"You are worried." The words rolled out in a drawl, though one that had spent more time across the pond than in the south. Gregory was already up on his feet, strapping on the security gear that would help him protect others by protecting himself. Armor to make one feel strong. So why did it feel like he was still wearing nothing when he felt Lestat's eyes on his back? That knowing, toying, teasing tone that humored as much as it admired, that times cut as much as tangled.
He'd given his life to his job. Why did it feel fulfilled until lately? One night stands weren't new to him, and what he had right now was hardly a relationship, but it was intimate and there was no escaping it - at least for the next eight months. Gregory half-turned, putting on his vest. "There's a lot of reason to be worried, between the two of us." Bishop Securities had their own enemies, as did Lestat. Each concert felt like a high-speed chase and for more reasons than just the music. He'd also noticed, though Lestat hadn't said as much, that each concert location was slowly building upon the other in terms of familiarity for Lestat. He'd been there, dabbled in that, but each visit the artist grew more antsy. More anticipatory. Like it was all leading to that final show in Paris.
Lestat ambled to his feet, wearing just a robe. He went and trailed a finger up Gregory's neck, making the other man tense rather than shiver. The finger paused then, only resuming when Gregory relented and relaxed. "Bigots and braggarts. The world is fat with them. Well time for a trimming."
A huff of a laugh. "Nice words. They your next lyrics?" He studied Lestat, softening a little. "I just don't want anyone to get hurt."
"I know." Lestat leaned in and kissed him. "It is in your name. In your blood. I promise to try and behave tonight. After all, your boss will be here." His head pulled back, tilted, and smiled. "Is already here."
"Right. You can tell." It was a joke between them, one that Gregory was increasingly failing to find the humor in so much as the truth. Lestat was fickle, temperamental, vindictive and dismissive. Yet he was also lavish, loving, witty and protective. Did that amount to being a murderer? What he'd done to that woman... that witch... it wasn't human. Yet neither was what she'd been trying to do to the crowd.
Lestat had then doted on Gregory. Worried and fussing, enraged on his behalf. A tender-hearted lover, after an avenging angel from hell. It had scared the shit out of Gregory, while at the same time, he'd felt a kindred sense of loyalty and loneliness. He'd come back for Lestat, and hadn't been left alone for his efforts.
He had to talk to Kate. What he'd say though to encompass it all? Who the hell knew. "I have to go. Get ready."
"Yes. We have our parts to play, do we not?" A cryptic smile that showed white teeth. Lestat turned then, his back to Gregory as the other man lingered before departing for his spot.
Meanwhile, outside the concert hall, a stylish woman with a severe haircut and various tattoos met Kate and Matt at the ticket counter for the VIP line, giving them a doubtful look but not saying anything about it. They didn't seem the sort to get backstage, but then, neither had that drawling vampire until she'd learned it was Lestat's ex-lover. That had been an interesting night.
"Enjoy the show. Complimentary refreshments are right that way," she said as they had an escort to lead them around the crowd and to the side of the stage. Matt instantly disliked her and the overall pretentious nature of the staff, outside Kate's crew, but the general public seemed mild. So far. Usual fan excitement that was a hum that gave him a slight headache but wasn't terrible yet. His hand on Kate's back he said in a low voice, "No Powell yet but I don't know all the Task Force by heart."
Kate was well aware that they stuck out like a sore thumb, but the lanyards hanging from their necks had enough authority to keep questions silenced. Even if both she and Matt had chosen pretty casual clothes, she knew the kinda people that paid this dough to try and be close to their idol just for a few hours one night. From classic goths to people dressed as if they had just walked out of a French Bridgerton, everyone was in their most flamboyant looks. Everyone wanted to match Lestat's energy in the hopes that, fulfilling some Watppad fantasy, the vampire would chose them for the night.
Could Kate blame them?
Squeezing Matt's hand, they were guided through the halls as his stick clicked on the floor.
"It's mostly our people here in the back so far," she whispered back at him. The staff didn't recognize Kate, but they all wore matching Tour t-shirts and Bishop Security vests.
"Miss Bishop?" Stopping on their tracks, the escort with heavy dark makeup arched a brow as one of their security team actually did recognise Kate. They had talked the first time they came to Lestat's concert, back when it was all entertainment and they had no true concerns about the vampire's true identity and plans.
"Carlos, hey!" Kate was instantly familiar with the man, giving him a pat on the arm.
"Coming to another show? You're a big fan."
Kate showed a sheepish but wide grin as she gestured towards herself and shrugged. "Yeah, guilty as charged." She pointed at Matt. "Oh, this is Matt. Matt? Carlos." Then, naturally, her finger aimed at their escort. "And this is...?"
"Peggy," the woman answered after a moment of hesitation. She was watching the exchange as if that somehow was weirder than pretending that your boss is a centuries old vampire who sometimes feeds on stage.
"Peggy! There we go, we all know each other now. You're good? Is the family okay?" Kate could tell both Carlos and Peggy were eager to get back to work, even if the man was also tempted to actually keep chatting. They were on the clock, after all. "Hey, you haven't seen Greg by any chance, have you? I have to talk to him." She leaned in, almost secretive on her tone. "Work related." The look on Carlos' face said it all. Had his friend screwed up? Kate was quick on fixing that. "Good news, but not a big deal." She laughed awkwardly. "I mean, it would be super unprofessional of me to give him bad news here, right? Nah, it's chill. Don't worry!"
The man, only a few years older than Kate, smiled awkwardly but clearly relieved. "I'll go find him for you. Enjoy the show." He nodded at Matt. "Pleasure to meet you, sir."
Peggy, who's eyebrow seemed doomed to remain eternally arched behind her cat-eye shaped glasses, waved her hand showing them the path. "This way, please."
Soon, Matt and Kate were surrounded of a group of people that did fit the criteria you'd expect at this concert. The teenagers were loud and excited and probably discussing details Matt was dreading to hear.
Kate was busy guiding them towards the refreshments.
Matt's face carved up in a warm smile at hearing Kate's tone when introducing Carlos. He held out a hand which Carlos reached out to greet and shake enthusiastically, not awkward at having to maneuver around a man who had a walking stick. Lestat's concert brought out many eccentric kinds, from goths to period cosplayers, from the mangled to the manipulated. Desperation tinged with defiance. A powder keg of emotional volatility and community that was grounded in an explosive figure. Matt couldn't deny the sense of excitement, of genuine anticipation, but he also understood the risks involved in gathering people together. He got it now more than ever, and intention mattered in those cases. Was the person steering this helm having good intentions? They were here to find out.
It was possible that they stood against Fisk but also didn't stand for what the fight in Hell's Kitchen did. Nuance as always in friends and enemies, and where lines were drawn between.
He followed Kate to the refreshments, murmuring, "Your guy just left the room where Lestat was." He couldn't sense Lestat's heartbeat or heat signature, but the man had a very identifiable scent. Not an unpleasant one, if anything it was actually quite seductive, but very distinct. Lestat was not trying to hide from anyone or anything, it seemed. He wanted to stand out. Well, what artist didn't?
Gregory also had that scent on him when he approached them, having been warned by Carlos that Kate was looking for him.
The large man looked like he hadn't slept well lately, and his arm was still tender, but he had the calm air of one who was used to controlling chaos. He approached them, gave a nod and smile to Matt, and said to Kate, "You were looking for me, Ms. Bishop?" He noticed that Matt discreetly excused himself for the bathroom, although he didn't notice that Matt didn't head to the lav.
"Excuse me, you can't be here." A nasal voice stopped Matt as he ended up near the green room, just as Lestat exited.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I must have gotten turned around. Say... are you from Queens?" Matt smiled at the woman, who was startled but started talking about how yes, she was from there, how did he know?
Lestat paused, studying the violinist who also happened to be a blind lawyer. Well. Who was putting on a show now, with that smile and charming disassembling? "That will be all, Katrina." The woman scurried away as Lestat studied the man. "You were turned around, Mr. Murdock?"
"Yeah. Lots happening back here... wait, Mr. de Lioncourt?" Matt's forehead furrowed perfectly out of practice. "Kate's going to be so annoyed I ran into you first. By accident, of course."
Even the refreshments seemed to be in a theme. Not cheap Halloween stuff you'd expect from a guy everyone thought was pretending to be undead, but a table that actually seemed to be a prop from a period piece. Fruit, cheeses, roast instead of sushi and canapés. The drinks on the other hand had a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, something indeed fit for a rock concert. Kate grabbed some cheese and crackers, listening to Matt describe the position of their target.
It was so handy to have a human radar sometimes.
Looking like a chipmunk, as her cheeks were full, Kate enthusiastically waved at Greg as she noticed him approaching. She stroked Matt's arm as silent response to him excusing himself and watched him leave. The ball was rolling. He would find Lestat and give them some privacy.
Wiping her hands on her black jeans as she swallowed what was frankly a pretty good quality cheese, Kate nodded and patted Greg's wide back. "Hey, yeah. Yeah, I'd thought we could catch up for a second before, you know, you're busy with work and stuff."
Finally being able to take a good, close look at the gentle giant, Kate was a little taken aback by the sight of him. Greg was without a doubt looking a little pale. It was mostly the bags under his eyes that she noticed, something that people sure took for granted when it came to working at tours like this one.
Kate couldn't help but worry, though, her mind instantly wandering towards worrisome scenarios. Blue eyes scanned Greg, that big toned chest that seemed ready to rip his tour t-shirt by the next breath. His neck, though? Kate didn't instantly notice any scars, but then, she couldn't stare for long. Greg had guided her towards a hallway, white and as long as it was empty. The light above them was fickle, reminding her of several horror movies that ended with final girls covered in blood.
A snack, as Lestat would probably say.
"We don't have much time," Greg told Kate, still talking in whispers as they could be interrupted at any time. "I've noticed--"
The words lingered in the air. There was an inside-joke between him and Lestat, in which the frenchman - if he was even french in real life, for all Greg knew he could be Canadian - always seemed to be aware of impossible things. Would be he able...? No, how would he be able to hear them? Greg considered it twice, typing on his phone for Kate to read his messages and deleting them right after she was done. No, he was worrying too much.
"It's all a big show. Even with the people behind the scenes, Lestat keeps it up. He has these fake fangs and sometimes pretends to play with the groupies and --" And Greg himself.
"Are the guys alright?" Kate was quick to ask.
"Guys and girls." Greg seemed to consider that for a second. "That's --" Not his territory. "Jules, one of his personal assistants takes care of that stuff." Surely they were escorted out of the place or the hotel right after, maybe Jules got a cab for them. Greg always stood by Lestat's heel, like a faithful dog. A faithful lover that was rewarded as less of those groupies made it to the dressing room or the hotel lately.
Lestat could have anyone. And yet he was choosing him lately.
Kate simply nodded. It didn't sound like things were too fishy. Matt and her, they were probably worrying about nothing. About a show.
"Of course." Lestat sniffed, stepping forward with a pleasantly frozen smile on his face that he realized a beat later Matt could not see. No matter. "You sound and smell like your city, Mr. Murdock."
"Yeah?" Matt's hands tightened on his cane but his smile was equally frozen in a pleasant frame. "What smell is that?"
"Rageful. Timeless, yet always, a touch more behind the times than a city wants to admit." Lestat stepped forward, uncomfortably close, but of course the blind man wouldn't notice. He didn't stand any different. "A bit like hot dogs and sewer."
"Well. We got that tip from overseas." How to build a proper sewer. "We just finessed it."
"Mmm. And married it to excess?"
"Would you have the fans here if America wasn't about indulgence?" Both men bantered like something precious was at cost, but neither of the wagers was their own welfare being considered. After a pause Matt replied softly, "I've never been married. Have you?"
"Does a contract matter to you? Ah. You're a lawyer. I rescind the question."
Both laughed.
"Kate matters to you." Lestat reached out, a gentle probe of Matt's mind that found a blurry of fucking headache-inducing insanity that would have driven a younger vampire to his knees. Even as it was there was a sharp intake of breath... yet also the pulsing purity beneath it of a man that was absolutely at the end of his convictions. Emotions driving unrelenting sensory data... a man that tottering forever on the edge of madness, balanced only by fuck all Lestat knew to balance the tides.
"Many things matter to me. Including the power of music. Of story. Of voices." Matt's tone was so utterly banal, so entirely centralized. A gutter man from a singular sewer, rising of his own power to become a local prophet. What was he? Not human. Not vampire. Certainly not a witch. WHAT. Soft thunder ended with stating, "This city has many whispers, and if you listen closely, it becomes more than a song. If you're the artist you claim, I hope you do hear it. Thank you for saying what you did against Fisk. It's only the start."
Matt's head tilted then and he smiled. "If you'll excuse me. Or show me the way to the buffet?"
Lestat reached out and cold fingers took Matt's arm. So cold yet firm. A voice on fire as it murmured, "Your fight is a tale as old as time, Mr. Murdock. A story that can swing both ways. Sometimes a song can breath the winds of change one way or another. It is not always in a court of law that society forms, is it?"
A dazzling smile framed his face as they went and approached the table. "Ah, my knight in shining Bishop gear. And Ms. Bishop herself. I ran into your violinist. By accident, of course."
Kate kept noticing how Greg eyed the door. The big guy was sweaty, she had never seen him this worried. Did he fear Lestat? No, it was something else. Kate could tell he was uncomfortable, maybe worried about getting sacked.
She had no idea of how truly divided Greg was on his instincts. Part of him regretted this, feeling that he was betraying Lestat.
"Has the Major reached out after last week's incident?" Kate knew it was a shot in the dark. Fisk did play by asking for permission, he dropped his fist first. Or he drew attention to something before playing his cards. Since he spoke up to the media, he had chosen to ignore Lestat. Trolls on the internet did the work for him, no doubt many of them paid or bots making things go viral. Pete and Alice could confirm that theory.
Still, Kate had to wonder if Fisk was planning to try and bait Lestat somehow. It would look bad, building up this whole thing about their youth following bad examples. A clown pretending to be Dracula and corrupting their kids.
An escape goat to put more cops on the streets, to bring 'order' and frighten people once police brutality becomes the norm.
"Not directly. But they've sent --"
Both Kate and Greg stood upright as Lestat's voice echoed through the hallway. There in all his glory. Those piercing, red rimmed eyes that looked so unnatural, the porcelain skin and perfect hair that looked both perfect and unkept at the same time. By his side, Matt. Sheepish, quiet. Playing his part as well.
Greg simply nodded in acknowledgement, but his gaze avoided Lestat's for a moment. Kate was far more casual. It helped that she was still a little under the starstruck spell of her favorite rockstar. "Mr. de Lioncourt! Thank you so much for the tickets and VIP passes again. It's so generous of you."
The refreshments spared no expense. Lestat spared no expense. It was first and foremost to show he could, and secondly, for the pleasure of the crew who wanted to partake. His orders had been to go with what cost most, and then he let his manager pick from there. Part stage show and part generosity. Why couldn't it both benefit him and others? Why had Louis always sighed when Lestat had a personal motive? He just wanted to sigh was Lestat's petulant conclusion. To moan while others enjoyed splendor.
Yet it wasn't just Louis.
Gregory didn't meet Lestat's eyes, and the pang that pierced a dead heart stung. He didn't move, didn't do anything but smile, but the blind buffoon at his side tilted a head towards him. If he'd voiced sympathy, Lestat would have eaten him alive right then. As it was, his fingers just dug in painfully, waiting for Matt to tap out, to cry, to give Lestat a reason to lash out in return.
Nothing. The pain was absorbed like a sponge.
Frozen eyes shifted to Kate. Ancient eyes, paired with a devilishly irreverent smile that spoke of every age, every time. "Your business has done so much for the tour. It is only fitting to return a proper arrangement with what is due, is it not?" His gaze flicked to Gregory, a cutting smile, before he released Matt and raised his hands flamboyantly. "After all, that is what tonight is about, is it not? A show of what should be, what can be heard, what some did not say. Let it all out. Eat, drink. Catch up. It will be a night to remember."
He moved to get ready to enter the stage.
Outside, rumbling started. In the sky. In the streets.
Lestat knelt as the stage darkened. His children gathered close in anticipation.
Matt leaned towards Kate and said in a low voice, "I'm gonna go outside."
[ never mind that it was likely a perk of the dark gift enhancing any existing talent. a touch of singing around the castle and for the stage, of course, but music was always nicholas's domain, in gabrielle's eyes. ]
One must hold a measure of self-awareness if not self-delusion in order to posture. I am not certain how many lizards and songbirds have that capacity.
It amuses me. I see many cities on the surface, in all of them I sing and they share in it. It is better than having one's stories told for them. They take my words instead and find themselves in them. Or... they just enjoy excellent lighting on display.
He'd been in many places over the years, including amateur theatre houses and music halls. There was something about live performance that excited Lestat, that always had even before he'd been turned. He was telling himself that this was not all that different, that karaoke just was performance that hadn't been practiced. Or auditioned. ... it still didn't sound very tempting to him, but at least he could show off. He could judge in his head, and perhaps under his breath. He could promote his show, not that he needed the promotion.
Lestat, an artist of the people. How fitting, considering he did need them to survive. He needed their attention to thrive, too.
Besides, something else Kate said had intrigued him. Where would she have heard about an upir? Curious indeed. So many little mystical undercurrents going on in her city. He'd been performing not too far away so making the trip back for the weekend was possible.
He turned up at the karaoke bar in leather pants, boots, a golden shirt and sunglasses despite the nighttime hour. He wore it like it was a second skin, entering the space and noticing Kate right away. She was with her lawyer who was also the city's Devil. Delightful. Then there was a third being with them, too. One that did indeed smell different. Whose heart didn't beat.
Very interesting company.
Striding over, he plopped himself down onto a chair and said, "I hope there is wine." A few people around him were staring and whispering, not sure they were seeing actually what they were seeing.
"If you think about it, this totally counts as doing something unexpected for a date." Karaoke with an actual rock star. A rock star who was undead and a vampire and who Kate still was struggling to believe she had sort of befriended him.
Her outfit wasn't as flashy or as cool as what she'd soon see Lestat had chosen for tonight, but she did put a little extra effort on her makeup and had chosen a less practical outfit than what she wore for his concert. She didn't think anyone would ambush them tonight. Nobody knew the vampire Lestat was in town, to begin with.
As drinks arrived to their table, Kate joked and tried to get the ball rolling. Matt of course helped, but Kate could tell Roman was nervous. Of course he was, tonight he was meeting someone who was not quite like him, but that could possibly provide answers.
Someone who might teach him to control his hunger.
Even though Matt subtly let Kate know that Lestat had arrived, watching her idol actually joining them still made her heart flip with excitement.
"Sure! Yes, obviously. This place makes amazing cocktails and has all kinds of drinks. Me and my friends, well," Kate turned towards Matt. "We celebrated Greer's last birthday here and we had so much fun. We got so shitfaced."
Information that didn't seem to catch much of Lestat's interest. Not as much as the people surrounding their table. Kate noticed a few glances as some phone's being subtly aimed their way.
It wasn't long before their waitress arrived with their drinks and, after Kate asked, she turned to take Lestat's order. Subtle as she wished she had been, her jaw dropped for a second as she finally saw him. Later, that girl had to excuse herself to the bathroom, taking a minute for her heart to settle down. She mentally kicked herself for being so obvious. It was a moment she'd replay in her head for years to come, on late nights when sleep became a struggle.
With Lestat, Matt, Roman and Kate left on their own again, she gestured at Roman and the rock star. "Roman, this is my friend I told you about. And this is Roman. We went to school together." Kate licked her lips, painted a darker shade she often only wore at events. An elegant maroon. "Roman can be a little antisocial at times, but we all know that deep down he is the life and soul of the party."
Of course letting Kate plan a date night was never what Matt expected. He'd raised his eyebrows at first when hearing what she wanted to do, but once she explained it he could understand he reasoning better. Roman was not exactly the most emotionally stable and well-mannered individual, and neither was Lestat. Putting them both in public might encourage them to act a little better, or at least, have more to preoccupy their attention than sitting alone in an apartment. Plus, he wanted to be supportive of Roman, both as Kate's friend and Shelley's brother. If they were going to set the man on a better path... well, he doubted Lestat was a great role model for that, but he might at least help with the hunger part. Matt didn't know what such a craving was like outside of sometimes indulging in a desire for violence, but he figured it wasn't quite the same thing.
So he'd dressed nicely but casually in jeans and a button down shirt, the shirt being a dark purple but not anything too crazy. Some purple had worked its way into his wardrobe over the past few months. His glasses were on and he had a whiskey he was nursing. Roman was dressed in his usual style of black suit pants and a suit jacket, shiny shoes, and a simple white t-shirt under it that probably cost a thousand dollars even though they were sold in packs of six for twenty at regular stores. Kate was right that he was nervous, though. Matt couldn't sense by his heartbeat, there wasn't one, but he could tell but how stiff Roman sat and sounded, how his fingers had tapped on the table.
Lestat gave the waitress a sharp but entrancing smile, his usual smile, as he placed his order. Then promptly forgot she existed once she stepped away. "Some people get off on others encouraging them to indulge, rather than letting themselves be the cause of it."
"I don't think indulgence has ever been a problem," was Roman's flat response back, although the look of curiosity and slight wonder on his face staring at Lestat couldn't be hidden. "We're expecting a few more people, but even odds they don't know." He wouldn't blame Peter if he didn't. Things came up in their world, after all, and meeting with a vampire couldn't be high on a werewolf's list of things to do. After all, they both knew that Peter would protect his kin at all costs, just like Roman would do with Shelley.
"Cuz, you know I love you." Destiny's voice was flat, weighted down by years of experience Peter still didn't carry on his back. "But this has got to be the most stupid thing you've ever done."
Of course, it goes without saying. Of course Destiny was there to watch over Peter's back. It was bad enough that Roman was there and her baby cousin seemed to gravitate towards that upir no matter how many times she reminded him that staying well away was the right path to take. A vampyr, too. A loud, chaotic, law breaker. Even his kind were ready to go cannibalistic on him and for good reason.
This was unnatural as fuck. Every alarm was going off and Destiny could feel it in her spine.
And yet, she had been invited by Roman's friends. That sweet girl and the hit blind guy. God, normally she would say 'fuck that' and pack up her things. But Peter wasn't going to turn it down.
"It's the right choice," Peter isnisted as they took the curve. He kept checking the GPS on his phone, the screen as cracked as their sense of self-preservation, Destiny noted. "We gotta talk to this guy, he's the closest thing to someone who can actually guide Roman." Guidance. Considering the little prince had been born with a silver spoon in his mouth and everything he could ever want, he had lacked the most important thing. The one thing even a poor Roma had been born with. Nicolae had taught Peter, got him ready for what was to come. His mother had been there every step of the way. His cousin. Even as a gadjo, an outsider among his own people, that tight little part of his family had given him what Roman could not buy.
Finally, maybe finally, someone was there to freely teach him what Olivia offered in exchange of his soul.
At the bar, Kate rubbed Matt's leg a little nervously, still trying to figure out things as both Roman and Lestat seemed a little tense.
"So, have you guys figured what you wanna sing?" It was good enough to break the ice. "It's gotta be a cover," she let Lestat know. "I mean, you're not gonna give a full show for free, are you?"
Matt placed a hand on Kate's arm when he sensed she was nervous and said to Lestat, "That's a great choice of wine."
"Are you a fan?" Lestat perked up at finding a fellow wino. "Most call a French blend of that nature too full of barnyard flavors. They've gotten too used to the sweetness Italy overlays or the bland neutrality that is here in the States."
"I can appreciate earthy notes," Matt replied back, and then went to bat some American vintages. "Though I also like a good mix of citrus and hazelnut, if you'll give some California and Washington ones a chance."
"It's a date, if Kate will spare you. Unless she wants to join us," Lestat replied back, then waved off her concern about what to sing. "Why not give these people a little preview. I don't need money. I have fame. I'm certain my manager might agree with you, but she'll survive." Lestat, choosing a moment of indulgence and impulsive showmanship just to see what happened, rather than carefully planning long-term about what made logical sense for his career? What could he say, he was a creature of centuries-old habit. "One song from my show might even encourage them to buy more tickets or at least give good press online. At least, that's what we can tell Amber." He adored his manager, in that he tolerated her, and might possibly make excuses when dealing with her since he couldn't very well bite her.
Lestat did tense then.
Death.
He smelled it.
Her.
No wait... not death, but something close to her. Someone close to her.
His lip pulled back, fighting between a smirk and a sneer. The wet dog smell that came with her was also unpleasant, but a man who dedicated his life to a certain amount of chaos, to fucking around to find out, disliked the word Destiny very, very much.
Roman though for his part half-rose from his seat, looking relieved and giving Peter's shoulder a clasp. "I ordered you the stuff." Meaning, whatever Peter actually liked to drink without judgement for the night. A beat then he added in a low voice, forgetting that Lestat could hear them if he really was a vampire, "I owe you." He didn't know about Matt, that he would hear, too.
Matt though just rose and gave Destiny a smile, leaning over to kiss her cheek in greeting. He'd liked the woman, her down to earth, no-nonsense approach reminding him of most people in his life. "Hey. Glad to see you still in town. I came up with a tea and whiskey combination that made me think of you." They had traded some herbal remedies and also cocktail mixes and blending the two seemed a great fit for the mystic woman.
"Tea and whiskey?" Destiny's tone said it all. It was a kick of a high pitch that spoke about how impressed she was, as sharp as the one eyebrow she had arched. She poked at Matt's chest, before looking at Kate over her shoulder. "Cute, thoughtful and a listener. I don't say this often, but this one is a keeper, sweetie."
With a scrunched up nose, she pulled Kate in for a hug next, holding her close for a moment. Even as she pulled back, Kate noted just how warm Peter's cousin was, even with people she just met. Hanging with the woman was like seeing again and old friend you've known your whole life. A closeness frozen in time.
It was odd, to think she'd known Peter even longer, back from her days at school. Despite of that, it felt as if they were only now starting to find their footing around each other. Something similar had happened with Roman and yet, she considered him almost part of the family now. Peter's edges were not as sharp as Godfrey's, but there was an unspoken distance between them. Peter was friendlier, but quieter about the cards he kept close to his chest.
Kate could respect keeping that distance, she thought as the boy held her, patting her on the shoulder.
Picking a glass without bothering to ask who it belonged to, Destiny took a sip. Roman's drink, she could tell. Her attention, however, was on Lestat.
Narrowed eyes and a confident smile spoke for itself. It was a mask, just like the one this creature wore. If life had taught her something is that, when you meet someone that's batshtit crazy, you gotta out-batshit crazy them. It's all about posture. If you face the unknown with fear, the battle is already lost.
"You must be the friend Kate and Matt talked about." She offered a hand, her rings pointing at Lestat almost as if she was expecting him to kiss them. After all, she knew better to freely show her wrist to a creature like this one. It had been a tough lesson to learn, but she did.
They were two breeds of Braques Français. Gascogne and Pyrénées. Depending on the size of the prey for that hunt, they would accompany. Well-trained and well-suited for their role. Good company outside of that fact.
Mmm, perhaps if she had other snacks she'd leave the socks be. Or are you spoiling her with those as well?
I do assure you that no one who enters my home goes hungry. [She doesn't think to pause and wonder, of course, if this perhaps sounds too generous given who she is speaking to.]
Likely they were. They were bred not merely to track but also to trap. Dogs these days are not needed for as many finer points on hunts, when metal weapons can do the trick with greater accuracy. Or at least, that seems the prevalent opinion.
I say that not to disparage. I love many aspects of modern technology. I simply remember what good dogs can also bring to a table. And would never cross them.
So if one cannot be healed, at least they receive a meal? That is more generous than most.
The world lays more barren than it did in days of old. There is little left to hunt that would need an especially large or tough dog, even if technology had not moved on. Few wolves roam where once there were many, even fewrt bears and none of the old European big cats.
Healing is often improved with good food. Fear not though, people do not come to me expecting food. They are always quite shocked. [Probably because she avoids most company like it is the plague.] Do you people not believe in guest rights? To not offer food would be... far worse than impolite.
We are left now to simply prey more often upon one another, than wild beasts that roam. In any case, they were good dogs.
What is on the menu for my kind is usually not what others would consider appetizing. As for guests, I can't say I entertain many. Some vampires enjoy hunting in packs, but on occasion a meal is left waiting for them.
I'm afraid I do not prey on man or beast, unless keeping livestock counts. [Because yes, she did occasionally eat them, and her chickens laid eggs that she ate more often than that.] There are still many good dogs if you miss them so.
Vampire packs do somehow sound less appealing than being set upon by wolves of yore, if you will forgive me for saying so.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
@hawk_shot
Date: 2026-03-07 07:37 pm (UTC)He'd given his life to his job. Why did it feel fulfilled until lately? One night stands weren't new to him, and what he had right now was hardly a relationship, but it was intimate and there was no escaping it - at least for the next eight months. Gregory half-turned, putting on his vest. "There's a lot of reason to be worried, between the two of us." Bishop Securities had their own enemies, as did Lestat. Each concert felt like a high-speed chase and for more reasons than just the music. He'd also noticed, though Lestat hadn't said as much, that each concert location was slowly building upon the other in terms of familiarity for Lestat. He'd been there, dabbled in that, but each visit the artist grew more antsy. More anticipatory. Like it was all leading to that final show in Paris.
Lestat ambled to his feet, wearing just a robe. He went and trailed a finger up Gregory's neck, making the other man tense rather than shiver. The finger paused then, only resuming when Gregory relented and relaxed. "Bigots and braggarts. The world is fat with them. Well time for a trimming."
A huff of a laugh. "Nice words. They your next lyrics?" He studied Lestat, softening a little. "I just don't want anyone to get hurt."
"I know." Lestat leaned in and kissed him. "It is in your name. In your blood. I promise to try and behave tonight. After all, your boss will be here." His head pulled back, tilted, and smiled. "Is already here."
"Right. You can tell." It was a joke between them, one that Gregory was increasingly failing to find the humor in so much as the truth. Lestat was fickle, temperamental, vindictive and dismissive. Yet he was also lavish, loving, witty and protective. Did that amount to being a murderer? What he'd done to that woman... that witch... it wasn't human. Yet neither was what she'd been trying to do to the crowd.
Lestat had then doted on Gregory. Worried and fussing, enraged on his behalf. A tender-hearted lover, after an avenging angel from hell. It had scared the shit out of Gregory, while at the same time, he'd felt a kindred sense of loyalty and loneliness. He'd come back for Lestat, and hadn't been left alone for his efforts.
He had to talk to Kate. What he'd say though to encompass it all? Who the hell knew. "I have to go. Get ready."
"Yes. We have our parts to play, do we not?" A cryptic smile that showed white teeth. Lestat turned then, his back to Gregory as the other man lingered before departing for his spot.
Meanwhile, outside the concert hall, a stylish woman with a severe haircut and various tattoos met Kate and Matt at the ticket counter for the VIP line, giving them a doubtful look but not saying anything about it. They didn't seem the sort to get backstage, but then, neither had that drawling vampire until she'd learned it was Lestat's ex-lover. That had been an interesting night.
"Enjoy the show. Complimentary refreshments are right that way," she said as they had an escort to lead them around the crowd and to the side of the stage. Matt instantly disliked her and the overall pretentious nature of the staff, outside Kate's crew, but the general public seemed mild. So far. Usual fan excitement that was a hum that gave him a slight headache but wasn't terrible yet. His hand on Kate's back he said in a low voice, "No Powell yet but I don't know all the Task Force by heart."
no subject
Date: 2026-03-07 08:20 pm (UTC)Could Kate blame them?
Squeezing Matt's hand, they were guided through the halls as his stick clicked on the floor.
"It's mostly our people here in the back so far," she whispered back at him. The staff didn't recognize Kate, but they all wore matching Tour t-shirts and Bishop Security vests.
"Miss Bishop?" Stopping on their tracks, the escort with heavy dark makeup arched a brow as one of their security team actually did recognise Kate. They had talked the first time they came to Lestat's concert, back when it was all entertainment and they had no true concerns about the vampire's true identity and plans.
"Carlos, hey!" Kate was instantly familiar with the man, giving him a pat on the arm.
"Coming to another show? You're a big fan."
Kate showed a sheepish but wide grin as she gestured towards herself and shrugged. "Yeah, guilty as charged." She pointed at Matt. "Oh, this is Matt. Matt? Carlos." Then, naturally, her finger aimed at their escort. "And this is...?"
"Peggy," the woman answered after a moment of hesitation. She was watching the exchange as if that somehow was weirder than pretending that your boss is a centuries old vampire who sometimes feeds on stage.
"Peggy! There we go, we all know each other now. You're good? Is the family okay?" Kate could tell both Carlos and Peggy were eager to get back to work, even if the man was also tempted to actually keep chatting. They were on the clock, after all. "Hey, you haven't seen Greg by any chance, have you? I have to talk to him." She leaned in, almost secretive on her tone. "Work related." The look on Carlos' face said it all. Had his friend screwed up? Kate was quick on fixing that. "Good news, but not a big deal." She laughed awkwardly. "I mean, it would be super unprofessional of me to give him bad news here, right? Nah, it's chill. Don't worry!"
The man, only a few years older than Kate, smiled awkwardly but clearly relieved. "I'll go find him for you. Enjoy the show." He nodded at Matt. "Pleasure to meet you, sir."
Peggy, who's eyebrow seemed doomed to remain eternally arched behind her cat-eye shaped glasses, waved her hand showing them the path. "This way, please."
Soon, Matt and Kate were surrounded of a group of people that did fit the criteria you'd expect at this concert. The teenagers were loud and excited and probably discussing details Matt was dreading to hear.
Kate was busy guiding them towards the refreshments.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-07 08:45 pm (UTC)It was possible that they stood against Fisk but also didn't stand for what the fight in Hell's Kitchen did. Nuance as always in friends and enemies, and where lines were drawn between.
He followed Kate to the refreshments, murmuring, "Your guy just left the room where Lestat was." He couldn't sense Lestat's heartbeat or heat signature, but the man had a very identifiable scent. Not an unpleasant one, if anything it was actually quite seductive, but very distinct. Lestat was not trying to hide from anyone or anything, it seemed. He wanted to stand out. Well, what artist didn't?
Gregory also had that scent on him when he approached them, having been warned by Carlos that Kate was looking for him.
The large man looked like he hadn't slept well lately, and his arm was still tender, but he had the calm air of one who was used to controlling chaos. He approached them, gave a nod and smile to Matt, and said to Kate, "You were looking for me, Ms. Bishop?" He noticed that Matt discreetly excused himself for the bathroom, although he didn't notice that Matt didn't head to the lav.
"Excuse me, you can't be here." A nasal voice stopped Matt as he ended up near the green room, just as Lestat exited.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I must have gotten turned around. Say... are you from Queens?" Matt smiled at the woman, who was startled but started talking about how yes, she was from there, how did he know?
Lestat paused, studying the violinist who also happened to be a blind lawyer. Well. Who was putting on a show now, with that smile and charming disassembling? "That will be all, Katrina." The woman scurried away as Lestat studied the man. "You were turned around, Mr. Murdock?"
"Yeah. Lots happening back here... wait, Mr. de Lioncourt?" Matt's forehead furrowed perfectly out of practice. "Kate's going to be so annoyed I ran into you first. By accident, of course."
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Date: 2026-03-07 09:20 pm (UTC)It was so handy to have a human radar sometimes.
Looking like a chipmunk, as her cheeks were full, Kate enthusiastically waved at Greg as she noticed him approaching. She stroked Matt's arm as silent response to him excusing himself and watched him leave. The ball was rolling. He would find Lestat and give them some privacy.
Wiping her hands on her black jeans as she swallowed what was frankly a pretty good quality cheese, Kate nodded and patted Greg's wide back. "Hey, yeah. Yeah, I'd thought we could catch up for a second before, you know, you're busy with work and stuff."
Finally being able to take a good, close look at the gentle giant, Kate was a little taken aback by the sight of him. Greg was without a doubt looking a little pale. It was mostly the bags under his eyes that she noticed, something that people sure took for granted when it came to working at tours like this one.
Kate couldn't help but worry, though, her mind instantly wandering towards worrisome scenarios. Blue eyes scanned Greg, that big toned chest that seemed ready to rip his tour t-shirt by the next breath. His neck, though? Kate didn't instantly notice any scars, but then, she couldn't stare for long. Greg had guided her towards a hallway, white and as long as it was empty. The light above them was fickle, reminding her of several horror movies that ended with final girls covered in blood.
A snack, as Lestat would probably say.
"We don't have much time," Greg told Kate, still talking in whispers as they could be interrupted at any time. "I've noticed--"
The words lingered in the air. There was an inside-joke between him and Lestat, in which the frenchman - if he was even french in real life, for all Greg knew he could be Canadian - always seemed to be aware of impossible things. Would be he able...? No, how would he be able to hear them? Greg considered it twice, typing on his phone for Kate to read his messages and deleting them right after she was done. No, he was worrying too much.
"It's all a big show. Even with the people behind the scenes, Lestat keeps it up. He has these fake fangs and sometimes pretends to play with the groupies and --" And Greg himself.
"Are the guys alright?" Kate was quick to ask.
"Guys and girls." Greg seemed to consider that for a second. "That's --" Not his territory. "Jules, one of his personal assistants takes care of that stuff." Surely they were escorted out of the place or the hotel right after, maybe Jules got a cab for them. Greg always stood by Lestat's heel, like a faithful dog. A faithful lover that was rewarded as less of those groupies made it to the dressing room or the hotel lately.
Lestat could have anyone. And yet he was choosing him lately.
Kate simply nodded. It didn't sound like things were too fishy. Matt and her, they were probably worrying about nothing. About a show.
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Date: 2026-03-07 10:13 pm (UTC)"Yeah?" Matt's hands tightened on his cane but his smile was equally frozen in a pleasant frame. "What smell is that?"
"Rageful. Timeless, yet always, a touch more behind the times than a city wants to admit." Lestat stepped forward, uncomfortably close, but of course the blind man wouldn't notice. He didn't stand any different. "A bit like hot dogs and sewer."
"Well. We got that tip from overseas." How to build a proper sewer. "We just finessed it."
"Mmm. And married it to excess?"
"Would you have the fans here if America wasn't about indulgence?" Both men bantered like something precious was at cost, but neither of the wagers was their own welfare being considered. After a pause Matt replied softly, "I've never been married. Have you?"
"Does a contract matter to you? Ah. You're a lawyer. I rescind the question."
Both laughed.
"Kate matters to you." Lestat reached out, a gentle probe of Matt's mind that found a blurry of fucking headache-inducing insanity that would have driven a younger vampire to his knees. Even as it was there was a sharp intake of breath... yet also the pulsing purity beneath it of a man that was absolutely at the end of his convictions. Emotions driving unrelenting sensory data... a man that tottering forever on the edge of madness, balanced only by fuck all Lestat knew to balance the tides.
"Many things matter to me. Including the power of music. Of story. Of voices." Matt's tone was so utterly banal, so entirely centralized. A gutter man from a singular sewer, rising of his own power to become a local prophet. What was he? Not human. Not vampire. Certainly not a witch. WHAT. Soft thunder ended with stating, "This city has many whispers, and if you listen closely, it becomes more than a song. If you're the artist you claim, I hope you do hear it. Thank you for saying what you did against Fisk. It's only the start."
Matt's head tilted then and he smiled. "If you'll excuse me. Or show me the way to the buffet?"
Lestat reached out and cold fingers took Matt's arm. So cold yet firm. A voice on fire as it murmured, "Your fight is a tale as old as time, Mr. Murdock. A story that can swing both ways. Sometimes a song can breath the winds of change one way or another. It is not always in a court of law that society forms, is it?"
A dazzling smile framed his face as they went and approached the table. "Ah, my knight in shining Bishop gear. And Ms. Bishop herself. I ran into your violinist. By accident, of course."
no subject
Date: 2026-03-07 10:39 pm (UTC)She had no idea of how truly divided Greg was on his instincts. Part of him regretted this, feeling that he was betraying Lestat.
"Has the Major reached out after last week's incident?" Kate knew it was a shot in the dark. Fisk did play by asking for permission, he dropped his fist first. Or he drew attention to something before playing his cards. Since he spoke up to the media, he had chosen to ignore Lestat. Trolls on the internet did the work for him, no doubt many of them paid or bots making things go viral. Pete and Alice could confirm that theory.
Still, Kate had to wonder if Fisk was planning to try and bait Lestat somehow. It would look bad, building up this whole thing about their youth following bad examples. A clown pretending to be Dracula and corrupting their kids.
An escape goat to put more cops on the streets, to bring 'order' and frighten people once police brutality becomes the norm.
"Not directly. But they've sent --"
Both Kate and Greg stood upright as Lestat's voice echoed through the hallway. There in all his glory. Those piercing, red rimmed eyes that looked so unnatural, the porcelain skin and perfect hair that looked both perfect and unkept at the same time. By his side, Matt. Sheepish, quiet. Playing his part as well.
Greg simply nodded in acknowledgement, but his gaze avoided Lestat's for a moment. Kate was far more casual. It helped that she was still a little under the starstruck spell of her favorite rockstar. "Mr. de Lioncourt! Thank you so much for the tickets and VIP passes again. It's so generous of you."
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Date: 2026-03-07 11:02 pm (UTC)Yet it wasn't just Louis.
Gregory didn't meet Lestat's eyes, and the pang that pierced a dead heart stung. He didn't move, didn't do anything but smile, but the blind buffoon at his side tilted a head towards him. If he'd voiced sympathy, Lestat would have eaten him alive right then. As it was, his fingers just dug in painfully, waiting for Matt to tap out, to cry, to give Lestat a reason to lash out in return.
Nothing. The pain was absorbed like a sponge.
Frozen eyes shifted to Kate. Ancient eyes, paired with a devilishly irreverent smile that spoke of every age, every time. "Your business has done so much for the tour. It is only fitting to return a proper arrangement with what is due, is it not?" His gaze flicked to Gregory, a cutting smile, before he released Matt and raised his hands flamboyantly. "After all, that is what tonight is about, is it not? A show of what should be, what can be heard, what some did not say. Let it all out. Eat, drink. Catch up. It will be a night to remember."
He moved to get ready to enter the stage.
Outside, rumbling started. In the sky. In the streets.
Lestat knelt as the stage darkened. His children gathered close in anticipation.
Matt leaned towards Kate and said in a low voice, "I'm gonna go outside."
'You'll miss the show, Mr. Murdock.
Or are you starting one of your own?'
Fuck, that hurt.
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From:OOC
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From:@prostateria
Date: 2026-03-08 05:16 pm (UTC)What do you enjoy about it, then?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-09 01:50 am (UTC)[ never mind that it was likely a perk of the dark gift enhancing any existing talent. a touch of singing around the castle and for the stage, of course, but music was always nicholas's domain, in gabrielle's eyes. ]
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Date: 2026-03-09 12:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-10 04:46 am (UTC)you always did come to life with an audience. you enjoy this?
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Date: 2026-03-10 12:34 pm (UTC)It amuses me. I see many cities on the surface, in all of them I sing and they share in it. It is better than having one's stories told for them. They take my words instead and find themselves in them. Or... they just enjoy excellent lighting on display.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-12 05:25 am (UTC)it's pretty. I understand why the masses flock to witness you in all of your spectacle. you must be very proud.
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From:@hawk_shot
Date: 2026-03-21 03:46 pm (UTC)Lestat, an artist of the people. How fitting, considering he did need them to survive. He needed their attention to thrive, too.
Besides, something else Kate said had intrigued him. Where would she have heard about an upir? Curious indeed. So many little mystical undercurrents going on in her city. He'd been performing not too far away so making the trip back for the weekend was possible.
He turned up at the karaoke bar in leather pants, boots, a golden shirt and sunglasses despite the nighttime hour. He wore it like it was a second skin, entering the space and noticing Kate right away. She was with her lawyer who was also the city's Devil. Delightful. Then there was a third being with them, too. One that did indeed smell different. Whose heart didn't beat.
Very interesting company.
Striding over, he plopped himself down onto a chair and said, "I hope there is wine." A few people around him were staring and whispering, not sure they were seeing actually what they were seeing.
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Date: 2026-03-21 04:37 pm (UTC)Her outfit wasn't as flashy or as cool as what she'd soon see Lestat had chosen for tonight, but she did put a little extra effort on her makeup and had chosen a less practical outfit than what she wore for his concert. She didn't think anyone would ambush them tonight. Nobody knew the vampire Lestat was in town, to begin with.
As drinks arrived to their table, Kate joked and tried to get the ball rolling. Matt of course helped, but Kate could tell Roman was nervous. Of course he was, tonight he was meeting someone who was not quite like him, but that could possibly provide answers.
Someone who might teach him to control his hunger.
Even though Matt subtly let Kate know that Lestat had arrived, watching her idol actually joining them still made her heart flip with excitement.
"Sure! Yes, obviously. This place makes amazing cocktails and has all kinds of drinks. Me and my friends, well," Kate turned towards Matt. "We celebrated Greer's last birthday here and we had so much fun. We got so shitfaced."
Information that didn't seem to catch much of Lestat's interest. Not as much as the people surrounding their table. Kate noticed a few glances as some phone's being subtly aimed their way.
It wasn't long before their waitress arrived with their drinks and, after Kate asked, she turned to take Lestat's order. Subtle as she wished she had been, her jaw dropped for a second as she finally saw him. Later, that girl had to excuse herself to the bathroom, taking a minute for her heart to settle down. She mentally kicked herself for being so obvious. It was a moment she'd replay in her head for years to come, on late nights when sleep became a struggle.
With Lestat, Matt, Roman and Kate left on their own again, she gestured at Roman and the rock star. "Roman, this is my friend I told you about. And this is Roman. We went to school together." Kate licked her lips, painted a darker shade she often only wore at events. An elegant maroon. "Roman can be a little antisocial at times, but we all know that deep down he is the life and soul of the party."
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Date: 2026-03-21 05:02 pm (UTC)So he'd dressed nicely but casually in jeans and a button down shirt, the shirt being a dark purple but not anything too crazy. Some purple had worked its way into his wardrobe over the past few months. His glasses were on and he had a whiskey he was nursing. Roman was dressed in his usual style of black suit pants and a suit jacket, shiny shoes, and a simple white t-shirt under it that probably cost a thousand dollars even though they were sold in packs of six for twenty at regular stores. Kate was right that he was nervous, though. Matt couldn't sense by his heartbeat, there wasn't one, but he could tell but how stiff Roman sat and sounded, how his fingers had tapped on the table.
Lestat gave the waitress a sharp but entrancing smile, his usual smile, as he placed his order. Then promptly forgot she existed once she stepped away. "Some people get off on others encouraging them to indulge, rather than letting themselves be the cause of it."
"I don't think indulgence has ever been a problem," was Roman's flat response back, although the look of curiosity and slight wonder on his face staring at Lestat couldn't be hidden. "We're expecting a few more people, but even odds they don't know." He wouldn't blame Peter if he didn't. Things came up in their world, after all, and meeting with a vampire couldn't be high on a werewolf's list of things to do. After all, they both knew that Peter would protect his kin at all costs, just like Roman would do with Shelley.
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Date: 2026-03-21 06:14 pm (UTC)Of course, it goes without saying. Of course Destiny was there to watch over Peter's back. It was bad enough that Roman was there and her baby cousin seemed to gravitate towards that upir no matter how many times she reminded him that staying well away was the right path to take. A vampyr, too. A loud, chaotic, law breaker. Even his kind were ready to go cannibalistic on him and for good reason.
This was unnatural as fuck. Every alarm was going off and Destiny could feel it in her spine.
And yet, she had been invited by Roman's friends. That sweet girl and the hit blind guy. God, normally she would say 'fuck that' and pack up her things. But Peter wasn't going to turn it down.
"It's the right choice," Peter isnisted as they took the curve. He kept checking the GPS on his phone, the screen as cracked as their sense of self-preservation, Destiny noted. "We gotta talk to this guy, he's the closest thing to someone who can actually guide Roman." Guidance. Considering the little prince had been born with a silver spoon in his mouth and everything he could ever want, he had lacked the most important thing. The one thing even a poor Roma had been born with. Nicolae had taught Peter, got him ready for what was to come. His mother had been there every step of the way. His cousin. Even as a gadjo, an outsider among his own people, that tight little part of his family had given him what Roman could not buy.
Finally, maybe finally, someone was there to freely teach him what Olivia offered in exchange of his soul.
At the bar, Kate rubbed Matt's leg a little nervously, still trying to figure out things as both Roman and Lestat seemed a little tense.
"So, have you guys figured what you wanna sing?" It was good enough to break the ice. "It's gotta be a cover," she let Lestat know. "I mean, you're not gonna give a full show for free, are you?"
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Date: 2026-03-21 06:33 pm (UTC)"Are you a fan?" Lestat perked up at finding a fellow wino. "Most call a French blend of that nature too full of barnyard flavors. They've gotten too used to the sweetness Italy overlays or the bland neutrality that is here in the States."
"I can appreciate earthy notes," Matt replied back, and then went to bat some American vintages. "Though I also like a good mix of citrus and hazelnut, if you'll give some California and Washington ones a chance."
"It's a date, if Kate will spare you. Unless she wants to join us," Lestat replied back, then waved off her concern about what to sing. "Why not give these people a little preview. I don't need money. I have fame. I'm certain my manager might agree with you, but she'll survive." Lestat, choosing a moment of indulgence and impulsive showmanship just to see what happened, rather than carefully planning long-term about what made logical sense for his career? What could he say, he was a creature of centuries-old habit. "One song from my show might even encourage them to buy more tickets or at least give good press online. At least, that's what we can tell Amber." He adored his manager, in that he tolerated her, and might possibly make excuses when dealing with her since he couldn't very well bite her.
Lestat did tense then.
Death.
He smelled it.
Her.
No wait... not death, but something close to her. Someone close to her.
His lip pulled back, fighting between a smirk and a sneer. The wet dog smell that came with her was also unpleasant, but a man who dedicated his life to a certain amount of chaos, to fucking around to find out, disliked the word Destiny very, very much.
Roman though for his part half-rose from his seat, looking relieved and giving Peter's shoulder a clasp. "I ordered you the stuff." Meaning, whatever Peter actually liked to drink without judgement for the night. A beat then he added in a low voice, forgetting that Lestat could hear them if he really was a vampire, "I owe you." He didn't know about Matt, that he would hear, too.
Matt though just rose and gave Destiny a smile, leaning over to kiss her cheek in greeting. He'd liked the woman, her down to earth, no-nonsense approach reminding him of most people in his life. "Hey. Glad to see you still in town. I came up with a tea and whiskey combination that made me think of you." They had traded some herbal remedies and also cocktail mixes and blending the two seemed a great fit for the mystic woman.
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Date: 2026-03-21 07:18 pm (UTC)With a scrunched up nose, she pulled Kate in for a hug next, holding her close for a moment. Even as she pulled back, Kate noted just how warm Peter's cousin was, even with people she just met. Hanging with the woman was like seeing again and old friend you've known your whole life. A closeness frozen in time.
It was odd, to think she'd known Peter even longer, back from her days at school. Despite of that, it felt as if they were only now starting to find their footing around each other. Something similar had happened with Roman and yet, she considered him almost part of the family now. Peter's edges were not as sharp as Godfrey's, but there was an unspoken distance between them. Peter was friendlier, but quieter about the cards he kept close to his chest.
Kate could respect keeping that distance, she thought as the boy held her, patting her on the shoulder.
Picking a glass without bothering to ask who it belonged to, Destiny took a sip. Roman's drink, she could tell. Her attention, however, was on Lestat.
Narrowed eyes and a confident smile spoke for itself. It was a mask, just like the one this creature wore. If life had taught her something is that, when you meet someone that's batshtit crazy, you gotta out-batshit crazy them. It's all about posture. If you face the unknown with fear, the battle is already lost.
"You must be the friend Kate and Matt talked about." She offered a hand, her rings pointing at Lestat almost as if she was expecting him to kiss them. After all, she knew better to freely show her wrist to a creature like this one. It had been a tough lesson to learn, but she did.
"Destiny."
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From:@amidflowers
Date: 2026-03-28 05:36 pm (UTC)They were two breeds of Braques Français. Gascogne and Pyrénées. Depending on the size of the prey for that hunt, they would accompany. Well-trained and well-suited for their role. Good company outside of that fact.
Mmm, perhaps if she had other snacks she'd leave the socks be. Or are you spoiling her with those as well?
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Date: 2026-03-28 11:18 pm (UTC)I do assure you that no one who enters my home goes hungry. [She doesn't think to pause and wonder, of course, if this perhaps sounds too generous given who she is speaking to.]
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Date: 2026-03-29 12:16 am (UTC)I say that not to disparage. I love many aspects of modern technology. I simply remember what good dogs can also bring to a table. And would never cross them.
So if one cannot be healed, at least they receive a meal? That is more generous than most.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-29 12:23 am (UTC)Healing is often improved with good food. Fear not though, people do not come to me expecting food. They are always quite shocked. [Probably because she avoids most company like it is the plague.] Do you people not believe in guest rights? To not offer food would be... far worse than impolite.
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Date: 2026-03-29 12:57 pm (UTC)What is on the menu for my kind is usually not what others would consider appetizing. As for guests, I can't say I entertain many. Some vampires enjoy hunting in packs, but on occasion a meal is left waiting for them.
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Date: 2026-03-29 01:02 pm (UTC)Vampire packs do somehow sound less appealing than being set upon by wolves of yore, if you will forgive me for saying so.
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