34 years later

James

"How long have you lived in Rome?" asked the young man.

James smiled and lied. "A few years." He was not ready to reveal to Tommaso that he'd arrived in Rome 30 years ago and that if he seemed to be 25 years old, it was because he was a vampire.

He would have never met Tommaso if he had not decided to try to go out during the day. He was old enough now and, during the last two years, his tolerance to sunlight had increased considerably. It didn't bother him anymore. Aidan and he could now explore together the city they had loved immediately, with its layers of time and its intricate beauty.

That was how he had been able to meet Tommaso, on a shiny day near the Sant'Angelo bridge. James had noticed his brown hair and his stature, and his smile. He had wanted to know him. And it was very clear that, when James talked to him, Tommaso was equally eager to learn more about the vampire.

James had met a few persons over the years in the new city they called home, but none of them had captivated him as Tommaso did. There was something bright in the young man's eyes, something intriguing and kind. He was a mortal, yes, but James thought it was not a reason to stay away.

As they were talking, James could feel Tommaso's pulse racing. He could sense his desire for him. So he took the young man's hand and stroked his wrist delicately. Tommaso shivered and his eyes widened. "Can I see you tonight?" James said.

"Yes," whispered Tommaso.

And they decided on a place to meet, before going their separate ways under the warm sun of this summer day.

When they met again, at night, few words were needed. Tommaso closed the door of the room and locked his eyes on James. He was nervous but his desire was undeniable. James came closer to him and tasted his lips, breathed his skin, and hold him as tight as he could.

The smell of the man's blood was intoxicating but James had learned to deal with his thirst. He was in control. He would not have risked hurting the young man if he had thought he was not.

They spent the night together. And when Tommaso woke up, he turned on his side and followed the line of James' spine with the back of his hand. He kissed his shoulder and James turned around, his face framed by his long blond hair. They smiled at each other.

"I was with someone last night," James said to Aidan a few hours later, sitting in the courtyard of his best friend's house.

Aidan raised his eyebrows. "Oh! Who is this person?"

"Tommaso is a mortal. He's gorgeous, Aidan. And, well, we're quite compatible."

Aidan laughed. "It went well, then. It's great."

James' eyes looked away, as images of the night before crossed his mind. "I think I want to see him again."

Aidan frowned. "He's a mortal."

"Yes, I know." James rolled his eyes.

Aidan paused and then smiled. "Well, if you're happy. I'm happy for you."