I sing of Freedom [3/3]
Here's the last part. I didn't think I was going to make it because there was just one scene that wouldn't write no matter what I did. The result is pretty shoddy, but it's not as bad as it could be.
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In the end, Alfred wasn't sure what made him stay. He could have easily overpowered Toris and gotten the hell outta dodge before the sun set and Ivan was one again able to walk the Earth. He could have run far and fast, taking a few things from the house to sell and gotten a one way ticket out of the country. But he hadn't. He'd gone to his room and spent the day crying over what he thought he'd lost.
Had he ever really had any of it in the first place? Had it even been his to lose? From the second he'd seen Ivan back in the alley, his hand stretched out to him in friendship, he'd been meant as nothing more than a meal or a plaything. Ivan didn't, couldn't love him. He was some inhuman creature that preyed on the unsuspecting public. A monster, a predator.
A knock came at the door, shaking Alfred out of his thoughts. He glared at the wooden portal and threw the pillow he'd been sobbing into at it. He didn't know if it was dark enough yet for Ivan to be the one at the door, but it's not like he particularly wanted to see Toris, either. He was in on the whole fucking thing!
“Go away!” He shouted, getting up to drag the dresser in front for the door. “I don't want to see you, whoever you are! You're all a bunch of fucking loons and monsters!” He growled, tugging at the heavy piece of furniture in a futile effort to get it to budge.
“Alfred, it's just me. Toris. Will you please just come out? Or at least open the door and let me in.” The man pleaded, knocking on the door again. But Alfred was determinded. He wasn't going to talk to any of them no matter how much they begged. They'd have to drag him cold, dead body out of the room to see him again. Not that they'd probably even flinch at that.
“I said no!” He growled, tugging on the dresser again. Toris sighed and shook his head, using his master key to simply enter the room anyway. Alfred, who had been straining against the weight of the dresser, managed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The door hit the side of his head and knocked him over, making him dizzy for a moment as Toris barged in.
“Now, Alfred. I know this is a lot to take in, but-” Alfred cut him off with a glare.
“A lot to take in? A lot to take in!? Toris, the guy you work for is a fucking vampire! Why the hell are you even still here, let alone trying to win me around?” He spat, looking at him like he was completely insane. Someone to be pitied and despised. But Toris just took it with the same soft smile he'd graced him with for the duration of his stay.
“I thought it would have been obvious, but maybe you were so wrapped up in Ivan you failed to notice?' He laughed softly. Alfred blushed and his heart ached at the mention of Ivan. What could Toris possibly know about that? He hadn't been wrapped up in Ivan...no matter how much he'd wanted to be.
“Do you really think that two vampires who have managed on their own without a housekeeper for centuries would just pick me up out of the blue? Or that they would just run an ad in the paper? What would they say? How many would they have to kill before they found one willing to keep a secret?” He asked, holding a hand out to Alfred. Alfred paused for a moment, not sure he could trust him. But he took it tentatively, letting the man help him up.
“I was supposed to be dinner once, too. And I was save by love, just like you were.” He said, thinking back with what almost looked to Alfred like fondness at the memory. Alfred's blood boiled as he thought of Ivan and Toris in love. He clenched his fists, rage and jealousy threatening to overcome him.
“No, Alfred. Not the master.” He giggled, as if the very possibility was preposterous. “You can rest assured that he only loves you.” Alfred baulked, scowling at Toris like he was Public Enemy #1.
“That bastard doesn't love anyone and you know it.” He hissed, but Toris merely shook his head like Alfred was being stubborn and would see the truth soon enough. Alfred felt patronized and trapped. Not even the other human in the house was on his side.
“I felt the same way when I was first informed of the true nature of the inhabitants of this house. Betrayed, hurt, scared, angry, and just a little relieved because it means you don't have to let yourself fall in love and open up to another person again. Tell me when I'm getting warm.” Toris said, his voice calm and soft.
“Sounds familiar...” He said warily, inching away from Toris as he brought in a tea tray and began pouring Alfred a glass of green tea. Alfred absolutely hated tea, but for some reason he loved green tea the way Toris made it. “But if you aren't talking about Ivan, who are you talking about?” He asked, taking the tea from him with a nod of thanks.
“Like I said, I thought it would have been obvious. Gilbert and I have been together for a few years now, couldn't you tell?” He asked, pouring himself a cup as well and sitting down next to Alfred. The blonde teen felt kind of awkward, like they were in some sort of high school movie and now was girl-talk time. But he was definitely not going to braid Toris' hair if he asked.
“Actually, I couldn't tell at all. I only ever saw you two talk once and you weren't like...all over eachother.” He said, laughing a bit. Toris laughed along, shrugging.
“I guess I am just used to our special brand of affection, then. It's been quite awhile since there's been another human in the household and the Master has never taken an interest in anyone else. So I sometimes forget how other couples act.” He said, taking a sip of his tea and smiling fondly over personal memories of his time with Gilbert. “Couples like you and Ivan. The electricity between you is almost palpable.
“We're not a couple! And there's no electricity. He was probably just hungry whenever you saw him looking at me.” Alfred huffed, glaring at Toris again and moving away from him on the bed. But Toris didn't even really seem to notice.
“Then what about when you were the one looking at him?” He said with a small, impish smirk behind the rim of his teacup. That little bastard was sneakier than Alfred could have imagined! He huffed and hit him with a pillow. It was a friendly scene, but there was a tension in Alfred's shoulders that bespoke the underlying fear in the situation.
“Come on, Al. Just give him a chance.” Toris asked again, setting down his teacup. “He worked really hard to make a really nice dinner for you and he doesn't even eat. He just wants to talk to you, is all. And if you don't let him talk to you now over dinner, he'll just come in here later.” He pointed out.
Alfred sighed and laid back on the bed, staring up at the canopy above. “He lied to me. And he kills people, Toris! How am I supposed to trust him when I know he's not even human? And how can I ever believe he loves me when I was slotted to be a meal until recently?” He grabbed the pillow and hugged it to his chest, burying his face in it to hide the threatening storm of tears.
“If you were stranded in a boat and the only way to survive was to eat another human, would you do it? And even if you wouldn't, could you really fault someone who would?” He asked, petting Alfred's hair and pretending not to notice the way the teen's shoulders shook. “That's all it is, Alfred. Ivan has no other way to eat besides feeding on those humans who are least likely to be missed. Those with no families to hurt in the process.” Alfred looked up at Toris, scrubbing at his eyes under his glasses.
“Can't he drink from animals? Like in Vampire books?” He asked, wishing desperately that there was some alternative. He wanted to be with Ivan, he really did. But could he kiss those lips knowing they'd touched human blood?
“No, he can't. It has to be human blood, or he'll die. I asked Gilbert the same question when I first started to come to terms with what he is. It has to come from a human or it's like not eating at all.” He explained, running his fingers soothingly through blonde locks. Alfred leaned up against him, unable to remember the last time he'd felt so safe and taken care of. It was like having a parent again.
“How do you deal with it, Toris? Certainly the guilt gets you from time to time?” He asked, laying his head on the brunette's shoulder. He was still pissed at Ivan and didn't quite trust him, but if Toris and Gilbert could do it, why not them?
“It gets easier as time goes on. But yes, it does still get to me sometimes. But I just remind myself that it's a choice between someone I've never met and someone I love dearly. And you've seen for yourself how well they treat the prey they bring in. Most of these people come in off the street with nothing and die with warm food in their stomach and a good night's rest. Is that so bad? To make someone happy, safe, and warm for one day before helping them go painlessly?” He asked. Alfred sniffled and wiped his nose on his shirt sleeve.
“So it doesn't hurt?” He asked. He'd been wondering about that since he'd found out he was supposed to be lunch. Wondering if he'd feel anything at all when they finally came for him. But Toris shook his head and carded his fingers through blonde hair once more.
“Not at all. It's like going to sleep, I've heard. I've seen them do it once or twice and the subjects always seem to be happy. I don't think they mind at all by the time Ivan and Gilbert are done persuading them. Then again, we'd probably be happy to go, too, if they ever decided to “persuade” us like that.” He chuckled.
“Yeah, I've noticed that.” Alfred drawled wryly. “What exactly is that? Some sort of hypnotism? I mean, there's gotta be a gimmick, right?”
“It's called Mesmer, and it's no gimmick. I guess it's some sort of evolutionary tool to help Vampires hunt humans without detection. We just can't resist the sound of their voices when they do it.” Toris gave a tiny little mischievous grin that seemed out of place on him. “If you do make up with Ivan, you should ask him to use it during sex. It's really great, Gilbert and I do it all the time.”
Alfred spluttered and blushed, whacking Toris with the pillow again. “Dude! Not cool! I totally do not want to think about you and Snow White fucking, okay?” He squeaked, shuddering and trying to push the mental image from his mind. Toris laughed and took the pillow from him, placing it securely out of Alfred's reach.
“So will you at least give the master a chance? Go to dinner, speak with him, let him romance you. Gilbert and I have a bet going on whether or not he's any good at it.” He laughed. Alfred stuck his tongue out at him and grinned.
“On two conditions. One: you let me in on that bet and Two: help me pick out something to wear?” He asked, eyes pleading. Toris nodded and hoisted himself off of the bed, holding a hand out for Alfred.
“When we're through with you, Ivan won't know what hit him.”
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Ivan paced the floor of the dining room, each moment that passed seeming both longer and shorter than the last. Alfred wouldn't come, he was sure of it. He hated him now because of what he was. He should have known that it would happen like this. Love had passed him by in his human lifetime, it was only natural that it elude him in his eternal night, as well.
But Alfred had to come. Ivan didn't know what he would do if he just flat out refused. He didn't want to scare the boy by barging right in and baring his heart. Because that's what this was really about: letting Alfred know how much Ivan needed him. Those blue eyes haunted his dreams and every waking moment was spent looking for that flash of blonde hair. He was consumed by the teenager, so much so that he would give his life to have him.
Ivan had finally sat down at the table again when the door opened and Alfred stepped in. Ivan scrambled back out of the chair, gawping at the boy. He was beautiful! Someone had obviously helped him dress because he'd never seen him look so good. Golden hair was brushed to a shine, gleaming in the candlelight. Blue eyes lined with just the faintest traces of eye-liner (which Toris had almost broken his nose trying to get on the stubborn boy), all topped off with black slacks just a little too tight and a blue button up that matched his eyes perfectly.
“Uh....you wanted to s-see me?” Alfred asked, suddenly nervous under that reverent stare. He wanted to run back the way he came and barricade himself in his room until sunrise when he was safe. He wanted to run into Ivan's arms and make him promise to never let him go. But most of all he wanted to know why Ivan was looking at him like that.
“You look stunning.” The vampire whispered, almost to himself. He recovered quickly from his shock, however, when Alfred's face lit up in a frustrated blush. He let a charming smile slide onto his face in lieu of the shocked expression and crossed the room to Alfred. He took his hand, raising it to his lips and kissing the back.
Alfred fought the urge to jerk back as if he'd been burned, but Ivan could see the fear in his eyes. He sighed sadly and let Alfred's hand drop, pulling out his chair for him. Alfred sat down, gaze never leaving Ivan's face. He wasn't sure if it was because he didn't want to be caught off guard or because he just didn't want to look away.
“Alfred, there is no reason to fear me. I would faster step out into the light of day and burn alive than harm a single hair on your head.” To illustrate the point, he bent down and placed a tender kiss on the crown of the boy's blonde head. Alfred's heart sped up and his breath caught, reminding him once again why he hadn't just high-tailed it out of there when He'd escaped Ivan the first time.
“What do you want from me?” He asked, looking up at him again. And there was that look again, the one that begged Ivan to take his beautiful kitten into his arms and tell him everything would be okay at the same time it warned him to stay far away.
“Your heart, your love, your company, perhaps your body if you are comfortable.” He answered honestly. Alfred spluttered and scowled at him, smacking his arm before he could even think about the consequences.
“Don't say things like that!” He screeched, whacking at him. Ivan chuckled and caught the offending hand, bringing his wrist up to place a kiss on the soft skin there. Alfred scowled and yanked his arm out of Ivan's grasp. “Why should I trust you?” He asked, narrowing his eyes warily.
“Because I love you. And you may not want to admit it, but you love me too. I can see it in your eyes: the pain of keeping yourself from me through some misguided wish to be normal. But the truth is that you've seen much worse than I could ever hope to do and you really don't care as much for the humans I prey on as you want to think.” Ivan said, smirking and pinning Alfred with a condescending, knowing look.
“Shut up! You don't fucking know me!” Alfred growled, but Ivan continued on.
“Sure, you want to care. And you know you should. And maybe you do, to some extent. But you don't care enough for them that it would keep you from wanting me to take you in my arms,” He did so, pulling Alfred out of his seat and pressing him against the wall, “tell you that everything will be alright,” The ghost of his breath danced over Alfred's ear he whispered into it, “and then ravage you mercilessly.”
Alfred's heart nearly skipped a beat as the vampire swept him up into a mind-numbing kiss that made his whole body throb with desire. Ivan's hand were everywhere and his lips were soft and wet against his own. He let his own hands wander over the unexplored regions of Ivan's back and shoulders, the dinner on the table all but forgotten.
When Ivan finally pulled away Alfred's mind was buzzing and his breath was coming in short pants. And as tantalizing as it was to Ivan, it wasn't very good for the cough that Alfred had been developing. He took a deep breath, trying to get in as much air as possible. But he'd barely breathed in before coughing it all back up, unable to catch his breath.
Ivan watched in horror, not knowing what to do, as his darling pet's lips turned blue and his eyes went even hazier than after their impromptu make-out session. For whole moments he was frozen there before scooping the still coughing teenager into his arms and running off to find Toris.
“Do not worry, katyonak. I will not let you die.” He whispered into his love's hair as the boy struggled to breath.
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When Alfred woke up, light was streaming through a window straight onto his face and he felt like his throat had taken a particularly bad beating. He tried to draw breath, but he couldn't feel his lungs up without coughing.
“Sit back, Alfred. We wouldn't want you overtaxing yourself.” A man said, bustling into the room. He had long dark hair in a ponytail, glasses perched on his nose, and a pristine white doctor's coat. Alfred's heart froze in his chest, wondering what was wrong with him that he needed a doctor.
“My name is Dr. Edelstein. Ivan called me in after you collapsed during dinner.” He said, checking over a chart in his hand. A fleeting look of displeasure crossed his face as he read over whatever was written there.
“Is....is it bad?” He whimpered. He didn't like that look at all. That was the look doctors gave when something went bad. He twisted the blanket in his hands, face pale and gut churning.
“I'm afraid it is.” Dr. Edelstein said quietly, sighing and bracing himself for whatever reaction Alfred would give. “You have pneumonia, pretty bad. There's...not much I can do.” He placed a hand on Alfred's shoulder. He looked truly sorry and for that Alfred was glad.
“Am I dying?” He asked, looking up at the doctor. He just wanted to know the truth. No sugar coating, no nice words. If he was going to die he wanted to know it.
“I'm afraid so. If it doesn't clear up on it's own, there's no hope.” He told him, writing something on his chart and tucking it under his arm. Alfred nodded dumbly, letting the information sink in. He was going to die, and possibly soon. “I'll leave you here to process. Is there anyone you'd like me to send in?” He asked.
Alfred shook his head dumbly, staring down at the blanket covering him. “Just...tell Toris to let Ivan know I want to see him when he wakes up.” He whispered. Dr. Edelstein nodded and left, letting the door click shut behind him.
Alfred waited until the footsteps faded to break down and cry.
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Alfred coughed, looking out of the window into the dark of the night. The window was open, light breezes blowing through. Toris had wanted him to close it, to get out of the draft. But Alfred knew that if Ivan was going to come in, it would be through the window. He didn't know why, he just did.
He would look away every once in awhile, convinced that the man wouldn't come in while he was looking. He always ended up looking back, desperately hoping that he would be there when he did. Everytime he looked back, though, the window frame would be just as empty and he would be just as alone.
He exploded into another coughing fit, doubling over with the force of the hacking cough racking his body. He felt a cool hand on his back, rubbing in circles as he tried in vain to clear his lungs of the deadly fluid that was slowly drowning him. He looked up, expecting Toris or maybe even Gilbert. It was Ivan, however, who stood over him with a look of concern on his face. He gave him a tired smile and laid back, taking deep breaths.
“Hey.” Ivan said softly, sitting in the chair next to the bed and taking Alfred's hand.
“Hey yourself, big guy.” Alfred chuckled raspily, clutching his hand. His chest hurt and it was hard to take a breath, but he'd managed. He didn't know why Ivan returned night after night to see him when he was obviously dying. And even if he wasn't, couldn't he just get someone better? There must be thousands of Twitards out there he could seduce just by pretending to be what he really was.
“How are you doing today, my pet?” He asked, pressing a cool hand to Alfred's forehead. The boy sighed and leaned into the cooling touch, closing his eyes. He stayed there for a moment, not answering the question. It was times like this that he would give anything to have just a little more time with Ivan.
“Why me?” He asked softly, holding Ivan's wrisp in a vice grip, never wanting to let go of him or anything that tethered him to the Earth. He didn't want to die, he wasn't ready. Not when he'd just now let himself truly love Ivan.
“What do you mean, 'Why me?'” Ivan asked, kissing him on the top of his head and holding him close, sensing the insecurity.
“Come on, you don't want a guy like me. I'm damaged goods, a loser.” Alfred said, looking away from Ivan's sincere gaze. Ivan could have anyone he wanted just with the mesmerizing thing he did with that voice. Why would he want someone like him?
Ivan just smiled and shook his head.
“You are not damaged, katyonak. You are strong. The things you have been through, the monstrosities you have seen, those experiences are what made you into what you are today. And that is the man I love, not anyone else. You are all the more beautiful for your damages.” He said, taking Alfred's hand in his.
“You're bullshitting me.” He said, coughing and slipping his hand out of the vampire's.
“Did you hear about the rose that grew
from a crack in the concrete?
Proving nature's law is wrong it
learned to walk with out having feet.
Funny it seems, but by keeping it's dreams,
it learned to breathe fresh air.
Long live the rose that grew from concrete
when no one else ever cared.”
Ivan took his hand again, running the pad of his thumb over the back. Alfred looked at him, smiling slightly. Ivan smiled back, convinced he was getting through to him. All needed was for Alfred to realize that he meant every word he said. He loved him and he wanted him to stay with him forever.
“That wasn't Angelou. Was it one of your guys? From...wherever the hell you're from?” He asked, cocking his head to the side. He'd never heard that particular poem.
“No. In fact, he was one of yours. You should be familiar with him, he is very recent. Tupac Shakur?” He inquired. Alfred's eyes bugged out and it was only a fraction of a second before he burst out into peals of laughter. Ivan raised an eyebrow, wondering why Alfred was so amused by this.
“Dude! You did not just quote a rapper at me!” He laughed, clutching his stomach. The laughter dissolved into a coughing fit as his diaphragm became too weak to sustain the laughter with the fluid in his lungs.
“Easy, Alfred. Do not strain yourself so much. If I had known this was going to happen, I wouldn't have taken the trouble to look up American poets.” He scolded.
“You actually looked up American poets? What, did you assume I knew every poet that ever lived in the country just because I like Maya Angelou?” He asked, teasing him lightly.
“No, I simply saw it as an opportunity for us to grow our knowledge together. Something to share, da? I love spending time with you, and our shared love of poetry gives me a very good excuse.” Alfred laughed softly, careful not to jar himself too much.
“You don't need an excuse to spend time with me, big guy. All you gotta do is ask.” He said, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. But Ivan turned his head at the last minute, surprising him by catching his lips instead. He gasped a little and kissed back, heart racing.
Ivan pulled back, eyes glowing vivid violet. “Stay with me.” He said suddenly, pulling Alfred in his arms. He couldn't stand to see his precious sunshine like this, weak and fading. He had to do something, he had to save him. Alfred had surely saved him from a life of solitude and inhumanity, should he not do the same?
“Ivan, you heard the doctor! I'm dying!” He said, trying to pry himself out of Ivan's grasp. The man had to realize that as much as he wanted to stay, he just couldn't. There was no way to escape death, not when he came knocking at your door. For whom the bell tolls, and all that jazz.
“Let me turn you! You will live forever and never be sick again. Neither heat nor chill will effect you, and you will never again be bullied into submission by drunken fools. Please, say you'll stay with me.” He begged, pulling Alfred back into his arms again.
To live forever with Ivan? Never sick or hurt or cold? It was a wonderful idea, but could he give up the light of the sun for it? Could he give up the rest of eternity for this man, who loved him so much? He searched the vampire's eyes, trying to find any trace of doubt there. Not but love and hope did he find in the warm depth of lilac eyes. He smiled, wrapping his arms around Ivan's neck and burying his face in his scarf.
“Beloved,
In what other lives or lands
Have I known your lips
Your Hands
Your Laughter brave
Irreverent.
Those sweet excesses that
I do adore.
What surety is there
That we will meet again,
On other worlds some
Future time undated.
I defy my body's haste.
Without the promise
Of one more sweet encounter
I will not deign to die.”
He whispered into Ivan's ear, leaning his head to the side to expose his neck to him. He would do it, he would pledge himself to this child of the night for the rest of eternity. And he wouldn't ever look back, no matter what happened. He'd learned his lesson about that. Mattie would have wanted him to live in the here and now.
He expected a stabbing pain, or at least a little pinch. But only a soft kiss was laid on his exposed neck. He shivered slightly, but braced himself once more. The next touch would be of teeth, right? But Ivan merely kissed another spot on his neck, sucking the skin between his teeth lightly to leave a mark.
“Patience, my pet. I'm not simply going to bite you. Turning is a special occasion between the two of us, a symbol of trust and affection. By the time I actually turn you, you will be too far gone to even realize you've been wounded.” He purred, licking the hickey he'd left.
Ivan laid Alfred back on the bed, pulling the covers off of him and climbing atop him. He leaned in, kissing him hard and hot. Alfred responded immediately, heart thudding. His mind started to cloud over again, but it was a different kind of fog.
“It's almost too bad it has come to this.” Ivan chuckled, pulling Alfred's shirt off and latching himself onto a nipple, making his partner squirm. “I love the sound of your heartbeat.” Alfred let out a gasp and arched into his mouth as he returned his attention to the hardening nub.
“What, it make you hungry or something?” He chuckled breathlessly, growing harder by the second. He'd always heard that sex felt awesome, but they weren't even to the main event yet and Ivan was driving him insane. He just wanted him to touch him, already.
“Yes, but not in the way you are thinking, katyonak.” He chuckled huskily, biting down lightly on the nipple and reveling in the moan he earned. He wondered what other sounds his delightful little pet could make. He kissed a path down the smooth planes of his torso to find out.
Alfred wriggled, the light kisses to his stomach tickling. He couldn't stifle the giggles as Ivan took advantage of this, nuzzling below his belly button. The human was just so adorable, he couldn't resist. Alfred frowned and slapped his head lightly. Ivan chuckled and kissed the spot below his belly button one more time before pulling back to tug his pants down.
“Oh wow, we're really going to do this now, aren't we?” Alfred commented nervously. Ivan sat up and looked at him, tilting his head to the side. At first he didn't get what he was saying. He would rather do this later when he was closer to dying? But then it really hit him: Little Alfred was still a virgin
“This is almost too perfect.” He chuckled. “My darling sunshine is pure.” Alfred blushed and smacked him upside the head. Ivan lowered his head to lick the tip of Alfred's cock, cutting off his complaints with a sharp gasp and a low moan. Alfred glared at him with a pretty flush staining his cheeks.
“Don't do that! You can't just make fun of me for being a virgin and then- oh god!” He squeaked, grabbing Ivan's hair and trying to pull him off. In one fell swoop Ivan had taken him fully in his mouth, something the young human hadn't been expecting. Alfred tried to close his legs, but Ivan was already situated between them, holding them apart.
“I was not making fun, my pet. I am quite pleasantly surprised by this turn of events. The thought of being the first to take you...” He paused, a predatory smirk growing on his face. “It's very appealing to me.” He swiped his tongue over Alfred's member again, distracting from the penetrating digit. It was so easy to distract Alfred, the boy hadn't even seen him reach for the lubricant.
Alfred certainly didn't remember agreeing to give Ivan his virginity on top of the rest of his goddamned immortal life, but he certainly wasn't complaining either. Sure, the finger felt fucking weird, but the mouth on his cock was amazing and he didn't want Ivan to stop. And besides, what's the worst that could happen? If he did this he'd live forever with a great guy who he was pretty sure he was at least a little in love with. If he didn't, Ivan would probably still turn him and he didn't lose anything but the sex.
He sucked in a gasp as another finger snuck in next to the first. It wasn't feeling any better yet, but at least it wasn't crazy painful either. That is, until the third finger. He yelped and tried to push Ivan off, letting out a string of curses. But Ivan merely kissed his forehead and shushed him gently.
“Calm down, relax, and let me work.” He whispered, stilling his fingers but not pulling them out as he placed tender kisses all over his face and neck. Alfred took a deep breath and relaxed his body, nodding at Ivan to go on. He squirmed in discomfort, waiting for the pain to die down. It didn't really go away, but it became more bearable.
“Just get on with it, already. I literally don't have all day. Dying, remember?” He scolded the vampire, who was taking waaay too long. He didn't want to get so caught up in the moment that they forget why they were really doing this. Well, the most pressing reason. Alfred would be lying if he said he didn't want Ivan with or without the immortality.
“Be patient, katyonak. You are not going to die this instant. You still have a few weeks left in you. You are merely being a drama queen.” He chuckled, climbing back up his body to plant a kiss on his nose. Alfred scrunched his face up and pouted at the Russian, smacking his arms.
“I oughta push you off of me right now, you asshole. You're not being ni-ICE!” He squeaked the last syllable out as Ivan smirked and hooked his fingers up into a spot that almost made him forget his own name, let alone what he'd been talking about mere moment before. Ivan kissed him, hard and hot, and withdrew the fingers after a few more teasing strokes to his lover's prostate.
“Who is being nice now, my pet? I happen to think I'm very nice.” He purred, nipping at his earlobe before grabbing his hips and pushing in. Alfred's eyes shot open and he tried to push him off and out of him. It hurt like a fucking bitch and holy fuck it was huge!
“Get it out! Get it out!” He whined, trying to push him away. But Ivan held him close, kissing away the tears and trailing fingers up and down his spine soothingly. Alfred took in little gasps of air, trying to relax. It wasn't until Ivan started to stroke his softening cock back to life that he started to forget about the pain.
“Relax, love. It will get better soon, I promise.” Ivan soothed as he began to work in and out with shallow thrusts, letting Alfred take him in a little at a time. It was difficult not to just throw caution to the wind and plow him into the bed, but it would be worth the wait in the end. So he dried the tears and hushed the whimpers and kept going.
Ivan's promise held true as pain dulled and pleasure made it's entry. Soon Alfred was panting and begging for it faster as the Russian slid against him. He wrapped his legs around his lover's waist, keening for him as short nails raked down his back. He'd never felt like this before: so willing to give himself over to sensation and lust.
Ivan looked down at the teenager beneath him, sprawled out on the bed like a fallen angel. Blue eyes peirced him with a hazy, half-lidded gaze of pure want and in that moment it was almost too much for him. He hadn't had a meal in weeks and here was this delectable human just giving himself without even having to be mesmerized.
A hand wound itself into Alfred's hair and tugged back sharply, exposing the tanned flesh of his neck to piercing fangs. He steeled himself for impact, waiting for the pain and chill of temporary death. Or undeath, or whatever.
What he wasn't prepared for was the wall of warm, intense pleasure that his him as his lover's fangs sank into his flesh and began to drain his life away. He moaned, bucking his hips onto the cock inside of him. As the amount of blood in his body became less, the coil in his gut wound tighter.
He felt something pressed against his lips. Ivan's wrist trickled with blood much too dark and sluggish to be human, his own blood. Alfred leaned forward and licked the would tentatively, closing his mouth over it to suck greedily as the primal urge was awakened within him. It was like a beautiful cycle of love and horror as they fed from each other, exchanging life forces and making love in a way so intimate that Alfred doubted he could ever be with anyone else afterward.
One more thrust and he was undone, disconnecting from Ivan's blood flow and canting his hips up in a desperate attempt for more as he came between them. Ivan buried his fangs and cock deep inside of Alfred as he filled him up with hot semen and drained the last remnants of human blood from his system.
They slowly relaxed back, panting in the afterglow of their ritual. Alfred stared up at the ceiling, in complete awe. What had just happened? It was like one moment he'd been the person he'd always been, and now he was something different. He wasn't sure if it was the vampire thing, or losing his virginity but something was definitely not the same.
“That was...” He panted, looking over at the Russian man.
“I have found that the turning is more bearable when accompanied by sex.” Ivan remarked, yawning and pulling Alfred to him. Alfred nodded and curled up to him, nuzzling the fine dusting of pale hairs on his chest. He was too tired to really talk about it right now. That would come later.
For now all that mattered was that he was in Ivan's arms, and that he would stay there for eternity.
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One year later
Alfred looked out over the city lights glittering in the darkness. He'd come to appreciate the beauty of the night in his time as a fledgling. It hadn't always been easy, and more than once he'd forgotten completely and tried to go outside during the day or went weeks without feeding. Needless to say, it had taken some getting used to.
But he had Ivan, and he had Toris, even Gilbert had warmed up to him after he'd turned. And every time he slipped up, one of them was there to catch him. It was almost like having a family again, really. He would still look across the open fields in the cool moonlight and wish that Mattie could be here. But most nights he was content just to lay in Ivan's arms or run across the Earth under the stars with him. And yes, they did have to hunt. And yes, it did bother him. For the first few weeks he'd refused to eat, clutching his stomach as the hungry began to eat at him.
But Ivan hadn't given up, even when Alfred looked to be near death for the second time since he'd met him. He'd begged and pleaded with him to eat. He brought him human after human, trying to get him to look at them with something other than horror in his eyes. And, in a moment of weakness, he finally succumbed.
Since then, hunting and feeding had gotten easier. In his heart he still hated that it had to come to this, but everyone had to eat, right? And if you weren't fast enough to get away? Then you became lunch. They were predators, not priests. And he was slowly becoming okay with that.
As the last traces of dusk gave way to pure night, Ivan stepped out onto the rooftop with him. They were in the city on a hunt, Toris waiting at home to greet them and Gilbert driving around in the limo. They would find someone to take back, they would call him, he would bring the limo around, they would drop down from the rooftop and climb in, Gilbert would drive them over to their prey, they would get out and lure the poor unfortunate into the limo, they would take him home, give him a bath, a meal, and a good nights sleep, and then hypnotize him so he didn't know what was going on when they fed. Decidedly less horrifying and painful for everyone involved.
“Are you ready to go, katyonak? Dawn is only a few hours off and we still have to track down a target.” Ivan said, sliding his arms around Alfred's waist. Alfred leaned back against him and shook his head.
“Not just yet, babe. Stay here with me for just a moment longer.” He whispered, looking up at his lover and smiling softly. The taller vampire bent down, sealing their lips together gently. Everything about this was right, and in his heart he knew it from the way Ivan made him feel. Alfred knew he didn't have a heartbeat, but the fluttering feeling in his chest was there all the same. Like Ivan somehow brought him back to life with every kiss.
“Curiouser and Curiouser.” He quipped as he pulled away.
“What?” Ivan asked, confused. He was eying him like he'd just spoken in tongues. Alfred just giggled and leaned up to kiss him on the cheek.
“Don't worry about it. We gonna grab some dinner or not? We still got time to get back to the house before dawn and...you know.” He purred, giving Ivan a smoldering sidelong glance as he turned away and walked off into the night with Ivan not very far behind.
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To be honest, I hate this. I didn't have enough time to really do it the way I wanted and it would have been way better as a chapter fic. But there was only a limited time to do it and I'm not really feeling the inspiration.
Hopefully you guys enjoyed it, though. Cause that's what really matters.
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In the end, Alfred wasn't sure what made him stay. He could have easily overpowered Toris and gotten the hell outta dodge before the sun set and Ivan was one again able to walk the Earth. He could have run far and fast, taking a few things from the house to sell and gotten a one way ticket out of the country. But he hadn't. He'd gone to his room and spent the day crying over what he thought he'd lost.
Had he ever really had any of it in the first place? Had it even been his to lose? From the second he'd seen Ivan back in the alley, his hand stretched out to him in friendship, he'd been meant as nothing more than a meal or a plaything. Ivan didn't, couldn't love him. He was some inhuman creature that preyed on the unsuspecting public. A monster, a predator.
A knock came at the door, shaking Alfred out of his thoughts. He glared at the wooden portal and threw the pillow he'd been sobbing into at it. He didn't know if it was dark enough yet for Ivan to be the one at the door, but it's not like he particularly wanted to see Toris, either. He was in on the whole fucking thing!
“Go away!” He shouted, getting up to drag the dresser in front for the door. “I don't want to see you, whoever you are! You're all a bunch of fucking loons and monsters!” He growled, tugging at the heavy piece of furniture in a futile effort to get it to budge.
“Alfred, it's just me. Toris. Will you please just come out? Or at least open the door and let me in.” The man pleaded, knocking on the door again. But Alfred was determinded. He wasn't going to talk to any of them no matter how much they begged. They'd have to drag him cold, dead body out of the room to see him again. Not that they'd probably even flinch at that.
“I said no!” He growled, tugging on the dresser again. Toris sighed and shook his head, using his master key to simply enter the room anyway. Alfred, who had been straining against the weight of the dresser, managed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The door hit the side of his head and knocked him over, making him dizzy for a moment as Toris barged in.
“Now, Alfred. I know this is a lot to take in, but-” Alfred cut him off with a glare.
“A lot to take in? A lot to take in!? Toris, the guy you work for is a fucking vampire! Why the hell are you even still here, let alone trying to win me around?” He spat, looking at him like he was completely insane. Someone to be pitied and despised. But Toris just took it with the same soft smile he'd graced him with for the duration of his stay.
“I thought it would have been obvious, but maybe you were so wrapped up in Ivan you failed to notice?' He laughed softly. Alfred blushed and his heart ached at the mention of Ivan. What could Toris possibly know about that? He hadn't been wrapped up in Ivan...no matter how much he'd wanted to be.
“Do you really think that two vampires who have managed on their own without a housekeeper for centuries would just pick me up out of the blue? Or that they would just run an ad in the paper? What would they say? How many would they have to kill before they found one willing to keep a secret?” He asked, holding a hand out to Alfred. Alfred paused for a moment, not sure he could trust him. But he took it tentatively, letting the man help him up.
“I was supposed to be dinner once, too. And I was save by love, just like you were.” He said, thinking back with what almost looked to Alfred like fondness at the memory. Alfred's blood boiled as he thought of Ivan and Toris in love. He clenched his fists, rage and jealousy threatening to overcome him.
“No, Alfred. Not the master.” He giggled, as if the very possibility was preposterous. “You can rest assured that he only loves you.” Alfred baulked, scowling at Toris like he was Public Enemy #1.
“That bastard doesn't love anyone and you know it.” He hissed, but Toris merely shook his head like Alfred was being stubborn and would see the truth soon enough. Alfred felt patronized and trapped. Not even the other human in the house was on his side.
“I felt the same way when I was first informed of the true nature of the inhabitants of this house. Betrayed, hurt, scared, angry, and just a little relieved because it means you don't have to let yourself fall in love and open up to another person again. Tell me when I'm getting warm.” Toris said, his voice calm and soft.
“Sounds familiar...” He said warily, inching away from Toris as he brought in a tea tray and began pouring Alfred a glass of green tea. Alfred absolutely hated tea, but for some reason he loved green tea the way Toris made it. “But if you aren't talking about Ivan, who are you talking about?” He asked, taking the tea from him with a nod of thanks.
“Like I said, I thought it would have been obvious. Gilbert and I have been together for a few years now, couldn't you tell?” He asked, pouring himself a cup as well and sitting down next to Alfred. The blonde teen felt kind of awkward, like they were in some sort of high school movie and now was girl-talk time. But he was definitely not going to braid Toris' hair if he asked.
“Actually, I couldn't tell at all. I only ever saw you two talk once and you weren't like...all over eachother.” He said, laughing a bit. Toris laughed along, shrugging.
“I guess I am just used to our special brand of affection, then. It's been quite awhile since there's been another human in the household and the Master has never taken an interest in anyone else. So I sometimes forget how other couples act.” He said, taking a sip of his tea and smiling fondly over personal memories of his time with Gilbert. “Couples like you and Ivan. The electricity between you is almost palpable.
“We're not a couple! And there's no electricity. He was probably just hungry whenever you saw him looking at me.” Alfred huffed, glaring at Toris again and moving away from him on the bed. But Toris didn't even really seem to notice.
“Then what about when you were the one looking at him?” He said with a small, impish smirk behind the rim of his teacup. That little bastard was sneakier than Alfred could have imagined! He huffed and hit him with a pillow. It was a friendly scene, but there was a tension in Alfred's shoulders that bespoke the underlying fear in the situation.
“Come on, Al. Just give him a chance.” Toris asked again, setting down his teacup. “He worked really hard to make a really nice dinner for you and he doesn't even eat. He just wants to talk to you, is all. And if you don't let him talk to you now over dinner, he'll just come in here later.” He pointed out.
Alfred sighed and laid back on the bed, staring up at the canopy above. “He lied to me. And he kills people, Toris! How am I supposed to trust him when I know he's not even human? And how can I ever believe he loves me when I was slotted to be a meal until recently?” He grabbed the pillow and hugged it to his chest, burying his face in it to hide the threatening storm of tears.
“If you were stranded in a boat and the only way to survive was to eat another human, would you do it? And even if you wouldn't, could you really fault someone who would?” He asked, petting Alfred's hair and pretending not to notice the way the teen's shoulders shook. “That's all it is, Alfred. Ivan has no other way to eat besides feeding on those humans who are least likely to be missed. Those with no families to hurt in the process.” Alfred looked up at Toris, scrubbing at his eyes under his glasses.
“Can't he drink from animals? Like in Vampire books?” He asked, wishing desperately that there was some alternative. He wanted to be with Ivan, he really did. But could he kiss those lips knowing they'd touched human blood?
“No, he can't. It has to be human blood, or he'll die. I asked Gilbert the same question when I first started to come to terms with what he is. It has to come from a human or it's like not eating at all.” He explained, running his fingers soothingly through blonde locks. Alfred leaned up against him, unable to remember the last time he'd felt so safe and taken care of. It was like having a parent again.
“How do you deal with it, Toris? Certainly the guilt gets you from time to time?” He asked, laying his head on the brunette's shoulder. He was still pissed at Ivan and didn't quite trust him, but if Toris and Gilbert could do it, why not them?
“It gets easier as time goes on. But yes, it does still get to me sometimes. But I just remind myself that it's a choice between someone I've never met and someone I love dearly. And you've seen for yourself how well they treat the prey they bring in. Most of these people come in off the street with nothing and die with warm food in their stomach and a good night's rest. Is that so bad? To make someone happy, safe, and warm for one day before helping them go painlessly?” He asked. Alfred sniffled and wiped his nose on his shirt sleeve.
“So it doesn't hurt?” He asked. He'd been wondering about that since he'd found out he was supposed to be lunch. Wondering if he'd feel anything at all when they finally came for him. But Toris shook his head and carded his fingers through blonde hair once more.
“Not at all. It's like going to sleep, I've heard. I've seen them do it once or twice and the subjects always seem to be happy. I don't think they mind at all by the time Ivan and Gilbert are done persuading them. Then again, we'd probably be happy to go, too, if they ever decided to “persuade” us like that.” He chuckled.
“Yeah, I've noticed that.” Alfred drawled wryly. “What exactly is that? Some sort of hypnotism? I mean, there's gotta be a gimmick, right?”
“It's called Mesmer, and it's no gimmick. I guess it's some sort of evolutionary tool to help Vampires hunt humans without detection. We just can't resist the sound of their voices when they do it.” Toris gave a tiny little mischievous grin that seemed out of place on him. “If you do make up with Ivan, you should ask him to use it during sex. It's really great, Gilbert and I do it all the time.”
Alfred spluttered and blushed, whacking Toris with the pillow again. “Dude! Not cool! I totally do not want to think about you and Snow White fucking, okay?” He squeaked, shuddering and trying to push the mental image from his mind. Toris laughed and took the pillow from him, placing it securely out of Alfred's reach.
“So will you at least give the master a chance? Go to dinner, speak with him, let him romance you. Gilbert and I have a bet going on whether or not he's any good at it.” He laughed. Alfred stuck his tongue out at him and grinned.
“On two conditions. One: you let me in on that bet and Two: help me pick out something to wear?” He asked, eyes pleading. Toris nodded and hoisted himself off of the bed, holding a hand out for Alfred.
“When we're through with you, Ivan won't know what hit him.”
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Ivan paced the floor of the dining room, each moment that passed seeming both longer and shorter than the last. Alfred wouldn't come, he was sure of it. He hated him now because of what he was. He should have known that it would happen like this. Love had passed him by in his human lifetime, it was only natural that it elude him in his eternal night, as well.
But Alfred had to come. Ivan didn't know what he would do if he just flat out refused. He didn't want to scare the boy by barging right in and baring his heart. Because that's what this was really about: letting Alfred know how much Ivan needed him. Those blue eyes haunted his dreams and every waking moment was spent looking for that flash of blonde hair. He was consumed by the teenager, so much so that he would give his life to have him.
Ivan had finally sat down at the table again when the door opened and Alfred stepped in. Ivan scrambled back out of the chair, gawping at the boy. He was beautiful! Someone had obviously helped him dress because he'd never seen him look so good. Golden hair was brushed to a shine, gleaming in the candlelight. Blue eyes lined with just the faintest traces of eye-liner (which Toris had almost broken his nose trying to get on the stubborn boy), all topped off with black slacks just a little too tight and a blue button up that matched his eyes perfectly.
“Uh....you wanted to s-see me?” Alfred asked, suddenly nervous under that reverent stare. He wanted to run back the way he came and barricade himself in his room until sunrise when he was safe. He wanted to run into Ivan's arms and make him promise to never let him go. But most of all he wanted to know why Ivan was looking at him like that.
“You look stunning.” The vampire whispered, almost to himself. He recovered quickly from his shock, however, when Alfred's face lit up in a frustrated blush. He let a charming smile slide onto his face in lieu of the shocked expression and crossed the room to Alfred. He took his hand, raising it to his lips and kissing the back.
Alfred fought the urge to jerk back as if he'd been burned, but Ivan could see the fear in his eyes. He sighed sadly and let Alfred's hand drop, pulling out his chair for him. Alfred sat down, gaze never leaving Ivan's face. He wasn't sure if it was because he didn't want to be caught off guard or because he just didn't want to look away.
“Alfred, there is no reason to fear me. I would faster step out into the light of day and burn alive than harm a single hair on your head.” To illustrate the point, he bent down and placed a tender kiss on the crown of the boy's blonde head. Alfred's heart sped up and his breath caught, reminding him once again why he hadn't just high-tailed it out of there when He'd escaped Ivan the first time.
“What do you want from me?” He asked, looking up at him again. And there was that look again, the one that begged Ivan to take his beautiful kitten into his arms and tell him everything would be okay at the same time it warned him to stay far away.
“Your heart, your love, your company, perhaps your body if you are comfortable.” He answered honestly. Alfred spluttered and scowled at him, smacking his arm before he could even think about the consequences.
“Don't say things like that!” He screeched, whacking at him. Ivan chuckled and caught the offending hand, bringing his wrist up to place a kiss on the soft skin there. Alfred scowled and yanked his arm out of Ivan's grasp. “Why should I trust you?” He asked, narrowing his eyes warily.
“Because I love you. And you may not want to admit it, but you love me too. I can see it in your eyes: the pain of keeping yourself from me through some misguided wish to be normal. But the truth is that you've seen much worse than I could ever hope to do and you really don't care as much for the humans I prey on as you want to think.” Ivan said, smirking and pinning Alfred with a condescending, knowing look.
“Shut up! You don't fucking know me!” Alfred growled, but Ivan continued on.
“Sure, you want to care. And you know you should. And maybe you do, to some extent. But you don't care enough for them that it would keep you from wanting me to take you in my arms,” He did so, pulling Alfred out of his seat and pressing him against the wall, “tell you that everything will be alright,” The ghost of his breath danced over Alfred's ear he whispered into it, “and then ravage you mercilessly.”
Alfred's heart nearly skipped a beat as the vampire swept him up into a mind-numbing kiss that made his whole body throb with desire. Ivan's hand were everywhere and his lips were soft and wet against his own. He let his own hands wander over the unexplored regions of Ivan's back and shoulders, the dinner on the table all but forgotten.
When Ivan finally pulled away Alfred's mind was buzzing and his breath was coming in short pants. And as tantalizing as it was to Ivan, it wasn't very good for the cough that Alfred had been developing. He took a deep breath, trying to get in as much air as possible. But he'd barely breathed in before coughing it all back up, unable to catch his breath.
Ivan watched in horror, not knowing what to do, as his darling pet's lips turned blue and his eyes went even hazier than after their impromptu make-out session. For whole moments he was frozen there before scooping the still coughing teenager into his arms and running off to find Toris.
“Do not worry, katyonak. I will not let you die.” He whispered into his love's hair as the boy struggled to breath.
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When Alfred woke up, light was streaming through a window straight onto his face and he felt like his throat had taken a particularly bad beating. He tried to draw breath, but he couldn't feel his lungs up without coughing.
“Sit back, Alfred. We wouldn't want you overtaxing yourself.” A man said, bustling into the room. He had long dark hair in a ponytail, glasses perched on his nose, and a pristine white doctor's coat. Alfred's heart froze in his chest, wondering what was wrong with him that he needed a doctor.
“My name is Dr. Edelstein. Ivan called me in after you collapsed during dinner.” He said, checking over a chart in his hand. A fleeting look of displeasure crossed his face as he read over whatever was written there.
“Is....is it bad?” He whimpered. He didn't like that look at all. That was the look doctors gave when something went bad. He twisted the blanket in his hands, face pale and gut churning.
“I'm afraid it is.” Dr. Edelstein said quietly, sighing and bracing himself for whatever reaction Alfred would give. “You have pneumonia, pretty bad. There's...not much I can do.” He placed a hand on Alfred's shoulder. He looked truly sorry and for that Alfred was glad.
“Am I dying?” He asked, looking up at the doctor. He just wanted to know the truth. No sugar coating, no nice words. If he was going to die he wanted to know it.
“I'm afraid so. If it doesn't clear up on it's own, there's no hope.” He told him, writing something on his chart and tucking it under his arm. Alfred nodded dumbly, letting the information sink in. He was going to die, and possibly soon. “I'll leave you here to process. Is there anyone you'd like me to send in?” He asked.
Alfred shook his head dumbly, staring down at the blanket covering him. “Just...tell Toris to let Ivan know I want to see him when he wakes up.” He whispered. Dr. Edelstein nodded and left, letting the door click shut behind him.
Alfred waited until the footsteps faded to break down and cry.
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Alfred coughed, looking out of the window into the dark of the night. The window was open, light breezes blowing through. Toris had wanted him to close it, to get out of the draft. But Alfred knew that if Ivan was going to come in, it would be through the window. He didn't know why, he just did.
He would look away every once in awhile, convinced that the man wouldn't come in while he was looking. He always ended up looking back, desperately hoping that he would be there when he did. Everytime he looked back, though, the window frame would be just as empty and he would be just as alone.
He exploded into another coughing fit, doubling over with the force of the hacking cough racking his body. He felt a cool hand on his back, rubbing in circles as he tried in vain to clear his lungs of the deadly fluid that was slowly drowning him. He looked up, expecting Toris or maybe even Gilbert. It was Ivan, however, who stood over him with a look of concern on his face. He gave him a tired smile and laid back, taking deep breaths.
“Hey.” Ivan said softly, sitting in the chair next to the bed and taking Alfred's hand.
“Hey yourself, big guy.” Alfred chuckled raspily, clutching his hand. His chest hurt and it was hard to take a breath, but he'd managed. He didn't know why Ivan returned night after night to see him when he was obviously dying. And even if he wasn't, couldn't he just get someone better? There must be thousands of Twitards out there he could seduce just by pretending to be what he really was.
“How are you doing today, my pet?” He asked, pressing a cool hand to Alfred's forehead. The boy sighed and leaned into the cooling touch, closing his eyes. He stayed there for a moment, not answering the question. It was times like this that he would give anything to have just a little more time with Ivan.
“Why me?” He asked softly, holding Ivan's wrisp in a vice grip, never wanting to let go of him or anything that tethered him to the Earth. He didn't want to die, he wasn't ready. Not when he'd just now let himself truly love Ivan.
“What do you mean, 'Why me?'” Ivan asked, kissing him on the top of his head and holding him close, sensing the insecurity.
“Come on, you don't want a guy like me. I'm damaged goods, a loser.” Alfred said, looking away from Ivan's sincere gaze. Ivan could have anyone he wanted just with the mesmerizing thing he did with that voice. Why would he want someone like him?
Ivan just smiled and shook his head.
“You are not damaged, katyonak. You are strong. The things you have been through, the monstrosities you have seen, those experiences are what made you into what you are today. And that is the man I love, not anyone else. You are all the more beautiful for your damages.” He said, taking Alfred's hand in his.
“You're bullshitting me.” He said, coughing and slipping his hand out of the vampire's.
“Did you hear about the rose that grew
from a crack in the concrete?
Proving nature's law is wrong it
learned to walk with out having feet.
Funny it seems, but by keeping it's dreams,
it learned to breathe fresh air.
Long live the rose that grew from concrete
when no one else ever cared.”
Ivan took his hand again, running the pad of his thumb over the back. Alfred looked at him, smiling slightly. Ivan smiled back, convinced he was getting through to him. All needed was for Alfred to realize that he meant every word he said. He loved him and he wanted him to stay with him forever.
“That wasn't Angelou. Was it one of your guys? From...wherever the hell you're from?” He asked, cocking his head to the side. He'd never heard that particular poem.
“No. In fact, he was one of yours. You should be familiar with him, he is very recent. Tupac Shakur?” He inquired. Alfred's eyes bugged out and it was only a fraction of a second before he burst out into peals of laughter. Ivan raised an eyebrow, wondering why Alfred was so amused by this.
“Dude! You did not just quote a rapper at me!” He laughed, clutching his stomach. The laughter dissolved into a coughing fit as his diaphragm became too weak to sustain the laughter with the fluid in his lungs.
“Easy, Alfred. Do not strain yourself so much. If I had known this was going to happen, I wouldn't have taken the trouble to look up American poets.” He scolded.
“You actually looked up American poets? What, did you assume I knew every poet that ever lived in the country just because I like Maya Angelou?” He asked, teasing him lightly.
“No, I simply saw it as an opportunity for us to grow our knowledge together. Something to share, da? I love spending time with you, and our shared love of poetry gives me a very good excuse.” Alfred laughed softly, careful not to jar himself too much.
“You don't need an excuse to spend time with me, big guy. All you gotta do is ask.” He said, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. But Ivan turned his head at the last minute, surprising him by catching his lips instead. He gasped a little and kissed back, heart racing.
Ivan pulled back, eyes glowing vivid violet. “Stay with me.” He said suddenly, pulling Alfred in his arms. He couldn't stand to see his precious sunshine like this, weak and fading. He had to do something, he had to save him. Alfred had surely saved him from a life of solitude and inhumanity, should he not do the same?
“Ivan, you heard the doctor! I'm dying!” He said, trying to pry himself out of Ivan's grasp. The man had to realize that as much as he wanted to stay, he just couldn't. There was no way to escape death, not when he came knocking at your door. For whom the bell tolls, and all that jazz.
“Let me turn you! You will live forever and never be sick again. Neither heat nor chill will effect you, and you will never again be bullied into submission by drunken fools. Please, say you'll stay with me.” He begged, pulling Alfred back into his arms again.
To live forever with Ivan? Never sick or hurt or cold? It was a wonderful idea, but could he give up the light of the sun for it? Could he give up the rest of eternity for this man, who loved him so much? He searched the vampire's eyes, trying to find any trace of doubt there. Not but love and hope did he find in the warm depth of lilac eyes. He smiled, wrapping his arms around Ivan's neck and burying his face in his scarf.
“Beloved,
In what other lives or lands
Have I known your lips
Your Hands
Your Laughter brave
Irreverent.
Those sweet excesses that
I do adore.
What surety is there
That we will meet again,
On other worlds some
Future time undated.
I defy my body's haste.
Without the promise
Of one more sweet encounter
I will not deign to die.”
He whispered into Ivan's ear, leaning his head to the side to expose his neck to him. He would do it, he would pledge himself to this child of the night for the rest of eternity. And he wouldn't ever look back, no matter what happened. He'd learned his lesson about that. Mattie would have wanted him to live in the here and now.
He expected a stabbing pain, or at least a little pinch. But only a soft kiss was laid on his exposed neck. He shivered slightly, but braced himself once more. The next touch would be of teeth, right? But Ivan merely kissed another spot on his neck, sucking the skin between his teeth lightly to leave a mark.
“Patience, my pet. I'm not simply going to bite you. Turning is a special occasion between the two of us, a symbol of trust and affection. By the time I actually turn you, you will be too far gone to even realize you've been wounded.” He purred, licking the hickey he'd left.
Ivan laid Alfred back on the bed, pulling the covers off of him and climbing atop him. He leaned in, kissing him hard and hot. Alfred responded immediately, heart thudding. His mind started to cloud over again, but it was a different kind of fog.
“It's almost too bad it has come to this.” Ivan chuckled, pulling Alfred's shirt off and latching himself onto a nipple, making his partner squirm. “I love the sound of your heartbeat.” Alfred let out a gasp and arched into his mouth as he returned his attention to the hardening nub.
“What, it make you hungry or something?” He chuckled breathlessly, growing harder by the second. He'd always heard that sex felt awesome, but they weren't even to the main event yet and Ivan was driving him insane. He just wanted him to touch him, already.
“Yes, but not in the way you are thinking, katyonak.” He chuckled huskily, biting down lightly on the nipple and reveling in the moan he earned. He wondered what other sounds his delightful little pet could make. He kissed a path down the smooth planes of his torso to find out.
Alfred wriggled, the light kisses to his stomach tickling. He couldn't stifle the giggles as Ivan took advantage of this, nuzzling below his belly button. The human was just so adorable, he couldn't resist. Alfred frowned and slapped his head lightly. Ivan chuckled and kissed the spot below his belly button one more time before pulling back to tug his pants down.
“Oh wow, we're really going to do this now, aren't we?” Alfred commented nervously. Ivan sat up and looked at him, tilting his head to the side. At first he didn't get what he was saying. He would rather do this later when he was closer to dying? But then it really hit him: Little Alfred was still a virgin
“This is almost too perfect.” He chuckled. “My darling sunshine is pure.” Alfred blushed and smacked him upside the head. Ivan lowered his head to lick the tip of Alfred's cock, cutting off his complaints with a sharp gasp and a low moan. Alfred glared at him with a pretty flush staining his cheeks.
“Don't do that! You can't just make fun of me for being a virgin and then- oh god!” He squeaked, grabbing Ivan's hair and trying to pull him off. In one fell swoop Ivan had taken him fully in his mouth, something the young human hadn't been expecting. Alfred tried to close his legs, but Ivan was already situated between them, holding them apart.
“I was not making fun, my pet. I am quite pleasantly surprised by this turn of events. The thought of being the first to take you...” He paused, a predatory smirk growing on his face. “It's very appealing to me.” He swiped his tongue over Alfred's member again, distracting from the penetrating digit. It was so easy to distract Alfred, the boy hadn't even seen him reach for the lubricant.
Alfred certainly didn't remember agreeing to give Ivan his virginity on top of the rest of his goddamned immortal life, but he certainly wasn't complaining either. Sure, the finger felt fucking weird, but the mouth on his cock was amazing and he didn't want Ivan to stop. And besides, what's the worst that could happen? If he did this he'd live forever with a great guy who he was pretty sure he was at least a little in love with. If he didn't, Ivan would probably still turn him and he didn't lose anything but the sex.
He sucked in a gasp as another finger snuck in next to the first. It wasn't feeling any better yet, but at least it wasn't crazy painful either. That is, until the third finger. He yelped and tried to push Ivan off, letting out a string of curses. But Ivan merely kissed his forehead and shushed him gently.
“Calm down, relax, and let me work.” He whispered, stilling his fingers but not pulling them out as he placed tender kisses all over his face and neck. Alfred took a deep breath and relaxed his body, nodding at Ivan to go on. He squirmed in discomfort, waiting for the pain to die down. It didn't really go away, but it became more bearable.
“Just get on with it, already. I literally don't have all day. Dying, remember?” He scolded the vampire, who was taking waaay too long. He didn't want to get so caught up in the moment that they forget why they were really doing this. Well, the most pressing reason. Alfred would be lying if he said he didn't want Ivan with or without the immortality.
“Be patient, katyonak. You are not going to die this instant. You still have a few weeks left in you. You are merely being a drama queen.” He chuckled, climbing back up his body to plant a kiss on his nose. Alfred scrunched his face up and pouted at the Russian, smacking his arms.
“I oughta push you off of me right now, you asshole. You're not being ni-ICE!” He squeaked the last syllable out as Ivan smirked and hooked his fingers up into a spot that almost made him forget his own name, let alone what he'd been talking about mere moment before. Ivan kissed him, hard and hot, and withdrew the fingers after a few more teasing strokes to his lover's prostate.
“Who is being nice now, my pet? I happen to think I'm very nice.” He purred, nipping at his earlobe before grabbing his hips and pushing in. Alfred's eyes shot open and he tried to push him off and out of him. It hurt like a fucking bitch and holy fuck it was huge!
“Get it out! Get it out!” He whined, trying to push him away. But Ivan held him close, kissing away the tears and trailing fingers up and down his spine soothingly. Alfred took in little gasps of air, trying to relax. It wasn't until Ivan started to stroke his softening cock back to life that he started to forget about the pain.
“Relax, love. It will get better soon, I promise.” Ivan soothed as he began to work in and out with shallow thrusts, letting Alfred take him in a little at a time. It was difficult not to just throw caution to the wind and plow him into the bed, but it would be worth the wait in the end. So he dried the tears and hushed the whimpers and kept going.
Ivan's promise held true as pain dulled and pleasure made it's entry. Soon Alfred was panting and begging for it faster as the Russian slid against him. He wrapped his legs around his lover's waist, keening for him as short nails raked down his back. He'd never felt like this before: so willing to give himself over to sensation and lust.
Ivan looked down at the teenager beneath him, sprawled out on the bed like a fallen angel. Blue eyes peirced him with a hazy, half-lidded gaze of pure want and in that moment it was almost too much for him. He hadn't had a meal in weeks and here was this delectable human just giving himself without even having to be mesmerized.
A hand wound itself into Alfred's hair and tugged back sharply, exposing the tanned flesh of his neck to piercing fangs. He steeled himself for impact, waiting for the pain and chill of temporary death. Or undeath, or whatever.
What he wasn't prepared for was the wall of warm, intense pleasure that his him as his lover's fangs sank into his flesh and began to drain his life away. He moaned, bucking his hips onto the cock inside of him. As the amount of blood in his body became less, the coil in his gut wound tighter.
He felt something pressed against his lips. Ivan's wrist trickled with blood much too dark and sluggish to be human, his own blood. Alfred leaned forward and licked the would tentatively, closing his mouth over it to suck greedily as the primal urge was awakened within him. It was like a beautiful cycle of love and horror as they fed from each other, exchanging life forces and making love in a way so intimate that Alfred doubted he could ever be with anyone else afterward.
One more thrust and he was undone, disconnecting from Ivan's blood flow and canting his hips up in a desperate attempt for more as he came between them. Ivan buried his fangs and cock deep inside of Alfred as he filled him up with hot semen and drained the last remnants of human blood from his system.
They slowly relaxed back, panting in the afterglow of their ritual. Alfred stared up at the ceiling, in complete awe. What had just happened? It was like one moment he'd been the person he'd always been, and now he was something different. He wasn't sure if it was the vampire thing, or losing his virginity but something was definitely not the same.
“That was...” He panted, looking over at the Russian man.
“I have found that the turning is more bearable when accompanied by sex.” Ivan remarked, yawning and pulling Alfred to him. Alfred nodded and curled up to him, nuzzling the fine dusting of pale hairs on his chest. He was too tired to really talk about it right now. That would come later.
For now all that mattered was that he was in Ivan's arms, and that he would stay there for eternity.
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One year later
Alfred looked out over the city lights glittering in the darkness. He'd come to appreciate the beauty of the night in his time as a fledgling. It hadn't always been easy, and more than once he'd forgotten completely and tried to go outside during the day or went weeks without feeding. Needless to say, it had taken some getting used to.
But he had Ivan, and he had Toris, even Gilbert had warmed up to him after he'd turned. And every time he slipped up, one of them was there to catch him. It was almost like having a family again, really. He would still look across the open fields in the cool moonlight and wish that Mattie could be here. But most nights he was content just to lay in Ivan's arms or run across the Earth under the stars with him. And yes, they did have to hunt. And yes, it did bother him. For the first few weeks he'd refused to eat, clutching his stomach as the hungry began to eat at him.
But Ivan hadn't given up, even when Alfred looked to be near death for the second time since he'd met him. He'd begged and pleaded with him to eat. He brought him human after human, trying to get him to look at them with something other than horror in his eyes. And, in a moment of weakness, he finally succumbed.
Since then, hunting and feeding had gotten easier. In his heart he still hated that it had to come to this, but everyone had to eat, right? And if you weren't fast enough to get away? Then you became lunch. They were predators, not priests. And he was slowly becoming okay with that.
As the last traces of dusk gave way to pure night, Ivan stepped out onto the rooftop with him. They were in the city on a hunt, Toris waiting at home to greet them and Gilbert driving around in the limo. They would find someone to take back, they would call him, he would bring the limo around, they would drop down from the rooftop and climb in, Gilbert would drive them over to their prey, they would get out and lure the poor unfortunate into the limo, they would take him home, give him a bath, a meal, and a good nights sleep, and then hypnotize him so he didn't know what was going on when they fed. Decidedly less horrifying and painful for everyone involved.
“Are you ready to go, katyonak? Dawn is only a few hours off and we still have to track down a target.” Ivan said, sliding his arms around Alfred's waist. Alfred leaned back against him and shook his head.
“Not just yet, babe. Stay here with me for just a moment longer.” He whispered, looking up at his lover and smiling softly. The taller vampire bent down, sealing their lips together gently. Everything about this was right, and in his heart he knew it from the way Ivan made him feel. Alfred knew he didn't have a heartbeat, but the fluttering feeling in his chest was there all the same. Like Ivan somehow brought him back to life with every kiss.
“Curiouser and Curiouser.” He quipped as he pulled away.
“What?” Ivan asked, confused. He was eying him like he'd just spoken in tongues. Alfred just giggled and leaned up to kiss him on the cheek.
“Don't worry about it. We gonna grab some dinner or not? We still got time to get back to the house before dawn and...you know.” He purred, giving Ivan a smoldering sidelong glance as he turned away and walked off into the night with Ivan not very far behind.
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To be honest, I hate this. I didn't have enough time to really do it the way I wanted and it would have been way better as a chapter fic. But there was only a limited time to do it and I'm not really feeling the inspiration.
Hopefully you guys enjoyed it, though. Cause that's what really matters.