Daniel pushed open the sliding door that led out onto the small balcony of his New York apartment. It was early evening, and the streets below were busy with parents and children joyfully out trick-or-treating. Shortly there would be young people heading towards clubs and bars for drunken costume parties, and come early morning they'd all be staggering home again.
A light October breeze ruffled through Daniel’s grey curls as he leant forward against the metal railings. He breathed in the crisp fresh air, eyes roaming to a window over the road where he could see a couple settling down to watch some low budget horror movie, the onscreen monster slashing its giant claws through its unsuspecting victim. Daniel felt himself smiling.
There was only one monster in New York City tonight, and he was currently standing next to Daniel and peacefully smoking a cigarette.
He’d followed him home all the way from Dubai, refusing to explain his exact reasoning for doing so. At first Daniel was sure that the vampire was going to kill him, and had lived in fear as if he was walking on eggshells for those first few weeks. But the killing blow had never come and, despite all logical reasoning, Daniel had become rather fond of his unexpected roommate.
He was probably just lonely, that was all.
“You know, I’m not sure who you hate more.” Daniel finally spoke up. “Me, or those idiots dressed up as Dracula with their cheap plastic fangs and fake blood.”
Armand blew out a wispy stream of smoke before stubbing out his cigarette and flicking it away. His expression was soft with big beautiful eyes that were so wonderfully vibrant and orange in the glow of the streetlamp. His black curls elegantly framed his forever youthful face as he rubbed a thumb back and forth across his wrist.
“I don’t hate you, Daniel.” Armand replied. “I love you. If I hadn’t grown to love you, I would have killed you before now, of course.”
Daniel sucked in a sharp breath, letting the sudden confession hang in the air between them. However, looking at the way they were living, was it really all that unexpected?
“Is it love?” Daniel mused, straightening himself up. “This thing between us? Or are we just a couple of lonely old men finding comfort in the other when the rest of the world has abandoned us?”
Armand sidled a little closer and linked his hand through the cook of Daniel’s elbow. He felt cold, but that was less disturbing than if he’d been warm. Daniel didn’t push him away, nor did he protest when Armand came to rest his head against his shoulder. His black curls were soft against the side of his neck.
“It is love.” Armand’s simple reply. “Do you need me to prove it to you?”
