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Who questions when a job drops into their lap? Not surprising someone approached you for modeling though. Just means they have eyes.

And of course I'll help. Poor me. My life is very hard right now. I get to take pictures of a hot guy. When and where? You have a camera?

Meet me in the lobby.

For two favors. Taking pictures and finding something to take pictures with. I'm not interested in finding a geek around here to transfer any pictures we take on our phones.

The agent outfitted me with some money. Let's pick a good one.

Shopping and checking you out. Awww, you spoil me.

Though it comes to it, I know a geek that might help.

[ If he didn't punch Kyle. Again. ]

If we strike out with a real camera then we'll pay a little visit to your geek.

I thought I was putting you to work, Valenti. Am I doing this Dominant thing wrong?

[ Never mine. He types that out but deletes it before sending an actual message. ]

Sounds like a plan.

I'm coming along and doing what you said so apparently not doing it wrong.

Don't think I'm wearing a collar for you though.

I couldn't get you to.

And I'm not looking to get reeducated any time soon, are you?

[The problem with having too much time to yourself is you think about things, and you come to conclusions and the result is not always good. Like how you're not sure you can bring yourself to play along with these things that go against your moral code. ]

Nope. Not any time soon. In just about three months actually.

We could worry about three months from now, or we could walk down seventeen, and five, flights.

Not planning to worry about it at all. On my way.

😎

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Glad for the correction. I mean, in this place, who knows.

[And much as he knows whatever this is between them is fairly twisted up by this place and their lives before within the city, he's really glad it was a typo. ]

I don't hate you either, if that helps.

[ He's not sure what to think about the most recent text tough, considering that for a few minutes before realizing that he doesn't know the most obvious thing about that. ]

What did you say? And honestly, what will that mean? For you? Like what's expected of you?

[After that whole talk with Bass about the military and expectations and all that Kyle just can't ever understand, he's feeling all of that again and he knows now it's not the charm but more things he honestly has no clue about. ]

I didn't give him an answer. There's not a time limit on the offer.

( He doesn't think. )

What's expected of me, is, pack is family. They're your brothers or sisters. Pack comes first. Probably living with him, which would be a good thing because he's shit at picking places to live. He brought me to an abandoned subway station one time. And I'm not exaggerating.

Edited 2019-11-24 23:07 (UTC)

And expected you to live there? I mean, I know he has to know you, so how could he even think that was going to work?

He doesn't happen to be submissive, does he? I mean, would solve a problem for you.

[ He doubts it, if only in that he thinks that Jackson might have started there if that was the case.

Trying to ignore the thoughts in the back of his head, that odd "static" that he's been feeling too often since that night in Roswell. None of this is about him and what he wants.]

That's a good thing for him. Is it what you want?

[ Kyle can't imagine how much Jackson might be missing being around others of his kind? It only makes sense werewolves are as much pack animals as wolves, after all. At least it makes sense to Kyle. ]

He didn't expect me to live there. What he wanted is a longer story and for once I don't want to color how you see him, so you're not going to hear it.

( It would get too complicated and he doesn't want his sort of -- whatever Kyle is to him -- to already form an opinion about Derek Hale. Everyone forms one eventually. Usually negative. )

He's also dominant, and I don't know what I want. I know wolves don't do well on their own. They're called Omegas. They're easier to hunt, and less formidable. It's more about what it means to want what I want. I don't need him, but, he needs Pack. And my pack isn't here. When I'm from, his is gone. I guess he's McCall's pack forever or whatever, but his is gone. He's not even an Alpha anymore.

Fair enough. I can promise you an open mind should I ever meet him.

[ Because he doesn't assume he will, not intentionally. As much as he's enjoyed this since he came to this place, he hasn't assumed what it means, just glad that it keeps going on. Like Jackson texting him about this.

Even if, as he reads the text, he has a million questions. A thousand things he wants to say, to try and get details on, and to ask the simplest of all: what does this mean to them. Except he's not sure that's what Jackson needs right now, and that's what he wants to focus on. ]

Start with that then, Jackson. What do you want? I mean, and this is entirely going from just things you've told me, it's in name only since he's not an alpha? I mean, that's how that works, right?

[ At least it makes sense in his head, and he's not even sure about getting into does that change with hybrids? And are nonvampire hybrids different than vampire hybrids? He's going to start a list and one day start asking about these things, and hope it doesn't get him hurt by someone. ]

So what do you want? I mean, I figure you've already thought about this so I'm just kind of being that asshole as if you haven't already asked yourself these things. Though maybe it's as much about what you need as what you want, and if you can have all of it.

[ Which brings him back to those thoughts of where this leaves them, how that works with a pack, and stopping himself from typing those questions. ]

He isn't an alpha when I remember him, but here he still is. I haven't been in London long from when he remembers. When he's from. You know what I mean.

I think that I wouldn't hate having an alpha.

This place is so weird, but yeah, I get it. I would say you have to ask yourself if he's the alpha you want then? I don't know the politics of it all but he asked and isn't demanding so that seems a logical question.

Also if this means you're calling an end to this between us through text? Yeah, I will give you hell constantly until one of us isn't here anymore.

[ Except it's glad it's text. It means he can keep an even tone and there's no expression to worry about. If it's just a thing, then he has to accept that. Text means he can make jokes though and not betray himself with the look in his eyes. ]

Being here is fucking weird.

Wait, what?

Is that what this sounds like? I don't know what I'm doing here, Kyle, in this city or with you, but I don't want to stop. Maybe we're not supposed to be seeing each other because of a designation but when has something like that stopped us. I moved to London and made a better life. You became a freakin doctor.

I can have an alpha and be in a pack and still have someone.

And no, I don't know if you are a someone, or my someone. But you're . Kyle. Right now that's what I can do if that's okay with you.

I don't care what this damn city says we should be doing. I enjoy spending time with you, even when you're texting others, and so I just want to keep doing what we are.

[Yeah, he's not letting that go, Jackson, but he isn't bothered by it either. ]

I honestly don't know the politics of how packs work so I wasn't sure if it meant giving this up. More than okay. It's definitely more than okay. I just didn't want to be in the way of you being involved with a pack. I don't know how this works, but I can only imagine it has to be hard doing it alone.

I want you to have what you need, but I'm glad it doesn't mean not seeing you. All the shit we're coping with in this city, I want this.

And I think I want this for what it is right now. I know I can't promise you more. I also know this, us, is against the rules.

There's a warlock in the city who knows a spell that helps conceal things. It costs.

( He also doesn't know if he wants to invest money in it when he needs to be studying hard to be a lawyer and greasing certain people's palms to fast track it. )

We're friends, Kyle, who've seen each other naked.

I'm not asking for anything more. I'm good with things as they are. Even the risk.

How costly are we talking? Is the risk of being caught that great?

[He's not sure knowing the risk changes his willingness to take it on though. He's good with how his life is shaping up. ]

That works. Like I said, I barely understand the logistics of magic and werewolves and vampires existing, nonetheless what all it means with alphas and packs and all of that. But I want to learn when I can.

When you're not in the hospital or the gym or with me, you mean.

( Do... you have a life outside of him? And your job? Alex? )

You're going out and enjoying yourself, right?

I do learn some of that from you but from others too.

[That question catches him off guard, not even sure how to answer it. If only that he suspects the answer expected in this place and Kyle's answer are maybe not the same. Though he's never truly thought of working on enjoying himself in this place. ]

I'm doing my best to make a life here. Not really sure I'm the type to enjoy like most do here but I'm not only working and working out.

[ At least not entirely. ]

I didn't mean 'enjoying yourself,' like it sounds. But, I do know as fucked up as everything can be here, we have to find the people and the things we can do besides people that make it better. Or, make it suck less.

Yeah, I'm doing more than working and working out. I don't plan to burn out in this place. No matter how easy it would be.

[ Even if he's sure he's lost his friend from home, but he'd rather be himself and hope they work it out. ]

Good. Don't.

Hey, there. Remember me?

You're a hard woman to forget actually. How are you?

Good. You?

I was actually wondering what you were doing for NYE.

I'm surviving. Kind of been rough with the expectations of this place but I'm hanging in there.

Actually I have dinner plans with extended family. Who I don't want to ditch on but you asking makes it hard not to consider that.

I can understand that. It was hard for me here at first, too. Things will fall into place for you eventually.

I would never ask you to consider ditching, but maybe consider spending some time with me in the new year?

Not sure I have much choice, though it hasn't been all bad. Not at all.

How can I say no? I wouldn't even want to. What are your shifts this week? We can celebrate the New Year any day we choose.

At least there's that.

Straight 7AM to 7PM this week. I'm available when you are.

Wow I thought I was the only one on fun schedules lately. So brunch is out, how about a late dinner Friday night?

You know Haven. All fun, all hours of the day! That sounds great. Are you sure you'll want to wait for your dinner, though?

It's practically a vacation from cushy on staff surgeon position in Roswell.

And I don't mind waiting at all.

Roswell, NM? How is it there?

Well, if you're sure, then I'm in.

Yep, I was born and raised there. It was quiet until recently. Where are you from?

[ They've made out under mistletoe, he figures it's about time to get to know her.]

Great. I'll make reservations and even come and escort you to dinner. If that's fine with you.

North Carolina, mostly, but I've spent time elsewhere. Went to med school elsewhere. I guess I wasn't meant to put down roots.

[ Naturally, she wants to be more than just simply Mistletoe!Girl. ]

That's perfect. How should I dress?

I thought that during my residency... and then I went right back home.

[ And even now, in this place, he doesn't regret that. Not in the least. ]

You tell me. Want to go somewhere dressier, or casual and end up going bowling or something after?

I would say that I'm different, but I'm constantly reminded that, unless you're a cop, you can't ride horses in the city. That's something I miss about home.

You know, casual sounds fun, but I warn you, I'm fiercely competitive.

You can do that in Roswell. Without being a cop. Or, well, while being with the sheriff's son.

Bring it on. Sounds perfect to me.

You ride? I've never looked into whether or not there's a spot for horseback riding here.

I like your spirit!

It's been a few years, but I have. I don't want to ask if there's horses here, because there's too many horrific images in my head.

But I'm going to lose? Is that it?

I want to say it's like riding a bike, but there's more muscle involved. It's been a few years for me, too, thanks to going to med school in the city. Oh, god, you don't even want to know where my mind just went. Gross.

Yep, but it'll be a fun ride for everyone involved so at least there's that? ;)

And no risk of being trampled by your bike. And just stop thinking about it. Please.

I'm holding you too that as I weep in my loss.

Are you safe and in Duplicity again?

Edited 2020-02-11 02:39 (UTC)

I am. Not entirely happy but here. You? You okay? How bad was it for you?

Not happy? What's the story there?

It wasn't the most pleasant experience. I saw another me on TV doing the most obnoxious things.

My apartment is a disaster and I hate satin sheets and there's an NFL uniform hanging in my closet. But it's not the other side and the nightmares and all.

Is it just me or is it sounding like clones?

I know what you mean. There's a framed "Live, Laugh, Love" on my bedroom wall and a fur coat in my closet.

Maybe. Or evil twins.

Oh I'm definitely laughing at that. Damn. The uniform though? I mean... could you even get that here?

Evil twin. That makes sense.

You got me. I have no idea how the uniform could have shown up here.

Words I never thought I would have heard anyone say.

I know people talk about something called a multiverse? I like evil twin better.

Hey Magic Mike, what are you doing right now?

Cat proofing my house.

Does this involve a horse and the beach?

Aw, you have a kitty?

It just involves you, actually. I know it's probably not my place to ask, but how much have you been working lately?

A window was left open and it wandered in. Then it brought a friend. I'm adjusting to their being pets in the house. Or pets in general.

A horse on the beach is about me, huh? Does this involve a Fabio like painting? I need to know.

That's a trick question. I never track my hours. >.> Then I would have to face how much I work.

That's sweet! We always had a cat when I was little, but it was a tough outdoors cat. You'd better spoil these little guys.

Forget about the horse! This is just me being concerned about you working yourself into an early grave. Yes, I know that's hyperbole, but I'm trying to make a point.

I will do my best, but if I don't, I suspect Damon will make sure they are.

I'm trying to work on a way to stop doing that. I wasted time with someone because I was working so much. I don't want to do that again. So thank you.

Damon? Dark hair, blue eyes, snark for days? That Damon?

My intentions are good, I swear. I used to work myself to death, too.

One and the same. He's been staying with me for a bit.

I know they are, and I appreciate you so much, Marlo.

Currently I'm trying to keep my shifts to days, off Tuesday and Sunday and no working past time for dinner. Emergencies excluded.

Edited 2020-05-07 05:11 (UTC)

Hey, Kyle. I'd like to meet up and chat, somewhere private. Do you mind if I drop by your place after your shift finishes?

Sure. Of course. Have you eaten? I can pick up something on my way home.

Today? I had breakfast and I'm about to go down and get some lunch. I don't want you to put yourself out.

Good. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself. I may still stop. I'll need to eat.

Philip actually goes slightly early and waits on the beach. He's rarely bothered by the SIN guards, because he wears his collar and keeps his head down, doing his best to vanish into the background.

He takes off his coat, setting it with his bag and then taking off his boots and socks to walk down to the water's edge. Even with his jeans rolled up, he's reluctant at first, standing on the wet sand and digging his toes into it.

Around the time that Kyle makes it, he's sticking out his foot and letting the waves wash over them, shrieking and laughing at the cold, at the tickle of it, only to move a little closer and run back to let it just wash over his toes.

Coming home, Kyle finds the house empty and it takes him a minute to check to make sure it's actually empty. It's less wanting privacy and more wanting to say hi. God, he never imagined himself like this. Not until he met Elijah.

The house though is empty and so he heads out to set up things on the table on the patio, too in love with his balcony not to take advantage of it. That's when he realizes he's not entirely alone, seeing Philip down by the water. Setting the bags on the table, he moves to the edge of the balcony, watching Philip play.

Philip gives up trying to understand the appeal of the running and shrieking (even though it still tickles) and decides that's probably a small child thing that he's too old to really get now.

Instead, he stands where the water can lap up over his toes, head tilted back and basking in the sunlight as the water slowly creeps up his feet with each gentle wave of the rising tide.

When he settles at the water's edge, Kyle moves to roll up the hem of his scrubs enough they're over his ankles so that they don't get wet and abandons his shoes on the deck. He heads down to the water's edge, enjoying the warmth of the sand on his feet as he comes to stand beside him.

"We looked at a lot of houses, and I had to have this one," he admits. "Just for this."

Philip hums, not lowering his head or opening his eyes.

"I'd never seen sunlight until I arrived in the twenty first century five months ago. Never seen living trees, or living animals. In the twenty fifth I come from, there's no life on the surface. I grew up in a Shelter, designed for ten thousand, housing twenty two in overcrowded conditions."

Whatever Kyle was expecting this conversation to be about, the discrepancies in some of the things that Philip said was not it. Yet here it is.

"This is why you'd never seen butterflies," he says softly, nodding. Turning to face Philip, his attention on him and not the setting sun. "You..." God, all of it is almost painful, even if he is suddenly madly in love with a thousand year old vampire. Yet he's seen proof that Elijah lived out those years. Philip though...

"That's all that's left of mankind? How did time tra..." He shakes his head. "Sorry. What do you want to tell me?"

Philip takes a slow breath, arms lifting and stretching and then exhales it out, opening his eyes and giving Kyle a small smile. "I'm Traveler 3326, I'm an Historian with the Traveler program from 2449. We're trying to change the past to make sure our world never happens. And if we weren't in this place, I'd never tell you a thing. But apparently, this place is outside time and space realities. I can't accidentally screw things up here."

He cracks his neck and digs his toes into the sand again. "There's three dozen Shelters or so, all overfilled, with the last surviving remnants of humanity. "There have been no new Shelters in my lifetime, the focus has been on the program."

So much of what he's seen and heard from Philip makes sense now. He'd wondered, not wanting to push and ask but now he's getting the story and it's both frightening and fascinating at the same time.

"Twenty four..." He shakes his head, just trying to fathom that. His life is being surrounded by those from times so far beyond his own. "Wow. Okay then."

He draws a breath, rubbing at the back of his neck, just trying to make sense of it and what all he's being told. "So less than a million people left? In the entire ... Was it war or the climate?" He shouldn't want to know but he feels he has to. How can he not ask. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to, okay?"

"Yes. And more." Philip wades out a little deeper, gasping at the water lapping up to kiss dry skin. "There was a meteor. It caused famines, shortages, nations went to war. The wars sped up the climate degradation, the meteor had already caused massive damage and a nuclear winter added to it. It was a lot of things. We'd managed to change the meteor impact, deflect it, which has undoubtedly changed events from my original timeline, but I haven't been updated on those changed yet. I was due for updating sometime in the next three months, probably."

He's talking about a time so long beyond Kyle's lifetime. Beyond his family given he likely won't ever have children and his line ends with him. Beyond probably even the pod squad's lifetime, and yet it's chilling to think about it. Not some possible amorphous future but a given with a year as a date.

"How did they get you back to my time?"

Philip hums softly. "Well, you can't send matter through time. It just can't be done. But you can send energy through time, it's not under the same restraints of physics. There's the Director, it does all the calculations, work out who needs to go where and when and when needed or possible, a team is deployed. Sometimes select specialists are trained and sent for singular missions, or for select work. There's a team of doctors, D-Unit, who save lives that would otherwise be impossible to save. But most teams are like mine, five individuals sent back into chosen hosts at the moment of their death."

He turns to Kyle, spreading his arms. "This? Is Philip Pearson. I inherited his body when I arrived in the 21st, twelve seconds before he died of the heroin overdose he was about to give himself.

Half a year ago and Kyle would have assumed that Philip had suffered a psychotic break. Half a year ago and he would have worried for this sweet boy who had done too many drugs over the years.

That was before werewolves and hybrids and vampires and experiencing a thousand years in a single afternoon and everything else he's seen and done first hand in this world. In a place outside of time and space, as Philip had said.

"Why... what were you... Why were you there? Do you know?" And what wouldn't change now because he was there in Duplicity. Yet this is making Duplicity make more sense. This is how they brought them, how dead people stayed alive, and how they couldn't stay dead here.

"I'm an Historian. I was chosen as an infant and neurologically changed in very specific ways to make me a living, breathing encyclopedia. I have the majority of human history memorised, with a specialised focus on North America and my time and location, names, dates, deaths, numbers, events, places, all of it. Anything my team need to know, I have to know to tell them. I never had a name growing up, I was raised in the Traveler program.

"So, my job is to assist my team. But the team is a generalist unit, enacting specific actions as directed to to cause changes to the timeline, culminating in the deflection of the meteor Helios-685. We didn't expect to survive that mission, but we were saved by a technician who let us get to safe range." The others had farewelled loved ones as they walked out, expecting to die. Philip had just locked the garage and got in the van without a backward glance.

"You were..." He frowns at that, hating the idea instantly. Is this what would have become of a child like Michael in such a time? Hadn't it in a way where he was treated like trash and passed between one horrible foster parent and the next? It's not the same, and yet it bothers him to an uneasiness in his soul, sour in his stomach.

"What happens to your body then? In the future? If you had died trying to stop the meteor? I mean, I understand they're trying to save mankind but..." But it all sounds like madness and confusing and he's not sure what to make of any of it.

"Does that mean you saved mankind then?" Not saying what he's thinking. Before you came here. Because if he hadn't, what would happen then?

"I was selected for the program as an infant. I had the indicators that made me suitable for the process." Historians had certain things that were changed, making permanent changes to their memory retention and recollection, even when they left that brain behind.

"Oh." Philip gives a sad smile. "No, Kyle. It's a one way trip. We know that going into it. It's... a cut and paste procedure. Our bodies don't survive the transfer process. They experimented in ways to do it, but it's just not possible. Transfer to a new body is permanent. And the transfer back in time more so. I came into this body knowing I would live out whatever life I have left in it. And we don't know. We don't know when we've succeeded. What we're doing, it's never been about us. We're expendable."

"And they sentence a child to this?!"

Yeah, that horror is written all over his face. The happiness and joy he's been feeling for days now kind of dissolves as he thinks about this poor baby used for scientific experimentation.

"No! No. No nono." He shakes his head vehemently. "You are not expendable." Except he was and he already has been. He's been already used by them. "Ph... I..." He sighs, shoulders slumping. "I don't even know what you want to be called."

"Kyle." Philip reaches out to take his hand gently. "It's not like any of us have a future. Historian, participant, non-Travelers." He gives a small shrug. "Historians? We're well looked after, and yes, sometimes it was like being a lab experiment but sometimes... I felt like I was a superhuman. I was probably near thirty, if not older, when I was sent back. One of my team is over two hundred years old, he's outlived two generations of his family, but when he was sent back, his host is barely eighteen. Every human in those Shelters knows they are expendable, if it saves humanity and the Earth. In fact, if we succeed, we'll never be born."

Most of humanity worked to only two causes. Supporting what was left of humanity, or the Travelers program.

"Philip's fine. I spent a long time getting used to being called Philip, in preparation."

"That doesn't make experimenting on children okay. And it doesn't make what you've been through okay," he says, fighting to keep his tones even but he just can't. It's hard for him to face this for Philip's sake. Even if he's standing on a beach in Kink City where they've been kidnapped to.

"And what is the point of saving something if the cost is torturing children?" He shakes his head. "You don't have to answer that. I just... I'm an idealist who just learned fairy tales and soulmates are real, so ignore me," he says, sighing heavily. "You should go back to enjoying yourself. Though now I'm thinking of all the things you should experience, that aren't what your quota is about."

"It's not torture," Philip says. "We're altered, and it's an intense upbringing, but we're raised with care and devotion. The Director is incapable of cruelty. It can only work for the best outcome for the planet. The people in the program who raise the Historians are screened. They're all kind, just firm." They weren't parents but they were something like family. "And we're not trying to save something."

Philip sits down in the sand, stretching his legs out and into the water. "We're trying to save everything. We only have another couple of centuries at most before the whole planet will become completely uninhabitable. Even the Shelters wouldn't be able to withstand it, as the atmosphere is stripped away." He looks out at the water. "I would do it a thousand times over to change the past and stop it all ever happening."

Kyle finds that hard to believe, but that's the difference between his life and being raised in that life. Being raised from the time you were a baby and given no other choices, told there's a reason for this, and you don't see it as wrong.

But then Kyle hasn't faced the end of the world. Not that directly.

Despite being in his shrugs, Kyle moves to settle in the sand next to Philip, knowing he's so caught up in love, in happiness, that he briefly had that moment of forgetting that the rest of the world isn't like that.

"But you won't ever know," he whispers. He thinks about it. He would keep fighting too, every time. "So what will you do here then?"

"No. I won't ever know. Well, probably. We know changes have been made, things back in the future are different for the action we've taken, but with every change, the whole time line shifts and new problems are located. Things that were masked or couldn't happen with the original disaster."

Donner. His new traveler had said things were bad back home. But it seemed to be about something else, that something was going on.

He lets his head hang, stretching his neck. "I don't know. I was talking to someone, Vrenille, and he said some things that made me understand that this place is a pocket reality, outside of convention time and space. It has no impact on the timeline.

"I don't know what to do. I have a set of protocols for what to do, so I should fall back to Protocol Five, in the absence of direction, maintain my host's life, but I was never prepared for this. And I don't want to just maintain a life of addiction, which is why I was getting clean, but beyond that..." He feels lost. Very lost.

Kyle shifts slightly, watching Philip. Watching the body of Philip, possessed by a Traveler who is working hard to change the future and save all of mankind. Someone doing something noble, giving up his entire life, his entire possible life, to help others.

"I know I was ... angry with your life but the truth is? You're a strong man. You really are. Doing all you did for a world that keeps working hard to destroy itself."

Kyle considers that, watching him still. "Honestly? I'm glad getting clean is in your plans. All the time you were learning history, there's nothing you studied that you thought would be cool to experience? Nothing like that?"

Philip hums and sways, his piercings glinting in the light. "I've done so much more than I ever really thought I might. I saw sunlight. I've been on a beach. I've cuddled living animals. I've eaten fresh fruit and vegetables. Have you seen The Matrix? And on the ships, they have that goop that meets all their nutritional needs? That's what we have. It's mostly made from certain fungi and plants and some other stuff. I'd never seen a living plant, let alone trees, flowers, fruits."

There were things he wanted, but they were so easily fulfilled.

"I grew up knowing that if I was suitable, as an adult, I'd be sent back in a team. Some Historians aren't suitable, they go back and act as general control points, information, touchstones for the other Historians. But I was suitable. The really brave ones? Are the ones who did all this first. One of my team, 0115, he was involved in the first trials in human consciousness transfer. He had never gone back, he was an engineer and important to the studies on how people settle into new bodies, he and his wife. They lived out three life times together, before she died. Temporal aphasia. So he volunteered to go back, do some good in the past. Live a last lifetime somewhere with sunlight and fresh water and private rooms."

The things he talks about, all that he's experienced, and it's painful. It's things that, truly, Kyle has taken advantage of all his life. None of those things were more than a day's planning away and many of them happened almost every day. That he hasn't known those things truly hurts.

"I feel like I should make sure you try all the foods you've missed. The ones I grew up on. My mom would be happy to know I was feeding them to someone that never happened. She taught me to make enchiladas and all, but I've usually just eaten carefully for my workout routine." He wonders how much of that is changing with a partner that gladly indulges in rich foods. He can afford to though. Kyle can't.

"Who... If you aren't time traveling into another time and place, whose body do they take over?" He fears he's traveling back into that those things that horrify him and yet he has to know.

"Trev, 0115, he's really taken to modern food. After I was shot, he stayed with me a couple of nights to make sure I was recovering okay, and he got us take away. I couldn't bring myself to eat the ground meat, what even if that? Meat doesn't grow in the ground, but he loves it. I didn't mind the milkshake. Cow's milk is weird, but I liked the malt shake. And fries! It's such a thing, like, I don't get why they're so delicious. What are enchiladas? What's in them?"

He looks away, because the answer isn't pretty. "During the initial trials? All volunteers. Everyone going and leaving and coming was a volunteer. People don't get sent to new bodies unless it's for time travel now. Or, there's a very small core of people who are asked to stay alive because they have the knowledge and skill to maintain the Director. But otherwise, it's just those of us going back."

Kyle smiles when he talks about food, trying to imagine not being raised in the world and privilege that he had been. "Well, you are a vegetarian right? Normally they're made with meat but they can be made with mushrooms and cheese... do you eat cheese?"

He's had so many forms of them that he can definitely accommodate it for someone that doesn't eat meat. Not that he eats all that much himself.

"And fries are amazing because they're fried. Fried food is the best," he says with a chuckle. "I don't eat them often but they're amazing."

"And this person that's lived that long? How did they manage that? If you don't want to talk about it though, you don't have to. I get nosy, I can't admit it."

"I haven't really been able to bring myself to eat meat. Not intentionally. I think there's been meat in a few things we've grabbed out on mission, when we just need to get food in us before we collapse." When they're all exhausted, except Trevor, who is so young in body and relishes every second of it.

"I can only really talk about Trevor, because I know him. He's been shifted into multiple bodies, because he was part of the consciousness transfer project from the start. People volunteered themselves. It's quite possible, I suppose, that my old body would be used for such." He isn't really worried about that. It might as well go to use. "And I eat cheese. Well, I've had cheese on things I've eaten."

"Here in this place, that's not a problem. Plenty of options for you. I can make enchiladas sometimes with no meat," he says, figuring he can work it out from what he remembers his mom showing him.

He visibly relaxes though when Philip talks about his own body being used before he got this one. "Oh well, that makes sense," he says, nodding slightly. "All the way around." And less creepy to him than choosing people to die for the existence of Trevor.

He's quiet a while, looking out at the water. "I'm glad you told me all of this. You didn't have to but I'm glad you did."

Volunteers and those about to die. The program is as ethical as it can be, all things considered.

"It felt only... right. Once I realised I could talk about it, I wanted you to know." He glances at Kyle and smiles slightly. "You should be kinder about your own body. Don't think I missed your comment about your diet."

"Still, thank you. I appreciate you trusting me and know that if I can help you with anything in learning about how the world was, I'm here to help."

He's been there for Philip since the first days he arrived and he would continue to be.

He laughs though at that, patting his stomach. "Have you seen these abs? Do you think that doesn't come without hard works?"

"Yes, I have," Philip laughs. "But it's just a body. It will age. It will change. Enjoy it while it's healthy and strong. Don't just polish it up for others." He pats Kyle's arm. "Love it. Enjoy it."

Kyle glances back at the house, staring at it for a minute. His gaze comes back to his hand, looking at he ring he wears now. Finally he looks back to Philip, a bit more serious.

"It's a body the represents the only time I get with someone I love. I will age and one day leave him while he won't age a day. I want to keep it as healthy and strong as I can to be with him as long as I can," he says softly, shrugging.

"I used to do it just to polish it for show but now I have a reason to work hard on it."

Philip listens, nods slowly. "I can't have a relationship, unless it's with another traveler. And no children. It's to maintain the integrity of the timeline." No children. No relationships. No substantial impact.

"Trevor's host was young and an athlete. Active. And 0115 loves it. He goes for runs and exercises... he's trying to convince me to join in. My host is a bit..." He shrugs. "Drug addiction isn't that healthy a lifestyle."

"It doesn't matter here though," he points out. "I mean, that's why you're telling me, right? So you could have one here."

Kyle has leapt in with both feet in having a life here and he knows that it's because he fears losing these things when he has to go back home. If he ever has to go.

"How do they pick the hosts? I mean, is there a reason for them?"

"I... guess not." He's slowly coming to understand what 'outside time and space' could mean for him. The things that he hasn't really thought about. Like this.

"Variety of factors. They try to have a team arrive within a day or two period, usually about forty eight hours. So, you need to find people who will die in the same forty eight hour period, of a death that can be prevented by the intervention of the traveler arriving or another traveler, who are physically able to do the role required of them. Mac, our team leader, arrived the day after the rest of us. Partly, because suitable candidate. His host is an FBI agent. And in part because he needed intervention to save his life. He fell down an empty elevator shaft. We were there to pull him out and back. Then 3468 arrived shortly after." Whereas 3326 only had to not put the needle in his arm. 0115 conceded the cage match before the fatal blow to the head.

He looks at the ocean again. "The big thing is, we all arrive moments before death. We only take hosts from those who are about to be lost to time."

"So they only take those who has no future in your timeline," he says with a nod. That part makes sense. "So nothing you do will change the future in unforeseen ways, just the way you're trying to change them."

That much makes sense.

"Do you know what it was you were going to try and change for the future? If you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to."

"Exactly. No future actions, but it also means we have to keep to ourselves as much as we can."

Philip taps his head. "I have nearly the entirety of human history uploaded in here. There were smaller things along the way but the big mission we had been working on was an asteroid impact. It would trigger the events that led to the global collapse. We managed to avert it but we were waiting to hear from the Director what new changes it brought."

He shifts on the sand. "Historians... sometimes we get updated. It's dangerous. Really dangerous. Sometimes it kills us. But we get updated with the new timeline, new information, changes since we landed in the twenty first. It causes some pretty serious side effects. It's a last resort sort of thing. If we enact another major two or two, I'll probably be contacted about it. If I'm willing to do it."

Kyle nods at that. "I mean it makes sense." At least in as much as he's keeping up with things and this life that Philip has lived. "You can't risk changing things with a life that shouldn't be there," he says with a nod.

"I was going to say," he whispers. "They can really do that? We have that technology?" He shakes his head, a doctor just trying to imagine what that's like and all it means. "If they can do all that, do you think it's possible they could find you here? Even if they haven't yet?"

He can't help but wonder, not that he would mention that to Alex or Tim who might want to know of a possible way to get out of here.

"Exactly." Kyle's grasping it all fairly well.

Philip goes quiet for that. "I don't know. I don't understand enough about the way this place interacts with time and space and normal quantum physics to begin to guess. I... someone suggested that we go back, to the exact same moment, never missed. There might be no one looking because they haven't moved past the moment we vanished."

Kyle frowns at that, shifting on the sand and trying to make sense of that. "Wait, really? Huh. No one has said anything like that to me," he admits, not liking how that sounds. "How? How is that even possible?"

Because if anyone might know, he suspects it would be Philip. Maybe?

Philip can explain... with a bit of effort. "Okay... So time/space is a continuum. Imagine that..." He draws a little circle on the sand. "That is 'space', the physical occupation of mass inside the universe. And these..."

He draws some lines radiating off it. "These are time lines. This is very, very simplistic, but run with it." He draws a square in between some lines, not touching any. "This is Duplicity, if we're right and it's a pocket dimension. It has nothing to do with any timeline, time runs at its own place. So you can be taken from here." He points at a place on the line. "Into the square. And back again. Make sense?"

Kyle listening, watching the diagram. He nods though because he can understand that, nodding. "Okay. I get that. It's creepier than I thought it was, but now it really..." He sighs, biting at his lips before nodding again.

"Yeah, it makes sense. So eventually you'll just go back to your program, and I'll go back to Roswell and..." He cranes his head, looking back at the house. "You seem to be my resident expert on this. "What would happen if you took someone from a different timeline from your own and took them back to your own timeline? Would it be like you going back and so long as you didn't do anything major it wouldn't screw things up?"

"This is all under the assumption that this is a pocket reality. I can't prove that. I don't know if this theory is right." Without some kind of quantum engine or frame, he couldn't really find out.

And then that.

And that... is a horrifying thought. "That- I don't even know. It could wipe out both realities entirely. Maybe it would do nothing. I can't even begin to wrap my mind on that."

Kyle hates how it makes him hopeful, to think that maybe there is a way for them to stay together, to be happy together. And then there's Philip's reaction to it.

"Oh. Uhmmm, well then," he says, nodding as his expression goes hollow, looking back to the ocean again. "I hadn't even thought about that and... well."

Seth and I just had our first fight.

Over what? Do I need to warn Elijah we're going to have company? I would offer to defend your honor but we've seen how that goes.

No, we made nice. Or nice enough. It was over me using a bikini picture on the network. I think he got jealous.

Oh. Ask him to state it outright? I mean, as I've been realizing lately, there's no way to survive this place without talking it out.

I mean, if things with you guys are that serious. Otherwise tell him your body, your life.

I stand behind you first, obviously.

We worked out a compromise. Revealing clothing is fine on the net, bikinis are not. I don’t mind. As long as he’s willing to bend for me, too, y’know?

Is he? You're worth whatever he has to give for you. I'm not biased either. I just know you.

It's all still good, right? You're happy? Is he worth giving up all of this?

lol when we first met, I told Elijah you had left me for someone hotter. He didn't seem to think that was possible.

You’re very hot yourself.

I think he’s giving me feelings, Kyle.

No, Elijah is hot. I'm just good looking and work really hard on this body.

... Like feelings feelings?

[And he knows he has no room to talk. She's known Seth what? Four times longer than he's known Elijah? At least? ]

Well, your hard work has paid off. You're a bonafide hottie. Shut up, yes you are.

Like massive feelings. It's fucking scary considering my usual MO is fuck and run.

Okay, I will start this with saying that I really have NO room right not to talk on this subject. Not now. I was the guy that hadn't dated since high school, fell for one guy here and found my soulmate in another so... That said.

Maybe it's time to find out that things can be different. Like it's worth it to have those feelings. Like how I embraced my beautiful, powerful sister named Margo and how much I've opened up.

[ Yeah, he's being a smart ass.]

What can I do to help? Except tell you that you always have a home if you have to curse him and leave.

Wait wait wait... SOULMATE??

Aw, pookie, if you weren’t being a smartass I’d hug you.

The thing is... Seth is like me sans tits and with a dick. We think and act the same.

We realized it the first day we were together. Why I've been kind of quiet. we've been bonding and working out all these things we feel for one another.

I know it sounds crazy. I expect a lot of people that know us will think so but... I'm in this place. I'm not discounting anything.

Which is why I'm telling you to totally go for this, Margo. Don't be afraid. Though, I mean, technically you have a dick. I'm so betting there's at least one or two in your toys.

[Yeah, he's being a smartass again.]

That's so great! What's his name?

My toys have nothing on Seth's d, Kyle.

[ Is she trying to squick him out? Maybe. ]

It's Elijah. He's everything I've waited for, and he's waited longer than I have. I never even believed in this until him. He's beautiful, Margo. Inside and out.

As you well told me before! Seriously, Margo. He's you without tits. So you're telling me about a near sibling's dick lol.

Margo, life here is short and fucked up. If it's good? Work to hold on to it. Take your doctor's advice.

I should meet him. You're making sure your blood sugar is okay, right?

[ Yes, she's worried about him. Happy, but worried. ]

Well, if it's MEDICAL advice... ;)

You should. I've told him enough about you. I hope you like him. I really do.

[He knows he has no desire of life without Elijah now, but he so wants those that matter to him to get along. Just so life can be good for as long as he gets it.]

How about your brother, your friend, and your doctor? If I give him the talk though will I get myself beaten up or something?

If he treats you like gold, then I'll like him.

Not if you're gentle with the talk. Seth is a little rough around the edges, but he's not a barbarian.

He really does. He's amazing to me and willing to give me the world. I think literally if he could manage it.

I just want you happy. Now more than ever.

He sounds great, Kyle. I'm really glad you're happy with him.

You're sweet. I am. I never thought I'd... feel this.

And you think maybe it's mutual with you guys?

I think so? I mean, he's very protective of me. When I was sick last winter? And you had to go out for something? He came over to fix me soup!

I remember then.

[It's when he first told her he loved her.]

So then, talk to me, Margo. You gonna say something to him?

I think I am, yeah. Oh, god, am I crazy?

You are asking the wrong guy right now. I think you should go for what makes you happy. Who cares if it's crazy or fast or too soon.

You deserve to be happy, Margo.

It'd be so great if we could both have someone in that way.

If not... At least the sex is great.

Both of us happy? Is that possible? I kind of like the idea.

You realize if I go through with this and he says he doesn't feel the same you are required by law to make a pitcher of mimosas and listen to me whine.

Not only that but I will take the chance at confronting him and telling him what an idiot he is.

You're probably the best brother out there, Kyle.

Probably. If only because you're the best sister I could have asked for.

(screened comment)

Where? Are you okay?

I'm in the bedroom and no, I'm not

There is no response. Kyle has been on the deck, answering the texts while playing with the damn beastie that bit him and caused the truths that they've been talking about. Ones that have upset Elijah. He hasn't read the others, hasn't seen what he's been through but for the fight with Damon.

Leaving his device in the living room, he comes into the bedroom with a determined step. No hesitation as he moves to his love, not caring if he's still talking on his device or not and pulling him into his eyes.

"Baby, talk to me," he whispers softly. "What's going on?"

He can guess from something Elijah said, and he's terrified to hear it but he has to.

Normally Elijah might be chided over being called baby, but not tonight. Tonight he just sits there, legs pulled up, arms wrapped around him in a position he rarely ever find himself in with tears streaming down his face. He doesn't know exactly how or where to start. Instead he just reaches out and grabs hold of Kyle and wraps him in an impossibly tight embrace, forgetting for half a second that he has inhuman strength before relaxing enough so that his beloved can breathe and allowing the other hold him back.

"Hope... She couldn't help it. The truth." He paused, and bit his lip until it bled, trying to hold back the tears that choked his throat and threatened to overwhelm him, threatened to take the clear-headed, rational Elijah away.

"Dead. We're all dead. When she's from. Hayley. Klaus and I. We're all dead, and she doesn't want me to tell you, but I can't not, Kyle, how can I keep it from you, and then she said I betrayed the family before, with someone named Antoinette. I don't even know who that is, or why I would ever choose her over the family, but that must be why Hayley was so upset with me. I picked her over Hayley, and then Hayley dies, and for some reason Klaus and I kill ourselves, or each other, and are okay with leaving Hope. Just why Kyle, why would I ever do that?" The words pour out of Elijah in a massive messed up tumble, falling like the rain from his face, between sobs, and end on what sounds like a plea, because he can't believe at this stage in his life that he'd ever do anything like that, especially sitting here wrapped up like this, in the life that he's found.

Edited 2020-06-01 06:07 (UTC)

For a moment Kyle isn't sure he's not going to end up with cracked ribs, and yet he doesn't fight it, doesn't say a word. The tears on the face of a man who has done all Elijah has is more painful than anything he could imagine. He just wants to do whatever he can to stop those tears, to fix whatever has gone wrong. And yet he suspects he won't be able to do that.

And he's right.

He knew about the truth telling, about the things he'd admitted to, and Elijah naming the man he loves and knowing that it means his family is likely to see that. They hadn't meant to talk about that but it's the least of their problems now, isn't it?

"Because somehow it meant saving your family." In his mind there is no doubt that must be it. "I don't know about this Antoinette." And he hates the feelings he has about that, about what if this is Elijah becoming involved with someone he'll regret later? Who like others probably think, is bad for him.

But it isn't the time for his worries, for his feelings that he doesn't deserve Elijah, all the things brought up by that bite that has him telling everyone he's not a good man.

"There's no other reason you would leave your family, Elijah, and from what you've told me, I can't imagine Klaus would either." He hugs him tighter, pressing his cheek to Elijah's to hid his own tears as best that he can.

He wants to ask a million questions, about when and how and what can they do but he knows. The same thing he's been thinking about since they fell in love. They don't leave here.

"No Kyle.." He pulls back a little and looks him in the eyes, trying to escape the worst of the sobs so that he can be serious enough for Kyle to understand exactly what Hope said.

"She said that Klaus and I chose to do it. That we were ready to.. That it was... fine How could I pick death over life? I know that life without Hayley at the time would be horrible, but I don't understand. Why would I pick to die? Why would Klaus die. I know I couldn't live without him. Not in any world could I ever live without him." And that's the truth, there. He said it aloud to Kyle because of the bite. It was the truth, even with Kyle and all they shared, Klaus was his brother, the one that he'd been tangled up in for a thousand years.

Maybe in another few years with Kyle, Elijah might make another choice, but for now, there was no life without his brother. He was intimate family, they shared things on another level that no one in this life or any other could ever understand. Elijah had literally lived for Klaus's redemption for as long as he could remember, and Kyle actually had to already know that-- sharing Elijah's memories as he did. It was a painful truth, and not one that he'd admitted before.

"Kyle, oh god, Kyle. I love you. Please, baby. I'm sorry. You know how much I love you, and I can't live without you either. You know that, right? Maybe it's good that I die when I go home, because I won't have to live without you." Elijah's tears still run down his face, but he's stopped sobbing for now. Just exhausted from too many truths. He's got far too many years of them, and they are all terrible it seems.

In Kyle's mind it would make sense that they would offer themselves for their family, die protecting them. But what he's saying she said is different. He can't imagine the man he knows choosing to die. Even before they met, but he wants to believe that now he certainly wouldn't make that choice. Except in not knowing why he had, how can he be sure he wouldn't make that decision again?

Especially because there's one thing that could mean that all their vows, their promises, their love won't be enough.

"And if he goes back to your world, what happens then?" He winces, tensing and nearly pulling away because it's wrong of him to ask that. Even if he can't help himself, it's horrible and rude to say that to him. Now when he's dealing with all of this. "Don't worry about it, Elijah. Don't answer that. I understand. I really do."

And he does. They've known one another weeks. They have a month of amazing sex and whispered vows and desperate devotion but what does that compare to blood? What does that compare to a thousand years together. Always and Forever. No matter how much it hurts, how cracked and broken he feels, he does understand and he knows Elijah knows it's the truth.

And he hates in all that pain, all those words of love and apology, there is a question. One he can't not answer truthfully.

"I know you love me," he promises him, stroking his hair back gently, using the pad of his thumb to gather some of the tears from his cheek, trying to soothe him, to calm him and offer what all he can give him. Even as his heart shatters like a windshield at that last statement. Whole but broken into a thousand pieces. It's not like they aren't things he hadn't thought about all ready.

"I know they're your blood and your life, Elijah. It's okay. You don't have to apologize. I've never asked you to chose me over them and I never will. I won't do that to either of us," he says, knowing now more than ever that he thinks he knows the truth of what he'd choose.

"I love you, Elijah. With every fiber of my being, I love you. Whatever we have here, for as long as it lasts, it's enough. Do you think after everything I saw that I didn't know they come first? They're your family. I know that."

It takes Elijah a little time to calm down. There is so much coming at him all at once, and Kyle's question hits him like a ton of bricks. It just smacks him across his face and makes him really think. There are words immediately on his tongue, but he doesn't say them yet, because he wants to make sure that the promise is true-- but then he realizes that right now he can't lie.

Wiping his tears on Kyle's shirt, he turned and pressed a kiss to his lover's neck, and held him close as possible, wishing that they weren't wearing clothes suddenly so that they might be even closer. Skin to skin was an amazing intimacy that Elijah had recently grown accustomed to enjoying in this bed.

"Kyle," He whispered, barely breathing, because what was breath. Truth falling from his lips because it had to. They weren't texting anymore, and closer now it was nigh to impossible to keep anything from the man that he loved so dearly, not that Elijah had ever planned on it.

"Kyle..." He whispered again, and caressed his fingers down Kyle's chest, curling in the fabric of his shirt. "if he left, I would stay here. I meant what I said when I said I don't want to leave here. Even if everyone left- as long as you were here, it would be my home. You are my family, you are my home now. I know this. I have waited a thousand years for you and I will not give you up for any reason, not even Niklaus. I love him, and may have chosen to die with him in my world, but I'm not that person any longer. You wear my ring, and I wear yours."

A few tears ran down Elijah's face as he realized another truth. "I don't want to live at home, if I don't have you, so maybe it's better that I die." He barely said the words, not even sure if Kyle heard them, as horrible as they were, he couldn't deny them.

Elijah swallowed hard, and finally lifted his head to look at Kyle, scared of what he would see for some strange reason. "You don't have to ask me to choose, because I already did. The day I put the ring on your finger, the day I called you soulmate. I chose you Kyle Valenti. Body, Blood, and Soul, I chose you as mine."

Kyle holds him close through it all, even with the pain he feels. For Elijah. For himself. But his attention and his care is on Elijah. Stroking his back, along his arms, knowing he's going through shock and doing what he can to try and help him stay steady. So he touches him to ground him here, listening as best he can and offering the knowledge that he's there. No matter how much things hurt. He's there for Elijah and that's what matters.

His words are like a balm for his soul, helping to calm him, to make it feel like something inside of him is healing, bonded by gold and stronger than before even if he can feel the fear in his bones. The night has rattled him on so many levels but his pain isn't important right now. Elijah's is.

"I want to stay here with you," he whispers, knowing this means that he might well end up working against his friends. Tim and Alex are both working so hard to destroy this place and take it down and send everyone home. Either Kyle can take Elijah with him, especially learning what they have now, or they stay here. He isn't letting Elijah go back to that life. Ever.

"You are my life, Elijah," he whispers, kissing his brow, his cheek, letting what remains of the tears stain his lips. "And no. I can't. I don't want you to go back. Not ever." Even if he knows one day he'll leave Elijah. How could he want to think about him going back to die?

Staring back into Elijah's eyes, nervous still but also so in love with him, wanting to offer him everything he can.

"We have a home here, Elijah. This is our home, our life. You are mine, okay? No matter what happens, what others thinks, you're mine. I will defend that to everyone. I'm willing to do whatever I have to so I can be with you."

Blowing out another shaky breath he just hides himself in the hollow of his lover's embrace. There is nothing here, nothing on any planet, in any dimension that could ever force Elijah to leave Kyle. He will fight tooth and nail to keep what they have, and he will kill if he has to. Tonight though, tonight Elijah is just tired. He's had more truth pulled out of him than he's ever shared before in a thousand years of truth. Never has he been more honest with a world around him, than tonight and it's impossibly frightening to a vampire who has spent a lifetime building walls to protect himself.

"You are my home. You are my life. Body, blood, and soul. Forever." He says the last part of that a few times, like a little mantra of himself to keep him sane as he begins to review his conversation with Hayley, the worst part of the night itself. First he learned of his death, and then he learned the truth that she had been hiding. He felt so unworthy, and just really didn't want to go home to live more than anything, because he was the most unworthy soul. She was right, he broke his vow to her here-- not that he'd change what had happened. How could he when he had Kyle now. But, it made him so much less of the man he had always wanted to be.

Elijah never wanted to see that little truth thing again. It had all but ruined his life today, it had taken his happiness here, and his little honeymoon that he'd been enjoying and ripped it away. It had jammed him right back into his life in New Orleans with all the devilish creatures and truths he had to face about himself.

"I... I tried to kill Hayley. She's my wife, Kyle, and I abandoned her for you. I love you so much that I abandoned my wife. She said that I abandoned her there too. That I left my family, and ran off with another woman, left everyone behind. That I didn't even pick her in my mind. That I ran behind my red door and shut off the world and lived there, and tried to kill her in there. I can't... Kyle. I am a monster. How can you love me?" He blinks, looking at the one he loves more than anything. Pleading his life, and knowing that Kyle will still love him, even though Elijah is having a difficult time loving himself right now.

It's not been centuries, but for Kyle it's still been his lifetime that he's ached to have someone he loves this much. He'll take every moment he has for him, and that means all of the bad with the good. It means being here for him when he's hurting, and when he's coping with their love, and his life, and all he's been through and will likely still go through. He'll do whatever he has to, even as this talk sends those ripples of fear through his gut.

Yet he keeps trying to hold onto those words. "Body, blood, and soul," he whispers softly, needing to hold on to that, to know that he will be there with him. Forever. Or as long as their forever is.

It makes him wince still. Kyle has never been to their world, he barely know Hayley as the best friend to his once upon a time best friend, and yet so many things come back to killing Hayley. And now to Elijah leaving those he loves. Could he leave Kyle? He knows he could. He could leave this place and he'd have no way to follow him. He could chose someone else. Except he can't lie, and he's said it. Home. Life. Forever.

Kyle carefully pulls back so that he can cup Elijah's face in both hands. Cradling his cheekbones so carefully, staring into those beautiful eyes and that strong face.

"I love you, Elijah. I've loved you since before I knew you," he says softly, staring into his eyes still. "I don't know what's going to happen. With this place, with our homes, with who we are and what we've done. What I do know?" He rests his brow to Elijah's. "Is that you're mine, Elijah Mikaelson. I don't expect our life to be easy, but I expect us to get through it. Whatever it takes. Just so long as even when we haven't been bit by little beasts, we're still honest with one another."

I did it. I told him how I felt.

And? Come on. You can't leave it at that!

We're gonna sign a permanent contract and save up for a place of our own!

[ Kyle didn't know how much he needed this conversation right now while praying and waiting for Elijah to wake up.]

Margo, I'm so happy for you. I am so glad I don't have to die trying to beat him up. You should totally look into a beach house.

I might have gone for a stroll on the beach before work this morning. No serious browsing without him, of course, but I did see some nice houses.

You should have come by. I'm up all hours right now on a sabbatical from the hospital.

So. When do I get to meet him?

Soon, I hope. Maybe after we figure out where we're living.

How have you been holding up?

I'm happy for you, Margo. I really am.

I'm functioning, I guess. Nothing else I can do.

[And by functioning he means not sleeping, kind of eating, but he isn't drinking so he feels he's fine. ]

Can I bring you anything? Dinner? Mood lift potion?

I don't want to bring you down, Margo. Things are going good for you and I'm glad for that.

And thanks but no thanks. I don't think a potion is a good idea. I doubt anything that Elijah is going through is good so I shouldn't make things any easier here.

You're not bringing me down.

You need to eat, Kyle.

I'm eating. Some. Not like I'm working out so I'm not needing to eat much.

Sweetie, he'd want you to take care of yourself.

I'm not not taking care of myself. I'm just getting through this. I don't even know what's going to be after. I keep playing over and over again what that girl said and just waiting.

Here's what's going to happen. I'm going to pack a meal for two and bring it over to your place. You can join me in eating, you can cry on my shoulder, you can talk my ear off, I don't care. You need flesh and blood company.

I have flesh and blood company. He just isn't awake.

But please? Come over? You don't have to bring anyone, I just need your company.

(screened comment)

[After spending a good ten minutes just trying not to cry over the text, Kyle takes a few minutes to consider changing his username. He'd changed it the day after Elijah came to the house, when he realized there was still hope. There's hope, and he isn't letting that go so he leaves it as it is. ]

We were and you did, Elijah. You're not wrong, but I'm not sure you're ready to know everything. When you're ready, we'll talk about it.

[Elijah had waited 1000 years for him. If he waited all of the years he had left for Elijah then so be it.]

But I'm here for you, Elijah. I promise you that, even if you don't know how much that means.

You are right, I'm not ready to talk about anything yet. I don't know if I'll ever be. I will choose to relive the memories in my own time.

Alright then, I had something strange happen, and I'd like to actually talk to someone. Can I call?

Of course. Please do.

[ Because God, he needs to hear his voice.]

Ring Ring--

[a pause as he waits for the other to pick up. Currently, Elijah is stretched out on the couch, comfortable as he can be in the place he's been living, slacks and a dress-shirt with the sleeves rolled up adorn his still perfect form. He takes a deep breath when he hears Kyle's voice on the other end.]

Hey. Kyle. So. How's work?

[small talk is polite, even if it isn't how Elijah is used to dealing with things. He's normally far more direct.]

[He wasn't sure if Elijah meant right now, but he waits for the call. Pacing on the deck. He has been trying so hard to do better, to be healthier about things. Sleep is the hardest one, something that he finds it hard to do. But otherwise he's doing better.

Even if he scrambles to answer his phone so quickly he nearly drops it, gasping his name as he answers the phone.

Closing his eyes, letting the sound of Elijah's voice wash over him, soothing and hurting all in the same moment.]

Hey. I've... I started going back to work so I guess okay.

[He pauses, glad that Elijah can't see the pain in his eyes, trying to keep it from his voice.]

Do you remember what I do? [He sighs, shaking his head.] Nevermind. That's not important.

[Elijah chews at his lip at the question, and holds his breath, trying not to disappoint this man once more. How many more ways can he hurt someone? It was terrible to do this, and he knew it, but he kept coming back. Kept torturing Kyle, over and over again.]

No, like I said. I will go over those memories when I'm ready. I - I just wanted to talk about losing a friend. Is that okay still? [he waits, listening to Kyle's heart through the echo on the phone, hearing the anxious sound of voice, and knowing that Elijah should have called someone else, but Nik wasn't around]

[It's all going to hurt, but there's still hope. He felt that connection still. He called. For Kyle that's enough that he can try and get through it until Elijah remembers where he belongs.

Trying to calm himself, moving to settle down into one of the chairs, looking out at the ocean. Thinking that one day Elijah would be back here with him. One day.]

Of course it's okay. I mean it, Elijah. I'm here for you. Whatever it is.

[there's enough in Elijah now for him to hear the ocean and find himself longing for the sound of it. He does miss that place in Duplicity, he remembers briefly, and smiles a little before looking over to his kitchen table and frowning.]

One of the first friends I made here. Her name was Annie, she was spirited, sweet and a woman of strong character. We got along right away, and we'd had plans to sample every bar here in Duplicity once upon a time.

[there's a pause as he sighs and realizes that he never made it that far. They barely made it beyond that one night before he got caught up here, and he remembers a little tiny piece of his life before clamping down on it, because what comes next are memories of shutting friends and family out, and Elijah doesn't like that he did that.]

Anyways, we were supposed to have a dinner, and speak in French all night. I made everything, cooked all day, and then waited and she never showed. She's gone Kyle. Gone from Duplicity. She never showed up at her apartment again. She just disappeared. I mean, I know that happens here, but I didn't think about knowing someone....

[Kyle is quiet, listening. Not just to words but inflection, trying not to let himself imagine these dates, this effort that Elijah put in for another while not really wanting him. Someone he wanted to remember when he doesn't want to remember Kyle. Who maybe he had been moving on with.

But this isn't about his pain, not about how cold his gut feels, and how much it takes not to curl up and give up. It's about being there for Elijah, trying to help him with all he's going through.

Beyond that, it makes him think about Jackson. About how one night they're talking during a blizzard and Kyle had known there was something off with him but he'd stayed at the hospital instead of braving the elements to see him. And he never saw him again.]

I'm sorry, Elijah. It's so random and...

[And none of that matters. Just that Elijah's hurting.]

I wish I had more for you than just telling you I'm sorry, because I am sorry this place is hurting you more. I know how it feels and I'm sorry.

[it takes Elijah a beat as he listens to Kyle's apology, and suddenly the vampire decides that sympathy is the last thing he deserves or really wants in this moment. His friend probably got to go back to her life, and maybe it was dangerous there-- she did carry the scars of bullet holes across her chest, after all, but who was Elijah to actually be upset about this?

He frowns and gets up, goes to the fridge to pull out a beer. Twists the top open and sighs.]

No, it's okay, I shouldn't have bothered you with it. It's so small, and people go home all the time, don't they. Your time will come soon enough. I'm sure you'll be happy to leave.

[the thought hurt, even though Elijah didn't know why, but he didn't like it-- he didn't even know why he said it, but there it was. He wished he could take it back, but instead he just drank.]

[He hears the sound of the bottle opening, aching to do the same but he won't let himself. He won't go and get the bottle in the kitchen. He has to stay healthy and strong, to be ready when he's needed, whenever he might be wanted again.]

Elijah, if you don't listen to anything else I say, don't believe anything else, please believe this. I am always here for you. No matter how small you think it is, because it's not small to you. I'm here for you.

[And he knows in saying that he is opening himself up to so much that will hurt him, so much more that he's sure he can handle but he's there for Elijah. Always.]

But don't ever think that. [His voice is harder than he means it to be then, hurt and angry and not able to hide it.]

My life is here, Elijah. It will always be here for as long as I can stay here, and if they try and make me leave, I'll fight my way back. This is my home and my life and I only want to be here.

But I know how it feels losing people here. I had someone here, and the last night I talked to them they were drunk and unhappy and I was overworked and distracted. I never saw or heard from them again. So I know how it feels and it's awful, Elijah. I'm sorry you have to go through this as well.

[Thinking it over, the last time he spoke to her was to set up this dinner. At least it was a nice conversation. The last time he saw her was nice as well-- nothing negative had happened, and he'd regret something like that. These were memories he let himself have. There was a giant gaping hole in the middle, and a part of him knew exactly what filled that hole, but he was still avoiding it, avoiding it until something or someone forced him to open the wound. Hadn't he wounds enough?]

You don't have to, you know. You don't owe me. I'm not exactly the best person for you to stay for. I let someone die. I loved them, and I let them die. You say I loved you, what if I do the same? Why stay for someone like me. Then I killed myself.

[all this is said without emotion, dead and dry like the leaves in winter, crumbled to a decaying ball, like his shriveled heart right now.]

It makes Kyle think about that night with the snow and the ice and the driving wind. It also makes him think about right now with Elijah. What could end up being the last things they say to one another if this place tears them apart?

It's a painful thought that has him shifting, sitting up and bending over, his elbows on his knees and holding the phone to his ear.

You're right, I don't have to. I want to. This isn't about what I owe you, or feeling I'm indebted or anything of the sort. It's about making a choice.

[There's so many things he wants to say, that he should say but he fears if he says them he'll chase Elijah away, make him shut off more and hang up.]

Then I die. I'll die by my choices, but I know what I want. I know who I want to be with. If that never happens again, then I'll still wait.

[He's trying not to say that he loves him, that he wants him back, but he's not lying either. Elijah asked and he's being honest.]

[Elijah just rubbed his forehead, frustrated that Kyle just didn't get what a horrible person he was. Kyle was human, and Elijah had killed so many people that he'd lost count. He let the woman he loved die, and here Kyle was saying that he'd be fine with dying for Elijah. It made no sense, and yet it made something in him ache, yet made him nauseous at the same time-- like he was repsonsible and knew it. Was this yet another dream he'd wake from knowing everything that he'd done wrong?

No, it couldn't be, and Elijah would not allow himself to even consider the thought.

You're a fool to even think that. You have no idea who I am, or what I've done. You can say what you will, but you haven't known me long enough to really understand the type of person I am. I'm violent and evil. I kill without thinking twice when it suits me. I can feed from a human without a second thought. In fact, I did it earlier tonight. I sought a woman, compelled her, drank from her and left her.

[he thinks he can shock Kyle into sense, or shake some sense into this man who seems to know that Elijah is this other person, this delightful fool with some amazing virtue, when Elijah knows full well and good now, that he is nothing of the sort.]

[Kyle is quiet, not saying a word. He lets Elijah go on, listening and then closing his eyes tight as he bows his head. It's not like he could pretend that he didn't think Elijah wasn't out feeding on others, but that doesn't change that it hurts. Even if he's not sure Elijah remembers enough to know he's hurting Kyle. Warning him, yes, but he's hurting him so much that his chest aches.]

Well, if I thought you were trying to actually hurt me, you would have hit your mark but you're not scaring me.

[His voice is harder then, passionate and frustrated and trying not to just snap and tell him everything and knowing he can't not say anything.]

Elijah Mikaelson, I'm curious...

[Elijah can't see him but Kyle straightens. His eyes are bright, ignoring the tears that have slipped down his cheeks as he sits up straighter, pushing to his feet.]

Which parts are you referring to when you call yourself violent and evil? Ripping out people's hearts? Killing those you cared about? All those things behind the Red Door that you did when your emotions were turned off? Which do you think I don't know about? Which do you think I don't remember from when I walked through that door of my own free will?

[It's a hard challenge, his hands shaking and fighting not to start sobbing because he knows what Elijah is trying to do and he's not falling for this.]

And I know you can feed without a second thought. You did it from me without hours of us meeting. And you didn't have to compel me or abandon me after either.

[maybe. maybe there's a tiny small part of Elijah that knows he's hurting Kyle, and maybe he's doing it because he doesn't think he deserves anyone right now-- especially the person who had showed him such loving devotion, when all Elijah had done was treat him so roughly and all but use him during sex, even if he'd been a little bit gentler after. Guilt played wildly with his conscious. No matter how Elijah played this, he would never win.

He listened, and inhaled, exhaled, then thought of one thing that Kyle missed.]

I never turned my feelings off. I did all those things with my emotions on.

[it did shock him though. It shocked Elijah to know that Kyle had seen beyond his red door, that he'd willingly taken that step and made it out the other side. When Hayley had done the same thing, she had taken off and not come back to Elijah, not really and then Elijah had forgotten her and then her death and they'd never had time to reconcile. It was all a little too horrible for words. A sob wells up in Elijah's throat, and he doesn't even know why, or who it's for, but it's there.]

How...

Fuck.

[the word slips out before he realizes it, and he wants to take it back, to pull it all back, but he doesn't know how a human made it through that horrid revelation and could still love him. He wants to know. He wants to know what kind of man this is, or how someone like Elijah could even deserve that. Especially now. Elijah feels about as worthy as the dog shit on the bottom of someone's shoe. He's still reeling from that, when Kyle drops the next bomb. They had a close enough bond that Elijah fed from him after hours? of them meeting?]

.... I would never. That's. No. I don't trust people. I don't let people get that close, nor would I feed from a willing human without compulsion, it's just not done.

Do you think that changes anything?

[His tones are still rough, thick from the tears that threaten to overcome him. He's hurting, and he's finally angry that after a thousand years of being denied happiness by his family, he's denying his chance at it.]

Because it doesn't. I saw it all, and I clung to you, screaming, and I still held you. I mourned all you had lost and everything you had been through. I know you keep saying you're not ready, Elijah, but it hurts knowing all I offered and it... you don't...

[He winces, shaking his head. It's not that easy to say it, to try and not hurt Elijah despite how bad he's hurting himself.]

Have you had that blood you took with you? Did you think I just had several bags of the same blood type laying around? The same person's blood? It's mine. I've been taking it as often as I can. First so you could take it to club nights with Rebekah, and then because I didn't know what you would need coming out of the coma. My blood is yours, Elijah, and honestly? I really don't care how things are done. I care about how we do things.

[He keeps waiting for the call to end, for Elijah to hang up on him. He's stayed silent and let him runaway and not texted him constantly and begged him to come home but he Elijah opened the door, as it were, and now he's not sure he can close it. Even if he's trying so hard not to say too much. Just what he's done and how he feels.]

I just don't. I can't put it together, Kyle. I'm sorry.

[Elijah sighs and as much as he doesn't want to think about this, Kyle is really beginning to force him to face some of the facts from his old life here -- it was so short, and yet he gave this human so much power over him. He doesn't understand that in light of how he feels and felt for Hayley, and how he knows it would have disrupted the flow of life within the Mikaelson family at large.]

Thank you for the blood. I needed it when I woke, but I just can't do this right now. Thank you for listening to me. I think I should go. Goodnight, Kyle.

[it's hard, but Elijah hangs up, feeling lost and very alone right now. He doesn't know what's going on, but suddenly he wishes he were back home with his family and had someone, anyone to be with at the moment. Alone just isn't cutting it.]

[Kyle listens, and he hurts for Elijah. He hurts that he can't help him, and that Kyle's love for him is causing so much trouble for him. It hurts. Like he imagines it would if someone had physically reached into his chest and ripped out his heart.

Closing his eyes, listening to the phone go dead even as he whispers softly.]

I love you.

[He lets the device fall with a clatter onto the desk, turning and heading inside. Making it to the couch, curling up and not fighting the tears he feels. Philip's gone. Margo has Seth and happiness. He hasn't anyone left he feels he can turn to and much as he fights against the fears, he knows he might spend the rest of his life loving someone that will never see him again.]

(screened comment)

I always have time for you, Max. How about seeing one another? You up for that?

Or is this better in text?

Sure, I have a new place now if you want to come by or I could come to you. I just need to talk through some things going on in my life. I'm feeling overwhelmed and I need quiet.

New place? I want to see this place. So I could come by there, and we can spend some time together and talk about things. When's good for you?

Yeah, it's called Area 51. Don't laugh. It's just a little tribute to home. It's at [insert address here] on the beach. I don't think it's too far from you.

Come by whenever you want.

He might have giggled, a little. He couldn't help himself because it seems right and it's sweet, in the end. No matter how many bad things had happened there, and all that had been lost over the years, it's how they came to Earth. It's how they had met one another, and that Michael, Max and Isobel had become part of their lives and their world.

It isn't a long walk at all from the villa, but lately Kyle has been realizing just how many of them live there in a few block radius at the beach.

It's still a walk filled with nerves. It's Kyle's first time going out without Elijah. It's not like he's not close enough to hear Kyle, or Max, if there was to be a problem, but that didn't mean it worried him any less.

He hates using Max as a test, but he can't help wanting to see him either so it's a risk he wants to take. Not for the risk, but just for seeing Evans again.

The house is beautiful, and he can't help but smile as he comes up the patio to the sliding door, rapping on it. Elijah had reminded him he would need an invite, and so he waits there, realizing how excited he is to just see Max again after how long it's been.

It's funny, but the last thing on Max's mind is that he's going to be with a vampire tonight. It probably should have been his first thought, but he's so stuck in his own stupid thoughts, and his need to see Kyle and just surround himself with someone he knows loves him just the way he is, all sides of him, is overwhelming.

Max has no idea what's come over him lately, or why he's having so much trouble handling Duplicity suddenly, but he is and he just needs to talk to someone who has been here a while.

Relief floods him when he hears the knock at the door, and he runs back to get it. Michael is out, and he thinks that Caleb is as well, but hasn't checked actually, but lately Max has been too scared to know one way or another, or too upset to find him with someone else in the house-- which was so stupid, considering here he was bringing Kyle in. He wanted someone to hit him, to bring him around somehow.

"God. It's so good to see you Kyle." He steps to the doorway and slips his arms around the other and hugs him tight, kissing him softly and just standing there for a few second, breathing the same air. "I've missed you. I feel like my life is suddenly falling apart, and I don't know. You feel like one of the few solid pieces I have left. Sorry, we shouldn't stand outside, Come on in. See the house, or maybe just the way to my bedroom..." He chuckles a little, and gives Kyle a quick tour, which ultimately ends in Max's room where he closes the door behind them.

The moment the door opens, Kyle feels almost overwhelmed. He's waited so long to see Max, and of everyone he hasn't seen during this time, Max has hurt the most. He's the one that Kyle has waited t see.

Not caring who sees them or who might be around from Max's household, he immediately steps into that embrace. Pressing in close, wrapping his arms tightly around Max, but working to be cautious, knowing that he could hurt him if he's not careful. He's careful, despite his desperate need to touch him, to hold him close.

"Hey, come on, Max. It's okay. Really." At least he hopes it is, though he's now worried that he's missed so much while he's been hiding, working through his turn, that he doesn't know all of it.

"Show me everything, and then we'll talk."

The house is stunning, and he can't help but smile, noting there's been others there, assuming that one is definitely Michael. He's glad for that, for both their sakes.

The moment they're in the bedroom though, he takes Max's hands, pulling him in close again.

"Why is your life falling apart? What's going on?"

It's crazy. Yes, Max knows that a lot of his fears and thoughts are misguided, but he's just feeling so overwhelmed by everything at once that he needs someone solid to talk to, and the most solid and grounded person he knows is Kyle. Maybe it's always been Kyle. He's always been the person who seems like he's had everything under control.

He enjoys showing Kyle the little life he's got carved out in Duplicity. His small slice of happiness here-- he hopes.

Falling into Kyle's arms, Max relaxes and brushes their noses together tenderly, kissing him here and there. "I don't know, I think I can just sit here and relax now, nothing much matters any more." He chuckled quietly between them. "Come lets lay on the bed and I'll talk. No reason to be uncomfortable while I spill my guts."

Max flips on the fireplace. The heatwave is mostly gone, and he's got the air down. Besides it's the smell that always makes him feel comfortable as he climbs into his giant fluffy bed. Sprawling, he pulls Kyle over to him. "So, you know I love you. I mean, I don't know if I've said it, but I do. Maybe you're not the big love of my life, but I love you, and there's no changing that fact. Then there is Liz, and while I will always Love her, our relationship is changing, and I know a lot of that is my fault. I haven't been a great boyfriend lately. I haven't gone seeking her out lately like I did when we were first here. I've been getting shoved in rooms with more and more people. I feel like such a..." He pauses, and bites at his lip..."like a slut. I hate it. I mean, there's someone else here, someone I'm really starting to love, like really love, and I got jealous the other day. I didn't have the right to, and I know it, but my feelings got in the way of my brain, but with all the people here... you've gotta know how I feel, right Kyle? I mean, you've had to have been jealous before? But, then I'm over here sleeping with everyone I don't know. It means nothing, but then, I get angry cause Caleb sleeps with people he knows. I mean I get why, but it feels like... oh fuck, i don't know. I hate this fucking city." He rolls over and buries his face into the pillow feeling confused and guilty, and frustrated all at once.

He hadn't come there that day with any plans but to see Evans again. Wanting to see how he's been, to apologize for pulling away during his time in trying to get his life back together after the ghost ship. There's many he hasn't seen or spoken to much since his transformation and while he knows he has many to see, above all of those comes Max.

Just hugging him there at the door had meant so much, been something he's missed more than he had realized until that moment. Not until he'd held him once more.

Even just holding his hand makes him smile, glad to be there.

Letting Max start the fire, he moves over to the bed and sprawls out on it, enjoying the comfort of the mattress, the way it molds to his body. He's so acutely aware of things like the texture of the covers and the tension of the bed and how it holds his body as he shifts into Max and presses close to him.

Staying quiet, listening to Max talk about what he's feeling and what all he's been coping with while Kyle has been learning to control himself and his hungers during this time of transition.

He smiles at that first reassurance. "You told me I love you," he teases, but he's still smiling. "But I get I'm not the love of your life but you love me. I've known Liz isn't. Sorry but I haven't."

He stops then, cupping Max's cheeks gently. "Okay, one? Never blame yourself for what this place makes you do. It's not a reflection on you, Max. All you can do is the best for you and your partners, because this place doesn't care. Don't think yourself a slut for this place. Hell, don't think yourself a slut for anything. This society is not ours, and fuck ours. Ours led me to hurting Alex, and us to both believe our first love had to be our last," he points out. It's something he'd thought about over the years before Duplicity.

He pauses though because that's a hard question but he doesn't want to lie to Max.

"I gave up being jealous months ago because deep down I've known that Elijah has been sleeping with others when I haven't. I don't know who. I don't ask details but beyond the month he forgot me and our relationship, I've seen comments made to him on the finder thing and that Grindr Instagram thing it set up. This world isn't ours, and love isn't what we've been told it is. I realized a couple of months ago that I had to accept that love is what it is between us and not think about what it is outside of our love and our relationship. Otherwise, in this place, I would go nuts."

Which he fears that Max might be doing.

Kyle shifts to rub his hand against Max's back. "If I could find you a way home, I would, Max. For you and Alex and Michael. For Liz and Margo and Seth. I really wish I could."

It's no small secret that Max is really used to loving only one person, and so Duplicity and all of the sex it proposes and the contracts and his new bisexuality has really sort of ripped through his reality, and coming to terms with some sort of polyverse that he can be comfortable with is nigh to impossible, even if it's exactly what Max needs to do. He blows out frustration and lays there, enjoying the comfort of Kyle, and listening to his wisdom until he mentions finding a way home.

A little while ago that was really all he wanted. He wanted to go home to Isobel, and back to the way his life was with Liz and everyone else. Now, his whole life has changed, and if he goes home there wouldn't be this Kyle. He knows it. It would all be different. Max starts shaking his head.

"No. No. I don't want to go home. You won't be there. I know you can't leave Elijah. You wouldn't before, but you can't now that you are both... both vampires, right?" He has no idea why he thinks this, he just has a feeling that kyle has to stay with his creator because of all the lore he's heard about vampire subjects. "I want to be with you Kyle. I don't want to go back to a world where we don't have this. I can't lose part of my heart. Then I'd also lose Caleb. I don't know how good or bad things are. I hope they are okay now that we've talked, even if I'm going a little crazy. Maybe if I just do my thing and sleep with less people I'll feel better. Maybe I'm upset with myself more than anything else."

It takes Max a little bit to realize that, that is the true reason he's upset. He doesn't like who he is right now, and he knows that he needs to tie himself down and up, to limit himself to a very small amount if he can. Because being with everyone and trying to love was tearing him apart. He turns into Kyle and kisses him along the neck softly.

"I'm sorry I dumped all this on you."

It hadn't hit Kyle that Max didn't want to go home. He wouldn't have thought he'd hear him say that and he's not sure what to think about that. It's a hopeful thought, one that makes his voice catch in his throat for a minute.

So instead he leans into Max and nuzzles at his shoulder and thinks about that, about what he's asking about. About the truth that he hasn't talked to about with anyone.

"I... We don't know how all of it works. If Elijah goes home, he's dead. He's lived through that and then woke up back here. If he goes home and dies... I die. We think. I would if I was in his world. All of the vampires an Original vampire makes die with them."

And he knows that isn't something Max wants to hear. No one wants to hear it, he's sure. Not anyone he's close to.

"But we don't know what would happen if we could go to Roswell. Since he's not from there, there's a chance we could go home and just be the only vampires in our world. At least that we know about," he says, moving to hold Max close. "But we're here, and that's what matters."

He doesn't mention that he wouldn't lose his heart because he wouldn't remember this, or Caleb, if he went back to Roswell. It's not something that he wants to think about. He hates those thoughts and what it means. What all would be lost.

"Hey, I'm here for you, Max. We're here for one another." He hugs him tightly, wishing he could make this better, could find a way to fix this. "Max, what do you want? Not with me but in general. In this place. Don't think in terms of being a slut. Think in terms of what you need, and then figure it out from there but the one thing I've learned is you can only work that our for yourself, not for anyone else."

(screened comment)

It's beautiful and I love it. It's not going anywhere. I'll hide it if you think to exchange it.

Thank you. I love you too, Elijah. Always.

(screened comment)

Hey.
I miss you. You had trouble with that house too? Are you okay?
Of course. Please? Come by any time.
Fyi though you might run into someone that's not Elijah. It's part of why life's been kind of busy and I've been trying to work things out.
I took on another submissive. He needed a dominant and a need to be able to be near Elijah so it just seemed easier and safer for everyone for us to contract.

Whoa, that sounds like something pretty heavy happened. I should be asking you if you're okay. You could have called you know.

I've missed you too. A little weirdness at the house. It tried to make me fall in love with a friend I work with. She's sweet and all, but not my type for the true love stuff.

I got other stuff from the house to show you. Gonna need some privacy for it though.

I'll be by this weekend.
Love you, Kyle.

Yeah it played that game with Elijah and it's apparently for life. I'll explain more when you're here.

I feared for a short time I was going to lose you, but I'm not, and I'm glad for that. I love you.

Okay. Come here and we'll find some privacy.

I wouldn't let you go. I love you too much. See you.

True to his word, as soon as the weekend rolled around Max found his way to the Valenti villa on the beach. Max thought his place was fantastic. This place was extravagant. He'd been by once, but he'd never been this close before. Walking up the long boardwalk, he called out as he grew closer and noticed all the doors and windows open.

"Hello, kyle? Anyone at home? It's Max Evans from down the way..." He figured that Kyle would be able to hear him just fine with his new vampire hearing and all. He wondered if the other man was going to look different or act different now.

Max had to admit that he was a little worried about Kyle when he heard something about forever love. That didn't sound too good. He remembered a lot of the things that happened with Betty, but he wasn't holding onto those memories. He had way more important things in his life.

Kyle is so thankful for Max coming over. He's missed him more than he could find words for, and all that's happened has left him just trying to work through things and get everything right.

He's just thankful that Elijah hadn't asked him to give up Max to prove how much he loves him. He knew there would have been a hollowness in him if he lost him.

He laughs when he hears that, coming down from the second floor wearing jeans and a plain tee, casual and looking just like himself despite all the changes.

"Are you here for a cup of sugar? Did you end up with my mail?"

Even as he teases him, Kyle moves to pull Max into his arms, hugging him tight.

The tightness that Max didn't know he was wearing in his shoulders immediately releases and drops out the second he sees Kyle walking down the stairs. He should have known that nothing would be different, but of course his mind had conjured up all sorts of weird things. At least now those things could be fodder for teasing.

"Do you even eat sugar anymore, drac?" He stuck out his tongue by way of biting on it playfully as he walked up to Kyle and wound his arms around him.

It was like coming home after a long time away. God he'd missed this man. He closed his eyes and pushed his nose into Kyle's neck and inhaled, and then kissed that neck very purposefully. "You smell so good. God, I've fucking missed you, Valenti."

Depending on just how tight Kyle hugged him, he may or may not already be able to feel one of the surprises that Max had for him beneath his shirt pressing against the vampire's chest in the manner of two barbells through each of the alien's nipples.

"Do not make me talk in a bad Transylvanian accent," he growls, smirking though as he draws back enough to look Max in the face for a moment. "And I eat and drink like normal, thank you. I just don't get much from food, and alcohol just does well to help me with my cravings," he admits, talking about the details of. He thinks Max should know.

"That said, don't go in the kitchen expecting to find anything," he teases, grinning as he hugs Max once more, stroking his hand along his spine. They did actually have food, but because of having a human in the house. "I missed you too," he murmurs, resting his head against Max, sighing softly.

Frowning slightly though, moving one hand to slide between them. "What are you wearing under this?" Murmuring softly as he runs his hand over one nipple. He draws back, arching a brow. "Well, that's new."

All Max can think at this point is that Kyle looks really good, and god he's fucking glad to see him around now. It really had been too long since they'd been together. So much had gone on in both their lives. At least this one small thing hadn't changed.

"I don't really need anything today as long as you're around. Not even your cheesy attempt at a Drunken Dracula accent." He laughs against Kyle's neck and then dots a singular kiss there before lifting his head back up.

"Oh, that. That's one of the things I have to show you, and one of the reasons I said we needed some privacy. There's.... more." He said the last word slowly and glanced down while pushing his lips together with a cheshire grin. "I also got something else for you... I made it." Max lets go of Kyle and turns to go back to the entryway and picks up a small wooden looking box that had their initials M ♥ K on it in the middle. It was just a plain looking box currently, but it was obvious it had the potential for more.

"There's a story for that, so find us a place to sit, and I'll tell you about it."

Hey
So
The whole vampire thing. You doing public appearances yet?

I am, yeah. We've worked out a way for me to be safe around everyone.

Everything okay?

Yeah. Look.

You wanna maybe get a drink? And yeah, you can chalk that off your list of shit you thought I'd never say, cause me too.

Is this a prank? Is someone spoofing Guerin's phone?

Seriously though, yeah. I'd actually like that. Don't read too much into that.

When and where?

Somewhere I don't work. Mendacity?

I figured it was time you went outside again.

My favorite place. Seth and Margo are some of my favorite people, so that definitely works.

Aww, you care about my health, Guerin. I'm touched.

[Except he's not the first one to mention it, and he hadn't been thinking about how long he's been hiding out, even before the boat.]

I haven't seen you since you changed species, man. You gotta admit that's worthy of a beer.

Seth is the guy who got caught up with that serial killer, right? Tell me you weren't part of that.

Why do you word it like that? omg did I act like that when I found out about you and Isobel and Max?! Did I?Are you speciest?

... Please tell me you aren't asking if I had something to do with killing people I cared about.

God, what the hell is wrong with you? I'm about to take back the offer.
No, I actually meant that I hope the actual people who did it, didn't hurt you like he hurt your friends.
And none of us ever changed species, Valenti. You not knowing what we were, doesn't make it the same.

The first was just being a dick. That's all.

Already had someone ask me how dangerous I am. Just the idea of hurting someone I care about. Hell, I couldn't shoot Jesse Manes though I knew he was going to kill me. I just took it wrong.

Except for Margo's pain, and right after she had just died. We used to go to their club but that's over. I won't go again.

Look, here's the thing.

You're not that guy. You don't hurt people, you help them. I don't believe that's changed just because you grew fangs.

Come out with me. It's gonna be okay. And if it's not, then I promise, I won't let you hurt anyone. I'll stop you with my brain if I have to. But I don't think I'll have to, because I know you, okay?

You're still the guy who stood still waiting for me to break his face, remember. I know.

Thank you. I appreciate you saying that.

I know things could happen now but I'm going to always do what I can not to hurt others. I believe I can do this and not be out of control.

Guerin? I trust you. Let's go out. It's how things should've been since I got back to Roswell.

Yeah, it is.

Maybe it would've been, if I hadn't still been pissed with you, and you weren't living in a closet.

Times change.

Before I never thought I could live as the man I've been here back in Roswell. Not with too many of the memories there.

They do change though and we've changed. No smart ass comments on that.

Not everyone can. Some people got expectations to live up to
I was in a closet too, remember. Not about sex, but about other things. It's not like I don't get it.

But you're not now. You have people you can trust with the truth and who are there for you.

You know how I feel about staying in this place, but the truth? If not for my mom I don't think I would ever go back to Roswell. The more I learn, the more I see the truth behind everything and I hate it.

Yeah. I get that.
Everything that came out, about Alex's dad, about yours
That must've messed you up.

Yeah, that's all still things I think I just decided not to cope with.

I know, not healthy. Lots have it worse. Hell, Alex alone does. I just have to deal with it.

Alex's dad was already a dick, though. You had a good relationship with yours.

Dealing with the bad in people is a lot easier when you don't expect them to be good.

But I shouldn't have thought that of him. Cheating on my mom. Ignoring Rosa until it was too late to be there for her. Being part of Caulfield. Being an obviously corrupt cop. Turning a blind eye on the man Jesse was to his son. All of it. I was a fool for my entire life.

You were a kid. You shouldn't have to expect that your parents are the bad guys. That isn't on you. It matters what you do with it now that you know. You stood with us at Caulfield. That means something.

In the end he wasn't a good man. There's no reason to put more thought into him and what choices he made. Eventually he made different choices. It doesn't change what we know.

[He hasn't talked about this since he got there, since he told Alex about being shot, but he realizes he hasn't dealt with it. He just wants to close it off again.]

The truth matters. Hell, it mattered to me. It still does.

I can't argue that. I could have gone on without ever knowing. It's just... it makes me think about the man I was and the one I became but I don't want to put excuses there either.

Yeah, but you became a better man even before you found out about your dad. Just cause I didn't see it doesn't mean it wasn't true.

Thanks, Guerin. I mean that. It's all I've wanted.

I think maybe I've lost sight of that.

I think maybe you should remember who you are.

Quit blaming yourself. You're way too good at that.

I'd rather that than blaming others. I made my choices and it's on me, no matter how or why things happened.

But you're right. I don't think I've been myself for longer than I can remember.

[At least six months. Maybe the whole years he's been there.]

Your choices aren't your father's.

Your choices aren't Elijah's, either.

[ He knows that's what this is about, too. Elijah, Hayley, that whole mess. It's not not a mess, but Michael's pretty clear on where the fault lies. ]

Anyway beating yourself up about it's only gonna hold you back. You need to get back in the world again. Fangs and all.

It's hard accepting that because there's things I went along with. But you're right.

Is that an offer for a date, Guerin? I'm touched but I'm taken.

You know some day we should do that, just to see the looks on everyone's faces. It'd be worth it.

I promise I'll dress up and take you somewhere nice.

Okay well I'm gonna wear my boots and hat, if you wear a tie it's just gonna look wrong.

So jeans and a flannel. That's every day. That's just us getting a beer.

And we'd upscale that how?
I gotta tell you, Valenti, I don't think I have an upscale.

You telling me that if Damon said he wanted to tag you out for a serious date you couldn't find an upscale?

Maybe I need to take you shopping.

Do I seem like the kind of guy with a suit in my closet? I gotta tell you, Valenti, that's not even me back home.

Do you know how much room there is between jeans and a suit?

You've met me, right?

Right. So buying you clothes. Got it. Since I know you won't go with me.

Okay, that is not what I meant.

Sorry can't hear you. I'm plotting.

Edited 2020-12-16 01:53 (UTC)

I don't know why I'm friends with you. I take back this whole conversation.

You love me, Guerin. That's the problem. Just remember, you can't return Christmas gifts. It's like bad luck or something.

Who says aliens even celebrate Christmas? I didn't!

You don't have to celebrate to get gifts.

Edited 2020-12-23 03:41 (UTC)

You should know you don't have to do that.

I'm not letting anyone make me do anything I want any more. If I do it, it's because I want to.

hello

kyle i heard about you and elijah
i wanted to tell you how sorry i am
and to ask if there is anything you need?
i hope that you would still count yourself my friend.

i appreciate it. it's been something i guess.
eventually i may need more blood. i'm currently staying in a hotel in the down. we had a supply in the fridge and i'm rationing it.
you shouldnt offer that given all ive done. i lost control.

i was afraid of that

i will bring you more.
please do not ration. it is not safe for one so young as you
let me help you. please.
i know i am not your sire, but i have trained so many young vampires
i can help you to be safe.

when i got the notice the shock just shut down... everything.
shutting off emotions.
i never thought it was something i would go through
i have to. i cant risk doing that again. wanting it like that.
i remember it all and i cant.
you would do that? why?

because you are one of my people, and i do not want to see you suffering
or struggling
did you think yourself alone?

and if i deserve it? i accept that. no, i have cain. not that its okay what i did to him either. he deserves better too.
ive alienated everyone. either before this or in the least few weeks.

what do you mean
what did you do, kyle?

i lost control. i just didn't care. my emotions shut off when they ordered us apart and i lost control.

its why it's better to just stay here and understand. my friends are his, my life has been his and i just don't know what else to do.

you lost control.
as all fledglings do, at least once

you cannot simply stay inside. this problem will not get better if you do not learn to manage your urges
we all need to do it. you can mourn the loss of him. you cannot let that prevent you from learning.

i wouldn't have if they hadn't taken everything from me.

seriously rafa, why not? do you think i haven't learned? i remember what i did and who i hurt and how i left marcus for dead and i won't ever forget that. ever.

you have been a vampire for months
not years
certainly not centuries.

so yes, kyle, i believe you have not yet learned. i believe you feel guilt, i believe you are sorry
but those things will not be enough for you to control yourself in future. control is not guilt
have you fed since you attacked marcus?

More than I should have. I hurt others. I just didn't kill them. Just the one person I swore to protect.

I'm not going to not have blood, Rafa. I can get bagged. It's what I've mostly had since I washed up on the shore. If I'm not around others there won't be temptation. There's no point in me being around others anyway.

but that is the point
there is always temptation.

you need to be around others, or you will never control that feeling
and yes, you need to feed safely, so that your thirst is under control. but if you cannot integrate with society, you will suffer in other ways

only look at my louis for proof of that.

I don't know if I can feed from others right now. I hurt too many for me to be comfortable with that.

Maybe I deserve to suffer for all I've hurt. Even before I lost control. I accept that.

What happened to Louis, Rafa?

he holds himself apart
thinks himself a monster for what he is
but in so doing, he has never learned to feed without killing, and so his fears make him the very thing he is afraid of

i do not think that you deserve to suffer. that is a harmful thought
no one should suffer without need. guilt will eat away at you if you let it.

i can feed without killing.
i'm a doctor. i just need volunteers to let me draw blood.

i just need to understand things.
what i've done wrong, and what i accepted when i shouldn't.

i don't remember who i even am, rafa.

i do not understand either
what is it that you think you have done wrong?

most recently? whatever it is that meant i didn't deserve the love i had.
i can accept i'm not meant for that though. what we do reflects back on us and i haven't been good to others.

you might consider that the fault was not with you, but with the city itself
perhaps you were too happy. too settled. not reaching out enough

or perhaps you are right and this is a punishment. but i think that may be your guilt talking, more than anything else

that's possible. i hardly left the house in the time we were together to honor the vows we made to one another. and I didn't. not for six months but for the one time i had no choice.

perhaps they thought that was not a good arrangement

not that there is any reason why they should involve themselves at all, but then we are speaking of people who have kidnapped us from our homes to use us in a sex experiment
their standards are likely to be different

[ And thus, Rafa is very glad that he and Ignacio have never attempted to practice monogamy. Truly, all problems can be traced back to that foolish idea. ]

Maybe. I don't know. If I'm keeping quota, and I'm keeping to their damned rules, why would they care? Apparently they did though.

All I know is I've learned things and I just need to work through some things.

and you shall, my friend
i am still so very sorry for what you have lost. that is not how it ought to be

but since it is, i will do all that i can to support you.

Maybe it is. Maybe that's just things for me. Not the first person I've lost but maybe it'll be the last if I'm careful.

Thank you though. I not only appreciate that, Rafa, I know I need it.

i hope that careful does not mean closing yourself away.

a life like ours is unbearable if lived alone.

I have friends. I'm not locking myself away from them.

[He has Michael and Liz, Margo and Rafa. He has Cain for the time he stays.]

I'm just not sure about romance. Not yet. Not until I get my head on straight.

Hey.

Don't give me shit about it, this is a check in. How are you?

I'm alive.

Kinda.

Well I don't have a pulse so not so alive.

You?

So-so.

Eaten anyone this week? I say it with love.

Not in the way you mean. I thought you didn't want to know about my sex life.

[He's lying but humor is easier than honesty without lying.]

Why only so-so?

That is a bad way to remind me I should be asking you about quota, too.

You offering, Mikey?

I graduated the other day. I got my official papers and everything. I'm a... whatever we are once we graduate. No more quota. Which is a good thing.

You that excited to see me shirtless again??

I didn't realize that was a thing. No quota, after a year. I guess that's one silver lining.

I have stared at your chest long enough I could pick your nipples out of a line up.

I knew someone out of the program that talked about it. It would be for the best right now though if I don't have to. I obviously can't trust myself. As a vampire or with my heart.

You should be grateful, I make most guys take me out for dinner first.

You know just cause you're a vampire doesn't mean you have to buy in to Anne Rice levels of melodrama. You're gonna get through this. There's not one person out there for everyone, that's just romantic nonsense. Trust me.

[ Spoken by the guy who didn't get over Alex Manes for ten full years, and maybe never will. That's not the point: he still thinks people get more shots than one. ]

Yeah, I guess I'm just special like that.

I've had two people in my life I've loved more than I can find words for. At least one of them is still my friend. This isn't being melodramatic. It's thinking that if I don't have control it's good I don't need to meet quota, that's all.

[And because there's very few people he's had sex with that he hasn't developed feelings for, but that's not the point. ]

And you're sure that's all it is?

[ Michael isn't. But hey, whatever. Kyle can deal with his shit in his own time, so long as he actually deals with it. ]

Nope, not sure at all but it's the easy way of dealing with it. Right now I'm just coping with the basics one at a time.

Living back at home. Marcus and I have talked. I'm going to talk to the supervisor at Haven about going back to work.

Hey, that's great. You're a doctor, it's where you belong.

You and Marcus, you're okay?

I'm glad to be getting back to it. I need that focus.

I guess. I don't know what to think. He's doing things for me and being kind and I don't get it. He wasn't here for me and I never required that in the contract.

Well maybe he's just not an asshole, Valenti. That's always an option.

You gonna stick with him after the 3 months are up?

It's what I would do, so I get that. I just don't want him feeling he has to. I would have taken the contract to help anyone.

I... I don't know. He deserves someone that hasn't attacked him, and I would guess he would find someone that would contract them both. I mean, it's what I would do in his place. So I don't know what's going to happen.

How are things with him after that whole thing? He angry with you?

No, not at all. Which sucks more. He should be angry. He's been helping me, trying to make sure I'm doing okay.

And not in that making sure I don't hurt him kind of way.

He sounds like a good guy. I'm glad he doesn't blame you, personally. You didn't need that.

Glad you and he agree on that.

He got as caught up in all of this as anyone, and not his fault this place made him love the man I thought I would be with forever or anything else that happened. That wasn't his fault.

Yeah, but that doesn't make it less awkward as fuck, Kyle.

It's been awkward from the start. I just didn't feel in a place where I could talk about that.

Now there's not much to do about it but try and make things easy for the time being.

Yeah, well. It turns out to be more awkward than you want, give me a call
Pretty sure I can convince him to leave.

You're a good man, Mikey. If it gets to that point, I will.

Good. Cause you know, it's boring being a good man all the time.

Awww, my very own knight in tarnished armor. I'm touched.

What I'm here for.

[ chances are this will show up either a couple of days early or maybe even the day after christmas, because harley's so scattered that she's just been buying gifts at random.

left at kyle's house is a box containing a brand-new red and black flannel shirt and a pair of rubber restraints that are made to look like a doctor's stethoscope. ]

merry xmas doc
the shirt's to replace the one i borrowed
the other's just for fun sometime
xoxo harley 💋

[ On Christmas, Kyle receives a neatly wrapped parcel containing a pair of cufflinks, and a fine bottle of wine. The note attached says: ]

Happy holidays, my friend. I hope the coming year will be happier for you than the last.

Your faithful servant,

Rafa.

[ maybe he no longer cares for sweets but a box of goodies is delivered to him. with that, something she's thought very long and hard over, a vial of her blood.

the note included: if i'm overstepping by wishing you a merry christmas, tell me. i'm not even sure if you care for the holidays what with being what you are. or maybe you do. anyways, merry christmas. also, i don't think an explanation is needed* - chloe ]

*( about the vial ~~unless he's expecting one~~ )

Tim's gift for Kyle will be delivered by courier; a red-headed speedster who will make sure that it's signed for before speeding off.

Inside is a gift voucher for a spa treatment at Indulgence. Kyle might remember that this was the bathhouse that Tim first took him to and how'd they'd made use of the private room to exhaust each other.

There's also a couple of good quality cuffs.

So.
Got any contract suggestions for Dominants?
Because bloody fucking surprise.
The wankers shoved me in the Up.

Well well. Go you. I mean, you say shoved but are you complaining? Really?

Determine now what you want from a submissive. If you just want a contract to keep them off your ass, that's easier. Would you rather a friend? Someone for quota? Which would you prefer?

You're not the first one I know that got this happening to them. Wonder what's up.

Ya. Well. It's like studying for algebra, and then bam, oops, we're actually doing the test on geometry.
Neither of which I was particularly good at, mind, even if I have a knack for numbers.

I dunno. I don't want anything. Didn't want to be Submissive and didn't want to be a Dominant. Just seems... weird.
So I guess... I mean, I don't need anyone on my ass.

A friend of mine.
Future friend I guess.
Was told he's changed as well.

That's... actually an apt analogy. Fair enough then. You're not in this alone though. You know that.

The same basics apply. Put everything in writing, make sure you do right by them. One thing is that you are in charge of their punishment, not the guards or the city.
It means you have more of a chance of protecting them from the insanity this place mets out.

My ex as well apparently according to a friend.
I've not heard of anyone going submissive from dominant though.

I thought so.
And I know.
It's just-
I mean, at least it's not a fiance trying to kill me. Just some contract between two adults.

[She just wishes her best friend in the whole of time and space actually knew her.]

So. Can you fake a punishment? Like oh, no, you are spanking me too hard, but you're not actually really putting much effort in to it?

Blimey.
Almost makes it sound like they don't got enough Dominants then.
Which is kinda foreboding.

Is that something you've had to worry about?
I nearly had it happen to me, but that's because of this place.

You might get away with it but you could also come up with punishments that aren't as well.
Chores. Behavioral things that aren't punishment. Make them cook for you. It's what you two deem punishment.
Though some citations say what the punishment is.

Except it has always seemed the other way. Submissives are sparse, many have several and you are jailed if you don't contract.

Only once?

So they're pretty liberal on the whole punishments thing then.
Not that it seems right...
Any of it.

Oh. Smashing.
Don't suppose there is some time out zone that everyone forgot to mention?

That he tried to kill me? Yeah.

None of this place is right, Donna. It's all bullshit. All you can do is try and make it work best for you.

Sadly no. That's part of this place. It wants you constantly on edge. I think so you don't look into things.

Not exactly... I mean, don't know the circumstances, but hell.

Guess I gotta figure out what that is.
Least the clock reset.

Ya, well, bloody brilliant at multi-tasking.
Although it would be a lot easier if there was a big sign.
Or some glowing goo.
A nefarious looking building...

Only one fiancé. Only happened the once. This place screwed with his head, and his body. Made him venomous to me.

When you figure it out, let me know if I can help.

Sometimes I think there is all of that. We just don't know what we're looking for.

Also, your life has been interesting, hasn't it?

I'm sorry that the both of you had to go through that.

When. If.
I will though.
Thanks.

So... Turn over every rock is what you're saying, because those are going to be a lot of rocks.

Sometimes...
Pretty normal until I met the Doctor.
Then it took a hard turn.
Not that I regret it.

Yeah, so am I. It only got worst from there, and now I can't see them any longer.

If it helps, I've never known anyone to get switched twice.

There's a ton of rocks. Plenty. They think it's amusing to put out even more.

That's the important part. That you don't regret it. How I feel right now with all the loss I've had lately.

Bollocks. That seems cruel.

So I am what I am now, maybe. Because who knows. Not like this place runs by any normal rules.

Until I start throwing the rocks at them.

No. I know I don't. Some moments that made me sad and will stick with me forever. Some moments that hurt and angered too, but... Gotta take it all, right?

That's the problem. Things are only that way until they change them again.

So accept this because worrying about it won't change if something is going to change or not?

You get yourself arrested and... I will likely bail you out.

There's really no other choice but to just accept it.

But when they change them, you'll never know how or what they'll change them to.

I was just starting to get used to the idea of living as a Submissive though. This better not be some messed up game of ping-pong with me as the ball, ending up who knows where.

Be joining suit with the Doctor it seems anyway, since he's apparently getting himself behind bars more than a few times.
And look at that, you sweetie.

Doesn't mean I have to like it......

Sadly, no. We really don't know. I'm sorry.

I can talk to a few people that I know who have been here longer than me. Two years and more. See if they've heard anything about it. I'll let you know.

I don't have unlimited funds you know. Just saying. But I'll be there for you.

You never have to like it. And you can bitch to me about it too. Promise.

Bit of a moot point atm. No one I know has disappeared, so... Guess I'll deal with it when it happens.

Thanks. I'd appreciate that. :)

LOL. Right. So... Once a month, max. Can't say I have any plans, at all, of ending up in prison.

It's a two way street though, right? I'm good at listening.

Any time. If there's anything I can help you with, I'll always try and be there.

Yeah, let's limit it to that. Anymore and can't promise I get there before someone else does.

[It's easy to joke about but then there's those that purchase people from the zoo and definitely have less than honorable plans for them.]

Two way street. Definitely. I'm trying to work on the connection and being friends with others thing again. Wasn't a great time for me entirely when I wasn't like that.

Thanks. And I mean that. Nice to know that ending up in a strange place doesn't mean people are just going to shoot at you or have a dog eat dog mentality.

Will be easier to get a job now anyway. I mean, without having someone vouch for me. And if I do do something stupid, then it's all on me anyway.

I mean, I'm also very good at giving people a kick in the ass, if they need/deserve one.

It's been kind of nice how that is. I expected the same, honestly. There's been a few, but not many.

What do you want to do here? Besides, go home.

I'll warn you. I often need that.

Mm. Get that. Sometimes people are out for themselves, but I've found a lot of people in my travels that actually are about helping. I mean, this place could be a lot worse is people actually took their designations seriously.

No idea. Temp worker back home. Spent months to years at jobs. Reception. Library. This and that. Liked it well enough. Got the social aspect of it when you're in an office.

I'll make sure to keep up my stretches then so I'm ready when needed.

Hey, doctor sexy. I have a couple of questions for you. Most of them revolve around the same topic though. I heard you're taking Francis to the pet show? Would you mind if I gave him something to wear along with whatever you put him in? It won't show unless you're going for something that leaves very little to the imagination.

I am. I asked him if he would honor me with performing with me and he accepted.

Oh it will likely leave little to the imagination, but I'm certain I can work with it. I'm looking to play up how he seems to like to be displayed and to look pretty on him. What did you have in mind?

I'm glad you did. He's very willing and adorable about it, but I don't trust most of this place with him. You I trust to take care of him. He asked me to Dom for him a bit since his actual Dominant is a name-only contract, and he wants to sign with me when its up.

So I was going to take him to pick out a plug to wear. Small enough it shouldn't show too much. He liked the idea of me talking about it with you, too. I'm going to spell it so I can make it vibrate, but won't actually use it when he's on stage. He'll have plenty stimulating him already, the idea that it could should be more than enough.

Would that work for you, handsome?

I have no desire to hurt him anymore than he wants, Eliot. I will promise you that. I've promised him the same. He had told me the same about his contract and I'm glad to here he's getting more than he has. I might have found myself offering the same otherwise.

That definitely works for me. You're going to be there then to enjoy the show?

I know, that's why I trust you. If you're willing to take him on too, then let him know it's an option, he should get as wide a choice as possible. I may have a one-up on you though, just because I think he's enamored of Caleb.

Naturally, I wouldn't miss it.

I'm glad you do. I'm not always sure I deserve it, but I'm working hard to be a man that does deserve it. I'll let him know though, even if it sounds like I'm working uphill on that one.

Good. I look forward to your thoughts after.

Whenever you're not sure, just remember Margo decided you were worthy, and she has high standards. But yeah, let him know. They give Subs little enough choice around here, we might as well make sure he has as many options as possible.

I'm doubt they'll be that eloquent, all the blood will probably be somewhere lower than my brain.

When in doubt, trust Margo. It's been my mantra for over a year now. Except when she went kinda off nuts, but then I was a brand new vampire thing. It's a good thing we didn't run into one another then.

Doesn't have to be immediately after. Just try and give me some attention. I know it'll be hard though. Least I hope to make it so in all ways.

Smart man. That philosophy is probably the only reason I'm alive and still have a functioning liver.

I'll at least send you a thank you note afterward.

(screened comment)

Never too busy to help. You okay? What's going on?

Yeah, I'm okay. It's nothing like that.

Basically my parents from another universe are here and I'm having feelings about it, and I would really like not to.

So I thought I'd see if you'd be willing to push me until I can't think straight.

I can definitely help take care of that.

You want to come to my place? Somewhere public? Do you need me to take charge from this moment?

Thank you.

I just- yeah. I can't focus on the details, right now. Just tell me how you want me.

My house when you're ready. Bring a change of clothes, you'll be staying for breakfast.

Hey

When Damon left I didn't say shit and you hunted me down anyway, so
I'm just gonna tell you straight out

Max disappeared. Yes, I'm gonna tell Liz, no I don't know what happened. He's just gone. I'll keep you up to speed.

Hey.

I'm sorry. You never know. He could show back up.

If they send you back to the down housing, you're welcome here. Okay?

I can stay here for a month, they said. They're nice that way.

I don't know, Kyle. This place was always too big for me.

Magnanimous of them given their choices.

Yeah, it kind of makes this place feel homey. There's options though, I'm sure.

Yeah, there's options. Only one I'm down with.

Oh?

[He knows Michael's mentioned it before but he's not going to assume either.]

Would you take it?
My contract

If he doesn't come back

[He can't help that's exactly what he wanted to hear.]

Mikey, of course.

Give it time though. I mean, maybe he's off with someone? Or he went home again?

But if he doesn't, you know I'm here for you.

Kyle, I can't feel him.

Not anywhere. I've been trying.

[Shit. Damn but he was hoping. For Michael's sake.]

I'm sorry. What do you need?

Nothing. Not right now

I hope he's home.

He is. I don't let myself think otherwise, one way or another.

Course you don't. You're the optimist among us, remember?

We balance each other. You keep me grounded.

The door's always open whenever you're ready to move in. Take the month though if you want it. Or claim a bedroom. Whatever you need.

Edited 2021-02-19 06:52 (UTC)

Thank you.

Seriously.

I've known for a while that if something happened, I'd ask you. Glad it was the right call.

You're welcome.

I'm glad you did. It's what I want. You're my little shoulder angel and devil all in one.

I don't know how that works, but I'm glad, I guess.

You mind if I come over tonight?

Of course. Any time.

Everything okay?

For me, yeah. Not for everyone. A friend of mine got in some trouble. I said she could use this place to chill, get some privacy, get away from everything.

Come over whenever's good for you. I admit, I rarely lock the door.

We gotta talk about that. But thanks.

CONTACT

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