video; un: thevampirelestat

[perfectdevil]

[ The screen opens up to a black imitation Chesterfield couch in pride of place at the centre of the screen. On it sits a young man of seemingly around twenty years old, dressed in a half unbuttoned black shirt and silver waistcoat, tight black slacks and shining black boots with golden toe caps; his long legs crossed elegantly before him, he lifts his wrist in a light wave of greeting toward the viewfinder. ]

Good evening, everyone. Lestat here.

[ A flourish of his other hand, a widespread sweep as if he'd just announced something very impressive, and then he leans forward with the manner one might take when speaking to a dear friend, rather than addressing a network of mostly strangers. ]

I've been thinking, mes très chers, as I am often known to do: it's my birthday soon, and though I'd love nothing more than to throw some grand shindig and invite all of you, I have it from a reputable source that it might not be the best idea given the way the last party we were all invited to turned out for a lot of us.

[ In the background, another figure can be seen through the entranceway leading to the kitchen, though this man seems much less prepared to be on show to the entire network as he goes about taking off his gardening gloves and placing the tools he'd been using into the sink. He emerges a moment or two later with two freshly potted plants in his hands, which he deposits somewhere off-screen, before returning and taking his place at Lestat's side. ]

That, and, if I'm being honest... I'm feeling strangely low-key about it this year. All I really want to do is sit in the comfortable velvet seats of a quaint little movie theater and watch something new. I've heard of the media store opening soon, of course, but I'll be another year older weeks before its doors open. Instead of wasting time browsing once I'm inside, I thought instead that I might rely on the knowledge of the masses, so-to-speak, and get a few recommendations before that time comes.

So, I come to you with a question, my beloved City: what is your favourite movie? Tell me the plot, describe to me your favourite scene, tell me how your favourite actor 'eats up' every role they play — truly, anything goes. If you don't have films in the world you are from, perhaps tell me your favourite story, and maybe while I'm inside the media store I can keep my eye out for an adaptation of it for you.

[ His eyes naturally slide to his side, to his patient companion, and a smile curls his mouth. ]

And, if you're interested in something a little more challenging... Louis is here, too, and he can be frightfully picky. If you manage to genuinely pique his interest, then you'll really impress me.

Comments

[playing_human]

Then you are more in the vein of a Nietzsche, [Dorian suggests mildly], that meaning and determinism are different things. I confess I go back and forth, myself, but I've lately been of a more cynical persuasion. I'm sure that will change once it grows wearisome. It always does.

[inlovewithmycar]

And yet, people keep going at it again, and again, and again. You know that definition of insanity...

You're overcomplicating the metaphor. Or the situation was overcomplicated. Six of one, half a dozen of the other. Don't worry too much about the submarine - it figured itself out well enough without our interference.

And I wouldn't go that far. Some of that busywork was like pulling teeth.

But it wasn't as bad when he was around.

[perfectdevil]

[ That gets a genuine laugh out of him, and a fond smile. ]

Yes, I can imagine it was. I hate busywork. I much prefer to act impulsively and selfishly, or to bask languidly. Any kind of detailed box-checking or pencil-pushing gets on my nerves.

But I'm glad you had someone you love to keep you going; from my experience, almost anything can be weathered with good company.

[deathoftheauthor]

Well, I can assure you that you are quite safe with us.

( Let's just. Not talk about how many people he's killed in his own world. )

The myth helps us remain hidden, though most of the rumors about us aren't true. Garlic, for example, is entirely harmless, and we can certainly see our own reflections.

[astraphilia]

[ in this moment Louis reminds Reno of nothing so much as a lovely, skittish creature being coaxed into accepting affection, and he's not stupid enough to say something bawdy and fuck it up for all of them. instead he just smiles a little wryly—the expression softer than his lascivious look from before—and nods his agreement at Lestat's words.

at least on one count, Lestat is absolutely right: Reno is very much not the type to feign interest he doesn't genuinely feel, and he is certainly interested in Louis. he does, however, make one small correction, which is: ]

Well... I ain't always very well-behaved. [ okay, he can't help another wink there—but it's not flirtatious as much as it is just bringing them both into his little joke. ] But I definitely can be.

[ especially when he benefits from it, as seems to often be the case with Lestat.

Reno sits up a little, still leaning back against the arm of the couch but in a slightly less suggestive pose, and considers his words for a second before he fiddles briefly with the privacy settings of their video. by nature he keeps his defenses high, which means he very rarely says anything sincerely, but behind the protective curtain of the encryption it's easier to be honest.

there's a touch of the genuine to his voice when he says, ] He's right, though. No expectations, just puttin' it on the table, so to speak. It's only fun if it's fun for everybody—but I do think it'd be fun.

[ Reno grins again. ] And if you decide later you ain't into it then maybe we really do just watch a movie. I'll find somethin' besides Loveless to keep us entertained.

[fanstheflames]

[ Yeah, same!! ]

But you don't eat, or... uh, ingest anything other than blood, right? I was talking to Lestat about maybe trying to find a way to flavor it.

[ For better or worse. ]

[perfectdevil]

[ Lestat is strangely touched by Daniel's sentiment, even though by now he really should be used to it, but it's sweet to know there are people out there hoping the best for them and their relationship. Much of the vampire experience comes down to hiding who and what you are, after all, so feeling someone rooting for him — especially someone as earnest as Daniel — isn't something he's felt all that often. ]

Oh, we intend to, don't worry about that. I have grand designs in my mind to make up for lost time.

[ A pause, a very brief one, and then Lestat lowers his voice ever so slightly for what he says next. ]

Though, in all honesty, I don't really have the first clue what I'm doing.

[ Strangely — or, really, not strangely at all — he trusts Daniel with that little quasi-confession, certain that he won't laugh at the 200-year-old serial flirt who doesn't have any experience with relationships. ]

Our first date was also my first in general.

[deathoftheauthor]

That's right...

( Wait. )

What do you mean, flavor it?

[deathoftheauthor]

( Well, that's all very well and good and considerate, but the fact of the matter is that Louis has gotten somewhat lost in the weeds of this conversation. He's looking increasingly flustered, almost squirming at being the center of attention, and frowning slightly at his own confusion. God, he hates being the only one not to know something. )

You'll forgive me if I'm not familiar with the intricacies of...

( He struggles to find the words he's searching for, fails utterly, and gives a sharp little wave of one hand (the other, offscreen, is gripping Lestat's thigh). )

This.

I don't mean to be blunt, but what exactly is being proposed?

( His tone is clipped from nervousness, but the question is sincere. )

[perfectdevil]

[ Lestat finds himself oddly touched when Reno clearly shifts their conversation more one-on-one, for the sake of himself perhaps, but clearly not ignorant to how it will be much easier for all involved to have these conversations with a gauze of privacy around them. Lestat follows his lead, changing their settings too, the way Armand had shown him to. He's equally endeared to the way he leans forward to reassure Louis, to place his hat into the ring with no expectations nor any kind of selfish pushing. Lestat likes Reno for his recklessness and his charm, of course, so he's pleased to find more reasons to be sure he hasn't made a mistake in all of this.

Lestat puts a hand over the one Louis has on his thigh — a strange little thrill passing through him at the sheer tightness of Louis' hand, but resolutely determined to not let it distract him — and leans in to press a lingering kiss to his cheek. Then, he settles back, fingers dancing soothing patterns on the back of his lover's hand, while he turns his gaze on Reno. ]

My blood is tainted.

[ Starting off very chill and normal, and perhaps a little dramatic. Tainted is going a bit far, but calling it God blood or ancient blood leads to complicated questions, which 'tainted' does not. So this will suffice. ]

The powers you've seen me harness come from that blood. Louis cannot share thoughts with you the same way that I can, nor can Louis and I share thoughts in the way you and I can. Without this power, the only way a vampire can see the images conjured up in your mind is through the bite.

Louis also doesn't feed in the same way I do. It won't be what you've experienced with me, but I can promise you that you won't be in any danger.

[ He squeezes Louis hand, a promise to both of them. ]

I have been thinking of how this might work, and how I might show Louis what you can show me with your vibrant imagination. [ Just a little compliment to sweeten the deal, and Lestat's eyes flash as a memory strikes him of just how colourful Reno's mind had been in those hot and heavy moments. ] You and I can flood one another's minds with images again, I will tell Louis everything I see and everything I send back to you. Every detail. When your stamina reaches its peak, you can feed Louis, who will then feed me.

[ His mouth feels wet suddenly, and when he swallows the sound is thick and loud in the room that suddenly feels charged with silence around them. He shifts, ever so slightly. ]

If that sounds enjoyable.

[fanstheflames]

I'm not sure yet! But if food can have different seasonings, why not blood?

[astraphilia]

I see. [ the presentation is a little dramatic, but he's used to that from Lestat—more important is the information. Reno listens carefully, head tilted now in thought more than in flirtation. these are facts he organizes into his mental file; special blood, unique powers. learning little by little about the way vampires work.

there's no part of it that doesn't sound delicious to him, if Reno is honest: the prospect of being able to fantasize vividly, to see Lestat's fantasies and then to hear it all spoken aloud; the prospect of the bite from Louis, knowing what a torturous but unspeakably pleasurable experience it is; the idea of getting to watch Lestat bite Louis in turn... honestly, just imagining it is enough to have Reno a little hot under the collar.

still, he behaves, and although he can't help the way his gaze darkens, he at least manages to keep his tongue in check. ]

I ain't worried. [ partly because Reno is a filthy adrenaline junkie who gets off on the edge of danger, but mostly because he believes Lestat. it's probably not entirely for Reno's benefit that he makes a point to clarify the point, and if it's also Louis he's reassuring, then Reno trusts him all the more. he may not know the intricacies of their relationship (and he's frankly not convinced it's his business), but it's obvious that Lestat cares for Louis deeply and Reno can only conclude that he wouldn't want to put Louis in jeopardy either. ] That all sounds real good to me.

[ a thought that makes him grin, although he doesn't speak it aloud: Lestat has put some thought into this, hasn't he? well, well. good to know that Reno has left just as much of an impression. ]

[deathoftheauthor]

( Louis' eyes grow wider and wider as Lestat explains his idea, his ears and cheeks burning, fingers so tight on Lestat's thigh that it would leave bruises on a mortal man. Images unfurl in his head, indistinct from his lack of experience to draw on but nevertheless heated and powerfully erotic. His pulse throbs in his ears, and the thought of it, the taboo of it, is so captivating that he nearly doesn't hear Reno's eager reply. )

You've really been thinking about this.

( His voice is low and quiet, accusatory but not exactly annoyed about it. If anything, it's appraising, matching the slow and considering and very thorough look of someone reading every paragraph of the terms and conditions. He looks to Lestat, then back to Reno, wondering what sort of man would agree to this with someone that he doesn't know at all. He wets his lips with his tongue, opens his mouth to speak, and closes it again with flushed cheeks and a furrowed brow, at a loss for words.

God, these two and their easy, confident grins. Why does he feel like the one on the platter?

Louis lets out a slow, measured breath. )

Very well. ( He bites his lip. ) I... will need some time to consider it.

( He almost can't believe what he's saying, and his anxious energy is making him sit up too straight, sound too clipped and formal, and really, how can either of them want him involved in this when he's this awkward? )

And... to further discuss the specific details.

( He clears his throat. )

[miyagimagic]

Your first?

[ There's some surprise in his voice, but it seems that Lestat was right in his assumption that Daniel wouldn't laugh - because he doesn't. He just seems a little caught off guard by the idea, especially given Lestat's age.. And the fact that Daniel was going on dates with girls left and right when he was still just a teenager in comparison..

.. then again, maybe it's as Lestat said. I wasn't the type of man who could make him happy when we met. Maybe he wasn't the type for romance when he was younger. Maybe something was holding him back.

If Daniel already was naturally uninclined to make fun of someone over that, that thought would make him even less inclined. ]

I understand that might make you a little more worried, but.. really, I don't think you have a thing to worry about. Louis seems absolutely smitten with you. He was already talking about you the very first time I spoke with him. [ It's practically one of the first things Daniel ever learned about Louis, really - the fact that there was someone out there who was that infinitely special to him. ]

[perfectdevil]

[ Oh, Daniel, you're so cute. You're so sweet and so ready to believe the best in everyone. It isn't that anything was holding him back or that he wasn't the type for romance - quite the opposite, actually. It's more simply that Lestat was a somewhat secluded young man who died before he really had the chance to see and taste the world, and in his time with Louis he'd behaved selfishly and cruelly and had lashed out as he often does when he's afraid. And he had been so very, very afraid, of losing the happiness he'd somehow found, but ultimately ended up losing it anyway. That's why he's so thankful for this second chance, and perhaps why he's so tentative about moving too quickly now, despite how it goes against his every natural instinct. ]

He was, was he? [ Lestat says, unable to contain the little smile that curls his lip at the thought of Louis waxing poetic about him and missing him. Oh, if only he could see that, somehow. ] I'm not exactly worried, it's more that I'm concerned for my own high standards. I want everything to be perfect, you know?

[ A biiig wistful sigh. First world problems are so tough. :( ]

[perfectdevil]

[ The truth of the matter is that Lestat has tried multiple times to share a mortal meal with Louis in the past, but it was usually taken as a joke, as a taunt, as something mean spirited rather than the simple truth of what it was; Lestat longing to see Louis give in to his nature and feed, to use the gifts given to him by Lestat and to bite, to drink, to enjoy it, to become satisfied. Perhaps it's selfish, it almost definitely is selfish, but given what he's found he can do with humans that know the truth of what he is and the particular way Reno's mind works, Lestat's curiosity rams against his obvious arousal over the whole affair... and this leaves him caught on every single word and sound Louis makes.

He hadn't mentioned anything about Louis being his fledgling to Reno, nor had he gone into any particular detail about why they couldn't share each other's thoughts, but Reno doesn't seem to be even the slightest bit suspicious or even willing to question all that much. Which works perfectly for him.

Louis finally speaks, and Lestat lets out a breath he hadn't been aware he'd been holding. 'Very well' is not a 'no', and Louis has never been afraid of saying no - he's done so in the past with real conviction, to the point where Lestat had wondered now and again if he enjoyed the denial more than anything else. Louis is thinking about it, will think about it, and only when Lestat shifts slightly to look at him does he realize quite how hard Louis is clenching the meat of his thigh.

How beautiful he looks like this, Lestat thinks, so flustered but still with such intent focus, like he's determined to see it through even if it ends in refusal, showing a clear passion to learn something about himself today. Lestat feels his mouth prickle, hunger increasing even further just by looking at Louis.

He glances back to the screen. ]

Well, that seems reasonable to me, don't you agree? [ He's almost certain Reno will be able to recognize when a man is in need of shutting off a camera to make out with his very attractive lover over a fantasy they've just spoken into the realm of possibility. ] We'll leave the ball in Louis' court, and I suppose I'll contact you with more information? Does that sound alright?

[ He can't resist a little smirk, wondering if Reno's nasty little mind will be wandering once the feed is closed. ]

[astraphilia]

[ Lestat has seen directly into Reno's vivid imagination—surely he doesn't need to wonder exactly how far it can run away with him when left to his own devices. he hums under his breath, his gaze sliding from Louis to Lestat and then back again, taking in the sight of the two of them turning their focuses toward each other.

very well is indeed not a no. the fact that Louis is willing to consider it at all feels a little like a victory, even if it ultimately ends in Louis declining to participate. ]

That sounds just fine to me. [ he nods. it's hard to blame Lestat for being, er, moved a certain way by the way Louis looks right now, all dark intensity and darker eyes. ] Gimme a call whenever, I'll be here.

[ he's content to leave it at that—Reno turns off his camera first, leaving the two of them to their devices so he can go get up to his own. ]

[deathoftheauthor]

( The call ends, and Louis sits stock-still, his heartbeat pounding in his ears so loudly that he couldn't hear Lestat if he called out to him from a foot away. He'd really just agreed to that, hadn't he, or at least he hadn't denied the idea outright — that was all him and he has no one else to blame, even if he wasn't the one who started it. Has he always had this desire lurking inside of him? Who is he?

He swallows, and it sounds unbearably loud in the suddenly silent living room. )

... Did that actually happen, Lestat?

[perfectdevil]

[ continued here <3 ]

[miyagimagic]

[ Don't worry, Daniel will give a very meaningful hum as a reply to that initial question. Oh, Lestat, he sure was. Daniel won't repeat any of the words, not wanting to potentially further embarrass poor Louis, but he will definitely give Lestat the pleasure of knowing the person he loves so much was thinking about him.

Instead it's only the second part he properly verbally answers. ]

And you're sure you can't just let a tiny part of your standards go? I think that if you truly set your mind to it, you could most likely convince yourself that you are just happy doing anything with him. It's how love works, after all. That's what it's always been like for me.

[ Not that he's really going to get into that one, because he'll just end up missing his wife even more and things will just get Awkward.. But he can risk that brief mention without his thoughts going to a sad place. For now. ]

[perfectdevil]

[ Lestat’s eyes narrow a bit at that, his expression turning pointed and a little teasing because… well, he’s already discovered how easy Daniel makes it to tease him, and he’s already well aware that his own resistance is practically useless in the face of such an opportunity. ]

Well, monsieur Casanova - you’ll have to give me some inspiration when it comes to lowering my lofty standards. I feel lucky for every moment he’s at my side, but I would feel better with the advice of someone so lucky in love as you are.

[miyagimagic]

[ .. he lets out a soft breath, it almost sounds like a laugh.

There's nothing really mirthful in it though, even if Daniel brushes right past that fact, instead speaking up like he doesn't want anyone's mind to linger for even a moment too long on his initial reaction. ]

I think you might have been reading a little bit too much into that statement. [ He says it lightly, though. Like it's just a joke.

Daniel forces himself to not think about it. ]

But when it comes to ideas for simple things you could do together.. Sometimes the simple things you do together can become romantic pretty easily, you know? [ Usually he'd suggest a dinner, but..

.. you know.. vampires.. ]

The easiest way to do that is to insert something thoughtful into an everyday activity. Show that you've remembered something about him that he might not realise you've remembered. Link it to something he likes. Things like that.

[perfectdevil]

[ Reading too much into it, huh? While it’s true that Lestat will often become all too fascinated with the trees to care very much about seeing the forest, that comment in particular only makes him want to focus in a little tighter on what might be going unsaid here. Doesn’t Daniel have children? Well, it’s true that having a family does not necessarily mean a happy relationship, but Daniel is such a sweet-hearted man that Lestat finds it difficult to imagine anything else.

It’s a good thing Lestat can’t read minds over video, or he might be tempted to forego the assurances he’d made. ]

That is where it becomes difficult, you know. As vampires our memory is almost perfect, I remember every second of my life with him, and small gestures never feel enough to me.

[ He shifts his crossed legs from one to the other, in a movement that might almost be considered fidgeting, if Lestat were the kind of man to fidget. ]

… I did not grow up with a lot of romance in my life. There were no role models in my home to show me what it was supposed to look like. When I had the opportunity for love, I showed it in those small, considerate ways you speak of, but doubt was always much stronger. And after doubt comes resentment, as we all know.

[ A moment to pause. Somehow, it’s easy to spill certain tales like this to Daniel. Lestat takes a moment to wonder if talking to humans is always like this - was that why Louis had found it so easy to talk to that reporter boy? Perhaps it’s merely what Lestat can see in Daniel that makes him want to share. Who’s to say, really. ]

I worry that such small things might make him doubt how much I care; if I were to suddenly start to reel myself in, would he think I no longer have the passion for it? [ A little sigh. ] He wanted a quiet evening for his birthday, you know. Just quiet intimacy between the two of us. I knew as much before he told me, but I couldn’t resist the impulse to celebrate loudly. He made a face, but I know he enjoyed it. If I hadn’t done that, if I’d given him what he professed to want, he would have been happy, but I can’t help but think he might have wondered why I resisted.

[ Another sigh, this one a little more childishly frustrated, though it soon turns into a little chuckle as he concludes: ]

Love is certainly not easy, mon ami.

[miyagimagic]

[ Though Daniel has never thought Lestat to be vapid, this does show that he thinks rather deeply about these things. Maybe even a little too deeply, since the more Daniel listens, the more he thinks it doesn't just have to do with love not being easy. It has a little to do with Lestat himself too, and with the way he thinks about things.

.. not like he's going to say 'go to therapy' though when Daniel himself is actively refusing therapy..

So rather than focusing on that angle of it, he pauses, thinks, and then starts on: ]

You certainly aren't the only one who feels that way though. [ There we go, safer. And still true. ] It's easy to see other people and assume they are feeling much more confident about these things by nature, but.. I think everyone out there worries about their relationship, if not just a little bit. Two people in a relationship often both worry about it in different ways, or even the same way.

[perfectdevil]

[ Man, Lestat would love therapy if he knew it was a thing. An hour where he just gets to talk about himself? Sign him up.

As it is, though, Lestat is not quite accustomed to talking about his fears and concerns with such direct honesty; he’s much more accustomed to playing the role of the unflappable vampire with a devil-may-care attitude, off of whom insults and derision simply bounce back. He’s not used to telling humans how self-conscious he can be about his relationship, nor divulging how much he worries that one day Louis will grow resentful again and leave him, again.

So to hear that this is normal and that others feel this way regularly, is strangely comforting to him. He feels less isolated in all of this. Less othered, more recognised. More seen. ]

They do? [ He asks, raising a hand to run a finger under his lower lip in thought. ] I come from a time when divorce hadn’t even been invented yet, you see. Most couples I’ve seen live unhappily. I don’t want to be one of them. But talking about things like this with the person in question is so very difficult. I never imagined how hard honesty can be.