Trippy/Shippy incoming. Adult content begins here. There will be both slash and het in this story and mulitple pairings, hints of slash in this chapter.
For a time, Diego knew nothing. His mind lapsed into fugue, and he fled headlong into darkness and silence, beyond even the reach of his dreams.
Then, a coolness, soft and soothing beckoned him outward and into a growing awareness. Odd, disjointed imagery formed and scattered about his waking mind. Alejandro, his face creased in disdain, his head shaking in disgust as he uttered a powerful warning; the old tavern, somehow new and vibrant, and within so much life and hope: then, the dark, dusty street, now burning in the midday sun, the elegant figure, his hand at his hilt, turning to meet his gaze; a moonlit night and warm brown eyes, deep, full of fire and passion.
Soon, the images passed and a faint light touched at the edges of his closed eyelids. Diego knew now that he was reclining, his body slightly upright-as if in a kind of lounge-his head gently supported. A coolness, like a passing shadow, obscured the soft glow, and knew then the sensation of rising.
A firm pressure lifted the back of his neck. Moisture formed at his lips and they parted as the familiar, rounded edges of a vessel pressed against them. Sweet, cool liquid pooled on his tongue and he swallowed it eagerly, aware now of an aching thirst.
Reflexively, his hand reached upward and outwards in a voracious intreat. A deep chill touched at his exploring digits, his fingertips tingling to the point of ache. Then, as if breaking the surface of a cool lake and rising upwards towards the heat of the sun, the chill subsided, replaced by a silken warmth. It passed through his fingers, soothing and supple until his flesh was pressed against a firm yet pliant heat.
A vibration passed through his fingers and there was a sudden exhalation-like a small cry of astonishment- yet almost erotic in its timbre. Diego felt his own body shiver in a sudden, electric response. Unbidden, his eyes fully opened and the vessel slipped away, released by his parted lips as his jaw dropped in amazement.
He no longer shimmered in the silver of the moonlight, but the sense of his etheria remained. The apparition-unmistakable in his breeches and tailcoat-still gazed upon him with the same intense expression of wonder.
His light hair, now golden by candlelight was intertwined within Diego's own fingers and for the first time, Diego was fully aware of the man's cheek, pulsing-vibrating-beneath the flesh of his palm. Staggered, he felt his own body, tensed and throbbing with inexplicable but undeniable physical attraction.
Scandalised, he briefly foundered, stunned by own reactions. Then, an odd and uncharacteristic aplomb stole over him and he found his cheeks and eyebrows rising, his eyes flicking lightly in a long, slow sweep of exaggerated appreciation.
The brows of his apparition tightened, his head slightly tilting, in an expression of sincere confusion, then his moustache slightly twitched and Diego felt his own smile widen, his lips wetting and parting to speak.
"I seem to be making a habit of the most inappropriate of introductions."
At this, he meaningfully lightened his touch, letting his hand gently slip away. In the same moment, the soft pressure at the back of his neck subsided as the apparition withdrew his supporting hand to tease somewhat nervously at his own moustache. Then, to Diego's delight, he gave up all pretense and let himself smile.
The mood now lighter and the tension lifted, Diego at last extended his hand.
"Sincerely, sir, forgive my intrusions, my name is Diego Vega. Please call me Diego."
Once again, he felt the cool, sure grip of the apparition at his hand, then the man tipped his head and slightly bowed.
"I am Alc…" then the deep, cultured voice paused and his pale eyes seemed to turn briefly inward as if he were searching his mind for the proper words to use. Then, he began again.
" I am Luis Ramone. Everyone..simply calls me Luis. Welcome to our pueblo."