May 11th

Lucas Rourke Art Gallery, 11:12 PM

“Magnificent!” exclaimed a man, in regards to an impressionist painting depicting a woman feeding yard animals. He was middle aged, which made Hayden question his tastes, despite he himself technically being over 30 years old. Yet, he preferred to adapt to modern tendencies, as opposed to the old mortals who stuck to whatever had been prevalent back in their day.

Hayden found nothing likeable about the picture. Yeah, it depicted rural life, which he had never come in contact with, but the way it was painted simply suggested a poignant boredom and lack of inspiration – the artist painted it just for the sake of painting, without any true meaning behind it. Perhaps some people wouldn’t think much of it, but the vampire believed every piece of art should convey a message, and be born from a certain spark of inspiration, from an idea, that the artist so desperately wants to materialize.

Only one painting truly caught Hayden’s attention – its maker was Nicholas Schneider, a young lad whose whole collection of paintings has proven capable of mesmerizing the vampire. The male found himself obsessed with all of his paintings, and Nicholas himself. On multiple occasions, the vampire had made small talk to the human. Deep inside, Hayden craved his love, to have something more with Nicholas, but it was impossible. As soon as the sun would rise, the vampire would slumber, leaving Nicholas to wonder what is going on with him. Embracing the artist wasn’t an option – although he’d probably receive permission, Hayden wouldn’t want to do it. He didn’t want to rob the male of his innocence, of his youth. Some call vampirism “eternal youth”, but it is exactly the opposite. A youthful appearance doesn’t mean being young; no one stays young forever, but vampires just live for far longer and maintain the same appearance.

“You never fail to impress me.” Hayden spoke, approaching Nicholas from behind, who was looking at another painting, crafted by someone else. Taken by surprise, he smiled.

“I should take credit. You’re barely impressed by any works around here.” Said the human, turning to face the vampire. “I noticed the way you looked at that painting over there, and your reaction to the man’s words. I don’t think it’s that bad, but he certainly overreacted.”

“Please… Many of the people in here wouldn’t recognize true art if it hit them in the face.”

“Yes… But you do. See, Hayden, we’ve talked on many occasions – you’ve proved yourself quite the art connoisseur, but I feel like I haven’t actually gotten to know you – the real you.” Hayden’s stomach twisted as he heard those words, and he felt the need to respond, a bit too fast, perhaps.

“There are things that are better left uncovered. Besides, there isn’t much to tell. I’m very boring, no matter how interesting I might seem.”

“I seriously doubt that. I was thinking… Maybe you’d want to come by my place tomorrow for a coffee or something… How does 4 PM sound?”

“Uh, sorry… I’m more of an evening person. A night owl, that’s what they call it.”

“Then how about you come back to my place right now, after the exhibition ends? Not much left.”

Hayden was stunned. The man he was so infatuated with, inviting him over to his house. A small part of him was telling him to refuse, that it was a bad idea. But his obsession got the better of him, and his body was already twitching with excitement that he tried to conceal as much as possible. There was only one right answer.

“I’d love to.” The male said. Nicholas smiled.

“Great. Just wait for me at the exit when it’s all done. I have to talk to some other people right now.” He said, before departing.

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About an hour later, the exhibition was slowly coming to a conclusion, with people leaving the building at an increasing rate. Some had bought a few paintings, bidding ridiculous prices just to obtain possession – they weren’t even that exquisite, according to Hayden. Many were blatantly pedestrian, failing to impress the Toreador, some even repelling him. However, despite his confidence in his critic skill, the vampire was quite precarious when it came to his own art. A plethora of paintings rested in his apartment, awaiting the day he’d be confident enough to put them out for display. In his enthused thinking, he pictured himself pitching his art to Nicholas for the first time, and receiving his praise and adoration.

Hayden’s fantasizing came to an abrupt end as he was yanked out of his thoughts by Nicholas himself, who had finally stepped out of the building.

“I apologize for the holdup… Someone bought one of my paintings and they were interested in more. I had to discuss some details with them.”

A small chuckle slipped through Hayden’s lips, who tucked his hands in the pockets of his dark blue fabric pants. “With how good your art is, I’m not surprised.”

Nicholas’ cheeks turned bright pink, and his gaze fled in the opposite direction. “Oh, I’m flattered.”

A few moments of silence, then the human spoke again.

“What about you? You’re always there analyzing other people’s paintings, but what about yours? You’ve never showcased your art.”

“Ah, well…” Hayden started, pausing, so as to not say something that might embarrass him – “I’m not really that confident in my art. I’ve sold some of it in the past, but I never really felt fulfilled. I lack something, something I can’t quite place my finger on just yet.”

“I’m most certain your art is actually super good, probably better than mine. But I do understand you on that last part. It’s never too late to find the right style. We all start somewhere. Who’s your favorite painter?”

“Well, I don’t really have a singular favorite. I like many of them.” Hayden spoke, shrugging. “One of them is Paul Cézanne.” He submitted.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Well, Cézanne started out with a pretty… foul reputation. His art was ridiculed and mocked. Few people saw his potential. But, in the end, he ended up jumpstarting a major style transition between centuries. So, you might doubt yourself, but you could end up bringing a well-needed change in the world of art.”

Nicholas’ words were music to Hayden’s ears, who found himself even more enamored with the human, after this sudden demonstration of historic knowledge. The real message, that the vampire shouldn’t doubt his art, kind of slipped past him in the midst of his admiration, but not completely. Deep within, Hayden had received it, and was willing to become more confident, especially when urged by someone so important to him.

The streets of Vegas were bustling with people walking back and forth, and the sky was filled with lights from all over the city. Hayden had fallen prey to his Compulsion thanks to these sights many times – however, now, Nicholas’ presence kept him from it. Hayden was surprised as to how he hadn’t been entranced by him yet.

As the two reached the apartment complex, Nicholas reached out for the keys in his pocket, then unlocked the entrance door, stepping aside and gesturing for Hayden to go first. He obliged, smiling towards the human as he passed.

The apartment was spacious enough for two people to live inside comfortably, maybe even more. The walls were of a dark teal, complementing the white colored modern furniture and ceiling. A large window sat on one of the walls, offering a large view of the city, tall, well-lit buildings in the distance. Next to the said window was a coffee table, followed by a couch. Hayden was taken aback by the luxury the other lived in. His apartment was nothing next to this.

“Wow... How many paintings have you sold to afford this?” The vampire asked, still looking around in awe.

“A lot, I had to talk to the right people to get some high prices. It wasn’t easy, but in the end it was worth it.” Replied Nicholas, heading over to the couch and sitting down. Reaching for the red satin tie at his neck, he proceeded to undo it, throwing it on the floor. As he unbuttoned a few buttons at the top of his shirt, simultaneously removing his shoes with his feet, the male let out a sigh of relief that almost turned into a moan – Hayden bit his lip at the sound, looking away.

“Sorry. Sitting in these clothes for hours, in the middle of those crowds… It really chokes you up.”

“Oh, I know. I hate shirts and suits too, but I certainly love the appearance they offer.” Hayden stated, loosening his tie and taking off the suit he was wearing.

“Please, sit down. Let me get you something to drink. Wine?”

Hayden made his way to the couch.

“Uh, no, thanks. I wish to be sober when talking to you.” Hayden claimed. It was true, but not the main reason. Vampires cannot consume anything besides blood. Some would regurgitate whatever they consume on the spot. Others, including Hayden, could hold it in for a while, but it wasn’t a very pleasant feeling.

A minor burning sensation began filling Hayden’s throat. He was becoming hungry, and the only source of blood there was Nicholas. No. The vampire had sworn he’d never feed on him. But the Beast kept tempting him, alluring him. ‘Imagine how sweet he tastes. You love him, you deserve to taste his blood.’ It whispered to Hayden, but the more he resisted, the louder the pleading got, until it turned into chilling screams.

“Hayden?” Nicholas called out, noticing his distressed face.

“Hm?” He mumbled, taking his attention away from the beast. “Sorry, just got lost in thought.”

“That looked like some painful thinking.”

“Hah, you have no idea.”

Nicholas returned to the couch, placing an opened bottle of wine and a glass on the coffee table next to him, pouring himself some.

“So…” He muttered after gulping down half of the glass. “I want to be honest with you, Hayden. I really, really like you. You’re always there admiring my art, you talk to me… You make me feel… Nice.”

Caught off guard by the human’s words, Hayden couldn’t say anything.

“I’m sorry… I probably made you uncomfortable. I shouldn’t have-“

Before he could finish, Nicholas was cut off by Hayden’s lips pressing against his. It only lasted a few moments, until the vampire pulled away, but it left both of them wanting more.

Hayden took a moment to look at Nicholas, enraptured by his beauty. The human had short, dark hair, styled in a buzzcut, tan skin that contrasted his almond-shaped blue eyes. The vampire felt like he was staring into the ocean whenever he looked at them. His thick eyebrows were obviously plucked, to be given contour - Hayden had always appreciated someone who cared about their appearance. Nicholas had the same body build as the other: slim, but toned - the shirt he had on was visibly tight. He was shorter than Hayden, but the difference was mostly in the legs, so when sitting down, their faces were approximately at the same level.

“I like you too. Why do you think I always show up around you?” Hayden chuckled. “I was just afraid you wouldn’t feel the same.” He admitted.

“Me too.” Nicholas added, biting his lower lip. “But we both do, so…”

“So let’s shut up and do what we both really want.” Hayden stated boldly, before getting close to the other and pulling him in for another kiss, this time more passionate. For a moment, the vampire focused, and his Blush of Life kicked in – an ability that allows vampire bodies to feel more lifelike. Hayden could enjoy sex without the need of that ability, unlike some vampires, but he wanted his touch to feel warm to the other.

Nicholas grabbed Hayden’s tie, pulling it off and tossing it next to his, on the floor. As the two kept kissing, he reached for Hayden’s shirt and began unbuttoning it, revealing his smooth chest. Hayden did the same to Nicholas, but then quickly reached for his pants. It wasn’t long until both of them were completely undressed. Hayden was infatuated with Nicholas and his body, and ached with joy. The man of his dreams, right in front of him, naked.

Wrapping his arms around Nicholas’ waist, Hayden lifted him in the air, and the human wrapped his feet around him. “Where’s your bed?” Hayden asked in between kissing the other’s neck.

“T-the first door on the left.” Nicholas uttered, struggling to speak as shivers of pleasure ran through his body. Hayden carried him, opening the door with his leg.

The bedroom looked just as good as the living room, with a king-sized bed covered with white sheets. Hayden gently threw Nicholas on the bed, grinning at him, before climbing on top of him.

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May 12th

Nicholas' Apartment, 8:00 AM

The alarm clock began ringing, filling the bedroom with noise. Nicholas awoke to find himself alone in the bed, with no sign of Hayden. He tried to listen, in hopes that the other might still be there, but the apartment was silent.

Getting out of bed, the man walked into the living room. On the floor next to the couch, only his clothes remained. A deep sense of disappointment filled Nicholas. The last thing he remembered from last night was falling asleep in Hayden’s arms, and now he was gone without a word. He would’ve contacted him, but didn’t have his number. Would he ever see him again? He only ever saw Hayden at the art exhibitions, and the next one was days away. He couldn’t wait that long.

In his own apartment, Hayden lied down peacefully in his Daysleep. The sealed windows let no light through, but that didn’t matter. If the sun was up in the sky, every Kindred would be put to sleep.

His cheeks were tainted with dry tears, tears he had managed to produce before the Blush of Life wore off. After that, it was just empty crying, desperate crying, as he realized what had just happened. He had made love to Nicholas, and it was ecstatic. But as soon as he had fallen asleep, Hayden left, fed on someone then went home. And that was the issue. He didn’t want to leave him, but had no choice. It wouldn’t work, them – their relationship. They were from two different worlds, and neither of them fit into the other one. As much as Hayden wanted him, they couldn’t be together, and that tore him apart.

Hayden had to forget him, for both of their sakes.