bad man. . .’ With a sigh he shakes his head, ambling slowly into the dining area. Alexi immediately hops up and tries to help Mois to his chair. The elder brother is about to push his brother back, laughing that he doesn’t need the help, but as soon as he feels his brother’s hand on his arm he relaxes into the help without objection. ’I got no time to be held nor hold last night. . .’ He muses, and enjoys for now the brief contact.
Once he’s seated he gives his brother a curious look, noting the less than glowing expression on his face. Alexi however ignores the look and instead pushes a few plates of his favorite foods towards his brother and smiles cheerily. “The cooks went a little all out tonight. I guess, after hearing about the attack, the head chef decided to spoil us like we are children again.” e smiles warmly at the dishes before him and begins pulling bits and pieces of each on to his plate to eat.
Mois follows suit, but more slowly, the ache from his wound making moving a task despite the painkillers. Once he has a decent plate full he join Alexi in eating up many of his favorite foods, maintaining a steady stream of calming brother talk as they do so. Alexi informs him of how many survived and how they are doing well and being sent off to work cleaned and refreshed as they allow themselves to be. Mois nods, a faint shadow crossing his face as he does so, but the shadow passes and he responds lightly that he’s glad for them.
Once the meal is over - being a bit prolonged because Alexi wants to give his food at least a little time to process before ascending completely into Erik’s pain again - Alexi walks Mois back up to the room where he was recovering, ignoring all the man’s objections that he’ll be fine in his home. Scowling at his older brother he pouts, “It will be easier for the doctor to keep an eye on you here.”
Unable to argue with this Mois sighs and lets Alexi lead him the rest of the way without objection. Once in his temporary room he sits down on the bed with a pained sigh and, without warning, pulls his brother close for a hug. Burying his face in Alexi’s midsection he simply holds the man for a good long while, enjoying the contact, the warmth that comes from being so close to his little brother. Above Alexi carefully settles his hands on Mois’ shoulders to reciprocate, not wanting to touch the burns on his back accidentally. He feels warm inside and smiles softly down at the shorter haired male and eventually, when they pull apart, he presses a kiss to his brother’s cheek.
“Get well, my dear brother. . .” He murmurs, smiling a little wider as Mois simply nods in reply, and with one final glance backwards, Alexi slips from the room silently. Using the wall for support he takes a few deep breaths, letting the illness that swept through him the moment he mounted the stairs play about his body for a bit until he can walk straight again. Making sure to keep himself steady, doing his best to not send Erik on to another feedback loop of his own feelings, he enters his room quietly, giving the vampire a bright smile. “Hello Erik.” he says softly, but with a note of cheer in his voice. He looks at the scattered papers only briefly before pulling open his wardrobe to find something to wear for the evening.
Joseph serves Erik his supper in silence, for he knows that that is what Erik needs right now, and tidies the room so that it will be spotless in time for Master Alexi’s arrival. Erik thanks him, of course, and forces himself to eat, a dead stare in his eyes. ‘I will not let it affect me. I will wake up tomorrow and bury the pain so that I can work. I have done enough wallowing,’ he repeats to himself.
It is with the same steely stare, not malicious, not happy, just robotic, that Erik meets Alexi’s eye. “Hello, Alexi,” he returns. “Thank you, for today.”
Doing his best to hold his food down Alexi peeks around the door at Erik. “Erik, you do not seem well. Should I call the doctor?” He knows that the “unwell” is emotional, but he’s found that sometimes, threatening to bring in a doctor gets people to talk.
Erik shakes his head and gulps. “No, I don’t think a doctor would help,” he explained, a strained smile on his face. “Besides, you’re the one who looks a little green.”
Chuckling softly Alexi pulls on a rather “Aladdin” style outfit before closing his wardrobe door and plopping down on his bed, facing Erik. “Yes, well, my pale green is just a reflection of your deep, deep forest green my dear Erik, and that is only one of the many ways that I know you are very much not fine.”
The vampire glanced at the mirror curiously, wondering if he was in fact facially discolored, but as suspected, Alexi had been referring to his mental state. “I didn’t say I was fine, Alexi,” he replied, smiling slightly. “I just said that a doctor couldn’t help. But before you say anything, neither can you. I have explained what’s wrong. I appreciate your forgiveness, I do. But, at the end of the day, you can not absolve me of their deaths. You don’t have to stand before the families of the dead and explain the decision you made. Nothing but time can make that even remotely tolerable,” he explained grimly.
With a long, stern look, Alexi stares at the man until finally he makes a decision. “Well, I am not sure if it will help, but it sure can not hurt, and it tends to make Mois feel better, so. . .” Climbing off the bed he strides over to the chair Erik is sitting in and then, without so much as a ‘by-your-leave’ he seizes the vampire from behind in a hug and settles his head on his shoulder. He stays just like that, waiting quietly for him to say or do something, or at least accept the gesture for now.
Erik realized what Alexi was going to do as soon as he got off the bed, but he still stiffened at the gentle touch. “Alexi…” he muttered, attempting to protest, but the words trailed off. Instead, he just melted into the hug for several moments, until he stood up, pulling out of Alexi’s arms just long enough to turn and wrap himself in them again, now burying his face into his friend’s. They remained like that for several minutes before Erik finally broke off the hug and stepped back, silent tears in his eyes. “Thank you,” he said, his voice remarkably steady.
The human wants to protest as Erik moves away from him, but he is cut off when the larger man turns and wraps his own arms around him. Burying his face against Erik’s collar he holds the vampire close, pouring as much of his calm comfort into the bond as he can. he knows it’s a weak, pathetic attempt, but it’s all he has. He knows it’s more his will than his feelings he’s trying to pass along, his own muted emotions lingering between worry and compassion, but he tries none the less. Eventually Erik pulls away and Alexi looks up at him with sad, curious eyes. He looks better, seems less hurt, and the eccentric madman manages a soft smile as he looks up into Erik’s face, his own cheeks glistening with tears he didn’t even notice had fallen. “You are most welcome Erik.” he murmurs softly, his hands still on Erik’s ribs.
Despite his grief, Erik was not blind to how their position might look out of context, not unlike two lovers sharing an embrace. But he shakes the image from his mind. He would never be with Alexi, or anyone for that matter. “I should get back to work,” he muttered, “Unless there’s something you would like to discuss, that is.”
Smiling vaguely up at the man he tilts his head cutely to the side. “Nothing of great import, unless you would like to hear about anything you may have missed while I was dealing with your comrades today?”
Erik nodded, “Sure, I’d love to.” He stood up from the desk and sat down on the bed, listening intently.
Alexi joins Erik on the bed and goes over the facts in his mind quickly. “I am sure I do not have to go over the station house. Things were very well spelled out there. I made sure all twelve survivors made it to my boarding house.” Taking a breath, Alexi stretches before going on. “There they will be cared for until they are in top condition, or as close as the workers can get if they refuse treatment or injure themselves trying to escape or prolong their stay. Then, in groups of three, they will be sent to different factories that I own, except for two of the girls and the youngest boy.”
He nods slowly. “They will be sent, together, to a training house I have for training. There they will learn to basically be butlers.” Twiddling his thumbs he feels a little nervous as he goes on. “They will learn to work at parties and will be on call for the larger parties I need to rent spaces for. The grand ballroom here can only hold so many, and every month or so I need a larger space and I can not transport all the manor’s slaves to help me bus it.” He looks down at his hands. “They also host parties on my behalf and are looked after by a rather fierce woman who protects them like her own children. A rather admirable lady.”
Erik nodded, feeling even more sick to his stomach. He was pleased that the twelve were alive, pleased that they would be treated well. But he also saw things from their perspective, knew that they would be furious with the arrangements. “It isn’t for long though, really, is it… We are almost to the fourth dose,” he replied, his words a statement, rather than a question.
Alexi looks towards his bookshelf, then to Erik, smiling. “Yes, it should not be long now. I foresee about a week more before the next dose, and between here and there, a single party. I doubt the others will even be acclimated to their new barracks before their control devices falter.” With a slow breath he looks towards the door, letting his mind drift. “One of the keys to the success of my personal companies, the ones not passed on to my from my father, are successful because of the happiness of the slaves.” He glances at Erik. “Well, perhaps not happy, but at least a distinct lack of misery. . . .”
Erik nods. Perhaps a few weeks ago, he might have been sarcastic with Alexi about how he would have no idea if his workers were happy. But he has long realized what the man is doing, improving their lives as best he can given the resources he has, being as good to his many slaves as possible without breaking his cover. Besides, he does not have it in him to be sarcastic, even jokingly, right now. So he simply replies, “That makes sense,” and then hesitates for a moment. “You should sleep soon, Alexi,” he mutters. He wished that he could bury himself in the smaller man’s arms again. But he would not allow himself that kind of luxury. This pain was deserved, and it was his to bear. Besides, after so long disallowing himself physical comfort from anyone but himself, he feared he might respond far too greatly to the man that not a month ago he had despised. Before turning back to his work, he awaited Alexi’s response.
The rich man’s eyes remain on the vampire, still worried that he might be upset over the implication that slaves can be happy while serving, but the response he gets is not the one he would normally expect. He reasons that, by the feelings coming off the man, that it’s quite understandable that he’s not quite himself, and with a smile he nods and stretches. “I suppose you are correct Erik.” he says with a nod before meandering over to his wardrobe to change yet again. Once he’s done changing he wanders over to Erik once more and impulsively wraps his arms around him from behind. “I think it is the bond. . .” he murmurs. “I get the continued feeling that you are in immense need of hugs. . .Not to mention you are still very clearly not yourself, and hugs are the only cure I can offer save for unorthodox drugs, but those are not an option really as I do not know how it would affect me to have you drugged, and I do not actually support using of them.” He holds the vampire tight, waiting for some sign that he’s having any effect on the man.
Erik was incredibly tempted to grumble, but instead he just fell into the hug, hoping that Alexi would not offer anything more. He could not allow himself to get accustomed to this. “Thank you,” he muttered, his voice sullen but thankful. “I really am fine. I’ll be functional once I finish reading these documents and get some sleep, I think,” he said, gesturing towards the thirty page stack in the corner of his desk.
Alexi feels a touch of rejection from his gesture but instead of letting go he listens to the man’s words and lets out a sigh. Sifting he rests his head atop the vampire’s noggin and murmurs, “Mois likes being held after suffering sadness and pain. If you would like to join me in my bed later, I assure you I am quite used to having someone appear there in the middle of the night and would not be bothered.” With that he gives Erik another quick squeeze then steps away. Yawning and stretching Alexi crawls into bed, feeling tired and a bit ill. He pushes away the ill feeling best as he can as he settles into the bed, getting comfy and making sure to leave room to one side should Erik decide to join him later.
Not wanting to make a scene, Erik relaxes into the hug until Alexi lets him go, and presents him with a smile before getting back to work. Though he was rather distracted by the vice strangling his heart, he finished the reading within ninety minutes and took off his shirt for bed. Though he gazed at Alexi’s bed longingly, the vampire ignored the impulse to take the man up on his offer and walked over to his own. ‘I will not endanger my resolve like that. Not when I’m this… fragile’ he thought steelily, and crawled under his own covers. As he slept, he dreamed that he was personally shooting the magicals who had died, and even the ones who had been captured. Over and over again, he tortured and killed his friends, with guns, bombs, or just with his own bare hands. It was in a cold sweat, hair matted to his scalp, and dried tears down his eyes, that he awoke the next morning.
Alexi isn’t asleep for very long when he’s awoken by a huge wave of nausea. He doesn’t have time to contemplate where the feeling is coming from but instead rushes straight to the bathroom to turn his stomach inside out. He barely makes it to the basin in time, tears of pain and sorrow pouring down his cheeks. Wave after wave of pain and burning guilt washes over him. Shocks and aches race through him along with cold chills as he tries to not boot all over himself with each fresh wave of upchuck. He soon runs out of solids and dry heaves bile onto the bowel. It goes on like this three hours, his arms wrapped over his chest as he tries to fight off the sensations assaulting his system.
When at last the waves subside for a while, Alexi collapses on a heap on the floor and simply cries, too weak to even hold his arms against his body. He trembles softly, sobbing, trying to get the stuff burning the inside of his nose out so it stops burning. His thoughts are scattered and his limbs feel like jelly as he simply cries his way through the pain.
The soft breaking potion allows a slave to feel remnants of what his master feels, echoes that are not as strong as binding, or even hard breaking, but enough to know if the master needs assistance. For years, Alexi’s emotions were not strong enough to make any ripples, but with Erik’s turbulence coursing through his master’s head, Joseph has become accustomed to feeling echoes of aches and pains from his master these days. This is why, when he went to bed, he was not terribly concerned by the ache in the pit of his stomach, realizing that there was little he could do so long as Master Alexi insisted on bunking with Erik, and assuming that the pain would subside once they went back to sleep. It is three hours later when he awakes, the usual fluttering awake between REM cycles, and he still feels the gnawing pain. In fact, it is now considerably worse. Increasingly worried, he rushes out of bed and dons his uniform, hastily putting up his hair (for a master should never see his slave out of uniform) and blurs out of his room to Alexi’s quarters.
He need not turn on the light to see that his charge is not in his bed, and the smell of vomit quickly tickles his nostrils. Resisting the urge to plug them, he races into the bathroom and finds Master Alexi in a heap. “Master!” he exclaims, running to the man to make sure that he is still alive. Once it is clear that he is, he immediately grabs him a large glass of water, along with some anti-nausea medicine. “Drink. Please,” he mutters, helping him to a sitting position. “Master, in a few minutes, may I carry you out of here? The proximity to Erik is obviously dangerous,” he suggests as he mops up the man’s face with a wet cloth.
The cry of “Master!” echoes around the room, making Alexi’s throbbing head pulsate unpleasantly. Groaning he tries to push himself up, but before he has the chance strong hands take hold of him and help him ever so gently to sit up, propping him up against the nearest wall so he doesn’t flop right back over into the mess of sick. He feels pills places in his mouth and he painfully gulps down some water with them, his throat raw. Tears continue to cascade down his cheeks but he tries to blink them away so he can see his beloved father.
’He looks so worried. . .He normally hides things, but, he looks clearly worried now, anyone could see it. I must look horrible for him to be reacting so strongly. . .Why. . .?’ “Joseph, why are you here?” he asks, ignoring Joseph’s request for now as his curiosity overrides his need to be polite. The feeling of the cool cloth on his face is a relief, but even that pales in comparison to the pain he’s feeling on the inside.
Joseph appeared confused by the question for a moment, and it was only then that he realized just how strange his actions were. This was far from the first time he had cared for his master, but it was the first time that he had come with no warning and without being called for in some manner. “I felt an echo of your pain, or rather, Erik’s pain. They are not uncommon now, but I was worried because you and Erik should both be asleep right now. I wanted to be sure you were alright, young Master,” Joseph replied, rather embarrassed now. And clearly you were not,’ he neglected to add.
Alexi stares at the man, curious as to how much emotion must have been pouring through him to catch Joseph attention in such a way. He’s been worse, but he concludes it must be the duration of the pain that dragged the poor man out of bed. Chuckling softly he murmurs, “Young Master. It has been a while since I have heard that one. . .” Letting out a sigh he tries to lift his arm and fails. ’I wonder if will make the basin should the pain start again. . .’ The pain is by no means completely gone, but it has dulled down to an almost manageable level. Most of it is from the three hours of strenuous activity that has him in pain now, but he also has no doubt that it will return, eventually.
A part of him is tempted to tell Joseph yes, that he would love to be taken away from all the pain, but that part of him is very small and quiet. Despite the unpleasantness of it all, Alexi still relishes being able to feel like this and wouldn’t trade it for the world. Shaking his head gently he murmurs, “No Joseph. I will stay here.” He gives the man a weak smile. “If you would like to stay here with me, I will not stop you, however I do insist that you not do anything to interrupt Erik’s sleep. . .He needs rest, after all he has been through. He needs this sleep. . .” His breathing a little ragged, Alexi takes a few breaths to try and regulate it a bit.
For the briefest of moments, Joseph’s eyes portray a pained look, almost as though he wants to argue with his master, to stop the man from allowing himself to be so hurt. But it subsides quickly as he remembers his place once more. Instead, he gently lifts the man and moves him to a lounge chair on the side of the pool, pulls two pillows from his bed, and then sets to cleaning the mess of sick from around the basin so that it will not continue to cause more nausea.
’I am sorry Joseph. I know how much it hurts you to see me like this and be unable to take the pain away. I am truly sorry. . .’ He does his best to not flop like a rag doll when the vampire picks him up and is moderately successful, helping a little to situate himself as he laid on the chair. He smiles a little, looking at Joseph cutely. I can not recall the last time you carried me around like that Joseph. . .How long has it been?”
“With you conscious, twelve years,” Joseph answered simply, and without hesitation, as he continued to clean. He could remember the night well. Alexi had been drugged by a woman looking to take advantage of him, and he could barely walk straight when he got home. But that was a story for another time.
Alexi tries to recall when that was and what was happening, but for some reason, the memory is hazy. So, shaking his head, he shifts his attention back to Joseph. He watches the man work for a while, but soon enough, he has something other than watching his father clean up his mess to worry about. He can feel the pain coming back, the sickness, the shame. Gasping he clutches the chair beneath him, his head falling back as tears begin to once more cascade down his cheeks. Small sobs and whines come from his throat as he tries to control and direct the pain and keep his twisting innards in check.
Just as he finishes cleaning up the vomit (though he had not yet properly shined the floor) Joseph heard the unmistakeable sounds of his beloved master growing sick again. ‘I wish you would let me wake him up, Master Alexi,’ he thought angrily. ‘Erik himself would not want you to go through this.’ But alas, those were not his master’s wishes. Instead, Joseph quickly brought him a cold wet cloth, a large basin, and a tall glass of water. “Drink, please Master,” he muttered, handing the cup to him. “Tell me what you feel, please,” he begged. “Perhaps it will help stop the pain from making you so ill.”
Alexi tries to drink, tries to comply with what Joseph is begging him to do, but in the middle of a sip a fresh wave of stinging pain races through him and he spills his mouthful down his chin as he cries out. His head thrashes back and forth as his breathing becomes erratic. With a gentle whine he finds his voice for a moment. “I do not, ah!, know. It all just hurts. . .” He tries to concentrate and after a moment he’s able to put a word to one of the feelings. “Shame!” he barks, crying hard and staring at the ceiling. “Shame. . .” he repeats, this time in a breathy whisper. “I can not tell why, I can not, I can not, AH!” Grabbing his stomach he rolls, hanging his head over the basin and heaving the water Joseph gave him before into it’s depths.
Joseph nodded, gently dabbing the water from Alexi’s chin. ‘That makes sense,’ he thought. ‘Given what Erik is feeling right now.’ He thought about giving Alexi something to make him sleep, but he was sure that his master would rather just suffer through this. So all he could do is watch while his son endured wave after wave of another man’s pain, as that man slept and dreamed just a room away. A few tears came to the slave’s eyes, but they were silent as he looked after his master, doing what he could to make him more comfortable.
Other feelings course through Alexi. Sorrow, disgust, horror, all pounding at him like a constant barrage of sledgehammers to the head and gut. He can’t name them however, coming too hard and fast for him to even breath properly between waves of nausea. He feels comfort at Joseph presence and at one point spots the tears in his eyes, but he continues to relish the ability to simply feel. Joseph stays with him through the night and Alexi is glad to have his hand to hold as at last, Erik seems to stop being in such torment. Alexi feels achy all over, and starving, his face crusty from the vomiting and the tears. He uses a bit of cloth to blow his nose before settling back against the chair, working on breathing. “I. . .I think he is awake now Joseph. Could you. . . .Could you bring him some water and cloth. If he has suffered even a tenth of what I have, I feel he may be in need of it, and. . .I do not want him coming in here just yet. . .” He looks up at Joseph, smiling faintly, knowing he’ll understand.
“Of course, Master Alexi,” Joseph replied at once, proud of his charge for caring so much for Erik’s needs as well. Erik had already turned on the bedroom light, and silent tears still fell down his face, covering his cheeks. “Here,” Joseph began gently, pulling up a chair next to the tall bed and handing Erik a wet cloth and some water. Unlike with Master Alexi, he was quite sure Erik would not want him to dab the tears for him. The younger vampire blinked. “Wha-? How long was I asleep?” he looked outside, and it was only just past sunrise. Joseph was never here this early. “Alexi?” he asked, comprehension dawning on him. “What’s wrong?”
“I cannot tell you yet,” Joseph replied. “Master’s orders. Just relax. I’ll get you some leftover soup and blood for breakfast,” Joseph explained, blurring down to the kitchens. He returned with the food within ten minutes, which kept Erik sufficiently distracted from his questions, and strode back to help Master Alexi again. He carried a smaller cup of soup sitting in a bowl on a hotplate into the bathroom and set it down by the door, quite sure that Master Alexi was not quite well enough to eat yet.
While Joseph is busy off helping Erik feel better, Alexi focuses on trying to get his body to work properly again. Flexing his muscles, stretching his shoulders and back, breathing deep. His lungs feel tight in his chest as he works to dispel the ache there, but he quickly becomes able to breath more smoothly. ’So, that is what a real nightmare feels like. . .’ He’s had nightmares before, but mostly he wakes with only the vaguest feeling of having had a rough night and his body never felt anything like what he’s feeling now. He’s quite sure is was worse for him than it was for Erik, and it was his dream.
’I am not used to such feelings. My body does not know how to handle the stress, the strain. . .All this pain. . .’ Letting out a soft groan he rolls slightly, trying to stretch out his back and arm muscles. Rocking back and forth he manages to get feeling back into his limbs by the time Joseph returns and with a soft smile he murmurs, “Joseph? Turn up the temp on my soaking tub, will you?”
iFain
Merule