Surprise!!!

[Maira]

Romi hauling him up onto the bed startled Lucas just a bit. He had a tendancy to forget just how strong vampires supposedly were until Romi did something like this. Once they were situated though and Romi started running his fingers through his hair, Lucas slipped back into a mindset he'd shoved away for quite a while. He was more than a little pleased with himself that he'd managed to get Romi to the point where he was fumbling with the buttons on his shirt. That showed that the vampire wasn't quite as calm and collected as he always let on.

When Romi asked if he'd had a presentation that day, Lucas just laughed and answered, "Nope, just laundry day." Then, once he was divulged of his shirt, Lucas was perfectly content to slide away into the oblivion that wanted to take over him. Kissing Romi, though he'd been in denial for a while, was something he very much wanted to do at that moment. Something else he'd wanted to do for a while, was determine if Romi's ass felt as nice as it looked in his pants.

Just as Lucas was about to slide his hand down to get a good feel of Romi's ass, there was a loud screeching from only a couple feet away. In an instant, Lucas was trying desperately to scramble out from under Romi. Any and all feelings of desire for Romi vanished in an instant and were replaced with guilt, shame, and a whole slew of other not so pleasant things. Not wanting to see the look of disgust he knew was on Randy's face, Lucas brushed past his room-mate, grabbed his jacket and bolted from the dorm room. Luckily he'd still been wearing shoes when Romi had hauled him up onto the bed, otherwise he would have left not only without a shirt but without those as well. In the middle of January that wasn't really the best idea.

He was just slipping on his jacket and out of the door at the bottom of the fire exit stairwell when Romi caught up to him. He didn't know what to say to the vampire so he just walked on in silence, barely acknowledging the other man's presence by glancing at him periodically to make sure he was still there. Lucas knew that sooner or later Romi would make him talk, likely try to seduce him again, and Lucas wasn't exactly sure what he'd say or do. He knew he was attracted to the vampire, there was no denying that now, but he still wasn't sure what to do about it. His last relationship with a man had ended horribly and Lucas really didn't want to be burned again. Maybe coming out to the west coas had been a really bad idea after all...

[Demeter]

Romi managed a quick sneer for Randy. He'd perfected a way of looking at people as if they were the scum of the earth and entirely unworthy of his attention. He sniffed once and exited the dorm room to hunt down Lucas. It didn't take long and he just walked along side the human. He eventually steered Lucas to the bus stop and loaded him onto the bus for a ride down to the townhouse.

They didn't talk, not until Romi had Lucas in the small sitting area in the upstairs portion of his townhouse. He kept the lights and low and sat a few inches away from Lucas. "Now, are you going to tell me what this is all about?" he asked. "You seemed to be enjoying yourself until that idiot ruined it."

Once Lucas told his story, Romi scooted closer. "You like touching and being touched by another man. You enjoy it. You want it. You are wanted. There is nothing to be ashamed of, Lucas. There is nothing wrong with it." He backed Lucas against the arm of the couch, balancing over him. He let his weight pressed Lucas into the plush cushions. "You're cold. I should warm you up."

He feathered fingers up and down the Lucas' arm while trailing soft kisses along his jawline. "If that idiot roommate makes a big fuss over this, you can move in with me. You'll be better off here anyways. No one to make you feel anyless of yourself. You are a wonderfully talented, handsome man and to anyone who can't see what are treasure you are, well, they aren't worthy of you."

"I would never treat you like that. I'd care for you like a prince, my Lucas and drag myself over a bed of hot coals and nails if I ever hurt you in any way. I'd never leave you unless that is what you wanted." He kissed his way down the length of Lucas' neck, savoring the way the man tasted. He reached out and found one of Lucas' hands. He gripped the hand, kissed the knuckles and dropped Lucas' hand on his ass. "Touch me, Lucas," he murmered while nipping at his lover's ear, "Don't hide yourself for me. I want you for who you are."

[Maira]

When he had left the dorm he hadn't really had a place in mind to go so when Romi herded him onto a bus that eventually took them to Romi's townhouse, Lucas didn't object. He just needed to get away from his room-mate. He didn't talk for the ride across town, he didn't even talk until they'd been sitting in the upstairs sitting areay until Romi asked him what was wrong. Even when he did speak, told the vampire his story, he didn't look at him.

"Dating Sam was a total accident. He was friendly, we worked together a lot in class as we had the same major, and one day he just straight up asked me if I was seeing anybody. I tried explaining that Archer and I were sort of a thing and when he frowned I asked him why. The answer I got I had never expected, he just kissed me. Things progressed from there and before I knew it I was in a very serious relationship with a man I considered one of my best friends." Lucas fiddled with the ring he wore on the thumb of his left hand for a moment before getting on to the harder part.

"We were together maybe a year when I found out Sam was a habitual liar. He had a girlfriend -and- another guy that he slept with when he wasn't with me or Dani. Dani knew about the other guy, and about me, and apparently she didn't mind. The other guy knew he was just a play thing and went along for the ride even though apparently Sam was in two serious relationships. Or at least I'd thought we were serious. When I found out what was going on, I asked Sam about it and he tried to brush it off as no big deal. Maybe if I'd known ahead of time that Sam wasn't very good at being monogamous I would have been okay but he never once mentioned that he had serious commitment issues. Still, I stayed with him when he agreed to at least quit seeing the other guy. Two weeks after he dropped the other guy, I found him in my bed with a girl from one of my classes that I was supposed to help study. Apparently he'd been in my room waiting for me to get back from one of the few classes we didn't have together and when she showed up Sam just couldn't wait for me anymore and she was handy so they jumped in bed together." The ragged breath he took to steady his nerves didn't work too well but at least he'd gotten it all out. Archer was the only other person who knew as much as he'd told Romi. She actually knew more, but that was just the nature of their friendship.

When Romi started speaking again, Lucas still wouldn't look at him. He couldn't. He was scared to see the same affection in Romi's eyes that he'd seen in Sam's. If it was there he would never be able to take Romi serious. If he could be fooled so easily once, who was to say it couldn't happen again. And with the revelation that Romi had a daughter, Lucas knew that at least at one point in time women had been a point of interest for Romi.

Only when Romi scooted closer and then pressed his body agains Lucas, which pressed Lucas into the couch cushions, did Lucas finally look at Romi. After all, it was rather difficult to ignore somebody whose face was only inches from one's own. What he saw in Romi's eyes wasn't at all what he'd seen in Sam's. It was fiercer for one thing, more possesive. The heat in Romi's eyes and the featherlite touches from his fingers sent shivers of pleasure through Lucas's whole body and finally broke through the darkness that had surrounded Lucas.

Still uncertain about how to proceed, he couldn't help but smile when Romi took his hand and placed it where it had been in the process of going when Randy had so rudely interrupted them. The smile on Lucas's face grew a bit wicked as he pulled Romi closer to himself with the hand on Romi's ass as well as the arm he had slipped around Romi's waist. He waited only a moment before a somewhat surprised looking Romi turned away from his ear and looked at Lucas before once again letting his lips plant themselves on Romi's. If Romi really wanted him, Lucas decided, he was going to get him. He was tired of trying to tell himself that dating a man was a phase. He still liked women but as the only one he had any real interest in was currently dating somebody else, he wasn't going to deny himself the happiness he might be able to find with Romi.

[Demeter]

Romi hauled Lucas off the couch, stumbled a few few feet and dropped him on the wide bed. He crawled up after the human. He supposed he had Randy to thank for Lucas being shirtless. He scooted the jacket out of way in order to get his hands on smooth, warm bare flesh. "You have far to much clothing on, Lucas," he said while nuzzling at the human's warm neck. He licked a long line from collar bone to jawline and nibbled along his chin. He could taste the salt of his sweat and hear the steady thump of his blood in his veins.

"I bet you taste like ambrosia and honey. Sweet with just a hint of a wild tang," he buried his face against that fragrant neck. His hands were working on the button fly of Lucas' jeans but it wasn't an easy task when he was distracted by Lucas. "I wouldn't turn you, you know. I have control over myself even when the flavor, the scent, of someone I desperately want is driving me crazy. Just a little taste, a quick sample, and you'd be taken to pleasure heights that you'd never known before. However that idiot made you feel, I'd be 100 times better."

When Lucas agreed to a quick sample, however reluctant he might have been about the idea, Romi treated him like a delicate china doll. He wrapped himself around Lucas and nipped at the line of his neck, letting the human get used to the feel of sharp teeth against delicate skin. While he laved the flesh with his tounge, Romi stroked and petted Lucas into a haze of pleasure.

When he had Lucas so lost in pleasure, Romi settled his fangs against the pulse point of his neck and applied just enough pressure to peice the skin. He sank his fangs in, not deep, just enough to earn a flood of sweet yet salty liquid. He drew the fangs out and sucked at the wound. He swirled his tongue over the flesh. While he sucked and swirled, Romi ground down against Lucas. He bucked against him. He'd been right. Lucas was the sweetest thing he'd ever tasted.

He drew himself away from Lucas' neck, panting and forcing himself to not sink his fangs back into his neck. Sampling was one thing, drinking until he turned the human was something else. He licked at the blood seeping from the wound. He nuzzled at his neck. "We should probably clean ourselves up otherwise we'll end up all sticky in the morning. I've probably ruined these pants," he mumbled the words more to himself then to Lucas. The human appeared to be rather dazed. Deciding that showering together in the morning would be funner then anything else, Romi manuavered Lucas until he was stripped of his clothing and snuggled away under the sheets. He joined the human, spooing around him and running his fingers along the bare flesh of his thigh. He brushed a kiss at Lucas' temple. "Sleep, Lovely. In the morning, I'll show you how wonderful 12 shower heads feel."

[Maira]

All that night his dreams had him reliving his first time with Romi. He couldn't tell if it was just a fantasy or if it had really happened until he was alert enough to realize that the feeling of Romi's arm draped over his hip was real. A small self-satisfied smile turned up the corner of his mouth as he reached down and twines his fingers with the other man's. He wasn't sure if Romi was already awake or not but the vampire's fingers tightened around his own and Lucas rolled over onto his back so he could get a good look at him.

Considering that Romi had done all of the work the night before, Lucas had expected him to be sound asleep still but he was greeted with a smile that reminded him very much of the Cheshire Cat's smile. "Morning," Lucas greeted Romi, his voice still scratchy with sleep before he leaned in and kissed the other man, nipping his lower lip as he pulled away. "I had amazing dreams and I'm not sure what exactly happened with us last night and what was a dream. Did you actually bite me?" Lucas asked this last because he could have sworn that was a part of the reality, but his neck didn't hurt at all and he was sure it should. Sharp fangs puncturing skin should leave at least a bit of pain in the morning right?

When Romi told him that yes indeed he had sampled his blood the night before, Lucas reached up and felt for some indication. All he found were two very small scabs. The area around them wasn't hot or sore at all and a strange look came into Lucas's eyes. It really had been an exciting experience and he didn't have his own set of fangs this morning so obviously Romi was indeed able to control himself. Before he could stop himself, a question slipped out, "So Romi, how was desert? As good as you thought?"

[Demeter]

Romi smirked. "Desert was wonderful. Now I'm wondering how breakfast will taste. I've never showered and eaten at the same time. I bet it is an experience worth attempting. My bathroom is a work of art." He didn't hurry Lucas out of bed. In fact, he would have perferred to stay cuddled up next to his human for the day. However, he had a scene with Archer at some point for a morning class and she would killed him and use his guts to hang lights if he didn't show up. He moved at his own pace, teasing Lucas as they made their way towards the bathroom. He let Lucas gawk at the bathroom. Romi loved the invention of indoor plumbing and induldged in the many ways such a thing could be enjoyed.

An acre of gleaming, cobalt blue tile made up his shower. He had twelve shower heads. That didn't include the waterfall shower head suspended from the ceiling. The jetted tub, done in black and surrounded by lush plants and more cobalt tiling, could fit ten people. He had a heated toilet seat, a steam room, and a walk in closet just off the bathroom. He had recently put in a propane fueled water heater and gloried in the availble heat.

Romi stepped up behind Lucas and nibbled on his shoulder. "Shower is that way," he said and gave the human a little push. He spun the knobs until the water from the twelve shower heads was just below boiling and stepped in after Lucas. Once there he all but attacked the man. He could restraining himself around a naked Lucas, barely but a wet and naked Lucas? All bets were called of the moment he saw the men dripping wet and languishing in the hot water.

He nipped at flesh, slipped fingers into the dips and curves of Lucas' body and backed the man against one of the tiled walls. He smirked when Lucas' body bowed away from the cold tiles. He licked at Lucas' neck. "I think I'll start breakfast now," he murmured and repeated last nights actions of piercing Lucas' neck, opposite side then the previous site, and sucking the blood out.

He was happily entrenched in the taste of Lucas, who was groaning and moaning and clutching at him, when a forgien voice intruded on his happy time. He didn't pay it much mind. Lucas was much more important then a random voice. Until Archer rounded the corner and screeched at the sight of them rutting against his bathroom wall. Especially considering there was a trail of pink water dripping away from the very obvious bite mark on Lucas' neck. Romi hissed at her. "Do you mind? I'm a little busy here!"

[Maira]

His heart started racing when Romi mentioned having a bit of him again for breakfast. Considering he had no choice about staying awake after this bite thanks to school, he was going to enjoy this thoroughly. He wouldn't be able to forget this this one or have it blend in with his lovely dreams. When Romi finally coaxed him out of bed and toward the bathroom, Lucas was actually a bit dissappointed. He'd hoped for a morning quickie but apparently they were just going to shower.

As soon as they entered the bathroom though, any dissappointment Lucas was feeling was shoved to the background. Cobalt blue tile everywhere, a monster tub, and a shower that just begged to have somebody in it greeted his gaze. That shower would be a lifesaver the closer it got to opening night. Building sets and fighting with the lightbars could get very tiring and make for some sore muscles. Of course, he'd have to weasle his way into Romi's bathroom to use it.

When Romi shoved him at the shower, Lucas smirked at the vampire over his shoulder and stepped into the steamy enclosure and let the water pound at him. Twelve showerheads felt just as lovely as he thought they would. He was just starting to relax when he found himself plastered up against the -very- cold tile wall. His natural reaction was to arch his body away from the cold, but that only pressed certain bits of Lucas into certain bits of Romi and that just made the situation even steamier. When Romi descended on Lucas, speaking once again of breakfast, Lucas wrapped his arms tightly around Romi. If the vague memories he had of the night before were any indication, Lucas was fairly sure he wouldn't be able to stand very well once Romi's teeth broke the skin of his neck.

Boy was Lucas right. The instant he felt the teeth break his skin and he felt the gentle tug of Romi encouraging his blood to flow, Lucas's legs grew weak and shakey and a moan escaped him as he grabbed onto both Romi's back and shoulder. He was grabbing on not only to hold himself upright but because it just felt that damn good. The poor man was likely to wind up with a few fingernail marks...

*****

Archer was irritated. Romi said he'd meet her at their favorite coffee shop and he'd never showed. Her first stop had been his apartment just off campus. His roomies said he'd never come home the night before so Archer headed off to his townhouse. The fact that she was one of only a few people who knew that Romi even -had- a townhouse had always made Archer feel special. The fact that she had a key and was allowed to go in whenever she wanted was even more special. Of course, she had a sneaky feeling that Romi had made that provision just for days like this when he overslept and he was needed at school

So, when she got inside his townhouse and up to the second floor she smiled upon hearing the shower running. At least she wouldn't have to wait for him to do that before they could get going. Having seen him naked before, Archer waltzed right into the gorgeous bathroom and shouted, "Romi, you bum! You stood me up again!" Then she noticed that Romi wasn't alone in the shower and she instantly began to blush. She'd never caught him with somebody before...

She was just about to apologize and excuse herself while the two in the shower finished their morning activities when she saw pink trickling trailing down the other man's body from right about where Romi's mouth likely was. In that instant, she also realized just who it was that was in the shower with Romi. Instinct kicked in and Archer reached for the nearest object, a soap pump, and lobbed it right at Romi's back. "Get off of Lucas! Don't you dare turn him Romi! He'll never forgive you!" She was just about to run in and try her damndest to pull Romi off of her best friend when Lucas surfaced and told her calmly, "Archer I'm fine, go out and wait we'll be done soon."

The look on the cougar's face was unreadable but she finally nodded and quickly turned and ran out of the bathroom. Heaven help her, she'd never walk in on Romi in the shower again!

[Demeter]

Romi hissed as he got a soap despenser right between the shoulder blades. As much as he wanted to shoo Archer out of the bathroom with a snarl and lunge, he was grateful that Lucas got her out of the way in a much calmer manner. Once Archer was out of the bathroom, Romi turned back to Lucas, grumbling in his throat. He eyed the slowly bleeding wound for a moment before sealing his mouth over it. He laved his tounge over the wound, letting the special properties of his salvia stop the blood and encourage speedy healing.

Once done with breakfast, he and Lucas showered. There was a little fooling around but, as there were multiple shower heads, the affair was over quickly. He kissed Lucas. "Stay here and I'll get you something to wear." He wrapped a towel around his waist and left the bathroom to scoop of Lucas' clothing from bedroom floor. He paused to look at Archer, perched on the couch before snagging a turtlenecked shirt for Lucas from his dresser. "Be with you in a second, dear."

He ducked back into the bathroom and handed the clothing to Lucas. Another kiss was delivered before doing into the attached closet for his own clothing. Once dressed and after pinning Lucas to the bathroom wall for a minute or three, he just couldn't get enough of Lucas now that he had him, they joined Archer in the bedroom. He cuffed the cougar on the head.

"The Vampire Council would have my head if I turned anyone without permission. They don't trust my name. Besides, I would only turn someone with their permission, along with the councils. And I Lucas' permission to do that," he turned to Lucas and smiled. "Some day, I hope I have permission to do more then that."

While they were on their way to the university, Romi grabbed Lucas' hand and kissed the knuckles. "I'll go with you, when you return to your dorm room, if you want."

[Maira]

Archer refused to feel sheepish. She knew she had been in the right by yelling at Romi. Lucas, while accepting of her difference, had always made it clear he was happy the way he was and would not be pleased to be changed in any way. It had been a rather long discussion between them before they'd gotten involved. Initially he'd been scared that just kissing Archer would Turn him cougar.

Once Romi came out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel and told her he'd be right with her, Archer just nodded and watched as he gathered some clothes. She was going to guess that the turtleneck was for Lucas to cover his bite marks. Just the thought of Romi feeding on Lucas sent chills down her spine. She knew it was natural for vampires to do that, but it was just weird... And for Lucas, the man totally against any chance of being Turned, to let Romi do it, that just baffled Archer.

After a few more minutes, and what she was sure were more sounds of the two men making out, the pair came out of the bathroom. Lucas appeared to be on cloud nine, which made Archer even more suspicious, and Romi just looked downright smug. Romi was still smiling smuggly when he cuffed her on the head and if it hadn't been for the smile she either would have cringed, or hissed, or both.

Archer and Lucas both listened as Romi went on to explain why he wouldn't Turn Lucas and both of them wound up with similiar looks on their faces. They both remembered what the vampire had told them about his family's past and neither of them really wanted to think of Romi being associated with the rest of the Neri family. Archer at least was comforted by Romi's reasoning for not Turning Lucas, but Lucas suddenly had a case of the creepy crawlies.

Against his better judgement, Lucas didn't say anything right then about his feelings on being changed from what he was. If he'd been meant to be vampire or cougar, or whatever else, he would have been born it like Archer and Romi both were. If he was changed he wouldn't be human anymore and then what would his family think? As it was they had not been overly supportive when he'd been in a relationship with another man. If, now that he was once again with a man, he let himself get turned into a vampire, they would likely just pretend he'd dropped off the face of the planet. They were good people, they just didn't know how to deal with anything other than what they were.

As they made their way back to campus, Archer was off in her own little world chattering away at Romi about her latest project for Gwen. Unlike most of the other drama students, Archer actually was rather fond of Romi's daughter.

While Archer and Romi spoke of Gwen, Lucas was lost in thought. He'd just been on autopilot following them until Romi took his hand, kissed his knuckles and volunteered to go with Lucas to his dorm room later. Before he could stop it, a moan escaped Lucas. He really didn't want to go back there and deal with Randy. The man was a bit homophobic, Lucas had known that from the start, and considering that Lucas and Romi had been on the verge of totally defiling Randy's bed, likely the other man had reported him to the RA or asked for a room reassignment or something. "Much as I'd love to have you there Romi, I just think it'd make things worse. I've got to live with the guy for the rest of the year and I'm not sure how he'll handle seeing you in our room again so soon."

[Demeter]

Romi shooed Archer away so he could speak privately with Lucas. He nudged the human off the path. "We don't have any classes today, which is a pity. If you change your mind, give me a call," he pulled a pen out of his mesenger styled bag and scrawled his cell number across Lucas' palm.

"I've had to deal with my fair share of bigoted idiots. If Randy kicks up a big stink about this, you have a place in my home. I've got a while floor that I'm not using," Romi capped his pen, "and I suppose there are things we should discuss. That whole vampire-human thing. Call me when you are done for the day and I'll meet you by the fountian."

Unsure about how Lucas would react to an intimate display of affection in public, Romi squeezed his hand. "I'll see you later," he said and moved off to rejoin Archer. When she looked at him, Romi gave her sweet smile number four. He was fully expecting the come-to-Jesus-hurt-him-and-I'll-kill-you talk from her.

He had exquisite control over himself as the council would literally have his head. They didn't trust any of the vampires with ties to the mostly exstinct Neri Clan. They especially didn't trust anyone born into that family. If he fell off the grid, the council would go beserk and send hunters galloping after him. They had enough issues with rouges and ravenous ferals that they did not need or want an awakening of one of the most notorious vampire clans in history.

As such, he'd be put through a rigourous process of interviews and evaluations if he wanted to turn a single soul. He had to be absolutely sure. The other person had to be sure. As it was, he'd never seriously considered turning anyone before Lucas.

"You can growl at me later, Archer. For now, rehearse." He'd lose himself in the words and flow of dancing 'cross the boards of a stage.

[Maira]

When she was shooed away and Romi pulled Lucas off of the path they were taking to campus and started talking to him in hushed tones, Archer just watched. If Romi did so much as lick his lips she was ready to jump him. He'd likely eat her for breakfast but she was ready to take that risk if it meant protecting her best friend.

Lucas didn't say anything as Romi wrote his cell number on his palm. The silent nod and soft smile showed that he'd at least heard what the other man said even if he didn't know what to say himself. When Romi sqeezed his hand, Lucas squeezed it back and then turned and took the path that would lead to the part of campus he had to get to while Archer and Romi went their way.

Once Lucas was on his way and Romi was back by her side, Archer glared at the vampire and was about to let into him when he stalled her. When he told her to growl at him later she glared at him for just a minute longer and then nodded and began throwing lines from the upcoming show at him. She didn't normally try out for plays but periodically if it was one she really liked she did. And, despite all of the much better talent available, Archer landed a spot in this show. As Romi was much more experienced than here when it came to matters of acting, she was very happy to be able to use him as her rehearsal partner.

*****

When he walked up to the door of his dorm room, Lucas eyed the boxes of stuff sitting in the hall. He couldn't tell if it was his or Randy's since all the boxes were closed but he had a sneaky feeling it was his. When he tried his lock in the door and it didn't work, Lucas cursed and kicked the door. What the hell?! Couldn't they at least make sure he got everything of his out of the room before they locked him out?!

For once glad that the RA had a room right next to his, Lucas went over and knocked on the open door. Kyle turned and looked at the noise and frowned at Lucas. "Why'd you have to go and get busy on Randy's bed man, you know he's uptight about stuff like that," the senior asked as he walked over to lean against the doorframe and talk to Lucas. Lucas did his best not to growl (a habit he'd picked up from Archer no doubt) and answered as calmly as he could, "If I had actually -planned- on getting busy don't you think I would have either done it on my own bed or gone somewhere else? I know Randy is possesive about his space. As it was, it just sorta happened."

Kyle nodded and held out his hand, "I'm sorry to do this man, but I gotta take your key. We've got a new room assignment for you so I'll go in with you so you can make sure Randy didn't miss any of your stuff and then I'll help get you moved in to your new room okay?" Lucas wasn't able to stop himself from growling this time but he handed over the key and then followed as Kyle walked next door and used his master key to get into Lucas's old room.

The amount of his stuff still left in the room amazed Lucas. Did Randy honestly think he was going to get away with keeping all of this?! Some of it even had his name on it! He hauled out three more boxes of stuff, and all of his clothes in his suitcases, while Kyle watched and helped when needed.

He was just shutting the door behind him, hauling out the last suitcase, when something Romi had said earlier finally sunk in. Looking at his palm, Lucas sighed with relief when he saw the number was still there. Digging in his pocket Lucas found his cell phone and dialed Romi's number. While the phone rang he held up his finger when Kyle asked if he was ready to go. Finally a familiar voice answered, Romi sounded concerned, and Lucas asked, "Can you pick me and my stuff up at the door I went out yesterday?" He knew the answer would be yes but Lucas was still relieved when he heard it. "Thanks Romi, I'll see you in a few," Lucas said just before he flipped the phone shut. Looking at Kyle, Lucas said simply, "Change of plans," and then grabbed another suitcase and headed for the emergency exit stairwell.

[Demeter]

The first thing Romi did after taking Lucas' call was talk Chester into letting him borrow the Cougar's beloved Jeep. Romi had told Archer the events of last night and she'd told Chester. The Cougar, now asured that Lucas wasn't a rival for Archer's affections, handed over the keys to the late model Wrangler.

After parking in the dorm lot, Romi meet Lucas at the exit. He raised an eyebrow at the pile of boxes. "I take it that Randy is inconsolable? I borrowed Chester's Jeep," he lifted a box and politly nodded to Lucas' former RA.

Kyle the RA blinked at Romi and let out a whistle as the man walked away. If he'd been offered that on a silver platter, he'd had defiled Randy's bed in a heartbeat. And he wasn't even into men. "Man, I was feeling sorry for you but not anymore. Now I'm kinda jealous."

After the Jeep was loaded up, Romi drove them over to the townhouse. While navigating across town, he spoke with his roommates. In the end, he agreed to pay his share of the rent until they got someone in to tak eover his third.

Once at the house, Romi showed Lucas' the fourth floor. It was empty. He pointed out the french doors that led to what he loosely called the rooftop garden. "We can haul one of the guest room beds up or you can use the one coming from the apartment. You'd also be welcome in my bed any time you liked."

Romi kept his hands in his pockets. Lucas probably needed time to settle from this latest upheaval in his life. He didn't need Romi pawing at him.

[Maira]

Lucas couldn't help but grin at Kyle's words. He didn't answer the senior as there just really wasn't anything he could say that wouldn't come out sounding concieted or smug and he didn't want to rub it in. With the three of them working to load boxes and suitcases into the jeep it took no time at all to get Lucas ready to leave dorm life behind. He shook hands with Kyle, who took one last good look at Romi, and then hopped in the jeep with the vampire.

When Romi showed him the whole floor of his townhouse that he'd be having to himself (two bedrooms, a study/office/mini-library, kitchen, livingroom and bathroom) Lucas couldn't help but shake his head. "This is too much Romi," he said quietly and the vampire just talked over him, something about hauling up a bed from one of the guest rooms down below or waiting for his bed from the campus apartment. Or, the best option in Lucas's mind at the moment, sharing his own bed.

He didn't remember much clearly from the night before and he was really hoping to get a clearer memory sometime in the near future. As he currently had no bed in his new room and didn't feel like hauling a bed up a flight of stairs that night, he hooked on of his fingers into one of Romi's pockets and answered, "I'm tired of moving, would you mind if I take you up on that offer tonight?"

[Demeter]

Romi grinned at Lucas. He took his hands out of his pockets and hooked his fingers into the belt loops of Lucas jeans and dragged him closer. "I don't mind one bit," he leered at his human. He walked, backwards, towards the stairs, pulling Lucas along with him. Once they reached the second level, Romi pushed Lucas down onto the bed and followed him down.

He didn't drink this time. He just focused on Lucas. After, when the human slept, Romi watched him. He wanted Lucas, more then anyone else in his long history. Romi groaned. His own past would most likely mean that turning wouldn't happen. He would get a slap on the wrist if he accidently turned Lucas. The council would take Lucas away from him. Everything vampiric had to be completely consensual.

He laid back against his pillows and lightly ran his hand along Lucas' arm. Oh, how he would like to maul Randy. Okay, getting busy on the roommates bed wasn't the brightest idea in the world but he couldn't help it. Lucas had given in and Romi wasn't one to let a moment pass. But actually moving Lucas out before they could talk it out? Whatever happened to conflict resolution?

He scrubbed a free hand over his face and scowled as the phone rang. He picked up the bedside extenstion. "Yeah? Hello?

The irrated female voice wanted to know who the hell he was and why was he picking up Lucas' phone. Naturally, he replied that he was Lucas' roommate, which was the truth. When she demanded to speak with her son, Romi rolled his eyes and turned to prod Lucas' shoulder. He didn't bother to the cover the handset but used the stubby antenna to poke Lucas. "Oi, wake up. I think your mother is on the phone."

[Maira]

Lucas had -not- been expecting to get jumped before they actually went to bed for the night but he wasn't about to complain when Romi dragged him back down to the second floor and shoved him onto his bed. He was slightly dissappointed that Romi didn't bite him, which struck Lucas as more than a little out of character for himself, but the things that Romi did to him more than made up for the lack of fangs. When they were finished, Lucas could only drift off to sleep as he smiled at the vampire like a fool. He couldn't remember -ever- being this deleriously happy.

When the phone rang, Lucas tried desperately to ignore it. This was Romi's house and he'd answer it. He was doing so well at ignoring the phone and the conversation that he was nearly asleep again when Romi poked him with something. The words that came from Romi finally elicited a reaction from the sated human, he couldn't help but groan as he rolled from his stomach onto his back and stuck a hand out for the evil phone.

His voice sounded sleepy and satisfied, even Lucas could hear sex in his tone when he finally answered the phone, "Yes mother?" The silence on the other end irritated Lucas and he asked, "Mom, why are you calling?"

[Demeter]

"Lucas, I thought the thing with boys was just a phase? Didn't you tell me that it was just a phase and you were interested in getting back with Archer? She's such a nice girl. Whatever happened to the Get Archer Back plan?" on her end of the phone, Cynthia fiddled with the pearls around her neck. Lucas had assured her that the thing with boys was a one time phase.

Romi listened as Lucas tried to reassure his mother. It seemed hard to reassure his mother when he'd just slept with a man. A man who had intentions about sleeping with the human again. And possibly the next day, and the day after, and everyday for as long as he could manage.

He eventually plucked the phone from Lucas' hand. "Lucas' Mother? My name is Romi Neri and I can assure you that I haven't done anything to your son. He's in very good hands. Shortly, he will have his own line and I will make sure that you get it. Uh-huh, Archer is very happy with another man who'd probably break all of his bones if he tried to make time with Archer. No, ma'am, I haven't forced your son into anything. Good bye, ma'am."

Romi punched the talk button and yanked the cord from the wall. He turned to Lucas. "Now then, what shall we do?"

[Maira]

Why Lucas even tried to reason with, and reassure his mother, about his choice in bed partners he had no idea. Really it was a very futile thing because she was apparently set on freaking out. Everybody back home knew that he'd come out west to win Archer back and now she was going to have to explain to everybody that he would not be bringing the sweet neighbor girl home for a wedding anytime soon. In truth he wouldn't be bringing her home ever...

Finally, after a few failed attempts to calm his poor mother as she grew more and more freaked out, Lucas suddenly no longer held the phone. He gawked as Romi smoothly talked right over the top of his mother and then hung up on her before pulling the cord out of the wall.

When Romi asked what he wanted to do next, Lucas was still gawking at the vampire. "Huh?" he asked dumbfounded. Then quickly he added, "Thanks for dealing with her, she has a tendancy to get a little old-fashioned when my non-traditional love life surfaces. She's not judgemental though, just easily flustered."

Just as Lucas finished talking his stomach gave a rather loud and unattractive growl. So, with a cheesey grin, he answered Romi's question. "I think food should be next on the agenda, I'm starving."

[Demeter]

"Food? We can do food." Romi shimmied his way off the bed and searched around for his pants. Once those pants were on, Romi headed downstairs, motioning Lucas to follow him. He wove his was to the kitchen and pulled open the door. He stuck his head into the box. "I'm afraid that I'm depressingly short on frozen pizza and anything else that would normally be consumed by college students. My housekeeper refuses to let me poison my body."

Romi popped his head over the top of the 'fridge door. "Give her half a chance and she'll have you stuffed with bean sprouts and wheat grass smoothies." Romi leaned back down and pulled out the fixings for a cold pasta salad and ham sandwiches.

Once they had their plates fixed, Romi steered Lucas into the sitting room. With his plate in one hand, Romi settled into a squishy arm chair. "I suppose that since you told me your story, I should tell you mine."

[Maira]

The hunt for food was quick and painless and in short order Lucas was following Romi into a sitting room, his plate almost overflowing. Picking a spot on the couch, Lucas sat down and immediately tucked into his pasta salad. After a couple bites he answered Romi, "Your story? If you want to tell me I'd be happy to listen."

And he would be happy to liste. Romi interested him way more than he thought a vampire should. He had always felt that being human was the way he was meant to be, but something about Romi had planted a very small seed of doubt in his mind that maybe that wasn't so.

Now if Romi were to suddenly offer to turn him right there and then, Lucas would most likely say "no." But unlike in the past when he'd discussed being turned by Archer, it wasn't an absolutely thing anymore... That "no" would be more like a "not right now" sorta thing. Or at least that's how he was feeling at the moment, sitting staring at the handsome vampire in front of him who had essentially rescued him from room-mate hell.

[Demeter]

Romi leaned against a wall and watched Lucas through the stage curtains. He'd persuaded the man to try out for one of the college's plays and he'd won a small speaking role. He was working backstage for that same play while rehearsing his role as Oberon in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. It had been a few months since Lucas had moved in together and they'd rarely been separated since. 

They went to school together and come home together. Any classes they didn't share, Romi would show up afterwards to walk with Lucas to the next classroom. Archer had commented that they were joined at the hip and they'd undeniably become "Romi and Lucas" as if they were one person. He didn't know how Lucas felt about that but Romi enjoyed the title. 

But the fact was they'd spent so much time together that the upcoming separation annoyed the hell out of Romi. Spring Break was fast approaching and Lucas had plans to hang out with Archer. Normally not a problem but Romi would be away for the week long vacation, taking a cruise in Alaska but he didn't want to be without Lucas. They'd already discussed this and had decided to keep with their separate plans. 

And it almost killed him. 

By the time his boat docked back in Cedar Valley, Romi was antsy. Disembarking took too long. Luggage collection took too long. Getting a taxi back to his townhouse took forever and the ride was even longer. He and Lucas may have communicate by text and talking every day of the week but it just wasn't the same. 

He missed the feel of Lucas snuggled against his side and the way the man would melt and moan when touched just right. Phone sex and his own hand was a poor substitute for the real thing. And it wasn't even the sex that he'd missed the most, it was the simple companionship. He missed just being around Lucas. He was never going anywhere without him again. 

The moment he got into the townhouse, Romi dropped his luggage and loomed around. There was Lucas, reclining on the coach, script in hand. The human was looking over the top of the script at him. In a rush, Romi was over to the couch, flinging the bound pages away and kneeling over Lucas. "Never again do I want to spend a week without you," he said before kissing Lucas.