Mac tipped the driver, then stood on the deserted sidewalk, it was well past midnight, and despite the fact New York rarely slept, this was one section of town the citizens weren’t wandering around at all hours of the morning. If there was anyone roaming in the dark of night, it usually was Mac coming home from work.
“We bought it planning on a family.” Mac placed his hand on Danny’s lower back, and escorted him up the stairs. “Never got to the family part.”
“Thought of moving?” He asked stepping into the home. It was not what he was expecting. As Mac turned on the lights, he realized the house was painted in greens and blues, the dark wood beams long the ceiling, accented the colors perfectly. The furniture looked comfortable, a lot of books were scattered around on variety of tables, chairs, and the couch. There were family pictures along the hallway, and it wasn’t just of Mac’s wife, but members of Mac’s family, he easily picked out the Uncle, and Blade was right, Mac looked just like him. There were also pictures of friends, Stella among them, some of Flack, and even one of Danny and Sid from a crime scene.
He set his bag by the stairs, and followed Mac into the kitchen, which was a bit dated but functional, and was bigger than his small tiny square that had enough room for a fridge, one counter top with a sink in the middle, and a few cupboards.
“I’m sure your hungry outside of Feeding.” He pulled out some fresh meat, cheese and making of a sandwich. “This way we can talk.”
“Your place is nice.” He settled on the bar stool at the small island watching as Mac fixed them a quick meal. “It’s not what I expected.”
“You expected a shrine to my wife?”
“Honestly, yes. Everyone knows how much you loved her, and I hope you know I don’t want to take that away.” Danny snagged some of the meat, realizing he was hungry. The food tasted good, which meant he could eat normally.
“I’m not without my hang ups. I actually have a beach ball in the closet, she blew it up when we had gone to the beach the weekend before. I haven’t been able to deflate it …” He paused a moment, the pang of loss still there, but a feeling of a new future on the horizon. “The fact it’s still inflated even after four years…”
Danny crossed himself, despite being raised in a criminal family, they went to Mass every Sunday. “Sometimes Mac you got to go with the mystery. I get it, after my mom died, I took the book she was reading, bookmark in the place she last stopped reading. Still have it, never could get rid of it or remove the bookmark.”
He handed him a sandwich. “Eat.”
It looked amazing, and sure as hell wasn’t going to turn down free food. “You know a lot about this Vampire stuff?” He dug into the sandwich, moaning at the delightful taste.
“Let me tell you about my Uncle Dan.” Mac cleaned up the mess, while snacking on the leftover meats and cheeses. “I’m the man I am today because of him.”
“He sounds awesome.” Danny looked down at the empty plate, slightly embarrassed. Mac only chuckled, and asked if he wanted another. He shook his head, more interested in Mac’s story.
“My parents were typical parents. They had a great marriage, loved me dearly, made sure I had everything I would want. They both had careers, so there were many times I would be with Uncle Dan. I learned a lot from sitting in his lap, while he wheeled around Chicago…”
“You’re from Chicago?” Danny chuckled. “That explains a few things about you.”
“Men of Chicago, we’re a certain breed.” Mac smiled at him, then continued his story, while cleaning up the kitchen. “The amount of people who would look down at him, make snide comments about his time in Vietnam, and every time he took it with ease. Just gave them a smile, and told them ‘Peace be with you’. He would tell me stories, about the people he met in Vietnam, the ones he met on the streets. He was an advocate for Veterans and had no problems taking a twelve year old to protest marches.”
He put everything away, then motioned for him into the living room. He pulled out a small photo album, and sat down on the couch next to Danny. The first picture was twelve year old Mac Taylor at a protest rally, holding a sign saying veterans deserved better medical than the nearest quack … with added picture of a duck.
Danny couldn’t help the ahhh that escaped.
Mac just rolled his eyes, but let the younger man steal the album and go through the pictures.
“When I was sixteen he told me about Vampires. I listened intently, I knew he was serious. He talked about Colonel Hannibal King, Sergeant Eric Brooks …”
“Blade?” He snapped his head around to look at Mac, blinking slightly. Was the world so small, that twelve year old Mac knew about the very Hunter that would save him? “You knew Blade?”
He shook his head. “Never met him until today. Come to find out Uncle Dan told him to look after me.”
Mac reached over and flipped a few of the pages, settling on a picture of the very men he was talking about. It was obvious taken in Vietnam, as they were in uniform surrounded by jungle. In the middle of them was Lt. Dan, smiling brightly. Danny instantly recognized Blade, he was still big and growly.
“The tall one next to Blade was … is Hannibal King, the other two are Lieutenant Templeton Peck and Captain HM ‘Howling Mad’ Murdock. From what he told me, Murdock flew helicopters like a madman. He would drop down in the most hellish conditions, to pick up as many as he could, and stay until every last of them were on board.”
“Howling Mad is right.” He flipped through a few more of the pages, wanting to know more about the man who molded Mac into the man he was. The section were all from Vietnam, camp life, other soldiers. Peck and Murdock were always close, heads together. He tilted his head slightly, studying the photo, there was more to them than just friends.
Mac saw his expression. “When Peck joined the unit, Dan stated the whole camp came to a stop when Murdock just upped and kissed him. Peck took it with a smile, then kissed him back. From what he told me, Peck was that guy … the one who could put anyone at ease, always had a smile, and had the ability to get you anything, anywhere, at anytime. He was also one hell of a soldier, and he may have looked pretty but could knock you flat.”
“Were they Mates? Is this where you learned about it?” He looked back down at the picture, there was nothing but love there, it was a beautiful picture.
“Dan was a bit surprised to see two men so open, but didn’t really give a shit. And when some of his boys started harassing Murdock, he let King beat the shit out of them. Then kindly reminded them not to piss off the guy who would fly into enemy territory to pick up their sorry asses. After that no one said anything.”
“King looks like a scary son of a bitch.”
“Never met him, should ask Blade about him.” He paused for a moment, as if trying to come up with the words for the rest of the story. “Dan, being a Taylor, was a curious bastard, asked King and Brooks about the two … that’s when they explained that Peck had the soul of Murdock’s lost Mate.” He looked over at Danny, taking his hand gently. “Not soon after this, Uncle Dan was severely wounded, would’ve died in that jungle, if it hadn’t been for the fact those four swooped in and got him, and his men out. While recovering he heard they had been captured, and sent to Rockpile. Now I know you don’t know a lot of Vietnam history, but Rockpile was the worst POW Camp there was, and very few survived it.”
“But they are Vampires! And I’ve met Blade.”
“Peck was still human, and Dan later received word, he hadn’t survived.” Mac could see the effect the story was having on Danny. “When I was about seven, he had kidnapped me from my parents and we were rolling through the city, when two guys stepped in front of his chair.”
‘Hey!’ Uncle Dan yelled at the obstacle. ‘Can’t you see I’m walking here.’
‘Well it’s good to see your temper hasn’t improved any.’ The voice was soft, yet filled with so much emotion.
Mac scrambled off his Uncle’s lap, to get a better look at the strangers. Dan sat there and stared at them. ‘You fucker! You fucking asshole. Fuck you. Just Fuck!’ He reached upwards, taking the hand of the blonde only to be lifted out of the chair and held tightly. ‘Fuck.’
‘Missed you too.’ The blonde held him tightly, then set him back in the chair. ‘I’m sorry we took so long to come see you. I needed recovery…’
‘Oh I get it.’ He waved his hands over his missing legs. ‘Mentally I’m still fucked, so I get it.’ He smiled softly at the quieter one in the back. ‘Murdock.’
‘Hi Lieutenant Dan.’
‘So you got your Mate. Good. This is good.’ He wiped away a few tears, then turned to his nephew. ‘This is Mac, he’s my nephew.’
‘Looks just like you.’
‘Drives my sister-in-law nuts, also has a very military mindset, also driving her nuts. Unfortunately he’s also got my mouth.’ He laughed lightly, his brother had yelled at him repeatedly for the words Mac had learned from him. ‘Mac this is Templeton and Murdock, old war buddies.’
‘Nice to meet you.’ He was polite, not sure how to act around the two men. ‘Nice dog you have.’
Dan stared at him, then smiled. ‘You’re going to be a much wiser man than me, Mac.’
“What’s with the dog?” Danny asked, looking at the photo of the three of them. Dan in his wheelchair, the other two knelt next to it.
“No idea. He never explained it to me.” Mac closed the album, and looked at Danny. “He told me, when I got older and understood more about relationships, that I should never judge someone for who they love. That if I was lucky one day I would have love, like those two did. And when I met my wife – I did.”
“Did he get to meet her?” Danny shifted, watching Mac intently. He was learning more about the man in these few hours than the two years they worked together.
“No.” He shook his head, and reached over for their wedding picture. “He died just after I got out of bootcamp. I had permission to go home for his funeral. At the time I was so overcome with grief I hadn’t realized Peck, Murdock, Brooks and King were at the funeral. It was seeing Blade again, that brought that memory out. I found out he left me everything, and it was a good chunk of change. King had arranged for Dan to have full medical coverage, so he never had to pay for any of it. I discovered that he put most of his money into a variety of companies including a small Shrimp Company down in Alabama, that turned into a Fleet. Plus had early shares in IBM, the man was loaded by the time he died. He never cared about the money, just wanted to help people. I was in the Marines didn’t need it, so I set up some charities in his name, specifically for Veterans seeking Physical and Mental Healthcare. After we got married, we decided when the time was right, we would buy a house and start a family. Despite some of the darker memories, this place was bought in love with dreams of the future. It’s why I won’t sell it.”
“I kinda hope he comes back.” Danny smiled at the wedding photo of Mac and his wife. “You two looked so happy.”
“We were. I’m not going to deny that. I loved her, and to be honest if she was alive, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” He took the photo and put it back on the table by the couch. “But it was obvious God had a different plan. Not that I was happy about some of it…”
“How are you okay with the Mate thing?” He gave him a knowing look. “I mean I get your uncle was awesome and taught you not to be a bigot, but your Catholic… I’m Catholic. Not that my family taught to many of the Catholic values, specifically the thou shall not steal ones. But believe me the gay thing was beaten out of ya.”
“The feelings I have for you aren’t sudden.” Mac admitted as the stood, pacing the room slightly. “I’ve been working through them for a while, and I lashed out at you when you need me because of this. For that I am sorry.” Danny nodded, if there was one thing he admired about Mac, was that he was not afraid to admit fault and make amends. “After 9/11 I had so much guilt and pain. I was a wreck, just ask Stella. I found myself at St. Patricks. It was all very dramatic.” He smiled slightly, but Danny could see the pain in his eyes. “I yelled, ranted … demanded to know why He had taken her and not me. Then fell in front of the Altar and cried. The Priest, Father Matthew, heard it all, I wasn’t the only one who had a few choice words over those past months. He prayed with me, then took me to get a beer, and let me talk. He became my confessor, my friend. So when you showed up, and for the first time in years I felt alive again. Yeah I ran straight to him having a complete freak out moment. He smacked me, took my confession, then told me to not be an idiot, God was giving me a second blessing.”
“I like this guy, our priest, Father Leon, was an asshole and in dad’s pocket. I went to him for help, and he dragged me home stating I was telling lies.” Danny hadn’t thought about that asshole in years.
“Well Father Matthew is from Chicago.”
“And that explains everything.”
Mac shook his head, smiling softly. “What I’m trying to say is, I wanted you before this night. I likely wouldn’t have made a move, for a lot of good reasons.”
“You’re my supervisor.” Danny stood, walking over to him. “The reputation my name brings, we’re two men … it’s still not a good idea.”
“No it’s not. We’ll have to keep this hidden. I can excuse you staying with me for a while, because Sonny attacked an officer, but we’ll have to keep your place for appearances.”
“And be very careful.” He ran a hand through his hair. “God Mac, if anyone found out, your career is ruined.”
“As would yours,” he pointed out.
“I’m a Messer, I barely have a career.” Danny shook his head. “And you know what, I love this job, I do. I’m good at it. But if I have to find another one to be with you. I’ll do that. Maybe go back to school or somethin’.”
“You would do that.”
“Fuck ya, Mac.” He stepped into Mac’s personal space, pulling him into a soft kiss. One he had dreamed about, just a touch of lips their breathes mixed together. “I’ve been in love with ya for longer than I likely want to admit. Having you disappointed in me, hurt more than any of my families taunts or beatings. Besides I can be your kept love toy.”
Mac laughed openly, then pulled Danny into his arms and kissed him passionately. “I have a bedroom upstairs, king size bed in it.”
“My instincts are screaming to have you, to make you mine.” Danny kissed him again, nipping at his bottom lip. “I don’t want to know what Murdock felt when he lost his Mate.”
“You won’t. There’s a reason Blade is likely hanging out on my roof.”
“That’s not freaky or anything.” Danny let Mac take his hand and led him up the stairs. “Though I feel better knowing it, in a weird kinda way.”
The wall along the stairs were lacking in photos, it was likely where they would’ve put the photos of their growing family. They could still do that, it was obvious they were going to be part of these Clans now, maybe would end up with a bigger family. Danny knew he wanted to meet Peck and Murdock, and also this Hannibal. They were part of Uncle Dan’s life, which made them family as far he was concerned.
“Mac have you been with a man?” He asked as they entered the bedroom. The bed looked comfortable, one he could see himself curled up with Mac on a Sunday afternoon.
“Don’t ask Don’t Tell. Though not since I met Claire.” Mac gripped Danny’s head slightly, gazing directly into his eyes, looking for something. He could see the flash of the Vampire wanting out, wanting Mac. “How about you?”
“Truth.”
“Always.”
“Willing and unwilling.” He held his gaze. “But I know what’s good Mac, I know you’re not using me, in fact, I have the advantage here with my new strength.”
“I also have a Katana on the wall.”
Danny leaned slightly to the left, to see said weapon not that far from them. “I’m even more Turned on right now.”
Mac’s laugh vibrated against Danny. “Let me love you.” He bent down and kissed the side of his neck. “Let me give you my life.”
“Oh Fuck.” With that he pulled Mac impossibly closer, kissing him hard as his fangs dropped biting into Mac’s lower lip, tasting the precious blood. “Mine.”
He wasn’t sure who pulled at what clothes first, but Danny didn’t care, he barely even noticed that Mac’s was still slightly damp. In a blink of an eye he had Mac gloriously naked, his body flushed against his, as they were lost in the feel of each other. Danny should be embarrassed that he came that fast, but he had fantasized about this moment for so long, it was amazing he last the few minutes he did. Mac gave him a saucy grin, then licked him clean only for a few moments to sit back, and wipe his mouth.
“What?”
“So new thing learned about Vampires, all fluids turn to dust after a while.” He reached over grabbed edge one of their undershirts and wiped Danny down. “Interesting, wonder if you could test it to find out which Vampire …”
“Mac.” Danny lifted up on his elbows smiling at his future Mate. “As a scientist I find this very fascinating, but I would prefer to discuss it later.”
Mac chuckled as he bent over his younger lover, and kissed him deeply. Soon they were lost in each other …
Lovely!
—Naj : )