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video; un: thevampirelestat

[ 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.

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[ it is a fascinating power move, in the sense that they both have the power—Lestat in the intensity of his gaze and its laser focus on Reno's smile, and Reno in the fact that he can tell where Lestat is looking and it makes him even less inclined to stop grinning. ]

When ya put it like that it definitely sounds romantic. [ he can't help but laugh a little at that, though, because the movie itself is far sadder than it is romantic at all. Reno is just... not great at describing films. ] It ain't exactly uplifting, though. Sad all the way through, in fact... but weirdly hopeful at the end.

[ Reno thinks on it for a couple seconds, then focuses again on the screen. ]

What's your favorite? Taking out any movies about you, if there are any.

[ Lestat notices easily that Reno has picked up on his attention and is meeting it head on, with a proverbial tipped chin, refusing to be the one who backs down. Lestat also refuses, but is unwilling to keep things the same — where's the fun in that, after all — so he breaks the eye contact as easily as if he hadn't noticed their little game, to instead let them roam over the fall of Reno's hair, the shape of him stretched out like that, coyly fixing somewhere in the lower third of the screen. ]

I don't know about that. Romance can hardly be called such without a little sadness and hope. Not anything meaningful, at least.

[ Lestat settles back, posture casual; not disinterested, but definitely purposefully languid. ]

Oh, how I wish there was a movie about me. I haven't heard plans for such a thing so far, but perhaps some day someone will decide to adapt my book, or maybe when I've written my next one.[ A light little shrug. He hopes he'll be able to worm his way into playing himself some way or another. ] As for what movies I do like, I haven't seen enough to know for sure — too busy making music, you know, and I've only been in the modern world for a few months — but I like a good laugh, so probably comedy. My favourite plays and operas are humorous ones.

[ oh, these games are fun. Lestat's gaze drops, and with the way Reno's framed, that puts his line of sight squarely on Reno's throat and his collarbones, very slightly exposed by the wide neck of his shirt. in response, Reno tips his head just very slightly to the side, wondering if Lestat can see the pulse of his carotid even through the screen. ]

Only been in the modern world a few months and already a rockstar? [ that's interesting. Reno's eyebrows lift slightly, but then again, what does he know of the lifestyles and cycles of vampires. nothing at all, really. ] Straight comedy or black comedy?

[ are vampires dead? does gallows humor ring a little less funny when you're actually from the grave? ]

Makin' me want to curate a movie night.

[ Little tease, Lestat thinks before he can stop himself. He presses his tongue against the tip of a fang in the same way that a mortal might scratch their head in thought, though it's a little unclear what, exactly, he's giving so much thought to. His eyes are certainly lingering on that pulse point that he can see beating away beneath the thin flesh of Reno's throat. He really needs to learn to sate the thirst before doing things like this in future. Or not. It's not like this isn't fun. ]

Oh yes, I hate to waste time. I spent fifty years asleep before that. Going from the age of depression and steam to sex, drugs and rock and roll was quite the mood shift.

[ A little grin. It's strangely addictive how Reno seems to pick up on details others would miss, and the way he sounds so mutedly impressed while also not giving a single shit. It gets under Lestat's skin in a way he doesn't have the words to describe, which is a fascinating concept in and of itself; the autobiography writing vampire, lost for words. It makes Lestat want to tell him more, just to see how he'll react. ]

Well, any comedy, I suppose. I'm not afraid of anything risqué, if that's what you mean. [ A pause. ] Though I suppose it's reductive, even, to restrict myself to comedy alone. I like a laugh as much as I like to be moved by something romantic, as much as I like the pain of a tragedy or the excitement of something adventurous. [ And then a shrug, light and airy, while he uncrosses and recrosses his slender legs. ] I suppose I'm just greedy, I'd like to sample all of it till I'm sated and full.

[ no, this is fun. being the thing that tempts Lestat into hunger is fun, for Reno, especially now that he knows how powerfully good it feels when Lestat finally gives in to the temptation to bite. ]

Depression and steam would make me wanna go to sleep for fifty years too. [ Reno's not from Earth, although he assumes Lestat is (as so many people seem to be, here), so he has no concept of the changing economic and political tides of the places Lestat has lived... but he's very familiar with the concept of a place so depressing it makes you want to just close your eyes and wake up when it's over.

that description—until I'm sated and full—makes Reno smile again, his suggestive grin spreading slow and easy across his mouth. ] I don't find that hard to believe at all. You have... how do I say it. Diverse appetites?

[ they are talking about movies, right? ]

[ Lestat laughs like a bell, throwing his head back, letting his curls shake along with his shoulders in that way he knows most people find utterly captivating — a beautiful man enjoying himself, what's not to like? — and doesn't go to any effort whatsoever to avoid showing his fangs. ]

You're right, of course. A diverse appetite indeed, and a constant and insatiable hunger for more.

[ More, he says, the word falling from him at the very moment he opens his eyes to look at Reno again, gaze falling helplessly to his collar. He'd be embarrassed if he could spare the awareness to be anything other than ravenous in that moment. He lifts his foot, the gold tip of his boot flashing as he rests it against the coffee table before him; his foot rocks, the ball pressing down, terribly similar to how his foot had pressed down elsewhere when he'd met Reno.

Then, quite suddenly, he sits straight, manner as plain as it arguably should be for two who are practically acquaintances, eyes airily off to the side, not even gracing the screen with his attention. He giveth and he taketh away. ]

Once this movie store opens, perhaps I'll call on you when I'm spoilt for choice and in need of something unexpected. I'm sure you'll have a good recommendation in mind for me, won't you?

( Louis clears his throat. )

Shall I leave the two of you alone?

Hm?

[ Lestat snaps that airy look to Louis, and his expression shifts a little. It isn't that he looks guilty, exactly, nor does he look like he's been caught with his hand in the cookie jar... Instead, Lestat looks at Louis as if he's trying to commit the expression on his face to memory, while also studying him to try and figure out what he isn't saying. ]

I don't think that's necessary. I don't have anything to say that you can't overhear, my dear. [ He gives the view of the network, of Reno still lounging like that, a side-on glance. ] I can't speak for our friend here, however.

Nah, not at all. Stick around. [ Reno is indeed just lounging, unashamed, although there are some gears turning in his head at this point. still, he's in possession of absolutely no kind of propriety, so there's plenty of suggestion in his voice when he says, ] Plenty of fun for all of us, I promise.

[ listen, he's just a man. just a man who gets off on danger and happens to be faced currently with two extremely gorgeous vampires, one of whom just got him hard over a video call using nothing more than the suggestion of his boot at the edge of the table. what is he supposed to do besides flirt with y'all. ]

Tell me your [ he's looking at Louis, here, his gaze bright with curiosity and open interest, ] movie tastes and I'll make sure we're all satisfied, how's that?

( The complete shamelessness puts Louis on the back foot; between the two of them and their lazy, suggestive smiles, Louis' hackles are up in an instant. He's never done well at distinguishing flirtation from teasing.

It shouldn't bother him, watching Lestat seduce a meal. But he feels a strange sort of gnawing envy rising along with his thirst for blood. His expression is deliberately still, trained, studying Reno intently and remotely through the screen; a muscle works in his jaw. )

As Lestat said. My tastes are very selective.

[ Lestat can hear Louis’ pulse ticking up, can see the firming of his jaw as he clenches his teeth ever so slightly - a habit that Lestat is sure Louis hasn’t even noticed he has - and would have to be quite the monumental idiot to not understand why. He hasn’t forgotten their little fight (if it can be called that, given how it ended) after his initial run in with Reno, and he remembers clearly all Louis’ feelings of inadequacy and jealousy… but that had been before, and now their relationship has changed so much in only two weeks that it feels strangely… different, somehow. Louis isn’t storming off, after all.

Lestat reaches out a hand to Louis’ knee, squeezing pale fingers and looking only at him for the moment. Oh, he hasn’t let the view of Reno leave his periphery, of course, but his face and body are more turned toward his fellow vampire.

When he speaks, his voice is low and even. He’s still smiling, sharp and full of a thirst he can’t ignore, but his eyes are a little softer. ]

You might be surprised, mon coeur. One of the best ways to broaden your tastes is to try new things, isn’t that right?

[ as lovely as Lestat is to look at, even through the pixels of the device screen, it's Louis on whom Reno's attention focuses now. he studies the way that muscle shifts in Louis' jaw, the way Lestat touches his knee and speaks in a softer, more soothing tone.

so that's how it is, Reno thinks. Louis, much more reserved, more hesitant, being coaxed into trying something new by his—lover, Reno can only assume, looking at the way their bodies angle toward each other. ]

I ain't trying to step on anybody's toes. [ the look of naked interest on his face doesn't change, though, and he winks as soon as he's able to catch Louis' gaze. ] Just lettin' you know you have options if you want 'em.

[ this movie night metaphor is stretching a little thin for him, at this point, but hopefully Louis understands the meaning: that Reno's down for pretty much whatever, but not about to force the issue if he's not interested. or, frankly, if all Louis wanted to do was hang out and watch a film for real—Reno had enjoyed their conversation, and thinks their tastes might be similar enough. ]

And, y'know, I think you might be pleasantly surprised by my tastes.

( The most frustrating thing is that Reno is both intriguing and objectively attractive — and not, thus far, a bad conversationalist. Louis may not have the same roving gaze as Lestat, but he would be a fool not to recognize beauty when he's faced with it.

He softens somewhat at the hand on his knee, reassured and soothed by the reminder of Lestat's presence and devotion. But then that comes with an entirely different sort of nervousness: not that he'll be left behind, but that he might in fact be included. There's subtext here that Louis feels underequipped to navigate, but, for whatever it's worth, he doesn't shut it down.

He does, for a moment, look as if he might be considering attempting to duck into the wide neck of his sweater before he manages to recompose himself. )

I'm not... necessarily opposed to the idea of expanding my horizons...

[ Lestat experiences what he can only describe as his brain hiccuping. Look, alright, given everything he's already experienced from Louis and the way in which he's being almost put on the spot, Lestat had expected more of an indignant rebuttal than a sign that he might, in fact, end up coming around to... something, who knows what he's actually agreeing to here since the movie metaphor got a little muddled some time ago and Lestat certainly hasn't been thinking of movie genres for a while now--

But that's not to say he isn't terribly pleased with this new development. On the contrary, he feels almost like a dog threatened with the good time of a walk on the horizon, and he looks at Louis like he's teetering on the very edge of hanging the stars in his sky or bringing the whole thing crashing down around them both. He's also well aware that he could oh so very easily ruin this with a single wrong word, so he takes his time choosing his words before answering. ]

And what better place to do it than in the company of those eager to please?

[ He murmurs, giving Louis' knee another soft squeeze before glancing back at the screen briefly, as though silently giving Reno the heads-up to act like one might around a very skittish cat; no sudden movements, no loud noises. Y'know, a regular and very reasonable way to act around a vampire. ]

No expectation, my heart, just the opportunity to try. I can tell you already that Monsieur Reno is not the type of man to feign interest. [ Another glance at the screen, a small quirk of his mouth. ] And he's very well-behaved.

[ 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.

Edited (i just cannot abide the same icon twice in a row i'm sorry) 2023-12-01 23:00 (UTC)

( 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. )

[ 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.

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. ]

( 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. )

[ 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. ]

[ 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. ]

( 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?

[ continued here <3 ]

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video; un: thevampirelestat

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it's me, hi, i'm the problem,,,

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