Nick leaned down to kiss Ryan goodbye.
“Do you have to go?” Ryan asked after the lingering kiss had ended.
Nick nodded. “I’m sorry.” he said, leaning in to give Ryan another kiss. “Business stuff.”
“Go on then.” Ryan said, managing a smile.
“I’ll try to be back early.” Nick promised.
“Take the time you need to get things done. I’ll be alright.”
“Are you sure?”
Ryan nodded. Nick gave him a last kiss before gathering his jacket and keys, and then he left. After he was gone, Ryan looked around the apartment for something to do. The others were gone – Ned and Ashley had gone out on a date, and Rick was out feeding. He tried flipping through some of his comics, but couldn’t focus on them, so eventually put them away, carefully. Part of the problem, he mused, was that he felt lonely right now, and it didn’t sit well with him. After some thought, he decided to head out.
He directed his Uber toward the Heard Museum, having opted to spend some time among his fellow clan mates. He’d only been around them the once, really, apart from bumping into them on the Elysium nights he’d gone to. When he arrived, there were few present, but he attempted to mingle. He felt awkward, feeling as though he didn’t have much in common with any of them. Breaking off after a bit, he began looking at some exhibits.
“See something you like?” came a voice from behind him. Startled, Ryan turned to see who had spoken, and found h himself looking into the dark eyes of Makya.
“Just in a bit of awe, I guess.” Ryan responded.
Makya smiled at him. “Did Nick give you my message?”
“Yeah.” Ryan nodded. “Thank you, by the way.”
“It’s not a problem. I know Vince is rather busy as Seneschal.” he said, though Ryan guessed he meant something more with that statement.
“Aren’t you busy as Primogen?”
“At times.” Makya admitted. “However, a large part of my job is to take care of my clan – especially its newest members.”
“I appreciate that.” Ryan admitted. “I get the night-to-night survival, and Vince has taught a few things beyond that.” he added, shuddering a little as he remembered the fire lesson.
“How are his teaching methods?” Makya asked.
“I don’t really know how to compare it to anyone else’s.”
“Fair enough.” Makya said. He studied Ryan for a moment before speaking again. “Something’s weighing on you.”
Ryan sighed. “Yeah, I guess.”
“Come, why don’t we talk?” Makya offered. “If you’re willing, of course.”
Ryan thought about it before nodding. Makya made a gesture, and began walking. After a moment, Ryan fell into step beside him. They walked in silence, not speaking until they were outside the museum, away from the others. In fact, it wasn’t until they were standing at the American Indian Veterans National Memorial that they began to speak at all.
“What’s on your mind?” Makya asked gently.
Ryan shook his head. “I don’t… I mean.” he sighed.
“It’s alright.” Makya assured him. “Whatever you say will stay between us.”
“I’ve just got Nick on the brain.” he admitted.
“Ah, that’s right. The two of you are together, yes?” Makya said, trying to get Ryan to open up a little.
“Yeah.” was the response.
“Trouble in paradise?” Makya queried.
“Not really. It’s just… I’m trying to wrap my head around a few things. I love the guy, obviously. I’d do anything for him.” Ryan stated.
“But?” Makya gently prodded.
“But he’s got affection for others. I’m just beginning to wrap my head around the fact that he’s bi, not gay, and now he’s got other partners, and at least one other interested party.” he sighed.
“This bothers you a lot, doesn’t it?” Makya said, his voice low and even. Gentle.
“Somewhat.” Ryan admitted.
“Does Nick know?” Makya asked.
“Yeah, he knows. He’s offered to break things off with the others, but I know that would hurt him, and I don’t want that. They aren’t bad people – we get along.” Ryan explained.
“Continue.” Makya prodded. Again, being gentle so as not to run Ryan off.
“I sometimes wonder if I’m not enough.” Ryan finally admitted. “I know he loves me, and that means a lot. I know I’m first with him, and that helps. But sometimes…”
“There’s that niggling little thought in the back of your head.” Makya continued.
“Yeah.” Ryan nodded. “Most of the time I’m alright. But every now and then…”
“I understand.” Makya said with a smile. He reached out, hesitating a moment before placing a hand on the young vampire’s shoulder.
Ryan looked at the hand on his shoulder, then back at Makya. “Thank you.” he said. “I’m sorry you had to listen to my problems.
“It’s alright. I want to help in any way I can.” Makya responded, with the slightest emphasis. He cleared his throat after a moment. “Since you’re here, did you want to look around some more? I’ll show you around”
“Sure. I’d like that.” Ryan admitted. Together they toured the museum, with Makya waxing nostalgic on occasion about certain displays, or what things meant, though he kept it to a minimum unless Ryan engaged more.
After a while, Ryan spoke up. “Thanks for showing me around.”
“Anytime.” Makya said. “It was a pleasure.”
Ryan gave a brief wave as he left, with Makya returning it, then turned his thoughts inward before returning to the rest of his clan.
Ryan fidgeted outside while he waited for his Uber, wondering if he should take Nick up on his offer to help him get a car. When his ride arrived, he found himself naming Donovan’s place to be taken to. He’d intended to go home, but he hadn’t heard from Nick yet, and the others might be out still. Even if they were back, he wasn’t sure he wanted their company, so he thought he might as well talk to the man interested in his man, see what kind of person he was like.
After being dropped off, he rated and tipped the driver, paid the cover charge, and headed inside. He’d been here once before, but took the time now to really look around. It wasn’t a bad place – rather nice, in fact, and the talent was pretty good. He took a seat, deciding to watch the show for now, as his nerve was starting to dwindle. The first show had finished, and he was partway into a second, when he was interrupted.
“Enjoying the show?”
Ryan looked up to find Donovan standing there with a smile. “Yeah, actually. I haven’t spent a lot of time here yet, so I thought I’d check it out.”
“Well, you’re always welcome. On your own tonight?” Donovan stated before briefly looking around.
“Nick has some things to do.” Ryan said. “I’m on my own.”
“Ah. Well, by all means, please, enjoy yourself. If there’s anything I can do, let me know.” he said, turning to leave.
Ryan hesitated a moment before blurting out. “Can we talk?”
Donovan turned around. “Is everything alright?”
“I just wanted to talk – if you aren’t busy.” Ryan said, beginning to falter again. What the hell was he doing?
“Of course. Follow me to my office?” he asked.
Ryan nodded and got up, following Donovan through the club back to his office. After closing the door, Donovan sat behind his desk, while Ryan sat across from him.
“Ryan, correct?” Donovan asked, though he knew it was.
“Yes.” Ryan responded.
“What’s on your mind?” Donovan asked.
“Nick.” Ryan replied, studying Donovan carefully for his reaction.
“Is he alright?” Donovan asked, concerned.
“He’s fine, as far as I know.” Ryan admitted. “I just wanted to ask what you thought of him, and to be honest about it.”
Donovan leaned back in his chair, deciding on how to proceed before finally answering. “He’s attractive – very, at that.”
“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Ryan said, a bit of a smile on his face as he pictured Nick in his head.
“I enjoyed the time we spent together.” Donovan admitted. “Nick’s a good person. Young, perhaps a little clueless at times, but I like him. I wouldn’t mind another chance, if it presented itself.”
“So you want another chance with him then.” Ryan stated, more than asked.
“If it presented itself.” Donovan repeated. “Does it bother you, to know that Nick is found attractive by others, wanted by others?”
Ryan flinched. “Maybe a little. I want him to be happy, and I’m already sharing him.”
“So you are. And how’s that going?” Donovan asked.
“Better than I thought it would. He makes time for me, and he’s already busy a lot of the time as is.” Ryan explained.
“So you’re okay with Nick expanding his harem?” Donovan teased ever so slightly.
“As long as I stay first.” Ryan said firmly, meaning every word of it.
Donovan smiled. “Are you allowed to have people on the side?”
“If I want to, yes.” Ryan stated. “Nick isn’t putting restraints on me, if that’s what you mean.”
“I’d let him put restraints on me.” Donovan said with a wink and a smile.
If Ryan could blush… “That’s not what I meant.”
“I’m only teasing. I hope I didn’t offend.” he said.
“No, I’m okay.” he sighed.
“Are you interested in others?” Donovan asked.
“Maybe?” Ryan said.
“Excellent.” Donovan said with a smile.
“What do you mean?” Ryan asked.
“Are you free tonight?” Donovan said.
“As far as I know.” Ryan stated.
“Fantastic. Would you like to go out?” Donovan asked.
“What? Me?” Ryan pointed to himself. “Why me? I thought you were into Nick?”
“I’m allowed to be interested in more than one person.” he said, still smiling. “What do you say?”
“Sure?” Ryan said, still stunned from the question.
“Great. Let me finish a couple of things real quick, and we’ll head out.” Donovan said, beginning to work on letting his manager know he’d be out, likely the rest of the evening.
“I still don’t understand.” Ryan said, somewhat helplessly.
“What better way to get to know you?” Donovan said simply.
“Are you sure you’re not just using me to get to Nick?” Ryan asked.
“Ryan, I admit that I am intrigued by you, and would like to get to know you better.” Donovan said truthfully.
“But Nick’s a bonus, right?” Ryan said, a bit flattered that the older vampire had a seeming interest in him.
“Wouldn’t you agree?” Donovan asked.
“Can’t disagree there.” Ryan said with a smile.
“Alright then.” Donovan said, finishing up a few more things before his manager knocked to enter the office. Donovan explained a few things to them, then headed out after they, bringing Ryan with him to spend a night on the town.