Dancing In the Shadows

 

-Original RP-

The Chanserv Chronicles: A Vampire Tale

by Shuuki and Pookie

Chapter 8: Another Journey

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There seems no end to the rain. Sheets of icy water blur the features of the stately maze of Versailles; time herself becomes a blur as numbness sets into the joints of a young man huddled amongst the hedges...

The sudden strike of thunder shatters the stillness of the young man's mind, his sense of reality returning in a rush. After a rapid glance around, he quickly realizes the storm will not end soon. In a panic, he considers his unconscious charge...

 

RB: *frantically tries to think, not knowing how or even where to move Chanserv* *suddenly remembers his unlikely allies in the Palace*

RB: *tries to summon the twins, all his conflicting emotions raging* Jean-Louis! Sylvain! To me! *focuses all the power he can spare in calling the twins*

RB: *collapses on Chanserv, breathing heavily* *slowly rises and drags his still-unconscious lover off the cold grass and onto the patio bench* *tries to wait patiently for the arrival of the twins*

After what seems to be an eternity, two forms make their way through the icy rain and into the dark maze...

RB: *notices the twins arrive and beckons them to come closer* Come. Let us take your Master indoors.

Twins: *move hand in hand, parting only to support Chanserv on each shoulder*

RB: *walks in front of the twins, considering where they can go*

RB: *suddenly stops and points to Jean-Louis* You, go on ahead to the stables and ask for a coach. Tell them expressly whom it is for. The coach must be ready by when we arrive. *replaces him in carrying Chanserv and glares at him to hurry*

Jean-Louis: *looks uncertainly at his brother*

Sylvain: *glances at RB and back to his brother and nods firmly*

Jean-Louis: *takes a hesitant step, then runs through the rain toward the stables*

RB: *keeps moving forward, urging Sylvain to follow*

Jean-Louis: *stands fidgeting with the reins of two steeds hitched to the awaiting coach* *leads them close to the mouth of the garden as he sees RB and Sylvain emerge*

RB: *actually smiles when he sees Jean-Louis* *with the help of Sylvain seats Chanserv in the coach* *looks at the twins and smiles* Thank you. I do not need you anymore. *enters the coach*

Jean-Louis: *clings to his brother, an expression like a lost child on his face*

RB: *realizes he is without a driver* *glances back out at the twins and motions them closer* I need one of you to guide the coach.

Sylvain: *holds his brother protectively and hesitates to move*

RB: *glares at the twins and orders again, in a dangerous tone* Drive the coach. Now. I am not in a mood for games.

Sylvain: *quickly moves into the driver's seat and helps his brother up*

RB: *gives the twins their destination and returns his attention to Chanserv*

RB: *casts on last glance at Versailles as the coach pulls out, filled with relief at leaving, but also a little regret*

 

After an uneventful race across the cold, wet streets of Paris, a solitary coach pulls up to a large mansion. The unconscious passenger is quickly taken inside his chambers by his lover, while the two unfortunate drivers are sent to an empty room.

 

RB: *sits by Chanserv's side on the large bed, a concerned look on his face as his lover still does not wake*

Chanserv: *lies still as death, lips tinged a blue shade despite the warmth of the bedcovers*

RB: *sighs as he runs his finger over the cold lips* Chanserveaux...

RB: *suddenly has an idea* *bites down on his own wrist* *puts his arm over Chanserv's mouth, letting the fresh blood drip into it*

Chanserv: *nose twitches*

RB: *smiles hopefully and brings his arm down to Chanserv's mouth* Wake up...

Chanserv: *lips part slowly to accept the sanguine treat*

RB: *lets out a relieved sigh* Drink up...

Chanserv: *color blooms onto his lips and cheek as he begins to lap and suck at the flow*

RB: *runs his hand through Chanserv's hair* That's it...drink...*smiles*

Chanserv: *eyes remain closed, uttering small, gratified noises as he drinks* *sighs RB's name*

RB: *leans over Chanserv and gently murmurs his name while letting him drink as much as he needs*

Chanserv: *lip movements eventually slow until only his even breath moves past them, bloodstained, but warm and rosy again*

RB: *a great smile forms on his lips as he watches Chanserv's breathing* *gently deposits a soft kiss on the warm lips*

Chanserv: *sighs gently into RB's kiss*

RB: *holds Chanserv close to him and closes his eyes, overjoyed to have him back*

Chanserv: *wraps his arms about RB, pulling him suddenly down by him in the bed* *sighs and snuggles RB to him*...RB...

RB: *snuggles back, his eyes slowly tearing, not knowing what to say*

Chanserv: *blue eyes suddenly emerge from beneath their thick lashes and gaze dazedly at RB for a moment* *brings a finger up to RB's wet eyes* ...What's all this?

RB: *looks up and gazes into Chanserv's eyes* This...is for thinking I had lost you...

Chanserv: *brushes tears away and smiles lopsidedly* I'm right here...

RB: *looks at him hesitantly*...Do you remember getting here? *vaguely waves his arm showing Chanserv's own bedroom*

Chanserv: *rolls over sluggishly to view his surroundings* ... *says simply* Oh, we're home...

RB: *smiles sadly* Yes, thanks to the twins actually...

Chanserv: *rolls back over on his side, facing RB* *brushes RB's hair from his face* Such good boys…

RB: ...That was not how I had planned on leaving Versailles you know...

Chanserv: *murmurs* Yes, it's a pity we had to leave so early…

RB: *reaches for Chanserv's face with a small smile* At least it was an...intriguing stay...

Chanserv: *mumbles vaguely as he pulls RB in for a kiss* Maybe we'll visit again someday.

RB: *gently holds himself back and answers in a low voice* No...I don't want to visit it again...

Chanserv: *pokes his head toward RB doggedly* *mumbles against RB's lips* As you wish...

RB: *murmurs against his lips, preventing him from kissing him* I do wish...

Chanserv: *redirects his efforts to RB's neck* What do you wish, fledgling?

RB: *suppresses a light moan* I wish...to know you...

Chanserv: *pulls back to face RB, blinking fuzzily*

RB: *puts his hand over Chanserv's heart* I wish to know who hides in you...

Chanserv: *stares at RB quietly for a few moments - an expression as if he were solving an equation*

RB: *simply watches Chanserv, waiting for an answer*

Chanserv: *brings a few fingers to his temple and rubs, face paling again* My head aches...*chuckles weakly* Isn't that curious? A vampire with a headache...

RB: *smiles sadly at Chanserv but doesn’t say a word*

Chanserv: *looks at RB apologetically* Might I trouble you for another draught, little one?

RB: Of course...*smiles and offers Chanserv his wrist*

Chanserv: *rubs his cheek briefly against the skin, inhaling deeply* *sinks his fangs delicately into the small wrist*

RB: *inhales deeply as he feels his blood being drawn*

Chanserv: *sighs as his body sheds its tension and his pulse quickens with the intoxicating taste of RB's blood*

Chanserv: *before either realizes, he is planting sensuous kisses along RB's arm*

RB: *looks at Chanserv, eyes wide in surprise*

Chanserv: *hand is suddenly in RB's hair, as his mouth continues up along his neckline*

RB: *tries to fight the sensations rising in him**mumbles very low* ..Stop...

Chanserv: *explores the length of RB's slender form with his hand, pulling and coaxing RB toward delight*

RB: *let out a small moan under Chanserv's soft touch* *suddenly opens his eyes wide and tries to push Chanserv back*

Chanserv: *mounting hunger dominates his every movement as he snakes his hands beneath RB's fresh bedclothes*

Chanserv: *spreads his open palm over RB's chest, furtively brushing rising nipples*

RB: *moans plaintively, trying to move away from Chanserv touch* Stop...

Chanserv: *sucks sharply along RB's strained neck, brushing his fingers lower over his stomach and between his legs*

RB: *suddenly gathers all his remaining strength and violently pushes Chanserv off him* Stop!

Chanserv: *desire lingers in his wide eyes as he looks up at his lover*

RB: *breathes heavily as he looks at Chanserv* *says in a low yet firm tone* No...

Chanserv: *blinks at RB as if he has never heard that word*

RB: *slowly catches his breath and keeps looking at Chanserv, a hint of defiance in his eyes*

Chanserv: *expression changes to amusement* No, eh?

Chanserv: *pins RB to the sheets with blinding swiftness*

RB: *glares up at Chanserv* No.

Chanserv: *bears his fangs in a delighted grin* Fine, we will play your little game, RB.

Chanserv: *attacks RB's neck like a viper*

RB: *swiftly strikes at Chanserv’s face*

Chanserv: *catches RB's hand*

Chanserv: *smiles* And I thought you'd tired of such violent bedgames, dear one.

RB: *glares and answer in a cold voice* If you do this, you are no better than them...

Chanserv: *smile drops from his lips* ....You...you are serious...aren't you?

RB: *his glare does not change* Dead serious...

Chanserv: *fumbles for words* .... You must forgive me then... I did…do not understand...*smiles defeatedly* My… it has been...a while since I apologized to anyone.

RB: *expression softens into a small smile as he watches Chanserv stumble for words* ...Apology...accepted.

Chanserv: *straightens in an attempt to recover some face* *feigns a pout* You don't find me attractive any longer?

RB: *smiles* You are the most beautiful flower I have ever seen.

Chanserv: *touches RB's face gently, genuinely touched by his words*

Chanserv: ...Warm...

RB: *puts his hand over Chanserv's*

Chanserv: *bows slightly and smiles* Then, may I be permitted to kiss you, dear sir?

Chanserv: Your delight is my service. *bows again*

RB: *looks at Chanserv with disbelief* *smiles and blushes*

RB: *nods his head ever so lightly* You may...

Chanserv: *kisses the top of RB's hand* *smiles charmingly and asks* May I kiss you again, fair sir?

RB: *smiles grows wider* You may, dear sir.

Chanserv: *leans gracefully forward and tilts his head, placing a tender kiss on RB's lips*

RB: *kisses back just as tenderly*

Chanserv: *draws back reluctantly* I thank you, dear sir. *bows*

RB: *bows his head* I thank you...

Chanserv: *repeats* Your pleasure is my service. *can't resist adding a wink to the end*

RB: *starts laughing merrily*

Chanserv: What is his lordship's pleasure this evening?

RB: *considers Chanserv* My wish is to know what you keep hidden. But I will not ask it of you. *sighs* Until then... I ask nothing...

Chanserv: *regards the play of emotion on RB's young face* ...RB...My existence rotates about you as the earth does the sun. Shall I regale you with tales of my travels? If you wish. But my vision is brightest when I look toward the centuries that span before us...

RB: *puts his hand to his heart* Is it wrong of me to be jealous? Is it wrong of me to be scared? To want to know what haunts you? What painful memories you hide? *sighs* Maybe I should only look to the future...

Chanserv: *something like frustration surfaces and recedes in his eyes* *instead, drops his chin in one hand and props it on his crossed legs* *smirks* Might I remind his lordship whose name he uttered the evening we first coupled?

RB: *looks at Chanserv, his face expressionless* I am quite aware of what I did. I have always lived in the past and find it hard to consider my new future. *lowers his head in apology* I am sorry for that. I never meant to...

Chanserv: Now, now...no need for that. *tilts up RB's chin* You are mine and nothing you utter can alter it. You delight me at every turn, with every word, no matter what you decide to speak.

RB: *quotes Chanserv* "Hot and cold, like a summer storm you are."

Chanserv: *his smile lights his eyes and spreads over his features* Indeed...

Chanserv: I will spend an eternity unraveling your tempest, yet I hope to never solve all of its mysteries.

RB: *looks at Chanserv for a moment and then smiles* Then I shall spend mine unraveling yours.

Chanserv: *hugs RB to him tightly* Forgive me if I do not ask his lordship's permission for an embrace.

RB: *laughs and hugs Chanserv* Just this once then.

Chanserv: *closes his eyes and holds his kin* *a faint tapping from outside intrudes upon the private moment*

Mephistopheles: *pecks rapidly at the glass of the closed balcony window*

Chanserv: *looses RB and slides out of bed* Excuse me, dear...

RB: *looks out at the window* *eyes grow wide as he recognizes the bird* *watches Chanserv slip away and shivers lightly*

Chanserv: *strides over to the window and unhooks the latch*

Mephistopheles: *flaps into the room, barley missing Chanserv's face* *flies in frantic circles near the ceiling, squawking loudly*

RB: *steps out of bed and watches the crow with a worried eye* *asks in a low voice* What is wrong with him?

Chanserv: Mephistopheles! *eyes narrow as the crow ignores his call* ...It is an omen...

Chanserv: *dashes out onto the balcony, bouncing effortlessly from the railing to the roof*

RB: *quickly runs out on the balcony, growing increasingly worried* *calls out to Chanserv* What is it?

Chanserv: *stands rigidly on the peak* *hair ripples behind him as he scents the wind and scans the valley for torchlight*

Chanserv: ...They're coming...

RB: ...They?

Chanserv: *drops back down to the balcony and looks over his shoulder* Pharaoh's army is moving early this time. They will arrive in little under an hour.

RB: *looks at the garden below and sighs* ...What now?

Chanserv *takes RB's chin between his fingers and smiles* Whatever his lordship wishes.

RB: *looks into Chanserv's eyes* I...want to fly away... *moves closer to Chanserv* I want you to show me the world... *smiles at Chanserv* You said you would...

Chanserv *leans down to kiss his kin* *hums* Thy wish is granted. *touches their lips together*

RB: Thank you... *embraces Chanserv and kisses him back deeply*

Chanserv: *breaks their kiss as Mephistopheles alights on his shoulder, croaking harshly*

RB: *looks at Mephistopheles and tilts his head, half-laughing, half-pouting* Is your friend coming along too?

Chanserv: *chuckles as he ruffles the feathers beneath his beak* So eager to be rid of me my friend? *looks back to RB* That is entirely Mephistopheles 's decision, isn't it, Pretty?

RB: I guess so...as long as he doesn't interrupt us... *stick his tongue out at the crow*

Mephistopheles: *flaps a few times*

Chanserv: *chuckles again* The crow makes a good point; it is time we moved ourselves, RB. Call your servants and bid them pack our things.

RB: *suddenly remembers the twins* The twins! Whatever shall we do with them?

Chanserv: *shrugs* I shall leave that to you my dear, however, I do not think unskilled nobility such as they would weather the trip well.

RB: Hmm… That is quite true. *thinks for a minute* I could always send them back to the castle with the coach?

Chanserv: *smirks* My fledgling has grown attached to his pair of lovelies.

RB: *looks at Chanserv, his meaning lost on the boy*

Chanserv: *repeats* Call them to work my dear. We will decide what to do with them later.

RB: Oh right...of course. *blushes lightly and calls for the two twins*

Chanserv: *disappears into the house*

RB: *follows Chanserv inside, hearing the twins approach*

Sylvain: *after a few minutes, rushes into the room* *freezes as he sees RB*

RB: *quickly waves at Sylvain, pointing to the closet* Pack our things quickly now. *looks around the room sadly as Sylvain follows his order*

RB: *after a few minutes, walks down the stairs to the main hall, Sylvain following him shortly* *looks around for Chanserv* Chanserveaux?

Dark halls echo the sound of RB's voice…

RB: ... *walks across the halls growing slightly more nervous* Chanserveaux?

RB: *slowly makes his way outside towards the stables*

A murder of startled crows swarm about the boy as he heaves open the stable door.

RB: *suddenly takes a step back, completely startled by the crows* *mumbles something about the number of crows in this mansion*

RB: *looks around the stable, not finding the one he seeks* Chanserveaux?

Powerful arms wrap around RB from behind, squeezing painfully.

RB: *jumps up in surprise and turns around to face the person* *eyes suddenly grow very wide*

French soldier: *pulls a gag roughly between RB's teeth with one hand*

RB: *glares at the soldier and discreetly looks around, trying to determine how many soldiers there are, and if any noticed Sylvain*

Soldier: *murmurs* Good boy...not putting up a fight, eh?

RB: *tries to smile with his gag and point his head to behind the soldier*

Soldier: *turns reflexively to look*

Sylvain: *suddenly spears the soldier with one of the nearby pitchforks*

Soldier: *his captive tumbles from his arms as he's knocked to the floor* *clutches at his wound gasping*

RB: *dusts himself off and glares dangerously at the soldier, the smell of blood invading the room*

RB: Now, be a good boy and die. *smirks and lunges at the soldier, planting his teeth in the soft flesh of his neck*

Soldier: *shudders and chokes on his scream as he coughs up blood*

RB: *drinks the fresh fluid eagerly*

RB: *suddenly pulls back and drops the now empty vessel to the ground* *wipes blood away from his mouth and resumes his search for Chanserv, paying closer attention to his surroundings*

Chanserv: *stands in the courtyard under the clearing skies, white roses flowing over his arms and spilling onto the ground about him*

Chanserv: *the moon emerges from behind the clouds, illuminating the bower in his arms with a ghostly light*

RB: *arrives in the courtyard and gasps as he sees Chanserv and the flowers under the moonlight*

RB: *stares at Chanserv, his eyes slowly tearing up, unable to say anything else in front of such beauty* Chanserveaux...

Chanserv: *seems as if he has picked the garden clean, knicks and scratches on his hands weeping red under the cloak of delicate blossoms* *smiles softly* A parting gift...

Chanserv: …You may have loved them more in one night than I ever did these past 50 years...

RB: *crosses the courtyard and embraces Chanserv, tears decorating the wild array of roses around them* Thank you...

The heady scent of roses rises about them as RB crushes the blossoms between their bodies…

RB: *takes a flower and gently pricks his finger on it, tainting it red* *offers Chanserv the flower* I would never have loved them if it weren't for you...

Chanserv: *releases the flowers to the ground as he accepts the gift* *brings it to his nose and drinks in the hybrid fragrance*

Chanserv: *takes RB by the hand and leads him to the house* Come my love, it is time we were away. *laughs to himself* Simon will be furious when he sees the garden tomorrow.

RB: *glances back at the trail of roses behind them and smiles* The garden will bloom again. *holds himself close to Chanserv*

Chanserv: *smiles* True. *asks as they reach the door* Have your darlings prepared us?

RB: *nods* Yes, they did. Sylvain even helped serve a small snack. *looks lightly embarrassed* I fear I was too greedy...

Chanserv: *licks his lips absently* No matter, I have already dined well tonight. *thumbs RB's wrist and smirks*

Chanserv: *examines the small trunk and satchels Sylvain has prepared*

Sylvain: *stands around nervously, not looking straight at Chanserv*

Chanserv: *turns as Jean-Louis leads a pair of saddled mares toward them*

Chanserv: *shrugs into a heavy coat and holds the arms of a second for RB*

RB: *lets Chanserv help him with the coat*

Jean-Louis: *holds the horses steady as Sylvain skirts around them with the luggage and fixes it to the saddles*

Chanserv: *mounts his steed gracefully*

RB: *follows Chanserv lead and mounts his horse, casting one last glance around*

Chanserv: *assess the sky as his mount dances under him* There are a few hours till dawn yet...four, maybe less.

RB: *looks at Chanserv* I guess we should hurry then...

Chanserv: Say farewell to your toys RB, and to Paris!

RB: *looks around and smiles sadly* I think I shall miss some of it. *looks at the twins* I wonder what will happen to them. *laughs*

Chanserv: *glances at Jean-Louis, clinging to Sylvain's sleeve in the doorway*

Chanserv: *suddenly spurs his horse toward the Seine* *calls over his shoulder* Come, RB!

RB: *glances at Chanserv and smiles* *urges his horse to follow and calls out to the night behind him* Adieu Paris!

The pair flies down the valley toward the river road, the last night of the full moon lighting their way…

Chanserv: *gallops easily, his freshly braided hair whipping behind him*

RB: *calls out as he guides his horse alongside of Chanserv* Where are we headed?

Chanserv: *calls back over the din of pounding hooves* To Troyes. I believe we can beat the sun if we push our mounts.

RB: *leans lightly on his horse, feeling the powerful muscles under him* *whispers to the horse* Then fly for me! *spurs his horse faster and laughs*

Chanserv: *deep laughter follows RB* You think you can beat me there?

RB: *glances over his shoulder and sticks his tongue out at Chanserv*

Chanserv: *urges horse forward, pulling a head past RB's*

RB: *grins as he directs his horse closer to Chanserv's, forcing him ever so slowly off the road*

Chanserv: *viper-quick, whacks the nose of RB's horse with his crop*

RB: *as his horse shakes his head at the sting, pulls away from Chanserv* No fair!

Chanserv: *smirks at RB mischievously* Oh? And running me off the road was?

RB: *smiles back innocently* I was simply guiding your horse, not hitting it.

Chanserv: *teases* You play dirty, young gentleman.

RB: *shrugs* We shall see who wins then. *winks at Chanserv and sends his horse in a wild gallop*

Chanserv: *smiles and allows RB to pull ahead*

RB: *glances behind him and wonders why Chanserv is letting him go ahead* *decides not to think too much on it*

The pair rides in silence on the deserted road. A half hour slips by and RB's horse is drenched in a dark sweat…

RB: *realizing his horse is getting tired, slows her down* *pats the horse and murmurs gently to it* *looks sheepishly back at Chanserv* Oops?

Chanserv: *gives RB a sidelong look* Tsk tsk. She deserves better treatment than that, poor girl. No complaints from myself though; you've given me the race! *smiles happily*

RB: She is a good girl. I didn't mean to push her like that...It's just I've never really been able to race like that. It's so... *smiles as he tries to find the right word*

RB: *gives up trying to find his word and just laughs* It's so something. *smiles happily at Chanserv*

Chanserv: *turns his smile toward RB* There is nothing quite like a race among the desert sands on the back of an Arabian stallion. Rhyme and reason are lost to the thrill of the race and the pride of the clan. *chuckles* And there's nothing like convincing a chieftain to race at night.

RB: *drinks in Chanserv's words, completely entranced* *glances longingly at the skies ahead* That sounds wonderful...

Chanserv: You would do well there.

RB: You think?

Chanserv: Of course.

RB: Maybe one day? *gazes hopefully at Chanserv*

Chanserv: *smiles and repeats* Of course.

RB: *blushes lightly and looks ahead, a great smile on his face*

Chanserv: *heart thumps in his chest as he catches RB's expression: eyes sparkling and hair swept back and free from his face*

RB: *only sees the empty stretch of road ahead of him and all the possibilities it holds*

With dawn on their heels the hunted pair sprints the last mile to Troyes, thundering through its gates into its quiet streets…

RB: *slows his horse down as they cross the soon-to-awaken town* Chanserv? Where should we go now?

Chanserv: We haven't time to be choosy, love. We will take the first inn we can find. *picks his way through the cobbled streets, searching for an establishment*

RB: We will stay in an inn then? *follows Chanserv, his eyes searching the many stores and shops*

Chanserv: We do not want to leave a trail for our pursuers; better to blend into the mixed pallet of the middle class for the time being.

Chanserv: *dismounts as they arrive at a non-descript inn, faint light emanating from its thick windows*

Chanserv: *hands his reins to RB* Take them round to the stable, RB. If the stable hand is still sleeping you will have to rub them down yourself. I will take the luggage and order a room.

RB: You mean I can't wake them? *sighs and takes the reins slowly making his way towards the stables*

Chanserv: *shakes his head, amused* So spoiled that one...

Chanserv: *raps on the front door*

A plump woman cracks it and pokes her graying head through, squinting into the dim light…

Inn Keeper: *expression softens at the sight of the golden-haired gentleman*

Chanserv: Excuse the late hour Madam, but I'm seeking a room for a companion and myself.

Inn Keeper: *ushers Chanserv in with a scant polite greeting and leads him to the front desk*

Inn Keeper: *shoves the inn book at Chanserv and hands him a pen*

Chanserv: *continues to smile charmingly as he takes his time signing in*

Inn Keeper: *squints skeptically at Chanserv's elaborately scrawled signature before showing him to his room*

Chanserv: *sets down the luggage by the bed* Merci beaucoup, Madam. My companion is stabling our horses. He should be at your door momentarily.

Inn Keeper: *grunts her acknowledgement and closes the door behind her*

 

RB: *arrives at the stables and dismounts, calling out* Anyone here?

RB: *pokes his head in and looks around* Hello? *hears a soft snoring sound from a corner*

RB: *sighs as he spots the stable hand sleeping soundly* *turns around and leads the horses inside smiling* Oh well...

RB: *starts unsaddling the horses, whistling cheerfully* There you go.

RB: *looks around for the brushes* Aha! *spots them near the sleeping boy and quietly removes them, trying not to wake him*

RB: *proceeds to brushing down the horses, his thoughts on the journey ahead of them*

RB: * the mares brushed and fed, he bids them goodnight as he walks out the stables* *makes his way back towards the door to the inn and knocks merrily*

Inn Keeper: *cracks the door and regards the boy on her doorstep*

Inn Keeper: State your business.

RB: Evening, Madam. *smiles* I believe my friend has taken a room in your lovely inn. I was just putting our horses in the stables.

Inn Keeper: *swings the door open and turns her back on RB, indicating him to follow*

RB: *bows his head lightly and follows her* Thank you, Madam.

Inn Keeper: *leads RB to their room, opening the door and heading back down the hallway with only a gruff bid goodnight*

RB: *closes the door behind him and looks at Chanserv* She seems nice...

Chanserv: *lies on one of the twin beds, arms crossed behind his head* *says through a yawn* Yes, delightful.

RB: *looks at the two beds and raises an eyebrow* *smiles and lays down in Chanserv's arms, stifling a yawn of his own*

Chanserv: *sighs a laugh as he holds RB to him* What would the neighbors say if I asked for a single bed?

Chanserv: Besides, the linens make excellent window shades.

RB: *giggles* Well as long as no one walks in on us during the day...

Chanserv: *murmurs about bolting the door as his eyes drift closed*

RB: What was that? *yawns loudly and settles his head on Chanserv's chest, sleep gradually taking him*

Chanserv: *deep and even breath is RB's only answer as the pair fall into an exhausted slumber*

The voice of the mocking bird is joined by the muffled clatter of activity as day begins to break…

Chanserv: *brow creases as a dull pain stabs through his sleep*

RB: *stirs in his sleep, murmuring incomprehensibly*

Chanserv: *slowly opens his eyes, blinking against the glare of a bright light* *blots upright as realization dawns on him*

RB: *is suddenly startled awake as Chanserv sits up* What? *rubs his eyes at the painful light, his senses awakening*

Chanserv: *draws RB up against the headboard and wraps the blanket over his head and around his body* Don't move!

RB: *slowly realizes what is happening and stays still as Chanserv covers his entire body* What about you?

Chanserv: *pulls his coat and boots on and flips the hood over his head* *vaults over his bed and yanks the sheets from its twin*

Chanserv: *stuffs the fabric in the cracks of the windows, drawing the curtains as extra protection*

Chanserv: *the task takes a few minutes, Chanserv working with quick skill and efficiency*

Chanserv: *trudges to the door, bolting it securely as a final touch*

RB: *upon hearing the bolt being drawn, dares to peek out from under his covers* Chanserveaux?

Chanserv: *stands by the bed, his breathing slowing, but making no effort to remove his coat*

Chanserv: It is safe to come out now, fledgling.

RB: *takes off his covers and looks around* *hurries to Chanserv's side, looking very worried* Are you all right? *gently takes off his coat*

Chanserv: *recoils, sucking air sharply in between his teeth* *holds his hands above RB's head* Just a moment, dear one! I'd rather not soil my coat.

Chanserv: *slowly brings his hands down and presents them to RB - a burned and bloody mess*

RB: *looks at Chanserv, not understanding* *eyes water as he sees the bloodied hands of his lover* Chanserv...I'm so sorry...

Chanserv: Shhh. It's all right now. 'Twas my fault as much as yours. I'm old enough to recover from wounds like this...with a bit of help if you'd be so kind.

RB: *gently takes the hands and licks them softly, healing the burnt hands*

Chanserv: *smiles at the sight, hating to interrupt* ...May we sit down?

RB: *looks up* Of course.

Chanserv: *sits down on the edge of the bed, watching his little fledgling wash his fingers like a cat*

RB: *as the last of the fingers heal, sighs and holds a hand against his cheek*

Chanserv: *wiggles his index finger against RB's soft cheek, brushing over the peach-fuzz hair*

Chanserv: *says quietly* Thank you.

RB: *looks at Chanserv's beautiful face and smiles, nodding ever so slightly and answers as quietly* You are welcome...

Chanserv: *continues in a low voice* I am eager to try them out now… *pulls his hand from RB's grip, trailing his finger down RB's cheek and over his lips*

RB: *feels his body shiver lightly under the soft touch* *gently takes the finger in his mouth, his eyes fixed on his lover*

Chanserv: *a pleased smile spreads over his lips* Now what can I do with you occupying my hand like that?

RB: *smiles back teasingly as he nibbles on the finger* You'll think of something...

Chanserv: *sighs at RB's sharp little teeth on his sensitive new flesh*

Chanserv: *dips his head close to RB's ear* *whispers hypnotically* I want you...

RB: *gently pulls Chanserv onto the bed, his eyes shining with desire*

Chanserv: *sheds his coat and tugs at RB's rumpled clothes* *runs his lips and tongue along RB's neck*

Chanserv: *pulls RB up into something like an embrace, raking his fingernails lightly down the length of his back*

Chanserv: *fans RB's moist neck with his warm breath, nipping along the tendon and behind the ear*

RB: *feels his entire body shiver as Chanserv's fingers trail down his sensitive back* *small moan escapes his lips*

Chanserv: *tickles RB's ear with a whisper* Undress me.

RB: *smiles mischievously at those words* As you wish. *slowly runs his fingers down Chanserv's shirt, ripping it, barely leaving a trail on the now exposed chest*

Chanserv: *slides his fingers up RB's neck, threading them through his feathery hair and cradling the back of his head* *hovers close to RB's lips* What am I to do with you?

RB: *says in a small whisper still smiling* Whatever you wish...

Chanserv: *traces RB's smile with the tip of his tongue, teasing and darting it between RB's lips*

RB: *moans helplessly, his tongue chasing after its lover*

Chanserv: *drags his hands forward to RB's face, exploring it gingerly with his fingertips* *brushes RB's lips with his own, tasting RB's impatient tongue* *grasps it lightly between his lips and sucks*

RB: *eyes shine as Chanserv grasps his tongue* *wraps his arm around him and pulls himself closer*

Chanserv: *lets go of RB's tongue and kisses him briefly* *drags his teeth down RB's bottom lip, tugging it outward before he releases* *kisses a line down RB's chin and along his throat*

RB: *tilts his head backward, exposing more of his neck* *lets out a long moan* *runs his hand through Chanserv's hair and back*

Chanserv: *slides his left hand along RB's slender waist, holding him firmly with his right, lavishing his chest with kisses*

RB: *his lover's name escapes his lips as his body reacts to all the kisses*

Chanserv: *pushes him gradually back down to the pillows as his head continues lower*

Chanserv: *draws his left hand up RB's inner thigh, sighing pleasurably as he feels RB shudder*

RB: *shudders course through his body expectantly* *looks at Chanserv with eyes full of desire*

Chanserv: *pauses to gaze up at his little lover* *purrs* Do you know what I wish, fledgling?

RB: *answers in a light voice, his lips curling into a smile* What do you want?

Chanserv: …To hear you sigh my name; to feel your body surge beneath me as you lose yourself within me; to blind you with pleasure so deep it is painful....

RB: *looks at Chanserv with an almost quizzical expression for half a second and then smiles* *nods his head lightly, his eyes never leaving Chanserv's face* Chanserveaux...

RB: *reaches up for his face* I am always blinded with pleasure when I am at your side, my love...

Chanserv: Then grant my wish. *closes his mouth about the head of RB's flushed member*

RB: *gasps as he feels Chanserv's mouth engulf him*

Chanserv: *runs his lips down the length, taking RB in slowly*

Chanserv: *pulls back up just as slowly, swirling his tongue about the tip as he reaches the top*

RB: *breathing comes in ragged breaths as he feels his body responding*

Chanserv: *holds RB's hips, increasing pace and pressure bit by bit*

RB: *throws his head back, thrusting his pelvis forward*

Chanserv: *his own moan buzzes against RB's head as he deep-throats him*

RB: *grasps the sheets as his control over his body rapidly disappears*

Chanserv: *caresses RB's length with his tongue as he sucks, squeezing RB's hips tightly as he bucks with each unexpected swirl*

RB: *moans, barely able to keep control* *with a panting breath* I'm…going...to...

Chanserv: *slows immediately*

Chanserv: *pulls back from the whimpers of his fledgling, kissing the tip of his upright manhood*

RB: *looks wildly at Chanserv not understanding, his breathing still heavy*

Chanserv: *leans backward, bracing himself on one elbow, his opposite hand rummaging in one of the satchels by the bed*

RB: *watches Chanserv's action with curiosity and a little frustration*

Chanserv: *sits back up, a small jar in his hand* *says as he unscrews the lid* I don't suppose anyone else took as much care with you...

RB: *looks at the jar carefully and shakes his head lightly, a smile on his lips* No...

Chanserv: *digs out a silky clear substance with two fingers and tosses the jar aside* *distracts RB's gaze from his fingers by leaning close, meeting RB's glassy eyes with his own*

Chanserv: *smoothes RB's brown bangs back from his face with his free hand and kisses him*

RB: *focuses his eyes on Chanserv's, even if his body tenses lightly* *kisses Chanserv back deeply, his previous thoughts erased*

Chanserv: *strokes the puckered surface of RB's entrance in small circular motion as they kiss*

RB: *tenses lightly but quickly relaxes again, completely entranced by their kiss*

Chanserv: *runs his tongue over RB's sharp canines and explores every crevice of his hot mouth* *simultaneously, he guides RB's hand down to his own and spreads the goopy substance over RB’s palm*

RB: *absently realizes his hand is now covered with the substance as his tongue dances with his lover's*

Chanserv: *closes RB's fingers over his swollen manhood and urges him in upward and downward strokes*

RB: *gently grasps Chanserv's manhood and continues to stroke it in long movements*

Chanserv: *groans into RB's mouth as he feels his hand glide effortlessly over the taut skin*

RB: *answers with his own muffled moan at the sensations created by that light touch*

Chanserv: *breaks their kiss for air, his breathing labored under RB's ministrations*

Chanserv: *rests his chin on RB's shoulder* *whispers, his voice thick with desire* I want you…

RB: *takes a deep breath and answers in a whisper* Yes...

Chanserv: *slips out of RB's skillful fingers and hooks his own hands under RB's knees* *hikes them up on either side of his lean body*

Chanserv: *positions himself between RB's legs and begins to work the head of his arousal against RB's entrance*

RB: *his hand slides back onto the sheets as he watches his lover, trying to relax his body* *clenches the sheets as he feels Chanserv* *lets out a small moan*

Chanserv: *a throaty sigh rumbles up from the back of his throat as he penetrates RB, taking his time despite the delicious ease of the lubrication*

RB: *a small gasp escapes him followed by a long, pleasured moan as Chanserv enters him with careful ease*

Chanserv: *takes hold of RB's erection again, smearing the last of the lubrication over its surface*

Chanserv: *pumps RB in time with his increasing thrusts, watching RB's blushing face as he mewls helplessly*

Chanserv: RB...

RB: *his breathing becomes heavier and his small cries louder*

Chanserv: *whole body is heated with desire, control splintering with every thrust...but can't bring himself to close his eyes against the blushing beauty under him*

RB: *senses himself nearing the edge and softly cries out his lover's name, his voice overwhelmed by the sensations racking his body* Chanserveaux...

Chanserv: *thrusts with abandon, striving to drive himself as deep as possible* *calls out feverishly* I want you, RB!

RB: *his panting grows louder* I...I...

RB: *is suddenly spilling his seed over Chanserv’s fingers as he calls out his lover's name* Chanserveaux!

Chanserv: *strains forward with a long cry, his body tensing as he comes deep inside his love*

RB: *senses Chanserv tense and release within him and whispers with a pleasured sigh* Chanserveaux...

Chanserv: *shaky little cries tumble off his lips as he shudders above RB, unable to move off of him yet*

RB: *still trembling from their lovemaking, slowly raises his hand towards Chanserv's face*

Chanserv: *gazes down at RB, catching his breath, a few drops of perspiration dropping onto RB's sticky stomach*

RB: *gently caresses Chanserv's face, brushing away a damp strand of hair and smiles, not able to word his feelings*

Chanserv: *voices the only thing he can at that moment - breathes RB's name as he lowers himself into a kiss*

RB: *embraces Chanserv and kisses him back with all his emotions*

Chanserv: *wraps a long arm around RB's shoulders, holding RB's head in his palm* *breathes through the kiss* Mine...forever mine...

RB: *answers in the same breath* Forever...yours...

Chanserv: *holds RB tightly, kissing passionately until the last of their strength runs out*

Chanserv: *head collapses to the pillows, arm still protectively draped around his lover*

RB: *sighs happily, safely nestled in his lover's arms, and closes his eyes*

Chanserv: *pulls the covers haphazardly over them and kisses the top of RB's head before falling into a another deep and sated sleep*

 

 

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Fin?...