The Empty World | The Empty World Sequence [complete | rewriting]

Sixteen

Athen nodded, "We've had a reminder why we tell the staff not to try to wake or move sleeping Vampyres." Morpheus was certain he meant the incident with Angel and Faye; if he were assuming, correctly, that those who hadn't seen had already been told about it. "So, since they're here, Murph or Laudy should help you, in case Dolly falls asleep."

"Athen's been a big help," Dolores said, "But I don't do well in sunlight."

"Morpheus can do it," Ganymede said, "I trust him; I know he's moved me out of Steven's way before."

Morpheus shrugged. Laudanum was trustworthy, to him, but he didn't mind helping Ganymede or Dolores.

"Psyche's here to help me with something. You haven't met, Ganymede?"

Ganymede shook his head, "Just Spider, and the Despair Faction here," he said, gesturing toward the sofa where Morpheus sat with his brother.

"New band name," Laudanum said, stretching his arms, before resting again against Morpheus' shoulder.

Psyche bent and peered at Ganymede, "He's new. The eagle's talons were sharp."

Ganymede laughed. "Not one of your eagles, just a ruddy, rank and file cock."

"Dirty birdy. You'll catch your death of flu."

"Got better," Ganymede told her, smiling. Morpheus had no idea what they were talking about.

"It does. I did. Oh, but the trials we suffer."

"Does Your Worship need a hug?" Ganymede asked, with open arms.

Psyche shook her head. "We have not all been spared Love's arrows."

"True. I ain't no aro, but I am ace." Ganymede winked, "You can still pose for me though...if Athen says. You got strings?"

"They are black," Psyche said, as if sad. She straightened and looked to Athen. "This one is sound...this one-" she wiggled fingers at Julien, then touched her fingertips to his jaw, "is still strange. Able to grow a beard and still waiting for an older man to take him." Was he? Morpheus fixated on the part about the beard. He should have noticed something like that. Now, there was just a very, very slight shadow of dark-blond hair on Julien's jaw, like he'd shaved one morning and been turned into a Vampyre in the evening.

"Shocker, Jules is queer," Julien said, sucking hard at his cigarette, "That's not even psychological. Gawd!"

"Third person doesn't help your case," Ganymede muttered.

"I am older," Athen complained. Morpheus laughed, because he sounded about as mature as Julien just had. Athen sneered at him, as Psyche growled cougar-like at her lover's ear.

"This one is still young, but he's growing," Psyche whispered, her hands clutched Athen's shoulder, but her eyes were fixed on Morpheus. He didn't get what Psyche meant by that, apart from it being statement of the obvious.

"It's almost dawn," Julien said, voice stressed, "Joy's been minding Faye, but she's gonna need to rest. Shade's not spoken to me since I called you. "

"He's good in command, but he doesn't like it."

"Thené, make her stop."

"Psyche, please. I'll hurt you," Athen said sweetly.

"Promise?" Psyche asked at a whisper.

Athen held a finger before his lips, while Julien turned to the stairs.

"We should go," Morpheus said. He stood from the small sofa.

Ganymede nodded. "Dolores," he said, "Should I call you Dolly?"