A/N: We meet the infamous boyfriends, Aidan and Simon who were first mentioned in chapter three. A girl like Darcie would, of course, have other suitors, after all, things can't be so easy for Eric. I had to make them something that would be a challenge for Eric, plus the fact that Darcie has strong feelings for them. There is another Author's Note at the end.
Chapter Twenty
Pam was manning the front door when Darcie arrived. She was escorted by two handsome, young men and Pam stared at them and with an effort kept her jaw from dropping. Oh, Eric was so not expecting this, she thought. And he was going to be so mad, this was even better than werewolves. If there was ever any doubt in her mind that Darcie was Eric's match, this choice of boyfriends erased it. She felt the otherness coming off them in waves, even though they looked human. Of course, Darcie looked human too. Darcie stopped before her and smiled.
"Eric is expecting you," said Pam.
"I'm sure he is," said Darcie. "Pam, this is Simon and Aidan."
The two boys sized her up. She was wearing a black leather dress with a peephole cutout at her cleavage.
"Not bad for a vampiress," said Simon.
"Meow, do I sniff cougar?" said Aidan.
"Boys, she likes girls," said Darcie.
"And I was just starting to fantasize about her having her way with me," said Simon.
"Me, too, tie me down and spank me," replied Aidan.
Together, they said, "Oh, well, her loss."
They gave Pam a smirk and a wink. They each took one of Darcie's arms and went inside Fangtasia. Pam watched them a second and decided to go inside as well. She wasn't going to miss this show for anything.
Eric's eyes fell on Darcie who was wearing a lovely wrap dress. She wasn't wearing something to fit in here and she stood out, as usual. But, for once, her companions managed to draw more attention that her. His eyes weren't the only ones that followed their path through the bar. For, it was impossible not to stare at them. They were double images of each, identical twins. Brothers, indeed, he thought. They were over six feet with dark hair and hazel eyes. They appeared to be the same age as Darcie and if they had all known each other for years, than meant that they had grown up together. They were also something else. Something that he had not come across in a long time, especially in the new world. As they approached, they gazed upon him with fearlessness. For, they were young and bold. Yet, even though they might each vie for Darcie's hand, they would meet any other challenger together. And together, they were formidable adversaries, even for a vampire.
Darcie arrived before the dais and waited for his permission to come forward. The boys frowned at that, but did not say anything. Eric waved them forward.
"Mr. Northman," said Darcie, formally. "I want to introduce-"
The boys cut her off and the one on the right said, "I'm Simon."
The one on the left said, "I'm Aidan."
They both smirked and said, together, "And we're Darcie's boyfriends."
Eric opened his mouth to reply, but they continued on.
"My, he's an old one. Where did you dig him up, old girl?" asked Simon.
"I wasn't aware that you liked them older than dirt, Darcie," said Aidan.
"Boys, you will mind your manners," said Darcie.
"Yes, Luv," they said in unison.
They turned their gaze back to Eric and Simon said, "We're missing a chair."
"I'm calling dibs," said Aidan.
"As firstborn, I should get dibs," said Simon.
"Firstborn by 4 whole minutes," said Aidan. "Besides as the prettier one, I should get dibs."
"We're identical, Idiot, you can't be prettier than me," said Simon.
Aidan smoothed his hair and said, "Darcie says that I'm prettier."
Simon smirked and said, "She's only trying to make you feel better, since I'm the better kisser."
"Funny, that's what she tells me," said Aidan.
"Simon, Aidan, behave," said Darcie.
Darcie turned to Eric and said, "Do you see what I have to put up with?"
Simon and Aidan each kissed one of her cheeks and said, "You know you love it, you naughty girl."
They then looked at each other and Simon said, "We'll share."
Aidan replied, "After all, we're used to it."
Simon led Darcie to a chair, but surprised Eric when he took the seat and pulled Darcie down into his lap. Aidan took the seat to Eric's left.
Aidan leaned in and whispered to Eric, "You had better get used to it, old man. We'll have to time Simon or the bastard will hog Darcie all to himself. I'm up next. Sorry, old chap, but you're last. You are going to have to learn to call dibs a lot quicker."
Eric sat there in his chair and felt like he had lost control of the entire situation. He was surprised that he had not heard Pam snicker from behind him.
"What do you boys think of Louisiana?" asked Darcie.
"I'm still undecided," said Simon.
"I did notice that there are still large areas of undisturbed forest and wilderness," said Aidan.
"I thought that would peak your interest," said Darcie.
"Perhaps, some of our clan would be interested in moving to the new world," said Simon.
Aidan turned his eyes to Eric and said, "How would that strike you, vampire? To have us as your neighbors?"
It didn't strike Eric very well, at all. That was all he needed. He wanted Darcie's suitors to leave and never come back.
"Guys, he's a little sensitive about using the vampire word to address him," said Darcie, admonishing them.
"Of course, we wouldn't want to be rude to our host," said Simon.
"No, indeed. There just isn't any excuse for bad manners," said Aidan.
"I agree completely," said Simon. "That's why it is so upsetting to have a vampire not only blackmail our girl, but then have the audacity to make a move on her, as well."
"Very bad pool," said Aidan.
They both now stared at him with unrestrained anger.
"You are very foolish to challenge me," said Eric, evenly.
"Are we?" they said.
"Perhaps, we should explain it to you, vampire," said Aidan.
"Even though, I have a hard time imaging the possibility, but if you were somehow successful and managed to harm or kill us, our clan would seek retribution," said Simon.
"And they would destroy you and your progeny," said Aidan, who lifted his gaze to Pam.
Eric heard Pam's fangs come out and he said, quickly, "Pam, retract your fangs."
"Yes, dear Pam, let's keep this conversation civil," said Simon. "Now, where was I?"
"You were talking about the consequences of harming us," said Aidan.
"Right, where would I be without you to remind me of things?" said Simon.
"I don't know, old bean, because you seem to fading fast. You are the elder, though," said Aidan.
"Anyway, as I was saying, they would be very nasty about our demise," said Simon.
"Downright mean and vindictive about that sort of thing," said Aidan. "But, we are our father's favorite sons."
"His only sons," said Simon. "You are aware of what we are?"
Oh yes, Eric knew what they were. And he controlled his normal response of wanting to rip out their throats. For, they could deliver on their threats.
"Boys!" said Darcie. "Remember, we are guests here."
Simon and Aidan smiled good-naturedly at him.
"We are just getting to know your boss," they said, chastised.
"Time's up," said Aidan.
"I can't believe that you are actually timing me, Loser," said Simon.
"Don't start in on the name calling because you always lose, Dimwit," said Aidan.
Darcie got up and moved to Aidan's lap. Aidan gloated back at Simon.
"Tosser," said Simon.
"Wanker," said Aidan.
Darcie audibly cleared her throat and that silenced any further name calling.
"Let's go back to your place, Darcie," said Aidan. "We have...catching up to do."
"I'm calling dibs," said Simon.
"You went first last time," said Aidan.
"Can I help it if you are too slow on the draw?" said Simon.
Aidan smirked wickedly and said, "There are times when a slower hand is more desirable."
Aidan took Darcie's hand and brought it to his lips and kissed it.
Simon leaned in and whispered to Eric, "He's totally full of himself. Of course, it's Darcie's fault for stroking his ego."
"Hey, I heard that," said Aidan. "You're supposed to be on my side."
"There are times, little brother, when it's every man for himself," said Simon.
Aidan smirked with Darcie on his lap and said to Eric, "I guess you're left out in the cold tonight, old man."
Darcie stood up and said, "It's time to go, boys."
Each brother took one of her arms and looked at Eric.
"It was nice meeting you, old chap," said Simon.
"I'm sure that the pleasure was all yours," said Aidan.
"Aidan, remember what I said about manners?" said Darcie.
"You can punish me later," said Aidan. "I'm getting excited just thinking about it."
"You would, you scoundrel," said Darcie.
"Come on, old girl, and lead the way," said Simon.
"Yeah, we're jet-lagged and tired, but we still want to play before bedtime," said Aidan.
Darcie said, "Goodnight, Eric."
"Goodnight, Eric," Simon and Aidan chimed in.
They all three turned and left the bar.
"Kinky," said Pam.
"Pervie was Darcie's word," said Eric. "I can see why she can't chose between them."
"Are they dangerous?" asked Pam.
"Very," said Eric.
"It wasn't smart to threaten you," said Pam.
"It was no threat," said Eric.
He was quiet for a moment and added, "The Elvenkind don't make threats."
Darcie and the boys arrived back at her place.
"Mr. Turner," called Darcie. "We're back."
"You're back early," said Mr. Turner. "Fangtasia not your cup of tea?"
"Definitely not," said Simon. "At least, the vampire bars at home are underground."
"Hey, Mr. Turner," said Aidan. "You know if you would have just told us from the beginning what was going on, we could have been here much earlier."
"I'm sorry, but I do follow Miss Stackhouse's orders," said Mr. Turner.
"Why don't you show them to their rooms, Mr. Turner?" said Darcie.
"You mean that we don't get to bunk with you?" said Aidan with a little smile.
"No, nice try, though," said Darcie.
She watched them as Mr. Turner took them upstairs to their rooms. She had not expected them to outright challenge Eric. That was not so smart. She would need to keep her eye on them to make sure that they did not get into any more trouble. For, they were very dear to her. She could never pick one over the other, for she loved them equally. They had all started out as childhood friends. And then puberty happened and over the years they had struggled with the complexity of their relationship. The simple truth was that they all loved each other. They had tried to be just friends again, but what was out of the box, could not be put back in.
Darcie shook her head and headed to her room. She got ready for bed and as she was reading in bed, Simon and Aidan arrived. She looked up and they all stared at each other. It had been so long. And, she wanted to as much as they did. But, to join with them made it harder to move on, for all of them.
"Please, Darcie," said Aidan. "It's been so long."
"It binds us closer together," said Darcie.
"Is that such a terrible thing?" asked Simon.
They both approached and joined her on the bed. They sat on opposite sides of the bed and gazed upon her.
"We have been thinking, Darcie," said Simon.
"That is never a good sign," said Darcie with a little smile.
"Why do we have to follow the rules of society?" said Aidan. "No one should be able to tell us what is right or wrong."
"But, you are also different," said Darcie. "You have a greater responsibility. We, three, cannot be joined together. How would your family react?"
"They would agree to this rather than lose us," said Simon.
"There is a big difference from what we have done and actually physically joining," said Darcie.
"It doesn't seem different to us," said Aidan.
"There is only love between us, we are not scared of that," said Simon.
"You know that I love you," said Darcie.
"Then, take us somewhere that you can show us that love," said Aidan.
Darcie was tired of trying to decide if their relationship was right or wrong. She reached out a hand to each. Simon and Aidan took that hand and gripped it tightly and laid down beside her. Darcie then entered their minds. She kept each one in a separate place.
Simon was lying in a meadow clearing on soft green grass. The was a little stream nearby and the tinkling sound of it passing over rocks could be heard from he was. The trees were tall pines and they lined the perimeter of the clearing. Yet, the sun was overhead and it's warm rays fell down upon him. He closed his eyes and he could still feel the warmth. Slowly, the warmth intensified and it bathed him. It surrounded him. And he knew that the light loved him. He opened his eyes and the golden light was everywhere. Something moved in the light and he began to see a figure take shape. Darcie appeared out of the light and laid down beside him. Yet, the light still shone from her eyes. It stared through his soul as if it were seeking the truth.
Darcie caressed him and whispered in his ear, "I love you Simon. Let me show you."
Her hands moved over his body and he closed his eyes and said, "Please."
She moved above him and made love to him in this world of her creation. And Simon joined with her in the light. They became the light together. Their pleasure and their love transcending the physical boundaries of their bodies.
At the same time, Aidan and Darcie were together in another world.
It was nighttime in this world. The moon was full and it's rays bathed the world below, allowing Aidan enough light to see. He saw a lightening bug. It's little flash of light sparking in the darkness. He knew that he must follow it. So, he ran after the bug, following the light flashes. Soon, there were two bugs, then, there were three. Still, he followed them. He passed through the trees into a clearing and saw a cloud of the bugs. They were staying together, not dispersing, and he knew that this was not natural. As he watched, the bugs seemed to swirl in a circle. Faster and faster, they flew. Their bright pulses illuminating the clearing. Suddenly, he could see a figure inside the mass of flying lightening bugs. Slowly, the bugs flew outward and Darcie stood in the clearing with him. But, the bugs had left her a parting gift because her skin glowed with a light of its own. She was wearing a filmy dress of white and she stepped to him. Her eyes were as dark as the night sky. But, as he looked closer, he could see the stars shining in the depths of her eyes. He should be afraid, but he knew that Darcie had only love for him. He took her hand and pulled her down with him. He moved over her and felt himself falling inside those eyes of hers.
"Don't be afraid," Darcie said.
"I would never fear you," said Aidan.
"Let go and trust me," said Darcie. "I'll catch you."
Aidan let go and he was falling, his stomach in his throat. There was only inky blackness and still he fell. But, now, he saw a twinkle of a star pass by. Then, another and another. Soon, he could see the stars filling up the inky blackness, yet he was still falling. He looked behind him and saw a blazing trail and knew that he was a shooting star. His eyes gazed in wonder at the beauty that he was hurdling through. He was a small speck in the universe, yet, he felt that he could reach out his hand and touch a star. Then, he collided with something. It's impact knocked the breath out of him and he felt Darcie's arms move tightly around him. He looked at her face and she smiled. They slowed and turned over and over as they alighted together again in the clearing. The stars were still shining in her eyes as she made love to him under the light of the moon.
And back in Darcie's bedroom, she gripped Simon and Aidan's hands.
"I love you," she whispered.
A/N: We haven't seen elves on True Blood yet, nor in the Southern Vampire Mysteries, yet a half-elf was mentioned in the short story Two Blondes. I have not read it but, it mentions that the elves are more secretive, perhaps, and tough to kill and their blood is poisonous to vampires.