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

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.

[ Call him Daddy in the bedroom and see where that gets you, Jim. Scalpeled. It'll get you scalpeled. ]

Enjoyin' your humanity, huh? Ain't like vampires don't bite each other -- though it's usually the freaks that are into that kind of thing.

[ He doesn't sound as judging as he could here. He's quoting what people say, in other words. He doesn't actually judge vampires who want to feel human, that would be hypocritical to the extreme.

But don't think Bones missed that little flinch. So he would be disappointing his Maker for being like this. For flaunting his neck like he's some unclaimed snack for others to take a bite of. Still, the way he talks about it... it makes Bones kind of sick with nostalgia. He gets it, he does. Being human is something he took for granted. It wasn't even what he wanted, but losing it now, he might've been a little more reckless. Maybe? No, probably not. But still. Those damn blue eyes are looking at Bones through those stupid long eyelashes, and he'd be hard to resist on a good day, never mind on Winter Sol. ]

Yeah, alright.

[ He caves. Of course he caves. At least Jim isn't doing this completely unawares, at least he knows his maker would be upset with him, and he does seem to actually care about what his maker thinks, even if he's doing stupid shit anyway. And hey, at least if they're out on the balcony, Lady Whisperfangs probably won't include it in her December papers. Gods forbid.

Bones runs a hand down his face, hands catching on his faint stubble. Fuck, what is he doing? Did he really say yes? He tilts his head, holding an arm out to pull Jim closer. ]

Come 'ere, before I change my mind.

[Okay, not Daddy, then lets go with.. doctor. Give him a very thorough exam, Doctor, have to make sure everything works just right~]

Definitely hotter than you think.

[Oh? Does Bones not have a Blood Claim yet? Huh... He will keep that in mind, because he doesn't realize it yet, but he will want to entangle himself with Bones in that way one day, that he might even be the first person he ever blood claims with. But that comes with memories and relationship development. It will take time, but--

Well. It will be a long while yet before such a reality comes into play.

But then Bones is giving in, he blinks, a little surprised before he grins like the cat that got the cream and jumps down from the railing to move into Bones' space. He doesn't touch, not yet, he will, but he lets that fall to Bones first. Give him the power in this moment, give him the control.]

Wouldn't want that, my courting dance finally caught me a hen afterall.

[He smirks.]

[ That might really do the trick, embarrassingly enough. He's going to murder Jim if he ever does it. But not actually murder him, more like. Turn red and threaten to, but not go through with it.

It certainly will be a while until Bones trusts Jim enough to share his feelings with him -- considering how long Bones was married, he takes these things seriously, and he's not looking to get hurt again, that's for sure.

Which is why he feels a little stupid, agreeing to this. But this is just Jim wanting to "live a little," it doesn't mean anything. And more than that, it'll get Jim off his back, which is the goal. (Is it?) ]

Shut the hell up.

[ Bones practically growls, reaching forward to grab Jim by the back of the neck, and force him down a bit, so he doesn't have to lean up at all. He's a doctor, he's got steady hands, and despite his rough words, his grip is firm but not violent. There would almost be something clinical to this, if Bones wasn't licking his lips as he leans into Jim's ear. ]

Remember, you practically begged me for this. If I get shit from your maker about it, I'm telling 'im that you wouldn't let me off this damn balcony until I bit your damn goose neck.

[ And that's all the warning he gives before he leans down and digs his fangs in, all steady and sleek as his teeth break flesh and blood starts to seep through. The bit isn't gentle, you can't really be gentle with this, but it's certainly not unkind. ]

[Getting grabbed by the back of the neck is really starting to become a thing for him, isn't it? Because that's way hotter than it should be. He feels himself flush a little at the way he's manhandled without it being violent. His hands come up to grip on to Bones' jacket lapels, steadying himself.

His breath a little shuddered as the man speaks into his ear - and fuck if the combination isn't hot as fuck. He has half a mind to say "Yes Doctor."

Though being called a goose is a little insulting. He was at least more of a swan.]

Anything you say, s--

[And then he's being bitten, instinctively he wants to pull away, but he doesn't. Instead, he feels his breath catch and a stuttered gasp at the pain leave his lips. But it was a good pain, a wanted pain. He pulls himself closer to Bones as he bites his own lip to keep his moan in the vampire's ear quiet, he knew Bones wouldn't want him to be loud, so he made sure to be quiet as the other man drank from him.]

[ Bones only takes enough to taste. He doesn't need the blood, and Jim tastes about half like his maker (Edgin, right? Bones hasn't talked too much to the guy, but he was pretty hot,) and half like a human. Makes for a weird combination, if Bones is being honest. Too cold and too hot, yet still coating the inside of his mouth with every delicious flavor known to man and then some, with just the faintest hint of wrong. It's good, there's no doubt about it. But it's weird, too.

Still, there's always an instinctual part to biting someone's neck. Those vampiric instincts scream and beg to take hold, to consume and drain and kill. Bones blinks those away with a grunt, closing his eyes before even realizing he'd closed them, and pulling his fangs away. He keeps his grip on Jim's neck stead as he drags his tongue against the reddened skin. It heals the pinprick marks where his fang had broken skin, but has the added benefit of letting him taste the man.

Fuck, this was such a mistake. Bones doesn't have any witticisms or remarks as he pulls back a bit and looks Jim dead in the eyes. His brain is still reeling, instincts yelling prey, eat, kill, but Leonard's silver eyes are clear. He watches Jim intently, looking for any sign of distress or other injury. He just really hates being a vampire sometimes. ]

[It doesn't last as long as the other bites he had tonight, but that doesn't bother him, he's not here asking to be drained or anything. In fact, it's probably best it's short and sweet, even if a small whine of loss leaves him when Bones pulling his fangs away to lick his neck healed.

Kirk is panting a little as he looks Bones in the eye after, his face flushed, but also feeling a little cold. Was it from the slight blood loss or the winter chill, but he doesn't mind it. Those silver eyes bore into his blue eyes and without thinking Kirk closes the distance to kiss the corner of the vampire's mouth. He wouldn't risk anything more, not a full kiss or anything, not without permission but the moment felt right and he indulges.

He lingers for a second, before pulling back and ungripping Bones' jacket lapels and smoothing them out.]

That's 7. [He can play fair as he gives the man a small smirk, though there is a warmth there he's trying to bolster above. His heart was beating a rapid rhythm in his chest, making him feel flustered in a way that only Edgin and Xenk made him.]

[ Mistake, mistake, mistake, Leonard's head rings out loudly, the indulgence of that kiss leaving his mouth warm from more than just the taste of Jim's blood on his lips. It catches him off-guard, jaw slack with confusion but he can't look away when Jim looks at him like that.

What is wrong with this kid, that he looks at Bones like that? And what's wrong with Bones, that it makes him want to kiss back? ]

The hell're you doin'?

[ Bones asks, but only confusion lingers in his eyes as his mouth finally close shut. He's a little too starstruck at the moment, please hold. He releases his hold on Jim's neck and lets him pull away, almost grateful to have his personal space again, but missing the contact in the stupidest, most instinctual way. This is definitely some vampire shit, Bones is convinced. There's no way this makes any sense otherwise, why does some brat show up and suddenly his stupid dead heart is beating a mile a minute like he's some debutante getting kissed with tongue for the first time? And there wasn't even any tongue! Vampires don't get twitter-patted. This has to be a dare, right? Or does Jim just kiss everyone he meets like this?

Bones licks his lips to get the last of the taste of Jim off of him, wiping his mouth on his sleeve because this is too weird. It shouldn't feel this good, so it won't! It makes no damn sense, but it will make Bones angry as hell if they ever talk about this, so he is going to pretend that never happened in right around 30 seconds. ]

Damn fool. Kissing a vampire's about as stupid a move as you can make! You got a death wish or somethin'?

[ 6, now. ]

[Kirk knows when to put space between himself and another person and right now Bones seems to need space. So, when the vampire lets go of his neck, he retreats back a few steps before sitting back on the railing again. Watching the other as he licks and wipes at his mouth like he both wants the taste of him and doesn't, like Bones can't make up his mind. It's kind of flattering to see he threw the man for that much of a loop with a simple enough kiss.

His lips still tingle at the contact, like the touch still lingers, remembered.

That's cheating, that doesn't count as a question and you know it, Bones. Fine. He will answer it like it was a question then.]

No death wish, just feeling out the moment. [He grins.] But next time, I'll make sure to ask first.

["There won't be a next time" is what he expects Bones to follow up with.]

[ He really did. On the list of things Bones expected to follow him getting bit, a kiss is in the hundreds. He still stares at Jim like maybe he'll grow horns or turn into a goose or something, because what he just did made no damn sense.

Still, Bones isn't one to gather flies. He growls and grumbles and pulls out his flask to take a long drink, muttering: ]

Damn fool child. Infant.

[ Infant!!!! But he isn't saying anything about next time because the words echo in his ears ominously, like if he doesn't cut this off now, he'll be looking at a future of Jim Kirk trying to get in his good graces and kiss him. And would that be so bad?

Of course it would be! Of course. Bones rolls his eyes dramatically as he can. Now that he's got a little bit of fresh blood in him, Jim might notice he's blushing. But also it's dark, so maybe he's safe. ]

You make a habit of kissin' anybody who bites you, or is that just the lightheadedness talking? [ A beat. ] That's rhetorical, it don't count. Just gimme your damn hand so I can heal you.

[ Bones does indeed hold out his hand for Jim's. Not the move of a guy who never wants that to happen again, but you know. He might just slam the breaks if Jim tries anything like that again, so he does expect him to ask next time. ]

[The fact he doesn't say anything about next time is a surprise to Kirk. He really thought Bones would gripe and say something otherwise, but no, the man calls him a child and an infant and really, Kirk is considerably younger than the doctor, but he doesn't think he's an infant. I mean, call him a fool, but an infant? Rude Bones.

Maybe he doesn't wave off the comment about next time because there is actual hope for a next time. Kirk definitely hopes so, the doctor's lips were softer than he expected and he would love to kiss him again, properly this time. With permission of course, he promised he would ask next time and if there is one thing that Jim Kirk does, it's keep his promises. He wont be killing Bones again without verbal consent. Or Bones kissing him first.

At least that question didn't count because he was about to argue that one, because the answer was neither. He doesn't go kissing just anyone -- well, he would kiss just about anyone, but this was different. This was Bones. Which it shouldn't feel different but..

It did.

Still, he leans forward and offers his hand, letting Bones take hold of it.]

Aw come on, Bones, infant is a bit much. You're not that much older than me.

[Two decades about but who's counting.]

[ Bones laughs, the moment well and (hopefully) diffused. Bones does not have time to be messing around with someone else's novice. He is not Xenk Yendar and he has not interest in poaching Jim to the Silver Court.

Just, yeah, Jim had nice soft lips and a nice face but lots of people have those. Lots of people also get on his nerves, Jim just happens to be flying to the top of Bones' list.

And yet, Kirk's complaint nearly makes Leonard smile. The brat went and called him Bones again. He shakes his head, irritation lacking any bite. ]

I dunno, kid. You're what, 19? 20? Gonna have to hide the damn cutlery or you might hurt yourself.

[ And yet Bones still grabs Jim's hand and grips him at the wrist, focusing on healing back any blood he may have lost, and any lingering effects of, well, anything that might be in his system. So Kirk might get to enjoy being totally sober, if that booze from earlier did anything for him. That's the magic of healing! ]

Go ahead an' ask me how old I am.

Edited (cutlery is more insulting) 2024-02-10 04:26 (UTC)

[The laugh is good, so is the way Bones' lips don't look as deeply frowning anymore for a second there. It works to liven up the situation, keep it light hearted and casual. Kirk doesn't deal with emotions very well and if he felt like he did something to truly upset the other man it would have put a whole damper on the situation.

As it is, he's getting made fun of but it was in better nature than it was before. Even if he feels the buzz of wine and booze leaving his system at being healed. Damn, that sucks, but also maybe will give him the chance to drink some more in a bit. That's always good.

Right?

With a huffed laugh, he shakes his head.]

21 and alright, I'll bite. [He grins at his phrasing.] How old are you?

[It's starting to become a little bit of a head rush to get healed back all the blood he lost tonight, he didn't even know how close to empty he was running until the warmth was starting to come back to his body and his cheeks flushed with life again.]

january tdm/event post

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