Tasting Andrew

Andrew sat intensely sketching in his notebook quietly in his dorm room. Surprisingly, since the opening night of DRACULA, Nick had been keeping to himself, much to the relief of Andrew. Obviously, the united front of Vlad, Victor, and Joe had persuaded Nick to cease his obnoxious behavior.

A knock at the door interrupted Andrew's work and slightly startled him. He went to door.

"Hey, buddy," called out Joe from behind the closed door.

Andrew opened the door for his friend and Joe tumbled in with a pair of cowboy boots and hat in his arms.

"I found you a costume for the party tonight," Joe announced proudly. "You just need jeans and a plaid shirt and you will ready to ride." Andrew chuckled at his friend's enthusiasm.

"Now you have no excuse," continued Joe. "You have to go the after-show party tonight. Becca and Vlad invited us so we got to show up."

"OK. Ok.," sighed Andrew relenting to Joe's persuasion.

"So what are you wearing?" Inquired Andrew as he took the cowboy hat and boots. Joe grinned.

"You will see tonight," replied Joe.

" I will meet there then," stated Andrew, "I have some work to get finished and then I will be there."

"You promise?" Joe prodded to make certain that Andrew was not backing out.

"I promise," responded Andrew.

Victor’s house.

I stood on my porch as the dusk descended upon the multitude of costumed youth that infested the neighborhood in search of treats. I was grateful to have laid in a bounty of candy to distribute.

I decided to sit outside on my porch this evening since the weather was mild with the exception of brief gusts of wind that rustled the dying leaves among the trees in my yard and along my street and the skies that were showing the first signs of the approaching the storms. The weather would be taking a turn late tonight as an front would bring thunderstorms and a precipitous drop in temperatures heralding our slide towards winter.

"Trick or treat!" Came the gleeful shouts of two girls climbing the steps onto my porch, accompanied by a familiar police officer, DJ. The littlest girl was dressed as a pink fairy but she also wore her father's police cap. The older girl was dressed in a large white lab coat, way too large pair of eyeglass frames, and stethoscope around her neck.

"Happy Halloween, ladies," I greeted the girls. DJ smiled and nodded to me. "And who do we have here? A doctor and a fairy."

"I am police fairy," corrected the youngest. "I keep the bad fairies from doing bad things." I chuckled at her explanation. DJ just nodded his head and grinned at his youngest daughter's explanation.

"Uncle Victor, mama wanted me to give you a hug from her, announced the oldest girl as she stepped forward and tackled me.

"Where is your mom?" I inquired as the youngest girl joined in the exuberant hug.

"Patience is passing out candy at our house so I took the girls out before I had to go in for my shift," explained DJ.

"You working tonight?" I asked with a note of concern.

"Daddy, you need to hug Uncle Victor, too" insisted the police fairy. The girls released me and DJ came in for big bear hug.

"You be careful tonight," I softly so the girls would not hear. "Something doesn’t feel right."

DJ nodded affirmatively to my message.

I released DJ and turned my attention to his daughters waiting patiently with their treat bags open. I reached into the candy bucket and retrieved a handful for each of the girls.

“But, for my special girls, I have a surprise for each of you,” I added as I then displayed the two little stuffed bears that I had purchased especially for them. Each bear was dressed as a police officer. “Everyone needs someone to look after them while they are sleeping.” The girls grabbed the bears squealing in delight and hugging them tightly. DJ smiled at me appreciatively.

“They look like Daddy!” the youngest exclaimed.

“Yep,” I agreed. “That way you can feel like your dad is always with you. Always.”

“What do you say, girls?” prodded DJ.

“Thank you, Uncle Vic,” the girls enthusiastically replied in unison.

The wind took the opportunity to gust rather strongly stirring the fallen leaves already on the ground and to shake loose a shower of even more.

“I better get you girls home,” remarked DJ as he scanned the sky. The wind felt though as if it was blowing in something more than just approaching storm. DJ looked at me with his concerned eyes. “Thanks, Vic. We’ll be safe.” DJ herded his daughters down off my porch and out into the parading trick-or-treaters. The festivities were beginning to settle down as everyone sensed that the evening was turning unpleasant.

I returned to my perch and passed out a few more handfuls of candy then decided to indulge myself with a candy bar. Just as it seemed that trick-or-treating responsibilities had reached their conclusion, I saw the silhouette of a cowboy strolling up the sidewalk toward my house. I grinned.

“Andrew,” I called out. “Aren’t you a little old for trick-or-treating?”

Andrew laughed and flashed his irresistible smile at me as he bounded up the steps to the porch.

“I am heading out to the after-show party tonight,” Andrew explained. “Joe has been badgering me to go. And then Becca texted me a little while ago. So, I guess I am going.”

“Nice costume,” I commented as my eyes did take in how handsome of a cowboy that Andrew made.

“Joe found this,” explained Andrew. “I wanted to drop by first and ask you about something.”

Andrew retrieved a folded page of sketch paper from his pocket and handed it to me. He eyed the half empty bowl of candy bars. I noticed his interest as I took the paper and unfolded it.

“Please help yourself,” I offered. “I don’t need them laying around the house for sure.” Andrew retrieved a candy bar and unwrapped it as I studied his sketch.

I had half-expected another Halloween caricature, but the page contained several studies of a symbol. It was a simple icon comprised of an arc or quarter moon with three jagged slashes running parallel from upper right across the arc to the lower left. It was crude symbol, but seemed to exude power in its violent simplicity and for me some distant familiarity. I searched my memory but could not exactly recollect when or where I had seen this symbol exactly. But it was familiar and it was not friendly.

“Where did you see this?” I asked. Andrew looked at me with concerned eyes.

“In a dream I had or that I have been having,” explained Andrew as he was chewing on his chocolate nut bar. “I don’t remember much from the dream, but flashes and fragments. It is dark and there is firelight from a castle burning. I can sense lots of violence and lots of death. And there is this symbol.”

“May I keep this?” I asked Andrew. “I will do some searching and maybe make some inquiries with a few friends.”

“Thanks, Victor,” mumbled Andrew as he chewed the last of his candy bar. “It doesn’t feel like those threatening dreams like I used to have. It is like something that has already happened, like a long time ago, but there is some kind of message to it.”

“So, the threatening dreams have stopped?” I prodded.

“Yes,” Andrew answered calmly. “Not for awhile since we have been talking and since I have found some friends.”

“I am glad,” I responded. Andrew grabbed another candy bar.

“You have any big plans for tonight? Maybe going out for a bite?” teased Andrew. I grinned and shook my head.

“I believe that I will be dining in later,” I replied with a mischievous wink. Andrew was aware that I had “friends” who satisfied my needs. If one day, Andrew became one of those kinds of friends then I would not be averse to the possibility. But for now, being in his company seemed to be the natural order of things.

“I best be going,” Andrew said as he checked his watch and then snatched another candy bar to take with him.

“We will chat again soon,” I promised as Andrew beamed one more of his handsome smiles. The wind fluttered the sketch paper in my hand. “Have a good time tonight.”

“You too,” Andrew responded. “Don’t load up on too many sweets tonight.” He chuckled and then turned to leave. I watched the young man saunter off into the night. Another gust of wind rushed through the yard and upon this wind I sensed the presence of another predator of my kind. I looked about the street for any indication from whence this scent might be originating but could not determine its source.

I pocketed the sketch paper and gathered up the candy bowl and with one last searching glance across the neighborhood I then retreated into my home to prepare for Paul’s arrival in a few hours.

Nearby Victor’s Home

Rolf had kept his distance appropriately out of range of Victor, but within view of the scene playing out on the porch of Victor’s home. Rolf took a keen interest in studying the young man in the cowboy hat who had paid a short visit to his rival. Victor seemed to especially take a keen interest in this young man as was visible from their friendly exchange but also from the intelligence that had been supplied to him from reliable sources. Rolf licked his lips in anticipation of taking this boy. Rolf watched patiently as Victor surveyed the neighborhood then a few minutes later entered his house. Rolf imagined satisfying possibilities of seducing and sacrificing this boy to his lust and hunger and simultaneously sending a threatening message to Victor which would throw this quiet college town into chaos. And for Rolf, chaos was the most delicious product of the entire planned experience.

10 pm Victor’s Home

I heard the slam of my door opening in my home. Ah, right on time, Paul.

I flew to the sound of the noise and found Paul standing threateningly in the midst of my dark kitchen brandishing one of my butcher knifes. Paul stood as perfect model of raw, violent masculine power dressed in torn jeans and tight wifebeater t-shirt which highlighted his muscular torso and powerful legs achieved from years of manual labor. His unshaven face sneered in predatory power. Lightening from the powerful storm that had descended upon our town flashed providing me arousing glimpses of Paul’s physique and his posturing to be the menacing intruder as part of our planned roleplay. It had been a while since I had fed and my body reacted accordingly as my fangs extended. I snarled.

“Oh, fuck,” growled Paul within his character upon seeing my fanged countenance exposed in a lightening flash. Thunder growled hungrily and the wind howled. Our masquerade commenced.

The dressing rooms backstage at the University Auditorium.

Vlad had carefully hung up his DRACULA costume for the final time. The experience had been extremely exciting and also extremely exhausting. He was the last of the male cast members in the dressing as usual. Vlad felt a sense of duty in assuring that the dressing room was tidy and secure. Hopefully this diligence would pay off in dividends when he entered the work of professional theatre. His family had a long history of being famed storytellers and actors and they rallied around his pursuit, especially his beloved Baba. Something about Professor Browning had triggered Vlad’s thoughts of his family storytelling legacy which included heroic tales of historical valor but also some very fantastical narratives of curses and undead creatures.

A gentle knock on the partially opened dressing room door drew Vlad’s attention. Framed in the doorway was Becca, now dressed in as Alice from the Wonderland. She was innocently beautiful in contrast to the erotically charged bride of Dracula. Vlad blushed as he realized he was staring.

“Are you sure that you won’t come to the party?” pleaded Becca, but she recognized that the answer would be no. Vlad had poured so much into the portrayal of the Prince of Darkness that he was emotionally and physically drained. During the second performance, he had slipped on a slick spot onstage while doing one of his athletic lunges during the final fight scene twisted his leg painfully. Luckily, Vlad did receive any permanent injury thankfully—just a little tenderness in calf muscle. It was discovered later that the slick spot was some errant fake blood which had probably dripped from one of the wooden stakes that were carried by one of the three suitors to Lucy during the final scene. Nick had insisted that the gorier the stakes were, then the better. Becca realized that going to a dance party into the early hours of the morning was probably not the best idea for Vlad.

“I am sorry, Becca,” Vlad apologized. “I think I am completely worn out with Halloween.”

“Now that the play is over,” explained Becca wistfully. “And we don’t really cross paths in our classes. Uh, I wondered when we might.”

“I would love for you to come over anytime for tea,” invited Vlad also feeling the descending realization that their reasons for spending so much time together were dwindling as this production was ending. “Consider it a standing invitation. And tell you what, tomorrow evening, Baba is cooking a big dinner for me. I would love for you to come over.”

Vlad was now standing close to Becca as he looked down at her adoringly.

“Well, if you change your mind then I will see you at the party,” offered Becca. “Alice could have really used someone to defend her from the Jabberwocky.”

“Ah, my Lady Alice,” pronounced Vlad with a playful bow taking her hand. “I would have gladly accompanied you to the ball, but I cannot. As for the Jabberwocky, I would gladly run it the beast through with my sword to protect you.”

Becca giggled and Vlad kissed her extended hand. The kiss upon her hand was not rushed and Becca found herself somewhat flushed.

“Tomorrow evening for dinner, my white knight,” reminded Becca of his promise.

“And tea at my place, anytime,” added Vlad. Then Becca was gone and Vlad was alone.

He gave one final examination of the dressing room and then exited turning off the light and in to the hallway leading out of the theatre’s backstage access. As he approached the door, Vlad heard a noise from back toward the dressing rooms.

“Everybody out?” He shouted into the darkness. There was only silence and cold chill in the air. He pulled his jacket in tight. A distance rumble of thunder from the passing storm broke the silence. Satisfied that no one remained in the theatre, Vlad exited into the night and the aftermath of the powerful storm that had pushed through the town.

Jeremiah’s House. Dauphin Island, Alabama

The last of the rowdy trick-or-treaters had vacated the neighborhood and the night was quiet. Jason was stretched out on one of the lounge chairs on the deck and Jeremiah sat nearby sipping a beer. Jeremiah had talked Jason into hanging out at the beach for the Halloween evening and persuaded him to wear his security uniform to “keep in light the rowdy trick-or-treaters”. The kids actually got a kick out of Jason engaging with them playfully warning them to “taking only two pieces of candy” and “not to eat all of their loot before bedtime.” The interaction with the children and their parents had been fun and therapeutic for Jason whose previous experience on a Halloween night many years ago had put him completely off of the holiday.

Jeremiah was glad to have Jason around for the evening. Solitude was overrated. Although the relationship between the two men was purely non-sexual, Jeremiah would occasionally wonder what the experience would be like with Jason. From every indication that door was closed as Jason was working through the loss of Rick and Jeremiah respected that boundary. Jason had shared the details with Jeremiah of his latest dream which underlined the current situation with Jason’s heart and mind. The words from Jason’s mom in his dream resonated with Jeremiah---"One will help you understand your place in what is to come and the other may even fill the painful hole in your heart.” Jason had told Jeremiah of his presence there but also of another like him who Jason could not really identify.

The two men had been sitting silently watching the moonlight play across the Gulf and enjoying the soothing sounds of the crashing waves. Jason let out a soft snore and Jeremiah turned to discover that the man had fallen into a peaceful sleep. The night was not unpleasant but the breeze off the water was getting cool. Jeremiah grabbed a nearby blanket and covered Jason. He then strolled over to the edge of the deck. A lone jogger was approaching from the distance. Jeremiah recognized the man as Mark. He and his partner owned a house down the beach and would winter down here at the Gulf over the winter. Jeremiah had enjoyed Mark’s and his partner’s company on several invigorating occasions. Fortunately, Jeremiah was attired in his usual relaxing evening clothes consisting of gym shorts and a t-shirt and he bounded down to the beach to meet up with the approaching Mark for hopefully a quick but fulfilling encounter.

Victor’s Home

“Please, man, I promise that if you let me go that I won’t be back here again,” Paul pleaded as I had tied him naked to the bed. I had followed through on their planned roleplay and viciously turned the tables on the intruder Paul and had been rewarded with a taste of the man before subduing him into his bedroom. I descended upon Paul’s writhing body and targeted my attention to the man’s panting chest. I growled in full predator mode as I licked and bit Paul’s sensitive nips sending the man into writhing moans.

The doorbell rang breaking the scene. Both Paul and I looked at each other in surprise.

“Rather late for trick-or-treaters,” Paul grumbled.

I grabbed a pair of shorts and my discarded shirt trying to quickly dress as the doorbell repeated.

“I’m coming!” I shouted so as to let the impatient visitor know that I was on his way.

“Well, hopefully not yet,” commented Paul with a grin.

I bounded out of the room toward the stairs.

“I’ll just wait here,” teased Paul. “Not like I can go anywhere.”

“One more word and I will use the ball gag,” I warned.

“You promise?” inquired Paul in glee.

I arrived at the door, looked through the peephole, and was surprised by the sight. I flung open the door for my old friend.

“Yagna!” I exclaimed. This must have been the presence that I had felt earlier in the evening.

“Namaste,” greeted my handsome friend as his dark eyes twinkled and a broad smile decorated his slightly bearded face.

“Namaste,” I returned the greeting with the proper slight bow then we hugged tightly. I offered Yagna entry into my home.

“Is everything ok, buddy?” came a shout from my bedroom upstairs. Yagna looked slightly embarrassed.

“I am terribly sorry, Victor,” apologized Yagna. “I have interrupted your evening. I should have called.”

“No, don’t be,” I assured my friend. “I was just entertaining a friend. I would love for you to join us.” Yagna sniffed politely catching the scent of Paul upon my body.

“He smells delicious,” remarked Yagna.

“He is very,” I added. “There is plenty to share.” I led Yagna up to my bedroom where Paul waited still restrained on my bed. His eyes widened as he saw Yagna enter with me. After a few quick introductions and full intentions were made, Yagna and I quickly became reacquainted as we stripped each other. Paul watched excitedly. This was to be a new experience for him since only he and I had played together and his body was betraying his excitement. Yagna and I joined the restrained Paul on the bed and began the experience.

The After-show Party for DRACULA

“What do you think?” shouted Joe at Becca as he displayed his gladiator costume amid the crowded warehouse that had been converted into a party zone to accommodate what was truly the largest Halloween celebration that the university community had experienced. Joe swayed a little unsteadily as he did a turn showing off what was truly an authentic looking gladiator costume.

“That is rather impressive,” admitted Becca. Joe struck a dashing figure in the tight leather vest and skirt which provided a view of his massive legs and his broad furry chest. His mop of black hair had been crowned with a massive replica of a centurion helmet.

“Have you seen Andrew?” questioned Joe as he scanned the crowded floor. The dark and the flashing lights and the pounding beat of the music rattled the senses. “Added to the several beers that Joe had swallowed while waiting for Andrew, Joe’s perception was rapidly deteriorating.

“Hey, Joe!” came a shout above the din of the music and mass of gyrating humanity as Andrew the Cowboy finally arrived at the party. “Sorry that I am late, buddy!” Joe gave Andrew a huge drunken, but bone crushing hug. “Wow, you look really amazing,” commented Andrew as he took in the full effect of Joe’s costume. “Great costume.” Joe clung unsteadily to Andrew.

“I got caught out in that storm and then I got lost,” explained Andrew.

“I thought you weren’t gonna make it,” stated Joe.

“What?” shouted Andrew unable to make out Joe’s last statement.

“I think I’m kinda drunk,” added Joe and he giggled.

“Yes, buddy, I think you might be,” agreed Andrew as Joe still clung to him.

Becca nodded in agreement.

“I just had a few beers,” assured Joe. “And…and…a few cups of that green stuff.” Joe pointed towards the big table nearby that was filled with assorted snacks and a huge punchbowl of green liquid that almost glowed.

“How about I take you home, Joe” suggested Andrew with concern about the deteriorating condition of his friend.

“That would sweet,” agreed Joe. “It’s awfully hot in here, isn’t.”

“Yes, probably so,” insisted Andrew taken control of the situation. “Let’s go and get some air.”

Andrew turned his attention to Becca. “I am so sorry, Becca. I think I need to get him home while he is still upright. But thanks for the invite.” Andrew gave Becca a quick hug and then turned his attention to steering Joe to the door.

Rolf stalked among the throng of party goers in search of the cowboy. The storm had hampered his plans and he had lost track of the boy. Rolf sensed that he was here. The building was packed with a veritable buffet of healthy young women and men, but his hunter instincts were honed for one particular prey. Rolf caught sight of the cowboy engaged in conversation with pretty blonde girl dressed as Alice in Wonderland and big, strapping lad in a gladiator costume. Then the lights and the pressing crowd blocked his view.

“Hey, Alice, You want to eat me?” was the shout that turned Becca’s attention behind her to confront Nick still dressed in his Quincey the cowboy costume from the play.

“Fuck off, Nick,” responded Becca as she turned to go. Nick grabbed her arm. She was about to spin around with a slap across Nick’s face when the flash of black cape caught her eye.

“Vlad?” she called hopefully. The figure dressed in the vampire costume turned and revealed himself. In anticipation of seeing Vlad, Becca looked straight into the face of the figure. But this man was not Vlad. His cold eyes and sharp features sent a chill into her blood. The figure pulled Nick’s hand away from Becca and looked deep into the young man’s eyes. The man appeared to be completely disinterested in Becca’s presence there and leaned in to Nick speaking in his ear. Whatever the man said, Nick only responded with a nod. Then the figure guided Nick away from Becca and into the throng.

The flashing lights, the loud music, and now this strange encounter had accumulated in Becca’s determination that the time had come to leave the party. Once outside the building, Becca pulled out her phone and texted: Hey, U still up?

A reply was almost immediate: Yes. Having tea. Want to join me?

Becca tapped her reply: Love to. CYS.