Work Text:
After seventy-seven years together, they had devised stranger methods of survival than most marriages. It happened only a handful of times each year, whenever Armand noticed Louis losing interest in the things that usually made eternity bearable for him. When even the carefully scheduled human meal once a week, the new books stacked beside their bed, the records, the fashions and fleeting trends no longer held his attention, Armand knew it was time to put their game in motion again.
"Go put your running shoes on, my love."
Louis blinked at him slowly, as though waking from a dream.
"Armand, I don’t think—"
"You have sixty minutes. Reach Cayan Tower before I catch you, and I’ll grant you anything you ask of me afterwards."
No matter how many times they played, the thrill remained fresh. For one night, the hunter became prey.
———
Even though Dubai's nightlife was usually lively, the Marina streets were deserted as Louis hurried through them, his heart pounding in his chest. He kept glancing around, searching rooftops, shadows, dark alleyways, reflections in dark windows. Nothing.
He stretched his mind outward, trying to sense Armand while keeping his own thoughts guarded. Was he near? Far?
Nearly fifty minutes in, the tower finally rose ahead of him, twisting against the night sky, so close now.
Louis broke into a sprint, exhilarated. Had he finally managed to outrun Armand for once? He thought he saw something in the corner of his eye, a dark shape moving alongside him. When he turned his head, there was nothing.
Then a crushing weight slammed into his back.
He stumbled and hit the pavement hard. Fingers tangled in his hair and wrenched his head aside. Two sharp teeth brushed his neck.
"Gotcha," Armand whispered, smiling against his skin before sinking his fangs in.