The ride was a short one, since they were less than 3 miles from the address Leo had given the cab driver. As they got out of the cab, Leo went to pay the driver.

"No, Sire, there is no need. I haven't forgotten, I still serve." The driver said looking in Leo's eye.

"Alexi, it has been a century since I gave up the throne, the world has moved past the monarchy." Leo said quietly.

Alexi shook his head and placed his hand on his heart. "For some of us, nothing has changed. Our service is eternal and you are the throne." Leo nodded and placed his hand on his heart in response. The cab drove off and disappeared in the night. Leo looked over at Liam. "Well this is it, my humble home. Once home to Samuel Langhorne Clemens." Leo said placing his thumb on the electronic lock, hearing it beep he opened the door and ushered Liam in.

"Samuel Langhorne Cle.... You mean Mark Twain actually lived here?" Liam's jaw dropped.

"Yes,and his ghost is a pain in the ass! Showing up unannounced and scaring the bejesus out of people!" Leo said smiling. "But don't worry, he and I have an agreement, he has promised to behave when I have company." Liam looked at Leo and saw the twinkle in his eye. As Leo opened the inner door and turned on the lights Liam was surprised to find the first floor of the townhouse decorated in an eclectic blend of Modern and Antique furnishing. A Baby Grand Piano dominated the open floor plan and a priceless collection of stringed instruments grace the walls. The kitchen space was shockingly modern but blended beautifully with leather sofa and blue velvet wingback armchairs in the living area. Liam was drawn to the piano.

"Do you play?" He said running his fingers across the keys.

"I used to, but I haven't played in 150 years." Leo said walking over to the piano.

"Play something for me, it has to be like riding a bike, you never really forget." Liam said sitting down on the bench and patting the space next to him. Leo sighed and sat down.

Leo closed his eyes for a moment and placed his hands on the keys He slowly began to play, the music haunting and ethereal.

Liam gasped in appreciation. "Claire De Lune by Debussy!" Liam closed his eyes and listened. When he opened them again Leo saw the tears. He stopped playing. "I'm sorry, I didn't know this piece would upset you."

"It's not that. Claire De Lune was Alexander's favorite piece. He was obsessed with Debussy, and our apartment would often be filled with his music. I miss him, but you choosing that piece to play feels like a sign. Maybe it's time for me to start listening to Alex again." Leo looked up, but his expression was one of confusion. Before he could say anything, Liam leaned in and kissed him. Leo eagerly returned the kiss. When they pulled away, Liam let out a small giggle. "Sorry, I'm not usually so forward."

"It is ok, I have been wanting to kiss you all night but I was afraid that it would have been presumptuous of me." Leo said smiling. "Shall I continue to play."

"Yes please."

Leo continued to play Claire DeLune his hands flying over the keys, his eyes closed as he gave into the music and the emotion contained in it. When the final note rang out clear and clean Liam saw the tears Leo's eyes as well.

Liam laid his head on Leo's shoulder. "I have known you less than 48 hours but I feel so connected to you. Is that strange?" Liam said quietly.

"No, I feel the same way, from the moment I saw you in the gallery the other night, I have felt the connection." Leo said laying his head on the top of Liam's.

"Play something else." Liam said quietly. Leo began to play, the song strangely familiar. Suddenly Leo opened his mouth and began to sing. His strong tenor voice blending seamlessly with the music.

"When you're weary," Liam recognized the Simon and Garfunkel song, it was his favorite song as a child, his mother used to sing it to him when he was feeling sad. He closed his eyes and listened to Leo sing the song with such passion and soul that he couldn't help giving in to the tears. So he sat there resting his head on Leo's shoulder while tears streamed down his face, crying unashamedly. He cried for his mom, who had died the year after he had lost Alex, He cried for Alex who had been his light, and he cried for himself because he was alone. As the last notes of the song faded He felt Leo get up and suddenly he was being carried. Leo had picked him up, he realized that they were heading up the stairs to the living quarters of the house.

"Leo?" Liam said softly.

"Shush, let me take care of you." Leo said as they mounted the stairs. They entered a bedroom at the head of the stairs. The bedroom was dimly lit, with only a soft yellow lamp casting a warm glow across the room. The walls were a deep blue, adorned with photographs. The bed was neatly made with white silk sheets, and a plush comforter in shades of blue and grey. The furniture was modern, with clean lines and a sleek design. The windows had electronic shutters that could be closed against the light of the sun. Leo laid Liam on the bed and then climbed up behind him. He wrapped his arms around him and held him.

With a gentle voice, Leo reassured me, "You have me now. I am by your side and I won't leave."

Liam let the tears flow and after a while he drifted off to sleep.  

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