Archive of Our Own

A brutalist hellscape. That’s what it was. Nothing like Daniel’s own home; lived in, skies painted upon the ceiling, memories stacked in cupboards. Instead the walls of the penthouse were bare, smothered in what had been considered domestic misery only a day prior. 

It was lavish. A tasteful yet soulless flaunt of wealth. And in turn, the most grandiose prison there was. Almost two weeks of an illusion of free will, Daniel telling himself over and over that he could leave at his own decision. It was fine. He could cope with the mundanity between those constricting concrete walls. 

One full day there without the protection of Louis. Abandoned within the lion’s den. He could only assume Louis had gone to Lestat, anyone with a working brain knew that. But fuck couldn’t he have escorted Daniel out the country first? Ensure his safety? Instead he dropped everything and ran at the prospect of his maker. Typical. 

Daniel had barely slept, one eye on the door, the other on the window, heart palpitating. The mockery of freedom. Planes in the sky, tail lights of traffic, the knowledge of people down below. 

It was evident there was no leaving. The doors locked, staff informed, and most of all Daniel’s passport gone. How convenient. And really how far could a seventy year old man get anyway? Daniel wasn’t built for running, not anymore. Yet his suitcase still lay packed at the foot of his bed. 

And that brought him to dinner. Daniel was hungry, had spent most of the day in self inflicted confinement. A couple of times he was checked up on, staff brought small bites to eat and water. Glorified jailers. Each knock was startling - which was ridiculous, what vampire would knock before entering? 

Really he hadn’t expected to make it as far as he had. One dinner more than he thought he would ever see. No idea where Armand was. Daniel’s last image of the vampire was him heaped on the ground. But Daniel’s passport had vanished, along with his wallet, and other personal belongings he would rather not abandon. Message received loud and clear. 

It was unsettling really, not knowing where such an apex creature lay. What it was doing. Daniel didn’t know the floor plan well enough. No, instead he sat there at the foot of his bed, one trembling hand fumbled with the buttons of his shirt.

Seven he had been told. That was it. And hell, it was the primal need to eat rather than courtesy. Because honestly fuck that guy. He had no idea if Armand would be there or not. It would be a lie if he denied the small spark of excitement at the thought however. Did he really have much to lose? He was coming to the end of his line anyway. If the meal was poisoned or Armand killed him then and there would it really have mattered? Because either way Daniel Molloy was a dead man walking. 

Yet he was afraid. 

When Daniel looked in the mirror, smoothing creases from his shirt, it was a frightened man who peered back. An emotion he knew all too well. Daniel didn’t want to die. 

What had he expected when he accepted Louis’ invite? Certainly not to end a seventy seven year long relationship? Marriage? Companionship? Whatever the word, it was certainly over regardless. It was the risk, the elation which had drawn him in initially. That intrigue to finish what he had started fifty years prior. And right then Daniel could only yearn for the dull monotony. 

His stomach growled, snapping Daniel from whatever melancholy he possessed. Just some sad old fool reflecting upon a plethora of mistakes. A habit he wished he could kick. No, he would go, have dinner, and whatever happened, happened. Wasn’t like a closed door and locked window was a match for Armand anyway. Daniel was alive because Armand wanted him alive. Simple as that. So, Daniel could sit back and torment himself with questions of why, or he could go poke the bear with a stick. The choice entirely his. 

Not a soul in sight as he left his room. It felt criminal to disturb such tranquility. But he did, the door behind didn’t exactly close with elegance. And then his footsteps. They might as well have cried out as he walked. Either the staff were busy or they had been instructed to allow Daniel to make his own way. It didn’t really matter. 

Six fifty. That ten minutes leeway was tempting enough. Was it really snooping if it was en route? It wasn’t so much a choice rather than a compulsion, but Daniel had to look. 

Still it felt illegal. Though surely if he wasn’t allowed he would be stopped. Something which had been Daniel’s philosophy on many occasion. Maybe rooms couldn’t be stolen like a passport, but doors could certainly be locked.

Roaming the penthouse, it felt different. No longer the foundations for whatever perfection Armand and Louis had so desperately curated. The cold and empty space was perhaps the most unwelcoming it had ever looked. A foreboding sense hung heavy over his head. And yet Daniel passed through it, not taking time to dwell. Wandering room to room, seeing everything for what it really was. 

And then he got to it. A crater in the wall, cracks expanding outwards as if it had grown legs. Of course the rubble had been cleared, though no attempt had been made to mask the damage. Maybe Armand wanted it as a punishing reminder, or perhaps it was just beyond repair.

If Daniel Thought hard enough he could envision Armand in the debris. That wordless rejection conveyed with nothing but a look. How Daniel had wished the vampire had said something spiteful, lash out at Louis’ threats. Yet he had been silent. It made it all the more haunting. Then Louis had left, and that was the last Daniel had seen of either vampire. Fuck, how he wished Armand was still there, some helpless creature crushed on the floor. Instead it was like the walls had eyes. Nothing private, everything calculated. Daniel alone in a concrete biome, all aware he was being stalked. 

“Mr Molloy?” A polished voice from behind. Fuck. “This way please.”

To Daniel’s misery it was some nameless man. Had he brought fresh towels earlier? Daniel couldn’t recall or care for that matter. They were all nameless and faceless. God, he missed Real Rashid. 

The man appeared to be in a hurry, eager to usher him through to the dining room. 

“Yeah yeah, alright.” Daniel sighed, already having had enough and cooperating. Because what else was there to do?

It was apparent their walk would be in silence. 

Not on Daniel’s watch. “So, where’s the prison master? Thought he’d be around to finish me off. Doubt I’m getting out on good behaviour.” An impenetrable mask for overgrown nerves.

As expected, nothing. Silence. 

“Not like I’m going anywhere either. But him? I guess he can do as he pleases, right?” Daniel went on like it was nothing. 

Fuck he just wanted out of there. Out of the pristine, untouched environment. Even if it meant forfeiting excellent meals. 

Before he could think of something that really might ruffle some feathers, there he was. A starter - a soup of some sort? Placed at the end of the lifeless table. Just him. Alone. 

His escort left as soon as he was seated.

It was bigger than remembered. Candles lit, soft mood lighting in the corners, that sinister painting cast a shadow upon the room. The table stretched on and on and on, never coming to an end. The same mental atmosphere as if someone had bundled his brain into a pillow case and kicked it down some stairs.

“This it?” He shouted to no one. “Not good enough to be wine and dined?” Shaking his head to himself. 

Really Daniel did not know if he wished to see Armand. Despite the fear and uncertainty, if they interacted at least once he would know their standing. What was happening. Give him some sense of direction. Was this just his life now? A vampire’s pet? 

Hated enough to be ignored, but wanted enough to be spared. Though both he and Armand knew there were fates far worse than death. What Daniel was willing to bank on was he was the next subject to some flavour of inhuman cruelty. 

Carefully he dipped his spoon into the soup, it was thin, appearing  to consist of vegetables and meat. It hovered at his lips, blowing finely upon it. Might as well get something hot in him, had to keep up his strength for whatever sick and twisted punishment awaited, or whatever the saying was. 

“My apologies for my belated arrival Mr Molloy.” And Daniel could have dropped his cutlery then and there. Jesus he had to keep his shit together.

Though Armand didn’t look to Daniel as he walked, passing him with a raised chin, one suave step at a time. Only when he took his place at the opposite end of the table did their eyes meet. Any sign of injury, gone. A face once battered and bruised suddenly pristine as if nothing had happened. 

But the worst part? He was normal. Everything normal. No disdain to his voice, no hostility in his body. Oh Daniel was fucked. 

“Sure go ahead, join me for dinner. I’m sure this soup will fatten me up nicely.” 

A subtle smile graced Armand’s face. “I have no intention of consuming you, if that’s your concern.”

“No, instead you just keep me here like some sick dog. Unable to go outside, yet still a family pet - too beloved to be put down. Is that right?” 

“If it is outside you wish to go, the balcony is perfectly-”

“Oh cut the bullshit, we both know what you’re playing at. I’m a prisoner. Sure, I can do as I please within these walls. But outside?” 

“It is for your own protection, after all Louis does not wish harm to come to you.” 

And Daniel could not help but scoff. “Think that memo was for you,” Only then did he begin his meal. The flavour would have been far more appreciated if he hadn’t been propelled into a state of frustration. “As if Louis isn’t off canoodling with-” That far too tempting final kick in the teeth. 

“Enough,” Cut between them like a knife. “You are a guest here, whether you like it or not.” 

“Guest,” Spat back mockingly. The word heavy on his tongue. “You gonna lock me up and torture me?”

“You have liberty to do as you please.” 

“Liberty my ass.” 

“You just cannot make things easy for yourself can you?” A half snap. Like a spoilt child angered at nonconformity. 

The food was good though. Credit where it was due. And it was all too apparent Armand did not dine. Not even a small bowl of blood to nurse.

“What so you disappear for twenty four hours and suddenly you come back and it’s all happy families?” 

“I think you need to eat, Mr Molloy. Your main course will be ready shortly.” 

Mr Molloy. He hated that, told himself he had to. Formal in a phoney sort of way. A disingenuous sign of respect. Yet Daniel refused to voice it, couldn't give Armand that level of satisfaction. Instead he swallowed it, as he did everything else which pissed him off. Hating how the vampire presumably knew all that already. 

Though it was difficult to enjoy when incandescent eyes stalked his every move. Reading Daniel’s every expression. It was like being under a microscope. But it didn’t stop him clearing his bowl anyway, stomach growling for more. Nothing worked up an appetite like being held captive by a vampire. 

“Why am I here?” More authenticity to his question. 

Armand’s expression remained illegible. “Not often are answers found within why.” 

“Then what’s the point? Kill me or let me go.” Because that was really what it boiled down to wasn’t it? 

“Here in Dubai you are safe.” 

There really was no winning was there? Promptly his place was cleared, masked staff working with tactical efficiency. All the while the hostility simmered, bleeding into the atmosphere and contaminating everything it touched. 

It was jarring, Armand sat there with that all knowing presence. Daniel didn’t even have the privacy of his own thoughts. Noting the bug eyed stare framed by immaculate curls. Impossible to decipher. 

However, Daniel was more at ease. Willing to say there was no imminent danger to his current existence. Perhaps he could barter later, or simply throw himself from the balcony. One option realistically ensured better results. 

In no time the second part of his meal was before him. It appeared to be lamb of some kind, he wasn’t told what. If Armand knew, he sat on that information with no intent of sharing. 

If it was in fact poisoned it was a delicious way to go. 

“You will receive your levodopa transfusion later this evening, I understand it will make you drowsy.” 

“Making these decisions for me now?” Said chewing with the left side of his mouth, making way for words. Though Armand’s statement wasn’t a lie. 

“It is for your own benefit.” 

“And what if I want to die, huh?” Both knew he didn’t. “Then what?” 

“Then I would say the clutches of death are further than anticipated.” 

Daniel just scoffed. “Think you have a skewed idea of care, pal.” 

“You are being insufferable.” Was what Armand said, not missing a beat. Yet that calm composure was flawlessly worn.

“Makes two of us,” Though Daniel understood there was more to it. Caught in the orbit of the vampire sat opposite. Something there wriggling beneath Daniel’s flesh. “I assume you already ate?” 

“A vampire of my age does not feed often, this I believe you are aware of,” That stiff professionalism in his tone. “I will be sated for the foreseeable.” 

Was Daniel just a free range chicken until then? 

There wasn’t much conversation beyond that. Just those curious eyes watching Daniel and his meal. Perhaps the vampire longed for that pleasure, experiencing it through Daniel alone. Or perhaps he was merely stalking prey. Only Armand knew which was true, and quite frankly Daniel didn’t know which was worse. He was done with whatever pedantic games were being played. 

One thing Daniel did notice however were the hands. Long slender fingers which came to a point, restless as they danced together. Impossible to ignore the movement. Other than that though there was nothing. 

Upon that realisation however, those arms folded tight across Armand’s chest.

But it was isolating, the lack of windows, enclosed. Difficult not to feel constantly on edge. Artificial everything. No amount of delicious food could mask that. Nothing to gaze out of as his mind wandered, not bothering to dwell on how the most intimate part of him was no longer his. 

“You know he’s not coming back, right?” Daniel really could not help himself, the provocative question out there in the world before realisation hit. 

“That makes no difference to you.” 

Daniel’s cutlery scraped gently against the plate, finally laid down to rest in nothing but the memory of sauce. “I’m no stranger to divorce y’know.” 

“My affairs with Louis are none of your concer-”

“Your affairs with Louis?” Humoured as the words tumbled out on their own volition. 

It was that which caused Armand to rise, and even then it was composed. No harsh sudden movements or fists pelting the table, simply just pushing himself upwards, unfolded from where he sat. “This is enough for tonight.”

“Struck a nerve did I?” Swallowing whatever terror threatened to raise its ugly head. 

Armand was expressionless as he moved, rounding his side of the table, the gentle tap of his shoes against the concrete ground. Each stride consistent and fluid. 

“May I remind you, Mr Molloy,” He stopped by Daniel’s side, though did not turn to address him. “You are a guest, and as of right now the privileges granted are generous.” Only then was his gaze cast downwards from the tail of his eye. Daniel bit his tongue. 

Yeah, alright. 

As much as Daniel had hated it, Armand had been correct, that medication might as well have shot him point blank. Instead of the couch however, Daniel got the luxury of a bed. Without his laptop for company or any good reading material - none within reach anyway - sleep was the next best activity. And fuck did he need it. The past twenty four hours had really done a number on him. 

One second he was awake, somewhat fighting himself. Sleep wasn’t exactly a relaxing prospect given his glorified roommate. But the next? Unaware it had happened. Out like a light. Dragged down into the depths of his own subconscious mind. 

At first it was dreamless, limbs heavy, a blank slate. Just falling down, down, down into the void of nothing. No start, no stop. Just an empty vacuum with no destination in sight. 

Lifeless on the mattress other than the steady rise and fall of his chest. An alien feeling for his withered body. Often accompanied by restlessness, tossing and turning, active thoughts. Eyes exhausted, thoughts sluggish, yet resistant to what he needed. Often mornings were spent with sleep tugging at under eyes, weighing heavy and consistent. What sleep Daniel did manage was often unfulfilled. Cycles not completed, circadian rhythm fucked. It was what normality had become. 

But right then he rested undisturbed. It went on like that until a small blip of life arose. Iris’ flitted beneath their lids. 

A room. A hotel room of sorts? No real detail to the walls, the cheap framed pictures fogged and unimportant. No mirrors or reflections, but he knew he was about fifty years younger. Not haggard by the tribulations of time.

The bed however was immaculate, the edges sharp and corners tucked. It hadn’t been consummated. Because that was what he was there for right? He knew it in the back of his mind, innate knowledge rather than a question of if. 

Knees bent over the side, torso leant back and supported with rigid arms. Jeans still firmly on, though his shirt had made it’s home on the floor. Daniel said nothing, allowing himself to be openly admired. 

On the chair opposite sat Armand. Leant forwards with intrigue, though still he held power. A stray ringlet of hair drifted onto his forehead. The only thing out of place. Elbows on knees. 

There was tension. Daniel was waiting. Not entirely sure for what, but something. The recollection there, at the edge of his mind. Dangled before him like a carrot. Daniel just couldn’t quite remember.

“Remove those,” Armand nodded to the jeans, which had considerably tightened around the crotch area. Eagerly Daniel’s hands went to comply. “Slowly.” 

Though Daniel already knew the words just before they came. Déjà vu. 

All he could focus on was the coiling in his groin, the delicate throb between his legs, pent up energy bouncing around. With no real memory or relationship to the past, Daniel knew he had been teased, left sexually frustrated for weeks. Right then was what it had amounted to hadn’t it? That want was the only real emotion there was, the most authentic there.  

But hell did Daniel know how to make a show of it. Knew just what Armand wanted. What Armand liked. Drawing out unbuckling his belt, plucking teasingly at the leather. All too aware of how once open the buckle and strap framed his cock, the hard line against his thigh. 

Next it was the button, popped open, a hint of underwear beneath. And then it was the zipper, pulled down in instalments, loving how Armand soaked in the sight. The denim slackening as it happened. 

Jesus he was hard. Having Armand’s attention on him always did the trick. The imbalance of nudity, Daniel bare and vulnerable before a killer. All the while Armand clothed and watching. 

There was no real indication for how long Daniel had been like that, but he felt the physical need, leaking stupidly into fabric. No idea or context to where they were. It was unimportant. 

Carefully he palmed himself over those jeans, his hips rutted into the touch, betrayed by the calm slide of his hand. A soft groan, both what his body wanted and amplified for Armand’s benefit. 

“That’s it Daniel,” His voice like a song. “That’s what you want.” 

So that was the cue to shuck them off, have those jeans join his shirt on the floor. 

“No,” The blunt contrast to Armand’s previous tone. “You will remove them once instructed.” 

So he went on, that need blooming inside. Those calculated sighs and groans grew in authenticity, bubbling over into frustration. Heel of his palm following the stiff line of his cock. All the while their eyes locked, Daniel dragged into the wide orange glow. It burned brighter than anything else. That desire and the intensity of the vampire’s gaze were what stood out most. The only tangible thing. 

Armand had seemingly leant in further, captivated by Daniel. 

“Yeah, that what you want?” Doing everything to stamp out the whine in his voice. 

“What evokes emotion in you?” As if he couldn’t read Daniel like a book. “The time on your knees with arms bound behind your back? Or perhaps the time you were made to ejaculate to capacity within the hour?” Both of which were fond memories. Or Daniel supposed anyway, neither existing beyond the realms of that room. But fuck they were hot weren’t they? 

“Liked the time you let those guys fuck me,” Was what came out. Unknowingly his pace quickened, eagerness having taken over. Hips shamelessly meeting each grind of his palm. “Having you watch me like that.” Badly Daniel wanted to feel assertive, and how horribly he failed. The last syllable getting away from him, the breath caught in his throat. It only appeared to please Armand. 

“Having common men use you like a harlot? That is what you desire?” 

“Like a lot of things,” That lopsided grin graced his face. “You can read my mind, right? Why not see for yourself?” 

“To read your thoughts is one thing, but it is what lies in the confession which is intriguing.” 

Still nothing was out, his cock still clothed and miserable, crying into the fabric in a frantic plea. “Alright, well it’s what I get off to if that’s what you want,” Finger tips bluntly morphed around his outline, unable to get a good enough hold. “Fucking, please.” A rawness to his words. 

The silence which followed dragged seemingly forever. “Take them off.” Was the eventual verdict. 

Daniel didn’t wait. Couldn’t wait. Already having shoved his jeans to ankles before the sentence was over, kicking them off with frenzied endeavour. 

And there he was, fully naked in some grubby hotel, laid bare before some merciless predator. Exactly where Daniel wanted to be. When he peered down between his legs his cock stood painfully erect, flushed and weeping. Glazed with precum with a thick vein along the underside. Daniel couldn’t help but appreciate it.

Though he knew better than to touch, apparently Armand had trained him well. An obedient dog awaiting his master’s command. 

Armand’s intrigue only grew, the chair closer than it had been. Wasn’t like he hadn’t seen Daniel naked before, in fact he was probably the most steady sexual partner Daniel had ever had. An unspoken sense of exclusivity, at least on Daniel’s end. He didn’t know much about Armand beyond what he saw of the vampire. But fuck, the way the vampire wet his lips, eyes tracing over his naked form. It was like being seen for the first time all over again, really seen. 

Only when the vampire went to say something nothing came, or rather nothing audible. Instead the room faded, small details changed, and suddenly it was gone. Nothing left. A groggy darkness to everything. 

His hearing returned first, footsteps outside. And it was the wall. Concrete and forbidding. Eyes blinking open with the low morning sun falling into the room. It was morning. He wasn’t dead.

The night had passed quick. Daniel could hardly believe it. A rarity of sorts, and in Dubai of all places? How ridiculous. 

However the dream lingered. The embers of emotion gradually died, but the memory did not. Oddly realistic, completely tangible. Daniel didn’t know what to make of anything, or what he wanted to make of it. Because he was no idiot, and if the dread in his chest was anything to go by, he knew. His body remembered. Scrambling to get hard, as if the plug had been pulled on his arousal at the last second and there Daniel was swimming against the tide. 

Maintaining an erection was always a struggle, and getting one to begin with was a godsend. Something Daniel had come to accept. Viagra made him tired, not often bothering as he came to terms with his condition. 

Right then however? Fuck his libido was through the roof, thoughts of nothing but carnality, a familiar tightness to muscles. The warmth of arousal wished to bleed through him. Only it couldn’t. Stumbling at the last hurdle. Cock refusing cooperation. Like everything had aligned and it still did not work. 

It wouldn’t hurt, would it? Armand was probably asleep, daylight hours and all. Privacy of Daniel’s mind was presumably his. Plus he wasn’t doing anything wrong, just testing the boundaries of his own body. No crime in that. 

A hand snaked it’s way beneath the covers, sliding over legs and between his inner thighs. Carefully he cupped his cock and balls, soliciting a brief squeeze. Nothing. He tried stroking, the limp shaft flopped between fingers. Nothing. The awkward slide of his hand. Nothing. 

With a frustrated sigh he gave in just as quick as he started. Pent up, nowhere for that energy to go. Usually he’d distract himself, write something, watch something, talk to someone. All of which very difficult to do without his recently departed laptop. Typically it didn’t bother him so much, not anymore. But right there in that concrete box, Daniel was almost biting his lip in frustration. Chances were that even if he could get it up, he wouldn’t finish. That was a whole other ball game. But Jesus Christ, some relief would have been nice. A way to release the tension which festered deep within. 

A shower. Perhaps that was the cure. Up and ready for the day, no time to dwell on what could have been a memory. Really he wished he was shocked, and once the confused cocktail of hormones subsided, he was sure he’d be pissed. But he decided to sit on it, not give Armand the satisfaction of anything explosive. He would have to do some journalism beforehand, prove his theory correct. Stumbling blind into accusations was never favourable. But Armand sat there, haunting the edge of his thoughts. Something Daniel willingly ignored. 

Thank Christ for his en suite, that was all Daniel could think. Not quite ready to face the world. He could wash, attempt to come to terms with whatever revelation presented itself, deal with the consequences later. 

So Daniel got his scarcely clothed self out of bed, hauling himself to the bathroom without further thought. The slow pad of bare feet against the vacant shell of the room, how homely. 

Briefly he caught a dreaded glimpse in the mirror. When had he got so old? A question he often asked. Maybe it was the recent reminder of youth, drug fuelled gaps in memories, the elated invincibility. Part of him missed his younger self and the blissful ignorance of the world which had accompanied that. That cocky self assurance. And right then what did he have to show? Wrinkles etched across his face, grey hair, slower metabolism. Impressive he could make out such details without his glasses. 

But that body was his with all its aches and pains, showcasing a life he had lived. One Daniel had learnt not to regret, or the lie he often told himself anyway. Though what use was regret? Wasn’t like there was much he could do about anything this far down the line. Two failed marriages. Two estranged daughters. Two cataclysmic interviews with a vampire. Whichever mistake tormented Daniel more was insignificant. The past had happened and it was gone, he had made his bed long ago. 

No use thinking of all that anyway. Sighing Daniel turned to the shower, an open plan one which fit peacefully into the interior. Definitely a stylistic choice of sorts, the shower source fixed above with water raining down. Though Daniel knew why he was placed there in that guest room, the accessibility accounted for. God it made him feel pathetic, yet helpless to the gratitude. A stool next to the dial and toiletries provided, perfectly positioned under the broad spray of warmth which rained from the ceiling. 

So Daniel turned the dial and sat, bathrobe hung on the door awaiting him. He began with his hair, using shampoo which could only be described as pretentious. Not the two in one shampoo body wash Daniel had resided himself to. Not because he couldn’t afford better, he just did not care.

Though those images lingered. Naked on the bed. Armand. It had to be a dream right? At least that way life would be made significantly easier. And fuck he hated how it was Armand, but it wasn’t often he had a raunchy dream, yet alone one with such an effect. 

Glancing down once more to where his deflated cock sat. If it worked he’d have jerked off then and there, no doubt about it. There was little time for shame, and yeah sure, Armand was involved, but it was the titillating situation which had done it. Not the vampire. He was just included by proxy, wires crossed in Daniel’s mind, combining the events of the day and what he wanted. Helplessly ignoring how real everything felt. 

It was only natural to attempt again, why the hell not? Once more Daniel went for it, groping himself with little inhibition. Though as per usual the connection was lost, severed somewhere along the line. Ripped between what his brain wanted and what his body could provide. Unsurprising, though Daniel couldn’t help but feel a little broken. Robbed of such a simple joy. That grief only his to bear. 

The water had flattened his curls, small rivers eroded pathways in his face. 

Fucking hell what was the point dwelling on a ship that had already sailed? Daniel snapped himself from it. Pull yourself together. There were much bigger issues at hand rather than his lack of orgasms. 

With mindless precision Daniel continued washing, choosing to concentrate on the task and not the distracting slideshow which presented itself within the confinement of his skull. Lathering his body and rinsing. Good enough. 

Absently he shut off the water, eyeing the dry comfort of the robe which called to him from across the room.   

It was as uneventful as expected. The day had passed Daniel by, after breakfast he managed to get his hands on a couple of questionable autobiographies and one deceptively boring book on philosophy. Though it had been entertaining enough, that and trying to cause a stir among the staff. Still no Armand. 

Daniel remained in the living room, occasionally observing the life below. Though mostly he sat, not wanting to risk the complaints from his joints, pacing was out of the question.

Muscle-wise it was a good day. He walked fine, not burdened by stiffness or dizzy spells. Of course some days were better than others, all counting on a sadistic roll of a dice. But what Daniel had learnt over the course of his diagnosis was to take it as it came. Whatever the future held there was no choice but to endure. 

Worst of all however, it was lonely. The staff barely spoke no matter how much Daniel prodded, and Armand might as well have evaporated. He could envision Louis tucked in Lestat’s embrace, perhaps even sharing a coffin, sweet nothing’s passing between them. And what did Daniel have? Industrial gloom. Fantastic. 

His ears pricked at the noise, loud and deliberate. Head snapped over his shoulder from where he resided on the couch. Armand lurked in the doorway awaiting acknowledgement. The vampire could have prowled closer and Daniel would have been none the wiser. Both very aware of that fact. 

“Reading maintains an active mind.” Eventually sauntering in as if whatever was happening was normal. 

“Yeah well, there’s only so much pretentious art I can withstand, so forgive me.” Though he found himself struggling to meet the vampire’s eye. Not that he was a prude, but all Daniel could think was how Armand had been in his dream. That shameless possessive fascination, how it had effected Daniel. 

“Would this ease your boredom?” 

Before Daniel could question, a laptop was placed upon the table. And it wasn’t cheap either, that much was evident. 

“What…” Not often did Daniel consider himself stumped, but that had caught him off guard by a long shot. 

“Perhaps it could replace the one which got… caught in the collateral.” It had gone up in flames. 

“Why are you giving me this?” Afraid of the object. It didn’t feel like his. 

“It is a gift.” 

Daniel sat there staring at the thing like it had teeth. If it had been anyone else he’d have protested the gesture out of principle, the generosity too grand. However whatever was going on there was different. Wanting to reject it out of instinct, something about it felt preemptive. 

Surely Armand knew he would write? Even if the vampire didn’t know of the cloud, the interview was still mostly fresh in his mind, able to recall large chunks of it with human accuracy. But as long as Armand didn’t know of the cloud-

“I know of the cloud,” Oh great. “And I recognise you have access to Louis’ recent interview.” Oh so it was Louis’ now was it? 

There was no point denying it really. “Sure, it’s backed up. That make you wanna rethink your gift?” Gesturing to that beast on the table. 

“On the contrary Mr Molloy,” That horrid cheerful twang to his words. “An active mind is beneficial for a man of your age.” 

He wasn’t quite following. “You want me to write the interview? The same one which just blew up in your face?” There had to be a catch. 

“You came here to do a job, it is only fair you have an opportunity to finish.” 

Armand stood over him looking down with sophistication. One hand in his pocket, the other loose by his side. Those hands. In his dream Daniel had been so eager to have them. Feel the vampire’s touch. How would it be? Was Armand a gentle lover? Seemingly the type to give it meaning anyway. There had been a reason he had only watched Daniel in that fabricated hotel room. Though once Daniel’s head caught up with him his thoughts were shaken clean. He couldn’t do that. Not there, not anywhere. 

“Is this some convoluted way to get back at your ex?” Lashing out. Only able to hope his head hadn’t been infiltrated. 

“It is not anything, merely just soliciting closure.” 

“Yeah right,” Daniel couldn’t help but laugh. Still avoiding any direct line of sight. Each glance brought back vivid emotion, painted within the canvas of his mind. “You’re just trying to get one last stab at your ex. Trust me, I know post relationship pettiness when I see it.” 

A sigh fluttered from the vampire’s lips, apparently fed up with Daniel’s speculation. “If that is what you choose to believe.”

“What I choose to believe is the vampire randomly bringing me presents has an ulterior motive. Thought you hated me.”  

“It is complicated.” 

“Sure it is.” Unconvinced.

“So am I to assume you do not accept?” 

And Daniel looked at the offending object again. Hell, it would be useful. Wasn’t like he felt indebted either. If Armand wanted to give it to him then fine, he already ate pristine meals without guilt, spent longer than necessary under the hot rush of water, accepted medicine. Daniel owed him nothing. After all it was a jailer’s responsibility to provide. 

“I never said that.” Caving for his own selfish gain. He missed writing, that passion might as well have been utilised while still fresh. 

Daniel didn’t have to look to feel the smile which had crept over Armand’s features. Whatever. 

What should have been the end of the interaction did not come. Armand lingered, stood stagnant As if expecting something more. 

“You just gonna stand there and watch?” The quip came faster than he could process, already having picked up the laptop, examining it. 

Watch. Daniel needed to get a grip, his words a Freudian confession of sorts. Armand observing him like some zoo animal on a bed. Armand observing him masturbate. Armand observing his thoughts. 

“Would you rather I sat?” Asked like he needed permission within his own home. 

“I’d prefer it if you left me alone.” Was that true? 

Ignoring Daniel’s demand, Armand sat on the opposite sofa. One leg folded over the other, posture straight, hands braced on his knee. 

Daniel’s sight flitted nervously from the laptop to the vampire then back again, before settling it back on Armand. The facade of self assurance had slipped. All the while Armand sat unbothered, vision trained on Daniel and that suspicious gift. 

“This one,” Said with a passive aggressive wave. “Does not include the Talamasca’s involvement.” With a voice to match. 

“So is that what this is about?” A finger pushed Daniel’s glasses into his face before moving to power up the laptop, the on button whirled the machine to life. 

Armand drew a breath. “You are to write your interview and see that it is published.” 

Expression unreadable, or perhaps Daniel had just grown illiterate. 

That goddamn dream, why wouldn’t it leave him alone? Wasn’t like it was the first inappropriate thing his brain had conjured. Back when Armand was simply just Rashid, Daniel’s brain had been alive. A confession he would take to his grave. Armand really was beautiful though and that was just a fact, blessed with the elegance of youth for an eternity. Something Daniel did not have. Christ he was an old man pervert wasn’t he? Or was he simply admiring an older man? The situation was complex never mind the morality. 

The superficial greeting on the screen was mocking. A silence had settled between them while Daniel set it up.

“At least now I can watch movies,” Daniel said. “Kantian ethics, a very dense read.” Gesturing to the freshly dog eared book, it had become an offending sight. 

“You may do whatever you please.” 

“Apart from leave.” 

Apparently that rocked the boat. Armand’s lack of engagement said enough. 

“No no, it’s fine, no hard feelings,” Seeped in sarcasm. “Not like I have loved ones waiting for me or anything, only so many excuses a man can make.” 

“Your eldest has not engaged with you in years, while your youngest has sympathy for your condition she ultimately sides with her sister.” 

Ouch. 

“At least I have loved ones, doubt Louis is returning anytime soon. Being all shacked up with Lestat and all.” An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. 

There was no tightening of fists in fabric or rigid muscles, only a narrowed glare cast Daniel’s way. If Daniel wanted to leave with his life he did not help himself.

“Y’know, Kant never left his town in Germany. Skewed his perception of the world. I mean, he thought all babies were born white and some turned black over time.” The laugh which came afterwards was nothing shy of hostile. 

“And what point do you attempt to make?” But he knew. Of course he knew. and Daniel entertained him nonetheless. 

“People aren’t meant to stay put.” Blunt.

“Yet here you are at the ripe age of seventy, having travelled the world with a infamous career in journalism. I do not see the commonalities between you and Immanuel Kant.” 

“A career in journalism you’re so suspiciously invested in.” 

To which Armand only hummed. And once again the handsome appeal of the vampire struck him down. Oh lord have mercy. 

“Just let me write.” Daniel’s words small and worn. 

“As you wish.” And much to his surprise, Armand stood, excusing himself from the room. And Daniel chose to believe that the huff which expanded his chest was that of relief. 

That laptop was a godsend. Even if it pained Daniel to admit such a thing. Able to check his emails with ease, access his notes, watch something trashy to pass time. It beat staring out the window any day of the week. 

Was it bugged? Spyware reporting each and every thing back to Armand. Whether Armand or the Talamasca, it was all the same really. By then Daniel had bigger fish to fry. If either parties wanted to read the rough draft of whatever he planned to write he’d happily hand it over. If they were looking for compromising porn on the other hand, they’d be disappointed. 

It sat next to his bed, shut off. Daniel asleep. Not having dozed off over the keyboard but close to it. If he was permitted to write then sure why not, he had planned to anyway. Armand wanted to get one final stab at his ex? Okay. Wasn’t like Armand would be painted well either, and Daniel had no intention of censoring anything. 

Before getting entangled in the web of sleep, Daniel’s eyes had traced that immaculate ceiling. Everything smooth, finding patterns where there were none. Nightlight barely illuminating the room. His cock still in a game of cat and mouse with his libido. 

Armand was some malevolent creature void of humanity. Something which any normal person would have remained soft over. And there he was, mourning an erection he should not have wanted. 

But he could only imagine what pretty noises the vampire would make. Did Armand enjoy a dominant or submissive role? Daniel had allowed the images to run rampant, safe in the knowledge that the vampire was out for the night. 

That was what accompanied him as Daniel sank into sleep. 

San Francisco, that old shitty apartment. Held together by decaying infrastructure, drain pipes which begged for death, a flimsy fire escape outside his window. It had been home. Unfortunately. Twenty one? Perhaps twenty two. Young enough anyway to harbour that brash foolishness. 

And there he was sat on his couch, naked once again. Unsurprisingly. Armand stood over him, though oddly human like in appearance, not as shamelessly vampiric as the previous dream. 

“To have you as close to authentic as one can get.” That had been Armand’s reasoning, wanting to see Daniel in all his glory. Exposed and displayed.

The prominent feeling being that of confusion? Elation? Wanting to lunge and kiss Armand though not brave enough to make it a reality. Perhaps a little embarrassed of how stupidly hard he was over nothing. Apparently a strong theme. 

Each and every emotion felt was real in contrast to those artificial walls, the clothed caricature of a not quite human not quite vampire before him. 

Daniel wasn’t scared, just a mess of horny, high and something undefinable. Deluded into thinking he was safe. 

His fingers wrapped around his shaft, already wet with a pathetic sheen. It took everything not to fall victim to his own indulgence, the immediate gratification of it all. Stroking himself, up and down, playing with his sensitive tip. Being observed. Legs trembling with poor self control. Armand’s eventual instruction of faster, taking sadistic pleasure in Daniel’s attempt to keep himself together. Unravelled like a ball of yarn. 

“Don’t fight it.” Armand’s smooth emotionless voice guided. 

“But I- I don’t want to-” Articulation was difficult. All Daniel knew was he never wanted it to end. 

“You won’t.” 

An almost impossible task, fighting his body’s natural response to rigorous motion. A constant stream of stimulation he could not break. Yet somehow it was managed. 

Small mewls breached containment, fluttering up his throat. His cock fat and drooling, a hair trigger away from release, heavy and throbbing in his palm. 

Next thing he knew he was on a bed. His own bed. Armand behind, cooing seductively against his ear. The words unintelligible, Daniel’s head too heavy to determine any meaningful comprehension. But it was the proximity which mattered. Daniel bore his neck as Armand’s hand took charge. Finally.

Both too much and too little was happening, and Daniel was thoroughly a mess. Hips rocking upwards with a mind of their own, operating purely upon baseline impulse. Armand’s attention split between Daniel’s neck and words. 

Gloved fingers strummed Daniel’s body, playing him to the rhythm of desire. Wound so tight he could snap. It had Daniel whimpering, unable to understand the incoherence of his brain. Might as well have been sat there drooling, blank expression over his face. Instead he chased what he could, the mercy of his needs had become Armand’s to dictate.

Stuck between writhing and slack, just when he became accustomed to the pace and technique it would change. A completely maddening experience, with his sense of self floating away with each stroke of his cock. 

Daniel was a goner. 

When he awoke it was anything other than peaceful. Eyes snapped open, no gentle coercion to the real world. The orange hue of sunrise sat like a halo against the skyline. A beautiful sight to be appreciated if Daniel wasn’t so goddamn horny. Sexually frustrated and nothing to do about it. 

Guilt could eat him later, but right then what he really needed was to get off. And weirdly enough everything felt just a little more cooperative than before. Not hard. Definitely not hard. But a small twinge of interest settled in the base of his shaft. 

He was in that shower as fast as he could be. Two birds one stone. Or one and a half birds maybe one stone if generous. No point getting his hopes up. Naked and sat on that stool, the shampoo neglected as he thought of bigger things. 

It was as if he could feel it, the ghost of Armand’s touch against him, almost believable. Fuck he wished it was real. Eyelashes fanned over his cheeks, he had to think. Concentrate, no half assed attempt like before. A long shaky breath as palms flattened over his stomach, focused on the little sensations which fluttered down to his groin. No stress, stress was the dick killer. He had to relax. 

The rise and fall of his chest, air flooding his body. A clear head. With care he cupped himself, tugging with a languished motion. No tension in his wrist, half slumped back against tiles. Nothing compared to how Armand had held him in that dream. Temporarily Daniel floated away back to that moment. Forfeiting total command of his body. 

And there it was, that want pooling inside him. Parts of him ached to spring to life, though they remained tethered to his illness. Though it stirred within, a conflict both moral and physical. Imagining just how it would be to fuck Armand, breakdown whatever curated wall he had built for himself. In turn allowing the vampire to know him inside out. It was no secret that Armand aimed to please, that much had been apparent. The reasoning as to why, Daniel did not dwell on. 

Something was there, a drowned object attempting to surface. Pleasure brushed his fingertips, just out of grasp. But he was almost there, could perhaps get there if he just tried harder. 

Willing away stress, that was the key. No ideas of captivity, uncertainty, erectile dysfunction. Just him and his hands charming a reaction from the depths of his self. 

To his surprise and alarm a faint shaky breath came from him, nothing significant though it proved he was on the right track. So he took the plunge. With one hand he felt himself up, and the other crept up over the rolls of his stomach, curving over the fat of his pectoral. His nipple. 

Daniel twirled it between his thumb and forefinger, soft and gentle. It had already hardened under the stimulation, maybe overcompensation. But it was sensitive, endorphins dulled his brain as it happened. Like it had a direct line to his pelvis, animating the area to life. A last attempt of sorts.  Each and every caress ignited Daniel further. 

Not quite a breath, not quite a sigh. It was Armand who sat front and centre in his mind. What if it was Armand touching him then? Those nimble hands coiled around his cock, thoughtfully playing with him. Coaxing that arousal throughout. That dream having snowballed into a full blown fantasy. 

Even if Daniel couldn’t enjoy an orgasm he sure as hell bet Armand looked perfect when he came. Exposed and willing as the waves of hedonism came crashing down. A chorus of noises expanding outwards. 

From line to groin it was a live wire, sensation zapped down, the attention on his nipple had turned rather harsh. Considering abandoning his cock all together and redirecting that hand to the other one. Perhaps it could have been a good idea if he hadn’t felt the muscle thicken, far less than a semi, but there was blood flow nonetheless. And Daniel could feel even the most minute difference. With the correct angle and the alignment of the solar system, maybe he could even get more. Because that was the temptation, more, more and more. 

And what if Armand was on his knees, inspecting Daniel, finding ways to get him up? He’d probably have an easier time then. What a goddamn vision. Those bright eyes level with his cock. A face so tempting to ruin. Sucked on in the shower with ever looming threat of fangs. Daniel had always enjoyed an element of danger. 

It should have made him feel like a dirty old man. And it did. But Daniel took pleasure in that as well, allowing himself in the moment. Besides, Armand had lived Daniel’s life span almost ten times over. An aging soul in a youthful exterior. It was a harsh contrast. 

God though he missed those days, he would have came by then. And if lucky ready to go again within the hour if the circumstances were right. No watered down orgasm either, full force and consuming. It was on a long list of what he missed about himself, a list which remained classified. 

That broken feeling again with its foot in the door. No, no, no, that couldn’t be it. Not right then. Daniel wasn’t finished. It was the most he had gotten in what felt like forever, and there it was slipping away.

Apparently that was as good as he could get, no matter how hard he tweaked and rolled, it was as hard as his body was willing to offer. 

His fist pounded against the shower wall in one singular thud. A side he often hid. Pretend to be unbothered, pretend to not care. Daniel Molloy who took everything in his stride. Like an observer Daniel had watched himself wither. A harsh reality which rocked on the stormy seas of fear. 

All he could do was allow the water to cleanse him where he sat. Everything about what he had just done gradually caught up. What the fuck was wrong with him thinking of Armand like that? Something Daniel would surely never speak of. Then next came the mortification of realising the only thing which had remotely got him up in months had been…

A thought not worth entertaining. Only able to hope that the vampire was asleep. 

One regretful morning in a lifetime of many. Daniel was no stranger. Only difference was it wasn’t someone, rather the affection of his own making. 

He shouldn’t have thought of Armand. Really shouldn’t have thought of Armand. Too many reasons as to why, and yet there he was, Armand still there in his own convoluted way. 

But the draft was coming together nicely. A rough outline of his book in a vague semblance of order. Nothing solid however it appeared faithful, Daniel had an idea anyway of what to do. Quick sporadic notes of sentences and phrases saved in a separate document. And it was all his own words, no outside interference from secret organisations or vampire’s alike. How nice.

A strategic cup of coffee in the morning to improve brain function, so kindly brought to him by a faceless staff member. Still no mention of Real Rashid, he could only hope the poor man had got out. Sometimes Daniel told himself the caffeine helped, even just a little. At least it was something Parkinson’s could not take. 

Laptop seated upon him with an oddly successful document staring back. He reached forwards, the coffee cup in sights. Half drank and still moderately hot. Daniel savoured the joys he had. Pretending not to note the absence of a cigarette balance between fingers. Fine. Caffeine was the begrudging replacement.

As he reached he felt it, crawling down his arm. Surface level, not rooted deep. The coffee sloshed between his fingers, erratic liquid climbed the walls of the mug. A shiver as if he had been cold, maybe a passable excuse if it wasn’t Dubai. 

There was no hesitation as he abandoned the drink, sinking back where he sat, arm quick to rest by his side. 

“Shit.” He exhaled with only the extravagant art on the walls to hear. That was something at least, not having to deal with the humiliation of acknowledgment. It wasn’t so much the tremor itself but the pity he hated. The sympathetic look people got in their eyes, raring to do everything for him. Not knowing just how degrading that was, the increased feeling of helplessness which never truly died. It was the exact reason why no one knew beyond his family or doctor, or he had thought as much until recently anyway. 

Though it was difficult not to feel the defeat, a limp dick in the shower followed by an unsteady hand before noon. Like he needed yet another reminder of how things were going. 

If asked he wanted to remain unbothered, couldn’t complain, something which didn’t diminish who he was. Still early days of the illness. Only if there had been a cure he’d have taken it in a heartbeat.

He looked to the offending hand, more subtle since tucked away. Then came the brief memory of Louis, triggering it with little remorse. Of all the things he could have done that was perhaps the lowest of them all. Daniel took a moment to appreciate the satisfaction of that slap. 

Breathing grounded him, counting each one. Some days it helped more than others, he could only hope right then was one of them. 

“You slept well I gather.” 

Fucking hell he had to stop materialising. Armand suddenly in the living room, way past his bedtime. 

“Thought your kind slept all day.” Voice kept flat. 

“The younger ones perhaps. Though this has been already established has it not?” 

Which it had. Daniel was too distracted by his deflection to remember facts. Still attempting to conceal the slight tremble to his hand. It had mostly left, passed by fast. Nothing major. But the threat still lingered, last thing he wanted was Armand viewing him as pathetic. 

“Just fine-tuning some things.” The facade of working proved beneficial. 

Armand pressed his lips into a half unconvinced smile. “Quite.” He sat. 

“Once you turn five hundred you start pulling all nighters?” Suddenly wondering if the correct terminology was all dayers. 

“My sources tell me you had a peaceful night’s rest.” Completely ignoring the question. 

“Your sources?” Bitterly chuckled back. “Spying on me? C’mon at least be bold and admit it.” 

When he met Armand’s eye he was pinned by that stare. Mouth dry, heart beating fast. Like the past fifty years were abruptly stripped away, leaving Daniel there in those dreams. Those dreams with the vague walls and blurry faces, with the undisputed touch. Finding himself drenched in fear. 

“All I want is to ensure your stay-”

“Bullshit.” Hating how his voice threatened to waver. He couldn’t hide, the truth staring him right in the face. Gut churning with that known revelation. 

“Your dreams, they have been rather provocative as of late have they not?” That little bastard. Complete with the shield of innocence. Plausible deniability. That was all the confirmation Daniel needed. 

“Are my thoughts not enough? Got you probing my dreams now as well?” Closing the laptop with his good hand and setting it aside. 

“Your dreams are loud, almost as deafening as your mind.” 

Daniel saw red. “So what, I’m expected to believe that the guy who held me captive for six days then erased my memories has good intentions? I suppose you’re going to tell me the dreams are fake, right? Because how could they possibly be real, not like it’s in character for you to fuck with my head!” Completely disregarding the nature of everything, all that mattered was the rage. 

What he had expected was something equally as infuriating. A not quite reply seeped in denial. “How you interpret those dreams Mr Molloy is your business alone.” Daniel would have wrung his neck if he could right then. 

“Just to clarify,” Somehow stringing together a coherent sentence. “You’re saying you have no part in whatever’s happening in my head?” Finding a crack of doubt in his words. Were they really just dreams of a sex deprived old man? 

“However you give meaning to them is what’s of importance.” 

“Am I gonna go to bed tonight with you tampering around? Do you take requests?” He could feel it, the tremor creeping back, his free hand clutched his wrist, pushing it further into his stomach. What he needed was concentration, but with his heart rabbiting and shallow breaths it was near impossible. 

“As I may reiterate, those are beyond my control Mr Molloy,” Pulling strings without Daniel knowing. “But please do explain the nature of these dreams.” A vicious cycle of petty behaviour which only resulted in hurt.

“Oh fuck you.” Attempting to brush it off, staving away the embarrassment. 

“And why is that?” Armand far too humble for his own good, only Daniel refused to look up. Not wanting to show the panic in his face. There was only so much he could disguise. 

It was a sickly feeling in his throat, a side effect of adrenaline. A solid rhythm reverberated through his ribs, like something trying to punch free. 

“I believe stress does not improve your condition.” Armand went on to say. 

“Yeah no shit.” Half mumbled with a bowed head, stifling the dusting of pink which graced his cheeks. As if that could get past an ancient vampire. Far too much had been said, and taking more of an effort not to dwell on mortifying implications.

“Your tremor began before I entered the room did it not?” 

“Quit spying on me.” Said like a man defeated. 

“As if you did not spy on me when you were working with-”

“I didn’t spy on you, the information was provided by an outside source.” Said with a flippant roll of eyes.

Both talking over one another. 

“The Talamasca.” Armand only spoke once Daniel had finished.

“Then take it up with them, go stalk their dreams.” 

“I could take it away, your symptoms.” 

“Y’know, something I’ve come to learn: if it’s too good to be true, there’s probably a catch.” 

“And what might this catch be?”

“Oh I dunno, that you hate me? Why don’t we begin there. Using my book to get back at Louis? Or maybe I’m just a midnight snack.”

“What gives you that impression?” From his peripheral Daniel could sense it as the vampire leant forwards. 

“Sorry, should I be thankful I can’t leave? Doesn’t exactly scream hospitality. Gotta work harder on that Stockholm syndrome, pal.” 

“And if you could masturbate in the shower once more, would that appease you?” 

Fuck off. 

Armand seamlessly carried on. “It is not an intrusion of your thoughts if you project your desires so willingly,” An awkward silence followed. “On my knees was it? With semen over my face?” 

With that Daniel shrank, retreating in on himself. Ashamed. Thoroughly embarrassed. Hoping Armand would destroy him then and there. For the ground to split in two and swallow him up. 

“You cannot pretend to hate me yet simultaneously wish to desecrate my very being.” The vampire still sounded normal. Degrading Daniel not only for his fantasy but also for his inability to follow through. 

Was there much point denying it? “I wasn’t trying to…” To what? Near impossible to wriggle his way out of what he had gotten into. 

“Save it, that is not what I’m after. Your hand does not do the job, with equally inadequate nipples.” Stop talking for the love of God. 

“This what I’m here for?” Still not allowing himself to raise his gaze from the ground. “Some sick humiliating ritual before you butcher me? Maybe write you a book in between.” 

“Do you miss supporting an erection?” 

“What sort of a question is that?” It was like the more he moved the more useless he became. A fly fluttering impotently within a spider’s web. 

And the worst part? Daniel felt riddled with filth. Yeah, he could manage his own private wants. Knew it didn’t necessarily mean anything. But Armand knew, and that was what demeaned him most. Because Daniel wasn’t young, his physical form well past it’s sell by date. Even if Armand had lived for centuries, compared to the vampire Daniel was undesirable. What did anyone want with an old man? 

“An honest one.” 

Caught in the moment, Daniel did not know how to act. “Sure, yeah, I miss it, that what you want to hear?” Slowly giving up, not much else to lose. “I miss having a body that functions, miss not relying on medicine, miss having a working dick and a steady hand. I miss not thinking about how I’ll be in five, ten, fifteen years, if that. So excuse me if I take what I can fucking get.” Unaware of just how laboured his breaths had become. 

“You touch yourself to the recollection of dreams.” 

“Never heard of a wet dream?” And he looked up. He should not have looked up. Something burned behind Armand’s eyes, something indistinct and troubling. No matter how hard he tried Daniel could not tear himself away. 

“It is a bodily need, do you also feel shame for hunger or thirst?” 

“Sure as hell know you don’t. Malik, was it? The last guy you ate?”

“What is it you’re insinuating? It is you who feels a sense of shame Daniel Molloy, not I.” 

They really were circling one another. Doing some pedantic song and dance. 

“The entanglement of stress does no benefit, perhaps even your greatest setback.” Armand spoke as if he had said some profound truth and not something Daniel’s doctor had been telling him since his diagnosis. 

“Then what do you suppose?” Finally he caved, humouring Armand, telling himself it was begrudging. 

That smile had to stop, the quick little half smirk the vampire did. Blink and it would vanish. Daniel doing his best to ignore the want bleeding within. How his body yearned to be hard. 

“What you crave.” Armand rose, stepping forwards and invading Daniel’s personal space.

That couch became quicksand, dragging Daniel’s limbs down into it’s suffocating depths. Only able to watch Armand’s machination unfold. Jaw wired shut. 

Of course Armand stopped just shy of where Daniel sat. Dangling himself just out of reach. 

“Alleviate your symptoms, grant relaxation.” Armands smooth voice was enticing enough. No. It had a catch, had to have a catch. Don’t fall for it, don’t fall for it, don’t fall for it.  

Daniel didn’t have it in him to nod, already struggling with the gravity of it all. Swallowing thick. But Armand was beyond verbal confirmation, grinning with his eyes, the balance of triumph there across his face. He had Daniel just where he wanted, backed into a corner and afraid. Desperate. 

Enveloped. Like water lapping at skin, submerged in comfort, providing the solace needed. A bath, cleansed with relief. It was the only comparable sensation. Tension left him, joints no longer ached, muscles no longer screamed. All while sat there in some stupid Dubai penthouse. Not a young nor old body, just the vessel of himself. Something Daniel had not felt in years. 

He had every right to fear Armand, right there in the back of his head, gnawing away, was the notion that the vampire could flip in a heartbeat. Provide Daniel with an unprecedented amount of pain and anguish. 

All the while Armand stood there like it was nothing. That was the terrifying part. His ability to control Daniel’s illness with such ease. Perhaps his brow had furrowed slightly, his eyes trained on Daniel with more intent than usual. But other than that he appeared normal. 

With that Daniel’s heart attempted to kick down the doors of his ribs. Limbs weighted, sandbags might as well have been tied around wrists and ankles. Though inwardly he knew he was in danger, scared of feeling himself submit to such a being. No more games or quips.  

“What are you doing to me?” Eventually croaked out. 

“Nothing you do not embrace.” 

Too distracted by the newfound serenity, it took longer than expected for Daniel to notice his own erection. A little more than half hard, thick in his jeans. Placing the laptop over it would have been a futile attempt at obscuring it. No idea how long it had been alive, though willing to bet Armand noticed long before he had. 

It wasn’t the all consuming sort of need he had previously experienced, topped off with the immediate compulsion to touch himself. No, it was the lazy, gentle sort of hard. Casual. There, marinating, a pleasant sensation. If a vampire had not been there, Daniel would have basked in it, draw it out for as long as possible. Allow himself that gratification of getting worked up. Chase that feeling with leisure and freedom. A couple hours to himself. 

Only that was not the case. Yet it was unwavering, unwilling to go anywhere. The quiet prospect of more right there between them.

“This means nothing.” Daniel said, at risk of sounding spiteful. 

“The meaning is what you give.” 

Transported back to those dreams. Armand watching. Always watching. As much as he refused to admit it, Daniel found himself back in those moments. Wanting. Always wanting. That alien feeling of his cock filling between his legs, pushing against the rough denim. 

Though something kept Daniel back. Not caving just then. It felt like cheating himself. Daniel had lived a less than perfect life, though not superstitious enough to believe Parkinson’s was a punishment for such, but self deprecating enough to feel undeserving. And was that fair? To have something he had wanted so hopelessly only hours ago? 

And above all it was Armand. Alluring Armand, with a morbid fascination and inhuman morality. That within itself was wrong. Daniel had known it in principle and he knew it in action. 

What Daniel was, was a grouchy old man. If his personality was not considered detestable then his exterior did the job. 

“Relax.” An odd familiarity to how the vampire spoke. 

“Don’t try your rest bullshit with me again.” 

“I merely wish you would calm your mind.” 

Before Daniel could get out his next defensive string of words Armand had lowered himself to his knees. The vampire looking truly magnificent as he stared up at Daniel, who remained sprawled against the couch. 

“I could be beneficial.” Armand’s proposition. 

Was he really going to do this? Daniel just sighed in response, already aware he was about to abandon what little principle he had. No point denying it to himself when they both knew how it would go. 

Upon instinct Daniel went for his belt, fingers rushed to his buckle as he raised his pelvis just enough to grant some slack. It had been months since he had last jerked off and what felt like a lifetime without a partner, but it was like riding a bike. Knowing the drill. Shoving the complicated emotions down into the depths of himself. Bottling them up and corking it tight. 

Only he was stopped. Cold slender fingers met his own, halting whatever transactional deed was taking place. 

For a second he thought Armand would speak, say something inappropriately gentlemanlike. But he didn’t. Staring back only briefly before taking the reins. That fluid clink of the buckle followed with the dexterity of fingers. Oh Daniel was done for. 

It was happening. Really happening. Cock fattening while Daniel silently hated himself. 

He cooperated when Armand coaxed down his jeans, pooled around his boots along with underwear. Years since anyone had seen him that naked beyond a doctor, yet alone aroused. And somehow it was natural. Cock out in the open, muscles loose and pliant. Somewhat akin to a ragdoll. 

Daniel’s legs parted, granting Armand access to lean in further as awkward as the jeans situation was. However Armand appeared unfazed, sliding flat palms over the curve of Daniel’s inner thigh. The touch starved twitch below the skin which apparently just encouraged the vampire further. Daniel had to focus, fight the urge to snap his legs shut, that self destructive urge pressed harder and harder. Not allowed. Too old. Unwanted. But however loud that voice grew, the picture right there on its knees at Daniel’s feet said different. 

Still no words were exchanged, Armand’s sights fixated as his hand teetered teasingly close to Daniel’s cock. There was a swift hesitation, not so much that Armand was unsure but rather Armand seeking entertainment. Having his fun. Prolonging whatever desperation Daniel had succumbed to. 

There it was, a hand mere inches from his cock and it couldn’t have felt further. Yet Daniel refused to break. Ass firmly planted where he sat, no rutting or writhing. Just sitting, waiting as patiently as he could. It would have been believable too if his cock did not give him away. A need which could not be suppressed. Betraying whatever previously conjured illusion Daniel had made. 

His cock stood stiff, happy to be released into the open air. Far from limp, though Daniel even in his current state never expected to get to full mast. 

A soft and longing moan surprised Daniel. A betrayal. At first not believing it was himself who had made it, but Armand’s hand slid over his cock, tracing up, fingers splayed either side of the most prominent vein. 

“Fuck.” Daniel couldn’t help it, head tipped backwards as he sighed. Balled fists next to him. Why did it have to feel so good? For so long he had told himself he hadn’t missed it, after all he had his fair share of sex as a healthy young man. Could make do with his fist and some tissues, then once even that was taken from him, oh well what was one more thing stolen by age? He could still write, could walk, was mentally sound. Alive. That was what to be thankful for. 

So then why did it feel so good to be touched? Overwhelmed with endorphins, mind fuzzy. Unable to think of anything beyond his cock and that pleasure it brought, what he had so desperately missed. No care for anything else in the world.  

Reluctantly he looked down at the sight between his thighs. Armand’s hand plain and simple, wrapped around the base, holding it steady. The vampire effortlessly wore a deadpan expression. Daniel feared what he himself looked like. But fuck his body was pining, sinking into the sensation as if acquainted with an old friend. 

Precum budded, awaiting and eager. Yet Armand was unmoving, on occasion he squeezed but that was it. 

One of them had to snap. 

“Armand.” Doing his best not to moan. 

“How does it compare to your fantasy, Mr Molloy?” 

Daniel wished he could have denied what that title really did, but the twitch in his cock said it all. Neither acknowledged it. 

Though it was near impossible not to laugh, the ludicrousness of the situation impossible to ignore. 

“Y’know, when I woke up today never thought this would be on the table.” Slight strain to his words.

“When you awoke this morning you attempted to masturbate in the shower.” Recited back. The acknowledgment still brought red to Daniel’s cheeks. 

“Yeah well,” Attempting to brush it off. “What would you have done?” The final syllable dragged on, the sarcasm lost, Armand finally doing the merciful thing and moving. His pace slow and attentive. Agonising as Daniel hungered for it. For anything. 

Only a couple of strokes of his cock and Daniel was gone, already biting his lip to avoid any further pathetic behaviour. 

“What I would have done is not of importance.” Continuing with the hypnotic flick of his wrist. 

“Why? Is jerking off in the shower below vampiric kind?” The words not landing as intended, voice unsteady and coherence scattered. Hips wanting nothing more than to rock up in time with the downward stroke of Armand’s fist. 

“Do you often think of me masturbating in showers? Or am I only reduced to my knees?” 

And Daniel had to admit, there were no complaints about having Armand on his knees right then. The view far better than anything imagined. 

It was subtle but Armand sped up, causing a small hitch in Daniel’s breath before he had the opportunity to reply. Bastard. 

“Concern yourself with the present,” Armand spoke. “Provoking me even when in the midsts of pleasure, don’t think I don’t know your game.” Tactically thumbing over Daniel’s tip, smearing the precum around and around. Mesmerised by the way it glistened. Meanwhile Daniel struggled to keep a cap on whatever noise he was urged to make. 

“And what game is that?” Not entirely with it, though sticking to his guns. 

A breath taken before Armand spoke. “You grapple with morality,” That pad of his thumb still moving. “Even now. You sit there convincing yourself you are elderly instead of extracting the satisfaction needed.” Pushing up against the underside. 

Daniel couldn’t help but mewl. Unaware he had a reaction until it had happened. All he heard was Armand’s small huff of amusement - his victory - before he registered how the vampire leant down. Lapping at where that thumb had once been. 

But there was only so much Daniel could stop. He caved, collapsed in on himself. Whatever foundations held him up were no more. And all from a couple of tiny licks. 

His pelvis rolled, a feeble plea for more. All it had taken was the vampire’s tongue. Knowing those fangs lurked so close, like the dull edge of a knife running up his cock. The excitement was all the same. 

Thankfully Armand recognised the request. Knowing just how to pluck the strings of Daniel’s body. His mouth enclosed around the tip, fully taking it in. Tongue working harder, acquainting itself with what his thumb had done previously, then hollowing his cheeks, suckling. Just enough to expose the frayed threads of Daniel’s very being. 

There was no way to hold back, Daniel’s fingers curled in the couch cushion. Cock drooling helplessly into the vampire’s mouth. Feeling very much like a virgin on her wedding night. Basking in the way he rapidly ignited to life. 

Apparently that was what the vampire intended, that smug asshole, taking Daniel down further, tongue flattened and continuing to work. Giving Daniel no time to ponder the way in which semen tasted to a vampire. 

Eventually Armand’s nose met the wiry entwinement of pubic hair, granting Daniel adjustment to the newfound sensitivity of everything. Fuck how he had missed it all. Wanting to feel like an old pervert, to punish himself for it, but he simply could not. The conflicting sensuality was far too much. 

And Armand looked great with his mouth stuffed full, he knew it, Daniel knew it. Lips stretched over the girth, a slight red sheen to his eyes. Daniel couldn’t stare too long, not if he wanted to last. The threat of going off at any given moment was already there. 

Counting breaths, control techniques. It was thrown to the wind when Armand decided on sliding up, lips caressing the crown, connected by only saliva for what felt like far too long, and then sinking back down. Hugged once again by the wet comfort of the vampire’s mouth. Professionally done. 

“Shit-” Daniel couldn’t help but hiss. One hand hovered, contemplating. Doing his best to avoid the temptation of threading fingers through Armand’s hair. Was that overstepping? Did he have any right to do so?

But Armand’s glance up was all the confirmation needed. Right hand combed through, holding Armand’s head between his thighs. Like muscle memory if anything else.  

Together they groaned, Armand’s sound vibrated into Daniel as if they were one. He really was being tested, huh? The beautiful warmth of arousal flourished, blooming within his very bones. 

With as much strength as he could muster, Daniel held Armand’s head in place as he thrust up. The massage of the vampire’s throat completely unmatched. Fucking into it with controlled and precise movements. 

It had been so long. So goddamn long. 

The action grew sloppier the more Daniel lost himself. No longer thinking of endurance, purely chasing what he had needed for so long. 

And it was Armand to put a stop to that, pulling off with force. Wiping the corner of his mouth gracefully with the pad of his thumb. Leaving Daniel there to contemplate what had happened. Not quite post-nut clarity, but close. 

Had he been too much? Gone too far? What the hell was he even doing? An oppressive spiral of doubt twisted his stomach into knots. 

Was getting killed with pants around your ankles really that bad? Only if ghosts existed he supposed. 

Armand rose as any refined young man would, never having knowing a temperamental knee or a bad back. However it was a surprise when he came to straddle Daniel’s lap. Long sturdy legs either side with little effort. It had Daniel leaning backwards to grant personal space. 

“Self restraint is a powerful attribute,” Settling himself. “You are enjoying yourself I believe?” A hint of mockery behind those words, small enough to be overlooked. 

“We’ll see what you’re like after being sex starved for a couple of years.” The cogs of that defensive nature began to turn. 

“I am immortal, a couple of feeble years means merely nothing to the likes of me.” 

And then something clicked. “How often did you and Louis fuck?” Compelled to ask. 

He could see Armand think, though it was followed by silence. 

“You want this just as badly as I do.” Spoken like a revelation of sorts. 

“Unlike you, I do not struggle to maintain an erection.” A low blow.

“Oh yeah?” As if his cue to glance down, something he had been consciously avoiding. And there it was, loud and clear. Armand’s cock thick beneath fabric. It took everything not to ogle. Suppressing any inkling of a mental image threatening to form. Forcing himself back into the elaborate dance of whatever dirty talk they had going. All the while Daniel’s boner refused to wilt, something he decided was not to be analysed. “Still doesn’t mean Louis fucked you good. Tell me, just how long had your relationship been sexless?” 

“About as long as your second marriage was passionless.” 

Daniel had no time to comprehend the implication. Instead Armand began to undress himself right there upon his naked lap. Top half peeled off first, then opening his fly, enough space to pull out his own cock.

Absently Daniel reached for it, quick to be swatted by knuckles. A humbling experience to say the least. 

“Hands by your side.” 

And as much as it pained him, Daniel obeyed. 

“Good.” The tuneful undertone of the vampire’s voice shone through. Though his face appeared expressionless. 

Casually Armand gripped his shaft, loose slacks framed his waist. Daniel found himself not knowing where to look, the bare open chest of Armand was daunting. Lean and compact, the pinnacle of fit. A light coating of chest hair. That solid line of shoulders. It was strange to think how much of him had been hidden, how he shrunk with each layer of clothing added. And there he was far broader than Daniel in every sense. The swell of his pectorals, Daniel wanted to reach out and touch. But he didn’t, still malleable to the vampire’s command. 

How the hell did he come to have such a beautiful man masturbate in his lap? 

“Thought it was typically you who watched?” Daniel said, unknowing what to do with himself. “Or at least that’s how it is in my completely irrelevant dreams.” 

“It is you who harbours a desire to touch.” Unaffected by everything. 

And Daniel cast his mind back, feeling rather caught out as he remembered the simmering need for contact. Most of all what a reward it was to lay hands on Armand. It was all he had wanted beyond validation. 

“So it’s my turn to enjoy the show?” 

“You enjoy it regardless. You undress me with your eyes, don’t think I have not noticed.” 

Terrifying just how much of Daniel’s private moments had been caught out. Not as sly as he had apparently presumed. 

Out stretched Armand’s free hand, catching just below Daniel’s chin. Fingers brushed over stubble. But Armand held him like that, tilting his jaw. 

“Allow yourself some indulgence.” The vampire’s brow pinched as he spoke, then promptly released Daniel. 

But Daniel did just that. He wasn’t some degenerate for enjoying what was in front of him, not if Armand welcomed it. Nothing about it had to be strange. 

His own cock was harder than ever, sat in the space between them screaming out. Oh how he had missed it. 

As much as he wanted to hate it Daniel allowed his eyes to wander, racking over Armand’s form. A strong clavicle. Noting the contraction of stomach muscles as the Vampire sped up. His own burly hands could cover so much of that tight waist. It had Daniel’s fingers twitching. 

And then he dipped lower. Actually observing everything. Each vein and ridge of that cock, how it craned slightly to the left. Everything about it perfect. Armand’s fingers fanned up the underside of the shaft, caressing his tip. Not so much an act of necessity than it was of self love. 

“Thought of this before, y’know,” Daniel blurted out, Armand’s eyes snapped to his, not having expected him to speak. “You sat in my lap, all sorts of promiscuous ideas. Of course you were Rashid then, don’t know whether to feel better or worse about that.” Honesty. 

Those strokes increased, something darkened upon Armand’s face. Daniel knew just what he was doing. 

“To get my hands on you, see if I could make you squeal.” 

Armand’s nose flared. Right where Daniel wanted him. Instructed to sit there and watch? Fine. Didn’t mean he couldn’t run his mouth. Overlooking his own mortification in favour of the vampire’s pent up desire. 

“Wanted my hands on you - still do,” Finding joy in watching Armand squirm, appeal to his depraved need for knowledge. “But then you revealed yourself, and I closed that whole can of worms,” Armand clung to every word spoken. “Didn’t know that did you?” Somewhat surprised. “Weren’t rummaging around my skull then, huh?” 

If Armand’s cock was anything to go by he was enjoying it, a blur beneath his fist. Something Daniel took pride in. 

“Of course, my own situation is limited,” Daniel carried on in feigned innocence. “Doesn’t mean I couldn’t see what makes you tick though, let you use a poor old man who can’t even get off himself.” 

The light tremble of Armand’s legs around him was enough confirmation. Daniel having turned the tables, watching Armand crumble apart piece by piece. Only he didn’t quite get that far, Armand had the discipline to stop before he lost all control. Well there went Daniel’s fun. 

Both rock solid, on that couch. Sexual tension thick, Armand panting in the air they shared. His mouth parted, the invitation of that full lower lip. Daniel had bitten off far more than he could realistically chew. 

In unison they leant in, Armand nosing closer. Though once established that their want was similar everything increased. Their lips met, slotted against one another. The final piece of a jigsaw. Immediately Daniel’s hands went to the vampire’s hips, holding him close. 

There was nothing new about it, the memory of touch was a powerful thing. Instinctively Daniel nipped. The blunt action pulled a moan from the vampire, calling out to Daniel like a siren’s song. 

Somehow a simple kiss was more intimate than anything else. A meaningful show of vulnerability, but Daniel couldn’t bring himself to care right then. 

The delicate greeting of their mouths, a cycle of give and take. It was only natural for things to escalate, making out right there on the couch Daniel had previously interviewed on. How that seemed like a lifetime ago. More than please to discover Armand was noisy. Even when quiet, Daniel was seemingly able to persuade a gentle purr from him. Completely lost to each other. 

It was Armand to break first, leaving Daniel confused momentarily before the attention turned to his neck. Then it was Daniel’s turn to moan regardless if he wanted to or not. Armand knew what points to mouth at, how to tease with the sharp scrape of teeth, an expert in how to unravel poor Daniel. 

Straight to his cock. Each and every kiss, lick or bite. In order to gain leverage Armand shuffled closer, seated further up Daniel’s thighs. The unspoken promise of their cocks sitting flush, not quite but almost there. Daniel wanted it, needing to both have Armand against him and get some friction for his own selfish gratification. 

But in turn he beared his throat, ignoring that implication. That could wait. Granting access, asking for more. Having the vampire double down, worship the exposed area. Far more tender than expected. 

As much as Daniel told himself he was too old for moaning it did not work. Continuing to gasp with the occasional groan. Armand knew exactly how to wring everything from him. 

Though Daniel felt his hands flow over the tight muscle Armand harboured. Absolutely stronger than Daniel even if he were human. However Daniel was still conscious not to hurt him, as if that was a realistic concern. Finding carefully hidden scars which contrasted the flawless texture of skin. Maybe blood was the answer to a good skincare routine. 

Eventually he came to those taut pecs, exploring them for himself. Impressive. No wonder Armand almost always had them on show. Armand however withdrew before he could learn more, not given the chance to compare nipple sensitivity.  

Everything about Daniel yearned, not having been that wound up in years. Even when comparing it to the stale sex life of marriage. 

There was nothing to say. No smart ass comment or oddly profound statement. Right then Daniel could barely describe his emotions. Something old had awakened, long asleep in his soul, dormant. It didn’t matter anymore that he was old or out of practice, truly finding the authenticity in the moment. 

Knowing Daniel better than Daniel seemingly knew himself, Armand closed the gap, their cocks bumped, leaking onto one another. Daniel was suddenly a spectator to it all, transfixed by where their bodies met. 

“What do you think we should do?” Armand so teasingly asked. If Daniel twitching against him wasn’t enough of an answer then nothing was. 

“I don’t know,” Pretending to ponder. “Think we’ve gone too far to call it a day.” Which was true. 

Apparently that was awarded a hum of amusement. “I agree.” 

Armand aligned the two of them while Daniel pretended it did not excite him as much as it did. That mask slipped however when Armand’s hand enclosed around the pair of them. It had Daniel’s lashes fluttering against his cheeks, the equilibrium disrupted. 

And of course Armand got to it, the guide of his fist was something else. Felt so much better having their cocks pressed up against each other like that. Revelling in the way Armand pulsed, Daniel presumed he did the same. It was slow and coercive. 

One thing that wasn’t ideal however was it being dry. Precum only aided so much no matter how wet. Daniel contemplated saying as much when Armand’s free hand came to the space below his mouth, upturned and expecting. 

“What-” Not catching on as fast as anticipated. 

“Your saliva.” Again spoke with a chill to his tone. 

To begin with Daniel didn’t know if it was a joke. It was not a joke. Discovering as much, then spitting directly into the palm. 

“Good boy.” And Daniel wished the praise hadn’t made him shudder. Should not have had the effect which it did. 

Those hands swapped, the hold stronger and lubricated. Once again Daniel’s breath shook. And from there it happened, at first just weakly stroking, something Daniel could just about manage. It was pleasant, like sunbathing. Nothing intense or frantic. But then technique was implemented. 

Twisting around them, cocks pressed closer. Unafraid to manhandle them both. Armand knew just what he wanted. 

Without realising Daniel rocked up, fucking into the hand harder and in turn rubbing together some more. Unsure what one he preferred. Finding himself sinking into it with horrifying ease. The restlessness of his younger self had been found. 

“Armand- ah fuck-” Was all that came out, welcoming the swarm of sensation to follow. 

“Masturbation is typically viewed as healthy in the modern world,” Spoken almost clinically if it wasn’t for the hint of longing to his tone. “It is unfortunate you have been deprived.” 

It really shouldn’t have done it for him. 

“Armand, I can’t- I can’t-” 

“Cannot or will not?” 

And then Armand’s hips rolled against his, the bump and slide of their drooling cocks was all which could be noticed. 

Daniel did his best to fight every natural impulse burning through his veins. A difficult thing to do when not having experienced an orgasm in so long. 

“Please.” Not often being a man to beg, but Daniel couldn’t prevent it. 

“No.” Maintaining pace. Increasing the difficulty when he focused on Daniel’s tip alone, already aware he was prone to sensitivity. 

It was the underside in particular. And from such a minute action Daniel wanted to scream. Legs taunt, continuing to support the vampire’s weight. In no time he’d be babbling. 

“Hm, good.” Armand played him like an instrument, watching intently as if observing the mechanisms of a machine. No regard for his own arousal in that moment, fixation pinned exclusively on Daniel. 

“Please.” The beg feeble. Balls already tightened. Something he never thought he’d miss. 

“You have lasted so long with out, what is a mere few minutes more?” 

“I don’t think,” Growing breathless. “I don’t think I can…”

“Hold on?” Almost romantic in the way he finished the sentence. 

Something Daniel just nodded to. Everything too much yet not enough. 

“Very well.” A reply Daniel had not expected. 

Almost instantly Armand gripped them both again, returning to his intricate method of jerking off. 

“Ah- shit.” Daniel could not help but curse. 

But he stopped fighting, accepting his fate. It had to come to an end. Everything did. There was only so much he could endure. 

“I’m gonna- I’m gonna-” Apparently no words offered to cooperate. 

“Shhh I know,” Armand’s voice so gentle. “Let yourself Daniel, allow yourself sensation.” 

If he had any semblance of awareness then perhaps Daniel could have stifled the pathetic sound he made, ripped straight from his throat. But there was no time, in turn he looked up to Armand with a half lidded stare not wishing to deprive himself of that as he came. 

Blinded by a haze of pleasure, Daniel did not know when it happened, splattered across his chest, ruining the fresh shirt he had on. But right then that did not matter. Uselessly sat there, balls contracting while rope after rope flooded out. Lost to his senses, the outside world muffled. 
Eyes never leaving Armand, no matter how hard his head swam. 

How had he gone so long without? 

For the seconds it lasted, it felt never ending. Each feeble twitch of his cock brought a new wave of hedonism. The slick mess splattered across himself and Armand was ignored. Never had he thought he had that within him. 

Eventually it dulled, Daniel left exhausted on the couch, the remainder of his orgasm dribbling out. It was as if lead lined his skull. But it wasn’t over. No, he still had Armand who sat so patiently in his lap, mesmerised. 

With what he could muster, Daniel brought his hand to Armand, wrapping it around that achingly hard cock. The action weak but the sentiment there. 

Armand’s fist joined his, the couch creaked with the weight of movement as they did it together. And fuck the vampire was solid, erection far stronger than Daniel’s. 

It wasn’t a shock when Armand came, God knew how long he had teetered upon the edge. Daniel too out of it to keep track of time. Engrossed in admiring how the vampire’s brow pinched, lips parted, eyelids dropped. Head tipping forward ever so slightly. Hair framed his face perfectly. Fangs poked from the abyss of his mouth. 

He had assumed that was it, Armand would ride out his orgasm just as he had. They’d sit there in the aftermath of ecstasy awaiting regret. But before the vampire’s orgasm dwindled he leant forwards, Daniel helpless to do anything, too exhausted to care. 

What dragged him back to the room however was teeth. Teeth puncturing flesh. Every instinct said to fight, to get away. Only Daniel could not, already succumbing to the numbness of it all. 

Nothing hurt, not after the initial bite. Instead it was replaced by a light, as if drawing it out, siphoned from his soul. But it felt good. So fucking good.

A seductive essence to it all. Falling into both the present and past. Recalling his childhood, a boy of twelve on the beach collecting shells, his father slumped in a recliner watching TV, the smell of his mother’s cooking. Then a jump. Daniel older, out for a meal with a faceless Alice, cloaked in something sinister. Though it was the adrenaline and anxiety pulsing through him, stunned by her beauty. 

Kate’s birth, her first word, first steps. The excitement of his journalism being taken seriously. Daniel was strung along through a carefully fabricated scrapbook of life. Tumbling further into something monstrous. Blissfully stupefied as it carried on. 

It could have been the rapture of everything, or perhaps it was what he had wanted all along. But somehow right there Daniel knew it’d be the last he’d see of Armand for a long long time.