Living in Shadows

It didn't take much for Genesis to notice the discomfort radiating off of his partner. It was expected though, Zane had thought himself to be on the strait and narrow path of womanizer-hood but now found himself shacking up with an unarguably sexy and very male vampire. Gen could just hope that this wouldn't cause Zane to pull away and close himself off. The older vampire wasn't sure what he would do if he lost Zane. "You need to eat, remember?" He heard his partner mumble, closely followed by a yawn.

A sigh escaped Genesis' mouth as he reluctantly opened his eyes and turned his head towards the younger man. "I told you," He began, grabbing the closer of Zane's hands with his own and brining it towards his mouth. He kissed the skin there tenderly before nuzzling his face against it. "You're going to have to feed me personally." He smiled charmingly up at the pureblood, his eyes soft as they looked over Zane's face.

He sat up slightly, a slight grimace coming over his face, before he set his head down onto Zane's chest. "But, I'm tired and would much rather have you here...in bed...with me." Genesis truly was tired and just a tad bit sore. Leaving the house at all was quite the unappealing thought at the moment. He pressed his face securely into Zane's chest and sighed once more, this time contently.

The Changeling couldn't quite remember the last time that he had a bed partner whom he liked to touch so much. Usually after business was taken care of, Genesis all but ushered them out of his room. If they were lucky they received a meal and maybe a few quick kisses before being shown the door out. He had had the problem of them wanting more occasionally, especially when his partners were consistent, but Genesis himself had never been the clingy one. He could only hope that he wasn't making Zane feel too uncomfortable at the moment. Then again, Gen didn't really care seeing as long he had wanted this to happen.

Zane chuckled softly under his breath at Genesis' sigh. He knew his friend well...well enough to know the difference between a tired sigh, happy sigh, reluctant sigh...Zane took very few things serious in life, but eating was definitely one of them. Even when he himself wasn't the one that was hungry.

He opened his own eyes slowly and a small smile claimed his face. It was an odd realization but he wasn't exactly...uncomfortable. Genesis' presence was always one he found solace in...even if he was confused, there was no where else he'd rather be.

He closed his eyes again for a moment, trying to keep his powers locked down. He really, really wanted to be inside Genesis' mind...maybe so he just didn't have to be in his own thoughts. But he wasn't going to go there. Privacy he knew how to respect...he just wasn't used to having to try so hard.

His eyes opened again as he heard Genesis' voice, and felt his hand being taken. He smiled a little as Genesis kissed his wrist. "You know I don't mind..." he murmured, his own eyes falling on his friends smile. He rolled his eyes slightly as he rolled onto his back a bit. The damn man was oddly charming and sometimes the way he looked at him...all soft blue eyes, and really seeing him...He was thinking too much, getting confused again.

He looked up at Genesis as the other male sat up, and was about to ask what was with the expression on his face, but before he opened his mouth Gen was resting against his chest. "Well...I'm not going anywhere." It took him a moment to realize just how serious he was about that. He didn't want to go anywhere. At all. "Holy shit..." he murmured, without even realizing he'd spoken out loud.

When had he ever wanted to stay in bed with someone? He couldn't recall a memory, so he didn't figure ever. Smash and dash was more his style. He snapped out of his thoughts as Genesis pressed his face against his chest and sighed contently, and he couldn't help but smile a little, lifting one hand to absentmindedly run his fingers through the other males hair.

His head was still spinning...but he was oddly relaxed...

The confirmation of Zane not leaving him brought a smile to his face, his lips curling against the bare skin of the younger's chest. It was contorting to know that the pureblood wouldn't be abandoning him, sneaking away to wherever in the middle of the nigh as Genesis slept. Gen gave a soft snort at the though; he sounded like a teenage girl with those thoughts running rampant in his mind. Then again, Zane made him feel young again. It was something that Genesis wasn't used to, he was always the one that had to deal with the delusions and misinterpretations of those younger than himself. It always left him to feel his actual age baring down on him, but Zane had always been different.

Fingers were soon playing with his hair. It was soothing and Genesis' body instantly relaxed as something akin to a purr rumbled in his throughout. He loved when people played with his hair, it was comforting and often sent jolts of pleasure down his spine.

His eyes drooped slowly before closing fully. Genesis' own hand moved to rub circles over Zane's hip with his thumb. He was tired, partly because he hadn't eaten anything in quite some time, but mostly because of his earlier activities with Zane. IT didn't take long for the changeling to slip back into a light sleep, his hand eventually stopping in it's petting the farther deeper he slept.

---

The sun was warm against his and there were many children playing about in the field. It was beautiful really, it must had been spring with the numerous flowers that littered the ground. Laughter filled the air, but soon it would quiet down as the sun was setting. Night would fall within the hour and with it the ceremony would begin.

It was his turn this time, his turn to serve the village and bring privilege and honor to his family. He could see his mother, her face was blurry but he could still make out that she was weeping softly with a smile on her face as she took his hand and lead him home. It would be his last night with them.

He was scrubbed clean, scented oils placed onto his skin and into his hair, and then dressed in clothes that were finer than anything he had ever had before. The entire village was there as he was lead up the steps of the large temple by the local priestess and once they stood atop the older woman began to chant. By the time she finished, he could see how all the villagers were now bowing and soon the older woman did as well. There was someone behind him and as he turned slowly there she stood, beautiful and regain as she smiled down at him and extended hand in beckoning. He was scared at first, but reached out in turn to grab onto her hand.

"Welcome home, my loved one." She said in ancient tongue and Genesis could so nothing except smile at her words.

---

His body moved little as he slept, except to cuddle himself closer to Zane's warm body. Sleep was pleasant this time around, filled with pleasant and mostly forgotten memories.

It didn't surprise him at all when Genesis drifted off to sleep. He knew his friend was tired, and he himself couldn't really help but feel slightly smug about that fact. Granted, Genesis had been hungry since the night before so he was sure that had a little bit to do with it. But he had to hope part of it had been from him...

He'd drifted himself for a short period of time, a little tired himself. Genesis' thumb making circles against his hip had eventually put him to sleep, and it was only then he realized just how tired he'd been all along.

His dreams were still, which was odd for him, especially given how much his mind was already spinning a million miles an hour. But Genesis was on his mind, unsurprisingly, and so that's what his dreams were about...memories mostly...silent thoughts he'd locked away, never to have again. Teasing little games, and a line they'd crossed that they could never uncross...

He hadn't realized he'd rolled over until his back hit the floor an his head hit one of the side tables. "Mother of shit..." he groaned out as he opened his and rubbed the back of his head. Genesis was still on the bed somehow...sounded about right.

He sat up and rubbed his hands down his face then looked back at the clock. It'd been a good couple of hours. He sighed a little and hung his head, wanting to just climb back into that bed and forget the world existed.

A rather loud thud and a mutter of curse roused Genesis from his sleep. Groggily he opened his eyes and pushed himself up off his bed. With a grumpy frown on his face, the vampire looked down to find an equally unhappy Zane flat on his butt on the floor. Genesis sat up more fully and stretched is hands high above his head, his shoulders cracking from the gesture. Blue eyes shifted towards the clock on his bedside table, the red lights telling him that is was 1:43 in the morning.

Swinging his legs off of the bed and onto the floor, Genesis stood before gracefully falling to his knees in front of Zane. The Changeling, grin in place on his handsome face, kissed Zane hungrily as his arms wrapped around the younger's neck. He was insistent in his endeavors, wanting to indulge in the for a few extra moments. Pulling away slowly with Zane's bottom lip secured between his teeth, Zane released the tender flesh only to place a few more kisses along the pureblood's neck. "Why don't you go and heat us up some blood," He suggested as he moved away completely from the other man. "I need to go and take a shower." He smiled charmingly at the other before standing.

Genesis had to leave the room or Zane would never have the opportunity to leave the bedroom himself. There was just something about the pureblood that made Genesis want to go back for more and more of the intimacy they had shared earlier in the night. The older bend at the waist and kissed the top of Zane's head, Genesis' hand patting the younger's cheek affectionately before he moved on and into the bathroom.

He was in desperate need of a rather cold shower, but a quick one. There was no way he was going to make Zane wait for him too long.

Zane looked up when he heard Genesis rouse in his bed. Normally he would have smiled at that grumpy little frown on Genesis' face, but he himself was not happy at all. He had half the mind to bash the stupid table into bits, but he wasn't going to go around damaging Genesis' stuff just because he'd been the one to fall...

He sighed somewhat angrily and was about to push himself off the floor, but then Genesis was falling to the floor in front of him, with all the grace a vampire possessed. He was still upset that his ass was on the floor, so when Gen grinned at him the pureblood just narrowed his eyes angrily.

Then Genesis was kissing him. No more quick, fast, playful kisses. Hell no, this one was hungry, arms around his neck and everything. He was caught off guard, but that didn't stop him from kissing back. It was the way he pulled away, Zane's lower lip caught between Genesis' teeth, that got a moan out of him, a deep one that started off way in the back of his throat. He thought maybe he could deal with that, but then Genesis just dropped kisses along his neck...

Then he was gone. Making some suggestion about getting a meal and taking a shower. Zane groaned as he fell back onto the floor, arm thrown over his eyes. "Ahh, you are such a pain..." But even he knew his own craving to be touched would just end up with them both back in bed if Genesis didn't leave him alone...

He watched the older male walk away to the bathroom then groaned again before finally pulling himself up off the floor. He sighed and ran both his hands through his hair before looking around for his pants. He kind of figured it might be a lost cause before he caught the sight of them on the floor not far from where he was standing.

He grabbed them on the way to the door and jumped into them while he made his way to the kitchen. He knew his way around Genesis house, probably a little too long, so it only took a few moments before he was sitting up on the counter, smelling one blood bag after another until something caught his fancy.

It wasn't a long shower that Genesis took this time, no he wanted to be quick as possible while still managing to get clean. Needless to say, the cool water against his skin was quite the helpful thing. He calmed instantly until the frigid water became too much for him to handle and he had to turn the hot water knob.

When he was satisfied with his cleanliness and after the warm water had loosened up the tight muscles of his body, Genesis turned the water off and stepped out of the tub. He grabbed a hold of a fresh and fluffy black towel, completely wrapping his body in the soft fabric. It felt nice against his skin and he couldn't help but wonder if Zane would like it as well. He stood their for a moment before shaking his head, trying to clear it of lewd thoughts. He had taken his shower to partly calm down, there wasn't any need to him to get all riled up again.

Genesis opened the bathroom door and walked back into his bedroom. Zane was nowhere to be seen and judging from the muffled sounds coming from the other side of his bedroom entrance, the younger had probably gone to make them some food. "So obedient." The changeling muttered to himself with a smile. He made his way over to his dresser and pulled out a pair of boxers and an oversized sweater, which may have actually been Zane's now that the vampire thought of it. Regardless, he slipped it on. It was comfy, even despite the fact that the smaller male was all but drowning in the fabric.

His bare feet were silent as he padded out of his room and down the hall to the kitchen. Gen had just made it into the room in time to see Zane squeezing the opened bag of blood into two mugs. He slipped past the pureblood, taking the mugs away from him, and sticking both into the microwave. "It's not so good freezing cold and right out of the fridge." Gracefully he hopped up onto the counter and smiled at Zane. "So…how's it going?"

Zane heard Genesis even as he moved silently from his bedroom to the kitchen, never making an outright sound, but the room was quiet so there was nothing else to listen to. He had finally decided on a bag of A positive to drink, which had been quite troublesome. Zane was an open-vein drinker, but not completely against out of the bag. He just didn't prefer it, and thus had a hard time choosing his poison.

When Genesis made himself known it was to slip passed him and take the mugs, pointing out that they needed to be heated up. He rolled his eyes slightly as he leaned back against the kitchen island, then raised his dark, chocolate brown gaze to look at his friend. "I was getting there," he mumbled.

He looked away for a moment in the direction of his phone across the room. He heard it vibrate before it rang, the theme song to Jaws filling the room. His father. He rolled his eyes yet again, deciding to ignore it, and turned his attention back on the other male.

For a couple of moments of silence, he just looked Genesis over. He had a lot of levels, that man. In the blink of an eye he could be so gawdamned sexy no one, straight or not, could argue that. And sometimes...like now...freshly showered in nothing but a pair of boxers and a sweater that swallowed him..."...so damn cute..."

His eyes widened slightly in the five seconds it took for him to realize he projected that thought, and he cleared his throat as he turned away, rubbing the back of his neck in slight nervousness as he went to silence his phone when it started to ring again.

The music from Zane's phones all but ruined the flirty and easy atmosphere they had going on. The theme song for Jaws always unnerved the older vampire. He had seen it when it had first come out in theaters and still to this very day would not set foot in the ocean, he barely wanted to go out to see in a boat. The reaction that Zane gave for the interruption spoke volumes as well. The frown, the immature eye roll, and the ignoring of the matter let Genesis know just who was calling the pureblood's phone. Alarick, controlling as ever. The man was probably blowing a gasket at Zane not answering him right away.

Genesis closed his eyes for a second, he could feel Zane's gaze on him; studying him and appraising his appearance. Now, while Genesis was one to command all attention towards himself and relish in many eyes on him, there was something about the way that Zane watched him that brought a blush to the older man's cheeks. Well, he would have blushed if he had been able to. Blushing was not for his kind.

Zane's comment brought Genesis' eyes open and back to the pureblood. By the look of his wide eyes, Zane hadn't actually spoken the words aloud. Genesis smirked, his teeth catching a hold of his bottom lip as he gave the younger man a sultry look. Cute, aye? The thought teasingly, knowing that it he focused the words at Zane he'd be able to hear them.

The beep of the microwave brought his attention away from the game they were playing and Genesis plopped off the counter and turned towards the device holding their food. The mugs were warm in his grip as he brought one of them to hover below his nose. The scent was sweet and his stomach gave a happy lurch in anticipation of the feeding. Taking a sip form his own cup, Genesis walked over the Zane, holding out the other mug in offering before the other man took it.

Taking a rather large gulp, Genesis hopped right back up to his previous position on the countertop. "You know," He began, taking a moment to relish the heat of the ceramic between his fingers. "I think you should call him back, I don't want you to get into too much trouble."

"Shut up," Zane muttered with a chuckle and shook his head at the sultry look on Genesis' face. He should have known he wouldn't have been able to just skip passed that little 'cute' comment. He hadn't exactly been listening to Gen's thoughts, but that one was focused, and he heard it anyway.

He turned his attention back to his phone and even went so far as to pop the battery out of the back of it before placing both pieces on the counter. He knew it was kind of pointless, the mere song--much less the person on the other line--had ruined somewhat of their easygoing night but...he just wasn't ready for it to all crumple.

He took the mug Genesis offered, sniffed first, then took a drink. Warmth filled his mouth in a familiar and yet never boring sensation. Definitely not his favorite...and missing a certain tang, but it was good nonetheless. "I will later," he mumbled. "I'm not quite ready to deal with him..."

He looked up at Genesis for a moment, swirling the mug in his hand, before looking down at the red liquid. "Besides, I already know what he's going to say. 'Where have you been?', 'out', 'doing what?', 'Genesis'." He looked up and smirked a bit after a rather perfect imitation of the many arguments with his father. Especially the recent ones. He was either getting older or...the amount of shit he gave was lessening.

Genesis chuckled at Zane's response. "I'm not sure if telling him you were 'doing me'," He set his mug down briefly to make some air-quotes before picking his drink back up again. "Would be the smartest idea, love. You know how he gets." Now, ashamed of what they had done was not what Genesis was getting out. In fact it was hard for the older vampire to not jump the pureblood's bones right then and there. Genesis just didn't want Alarick to do something unsavory to his son, like locking the teen in a cold damp dungeon. It wasn't an exaggerated thought either, Alarick was just that unstable and possessive.

The Changeling took a long drink from the cooling cup, the feeling of warm blood flowing down his throat in fill his stomach was calming his mind a bit. It wasn't long before he completely drained the glass, setting the empty thing down before licking any excess blood from around his mouth off.

Hopping off the counter once more Genesis walked over towards Zane, giving the younger man pat on the cheek. "You shouldn't let him annoy and anger you as much as he does. I know it's hard, but he's really just trying to get a rise out of you." HE continued walking, making his way into the living room and jumping over the back of the couch. He landed on the plush cushions with no sound before making himself comfortable and reaching for the television remote. "Is there anything you wanted to do?" He asked as he flipped through the channels. "I wouldn't mind going out with you if you wanted, but we can't do too many fun things in public." Genesis' voice was light and teasing once more as he spoke. He was trying to get the atmosphere they had going before back.

Zane just smiled, maybe a little childishly but still a smile. "Oh I know it wouldn't be smart. But it'd be really fun to watch his face get all strained and see if that vein that throbs in his forehead would finally burst." He went back to his drink and then realized he'd gotten to relaxed, his powers were slipping and he could barely hear the edges of Gen's thoughts. He looked up at his friend for a moment, eyebrows raised. But honestly...he wouldn't put it past his father for one moment to lock him away in a dungeon.

He sighed a bit at that thought and dropped his head back against his shoulders, rolling his neck out for a moment. It was a move he pulled often, when either stressed or bored. He liked the way it made his muscles feel. He looked up again when Genesis jumped off the counter, then was walking over to him to pat his cheek. He smiled again, always finding the height difference between them amusing.

He sighed at the mention of his father again and looked down at his mug as Genesis spoke. "I know," he mumbled. Sometimes, he felt as if his father wasn't even actually angry with him...but was honestly just playing a game to see his reactions. "But unfortunately enough...I got his anger issues." Sometimes, he felt that was all he'd inherited from his father. He got his mothers looks, the shape of her face even. Just more...masculine. At times...he even wondered if he was just as insane as she had been.

He finished his drink off as Genesis left him, wanting to get it all before it became cold again. Once he was done he sat the empty mug in the sink and licked his lips before rubbing them together. Another nervous tick. The last time he'd done it all he'd tasted was Genesis...now it was A positive. He definitely had a preference there.

He sighed a bit and ran his hands through his hair, thinking to himself. Were things different now? Awkward even? No...not really...maybe a little bit. Their flirty nature had a lot more behind it...no longer empty words...But what did it all mean? Just a drop in the bucket? That's usually what intimacy meant to him but...no...Genesis he couldn't just walk away from...Quit thinking so much...

The other males voice snapped him out of his thoughts and he walked from the kitchen to the livingroom, leaning over so he could cross his arms on the back of the couch and rest his chin on them. "I don't really care...I'm game for staying in." Just as long as I don't have to go home. The corners of his mouth tugged up into a smile at Genesis' tone. No, everything was fine. Normal.

Genesis could feel the couch push down just the slightest bit as Zane leaned himself onto it. The older leaned his head back, the top of his head pressing against the underside of the teen's arm. "We can do whatever you like." A soft smile spread across his features as he looked at the younger man once more.

It was nice really, having someone he wanted to touch so close. One slim hand reached up, cupping Zane's cheek before caressing over to the back of his head. Playing with his hair gave Genesis a nice feeling. Gently he pressed down, moving Zane's head to decent towards Genesis' own. It wasn't till their lips met once more that the changeling loosened his grip.

It was strange, Genesis had never been one for constant kisses. Kissing was intimate, sometimes more so than sex, and Genesis was not one to be excessively intimate. As he continued with his heated kissing of the other man though, Genesis had bit of an epiphany. There was really no one that made him feel the way he did towards Zane, at least there hadn't been for a very long time.

Pulling his head back, away from Zane, Genesis let out a somewhat shaky breath. Boundaries needed to be established, he had to say what he wanted. Speaking his mind had never been a problem before, but rejection from Zane actually scared him. "I want you to do something for me," He began, bring both of his hands to cup Zane's cheeks. "I want you to think…about us, really think about it Zane. I never wanted you to be a once-in-a-while fuck-buddy and I don't want to be that to you." Slowly he let his hands drop and stood, keeping the couch between them. "Go home or just…I don't know, walk around? Think without me being right there. My door'll be open when you figure things out." It was really hard for him to talk like this but there were just so many things Genesis wanted and he wasn't all that sure if Zane wanted them himself.

Slowly Genesis made his way out of the living room and back down the hallway, all but locking his door behind him right after he shut it. The conversation may have been once sided, and rather abrupt, but after thinking about it, after hearing Zane talk about Alarick…Genesis came to realize that Zane was actually an adult. He needed to start making his own decisions as to where he wanted his life to go and also who he wanted to be with. The younger man needed to put on a pair of big-boy pants and move out from underneath his father's grip. Genesis was just giving him incentive. If Zane ended up coming back and saying he wanted to be with the older vampire then Gen would do everything and anything to help him. Getting his hopes up and making plans for a future with someone who wasn't a certain, wasn't something that Genesis would do though. He didn't want to face the disappointment, the devastation he'd feel if Zane came back with a 'no'.

Zane felt his eyes drop shut slightly as Genesis touched him. It was funny how much he'd learned about himself, of all things, in such little time. For one...it was these touches he craved. Small, soft, caressing touches, with fingers through his hair. He smiled slightly as he was pressed forward, and rolled with it easily until their lips met.

What was weird for him was...that it was just a kiss. As simple as that was it was something amazing too. Zane didn't believe in having 'just a kiss'. There had to be more than just that, a follow up. Usually, for him, a kiss was like a ticket to the big game. Just one step closer to sex.

But with Genesis...Everything was different with Genesis. He'd never quite realized it until...until he'd said he'd stay. It was like...opening a present that you thought you knew what was inside and it turned out you were all kinds of wrong. And yet...it was almost better that way.

He was honestly disappointed when Genesis backed away, and it took a lot of self restraint not to pout. Normally, Zane didn't mind acting childish. He found it was part of his overall charisma. But a lot of the time it just reminded him how much younger he was than Gen, and right then...he really, really didn't wan to look like a child.

"I want you to do something for me," Zane was about to answer with a 'yes, of course, anything', when the way Genesis cupped his face brought him to a stop. He didn't say a word, just searched his friends face with his eyes. He swallowed slightly as Genesis spoke. He knew he needed to think. In a way...a lot of stuff he thought he knew about himself had been turned completely upside down.

He believed every word that was coming out of Genesis' mouth. If he just wanted a fuck buddy...well, there were plenty out there. And while he'd always joked with Zane...especially about him being 'devastatingly handsome' (that thought brought a smile to his face, even in the seriousness of the conversation), he didn't really doubt that Genesis would have waited this long to get him into bed. It wasn't like Zane hadn't spent the night with him before, or been slightly out of his mind and way impressionable. Needless to say...there were many opportunities.

He sighed the moment the changing stood, deliberately keeping room between them, because he knew exactly what was coming. "Go home." The dreaded words he never, ever wanted to hear. He watched Genesis go without a word, holding back on his powers desperately because...he wished he already had the answers. Wished he knew exactly what was going on in the others mind. But...it was too unfair. He couldn't do it.

After a moment of standing there alone, he finally sighed and grabbed his taken apart phone off the counter. All of his clothers were in Genesis room, but at least he had his pants. He breathed out a chuckle under his breath as he made his way to the door.

"Ultimate walk of shame..."



Zane wasn't sure how much time had passed. After leaving Genesis' place he'd just...walked around for awhile. Down the strip, with his arms folded up above his head, just letting the cold air rush around him and calm him down.

For awhile, he hadn't thought about anything, just walked.

He hadn't realized his destination was the beach until he heard the waves, and after a moment he just sat down and stared. "What do you think, mom?" he asked softly. He wasn't even where he believed her to be. Did vampires get an afterlife? He'd never thought about it before. But right then...he wished he had her to talk to...

He sighed as he stared at the moon, large and bright. "Probably ask me what I thought love looks like huh, crazy bitch..."

He chuckled a little at that, then fell back against the sand and closed his eyes.

"I want you to do something for me."

"I want you to think…about us, really think about it Zane."

What did he think? About the two of them? He sighed as he ran his hands through his hair, took a deep breath, and tried to focus. Genesis was...Genesis. Amazing, funny, full of himself...the best friend he'd ever had. The only person who could really put up with him...or who was ever really happy to be around him. Zane wasn't stupid either...he knew he was an ass. But...Genesis never really seemed to mind.

He opened his eyes and looked up at the stars. He knew...his favorite place to ever be was with him. And when he wasn't with him...all he could think about was when he could be with him again. He knew it made his blood boil to listen to him talk about other men. He knew he loved those damn gorgeous blue eyes...and the way they seemed to look right through him. He knew he loved his company...never got tired of it. Never got annoyed with is jokes or attitude.

He knew...he knew that he made a big decision going back to his place. Agreeing to stay with him. Crossing that line of intimacy that he could never uncross. He knew things would never be the same again because...

"I never wanted you to be a once-in-a-while fuck-buddy and I don't want to be that to you."

No. He didn't want that either. One way or another, he needed Genesis in his life. And...in an odd way...he kind of knew he wanted to be with him. Spend his nights waking up in that wonderful king sized bed, swapping flirty jokes while sipping from stupid warm mugs of blood...But...but...

He didn't like guys, right? Girls. Thin, curvy, blonde, busty....he liked girls.

"My door'll be open when you figure things out."

"I don't know what to think, Gen," he mumbled to himself. "I'm so confused..."



He wasn't sure when he got home, or how really. It was so weird for him to be lost in his thoughts so deeply. When he finally crossed his threshold, he wasn't surprised to see his father. Oh what fun.

He rolled his eyes and started for his room, but he knew it couldn't be that easy.

"Where have you been?"

Harsh words snarled through teeth. He didn't even grace his father with a look. He just wanted to go lay down.

"Out," he answered dryly, but felt the corners of his mouth turn up. Two sentences away from matching his exact prediction of this conversation earlier.

He never saw the hit coming. He was too out of it, too much in his own head. The next thing he knew his shoulder was hitting the brick wall behind him, and his head actually bounced off it a bit. It didn't really hurt, but it sure as hell pissed him off.

He felt the rage start all the way down in his toes, boiling until it reached his head. A growl rippled through his throat as his eyes narrowed, and he pushed his father off hard enough that the much older male went flying back into the opposite wall.

Zane was stronger. His body wasn't just for show, it took a lot of work. Alarick was no weak man by any means, however, and age and experience gave him the upper hand.

"Shit..."

He could hear the sound of the front door thudding shut even from his bedroom. While Genesis had told Zane to leave, Gen was hoping that he would at least find his way back. Preferably begging Genesis to love him and spend the rest of his existence with the pureblood. The vampire actually laughed at the thought, it was a strange fantasy that would never come to completion. The changeling didn't mind it though, just the sound of the front door opening and a few knocks on his bedroom door would probably send him into a pure state of bliss.

Sighing rather loudly, Genesis quietly padded his way over to his bed. He sat for a second, disappointed with how low he had sunk considering just how old he was. He let his body go limp, his torso all but falling limply onto the down comforter. He could still make out the scent of Zane on the fabric. Feeling even more pathetic than before, though he was sure how that was even possible, Genesis crawled his way up to the pillow Zane had been using and slipped underneath the blankets. He let his nose burry deep into the fabric. The smell was stronger there, comforting the slightest bit in a way. The pillow was actually the same one the younger man used every time he slept over Genesis' house. No matter if Zane found himself in the bed or on the couch, its purpose was being Zane's designated pillow.

He wrapped himself tightly in the blankets as though trying to protect himself from the world just the slightest bit. "You Genesis, are a pathetic creature." He mumbled to himself. He really couldn't argue the assumption either; he was laying alone in his bed, pining for a certain boy, and basking in self-pity at the presumption that said boy was never coming back. Oh he had fallen low, never in all his years had Genesis thought that he'd end up acting, quite literally, like a love-sick teenage girl.

"Damn you Genesis for making me leave..." Zane mumbled under his breath. Though he couldn't really blame the older male for the decision he made. Now he stood under the shower, warm water beating down on him, and winced as his sore body tried to heal.

He closed his eyes for a minute but immediately regretted that idea. He could still vividly remember every blow he'd taken. Purebloods were extraordinarily fast healers, but when pain was dealt by one of their own, it took twice as long. By the time the moon rose again he knew he'd be fine.

The ironic thing in all of it was that he wanted to hightail his ass right back to Genesis' doorstep. He sighed angrily and slammed the water off, stepping out to wrap himself in a towel. He wasn't even graced with a scent of his friend now. He was just..alone. He dried off slowly, wondering what Genesis was doing. Would he wait for him to come back? Or go out himself and find a new hunk of meat?

He laughed under his breath at that thought. "Already doubting him, Zane?" he murmured. Sometimes he talked to himself like that. Another thing he'd gotten from his mother. One of the things that made him question his own sanity.

He dropped the towel and grabbed his pants off the floor, pulling his cell phone out of it. He pieced it back together before hitting the speed dial for Genesis' phone, then grabbed his new clothes to pull on. He wasn't exactly sure what he was going to say when the other male answered the phone...if he even would. But...he just needed...to talk.

While it rang, he cursed at his stupid towel for not being as comfortable as Genesis', and actually kicked the thing as if it was it's fault. He knew he was just angry but...

He sighed and jumped up on the counter, wet hair clinging to his forehead, and watched his phone as he waited...

Eventually Genesis found that laying in bed, pining for someone so badly that you were sniffing the things they used was a little creepy. With a sigh he rolled out of bed once more and headed for this dresser. He needed a bit of a pick-me-up and getting dressed would help with that. He ended up in a tight pair of jeans, a black gueani-T, and a thin plad pattered jecket. It took him another hour to get his hair into that stylish and messy look that he always loved and by the time he exited his bathroom he was feeling much better. At least until he realized that he had 6 missed calls and 20 text message on his phone; all of which were from business associates. He was dredding finding out just how full his email inbox was.

Giving his neck a crack and stretching out his arms, Genesis got down to work. The vampire had a lot of money, all accumulated over the years from hard work and business ventures. If there was one thing Genesis wasn't, it was being just a pretty face. He had adapted flawlessly over the centuries, spending a few times in stints all esteemed places of learning. Money talked and when you paid enough you could get a proffessor to give you private lessons no matter the time of night, not to mention that Genesis loved when he happened to find himself in the company of both a smart and handsome teacher.

He wasn't sure just how long he had been working, everyone was having problems it seemed like and Genesis was apparently the only one capable enough the fix them. His cell phone vibrated once more, the screen lighting up to reveal that he had a new text message. Deciding it was time to take a short break he moved his attention over onto the small device. The contents brought a smirk to his lips and a small bark of laughter. One of his usual partners had sent him a rather dirty message, asking it the changeling wanted any company for the evening. Genesis frowned a bit at the thought, if Zane was coming back then he might not need the company of any other men for a long time, but if the younger vampire didn't...

And that's how Genesis found himself right back in the depressing funk he wanted to get out from. He stared the words making up the text one more time in contemplation until the screen soon changed to show the name 'Zane' along with a small picture of said young man. It startled him for a second and he thought that it might have actually been better to let the thing go to voicemail before actually hitting the talk button and bring the black device to his ear. "...Hello...?"

For a moment, Zane kind of thought he'd imagined Genesis' voice. He kind of figured it was going to go to voice-mail by the time it rang but then...he answered.

Zane reached up and pressed the phone to his ear, absentmindedly picking at the drawstrings on his pants. He sighed for a moment then softly said, "Hey." He didn't really wait for a response before moving on, just let a beat of silence pass between them. "Um...I did some thinking..."

"My door'll be open when you figure things out."

He closed his eyes for a moment and took a breath. "I...I can't make it back over there tonight but..." He was quiet for a long time again, staring at the shower in front of him from his spot on the counter.

He sighed softly because he really wasn't sure where to go from there. He wasn't sure he'd actually figured things out. He still felt very confused, and the way the rest of the night had progressed hadn't really helped much. How he wished he was just there right now.

"I'm um...I'm a little confused..." he finally admitted. "And...I'm not really sure if I managed to figure anything out...but..." he took a deep breath but couldn't bring himself to finish. What was he going to say? 'I can't lose you?' 'can't live without you?' 'still want you in my life', 'not sure how I really feel?'. "Wish you just knew what was going through my head..." he murmured, barely loud enough to be audible.

The ironic thing was...he could actually let Genesis in his thoughts. He'd only ever done it once, and it was difficult to twist his powers like that. But...he'd have to be there with him to do it.

Finally, he just stopped talking and waited for a response...any response.

Um...I did some thinking..." Genesis remained quiet, letting the other man speak. So far though he wasn't really liking his odds of getting what he wanted. When conversation started with um's they never turned out good for the recieving party. Genesis had heard it plenty of times when workers made mistakes and were embarrassed or scared of what trouble they might find themselves in. "I...I can't make it back over there tonight but..." And there it was, the let down. Genesis' stomach dropped, he felt like he'd been punched and all the air had left his lungs. Not that he needed to breath anymore, but the fearful uncomfortableness was there. The changeling wasn't weary of that 'but' though, but's could mean good things, right? Not always and he tried not to let one simple word her his hopes it.

Genesis listened intently as Zane tried to get his words in order. The younger man appeared to be tripping over himself, not sure what exactly he wanted to say or how he should say it. "Wish you just knew what was going through my head..." The changeling wasn't sure if he really wanted to, but then again Genesis was no coward.

"Then come back..." He sighed softly, resting both his elbows down on the desk in front of him. He dropped his head to rest on one of his hands while the other still held the phone to his ear. "Come back here Zane and tell me or show me, I don't really care." He suspected Alarick did something though, he always did. Especially when Zane was snarky and Genesis knew just how snarky and disrespectful he could be to the cold-hearted pureblood. "Be an adult Zane, stop letting daddy control you. You're 18 and he has no real control over you anymore." Genesis closed his eyes. "...I want you here...now."

"Then come back..."

There it was. He thought he kind of figured those words were coming, even though he didn't exactly know for sure. He jumped off the counter and turned slowly to look at himself in the mirror. He was in pretty bad shape, that was the reason why he hadn't just gone on his own. He took another breath, through the mouth and out the nose, then nodded to his reflection. "Come back here Zane and tell me or show me, I don't really care."

"Okay..." he said softly. He grabbed his things with one hand and walked out of the bathroom, into his own bedroom. Without ever putting the phone down, he grabbed his jeans instead of pajama pants, and went to grab his sneakers too.

"Be an adult Zane, stop letting daddy control you. You're 18 and he has no real control over you anymore."

He froze for a moment. Those words struck him hard, he wasn't even going to lie. He was 18...by standard rules that made him an adult but to vampires...it was only a drop in the bucket. Could he do it? He'd never wanted to be a part of this life. He hated his royal status, turned against it as hard as he could, fought even.

His family was oddly powerful. He'd sat by in meetings and watched them destroy people. But what did he have, really? It wasn't like he'd spent his entire life climbing the political ladder, or working for anything that could be pulled out from under him. His biggest accomplishment was...partying.

He chuckled a little under his breath and pinched the bridge of his nose as he tried to think.

"...I want you here...now."

He opened his eyes and grabbed a shirt. "Yeah. Give me ten minutes." He was already heading for the door.

"Okay....Yeah. Give me ten minutes." To be honest that response had surprised Genesis. Even after Zane hung up the phone on his end the older vampire kind of just stayed where he had been sitting, unmoving with a look of contemplation adorning his face. It actually took him an entire minute to lift his head and stare at his phone as though he hadn't been talking the Zane at all on the little machine. Maybe he had made up the conversation in his head, a delusion manifested out of hope.

He slowly let out a breath before continuing on with his work. He basically sent out a mass email to everyone who needed his assistance and told them all to bugger off and figure out their own shit. Genesis rushed out of his bedroom and into the livingroom. The vampire tried to relax, he really did, but he found himself pacing back and forth around the entire room as he waited for Zane to make his way back to his home.

A thought struck him a second later. He moved over to the intercom next to his doorway and buzzed up to his doorman. "Yeah Genesis?" The guard on duty asked, Genesis had the older human in his employment for years and the casual speaking between the two was a common occurance.

"Zane should be coming," He began, taking a moment to thing before continuing on. "Make sure he's alone Jared and if Alarick comes looking for him or myself, tell him to screw off." A deep chuckle made his way though the device before the guard replied with a 'roger' and a goodnight.

Genesis bit his lip, wondering if he should do anything else. He found himself wondering into the kitchen to make himself something to eat. With a warm mug in hand a few minutes later, Genesis plopped himseld down onto his couch to wait for Zane to make his way through the doorway.

Zane had half the idea to just leave his phone there, but he shoved it in his pocket and just left anyway. Quietly. It wasn't his first time sneaking out of his house. He closed his eyes for a moment and for the first time that night let go of the band he'd been holding on his powers, focusing on the room around him.

The thoughts he picked up weren't English but...Latin maybe? That made his fist clinch a little. His mother had spoken Latin, he had many memories of that, it irked him that his father could speak the language too. Especially because he knew Alarick wasn't old enough too really.

Finally, he moved again. Quieter than a damn mouse. He'd pinpointed his father in his office, but that didn't mean the older pureblood couldn't hear him. He stepped slowly towards the door, pulled it open. Then seriously ran like hell. He felt like an idiotic child but...he'd already had one run-in with his father and he wasn't really looking forward to another one.

Once he made a block or two he stopped on the corner to pull his shoes on then sighed and buttoned his blue, flannel shirt as he made his way down the street looking for a taxi. He finally waved one down and the moment he was inside, doors shut, he let out a breath and dropped his head back.

He felt an odd sense of safety against the awful leather seats and snickered to himself. He couldn't live low class, that was for sure. But taxi's were quicker than getting a limo. He rattled off Genesis' address as he laid his hands over his face, then pulled them through his still wet hair.

The ride wasn't long, but it felt like it stretched for ages. He wasn't thinking anymore, he'd shut it all off, he was just...there. When the taxi finally pulled to a stop he handed over his money and climbed out, but felt an insane moment of paranoia that made him glace over his shoulder pretty much after every step he took.

"Jared," he mumbled to the guard on duty with a nod. Zane only knew a couple of them thanks to visiting so often. He was used to not even having to stop and explain why he was there, they just knew.

The moment he was past the human male, he felt his muscles relax almost immediately, and he dropped his head back on his shoulders to roll it for a moment to help ease the tension.

He smiled as he finally made it to the door, and he only paused to knock twice before just letting himself in.

With all the speed a vampire could possess, Genesis was upon Zane the moment he walked through the door. Arms wrapped securely around the other's neck, Genesis pressed his mouth to the pureblood's. His lips moved over to press gently to Zane's cheeks and nose before Genesis had to pull him down slightly to reach his forehead. Something was off though, Zane's scent wasn't the same as when he had left.

Genesis took a moment to pull back and study the younger man. His jaw set in anger as his eyes narrows on the large purple and read bruise that adored the pale skin of left side of Zane's jaw and cheek. Tender hands pressed to the sensitive area before jerkingly pushing up the teen's shirt to reveal his abdomen and chest. There were deep bruises there as well and needless to say Genesis was not happy, not happy at all.

Grabbing one of Zane's hands, the changeling lead him over to sit on the couch in the living room. After making sure the Zane was as comfortable as possibly the older vampire stood and made his way into the kitchen. Ice wasn't a commodity that he usually carried but there were a few odd occasions that he found himself in company with humans, sometimes business while other times pleasure. Opening up the freezer he saw that he, indeed, had some already made in there and pulled the small tray out. He cracked the ice up and placed it into a soft hand towel before heading back to Zane.

Tenderly he pressed the makeshift pack against the slightly swollen flesh of the younger's flesh. He knew Zane would be fine, pureblood's healed especially fast, but Genesis had a good idea about who had hurt him and that meant it would take longer for the injuries to heal properly. Genesis really wanted to say something, to scream, to yell, but it would all be in vain. Zane didn't need him having a fit right now and his anger would be directed at the wrong person. Instead her stayed quiet and tended to the boys injuries, his eyes slightly glaring every time they landed on a newly discovered bruise.

Ironically enough, Zane was surprised at how fast Genesis had moved. Sure, he was used to it, he supposed he just hadn't expected such a...reaction. Genesis' arms securely around his neck gave him an odd feeling, and the moment the other male's lips met his own he relaxed almost immediately and chuckled softly as Genesis' lips moved across his skin.

He knew it wouldn't take long for Genesis to pull back, and he dropped his eyes to the floor as Genesis gaze was on him. He could see how set his friends jaw was, even out of the corner of his eye. Zane was very fair skinned, even for a vampire, so the bruise on his jaw was really something. Large and violent looking. He winced just slightly as he felt his fingers press against the area, soft as always but his skin was so sensitive.

He stepped back quickly the moment Genesis pulled his shirt up, trying to push it back down, but he knew it was useless. The bruises there were deep, so even a quick glace proved how messed up he was.

"Gen...I'm fine..." he mumbled pointlessly as the elder male took his hand and lead him to the couch. He sat a little awkwardly at first, but Genesis made sure he was comfortable so he just sighed softly and watched him as he moved away. He watched curiously as his friend moved about, and opened his mouth a few times to come up with an explanation but...no words came out.

When Genesis returned to his side to press the ice against his flesh he winced slightly again. It wasn't particularly a good feeling, but it helped with the throbbing. So, for the first time in a long time, he just stayed quite and let someone else take care of him.

"Thanks," he finally added.

He knew that Zane didn't like being babied, it just wasn't in his nature. Genesis knew that caring and love were sparce in the younger's houshold since his mother passed. Zane's mother had been a nice woman, much too kind for the environment that she had been brought up in. She was eccentric, would be the polite word to use with her, pureblood woman and vibrant. Genesis had known her for years, but she had changed once she had married Alarick. He had drained who she was, caused her to deteriorate and the changeling had watched one of his dearest friends spiral out of control until her abrupt death when Zane had been small. Genesis had mourned for a long time after that.

Letting a sigh pass between his lips, the older vampire looked Zane over once more. A slender hand dropped from it's position holding the cloth covered ice to allow Zane to hold it on his own. "So...," He began, biting his bottom lip just a bit before continuing on. "What happened this time?" He was trying really hard to curb his anger, but such a beating was disgusting. Genesis tried not to remember the few times that he had seen Zane's mother with the same types of injuries. The woman would have shrugged it off with a nervous smile, changing the suject abruptly so she wouldn't talk about what was happening with Genesis.

The changeling scratched the back of his neck rather awkwardly before picking up his long forgotten mug of blood. It had cooled conciderably in the time it had been put down, but Genesis didn't really mind. There really wasn't a difference between warm blood or cold to him, it was all the same because he never drank from the vein directly. His lips pressed against the edge of the glass, sipping the liquid inside slowly as he thought. "He's a good for nothing abuser who believes himself to be above the law, human and our own." He muttered coldly against the porceilin, not looking at Zane any longer.

Zane stayed quiet for a long while. It had been years since anyone had ever really stopped to care much what had happened to him when he walked around looking like a bruised piece of fruit. Usually, given his reputation he figured people assumed he'd gotten in a fight or something. Who really knew it just came from going home...

His powers were unguarded, they had been ever since he'd left, so he raised his eyes to look at Genesis just for a moment when thoughts of his mother passed the elder male's mind. He didn't remember a lot about his mother. Save that she was pretty damn crazy. Even the picture Genesis had of her was foreign to him. He remembered her as nice, but caring...he wasn't so sure. Unfortunately, his clearest memory was watching her walk into the sun. He figured he'd never forget that,

He held the cloth when Genesis let it go and drop his eyes again. "So...What happened this time?". He raised his eyes slightly, knowing how hard Genesis was fighting being angry. he could see it in the other male's light blue eyes. He sighed deeply and looked away, anywhere but at Genesis' face. "I hit back."

It was as simple as that.

"He's a good for nothing abuser who believes himself to be above the law, human and our own."

He looked back at Genesis again, wondering if it had actually been spoken or a thought he'd picked up. Given how Genesis wasn't looking at him, he figured the first. "Yeah well...vampire royalty and all that shit..." he muttered then sighed a little and pressed the ice to his shoulder instead. That really hurt.

"Those royals should learn their place," Genesis muttered angrily in response. "It is time that they realize that our world no longer revolves around them." His voice was so hateful, so filled with scorn that he forgot that Zane himself was one of those royals. A twinge of guilt ran through the changeling at his realization.

Clearing his throat, Genesis stood, making his way into the kitchen and dumping out the bit of blood that remained in the mug in the sink. "I'll uh…I'll go run you a bath. You can relax in there for a while." Placing the cup into the nearby dishwasher, the older vampire made his way down the hall and into his bedroom to get into the adjacent bathroom.

He made his way over to the large tub and turned the faucet for the hot water. After letting it run for a few seconds he added some cold water to the mix so the bath wouldn't be too hot for Zane. Pressing the stopper down on the drain he sat quietly and thought as the water began to rise. Right now the pair should have been flirting, playing around with their new found intimacy but instead Genesis found himself in need of attending to Zane's injuries. Just the thought of Alarich raising a hand to the younger pureblood brought back the anger.

Taking a deep calming breath, Genesis decided that it would be a safer bet to think more along the lines of what exactly he and Zane where now. Zane hadn't exactly figured anything out, the younger male had apparently had a hard time thinking of what their relationship could be categorized. Genesis wanted more though, he knew what he wanted and what he needed. He was old enough to appreciate someone that he could 'settle down' with, but Zane was still young. Young and straight to be exact and even if he spent more time thinking about what he would like, it was for Genesis to believe that he would choose to stay with the changeling. Genesis had to prepare himself for the possible rejection in the future.

Noticing that the tub was quite full, Genesis turned the water off and stood up. He took his time in making his way back into the living room and kept a rather far distance between himself and the younger vampire. "You're all set…" He said clearly, leaning his hip against one of the room's walls.

Zane looked up at Genesis' mutter. He agreed, kind of, but mostly because he'd always been a rebel himself. It was when Genesis kept going that he felt a bit of a pang, and had to look away. He fought his status, but that didn't mean he didn't use it to his advantage. Especially his 'I have to be the center of everything' side. And Genesis sounded so...hateful.

The edges of his own thoughts caught Genesis' realization, and he raised again as the elder cleared his throat. A purely pointless, very human notion of excusing himself from an awkward moment. He was going to refuse the offer of a bath, given that he'd already actually bathed but...it sounded...nice. Had it really been that long since he'd been cared for?

He sat by himself when Genesis walked away, then the moment he was out of sight Zane sat up and pulled his shirt off. He winced slightly as his muscles pulled, everything was sore. His torso had taken the brute of the hits though, and he knew just how bad now.

He sighed as he examined himself. They had faded from nearly black to dark purples and blues, but they were still there. It'd take awhile. The tense atmosphere was why he'd wanted to stay away in the first place, but...he always felt better at Genesis'. Relaxed. Happy. Cared for.

He sighed a little and just tossed his shirt aside. He smirked a little to himself as he noted that motion. Genesis' beautiful house...always destroyed by his messiness. Said changling's voice snapped him out of his thoughts, and he looked over at where the other man was standing, leaning against the wall.

Zane nodded a little and stepped out of his shoes before he walked over towards the elder's bathroom. He stopped on his way and turned back, just barely sliding his fingers between Genesis'. "Come sit with me?" he murmured. "It'll be easier to...let you in if I'm relaxed." He tapped his head with his free hand as he spoke, but his mind was mostly on how large such an odd, tiny gesture felt.

He knew he'd come for a reason. Genesis needed well deserved answers...one's he was prepared to give him to the best of his ability.

Needless to say, Genesis was pleasantly surprised when Zane's fingers threaded through his own. It was nice to feel the younger man's hand in his own, it was reassuring in a way. Zane's hand was larger than Genesis', the fingers were thicker, the palm wider, in general it was stronger in appearance. Slowly, Genesis closed his hand around the younger man's, his slender fingers loosely gripping.

He let the pureblood lead him away and into the bathroom. It was a little awkward at first, Genesis wasn't sure what Zane wanted to accomplish. He wouldn't run away though, Genesis was many things, but he was no coward. What he truly hoped wouldn't happen was Zane to look into Genesis' own head, to see just what he felt for the younger man. Melding minds was very intrusive and Genesis had only done it one other time with another vampire that held the same kind of gift as Zane did.

Freeing his hand, Genesis loved over the edge of the tub, dipping his hand into the water. It was still hot and relaxing and the changeling needed the heat for just a moment to release some of his own tension.

"Better hurry, wouldn't want the water to go cold…" It was useless to really talk at this point and really the subject was stupid. It would be a long while before the water went cold, but Genesis just needed something to fill the silence, at least for a little while. He lifted his hand out and ran his fingers through his hair and down to the back of his neck, just the feeling of the warmth set him at the slightest bit of ease. The changeling was rather nervous as well, he knew that they wouldn't be having sex again, at least not until Zane figure out just how he felt or what he wanted. Even still, the tension was there and being in a room with a very attractive man who was about to get naked wasn't exactly the best scenario for abstinence.

On the short walk to the bathroom, Zane was committing little things to memory. The mere thought he had to reach out and grab Genesis' hand, the feeling he got when Genesis held his back. Genesis was smaller, his skin softer, the others hand fit perfectly in his own.

When Genesis let his hand go first, he pulled his socks off first then went for his pants. He stopped for a moment to glace up at the other male to watch him dip his hand into the water. "Yeah yeah, I'm sorry I don't undress fast enough for you." There was a bit of teasing in that sentence, and a small smile, as he kicked off his pants, followed by his boxers.

After a moment, he was sliding into the hot tub and resting his head against the edge. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, just relaxing. After awhile he spoke again. "I'll try to stay out of your thoughts," he murmured. "I'll be too busy trying to focus my own that I don't think it'll be a problem."

He lifted up one hand and offered it to the changling, opening his eyes and looking over at Genesis. "I know it's invasive...and I'm unpracticed at this point but...if you trust me...I'd be more than happy to show you exactly what I've been thinking about."

The teasing made the situation just the smallest bit less tension-filled, but even still there was a sexual edge to it. Genesis gave the younger man a rather flat look in response, no shennanigans would ensue. Or at least the older vampire hoped they wouldn't, he was not a creature of enormous will after all. Zane could probably seduce teh changeling into bed within minutes, still Genesis would try and hold out for as long as he could.

"I'll try and stay out of your thoughts, I'l be too busy trying to focus on my own that I don't think it'll be a problem." Zane said. Genesis wouldn't do much except hope that that was too. It would be terrible if Zane saw just how deeply Genesis' feelings ran for him. Even worse if the younger vampire couldn't or didn't want to return those feelings. "I know it's invasive...and I'm unpracticed at this point but...if you trust me...I'd be more than happy to show tyou exactly what I've been thinking about." The words Zane spoke were senscere, Genesis could tell by the tone in which he spoke.

A small half smirk turned the changeling's lips before taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly. Reaching into the tub, Genesis grabbed a hold of one of Zane's own hands. He laced their fingers together, bringing their joined hands to his mouth and kissing Zane's skin softly. "Of course I trust you Zane." His voice was firm, adamant in his statement. Zane had never truely done anyhting to make the odler vampire not trust him and he probably never would, or so Genesis hoped. "Just...be careful will ya? I like my mind the way it is, no turning it into mush or making me all you-obsessed, okay?" It was the last bit of teasing he could offer before they got right on down to a serious matter.

Zane smiled slightly at the half smirk that appeared on his friends face. It was that smile alone that let him know he was going to be able to do this. He let Genesis take his hand without the least bit of hesitation. Touching made the connection a lot easier and...and he actually kind of liked it.

His eyes searched the changeling's face for a moment, just to make sure he was being honest in that. If Genesis didn't want him in his head, he wouldn't go there. But the elder's tone sounded sure, so he just nodded a little and sank down deeper in the water, getting comfortable.

"I'll be careful," he promised with a little chuckle. "You're already obsessed with me anyway so I don't think there's much more I can do there."

He chuckled a little again, smirked at that thought, then closed his eyes and took an unneeded deep breath just to calm himself. He focused on his mind and made it feel like he was mentally stretching a rubber band until his own blended with Genesis'. It wasn't an easy task at all. It kind of hurt, took a lot of energy, and didn't particularly feel right.

The moment the connection was made, he immediately switched his focus to his own thoughts: "Stay out of Genesis' head...there, good. Focus on yourself. Okay...straight thoughts...you can do this...man the hot water feels nice...wonder what it'd feel like if both of us--focus." He took another breath and slowly the spinning slowed down. That's what he was aiming for. Calming his thoughts until there was only one string of information at a time.

Then he backtracked.

Focusing on Genesis took him back to the beginning, and snippets pieced themselves together of memories he had of them both...favorite memories...time together...laughing...bonding...getting so close it didn't matter if they joked, flirted, or even kissed every once and awhile.

All up to the moment he felt like everything had changed. It hadn't even started with 'Yeah, I'll stay', but with the beginning of that night anyway. Something just felt a little...different. Maybe he hadn't noticed it at the time being, but looking back he did. There had been that beautiful, busty blonde..human...dancing in front of him. And he knew...even if she hadn't have left...he would have traded her for Genesis' attention in a heart beat.

He sped through the rest of that time together, knowing they were both there and there was no need to spend extra time there, but he focused on the important things...or occasionally he would get side tracked by one particular moment. Finally, knowing he could focus, he opened the flood gate.

Every thought that had gone through his mind since Genesis had asked him to take some time to think. Every feeling. Every decision. It was no lie he was confused...for eighteen years of his life he had walked around believing he was not only completely straight, but also incredibly womanizing at that.

But there were things about Genesis he very clearly couldn't ignore. He could not lose him. No way in hell. That wasn't going to happen. In a lot of ways...the other male was everything he needed nightly. A safe haven. A happy place. The only time he ever felt completely comfortable...calm...relaxed...was with him.

The only time he'd ever waken up next to somebody in bed and actually wanted to stay was with him. But there was so much he just didn't understand. Was he straight, or wasn't he? Did he want to cross that line with Genesis and go from friends to more? What if he lost him anyway...could he handle that?

It wasn't like this decision would be a step. It'd be a fucking jump. Choosing him...to be with him...would literally turn his world upside down. He'd have to be a one person man after that because...they both agreed fuck buddies was not what they wanted. He'd have to shed his royal image for good. No walking back. And that meant...

Without a warning, his thoughts went from being focused to remembering getting the shit beat out of him. He jerked his hand out of Genesis' and let out a hiss of pain when his mind reacted badly to the unexpected disconnection. He sank under the water for just a moment, letting it silence everything out.

When he came back up he ran both his hands through his hair and let out a breath. Not looking at Genesis, he softly murmured, "Sorry...I know it's still confusing and I haven't really decided anything but...I just...hope maybe...you can understand how I feel..."

His mind was quite confused, Genesis had never been inside of someone else's head before and apparently Zane had not been joking when he said he wasn't sure what he wanted yet. But they were there, the feelings. Genesis could tell when the younger man would bring him into a memory. The confusion hid them well enough, but really Genesis had felt the same way. Fine, not the same way, but close to it.

When he had first found himself attracted to Zane the teen wasn't even legal, almost but not quite. It had brought his mind into a whirlwind of confusion, discomfort, and frankly guilt. There he was, old as dirt and finding himself attracted to a seventeen year old child. Not only that but this child had been a kid of a dear friend. Genesis had spent time with Zane when he had first been born and for a few years after, but just on a few occasions since Alarick's tight control on mother and child only increased with Zane's age.

At first he hadn't known who Zane was, the teen had been loud and boisterous with a cocky attitude to add on top of it. Genesis had really thought that he was in his early twenties, he acted like it and didn't look to be too young. It was instant attractions, but those feelings were put to a halt once Genesis had found out Zane's age as well as his parentage. The changeling had felt relief at first, that he hadn't gobbled up a kid who's parents he had known, and then guilt and finally acceptance. At that point Genesis had decided that he'd befriend Zane, keep him somewhat safe. It had been hard though and over the past year and a half Genesis' self control had wavered greatly. Being as old as he was Genesis was quite accustomed to restraint but with Zane it had never really applied. There had always been something about the younger man that drove Genesis to act out of character and do things that he had believed himself to be above; like petty jealousy for instance.

But then the subject of the link changed. Genesis could almost feel the blows Alarick delta to Zane on his own skin. Anger bubbled up in his stomach and then the connection was lost and he was back, alone in his own head, his hand no longer connected to the pureblood's. He watched as Zane escaped under the water, a futile attempts to escape…something, embarrassment? Shame perhaps? Or maybe just the memories of the beating.

"Sorry…I know it's still confusing and I haven't really decided anything but…I just…hope maybe…you can understand how I feel…" Genesis looked over Zane with sad and tired eyes. He rose up a bit to sit on the edge of the tub and leaned down to place his hands against the younger man's cheeks. Genesis let the silence pass for a few moments before kissing the pureblood thoroughly.

Lips slightly swollen and eyes focused on Zane's face, Genesis made a hasty decision. "I love you," His declaration was firm and adamant. "I really do Zane." The changeling took his time in standing before smiling nervously down at Zane and taking a few steps in the direction of the door. "Relax a bit, no rush in getting out. I'll be in bed if you need anything." Genesis left the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. Looking up he noticed the clock on his nightstand table, the red numbers indicating that it was well passed 4 in the morning. Time has flown by after everything and all Genesis wanted to do now was relax in his bed underneath the soft fabric of his blankets.

Zane looked up when he felt Genesis' eyes on him, sadness and tiredness written inside the beautiful blue. He watched as the other man sat on the edge of the tub and leaned down to place his hands on his face. There was such a long beat of silence there that Zane was honestly afraid of what Genesis might say.

And then he didn't say anything. He kissed him. There wasn't even a moment of hesitation before Zane's body reacted and he was kissing him back, his eyes falling closed, enjoying it completely.

When it was broken, it was a little disappointing, but he looked up to meet Genesis' gaze with his own.

"I love you."

For a moment, Zane was so shocked he wasn't sure what to do or say. He didn't even blink.

"I really do Zane."

He felt like he should say something to that. Anything. But his mouth had gone dry, and after a nervous smile from his friend, Genesis was stepping away. Telling him he could stay. Relax.

Zane sank down in the tub completely, all the way under the water and everything. He closed his eyes and for awhile just welcomed the blessed silence. Without a need to breath, he could stay there for as long as he wanted. And he did just that, until the water began to lose it's heat and there was no longer a reason to stay.

He thought back over the memories he'd pulled. Memories of Genesis. For as long as Zane could remember, Genesis had been a part of him. He could pull back a few memories of him from being a child, but not a lot. Little snippets of a recognizable face and smile. Then somewhere between his mother's death and his teenage years, Genesis' face nearly faded from his memory all together.

Zane had hit rock bottom after his mother's death. From age six to ten he honestly believed he was depressed. He followed his father around like a good little child. Neglected. Unwanted. Completely, one hundred percent obedient. From eleven to thirteen, he'd started reminding Alarick of the woman they'd both lost. The few crazy ticks he had. Talking to himself, staring off blankly, being so entranced by classical music and paintings he could lose himself for days. For those few years...everything in Zane's life was perfect. His father adored him, he was being slowly groomed to take over the thrown, he was controlled.

And then he became a teenager. Zane had always been tall and mature for his age back then. He fit in well with the older groups. It was a guy three years his senior that introduced him to the loud, dark, pulsing, sexy and dangerous party world. Zane fell hard. He never did anything by testing the waters first, he jumped.

He'd always been slapped around. In Alarick's house he figured it wasn't possible not to be. But the first night he came home torn up was the first night he really got it. For some reason, it was like a wake up call, and Zane continued to pull. By the time he was fifteen he'd found a side of himself he preferred.

Loud, cocky, impulsive, womanizing...Attractive. Famous. Dangerous. He was like the bad boy in movies that girls just threw their underwear at. He was quite proud of it too. Everyone he deemed important loved him...the royals hated him. And then, at seventeen, there was Genesis. Genesis who quickly slid into his best friend spot, take him under his wing, keep him safe even when Zane complained he didn't need it.

Genesis...who's company he craved, desired, and almost always needed. Genesis who he could talk to for hours and feel like he was really being listened too. Genesis who...

Who loved him.

How long had it been since anyone had said those words to him? Age four? Maybe five? He'd only ever heard it from his mother, and through insincere laughter of friends who enjoyed his crazy ideas and unbound mouth.

He slowly surfaced from the water and pulled the drain with his toes before running his hands through his hair. He'd made a decision, and he could only hope it was the right one. The unselfish one. Could Zane even be selfless? He wasn't completely sure.

He stepped out of the tub slowly and reached for one of the towels, smiling as he felt the familiar softness against his skin. So much better than his back home.

He took his time drying off, but only ran it over his hair because he knew there was no use in trying to fix it. Then he stepped back into his boxer shorts before walking out of the bathroom. Genesis was right where he said he'd be, and without a word Zane slowly slid into the bed, on what he'd claimed long ago as 'his side', and moved close to the other male.

He tossed one arm over Genesis' body, and buried his face in his shoulder. He wasn't ready to say those words back. Particularly the one that started with a L. In fact, he'd constantly stated said word wasn't even in his vocabulary through the years. But...

"I want...to be with you..." he said softly. "In whatever way you'll take me. I...I just...ask for a little patience in return..."

He knew with this decision...all hell would break loose. But...he was willing for a fight...even a hard one. If that meant he got to be happy.

There wasn't much he could do once he closed the bathroom door, everything would be up to Zane now and Genesis could do nothing about it. The teen would have to think carefully about what he wanted, not just for their relationship but also for his future. It took a while for the changeling to actually relax, even the silky sheets and downy pillows weren't doing much to comfort him. Genesis was anxious by what would happen once the younger male stepped out of the bathroom.

Time passed, at a crawl or so Genesis felt it that way. Every so often he would find himself glancing at the clock on his bedside table, the red numbers barely changing each time. Eventually he had to lay down, staring at both the door separating him and Zane or the annoying clock had left him with quite a headache.

He took in a deep breath, chest expanding greatly with the effort before blowing it out slowly. It was strange really, breathing was something unnatural for vampires. It wasn't necessary for them to survive but even centuries after his change, Genesis still proceeded to do actions that appeared to carry over from his time among the living. Blue eyes closed as he turned onto his side. He had actually moved so that his back was to both objects of his current infatuation. The changeling needed to place his mind at ease, give it some kind of escape, and sleep seemed to be a viable option.

Or at least he had hoped it to be. He wasn't sure how much time had actually passed, but Genesis found himself as awake as he had been the moment he entered his bedroom. A soft click reached his ears, apparently Zane had finally finished. Even still, the older vampire remained in the same position.

His senses were in hyper drive, he could almost feel Zane's presence as the younger man walked towards the bed, the slightest vibration in the mattress as he got himself situated. The feel of the pureblood's arm around him gave Genesis quite the start despite being so aware.

Zane spoke in a soft tone, as thought he were almost afraid to say what was coming out of his mouth. Genesis heard them loud and clear though. If he had been alive his heart would have most certainly skipped a beat. Even if the words were;t quite the confession of feelings that Genesis had previously stated to the younger man, they were still Zane's own version. They were words that said he would try, that he wanted to be with Genesis even if he wasn't so sure on what that meant exactly.

Genesis turned in his grip, the blanket over his body scrunching underneath Zane's arm. Lightly he threw his own arm around the other man, pulling him just the slightest bit closer as he buried his face into the pureblood's strong chest. "Don't worry about it," He mumbled against the warm skin, he found it extremely nice the way that Zane currently spelled of his own shampoo's and soaps. Even more appealing though was the undertone of Zane's own personal scent. "And I promise, I won't let him touch you. Never again." Genesis meant it too, Alarick was a young man compared to him, naive and cocky in all of his endeavors. The changeling would do everything in his power to prevent the domineering vampire from bringing Zane harm ever again.

Once the words were out of his mouth, the very real prospect of what they meant finally hit him. He was letting go of everything he knew. Of his life, beliefs, values. He would be disowned immediately...if he was lucky...that would be the easiest path. Life would change.

Drastically.

He almost panicked. Not that he wasn't one hundred percent grounded in his decision, but because Zane didn't like change. He was very much like his mother in that fact. It made his head spin. Then Genesis turned around and threw his own arm around him. Almost immediately, Zane calmed.

Genesis buried his face in Zane's chest, and out of habit Zane moved his hand to slide his fingers in the other males hair. A sigh of relief crossed his lips when Genesis seemed perfectly fine with his one condition.

"And I promise, I won't let him touch you. Never again."

For a moment, Zane just laid there silently, letting those words sink in. He shifted slightly out of discomfort. His bruised body was incredibly shameful for the young male. He prided himself in being strong. He had to take a deep breath to keep his calm state, and reminded himself that the only reason Alarick could best him--was age.

Genesis, on the other hand... He relaxed again, completely. Even if Zane didn't want to admit it, he couldn't beat Alarick. Not in strength. Once he'd taken him down mentally, but hurt himself as well. But Genesis could...Genesis could beat him. And with Zane no longer under his thumb...Genesis wouldn't have to stand down.

"Gen..." he said softly. "I mean it...about patience...I've never done this before...any of it. Just know...just know I'm serious..."

It was nice feeling Zane's fingers in his hair, it was refreshing and sent a slight tingle down his spine. Sitting in the quiet room with a sense of contentment filling the air was good too. Genesis hadn't gotten exactly what he wanted but he had most certainly received more than he expected to get. Zane would try and that was all that mattered.

When Zane shifted his body, Genesis could tell that he wasn't comfortable and it wasn't just the position he was in. Gen knew that the pureblood was self-conscious, the younger man had always prided himself on his appearance. The bruises that littered his body were taking just the smallest toll on him. In Zane's testosterone-driven, young, and arrogant mind they were proof that he was weak and flaws to his perfection. Genesis would have to be the one to show him otherwise.

Zane's voice grabbed his attention though. "Gen…I mean it, about patience…I've never done this before…any of it. Just know…just know I'm serious…" Genesis smiled to himself, his lips brushing lightly over the young man's chest in appreciation. Throwing one leg over Zane's waist, Genesis rolled them over so he was straddling the pureblood's hips.

"I know love, I know." She smiled at Zane before moving to kiss a rather nasty bruise on the left side of his torso. Slowly the changeling moved to injury to injury, kissing them lightly before finally bringing his mouth to his partners. The kiss was slow and seductive, ending when Genesis sucked his Zane's bottom lip into his mouth. The older vampire's fangs pressed threateningly against the tender flesh before breaking the skin a bit. Sweet blood filled his mouth and Genesis' eyes opened before he pulled back. "I love you."

It was late, for vampires at least, and Genesis had several meetings to go to once then sun set but both he wanted Zane and from the way Zane looked the young vampire wanted him as well. Now Genesis wasn't a sentimental guy, but a light chuckle left his mouth as he realized that they were about to have sex for the first time as a couple. The changeling shook his head and wondered if he was going senile in his old age because he was getting very corny.

Slender hands travelled up Zane's torso as Genesis looked down at Zane once more before they started. "I really do." It was a repeat of what he had said earlier while Zane was taking a bath, but they were true and the older vampire wanted Zane to know it. It was important, but at the moment Genesis just really wanted Zane and as he grinned broadly down at the other man Genesis realized that he would have Zane, over and over again.

There was a silence that fell between the two males, but it was by no means uncomfortable. In fact, they both seemed rather content. Zane knew the step he'd taken had been small...very small compared to Genesis'...but he did what he could. In time, he was sure there would be more.

He was kicked from his own thoughts when he felt Genesis' lips brush over his skin, then before he knew it he was being rolled until he was on his back, and Genesis was over him, straddling his hips.

The younger males face twisted is distaste when Genesis leaned down to kiss the bruise on his left side. They were fading, slowly but surely, though that didn't make them any less terrible looking. He didn't want anymore attention brought to them, and was about to voice his objections, but Genesis kept going, covering each injury with a light kiss. So Zane shut up, closed his eyes, and just enjoyed it.

Before long, the changeling's lips were on his own. Normally, Zane wasn't one for slow kisses, but Genesis'...hell...it was one seductive kiss. One that pulled a moan out of the pureblood the moment Genesis captured his bottom lip, followed by a smaller one when skin broke.

He was about to complain that Genesis had moved away when he said those words again. "I love you." Zane's eyes opened slowly and he looked up at the older vampire. He felt like he should say it back, but he just wasn't ready. However, he didn't have to say anything. Not even complain. Because the look the changing was giving him meant Zane was about to get exactly what he wanted. "I really do."

"I know," Zane replied, and with a broad grin that matched his partner's, he placed his hand on the elder's head and pushed him down until their lips connected again.

An irritating buzzing reached his ears, causing Genesis to stir from his sleep. He wasn't sure how much time had passed since he and Zane finished, but Genesis was tired. The changeling refused to open his eyes, hoping that his stupid phone would stop and whoever was trying to contact him wouldn't try again for a long while. He turned onto his side, moving in Zane's grip and move closer into his side. The shift made the smaller man a bit uncomfortable, but once he settled again the slight twinge in his back stopped.

Unfortunately his phone began to vibrate once more. Genesis locked his jaw, his teeth grinding in annoyance. What the hell could have been so important that someone would be calling him at this time. And then he remembered.

The older vampire bolted up to look at his clock. Genesis took in the sight of the bright red lights showing that it was just passed 5 in the evening. He had a conference with the head of one of his companies at 5, which meant he was late. This was not something that had ever happened before.

He was hasty as he climbed his way out of bed and to his dresser, grabbing ahold of a nice buttoned shirt and throwing it over his shoulders. The changeling combed his fingers threw his hair to get it into a much more appropriate state and then almost forgot to throw on a pair of boxer-briefs before sitting down at his desk on the other side of the room. Genesis had never been happier to have his conferences via webcast. His computer screen lit up and he began pulling up the necessary documents he needed. He clicked on his Skype icon and then clicked on the name that was needed. The call was picked up on the second ring.

"I was worried Genesis, you're never late." The older human on the other side of the screen said as the video stream buffered out.

"Yeah, so sorry about that Eli. Something came up." The vampire said in a professional tone, but as the video finally adjusted Eli snorted.

"I can see that." He said, eyebrow raised in question as he noticed the young man still lying in Genesis' bed. Genesis reached up and grabbed the camera so it could no longer catch Zane in its lens and began his meeting.

Zane had never slept so good in his short life. At Genesis'...everything was perfect. The large bed was the best thing he had ever felt in his life. But more importantly was the feeling of Genesis next to him--as close as he could be. Though, one had to admit, Zane was probably exhausted because both males had an appetite for the other and a lot of stamina.

So deep in sleep, Zane didn't hear the buzzing of the phone, or feel Genesis bolt up in bed. In fact, the young vampire hadn't noticed anything except that Genesis was no longer next to him. That made him uncomfortable, and agitated, even if he wasn't fully aware why.

He had just rolled over on his stomach, trying to get more comfortable, when voices reached his ears. Professional sounding voices. He had half the mind to grab a pillow and jam it over his ears, but he didn't. Instead, he opened his eyes and yawned. A sound which he stiffened immediately.

Holy hell he was glad he didn't say anything out loud. Some inappropriate, and probably crude, morning after comment was about to leave the pure-blood's mouth when the scene in front of him suddenly stopped him.

It really wasn't anything special. Genesis sitting in front of his computer. Hair somewhat fixed, button down shirt...Zane had to smirk at just the boxers clad on his lover from the waist down. Despite his half-word appearance, Genesis was still seemingly very professional. Zane didn't want to ruin whatever was going on with his unfiltered mouth.

The younger male stayed right where he was, lying on his stomach, blankets gathered around his bare waist. He was comfortable--save missing the presence of the other male next to him--and had a soft smile playing on the corner of his lips.

He felt like he should get up. Throw some clothes on, warm up some blood, do something productive with his night. But he didn't want to. He wanted to stay in this bedroom, away from the real world, locked in paradise.

He sighed ever so softly and closed his eyes, replaying images from the night before.

His overall amazing hearing was locking away the conversations going on in the room around him, and his memory was doing a very, very good job of giving him some very, very good images of the night before. Then, a sound reached his ears he couldn't ignore no matter how hard he tried or wanted to.

It was a instrumental song, filled with sting instruments blended together to sound...powerful. Like the music played in the background for strong characters in a movie.

Zane's eyes snapped open fast, and in seconds he was jumping out of the bed, sheets securely wrapped around his waist, trying to dig the stupid device out of his pants that were still lying on Genesis' floor. All the while, muttering 'sorry, sorry, sorry!' under his breath.

Once he got the thing in his hand he flew from the bedroom, dragging all of Genesis sheets with him until he reached the door, dropping them and grabbing his boxers instead.

He threw open the bedroom door then closed it ever so softly after him and sighed.

He stepped into his boxers, ran his free hand through his hair, and answered his phone. "Hi Grandpa."

---

There wasn't a lot of people Zane particularly liked or respected, but his Grandfather was one of them. Clarence Blackwell was a powerful man, a retired council member who was still so highly viewed he was still sought out for opinions.

Ironically enough, the prestige in Zane's family had originally come from the Blackwell name, not Kostantine. His mother had been an only child, the power had been in her name, until she became ill. That was when Alarick took over. With her death, the power officially shifted. From his father, eventually down to Zane, an from there to the children Zane would never have.

"Zane," came the old mans voice, still milky smooth--the vampire was frozen in his fifties by choice. "Come home."

His grandfather was one of very few words. Those three demanded respect, and he honestly feared what would happen if he didn't give it to him.

With a deep breath, Zane slowly slid down the wall and clinched his eyes tight.

He wasn't afraid of a lot either. Zane was strong, untouchable...even his father who could beat the shit out of he wasn't afraid of. His Grandfather on the other hand...

Zane had made his decision the night before. He was staying with Genesis. Warm, safe, and happy. He wasn't going back. He knew he was going to have to fight, he'd expected it, but doing it was a lot harder.

"You aren't going to like what happens if I do."

There was a long beat of silence, one so long Zane even started silently counting the seconds away. Finally, there was a soft click, and the line went dead.

Genesis gently massaged his temples as he looked over the papers in front of him. Currently, he and Eli were finishing up their conversation about the month's quota that needed to be made and sold. The vampire, being who he was, always had a need and want for products of impeccable quality and sometimes humans in the corporate world just didn't understand that.

"Look Eli," He began slowly, they had been discussing the matter for some time and frankly Genesis was getting tired of going in circles. "I expect quality, not just quantity. If I wanted second rate items being sold in my store I'd put my own horrible sewing skills up for use. That's not the case though, because I want to make actual money without having to scam my loyal customers out of their hard earned cash. If you hand out a good product people will keep coming back. Simple as that."

The human gave an indignant huff as he all but threw his hands up into the air in defeat. "Fine, fine. Whatever you want." Genesis gave the man a knowing look over the video feed before he continued on.

"I'll be checking into the factories randomly to make sure I'm getting what I want. Remember who's in charge Eli." With those words the feed was closed and their meeting was adjourned. The changeling stood slowly, stretching out his back and cracking his shoulder blades. Looking behind him, he noticed Zane's absence. Genesis wasn't sure how long his meeting had actually been, but he was sure that Zane would have gotten bored at some point and ventured out of the room in order to remedy that.

Genesis took his time in exiting his bedroom, stopping off in his bathroom before casually making his way into the living room. He spotted the pureblood sitting on the coach. The large TV was on, but Zane's focus appeared to be elsewhere as he was lost in thought. Genesis all but plopped himself right onto Zane's lap and kissed him in greeting. "What's on your mind love?"

Zane didn't know how long he'd been sitting there, staring blankly while he was lost in his thoughts. He was rarely known to be so locked in to his own head, but there he was...

Zane, come home...

In the worst situation he could see himself walking into that house with the entire council sitting around his unused dining room table, his grandpa standing there with clasped hands and a stoic expression as a large blade sliced his head clear off his neck. What would be his crime? Some fancy word he wasn't even sure of...

What were the laws? He knew he knew them, somewhere in the back of the mind. In the event of retirement or death, the power of the council member slid to the next living, able relative. Unless other arrangements were made, a council member was to retire his position after a century on the board.

His father's century was nowhere near done, but technically speaking due to being half a Blackwell, Zane could have the seat whenever he wanted it. Because of that fact, more pressure was put on his shoulders than any of the younger generations to be presentable.

A clause stated that as an only born child, Zane was expected, inclined, and even bound by legal means to have children of his own. In a respectable manner so that they could one day take over his own seat. Pureblood, strong, born within marriage children.

By being with Genesis...he was breaking more laws than one. He would never have children (not that he particularly wanted any), never get married (hypothetically speaking), and then of course never be allowed on the council. He was a law breaker, that cut him off from eligibility. That being the least sentence he could possibly get.

His choices were putting his family on a very thin string, and they were trying to build it up before it got too far away. If they got Zane home, one way or another they'd make him submit. The scandal could be easily covered up and they'd begin to groom him...make him right for his own damned 'destiny'.

He didn't want it. Any of it. He wanted Genesis. That choice was made long ago, and he was not going to go back on it.

No matter what.

Zane didn't even snap out of his thoughts when the changing made himself comfortable on his lap, but the kiss woke him up just in time to return it.

"What's on your mind love?"

"Clarence Blackwell just called," he said softly, knowing Genesis would hear him anyway. More importantly, he knew his friend--boyfriend?--would understand.That name was most definitely not a small one, and Genesis had circled vampire politics more than enough to see the meaning there.

He sighed angrily and ran both his hands through his hair. He couldn't even bring himself to say 'Grandpa'. Right now he was disassociating himself from his family, including the only link he had left of his mother. Clarence had always been Zane's family solace. The old man lived very vicariously through his rebellious grandson, seeking out the enjoyment of a life he'd missed out on by playing by the rules.

But, when all the puzzle pieces fell, Clarence's alliance was always well known--he stood by the council. Whatever was 'best for the people'. Whatever looked the best, promoted 'peace and stability'. With Zane's attitude and age, he knew he'd been pulling at his grandfather's strings...he was too old to act like a child. It was time to be presentable. An influence. A role model.

He made a sound somewhere between a growl and a groan as he leaned forward and dropped his forehead on the elder male's shoulder. "They're going to kill me."

He actually wouldn't be surprised at all if that was where it all went. Being with Genesis...he was breaking about a million school rules. Everything he was doing was against the book, and no one was going to stand by him. Except Genesis.

He released an unneeded deep breath to relax himself. He needed to remember that for the first time in his life, he wasn't actually alone. Except that probably meant they would both end up dead. What were the chances? Low, he figured. Neither of them would go down easily. The elder vampires had age on him, but if it came down to it he figured he was stronger. They could win...

But killing a council member was high treason...You're thinking out murder plans now, Zane? Are you losing your mind?

Probably. Given his genetics he didn't have a lot of a mind to begin with. He sighed softly and moved his lips to the crook between Genesis' neck and shoulder. "Kiss me," he whispered, his fingertips moving slowly over the changling's hips. "Take my mind off all this..."

He knew he shouldn't. Knew there were things he needed to deal with, face head-on before it got any worse than it already was. But why worry? He was at Genesis' palace for crying out loud. The safest place he knew to be. Where his father couldn't reach him.

Just a little longer in paradise...

The changeling was gently as he held the younger man, comforting touches were best when someone was in distress. Zane speaking of Clarence brought a few memories back. Memories so very long ago and they caused the older vampire to hold Zane even tighter. It had been quite some time since the last time they had met.

Zane's predictions caused Genesis to frown. It was obvious he did not realize just how much worth he possessed. As heir to both the Blackwell and Kostantine families great things awaited Zane in the future. It would take much too long for impatient vampire politics to devise another way to tie the families together. Especially when that mean that Clarence was need to reproduce once more.

Genesis patted the side of Zane's cheek as the younger lay him down on his back, whispering his requests to the changeling. The older male smiled and did as Zane asked, kissing him softly but making sure that nothing more occured. "I promise you Zane, everything will be fine." He pushed the pureblood off of him slightly so he could go back into a sitting position. "Besides, they'll try and kill me before they ever attempt to get rid of you."

"So..." He began, catching Zane's hand in his own and interlacing their fingers. "Would you like to talk about it? I don't think disobeying the only man, besides myself," Genesis gave a cheeky grin at the comment. "Who has cared and loved you so much is really good. But," The Changeling squeezed Zane's hand in reassurance, trying to get the message across that this was simply a suggestion. "You can dictate some terms, the when and where and of course I will be there right beside you."

Zane sighed deeply as Genesis pushed him off. He should have known he wasn't going to win that one, Genesis was to smart for him. Anyone else and he could have had a wasted morning of not dealing with his life.

He eyed the changeling in disbelief as Genesis promised everything would be fine. As far as Zane could tell, nothing was fine--well, not in an image that stretched farther than the house they were in at least. He propped his arm on the edge of the couch so he could drop his face in his pal and groaned at the older male's next words: "Besides, they'll try and kill me before they ever attempt to get rid of you."

"You're not making me feel any better," he complained, but tilted his head to look at Genesis as he took his own, twining their fingers together. No, he didn't want to talk about it, he wanted to pretend as if it didn't exist. Why couldn't he have been poor? Well, because he was too damn high maintenance for one thing but...hell, it'd be a lot easier.

He ran his free hand up through his hair and down to his neck, rubbing his knuckles over the skin there. He agreed with him--disobeying his grandfather wasn't going to get him anywhere, and he actually cracked a smile at the changeling's cheesy grin.

Zane sighed softly. "You know my family, Gen. They aren't going to let me dictate anything. This is the only time those two idiots get along is when they can boss me around." Zane was eighteen, even by vampire standards he was an adult. From an outsiders point of view, he should be able to just throw his arms up and leave.

But it wasn't that easy. Royals were vindictive, and more than anything they liked to save face. Clarence had always "helped" him keep his rebellious lifestyle under wraps, but this time it was too much. He was doing a lot more now than just selling illegal drinks in the dark corners of a club, he was outright spitting on his grandfathers shoes.

And if someone got ahold of that information, the slander would cause a downright scandal. And that was where the real problem would begin. He'd cause a mess out of two family reputations, and vampires held grudges better than anyone else. He was like a timebomb, ready to screw everything up.

He ran his hand through his hair again and stared straight ahead. The when and where. It'd have to be his decision. Because..."I can't go home," he muttered. "They can't get me in that house."

He was quiet for a really long time, lost in his thoughts, before he sat up suddenly. "Think I can plead insanity?"

"Think I can plead insanity?" Genesis turned his head to stare at the younger man, eyebrow raised in an 'are you kidding me' manner. The older reached a hand out and patted Zane on the cheek gently before standing up. "I don't think that's going to work for you love. In this world of goblins and gouls being insane doesn't give you the right to do anything work doing...in other words sleeping with a much older and extremely handsom male vampire."

Genesis stood gracefully and sauntered his way into his kitchen. It was feeding time once more. Lately the need had been inconvenient. Apparently with age came the need to drink more often or maybe there was just something wrong with him. Genesis popped a mug full of O into the microwave and brought his attention back to the young man still sitting on the couch.

"You could always invite them over here. I can assure you that nothing could happen here." The microwave dinged and Genesis removed his food, taking a small sip before continuing on. "Besides, I've been meaning to have a few friends over for dinner and whatnot. And by friends I mean some of the more influential members of vampire society who either owe me a favor or two or are absolutely infatuated with the amazing creature that I am." His words were teasing and slightly conceeded but they were true none theless. The changeling may have not developed some incredible power with his change, but Genesis had always had an allure to him that vampire just seemed to be attracted to; even before he was transformed.

"If you think it's a good idea you can go and set up everything with your family and the council." He walked back over to the younger man and kissed the top of Zane's head before ruffling his short hair affectionately.

Zane sighed softly when Genesis stared at him like that, eyebrow raised. Even if Zane couldn't hear his outer thoughts, the look on his face was extremely clear. He pouted as his cheek was patted, he'd always kind of hated that when he was in the wrong mood. He sighed as Genesis repeated the doubt he already had, and dropped his head on the back of the couch. He was right, there was no way pleading insanity would work for Zane. In other words sleeping with a much older and extremely handsome male vampire. Well, he had to smirk slightly at that. "Extremely handsome," he repeated in a murmur.

He looked up after he heard the sound of the microwave, and propped his chin on the edge of the plush couch just before Genesis' attention was back on him. Invite them over? Here? To his only safe place on the entire earth? Part of him wanted to say no. Absolutely no way were they bringing their corrupt asses anywhere near his haven. But then something occurred to him. Where better to stand his ground than the place he felt most comfortable? Where Genesis' assurance of nothing negative actually held strong?

He listened to the changelings words with honest consideration. It could work...to have them here. With Genesis at his side and especially more members who owed them. "Absolutely infatuated with the amazing creature that you are," he repeated with a snort. "That infatuation is what's gotten me in all this trouble, now isn't it?" Sad thing was that it was actually true in both aspects.

He looked up as the elder male walked back over to him, and felt the corners of his mouth quirk up as Genesis' dropped a kiss on his head. Damn the man could make him feel like a happy child sometimes. Which was ridiculous, because this was a very adult situation, but said feelings were still there.

"Alright," he murmured. It sounded a little too easy, but he could only hope it'd work. He sighed and lifted up onto his knees on the couch, just enough to steal a kiss from the changing before dropping back down and grabbing his cell phone. He took an unneeded breath to steady his nerves and called the number that had recently dialed.

It only rang for a couple of moments before the old man's voice came onto the line. There was no hello or otherwise polite greeting, just the sound of his own name hissed through clinched teeth. Apparently he was already treading through shallow water. "Grandpa," he answered as he reached up with his free hand to grab Genesis's hand and pull him back around to the couch, then down into a sitting position.

Once Genesis was down, Zane fell over and rested his head in the elders lap, staring straight up at the ceiling.

"Stop being a child, Zane," Clarence replied. The man never said more than six words in one sentence, apparently that was all he desired to ever speak to get his point across.

If there was anything Zane hated in the whole world, it was being referred to as a child. He knew he often acted immature and rarely took things seriously, but he was by far a child. He'd had to deal with a lot in his short life, and sometimes his only way to make it through was act the way he did. Still, he tried to face this situation with a pinch of maturity. "I'm not coming home," he answered with a tone he hoped stated that it wasn't up for debate. "Not now, maybe not ever. I'm not running away--just moving out. Everyone has to at some point."

Actually, it was fairly rare for vampires. Usually they stayed close to their families, often forming covens. With the twenty first century they often chose mansions or full neighborhoods to keep together in. The majority of the Blackwell's lived in penthouses around the upper west side. Zane's fathers side of the family was small though, and most live in the United Kingdom instead of the States.

The other side of the phone was quiet for a long time, and after a moment his grandfather reply wasn't what he was expecting: "You're an adult now, then?"

For a moment Zane paused, not sure what exactly to say to that. He knew his grandfather well and he could see some kind of a trick coming up in his next words, but he still didn't know how to approach the situation. The answer he chose apparently wasn't the right one. "Yeah, I am."

There was the softest of chuckles on the other side of the line, and Clarence responded with: "Come home so we can talk."

"What's there to talk about," he answered, knowing full and well exactly what it was. He just wanted to pretend as if he didn't, because that would show his distaste and disinterest for the subject at hand. Zane didn't want any of it. His last name, his responsibilities, his status. he just wanted it to all disappear. He just wanted to be with Genesis and have their own little happily ever after.

"Adults sit at the council, Zane." There was that tone again. The one that demanded respect and refused to be denied. The one he used when Zane had backed himself into a corner and finally gotten in trouble. The one he lead the council with years ago and just before when he'd first called. The one Zane wasn't supposed to argue with.

"You wanna talk about this? The only place I'm going is Genesis'." No way in hell was he going to say he was already there. "That's where I'll be willing to meet. Not your place, not mine." He wasn't going to be bullied into a corner.

There wasn't an answer. Clarence just hung up on him. For a moment Zane waited in silence, then pulled his phone away to look at it. No lost connection, not even an accidental end of call. It was honestly a hang up. "And they say I'm a child..."

"You are a child love." Genesis muttered with a sly grin pulling at his lips. He had heard the entire conversation that Zane had with Clarence. It was just in the old pureblood's style to try and make himself out to be so sophisticated and above petty banter, but then go right ahead and pull a childish move and hang up the phone without so much as a word in agreement or goodbye. Genesis knew that he'd show up though. Clarence wouldn't let himself lose face to someone so young as Zane. And neither will Alarick. The Changeling thought as he made his way back towards the bedroom.

"So much to do, such little time, but you know how much I love to throw a good party." He called to Zane before entering his room. A second later he stuck his head back out as another thought filled his mind. "You know, if we make it quick we can have a very satisfying round before I start making calls." It didn't take much time for the young pureblood to come bounding down the hallway after him.

---

It wasn't ever long after the initial setup was complete that people began to arrive. The real festivities though didn't start until about 12 that evening, but Genesis was rather proud of what he had managed to accomplish in such a short amount of time. By pulling a few strings he had turned his 'humble' abode into what looked like a high-class night club. The lighting was dim and servers walked around in scantly clad outfits holding trays of crystal glasses filled with various bloods. There were donators throughout the room, set up for some guests who just preferred to drink directly from the vein.

Genesis sipped casually at his glass, greeting another one of his guests. Raymond Pierce was a very rich vampire with businesses set up throughout the world. He had also been one of Genesis' more common bedmates throughout the years though for the last few months they had not seen one another. Raymond was getting rather handsy and turning the simple greeting into more than it was. After trying to get the changeling into a rather heated makeout session, Genesis had politely excused himself under the pretense of saying hello to a few of his other guests.

Smoothing his clothes out from the unwanted encounter and wiping a scowl from his face, Genesis made a beeline for where Zane was. He was both subtle and gracefully in interlacing the fingers of his free hand with the younger vampires' as he took another sip from his drink. "So, any of your guests arrive yet?"

Zane retorted being called a child by Genesis with the extremely childish notion of sticking his tongue out. He rolled his eyes slightly at that grin on the changelings lips and tossed his phone somewhere. He didn't want to think about it. Zane wasn't sure if it was his own realization, or the light buzz of Genesis' thoughts that made him realize they'd won. Clarence would show. Alarick would too. All about appearances and proving who was the bigger man.

Zane frowned and rolled on his stomach as Genesis left him, he really had gotten oddly clingy in such a short amount of time. "Yeah, yeah, you and your parties," he mumbled. But it was true, Genesis could throw a good party. He sighed to himself and was about to roll on his back again, maybe get a meal, when Genesis stuck his head back out of the room.

"You know, if we make it quick we can have a very satisfying round before I start making calls."

Zane was pretty sure he was out of his seat before Genesis even finished the sentence. But what could he say? He was young and quite possible insatiable in the long term. In the short term, he had yet to ever leave Genesis bed unsatisfied.

---

By the time everything was pulled together Zane was no longer feeling anxious. He was in his element. Any kind of club set up made him feel at ease, but he was so damn high maintenance that what Genesis had sat up made him damn near relaxed. He was trying his best to stick with the crystal glasses handed out by the servers, but his stomach was gnawing at him.

Every time he spent too much time with Genesis, Zane always found himself off the vein. He supposed it was because he never really wanted to leave the changelings side--regardless of their relationship status at the time--and why should he, when Genesis kept blood in the house?

But it never really was enough. Not for Zane. He craved fresh blood like a caffeine addict craved coffee. And more often than not he found his eyes sliding to one of the girls he knew was a donor. But if he got up and took a drink, he knew he'd lose himself. Parties were too much fun, and he was supposed to be making it through a meeting...

He supposed he had a thing for blondes, as that was who he ended up finding himself leering after. Though if it was looks or blood, he couldn't really tell. Honestly, his new found sexuality quirks had thrown his mind for a loop, but he didn't dwell on it much. Regardless of what he was interested in, he was more than happy with Genesis.

Speaking of the devil, his attention snapped right away from the blonde the moment he heard his friend's thoughts. It wasn't like Zane intentionally listened, but he couldn't quite turn it off either. Sometimes if he focused he could provide a block, but it took a lot of effort. And anyway, some thoughts just happened to always be on the edge of one's persona, and sometimes he didn't even hear specific words, but just sounds.

That was usually what he got off Genesis--just sounds. Unless he was focusing and actually trying to listen in. Which he rarely ever did, for privacy reasons.

He couldn't help but smile as the changelings fingers intertwined in his so smoothly. He shook his head at the question though, taking a sip of his newest drink as his eyes scanned the room. "I'm sure they'll be fashionably late, of course."

"I'm sure they'll be fashionable late of course."

Genesis smirked and bit his lip in mild amusement. The changeling lifted their entwined hands and kissed the back of Zane's hand. "Of course love, of course." Genesis' eyes scanned the room, trying to see if their would be anyone that Zane would be interested in talking to. Something was nagging at the edge of his mind though and as he looked up at Zane he realized why.

The young vampire's eyes kept darting to one of the young blonde and female donors that had been brought in. Genesis' grip on the younger man's hand loosened in slight disappointment. He couldn't exactly blame Zane for wanted to have his meal right from the source, just because it repulsed the changeling didn't mean that other vampires weren't allowed to do it. Still, Genesis couldn't help but feel slightly jealous because as his track record showed the donor was definitely Zane's type and ever way. She was everything Genesis wasn't, but considering what they were about to face Genesis was feeling very guilty over his current train of thought.

Pulling Zane into a sultry kiss, Genesis trailed his lips to the younger male's ear before biting the earlobe lightly. "Why don't you go and have a nice meal and come find me when you're finished." He whispered before kissing Zane on the cheek and departing his company.

To distract himself from what his partner was potentially doing Genesis decided that talking shop with a couple of vampires on the other side of the room would be best for the time being. Luka and Zaria Grekov were an interesting team of husband and wife and were generous contributors to one of Genesis' clothing lines. Zaria in particular had been helpful, contributing some of her own signature designs to the company.

The corners of Zane's mouth quirked in amusement at Genesis' reply to the topic of his family. He'd spoken so posh about their lateness that he knew he would amuse the older male. His eyes moved over to him the moment he received a kiss. Once upon a time such gestures had been lost on the pureblood.These days...it was a sign he was cared for, and he greatly enjoyed that.

He'd been distracted shortly again by that same blonde, but his attention quickly snapped back to Genesis the moment he heard one very prominent thought from the changeling. Just one word: female. Zane sat up the slightest bit when he felt the grip on his hand loosen, though he couldn't quiet tell the reason why. Mind reader he was, emotion reader...not so much. So he cheated.

He felt bad for doing it, but all he did was focus a little more on the male in front of him and he could hear...hear the thoughts that weren't guarded, just on the edge of Genesis' mind. Disappointment. Jealousy. Guilt. Zane pulled back. He couldn't keep doing that. It wasn't right.

But the thought left his mind the moment Genesis' lips met his. He was a sucker for those kisses. Sultry, hot, close kisses. The kind of kiss that could flip his stomach and damn near turn him on. He added to it, one hand looping around Genesis' neck to pull him closer. Hopefully he could convey a silent message that Genesis had nothing to worry about...Zane was his. He'd made his choice, and no girl was going to change that.

He was disappointed when Genesis broke away, but he tilted his head to the side slightly as the changeling's lips trailed to his ear. He made the slightest sound as teeth touched the sensitive skin of his earlobe, and he had half the mind to pull him back into another kiss when Genesis' words stopped him.

He could eat? He was trying not to...all the importance of the night bearing on his shoulders...trying to stay clear headed. Not that it mattered now, because that kiss had definitely made him a little fuzzy, but he shook the thought off and once Genesis was out of view, he turned his eyes on the blonde again.

She turned just as soon as he looked at her, and wiggled delicate white fingers at him. He smiled and slid off his seat, suave as hell, before crossing the room to her. Zane was a shameless flirt, half the time he worked off autopilot honestly, going through the motions without really being there.

Now he had her trapped between the wall and his body, one hand up against it over her head that he was leaning his weight on, with the other he was trailing his fingers ever so softly down her own arm. She was looking up at him with hazel eyes through thick lashes.

She was beautiful. Any other time and he probably would have been talking her into a bed. But he wasn't. He wasn't sure if he was just that hungry or just...not interested. Probably the latter, he had to admit to himself. Genesis had him wrapped around his little finger. While Zane wouldn't admit it out loud, it was true.

When the time came, he leaned down and sunk his fangs deep into her neck, and she moaned ever so softly into his ear. Warm blood rushed into his mouth and he almost moaned himself, one hand on her hip to pull her closer. She was AB, and he did so enjoy the mixed taste. There was nothing terribly special about her though, no extra tang or interesting taste. Just normal blood. It was only so good because he'd been bag feeding for so long.

He was just thinking about how he should probably back off when a strong hand clamped on his shoulder and he was suddenly pulled away from her. Zane saw hers first, staring at whoever was behind him with big eyes, a handkerchief pressed to her neck.

"You called us here, for this?"

Clarence.

Zane glaned at him just in time for him to give the female donor a nod that clearly meant 'get lost', and she did so without a question. Clarence Blackwell was a powerful man, built a lot like Zane was. Tall, broad, but bigger than the young pureblood. He looked somewhere along his late fifties or sixties, but in a good way. Powerful old. White head of hair and slat-and-pepper beard.

His eyes were green though. Just like Zane's mothers had been. Zane looked almost just like her, save his eyes. He got those from his father.

Speak of the devil, Alarick Konstantine was just behind his grandfather, looking sore that he had to be in the backseat.

Zane licked his lips with a smirk. The awesome thing about telepathy was that he could talk to Genesis without even having to be next to him. Without looking at him. Without having to open his mouth.

"They're here."

Mid-sentence in his conversation with the Grekov's Genesis noticed it. The slight shift in the atmosphere, a certain scent bleed into the air. It was always so unmistakable when a couple of pureblood entered a room. And then, of course, there was the warning Zane whispered through his mind.

Genesis moved fast, weaving his way through his guests gracefully before reaching the area where the three pureblood were standing. He reached Alarick first, skimming his hands over the taller man's shoulder and arms. The changeling knew it would make him uncomfortable and that had been the main reason as to why Genesis did it. Next was Clearance, but he only received a subtle brush of skin from the changeling. It was much harder to throw the Blackwell patriarch off of his game.

Reaching Zane's side was the main goal though and once it was achieved Genesis slipped his arm around the younger male's waist. Going even farther, he took advantage of the small trail of blood that had gathered at the corner of Zane's mouth and slowly was making its way down his chin. Genesis boosted himself up on tiptoes and sensually ran his tongue over the area.

His eyes bled black, the usual whites no longer visible, as he looked up at Clarence. "So nice of you to join us in our humble abode Clarence, it's been such a long time since we last met." Genesis smiled charmingly up at the older looking man. "You know, I have been meaning to get myself back into politics. I've just really had to look for the…right incentive."

Genesis turned his attention to Zane's father next, his hand not attached to the arm that was wrapped around Zane's waist began to trail slowly up and down the young pureblood's chest. "And as always, it's such a pleasure to see you again Alarick." Genesis removed his arm from around Zane and lifted a slender hand into the air. With a snap of his fingers a server appeared before them, holding a tray of filled glasses. "Refreshments before getting down to business?"

Zane felt the corners of his mouth turn up slightly into a smirk the moment he saw Genesis. He knew it wouldn't take long before the changeling was at his side, but he suddenly felt...empowered. Like this had been the right decision. That he was going to win this one. They were going to win.

Alarick was off his game. It was obvious the elder Konstantine wasn't aware of Genesis until he felt his hands on his body. As Zane figured, the simple touch made the man very uncomfortable. So much so that he even stepped slightly away from Genesis.

Clarence, however, only briefly glanced at Genesis--as if the changeling wasn't worth his time. A notion Zane was sure the Blackwell would come to regret. He was standing his ground, and Zane would have respected him for that if only the situation had been much different.

Once he'd gotten past the pureblood blockade, Genesis was at Zane's side. Oh how Zane wished the elder male would throw him up against the wall and kiss him in a way that made everyone in the room highly uncomfortable. What he got was just as good. He smiled as Genesis' arm went around him, and that smile quickly twisted into a smirk the moment he felt Genesis' tongue against his skin.

Oh he was sure that looked sexy as fuck. If only they happened to be alone...But more pressing matters were at hand, so he slowly tore his eyes from the shorter male to the elder ones standing around him. Alarick was pissed. So pissed all the blood in his body had colored his face red. Purebloods could do that--blush, become red with anger, so on--if they'd freshly fed and the blood was still warm.

Clarence, however, looked unphased. That disappointed Zane a little, he had to admit. Perhaps his grandfather was slightly annoyed, a look only Zane knew from the slight way the skin around his eyes wrinkled. Zane had seen that look plenty of times in his life.

"It has been awhile, hasn't it?" Clarence asked, his eyes traveling around the room with disinterest, though his tone remained polite, if not detached. His attention, however, returned the moment Genesis spoke again, and his gaze fell to the way the changeling was trailing his fingers up and down Zane's chest. "I see you've made my grandson your new plaything, Genesis. Surely he isn't worth the time to be your...incentive."

Zane nearly choked on freaking air. He hadn't had time to count the words, but he'd honestly never heard Clarence Blackwell say more than six of them in a sentence. In fact, he wasn't sure he had heard so many words from the old man in one sitting.

Before there was much time for a reply, there were suddenly drinks before them. Zane declined, he'd had enough, but Clarence cleared his throat and politely plucked one of the crystal glasses off the tray. Alarick, however, did not.

"He's seething," Zane noted, making sure his metal voice was only being heard by Genesis. It was obvious Alarick was hating the backseat. That was another reason why Zane was partial to his grandfather. So long as Clearance was around, Alarick would behave. Act like a mature, stand-up adult. It half bothered him that the man was such a coward, but at times like these he was grateful. It made things easier.

At least on a surface level.

Clarence Blackwell sighed as he took a graceful sip from his chosen drink, and nodded slightly in approval. "Well then, boys. Business?"

A rich laughter passed from Genesis' lips. It was a good hardy type, the kind that came from deep in the chest. The changeling had to grip onto Zane just a tiny bit because of it. Clarence's words were just amusing to Genesis and the laughter was authentic and showed just that. It had actually caught the attention of a few of the nearby guests, such laughter was rare to hear from the ancient vampire.

"I believe you give your grandson far too little credit and myself too much." Genesis said as he moved their party to sit in a corner area of the large living room that had been set up as a sort-of lounge area. Genesis nudged Zane to sit down first before motioning with his hands for the other two pureblood to do so as well. The younger-looking vampire plopped himself right next to Zane, their bodies pressed tightly to one another and Genesis' hand playing along one of Zane's toned thighs. "You see, I'm afraid it is Zane here who has me wrapped around his finger. And I assure you that he doesn't have to do much to have me do anything for him." The last part was meant to be suggest. If it was even possible, the vampire could see even more anger seep into Alarick's eyes, it appeared that the elder Kostantine was not taking their behavior well at all.

"As for my incentive," Genesis began, his eyes sweeping above both council member's heads. The look in his eyes told any who were looking their way to back off and find conversation elsewhere. "It takes more than just a pretty face to get me back into political games." He motioned for another waiter to approach and grabbed another glass for himself, placing his empty one back onto the tray before waving the young woman away. "No, much more than that. Alas, I haven't been happy with a certain number of things that the council has done. Now that right there is very good incentive."

Another friendly smile played on his lips as he took a sip from his drink. "I think that the last time I played politician you were young…weren't you Clarence? But your father, him I dealt with quite often. If I recall correctly he was all about furthering the pureblood cause and pushing us 'lesser'," The changeling made quotations with his hands for emphasis of the word. "vampires to the bottom where we supposedly belonged." Genesis made a motioning gesture with his hand, as if to tell the two pureblood before him to take a look around. "You can see how well that worked out for him."

Genesis cleared his throat softly, taking yet another sip from his glass. "But as you said, back to business. Unlike you and your son-in-law I am only really here for moral support and occasional interjections." Once more the changeling reached down and intertwined his free hand with one of Zane's, a sign to show they were a united front. His eyes met the younger man's briefly before he continued on with his speaking. "Now, I believe Zane has something he wishes to discuss with you two."

Zane smiled the moment Genesis laughed. It was rare to hear him laugh like that, and Zane liked the sound. Granted, he liked just about anything that Genesis did. Such moments like these were just a bonus. It helped him relax, really. He could do this, with Genesis at his side.

His eyes watched his grandfather as they moved, and there was an interesting look on Clarence's face. One that made Zane do something he rarely ever did. He dropped his wall. The mental wall that kept his mind out of others. He paused in his walking for a moment when his mind was assaulted with thoughts, but soon it focused. He tried his best to stay away from Genesis and on the others, but it was a little difficult to be selective now.

He sat down when Genesis' nudged him, and watched as his family members took seats apart from each other. Perhaps they had a common goal in mind, but they definitely didn't like each other. It was hard to resist dropping himself all over the elder vampire, honestly. The moment Genesis sat next to him, Zane had to bite back the need to touch him. When had he gotten so clingy?

He was listening to Genesis, but his attention was more on the unsaid words. Clarence's expression never changed, but his eyes narrowed slightly on the changeling. Zane smiled the moment he realized why. It was far easier to believe that Genesis had corrupted Zane than the other way around. However, the suggestion behind the word 'anything' broke his grandfathers facade.

Disgust.

It was such a powerful thought and feeling that it almost made Zane sick. He hated it. He hated how a simple life choice could turn the only man he'd ever respected--save the vampire next to him--against him. There was more anger too, but it wasn't coming from Clarence. It was coming from Alarick.

Zane tilted his head slightly in interest. Alarick's anger was interesting. Zane tried his best over his lifetime to stay out of his fathers head, because he hated it in there, but this time he couldn't help it. Thoughts of ownership and betreyl flooded the elder vampires thoughts and Zane had to pull back. He couldn't listen to it anymore.

Genesis' voice snapped him out of it.

Ah, finally Genesis had managed to ruffle his grandfather up. The old man sat a little straighter in his seat and sat his drink down on the table before him.

"Not everyone can be happy with council decisions," Alarick finally spoke up, but he was speaking words he'd learned from the council itself...or more likely, words Clarence had once said that were strung together. "Just as not every human is happy with what their leaders chose to do. We have an order we must follow, and choices we must make for the greater good of the community."

But the words were lost as attention turned back to his grandfather. Zane follow polotics well. Even stuff he should know he just...didn't, so what Genesis was talking about was lost on him. He watched his grandfather prepare himself for words, and waited a little eagerly to see how much he would talk. "No need to throw stones, Genesis." There was a long pause for a moment, and Clarence's eyes suddenly found themselves locked on Zane. "My father was a revolutionist, but perhaps he was not all wrong."

Zane was about to bite off that comment, say Clarence was only suddenly becoming racist because he was upset with this new union, but Alarick's voice interrupted his train of thought. Honestly, he'd almost forgotten his father was even in the room. The Kostantine's eyes were glued on Zane and Genesis' hands as their fingers twined together. "You cannot possibly not want your seat this badly, Zane."

"Alarick," Clarence said softly, his tone warning.

Alarick suddenly sat up, pointed at Clarence, and then back at the pair sitting together on the couch. "You realize what this is, don't you. They're a couple." He spat out the last word as if it were something filthy.

Clarence turned his eyes slowly on his son-in-law, but didn't speak a word.

"It isn't legal," Alarick continued.

Zane suddenly sat up straighter. He wasn't having it. He fixed his tone to a sharper quality and stared them both down. "I'm not here to discuss the specifics of my relationship."

He was losing it. His control. Backing himself into a corner the way he always did. He took an unneeded breath to steady himself and tightened his hold on Genesis hand. "I'm here to discuss my council seat. My future. I. Don't. Want. It."

"Dear boy," Clarence said with a soft smile. "You don't have a choice."

Alarick's words resulted in an undignified snort on Genesis' part. As far back as the changeling could remember, the council had only fought for one thing and one thing only: pureblood. It had become harder over the years though, once revolutionaries like Genesis himself had squirmed their way into the political scene the 'pureblood-interest' was no longer the sole thought in the community. But even millennia later, the purebloods still tried their damnedest the get what they wanted.

"Touche, Clarence, touche." Genesis muttered in response to Clarence's words. "Although you say revolutionist, the rest of us prefer to use the term radical." He took no harm from the pureblood's snide remark though. Clarence was a smart man who knew where the majority of their people were. It was a jab made in jest of having his grandson in an intimate relationship with another male. Not that that was the true cause for his remarks either. Homophobia was more accepted in their world than in the human, but Zane was a pureblood who was supposed to take a council seat and continue on the family line.

Genesis for the most part remained quiet though, trying his best to allow Zane to handle the situation. As he had informed them before though, he'd be interjected when he saw it fit. "Es vos invidus sentiens Alarick? Uolo te liberum habebant filius tuus invenisse se?" He asked once the three quieted into what could basically be scene as a staring contest. Once the words were spoken though, all three pairs of eyes turned towards him; one in outrage, one in confusion, and another a steely gaze not letting their emotions be known. Zane would not know what he was saying, especially nice he kept his mind thoroughly blocked, but the older pair would.

Genesis took another sip from his glass in a rather calm fashion. "Now, now Clarence you and I both know that a council seat is passed down through blood, but that blood doesn't have to be a direct decedent. I know there are a few others in the Blackwell line that would be more than happy to take Zane's seat and as for the Kostantine family…well Alarick here is young enough to have another child I'm sure." What he was suggesting was rather rude, but Genesis was not in a political mood after the outburst Alarick had just had. Genesis' blue eyes were fixed on Zane's father.

Clarence shrugged slightly. The truth was, he was on Genesis' side over the subject. It had taken a lot of work among centuries to put changelings as high up as they were, and it was due to very revolutionary movements. Especially in times to come where the races were mixed so that very few pure bloodlines still remained intact. While there had been twelve, it narrowed to eleven with the joining of the Blackwell and Kostantine lines.

Zane looked at Genesis in confusion when he changed languages. It was another one of those things Zane had pushed off learning. He didn't see the point in knowing how to speak a long dead language. Now he wished he would have listened. He didn't like being cut out. Especially since Genesis was making it a point to not let him in his mind.

He'd been so focused on that fact that he missed the reaction from the other two, and by the time Genesis had calmly taken a sip from his glass the tension had faded and they were back to business.

Finally, Clarence used more words than six to get his point across. "Don't act as if you don't understand this, Genesis. You played politics more than enough to know where I'm coming from. Zane is different. A Blackwell and a Konstantine. One family of which is slowly disappearing. There's a name that needs to be carried on here. The right of power has rightfully been passed to Zane. He is a first born male. And the seat in question isn't a Kostantine seat. It's a Blackwell. Zane here is the only one that carries the amount of blood to hold that seat."

Genesis had been right though. Even Zane knew it. He had cousins that hated him for not taking the seat they so deeply desired. The Blackwell seat was an inner circle seat, which was a prestigious place to be. The Kostantine seat was a second layer. Currently, it was filled by his paternal uncle whom Zane only knew by name, as Alarick had the Blackwell seat.

Alarick was still glaring at Genesis, even while Clarence spoke. As if he wasn't listening to the conversation at all. "Even if Alarick were to remarry and father another boy, said child wouldn't be eminent enough to hold Zane's seat. Alarick's old seat, yes. But not Valissa's."

Zane slowly sank down. He hadn't heard his mothers name in a long time. Avoided thinking it, even. It was strange to hear it, and he could tell it bothered his grandfather for a moment too, though Clarence carefully covered it with a sip from his glass.

"Zane," the old mans eyes focused on him again. "One day you'll come to understand the importance you hold. Now, drop all this nonsense, come home, and we'll discuss some arrangements that perhaps you will be more comfortable with."

Zane was silent for awhile as his eyes trained on his grandfathers, then they slowly moved to Genesis. He smiled softly before his eyes dropped to their conjoined hands, and he slightly tightened his hold.

"I love you."

Zane could still hear the words from Genesis clear as day. It'd been a few nights since the first time he'd said it, so firm and adamant.

"I really do Zane."

"I know just how important I am." He was important to Genesis. Of all the people out there, men and women, beautiful, successful, wonderful people...Genesis chose him to love. Or perhaps it wasn't a choice, but he chose to fight for him...Zane wanted him too. To be by his side forever.

He felt wholes being stared into him, so he slowly raised his gaze again to look at his grandfather. The disgusted thoughts were no longer in the elder males mind. It wasn't homophobia...it never had been. It was disgust over thinking that Zane had stooped to a level so low as to change his sexuality to get out of something.

Now, for whatever reason, Clarence could understand it wasn't like that. "This is what you want?"

Zane just nodded.

Then, with no warning what so ever, he was suddenly pulled from his spot by his arm which was clasped in an iron tight grip. Alarick. His father was no longer riding int he back seat. He wanted Zane home and apparently he was going to do it by force.

Zane wasn't going anywhere. His fingers stayed securely locked in Genesis'.

Genesis listened contently as Clarence spoke his case. He had known many Blackwell's in his long life, had even made a friend or two over the centuries, but like most purebloods they were rather stubborn. There had been few incidences where a male heir was absent in order to obtain a council seat and a woman had to take it instead. When categorizing those woman, Genesis had to put them in the ruthless or reserved groups. Sometimes a woman would act like the subservient little Ms. she had been raised to be, but others she would over compensate in being a woman in power. During the latter times it had often been scary for non-purebloods, but Genesis and the others would never dispute a female's claim to a seat. No, that was a pureblood problem.

But once more, Genesis listened. Despite common conception he was quite the level headed politician. The mention of Valissa caused tension to build in his body, Zane's mother had been a dear friend whose life had been ended far to early. "Maybe Clarence, it is a sign then. One to let you know that the joining of the Blackwell and Kostantine lines were not meant to join." It was a jab to both men, though Genesis knew it would bother Alarick more. Their marriage had been nothing, but a political tool anyone and even Clarence couldn't deny that his daughter and Alarick had not been a good match.

The changeling returned to silence though as Blackwell addressed his grandson. The decision was one that only Zane could make and Genesis needed to let him tell his grandfather clearly. His nerves fluttered a bit, it was a big choice, but he chosen to stay by Zane's side and Zane had chosen the same for himself.

With Clarence's possible acceptation came Alarick's extreme anger. Pulling Zane up and Zane not letting go of Genesis had caused the changeling to jolt up as well. Almost immediately Genesis released an animalistic roar from his throat and his free hand grabbed onto the wrist of the hand Alarick was using to grab his son. The room fell quiet and all eyes turned to their small group.

"Nunc vel removere ab eo melius tua te poeniteat. Iterum tangit eum, audeo te. Ego scindam guttur tuum de te et exhaurire usque nihil reliquerunt. Possum asseverare vobis, vix ullum supplicium." None could say that despite his evident anger, Genesis didn't possess tact. He had switched over to the dead language once more so others could not fully understand what was going on. His hand squeezed tightly over Alarick's wrist in a threatening manner. One that said that if Zane was not released, Genesis would make sure Alarick would be unable to use his hand for a very, very long time.

"You are no longer in control Alarick and it's time you understand that. I'm not standing by the sidelines anymore, so why don't you pick on someone your own size for a change instead of him." This time Genesis' voice was lower, in a way signaling for the other partygoers to return to their previous conversations.

Zane's eyes had flickered over to Genesis the moment he mentioned that the joining of Zane's bloodline had been a bad idea. Zane wholeheartedly agreed, but he grew up in that house so he had a reason to. He'd only come to understand the political reasons behind his parents marriage--and his own birth--in recent years.

The Kostantine line was fading. In a few years, it would have been gone completely if measures hadn't been taken. How families died out like that, Zane would never fully understand. At the time being it had made sense to join the Blackwell's and the Kostantine's. Now everyone knew it had been a mistake. Especially Zane.

Alarick had been a ticking timebomb. Between already being pushed to the back, the obvious public affection between the two males, the jab at his marriage, and the final leniency Clarence was showing...he snapped.

Zane hadn't really meant to drag Genesis up with him, but he wasn't letting go of him either. It'd taken a lot of control not to hiss out of pain when he was grabbed, but Zane wasn't one to show weakness. Especially in public. The reaction that rose out of Genesis, however, made him forget the situation.

He'd never heard such a sound from the changeling before. That was a pure declaration of anger, and as Genesis' hand wrapped around Alarick, the grip on Zane's arm loosened somewhat.

Silence. Zane's eyes scrapped over the large group of people in the room that had turned their attention to their little corner, to his grandfather that was as silent and guarded as ever, to Genesis who looked ready to kill, and finally to Alarick...who was tense, angry, and obviously sensing the danger.

Latin again. Zane hated that, he wanted to know what was going on. Genesis was obviously angry, but it was clipped in a way that was still professional. That didn't make it any less scary, though. The changeling wasn't playing, and he had age over everyone present. It was obviously a serious situation.

Zane fixed his eyes on Alarick as Genesis spoke, and despite not knowing what words were being said Zane noticed a look cross his fathers face. One that said Genesis was threatening him, and Alarick did not like that. His eyes dropped to the hand wrapped around his arm, and he saw Genesis' hand tighten around Alarick's. After a beat of silence, Genesis spoke English again.

"Alarick," Clarence spoke up. "You should take a walk." A man of more words would have added something along 'to clear your head' or anything slightly more polite. Alarick didn't reply to either male, but eventually snarled and released Zane with a push that sent him rocking back into Genesis, though both vampires stayed on their feet.

Zane rubbed his arm until the bruise faded away into nothing again. He looked over at Clarence for a moment, wondering what he knew. No one but Genesis knew how bad or how often Zane got pushed around, but Clarence's mind wasn't giving anything away, and Zane couldn't spare the time to go digging.

The tension in the room nearly faded completely as across the room the front door slammed shut behind the angry pureblood. Even Clarence seemed to relax as he took a drink of his blood again. When the old man sat back in the couch, Zane realized he had his grandfather back instead of the council leader.

Any conversation now would be a lot easier. But Zane no longer felt like talking. He wanted to turn and bury himself into Genesis and forget the rest of it.

When Alarick made his angry departure it was almost as though the entire room breathed a sigh of relief. A soft music could be heard in the air as clinking glasses and soft murmurs began to fill the air once more. Most of the guest Genesis had invited were successful changelings and a few other pureblood who were considered lesser nobility. A main council member leaving the room obviously relaxed the crowed.

"Such a child." Genesis muttered, his eyes still looking at the door that Alarick stomped his way through. It was no real wonder Zane had his childish outburst considering the way his father reacted to unfavorable situations. Looking back at Clarence he finished off his drink slowly. "You and I both know why the Kostantine line is for all intents and purposes dying Clarence. Maybe it is time you shared such with Zane."

Moving his attention back to the younger man, Genesis smiled fondly before leaning up and kissing Zane sweetly on the lips. "Now you boys behave and talk." He nudged the younger man back into sitting on the couch opposite his grandfather. "I'll be around if you need me." The changeling cupped Zane's cheek and rubbed his thumb along his cheekbone. A last moment of comforting before he departed the duo.

As he walked away, Genesis placed his empty glass on the counter and made his ay down the hallway towards his room. He knew there was no really danger to Zane after his father's departure. Clarence would never hurt the last thing he had as a reminder of his only daughter and Genesis knew that.

His door was locked but with a swipe of a card key he was easily able to enter it. The changeling just needed to take a breather, to step away from the crowded surrounds of the party. Just a moment to collect himself and then he'd step back out and be his more-than-sociable self.

Zane had been thinking about how much this was going to suck later if his father continued to react violently to their situation when Genesis spoke again, pulling him out of his darker thoughts. The environment was much better suddenly, as if the air itself had relaxed. He still hadn't let go of Genesis.

He hadn't been paying attention to what Gen had been saying until he noticed the tired nod Clarence gave the elder vampire, but Zane couldn't find himself caring much for what had been said because Genesis was kissing him. It was a sweet and soft kiss, more suited for public than the kind of kiss Zane really wanted, but he'd take what he could get.

He sat down with a soft sigh when he was nudged back into the couch and nodded. He knew he could fetch Genesis if he needed him. He offered a bit of a smile to state he would be fine as Genesis gave him one last comforting touch. He watched him go, resisting the urge to pull him back, then slowly turned his eyes to his grandfather.

Clarence Blackwell was sitting back comfortably, but still looked posed. "He really cares for you."

For a moment, Zane wasn't sure if the sentence was an observation or a question, but he answered with a nod anyway. It was no secret the two had been close for awhile, but no one had to know how short of a time it'd been before they crossed that line together.

"Zane..." the old man sighed and leaned forward, and once again Zane knew more words were coming. How odd that he'd never heard the man speak so much in his life. Granted, Zane had never done anything as radical either. "You know I don't mean to speak ill of your father-" Zane snorted, but the old man moved past it-"after all, he gave you to our family. I do so cherish you, Zane. I'm sure you know that."

Zane just nodded. Even with his grandfather there were no 'I love you's.' Honestly, no one ever said it. Not his father, grandfather, cousins, anyway. Only his mother ever had, and more recently Genesis. Zane honestly had no idea how to say it himself.

"I don't want your father in that seat," Clarence finally admitted. "That's why I'm trying so hard with you. My century of service is up, and the only other members of the Blackwell's that can take it are female. The law becomes void with you around. No one else can sit there. I can't even activate a backup clause to take it. You hold to much power."

"I don't want it," Zane said. For about the hundredth time in his life. "I never have."

The look Clarence gave him was almost sad. "You have to make a choice then, Zane. How much do you want Genesis? If you take that seat, I can help you...we can bend some stuff around and you can keep him. If you don't take that seat, you will have to have children, Zane. Within the century. Male children. Children that will have to be born within wedlock or they lose their prestige. You'll lose him."

Zane sat back and stared off into space. He had felt so strong earlier and now he just felt...defeated. Alarick wanted that seat. That seat within the first circle of the council. But his century would be up soon and then the seat would be empty. Zane would have to take it, no one else could.

"Zane," Clarence spoke up again. "You were right, earlier. You are an adult now. The decision is yours to make, and I will stand by you as I always have. But you need to stop being so impulsive. Today it's Genesis, who will it be tomorrow? A human girl to cause another scandal? A--"

"No." Zane hadn't meant to cut the elder vampire off. He knew how disrespectful it was. "I need you to understand. My decision is Genesis. I'm staying with him. I need him."

Clarence shook his head a little. "Zane, your past has proved that you cannot be in a serious...relationship. Whatever this infatuation is, it will pass. Genesis is handsome, exotic, powerful...no one would blame you for being wrapped around that. But it won't last. It never does with you."

Zane sighed out of frustration and ran both of his hands through his hair. "You're wrong."

For the longest time there was silence between the two of them, and Clarence finally nodded. "Fine, Zane. Let's put it to the test, shall we? I'll give you the month. One full cycle of thirty days to decide how this works out for you. I want you to use that time to think. Make a decision. See where you truly stand."

The elder pureblood stood and smoothed his suit out with his hands. "And then you can decide rather you want that seat and Genesis, or rather you're ready to be a family man. You must compromise, Zane. Not even you can have exactly what you want."

He reached over to take another crystal glass from one of the servers as they passed, sipped, and held it up to Zane in a toast. "Now, I think I will mingle for a short time, seeing as how many people are here. I wouldn't mind catching up."

And then he was gone, leaving Zane where he sat with a decision to make. The young pureblood sank in his seat and slowly wrapped his powers back up to himself, where only the slight buzz of thoughts remained that he didn't quite have to focus on. Clarence was, indeed, mingling but Zane had to wonder if it was only to make sure Alarick wasn't going to stomp back into the place.

Well, at least the night hadn't been a complete loss. Genesis had proved his words held true--with him around, Alarick couldn't touch Zane. He was safe. He'd also earned a little wiggle room as far as his future was concerned, and there was no doubt in Zane's mind that his point would be proved.

He and Genesis weren't moving from each others sides.

Genesis had ventured out of his room minutes after entering and decided that making his rounds to his guest would be his main goal for the time being. He stopped off to finish up his conversation with the Grekov's, a new winter-line graciously designed by the Mrs., before venturing over to start up a business suggestion with a vampire who owned an architecture firm.

"I want something smaller, there's just too much room here and I was hoping to spend a bit of my future time in a place more…cozy." It would be good for both he and Zane to get away for a while. It was a pleasant thought doing a bit of traveling with Zane. Maybe some places warmer where less clothing needed to be worn both inside and out.

The other vampire laughed at Genesis' blatant innuendo and a few others joined their group in polite conversation. Of course with Genesis there it became somewhat raunchy not long after. The atmosphere was light though, fun and entertaining. Genesis was so engrossed that he actually didn't notice Clarence's approach. A few of the others in the small group did though and with a small bow in greeting to the council head they took their leave. Except for the man whom Genesis had originally been talking to, apparently Clarence knew him as well.

"Wow Blackwell, you sure know how to clear a room." Genesis joked casually. The pureblood raised an eyebrow as a response which caused Genesis to smile and shake his head. "Must be a pureblood thing, though it seems your grandson lacks that particular trait. He always seems to gather a crowd around him." The third man in their group politely excused himself as well, leaving Clarence and the changeling to have a relatively private conversation.

"Indeed." The council member said as he took another sip from his drink. Genesis' eyes moved to where Zane was seated. It appeared to the older vampire that the young pureblood was thinking about something. Unlike Zane though, Genesis did not have any mind-reading abilities, instead he had to use good-ol' intuition. "You and I both know he has things he must do, regardless of what he truly wants."

Blue eyes ventured up to look at the older looking male as a frown parted Genesis' lips. "I know, but I will support him in whatever decision he makes. You pureblood though, always believe that you can just make anyone submit into the position you want them to be in." Genesis mind flashed quickly to unpleasant memories before quickly dissolving the thoughts. "I've seen that succeed few times and only for a short while. It always seems to backfire." The changeling's face was serious, there was more to the conversation but it was only the two vampires who understood just what wasn't being said outright.

Genesis' signature smile flashed onto his features as he bowed politely to the pureblood. "Farwell and take care young one." He said in departing. It was strange really to see someone who looked as young as Genesis call Clarence Blackwell young, but appearances weren't everything and there were few who were quite as old as Genesis.

The changeling quietly made his way through the crowd before coming to a halt behind where Zane sat. He wrapped his arms around the younger man's shoulders and slowly began to kiss up and down his neck. "How did it go love? Anything you want to talk about?" Genesis tried to keep his voice calm, soothing even to ease some of the tension he could feel in Zane's body.

Zane had been so completely lost in thought that he almost actually jumped the moment he felt Genesis' touch. He hadn't even noticed the changelings approach. He sighed softly as the older males arms went around his shoulders, and tilted his head as Genesis trailed kisses across his neck.

His hands raised to rest over Genesis' arms around him and his eyes closed as he relaxed in the older males hold. "Better than I thought, actually," he admitted.

He was silent for a moment, just enjoying the feeling, before he decided to talk about what Clarence had offered him. "He said that there isn't a way to let go of the Blackwell seat. It's the mixed blood. No one is as...regal as I am." He rolled his eyes at the word, but he didn't know a better one to use. "So he offered me a choice...pretty much what means more to me: having you, or not having that stupid seat. He said...if I really want you...he'll work it out so that we can be together, but I have to sit."

It'd still cause a scandal, and it wouldn't be easy. But Clarence Blackwell held some power, and thankfully so did Genesis. Pureblood-Changeling relationships were frowned upon, but they weren't uncommon, and because Genesis was a well known political player it helped the image of placing him with a pureblood.

However, there also weren't a lot of openly homosexual members on the council either. While it did happen and was more accepted, it still wasn't prevalent. Council members were known for having powerful families and it was their duty to continue that line. Basically the only thing Clarence was offering him was the chance to deny needing children.

"He's hoping I'll get bored of you."

That was it. Zane wasn't stupid, but Clarence thought he was. He knew what his grandfather was playing at. Zane was an impulsive boy, he did what he wanted without a second thought or considerations of a consequence. Clarence was hoping Zane was infatuated, just as he'd insisted. With a century worth of time to get over that obsession, Clarence was hoping Zane would eventually grow up and do what he needed to do: let go of Genesis and carry on his family name.

"Or," Zane continued. "I can walk away from you and never have to sit. But I have to spend my time working on starting my own family so I can have a son to take my spot."

He sighed and reached up to pinch the bridge of his nose. "It's all about saving face."

Having Alarick sit in the Blackwell seat was driving the council members crazy, and ever since Zane's eighteenth birthday they were demanding a change to rightful power. Vampires as young as Zane usually didn't have to sit, but the options were getting narrower and narrower with each passing year.

"I have thirty full nights to make a decision."

Genesis listen quietly as Zane spoke, his lips continuing to feather across the skin of his neck. His arms unwrapped from the young pureblood's shoulders and proceeded to massage them instead. He needed Zane to keep a cool head, to think through things calmly and since Zane was a young, privileged, male that was hard to do.

"Hmmm…" The changeling hummed in thought. Clarence was a tricky bastard yes, but in his own way he wanted what was best for his grandson and that just happened to also benefit the Blackwell line and the vampire council. And it wasn't hard to wonder about Zane's lack of longer-term relationship knowledge. Genesis had seen many a woman go to and leave the young man's bed since they had become friends and he couldn't recall Zane keeping a partner for longer than a month, let alone an exclusive parter.

Regardless of this, Genesis still loved him. The promiscuous behavior was just part of Zane's irresistible charm. And if one day Zane found their particular arrangement to be more trouble than it was worth at some point in the future then Genesis would (un)happily let him go. Unlike the others around the younger man, Genesis would never be one to keep him trapped in a cage without so much as an option out.

The changeling bit hard on Zane's neck, not to actually break the skin, but so that there was a viewable mark on it. Genesis walked his way around the couch to sit next to Zane. He dropped himself down next to the other male and placed his head onto Zane's lap, nuzzling his face into the pureblood's stomach. "You know," He began softly. "There's a third option of course. It's almost impossible though but we still should give it the good old college try." He shifted so that he could look up at Zane's face, the younger's face was filled with a bit of confusion but mostly curiosity. "We could spend those thirty days trying to get me pregnant." Genesis wiggled his eyebrows suggestively before laughing childishly.

Zane laughed the moment Genesis bit him. He'd been well relaxed and hadn't seen it coming, but he didn't mind at all. Let him be marked, he didn't give a damn. Let the whole world know he belonged to someone. It was a weird concept for even him to understand though. Being monogamous. How long had he just flipped through girls? Honestly, he didn't even know his own number of partners.

He dropped his head back against the edge of the couch and watched Genesis move with his eyes until he was sitting next to him. He smiled as the changeling dropped his head in his lap, and ran his fingers softly through his hair. He had to admit, Clarence had been a little right--Zane was infatuated with Genesis. Who wouldn't be though? The changeling was very attractive, black hair, blue eyes, soft features...

Third option? Zane would happily be willing to consider a third option, so he listened intently. Even if it was almost impossible...no option was easy. No matter what option Zane chose it was going to be a fight.

"We could spend those thirty days trying to get me pregnant."

For a moment Zane just stared at him, wiggling eyebrows and childish laughter, before he burst into laughter himself. All serious matters pushed aside that relaxed him more than anything else. His Genesis was back, the raunchy, joking, fun to be around Genesis. Instead of the tactful Genesis that made him put his big-boy pants on and deal with his life.

"Yeah, I definitely opt for option three," he decided with a nod as he leaned his head on the couch again and smiled down at Genesis, relaxed and happy his normal attitude was slowly going back into place. "The whole thirty days."

Time passed relatively fast and in Genesis' opinion it had been a failure successful gathering. Not only had he managed to allow Zane to voice his opinions freely in a safe environment, but the changeling had also gotten a few gotten a few good business deals out of it all. By around four everyone began to file out of his home. Surprisingly Clarence had been one of the very last to leave and Genesis said a few very polite words to the pureblood in goodbye. Alarick had never found his way back, but then again who was complaining about that.

Taking a look around his apartment, the damage wasn't as bad as it could have been. In comparison to a few of his other parties, this one had been relatively tame. In the changeling's opinion it was actually better that way; sure there weren't any crazy drugs, orgies in the bathroom, or fights breaking out in the living room, but that just meant that there was far less to be cleaned up in the evening after Genesis had slept a ridiculously long time. He'd usually hire someone to come in and clean everything up while he was sleeping anyway.

Genesis raised his arms above his head in a stretch. What he needed at the moment was a nice massage, but a bath would probably take care of the problem as well. "I'm going to take a bath." He called to Zane, not really paying attention to where the young man was.

He made his way down the hall stripping his clothing as he went so by the time he reached his bathroom he was stark naked. He didn't bother to close the door behind him and sat in the tub as hot water sprayed from the shower head. The changeling washed himself quickly before switching to a bath, taking a seat and watching as the tub filled.

Once the water level was at the desired height, Genesis turned the faucets off. He lolled his head back to rest against the marble edge of the tub as he pushed a few strands of his dark hair out of his eyes. Genesis always found it rather interesting to see the sharp contrast between his darker hair and his pale skin. Blue eyes closed in relaxation as a sigh left Genesis' mouth. It was so very comfortable.

"So…" He shouted from where he sat, his voice resonated in the bathroom but that would just let Zane hear him even more. "I was thinking that maybe you'd like to get away from here for a bit? Maybe go somewhere warmer, with a beach?"

After all the serious matters had been dealt with, Zane found himself actually enjoying the party. It was a little tame for his tastes, but still fun. He indulged in his drinking a little too much, always half wishing it was spiked, but it'd been far too long since he'd gotten to drink from the vein.

He struck up fun conversations and met a few new people, but every time he passed Genesis he took a moment to greet the changeling with a touch. As simple as sliding their fingers together for a moment, or brushing his own fingers gently across the elders shoulders, sometimes kissing him on the cheek and once stopping just long enough to grab his butt. Occasionally he'd stop by his lovers side and have a conversation with whoever Genesis was talking to at the moment, but he often didn't linger long.

When everyone had begun to leave, his grandfather caught him for just a moment to give him a pleasant goodbye and a not-so-pleasant reminder of the thirty days he was being granted with. Then Clarence went about his ways, stopping to share polite words with Genesis as well.

In the end, only Zane and Genesis remained, but the apartment was in rather good shape. Quite messy and well worn, but not as bad as it could have been.

Zane was doing his part in just picking a few things up here and there when Genesis called out to him. He looked up to nod, but the changeling was already walking away, so he just smiled, shook his head, and went back to work.

The sound of Gen's voice again made him stand up and walk his way to the bathroom, following the trail of clothing to the door before he leaned comfortably there. He smiled slowly at the changelings proposal as he ran his finger around the glass of the last drink in the building. "Can it be a nude beach?" he asked, then popped his finger in his mouth and grinned.

Genesis opened his eyes and tilted his head just a bit so he could have a view of Zane without moving too much. While the suggestion was tempting, the changeling wasn't sure if that was exactly what he wanted. "Hmm, a nude beach would mean that I'd possible have to share the oh so pleasant view of you naked with others." He reached a hand up to massage at the junction of his neck and shoulder. He was getting a bit of a kink in the area. "We could use a private beach though where we wouldn't be interrupted by anyone."

A smile played on the vampires lips as he closed his eyes once more. If only leaving and having a private getaway were that easy. Genesis had up and left everything many times over his long life, but he was guessing that getting Zane out of the country would be fairly hard. It was possible for them to travel down south, maybe to Florida, but even then the changeling believed that his family would limit his excursions.

He motioned for the younger man to come over to him. Once Zane was situated, Genesis reach back to run his fingers through the younger man's hair. He enjoyed the feeling of Zane's shorter hair between his fingers, it was nice. "Have you given it any more thought? I mean, what your grandfather said?"

A sigh left the changeling as he looked up at the ceiling. "I want you to do what's best for you Zane. Take all of us, me, your father, Clarence, everyone but yourself out of the equation. Really take your time and think things over, I love you and I'll go along with whatever you decide." Genesis had said a ton of 'I love you's over the last few days, but he had the strange feeling that Zane needed to hear them.

Zane just laughed softly and nodded along with Genesis. “True, didn't think about it that way.” He couldn't help but smirk though. He kind of liked it that the changeling wasn't too fond of the idea of sharing Zane. Which was a very odd thought coming from the famously promiscuous pureblood. “I like the idea of a private beach.”

He got off his leaning post the moment he was motioned over, and sat down on the floor by the tub before folding his arms over edge and resting his chin on them. He closed his own eyes as Genesis' fingers ran through his hair, and a soft smile played on his lips.

And then there was the dreaded change of subject, taking his thought process right back to where he didn't want it to be. “They're not going to let me go,” he muttered. “One way or another...they're going to make me do something they want m to do.”

He dipped one finger into the water, swirling tiny water tornadoes around. “I don't know what's best for me, but I don't want my mothers life...locked in some loveless marriage for the simple purpose of having children. Male children. Trapped. I don't want to end up choosing burning alive over living. I never want to be that miserable.”

He'd never talked about it before. It'd been sometime early in the morning when Zane had woken from a nightmare, around five or so. Dusk had been right around the corner, and she'd looked at a six year old child and honestly asked him if he ever thought about what the sunrise looked like.

Valissa Blackwell had been insane, no one would argue that. But in her youth they'd chalked it up to her just being eccentric and lively. It was only when she got depressed that it took a turn for the worst.

Zane lulled his head back into the crook of his elbow, he was facing Genesis but all of his attention was on the swirls he was making in the water. He could get caught up in stuff like that, just like she could. For days, if no one snapped him out of it. Time would just pass and sometime he'd move and realize it.

It was a morbid thought, Zane taking his own life, choosing to burn alive. To be honest, the changeling didn't like the idea of Zane having children with anyone else either. "You know, that's about the only thing that I envy you pureblood for having; the ability to have children. When you're changed so much is taken from you and those that willingly do it don't realize the consequences of their actions before it's too late."

When he was a young human, Genesis had never thought of having kids, or not being able to have them. It wasn't until the option was taken from him that he wondered what kind of father he would have made. It was all unpleasant thoughts and memories to him, he had accepted his lot in life long ago, but on the rare occasion where he found someone he cared for as much as Zane, it caused him to remember.

The room was silent for a few moments, he enjoying the water and Zane regressing into his own mind. Genesis looked to the young vampire before leaning over and kissing his cheek lightly. His skin was beginning to prune so he stood up, the rippling disrupting Zane's little water show. He moved to drain the water from the tub before stepping out onto the the floor and grabbing two fluffy black towels. He draped one around his waist and walked to the large vanity, using the other to dry his hair.

"I remember it," He began, the picture in his mind beautiful. "The sunrise and the sunset were both marvelous things to see. The way the sun turned the sky into numerous colors, it was breathtaking." Genesis paused, in both speaking and drying his hair. He just remembered, drifting off in his mind before shaking his head minutes later to continue on. "The sunset was the last thing I saw before I was changed." He turned around and smiled at Zane. "I still remember it so clearly."

He dropped his hair towel onto the counter behind him and walked from the room. Soon his other towel was discarded as he sifted through his dresser to find an old T-shirt and a pair of boxers. Genesis climbed into bed soon after, turning on his side and facing away from the area Zane would sleep.

“I'd make a terrible father,” Zane mentioned, but his voice sounded a little faroff. As if he was there and wasn't there all at the same time. His attention was solely on the water swirls he was making. The kiss to the cheek after all the silence pulled him back into the real word, and the ripples only helped.

He sat up and wiped his hand on his pants to dry it off before focusing his attention on the changeling. “I saw it,” he muttered. “That morning...she left the door wide open and I was under the table, my toes just inches from the sunlight...it hurt. It hurt my eyes and it made my skin itch but...I couldn't look away. Like when you drive past an accident on the highway. For some twisted reason you just have to look at it.”

It wasn't something he would ever think beautiful himself. Not if he saw it in the movies or on a painting. Every pureblood meant the sun meant sure death, but very few had ever seen it actually happen. The way Genesis smiled at him pulled him from his morbid thoughts though, and he climbed to his feet.

He followed after the changeling, pulling off clothes on his way. He sat on his claimed side of the bed to take off his shoes when a thought crossed his mind. “Gen,” he said softly. “Did you chose it? To be a vampire. Or...did someone else chose it for you?”

Genesis was old. How old, Zane didn't know. Older than anyone he knew, he was willing to bet. In fact, he figured his grandfather was the oldest vampire he knew—save for some far off relatives he didn't speak too, and Genesis had been around before that.

There was a lot about his friend he didn't know. Stuff that would take lifetimes to ever learn.

Genesis did not like talking about his past, in fact much of it he couldn't recall. His relatively short life as a human though, he could recall much of that in clarity. Not exact faces or names, but events, feelings, and even smells he could recall with almost perfect recollection. It was probably because everything is so much different after the change.

He sighed softly before turning over, pillowing his head on his arm as he looked over at Zane. Sharing with the younger man would probably happen gradually over time and if Zane stuck around long enough the young man would probably hear every last detail. Still, Genesis wasn't going to keep Zane away from him or his past. If the pureblood was curious, Genesis would was willing to answer his questions.

"You have to understand Zane, when I was born, truly born not changed, the world was an entirely different place. Long Island wasn't a fifteen minute train ride away, it would take days or even weeks to travel that far. Life was hard and humans did what they had to in order to survive and keep what was theirs safe." He paused, took a moment to think about what he wanted to say before continuing on. "Even the council, back then, there was no such thing. Not really anyway. There was no one to regulate human-vampire relations, no laws in place to protect either party. Both humans and vampires struggled to maintain their power and their territory from each other and their own kind."

The changeling contemplated Zane's original question. Had he chosen or had someone else chosen for him? It was actually tough for Genesis to answer. "At the time, I don't know…When I was there, I think I felt as though it was my choice to make, but looking back on it, I don't think it was." The changeling lapsed into silence from there, trying to let Zane process what he had been told.

Zane stood up for only a moment to jerk his pants off before he fell into bed by Genesis, on his back but with his head turned towards the changeling. He wished he'd lived longer, been around when Genesis had...at least for part of his life. He couldn't even imagine the things that his friend had done or seen, the people he'd talked to, the places he'd been.

Zane had an image of being fairly shallow, and not thinking past the length of his own nose, but truthfully...there was a lot he would do with his life if he had been in charge of it. Starting by being born earlier, simply for the experience. If he ever voiced that thought out loud he knew he'd be shot down for it. Everyone knew Zane Kostantine couldn't survive without the most plush of lifestyles.

But still, it was nice to think about sometimes. Who he would be if he'd had the choice.

He couldn't picture Genesis as a human. Maybe it was just because he was such a damn good vampire, or maybe because Zane had just never known him to be anything different. He thought about it though, for a moment, as he reached one hand out to trial his knuckles across the changeling's jawline in the most featherlight of touches. What would he have been like? Alive, warm, young..

"At the time, I don't know…When I was there, I felt as though it was my choice to make, but looking back on it, I don't think it was."

Zane didn't understand it. Not because he didn't wan to, but because he honestly couldn't. He'd never been anything but a vampire in his life. He'd never had the chance to do normal, human things or make a choice that would change his life so drastically.

Well, actually that last one he had actually done. But changing lifestyles and species were completely different. He looked up at the ceiling again, dropping both hands on his stomach, and a slight, sad smile tugged at his lips. "How do you put up with me," he wondered softly. "People from my generation think I'm immature. Honestly Gen...how am I not some snot nosed brat to you?"

He'd never wondered before. Not really. It was a thought that just struck him with no reasoning whatsoever. Of all the people in the entire world there were better choices than Zane. Smarter, earthly, older, more attractive even...why him? He had nothing to offer. Not really. Not to Genesis, anyway.

Genesis turned his head into Zane's hand, kissing the younger man's palm. As Zane pulled away though, the changeling let out a snort. Leave it to Zane turn the subject back to himself. Of course, Genesis was relieved in the not-so subtly topic change, but in a way he was also the slightest bit disappointed. It was part of Zane's charm though, so the older vampire was quite used to it.

The smaller male shifted onto his hands and knees, crawling his way over to Zane in order to straddle his legs. He loosely draped his arms around the other man's neck and let his fingers play with the soft hair at the nape of Zane's neck. "Oh you are," He responded to the younger's question. "You're a immature, self-absorbed, spoiled, brat." Genesis shifted forward a bit so that he could place his own forehead against Zane's. "But, that's just what you are, it's not who you are. There is so much more to you Zane, more than I think even you realize, but I can see great things coming from you in the future."

He pushed Zane down so that he was laying all the way down before he reached over to grab ahold of their blanket. The changeling pulled it over himself and scooted down a bit so that he could lay on Zane comfortably. After making sure that the fabric covered both himself and the other vampire, Genesis let his head rest against the other's chest.

"When you're as old as I am, you learn to read people between the lines." One of the changeling's hands moved to grab ahold of Zane's own and brought it to Genesis' mouth for a kiss. "You're smart and charismatic. And you're good Zane. Given the right opportunities I think you'll be a force to be reckoned with."

Zane hadn't really meant to pull everything back to him, it was just a downfall in his personality. He'd always been an attention whore. Especially when it was Genesis' attention he was fighting for. But, he was also used to the changeling being a little more secretive. Not in an outright way but just...in ways that made him realize he didn't know him as well as he thought he did. Which was odd, because sometimes he thought he knew Genesis better than he knew himself.

This new doubt that had grown in his mind over the last few seconds, however, was quickly becoming a problem. Perhaps he had slight anxiety, he wasn't sure, but he was suddenly thinking of how bored Genesis could get with him than the other way around. It was a very scary thought, but thankfully it didn't last very long.

He looked up at Genesis with a smile as he was suddenly straddling his legs, arms around his neck, fingers playing lightly with his hair. He snorted and rolled his eyes as the changeling agreed with his self labeling, but he new he was right. Zane was immature, very self-absorbed, very spoiled, and definitely a brat. He always had been. He'd never been ashamed of it before, either.

He smiled at his next words and went down easily, then the moment Genesis was comfortable he moved his free arm over the older male, his fingers drawing little shapes against the changelings lower back. He didn't care at all that he was being used as a life sized bed. If anything, he liked having Genesis close.

He wasn't sure if he was smart at all. Or good at anything, really. But his charisma he had going for him, and that he knew, for it was the only thing that'd ever gotten him anywhere in his short life.

He thought about Genesis' words as his fingers twined together with his and sighed softly. "But, that's just what you are, it's not who you are. There is so much more to you Zane, more than I think even you realize, but I can see great things coming from you in the future."

"I think you see too much in me," he muttered. "Or too much good, perhaps."

Or maybe Genesis just saw through him. Zane had always had that feeling whenever those blue eyes that he loved so much gazed at him. That Genesis could look past the person Zane projected and down deeper. To parts of him he didn't even know existed. Parts of him that...held promise.

He had the strongest feeling suddenly to say it back. To just flat out say 'I love you too, you know.' But he couldn't. He wasn't sure why but he just...couldn't. He even opened his mouth to try, but no words came out.

Zane figured it was just because...he didn't know how to. Most people didn't have that problem. But Zane felt like they were true. He knew he loved everything about Genesis. His eyes, his laugh, his smile, the way he felt like home, safety, and caring. His personality and charisma and ideals. And...and everything.

The way that things had changed so much. The way that laying there like they were was one of the most special things ever. Everything seemed to...mean something now.

So he said what he could. "Gen," he mumbled softly. "I really do care about you a hell of a lot. I hope you know that."

"Maybe you're dazzling good looks have actually hypnotized me into thinking you're so amazing?" Genesis teased as he let himself relax fully into Zane's embrace. The pureblood's touching on his back put Genesis into such a relaxed state that he was almost purring in contentment.

As his body turned to goo, Genesis allowed his mind to think. He understood the repercussions of an adults actions on the mind of a child. He knew Alarick's abuse had turned Zane away from the amazing person he could amount to. It had made Zane think lowly of himself, that he had a limit as to what he was capable of. The changeling decided that he'd just have to show Zane differently.

"Gen…I really do care about you a hell of a lot. I hope you know that." It was sweet to hear and if Genesis was conscious enough to actually form words he would have replied with another 'I love you', but instead all Zane would get would be little happy sounds from Genesis.

Genesis found it fascinating how the steady rhythm of a heartbeat could lull him into such submission. It was even more of a fascinating sound when it came from a vampire, but technically the purebloods were alive, it's why they were able to have children. With his ear pressed against Zane's firm chest and that sounds filling his mind, it was no wonder that Genesis found himself completely unconscious soon after.

Zane laughed softly and shook his head. "No I am amazing. the good looks are just a bonus. He smiled as he felt the older male relax against him though, it was nice to know he could have that effect.

Almost as soon as silence fell, Genesis was fast asleep, and the nights events were starting to wear on Zane as well. For a moment he had the perverse idea of dropping the shield around his powers and dipping into Genesis' dreams, but he stopped himself. That was the problem with ever actively using them like he had been--it made him not want to stop.

Somewhere in his sleep he knew he'd lose control over them anyway, but he hoped they wouldn't effect him too badly. Even still, he stayed awake much longer than Genesis, still just drawing shapes into the changelings back absentmindedly.

"I want you to do what's best for you Zane. Take all of us, me, your father, Clarence, everyone but yourself out of the equation. Really take your time and think things over, I love you and I'll go along with whatever you decide."

It was odd how someone as self-centered as Zane was couldn't take out the people around him to make a decision on his future. Truth was, he didn't know what was best for him. But he knew he didn't want a family of his own. And he knew he didn't want to be on the council. He wasn't smart enough to be, or passionate enough. He'd just end up being a pawn to someone or another.

The best thing for him was Genesis.

He sighed softly to himself and decided he was done for the night.

---

He really hated cell phones. Hated the sound they made and how they woke him up. At first, he'd ignored the buzzing and figured it'd go away and he could go back to happily sleeping with Genesis in his arms. Normally Zane wasn't such a still sleeper, but he hadn't moved once since falling asleep.

While the sound did stop, it was too late. He was already awake. So he moved the hand nearest to the side table and picked up his phone, silently opening the text. [size=80]30 days--this starts your countdown[/center].

He sighed as he put the phone back down and ran his hand through his hair, then placed his arm around Genesis again. "We need to leave," he muttered softly.

Just like Genesis had said the night before. Just go. Get away for awhile. Let him think out his choices out from under the weight currently sitting on his shoulders.

Out. He wanted out. He nearly wanted to run all the way to an entirely different country. Change his name and learn a new language. He knew he'd taken it too far with that idea, but for a moment it was an interesting thought to have.

He sighed softly. He just wanted to go back to sleep.

Genesis had really tried to stay asleep, he was much too comfortable to be awake at…whatever time it was. It honestly didn't matter. But between the phone going off and Zane moving, the changeling was finding it rather hard to go back into his nice dream world. And it was just getting to the good part. He thought as he rolled off of his partner.

He stretched like a cat and let out a loud groan before falling back down into the soft blankets and pillows of his bed. "Who's bothering you at this hour? Genesis quickly snatched the phone from the younger's grip and read the message still on the screen. "Way to be a dick Clarence." He muttered, throwing Zane's phone to the other side of the room. The vampire had actually been quite tempted to reply with a raunchy reply, like 'you're interrupting my fucking' or 'thanks for waking me, have to sent these hookers home'. Something so undignified that it would make Blackwell feel uncomfortably.

Blue eyes shift to look over at his bedmate. "Why don't you go and take a shower love, then we can talk about what we're going to do today." Genesis didn't really give Zane much of a choice in going considering he all but kicked the younger man out of the bed with a strong nudge with his foot.

Genesis was strongly compelled to leave the bed and get some food ready for when Zane got out, but laziness got the better of him. No hunger pains racked his stomach so he figured he'd take the opportunity to just fall back asleep. He was still feeling somewhat exhausted from the previous night's party anyway. Zane would wake him up when he got out of the shower. Besides, he was kind of hoping he could get his mind back into that dream he had been so rudely woken up from.

Zane sighed the moment Genesis rolled off of him. Honestly he figured he was madder about the changeling being woken up more than himself. But Zane didn't like to be up early, it made him cranky. Granted, how cranky could he really be with Genesis around.

There was no use on trying to keep his phone either. He let go of it the moment Genesis snatched it and chuckled amused at the reply it pulled from his partner. He didn't even care where the stupid thing landed. Honestly, he wished he didn't even have it--though that would probably prompt house visits.

He sighed and threw his arm over his eyes when he felt Genesis look at him, so he carefully peaked at the blue eyes that were staring at him. He was going to say he didn't need a shower when the option was suddenly not his to make. "Just kick me out of bed when you're done with me?" he grumbled as he stumbled his way onto the floor.

He didn't complain much more though, just made his way to the bathroom as he stretched his arms over his head, the muscles in his back pulling in a relaxing way. He lost his boxers right before he changed rooms, and nudged the door shut behind him.

He didn't bother with a shower. In all honesty he was too tired anyway. Instead, he filled the bath up with water that was a little too hot, then sank in. All the way in. Until his entire body was submerged.

And that was exactly where he stayed, the water locking him in completely silence. Such a task was rare for Zane, but something about the water knocked out his mental abilities too. It took away the buzz he normally heard of outer thoughts. Silence. Blessed silence.

It was kind of annoying to hear himself think. There was a lot of stuff running through the background of his mind, but he ignored it all. Instead, he thought about the idea of him and Genesis in...Greece. Lying together on some rocky shoreline just enjoying the view. Teasing each other. Maybe taking a (private) raunchy swim.

He smiled to himself, loving the images in his mind, and stayed there until the water got cold. Then he washed up, disappointed that he hadn't thought to start with that. He loved Genesis' bathroom though, it was so...comfortable.

He took his time drying off, wrapping a towel around his waist before eventually walking back out of the room and flopping back down in bed on his stomach. "I just thought of something," he murmured to the maybe-sleeping vampire. "I'm eventually going to need more clothes."

He'd only packed a few things from his latest escape from his house. Enough clean shirts and boxers to make a couple of days, but if this was going to be permanent...he'd need more.

"Unless you don't mind me walking around naked?"

The vampire let out a groan as he was woken for the second time. Zane's bellyflop had shaken the bed ever so slightly which alerted the other vampire of his return. Then again the younger man's point was valid; he was running out of clean clothes and rather fast.

Genesis sat up and scratched the side of his head in a sleepy manner. "All right, all right." A yawn interrupted his words as he stretched his arms upward. "If you want we can take a swing past your house, I'm sure your father would love to see me walking about in his noble home." The last time Genesis had been at the Kostantine house had been when Vasilla was alive. Needless to say, there had been a loud and somewhat physical altercation between the two male vampires present and Genesis hadn't been back since. That had to have happened when the Blackwell heiress had been pregnant with Zane.

Throwing his legs over the side of the bed, Genesis stood shakily on his legs. Maybe his body was beginning to show his hunger in different ways rather than the usual pain in the stomach. The changeling walked around, gave a playful slap to Zane's butt, and proceeded to walk from the room.

"And you very well know that I wouldn't mind you walking around naked all the time, but if you had no clothes I couldn't take you out and flaunt you to others." The vampire teased, finally making his way to the kitchen. He opened the fridge and grabbed a bag of blood, not bothering with a mug and just drinking the fluid cold. It tasted nasty, he'd definitely have to heat the second bag. "Get dressed and we can get going."

The bag was empty by the time he made his way back to their room. Despite telling Zane to get dressed quickly, Genesis was quite choosey when it came to outfits he was actually leaving his house in. The changeling always had the uncontrollable urge to look enticing to any and everyone. Then it would take at least another fifteen minutes for hair. When Genesis thought back on it, he was more high maintenance than any of the women he had dated in the past.

Zane just grinned at the slightly irritated and still tired changeling. "Hey, I didn't want to be up either. But someone had to kick me out of bed. He snickered at the idea of Genesis in his house. Honestly, he didn't think Genesis had ever been to his house. At least not in his lifetime.

In fact, few people had in his company. He hadn't even had girls over, preferring the safety of a lavish hotel room over what may be awaiting him at home. Generally, said hotel was in better shape than his room anyway. Living in material luxury or not, Zane still had the traits of a teenage boy--that included a beyond messy bedroom.

He laughed as he got a playful slap and turned on his side to watch Genesis walk from the room. In contrast to the changeling, Zane was very well fed thanks to the party the night before. He'd work through it soon, but most likely would make it through the night without getting actually hungry.

He smirked slowly as Genesis revealed that he wouldn't mind Zane walking around naked, and dropped his head lazily on his arms. "Well, you could, but I'm not sure it'd be received very well," he answered with a chuckle. He hadn't planned on moving at all from the comforts of the bed until Genesis told him to get dressed.

He groaned softly and rolled out of bed to grab the bag of clothes he'd taken the night he left and dug through it for something to wear. He didn't have anything nice left--not that he'd been paying attention when he grabbed a handful of clothes. In fact, he was out of jeans, but one pair still seemed relatively clean so he grabbed though, a light purple and gray flannel button down, and his shoes from wherever they had fallen the night before.

He sighed as traded his towel for his boxers then flopped back down on the bed. Compared to Genesis he was a lot less high maintenance in his looks. He kind of just through himself together. As long as his clothes fit right and he smelt good, he didn't mind so much.

And it didn't matter what he did to his hair, it always fell right back into the same place it'd always been in.

"You sure you wanna go to my house?" He asked a little doubtfully. It would piss his father off though, and that was always a sight to see.

Genesis took a moment to look himself over in the one of his full length mirrors. He had traded in his ratty old tee and boxers for a light blue guinea-tee with some artsy design that had caught his eye in the store and a pair of tight black jeans. It was the jeans he liked especially, they made his butt look real nice…or at least that's what he had been told. He grabbed a loose, dark-grey vest from his closet and he was ready to go.

He took a few moments to make sure his hair was just the way he wanted it to be before making his way over to Zane. The changeling contemplated his words before a large grin changed his features. "Well, of course love, I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye to Al. It was just so rude of me." He leaned his head down to partake in a few moments of making out before pulling away from the younger man abruptly. A pink tongue darted out of his mouth to lick his lips. "Besides, I would really love to see your room, maybe try out your bed to switch things up in our love life?"

The older vampire innocently clasped his hands behind his back and turned on his heels. The suggestion wasn't something he was going to push though. Alarick would be absolutely furious the moment they would enter the house, but the thought of actually having sex with his son underneath the abusive bastards own roof was very tempting. Not enough though to get Zane in trouble though.

Walking out into the living room, Genesis opened one of the closets to get a pair of shoes. It took him a moment to pick out the right ones, but eventually he pulled out some short black boots. They were cute to say the least and they fit his outfit nicely.

Genesis watched as Zane came down the hallway to join him. They left through the door, went up a few floors to the ground level and the changeling grinned again when he presented a limo to Zane. "I thought we'd travel in style." He commented as he opened the door for the younger man to get inside. Honestly Genesis hadn't driven in years, probably because he had been pulled over a few times because he looked like a new driver. It hadn't been fun, so for the last few years he had opted to get chauffeured around by either a taxi or his own personal driver.

Zane scoffed at Genesis' words, more so the nickname of 'Al' than anything else. He himself was content just to sit there and enjoy some heated kissing but, in usual Genesis style, he was gone way before Zane was ready. He sighed a little as he pushed himself to his feet. "My room is a mess...and my bed is nowhere as nice as yours."

Though the idea was a little tempting...maybe more so than a 'little'...but Zane knew better to push it. Maybe if the house was empty when they arrived for some reason. He shook the thought from his mind and leaned in the doorway as he waited for the elder male to pick his shoes. He had to smile for a moment. Zane only owned three pairs of shoes: dress shoes, sneakers, and a pair of rarely used flip-flops.

When they were ready to go he walked quietly, just a few steps behind Gen, smiling politely at the guards he knew. His face broke into a grin at the sight of the limo. That was where Zane was high maintenance: luxury. He had a weakness for it. It'd been awhile since he'd been in a limo too.

He grinned as he climbed inside, and once they were both comfortable and moving, he pulled the changeling back in to continue the make-out session from earlier.

The ride was much longer than the walk, only due to traffic, which stayed thick through all hours because of the busy city. Zane didn't mind though, the more space between him and his so called home the better. Honestly it was almost amusing how little time he spent there.

"I'm not annoying you, am I?" he asked Genesis as he sat comfortably in his seat, head resting against the letter, absentmindedly playing with the changeling's fingers as he held onto his hand. "Like that stupid guest that never will go home?"

His eyes darted out the windows the moment his house came into view. Unlike the Blackwell's who lived in penthouses in the city, the Konstantin home was just outside of all the hustle and bustle. It was on the smaller side for a mansion, white with an old timey look, with a large driveway. It was all light up as if it were something spectacular.

The continuation of their earlier activities was nice, Genesis always enjoyed a bit of mouth and groping action, but it was especially good because Zane initiated. Sometimes the older vampire still couldn't believe that Zane had actually chosen to peruse any kind of intimate relationship with him. The intimacy made Genesis feel wanted.

Zane's question caught him a bot off guard though. Was he making the younger man feel unwelcome? "Trust me love, if you were an annoying guest who wouldn't leave I would have no problems removing your ass from the premises. Well, me or I could just get Bruce to do it." Bruce was a rather giant hulk of a man, well not exactly a man, more of a beast considering he was a lyncanthrope. The changeling gave their hands a squeeze in reassurance. "If I wanted you gone, you would be. Just ask the likes of Raymond Pierce or Francesco Armel."

Genesis' eyes followed after Zane's to look at his approaching home. It had been so long since he had seen it and the house looked just about the same as before. If he hadn't known better he would have thought Valissa would come running through the front doors in greetings to him in a few seconds. But he did know better, jut like he knew not to trust the inviting exterior.

A snort left the changeling as he looked at the many lights. "Doesn't your father care that he's wasting a ton of electricity?" He muttered, not really expecting an answer in return. It was really more to have something to complain about, not that Genesis didn't think the environment wasn't important, he even had a few charities set up for the cause.

When the car stopped, Bruce got out of the passenger seat in the front to open his boss' door. Genesis gracefully removed himself from the vehicles confines and smoothed out his clothing. He turned just the slightest so he could grab Zane's hand after the younger man got out as well. "Is he home?" He asked the pureblood as they walked to the front door.

Zane smiled at Genesis' answer. He'd actually been a little worried he was overstaying his welcome. Sure, Genesis had never kicked him out before, but he'd also never stayed longer than one day. He just...didn't want to be in the way. The squeeze of reassurance helped ease his nerves and he nodded a little. Truth be told, he was a little afraid of the large lycan. And, for a brief moment of curiosity, he honestly wished he could ask said examples...

"Does my father care about anything?" he shot back as he response, talking in a mutter is well. He followed Genesis out with a sigh, not bothering to see if he was presentable, and twined his fingers with the changelings. Not a lot of happy memories surrounded the house they were walking to.

It didn't even feel like home. Genesis' place felt like home...or maybe the vampire himself did, who could say? He looked at his friend when he asked the question, murmured a soft 'block your mind', then unleashed his own powers.

Sometimes it felt good to let them go, stretch his mind out for a moment. Unfortunately, sometimes it disappointed him. He squeezed Gen's hand a little and nodded before pulling back.

With his free hand he dug in his back pocket until he got the key to his house, then he swung open the door to find the inside just as bright as the other.

Oddly, it hadn't been cleaned from the last time he'd gotten his ass beat. He figured probably because he'd caused such a mess fighting back. Vampires...put two angry ones in a room together and they could damn near tear down a house. The couch was gone though, as was the coffee table, both of which he'd broken after being thrown into them.

He tugged on Genesis' hand as he made his way to the staircase, casting his eyes downward. Oh how he wished he had the ability to be invisible instead of reading minds.

"Zane."

The voice came from the top of the staircase, and Zane finally looked up. Speak of the devil, there he stood, dressed as if he had somewhere to go with his large arms folded over his chest.

"Hi dad," he replied, already sounding tired and annoyed with the situation. His tone was a bit clipped though. Daring. Wondering if the older pureblood would dare make a movie with Genesis in the room.

Alarick being home wasn't exactly the best scenario, but it was his house after all. The couple apparently wasn't lucky enough for the bastard to be out at some lame meeting or gathering going on. Genesis remained silent though as Zane opened the door, but the disarray on the inside wasn't what he was expecting.

The house looked completely trashed, broken furniture and knickknacks everywhere. Genesis knew it had been a bad fight, but actually see the 'scene of the crime' resulted in a whole different realization. The thought that most surprised him though was that Alarick hadn't cleaned the place up. The man was one for appearances and a stickler for cleanliness, it really surprised the other vampire that he wouldn't have had everything fixed and cleaned already.

He let Zane lead him up the stairs, but he noticed Alarick even before the other male had spoken. There was just something about his aurora that had always grabbed Genesis' attention and it wasn't in the pleasant attractive sort of way. No, instead it always made the changeling feel quite uneasy, like he was trapped inside of a room with a ticking time-bomb about to go off.

Moments passed by and complete silence as father and son just stared at one another. For Genesis it was a rather uncomfortable affair. He cleared his throat in a not so subtle manner. "Such a shame you had to leave the party early Alarick, it was quite the gathering." Grabbing Zane's hand tightly in his own, Genesis proceeded to walk past the younger man and lead him towards his father. "Just need to get a few things of Zane's, you know there's only so many things that I can do to comfort him." Yeah, now he wasn't being mean, but he really didn't care. Best to remind Alarick that Zane wasn't his punching bag anymore. Now he was Genesis' partner.

Once they reached the top of the staircase, Genesis stood in between the Kostantine men. He looked to the younger man and titled his head in questioning. "Which way?"

The way Genesis cleared his throat snapped the two men out of their staring battle. Zane tossed his gaze elsewhere, his hand slightly tugging on the changelings as he really didn't want to stand there much longer than he had to. Already Alarick was fitting the eldest male in the room with a look that could kill. "I'm sure it was," he replied smoothly.

Zane only budged from his spot when he could no longer keep Genesis' hand in his. He quirked a smile at Genesis next words though, and in a very uncharacteristic movement, Alarick stepped off to the side so as not to block the way. "Left," Zane answered, fixed his father with one more look, then started to move that way.

"You're grandfather told me of the options he gave you," Alarick said, running one hand over the smooth wood of the railing. "I'm very much looking forward to being a grandfather myself, Zane."

Zane nearly snapped. There was more than one insult to that sentence. The first was a jab at himself, a reminder that it didn't matter how old he was or how independent he thought he was being---someone still owned him. The second being a jab to Genesis--that it wasn't possible for Zane to chose him, that he would walk away from everything so long as he didn't have to be on the council. The third was the one that really sat him off. It was merely an implication that if Zane had children, Alarick would be a part of their life. And if Zane was no longer willing to be his punching bag, then his children surely would be.

It didn't even matter that said unborn children weren't even a consideration in the purebloods mind, it still set him off. He dropped Genesis' hand and took one step up to his father, they were about the same height but this stare-off was a lot more serious than the first had been. It was only when mad that Zane ever resembled the Kostantine line, his jaw sat in the same forceful way his fathers did, and his brows drew together the same way. Their builds were similar, though Zane was larger in bulk.

Alarick smiled, and reached out to pat his son on the cheek, but Zane only allowed one touch before smacking his hand away. "Enjoy playing house," his father said with a smile, "I'll make sure the house is in better shape when you come home."

And then the pureblood spun around gracefully on his heels, and walked down the hallway. Zane only stared after him for a moment before turning and grabbing Genesis' hand again. He didn't speak as he walked the opposite way then nudged his bedroom door open with his foot.

It was a mess. His bed, which was black silk, was unmade and the blankets barely on it anymore, large curtains haphazardly covered the only window in the room, though there was definitely no way to see out of it. His dresser drawers were open from where he'd grabbed clothes the last time he'd been there, and there were books and movies everywhere--on the shelves, on the floor, wherever he'd chosen to finish with them.

"Sorry," he muttered as he stepped ahead to grab things up and shove them away in a corner. "Never had anyone over, really..."

It quite unnerved the changeling when Alarick simple stepped out of their way, it was very bizarre for him to behave in such a manner. The difference had instantly put Genesis on edge, even with Zane's directions on which way his room was. Genesis knew there was something off though and when Alarick spoke he knew why he had been 'cooperative'.

Genesis had been dealing with insults from the pureblood since the moment they had met years ago. He was used to it by the present time and while the implications brought that nagging voice of Zane leaving him back into the changeling's head, he was largely unaffected by the words. Genesis was already prepared for the day when Zane might just leave him, regardless of the words Alarick spoke.

What he had been unprepared for was Zane's strong reactions towards the comment. Genesis had honestly thought that the younger man would escalade the situation to something physical with the amount of anger rolling off of him in waves. When Alarick touched his son, Genesis was ready to pounce if worse came to worse. It had surprised him that all Zane did was slap the intruding hand away and allowed his father to continue on his merry way down the hall. All in all, the changeling was proud of him.

The older vampire maintained the silence as Zane grabbed his hand and lead him towards their original destination. Truthfully Zane was gripping a bit too hard, but he was angry and Genesis was positive that he wasn't minding his own strength; the younger man was angry and he had a right to be so.

A small laugh left Genesis as Zane attempted to 'clean up' the mess that appeared with the opening of his door. Genesis found it charming really, it had been…forever since he had been in a teenage boy's room and not even one of the current era.

Genesis walked around the room slowly, taking his time in looking at everything as he massaged his tender hand. He took an especially long time to skim over the various books lying about, it was something he and Zane had shared in common: the love to read. After making his round about the room he plopped himself onto Zane's bed and looked over at the younger man. "I like it, it's so very you."

Letting his body fall back into the unmade mess of the bed, Genesis turned onto his side and buried his nose into the fabrics. "Mmmmm, smells just like you." He muttered out, though the sound was rather muffled. He kicked off his shoes and proceeded to make himself more at home on Zane's bed, curling himself in a ball.

"You shouldn't mind him, love." Genesis said as he removed his face from the pillow he was currently wrapped around. "He's bitter about no one liking him and he's not getting laid." A large grin spread over the changeling's features as he sat up and threw of the vest he was wearing. It landed on the floor at Zane's feet and Genesis' hands went to work by playing with the hem of his own shirt. "And speaking of laid...I think I made a suggestion earlier that sounds very appealing at the moment."

Zane was honestly slightly embarrassed by the shape of his room. He was a secret slob, one of those people that always looked nice and well put together, but deep down they were really messy. His disregard to what clothes he was wearing, how his hair looked, and the shape of his personal belongings told the truth.

He was doing his best to at least pick up dirty clothing while Genesis walked around, but it seemed futile. He should have known that the changeling would have taken his time looking at things instead of simply passing through. Zane couldn't blame him though, he was always the same way at the others house.

He only stopped in his pointless attempt to clean when he heard Genesis voice, and looked back to find the elder male plopped comfortably on his bed. He chuckled softly at the sight of the changeling making himself very at home. Zane didn't mind his bed so much, it was comfortable and the sheets were nice. But he always slept better at Genesis'. Partly to do with the plush bed the other male owned and partly to do with having him next to him.

Zane sighed to himself as he dropped one more pile of crap into a corner and walked over to lean on his bookshelf, looking down at Genesis as he spoke. He quirked a smile, knowing that he was right. Zane shouldn't react so badly. If only he could just ignore him.

"He's bitter about no one liking him and he's not getting laid."

He actually laughed about that one, lulling his head against the side of the shelf. He figured it was true, in a way. If anyone was at a desperate low of friends it was Alarick Kostantine. To be honest though, Zane didn't really care to know if his father was or was not getting laid. But he figured not.

His laugh faded away at the sight of that grin on Genesis' face. He looked down at the vest that fell to his feet and then slowly back up at the changeling with a raised eyebrow. He grinned himself, with the slight shake of his head. The idea did sound very appealing. Enough so that he leaned down until their foreheads touched. Just close enough to kiss.

"You're going to get me killed," he muttered, completely joking even though the slight possibility was in the back of his mind. He wasn't sure where the confidence had come suddenly, where he was okay making the first move or initiating kisses. Perhaps it was comfort, or maybe he was just getting used to being with Genesis. That it was really happening and everything was okay. At least for the time being.

Whatever the reason, without a second thought he crossed the last bit of distance between them and captured Genesis' lips with his own, pulling the changeling into a deep kiss.

So the quickie that Genesis had been planning for hadn't exactly worked out the expected way. After one round Genesis grabbed quickly for his phone and texted Bruce to take a break until his boss contacted him. It was rude to leave the lycan man outside with nothing to do and Genesis quite liked his employees. Besides, the changeling was planning to thoroughly enjoy his time in Zane's bed.

He opted for a longer, slower, and more intimate romp after the first and the changeling held no embarrassment for being loud. In fact, he made it a personal goal to make sure he was extremely loud, just so that Alarick might be able to hear the couple.

Genesis let out a deep breath as he laid half on top of the younger man. With his head resting on Zane's shoulder, the changeling was slowly tracing patters on his partner's chest. It was strange really, usually Genesis enjoyed his extremely large bed with it's soft fabrics and fluffy pillows, but there's was something to being stuck in a small bed with someone you cared for. "You know, I may just have to downsize our bed when we get home. Maybe just a double bed, it's not like I don't sleep on top of you as it is."

Slowly Genesis sat up, patting Zane on his stomach before crawling from the confines of the bed. As pleasant as it was to completely rub their relationship in Alarick's face and having sex under his roof, they did come to the Kostantine home with a purpose. Picking up his phone once more, he sent another text to call his people back to the house to pick them up.

After taking a moment to locate his jeans, Genesis picked up a large duffle bag in one of the corners in the room. Walking barefoot over to Zane's dresser, Genesis stuffed as many clothes as he could into it. The older male wasn't sure what else his companion would want to take, maybe some electronics or books, but they would definitely need to take a few trips to get whatever Zane was taking with him.

After what had been probably the most fun Zane had ever had in his room, he was more than content to just lay there for a minute, with Genesis' against him and a satisfied smile on his face. His eyes opened slowly as the changeling spoke, and then widened. "No way, I like your bed." If anything, Zane enjoyed plopping into it and feeling lost in all the plushness. Though Genesis had a point--they both slept right up against each other.

He sighed as his lover got up, breaking the moment and going back to what they were there to do. Zane didn't move from his bed right away. One arm over his eyes and a smile on his face he was thinking about how many times he'd pressed a hand over Genesis' mouth and softly laughed out a 'shhh'. It hadn't mattered though, Genesis' had been just as loud as he'd pleased. Zane could only hope most of it was from a job-well-done rather than spitefulness.

When he did get up, a very happy grin spread over his face as his mind went over the words the changeling had just said. "You know, I may just have to downsize our bed when we get home." Not his bed, not his home. Theirs. Together. He ran both his hands through his hair, trying to shake the ridiculously happy smile off his face as he attempted to find his clothes.

Genesis had less trouble, but Zane had clothes strung out everywhere, and he couldn't really remember what he'd had on before. Except he knew he'd been wearing a button down--from the memory of Genesis' lips trailing down his torso after each one was undone.

He shook his head again, sure he looked like an idiot, before deciding to pull on whatever looked familiar. He didn't mind that Genesis was going through his clothes, there wasn't anything he particularly wanted or didn't want as far as they were concerned. Zane himself reached under his bed and pulled out a smaller bag to fill with other things. Books he hadn't read yet, a movie or two he'd recently bought, and a couple of nicknacks he didn't want to leave behind if he wasn't coming back again.

All in all, however, there wasn't a lot there. His room was mostly just a melting-pot of stuff he'd gathered over the years and a place to sleep. He didn't keep a lot. Clothes were the main focus. Especially clean clothes. Even if there was anything else he wasn't sure he could find it.

"I'm such a slob," he muttered as he spun around in his room, utterly and completely lost as to what else to grab.

Was it bad to admit that Genesis stopped what he was doing just to stare at Zane as he dressed? Of course not, in fact the changeling would argue that it was his job to look at the younger man whenever he had a lack of clothing. It was his right as 'the lover'. That and he enjoyed the view immensely.

Turning back to filling up the bag, Genesis had already finished packing in most of the clothing in the first two drawers. Weirdly enough the third was the underwear drawer and an almost evil smirk spread over the vampires face as he lifted each piece of fabric out. One in particular caught his eyes and he laughed loudly in result. Taking the small piece of silk he turned around and threw the leopard print thong to Zane. It had been a gag gift from Genesis himself, but he had figured Zane had thrown them away long ago. "Since you kept them, you are so going to have to wear them around the house for me…in nothing else mind you." He wiggled his eyebrows and laughed once more.

By the time he filled the bag completely, stuffing as many clothes as possible into it, he had successful gotten four full draws to fit. It took Genesis a few minutes to find his own clothing, for the most part they were easy to find considering he was much smaller than Zane. As he was putting on his shoes his cell went off. It was Bruce saying that they were pulling up.

"They're here love." The changeling announced, walking his way over to his lover and giving him a quick peck on the lips. "I could sent some people over in the morning if you want to take anything big with you or if you remember missing something later on." Genesis hefted the duffle bag over his shoulder as he walked over to the bedroom.

He had honestly not remembered Zane closing or locking it, but then again he had been preoccupied by other things. "Should have left the thing open…" He said in a sing-song way, stepping out into the hallway. "The acoustics would have been amazing."

Genesis' laughter nearly caused Zane to jump out of his skin. He was trying to go through a list of anything potentially embarrassing he had hidden in his clothes drawers but honestly...he couldn't think of anything. And then something silky and leopard print his his shoulder.

Zane looked up with a begrudging grin as he shook his head in amusement. He remembered getting the gift because at the time he honestly hadn't known they made male thongs. A lot changed between that year and now. He rolled his eyes and muttered a sarcastic 'ha ha' as he shoved them in the bag he was currently holding. But he had to admit, he liked the teasing side of Genesis.

He'd finished grabbing anything of any real importance when Genesis spoke up again to announce their ride. He smiled at the quick kiss then shrugged as he looked around. Bed, pretty damn nice television, radio system, and bookshelves were the only really large things in his room and Genesis had those at his place. But the chances he'd forget something were high, so he didn't dismiss the offer.

He took one last look around then followed Genesis to the door and laughed at the changeling's words. "Shhh," he said again in another amused whisper as he stepped out too. Once again he looked back, this time just at his bed. A smile at would be a very good memory later on, he pulled his door shut on the room. Hopefully he wouldn't be back.

Zane followed Genesis down the steps and then a slow smirk covered his face. "That bag is as big as you are." If there was one thing that would never change in their relationship, it was definitely the teasing. Zane wasn't even really tall by his counts, but he still had six inches on the other male. And those six inches were the only thing that gave him the right to pick on Genesis about being tiny.

Though it didn't really matter. Genesis, no matter how tall he was, was devastatingly handsome. Zane had seen women taller than himself try and earn the changeling's attention. He'd had to cut back on his teasing a little while after those few stunts.

He sighed as he jumped down the last few steps and only slowed at the sight of Alarick in the livngroom. It was sat up an odd way, where only his back was visible. Classical music was playing that Zane hadn't noticed earlier, something from the elder pureblood's youth.

You disgust me.

Zane had actually been watching his powers, keeping them pressed tightly to him so that he could enjoy his time with Genesis. But he could always hear thoughts. Especially if a person focused them on him. "I'll miss you too, dad," he muttered.

But nothing could stop him from being happy. A true smile found it's way on his face and he switched his bag to his other arm so he could grab Genesis' hand again and make their way out.

He never thought it'd be so easy.

Life was blissful, great, stupendous…at least at the beginning. Genesis and Zane had made several public appearance throughout vampire society, the young pureblood accompanying the changeling in business gatherings and then going out to various clubs in the city. It had been amazing and Genesis couldn't even remember the last time he had been this happy. Neither he nor Zane had seen or even heard from Alarick in the past weeks and both were very much alright with that.

Time seemed to fly for the couple, but as the days passed, the closer they got to Zane's deadline and the fowler the pureblood's mood seemed to get. Clarence's reminders ever week didn't help in the least. Zane had already gone through two phones in the past week alone, venting his anger on the tiny machines. Even their sex life had taken a blow from the tension. Genesis had tried almost everything to try and comfort his partner, to keep the younger man calm, but nothing helped.

It was already the twenty-eighth day in the countdown and Genesis was afraid that Zane was going to explode soon. One glance at the eighteen year old and it was obvious how angry and frustrate he was. Genesis understood, but he was scared. He wasn't sure what Zane was going to do, but with how he had been acting towards the changeling lately Genesis was completely worried that Zane would be leaving him soon.

Genesis rolled over onto his side, he was alone in bed which had become the norm over the last few days as Zane took the couch. The stress from dealing with Zane had been effecting the changeling immensely, even going as far as causing him to take a leave of absence from his various jobs. It was an emotional roller coaster really and Genesis was drained, he tried his best though to stay strong in front of Zane. He took whatever the younger man dealt out with a stoic and understanding front, but he was on his last leg.

Sitting up the vampire slowly crawled his way out of bed. At the moment he wasn't sure where Zane was. He was hoping his lover was still in the apartment, but he needed to feed regardless. His legs were a bit wobbly at the beginning, the stress had completely messed up his eating habits and lately he had to force himself to feed.

Making his way into the kitchen he noticed the back of Zane's head on the armrest of the couch. The television was on, but all the sound was muted. He wasn't sure if Zane was asleep or not, but he still tried to be as quiet as possible. After heating himself a mug of blood he made his way over to the prone body. Zane was awake, eyes open and staring at the tv, but his mind seemed to be elsewhere.

Gently, Genesis placed a hand down to rub Zane's head. "Hey love." He said softly, not wanting to spook him. Zane had been slipping into his own head a lot more than usual lately and sometimes if he was roused suddenly he'd lash out. Sometimes it got physical, other times it was just mean angry words. The changeling was hoping for a different response this time, but then again he had been hoping other times as well.

2 Days.

The text on his newest phone seemed to scream at him even though it was in an entirely different room. Zane was on the couch again. He couldn't remember if he'd chosen to be there or if Genesis had kicked him out. Honestly, the last week had been pretty much a blur.

He'd been sitting on the couch, leg thrown over one arm, head and arm resting on the other. Staring blankly at a movie on the tv, but the sound was off. He was lost in his thoughts again. It seemed like he spent an oddly long amount of time there. In his own head.

He was remembering how happy he'd been, if only for a short time. He remembered being so unbelievably happy that negative words weren't even a part of his vocabulary. He remembered finally being public with Genesis, smile on his face, hand in hand. Business gatherings, parties, society in general...every knew they were together. It had been wonderful. Aside from the reminder texts, he hadn't heard a word from his family.

But for Zane...paradise always crashed.

The weeks went by too fast. One day after another and Zane had been pushing off his decision. The stress of each sunrise and sunset ate away at him little by little. He could feel the weight drop back down on his shoulders that had so carelessly been pushed away 28 days ago.

He felt like a time-bomb. Every passing minute seemed to light another flame in him that was ready to explode. Sadly enough, he hadn't inherited the Blackwell's icey anger of calmness...he got Alarick's rage. Uncontrollable, unforgiving, and all consuming. What scared him the most...was not being able to let go of it. At least when he was at home he had somewhere to focus his anger, here...where he was supposed to be safe...happy...he was lost.

He hadn't meant to throw it at Genesis. Even the changeling trying to comfort him, keep him calm, love him was driving Zane up the wall. He pushed him away. Pushed him away with his anger and his hostility. Their relationship went from the best thing Zane had ever even thought about having to one of the worsts. And he knew it was his fault.

They spent every day together, in the same apartment, only mere feet from one another. But they hadn't spoke in nights. Zane had watched as Genesis deteriorated. Sure, he put on a strong front, but he could still see it. The stress. If the changeling were human he would have been too thin, too pale, and probably losing his hair in clumps.

He felt bad. Deep down he really did. Like he should have left Genesis alone a long time ago. Because he was no good. Zane was violent when angry because that was all he knew to be. He'd promised himself in his slow drowning to never get physical, because if he did...he'd be no better than Alarick. But what he was doing emotionally...was it worse?

The feeling of a soft hand on his head nearly shot him straight through the roof, but he controlled himself. He didn't know where he went when he zoned out like that, but he knew he could do it for hours. Days. Weeks. His mother used to do it too. Sometimes he'd lash out physically, sometimes verbally. It was all because of fright, deep down. Surprise.

Sometimes he had to check what day it was when he came back, just to make sure.

He sat up slowly, his bones and muscles protesting for a moment after having been so still for so long. His vision came back into focus on Genesis' face. He looked tired. Stressed. Hungry.

Zane looked away from him for a moment, wiping away a stray tear that slid free from the corner of his eye. "How long was I out?"

The whisper...so detached and so unlike him...was the nicest he'd spoken in a week.

Genesis felt the surprise, felt Zane's entire body tense, ready to strike and he prepared himself for whatever onslaught was to come. It surprised him though when nothing happened. Zane had caught himself before anything happened and that had filled the changeling with just the slightest bit of hope. He retracted his hand as the pureblood sat up.

"How long was I out?" The way Zane spoke sounded strange to Genesis, but sadly he was getting used to the detached and cold voice that left his lover's mouth. He really wished he wasn't though.

"I don't know, I was asleep myself." Genesis rounded the couch to stand in front of the younger male. With a small smile on his face, he placed the warm mug into Zane's hand and made sure the other was holding it before retracting his hand. "I want you to eat something, please?" Zane hadn't been eating well either, the blood that usually lasted Genesis a week was now lasting him three times as long with how little the couple was eating. He was just glad the Zane was young and fit, it meant he didn't need to feed nearly as often as Genesis.

The changeling took a seat on the coffee table so he could sit across from Zane. This had honestly been the closest he had gotten to him in days. "I know it may be asking a lot, but I would really like it if you came back to bed with me? You can't keep sleeping out here," A slender reached up to caress one of the pureblood's cheeks. "Or just switch with me? You'll get better sleep in our bed." Honestly, if the bags under Zane's eyes were any indication he wasn't getting any sleep and Genesis was worried about that as well. The lack of sleep could be contributing to the stress and Zane's wondering mind.

Zane nodded as he ran a shaky hand through his hair. He could vaguely remember Genesis going to bed but...that could have been mornings ago. He was zoning out to much. Even having an almost conversation he was still shocked when something made physical contact with him.

His hands jumped slightly as Genesis' placed the warm mug in them, and for a moment his eyes bounced between it and the changeling. How long had it been since he'd last eaten? He was usually a glutton when it came to blood, but as the smell reached his nose his stomach gnawed at him.

Zane stared at Genesis for a long time as he spoke, as if he couldn't hear him or just wasn't used to his voice. Honestly he figured his body was just getting too used to being to still. At least he didn't jump again when Genesis touched him, and for the slightest moment Zane tilted his head into Genesis' hand. How long had it been since he'd touched him?

"You're too good to me, you know that right?" The words came out a lot harsher than he meant them too. As if he was spitting out an insult instead of words that should have been grateful. He sat the mug on the coffee table without ever taking a drink and dropped his head in his hands, tangling his fingers in his hair. It'd gotten longer...he hadn't even noticed...

He should have apologized. There was so much he should have been sorry for. But if he opened his mouth right then he wasn't sure what was going to come out. He would either start crying or start screaming and neither one was good. He was reaching his fuse. He was about to break. And in two days...he was going to have to look presentable. Make a decision. He was really beginning to wonder if he could plead insanity.

He needed sleep. He knew he needed sleep. And the only place he'd ever been able to sleep...really sleep...was in Genesis' bed, with the changeling curled up against him. But he didn't have time to sleep.

Genesis took the words in stride. He wasn't some fragile thing unable to cope with mean words. So instead he smiled. "But you're worth it." He kept his voice calm and inviting, soothing. Zane was trying to be difficult, not entirely on purpose but Genesis knew when he was being pushed away. But he had felt the slight tilt of the younger man's head into his palm and that gave him just the smallest bit of comfort.

He watched as the pureblood let his head fall into his hands. It was a posture of defeat and Genesis really hoped his partner wasn't giving up. So instead he scooted his way closer to the younger man, sitting next to him on the couch and raising up onto his knees. The changeling's hands worked gently on the tight muscles in Zane's neck and shoulders. The pureblood was completely tense and stiff. It was terrible to see the carefree Zane Kostantine reduced to a shell.

The results were almost instantaneous. After the initial flinch Zane relaxed just the slightest bit. He wasn't sure how long he stayed there, massaging Zane, but it was a while. Until he felt his body give just the slightest bit, until his legs and arms shook fatigue. It felt almost as though the younger man had fallen asleep underneath his touch and Genesis felt horrible for having to stop. The last few moments had truly showed the most relaxation Zane had gotten as of late.

Instead Genesis curled up to his lover, arms loosely thrown over the taller one's shoulders with hands playing along his chest. Slowly the changeling brought his lips to Zane's neck, kissing softly up and down the skin there. It was really all he had the energy for. He mouthed his way up to Zane's ear, biting onto the lobe. "Please come to bed, baby?"

Zane had almost told Genesis not to touch him. To just go back to bed and let Zane stew by himself, but the words never came out. He honestly felt like he couldn't open his mouth for fear of what he would say.

The feeling of Genesis' hands working his muscles was one of the best feelings he'd had in a long while. Little by little the tension seemed to ease out of him, and he wanted to stay there forever. He almost had fallen asleep, he'd been so relaxed. Then he felt Genesis give out beside him, arms sliding over his shoulders.

He sighed softly at the feeling of the changeling's hands against his chest, lips against his neck. The soft, up and down motion was one he was used too. One that always calmed him. He no longer felt as if he was going to explode. A slight smile even found it's way on his lips as his earlobe was bitten ever so gently.

Maybe he was too tired to argue, maybe he was too relaxed, or maybe it was the use of a pet-name, but Zane slowly nodded. He gently pushed Genesis' arms off from around him and stood, but his legs nearly gave out from under him. His hands gently pressed against the coffee table as he closed his eyes for a second.

Then he grabbed the mug of blood Genesis had brought him and downed it in what felt like only one drink. He never even tasted it. He wanted for a moment, making sure he had control of his body again, before he stood up straight and reached over to take Genesis' hand in his own.

In silence, he walked back to the bedroom. Their bedroom. They were both so fatigued he really didn't know how either of them were moving.

He fell back on the bed without even being able to grab the blankets. All he noticed was the plush mass surround him in the large, enveloping way he'd always loved. His eyes had already closed, sleep taking over before he'd formed a conscious thought about it.

"I'm sorry."

That was the last thought he was able to have, and with his last burst of energy he projected it. As everything went dark he hoped Genesis had heard it.

For a few moments it was as though Genesis had gotten his Zane back, he was gently and appeared to want the older vampire in his presence. Worry consumed him though when the younger almost swayed on his feet. It wasn't a good sign, but at least Zane had gulped down the mug he had been given afterwards. When Zane had actually grabbed for his hand to lead them both to their bedroom, a genuine smile spread across Genesis' face.

The pureblood all but collapsed onto their bed, just as Genesis had thought he was completely exhausted and sleeping separately hadn't helped either of them. He grabbed up one of the softer blankets on the bed and went about tucking Zane in. The pureblood's projection hit him as he was making sure Zane was properly on his pillow. Leaning down, Genesis pressed his lips to his lover's temple. "I know love, it's alright." He wasn't sure if Zane could hear him or not, he was pretty sure the other male was already out by the time he sop.

Slowly, Genesis made his way over to his side of the bed and crawled on. He was too tired to cover himself with the blanket and he didn't want to possible disturb Zane. Besides, it wasn't like he could get cold, naturally his skin was always on the cooler side. So instead he curled himself up next to Zane, wrapping his body around the younger man; face buried in the younger man's neck, a leg thrown over his thigh, and arms wrapped securely around his waist.

He breathed in deeply, enjoying Zane's scent. This had been the first time in a long while that Genesis got to enjoy being close to the other male. It took him a while to actually fall asleep, he was so worried the Zane would wake up, but eventually he drifted away.

Zane should have woken up to a smile on his face. He should have rolled over and pulled Genesis into a good morning kiss and thanked him for taking such good care of him. He should have noticed that he was tucked away in bed, more comfortable than he could imagine. He should have happily noticed Genesis' face buried so lovingly in his neck, leg and arm around him. Holding onto him.

He should have woken up to all these things. He should have been happy.

Instead, he woke up to one test. One very simple, core shaking, anger inducing text. Of only two words: 1 Day.

The sound that rippled out of him from deep in his chest resembled more the growl of a bear than anything an almost human like creature would ever be able to project as cell phone number three shattered in his bare hands. Just like that the bomb waiting inside of him that had been put to dormancy just hours before was back. Threatening to tear him down.

He wasn't sure what he was more upset about: the fact that his time was up and the decision he'd made was one that would still undoubtedly earn him unhappiness in many aspects of his life, or that this anger could effect him here. His only safe place on the face of the earth. His haven.

He broke. There was nothing else he could do. No time he could spare, no loophole he could find. He was done for. It didn't end in the fury of hatred he had expected. He didn't burst into an angry flame of rage or even break anything--excluding the damn phone--he just...crumpled.

That was it. He was done. He had lost and no matter what he tried or did it was all over. Everyone had won but him. Well...him and probably Genesis. If anyone was suffering it was the changeling as well.

He rolled over onto his side, facing where Genesis was, and for the first time in days he made physical contact. He buried his face in the elder males chest, one arm over his waist that clinched into a fist at his lower back. For the first time in his life...he was utterly unsure what he was going to do. Who he was going to be.

He felt lost. Like he was no longer Zane Kostantine but some shell of a boy who had once had the world in his hands and the opportunities to last a lifetime.

He remembered, briefly, feeling this way when he was five years old. He'd nearly all but lost his mother by then, and he was screaming, crying, and kicking because he couldn't paint as well as her. He was much too frustrated for a child his age. Anger. It'd always been deep inside of him.

He remembered the way she'd cupped his face, wiped his tears away with her thumbs, and smiled that same old tired, broken smile at him. He'd felt like such a failure, and as if she could read his mind instead of the other way around, she'd spoken words he'd always taken to heart. "You haven't failed until you quit trying."

If she were here now, he would have punched her. "Wise words coming from a woman who gave up..." He hadn't realized he'd spoken out loud, but the words were so soft he didn't really hear them either.

He was so tired. Everything about him felt tired. His body, his mind. He wasn't sure if he wanted to keep fighting. But if he didn't...then he was just as bad as either of his parents. And he had to be better.

He could be better. He had Genesis. As long as he didn't keep pushing him away...as long as he tried to smile more and cherished him...as long as he could be okay...he'd have Genesis. Genesis who cared for him, loved him, stayed by him through all the shit Zane could throw out.

He felt awful. Through all the brokenness and all the anger came new feelings. Guilt and self-loathing. How could he be such a terrible being, to treat his one and only beacon of hope the way he had been. Treat the only person who had ever cared for him the way he had.

He should have said it then. Should have burst into tears, plead forgiveness, told him he loved him and never wanted to lose him. But he couldn't. The words never would come out. So instead he focused on what he could say, and hopefully...little by little...he could repair the damage he'd done.

"Thank you," he whispered. "For not hating me."

The changeling was in such a poor state that he hadn't even moved when Zane's phone went off. He didn't notice his lover's body tense in anger, Genesis was just so exhausted. He wasn't even dreaming of anything, even his mind was tired and couldn't expend the energy to make up some happy fantasy inside a dream world. On the up side, that meant no nightmares either.

Genesis was groggily awoken though when Zane rolled them over. It was slow and for the first minute or so the older vampire was in a daze as his mind took its time in becoming aware of the situation. Zane's grip on him was vice-like and his lower back stung a bit where the younger man's fist was pushing itself in.

It didn't take long for Genesis to know that something had caused Zane distress. Then again the changeling would put his money on Clarence and his damned text messages. Genesis caught himself in surprise as he thought about it. Tomorrow was the day where Zane would have to give his decision to his grandfather.

With a frown turning his lips, Genesis wrapped one of his arms around the other male while the other reached back so his hand could run soothingly through Zane's hair. He tried to ignore the words Zane spoke, they weren't for him, but he would bet a lot of money that the pureblood was referencing his mother. Genesis really hoped that Zane wasn't thinking of giving up in the same manner as her though. He'd lock Zane away, far away from any sunlight before he'd let the younger man meet his death with the sun. His arms tightened just the tiniest bit at the thought of losing him permanently.

All he could offer though, were calming words and loving touches. As Zane pulled himself deeper into his thoughts, Genesis too action of whispering loving words and kissing whatever part of Zane he could reach while still locked into the other's tight grip.

"Thank you, for not hating me." Honestly Genesis might have missed the words with how softly they were spoken, but the changeling had learned long ago that listening was the most important thing he could do in a situation like this. A small laugh escaped him as he buried his nose in Zane's hair.

"I love you too much to hate you." The words were true. While there were times he certainly didn't like Zane, especially lately, Genesis could never hate him. "I know it's hard love, but we'll get through this."

As Genesis' arm went around him and his fingers brushed so soothingly through his hair, Zane felt himself relaxing. The calming words murmured to him compared to the loving touches eased the tension in his muscles. With a long sigh he felt himself melt into the changelings hold, and the fist clinched so tightly at his back loosened until they were both comfortable.

He was quiet for a little while longer, listening to Genesis whisper words that meant so much to the young pureblood, enjoying the feeling of every kiss. He took his time gathering his feelings and his sanity. He had to be better. He couldn't keep acting the way he was. Pushing away the only good thing in his life...it wasn't going to help anything.

He smiled when Genesis laughed, the sound seemed so rare because it'd been so long, and he tilted his head shyly away when Genesis said those magical words. That he loved him.

"I know it's hard love, but we'll get through this."

Zane lifted up slightly, just enough to look down at Genesis, and for the first time in days a smile crossed his face. It wasn't much, but it was a smile, and it lit up his dark eyes which had seemed so empty for so long. He almost looked like himself.

He leaned forward slightly and ever so softly brushed his lips against his partners. "I'm so sorry, Gen," he said softly. "I'll be better...I promise..."

Then he settled back down again, squirming until he was comfortable and could lay his head on Genesis' chest. Usually it was the other way around and Genesis' draped himself all over Zane...maybe because he was larger in stature? But this time...Zane just felt...clingy.

"Hey," he tilted his head up, though he still couldn't really see Genesis he got a bit of a view of the changeling's face. "Can we paint tonight?"

It was an odd request, but Zane was actually really good. He'd taken it up as a coping measure after his mothers death and hadn't done it in awhile. After she'd passed it was no longer a frustrating task, but something that could relax him. Odd how things changed like that.

But he was trying. They had one more day. One more day to be in pure bliss and with one another without any distractions. He'd made his decision, probably sometime during his sleep, so until the last minute of freedom struck...he wanted to enjoy himself.

Something he should have done from the very beginning and all the way through.

He wasn't all the way back though. His voice was still to low, and his smiles weren't quite right. He didn't have his normal charisma or excitement. But he was trying. And he hoped...he hoped that was worth it.

The current setting made Genesis feel as thigh everything was back to normal, at least for the most part. He enjoyed Zane's clinginess and welcomed it whole-heartedly. The changeling's shoulders fell just the slightest bit, it would have been almost unnoticeable but could also be thought of as a result of his fatigue. His slender fingers played with the short hair of Zane's head as he kept his mind strongly guarded.

The younger man's request to paint was a bit random, but it was still nice. "If you want, but I can't promise you I'll be making any masterpieces…" His voice trailed off in slight embarrassment. Art was not the changeling's strong point, in fact anything more complex than stick figures was lost to him. A Picasso he was not.

Enjoying a few moments of Zane's body against his own, Genesis took his time in slowly detangling himself from his lover. It was obvious that Zane wasn't happy with his departure, but Genesis childishly stuck his tongue out before leaving the room and saying something about food. He really needed to get some blood in his system, especially since he had given his meal from the previous night to Zane.

As his mug heat up in the microwave he allowed his mind to wonder. The change in Zane could only mean one thing: that he had made his decision. Honestly speaking though, Genesis had absolutely no idea what he would choose. Was the pureblood going to spend his last day with Genesis, enjoying himself and loving him before he left him? Anxiety filled his chest and the ancient vampire was finding himself more and more unwilling to have his meal.

He took a deep shaky breath as he decided on something himself. If Zane was going to leave him then he'd make sure they were going to have a really nice final day together before he let him go. Step number one consisted of him actually eating so when the microwave beeped he took his mug and downed the contents before returning back to Zane's side with a smile on his face.

Zane hadn't been happy to see Genesis get up, because he was going to suggest they sleep a little longer, but he decided against the idea after a moment. It was their last day...they should be awake and use as much of it as they could. So he pulled himself into a sitting position and propped himself against the pillows.

He was still tired, but he'd gotten some good sleep finally, so he'd be able to function for a little while. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he thought about Genesis painting with him. He should mention to the changeling that he could finger paint if he needed. That thought brought on a real smile. It was a Zane thought. A normal thought.

He was trying to keep thoughts like that going. Happy thought. Zaney thoughts. He wanted to be normal. He needed to be. Thankfully, a master of the mind he was, so he literally took everything that wasn't important to the night ahead of them and locked in in a box in the back of his head. Later, like a male present-day Pandora he'd let it all go again. But for now...

He smiled as Genesis walked back in and he squirmed his way back into the bed, holding onto plush pillows with a sleepy grin before the changeling was back at his side.

Zane was oddly happy when first waking up, usually more so than he currently was. Generally the real world hadn't caught up with him that early and he had no reason to not be happy.

He could smell fresh-ish blood from earlier still lingering slightly on his partners lips, and he knew he would need to eat a little more before too long from being so deprived, but he would wait a little longer.

"What else do you wanna do?" he asked softly. He didn't care so much, as long as they got to spend every last minute together. And got to paint, he wanted to do that for sure.

Genesis crawled his way back onto the bed and grabbed the pillow Zane was holding, pulling the thing from his grip. Instead he replaced the downy softness with his own body as he cuddled into Zane's side. Anything to keep them touching for a little longer was very okay in Genesis' book.

"Hmm," The vampire mumbled as he thought about what things they should do. They could go out clubbing and dance, watch movies, maybe a drive through the city or a walk through the park. "Anything's really okay with me, but you have to do something for me too since you're forcing me to show you my horrendous art skills." It took him a bit more effort than usual, but Genesis managed to push his partner onto his back and moved so that he was straddling the younger male's waist. "You have to make love to me before we have to go back to sleep."

Leaning down he pressed a kiss to Zane's lips, it was a small one, tender even. He pulled back quickly so it wouldn't go any farther though, they had things to do. They spend plenty of time at the beginning having ridiculous amounts of sex with one another, but Genesis was much older and he knew that sex wasn't everything in a relationship. Sometimes the activities done together outside of the bedroom were just as intimate and important as what was done inside of it.

Genesis landed a playful slap on Zane's chest before grinning broadly. "So, anything good coming to mind? If you're looking for some real fun before the whole painting thing, we could always go and vandalize something, break a couple of other laws. I promise we won't get caught." The vampire held his right hand up jokingly in a pledge-like fashion.

Zane had nearly actually whined when his pillow got stolen. In an odd way that was a good sign because it screamed normalcy. He was doing good so far with his current goal. However, he didn't stay distressed for long because soon, Genesis was up against him instead.

Honestly, he wanted to ask that question again. That 'how do you put up with me' question, because Zane literally couldn't figure it out. They had both flipped the switch so easily from stressed out to almost normal. Zane had done it on purpose but Genesis...didn't even hold a grudge.

He shook of his thoughts as Genesis mentioned a trade for the painting need. His eyebrows lifted in curiosity and he was about to pop off something foolish--like walking around in a leopard print thong (which, never to leave the confines of the apartment, he'd actually done)--but Genesis flipped him on his back before he could speak.

"You have to make love to me before we have to go back to sleep." Sex. Usually Zane was good at sex, even the new, meaningful, intimate type of sex. But the way they'd been lately...he was a little worried. If anything, what he and Genesis shared was really, really special. He didn't wan to ruin it...even for just a moment..due to being on the fritz.

But they had all day, and if things turned out the way he waned it too then he knew they would be just fine. At least before the sun rose again. All worries vanished from his mind as he was graced with a kiss, small and simple as it had been.

He laughed as his chest was smacked and rolled his eyes at Genesis' words. "I want to paint and then...and then we can do anything we feel like doing. We could see a movie and cuddle and make-out like a bunch of teenagers or just take a walk...I bet the weather will be nice."

He pushed Genesis down from his waist to his hips before he sat up and rested his forehead against his partners. "Just as long as it's only you and me...I don't care."

Truthfully, he could probably happily stay in bed for their next few hours alone. Unplug all the electronics, turn off the lights, and just...get lost in each other for awhile. It was easy to do, they'd been friends before lovers...they got along well. Talked easily. Enjoyed each other...even in the silence.

In fact, time would even more slower if they chose that route. But...he wanted to paint too. He felt like, for some reason, it was important. When stressed, he felt a lot more like his mother with his quirks. She would have probably said the same thing in his position.

"Maybe we come home a little early though," he added with a playful smirk. "To make time for your...uh...condition."

"Mmm, that sounds very good to me." Genesis leaned forward again, kissing Zane once more, this time longer and deeper. He craved for the physical intimacy that they hadn't had in a what felt like forever, but that would come later on. As he pulled back, his tongue came out to sweep across his lips. The changeling was being suggestive and teasing and he knew it, so in other words he was being the Genesis that Zane had been friends with.

Before the situation could escalade into something more, Genesis reluctantly crawled off of his partner and stood next to the bed. His eyes shifted over to a few of the bags Zane had brought with him when they had gone to get his stuff from his father's house. "So…art supplies." Genesis announced as he walked over to the bags. "I don't know if we brought that stuff with us from your old place, but you might still have some left the last time you were painting at my house." Genesis honestly couldn't remember though.

Taking a moment to think and idea came to mind, one that both he and Zane would probably enjoy. "Hey," The changeling said as he turned to face the younger male. "Why don't we get dressed and walk to the art store? You can get some supplies, we get some fresh air, maybe take a detour on the way home through a park?" He smiled happily as he moved to his dresser to grab some clothes.

The plan was good in his opinion and it would definitely just be the two of the together. He wasn't really in the mood to spend a crazy amount of time picking out his outfit so instead he just pulled on a pair of jeans and slipped into one of Zane's much larger shirts.

"We should reenact the scene from the Titanic, you know the one where Jack's painting Rose naked?" The changeling turned to face Zane again, wiggling his eyebrows in a cheesy suggestive way. "But I think that watching a movie and making out like a couple of teens sounds fun. Then again we could skip right to the good stuff."

Zane nearly melted in that kiss. It was the long ones that got him, the deeper they got and the more involved the two participators got...he was starting to like the idea of just staying in bed more and more when Genesis pulled away. It was the way that he was so teasingly suggestive that caused Zane to groan and collapse against the bed.

The ironic thing was...a couple of months ago he would have just laughed and rolled his eyes at such a gesture. These days it made his heart jump and put his mind in places that made him glad the gift he possessed was a very rare one. He sighed as Genesis was up and looking at his stuff.

Zane shook his head. He hadn't brought any because he kept all his supplies in a different room than his own, and he hadn't even thought about them when they were leaving. It'd been awhile since Zane had last spent his time panting in the house, but he knew there was a canvas or two stored around.

His eyebrow raised at the offer Genesis gave him and he nodded, pulling away blankets and throwing his legs over the side. "Yeah, why not." He stretched out a bit and tested his legs for a moment, but he seemed to be fine on his feet unlike when he had gone to sleep. A little weaker than usual but not bad.

He ran a hand through his already uncontrollably messy hair as he went about picking out clothes. Simple jeans and a loose old cotton shirt seemed like a good pick. Comfortable. He'd pair the outfit with his sneakers and not even bother with his hair. It was just going to be messy.

Zane cracked up laughing as he looked over his shoulder at Genesis just to see him wiggle his eyebrows at the Titanic suggestion. "Okay, but I'm obviously Jack," he noted. "Being the artist and all." The second suggestion was a joke within itself because Zane was trapped somewhere between being a teen and being an adult. "You know we'd end up skipping to the good stuff anyway."

Going out sounded like a good idea though. They could both breathe for awhile (no pun intended) and maybe it would air out the house too, so that it wouldn't feel quite as tense as it had in the past week. He smiled as he sat on the side of the bed, pulling on clothes. "You look cute in my clothes..."

It was one of those things he never really meant to say out loud, but he just got so comfortable around Genesis he no longer felt the need to hide anything. Words came out without thinking. They were usually true though.

He was looking forward to their night.

Genesis had genuinely been surprised by Zane's comment. Sure the changeling looked spectacular in anything he wore, but cute wasn't a compliment he usually got. Hot, sexy, even fuckable was used on several occasions. Cute was not a common adjective. Coming from Zane though, he felt the slightest bit of embarrassment, the good kind. The vampire knew that if he had still been human he would have blushed.

"Obviously you're Jack, I can't draw for shit." He agreed in afterthought. "Besides, I look better than you naked, laying in a suggestive position on a couch with only a necklace on." Topic changes were good and got him away from being embarrassed. So instead, he hauled Zane up and lead him through the apartment, slipped on their shoes, and then it was out into the real world.

There was a cool breeze as they reached street level and even at this time of night there was that ever present energy. They waved a goodbye to Bruce, who had been surprised to see the couple leave hand in hand, and head down the street to one of the stores that would sell what Zane needed. At night there were fewer people, minus the drunks in the bars and on the sidewalks, but no one bothered the couple.

It was nice really, they had actually walked past the first store that sold the supplies and opted for a farther one instead. Eventually they wondered into a store, took their time in browsing, and fooled around a bit before buying their stuff. Zane shouldered most of their stuff, which Genesis commented was mightily gentlemanly of him (though he also teased Zane that he should have to lug it all around considering it was all his stuff). They took their time traveling through the park, it was beautiful and peaceful in the changelings opinion.

"I love you." Genesis said, bringing their joined hands up so he could kiss Zane's. "No matter what Zane." He was being serious and just thought that it was important that the younger man know.

Zane was thoroughly enjoying himself. The weather was warm as it usually was, but the breeze that was just strong enough to lift his hair on occasion was a nice addition to the atmosphere. He felt relaxed and happy as they traveled through the city, hand in hand.

He'd had a great time in the store. Feeling like a kid again he'd trailed his fingers over lavish sets and paints. Money was no object so he was drawn to the nice stuff. They'd laughed and teased and stole kisses as Zane had gathered everything he needed, which was now slung over one shoulder while his free hand was loosely wrapped in Genesis'.

He was more than happy to be just walking in the park. It was nice, with trees scattered about and a view of the night sky. In the big city it was one of the few places they could ever actually see the sky. it smelt nice too, like nature and the wind carried a hint of rain it in.

The park was mostly empty, except for a few couples here and there who had the same idea they did. Zane didn't care though. They might as well have not been there for all the attention he was paying them.

He was still looking at the sky when he heard those words he cherished so much, and felt the kiss against the back of his hand. No matter what. If Zane had ever doubted that before then he surely didn't now. If anything over the past week or so, Genesis had proved his love. He'd stuck by Zane when he was at his worst. That said a lot.

"I know," he said softly, his eyes fixed on the night sky above him, looking at the stars. He loved stars. He always had as a child, claiming he would name all of them one day. He figured if he ever went batshit crazy he probably would, but for now he just liked to look. "I love you too."

Then he froze. Dead in his tracks with wide eyes that clearly stated the shock he felt. There they were. Just like that. The words fell out of his mouth as if he'd been saying something as simple as a hello or a random thought. Words he thought he'd never be able to say...even if he felt them.

Which he did. Zane wasn't a liar, even when he wasn't thinking about what he was saying. Sometimes he could twist his words around but he rarely ever flat out didn't tell the truth, and definitely not without not planning it.

It was true...Zane loved him. Loved everything about him. He'd been thinking it for awhile he just...didn't know...couldn't know how to say it. He'd kind of pictured it to be more special than that. More than a slip.

But in a way...it kind of meant more that way. Zane was more honest when he spoke without thinking than any other time. It was a sign he'd slipped into some vulnerable, unguarded version of himself. Comfort. He always felt so comfortable with Genesis that he'd never felt the need to close himself off.

He just hoped he was right...that the feeling was, indeed, love. He had nothing to compare it too...he'd never been in love before. Hell, before Genesis he rarely even heard the word much less actually felt loved himself.

Genesis blinked once, then twice. Then a few more times. They were the slow ones that people did when something completely unexpected happened. There was no moment more than the current one that Genesis believed was appropriate for those types of blinks. He was in a total stupor, surprised beyond belief. His mouth opened and closed once, but he wasn't sure what he was going to say.

Never had he thought Zane would say those three words. Something welled up in his chest, there was a tight almost painful sensation, before moisture gathered in his eyes. "You suck…" He muttered as thick, red droplets travelled down from his eyes. Genesis hadn't expected to cry either. It was finally hitting him though, Zane would probably be leaving him in a short few hours. His grandfather would probably pick out some pureblood woman to get him hitched to and then they'd get on with providing the Blackwell's an heir.

Genesis would be alone then, stewing in pity over losing someone he loved. He would have been fine with it five minutes ago, before Zane had said those words. The changeling would have coped as best he could, but eventually he would have gotten over the hurt. Now though, now he knew he wouldn't be anywhere near okay. Not when he knew Zane had actually loved him back. Sex, flirting, touching, it could all be passed off as something other than love, but actually speaking the words, it meant something different and Zane had said it so naturally.

Life wasn't fair, which the changeling should have known by this point in his long life. The tears wouldn't stop and Genesis dislodged his hand from Zane's so he could use both his hands to stem the flow. It wasn't working though and standing in the park, late at night, in a shirt much too large for him, Genesis probably looked like the biggest baby in the entire world. It was a pathetic image and the changeling was anything but pathetic. Or so he had thought, but the current situation apparently said the opposite.

"I…I hate you, so friggen much you stupid jerk." He was crying, he was uncomfortable and if anything else he was exhausted. Genesis was tired of worrying, tired of having to be strong. The last week had drained him and those three words had been the final blow to his composure.

Of all the replies Zane ever thought he would get for finally saying those words, 'you suck' was not on the list. And for a moment a responce like that shocked him more than actually saying them had. He snapped out of his daze to look over at Genesis just in time to watch thick, red streams slide down his partner's plae cheeks.

Zane was still so shocked to see tears that he didn't even try to fight to keep Gen's hand in his, he let go when the changeling jerked away. He was really crying. Not a tear here or there, not even out of some odd form of happiness. He was damn near sobbing, really.

And...Zane didn't know what to do. Then Genesis uttered words he was used to hearing. I hate you. Part of him had been waiting to hear that for so long from the older male that it shouldn't have surprised him, but it did. It struck him in the center of his chest as if he'd been punched. He actually took a step back.

"I-I'm sorry," he stuttered out. Panic. He was backtracking. "I...I didn't mean it...I...I take it back...!" Pleading. Anything. Anything to make those tears stop. But he knew it was too late. Once those words were out there, there was no taking it back. Just like when Genesis had said them and in one moment completely turned Zane's world upside down.

Why did he always ruin things? Why, if he was going to say those words back, couldn't it have been better. When they were together and happy and tomorrow was just a day and not the potential ruining of both their lives. But never had he expected this reaction.

"Genesis, please." His voice was breaking. Fuck he was going to start crying too if Genesis didn't stop soon. Not that he would flat out tell the changeling to stop. Wasn't like you could just say that to someone without them stomping off in a fury.

The temptation to let go of his mental band was so strong he actually had to dig his nails into his palms to keep from going there. He wanted to know what he'd done so that he could fix it.

Fast.

They only had a few hours left together.

Zane's apologizing only appeared to make the situation worse. Genesis was in a state where he wasn't sure what he wanted, but he sure didn't want to hear any sorry's from the other man. A sob left him, as he moved one of his hands to cover his mouth. If anything he was crying harder with each passing moment. No matter what, it was as though he couldn't stop.

With as much vampiric speed he could muster in his current condition, Genesis turned and hit Zane square in the chest. It wasn't a hard punch, nothing that would hurt the other vampire, but it was one to show that the changeling meant business. "Why?!" He yelled as he wiped at some more of his tears. "Why would you say that?" His voice was softer this time, his eyes pleading with Zane for an answer.

They were beginning to attract a crowed, but right now Genesis couldn't care less. Another sob wracked his body. "Why would you say that now? Why when you're going to leave me?" He pressed his hands against his eyes as though trying to break his tear ducts. He hated crying in front of Zane. "I never knew you were this cruel Zane." Genesis could never recall a time that Zane had ever been mean to him, well except in recent days. Those words at this time were just torture though, they were mean and horrible to say.

The silence that followed allowed Genesis to recompose himself a bit. The sobs stopped coming, though the tears just wouldn't stop. Despite spending most of his life wanting a few more moments of being human, Genesis had never been more close to that than this crying fit. There was just something so un-vampire about bawling your eyes out over a lost love and Genesis really needed to be a vampire at the moment.

Zane never saw the punch coming. Even with vampire vision, he didn't catch the situation before it literally hit him. It hurt only a little, enough to make him step back again, but not to make him crumple. And Genesis, for one, had the strength to probably send Zane flying if he really wanted too.

Zane was confused and...lost. "Why?" he repeated. "I don't know why it just...slipped out!" In contrast to the changeling yelling, the young pureblood was barely speaking above a whisper. His answer didn't seem like the right one but he was in a panic.

And Genesis...Genesis was serious. His tears were real, his voice sincere, and his eyes pleading. He didn't even notice the small crowd focusing their attention on the couple. And then Genesis kept talking and the problem finally hit him. He felt his heart drop and his entire body slacked with the force.

His own dark eyes looked over his partners face with an unbelievable amount of sadness. For a moment there was such a long beat of silence that Genesis stopped sobbing, but not crying. Blood was smeared all over his face from trying to wipe the tears away. "Do you really have that little faith in me?" Zane finally spoke, so softly he was sure only Genesis had the ability to hear them.

Zane dropped the bag of art supplies gently on the ground as the puzzle pieces began to fit. Genesis had woken up thinking that way, and Zane couldn't blame him. The way he himself had woken up had obviously pointed out that he'd made one decision or another. And Genesis...it typical Genesis fashion...had thought the worst.

"Gen..." he stepped forward and did something he rarely ever did. He hugged him. He wrapped one arm around the changeling's waist and put his free hand in his hair, and pulled his partner into his chest tightly. As if he would never, ever let him go again.

"I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to sit on the council with a fucking smile on my face and then I'm going to come home to you. I spent the last week driving myself quite literally insane trying to think of a loophole. Anything I can do and...and...I made my decision, Gen. I'm choosing you. I don't give a shit what comes with that choice."

The arms that enveloped him brought comfort, but the words Zane spoke were so much better. It was like a weight had lifted off of Genesis' shoulders, as all the sadness and anger he was feeling left him in one poof. Zane was choosing him. He was essentially giving up his freedom so that they could stay together and Genesis had probably never been more grateful over anything else in his entire life.

His arms moved up Zane's back and grabbed fistfuls of his shirt. The changeling's grip was tight as he pressed himself as close as possible to the other male. He pushed his face into Zane's chest as his tears returned with renewed vigor. This time though they were for a far less depressing reason. They were tears of relief and happiness, but the exhaustion was still there as well.

Genesis wasn't sure how long they stayed like that, standing in the middle of a public park, but Zane continued to hold him until he calmed down. Slowly he removed his head from the younger's chest, he still clung to the back of Zane's shirt, but he took a step back so he looked up at him. It was obvious that Zane would never be able to use that shirt again, Genesis had gotten blood everywhere. He really hoped that no one would stop them cause the pureblood looked like he had been in an accident or had just committed murder.

Genesis' hands were shaky as were his legs and even his breath. Crying really hadn't helped his health. Considering his poor eating habits, he really shouldn't have wasted the blood he did have with crying. "Sorry…" He mumbled as he moved a hand to rub at the front of Zane's shirt. He just made it worse though having forgotten about the blood already on his hands.

He went to go wipe the mess of blood he probably had all over his face with one of his shirt sleeves, but then he remembered that what he was wearing was also one of Zane's clothes. He didn't want to ruin both of the so instead he tried to use the backs of his hands as a wipe instead.

"No offense love, but you hadn't exactly been making it clear that you were going to pick me." He moved back into Zane's embrace though, clinging to the other man tightly. A small bit of laughter left him suddenly. "I'm so tired, I don't know if I'll make it through a movie."

Zane didn't even care that Genesis was still crying, he just held him. As tight and as close as he possibly could. He was willing to stand there for as long as he possibly needed to. Slowly, Genesis relaxed in his hold and when he eventually pulled away, Zane let him go.

He smiled a little as Genesis apologized for the mess he'd caused. "It's just a shirt, honey," he mumbled softly. He knew Genesis was right, his decision hadn't been completely obvious. He smiled a little sadly and wrapped his arms back around the shorter male when he was suddenly back in his arms.

"I'm sorry," he murmured. "I should have told you when we woke up. I just...I just wanted one more day to be free...to not think about it. He rubbed Genesis back softly before eventually pulling away from him again. Zane reached down and gathered his shirt up in his hands before turning around and dipping part of it in a birdbath nearby. It wasn't the cleanest source ever, but it was water.

He rung it out and then tugged Genesis over and cleaned up his face for him, just to keep anyone from stopping them on their way home. It wasn't unusual for guys to walk around shirtless either, so after he made the best of the blood situation as he could, he jogged away for a moment to toss the shirt in the trash before he went back to his partner.

He cupped the changeling's face in his hands then leaned down and kissed him. One of the best kisses they'd had in awhile. Filled with raw emotions and love. When he broke the kiss he pressed one more against the changeling's forehead before stepping back.

Zane grabbed his bags of art supplies and sighed deeply before taking his lovers hand again. "Come one, lets go home. Curl up on the couch and watch a movie and...probably fall asleep together..."

This was honestly a strange turn of events. Usually Genesis was the mature one, taking care of the childish Zane, but there was a change this time. Zane was taking care of him for once and it felt nice to the older vampire. It was something foreign, strange. He couldn't even remember the last time he had experienced such a thing.

"That's just gross…" He pouted as Zane cleaned him off. Sure it was water, but birds did unspeakable things in that birdbath. Unspeakable and unsanitary things. Genesis made a childish face of disgust towards the bigger man before watching him strip and move over to the trashcan. He had to say, even in his current state, Genesis was rather unhappy that the few people in the park (and on the way home technically) would see Zane shirtless.

The kiss was amazing and if he was so tired he would have definitely pulled the pureblood behind a couple of bushes and had his wicked way with him. Now that Genesis thought about it, they would eventually have to try a round of public and/or outdoors sex. It would be thrilling and fun…but that would all come later on. For now they'd enjoy something more intimate and just the two of them.

As Zane took his hand, Genesis gave it a small squeeze. He thoroughly enjoyed holding hands with the younger man, it showed other people that they were together. "That sounds really good, but I may need help taking a shower first. Birdbath water isn't exactly an antibacterial." Genesis looked at Zane from the corner of his eye before gesturing towards the art stuff. "Besides, I want to watch you paint."

The walk home was silent though, comfortable and compared to their departure from the apartment, there was less tension. Genesis hadn't even known it was there when they had left. Looking back on it though, both he and Zane had different things on their minds keeping them from truly enjoying their time together.

Despite all the drama they had just pulled each other through, Zane felt happy on the way home. Like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Maybe he needed to talk more about things, he didn't know, but he did feel pretty good. He knew times to come weren't going to be as easy but...for just one last night...he didn't care.

He was still shaking his head with a smile on his face as Genesis continued to complain about the water. "Deal with it, Gen. It was either bird water or possibly getting stopped by cops wondering who the hell we killed." By the end of it, Zane had been covered in blood too. He was sure they both looked like a couple from a bad slasher flick.

And then he shut up as he backtracked over what Genesis had actually said: but I may need help taking a shower first. "Never mind," he quickly interjected. "I think you do need a shower after all." He tossed a grin at the changeling, one of those little boy grins he quite often wore when he was happy.

He'd enjoyed their time out, but as always he felt a bit of relief when Genesis' place came near. He was glad he felt that way too. Glad his hostility hadn't ruined the feel of their home. Together, they made their way back underground, and Zane half-waved through his bags at the few guards he knew. Especially Bruce, who he was fond of and a little afraid of at the same time. The older male looked a little skeptically at Zane's unclothed state, but he only winked.

The apartment seemed brighter when they entered; happier. They were back to being themselves again and that seemed to affect everything. "I could use a meal too," he muttered. "Blood, shower, paint...movie?" Movie which they would probably never watch because chances were they would end up being much more interested in each other.

Once they were securely in their apartment, Genesis looked right up at Zane, contemplating his order of events. He reached both of his hands up to pull Zane's head down to his own and began kissing him. It was deep and sensual and the changeling made it very clear that he was looking for something more very soon. He pulled back just the slightest bit, their lips still so close that they would brush as he talked. "I think I want that shower now…" He let his voice trail off as hesitated to continue their make out session.

It took them a while to actually make it to the bathroom, but one their Genesis made it his goal to thoroughly enjoy the younger man. Even when they were technically done with everything, Genesis just stood there and relaxed as he laid his head against Zane's chest with the warm spray of the shower hitting his back. He had actually fallen asleep standing there for a moment, but the pureblood roused him so they could get out.

Genesis got dressed into something comfortable (his own sweat pants, but one of Zane's hoods) and then took his time in drying off Zane. He probably dried Zane's hair for a good twenty minutes. Really it had been more of a massage than the task of actually drying off the younger male, but Genesis liked it either way.

He made his way to the kitchen, grabbing two mugs from the cabinet and then going to the fridge for two blood packs. He took two out randomly, might as well be a surprise at this point, and poured them into each cup. By the time both were done heating, Zane was in the living room and setting up his art supplies. Genesis smiled as he brought the pureblood's meal over. He set it onto one of the end tables and then moved to sit on the nearby couch. The changeling grabbed a hold of the blanket Zane had been using while he was sleeping on the couch and curled it around himself. It wouldn't exactly keep him warm, but at least he could cuddle into something that smelled like his lover while the younger man did his thing.

"So, what are you going to be painting me?" He asked innocently, taking a sip from his steaming cup. What was meant to be a small sip turned into a large gulp with half the cup gone by the end of it. His stomach growled as if in protest of him stopping, but Genesis was determined to not be a ravenous animal and eat like a proper vampire.

Until that moment, right after they stepped inside, Zane hadn't realized just how much he missed kissing his partner. Genesis was damn good at it too, the way their lips moved against one anothers was perfect, sensual, deep...it was obvious they'd end up in each others arm very soon, tired and satisfied.

Sometimes, just how sexy Genesis could be, could light Zane on fire. It was the way he would trap Zane's bottom lip between his teeth, or the way his hands would run through his short hair, or what he'd done then...so close that as he talked, his lips barely brushed Zane's.

He enjoyed the shower, because Genesis was just so...attentive. Maybe Zane liked being the center of the changeling's attention, he didn't know. But it was fun, even when Zane just held him for awhile. When Genesis fell asleep though, he knew it was time to get out. So he roused the older male and they climbed out of the shower, drying each other off.

He never really bothered to dry his own hair, usually he just ran a towel over his head and let it go. But Genesis...Genesis spoiled him. He'd enjoyed the hidden massage probably more than he should and he...he felt good. Happy again. He knew the decision he had made had been the right one.

He just threw on a pair of boxer shorts and another one of his loose fitting cotton shirts before making his way to his favorite chair. Genesis was taking care of blood so he pulled his things out of their shopping bags and sat them on the matching ottoman. He was proud of his selection, and had it all out the way he wanted it, trailing his fingers across the canvas.

He missed painting. He supposed he should pick it up again. It had seemed to help with the stress back when he was younger, perhaps it would help him now as well. He looked up as Genesis joined him again, smiling as he sat a mug for Zane on one of the end tables. He murmured a thank you as he looked through his pencil set, wondering which one he should choose.

He looked up at the innocent question and smirked. "Besides you like one of my french girls?" he quoted, then shrugged as he looked back at the bare white in front of him. He could make anything he wanted. He supposed that's what he liked. It was no ones decision but his own, and the only limitations were his imagination. "What do you want?"

He gave the changeling time to think as he picked up his mug to take a drink. He wasn't even going to bother with trying to sip, he knew better. He was too hungry for that.

The changeling smiled, shaking his heat at the quote. "I don't know." He replied honestly, taking a moment to thing about it. A memory suddenly popped into his head. He bit his bottom lip in mild reluctance before standing and shrugging off the blanket around his shoulders. He set his mug down before continuing on his way.

Walking over to Zane, Genesis wrapped his arms around his lover's neck from behind and rested his head on one of his shoulders. "How about I share something with you?" He said, kissing Zane on the cheek sweetly. "You're going to need to let your guard down though." The older vampire closed his eyes as he brought the memory to the forefront of his mind once more.

He thought at Zane, as crazy as that sounded, but he was sure the other could see exactly what was in the memory. It was afternoon, the sun high in the sky. They were on top of a hill, the landscape barren of the usual paved roads and tall buildings of modern times. There was just lush green grass and colorful flowers littered everywhere. In the distance was a cliff and beyond that the sea. The sunlight was reflecting off the clear blue water in sparkles. Genesis took the memory even further than that. He recalled the sounds, the sound of a few rustling leaves from the trees he knew were behind him. Seagulls in the distance cawing as they circled over the open water. The air was fresh and clean, it was nothing like the air today. It was fresh and pure, before man started polluting it with various gasses.

Genesis wished he could stay there forever, his memories of the daytime were so precious to him. Still, he wanted to share it with Zane. Poor Zane who had never experienced anything like that before. It was both a blessing and a curse.

The vampire pulled them back to the present. They were in the same position they had been in before the sharing. Genesis smiled, thinking that the present wasn't so back either. "So, pretty enough to paint?"

Zane had sat his drink down by the time Genesis stood, and he watched the older male with his eyes before he was behind him, arms wrapped around his neck and chin on his shoulder. He smiled at the request. Despite understanding privacy, Zane actually loved his gift. And he loved it when someone other than himself actually wanted to use it.

He smiled at the kiss placed on his cheek then let go of the block and felt his mind stretch, but he pulled it back. He couldn't hear any farther than Genesis' building, but that was still a lot of people. Mostly though, he didn't want to go past what Genesis actually wanted him to see.

He closed his eyes as he felt an image start up, and almost immediately Zane was (or would have been) breath-taken. He'd never seen the sun like that, so high in the sky and unbelievably bright. The sky was blue in a way that he'd only seen in movies and photos and other paintings, the green grass and colorful flowers were much brighter than he'd ever perceived. The cliff had edges sharper than would ever be shown by the unforgiving night he lived in, and the blue water sparkled with each gentle wave that was tossed.

With Genesis' memory he could feel as if he was there. He could smell the trees, the flowers, nature. He could hear the sea and birds in the air. The air...was untouched. Like valuable water, nothing had messed with it yet.

He was sad when it ended. It was the closest he would ever get to seeing the day and something so...unmarked as that memory had been. As vivid as it was, he doubted he would ever forget.

"Beautiful," he answered, and noted the awe in his own voice. He cemented the picture and focused on it. Then, he sat to work.

Zane was a vampire-speed painter. In moments, using each of the eight pencils laid out before him, he had sketched the scene, starting from the top of his large canvas all the way to the bottom. He sketched each little puff of cloud in the sky to each drop of shadow it cast on the ground, each corner of the earth that the suns rays touched to the few places it would never be, each feather on a bird and each blade of grass.

There was accuracy in his drawing that no human would ever be able to master, because the point of view was from vampire vision that could see specs of dust in the air and ladybugs clinging to a petal of a flower.

He put it all down. Everything he could think of, every image he could see.

And then...he began to paint.

He was so focused, so consumed, that he forgot about the half mug of blood left on the side table. He didn't even ask Genesis to move from his spot on his shoulder. He wielded each paintbrush as if it was something special, mixed blues so well to create the sky one would think he had seen it himself.

Each stroke made something new blend into the page, made something stick out that hadn't been there before. He went from top to bottom more than once, starting off with the basics and making it slowly more complicated as time went by. Adding accents and shadows and edges as his capable hands went from thick brushes to small brushes.

The whole time, there was a smile on his face.

It was a relaxing sit to watch Zane draw. The younger man just got so consumed by his work that it was like he noticed nothing else. For a second Genesis felt envious, he had never had that kind of connection with his work or anything else. Living so long, the changeling figured he probably done just about everything there was to do and not one had ever made him feel the way that Zane felt about painting.

By the time Genesis finished his mug, the pureblood was just about done with the sketching phase. Genesis admired the quick and accurate work. He could see everything he remembered in those lines, the open grass, the clouds. Even with no color is was beautiful. It made the older male smile, he was happy that Zane took right to the idea of painting the scene. It was something precious that just the two of them shared together.

Genesis tried hard to stay awake. Zane had switched to actually painting the scene before the changeling's eyes began closing in fatigue. He ended up on his side, hear against the armrest of the couch and blanket curled around him just watching the swirl of colors taking over the white canvas. It was pretty and rather hypnotizing to Genesis. Either way after fighting off the need for sleep for so long, his eyes closed one last time to Zane paining the water. Genesis was a bit disappointed that he wouldn't get to see his lover finish, but he anticipated a lovely painting when he woke up.

Strangely, or perhaps not so much, he dreamt of himself ad Zane sitting in that field. It was different time and just the two of them. The entire scene was peaceful and the couple spent most of it wrapped around one each other and sharing kisses. It was the best dream Genesis had had in a very long time.

By the time Zane had finished he'd nearly gone back over the painting to add him and Genesis to it. Then he realized he hadn't put his gift back in restrainsts and was seeing just the outline of the changelings thoughts. Tired, but proud of his work, he'd looked up to find his lover fast asleep.

He smiled to himself, remembering Genesis falling asleep in the shower as well, and figured he had really pushed himself to stay awake so long. Zane was tired, his internal clock already warnig him of the sunrise. He knew he should sleep but he didn't want to. The sooner he went to bed the sooner he'd have to wake up.

And then it would all be over.

So instead, the prueblood got up and rinsed out all his brushes before putting eeverhthig back where he'd gotten it and moved his painting somewhere safe for it to dry. Then be reheated what was left of his meal, stopping the microwave before it beeped, and downed it.

He was being so quiet as to not wake Genesis he wasn't even sure he was making noise when he walked, but afterawhile he leaned back on the counter and just looked around for a moment. He was happy, deep down. Past the guilt for the way he'd wasted the past week, past the anger for what was to come, he was happy.

He was also worried. The law stated he could only sit on the council for a centuries time. And while that was long for someone who was only eighteen, it was only a drop for someone who could live forever. But, he had to wonder...who was going to take over after him? What were going to be the conditions then?

He shook his head and pushed himself out of the kitchen to go back to the changeling sleeping so peacefully on the couch. Zane gently pealed the blanket off the older male before pulling him into his arms. Zane could easily carry Genesis because of his much smaller stature, and he kind of had to stop for a moment and smile down at his partner.

He was perfect.

Much to good for Zane, but he ignored that self-doubt in himself. If anyone could know for sure what they wante in a lover it would be someone who lived as long as the changeling. Who was Zane to question that?

He took them both to their bed, laying Genesis down first before joining him. He pulled the covers over them both and curled up close. Letting go of what tomorrow might hold, Zane finally fell asleep.

Genesis was mostly dead to the world around him. Zane picking him up didn't do anything to rouse his attention, instead he simply nuzzled his face into the younger mans chest. The bed was much softer than the couch, so when the pureblood placed him down onto the mattress, Genesis sighed in his sleep as his body relaxed into it. When Zane himself was settled in beside Genesis instantly moved with him so that he could fit perfectly next to his lover.

It was warm, it was comfortable, and it was the best nights sleep that Genesis had had in a long while. All good things come to an end though, but Genesis woke up on his own. He felt fully rested, but still lazy. He was facing away from the pureblood who was right against his back, arm thrown over the changeling's waist to keep him close. It was a nice feeling to wake up in that position.

Quietly he slipped out from his lovers embrace, trying to be as quiet as possible so as to not wake Zane up. He was actually hungry, something he hadn't been in a long time. After a quick stop in the bathroom to brush his teeth, Genesis was off on his way down towards the kitchen.

He placed his mug into the microwave and then walked over to the couch to get the television remote. By the time his blood was all heated, Genesis had put on the news. He hadn't watched it for the last few days and was curious to see if anything interesting had happened in the world.

A thought hit him all of a sudden: Zane's painting. He hadn't gotten to see if the younger man had finished it. He turned to the side to look. The canvas, which had been little more than a sketched out scene when he had fallen asleep, was now filled with a colorful and breathtaking picture. Genesis slowly stood from his seat, setting his mug onto the coffee table, before making his way over. The changeling couldn't resist touching it, the paint was dry by then and as his fingers glided over the small ridges of the dry paint his chest filled in pride.

Everything on the canvas was exactly as he remembered it. Zane had done a remarkable job, so much so that even the tiniest details were evident in his work. The picture was so vivid that Genesis could almost feel the wind against his skin, the warmth of the sun, or even the smell of the sea in the distance. He wondered if maybe Zane would agree to doing a few more pieces, maybe Genesis could get him a gallery opening. He was talented enough and the changeling was sure that people, human and vampire alike, would pay big money to have the young pureblood's work once his name became well known. With Zane's skill it wouldn't have taken long.

His mind was brought back by the sound of a phone ringing. Genesis moved to grab it to hear Bruce on the other line. "Mr. Blackwell is here, sir. He wishes to come down." Bruce's voice was reluctant, the lycanthrope didn't like vampires much. Gen was part of a small exception.

For a second the vampire was scared, it was day thirty, but Clarence spared no time for them to even wake up properly before coming. Looking to his bedroom door down the hall, Genesis bit his lip before agreeing to let the council member down. He waited a few moments to let Clarence arrive.

Standing in sweatpants and his grandson's hood wasn't exactly what Genesis would have liked to be wearing when meeting with the pureblood, but beggars couldn't be choosers. It didn't take long for Clarence to arrive, Genesis opened the door for him and the two exchanged a few polite greetings. It was awkward for a moment, Clarence had clearly been expecting Zane to be there.

"Where is he?" He asked with a stern voice, apparently small talk was out of the question. Blackwell wanted to get straight down to business.

"Sleep…" Genesis replied, picking his mug up off the coffee table and taking a sleep. Clarence just stared at him and the silence stretched between for at least a good ten minutes. "Oh, I guess you want me to go wake him up then?" The changeling finally asked, in an innocent tone, once he finished his mug. Both he and Clarence knew what he was doing, trying to push the pureblood's buttons. To be honest, Genesis wasn't sure if it was working or not. Still, he gestured for Clarence to take a seat on the couch before he moved to the kitchen to put his mug in the sink and then heading down to his bedroom.

Zane still appeared to be asleep, in a different position than when Genesis had woken earlier. The younger man was on his stomach, arm outstretched over Genesis' side of the bed as if he had been looking for him in his sleep. It was an endearing side, but at the moment the changeling couldn't exactly enjoy it.

He crawled onto the bed until he was hovering over Zane on his hands and knees. Leaning down he kissed Zane, first on the top of the head, then on his ears, his cheeks. His lover's head was turned slightly so getting at his lips finally wasn't very hard. Eventually the teasing slowly woke up the younger man.

Zane hadn't been dreaming during his sleep, but he usually didn't anyway. His mind was so wound during the night that when he finally got to sleep it kind of shut down. Usually if he dreamed it was because he had picked up on someone elses dreams and spun his own image out of their feelings.

He hadn't woken when Genesis moved, but after a moment he missed the feeling of the other vampire against him. He had tried to pull him close again, but in his sleepy state he hadn't been able to keep searching before he was deep asleep again. Until something began to wake him.

Feather light touches appeared on the top of his head, his ears, his cheeks, over and over. Eventually the feeling began to rouse him, and with a smile on his face he kept his eyes closed just a little longer to enjoy it before he rolled onto his back slowly.

He smiled sleepily, a careless smile as his mind had yet to realize what day it was and just what was waiting in the livingroom. He lifted his arms enough to wrap them around Genesis' neck and pull him down for a kiss, soft and sweet. A good morning kiss.

He pulled away slowly before dropping back against the bed, nuzzling his nose against the changeling's arm that was holding him up. "Mm...hi," he murmured softly. Waking up like that he could definitely get used to. And then, without warning, he went stiff.

He'd finally realized his grandfather sat just a few feet away from them. His good mood vanished just like that and despair clutched at his heat. He shook his head, muttering whispers of 'no, no, no' under his breath before he reached up again, wrapped his arms around Genesis, and pulled him down.

He buried his face in the changelings chest and sighed heavily. "Make him go away."

He was wining, but he knew, in just a moment, he'd pry himself up, snap himself into shape, and face the decision he knew he was going to make. Because he was firm in what he'd chosen. He just hadn't expected to have to deal with it so...early. It wasn't fair.

Life wasn't fair. That was something he was going to get used to. Despite having the month of freedom, everything was about to change as fast as a car hitting a brick wall. He was just going to have to deal with it and do his best to keep himself under control.

It had been pleasant, at least for a few minutes, before Zane caught whiff of his grandfather. Genesis soon found himself pulled and squished by his lover as the younger held him close and whispered childish pleas of making the other pureblood go away. All Genesis could do was hold him back and say that he was sorry.

"I love you," He said firmly as he moved himself out of Zane's grip. He sat himself at the corner of the bed and looked over at the younger man. "But you chose this for yourself, for us, so put on your big boy pants and go meet your grandfather." Genesis gave his lover a small smile as his hand reached out to pat the other's calf.

He moved himself over to his dresser, pulling out a more appropriate clothing choice for the coming event. Of course with Genesis, as long as it made him look good he considered it appropriate. Slipping into a pair of leather pants, yes leather, was a bit challenging. Whenever he wore them it took a bot of maneuvering to get them to sit right, but they fit him like a glove. Next he put on a clingy, dark blue sweater. Taking a moment to appraise himself in the mirror her turned back to look at Zane.

"Look good?" He asked, not really expecting an answer. He knew he did. With a smirk on his face he walked over to where Zane was, pulling the younger man down by the shoulder so he could speak into his ear without pushing himself onto his toes. "And you know, if you do good I'll…" He trailed off from their, whispering a number of dirty suggestions that he'd be willing to do with the young pureblood later that night.

Stepping away from Zane and with a very happy smile on his face, Genesis gave his partner a wink before stepping out of their room. He took his time in making his way into the kitchen. "Wold you like a drink?" He called out to Clarence as he grabbed a mug to heat up some blood for Zane. The older looking vampire replied with a 'no thank you' before waiting for his grandson to enter the room.

Zane frowned the moment Genesis was out of his arms, then groaned as he pulled himself up. The changeling was right. He'd chosen for them, so he had to do it. He nearly stumbled his way out of bed he'd been so twisted in the sheets, but once he got up he was good to go.

He ran his hands through his hair a couple of times then looked for some pants to throw on. He didn't bother with shoes. It wasn't like he should have to anyway. Clarence was walking in on their territory. If Zane was in the right mood he would have walked out naked with sex hair and told him to come back later.

Maturity, he reminded himself with a sigh. He looked up at the sound of Genesis voice and shook his head with a bit of a smile. "You always look good," he muttered. And he knew his partner knew that as well. He looked rather good in leather though.

He arched an eyebrow at the smirk on the changeling's face before he was being pulled down to the others height. One raised eyebrow turned into two at the dirty little suggestions Genesis whispered in his ear. He grinned slowly and nodded. Damn, talk about motivation.

He shook his head as he walked into their bathroom to brush his teeth and try to make himself presentable. By the time he made his way into the livingroom, taking a moment to stretch, Clarence was seated on the couch and Genesis was in the kitchen.

Oh how much he wanted him right next to him, but he didn't dare say it out loud. He watched as the Blackwell sat a little straighter in his seat and Zane relaxed himself into the plush chair just across from the older male.

"Well," Clarence asked. "What have you decided?"

Zane bit back the smile. He didn't want to look like he was too happy about it. Honestly, he wasn't. He'd tried to think of every loophole possible to get what he wanted. Down to marrying some chick on paper and still having Genesis to be his real partner. But in the end, he knew this was the only thing that was going to work.

"I'm taking the Blackwell seat."

For a moment, the look of utter shock covered the normally stoic vampires face, but it was covered just as quickly as it had appeared.

Zane sat forward suddenly, more serious than he had ever been in his entire life. "These are my conditions. No one is to question my relationship, no one is to demand anything from me that would affect it, and no one is to speak ill of it. You told me when we made this deal that if I chose the seat, I got to keep him. If that comes to jeopardy, even for just a moment, I swear to you that you won't like the results."

Clarence only nodded. They both knew Zane was in the right position to make threats. Zane had always been the dramatic one, able to stir up a scandal faster than even a vampire could blink. He was doing it all for Genesis. If he lost him...for any reason...he was going to explode.

And take everyone and everything down with him.

As Zane walked in the microwave beeped that it was done. Taking the warm mug into his hands, Genesis remained at the counter. This was something Zane had to do for himself, tell his grandfather just what he was going to do and what the terms of agreement were. If the changeling had sat by him and held his hand, Zane would never have been able to handle anyone in the council. Dealing with his grandfather was the first step for the young pureblood.

Genesis listened intently as Zane spoke. He sensed something right from the moment that the younger man uttered the words that he would sit. Clarence was shocked and no matter how well he thought he was hiding it. He hadn't needed to see the council member's face, Genesis just knew.

Zane laid out the deal firmly for his grandfather to understand. Genesis was proud of him, very happy about the maturity he was displaying. Not that the changeling hadn't given him the proper incentive to do so. Still the 'if I chose the seat, I got to keep him' part wasn't exactly the way Genesis would have phrased it. Looking down into the dark pool of liquid in the mug, he frowned. It made him sound like a pet, like a puppy. Turning on his heels to look at the two pureblood, he thought for a moment. He'd definitely have to make Zane pay for the comment later tonight.

When Clarence nodded, Genesis decided that it was the appropriate time to move closer to them. He walked around to Zane's side ad handed him the mug before giving him a light peck. It was a little PDA to show that Genesis was standing by whatever Zane said, a united front from the two lovers. The changeling sat on the couch between the two family members, a little closer to Zane though.

"When is he to start?" The changeling asked in a business like fashion. He hoped it wouldn't be that night or the next, poor Zane needed some time, some help before he was just thrust into the world of pureblood politics. Genesis was hoping to give him a few details of the members already on the council before he had to sit and argue with all of them.

Just like that it was over. After all the nights Zane spent, string angrily inside of himself, torturing himself, pushing Genesis so far away from him that the changeling really should have left...it was over after a few words. Zane wasn't sure if he should feel revealed that it hadn't been more painful...or disappointed that it'd been so easy.

He half expected Clarence to just flat out say no and tell him how it was really going to be. That's how things usually worked in Zane's life. He said what he wanted, and someone else told him what he'd get. Granted, he'd said he wanted Genesis and then someone else told him the only way he could do that.

Zane smiled thankfully as he was handed a warm mug, and quirked yet another smile at the kiss to his cheek. It was such a simple gesture but it showed so much. Even Zane knew what Genesis was doing--proving a point. They really were together. Committed. It wasn't even just about sex, or some phase the younger male was in. It was real. It was a relationship.

"Soon," Clarence answered as he sat back a little. The addition of Genesis had brought back the more formal of appearances from both of the males. "Alarick will have to make a formal declaration of stepping down into his old seat. The floor for that will be Wednesday." Two more nights. "Then Zane will have to make a formal declaration of addition. The floor for that will be Friday. Come the following Monday, he will officially be a member."

Clarence, who wasn't used to speaking so much, took a moment to pause as he smoothed his coat jacket. "It would be a good idea, Genesis, to take him shopping. I know he has very little appropriate attire." While Zane dressed nicely more often than not, even his dressier clothes weren't the three piece suits the councilmen showed up to work in. Usually the young pureblood just wore the pants and the jacket over a nice button down instead of going all out. He thought he looked better that way too.

"And the weekend before he starts I would like to get some training in for him," Clarence added. "You've heard his mouth, Genesis. It's not always the most...respectful."

Soon. It was a scary thought that Zane would be starting quickly. Genesis had a week to work with him though, try and help him as best as the changeling could. More importantly though, it would be a week until Zane became busy. He'd have a job, something that Genesis wasn't used to. He'd grown quite accustomed for Zane to be available at any given moment, but the council will change that. He couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed with the thought.

"Alarick can't be happy about that." It was a statement, not mumbled or spoken softly. No one in the room liked Zane's father, so Genesis felt no need to hold back. Alarick had truly believed that Zane wouldn't choose the changeling, he had been so adamant in his thinking. He probably wasn't expecting to have to declare his demotion in front of a bunch of the most powerful vampires in the world in just two days. Genesis really wanted to be present for that.

The talk shifted to clothing and while it was true that Zane always dressed well, Clarence was right. Being a member of the vampire council was definitely a 'white collar' job, that meant suit and tie were needed. That wasn't a problem for the changeling though, he had his own personal tailor at his beck and call so he could get Zane measured within the hour and the younger man would have a line of brand new suits by the days end. "He'll be fine Clarence, I'll take care of that."

But apparently Blackwell wasn't done there. Genesis literally snorted, looking at his partner from the corner of his eye with a large grin on his face. It was true, Zane did not have the right vocabulary for dealing with a bunch of stuffy old men. "Do you have anyone in particular in mind?" He asked curiously, turning his attention back to Clarence. Teaching Zane the 'proper' ways to speak was going to be an enormous task for anyone.

Zane was trying not to show it, but truthfully...he was scared. There was a reason why he had fought so hard not to do what he was getting into and it was because he hated it. All of it. He didn't want to be punching a time card, wearing a fancy suit and talking in ways he didn't want to talk.

Basically he was just going to have to sit around all night with a bunch of cranky old man talking glorified gossip about everyone in their society. It just wasn't for him. Zane was young, open-minded, and could really care less what other people did with their lives.

He tried not to gulp, or grab Genesis' hand, or flip out and take it all back before he hit the ground running. He had to stay calm and remind himself that he had made the right choice. For a good reason.

Clarence sighed suddenly and straightened the tie around his neck. "Alarick will most certainly not be pleased. This change of events will...not be something he saw coming." Translation: anyone saw coming. Not even Genesis. Zane was beginning to wonder if he was unpredictable or if no one had any faith in him at all.

As the conversation turned to speech and Genesis snorted, Zane looked up and slightly offended. What was wrong with the way he talked? He talked English. He looked towards his grandfather, who was eying him in a very tired manner. "Knowing Zane, it will probably have to be many 'someone's."

"What's that mean?" he asked, almost snapped really, but Clarence gave him a kind and amused smile.

The older looking man stood with a sigh and, once again, straightened out his suit. "Well then, I trust you will spend your next days wisely Zane. Ah and...I would avoid your father, at least for the time being." He nodded at the two before making his way to the door, but then he stopped short.

"Both of you should prepare yourselves for what is to come. I'll do my best to follow your demands Zane, and keep your relationship untouched by prying eyes. But you've caused waves your entire life I've tried to cover up, you know just how far my power does and doesn't reach."

Zane only nodded. He understood. Even in the vampire world the media were scavengers. They'd caught a couple of not so proud moments of his to out, and sometimes not even Clarence could make them disappear. His political image was scratched, but now he'd wished he'd leaked more info. Sure he would have got hit around more, but maybe this situation would be better.

"Anything else before I go?"

Zane shook his head before looking over at Genesis to make sure he wasn't forgetting to ask or mention something. He was ready for it to be over though.

"Anything else before I go?" It was a simple question form the older pureblood, but it caused Genesis to give the man a rather serious look. To be honest, Clarence had just suggested what Genesis would already be doing to and for Zane. Was there anything else they needed? The changeling took a moment to think about it before deciding that no, they were fine. If anything more needed to be done, Genesis would take care of it.

After voicing his decision to the council member, the older vampire stood and walked Clarence to the door. It was all out of politeness, a formality really, but in a way it showed Zane an example of how others would expect him to act in the coming days. Goodbye's were short and simple and Genesis was quite happy once Blackwell walked out of their home.

Genesis walked back over to his lover, running his hands through Zane's short hair in a soothing way. "You did well love." He stated simply, kissing the top of the pureblood's head. He knew that Zane was scared of what was to come, but Genesis would give him everything he would need.

The changeling knelt down in front of the younger man, grabbing his ands and holding them loosely. "When the time comes I'll be there with you, okay?" The entire declaration of admittance process was very formal. In a way it would be like a party after, council members and their wives with other important vampires would be around to greet and talk to Zane. Congratulate him on his admittance (a formality really because they had to, not because they wanted to), but just as their wives would be beside them, Genesis would be with Zane.

It was strange, the changeling remembered a time where an event like this would have been exclusively pureblood members only. Those who weren't born vampires were kept as dirty little secrets in the backs of 'high society' lives. Then as his people began to rise in power, there wasn't much the pureblooded could do to keep them out of influential events. At Zane's ceremony, there would be a few changelings, including Genesis himself.

With Genesis beside the younger man, there would be few council members who would have the gall to mess with him. Genesis knew things, about families and about members, he had money and power, and more importantly he held influence in the vampiric community. "You let me know if anyone's giving you trouble. I'll let you in on whatever dirt, little secrets I have on them." He squeezed Zane's hands in reassurance before standing and moving towards the phone. "So…how about those suits?"

Zane felt really relieved the moment his grandfather was out of their house. He really didn't like people in Genesis' place at all. For some reason it bugged him, but he figured it was some kind of territorial reaction. He smiled, though it was a little strained, as the changeling walked back over to him, but the feeling of fingers running through his hair and the simple kiss relaxed him visibly.

He hadn't felt as if he'd done very well, but at least he hadn't had any childish outbursts. So that was a plus, and if Genesis thought he'd done fine than he probably had. His attention was fully on the other male as he knelt in front of him, and his fingers wrapped around Genesis' hands holding his. He nodded at the words, feeling more relief wash over him. He doubted he could make it through the admittance ceremony without Genesis.

He was so thankful, now more than ever, that Genesis was at least used to the world he was about to enter. Zane himself spent very little time with the purebloods, and had refused to learn pretty much anything about his own culture growing up for his distaste of wanting to be a part of it. Now, he would be totally lost without his lovers help.

"You're really great, you know that right?" Zane murmured at the others reassuring words. He fell over on his side as Genesis moved away from him, thinking about the days to come and where he would be. So much was fixing to change and he wasn't looking forward to it at all.

But he would do it. Do it for them, for their relationship. And do it for himself. For the first time Zane actually felt healthy. Mind, body, and soul. He hadn't realized how damaged he'd been until he got out of his own home. He'd made a lot of headway.

"Yeah, suits," he murmured as he grabbed his mug of warm blood and decided to finish his meal.