"I wonder why we're all meeting..." Qhuinn said as he walked in between his best friends John and Blay. The boy with mismatched eyes seemed to be just as confused as everyone else as they met in the room where the protectors of the vampire race - the Black Dagger Brotherhood - normally met for meetings.

The king, Wrath, and his shellan seemed to be the only ones who understood what was going on. He sat back in a huge, red chair that, with his enormous body, he somehow made look smaller than it was. He didn't seemed to be worried, so this probably wasn't something to worry about... Yet.

Blay watched confused as the beloved of the Brother Vishous, Doc Jane, float in, her ghost body as transparent as ever. Behind her, about five other people followed. Three males and two females, all of them in white doctor's jackets. Were they all going to get a physical? Just what was going on?

"I know you're all wondering why we're here," Jane said, smiling cheerfully. No one said anything, waiting for her to continue. "Well, Havers contacted me not long ago and told me that he wished to send some interns here to help me care for the Brotherhood. He assured me that these were his best and brightest interns, and that they would be willing to do anything to help out. So, I took him up on his offer, and decided to let five of the interns he chose work here in the compound. Now, for some introductions."

Jane turned and smiled, gesturing towards the boy beside her. He was a tall, muscular male. He honestly looked like someone who belonged in the Brotherhood's training program. But, instead, he was practically bursting out of his white jacket, looking over the entire room carefully with his soulful grey eyes. "This here is Phyre. He's only been working with Havers for a month, but apparently he's one of the best interns he's ever had. So I'm very excited for him to start working here."

The next intern Jane introduced was just as tall as Phyre, but smaller in body build. 'He's not too cocky, not too slim...' John thought as the handsome intern lit up with a nervous smile. "This is Rhapture and he's a little nervous about joining the compound, but I'm sure you'll all make him feel welcome" Jane finished as she glanced around the room.

"Poor kid... He looks pretty intimidated by all of us," Qhuinn said, chuckling a little as Jane continued introducing the other interns. "But you know why she wants em to work here, don't ya?"

John looked at his friend with a quizical expression on his face.

"Duh. She wants to spend more time with Vishous. She's passin the work on to someone else. Wish I could do that with you. You can be a handful sometimes," he laughed.

"Only you would say that" Blay chimed in patting John on the back. "Quinn is the one we have to worry about-" Blay was cut short by a glare shot in their direction by the king. Everyone grew silent as Jane began to tell where the new members to the household would be staying.

"So, we've got more than enough rooms, of course, but I want the interns as close to the medical station as possible should there be an emergency. So there rooms will be on the first floor, across the hall from the med station. Now, I think that's about all..." She looked at the interns, beaming brightly. "Anyway, I want you all to make them feel at home. Just because they're here for work doesn't mean they can't make friends in the process. Be nice and make some new friends. That's all." Jane looked over at Vishous, a smile on her face telling exactly what she wanted. "I suppose I should get going now. There's some...business I need to attend to." Her ghostly form floated out of the room, closely followed by V.

***

"You guys need to be downstairs on time fo dinner today. Doc Jane wants to have the family at dinner in order to give the interns a proper welcome." Zadist said as he popped his masive head in Johns door.

'K, we'll get ready now' John signed, and Z nodded his acknowledgement and shut the door.

"So what do you guys think about the new interns, they seem pretty cool" Blay said as he sat up on Johns bed.

"Yeah, they seem fine, I wouldn't mind getting to know all of 'em a little better." Qhinn said reclining in the comfortable black compute chair.

John nodded. 'The one that Doc Jane said was the best... He doesn't really look like a doctor,' he signed.

"Yeah, I know what you mean... He looks like someone who shoulda been in our training program..." Qhuinn said. "I wonder where he came from... He's huge."

"Well since the secrets out, I think he's one of the sexiest people I've seen in a while" Blay said with a shrugg and Johns eyes sought the floor.

Qhuinn raised his eyebrows. "Well that certainly didn't take long. Jeez, ask him out on a date, why don't ya?" he said jokingly.

Blay gave a smirk that suggested he would do just that. "What do you think John?" Blay asked.

Instead of answering John blushed and tried to look away.

Qhuinn looked at John in surprise. "Hey... Um... I didn't know you were that way too, John. Not that there's anything wrong with that."

'I'm not...its just that they seem like nice guys, that's all...' John sighned quickly, feeling happy for a brief moment that he had no voice because if he spoke his words he'd be stuttering.

Qhuinn looked at the other skeptically, but decided not to pursue it anymore. He already looked nervous enough. "Well... What are you gonna do then, Blay?"

"I'm not really sure...I was thinking about just talking to him first. Break the ice you know?"

'But you dont even know if he swings that way, Blay...' John suddenly interjected.

"Hey, don't crush his dreams." Qhuinn smirked. "If you want, I can talk to him first if you want. I mean, I got nothin to lose anyway."

John said nothing after that. He wasnt sure what he was feeling seeing those two interns. And he was sure he was still attracted to women...Xhex in particular. But maybe it was the lack of another's touch that had him feeling like this. But hearing Blay trying to make a pass at a man theyve only seen and never spoken too five minutes ago bothered him.

Blay frowned at Qhuinn. He didn't know why, but he wasn't feeling quite so cocky anymore... There were many repercussions if he did choose to date this man. If the man was even interested... "Nah...you don't have to do that, Qhuinn. I-I'll talk to him on my own...maybe..."

Qhuinn looked at him in surprise. He frowned as well, thinking that maybe Blay was going back on his word. He'd told him that he'd try to date other people after he'd denied him... Was he still holding on to hope? "No, really, I wouldn't mind. I mean, I understand you bein nervous and all. You've never been out with a guy before...have you?"

"Well...not openly...and Ive barely made it to third base before chickening out. But really it was only because I was in love with you and it felt like I was cheating..." Blay admitted before he could stop himself. "But just forget about talking to him...I'll do it..."

Qhuinn sighed, looking sadly at his friend. Blay saying he was going to talk to the guy was as good as saying he was never gonna do it. But he couldn't force him into something he didn't want to do... "Fine... But just remember, you'll never know what could've been if you don't try."

"Okay, Great Sage. I'll take your words into consideration." Blay said smartly as he stood up. I'm gonna go walk around a bit..." He told the other two men.

Qhuinn nodded. "Alright then..." He really hoped that Blay would atleast give dating a try. He didn't want him hanging on to false hope... But that was quickly pushed aside as he looked at John with malicious intent.

"what?" John said looking confused

"Oh you know what. It's not a crime to like other guys, hell I do way more than that sometimes." Quinn chided with a smirk.

'Hey, I know what I like, Qhuinn...and that's girls. I'm just still not used to the fact that Blay is gay...I mean I accept him for who he is and all but what if those guys find out and hate on him for it...' John said, his hands waving around fast, And what he ways saying was partually true to how he was feeling. 'I dont want him to regret his decsion on coming out...'

"What the hell are you talkin about? I was talkin about you! Not Blay, and I'm just sayin I saw the way you were lookin at Rhapture. I don't want to make you talk about it if you don't want to." Quinn heaved out a sigh.

'Yeah, because youre taking it to far out of context...' John frowned, turning away from Qhuinn. 'I'd like to be alone now...'

Quinn gave a slight frown. "suit your self dude, but if you wanna talk about it I'm here." He shook his head as he made his way out of the door.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Sitting outside, and out of his doctor's jacket, Phyre sat near the pool, staring up at the moon. He'd never imagined he'd be here, but he was happy and excited to learn. He'd already given himself a tour of the place, and even met some of the Brothers who treated him kindly. He was glad that he would be able to do good work here...but he was becoming more and more interested in a certain redhead who lived here. He pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, taking on out and lighting it as he sat outside. Inhaling the smoke, he smiled at the thought of the innocent looking blue eyes staring at him. He was cute, incredibly cute... And he looked like he wanted him. "Of course, I've been wrong before..." he said aloud, letting the smoke drift from his mouth as he exhaled. But who knew? Maybe he'd not only get a great job around here but a boyfriend too... If he was lucky... He wasnt suprised when he was joined by Rhapture.

"Long day?" his handsome green eyed friend asked.

Phyre shrugged, smiling a little bit. "Yeah, I guess. But I just needed to come outside for a smoke." He raised the cigarette to his mouth again, breathing in. "How about you? How are you adjusting?" he asked, blowing the smoke away from the other man.

"Eh, Ok I guess. There's just... I can't stop thinking about this guy. I mean I saw him when doc Jane was introducing us and I was like 'meh' but then I saw the little blush he had when our eyes met and I haven't been able to stop thinking about him." Rhapture shrugged and let out a long breath.

"Heh. You sound like me..." He said, staring out at the pool. "That redhead...he was damned cute. Kinda shy, I could tell... And I'm pretty sure that he liked me too..." he said, grinning as he lifted the cigarette to his lips again. "I wonder if anything'll actually come of it though..."

"Well, here's your chance." Rhapture smiled evilly as he dematerialized.

"Wha-" Phyre question, then froze as he saw Blaylock strolling up the pathway. He looked so sexy in the darkness, the moonlights gracing over his skin in waves. The intern was so stunned that the cigarette fell from his lips landing next to his shoes...

Blay's mind reeled once he caught a glimspe of the object of his new found desire. He hoped his face didnt give him away or his pants bulging at the crotch. He put on a relaxing smile as he approached Phyre with a wave. "What's up...?" he asked, trying not to sound like a teen hitting puberty.

"Hm...nothing much, just out for a smoke..." Phyre said, trying his best to sound cool as he reached for another cigarette, hiding the one he just dropped with his foot.

"Can I bum one off you, man..?" Blay asked stupidly.

"Uh...sure thing, but didnt take you as the type to smoke..." Phyre handed the other man a cancer stick relunctantly.

'I dont...'Blay almost said, knowing he was only asking so he and Phyre had something in common. "Well...only sometimes" he shivered as his fingers barely made contact with the other's hand. He then bent down to the lighter's flame so the end could burn. Soon the nasty smoke inflated Blay's lungs. He resisted the urge to cough and draw anymore embarrassing attention to himself.

"So..." Phyre began, looking at the ground as if it would give him something to talk about. "How long have you known John and Qhuinn...?"

Blay almost choked on the bitter smoke at the question. He wanted the man to ask questions concerning him...not his friends. "Ive know Qhuinn since forever and John and I met in the training program..."

"That's cool. Seems like good company, those two..." Phyre inhaled and exhaled. He sighed inwardly he wanted to know more about Blay but before he could get his hopes up in the prospect of the man being a potential mate he had to make sure he wasnt already taken. "So you go way back with Qhuinn, huh?"

'Why the hell you wanna know about him?' Blay's mind voiced but instead he said."Yeah...he's a good friend..."

"That's cool...its hard to find people you can trust nowadays...People you can give your whole heart too..." Phyre trailed off, somehow hoping Blay would confess his love for Qhuinn so he can stop beating around the bush. He didnt want to steal someone else's man.

But Blay wasnt getting it. "Yeah..." he agreed with annoyance as he stubbed out his cigarette before it was finished and pocketed it. "Look, I'll see you around, gotta get back to the guys..." He said, dematerializing quickly.

Phyre wouldve laughed if he could see his dumbstrucked face. Blay looked angry when he left but why was that? He could already tell which team the other man played for but when Phyre had asked questions about his friends he just got more annoyed. Maybe he was a closet case? No, Blay seemed too relaxed to not be out of the closet..so then what was...'Shit...' Phyre cursed himself as the realization hit him. 'Blay was gay...but he wasnt with Qhuinn nor did he seemed in love with him. He wanted me to aske about him...and I just fucking screwed up...' Phyre wouldve hit himself as stupid as it sounds. He just hoped there'd be another chance that he could speak with the beautiful red head so he could redeem himself.
***

Blay materialized right as Quinn was rounding the corner to Johns room. It happened so quickly he was able to avoid the collision.

"Sorry man! Didn't see you there." Quinn smiled as he got to his feet. He was confused when to see the fown on his buddy's face.

"What's up man?" He reached to put his hand on Blay's arm but was quickly brushed off.

"What are you doin here dude?" Blay asked still frowning.

He realized it WAS a little to be visiting a friend, but he didn't really feel like explaining that he was feeling a little guilty about the way he talked to John earlier and he was going to appologize. Blay seemed to have a bit of an attitude. " I could ask you the same thing." He said with a smirk.

"I mean, honestly, do you get off on hurting other people's feelings? Do you like to outshine everyone around you?" Blay burst out in frustration...

"What? Where's this shit coming from. You still sore that I told you no? Well I havent changed my mind and that's that..." Qhuinn hissed at his friend.

"Hmph, not in your wettest daydream, Qhuinn."Blay retorted. "Maybe you shouldve talked to Phyre for me. He seems interested in you enough..." the man blinked back tears as he headed for John's room.

Qhuinn watched him retreat, he was clearly stunned by his friend's flaring anger. Phyre liked him? What the hell made him a dude magnet? Was it his apperance, the way he carried himself...just what made him the object of desire to so many women and men...and why could he give in to them so easily but not Blay...

'Fuck it...'Qhuinn thought to himself. 'Its just the way things are...'
***

Blay opened the door to John's room without knocking. The mute vampire looked up, deep blue eyes widened as he saw the distress in his friend's eyes. 'What's wrong..' he signed.

The red haired man shook his head, knowing he looked like a girl who just got ditched at the prom. He laid on John's bed, hearing it creak under his massive weight. Just what was wrong with him that no vampire male was interested in him.

'Dude, tell me what's up? I cant help you if you dont...'John signed slowly, looking a bit trouble too.

"Its that new intern...He likes Qhuinn..."Blay said angrily.

John looked surprised. He could've sworn that the intern seemed to be checking Blay out when they were first introduced to them. 'Are you sure?' he signed, frowning slightly.

"Well...no...He just kept asking me about him so that must means he likes him or something...It pisses me off..."Blay fumed. "I mean, whats wrong with me?..."

John sighed, signing, 'See, you aren't even sure yourself. Just calm down. There's no guarantee he was trying to hit on Qhuinn. Did it ever occur to you that maybe he was trying to hit on you and just didn't know how to go about it?'

"...Well, no, but-" Blay was stopped immediately by his friend.

'There is no buts, Blay. The guy was probably trying to find out about Qhuinn because he wants to know if you're his...mate.' John blush as an image of his friends entered his mind.

"...Damn...I never thought of that...But why would he think Im with Qhuinn and not you?" Blay asked.

John smiled at his friend nervously, pointing to his nose.

"A bonding scent? But we never did anything..." Blay said knowing he was lying as he cleary remembered the promise Qhuinn had made him that day they first kissed. Maybe bonding between male friends went a different way than bonding with a female. Qhuinn had probably felt so much passion that day and without knowing had put up a warning sign to any male who would come into contact with Blay. The red head blushed with embarrassment. And now he knew he had to apologize to Phyre and especially Qhuinn. He looked back up at John with a sense of purpose. "Thank you, John."he said as he stood up and left the room.

'You're welcome...' John smiled, happy to help his friend.
***

"You said what now?" Asked Rhapture to his friend, as he dug into a plate of shirmp fried rice the doggen had made. And although Fritz was no bit of Chinese, he had out done himself with the grainy dish. 'Yeah, I can definately live here...'the boy thought.

"I asked if they were close..." Phyre said, his head on the table as if in shame.

"Stupid, try to get to know the guy first before you pry into who he sleeps with..."Rhapture said smartly, spooning more rice into his mouth.

Phyre glared at his friend, only lifting up his head to say, "Shut up," before wallowing in his shame a bit more. He couldn't believe he'd been rejected like this. It didn't happen...often... And he'd really wanted to get to know Blay... "Well, I guess I fucked this up royally" he grumbled, running a hand through his two-toned hair.

"Maybe so, but here comes Qhuinn. And Im thinking Blay mentioned that you supposedly like him..." Raphture smiled, making to leave but Phyre grabbed his hand.

"Oh no you dont. Youre gonna stay here..." Phyre commanded.

Qhuinn entered the dining room, his eyebrows widening at the sight of the two men holding hands. "Okay, Im not gonna ask but I need to talk to you..." He looked at Phyre.

Rapture quickly moved his hand away, grabbing his plate and leaving the room. "See ya!" he mouthed to his friend.

Phyre gave a slight wave then looked back at Qhuinn. "What's up, man." He said, knowing exactly what was up.

"Look, I got no problem with guys on guys but Im not interested..."Qhuinn said up front. "Blay said you liked me like that but Blay's the one you wannna talk to..."

"I do...I just said some stupid things that made him think I wanted you. I mean, you're hot and all...but Blay just has that....I dunno...that something, ya know..." Phyre smiled dreamily.

Qhuinn nodded as if this confirmed everything."thats what I figured. I saw you checking him out when you first got here..."

"But there's another thing...He had your scent on him which made me think he was taken. And Im no expert in bonding between males or females so...yeah..." Phyre said.

Qhuinn blushed a little."Well, yeah, I said some things when Blay first came out to me and...well, I got a little over protective. Which brings up another thing." Qhuinn got dangerously close to the other man. "You mess with my boy and its your ass, got it?" the mismatched eyed vampire hissed menacingly.

"Id do nothing to hurt him, Qhuinn. Im not a fuck 'em and leave 'em kinda guy..."

"Lets hope not for your sake." Qhuinn grinned ferally.

"What the fuck...."came a gasp from the doorway.

The men both looked up. It was Blay, who had came to apologize to the two men. Qhuinn looked down at himself, he was between Phrye's legs with his arms on each side of the other's body on the tabletop. "Uh, this isnt what it looks like."

"I can explain..." Phyre said at the same time making their words a big jumble.

Blay glared at them both, too hurt to even speak. He stormed away, his red hair flying behind him.

"...Goddammit. Not again!" Phyre exclaimed, about to go after Blay. He was so tired of things being confused between the two of them. He wanted the redhead to know that he wanted him, not anyone else.

"Fuck," Qhuinn muttered under his breath, looking at the other with his mismatched eyes. "I gotta tell him what's goin on but...I'm probably the last person he wants to talk to right now..."

***

Blay knew Qhuinn was coming for him. To be honest he didn't really feel like running away. He was tired and confused. He didn't bother to try and escape when Qhuinn caught up with him. He just kept his eyes to the ground.

Qhuinn caught up to Blay, a frown on his face. He was desperately worried about his friend and he hoped that he hadn't fucked up completely. "Um...hey..." he said unsurely, sitting down next to him. Blay looked over at his best friend with weary eyes.

"Man" he sighed. "I just don't know what of think of anything anymore. I mean, when walked in on you guys like that, I was ready to murder somebody. Then I thought about what John told me earlier, and I tried not to think the worst. But I just can't couldn't come a reasonable explaination for why my best friend and a guy I genuinely like are about to get it on in the dinning room." Blay shook his head and looked up at the stars.

"Seriously, Blay, it wasn't like that," Qhuinn said, immediately feeling that he needed to take this moment to explain himself. Blay might not give him another chance and he couldn't take his best friend being upset with him. "I was trying to talk to him about and just... It wasn't what it looked like, trust me."

Blay looked over at Qhuinn with an expression that said he was struggling to believe him. He turned to face his friend, looking him straight in his mismatched eyes with the expectation of a good explaination. 'This better be good. I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't trust him anymore.' Blay thought without changing his experession.

"Okay... So what happened was that... I was kinda threatening him," Qhuinn laughed sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "I was warning him that if he ever did anything to hurt you...that I'd kill him."

Blay felt his heart lighten with relief, but he wasn't quit ready to let Qhuinn off the hook. "Not what it looked like to me" he scoffed, knowing Qhuinn would be able to see through his lie.

"It wasn't anything more than that! I swear!" Qhuinn said, looking desperate. "I'm really sorry about the whole misunderstanding but...but I would never do anything like that. Especially since I know how you feel about that guy."

Blay couldn't take the pleading look in his buddy's eyes. He just had to crack a smile. "I believe you man. I didn't really think you went for guys like him anyway" he shrugged, hoping Qhuinn wouldn't think he was trying to find out if he was top or bottom. 'You can't knock a man for being curious' he thought.

Qhuinn sighed in relief, hugging his friend purely out of joy. "Thank God. I thought you were going to hate me forever," he said, smiling widely at his friend. "I'm so glad... But, with that being said, that guy really does like you."

Blay could only smile in comment he was so wrapped up in his thoughts he didnt even see John exit the house.

'Hey...' He signed to the two. Looking at Qhuinn, giving a silent apology for his attitude towards the man earlier.

"Sup John!" Blay said releasing Qhuinn.

Qhuinn looked up at his friend, smiling weakly. "Hey, man."

'Let's go out to the club tonight...' John signed, wanting to get a glimpse of Xhex so he could stop doubting his sexuality.

"Thats a great idea! We should invite Phyre!..." Blay exclaimed beaming. "I suppose Rhapture too" he added as an after thought.

A strange warmth spread through John upon hearing Raphture's name. 'That's cool...' he said silently.

Qhuinn beamed broadly. "That's a great idea," he said. He'd make sure not to mess up and get in the way of Blay's budding relationship this time either. He'd stay as far away from the two as possible.

***

Rhapture gave a lopsided frown when he noticed John's eyes roving around the crowded club. This was the tenth time he done since they entered the club 15 minuets ago. Quinn went to dance with a blue eyed blond beauty and Phyre and Blay hit the floor. Which left Rhapture with a nervous John. "You expecting somebody?" He asked John while taking a sip of his moulin rough.

John looked like somebody just backhanded him. He just shook his head in response.

"Well, You gonna sit here and look for nobody all night or are gonna dance?"

'I don't really feel like dancing right now' John said in ASL.

Rhapture had to smirk at that one. "You don't wanna dance or you can't dance?" His smirk broadened into a smile when his silent companion slipped into a slight shade of red and looked away.

"It's cool. To tell you the truth I'm not really all that into dancing myself." Rhapture sighed and sat back into a more comfortable positon, which just happened to be closer to John. John relaxed a little too, but he was very concious of how close Rhapture was to him. He could feel the heat radiating from the other man, and he was suprised to see it made him feel... He didn't really know what word to use when he was trying to describe the way he felt when Rhapture was close to him. He hadn't realized he was stairing until Rhapture look at him with an amused expression and asked "what?"

"I..." he hesitated. 'I, wasn't look at you'was all he managed to get out before looking around the club again. Rhapture really wanted to laugh now. It was so obvious John was looking at him someone all the way across the room would have noticed it. He could only take this as a sign that John was atleast interested in him. If not that, this seemed like the perfect opprotunity to make a move.

"Find what you were looking for?" He asked. John had to squirm a little in his seat from the hungry look he was getting and the suggestion behind the unexpected question. He hadn't expected from a guy who seemed totally shy at first glance. He wasn't sure about what he was feeling, but he decided to explore this a little further. 'Maybe' he signed keeping his eyes glued to the table.

John's eyes nearly popped out his skull when Rhapture took his face in both of his massive hands.

"Okay. Let me get this clear before we go any further." He stated bluntlly while Johns jaw opened and closed with soundless stuttering. 'What is there to be cleared up already?!!' he thought with raw shock.

" I know your interested in me, and I for damn sho am more than interested in you, so all you have you have to do nod once if you agree and twice if you dont." He told John on a husky whisper. He felt John's face nod once and no more and that was all he needed. He gently grazed John's lips with his own and was rewarded when John leaned into him when he tried to pull away. It was Rhapture's turn to be suprised when John smooth lips parted without urging. He was taken more off gaurd when Jonn suddenly pulled away with an expression on his face as if he'd just been shot. Rhapture turned around to see what was wrong and only caught a tall shadow that obviously belonged to a woman exiting the room. 'So that's who he was waiting for' He thought as he turned back to John.

"Wrong. That was what you were looking for" he said standing up and simultaniously finishing his drink. He would have waited for a response but he knew it would be to no end by the look on John's face. He picked up his jacket and left the club.

***

'What the hell?!!' Zex thought as she stepped outside. She couldn't understand her need for air. She had to fight the sudden surge of anger as the sceen she just whitnessed flashed through her mind. "What the FUCK!" she said aloud as she realized her anger was directed at John. Her anger was quickly redirected at herself for reacting in such a strong way. Why the hell should she care who that virgin idiot kissed? She needed to calm down. Like now. 'I'm not gonna slack on my job because of this' she thought. She took a few minuets to compose herself and re-entered the club. This was her domain. She wasn't going to let some clumsy vamp get her disoriented.
***

John's face burned as he registered what just happened. His eyes burned holes into the door Xhex exited as if he could see her reaction. Shock had been painted on her face and maybe a little disgust and hurt. 'Damn....why did I do that..?' the vampire thought to himself. 'Maybe men really do think with their dick...' he frowned, then whipped out his cell, telling Blay and Qhuinn that he was going back to the house. The club's outlandish sexual and strug out mood was really fucking him up.