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It was a cool night. The warmth the sun had afforded them during the day had long since retreated. The chilling temps were more than enough to motivate Treasure to seek refuge within their home even faster than usual.
They had just come from their nonexistent, impromptu meetup with their friends. It was supposed to be a night out. Just dinner and then a side trip to the movies. But at some point, it became obviously clear that things weren’t as they were made to appear on the surface.
They didn’t know when it happened. And needless to say, they could probably have predicted it if they paid much attention to the signs. But just looking at their pair of friends, one could easily assume that they were looking less for a night out platonically, and more a reason and excuse to hang out with one another.
If sexual tension was tangible, they could cut the air with a knife with how thick it was.
And instead of being the obvious third wheel, they made up an excuse and cut the night short. Looking back, neither seemed too displeased with their abrupt dismissal.
Coming up the steps to their apartment, they fished the small key out of their pocket. As they rounded the corner down their hallway, they paused. Unable to consciously piece together what they were seeing at the given moment.
Porter was leaning against the wall, next to their apartment door. One hand in his pocket while the other held his phone, fingers moving across the touchscreen.
His gaze lifted from it a second later and locked onto their own. A slow smile touching his lips.
“Late night, Treasure? Hope this isn’t a bad time.”
“No.” They smiled back. “I’d say it’s the perfect time.”
They closed the remaining distance.
To see an unknown man waiting for them in front of their door would normally have sent them running in the other direction, calling the cops, and looking to their neighbors for help in the meantime. The whole stranger danger thing that parents drill into their kids at a young age.
And they supposed it spoke volumes to the way their mind was working nowadays. Porter wasn’t a stranger, per se. Save for the fact that they knew his name. Other than that, they knew next to nothing about this man.
Except that he was great in bed. And a vampire. So, there’s that.
“What brings you here? I thought you had a party you had to attend.”
“My duties to be present at that event have already concluded. In fact, they were finished more than a week ago.”
“That soon? Wow! I thought, from the way you were describing it, it was going to be more like a holiday party. Or at least closer to December. And could you make it sound any more like a business trip?” They chuckled. “It was a party, right. It's supposed to be fun. Did you at least cut loose a little?”
“Well, in actuality, I’d say it was more related to business rather than pleasure. Although…the latter can be attained no matter the events around it.”
His eyes travelled their body. Slow. Deliberate. Lingering. And they knew he could sense how they heated up under his gaze.
“Do you have time for me tonight, Treasure?” Eyes staring into their own once more.
They subconsciously wet their lips, turning their head from him for a moment. A second later, they turned back. “I’d love for you to keep me company tonight.”
His smile spanned across his face. Almost in relief to their answer. “Then…shall we retreat inside?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After getting reacquainted with one another, the pair settled on Treasure’s bed. They hadn’t expected him to linger, but they supposed they shouldn’t be too shocked considering the way things had went last time.
Laying against his chest, they could hear the resounding heartbeat, strong and steady. A contrary to the things they assumed were true for his kind thanks to the media. Although, they supposed, fiction was fiction. And him being here in the flesh was more than enough to serve as proof as to what was real.
Vampires, huh. Not just that, but a whole world of magic on top of that. They supposed, looking at the folktales, the stories would have had to come from somewhere. Although, Porter was less Dracula and less Edward Cullen. He was something else entirely. And that made them curious to find out more about him.
In the afterglow, he was slowly running his fingers through their hair.
“Are you sure you don’t need to feed?”
“Hm?” He responded, as if caught off guard from the question. “No. I am more than satiated for a time. Your blood saw to that when last we met.”
“Oh. Ok.”
“You almost sound disappointed, Treasure. Were you looking forward to experiencing and riding that high with me again?”
They laughed shyly, averting his gaze and dropping their head even further into him. “I won’t say I wasn’t anticipating it.”
He chuckled. “Understood. Glad to see that I haven’t scared you away from the last time.”
“No. You didn’t. And if anything, I’m glad you let me remember that night.”
He kissed the top of their head. Remaining silent, Treasure had to wonder if maybe he was regretting letting them have that choice in the first place.
They were about to say something when Porter spoke up. “I am too. I hope those memories keep you warm on nights where I am not able to be present.” His hand found their back as he began running small circles against their skin. “Although now…I have more free time in my schedule. So…if it’s ok with you…I would like to spend more time in your company.”
Their head sprang up as they sought out his eyes. Trying to confirm if they matched the words coming from his mouth. He looked down at them. Anticipating the answer to the question he just asked them.
They smiled brightly. “I’d like that.”
Treasure felt him exhale. “Very well. If you’re not too busy tomorrow night, could you accompany me somewhere?”
“Where to?”
“I dare not tell you, for that would spoil the surprise, my dear.”
They rolled their eyes. “You’re very good at teasing. You know that?”
“Yes. A specialty of mine. After many years of practice.” He grinned.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following evening Porter escorted Treasure to their unknown destination. He asked if they were up for walking. They said they didn't mind. And soon the pair set off for downtown.
“I love the city at night. It feels…less stressful. If that makes sense. Less bustling. You don't have to worry about bumping into someone on your left, while trying to make space for someone on your right.”
“Do you go out walking, a lot?” Porter asked.
“Sometimes. It helps me decompress at the end of the day. But that's usually right when the sun sets. And usually on well lit paths with some people. Still have to take care of myself in that regard.”
“I’m glad you do.” Porter looked at the night sky. Recalling it was later than this when he found them coming home the night before.
“Not to pry, but was there a reason why you were out so late the night prior. I'm assuming it wasn't a walk then? It’s none of my business if you do not wish to tell me.”
They shrugged their shoulders. “I don’t mind. I had a night out with my friends.”
“Ah. Yes…Them again.”
“They’re really not as bad as you’re assuming. It was just one of those nights before, you know. Everyone was just caught up in their fun. I know they didn’t mean any harm by it.”
“Are these the self-assurances you tell yourself in order to maintain these relationships?”
They scoffed. “Look, I appreciate the concern, but it’s different when you experience it firsthand. Not from an outside perspective who just saw them on a bad night.”
“And what of last night? How’d that go? Your demeanor didn’t exhibit that you had a good time during that excursion either.”
They grew quiet.
He exhaled, sweeping a palm through his hair. “I apologize if I come off as harsh in my assessment of the company you keep. And, further from now, I promise to yield my tongue when it comes to personal matters between you and them. But…If I could just say my piece in this moment and in this moment alone. You deserve better. I tire of seeing you treated as less than what you are worth.”
They stopped walking, and Porter stopped with them. Turning to face them.
They laughed bitterly. “Porter…I don’t know anything about you. Outside what you are.”
“That is true. Maybe one day you can. But that is not the case at present.”
“Exactly!” They raised their voice. “I don’t know you. So don’t you dare assume you know anything about me. We just met. I don’t know where you get off claiming you know about my life, who I am, who my friends are. But it’s not fair. It’s not fair to me. And it’s not fair to you if you’re intent on remaining in my life.”
They huffed and turned away from him. Breathing hard from getting everything out in one breath. Embarrassment soon started setting in and they knew their face was flush from the exertion. The only thing saving the moment was that they were in the less crowded area of the park, with only one or two people who had noticed them and their outburst.
They inhaled deep. Resolving themselves to start heading home.
As they turned, they were shocked to see Porter standing where he had been.
“I ah…I thought you would have left by now.”
“Would you like me to leave?”
They looked down. Feeling like a petulant child who had just thrown a temper tantrum.
“No.”
“Good. Because I don’t want to go. I still want to take you somewhere. If you’ll still permit me.”
They exhaled. Looking back at him. “Why aren’t you more upset?”
“I overstepped and you let me know. Why would I be upset for you speaking what’s on your mind. If I could, I would encourage it more.”
He held out his hand. They stared down at what he offered and after a moment they took it.
“So, if I must be an outlet for your hidden desires, I don’t mind. Use me as an alternative if you must. And if one day you see fit to speak true to others in your life. On your own terms. Then I would think the efforts would be worth it.”
He pulled them into him, and they went with no resistance. Wrapping their arms around him as he held them in turn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They resumed walking toward their destination. Porter holding their hand as he guided them towards his place of intent. They hadn’t spoken much since resuming their travel. Both from embarrassment and nervousness over what he thought of them now. He said that everything was ok. But…They still wanted to bury their head in the sand.
The streetlights had come on and with the cold weather, there were less people on the streets. Pedestrians were far and few in between while cars paraded by at minimum.
“Are you cold?” Porter asked.
“A little.”
“Then maybe we should take a detour to warm you up for a bit.”
His eyes scanned the businesses lined up on the sidewalk.
“Do you drink coffee?”
“No. But I wouldn’t mind a hot chocolate.”
“Perfect choice.”
After obtaining their drinks to go, they headed back onto the street.
Porter informed them it was only two blocks away.
They sipped at their beverage while attempting to keep an eye on Porter. They didn’t think he would have need of the drink. Because of the whole, not blood thing.
“You’re staring, Treasure.”
They gasped, accidentally swallowing wrong and sputtering into a coughing fit. When they finally got themselves together, they laughed nervously.
“Sorry.”
“I don’t mind. I like your eyes on me.”
They cleared their throat once more, trying to disguise their fluster as them having an agitated throat from the coughing.
“It’s just…I didn’t know you guys could eat or drink anything besides…” They looked around to see if anyone was in earshot. “Well, you know.”
He smiled. “Yes. We can. While it doesn’t sustain us, we can have anything you can. And besides, it would have looked awfully strange if my partner for the night received a warm beverage while I declined. Again, leaning into appearances that stick to covert.”
“Ah, I see. That does make sense.” They took another drink of their hot chocolate and paused. “Wait. Did you say, ‘partner for the night’?”
“Why yes. Or did I fail to make allusion to this being a date?”
They laughed. “No, you didn’t mention that.”
“Is there an issue if I wish for it to be one?”
“No. No issue at all.”
“Good. I’d hoped not.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Treasure felt as if they had stepped back into their childhood. The nostalgia hitting hard as they gazed at the row of houses and popups down the strip.
Where Porter had decided to take them was a holiday hideaway. Or at least, that’s what the business called it. Lights were strung up everywhere. Fake snow machines were pumping out the white fluff, coating the ground, the trees, everything in a picturesque landscape. There was holiday music playing from speakers layered across the grounds. Animatronics of Frosty, Rudolf, Santa Claus, and a multitude of other mascots waving at visitors and passerby’s. Kids were walking with parents in awe looking at all the sights and sounds this season usually brought.
Except with the whole it being November thing.
They turned back towards Porter, who had his eyes fixed on them.
They laughed. “Thanks for bringing me here. But, why here?”
“Well…we were talking about the holiday season coming up. And I thought it might be something you might like. When you spoke of it, you were emphatic. Like there was a right way to celebrate. Which made me think you had your fair share of celebrating over the years. So, I wanted to take you someplace special. If not too childish. Please, tell me it’s not too childish.” He chuckled.
They smiled. “No. It’s perfect. I really do appreciate this. But, you got all that from me asking if your shindig was a holiday party?”
His smile was all teeth. “I'm very good at what I do.” He squeezed their hand. “Shall we venture forth. The houses get even more impressive the further in we move.”
“Yeah. Let’s go.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They took in the sights and sounds. Absorbing the efforts and wonder that had been put into everything. Getting lost in how much time they spent walking through the grounds.
“This really takes me back. I always loved this time of year.”
“Any reason why?”
“It’s just…you could feel the change in the air. I don’t know. It was never about shopping or gifts. But for me, I guess I really enjoyed the atmosphere. Like, the snow for example. Pure white falling from the sky and blanketing the ground. It was beautiful. Covering the land as it fell silently. Peaceful. And the lights.” They stared at the complicated luminescence. “It just felt magical in its own way. Like stepping into another world.”
“You know…your eyes glisten when you converse on what you're passionate about.”
They turned towards him, urging him to continue.
“As I said. It’s your passion that makes them burn bright. I saw it that first night I met you. As you spoke your piece and listened to mine. To how you are taken back to your youth and recall days long past with such a longing and bare countenance. And… as you were earlier this evening when you turned your words against me.”
“I’m sorry for that. I shouldn’t have…”
He shook his head. “I’m not saying you’re wrong, Treasure. Or that my feelings were hurt during the encounter. Believe me I’ve heard much worse. In fact, I bring it up again to preface that you may not like to hear what I’m about to say, as it falls in the same vein.”
They exhaled. “I was being defensive. And maybe childish. I want to hear what you have to say. Even if I don’t agree with it. Your opinion at least deserves to be heard.”
“You’re, again, too kind, my dear. I am unsure if that is endearing or something to be worried for.”
“It’s the life I choose to live.”
“And I’ll respect that wish.”
He held out his hand. Treasure placed theirs within his. Leaning down he lifted their hand and kissed the back of it. Eyes locked on them as he did so.
As they watched, they felt a change ripple through the air. They couldn’t place the feeling but knew it to be tied to the man in front of them now.
As Porter righted himself, he held onto their palm.
“Treasure, do you know why I call you as such?”
They shake their head.
“A treasure shines and sparkles for all the world to see. It only gets that way sometimes because of the hardship and strife it has had to endure. You have been hardened and shaped into the remarkable person you are now.”
Porter exhales. “You may despise me for saying it, but I’ll say it again. Your friends suck. Trying to muddy the natural luster your aura exudes. For their benefit? Out of jealousy? Perhaps not. But they are stifling. Suffocating. Hiding a diamond in the rough.”
He placed his free hand against their cheek. “But I couldn’t help but take notice of you. The precious gem that you are. How priceless you are. How much you weathered to be the type of person you are today.”
They looked down. “Since we’re repeating sentiment…You can’t possibly know who I am nor what I’ve been through.”
“But I can. And whether you choose to believe me is your choice to make. It’s in your eyes. Eyes are the gateway into the soul. Into a person’s very nature and being. I could see your efforts reflected back through them.” His voice drops to almost a whisper. “Eyes so very much like my own. Showing me someone I choose to care for. And someone worth caring for.”
They exhaled harshly. “How can you possibly say you care about me when we just met?”
“I’m a simple man, Treasure. A man who has lived many years outside the normal cycle. I know what I like. And I know what I want. Both apply to you.”
Their eyes came back to his, narrowing slightly. “You’re asking me to trust your feelings. Someone I’ve only known a handful of days. Someone who tells me my friends are my enemy, yet you care more than them. Who I’ve known for years.”
“Time can be a burden. Especially if one places restrictions on that which one truly desires. Why wait to tell you the inevitable that my mind and my heart have both come into agreement towards.”
They laugh bitterly. “Why spring this on me now? I…If you said you wanted more time with me…why act like this is something that has to happen now?”
“I suppose it doesn’t. And I suppose it’s by my own selfish nature that I say this to you now. As someone who never knows if the next day will be his last. Or the next time he will see others again. This is all for my benefit. Because I want you to know. This isn’t the norm. But, I’d say our relationship is anything but normal.”
Treasure crossed their arms over their chest. Quietly looking off into the distance.
Porter continued. “I won’t pressure or convince you to accept my feelings. And I won’t hold you accountable in turn. If you are uncomfortable, you are free to go. We are free to part. And I will never come near you again if you so choose.”
“What about my memories?”
“After so long, the memories pass from short term to long term. And there’s little I can do to erase every presence of me from your mind. But, even if I could…I wouldn’t. I…trust you. Your memories are yours to keep.”
They stood there. Silent but for the distant sounds of the music and giggling of children.
Treasure turned back, looking at Porter.
They watched him. Searching him over. For what, he did not know.
They closed the distance. Their face an unreadable mask as they approached.
Before throwing their arms around him.
“What is this?” Porter asked, confusion in his tone.
“Who knows. I don’t know why I do half the stuff I do. I just thought you could use a hug.”
“Very presumptuous. But not unwanted.” Wrapping his arms around them, he rested his head in the crook of their neck. Exhaling deep. He laughs. “I can’t really recall when last I had a hug like this.”
Treasure held him tighter. “I do.”
“Hmm?”
“I do care about you. And that’s what kinda scares me. I’ve never had feelings this fast before. Let alone with someone who was supposed to be a passing fling. I keep thinking, what if I had walked away from you that night?”
“Do you regret it? Not taking the opportunity to leave things as they were?”
They pulled back, looking him in the eyes. “No. Because…I feel like you’re someone worth knowing. Even if it’s not right now. I do want to know more about you, Porter. Good and bad.”
“The magical world is a dangerous place. That especially rings true of vampire kind.”
“I don’t care about that. I want to know you. Separate from vampires, or your house, or things you’ve done since stepping into that world. One day. I want to know who Porter is.”
He holds onto their hand. “I assume that means we’re in this for the long haul. I think one day you may just get your wish. And I look forward to learning more about you in the interim. My only desire… is for you to give yourself more credit on how extravagant you truly are. And for you to afford yourself the respect you deserve.”
Treasure gazed at those silver orbs of his. Lost in the familiarity that they had become so accustomed to seeing.
“I hope you do as well.”