Twenty - Two

A/N: Comment & Vote!

Of all the bad decision Sven could make in his life, Tanner was the worst.

It cost him his throne; his honor; his family; his life. Sven was caught by the wicked charm of a monster incarnate. He offered him sweet sin and Sven couldn't resist. When Sven was human, the man's immortality was as mysterious as the dark embers in his skull. With him, fantasy met reality. With him, it was all he could do to maintain a single thought much less weigh the consequences of the seduction before him.

So when Tanner approached him, eyes hooded, hands reaching for his body Sven was once more caught in the clutches of lust. "Tanner," his lips trembled delicately.

The ancient vampire let his voice fall over him, the gentle neediness of a someone he had complete control over--even for just the time being. Tanner wanted to hold Sven, to feel their bodies pressed together.

Sven wanted to be held.

A breeze blew across the countryside across the patio. A shudder cascaded through Sven. The man was immune to the weather but the sensuous feel to the air around him had his nerves on end and body open to any and all sensations. His nipples hardened beneath the dainty fabric over his chest. Tanner's eyes zeroed in on them. He loved how Sven's body gave away such minuscule betrayals of his arousal.

Tanner placed his hands on his thin hips, drawing Sven's body closer. The shorter male tipped his forehead into the chest of his counterpart, inhaling the scent of him and his elusive, expensive cologne. Sven planted a kiss on his sternum over his shirt.

Here Sven was, giving in again.

He was a slave to his urges and to Tanner. His body wasn't his in the presence of this man.

Tanner's fingers knotted in Sven's hair, tilting his head back. His lips grazed over his exposed flesh, pulling his lip back to expose his teeth. His canines had elongated and he gladly allowed the needle-like edges to settle on his jugular. Sven whimpered.

As always 'no' danced at the tip of his tongue. He could hold back, refuse the advances and hang on to the bit of morality he could possibly possess...but he didn't. He looked at Tanner, lips trembling with lust. His fangs pierced his skin. Hot liquid beaded at the surface of his skin and Tanner took a wide lick, letting the spicy, aromatic taste of a fellow vampire's blood fill his senses.

"So we're feeding from each other now?"

Tanner smiled a smart response in mind.

"Daddy?"

The two pulled away. Relief and frustration at the interruption made Sven purse his lips. Luca was hold onto a sheet that trailed inside. "What's wrong?"

"I'm all wet."

Tanner groaned inwardly. "Didn't you go potty first?"

The boy whine, fussy with exhaustion. "Daddy I'm sorry!"

"Maybe he should wear something," Sven commented quietly. He was thankful the sexual tension had been broken.

"Like diapers?" He asked.

"Yes." Agreed Sven. "I can see about picking some up. I'll go, him, strip the sheets--"

"Alright." Sighed Tanner. "Hopefully then we can finish up our game."

His word choice was poor as the boy perked up, sleep shifted to excitement. "Game! Luca play with Daddy and Fen."

"It's too late for Luca games cupcake," Tanner replied. "Besides, we have big plans tomorrow. We're going to the park! Let's get you cleaned up while Fen gets the bed all ready for you."

"Fen made it wet?" The boy asked sheepishly looking at the fallen prince.

Sven polished off his drink and set the goblet aside. "No sweetie. Accidents happen."

***

Together they wrested the pup back into his bed and found their way to the living room.

Faint reminders of the prior situation hung around them but neither person wanted to comment on it. Tanner began to toy with his phone, clearly trying to say something.

"Sven--will you go out with me tomorrow night? It's the only way Griffin will go on his date." Tanner's tone was casual but they both knew the heaviness the situation enticed.

Sven was simply floored by the request. Sven remembered all the prior times they'd gone out; all the wonderful dates the two had shared. Back when Tanner still loved Sven; before he grew bored and cast him aside. Sven was ready for that kind of pain. It had taken him centuries to get over it.

"I don't think it's a good idea for us to get involved." Sven's voice was low but clear. His one and only rejection of Tanner's advances.

He glanced up nervously at Tanner's curious smirk. "That's not an answer Sven. Humor me. Let us have a night of the past."

Of the past. Not a new beginning. Nothing would change. Sven's insides knotted uncomfortably as a spark of irritation made his eyes ice over. He was so goddamn unaware of how much power he had over Sven. That or he simply didn't care. Either way it was infuriating. "No Tanner. I have plans."

"Plans?" The smirk was gone, replaced by a displeased scowl. "What plans could you possibly have, Sven? I am the only plan you have. So tell me why you're not going with me tomorrow night."

"Because I have the right to say no." His voice rose a few pitches. Was he being unreasonable? "I have done everything you've asked of me. But I will not cross that line with you. Not again."

Tanner shook his head in disbelief. "So You can lease out your body to me like a common whore but I can't bring you somewhere? Jesus Christ Sven."

The insult had been placed and Sven felt it immediately. Fury and unbelievably pain made him momentarily breathless. He got to his feet hurriedly. Tanner began to regret the direction he'd taken the argument and called him back weakly. "I'm sorry Sven--I didn't mean it."

"I think you did. Good night Tanner."

With his back turned Tanner couldn't see the single tear that fell down his face and the many others that followed.

***

The next morning there was forced sense of calm.

Neither men wanted to start in again so they address each other was extra politeness and implied normalcy. Luca was digging into his sausage and egg bowl, taking messy gulps of juice between bites. Sven served Tanner his coffee and a small cup of blood before returning to the kitchen. He took his time cleaning, hopeful the two would go on their little trip soon.

The kitchen door opened soundlessly as Tanner stepped in.

He watched Sven carefully cleaning a single portion of the counter for seven minutes before he spoke. "You must really care about my countertops."

The man tensed and turned just slightly to acknowledge the man before moving on to the other areas. His new plan: get out of the kitchen as quickly as possible. "You're upset." Tanner pointed out unnecessarily. "That's understandable. What I said last night was in exceedingly bad taste."

Bad taste? That was one way to put it.

"If you're here to try and convince me," he began hotly but Tanner shook his head.

"You said no. No means no right?" a small smile quirked his lips. "You were merely my first choice. However I could use a babysitter this evening and Luca has really taken to you--"

"I'll do it." Anything to get him away from him.

Tanner smiled but there was something sad behind it. Tanner was hoping he was hiding his disappointment well. He had thought the mention of a different potential would fuel a jealousy in the other vampire but Sven just seemed pleased to do away with him.

Perhaps he was reading too much into the small boundary breaks between the two?

"Great. Thank you."

An awkward moment passed between them before Tanner cleared his throat and escaped to the dining room where Luca beamed up at him. "Ready Daddy?"

"Almost. Finish your food Pumpkin--it's going to be a fun day."

QOTC: thoughts?!