Rainbows and Shadows

One by one, the lamps were lit. Citizens trickled out of their homes, beckoned by the rise of the glorious, full moon. Vendors lining the streets called out to the crowds, drawing them in with promises of food, fun and intrigue.

Stalls steamed up the air with their appetizing scents, luring the hungry in like a siren's call. Children and the young at heart played games for twinkling prizes, while the fortune teller spirited Asters out of the pockets of those brave enough to face their own fates. The much anticipated Festival of Light had finally begun.

Meanwhile, a man stood on a bridge, still against the busy backdrop. He idly peered into the rippling water below as the wind kicked up his starlit locks, inspiring them to dance like silver threads in the cool night breeze.

"Ah, there you are. Forgive my tardiness. I had to keep the shop open a while longer for the stragglers who just couldn't be bothered to pick up their orders on time."

Alabaster's crystal-blue eyes shifted toward the voice; he was met with a sight as surprising as it was tempting. Simon had shed his usual attire for something a little more festive. In fact, his coat was so eye-catching and glamorous that it looked as if it had been kissed by King Midas, himself.

Gilded threads were woven throughout the fabric as gold buttons popped against the splendor of royal purple. The shimmering accents complimented the tailor's hat band and his magnificent owl pin that Simon would be remiss to do without. Alabaster slowly strode closer, smiling as he gave him a thorough once over. After taking it all in, it seemed to the vampire that his sweetheart had magically transformed from a hardworking caterpillar into a gorgeous butterfly. Falling under such an intense gaze made the human's cheeks feel like they would burst into flames!

'I-Idiot! Get a hold of yourself! You mustn't give in to his infuriating-!'

"My my. What a handsome gentleman. Did you dress up just for me?"

Blue eyes flicked up to capture those of emerald green. The tailor's finger tips poised over trembling lips as his will shattered. He couldn't comprehend the power the noble had over him. But, there was one word for it as Alabaster's voice smoothed over his senses like silk.

'T-T-Temptation!'

"Flatterer!" the tailor accused with a huff, after righting himself, "It's not just for you! The Ode to Maria is always looking to expand its clientele, no matter what the social strata! In wearing this today, I'm doing my best to promote the brand and showing my skills to the populous-!"

The vampire raised an eyebrow, causing one of Simon's to twitch. He couldn't stop his cheeks from reddening an even darker shade as the other man, in not so many words, called him on his bluff. He wondered how Alabaster always managed to see right through him; anything he tried to hide was easily unveiled.

'..As if I wore nothing, but a sheer, barège gown.'

"Fine," Simon muttered at last, "It's mostly for you. Satisfied?"

There was a pregnant pause, before hands found their way to the tailor's collar, straightening and smoothing out the fabric with tenderness.

"Oh? Well, I do believe some gratitude is in order, then. It seems that I have no choice, but to spoil you mercilessly tonight. I hope you're prepared for it."

All that came out of Simon was a grunt of acknowledgement, before he turned his face away, stubbornly. But, as he cracked an eye open to peer at the vampire, it was clear that he was only putting up a front for the sake his pride. The tailor of Lenore had long since softened to the Crystal Vampire and they both knew it; resistance was futile. Perhaps it had always been.

"Very well, Lord Stone. I will accept your doting, if you will accept mine."

As Simon offered his arm with a gentlemanly flourish, the noble's smile softened.

"Of course, my dearest."

He linked arms with the other man and away they went, drifting into the sea of people. There was so much to see that it was almost overwhelming. Wears from all over the known and the unknown world; delicacies that tickled the pallet, perfumes, love spells and even serums that promised to take care of any ills. Though, Simon was more than skeptical of that last one.

"It's nonsense! There is no such thing as 'one cure mends all'! Why, that's just as absurd as a tailor offering a 'one size fits all'!"

The snowy-haired man shook his head with a grin as his lover expounded on how only a fool would buy medicine sold by a crook. Without warning, he pressed a quick kiss to his paramour's lips.

"W-What was that for?"

"I couldn't help myself, I'm afraid. You're all the more endearing when you get riled up."

The tailor stared for a moment, before clearing his throat, delicately.

"You find my temper.. charming, do you?"

"Very much so."

Then again, what about Simon Hart didn't he find charming? A thought that must have translated though his gaze, if the bewildered look he got back was any indication.

"..Is there no end to your eccentricities? Then again, you wouldn't be yourself without them, I suppose. To that end.. I'm grateful."

A saccharine smile was shared between them, before they continued to browse the merchandise. Finally, they came to a stop in front of the local blacksmith's tent.

"Good evening, Jonathan. I see that you came to represent your shop."

"You know me, Mr. Hart! I never miss a year. Oh, and I see you have a guest!"

"Yes, this is Allist-"

"Alabaster. I'm Alabaster Stone."

"Wait, you're that.. that vampire noble chap, ain't cha?!"

Simon's mouth hung open, before he found the good sense to shut it. The nobleman had forgone his elvish guise?! With some effort, he resumed a calmer stance. Though, his heart still thundered in his chest.

"Yes, he is."

With how upset he was, the tailor was surprised he managed to manifest a word, let alone a comprehensible sentence. Simon didn't care how powerful Alabaster was; the Crystal Vampire had his limits and many more enemies! That begged the question of why would the other man do something so incredibly risky. So confoundingly foolish!

"Mr. Hart was kind enough to escort me this evening. He's keeping me company."

"Oh? Well, that's good of em! Couldn't find a better guide!"

As the other men talked, the tailor stumbled onto an interesting vein of thought. Had the vampire always intended to spend the Festival of Light with Simon as his true self? For all to see?

Those enchanting eyes shifted toward him, knowingly. Yes, that's exactly what it was. Reluctantly, something in the tailor warmed. Alabaster wanted to be seen exactly as he was.. with him.

"Now, can I interest you in any of my wears, gentlemen? I made a new batch especially for the festival!"

The tailor snapped out of his thoughts just in time to be handed a set of cuff links. They each held a moon fashioned from a drop of precious gold. The ornaments were beautifully made. Jonathan knew him too well; this was the perfect bait for his coin purse.

But, as he looked beyond them, he spotted a piece that interested him far more; a ring. It was silver with a large moonstone as its centerpiece. The tailor held it to the light to get a better look. The filigree work on this particular piece was more than elaborate. The ring was quite large, too. He glanced at Alabaster's hand that rested on the table nearby.

'Maybe.'

The vampire perused the goods, until he was startled by his wrist being seized.

"Simon?"

His hand was held up, as the ring was slipped onto a finger. The tailor's face scrunched in concentration as it stopped at the second knuckle. It didn't fit this one. So, he tried another. No, not that one, either.

Finally, the moonstone ring slid home; it fit like a glove on Alabaster's ring finger. As if fate had ordained him to wear it. Their eyes met as Simon slowly let go.

"I'll take this one, Jonathan. It's a perfect fit."

Alabaster thanked him softly, before interlacing their fingers and giving away a heartwarming smile.

"It certainly is."

Simon's cheeks slowly began heating up, as he grasped the true meaning behind those words; the man who had dedicated his life to him wasn't only speaking about the ring, if his tone was anything to go by.

'I never would have believed it, not in a thousand years. But, perhaps we are, indeed.. the perfect fit.'

Suddenly, cheering erupted. Alabaster's gaze joined the crowd's as they faced the horizon, where the sun's first light erupted in an explosion of sparks.

"Ah, it's about that time," Simon muttered, before motioning toward the rooftops, "Would you do the honors?"

The vampire gave an easy grin, before catching him up in his arms. To think there was a time when Simon would have thrown a righteous fit at being carried around like a 'sack of potatoes', as he had so crossly put it. The fury had come from a place of distrust, the nobleman quickly realized. But, now, the tailor's arms clung snugly around Alabaster's neck, as if they had always belonged there. How it made the larger man smile to know that those uncertain days were long behind them.

The pair stood on the rooftop together, ushering in the dawn. The Crystal Vampire's lips parted in awe, as the ether above them erupted in color. He had been around for hundreds, possibly even thousands of life times, but Alabaster had never seen so many rainbows! They crisscrossed the sky! Almost as if a god had taken the time to painstakingly stitch them into the fabric of the Heavens!

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yes," the vampire uttered softly, as his hand found its way into his lover's, "Extraordinarily so."

Slowly, they turned to face one another. The spectacle above them could only be witnessed on that special day; an hour of splendor caused by Lenore's unique topography that could be seen no where else in the world. But, they only had eyes for each other. Everything was forgotten as the two men inched closer. Their gaze was only broken when they were within reach of a much desired kiss. But, before their lips could touch, a cold fell over them; a shadow? A scream rang out, the first of many.

"The sun!"

Simon and Alabaster were horrified as a canopy of black fell over the city. Panicked screams burst from the crowds below as the sun was blotted out. The rainbows melted from the sky, dripping down like runny paint on a canvass; Lenore was plunged into darkness.