Gale/Jude - Brotherly bonding
Jude Law & Gale Harold ~ Blood letting ~ PG13
[Cross posted to v_bq_jude and gale_blood]
Yawning Jude rubbed at his eyes as he set the book he'd been reading down. Rather than holing up in his room or his study Jude had picked one of the sitting rooms in the house so he could stretch out on the couch. While he knew he could have done the same thing at Gerry's Jude had wanted to give the man a night off of him. Although you know he'd argue against that too. Letting out a sigh Jude looked over at his book, not quite sure if he wanted to keep reading or go do something a bit more productive.
Damn it, I did it again, Gale mentally berated himself. He had once again walked off and left the book he had been reading in the study. Shaking his head at his own absentmindedness, he headed out of his room towards the sitting room.
Jude could hear the footsteps before he saw Gale actually enter the doorway. Keeping his book where it was Jude smiled a bit when Gale finally looked toward him. "Evening."
"Hey," Gale greeted his brother cheerfully. It had been awhile since he had really seen Jude around the house. "How are you?"
"Good, good." Shifting Jude sat up on the couch so he wasn't laying down completely, but kept his legs stretched out in front of him. "What about you?"
"I've been doing better, keeping myself occupied," he offered his brother a smile as he spoke. He couldn't explain the happiness he felt from being able to handle and utilize Andre's expansive library. It stirred something in him, something from his old life that made his chest tighten with longing. Gale eyed the cushions near his brother. "You been with your man?"
The happiness was radiating from Gale and for that Jude was happy. He knew that it was hard to find a way to transition through the change and the fact that Gale had something to cling to was definitely good. "I'm glad to see you're doing better," looking down at the cushions Jude nodded his consent if Gale wanted to take it. "I have been. Stayed there a few days."
"I'm starting to wonder if I'm ever going to meet this elusive man of yours," his smile was lighthearted to show Jude that he was teasing as he sat down on the couch.
Jude laughed and shifted his feet so Gale could have a little more room. "If the last couple of weeks mean anything he'll be around. Everything that's come up hasn't scared him off."
"I am happy to hear that."
"Mmm, me too." Jude leaned his head against the back of the couch and smiled a bit. "It's nice having a connection to something alive."
"You deserve some happiness, Jude," Gale's voice took on a more serious tone and his hand involuntarily reached out to brush his brother's cheek.
The touch wasn't what Jude expected but he didn't pull away. "I keep hearing that. Still getting used to balancing everything." Reaching up Jude gave Gale's hand a pat.
"Seems like you are getting the hang of it," Gale quickly released the other vamp's cheek, not wanting to make him uncomfortable by any prolonged physical contact. "So what brings you back home... laundry?"
"No, wanted to give Gerry a small break." Stretching Jude let one of his feet rest on the floor, keeping his other leg bent on the couch. "Got a little rough with him not that long ago."
Panic crept into the peripheries of Gale's thoughts. "Is everything okay?"
Jude nodded a single time. He'd made sure of that before he'd left Gerry's house finally. Made sure he worked his blood sugar back up as well. "He is, just took more then I intended."
"Ah," Gale nodded, understanding what 'rough' meant in this situation. "You okay with everything?" He knew it was an equally important question for the other vamp. He had no doubt that Jude would not have left his lover in a disastrous state, but the emotional strain was sure to take its toll on his brother.
"I wasn't at first...but we talked about it." Frowning a bit Jude shrugged his shoulders a bit. "I've run into some stuff from my past recently, that's messing with me more."
"Something you want to talk about?" Gale huffed a laugh before continuing, "or do you want to tell you pesky, kid brother to go bother someone else. I don't have a problem with making myself scarce, I don't want to force myself on you."
Jude shook his head no and shifted so he could sit up fully. "No, I haven't talked to anyone about it. It's just...I'm used to not seeing people that leave again. Strikes a cord when I run into one."
"An old friend is in town then?"
Another brief nod. "You could call him something like that..."
"Uh huh..." Gale was a bit confused, but he also felt like he was pressing.
Biting his lower lip Jude looked away from Gale's face, focused more on the ground. "I ran into the first vampire that guided me when I was turned. He's not my sire by any means...but taught me necessities. Brought up a lot of memories."
"Of course it did," Gale laid his hand in the center of Jude's back, rubbing small, soothing circles. "He must have been an important figure in your life, yeah?"
"Yeah, we have different...view points on things now. Back then he didn't help me reign in hunger." Jude frowned remembering all too well how often he would go hunting and kill his meals when he was with the other man.
"That isn't who you are now, though," his hand traveled up to grasp the back of Jude's neck. Tugging ever so gently, he brought his forehead into contact with Jude's. "You wouldn't have stopped me that night, and certainly not in that way. You wouldn't have your man. You've moved past it."
Looking up to meet Gale's eyes Jude nodded. "I know...just," Jude paused and frowned again. "I'm fairly certain he's why I was rougher on Gerry."
"Did Gerry tell you no? Ask you to stop... struggle?"
"No." Jude laughed and pulled back a bit to stroke his hand along Gale's hair, trying to let the younger vampire know he was okay. "He didn't and we've discussed it. He said he's worried about me not being with another vampire."
"But you are with other vampires," Gale's eyebrows knit together in confusion. "You live here with me and Andre, and you have another friend... I've smelled another vampire on you a few times..."
The innocence made Jude pause before he laughed, feeling a little more at ease then he had before. "Um...he meant more in the way I'm with him Gale."
"Oh...." his face relaxed momentarily before his eyes widened and shot up to meet Jude's. "Oh! He's worried you aren't cheating on him?"
Jude bit his lower lip and muffled his laugh as well as he could when the light bulb finally clicked for Gale. "He thinks I'd be better suited with another vampire. I wouldn't hold back like I do with him."
"That's fucked..."
Casting a glance over at Gale Jude found himself frowning a bit. "You haven't figured out your powers yet...right?" he asked and for an example held up his hand, letting his nails get longer. "If I don't pay attention it's easy for this to happen if I'm worked up. Gerry's worries make sense, but I chose to be with a human."
"I didn't mean that, not really... I know we are strong," he rambled a bit, hands returning to his own space. "Just that he'd come to the conclusion that you'd be better off either without him or taking on another lover. That takes some balls."
Letting his nails return to normal Jude patted Gale's knee, not wanting the other man to feel too at odds with him. "I don't think he said it to make me find someone else. He didn't react well when I mentioned that I'd attacked him." Jude laughed, a part of him almost wished for a drink, but ignored it. "Why is it you always seem to get me to say things that make you worry about me?"
"We're family," Gale said it as though there could be no other possible answer. "It's my job to worry about you, Jude."
Holding the other vampire's gaze. "We are. And I know that." Jude reached up and rubbed at his temple. "I know how I used to worry about mine."
"I... I know Andre and I are no replacement for what you lost," he hated even bringing up the family that Jude had lost when he turned. "But... I think I can speak for both of us when I say that we care about you. I know at first I joke around about you being my brother, but I mean it when I say it with everything I am. We aren't replacements, we're additions."
There was no hesitation in Gale's voice, no pausing that set off any triggers and Jude found himself reaching over to give Gale's hand a squeeze. "I know that Gale. And I don't see you, or Andre as a replacement. If anyone is replacing anything it's the fact that Andre has offered me the protection a sire usually gives his childe."
"We are damn lucky to have him, but I'd like to think we are lucky to have each other," he took a deep breath, hoping to cleanse the emotions churning through him. Scrubbing his face with a hand, Gale chuckled, "sorry Jude, I don't know whats up with me tonight."
"You're fine." Reaching out Jude ruffled up Gale's hair. "You know that I'm getting used to your mannerisms."
Slapping Jude's hand away, Gale wouldn't have been surprised if he would have blushed at his brothers comment. "And what, prey tell, is that supposed to mean?"
"You're easy to read?" Jude asked and gave Gale's shoulder a nudge with his own. "Seriously, it's not a bad thing Gale. You are who you are, and you still seem extremely human, not a beast."
"I've had lots of help though. Don't know where I'd be without you and Andre helping me out."
Ahh, but that makes all the difference. Jude kept that thought to himself and again ruffled at Gale's hair before settling back against the couch. "You're doing well."
"It helps that I don't go out much," Gale laughed at himself, leaning back beside Jude. "So, what are you going to do... about Gerry's concerns?"
"Deal with them." Jude shrugged a bit and stretched his legs out in front of him. "Not much else to do."
Gale nodded at his brothers words. Like so many other things in life, you just have to deal with it as best you can.
"But no need to worry," Jude said and nudged Gale a bit. "I'm happy, even if I'm a bit confused."
"Good," he smiled at Jude leaning his head to lay it on his brother's shoulder. "Happy is good."
"Seems to be the society norm." Reaching up Jude brushed his fingers against Gale's hair. "How about you? How are you doing?"
"Mmm," shifting and shuffling, Gale settled himself more comfortably against Jude's side. He was glad that the other vampire was comfortable with signs of affection from him. "Haven't tried to off anyone lately... so that's gotta be a good sign yeah?"
Jude nodded his head and stroked his hand along Gale's neck after he settled in. "Always a good sign."
"Yeah, but I keep to the paths less traveled when I'm out," Gale sighed. "Temptation is easier to avoid than conquer."
"Eventually you'll be surprised it was ever a problem." Crossing his feet at his ankles Jude let his eyes close. "While you always might find someone that tempts you to do more, eventually once you learn control, it's pretty ingrained."
"Hopefully that will be sooner rather than later."
"You have a guide, I'd be shocked if it's not sooner," Jude said, keeping his voice soft.
"Better than a guide," Gale wrapped an arm around Jude's chest, giving him a little squeeze. "I have family."
"Yes, and a family that's rather connected since you've drank from both of us."
"I'm sorry about that again. I'm sure that it was something that you hadn't anticipated." Yeah Gale was still embarrassed by that slip, but even more he was grateful that Jude had been there to step in.
Jude gave a shake of his head. "I've given my blood to others before Gale, I'm just glad that it was helpful."
"Thank you for helping me," he paused for a moment before asking, "so we are more connected now? Because I fed from you?"
"A little. There would have to be more given for it to be anything like between Andre and I." Jude stopped when he thought about that. While Gale had fed from Andre as well Jude knew there was still a large part of another vampire's blood that had kept him from dying all those years ago. So things could be a little...different with Gale, but still. "If you fed enough from me you'd be able to know when I was in an area. At least I think you would, in theory."
"Neat trick," Gale was often baffled by the powers of vampires. Surely, there had been a need for that kind of subconscious form of communication throughout the centuries of their supernatural existence.
"It can be if you're in trouble." Jude shrugged, while he'd never had to use that himself in the past he knew it was a major reason for it. Although the last incident with Frankie had proven the need for Andre. "The vampire I've run into from my past, we used to be able to know where we were because there was so much blood shared."
"So, is it common for vampire's to share blood?"
Shrugging Jude thought about the necessity to share blood. He hadn't offered for another vampire to feed for food often, but in the heat of the moment.... Well, that was different. "It honestly depends Gale. You can out of necessity or lust."
"Sorry," Gale settled back down again. "I know I ask too many questions."
"No other way to learn," Jude said and patted Gale's shoulder. "It just...depends. I typically don't offer blood to another vampire to feed them."
"Then it was even more a gift to me," his brother had gone to an extreme to keep him safe.
Jude looked down at the top of Gale's head, knowing he would offer his blood if the incident happened again. "I don't regret it Gale. Not at all."
[Cross posted to v_bq_jude and gale_blood]
Yawning Jude rubbed at his eyes as he set the book he'd been reading down. Rather than holing up in his room or his study Jude had picked one of the sitting rooms in the house so he could stretch out on the couch. While he knew he could have done the same thing at Gerry's Jude had wanted to give the man a night off of him. Although you know he'd argue against that too. Letting out a sigh Jude looked over at his book, not quite sure if he wanted to keep reading or go do something a bit more productive.
Damn it, I did it again, Gale mentally berated himself. He had once again walked off and left the book he had been reading in the study. Shaking his head at his own absentmindedness, he headed out of his room towards the sitting room.
Jude could hear the footsteps before he saw Gale actually enter the doorway. Keeping his book where it was Jude smiled a bit when Gale finally looked toward him. "Evening."
"Hey," Gale greeted his brother cheerfully. It had been awhile since he had really seen Jude around the house. "How are you?"
"Good, good." Shifting Jude sat up on the couch so he wasn't laying down completely, but kept his legs stretched out in front of him. "What about you?"
"I've been doing better, keeping myself occupied," he offered his brother a smile as he spoke. He couldn't explain the happiness he felt from being able to handle and utilize Andre's expansive library. It stirred something in him, something from his old life that made his chest tighten with longing. Gale eyed the cushions near his brother. "You been with your man?"
The happiness was radiating from Gale and for that Jude was happy. He knew that it was hard to find a way to transition through the change and the fact that Gale had something to cling to was definitely good. "I'm glad to see you're doing better," looking down at the cushions Jude nodded his consent if Gale wanted to take it. "I have been. Stayed there a few days."
"I'm starting to wonder if I'm ever going to meet this elusive man of yours," his smile was lighthearted to show Jude that he was teasing as he sat down on the couch.
Jude laughed and shifted his feet so Gale could have a little more room. "If the last couple of weeks mean anything he'll be around. Everything that's come up hasn't scared him off."
"I am happy to hear that."
"Mmm, me too." Jude leaned his head against the back of the couch and smiled a bit. "It's nice having a connection to something alive."
"You deserve some happiness, Jude," Gale's voice took on a more serious tone and his hand involuntarily reached out to brush his brother's cheek.
The touch wasn't what Jude expected but he didn't pull away. "I keep hearing that. Still getting used to balancing everything." Reaching up Jude gave Gale's hand a pat.
"Seems like you are getting the hang of it," Gale quickly released the other vamp's cheek, not wanting to make him uncomfortable by any prolonged physical contact. "So what brings you back home... laundry?"
"No, wanted to give Gerry a small break." Stretching Jude let one of his feet rest on the floor, keeping his other leg bent on the couch. "Got a little rough with him not that long ago."
Panic crept into the peripheries of Gale's thoughts. "Is everything okay?"
Jude nodded a single time. He'd made sure of that before he'd left Gerry's house finally. Made sure he worked his blood sugar back up as well. "He is, just took more then I intended."
"Ah," Gale nodded, understanding what 'rough' meant in this situation. "You okay with everything?" He knew it was an equally important question for the other vamp. He had no doubt that Jude would not have left his lover in a disastrous state, but the emotional strain was sure to take its toll on his brother.
"I wasn't at first...but we talked about it." Frowning a bit Jude shrugged his shoulders a bit. "I've run into some stuff from my past recently, that's messing with me more."
"Something you want to talk about?" Gale huffed a laugh before continuing, "or do you want to tell you pesky, kid brother to go bother someone else. I don't have a problem with making myself scarce, I don't want to force myself on you."
Jude shook his head no and shifted so he could sit up fully. "No, I haven't talked to anyone about it. It's just...I'm used to not seeing people that leave again. Strikes a cord when I run into one."
"An old friend is in town then?"
Another brief nod. "You could call him something like that..."
"Uh huh..." Gale was a bit confused, but he also felt like he was pressing.
Biting his lower lip Jude looked away from Gale's face, focused more on the ground. "I ran into the first vampire that guided me when I was turned. He's not my sire by any means...but taught me necessities. Brought up a lot of memories."
"Of course it did," Gale laid his hand in the center of Jude's back, rubbing small, soothing circles. "He must have been an important figure in your life, yeah?"
"Yeah, we have different...view points on things now. Back then he didn't help me reign in hunger." Jude frowned remembering all too well how often he would go hunting and kill his meals when he was with the other man.
"That isn't who you are now, though," his hand traveled up to grasp the back of Jude's neck. Tugging ever so gently, he brought his forehead into contact with Jude's. "You wouldn't have stopped me that night, and certainly not in that way. You wouldn't have your man. You've moved past it."
Looking up to meet Gale's eyes Jude nodded. "I know...just," Jude paused and frowned again. "I'm fairly certain he's why I was rougher on Gerry."
"Did Gerry tell you no? Ask you to stop... struggle?"
"No." Jude laughed and pulled back a bit to stroke his hand along Gale's hair, trying to let the younger vampire know he was okay. "He didn't and we've discussed it. He said he's worried about me not being with another vampire."
"But you are with other vampires," Gale's eyebrows knit together in confusion. "You live here with me and Andre, and you have another friend... I've smelled another vampire on you a few times..."
The innocence made Jude pause before he laughed, feeling a little more at ease then he had before. "Um...he meant more in the way I'm with him Gale."
"Oh...." his face relaxed momentarily before his eyes widened and shot up to meet Jude's. "Oh! He's worried you aren't cheating on him?"
Jude bit his lower lip and muffled his laugh as well as he could when the light bulb finally clicked for Gale. "He thinks I'd be better suited with another vampire. I wouldn't hold back like I do with him."
"That's fucked..."
Casting a glance over at Gale Jude found himself frowning a bit. "You haven't figured out your powers yet...right?" he asked and for an example held up his hand, letting his nails get longer. "If I don't pay attention it's easy for this to happen if I'm worked up. Gerry's worries make sense, but I chose to be with a human."
"I didn't mean that, not really... I know we are strong," he rambled a bit, hands returning to his own space. "Just that he'd come to the conclusion that you'd be better off either without him or taking on another lover. That takes some balls."
Letting his nails return to normal Jude patted Gale's knee, not wanting the other man to feel too at odds with him. "I don't think he said it to make me find someone else. He didn't react well when I mentioned that I'd attacked him." Jude laughed, a part of him almost wished for a drink, but ignored it. "Why is it you always seem to get me to say things that make you worry about me?"
"We're family," Gale said it as though there could be no other possible answer. "It's my job to worry about you, Jude."
Holding the other vampire's gaze. "We are. And I know that." Jude reached up and rubbed at his temple. "I know how I used to worry about mine."
"I... I know Andre and I are no replacement for what you lost," he hated even bringing up the family that Jude had lost when he turned. "But... I think I can speak for both of us when I say that we care about you. I know at first I joke around about you being my brother, but I mean it when I say it with everything I am. We aren't replacements, we're additions."
There was no hesitation in Gale's voice, no pausing that set off any triggers and Jude found himself reaching over to give Gale's hand a squeeze. "I know that Gale. And I don't see you, or Andre as a replacement. If anyone is replacing anything it's the fact that Andre has offered me the protection a sire usually gives his childe."
"We are damn lucky to have him, but I'd like to think we are lucky to have each other," he took a deep breath, hoping to cleanse the emotions churning through him. Scrubbing his face with a hand, Gale chuckled, "sorry Jude, I don't know whats up with me tonight."
"You're fine." Reaching out Jude ruffled up Gale's hair. "You know that I'm getting used to your mannerisms."
Slapping Jude's hand away, Gale wouldn't have been surprised if he would have blushed at his brothers comment. "And what, prey tell, is that supposed to mean?"
"You're easy to read?" Jude asked and gave Gale's shoulder a nudge with his own. "Seriously, it's not a bad thing Gale. You are who you are, and you still seem extremely human, not a beast."
"I've had lots of help though. Don't know where I'd be without you and Andre helping me out."
Ahh, but that makes all the difference. Jude kept that thought to himself and again ruffled at Gale's hair before settling back against the couch. "You're doing well."
"It helps that I don't go out much," Gale laughed at himself, leaning back beside Jude. "So, what are you going to do... about Gerry's concerns?"
"Deal with them." Jude shrugged a bit and stretched his legs out in front of him. "Not much else to do."
Gale nodded at his brothers words. Like so many other things in life, you just have to deal with it as best you can.
"But no need to worry," Jude said and nudged Gale a bit. "I'm happy, even if I'm a bit confused."
"Good," he smiled at Jude leaning his head to lay it on his brother's shoulder. "Happy is good."
"Seems to be the society norm." Reaching up Jude brushed his fingers against Gale's hair. "How about you? How are you doing?"
"Mmm," shifting and shuffling, Gale settled himself more comfortably against Jude's side. He was glad that the other vampire was comfortable with signs of affection from him. "Haven't tried to off anyone lately... so that's gotta be a good sign yeah?"
Jude nodded his head and stroked his hand along Gale's neck after he settled in. "Always a good sign."
"Yeah, but I keep to the paths less traveled when I'm out," Gale sighed. "Temptation is easier to avoid than conquer."
"Eventually you'll be surprised it was ever a problem." Crossing his feet at his ankles Jude let his eyes close. "While you always might find someone that tempts you to do more, eventually once you learn control, it's pretty ingrained."
"Hopefully that will be sooner rather than later."
"You have a guide, I'd be shocked if it's not sooner," Jude said, keeping his voice soft.
"Better than a guide," Gale wrapped an arm around Jude's chest, giving him a little squeeze. "I have family."
"Yes, and a family that's rather connected since you've drank from both of us."
"I'm sorry about that again. I'm sure that it was something that you hadn't anticipated." Yeah Gale was still embarrassed by that slip, but even more he was grateful that Jude had been there to step in.
Jude gave a shake of his head. "I've given my blood to others before Gale, I'm just glad that it was helpful."
"Thank you for helping me," he paused for a moment before asking, "so we are more connected now? Because I fed from you?"
"A little. There would have to be more given for it to be anything like between Andre and I." Jude stopped when he thought about that. While Gale had fed from Andre as well Jude knew there was still a large part of another vampire's blood that had kept him from dying all those years ago. So things could be a little...different with Gale, but still. "If you fed enough from me you'd be able to know when I was in an area. At least I think you would, in theory."
"Neat trick," Gale was often baffled by the powers of vampires. Surely, there had been a need for that kind of subconscious form of communication throughout the centuries of their supernatural existence.
"It can be if you're in trouble." Jude shrugged, while he'd never had to use that himself in the past he knew it was a major reason for it. Although the last incident with Frankie had proven the need for Andre. "The vampire I've run into from my past, we used to be able to know where we were because there was so much blood shared."
"So, is it common for vampire's to share blood?"
Shrugging Jude thought about the necessity to share blood. He hadn't offered for another vampire to feed for food often, but in the heat of the moment.... Well, that was different. "It honestly depends Gale. You can out of necessity or lust."
"Sorry," Gale settled back down again. "I know I ask too many questions."
"No other way to learn," Jude said and patted Gale's shoulder. "It just...depends. I typically don't offer blood to another vampire to feed them."
"Then it was even more a gift to me," his brother had gone to an extreme to keep him safe.
Jude looked down at the top of Gale's head, knowing he would offer his blood if the incident happened again. "I don't regret it Gale. Not at all."