Malakai Chmelyk // 'Volos'

He had known, in what was left of his heart, that the witch's magics would fail. It wasn't a comment on her (old and vain though she was). But the fact that his blood, of over four hundred years of magic and power and life, barely took a dent out of his pain.

It was obvious at least part of the injury was in Gatlin's mind; he hurt when he was stressed, or lonely, or looking for a fix. The latter two were becoming less frequent, the more Kai took it upon himself to visit, but that only made the times away harder. He was becoming attached- he could see it. But to recognize it, to admit what they'd done. What they had to do. Well, Kai had lived in denial about many things much worse, right?

Besides, it wasn't a hardship for him to see the boy like this. He enjoyed Gat's company, the air of importance it gave his otherwise listless day. Deep down, he liked what he'd become to Gatlin, the power he had over the boy; enough so he didn't even bother to announce himself, as he walked through the door, leaning back against the wood as it closed to work off his boots.

"Gatlin? Do tell me you're here. I'll bore myself to tears, otherwise."

Who: Malachi and Rurik
What: Reuniting in Las Vegas, Feeding of the Hungry (it is a beatitude, you know)
When/Where: Tonight, Rurik's shop in Las Vegas
Warnings: Vampirism, possible mentions of dark situations. Let's go with R.

The news was slow to reach Malachi, of the collapse, his particular circles not terribly interested in politics of any species, let alone the humans. Still, when word reached him that there were ripe pickings (not to mention, steady food) in the City of Sin, he decided it would be worth it to pack up and head East.

No sooner did his feet touch land, than he felt a familiar presence- a power he'd know anywhere. Following the feeling through the city, he found himself at the door of a rather kitschy looking New Age shop, scoffing and shaking his head.

A hand willed the door to swing into the shop, ringing the bell as he voice echoed through the dark room beyond.

"Rurik, can't you spare a second to invite an old friend in for a drink?" Intentional wording, of course- he could will himself past the charms into the shop proper, but it would hurt. Easier to ask- at least to start.

( Everything in Us Resembles God- Except for One Thing )