undyingcourt | january tdm/event post

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january tdm/event post

JANUARY TDM - WINTER DREAMS

Welcome to the Undying Court's January Test Drive Meme! This post also functions as the January Event for existing characters, and continues the Winter Season, led by the Blue Court.

New characters may handwave or backdate the previous season's arrival prompt should they wish to, but you may otherwise assume they've been here the whole time! Additionally, all TDM threads can be taken as in-game canon if desired. And remember that apps open February 3-7, with invites opening on January 28, and reserves not long after!

Note that this post will contain: violence, enthrallment, torture, slavery, horror and potentially sexual content. Dreams come in many forms, after all.

This event also features another chance for characters to submit Regains, so make sure to submit after you've posted your top-level or reply to someone else's dream. For characters both new and old, feel free to brush up on the Premise, Vampire Powers, and head over to the FAQ/Game Info page if you have any questions!

Note that this event will be occurring throughout the month of January and into February, so characters are free to forward-date as desired!
For new characters please format your Top-level in this format: Character Name | Canon | Court | Youngblood/Novice | TDM
For existing characters please format your Top-level in this format: Character Name | Court | Youngblood/Novice
If you have any questions specific to the event, ask them in the Plotting Post Q&A section!

Top-Level Directory:

ONCE UPON A DREAM

A quiet falls over the Castle as a new day begins to break. As with every morning, this is a time when vampires must retreat to avoid the rays of the sun, pulling heavy curtains around their beds and windows to block out any light. However, this particular morning is abnormally quiet as the whole of the Castle seems to fall asleep all at once, and all together. After this enchanted sleep, and for the the next thirty days, the Castle's residents will start to experience strange phenomena within their dreams.

During this period, dreams become more vivid, so realistic it feels like the dreamer is awake. Dreamers can pass into each other's dreams without meaning to. Some of these dreams are in fact memories--either those from the lives the characters have lived in the Castle and the outlying lands, or the strange memories they've begun to gain back.

But be careful! For what starts as a regular memory might start to warp into something new. If you're lucky, it'll be something positive, like a dream of a home you've always wanted. But if you're unlucky, the memory might twist and turn into a nightmare, catching you in it and turning your worst fears against you.

Each nightfall, everyone will wake and return to normal. Or at least, most people will.

[Note: Any current characters who participate in the dream event by creating a top level or tagging someone else at least once in this prompt may be rewarded with a free impactful memory, which may be used in the dreamscape. Don't forget to submit for your Regains!]

A NIGHTMARISH CURSE

It turns out that not everyone wakes up. Those who stay in nightmares for too long may find themselves cursed, and unable to wake up. At first, the curse appears no different from regular sleep. But a few hours in the victim will start screaming uncontrollably. No touch will wake them, no amount of calling their name will break the spell. After too long, the victim will start to bleed, slowly at first, and then more and more as they remain afflicted. A victim left unattended will bleed out and die.

The Council works quickly to step in. Kashire (who is looking rather frayed this season) delivers the news that there's no need to panic, but everyone will need to do their part in locating and curing victims. In fact, the youngbloods seem to be taking this as the perfect opportunity for a teaching moment, and students are expected to try and find a cure with the skills that match their Court. Novices and youngbloods alike are encouraged to try and help lift the curse from anyone they can. (Get creative! Blood heals many wounds...) Any victims that have progressed too far will need to be seen to by Revar.

The nightmare curse, however, can spread quickly. Anyone who enters the nightmare of a victim will fall victim to the curse. Additionally, any attempt to reach out to the mind of a curse victim will also spread the curse. With the combined efforts of the students and teachers, the curse can be completely put out. But it will take time and care to ensure everyone is found in time, and cured safely.

ANYWAY, WINTER GAMES!

But a few curses aren't going to stop the Blue Court from making sure everyone has a good time. The days might be short, and weighed down by the threats of nightmares, but winter has hit Castle Courtsheart in full force, and the long nights and snow-covered grounds make for an excellent backdrop to the Inter-Court Winter Games!

There isn't really a reward for the winning house besides bragging rights and maybe a trophy that doubles as a chalice, but youngbloods and novices alike are invited to join in the festivities and compete against one another in the spirit of glory and the chance to lord over your Court's superiority. Even Council members and mature vampires of each court seem to enjoy cheering on their respective teams from the stands. Everything is fine! Forget your troubles and go play in the snow.

What kind of sports do vampires play? Feel free to get creative, but here are some examples:

Thrall-Curling: Since vampiric strength proves to be a little too much for this sport otherwise, teams of novices (or youngbloods) of the same Court can team up to gently compel their thralls to play the thrilling sport of curling. Coax that stone across the ice with care, and take out the opposing team! Or, well, the thralls will do that, assuming they're guided well. Try not to break them. (The thralls, that is.)

Figure skating: Practicing your pirouettes? For a vampire, a quadruple-axel is hardly worth breaking a sweat over. Favored for its beauty and almost seductive grace, the figure skating competition will be scored and judged by a multi-court panel. Participants might get extra points for incorporating bladework and masking into their sets, so these performances are sure to wow the judges.

Ice Hockey: Yes, the high-contact sport transcends time and space, but vampires don't need silly things like helmets or padded safety gear. Don your court's colors and hit the ice to toss the puck around and score as many points against the opposing team as you can before the time runs out. Violence is encouraged! Everyone likes to see a bit of blood on the ice this time of year. (Shadowstepping is considered cheating, but only if you get caught.)

And more! Snowball fighting may not be a sport, but there's no better time to enjoy the outdoors and stretch those growing fangs and muscles than the dead of winter. So whether you're cheering on your Court or watching from the sidelines, there's something here for everyone. Just because the castle is full of the the undead doesn't mean they can't have a little winter fun.

CLASS NOTES

Other notable happenings for the early winter season include:

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and maybe it's time to find or make gifts for that special blood claim in your life. This season blood jewelry is the hot ticket item. These are pieces made from precious metal and glass, which hold the blood of a vampire in them. Carry a lover's blood to show how much you love them, or carry your own to force down the throat of your enemies so you can influence them.

Whispers around school start to say that Black Court lost a novice this month. Not murder this time! He simply unmade himself trying to mistwalk. Eh, these things happen.

As a result of a tie in last month's pumpkin carving contest, members of the Black and Red Courts will find small packages outside their doors. They are gifted silver letter openers, with the handle inlaid with pumpkins and leaves, and a note from Revar with a little drawing of a pumpkin and their signature. How nice!

Lady Whisperfangs is quiet for now, but her time is yet to come... This month's check-in will have a field to submit gossip about your characters! Vampires do so love their drama.

Once again, characters are free to talk to the NPCs as well: Revar & Kashire. For any questions regarding this month's prompts, please comment in the Plotting Post. For general game questions, please check the FAQ/Game Info. In the meantime, remember to submit your Regains for this month's free reward, and keep an eye out for our AC Check-in next week, starting on January 25-31.

The new year has brought us plenty of thirsty vampires, so we're glad you're here to share them with you!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'll have you know my tastes are impeccable.

[He acts affronted, but he grins so quickly afterwards that it's obviously taken in good humor. Part of him wonders how to make Bones laugh, wanting to see the man smile. It was part of what drove him to bother the vampire so much. That and Bones has a familiar feel to him. Like he's known the vampire before even meeting him.

And he knows that kind of eyeroll and sigh, that's the "I give up" kind. He was not above taking that as a win!]

Absolutely, I can't think of a better way to spend the evening than chatting with my favorite doctor. Besides, maybe the person I wanna woo is right in front of me.

[He gives him a charming smile.]

[ Bones huffs a laugh, more like a grumble as he shakes his head. "Impeccable," sure buddy. Sure. He's not buying that. ]

Unbelievable.

[ Something tells him this kid could give him gray hairs even though Leonard's done aging. Still, the songs ends far too quickly in Bones' opinion, like fate is conspiring to get them alone or something. But that's ridiculous. Maybe fate is taking pity on him, and wants to get this over with so that Bones doesn't have to hear more of these awful lines.

That damn smile really is charming, though Bones resists with full force. He starts to tug Jim towards one of the balconies, maybe a little roughly. Right, the sooner they talk, the sooner they can get this over with! ]

You gotta get better material, kid. Only 'wooing' I'm doing is a whoop of laughter after you get what you want from me and get gone.

[Getting even that much of a laugh feels like a victory, he was slowly wearing the vampire down. But his tastes were sublime when you take in people like Bones and Edgin being among them. But again... he has a type.

The song does end too quickly, because he doesn't want to put distance between them, he wants to stay close and intimate with McCoy, but also getting to be alone with the man sooner was also appealing. So he doesn't begrudge the song too much, especially when Bones takes him by the hand and pulls him roughly out onto the balcony.

Dang okay Bones, people gonna think you wanna make out with him with how quickly you're going from dancing to alone on the balcony.

At least Kirk knows better, even if he's grinning like he's won something.]

Then you'll be waiting a while, Bones. So, what's your favorite color?

[Is he joking? Maybe.]

[ Poor Bones isn't good at these social games, he really doesn't think about how it'll look for a youngblood to drag a ribbon-less novice off to a balcony. Oh, well. He'll bark anyone's head off who tries to get him involved in any gossip.

That stupid grin shouldn't be so damn endearing. It's annoying as hell is what it is. But at least away from the ballroom, Bones can breathe a little easier. Not that he needs to. ]

Blue. [ He crosses his arms, almost daring Kirk to make a joke about it. You don't have to like a court to like a color. ] You got 19 left, kid. Better make 'em count.

[What?! He gets to actually ask 20 questions? Hell yeah. Part of him isn't even mad that he kind of wasted one, but it's good, blue was good to know. Definitely. He didn't regret it at all. Still, he has to think hard about it. What all does he want to ask. Hm hm hm.]

Well your turn next, this game goes both ways, I did promise to be an open book.

[The grin stays as he hops up to sit on the railing of the balcony, right next to Bones.[

[ Bones has found that setting a hard limit works wonders for upstart brats like Jim Kirk. Or maybe he doesn't mind his attention that much, and 20 seems like a fair amount.

Nope, definitely the former. The thought of asking this kid 20 questions is exhausting, but he might as well get the easy ones out of the way. He throws up his hands. ]

Alright, fine. Where you from?

Edited (icon) 2024-02-05 05:30 (UTC)

[Excellent, Bones took the bait. If they both ask 20 questions then it will be a nice long conversation. He wanted to talk to him for a while, even if he might get stabbed with the scalpel that was likely hidden somewhere on the vampire.

Who knows, maybe his bare neck will eventually be too enticing for him to resist.]

The North. I lived in Riverside for most of my life. How about you?

[ It's definitely more likely to be the latter, as the night goes on. Bones hasn't been a vampire for too long—he keeps up and he has a flask with some bloodwine, but this kind of one-on-one time with a novice is weird.

Really, he just wants to shut Jim up. But he can't seem to get out of his orbit now that he's stuck here. Being from the North piques his interest. ]

Riverside... I know the place. I was a few hours south, but I saw patients from there sometimes. Usually bad ones.

[ He doesn't say it, but he knows that that far north, you saw a lot of night terrors. Does he feel bad for the kid? No way. Bones shrugs again, keeping his eyes away from Jim's neck. ]

Alright, that's 18. What's your favorite color?

[ It's clear that he's trying to keep himself from caring, this is a filler question at best. ]

Edited (more transparent) 2024-02-05 16:52 (UTC)

[There are easier ways to shut him up Bones. Like kissing him. That's honestly the best way to shut him up. Biting him works too, you can bite him.

But his eyebrows go up at the mention of being close enough to Riverside to have treated people. He can't help but squint his eyes and look Bones over, trying to see if he recognizes the vampire, but surely Bones has been a vampire long enough that he wouldn't have treated a starving child.]

Maybe we've run into each other before, being so close to Riverside and all.

[There was something deeply familiar about him.]

And this will surprise you, but blue. [He grins.] What's your animal form?

[ Bones sighs, disbelieving. He can't imagine Jim was ever all that sick, with how well he looks now, all grown. But that's just his bias talking. If he looked closely, he might notice, but he's trying very hard not to look closely. ]

Would've had to be nine or ten years ago, at least. I ran my daddy's clinic from the day he died till the day I came to Courtsheart.

[ Not that Leonard expects Jim to have been a patient, but maybe he knows somebody who was? Hell, as long as it was someone Bones saved and not someone who died, he wouldn't mind hearing about it. He doesn't help people to get in their good graces, but he got into medicine to save lives, even if he's a vampire now. ]

Blue, huh? Guess you got the court for it.

[ He's still halfway from what Bones can tell, but there's an unmistakable amount of blue in his eyes. Second season. Guess his question isn't too much out of left field. ]

A vulture. Bearded vulture, technically. Real poetic with the creepy doctor vibe I got goin' on.

[ He's heard it all before, so he cuts it off at the pass. But he follows his answer with a harder question—mostly to see if he can throw Jim off his guard.
]

What do you want out of Courtsheart? You here to survive, or do you have some kinda plan?

Edited (timing) 2024-02-06 02:10 (UTC)

It's real possible then.

[Now that he really looks at Bones.. was he the doctor he saw that one time? It was a really fuzzy memory, trauma and starvation do that to you, but.. He leans a little closer, head tilted to the side to show off that neck unintentionally.

He thinks about asking but Bones is pushing forward, so for the moment he shelves it.]

Vulture, so you get to fly. I'm hoping for a bird form.. well I mean, getting to be Blue I guess I will get a lot of them, but I'm hoping I get something that flies as my natural form. I want that freedom under my wings.

[He leans back again, a little precariously over the edge of the railing he's on.]

Mix. To survive yeah, never had so much easy access to food before. But.. I also have goals I want to accomplish, things I need to do, I need to be strong enough to do them. [He looks up at the sky for a second, like the stars are saying something to him, before looking back at Bones.]

How about you? Why are you here?

[ Bones seriously doubts it. Destiny is bullshit, and most of the people he helped tended to die to other causes once they left his clinic. Death was something he just had to get used to. Doesn't mean he isn't scared to death about the chance of running into someone he helped save. What kind of life did he give them, if they just ended up turning undead?

Yeah, those are thoughts for another time. Or maybe never. ]

Yup. Birds aren't too common, but they're alright. Only thing is flying gets boring. 's not like we can go out during the day, so we just have the stars to guide us.

[ He looks up too. He didn't mean for that to sound poetic or anything, he just said what he was thinking. The stars have always comforted him, even before he became a vampire. Plus looking up at the stars is at least easier than looking down at Jim's neck. The man sure knows how to pull off "tempting" while making it look easy.

Though it's startling to hear Jim comment on food—had he really been starved before? It wasn't unheard of, but most kids who did didn't survive to Jim's age. Leonard had seen quite a few kids during his tenure, too. Was it possible...?

Nah, no way. And besides, it doesn't matter. They're here now, and he'll only drown if he thinks too hard on the past. ]

I wanted to be here.

[ It's a plain admission, one he knows is a rarity for most men like him—men who still hold some level of value in their own humanity. Well, arguably. He still thinks like a human, or so he would think so. He's doing a great job of holding himself back from biting Jim.

Instead he ends up being far too honest, and he nearly regrets speaking the moment the words come out. ]

I want to heal people—cure illnesses, find out what makes 'em spread and how to prevent 'em. I was done being powerless and stupid. I wanted to learn more, and this is the place to do it.

[ He sounds angry to admit it. It'd be too much to sound sincere like this. Maybe since Jim is still human, he won't judge him too much for it. ]

I know it's fucking corny, so get your laugh in before I ask my next question.

Boring? No way, getting to be away from everything, flying up towards the stars.. My brother used to joke that I belonged up there, that I was some moon man. So having the stars to guide me sounds romantic.

[He chuckles a little at the idea, knowing it's completely ridiculous. But he's always felt pulled to the stars. Sure he's going to miss the sun, a lot, but he wants the stars more. To get lost in the night sky. He sighs wistfully looking up at the stars with Bones for a moment.

But as Bones continues to talk, he listens to him carefully. About how he wanted to be here, wants to heal people, help them. How he wanted to learn to be better and even if Bones follows that up with a stupid comment about how that's corny, Jim can't help but shake his head and give him a smile.

Because it was a noble goal and desire, it was something he could admire about the vampire.]

Better reason than me. If anyone can accomplish such things, I think it's you. The world needs more vampires that give a shit about people.

You're still a bird, mind you. You aint goin' far. Assumin' that's what's "in your heart" or whatever.

[ But it does something weird in Leonard's stomach to hear Jim talking about his brother. Being called "moon man," too. It's the kind of sweet thing you talk about with family. The kind of nickname only kids could come up with, thinking the moon ain't some hellish rock floating up there in space. It makes Bones think about Joanna. It makes his heart ache, cold as it is in his chest.

Why was Jim telling him all this? Why did he think Leonard was worth his time? He would only be disappointed for his troubles. What was his angle? ]

Don't let the act fool you, kid. I still got fangs and a taste for blood. Only reason I ain't more of a mess is cause I keep fed like clockwork. If I didn't, I'd spend every surgery slobbering all over my human patients like a wolf with eyes on a bleeding doe.

[ Bones doesn't love being a vampire, but he honestly doesn't hate it, either. He's being needlessly cruel towards himself in that way that he does, where he thinks he's the worst of the worst for something that isn't his fault. Or worse, he's actually worried that he likes it, and what does that say about him? It's a life he chose, and the side effects were a package deal. He can't regret it, but he can't be showing weakness, either.

He pulls out a scalpel from his sleeve, twirling it in his fingers. The danger keeps him steady, voice gravelly with contempt aimed solely inward. ]

Giving a shit's dangerous. Keeps me on my toes, but I ain't half the man I used to be. You lose somethin', dying. Don't make a lick of difference to most people, but you'll know—sure as your heart stops beating.

[ What a delightful ray of sunshine he is. He turns his attention back on Jim, moonlight catching on the edge of the scalpel. ]

So why are you here, Jim Kirk? And I don't mean cause you're a Foundling, I mean, what're these "goals" you've got?

[ Bones knows he's prying now, but he bore his stupid heart at the kid. We'll see if it pans out. ]

Edited (accidentally redundant, fixed it) 2024-02-07 22:02 (UTC)

I hope it is, I want to be a bird. I want to fly.

[He gives Bones a grin, not seeing the man's inner turmoil. Nope, he only sees the same grumpy old man that he's enamored with, that he was willing to chase down and make be his friend whether he likes it or not. When Bones talks about being a vampire, he can't stop his grin from widening.

While he had a honest healthy respect for the vampire and how he could kill him without a thought, at the same time, Bones was just a teddy bear underneath, he was sure of it. The fact the man knew his limits enough to make sure he was well fed so he doesn't chomp down on every human he helps is a testament to it honestly.

Though he does eye the scalple cautiously.]

Yeah, giving a shit is dangerous, but the fact that you do anyways speaks to the kind of vampire you are, kind of man you are.. Sometimes I wonder what part of me I will lose when my heart stops..

[He lets out a wistful breath, something unsure but not afraid.

The next question catches him off guard, his eyebrows going up because he's been pretty good at keeping that close to the chest, but he did promise to be an open book and he takes his promises seriously.]

Well... My goals, between just us. [He leans a little closer, keeping his voice low and close, but he's serious, this is just between them, he's trusting Bones here.. he's not sure why, but he is.]

I want to get on the council. I want to make sure fewer people suffer the same way I did as a kid, I want the power to make a difference, to make change. I want to see a world that I envision.

[ "I want to fly," huh. If anyone could will themselves into a bird, it's gonna be this kid.

Those compliments should ring hollow, but Bones could easily read his mind and check to see if Jim's bluffing. He doesn't, but he thinks about it, shooting Jim a sympathetic look. Somehow, he doesn't think Jim's heart will falter much when he's turned. The kid seems too damn stubborn, and things are going too damn well for him. Sure, he's not doing great on his Silver classes, but he can't be expected to be good at everything. ]

If you're lucky, it'll be your fear. Though Founders help us if you do, the castle might not survive the fallout.

[ There's a compliment hiding under that snide, judging remark. He's seen the way Jim tackles problems. Sure, the kid pretends he isn't paying attention, but nobody gets through this place like that. He's got talent. And if nothing else, he sure as hell doesn't know when to quit.

Honestly, Bones had expected him to bow out at the question. The fact he answers only cements Bones' begrudging respect for him. It's stupid as hell, he shouldn't encourage that, but. It's not so different a goal from Leonard's own, is it? Wanting to do better, wanting to better the world even if they're monsters...

It makes something in Bones' cold, dead heart ache. He can't help it, Bones leans in as Jim gets quiet, a sucker for a secret despite it all. Those dreams of his are almost something familiar; like the way Jim speaks, he's carrying all the hope and goodness Bones wishes the world were full of, but he knows better. Should know better. Damn.

Bones has to look away, though he pulls out a flask from his jacket and holds it up to the moon in a toast. ]

That's gotta be the craziest thing I've ever heard... but shit, I'll drink to that, kid.

[ He takes a sip and holds it out for Jim; an offering. Considering he called his own goals corny, "crazy" is definitely a compliment. Just. Don't mention it and take the flask, okay. It's just got booze in it, he's not even carrying bloodwine with him. ]

If I lose my fear, I'll be a complete menace. I already don't let my fear stop me ten times out of nine. [Yes, he knows what he said and he said it intentionally if his grin is anything to go by.

The fact that Bones doesn't laugh at him is reassuring, because he knows they are lofty goals, ones that he's already trying to figure out the fastest way to achieve. He has things he needs to do and he wants to start doing something about them now instead of later. But he knows he needs to be patient, he has forever to do it, but he knows these changes are going to be slow coming, so he has to be careful with them.

He's not even offended when it's called crazy, because Bones is similar enough in goal from what little he heard that.. well, he thinks he can hear the compliment in the phrasing.

Taking the flask, he toasts to the moon as well before taking a swig and handing it back, making a small face.]

Oh, that's good shit. [A pause.] Hey, I'm looking for people to join me on this.. I could use a doctor who's got a similar interest.

[He raises expectant, but hopeful eyebrows at the man.]

Especially one as easy on the eyes as you, Doctor McCoy.

[ Bones huffs something between a laugh and a grumble. The castle truly would not survive this child without any fear of death left in him. He would not be surprised if Jim managed to get himself on the Council as a youngblood somehow. Whether he'd get there through murder or other means is a different story, but Bones doesn't quite know him well enough to be sure.

He isn't even sure he'd be opposed to the former, if he's being honest. Needless death, he won't stand. But a little assassination... well. Those are dangerous thoughts, and ones he doesn't voice. He just takes the flask back, shooting Jim a Look and arching his brow like he's a particularly strange plant. ]

Depends on what you're askin'.

[ Says the guy who was thinking "I mean, if Jim decides to kill a guy, I wouldn't be opposed." But those are just surface thoughts. Who knows if he'd do it. ]

Maybe if you quit callin' me pretty all the time, I'll take you seriously. For now, it's just a dream, kid.

[ Bones takes a sip of his flask, rolling his eyes. That's not a "no." That's quite literally a "maybe." ]

But I'll keep it between you an' me. I'm no snitch.

Guess you'll have to see what I am asking for one day.

[But honestly, that's a good enough answer for him, better than he even expected honestly. He doesn't need anything more than the consideration of his offer, that's more than enough right now, because he likes this vampire for better or worse, so he can't help but feel a little victorious at having the chance for Bones to be at his side.

It mattered to him more than he cares to admit just yet.]

Well, I only say it because I mean it. You're a very attractive man, Bones.

[He smiles.]

Somehow and for some reason, I trust you, I didn't figure you were one to go around blabbing.

[ Bones shrugs. Whatever it is, time will tell. And maybe Bones can't explain either why this kid is having such an easy time warming up to him, but that's not something he wants to examine at the moment.

That said, Bones is very glad he's a vampire and that his blood is silver, because it takes a lot to make a Silver Court vampire blush. Stupid kid and his stupid compliments. Bones rolls his eyes dramatically. ]

I'm a vampire, kid. We're supposed to be hot.

[ Yes, it's entirely because he's a vampire, not because of his face or anything else, nOpe No Way, he does not want to hear it. He's also not about to admit that he feels a similar sort of... ease being around Jim. That would be weird. Everything Jim is saying is weird. But Bones won't call him out on it. ]

Yeah, well. It's my natural charm, what can I say? [ Sarcastic as anything, he pockets his flask. (Where did his scalpel go? He's good at this.) ] The cussing really tells people I'm trustworthy.

[ Something tells him he could just sit here in silence with Jim and that would be ok... but he might open his fool mouth and say something else about how he's hot, so he'll cut it off before he can start. ]

So where're we at? 17? 16? I lost count.

Edited (italics) 2024-02-09 20:00 (UTC)

Yeah, well that natural charm that draws me in. Even with all the grump and cussing. I trust you.

[He means every word as he stays leaned in close. Still a little nervous about that now vanished scalpel but not letting his wariness of it stop him from doing what he wants. Even if Bones is being sarcastic, he wants to make sure he puts his sincerity into his voice, even if it's also humored. He's not above finding something funny at the same time.

They lapse into a silence for a second that's comfortable, like he doesn't need to fill it. As if he could rest his head on the vampire's shoulder and watch the stars with him and make up constellations, like they have done it before.

He's about to let it happen when Bones speaks and he can't stop himself from chuckling.]

Lost track. I'll be nice, let's call that 16, give you a freebie to get you closer to getting rid of me for the night.

[He pauses and then smirks.] You know, kissing me can count as two. Biting can be five.

[ Jim wouldn't be the first person to tell him that his anger is a little charming, so that's at least easier to believe (even if Bones only means it sarcastically.) But he is the first person to ever simply trust Bones so plainly. To say the words so easily. What is that even about? And why does he kinda almost feel the same way? It's fucking bizarre is what it is. ]

You're one weird kid.

[ It really is weird, to just like being around somebody. Some brat who's loud and annoying. Though he's not being loud or annoying right now, Bones is just... he's like this. ]

You drive a hard bargain, kid.

[ Bones actually smirks, maybe a bit predatorial. Okay, he's been holding back this entire time, but if biting him could do that much, he might seriously consider it. ]

What's you deal with getting bit? You a sadist or something? That can be 15.

[Kirk likes how this has almost become more of a 20 question from Bones instead of him asking the questions. He didn't even do it intentionally, but he was really glad about it. Getting to show Bones a little more about himself, well, it was nice. He wanted to know more in return, but he also knows not to push his luck too much.

Besides, he's over here offering a bargain of a trade, letting Bones have the questions decrease by a significant amount while getting little in return. Well, that's a lie, he was getting a lot in return, but not as much as Bones getting to feed on Kirk.]

Masochist actually, and maybe a little. I've never minded pain, it reminds me that I'm alive and surviving, it can be fun in the bedroom too. Besides, there's something about a vampire bite that's.. well.

[He gives Bones a knowing smile, because saying it's erotic might get him stabbed.]

What about you? Do you want to bite me?

[ Honestly, the fact that he's playing along is going well for him. It's not like Bones is the type to "get to know" people, certainly not his students. And Bones finds the whole practice annoying, but it must not be so annoying if he keeps asking Jim so many goddamn questions. ]

Right. Well, at least you're honest.

[ Bones sighs, shaking his head. Okay, he says that, but Bones is a sadist for sure. He has his kinks, outside of the medical field. No, Jim, you will not find out what those are yet. ]

I'm thinking about it. Five questions ain't a bad trade, and you've been showing off that neck like a peacock tryin' to catch a hen.

[ He licks his lips, biting on his upper lip just a bit as he looks away. Fucking kids. Jim doesn't even smell all that human, but the sound of his heartbeat and the booze in Bones' system makes for a very dangerous combination. ]

Ain't your maker gonna be pissed at you for flaunting your neck around?

[ That's 14. ]

[Yet. That's the important word there, Bones. You glad to find out Kirk is a masochist for your sadistic kinks? Come and fuck him up, daddy.

The metaphor makes him chuckle and shake his head incredulously. Bones seems to be full of them and some of them were just ridiculous, but at the same time... Was Bones' wrong? Not really, he did want the vampire to bite him pretty badly. It felt like a prize to get Bones that close..

But the mention of his maker makes him flinch a little, well shit. Yeah.]

Not mad just.. maybe disappointed, which is worse but.. I only get to do this once, right? Only get to be a human the one time before it's over. [He sighs a little.] We'll talk, work it out after, but.. I want to live a little, enjoy my only Winter Sol as a human the way I want to.

[A pause as he looks at Bones through his stupid Chris Pine eyelashes.]

With who I want to.

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