Broken Promises, Broken Hearts 

(A Role Playing Game)

Players

Armand.................. Cecilia

Daniel.................. Mindi

Gabrielle............... Carla

Lestat.................. Beverly

Louis................... Deb

Marius.................. Christina

Post No 1/Armand

Armand was standing by the window in the main room of Marius' Villa in Italy. He was waiting for the Roman vampire to arrive. He smiled faintly, his maker would be surprised with his presence. Armand had been wandering around the world after Daniel left the Night Island. Little by little, all the vampires had left. The first Pandora, the last his child. Daniel had promised to return, but Armand didn't know if Daniel had come back because Armand himself was gone the next night. And then, during Lestat's adventure with the body thief, Armand had not been able to find Daniel. Indeed, he had been in New Orleans, with Louis, making him company. Armand had left just after David came to the Rue Royale to see Louis. He had not wanted to confront Lestat about his call for help. Lestat would be angry at him, and would pass judgment before even asking. Armand shivered slightly. He felt lonely. He had not seen his maker since the Roman vampire left the Night Island, worried about Pandora's wellbeing.

The noise of the door opening made Armand turn around.

"Amadeo?," Marius voice was thick, surprise reflected in his handsome features.

"Good evening Marius. I was here in Italy, so I thought I'd come to visit..."

Marius let out a sigh of relief. He had thought something was wrong with his child. "You did well to come," he said, as they both took a seat. "How are you caro?"

"I am... fine." Armand just looked down, trying in vain to find more things to say. He always felt like this in front of his maker. It had been like this in the Night Island. They had talked about Venice and Santino, and it had been so difficult. Armand started when he felt Marius' tentative touch on his shoulder.

"Are you alright?"

"Si," Armand stood up and walked towards the window again.

"No, you are not."

Armand turned around to face his maker. "I think I should go," he said. "I just wanted to see you... Now I know you are O.K."

Marius was on his feet at once. "Don't go Amadeo. Please."

Post No 2/Marius

Pleased with his purchase, Marius had started out for his Villa. The Italian air was cool and aromas of jasmine and olives intermingled with the breeze flowing throughout the market. The tall vampire took his time as he walked through the numerous stalls lining the street which were filled with everything from pickled onions to rare books by Plutarch and Cicero. He could not help but smile as he took great care to not bump too hard into the bodies of the mortals brushing against him as he made his way back home. Eager to get home and start perusing through the book he carried underneath his arm, his pace quickened unbeknownst to him.

Every night had been similar to this one since he had left the Night Island. Marius did not even know why he left when it come down to it. True, Pandora had worried him tremendously. Each night she seemed more dead to the world around her, and he had been unable to help her. She had not wanted his help, and when he left to find her and to help her he knew this. Maybe his leaving the Island had more to do with his child. The blond haired vampire let a sigh escape his lips. When he had first seen Amadeo again, so many emotions had risen. Yet, he had been unable to open fully to Amadeo. True, there had been nights where his child and him had taken leave of everyone at the Island to talk alone usually on the beach far away from everyone else. Those nights had been painfully hard remembering, answering, and atoning for all that had happened since those happy nights in Venice so long ago. Whereas, Marius had been aching to know and rediscover his child again a silence would swallow his every attempt to try to talk to Amadeo. Standing before each other would only result in silence or worse casual conversation which went no further than "Hello, how are you?" His child was no longer a child. Pandora's leaving the coven served finally as only an excuse to get away. A sting of guilt rose in his chest.

His journey had ended. The villa overlooked the village on a large hill surrounded by olive trees. Secluded, but not too secluded. No more hiding from the world in order to protect Those who Must Be Kept. The villa was airy allowing the Mediterranean air to flow through the house-- Marius stopped in his tracks. Someone was here, one of his own kind with an impenetrable mind. His heart quickened. Slowly, he turned the handle to the door of his sitting room. His heart stopped when he saw his auburn haired child standing still and quiet before him.

Sitting the book down, he could only manage, "Amadeo." The pure joy his heart felt when his eyes met with those soft brown ones. So like an angel; a wounded angel. Marius did not know whether to be worried or happy because of his sudden appearance. They were sitting now and Marius could not remember when they had even sat. The same pleasantries flowed between them both, but something was not right. He could not help reaching out to touch Armand's shoulder. Then as soon as the illusion had appeared, his child was up on his feet leaving.

Rising Marius walked briskly to Armand. "Caro... please stay. Let's talk. Something is bothering you," Marius' voice pleading ever so slightly. Marius' first instinct was that he had been gone for so long that something had happened with Armand which he was not aware. After all so much attention had always been given to Lestat's happenings. Not to mention the ruckus he had now caused with his experiences with the body thief. Armand's face remained blank, but Marius could see his child giving much thought to his plea. A small wrinkle formed just above the bridge of his child's nose. Without thinking, Marius raised a finger to smooth his child's brow, "Please stay caro... please do not worry about whatever is bothering. I could help, caro." Such soft skin which sent impulses up and down Marius' spine. He ran his hand down Armand's jaw before withdrawing.

Post No 3/Daniel

Daniel held his coat protectively around him in the night. After leaving the Island he'd been wandering around aimlessly, like he'd done as a mortal. The only difference was that Armand would not be coming to find him. First he'd gone to Italy, to the Villa of Mysteries, where he sat for most a full night. Enjoying the sensations of his new found life. He left not long after that, too different without his maker, without his companion Armand. Eventually he'd returned. It was in Italy that he'd heard of Lestat's actions with that bastard James. How he'd longed to go, to comfort Louis, but Armand would be there, he just knew it, and he couldn't face Armand then, he knew that eventually Armand would be leaving him, leaving him in the cold, while he went to Marius. Not that he held a grudge against Marius for this. He'd seen Marius once or twice, just in passing, using all his power to keep Marius from noticing him, or at least he hoped he had. On this night, he saw Marius, and decided he'd been alone long enough, he needed people to talk to also. He approached the door of the Villa nervous, on the Island he'd not spoken much to Marius, what should he say to his creator's lover? With his heart in his throat he knocked. Slowly the door opened by Marius, "Marius..." Then his heart lept for joy, Armand was there! Armand had finally come. Without thinking, he wrapped Armand in a hug, just to feel his slight frame in his arms once again.

"Armand, where have you been...please, I came back to the Island and you were gone again damn it...don't cast me away. I understand you love Marius, but we are at least friends, and you brought me over, you have to love me in some sense, if not as a son."

Post No 4/Louis

Louis sat quietly in the courtyard of the Rue Royale. His hair was loose about his shoulders; the nighttime breeze sofly playing with the strands. His eyes were closed as he relaxed in the moonlight. He was in his favorite clothes. A faded pair of jean and a worn sweater. His thoughts were focused mainly on Lestat. Louis found himself wondering where his maker had gone tonight. Since their reunion in the 20th century, Lestat had managed to try to kill himself in the Gobi desert, exchanged bodies with a mortal and made another vampire. Lestat had now been gone for two days. Louis was getting concerned about what kind of trouble Lestat was getting into now. Louis only hoped that whatever Lestart was doing, he would not bring him another new brother. David was enough for the time being. Louis did miss Lestat, but it was difficult for him to tell Lestat that. He hoped his maker would return soon.

Post No 5/Gabrielle

She was wandering the woods, the blue and green trees were all she had seen in months, since the day she decided to leave the Night Island. She had sort of liked the place in the start, but freedom and independence were such a strong call in her heart... besides, then Louis left and Lestat after him, the perfect ocasion for her to go away. Of course she had missed some of them, especially the fledgling Jesse, who was just too curious about the French vampire. First that was annoying but she ended liking her company and considering her a friend. Not forgetting cute old Khayman, yeah, that good fellow was 6000 years old but strong as a fledgling! After the night they spent in the sea they had become very friends, always trying to understand each other but always missing the point, anyway he was a lovely vamp she most certainly would enjoy to see again. And of course there was the new adquisition of the coven, Daniel Molloy. Now *he* was gorgeous, his hair, his eyes, Gabrielle noticed him since he was the only one in the whole coven who was excited about being a vampire when Akasha was threatening to kill them all. He was amazing. He was also very friendly and such a flirter...of course Armand's message about Daniel for everyone was clear: "Keep your fangs for yourselves". But he would not be a fledgling forever, now, would he?

Anyway, past was past and now there she was, living the way she chose to live, enjoy every little bit of it, without regrets, though.

:Gabrielle...: she felt a tiny ashamed voice in her head, she stopped in her tracks.

:Jessica? Jesse, is it you?:

:Oh Gabrielle I'm so happy I finaly reached you, there's something you need to know, I should have told your before but I wasn't allowed, I was not able to make my mind upon it till now:

:What's up? You seem kind of nervous, tell me:

Suddenly a series of images flowed in Gabrielle's head, her son and a tall handsome dark man, the Body Thief, now her son was trapped in that body...no, trapped no, exchange? Lestat, are you nuts?! Tramp. Gotcha. He needs help, the coven, the elders..."Leave him alone, may this be his punishment, once and for all", how dare you? Punishment! What he needs is blood! Louis won't help him, he thinks this is in his own benefit, not to blame Louis, he really thought he was helping him, doing his best for him..."The brat's mother would give him the blood at once, do not call her, this is going to be a lesson" Shut up Marius! How dare you make that decision in my name! His back. All over, thanks an old kind mortal...David Talbot...they defeated the Body Thief, the mortal is in the gorgeous body! Young again! LESTAT!!! You just couldn't help yourself mon fils...you are unbelievable...David the fledgling...

Gabrielle reclined her back over a tree, she was speechless, Lestat, he went through that all without a bit of compassion from any member of the coven...

:Gabrielle, I'm sorry...Marius and Maharet forbid me to tell you before, I don't think they would have allowed you to help him, anyway:

:It's not your fault mon chere, not your fault...:

:What are you going to do?:

:Seek for them, I need to hear it all from my son's lips.

Is David with them?:

:Not, he is here:

:OK, that's good. You both rather stay in Sonoma. Thanks for telling me Jesse, I won't forget:

:I won't *allow* you to forget!:

And with her easy dear laugh she was gone, leaving Gabrielle with her thoughts. Marius and Maharet didn't allow anyone to call her? She did not expect great thing from Maharet, but Marius! He had promised her he would take care of Lestat! He did in the Night Island! He betrayer, no, don't make asumptions, she decided Lestat was not the only one she had to talk to, better to get in her way, she at once started her way out of the beautiful forests...

Post No 6/Armand

Marius' touch sent shivers through Armand's body. He closed his eyes, trying to get ahold of himself. He could not surrender to this emotions. Whatever had happened between them so long ago, was finished. Armand could not allow himself to be hurt again. He opened his eyes and fixed them in his maker, his expression blank, the cool mask he always wore again in place. The look of regret in Marius' face was almost painful to see, but he could do nothing about it.

"I have been... looking for Daniel," Armand said lightly. "Have you seen him?"

"No," said Marius, the pain visible in his blue eyes. "I thought you two were together."

"He left the Island short after Khayman," said Armand, his eyes fixed in the night. "He promised he would call. I suppose he forgot."

"Amadeo..."

"I have to go, Marius. It was... good to see you..."

A knock at the door stopped further words, and Marius went to open it. A quite pale and disheveled Daniel stepped in. "Marius... ," He started to say, but then he saw Armand and rushed inside, crushing his maker to him in a fierce embrace.

<i>"Armand, where have you been...please, I came back to the Island and you were gone again damn it...don't cast me away. I understand you love Marius, but we are at least friends, and you brought me over, you have to love me in some sense, if not as a son."</i>

"Daniel...," Armand just held his child close, breathing in his familiar scent. "I... missed you," he said softly.

"I was going to call, I swear but..."

"Hush, it doesn’t matter. You are here now."

Marius closed the door silently, as Armand guided Daniel inside the house. He watched how lovingly Armand took off his fledgling’s coat and brushed a few tendrils of hair from Daniel’s forehead. Such intimacy in their gestures. He felt out of place.

Post No 7/Marius

Daniel had brushed passed Marius as if he was not even in the room. The Roman vampire's heart felt heavy as he closed the door behind his child's fledgling. Closing his eyes, he pressed his forehead against the door before turning to watch Armand take Daniel's coat. Watching their intimate gestures and hearing their soft voices made Marius feel like an outsider. He let out a sigh; he was completely out of touch with his child. His chest had tightened... was it from jealousy, or just regret? Looking away from the reunion, the blond vampire clasped his hands together till the two before him broke their embrace. The sparkle in Armand's eye had returned as soon as the ashen haired vampire rushed past Marius.

"Please stay as long as you both will. I would be honored to have you both here," his voice seemed to come from him as if it were not his own, "I need to go out and my outing will give you both some time to decide if you would like to take up my invitation." There was no denying that he had to get out of this house. The air seemed to have left the room leaving Marius to feel lightheaded. He was sure that the pair would leave, and he hoped he would not have to see his child leave. "I am very glad you are here Daniel," the words left his mouth devoid of any emotion. As he turned to leave, his eyes caught gaze with those large brown eyes. Managing a smile, he nodded forcing himself to walk out the door.

Post No 8/Lestat

Lestat hesitated before opening the door to the town house on Royale he shared again with Louis. Two nights had passed since they had last met, Lestat having spent the time in San Francisco alone with his thoughts. Ever since they had returned to New Orleans Louis had been slightly distant, nothing Lestat could pinpoint but the atmosphere sometimes was a little cool. David, that was who was causing the rift. Every time Lestat tried to bring him into the conversation and explain to Louis why he had made him, Louis shook his head and changed the subject quickly. How the hell was he supposed to make things right when Louis wouldn't even listen?

The events leading up to his near brush with death in the Gobi desert had not helped much either, Louis was very hurt that Lestat had even thought of the idea of killing himself without speaking to him first. Lestat sighed and walked silently through the house, the tick of the clock the only sound to break the stillness.

Louis was outside in the courtyard, sitting on the stones with his back to the old wall. His eyes were closed and his hair fell softly across his face. The old sweater he wore covered his arms and hands as he sat like a small child that had been scolded. Lestat felt a rush of love.

"Hi, my love," Lestat spoke softly so as not to startle his

fledgling.

Louis opened his eyes and smiled.

"Hello Lestat." He hugged his knees tightly and a shadow crossed his face. "You decided to come back then? Any surprises I should know about?"

Lestat thought he heard a twinge of bitterness in his voice. "How much longer are you going to punish me for things that happened in the past?" Lestat's voice was a whisper.

Louis stood up and walked across the courtyard, the night breeze whipping tendrils of his hair around his face. He stopped in front of Lestat and gazed into his makers' eyes, " I do not mean to be bitter, Lestat, but I have to learn to trust you again, just give me time."

Lestat watched as Louis entered the house, gently closing the door behind him.

Post No 9/Louis

Louis rested against the closed door and sighed. Why could he not trust Lestat? Why was he so bitter? Louis had not really earned Lestat's trust in the past. Any trust that he might have earned certainly should have been destroyed when Louis stood by while Claudia had tried to kill him, but it didn't appear to be that way. Then Louis had betrayed Lestat again by not helping him with the Body Thief. But Louis was certain he was doing the right thing by refusing Lestat. Pushing himself away from the door, Louis impatiently flicked his hair from his face and strode purposefully towards his study. If Louis did not put his bitterness aside and find a way to trust Lestat again, he knew he would lose him. "And I will not lose him now. I love him. If Lestat can trust me after all this, I've got to find a way to trust him." Reaching his study, Louis walked to his bookcase and selected a book to read for the evening. He thought that perhaps a good book would help him forget his problems for a while. After

settling himself in a chair, Louis tried to concentrate on his book but realized that no book would be able to take his mind off Lestat. Closing his eyes, Louis thought back to the few words his had exchanged with Lestat. Louis had told Lestat that he needed time, but he didn't know how much time he would have. His mind thought of the questions he had asked himself many times before. How long will I keep making him pay for his mistakes? How much time will Lestat give me? What do we do about David? So intent on his thoughts, that Louis never heard Lestat come back into the house, until he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Can I ask you something, Lestat?"

"Of course."

Louis looked up into Lestat's eyes and saw...what was that? Affection?

"Where were you these past few days?"

"In San Francisco."

As Louis broke eye contact, Lestat kneeled down in front of Louis but made no move to embrace or touch him. Lestat sensed that Louis had more questions. As if to confirm his suspicion, Louis queried, "What were you doing there?"

"Thinking." It was the only answer Lestat could give.

Although Louis was afraid of hearing the answer to his next question, he needed to ask it, "Thinking about what?"

Post No 10/Lestat

"About our past, our present," and here Lestat hesitated, "our future. Do we have a future, Louis?"

Louis tried hard to concentrate on the cover of the book he was trying to read. He raised his eyes to Lestat's and was instantly drawn into their smoky depths. "I will not let myself be hurt by you again," Louis said sadly, and with that he stood up and replaced the book on the shelf.

Lestat was still kneeling on the floor as Louis shut the door behind him. Lestat sat without moving for a few moments, his mind was in turmoil. At least Louis had not stated that they had no future. He sat back on his heels and pondered the dilemma, how could he win back Louis' affections? Suddenly a slow smile graced his lips and he knew, old fashioned courtship, that was the answer.

Post No 11/Daniel

<I>He watched how lovingly Armand took off his fledgling's coat and brushed a few tendrils of hair from Daniel's forehead.</I> How Daniel relished in the feel of his maker's touch, leaning into the touch. He never felt so close to Armand as he did now, but he had also never felt so alone. He'd been here in Italy, with Marius, he went to Marius first. Of course Daniel knew the past between his maker, Armand, and Marius but still, he'd like to think that Armand cared for him too. He had brushed past Marius wtihout a greeting, and now, just as he was about to turn

and apologize for his rudeness, Marius said something about leaving. "I'm sorry Marius, I've been rude. Please forgive me. I'm being an ungracious guest." His words interrupted Marius' departure, and a smile between Marius and Armand.

After Marius had left, "Okay Armand, we're both sorry for not staying in contact, and for breaking that promise. But where do we go from here?" Armand said nothing at first, just looked into his eyes with his brown eyes, and held him. Daniel relaxed against his makers shoulder, holding tightly to Armand. Armand would leave him again, no matter love or not, of this he was sure. He had to steel himself for this departure, but first, he would relish in the feel of holding, and being held for just a bit longer. Finally, after about fifteen minutes of silence, Daniel broke the silence, "You'll leave me again won't you?"

Post No 12/Marius

All at once, he felt chilly. The air that swept around him did not warm his body, but instead chilled him even more so. His white hand clutched around his waist. So where off to now, Marius he thought to himself. How much time would be appropriate to leave his child with Daniel to talk? Ah, but that was the clincher. Armand was no longer his, was he? Too many years had passed without each other. Marius had ceased to be of any importance to his own fledgling. After all, Armand had come to Italy to ask him if he knew where Daniel was. There was nothing left of his Amadeo-- Amadeo had been his child, his beloved. So much temptation to tap into that violet- eyed child's thoughts to see what was happening back at the Villa. But of course he would not even dare to do so.

Who was he to interfere? Marius knew he had lost all rights to interference with Armand's life. In order to not concentrate on what was going on back at his villa, the vampire counted his steps on the cobblestone. Purposefully, he let each step strike onto the stone...heel to toe...heel to toe. Blocking out all the sounds of the cities, the mortals around him for the tapping of his feet on the road. Heel to toe.. heel to toe, trying to loose himself in time so the minutes would not feel like hours. How long he did just this, he did not know. If the road had not ended into sand, he would not have broken out of his reverie. Slipping

out of his leather shoes, he stepped back into the sand letting the tiny grains sneak their way in between his toes. The water was still making few waves. Stepping a little further onto the sand, Marius sank to his knees and then laid down. His head resting on his folded arms. The stars filled the Mediterranean sky with tiny sparkling lights. Not a cloud in sight. The moon full. A part of the elder vampire wished both his child and Daniel would be gone by the time he went back to the Villa. Better than having to look at the soft face and large brown eyes of his child when Armand would tell him that he was leaving. Much better that way. For the next few minutes, his blue eyes darted across the sky trying to count each and every star. Each time miscounting, his lips crooked into a smile. At least something is still impossible for me to do, he thought as he rose back to his feet. Truly, they would have had enough time by now. After all, Daniel seemed as if he did not require a lot of explanation and apologies. Wiping his feet, he slid back on his shoes and headed back to the Villa.

Post No 13/Armand

<i>"You'll leave me again won't you?"</i> Daniel's words startled him. It had felt so good just to have his fledgling in his arms, just to feel him near... But the spell was broken, old misunderstandings coming between them again as an invisible wall neither of them could get rid of. Armand withdrew from Daniel's arms and saw the accusation in the beautiful violet eyes. And Armand felt guilty, and the pain he had briefly forgotten came rushing into his soul.

Daniel stood up and grabbing Armand's shoulders shook him roughly. "Answer me!"

Armand's hand was in Daniel's neck at once and the young vampire prepared himself for whatever would happen. But the slim hand only caressed Daniel's skin and with his other hand pulled the younger vampire to himself, kissing him fiercely. Daniel trembled in his maker's arms, not daring to react, fearing the moment would end.

It would be so easy to lose himself in his fledgling's arms, in his love... But suddenly Armand felt suffocated. He was losing control, and that he could not allow to happen. Not even with Daniel. He pushed his fledgling away gently, and standing up managed a small smile.

"You are right, Daniel," Armand heard his own voice as in a dream. "I must go..." And before the stunned Daniel could react, the auburn-haired vampire was gone.

Post No 14/Gabrielle

God she hated airplanes. They were smelly and noisy. Not that she couldn't fly...she had tried that trick all by herself when she left the Night Island. Khayman's blood was strong and powerful. Anyway, that time she had realized that her flying seemed ballerina's jumping and that she would need a teacher for that. Besides flying was not the main thing now. The plane was awful and she was starving, besides, next to her sat a man with long blue hair and black leather jacket. He had about five earrings in each ear, others in his nose and in his tongue and in his cheek. Gabrielle would have loved to explore his body seeking for more of the interesting jewels. But he was a moron, he kept asking her if she cared for marijuana, LSD or a Marilyn Manson concert. When he went to the bathroom Gabrielle followed, he was alone taking his drugs when a wildcat like creature took the life out of him. Gabrielle knew how to make it all seem because of the excess of drugs, he was really a tasty one, she was dizzy when she went back to her seat, she was seeing Marius' face in the air, she tried to snatch it a couple of times, but only slapped the head of a huge old lady in the front seat.

When the plane arrived to Italy she came down half dead (ironic, wasn't it?), she had no head for drugs, she could only dedicate to the drunk ones. She was only wearing a bluejean and a shirt, very casual. Her uncombed hair free, her blue eyes dream-like, and a little suitcase in her hand. She had to find Marius, no matter if she seemed someone who just walked out from a Woodstock nightmare, she took a cab and without her ever saying a word the chauffeur knew exactly were Marius' place was and began driving towards it. She rested in the back seat. Maybe she should feed from someone who just had a few bottles of coffe before going to fight the master...

Post No 15/Marius

The Villa was not too far in the distance, but nevertheless Marius was too worn out from the events of the night to continue walking. With a mere thought, he rose into the night sky until he lowered himself easily down onto his bedroom balcony. With a click, the doors leading into the bedroom opened. Soundlessly, he wandered into his room. The villa was quiet. Like feathers, he scanned the house. Daniel was still downstairs; his thoughts confused. He could not feel if his child still remained. Damned dark gift, he thought to himself perturbed. The ability to hear and feel the presence of any other vampires thoughts and being, any vampire, except one's own fledglings. His chest rose as he

took a deep breath. Out the door, down the stairs, remain optimistic Marius he coached himself as he grasped the banister leading downstairs. The door to the sitting room where he had left his child and Daniel stood open. Inside, his eyes rested upon Daniel's back. The young vampire had his arms crossed and appeared to be looking out the window.

The Roman vampire did not even need to scan the room to know Armand had left. His heart fell. Why Amadeo? Why leave? The fledgling before him was so deep in thought he never felt Marius's presence in the room. For a moment Marius himself remained paralyzed. He had expected the two reunited lovers to leave, but he had not expected for Armand to leave alone. Of course, it had to have been something he had said when he had found Armand here. Was he not welcoming enough? Did he not say enough? Had he shown some sort of hostility towards Daniel? A barely audible sigh escaped from him. It had to have been something he had said or did not say. Why else would Daniel not have gone with his maker. His heart heavy he moved closer to the still vampire before him and squeezed Daniel's shoulder. "I am sorry, Daniel...I," but nothing more came out.

Post No 16/Daniel

Armand had left him again, just when Daniel had felt they were getting somewhere, finally getting all the emotions and all the problems sorted out, Armand up and leaves him. He'd stood in shock, utterly alone, and no idea in hell what he should do. As he stood there thinking, suddenly a hand squeezed his shoulder, and he hadn't felt anyone come in. Whirling around he found himself face to face with Marius. 'I'm sorry Daniel...' Drawing himself up, "You have no reason to be sorry Marius, you didn't do anything. Armand comes and goes when he wants." Still,

despite his calm words, he was upset and hurting. "I guess

I'll be on my way no, there is no reason to bother you really, and maybe if I'm not here he'll come back to you. It's you he loves, not me." With these words he drew himself up and started to leave. With one last burning look to where Armand had stood not an hour prior, he left. Once outside he took a deep calming breath, enjoying the gentle night air.

"Damn him anyway...why should I wait for him to come back to me when he isn't coming back. I have to go on with my life, maybe travel again..."

Post No 17/Gabrielle

She walked a long time before she even got to see Marius' place. She was still a bit dizzy for her last snack, but she was almost completely over it. Yet, the night was to be over soon and she had to do what she came to do. She rushed with her vampiric speed towards Marius'. Even though she was going to fast for human eyes to notice her, she felt a couple of strong and cold arms stopping her in her tracks.

"What the...?" she whispered, trying to put a face in her captiving ghost.

"You just can't keep knocking people off their feet..." she heard a voice which was both delicate and strong. An scream of this one would be like a whisper from her son. She looked up and saw his flashing eyes.

"Daniel?"

"I'm honored you remember me, Marquise. Would you mind at all if I ask you why are you in such a hurry you don't even notice a fellow vamp?"

She knew he intended it like a sarcastic joke, yet the way he said it...he seemed so much in pain. She hadn't heard words spoken with such a passion since...well, a long, long time ago. He wasn't the playful brat she met back in Akasha's time.

"I need to talk to Marius. We have an unsolved problem."

"I doubt he's expecting your visit."

"So do I." They spoke easily yet both hiding their own stuff. She was so shocked still for the change she noticed in Daniel that she forgot to get rid of his arms, not that she did when she noticed that "What is bothering you, kid?"

Daniel was pretty amazed by the question, but he should have expected that and more from Gabrielle de Lioncourt.

"I really don't wish to talk about that right now. Besides it's late, it might be for the best that you speak to Marius another night."

"No way." Gabrielle got serious at once, remembering why she ever went there in the first place. Cold as ice, she got rid of Daniel's gentle casual embrace and walked firmly towards the door. She was about to kick the damn thing of when she felt Daniel's arms again. He took her from the back and forced her away from the door "Let go of me, you...!"

"Wait!" Daniel was dying there, but it was obvious Gabrielle wasn't going to see Marius out of friendship, Marius wouldn't be able to confront her after what happened with Armand, whatever she wanted to discuss, her mind was like a column too high for him to reach without permission "Not tonight!"

"Leave me alone, OK? This is nothing of your bussiness!" she said pushing Daniel backwards "You are still young, so I will forget you even tried to stop me, go back to your maker before he gets worried!" she began walking to the door again.

"Gabrielle!" she turned with her mind up in scaring the hell out of the fledgling, no matter how cute he was, but then she saw the sad and utterly heartbreaking gaze that appeared when she ever mentioned his maker. 'So that's the way it goes.' she thought "Please, whatever it is, can't you wait? Please?" she stared at him for a while. What he could have guessed in her face like doubt was really tireness from a night long as hell. He wanted to leave, he was tired, yet he didn't want her to go in yet "You have no idea of what got on here. In your face I see that you came to try to kick some Roman ass, and I know you think you can make it, you thought that of Akasha as well, I remember."

"And I remember you laughing."

"Now I'm excusing. Listen, wait a night, a bloody night. If not for Marius, if not for me, for yourself. I'm feeling sleepy here, I bet so are you, let's rest, tomorrow we can talk about your problem with Great Master M, and if after that you still want to fight, I'll bring you to his door, I swear. If you go in now anyway, you'll just fell asleep over him, you know?"

She looked at him for a while. He was really the cutest one. But she had to act like herself in here.

"First: I can kick as much asses as I want, just watch me. Second: I'm not a fledgling, OK? You and I do not sleep at the same hour little Daniel. Third: Tonight, as a favor to you, I'll do as you ask. Fourth: I'll tell you my story, you'll tell me yours with Great Masters...A&M is my guess?" she said kinda smiling, but he didn't know her enough to notice that yet.

"As the Marquise wishes," he said, smiling openly for the first time, making a weird bow and taking her arm in his' "I think we have a good and long sleep ahead..."

Post No 18/Lestat

The following evening, Lestat, as usual, arose before Louis. He lit the fire in the drawing room and drew the curtains against the night. Then he settled himself in his favourite wing back chair and waited for his fledgling. Gazing into the flames Lestat found his eyes closing with the warmth. Just for a moment he thought as he gave in to the feeling. With a start he opened his eyes, as the grandfather clock struck 3am. The fire had gone out and the room was cold and dreary. Lestat stood up, a slight annoyance grinding in his head. Louis? Where the hell are you? The feeling of annoyance turned to anger, as after searching the whole house, Lestat realised that Louis had left that evening without even saying hello.

Post No 19/Louis

Louis had retired to his room immediately after he and Lestat had met in his study. He didn't want to think about Lestat right now. Getting himself ready for bed, he hoped that he would be able to make Lestat understand that he just needed time. Time to learn to trust again. Upon waking the next evening, he dressed in a pair of jeans and a silk shirt. As he made his way downstairs, he heard the unmistakable sounds of a fire crackling. He entered the drawing room and saw Lestat asleep in the wing black chair facing the fireplace. He looked so peaceful, so content. He started to approach Lestat to wake him. As he got closer, he saw the soft shadows that the firelight cast on Lestat's face. Louis could see himself falling for that face. He knew he had to leave and leave now. Quickly, he turned around and headed towards the door. He hesitated, glancing back into the drawing room, wondering if he should disturb Lestat to tell him he was leaving for the evening. Although he needed to be alone, he didn't want to worry Lestat. Louis also realized if he did wake Lestat, he would probably not be able to leave by himself. Finally deciding that it was more important for him to have this time to himself than to wake Lestat, he made his way to the front of the townhouse and left without saying a word. Closing the door softly behind him, Louis began to wonder away from the house he had been sharing with Lestat. He had no real destination in mind, he just wanted time and space. Louis feelings for Lestat were complicated, to say the least. He wondered if it was possible to love someone and yet not trust him. It would appear that it was possible. He loved Lestat beyond any doubt, but was love enough? What was love without trust? Louis wanted to trust Lestat, but he didn't. He wanted to be able to tell Lestat anything and everything, but he couldn't. Louis lost all track of time. He finally sat down on a park bench to rest. His thoughts were still in turmoil. Hours past and still Louis sat, thinking. Finally decided he should return home, he stood and took notice of the night around him. He was astonished to find that dawn was only an hour away. Lestat would be so worried and angry with him. Deciding to get whatever confrontation there might be over with, Louis made his way home at a brisk pace.

Post No 20/Lestat

Lestat was waiting for Louis to return, anxiously. Finally, as the sky began to lighten, Lestat heard the click of the door as Louis came home.

"Had an interesting night?" Lestat shouted through the closed drawing room door. He felt abandoned and angry, and tried to keep his feelings under control.

"I didn't want to wake you as you were sleeping," Louis said quietly, as he entered the room.

"How very convenient for you," Lestat muttered under his breath, but Louis had heard, a flash of hurt crossed his face.

Lestat chastised himself inwardly for acting like the brat he was.

Louis hovered in the doorway, clearly uncomfortable. "I have

to retire, Lestat, it is late for me."

"A good excuse to discontinue our conversation!" Lestat started to say, but Louis interrupted, "why do you feel the need to belittle me at every opportunity?" His eyes hazy as he spoke.

Lestat replied, "ever since our return to this house you have kept me away from your side. All I ask is for your company and trust."

Louis was silent for a moment before he answered. "I would do anything for you, Lestat, but to trust you after David, is so difficult."

Lestat laughed softly, "Back to David, again!" He caught Louis' eyes on his face and made eye contact. Louis was very sleepy, his eyes had misted slightly, and he was holding onto the door in his effort to keep awake. So easy to take him upstairs and into your bed, Lestat, so easy to take a little drink of the nectar in his veins before the dawn came... Lestat pushed this feeling away reluctantly, he had promised himself not to force Louis into a more intimate relationship.

"Go to bed, Louis," he said quietly.

Lestat waited for a few moments before deciding to follow Louis upstairs. A hunger was clawing away inside him. You didn't feed tonight, Lestat, not a very bright move from one who revelled in the hunt. As he passed the small table in the hallway, he saw an envelope under the onyx paperweight.

The tickets for the Paris ballet! He had ordered them weeks ago; Louis must have picked them up from the mat when he returned. Now all he had to do was convince Louis to accompany him in two nights time. Lestat sighed as he closed the door to his bedroom. A ballet, the most boring of all art forms, then a wicked grin graced his face. It was worth the boredom just to watch Louis from the corner of his eye, how he loved the music and the dancers. Maybe after the show was finished, Louis would feel a little closer to him.