[ adam hadn't meant any of what he said to be cruel, nor condescending - but as soon as lestat responded with that icy tone he found himself wondering if perhaps he'd done so unintentionally. it's happened a few times now, this sudden switch from warm, smiling lestat with his gentle touches and flirtatious winks to the king of cruelty, seemingly detached from anything the mortal was feeling or thinking.
it's stupid of adam to feel hurt by it. he knows it's stupid. more than likely he was simply a temporary amusement, one of many who have experienced this same thing: the interest, the excitement, the downfall as that interest turned to ash, as his very presence became little more than an annoyance to the rock star.
that's his theory, anyway - that lestat is growing tired of him. he holds onto the thought like a lifeline, because he doesn't have any other answer as to why he's suddenly being treated like this. the not knowing makes him frustrated, and the frustration makes him angry; he does not want to be angry.
so he pretends as though it doesn't bother him when lestat speaks to christine more kindly, when he moves with the assumption that adam will follow along obedient - which adam does, of course. he does exactly as he's bid, two steps behind lestat as they walk down the hall, exit into the parking lot, slide into the limo. he sits across from the blond and tries not to look at him, fiddling instead with the strap of his camera, adjusting it to hang around his neck more comfortably. tonight, it feels more like a noose. ]
[ painful, painful. was this how louis felt, or was it far more effortless for him? lestat had never been one to give out the cold shoulder for long, preferring brutal honesty and passion as his weapon of choice. his feigned disinterest was always a clumsy thing, feeble and likely to crumble with the first offer of affection given.
with adam, it feels like kicking a dog. he can feel the gloom settling about the young man through the parking lot, into the limo and lingering like a malaise as they make their way to the club. not for the first time lestat wonders if he is being too cruel, if he should soften back up again and offer more sweetness. but was that not worse? didn't he know this first hand?
with christine debriefing him in a quiet voice, it's not long at all until they pull up to the venue. once more lestat beckons the two of them along, exiting the vehicle and slinking along to the VIP entrance. already the club is thrumming with people, the exterior decorated with people in wait for entry, dolled up and chattering excitedly. bass and synth boom from within, a vibration underneath each footstep. despite it being well past sundown, lestat takes a moment to slip on sunglasses to shield his eyes from the intense neon blues and reds peeking out from every opened door.
the bouncer doesn't need much introduction before allowing their little party to pass through; one look at lestat's flat expression seems enough. christine for her part, nods in acknowledgement as they pass, receiving nothing in response. typical, is the word that lestat skims from her thoughts with some amusement. he doesn't dare to probe adam's thoughts, not wanting to indulge himself further into a bad habit. no, what he needed was alcohol immediately and maybe something else to keep his mind off things. maybe even someone else to keep his mind off things, if they had ingested the right type of drug cocktail.
he turns briefly to give a nod to adam and christine, then soon disappears into the hazy maze of bodies and hallways, seeking distraction. it may be some time before he reemerges again. ]
[ the ride to the club is short, but the weight of adam's worry increases tenfold by the time they arrive, to the point where he's beginning to wonder if there's much point at all in him being there. obviously he's working, and being paid for that work, so he's not about to mention his misgivings - but lestat's lack of attention doesn't exactly make him feel better about how the evening will unfold.
the VIP entrance seems strange and frightening, especially since adam has never attended an event where he was allowed into such a high-profile area. being backstage at concerts is one thing; being allowed into a room where even men like lestat must pass through a checkpoint is another matter entirely. if the vampire were to read his thoughts, adam's growing anxiety would be clear - then again, it's an easy enough thing to read based on his body language alone.
as they enter the club proper and lestat turns, adam wonders if he should say something, maybe ask to take lestat's drink order - anything to ease this strange tension that grows like a rift between them. but the man doesn't give him a chance, offering the barest of acknowledgement before heading off to do whatever he so pleases.
christine says something to adam and then she's gone too, trailing at a distance after lestat, most likely planning to ensure he doesn't do anything too illegal. adam is left behind, floating in a sea of uncertainty, with no one to guide him.
his shirt suddenly feels itchy, the belts looped around his waist too extravagant. without lestat next to him there is no shadow to fall into and he becomes immediately aware of the many many eyes darting his way. how many are actually judging him, he can't say for certain; all he knows is that he doesn't like how it feels.
so he tries, instead, to focus on what he came here for. sinking into the crowd, he attempts to seek out some spot with slightly higher elevation, knowing it will be difficult to get any decent photos at his usual height. there are a few platforms here and there where scantily-clad men and women dance, their smiles wide and eyes unfocused; there is also, off to one side, a staircase leading up to a small balcony, with only a few partygoers gathered at the top.
he manages to squeeze through the crush of bodies on the dancefloor, though it reuires him to hold his camera high overhead in order to avoid damaging it, and he silently curses lestat for abandoning him. if the blond were here it would be easy to part this particular sea. nonetheless, the photographer makes it to the stairs and clambers his way to the top, arriving only a little out of breath.
it immediately becomes obvious why this area is so much less busy: it's dark, and the music seems to fade somewhat, likely absorbed by the surrounding walls. the balcony isn't very large, either, hosting only a couple of small, round couches and tables to set drinks on. in total, there are about seven other people up there, all dressed well, all young and beautiful.
ignoring how out of place he feels, adam refocuses on his camera, pointing it down at the crowd below and beginning to take some preliminary shots. from this height it should be easy to spot lestat - but, then again, the vampire may have chosen to disappear into one of the many private areas located deeper inside the venue. ]
[ the thudding of the music was relentless, a ongoing mix of disco sliding into deeper, darker beats. red neon illuminated pockets amidst the deep shadows, the colour of this particular corner of the club drenching fair complexions and teeth alike the colour of blood.
it's not too long until another body drapes over the balcony railing beside the photographer, cradling a drink. a clean shaven older man of about 35, with a well coiffed honey blonde puff of hair atop his head, clipped tight around the back and sides. he's wearing a plain blue button up, nothing too wild in comparison to a lot of his fellow patrons, but its obvious from the fit that the material was expensive. a classy, understated watch adorns his wrist, the muscles of his forearm well toned and solid. he eyes adam with obvious interest, though whether he was regarding the camera or the slivers of pale skin visible through the lace mesh - who could say?
there's seemingly little hesitation before the man clears his throat and leans in to speak closer to adam over the music. ]
Bit of a voyeur, are you mate?
[ there's a notable accent to his voice - british, central london. the type of accent spoken by the upper class, or those who wanted to appear well off. that explained the confidence and the drink of choice - a light ale, apparently.
he's handsome enough and tall, doubling down to lean on the railing and peer at the dark haired photographer. the easy smile he gives adam seems effortless, if not a bit insincere - not quite meeting the reddened hue of his eyes in the crimson lights. ]
[ despite the worries floating around inside his head, adam manages to sink into focused concentration within just a few moments. the camera always does that: narrows his view, helps him forget the monkey on his back. through the lens he can see the kinds of details most people overlook - the way the dj clearly loves what he does, the glance of one girl at another who is dancing with someone else, the bored-looking boy in the corner nursing his drink. he reminds adam a bit too much of himself, and that discomfort from before returns.
thankfully, it's at that moment he feels the sudden presence of another, hears the friendly accent directed towards him. he lowers his camera and looks over at this stranger; his first impression is that he seems altogether far too normal to be in a place like this.
but lestat's words echo in his head: important people. maybe this man is some sort of executive, someone he should try to impress? his clothing is clearly well-tailored, reminding adam a bit of some of lestat's more toned-down looks, the ones he wears when he goes off to meetings in tall office towers.
being called a voyeur isn't exactly adam's favourite thing, but he brushes it off, figuring it wasn't meant in poor taste. the way this man is smiling at him lifts his spirits, lighting up a small spark in his chest. it makes him nervous, but he isn't about to show it. ]
I'd like that,
[ he hears himself reply, shouting a bit over the music. ]
icons just embodying lestats potential opinion about this convo i guess
[ the man nods twice, seemingly to himself as well as to adam. he leans in closer, raising his voice to ask: ]
What's your poison of choice?
[ he gestures at the camera and the crowd below, over exaggerating the movements. ducks back in to speak loudly over the music. there's a masculine scent about him - tom ford cologne or david beckham, one of the very popular men's colognes. fresh but sharp. ]
I'll fetch 'em from the bar, you uh- stay here and do your thing. [ a beat - his eyes drop down to the slim curve of adam's waist, taking it in for a moment. when he draws back, he immediately drains the rest of his beer. ]
I like your belts, by the way. Very - this. [ another large gesture at the club around them. truly a way with words, this guy. ]
asljshdjkfh IM DYING he's judging so hard "this is really the sort of man you like, mon cher?"
[ something about the clear confidence in this man's movements set adam more at ease - reminded, maybe of lestat when he is in a good mood, or simply happy to be distracted by someone with no idea of what's going through the smaller man's mind. ]
Oh, uh - just a beer is fine!
[ he hasn't really had many people buy him drinks, and the kind who did never had money for fancy cocktails. so the only drink he knows he likes is plain old beer, for better or worse.
he doesn't miss the way the man's eyes dip to his waist, and a shiver of heat curls up through his stomach. he hadn't come here seeking attention, but clearly lestat's choice of outfit was working. ]
Thanks, [ he says, lips tugging up into a shy smile. this guy might not be very eloquent but it's charming, a startling difference to adam's ears now that he's grown used to speaking with someone much more articulate. he wants to say more but figures he should wait, figuring it'll be easier once he drinks a bit. ]
[ a nudge of his elbow into adam's side, the older man cozying up and giving him a wink momentarily. ]
's a good choice. A classic choice! Nothing too fruity or complicated, aye?
[ he points at the brunette, grinning. ]
Knew I liked you, mate. I'll bee-arr-bee. [ so hip, so with the times. he spins on his heel and ambles to the bar tucked close to the staircase. seemingly he's friends with the other younger people lounging beautifully nearby, as he greets them as he passes. a few hop up and follow him to the bar, a younger man and woman tailing him and chatting as they go.
when he returns, its with two full beers. the man is already beginning to sip from the foamy head at the top of the glass as he hands adam his, dripping from a couple of bumps along the way. ]
Ned! I'm Ned.
[ another whiff of cologne as he leans in to speak loud enough to hear. ]
You're cute. Are you here with someone, or just working?
[ across the venue, there's a bustle of activity around one of the back bathroom entrances as a familiar blonde makes an appearance, slinking his way through the crowds to a set of low tables and chairs on the lower floor. immediately he's joined by a few beautiful young things eagerly sidling up to him and a severe looking older gentleman, who pours him a drink. lestat's eyes are hard to see, still covered by the dark shades inside of all places. between the alcohol, the warm bodies beside him and the faint trace of powder around his nose - he's not thinking much. whether he's aware of adam or not, he does not show it. ]
not bothered in the slightest by his lil human plaything meeting other people who appreciate him!!!
[ the nudge, the wink - it puts adam bit off-balance, though not necessarily in a bad way. he returns the grin, eyes following the man's back as he heads off to get the drinks. it's obvious that he's popular with the easy way he speaks to others, the confident body language he has as they follow in his wake. maybe he comes here often - he certainly seems to know the place well enough.
as adam waits for the man's return he picks his camera back up, focusing on the area around the bar now. it's a central, circular-shaped thing, with gorgeous young people flair bartending and picking up tips left and right. their dexterity is mesmerizing: adam could never be that good with his hands.
he's snapped a few half-decent shots by the time ned returns. letting his camera hang down around his neck, he reaches out to take the offered glass, not minding the moisture that immediately coats his fingers. the scent floats up into his nose and just one sip is enough to put him in a better mood, his body's sense memory kicking in. drinking is something he only really does socially, not because he wants to but because he has to split the cost most of the time - and most of those times happened when he was hanging around with scott and his bandmates, or sitting on the grass at a music festival. rare snippets of happiness dotted amidst his generally bleak life.
ned, the man says. a funny sounding name, especially compared to the dramatic sound of lestat. it makes adam grin. this guy is so normal - just a young, handsome man having a good time, without some scary vampiric aura or tragic past to contend with. the red light thankfully hides the blush that graces his cheeks when ned calls him cute, and that same feeling from before stirs in his stomach once again. excitement. ]
Well, I...
[ his eyes look out over the dancefloor and pause as a certain head of blond hair comes into view. he's half-hidden by other bodies, but there's no mistaking lestat, sprawled out with his sunglasses and looking every bit like the rock star he is.
adam's stomach lurches momentarily. but then he thinks about what lestat told him, about the way he'd so easily brushed the human off, and that's enough to make adam give this new person his full attention. ]
Just working, [ he replies, leaning in a bit closer - ostensibly so it's easier to talk, but also because he really likes whatever cologne ned is wearing. he lets his own eyes wander now, taking in the well-muscled arms hiding beneath his shirt, the difference in their heights, that wide smile. ]
I'm Adam. [ he raises his glass in cheers, his body relaxing as he settles into the conversation. ] Do you come here often? It seems like a lot of people know you.
[ ned lingers close, leaning his back against the railing within speaking proximity of the other man. his eyes don't stray from adam as he speaks, seemingly aware of how the other man takes him in and has his eyes roam in return.
a shrug at adam's question, smile not fading. ]
Nah, only when I'm really desperate. Then I chat up the cutest guy who isn't here looking to hook up.
[ a snicker at his own line. he sips at his beer before continuing, gesturing for a moment.]
They're old uni mates, come from across the pond to check out whatever bleak American hole I've dug myself into. Knobs, the lot of them.
[ he glances over to the table of people and waves cheerily, immediately earning boos and rude gestures in response. a few of the girls cackle behind their hands though, indicating it was all friendly ribbing.]
See? They're just envious that they don't get to buy you a drink.
[ his attention wafts back to adam, offering him a sheepish grin.]
Are you here often? I could stop by more often if you're here. Sorry - [ a laugh, wincing at himself.] I'm coming on a bit strong. It's been a while.
[ as he listens to ned speak, adam takes a few more sips of his beer and lets the atmosphere wash over him: the warmth of the other's body so close to his own, the pounding music in the background, the pleasant way ned's accent winds through his words. he's charismatic but in a plain sort of way, just a normal guy trying to flirt with someone he thinks is cute; it's refreshing, and adam feels himself relax further as they talk.
he laughs in unison with the group as they heckle the other man, before ducking his head as a fresh wave of butterflies makes its way through his body. getting attention like this is new and exciting, and he isn't quite sure what to do with himself.
even when ned stumbles a bit, it's so charming that adam can't fault him for it. when he looks up again he's grinning, clearly please, a sparkle in his eye. ]
Don't worry about it.
[ he swallows; then, summoning his courage, he reaches out to brush his fingers over ned's elbow - a gesture that, while simple, clearly communicates the fact that he likes the attention. ]
It's actually my first time here. [ he tilts his head towards the dancefloor but doesn't look away, not wanting to be reminded of lestat right now. a hint of mischief enters his expression and he adds playfully, ]
[ ned's eyebrows raise in response, grin gaining in confidence as he eyes adam again. taking in the playful lilt to his tone, the brush of fingers. ]
Yeah? Oh, you said that you were working, so - [ a shrug. he takes another big gulp of beer, leans a little closer. ]
I mean, shit - hooking up while you're on the clock is pretty hot, yeah? You've got plenty of time to take photos.
[ straightening up again, he glances back over to the table of young people, the others lingering at the bar. ]
The way some of my mates are eying you, I'd say they're pretty pissed at me for snagging your attention. You got the pick of the litter up here, and it's only your first time.
[ the red wash of neon makes his eyes look big and dark as he looks back to adam, gaze obviously set on the smaller man's mouth. then lower, at the lace only just obscuring creamy skin, the shadow of his nipples. ]
Hell, you could pick up all of us tonight if you wanted. Fuck your boss.
[ right - working. taking photos of pretty people doing pretty things. what meaning is there in that? suddenly adam feels like he wants to forget why he's here, why he's got a camera hanging from his neck, weighing him down. why should he care about any of that when he's got a handsome man standing in front of him, clearly interested? telling him that not only does he want adam but other people do too - to the point where they're jealous, even?
adam takes a long drink, gulping the beer down and feeling its cold heat wash over his insides. maybe he should be more like lestat. ignore the consequences, do what he wants. it's not as though trying to live a decent life has ever gotten him anywhere.
rise and shine, adam.
a visible shiver runs through him as those words ghost through his skull; thankfully, it happens at the same time ned's eyes wander over his body, so it seems less like a trauma response and more like a reaction to being ogled so obviously.
fuck your boss ned says and it makes adam laugh. if only he knew how true that was. ]
Let's go somewhere else,
[ he hears himself say, eyes wide and dark as he looks up at ned. ]
[ mimicking adam, ned tosses back his beer immediately in one, two large gulps. residual foam coats his lips and he licks them a tad nervously, sets his empty glass aside.]
Fuck, sure. Can I give you an escorted tour of the bathroom, Adam?
[ he offers adam an elbow, a tad sheepish but willing to commit to the corniness. once he's sure adam will follow, he'll lead the other man to the men's bathroom on the upper floor. his friends from the nearby table hoot and holler at the two of them as they pass, some with stares that linger longer than others.
from across the room, despite the hand of a tanned gentleman venturing a hand inside his shirt, sharp eyes watch the two depart from the balcony. further attempts to caress the blonde are blatantly ignored, even after straddling his lap to get his attention. all it earns is a snap of irritation for blocking his eye line before there's a flash of fangs and he seals his mouth onto the man's neck, earning a moan swallowed by both the music and lestat himself. it's a small mouthful, enough to wet his mouth and send his nerves tingling.
music pulsing and head spinning, the handsy patron does not seem to register being lifted and placed aside like he weighed nothing. likewise, no one in the VIP section seems to notice that lestat has slipped away until he's vanished into the cluster of gyrating bodies. absolutely not keeping a close eye on adam and his new friend eagerly leading to the bathroom.]
[ other people might notice ned's nervousness and be turned off by it, especially in comparison to the confidence he'd displayed upon first approach - but, to adam, it's nice. refreshing. being around someone with seemingly endless amounts of charisma and pride is tough; this is a real person, not a rock star. someone adam feels a human connection with.
so he chugs the rest of his beer, then sets his glass aside. the grin on his face reaches all the way to his eyes as he playfully takes ned's elbow, chuckling a little at how cute it is. ]
You're quite the gentleman, [ he remarks, looking up at the taller man. as they pass the group at the table Adam glances back over this shoulder at them and, sure enough, a few are staring at him. it brings a fresh flush to his face and he tries not to feel too excited by the attention, knowing most of it can be chalked up to his clothing. he's learned from lestat that showing a little skin is the perfect way to get eyes pointed in your direction.
but - that's enough thoughts about lestat. it doesn't take long to reach the bathroom; once they're there, it becomes pretty obvious that some other men have had a similar idea. soft moans and grunts echo from the farthest stall, and there's a small group gathered by the sinks eyeing each other up in between snorting lines of coke. adam does his best to focus on Ned but the truth is that he himself has started to get a little nervous - he doesn't exactly know what he should do next. his grip on the other's arm tightens as a result, communicating his feelings without words. ]
[ even under the desaturated blue neon of the bathroom lights, it's obvious what the other occupants are up to. from the farthest stall, a pair of knees can be seen as if in prayer at an altar, the hymn played being soft sighs and groans. a few men lingering at the urinals glance at the pair who enter, relaxing as they note the way ned is scanning for an empty stall. once again, some stares linger, trailing adam while ned tugs him to the side wall, impatient. there doesn't seem to be any stalls that lock available. ned compensates by crowding adam against the wall, amongst the numerous stickers and graffiti plastered there.
no time is wasted now that he has the smaller man where he can reach him. ned leans heavily against the tile, swooping down to press his mouth to adam's. his hands grasp at his chest over the lace, thumb purposefully stroking over the shadow of the nipple underneath. evidently he's very interested, his hips pressing against the others eliciting a groan that mirrors the others echoing in the bathroom.]
Give it a moment and I'll bend you over in the stall, yeah? [ ned's voice is gravelly now, just quiet enough for adam to hear.]
've got poppers in my back pocket just for eager little faggots like you. Guess it's my lucky day.
[ another few men enter the bathroom, one that ned glances up at and nods tightly to. there's another warm pressure against adam's waist now, attempting in vain to dig under the corset and many belts in order to find the bottom hem of the lace shirt. another whiff of cologne too, a hard body pressing in from the other side. one of ned's friends evidently, helping himself to a feel of adam's waist.
ned says something to him, muffled by the thrum of the music. a short laugh in response before a hand slips down to grasp at adam's ass, thick fingers feeling for the cleft of his cheeks and pressing in insistently.
then, a snap. the sound evokes especially dry twigs, a clean sharp break. it's audible over the music from this close, as is the feeble whimper of ned's companion. the pressure on adam's rear is immediately lifted, though the man slumps forward a little, doubling over and clutching his hand to his chest.
there's a sudden tension in the air prickling ned's skin into goosebumps that he notes far too late. despite his friend making a girly moan, he was not distracted away from pressing his tongue into the mouth of the pretty young thing he had secured. he tasted like summer, the light coating of beer still on his lips, and ned intended to compare the taste of him after having his fun. perhaps there would still be remnants of the same taste after, too.
distantly, he's aware of his body operating as if by an invisible puppeteer. it's not an unfamiliar sensation, but one his mind skips on like a scratch in a disk, revisiting a couple of times before the movements sink in. he's kissing adam, grasping for a feel of his sides, his chest, the side of his neck. feeling the other man swallow under his hands, the surge of excitement at the power held there. then he's reaching back into his pocket for the little vial tucked there. at some point he's broken off the kiss and has leant back to uncap the vial and snort from it, a potent whiff of pure chemical that makes his head blank out pleasantly and his muscles loosen.
there's the scent of ozone in the air beyond the chemicals, a tension like before lightning strikes. if ned focuses, he distantly recalls the scent lingering just before his friend had made the strangled sound. then, far too soon, another deep sniff. this whites out his vision for a heartbeat, has the man stagger on his feet. dazed, he begins to frown deeply at himself. his eyes focus and unfocus. his weight leans heavily against the tile wall, mind struggling to make sense of what was happening before his arm raises again. another deep snort and he slumps, though held taut before he can collapse.
there's tight pressure around his chest, strong arms keeping him upright. a brush of hair against his crisp shirt, then cold ice through his veins. ned gasps wetly, eyes fluttering and knees buckling as lestat drinks deep and quick. the colour drains from him, as does the little twitches of life. in a few seconds, the man is close to death with a new jagged gash in the side of his neck.
somehow all of this goes unnoticed by the other patrons of the bathroom. a stall empties of its occupants, allowing lestat to smoothly escort a swaying ned inside, shortly followed by his barely conscious friend.
when the stall door is closed and the blonde returns, there's a dark liquid discoloured by the neon lights coating his fingertips, dripping from his claws. this he licks from his fingers idly, eyes large and dark as he looks adam over. a moment of hesitation - a glance at the door. but he drifts back to adam, jaw clenched and the line of his body tight.]
Chèri. Tout va bien? [ tone soft, despite the blood around his mouth. then his eyes flatten, sharp and predatory.]
[ adam had assumed they'd be in a stall, so when ned chooses not to wait and instead pushes him up against the wall it sends a wave of anxiety through him. making out in front of others isn't exactly something he'd been planning on doing - not that he's particularly shy, just... it feels weird. despite the fact that he's a voyeur by trade, he doesn't particularly enjoy being watched, at least not when it's his first time with someone in a new environment.
still, he can't pretend he doesn't like how it feels when ned starts touching him. he groans into the kiss, eagerly parting his lips, his chest arching as the other man's thumbs find his pert nipples. the fabric feels good against his sensitive skin, much better than the worn-out cotton of his t-shirts, and when ned's hips press forward adam's move in response, grinding up against him.
ned speaks and adam nods, breathless - but then he hears that word. faggot. it makes him frown in confusion, eyebrows knitting together. he's about to say something when he sees ned acknowledge one of the men entering the bathroom, and before he can stop it there's suddenly an extra pair of hands touching him, an extra body pressed up against his in a hard line.
adam hadn't signed up for this sort of thing. panic builds in his chest as he begins to struggle against the two men, breath quickening as he feels them grasping and squeezing without permission. the laugh is cruel, wicked, and it makes adam shut his eyes tight, trying to come up with a way out now that he's realizing what's going to happen to him.
he hears the snap but doesn't know what it means; all he knows is that the fingers that were so insistently groping him are suddenly gone. he would turn to look but ned is kissing him again, deep and hungry. his hands are everywhere and adam is torn between wanting to enjoy it and knowing that this is wrong, that ned doesn't actually care about him at all, that he saw adam as just another guy he could take advantage of. what was it that he'd said? he'd come here looking for the cutest guy who didn't want to hook up? what a load of shit.
fear and hatred spike inside adam's bloodstream as he watches the taller man inhale the drugs, still not knowing how he can escape - the body behind him is heavy and strong, and he has no idea if ned will get violent once adam tries to tell him to stop.
but then ned does something strange. he inhales again, and again - too much, too many times. adam doesn't know a ton about how poppers work but he can read the confusion on ned's face, can tell that he isn't acting of his own volition. the tension in the air builds and builds, a storm on the horizon, a blue sky turned to terrible grey, and then -- ]
Lestat?
[ the name leaves adam's lips in a whisper. a prayer. his god, come to save him.
he watches without blinking as lestat drains the man, the colour disappearing quickly from his face. watches as the life fades from those eyes, as that strong body becomes feeble and pathetic. everything around their little tableau fades away; all adam can see is the vision before him, a beautiful demon descending upon the worst kind of person imaginable.
overhead, the lights flicker - or, maybe, that's just adam's imagination. it suddenly feels as though he can hear the electricity buzzing through their fluorescent tubes. the clink of metal on metal, the drip-drip-drip of water from a faucet. his vision narrows, darkening around the edges.
lestat disappears. it's only for a moment, but he's gone, and ned is gone, and so is the man who had tried to join him. everyone is gone and adam is alone in a bathroom with a chain around his ankle, a dead man's blood in front of him, a cassette tape and a video camera and a gun and a key and a
cheri.
lestat's voice. adam blinks; his eyes are dry. his entire body is shaking. he feels dizzy; in fact, he sinks to his knees, fingernails scraping at the wall, at the floor, at anything he can reach.
alone alone alone. dying dying dying. his shoulder aches and burns with the ghost of a wound that never fully healed. ]
I --
[ he tries to speak, but his throat squeezes the words into nothing before they can escape. overhead, the lights flicker, threatening darkness. ]
I need to - leave --
[ he can't. he's trapped. there's a chain on his ankle and he's killed an innocent man. he doesn't deserve to live. he failed his test.
[ death descends in a shroud over adam's mind. lestat doesn't need to skim the surface of his thoughts to see its effects; the way adam's hands begin to shake, his body locking up and drawing in protectively, the film of his eyes losing its sheen. that invasive terror prickling under his skin, cold iron and colder stone.
one stride closes the distance between them. he cannot help but note how dark the remaining blood is against the pale of adam's skin as he stoops to gather him, a stain along a wiry bicep where the vampire touches.]
You are here, mon lapin, I am here. Let me - come.
[ easily lestat lifts adam close to his chest and rises, a cherished bundle he holds delicately. now the other bathroom occupants begin to stare, some at the intimidating glare shot by the blonde man, others with creases of concern on their brow for the young man clearly having a bad trip. lestat levels a stare at each in turn, then spins on a heel and exits with adam in his arms.
outside, the music thuds relentlessly. dizzying, with the shifting lights and the crush of bodies. suddenly lestat is deeply annoyed with everything; the setting, the club goers, himself. hyper aware of how the oppressive atmosphere must contribute to the panicked state of adam, peeved at how many people stood between him and the venue exit. annoyed that he had let things develop this far, when clearly he could read the lust on the now dying ned's mind across the room.
another sharp tang of ozone in the air as his eyes flare, growing huge and dark in the neon. the room seems to stutter in time, music slowing to a halt, providing a reprieve from the endless thudding. bodies slow admist their twisting. sweat defies gravity and stops midway to the floor.
lestat's jaw is clenched tight, the muscles of his face visible, beads of blood sweat on his forehead as he strides forward. slips through the tangles of bodies, weaving as best he can with his arms full of adam. he won't be able to hold this for long, so he intends to be as quick as he can.]
[ adam's small body is shaking violently by the time lestat lifts it into his arms, completely overtaken by the panic running riot through his veins. adam can hear lestat speak but it sounds very far away, as though there's an ocean's worth of water between them.
mentally, adam is still there: back in that bathroom. not the one at the club, but the other one - huge and damp and terrifying. cold, cold. why is he so cold? there's so much blood. his eyes catch on lestat's hand where it curls around his arm and he lets out a terrified whimper; it's dark and crimson, even under the red lights that flood the space around them. whose blood is it? his? lestat's? the doctor, the man he killed?
if he had the strength, adam would push himself out of lestat's arms. he would run and run and run - not knowing where he was going, just needing to escape. to get as far away as possible from the fear that's drowning him alive. but right now he's little more than a rabbit caught in a trap, quivering as it awaits its fate.
the music around them is very very loud. there are voices, so many voices, pounding into adam's head. he presses his face as deep into lestat's chest as he possibly can, fingernails digging into any part of the blond's body they can reach. the voices tell him everything he has done wrong. they say that this is his own fault. they repeat that word: faggot. faggot. faggot. his father's voice is there too.
and then, suddenly - everything is silent.
it takes a long moment before adam is able to raise his head in order to see what's going on; when he does, he's certain that he must still be hallucinating. everything around them is frozen, the bodies and the lights and the sounds, gone impossibly still even as lestat still guides them through the space.
lestat.
adam looks up for the first time since he watched lestat's fangs descend into the neck of his assailant and is shocked by what he sees. lestat is clearly focusing as intensely as possible, the muscles of his jaw popping as he clenches his teeth, eyes huger and darker than adam has ever seen them. he is terrifying; he is beautiful. ]
Lestat...?
[ barely a whisper. adam's throat is too dry. but, somehow, he manages to raise a shaking hand upwards, brushing over the vampire's neck as light as a feather. ]
[ there are a lot of people at this club. lestat can feel each of them in turn, all struggling to push the wheel of time back into motion. it's a feat he can show off easily in a smaller bar with less space to control but this - this open space is a heavy strain. even with the fresh blood he had just consumed.
his strength is beginning to flag as they weave closer to the EXIT sign above a door to the back. the warmth ghosting over his neck catches his attention and he ignores it for a beat, attempting to manage his focus adequately. huge monstrous pupils slide down to acknowledge adam, unblinking and bloodshot.
lestat's voice is silky, effortless as he speaks into adam's mind - clear in the eerie silence of the frozen club. ]
Un instant. There is nothing for you to fear here.
[ even as he says this, the world begins to stutter and skip. a chaotic siren of movement and noise for a split second before freezing again. lestat winces, shakes his head as if to dislodge something. though covered by a wall of blonde waves, his ears begin to slowly bleed.
its only another ten seconds at most before he turns and shoulders the door to open it. the rush of night air is crisp in comparison to indoors, with a strong breeze that races around the two of them in the parking lot. behind them, the nightclub resumes its endless noise of people and pulsing bass as if nothing had occurred.
gingerly, the blonde takes a few steps towards the solid concrete wall and carefully lowers adam to the ground. with a grunt, he takes a seat beside him. his head hits the wall a little carelessly and he does not seem to mind, eyes fluttering closed and breathing deeply. ]
[ as with so many other things unique to lestat's vampiric nature, adam has no idea how this power works - and, therefore, he does not fully comprehend just how taxing it is to control the hands of time on such a large scale. he can tell, however, that lestat is obviously having a difficult time, and so he says nothing more, does nothing else.
lestat's voice sounds as calm and confident as it always does within his head, but there's no mistaking the way he shakes his head, the sudden blare of noise before it's forced back to silence. adam stares up at him for the rest of the walk towards the door and out into the parking lot; even when lestat sets him down he keeps staring, only blinking when the wind blows past his eyes.
lestat's hair blows, too, and now that they're not drowning in the red lights of the club adam can see just how bad he looks. his nails, fingers, forearms are covered in dark blood; he's visibly out of breath; when the wind ruffles through his hair, the trickles of blood along his ears and neck are impossible to miss.
adam remains silent, not moving. his shaking has subsided somewhat, and the voices in his head are gone. out here the air smells faintly of iron and sewage, completely different from the overpowering cologne and alcohol adam's nose has been stuffed with since he arrived, and though these new cents aren't exactly pleasant they help ground him. ]
Lestat...
[ apparently, that's all he's able to say. he doesn't even try to touch the other man, still too shaken up, but his eyes linger on the blond's body, his expression a strange mixture of fear, confusion, and relief. ]
[ the blonde bows his head, massaging at his temples. there's pain lacing through him, needle pinpricks reminding him that he still isn't quite at his strongest. at least with his eyes closed, the streetlights aren't too piercing. he can slow his breathing, half listening for adam's pulse beside him. a soothing sound, even as it is too rabbit quick for his liking.
the fury that he himself had felt is taking its toll on him, adrenaline fading away and leaving nothing to fill the gap. alarming, just how quickly the fog of rage nearly took away his control entirely there. indulged just a little by tearing out one man's throat with his fingers and a chunk of flesh from ned's abdomen.
this just clarified what he had already known; whatever this companionship was with adam, it was enough to illicit real fear and real anger from the vampire. another vulnerability, another piece of his heart to be yanked around.
hair draped over his face, he pries open an eye to peek over at adam. the look on his face is enough to indicate that the ghosts had at least begun to fade from his mind, concerned now with a new unknown.
he cannot even offer adam a weak smile, but tries to make his voice soft.]
Let me catch my breath. [ a wince, and he shuts his eyes again.]
I will get us home. A shame. You look very elegant.
[ with his own fear subsiding, adam can finally focus on lestat properly. it's strange to see him struggle at all, and right now he genuinely looks like he can barely speak. it triggers some part of adam that he hasn't felt in a long time, a part that pushes him to shift his body closer, to reach out and rest a hand against lestat's shoulder tentatively.
now that his head is a bit clearer adam can also think about what's just happened. while some parts are foggy - what was real, what did he hallucinate? - he knows one thing for certain: lestat killed that man. drained him and shoved him in a bathroom stall to be found later by some other partygoer, or perhaps a janitor, someone who will undoubtedly be forever scarred by the atrocity they have just borne witness to.
lestat killed him because of adam. and adam knows he should feel bad, feel awful, for having ned's blood on his hands - but he does not. he distinctly remembers the sense of betrayal and terror that lit up his veins right before lestat appeared and the darkest part of his soul relishes what has happened: the devil came to save him.
lestat speaks, too quiet; he is a shadow of his usual self. the french that catches on the wind is almost blown away before adam can hear it but he hears the syllables just in time. he does not know what they mean, but he can guess. ]
Why are you sorry?
[ his voice is raw, cracked. tears prickle at the corners of his eyes but he ignores them. his fingers curl into the pink fabric of lestat's shirt, speckled with the blood of dead men. ]
You didn't do anything --
[ he did everything. his appearance alone is enough to make the reality of their relationship quite plain: it is not some temporary thing to be enjoyed and then forgotten, or at best remembered fondly as one in a long line of others. it is deeper, more dangerous. not love, not yet, but something just as all-encompassing.
the tears spill over unbidden. a sudden wave of emotion floods adam's chest and he can't hold back any longer. not caring whether or not lestat will yell, or hurt him, or even kill him, adam surges forward and wraps his arms around the other in a tight embrace, burying his face against that golden hair. ]
Thank you, [ he whispers, trembling anew but not with fear. ]
[ the embrace is unexpected, as is the hot wet tears dampening the ends of lestat's hair, seeping through to the skin. lestat sniffs again, eyes prickling with tears threatening to come. ]
I - I could have done more. You should not be thanking me - I dressed you up, I b-brought you here, then I - [ ignored him and left him to be picked at by carrion. watched from across the room, knowing what ned had intended and still didn't step in sooner. ] - left you alone.
[ his voice quivers, thick with emotion. slowly he slips arms around adam in return, gentle. the other man is warm and comforting to hold, but as much as lestat wants to pull him into his lap, the guilt he feels prevents him from acting further. ]
[ the tremble in lestat's voice is new: adam has never heard him sound anything like this. gone is the confident rock star who seems more like a god than a person, capable of commanding audiences in the tens of thousands with only so much as a look, a sway of his hips, a sultry note. gone is the man Adam so often feels intimidated by. now lestat seems like little more than a man, broken and pained by his actions, inactions, mistakes, regrets.
it makes adam tighten his grasp, as though it's his job to protect lestat. as though he's capable of anything more than what any human is. what can a mortal give to a vampire, a devil, a monster? what can he offer that lestat would be incapable of attaining for himself?
but the fact remains: lestat is crying. he is sad. he regrets. all human emotions that cannot be so easily tossed aside. the quiver in his voice, that question at the end of his sentence - it makes Adam's heart ache for him. how often has he felt this way in private, with no one there to comfort him? hiding himself away in order to maintain his image, his reputation?
adam understands how that feels. he knows what it is to be angry and hurting but unable to tell anyone, ashamed for being so weak as to feel.
it is easier for us both for you to hate me.
adam inhales deeply, the scent of lestat's hairspray and cologne and the blood of those dead men filling his lungs. ]
I don't think I can hate you, Lestat.
[ he says it softly, voice measured. the tiniest smile crosses his face as he thinks about the second half of what lestat has just said: that he wants to hate adam, but he can't. ]
Hey, look at me --
[ he pulls away just enough, hands slipping to cup lestat's cheeks in order to catch his eye - bloodshot, rimmed with red tears. a terrifying sight that adam has, somehow, become immune to. ]
You saved me.
[ he doesn't know how far it would have gone, how much they would have pushed, if they would have forced him. but he does know it wasn't what he wanted - wasn't what lestat wanted. knows that lestat had been watching, ready to save him from his own blind naivete. ]
Edited (I keep proofreading AFTER posting like a silly potato) 2025-11-30 15:34 (UTC)
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no subject
it's stupid of adam to feel hurt by it. he knows it's stupid. more than likely he was simply a temporary amusement, one of many who have experienced this same thing: the interest, the excitement, the downfall as that interest turned to ash, as his very presence became little more than an annoyance to the rock star.
that's his theory, anyway - that lestat is growing tired of him. he holds onto the thought like a lifeline, because he doesn't have any other answer as to why he's suddenly being treated like this. the not knowing makes him frustrated, and the frustration makes him angry; he does not want to be angry.
so he pretends as though it doesn't bother him when lestat speaks to christine more kindly, when he moves with the assumption that adam will follow along obedient - which adam does, of course. he does exactly as he's bid, two steps behind lestat as they walk down the hall, exit into the parking lot, slide into the limo. he sits across from the blond and tries not to look at him, fiddling instead with the strap of his camera, adjusting it to hang around his neck more comfortably. tonight, it feels more like a noose. ]
no subject
with adam, it feels like kicking a dog. he can feel the gloom settling about the young man through the parking lot, into the limo and lingering like a malaise as they make their way to the club. not for the first time lestat wonders if he is being too cruel, if he should soften back up again and offer more sweetness. but was that not worse? didn't he know this first hand?
with christine debriefing him in a quiet voice, it's not long at all until they pull up to the venue. once more lestat beckons the two of them along, exiting the vehicle and slinking along to the VIP entrance. already the club is thrumming with people, the exterior decorated with people in wait for entry, dolled up and chattering excitedly. bass and synth boom from within, a vibration underneath each footstep. despite it being well past sundown, lestat takes a moment to slip on sunglasses to shield his eyes from the intense neon blues and reds peeking out from every opened door.
the bouncer doesn't need much introduction before allowing their little party to pass through; one look at lestat's flat expression seems enough. christine for her part, nods in acknowledgement as they pass, receiving nothing in response. typical, is the word that lestat skims from her thoughts with some amusement. he doesn't dare to probe adam's thoughts, not wanting to indulge himself further into a bad habit. no, what he needed was alcohol immediately and maybe something else to keep his mind off things. maybe even someone else to keep his mind off things, if they had ingested the right type of drug cocktail.
he turns briefly to give a nod to adam and christine, then soon disappears into the hazy maze of bodies and hallways, seeking distraction. it may be some time before he reemerges again. ]
no subject
the VIP entrance seems strange and frightening, especially since adam has never attended an event where he was allowed into such a high-profile area. being backstage at concerts is one thing; being allowed into a room where even men like lestat must pass through a checkpoint is another matter entirely. if the vampire were to read his thoughts, adam's growing anxiety would be clear - then again, it's an easy enough thing to read based on his body language alone.
as they enter the club proper and lestat turns, adam wonders if he should say something, maybe ask to take lestat's drink order - anything to ease this strange tension that grows like a rift between them. but the man doesn't give him a chance, offering the barest of acknowledgement before heading off to do whatever he so pleases.
christine says something to adam and then she's gone too, trailing at a distance after lestat, most likely planning to ensure he doesn't do anything too illegal. adam is left behind, floating in a sea of uncertainty, with no one to guide him.
his shirt suddenly feels itchy, the belts looped around his waist too extravagant. without lestat next to him there is no shadow to fall into and he becomes immediately aware of the many many eyes darting his way. how many are actually judging him, he can't say for certain; all he knows is that he doesn't like how it feels.
so he tries, instead, to focus on what he came here for. sinking into the crowd, he attempts to seek out some spot with slightly higher elevation, knowing it will be difficult to get any decent photos at his usual height. there are a few platforms here and there where scantily-clad men and women dance, their smiles wide and eyes unfocused; there is also, off to one side, a staircase leading up to a small balcony, with only a few partygoers gathered at the top.
he manages to squeeze through the crush of bodies on the dancefloor, though it reuires him to hold his camera high overhead in order to avoid damaging it, and he silently curses lestat for abandoning him. if the blond were here it would be easy to part this particular sea. nonetheless, the photographer makes it to the stairs and clambers his way to the top, arriving only a little out of breath.
it immediately becomes obvious why this area is so much less busy: it's dark, and the music seems to fade somewhat, likely absorbed by the surrounding walls. the balcony isn't very large, either, hosting only a couple of small, round couches and tables to set drinks on. in total, there are about seven other people up there, all dressed well, all young and beautiful.
ignoring how out of place he feels, adam refocuses on his camera, pointing it down at the crowd below and beginning to take some preliminary shots. from this height it should be easy to spot lestat - but, then again, the vampire may have chosen to disappear into one of the many private areas located deeper inside the venue. ]
no subject
it's not too long until another body drapes over the balcony railing beside the photographer, cradling a drink. a clean shaven older man of about 35, with a well coiffed honey blonde puff of hair atop his head, clipped tight around the back and sides. he's wearing a plain blue button up, nothing too wild in comparison to a lot of his fellow patrons, but its obvious from the fit that the material was expensive. a classy, understated watch adorns his wrist, the muscles of his forearm well toned and solid. he eyes adam with obvious interest, though whether he was regarding the camera or the slivers of pale skin visible through the lace mesh - who could say?
there's seemingly little hesitation before the man clears his throat and leans in to speak closer to adam over the music. ]
Bit of a voyeur, are you mate?
[ there's a notable accent to his voice - british, central london. the type of accent spoken by the upper class, or those who wanted to appear well off. that explained the confidence and the drink of choice - a light ale, apparently.
he's handsome enough and tall, doubling down to lean on the railing and peer at the dark haired photographer. the easy smile he gives adam seems effortless, if not a bit insincere - not quite meeting the reddened hue of his eyes in the crimson lights. ]
Looks like thirsty work. Can I buy you a drink?
no subject
thankfully, it's at that moment he feels the sudden presence of another, hears the friendly accent directed towards him. he lowers his camera and looks over at this stranger; his first impression is that he seems altogether far too normal to be in a place like this.
but lestat's words echo in his head: important people. maybe this man is some sort of executive, someone he should try to impress? his clothing is clearly well-tailored, reminding adam a bit of some of lestat's more toned-down looks, the ones he wears when he goes off to meetings in tall office towers.
being called a voyeur isn't exactly adam's favourite thing, but he brushes it off, figuring it wasn't meant in poor taste. the way this man is smiling at him lifts his spirits, lighting up a small spark in his chest. it makes him nervous, but he isn't about to show it. ]
I'd like that,
[ he hears himself reply, shouting a bit over the music. ]
icons just embodying lestats potential opinion about this convo i guess
What's your poison of choice?
[ he gestures at the camera and the crowd below, over exaggerating the movements. ducks back in to speak loudly over the music. there's a masculine scent about him - tom ford cologne or david beckham, one of the very popular men's colognes. fresh but sharp. ]
I'll fetch 'em from the bar, you uh- stay here and do your thing. [ a beat - his eyes drop down to the slim curve of adam's waist, taking it in for a moment. when he draws back, he immediately drains the rest of his beer. ]
I like your belts, by the way. Very - this. [ another large gesture at the club around them. truly a way with words, this guy. ]
asljshdjkfh IM DYING he's judging so hard "this is really the sort of man you like, mon cher?"
Oh, uh - just a beer is fine!
[ he hasn't really had many people buy him drinks, and the kind who did never had money for fancy cocktails. so the only drink he knows he likes is plain old beer, for better or worse.
he doesn't miss the way the man's eyes dip to his waist, and a shiver of heat curls up through his stomach. he hadn't come here seeking attention, but clearly lestat's choice of outfit was working. ]
Thanks, [ he says, lips tugging up into a shy smile. this guy might not be very eloquent but it's charming, a startling difference to adam's ears now that he's grown used to speaking with someone much more articulate. he wants to say more but figures he should wait, figuring it'll be easier once he drinks a bit. ]
hes so normal and fine actually!!!
's a good choice. A classic choice! Nothing too fruity or complicated, aye?
[ he points at the brunette, grinning. ]
Knew I liked you, mate. I'll bee-arr-bee. [ so hip, so with the times. he spins on his heel and ambles to the bar tucked close to the staircase. seemingly he's friends with the other younger people lounging beautifully nearby, as he greets them as he passes. a few hop up and follow him to the bar, a younger man and woman tailing him and chatting as they go.
when he returns, its with two full beers. the man is already beginning to sip from the foamy head at the top of the glass as he hands adam his, dripping from a couple of bumps along the way. ]
Ned! I'm Ned.
[ another whiff of cologne as he leans in to speak loud enough to hear. ]
You're cute. Are you here with someone, or just working?
[ across the venue, there's a bustle of activity around one of the back bathroom entrances as a familiar blonde makes an appearance, slinking his way through the crowds to a set of low tables and chairs on the lower floor. immediately he's joined by a few beautiful young things eagerly sidling up to him and a severe looking older gentleman, who pours him a drink. lestat's eyes are hard to see, still covered by the dark shades inside of all places. between the alcohol, the warm bodies beside him and the faint trace of powder around his nose - he's not thinking much. whether he's aware of adam or not, he does not show it. ]
not bothered in the slightest by his lil human plaything meeting other people who appreciate him!!!
as adam waits for the man's return he picks his camera back up, focusing on the area around the bar now. it's a central, circular-shaped thing, with gorgeous young people flair bartending and picking up tips left and right. their dexterity is mesmerizing: adam could never be that good with his hands.
he's snapped a few half-decent shots by the time ned returns. letting his camera hang down around his neck, he reaches out to take the offered glass, not minding the moisture that immediately coats his fingers. the scent floats up into his nose and just one sip is enough to put him in a better mood, his body's sense memory kicking in. drinking is something he only really does socially, not because he wants to but because he has to split the cost most of the time - and most of those times happened when he was hanging around with scott and his bandmates, or sitting on the grass at a music festival. rare snippets of happiness dotted amidst his generally bleak life.
ned, the man says. a funny sounding name, especially compared to the dramatic sound of lestat. it makes adam grin. this guy is so normal - just a young, handsome man having a good time, without some scary vampiric aura or tragic past to contend with. the red light thankfully hides the blush that graces his cheeks when ned calls him cute, and that same feeling from before stirs in his stomach once again. excitement. ]
Well, I...
[ his eyes look out over the dancefloor and pause as a certain head of blond hair comes into view. he's half-hidden by other bodies, but there's no mistaking lestat, sprawled out with his sunglasses and looking every bit like the rock star he is.
adam's stomach lurches momentarily. but then he thinks about what lestat told him, about the way he'd so easily brushed the human off, and that's enough to make adam give this new person his full attention. ]
Just working, [ he replies, leaning in a bit closer - ostensibly so it's easier to talk, but also because he really likes whatever cologne ned is wearing. he lets his own eyes wander now, taking in the well-muscled arms hiding beneath his shirt, the difference in their heights, that wide smile. ]
I'm Adam. [ he raises his glass in cheers, his body relaxing as he settles into the conversation. ] Do you come here often? It seems like a lot of people know you.
no subject
a shrug at adam's question, smile not fading. ]
Nah, only when I'm really desperate. Then I chat up the cutest guy who isn't here looking to hook up.
[ a snicker at his own line. he sips at his beer before continuing, gesturing for a moment.]
They're old uni mates, come from across the pond to check out whatever bleak American hole I've dug myself into. Knobs, the lot of them.
[ he glances over to the table of people and waves cheerily, immediately earning boos and rude gestures in response. a few of the girls cackle behind their hands though, indicating it was all friendly ribbing.]
See? They're just envious that they don't get to buy you a drink.
[ his attention wafts back to adam, offering him a sheepish grin.]
Are you here often? I could stop by more often if you're here. Sorry - [ a laugh, wincing at himself.] I'm coming on a bit strong. It's been a while.
no subject
he laughs in unison with the group as they heckle the other man, before ducking his head as a fresh wave of butterflies makes its way through his body. getting attention like this is new and exciting, and he isn't quite sure what to do with himself.
even when ned stumbles a bit, it's so charming that adam can't fault him for it. when he looks up again he's grinning, clearly please, a sparkle in his eye. ]
Don't worry about it.
[ he swallows; then, summoning his courage, he reaches out to brush his fingers over ned's elbow - a gesture that, while simple, clearly communicates the fact that he likes the attention. ]
It's actually my first time here. [ he tilts his head towards the dancefloor but doesn't look away, not wanting to be reminded of lestat right now. a hint of mischief enters his expression and he adds playfully, ]
What makes you think I'm not looking to hook up?
no subject
Yeah? Oh, you said that you were working, so - [ a shrug. he takes another big gulp of beer, leans a little closer. ]
I mean, shit - hooking up while you're on the clock is pretty hot, yeah? You've got plenty of time to take photos.
[ straightening up again, he glances back over to the table of young people, the others lingering at the bar. ]
The way some of my mates are eying you, I'd say they're pretty pissed at me for snagging your attention. You got the pick of the litter up here, and it's only your first time.
[ the red wash of neon makes his eyes look big and dark as he looks back to adam, gaze obviously set on the smaller man's mouth. then lower, at the lace only just obscuring creamy skin, the shadow of his nipples. ]
Hell, you could pick up all of us tonight if you wanted. Fuck your boss.
no subject
adam takes a long drink, gulping the beer down and feeling its cold heat wash over his insides. maybe he should be more like lestat. ignore the consequences, do what he wants. it's not as though trying to live a decent life has ever gotten him anywhere.
rise and shine, adam.
a visible shiver runs through him as those words ghost through his skull; thankfully, it happens at the same time ned's eyes wander over his body, so it seems less like a trauma response and more like a reaction to being ogled so obviously.
fuck your boss ned says and it makes adam laugh. if only he knew how true that was. ]
Let's go somewhere else,
[ he hears himself say, eyes wide and dark as he looks up at ned. ]
no subject
Fuck, sure. Can I give you an escorted tour of the bathroom, Adam?
[ he offers adam an elbow, a tad sheepish but willing to commit to the corniness. once he's sure adam will follow, he'll lead the other man to the men's bathroom on the upper floor. his friends from the nearby table hoot and holler at the two of them as they pass, some with stares that linger longer than others.
from across the room, despite the hand of a tanned gentleman venturing a hand inside his shirt, sharp eyes watch the two depart from the balcony. further attempts to caress the blonde are blatantly ignored, even after straddling his lap to get his attention. all it earns is a snap of irritation for blocking his eye line before there's a flash of fangs and he seals his mouth onto the man's neck, earning a moan swallowed by both the music and lestat himself. it's a small mouthful, enough to wet his mouth and send his nerves tingling.
music pulsing and head spinning, the handsy patron does not seem to register being lifted and placed aside like he weighed nothing. likewise, no one in the VIP section seems to notice that lestat has slipped away until he's vanished into the cluster of gyrating bodies. absolutely not keeping a close eye on adam and his new friend eagerly leading to the bathroom.]
no subject
so he chugs the rest of his beer, then sets his glass aside. the grin on his face reaches all the way to his eyes as he playfully takes ned's elbow, chuckling a little at how cute it is. ]
You're quite the gentleman, [ he remarks, looking up at the taller man. as they pass the group at the table Adam glances back over this shoulder at them and, sure enough, a few are staring at him. it brings a fresh flush to his face and he tries not to feel too excited by the attention, knowing most of it can be chalked up to his clothing. he's learned from lestat that showing a little skin is the perfect way to get eyes pointed in your direction.
but - that's enough thoughts about lestat. it doesn't take long to reach the bathroom; once they're there, it becomes pretty obvious that some other men have had a similar idea. soft moans and grunts echo from the farthest stall, and there's a small group gathered by the sinks eyeing each other up in between snorting lines of coke. adam does his best to focus on Ned but the truth is that he himself has started to get a little nervous - he doesn't exactly know what he should do next. his grip on the other's arm tightens as a result, communicating his feelings without words. ]
tw asshole behaviour ft my essay
no time is wasted now that he has the smaller man where he can reach him. ned leans heavily against the tile, swooping down to press his mouth to adam's. his hands grasp at his chest over the lace, thumb purposefully stroking over the shadow of the nipple underneath. evidently he's very interested, his hips pressing against the others eliciting a groan that mirrors the others echoing in the bathroom.]
Give it a moment and I'll bend you over in the stall, yeah? [ ned's voice is gravelly now, just quiet enough for adam to hear.]
've got poppers in my back pocket just for eager little faggots like you. Guess it's my lucky day.
[ another few men enter the bathroom, one that ned glances up at and nods tightly to. there's another warm pressure against adam's waist now, attempting in vain to dig under the corset and many belts in order to find the bottom hem of the lace shirt. another whiff of cologne too, a hard body pressing in from the other side. one of ned's friends evidently, helping himself to a feel of adam's waist.
ned says something to him, muffled by the thrum of the music. a short laugh in response before a hand slips down to grasp at adam's ass, thick fingers feeling for the cleft of his cheeks and pressing in insistently.
then, a snap. the sound evokes especially dry twigs, a clean sharp break. it's audible over the music from this close, as is the feeble whimper of ned's companion. the pressure on adam's rear is immediately lifted, though the man slumps forward a little, doubling over and clutching his hand to his chest.
there's a sudden tension in the air prickling ned's skin into goosebumps that he notes far too late. despite his friend making a girly moan, he was not distracted away from pressing his tongue into the mouth of the pretty young thing he had secured. he tasted like summer, the light coating of beer still on his lips, and ned intended to compare the taste of him after having his fun. perhaps there would still be remnants of the same taste after, too.
distantly, he's aware of his body operating as if by an invisible puppeteer. it's not an unfamiliar sensation, but one his mind skips on like a scratch in a disk, revisiting a couple of times before the movements sink in. he's kissing adam, grasping for a feel of his sides, his chest, the side of his neck. feeling the other man swallow under his hands, the surge of excitement at the power held there. then he's reaching back into his pocket for the little vial tucked there. at some point he's broken off the kiss and has leant back to uncap the vial and snort from it, a potent whiff of pure chemical that makes his head blank out pleasantly and his muscles loosen.
there's the scent of ozone in the air beyond the chemicals, a tension like before lightning strikes. if ned focuses, he distantly recalls the scent lingering just before his friend had made the strangled sound.
then, far too soon, another deep sniff. this whites out his vision for a heartbeat, has the man stagger on his feet. dazed, he begins to frown deeply at himself. his eyes focus and unfocus. his weight leans heavily against the tile wall, mind struggling to make sense of what was happening before his arm raises again. another deep snort and he slumps, though held taut before he can collapse.
there's tight pressure around his chest, strong arms keeping him upright. a brush of hair against his crisp shirt, then cold ice through his veins. ned gasps wetly, eyes fluttering and knees buckling as lestat drinks deep and quick. the colour drains from him, as does the little twitches of life. in a few seconds, the man is close to death with a new jagged gash in the side of his neck.
somehow all of this goes unnoticed by the other patrons of the bathroom. a stall empties of its occupants, allowing lestat to smoothly escort a swaying ned inside, shortly followed by his barely conscious friend.
when the stall door is closed and the blonde returns, there's a dark liquid discoloured by the neon lights coating his fingertips, dripping from his claws. this he licks from his fingers idly, eyes large and dark as he looks adam over. a moment of hesitation - a glance at the door. but he drifts back to adam, jaw clenched and the line of his body tight.]
Chèri. Tout va bien? [ tone soft, despite the blood around his mouth. then his eyes flatten, sharp and predatory.]
That vermin will not bother you any longer.
this essay gets an A+++ from professor egg
still, he can't pretend he doesn't like how it feels when ned starts touching him. he groans into the kiss, eagerly parting his lips, his chest arching as the other man's thumbs find his pert nipples. the fabric feels good against his sensitive skin, much better than the worn-out cotton of his t-shirts, and when ned's hips press forward adam's move in response, grinding up against him.
ned speaks and adam nods, breathless - but then he hears that word. faggot. it makes him frown in confusion, eyebrows knitting together. he's about to say something when he sees ned acknowledge one of the men entering the bathroom, and before he can stop it there's suddenly an extra pair of hands touching him, an extra body pressed up against his in a hard line.
adam hadn't signed up for this sort of thing. panic builds in his chest as he begins to struggle against the two men, breath quickening as he feels them grasping and squeezing without permission. the laugh is cruel, wicked, and it makes adam shut his eyes tight, trying to come up with a way out now that he's realizing what's going to happen to him.
he hears the snap but doesn't know what it means; all he knows is that the fingers that were so insistently groping him are suddenly gone. he would turn to look but ned is kissing him again, deep and hungry. his hands are everywhere and adam is torn between wanting to enjoy it and knowing that this is wrong, that ned doesn't actually care about him at all, that he saw adam as just another guy he could take advantage of. what was it that he'd said? he'd come here looking for the cutest guy who didn't want to hook up? what a load of shit.
fear and hatred spike inside adam's bloodstream as he watches the taller man inhale the drugs, still not knowing how he can escape - the body behind him is heavy and strong, and he has no idea if ned will get violent once adam tries to tell him to stop.
but then ned does something strange. he inhales again, and again - too much, too many times. adam doesn't know a ton about how poppers work but he can read the confusion on ned's face, can tell that he isn't acting of his own volition. the tension in the air builds and builds, a storm on the horizon, a blue sky turned to terrible grey, and then -- ]
Lestat?
[ the name leaves adam's lips in a whisper. a prayer. his god, come to save him.
he watches without blinking as lestat drains the man, the colour disappearing quickly from his face. watches as the life fades from those eyes, as that strong body becomes feeble and pathetic. everything around their little tableau fades away; all adam can see is the vision before him, a beautiful demon descending upon the worst kind of person imaginable.
overhead, the lights flicker - or, maybe, that's just adam's imagination. it suddenly feels as though he can hear the electricity buzzing through their fluorescent tubes. the clink of metal on metal, the drip-drip-drip of water from a faucet. his vision narrows, darkening around the edges.
lestat disappears. it's only for a moment, but he's gone, and ned is gone, and so is the man who had tried to join him. everyone is gone and adam is alone in a bathroom with a chain around his ankle, a dead man's blood in front of him, a cassette tape and a video camera and a gun and a key and a
cheri.
lestat's voice. adam blinks; his eyes are dry. his entire body is shaking. he feels dizzy; in fact, he sinks to his knees, fingernails scraping at the wall, at the floor, at anything he can reach.
alone alone alone. dying dying dying. his shoulder aches and burns with the ghost of a wound that never fully healed. ]
I --
[ he tries to speak, but his throat squeezes the words into nothing before they can escape. overhead, the lights flicker, threatening darkness. ]
I need to - leave --
[ he can't. he's trapped. there's a chain on his ankle and he's killed an innocent man. he doesn't deserve to live. he failed his test.
most people are so ungrateful to be alive.
he's still failing. ]
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one stride closes the distance between them. he cannot help but note how dark the remaining blood is against the pale of adam's skin as he stoops to gather him, a stain along a wiry bicep where the vampire touches.]
You are here, mon lapin, I am here. Let me - come.
[ easily lestat lifts adam close to his chest and rises, a cherished bundle he holds delicately. now the other bathroom occupants begin to stare, some at the intimidating glare shot by the blonde man, others with creases of concern on their brow for the young man clearly having a bad trip. lestat levels a stare at each in turn, then spins on a heel and exits with adam in his arms.
outside, the music thuds relentlessly. dizzying, with the shifting lights and the crush of bodies. suddenly lestat is deeply annoyed with everything; the setting, the club goers, himself. hyper aware of how the oppressive atmosphere must contribute to the panicked state of adam, peeved at how many people stood between him and the venue exit. annoyed that he had let things develop this far, when clearly he could read the lust on the now dying ned's mind across the room.
another sharp tang of ozone in the air as his eyes flare, growing huge and dark in the neon. the room seems to stutter in time, music slowing to a halt, providing a reprieve from the endless thudding. bodies slow admist their twisting. sweat defies gravity and stops midway to the floor.
lestat's jaw is clenched tight, the muscles of his face visible, beads of blood sweat on his forehead as he strides forward. slips through the tangles of bodies, weaving as best he can with his arms full of adam. he won't be able to hold this for long, so he intends to be as quick as he can.]
ehehehe 💖
mentally, adam is still there: back in that bathroom. not the one at the club, but the other one - huge and damp and terrifying. cold, cold. why is he so cold? there's so much blood. his eyes catch on lestat's hand where it curls around his arm and he lets out a terrified whimper; it's dark and crimson, even under the red lights that flood the space around them. whose blood is it? his? lestat's? the doctor, the man he killed?
if he had the strength, adam would push himself out of lestat's arms. he would run and run and run - not knowing where he was going, just needing to escape. to get as far away as possible from the fear that's drowning him alive. but right now he's little more than a rabbit caught in a trap, quivering as it awaits its fate.
the music around them is very very loud. there are voices, so many voices, pounding into adam's head. he presses his face as deep into lestat's chest as he possibly can, fingernails digging into any part of the blond's body they can reach. the voices tell him everything he has done wrong. they say that this is his own fault. they repeat that word: faggot. faggot. faggot. his father's voice is there too.
and then, suddenly - everything is silent.
it takes a long moment before adam is able to raise his head in order to see what's going on; when he does, he's certain that he must still be hallucinating. everything around them is frozen, the bodies and the lights and the sounds, gone impossibly still even as lestat still guides them through the space.
lestat.
adam looks up for the first time since he watched lestat's fangs descend into the neck of his assailant and is shocked by what he sees. lestat is clearly focusing as intensely as possible, the muscles of his jaw popping as he clenches his teeth, eyes huger and darker than adam has ever seen them. he is terrifying; he is beautiful. ]
Lestat...?
[ barely a whisper. adam's throat is too dry. but, somehow, he manages to raise a shaking hand upwards, brushing over the vampire's neck as light as a feather. ]
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his strength is beginning to flag as they weave closer to the EXIT sign above a door to the back. the warmth ghosting over his neck catches his attention and he ignores it for a beat, attempting to manage his focus adequately. huge monstrous pupils slide down to acknowledge adam, unblinking and bloodshot.
lestat's voice is silky, effortless as he speaks into adam's mind - clear in the eerie silence of the frozen club. ]
Un instant. There is nothing for you to fear here.
[ even as he says this, the world begins to stutter and skip. a chaotic siren of movement and noise for a split second before freezing again. lestat winces, shakes his head as if to dislodge something. though covered by a wall of blonde waves, his ears begin to slowly bleed.
its only another ten seconds at most before he turns and shoulders the door to open it. the rush of night air is crisp in comparison to indoors, with a strong breeze that races around the two of them in the parking lot. behind them, the nightclub resumes its endless noise of people and pulsing bass as if nothing had occurred.
gingerly, the blonde takes a few steps towards the solid concrete wall and carefully lowers adam to the ground. with a grunt, he takes a seat beside him. his head hits the wall a little carelessly and he does not seem to mind, eyes fluttering closed and breathing deeply. ]
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lestat's voice sounds as calm and confident as it always does within his head, but there's no mistaking the way he shakes his head, the sudden blare of noise before it's forced back to silence. adam stares up at him for the rest of the walk towards the door and out into the parking lot; even when lestat sets him down he keeps staring, only blinking when the wind blows past his eyes.
lestat's hair blows, too, and now that they're not drowning in the red lights of the club adam can see just how bad he looks. his nails, fingers, forearms are covered in dark blood; he's visibly out of breath; when the wind ruffles through his hair, the trickles of blood along his ears and neck are impossible to miss.
adam remains silent, not moving. his shaking has subsided somewhat, and the voices in his head are gone. out here the air smells faintly of iron and sewage, completely different from the overpowering cologne and alcohol adam's nose has been stuffed with since he arrived, and though these new cents aren't exactly pleasant they help ground him. ]
Lestat...
[ apparently, that's all he's able to say. he doesn't even try to touch the other man, still too shaken up, but his eyes linger on the blond's body, his expression a strange mixture of fear, confusion, and relief. ]
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the fury that he himself had felt is taking its toll on him, adrenaline fading away and leaving nothing to fill the gap. alarming, just how quickly the fog of rage nearly took away his control entirely there. indulged just a little by tearing out one man's throat with his fingers and a chunk of flesh from ned's abdomen.
this just clarified what he had already known; whatever this companionship was with adam, it was enough to illicit real fear and real anger from the vampire. another vulnerability, another piece of his heart to be yanked around.
hair draped over his face, he pries open an eye to peek over at adam. the look on his face is enough to indicate that the ghosts had at least begun to fade from his mind, concerned now with a new unknown.
he cannot even offer adam a weak smile, but tries to make his voice soft.]
Let me catch my breath. [ a wince, and he shuts his eyes again.]
I will get us home. A shame. You look very elegant.
[ a sniff, another deep breath. his voice is barely audible as he murmurs.] Je suis vraiment désolé.
that ICON IS KILLING MEEEEEEEE BABY BOY LESTAT T____T <333
now that his head is a bit clearer adam can also think about what's just happened. while some parts are foggy - what was real, what did he hallucinate? - he knows one thing for certain: lestat killed that man. drained him and shoved him in a bathroom stall to be found later by some other partygoer, or perhaps a janitor, someone who will undoubtedly be forever scarred by the atrocity they have just borne witness to.
lestat killed him because of adam. and adam knows he should feel bad, feel awful, for having ned's blood on his hands - but he does not. he distinctly remembers the sense of betrayal and terror that lit up his veins right before lestat appeared and the darkest part of his soul relishes what has happened: the devil came to save him.
lestat speaks, too quiet; he is a shadow of his usual self. the french that catches on the wind is almost blown away before adam can hear it but he hears the syllables just in time. he does not know what they mean, but he can guess. ]
Why are you sorry?
[ his voice is raw, cracked. tears prickle at the corners of his eyes but he ignores them. his fingers curl into the pink fabric of lestat's shirt, speckled with the blood of dead men. ]
You didn't do anything --
[ he did everything. his appearance alone is enough to make the reality of their relationship quite plain: it is not some temporary thing to be enjoyed and then forgotten, or at best remembered fondly as one in a long line of others. it is deeper, more dangerous. not love, not yet, but something just as all-encompassing.
the tears spill over unbidden. a sudden wave of emotion floods adam's chest and he can't hold back any longer. not caring whether or not lestat will yell, or hurt him, or even kill him, adam surges forward and wraps his arms around the other in a tight embrace, burying his face against that golden hair. ]
Thank you, [ he whispers, trembling anew but not with fear. ]
SEASON TWO LESTAT GOES HARD (sad)
I - I could have done more. You should not be thanking me - I dressed you up, I b-brought you here, then I - [ ignored him and left him to be picked at by carrion. watched from across the room, knowing what ned had intended and still didn't step in sooner. ] - left you alone.
[ his voice quivers, thick with emotion. slowly he slips arms around adam in return, gentle. the other man is warm and comforting to hold, but as much as lestat wants to pull him into his lap, the guilt he feels prevents him from acting further. ]
I sh-shouldn't even be doing this? [ a questioning lilt at the end of his sentence, almost questioning himself. automatically, he begins to stroke adam's back in soothing circles, shutting his eyes as the movement seems to soothe him, too. ] It is easier for us both for you to hate me, chéri. I cannot bring myself to.
i'm having such a tough time w/s2 bc I LOVE DREAMSTAT but.... I don't like armand WHOOPS T_T
it makes adam tighten his grasp, as though it's his job to protect lestat. as though he's capable of anything more than what any human is. what can a mortal give to a vampire, a devil, a monster? what can he offer that lestat would be incapable of attaining for himself?
but the fact remains: lestat is crying. he is sad. he regrets. all human emotions that cannot be so easily tossed aside. the quiver in his voice, that question at the end of his sentence - it makes Adam's heart ache for him. how often has he felt this way in private, with no one there to comfort him? hiding himself away in order to maintain his image, his reputation?
adam understands how that feels. he knows what it is to be angry and hurting but unable to tell anyone, ashamed for being so weak as to feel.
it is easier for us both for you to hate me.
adam inhales deeply, the scent of lestat's hairspray and cologne and the blood of those dead men filling his lungs. ]
I don't think I can hate you, Lestat.
[ he says it softly, voice measured. the tiniest smile crosses his face as he thinks about the second half of what lestat has just said: that he wants to hate adam, but he can't. ]
Hey, look at me --
[ he pulls away just enough, hands slipping to cup lestat's cheeks in order to catch his eye - bloodshot, rimmed with red tears. a terrifying sight that adam has, somehow, become immune to. ]
You saved me.
[ he doesn't know how far it would have gone, how much they would have pushed, if they would have forced him. but he does know it wasn't what he wanted - wasn't what lestat wanted. knows that lestat had been watching, ready to save him from his own blind naivete. ]
wdym armand has never done anything wrong ever :-) dreamstat is so funny though jndkjnknf
BAHAHA like he's beautiful and perfectly acted but he's just...... HE'S NOT LESTAT LMAO T_T
it's OK, dreamstat isn't rly him either :-) (well it's louis' imagined version of him so)
tbh I think I just miss domestic loustat T_T before everything went to hell in a handbasket!
I feel that!!! dreamstat is at least a glimpse into the stat that louis misses ;w; a silly boye
yes!! obsessed with dreamstat also! jacob mentioned in an interview that it's louis' version of him
yeah!!! and it makes you think like. have we seen lestat depicted yet that isnt someones take on him
YESSSS SAME kjdfhgdkfh I can't wait to see the similarities/differences/LESTAT of it all
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not me stealing a line from your cosmos album whoops 👀
you little demon i literally JUST added that quote (i love it too)
😈 okay so MAYBE i keep that tab open for reference just in case... MAYBE
hfjfjf CUTE BLESS YOU SORRY ABOUT ALL THE PORN
LMAO LOOK..... there is absolutely no apology needed 😂 it's very. uh. inspiring 👀
GOOD sometimes I just need active reference ok
I will never not be shocked by how many not-leigh whannells look EXACTLY like leigh whannell
yet I can never find a sam reid lookalike... screaming crying
he's too beautiful, no one can match him 💅
sad but terribly true 😔
thankfully there will continue to be many beautiful images of him (2026 come sooner pls)
plssss i heard a rumor its being released in april..... gimme
omg my birthday month PLEASE
happy birthday its lestat crashing out!!!
the best gift ever!!!
HOWLS at the moon they're cute....
JOINS YOUUUU HGNNGHHGHHHlfhdkhjk;lhj
;w; our boyssss
obsessed with them actually T___T <333
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lost in the sauce
for real ðŸ˜
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nooooo adam dont lick my blood haha twirls hair
i need u to know that reply was fucking POETRY anyway he's some bloodplay 😈💖
PLEASE i am shaking your hand vigorously and writing you into my will for our combined galaxy brains
EHEHEHE <333 something something pressed up against your longing (for whump) lkhjfgkjhgk
heuheueh ðŸ¤ðŸ¤
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get licked idiot
LMAOOOOO T_T <3