musesandlyrics | 10.1. Angelina Jolie quote
10.1. "People say that you're going the wrong way when it's simply a way of your own."
Angelina Jolie
Co-written with kindredmi6
[Follows THIS and THIS]
Blaise had no choice but to force himself out of his bed to return to the military facility, despite fighting the whole night before with the intense pain and sickness that plagued him. He really hoped Buffy wasn't scarred by the experience or averted by it all. He might not have ended up bleeding out of every orifice, but his body continued to try and purge it intensely, and he really hadn't looked at all healthy by the end of it. Not to mention the sheer amount of blood loss that came with it all. His bed looked something akin to a murder scene at one point there, but his staff where efficient and attentive. They made it as easy as they possibly could, and even seemed to harbour a new found compassion for Buffy in sticking it out.
When morning came, Blaise had managed to feed on Jacquelynne's lover, who was a human. He knew how important Blaise was to his true love, and was happy to help out, obviously already a regular snack for her as it was. It gave Blaise a little strength, and he finally responded to Riley's many demands for a meeting. He was still ailing, however. On the face of it, he appeared as normal in the wake of the feed, but internally, he was very weak. Finding even walking anything more than between a few rooms just drained his energy. He was now standing in the hospital room of the military infirmary, dressed in a pair of light jeans with a cream knit jumper. He had his arms crossed over his chest as he watched Rory from the end of the bed, unconscious and sleeping as he regained his strength after the second drain. His Haemoglobin levels were up from the day before. A positive sign for Blaise, yet he was still concerned for the Scot. He would remain as close by his side as he could manage until he knew he was strong enough to face the world alone again.
With Kindred senses came extra-strong sense of hearing, on top of everything else. A small noise and a presence alerted Blaise that he was not alone. "Stop," he said and then turned his head, piercing the other Kindred with a look over his shoulder that warned him not to come closer until he gave admittance. It took a few moments for him to deduce there was no threat and then he gave a small nod of permission to approach. "Do not touch him." It wasn't a threat. In fact, the words were issued calmly. It was more just confirming a fact the other man would probably already be aware of. Blaise was intensely protective of Rory for the moment. No other Kindred would dare touch him just yet.
Aidan couldn't help but smile a little. It wasn't as if near Embraces were a new experience, but it was new to be in a military hospital with the Prince of Paris in attendance. Aidan indulged in a slight bow before he raised his hands and spread his fingers to show them to Blaise before he tucked them behind his back to prove that he had no intention of touching Rory. "Not my human," he offered with a slight shrug. "Although I must admit you've just made him my favourite flavour. I'm only here to check up on him, and because I heard you were here. I wanted a word."
Blaise's eyes were back on the other Kindred, narrowing slightly in consideration of the flavour comment. He didn't think he meant Ventrue was the flavour he was referring to, and it wasn't like Blaise made him Scottish like the guy's lover. He didn't respond immediately, instead continuing to size the other man up, taking everything in. "Near death?" he finally accurately guessed, raising an eyebrow calmly. "Non, non, non, mon ami. I did not nearly kill him. He has been here before. This? Is saving his life," he corrected and went back to looking at Rory. "Although, it perhaps makes me wonder what had his brother facing his near end head-on," he added, putting the pieces together quickly.
Aidan inclined his head in a slight nod before he pointed a finger at Blaise. "Guess that's why you're the Prince, huh? Yeah, near death. I know, I know. It's a right cheerful taste to have, but hey... we don't pick 'em, right? Of course it used to make questioning victims of attempted murder, and survivors of crashes a little dicey back in the days I was part of the police force. Still can be a little questionable with MI6, but not quite as hunger-inducing if you get my meaning. I know we're supposed to be big on restraint but if you're presented with a right little tasty morsel it can be a little hard." His features shifted as they darkened, the subject of Logan's near death experience not one Aidan enjoyed reliving. He hated thinking about it no matter how much it might have made Logan more to his taste. How much easier it had been to fall for him once he could stomach Logan's blood. He moved to sit down in a chair set up next to the bed. "Something that had me seriously considering Embracing him... I couldn't lose him. Ironic that I had to nearly lose him to actually be able to have him completely."
"One could argue it is quite cheerful. Near death is not death, after all," Blaise reasoned calmly. "A second chance on life is but one of the most cherished things a human can experience. I would not anticipate that someone who survived a murder attempt would taste as appealing as it seems. Their mental state would be quite questionable. But still, they're survivors. Survivors see life through different eyes, the world has a different hue. Something one cannot understand until they experience it themselves. Much like love." He had his arms still folded around himself, the chill that had set in through him since the poisoned blood something he had been unable to shake. He didn't shiver like a human would, but internally, he felt cold. It had amused him when he explained it to Buffy, likening it to a winter chill, leading to her bringing him a blanket. It had been a nice gesture, one he really appreciated, even if it wouldn't have helped. "Ironic, yet understandable. The luxury of being able to enjoy a lover wholly and fully is a luxury many take for granted. I am to assume Monsiuer Buchanan has not told Rory of his Kindred link, non?"
"You'd be right in that assumption as well, Mr Richelieu. Logan didn't even have any idea Rory had Kindred links, let alone royalty. This has been more than a shock for him and right now he's hurting, he's confused, and he's angry. None of which I can blame him for, but none of which will do him any good. He needs to understand, but that's not going to happen until his brother is awake." Aidan glanced down as he moved to cross his legs and folded his hands in his lap. As common as he was capable of sounding, Aidan really had turned himself into something respectful. All that wealth and status he'd wanted as a mortal seemed secondary to the things he'd now experienced. Even if being an agent for MI6 and creating a network of connections was still something his Ventrue nature prided itself on. "Love's your poison, huh? Interesting... As much as I'm keen for us all to get along, I think you might just want to keep your fangs to yourself when it comes to Logan. Just like I won't bite into Rory here."
Blaise raised an eyebrow slightly and his gaze only shifted momentarily back to Aidan before he was watching Rory again. "Perhaps a fact he should have been concerned about before he ceased contact with his brother, hm? When one cuts the lines of communication with someone, they relinquish rights to vital information. He may indeed be lucky if Rory even wishes his brother to understand when he does wake up. It may be wise to prepare yourselves for the fact he may not. At this juncture, a choice such as that will lay solely in Rory's hands, and if he does not wish his brother's presence, have it be known I will support him on that fact. This time when he looked back to Aidan, his gaze was a lot more serious, even if his features were still calm. "My fangs will grace the presence of any throat I see fit, Monsieur Wright. Understand that you threaten me and I will make it impossible for Logan to even get near his own flesh and blood," he warned.
Aidan struggled to meet Blaise's gaze for a moment. "Of course, sir. Any throat..." At least with the Prince of London, Aidan had managed not to encounter any problems regarding Logan. He'd had his partner all to himself for a while now. Maybe he'd just gotten too used to it. The idea of another Kindred feeding from Logan still got his hackles up, though. Aidan never really had been able to shake the jealous streak in him. "He thought he was protecting me. Rory had become a Hunter and Logan thought that maybe he'd want to hunt me, or my Kind. Obviously he was wrong. Hindsight will always be twenty-twenty."
Blaise had no intentions of touching Rory's brother, and it had been an insult the suggestion was even made. He wasn't going to placate the man. Better to ensure he knew his position early on before anyone got into anything deeper here. If he wanted to feed on Logan, he very much could. At that point, though, Blaise would never just toy with someone else's lover for the hell of it. "Indeed. Which is why Kindred should have eyes and ears everywhere. It is a shame familial relationships had to suffer in the face of it. Rory seems like a reasonable man, however burdened by terrible pains of his past. To the point, honest, wears his heart on his sleeve. I am just yet to truly understand why he was a target. If it had been bait to get to me, I would be aware of it by now."
Aidan's gaze flicked between Rory's still form and Blaise before he rubbed his fingers against his bottom lip in thought. "The fact that there seems to be no kind of follow up, no further threats - do you really believe it ended with the Brujah killed after the incident?" Aidan had his sources. While no one here had really filled in Logan, or Aidan on what had happened, he'd done his own digging again. It helped to become good with computers in this day and age, and military ones weren't as locked up as they thought.
"Seems, being the operative word," Blaise rationalised. "Never underestimate what you cannot see. They merely may have gotten neater with their attacks. Nothing ever ends like that. It will always continue, there will always be others waiting in the wing to take up causes where their predecessors failed. Plain and simple. That is what life is. War and rebellion. It never stops. A ruler can merely attempt to control the outcomes, dilute the casualties. It seems all-encompassing to those involved, because Rory is a loved one they truly care about. The fact of the matter is, Kindred will never stop warring amongst themselves. Power will always be but a bittersweet destiny many desire. "What I do know is that I trust my Brujah leader implicitly. He and his advisors are working day and night on this event, and they will not stop until answers are found. If it leads to more Brujah assassinations, then so be it."
"I have to admit it's never been a destiny I've desired. I've watched what you lot put up with while you govern and I really do not want a part of it. I'd rather stick to just trying to do my little bit, and control what I can. Of course, I'll still always want to be the best at what I do. I really don't envy your position in the least, and I realise me and Logan were a bit of surprise. You should know there's another brother, but I don't think he'll come here. I also know that you did have Rory's interests at heart with what you did. Logan doesn't quite understand it, but I do. Logan just wants to know his brother will be alright. He'd rather do it close to him."
Blaise smirked faintly. "Ventrue is as Ventrue does," he commented, still remaining standing at the end of the bed. He would fight the weakness as long as he could. At the mention of another brother, Blaise closed his eyes briefly, taking a moment of long-suffering patience to himself. At least this time, there was some warning. "Even so, some information on the other sibling would be appreciated, just in case. I have many Scottish friends, I do know of their passion and protective loyalty. The Scottish Prince, she is one of my closest confidantes. You do understand that I have to be satisfied Rory is not going to tear his brother to shreds before I can allow too much contact. When Rory wakes, he will be in a better position to indicate his feelings on the situation as a whole. Your understanding is appreciated, yet in the minority at this point in time."
"Austin would have been less of a surprise, but he's in Afghanistan. He and Rory are apparently the ones staying in most contact. As far as I know he doesn't have a Kindred connection, but the same could have thought it of any brother. Logan thinks it's because of their cock size," Aidan provided with a slightly smug smirk. He'd landed one of the well hung Buchanans so why shouldn't he be smug? "France and Scotland, huh? I seem to remember the two countries being linked a lot in the past. Guess it's never really going to change. Of course I understand, but you do understand that Logan's probably not going to leave without a fight if Rory really does decide he doesn't want to see him. They're brothers. Whatever their mistakes, they're still blood."
Blaise listened intently, making sure he missed no facts, pointed or otherwise. The other brother was in the military. Considering Rory was linked to military here with the facility, Blaise knew he couldn't completely discount the possibility the third Buchanan brother might show up. They had to tread extremely carefully here. Any knowledge was still knowledge and it had to be handled appropriately. Blaise was walking proof that Kindred could be in the military just as much as the next person. In fact, he knew of certain battles in past wars that were entirely won by Kindred involvement. "Ah, the size of one's penis. A benefit that never seems to die through the ages. Even in my day, it was a trait worthy of gaining certain favours. It seems that in the Buchanan family, large personalities go hand-in-hand with large portions of one's anatomy," he noted in amusement. "Our alliance runs deep and pure. Scotland is a country I have much respect and love for. I would not expect any less of a Scotsman, however, Logan may end up being the one most hurt in this. I hope not, but it is not something I can promise will not occur. Because they are blood will simply means it hurts a lot more."
Aidan didn't assume Blaise's silence indicated his disinterest. Quite the opposite. He was starting to learn quickly when the Frenchman's cogs were turning in his mind. He also knew that Blaise was smart enough to fill in most gaps himself. Aidan would just need to deliver the bullet points. He honestly had no idea if Austin would come to France. It wasn't like Aidan had really spent much time with Logan's family. Meeting the parents had been an interesting experience. It had been a long time since meeting the parents had ever been on the cards. He chuckled low in the back of his throat. "Can't deny the size of one's penis is actually a benefit. I know they were trying to push the fact that size doesn't matter, but clearly whoever came up with that has never been around long enough to really start to tell the difference. I think the Buchanans are lucky that they do have a big personality, and big cocks. Usually it's one or the other." Aidan turned to look at Blaise intently. "Are you expecting Rory to stay in France?"
Blaise put a hand up and rubbed his fingers against his lips and then gave his head a slight shake. "I do not expect anything of him. Before all of this happened, he was merely peripherally linked to anything. He was simply being a good friend. Which is what makes this whole situation a lot harder to swallow. I think it would take something extremely important and special to convince him to leave his home. I think his home is where he feels most in control, and that is a facet Rory needs to survive. An aversion to being controlled is what has piqued the anger the most. It is not a power thing, however. It is based on fear. When his family was taken, it occurred completely out of his control, and he had no way of getting them back. He needs to at least know what is functioning around him, and because of that, he is extremely observant of everything around him, and an extremely good judge of character. Skills he has managed to hone over the years by not letting many people too close to him. Those who wish to be have their work cut out for them."
Aidan gave a nod as he followed along, this time the English Kindred playing the part of listener. He cocked an eyebrow at Blaise before he pointed a finger at Rory. "Does he trust you? I don't need to know if you're close, just whether or not he trusts you. Logan's got a right to know. He has no idea if he can trust you, and his brother is about to stay with you. He's not met Kindred royalty before. And obviously he's a little overwhelmed. He was wondering about Rory's depth of involvement, but you've just answered that. What about Juliette? Clearly Rory's not happy with her."
"Non, he does not. He respects me, but he does not trust me. He has not needed to. As I said, he and I have had little involvement with each other. In saying that, I do not know that he completely trusts anyone. Perhaps solely Mademoiselle MacKenzie, and he was coming to trust Mademoiselle Summers. What I can assure you is that I am not bringing him to my home as a guest to control him or isolate him. It is to convalesce. He is badly injured and he has been compounding on those injuries each time he has been woken. There must be rest and recuperation, and my home has everything he could need. You and Logan are more than welcome to stay there, also, however Logan turned down the invitation. You should also know that my place is highly secure, with state of the art security. The things you must conceal for your work would not be safe there," Blaise explained, with an apology in his tone. He fell quiet for a moment, deciding whether this man was entitled to any information about Juliette, and if it was necessary for him to know anything. "She cut Rory's advances off just before the attack, however he was not aware of the fact. She was reacting to decisions of my own, and perhaps prematurely. But we cannot turn time back and rectify what occurred. We can merely hope to heal what has been done."
"I can always speak to Logan about the invitation. He might change his mind, he's just... overwhelmed. It's not as if he's been hanging out with the Prince of London every night. You're royalty, and he's still an average mortal. He still gets surprised at things like meeting royalty. He just wants to know Rory really is in good hands. You can't blame him for that." Aidan got up, keeping clear of Rory as he resisted the urge to start pacing and just distracted himself by looking at the walls. "Sometimes I wish we were capable of healing more than just cuts... Don't you?"
"Even royalty needs a place they call home away from being so... royal," Blaise reasoned quietly as he watched Aidan closely when he moved, his eyes following every small shift and movement. "My home has adequate room. I am not the only one who lives there, however. Rory will be in the best hands possible. Once he wakens, he will be in a lot better position to speak his own wishes, too. I will talk to him extensively as soon as he is able to. As will Sergeant Finn. Hopefully he will be in a much better frame of mind with a lot less anger plaguing him. And on your question, mon ami, I have to unfortunately disagree. I think pain, hurt, injuries, suffering... they are all part of what builds who we are. It makes us stronger to face life, and even death. I do, however, wish that we were more capable of preventing emotional hurt before we make silly errors of judgment."
Aidan smirked lightly. "Preventing emotional hurt would be the holy grail. It's never going to happen. We can only hope that somehow we get a chance to make it all up, to prove to them we're not complete idiots. I guess you really do have it all hand. You've got Rory's care pretty well planned, but you're still going to have to put up with me and Logan for a bit longer in some capacity. He really won't let it go until he knows his brother is okay, and I'm hardly about to leave Logan alone with it all. Not so sure he's feeling strong after the knock to the gut. It was a bit of a slap in the face to find his brother so not his brother. And to find him in a military facility."
Blaise nodded slowly. "And where would we be if all injuries could be healed in the blink of an eye, hm? Bleeding is more valuable to us above all else. It is the cursed side to our life. However we are fortunate to have more positive things to counter-act it. You have found love. You should dearly treasure that, mon ami. Many are not so fortunate. Nearly losing him must have been an extremely difficult thing to face, indeed..." he noted, letting the words hang in the air. If his suspicions were correct, Embracing a dying loved one was something no Kindred ever wanted to face, even in contemplation. "At least this is all temporary. If Sergeant Finn's men had arrived but moments later, Logan would never have had his brother back as he knew him again."
Aidan pointed at him as he leaned back against the wall again. "You have a point there. The blood is always first. The blood is also love. You and I... The Ventrue with specific tastes, we can't completely love someone until we love their blood. I do treasure it. I realise all too well how lucky I am. It was a second chance for both of us." Aidan's jaw clenched again as he just nodded, his eyes unfocused as he once again went back to that moment by Logan's hospital bedside when he had genuinely considered Embracing the Scot. "It makes me ill to consider such an alternative. Unfortunately Embracing against one's will is never going to vanish completely."
"We still have human souls. It is beyond us to not contemplate at some point how it would be like to take a lover forever. Embrace them, keep them by our side so you can tackle this often harsh world together. That is even more prominent when you come so close to losing them. Unfortunately, we almost always have to say goodbye. And it never gets easier as the years," Blaise murmured, realising how nostalgic and lonely he was feeling again in the weakened state he was remaining in. All he wanted was his strength back, to feel well again. "But again, I must beg to differ on the blood point. I know for a fact it is possible for a Kindred to love someone without ever feeding on them."
Aidan arched an eyebrow slightly. "You know from experience? I can't say I've ever experienced it. I feel terrible for saying so, but it's true. I've only ever loved ones I could feed on. I've never had to Embrace a lover. Perhaps I'm lucky, I don't know. I've only ever had my Sire as a constant presence in my life. A best friend, not a lover."
"When you survive nearly five hundred years, you tend to experience a wide range of things you could not even anticipate. I have not experienced it, however. I have known those who have. For me, if it reaches love, I am able to feed on them anyway. I have never Embraced a lover either. Perhaps why the world seems like such a grey place at the moment," Blaise mused quietly, clearing his throat softly. The ordeal the night before was still fresh in his mind, plaguing him at regular intervals. "Juliette is my mate. She has been the closest to me through my life, for the longest. Others have come and gone. The life of a Kindred just some days feels extremely long."
"Love?" Aidan smirked knowingly. "Interesting... It's also hard not to feel the age gap sometimes. That you really do have quite a few years on anyone you meet. Not to mention knowing just how finite a human life is. It doesn't last forever... Only our lives would be so much lonelier if we never did let ourselves fall in love from time to time. Can I ask why you and Juliette were never... more?"
Blaise smirked faintly. "We were... once. We nearly destroyed each other. I guess you could say we are more, we were just not destined to be in love, however I love her very much. She and Emmeline are the most important people in my life. I would kill for them... have killed for them. Sometimes you can survive without a lover if you are surrounded by people you love. It balances it out. I am fortunate to have many who care for me, and vice versa."
Aidan pressed his lips together thoughtfully. "But you still want more," he guessed.
"I need more," Blaise corrected, purposefully not meeting Aidan's gaze at that point.
Word Count | 4,535
Angelina Jolie
Co-written with kindredmi6
[Follows THIS and THIS]
Blaise had no choice but to force himself out of his bed to return to the military facility, despite fighting the whole night before with the intense pain and sickness that plagued him. He really hoped Buffy wasn't scarred by the experience or averted by it all. He might not have ended up bleeding out of every orifice, but his body continued to try and purge it intensely, and he really hadn't looked at all healthy by the end of it. Not to mention the sheer amount of blood loss that came with it all. His bed looked something akin to a murder scene at one point there, but his staff where efficient and attentive. They made it as easy as they possibly could, and even seemed to harbour a new found compassion for Buffy in sticking it out.
When morning came, Blaise had managed to feed on Jacquelynne's lover, who was a human. He knew how important Blaise was to his true love, and was happy to help out, obviously already a regular snack for her as it was. It gave Blaise a little strength, and he finally responded to Riley's many demands for a meeting. He was still ailing, however. On the face of it, he appeared as normal in the wake of the feed, but internally, he was very weak. Finding even walking anything more than between a few rooms just drained his energy. He was now standing in the hospital room of the military infirmary, dressed in a pair of light jeans with a cream knit jumper. He had his arms crossed over his chest as he watched Rory from the end of the bed, unconscious and sleeping as he regained his strength after the second drain. His Haemoglobin levels were up from the day before. A positive sign for Blaise, yet he was still concerned for the Scot. He would remain as close by his side as he could manage until he knew he was strong enough to face the world alone again.
With Kindred senses came extra-strong sense of hearing, on top of everything else. A small noise and a presence alerted Blaise that he was not alone. "Stop," he said and then turned his head, piercing the other Kindred with a look over his shoulder that warned him not to come closer until he gave admittance. It took a few moments for him to deduce there was no threat and then he gave a small nod of permission to approach. "Do not touch him." It wasn't a threat. In fact, the words were issued calmly. It was more just confirming a fact the other man would probably already be aware of. Blaise was intensely protective of Rory for the moment. No other Kindred would dare touch him just yet.
Aidan couldn't help but smile a little. It wasn't as if near Embraces were a new experience, but it was new to be in a military hospital with the Prince of Paris in attendance. Aidan indulged in a slight bow before he raised his hands and spread his fingers to show them to Blaise before he tucked them behind his back to prove that he had no intention of touching Rory. "Not my human," he offered with a slight shrug. "Although I must admit you've just made him my favourite flavour. I'm only here to check up on him, and because I heard you were here. I wanted a word."
Blaise's eyes were back on the other Kindred, narrowing slightly in consideration of the flavour comment. He didn't think he meant Ventrue was the flavour he was referring to, and it wasn't like Blaise made him Scottish like the guy's lover. He didn't respond immediately, instead continuing to size the other man up, taking everything in. "Near death?" he finally accurately guessed, raising an eyebrow calmly. "Non, non, non, mon ami. I did not nearly kill him. He has been here before. This? Is saving his life," he corrected and went back to looking at Rory. "Although, it perhaps makes me wonder what had his brother facing his near end head-on," he added, putting the pieces together quickly.
Aidan inclined his head in a slight nod before he pointed a finger at Blaise. "Guess that's why you're the Prince, huh? Yeah, near death. I know, I know. It's a right cheerful taste to have, but hey... we don't pick 'em, right? Of course it used to make questioning victims of attempted murder, and survivors of crashes a little dicey back in the days I was part of the police force. Still can be a little questionable with MI6, but not quite as hunger-inducing if you get my meaning. I know we're supposed to be big on restraint but if you're presented with a right little tasty morsel it can be a little hard." His features shifted as they darkened, the subject of Logan's near death experience not one Aidan enjoyed reliving. He hated thinking about it no matter how much it might have made Logan more to his taste. How much easier it had been to fall for him once he could stomach Logan's blood. He moved to sit down in a chair set up next to the bed. "Something that had me seriously considering Embracing him... I couldn't lose him. Ironic that I had to nearly lose him to actually be able to have him completely."
"One could argue it is quite cheerful. Near death is not death, after all," Blaise reasoned calmly. "A second chance on life is but one of the most cherished things a human can experience. I would not anticipate that someone who survived a murder attempt would taste as appealing as it seems. Their mental state would be quite questionable. But still, they're survivors. Survivors see life through different eyes, the world has a different hue. Something one cannot understand until they experience it themselves. Much like love." He had his arms still folded around himself, the chill that had set in through him since the poisoned blood something he had been unable to shake. He didn't shiver like a human would, but internally, he felt cold. It had amused him when he explained it to Buffy, likening it to a winter chill, leading to her bringing him a blanket. It had been a nice gesture, one he really appreciated, even if it wouldn't have helped. "Ironic, yet understandable. The luxury of being able to enjoy a lover wholly and fully is a luxury many take for granted. I am to assume Monsiuer Buchanan has not told Rory of his Kindred link, non?"
"You'd be right in that assumption as well, Mr Richelieu. Logan didn't even have any idea Rory had Kindred links, let alone royalty. This has been more than a shock for him and right now he's hurting, he's confused, and he's angry. None of which I can blame him for, but none of which will do him any good. He needs to understand, but that's not going to happen until his brother is awake." Aidan glanced down as he moved to cross his legs and folded his hands in his lap. As common as he was capable of sounding, Aidan really had turned himself into something respectful. All that wealth and status he'd wanted as a mortal seemed secondary to the things he'd now experienced. Even if being an agent for MI6 and creating a network of connections was still something his Ventrue nature prided itself on. "Love's your poison, huh? Interesting... As much as I'm keen for us all to get along, I think you might just want to keep your fangs to yourself when it comes to Logan. Just like I won't bite into Rory here."
Blaise raised an eyebrow slightly and his gaze only shifted momentarily back to Aidan before he was watching Rory again. "Perhaps a fact he should have been concerned about before he ceased contact with his brother, hm? When one cuts the lines of communication with someone, they relinquish rights to vital information. He may indeed be lucky if Rory even wishes his brother to understand when he does wake up. It may be wise to prepare yourselves for the fact he may not. At this juncture, a choice such as that will lay solely in Rory's hands, and if he does not wish his brother's presence, have it be known I will support him on that fact. This time when he looked back to Aidan, his gaze was a lot more serious, even if his features were still calm. "My fangs will grace the presence of any throat I see fit, Monsieur Wright. Understand that you threaten me and I will make it impossible for Logan to even get near his own flesh and blood," he warned.
Aidan struggled to meet Blaise's gaze for a moment. "Of course, sir. Any throat..." At least with the Prince of London, Aidan had managed not to encounter any problems regarding Logan. He'd had his partner all to himself for a while now. Maybe he'd just gotten too used to it. The idea of another Kindred feeding from Logan still got his hackles up, though. Aidan never really had been able to shake the jealous streak in him. "He thought he was protecting me. Rory had become a Hunter and Logan thought that maybe he'd want to hunt me, or my Kind. Obviously he was wrong. Hindsight will always be twenty-twenty."
Blaise had no intentions of touching Rory's brother, and it had been an insult the suggestion was even made. He wasn't going to placate the man. Better to ensure he knew his position early on before anyone got into anything deeper here. If he wanted to feed on Logan, he very much could. At that point, though, Blaise would never just toy with someone else's lover for the hell of it. "Indeed. Which is why Kindred should have eyes and ears everywhere. It is a shame familial relationships had to suffer in the face of it. Rory seems like a reasonable man, however burdened by terrible pains of his past. To the point, honest, wears his heart on his sleeve. I am just yet to truly understand why he was a target. If it had been bait to get to me, I would be aware of it by now."
Aidan's gaze flicked between Rory's still form and Blaise before he rubbed his fingers against his bottom lip in thought. "The fact that there seems to be no kind of follow up, no further threats - do you really believe it ended with the Brujah killed after the incident?" Aidan had his sources. While no one here had really filled in Logan, or Aidan on what had happened, he'd done his own digging again. It helped to become good with computers in this day and age, and military ones weren't as locked up as they thought.
"Seems, being the operative word," Blaise rationalised. "Never underestimate what you cannot see. They merely may have gotten neater with their attacks. Nothing ever ends like that. It will always continue, there will always be others waiting in the wing to take up causes where their predecessors failed. Plain and simple. That is what life is. War and rebellion. It never stops. A ruler can merely attempt to control the outcomes, dilute the casualties. It seems all-encompassing to those involved, because Rory is a loved one they truly care about. The fact of the matter is, Kindred will never stop warring amongst themselves. Power will always be but a bittersweet destiny many desire. "What I do know is that I trust my Brujah leader implicitly. He and his advisors are working day and night on this event, and they will not stop until answers are found. If it leads to more Brujah assassinations, then so be it."
"I have to admit it's never been a destiny I've desired. I've watched what you lot put up with while you govern and I really do not want a part of it. I'd rather stick to just trying to do my little bit, and control what I can. Of course, I'll still always want to be the best at what I do. I really don't envy your position in the least, and I realise me and Logan were a bit of surprise. You should know there's another brother, but I don't think he'll come here. I also know that you did have Rory's interests at heart with what you did. Logan doesn't quite understand it, but I do. Logan just wants to know his brother will be alright. He'd rather do it close to him."
Blaise smirked faintly. "Ventrue is as Ventrue does," he commented, still remaining standing at the end of the bed. He would fight the weakness as long as he could. At the mention of another brother, Blaise closed his eyes briefly, taking a moment of long-suffering patience to himself. At least this time, there was some warning. "Even so, some information on the other sibling would be appreciated, just in case. I have many Scottish friends, I do know of their passion and protective loyalty. The Scottish Prince, she is one of my closest confidantes. You do understand that I have to be satisfied Rory is not going to tear his brother to shreds before I can allow too much contact. When Rory wakes, he will be in a better position to indicate his feelings on the situation as a whole. Your understanding is appreciated, yet in the minority at this point in time."
"Austin would have been less of a surprise, but he's in Afghanistan. He and Rory are apparently the ones staying in most contact. As far as I know he doesn't have a Kindred connection, but the same could have thought it of any brother. Logan thinks it's because of their cock size," Aidan provided with a slightly smug smirk. He'd landed one of the well hung Buchanans so why shouldn't he be smug? "France and Scotland, huh? I seem to remember the two countries being linked a lot in the past. Guess it's never really going to change. Of course I understand, but you do understand that Logan's probably not going to leave without a fight if Rory really does decide he doesn't want to see him. They're brothers. Whatever their mistakes, they're still blood."
Blaise listened intently, making sure he missed no facts, pointed or otherwise. The other brother was in the military. Considering Rory was linked to military here with the facility, Blaise knew he couldn't completely discount the possibility the third Buchanan brother might show up. They had to tread extremely carefully here. Any knowledge was still knowledge and it had to be handled appropriately. Blaise was walking proof that Kindred could be in the military just as much as the next person. In fact, he knew of certain battles in past wars that were entirely won by Kindred involvement. "Ah, the size of one's penis. A benefit that never seems to die through the ages. Even in my day, it was a trait worthy of gaining certain favours. It seems that in the Buchanan family, large personalities go hand-in-hand with large portions of one's anatomy," he noted in amusement. "Our alliance runs deep and pure. Scotland is a country I have much respect and love for. I would not expect any less of a Scotsman, however, Logan may end up being the one most hurt in this. I hope not, but it is not something I can promise will not occur. Because they are blood will simply means it hurts a lot more."
Aidan didn't assume Blaise's silence indicated his disinterest. Quite the opposite. He was starting to learn quickly when the Frenchman's cogs were turning in his mind. He also knew that Blaise was smart enough to fill in most gaps himself. Aidan would just need to deliver the bullet points. He honestly had no idea if Austin would come to France. It wasn't like Aidan had really spent much time with Logan's family. Meeting the parents had been an interesting experience. It had been a long time since meeting the parents had ever been on the cards. He chuckled low in the back of his throat. "Can't deny the size of one's penis is actually a benefit. I know they were trying to push the fact that size doesn't matter, but clearly whoever came up with that has never been around long enough to really start to tell the difference. I think the Buchanans are lucky that they do have a big personality, and big cocks. Usually it's one or the other." Aidan turned to look at Blaise intently. "Are you expecting Rory to stay in France?"
Blaise put a hand up and rubbed his fingers against his lips and then gave his head a slight shake. "I do not expect anything of him. Before all of this happened, he was merely peripherally linked to anything. He was simply being a good friend. Which is what makes this whole situation a lot harder to swallow. I think it would take something extremely important and special to convince him to leave his home. I think his home is where he feels most in control, and that is a facet Rory needs to survive. An aversion to being controlled is what has piqued the anger the most. It is not a power thing, however. It is based on fear. When his family was taken, it occurred completely out of his control, and he had no way of getting them back. He needs to at least know what is functioning around him, and because of that, he is extremely observant of everything around him, and an extremely good judge of character. Skills he has managed to hone over the years by not letting many people too close to him. Those who wish to be have their work cut out for them."
Aidan gave a nod as he followed along, this time the English Kindred playing the part of listener. He cocked an eyebrow at Blaise before he pointed a finger at Rory. "Does he trust you? I don't need to know if you're close, just whether or not he trusts you. Logan's got a right to know. He has no idea if he can trust you, and his brother is about to stay with you. He's not met Kindred royalty before. And obviously he's a little overwhelmed. He was wondering about Rory's depth of involvement, but you've just answered that. What about Juliette? Clearly Rory's not happy with her."
"Non, he does not. He respects me, but he does not trust me. He has not needed to. As I said, he and I have had little involvement with each other. In saying that, I do not know that he completely trusts anyone. Perhaps solely Mademoiselle MacKenzie, and he was coming to trust Mademoiselle Summers. What I can assure you is that I am not bringing him to my home as a guest to control him or isolate him. It is to convalesce. He is badly injured and he has been compounding on those injuries each time he has been woken. There must be rest and recuperation, and my home has everything he could need. You and Logan are more than welcome to stay there, also, however Logan turned down the invitation. You should also know that my place is highly secure, with state of the art security. The things you must conceal for your work would not be safe there," Blaise explained, with an apology in his tone. He fell quiet for a moment, deciding whether this man was entitled to any information about Juliette, and if it was necessary for him to know anything. "She cut Rory's advances off just before the attack, however he was not aware of the fact. She was reacting to decisions of my own, and perhaps prematurely. But we cannot turn time back and rectify what occurred. We can merely hope to heal what has been done."
"I can always speak to Logan about the invitation. He might change his mind, he's just... overwhelmed. It's not as if he's been hanging out with the Prince of London every night. You're royalty, and he's still an average mortal. He still gets surprised at things like meeting royalty. He just wants to know Rory really is in good hands. You can't blame him for that." Aidan got up, keeping clear of Rory as he resisted the urge to start pacing and just distracted himself by looking at the walls. "Sometimes I wish we were capable of healing more than just cuts... Don't you?"
"Even royalty needs a place they call home away from being so... royal," Blaise reasoned quietly as he watched Aidan closely when he moved, his eyes following every small shift and movement. "My home has adequate room. I am not the only one who lives there, however. Rory will be in the best hands possible. Once he wakens, he will be in a lot better position to speak his own wishes, too. I will talk to him extensively as soon as he is able to. As will Sergeant Finn. Hopefully he will be in a much better frame of mind with a lot less anger plaguing him. And on your question, mon ami, I have to unfortunately disagree. I think pain, hurt, injuries, suffering... they are all part of what builds who we are. It makes us stronger to face life, and even death. I do, however, wish that we were more capable of preventing emotional hurt before we make silly errors of judgment."
Aidan smirked lightly. "Preventing emotional hurt would be the holy grail. It's never going to happen. We can only hope that somehow we get a chance to make it all up, to prove to them we're not complete idiots. I guess you really do have it all hand. You've got Rory's care pretty well planned, but you're still going to have to put up with me and Logan for a bit longer in some capacity. He really won't let it go until he knows his brother is okay, and I'm hardly about to leave Logan alone with it all. Not so sure he's feeling strong after the knock to the gut. It was a bit of a slap in the face to find his brother so not his brother. And to find him in a military facility."
Blaise nodded slowly. "And where would we be if all injuries could be healed in the blink of an eye, hm? Bleeding is more valuable to us above all else. It is the cursed side to our life. However we are fortunate to have more positive things to counter-act it. You have found love. You should dearly treasure that, mon ami. Many are not so fortunate. Nearly losing him must have been an extremely difficult thing to face, indeed..." he noted, letting the words hang in the air. If his suspicions were correct, Embracing a dying loved one was something no Kindred ever wanted to face, even in contemplation. "At least this is all temporary. If Sergeant Finn's men had arrived but moments later, Logan would never have had his brother back as he knew him again."
Aidan pointed at him as he leaned back against the wall again. "You have a point there. The blood is always first. The blood is also love. You and I... The Ventrue with specific tastes, we can't completely love someone until we love their blood. I do treasure it. I realise all too well how lucky I am. It was a second chance for both of us." Aidan's jaw clenched again as he just nodded, his eyes unfocused as he once again went back to that moment by Logan's hospital bedside when he had genuinely considered Embracing the Scot. "It makes me ill to consider such an alternative. Unfortunately Embracing against one's will is never going to vanish completely."
"We still have human souls. It is beyond us to not contemplate at some point how it would be like to take a lover forever. Embrace them, keep them by our side so you can tackle this often harsh world together. That is even more prominent when you come so close to losing them. Unfortunately, we almost always have to say goodbye. And it never gets easier as the years," Blaise murmured, realising how nostalgic and lonely he was feeling again in the weakened state he was remaining in. All he wanted was his strength back, to feel well again. "But again, I must beg to differ on the blood point. I know for a fact it is possible for a Kindred to love someone without ever feeding on them."
Aidan arched an eyebrow slightly. "You know from experience? I can't say I've ever experienced it. I feel terrible for saying so, but it's true. I've only ever loved ones I could feed on. I've never had to Embrace a lover. Perhaps I'm lucky, I don't know. I've only ever had my Sire as a constant presence in my life. A best friend, not a lover."
"When you survive nearly five hundred years, you tend to experience a wide range of things you could not even anticipate. I have not experienced it, however. I have known those who have. For me, if it reaches love, I am able to feed on them anyway. I have never Embraced a lover either. Perhaps why the world seems like such a grey place at the moment," Blaise mused quietly, clearing his throat softly. The ordeal the night before was still fresh in his mind, plaguing him at regular intervals. "Juliette is my mate. She has been the closest to me through my life, for the longest. Others have come and gone. The life of a Kindred just some days feels extremely long."
"Love?" Aidan smirked knowingly. "Interesting... It's also hard not to feel the age gap sometimes. That you really do have quite a few years on anyone you meet. Not to mention knowing just how finite a human life is. It doesn't last forever... Only our lives would be so much lonelier if we never did let ourselves fall in love from time to time. Can I ask why you and Juliette were never... more?"
Blaise smirked faintly. "We were... once. We nearly destroyed each other. I guess you could say we are more, we were just not destined to be in love, however I love her very much. She and Emmeline are the most important people in my life. I would kill for them... have killed for them. Sometimes you can survive without a lover if you are surrounded by people you love. It balances it out. I am fortunate to have many who care for me, and vice versa."
Aidan pressed his lips together thoughtfully. "But you still want more," he guessed.
"I need more," Blaise corrected, purposefully not meeting Aidan's gaze at that point.
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