Joseph noticed the expression from his younger master and smiled. He could see what was happening, but it was none of his business. So he simply picked up the plates, bowed, and left the room, allowing a quiet smirk to cross his face.

Erik, of course, was completely oblivious and went back to work, sitting leisurely on the couch as he read more.

Alexi lets out a sigh and gets comfortable on his side. He simple watches Erik, his mind drifting as he takes in the man's features, wondering over and over what it would be like to [b]be[/b] this man. [i]'This is the first time where my wondering has turned slightly into longing. I do not simply wonder any more, I want to know. . .'[/i] 

For a long time Alexi lay there watching the vampire until at last sleep called to him. After bidding him goodnight the human took one last long look at Erik before slipping out of his robe and under his covers. He doesn't bother getting into pajama pants, much preferring not to get up at the moment. That night passes, and the following day. A level of normalcy seems to settle about the mansion over the next few days, and even the mood in Alexi's room seems to slip down into something that feels almost normal. Of course Alexi can only say this about himself as his insight into the vampire's heart is still very low. Each day that passes Riley has something new to show Alexi every day, and even convinces the busy man to take him out back again. Elaria came up with several new gadgets with her underlings and over all nothing too out of the ordinary happened.

Mois on the other hand was busier than usual. With the clean-up job for the first couple days calling all hands he came home each day with new aches and pains, making it a nightly ritual for him to call Joseph to his shack to work out some of the more painful kinks. On the break of the third day he found that he and Alexi's game was coming to a head but refused to break even with the rather accurate and sharp questions directed at him at breakfast. Pulling a few more strings at work he managed to pull a detail near the building Alexi will be in for the important meeting the following day and spent the rest of the evening pouring over reports in the area to make sure nothing happens to his dear brother.

Sitting down for the evening meal in his room Alexi can feel a faint unease running through his middle. I knows that he is a bit nervous over the big event tomorrow, but it is a different one than his brother is preparing for. Looking over at Erik he murmurs softly, “So, tomorrow, next dose. I will finally get this black hole out of my stomach. . .” He blinks slowly. “I know it is far different for you, but, is there any good thoughts you can think of about tomorrow's dose? I mean, are you simply dreading it, or. . . .”He lets out a long sigh. “I really wish I could stay home tomorrow, but that dratted meeting at my legal department in Mendoza I got roped into. . .” He sighs, pouting at the wall.

Erik looked up from his food for a moment and thought long and hard about how he felt now. His imprisonment felt oddly routine at this point. He would work as long as he could stand, usually a few hours, then jump up to swim, jog in place, do some push ups, anything to deal with the restless energy inside him. Sometimes he would pace while he read, or otherwise entertain himself. The computer had been delivered, and he often listened to music while he worked. There had not been much to shake his emotional control in the past few days, so he had not pushed Alexi over the deep end.

“I'm glad we are moving forward with it, I suppose. If it makes you feel better, then that's great. Although, I am concerned that giving you a greater connection to my emotions will be dangerous for you. As far as yours, they really are just a flicker in my mind. I've learned to compartmentalize them where they no longer overwhelm me like they did after that first dose. A part of me still resents being here, and still resents that you will not tell me what my purpose is as your prisoner, why you needed to bond with me in the first place. But I'm still forcing myself to accept that. Keeping my mind and body busy with all of this work is certainly helping. You are welcome to look over my work on Grunblak, see what you think, if I've missed any details you've laid out. I'm working on your 'friend' Elsa now, how exactly we can raid her compound without any slave casualties,” Erik finally replied, glaring into Alexi's eyes with his own critical pair.

Alexi feels an odd flicker of sadness followed by understanding when Erik informs him that he's “compartmentalized” his feelings. [i]'Well, it would be rather easy, seeing how weak and pathetic my feelings really are. And knowing his mind a little better, as I do now, I can see how pushing my feelings away would actually make him more comfortable in his own skin. I am still some kind of invader in his mind, even if he has agreed to this. . .'[/i] He lets out a soft sigh, holding a hand out for the plans. “Once this dose has done its magic you will not have to worry so much about hurting me. With the well of emotions inside me flushed out, unless you are trying, you should not be able to double me over with your feelings any more.”

Alexi's flicker of sadness was so weak to Erik that it did not even register as such. But he did recognize the gesture and handed Alexi a folder labeled “Grunblak Home.”

“I hope that's correct. I don't like being responsible for your pain,” he replied.

Alexi pours over the papers, spreading them out across the coffee table in an orderly fashion so he can easily put them all back in order and return them to the folder when he's done. “I hope so too Erik. . .” he mutters, his hark like gaze flickering over the information in front of him. Alexi has had very little to contribute to the plans for, well, anything, over the past few days, but as he looking across the papers spread before him he can see that everything he has said has at least be considered. This brings a smile to his lips which falls an instant later as he goes back to an actual examination. Finding no real fault with the plans, and since he doesn't actually know several key facts such as how many and what kind of magicals will be put on this task, all he can say as he puts the papers away is, “Looks sound.” He smiles at Erik as he hands them back. “I wish you the best of luck.”

“Thanks,” the vampire muttered, turning back to the desk. “They aren't in a final stage, as the officers will want to review them, but they should be a solid starting point. One on which we will want to act quickly. I will have to send some of these files to other cells, soon as I'm free to do so. I hate trusting people I don't know with the work, but Xani doesn't have the manpower to pull off this much at once.”

Alexi smiles. “I am sure you will be able to pull it off. I can recall several instances of cross cell projects coming out very well in the past. In fact, I think one of my greatest losses was when your cell and two others took out two major factories at once with only minimal casualties. All the product and machinery was trashed in less than 20 minutes, quite impressive.” Alexi smiles, not a hint of resentment or anything else in his voice.

Erik smiled slightly, amused by the eccentric billionaire's cavalier attitude towards millions of dollars worth of damage to his businesses. “Ahh yes, Onaru cell actually took the lead on that effort, but I enjoyed that hunt. It went well.” For a moment, he thought about how many times his cell had attacked Vandros factories, either owned directly by Alexi's company, or owned by companies that he held major stock in, since he had come to power as Leader. He stopped at about 12, just that he could think of in under a minute. “Your father probably hated us,” he muttered.

Alexi giggles and stands, stretching. “Oh yes. My father hated nothing more than all you dastardly rebels. Except me of course. . . .” Alexi lets out a long sigh and climbs into bed. He groans and shuffles around under the covers for a few seconds before his head pops up on his pillow. He smiles over at Erik with his sleepy gaze. “You were a good leader Erik, and even if you do not believe me, you still are.” He chuckles softly, sitting up against the headboard so he can continue talking should the vampire want to. A sudden thought strikes him and with a slightly shy look he asks, “Before we get to that third dose tomorrow. . . .Do you think, we could. . .Share a good memory again?” He's not asked again, seeing how it had affected Erik the last time, but with a few day's grace, Alexi can not help the rise of his curiosity. That touch of wondering if he could just feel happiness from the vampire again.

A touch of sadness coursed through Erik at those words. “You and Mois bested me. In other cells, Leaders have lost their positions for less. I'll do what the cell allows me to, take whatever position I'm given, but I will not ask for my old one back unless the officers and Council insist on it.” As he spoke, he strolled across the room and sat cross-legged on the end of the bed, facing Alexi. “Give me your hands again,” he muttered. “Any idea what memory you want me to try? Or at least the type?”

Pushing the covers aside Alexi's scoots forward, a small touch of happy trickling through him. [i]'I am so glad he is willing to do this again'[/i] Settling his hands into Erik's, Alexi thinks for a long moment before nodding. “Something with family. I have always wanted to look back on times with my brother or Joseph and feel the love for them I have, without actually having them around. So, yes, family, or someone you love. . .If that is not too personal. . .” He looks slightly shy again, hoping he's not asking too much. As far as he's concerned Erik has been very good to him and he'd hate to lose his friend now because he was being selfish. [i]'Though, selfish is a natural state of being for me. . . .Strange how getting close to someone like this changes that. . .Even if only a little bit. . . .'[/i]

“I ran away from my biological family when I was twelve. Don't get me wrong, my parents were good to me, but I didn't want to spend eternal life as a factory slave. It was a about a century and a half before Xani had the resources to rescue them. I had to beg Leader Zanri for weeks. She even made me do some extra chores around the camp, take on the grunt work no one else wanted to do for a few weeks. Of course, looking back on it, I think she was just teasing me, testing me as a potential trainee. I was only a Team Leader at that point, the lowest level of officer. Anyway, we did finally get to rescue them. So, a good memory would be that day, when the adrenaline wore off and I could finally appreciate what we had done,” Erik babbled, smiling weakly. “Does that sound good, Alexi?”

Smiling warmly Alexi nods and closes his eyes, waiting for Erik to look back on the feeling. However, even though her really looks forward to feeling this love, another curiosity races through him and he wonders if he will ever he able to feel that other love, the one he glimpsed during their last session. ~Pyrra~ The name echoes through his mind, the memory of how it had thundered such emotions through the both of them. He thinks back on how that simply name had triggered something so painful, for the both of them, and wonders vaguely if he should ask about it tomorrow, when at last he is free of the dark, painful well in his chest.

Erik also closed his eyes and began to recall that day. He remembered entering the camp, two medical personnel greeting them to check up on the slaves. It was two hours later before he actually got to speak to the pair of them, after he had showered and they had had their intake check-ups. Their names were Audra and Valen Schumann. 

There had been a certain fear and apprehension. It had taken a few minutes for them to realize who Erik was, that he was their son. But that was not what Erik remembered. What flowed through him now was a sense of deep love for them, mixed with the pride they felt for him, and that he had felt in himself, a relief that they were back, that they were free.  

He opened his eyes, scrutinizing the expression across Alexi's visage.

The man's breath deepens, the gentle feeling inside him growing stronger and stronger. The joy, the love, it fills him in a way he never imagined and with each passing moment he feels more and more as if he is simply going to burst from the simple feeling of recalling a loved one. [i]'I never imagined. . .I love, I know I do, but even in my most caring moment, I could not. . . .This. . . .'[/i] His mind is a jumble, the swell of goodness inside him canceling out all but the sharpest feeling of mourning that he has to feel this through another, that he himself is uncapable of what he's experienceing now without aid. It is faint, and he's sure Erik will not even notice, and as the smile on his lip widens, a tear finding it's way out from beneath his lid, he can not help the catch in the back of his throat. It feels like too much, too nice, something he doesn't deserve, something not meant for him.

Erik could not feel the friend's sadness, but he saw it on the man's face. Tentatively leaning forward, he wiped the tear away. “What's wrong, Alexi? I deliberately chose something with no sadness attached. My parents are still alive and well. Why are you upset?”

Alexi's eyes pop open at the feeling of Erik touching his face. He lets out a little choked noise, unable to vocalize at first. His smiles stays in place as he shakes his head, coughing to try and clear the block. “I, I am not upset, per se. It is just, so strong. . . So wonderful, so strong. . .” Without thinking he leans forward and wraps his arms around Erik's neck, hiding his face in his collarbone as he hold desperately on to the good feelings tumbling around inside him. [i]'Erik is so good to me, so worried even through his angers and frustration at my stubbornness. Sharing such things with me when I can not even tell him the thing plaguing his mind about me'[/i] Like the selfish brat he is he instinctually crawls into Erik's lap without asking and simply holds on tight as he lets the feelings flow through him.

Erik was started by the way that Alexi crawled into his lap, but he resisted the urge to back away. “Would you like me to hold you?” he muttered, his voice kind, curious, and afraid of overstepping his bounds. It was clear that he was not mocking the man in the least.

An Alexi sized ripple of shock runs through the human at the question and like a boot stomping an ant all feeling seems to stop inside Alexi, other than the shock of realizing what he'd done. With swift efficiency he slips out of Erik's lap and buries himself under the covers, a whispered apology on his lips. “I am sorry, I did not mean to invade your space like that, forgive me. . .” Under normal circumstances Alexi would never do something like that, would never climb all over someone he barely knows like a child seeking comfort from their parent. For a long moment waves of confusion, discomfort, and curiosity tumble through him as he tries to figure out what prompted him to be so rude.

Erik felt the ripple of shock and cocked his head slightly, recognizing the comparative strength it had, in the context of coming from Alexi. “I will never understand how you can be so nearly emotionless, but react so … violently to what tiny emotions you do have. I did not mind that you 'invaded my space.' There is no reason to be embarassed.” Erik felt the discomfort and confusion as more ripples that barely seemed to register. He grimaced. “You're very difficult,” he muttered, as he crawled over to the lump of bedding and placed his hand on the human's shoulder.

The lumps stays still for a long moment, the figure underneath it unsure of what to do. He enjoys the feeling of Erik's comforting hand, even if that's not what it's there for, but at the same time he is still trapped in his confusion. He does however crack a smile at being called difficult. Pulling the covers back just far enough to look over at the vampire he raises an eyebrow. “And you have just noticed this?”

Erik chuckled, “Call it a reaffirmation of the knowledge,” he replied kindly, leaning forward to give Alexi a hug. “Are you okay now?”

Alexi smiles wide for a moment before the smile fades. “I am fine Erik, I just. . . .I do not do stuff like that. I do not let emotions move me. It was frightening and disturbing to realize that I acted that way with someone other than Mois or Joseph.” A slightly evil grin comes to his lips. “But, as long as you do not mind. . . .” With a playful pounce he curls and wraps his arms around Erik's middle, hugging him tight. “That was amazing Erik, thank you.” He does his best to convey how happy it made him feel, but with the moment gone all his can do is focus on the gratitude he feels now. [i]'This is how I am, how I should be. This is how I was made, unable to recall. . .'[/i] He shakes his head slightly, pressing his cheek against the bottom of the vampire's ribcage.

Erik hugged the human back, a wave of honest affection passing through him. It had been a long time since he had been so physically close to someone, other than Laeren on occasion. He was glad that he had given the man a bit of happiness, and he truly was starting to like him.

“Alexi, I have to ask you a favor. I did not do all of this just so I could ask you, but now is as good a time as any. I need any information you can find on Javrah Gelespi Nass. Anything at all. His assets, his floorplans, where he likes to eat lunch. It's... it's important to me. Please,” the vampire requested, unconsciously pushing urgency through the bond.

Alexi lets out a faint cooing sound as he lets the affection wash over him like hot water after a hard day. When the vampire decides to speak again however he pulls back his arms and much like a lazy cat rolls on his back, his head settling into Erik's lap. He listens with a gentle gaze, the name sending a faint shock through his system followed by a foul taste in his mouth. He nods slightly, staring up into the vampires face, his own pressed into a curious scowl. “I will have to ask Mois to do some of the research. Javy does not use my. . . .Services. . . .As much as most in the upper class. . . .I can tell you he is one of the very few who has turned down my free upgrades, meaning that when the grid goes down most of his older slaves will still be in control devices. . . .” Alexi sets firmly in his mind that he simply must review all the information before giving it to Erik. For him to ask for someone, especially that man, by name means it mush be very important.

Erik nodded. “Is there anything I can do to help?” he muttered, glaring intently at a spot on the wall. Waves of relief, worry, gratitude, fear, and hate all seemed to wash over him at once, but they were muted by a certain determination. They were old wounds that were just flaring up, not new emotions.

The tumble of emotions forces Alexi's eyes shut but the pain is minimal, passing quickly. He recognize most of the feelings, but in the rush a couple are lost on him. With a slow exhale he opens his eyes, smiling up at the vampire. “Just leave it to me Erik, I will get this done for you.” He reaches up, tugging gently on the lobe of the vampire's right ear, something us use to do to Mois when his older brother seemed too focused on something unpleasant.

Erik wanted to roll his eyes at the way Alexi tugged at his ear, but instead he smiled. “Thank you, Alexi, I appreciate it. If you want to know why I asked, I will tell you, after the third dose. It is... painful to think about, and I don't want to keep you up all night crying and vomiting with my emotions.”

Alexi's smile warms. “How thoughtful of you. You are too good to your evil jailor, you know that?” He chuckles. “Perhaps tomorrow, after the meeting. I would love to listen to anything you have to tell me Erik.” He stretches and settles, looking almost like he's going to fall asleep right in Erik's lap.

The vampire chuckled, “Well, I would like for my evil jailor to tell me why he truly has me jailed. Perhaps I'm hoping that a little honesty on my end will help with that,” he replied, smiling a little. “Besides, you are many things, Alexi Vandros, but you are not evil.”

Alexi lets out a faint hum in response, his consciousness escaping him quickly. He knows he should be surprised at the amount of comfort he has with this man. Knows he should not be able to drift off so easily literally on top of something that views his kind as food. But as his thoughts drift away, and the cool embraces of sleep take him, Alexi Vandros does not for an instant regret being able to fall asleep in the lap of someone who sees him as a friend.

For some reason, an impulse passed Erik to fall asleep right there, nestled up with his new friend. But he quickly shook off the insane notion. Gently, but firmly, he pushed Alexi off of his lap and laid him into his bed, before sitting down to work for a couple more hours, until he was too tired to work. Then he fell asleep quickly, content in the knowledge that Alexi would be able to help him.

Without waking Alexi flops around like a rag doll, eventually ending up in a comfortable enough position to sleep. When at last the morning come, his alarm going off like an irritated cricket, the human wakes and for a moment wonders where Erik is. [i]'In his bed sill. Of course in his bed. I did not really expect him to let me sleep like that, did I?'[/i] A little more disoriented than usual Alexi turns his alarm off and proceeds to roll about for a good five minutes until he feels awake enough to face the day. With that in mind he sits up sharply and looks over to see if the vampire is awake yet.

Erik blinked himself awake right around the same time as Alexi was getting up. He glanced over towards the human's bed for just a moment before jumping up and starting some morning exercises.

A half smile touches Alexi's lips as he watches the vampire jump right into exercise. Slipping out of bed, the corner of a pillow clutched in his right hand, he heads towards the bathroom door. “God morning Erik!” he calls, smiling. Once right outside the bathroom he turns and says, “Join me when you are finished?” Before whipping the pillow hard at the vampire. Without waiting to see if it hits or he catches it Alexi chuckles and races into the bathroom. He doesn't really expect anything special, just feeling a bit playful this morning. Shucking his clothes quickly he jumps into the first bath and sets to work, the morning's schedule quite busy.

Erik, with his lovely vampiric reflexes, caught the pillow without difficulty. Without losing his rhythm, he threw it back onto the bed. But within five more minutes, he decided that he had worked up enough of a sweat to join Alexi. Quickly, he too removed his clothing and entered the pool, enjoying the cool water on his warm skin.

Alexi's is half way through his scrubbing when Erik walks in. He turns to watch for a moment then looks away. [i]'It still feels a little strange, and I have no idea why. It is not as if there is any feelings between us that would warrant my reaction, nor is he so unfamiliar now that he feels a stranger to me'[/i] Keeping his eyes up he looks over as Erik enters the water, the obvious delight to the action making Alexi smile. The fain flickers come across the bond help the human relax and as he goes back to scrubbing the moment of awkwardness passes and he returns to his usual state of not really feeling anything in particular. Grabbing a scrubber from the underwater basket he offers it to Erik with a smile.

Erik took the scrubber and began working on his own body, enjoying the feeling of being clean again after sleeping and vigorous exercise. “I'm going to miss these pools when I go back.”

Alexi lets out a long sigh. “Yes, they are quire divine, I know. . .A lot of work went into this selfish little indulgence of mine. . .” [i]'It will be sad to know they will likely be destroyed. . .It may take a while, but once this place is vacated, it is only a matter of time. . . .'[/i] Despite his longing to take his time Alexi huffs and sets back to work quickly, taking a little time here and there, but over all being rather efficient. On occasion he'll send a splash Erik's way, his playfulness cropping up here and there, but soon enough he's slipping into his robe and heading back to his room. Deciding to have a little fun he heads to his walk-in and grabs out one of his more unusual outfits. http://img7.bdbphotos.com/images/huge/v/n/vnbw12ohrl6w2vwn.jpg?djet1p5k
Flopping it out on his bed he begins getting dressed, checking the clock to see how long until Joseph arrives.

Erik left the baths after about five more minutes of luxuriating, and changed clothes into one of the outfits Joseph had brought in for him over the last couple of days. When he emerged from the bathroom, he was fully dressed, just in time to see Alexi's outfit.

“You look absolutely ridiculous!” he announced, cackling. “You look just like that broken vampire slave in 'The Last Conquering,' about the War. We don't even dress like that, never really did! With your pale skin, you could star as a human's totally inaccurate depiction. Congratulations! Seriously, why do you even own that outfit?” Erik asked, laughing as he sat down on the couch.

Alexi listens to the outburst, not really bothered by what Erik thinks of his outfit. He simply looks at the vampire, no mile, not even a smirk. Once the laughter has quieted down enough for him to be heard without having to raise his voice Alexi replies quite simply, and quite seriously, “Because I like it.” If Erik bothers to actually try and figure out what Alexi's feeling he would feel a faint bit of hurt, but as he's always been ridiculed by his “Equals” over his love of old clothing it isn't too strong. The only thing making it more than a blip is because of how much Alexi has come to value Erik's opinion. [i]'I do not blame you for laughing Erik, but emotions are not rational things. . . .I just never thought you would have something like this in common with them. . . .'[/i] 

As insensitive as the vampire could be, he read Alexi's lack of facial expressions and correlated it with the blip of emotion through the bond. “I'm sorry,” he muttered. “I'm not laughing at you, so much as the mostly inaccurate image. And the fact that it's more noticeable just how much you look like one of us, like a vampire. Has anyone ever mistaken you for one?” Erik asked.

“No. Never had the pleasure of that. My face has always been too well know. . .” Alexi speaks softly, fixing his collar and ruffs before pulling on the overcoat. “And do not trouble yourself Erik, I am use to how people see my “obsession” with ancient garb. . .” He checks himself in the mirror to make sure the outfit looks right before taking the coat back off. [i]'I actually think I look quite dashing in this, but oh well. . .'[/i] He takes a seat across from Erik on the floor and looks at him, still unable to pull an expression. “Joseph should be here soon.” With that in mind, he forces his mind to shift focus and in a few seconds, he is able to smile again, his confidence and admiration for Erik rekindled.

Paying close attention to Alexi's emotional flickers, Erik felt the confidence and admiration return. Smiling, he stood next to the eccentric billionaire. “Stereotypes aside, you look pretty good,” he commented. 

It was just then that Joseph came in, bearing the usual huge breakfast plates for the two of them. Without a word, he began setting the plates as Erik strode back over to the table to help.

His gaze follows Erik around the table and for a moment a touch of his normal disbelief settles into place and the compliment registers as the same kind as the ones he normally gets from people who have said something “offensive”. However after a moment he realizes that Erik is being honest and he giggles happily. When Joseph walks in Alexi smiles and waves, still quite delighted that Erik inn one way or another likes the way he looks. [i]'I can never really trust when anyone else says it, but I can feel it, he meant in, and that is a good feeling. . .'[/i]

Happily, Erik sat down at the table, looking at the lovely spread before him. [I]The food. Awesome food all the time. I could also get used to that.[/i] “The way you are feeding me, and cutting down on my exercise by keeping me in this room, I'm rather happy that vampires don't gain weight easily,” he commented, smiling a little.

“Erik, I will have the second dose of blood for you at lunch. I could also switch you to human blood, if you prefer,” Joseph suggested.

“Eh, as tasty as human blood is, I try to avoid it. I don't want to encourage that taste for sentient beings too much. I'll indulge if I need to kill a particularly evil person, but I try not to make a habit of it.”

“I understand completely,” Joseph replied simply, though he did not elaborate further.