Long Form Roleplayers

Previous Chapters: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
We head back to the hotel, turning up our collars to the chilly wind. When we enter the lobby, the warmth is welcome. The concierge greets us as we head toward the lift. We can hear sounds of a party in progress in the ballroom. The wide doors are open and we can see the hotel’s Halloween party in full swing.

Another time, I would have been tempted for us to change into our costumes and join them, but my mind is fixated. We enter the lift. I press “4” and as soon as the doors close, I gently push your back to the wall and come in with a tender but deep kiss. “Je t’aime, William.”

Detective William Banks:
Into the elevator we go, a warm smile on my face as you push me against the wall, a slight shifting of the cart as you do. I embrace your kiss, sharing that wine scented breath of yours, and a moment later the elevator stops a floor too early. My eyes widen a little and I manage to kick my foot up to the close button, right as a family is standing there, children in shock at our display. I give the boy a finger gun and wink as the door closes.

We make it to the room with our clothes on somehow. I immediately shut the door behind me as I see that ravenous look in your face. “I got a little surprise of my own Fernand.” I start to move towards the center of the room, taking a look in that big mirror to make sure my hair is nice and proper. I reach into the breast pocket of my coat, right above where I keep my holster. Slowly start to pull out a small black velvet box. I take off my coat and toss it to the chair by the bed, and start to drop to my knee in front of you.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I laugh a bit at the embarrassing intrusion of the family, wondering what other stories from New York City they will take back to wherever they’re from. I walk quickly with you down the hallway and fumble with the key. We hurry inside and I begin to pull at your coat to disrobe you when you stop with your announcement of a surprise. My head cocks to the side as I wonder what you’re up to. You pull something out of the pocket and I see what it is. I am already beginning a gasp as you take off your coat and begin to drop to your knee. “William……”

Detective William Banks:
“Fernand Laurent… I'm a simple man, and before I met you, I only had simple dreams. It’s only been a few weeks now, but I know deep down you are the one for me.” My head is sweating as I do this, I want to wipe my brow, but don’t want to disrupt the scene. I keep going, “Whether it be France, Italy, Germany, or New York; you are the one I want to spend my life with. Fernand, will you take my hand in marriage?” I open up the box and inside is a simple ring to reflect my simple nature, a gold band that must have been hard to afford on my salary. The decoration is simple as well, a pattern imprinted on it.

You are not logged in. - The Ring

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I am in shock as you propose to me. Although we are both aware that we cannot be legally wed, I realize that I already consider you my spouse. I am struck mute at this unexpected turn. But I do not want you to think that I might refuse. I sputter out, “Oui!” I take a moment to catch my breath and continue, “Yes, William, there is nothing I want more, than you and me forever.” I take the pocket square from my jacket and blot the sweat from your brow as you put the ring on my finger. I look at the pattern of two joined ribbons. “This is beautiful, William.” I bite my tongue before I ask how you could afford it; I don’t wish to ruin this moment by reminding you that you are relatively without means. I hold my hand out to help you to your feet.

Detective William Banks:
There is undoubtedly a question in your mind of how I can afford such a luxury. I’m sure we will have that talk later, probably on the cruise. Simple fact of my simple nature is that I don’t buy a lot of things, so even my detective salary builds up; plus I’ve invested in stocks. Besides that though, I arranged to sell my car about a week ago when I decided to uproot, and used some of that for the payment.

With me on my knee before you, and you wiping my brow, I smile as you agree. I rise up to give you a long kiss, pulling back afterwards, starting to talk. “I know even in France, we can’t formally get married. Between us though, this is binding I hope, that’s all I can ask for between us.” I gaze into your eyes to see your reaction knowing that in a few moments, we are going to have the most active night of our lives… at least so far.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
We kiss for a long time and I wonder if there has ever been such a perfect kiss. When you ask how I feel, my composure is lost to my emotions and I slip into my native language. “Toujours. Nous serons ensemble pour toujours. We will be together forever, William.” I wipe away what couldn’t be a tear and pull you into a tight embrace. When I release you, the light is back in my eyes with a glint. “Now enough talk, mon amour, there is a better way to celebrate this special night.” I begin to guide you back toward the bed, fumbling with the buttons of your shirt in my excitement.

Detective William Banks:
The next few moments get real heated and exciting as we spend time stripping each other of every piece of clothing we have on. My breath deepens now as you look into my eyes seeing the passion overtake you, a look that mirrors my own. As I lay there with you on my chest, the ugly scar showing, I’m no longer concerned about that as I know you accept it as part of me. I can’t help but to notice how perfectly we reflect in that big mirror in the room, our bodies practically united, similar to what we see in wrestling… but somehow more intimate and trusting, with no desire to harm one another.

“So… What’s next Mr. Banks?” I grin knowing we won’t change our names, or that the last name would be quite a mess to figure out. I just grin with the joke as you sit on top of me.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I straddle you as you tease me. “Oh, Monsieur Laurent, you will see soon enough.” I lean in to kiss you again then let my tongue trace your rugged jaw, nibble your earlobe, and lick your throat. I can almost feel your pulse racing as my hands caress your body. I spend a few moments there as I move to your chest. Ignoring where the scars begin, I flick my tongue on one nipple and play with the other with my fingers.

Detective William Banks:
I stroke your hair as you play with my body, my pulse indeed speeding up as you said. You can feel the intimate nature of my chest rising and falling under you as I support your weight. I can feel the ring on your hand, the gold already having warmed up with your heat. This isn’t really a time for talking anymore, and so I bring my arms around you and hug you tightly, our chests pressed to each other in a way only lovers truly know. In the process our manhoods pressing against each other too showing their full arousal in our lovers embrace.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
My mouth continues its downward passage, running down the trough of your abs. I skip over the navel to follow the treasure trail down to your pubic hair. My tongue skirts to one side of your excited cock, down the fold between crotch and upper thigh. I nuzzle your balls with my lips then lick up the underside of your shaft until I take the head of your dick in my mouth. I look up at your face as I go down on you, caressing your manhood with my mouth. It doesn’t take long before I feel you throb, hear you moan, and taste the salty sweetness of your precum. I know you are ready.

I pull myself back up your body to kiss you, then gently roll you on top of me, presenting myself for you to take first, as has been our habit since our first time. “Fuck me, mon mari.”

Detective William Banks:
With you on your back under me, I can not even try to hide my smile. The passion we share rivals that of any couple I have ever known about, and so when asked to take you, I merely nod in approval. I lift your legs up over my shoulders, same as I did that first night in my apartment. My hands press over your beautiful well toned body, right hand sliding over your left so I can feel that heartbeat of yours. Left hand on my manhood, I slide it into place, slowly entering you as I gaze into your eyes. I press in inch after inch until I’m well planted down to my roots, my left hand coming up to your right pec now, a decent amount of my body weight supported on your masculine frame. I then begin to thrust into you, long thrust, never pulling out like a knife, and always considerate of your pleasure as I aim for your prostate.

Because of the amount of foreplay you have already given me, I can feel myself approaching quickly. I slow my pace so we can enjoy this longer, locking our eyes in the process. I continue to feel your heartbeat, monitor your breathing, hoping to draw this out to save you from erupting yourself as I want that pleasure to happen while you are inside me.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I love the feel of you inside me, how careful you are when your thrusts enter me. And having you like this tonight, of all nights, makes the sensations even more intense. My body matches your rhythm, as if in a choreographed dance. I can feel your member throb within me and I’m aware of you calming your breathing, controlling the drumbeat of our lovemaking. My hands rub your sides, your back, they stroke your face. You and I have learned how to hit the other’s pleasure spot, and my breathing gets somewhat more ragged. I look up at your face, knowing you will nod a signal when you are ready to release.

Detective William Banks:
Feeling your hands on my body, your repertoire of knowledge about my body weaknesses having built up over the last few weeks, you press just the right places to make me flow. I give you a nod, our signal to each other of what is about to happen, part of the dance we have built up in our many exchanges. Coming forth like a river, I flood your insides as my member thrust up and down your canal, a deep moan escaping my mouth. I try to hold off on the thrusting because it’s not my intent to make you release at this junction. After a moment of deep breath, I start to calm down, and slowly start to pull out of you, however I feel you wanting to keep me inside. Smile knowing you are up to something, so I let you take control as the last of my seed comes out..

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I feel you let go, a geyser erupting inside me. I work my ass muscles to keep you inside me and to milk every drop out from your churning balls. My hips still rock to make sure I have all of you inside me before I let your slick cock slide out of me.

I kiss you as I turn you over onto your back, happy to have pleasured you but in need of my own gratification. I raise your legs, holding you behind the knees, looking down at you as I place my drooling dickhead at your hole, savouring the moment of entry.

Detective William Banks:
Knowing it’s your turn to lead, I spread my arms wide so you can see my muscular chest on full display. Once I feel you enter me, I let out another deep moan, my hands coming up to your hips to feel them and the thrusting you are about to give me. Eyes continue to stay locked, that smile of yours clear on your face. I let you have full control to take me as you please, grunting and moaning the whole time with undeniable pleasure.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I continue to marvel at how well we fit together, whether you are on top or if I am. Your canal welcomes me in and I feel the little flex as my shaft passes the inner ring. The entry is slow and I sense your relaxation to the now-familiar motion. I pick up the pace, a bit rougher, a degree of greater energy, as you have fired my lust. I do a slow drive in, hitting your pleasure spot on the way in, and a gradual withdrawal, massaging it on the way out. I continue, a little harder and a little faster with each thrust. My breath is faster and more shallow, my body quivering with excitement. My passion overtakes me as my back arches, nearly looking at the ceiling as I let go with a muffled cry of lust. I explode inside you, shaking as I drain myself inside you.

Detective William Banks:
My moans and breathing deepen as you ride your way inside of me, the whole time a light buck from me to show my enjoyment. As you release inside of me, yet another moan escapes as you fill me up. I’ve learned that you have a tendency to lose yourself in the action, and so my hands come up to your shoulders to cradle you, ready to help lower you on me. From there I let you finish, some minor clenching on my end to help fully drain you of your seed. I lay there now ready to embrace you with our act nearly complete.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I begin to go limp as I lower myself into your arms. The long day, and the passion of the last hour, have exhausted me. I raise my left hand where I can see it and take a long look at the ring on my finger and I smile. “Je t’aime, William, I love you so much.” My hand slowly falls to the mattress at your side and my head rests on your strong chest. Within seconds, I am softly snoring, perfectly content.

Detective William Banks:
With you on me, I’m the happiest man in the world. We lay there for a few moments, your snoring starting to come out loudly. Perhaps it is the extra sleep I got at the show tonight that has managed to keep me up, but I just stroke your hair with you on top of me. Eventually my gaze shifts to the side towards the huge mirror, and I can see how naturally our bodies flow into each other, a wonder how anybody could question such a union. I start to shift a little, perhaps hoping to sneak to the restroom real quick before laying down for good. I start to move you slightly, and that’s when everything changes…

Volos:
It has been more than a week since I have been able to change to my true form. I have not fed and I am ravenous. I had intended to endure a bit longer but the effects of Samhain even take a toll on a Shadow Lord. The host’s body begins to change, growing more massive, the sable pelt sprouting from his flesh. His brown eyes begin turning to a steely blue as the bones creak and rearrange themselves.

You are not logged in. - Volos

I am drooling with hunger. As I approach my normal size, the new ring wrapped around my finger is forced off, falling noiselessly onto the mattress next to the other human’s head. Putting my massive forepaws on his shoulders, I push myself up, saliva dripping from the fangs of my massive maw. My warm, humid breath is in his face as he looks into my eyes once again.

Detective William Banks:
It is with confusion that I look in the mirror and see what is happening. Fernand’s body first starts to shift, as though he is waking, my hand stroking his hair gently. It is the sudden growth of black fur that causes alarm, my eyes going wide in shock as the memories of the alley come flooding back to me. As the creature grows in size, my hand reaches for the coat close by, the same spot I threw it earlier after retrieving the box for the ring. I reach to pull my gun from the holster, complete fear overriding me. I start to pull it close when something causes me to pause, the dropping of a gold ring from the creature’s paw.

You are not logged in. - WIlliam’s Gun

Next thing I know, those massive hands… if you can even call them that, are holding my shoulders down, the piercing blue eyes of the creature that raped me before looking down at my face with drool dripping from it’s maw. I let out a yell, a holler as I start to struggle, the neighboring rooms probably just thinking it is crazy sex. It’s far from that, it’s the struggle of my life, all while I toss and turn trying to take aim, hoping to get a single clear shot… though knowing that Fernand is a Werewolf now, I don’t think I can take it.

Volos:
The terror in the eyes of humans when they see me this close is a satisfaction that has not dimmed over the millennia. Your vision sees my right foreleg blur with the speed of its movement as I grip the gun and forcefully take it from your grasp, not taking any fingers with it. More concerned about the noise and attention than I am about any harm it could possibly do to me, I take hold of the barrel with the other forepaw. Muscles bulge under the bristling fur as I bend it out of shape and place it, surprisingly gently for my bulk, back on your coat.

I stare unblinkingly at you and say with my echoing snarl of a voice, “After our last encounter, I cannot say that I am surprised by this welcome, Mister Banks.”

Detective William Banks:
How cruel of a fate or a god could there be to do this to me, after weeks of chasing this creature and falling in love, for the twist in the story to be that the man I love is the one who most hurt me. My keen detective sense traces through the events, clues that were in plain sight yet never picked up because of my blind eyes for Fernand. There is some anger mixed with the emotions, like a poorly kept set of paints mixing together. I stare up at the creature’s face, its haunting steely blue eyes from the night it attacked me. It twists my gun and deposits it on my coat as I struggle knowing this fight is hopeless.

With me there pinned and helpless, expecting my end to be quick, fearing that this creature will rape me like before, the only thing I can think to do is to call out to Fernand hoping there is something left of him in control. That is when the creatures speaks, what might have been a shock weeks ago is less so now since I’ve suspected I’ve been chasing a werewolf. The legends I read about never talked about one that could speak, but neither did they talk about the other things I saw that night, lightning and speed that are simply impossible to believe had I not seen it first hand. Caught up with fear I freeze like I did that night, like a rabbit who is caught by a wolf.

“Re.. Release me!” I stammer as I demand, knowing I have no power here. I will not let myself be taken like last time, I will do whatever I can to resist, to the very last breath.

Volos:
I watch the internal struggle as you work through your emotions, your thoughts scattered and confused. My telepathy is not my strongest skill, other than with some hosts, but I can sense some and extrapolate even more. “Mister Banks, you will find this difficult to believe but I mean you no harm tonight. If I remove my body from trapping you, can you refrain yourself from creating a situation where I must hurt you? This timing is not of my choice but it seems a conversation is in order.”

Detective William Banks:
With your frame holding me down, you ask me a very simple question, my mind racing at the thoughts of what I can do to get free. I listen to your words, “Fernand… release me. We… we can fix this somehow….” Perhaps that is not what you want to hear, but my mind is set already on trying to help the man that I love, though my fears are that the man I’ve chosen has been in control the whole time. With panic in my eyes, I say it one more time, “Fernand, release me… Please!”

Volos:
“Fernand cannot hear you just now. The offer for release comes from me.” I pause. “Where are my manners, Mister Banks? I am Volos.” I give you a moment to absorb this. “Let me disabuse you of one notion. Fernand and I do not constitute what you think of as a “werewolf” - although my creation of those abominations was my regrettable mistake early in my exile - he is the latest of hundreds of human hosts I have been forced to share for physical form over the last few millennia.

“Do we have a deal, Mister Banks? I will release you if you agree to nothing rash that will change my mind about hurting you.”

Detective William Banks:
In the reading I’ve done here and there about these creatures, I never thought I’d ever encounter something like this. That night with Wolfe at the Twin Anchors, I thought for sure I had tracked this creature down, and yet I still wondered if I would truly come face to face with it again. Now it makes me an offer that I frankly have no choice but to accept. I clench my face up, hoping no tears are showing as I struggle to keep my act together, and then slowly nod agreeing to your terms. “Yes… I won’t do anything stupid…” It stings agreeing, an unconditional surrender. I now wait to see what this creature named ‘Volos’ intends to talk about.

Volos:
I climb off you, keeping close watch on your actions. With my wolven speed, there isn’t much for me to be concerned about. I move from the bed to the nearby chair. “So, Mister Banks, you must have questions about what is happening, now and in the recent past. I hope that you also have some wine.” I look at you, measuring your response, I can hear your heart racing and your shallow breaths, even as you try to regain control of yourself. I smell the fear.

Detective William Banks:
As soon as you allow me to get up, I roll away from you off the bed and onto my feet. I back away as you watch me, no concern for my nakedness as I stand there. My eyes look to my ruined gun… then my eyes dart to Fernand’s coat not sure if he was packing his gun. I breathe deep realizing that this creature has me beat, no matter what I do. I simply wasn’t expecting that Fernand of all people could be the creature.

You then take a seat, offer to give me answers to my questions. Again, I was not prepared for this, when I go to question criminals, Wolfe notwithstanding, I normally have a list of prepped questions in my mind. This simply isn’t normal, and my lack of preparedness shows clear as day if this creature can even come out during then. After a moment, even with my heightened breathing, I finally manage to break my silence and ask a question. “VoVolos: you say your name is? Have you been Fernand this whole time? Why are you doing this?!” I almost yell, but try to keep my voice down, worried that if others show up, this creature will kill us all.

Volos:
“The first question is easily answered. I amVolos:. I chose Fernand as my host when he arrived in Chicago to investigate my ‘case.’” I pause, “I take it your and his lust was too strong to bring wine on your way back.” I pause again, “I needed to see through the eyes and hear through the ears of someone close to the search for me, so if it closed in on me, I would know it. And that is why I have left with him… and you. My situation after what the two of you did that resulted in the criminal Wolfe’s arrest … became untenable.”

You are not logged in. - Hotel Astor Wine

Detective William Banks:
Even with my life on the line right now, my keen detective senses are focused on his words. He must not be able to see when Fernand is in control… otherwise we would know that Fernand brought wine in with us. Either that or he is lying to see how I will behave… Regardless I could really use a drink right now so I may as well get something. “We have some wine, I’ll go get it…” I quickly move away, considering darting through the door stark naked, but the thought of losing Fernand is too much to bear. So I grab the bottle that Fernand brought with him here along with the clean glasses we were in too much in a hurry to touch, and pour a couple of glasses.

I place a glass near you, concerned to get close, but aware if you wanted me dead I would already be. I take a drink and ask my next question. “You choose him as your host, like possession? Are you telling me you are some sort of haunt?” As the words come out of my mouth, I start to realize what I might be dealing with, something that can control a body… and apparently change the shape of the victim. There is much I don’t know…

Volos:
I nod at your question, as they are now getting more to the truth. “I will not bore you with four millennia of my existence, but as I have asked your trust to speak with me, I will speak honestly with you. You lack the word for what - for whom - I am. I must maintain corporeal form by sharing a body with a human host. I have had hundreds during my exile here. Fernand was the latest.” I sip at the wine, appreciating Fernand’s taste. “To answer the question you have yet to ask, Fernand is unaware of me.”

Detective William Banks:
I listen to your words carefully and take another much needed drink. You said that you were four millennia old, a time that would date back before the… the Romans I think. HIstory wasn’t my best subject… Regardless, the part about Fernand is what catches my attention more. If Fernand was unaware of this creature taking control of his body, then that night I was attacked… The image flashes through my eyes of placing my hat on his head before heading off on my own in the rain. He would have changed shortly after that and chased after me, climbing the car as it rose, and following me into the alley.

“Why target me? I’m no criminal!” I clench my fist trying to calm myself so I don’t holler too loud. “Had you just targeted criminals I might have looked the other way, why target me at all? I’m harmless to you.”

Volos:
I nod, acknowledging the legitimacy of your query. “Had I wished to kill you, Mister Banks, I would have, then or now or any time in between.” I let that sink in. “I thought I could frighten you and Fernand away from the investigation…..” my voice sinks to a snarl that echoes in your mind. “I wished to terrorize you,” leaning forward towards you. I lean back into the seat and take another sip of wine. “Clearly I was not successful. You redoubled your efforts. I underestimated you both.”

Detective William Banks:
He wished to terrorize me… That shows me that even if this creature is hunting criminals, there is a malicious nature to it. He might be a wolf hiding in the clothes of some vigilante, but he isn’t The Phantom of Dick Tracy, at best he is a predator who is clever enough to hide his kills among the gutter trash nobody would miss. You move towards me doesn’t get much of a reaction, though my heart rate increases and my hand clenching the glass tightens.

“Alright… so you wanted to scare me off the case. What you did to me, this here.” I gesture to the scar on my chest, “Did you really think this would do anything but rile me up for a vendetta? Yeah, you might be faster than a bullet, rain down lightning, and pierce steel with your claws…” I trail off not having much a point to go to right now following that, though I’m certain over the years somebody had created the means to deal with monsters who terrorize the weak. “Why target the criminals? Is it simply because it would go unnoticed, maybe even praised?”

Volos:
“Humans are both my prey and my flock. I have no use for human praise, just their silence as I continue to cull those who reduce the herd, those who terrorize the herd as much as I terrorize those.” I regard the scars I inflicted on you as you point them out. “What more would you like to know, Mister Banks?”

Detective William Banks:
Realizing that this creature might be getting bored with our encounter, I decide to bring up a more personal question… “You said you had been here… rather in Chicago when Fernand arrived. How long have you been hunting there? Did you kill any police officers over the years?” This question is of course geared towards finding out if he is responsible for my father’s death, but I don’t want to tip him off too much to what I’m digging for. I take another drink while I listen to the response…

Volos:
I sip at the wine. “I know of your father through your conversations with Fernand. It is likely that I am responsible for his … demise. I had been in Chicago from the start of what you call ‘The Gruesome Alley Murders.’ I would not have known he was a police officer when I attacked. If he were a police officer, as you say, undercover, I would have made no distinction. That would be …. regrettable.” I take a larger drink of wine.

Detective William Banks:
I listen to your explanation and it highlights two things… The first is that this is exactly why vigilante action is a problem, because good men work hard to track down criminals and can get caught in the crossfire. If my father was a victim of this creature merely because it was interfering in police business, well that doesn’t make me feel any better even if it was an accident. Even if it was though, he is guilty of likely countless murders, even if the targets are gutter trash.

The second one then involves him being able to listen and hear through Fernand all this time. “So for the last few weeks… You’ve been experiencing everything he has? All that time with me? Is that why you are not killing me now, or is it simply because I don’t meet your criteria? I can’t imagine I hold any actual value to you…”

Volos:
I sense the rage underneath your exterior. “Mister Banks, it is regrettable if your father perished inadvertently but let me be clear.” I lean forward, “Humans are my preferred prey. And at my size and power, I require quite a large quantity of prey. You should be grateful that my attention has turned to those who victimize others rather than the opportunistic hunts that I once pursued. The killing will always continue.”

I sit back in the chair. “No, much of the activity between you and your paramour bored me immensely. I used his senses when there was information I required. And that brings us to tonight.” I take another sip of wine. “As I said, remaining in Chicago was no longer tenable, I intended to stay with Fernand until I found a host in New York. But suppressing the change after all these weeks became impossible as the veils of Samhain thinned. And now you know of me before I could leave. It presents me with a dilemma.”

Detective William Banks:
“Samhain…” My Pa mentioned that before, it’s the older name for Halloween. “So our lives are boring to you, just tools for you to run loose in? What’s the point in talking to me about all this, clearly you want something from me? You want to run loose and cause mayhem on those who would kill other humans, sure I might look the other way. Why here in the United States? With the problems in the world right now, what’s growing in Europe, why not ravage there? Probably make the world a better place if you did…” I trial off after a light outburst, then start to refill my glass pushing the bottle your way if you are so inclined.

Volos:
I refill my glass as well. “There are many stories to be told of me, Mister Banks, but we are out of wine and out of time.” I pause and take another sip. “I have traveled this world and lived many places. A smart predator does not overhunt. After you and Fernand deprived me of more than a week of feeding, there will be a rampage in New York tonight.” I let you absorb that. “What I need from you is a promise that you will not hunt me, you will not reveal what you learned tonight from my inopportune manifestation. In return, I will leave Fernand tonight for another host and send you both peaceably on your way to France.”

Detective William Banks:
I take a moment to think about the offer. He is dangling my happiness with Fernand in exchange for many more lives being lost. There is a judgement that I have to make now, if I agree to these terms I am sanctioning the killing of others. If I refuse, he will likely kill me, so how much of a choice is this really? A glint catches my attention from the bed, the gold ring that I placed on Fernand not less than an hour ago. I grip the glass tightly.

“What do I have to do to ensure Fernand’s safety tonight? You will leave him, I want to be there where he is so I can collect him safely. Can’t have him getting mixed up in any killings tonight. How does that sound?”

Volos:
“We would walk to the window together, Mister Banks. I will choose another host and Fernand will be restored, crumbling asleep in your arms, remembering none of this.” I see you struggling with the decision. I rise and advance slowly to you. “Shall I offer you another incentive, Mister Banks? Would you like these scars to heal?” I trace my ebon claws along the marks. “I can do that. However, I know you already think you are making a deal with the devil. This would involve another such concession.”

Detective William Banks:
The scar… There are many complications with that offer, and as much as it would make my life better, remove some of my insecurities, it would likely raise questions to Fernand if it was suddenly gone. This creature might be able to manipulate his memory, I don’t know, but I want Fernand as unmolested as possible from all this.

“I’ve already accepted this mark you’ve placed on me. I don’t need any more strings attached to this deal. Give me Fernand and I’ll move on and do as you ask. I will not hunt you.” I say this with sharp clarity, though who knows how my life may change. Perhaps the next purpose in life for WIlliam Banks isn’t to be a type of detective, but a person who protects the innocent with my own sense of justice. Tonight has shown me that monsters are indeed real.

Volos:
I nod, “Have that as you will then. Accompany me to the window and I will fulfill my part of the bargain. Do not think of breaking our contract here, Mister Banks. I can always find you.” I rise to my full height and offer my upturned paw. As we get to the window, I turn to you. “Fernand will know none of what happened. If you tell him, he will feel responsible for what I have done. Can you bear that burden for him?” I pause to finish the wine and place the glass safely on the table and turn back to you. “If you need to speak of this, Fernand’s father Marcel will understand.”

Detective William Banks:
“Marcel…” I look at your extended paw. My eyes wander as I consider the consequences of taking this deal, taking it to my grave. Hiding this from Fernand. Many questions run through mine, things such as Fernand wanting to chase this creature for revenge. He seemed more interested in moving on with life I think, but I don’t know for sure. I see you waiting for a response.

“Very well, I accept your terms.” I extend my hand to shake your paw knowing I am signing a deal with what is likely a devil. If I can have the happiness I crave with the man I love, perhaps I can look the other way. I look into those steely blue eyes of yours and nod, ready to move on with this arrangement.

Volos:
I draw my claw gently along your strong jawline. “Fernand chose wisely, Mister Banks.” I straighten up and look down to the pavement, waiting for a passerby to enter the block alone. Finally, one does. “Fare thee well, Mister Banks.” My massive body shudders as does the passerby. His body enlarges, sprouting a sable pelt, his clothes shredding as he grows. The being next to you reverts to Fernand’s form, his legs giving out under him. The beast on the sidewalk looks up at you with steely blue eyes before its howl reverberates in the night and it disappears into the shadows of the city’s streetlights.

Detective William Banks:
With Fernand in my arms, I close the window aware I just doomed some poor soul to be the host for that devil. I try to push that thought from my mind and focus on what I have before me now, the man I love. I’m sure the action of this night will haunt me for the rest of my life, but at least now I can have the happy ending I’ve been chasing with Fernand. I take your body to the bed and lay you down. I’m sure you won’t be waking anytime soon, and I need to arrange the room back the way it was to help alleviate suspicion. Afterall, you are an Inspector.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
Groggy as you put me down to sleep, glimpses of disturbing dreams, but remembering the ring. “Was I sleepwalking, mon amour, mon mari?” I fall asleep before you can answer.”

Detective William Banks:
I look at your peaceful slumber, some solace knowing that it is just you in there now. I try to be quiet with the next steps. In my attempts to tidy up, not everything is perfect, but I hope some morning loving will fix that discrepancy. I adjust the chair, replace the wine after slipping my trousers on of course, and then finally return that ring to your finger. I then lay me down to sleep, and pray our weary souls are ours to keep.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
The wake-up knock on the door comes too early, I feel hungover. I stumble to the shower to take a quick rinse. There’s a knock on the door after. I raise my voice, “We are already awake, thank you!” The visitor replies, “A package for Inspector Fernand Laurent.” I throw on a robe, still lathered and dripping water, as I open the door. The messenger’s eyes bulge at the sight as he hands me the package. I open it and quickly read the file I pulled strings to obtain. “William…. you need to see this…..”

Detective William Banks:
I come over from the chair by the window, tossing a few minor things into the trash as I do. “What is it, Fernand?” I come over to check out the package, and of course you in that robe. With me just in my trousers, I seem more comfortable than I have in awhile, even with this scar on display. I take a look at this package that you are so excited to show me.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
“I hope you don’t find this too presumptuous but I knew you needed to find the truth about your father. William, he was deep undercover for this investigation. He wasn’t with that mob for self-interest.”

Detective William Banks:
I had always suspected that he had been undercover those days. We had gone weeks without talking when I was alerted to his sudden death. The talk last night helped to reinforce that idea, but these documents here are the proof needed. A court order seal because it was related to high profile targets, I can’t help but to wonder what you did to get ahold of them. “I… I can’t believe you managed to get these?” I don’t question it any further, not after the deal I made last night. If pulling some strings can bring happiness, then I’m willing to look the other way, at least for now. So instead of making a big scene, I just lean in to kiss you, a moment later reminding you we have a taxi to catch in 15 minutes.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I kiss you back. “I knew you couldn’t fully move on without knowing. That beast clearly had no interest in distinguishing good from bad.” I look at the time. “A lovely lady of the sea awaits us, my love, to make a new start. We can leave all this behind us.”

Detective William Banks:
I quickly gather up our things while you get dressed, me being the most decent of the two of us at the moment. After we finish getting proper we head out. I take one last look back at the room where this meeting happened. We close the door and move on ready to find some peace and happiness in our new life.

Stepping out of the Hotel we are blinded by the morning sun. With our taxi already waiting for us, we are quick to throw our luggage in the back. Right as we get in the cab closing the door, I notice some little rascal come running past us. Fortunately we don’t hear what he has to say.

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Paper Boy: Extra Extra! Read all about it! Multiple gang killings lead to gang war! Samhain Slaughter starting in downtown Manhattan!

Published: 2022-01-13, viewed 48 times.