Title: Second Son 7/?
Author: Kim Riley a.k.a. MYSTIC
Disclaimer: The characters belong to James D. Parriot. Again since they are
no longer using them I've decided to take our boys out of the 'closet' and
let them play and be happy. Enjoy.
Summary: Vachon, whether or not he wants too gets in between Nick and his
Father LaCroix and finds he is jealous...of Nick, wanting what the other
vampire does not...a loving, doting Father who would truly want him...even if
it's only by placing himself in the role of substitute.
Note: It has been a long time since I've watched a Forever Knight episode,
but since this is an AU...it shouldn't matter too much. Also...I don't speak,
read, or write French or Spanish...so if any appears here it'll be minimum
and don't flame me if I get it wrong, please.
Rating: R (M/M heavily implied and language)
Pairing: Vachon/LaCroix, Vachon/Nick, Vachon/Nick/LaCroix
Archive: at the Chakotay Forever Archive.
If you wish to post it, please just let me know where.
Feedback: Please! Mysticmcknight@hotmail.com
"Second Son"
He woke safe, secure and felt cherished and loved; he was in his Nick's arms...he loved waking up like this. He snuggled closer to the firm body next to him and heard the light chuckle from his lover. "Wha' so funny," he muttered half in-coherently
"Nothing, you're just so cute in the morning," Nick replied his tone light and warm, laced with tenderness and some teasing.
This of course got Vachon to open an eye and look half hazardly at his lover, "Cute?"
"You heard me," Nick replied, having been sitting up for a short while, watching his lover sleeping and thinking. He had a few issues he needed to come to terms with. One was his lover's association with his Father. He 'knew' LaCroix was up to something and could bear to guess if he wanted too, the 'ribbon' was a dead give way...pardoning the pun. He realized he didn't want to know...he didn't want to know everything. He had learned that ignorance, at times, was bliss. He leaned down and kissed his lover on the nose. "Cute as a button," he smirked.
"Ah, why are you bringing in that woman," Vachon groaned in mock insult, as he turned and proceeded to snuggle deeper under the covers, his back pressed against his lover's side.
"I'm not," he laughed and gave that sweet butt a smack.
"Hey," Vachon protested, since even with covers it slightly stung, as he turned to face his lover. "What was that for?"
"For not telling me about you and LaCroix. I may not expect you to tell me everything, but I would think this..."
"Hey, I didn't want to upset you," Vachon replied, which was the truth. He sat up and did a quick evaluation as to how much it seemed Nick knew and how he seemed to be feeling. The pleasant mood puzzled him, but he would go along with it. "Besides, if LaCroix is 'educating' me, he's not bothering you, right?" Vachon was not sure what he said, but by the little flinch in his lover's eyes, he knew he said something that was not right or something that Nick didn't like, but it was gone very quickly. Seemed Nick didn't want to know or discuss this in any real depth...good. "Besides, he's rather good company."
"Really," Nick asked, his brow arched, trying to look at ease, but a bit of jealousy was sneaking in. He had more of an idea of what LaCroix was up to, since he himself had been 'educated' by LaCroix and he wasn't too happy at the idea; problem was he was a bit unsure of whom he was upset with...so he pushed it aside, he would deal with it later. Of course hearing that LaCroix was not bad company did make him jealous, for Vachon was 'his' lover and he did love the young vampire...but could he trust him was becoming a question.
"Yeah. I like to listen to him prattle on and on as we wander around the museums and other historic places he's been taking me. I mean, I don't doubt that he was there...for some of it, but I'm not a fool to think every word he speaks is gospel; especially since I've been around a bit myself."
Nick felt a bit of a relief inside, hearing that Vachon was looking at LaCroix as a real 'educator' and not a potential lover. He really could tell by the tone in his voice and the gleam in his eyes, it was not a lover's glow, but Vachon really did seem to like spending time with his Father and he was not comfortable with that. He knew he probably could tell Vachon to not see him anymore, but what would that achieve? This was LaCroix's bar and Vachon had taken on a role here...two fold. The young man was 'his' lover, so it was important that he stay...thus needed LaCroix's approval. To either achieve it or keep it, he was unsure which, Vachon had taken on a role at the bar overseeing the live music. To Nick, it was if LaCroix was handing things over to Vachon bit by bit, but that didn't make sense, neither did LaCroix's interest in his lover either. There really was a lot of good coming out of this however; LaCroix didn't bother him, only when he himself approached his Master and Vachon seemed happy...all around a good thing. Then why did he have this sensation that something bad was going to happen and soon.
"How did he react when you told him he was wrong," Nick asked, wondering how that went down. His Father didn't take being 'corrected' well.
"Well, having dealt with types similar to him before," Vachon grinned, no longer feeling the tension of earlier, shifted into the welcoming arms of his lover. "I just explain how I recalled it or learned of it, in a manner that of a child who really didn't know better," Vachon snickered. "I see him want to get annoyed at me from time to time, but since I put it so...innocently, he really can't. He either 'keeps' to his story, which is fine with me...I know better, or he goes... Oh yes... and then either adds what I recall in light to what he is saying or acts like he was getting to it. But over all, I enjoy myself and I think he does too."
Vachon was about to ask his lover something when the horrid noise of Nick's cell phone went off. "I thought you turned that off," he commented as he got out of bed a bit faster than his lover and retrieved it for his lover and looked at the displayed number. "Hmm...lovergirl," he muttered and tossed it to Nick, knowing he'd answer it. "You really need to turn it off on you time 'off'," he commented as he turned and made his way in the bathroom for a shower, not wanting to hear what Nick and Natalie would be talking about. He closed the bathroom door and turned on the shower. //He did turn it off,// he recalled, as he remembered seeing Nick do just that. "Must have gotten out of bed and turned it back on or something," he muttered annoyed at having 'his' morning disturbed by that woman.
He was under the warm water letting its soothing tentacle caress his skin, waking him up farther as well as soothing him. He was suddenly irritated and it took him a few moments to understand why, outside of Natalie. Nick was close to pressing him about LaCroix and if Nick did, he would not lie...not about that. It was one thing to give 'white' lies, but when it was serious...well, he wouldn't do it with Nick, he loved him too much for that. The other reason was he would be missing his morning 'grooming' as LaCroix dubbed it. Every morning for weeks he'd wake up, shower and go downstairs where LaCroix was waiting for him and would tend his hair and help himself to more, but Vachon didn't care, he rather enjoyed it. Sure there was a sensuality to it all, but they were Vampires, and that was part of their nature, but LaCroix never took it farther than touching and sipping. Then LaCroix would either 'inform' him of what they would be doing, or on rare times suggest, especially if he was busy and didn't have a lot of free time. Either way, Vachon never felt slighted by the older vampire and knew that LaCroix was under no obligation to treat him so good; thus he enjoyed the attention and the care he received... he sighed, he was going to miss that today.
Yes, he got to spend today with Nick...he loved Nick and was very happy to be with him when he could, which as of late was rare, with the job and that 'woman' getting in the way, but still, he wanted his 'grooming time'. //You're asking for too much,// he chided himself.
He finished up his shower and dried off and wrapped one of the huge towels that LaCroix furnished his 'place' as it was now considered, since over 90% of his stuff was here now, and grabbed another towel to dry his hair and exited out to the bedroom only to see a very annoyed Nick. //Great, bitch squealed,// was his only thought.
"Nick?"
"Did you do something to Natalie?" he asked, his voice firm, but not overly harsh, but his eyes were filled with some anger.
"No," he replied honestly. "I didn't do anything to that woman," he replied, knowing he was playing semantics.
"Okay, let me rephrase then. Did you do something to Natalie's car?"
Vachon moved over to the mirror and sadly grabbed the 'regular' brush he now had, as the 'special one' was in LaCroix's draw. He looked at his lover through the mirror, "Not really, just slashed her tires," he replied nonchalantly.
"Just slashed...what do you think you were doing?" Nick asked, now angry.
"Nick, she was staking out your apartment...again," Javier replied, feeling justified in his actions. "I didn't harm her, just gave her a bit of a scare; she deserves more..."
"If you hurt her..."
Vachon slammed his brush on the chest of draws, and turns with anger in his eyes to glare at his lover, "How dare you think so little of me. I know you care about her, even if she is being a total 'bitch' at the moment, but I would think you would know I wouldn't do such a thing. I may have wanted to put a scare in her, but I did stay around until I saw she was at a pay phone. Under the circumstances, that is above the call of duty. Anyone else would have dispatched her long ago and you damn well know it."
Nick knew Vachon was right. Most vampires would never tolerate Natalie's behavior; especially toward a lover...their kind tended to be possessive. Even if they didn't do anything to Natalie directly, they would have reported her to the Enforcers since she knew too much, either way...Vachon had reason to be angry and struck back...but did not harm. But still... "I told you to let me handle Natalie..."
"Yes, you did...weeks ago, and nothing's changed. She still hounds you day and night and for the last week is staking out your loft. So sue me, I was fed up with her interference and its not like I can just have a 'talk' with her, for then she'll 'know' who you're involved with...heaven forbid I know," he huffed, feeling his temper rising. He turned back to face the mirror but didn't look at his lover, he just picked up the brush again and started dragging it through is hair roughly, not wanting this fight...fights lead to endings...he didn't want to lose Nick.
"I'd prefer that when I say stay out of..."
"Fine, I'll leave her alone, can we end this now?" he asked, hoping to get passed this.
Nick got what he wanted, but for some reason it felt like a hollow victory. "Alright," he conceded. "I'm grabbing a shower," he muttered and entered the bathroom and closed the door.
Vachon sighed, things were not going well today. He hurried and got dressed and headed downstairs. He needed some space to think. He was angry that Natalie was taking so much of Nick's time, though he knew logically that he shouldn't be so upset about it, after all, time was not as relevant to a vampire, but still...he knew his time with his love was short, nothing good ever lasted in his life. He just wanted this to last a bit longer.
He moved to behind the bar and pulled out one of his favorite bloodwines and poured himself a glass. He was so caught up in thought he didn't sense anyone coming.
"You seem upset, Chaton (kitten)," LaCroix said, standing not too far from him, but close enough that he could touch Vachon if he wanted too.
Vachon jumped, he had been startled, then relaxed, seeing it was LaCroix. "Morning," he replied, trying to bring himself under control, he didn't want to discuss this with anyone; he just wanted to move on.
"It does not seem to be the case for you, did you and Nicholas have a fight?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
"I...I did something I shouldn't have, though I was angry at the time..."
"So, tell me, just what did you do to Dr. Lambart," LaCroix asked, a small grin appearing on his face. He had wisps of what happened, but he wanted to know the full picture; besides in this, he sided with the young Vachon, the woman needed a lesson or two.
"I ah...slashed two of her tires," Vachon replied, wondering why he was telling the older vampire, but he suddenly felt the need to talk.
"With a knife," LaCroix asked, hoping it was not something as droll as that.
Vachon got a slight impish look on his face, "No. I ah..." he wiggled his fingers. "Both back tires at once, while she was in the car...waiting for Nick...again."
"Ah, so you decided to put a scare into the little mortal, while at the same time, if she was 'clever' enough, she would know it was a vampire that did it, but no one else would...interesting."
"Yeah, interesting," Vachon replied, though he sounded irritated and now remorseful. "She did figure it out and called Nick..."
"And he got angry at you..."
"He did tell me to let him handle it...I should have just left it alone."
LaCroix looked at the young vampire and saw something miraculous, "You love him, don't you," he stated, feeling awed as well as a tad jealous. He watched as Vachon just looked into his glass not answering the comment. "You haven't told him have you," he then asked, this time, by the tone in his voice he wanted an answer. "Why?"
"We're vampire's, there is no such thing as I love you forever or any of that. Besides, everyone knows I'm a wander I don't do commitments," Vachon scoffed, hoping his words would get the older vampire off his back.
"If you're done giving me the 'corporate line', how about the truth. Or I'll do you one better, how about I tell 'you' why you don't tell him," LaCoix replied, annoyed at the BS he was getting from the young man before him. "You're afraid that Nick will either not take you serious because of your 'reputation' or will feel pushed, either way resulting in him leaving you. Does that sound about right," he demanded as he grabbed Vachon's wrist, making him look at him.
"Yes," he hissed, angry at being so easily read and being placed on the spot. "I love Nick. I've never loved anyone the way I love him and I'm afraid of losing him, pushing him. We started this affair with no strings attached..."
"But you have made some...commitments, yes?"
"Minimum, and I for one am not going to push him for anything he's not willing to give me..."
"Poor little stray, I thought you better than that, then to simply 'take' what is given."
LaCroix just dodged the glass that sailed passed his head, "How dare you," Vachon roared. "You don't know what its like to be alone, really alone. You or Nick!" he fumed. "You've always had someone there for you, to back you, help you out...love you. Just because I don't want to trash it like the two of you..." he stopped, he was saying too much and if he didn't cool it, he would cross lines with an elder vampire and there was no way he could survive that. "Forget it," he growled, getting ready to leave the bar area. "It just goes to show, that even with age, there are just some things you just can't understand," he fumed and moved passed LaCroix, deep down grateful that the elder vampire let him. He then came up short seeing Nick standing stunned on the stairwell. He looked back, seeing the knowing look in LaCroix's eyes...bastard knew Nick was there...listening.
Schooling his features he just pushed past Nick, not sure what the fallout would be, but he was not up to it now. Once inside the room he locked the door. He knew deep down that if either Nick or LaCroix wanted in, there would be nothing he could do about it; but it still made him feel better. He was angry, hurt, and scared. He curled up on the bed, his arms wrapped around himself, trying to stop the shaking.
There was a light knock on the door, but he ignored it; again glad that the lock was being respected. Then he heard Nick's voice, "Please, Vachon, let me in," he asked, his voice light, but filled with concern. "Please, Aimé (beloved)," Nick added.
Nick's words caught his attention, yet he was too upset to move, as he felt tears run down his cheek and he couldn't stop the shivering...he was cold...colder than he could ever remember.
Nick could feel his lover was very upset, and he was too, for he did not understand why LaCroix had done this to Vachon, but discovering that would be for another time, Javier needed him. "Chéri (sweetheart), unless you tell me right now to go away, I'm coming in," he stated, hearing his lover sob, and from what he knew of his love, Vachon was not prone to crying. Not hearing any protest, he turned the knob hard, just cracking the simple lock and opened the door slowly, just incase Vachon really didn't want him there. Spotting his love curled on the bed sobbing broke his heart.
Nick moved inside and closed the door behind him and moved quickly to his lover's side on the bed, and then gently curled his lover in his lap and held him tenderly. "Shh, it's okay," he whispered softly, for to him it was okay. He had fallen in love with Vachon too, but didn't want to push to younger vampire. He admitted he was surprised to hearing how deeply Vachon loved him, but he was touched and thrilled that he did so. Though there was that matter of 'anger' or was it 'resentment' he heard in Javier's voice when he growled at LaCroix when he talked about how the "two of you trashed it." He shook his head, now was not the time for any of that. Now was the time to give his lover the comfort he deserved. "I love you too," he whispered tenderly, and smiled when he felt his lover snuggle deeper in his arms. He knew Vachon was not ready to talk, but he knew he was listening.
Just then Nick's cell went off. "Just a second," he said, and then had to snatch his lover who was about to leave the bed. "Whoa, hold on," he said, one hand on Vachon, the other grabbing his cell phone, 'turning it off' and tossed it on the nightstand, before gently pulling his upset lover in his lap. "I'm sorry for not showing you what you mean to me. No one has ever made me feel as special as you do," he said, caressing his lover's hair, holding him tight, uncaring if his shirt was being stained by blood tears. Somehow apart of this was his fault. He 'chose' to ignore his lover by allowing Natalie and work to overshadow his life, and what was worse, he knew Vachon would keep on allowing it, because he loved him and showed it by giving him his freedom. Well, it was time he showed Javier that he loved just as deeply back, starting now. He ignored the vibration of the cell and his pager...nothing mattered right now but Javier Vachon, as he rocked his softly sobbing, soon to be sleeping lover.
**************
LaCroix was furious...at himself. The volcanic eruption that spewed from the young man was not supposed to have happened; that was not his intent. He wanted Nick to know how much this young man loved him, was willing to sacrifice for him, in hopes he would reevaluate his lifestyle...come back to the fold more. The explosive emotions...the resentment...that was unexpected, for he did not wish to hurt Vachon, perhaps a tad of humiliation which would have been forgiven once Nick told the young Spaniard he loved him too...but not hurt.
LaCroix snarled, he was not use to these feelings...feelings of regret and remorse were for the weak, yet...it upset him that he did cause pain where none was intended. "Why so angry, little one," he asked himself, trying to figure out where the resentment came from. He plopped down in his leather seat and snuck a peek into Nick's mind and was glad that he was with Vachon, comforting him, having told him that he did love him, and was consciously thinking about changing his priorities around. This ...this was what he wanted, but even if he did not hold as strong a bond with Vachon, the intensity of pain could still be felt.
He thought back to what Vachon had said about always having someone, //he is right. Even in the beginning of my time, there was always some 'family' around, even for a short time, in one way or another,// he mentally agreed. //But who has been there for you, mon un petulant petit (my little wild one)// he wondered, and realized...no one, not really. He knew Vachon had friends, but they were younger than he was, and one of them was his own childe, only but a hundred. It was so clear now...Vachon was not wandering per say, but searching...searching for a family. "Question is, will the family you want, want you," he asked no one in particular, for he knew he did want Vachon around, and Nick loved the young man, but would Nick allow the close bond that had been forming between Vachon and himself? He could sense that Nick did still hold some of his old feelings for him, and he was pleased...very pleased. The truth however was, if it came to a choice, he wanted his Nicholas back and Vachon...well he was the means to getting him back. It just wasn't as clear cut as it use to be, for somehow that little Spaniard was getting under his skin.
No, the more he thought about that, the more he realized that perhaps caring for Vachon was not a good thing. That perhaps Nicholas 'should know' what was happening between him and Vachon and play on his jealousy...he could do that, now that Nicholas had been around him so much. Question was, would Vachon survive this manipulation? "There are casualties in every war," he told himself, only partially believing it, but the half not buying was not going to stop him either.
****End of Part Seven****
"Second Son"
He woke safe, secure and felt cherished and loved; he was in his Nick's arms...he loved waking up like this. He snuggled closer to the firm body next to him and heard the light chuckle from his lover. "Wha' so funny," he muttered half in-coherently
"Nothing, you're just so cute in the morning," Nick replied his tone light and warm, laced with tenderness and some teasing.
This of course got Vachon to open an eye and look half hazardly at his lover, "Cute?"
"You heard me," Nick replied, having been sitting up for a short while, watching his lover sleeping and thinking. He had a few issues he needed to come to terms with. One was his lover's association with his Father. He 'knew' LaCroix was up to something and could bear to guess if he wanted too, the 'ribbon' was a dead give way...pardoning the pun. He realized he didn't want to know...he didn't want to know everything. He had learned that ignorance, at times, was bliss. He leaned down and kissed his lover on the nose. "Cute as a button," he smirked.
"Ah, why are you bringing in that woman," Vachon groaned in mock insult, as he turned and proceeded to snuggle deeper under the covers, his back pressed against his lover's side.
"I'm not," he laughed and gave that sweet butt a smack.
"Hey," Vachon protested, since even with covers it slightly stung, as he turned to face his lover. "What was that for?"
"For not telling me about you and LaCroix. I may not expect you to tell me everything, but I would think this..."
"Hey, I didn't want to upset you," Vachon replied, which was the truth. He sat up and did a quick evaluation as to how much it seemed Nick knew and how he seemed to be feeling. The pleasant mood puzzled him, but he would go along with it. "Besides, if LaCroix is 'educating' me, he's not bothering you, right?" Vachon was not sure what he said, but by the little flinch in his lover's eyes, he knew he said something that was not right or something that Nick didn't like, but it was gone very quickly. Seemed Nick didn't want to know or discuss this in any real depth...good. "Besides, he's rather good company."
"Really," Nick asked, his brow arched, trying to look at ease, but a bit of jealousy was sneaking in. He had more of an idea of what LaCroix was up to, since he himself had been 'educated' by LaCroix and he wasn't too happy at the idea; problem was he was a bit unsure of whom he was upset with...so he pushed it aside, he would deal with it later. Of course hearing that LaCroix was not bad company did make him jealous, for Vachon was 'his' lover and he did love the young vampire...but could he trust him was becoming a question.
"Yeah. I like to listen to him prattle on and on as we wander around the museums and other historic places he's been taking me. I mean, I don't doubt that he was there...for some of it, but I'm not a fool to think every word he speaks is gospel; especially since I've been around a bit myself."
Nick felt a bit of a relief inside, hearing that Vachon was looking at LaCroix as a real 'educator' and not a potential lover. He really could tell by the tone in his voice and the gleam in his eyes, it was not a lover's glow, but Vachon really did seem to like spending time with his Father and he was not comfortable with that. He knew he probably could tell Vachon to not see him anymore, but what would that achieve? This was LaCroix's bar and Vachon had taken on a role here...two fold. The young man was 'his' lover, so it was important that he stay...thus needed LaCroix's approval. To either achieve it or keep it, he was unsure which, Vachon had taken on a role at the bar overseeing the live music. To Nick, it was if LaCroix was handing things over to Vachon bit by bit, but that didn't make sense, neither did LaCroix's interest in his lover either. There really was a lot of good coming out of this however; LaCroix didn't bother him, only when he himself approached his Master and Vachon seemed happy...all around a good thing. Then why did he have this sensation that something bad was going to happen and soon.
"How did he react when you told him he was wrong," Nick asked, wondering how that went down. His Father didn't take being 'corrected' well.
"Well, having dealt with types similar to him before," Vachon grinned, no longer feeling the tension of earlier, shifted into the welcoming arms of his lover. "I just explain how I recalled it or learned of it, in a manner that of a child who really didn't know better," Vachon snickered. "I see him want to get annoyed at me from time to time, but since I put it so...innocently, he really can't. He either 'keeps' to his story, which is fine with me...I know better, or he goes... Oh yes... and then either adds what I recall in light to what he is saying or acts like he was getting to it. But over all, I enjoy myself and I think he does too."
Vachon was about to ask his lover something when the horrid noise of Nick's cell phone went off. "I thought you turned that off," he commented as he got out of bed a bit faster than his lover and retrieved it for his lover and looked at the displayed number. "Hmm...lovergirl," he muttered and tossed it to Nick, knowing he'd answer it. "You really need to turn it off on you time 'off'," he commented as he turned and made his way in the bathroom for a shower, not wanting to hear what Nick and Natalie would be talking about. He closed the bathroom door and turned on the shower. //He did turn it off,// he recalled, as he remembered seeing Nick do just that. "Must have gotten out of bed and turned it back on or something," he muttered annoyed at having 'his' morning disturbed by that woman.
He was under the warm water letting its soothing tentacle caress his skin, waking him up farther as well as soothing him. He was suddenly irritated and it took him a few moments to understand why, outside of Natalie. Nick was close to pressing him about LaCroix and if Nick did, he would not lie...not about that. It was one thing to give 'white' lies, but when it was serious...well, he wouldn't do it with Nick, he loved him too much for that. The other reason was he would be missing his morning 'grooming' as LaCroix dubbed it. Every morning for weeks he'd wake up, shower and go downstairs where LaCroix was waiting for him and would tend his hair and help himself to more, but Vachon didn't care, he rather enjoyed it. Sure there was a sensuality to it all, but they were Vampires, and that was part of their nature, but LaCroix never took it farther than touching and sipping. Then LaCroix would either 'inform' him of what they would be doing, or on rare times suggest, especially if he was busy and didn't have a lot of free time. Either way, Vachon never felt slighted by the older vampire and knew that LaCroix was under no obligation to treat him so good; thus he enjoyed the attention and the care he received... he sighed, he was going to miss that today.
Yes, he got to spend today with Nick...he loved Nick and was very happy to be with him when he could, which as of late was rare, with the job and that 'woman' getting in the way, but still, he wanted his 'grooming time'. //You're asking for too much,// he chided himself.
He finished up his shower and dried off and wrapped one of the huge towels that LaCroix furnished his 'place' as it was now considered, since over 90% of his stuff was here now, and grabbed another towel to dry his hair and exited out to the bedroom only to see a very annoyed Nick. //Great, bitch squealed,// was his only thought.
"Nick?"
"Did you do something to Natalie?" he asked, his voice firm, but not overly harsh, but his eyes were filled with some anger.
"No," he replied honestly. "I didn't do anything to that woman," he replied, knowing he was playing semantics.
"Okay, let me rephrase then. Did you do something to Natalie's car?"
Vachon moved over to the mirror and sadly grabbed the 'regular' brush he now had, as the 'special one' was in LaCroix's draw. He looked at his lover through the mirror, "Not really, just slashed her tires," he replied nonchalantly.
"Just slashed...what do you think you were doing?" Nick asked, now angry.
"Nick, she was staking out your apartment...again," Javier replied, feeling justified in his actions. "I didn't harm her, just gave her a bit of a scare; she deserves more..."
"If you hurt her..."
Vachon slammed his brush on the chest of draws, and turns with anger in his eyes to glare at his lover, "How dare you think so little of me. I know you care about her, even if she is being a total 'bitch' at the moment, but I would think you would know I wouldn't do such a thing. I may have wanted to put a scare in her, but I did stay around until I saw she was at a pay phone. Under the circumstances, that is above the call of duty. Anyone else would have dispatched her long ago and you damn well know it."
Nick knew Vachon was right. Most vampires would never tolerate Natalie's behavior; especially toward a lover...their kind tended to be possessive. Even if they didn't do anything to Natalie directly, they would have reported her to the Enforcers since she knew too much, either way...Vachon had reason to be angry and struck back...but did not harm. But still... "I told you to let me handle Natalie..."
"Yes, you did...weeks ago, and nothing's changed. She still hounds you day and night and for the last week is staking out your loft. So sue me, I was fed up with her interference and its not like I can just have a 'talk' with her, for then she'll 'know' who you're involved with...heaven forbid I know," he huffed, feeling his temper rising. He turned back to face the mirror but didn't look at his lover, he just picked up the brush again and started dragging it through is hair roughly, not wanting this fight...fights lead to endings...he didn't want to lose Nick.
"I'd prefer that when I say stay out of..."
"Fine, I'll leave her alone, can we end this now?" he asked, hoping to get passed this.
Nick got what he wanted, but for some reason it felt like a hollow victory. "Alright," he conceded. "I'm grabbing a shower," he muttered and entered the bathroom and closed the door.
Vachon sighed, things were not going well today. He hurried and got dressed and headed downstairs. He needed some space to think. He was angry that Natalie was taking so much of Nick's time, though he knew logically that he shouldn't be so upset about it, after all, time was not as relevant to a vampire, but still...he knew his time with his love was short, nothing good ever lasted in his life. He just wanted this to last a bit longer.
He moved to behind the bar and pulled out one of his favorite bloodwines and poured himself a glass. He was so caught up in thought he didn't sense anyone coming.
"You seem upset, Chaton (kitten)," LaCroix said, standing not too far from him, but close enough that he could touch Vachon if he wanted too.
Vachon jumped, he had been startled, then relaxed, seeing it was LaCroix. "Morning," he replied, trying to bring himself under control, he didn't want to discuss this with anyone; he just wanted to move on.
"It does not seem to be the case for you, did you and Nicholas have a fight?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
"I...I did something I shouldn't have, though I was angry at the time..."
"So, tell me, just what did you do to Dr. Lambart," LaCroix asked, a small grin appearing on his face. He had wisps of what happened, but he wanted to know the full picture; besides in this, he sided with the young Vachon, the woman needed a lesson or two.
"I ah...slashed two of her tires," Vachon replied, wondering why he was telling the older vampire, but he suddenly felt the need to talk.
"With a knife," LaCroix asked, hoping it was not something as droll as that.
Vachon got a slight impish look on his face, "No. I ah..." he wiggled his fingers. "Both back tires at once, while she was in the car...waiting for Nick...again."
"Ah, so you decided to put a scare into the little mortal, while at the same time, if she was 'clever' enough, she would know it was a vampire that did it, but no one else would...interesting."
"Yeah, interesting," Vachon replied, though he sounded irritated and now remorseful. "She did figure it out and called Nick..."
"And he got angry at you..."
"He did tell me to let him handle it...I should have just left it alone."
LaCroix looked at the young vampire and saw something miraculous, "You love him, don't you," he stated, feeling awed as well as a tad jealous. He watched as Vachon just looked into his glass not answering the comment. "You haven't told him have you," he then asked, this time, by the tone in his voice he wanted an answer. "Why?"
"We're vampire's, there is no such thing as I love you forever or any of that. Besides, everyone knows I'm a wander I don't do commitments," Vachon scoffed, hoping his words would get the older vampire off his back.
"If you're done giving me the 'corporate line', how about the truth. Or I'll do you one better, how about I tell 'you' why you don't tell him," LaCoix replied, annoyed at the BS he was getting from the young man before him. "You're afraid that Nick will either not take you serious because of your 'reputation' or will feel pushed, either way resulting in him leaving you. Does that sound about right," he demanded as he grabbed Vachon's wrist, making him look at him.
"Yes," he hissed, angry at being so easily read and being placed on the spot. "I love Nick. I've never loved anyone the way I love him and I'm afraid of losing him, pushing him. We started this affair with no strings attached..."
"But you have made some...commitments, yes?"
"Minimum, and I for one am not going to push him for anything he's not willing to give me..."
"Poor little stray, I thought you better than that, then to simply 'take' what is given."
LaCroix just dodged the glass that sailed passed his head, "How dare you," Vachon roared. "You don't know what its like to be alone, really alone. You or Nick!" he fumed. "You've always had someone there for you, to back you, help you out...love you. Just because I don't want to trash it like the two of you..." he stopped, he was saying too much and if he didn't cool it, he would cross lines with an elder vampire and there was no way he could survive that. "Forget it," he growled, getting ready to leave the bar area. "It just goes to show, that even with age, there are just some things you just can't understand," he fumed and moved passed LaCroix, deep down grateful that the elder vampire let him. He then came up short seeing Nick standing stunned on the stairwell. He looked back, seeing the knowing look in LaCroix's eyes...bastard knew Nick was there...listening.
Schooling his features he just pushed past Nick, not sure what the fallout would be, but he was not up to it now. Once inside the room he locked the door. He knew deep down that if either Nick or LaCroix wanted in, there would be nothing he could do about it; but it still made him feel better. He was angry, hurt, and scared. He curled up on the bed, his arms wrapped around himself, trying to stop the shaking.
There was a light knock on the door, but he ignored it; again glad that the lock was being respected. Then he heard Nick's voice, "Please, Vachon, let me in," he asked, his voice light, but filled with concern. "Please, Aimé (beloved)," Nick added.
Nick's words caught his attention, yet he was too upset to move, as he felt tears run down his cheek and he couldn't stop the shivering...he was cold...colder than he could ever remember.
Nick could feel his lover was very upset, and he was too, for he did not understand why LaCroix had done this to Vachon, but discovering that would be for another time, Javier needed him. "Chéri (sweetheart), unless you tell me right now to go away, I'm coming in," he stated, hearing his lover sob, and from what he knew of his love, Vachon was not prone to crying. Not hearing any protest, he turned the knob hard, just cracking the simple lock and opened the door slowly, just incase Vachon really didn't want him there. Spotting his love curled on the bed sobbing broke his heart.
Nick moved inside and closed the door behind him and moved quickly to his lover's side on the bed, and then gently curled his lover in his lap and held him tenderly. "Shh, it's okay," he whispered softly, for to him it was okay. He had fallen in love with Vachon too, but didn't want to push to younger vampire. He admitted he was surprised to hearing how deeply Vachon loved him, but he was touched and thrilled that he did so. Though there was that matter of 'anger' or was it 'resentment' he heard in Javier's voice when he growled at LaCroix when he talked about how the "two of you trashed it." He shook his head, now was not the time for any of that. Now was the time to give his lover the comfort he deserved. "I love you too," he whispered tenderly, and smiled when he felt his lover snuggle deeper in his arms. He knew Vachon was not ready to talk, but he knew he was listening.
Just then Nick's cell went off. "Just a second," he said, and then had to snatch his lover who was about to leave the bed. "Whoa, hold on," he said, one hand on Vachon, the other grabbing his cell phone, 'turning it off' and tossed it on the nightstand, before gently pulling his upset lover in his lap. "I'm sorry for not showing you what you mean to me. No one has ever made me feel as special as you do," he said, caressing his lover's hair, holding him tight, uncaring if his shirt was being stained by blood tears. Somehow apart of this was his fault. He 'chose' to ignore his lover by allowing Natalie and work to overshadow his life, and what was worse, he knew Vachon would keep on allowing it, because he loved him and showed it by giving him his freedom. Well, it was time he showed Javier that he loved just as deeply back, starting now. He ignored the vibration of the cell and his pager...nothing mattered right now but Javier Vachon, as he rocked his softly sobbing, soon to be sleeping lover.
**************
LaCroix was furious...at himself. The volcanic eruption that spewed from the young man was not supposed to have happened; that was not his intent. He wanted Nick to know how much this young man loved him, was willing to sacrifice for him, in hopes he would reevaluate his lifestyle...come back to the fold more. The explosive emotions...the resentment...that was unexpected, for he did not wish to hurt Vachon, perhaps a tad of humiliation which would have been forgiven once Nick told the young Spaniard he loved him too...but not hurt.
LaCroix snarled, he was not use to these feelings...feelings of regret and remorse were for the weak, yet...it upset him that he did cause pain where none was intended. "Why so angry, little one," he asked himself, trying to figure out where the resentment came from. He plopped down in his leather seat and snuck a peek into Nick's mind and was glad that he was with Vachon, comforting him, having told him that he did love him, and was consciously thinking about changing his priorities around. This ...this was what he wanted, but even if he did not hold as strong a bond with Vachon, the intensity of pain could still be felt.
He thought back to what Vachon had said about always having someone, //he is right. Even in the beginning of my time, there was always some 'family' around, even for a short time, in one way or another,// he mentally agreed. //But who has been there for you, mon un petulant petit (my little wild one)// he wondered, and realized...no one, not really. He knew Vachon had friends, but they were younger than he was, and one of them was his own childe, only but a hundred. It was so clear now...Vachon was not wandering per say, but searching...searching for a family. "Question is, will the family you want, want you," he asked no one in particular, for he knew he did want Vachon around, and Nick loved the young man, but would Nick allow the close bond that had been forming between Vachon and himself? He could sense that Nick did still hold some of his old feelings for him, and he was pleased...very pleased. The truth however was, if it came to a choice, he wanted his Nicholas back and Vachon...well he was the means to getting him back. It just wasn't as clear cut as it use to be, for somehow that little Spaniard was getting under his skin.
No, the more he thought about that, the more he realized that perhaps caring for Vachon was not a good thing. That perhaps Nicholas 'should know' what was happening between him and Vachon and play on his jealousy...he could do that, now that Nicholas had been around him so much. Question was, would Vachon survive this manipulation? "There are casualties in every war," he told himself, only partially believing it, but the half not buying was not going to stop him either.
****End of Part Seven****