Marius/Daniel Week

“Good.” Marius saw his maker nod from the periphery of his vision as the elder continued. “The two of you have been making quite the impression on our guests. They talk not only of your patience but also of how contented your companion appears.”

Marius’ thoughts returned to the hours prior, remembered exactly how thoroughly he’d worked to content his lover before they’d come down to join everyone. Even now Daniel glowed, a soft flush still visible in his cheeks. Marius’ eyes traced the line of Daniel’s jaw, moved down and followed the intricate curling design of the collar Daniel wore, the gold twisted and worked to frame the two distinct scars at that were now ever-present on Daniel’s pale throat. No expense spared in the commission and crafting of that piece, meant to protect as much as it was an unspoken sign to all that it’s wearer had already been Claimed.

Teskhamen chuckled and the sound brought Marius back to himself. He took a moment to look away and nod at the older vampire, but only a moment, and then his eyes returned to Daniel.

“It has been one of my rules to be certain Daniel is happy and nothing of that has changed simply because we have changed. If anything it has only strengthened my resolve.”

“Your resolve is quite apparent in the revision of new bylaws. Oh yes, I’ve read it. It was wise of you to make very clear stipulations as to the consideration and care of the omegas, Marius.”

“It was necessary.”

“Quite, which is why I am giving you the credit for not only knowing it but making it an official decree. It benefits all of them, not just your own companion.” Marius didn’t have to look at his maker to note the approval in the older man’s voice.

“It won’t be official until Lestat and the rest of the Council are in agreement.”

“Is our Prince still reluctant to do what is best?”

Marius sighed. “As reluctant as my own fledgling is to agree with our Prince’s continued demands that he relinquish Louis to him.”

“Your proposed changes would leave the decision to Louis, would it not?”

Marius nodded again. “Yes and both Lestat and Armand are incensed by it. Louis has told them he’d do well to swear off the both of them if it passes.”

“Neither of them like to be told ‘no’. That’s become apparent to everyone during the council meetings.”

“Lestat especially would benefit from learning the meaning of that word. If he had none of this would ever have come to pass.”

“That would make things simpler, yes.” Teskhamen agreed, “But if none of this had ever come to pass you would still be our stoic but brooding Prime Minister like you were before, lost in your paperwork and doing your best to hide your self-imposed misery, and your young man would still be unhappy at Trinity Gate waiting for you to come to your senses.”

Their conversation halted before Marius could respond when his young man approached, Daniel’s hand outstretched to catch hold of Marius’ arm well before he ever reached him. Marius felt the tension in his own body that had come at Teskhamen’s direct assessment relent, saw the minute ways that the physical contact also affected his mate and made Daniel press closer to his side. Daniel took the opportunity to rise up on tiptoe and whisper into his ear.

“No one will break the ice and start dancing unless Lestat makes an appearance, and Notker has played that stupid prelude to his Royal Entrance song twice trying to cue him. I don’t think he’s coming down anytime soon so you need to get your ancient ass out there and dance with me because if the Prince won’t get this party started? The Prime Minister should.”

”You are correct, of course.” Marius looked to Teskhamen, and the elder smiled back. ““You must excuse us. We can continue our discussion later.”

“Yes, later,” Teskhamen confirmed.

Marius led Daniel out to the center of the ballroom, was well aware of the heads that turned their way, and even more keenly aware of the eyes that lingered on Daniel and the thoughts of some that accompanied such looks. A few words with the Mind Gift to their court conductor and the immortal orchestra began to play a waltz. Marius pulled Daniel close again, leading him, and it only took a few moments for others to join them in the dance.

::Trouble in royal paradise still?:: Daniel’s expression betrayed nothing of the silent conversation between them.

::I believe little else would keep Lestat from his own party.::

::Well if he keeps it up I think I should be allowed to plan the next one. Do you think we could get a disco ball rigged up in here? Maybe turn a couple good modern DJs, get a preternatural rave going sometime?::

::Daniel.::

::Mars.::

::If you are so very eager to… what did you call it when we went to one of your clubs? ‘Bump and grind’? You needn’t wait for another party, I will oblige you later in our chambers. Again.::

The pleased grin that graced Daniel’s lips filled Marius with a sense of pride. He would also take great pride and satisfaction in seeing those same lips parted and crying out for more while Daniel was again drenched in a sheen of bloodsweat beneath him.

::Dirty old man.::

::Insatiable boy.::

::But you love me for it.::

::Yes. Yes, I do.::

“How come we don’t do this anymore? Taking baths together,” Daniel asked, resting his weight against Marius' broad chest.

“We’re taking one right now,” the man responded absent-mindedly.

They were relaxing in the warm water. Daniel’s idea, naturally. He was nestled in-between Marius’ legs, his lover’s arms cradling Daniel’s body and his face pressed against Daniel’s shoulder so the fledgling felt the tickle of Marius’ lips each time the man spoke. And Daniel had his hand in water, kneading and squeezing Marius’ thigh lazily.

“Yes, well, you know what I meant. We take them together less often”.

“It’s spread all throughout the continent, from what I remember. And even in your America,” he said, deciding to bury the unwelcome feeling in the pleasant conversation. Daniel scrutinized the little blooms for a long time, picking and pinching at the petals, his expression changing almost imperceptibly several times as he was evidently thinking something over, until finally he said:

“So it’s nothing special. A common thing you or anyone else can find anywhere”.

This seemed a trick of imagination but Marius heard a note of sadness to Daniel’s tone and this didn’t sit right with him. Somehow he felt like his simple botany facts put a damper on Daniel’s mood or in some mysterious way offended him.

“What’s wrong with it being common?” he said, trying not to let too much emotion spill into his words. “Does a flower suddenly lose its beauty only because you managed to find it after someone else did?”

“I guess not”.

In this answer, so curt and dismissive to an outsider, Marius saw the subtle notes of genuine consideration. In the way Daniel’s eyes briefly regarded him with a thoughtful and somewhat surprised glint behind them, in the contemplative silence and a acquiescent huff right before he answered.