Another series of agonizing howls and screams resonated off the walls, through the halls and echoed up into the highest rafters. Four male servants stood outside the master bedroom, to which the doors were closed and locked. They saw him coming and one came up to meet him. "Master Gabriel, Lord Mihalache instructed you to sleep in your own room tonight. I would be happy to escort you."

Gabriel shook his head and lifted his chin up defiantly. "That won't be necessary. Seeing how I'm going in there," he nodded towards the door, "and you and the others should just stand aside and let me do so."

"We can't do that," he insisted. "We were given strict orders from both Lord Hugoi and Lord Mihalache to not let anyone enter. We are not allowed to interfere in their personal affairs."

Gabriel again grit his teeth and just leapt into action then, seeking to take out all four men. He would only attempt to knock them out, using the training from his time as a Hunter and the hours of sparring with Victor to his advantage, if he could.

The servants were not fighters in any sense of the word. Really, they hadn't expected Gabriel to attack like that, so they were caught further off guard. While they were easily taken down, however, the large heavy wooden doors would prove a challenge.

Gabriel would seek to try out the handles of the doors, and finding them locked, was not terribly surprised. He looked about at his surroundings and the men upon the floor, and went over to one of them with his hair tied back. A moment of brushing his fingers through those strands and he found a pin that had been used to help keep the hair in order. He would move over to the door then, and bending the pin out of shape, would seek to trick the lock. While it was not as effective as his lock picking tools of old, he had used such primitive devices before on jobs, and could only hope that it would serve to work now.

The lock clicked. Clearly no one inside the room noticed because there was no rush to get the doors locked again.

Hugoi was buried deep inside Victor, whose legs were propped helplessly up over the Sire's shoulders, ankles clearly broken. Blood stained the sheets under Victor's rear end along with sticky white cum. He gave another howl as his Sire sank his teeth into the blonde's chest and began drinking his blood. One of Hugoi's white stained fingers slipped into Victor's mouth in order to both silence him and force him to suckle on his own seed. Gashes of all lengths and depths patterned his body. Even now, the Sire's left hand was ripping into its fledgling's side.

Gabriel burst the door open, and though his heart leapt into his throat at the sight and smells within the room, he kept his eyes narrowed and his resolve in tact. He hurried over to the fireplace and picked up the heavy poker from its place amongst the other fire tending tools on their collective stand, and then went at Hugoi with the intentions of bashing the Vampire over the head with his new weapon. "Get off him, you beast!"

Hugoi grabbed the iron poker with a bloodied hand. "You don't want to play this game," he said through a growl.

Victor managed to free his mouth and looked over at the young man. "Get out!" he warned. "I'll be okay! Just go!"

Gabriel almost bared his teeth in a growl as his attack was halted. He kept his gaze upon Hugoi, though he addressed Victor, "You shouldn't have to go through something like this, or suffer in this manner. He may be your Sire, but he's just a pathetic sadist," and he boldly spat at Hugoi's face.

Hugoi angrily shoved Gabriel to the floor. "If you do not leave us, then I will make sure you are next to meet this fate. Do not think because you are pregnant that I would have mercy on you."

Gabriel bit back a cry as he fell, though was quick to react and kept himself from bringing harm to his body, most especially his stomach. He continued to glare as he remained there upon the floor for a moment, and then gracefully rose and looked to Victor. "I have no doubt that he would make good on his words, and for the sake of the children, I'll leave... but I will come back for you, my Lord." He nodded curtly, and casting a final glare to Hugoi, he stormed out and slammed both doors behind him, not wanting anyone else to see what was happening. He felt sick for having to leave Victor like that and sank down to the floor next to the large doors, not having the strength then or the drive to continue to the parlor or the room. He would be out here, waiting for Hugoi to finish and to go take care of Victor after...

The Sire played with his fledgling for a few more hours until just before dawn. He and his mistresses had to get into the concealed carriage before the sun broke over the horizon. Upon existing the room, fully clothed and re-groomed, Hugoi looked down at Gabriel. "He's all yours now. I'm done with him." And then walked off.

Victor lay prostrate in his bed among the filth stained sheets. Much like Gabriel before, he had neither the strength nor will to move. A hole in his left side seeped slowly with blood and other fluids. Victor just laid there sobbing silently. Faint tears rolling over his cheeks.

Gabriel lingered in the doorway, watching Victor, and remembered how he'd felt that time... how often did this happen to Victor? The young man felt a crushing sorrow at his inability to stop it, though a spark within him insisted that his work would begin now at least. "Go get some clean sheets," he murmured to one of the servants that he'd beaten up earlier. He apologized for his attack and sat with them as they waited. Now, he entered the room and closed the door carefully, and moved quietly over to Victor. He did not let his eyes linger for too long over the torn and broken body, but reached out to gently brush his fingers along Victor's cheek and to wipe away those tears.

"I'm sorry," Victor said through a shuddering breath. "I'm a monster for putting you through something like this. I don't deserve any of your kindness. If only I had not forgotten how to be gentle. I am sorry..."

"Shh," Gabriel hushed Victor gently, running his thumb along the Vampire's lips, "don't worry about any of that right now. Let's just get you settled in for the day." He looked over Victor's body and couldn't help, but for a moment, wonder if things could have been much worst that fateful night, when he had been bound to Victor. "I'm going to go get some hot water and cloths to clean you up. I've asked for clean sheets to be brought up too, you shouldn't have to keep this sort of reminder around you right now."

Victor reached out and took hold of Gabriel's arm. "Don't go..." he begged.

Gabriel looked to the hand that had grabbed him, and then to Victor's face, a soft smile coming to his own lips. "Are you sure? I don't think you should be left like this... but I won't take another step, if you don't want me to."

"Y-You will come b-back... Won't you?" Fresh tears sprang into his pale blue eyes. Victor was afraid Gabriel might be scared off by the sight of him. Even that the boy would run to avoid any further visits from Hugoi. "P-P-Promise..."

Gabriel hushed Victor again, then bent down to softly place his lips over Victor's own in a small, warm kiss. "I promise. I will come back. I'm going to give you the gentleness you need right now."

Victor pressed back up into the kiss clumsily. He nodded at Gabriel's words and released his arm. Every muscle in his body ached fiercely when Victor moved just the slightest bit. If only his Sire hadn't drained so much of his blood he could be healing much faster. Only Hugoi really knew how to make the blonde man suffer. Horrible taunting words were still whispered in his ear. Those terrible threats and dangerous promises.

But at least he had protected Gabriel.

Gabriel was surprised that Victor had responded to the kiss, having expected Victor to remain still and simply accepting. As he withdrew, he smiled and again brushed his fingers down along Victor's cheek. Then silently, he would go to collect a basin of warm water and several clean cloths. The new sheets had been left outside the door, though Gabriel felt that unfortunately it might be best to leave Victor where he was, given the nature of his injuries. When he returned to Victor to administer what little treatment he could, he spoke soothingly and calmly to the Vampire. "Did you want me to send for a doctor? I'm afraid the best I can do is field care. It’ll do the trick, but it won't be as neat and tidy. Also," he turned to wring out another dirtied cloth, "do you want me to get you someone..." he trailed off, unsure what the correct term would be for bringing someone in for Victor to drink from.

Victor shook his head. "I don't want anyone to see me like this. Any help you can provide is more than enough. Normally I am left to heal by my own efforts. I am only sorry you had to find me this way." He let out a shuddering sigh. "I try so hard to be strong, but my Sire... He holds a power over me that I cannot explain."

"Could it be because he's your Sire?" the young man asked, working lower upon Victor's body and being very careful as he tended to that hole within the Vampire's side. It was already looking a little better, and Gabriel knew that the best course for this was simply time. "I'm sorry, there's still so much I don't know about Vampires apparently, even though I'm carrying seven of them inside me." He reflected back to his talk with Lord Hugoi's ladies in the parlor, and how at times, he'd felt so blind and foolish for not knowing what seemed like common knowledge.

"Even I do not understand such relationships. Why does being my Sire hold so much power? I don't know why that position holds so much merit. He commands me and I cannot say no. It is almost impossible." Victor moaned painfully as the wound in his side was cleaned. It stung terribly and throbbed into his stomach. "Worst of all... I fear I have become him."

"But... you did say no to him," Gabriel said quietly. "You said no when he asked if he could... see me in private." Looking to Victor's wounds and remembering that one night, would Hugoi have done those same things to him? Even if he was carrying children, how far would his cruelty push him? "You haven't, and you're changing into someone much better than him. I... I have hope that as you change, you'll be able to break free of him."

"Your innocence is so beautiful." Victor lifted his hand and touched Gabriel's face. It had become clear that this boy was delivered to him for reasons more than just bearing his children. Gabriel was his saving grace. Victor should have known as much, what with a heavenly name like that. He began to shiver as a painful chill ran through his bones. "Help me to sit up."

The young man's cheeks coloured at the compliment, though he kept his gaze shaded by the thick fringe of lashes. He hadn't exactly lived a life of complete righteousness in his days as a Hunter, doing what he had to survive and to get the job done.

Gabriel came over to do as Victor asked, moving slowly and carefully, though his belly made the action a little awkward as it bumped against the bedside. "Is that good?" the young mortal asked as he finished arranging the pillows behind Victor to prop him up.

Victor leaned forward and wrapped his arms around the boy. "I want you to be that... someone..." He very carefully grazed his fangs along Gabriel's neck. "I'll try not to let it hurt. I just... I need you right now."

Gabriel shut his eyes as he felt those fangs and wrapped his arms around the other carefully, lightly brushing a hand to and thro over the man's back. "Shh, I trust you, Victor," he murmured and inclined his head so that his neck could be further exposed to the Vampire's mouth, "take what you need."

Very carefully he sank his fangs into Gabriel's neck. He slipped in through the flesh to meet with healthy flowing blood vessels. Victor hesitated before drinking, almost second guessing this decision, but then he went with it. The warm crimson spilled down his throat and it tasted so delicious.

Gabriel bit down upon a sound, that first bit of pain fading away quickly as he felt his blood flowing from him and into Victor's mouth. He kept his arms about Victor as the Vampire drank, and now and again his hand would move once more in that comforting fashion.

Victor pulled out before he drank for too long and weakened Gabriel too much. He'd taken enough blood to make himself feel better and heal some of the lesser wounds. His forehead came to rest on the boy's shoulder. "Thank you..."

Gabriel's hand crept up to Victor's hair and brushed through it gently. "Shh, you just take some rest now. Though I hope you feel at least a bit better."

"Stay with me?" he asked. "I don't want to be alone right now. You make me feel safer."

"Then could you move over a little and give me a bit of space?" Gabriel asked softly and with a tender smile.

Victor moved to the other side of the bed and kicked the soiled sheets away. They were left without cover, but that was all right.

Gabriel climbed up and then moved close to Victor, but was again mindful of the Vampire's injuries as he settled. He stroked his fingers through a long lock of blonde hair and sighed quietly. "I..." but he went silent and just leaned over to steal a little kiss from Victor's cheek. "Now, sleep."

The man wrapped his arms around Gabriel again and pulled his body close. Victor didn't care if the contact was painful; he just really needed to feel the warmth, the safety, the kindness. "I don't sleep," he said.

Gabriel smiled and brushed his fingers along Victor's cheek. "You do... sometimes," he replied, as he had seen Victor doze off on a scant few occasions. "I'll keep you safe if you do and watch over you."

"You are far too good to me," Victor said in a weary voice. Soon enough his blue eyes began to drift closed. They would flutter back open every few seconds like he was trying to fight it. Eventually, though, he succumbed to sleep.

Gabriel smiled as Victor fought, and eventually lost. Watching the Vampire's sleeping face, he sighed quietly and nuzzled in close to take a little nap of his own.

Oh, I wonder whats going to happen next DX

If reading fanfiction has taught me anything, its that things never stay perfect for long (unless its the ending). Something exciting is coming soon. I can feel it.

Eagerlly awaiting the next installment~

Days and nights had passed since the party, Lord Hugoi's visit, and the intimacy that Gabriel and Victor had shared within the tub shortly afterward. The young man had moved his belongings, which seemed to consist simply of his wardrobe and a violin, into Victor's chamber and now spent each night with Victor pressed close to his warm body.

On this particular night, Gabriel found himself wandering back from the kitchens, rubbing his belly softly and feeling quite full and satisfied, when a shadow jumped out into his path along the corridor. Blinking in surprise, he found it to be a black cat with bright gold eyes. It stared at Gabriel quietly, and then abruptly turned and began to run down along the hallway. Knowing that no feline should have been able to set a paw in the castle, Gabriel immediately took off after the dark little beastie, calling to it softly as it seemed to purposely lead him further along.

At last it disappeared into a room, dark and abandoned it seemed. Gabriel continued to call softly after the animal and pushed the door open carefully. Perhaps this was how the cat had come in, through a window left open or broken, though they were several floors up so it seemed unlikely.

"You move pretty well for being so damned huge," spoke a soft voice from the shadows, "able to keep up with Sashi even."

Gabriel froze, his eyes growing wide as he watched a figure step into the narrow beam of light provided by the moon outside, pouring pale blue luminescence into the room. The cat perched itself atop a dresser, golden eyes staring coolly at the gravid young man. Yet Gabriel's attentions were now taken up by the tall, thin man with but one pale green eye glaring coldly at him. "M-Michael..."

Up in his own room, Victor was pulling on a new sweater Jonas had made for him. He liked how it fit close to his body and kept what little heat he managed to produce inside. Suddenly, however, a new scent met his nose. The Vampire stiffened and his eyes narrowed.

Another Silverstrike.

Victor vanished from the room in the blink of an eye. He moved through the corridors at amazing speed, moving swiftly to the place where Gabriel and this stranger were.

"God, I could hardly believe it when I saw you at the party, but seeing you up close now..." Michael’s features twisted in disgust. At one point, Michael was probably a handsome young man. Only a couple years older than Gabriel, though where Gabriel had an almost boyish charm, Michael appeared older and harder looking. His left eye was covered by a patch, but the right was the same pale shade as Gabriel's and his short hair was just as dark.

"Y-you were at the party? But, I never saw you!" Gabriel replied, finding a mixture of emotions within him. It had been years since he'd last seen his sibling, but to have Michael appear before him now, in such a place and at such a time... he felt those doubts and shame flood back to him.

Michael snorted. "You never were very good at infiltration, so it's no wonder. But we'll talk on that later." The taller man stepped forward and grabbed hold of Gabriel's wrist. "We don't have the time for it now, the Vampire's probably already caught my scent. We've got to get out of here."

Michael was thrown against the far wall with magnificent power. Victor stood in front of Gabriel now, fangs bared, claws out and icy blue eyes blazing. "Kin or no, you shall not lay a finger on him," the Vampire growled viciously.

Although the impact sent shocks of pain throughout his body, Michael managed to save himself from the brunt of the attack. He looked up and glared at Victor, there was a flash of silver and Michael lifted his arm to reveal a small crossbow upon his wrist, a shiny bolt held at the ready. Upon the dresser the cat uttered a loud yowl, her back arched and her fur bushed out.

"Victor!" Gabriel cried and then his eyes grew wide as he saw the weapon that Michael wielded. "Michael, please, don't!"

Victor hissed back at the cat, not at all appreciating her presence. However, his attention would not stray from this new human. "What are you doing with my mate?" he demanded coldly. "If you plan to take him, I will fight you. His place is here with me. If you tried to run away with him now, he would surely die. And that I cannot allow."

That one pale eye narrowed in turn, his hand remained steady, but the bolt also remained in place. "There is a way for him to be free of the spawn you placed inside of him. One that would allow him to live and for your ill begotten beasts to vanish, never allowing them to trouble a single soul."

"No!" Gabriel cried, "Michael, I... I don't want that. I won't let you kill them, they're innocents." He held his hands to his stomach protectively.

"Gabe, he has you in his thrall. The hormones in your body are not allowing you to think clearly. They may be innocent as children, but they will grow... and how long do you think it'll be before they take in humans to be their playthings?"

"That is not what we do!" Victor snapped. "When will you learn we are just as human as you?! You are so blinded by your hate that you cannot see that we Vampires are just like you! We love and hunger and fear and breathe just as you do. Gabriel has come to learn that much. You would do well to step back and actually see who it is that stand before you. I am the father to your nieces and nephews."

"And you force yourselves on others to carry your young! You can't honestly expect me to believe my brother came to understand and just decided to have himself a litter of Vamps on a whim. I know him better than you. I know how scared he's been of the family curse. How much he's tried to hide it."

Victor eased out of his attack stance then. "I have apologized many times for what I did to your brother. He and I are working together to move past my barbaric behavior. You know me as little as I know you, but believe me when I say he is fond of the children now. I have made it my duty to banish any fears he has and get him the answers he seeks."

"Michael, I... I know it's hard to accept, and believe me, I've had plenty of sleepless nights over this and time to think things over. I know I was never as good a Hunter as you, but I have faith in Victor to be a good person and to help me raise these children to be good people too, regardless of their differences from humans, which... are not so great as we've thought."

Michael didn't appear entirely convinced, though slowly lowered his weapon. There was tension in his form still, ready to spring into action again if needed. "Do you love each other?"

Victor shook his head slowly. "That is a feeling neither of us has come to fully realize yet. Although I am deeply fond of your brother and would die to protect him, whether he was carrying my children or not. Of this much I am certain."

Gabriel blushed, both at Michael's point blank question and at Victor's admission. He nodded slowly. "I... I feel the same way."

Michael moved carefully over to the dresser and Sashi climbed gracefully over along his shoulders. He kept his gaze upon the two as the cat settled herself down like a shall, also watching the pair closely. Michael rubbed at her head and her low purr filled the quiet room. "Then teach me. Or else I'll just take Gabe out of here, and whether he wants it or not, I'll have those kids torn out of him."

The Vampire tilted his chin up. "What do you mean, teach you?"

"Exactly that," Michael replied, lifting his own chin, "show me that not all Vamps are monsters, and that you have what it takes to see to it that my..." he eyed Gabriel for a moment, "nephews and nieces turn out to be good people and not sadistic villains."

"If I am to understand you correctly," Victor began with a curled lip, "You just invited yourself into my home."

"Glad to see we're on the same page," Michael replied, glaring back at Victor. The cat draped across his shoulders twitched her tail and seemed to glare as well. "How else do you think I'll be able to get the full lesson, and besides, we're practically family now, aren't we?" He looked to Gabriel for confirmation on this, and also to see just how deeply subjugated by this creature his sibling was.

"Victor, he's right," the young man said softly, placing a hand gently upon Victor's arm, "he is family." Gabriel set his other hand onto his stomach in subtle emphasis. Even if he and Victor were not bound by some form of contract, Michael still had blood ties to himself and the children.

Victor let out a deep, almost inaudible, growl. His body shook with rage until Gabriel's hand came to rest upon his arm. Turning his blue eyes on the pregnant one, he finally conceded. "Fine, if that is your wish. You brother, Silverstrike, may stay, but he will abide by my rules. Also, he will be given common quarters, not a room upstairs. Is that understood? He must earn his keep so I will give him a job tomorrow. Right now..." Victor put an arm around Gabriel's shoulders and started leading him away. "We must go. You are going to be late for your appointment with Mary."

Gabriel blinked as he was maneuvered about and blushed as he once again found his mind drawing a blank for the appointment. However, he perked his ears as he found more than one set of footsteps accompanying him, and saw that Michael was following along. "A-ah, Mary's the midwife and nurse. She's been keeping me and the little ones in good care these past couple months."

"I'll bet she has," Michael replied, stroking the top of Sashi's head. "Is she a Vampire also?"

Victor glanced over his shoulder. "That cat must stay outside," he commanded with no regard for anything else Michael had said.

Michael looked at Victor, that single pale green eye wide in surprise. The man then uttered a bark of laughter, "Yeah right, that's a good one." His gaze went to Gabriel and he smirked roguishly. "Not a cat person is he, Gabe?"

Gabriel couldn't help but giggle softly in return and shook his head. "No, but he's got some beautiful hounds you should see. They're an exotic breed, nice and sleek."

"Now," Victor ordered in a gruff voice. "And do not follow us now. We are attending to private matters. You may see your brother when we have finished with the nurse."

Gabriel frowned at Victor, though the expression seemed to be more of a pout right then. "Victor, please," he said softly, wanting the other to at least try with his sibling.

"No, no, it's all right, Gabe. You go on and have your check up," Michael replied, waving the pair off. "I'll just wander around on my own, check this place out." He smirked at Victor. "And trust me. I won't leave with any of the good silver."

"Stay downstairs and leave locked doors alone." Victor ushered Gabriel along again. As usual he was immune to the little sad faces the boy could muster. "I know you would like your brother to be involved, but not today. The children need to be fed. No doubt your brother would protest strongly to that and I am not in the mood. You and I both know the children must be fed." They came across a few servants. Victor sent two off to escort Michael and another went to fetch Lucille. "We will explain the process to him at some point, but I'd rather not deal with that debate right now. All right?"

Michael snorted and was gone, taking his own leave as well and not about to be tailed by a couple of servants. Like his feline companion, he would go where he wanted, when he wanted. Though he would keep his distance from this "check up" for now, having done enough research to know the real reason for it. His lip curled, to think that his brother had fallen from grace so much...

Gabriel was quiet, his hands upon his ample stomach and he nodded dumbly. Michael would probably be disgusted with him, more so, to learn that he was taking in blood from a Vampire, to make his children become Vampires.... but it was the only way to give them a healthy, fighting chance at life, not to mention keep his own. "It's... it's just that it's been nearly five years since I last saw him. He... he's been hurt," he murmured softly, as when last he saw his sibling, both eyes had been well intact.

Victor put both his hands on Gabriel's shoulders as a means to comfort him. "I can understand that, but five years and fifteen minutes won't hurt. You can catch up with him all you want when we're done. I promise. If it will make you happy, I can have a small feast prepared for dinner as a way to welcome him."

"Could you?" Gabriel asked hopefully, thinking that a good meal after a time on the Hunt, as it seemed Michael had been, with Gabriel as the prey, would do some good. "I'm sure that we have lots to catch up on... as well as some new things to go over."

Victor nodded. "If that is what you wish. Now..." They found themselves outside Mary's office and he opened the door.

"There you two are!" she said in a tone caught between miffed and welcoming. "You were supposed to be here ten minutes ago. I was about to go looking for you."

"We had an unexpected guest show up," Victor explained.

"My brother," Gabriel elaborated, brow furrowed as Victor of course sounded upset by the matter. The young man waddled further into the room and removed his top, for a moment letting his fingers move across the curse mark upon his chest. There was a similar one upon Michael's chest as well, though it was no doubt not as dark, having never been active.

Mary's warm wrinkled hands moved across the expanse of flesh. "Is everyone present and accounted for? See if you can get them to count off for me, hm?"

"I'll try," Gabriel murmured shyly, as unfortunately the children didn't seem to be able to make up their minds on what numbers they were, each one wanting to be a different numeral. It was perhaps the one time that they truly argued with one another while inside him.

He rubbed a hand over his tight skin and cooed to the children lovingly, "Mary's here, my little loves, could we try counting now?"

One!

How come you get to be one?

Cause I'm the first one who said it.

You're in the middle. Being number one makes counting confusing.

We should start from the bottom.

No, everyone knows you start from the top!

They all squirmed in argument.

From the bottom to the top. I just can't stop.

There she goes again...

Mother just wants us to count off. You all are making it difficult.

Oh? And you know how we should solve this?

Yes, we should start from the bottom. That is how life occurs. All life grows up from the ground.

He has a point.

Fine.

Here we go mamma!

One.

Two.

Three. I am three. Three is me!

Four.

Five.

Six.

Seven.

Gabriel smiled widely and rubbed his belly. "That was very good, all of you." He lifted his face back up to Mary and Victor, beaming proudly. "All seven, squirming and accounted for." He'd let Victor know what Lord Hugoi's ladies had told him, about how he was likely to have more boys than girls, though whenever he heard that one little songbird, who it seemed had been established as being a girl, he couldn't help but smile and know that he would dote upon his little princesses... and see to it they grew up proud and strong, and prepared to stand up for themselves.

"That's good. And they all feel well?" Her hands moved up to his neck, checking his pulse. "How do you feel? Any coughing or fevers at all?"

"They're feeling rather active, and I've got a bit of that ache that usually happens when we're on these blood days, but otherwise, I feel fit as a fiddle." Gabriel replied.

"An ache?" Mary looked at him with some concern. "What kind of ache? That might be something we need to address."

Gabriel blinked, he really didn't think it was of concern. "It's similar to when they first started wanting blood, but no where near as bad. It only happens on the days the Victor feeds them, and... I think it's cause they know what's to come." He offered up his theory meekly, for he was no healer, and was ignorant of much when it came to Vampires (though he did try to learn, it always seemed that something new would come up that he hadn't thought to consider).

The nurse nodded in relief. "Oh, you mean hunger pains. Yes, that's perfectly normal." She listened to his heart and breathing. Checked his eyes and ears just for the sake of health. She checked his reflexes which were uncanny. With another nod Mary straightened herself up. "Once again, my dear, you pass with flying colors. Those workouts you and Victor do are really helping. Keep that up for as long as you can." She started jotting down more notes. "Now you be sure to keep warm now. It could start snowing in a few weeks and you'd do best not to catch any colds."

Gabriel nodded, and sighed, already missing the short summer that seemed to have come and gone in a flash. Perhaps it was the region that they were in. He looked over to Victor and smiled softly. "I guess this means you'll be putting extra blankets on the bed?" It amused him just how much Victor disliked the cold, but it was also quite cute how the Vampire would curl up against his large, warm body.

"Not until it begins snowing," Victor replied while shaking his head.

Mary paused in her notes and looked over at the dark haired man. "Gabriel, I've been meaning to ask you if you've felt the children kick yet. You're actually coming up on a time for it. Don't be discouraged if you haven't felt much yet. It may take another week before anything significant."

"Ah, well there's been plenty of the usual squirming," Gabriel replied, looking down at his belly, unsure if he would know a kick from a squirm. Would it be so terribly different? The children couldn't hurt one another, could they? "Are... are we getting closer to when they'll be born?" There was a note of nervousness in his tone.

Mary shook her head. "No, you have some ways to go. Yours will be born on the Winter Solstice and we haven't even come to the end of autumn yet. I would estimate you have five to six months left." She gave him a gentle smile. "Think you can handle it?"

Gabriel blushed and shook his head. "I'll have to, won't I? Though I worry about having five to six months of them kicking around inside me."

"It won't be so bad. Usually the kicking feels more like someone bumping into you. Some days it will be less and some days it will be more. Kicking is good though because it means they are getting stronger."

The office door creaked open slowly and the blonde Lucille entered the room. She did not look at all happy. Granted she hardly ever looked happy, but it was on these occasions that she looked especially put off.

Victor's hand came to rest on Gabriel's shoulder. "Are you ready?" he asked softly.

Gabriel smiled to Victor, placing his hand upon the Vampire's own as it lay upon his shoulder, and gave a soft nod. "Yes, I'm ready." That the kicking would mean health and strength suddenly made Gabriel eager for those little "bumps."

Victor gestured for Lucille to undo the collar of her dress, which she did gingerly. He drank from her pale marked neck, easily taking a pint's worth. Then he knelt down in front of Gabriel, held the dome of flesh on either side and then sank his teeth into the underbelly. Victor tried sending blood over quickly so Gabriel didn't have to be in pain, but he couldn't risk breaking too much skin.

Gabriel bit at his lips and tried to relax, still not quite used to the strange sensation. It was hurtful, and yet having that blood flow into him was also a little nice. It always sent conflicted thoughts and emotions through him, sometimes making him wonder if he was potentially a deviant, or if he should be focusing on the discomfort instead.

After about a minute, Victor drew his fangs out only to sink them into his own wrist. Again only taking about half as much from himself as he did Lucille, his fangs found their place back in Gabriel's flesh. When that was done he pulled back out and licked up a small trail of blood trying to escape. Victor held his hand there for a minute while the pinholes closed up.

"All done," he finally said.

Gabriel let out a sigh of relief, flushed as usual, but feeling much better and sensing the children's squirming grow slower as they were lulled by the meal having stuffed them. Carefully he sat up again and reached out for his shirt.

Lucille let out a disgusted noise before she left the room. Even in Victor's presence she was bold enough to show her hatred for the situation. The Vampire's ice blue eyes glared at her as she left. Day by day he grew more and more displeased with her. "That girl is trouble," he growled.

Gabriel felt sorry for the girl though, and what she'd gone through and then had to endure this sort of treatment was practically insult to injury. "Must we use her to feed the children?"

"I thought it would be good for her," Victor said. "I believed that if she could prevent the kind of death her sister suffered, that it would ease her pain. However, I am being proven wrong. There would be no harm in using another servant. Which probably is best."

Gabriel shook his head. "I think those wounds run too deep and too bitterly for her to get over it in this manner. She might... have a misconception that those Vampires we're bringing into this world, will turn out just like the one who hurt her sister." He rubbed at his stomach, hoping and knowing that such would not be the case with their children.

The Vampire nodded. "Kevin is your blood type. We can use him from now on. I want to keep Lucille on as your handmaid, however. Her history does not excuse her from her basic duties. She understands that." Victor helped Gabriel to stand. "Now I believe it is time to find your brother and get ready for dinner."

"Ah, right," Gabriel murmured, wondering if his brother would want to be found so soon... though the scent of food might be enough to lure him out. "He always was rather good at hiding, you know."

"Now that I know his scent, I could sniff him out anywhere in this house," the Vampire replied. He bowed his head to Mary as they left. "I thought we might have pork. Some of my men caught a magnificent wild boar that was running rampant near the wasteland. The chefs could roast it up nicely with plenty of butter, pepper, potatoes and carrots. A big bowl of grapes and blueberries. Not to mention a honey lily pudding."

"Ooh, that sounds delightful... ah!" Gabriel gasped and blushed, "and the little ones agree wholeheartedly." Though he wasn't entirely convinced that even with Victor's superior sense of smell, that Michael could be found. The other Silverstrike was an excellent Hunter, admittedly much better than he'd ever been.

He put his hand over the crest of Gabriel's stomach. "Certainly seems that way, yes. Why don't you and I head to the dining hall? I can tell the chefs to begin preparing the meal. Perhaps all the smells of cooked food will lure your brother from whatever rat hole he's decided to hide himself in."

"Victor," Gabriel admonished faintly, "please try to get along with him, for my sake... and for the children’s sake as well."

The lord sighed. "Fine, I will try, but he must be on good behavior as well. If your brother fails to put forth any effort, then I will not waste my time doing so either."

Gabriel nodded. "That's fair, and I'll ask him to try to have an open mind, especially if he intends to... learn anything."

The men were met by both Borzoi when they came to the dining hall. It seemed the canine had a sixth sense as to when dinner time was. As usual, Mariska ran excited circles around Gabriel while Bernard trotted proudly by Victor's side.

"Ah, I wonder how they'll react when they meet Sashi..." Gabriel murmured softly as he greeted Mariska with the usual joyful pats and scratches.

"If Silverstrike knows what is good for him, he will have put that creature outside as I instructed." Victor spoke to one of the chefs who had come out to meet them. He nodded at the order and hurried off the get the staff working.

Gabriel pouted at that. "Now that's not fair. Sashi's likely been his only companion for a while now, so you shouldn't dismiss her so quickly."

Victor did his best to not get angry. "Gabriel..." he breathed slowly, "I have told you before. I do not allow cats in my home. They are horribly vicious creatures. I have waved my fears for as long as I can, but I doubt I can take another moment with that cursed feline without throwing it into a meat grinder."

Gabriel shrank back at the horrid extreme that Victor would go through in order to get away from such a harmless, wonderful creature.

"Not to worry, brother dear," Michael's voice startled Gabriel for a moment, as the man came into the room, seemingly as stealthy as a cat himself. The actual feline however, was not to be seen. He came over to Gabriel, placing his hands upon his sibling's shoulders. "Sashi knows how to make herself vanish when the need arises."

"Perhaps the both of you can learn to stay away, as well," Victor growled. Okay... admittedly he was off to a bad start. Then he remembered the promise he made to Gabriel. Victor stood straight, looking regal yet hospitable. "Silverstrike, we have a special meal being prepared to celebrate your arrival. Would you be so kind as to join us?"

Michael lifted a brow at this sudden shift in mood from his Vampire host, but smirked all the same and leaned down to whisper into Gabriel's ear, "Seems he's not quite sure yet on whether to tear my throat out, or to have my pillows fluffed for the night."

Gabriel's shoulders slumped. "Please, Michael, if you're really serious in learning about the situation, then... behave?"

Michael patted Gabriel's shoulders gently before he stepped aside. "I would be delighted to join you. From what I've seen, the kitchens here are quite well stocked." He winked, as though he'd already partaken of their delights.

Victor nodded plainly. "Yes, I like my staff to be well fed." They all went to the long dining table where Victor pulled Gabriel's chair out for him. Then he went to get a bottle of wine. He returned with three glasses. Two were filled to the fullest for Michael and himself, while Gabriel was given only half a glass. "It's a special occasion," the blonde man said and slid the glass to his mate.

Gabriel nodded, though eyed Michael from the corner of his eye. He couldn't help but get shivers as he remembered the last time a Silverstrike had taken wine at this table, during their very first visit to the castle.

Michael swirled the wine in his glass and sniffed it carefully before taking a small sip and then setting the glass back down before him. "Most of your servants here seem to be in good health, and are relatively satisfied with working for a Vampire. You do have a couple bad apples in the mix though, who claim that you're as villainous as I've expected."

"I have a bad temper," Victor admitted. "Although it has nothing to do with being a Vampire. I'm just not a very happy person. I try to keep my servants happy, but I do fly off the handle at times." He sipped his own wine. "That is another thing we are working to remedy."

"Hmm..." Michael lifted that brow again, "remedy, is it? So Gabe, you've become some sort of saving grace to this... man?" He clearly used the term loosely, letting the single word drawl out casually.

Gabriel blushed a little, but frowned at his brother. "Victor deserves to be happy like everyone else. He's just had a harder time at it. I am hoping though, that I can bring him a little bit of joy." He reached out and lightly placed his hand upon Victor's own.

Victor looked down at Gabriel's hand, then back up into his pale green eyes and nodded slightly.

Michael noted the way the hands were placed upon one another; close, and yet somehow still distant. Yet he said nothing on the matter and merely put the information away in his mind for possible use later. "So Gabe, how have things been like for you these past few years? When did you decide to give up Hunting?"

Gabriel allowed his hand to slip away from Victor's and looked back to his brother next to him. "Um, well things were going over all right. Was keeping busy with various jobs, so not really much to say on that one. Bagged a few wolves, even managed to flush out a Banshee at one point." Though he squirmed at the second question and sipped at his own wine lightly. "Ah, well, a couple months ago, I uh... decided to give it up."

His brother nodded sagely. "Right, gave it up to become a mommy. A long and thought out process, was it? Or was it just because you were knocked up and it was too late to do anything else?"

Victor frowned. "Gabriel has not given up Hunting. He is merely taking a break. Once the children are born he will have plenty of opportunities to go Hunting in the surrounding forests. There is no reason he should give up his life's work." The Vampire reached out and put a firm, almost friendly hand on the boy's shoulder. "Gabriel works out fairly regularly. His stamina is impressive. You should give him more credit."

"And I intend to teach the children the proper skills, just as mother taught us," Gabriel replied, secretly thrilled by Victor's claim that this lull was not deemed a permanent thing... as perhaps once it may have been.

"And make them into better predators?" Michael asked, meeting Gabriel's glare.

"Just because they crave blood, does not mean that they can't do right in the world as well. They are no different than you or I."

"We are not predators," Victor growled. "Everyone seems to think we are killers. We do not drink to kill. We drink to survive. Not once have I ever caused a human's death just by drinking from them. Also, I will have you know that the trade businesses I have developed help provide finances to the countries I trade with." He drew his hand away from Gabriel to keep from gripping too hard in his building frustration. "All Vampires were human once. We remember what it was like. Don't think we are monsters. In fact..." ice blue eyes narrowed, "I might venture to say that you are the monster. You hunt us down and murder us in cold blood when we have done nothing wrong."

"Haven't done anything wrong?" Michael replied with a lifted brow, clearly not amused, but also not appearing to be all that phased by Victor's growing ire. "Not all Vamps have a cushy life style as you do. Some go... wild, and have to be put down like rabid dogs. Though those aren't the worst kinds, it's the ones who take enjoyment out of having others suffer... like your Sire for instance. You'd really shed tears over someone driving a stake through his heart?"

"You know nothing of which you speak!" Victor howled, now on his feet. "What about the humans you lock up in your asylums? The murderers, the rapists, the child fornicators?! No one kills them! They are humans gone wild, yet they are given pardon and allowed to live in cells where they are fed and medicated if lucky enough!" His voice continued to rise causing even his dogs to cower. "My Sire was a monster as a human being. Becoming a Vampire had nothing to do with it. We are who we are regardless of what form we take. I am a man! Gabriel is my mate! And he is carrying our children! Our children! How dare you imply I am a beast who is not capable of loving them! Where have you been? If you are so worried, then maybe you should have been around to protect your precious brother!"

Michael's one pale eye narrowed at Victor. "A monster who was still turned into an even greater monster. You beasts have the option of picking and choosing who you Turn, so how is it that such a man could be selected to receive that gift without the knowledge that he would only go on to cause greater suffering with the newfound power? And you know what, I think it's a cycle. Vampires seeking out those folk with twisted hearts and with the potential to become wicked, evil even. He certainly pulled you in didn't he, you rapist bastard."

"Michael!" Gabriel cried in horror that his brother should speak so harshly, and he wanted both men to stop this at once. He could feel the children within him squirm, disliking all the shouting going on around them and the rising tensions.

Victor clenched his hands into fists, his own nails drawing blood from his palms. "You know nothing about me. You don't know what my life was like before or after I was turned into a Vampire. I didn't have a choice. My Sire attacked me and took advantage of me for years. I won't ask for your sympathy. I don't even want it. But don't you dare go throwing accusations around." He took a breath, trying to calm down... For Gabriel's sake.

"I have apologized to Gabriel a number of times. I am trying. I am trying as hard as I can to be good to him. Unfortunately, you hate me so much already that you can't see that. Your brother is not my prisoner. Once the children are born he is free to leave. He knows this. My hope is to win his affection genuinely enough that he would stay of his own free will. Does that still make me so horrible?"

That pale eye remained narrowed upon Victor and it was with great effort that he tore his gaze away and fixed it upon Gabriel. "And would you stay?" he asked, grinding out the words, apparently making some kind of effort as well, though his fingers twitched with a desire to reach into his cloak and draw out some form of weapon to use against the Vampire.

Gabriel frowned up at his brother, both his hands resting upon the top of his large stomach in hopes of calming the little ones within it. "I won't abandon my children," he replied calmly, his brow furrowing with a touch of sympathy and sadness. Had he ever been so blind? To hunt and hate so indiscriminately? "And I won't abandon Victor."

Victor unclenched his fists and the slightest hint of a smile pulled at his lips. He felt so relieved to hear Gabriel say that. The Vampire really did want the young man to stay with him. Victor wanted to love Gabriel. He knew he could do it, but how much harder would it be now with Michael forcing his way in between them? With a simple nod, Victor sat back down in his seat. "I lost my temper. I apologize," he said to both of them.

Michael grit his teeth and forced himself to sit down, rather than knock back his seat and storm off. However, he knew that if he did so, he would look like the lesser man here and would not give the Vampire that sort of satisfaction.

"Michael," Gabriel spoke softly, yet his tone was firm, "if you are to be a guest in this place, you have to make the effort of being a little open minded here. I know just as well as you do how bad the things that stalk the night can be, but I've come to believe that maybe not everything lurking in the dark, has to be feared and hated."

Michael snorted, though his gaze softened a little when looking to his brother. "Never would have thought you'd get so insightful."

"Well," Gabriel smiled softly and rubbed at his belly, already the children were growing calm again and went back to focusing upon when dinner would be, "a lot has changed."

Michael let his gaze linger a moment longer upon Gabriel, watching those tender actions granted to the unborn "spawn," and unable to help himself from thinking that... his brother looked genuinely content. He rolled his eyes and looked away, seeking to squash down on that thought hurriedly.

Victor didn't speak after that. He didn't trust his tongue to betray him and say something nasty to the new Hunter in his home. Instead he drank his wine and pet the heads of his faithful Borzoi.

Soon dinner was served. The wild boar had to be carried out by two of the chefs. Its size was admirable and clearly there would be leftovers. The beast had been smoked through to the bone and basted in a garlic butter sauce which it was also swimming in upon the large platter. Just as Victor had ordered, there were potatoes, carrots and even cooked figs set around the boar. A large ripe apple stuck in its mouth. There were also bowls of fruit brought out for them pick from.

Victor had his own separate meal as usual since he couldn't eat cooked meat. A raw supple swine was placed before him, basting in its regular red juices with some salt and pepper for flavor. "Enjoy," he said to both of them.

Gabriel nodded with a smile, resisting the urge to salivate and feeling the children react to the large and delicious meal they now knew was coming to them. He loaded up the plate carefully, having learned by now that he didn't need to heap it to overflowing, since the food wasn't going anywhere if he wanted seconds after.

Michael didn't want to admit that he was rather impressed with this feast and took up a modest portion. He'd been in hiding for a little while, scoping out the palace as best he could while keeping his presence a secret, and had already discovered that the kitchen was always kept well stocked. Still, this meal tonight was beyond expectations, and he had a feeling that it was because of him. Like Victor, he kept quiet, not trusting himself just yet not to say something that would upset Gabriel and raise the ire in Victor.

"Gabriel," the lord began, "maybe tomorrow night you can show your brother the horses. I had Jonas make a new coat for you. Do you remember those Werewolves I hunted down a few months ago? I had their pelts made into a fur coat so you can go outside without the risk of catching a cold." Victor paused to eat a bit. "I don't know if you are a botanist like your brother," he said to Michael. "But I'm sure Gabriel would love to show you the garden after dinner. He has even started his own bed."

"You have a Werewolf problem here?" Michael asked, his interest peeked at that, as he was not a fan of such creatures either. His attentions turned back to Gabriel for a moment and he laughed softly. "That's right, you always were messing around in the dirt and bringing back flowers. Mom ran out of pots at one point and you just started using the dinnerware, she wasn't too happy about that."

Gabriel blushed a little as Michael brought up moments of his past before Victor, moments that he was sure that Victor would not approve of, given how the Vampire was such a stickler for cleanliness.

"The woods around my town are home to many creatures of macabre. Every few months a pack of Werewolves will come running through. Some pass by and some stay. I think the cold nights are currently keeping them away." Victor just mustered up another small smile at the story. "Well, now he has an entire garden to tend to. He does very well. I rather enjoy flowers myself, so it's nice to have something in common. Something peaceful."

"Close to a likely food source, if they're desperate enough to ignore the scent of a Vampire," Michael replied with a nod, knowing how the beasts tended to work. Gabriel was rather lucky to have a coat made of their fur though, since nothing was more prized, if it could be harvested off the corpse properly.

"Well, it keeps me busy at least, and I've been able to see so many different kinds of flowers here," Gabriel said with a dreamy smile, his mind clearly dancing with the visions of his little flourishing buds and how gratifying it was to see them rise up from the ground and reveal themselves to him.

"Well... probably suits you better this way," Michael replied begrudgingly, meaning it as a compliment, though it might offend his brother. Gabriel always had been a rather brash Hunter, and he'd been certain for a long time that he would learn of his brother's death, rather than of Gabriel's impending family.

Victor wet his lips with his wine. "Silverstrike, might I ask you a question? I mean no offense. Merely curiosity on my part."

Michael lifted a brow and looked to Victor with a little nod of his head for the Vampire to go on.

"What drove you to find your brother? Gabriel tells me it's been years since you two saw each other last. I'm curious to know, what brought you here? Why now? If it was to save your brother, your timing seems a little poor. He's been pregnant for months. So... Why have you come here?"

Michael's lips formed a firm line. He’d been hoping that the Vampire wouldn't be so astute. "News came to me about a Silverstrike man having become the bride of a Vampire and was carrying his offspring. Since I haven't heard of a Vampire capturing one of our kin before, I thought I would check it out. I didn't know that it was Gabe until I arrived and saw it for myself."

The Vampire lord hardly believed this story, but he would behave and not pry into the Hunter's business. "I see. My Sire must be gossiping again." His bright blue eyes looked to Gabriel. "How are they liking the food?"

Gabriel swallowed the mouthful he'd had carefully and patted one hand to his stomach, "They love it, especially the mixture of boar and fig. I think that they're going to sleep well tonight, fattened up like this."

Michael again just watched his brother. "You can hear them can't you?"

Gabriel looked to Michael, surprised that he knew such information. "Well, yes, I can. How did you know that?"

Michael just turned back to his plate and continued to eat his own meal.

"Your brother holds many secrets," he said to Gabriel. Victor observed the man. Studying his posture and the way he moved. "I think he is ashamed of something. Perhaps embarrassed. Maybe even... afraid."

"Those secrets are mind to keep," Michael said in a warning tone.

"He's right, Victor," Gabriel said softly, placing a hand upon Victor's arm, "if he wants to confide in us, he will. But for now, just let him get used to things here, and hopefully we can make him feel comfortable and... less afraid."

"I am not afraid," Michael muttered, balling his hands into fists briefly.

Victor's icy gaze moved from Michael to Gabriel. He listened to the boy's words and nodded. "Of course. I won't ask again. He can talk when he's ready." Dinner was finished in relative silence. Half the boar was picked clean to the bone and even Victor was surprised by Gabriel's appetite. The boy would probably gain some more weight from this meal.

To break the awkward feeling in the mute air, the lord called in his cellist and fife player. Gentle melodies filled the room. Soon their desserts were brought out. Each of them was given a bowl of the golden colored honey lily pudding. Gabriel's bowl was of course a bit bigger than the others.

"I can't believe how much you're packing away there," Michael said with a shake of his head.

Gabriel blinked, spoon still in his mouth as he'd heartily been enjoying the dessert. His cheeks grew bright as he only then realized that his bowl was larger and recalled how much of that boar and its dressings had been consumed by him. "I-I can't help it sometimes, they just enjoy so many things" he murmured, casting a shy and somewhat ashamed glance at Victor. He squirmed a little in his seat, his clothes feeling a little snugger now, and dreaded how he might have to have them taken out again.

"A healthy appetite is nothing to be ashamed of," Victor reassured him. "Eating is good for the children and for you. You need your strength. And you know you can always spar with me if you want to shed an extra pound or two." Victor reached over and brushed some hairs from Gabriel's cheek. "I still think you look marvelous, though."

The young man blushed even brighter at the tender action from Victor, "I just don't want to get so big that I can't spar with you," he replied shyly. He moved rather well, given his size, but that didn't mean such grace would last forever if he just kept packing on the pounds. He recalled how Lord Hugoi's ladies told him of the favoured bride who carried nine children and was bedridden thanks to her girth. Even with only seven, he didn't want to risk that happening to him, even if it was hard not to want to give into their every demand and just lay there like a beached whale...

"It's weird how you carry it all quite well," Michael admitted. "I'd be sure that you'd have just toppled over, but... well, seems your body's taken it pretty well." He couldn't help but wonder if that was somehow thanks to the curse, but wouldn't it make someone suffer more to just have them trapped under their own pregnancy?

"Gabriel's body has gone through a number of mutations to help him handle the pregnancy. The mutations are standard in a Vampire birth. He'll return to normal when the children are born." Victor then gave the boy a partially stern look. "That will include a strict diet and plenty of exercise, right?"

Gabriel smirked and rolled his eyes. "Of course. I plan to take a good long run around the castle the moment I'm able. Maybe do a few cartwheels and jumps while I'm at it. Although getting back into the habit of smaller proportions at dinner time is going to be weird, as well as not having a troop of hungry little ones telling me what to have."

Victor looked to Michael and caught him staring at Gabriel once again. "Do you plan on staying after the children are born? If your intention is to live here then I need to make arrangements for your accommodations and wardrobe. Everybody in this castle works for a living. I can put you on patrol duty, since it would suit your Hunting skills, or maybe you can work with the horses."

Michael looked thoughtful for a moment. "Not sure, hadn't thought that far, since my original plan was to snatch Gabe away from here and... get rid of the... kids," he said the word with a little reluctance, but hadn't wanted to incur both their upset by calling them something derogatory again. "Now that things have changed, I guess I'll stick around for a little bit, until I'm satisfied that he really is making the best decision," he then glared at Victor, "and that you're not going to hurt him again."

The Vampire returned this with a low and angry growl.

Michael just glared back, undeterred by the reaction. "Hey, you know I'm justified in being wary. He's my brother, and I've no guarantees yet that you won't lose your cool."

"Fine," Victor huffed stubbornly. He was reaching the end of his rope, so the man simply excused himself from the table. Maybe a good long ride around the castle grounds would clear his head.

"For all his talk, he has a pretty short fuse, doesn't he?" Michael replied, taking a sip of his barely touched wine before setting it back down.

"Michael, he is trying," Gabriel told his brother. "A lot has happened to him."

"So quick to defend him," the other muttered under his breath and then shook his head. "Okay, let's put this aside and do some of that catching up."

Victor rode Azazel across the fields. The steed snorted loudly as he bolted at full speed. Its hooves clomped across the yellowing grass, his mane whipping about in his self-created wind. Victor rode his horse through the town and out along the borders. They skirted by the wastelands kicking up dust and rubble. The dark forest went by in a blur. Azazel began to tire as froth formed about his lips. Victor knew it was time to go back. He made sure his horse was given plenty of water and fresh apples for the good effort. Then he went back inside to wander the vast dark halls of his home.

Michael seemed to have disappeared again, his scent having grown cold. It was almost as if he'd left, though thankfully Gabriel's presence was still vital and strong, letting Victor know that the brothers hadn't stolen away once his back was turned.

Gabriel was in the bedroom, nestled amongst the blankets and pillows, rubbing at his bare belly as he softly sang to it. He didn't have an exceptional voice, but it carried a tune well enough and may have even had potential to become sweet and lilting if it was nurtured further.

Victor followed his mate's scent to find the adorable scene. He stood in the doorway for a short time, just watching. If he didn't know any better, Victor would think he felt a wave of warmth spread out through his chest. Gabriel really was amazing.

"You look beautiful," his quiet voice said.

Gabriel looked up and blushed at the compliment, shyly pulling the covers up over himself a little more in modesty. He found that Victor kept the room a little too warm now and that his wearing much more than a pair of pajama bottoms made him uncomfortable when sleeping. "Y-you're just saying that," he chided, keeping his gaze away and wishing his cheeks didn't feel so warm.

Victor shook his head. "No..." He moved closer to the bed, dropping his cloak and discarding his shoes as he went. The red sweater stayed in place, keeping the chill off his skin, but it would come off soon enough as well. He sat on the bed and pulled the blankets away. "Don't hide. Your brother is wrong. The children will be pure and you are all but too gracious to be doing this for me." His flat hand came to rest on the taut flesh at that point.

Gabriel allowed the blankets to be pulled back down, though couldn't bring himself to meet Victor's piercing blue gaze just then. He put a hand to his exposed belly, and smiled a little when Victor's touch upon him was rewarded with a good, sound kick from within. "They're active tonight," he said, and that had been the reason for his singing, hoping to calm them, but they were still so excited from having an uncle now, though not everyone was sure that they liked him just yet. "And, it's not just for you that I'm doing this. I'm doing it for myself too. I know that they'll be pure and good, that they'll be just like normal children."

Victor didn't hear much of what Gabriel just said. He was too excited about the kick he just felt. They'd never kicked before. Mary said it would happen soon. How wonderful it was the same night! "Gabriel, didn't you feel that? One of them kicked. A real kick. Finally, they are strong enough to kick." Victor moved his hand slowly. Exploring the expanse of flesh to see if any of the other children felt like showing off their new skill.

Gabriel laughed, of course Victor would be so taken up by the action, he should have known better. "Certainly I did," he said, "I think that meal tonight gave them the burst they needed. Feels like they're stomping grapes from the inside," he squirmed a little, blushing as he sometimes found that they were stomping on some rather sensitive places. "Move your hand over here." Gabriel took Victor's hand himself even as he said it, and moved Victor's hand over to where he wanted, sure enough there were several rapid little bumps against the skin. "I think that one's going to be a boxer."

Slowly but surely, a curved line made its way over Victor's lips. For the first time since the Vampire could ever remember in a long time... He was actually smiling. A happy, warm and sincere smile.

Gabriel certainly was wonderful. Gabriel carried these babies with joy and pride. Victor had expected him to do the Hunter thing and gouge himself out the first night. There really was nothing Victor could do about it if he had. The Vampire would probably be left angry from a broken heart. But now... Now they were kicking and thriving and showing love even inside the womb.

Victor didn't even think. He just moved forward and planted a kiss on Gabriel's lips. "I love you."

Gabriel was shocked at the kiss, though his heart beat rapidly and loudly for it. They'd shared a few little embraces now and again, but it was usually Gabriel who'd initiated them... and never had he heard such simple, yet powerful words fall from Victor's lips. "V-Victor," he gasped, his cheeks bright, unsure if he'd really heard right. Had he perhaps fallen asleep? Yet the sudden flurry of kicking and punching from inside him, seemed to indicate that he certainly had heard correctly, and that the children had as well.

"I mean it," Victor said. "I won't be taking it back in the morning or anything. I love you. Completely." He rubbed Gabriel's belly fondly. "I guess it just took a special sort of moment for me to actually say it."

Gabriel wondered if he would ever stop blushing. Victor had really said it and meant it and well... "I... I don't know what to say..." Little tears pricked at his eyes, and he laughed nervously as he went to wipe them. "I just... I never thought..."

"And I don't blame you. I would never have expected it from me either. Perhaps your brother also gave me the extra push I needed. If I'm going to prove I'm changing, then I need to make progress. I think this is progress, right?" Victor kissed up the few stray tears that managed to slide down the boy's cheek.

Gabriel uttered a soft mewl sound as Victor's lips brushed along his face and took away his warm, salty tears. "Y-yes, I think it's great progress." His thick lashes fluttered open, sparkling with joyful tears, and he reached up carefully to brush his fingers along Victor's pale cheek. "I... I'm so happy," he whispered, almost unable to believe it himself.

"Do you feel the same way, Gabriel?"

Ah, now that was the big question, wasn't it? Did he love Victor in return? It was hard to think that this had all begun thanks to a moment of drunkenness and brutality, but once he'd moved passed that, he'd found himself wanting to get close to the Vampire and help him. Perhaps it was twisted, but he didn't care. And he brushed his fingers along Victor's lips gently, wishing he could pull himself up enough to kiss them for himself. "I think I do... I... I love you, Victor."

The Vampire smiled again. Gabriel's fingers sent shivers through his lips. Victor recognized the want in the young man, the way he shifted slightly like he wanted to get up, so Victor leaned down instead. He captured the young mouth in his own. One of his hands held Gabriel's shoulder while the other rubbed his belly gently.

Gabriel murmured softly into the embrace and closed his eyes, feeling a flush of warmth move through him as he found he rather liked having the Vampire over him like this, kissing and rubbing at his taut belly. He in turn brought a hand into Victor's hair, letting his fingers tangle and curl around the soft locks.

Victor pulled back for a briefest of moments to remove the sweater. He wanted to feel their skin on each other. With the garment discarded he draped himself over the swollen body again. Rubbing and stroking and kissing. Victor's lips trailed feverishly over Gabriel's neck and jaw. "I want to paint you," he said between kisses. "Intimately. Would you let me do that, Gabriel?"

Gabriel had begun to pant softly and feel warm all over. He tipped his head back to allow greater access for Victor, wanting more of that touch upon him, and he groaned softly. "Yes..." he hissed, "Please... I want it..."

He laughed at the rush of hormones and heat in the pregnant one. Victor knew there was only one thing on Gabriel's mind, but he found it too funny. "I've never heard someone so eager to have their portrait painted before," he said airily.

Gabriel blushed, now thinking through the haze of lust and desire, and he groaned again, though this time it carried a note of humility. "Mou! I... I wasn't..." He wasn't thinking straight, but really, it didn't matter what way Victor wanted to paint him, so long as the other man wanted him.

"If you aren't too busy with your brother, I'd like to start tomorrow. Getting the initial sketch down will be enough and should only take about an hour if your brother demands most of your time. But now..." Victor moved in again and kissed Gabriel passionately. He'd make this body as beautiful on canvas as it was in real life. Victor had only painted Allen intimately before, and that portrait was sealed away in a locked room. It was time to move on.

"Hm... we talked quite a bit while... you were out..." Gabriel whimpered, his words broken up by the occasional gasp and soft cry, "and he said... a~ah, he said... that he would try to... stay out of the... way... oh Victor!" He returned the kiss passionately, and writhed under the Vampire, enjoying the sensations being granted to his sensitive body. He was feeling a little shy about Victor painting him, unsure if he would be a worthy subject.

"As selfish as I am with you, I think you should spend time with him. He seems troubled by something. You two are family and he deserves your attention." Victor's lips moved from Gabriel's down his neck, shoulder and then chest. His tapered tongue came out to lick at the firm pink nub there. Victor wanted to hear the boy's sweet music. His nails skritched along the sides of the swollen orb of flesh. Seeking to make his new lover feel as good as possible.

"I... I think... he's hiding something... important... from me..." Gabriel managed to get out, recalling how even as they talked and swapped stories of their exploits, there seemed to him as though his brother was purposely skipping over something... like how he'd lost his eye. The young man uttered a squeal as his nipple was wetly touched, they were both so sensitive still and he arched a little from the contact.

Victor kissed the rose upon the boy's flesh. "Maybe he too has fallen to the family curse. He could have come here seeking solace and companionship in the only kin he has left. Perhaps he seeks comfort, but is too proud to come out and say it." He blonde head came to rest atop Gabriel's stomach. He listened to the little heartbeats inside while his hands still made busy with rubbing the sensitive skin.

"Y-you think... he might have... had kids too?" Gabriel's eyes grew wide at that, "or, is going to?" That his brother could have possibly fallen as well... he wouldn't have expected that. Michael was such a good Hunter after all... then again, he'd thought he was pretty good also. What could Michael have fallen prey too? He cried out, knowing that this really wasn't the best time to be thinking on these things...

"It's a possibility." Victor sat up again. "Do you want to go find him?" he asked while touching the boy's cheek. "It's all right if you do."

Gabriel panted, "I... I don't know if I could... he's very good at making himself... disappear, and... well... you've got me a little riled up here..." He blushed, but well... it was true.

Victor smirked. "Do I now? Well then..." One finger slipped inside the waistband of Gabriel's sleep pants. "I suppose I should follow through on something like that."

Gabriel squirmed and pouted at Victor. "Well, it would be nice, to finish what you started... besides, I... I want to be with you tonight." Having just learned of Victor's love for him, he really didn't want to leave, as if afraid that in doing so those words might be forgotten or revoked.

He nodded. "If that is what you wish." Victor helped Gabriel out of the plaid cotton pants, finding the boy to already be quite ready. He discarded his own clothing as well. Gabriel's cumbersome size proved difficult for the first time since Victor met him. If he understood the boy correctly, then Gabriel wanted them to be together, but Victor wanted to do it right. He wanted to ease into everything.

Finally he decided on them lying on the sides, facing each other. One of his arms reached around the boy and his fingers traced the curve of Gabriel's buttocks. "I love you, Gabriel, so I want this to be done right. You tell me if something feels wrong. Anything you don't like, you say so. Understand?"

Gabriel shivered and his heart both fluttered and hammered. Were they really going to do this? Trepidation and happiness moved through him. He'd been wanting this, dreaming of this for so long, and yet now that it was here, he couldn't help but flash back to their first night together and how painful it had been. It wasn't going to be like that this time, he told himself, looking into those blue eyes. He reached over and gently brushed his fingers along Victor's bare chest, blushing as he marveled in just being able to touch the Vampire now. "I... I trust you Victor... I know that... you'll be gentle and loving." He leaned over to brush his lips along Victor's own, the action a little hampered by his belly rubbing against the other male. "I love you, and... I want you."

"Then you will have me." Victor slipped one finger inside Gabriel, careful of his nails. He entered slowly. Remembering the way it was done with Allen. One finger at a time. Slow and steady. Gentle and loving. His eyes stared into pale green orbs searching for a reaction that would be either good or bad. Victor prayed it would be good.

"Ah!" Gabriel gasped and shivered, he bit his lips and forced himself to relax and accept the invader. "F-feels a little strange," he admitted, not wanting to keep things to himself since Victor was watching him so closely.

"We can do this another time if you aren't ready," Victor insisted. He stilled his finger, waiting for an answer.

"N-no," Gabriel cried out breathlessly, and his cheeks burned brightly as he looked to Victor, "Please, I just... need to get used to it. D-don't stop. It doesn't hurt, it's just... strange to have something there..."

"All right," Victor complied quietly. His finger began to move once more, pulling in and out. After a couple minutes of this, Victor added a second finger which worked with the first to scissor Gabriel. The Vampire would make sure the boy was good and ready before he himself entered.

Gabriel grew flush and whimpered as the second digit entered him, he was yielding rather well, letting himself move passed the strangeness of the feeling and just feeling it. Not too bad, and when Victor's fingers moved apart to stretch him, he would utter a low groan and begin to pant loudly.

"Breathe, Gabriel. Just breathe." Again Victor moved in and out, spread apart, in and out. He kissed the boy on the forehead. It took a lot of self-control to keep his hand steady. This was not the way Hugoi ever treated him, so Victor was conditioned to tear inside and take what he wanted. Even now he kept his idle hand away from Gabriel's body so he wouldn't make any mistakes.

Gabriel did just that, breathing in and out slowly. He looked into Victor's face, as usual wanting to know if the Vampire was taking enjoyment as well. Licking his lips, he reached down between Victor's legs, wanting then to touch and feel the other as he had been in the past.

Victor spread his legs for Gabriel. It was the least he could, he was sure. "My request is the same. Please, be gentle..." he said with a shaking breath.

"I-I will," Gabriel replied, gently stroking and pulling upon Victor's shaft. He'd never touched another man so intimately before, and it was more than a little strange. It was familiar and yet so entirely different. "Y-you're pretty big," he murmured shyly.

Victor laughed, deep and rolling. "So I've been told. You have a nice length. I like how you fit in my hand so well." With that, Victor made a third finger join the other two. The three digits moved a bit quicker now to prepare Gabriel for the friction that would be coming. "My size is why I want to be sure you are ready."

Gabriel moaned as he felt that next digit, and was finding that it didn't feel so weird any more. The bit of friction was actually kind of nice, certainly coming to the point of even being pleasurable. He stroked Victor with a little more vigour, and rubbed his thumb along the head of the man's member. "It's a little scary, that this is going to be inside me, but... also really exciting."

Victor let out his own deep throated moan while Gabriel stroked him. It had been far too long since anyone touched him so sensually down there. He might almost cry. "I hope to make it enjoyable for you." After a few more minutes, Victor felt he'd prepared the human well enough. He held Gabriel's arms to help the boy up and he turned onto his back. This resulted in Gabriel sitting on top of Victor. "I think this position will be less dangerous for you," he explained.

Gabriel felt shy in this position however, as he loomed over Victor, but he knew that they couldn't really do things the "normal" way given his girth and blushed as he wondered if later they might have to experiment to see what worked out best. "I... I'm not going to be too heavy, am I?"

"Of course not." Victor's hands lifted and placed themselves upon the pink round belly. "Just lower yourself on me whenever you’re ready. Take your time so you don't hurt yourself, all right? Just enjoy it."

"A-all right," Gabriel murmured, knowing that the Vampire's strength should be good enough... but he was still a little concerned. He licked his lips and rose up on his knees before lowering himself down upon Victor, taking in deep breaths as he felt that hard shaft start to push inside him. "You... enjoy yourself too," he said, pausing for a moment to do so.

The Vampire offered up a warm smile. "I'll do my best." He hissed loudly at the tight fit, but it felt so good. Once Gabriel was down all the way, Victor began to rock his hips upward. He started off slow so they both could get used to it. All the while his hands were holding the gravid belly.

Gabriel tossed his head back, his black hair swishing against his shoulders, and he called out without care and complete abandon. This was so very different from the first time... and he cried out again as he felt Victor dive deeper into him, no... this would be considered their first time. The first time they made love together. "Victor... it's good..."

"It's very good." Victor rocked up again, pressing harder and deeper into his mate. His nerves sparked with electricity and shot up his spine. Victor growled and hissed. His eyes fluttered shut. It was incredible.

That made Gabriel feel better than anything, just knowing that Victor was enjoying him. He moved to meet his lover's thrusts, bearing down upon them to get Victor up inside him all the more. He saw stars flash before his eyes and he cried out again and again in pleasure and enthusiasm. "Victor... yes! Yes, oh God... it feels incredible!"

Victor didn't speak in return. His voice was lost in the animalistic pleasure howls bellowing out of his throat. Fire sprang up in his limbs. He sharp nails scratched across Gabriel's stomach, nearly drawing blood, but the Vampire caught himself. Victor could have pleasure without causing pain. That's what he had to learn. So his hands retreated into his own hair which pulled on roughly.

Gabriel yelped at the scratch, his hands moving to the place and for a moment cold fear nearly ruined everything he'd been feeling. He looked sorrowfully down at Victor and wished so much that he could bow down and kiss those pale lips. He continued to move and have his body squeeze around that shaft deep inside him. "It's all right..." he breathed and smiled. Victor was making a great effort here, and he knew that. Just as it felt strange and new to him to have another inside of him, it must feel strange and new to Victor to have pleasure without cruelty and harm.

"I want to be good to you," Victor grunted and bucked his hips. "No pain. There can't be pain. Pain drives us apart." He seemed to be lecturing himself. "Pleasure is the absence of pain. I can know pleasure without pain. No pain. Only pleasure. Only good."

"Shh," Gabriel cooed to Victor gently as he groaned, his body seemed to shimmer in the light as perspiration beaded up on his rotund form. His thick black hair clung in damp tendrils against his flushed cheeks, and his lips seemed dark and lush. "Victor... I love you... I love you..."

Victor grabbed Gabriel's hands, twining their fingers together. His grip would tighten and then relax over and over again. The gesture pacified his need to thrash around. Mounting pleasure forced his hips to thrust in harder and faster. Victor's mouth hung open taking deep hissing breaths, fangs yearning to bite into something. "Nng... I-I love you... My -ahn- my precious pearl."

Gabriel was glad of the hold, using it to support himself as he rose and fell upon Victor, and as a bond between the pair of them. He laughed breathlessly at Victor's compliment to him, though it made him feel a little shy still. "Uhn... you're... ah..." He shuddered as he felt Victor strike into him with greater force and speed, and tossed his head back as he gasped, seeing stars blossom before his eyes.

His hands tightened around slender fingers. "G-Gabriel... Nnh... Ahn... Nmm! Nmg...! Gabriel..." Victor gave one last push and came. He groaned ecstatically as he spilled over into his young lover. Victor stared up into Gabriel's face searching for the pleasure he hoped he provided.

Gabriel arched atop Victor as he felt his body become flooded by the Vampire's seed, and he screamed, almost in triumph at the sensation. He bounced atop Victor only a few times more before his own climax swept over him, spurting out against the underside of his belly and upon Victor's flat stomach. The aftermath left him panting and shuddering with delight, and he smiled down at Victor both in shyness and happiness.

Victor drew his hands away and pushed himself up, pulling out of Gabriel at the same time. He held the blushing boy in his lap. Both of them breathing heavily against each other. "Marvelous," he whispered and kissed Gabriel upon the lips. "How do you feel?"

Gabriel uttered a soft sound of disappointment as Victor left him, blushing at the sensation of emptiness and stickiness. He returned the kiss sweetly and eagerly, smiling as he looked into those pale blue eyes, and brushed his fingers against a smooth cheek. "Very good," he replied with a bashful giggle.

"You are wonderful," Victor said kissing him again. "Too long has it been since I was properly with another person. I almost forgot how warm and thrilling it would be." Another kiss and then another. "You don't know how grateful I am."

Gabriel accepted each kiss joyfully, his eyes sparkling. He cuddled close to Victor, feeling wonderfully content to be near his... lover. He blushed at the thought and lightly ran his fingers down along Victor's bare chest, moving his digits along the contours of the other man's body, almost missing his own toned physique. "I never knew it could be so good," he admitted shyly, "I... I'm not sure if I should say thank you back..."

The Vampire laughed lightly. "You may if you like." Feeling those fingers upon him, Victor turned his body a little so as to keep Gabriel away from the scar upon his side. It was the only feature Victor was actually embarrassed of. Sure, he had earned it protecting Allen all those years ago, but he disliked such an imperfection. Hugoi was often disgusted by it and conditioned Victor to despise it as well.

Gabriel smiled and laughed. "All right then, thank you." He spoke rather formally and even nodded his head graciously, then laughed again. His gaze softened however, as he noted Victor's shift in movement, his fingers having sought to trail down and brush along the scar tissue of old. "It's beautiful, you know," he murmured, and would boldly seek to gently caress that mark, even if Victor resented him for it.

Victor shook his head. "Hardly." He sucked in a breath when the scar was touched, almost like it hurt, though it didn't. Really he was just scared. "You're only saying that. I know how it looks."

Gabriel let his fingers move along it, he wasn't exactly unblemished himself, and looked back at Victor. "It's a symbol of what you would do for love, to protect what you cherish, and for that I find it wonderful."

Victor looked away from Gabriel. Almost ashamed. "You are far too good to me."

Gabriel's fingers departed from the scar and came up to Victor's cheek, seeking to coax the Vampire to look at him again and see that loving smile upon his face. "I'd like to think that I am what you needed most."

Victor's eyes fell upon the loving smile while feeling totally undeserving of it. In his mind, Victor had not yet redeemed himself. "I find that to be truer every day," he said and pulled Gabriel as close as possible.

He only smiled and sighed happily as he was taken in closer, his large body pressing against Victor's own. There was a bit of movement within the young man's belly, as though perhaps one or two of the little ones had not yet fallen asleep, and Gabriel blushed as he wondered if they'd had an audience just then...

Victor felt the movements as well, pressed as close as he was. He reached down to gently rub Gabriel's right side. "Seems we have some mischief makers."

Gabriel's blush deepened. "I actually hope this is something that they don't remember," he murmured, but enjoyed how Victor's hand moved upon him and how close he was to the other.

"Events are not something the mind of an infant is able to retain. They will only remember the sound of our voices," he said to reassure the young man. Victor moved his hand slowly, circling Gabriel's side. Starting from the bottom he would bring his hand up, rub the top, and then go back down.

Gabriel murmured softly, quite enjoying the feeling and as he squirmed a little, his belly rubbed against Victor warmly. "You're right, and I'm sure they'll be even happier from here on out, knowing that we really do love each other. It was something that they were... concerned about."

"Clearly they've inherited your compassion and concern." Both of Victor's hands began to rub now. "You're so sensitive. It's adorable."

"You really think so?" Gabriel replied, biting down upon his lips a little, though he was happy for Victor's thoughts on the matter, hoping that it would be true as those were very good strengths to have. "Adorable... wouldn't be the word I'd use."

"Would you prefer I say it was entertaining? Because that reigns true as well. I know the general feeling I've given is that I just expected you to do this. Bearing my children, I mean. Which was true at first. I could smell the womb in you and I knew you were the one I would use. However, as time has passed, my feelings on the matter have changed. I want you to know..." Victor slipped away to lie back down on the bed. Gabriel's full figure was in his sights now. His hands cupped either side of the great belly, fingers spreading so he could hold as much as possible.

"I think this is incredible."

Gabriel's hand moved up to the flushed curse mark upon his chest, normally he didn't think about it any more, perhaps because it had already done its work and there was no longer a need to be self-conscious of it. Lightly he traced along the pattern and sighed softly as he looked back to Victor. "I'm... I'm glad now that it was you. When I remember all those nightmares before, the memories of those Silverstrikes who'd fallen to such horrid fates, and how I could have ended up just like them, I'm sometimes ashamed." He lowered his gaze, the thick black fringe of lashes shading his pale stare. "I think in a way that I've beaten this curse and made it work for me. I..." he blushed and pouted a little, "I actually like being pregnant with Vampire babies, your babies. And if my ancestors ever heard that, or even Michael, I'm sure they'd have a fit and think I was absolutely mad. That some how my brain had rotted."

"You're feelings are valid," Victor said. "To come into such good fortune where others have suffered can inspire guilt in a person, but don't let yourself think their fate is your fault. The hand of fate draws different cards for each of us. We have no control over that. I'm sure there were plenty of Silverstrike men who went their whole lives without being impregnated. That doesn't seem fair to those who suffered either. Why should they have gotten off free? Asking these questions gets us no answers. So rather than dwell on things we do not understand, we should appreciate what we do know. And I know that we love each other."

Gabriel smiled and nodded at that. While he couldn't help but continue feeling at least a little guilty, he was still thankful for his good fortune... or at least what had ended up as being good fortune. A nagging little voice from within reminded the young man about his brother, that either he was still suffering those nightmares... or he was already caught by the curse. Shaking away that voice, Gabriel leaned forward and brushed his lips softly over Victor's own. "That we do, and that really is the most important part."

Victor leaned up into the kiss. He drew back and helped maneuver Gabriel back down onto the bed. Some of the blankets were pulled up around them as the Vampire started to feel a chill. "Do you remember when you asked if I could give you goodnight kisses?"

"Ah," Gabriel gasped, having almost forgotten it, "It seems like so long ago..."

"Well, I think I can spare a few." Their faces came closer together and Victor laid a gentle peck upon the boy's mouth. "How's that?"

Gabriel made a point to look as though he were considering the little action. "Mm... I think you can do better than that."

Victor tried again and this time he included a little tongue. "How about that, then?"

Gabriel blushed at that one and slowly licked his lips when they'd parted, still feeling and tasting Victor upon them. "Mmm, much better... think you can kiss me like that every night?"

Victor chuckled. "I think that can be arranged. If I am in the mood to do so."

Gabriel peeked up at Victor in a coy manner. "Does that mean I might have to get you in the mood to do so?"

Victor's face became serious. "My moods aren't a game, Gabriel. We both know that. If I am not feeling affection at any time, then you must leave that be. I would hate to get angry at you."

Gabriel's expression softened, but the smile did not leave his face. "I know. I'm sorry. Though if I think affection is what you need, then I won't hold back in giving it."

He nodded. "I suppose that would be all right. Now..." Victor wrapped his arms around the other man and cuddled in close for warmth. "You should get some sleep. You've had a busy day."

Gabriel smiled, but did not protest, just snuggled back against Victor with a contented sigh.

Victor might have willed himself to sleep as well, but there was too much on his mind. The Vampire lord was inwardly boasting himself for making love to Gabriel. He thought he'd done a pretty good job, actually. Childlike pride swelling in his chest.

I did it! Hooray!

While those weren't the exact words going through his head, that was the general feeling. But there was also a lingering upset in the appearance of this older Silverstrike brother. Certainly the human would seek to wedge himself between the former Hunter and the Vampire. Victor disliked that idea greatly. He also had to wonder as to why Michael showed up in the first place. He didn't believe for a second the story Michael fed them. Victor knew he was disturbed by something. ...But what?

It was early evening when Gabriel awoke, roused by the strange sensation of something kicking him from inside. It took him a moment to blink away the sleep and realize that what he was feeling was no fragment of a dream, but seven sets of healthy, strong little hands and feet beating at him even as their little voices rose up into his mind, insisting upon and naming various types of food that they had cravings for.

Uttering a soft groan, Gabriel began to shift and pull himself up. His face burned brightly as he detected yet another bit of strange sensation; that of Victor's dried seed upon his skin and within him. "Bear with me, my dears," he cooed, rubbing both hands over his grand belly, trying to calm them all and feeling each little kick and punch against his palms, "Let mommy get himself cleaned up, and then we'll all go have a great big breakfast, all right?"

We're gonna have pancakes, right?

I like waffles better.

They're the same thing!

But pancakes always soak up all the syrup so you can't taste it.

I want muffins. Blueberry muffins!

Yeah, blueberry!

And lots of milk.

What about sausage?

Mmmm....

I know, right?

Is uncle going to be there?

He probably left. Dad doesn't like him too much.

"Yes yes, I promise you can have all of those things and whatever else you want to ask for before we make it into the kitchen," Gabriel murmured, hoping that would settle them for a little bit longer. "And... we'll have to see about your uncle." On that note though, he looked over his shoulder at Victor and smiled. Cheeks still red, he turned around carefully and leaned over to press a light kiss upon the Vampire's lips. Victor might be disgusted with him, but Gabriel found that he didn't mind having his lover's seed on him. While not the most savoury sensation, it just seemed to drive home the love that they had shared.

Victor felt the soft pressure on his mouth. Icy eyes blinked open, glazed over with sleep. He sat up while scratching his head and looking around. "Mmmrr..... What time is it? Did I...? No. What?" Then his attention turned to the young man at his side. "Hello."

Gabriel giggled softly, finding that to be the cutest reaction he'd ever seen from the Vampire. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," he replied softly, gazing down at the other lovingly and brushing aside some blonde hair from the man's pale cheek. "It feels like the sun's just about set, but feel free to get a bit more sleep if you want. The little ones are hungry, but... I'm going to freshen up before heading down." He blushed at that part and bit at his lips shyly.

"Who?" His eyes drifted down until he caught sight of Gabriel's very round stomach. "Oh yeah. Um... good. Yeah." Victor sort of smacked his mouth a few times and licked at his fangs. The man almost looked hung over. He scratched his chest and nodded. "Yeah. I'll meet you... for eating."

Gabriel blinked for a moment at Victor, and then pulled himself up. The Vampire seemed to be acting strangely this morning, though he couldn't exactly say in what way. "Well, then I'll see you shortly." He nodded and would waddle on over to the bathroom, reflecting on what had just happened. If he didn't know any better, he'd swear that for an instance there, Victor had forgotten that he was pregnant.

Victor laid on his own in the bed for a few minutes longer. He stared up at the canopy trying to figure out what color it was. Soon he gave up and staggered out of bed. He fumbled into his pants and wrestled with his sweater. It took him a few tries since his arm kept going through the neck hole. Finally he made it out into the hall where everything danced in front of his vision. Victor tried blinking and shaking his head, but that didn't help. The man didn't make it beyond the steps where he sat down in defeat.

"Jessica! Milo! Philp! Andrea! Somebody get up here!" He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm hungry!"

"Did daddy seem different to you this morning?" Gabriel asked his belly as he gently patted it dry after a quick, but thorough wash in the tub. Briefly he could have sworn that he'd heard Victor yelling from the hall, but shook his head, as that just couldn't be right.

Yeah, he did.

Maybe he was just sleepy.

Wake up, wake up you sleepy head. The day has come, now rise from your bed.

He seemed confused.

Do you think he was hungry? Or thirsty?

We feel confused sometimes on the days daddy feeds us.

That's true.

"I suppose, that could be it," Gabriel replied, and then shook his head. "Well, it's probably nothing then." He would go out and open the wardrobe to select the clothes he would wear tonight, asking for the opinions of his unborn as though they could see just what it was he was talking about, but at least he could describe and hope that they understood.

"Well, now aren't you the prince charming?" rounding the corner, Michael rather suddenly appeared. His presence having been masked perfectly only seconds before. Around his legs the black cat, Sashi, circled gracefully, though it seemed that her eyes, like Michael's single shining one, never left Victor. "Rough night... or maybe..." He grinned.

Victor looked up with a glare. "Or maybe I fucked your brother. Maybe proved you wrong. Hm?" Then he looked at the cat and hissed viciously.

The cat regarded Victor with indifference, as if unimpressed by the hiss being expressed at her, and simply flicked her tail up at Victor as she continued to wind around Michael's legs, rubbing at him to make the man hers.

"Is that what you called it? You just fucked him, out of contempt for me?" Michael sneered, and then set a hand over his heart, "Oh, now I know the error of my ways, he is surely in good hands now... spiteful, childish hands that is."

"No, but thanks to your bold mouth I finally told your brother I loved him and we celebrated. So I suppose I should thank you." His vision started to double so Victor put his head in his hands and growled lowly. "Milo! Olivia! Edward! Where are you?! Get up here now!"

Michael lifted a brow at that, folding his arms over his chest as he watched the Vampire and wondered if the lack of response from any of the servants was being done on purpose. "I wonder if this means I'll have to try harder to wrestle my brother out from under your claws."

"Or you could just leave us alone. Let him be happy. Just because some gruesome creature probably impregnated you doesn't mean you have to make Gabriel's experience just as miserable."

Suddenly a man came running up the stairs. "I'm sorry, Lord Mihalache. We didn't hear you." Without even being told, he undid the collar of his shirt and Victor’s fangs plunged in deeply.

Michael's jaw grew taut and a tight line jumped within it briefly; apparently those words having struck a nerve within him. Within Sashi as well, as she arched her dark back and uttered a loud and displeased hiss at the Vampire.

Not long after the young man appeared, so too did Gabriel, waddling quickly down the hall. "Victor?" He'd heard his lover's shouting after leaving the room, though as he saw the Vampire feed, he slowed his pace and urgency. So it was just hunger that made Victor so touchy?

Michael sneered. "Hopefully your brats won't take after their father, and have some manners about where they take their food."

"My Lord is weak," Edward said. "It has been a few days since he had any blood. My Lord is more accustomed to feeding in private, but he was at risk of falling down the stairs. He could have been badly hurt."

Victor drew back. He was panting a bit as he wiped his mouth. "Thank you, Edward. You are dismissed."

"Yes, Lord Mihalache." The servant buttoned his collar up again and went about his business.

The Vampire stood up and offered his arm to Gabriel. "I believe we have a date for breakfast."

Michael continued to scowl, watching as the servant made his way off. "Seems like one of the ones you managed to win over," he stated, and bit at his lips as he watched Gabriel go over and take the Vampire's arm as if nothing was amiss and apparently ignoring his statement.

"The little ones are kicking up another storm," Gabriel told Victor with a tender smile, "I've kept them waiting long enough."

Victor rubbed the front of the young man's stomach. "Impatient, are they? Well let's take care of that then." He glanced over at the other man. "Are you going to join us, Silverstrike? My chefs can make anything you want." Ice blue eyes flashed down to the black feline. "Of course, that thing will have to stay up here."

Gabriel blushed softly at the rub, though continued to smile. "Well, they woke me up because they were hungry, but I asked them to wait while I got... cleaned up." He blushed a little deeper at that. But then looked over to Michael, "Please join us? You don't have to sulk by yourself you know."

"I'm not sulking," Michael replied, surprised that his brother would accuse him of such a thing. "And I will join you two." He murmured softly to the cat, and she promptly bolted off down the hall to places unknown.

"You know, I was quite surprised," Victor said while leaning into Gabriel's ear. "Last night, after we celebrated, I had no urge to cleanse. I was actually enthralled by our mixed scents in the air and in the bed."

Gabriel gasped sharply at that, and nodded, "I-I... rather enjoyed it as well," he replied shyly, feeling his face burn ever so hot right then. It was strange to admit and to have his lover admit that they both felt good enveloped in that musk and perfume, and Gabriel couldn't help but squirm a little as Victor's closeness helped grant him a brief snatch of the Vampire's usual odor and bring to mind how it had changed only some few hours before.

When they came to the kitchen Victor gave orders for breakfast, making sure everyone was getting what they wanted. Bowls of biscuits, fruit, butter, honey, and jelly were brought out. There were also two large pitchers of milk. "So, Silverstirke..." Victor began and took his seat. "I trust you were comfortable last night?"

Michael looked up as he pulled out his chair to take a seat in it, and sniffed lightly. "The bed's too soft."

"Some beds have firmer mattresses than others. I can have someone help you find a bed you like. Also, Gabriel can show you down to the sewing room. Jonas will be wanting to make you some clothes. I would prefer you not walk around in the same dirtied things day after day." Victor popped a grape into his mouth. "My nurse can also examine your eye for you. Actually, you should go see her regardless. You have been wandering around in the woods all this time. Gods know what diseases you might be carrying. I don't want you getting Gabriel sick."

"I think I'm quite fine with what I've got on, thanks," Michael replied with a snarl, "and I'll just go roll around in a riverbed if I need to get cleaned. That should be good enough for the likes of me, right? And it's an old wound, no need to bother with it now."

"Please you two," Gabriel said with a sigh, rubbing at his belly. Now that the children could kick about, they seemed to be responding more to the stimulus around them, including the bad vibes coming from the other men. "I'm tired of this bickering. I don't expect you to be friends, but do accept the fact that you are now family, whether you like it or not!"

Victor gave the boy a surprised look. "I didn't mean to be bickering. I was just trying to offer him the services here." He paused for a moment to think. "Although... I suppose my tone could use some work." Blue eyes met green eyes. "Should I try again?"

"Yes, you should," Gabriel replied, but then turned his pale, angry gaze upon Michael. "And you," he stated sternly, "need to stop trying to find ways to put a wedge between me and Victor. We're not perfect, but we love one another, and you've no right to come waltzing back into my life and start judging me and the decisions I've made with it." He then took a large bite of a muffin and sat back to pout and chew, rubbing at his belly some more. He wasn't going to let these two upset him or the children any longer, especially not now.

Michael blinked, shocked that his brother had just laid it out like that for him, and couldn't help but start to sulk as well and keep his gaze on anything except the Vampire or his brother.

"Silverstrike, if you would like, Gabriel can show you down to the sewing room. Jonas is our head seamster and he would be glad to make you some new clothes. I'm sure wearing the same thing everyday is uncomfortable. I can also have those washed for you at the very least. It may be beneficial for you to visit my nurse. Your eye may not be bothering you, but you would benefit from an exam. If you're sick she can give you medication. It would be unfortunate if Gabriel fell ill, and you shouldn't have to be sick either."

Michael was silent a moment, grinding his teeth before he then took in a deep breath and looked up to the Vampire, meeting that icy blue gaze. "I'll go down with him and see about Jonas’ work. Though I'd like to tend to my own washing and care of my clothes. They've got a few customizations upon them that I wouldn't want harmed. As for the nurse, I'll have to decline, and hope that you will trust that I am as free from sickness and pests as I know myself to be."

Victor turned all of this over in his mind, but he finally nodded. "Very well, 2hen you are ready, one of my servants will show you to the laundry chamber. You may handle your own clothes as you wish. I regret your decline to see Mary, but I accept it. Just know that if you ever feel under the weather, she is here to help. She is very good and very kind. Gabriel can attest to that."

Gabriel nodded and smiled, rubbing both hands along his large stomach. That was good, and the children were growing calmer as well. "Mary is wonderful, she's helped me a lot these past months and was there to answer all my questions when this first started."

Michael went about in eating his breakfast, keeping his gaze from the pair. "I'm sure she's as good as you say. I just... don't feel much like being poked and prodded right now, and as I've said, the eye is an old thing, nothing worth looking at now."

"It seems like an interesting story," Victor said while eating his eggs. "Care to thrill us with your dangerous tale?"

"Werewolf," Michael stated quickly, "and not much to the story really. I was careless, he got the jump on me, and while we were fighting, his claws got too close. I haven't made a mistake that bad since, so it was a good learning experience."

Victor hummed and nodded. "Yes, Werewolves can be a challenge sometimes. You have to always stay one step ahead of them and at lest ten steps away from them. Quite tenacious creatures, really. They would certainly be much more formidable if they weren't such savages. Disgusting beasts can't think beyond the next kill and the next breeding."

Michael nodded to that, agreeing with each sentiment, surprisingly. "I've managed to glean a few new methods from my peers in how best to track and deal with them. The methods have been rather effective, it's just a shame I didn't bother doing my homework earlier."

"Well, we sometimes learn best through experience. I suppose you can be grateful it was just your eye and not your whole head. That would have been rather tragic."

"Yes, quite tragic," Michael intoned, unsure if there was a veiled threat in those words, but he held his own tongue firmly in check.

A somewhat awkward silence fell over the dining hall. It seemed they had run out of things to talk about. Victor picked at a particularly dark ring in the table wondering if he should focus his attention on Gabriel now. Fortunately he didn't have to think for long as the food came out just a few seconds later. The Vampire let out a quiet sigh of relief. "Silverstirke, you will have to tell me how you like the food. If something isn't exactly how you like it, do not hesitate to send it back."

"The food here is honestly more luxurious and decadent than most of the places I've been too, so I doubt you'll get so much as a peep of complaint from me," Michael replied, taking a little more time to savour his food this time around and enjoy what had been granted to him.

"Even if you don't complain," Gabriel stated, dabbing away some jam from the corner of his mouth, "if there's anything in particular that you'd like, just let us know. The kitchens here are truly amazing." He blushed faintly as he realized that he might have sounded like a glutton just then.

Victor laughed. "You know, I can't seem to remember a time when you weren't blushing. You embarrass so easily. Honestly, I think it's adorable, but you probably hate hearing it. Allen blushed at everything too. So innocent." He leaned forward, putting his elbows on the table. "I hardly ever tell people this, but my favorite color is pink. All I ever hear is that there's nothing masculine about that color. However, I love it because it signifies warmth and life."

The colour in Gabriel's cheeks intensified at this admission, not really wanting to be called cute and yet also finding himself flattered by it. "V-Victor," he mewled softly, though wasn't sure what he could say to defend himself. He blinked as he heard a soft, muffled sound next to him, and found that Michael had just barely managed to stifle a bout of laughter.

"You still haven't grown out of that?" The other Silverstrike grinned, almost wickedly, and Gabriel knew with rising despair that Michael was remembering some tales from their youth when the younger brother was as shy and easy to colour as a closeted maiden.

Bright blue moved to the older of the siblings. "Silverstrike, you must tell me about this little habit of his. Did he blush at all the pretty girls?" Victor bared his fangs in a devious smirk. "Or maybe he blushed at all the strapping boys? Did he do it around your mother? He does it whenever I compliment him."

Michael grinned, looking like a cat who had just come across easy prey. "Oh he wasn't terribly picky as a child. Pretty girls and strapping boys alike would set those cheeks aflame. And pretty as any of the girls he was. Used to annoy him to no end when people would tell our mother that she had such lovely children, both the boy and the girl. Though the girl really ought to be brought up as a little lady, no tumbling in the muck and to exchange her breeches for skirts."

"Beautiful as a belle, were you, Gabriel?" Victor asked with a deep, healthy sounding chuckle. "How marvelous. Well, I could still turn you into a lady yet. Why... a change in wardrobe and a few etiquette lessons, you'd be a Lady in no time. Can you just imagine it? I can see you as a child, hair done up in gaudy pink bows, your Sunday best covered in dirt from head to toe."

Gabriel's face was livid. Of all the things those two could bond over, why did it have to be this?! He pouted at Victor, hands upon his stomach as the children settled down after their large meal and also due to the tension having lessened greatly. "I-I grew out of that!" he protested, and jumped as Michael caught him by surprise by lightly brushing some of his hair from his shoulder.

"I dunno, Gabe. I think that with a little grooming, and like Mihalache here said, a change in wardrobe, you could make a pretty handsome, strong looking Lady of the manor."

"Yes, you certainly would," Victor said quietly. The lord leaned back in his chair then, looking rather thoughtful. "But I wouldn't put Gabriel through that. I am sure he would end up feeling like more of a replacement that an actual mate. I love Gabriel for who he is, not who he resembles. If Gabriel ever wanted to be that kind of person then I would help him any way I could. However, I just want him to be happy and to be himself."

Gabriel privately sighed in relief at that, though realized that for Victor, he probably could give it a chance if the Vampire wanted him to. Yet it would always nag at him that perhaps he was being made into a replacement, and such feelings would always be with him if he were to spend the rest of his days in lace and ruffles and flowing skirts. His thoughts then turned to how he looked now, and that perhaps it was time to give his hair another cut, and he found himself lightly toying with a dark lock that brushed against his shoulder.

Michael was pleased at this answer, and noted its sincerity even if a part of him did not wish to. He stole a glance over to his brother, and the effort to fight down the revulsion for what his little sibling had become seemed no longer quite as necessary. Gabriel was outrageous in his size, and yet looked utterly content with it.

"Mm, Victor," Gabriel murmured, one hand rubbing at his belly, "I'd like to take a break from sparring today. With the little ones starting to kick away at me, I'd just like to get used to that sensation before trying to deal with that and your movements." He then smiled. "But maybe Michael can have a go with you? It'd be good to be challenged by someone new, right?"

"Of course. You only have to do your exercises when you feel up to them." Then Victor frowned at the next suggestion. "I don't think it would be wise for your brother and me to fight. As harmless as sparring is, it can turn quite dangerous when both or even one party is not in control. No... I think Silverstrike and I need to become more acquainted before we draw swords. Perhaps we can show him the stables instead. Also, do not forget I wanted to get the sketches down for the painting today."

"Ah, that's right," Gabriel replied with a soft gasp as he remembered and then his cheeks began to burn anew. He licked his lips and then turned to his brother apologetically. "I suppose he is right," he said, and was relieved when Michael only nodded his agreement. "We'll take you to the stables today, so that you can take a look at Victor's stock. They're quite beautiful, and if he permits it," he stole a careful glance back at Victor, "perhaps you could go for a ride and see more of the area."

Victor nodded. "As long as he doesn't ride off with the horse, I should have no problem with that. In fact, he could go out on patrol with my men. As a Hunter I'm sure he would enjoy the chance. He could get out of the castle for a while and exercise his spirit."

Michael wasn't surprised, nor pleased, with the implication, but nodded in any case. "I think that would be a good choice. Perhaps I could find ways of improving your methods and keeping this town safer."

Victor scowled. "My methods are fine. My people are perfectly safe under my watch. No one has died or come to any harm since my turning. I protect them and I do a damn good job of it."

Michael only lifted a brow as Victor's temper rose to the surface again, though it was at least contained there from exploding forth. Gabriel reached out and placed a hand upon Victor's arm. "Michael's a skilled Hunter. I'm sure that a few suggestions could only be for the good. After all, you’ll soon have children to look after and take up your thoughts, and so you won't be with the men in the same way. I think that Michael could help them in protecting themselves, and stand on their own two feet, without you needing to worry about them."

"I don't worry about them. I'm not their babysitter! They know how to defend themselves. They are out there every night patrolling our borders without me! I don't appreciate your implication that I've been sending incapable men out to defend this town. Just as everyone else in this castle, I expect them to know how to do something right and how to do it well. Until then, they are not allowed to do anything."

"Victor, please," Gabriel murmured, biting his lips as he felt the children kick about when they heard their father's raised voice and did not like it.

Victor growled and stood abruptly. "I need to... Just give me a few minutes, all right?" He started for the far doors. "Please meet me in the studio in thirty minutes. Don't be late."

Gabriel shook his head lightly and sighed, "I'll be there." He would rise as well, sighing again as he arched his back, his belly jutting out before him. "You really shouldn't goad him like that. I don't like it when he gets into these moods of his."

"Why do you even put up with it?" Michael muttered, following his waddling little brother out on their way to the stables.

"Because I love him. I'm sure there are times when he's not happy with me either, but I think loving through all that is what makes things complete."

Many of the servants greeted Gabriel warmly and cheerfully when he came out to the stables. They were always glad to see him, appreciative of a new face they could talk to. Many of them asked about his brother as well, not having met the older Hunter yet.

"Would you like to see Arthur?" asked Robert. "He's grown quite a bit since you last saw him and we just finished grooming him too."

"Oh, yes please," Gabriel replied with a brilliant smile. He'd grown more accustomed to the servants now, and although he did his best to ask little of them, he always made it a point to inquire about their lives and make sure that all was well with them. In a way, it felt like part of helping run things. "Ah, and my brother, Michael, would like to take a ride out with one of the patrols. Has the first group already headed out for the night?"

"Actually, they are getting saddled up right now. We can bring a steed out for him. Does he need any weaponry? There's an extra archery set in the storage closet."

"If you could please, I would very much appreciate it," Gabriel asked, and then looked to his brother.

"Thank you for the offer. I'll go take a look at that set," Michael said, nodding towards Roger before striding forth.

"Sorry if he comes off a little brusque," Gabriel said softly, hands at his belly as the children wriggled about at the familiar sounds of the stable. He was certain that they would take to riding like fish took to water, and was sometimes upset that he could no longer go out on rides of his own.

"Oh, that's all right. We know that Hunters are solitary people. Let me go get Arthur for you." Robert went to one of the center stables and brought out the colt. Arthur got his sights on Gabriel and immediately began to whinny and trot about. Robert laughed. "He's excited to see you."

Gabriel laughed and moved over to pat the young horse's find coat. "And seems to be showing off too. What a handsome thing he is, all brushed to glow." He scratched the long muzzle and breathed in deep the clean scent of the beast before him. "And growing so well too. I just know that you'll make a fine steed for one of my little ones." He patted his belly knowingly.

Arthur gave a friendly snort and nuzzled Gabriel's belly. He could smell each little life inside and he was fascinated by them. He'd been around pregnant mares that only carried one colt, so the septuplet carrying human was quite intriguing.

Gabriel giggled, tickled by the horse's breath and firm nuzzles. "I know, there's an awful lot in there. I must be as big as one of the mares only carrying one." He stroked his fingers through the fine mane and sighed softly, his cheeks gone rosy again. It seemed like even the animals were happy for him.

Arthur whinnied in response. He'd long since shed his baby coat and was now much darker. The colt resembled more of his father, dominated by a fine black color. White spotted his muzzle, ears, and knees, which he got from his mother. When Arthur was let out to run with Azazael, he was already giving his sire a run for his money.

"He'll be an excellent ride," Robert said.

"Oh, I'm certain of that too," Gabriel said, "it'll just be a matter of seeing if the children can share such a fine beast, or if Victor and I will gift him to one child in particular. Will he be allowed to stud, like his father?"

Robert nodded. "I'm sure he'll be expected to. Lord Mihalache is already planning for the children. Azazael has already impregnated three other mares. We plan on having seven riding stock horses for the kids when they're old enough to ride."

Gabriel felt his cheeks warm, and really wish they hadn't. It was just horse breeding for pity's sake, and yet he couldn't help but find his mind wandering to the sort of virility that Victor's precious Azazael had. "W-why that's wonderful news," he replied, looking anywhere but at Robert out of shyness. "It'll be quite something to let the children know that they had horses prepared for them before they were even born. I should talk with Victor about setting it up as a birthday present when they're ready. Ah, and of course, speaking of Victor, he's expecting me, so I'm afraid I'll have to cut our meeting short."

"Of course, Master Silverstrike, should I send your brother to meet you when he returns from the patrol?"

Unsure of how long he would be with Victor, Gabriel shook his head. "No, but let him know that he's free to do as he'd like, and I will meet with him later. Thank you again, Robert." And off he would waddle, as fast as his girth would allow him to.

Victor was busy lighting candles in his studio. He wanted a stark contrast in the painting so the room was virtually dark. Lighting was planned for underneath and to the left of Gabriel, illuminating his face and figure in a gentle glow. Victor had abandoned his cape as the loose material sometimes proved to only get in the way. Even his long blonde hair was pulled back and tied off with a black ribbon. The canvas and soft charcoal sticks were already set up on the easel. Now all he needed was his subject.

Gabriel knocked upon the door gently before pushing it open. "Victor, I'm here," he called softly as he let himself in. "I hope I'm not late. Robert was showing Author to me, I sometimes can hardly believe just how much time goes by, he's grown so much."

"He's not the only one," Victor said with a playful smile. He moved to close the door behind Gabriel and locked it. "I've told the servants to leave us alone while we're in here. This session will be completely private." The man then gestured to the lounge placed upon a tall platform, draped with dark red silk sheets and a few extra pillows for comfort. "This is where you will be. The lights will be here on the floor so you will be illuminated from below against the pitch black. Do you need help getting out of your clothes?"

Gabriel blushed at that, wondering if he really had grown that much more over the past few months, he'd already been a little on the bigger side, and every now and again he was having to go down and ask for alterations on some of his favorite outfits. He pouted a little as he looked down at the great dome that had become his body, but thanks to Victor's compliments and their lovemaking, he knew that he had nothing to be ashamed about in this form... though having a picture made of him was another matter. "I-if you could please," he admitted meekly, cheeks growing darker as he looked about the set up. "I-I'm nervous."

Victor smiled warmly and nodded. "It's all right to be nervous. Being in the spotlight isn't always easy." He pulled the tunic and undershirt over the boy's head, making sure to fold them neatly. "This painting will just be for the two of us. No one else will have to see it. We can keep it covered in our room if you like; looking upon it during special occasions." Victor kneeled on the floor so Gabriel could hold his shoulders while he helped the boy from his shoes and pants.

Gabriel was thankful for the help, but hoped that as he held onto Victor, that the man didn't notice his slight trembling. "I-I'd like that. No one needs to see me like this, n-no one expect you." When he stood there naked, for the first time in a long while, he found himself becoming shy of his nudity before Victor. Was he really worthy of having a picture done of him? What if Victor didn't like what he drew, because his model had been inadequate?

Gabriel's hopes were in vain, seeing as how Victor's senses were too keen to miss the faint shaking in his lover's limbs. Ice blue eyes could read all the questions of doubt clearly on the boy's face. So he touched a curved jaw and continued smiling. "You are very precious and very beautiful, Gabriel. I will never lose favor with your image. I promise you this. As I have told you before; you are very special to me. You came during a time when I needed you most, for so many reasons, and you saved me. I want to remember you forever in your purest form. This painting will be the proof that my saving grace was real and that I loved him."

Gabriel nodded and then leaned up to brush his lips against Victor's own, the trembling within him having ceased. "I'm ready now," he replied, those sweet words having flowed through him like a tonic to soothe his fears and cast away his doubts. Or at least the greater number of them. With a flushed smile, he would go over to the lounge set out for him. In the back of his mind however, he couldn't help but reflect on some of the implications of the last of Victor's words, and for the first time he realized that his life would be short and that Victor would go on for many years without him. Gently he set his hands upon his belly. Would the children be able to take away Victor's pain when he was gone... would Victor mourn for him? "How do you want me?" he asked softly, just sitting there, in no real pose.

"Forever," the pale man whispered under his breath, wishing the painting didn't have to be the only image he had of Gabriel sixty years from now. Victor wouldn't be selfish, though. Gabriel wanted to remain a human, and that's how it would be. The Vampire shook his head and stepped forward. "You should look natural, yet elegant. Bring your legs together and draw them up a little... like that, yes. Turn on your back just slightly, but keep your legs to the side. You don't have to twist yourself... there. Good. Drape this arm where ever you like. Now prop this arm up here and rest your head in your hand. Be sure to face me. You can look off to the side a little if you want." When he was done posing the other, he stepped back. "All right, just like that. Will you be comfortable for an hour or two in that position?"

"Hm, I think so," Gabriel replied, and shifted just a little, not out of the carefully instructed setting that Victor had given him, but just so that he could be sure that he would relax and not tense up. "I just hope that the little ones don't kick about too much later." They were calm now, happy to be in the presence of their father and knowing the gentle, loving nature in the air beyond their fleshy home.

Victor nodded. "I will try to be quick then. When I finish the sketch you can get up and walk around so none of you go stir crazy." Victor stood at his canvas, took a charcoal stick between his long fingers, and began to sketch. "Could I ask you a slightly personal question?" he asked after a few minutes of silence.

Gabriel blinked, and for a moment was unsure if it was alright for him to talk while Victor was sketching, but since the Vampire had instigated the conversation... "Yes, ask me anything, Victor."

"Did you ever plan on having a wife of your own? Did you see yourself with a woman who would bear your children and living in a normal house in a normal town? Or did you just plan on always being a Hunter and never participating in the domestic life?"

Gabriel blinked again, for it was such an odd and yet simple question. "I... don't know really. I think that, it used to be a mixture of the two. That I would find someone and have kids with her, and then, for the sake of the Silverstrike name, would train them to be strong and brave Hunters." He resisted the urge to rub at his belly then, not wanting to disrupt Victor's work.

Victor didn't show any signs that he was considering the answer. He just continued drawing and asked another question. "So do you think having a family would have been more important than spreading the curse?"

"I... I know that it's seems pretty foolish, continuing this cursed family line for so long. But there's always been that pride, to keep our name strong and also... to be strong Hunters and help people from the dangers of the night." Gabriel looked down at himself, careful not to move his head. "I... I think that maybe I've broken away from that though. These children... they won't be cursed... and they won't be Silverstrikes..."

"What if they are?" Victor offered. "You said so yourself that no Silverstrike has been taken by a Vampire before. We are the closest things to humans when it comes to creatures of macabre. How do you know our sons won't bear a rose as well?"

That had never crossed his mind, having assumed that they would be entirely... monstrous, though he would not dare or stomach to use that word. His fingers twitched slightly, wanting to rest upon his chest and at that terrible, yet beautiful ornate mark. What would happen if they were Vampires, and they were caught by some unnatural beast, made to bear their offspring, would the curse negate the Vampire bloodline as it did human bloodlines, or would it instead combine it with the other and create something new and horrid. More than ever now, he wished to train his children to be strong and to protect themselves. "We... won't know until they come of age," he murmured sadly.

"If it does so happen that they inherit the Silverstrike mark, I don't want it referred to as a curse. I want the boys to understand that such an ability is a rare opportunity. Some of them might grow up attracted to their own, and they should now that a chance to expand upon the Vampire population is still possible. Our boys shouldn't feel like there is anything wrong with them. I won't stand for that kind of thinking or behavior."

"I... I think that it would be wonderful if it could work out that way, but... forgive me if I'm a little... frightened. This curse has been a burden on my family for so long, and it's hard for me to think of it otherwise right now."

"I understand." Victor put the last few lines on the sketch and set the charcoal stick down. He moved around from behind the easel, walked up to Gabriel, and affectionately touched his swollen belly. "We will make sure they are well educated on the matter. Even thought we won't call it a curse, they will still know the danger, just as our daughters. They must all understand that they must guard themselves. As long as they stay out of trouble, they should be fine."

Gabriel hoped that Victor was done, as he reached out to place a hand upon Victor's own as it lay upon his large belly. "I want to teach them all on how to guard themselves, so that they... need never suffer because of this." He lowered his gaze then. "I'm... I'm sorry for bringing this upon your children."

"No, Gabriel, don't talk like that. You have not done anything wrong." Victor touched the young man's cheek, trying to make eye contact again. "These children are a blessing. They are a wonderful gift you are giving to me. Nothing is wrong with them and no one is at fault."

"But..." Gabriel lifted his gaze to Victor and tears sparkled in his pale green eyes. "What if they have the nightmares? What if... something comes after them for what they can do?"

"Oh Gabriel." Victor drew the boy close to him, cradling him slightly and rocking gently. "If they have nightmares, then we will hold them and dry their tears. If something comes after them, then we will fight to protect them. You and I will do everything we can to make this life as easy as possible. I will care for them just as I care for you. If nothing else, the children will have my unyielding love."

Gabriel clung to Victor in turn and sniffled with a soft whimper as he nodded. He just wanted everything to be perfect for their children, and even though it was thanks to the curse that he was even having this family, he didn't want them to despair over it as he once had, or worse yet, end up like so many of his ancestors had.

"Sshhh... It's all right, Gabriel. It's all right." Victor continued rocking his lover gently. He would pet Gabriel's hair and kiss his temple softly. "You know I didn't mean to upset you."

"I'm sorry, I... I'm being too emotional right now," he whimpered quietly against Victor's shoulder, the tears continuing to fall down his cheeks, though he was glad to be in the Vampire's arms and comforted in this fashion.

"It's no problem." Victor lifted Gabriel and maneuvered them both until the Vampire was sitting in the lounge with the boy in his lap. He brought the candles up to give more light and provide a bit of warmth. One arm wrapped around Gabriel's back while the other rubbed his arm. "Just cry until you feel better. We have plenty of time. I won't go anywhere, either." Gabriel wept softly until he'd fallen asleep in the solid security provided by Victor's arms. As his breathing slowed with the depths of slumber, a few more tears trickled down his face, which he seemed to subconsciously try to hide against Victor's chest. Victor wiped those tears away with his thumb. It hadn't been his intention at all to upset his mate like this. Really he'd just been trying to make conversation. Seems his social skills still weren't quite up to par. "Sorry," he said to the sleeping male.

Deciding that the bed would be a better place to sleep than a dark studio, Victor wrapped Gabriel up in the red sheets and carried him out. He was just about to the stairs when he crossed paths with the older sibling who just seemed to be wandering about. "Ah, Silverstrike, may I assume the patrol was to your liking? Good news, I hope. No present danger?"

"What traces of wolf activity we did find was pretty worn, seems that the pack has been taken care of. There shouldn't be any problem, certainly not until the winter has had a chance to wipe away the old scents." Michael looked down at his brother, and then lifted a brow at Victor. "He's been crying." It was more statement than question, though his voice was carefully kept free of any resentment or accusation, as he tried hard to have an open mind.

"Yes, he got himself a little worked up. We were talking about the children and the family curse made its way into the conversation. I reassured him and then he fell asleep. I was just about to go put him into bed. He'll be more comfortable there."

That one pale eye narrowed slightly. "You don't think your kids would be born with it, do you? Because that would be... very troublesome."

Victor shrugged. "I think the possibility should be considered. We Vampires are quite human, really, so there is a small chance. While I do not wish the curse upon my sons, I do not think the reality should be ignored. If the curse does show itself, then we will do what we can to see that it is not abused."

Michael folded his arms over his chest, and muttered under his breath, "Well, I suppose they'll have a better chance than we did." He then tossed his head to the side in gesture. "Better go take the ripe little sleeping beauty to bed before he catches cold."

Ice blue eyes watched the Hunter closely. Victor had heard those words quite clearly, but for the sake of civility, he said nothing about them. He merely nodded and continued on his way upstairs to their room. After getting Gabriel tucked into bed, the fireplace was lit and the curtains drawn shut. Then Victor left to let the boy sleep.