Author: Hackett, April Pairing: Nick/LaCroix **************** Open Arms By April Hackett Explicit pairing of Nick/LC = Drama Disclaimers and such: I don't know if it's the posts from the Dark Knightie loop or my wish that these two would bury the hatchet (and not in each other, gr.), but I've been thinking about Nick and LaCroix confronting their feelings about each other, both expressed and buried. With all the problems and distrust they've had between them in the past, I also believe there were good times too. This is my interpretation of that realization. I didn't write Natalie into this story. I have my own opinion concerning the ending of Last Knight, but that's another story. I have given Nick another partner, though not Adam from V4S. =0D My thanks go out to my wonderful beta readers. The suggestions and thoughts they came up with added depth to the story. However, I have to offer a special thanks to Debbie Park, who besides being a great reader, went beyond that by patiently ignoring my grumbling and continued to push and prod me back to the writing. Thanks Debbie, for being there. =0D All the characters are the property of James Parriott and Tri- Star. I wanted to have them over for a frolic. = =0D Any praises or complaints can be directed to April Hackett at: = ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The time-frame of the flashbacks are the 1750's, shortly before their arrival at Francesca's estate. -------- Open Arms by = April Hackett =0D Present: =0D Nick jerked the sliding door open and stormed into the loft. He couldn't believe that Reese had ordered him to take leave! He still felt the embarrassment that had settled over him as the captain's lecture penetrated his thoroughly rotten mood. =0D Flashback: Two hours earlier =0D "Nick, could I see you in my office, please?" Joe Reese had asked as he paused by Nick's desk. =0D "Captain, I....!" Nick growled. =0D "Now, Detective!" Reese barked. Striding into his office, he silently considered how to best approach Nick on this subject. He was one of his best officers, but sometimes Detective Nicholas B. Knight could be a handful to deal with. Looking up, he saw Nick fidgeting in the doorway. = =0D "Close the door and sit down," he began. This was going to be hard enough without Nick hovering near the door, ready to bolt. =0D As the detective eased into the chair, Reese looked him over. Noticing al= l the tension on Nick's face, he wished he could delay this discussion; however, considering how volatile Nick's temper had become lately, he knew the situation couldn't be allowed to continue. = =0D "I've received several complaints concerning your behavior over the past few weeks." =0D "Captain..." Nick began but Reese waved him back to silence. =0D "Nick, I've watched your frustration level climb through the roof. I haven't called you on it since I figured you would eventually handle it, but...." Glancing down at the picture of his wife and family, Reese hesitated. = "Captain, I know I've been... difficult lately," Nick interjected during = the pause in Reese's admonishment. = "Difficult, Nick? Try impossible!" = = "Captain..." he began. = "I want you to go home and try to relax. Maybe if you took a vacation, i= t might help you unwind. I don't want you back here until you're rested and ready to work. Understand?" Reese stated firmly. = "Captain, I can't leave now! I have to finish all the paperwork on those= two cases we closed yesterday, not to mention the reports on that fiasco that put my partner on sick leave. He's lucky that all he did was break = his arm on that bust!" Thoughts of his current partner lying on the street, writhing in pain merged with the memories of Tracy, leaving a wave of depression behind. Sighing, Nick stood up and faced his captain. =0D "No arguments, Detective. Your partner is due back in a couple of days. = He can finish the paperwork," Reese insisted firmly. Rising, he walked around his desk and placed a hand on Nick's shoulders. "I'm talking to you as a friend now; I'm worried about you. You need to step back from everything for a while. I want you to take some time off." =0D "Captain, I don't need a vacation!" Nick snapped, his temper starting to rise. =0D "That's an order, Detective! I don't want to see your face in here for a= t least two weeks! Clear?" Reese opened the door and calmly guided Knight out of his office. = Nick slowly headed for his desk. Looking at all the papers scattered about his desk, he had to admit he would rather do anything else but paperwork, however .... Nick took a deep breath, glanced back at Reese --= and acknowledged to himself that the captain was probably right. = Marking himself off the assignment board, Nick walked out of the precinct and headed for his car. He knew that he had a lot to think abou= t. = = While he drove through the city, Nick took a firm hold on his emotions and considered Reese's comments. He thought about the last several months, finally recognizing how erratic he had been. he mused. "I could visit Janette= in Europe, but she's probably still angry with me. Who's available?" he murmured under his breath as he pulled into the garage. = = As the elevator climbed to the loft, Nick shook his head and muttered, "No... I don't dare let that relationship start up again. I can't...." = Memories rushed by as he leaned against the back of the elevator. = Feeling his frustration rising again, he pushed away from the wall and jerked the elevator door open. =0D Two days later: = =0D {Living without you, living alone This empty house seems so cold} =0D Nick was standing in front of a half finished painting, brooding. His thoughts kept returning to his partner, Chris Grey. He had been injured during a simple bust over a week ago. Staring at the spiral of color as i= t dried, he wrestled with his dilemma. = =0D Weighing the good he did against the evil the vampire represented was an intricate problem; particularly when it was the vampire's abilities that = had saved Chris' life. Horrendous depression and guilt had nearly suffocated= him when Tracy had been killed. It wasn't something he wanted to repeat. Reese and Chris were the only humans he had allowed to penetrate inside his self-imposed barrier since that day. This close cal= l only fueled his feelings of isolation as he again pulled back from the humans he worked with. = =0D However, in pulling back, he felt an emptiness appear in his life. Very few of the friends he had made in this lifetime were still around to fill= that void. he thought to himself, = Clamping down on that thread of thought, Nick slowly climbed the stairs, heading for his bed. = =0D Nick jerked awake, dimly recalling a restless, unsettling dream. He rubbed his forehead absently, trying to recall what had awakened him. = Closing his eyes, he gathered up the wisps of the lingering dream. As he= began to recognize the emerging pattern, he forced the thoughts away, not= wanting to deal with them now. Bringing his arm up across his eyes, he tried to relax and go back to sleep; instead all he did was toss. = =0D Old memories were trying to resurface; memories he had thought buried long ago. At the center of all this unrest within him was... LaCroix. = After all the fighting and all the hateful words, he still couldn't kill = the feelings that he had buried deep inside. =0D One memory in particular kept pushing into his mind. Nick thought a little sourly as he rose from his bed and began to dress. He walked into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of cow's blood. Grimacing at the taste, he settled on th= e couch, finally ready to face the flood of emotions that always accompanied this memory. =0D Flashback 1750's: Paris, France =0D They had hosted a small party, with a liberal sprinkling of merchants and= noblemen. LaCroix didn't like associating with humans; however, he was willing to put up with the inconveniences if they advanced his business ventures. = =0D Nicholas mingled with the guests, dancing and entertaining the ladies until the night was nearly gone. LaCroix quietly strolled around the room, talking to an occasional acquaintance or potential business contact= =2E = All the while, he was ever aware of Nicholas out on the dance floor or flirting with the lower ranked noblewomen at their gathering. He knew his son was enjoying himself immensely. = =0D Watching his son socialize with the guests, LaCroix felt a twinge of jealously at the attention Nicholas was showing the mortals. He was thankful when the clock chimed 5 in the morning. Now, he would have Nicholas all to himself. Standing in the doorway, father and son said their farewell's to the guests and retired to their bed. =0D {Lying beside you, so safe and secure Passions flare up like wildfire} =0D They were laying on a large, down covered bed with the curtains drawn against the bright day. LaCroix had his arms wrapped around his favorite, his Nicholas. He was aware that his son was dreaming by the obscure thoughts filtering through the link. Contentment was evident in his expression as he laid on his side, with his chin resting against the = top of his sleeping son's head. The soft, blond locks that were rubbing against LaCroix's throat felt sensual and pleasant. = = Shifting slightly, LaCroix lifted his hand and gently stroked the bare ar= m and shoulder that lay in front of him. His desire grew at the feel of th= e smooth skin under his fingertips. Lightly drawing his hand up the arm, he then ran his fingers into the wavy hair that topped this child he love= d. = Gently fingering the soft, bright colored strands, LaCroix smiled as he began to trace back down the shoulder until he reached his son's wrist. = Fingers caressing his skin slowly dragged Nicholas out of his slumber. = Stretching his arms and legs with a soft drawn out sigh, the young vampire tilted his head back for a glimpse of his bed mate. = = "LaCroix...?" Nicholas asked, still half asleep. "Why aren't you asleep? = It's early morning." = "I didn't feel like sleeping Nicholas." LaCroix's voice was deep and sensual. Leaning down until his lips were next to his son's ear, LaCroix= asked with a small smile on his lips, "Care to join me...?" = "What did you have in mind, LaCroix?" Nicholas teased with an easy, light tone and a growing smile. =0D Present: = =0D {We walked through history together We drifted apart But, for now, you are by my side} =0D Growling at himself for letting the old memories resurface, Nick rose from the couch and glided to the piano. Taking a firm hold of the emotions that were struggling to break free, he began to play. As Nick tried to let his loneliness and aggravation flow out with the music, he thought about the last eight centuries with LaCroix. = Feeling restless, he reached into the refrigerator for a full bottle, the= n jerked the cork out and tossed it away. Nick felt the Hunger swiftly uncoil when the blood scent rose from the green bottle. Drifting over to= the stairs, he slowly sat down and tilted the bottle up, draining half th= e contents before slowly lowering it down in front of him. As Nick silentl= y sat, staring at the bottle, he suddenly shook his head and murmured, "And= what does he feel for me.... Really? Is it possession or affection that motivates him?" Feeling his tension winding tighter, Nick realized that he couldn't sit still any longer and rose to begin pacing again. = = Turning on the CD player as he passed it, Nick stopped when he suddenly found himself in the living room. The sound of the green bottle being dropped onto the coffee table echoed over the music. Turning to the fireplace, he leaned his forearm against the mantle and stared into the f= ire as Mozart softly filled the loft. He suddenly realized that he couldn't remember the last time he had really felt happy. Nick mused as he rested his forehead on his arm, while sliding his other hand into his pants pocket. He was aroused from his introspection when he felt the vibration that announced the arrival o= f his master, Lucien LaCroix. = LaCroix was standing behind the couch, looming tall and pale, with a black leather coat covering his dark suit. Icy blue eyes regarded his so= n as he removed the coat, tossing it onto the nearby chair. = "How have you been, Nicholas? I have not heard a word from you in weeks," LaCroix asked as he moved to sit down on the couch. Noting the tautness exhibited by his son, he continued. "I have felt some disturbin= g things from you these past several days. I hesitate to inquire... what i= s wrong?" = "Nothing's wrong, LaCroix. I'm fine." Nick replied as he sat down on the= other end of the couch. Glancing over to LaCroix, he continued, "I took some time off from my job. I thought I would paint... or compose." = Nick grimaced slightly as he looked back at the fire. "Things have been = a little... tense lately." Smiling slightly, he added, "I thought I could = use the break." = "Indeed. I believe you might be right, Nicholas. The tension I have bee= n feeling from you has been quite bothersome." Looking over at the fire briefly, LaCroix continued, "Have you thought about dancing?" = =0D Nick stared at his master. "Dancing?!!" He couldn't keep the disbelief o= ut of his voice. "Are you joking, LaCroix?!" = "Not at all, Nicholas. I seem to remember how much you loved to dance, not all that long ago." LaCroix quietly stated as he watched his favorite= child. "It has been said dancing is a great tension reliever. Of course= the right partner is also necessary." LaCroix thought as he observed his son thinking. He could feel how tightly Nick was wound. The tension that was radiating off his child was almost visible. = "Dancing..." Looking back to the fire, Nick let his thoughts slide back t= o the memories that had been interrupted earlier. =0D Flashback 1750's: Paris, France = Turning in LaCroix's grasp, Nicholas smiled at the invitation he had just= received as he settled on his left side, his head resting on his hand. =0D "I thought we could dance to an older rhythm this morning, Nicholas. = We have enjoyed this particular dance many times in the past." LaCroix' voice caressed Nicholas as he brought his hand up to his child's face and= brushed the tangled hair back. Lightly tracing the youthful planes of hi= s son's face with his fingers, LaCroix watched the mirth appear in the blue= eyes that were gazing back at him. = Nicholas leaned in and kissed his master's full lips. The kiss was light= and teasing at first, but it quickly deepened as LaCroix returned it with= passion and need. Nicholas felt his lover's tongue lightly outline his l= ips. =0D Complying to the unspoken suggestion, he opened his mouth and let the questing tongue meet with his own. He hardly noticed LaCroix' arm as it slipped around his back, pulling him closer. = Breaking from the kiss, LaCroix rolled Nicholas over onto his back. "I noticed you had a good time flirting with the baron's wife tonight." LaCroix began. Looking down at his son, he continued, "As well as Mueller's daughter from what I could see." = "Yes, I did." Nicholas replied, smiling at the memory of both women leaning against him as they had circled the dance floor. He had danced with several people, but these two ladies had been escorted to the floor for several waltzes before the night was over. "Why...do you mind?" he asked, frowning slightly, not sure if his master was angry about it or no= t. = Resting on his elbow, the ancient vampire leaned over his son and placed his left hand against Nicholas' face, his spread fingers disappearing int= o the wavy blond hair. Brushing his thumb back and forth across his son's jaw and mouth, LaCroix softly said, "Just be sure that flirtation is all = that develops. I don't want any trouble coming from those two right now." = As he tilted Nicholas' head back a little, exposing the front of his thro= at, LaCroix continued with a touch of humor in his voice, "Now where were we.... Ahhh, yes." Bending his head down, he began applying tongue and fang tips to the area. = Nicholas closed his eyes and sighed in total bliss. He was awash in sensations; between the sensual touch of his master on his very sensitive= neck area, to the growing awareness of skin touching skin down his groin and leg. He felt his fangs starting to ache as LaCroix began nipping down his body. = = Gasping as a fang pierced his chest, Nicholas arched into his master's touch. Their link was strengthening with their climbing passion. = Nicholas could feel LaCroix's desire for him burning through the link as his master licked his way from one scratch to the next, savoring the enticing drops. =0D =0D Present: =0D Faced with the emotions from the past, Nick felt overwhelmed by the strength of his fears and desires. Jumping up from the couch, he began pacing again. He wasn't sure he could deal with the ramifications if he followed through with this. Nick thought as he paced behind the couch. = = LaCroix could feel the tension mounting in Nicholas. He watched the younger vampire pace a moment, then moved to intercept him. He knew something had to be done to relieve the stress that was vibrating along their link. = = Finding his path blocked, Nick glanced up as a strong hand dropped on his shoulder. Looking at his master, he noticed the concern on LaCroix's= face. = "Nicholas, you are letting your frustrations tear you apart. You must fi= nd some way to calm yourself." LaCroix's deep voice intoned. "It pains me to feel you in this much distress." = Glancing down at the floor, Nick softly said, "I.... know... I've been re= ally wired lately." Looking LaCroix in the eyes, Nick plunged ahead, "I need to trust you, LaCroix-- I just don't know if I can." His voice cracked a= s he finally vocalized the one question that he was really afraid of asking= =2E = "*Can* you accept me as I am?" He knew LaCroix could feel the loneliness and fear that were hammering at him through the link. = = Gently touching his son's face, LaCroix felt him flinch slightly at the contact. Exhaling softly, he lightly rubbed his thumb across Nick's cheek. he thought sorrowfully. "Nicholas, we must make the attempt and try to overcome this." LaCroix insisted. He knew this was the point of decision for Nicholas. They had to get past all the hateful= words, all the violence and wariness that hung between them, before trust= and love could stand in its stead. =0D "I don't know, LaCroix." Nick softly replied. He closed his eyes and too= k a tenuous breath. = = "I know we have had a turbulent relationship, Nicholas, but I have only done what I thought was best for you." LaCroix reasoned as he tried to reassure his child. "I may have been a little insistent in my desire to point you in the right direction," he conceded with a tinge of stiffness = to his voice. =0D Nick slowly smiled as he heard the words and the tone of his master. He knew that statement had been hard for LaCroix. he thought as he opened his eyes to look at LaCroix. He could feel the ancient's desires through their connection. =0D LaCroix concentrated on their link, trying to reassure his child. Nick h= ad come full circle in the battle with himself. the elder vampire thought with a slight smile. Just the right push and the wayward= child would come home again. = = Looking at his son as he continued to caress his face, LaCroix softly asked, "Would you care to dance, Nicholas?" =0D "LaCroix...?" Nick could feel his hesitation seeping away as he was surrounded by all the ardor LaCroix was sending through their link. = Seeing the understanding on his father's face, Nick cautiously leaned int= o LaCroix's arms. He let go his trepidation when he felt himself being pulled into a protective embrace. Running his arms around the elder vampire's back, Nick returned the hug as a quiet sob escaped him. = Closing his eyes, he laid his head on LaCroix's shoulder and took the lea= p of faith that returning to this life entailed. = =0D LaCroix shifted Nicholas slightly in his arms, enjoying the feel of his favorite. Holding him tightly, LaCroix let his thoughts drift back to on= e of the last times when Nicholas had welcomed his attention. = =0D Flashback 1750's: Paris, France =0D "Control, Nicholas. You must maintain control." LaCroix scolded. "I expect you to be able to hold yourself in check; after all, you are over 500 years old." = =0D "LaCroix...My age hasn't anything to do with my control problems right now and you know it!" Nicholas insisted. "I simply think after a morning= of play, it's time to move a little faster," he complained as another sur= ge of desire coursed through him. Growling to himself, he suddenly thought of a way to accelerate his master's desires and hold off his own. = = "What are you doing, Nicholas?" LaCroix asked with a touch of apprehension in his voice. Needing a diversion from the driving desire t= o bite, Nicholas had rolled them over, catching the older man by surprise. = "I'm working on my control, LaCroix." Nicholas replied around the smile that was trying to appear. As LaCroix settled on his back, he felt a wet= tongue moving from one nipple to the other before heading toward his groin. Groaning in anticipation, he laid his head back and ran his long fingers through the blond hair in front of him. The groan turned into a growl as he felt the need inside him growing rapidly as Nicholas applied his considerable lovemaking talents. the elder vampire considered as another surge of desir= e coursed through him. = = Taking his master's shaft into his mouth, Nicholas slowly stroked up and down, savoring the sensation. He knew that concentrating on LaCroix' needs would help him delay his own. Feeling the gland expanding at his attention, he moved his hand from the broad chest down to the large sack,= stroking it gently. Nicholas could feel the driving passion hammering at= his control, but he wasn't ready to let the beast free yet. = = "Nicholas, come here!" LaCroix growled, his lust making his voice deep and sensuous. = = Moving slowly up his master's body, Nicholas felt a surge of power as he realized yet again the feelings he could produce in his master. A faint snarl escaped him as he felt LaCroix pull him into a hard, driving kiss. = Thrusting his tongue into his master's mouth, Nicholas felt his master's canine slice across his tongue. Fangs clicked together as their desires = and bloodlust escalated from the salty taste. = = The taste of blood sent a wild torrent flooding through both men. Wanting more, LaCroix broke from the kiss with a roar of desire and = reared his head back before buried his fangs into Nicholas's neck. The taste from his son's blood was exquisite; filling him with fire and light= , the smell musky and uniquely Nicholas. = =0D Nicholas attacked LaCroix' throat a moment later. The sense of his master was overwhelming in the blood. So much time, so much life was locked in his master's blood. Predatory desires lurked there, just waiti= ng to pounce. Nicholas let the emotions flow over him, taking them into himself. Locked together, both could sense the need singing in the bloo= d they were drinking. Not wanting to sate his thirst yet, LaCroix released= his hold after a few mouthfuls of the savory liquid, licking his lips cle= an of the precious fluid. Nicholas let go a few moments later. = "Come, Nicholas, we need to express our passion in a more direct way." LaCroix said as he leveled himself up. Feeling the pounding of his desire, Nicholas complied. = Present: =0D {With nothing to hide believe what you mean to me... waiting with open arms} =0D Raising his head, Nick turned golden colored eyes to his father. A like gaze was returned as their eyes met. Placing a hand behind LaCroix' neck, Nick pulled him into a warm, tentative kiss. He felt the arms around his waist tighten as the kiss deepened with desire. Breaking free= from the kiss, both men felt the intense emotions as they broke over them= like a huge wave. = "Nicholas, are you sure?" LaCroix whispered, watching the exquisite creature that he had chosen to be his son. = "Yes, LaCroix." Stepping back, Nick continued, "I need some emotional stability in my life." After taking a deep breath, Nick sighed and looke= d away. "I have come to the realization that all the things that have happened to me during the past few years occurred because I have been fighting myself; my nature. I can't survive like this anymore." Looking= back at LaCroix, Nick grinned slightly and said, "I want you in my life, LaCroix--I need you in my life." = = Opening his arms to his son, LaCroix smiled when Nick stepped into his embrace and wrapped strong arms around his father's waist again. = Feeling Nick lean his forehead against his shoulder, LaCroix leaned down to his son's ear and whispered, "Who else could understand you like the one who made you, Nicholas. Now, would you like to do something about all this tension I sense in you?" LaCroix teased. = Nick felt fingers steadily bringing his head up. Looking up at his maste= r, he closed his eyes when he felt lips gently caress his lips before they moved across his cheek to descend to his neck. A tingle streaked throughout his body before it settled in his groin when LaCroix opened his collar and began to explore the skin around his throat. Softly moaning at the touch, Nick reached up to LaCroix's shirt and began unbuttoning his shirt. = =0D "I believe we would be more comfortable upstairs, don't you?" Not waiting for an answer, LaCroix wrapped his arm around his son's waist and flew them up to the second floor. = = Leading the way into the bedroom, LaCroix turned back to Nick and slowly resumed unbuttoning his shirt, all the while running his fingers against the pale skin still partially hidden by the shirt. After pulling= Nick's shirt tail out, he moved on to the pants, releasing Nicholas' gorgeous cock from its tight confinement. = Nick reciprocated by pulling the jacket and shirt off his father. As he dropped them to the floor, he froze, then inhaled sharply when LaCroix' fingers reach into Nick's open pants, drawing his rapidly enlarging penis= out. With the first touch, Nick closed his eyes in anticipation, but upon= hearing LaCroix chuckle, anxiously looked into his master's face; waiting= for the verbal backhand of old. Feeling the reassurances through the lin= k and seeing a small smile on LaCroix face, Nick began to relax under the sure hands of the ancient vampire. = "I see you are more than ready to begin, hummm... Nicolah." LaCroix murmured as he stroked his son's cock gently. "Considering your erection, I guess there won't be much in the way of foreplay this time, will there?" LaCroix teased. Releasing his son, the elder vampire finished removing his clothing and moved toward the bed. Holding out his hand, he silently waited for Nicholas to take the last step toward hi= s acceptance of the situation. = = Feeling a nagging doubt, Nicholas looked at his father and asked, "Do you really love me... LaCroix?" = "How can I not, Nicholas." was the reply. "After all, out of all mankind= , I chose you to be my son. How could I not love you." LaCroix quietly stated. = = Reaching for the offered hand, Nick took the final step, confidence replacing indecision while LaCroix continued to reassure him through the link. Pulling him closer to the bed, LaCroix breathed a slight sigh of relief before returning to the pleasurable task at hand. = = With a brashness rarely seen in their relationship, Nick began to caress and lick his master's throat, to the utter delight of LaCroix. Respondin= g to the ardor Nick was displaying, he eased the rest of his son's clothes = to the floor. Nick stepped out of them as they reached the bed. = Pushing the bitter taste of guilt aside, he was determined to enjoy himse= lf. = he thought; After all the centuries he had lived, Nick felt truly free for the first time. = = Nick lightly pushed LaCroix onto the bed and climbed on after him. = =0D Kneeling over his master, he growled deep in his throat as he lowered his= head to begin. = = Flashback 1750's: Paris, France =0D Moving up beside his master, Nicholas laid down on his side. Settling in= behind him, the ancient vampire eased himself into a comfortable position. LaCroix draped his left arm across the younger man's waist and= grasped the aroused cock. As he slowly stroked it up and down, he bent his head close to Nicholas' neck and began nuzzling the skin behind his ear. = = Nicholas shivered as the intense feelings his master was causing primed his body for release. Moaning, he felt LaCroix' cock rubbing against his= buttock. All the sensations on his skin were driving him wild! Thrustin= g his hips back against his master's groin, he growled when LaCroix lightly= laughed, then said, "Patience, Nicholas, you have to learn how to enjoy the heightened senses your body is feeling." = = "LaCroix, ....I burn. Do it now.... please!" Nicholas hissed in exciteme= nt. = = "So.... you want to be taken, Nicholas?" LaCroix whispered into this creation's ear. Dragging his hand up Nicholas' waist to idly brush again= st his chest, LaCroix had to tightened his hold when Nicholas pushed against his master's arm, trying to turn back around. "Or do you want to be the taker." The elder vampire relished the feelings of power that wer= e pulsing through him. It pleased him to see his child in this aroused st= ate. = "When you can finally accept your nature and revel in it, then you wi= ll be ready to be the taker, Nicholas.... and not before." LaCroix softly purre= d, his voice caressing his son as his hand continued to lightly pet. = Jerking his head away from LaCroix, Nicholas growled again in frustration and increased his efforts to turn over. The internal pressur= es were overpowering him; the pulsing in his groin and the need to bite and feed. = = Taking a firm grasp of Nicholas, LaCroix forced him to hold still. He could feel all the emotion building inside his protege as it fed back through the link. Enjoying the mastery of the younger vampire, LaCroix positioned himself for penetration. Thrusting slowly into Nicholas' tight= ass, LaCroix almost lost control as his senses overloaded on the deliciou= s stimulation. He found his rhythm quickly though, moving in and out, the friction leading both vampires closer to their orgasms. = LaCroix began to stroke Nicholas' cock in time to his thrusts. Threading= his right arm under the pillows, he reached up and began to pinch and fondle his lover's nipples as he leaned down and dragged his fangs across= the side of Nicholas' neck, in anticipation. The ball of fire in his gro= in became more pronounced as he pounded harder and harder. = When LaCroix felt his orgasm near, he snarled and sank his fangs into his= son's neck. Tasting Nicholas' pleasure, he continued to pound his shaft = in and out, anticipating his approaching release as it began to swirl throug= h him. Drawing the delicious blood into his mouth, he tasted the younger vampire's orgasm singing through his veins. He savored the taste, lettin= g the flavors and memories of his son flow into him. Feeling teeth in his wrist pushed LaCroix over the edge. He relished the feeling of his life'= s blood flowing into his child's mouth, completing the circle between them.= = As the intense waves of pleasure dimmed, both vampires relaxed against the bed and each other, sated. = = Present: = =0D {Now that you're back = I hope you'll see how much your love means to me} =0D Laying across his master's legs, Nicholas was displaying his considerable= , if rusty talents. LaCroix was panting heavily as Nicholas stroked with firm, measured movements, up and down the hard shaft. The tingling that announced his coming orgasm began to gather in his belly and radiate out. = Nick tasted the beginning of LaCroix's orgasm as the pleasure built in th= e old vampire. Knowing that it wouldn't be long now, he slid his hand underneath his master and none too gently inserted his middle finger into= LaCroix's ass. He heard a gasp and felt the cock he was ministering to jump as he slowly began sliding first one, then two fingers in and out of= the tight anus. = = It didn't take long for the orgasm to crash down on LaCroix after Nick added the extra stimulation. A long, low moan began as his protege continued to suck and stroke the jerking cock, milking every drop of cum from LaCroix. Wave after wave of intense delectable ecstasy cascaded through his body as Nicholas continued to administer his attention to LaCroix's groin. When the last of the spasms ended, Nick lifted his head= and looked up his master's body. = LaCroix raised a shaky head to face a vamped out Nick. = =0D "I believe it's my turn now." A golden eyed Nick hoarsely stated. = = "I'll be more than happy to begin again, but in a few minutes. I'm still= enjoying the last one." LaCroix conceded somewhat breathlessly as he laid his head back down. = "That's all right, LaCroix. I had something else in mind." Nick replied,= his voice rough with desire. = Nick moved over him and leaned down to kiss him again. It was a slow, burning kiss that spoke of all the pain, all the love, and all that could= be between them. When it ended, LaCroix was breathing hard and his eyes had gone fey gold. = = Looking at Nick, LaCroix realized what his son was implying. What surprised him even more was the excitement coursing through him at the thought that Nick had finally maneuvered himself into being the taker. = His only excuse for not putting up more of a fuss was the total unexpected actions of his son. = = Raising his hands up to Nick's neck, LaCroix pulled the young vampire back down for a second kiss. When their lips met, he tried to turn over,= trapping his prodigal son on his back. Nick grinned as he felt the expected move. Holding his position as they dueled with their tongues, Nick eased between LaCroix's legs and positioned himself for penetration. When they broke from the kiss, gasping for breath, Nick growled deep in his throat and thrust into LaCroix's ass. = = "Damn, Nicholas, that hurt!!" LaCroix complained as he tried to wiggle out from under Nick. = "And you don't think it hasn't hurt when you've done it?" Nick sarcastically asked. "All's fair, LaCroix. Now shut up and enjoy it. I= certainly will." Nick bent his head down to LaCroix's chest and began teasing his nipples as he stroked in and out. Moving in rhythm with Nicholas, LaCroix was surprised that he was enjoying being the submissive one this time. = = Nick began to stroke harder as he approached his orgasm. Leaning his head back , he closed his eyes, enjoying the multitude of sensations that= coursed through him. Feeling LaCroix building toward another climax only excited Nick more. Lowering his head again, he briefly looked at LaCroix, noting the pleasure displayed on the normally stoic features. = When his climbing passion triggered his bloodlust, he quickly drew his head back and with fangs flashing, roared as he struck for LaCroix' throat. The sweet, life-giving blood filled his mouth, whispering to him= of emotions and feelings that they had never spoken of. = =0D As Nick fed, he felt LaCroix's hand slip behind his head, holding him steady. Then the fangs of his master pierced his neck, drawing sustenance and comfort from him. As their blood-link vibrated with their= passion, Nick felt the warmth in his groin explode through him. Pumping deep into his master's ass, Nick emptied himself, feeling the waves of exquisite release coursing through him. Wave after wave crashed over him, washing the tension in his body away. = = Nick's release brought LaCroix over the edge. As both vampires fed, they felt their bodies beginning to relax after the intense emotional catharsis both had gone through. LaCroix released his hold on Nick's neck and shifted into a more comfortable position, taking care not to break his child's grip. Nick laid down next to his lover and carefully released his fangs from his master's neck. Propping his head up on his arm, Nick looked at his master and sighed. = = "What?" LaCroix asked, hearing the sigh. = "I was just remembering...." Nick replied, with a contented smile on his face. = "Remembering what, Nicholas?" LaCroix carefully pressed. = "Different times when we were happy together. Times when I could relax around you; times without the bullying and fear. I haven't wanted = to remember the good times..." Nick's voice had dropped to a near whisper by the end of his statement. He was surprised that he had admitted his feelings to LaCroix. Lowering his eyes, expected a scalding comment to hit him. = LaCroix placed two fingers under his son's chin and lightly nudged his head up. Looking his master in the eyes, he saw the pain that his words had caused flitting across his master's face, to be replaced by confusion= =2E = "And now, Nicholas? How do you feel now?" LaCroix asked. It was better if they got all of this out in the open. Now that Nicholas was willing to open up a little, maybe they could bury some of the hurt from their past. = Sitting up, Nick folded his legs under him and sat very still for a long while. Just as LaCroix was beginning to worry, Nick looked over and smiled. "I feel contented for the first time in a very long while. I st= ill have a few concerns, but maybe, if you're willing, we could work through them...?" Nick smiled slightly as he took a chance and opened his heart t= o LaCroix. = Feeling the warmth from Nicholas, LaCroix sat up and pulled his son into his arms. As he hugged him warmly, he softly said, "Nicholas, I would like that." = = Breaking apart, Nick sat back and smiled at LaCroix. "I want you in my life, LaCroix. But, I don't want you running it! Let me find my own way, okay?" Nick asked seriously but with a teasing tone to his voice. = "Only if you will listen to me once in a while. I do have more life experiences than you do to draw upon. Some of my suggestions might actually be to your liking-- if you'd only give them a chance." LaCroix answered back. Leaning against the headboard, he shrugged slightly, then= changed the subject. = "As for right now, how about something to drink. I am starved. I think = I could even stomach your usual dining selection without too much complaint." LaCroix lightly said. It felt wonderful being able to tease = his son, though he really wished he could nudge Nick into partaking a more suitable choice of dinner. = "I'll go get something to drink." Nick replied, getting up from the bed. = He ignored his robe, which was lying at his feet on the floor. Moving ou= t of the room, he flew downstairs to the kitchen. As he began to open the refrigerator, Nick stopped and looked toward his bedroom. Thinking about the taste that awaited them from the bottles in the fridge, he move= d to the cabinet by the stove. Reaching into the back of the cabinet, he pulled a couple of bottles out that had a beautifully detailed label on them. Wiping them off, he pulled down a couple of goblets and flew back upstairs. = = LaCroix watched his son walk into the room with their dinner. He was admiring the grace and fluid strength his son displayed as he moved when a full glass was thrust in front of him. Taking it, he brought the drink= up to his mouth, then noticed the aroma of the dark liquid filling his glass= =2E = Looking up at his son in surprise, he felt another shock when he saw his Nicholas drinking from the same bottle. Opening his mouth, LaCroix started to say something, then thought better of it. Why spoil a perfect= ly good day. = Nick lowered his glass, to see LaCroix smiling over his drink. = Shrugging, he settled back onto the bed and poured another glassful. = Watching the drink as he swirled it around, Nick didn't realize his nervousness was obvious. = "Stop that, Nicholas!" LaCroix stated forcefully. "Just ask the question= =2E = You'll never know the answer otherwise." he continued. = Nick started slightly, then ducked his head for a second. "Since I've go= t two weeks off, I thought a vacation might be in order. Have you thought about a trip to France, LaCroix?" Nick asked carefully. "I wondered if you might like to join me? It would be good for you to get away for a while as well." he finished a bit lamely. Looking up at his master, he s= aw the smile grow bigger. A wave of pleasure and relief swept over him as he felt his master's answer in the link. = "That might not be a bad idea, Nicholas. In fact, an excellent idea, I would say." LaCroix replied. It was going to be a very interesting vacation. =0D Finis = =0D --PART.BOUNDARY.0.28580.emout20.mail.aol.com.872916139--