Sleeping His Way To The Top

[Trillian]

This was the life.

Lazarus stared up at the ceiling above Jake's bed, feeling warm and satisfied. He'd hinted to Jake upstairs that he wanted to talk to him downstairs. It was his first report and he'd been feeling peppy. Yes, peppy, because of the pretty-boy blood in him that he'd picked up in the city park walking over. The youth hadn't been one of the good ones - the ones who writhed and pleaded for sexual release. He'd been one of those sit-and-zone-out ones, but even that hadn't dampened Lazarus' terrific mood. He had some News to share. With a capital N. Then he'd strolled into the White Rabbit, full of vim and vigour and insisted that Jake had to hear what he had to say straight away. Once they got below, though, Lazarus couldn't help himself and had forestalled the news in order to have a proper sexcapade with Jake - one where he got to undress the other, where he got to tease himself by holding back and letting his hands explore his boss (his BOSS(!) wasn't that a cute little scenario, right there?) before the lube did its job and they took their sweet time getting to their peak. Now, spent and lying beside one another to cool down, Lazarus soaked up all the benefits of his current existence.

Yes, life was good.

"I heard an interesting story," Lazarus said before turning his head on the pillow and looking at Jake, resting beside him. "It involves that incestuous vampire family with the ugly fucker at its head." He couldn't help but shudder. He'd only ever seen Charon once, at Venture, and had been appalled by his visage. He'd not known what the blazing fuck that guy had done to himself to get himself looking like THAT but Lazarus hoped he never did the same. He would walk into the sun if he ever lost his looks.

[Black Philip]

Jake loved this latest business meting with his faithful harpy. He wasn't used to this much hyper sexuality in his life, and he admittedly was getting hooked on the various ways Lazarus's tongue moved and danced. He'd been meeting the council of bastards, a dedicated bitch session for creatures in the realm who had a bone to pick. Eventually Lazarus would be coming to these too. His unique brand of responding was useful for shutting down pointless power grabs or wastes of time. He'd make room for real conversations to be had, and when appropriate concessions to be made.  When he received news of Lazarus's request for an immediate audience it was easy for him to chose the later. He made apologies to the council, promising them another meeting soon.

The sex had intensified for Jake. Lazarus seemed to know his body, and touched every erogenous zone. He was more than happy to delay official talks until they'd both gotten off, feeling like his mood would be much improved from the dull meeting. He was smoking as Lazarus introduced the topic, his boyish face contemplative and sleepy. Awe, so he had information on good old Charon. Jake's scouts had reported their hold on the south was not strong, and certain ideas had popped into his head about taking it off their hands. Leverage on them would be coming at a good time.

"Go on," Jake instructed, his tone fairly professional considering the sensual positioning.

[Trillian]

It was time to brag.

"I've been making friends with this plain-faced young fellow who runs a chauffeur company. I thought it would be nice being driven around places in a flashy car, to match my flashy self," Lazarus turned to look at Jake so he could show his teeth in a flashy grin, pleased with the little joke he was making. "Share!" he demanded joyously and plucked the cigarette from Jake's hands - whether willingly or grudgingly, it didn't matter because Jake didn't snatch it back. He took a puff and returned it to its rightful owner. "So anyway," he said back to the ceiling, watching cigarette ash coil upwards like a watery snake, "I find out this kid is on the Sacrament payroll but they don't drink from him or anything, they just have him handy to give them gossip. People he picks up and drops off... you get my drift, love." It had been a happy accident, for he'd just wanted a free ride to places and liked a bit of gossip, but now that Jake actually wanted gossip from him, it made sense to go back to his chauffeur playmate. He'd forgotten about Eric, actually, to the point that the young man was so ecstatic to see Lazarus return that he'd offered all manner of news, as well as himself and his blood.

"They've been taking meetings with some powerful people, lately. Eric didn't know what was going on, but then he had a drunk, chatty imp in the back, declaring he was about to be the next big boss in the south. Eric is smart enough to know he doesn't mean Louisiana or some shit - gimme another drag," Lazarus reached over for Jake's cigarette once more, and after a puff he kept it in between two long, graceful fingers, whirling it around as he spoke, spilling ash onto the bedsheets and himself. "That's not even the best part." He grinned ferociously at Jake, wanting feedback as well as heightening the excitement for what he considered best.

[Black Philip]

Lazarus had a hard time getting to a point, any point really. Well, Jake considered that Lazarus had actually proven himself very good at getting to a specific point, and he smiled a devilish and greedy smirk as he considered their recent sexcapade. However, when it came to delivering information the blonde loved to set the scene and tell the story. He was bragging sure, but there was another need being expressed in his theatrical back and forth. He wanted applause, indications he was doing a good job. All employees need their own form of special attention, and Lazarus had quickly revealed what he needed from Jake. The Black Prince made himself look captivated by the minute details of Lazarus’s story.

Oh a chauffeur you say?
Powerful people did you say?
The south did you say?!

He kept it all on his facial reactions, holding back his actual words until the blonde paused for feedback. It was good information so far. Jake wanted to be at any table negotiating the fate of the south district. In truth, he assumed it would go to a new leader. However, Jake considered that by putting pressure on the south he would be able to convince the other leaders to give him his real prize, the west. The west district would allow him to expand and stop the overcrowding and overfeeding that was taking place in the central district, and would keep him from having to adopt Camarilla level punishments for Kindred who broke the rules. Besides, the west was unled, and Jake had the infrastructure to bring it into the fold. However, he considered that the other leaders might not like an expanding central district. Rumors of a total takeover would begin, despite how untrue they’d be.

Then again, Black Prince of the whole city was tempting.

No! Focus on getting the west. How can your harpy’s tale help you win the west?

“That’s not even the best part.”

“So what is,” Jake said, tone inquisitive. He pulled out a fresh home rolled cigarette and lit it. He pushed the case towards Lazarus, grabbing his thigh affectionately. He could smoke all he wanted. It was nice to sit naked and smoke with a pretty man like him. Lazarus would sense Jake was listening, if not to EVERY word to most of them, and he did want to know more. Jake was already pleased with the report as none of his other spies had brought this forward.

[Trillian]

At the prompt, Lazarus' smile fell. He stared at Jake, narrowing his eyes, displeased that there was no acknowledgement of what he'd learnt so far. No praise, no cosying up and cooing at him, not enough to indicate that what Lazarus had given him was good stuff. He watched as Jake got himself another cigarette, obviously not trusting Lazarus to give him his one back (and he would've, eventually). Lazarus lapsed into momentary silence, not liking the strange, twisting feeling in his gut about Jake's lack of a reaction.

"You know what, love? It's not political, so you won't care." He laughed and suddenly noticed the ash on himself, and with his left hand he start swiping at his chest, leaving behind small streaks before those, too, were rubbed off.

[Black Philip]

At first Jake fought an overwhelming urge to roll his eyes at Lazarus. He thought he’d been encouraging, but based on Lazarus’s initial reaction he’d suddenly thought he must’ve stared at him blankly. He wasn’t used to verbally massaging employees or even friends for that matter. Most people thought twice before speaking to Jake, not the other way around. Still, as he looked at Lazarus sheepishly wiping ashes off himself he felt bad at not giving Lazarus what he needed emotionally. Who did he know that needed a lot of petting?

Sam! Sam needed tons of encouragement and for a quick second he enjoyed his private comparison, the humor coming from the knowledge that the pretty blonde would be horrified to be compared to a woman, least of all a child. He decided to use the same techniques he’d learned to get along better with Sam, with a few sexy additions for both their benefit.

“I’m sorry,” Jake said contrietly, moving to place his head on Lazarus’s chest. He gave him his disarming puppy dog look, an innocent child at storytime, and Lazarus was the storyteller. “Of course I care. I was just distracted by how nice you look naked.”

He ran a finger up and down his chest, smoking with his free hand. “The story is already so good. I hope you’ll tell me more.”

[Trillian]

The apology was most welcome. It should've been unexpected but wasn't, because Lazarus had been angling for an apology and had made no great secret about it. The rest of the words flowed over and around him, filling him with warmth and contentment, massaging his bruised ego and bouying him back to his initial state. His chest rumbled with a purr as Jake curled against him and he was quick to forgive the slight.

Lazarus had been lonely for a partner in crime for many years. First there was that girl - Sabrina's niece. He couldn't remember her name. He'd mostly adopted her, thinking she was different from the rest of the sisterhood. But no, she was worse, because she'd abandoned him and come back weak and used. What good had she been to him then? Afterward, he'd taken the city with Halwyn and that had been fun, but even he'd abandoned him, leaving Lazarus to pay for their crimes on his own. Then there was Ben, who begged to be more like him, who wanted him to teach the ways, and that fucker Kerr had spoilt that.

Lazarus twisted the ring absently on his finger, using the thumb of that hand to press and twirl. Thinking of Ben and Kerr put him back on track, in a very roundabout way. His voice lost its animation and he deadpanned his next words.

"There is a young vampire named Ben - you know him as one of Kerr's fledges," he said, not knowing of Jake's personal run-ins with him. "He has a thirst for power, that one. I've known him for a long time. He helped me dethrone the dragon years ago. Halen whats-his-name. He was a dragon."

Lazarus studied the ring on the fourth finger, holding his hand out so he could admire the bulky purple gem in the silver band. It glinted even in the shallow light of the bedroom.

[Black Philip]

Good. He seemed more pleased now, and that meant Jake would get his information. He looked smitten on Lazarus's comfy chest. He found he rather liked being there and it helped the next bit of info not make his hair stand on end.

Ben. Fucking Ben. Of course he was involved. Of course he helped Lazarus kill a fucking dragon. Ben the agent of chaos, everybody's favorite little shit starter. He thought to a recent exchange at the former Oligarchy chambers. Ben had interrupted his time with Sam, and then when graciously given a chance to join at first accepted and then weirdly left in the middle with almost no explanation. It was so inconsiderate and brazen and it was one in a long list of past sins. Jake tried not to play them over and over in his mind. His face would've registered shock at the whole next disclosure, his pretty face contorting into a very cross sneer. Jake no longer had to fake his interest. He made an astonished face as Lazarus revealed Ben helped him kill the dragon. Well, Ben sure did get around, and Jake wondered if Kerr knew exactly how much he got around.

"I knew you had slayed a dragon," he said, treating Lazarus like a conquering hero, tone sounding oh so much impressed, "but I did not know that annoying little twat was involved."

Lazarus had a right to know he disliked Kerr's fledge. It might have an effect on what details he shared, and Jake wanted all the succulent little morsels. He blew an impressive smoke ring after a bit of effort and it framed the crown of Lazarus's head like a black halo. He decided to put some more butter on.

"This is such a good story. What happens next?" 

[Trillian]

Lazarus looked down at Jake's face, satisfied with the expression there and glad that Jake knew about his slaying a dragon. He'd been horrified to discover that most supernaturals in this city didn't know about it, or laughed at him like he was making a fucking joke about being a dragonslayer. There was no respect for him. He was an Ancient. He was a Dragonslayer. He was fucking Lazarus. He was eternal.

His indignant thoughts ceased the instant Jake spoke his displeasure upon hearing Ben's name. So, he was on that side of the spectrum. Ben was either adored or despised, there was no middle ground with him.

Then Jake poured it on a little too thick and Lazarus felt a surge of annoyance. He decided to ignore it, for Jake had at least erred on the right side of worship, and filled him in.

"I'm getting there, love," Lazarus said, pressing his thumb onto the cigarette to put it out and then tossing it onto the bedside table. With now free hands, he could toy with Jake's hair, and ran his fingers through it, brushing them away from Jake's cherubic face. "Patience," he whispered, focussing on the strokes until he felt as relaxed as Jake looked. "Eric told me that Charon himself would almost never use the limos, until a few months ago, and then three times a week Eric was called on to drive him to this fancy beach house on the cliffs. He would stay there a few hours while Eric had to wait in the car. He was obviously there for a booty call." Lazarus waited for a beat before continuing, wanting the 'booty call with Charon' to sink in. Initially when Lazarus had learnt the truth, it had felt like he'd been sucker-punched. He'd been mad, then he'd been sour and resentful, then he'd been maliciously happy to give Jake this news. "I got Eric to tell me the address, thinking I could go there and find out who it was that had so enraptured the head of the Sacramentum. I didn't need to visit after all, because I already know who lives there." His lips curled into a smile, but it was an ugly smile, and Jake would notice that Lazarus' eyes had glazed over, thinking back to that moment of realisation. "It's Ben, love."

Lazarus, the user, had never felt used by anyone. Only by him, by Ben, who'd managed to twist the knife in him three times now. He looked closely at Jake, drinking in the other's expression. How would someone, who already hated Ben, take the news that he was once again sleeping with the big gun in charge?

[Black Philip]

Jake enjoyed his hair being played with. It relaxed him in a way very few things did. He wondered if Lazarus would notice how much non sexual pleasure he was providing or if he'd care. It was helping his sour mood over Ben. How had Ben helped slay a bloody dragon? Did he annoy it?

He listened in intently as Lazarus continued, only being mildly annoyed at being asked for patience from the man who had none. He had to admit. Lazarus crafted an interesting tale, and why Jake preferred bullet points and bottoms lines, he was enjoying listening. What was Charon up to? How did it connect to Ben? He found himself asking all of these questions as Lazarus spoke. Then he dropped the bomb and Jake's face quickly went through surprise, disgust and finally annoyed. Lazarus would see all of these expressions and would feel Jake stiffen up a bit.

"Well, well, well," Jake began. "That is a very... interesting story. The word interesting obviously stood in for something far less polite. Then he couldn't take it anymore. "That's disgusting and sadly unsurprising. Well good for Charon I guess." He focused his attention now on Lazarus, pushing past his feelings about Ben, well trying to anyway. "Thank you for telling me this. It is very important information and I doubt I would've heard about it any other way."

He kept his tone more even on the praise, but he meant every word of it. Lazarus would notice Jake pouting a bit. He'd worked so hard for everything he'd achieved in this city, and yet Charon barley knew his name, yet he was making house calls to see Ben!

Why am I jealous of Ben?

[Trillian]

Lazarus found the reactions unsurprising, except for the intensity behind them. He hadn't figured Jake to react this much. Perhaps Ben was throwing a spanner in the works by being chummy with whoever was in power. That boy certainly knew how to sleep his way to the top.

"Do you think he's after District Leadership?" Lazarus asked. "I mean, they're holding court, but maybe it's just for pretense. Maybe they're grooming Ben to be their puppet."

Lazarus, unlike Jake, had no idea that Kerr was back.

[Black Philip]

"I doubt that'll happen now that Kerr has returned," Jake said in response, assuming Lazarus was in the know. He didn't see Ben as powerful enough to hold a district no matter who he was screwing. Kerr was very protective over Ben, and Jake doubted he'd let Charon use him. Then again, Ben may have been clever but Jake wasn't too sure how smart he was. Anything was possible.

No, he saw Ben as more of a piece of controlled chaos in the political system. He bounced from place to place dissolving all he touched. Hey, perhaps Charon was giving up the south because Ben had weakened him. It was just as sound a theory as his harpy's. It was why Jake had always kept Ben out of the central district, and surprise, surprise it was currently flourishing. One political shun a day kept the Ben away.

Jake looked to Lazarus to see his reaction.

[Trillian]

Lazarus scoffed his opinion. "Kerr won't be able to keep him."

It was only a moment later that he remembered that Kerr had died. Hadn't he? Obviously not. Where had he gone then? He'd definitely disappeared... but wasn't that because he hadn't been chosen as a District Leader? Lazarus didn't have any of the details and his knowledge was far too vague for him to be extremely surprised by Kerr's return. He'd certainly got the wrong 'Kerr is dead' rumour, otherwise he would've come back to the city sooner!

"Fucking Kerr," he spat, showing Jake how he felt about the vampire Jake respected.

[Black Philip]

Jake sensed Lazarus had his own bitterness in regards to Ben, and found that unsurprising. He figured most people with good sense did. He wondered if he was right about Kerr. All things considered Kerr was a gentle man, soft and kind. Jake had been attracted to him almost instantly. It hadn't been on purpose and he normally wasn't Jake's type, but he'd fallen for him. It happened around the time Kerr hired him as the vampire Oligarch. One kiss, in his office. It had felt nice, natural, and to Jake promising. But then Ben had entered and ruined everything. Kerr had a pathetic sense of guilt that bound him to that leech and it had ruined any chance of Kerr and Jake exploring a relationship.

As he reflected though, a man like Kerr was all wrong for him. He needed a man who could keep up with him, challenge him, be fun. Lazarus was a much better fit for that and here they were naked in his bed. Maybe Ben had done him a favor? Nope. He still sucked.

As Lazarus cursed Kerr's name, Jake didn't correct him or shame him. He had his opinion of Kerr and Jake had his. He knew plenty of Kindred in this city had a word or two to say about both of the men in this room, and therefore didn't judge Lazarus for having a word or two to say about a rival.

"Yes you're not a fan is my understanding. I have a few ideas why, but since you're telling me stories. Tell me that one. Please." He kept the smooze minimal but he appealed to Lazarus's sense of showmanship. He noticed Lazarus's cigarette had finished and quickly lit him a fresh one, attentive and appreciative.

[Trillian]

Jake's request for how Lazarus lost his leadership made him frown. It wasn't a story he wanted to tell, but he felt obliged. His brushed Jake's hair a little harder, though.

"I slew the dragon so his minions made me their King. Then I didn't rule like they wanted me to so they fucking overthrew me and made Kerr their new King. I don't know why they liked him so fucking much. Maybe because he was no fun, like them." Lazarus frowned and snagged his ring in Jake's hair. Instead of pulling it out nicely, he wrenched it back, taking a dozen of Jake's hairs with it. He felt immediately sorry but the apology danced on his lips and refused to jump out. He glared at Jake, resenting him for making him tell this story. "Why did you want to know about me losing to him?" he challenged.

[Black Philip]

At first Jake was peacefully listening to the story. He even closed his eyes and was smiling softly, that is until Lazarus plucked out more than a few hairs. His eyes shot open and he sat up, turning towards Lazarus with a confused expression. He sighted the ring, and one or two strands of his brown caught between his finger and it's stone. He glared at it, and then met Lazarus's gaze.

"I want to get to know you better and that includes our difficult moments," he explained. His tone was even, but his face looked slightly hurt at how Lazarus had reacted. He'd meant no harm, and had lost hairs for it.

[Trillian]

"It was years ago," Lazarus said, frowning. He plucked Jake's hairs out of his ring and tossed them over the side of the bed, one at a time. "I don't like remembering the worst moments of my life. Why should I share them, even with you?" Lazarus looked at Jake, his gaze sour. "I'm only good for good times, love," he said.

[Black Philip]

Jake began to wall up, his expression tightening and his eyes narrowing tightly. He moved a little bit back on the bed, creating a bit of distance between them. His change in attitude had been so sudden and Jake had to adjust himself to deal with it. There was the beast he'd met atop the throne, sitting on his pile of gold. Jake held back more than one cross insult, but didn't want to blow this out of proportion and figured he'd have to be the bigger person because Lazarus was incapable of it.

"You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to," he said calmly, and dismissively. "I'm sorry for trying to connect with you. I'll keep it more surface in the future."

[Trillian]

The look Jake gave him was awful. It cut Lazarus to the core and he had to get away from it. He crawled off the bed and found his clothes, picking up his jeans as Jake told him his place - even agreeing that Lazarus wasn't good for anything other than sex. And wasn't that the worst of all? Shallow Lazarus, good for a laugh and a fuck. He played the part so well that even he believed it most of the time.

"You can connect with me without choosing a memory that humiliates me," Lazarus complained, shoving his legs into his jeans angrily.

[Black Philip]

"Don't go," Jake asked, tone sounding like he meant it. "Hey come on. Why does it bother you so much? Your Lazarus the Dragon Slayer, two thousand year old vampire legend who's ruled the city twice. And now you work for the most powerful district in a role that's perfect for you. We can't win them all. I haven't!"

Jake knew he sounded frantic, but Lazarus had done most of the talking. Jake had failings sure, but his successes would be incomplete without mistakes. Mistakes had helped him learn to be better. He stayed in bed, but laid down so Lazarus could see his face dangling off the bed. "Please stay?"

[Trillian]

Lazarus managed to get both legs into his jeans and pull the zipper up before Jake's plea for him to stay finally got through to him. But now he was half-dressed and caught in indecision. Wouldn't it be pathetic now, to go crawling into Jake's bed again after some pretty tribute? He didn't want to go but he didn't want to lose face, either. Why did it bother him so much that Jake thought so little of him?

Because I thought you were a friend, he thought at Jake. There was no way the other would get that mental message. Lazarus was backwards with his mental sending and the ring would block it perfectly anyway. But what had Jake said to him anyway? That he'd been trying to connect with him. That he would keep it more surface in the future. Which meant it wasn't surface now.

Lazarus didn't storm off but he didn't return immediately either. He stood beside Jake's bed, uncertain and indecisive. "There aren't a lot of Ancients in the world," he told Jake softly (though there was a high concentration of them here in this city). "They lose their minds and kill themselves. Bored or whatever. I only focus on the good stuff. It keeps me... alive."

[Black Philip]

Jake rose off the bed and came up behind Lazarus wrapping his arms around him as he spoke. He laid his head on the blondes back and listened, rubbing his body as he spoke. He thought of his sire. She would've been just two hundred years younger than Lazarus and she was completely insane. It saddened him, and he suddenly felt for Lazarus for the first time.

"That sounds really hard," he said. "I get it though. I've let myself forget a lot of crap I shouldn't have. It helps me get through the day. Does that relate?"

He kissed his back and then laid his head back down.

[Trillian]

Lazarus didn't ordinarily do vulnerable. He'd taken a risk and it had paid off. He was relieved when Jake took him seriously and wrapped comforting arms around him. Very few people who'd got to know Lazarus ever took him seriously. He blamed them on the surface while deep within he knew he was the cause - he'd been superficial, and a whole lot extra.

He'd been hunting for a companion for over a decade now. Someone who he could storm the city with. Someone who would be by his side with the same values and desires. Jake could be that man, but Lazarus still didn't know enough about him. He'd heard Jake liked a good war, and he'd taken out some serious contenders in the past. That had been one of the reasons Lazarus had wanted to work with him; that and the fact that if Jake overstepped his abilities and took on someone too powerful, Lazarus would take the throne.

But now... now he didn't want that. He wanted to explore this.

"Yes," Lazarus said. "I've heard the north is full of wolves. People hear howling at night sometimes. Crime is on the rise. None of the supes bold enough to break the rules have been punished." He started turning, so he could look at Jake's face. He wanted to know if his lover had any looming plans. "There's also the West, unchallenged as yet." He held Jake's face in his hands, gently. "Are you hoping to smash and grab, love? Because I'm seeing a lot of prizes."

[Black Philip]

Jake's face, framed by Lazarus's hands broke into a curious smile. He looked like a kid caught stealing from the cookie car, mischievous, caught, but unapologetic. He moved his body so that there torsos were touching, and he ran his own hands along Lazarus's flanks. He was stiffening again, and he knew Lazarus would know it. He looked him in the eye as he responded, nodding as he did.

"I think the west should be the first prize we take," he said, admitting he had plans to take other districts. "Word that I've hired you is soon to spread. I want the north but taking both districts is liable to make people think we're making a power grab together. We need to space out our acquisitions as to not arise too much suspicion.  After we take the north and west," and here was the juicy part, "then we remove the bitch angel from the northwest."

He studied Lazarus's reaction to his plan. He needed his support, and more importantly, he wanted his support. "Will you help me do that Lazarus?" His eyes were big and called to the other.

[Trillian]

"Agreed, West first." Lazarus moved his hands past Jake's face to rest his wrists upon the younger vampire's shoulders. "Then the North, because it's gone wild, and nobody will dispute that." His gaze turned thoughtful. "And if Ben is awarded get the South, as a Sacramentum figurehead, I'll take advantage of my past knowledge of him. I'll use his weaknesses against him."

He thought of Kerr, who couldn't mind-blast him now, and he thought of Ichabod, who he knew was Ben's nemesis. The pair had a blood connection, so it would be good to have Ichabod on their side. He had to mend some bridges with that one.

"But for now, I'll just use your weaknesses against you," Lazarus drawled, moving to nuzzle along Jake's neck and ear.

[Black Philip]

Ben leading the south was a preposterous idea that Jake would not allow to to come to fruition. He sulked a little at the thought of it, melting his body into Lazarus. He listened to the other man speak, and mostly agreed with his logic, although noticed he didn't mention helping removed Ms. Zoheret. He would bring it up another time, and as long as Jake came out with another district under his belt soon he didn't really care which. Expansion was important, not especially where.

"Keep Ben out of our hair," Jake instructed politely. "Out of our district if possible. Governments tend to collapse in his presence and I refuse to join that particular score card."

As he played with Jake and nuzzled him, the younger vampire laughed, and nuzzled back. "Don't threaten me with a good time," he cooed, very much hoping Lazarus wouldn't listen. He grew serious as he thought about their dynamic. "I am strong though. You know this right?"

He seemed mostly resolute but their was doubt as he asked. It matterd that Lazarus thought him strong. Most people he'd crush into knowing it. Lazarus he wanted to believe it.

[Trillian]

"Love," Lazarus whispered in Jake's ear. "I would never align myself with someone weak."

Jake had given him something to think about, though. Governments tend to collapse in his presence, was a very high compliment from Jake about a young vampire he thought little about. Of course Ben couldn't have brought down Halen, he hadn't the impetus or courage to act on his idea - but he'd given Lazarus the means to do it. And then the Mimics. Gone, because of him.

Lazarus pulled back to look at Jake. "He's just like us, Ben is. You and I didn't gel at the start, either. He's better in your pocket or in your bed. Even Charon has dabbled with him - perhaps he senses it, too." Lazarus led Jake back to the bed, walking backwards and pulling him with him until the backs of Lazarus' knees hit the mattress. "I'll find out his weaknesses, in case Ben turns on us later."

In case he turns on me, again.

[Black Philip]

Jake smiled and was appreciate of Lazarus's comment, and he knew Lazarus was not sensitive enough to lie about such things. It made sense too, but Jake was glad he'd asked him about it. It was always good to know where one stood on issues of power and control. Jake listened to Lazarus explain that Ben was like them and at first scoffed at the idea. He was nothing like Ben. Ben was arrogant, meddlesome, power hungry, driven and... Then it clicked. Lazarus was right. He was like Ben and Lazarus, and Jake began to understand his dislike for Ben better. They were similar! He saw his worst traits in Ben's smug face, and wondered if Ben saw the same in him.

"Keep him occupied and learn all you can," Jake amended. "If you think I need to get involved let me know. It's high time Ben and I had a chat I think."

He turned his head and moved to kiss Lazarus softly, before guiding him down into a laying position. He pulled out a fresh cigarette and lit one. "Do you want this one," he offered, holding it out for the blonde.

[Trillian]

Dropping Ben in the shit delighted him. Even though he and the youth had played around since 'The Dumpster Move', he still hadn't paid him back for that. Hopefully some of Jake's ire would spill onto Kerr (but he doubted it, having heard how Jake's words about Kerr).

Thoughts of Ben disappeared during the kiss and they ended up laying back. Lazarus took the cigarette with a grin. "You know me so well."


[ooc: this feels like an ending?]