AlsoâI said earlier Xander had a birthmark kind of mark on the back of his neck. It's more of a scar because Achilles bit him and it's not super big.
âprobably like that big, as big as that tattoo.â
~Xander~
"What do you mean you're fully booked?" I heard Achilles try to whisper just as I was getting home. I took my time to take off my winter jacket, putting it up in the closet, and removing my boots. I eavesdropped as Achilles failed to secure yet another reservation.
I walked into the room Achilles was using as his study, seeing that he'd been working on his work project. Apparently, some architects made 3D models of future development plans and I wasn't sure how he did it but I saw a little neighbourhood on the large oak desk, with a few skyscrapers.
He looked frustrated but stood up when he saw me. We embraced quickly, Achilles giving me a quick peck before asking about my day.
"Were you trying to to make a reservation for Antonio's?" I asked.
He froze before frowning, "C'mon Xander, you told me I could take care of Valentine's day."
"It's nothing." I said, sitting down in an arm chair and pushing my knees under my chin, while hugging my bent legs. "I could just ask one of my friends if you're having trouble finding a spot."
Achilles was shaking his head, sitting on the arm of the chair. His hands carded through my hair, "No connections. I'll take care of it. How was your session with the doctor?"
It was my turn to frown, "It was okay." That's what I always said whether it went well or poorly. Whether I had to remember things I didn't want to think about it, or if we talked about coping methods. It was always very emotionally exhausting. So often, I wanted to skip the sessions but I knew Achilles would be disappointed so I told myself I would try it for three months. But, I considered it my own thing, not something I would willingly talk about or discuss, not even with Achilles.
The doctor told me it was important to form meaningful and lasting positive relationships as part of my recovery. Even if I wanted to isolate myself it wouldn't be the right thing to do.
Achilles was still touching my hair, moving down to squeeze the back of my neck. "Oh, fuck." I said, "Please, don't do that. That spot isâ" Somehow the place where Achilles had bit and marked me was weird. When I touched it, it made my extremities tingle and my heart beat faster. But, when Achilles touched that spot, it put my entire body on some strange aroused edge that only he could relieve.
Achilles removed his hand but the damage was done. I was sufficiently hot and bothered. I tugged at my collar, feeling like I was sweating.
He was almost laughing, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Are you sweating?"
My response was dry, "I don't sweat, darling, I glisten."
"That's a lot of glistening you've got going on there, darling." Achilles was outright laughing now.
"Unless you touching me there leads to you shoving your tongue down my throat, it's off limits." I unfolded myself off the couch and went off to take a very cold shower. Achilles' low laughter followed me out of the room.
#
~Valentine's day evening~
"You still haven't told me where we're going." I needled Achilles. I inhaled, "it smells forest-y here, are we outside? I don't want to get bitten by any mosquitos."
Achilles and I had met early in the evening, where he asked if it would be okay if he blindfolded me on the drive over because he really wanted to surprise me. I'd said yes and here we were, somewhere where I couldn't see anything.
Achilles' hands were between my shoulder blades guiding me along slowly. I was cheating a bit, inhaling deeply. Strangely enough I smelled food, and before I knew it Achilles had stopped me, and his fingers were at the back of my head unknotting the blindfold.
I gasped, "Oh my God, Achilles! You. Did. Not."
There was a slight incline in the grassy expanse that lead to a lit up gazebo that was glittering in the setting sun. Around the gazebo were frighteningly tall fir trees surrounding by deciduous trees that were just starting to bud but were otherwise sparse looking.
I took Achilles' hand squeezing it and pulling him down the lit pathway that lead to the steps of the gazebo. I gasped again, squeezing Achilles' hand way too hard. There was a small candle lit table set up on a high table and two seats. As we walked up the steps and into the space through the netting I saw a merlot bottle sitting in a bucket of ice and a small basket of bread on the table.
âokay so think of this little gazebo above as the setting, with netting because we are not going to have any mosquitos or night creatures interrupting this date!! And the picture below shows how their table is looking like, but with nicer chairs obviously. Just imagine this dining set up inside the gazebo/pagoda thing. But yeah you get the gist, they're outside. â
Achilles looked so embarsssed, he was chewing on his lip and watching me intently, "Do you like it? Is it too much? I wanted our first Valentine's Day to be special."
I stopped walking, pulling Achilles' face towards mine and giving him a deep kiss. "Does that tell you that I like it?"
Achilles laughed lightly, "Yeah, okay. I guess that tells me you like it, Xander." He raised his hand to my cheek, stroking my face. "Let's sit."
We walked into the gazebo and Achilles pulled out my chair for me to sit. "Wow," I teased, "I'm feeling pampered."
Achilles took his own seat, removing his suit jacket. Achilles' slight beard was trimmed and his hair was styled nicely. He'd definitely put more effort into his appearance today with his gelled hair and the suit he was wearing looked new, and probably tailored. Well, to be fair I had dressed up for tonight, too. I was trying out a new suspenders look. They'd been so popular in the past I wished the trend would come back.
"You look nice, tonight." Achilles said softly, "But then again you always do."
I smiled, "Thanks, Achilles."
âXander's outfit probablyâ
âAchilles' outfit probably, the fact the models happen to be black and white is a coincidence, aha..â
"You can call me Lee, you know?" He said, shrugging, "Everybody else does."
"I like calling you Achilles because no one else does." I replied, enjoying the way the candles and lanterns made Achilles' skin glow.
He smiled, his dimples appearing briefly, "Okay. And uhâI have to be honest. We're celebrating Valentine's Day here because the botanical gardens were having a promotion for an all expenses paid intimate dinner for two. I guess I'm lucky because I won the draw, so here we are." Achilles reached under the table, and took out two menus and a walkie talkie. "We basically use the walkie talkie to contact the waiter and they'll bring our food."
I browsed through the menu while Achilles played footsie with me, and I settled on something, telling Achilles I wanted to start off with a vegan bruschetta that he and I could share.
After Achilles put in our order, I asked him something I hadn't yet. "Achilles, what's your life plan?"
He quirked his head, "In what way?"
"Like, you know? How long would you date before you get engaged, how long would you be engaged before you get married and how long would you be married before you have children? I know, I know, we haven't really talked about any of this but it's almost been half a year of dating so we need to know what our lives are going to look like together." I exhaled deeply, "I know it's Valentine's Day. But, is that weird to ask?"
Achilles frowned, "I don't think it's weird to ask. And, you know I'm twenty-seven, Xander so I have been thinking about things. I think, ideally I would be dating someone for over a year before an engagement. A wedding within the year and in the next two years after that, kids. I want my life to look really different five years from now."
I smiled, "I want children, too! But, we're both men and does it bother you if we adopt? I know some people don't like it."
Achilles' voice was quiet, "Is it weird if I say I want our kid to have your eyes?"
A soft feeling bloomed in my chest when Achilles said that and I played with my necklace distractedly, feeling a little choked up. "I could ask my sister about giving us a few of her eggs, in the future, obviously. Klara always said she wouldn't mind freezing some of her supply. We both have the same eyes. But, that's in the future. I'm glad we both want the same things."
Achilles reached across the table to squeeze my hand, "I'm glad, too."
Our appetizers arrived, and the waiter was good, placing our plates and reminding us to use the walkie talkie in case we needed anything. The thought of me and Achilles having a family one day made me positively giddy. I could just imagine it; me, Achilles, and green eyed Achilles junior going to the park, and the mall, and everywhere. I'd probably turn into a soccer dad. No, I'd be better than that.
I had a mouthful of bread when Achilles started talking again, "How are your sessions going with the therapist?"
Oh, fuck, not that. I pointed at my mouth, and held up a finger until I was done chewing. "Oh, well. You know."
Achilles laughed but he didn't sound very humoured. In fact, his voice was dry, "I don't know, Xander. You go to your sessions three times a week, and you don't talk about it. And it's fine, but, I'm always here, okay?"
I nodded, "Yeah, it's just a lot of talking. And, old memories. When I come home I just want to be with you, and cuddle, play my music and and wrap up the end of the night with a good round of sex." I paused, "Again with the blushing, Achilles? You weren't blushing last night when you were drilling me to the maâ"
He coughed loudly, choking on his water, "Xander, I'm sorry. It's justâ" he sighed, "God, uhm...We don't have to talk like that."
"It embarrasses you?"
"Yeah, it just does. And my face turning all red isn't exactly the most attractive look for me."
I laughed, "I don't know, you always look pretty hot to me."
That brought us to our main dishes arriving. Achilles had steak and potatoes and I was trying out some kind of gluten free pasta. We tucked into our meals and we started to reminisce over our relationship so far.
"Remember the first time you kissed me?" I said, "At that hotel? I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest I was so excited."
Achilles looked down bashfully and then up, "I just couldn't resist. Both parts of me, the wolf and the human, need you." Achilles' voice roughened, "I need you very much."
"I need you, too, Achilles." I said quietly, squeezing his hand on top of the table.
#
I'd guzzled down the wine throughout our meal after Achilles told me we could both get as drunk as we wanted because we would take an Uber home. He'd gotten Harrison to pick up his car from the parking lot and drive it to his apartment.
I had a great time, and I may have randomly been slipping in 'I love you' into the conversation because Achilles was just such a good person.
Dessert was an amazing vegan chocolate cake that was rich and creamy and may as well have not have been vegan. "Achilles, you have to try this." I cut off a generous piece, and raised my fork to his mouth, "We've got an incoming slice of heaven, open it up."
Achilles laughed, and I fed him the cake. His canines jumped out for a second as he licked the fork. I wasn't sure if he was trying for seduction or if I was reading into things because I was drunk.
"This is actually amazing." Achilles groaned appreciatively.
"I know, right?" I said, finishing the rest quickly.
I stood up from my seat, wishing the world would stop spinning. I went to Achilles, "C'mon, get up."
He stood easily, a lot less drunk than I was.
I twirled slowly, "Let's dance." I put one hand on Achilles' shoulder, leaning into the crook of his neck, and held the other hand.
"There's no music, Xander." Achilles said, sounding amused but putting his free hand low on my back.
âAs you can see these are stock images but do y'all see that male couple on the upper row, third to the right. That's kinda how X&A are positioned to be dancingâ
"I'm a musician, silly, I am the music." Achilles and I swayed side to side as I hummed a waltz. It was nice to be wrapped up in everything Achilles and soon I found myself kissing him, wanting to be closer. I cradled his face, loving the feel and taste of the man who was undoubtedly the love of my life.
I wanted to touch Achilles and my fingers fumbled on his dress shirt buttons until eventually I tore them out, buttons popping and flying. I continued kissing Achilles, letting my hands rake across his warm skin.
"That was a new shirt." He said between kisses.
"I'll buy you a new one." I murmured, nipping at his neck, and taking his sweet, hot, fresh blood. Fuck, it didn't get any better than this. I got a little lost in the taste of him before I heard an annoying noise. I licked at Achilles' cut, sealing his skin and I looked over noticing the waiter standing a handful of steps away.
He looked frazzled, "Uh, sir? And, sir? I wanted to ask if you needed anything else for the evening and well you seemed...busy. But, I wasn't sure exactly how to grab your attention or if waiting was appropriate. And, can Iâ? Can I do anything for you?"
I licked my lips, smiling as I stroked Achilles' chest before trying to pull his shirt closed, but it was a bit difficult without buttons. "Yes, actually. If you could get me, two, large slices of that vegan chocolate cake to go? That would be marvellous."
"Yes. Yes, of course." The waiter scampered away and Achilles was giving me an odd look.
It seemed like fond ness, "Xander, you can be so crazy."
I snorted, "But, you love me anyways."
Achilles bopped me on the nose before kissing the same spot, "But, I love you anyways."
#
"What do you think of the name Gerald?" I asked Achilles later on that night, nibbling on my slice of the vegan chocolate cake.
I was sitting on the floor between Achilles' legs. He was sitting behind me, fumbling with my hair. "I can't do this and talk at the same time." He growled. I was trying to teach Achilles how to corn row my hair but he was seriously struggling. "I literally cannot do this."
"I'll get you a wig and a head bust to practice on." I moved away, putting my plate down and unbraiding the mess that Achilles had constructed.
"Gerald is an ugly name." Achilles eventually answered my question.
"Isn't it?" I said, laughing. "Okay, now that I know you have taste we need to be thinking of some names."
"Do we have to do it right now? I want to snuggle." Achilles gave me a pout, and I moved in beside him on the couch, kissing his cheek.
"I had an amazing Valentine's Day!" I said, grinning.
"You're kind of cute when you're drunk." Achilles said fondly, raising his arm across my shoulder and drawing me in against his side.
"Except, I'm always cute." I said with a wink.
"Hmm," Achilles teased, "Are you?"
I thought about it, "Sometimes I don't feel cute, or look cute but I'm pretty sure I'm inherently cute. Also, I feel like hot chocolate, do you want some?"
"Sure." Achilles let me up and I shuffled over to the kitchen before Achilles mentioned he was going to my mailbox in the lobby. I kept forgetting to check it on my way upstairs.
By the time he came back upstairs, I was mixing the hot chocolate powder in and adding in marshmallows to our mugs. I set Achilles' mug on a coaster and settled in on a seat beside his.
"Who even gets hand written letters anymore?" Achilles said as he walked into the kitchen.
"What?" I said, losing my grip on my mug as it clattered to the table, "Shit." I got up quickly, looking for a rag to sop up the mess. I wiped the table aggressively, "What do you mean handwritten?"
Achilles was watching me strangely before he trailed his fingers across my curls, "Your heartbeat is really loud right now. Were you expecting some kind of letter?"
I shook my head, walking to the sink and wringing out the rag, "No, of course not. Can I see it?" I dried my hands on another cloth.
Achilles handed me the letter. My heart relaxed as soon as I realized it wasn't from him. But, it was definitely from another vampire because it had my name on it in elegant calligraphy.
"Woah, is that your full name?" Achilles asked.
"It's so embarrassing, I know. Alexander Klaus Kodjo von Ostermaier."
"What about your teaching name? Professor Alexander Knight?"
"Well, that's just a play on the name I used when I lived in France. In France I was Alexandre de la Mar Chevalier. But, I prefer Xander." I sighed, putting down the letter on a part of the counter that wasn't wet, "And you know what? I'll deal with this tomorrow. Can I have half your hot chocolate and we can go to bed?"
Achilles looked surprised at the change in conversation but let it go. He got another mug out of the cabinet and split the drink between two mugs. Before he sat down I surprised him with a hug, squeezing him tight. "I'll never stop loving you, Achilles. Thank you so much for loving me." I felt like crying but I held the tears in. For once I felt like crying because I was happy and that was a good change, too. Definitely, the best Valentine's Day ever.
#
Overall thoughts?
What do you guys think X&A should name their kids if they have them?
And which feels better for them, surrogacy or adoption? Sorry, this isn't an mpreg story,lol.
How did you guys find the date?
Do you guys find all my pictures and commentary annoying? I can tone it down.
Also I love whenever you guys comment, thanks for keeping it interesting for me.