It’s a combination of natural talent, and years of practice
Andre carefully locked the cabinet containing the twelve Napoleonic swords, clicking the last of four locks into place and setting the single alarm specifically designed for this case. Two months ago, he'd come across them for auction at a family home in France; the family, last survivor of a previously robust and flourishing line, was selling all he could to make his life easier. Amidst some of the items that caught Andre's attention was an old wooden carved box - inside, nestled into the faded blue and gold velvet, lay the swords. They were tarnished, the embossing hidden under years of dust and filth, and Andre fell in love with them immediately. They arrived three weeks ago, and the antiques dealer spent many arduous hours carefully and painstakingly removing the layers of grime. The day the last one was cleaned, he'd sent special announcements to numerous collectors he knew, along with several to the history departments of several colleges in the area.
From the moment his boss slid the embossed announcement across his desk, his curiosity was piqued. No matter how many years had passed or how many miles he placed between his person and the battlefields where he fought and died, a part of Richard Sharpe continued to long for his past life. He couldn't resist when just as his nostalgia reached its peak, a local antiques dealer acquired a collection of Napoleonic swords. The opportunity to see, and possibly handle, a relic of his past is what lured him through the door of Time Passages.
The soft tinkle of bell alerted Andre to a visitor... that and he'd heard the approach several seconds before. Wiping at the Gothic Side table one last time, he pushed the soft chamois into the small cleaning carrier and made for the door. "Evening."
Holding up the gilded announcement, Richard cautiously approached the vampire before him. "I'm interested in seeing your new merchandise."
Recognizing the vellum, Andre's smile broadened. "Ahh, the swords. Collector or... yes, educator I'm guessing, with perhaps a hint of collecting?"
Richard's posture relaxed in the face of the shopkeeper's pleasant, welcoming attitude. "A bit of both I suppose. Hard to teach history without truly appreciating the remnants of it. I teach European history, specifically the Napoleonic era, at Tulane University. The Dean knew I would be interested and passed off your announcement to me. I do hope that is alright."
Extending his hand, Andre was nodding already. "I do understand and of course, it's very acceptable. Andre Marek, pleasure to meet you." It was there, the telltale scent that only a vampire held, blood for certain, but more prominent than any human could ever exude.
"Richard Sharpe," he replied with a slight nod of his head. "Its always good to meet a kindred spirit." His eyes swept across the various displays and surfaces of the shop, taking it all in. Allowing his curiosity to take hold he approached the display case containing several gleaming swords. Symbols of his own past.
Watching the other vampire walk away, Andre allowed his hand to softly fall back to his side. On silent feet, he moved to stand slightly behind Mr. Sharpe. "Beautiful aren't they? I've always marveled how a thing of beauty can also be so deadly - much like women when then need is there."
"Swords and women," Richard's low chuckle rumbled through his chest. "Good comparison, though I haven't had use for either in quite a few years."
"A creature of like nature?" Stepping so he now faced the other man, Andre clasped hands behind his back. "Would you like to hold one?"
"Yes," Sharpe's eager eyes met Andre's. "That would be... lovely. If, of course, it isn't an imposition."
Shutting down the few alarms, unlocking the case, he held up the lid and smiled at his visitor. "Make your selection."
Glancing away from the gleaming objects, Sharpe took one last look at the other man's face. Determining that he was, in fact, welcome to lay hands on the priceless merchandise, his hand slowly ventured into the case. Gently running his fingers along the hilt of each sword, he made his way down the line until he came to the true prize. The straight edge of the 5-Ball Spadroon called to Sharpe, or at least the man lurking somewhere inside of this supernatural shell. Slowly he eased the item from its home and grasped not only its hilt, but also the memories it represented.
Carefully lowering the glass lid, Andre nodded, his eyes once more devouring the glint and shine of an exquisite piece of workman ship. "You've an excellent eye - tell me, when was the last time you yielded a sword such as this... or similar?"
The left corner of his mouth turned upward slightly at the question, and Sharpe turned his eyes to the other vamp. "About 50 years ago, give or take, I stumbled upon one at a junk shop in very poor condition. Though the last time I held one of such quality was the Battle of Waterloo, just before I turned." Motioning to the case to return the artifact, Sharpe continued. "You have some true prizes here. What is the asking price?"
"They are for sale, as either the whole group or individually - but for now, I'd like to keep them together as a whole until the local colleges have had time to come in and view them. However, I'll reserve that one for you for a later date perhaps?" He could practically sense the yearning in Mr. Sharpe, the desire to once again hold something of his past. That, Andre could relate to; that was the reason he sought out the antiques he did. He'd find a way to make the sword affordable to the other vampire; everyone should have something to remind them.
"I have little desire for the French pieces," Sharpe cast another longing look at the Spadroon before bringing his eyes back to Andre's. "But this, this piece is spectacular." It had been far too long since he'd encountered such an outstanding specimen from his former life. It was going to cost a pretty penny, but his numerous years’ worth of investing had given him a decent cushion. He could definitely splurge. He pulled out a business card and handed it across the display cases. "Let me know when you are ready to part with it."
Clasping the blond vampire on his shoulder, Andre smiled, teeth peeking beyond his lip edge. "We'll make certain you are able to obtain that weapon. It looks natural in your hand, most mortals - current that is - do not know how to caress the hilt of a sword, how to grasp it with authority."
"It’s a combination of natural talent," he eyed the shopkeeper through the barrier of his eyelashes, "and years of practice. I assure you."
"Oh, I've wielded one myself... had to protect my castle and holdings. My lady would have had it no other way." Smiling, Andre watched how the other being, how he seemed to glow and grow in stature. "You are a natural with that. It is a pleasure to watch you with it."
"You must go back a fair amount of time... defending your lady's honor. I fought in many battles wielding a weapon just like this one." He briefly glanced at the weapon once again. "With that sword in my possession I served my country, married three times over, and fathered several children. It was in my hand the day that I fell in battle, but when I awoke from the change it was lost. It does my heart good to see it once more."
"I was born in 1967. Died 1597." The smile grew as he waited for the other vampire’s reaction.
Without provocation, Sharpe's head cocked to one side and his eyebrow arched in an obvious question.
"Indeed. Come," Tipping his head in invitation, Andre indicated two Yew wood Regency chairs. "Sit with me and I'll tell you the story."
Taking a seat in one of the chairs Andre gestured to, Sharpe waited for the other vampire to speak.
"I'm an archeologist, and we were working on a dig. Kept getting some precise location reporting from the company funding it... Well, ever see Star Trek?" Andre relaxed in the chair - as much as on can in that type, and waited to see if Sharpe made the connection to the TV series.
Sharpe nodded, having a vague knowledge of the science fiction show but not being much for television himself.
"Good, then the concept won't be completely unfamiliar." Clearing his throat with a small cough, Andre took a breath; his eyes holding a vague, far away look in them. "We went to find out how they knew this... basically, they'd managed to develop a time-travel machine. We went back," Swallowing at a memory that still remained painful even after five hundred years, he licked his lips, "François was lost there - a wonderful and gentle soul, our guides as well were lost there. That's also where I found my Lady Clair. I elected to stay behind. I've never regretted that decision." As the words softened, his accent thickened with emotion. He'd loved his wife, still did, but she was a dream of the past. He lived in the here and now, and the future. "Simple story, at least in the telling."
"Nothing involving time travel," Sharpe asserted, "can be labeled as simple. Thank you, for sharing your story with me."
Laughing, Andre's eyes crinkled at the corner. "Actually, I enjoyed that... your reaction was wonderful, thank you."
"So, if its not to forward, may I ask how a time-traveling archaeologist came to live in the Big Easy?"
Shifting in the chair, Andre frowned when he heard a soft creak; making a mental note to check the chair, he brought his attention to Mr. Sharpe. "I find people here have a wonderful appreciation of things ancient... Ironic really, when I may be one of the most ancient things they've ever seen... and they don't even know it. What of you? What is your story, and why here?"
Sharpe sighed and leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, head resting on his clasped hands. "Just a run of the mill vampire story I suppose. I was a British soldier, fell during Waterloo. Wandered Europe for fifty years until I had word that my wife had passed, before coming to the colonies. I've only been in New Orleans for about two years, but its certainly grown on me in a hurry."
Huffing silently, the other vampire watched Richard Sharpe, "Colonies... not sure how that would be received down here. However, careful when up in the North, they do tend to take exception to that." Rising, Andre picked up the sword. "Shall I return this to the case? Or would you prefer to hold it a bit more - I will understand, holding something so fine can be addictive."
"I'm sure it can be," Sharpe's voice was deep as he raked his eyes along Andre's body while he returned the sword to its case.
Andre felt the gaze, and smiled to himself. "Would you like a tour of the remainder of the shop?" Moving toward the door, he clicked the lock. "It's almost closing time."
"That would be lovely."
Locking the sword case again, the alarms for it set, Andre gestured with his hand toward the interior. "Come, let me know if there is a particular item you'd like to know the history of."
Taking in the other vampire's attractive backside, Sharpe couldn't help but retort, "I'm sure I will find something to pique my interest."
Looking over his shoulder, eyes swimming darker, Andre's lips lifted in a soft smile of understanding. "I'm glad to hear that; I pride myself on having something to offer everyone... though, I am very selective about who finally gets to touch the... pieces."
"And what are the requirements to handle such a lovely piece?"
A slow turn, followed by a slower smile had Andre facing Sharpe once more. "Appreciation for the finer things in life, an understanding of how to... hold them. Perhaps even knowing how to care for them as well; a gentle touch when needed, a bit stronger depending on the situation." Taking one step closer, he could smell the other vampire, strong musk, earthy. "Do you think you can be appreciative of something so unique?"
"I am certain that I am up for the challenge," Sharpe's breath ghosted across the other vampire's face as he spoke.
"Challenge? What an interesting way of looking at things." Two steps back, he turns and moves toward the rear of the building. "What would you consider an appropriate... battle field?"
"It is a challenge, a struggle between the dominance of will and submission to passion," Sharpe replied to the retreating vampire. "This would not be an appropriate setting, however. Wouldn't want to risk harming these beautiful antiques."
"Agreed, which is why - if you follow me," Once more looking over his shoulder, his eyes now bright to nearly glowing, he crooked a finger and beckoned. "I'll show you the rest of the building."
Sharpe followed the other vampire as he walked through the store. The look in his eyes left no doubt that if he were mortal; he would be walking into a dangerous situation. The glow of Andre's eyes and the timbre of his voice caused Sharpe's member to harden within the confines of his pants.
"You're walking too slow." Andre was back at Sharpe's side, his hand low on the other vampire's back. "Come with me... I promise you won't regret it." Adding a soft stroke just above the waistband, he felt the pulse from Sharpe's body. Ever since he'd see they way those long fingers wrapped around the handle of the sword, Andre had wondered what they'd feel like around his cock.
Licking his lips as he felt the shopkeeper’s hand on his back, Sharpe imagined the other vampire bending him over the nearest flat surface and fuck him senseless. He wanted this man from the moment he walked in.
Sensing the growing urgency in Sharpe, Andre pulled him close, bodies rubbing. "Do you want this? I need to hear the words; tell me Richard." The use of the other vampire’s first name was deliberate.
"I definitely want this," Shape practically panted. The feel of the other vampire's body against his fueling the flame of his own arousal. "Fuck, I need this."
Spinning on the ball of his foot, Andre faced him now, "And you shall have it." Eyes, deep in their color, stared back, breath softly slipped from between parted lips as he moved closer to Sharpe. "I think I'll start this with a kiss." Gently pressing his lips to the other vampires, Andre kept the touch light, a barely there fleeting kiss.
Sharpe pressed himself into the other vampire, trying to deepen the gentle kiss.
"Easy there... we have all night if need be." Sliding his hand behind Richards’s head, Andre brought their cheeks together. "Do you trust me enough to follow me to one of the upstairs bedrooms?"
"Lead the way time traveler," Sharpe practically growled into Andre's ear before running his tongue along the lobe.
Sliding his other hand around Sharpe's waist, Andre squeezed the full mound of flesh, "Then follow me." Guiding them up the stairs, past the first door, he opened the second on the left.
Revealed was a spacious, elegantly decorated room that showed the antique furniture at it's best. In the middle was a huge four-poster, wrought iron bed, piled with pillows and a thick, white comforter with a single red rose embroidered in the center.
Taking in the grandeur of the room was proving difficult for Sharpe due to his arousal and the presence of his stunning vampire host. "I hope that these precious antiques can hold up under pressure."
"I seriously doubt we'll be using more than the bed, and considering it's wrought iron and weighs in the neighborhood of 800lbs... we can't do much damage - with what we'll be doing." Backing Sharpe to the wall, Andre buried his face in the other vampires neck, inhaling his sent as fingers plucked the dress shirt from his pants.
With his back pressed into the wall, Sharpe lost himself in the moment. Lifting his head, he exposed his neck to Andre's incessant mouth while beginning his own attempts to undress the other vampire.
"You're not partial to this shirt, right?" He mouthed the words against the tender flesh of Richard's neck, teeth grazing but not breaking skin as he spoke.
"Fuck," Sharpe tried to concentrate on more than just undoing the button on Andre's pants. "No, hate the fucking shirt."
"Good." Andre ripped it from the other vampire, exposing his flesh to the soft glow of the room. "Now... about these pants."
Sharpe smirked as he pulled the zipper down on Andre's pants, "don't destroy those. I don't fancy having to make it home naked." His hands were now focused on trying to lift the other vampire's shirt off of his body.
Andre couldn't make clothing disappear, but he could move very fast when he wanted, and man, did he want! Before he'd finished his second blink, he'd removed his shirt and pants and was pressed to Sharpe again. "I have pants you can borrow." Delving into the waistband of the other vampire’s pants, Andre tugged them. "Or I can be nice and remove these."
"Just so long as the bloody things are gone," Sharpe groaned as he ran his hands along Andre's exposed chest.
His smile soft and eyes hot, Andre pressed his hand against the other vampire’s crotch; a quick squeeze and he found the zipper, tugging on it. The offending pants were gone in a blink, pooled around Sharps ankles. The hand however, found something new to tug on.
He groaned as Andre's hand came into contact with his hard cock. His own hands couldn't choose a new home, instead the roamed along the broad expanse of Andre's back trying to pull his body closer while Sharpe peppered kisses along his neck and shoulder.
Kissing his way down Richards’s chest, Andre tongued the other vampire’s belly button, wiggling before moving lower. "Lift your leg." He pulled on the puddle of material, wanting to remove it so he could widen the others legs.
He gazed down at the other vampire while tangling his fingers in the soft, dark curls. Sharpe quickly obeyed Andre's request and stepped out of his abandoned pants.
A flick of wrist sent them off into a corner; unconcerned where they landed; Andre skimmed his hands up the other vampire's legs. Over strong thighs, up to the apex where leg met torso and a thick cock nestled in a bed of wiry curls. Leaning forward, he flicked his tongue against the hard length, feeling the pooling heat as he moved toward Richard's cock-head. Opening wide, Andre engulfed the rounded head, circling it with his tongue while slowly sucking at the tender flesh.
As Andre's mouth wrapped around his cock, Sharpe groaned deep in his throat as his head flew back. He briefly worried about leaving a dent, but his attention was quickly and completely diverted to the other vampire's mouth working on his cock. He allowed himself to get lost in the sensation for a few moments before he pulled Andre away and gazed down into his eyes. "Lovely," his accent was thick due to his arousal, "but how about we move this over to that big bed."
Still on his knees, mouth only slightly red, Andre winked, "Oh you needn't worry, we'll make plenty of use of that bed." Rising, he took Sharpe by the hand and walked backward toward it. His arms slinked around the broad chest, bringing their bodies into contact. One more step, Andre's knee tapped the bed, and he pulled the other vampire down with him, landing underneath.
Resting on his elbows Sharpe looked down into the other vampire's eyes. "Well, we got to the bed. What now?" With a cheeky smile Sharpe leaned down and began to trail kisses along Andre's jaw and neck.
Widening his legs, Andre felt Richard slip between them. "Well, that depends... what do you like? Me, I like it either way."
Nestled between Andre's legs, Sharpe couldn't resist grinding their bare cocks together. "I'm typically pretty flexible, but tonight I want you to fuck me."
"You could still be flexible for that..." Shifting his hips up, Andre wrapped one leg around Richard and rolled them. With the other vampire on the bottom, he stared down into bright green eyes. "Do you want..." Licking a long swipe over the blond’s neck, Andre whispered against it, "more foreplay or right to the main event?"
Grabbing those supple dark curls, Sharpe slammed Andre's mouth to his own, kissing the other vampire fiercely. He pulled away briefly and whispered into the other vamp's lips, "Just fuck me."
"Should have known you were a man of action!" Rolling from Richard's body, Andre opened the drawer to the Louis the XV nightstand and pulled out a small container of lube. "Before you say anything, there's a reason I chose this room." Waggling the tube, he leaned over and nipped at the other vampires shoulder. "Spread your legs for me..."
Sharpe quickly parted his legs to the other vampire, "thanks for being choosy, but I could give a fuck about ambiance right now."
Fingers lubed, one slipped between the firm cheeks then in to the tight hole. "Ambiance or not, I don't fuck dry." Andre corkscrewed his finger, thoroughly coating the beginning and a touch inside the vampire. A second finger was added, then a third. "You good with this?"
"Very good," Sharpe trailed his mouth along Andre's neck and shoulder, leaving wet open-mouthed kisses and small bites before tugging on his earlobe and whispering, "fuck me."
Reluctantly pulling away to reposition himself between the heavy thighs, Andre arranged Richard's legs on the bed, knees bent and splayed to the side. Once satisfied, he gently brushed his cock-head against the slick opening before nudging against it. A gentle rocking motion had Andre's dick push in then retreat only to push in deeper with each forward thrust. It was only moments, but felt like years before the guardian ring relaxed enough to let him slip inside.
"Oh fuck yeah," Sharpe cried as Andre's cock finally entered him. He had been so wound up before coming into the other vampire's shop, and he eagerly anticipated the relief.
Gripping Andre's ass with one hand, Sharpe spoke, "I'm not some dainty flower to be coddled and romanced, go ahead and fuck me."
Dropping to one elbow along the side of Richard's head, Andre grinned. "That doesn't mean a bit of finesse is out of the question." Rolling his hips and sliding in just that tiny bit more, he stifled his own groan; the other vampire was tight, hot and like sliding in to silk. Beginning a slow, steady thrust and pull, he leaned closer still and began to lick and nip at the blonds neck, the skin unbroken yet.
Sharpe moaned at the sensations evoked from the slow rhythm. Nails raked across Andre's back - holding on, encouraging him to speed up, and wanting the pleasure to go on indefinitely. He pulled his head back, exposing his neck in a silent offering.
Hitching his hips, the dark vampire changes angles as he lightly grazes his fangs over Richard's neck, gently scoring the flesh before slowly sinking his teeth in. Thrusting harder and faster, Andre wraps his arms around the other vampire, holding him tight in the cradle of his arms.
The change in angle coupled with the intimacy of being fed from was driving Sharpe quickly towards completion. He whispered nonsensical words of pleasure as his hips moved in sync with Andre's.
Reaching between their bellies, he gripped the thick cock, stroking up and down the shaft in time to his sucking. Thrusting faster still, Andre drove toward the edge, wanting the release, yet not wanting it too soon.
"Fuck..." Sharpe could feel his control slipping as his body raced towards climax. He couldn't hold on much longer, but he didn't want to completely give in and give up the moment.
Arching in to each thrust, rolling his hips so he drove deeper and deeper, Andre sealed the small punctures and simply sucked on the flesh. He wouldn't be able to hold off much longer. Wanting the other vampire to come as well, he stroked harder, griping then releasing his hold.
"Can't... gotta..." Words left him as he was overcome by his orgasm. Head thrown back, body arched, Sharpe gripped Andre as wave after wave of pleasure rolled over him.
The clenching heat was all the signal Andre needed - Not that the sight of Richard awash with his own pleasure wasn't beautiful enough. Growling low, he sunk his fangs in again at a new spot, not really sucking but simply letting the blood flow into his mouth at a trickle. Then seconds before he came himself, Andre gave one hard pull on the other vampire’s neck with his mouth as his own climax slammed through him.
The tug of Andre's fangs sent shivers through Sharpe's spent body. As he attempted to bring himself back to reality, Sharpe traced random patterns along the other vampire's back with his fingertips.
"You okay down there?" Andre'd quickly sealed the punctures again, only wanting the hint along with his climax. "Next time, we go slow..."
"Yeah, that was perfect," Sharpe smiled as he looked up at Andre. He brushed his hand across the other vamp's cheek and placed a soft kiss on his lips.
Brushing his hair away from his neck, Andre made the offer to Sharpe. "Drink, share with me." As always, the older vampire could feel the gentleness of post-coital pleasure filling him. He was a snuggler, even as a human he'd loved the physical - not necessarily sexual - side of relationships. Turning his head so he could quickly kiss the other vampire's hand, he then lowered his head, neck still exposed; a show of trust.
Sharpe nuzzled his face into Andre's exposed neck, breathing in his unique aroma and basking in the afterglow of their intimacy. Touches turned into kisses, which then degenerated into a wet, open-mouthed tasting of the flesh. When his fangs pierced the skin, Sharpe sighed in contented pleasure and burrowed his fingers into Andre's soft hair.
The electric jolt that shot through him had Andre hissing and arching. Undulating slowly over Richard, his body shivered at the dual sensation. "You've a nice touch... smooth." He was amazed he could speak at all; flesh humming with the feelings that ran through him, Andre closed his eyes and enjoyed.
Sharpe smiled as he carefully withdrew his fangs. "Thank you," he whispered into Andre's neck before tenderly licking the damaged flesh. As the wounds sealed, the healing licks became gentle kisses. Pulling away enough to look into the other vamp's eyes, Sharpe spoke softly, "you are lovely."
Andre's eyes took on a soft sheen to them as he gazed at the other vampire. "Thank you mon nouvel ami. I find that you are more than pleasant upon the eye as well." Richard was not a beautiful man; he was however, a strong, charismatic, handsome one. "When we know each other better mon ami, I will invite you to my night chambers, yes?"
"Something to look forward to then," Sharpe replied. "I suppose then, you are kicking me out for the night?"
"No, you are free to stay - there is a reason I chose this room. Because of the layout, the sun does not shine brightly in here, and the curtains... do you recognize them from World War II in London perhaps? They were called 'black out' curtains for a reason." Sliding to the side, Andre pulled the light cotton comforter over them. "I tell customers they are here to protect the furniture from the sun's harmful rays."
Sharpe chuckled as he wrapped his arms around the other vamp's waist, "little do they know how truly damaging the sun's rays can be to antiques like us."
"Sleep, we are safe here. There are... precautions set in place should anyone be foolish enough to try and break in. The police, when they arrive, will not find much left." Lifting his head, Andre stared at the door; moments later, the lock clicked into place and a metal shutter was lowered on the inside. It gave him a small headache to do those things, but it was preferable to leaving the arms of the other vampire. "I think I will have a good day's sleep."
Content, sated, and comfortably wrapped around Andre, Sharpe relaxed and found himself quickly drifting to sleep.