Short story - it'll make more sense if you've seen "John Carpenter's
Vampires", although that isn't a recommendation!
'Elfin's Vampires.'
by elfin
"Infectious, isn't it, this night thing?"
Nick glanced across at his balmy companion. "Not really."
Vachon merely shrugged and once again raised the green bottle to his lips,
tipping his head back to take a long swig of the thick ruby liquid within.
"So why are we sitting here denting your pride and joy's hood when we could
be inside the club enjoying the... entertainment?"
Nick wondered sometimes; how could someone live for so long and still remain
so clueless? "The club's closed, Vachon. Listen... no music, no
laughing...." He widened his eyes and waggled his fingers in a 'I'm
coming to get you' motion. "No screaming."
The Spaniard concentrated for a moment, eyes glancing over the quiet building
outside which they were parked. "You know, you're right. So where
is he?"
Nick took the bottle from Vachon's hand and gulped a couple of mouthfuls
down. "That, my friend, is anyone's guess."
"Well... can't you... you know, sense him?"
"Why would I possibly want to?"
Vachon rolled his eyes. "To find out how long we might possibly have
to wait here."
Nick handed the bottle back, shaking his head. "I'd need a better
reason than that. Believe me, inside LaCroix's mind is the very last
place anyone would want to be, most of all moi."
"I guess...."
Vachon turned his head, his eyes roaming from the empty shell of the usually
riotous club to the vampire sitting beside him. He loved to just watch
Nick, to sit and undress him with his eyes. Not that he'd ever
want LaCroix knowing that.
"He was muttering something about a cross last night," Nick volunteered
finally.
"A cross? He's a vampire."
"I'd noticed."
"But... a cross?"
"I know. Something about it having... powers. Said he'd been
hunting for it for years and some priest somewhere had found it."
"A magic cross." Vachon mused on the thought. "What's he going
to do when he gets it?"
"No idea. Melt it down probably, stop me from getting my hands on
it. That's what he does with everything else that could possibly be
magic." There was a note of resignation in Nick's honey voice that
amused Vachon. "I've lost count of the precious artefacts that have
met their end in LaCroix's hands. Books, cups, candle-sticks, medallions.
He believes more rubbish than I do."
Vachon resisted the urge to laugh. "You don't seem overly bothered."
"I'm not." Nick smiled suddenly. "Immortality has a certain...
appeal again." He looked sideways at Vachon. "Can't imagine why."
The other opened his mouth, and closed it again. Whether he was the
whole cause of Nick's change of heart, or just a part of it, he didn't think
he wanted to know right now.
Both vampires watched with only a vague interest when the owner of the club
finally walked passed them about an hour later. In his left hand he
carried a staff, mounted on top of which was a valuable looking, silver/black
cross adorned with rubies and diamonds. He smiled briefly at his son
and strange friend sitting on the hood of Nicholas' ridiculous chosen mode
of transport.
"Good evening, Nicholas, Javier."
"LaCroix." In sync, they managed to keep any hint of interest or surprise
from their voices.
"I'll open up shortly, if you'd like to come in."
Nick poured three glasses while he and Vachon waited at the bar for LaCroix's
reappearance. They sat there like a couple of curious old women,
watching the door that led through to the back of the club.
"It's crazy, you know," Nick began out of nowhere, "these webs of lies that
we weave. LaCroix believes me to be partially returning to the fold,
Natalie isn't speaking to me because she thinks I've returned to LaCroix.
Tracy's in love with a vampire but doesn't know her partner's one. Nat
knows both of us are and is keeping it from Tracy...."
Vachon frowned. "Where is this coming from?"
"You're the only one who knows the whole truth."
That provoked a smile. "Aww... that's sweet."
Nick shrugged, sipping his drink.
Vachon visibly tensed when LaCroix stepped out of the back rooms and took
his glass from the bar, smiling bountifully at them both as he headed to the
front doors to let in his clients.
Nick grinned a toothy grin and turned. "Another night."
"Another neck."
They slipped from the bar stools into the swelling crowd.
elfin
Instant Feedback! (No Flames Please)