Ties Stronger Than Blood

Ties Stronger Than Blood
by Scribe

Chapter Eleven

David and Marko made their way through the crowd, down to within a few yards of the stage. He didn't know the band, but he liked it. Their music was hard and bright. Marko found himself reacting, shoulders shifting to the driving rhythm. David poked him. "Dance."

Marko shrugged. "I can't."

"Are you kidding?" David grabbed Marko's shoulders, pulling and pushing till the other boy moved along with his urging. "See?"

Marko stopped as soon as he let go. "David, the only dancing I've seen for the past seven or eight years has been when one of the shows really gets going and someone gets the spirit. I'd just feel funny." He lowered his voice. "I couldn't dance alone."

"You don't have to." David started to move, hips weaving. "C'mon." Marko started to smile, shaking his head. David pushed his shoulder again, still dancing. "C'mon!" Marko hesitated. David moved quickly. His arm snaked around Marko's waist, and he jerked him up flush against him. Marko's eyes went wide as he felt David's muscular body move against his own. Their faces were close. David looked into his eyes and said slowly, "Come---on."

Marko started to move, too, and David let go, but didn't move back. They weren't touching now--not quite--but there was scant space between them. Marko hadn't danced in public before. There had been a few times over the years when he was certain that Ruth would be safely away, and he had dared to tune his radio to a popular music station, and then had lost himself in the motion and music, but he'd never really known if what he was doing was anything but laughable. Now as he turned and swayed, the look in David's eyes was appreciative, but not amused.

The band moved from one tune to another, and Marko kept dancing, reveling in the freedom, in the sensual feel of stretching his young, strong body, expressing himself this way without fear of being castigated or shamed. For once he was in a group that was doing exactly what he was. He belonged, instead of being singled out, or set aside. There were so many dancing either in their own world, or with a partner... or partners. Boy and girl, girl and girl, boy and boy... No one seemed to notice or single out any other, except to enjoy watching them.

Marko joined them in that, too. As he danced himself, he watched David. The other boy moved with a grace and fluidity that seemed somehow beyond normal. *He's beautiful,* Marko thought. He saw the way that others noticed David, the way they watched him, with hunger clear in their eyes. But David didn't seem aware of them. He had eyes only for Marko. Marko had spent most of his life in a sort of spotlight, being the focus of attention, but he had never really felt that someone was seeing him till now. He totally missed the covetous looks that were directed at him. All that he saw, all that mattered was David.

He was so lost in the experience, that it came of a shock when he heard the shout, "Thank you, Santa Carla! You rock!" He stopped dancing, standing uncertainly, his breathing deep, as the crowd quickly began to thin out. David was standing before him, and he smiled. "Not always easy to come out of the zone, is it?"

"Is it over already? Why did they play such a short set?"

"Short? It's after eleven, Marko." Marko blinked in surprise, and checked his watch. "Time flies when you're having fun, right?"

Dwayne and Paul approached, slipping easily through the departing audience. They were laughing and jostling each other. Paul grabbed a passing girl and swung her around till she was shrieking with laughter, then let her go with a smacking kiss on the cheek. Both boys looked so alive--vibrant. Marko was surprised to see the way David's eyes narrowed as he observed him. "Wait here for a second," he told Marko, then strode quickly over to meet his two friends. Dwayne and Paul halted at his approach, and exchanged glances. Marko was reminded of two little boys who'd been caught doing something very naughty.

David stopped near them and seemed to ask a question. There was an awkward moment of silence, and then Paul shrugged, saying something. David reacted with a swiftness and vehemence that was a little shocking. Lightening fast, he grabbed Paul's shoulders and shook him. His voice was raised enough for Marko to hear, "What did I tell you? What did I say about that?"

Paul didn't resist, but he looked so miserable that Marko's heart ached for him David wasn't being brutal, but it was obvious that the taller boy was hurt by David's disapproval. Dwayne caught David's arm, speaking to him in a low, urgent voice. David said, "That's no excuse. He's older, and more experienced. It's his job to look out for things if I'm not with you. He knows better than to..."

"David!" said Paul sharply. He jerked his chin back toward Marko. David looked around. There was anger in his eyes, but Marko sensed that it was more worry than anything else. It was the sort of expression a parent might have if they'd caught their child doing something dangerous, especially if they'd been repeatedly warned.

David stared at Marko for a moment, then let go of Paul and wiped a hand over his face, holding it over his eyes for a moment. Paul said, "I'm sorry, man. Really."

Marko had started toward them, and David held up a hand. "Marko, hold off for a minute, please. This is family business."

David moved closer to the other two, and dropped his voice so low that he knew Marko couldn't hear them. "Paul, you know why I made the rule, right? It just isn't safe to hunt when it's this crowded, especially so close to those asshole Frog brothers, and especially when we aren't together. I know you feel protective of Dwayne, and you want to take care of him, but it could have waited another couple of hours, understand?"

Paul hung his head. "Yeah. I'm sorry."

David sighed. "Don't be sorry, man. Just don't do it again?" He grabbed Paul's hair and shook his head, but there was a rough tenderness in the gesture. "I don't want to risk losing you. Maybe Dwayne's your man, but I love you both, too."

"I know."

"It was for you, too, David," whispered Dwayne. David looked at him questioningly. "You know... Marko? To take the edge off, just in case. You don't seem to want to move quickly, and he's got to be a strong temptation."

David glanced back at Marko. The moonlight had leached the gold out of the boy's hair, making it almost silver. He was watching David with great, dark eyes that were tinged with worry now. David could scent him, even at this distance. Every human had their own personal scent, if you just took the time to analyze it, separate it from all the smells that the world and living layered over it. Marko's scent was clean--pure, and somehow innocent--but with an undertone of musk. Desire.

He looked back at Dwayne questioningly, and the dark boy said, "Under the boardwalk, where we were last night. He was trying to get into cars in the lot. He has a Nebraska license, so there probably aren't many around who'd miss him. If you want him, you'd better go. We didn't drain him, but he'll bleed out eventually."

David considered. "Stay with him." He raised his voice to Marko. "Wait for me. I'll be right back." He made is way quickly off into the shadows.

Marko joined Dwayne and Paul. "Is there some sort of trouble?"

"Not really," Dwayne assured him.

"I did something I knew I shouldn't have," said Paul, "and David was quite rightly pissed off. But it'll be cool."

They were quiet for a moment, and finally Dwayne said, "You decided to break curfew tonight?"

"Yes." Marko said, "Maybe if I start expanding my horizons now, by the time I reach my majority she'll have gotten used to the idea enough so that she doesn't actually have a stroke."

"This would be a bad thing?" said Paul. Marko raised an eyebrow. "In case you haven't noticed, I have issues with people who are too much into control."

"But not David?" Marko asked.

"David is different," said Dwayne. "He talks things out. He has reasons for every rule, and, unlike some others, he actually knows what the fuck he's talking about."

"What did he have to do?"

"Probably had to see a man about a dog," said Dwayne.

"Shake the dew off the lily," said Paul.

"Water the daisies."

"Drain the lizard."

"Take a whiz."

"Shouldn't that be 'leave a whiz'?" said Marko. "Seems to me it would be kind of hard to take one--not to mention uncomfortable."

Dwayne grinned, and Paul laughed. "You fit in fine, Blondie."

They chatted a little longer, and David soon returned. "Paul, maybe you and Dwayne ought to go back to our place." They nodded, and David looked at Marko. "How about it, Marko? Want to come over for a while? It's out by the cliffs--you probably passed it on your way into town."

Marko thought about it, then reluctantly shook his head. "They'll have me up early tomorrow, and it's getting late. I'd no sooner get out there than I'd need to come back." He hesitated, then said quietly, "You could come back to the bus for a little while, if you like. No one ever bothers me when I sleep out there."

Paul piped up immediately. "That's nice, but we ought to go on back, like David said. David, we'll be all right going home alone, if you want to go."

David was watching Marko. He saw the genuine want in the other boy's eyes, and said slowly, "That sounds like a plan."

They went back to the bikes, and split up as they pulled out of the parking lot--Dwayne and Paul out of town, David and Marko deeper into the streets. About a half-block away from the motel, David cut his lights and engines, and they coasted, then walked into the lot. He parked his bike around the corner of the building, saying, "No point in leaving anything out to alarm someone who might decide to look out the window."

They walked to the bus, and Marko stood aside to let David enter first. Once inside Marko locked the bus door, then gestured at the interior. "Welcome to my place."

David, hands in the pockets of his jacket, looked around. "Not bad. I've seen worse."

"Let's sit in the back," said Marko. "I really don't expect anyone to look out, but this far back we'll be in the shadows."

They settled in a pair of facing seats near the back. David removed his jacket, folding it on the seat beside him. Marko smiled, and said, "You know, you're the first person I've ever had to 'my place'."

"Are you nervous?"

Marko bit his lip. "A little, yeah."

"Because of Ruth?"

"No, not her. I've been dealing with her a long time, but I won't have to for much longer. I can deal with her."

"So it's me."

"Yeah, but..." He hesitated. "But it's a good sort of nervous. I like it."

David leaned down, resting his elbows on his knees, hands dangling between his knees. "Good. I feel the same way."

Now Marko smiled. "You--nervous?"

"Yeah. You're different from most of the people I've met in my life. I want you to like me, but I'm not sure how to go about it."

"You're doing fine so far."

David reached out and touched Marko's face, running his thumb over the boy's cheekbone. "Marko, I need to ask you a question. Tell me to get fucked if it's too personal, but... You're not scheduled to be here for long, so I don't have a lot of time. You're gay, right?" Marko nodded slowly, not taking his eyes off David's face. "I figured that. But what I need to know is are you gay in theory, or in practice?"

"I'm not sure what you mean."

"How much have you done with other guys?" Marko was silent, then looked away. David took his chin in his fingers, turning him back, and said gently. "I don't care what the answer is--practically none, or dozens of partners. I just don't want to move too fast for you. You deserve consideration, Marko."

Marko took a breath. "I'm still a virgin. Listening to Paul and Dwayne make out the other night was the closest thing to sex with anyone else involved I've ever come." He smiled weakly. "Well, unless you count that assistant youth minister in Arkansas who was a little too huggy for my comfort, but nothing really happened."

David switched sides, sitting next to Marko, sliding an arm behind and around him. "I sort of figured that was how it was."

"Weird, huh?" said Marko wryly.

David smiled. "Promise not to hit me? I think it's sweet."

Marko made a face. "I can handle that, since I like you so much."

David's smile grew sultry. "How much do you like me, Marko?"

Marko paused for a moment, his eyes darting toward the door to Ruth's room. Then his gaze grew determined. He turned back to David, leaned forward, and kissed him. It was a little clumsy, and, yes--sweet. David slid his other hand back into Marko's hair, holding him as he pressed into the kiss.

Marko had never kissed anyone in a sexual manner, and this first experience was intoxicating. It seemed natural to give way before the firm press of David's mouth, to let his lips part at the questioning touch of a tongue. He was a little startled by the coolness of the moist flesh invading his mouth, but David's arm tightened, and the tongue stroked over his own. There was a completely alien, but delicious, taste--the flavor of David. He responded instinctively, sucking softly, and was rewarded by a low moan of approval.

The kiss became two, then three, then more--melding together in an unending stream. Marko licked into David's mouth, mimicking the other boy's actions, discovering that joy of exploration. Mouths wandered over cheeks, jaws, and delicately closed eyes. David pushed back Marko's hair and nuzzled his ear, making the other boy groan and laugh as he dabbed into the curved hollow, then nipped and suck the lobe.

When David moved down to his throat, Marko shivered with pleasure. He'd never thought of the neck as an erogenous zone. If he had, he'd have touched himself there during the lonely moments of masturbation. It was sensual, but somehow very personal--more than sexual. He unconsciously turned his head to the side, baring the smooth column of his throat to David's tender attentions.

David buried his face for a moment in Marko's curls, then whispered in his ear. "Will you go farther with me? We can make each other feel good."

Marko murmured, "I have a bed in back. It's small, but..."

"No, babe. Not that." Marko made a yearning sound, and David amended. "Not yet. You're not quite ready."

"I feel ready."

Marko took David's hand and pressed it down into his lap, over the firm bulge that distended his fly. David squeezed gently, smiling. "My, oh, my. But do you know what it is you're asking for, little boy?"

Marko was silent for a moment, then just said, "Please?"

"You can't even say it yet--you're not ready." David massaged Marko through his jeans, and Marko lifted his hips, pressing up into the confident touch. "You will be soon, but right now I can show you a few things." He continued rubbing, and his voice was low and intense as he spoke. "Listen to me. Listen closely. Being with me is different from being with other guys, Marko. You have to understand that."

There was something different about David's voice. It seemed to go right through Marko, touching a place inside that no one else ever had. It was as if the rest of the world was falling away. There was nothing but David--his burning eyes, his masterful touch, his enveloping voice. "I want to understand."

"You will. I know you will. You're my kind, Marko. I knew it from the moment I saw you. But Paul, Dwayne, and me--we're different from other people. We're apart from them. You're different in your own way." David was unzipping Marko's fly, opening his snap. His hand slipped into the gap, moving over the thin cotton of Marko's underwear. Marko could feel a faint warmth, and he thought vaguely that it should feel hotter than this. But then David pushed down the waistband, freeing Marko's erection, and took him in hand. All doubts melted away at the first skin-to-skin contact. "You can be like us if you want to, but that's an important decision. It can't be jumped into. Can you move your hips forward without dropping your butt off the seat?"

"Yeah."

Marko sank lower in the seat, stretching his legs out till he was half-reclining. David moved, straddling Marko's hips on his knees. He reached down, and Marko followed his hand as he unzipped and worked his own erection out. Marko took a breath, and his hand moved tentatively, but he stopped short of contact. "It's all right," said David quietly. "You can touch me. I'd like that."

Marko touched him lightly, running his fingers up the shaft from the base to the tip. "It feels the same as mine, but different."

"I have to tell you something now." Marko had wrapped his hand around David's member, and was stroking slowly, staring down in fascination. "Marko, listen to me, this is important. You may change your mind about wanting to be with me, and if you do, that will be all right. I know you know what come looks like." He smiled. "Maybe you haven't been with anyone else, but you've seen it. Mine--there's blood in it." Marko jerked, eyes flashing up to David's face in alarm, and David said quickly, "No, it's all right. I'm not hurt, and I'm not sick. I've seen a doctor, okay? It's just how I am. And it's not catching, it isn't a disease. I just come red instead of white."

"You're sure you're okay?" said Marko anxiously.

"I'm sure. It's been like this for as long as I can remember." He shrugged. "Maybe it's genetic." He paused, studying Marko's face. "I could have just used a condom, and not said anything, but I want to be honest with you. Look, if you don't want this, I'll just zip up. I can use my hands or my mouth and make you come, or I can just walk away. It's your choice."

Marko responded by reaching up to embrace David, pulling him down and in for a kiss. When he broke away he said, "I want you, David--any way I can have you."

"That's good, because I want you more than I have anyone else for a long, long time."

They began kissing again, and David pressed against Marko firmly. He began to hump slowly, sliding the lengths of their stiffnesses together. Marko moaned into David's mouth. The friction was exquisite, more than he'd ever imagined, and the thought that there were things yet to experience that had to be more intense made him dizzy. He began to writhe under David, pushing up to meet his thrusts. David's hands moved over him, and he tugged at Marko's shirt till the other boy lifted his arms, and David skinned it off him. David knelt up, pulling away from Marko, and the other boy tried to follow him up. "No, babe," he whispered. "Wait. Lift your ass so I can get your pants down." Marko obeyed, and David pulled his underwear and jeans down his thighs, over his knees. "Stains," he said. "I'm not ashamed of what we're doing, but why should you have to deal with any more shit than you have to?"

David moved back in, and now he had access to more bare skin. Marko was soon twisting in pleasure as David brought his nipples to hard peaks, moving from gently strokes to nipping pinches as he sucked and nibbled Marko's neck. Marko hissed at a particularly hard pinch, and David murmured, "Sorry."

"No, it feels good."

"Oh, like it a little rough, huh? You're a treasure, kid." David bent further and soothed the aching bits of flesh with warm licks and sucks. "You're going to love this." He humped harder. "Tell me when you're close, Marko."

Marko was whimpering with pleasure, feeling the damp trails of pre-ejaculate that the other boy was painting on his bare belly. He reached back, grabbing at David, filling his hands with firm buttocks, pulling at him, urging him to go harder and faster. David made a sound that was somewhere between a growl and a chuckle.

Marko tried to kiss him again, but David put his head down, placing his cheek beside the other boy's. David could feel his vampiric nature swimming closer to the surface, lured by sex, and the delicious scent, pulse, and heat of the blood that raced so close. He could feel the shifting of muscle in his face, and he didn't want to scare Marko, if he lost control. David felt the boy beneath him tensing, and Marko gasped, "I'm... I'm almost there."

"Hang on, Marko." His voice was rough. "This will sting, but it will make it better."

He kissed the side of Marko's neck, were a passion-bruise was beginning to rise. He opened his eyes, and they were solid red. Then he sank his fangs almost gently into the soft flesh of Marko's throat. The first hot, sweet gush and the mingled cry of pain and pleasure almost drove David crazy, but he held off. He wasn't going to glut himself. He was going to savor Marko, and do his damnedest to lead the boy into the family.

*He's biting me,* thought Marko, dazed. *God, should it feel this good?* The sucking stopped, and he felt David softly licking the wounds he'd made. The sting faded to an ache. David cupped the side of Marko's face, then lifted his head, and kissed Marko softly on the cheek. Marko grabbed at David's shoulders and cried out, splashing his belly with sperm so hot that David felt like it would sizzle on the cool plain of his belly.

David crouched over Marko, pulling him into a tight embrace, and holding him as he trembled. He whispered to the boy. "It's okay, kid. It's okay." He stroked Marko's hair back off his forehead, and grinned down at him. "Kinda intense, huh?"

Marko said breathlessly, "No fucking kidding."

David threw back his head and laughed, then kissed him again. "I love it when you talk dirty."