Christmas Ball

-notices Pandora and smiles-
-goes over to her and holds her hand-
You're cold, my love.

-smiles at him again, squeezing his hand gently-
I'll be alright. It's warmer in here anyway than any of the house!

-closes eyes, still standing by the front door, and takes in a deep breath to take in all the old familiar scents-
-notices one in particular, a smile playing across his lips as he does-
-opens his emerald eyes again and makes his way toward that intoxicating scent he once knew so well-
-approaches Lestat from behind, leaning in by his ear to whisper-
Boo.

-raises his eyes, startled by the all-too familiar voice, putting down his drink before he spills it-
-isn't quite sure if he is drunkenly daydreaming or not-
-whispers back, still looking before him-
Boo back.
-doesn't want to look behind him incase he really is just daydreaming-

-laughs slightly a deep and dark chuckle at their familiar greeting, the return sending slight chills down his spine-
It has been too long, Lestat. -putting emphasis on the second syllable of his name the way those of the old tongue had-

-smiling to himself, turning to look at Christian now-
It has, Christian. -pauses for a moment to look at him, not quite believing how similar he looks to the night they first met in Paris-
What has kept you busy all this time?

-cocks head a little at the question-
Well, you have been quite the busy one from what I gathered. I...
-steps around Lestat, never taking his eyes off his as he goes to pour himself a drink-
I've just been relaxing, catching up on all the modern age things of this world, I suppose.

-looks down a little; absent-mindedly touching his now ring-less wedding finger-
-puts his hands in his trouser pockets, looking at the drink Christian is pouring-
Pour me one too, would you?
-making eye contact once again-
I suppose I have been a little busy. One always is in one's own company.

-was already reaching for another glass when he asked to pour him one as well-
-cocks head slowly to the other side, his shoulders slouching slightly now at seeing Lestat in any kind of sad manner-
-finishes pouring the drinks and walks back over to him, handing it to him, taking a sip of his own-
One's own company? I assumed you were still with Martin?

-thanks him for the drink with a small smile, accepting it with his left hand so that it might explain for him-
-begins to drink his, too, feeling more sober than earlier-
No, I'm not... Six months ago, I think it was... -tries to retrace it in his mind- No, perhaps more.
-watches Christian for a moment, wondering what his thoughts are-
I'm not good at marriage... too much like that Byron fellow. What was that phrase? "Mad, bad, and dangerous to know"?
-smirks a little to show he's being playful now; the kind of smirk he finds only Christian's company can evoke from him-

-in the months he's been away from Lestat, he had felt no emotion but loneliness, but as always has been good at hiding it-
-for just a moment, however, he falters and a pang of sorrow shoots across his face when Lestat mentions not being good at marriage-
Hm. Perhaps it is for the best then. I... -takes a drink-
I have always unite enjoyed your company. -says as he looks at his glass-

-frowns to himself, feeling he's said something wrong-
-watches Christian, not saying anything for about half a minute-
-speaking quietly, but with feeling, so that the other guests might not hear the conversation which he feels should be an intimate one-
I've... missed you greatly, Christian.

-pulls her close-
I feel almost as if I haven't seen you in forever.

-hesitates, wrapping her arms round him, and burying her head in his chest, feeling bad enough-
It's only been a few weeks!

-shrugs a little-
I know. But still..

-takes a deep breath, still not looking up at him-
Well, you're here now. Even if you're probably going away again after this!

-frowns-
No I won't.

-kind of pales, blocking her thoughts to him-
Fuck.
Really? You've been gone so long, I thought this early break would have meant you'd have needed to go back?

-looks at him deeply, remembering the way things once were-
-dares to take a step closer, choosing to place his hand on Lestat's shoulder instead of his cheek the way he once would have-
And I, you, Lestat.

-feels his heart begin to drum faster at the simple touch-
-stares at him with the impulsive urge to kiss him, but knows it wouldn't do for the moment; that such acts of his have ruined moments in the past-
-simply looks at him for a moment, before embracing him in a hug, his cheek brushing Christian's cheek, sending a human excitement within him-

-puts hand on the back of his neck and places his lips to Lestat's temple-
Indeed, it is very good to see you again.

-smiles at her and strokes her hair-
Things shouldn't be so busy now.

-smiles to himself, breathing in Christian's scent and the scent of the blood they've both been drinking-
-loosening his arms round Christian a little-
How has it been so long since last time?

-looks up at him, faking a smile-
Good. I get you back in the house again!

-sighs, letting himself relax fully, letting down his guard for the first time since he was last at the coven-
It has been... quite lonely.
And you? How have you spent your time?