Fic: Choices 1/?
Title: Choices
Rating: NC-17
Summary: The first time they met Kris knew Adam was different to everyone else, he just never realised how different.
Genre: AU
Disclaimer: I know none of these people, nor do I own them, they own themselves. This never happened.
Other Parts
History
Vampires established a firm culture, society and hierarchy after The Dark Time when a large number of their species were killed in the witch hunts after some of their trusted humans betrayed them. It was widely believed that the betrayal was a result of Francoise Richard's 1657 book Relation de ce qui s'est passé a Sant-Erini Isle de l'Archipel linking vampirism and witchcraft making the humans afraid of what their vampires friends had done or would do to them.
Each country had a ruling vampire court led by the King and/or Queen, followed by a council of Dukes and/or Duchesses, each of whom were in charge of a state or region. Each Duke or Duchess had a circle of Lords and Ladies, one for each city, a vampire who dealt with the day-to-day business and the petitions from their citizens.
Those who held the throne were not determined by their bloodline but by their strength, skills, intelligence and wisdom; these traits were tested during a vision quest, a trial by the first of their kind known only as The Ancient. On passing the trial, they were given a mark on their right forearm that could not be replicated.
Each Lord or Lady kept at least one building as a sanctuary, a haven for vampires in need of some sort of help. It could be anything from food, education, a job, home, or training in controlling their natural instincts to hunt the humans. The sanctuaries had saved so many vampires from going out of control and bringing them to the attention of the humans. It was forbidden for sanctuaries to connect willing donors with vampires, any Lord or Lady whose sanctuary did so would be executed. This was to prevent vampires from using the haven as a food source.
The different courts had their own customs and alliances, but the word of the king or queen of each court was law. There were of course, rogue vampires who indiscriminately killed humans but these were outside the control of the courts. If a rogue vampire was found, it was preferred that they be taken to the closest court to see if they could be rehabilitated, of not they were quickly executed. The killing of humans was only allowed if it sanctioned by the King or Queen, normally for crimes against the court or vampire nation such as murder, blackmail or robbery.
There were over three million vampires but the individual clans rarely contained more than fifteen members. If members of a different clan married, they joined the senior partner’s clan. It had been that way for millennia and no one saw a need to change it.
In 1900, a mortal by the name of Nathan Harrison used his knowledge of theatre makeup, biology, and chemistry to create a sun block to allow his lover, Anthony, to go out into the sun with him. Unfortunately, his lover had used Nathan’s gift of the sun to find himself more lovers. After Nathan discovered the truth, he told Anthony that he was leaving only for Anthony to attack and turn him a fit of rage.
Once he had regained consciousness and realised he was a vampire, Nathan had sought out the Lord of the city to petition for sanctuary, which was granted immediately when the circumstances of his turning was disclosed. Grateful for the help, Nathan had presented the Lord with his sun block.
The Lord had immediately taken the wonderful creation to his Duke who had in turn requested an audience with the King. Realising how much this could benefit vampires the world over, King Roche had sent a messenger to each ruler announcing and sharing the miracle creation known as Harrison’s Gift and soon every court had a stockpile ready to distribute amongst the clans.
No longer were vampire confined to hiding in the shadows, terrified of even the smallest beam of sunlight. Now they were free to mingle with humans, even if they couldn’t fit in completely since their otherworldly charisma tended to cause problems. Vampires turned after 1901 never knew the pain of being on the outskirts of society and it was something each of the older ones was happy about, never wanting another generation to suffer as they had.
Part 1
He stumbled down the alley, the scent of decomposing food, alcohol, and human decay almost overpowering him. Although he couldn’t see it, Adam knew that the Sanctuary was nearby, he just had to make it there, and everything would be okay. He had been crazy to think he could go outside without his thirst overpowering him but he couldn’t stand being trapped inside the mansion any longer. Spying the building, he staggered towards the door, ignoring his double vision and feverishly rapped on the door.
The door opened with a creak and a tall, silver haired male was staring down at him in expectation. An annoyed, haughty look on his face, it was clear he wasn’t pleased at Adam’s furious banging on the door.
“I can’t control it, Lord Graham.” Adam said desperately.
Looking at the shaking form Lord Graham sighed saying, “You look like shit. How long has it been?”
Desperately trying to focus Adam said, “Four days, I think.”
Eyebrows raising Lord Graham said, “I'm surprised you managed to make it here without killing someone, then. Come in and I’ll have some food brought to you.”
Adam felt strong arms sweep him up as Lord Graham carried him, bridal style into a large homely room. The curtains were gold and red and in the middle of the room stood a large fireplace, a blood red rug lay in front of the fire on which a black and brown Jack Russell slept with an occasional whine.
“As you know, my name is James Graham and this is my Sanctuary. Fiona will bring in a drink for you, taken from the blood bank, if that concerns you.” Lord Graham said calmly.
Adam frantically nodded in agreement as tall, slender woman walked into the room carrying a large goblet. All Adam could focus on was the scent of blood filling the air, human blood that he could drink freely. Adam spared a quick look of thanks at the woman as he took the goblet and gulped it down, feeling the pain of hunger lessen with every mouthful. Once he had drained the goblet, Adam felt sanity return and with it shame that he had been so out of control and foolish. He looked around to find the woman had disappeared.
“I take it that you are feeling better now?” Lord Graham said, noticing the shaking had ceased.
Adam smiled widely, “Yeah. Thank you so much for helping me, My Lord. I would have attacked someone if I hadn’t found this place. Sorry for not introducing myself, my name is Adam Lambert.”
“It’s a good job that you found us then. As I recall, the Lambert clan believes in only using willing donors, right?”
Hearing the disbelief and barely veiled scorn in the Lord’s voice, Adam mentally sighed. Adam knew some clans and courts regarded those clans who only drank from willing donors a danger; fearing a repeat of The Dark Time. Some clans believed that willing donors should be treated, as they had been when vampires had been forced to hide in the night. At that time willing donors were kept firmly under the control of the courts, every aspect of their lives was controlled from the moment they consented to the day they died. A donor could only work in businesses owned by the courts; they could only date another donor and they had to live on court land. Donors were kept in a gilded prison; if they ever voice their desire to have a life outside of the court, they were killed.
The majority of vampire clans and courts felt it acceptable to drink from a mortal who did not consent with the proviso that the mortal could not be killed nor remember it. Most humans wouldn’t remember being fed on even if they did not consent because brains repressed the trauma of the event, the few that did disappeared. Often people thought it was a weird dream and there was no evidence to the contrary as the bite mark was removed by the vampire after they finished feeding.
At Adam’s nod, Graham said briskly, “Since you arrived famished, I assume you do not have a regular food source.”
Grief in his voice Adam shook his head, “Not anymore, he was killed and I haven’t had time to get another one.”
Feeling he knew Adam from somewhere Graham concentrated before saying, “I recognise your name from somewhere, one of my children mentioned it...Ah, you are involved in that singing competition right?”
Adam answered happily, “It’s called American Idol. It has always been my dream to sing in front of an audience, to have people listening to my music.
Shaking his head at the youngster’s foolishness Graham said, “To be so concerned about being a singer you must be young. The obvious solution, Adam, is to quit the show and return to your clan.”
Adam said passionately, “With respect, I am 130 years old and I will not give up. Singing makes me feel just like when you drink the blood of a willing donor in love with you. You know how that feels, Lord Graham; the sense of completion, exhilaration and passion. Now we have the techniques and technology to age me so there is nothing to stop me pursuing my dream.”
“Most unusual but I can understand your reasons. If you not going to see reason and leave the competition, have you considered looking for a donor amongst the crew of the show?” Graham said seriously.
Having previously considered this point Adam shook his head explaining, “I have but it wouldn’t work. It needs to be someone I can get to at any moment and the only people I'm constantly around are the other contestants and any one of them can be sent home a moment’s notice.”
Graham said matter-of-factly, “So you must find a donor amongst the other contestants, one you trust with your life who you know will be in the competition a long time. If necessary, they can be a temporary donor whilst you find someone more suitable.”
Adam knew there was only one person who could be a donor for him but he couldn’t do that to Kris. He knew Kris’ life would never be the same; he would be in danger like all willing donors. Adam knew there had to be another way but he couldn’t think of one.
Adam nodded in understanding saying, “I'll find someone. I need to go, I'm supposed to be at some magazine thing, and it’ll look strange if I'm not there.”
“Okay. Adam, if you can’t find someone let me know. Take some blood wine home with you until find someone,” Graham said as one of the many maids walked in carrying three wine bottles.
“Thank you for your help, Lord. May the moon shine on you and your clan,” Adam said gratefully, giving the traditional goodbye for a Lord or Lady.
After a nod of dismissal, Adam walked out of the building with the bottles in a paper bag. Composed of 80% blood and 20% wine, the blood wine was created to enable vampires to fit in with humans. It gave vampires something to drink in a bar or club that was truly enjoyable and nourishing.
Adam knew the blood wine was only a stopgap measure, after being on a diet of solely blood wine for a while; a vampire would slowly lose his sanity, control, and energy before dying. The duration a vampire could survive on just the blood wine varied depending on the power and constitution of the vampire. Unlike the mythology, vampires were capable of eating and digesting human food, it just didn’t do anything for them. Adam knew the wine would buy him time to find a donor, it wasn’t just a matter of finding a consenting human, a vampire, and donor had to be compatible. No one knew what made a vampire and donor compatible; it was widely suggested that it was a combination of biology, intelligence, and instinct.
The day he had met Kris, Adam had known that the man was a match for him and would be the most compatible donor he had come across in seventy years. The only other man who had been so compatible with him, Isaac, had been his lover until the man died in a robbery. He would have to start going out more to find someone and put the word out to his clan that he needed help. Eber and Leila, two humans who were friends with his Sire and agreed to pose as his parents, might be able to find someone amongst their human friends and family.
Looking at his watch, Adam realised that he had just enough time to get back to the mansion and hide the wine in his closet so that no one could stumble across it. If the others found it, they would demand a drink and he couldn’t think of a way to explain why he had it.
*******
Kris looked up as Adam walked into the lounge, dressed as normal in he always thought of as Lambert chic, an eclectic mix of glam rock, punk and Goth styles that just seemed right on Adam. Kris knew no one else would be able to wear such an outfit but Adam, he had noticed when some of the fans at the Idol taping attempted such a feat.
Noticing that Adam was looking considerably paler and wearier than normal, Kris wondered how he could get Adam to talk to him because he knew his friend was suffering. Five nights ago, Kris had heard Adam leave their room at three a.m. and worried, he had followed to find Adam sitting on the floor in the dark lounge. He had just been able to make out tears falling down Adam’s face as he clutched his phone against his chest, looking like he was shattered into a thousand pieces that would never be correctly reassembled.
The next morning, Adam had been up early as normal and had seemed to be his normal happy, sarcastic, funny self but Kris hadn’t been fooled. When Adam thought no one was looking, his mask fell, showing so much pain that Kris was amazed that Adam was moving about.
Kris knew he couldn’t let it continue, let Adam wither away in front of his eyes because the older man was too afraid to share his real feelings. He had given Adam five days to come to him for help and since the man wouldn’t or couldn’t do it, Kris was going to give his help even if Adam didn’t want it.
There was a loud beep of a car horn then a stampede of footsteps on the stairs as everyone rushed to get their favourite seats in the car. Wanting to avoid the crush of people, Kris fell back giving Adam a grin when the man gave him a knowing glance. Finally, it was safe to get into the car, so the pair strolled over taking their normal seats next to each other.
“Adam, can we talk later?” Kris asked, knowing the rest of the contestants would hear him but wanting everyone to know that he wanted Adam to himself for the night.
Kris knew that unless he staked his claim to Adam for the night, as it were, someone would inevitably appear to drag Adam away. It seemed everyone wanted Adam’s attention, even those not particularly friendly with him, sought Adam out.
“Sure. Is everything okay?” Adam questioned worriedly.
Kris said softly, “Yeah. We’ll talk about it tonight. Have you had something to eat since breakfast because you look pale?”
Hearing the concern in his best friend’s voice, Adam nodded, all at once loving and hating Kris’ caring nature. He loved that Kris could tell that something was wrong and was concerned enough to ask about his eating habits but he hated that Kris was so observant because Kris would see almost immediately when he started to fade. Adam accepted that unless his clan was successful in finding someone, he would die as there was no way he would put Kris in danger because of his selfish needs.
*******
As the moon light reflected off the pool, Kris looked over at Adam, who was staring straight ahead, seemingly lost in his thoughts. The pair had quickly moved to the poolside once the rest of the contestants started retiring to bed, both understanding that they needed to talk in private.
Kris asked gently, “Are you alright, Adam?”
“I’ve just been going through some things,” Adam said honestly with a shrug.
Kris reached out and touched his friend’s knee, noticing how Adam stilled at his touched. He couldn’t understand why since they had always touched each other. He hoped that Adam wouldn’t try to pull away from him because he truly didn’t want to see his friend suffer.
Adam could feel the heat of Kris’s hand on his leg, the tantalising sound of Kris’ blood beneath his fingers. The urge to grab Kris’ wrist and bite into the vein was there but Adam resisted, focusing on the instructions his Sire had given him to control his urges.
“You’ve been a bit off since I heard you on the phone the other night and you look very pale. If something is wrong, I might be able to help,” Kris said shortly, ignoring the Adam’s flinch.
Adam said honestly, “A very close friend was killed in a car crash that night; I’ve been a little upset.”
Shocked Kris said, “Oh. Do you need to talk about it?”
“Maybe later, it’s still a little raw at the moment. Thanks though,” Adam said with a sincere smile.
Gently Kris said, “You have to start eating properly because it’s obvious you’ve been skipping meals. Adam, I'm sure your friend wouldn’t you to get into this sort of state.”
Thinking of the man who had been his best friend since they met Adam nodded, “Joe would bitch at me if he was here but the problem is that he isn’t here.”
Seeing the pain in his friend’s eyes, Kris felt helpless, knowing there was nothing he could do to ease Adam’s grief. He would be there for Adam when the man wanted to talk and he would do his best to stop the others from hassling Adam too much.
*******
The vampire instructed calmly. “Adam Lambert has become a liability. His donor is dead and he seems unlikely to take another. You will kill him quickly; no one can suspect he was murdered.”
Nodding the man replied calmly, “As you will it, My Lady Morgan. I will contact you when he is dead.”
Smiling coldly Morgan said, “Good. If you fail, you will die without being made one of us. You may go now.”
Finishing the call, the man placed his phone into his pocket and looked out across the pool. He was pleased at being given a chance to prove his worthiness for a place in the clan. He would have to be careful when planning how to dispose of Adam. It would not be difficult but he needed everything to go perfectly. If he messed it up, there was no chance of him becoming one of the immortal vampires. With that thought in mind, the man headed back into the Idol mansion and to bed.
End Part 1