𝑹𝑶𝑪𝑲𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹

“You can never be too careful these days, can you? People have tried to use less to pin me down when I’ve just started out in the business -- it’s always someone you know that makes or breaks a career, I’ve learnt that the hard way. The good thing is that for people like us, if we bite hard enough, things give.”

Howard sighed low as the shower and Lestat’s body began to warm him some; reminded yet again that he hadn’t slept in ages and ages. If he was honest, all he wanted to do was to press up against someone just as solid and try to lull himself into what could constitute a nap. But Lestat’s a busy man, surely, and hungry most importantly; the hunt would come first and foremost. He lathered himself quietly at the thought, smiled when he was Lestat’s knight, and as he was busy wiping away the playful splash off his cheek, he was treated by a tendrilling arm that pulled him deeper into their own little conspiracies.

“My mouth is saying to me that that’s what I want. My body then acts upon it. Works the ambition through the night, through the day. I run myself ragged until there’s nothing much there to suffer for. But if you want my honesty, I don’t know exactly if that’s what I needed,” was his answer. Forthcoming and quite plain, he knew it might shatter some of Lestat’s hopes in him perhaps, but he felt as if there was no use to hide from the other vampire. Neither of them needed to tear one another down, they had what they wanted in their own ways, existing in parallels and yet the trajectories of their futures seemed to never cross. Yet, perhaps.

The beckoning drew him closer, their bodies merging, as if to mock Howard’s train of thought. Not a fraction of a second did they collide, and Howard would behold the magic -- or the damage -- and he must think on his feet. What would he do next?

He took Lestat’s arm, ran his lips over the edge of its form, stopping just by the inside of the elbow to plant a small kiss there. Caressing the length of it back up against his cheek, he opened his mouth, where those compelled murders jut out from beneath the void like singing blades; though they were dull when they rested on Lestat’s arms in a soft bite. He chuckled playfully as he pressed firmer into flesh and bone. Dents pitted on Lestat’s skin, but no blood was drawn.

R☆ckstar☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆: an honest actor in the industry that works against all of them? Lestat grins at the prospect of making a new friend out of a vampire who would rather hold his shadows close, shrouded in them. To Lestat, the spotlight only intensifies. After Monaco, he has been nothing but the front runner of every article that wishes for the former rockstar to clarify one thing over and over again: I didn't do it, I never would do something so monstrous and disgusting. I am one of you. I am not a monster with teeth. But a lie like that would taste bitter. He doesn't want to release his monstrous nature. The trial was merely a reminder of Lestat's capabilities. He'd rather be less messy, but he has that freedom to. He could just turn around and ignore the threats of Talamasca. He could.

Lestat's eyes watch Howard when the vampire takes his arm and touches his elbow. He arches his eyebrow; perhaps a simple show would have cut it if not for the interesting formation of Howard's jaw. No, this is not a classic vampire you see in movies or in the reflection of Lestat's brilliant, blue eyes. He feels a twitch in his limb when Howard's maulers press again him, and then tighter to leave a mark behind. A fascinated sigh: the teeth do not draw from the nether of his body. Howard does not drink from him, even if the actor would have welcomed a taste to prove a point. The man furrows his eyebrows as he lowers his arm to gain a better view of his marked, collapsed skin. The shower bounces off of their outline, running over the crevices to fill the dents with water. Gently brushing the droplets away, Lestat hums.

"If my body could retain ink, I would've asked for this to be tattooed." The actor motions with his gently bitten limb before turning to face the shower head, washing something form his face. "Our bite may be different, but our nature is the same. My teeth leave quite the mess," he chuckles and glances at Howard after pulling his wet tresses over his shoulder. "Or maybe the fault is mine." He nods at Howard while reaching for the shower knob nearby. He confirms that there is no more need for them to stand under hot water, coated with trapped steam in the cabin.

"If you aren't partaking tonight, I am not going to ask you to come with me to dark alleyways or an underground night club." The shower hisses once before the vampire twists the knob to shut off the stream. He stands by the wall, gently squeezing out water from his hair by twisting the gilded bouquet in his hands. "You are bold." Lestat remarks, sweeping his eyes over his co-star. "I like it. And that means we are going to have a lot of fun tonight regardless." A wide smile paints a vain picture: Lestat de Lioncourt still likes to show himself off with company that wouldn't mind a rapid change of plans. Whether he gets to suck from a neck tonight, or simply people watch while basking in attention does not matter to him. He's got a companion that is far more intriguing than a bartender behind a counter of a Hollywood dive bar.

"You should wear red tonight, I think," Lestat whispers as he rakes his hands through his hair to sweep it away from his face. "I think it will suit you."

Hey, who's in there, something wrong?

Who are you? What are you doing?

Take it easy. You're lucky I broke in.

Why don't you go back and mind your own business…like everybody else in [place name]?

Okay, that's the last time I'll save your life.

I wasn't kissing you. You were kissing me.

Why didn't you complain? So I could have met you earlier.

That's one of the things that attracted me to [him/her/them].

I like honesty. All my life people have lied to me, and I can't stand it.

[Place name]. I've been there. I never noticed you.

I was sitting here alone tonight, it suddenly came over me. I have wasted away my whole life for [him/her/them].

Don't start monkeying around with the federal government!

Look, if you need anything, just pound on the wall. I'll come right away.

I didn't know you were interested in reading.

I've seen some of those movies, but this one is like an iceberg.

[Name], what you don't like about [Second name]…is exactly what I do like about [him/her/them].

My life is arranged the way I like it.

You mean you're in love with [him/her/them]?

You wanted to see me about something?

I think [he/she/they] taking advantage of you.

You should change laundries. They're using too much starch.

Please stop mothering me. Thank you.

I saw [his/her/their] face before me and I couldn't go through with it.

Married? Who said anything about getting married?

I've got a perfect setup. Why spoil it by getting married?

That's such a big, dirty, rotten,filthy lie, but it has class.

I'm sorry. I hope I haven't shocked you.

It isn't as if you're planning to pay me, either.

Look, [name], if it is that important you'd better tell me about it.

Sorry to disappoint you but everything between us is a fake.

Don't try to spare my feelings, [name]. I know you were out with [name].

Through? What are you talking about? We're so happy together.

It wasn't your fault. I knew what I was getting into. You have always told me the truth.

You may not believe it, but I have certain standards.

In that case, I'll be proud to marry you.

Tell [him/her/them] to get the hell out of here and come back later.

Look, now that we're engaged… don't you think we should do something to celebrate?

Let's do something we've never done before.

I would not be prejudiced if you were married.

I can always count on you in a jam.

Why? Is there somebody else in that closet?

I've been working for you for almost [number] years… and this is the first time that you have ever invited me out.

I realized that I have no idea of what your life is like outside the office.

What do you do on your vacation?

I'm no sex goddess, but I haven't spent my life in a tree.

I was married when I was very young, but it didn't work out.

I've been talking an awful lot and I'm afraid I'll be late for dinner.

I'm glad we had this little talk. You're a very rare person, sensitive and generous.

I have a feeling that if I found myself in trouble, I could count on you for help.

[Name],I want someone to play the part of my [husband/wife/partner].

At the time, I had my reasons. But I'll straighten that out later. At the moment, I have to dig up a [husband/wife/partner].

Are you quoting [her/him/them], or you?

I don't know how to get out of this one. My happiness lies in your two hands.

You've managed to handle your happiness without any help from me and now you want to use me in this contemptible way.

You just tricked me into talking about myself so that….What you did wasn't very nice. Not very nice at all.

Are you absolutely sure that you love [name]?

I don't want [her/him/them] to end up bitter and unhappy.

Are you absolutely sure you don't love [her/him/them] anymore?

What about your future? What's going to become of you?

[She/He/They] crazy about you. Anybody can see that.

It's not what [he/she/they] said, it's what [he/she/they] didn't say.

It sounded as if they were made with love.

Now that you're getting a divorce, we ought to be more careful. We wouldn't want this to get messy.

I'm afraid I threw this boyfriend thing at you too quickly.

Damn, you're getting as prickly as your damn cactus.

What's going on out there between you two?

Don't try to fool me, I have a very good nose for sexual tension.

I behaved like a dignified, civilized, willing-to-be-divorced [husband/wife]!

Why did you have to bring children? That's what choked [him/her/them] up.

If I can't spend my weekends as I see fit…me and my cactus will be glad to resign!

You must help me…not only as a friend, as a [job name]. It's your professional duty.

You played the part of my [husband/wife] once and you enjoyed it. Admit it. You did enjoy it.

Now here's your chance to play a return engagement. No [actress/actor] quits after one performance.

So I lose a [husband/wife] and gain a lover? At least I don't feel completely abandoned.

Good, wonderful. All we have to do is to find someone to play your lover.

You want me to act the part…and now you want me to furnish my own props?

It's not going to be easy. We have to find someone I know I can trust.

I'm supposed to be your lover, remember? That's the reason you're getting a divorce.

You want me to act natural and flirt with you at the same time?

I know, but now I feel like a spy. Let's go.

Go easy on that stuff. I'm not sure I can pay for it.

I don't think they've noticed us. We'd better push things a bit. Let's dance.

An actor? Isn't that a very insecure profession?

Did we have a date, or didn't we?

I could give you a dozen explanations, but you might as well know the real one. I am a member of the CIA.

[Name], my respect for you is going down every minute.

What do you say we go over to your place where we can be alone

You're going home alone? Without an escort?

[Name] thought you looked so sad and humiliated…[he/she/they] told me to stay with you.

As far as I am concerned, are we supposed to have spent the night together?

I'll buy [him/her/them] a nice present, tell the truth, then we'll get married.

You didn't have to put on that act about being humiliated!

I was hired as a [job title], not as a geisha girl!

You're afraid. Afraid of emotion, afraid of intimacy, afraid to live.

If you call that living, the way you carry on, then you're right.

Funny how whenever people hurt your feelings…they're always doing it for your own good.

What makes you think I'm trying to tell you anything?

You're not a stingy man, but you're not the last of the big-time spenders, either.

Tell me, have you ever been to a diplomatic ball?

It's always a shock when it happens to someone you know.

That present…. I don't know how to thank you.

You're beginning to sound just like a husband.

I thought we were going to have a quiet little dinner?

The minute I decided to do the right thing and marry [him/her/them], I've had only troubles.

I was getting lonesome for the sound of a human voice.

Let's ignore [him/her/them]. After all, my evenings are my own.

Look at them acting so damn polite. They're all rotten.

You must feel as if you were dancing with your mother.

Let's run away and live on your social security.

That's some talk for a man who's planning a divorce.

When you left the club, you were already doing fairly well, blurry-wise.

Did you ever have a gin and tonic but made with tequila?

You know what I've done? I've created a monster.

No, Dr. Frankenstein, this is no creation of yours, this is me. Experiencing new things. Things that I've never done before.

Nobody around so we sat there and watched the sun come up.

My cactus. It's blooming!

Nevermind that. What about your night of debauchery with [name].

Poetic? I saw [him/her/them] kiss you on the neck! There's no such thing as a friendly kiss on the neck.

It's grotesque, a woman your age throwing yourself at a kid like that.

What about that father-and-daughter thing of yours?

You go to your church and I'll go to mine.

I was determined to make up for the time I'd lost. And I intend to keep on doing it.

Every time I felt shaky, I thought about you. Thinking about all those terrible things you said to me.

I don't mind saying I'm disappointed in you, [name]. Very disappointed.

If I didn't know you so well, I'd almost swear you're jealous.

All right, look, so you had a little fling last night. Nobody's knocking it. After all, there was no harm done. Was there?

Why don't you just ask me if I went to bed with [him/her/them]?

What happened out there on my mink stole? I mean, the beach? I want to know.

A husband's right. Let me remind you you're still my wife!

You want a divorce? It's I who wants a divorce!

Don't worry, you won't see me again. That goes for the children too!

I have no patience with people that shilly-shally about these things.

Damn it, I've been swindled!

How come you suddenly decided to un-mess this mess?

Dirty, married bachelor!

I don't know what your game is, but you'll not use me.

Your [husband/wife] suddenly refuses to give you a divorce?

What are you doing coming through the window like that?

I went to see [him/her/them] and I told [him/her/them] that you wouldn't agree to a divorce.

I went and told [him/her/them] that we weren't married.

It was the only way I could get out of marrying [him/her/them]!

My anger disappeared and I suddenly felt a delicious sense of relief. I said to myself, "Thank God, you're out of it. Now you can go home to your [husband/wife] and I suddenly remembered I had no [husband/wife].

Everything is an attack in the vampire's eyes, isn't it? Cain rolls his eyes while his back is still turned toward Lestat, not bothering to feed into such childish defiance. Does the vampire have to accept that gracious smidge of genuine sympathy for being robbed of his life? For suffering an existence he didn't ask for? No, but neither does he have to make a scene. Again. Inhaling a deep breath that heaves the demon's shoulders, he pivots on his heel sans rush to face Lestat again. From that very distance by the table.

"I could explain to you how I know from experience what it's like to be shoved into a role you'll never get out of, but it's rather obvious", he pauses, picking up his coat to slip into it. Then follows a languid shrug. "You don't care." Simple observation served flatly, Cain's voice and mien lack emotion. He definitely can live with that. The world revolves around this shiny rockstar alone, apparently, so be it— he's none to force his attempt at understanding on anyone. Being merciful might be the only gift he should grant Lestat. Point taken.

"One can only hope for your sake that, one day, you'll realize how little treating those who try to accept you for who you are like crap will help your loneliness." And this is it. He refuses to entertain that conversation any longer. Instead of just vanishing from the environment into thin air like he could elect to, the demon heads to the exit. "Thanks for the hospitality."

R☆ckstar☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆: the corners of Lestat's lips drag downward when their eyes meet. He is waiting for a kind of mockery that would grant him permission to stab Cain's ears with something venomous again. He prefers to have it this way. A book dictates his attitude toward the world, so what's a demon's perception of him if not the same layered lie? But they keep running into these walls with each other, mostly erected by the rockstar himself. For what purpose? He doesn't believe him. And it's not about the fact that Cain's true nature hails from a place Lestat considered insignificant when he found Hell in other people. No. It is simply the fact that he keeps trying to get to the rockstar in ways that will destroy him. Not his career, or his feeding grounds, or the legacy he now carries on his bedazzled shoulders. It is his heart.

Lestat averts his gaze. He does care, hence why the show is an everlasting war.

He presses his lips into a thin line when Cain fetches his jacket. This isn't an unfamiliar gesture, especially when his sentences sound like last breaths. The vampire should rejoice that the demon seemingly gives up, ready to part ways and hopefully end their accidents from here on out. And yet, Lestat feels suddenly hollow as he watches the silhouette brush past him. The fabric is close enough to grab hold of in the last possible moment when Lestat takes a step in the demon's direction. He captures the other man's sleeve just by his bicep, tugging at it sideways while simultaneously stepping around. The vampire doesn't block the other's way, although he's aware that there are options in taking his leave. Admittedly, not vanishing from the rockstar's sight like a ghost speaks volumes. Lestat, in all his brooding glory, has to take that chance.

"Cain," Lestat calls out firmly as he lifts his eyes to the demon's face. "Why?" A short, breathless question laced with frustration that is contained instead of being outright tossed at his counterpart. "Why do you care?" An empty smile and a voice no longer reaching the tops of the rooftops. "Do you feel just as torn by the world that you seek certain truths in me you avoid within yourself? What is it, really?" Lestat lets go of Cain's sleeve, hanging his arm by his side.

"That's what I want to know." The rockstar sighs, lowering his gaze by glancing at the ground while hoisting his hands on his hips. "I wouldn't be doing any of it if not-" he cuts himself off and offers a chuckle instead.

Cain hears Lestat's sigh and knows immediately what to expect. Counting down in his head: 3, 2, 1... there it is, stubborn defiance in all its glory. Upon passing the bottle over, the demon glances up into one of the trees' bough as a rustling noise caught his attention. It's a squirrel hasting across a branch. So he listens practically with one ear alone, which is enough to sufficiently receive the result of another misunderstanding twisting Lestat's tongue into dismissive tones. The vampire chooses to drink with him despite his oh-so-boring character, right? So he's either an emotional masochist or shouldn't truly be taken seriously.

"Well", Cain finally sighs, too, head dipping again to regard the situation at hand. Dark sweetness wafts vaguely around their noses like a phantom draft— this wine surely cost a fortune, he catches himself thinking. "All I'm saying is that I won't filter myself either. Warning you is a courtesy on my end", he snaps back, although a glint of amusement grazes his eyes. At this point, the vampire's attitude shall be treated as comedic artistry rather than a poor character trait or unfavorable stage persona.

He takes the bottle again, a single brow arching upward while he maintains a side glance just for a beat longer. "So cut the yapping, Lestat." The next sip soon coats his tongue and runs velvety down his throat; he absolutely won't mind a whole gallon of this, despite rarely ever drinking himself into embarrassing demeanors anymore. He glances ahead now, too, bending an elbow to plant it atop the backrest. Hand hanging mid-air. "We both know you're going to cry if I leave." Cue a crooked smile at no one. "And then write an entire song about the devastating clutch of abandonment you felt tonight."

R☆ckstar☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆: Lestat shakes his head as both men briefly hold onto the wine bottle. The vampire grimaces at Cain's sharp glance, showing a row of white teeth in a preliminary sneer. "Yapping is a conversation, demon." The rockstar reminds his counterpart of why they are here in the first place. Actually, he doesn't have an answer to that. It's been the kind of night that ends up with a random text message to the wrong person and a rendezvous that one is going to regret in the morning. Lestat is a man of destructive spontaneity. If it isn't him ending up surrounded by the consequences of cursed dominos, then is it really worth it?

When the bottle is his again, the rockstar nearly chokes on Cain's bold assumption. He flicks the red droplets clinging to his lips before tossing his head back in an eruption of ringing laughter. It flies over the garden like a hawk, bouncing from multiple sculptures before returning to the maestro on the bench. Clearing his throat, Lestat gestures at Cain with the bottle while waving with his opposite hand to dismiss the invisible fog between them. "Oh, that's rich!" The vampire grins while fighting with another wave bubbling in his chest. "In your deepest, most secretive desires, Cain, you find yourself being so honest with a delusion. Over you?" Lestat points as the demon by canting the bottle toward him.

"Ha-ha, you really don't know my craft, do you? I write songs about people I love," the singer raises his eyebrows. "Or the record that needs a correction because of what those wonderful beloveds it. I," he pauses, smiling. "Believe you're in the beloathed section. Your attempt is noted, however," the rockstar crosses his legs at his ankles, leaning back. "I understand you want to get backstage. Mmm, maybe I will get you a VIP pass. How's that?" Lestat tilts his head playfully at Cain just before he surrenders the bottle.

Shoot, it isn't the first time some slinkster sly fella comes steppin' up to Rae with this kinda attitude locked n' loaded. Sometimes these folks jus' like t'be an open book eager for just one more thumbin' through.

Sometimes it's a trap, though. Beautiful and treacherous. This man seems to be chock full of both and Rae ain't so sure which he's got more of in all them pages.

"Uh huh, just THE big city? You gonna have t'be a lil' more descriptive than that. Y'know Houston is a 'Big City' what with it bein' about the size of the state of Conneticut an' all, but I ain't gettin' the feelin' that's what you mean."

His easy smile falters when he realizes he hasn't even bothered to introduce himself. The neck of the beer bottle in his right hand is sweating, just weepin' condensation so bad that he has to wipe his palm off on his jeans before offerin' that hand while the other takes over holdin' fast to a drink that ain't really bein' drunk.

R☆ckstar☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆: the vampire can smell the uninformed notes battering this man's head. The rattling thoughts inside that head of his apply to the vast freedom of a countryside Lestat has mostly been familiar with when he was human. What a throwback that feels like. His lips stretch into a side smile. He hasn't been this far out, but for the sake of it? The tour bus is parked exactly where Lestat remembers it. He is only curious what the outside of the city looks like where the light pollution does not reach and it is somewhat quieter.

The rockstar's eyes flick over his counterpart. He gets lost in the Texan draw a bit; the vampire isn't used to the accent. Hell, he has been losing the French notes sometimes the longer he spends time in America. He has to return to Canada to his abandoned, artistic property and chat with the locals just crossing from Quebec to return to what feels most comfortable. He yearns to return to Paris, but he's not ready for that yet.

Lestat casts his eyes to the mortal's hand. He raises his eyebrow at it before reluctantly offering his hand. He simply tucks it into his counterpart's warm palm like a dame or the (late) Queen of England may have done so. Imposing style of authority that is known and evidence. A rockstar, naturally, would think of himself in this way. "Lestat de Lioncourt." The man delivers with flawless intonation, drawing out the best vowels of his name while observing Raeford's face.

"Houston is huge. I am here temporarily." He lowers his voice conspiratorially. "Can't wait to leave."!"

@eladead: 💃 – dancing with them @ annie

A leap back in time, huh? At least this is what she's signed up for in a way, this date [if one can call it that] between supe and vampire, the latter introducing the former to an ambiance long forgotten. After all, Annie requested a live demonstration of what world Lestat used to move and exist in; curiosity killed the cat. She even got a long dress, white and unpretentious save for a little bit of glitter across the long sleeves and skirt— Now she's here, looking around what appears to be a [former] theatre and marveling at how classy this place is. Classic tunes gently echoing through the vast hall only add to the out-of-time experience.

"Gosh, this almost makes me feel like some kind of Disney princess", Annie chuckles upon finally regarding the vampire again. Then shoots a quick glance down on herself before grimacing. "I hope I'm not overdressed or anything. Just trying to match the overall... you know... vibe."

Once again, talk about déjà vu, her attention drops to his extended hand; only this time he's not levitating in front of a billboard after diving into a canyon. She takes his hand, lets him lead her toward the center of what's obviously a stage. No audience. Her free hand planted to Lestat's shoulder, Annie gradually forgets about the shitshow that is her life at war against giant forces. His hair gets her almost envious, not gonna lie. Let's not even talk about those eyes that certainly made many people shit their pants, or fall in love.

R☆ckstar☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆: Lestat is dressed in a tailcoat that almost feels like home. The lace, the split button-ups, the padded shoulders with glittering corners, the ripped jeans, the leather collars, the veiled, expensive robes; all the modern gull has been replaced with something other. Familiar. Almost ancient. He is not without his flare, though. A colorful blouse underneath with an intricate cravat, pants with a matching pattern of his vibrant buttons, and of course shoes with a small, visible heel just for the hell of it. He meets Annie exactly where they conspired to: an abandoned theatre that no one gives a damn about anymore.

Of course, Lestat starts with Vivaldi before going into other pieces that tug at the ears with a reminder of the past. He captures Annie with his eyes first, inviting her to join him on stage with a smile and an offered cold hand. When he feels her fingers hook around his, Lestat lifts her knuckles for a welcoming kiss. "Don't sell yourself short, doll" he mutters to her, taking her in as he tugs her closer to him on the stage. "Disney's a soulless, corporate monster. Matter of fact," he twists her hand gently, inviting Annie into a spin to assess her gown of the night. "That's not how princesses are. I would know." Lestat winks at her in passing as they finally face each other again. The vampire kills the distance between their torsos by enveloping Starlight's waist while extending their locked hands up at a square angle. Then, with a relaxed posture, Lestat begins to sway them backwards, inviting Annie to a facilitated, fast waltz.

"You haven't missed the vibe," Lestat mocks playfully. "You look exactly how I would imagine an angel to." The rockstar grins at the world's superheroine-made-villain. The music switches and underneath the weeping notes of the violin, Lestat leads the dance with wide turns and rhythmic swaying. It leaves room for conversation without pushing on exhaustion.

"I am surprised you came," Lestat starts again as he glances at the empty audience chairs below them. "Not because of me, of course." He grins. "I was almost convinced you don't allow yourself to have fun anymore."