Jon/Jude/Desmond - When run ins go bad
[Cross posted to v_bq_jude and desmond_blood and jrmblood.]
"
Fingering the handle of the bag from the bookstore Jude smiled a bit to himself. It had been a long time since he'd actually bought new books for himself read. While he'd always walked into bookstores from time to time if Jude bought a new book it was a reprint of something older. Not today though...he'd picked out a few fiction titles from the current year. Starting to get humanized I think Law.
Desmond needed to get out of the house. With minimal work to be done in the garden, writers block, and a general feeling of cabin fever, he felt that his best option was to run into town for a bit of activity. Spotting the bookstore he had visited during his first week, Desmond headed for the entrance. However, before he could reach the door he spotted a familiar face. "Fancy meeting you here, brotha."
Jude looked up from his bag at the voice and smiled. "Hey to you as well."
"What are you up to this fine night?"
"Thought I would give the new authors a chance." Jude held up his bag and shrugged a bit before smiling at his friend. "What about you? Seems like New Orleans is treating you well."
"I am certainly enjoying it," Desmond couldn't stop himself from smiling if he wanted to. "I haven't seen you in a little while, I hope that you haven't been hiding yourself away. If you are trying to avoid me, I can make myself scarce." The slight chuckled in his voice took the edge off of his comment.
Jude shook his head. "Not hiding, actually. Found a new place that I actually refer to as a home." Noticing the large grin on his friends face Jude tilted his head to the side. "Have you found yourself someone?"
"I.. um..." Des scratched the back of his neck while avoiding eye contact with his friend. "I'm so glad that you've found some place that you are comfortable. If you don't have anywhere to be, I'd love to catch up... how about the park?" he gestured across the street.
Jon had wandered through the streets looking for something to do. He didn't need to feed and there was no-one around to talk to. Fuck it, he muttered, he was used to being alone after all. He started to walk through the park until he saw a familiar figure with who he could sense was another Vampire heading his way. Jon faded back behind a tree and watched.
Jude took notice of the hesitation and the way that Des was holding himself and nodded. "Sure, park would be a good place to catch up." He gestured for Des to lead the way before heading after the vampire.
Throwing a casual arm across Jude's shoulder, Desmond guided him into the park where they met. "I'm glad to see you smiling, Jude. You are happier than I think I've ever seen you."
"I actually feel happy." Jude looked over at Desmond and had to admit he was seeing a bit of this thing called happiness on the other man's face as well. "And I have a feeling something is making you feel that way as well."
Seeing Desmond with another Vampire hurt. Jon's frown turned into a scowl at the sight of the arm going around the beautiful blond Vamp. Suddenly he wasn't sure what to do; just leave and find someone to take it out on or confront them. Finally he moved closer and leaned against a side railing. "Hey," he said in a surly voice. "Too many Vamps and not enough humans it seems."
To say he was suprised by Jon's apperance would be an understatement. Desmond's eyes blinked rapidly and his breath caught in his throat just at the sight of him. The fact that he had not seen the other vampire since their kiss probably had a factor in his reaction.
The other vampire wasn't someone that Jude knew, but the quick glance he cast over to Desmond made him realize that his friend might. Looking back at the unknown vampire Jude shrugged a little. "Seems like."
Jude's words seemed to snap him out of trance, though only just. Des offered a tentative smile while tried to find appropriate words. "Hello Jon," ok so he wasn't so eloquent when flustered. Maybe he thought to himself, I should have thought that one through a bit more.
Jon fidgeted not liking being under the scrutiny of the two Vampires. This was a bad idea, I should have just left them to it. He looked from Jude to Desmond and tried to read them, but he was too wound up to let it happen. "Hey," he said again with a lot less bravado.
Despite the relaxation of Jon's tone, Desmond could sense the continued unease in his overall posture. Time to kill the awkwardness with kindness. He hoped that the smile on his face looked genuine, "Its good to see you again, Jon." He paused to take in the other vamp. In spite of his anger, Jon was beautiful. "This is my friend, Jude," he introduced the other vampire almost as an afterthought.
Jude, Jon knew the name, but hadn't met him. He looked at the Vampire and forced a smile. "Hello Jude," he said and shoved his hands in his pockets feeling for cigarettes that weren't there. "Look... I'll leave you two friends alone. I have things to do." It was a lie, but the last thing he wanted was for Desmond to see he was jealous.
Just looking between the two Jude could tell that there was something more to the situation. Desmond still looked happy, but this Jon guy didn't. Slipping out from under Desmond's arm Jude shook his head. "If you two know each other I can leave," he said quickly.
Des didn't quite know what to do. He didn't want to brush off a friend and he certainly did not want Jon to walk away. He stepped closer to Jon slowly, not wanting to scare the vamp off. "Don't go."
Jon frowned and said quietly, "I don't want to intrude Desmond." He glanced over Desmond's shoulder to see Jude. "He... he's very beautiful."
Confusion colored Desmond's face. What did Jude's appearance have to do with.... OH! "Aye, he is. I am sure his lover appreciates his beauty."
Lover! "Umm yeah," Jon muttered trying to figure how to cover for his assumption, In the end he simply looked at Desmond and smiled. "I bet he does."
While the two friends talked Jude started fingering his purchase bag again, contemplating if he should stay or leave. If what he was picking up on Jude had a feeling the other vampire was maybe the cause of Desmond's suddenly happy mood.
"What brings you out tonight, Jon?" Desmond attempted yet again to smooth over the anxiety of the situation. He was standing close enough to the other vampire that he could practically smell Jon.
Jon shrugged and glanced at Jude. "Nothing. Just hanging around." The elegant looking Vampire intimidated him and he could feel himself taking on a defensive stance even though he didn't want Desmond to see that side of him.
"Well, its a good thing you ran into us," Des smiled awkwardly. "I mean... what I was trying to say... I'm glad to see you Jon."
The situation wasn't getting easier and Jude took a small step toward Desmond, but not reaching out to touch the other vampire. "Desmond we'll catch up another time," Jude said and gestured over his shoulder.
Desmond didn't want his friend to feel like he needed to leave. He and Jude were just now getting to comfortable place with their friendship. At the same time, Jon was obviously uncomfortable with Jude's presence. Or maybe, he was just uncomfortable around him after the kiss that they shared. Life was so much easier as a monk.... he thought as he offered Jude what he was sure was a pathetic attempt at a smile.
Jon watched the exchange of looks. "Um it's okay," he said tried to smile. "I didn't mean to interrupt or anything... you don't have to go Jude."
What the other vampire said was polite but it wasn't quiet reaching the man's eyes. "Desmond just ran into me as I was leaving the bookshop," Jude offered. While he'd been out of society's reach for quite awhile Jude wasn't out of it to know that there was a bit more behind Jon's attitude.
With a small nod Jon said, "I don't read all that much... didn't learn until after I was turned." He glanced at Desmond a little embarrassed at what he just admitted.
"But ya learned, Jon. Many have lived a hundred years and still not bothered to read," Desmond smiled at Jon. He wanted to lay a reassuring hand on the other vamp's shoulder but the overwhelming tension at this gathering kept him from action.
Jon's smile broadened as he sensed Desmond's warmth towards him. He shrugged and said, "Maybe I should try again huh? Visit that book shop?"
"Being what we are gives us all the time, right?" Jude asked, relaxing a little now that there was a bit of a conversation going. He still felt like he was invading something between Desmond and Jon, but at least he didn't feel quite as much anger directed his way.
Desmond's smile stretched across his face, "doesn't hurt to try, does it? I'd.. um. I'd be happy to go with you if you wanted some company sometime..." the smile stayed in place as his voice trailed off. Desmond scratched the back of his head awkwardly as he realized how forward he sounded.
"I'd like that," Jon grinned back. "Maybe you could show me what you like to read?"
"Could take awhile," Des chuckled a little under his breath. "I uh... I read a lot."
"As Jude said, we have a while." Jon smiled first at Desmond then at Jude. He could feel that the beautiful Vampire wasn't judging him and started to feel a little more at ease.
Jude was a bit surprised when Jon fully smiled at him but couldn't help but return it. "Have to try and see some bonus to the night life."
"Amen, brotha," Des chuckled and clapped his friend on the back. He was finally feeling an ease to the tension that had covered their little groups meeting.
"So um what have you planned for tonight?" Jon asked unsure if he'd be included but decided he wasn't in the mood for his own company and he'd like to find out more about both Vampires.
"No plans," Des replied a little too quickly. He took a pause before continuing, "Just wandering the city myself and happened to run into my friend here... and now you... and yeah... here we are," he shrugged awkwardly.
"You wanna do something? Get a drink? Human or otherwise?" Jon grinned and tilted his head back towards the bars on Decatur Street.
Jude was a bit surprised when Jon suggested going somewhere, although he was more surprised that Jon wasn't asking only Desmond. Or at least that was the impression he got. "I didn't have plans," he said deciding that Desmond could chime in for what they could do.
"Drink sounds good, though I've already had my bite to eat earlier. I can just tag along if either of you are looking to feed," Desmond could feel the tension fall off of him. Jon seemed more at ease and things were looking up.
"Grand," Jon said and started walking them to Decatur. He could sense something usual about Jude and was determined to figure it out and Desmond... well Jon knew he just wanted to be near Desmond. "I like the open bar there because I can see the carriages go past and it reminds me of when I took care of the horses in my human days."
Desmond smiled, following close behind Jon. He liked it when the other vamp offered up information about himself.
Jude didn't have a problem following Jon's lead and found himself nodding a bit at the reason for the destination choice. "We always need something from our human days. Least that's what I try and tell myself."
Jon gave Jude a curious look and sensed more than the smell of prey on the Vampire. "Some need more than a recollection of our lost humanity," he said then smiled. "But sometimes humans can offer more than blood."
Not as sneaky as he would hope to be, Desmond giggled under his breath. Subconsciously his steps brought him to walk beside Jon, his hand itchy to touch the other vamp.
After a sideways glance at the giggle Jon gave Desmond a little bump with his hip.
Des struggled to maintain a sane, reasonable smile on his face, but the other vamp just brought out strong emotions in him. And they hadn't spent more than a handful of minutes together.
The comment Jon gave made Jude give the other vampire a slight look. It was too pointed for Jude not to know what Jon had hinted at, although Jude also knew it wasn't really something that could be hidden either. "Sometimes they offer more then blood," Jude said in agreement, not really knowing what else to say.
"And joy," Desmond chimed in offering his friend a kind smile, "no matter what its form, should not be taken for granted."
A definite flush spread through Jon and he turned to walk backwards slightly in front of the other two Vampires. "Joy," he repeated as if tasting the word. "I'm starting to learn that exists."
Jude looked over at Jon with those words. Seemed like as much as he wasn't great at hiding his relationship with a human Desmond seemed to find himself around those that needed a bit of hope. Hooking the bag from the bookstore around his wrist Jude put his hands in his pockets and looked between his friend and Jon. At least I'm not the only one unable to hide feelings.
Jon could sense the awareness in Jude and his blush deepened. He turned his back to them and pointed to the nearby bar. "Grab us a table and I'll get the drinks."
Desmond watched the retreating figure for a moment before turning to his friend, "So, got a seating preference?"
"No, although you two should probably sit together," Jude said and cast a sideways look over at Desmond. "I'm guessing he's why you were happier when we first ran into each other."
"Um... yeah," Desmond scratched the back of his neck, avoiding looking directly at his friend. "I... uh, don't know what to say about that." Spotting a table open in the corner he headed that way.
Jude chuckled and followed Desmond back to the table, finally pulling his hands out of his pockets so he could pick the table that was on the opposite side of the others. "Whatever it is, just go with it, yeah?"
"Even if I have no clue where its leading me?"
"I think you told me something like that regarding my pet," Jude emphasized the word before giving a quick shake. "I still don't know where that's going and I'm going with it."
"You got me there, brotha," laughter evident in his voice.
Leaning back in his chair Jude did a quick sweep of the people in the bar before looking back at Desmond. "Just remember, you can always use it in a book."
Jon watched the two conversing while he waited for the drinks and debated briefly if he was setting himself up for disappointment, but there was something about Desmond that made him feel safe. He looked at Desmond's nervous gesture when they sat down and was appalled at the flutter he felt in his belly. Get a grip Jon, he told himself and picked up the tray to take back to the table.
"See, I can still get them to give me alcohol," Jon grinned cheekily and sat down next to Des.
"Its that pretty young face," Desmond admitted. "They are trying to ply you with alcohol and woo you to their beds."
Jon giggled quietly and shook his head, "No-one trying that." He shrugged and lifted his glass.
"That you will admit to," Des gave a half smile. He was sure that Jon was a highly sought after individual, and that the vamp recognized it.
Jude picked up one of the drinks from the tray and shrugged his shoulders. "Hey whatever works for you, I say go with it."
"I have a couple of friends, but tend not to hang around with many other Vamps," Jon admitted. "I don't really fit the way the Prince wants us to be I guess. No street rats in his enclave."
"I suppose I aven't been here long enough to meet the local Prince," Desmond confessed. "I hope I haven't offended him by not introducing myself before moving in."
Jon scowled at the mention of Marton. "Don't think he'd want to meet me. I do my own thing and don't like too many rules."
"I've been here for years and never met him," Jude said and shrugged a bit. "I think you get noticed more if you're reckless."
"That makes sense," Desmond nodded, looking into his glass. "I certainly hope that I can avoid any unpleasantness while I am here."
"Hmmm depends what you call unpleasantness I s'pose," Jon said into his beer. "His rules are pretty strict and sometimes it's not possible to stick to them."
Jude finally picked up his beer and took a drink. Whatever brand Jon had gotten didn't taste bad. "Have you had dealings with him then?"
"I think I'm beneath that lot and it suits me fine," Jon stated and gave them a small smile to let them know it really was okay. "Actually I nearly bumped into the Were prince the other night and that might have been a whole other story."
"Well this city is just brimming with the supernatural isn't it?" Desmond wasn't exactly sure what his friend, Mellors, had gotten him into, but so far he'd met some interesting characters to say the least. He just hoped that he wouldn't get himself, or any of his acquaintances, in trouble.
Jon looked Jude sensing a ripple in his emotions at the mention of Weres. "You've had an experience with a Were haven't you Jude?"
The question made Jude look up from his drink and he nodded, not sure how the other vampire knew. "I have, unfortunately."
Jon nodded and frowned. "I feel things and I could feel that there was one who hurt you."
An empath. Interesting. Jude took another drink of beer before nodding. "It wasn't pretty, but I'm still here."
"You were hurt, Jude?" Desmond's eyes quickly danced across his friends form, trying to assess his physical well being. "Are the were's in this area so aggressive? I met one the other day, and while he was a bit... feral, he was not overtly cruel."
Jude nodded and gave Desmond a reassuring smile. "Most leave vamps alone and vice versa. One seems to not like me."
"They can be fun to bait though," Jon grinned. "I've learned that they're fast, but I'm faster."
"That's... awful," Desmond took a long drink from his beer.
"I've always avoided them...kind of had no choice with the one I did fight with." Jude shrugged his shoulders but found himself looking over at Jon. He couldn't imagine baiting a were...but then again, Jude never really wanted to bait anything.
"There's more of them around these days," Jon said and leaned a little closer. "Not just wolves either."
"Just one big adventure," Desmond wanted so badly to lean in closer to the pretty young vamp. "Always something new to discover in the dead of night."
Jon's laugh was almost child like when he added, "Yep and a few kitty cats to add to the chase."
"Haven't run into those. Hopefully they're nicer than a certain were I unfortunately know," Jude added and tucked his legs up under his chair.
"I hope you don't run into that brute again, brotha," Desmond laid a hand on his friend's shoulder.
Jude looked at the table at that comment and nodded before adding a soft, "me either."
Jon tilted his head and watched the touch. He muttered quietly. "It's not only the furry ones that can hurt you."
The comment wasn't lost on Jude and he looked across the table at Jon. Definitely something between them. "I haven't hurt others of our kind in a long time, been hurt by one longer than that," he said, keeping his eyes on Jon hoping the other vampire would get his true meaning.
Desmond pulled his hand away from Jude, using it to grab a hold of his glass. The awkwardness from earlier in the evening was slowly creeping back into the conversation.
Jon nodded and smiled gently. It was hard for him to know what to do, how to deal with all that was going on in his head. He didn't socialise beyond Dom and Eli and even then it wasn't always civilized. He definitely wasn't used to the way he was feeling about Desmond. Jon drained his glass and stood up. "I better get going... I ah, have a pet I need to check on."
"Oh, well if you need to go," Desmond's mood deflated a little. So Jon had a pet... like Jude. He was now having a harder time understanding the kiss they shared at their last meeting. What did this vamp want or expect from him? "It was good to see you Jon."
Desmond's confusion radiated and Jon frowned. "He's not really my pet," he stuttered and fidgeted. "But I still need to check on him."
Jude almost frowned but kept himself from doing so. Well...might have made things worse.
"You have no need to explain yourself, Jon," Des tried to keep his tone light. "Don't let us keep you any longer."
"Um yeah. I'll see you around though? Both of you?" Jon asked trying to hide how he was really feeling.
Jude gave a small nod. "You're welcome anytime, it was nice meeting you," Jude said and gave Jon a more friendly smile.
"I'll see you around, Jon," Desmond gave a tentative smile to the attractive vampire.
With that Jon lifted his hand in a small wave and turned to disappear into the tourists on the sidewalk.
Leaning back in his seat Jude watched as the other vampire disappeared before casting a glance over at Desmond. "So...why do I feel like I walked into someone's bedroom?"
"I really don't know what you mean," Desmond averted his eyes.
"Something happened with you guys, I'm not blind." Jude fingered the neck of his beer bottle and looked at his friend, surprised to see Desmond looking away from him. "And Jon kept looking at me like I was competition."
"Really? You think he was jealous?" A smile teased the corners of Des's lips. "We... I guess you can say we shared a moment a couple days ago..."
That made Jude raise an eyebrow and he crossed his arms across his chest, giving Desmond a comforting smile. "What kind?"
"He... uh," Desmond still couldn't look at his friend directly. "He kissed me..."
"Was that it?"
"Yeah, I guess. Flirted a bit... I suppose," he finally lifted his eyes to Jude's giving him a shrug. "I don't really know what to say, kinda new to all this..."
He was about to ask what Desmond said but stopped when he remembered the whole monk thing. Dropping his voice Jude nodded a bit. "Didn't have any relationship before monk days?"
"Never with a man..." Des thought it was a simple enough answer.
Now that explained a lot. Jude nodded his head and reached over to give Desmond's hand a squeeze. "I've been there."
"Yeah?" Desmond held on to Jude's hand, "How'd you handle it?"
Thinking back Jude shrugged his shoulders. "Freaked at first...but, then it felt right. It felt more normal than when I was with my wife."
Des nodded, he could understand being freaked, unsure... he just hoped that if he saw Jon again, he would eventually get over those frustrations. "You know I almost had a wife... instead I became a monk..." he gave a wry laugh. "I guess instead of freaking out and running I should deal with this one head on, huh?"
Squeezing Desmond's hand again Jude nodded and pulled away. "It can't hurt to try. I finally decided not to run and I have a pet."
"Suppose you've got a point brotha," Des took a glance at his watch. "Thanks Jude. I'm sorry to have commandeered your night. We're going to have to get a move on to beat the sunrise."
"Not a problem my friend, not a problem."
"
Fingering the handle of the bag from the bookstore Jude smiled a bit to himself. It had been a long time since he'd actually bought new books for himself read. While he'd always walked into bookstores from time to time if Jude bought a new book it was a reprint of something older. Not today though...he'd picked out a few fiction titles from the current year. Starting to get humanized I think Law.
Desmond needed to get out of the house. With minimal work to be done in the garden, writers block, and a general feeling of cabin fever, he felt that his best option was to run into town for a bit of activity. Spotting the bookstore he had visited during his first week, Desmond headed for the entrance. However, before he could reach the door he spotted a familiar face. "Fancy meeting you here, brotha."
Jude looked up from his bag at the voice and smiled. "Hey to you as well."
"What are you up to this fine night?"
"Thought I would give the new authors a chance." Jude held up his bag and shrugged a bit before smiling at his friend. "What about you? Seems like New Orleans is treating you well."
"I am certainly enjoying it," Desmond couldn't stop himself from smiling if he wanted to. "I haven't seen you in a little while, I hope that you haven't been hiding yourself away. If you are trying to avoid me, I can make myself scarce." The slight chuckled in his voice took the edge off of his comment.
Jude shook his head. "Not hiding, actually. Found a new place that I actually refer to as a home." Noticing the large grin on his friends face Jude tilted his head to the side. "Have you found yourself someone?"
"I.. um..." Des scratched the back of his neck while avoiding eye contact with his friend. "I'm so glad that you've found some place that you are comfortable. If you don't have anywhere to be, I'd love to catch up... how about the park?" he gestured across the street.
Jon had wandered through the streets looking for something to do. He didn't need to feed and there was no-one around to talk to. Fuck it, he muttered, he was used to being alone after all. He started to walk through the park until he saw a familiar figure with who he could sense was another Vampire heading his way. Jon faded back behind a tree and watched.
Jude took notice of the hesitation and the way that Des was holding himself and nodded. "Sure, park would be a good place to catch up." He gestured for Des to lead the way before heading after the vampire.
Throwing a casual arm across Jude's shoulder, Desmond guided him into the park where they met. "I'm glad to see you smiling, Jude. You are happier than I think I've ever seen you."
"I actually feel happy." Jude looked over at Desmond and had to admit he was seeing a bit of this thing called happiness on the other man's face as well. "And I have a feeling something is making you feel that way as well."
Seeing Desmond with another Vampire hurt. Jon's frown turned into a scowl at the sight of the arm going around the beautiful blond Vamp. Suddenly he wasn't sure what to do; just leave and find someone to take it out on or confront them. Finally he moved closer and leaned against a side railing. "Hey," he said in a surly voice. "Too many Vamps and not enough humans it seems."
To say he was suprised by Jon's apperance would be an understatement. Desmond's eyes blinked rapidly and his breath caught in his throat just at the sight of him. The fact that he had not seen the other vampire since their kiss probably had a factor in his reaction.
The other vampire wasn't someone that Jude knew, but the quick glance he cast over to Desmond made him realize that his friend might. Looking back at the unknown vampire Jude shrugged a little. "Seems like."
Jude's words seemed to snap him out of trance, though only just. Des offered a tentative smile while tried to find appropriate words. "Hello Jon," ok so he wasn't so eloquent when flustered. Maybe he thought to himself, I should have thought that one through a bit more.
Jon fidgeted not liking being under the scrutiny of the two Vampires. This was a bad idea, I should have just left them to it. He looked from Jude to Desmond and tried to read them, but he was too wound up to let it happen. "Hey," he said again with a lot less bravado.
Despite the relaxation of Jon's tone, Desmond could sense the continued unease in his overall posture. Time to kill the awkwardness with kindness. He hoped that the smile on his face looked genuine, "Its good to see you again, Jon." He paused to take in the other vamp. In spite of his anger, Jon was beautiful. "This is my friend, Jude," he introduced the other vampire almost as an afterthought.
Jude, Jon knew the name, but hadn't met him. He looked at the Vampire and forced a smile. "Hello Jude," he said and shoved his hands in his pockets feeling for cigarettes that weren't there. "Look... I'll leave you two friends alone. I have things to do." It was a lie, but the last thing he wanted was for Desmond to see he was jealous.
Just looking between the two Jude could tell that there was something more to the situation. Desmond still looked happy, but this Jon guy didn't. Slipping out from under Desmond's arm Jude shook his head. "If you two know each other I can leave," he said quickly.
Des didn't quite know what to do. He didn't want to brush off a friend and he certainly did not want Jon to walk away. He stepped closer to Jon slowly, not wanting to scare the vamp off. "Don't go."
Jon frowned and said quietly, "I don't want to intrude Desmond." He glanced over Desmond's shoulder to see Jude. "He... he's very beautiful."
Confusion colored Desmond's face. What did Jude's appearance have to do with.... OH! "Aye, he is. I am sure his lover appreciates his beauty."
Lover! "Umm yeah," Jon muttered trying to figure how to cover for his assumption, In the end he simply looked at Desmond and smiled. "I bet he does."
While the two friends talked Jude started fingering his purchase bag again, contemplating if he should stay or leave. If what he was picking up on Jude had a feeling the other vampire was maybe the cause of Desmond's suddenly happy mood.
"What brings you out tonight, Jon?" Desmond attempted yet again to smooth over the anxiety of the situation. He was standing close enough to the other vampire that he could practically smell Jon.
Jon shrugged and glanced at Jude. "Nothing. Just hanging around." The elegant looking Vampire intimidated him and he could feel himself taking on a defensive stance even though he didn't want Desmond to see that side of him.
"Well, its a good thing you ran into us," Des smiled awkwardly. "I mean... what I was trying to say... I'm glad to see you Jon."
The situation wasn't getting easier and Jude took a small step toward Desmond, but not reaching out to touch the other vampire. "Desmond we'll catch up another time," Jude said and gestured over his shoulder.
Desmond didn't want his friend to feel like he needed to leave. He and Jude were just now getting to comfortable place with their friendship. At the same time, Jon was obviously uncomfortable with Jude's presence. Or maybe, he was just uncomfortable around him after the kiss that they shared. Life was so much easier as a monk.... he thought as he offered Jude what he was sure was a pathetic attempt at a smile.
Jon watched the exchange of looks. "Um it's okay," he said tried to smile. "I didn't mean to interrupt or anything... you don't have to go Jude."
What the other vampire said was polite but it wasn't quiet reaching the man's eyes. "Desmond just ran into me as I was leaving the bookshop," Jude offered. While he'd been out of society's reach for quite awhile Jude wasn't out of it to know that there was a bit more behind Jon's attitude.
With a small nod Jon said, "I don't read all that much... didn't learn until after I was turned." He glanced at Desmond a little embarrassed at what he just admitted.
"But ya learned, Jon. Many have lived a hundred years and still not bothered to read," Desmond smiled at Jon. He wanted to lay a reassuring hand on the other vamp's shoulder but the overwhelming tension at this gathering kept him from action.
Jon's smile broadened as he sensed Desmond's warmth towards him. He shrugged and said, "Maybe I should try again huh? Visit that book shop?"
"Being what we are gives us all the time, right?" Jude asked, relaxing a little now that there was a bit of a conversation going. He still felt like he was invading something between Desmond and Jon, but at least he didn't feel quite as much anger directed his way.
Desmond's smile stretched across his face, "doesn't hurt to try, does it? I'd.. um. I'd be happy to go with you if you wanted some company sometime..." the smile stayed in place as his voice trailed off. Desmond scratched the back of his head awkwardly as he realized how forward he sounded.
"I'd like that," Jon grinned back. "Maybe you could show me what you like to read?"
"Could take awhile," Des chuckled a little under his breath. "I uh... I read a lot."
"As Jude said, we have a while." Jon smiled first at Desmond then at Jude. He could feel that the beautiful Vampire wasn't judging him and started to feel a little more at ease.
Jude was a bit surprised when Jon fully smiled at him but couldn't help but return it. "Have to try and see some bonus to the night life."
"Amen, brotha," Des chuckled and clapped his friend on the back. He was finally feeling an ease to the tension that had covered their little groups meeting.
"So um what have you planned for tonight?" Jon asked unsure if he'd be included but decided he wasn't in the mood for his own company and he'd like to find out more about both Vampires.
"No plans," Des replied a little too quickly. He took a pause before continuing, "Just wandering the city myself and happened to run into my friend here... and now you... and yeah... here we are," he shrugged awkwardly.
"You wanna do something? Get a drink? Human or otherwise?" Jon grinned and tilted his head back towards the bars on Decatur Street.
Jude was a bit surprised when Jon suggested going somewhere, although he was more surprised that Jon wasn't asking only Desmond. Or at least that was the impression he got. "I didn't have plans," he said deciding that Desmond could chime in for what they could do.
"Drink sounds good, though I've already had my bite to eat earlier. I can just tag along if either of you are looking to feed," Desmond could feel the tension fall off of him. Jon seemed more at ease and things were looking up.
"Grand," Jon said and started walking them to Decatur. He could sense something usual about Jude and was determined to figure it out and Desmond... well Jon knew he just wanted to be near Desmond. "I like the open bar there because I can see the carriages go past and it reminds me of when I took care of the horses in my human days."
Desmond smiled, following close behind Jon. He liked it when the other vamp offered up information about himself.
Jude didn't have a problem following Jon's lead and found himself nodding a bit at the reason for the destination choice. "We always need something from our human days. Least that's what I try and tell myself."
Jon gave Jude a curious look and sensed more than the smell of prey on the Vampire. "Some need more than a recollection of our lost humanity," he said then smiled. "But sometimes humans can offer more than blood."
Not as sneaky as he would hope to be, Desmond giggled under his breath. Subconsciously his steps brought him to walk beside Jon, his hand itchy to touch the other vamp.
After a sideways glance at the giggle Jon gave Desmond a little bump with his hip.
Des struggled to maintain a sane, reasonable smile on his face, but the other vamp just brought out strong emotions in him. And they hadn't spent more than a handful of minutes together.
The comment Jon gave made Jude give the other vampire a slight look. It was too pointed for Jude not to know what Jon had hinted at, although Jude also knew it wasn't really something that could be hidden either. "Sometimes they offer more then blood," Jude said in agreement, not really knowing what else to say.
"And joy," Desmond chimed in offering his friend a kind smile, "no matter what its form, should not be taken for granted."
A definite flush spread through Jon and he turned to walk backwards slightly in front of the other two Vampires. "Joy," he repeated as if tasting the word. "I'm starting to learn that exists."
Jude looked over at Jon with those words. Seemed like as much as he wasn't great at hiding his relationship with a human Desmond seemed to find himself around those that needed a bit of hope. Hooking the bag from the bookstore around his wrist Jude put his hands in his pockets and looked between his friend and Jon. At least I'm not the only one unable to hide feelings.
Jon could sense the awareness in Jude and his blush deepened. He turned his back to them and pointed to the nearby bar. "Grab us a table and I'll get the drinks."
Desmond watched the retreating figure for a moment before turning to his friend, "So, got a seating preference?"
"No, although you two should probably sit together," Jude said and cast a sideways look over at Desmond. "I'm guessing he's why you were happier when we first ran into each other."
"Um... yeah," Desmond scratched the back of his neck, avoiding looking directly at his friend. "I... uh, don't know what to say about that." Spotting a table open in the corner he headed that way.
Jude chuckled and followed Desmond back to the table, finally pulling his hands out of his pockets so he could pick the table that was on the opposite side of the others. "Whatever it is, just go with it, yeah?"
"Even if I have no clue where its leading me?"
"I think you told me something like that regarding my pet," Jude emphasized the word before giving a quick shake. "I still don't know where that's going and I'm going with it."
"You got me there, brotha," laughter evident in his voice.
Leaning back in his chair Jude did a quick sweep of the people in the bar before looking back at Desmond. "Just remember, you can always use it in a book."
Jon watched the two conversing while he waited for the drinks and debated briefly if he was setting himself up for disappointment, but there was something about Desmond that made him feel safe. He looked at Desmond's nervous gesture when they sat down and was appalled at the flutter he felt in his belly. Get a grip Jon, he told himself and picked up the tray to take back to the table.
"See, I can still get them to give me alcohol," Jon grinned cheekily and sat down next to Des.
"Its that pretty young face," Desmond admitted. "They are trying to ply you with alcohol and woo you to their beds."
Jon giggled quietly and shook his head, "No-one trying that." He shrugged and lifted his glass.
"That you will admit to," Des gave a half smile. He was sure that Jon was a highly sought after individual, and that the vamp recognized it.
Jude picked up one of the drinks from the tray and shrugged his shoulders. "Hey whatever works for you, I say go with it."
"I have a couple of friends, but tend not to hang around with many other Vamps," Jon admitted. "I don't really fit the way the Prince wants us to be I guess. No street rats in his enclave."
"I suppose I aven't been here long enough to meet the local Prince," Desmond confessed. "I hope I haven't offended him by not introducing myself before moving in."
Jon scowled at the mention of Marton. "Don't think he'd want to meet me. I do my own thing and don't like too many rules."
"I've been here for years and never met him," Jude said and shrugged a bit. "I think you get noticed more if you're reckless."
"That makes sense," Desmond nodded, looking into his glass. "I certainly hope that I can avoid any unpleasantness while I am here."
"Hmmm depends what you call unpleasantness I s'pose," Jon said into his beer. "His rules are pretty strict and sometimes it's not possible to stick to them."
Jude finally picked up his beer and took a drink. Whatever brand Jon had gotten didn't taste bad. "Have you had dealings with him then?"
"I think I'm beneath that lot and it suits me fine," Jon stated and gave them a small smile to let them know it really was okay. "Actually I nearly bumped into the Were prince the other night and that might have been a whole other story."
"Well this city is just brimming with the supernatural isn't it?" Desmond wasn't exactly sure what his friend, Mellors, had gotten him into, but so far he'd met some interesting characters to say the least. He just hoped that he wouldn't get himself, or any of his acquaintances, in trouble.
Jon looked Jude sensing a ripple in his emotions at the mention of Weres. "You've had an experience with a Were haven't you Jude?"
The question made Jude look up from his drink and he nodded, not sure how the other vampire knew. "I have, unfortunately."
Jon nodded and frowned. "I feel things and I could feel that there was one who hurt you."
An empath. Interesting. Jude took another drink of beer before nodding. "It wasn't pretty, but I'm still here."
"You were hurt, Jude?" Desmond's eyes quickly danced across his friends form, trying to assess his physical well being. "Are the were's in this area so aggressive? I met one the other day, and while he was a bit... feral, he was not overtly cruel."
Jude nodded and gave Desmond a reassuring smile. "Most leave vamps alone and vice versa. One seems to not like me."
"They can be fun to bait though," Jon grinned. "I've learned that they're fast, but I'm faster."
"That's... awful," Desmond took a long drink from his beer.
"I've always avoided them...kind of had no choice with the one I did fight with." Jude shrugged his shoulders but found himself looking over at Jon. He couldn't imagine baiting a were...but then again, Jude never really wanted to bait anything.
"There's more of them around these days," Jon said and leaned a little closer. "Not just wolves either."
"Just one big adventure," Desmond wanted so badly to lean in closer to the pretty young vamp. "Always something new to discover in the dead of night."
Jon's laugh was almost child like when he added, "Yep and a few kitty cats to add to the chase."
"Haven't run into those. Hopefully they're nicer than a certain were I unfortunately know," Jude added and tucked his legs up under his chair.
"I hope you don't run into that brute again, brotha," Desmond laid a hand on his friend's shoulder.
Jude looked at the table at that comment and nodded before adding a soft, "me either."
Jon tilted his head and watched the touch. He muttered quietly. "It's not only the furry ones that can hurt you."
The comment wasn't lost on Jude and he looked across the table at Jon. Definitely something between them. "I haven't hurt others of our kind in a long time, been hurt by one longer than that," he said, keeping his eyes on Jon hoping the other vampire would get his true meaning.
Desmond pulled his hand away from Jude, using it to grab a hold of his glass. The awkwardness from earlier in the evening was slowly creeping back into the conversation.
Jon nodded and smiled gently. It was hard for him to know what to do, how to deal with all that was going on in his head. He didn't socialise beyond Dom and Eli and even then it wasn't always civilized. He definitely wasn't used to the way he was feeling about Desmond. Jon drained his glass and stood up. "I better get going... I ah, have a pet I need to check on."
"Oh, well if you need to go," Desmond's mood deflated a little. So Jon had a pet... like Jude. He was now having a harder time understanding the kiss they shared at their last meeting. What did this vamp want or expect from him? "It was good to see you Jon."
Desmond's confusion radiated and Jon frowned. "He's not really my pet," he stuttered and fidgeted. "But I still need to check on him."
Jude almost frowned but kept himself from doing so. Well...might have made things worse.
"You have no need to explain yourself, Jon," Des tried to keep his tone light. "Don't let us keep you any longer."
"Um yeah. I'll see you around though? Both of you?" Jon asked trying to hide how he was really feeling.
Jude gave a small nod. "You're welcome anytime, it was nice meeting you," Jude said and gave Jon a more friendly smile.
"I'll see you around, Jon," Desmond gave a tentative smile to the attractive vampire.
With that Jon lifted his hand in a small wave and turned to disappear into the tourists on the sidewalk.
Leaning back in his seat Jude watched as the other vampire disappeared before casting a glance over at Desmond. "So...why do I feel like I walked into someone's bedroom?"
"I really don't know what you mean," Desmond averted his eyes.
"Something happened with you guys, I'm not blind." Jude fingered the neck of his beer bottle and looked at his friend, surprised to see Desmond looking away from him. "And Jon kept looking at me like I was competition."
"Really? You think he was jealous?" A smile teased the corners of Des's lips. "We... I guess you can say we shared a moment a couple days ago..."
That made Jude raise an eyebrow and he crossed his arms across his chest, giving Desmond a comforting smile. "What kind?"
"He... uh," Desmond still couldn't look at his friend directly. "He kissed me..."
"Was that it?"
"Yeah, I guess. Flirted a bit... I suppose," he finally lifted his eyes to Jude's giving him a shrug. "I don't really know what to say, kinda new to all this..."
He was about to ask what Desmond said but stopped when he remembered the whole monk thing. Dropping his voice Jude nodded a bit. "Didn't have any relationship before monk days?"
"Never with a man..." Des thought it was a simple enough answer.
Now that explained a lot. Jude nodded his head and reached over to give Desmond's hand a squeeze. "I've been there."
"Yeah?" Desmond held on to Jude's hand, "How'd you handle it?"
Thinking back Jude shrugged his shoulders. "Freaked at first...but, then it felt right. It felt more normal than when I was with my wife."
Des nodded, he could understand being freaked, unsure... he just hoped that if he saw Jon again, he would eventually get over those frustrations. "You know I almost had a wife... instead I became a monk..." he gave a wry laugh. "I guess instead of freaking out and running I should deal with this one head on, huh?"
Squeezing Desmond's hand again Jude nodded and pulled away. "It can't hurt to try. I finally decided not to run and I have a pet."
"Suppose you've got a point brotha," Des took a glance at his watch. "Thanks Jude. I'm sorry to have commandeered your night. We're going to have to get a move on to beat the sunrise."
"Not a problem my friend, not a problem."