Nikolai/Sharpe - 01 - Silver Linings
Nikolai lit the cigarette and took a drag as he waited by the car in front of Andre's house. Andre had a guest that needed a driver and Nikolai was a driver. He smiled at his own silly thoughts and took a drag off of the cigarette.
Peering out through the heavy curtains, Andre shook his head; he'd have to talk to Niko about that. There was no need for him to stand at the car and act... well, like a driver. Sighing, he turned to Richard, "My friend, your ride has arrived; thank you for the wonderful evening. I look forward seeing you again."
"As do I, Andre,” Sharpe offered the shop owner a smile before collecting his parcel. Leaning into the other vampire's personal space, Sharpe brushed his lips across his cheekbone before exiting the shop.
Pushing off the car, Nikolai tossed his smoke into the street and smiled at the man. "Hello. I am Niko, the driver."
Having followed Richard out the door, Andre smiled. "Yes, this is Niko. Niko, Mr. Richard Sharpe, formerly Lieutenant Colonial of the Royal British Army. Richard, my driver, and very trusted friend Nikolai Luzhin - Niko for short." Staring at the angular face before him, Andre grinned. "You are well my friend? And the Prince as well?"
Nikolai nodded. "Da." He gave Mr. Sharpe an appraising look. "Soldier, hmm?"
"Once upon a time," Sharpe nodded and turned to Andre. "It was a pleasure as always my friend."
Smiling, a quick look to Niko, and Andre wrapped his arms around the other vampire. "It is always a pleasure with you Richard." Turning his eyes toward the third vampire, he winked. "Niko, I would trust no one else to ensure Richard... and his packages, safety. Thank you; see him home safe and yourself as well."
"Of course," Nikolai said, bowing his head in respect to Andre. "I take care of him." He turned to the door and opened it. "Do you want things in trunk or with you?"
"With me is fine," Sharpe replied as he seated himself in the vehicle's back seat. "It is not too large to be an nuisance."
Closing the door, Nikolai turned and nodded goodbye to Andre before getting into the driver's seat. "Where to?"
Sharpe gave the other vampire his address as he sank into the plush seat. He studied the Russian for a moment before speaking, "do you drive for Andre often, Nikolai?"
"Some," Nikolai glanced back at the passenger. "Drive for Mr. Csokas mostly." He smiled. "Few others. They call you Richard?"
"They do indeed, or Sharpe." Leaning forward he continued, "if you don't mind my asking, how did a Russian vampire end up as a chauffer in New Orleans?"
Nikolai laughed. "Could ask same about you. Want to stop and get a drink and compare stories?"
"Sounds like an interesting evening, provided it does not get you into trouble with your boss."
"If he would have needed he would have called. My job tonight is to drive you where you want. I have fed already, you?"
"I have no pressing need for a feeding," Sharpe leaned back into his seat. "But a drink could certainly hit the spot. Have somewhere in mind?"
"Small club near here. Has a patio," Nikolai turned the corner. "Nice place."
"Sounds lovely," Richard found that in the presence of the heavy Russian accent, his own came out more heavily. An unusual smell wafted past his nose causing it to crinkle in distaste. Were. Living in New Orleans, one was bound to come across that scent sporadically, but to be so concentrated in a vamp's vehicle was more than a bit odd. "Nikolai... do you have a pet by any chance?"
Shifting in his seat, Nikolai looked in the mirror as he pulled into the parking lot. "Pardon?"
"I can smell pup all over you. I do not mean to sound judgmental. It was only a question, though I don't quite know how you tolerate that smell personally."
Nikolai growled. "Is not pet." He lifted his chin. "Is mate."
Raising his hands in a defensive posture, Sharpe spoke in soothing tones. "I meant no offense Nikolai. It is not often that vampires mate with the wolves, I was not aware that it ever happened to be honest."
Nikolai shrugged. "May not. He is - my mate never less." He smiled. "I like to look at him."
That brought a smile to Sharpe's face, "that can certainly make our eternity of darkness a bit brighter, can't it." Noticing that they had parked, Richard moved to exit the car.
"He is young," Nikolai chuckled, getting out and going around to help Richard out. "Feisty. Fights back."
"Spirited... I'm certain that keeps things interesting."
"Very," the driver said and stepped to the club door, opening it for the other vampire. "So, you have some one to keep you interested?"
Sharpe bit his cheek to keep his smile in check. "Several someone’s actually. Keeps things very interesting."
"Smart man," Nikolai laughed. "Yes, I guess you are a soldier." He enters behind Richard. "Sit at bar or table?"
Spotting an open table in the corner, Sharpe gestured towards it. "How about that table. Quiet but not completely removed."
"Good," Nikolai nodded, heading to the table. "We can watch the people."
"Something you typically enjoy doing?" Sharpe questioned as he slid into his seat. The Russian vampire intrigued him; he had not come across many in his time. On top of the novelty, the man was mysterious, very reserved yet blunt and all around entertaining.
"Da," Nikolai nodded, looking up as the waitress stepped to the table.
"What can I get you gentlemen?" She asked, giving the extremely handsome men her best smile and hair flick.
Nikolai held back the snort as he fished a cigarette out of his pocket. "Coffee, black. Richard?"
"The same..." he paused briefly, a smile flirting with the corners of his mouth as he recalled the last person he had enjoyed coffee with. On a whim he added, "and do you happen to have a bearclaw?"
"Sure do sugar," she said with a wink. "Want me to bring you one, an extra sweet one?"
"That would be lovely my dear," Sharpe smiled at the waitress before she sashayed off to place their order. "I'm sorry, Nikolai. I seem to have developed a sweet tooth as of late."
"I think she has too," Nikolai laughed, nodding toward the waitress. "I give you key to car if you need a - moment with her."
"She could be a decent snack. But, I like my meals and my bed partners a bit more rugged these days," Sharpe replied with a smile. "Thank you, though, for the offer. Are you looking for something to nibble on this evening, Nikolai?"
"Nah, I am good," the Russian said. "I never much liked the women. Too easy to break."
Sharpe chuckled, he could see why the tattoo covered vamp could use a sturdier body whether for food or for fun. "I did not necessarily mean her. Just a general comment. Or do you feed primarily from you mate? It is not uncommon I am told."
"Do some," Nikolai shrugged. "He - enflames me. I have to be careful I don't kill him."
"Hmmm... that is very unusual for one man to rile the senses so," Sharpe pondered the implications. Looking the other vampire in the eye, he continued, "you have found a very special treasure Nikolai, take care of him."
"Always," Nikolai said and then frowned, thinking that his always would be quite a bit longer than his Shy's. He sighed, looking up as the waitress brings the coffees and Richard's pastry.
Sharpe had seen the shadow pass over his new friend's face and thought better of mentioning it. Instead he brought a piece of pastry up to his lips, pleased by its sticky sweetness though it lacked a certain necessary element. Imp. Gesturing to his plate he asked, "would you care for a taste Nikolai?"
"No, no," Nikolai smiled, shaking his hand. "You enjoy." He watched the other vampire. "I like watching people eat."
"Alright..." Sharpe's voice trailed off as his eyebrow rose in question. "I typically only eat to fit in, but as I said I have recently developed a sweet tooth. I have a particular soft spot for these... bearclaws." He punctuated his statement by popping a large morsel into his mouth and smiling.
Nikolai laughed. "Is good, soft spot and all." He held up a cigarette. "You mind?"
"What, should I be complaining that your second hand smoke will kill me?"
Laughing, Nikolai lit the cigarette. "Is one really good thing about what we are."
"No guilt for our naughty habits. A silver lining on our grey cloud for sure."
Picking up his cup, Nikolai nodded. "Here is to silver linings."