The Park, post-turning.

The park was dead quiet.

That, Phaedra reasoned, was how it should be, at any rate. The witches, the wolf, the necromancer, the vampires... all gone.

Just her, just Lindsey.

She was leaving the next move up to him; even if it had been three centuries ago, Phaedra remembered how being turned had felt. She was still confused as to the whys and hows, and really, really would have to have a sit-down with "Sean," if she could stomach it without trying to sever his head.

She blinked wet green eyes at Lindsey.

"Are you... okay?"

Lindsey thought about it, and shrugged. "I'm ali-," he stopped, corrected himself. "Not bleeding out on the ground, so yeah. M'ok." He gently took her hand, wanting nothing more than to kiss her, forget about everything else.

He just didn't know if she'd let him.

I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry.... Dark eyebrows knitted together. He'd almost said 'alive.'

Phaedra licked absently at her lower lip, feeling the difference in his touch already. Not a huge difference, not yet. Still warm, still softer than she was; he was younger, he'd always be that.

She swallowed. "Did he give you a choice?"

The words were a little choked, eyes searching his.

He nodded, keeping his eyes on hers. He let the image swim to the surface of his mind, showing her Sean kneeling in the grass beside him, offering him the choice, offering his wrist.

He was tryin' ta fix what Saerian did, darlin'. Ain't no cause to be blamin' him. He reached up, cupping her cheek softly, noting the differences in how she felt, in how...everything felt.

Phaedra saw it, caught it like a ball. Sean had actually been very careful--the antithesis of Saerian. She nodded gently.

She shut her eyes at the touch, hair falling into her face, over Lindsey's hand, turning her head a bit into the caress.

"I don't blame him," she whispered.

Everything just changed. That's all. "Are you afraid?"

"Terrified." Lindsey admitted, laughing softly.

Are we...we ok, darlin'? He asked, nervously, reassured by the way she nuzzled into his hand.

Her eyes opened, and she laughed, an honest smile taking over her face and reaching her eyes. Phaedra smirked, taking Lindsey's hand, holding it, and taking a step toward him.

"Gets easier, ves'tacha," she said, getting lost again in the blueness of his eyes. One eyebrow raised, and for a second, she was able to forget that she was covered in blood and far too exposed for her liking.

Hai*, she told him, nodding. He did something I wouldn't have done, but...

Pale fingers brushed across his hand, still holding it. She smiled a little sadly at Lindsey, but then the smile got brighter. She'd probably feel guilty for a very long time, about the part she'd played in all of this, in the loss of Lindsey's human life. But...

"...He made us equals," she said, eyes playful.


::*Roma for 'yes.'::

"That he did." He murmured, a teasing smile curving his lips now, at last. He cupped her face in his hands, dipping his head, stopping just an inch short of her lips, pausing.

You gon' punch me if I kiss you now? he asked, still smiling gently. He knew it was unlikely, but still.

Phaedra smirked. "Not that long ago, you stood pretty much where you are now and asked the same thing."

She was dimly aware that she should not be smiling, that she should be mourning him. There had been a death, after all, even if Lindsey was still standing. There had been loss.

But right now, after being controlled, used... Phaedra couldn't grieve.

Only if you want me to.

Lindsey laughed, the sound musical and light, his smile splitting his face in two.

"That I did."

Oh, no. Definately not. He dipped his head, gently brushed their lips together, but it couldn't stay soft for long. The kiss was fierce and bruising, hungry, making up for the last day, what they had lost.

This was going to be interesting. The laugh was different; it was a vampire's laugh, now. It was colder, more musical.

The smile made her melt. Phaedra managed to forget the last day or so, completely, and smile back, chin lifting to meet his lips.

Fierce was probably an understatement. Phaedra had never kissed another vampire--yet another first, involving Lindsey--let alone one that likely matched her in power.

They could bruise each other.

Her tongue slid between his lips, moving carefully, pressing her lips closer. She felt the fangs.

And instead of getting upset, of being hurt by what her involvement had meant, she pulled Lindsey closer, pressing the rest of his body to her.

Lindsey groaned, tugging her close against him, hands curling into her arms, bare and smooth against his skin. Those hands slid down her body, over the curve of her ass, the short short skirt, barely ghosting over her thighs before sliding back up, cupping her ass and pulling her forward, hard.

He kissed her hungrily, fangs a little awkward, accidentally nicking his tongue on his own teeth. The slight tang of blood nearly had his knees buckling, hunger rising swiftly inside him.

The grip was different, Phaedra could feel it. Where before, she could have shrugged Lindsey off, could've just thrown him had she wanted to, that was never going to be an option again.

And she didn't care.

A smile curved her lips; she knew he'd bitten himself, and she'd seen the reaction, felt the reaction in him. Barely an inch from his face, Phaedra raised an eyebrow, one hand sliding between their bodies and resting on his chest. Staying here much longer was going to be bad.

She remembered saying the next part before, too. Want to get out of here?

Oh, God yes... His hands were almost trembling now, need and hunger warring inside him, Lindsey not sure which one was going to win. And then he looked at Phaedra again, and he knew.

Your room?

Phaedra nodded, backing away from him and taking his hand. There was a fleeting thought that she should run, like the first time, see if he could catch her... but she didn't run. If Lindsey thought it was a good idea, he could tell her. He could read her now.

It occured to Phaedra that she was going to have to find a more permanent place to live, especially considering the most recent events. She'd worry about that later. For now, she started walking him out of the park, high heeled boots clicking on pavement, suddenly very aware of how little clothing she was wearing.

Phaedra smirked, light that was close to evil dancing in her eyes. Lindsey was hungry. She could see it. She could almost feel it. "Come on," she said. "You look like you..."

The smirk became a grin. "Need."

Lindsey staggered a little, almost, the low note in her voice making him shiver. He grinned darkly, flashing fangs, lacing their fingers together.

Wanna see just what this body can do... was her only warning, and then they were off. He ran; but 'run' was such a poor word for what they were doing now, 'flying' was closer to the truth. Streets blurred, and it was less than moments before they were at Phaedra's door.

Well, that answered that.

It was nice to be able to run like this, not to worry about Lindsey keeping up, or getting tired. Phaedra could get used to his. Very used to it. There was a fleeting pang of guilt, and she knew that without her, without him having met her, Lindsey'd still be breathing.

They were at her door, and she opened it, watching him. Actually, it was more of pushing the door open by leaning on it. Phaedra was studying Lindsey's face, back to the door, as she keyed the lock and turned the knob. When the door swung inward, she went with it, biting at her lower lip.

Alright. Let's see what you can do.

Rarely, if ever, did Phaedra ever give anyone a free pass like that. She bet Lindsey knew that.

Lindsey pushed the door shut as he reached for her, ripping the clothes *He'd* bought her from her body with one fluid movement.

He was out of his own clothes in moments, grabbing her hard, kissing her like he'd die if they stopped. He picked her up, throwing her onto the bed, moving across the room, flowing up onto the bed, lying over her with a low groan.

How'm I doin'?

Her eyebrow arched at the tearing; Phaedra was amused. She didn't like the clothes, either, and she more than understood Lindsey's reaction to them. But the violence of the action, the fact that he could now do something like that, tear fabric like tissue paper, amused her.

Phaedra had never seen anyone she'd known as a human become a vampire. This was beyond impressive; it was mind-blowing.

In another instant, she was kissing him, fiercely, her own need and want for him growing every second.

Then, she was thrown--and she laughed. Up till now, the only time she'd ever been thrown like a doll was by a vampire older and stronger than she was--and there weren't many of those. She landed with a soft thump on the bed, looking up at Lindsey with wide green eyes.

"So far," she said, a hand running down his bare back, "so good."

Lindsey grinned, weight on his arms as he kissed her, letting their lower bodies press against one another, grinding his hips in a sloooow circle against hers. He nipped and sucked at her lips, managing not to scratch her or break skin, low moan slipping free as he shifted.

Phaedra shut her eyes, and for a second, she conned herself into believing nothing had changed.

The slight bite of her lips brought her back, and brought a small gasp from her. The teeth weren't the same teeth that bit at her lip a mere few days ago. These were sharper, these were weapons, like hers.

She was impressed all over again; for someone with so much raw hunger, Lindsey was keeping himself fairly under control.

In response, Phaedra bit at his lower lip, drawing it into her mouth gently.

I don't have to be gentle with you anymore. A pale hand traced down his chest, teasing, as she nipped his lip. And she drew blood.

Lindsey nearly sobbed as his own blood hit his tongue, grinding down against her, low whine in his throat.

Need...</i> He was practically humping her leg by now, teeth catching and pulling at her lip, a little less careful now.

Alright, so she was having a little fun with him, pushing his buttons a little. No one ever accused Phaedra of being a saint.

Her eyes started to bleed to that otherworldy green as Lindsey bit at her, making a small tear in her lower lip.

Yes, need...

Bare skin on bare skin was more than enough, especially when that skin was suddenly like satin. Phaedra's eyelids fluttered, mouth opening in a moan, hands grabbing at Lindsey below the waist now.

...need you.

Lindsey lapped hungrily at that small cut, low growling moan caught in his throat as she moved against him, clutching and pulling.

He shifted, slowly sinking in to her, shaking just a little, still. So different from before, and yet so achingly familiar.

"Oh...God..."

Phaedra gasped, blinking, hands grabbing at Lindsey and pulling him toward her, kissing him until he spoke, then giving him a seductive smile.

"Pretty sure..." her eyes widened, and her words got lost. "...he has nothing to do with it."

There was a loud moan, and a fierce kiss, and disbelief. Lindsey was never a weakling; but now, Phaedra felt strength in ever tiny movement, every gesture. He was coping remarkably well... and she wondered if that was real, or just...

Are you alright, ves'tacha?

I will be... He nuzzled at her jaw, the slope of her neck, lips pressed against her throat. He thrust forward, hard, his hands curling into the bedsheets, aware of every thread in the sheets, pressing against his hands, how easy it would be to rip and tear and rend.

A mortal woman would be in pain from this. Phaedra wondered for about half a second if she'd hurt Lindsey since she'd known him, without realizing it.

But coherent thought didn't stay long. Phaedra had always reacted strongly to lips on her neck, even if they were just pressing kisses to her skin. Now, though, she knew that there were fangs behind those lips.

She dropped her head to the side, baring her neck to Lindsey, mouth and eyes open as a sound like a purr passed her lips.

...can I? Oh God, she smelled so good...Lindsey rubbed his face against her throat, nipping gently, almost incongruous considering the way his hips slammed into her, not bothering to hold back.

Phaedra moaned, eyes closing, hands pulling Lindsey toward her roughly, pulling the back of his neck to her neck.

"I'm yours," she breathed, voice barely a whisper.

And that was true, along with something she'd never said or felt before.

It'll make you even stronger, she told him, hand pulling on his hair, nerve endings dancing all over her body.

Lindsey's lips parted in a snarl, head pulling back a little, teeth bared as he sunk his fangs into her neck. He thrust into her, harder, hard enough that she'd have had broken bones if she'd been human. As it was, it was hard, and fast, and so fucking perfect that he never wanted it to stop.

Moaning, he swallowed mouthful after mouthful of her blood, hot and rich and intoxicating, his mind spinning as he drank from her.

Phaedra was beginning to understand what people meant when they said they "lost themselves" in something.

Eyes closed, the bite made her growl, and the growl turned into a long, throaty moan. It'd been years since another vampire had done this, and even then, it wasn't like this. It was chaste, and done to heal. This...

Hands tangled in Lindsey's hair. Somewhere, in the back of her mind, she was glad for the change, and she hated herself a little for it.

She also knew she'd have to stop him eventually, or the telepathic link would close.

But not yet.

Lindsey shuddered at that growl, hips twitching deep inside her, as if trying to push deeper, lips sealed tight against her throat as he drank. Images flashed across his mind's eye, and it took Lindsey a moment to realise they were coming from Phaedra.

A gypsy camp, sparring with her brothers. getting the tattoo on her wrist. Saerian, the way he looked when he turned her, so different from the young Irishman that had turned Lindsey.

Her father giving her the daggers when she was barely old enough to marry, because she knew how to use them; Drac singing; chasing Angelus back to camp, and knowing without a doubt she was going to get him...the images almost overwhelmed him, dragging him down, each mouthful of blood pulling him in closer, binding them together.

She remembered the feeling, realizing that when she drank blood, she was really drinking a life. That rule didn't stop applying just because it was a preternatural life.

As a fledgeling, blood had almost overwhelmed Phaedra more than once. Things were so clear, in the blood; no lies could be told there, no pretense could be upheld. Everything was simple and honest.

Intoxicating.

A low, almost groaning sound came from parted lips. The images would be rampaging through Lindsey's head, she knew.

And she didn't care.

...ves'tacha.... Her voice would be breathy, even in his head, and thick with her accent. You'll have to stop soon. This... can make us unable to speak like this. Best to do it for a short time.

Nails raked down Lindsey's back, a sigh escaping even as her thoughts were directed toward him.

Lindsey heard her, but it took him a moment to process, to force himself to pull back, low moan of loss as he lapped at the bitemark, gaining every last drop of blood that he could. The slide of nails down his back had him arching, hips pushing into her, that last swallow of blood sweet enough to push him over the edge.

Lips parted, he yelled his release at the ceiling, eyes wide and dark as sensation overwhelmed him.

Her eyebrows furrowed as the bite ended, her face slightly sad, showing loss.

Phaedra watched Lindsey, closely, watched him throw his head back, watched his throat work. She caught site of the fangs as his lips moved back, and a shudder ripped through her.

Much as she didn't want Lindsey in this situation, it really did have its benefits. A second or two after, Phaedra's back arched, stomach lifting off the bed, eyes closed in ecstacy, everything in her body blurring into one long, slow bliss.

Lindsey collapsed against her, panting softly - though that was more habit, and not nearly as hard as he would have been, were he still human. He pressed his face against her shoulder, the sheets below, trying to still his mind.

A slow smile spread across Phaedra's face. He didn't need to pant, or breathe... she hoped he understood that. She kissed his cheek, arms winding around Lindsey's body.

A minute or two later, when she was actually able to form words, Phaedra spoke.

"We're going to have to do that again," she purred, eyebrow arching. "How're you?"

Lindsey was far too comfortable pressed against her; and since he didn't need to breathe, he could get just that little bit closer.

"Mnurgh." Was his rough reply, mouth still pressed against her shoulder.

Maybe when I'm less broken... He thought dryly, smirking a little.

Phaedra laughed, a big, almost cackle.

"I see," she said.

You're not broken, ves'tacha. And anyway, we need to find out what else you can do.

She ran fingers idly through his hair, completely happy and wondering if she should be.

Am so. He insisted, slurring even in his head. You broked me. He laughed, closing his eyes, purring at the slow glide of her fingers through his hair, able to feel and hear as his hair parted around her skin, brushing against each finger.

She laughed again. Being this cute after all that happened, this was out of line.

Even for Lindsey.

"I did not!" Phaedra said, smiling. She sighed contentedly. You drunk on me?

"Mmhmmm." Lindsey nuzzled at her cheek, still smiling broadly. "Y'taste good." He bit her ear playfully, hands roving across her skin, mapping every inch of her. It felt like the first time, like he had to memorise every little thing, learn what it felt like to touch her everywhere.

Phaedra bit her lip. It was somewhat disgusting that a tingle went through her just from Lindsey saying that. She could feel him smiling, his face against hers.

"Gestena," she said, laughter in her voice. She'd be fine if he kept this up until sunrise. Being touched, just touched, was wonderful.

"I think you're in sensory overload," Phaedra said, grinning.

"Probably." He sighed, still grinning. He licked a long trail up her neck, catching the last bits of blood that he'd missed as his fingers drew circles on her ribs.

"Don't care."

Her eyes shut, lids fluttering, and Phaedra was sure that they would bleed to electric green again. She made a small, low noise in her throat--it was official. Lindsey had way too much power over her.

"You're sure you're alright?"

Her eyebrow arched, eyes still closed, and she bit her lip. Her voice had been edging on breathy all over again.

Lindsey sobered a little, some of her worry seeping through the pleasant haze he was wrapped up in.

"I'm...yeah." He nodded slowly. "Take some gettin' used to, y'know..." He cupped her face in his hands, gently, so gently, his thumbs resting on her cheekbones.

I'm here, and I got you. Forever. That makes me more'n alright, no matter what. Ok?

Phaedra's face grew more serious. She hated to ruin a good mood for Lindsey, really hated it-- poor guy hadn't gotten one break since coming here.

"I know," she said, voice careful. Her throat worked. "I remember."

She loved when he held her face in his hands, for some reason. Probably because no one else had ever had the guts for it.

Phaedra closed her eyes for a long moment, then opened them, looking into Lindsey's. Forever was always longer than anyone thought.

She gave him a small smile. Hai.

"You told me... you told me I was going to be bad for you," Phaedra said, careful of where this was headed. She ran her tongue over her lower lip. "You were right."

He kissed her, softly, smiling.

Now I know what 'Vestacha' means... his smile turned a little wicked, having picked up a few words from the memories he'd drunk from her.

"No I wasn't." He murmured. Fuck having a pulse. You make me feel more alive than I have my whole life, darlin'. Wouldn't give it up for the world.

The kiss was sweet, and when Lindsey pulled back, the smile on his face was enough to make her melt.

She gave him back a similar smile. You knew before that. You understood. What else did you get from me, hm?

Her mouth opened at the next words in her head, almost in surprise. Her eyebrow arched.

"Good," Phaedra said. "Because now, you probably can't."

It was true, too. If his blood, his power, was anything like hers, Lindsey probably couldn't die--barring act of God or something like that.

She ran fingers down his back, idly. "You vant to see what you can do?"

Phaedra gave him a conspiratorial smile.

Lindsey grinned wickedly, catching his lower lip between his teeth as he arched slowly, still buried deep inside her. Oh, yeah... He practically purred, thumbs brushing softly against her cheeks as he kissed her again.

Not that she wasn't enjoying herself (and Lindsey's self, for that matter), but that wasn't what Phaedra meant.

She wanted to see what he was capable of--in terms of vampiric senses. She wanted to see how close Sean had gotten to making him like her.

She kissed him back, softly, still unused to the sensation of fangs in his mouth.

Careful. I'll get used to this. Before we find out just how dangerous you are.

Oh, I don't think you'll ever get used to this.. He wriggled with intent, grin wide and utterly wicked. If you do, I'm doin' somethin' wrong...

He pulled back, though, sliding out of her with a shiver and a low groan, sitting on the edge of the bed and reaching for his cigarettes. Habit, more than anything else, but hm. How different would it be?

Phaedra narrowed her eyes, squirming under him. A low gasp came out of her mouth before she could do anything to suppress it. He knew damn well he wasn't doing anything wrong in that department, and she let him know that silently.

"Smartass," she said.

Lindsey sat up, and she propped herself up on one elbow, watching him.

"Yep." He grinned, placing a cigarette between his lips, flicking the lighter, bringing it to the tip of his cigarette. He inhaled, slowly, eyes widening, just a little. Certainly different.

And, annoyingly, less satisfying. Damnit.

Phaedra watched, intrigued. She wondered what the difference would be, since she wasn't a smoker herself.

She read Lindsey's thoughts, not really meaning to. "It's different because you don't need to breathe anymore," she said, reaching out a hand and running it down his bare back. Green eyes looked up at him from where her hand held up her head. There was a slow smile, one that might've scared Lindsey in his previous incarnation. "It's all different."

Want to ask anything?

Lindsey arched into her hand, reaching down to touch her, brush his fingers against her cheek.

"Will I die? Like you do, at dawn?" He asked at last, flicker of fear in his eyes for a moment. He really wasn't looking forward to that; though, not having to leave her side was going to be nice.

Phaedra shut her eyes at the touch, smiling slightly at it.

"I'm not entirely sure, to be honest," she said. "I would think so, since Sean was made by... vell, the Conduit, but the Conduit was me. I think you have the same blood. I'm just not certain."

Her eyebrows raised, both of them. "You're scared," she said. There was a gentle smile. "It's not scary. Not nearly as scary as some of the other things we're capable of."

"I'm going to effectively die for the day, an' you're tellin' me to not be scared?" He murmured, with a wry grin.

"Can we just...lie here for a bit?" He finished his cigarette, stubbing it out and lying back down. His arms reached for her, tugging her close. Just gonna take some gettin' used to, is all.

"The idea of it is scary," Phaedra said, nodding. "But the reality of it is not. It's sleep, ves'tacha. That's all it is."

And I'll be with you.

Her heart almost broke with that thought. God.

"Hai," she said aloud, aware that she hadn't really said that world aloud in centuries.

She leaned into Lindsey as he held her, nestled into his chest. It is, of course it is. But you'll adjust.

Got you here to take care'f me. He smiled, holding her close, kissing her forehead gently.

I get to fall asleep holdin' you now; can't complain about that... He squeezed her gently, their legs tangled as he settled down a little.

Phaedra nodded, head moving only slightly. It made all the difference in the world to have an older vampire take you under their wing when you were new.

She hadn't had that; a lot of vampires never had that.

She smiled at him, slightly, eyes closing, happy.

What else do you want to know, ves'tacha?

Does feeding always feel like that? Or just with you? He nuzzled her hair away from her face, humming softly, body responding a little to the remembered sensations in his head.

Phaedra bit her lower lip into her mouth, the brush of Lindsey's face making her sigh.

"It's... different... with vampires," she said, voice very low, barely a whisper. "Our blood is different."

A dark eyebrow arched, and a slow, slightly wicked smile took over her lips. "But feeding is always..." She sighed again, searching her mind for the words. If Lindsey was tuned into her thoughts, he'd laugh-- a string of Roma words was cast aside, other English words pushed out of the way for not being good enough, accurate enough. "... incredible?"

There aren't words for it, I can't explain it well.

Then show me... His lips were slightly parted against her temple, fangs showing just a little as he smiled.

Do we have time tonight? Or'm I waitin' til tomorrow?

God, this was going to be dangerous...the question made hair on her neck stand up.

Phaedra smiled up at him, a slow, careful smile. She wanted nothing more than to get both of them dressed, and to take Lindsey out hunting and see what he could do. She never killed anymore--not unless it was a job. It wasn't necessary, not when she could just as easily feed and leave people alive. A little here, a little there, more bites, yes, but no bodies.

And Phaedra, at her age, really didn't need to hunt every night.

It's close to dawn, ves'tacha. If it wouldn't be your first time... the careful smile became a seductive one... there would be time. But to teach you, to do this right, we need more time.

Lindsey nodded, grinning.

"Guess we'll jus' have to stay here then..." He murmured, sliding his hands oh-so-slowly down her back.

"What a shame," she said, grinning back at him. One hand rest on his cheek, thumb running back and forth over the skin.

It was getting to be the time of day when Phaedra could feel the sun coming. Didn't matter. Everything was different.