Archive of Our Own

Terrible. A terrible idea. Guy might as well have been splashing about in the deep end, way out of his depth. All because of the fucking seven-five-two.   

It had to be important, right? If both the Talamasca and Jasper had it in sights. And yeah, he was meant to be gathering intel, lure Jasper out of his den a little. But really who the fuck cared? Guy wasn’t foolish enough to blindly buy whatever tale Helen spun. As for Jasper? Well he was a vampire. So far true to his word, but still a vampire nonetheless. Guy wasn’t an idiot. 

Caught between two equally dangerous parties all in the name of some book, with only Guy having laid eyes on it. A strange predicament indeed. 

What Guy could say however was at least he knew where he stood with Jasper. It had only been a couple of days yet he found himself warming to the vampire, even if he refused to admit it. And really who else did he have? An organisation who’d most likely throw him under the bus? People who repeatedly lied to him? There was probably some replacement already lined up. A poor unsuspecting soul who’d be thrown to the wolves just as he had. Guy hated to think how many there had been. 

The setting November sun pulled the light from his room. It was almost time to go. Guy hopped across the floor half dressed to flick the switch. Shirt untucked, top button loose, tie limp around his neck. Classy. 

Jasper had handed him a suit the previous night, made it clear he had to look the part. And yeah, Guy knew how to dress smart. He went to law school for Christ sake. Only then it was different. Hardly able to process the new reality of vampires, witches and bullshit before getting sent along on some fancy-ass mission, which no doubt was way above his capabilities. Mind reading could only get him so far. 

Whatever Jasper hadn’t said though was under lock and key. But Guy could sense it, something else, smothered by strong emotion and secrecy. Apparently there was a party, rumoured to have the book. High end vampires buying and selling goods. And stupidly Guy had agreed. Because what else was he to do? But most importantly what did he have to lose? A life built upon lies, a career he didn’t have, some deceitful organisation? 

All he knew was there was a party and he had to freshen up. Not exactly rocket science. Chat to some guests and pick apart grey matter. Surely the vampires would be less guarded around some boy, a nobody.

Something about that felt far too easy. 

Admittedly Guy wore a suit well, and he knew it. The one which had been set out was dark grey, at least it wasn’t funeral attire. Once properly on he admired himself in the mirror, rotating his body to check the tailoring. And shit, it was perfect. Jasper hadn’t even asked his size. That fact Guy chose to ignore for his own sanity.

A curious thought however, was Jasper in a suit. Yeah, the vampire had a distinct style. But a suit? That felt odd. It was presumably safe to assume they’d match, Jasper did acquire them together after all. 

But it didn’t matter. Shouldn’t have mattered. Not really. Jasper just wanted his book, and Guy was there to do his job. He knew it was insane to fall for the alluring vampiric charm, or whatever extravagant opulence the Mother House held. It was an act. A show. Fake.

However, there was something about the vampire. It was difficult to pinpoint. But Guy couldn’t shake him from his head, whether it was recalling memories or revelling in wonder. There Guy was in a foreign country, in a foreign city, doing a foreign job. And yet it was Jasper who sat there in his mind never quite leaving. Amongst the melancholic despair Guy never could shake that wonder. 

A few deep breaths. He could do it. It was just a party. Trying his best not to bask in the overstimulation of it all, the clattering of noise which would inevitably flood his head. Pills ready to pop at an instant. All the while keeping up social etiquette, holding conversation laced with niceties. Fantastic. 

He did nothing with his hair, only having ruffled it, and it had fallen into place nicely. Good enough for law school, good enough for the party. 

The man who stared back was confident. Determination threaded throughout his exterior, concealing whatever trembling boy lay trapped within. Not even Guy knew which side he fought for. Helen, Jasper, himself? All he wanted was his mother. Whoever had the seven-five-two could use it as toilet paper for all he cared, unless that book contained a map to her it meant next to nothing. Or that was what he told himself anyway. 

There was that little niggling feeling, a tightness in his chest. Deep down Guy wanted to help, be told he had done well. Ashamed of how he enjoyed it. No he had to bury that, just like everything else. It was pathetic - and dangerous, to put it simply. Frantically ignoring the prickle of warmth in his stomach whenever the acknowledgment arose. Oh he was fucked. 

Open palms flattened the front of his shirt, tie straightened into place, clean shaven. He was ready to go. 

With hands stuffed into pockets he walked down the hall, eyes cast. The only thing to be heard was the solid tap of his shoes. At least stealth wasn’t expected. 

Guy reached the main body of the penthouse, fitting in like a piece of furniture. The place made for bland suits and formal wear. Oddly though the room was empty, a quiet eeriness to the place. Sinister. The walls had eyes. 

So he paced, rounding that dining table, then around one of those pillars. The sun was gone, but the blinds were drawn. With a hesitant peek, what he saw was beautiful, pink clouds against a purple twilight sky, a fleeting orange hue nipped at the edge. London alive with lights and traffic. There was a refreshing delicacy to it all. The genesis of nighttime. 

“Pretty pretty view.” 

It had Guy jumping out of his fucking skin. 

“How the sky changes,” Jasper clarified with the silent satisfaction of Guy’s surprise. “Of course it’s been a long time since I’ve watched it.” 

“Yeah, it’s nice.” Doing whatever he could to calm his nerves. 

Jasper hid in the shadows, never in the direct path of the window. But still, when Guy turned he saw him. Stood there in the exact same suit, just as tailored as his. Hair swept back, one hand slid into his pocket to peel back the jacket. Fuck. 

Quickly Guy had to gather himself. Last thing he needed on his plate was checking out a creature. Jasper was a goddamn vampire. He needed to keep himself in line. It was just a suit, and Guy had seen plenty of people in them before. Ironing out any indecent images which threatened his coherence. 

“You brush up sharp kid.” And he stalked closer. A slow drag of eyes combed Guy top to bottom, impossible to not feel displayed. 

“Thanks,” Mumbled. “Not half bad yourself.” Voice steady. 

To which Jasper just hummed in amusement. “Fits you good, nice change from your jeans.” Still inspecting. 

“Yeah well, I only dress up for special occasions.” Not entirely a lie. That and his hypothetical job. 

“Then I should be flattered.” Disingenuously placing a hand over his heart. Guy just rolled his eyes. 

“We should get going.” Ready to move the conversation on. They had a job to do after all. 

Out the door, into the elevator, find the car. And whatever stupid plan Jasper had conjured would be out the way in no time. And then maybe, just maybe, Guy would be free from whatever hell he had found himself in. Go back to New York, or Detroit, perhaps even Florida. Just anywhere from the cluttered mess of London. 

He was stopped by a passive hand, stretched out into his path. 

“Not so fast,” That smooth surface level suavity. “Cars not even outside yet, still got some time. Relax.” The blunt press of his palm sat perfectly against Guy’s sternum, lingering just a second too long. 

All the while Guy’s chin remained up, wearing the facade of self assurance. Shoulders only slumping once that touch left. 

“Why not have a drink, calm your nerves before you go?” 

“I’m not nervous.” Guy’s voice unconvincingly neutral.

“Can’t hide much from me, nice try though,” And the vampire moved, opening a small cabinet. From a glance there were too many options. Extravagant carafe’s which were presumably there for bragging rights opposed to preservation. Everything was apart of the strutting boastful grandeur the Mother House showcased. “Your heart gives it away,” Turning with a glass of whiskey in hand. “Like a drum. There you go.” 

Guy wasn’t exactly one for a stiff drink. Beer, cider, sometimes wine. But he still accepted, if his throat got ripped from his neck at that party he might as well have a drink inside him first. 

“Thanks.” Still deadpanning. 

Fingers brushed as he accepted. Cold. Of course Jasper’s touch was cold, why was he shocked? Only it wasn’t the sensation he had expected. Guy had anticipated freezing, as if outside with no gloves. No stranger to snowfall himself, a feeling he had experienced one too many times before. It wasn’t that. Jasper’s fingers were dead. Lifeless metal. No prospect of warmth, no circulation simmering under flesh. 

And then it was gone. That same hand back in it’s suit pocket. Unfortunately it had done nothing to calm his heart, a reminder of just who he shared company with. Of course he knew, just it wasn’t information he chose to dwell on. One track mind. Find the book, play it from there. 

He sipped, lips delicately framed the rim of the far too expensive glass. It was fine. It was whiskey. 

“Now maybe you’ll feel better.” Said in slight mockery. 

Only then did Jasper move, orbiting Guy with each step. Not once did Guy’s gaze leave that vampire. 

“And you’ve seen the book?” There it was. The cat out the bag. 

“I told you didn’t I?” 

Jasper’s hands went up in a half hearted surrender. “Just getting the facts right. We want to be on the same page, don’t we?”

“There was an old looking book in Keves bag the night she…” Voice trailing off. 

“And you’d know it again, if you saw it?” 

“Yes,” Almost offended. “It’s pretty hard to miss.”

“Hey, only making sure.” Still playing innocent. 

It would have been a perfect time to poke around, attempt to find out what Jasper really thought of it all. Reveal the honest motives. But Guy didn’t. He was so close, the seven-five-two almost within reach. Even if it was stupid, it had to have something on his mother right? If he blew it all then he’d never find out. 

“Y’know, you’ll be a real head turner prancing around like that,” Again his eyeline dipped. “Probably get the attention of a couple folk.” 

“Yeah well I can stay on task.” Another sip. Liquid courage and all that shit. 

But he could feel it, undivided attention all over him. 

“Gonna have to keep your head screwed on.” 

As if that was an issue already. Juggling professionalism and whatever magnetic attraction lured him closer to Jasper. Not allowing himself to get tangled in that web of confusion. By that point it was second nature.

“Like I haven’t so far.” 

Jasper’s wolfish grin spread across his face. “Attaboy.” His tone dipped seemingly out of nowhere.

Guy’s muscles tensed. Fuck. His cheeks gained colour. Heart beating harder and harder. 

Play it off. That was what he had to do. It was booze, the fault of the whiskey. He was being toyed with, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. A mouse between a cat’s paws. All he could do was remind himself: do not fall for it. 

“Gotta learn to accept compliments if you’re gonna get through tonight looking like that,” Jasper’s salt on the painfully embarrassing wound. “Ride’s here.” Of course it was. 

After downing his drink in one unsteady swoop Guy found himself shepherded towards the elevator. Far too aware of just how close the vampire tailed, but not once did he look back. 

A black unmarked vehicle. Classic. 

The door rolled open, slow and steady. Really it looked more like a small van than anything. Part of Guy was frightened he’d mark or scratch it climbing in, having no where near the funds to cover that. Though he supposed Helen would sort it. 

With a dry mouth he sat, wedging himself into the corner, making himself as small as possible. God forbid he took up space. Jasper on the other hand was only one seat away, comfortably sprawled like he owned the fucking place. How long had he been at the Mother House anyway?

It was too spacious for a car. Maybe closer to a taxi? Either way, there was so much room, yet the vampire’s knee still knocked his own. Don’t think about it. Don’t dwell on it. Don’t acknowledge it. 

“Drive.” Jasper so firmly instructed to the man behind the wheel. With one singular nod of his head, they were off. 

Naturally Guy opted for the security of the window, watching London pass them by through the mild condensation. In there he was safe, shielded from public thoughts and voices. Experiencing the streets and ongoings as if he were normal. Not a thief in the night overhearing the most intimate parts of someone’s soul. He was normal. 

That knee still rested against his, pretending it was no bother. Neither strong nor forceful, but it was there. Serving no purpose than a presence. Jasper’s knee. In that suit he wore so well, Guy could only imagine- 

Stop it, stop it, stop it. No he couldn’t afford that. Fuck he could only hope his own thoughts were locked. If Jasper heard anything his face said nothing, remaining to stare straight forwards. A good sign? Probably? 

Streets, traffic, driving on the wrong side of the road. That was what Guy cast his mind to. Not the vampire or his ominous party. The war waged in his head was entirely his own and unimportant. If he felt some sort of captivation urging him closer, no he didn’t. A vampire. Jasper was a vampire. Line drawn firmly under that. There shouldn’t have been anything charming. 

And it was like that for too long, gradually Guy grew more oblivious to his surroundings, to the differences of England, and turned inwards to his own feelings of uncertainty. All the while ignoring that goddamn knee. 

“This party,” Jasper’s voice cut between them, yanking Guy back down to earth. “Might not be what it seems.” 

Oh how he hated those words. 

“What do you mean?” Concern. 

Before speaking Jasper wet his lips, head shrugged to the side in contemplation. “It’s an auction, for us immortals. Meat, sex, sport. Doesn’t really matter, you get the idea.” Said with far too much nonchalance.

“An auction?” Only repeating where his brain had stopped. 

“Relax, won’t let any harm come to you.” As if it were a normal conversation to have. 

Right then the coin dropped. “You’re auctioning me!?” A horrendous cocktail of emotion burned through him upon realisation. 

“It’s the only way to get in.” Still composed. Calm. Their gaze met, two wildly different experiences happened behind each one. 

“What the fuck!” Half recoiled backwards into his corner. “Stop the car! Hey stop the car!” It drove on. 

“Just calm down for a second would you?” He had it all scripted didn’t he? Planned from the start. Fan-fucking-tastic. “Guy,” His name stern in the vampire’s mouth. “I’ll be there with you, stick with you the entire night.” Too composed.

“What if I die?” Spitting out the first in a long list of concerns. 

“You’re not gonna die,” As if that was an absurdity. “Dude, I’m going in with you. We are doing this together,” Guy watched as the vampire leant in close, buckle undone, all the while Guy sat there paralysed. “In there is our chance to get a foot in the door, find who took my book. Might even give you some answers,” One by one Guy swallowed the words. “We both have something to gain.” 

“All of this,” His voice cracked. “You lied to me.” 

“I do not lie,” Spoken sharp. “If you wanna leave, then fine. Go. I’ll get that book one way or another, but I’m telling you kid it’ll benefit us both if we work together. You want your mom, I want my book.” 

“A party, that’s what you said!” The world around him spun as his head swam. 

“It is a party, for us immortals. Get dressed up, gossip, assess the goods. All that twinkly bullshit.”

“People. You mean people.” 

“Look, you’re either with me here or against me,” Seemingly getting fed up. “And trust me, there’s a right answer. Could’ve dragged you in there and tossed you in blind, but I didn’t. Instead you have an option, come with me and get the book, or forever be a puppet to the organisation who took your mom in the first place,” A beat passed between them. “Your call.” 

Was it really an option? Did he have a choice? Because Jasper was right. It was their best shot, as agonising it was to admit. That book was Guy’s one and only real hope. And what made it worse was he found himself trusting Jasper far more than the Talamasca.  

Gradually reality crept in. Picking apart his options piece by piece, bare handedly ripping them apart. 

“You’re not gonna sell me are you?” A legitimate question. 

“Sell you,” Jasper barked a short laugh, taking a moment to gather himself before straightening back out. “Got my word, you’re not gonna get sold - or auctioned or left alone with any vampire. I promise you.” Sincerity. 

“How long are we staying?” Really? He was actually contemplating it? 

“Not long. Pre-auction. Gone before it starts,” There was something else. “Also gotta meet some guy, Frederick, if anyone knows the whereabouts it’s him.”  

“All the while, what, you’ll be treating me like cattle?” 

“Cattle?” Taken aback. “Oh no, we both know you’re far too pretty for livestock.” 

That did it. Those words punctured the haze of his brain. Thankful for the darkness of the vehicle to hide his treacherous cheeks. 

“Not gonna leave you alone, you have my word.” Reassurance. 

Helplessly Guy drew in a breath, with his fingers carded through hair. Allowing it to flop down back into place lock by lock as he thought. 

Either way he risked his life, whether it was for Jasper or Helen. Only difference was one offered to get dirty with him, and the other observed from sanitised seclusion. Beggars couldn’t be choosers.

“Alright.” Eyes scrunched shut as he felt himself speaking. 

It was unexpected when a hand was placed upon his thigh. Guy’s sight snapped to the action only to be met with tenderness. Jasper’s fingers gently formed over him. 

“You’re doing the right thing.” 

Bit by bit Guy’s face loosened, brow slackened, jaw unclenched, breaths levelled. Nothing but those pale blue eyes peered back.

The rest of the journey was a silent blur. No idea what part of the city they’d travelled to other than it was fancy. With each mile the dread only intensified. 

Before long Guy found himself reaching for his inside pocket, grabbing the small pill bottle he had so carefully stashed away. They scattered into his hand, not caring if Jasper saw, funnelling the excess back inside. And then he swallowed. 

It was preemptive, knowing it’d be loud, even if the vampires there presumably blocked their thoughts. Guy needed to dull his senses, his mind and most importantly himself.

Whether they worked or not was a different matter entirely. Those pills were the only crutch he had. 

“Almost there.” 

Guy did his best to calm himself. 

“Listen,” Jasper began. “Some of the immortals, they’re real shit kickers alright? Best not speak unless I ask.”

“Just stand there and look pretty.” Sighing as he recited it back in calm existentialism. 

Jasper reached out, brushing Guy’s hair back into place. “Just stand there and look pretty.” Oddly enough it was that affirmation he needed. 

First thing Guy noticed when he stepped out was it was fucking freezing. That suit certainly not built for the elements. Jasper ducked out afterwards, apparently indifferent to the temperature. 

Only then did Guy fully register what stood before him. A tall immaculate building, grander than the Mother House. Sinisterly white. 

“Y’know it’s all just one big pissing contest,” Piped up from over Guy’s shoulder. “I don’t want to be here either.” 

“Next time, you try being the one on the market.” 

“Told you already,” The vampire clapped his shoulder as he moved in front. “You ain’t for sale.” 

After Jasper knocked it was seemingly the longest wait of Guy’s life. Unable to keep still, shivering, head darting. Of course Jasper was the opposite. Feet firm and planted, carrying that chip on his shoulder, though holding himself well. 

Was it even the right house? Who the hell made guests wait so long? The anticipation would kill him before hypothermia. 

The door unlocked, a rather well dressed gentleman answered. Or maybe a vampire. It didn’t really matter. But the exchange was wordless, Jasper flashed a piece of paper and the man vampire inspected it, even had the audacity to hold it up to the light. 

All the while Guy’s heart was in his throat, each shallow beat like a cord around his neck. The sooner they got in, the sooner they’d leave. 

With a hesitant final glance over, the man vampire finally stepped aside, opening the door to them both granting entry. They were in. Guy unable to help but give an awkward smile in passing.  

Muted chatter died in the walls. The inkling of overlapping thoughts just out of reach. Counting his breaths worked, concentrating his energy into something else. He had control.

They loitered together in that hallway until the front door clicked shut. 

“I think the mortal would be better suited downstairs.” Finally the man vampire spoke, sounding just as stuck up as he appeared. He politely gestured down the hall, to one lonely far off door. God only knew what was down there. 

“Boy stays with me,” Guy found himself pulled to Jasper’s side. “He’s well behaved.” Laced in patronisation.

“Fredrick will not be pleased.” So matter of fact. 

Guy continued to stand there like a fought over toy, tucked up against Jasper’s hip. 

“Then good thing he wants us here,” Passive aggression threaded through his words. “Frederick’s invite.”

What a start to the night. If it was any indicator for how it’d go, then Guy had every reason to run. Noticing how he and Jasper got stared at, they were scum. Not good enough for whatever awaited. Nothing but bugs crawling upon the surface of the earth. One good stamp and they’d be gone. 

“Very well,” The feigned courtesy was insulting. “My apologies,” Emotionless. And he moved past them. “This way.” 

Together they followed up a flight of stairs. Voices, thoughts, feelings, they all piled up the higher they got. It was impossible not to wince at the sheer volume of it all. A bell reverberated between Guy’s ears, bouncing around his skull. 

Any smalltalk made was futile, Guy far too distracted. He occasionally noted Jasper replying but that was it. Only able to hope nothing of importance was mentioned. His eyes remained downwards, counting each tap of his heel against the marble. Ignoring the frivolous chandelier which hogged the ceiling, intricate carvings against the side of the bannister, and the extravagantly tall windows which seemed far too counterproductive for a vampire’s home. Just his shoes, taking him one step at a time. 

Really it wasn’t too dissimilar from the Mother House. Yeah, obviously wherever they were right then was the wealthier option. Both however were in that rich people bracket where even the lesser of the two was insane. Grand paintings that no one looked at, rooms which held no meaning. Guy didn’t particularly care for any of it. 

Suddenly the moment hit, just as they were faced with a grand set of double doors, with the stairs he had climbed spiralling away at the other end of the corridor. Fuck, fuck, fuck. There was no going back. Or rather there was no going back five minutes ago when they had entered, but right then really was the leap he dreaded. 

Just like that they opened, a room packed with dead people full of life. That leap wasn’t Guy’s to make, it had been made for him. No countdown, no deep breaths, just those doors shoving him into a whole other world. 

“Gentlemen.” Taking a step back as he said it. All of it then in view. 

A blunt nudge from Jasper did the trick, it got Guy moving. Briefly he turned to thank the man vampire before reminding himself he shouldn’t speak. Instead he was met with the sight of those doors closing ever so elegantly behind. Fantastic. 

“Keep an eye out.” Jasper mumbled against his ear as his eyes glanced the littering of bodies. All focus was on the pair of them, there was no denying that. It would have been an exaggeration however if he had said the place came to a complete standstill, yet it felt that way. Late arrivals? A human? Jasper? Could have been any of the offending topics. Guy hoped to god it was the first one.  

All Guy could do was move as Jasper pushed through the crowd. Each footstep Jasper took, Guy took. 

Even in the company of vampire’s the thoughts hurt. Though with the presence of Jasper around, Guy noticed the increased use of blocking. Clearly the vampire wasn’t exactly trusted. Or perhaps it was his honesty which was at fault. Either way their thoughts were closed. Probably for the best.

Everyone was a vampire, they had to be. And from what Guy did pick up, they weren’t just English citizens. All sorts of accents, mostly European, some even maybe older than modern countries. What Guy really tried to suppress was being considered nothing more than a menu option to most. They probably had chefs who could prepare him perfectly. Drain him to the point of death, keep just enough life inside so he could be kept as a living breathing wine casket. Oh what a pleasant idea that was. 

“Well, well, well,” A disembodied feminine voice from behind. It had Guy’s head snapping, as if he had any idea who it belonged to, not quite identifying the culprit. But apparently she only had eyes for Jasper. “Look what the cat dragged in.” 

It was like Guy was invisible. 

Her hand reached out, and Jasper caught it, giving one chaste kiss to her knuckles. And what a weird sight that was indeed. Probably the most formal he had seen the vampire, noticing just a bit too well how Jasper’s lips pressed against her rings. Fuck they looked soft. Difficult to think of the weapons they concealed. 

“Agnes,” He finally spoke. “Been a long time.” Such an old name for such a young woman. Her hair was up in some fiddly style which quickly put Guy’s mop to shame. A mousy brown colour with dandelion eyes.

“It has,” She hummed. “Didn’t think you still frequented London.” 

“Oh you know me,” That southern drawl came out hard, along with all the temptation it harboured. “Can never resist a walk ‘round the block.” 

She appeared humoured at least. “Don’t believe that for a second darling, you’re always sniffing for something.” 

Whatever song and dance unfolded Guy disliked it. Did she even know he was there? He might as well have blended into the wall. Lingering off to the side, watching as some dull phoney conversation blossomed. 

“Me?” Jasper’s eyebrows raised as he gestured to himself. “No,” Hardly convincing. “Thought I’d check out how the other half live. See if anyone’s offering a pretty penny or two.” 

“Well you’re hardly inconspicuous,” Far too pointed. “Especially with a mortal.” And then the attention turned. Maybe Guy preferred to be a part of the wall after all. 

“Who? This?” His thumb pointed Guy’s way. “This is Guy, he’s my… well my little pet project so to speak.”

“So you’re showing him off?”

Jasper just grinned, yanking Guy in against his front. “Why, are you complaining?” 

Only then was there proper acknowledgement, when Guy was helpless, his heart punching ribs, pupils blown wide. He knew it was just pretend. It was Jasper’s plan after all. And he’d have loved to say he was just playing his part, but as Agnes looked him up and down he felt fear. A deer in the headlights awaiting collision. All the while he was held in place, each of Jasper’s strong hands clasped around each bicep. 

She admired him. “What a delightful young thing.” 

And Guy couldn’t have spoken then even if he had tried. 

“Isn’t he just.” Jasper replied.

“Strange, he’s not downstairs with the rest.”

Those words twisted something deep within his stomach. 

“He’s very well behaved.” Hating how that final word rolled from Jasper’s tongue. 

That grip squeezed, Guy was quick to suck in a breath, having found himself leaning back into Jasper’s form the closer she inspected. 

“How long have you had him?” Said as she reached out, caressing the underside of his lower lip. 

“Couple months.” Jasper’s voice poured into his ear. And Guy could feel it, knew his wires were crossed. Danger. The situation dangerous. It was wrong to be aroused, to feel the tender hug of Jasper’s words. Tension in his groin, heart galloping, with slightly parted lips. It should have been fear. Silently praying it was passed off as fear. 

“And he’s for sale?” Unconvinced. 

“For the right price.” 

She hummed again. “Not like you to go for pretty.”

“What, am I not allowed a little indulgence? He’s got a good neck on him too.” 

Sorry kid.

Before Guy processed any of it nails scraped his scalp. One quick gasp cut through him as his head was yanked backwards. Throat bared. 

He felt his Adam’s apple bob, fighting the urge within to struggle. He was safe. It was all for show. 

Worst of all he could feel himself getting hard, cock gradually filling out in his pants. However it was still salvageable, sitting there fat with subtle interest rather than pulsing with uncontrollable desire. Adrenaline. It was adrenaline. 

Agnes inspected further, though not quite touching. “His neck, it’s unbroken.” 

“Y’know what they say, don’t feed on your own supply,” The coolness to Jasper’s words was killing him. “Besides, if I started don’t think I’d stop.” 

Was there any truth behind that? Guy only had Jasper’s word, but fuck he played a convincing role. Everything inside him screamed to flee, for his legs to pick up from under him and carry him from that godforsaken building. Instead he stood there somewhat trembling doing what he could to will away a very unhelpful erection. 

What did it however was when Jasper’s other hand left his bicep, his fingers in turn pushed against the cord of muscle framing Guy’s throat. It moved. Tracing down, not hard enough to cut, but the threat was there. Unable to help as his breaths grew shallow, his own fists clenched by his side. 

Shit, he was too sensitive. The touch feathered its way to the hollow of his neck, slow and provocative. And that was when it happened. A faint little whine. The noise twisting up from Guy’s diaphragm. Almost fully hard if the bulge he supported was anything to go by. 

He could feel Jasper’s pride seep into him. No words needed. 

“Noisy little thing, can have some real fun with that.” As if trying to upsell him. 

“I can see,” Her words trailed off in fascination. “And he gives you no trouble?” 

“Oh, he’s very submissive.”

It wasn’t quite a whimper, but Jasper’s free hand came to settle upon his hip, throat still exposed. 

You’re doing a good job, keep it up. 

Jasper’s words penetrated his head amongst the rush of endorphins. 

Others had began to stare, Guy knew that much. But he didn’t care, not really. Instead far too focused on blatant manhandling. 

“Apparently he likes it anyway.” Shamelessly her eyeline dragged to between his legs, the tented fabric hid little. 

“He’s a good boy.” And with swift movement he pulled Guy’s ass flush against his pelvis. It had Guy biting back whatever pathetic sound his body urged to make. Victim to the steady throb of his cock, the arousal bled outwards, lapping its way through his body. 

Really he should have done something, attempt to cross his legs or pivot away. But there was something about him standing there with his needy cock, Jasper behind, a force to be reckoned with. The ownership. 

Abruptly Jasper let go of his hair, allowing his head to drop, finally blessed with hiding the flushed colour of his face. Both hands resided on his hips. Jasper’s mouth still by his ear. 

“Sometimes he holds back,” Guy shivered as the words dripped. “Still needs to learn how to let go,” Far too aware of how close Jasper’s hands were to his aching cock. He could do it. Reach down and palm him then and there. Thoughts and priorities muddled with hormones. “Sure he’ll learn though, in time.”

There was something particularly hot about it, being spoken about as if he was not there. Jasper’s plaything. Fuck he had to focus. The book. They were there for the book. How could he have forgotten? 

Fortunately Jasper appeared unbothered about Guy’s state, he had to have known? Getting too worked up was hardly professional. Later Guy would have to spin some half hearted lie about the heat of the moment, and ignore the seductive possession of it all. 

Evidently she was intrigued by their little performance. 

“And you think Frederick will buy?” 

“Depends, might not part with him. After all, he’s a very pretty boy.”

That made her laugh, the noise not as elegant as her voice. “You’re so sure he’ll want him, I admire your confidence Jasper.”

“Why don’t you worry about yourself.” That passive aggressive tone fed into his words. 

“Good luck,” Clearly readying herself to exit the conversation. “To both of you.” 

Only once she faded into the sea of opulent bodies did Guy‘s posture drop. He could move, limbs animated back to life, body slackened into Jasper before realising what he had done. But Jasper still held him. 

“Did good.” Whispered low. 

Guy couldn’t even respond, head too scrambled. 

“C’mon, this way.” And the vampire ushered him to the shallow end of the crowd, loose fingers around his wrist leading him away. Puppeted.

In a blink they were out of that room, through a side door. Only then could he rid himself of the overwhelming nature of it all. Cock having mostly softened.

No one was there other than the ugly painted faces who peered from frames.  

“Hey, hey,” Jasper had him up against a wall, all hush hush. “Good job, perfect performance.” 

“What the hell was that?” Finally finding his voice. 

“That? That little show is our ticket.” 

Shame hatched inside him, punching from it’s shell with blunt force. He shouldn’t have gotten so aroused, what was his problem? The seven-five-two that was the priority. Basking in self indulgence wasn’t on the table. Shouldn’t have been on the table. 

“You could have told me!” Though Guy was still too conscious of the volume in which he spoke. Not quite a shout.

“Told you? Told you when?” Evidently frustrated. “You were just as prepared as me.” 

“Bullshit.” Not knowing what to believe. 

“Listen, you just gotta hold out a little longer, alright?” The vampire’s head ducked to meet his eyes. “But our little performance? Gonna have to amp that shit up to eleven, you understand?” 

“I understand.” Shame ate him alive.

“Remember, you gotta keep an eye out for the book.” 

“Yeah I know.” Don’t get so wrapped up in your own intemperate ways. Another phrasing. 

“You see it, you signal me. Got it?” 

“And do what exactly?” 

“I don’t know, give me a tap,” Shrugging it off as he spoke. Another reminder of the close proximity to come. Oh Guy was fucked. “You’re a smart boy, you’ll think of something.” 

As if Guy needed any more reason to blush. 

“Where is Fredrick anyway?” Doing his best to rein in his emotions.

“His office probably, don’t think he’ll show until the auction starts.”

“So what, we just waltz in there and see if he has it?” What began as sarcasm gradually turned to realisation. That was exactly the plan. “You can’t be serious.” 

“Best shot we’ve got,” And the vampire started for yet another flight of stairs. “C’mon, if you’re lucky I’ll even let you knock.” 

If Helen knew what Guy was doing right then she’d have been appalled. Or maybe not, she had landed him a job as a strip club barker after all. But either way it definitely was not what she had intended. That book needed to be there. Guy still didn’t know what side of the fence he stood, what he did know however was that book in the wrong hands was dangerous. 

Where they were headed was trespassing. That was more than apparent. The halls were bare. Desolate. No thoughts fluttered into Guy’s path. Just them and more stairs. 

His heart beat was strong and predictable. If he did turn and run how far could he get? Definitely not out the front door that was for certain. 

“How do you know the place anyway?” Guy eventually asked. 

For a brief moment Guy thought there would be no response. 

“Like I said before, been around the block once or twice.” 

“That how you know the layout?” 

“I remember a thing or two.” Not yielding to the blatant prying. 

Before Guy could think of another question there they were. If the grandness of the oak wasn’t a give away the name plaque sure was. Frederick. No surname. 

“After you.” Jasper said as he gestured. 

With a quick glare and teeth grit, Guy reached out and knocked. One, two, three. Short but firm. All they could do was stand by each others side and wait. Guy made the effort not to fidget. Body language was important. Squared out as much as possible, chest slightly puffed. Trying not to look like an idiot. 

He was unprepared when the door was answered, jolted back slightly startled. Jasper remained the same. 

Right there was a man - or what Guy would have called a man up until a couple of weeks ago - who appeared not much older than Guy himself. Thick black hair, his tie relaxed, top button of his shirt popped open. Fredrick looked between the pair as if they were lost puppies. 

“Jasper,” Was the first thing to break the silence. Unimpressed. “Didn’t know you were invited.” His words more articulate than his appearance. 

“I wasn’t.” And he pushed in, dragging Guy behind. His stumbling footfall less graceful than the vampire’s. 

If anything Fredrick was entertained. Better that than anger Guy supposed, though still not allowing himself to get comfortable. Something he hadn’t truly known since leaving New York. 

“And how on earth did you get in?” 

Quite contently Jasper plonked himself down on a couch. Really it was more of a waiting room than an office. Two couches in an L-shape and a coffee table made central. A grander looking desk resided by the window but Jasper had made his home in the casualness of it all. 

“Walked in straight past your butler, need better guys on your door. Food for thought.” Someone was getting fired. Jasper’s boots kicked up on the table. 

Meanwhile Guy just stood waiting around, clunky and bothersome. 

“Well forgive me for not expecting gatecrashers, it’s not exactly a common occurrence,” There was an elephant in the room. “And it seems you’ve brought a pet.” Practically sang as his sights turned. 

“This is Guy.” 

He didn’t really know what to do with his hands. 

“Guy…” Not quite buying it. 

“Guy.” Jasper reiterated, planting his feet back on the ground. 

“And what is… Guy doing here. Shouldn’t he be down with the others?” 

Again, like he wasn’t in the room. Were vampires aware he had ears?

“He stays with me, thought you might be impressed.” 

“Impressed at what? You smuggling mortals into my function?” 

“C’mere.” He called over, beckoning Guy over with the flick of two slender fingers. 

Guy hated the idea of turning his back to Frederick, but he endured it, walking over. Immediately to be met with the vampire patting his lap, the silent call for him to sit. He was fucked. So fucked. 

Briefly his eyes closed. What the hell was he doing? Teeth sunk into his lower lip. Then he embraced it, spinning and sitting down. If he felt stupid standing only god knew how he felt then. Jasper’s chest against his back, his legs bracketed the vampire’s thighs. 

Of course Jasper pulled him in close, Guy had expected that much. Doing his best to avoid a sudden hitch in breath at the hands which cradled his waist. 

“Quite the looker isn’t he?” Again it was salesman Jasper. 

“I suppose.” 

Doing his best to avoid the defiling gaze of the other vampire, Guy scanned the room. Some books on shelves, paper on the desk, more ugly art on the wall. Though no haggard old book. Shocker. Everything new and pristine. The seven-five-two would have stuck out like a sore thumb in that squeaky clean environment. 

“Rumour has it you like the pretty ones y’know.” 

“Perhaps there’s some truth in it,” Fredrick said as he sat himself down on the other couch. “So what’s this then? A gift for allowing your break in?”

Guy was a pawn. A pawn on a much larger chessboard, far too reliant on whatever piece guarded him. 

“A gift, for giving me what I want.”   

Though Fredrick didn’t take the bait, not then. “And has the boy been fed on?” 

“Once,” Jasper lied. But the image which fabricated in Guy’s mind lived. The pair of them back at the Mother House, Guy sprawled over his bed, Jasper on top. Revelling in how it must have felt to receive such a bite, followed by heavy suckling. The intimacy of it all, surrendering himself. Guy entertained the idea of protesting, quip back some sarcastic response before it happened. In reality however he was curious, had been since the first mention of vampires. Fascinated. How could he have said no? “Very sweet, almost drained the poor thing dry.” 

Fredrick leant in closer, though did not stand. “His neck appears unbroken to me.” 

“Who said it was his neck,” Suddenly Jasper’s fingers were around Guy’s jaw, held with great elegance as if a glass of wine. “Why break such a beautiful thing.” Guy cooperated when Jasper tilted him, his throat and windpipe displayed once more. 

Despite knowing what to expect Guy still tried to fight it, ashamed of his body’s response. Sat on Jasper as he was, unable to hide, devoted. He swallowed thick, ignoring the fear and arousal that festered together inside him. 

“He’s a real good boy.” Jasper didn’t have to say that. But he did. The seductive undertones hooked their way into Guy’s stomach, threatening to gut him then and there. 

Jasper’s other hand shamelessly slid over Guy’s stomach as his face was released. Only the thin shirt separated Guy from the authenticity of Jasper’s touch. Guy squirmed. Helplessly. Grinding down into the vampire’s lap. 

All the while Frederick watched wide eyed. “What do you use him for?” 

“Oh, you know me, I don’t kiss and tell.” 

“It’s vital information if you’re trying to sell me secondhand goods.” 

That made Jasper think. Guy physically felt it when the vampire shrugged, giving in to whatever idea had crossed his mind. “Blowing off steam mostly, should hear the mouth on him once he gets going,” Gradually he undid a shirt button, not for a second glancing down. Hand slipped inside. And there it was, Jasper’s palm flat on his navel. Stagnant. Only moving with the rise and fall of Guy’s breaths. “Gorgeous little sounds, just gotta fuck him right.” Upon instinct Guy tried to close his legs, obscure the fact he was hard. But Jasper’s thighs were an unfortunate barrier, keeping Guy’s bodily needs an open exhibit.

“That so?” 

“Could see for yourself,” A pause. “If you have what I’m looking for.” 

Guy had no idea what Jasper was planning, too preoccupied with the hardline of his own cock which snaked into his leg. Heavy and wanting. There was no refuting it. Jasper’s claws traced the sensitive skin of his stomach absently, petting him almost. All it did was feed into the already delicate predicament he found himself in. 

“Go on then,” Swiftly sitting himself back. “I’m sure you’ll tell me regardless.” 

And then the petting stopped. 

“The seven-five-two.” After that there was a staleness in the air. 

A wiry grin cracked across the other vampire’s face. “Now, now, didn’t have you as one who chased fairy tales.” 

“Not a fairy tale.” 

“So this boy, he’s meant to rival such an infamous book, is that right?” 

“Could have more fun with the boy. Can be real messy too when he finally lets go.” 

Where there should have been silence Guy whined, that useless noise they all heard. Too focused on the goings on to keep himself in check. 

“There we go.” Jasper cooed into his ear, complete with soothing circles rubbed against Guy’s flesh. The intimate reassurance only made everything worse.

He tried so hard to compose himself, play it off. Only, that was impossible. Especially as his cock began to drool, leaking into his boxers without any sort of control. Too pent up from earlier and Jasper’s charm. The rush of blood loud within his head. 

When he looked to Fredrick, the vampire was in awe. Never had Guy felt the need to conceal himself more. 

“Well, you were right about his noises. Perhaps you’re right about the rest.” 

That tormenting hand on his stomach eventually left, taking refuge upon Guy’s leg once more. Jasper gave him a stiff squeeze, an action which could have prompted another whine if not careful. Though he could protect the impact it had, his cock sat sticky in his pants. A gentle thrum rippled through it. Fuck he was too horny for this. Far too turned on than he ought to be. 

“Easy to rile up once you know how.” Jasper bragged. 

Fog crept into his mind, shrouding his thoughts as he leant against the solid line of Jasper’s torso. Feeling his body be brought alive, accepting that pulsing sensation which slowly consumed him whole. 

“I bet.” Fredrick’s voice dipped, not entirely untouched by it all either. 

And Guy did something he never planned. 

Please. 

He felt Jasper stiffen slightly. Tense as Guy’s voice penetrated his mind. 

Jesus, please touch me.

“That what you want, huh?” Jasper’s attention turned to Guy, confirmation before he began palming over the fabric. “He’s a needy boy, what can I say.” Attention snapped back to Fredrick. 

It was mechanical and monotonous, but dear god was it better than nothing. Friction Guy craved. His poor trapped cock leaked more and more, hips rolling against the heel of the vampire’s palm. Not once did Jasper put a stop to it, rubbing him up and down, up and down. 

“Look at him, all desperate. You’ve trained him well Jasper.” 

“And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.” Continuing to the action. 

Though what Guy really needed was more. So much more. Each rub coaxed Guy further and further from humiliation. Submerged in the dull ache of pleasure. 

“I wish I could give it to you… but I cannot.”

Jasper’s frustration began to radiate. Guy still pliant in his lap, though sensing the shift in atmosphere. 

“Yeah? Well little birdie told me you got one important delivery.” Not buying whatever lie he was sold. 

Much to Guy’s dismay, Jasper’s attention gradually faded. Less force, less meaning and eventually less friction. Obvious the vampire was too engrossed in the happenings. And Guy should have been too if he was not victim to his own repressed hedonism. All that stress and anxiety had amounted with no real outlet, not until right then. Guy’s pitiful groan was ignored. 

“Didn’t take you for a stalker, presumed you have better things to do with your time.” Fredrick so freely said. 

“Not a stalker, just care about my book.” 

“Your book is it now?” 

Claws dug into the meat of Guy’s thigh, the vampire’s body strained. Far from whatever demeanour Jasper typically kept. 

“You better tell me where it is.” Ignoring Fredrick’s goading. 

“And I’m telling you,” Spoke patronisingly slow. “I do not have it. Understand? Though I’ll gladly take that little whelp off your hands if you wish. He could be useful.” 

“What is it you have then, hm? What got you a seat at the table?” 

Everything about Fredrick appeared fed up by that point. “Fine,” Huffing before standing to full height. “It’s not much of a secret, I’m auctioning it anyway,” And he moved across the room to his desk. Both Jasper and Guy watched. “This.” Said as he hauled out a briefcase. It smacked down upon the solid surface. 

If it wasn’t the book then what was it? Guy’s thoughts clambered back to him, invading his brain once more.

The tension in the clips popped free. One, two. Fredrick shot them one final glance, a final lap of victory. 

Definitely not a book. 

Inside was a spongy material, sheltering eight vials which had been slotted snug inside. Fredrick’s nails rattled the glass as he pried one out, waving it with a limp wrist, held between his thumb and forefinger. 

Jasper’s grip only tightened almost puncturing the fabric, a visible line of stress down his arm. “Vampire blood.” 

“Ancient.” The other boasted. 

What the fuck had Guy found himself in the middle of?

“Bleeding some poor fucker dry.” Jasper might as well have spat. 

“Probably.” 

“Harvesting blood.” That rage boiling. 

“No one plays nice Jasper, you’re bound to know that by now.” 

“And for what, profit? Status?” 

Guy found himself frightened. That was the only way to put it. Frightened and recoiled in the direction of the door. Maybe if they went for one another he could make it. 

“Bit of both,” Slotting it back into the case. Closing it. “Point is, I don’t have your book.” 

“Y’know it’s creatures like you who separate us,” His voice elevated as he spoke. “Turning your back on your own kind!” Guy’s weight the only thing anchoring Jasper down. Too easy. “What about when you’re old, huh? Considered ancient?” 

In the blink of an eye Guy met the couch cushions, discarded with one harsh shove as Jasper sprang up. Before he could even look the vampire’s way there was a sudden crack as Fredrick’s back met the wall. 

“Maybe we should get a head start, bleed you here and now.” It wasn’t just rage in Jasper’s voice, it was hurt. Betrayal. 

Guy didn’t need a front row seat to know fangs were drawn, the undertone of a hiss rattled from both creatures. Whether he knew it or not, Guy edged towards the direction of the exit, scrambling up onto unsteady legs. Not once did his eyes leave either vampire. 

“Are you such a saint Jasper?” Fredrick got out, uneasy. 

“You're a traitor,” Jasper ignored the question. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t gut you.” 

Fredrick struggled but Jasper had him pinned. 

“Clock’s ticking.” 

“You’ll never get out of here alive,” The other vampire bargained. And briefly it was like Jasper did not care, consumed by his own reckless abandon. “Neither you nor your pet.” 

With that Jasper looked his way. He’d sworn to protect Guy. Wasn’t just his life on the line. The abrupt reminder he was responsible for this mortal boy was written clean across the vampire’s face. 

His arms slackened, enough to give way for Fredrick. It was obvious Jasper was at a crossroads and Guy could only pray he chose the right path. 

Guy’s fingers enclosed around the door handle, arm behind his back hardly sly. Ready. Too much to process. There wasn’t even a goddamn book. All that emotional toll, it was for nothing. Stood there wondering what would finally activate his fight or flight.

“You’re one sick son of a bitch, y’know that?” Though Jasper didn’t lunge, just stood there doused in hatred. 

“We all do what we have to do,” Dusting off his lapels. “Though I’ll happily take the boy, if he’s still on offer.” 

“Fuck you.” 

“In that case I suggest you leave, and take your little pet. What a shame it would be if something were to happen.” 

Something sat rooted deep behind those pale eyes, Guy could sense it. 

“C’mon,” Jasper attempted to keep his cool. Those words opened a valve, all that pressure released. “Let’s get outta here.”

Guy’s body frozen, a spectator to his own fear. Though once Jasper reached him it was like it wasn’t him piloting anymore. Limbs sprang back to life, messily side stepping as Jasper went for the door. Still too afraid to pry his sight from Fredrick - who by that point tended to his briefcase. 

Once they were both outside that room the slam must have rippled throughout the house. There was no pretending it didn’t. Part of Guy thought Jasper ought to have ripped the door from its hinges. 

Neither spoke. 

That confidence Jasper exerted was a hoax, striding down the hall with Guy at his heel. Too much unpredictability for his liking, yet Jasper was his only safety throughout everything. The only part of London which had been true to it’s word. 

They’d get in the car, Guy dropped off, and then maybe he could run. Find some way to leave the country without alerting the Talamasca. Wishful thinking, but it was all he had. Best case scenario is he told Helen of his findings, or lack there of, and he would be excused. Again, wishful. 

Was there even much point in telling Helen? No doubt she would just throw him into something equally as dangerous after everything endured. Guy couldn’t quite grasp where his loyalties lay or where his mind was at. And if only that was the end of it. 

He hadn’t expected to get so hard, to whine, to beg. As they walked down the stairs in poorly feigned dispassion, Guy felt his ears burn as he lingered on that fact. Jasper had touched him. And Guy tried, oh he tried so very hard to tell himself it was just the mission, playing his role. Only Jasper’s hand had set him alight, the animated pawing over his clothes. Something so small had reduced Guy so much. Shit. 

So his plan was to go back to his soulless flat, climb into bed and pretend none of it had happened for the next eight hours or so. Then he would stand outside in the bitter cold, inhaling a stab of autumn air, waiting for the anticipated X on the pay phone. He would tell Helen he wanted out, having done all he could. Not because he had a new found appraisal for the Talamasca, but he just needed away. The web he was caught in wasn’t worth it. And the cherry on top? Whatever infatuation he began to feel for the vampire was vulnerable. At the end of the day Jasper was a killer, a creature of the night. A fact too easy to dismiss, yet it still sat there chipping away in the back of Guy’s conscience. 

Soon enough they were outside. Guy had barely registered anything, his thoughts carpeted with his own predicament. Trapped within the padded cell of his head.

That unmarked car sat just out of sight, a constant cloud streaming from the exhaust. It wasn’t over thought. Outside the house it wasn’t over, or in the car, or his bed. Only when he left London. Guy guarded himself as best he could, never knowing what U-turn life would spring. 

Wordlessly they got in the vehicle, Guy less skittish than before. Not having quite turned off the apathy of survival. 

Nothing felt real, not until they got moving. Pulling out from that disgusting pristine house, through an overly polished neighbourhood and back onto the busy city streets. No taunting or small talk from Jasper, just the silence of tinted glass and leather. 

Only then did he sigh, head sinking into hands. Almost over. It was almost over. 

When he sat back up stars clouded his vision, blinking them away rhythmically. “You can just let me out anywhere.” 

“Y’know, you’re lucky I stick to my promises, kid. Any other fucker would have tossed you to him, but not me.”

“So what, I’m meant to thank you?” 

“You seemed to enjoy it.” Said as his head turned to the window. Bastard. 

Guy felt the flush of red skip down his neck at that acknowledgment. 

“Just saying, you’re real lucky to be alive right now.” Jasper far too passive about it all.

“Thanks.” That sarcasm was Guy’s shield. 

But he could tell Jasper sat there dejected. A waste of time. One whole goddamn waste of time. That emasculating experience Guy endured had been pointless. It was wrong to have enjoyed it, that recitation played over and over. Because in no world was that acceptable.

“Like I said,” Guy continued. “Anywhere is fine.” Ground stood

Met with a small hum of acknowledgement from the vampire. The car never stopped. 

“Cute.” Was the only reply. 

Guy’s pulse had never really settled, that sick feeling of adrenaline hadn’t left. 

“Look, I don’t know what you want with me but-”

“You need to rest.” 

“Rest!?” Disbelief. 

“You’re exhausted, just look at you,” His attention back to Guy. “I’d say a warm shower then bed.” Oddly composed for a vampire who hadn’t gotten his way. 

“Where are we going?” A question he didn’t want to ask. A question he didn’t want an answer to.

“A hotel.” 

“Why do you care so much about me?” Half snapped. 

“I care about my book.” 

“So why don’t you go back there then? Leave me out of it!” 

“Oh I’m going back there,” Spoke far too light. “Snap that shit eaters head clean off his shoulders. But first, you need your beauty sleep.” 

There really was no saving himself. But worst of all the bluntness of the vampire’s tone really shouldn’t have done something for him. 

“You’ll be comfortable, it’s a nice place.” Jasper continued, raising his eyebrows as he did.  

And suddenly the car skated to a halt. 

“Looks like we’ve arrived.” 

Guy glowered to him as he clambered out, hating how fast he was to unbuckle his belt, but if he had to stay in that vehicle any longer he’d have started clawing at the walls.

Though it was difficult not to be blown away. No where near as pretentious as the auction, but was anything? Jasper certainly hadn’t cheeped out. 

“C’mon, I’ll see you to your room.” Snapping Guy from that awe. 

“Why aren’t we back at the Mother House?” Finally asking something right, as he tripped through the front doors. Neither looking too out of place in their slightly ruffled suits. 

Jasper leant into his ear as they walked side by side. “If we’re followed can’t have them knowing you’re important. Looks more natural this way, believe me.” 

Well that was just fantastic. Going back to a hotel, keeping up the pretence of a sexual transaction. Right then Guy hoped it was all a lie, they’d get to the room and Jasper would eat him. A far less conflicting outcome than securing whatever promiscuous illusion Jasper curated. That small voice in the back of his head stifled, Guy wasn’t allowed to want it. Instead he muffled it with morality. All Guy had to do was look like some glorified rent boy then be on his way. Fine. Wasn’t the worst thing he had done all night. 

They walked past the reception, beelined to the elevator. The keycard slotted between Jasper’s knowing fingers didn’t go unnoticed. Guy hated it, everything planned behind his back. All the running around and secrecy. Why couldn’t he have just been told off the bat? 

Still, when they climbed into that box Guy still found himself gravitated to the corner nearest the buttons… and the door. Not exactly loving the confinement. However Jasper respected that, other than punching the floor number into the pad, he kept a distance. 

But that didn’t mean Guy couldn’t feel that gaze burning against his back. Consciously not turning. Instead Guy’s head bowed, staring to his feet. Those dress shoes had cut hard into his heel, anticipating the very second he could sit on the foot of a bed and kick them off. He’d toss them into the trash if he could. 

The numbers ascended on the immaculate little screen, the transition between each one smooth. 

“After all that, and you still don’t trust me do you?” 

With that rigid line clean over Guy’s shoulders, grimacing in one private moment to himself. “You’re a vampire Jasper.” Remaining calm. 

“A vampire who saved your life.” 

And the elevator stopped, a joyous ping as the doors slid open. But they stood there, neither making the move to exit. 

“You’re the reason I was in danger to begin with!” That constructed lie faded. 

“No,” Corrected. “They are,” A claw pointed Guy’s way. “And don’t you forget that.” 

Guy’s eyes rolled in their sockets, stepping out.

“Lets take this to your room.” Calculated, Jasper was calculated. Desperately Guy wanted to rummage around his skull, know what was really going on. Though self restraint was important. He couldn’t screw everything up, especially not in some random hotel away from the - lousy - safety net the Talamasca provided. If things went south with Jasper then and there that was it. Fade to black, credits roll. 

They walked the corridors through all the double doors and twists and turns. A maze of sorts. Oddly enough Guy found himself missing the Mother House. 

It was Jasper who found the room, keycard grazed against the handle, a happy green light. 

There was no denying the extravagance of it all, tall glass windows, a couch which ignored the view. Curtains drawn back, showing the scattered London lights expanding out forever. Everything untouched, it felt like a crime to disrupt the precision of the bed. To taint it with the telltale signs of life. Towels crafted into ridiculous shapes. A certain ambience to it all. Probably safe to assume the bathroom was just as spotless, scared to even imagine what the shower looked like. 

Guy hovered in the vacant space, observing as Jasper whirled around checking it out. 

“Not bad, is it?” And Guy just stared back with uncertainty. “Look kid, I’m not gonna hurt you if that’s what you’re thinking.” 

“Why won’t you let me go?” And there it was, uncertainty unleashed in his voice. He was exhausted, his brain a blasphemous mix of adrenaline, endorphins, and libido. 

“Let you go? You want to go back to them?” 

“I want out, of all of this.” 

“That book is your way out, you find it and they’ll have to. I’ll make sure of that.”

“What if there is no book?” Uncertainty evolved into frustration. Again and again he ran into walls. That’s all he’d been met with, finally allowing himself to boil over into authenticity. 

“Saw it for yourself didn’t you? Or maybe, maybe you’re fooling me around.” The vampire’s vision narrowed

“Keves had the book! It was in her bag.” Aborting his own scepticism in favour of his life.

“Hm.” Stepping closer. 

“She had a book, that’s all I know.”

“So, you can help me find it. We work together until then. That sound like a plan?”

Guy bit his lower lip and nodded. It was the only plan, resenting himself just a tiny bit for the excitement it sparked. 

“Sit down, relax.” Jasper unnaturally calm. 

“Easier said than done.” Though he did it, shuffling forwards and perched on the corner of the mattress, sinking down further than expected. Deft fingers plucked at laces. 

“Thought you might want to shower, blow off some steam.” More than suggestive. 

“Think I’ll be fine, thanks.” Shit. 

“Oh yeah?” Unconvinced. “Didn’t seem that way earlier.” 

He was in hot water. Foolish to think for a second he had been able to brush it off. Attraction was a powerful tool, and Guy did everything to will it away. 

“Did what you told me to.” Those words rigid. 

“Saw how hard you got, kid. Wanna explain that?” Direct, that open secret declared. Fuck.

“You told me to play the part.” Chest constricted, eyes wide, blood pumping. Struggling against his own reality. 

Unfortunately his body could barely tell the difference, cock revitalised. 

“Because from where I stand, you enjoyed it. Or am I reading that wrong?” Killing Guy would have been the charitable option. 

Finally Guy found himself scooted up the bed, knees drawn in. All the while the vampire stood overlooking the pitiful situation.  

“Tell me,” Jasper went on unaffected. “What were you going to think of when you touch yourself tonight?” 

“Nothing.” Lower lip trembling. 

“Nothing? So you’d just keep all that pent up energy bouncing around that body of yours?” 

Even if Guy wanted to say something, he could not. Choked by the unwavering confrontation of his own emotions. 

“Wanna know what I’d think?” 

Guy heard the question, knew what it meant, yet it refused to translate to anything tangible. With a reticent gulp he nodded. 

That grin cracked loud over Jasper’s face. “All those pathetic little noises you made,” Eventually shins hit the edge of the bed. “I know desire, I can smell it on you.” 

“It’s not what it looks like.” 

“Then what does it look like?”

Again he was met with no verbal cue from Guy. 

“I can leave if you want y’know, let you deal with that predicament yourself.” A predicament Guy wrongfully assumed he had hid well. 

Theatrically Jasper turned to leave, inciting Guy to protest. 

As soon as the vampire got dangerously far, that was when Guy did it. Pushing his own inhibition to the side and embracing what he felt. “Wait.” 

It was exactly what Jasper needed. Clarity. “And what is it you want, huh?” 

“I- I don’t know.” 

“But you want something?” Once again Jasper slinked towards him. 

Too much was happening, brain flatlining as he dug around for words. Yes. Yes he wanted something. 

“Say it.” Jasper quick to chime in. 

“Yes.” Helpless to his own appetite. 

“Good boy,” Said as he crawled onto the mattress, stopping just shy of Guy. “Think we can work with that.” 

A hand persuaded Guy’s knees from his chest. Carefully he complied, laid them out stretched, nothing hidden. The suit did next to nothing to conceal his erection, heavy and filled out, staring back at them both. 

“There we go.” That gruff voice praised, Guy all too aware of what the vampire saw. A lamb splayed across the alter. 

“Want me to touch you?” That idle offer teased just above Guy’s crotch. Waiting. If Guy were to raise his hips he’d have felt it, get exactly what he wanted. But he didn’t, in turn he waited for Jasper to make contact. Frozen to the spot.

“Yes.” Bashful. The only thing he could manage. 

The vampire’s sight never broke, eyes cast Guy’s way as it happened. Jasper wanted to see him crumble. Finally those fingers curled around him as best they could, far more attentive than in that office. 

He moaned, the aching sensitivity of his cock was too much, the real victim of false promises made throughout the night. Muscles tightening as Jasper gave an experimental squeeze. Eventually palming up the underside as Guy gave a feeble restrictive twitch. 

“Look at you,” Said in awe. “Like putty in my hands.”

With each shallow breath Guy’s stomach hitched. Fisting the covers as he uselessly held himself together.

“How long’ve you been wanting this, huh?” The vampire investigated, continuing to feel him up. 

It had Guy’s heart skipping a beat. “Too long.” 

“That right?” Last thing he needed was to fuel Jasper’s ego, yet there he was fanning the flames. 

“Since-” Speaking grew significantly more difficult as Jasper played, tracing the outline of Guy’s tip with a thumb. It had him leaking in no time, a rather pathetic record. “Since that first night.” 

“First night in the Mother House, hm?” Still swirling around and around and around. Guy’s hips canted upwards upon their own volition, defenceless when it came to his own pleasure. 

“Yes.” In one shaky breath. 

“That’s cute.” The condescending nature of everything should not have been so hot. 

Guy found himself suppressing the sounds his body urged to make. Trapping them in the cavity of his chest. “Please.” A one syllable word he managed to push out. 

“Please what?” Fully groping, as much as the fabric allowed anyway. “I’m touching you aren’t I?” 

“Jasper, please.” Head tipped back as he looked to the ceiling. Needing to avert the humiliation. 

And Jasper chuckled, knowing all too well what he was doing. Though apparently he had a merciful streak. “This what you want?” Single-handedly opening the button.

Nodding seemed to be effective, still too ashamed to fully convey unprecedented desire. 

“C’mon baby, don’t be shy.” Followed by the imminent unzip of Guy’s fly

“Yes, it’s what I want.” Trying to relax. 

“See, you can use your words,” Slipping beneath the waistband of Guy’s underwear, the sensation of skin upon skin had him writhing. But Jasper pulled him out, Guy remained completely in his dress suit as his sticky cock bobbed between them. “Beautiful.” Jasper so blatantly observed. 

And Guy felt seen, given away by the precum which dribbled down his shaft. 

Though he didn’t have to ask for more, apparently Jasper couldn’t hide his own impulses, fingers enclosed around Guy once again, only it felt better the second time. A couple of small whimpers broke through the blockade. 

“Enjoy yourself, kid. No need to be so tense,” His fist slid up and down. “Had a stressful night,” And to have such a delicate organ handled by a bloodthirsty creature should have only added to it. But eventually Guy found himself mindlessly rutting, meeting Jasper half way. “Attaboy, knew you’d like it.” Again a spike in breath. 

The flick of Jasper’s wrist was hypnotic in nature, commanding Guy with such certainty. Knowing just exactly what he needed. 

“Y’know, it really did something seeing you so worked up,” Jasper reminisced. “Can’t say tonight wasn’t entirely self indulgent.” 

“Go to hell.” Guy got out, though there was no real heat behind the phrase. 

“What, can you blame a guy for having fun with such a pretty little thing?” The familiar tint of red echoed across Guy’s cheeks. “Thought not.” 

When he felt the pad of Jasper’s thumb swipe over his tip that was it, Guy’s thoughts gone, his body raw. Squirming to get away? For more? His hips tossed and turned, the action overwhelming. A red gradient had flourished down his shaft, darkening the more Jasper provoked. 

He could feel every tiny movement. Jasper’s strong tantalising hand not going at a pace to bring him over, but just enough to solicit a rise.  

“Fuck.” Guy sighed. 

“Couldn’t think earlier could you?” Back to stroking. “I’d even say you liked being shown off.” 

Guy’s silence was louder than any confirmation. 

“Couple of thoughts slipped through, might want to work on locking those up.” Suddenly he stopped, his fingers locked around the base. With the blood flow trapped Guy’s cock grew angry, that thick vein on the underside just about screamed. 

Fuck, what else did he know?

Reality hit. Jasper was a vampire. That harsh reminder stirred panic. Guy might as well have been laid out as a three course meal. His heart rabbited, unable to get away. All he could do was try and read the vampire’s mind through his subdued haze. 

And there was nothing. 

“Can feel you, y’know,” That tone indecipherable. “Really gotta stop doing that,” Grip unyielding. “If I wanted to eat you I’d have done so by now,” Something Guy really wanted to believe. “Just think it looks nice,” Nodding down to Guy’s glazed cock. “Desperation, it looks good on you.” 

Then they were back to normal, Jasper’s pace moderate as he continued. Guy sank back into the mattress, completely commanded by the budding pleasure he endured. It seeped into all of him. 

Once that gratification built Guy was gone, unable to comprehend just how pathetic that was from a a handjob alone. His thoughts sluggish, weighing him down, limbs slowly filled with sand. 

“Close.” He babbled, if the erratic rhythm of his hips wasn’t enough to go on. 

Maybe he shouldn’t have been so transparent, because instantly Jasper let go, leaving poor Guy hanging. 

Words did not form, other sounds spoke on his behalf. Though from his half lidded gaze he could see Jasper with that wolfish glint smeared across his features. 

The vampire enjoyed it, pulling at the seams, unravelling Guy one thread at a time. If that had been his plan all along Guy couldn’t have been mad. As long as he got more. The need for more. The desire for more. Everything reduced to more, more, more. 

“Not done with you yet.” Jasper rose. Guy slung an arm over his face, wallowing in embarrassment as the agitation caught up. None of this was what the Talamasca had asked. 

But he lay there, his nose buried into the crook of his elbow, cock sat in a puddle of its own impatience. No sign of it going down. He could hear Jasper in the bathroom cupboard. 

Before he knew it however the vampire was back, and Guy still did not look. 

“Not getting shy on me are you?” Jasper laughed. “C’mon take that away, let’s see those baby blues.” 

It would be a lie if it was said there was no reluctance, but he did it. Staring to the vampire in a mostly rational state. From what he could make out however Jasper had a bottle. Preemptive lube from the bathroom. What a surprise.

“You planned this didn’t you?” Guy couldn’t help but ask. 

“Why, you complaining?” Reclaiming his original space.

“You’re such a bastard.” But unable to help his smile.    

“Takes one to know one,” The lube placed beside him. “Think we need to get you out of these clothes, don’t you think?” 

Guy couldn’t have cooperated faster if he tried. But it was Jasper to do the bulk of it. After awkwardly shucking off his jacket, tossing it carelessly to the floor, Jasper undid Guy’s shirt. His hands nimble and efficient. One after the other. Inch by inch more skin was revealed, Guy’s neck craned forwards as he watched, loving the way Jasper occasionally brushed his stomach. The vampire’s nails like the blunt edge of a knife.

Eventually that was it, top half bare. Each and every mole a path waiting to be carved. His shirt met the same fate as that jacket, immediately forgotten about. And Jasper made quick work of the rest, yanked down in one broad swoop as Guy raised his hips.

There he was. Completely naked, leaking over himself. Right then he felt like one of those paintings, just there for decoration. His cock wept in mindless frustration. 

“Jesus,” Jasper muttered, mostly to himself. “Don’t see something as good as this every day.” 

It was like he could not resist, reaching out and squishing Guy’s thigh, careful not to slice him. That contact however did something, groin wound tight as his arousal towered. If he’d been too close to the edge perhaps that action would have done it. 

But Jasper continued his exploration, hand moving on, palming up Guy’s hip and to his waist. The cold smoothness to the vampire’s skin was jarring. A subtle reminder of what Guy was doing, what he had got himself in for. If before was considered too deep then Guy had drowned. 

Jasper settled on his waist, the area swallowed by his grasp. Fingers fanned out, Guy engulfed. The vampire’s rings shone in the overhead light.  

“All those immortals back there, they wanted you,” Presented as fact. “If only they could see you now,” His free hand went on, up Guy’s navel, sternum and eventually chest, feeling up one of his pectorals. By then Guy should have given up fighting it, allow himself some indulgence. Those noises came from him regardless. Choking back a gasp as it happened. “And I get you all to myself.” 

“Please.” He eventually got out, the sound airy and small.

“Please what?” Prompting further. 

With discipline and precision Jasper traced over a nipple, it had Guy curling in no time, only encouraging the vampire. 

“T-touch me,” Doing his best to not dwell on his viscid stammering. “Please.”

“But I am touching you, aren’t I?” 

“Shit.” Hissed as Jasper’s efforts doubled. 

“Or is it something else you want? Go on, tell me.” 

“Need more,” The sentence pushed its way out. “Please.” Practically shaking. 

“Ah, I understand,” Jasper sat back on haunches, a nothingness replaced where he had once touched. “You want this.” Abruptly cupping Guy’s balls. 

It was a shock to the system to say the least. While the action itself wasn’t violent there was something erotic about having such a powerful creature have him like that. 

As he tenderly rolled them Guy’s cock throbbed, having already known a taste of the offer. That blush deepened, precum tangled in a bed of curls. 

“Let’s see how patient you really are,” Were not the words Guy wanted to hear. “Turn over.” 

Propping himself on elbows Guy stared back slightly bewildered by the command, though he did it. Manoeuvring himself onto his front. 

“That’s my boy.” Said with a generous grope of Guy’s ass. That didn’t particularly help his cock, which in turn sat trapped between him and the covers. 

Guy looked back over his shoulder, hearing what only could have been Jasper undressing. Though there was a firm snap of fingers. “Ah-ah eyes forwards tough guy.” 

All he could do was lie there and anticipate. Inherently vulnerable, naked with his back to a predator. 

From what Guy could only assume, Jasper had stripped. There were only so many articles of clothing which could make a dull thump against the carpet. 

“There we go.” It was too easy to imagine Jasper stretching as it was said. 

But Guy asked no questions, not allowing a delay. A loud pop, the cap of the bottle. He could practically feel his cock pulsing, fat and keen. Never had Guy thought he could get so wet. 

What wasn’t expected however was a slathering of lube between his thighs. And it wasn’t until Jasper clambered up next to him, peeling Guy to his side did he have an idea of what was about to unfold. Bare back to bare chest. Jasper’s hand planted on his shoulder. 

“Know what you do to me, hm?” Whispered low into Guy’s ear. 

Eventually the hand feathered down his side, coiling around Guy’s stomach. 

“Feel it now?” The vampire’s hips rocked forwards. No verbalisation needed to convey his lust, it was right there nestled just beneath Guy’s ass. “All those other vampires back there, they wanted you alright,” Precisely grinding himself. Without thinking Guy went boneless, predicting what the vampire had in store. “Did you seriously think I’d let them have you? You’re just for me.” Lips ghosted his outer ear. All Guy could do was shudder. 

Finally Jasper’s cock slipped between thighs. Guy may not have seen it, but from what he could gauge it was thick. Fuck, how he wished he could turn around, watch it disappear. 

The push was steady, the heavy head of his cock followed the curve of Guy’s ass, eventually prodding over his perineum. 

“Ah, there we go, just like that.” Still holding Guy against himself. 

“Ah fuck.” Whined. 

Jasper’s body rocked against his, those thrusts gentle at first. It was both torture and bliss, getting no real relief himself. Used, Guy was used.  

“Bet you didn’t think your night would end like this,” His laugh blended to concentration as he rutted harder. “God, you’re so fucking good.” 

Deep down Guy was upset he wasn’t getting fucked, to be split open by Jasper’s girth. He began to leak at the thought, dimmed by the addictiveness of the situation.

“Maybe next time I’ll fuck you.” Jasper just so happened to say. 

“Get out of my head.” Half babbled, too focused on the fact his own cock was in dire need of attention. Swaying with each snap of hips. 

“Don’t have to be in your head to understand- ah,” He pulled Guy’s ass right against his pelvis. “What you want.” Panting against Guy’s neck. 

So Guy did what any rational person would do and clenched, providing a tighter space for Jasper to ruin. He hadn’t expected much from it, perhaps some praise or even just a huff of gratitude. What he got in return however was different. 

Lips met his neck, Jasper having nosed under his ear, tongue tracing his jaw. It caused Guy to go rigid much to Jasper’s delight. He felt the reverberation of a chuckle vibrate up his spine, Jasper more than pleased. 

If anything it only added fuel to the fire, Jasper nipped down his neck, playfully sucking skin. It would mark, Guy knew that much. Would probably be covered in bruises come morning, too far up to be hidden by the modesty of a collar. Something which only turned him on further. 

All survival instincts were thrown to the wind, Guy’s neck right there, a strained yet silent plea for more. Those nips became bites, however not enough to draw blood. And Guy hoped those fangs were out, the risk of danger pumped through him. Jasper could do it, get him then and there. Sink teeth deep into his neck and feed. Why was it so erotic? He should have felt dirty. But there Guy was begging for it, his cock weeping out of desperation. 

However Jasper did not bite, instead his tongue soothed the area afterwards. Pain shadowed by remorse. 

Meanwhile Jasper’s cock slipped against him with ease, the area slick from lube and precum, never stalling. The bed struggled beneath them as Jasper’s momentum built. Christ, Guy wished it was inside him, couldn’t rid himself of that thought. 

“Gotta prove yourself first,” His voice muffled, mumbled between the junction of Guy’s neck. “Don’t fuck just anyone y’know.” Gruff with want. 

“Your hand,” The sound barely came from his mouth. “Fucking- need it.”

“Giving the orders now are you?” Punctuated with a light kiss to his throat. “But maybe you’d prefer this,” And Jasper’s fist found it’s way to Guy’s hair, tugging him back as best he could. Guy’s stomach missed the contact. “Don’t think I didn’t notice.” 

A string of whimpers left, flowing from Guy’s parted lips with ease. Yet Jasper still ground between him, extracting pleasure as he studied that frantic expression. 

Guy could barely hide the fact he loved it, the constant strain and sharp yanks held a direct line to his cock - a part of him which had undergone too much. 

“It’s sweet,” Again Guy was submerged in that drawl. “How mindless you get, so go on beg.” 

What should have been a sorry sight was far too erotic. Not knowing when or if Jasper would be merciful, put that poor neglected cock out of its misery. Perhaps if his brain wasn’t so mixed up Guy would have grovelled, or maybe he’d have told Jasper to go to hell. Either or, sentences proved difficult, that baseline primal instinct was all he knew. The only map he had. 

“Please.” It came out weak. 

“What was that?” 

“Jerk me off, please.” Somewhat bitten back in annoyance. Too much was happening inside himself. 

“That’s my boy, knew you’d spit it out.” Releasing the handful of hair in one bold assertion. 

It wouldn’t have been a long shot to assume Jasper planned on toying some more, he struck Guy as the type to play with his food. That really shouldn’t have been so hot. But, he was soon to be proved wrong. Jasper’s hand went back to where it had once called home, only instead of the sturdy grip around his stomach, Guy felt those fingers enclose around his cock. That alone warranted a sigh. 

“Such a good boy, deserve a reward don’t you think?” 

In response Guy gave a dumbed down nod. He’d have agreed to anything if it meant that. 

His own hips caught in the flow of Jasper’s. Thankful to be canting forwards into the familiarity of that fist. Never had he felt such relief, each stroke provided comfort, tightened the knot of his stomach. Winding him up and up and up. 

“Stupid mutt humping my hand.” So passive, so fucking passive. 

Guy moaned. 

“Like that do you? Must say, discovering a whole lot about you tonight.” An edge to his voice, not as unaffected as he let on. 

The vampire slicked up and down Guy’s shaft, it wasn’t going to take much. Already far closer than he wanted to be. But everything was there marinating, all that negativity and uncertainty, the anxiety he carried since setting foot in the country. 

Each snap of Guy’s hips grew more erratic, chasing. Rocking with the force of his body and in turn making them both pick up pace. 

“Careful pup, or we’ll both go off.” 

“Need it.” Was what Guy managed. 

“Yeah? Tell me how bad.” Practically spat. 

“Bad, real bad.” He could feel it, something inside him threatening to snap, there was only so much Guy could hold back. 

So there he was, grip twisted into the sheets. Eyes screwed shut, oblivious to any and all noise he made. Balls tight, the repeated slide of Jasper’s cock under his ass. It was too much, all too much. 

Pointless. It was pointless to even try and prevent it. Guy came, streaking over Jasper’s knuckles and onto the bed, gasping and writhing where he lay. All the while Jasper aided him through it, pace consistent. Everything had dropped, no more tension or Talamasca, just him and Jasper there on that bed. 

Rope after rope pumped out, Guy had lost control. Making a mess of Jasper’s rings. Hopefully there would be no dry cleaning bill. 

“Shhh that’s it,” That voice soft. “I’ve got you, I’ve got you.” A guiding light through the tunnel of fog. 

Through all the reassurance Guy fell limp, lost to his own hedonism. Completely drained of energy, yet living. Completely engulfed in exhilaration. Head in the clouds, blood pumping, overcome by pure elation. 

What he noticed first was his hair, nails running through it, a path made from his temple backwards. The second realisation was Jasper was still hard, his cock a blunt instrument pushed between Guy’s thighs.

“Won’t take long, puppy.”

Again Guy was tucked in against him, cushioned by the swell of Jasper’s belly. 

Each soft grunt was like a song, a beautiful tune of Jasper getting close. Something Guy appreciated, still fucked out in the aftershock of it all, but he enjoyed it. At least he was being used for something other than telepathy.    

Though Jasper rolled harder, each pant short and closer together. He wasn’t holding back. The grip he had on Guy was almost bruising. He felt it as the vampire doubled inwards, his head against his nape. Each snap of hips more vigorous than the last. 

With what little brain power he conjured, Guy contracted his leg muscles. Clenching as hard as he could. And apparently that did it. Jasper’s fangs sunk deep into his shoulder. Not drawing blood out however, just keeping them there. Burrowed into Guy’s flesh, holding him between teeth. 

Of course Guy yelped, but he welcomed it. The whole thing having kicked him back into action. And what came after was Jasper’s orgasm. A wet sensation coated Guy’s inner thighs as the Vampire’s pelvis stilled, sheathed. Guy felt each pulse and twitch, and heard every stifled groan to escape. If he hadn’t just came, then that surely would have done it. 

In the come down of it all, Jasper eventually released. Guy didn’t have to check to know he bled. Wearing a teeth shaped dent in his shoulder with two puncture wounds either side. 

“Sorry.” Jasper huffed not sounding entirely authentic, dabbing at the damage inflicted. 

“Don’t be.” Guy said all too passively. 

“Let me get you patched up.” And Guy knew what to expect. 

“No,” Abrupt. “Don’t,” Attempting to rein in the urgency. “I- I like it.” The confession left him sheepish. Thankful for no eye contact. 

He could feel the conflict within Jasper, the doubtful hesitation. “You sure, it’ll only take a second?” Only then did Guy realise the hoarseness to the voice. 

“Yeah,” Still feeling quite breathless himself. “I’m sure.” 

“Alright dude, suit yourself.” 

And then silence. Jasper pulled out, mindful not to make an already sticky situation worse. 

“Did good y’know.” It was Jasper to break the tension. 

Never had Guy been complimented like that after sex. 

“Not just the sex, all of it,” The vampire then clarified. “The auction, the improv, everything.”

“Well next time I’d appreciate a heads up in advance.”

“Next time huh?” 

“I just mean-” 

“I know what you meant,” Jasper’s velvet chuckle ran through them both, still a tangle of limbs on the mattress. “We should really get you cleaned up though.” 

“Probably.” Though neither moved. 

“That mean you’re gonna help me find my book?” Difficult to gauge the seriousness of the question. 

And Guy thought for a second. “Yeah, yeah it does.”