Best Thing Since Sliced Bread *OPEN*

[Ian Harper]

She had followed him around for half an hour. At first Ian was uncomfortable but soon she was standing next to him, talking to him in that seductive voice. Her teeth were elongated and he could have sword her mouth was watering. In her hand were a roll of scripts. Ian had not seen that much money in a long time. He thought about how much that could help the MPS and it would only take a few minutes to do what she wanted. Well, let her do what she wanted...

10 minutes later, they left the changing room, her hair mused and his perfect, as he zipped up his trousers. "Thank you, Darling." the vampiress crooned at him and licked a little something from the corner of her mouth.

Ian smiled broadly, "No, thank you." he called back, "You know where to find me if you want to do that again." his smile was cheeky and in his hand was a roll of credit slips and all he had to do was stand there for 10 minutes while the vampire woman had a taste of what she was longing for since she caught his pheromone saturated scent.

He continued through the uptown clothing store, just looking at the clothing he couldn't afford, stopping once again at the vintage navy P coat he had seen for the first time a week ago. God how he wanted that, but, alas, he did not have enough...wait...Ian looked down at his hand. Would it be such a sin to have one thing that he wanted? The weather would turn cold again soon after all. He looked right, then left then lifted the coat off the rack and slipped it on. He looked good in that coat and he loved it.

Ian noticed eyes on him and he turned to see someone watching him. He hoped it was not another vampire, wanting to have a taste of him. He wasn't sure he could perform again so soon. They turned away quickly, blushing. He smiled and moved to the cash register. While making his purchase he looked up and saw him watching him again and smiled when he tried to turn away and hit his head on a clothing rack. So, he wasn't a vampire, only a human could be that clumsy, unless he was a mutant. That was always a possibility.

Honestly the man was adorable and seemed to be completely enamored by Ian. His fumbling to look nonchalant was comedic and kept the grin on Ian's face as he took his package and walked out of the store. It had been a long time since he met someone who didn't fall into infatuation with him when the smelled him but he was certain that the man was downwind of the fan currents blowing through the store. It was a nice thought anyway.

"Sir, you dropped this." he heard a man's voice. He sounded congested as he spoke then let out a series of sneezes. "Uhg, I need my allergy shot." the adorable man in the black suit from the store complained as he handed Ian his receipt.

He was congested, that meant he didn't smell Ian, that meant it was genuine attraction. As Ian took the receipt, he turned on the charm with a million dollar grin. "Would you like me to walk you to the medic station, its just a block away." he asked. He twisted his body to point but kepts his eyes on the man. "You look miserable." he added sympathetically.

[Dafydd Jones]

Dafydd sneezed again, he was not having a pleasant day. He didn't know exactly what it was that caused him such discomfort but it was a fairly safe bet that it was some form of the native vegetation. It was as if the continent were rejecting his presence here, recognising him as an alien invader and trying to repel him with its toxic antibody allergens. He sighed; he was being mopy and melodramatic again. Perhaps that was the real reason he was always suffering with allergies and a nasty congestion. He needed to cheer himself up... and get another allergy shot.

Because he was a mutant, something that he hated to admit even if only inside his own head, the shots weren't free like they were for blood donating humans so he kept waiting, hoping that this time the symptoms would pass and he wouldn't need it. Dafydd sighed, it wasn't going to be this time. He hated being reminded of his status as a mutant. Most of the time he could happily forget about it and carry on as if nothing had ever happened but a trip to the medic station always brought it solidly home again. He seriously needed to get past it and get on with his life.

There was some new stock in at one of his favourite uptown stores; he'd seen it appear in the windows last week but he hadn't gotten around to going for a proper look yet. That alone was a sure sign that he was in the doldrums. He resolved to go and check it out after he got off work that evening whilst he psyched himself up to going to the medic station. Once he had made the decision the rest of the afternoon seemed to fly past and by clocking-off time when he checked out of the Security Station he was actually smiling again.

He was thoroughly engrossed in his shopping trip mentally mixing and matching the stock against his own wardrobe as he considered how long he would have to save up to afford to actually purchase something here. Sharp clothes were Dafydd's vice. He wasn't a party animal but when he went out he made certain that he looked good doing it. This store was an Aladdin's cave of vintage attire and it carried price tags to match. He would probably be best not trying anything on until he had been to the medic station, but he glanced subconsciously towards the mirrors and changing rooms all the same.

Wow! was the first thought that went through his head as he caught sight of the man in the vintage long-coat. That was a very, very nice... coat. An amazingly nice coat. A gorgeously tall dark and handsome... coat. Dafydd blushed furiously as the man noticed him staring, and turned quickly away. What on earth was he thinking of staring at a complete stranger like that? It wasn't even as if he needed to stare; the picture was etched indelibly into his memory in every sumptuous detail. It was just a coat. Just a man in a coat. Just a man with brilliant blue eyes and a perfectly toned torso...

Dafydd took a steadying breath, wondering what had come over him. He wasn't gay, despite what some of his co-workers thought about his manner and dress sense. He couldn't help that some people equated masculine with slob and he certainly wasn't going to humour them. No the man just had good taste that was all. He was a good looking man in a good looking coat and there was nothing wrong with acknowledging that. Nothing wrong at all. Dafydd was just going to look back at the man and everything would be just normal and polite and not at all weird.

Oh God he was looking at him again! And he was smiling! Dafydd didn't know what to do with himself when he saw the man again looking back at him. He was so flustered he practically tripped over his own feet as he tried to turn away and duck behind a clothing rack, succeeding only in stumbling and hitting his head which only caused him to blush even more intensely than before. He must look like a complete fool he thought as he desperately tried to regain his composure, but every time he so much as glanced back at the man he found himself quite hopelessly in a twist.

It was when the man dropped his receipt on the way out of the store that the thought struck Dafydd. He needed to apologise to the man, that was it. Hand him his dropped receipt and apologise for staring; act normal, no not act be, be normal. That would give him an acceptable excuse to talk to the man and get himself over this silly giggliness that had descended on him. He scooped up the dropped receipt and hurried out of the store after the well dressed man in the very nice coat. "Sir, you dropped this." he called out, but before he could say anything else he was grabbing for his handkerchief as another bought of sneezing gripped him. "Uhg, I need my allergy shot." he snuffled, handing over the receipt. He just wanted to die of embarrassment now.

Dafydd was wide eyed with surprise when the handsome man turned and grinned at him, seeming not at all offended by Dafydd's failed apology and dreadful state of congestion. “I... um... well...” Dafydd winced at himself. Why couldn't he seem to string even a simple sentence together around this man? He went for the simplest answer. “Yes... please.” Dafydd was reeling at how he had suddenly gone from wanting to crawl under a rock and die to inviting the man to take a walk with him, though technically he supposed the man had invited himself. “I... guess I'm still not used to the climate here.” he murmured, falling back on the universal safety net of small-talk about the weather.

Having finally managed to say something coherent, Dafydd's brain was slowly coming back into gear. “My name is Dafydd, Dafydd Jones.” he said realising that he really aught to introduce himself and he offered the man his hand. The man was friendly and charming as well as handsome and Dafydd was thinking now how he would really like to get to know him better. “I... erm... I'm not usually this...” Hopeless? Flustered? Disorganised? Pathetic? “...embarrassing.” he murmured apolgeticly but unable to help but return Ian's infectious smile.

[Ian Harper]

Dafydd was intoxicatingly cute. He was adorable in fact. At least Ian thought so. He took his hand, put it in the crook of his arm, and began to lead him across the square. “I’m Ian Harper.” He introduced himself so that now they were on even ground when addressing one another.

He rather felt sorry for the man because it was something Ian was used to in how people reacted to his presence. He smiled as the twinkle lights came on in the surrounding pear trees indicating a concert in the square was about to begin. He wanted to get across it before it filled up with people and vampires, all wanting to get close to him.

“Don’t worry Dafydd, it’s not you, it’s me.” He snickered at that old line even if it didn’t mean what it usually meant. Walking from one place to another was always an adventure for Ian. As they passed people and caught a whiff of Ian, they would stare at him longingly and lick their lips. “Believe me; if you could smell right now, it would be much worse.” Suddenly, out a nowhere, large masculine hands grabbed his head and kissed him.

He pulled back and stared into the beautiful face of a pale-eyed vampire. Had his eyes not been that pale, Ian might have held a feeling of fear. “A taste, please.” The man begged, stroking Ian’s hair. “12 thousand credits.” Ian replied. “One drop.” He gave the vampire a teasing look. “Done.” The Vampire pulled out a roll of credits and stuffed them into Ian’s pocket while Ian took out one of those finger prickers that diabetics use and pricked the end of his index finger.

The vampire opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue as Ian squeezed the tip of his finger, letting a drop of blood fall on it. “5 thousand to heal it.” Ian offered playfully, holding it up. More credits were stuffed in his pocket and Ian’s finger was licked clean. “Thank you.” The vampire held true to the deal and walked away, rolling the blood over his tongue as if it were a chocolate kiss, humming his approval. “The old ones are always good for a deal.” He said as he turned back to Dafydd.

Through the whole encounter, he had never let go of Dafydd’s hand. “It’s the younger ones that scare me.” He said as he continued walking but at a bit of a faster clip. There were only so many similar encounters that Ian could feel comfortable with. “When you can smell me, you’ll understand.” He noticed they had covered the distance quite quickly and led Dafydd inside. The poor man did look miserable.

Ian lead Dafydd up to the desk and smiled at the young nurse there. She looked human, so this would be easy. “My friend here is suffering from a terrible case of allergies, we would like to see a doctor right away.” He smiled charmingly. “There is a two hour wait for humans, 4 if he is a mutant.” The girls said in a bored manner, her eyes fixated on Ian.

“Two hours is too long.” Ian protested with a pouty face as he reached out and put a finger under the girls chin then cupped her cheek so she could smell him. The girl leaned into his hand, inhaling deeply. “Oh my god, what are you?” she breathed in awe, “You smell so good.” She suddenly stood up, grabbing his hand, “Come with me.” She said, “It’s just allergies, right? I can give him a shot, no problem.”

She never let go of Ian’s hand as she came around the desk, making him reach across it, then catching Dafydd in a three way hug as she came around. Ian laughed and smiled cutely at Dafydd, “Shall we?” he asked bemusedly.

[Dafydd Jones]

“It's a pleasure to meet you Ian,” Dafydd said with a smile, happy that the conversation had recovered somewhat from his blundering entrance. He was a little uncertain as Ian linked arms with him, it was a little unusual after all but … well Ian was so nice about it and he really was very charming. Despite feeling somewhat shy Dafydd held onto Ian's arm and taking his lead began to stroll across the square. The concert tonight was billed as 'Blues', not one of Dafydd's favourites. He much preferred Jazz or light Opera; it was too easy to become lost and moribund in the blues. He wondered if Ian was a fan, he hoped not.

He really wasn't sure at first just what Ian was talking about as they walked but he did soon notice how every head seemed to turn towards them and he found himself blushing for no ready reason other than it was what one did when stared at. When Ian was grabbed Dafydd was more angry than startled. He was a law abiding citizen and he expected the same from others. Startlement came as the vampire began to kiss Ian. Dafydd suddenly didn't know whether to leap to Ian's defence or turn his head away in embarrassment and let Ian enjoy it.

Ian's hold on his arm never wavered all through his most peculiar exchange with the old vampire. He gave Ian a very questioning look as they moved on at a considerably brisker pace. “Smell you?” he echoed in puzzlement. “That was all because he smelled you?” That really didn't explain much to Dafydd at all, though he would certainly remember that vampire if he ever crossed paths with him again. “You must have a killer aftershave.” he quipped, before another bought of sneezing caught him and he was left groaning into his handkerchief.

It was with some relief that they entered the medic station, despite Dafydd's inherent antipathy toward being there at all. It was with a sudden horrified realisation that Dafydd registered that he was going to have to admit his mutant status in front of Ian. Suddenly he didn't care about the sneezing, he just wanted to turn and run, or maybe just curl up and die. He groaned again as the nurse announced the waiting time. Four hours? Obviously Dafydd had picked a bad time; it wasn't usually more than two or three...

“Two hours is too long.” Dafydd turned scarlet. “Four hours...” he murmured, wishing the ground would just open up and swallow him. “I... um...” The nurse however was paying him absolutely no attention at all whatsoever. She was instantly fixated on Ian, clinging to his hand and rubbing her cheek against it like a cat. Dafydd looked back and forth between the nurse and Ian; just what on earth was he missing here? Alright Ian was handsome, and charming, and well dressed, and witty, and.... well he was a lot of very attractive things but this pawing at him was getting ridiculous...

This was turning into a highly irregular evening for Dafydd but somehow the way Ian smiled at him made it seem more like fun than stress. With the nurse practically hugging the two of them, even if it was Ian she was focused on, it was just too tempting to give in to her suggestion and go with her to get the allergy shot. Four hours was a very long wait and Ian would have no reason to loiter so long; Dafydd was now seriously hoping that Ian might want to go for a drink or some such after, so he could show his appreciation of the man's company.

The nurse led, or more properly dragged them into the small nurse's office behind the reception desk. She rummaged awkwardly through the draws and cabinets, unwilling to release Ian's hand for even a moment, until she found what she was looking for. It boggled Dafydd that she was so intoxicated by Ian's mere presence that she didn't even ask his name. He was becoming more than a little concerned that the woman intended to insatiably molest Ian and would simply forget that Dafydd was there at all.

With perfunctory preparation the nurse hastily administered the allergy shot to Dafydd's arm. He knew from past experience that it would clear up the worst of his symptoms in only 10-20 minutes. He looked with concern towards Ian as the nurse fixed her hungry gaze on him and licked her lips. She sashayed towards him pinning him against the wall with her body. “I've taken care of your friend...” she purred, “...now why don't you take care of me?” Dafydd was wide eyed at the blatant proposition and despite his embarrassment the last thing he wanted to do was leave Ian at the mercy of this vamp.

[Ian Harper]

________________________________________
Ian had been so preoccupied on helping this person who seemed to have an attrcation for him without actually smelling him. Granted he had all that charm and charisma so it would not be a difficult thing to find others with the same kind of attaction but he could never be sure since just about everyone could smell him. Besides, Dafydd was absolutely adorable, just like Ian. They would make a fantastic looking couple. As much as it made Ian cringe to think of losing someone again, he couldn't take the loneliness anymore.

The vampire did exactly as he expected, taking care of Dafydd that way. What he didn't expect was to see her coming at him with her fangs out with hunger in her eyes. She must not have fed in awhile because usually they didn't come at him with hunger, they came at him with lust and a drop of his blood was usually enough to sate them. He could see this was not going to be the case for him this time. He fumbled in his pocket for his stun pistol as she came at him. It would not do much other than to slow her down but it would give him time.

He pulled the gun out and shot her in the gut. The impact threw her back, barely missing Dafydd. He sprang for the door, turning the knob and yanking it open. He slipped as he ran through it and tumbled into the hallway. "You can't feed on me! You don't have permission!" he shouted, calling the attention of the VSF guard near the nurses desk. The vampire sprang at him but was caught in mid air by the VSF officer who had moved so fast Ian didn't see him. The vampire was pinned to the floor, snarling and reaching for Ian. "He smells so good!" she growled as the VSF officer held her. "I have an attempt to feed without authorization.” He said calmly into his coms unit. “Shut up. We don’t feed without permission.” He growled. He looked over at Ian, “Are you OK sir?” he asked.

Ian kicked his way to the wall, leaning his back against it. He stared at the vampire, his body trembling. “I…I don’t know.” He muttered. This was not his first attack, and it was most certainly not going to be his last. He looked at Daffyd with apologetic eyes. It was his cockiness and showing off that caused this to happen. Suddenly he felt that familiar tingle in head and hands. “No… Daffyd…I’m sorr…” his words were cut off as his eyes rolled back. It was the last thing he remembered as the world went black. What the three looking at him would see was Ian slouching to the floor and begin to shake violently as his arms curled in and he slid the rest of the way to the floor.

As two more VSF officers arrived with a human doctor, the doctor kicked a side table out of the way. Its burden of medical supplies crashed to the floor. “Looks like a seizure, don’t touch him.” He commanded. The episode was over as quickly as it started. Ian looked up confused. “Where am I?” he asked. The doctor went about examining him and explaining to him where he was and what happened. He was asked his name and how many fingers he saw as the doctor held up two fingers, “Ian…Ian Harper…around 9 thousand.” He murmured. “I just want to go home…ok? I’m used to this.” He stammered weakly and fumbled for his wallet and pulled out his medical alert card, “I’m Epileptic, ok? No big deal,” he mutterd. “Can I just go home?”
The Doctor nodded at him after looking at the card and giving it back, “If you have someone to take you, I’ll let you go home, Mr. Harper.” Ian gave Dafydd a hopeful look. He knew if Daffyd didn’t help him out, he would be stuck in the hospital. Being around that many Vampires was not exactly his idea of a place he wanted to be.

[Dafydd Jones]

Dafydd was still fussing with his sleeve, not quite sure how to react to woman's strange behaviour and resolved to follow Ian's lead. The man certainly drew a great deal of attention and he seemed to know how to deal with it. Dafydd smirked a little to himself; Ian had certainly known how to handle him or he wouldn't be in the back room of a hospital with Ian and a nymphomaniac nurse. Looking over at Ian he was horrified to see the woman's seemingly blatant sexual proposition quite suddenly turn into a full on vampire feeding frenzy.

Working with and around VSF vampires every day, even if he mainly only saw them in sun suits or at shift-change, and having on rare occasions seen them in action Dafydd was not stupid enough to try and tackle a rogue vampire himself. The only thing that was likely to achieve was to get both himself and Ian hurt or killed. The medical station however was one of the most secure locations in all New Vegas so Dafydd did what any sensible VSF employee should do in such a situation... “HELP! Security!” he yelled.

Before he could draw another breath there was a muffled 'whumpf' sound and the vampire was hurtling past his head as Ian dashed for the door also yelling for security. That was a stun gun! Dafydd had heard one fired once before and the sound was unmistakable. Just who exactly was the charismatic and mysterious Ian Harper? The vampire was back on her feet and through the door sending Dafydd spinning in her wake as he tried to follow Ian; by the time he got out into the hall the whole thing was over.

“Ian..?” Dafydd called out in concern just before the handsome man slumped to the ground trembling. Dafydd felt a stab of panic for Ian and tried to get to him but the vampires were rapidly resolving the situation and they had no intention of allowing 'gawkers' to get in the way. He didn't argue with them, it was pointless; the vampire woman had been restrained and Ian was being taken care of and that was all that really mattered anyway. He let out a sigh of relief when Ian's eyes fluttered open again.

“He's with me...” Dafydd interjected hastily to the doctor as Ian looked plaintively at him. “...that is... I mean...” Dafydd blushed, he was getting tongue twisted again but when Ian looked at him like that he just couldn't think straight. He took a deep breath and tried again. “I'll take him home.” he said simply. Dafydd smiled at Ian, it really was the very least he could do for him and he was now thoroughly intrigued by this dashing man. Getting his address was going to be a huge bonus.

The doctor and one of the VSF insisted on checking his ID before they let him through to Ian and he chuckled as he squatted down beside the man to offer him a hand up. “That is much too nice a coat to be polishing the floor with,” he smirked. “You better let me help you up...” He helped the charming if a little shaky Ian to his feet. “I had been thinking we might go for coffee, but now... ” Dafydd murmured softly. “You do have coffee at your place don't you? I am good at coffee.” he gave Ian an impish smile.

It was an odd little quirk of Dafydd's that the more complicated or panicked a situation got the calmer and more level headed he became with it. Dealing with Ian smiling at him across a clothes store he had practically fallen apart. Dealing with a rogue vampire attack however was a piece of cake. He brushed the dust from the back of Ian's coat for him and put his arm around the man's waist to help steady him, underneath his coat so as not to rumple it. It was funny the little things like that that occurred to Dafydd.

“So where are we going then?” he asked Ian cheerfully as they walked. Dafydd had them outside the medical centre by the time he realised two things. The first was that he had neither signed nor paid for his allergy shot. The second was just how firm and muscular Ian's torso was under his hand...

[Ian Harper]

Ian’s head was buzzing and even though he felt like he had been hit by a truck, he managed to smile at Dafydd.
“He’s with me.”

Ian knew he didn’t mean it that way but he sure liked the sound of it. He could tell that the doctor assumed he was his partner and just chose to shut up about it so he would let him go. “Yeah, I’m with him.” He breathed with a sigh of relief and a wink at Dafydd. “Honey, thank God, you’re here, take me home, will you?” God, he hoped Dafydd played along. He felt like he was made of lead as he allowed Dafydd to help him up. “You know we have coffee, darling, I bought it today.” He muttered, just for the vampires to hear as Dafydd lead him away, “And I love your coffee.” He added without looking back. Once outside he pointed at the public transport stop.

“I live in uptown.” He stated casually. Not many humans lived in uptown but with his standing with the university and his special circumstances, he pretty much didn’t have a choice but to live there, within the high security walls of that area of the district. He wouldn’t be surprised if Dafydd lived there too with as posh as he looked. “God, I feel so tired.” He murmured as they reached the stop and sat on the bench. Ian just couldn’t hold himself up while they waited so he slumped against Dafydd. He wondered if he could smell yet, if he could, he would be finding out why everyone wanted a taste of him.

“Don’t be angry, Dafydd. I didn’t mean to.” He murmured softly. “If ou can just help me get home, I will be forever grateful.” Ian’s mind was a little frazzled so he was not thinking about what he was saying. “And I’m not just saying that. I will be forever grateful since I’m going to live forever.” He snuggled up against Dafydd and yawned. Just when he thought he was going to fall asleep, he heard Dafydd speaking softly to him and felt him helping him up. He jerked his eyes open so he could see where he was going, even if it was all a blurr. “I’m glad you’re here, Dafydd.” He muttered as he was helped onto the transport. Once seated, he snuggled into Dafydd again and inhaled. “And people say that I smell good.” He murmured and casually placed his hand on Dafydd’s leg.

Ian felt like he was lost in a dream. At one point he felt a hand rifling through his pocket but somehow he knew he was safe and that it was OK. He hears his address spoke and nodded when asked if it was where he lived. The rest of the trip was a blur as he was suddenly awakened by a soft brush on his cheek and caring words. He staged against Dafydd’s body as he was helped off the transport and up the stairs of his condo. Once inside he struggled to see where he was going but he could not make heads or tails of anything. Soft…his bed was so soft, he thought as he was sat down and helped out of his clothing, down to his stark white boxer briefs. He was suddenly afraid Dafydd was going to leave. “Stay with me Dafydd...you promised me coffee.” He grinned and tried to focus on Dafydd.

[Dafydd Jones]

Dafydd was so flustered with the little things. The doctor had so clearly misconstrued what he had said but it was at least getting the result that it was obvious Ian so desperately wanted. Still, as honest as Dafydd was he would have attempted to correct the misapprehension if Ian had not have smiled at him like that. His smile and wink fair took Dafydd's breath away. There was no harm after all he thought in the small deception and Dafydd found he was in fact enjoying the little game of pretend. He smiled back at Ian and played along with only a slight blush.

Unusual though it was for most humans to live uptown it did not come as much of a surprise to him that Ian did. There was such an aura of confidence around him, as if he was used to feeling safe. Pursuit of that feeling was what had brought Dafydd to New Vegas, why he enjoyed working for the VSF and why he himself lived on the edge of the Burbs. He considered himself fortunate to have such a good life in the city and remembering life outside of London he worked hard to deserve the privilege.

There was a warm tingling feeling forming in Dafydd's stomach as he continued to hold Ian against him. No longer just a game, Ian seemed genuinely exhausted from his brief episode at the hospital. “Angry?” Dafydd asked in honest puzzlement. “Getting you home safe and sound is the least I can do after I got you into this in the first place.” The logical chain of events as Dafydd saw it had begun with his inability to stop staring at Ian in the clothes store. Ian had such a generous and outgoing nature; he didn't deserve to suffer for it.

Live forever? Ian's sleepy murmurings were becoming distinctly less coherent as he snuggled into Dafydd's side as if he were a giant teddy bear. Dafydd however continued to file away every word; Ian was the most uncanny individual he had ever met and he was deeply enthralled with solving the puzzle that Ian presented. The electric bus arrived at the stop with a soft hiss. “Upsy-daisy...” Dafydd murmured softly to Ian as he ran his fingers along the line of his handsome jaw to get his attention before tugging him to his feet.

The warm tingling feeling was spreading out from his stomach as he settled the two of them on the bus. Ian really was so very sweet as he snuggled sleepily against him once again. Now Ian had mentioned it again Dafydd realised that his congestion was well on the way to clearing up and whoever 'they' were, they were right; Ian did smell good and Dafydd's heart gave a flutter as he inhaled. It was at that point he noticed Ian's hand on his leg and how nice it felt.

Dafydd swallowed, he needed to get a grip here, he hadn't even got Ian's address yet. Gently so as not to disturb him too much he reached into the pocket where he had seen Ian replace his ID and pulled out his wallet. Scanning through the contents he quickly found something with an address on and with only a little prompting Ian managed to confirm it was where he lived. In the process Dafydd had just committed indelibly to memory every documented detail of Ian's life; his mutant status, university affiliation, permit top carry a stun weapon... everything.

Dafydd didn't need to ask the driver for assistance; the city layout with its transport network and timetables were one of the first things he had learned when he immigrated. He found himself staring around the bus and peering out of the windows just to distract himself from the way Ian felt pressed up against him. The notices and advertising boards in the bus were mostly covered with the flyers from the city's impending elections. “VOTE Nathan Elliot!” was plastered all over the city at the moment along with the picture of the nicely dressed man. Contemplating the lead candidate's dress sense gave Dafydd a few much needed minutes of distraction.

“Nearly home now,” he murmured to Ian as their stop came into view, brushing his cheek again to rouse him. Once off the bus Dafydd thought that they were home free... until the security guard at the gate of the little collection of condos challenged him. The guard seemed a lot less willing than the doctor had been to take Dafydd's word as to his good intentions and insisted on taking his ID to call the security station to check his credentials. Dafydd thought it was entirely possible that the guard was just itching for an excuse to try out the new rotary phones that were being installed in key places across town.

The guard made his call and Dafydd hoped he would hurry up because Ian was rapidly becoming a dead weight as he slumped against him. After a moment he was passed the telephone receiver and a voice he instantly recognised asked him “What's the bottom line on the notice behind my desk?” Dafydd couldn't help but laugh as he recited the hand written note that had been added by some joker recently to the booking in codes behind the sergeant's desk, ”and if you don't remember ask Dafydd.” He handed back the receiver to the sound of the vampire's laughter, just catching the words, “That's him alright...” and the guard finally opened the gates.

Ian was dead on his feet by the time Dafydd got him into the condo and way beyond revival by coffee. He needed sleep badly and still feeling responsible for Ian's upset Dafydd was determined to do right by him. The little flurry with the guard had distracted him briefly but now back inside an enclosed space he was once again gripped by that warm tingly feeling that made him want to hold Ian closer and it got more and more pressing as he sat Ian down on his, rather large, bed and removed his clothes down to his nice white boxers that drew attention to his muscular physique; Ian clearly worked out... a lot.

”Stay with me...” With a plea like that, Dafydd couldn't have dragged himself away if his life had depended on it. Being close to Ian was like being wrapped in a warm blanket made of love. “I'll stay with you Ian.” he found himself saying before he had even considered what that meant. He could have tried to sleep on the couch but he knew that at some point he would just end up back here with Ian and here was clearly where Ian wanted him to stay. He had managed to remove Ian's clothing without doing anything too embarrassing; he should be able to manage the same with his own.

There were still some practical, or neurotic, aspects to Dafydd's nature that were not easily discarded, even in the face of a temptation like Ian. Dafydd was not going to sleep in his clothes regardless of where he slept or who else might be in the bed. He began to undress, placing each item of clothing carefully over a chair so as to avoid unnecessary creases; if he overslept he might not get home before work tomorrow and wearing the same shirt two days running was going to be mortifying enough. He was soon stripped down to his boxers which unlike Ian's were a rather deep red.

Dafydd blushed a similar colour as he caught Ian looking at them and the blush turned scarlet as he realised just how obvious his own arousal was. Dafydd didn't know what to do with himself. He wanted to stay... but he would feel terrible if he... well if something... if anything happened... Ian was still recovering and Dafydd... well he wasn't attracted to men whatever some people thought. How this train of thought fit with the current situation he found himself in was almost comical, but then he had an idea.

Turning away from Ian briefly, Dafydd rummaged in his jacket pocket for the small nasal inhaler he had tried today as a last ditch alternative to the allergy shot. He hadn't liked it because it had not worked and it had made his nose sting and things taste funny. He took it now stifling a hiss at the slight sting and took a few deep breaths before turning back to Ian. The handsome athletic man still looked utterly scrumptious but Dafydd found he was a little less afraid of losing control and doing something foolish. Perhaps it was just psychosomatic but it gave him the confidence to carry on.

He pushed Ian back so his head rested on to the pillow and lifted his feet onto the bed. “I said I would stay,” he smiled down at Ian, “now go to sleep.” Gently he pulled the light coverlet up over Ian's lower body, walked around to the other side of the bed and before he had a chance to hesitate he climbed in and pulled up the cover. He lay there on his back for a minute just breathing deeply and willing his erection to go away. He was having some success when Ian rolled over to rest his head on Dafydd's chest and began to hug him again.

[Ian Harper]

Ian’s episodes always took every last ounce of strength from his body and made him feel achy, cold and clingy. He felt young and fragile, and frightened as well. His eyes darted from the door to Dafydd and back to the door as the man undressed in front of him. Had he been in a healthy state, he would have taken Dafydd to his bed and taught him the beauty of man to man sex. But he was too exhausted and achy. “Dafydd…” he whispered, “Don’t let them get me…” he muttered as the man pushed him onto his bed.

He was completely deflated by that point in time and when Dafydd got into bed with him, he could not help but roll over on top of him. He snuggled so thoroughly against him, there was no way he was going to get away. He was warm and soft and just what Ian needed. The ordeal of the day overcame him, a lump formed in his throat and a single tear escaped his eye, rolling down his cheek in a lazy trail. “I’m sorry, Dafydd.” He whispered and instantly fell asleep.

Ian slept like a dead man for hours upon hours. He never felt it when Dafydd moved from under him. He simply sank to the bed with a thump and continued to sleep without moving. He always slept this hard after an episode. It was his minds way of healing the damage done by being trapped at a fixed point in the time stream while time went on around him. It simply…turned off.

When Ian did wake, he was still very, sleepy. He doesn’t remember the first time he woke, nor did he remember being helped to the bathroom and back to bed. He slightly remembered being offered water and drinking hungrily from the glass before falling back into oblivion. Now, as he woke, he could smell coffee and something baking. He heard a humming from the kitchen and someone moving around. He yawned, stretched and scratched his nuts and his abs. He looked out his door with sleepy eyes and sighed. There was a very well dressed man in his kitchen and he was cooking and cleaning.

Who was that? He could not remember. His head hurt to try to force the memory but he knew that he must know the man if he was in his house. He moaned softly and pressed his hand to his forehead. He felt like he had been hit by a truck and it was laying on him. It was then that a flash of memory struck him. “Dafydd…” he murmured upon remembering his name.

[Dafydd Jones]

Ian's nervous confusion had Dafydd feeling quite protective of him. He had been so sweet and concerned for Dafydd earlier and now Dafydd wanted to comfort him the same way. He noticed Ian glancing nervously at the open door and pushed it closed as he rounded the bed. Everyone had their monster in the closet and Ian it seemed had more reason than most to fear an open bedroom door. “No-one is going to get you while I'm here,” he whispered, wondering if there was a particular 'they' that Ian feared or if it was just everyone. The childlike way Ian held on to him had Dafydd resting his arm gently across his shoulders and absently stroking his hair. “Shush, no sorries, just sleep.” he murmured comfortingly. Dafydd couldn't imagine falling asleep at all himself in that position but oddly enough he felt so comfortable holding Ian like that he was asleep before he knew it.

That he had been concerned about oversleeping was a testament to how out of kilter Dafydd had felt; he never overslept. He had woken instantly as he felt Ian first stir long before dawn and helped him pay a visit to the bathroom. He had been confused and Dafydd had thought at one point that he might have been muttering about wanting a doctor; that had been right before Ian had kissed him. Dafydd had blushed scarlet, not least because he had not made any attempt to resist. Sure that Ian had thought him to be someone else and that he would not remember it in the morning, Dafydd resolved to pretend that he had forgotten it too.

He woke punctually before dawn, bright and breezy as always... but in a strange bed with a warm comforting body in his arms and an impressive morning glory. The dread moment of confusion that many would feel in such a situation did not afflict Dafydd; he knew exactly where he was, with whom and what he had or in this case had not done. Ian was still sleeping soundly as Dafydd peeled himself free of his arms and slid out of the bed. He didn't think Ian would mind if he grabbed a shower here. The nicely appointed bathroom was well stocked with hygiene products and warm towels so he knew he would not be depriving Ian by using some. That and he desperately needed to take care of his... frustration.

Showered, shaved and sharp he was soon in Ian's kitchen searching for coffee. Ian it seemed was not the best organised individual in the world and Dafydd had searched practically the entire kitchen before he found everything he wanted. He had a tray of croissants in the oven, the plates warming and the coffee made by the time he heard Ian stirring. He had also cleaned the counters and washed and tidied away the dirty crockery Ian had left out in his kitchen. Dafydd was humming cheerfully to himself in his domestic bliss, his melancholy mood of the last week seemed to have broken and he was enjoying life again. The soft moan at the bedroom door told him that Ian was now up.

“Dafydd...” Dafydd looked over at Ian with a smile and a faint flush as he realised Ian was still only in his boxers. “Good morning sleepy head.” he responded cheerfully, wanting to share his chipper mood. He pulled out a chair at the counter. “Would you like to take a seat or does sir want his breakfast in bed?” Dafydd grinned mischievously at Ian's bemused expression and setting the pot of fresh coffee on the counter beside the matching mugs and the assorted condiments, he turned back to the oven with its delicious aroma of fresh baked bread to retrieve the tray of golden brown croissants and warmed plates.

[Ian Harper]

Ian whimpered softly at the thought of getting up. He groaned as he rolled over on his stomach and shook his head, “Don’t think I’m ready to get up.” He murmured and closed his eyes. “…feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.” He opened his eyes again and gazed out at the man. He was so meticulous. There was not a spot on his clothing and not a hair out of place. He could see that he had put great effort into baking but still didn’t have a spot of flour on him, save the white smudge on his nose.

Ian smiled softly at Dafydd and snickered. “You uh, have something…” he grinned and pointed at his nose to indicate that Dafydd should check his nose. He kept his eyes on him wondering what it was about this man that made him feel so safe. “You…” he began, shaking his head in disbelief, “…are just so incredibly adorable.” His grin broadened, showing off his perfect white teeth and causing a twinkle in his eye. If one were to look him in the eye, they would see a very old soul, much like the Vampires only alive.

He was not about to ask Dafydd to serve him but that coffee smelled so good and his stomach rumbled with empty pangs. “Thank you for staying with me.” He said as his memory of the previous day came rushing back. He grunted and heaved himself up on his elbows and belly crawled to the edge of the bed and opened the side table drawer. He took out two bottles of pills and opened one. “These are supposed to stop those from happening but…that woman frightened me half to death.” He dumped two pills into his hand and popped them in his mouth, swallowing them dry. He placed the bottle back in the drawer and opened the other one. He dumped out two red capsules into his hand and popped them into his mouth. “Don’t worry, its legal ‘V’, got it from the clinic.” He quickly informed Dafydd, “These will get me feeling better in on time.” He smiled at Dafydd, “Come have breakfast in bed with me.” He rolled back over with another grunt and a sigh and scratched his chest lightly, yawned and stretched.

[Dafydd Jones]

Dafydd wasn't at all surprised that Ian was still feeling the effects of his nasty turn of the previous evening. He hadn't really expected him to even wake up before he had finished preparing breakfast, even if he had needed to turn the kitchen up side down to do it. He looked mildly puzzled for a moment at Ian's gesture before eyes widening in realisation he turned to peer intently at his reflection in one of the now gleaming chromed surfaces of the kitchen and hastily removed the smudge as if it were a personal affront.

He looked back at Ian with an embarrassed little smile, not quite sure whether he was more embarrassed about the smudge or by his reaction to Ian pointing it out. Adorable? Well Ian certainly didn't mince his words and Dafydd's light flush turned into a full on blush as Ian once again flashed that perfect smile at him. How did he manage to do that? Dafydd didn't normally fluster like this... then again he didn't normally spend the night in a strange man's bed or get kissed by him. Dafydd turned scarlet as that memory insisted on popping back to the front of his mind.

Hurriedly he turned his attention to the coffee while he gathered his wits and hoped the blood that had rushed to his face would drain away. He could still feel Ian's eyes on him and like everything else he saw, the strange knowing look that lingered in Ian's eyes was burned into his memory. How did one get that look? Many of the older vampires had it along with a certain coldness or tiredness that was completely unlike the vibrancy that Ian's held. Ian really did have the most amazing twilight blue eyes...

Catching himself getting distracted again he concentrated once more on the coffee. “Cream and sugar?” he asked trying to sound normal; he was fairly sure Ian took both simply because both had been out on the counter earlier. He finished pouring the coffee and brought Ian's mug through to him in the bedroom. “I couldn't very well leave you all alone now could I? You weren't well.” Would other people have done that? Dafydd couldn't imagine having abandoned Ian that way but then some people were just... not nice. “You will feel better after a cup of coffee,” he offered cheerfully putting it carefully on the bedside table

Dafydd knew the difference between what legal V looked like and what the unsavoury elements of society pushed onto the streets was like. He had no doubt that Ian had acquired his legally and it was sweet that he was trying to reassure Dafydd of that even though he knew he had not mentioned he worked for the VSF. Of course so did Ian on occasion according to the information in his wallet. He had something of an unfair advantage over Ian in that respect and in all fairness he thought he really aught to set the balance straight.

First however breakfast. Dafydd gave a little shiver as Ian rolled over again exposing his well defined pecks and washboard abs; Dafydd had to fight down the urge to run his hand over that lean torso and he retreated quickly back to the kitchen to load up a breakfast tray. When he returned again he sat down on the edge of the bed placing the tray between the two of them and picked up his mug. Fresh bread and hot coffee were two of Dafydd's favourite aromas but today, mingled with the pervasive scent wafting from Ian's gorgeous body, it was the most delicious smell in the world.

He sipped at his coffee and offered Ian a shy smile. “Tuck in then, you need to get your strength back. It's an important meal breakfast.” Dafydd wondered if he should take the day off work, just to be sure Ian was fully recovered; they could surely cope without him for one shift; it wasn't like he was important like Chief Leveque or anything. With the rotary phones that had been installed he wouldn't even need to go all the way to the security station to tell them either.

[Ian Harper]

Ian could tell he had Dafydd all flustered inside. He kind of liked it and kind of didn’t. He really wished he could put the poor man at ease. He knew that he liked what he was looking at and he had liked him without even smelling him the day before. Ian just needed to let the man try out the goods and see if Ian was his cup of tea.

Ian took his coffee and sipped it. “Mmm, you do make great coffee.” He drawled softly and peered up over the edge of his cup at the man, “How would you like to make coffee for me tomorrow?” he asked and grinned behind his cup before taking another sip and placing the cup down on the side table. He reached for a croissant and picked it up. He took a bite and put it back down and chewed slowly. “He bakes.” He admired after swallowing. He looked Dafydd directly in the eyes. “I do wish you would relax Dafydd, I’m not going to bite you.” He sighed.

Ian reached out and touched the back of Dafydd’s hand and drew a circle on it. “I like you, and I can tell you like me.” He said innocently, “We can be great friends, companions, lovers even, whatever you want Dafydd.” He lay back on the bed and put a hand under his head. “Why don’t you tell me what you want.” He grinned mischievously, “or better yet, you can show me.” He knew Dafydd wanted him but he didn’t know if Dafydd would take the bait. He was so lonely and if he could just get Dafydd to hold him, touch him and just be with him for awhile, he would be so happy. He could get just about anyone to come home with him and fuck till the break of day. He could have hot, steamy, unconsequented sex tills his balls hurt but then, here he would be, sleeping in his bed alone again. If Dafydd was astute enough to see deeply in his eyes, he would see that loneliness that gripped Ian.

Ian knew that if Dafydd left, he would fall into that depressive state again. He would probably sleep for days without eating, cry a lot and keep his door locked until Gavin came looking for him and dragged him back out into the world to fight for the rights of mutant kind. Ian did his best to hide these thoughts from Dafydd, keeping them hidden by his infectious look of mischief.

[Dafydd Jones]

Dafydd smiled happily at the small compliments. It was the little details in life that he took pride and pleasure in and it was always nice to be appreciated. Just watching Ian sip his coffee was... what? Endearing? Sweet? Something he could do every morning? He'd had plenty of time to think about things and especially about what Ian had said about his 'smell'. He had replayed his memories over and again and he couldn't honestly see at what point he had become aware of Ian that way other than when he began to relax more.

His stomach was tingling again like it had been the previous night when he had brought Ian home. But it was pretty much the same tingly butterflies as he had felt in the clothes store. The desire to just watch him, touch him, smell him, hold him close and never let go... He didn't understand it; he had never felt like this about a man before. The closest feeling had been when he had first met... he cut the thought off sharply. She was gone now and he had been an idiot trying to hold on to her when he should have let her go. Was he being an idiot again here?

He shivered lightly as Ian stroked the back of his hand. Friends, he hoped they already were; there were just some experiences that you bonded over and last night definitely qualified. Companions? He could certainly picture that in his mind almost as clearly as a memory; it would be... nice. Lovers? Unbidden the memory of that confused kiss leaped back into the front of his mind; never had Dafydd tried so hard not to think of something and so consistently fail. He found himself wondering how it would feel if Ian were to do it again now and mean it for him.

“I know you won't bite Ian...” Dafydd said softly. He needed to explain this; troubling Ian had been the last thing he wanted to do. “...but I'm afraid I might.” he added, momentarily meeting Ian's sad, old-soul eyes that still sparkled in his youthful face. “I'm going to live forever.” He lowered his eyes a moment as he attempted to gather his thoughts. Instinctively he took a deep breath before realising that was really not going to help around Ian.

“Those people... that woman..." he began hesitantly. “They were all so utterly awful... pawing at you that way.” He looked back up at Ian's face, feeling a little guilty. “I... I would never do that.” Dafydd was also feeling somewhat daunted by the amount of trust Ian seemed to be placing in him. “..but you don't know anything about me past my name. I'm a mutant!” he blurted. No-one should be that trusting. Dafydd again had the urge to just wrap Ian in a blanket to keep him safe from the world.

Dafydd was just staring at Ian's face; he truly was beautiful. The most beautiful man Dafydd had ever seen; the only man who could put butterflies in his stomach like this. Ian was gorgeous, but it was so much more than just that. He couldn't stop thinking about him; he couldn't stop thinking about... that kiss. He gave Ian a coy smile. “I want you to eat your breakfast.” he murmured and setting down his cup he stood up from where he was sitting on the bed.

Suddenly and without any further warning he bent down and cupping Ian's face in his hands he kissed him passionately on the mouth. He lingered over the kiss, exploring the satin-soft plumpness of Ian's lips. It just wasn't possible for them to taste even better than he remembered but they did. Dafydd broke away from the kiss a little breathless. “I guess I wanted that too.” he chuckled. Finally having given in to that impulse he felt so much better now...

[Ian Harper]

Ian smiled at Dafydd’s admission that he might bite. “I might like that.” He purred, lifting both eyebrows suggestively. He began to protest his not caring either way at Dafydd admitting that he was a mutant but he was talking so fast.

Again he was about to protest as Dafydd told him he wanted to eat, he never could eat much right away after waking from an episode, he ran the risk of heaving it all back up, but before he could say anything, Dafydd stood up and kissed him. It was not a peck on the cheek or a peck on the lips, it was a longing, yearning kiss that Ian needed so badly, it nearly made him tear up. He returned the kiss with matched passion, his hand sliding up Dafydd’s back and tangling into his hair, holding his lips to his. He moaned softly against it and sighed when it ended.

“I was hoping you would.” He said softly and smiled. He reached up and placed his hand on Dafydd’s cheek and looked him in the eye, “I don’t care if you are a mutant. You have feelings like everyone else. Besides, who would I be to judge you. I can’t die.” He kept eye contact so that Dafydd could see that he was not lying. “I’m not a mutant, just an unfortunate soul trapped in a time not his own. Why do you think I don’t worry that you or somebody else will kill me in my sleep? You can’t, no one can. Many have tried and many have failed, including me.” He informed him. “My only fear is the lab getting a hold of me. They would study me, kill me I don’t know how many ways just to see if I came back. It’s happened before. I may not stay dead but I feel the pain of dying.” He dropped his hand from Dafydd’s cheek and took his hand.

“I am very old, yet I haven’t been born yet, but Dafydd I am so very lonely and you are the first person I met who didn’t go nuts over me because of the way I smell. You couldn’t smell me. You liked me for me, and to be honest, I never met anyone like you. I would like to be with you Dafydd.” He said sincerely. “Will you please kiss me again?”