Wesley's excursion to The Vesper Gardens

"Well, I don't really work out because I need to either...sometimes though, I just get...I guess it's like cabin fever...sometimes I just feel the need to really work the old bones and muscles. Maybe if my job was more physical, like your's, I'd feel the same way. I dare say a day of sawing and hammering would get the upper body humming. But it also seems such a shame to let such fantastic equipment such as that found in the Liefde gym, go to waste."

Nic shrugged. It wasn't unusual to meet people who weren't as fond of exercise as he was, and he'd learned long ago to not harp on the subject.

Again he glanced at Wes, and did have to wonder if a good workout routine might benefit him, but because he couldn't very well invite him to use the gym on a regular basis, he let that thought go as well.

"So you all know that I like the ladies, and clubs, and working out...as well as what my aspirations are for the future...how about we all share the spotlight a little...Will...Wes? What do you two see for your futures?"

Wes was a student, and Nic knew the type of medicine he wanted to go into, but was that all...and where exactly did he see himself five years from now. Will as well...had his own shop...was he content to do that the rest of his life...of which Nic was certain was years, and years, and years ahead.

Wesley had done the scoping his life out years before. It was a necessary part of the healing process. One heads in a direction in life and because of insurmountable obstacles one needed to rethink life’s direction. All this he had done.

Wes looked at Will hopeful he would start. But the moment past and he began, “Well I see myself working in a lab some place, probably here in the US, but I’m not apposed to doing something elsewhere. I figure the way the world is changing toward being more integrated and intertwined work can be done anywhere.

I would like to go elsewhere some time after my studies here, to get a different outlook on things, you know?”

"Very admirable of you Wes." Will wondered what kind of a vampire this man would make. He often wondered that of the people he met. He figured that for the most part folks didn't change all that much. He was pretty much the same man he was before Sargento turned him. There were fears and annoyances now that he did not have then, but they did not change him all that much.

"I plan to continue the way I am. I've been doing this since I was a child. I see no reason to change now. My father used to say. If it is not broken, there is no need to tamper with it."

Will was certain that little saying was shortened now, but it didn't matter enough to him to find out the slang.

It seemed both men had good heads on their shoulders and were well focused on the future. Nic could identify with both as well. Looking to Wes he nodded.

"Travel is always good. A person can learn a great deal from visiting different lands and cultures. I've been very fortunate to have had the opportunity and means to see many places around the world, though for now I'm happy staying put. I guess having family and friends and a stable place to call home has become priority now, but I'm sure eventually I'll want to travel again. I think next time it will be for shorter periods though, as I'm finding Nachton a really nice place to live."

The waiter appeared with salads for all, and then retreated to only return again with more bottles of suds. He was very friendly, asking them all if he could get them anything else, and then quietly disappearing again afterwards.

Focusing again on the subject they were discussing, Nic gave Will a nod as well.

"And your father had good advice there, which is one reason why, even going into the hotel business, I'll not give up my investment firm. I've lost a lot of interest in it now, but I've a feeling that's only temporary, and even with me away, the business continues to thrive, and provide me with a handsome living, so I'd be a fool to throw that away."

As Nic began eating his salad, he also began dropping little 'suggestions' into Wes' mind. He needed Wes to be completely agreeable to what was coming later, as the residual side effects would be so much less traumatic that way. Nic needed to feed, but he didn't need his victims to suffer, nor did he want them to.

Focusing his attentions on the other man, he began planting images of the two of them being very friendly. Nic needed to build a foundation of desire in the other man, but a strong desire of friendship, not sex.

'I'm a great guy, Wes...one you find yourself drawn to in an almost brotherly manner...you want to do for me Wes...you want to not only repay me for the dinner now, but you feel you owe me anything I might need...'

Nic stopped for a few minutes, not wanting to overwhelm the man, and picked at his salad. He liked food, but because he didn't need it, he usually only really at the things he loved. Salad...was just filler.

Wes sat smiling, feeling quite comfortably. The suds certainly helped but Nic was now an interest to him. He wanted to possibly tap into his experience in traveling. During his three years in the US Navy he saw a little. But this younger man seemed to have been around some also. Much more then he, he supposed.

“I have a healthy interest in the eastern religious. I would love to go to India to study Hindu or ever better, see the Dali Loma there. What about you guys?” he asked, sipping his brew as he looked over the mug at Nic, mostly.

Will watched his table companions closely. Wes seemed to be losing himself in his cups and in Nic. It was perhaps time for Will to take his leave. He was glad to have met a fellow clansman and perhaps made a new friend, something his shopkeepers had been telling him to do for some time. Glancing at his wrist watch, Will finished off his beer and smiled at the other two men.

"I do thank you both for the beers, but I must retire for the eve. The day begins early."

He pushed back from the table and stood, offering his hand to first Nic and then Will.

"Come to visit when you are ready to lay plans, Nic."

He drew several bills from his pocket, left them on the table and turned to go. It had been a good outing for him, but he was ready to be home, in his favorite chair, with a book in hand.


((Will out pending response.))

Trying not to smirk at his apparent good luck in finding someone with a 'receptive' mind, Nic wondered how Wes might feel if he were to place the man on a plane bound for India, only to find one of his dreams fulfilled upon waking from his feeding stupor. Nic didn't usually go to that much trouble with his meals, but occasionally one would strike something inside him, and he felt the need to go that extra mile. Wes seemed to be a genuinely nice guy, who might have been dealt a couple bad hands in his lifetime. If Nic could do a little more for him, he would get a kick out of it.

He continued to implant the seeds of in Wes, just as Will was bidding them farewell, and the waiter had arrived with the rest of the food.

Nic nodded at Will, knowing daylight would be upon them all soon enough. And since Nic still had his own agenda ahead of him, he didn't balk at Will's leaving, though he had enjoyed meeting his new neighbor.

"I will indeed be calling on you soon, with more details on the resort, but don't be surprised if I show up on your doorstep at Liefde as well. I'd like to talk more about...well...life in the Towers?" Though that sounded even feeble to him, Nic doubted Wes would think anything about it, and Nic was curious to find out more about his newest Evenhet brother.

Looking down at his dinner, Nic was a bit annoyed to find he was no longer hungry...for food anyway. Glancing up at Wes, he 'suggested' that Wes might finish his own meal quickly, so they could leave the Piazza, and Nic might feed properly.

"Go ahead Wes...dig in...I know you're going to love the food here."

Forcing the guy to eat didn't seem necessary, but a little expediency being generated was more of what Nic was looking for.

Wes was surprised at the sudden departure of William. He would perhaps look the fellow up. Something told him that they might have like minds in the ladies department, something to check out anyway.

"See ya around I hope. Oh do you have a business card, I like to keep them so my mind doesn't get crowded with numbers and such,"Â? he asked the departing man.

After the card was given and Will gone Wes turned to Nic's comment about the food.

"Not bad fish but the fries are a bit soggy, thanks,"Â? he smiled.

He wondered if Will had been serious about hanging out with Wes, or merely being polite. Nic considered Wes an 'ok' guy, but not someone he'd pal around with. Then again, Nic wasn't too sure about Will either. Women were so much easier to be around.

Kem was the exception.

But time was wasting away, and the night wasn't getting any younger.

"Ah, sorry old man...would you like to order something else? Baked potato...garlic mashed?"

Nic hoped Wes would be past wanting anything else to eat, but had to make the effort. He tossed a bit more glamour Wes' way, and even put forth a suggestion that Wes was appeasing his own hunger quickly. Having Wes intrigued by Nic's charms was only part of his battle. There had to be a bit of desire in the man as well, for the feeding to come off with out any hitches.

"Or a piece of pie, perhaps?"

"No, no I'm generally fairly easy when it comes to food,"Â? he replied, taking a fry to show it was no big deal. He added, "thanks no pie. I'm a bit over my belt you know."

He looked at Nicholae a long moment. He just couldn't figure him. He was ambitious, extremely good looking and without a girl hanging on him. Hell if Wes had that much going he would busy out with some lovely girl.

"You have a girlfriend Nic?"Â? he asked.

Glad to hear Wes was doing fine with his food, Nic picked a little more at his own, for effect. He then chuckled at Wes' question, and shook his head.

"I date, but no one steady. Playing the field, you know? Sometimes I think I'd like to settle down, but women throw me. I've yet to find one I can figure out...one who won't play games. I don't like games. I think they're a waste of time, and they just end up giving me headaches. I try to be pretty open about myself, and my intentions from the start, and I guess when I meet the right one, she'll be the same. At least I hope so.

Don't get me wrong, there are some beautiful, and brassy women in Nachton, and I've enjoyed the ones I've met...just haven't clicked well with any yet. There are a couple who may have potential...but we'll have to wait and see how things go. When you've been on your own and alone for as long as I have, it's quite an adjustment to make, inviting someone else into your life for more than just a casual fling."

Nic briefly thought about Iuliana. Even after all this time he surprised himself to find her face appear in his mind...her love still dwelling in his heart. He had long ago given up comparing everyone to her, but he had also accepted that she may have been his one and only true love. Fortunately he really wasn't looking for anyone to match up to her, but he would like someone who had some of her traits...especially if he was going to make any kind of long term commitment. And since he would not date a human woman, any commitment he made would be for a long, long time. It was important that whoever she was, she was a good fit for him.

"What about you, Wes...surely you've had a lady or two fall for you? I know being new to Nachton you probably haven't had time to meet anyone here...but why isn't a likeable guy like yourself settled down by now?"

Wesley had for a long time shut himself off from any desire of any need for feminine companionship. His scholarship was his focus after he recovered from his injuries. He just hadn't been in the mood. Now, however in this new setting he just felt it was time again to explorer that area again.

"Well, in high school I was, you might say, a regular guy with the girls. Four years, five girlfriends, and yes tons of gamesmanship. I know what you mean on that."Â?

He set back from the table, deciding he had his fill, "now after high school I found this gal and she was the one, you know? Planned the wedding and all. But my notion of going into the Navy didn't sit at all with her plans... so we broke it off.

As for now, hummm,"Â? he paused, "there is this red head gal in my stats class? She may be interested in me. I have caught her gazing my way. Need to move on it soon, I think."Â?

"Redhead, huh? I've met a couple of those in Nachton, and I think one said she went to school...wonder if they could be the same..." Nic tried to remember which of the women he'd met since coming to Nachton, was the one to mention attending school, but came up empty, and shrugged.

"Probably not...Nachton is a pretty big city after all, but yea, you can't let the grass grow under your feet, my man...snatch her up quick before someone else comes along and does it first." Nic grinned good naturedly, and was truly glad to hear Wes might have prospects for some soft companionship.

After a few seconds of easy silence, Nic hoped Wes might be ready to leave. Morning was soon to be on the horizon, and he was still hungry.

"So...since you don't want any dessert...did you want some coffee...or did you want me to get you home now?"

Though he wouldn't mind meeting up with Wes again sometime, he doubted there was much in common between them that would cause their paths to cross. But then again, stranger things had happened.

"Well actually home would be a good thing. I need to get up early to see a professor in the morning. So you still offering a ride?"Â? Wesley asked.

He was halfway hoping that Nic had run out of time and would bow out gracefully and remove his offer. The prospects of riding with a stranger on a motorcycle had him spooked. It was mostly because he wasn't sure he could hold on properly with just his one good hand.

Nic wasn't sure, since Wes hadn't actually said anything, but he sensed the other man was hesitant about riding Nic's bike. There really wasn't any way to tell the man how safe he'd be, but Nic wasn't about to risk his meal.

"Sure, the ride is still on the table, and let me assure you, I'll not do anything risky. The roads in Nachton are good, and pretty empty this time of night. I can almost guarantee I'll get you home safe and sound."

His attitude was light, but serious, yet to 'assist' Wes a bit further, Nic 'suggested' that his worries were totally unjust and unfounded, and that he would surely be as safe on the back of the bike as he would be just walking down the street. In addition, Nic nudged Wes' attraction to Nic a bit more, hoping that would help him accept the ride even more quickly.

Folding his napkin and placing it on the table, Nic stood and pushed his chair in.

"Then let's may hay before the sun shines!" A chuckle at his bastardization of an old saying, and Nic turned towards the doorway.

"Right then,"Â? Wesley replied, feeling suddenly calm over the prospects of a ride on the motorcycle.

He followed the younger man to his bike. Once the pistons fired and the gas ribbed up into them, making a muffled "rat-a-tat-tat"Â? sound Wesley slung his leg over and settled in behind Nic. He got a momentary rush of anxiety but forced it down.

After Nic had climbed onto his bike and turned it over, he moved forward a bit to give Wes sufficient room to sit behind and not feel too uncomfortable. Whether a person was homophobic or not, a lot just didn't care for close contact with others, much less strangers, and even though the two men had just shared a meal and conversation, they were still pretty much just that.

Hoping to keep Wes calm during the trip, Nic didn't stop giving his mind little taps of pleasurable thoughts. 'You trust me Wes...you trust Nic to get you home without mishap...right? You know by now I'm a man of my word...or at least to the extent of everything I've told you tonight anyway. Just hold on with that one good arm...and we'll be home in no time, and get you tucked safely into bed.'

"So now...where to?"

Nic rolled the bike away from the hotel, and slowly rode to the end of the driveway, poised at the entrance to the street.

"My place, if it's no trouble? I live over on the west side of the campus, four blocks out. You know the area?" Wes asked. He hadn't been around much was hopeful that Nic was aware of the area he described.

He put his good arm around Nic's waist and leaned into his back.

Nodding so Wes could see, Nic took off towards the school, but was careful not to take off too fast. He really didn't need his meal falling off the back of the bike, halfway towards dinner. Keeping well within the speed limit wasn't an easy task either, as Nic felt the purpose of riding cycles was to feel the ride, but he knew the trip would be short, and he could maintain a decent speed for that long.

There was no use in trying to talk. Nic had helmets wired for talking, but he didn't have them with him. In fact neither man wore any helmet, which prompted Nic to be even that much more careful.

The ride really was short, and as Nic neared the area he thought Wes had indicated, he slowed down and pulled alongside the curb.

"Point the way, and I'll take you to your front door...everything alright back there, old man?"

He felt Wes' arm still clenched around him, so he knew the guy hadn't fallen off, and was relatively certain had survived the ride so far.

"Sure thing... It's up this street about two block on the right,"Â? Wesley shouted. He probably hadn't needed to shout being his chin was on Nic's shoulder. Nicholea was hard to hear but he was facing forward as Wes was directly in his ear. It was a natural reaction to yell.