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uozlulu · 9 months

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Fic. IwtV AMC. Swallow My Fang at Night Island. Human AU. Explicit.

Character(s)/Relationship(s) Alice, Armand, Daniel, Daniel's daughters, Lestat, Louis, Marius; Devil's Minion, Loustat(background) Genre Alternate Universe/Drama/Romance Rating Explicit Word Count 12,318 Disclaimer As this is fanfiction, I do not hold copyright to the source material(s) nor do I claim that I do. This is for free entertainment purposes only. Summary Human AU. It's the dawn of a new millennium. Daniel is newly divorced, almost fifty, and dealing with his daughters' troubles at school. Armand is one of his daughter's teachers. The instant they meet, Armand decides Daniel will be his and Daniel finds himself equally intrigued despite his better judgement. Warning(s) language, alcohol, workplace homophobia, mention of masturbation, food consumption, sex Notes Saw an ask on Tumblr about how Zaman has high school teacher vibes and someone in the reblogs was like “Someone should write an AU where Armand is a high school teacher at the school Daniel’s daughters go to,” and my brain just went “I volunteer!” and immediately began flinging plot points and pretty much the entire AU at me. Since we don’t have any canon anything about the daughters, I just decided to continue using my concept of them until I stand corrected. While I was watching the show I for some reason came under the impression that Alice is the first wife but not the girls’ mom (can’t remember why I thought this, but it was before my brain went “What if Alice is Armand?”) but for this fic, Alice is the girls’ mom. Decided to make Daniel about a year older than he probably is in show canon so then I could set this during the 2000 – 2001 school year instead of the 2001 – 2002 school year for obvious reasons. That said, I have never been to NYC so apologies in advance if I get some nuance wrong. As you might suspect, my greatest writing weakness are my titles. This one will make sense in due course.

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Swallow My Fang at Night Island

The new millennium was not even a year old. It was almost nineteen years since Daniel Molloy started down the path to giving up illegal drugs. It was fourth months since his twenty-year marriage ended. He had a weekly political column in syndication and he was on the first draft of his fourth book. Both of his daughters were now in the same private high school. It was one week into the new school year and Daniel was on his eighth parent-teacher meeting of the afternoon. His ex, Alice, was the secretary to one of the busiest and most powerful lawyers in the city, so he had to attend alone.

Daniel settled onto a small stool in front of the French teacher’s desk. Louis de Point du Lac was young and striking. An LSU alumni calendar sat atop his desk. He stared at Daniel through his lashes and then reached into his desk drawer. He placed a half-empty pack of cigarettes on top of his desk.

“Shit,” Daniel murmured.

“Luckily Mandy just turned eighteen or this would be an instant expulsion,” Louis said. “Unfortunately, there is a three day suspension.”

Daniel stared at the pack a long moment. He was fifteen when he took up smoking decades ago and forty-five when he finally managed to quit. He suspected this was not a new habit for his older daughter. His lips drew into a fine line. When he was not writing a book, he researched the next and barely at home. During the trial separation over the last two years, he only really saw his daughters on holidays. He had not noticed a thing.

Louis leaned closer and spoke in a low voice, “Or it would be, if I reported it.”

Daniel’s gaze returned to him.

“My sister Claudia is good friends with Mandy. She told me about the divorce. We also have a new headmistress who over-reacts to imperfection, so it’s best she not get involved.” Louis pulled a printout from a stack on his desk and handed it to Daniel. It was entirely in French. “I want Mandy to turn in a five-page paper by Friday and to think before she brings these to school again. Alright?”

“Yeah,” Daniel said. “Does she know about this?”

“She knows there will be consequences,” Louis said. “I wanted her to sweat it out today.”

There was a knock at the door and then the choir director breezed into the room as if accompanied by his own theme music. Lestat was a little older than Louis was and his hair always looked as perfect as he strove to make his choirs. “Louis, I need your attention on an important matter.”

Daniel immediately rose from the stool and slipped the cigarettes into his pocket. “Anything else?”

“That’s all,” Louis said. He stood. “Thanks for coming in.”

“It is not all for me,” Lestat said as his gaze fell on Daniel. “Your eldest daughter has been ignoring my advice again. Her voice keeps deteriorating. If she cannot give up her vices, I will have to cast another girl as Christine in the musical. I do not wish to do this since my next option is a little shrill on the high notes.”

“I can imagine. I’m sure Mandy knows,” Daniel said.

“Then she must follow my advice,” Lestat said. “Her antics jeopardize our position as national choir champions this spring as well.”

Daniel nodded. “I’ve got another meeting.” He waved to both Louis and Lestat before heading down the hallway. He sighed to himself and rubbed the bridge of his nose with his free hand. Mandy might have two teachers disappointed in her, but his younger daughter, Jess, had at least six of hers disappointed and he highly suspected her seventh teacher would be too. Daniel was not looking forward to the trip back to Alice’s apartment after meeting with him.

Armand taught English, Community theater, and Drama at the same private school where Louis and Lestat worked. Normally he would have left work by now, but he had a meeting with a parent first. He stood in the middle of his classroom and placed a hand on his heart as he spoke his monologue in his head. He stepped from desk chair to desk chair that impeded his blocking and easily dropped down to a different aisle. He finished his monologue and looked at the clock.

Someone knocked at the classroom door. Armand returned to his desk and faced the door. “Enter.”

Immediately the door opened and the world seemed to pause as Daniel entered the classroom. Gray hair created tiny paths through dark curls. His eyes were almost a violet shade of blue. Armand saw Daniel so many times in their borough and even now, Armand could not look away as he finally put a name to his face. “Are you Mr. Molloy?”

Daniel seemed to return to the classroom from his own thoughts. He licked his lips and then entered the room, letting the door quietly close behind him. “Yeah.” He cleared his throat and his voice became stronger, “You must be Mr. Armand.”

Armand’s eyes lingered a moment longer. “That’s what the students call me. To everyone else, I’m simply Armand.” He retrieved a stack of assignments from his desk and crossed the room. He offered Daniel his hand, never once breaking eye contact.

Daniel took the hand, his grip firm, warm, and electric. “No last name?”

“Most can’t pronounce it,” Armand said. He let go of Daniel’s hand slowly. “These are your daughter’s assignments from last week.” He handed the papers to Daniel, letting their fingers brush in the exchange.

The tips of Daniel’s ears seemed to turn red, but the blush faded as he looked through the papers and his frown grew. “Jess didn’t finish any of these. She didn’t even do half of them.”

“I heard from her other teachers this is a habit,” Armand said as he moved even closer. “If this continues, she’ll have to leave the school.”

Daniel sighed. “She’s even like this in art class. She draws all the time. Just not what the teacher wanted.”

“She’s on top of the reading and a leader in discussions,” Armand said, “but she also seems distracted.”

Daniel shifted his weight and almost bumped into Armand. Armand did not move. Daniel added Jess’ assignments to the ones already waiting for her in his laptop bag. He kept Mandy’s assignment in his hand. “I’ll talk to her about it.” Daniel looked at Armand then immediately averted his gaze as if searching the room for anything else to look at. His eyes settled on a few framed photos on the wall behind Armand’s desk.

“That’s my theater troupe,” Armand said, his voice practically in Daniel’s ear. “We perform at the community theater on Saturdays evenings, and then celebrate at the club afterwards.”

“Seems lively,” Daniel murmured.

“You should take in a show sometime. Sit in the front row. I’ll look for you,” Armand said.

Daniel’s gaze returned to him, almost skeptical. “I’ll think about it.”

Armand smiled and guided Daniel to the door with a hand on his back. “I look forward to it.” He felt a small shiver traverse Daniel’s body at the whisper in his ear.

Once Daniel left, Armand gathered his things and went headed to the community theater for rehearsal.

Alice and the girls still lived in the three-bedroom condominium that Daniel shared with them until he separated from Alice. The original custody arrangement went out the window when Jess’ teachers called asking for meetings and it turned to ash when Louis called looking to talk about contraband. Daniel let the girls into the apartment with the key he kept for emergencies. There was no sign of Alice yet. He would stay with the girls until she arrived home.

“Why are you even babysitting us?” Mandy asked. “It’s not like you cared to before.”

“It’s not babysitting. I’m your dad,” Daniel said. He put Mandy’s cell phone in a high cabinet in the kitchen that Alice used as a time out space for electronics. Mandy and Jess’ Discmen were already there. “And I wouldn’t have to be here after school if the two of you were responsible enough to be home alone.”

Mandy sighed and rolled her eyes before escaping to her room to do her homework.

“Can we put Cartoon Network on while we work?” Jess emptied her book bag onto the dining table, adding to the pile of unfinished assignments Daniel set there.

“No,” Daniel said. “Sit. You’re going to do your homework and I’m going to write.” He set his laptop bag on the chair Alice normally used at the table before sitting in his former seat beside it.

Jess sighed and resigned herself to her fate.

A long time later, Alice opened the door and called out, “Hi!” After hugging the girls, she asked them to finish studying in their rooms while she spoke with Daniel. Jess eagerly gathered her things and escaped to freedom while Mandy simply nodded and returned to her room.

Daniel followed Alice into the kitchen. She retrieved two wine glasses, sighed, and looked at him. “How’d it go?”

Daniel accepted the wine she poured him. “Jess actually hasn’t done a complete assignment all week. Mandy had cigarettes in her purse. I put Mandy’s phone in the cabinet.”

“Fuck,” Alice hissed. “Isn’t the counseling we’re going to supposed to help this?”

“It didn’t prevent us from getting divorced,” Daniel said.

“Neither of us are straight enough to make it to our golden anniversary. You know that.” Alice sipped her wine.

Daniel decided not to comment and sipped his wine.

Alice sighed. “Sorry. This is probably cramping your dating life.”

“I’m committed to my book right now,” Daniel said. “There is no dating life.”

“That’s no fun,” Alice said. “You need to get out there. It’s not like you’re going to meet someone at work like I did.” She started poking about the freezer. “Are you staying for dinner?”

“No,” Daniel said. “The girls have to keep getting used to this reality, right?” He finished his wine and retrieved his things. “I’ll say goodbye to the girls and head home. See you tomorrow.”

“Alright,” Alice said. “Be careful.”

Daniel nodded and took his leave.

Armand noticed Daniel’s new schedule immediately. The first time he saw Daniel walking home at night after their meeting at school, Armand watched but continued on his way. The second time, he followed Daniel and discovered Daniel lived a block away from Armand’s apartment complex. The third time, Armand settled at Daniel’s side while waiting for the crosswalk light to change. .

The night was cool and the moon hung low on the horizon. Daniel had his hands in his pockets and an arm over the laptop bag strapped to his body. Armand shifted his weight so their arms bumped against one another.

Daniel’s gaze shifted to Armand. Annoyance immediately changed to something much nicer.

“Good evening, Mr. Molloy.” Armand met his gaze.

Daniel stared a long moment and then seemed to shake his head to himself. The people in front of them started to cross the street and they followed. “You can call me Daniel. Otherwise it feels like some kind of 50’s sitcom.”

Armand continued to watch Daniel, managing to avoid any obstacle in his path from all his years onstage. He knew the borough well enough to know exactly where they were at any given moment. He casually nodded towards the other side of the street where people stood in line to get into one of the local clubs. “Have you ever been to Night Island?”

“No.” Daniel looked over at the line and neon palm trees at the door. “Is it good?”

“There’s no dress code. Everyone is welcome.” Armand moved close enough his voice stayed between them, “The Saturday before Halloween is their best night. Everyone goes in costume.”

Daniel glanced back at Night Island. His brain seemed to spin behind his gaze. His attention returned to the sidewalk in front of them and then back to Armand. “So you like costumes and theatrics?”

“I like many things,” Armand said with a small, almost predatory smile, which only grew at when Daniel seemed to swallow. He touched Daniel’s arm and felt him shiver. “This is where I leave. Let’s find each other again.” He slipped away and headed to his apartment complex. He felt Daniel’s gaze on him until he disappeared into the building.

The new routine was easy to adapt to for Daniel. On weekdays, he woke early, had breakfast, wrote until his stomach could not take it anymore, had lunch, did other things, and then kept track of the girls after school until Alice returned home at night. On Friday nights, he took the girls home with him to his two-bedroom apartment. On Saturdays, they found fun things to do and he took a break from writing. By Saturday night, the girls were back with Alice so they could go to church on Sundays. Daniel devoted his Sundays to research for his next article. Mandy was still smoking, but smarter about where she kept her cigarettes. Jess managed to complete her assignments well enough to avoid expulsion. Daniel made more progress on his book. It was routine. It was monotonous. It lent well to writing.

Saturday evening arrived again. The girls returned to Alice. Daniel stared at himself a long time in the bathroom mirror, thinking about the club Armand pointed out to him earlier that week. Daniel twirled a gray curl around his finger. He grasped the slight sag of skin at his chin and wiggled it. He wore all black. No matter how he ran his fingers through his hair, no matter which shirt he wore, he still looked like a dad picking his kid up from the club instead of someone who belonged on the dancefloor. He sighed. Alice and his editor echoed in his ears. It was time for him to do something other than watch CNN or fall asleep to a late movie on a Saturday night. Daniel made up his mind and headed out on the town.

Night Island was one of the most popular clubs in the city and Saturday night was its most popular night. Daniel finally made it through the ridiculously long line to the bouncer. True to Armand’s word, there were few entry restrictions, and Daniel immediately stepped into the club. There were people covered from head to toe in clothing and others with their asses almost completely exposed. Glow sticks waved in the air. There was a bar to Daniel’s left and a DJ to his right, a crowd of dancers packing the floor between them. Tables spread across a glass floor above him. The club seemed incredibly dark but colorful lights beat to the music, illuminating everything with each flash. Daniel stuck to the edges of the dancefloor, observing what he could. The music was so different from the last time he went to a club in the 70’s and charged forward as if a torrent sand could just swallow everyone whole.

Daniel saw glowing orange eyes in the crowd. He stopped in his tracks. The eyes drew near and Armand seemingly materialized as a vision of white with only the middle button of his shirt still fastened. Gel tamed his dark waves that hung in his eyes at the school. His neon gaze pierced through the darkness that tried to swallow him between pulses of light. Daniel did not realize he stopped breathing until he found himself coughing for air. He closed his eyes and caught his breath. A hand rested on his back.

“Do you like the contacts?” Armand asked. “They glow in the dark.”

Daniel said, “Yeah,” before he could think better of it.

Armand stepped back and held out his hand when Daniel recovered. “Come with me, Daniel.”

Daniel’s heart beat a little faster. He took Armand’s hand without hesitance and Armand pulled him into the dancing mob. Music pulsed. Bodies shook and undulated all around them. Sweat dripped. Lights flashed. Daniel and Armand never let go of one another, their hands roaming, preventing the crowd from swelling between them. The music drove them even closer. Daniel leaned upwards, his lips just centimeters from Armand’s lips and then abruptly pulled away.

Armand grasped Daniel’s hand before the crowd could swallow Daniel. The music changed to a staccato beat as a soft voice crooned about loneliness. Daniel did not move. Armand moved closer and closer until their lips almost touched. He took Daniel’s bottom lip between his teeth and bit down teasingly before pulling back and releasing Daniel’s hand.

The crowd filled the space between them. Daniel lost sight of Armand’s orange gaze. Others pulled him into dancing with them as he slowly wove his way to the outskirts of the dance floor. He caught his breath and got a drink. He could still feel Armand’s body in his hands and Armand’s hands on his body. He could not stop thinking about Armand’s teeth. He almost returned to the dancefloor, but he decided to go home instead.

It was a new millennium but unfortunately still like the previous one. Armand sat through the staff meeting with his face completely blank, his eyes barely blinking as the new headmistress, Akasha, explained her vision. He heard her reasoning so many times from so many mouths. To make a better school, anything deemed a subversion had no place as if a snap of the finger could make a person disappear in flame. Armand had no patience for people who believed everyone had a little switch in their brain that could erase their true natures.

His mind wandered. He could still fell Daniel’s hands on his body. He could still feel Daniel’s lip between his teeth. Armand’s gaze shifted to Louis beside him. Louis’ could not hide his frown or the furrow between his eyebrows. Armand’s gaze shifted to Lestat across from them at the other end of the long table. Lestat sat perfectly straight. His nostrils seemed flared. It was a change from Lestat’s typical meeting posture where Armand could practically hear lyrics from operas and classic musicals projecting from Lestat’s mind as he drowned in boredom.

The headmistress finished her proclamation and dismissed them. Louis and Lestat left separately as they always did, though the staff knew they were roommates together with Louis’ youngest sister Claudia. Armand, however, knew the truth that Louis and Lestat were partners and Claudia was an orphan they took in when they found her living on the street soon after moving in together. Armand followed Louis out of the building since neither of them had anything to retrieve from their classrooms. Louis lived near the community theater. They met long ago when Louis came to one of their shows after moving to New York.

“This truly is the age of the paranoid,” Louis said, his accent thick with annoyance and rage as his hands became fists. “They want the government out of their lives and ass deep in ours. All it took was someone seeing Fareed and Seth at Pride over the summer when school wasn’t even in session and now Fareed’s gone. It’s not their fault some homophobic asshole took their kid to their counter-protest. If you don’t want your kids to see Pride, don’t take them to Pride. Jesus.”

Armand said nothing.

“I moved here to get away from this bullshit. I only ever took Claudia to New Orleans once because of this kind of bullshit.” Louis’ fists began to relax. His gaze turned to Armand and sighed. “What are you going to do? Aren’t you still trying to fuck that journalist?”

A cool breeze ruffled Armand’s hair. “Trying implies I’m not going to do it. I have every intention of doing that and more.”

Louis laughed despite the gravity of their situation. “Well, your determination worked on me.”

“Until Lestat returned,” Armand said.

“You broke up with me and Lestat was the right person at the right time.” Louis stepped aside to head to his apartment. “I’ve got stuff to grade. See you tomorrow.”

Armand held up his hand in a small wave and headed on his way to the community theater for rehearsal.

It was Wednesday, but Daniel’s mind was still back on Saturday as he left Alice’s apartment. Conflicting thoughts swirled within him. He should have tried to find Armand again after his drink, but that did not mean Armand might have danced with him again. He should have kissed Armand after Armand bit him, but this could be some big joke at Daniel’s expense. Armand was an actor. His troupe was part of the New York community theater scene for over a decade now. Armand must be good at it.

Daniel sighed and noticed Armand walking jus up ahead. Armand’s jacket was white and accentuated his little dark curls resting against the edge of the collar. Daniel followed the lines of the jacket downward as if following guidelines pointing directly at Armand’s ass in jeans that seemed to cling to every curve. Daniel licked his lips and shook his head to clear it.

The crosswalk lights changed and traffic surged at the intersection. Daniel stopped at Armand’s side. It was not intentional but he did not want to avoid Armand either.

Armand looked over at him. His eyes were dark and just as alluring as the way his contacts glowed at the club. Armand moved almost imperceptibly closer as if he could not help but be in Daniel’s personal space. “Are you going to Night Island this weekend?”

Daniel frowned a little. “I’ve got this book I’ve got to work on. I can’t just run off to the club every weekend.”

Armand nodded. He barely rested his arm against Daniel’s arm. “The best night at Night Island is the Saturday before Halloween. Everyone arrives in costume. You shouldn’t miss that one.”

It was not the first time Armand mentioned the Halloween night at the club. Daniel tried to imagine what costume he could possibly find that would not make him look like a school chaperone. He suspected Armand’s costume would be something to behold and well worth the entrance free. “I’ll think about it.”

The light changed and they continued walking together. “You won’t be disappointed,” Armand said. He leaned closer and whispered, “No matter what you wear, I won’t be disappointed either.” Then he headed to his apartment complex nearby.

Daniel sighed long and low before continuing on his way home. He should not go to Night Island again. He wanted to go to Night Island again. He still had time to decide.

It was Sunday a week after Armand saw Daniel at the club. Armand browsed through the local library branch’s shelves, picking plays in the public domain. His theater troupe enjoyed taking familiar tales and twisting them, filling them with more horror, blood, and gore than their creators ever intended there to be. As Armand emerged from the non-fiction section, he spied Daniel sitting at a table surrounded by newspapers, magazines, and books. Daniel scribbled in a yellow notepad, his attention completely focused on his task.

Armand could still feel Daniel’s hands across his body. He could still remember Daniel’s shiver when Armand grabbed his ass. Armand’s stomach tightened. He wanted to do more than teasingly bite Daniel’s lip, but unfortunately, they were at the library and not Night Island. Armand glanced around him. There was no one in the immediate area. He could hear a reference librarian around a corner typing away on their computer.

Armand walked over to the table, set his books in an empty spot, and sat down in the seat diagonally across from Daniel as if there were not three empty study tables in view. Armand plucked the first book off his stack and began to speed read. He was completely through Oedipus Rex and half way through Antigone when he heard a surprised noise from the other side of the table. Armand paused and looked over the book at Daniel.

“What are you doing here?” Daniel whispered.

“Reading,” Armand whispered.

“I can see that. I mean,” Daniel paused. “I’m trying to work here. I’ve got an article due mid-week.”

“Am I disturbing your work?” Armand did not lower his book or look away from Daniel.

Daniel opened his mouth and closed it. His mind seemed to spin in internal debate. “No.” It was an obvious lie.

Armand smiled slightly, the way he might onstage as a vampire to allow the audience a glimpse of his fangs. “Then it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Daniel ran his tongue along his teeth. “It shouldn’t,” he murmured unconvincingly and after a while, returned to his reading. Slowly his leg rested against Armand’s leg as Daniel kept making notes and his stack of things to read grew shorter than the stack of things he read.

Armand moved his leg so the side of his leg pressed firmly against the side of Daniel’s leg and continued reading his plays. Armand almost finished his stack of books when Daniel stood up and gathered his materials. “I’ve got to look at some microfiche. I’ll see you around.”

Armand nodded and watched Daniel disappear towards the research section of the library. His leg still felt warm where Daniel’s leg once rested against it, but also seemed to chill in Daniel’s absence. Armand ran his fingers along the cover of the book in his hand. He needed to get Daniel back to Night Island. He needed to get Daniel alone.

The nights grew colder. Pumpkins, witches, and ghosts decorated the city. Daniel listened at the dining table to Jess talk excitedly about Halloween next week while Mandy was less enthusiastic. The girls would have some friends over for a party and a horror movie mini-marathon. Jess already had an entire costume assembled, but Mandy would just wear a headband with cat ears on it. When Daniel left that night, all the talk of Halloween stayed with him and he found himself taking a detour. He stepped into a local shop that boasted a large costume selection. Daniel ignored the full body costumes and found the accessory section. After scanning it, his eyes settled on vampire fangs. There were so many to choose from in all kinds of sizes and styles. He gravitated to the ones that were more like caps than retainers. The caps came with a solution that would help set them in place temporarily for the night. He could wear them next week at the party for a laugh. He could also wear them on Saturday if he went to Night Island again.

Daniel paid for his purchase and left the store. It was a few weeks since his first foray to the club. He still thought he should not go back. He should probably find somewhere other older people went to regroup after divorce, but Armand would not be there. Somehow, that seemed like a loss.

As if summoned, Armand easily fell into step beside Daniel. Daniel glanced at him. “You’re here again.”

Armand did not seem to blink. “It’s a small borough.”

“And a giant city.” Daniel looked at the people they passed. He breathed the night air deeply and could no longer deny the words he should have said at the library if not possibly in the classroom well before Night Island. “I’m turning fifty this year. I’m probably twice your age. You should focus on someone else.”

“I’m thirty,” Armand said, “and your age doesn’t bother me.”

“I’m still old enough to be your dad,” Daniel said.

“My father would be sixty-seven this year. People your age don’t read as fathers to me.” Armand paused. “Do you feel fatherly towards me?”

“No,” Daniel answered despite himself, but it was the truth. “Definitely not.”

“Then it’s not a problem,” Armand said as if everything was just that simple.

Daniel doubted it was.

Before Daniel could say anything, Armand led them to the entrance to his apartment so they could continue talking out of the way of the sidewalk traffic. “Come to Night Island again this Saturday. Join our Halloween reverie. See what you really want.”

Daniel studied Armand a long moment. They stood so close to each other. Maybe too close. Daniel did not move away. “What makes you think I don’t already know what I want?”

“Come and see,” Armand said. He disappeared into his building without actually answering the question.

Daniel pressed his lips together and shook his head. He returned to his apartment. The fangs in his shopping bag were proof enough he already intended to go no matter what he told himself.

The community theater was always hot no matter the time of year. Sweat dripped from Armand’s face as he took his bows and surveyed the first row of seats. The audience applauded and hollered about the troupe’s latest play full of blood and horror. Again, Armand did not see Daniel sitting in any of the seats. He did not expect to, but he always looked. The troupe took a final bow and made their way backstage where they cleaned up, exchanged stage costumes for Halloween costumes, and left for Night Island.

Club goers filled Night Island in their Halloween best and laziest. There were several mummies with their wrappings unraveled in a provocative manner. Neon, silver, and gold sparkled across aliens. Armand saw almost every single anime character some of his students drew in their sketchbooks after finishing their tests. The DJ spoke into the mic in an intense, excited call, “It’s time for a r – r – retro rewind!” Cheers and groans passed through the crowd. Trumpets began to play and the singer rejoiced at coming out in a song from twenty years ago. Familiar curls caught Armand’s gaze as he found Daniel standing just out of reach of the dancefloor.

Daniel wore a shirt the same indigo as his eyes and his curls were out of place. When he spotted Armand, his gaze traversed Armand’s body, taking in his slicked hair, velvet outfit, and tights before lingering on the fake blood splattered across Armand’s face and the stage fangs in Armand’s mouth. Daniel laughed, exposing his own, cheaper fangs once Armand was close enough to hear him. “Great minds, huh?”

Careful of the long fake nails on his fingertips, Armand adjusted Daniel’s curls so they accentuated the curves of his face. “You look like a new vampire. Eager for blood.”

Daniel froze under Armand’s touch and only spoke when Armand withdrew his hand. “You look like a painting.”

“Botticelli?” Armand asked. It was one of the most common compliments from his youth especially when he was still a doe eyed teenager.

“Goya,” Daniel said. “That guy with all the creepy paintings in his estate. You look like you’re going to bite someone, like some giant vampire insect.”

Armand flashed his fangs again. They were custom made for his mouth so the retainer would rest comfortably for long plays. “I could bite you.”

Daniel swallowed and ran a tongue along his teeth, his eyes still fixed on Armand’s fangs. “You…could.”

Armand pulled Daniel onto the dancefloor. The song changed, its beat driving, yearning. The crowd sang with the lyrics. Armand and Daniel grabbed onto each other. The songs kept changing. The lights kept flashed. The crowd roared. Armand and Daniel kept dancing. The next song slowed it all down. Some on the dance floor left to get drinks and take breaks. Armand pulled Daniel closer. The beat seemed to pulse throughout the room. The backs of Armand’s fake nails slid down Daniel’s face. Daniel did not pull away. Their eyes lowered.They kissed. Their bodies pressed against one another. Armand’s hands slid down Daniel’s back. Daniel’s fingers tangled in Armand’s hair. Their lips parted. Their tongues slid against one another. Armand’s hands slipped under Daniel’s shirt and his fake nails left marks. Their hips ground against each other.

The song shifted. The crowd shifted. People bumped into them. A careless elbow knocked into Armand’s back. Daniel stepped back. The crowd surged and separated them.

Armand frowned and maneuvered through the bodies. No matter how he searched or where he looked, he did not see Daniel. He slipped away from the dance floor and found his theater troupe gathered at one of the tables on the floor above. Santiago passed him a glass. Armand let the cold liquid slide down his throat. He could not see Daniel anywhere from their perch. He slowly let his body calm and his tights stopped feeling so tight. He gazed at the dancers under the glass floor. He had been seconds from dragging Daniel off the dancefloor. He did not know when the opportunity would arrive again.

When the crowd swept Daniel away, he moved through them like a small boat out to sea. He escaped out a side exit and breathed the cold night air deeply. He stared up at the sky. The city lights choked out any stars. There was no moon. Daniel was hard. He was both hot and cold. He was sweaty. His entire mouth would never be the same again. He no longer had one of his fangs. He wanted Armand. He wanted all of him. Every thought just made his pants feel even tighter and his heart thump stronger in his chest. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” He took a few deep breaths and tried to focus on the cold and the noise from the club and the city around him. He should go back in there. He should go home. He wanted to kiss Armand again. He wanted a drink. He wanted to fuck Armand. He wanted to calm down.

Someone barreled out the door and threw up on the trash bags near Daniel. The smell and sight were more than enough to dispel Daniel’s thoughts and cause him to soften. He grabbed the door before it closed and stepped back into the club to grab his coat. He decided to head home and take a long shower where he could stroke off his desires as the spray muffled his moans.

It was a week after Halloween at the club. Armand stepped out of his apartment to head to the community theater. It was barely into November and already Christmas assaulted Armand’s senses. Luckily, he no longer had to listen to the same songs for hours a day almost every day for two months anymore. He had not seen Daniel since Night Island. He could still remember how close he was to pulling Daniel away from the dancefloor, how close he was to doing something about the energy coursing through them. He tried not to think about swallowing a fake vampire cap at one point so it would not ruin the moment.

Armand cleared his mind and it soon filled with lines and blocking only to completely empty moments later.

Daniel approached on the other side of the sidewalk. He wore a dark suit, white shirt, and a blue tie that matched his eyes. His curls fluttered as he rushed, his mind on the small cellphone in his hand rather than the people around him. “I just got back from my interview with CNN. I know she’s being an ass. She’s eighteen. You’re dating her mom. Think about it.”

Armand slowly turned and followed Daniel at enough distance to hear but not close enough for Daniel to notice.

“I’m almost home. Yes, I know I owe you,” Daniel said goodbye and ended the call. He slipped the phone into the pocket of his coat and hurried into his apartment complex without a spare thought to anyone around him let alone Armand.

Armand lingered a moment and then headed to the community theater. He had no cable access at his apartment. He was not sure who might be able to tape Daniel’s appearance let alone if Daniel’s appearance already aired. He sighed and let his lines and blocking return to his mind. It would be show time before he knew it.

It was two weeks before Thanksgiving break. Daniel still was not sure what he was doing for it. The tentative plan was for the girls, Alice, Alice’s girlfriend, and Daniel to take the meal together at some point, but Alice and her girlfriend did not know what they were doing that week yet either. Most of the time their practice worked through the entire break except the holiday, but on occasion there were things to do then too. Daniel put his hands in his pockets as he walked through the borough to clear his mind from his work. He had not seen Armand since just before Halloween. Daniel wondered if Armand was avoiding him. It would be within Armand’s right after Daniel intentionally avoided him for a week after Halloween at the club so he could clear his head.

Daniel sighed and his breath made clouds around him. He wanted to get as much work done on his book before the girls went on winter break next month, but there was only so much writing he could do before his brain had too much of it.

Loud singing approaching from a nearby street drew Daniel’s attention. A group of people dressed in various shades of black, red, and white appeared. They quieted a moment and then Armand’s voice rose above the rest, leading his troupe in the final bars of the song.

Daniel’s stomach tightened. He found himself following the troupe instead of turning down the street that would send him back to his apartment. The troupe did not notice him at all. Daniel was now just one of several people heading in the direction of Night Island.

Armand had gel in his hair again and he wore the white jacket that showed off his ass. The troupe headed to the line forming nearby. Daniel looked down the line at the familiar neon trees welcoming everyone to Night Island. He bit his lip and hesitated. He wore a sweater that was likely older than the troupe members. His jeans had a few holes in them. His hair was a mess and he really did need to return to his book.

His gaze lingered on Armand. He licked his lips. The line to Night Island continued to grow. Daniel could join it. He could find Armand on the dancefloor. Maybe stay for just one song. For what? To make out? To make a fool of himself? To end up half-naked in the club restroom?

Daniel sighed and watched his breath appear and disappear around him. He headed back to his apartment.

It was almost the end of November and Armand had not spoken to Daniel since Halloween at Night Island. He suspected Daniel was avoiding him, but Armand was so busy with the school musical now that he could no longer be certain Daniel would still be at it.

The school musical this year was Phantom of the Opera. Armand chose the stage crew while Lestat ran the actual show and chose the entire cast. The girl playing Christine had a slightly shrill voice and every time she sang, Lestat’s nose wrinkled in horrible disfigurement. Armand watched the musical from the wings. The stage manager scurried around like a rodent. The crew did their best with each assigned job. The cast managed to do the best job a group of high schoolers could manage with the material. A few of them stood out above the rest. It was not the worst nor the best high school musical Armand witnessed. Armand could already see lecture for the students before tomorrow night’s performance forming on Lestat’s face.

Tonight was the premiere and it would run for three more nights. Then everyone would go on Thanksgiving break. When the night’s performance ended, the backstage area burst forth in a flurry of activity. No one wanted to spend more time at school than necessary. Once all the students and audience left, Armand and Lestat swept the auditorium for stragglers and then locked up for the night.

The air was cold and flurries spit from the sky. Lestat wrapped his scarf about him as if he were in a Calvin Klein ad. His breath made clouds in the air. “I want them to focus. They’re capable of more than they gave tonight.” He said as if he was not working with a group of mostly freshmen and sophomores this year. This is my last musical here. I want perfection.”

Armand blinked and followed Lestat rather than heading on his normal route home. “I didn’t know it was your final musical.” He had not spoken to Louis since the musical overtook his life. Lestat spoke little about anything other than his musical grievances for the last two months.

Lestat sighed. “Headmistress Akasha forced my resignation. Louis’ too.” He looked at Armand. “It didn’t matter that we restrain ourselves in public and don’t speak of our private lives. There are too many circumstances for her liking. We live together. We never married. I treat Claudia as my own rather than as my ‘friend’s’ sister. Our family is too obvious for the headmistress’ liking.” Snow began to fall more earnestly, gathering in Lestat’s hair. “She said we either live separately or resign. The choice was obvious. None of us will return in January.”

Armand stared at him a long moment. Anger gripped his stomach.

Lestat pulled on his gloves. “You deserve the truth. We’re moving to California. I have connections to place us somewhere more accepting. I look forward to defeating this choir in the national competition in the spring if they can make it that far in my absence.” Lestat bid Armand goodbye and headed home.

Armand watched him leave, the snow clinging to him the longer he stood. His mind swirled with the occasional gust. He could barely think. He could barely breathe. His anger continued to course through his body. He headed home as the snow continued to gather.

December arrived. With it came the school’s winter music recital on Daniel’s birthday. He celebrated briefly with the girls before they had to get ready to return to the school. They gave him a card that declared him older than the pyramids and some new ties. Daniel sat in the back row of the auditorium and fiddled with the digital camera Alice gave him to record the girls’ concerts. One orchestra, two bands, and five choirs would take turns onstage tonight. The orchestra and the concert band already finished. The jazz band currently rocked around the Christmas tree. Once the jazz band finished, it would be time for Jess’ choir.

Armand settled onto the empty seat beside Daniel. There were many people in the auditorium but not enough to fill the seats. They were relatively alone but not completely alone on the back row. “Having trouble?” Armand whispered.

“There’s no sound,” Daniel whispered. He recorded portions of the other concerts to get used to the equipment. He had an earbud in his ear and it was absolutely silent as the orchestra moved on the camera’s digital display.

Armand held out his hand. Daniel handed over the camera. Armand opened up the menu and started pressing buttons and spinning wheels. “You had the audio disabled.” He returned the camera.

The jazz band continued to play. Neither of them spoke. Their knees rested near each other without actually touching and Daniel felt every centimeter of distance acutely. Memories from Night Island flashed through his mind. Daniel tried to chase them away and focus on remembering the Spanish lyrics to the next song to calm the blood rushing places it should not go in a school auditorium.

The jazz band left the stage. The freshmen girls’ choir replaced them. Daniel stood up and started to film. He zoomed in until Jess was clearly visible but not the only student in the shot. He managed to keep the camera steady throughout the performance. When the choir left the stage, Daniel sat again and turned off the camera. Mandy would not take the stage until the final concert of the night.

After a long silence, Daniel murmured, “I…can’t stop thinking about it.”

“You don’t have to,” Armand barely whispered.

“I’m fifty,” Daniel murmured. “I’m older than the pyramids.”

Armand’s knee rested against Daniel’s knee. Daniel did not move. “If you’re older than the pyramids, then that makes me older than Tintoretto.”

“Who?” Daniel glanced at him.

“Doesn’t matter.” Armand’s knee moved away. Daniel licked his lips, far too aware of its absence. Armand let the tips of his fingers barely touch the side of Daniel’s hand resting on the armrest between them. “You should get your camera ready.”

Daniel blinked. He looked to the stage. Mandy’s group was already taking their places. “Shit,” he whispered and hurriedly stood. He managed to hit record before her group began to sing. He filmed the entire performance and shut the camera down once the concert finished. He looked down at Armand.

Armand’s dark eyes shown in the dim light. His lips parted and he did not look away from Daniel.

Daniel held his breath. He shifted his weight and then put the camera in his pocket. “See you around.” He left to gather the girls and take them home.

The following Saturday, Armand’s troupe preformed their annual Christmas show complete with machete-wielding Santa Claus. He scanned the first row of seats, but Daniel still was not there. After cleaning up and changing, Armand followed the troupe to Night Island. The DJ spun songs that deliberately evoked feelings of summer and the beach much to the crowd’s delight. Armand danced in the center of the floor. He sang along with the others. He let the music carry the adrenaline from the stage. Armand closed his eyes and only opened them when a hand grasped his. He met Daniel’s gaze.

Daniel wore all black again. He spoke but his words melted into the music. He kept a firm grip on Armand’s hand. Armand nodded and led them through the crowd and up the stairs. They found a small table in a corner away from the other club goers.

“You can always read my mind,” Daniel said quietly.

“Your body is loud,” Armand said. The bass line below them drummed against the soles of his shoes.

Daniel licked his lips. His feet rested against Armand’s under the table. His mind moved behind his eyes. “I can’t stop thinking about you. I keep playing the last time we were here in my head.”

“So what are you going to do about it?” Armand let his foot slide along Daniel’s leg once.

Daniel shivered. He bit his tongue and then took a deep breath. “I need time.”

“The destination is the same no matter the distance,” Armand said.

Daniel held Armand’s gaze. “Are we going to the same destination?”

Armand grinned, imagining all the things they would do when this game evolved. He leaned closer. “I think you know the answer.”

Daniel did not move away or look away. He swallowed.

“Is this confession the only reason you came here?” Armand asked, still leaning incredibly close.

“No,” Daniel said. “I’m taking the girls to San Francisco for Christmas. I thought you should know that I won’t be around.” He rose from the table and ran his fingers through Armand’s hair. “I’ve got a morning flight tomorrow. I’ll see you in January.”

Armand caught Daniel’s hand before he could leave. Daniel watched him curiously. “January then,” Armand said and let Daniel’s hand go. After Daniel left, Armand sighed. Some of his troupe joined him at the table. The game continued.

When Daniel arrived to pick up the girls on Sunday morning, the sun was barely in the sky. Alice pulled him into the kitchen while the girls finished getting ready for the trip.

“You look exhausted,” Alice said and offered him coffee.

“I went to Night Island last night,” Daniel said. “That music always keeps me awake whether I dance or not.” It was more than just the music. He could not remember the last time someone affected him so thoroughly like Armand.

“Night Island? I’m surprised you picked that place.” Alice sipped her own coffee. “I thought you’d end up at that gay bookstore around the corner.”

Daniel let the mug warm his hands and sipped his coffee slowly, then he admitted, “It’s because Armand’s there.”

“Jess’ teacher?” Alice asked. She studied Daniel a long moment and then she snorted and started to laugh. “I should have known when I met him at the open house. He stares at people like a lion sometimes. Of course you’d be into to that.”

Daniel rolled his eyes. “You could pretend to be shocked.” He sipped more coffee.

“Daniel, we met in a gay bar. I know your type. They’re always dark and a little fucked up.” Alice snorted again and then sighed. “At least the girls like him.”

“I don’t know if it’s going to go that far,” Daniel said. “He’s almost half my age.”

Alice set her mug down. “You’re fifty. Don’t make yourself wait until you’re sixty. If you want that little weirdo who’s on those theater posters covered in blood, go get him.”

Daniel eyed her and finished his coffee. Before he could say anything else, the girls appeared with their suitcases ready to go. He could think about this later. The girls hugged Alice goodbye and then Daniel took them to the airport. They arrived at the terminal just as their flight arrived at the gate.

The phone rang at seven in the morning on the first Monday of winter break. Armand knew immediately who it was and what would happen. No one called at such an hour on such a day unless they had a mission. The headmistress knew too much about Armand’s private life, and it was time for him to find another job. Armand would not be able to retrieve his belongings from the school. Armand gripped the neck of the phone so tightly it slipped from his fingers and fell to the kitchen counter. He did not bother to pick it up and simply pressed the phone hook to hang up before disappearing into his room and throwing one of his pillows at the wall.

When Armand put his phone back on the hook, it rang. This time it was Marius, the art teacher at the school. Marius was younger than Armand’s parents would be but older than Daniel was. Armand met him when Armand ran away from a children’s home as a teenager. Marius taught Armand how to pain and replicate many styles of art. They lost contact when Armand started to university. Last year Marius joined the faculty at the school. In absence of Louis and even Lestat, Marius was the only teacher left at the school who would care that Armand lost his job. Marius said he found some of Armand’s things and wanted to give them to Armand. Armand did not want to take Marius up on his offer of help, but he wanted his things.

An hour later, Armand stood just outside of the school campus and stared up at the white clouds in the winter sky. It was still frigid despite the sun shining on him. When footsteps approached, his looked at Marius.

Marius had a paper sack with the local art store logo across its front in his hands. “Amadeo, you must be more careful. People are always watching, always listening. We are never truly alone anymore.”

Amadeo was the name Marius gave Armand under the pretense of Armand starting a new life free from the tragedies that led him to the children’s home and occurred there. The name grated on Armand now. Armand was the name Santiago bestowed upon him when Armand escaped to university. It was the only name Armand wished to be for the rest of his life.

Armand took the bag and peeked inside. His photos were there still in their frames along with a few of his paperbacks from his classroom library. His offices supplies were absent as well as his posters, the rest of his books, and his calendar. The photos were the only things he truly wanted back. “Were they in the trash?”

“I think the janitor put these in a bin for someone to find. Where the rest went, I never saw.” Marius studied Armand in the sunlight. “What will you do now?”

“I have some things in mind,” Armand said. He was already planning which strings to pull to get a job as fast as possible before his next rent check. He folded the top of the bag down and tucked it under his arm.

“Tell me, Amadeo,” Marius said, “was he worth it?”

Armand knew the answer immediately. Daniel set him on fire and Armand never wanted to let that go. Instead of saying that, he asked, “Does it matter?” and then bid Marius goodbye. He headed to the community theater so he could dissolve into the atmosphere and not come up for breath until it was time for rehearsal.

Daniel grew up in San Francisco. His parents kicked him out of their home when he began using drugs and sneaking away to the local gay bar. His parents would not speak to him again until they found out about his wife and children. Returning home every Christmas was weird, but the girls loved their grandparents and his parents loved the girls, so it was worth it to skip needless drama.

Tonight Daniel was on his own since his parents wanted to spend some time alone with the girls. He wandered the streets until his feet brought him to Polynesian Mary’s, now renamed Mary’s Café. He stepped inside and the barista called out his name in a threatening, gruff voice. Daniel froze and then the barista laughed. The barista was the same bartender who used to chase him out of the bar when he was too young to drink over thirty years ago. The barista gave up alcohol ten years ago and converted the bar. He was glad to see Daniel doing well. Daniel ordered Irish coffee and pastry. He took his food to a back corner.

After a while, Louis and Lestat entered the café. They approached the counter and placed their orders. Daniel tried not to stare, but his attention kept returning to them. Lestat still carried himself like a model. Louis seemed more relaxed and wore bright colorful fashionable clothing. They stood closer than Daniel ever saw them stand together at the school. Lestat huffed and Louis snorted. They received their orders and were about to leave when Louis saw Daniel and diverted to Daniel’s table.

“Evening,” Louis greeted.

“Hey,” Daniel said. “Do you guys want a seat?”

“We have places to be,” Lestat said.

“I just wondered if you heard from Armand lately,” Louis said.

“Something up?” Daniel asked.

“His phone’s been off the hook,” Louis said. “I haven’t spoken to him all break.”

Lestat sighed quietly.

“Maybe he’s busy with the theater,” Daniel said. “I’ll let you get back to your vacation.”

“Oh, we live here now,” Louis said. “The headmistress is cleaning house.” He looked at Lestat. “Ready?”

They bid Daniel goodbye and left. Daniel stared off at a mural on the far wall a long moment. He thought about the reality of the situation with Armand from his perspective but he had not considered it from Armand’s perspective. Daniel finished his coffee and pastry. He still had a few days until he returned to New York. He wanted to talk to Armand again. He was not sure what he would find.

It was New Year’s Eve. It was freezing and fog gathered in the distance. Armand made his way to Santiago’s apartment. He secured a job before the holidays but he would not begin until Monday. Just as he passed a bodega, Daniel stepped out of it.

“Hey,” Daniel said. “Happy New Year.” He paused. “Eve.”

“Happy New Year’s Eve,” Armand said. “Are you busy?”

Before Daniel could answer, the bodega door opened again. “Well, it could happen!” Jess declared.

“In your wildest dreams,” Mandy murmured. She handed one of the bags in her hands to her sister. “Oh. Hey, Mr. Armand.”

“Happy early new year,” Jess said.

Armand returned the greetings.

“We just had to get some stuff we forgot.” Daniel paused and then asked. “Are you busy? You could come back with us.”

Mandy glanced between Daniel and Armand curiously. Jess checked to see what was in the bag Mandy gave her.

The offer was tempting, but Armand wanted Daniel all to himself the first time either of them set foot in each other’s apartments. “I have plans with the troupe. Maybe another time.”

“I saw Louis and Lestat in San Francisco. Louis said he was trying to get in contact with you,” Daniel said. “He asked me if you were okay.”

Armand nodded. “I’m fine. I’ll call him. I’ve had my phone off its hook.” He held Daniel’s gaze and then continued on his way. “Happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year,” came three separate responses.

After several steps, Armand looked back over his shoulder. Daniel and the girls continued on their way. His gaze lingered on Daniel until Daniel disappeared from sight. Armand turned away and continued to Santiago’s apartment.

January arrived and with it the new semester and the return to routine. Daniel sat at the dining table in Alice’s apartment and looked over the top of his laptop. Jess sat nearby twirling her pencil in her fingers. She seemed to be back to square one with ignoring her homework after making progress throughout the previous semester. Daniel sighted. “You’re supposed to be working.”

Jess frowned. “Remember Mr. Armand?”

“Of course I do. I’m fifty not eighty,” Daniel said.

“He wasn’t at school today,” Jess said. “Mr. Talbot said he’s not coming back.”

Daniel’s fingers hovered over his keyboard.

“It sucks so much!” Jess sighed. “I wanted to take Drama and Theater with Mr. Armand. I wanted to do the school play this semester. We were going to do Dracula and now we’re doing Our Town. It’s not fair!”

“Monsieur de Pointe du Lac and Mr. de Lioncourt are gone too,” Mandy said as she entered the kitchen nearby. She poured a glass of juice from the fridge. “Claudia said they got fired for being gay. I thought the students could wear rainbow wrist bands in protest, but everyone’s too scared or homophobic to join me.”

Daniel’s fingers stopped hovering over his keyboard. Louis said the headmistress was cleaning house. Armand did not indicate anything was wrong when they ran into him on New Year’s Eve, although Armand was always private despite his provocative nature. It only made Daniel want to speak with Armand alone even more than he already did after returning from San Francisco.

“You okay, Dad? You’re not saying anything,” Mandy said.

Daniel took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He put his glasses back on and looked at his daughters. “I’m not going to stop you.”

The apartment door opened and Alice called out that she was home. The girls went to greet her. Daniel put his laptop away. He was not going to get any more work done tonight.

January began the troupe’s annual Valentine’s Day play, always a bastardization of a public domain romance with more blood and gore than the creator likely ever imagined or intended. This year the play was a take on Love’s Labor’s Lost. A king and his noblemen took a vow of chastity to cleanse their minds and bodies. Witches arrive one night looking for a man worthy of siring an heir to their coven. Through a series of grotesque games, the noblemen succumbed to the witches’ charms. The play ended with the announcement of an heir and the death of the noblemen in a macabre play within the play.

When the play ended, Armand rose from the stage floor to join hands with the troupe and take their bows to the applause of the audience. He scanned the first row of seats and found Daniel in the center seat. Daniel mouthed the words, “Out back.” Armand closed his eyes slowly twice and then righted himself with everyone. The cast left the stage and the curtains closed.

Once backstage, Armand sped through his duties with precision and speed. He stripped off his costume and placed it where it belonged. He wiped the makeup from his face and the fake blood from his hands. He ran his fingers through his hair to detangle it and then slipped back into his street clothes. “I’m not going to Night Island,” he said. He laced his boots and checked himself in the mirror. He pulled his coat on and left it open to show the plunging neckline of his shirt that he left mostly unbuttoned.

Armand stepped out the backstage door effortlessly. Daniel immediately unfolded his arms and stepped away from the alley wall. His eyes traversed Armand. They were alone amidst the frozen slush and trash containers. Armand led them out of the alley in the direction of his apartment.

Daniel followed without hesitation. “I heard you weren’t at school on Monday.”

“I had to switch jobs,” Armand said. “I’ve been doing art restoration the museum.”

“If I –”

“I chose you knowing this could happen.” Armand did not want to dwell on it since it happened weeks ago.

Daniel put his hands in his pockets. His breath billowed around him. “So when I saw you at New Year’s Eve….”

“I had everything taken care of,” Armand said. “I always know what buttons to push to get what I want.”

Daniel held his gaze a moment. Armand grabbed his arm and pulled Daniel close before Daniel could walk into a newspaper vending machine. Daniel did not move out of Armand’s grasp and Armand did not let him go.

“Where does this end, Daniel?” Armand asked. “Do you know what you want?”

“I want you,” Daniel said. “I don’t want this to end.”

They arrived at the entryway to Armand’s building. Armand let go of Daniel’s arm. “I want this to end.” He grasped Daniel’s hand, his grip tight and tethering before Daniel could turn away. “I want you. All of you. I want a new game.”

Cars sped past. People talked in an endless hum along the sidewalk. Somewhere in the distance music played obnoxiously loudly from a car.

“Then make one,” Daniel said. “I’ll follow you anywhere.”

Armand pulled him into the building and up the stairs to his apartment.

Armand’s apartment was on the top floor and looked out at the city. Warm colors spread across the walls and carpeting. Framed Renaissance paintings shone in the lamplight. Daniel peered at one of them curiously. “It doesn’t look like a poster.”

“It’s canvas and oil,” Armand said. He took the phone off its hook and rested it on the counter in-between second-hand kitchen gadgets.

Daniel straightened his posture and gazed at all of the paintings. He could not imagine what they might cost or how much time it would take to paint them if they were reproductions. “Are they…real?”

“They exist.” Armand moved to the center of the room. The light shimmered in his hair and provided definition to his collarbone and cleavage. His gaze fixed on Daniel.

Daniel moved closer as if drawn by an invisible hand. The sound from the city and surrounding apartments seemed to fade. Daniel’s hands rested on Armand’s shoulders. Daniel rose up on his toes at the same moment Armand leaned down and they kissed. Armand’s hands found their way under Daniel’s sweater and t-shirt. Daniel undid the button on Armand’s shirt so his hands could slide along Armand’s skin. The kiss broke apart just long enough for Daniel’s sweater to fall to the floor. A second kiss became a third so Daniel could free Armand’s arms from his sleeves and Armand could cast Daniel’s t-shirt to the growing pile. Jeans fell to the floor next, socks and underwear following. Only then did they step back to admire one another.

Lamplight illuminated Armand’s skin. Dark hair trailed down his torso. His chest barely moved with each breath. His stomach was lean and his body was firm and muscular. Scars appeared at random, remnants of teeth, nails, and life.

Armand’s gaze traversed Daniel’s body. He ran his fingers along a scar at Daniel’s abdomen. Daniel moved away at first, the touch too feather light. Armand’s fingers returned, firmer this time, tracing the scar in its entirety.

“Never seen an appendectomy scar before?” Daniel asked.

“I have,” Armand said and his fingers spread upwards, exploring the inconsistent textures in the dark and gray hair across Daniel’s stomach and chest. “Each scar is unique.” His fingers found their way to a scar across Daniel’s left breast that was flat, pale, and jagged.

“Fishing lure,” Daniel said. “I ripped it out. It made everything worse. I screamed. My parents screamed. I think half the county came to gawk.”

Armand moved closer and his hands continued to explore. “I want to give you a scar.”

Daniel’s hands rested on Armand’s hips. His thumbs rubbed small circles. He held Armand’s gaze and squirmed when Armand’s fingers toyed with a nipple. “As many as you want.”

Armand ran his tongue down Daniel’s neck and along the flesh between his neck and shoulder. He nipped at the skin and then grasped it in his teeth, biting with all his strength.

Daniel sucked in a breath. His short nails dug into Armand’s flesh in turn. Armand bit and bit until blood almost trickled from the wound.

“Fuck.” Daniel did not realized the small steps they took during the bite until his ass hit the wall. Armand pinned Daniel’s wrists with his hands and kissed Daniel with abandon, the kisses soon turning into nipping and sucking at Daniel’s neck. Their bodies pressed together. Daniel tried to wriggle, desperate for friction, but Armand’s body kept him pinned in place.

Finally, Armand released Daniel’s wrists and reached into the drawer of a bureau at Daniel’s hip. He set a bottle of lube on top of the bureau before leaning close, his breath tickling Daniel’s ear. He whispered in a language Daniel barely recognized and squirted the lube into his hands. His fingers ghosted up Daniel’s shaft as Daniel shuddered. Daniel’s hands sought out Armand’s skin. His nails pressed into Armand’s back.

Armand’s voice continued to rumble, low and rhythmic, always matching the rhythm of his movements as he continued to stroke and tease Daniel as his other hand kept tracing patterns into Daniel’s skin, encouraging Daniel to stay against the wall.

Daniel closed his eyes and moved into Armand’s hand. Daniel’s heart beat faster. His breaths became shorter. He drew closer. He tried to swallow his moans but cried out when Armand bit him again in a different spot. Daniel came soon after. Armand’s hand did not leave him until Daniel was nothing more than a panting mess.

Armand nipped at Daniel’s ear and wiped his hands on Daniel’s skin. He stepped back to admire his work.

Daniel shivered and leaned his head back against the wall. His body glistened in the lamplight. His chest rose and fell with every breath. His shoulders relaxed. He groaned quietly in satisfaction and then slowly stepped away from the wall. He picked up the bottle of lube and squinted at it.

“It’s edible,” Armand said.

Daniel nodded and his gaze turned to Armand. “You should tell me what you want.”

Something deep within Armand’s stomach beat as Daniel approached, a shiver running the length of Armand’s spine at all the things they could do. Armand licked his lips and led Daniel to another part of the room, kicking clothing out of their way. He grabbed a long rectangular throw pillow from a chair and cast it to the ground in front of him. “I want you on your knees.”

Daniel knelt on the pillow and set the lube on the floor. He grasped Armand legs and adjusted his balance until he found the correct way to kneel without sliding off the pillow. He let go and gazed up at Armand. “Ready?”

“Always,” Armand breathed.

Daniel squirted lube into his hand and rubbed his hands together. He ghosted his fingers up Armand’s inner thigh, toying with all he could touch before sliding his fingers along Armand’s length. He twisted and rubbed as his mouth began to explore Armand’s hips and thighs, littering bites, nips, and marks.

Armand shivered again. His legs trembled in anticipation. His fingers threaded into Daniel’s curls. He closed his eyes and let out a small noise as Daniel’s tongue finally slid along his base.

Daniel adjusted his position and explored Armand’s tip with his mouth while his fingers moved along his base. His eyes found Armand’s gaze again. His hand and mouth moved in tandem as Daniel took more of Armand into his mouth with each bob of his head.

Armand shivered and shuddered. He did not withhold any moans or cries. Daniel’s speed varied, always a response to Armand’s voice or body. Armand drew closer to the edge. He tried to watch as much as he could but he closed his eyes when he came, his fingers gripping Daniel’s curls tightly.

Daniel did not remove his mouth until Armand finished. Daniel fell back onto the floor and closed his eyes as his chest rose and fell with every breath.

Armand breathed deeply and gazed at Daniel. He reached down and grasped Daniel’s hand, pulling him to his feet. “Come with me.”

“I just did,” Daniel said.

Armand pulled Daniel to the shower where he claimed Daniel again under the spray.

Daniel woke to a television playing loudly on the other side of the wall. He was naked with only a sheet across his pelvis. The bed was firmer than the one in his apartment. There was a drafty window over his head. He gazed out the open door, down a short hallway, and peered at a sunlit living room. Armand’s shirt laid haphazardly in view along with Daniel’s sweater. Daniel let out a long, low groan. He knew where he was. What started in the living room continued to the shower and continued to the bedroom before they finally wore each other out last night. Daniel kept up with Armand through every bite, scratch, suck, and fuck. Even now, desire stirred deep within him like it did every morning, but he was much too sore and drained to consider it yet.

Daniel’s gaze shifted to the other side of the bed. Armand laid on his side, his spine on full display, the sheet pooling at his hips. His shoulders barely moved with each silent breath.

Daniel reached out, finger hovering just at Armand’s vertebrae before he pulled his hand back and sat up slowly, his feet hitting a cold rug. The longer he was awake, the colder the room seemed. He could not remember the last time he woke first after such a night let alone the last time he went several rounds with such abandon.

The bed creaked. Armand sat up and leaned against Daniel’s back. His hair tickled Daniel’s skin.

“Just go back to sleep,” Daniel murmured. “It’s Sunday.”

“Museum needs me.” Armand wrapped his arms around Daniel and let his fingers lazily slide along Daniel’s stomach as he kissed the back of Daniel’s neck.

Daniel squirmed a little. He slid off the bed and stood.

Armand looked up at Daniel wide-awake, his sleepiness a clear ruse. He licked his lips. “Join me in the shower before we leave.”

“Insatiable,” Daniel said. He tossed a pillow from the floor at Armand.

Armand caught the pillow and got out of bed. Daniel followed him down the small hallway to the bathroom, grateful for the warmth of the water and the company.

The sunset spread across a mostly cloudy sky. The smell of slush and pollution filled the air. Armand exited the museum and started walking home. His mind returned to last night and that morning. When he parted from Daniel, they made no definite plans, but he doubted that they could stay away from each other for long. Fantasies filled Armand’s mind. He would make them reality. There would be so much to explore.

Someone fell in step at Armand’s side. He sped up his pace and the person matched it. Armand slowed and laughed when Daniel kept walking at the previous speed. Daniel rolled his eyes and let their arms knock together when they stood side by side again. “Ass. You knew it was me.”

“Were you waiting?” Armand asked.

“I was just out for a walk,” Daniel said as if his cheeks and nose were not red from waiting in the cold.

They followed the flow of movement on the sidewalk. Armand kept close to Daniel. Daniel put his hands in his pockets and said, “I thought you could come home with me tonight.”

“Can I bring some things?” Armand asked.

“Yeah,” Daniel said. “I’ve got room.”

So do I,” Armand said, “the next time you spend the night.” Armand’s apartment appeared up ahead. He touched Daniel’s arm. “Go get warm. I’ll get a bag and join you.”

“I’ll wait in the lobby,” Daniel said. His hand touched Armand’s and then he disappeared down the street.

Armand watched him go. He licked his lips and disappeared into his building. It was the start of a new game, a long game. He would relish every moment of it for the rest of his life.

The End

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