so simple in the moonlight / open

Dakhan

Dakhan had been following the young man since he spotted him leaving his apartment. The vampire had already fed earlier and was on his way home. There was something different about this one; an aura of power that was interesting to say the least. So he tread lightly behind him, observing the fellow. He was about to turn for home when the man abruptly turned and caught Dakhan in an off moment.

The vampire had lithely jumped aside and had a hand out to catch the man's arm if he started to fall.

"I'm fine," Dakhan observed in his strangely accented voice, "Are you okay?"

Dakhan

He took the other man's proffered hand in a firm handshake.

"Nice to meet you," he said, "My name's Dakhan. And I should have been watching where I was going."

He gestured around the empty park.

"It's not like the place is crowded or anything."

Dakhan fell into step with his new acquaintance.

"I'm a bit of a night owl myself, but what brings you out so late, or early, or whatever?"

The vampire's lips quirked into a slight smile. This guy definitely wasn't a vampire, but he did have power of some sort. Although Dakhan preferred women, he certainly wasn't averse to a dalliance with a nice looking young fellow. He'd had a very successful night and had left the young blonde clubber asleep in her bed.

Dakhan knew that the allure he had was working. It always did, no matter what sex he chose to be with. Long years of working for his living as a male sex slave and later a bordello owner, had given him some insight into attraction. The only time he had difficulty was when his partner thought of him as too young, but Dakhan's abilities made any reluctance disappear.

The park was colored in misty pinks and greys as the sun rose and ate into the dew coming off the grass. It gave the park an ethereal quality, with the trees back lit by low sunlight. Suddenly a jogger trotted by, earphones stuck in her ears, totally oblivious to the two men.

"Do you live nearby?" Dakhan asked.

Dakhan

"Sure," Dakhan agreed, "I'd love one.

"I don't live far either," he continued, "I'm actually staying with a friend who lives over her book store. She's got plenty of room and we share her apartment."

Dakhan had a sure fire way to put the young man to sleep. In fact, he'd just left one of his donors in her bed after a night of sex and bloodletting. He'd pretty much tired her out. He had no idea which way this young fellow swung, but another friend was never a bad idea, especially after many years of self enforced isolation.

"Are you sure the place will be open this early? If it isn't we can head over to my place."

Dakhan

The vampire followed his new friend's steps. The man reeked of magic and the small unseen spark of electricity pulled at the edge of his senses. He had to find out exactly who and what this fellow was. Right now, small talk to draw him out seemed to be the way to go. He knew exactly where the man lived, but it would be rude to say that he had been following him.

Dakhan's eastern heritage was very evident in his exotic looks and slight accent, but no one could actually place where he was from. Guesses ranged from India to Lebanon, right area but far off the mark. At five foot eleven and boyish looking, he didn't present a vicious and vampiric demeanour, but sensuality always seeped through no matter what he did. Sex had always been a big part of his life and it still was.

"I'm quite fond of kopi luwak," Dakhan commented as they walked, "But a nice latte is also wonderful in the morning."

Dakhan

"Not many places sell it," Dakhan admitted, "And it's really expensive, but it is excellent. I only drink the cruelty free stuff."

A breeze swirled in the air and Dakhan felt a small susurrous of power over his skin. How interesting!

They seemed to be headed in the direction of a coffee shop Dakhan also frequented. Hunter said that it had the best selection in the district and that it was moderately priced. It also had the coffee Dakhan loved. In fact, Dakhan had arranged for the owner to buy his kopi luwak from one of his own properties in Bali.

As they walked inside, there were already a few patrons seated at small tables, coffees in hand, muffins sitting nearby on plates. They all looked like they really needed coffee. Some people didn't do early well. It was Dakhan's luck that the owner manned the order desk and cash this morning.

"Ah, Mr. Bardias! Good morning, good morning!" The owner called, "The usual then?"

The vampire almost winced. The jig was up. Now his new friend would know that he was a local, sort of.

"Yes, Mr. Costello and good morning to you," Dakhan replied, "Add whatever my friend wants as well. On me."

Dakhan

"Remember that bookstore I told you about?" Dakhan grinned. "Well, it's about two blocks west of here."

Mr. Costello handed the vampire his kopi luwak and gave Dallon his brew. He took Dakhan's money and handed him back some change. Dakhan wrapped his cold hands around the warm cup. Of all the things being a vampire meant, the chill in his body was what he disliked the most. His life before the change played out in one of the warmest places on earth. He missed it.

"I'm in here most mornings, but not this early."

A table near the door and just out of the way was free and Dakhan pulled out a chair. He put his coffee down before sitting down. He couldn't help but wonder if he should pick up his usual order before heading home to his bed. He also found himself wondering if the young man sitting opposite him would be there too. Dakhan wasn't that tired. He picked up his mug and took a grateful sip of coffee.

Leaning back in his chair, he commented, "Man that tastes great."

Dakhan

"I love this stuff," he admitted, "but it grosses a lot of people out. It's not the beans that makes it good, it's how it's prepared."

He smiled into his cup, inhaling the wonderful aroma.

Flicking his eyes up to Dallon, he added, "It's also called civet cat coffee. And it's not made out of civet cats."

He offered the cup to Dallon.

"Want to try some?"

Several new customers filed in, barely awake. The ones already there finished up their coffees and rolled up their newspapers to leave. The street outside started to show some action with more joggers and pedestrians going by the cafe. A few carried closed umbrellas and some toted laptop cases. Most of them were talking on their phones.

Dakhan pulled his muted phone out of his pocket and switched the sound back on. Immediately it began to ring. He studied the caller ID for a moment and then answered.

"Hi, Hunter.

"As a matter of fact, I'm already here. What do you want?"

Pulling a pen out of another pocket, he commandeered a napkin and jotted a list down.

"Okay. I'll be home soon."

He pushed the phone back into his pocket and stashed the pen. Then he chuckled softly.

"Marching orders," Dakhan told Dallon.

He waved the list.

"Different 'usual order' today. Apparently Hunter wants a latte and two scones, and an espresso with a cranberry muffin for the dog."

He shrugged.

"So I'm a glorified delivery boy."