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undyingcourt2024-03-20 06:10 pm
undyingmods) wrote in undyingcourt2024-03-20 06:10 pm
Entry tags:
March TDM/Event - Spring Nox
MARCH TDM - SPRING NOX
Welcome to the Undying Court's March Test Drive Meme! This post also functions as the March Event for existing characters, as well as the start of the Spring Season, led by the Red Court.
New novices who are in their second season or more may handwave or backdate the previous season's arrival prompts should they wish to, and should 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 April 3-7, with invites opening on March 28, and reserves not long after!
Note that this post will contain: violence, enthrallment, slavery, body horror and potentially sexual content. Spring has many surprises! This event also features a chance for characters to submit a free Cosmetic Physical Features Regain, as a reward for the Hanahaki prompt.
Feel free to brush up on the Premise, Vampire Powers, and head over to the FAQ/Game Info page if you have any questions!
New novices who are in their second season or more may handwave or backdate the previous season's arrival prompts should they wish to, and should 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 April 3-7, with invites opening on March 28, and reserves not long after!
Note that this post will contain: violence, enthrallment, slavery, body horror and potentially sexual content. Spring has many surprises! This event also features a chance for characters to submit a free Cosmetic Physical Features Regain, as a reward for the Hanahaki prompt.
Feel free to brush up on the Premise, Vampire Powers, and head over to the FAQ/Game Info page if you have any questions!
- Keep in mind that this event will be occurring throughout the month of March and into April, 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!
- Our new Locations page is live! Take a look if you've ever wondered what exactly lies in the castle.
Top-Level Directory:
Chat with NPC: Revar, Kashire, ClaudiaNew Characters/TDM:
All For The Game - Name - Black Court, Novice
Detroit: Become Human - Connor - Black Court, Novice
Durarara!! - Shizuo Heiwajima - Black Court, Youngblood
Game of Thrones - Daenerys Targaryen - Gold Court, Youngblood
Game of Thrones - Jon Snow - Black Court, Youngblood
Honkai Star Rail - Argenti - Red Court, Youngblood
The Locked Tomb - Harrowhark Nonagesimus - Silver Court, Youngblood
The Locked Tomb - Gideon Nav - Silver Court, Novice
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic - Princess Luna - Black Court, Novice
Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid - Lucoa - Blue Court, Youngblood
Nevermore - Lenore - Blue Court, Novice
Original - Giselle du Sang - Blue Court, Youngblood
Original - Matt Jamison - Red Court, Novice
Original - Sharel Anathrime - Undecided Court, Novice
Return to Labyrinth - Sarah Williams - Red Court, Youngblood
Supernatural - Ava Wilson - Black Court, Novice
Current Characters:
Accelerator (Yuri) - Silver Court, Novice
Astarion - Red Court, Youngblood
Cal Kestis - Silver Court, Novice
Conrad Achenleck - Red Court, Youngblood
Eden Woods - Silver Court, Novice
Edgin Darvis - Blue Court, Youngblood
Harlock - Blue Court, Novice
Leonard "Bones" McCoy - Silver Court, Youngblood
Lockwood - Gold Court, Youngblood
Lydia - Red Court, Youngblood
Raphael - Red Court, Youngblood
Snow White - Silver Court, Novice
Trilla Suduri - Black Court, Novice
Xenk Yendar - Gold Court, Youngblood
SPRING ARRIVAL
New arrivals will be starting their first season in the Spring, and they're welcomed to the castle under the watchful eyes of the Red Court. Upon arrival, they will be shown to a room by humans whose eyes glow softly from within, with vacant smiles. Thralls. There, the human thralls will draw them a bath and bring them new clothes to wear to their first meeting. These are rich, expensive things made of high quality fabric. Whether it's a silk dress and a heavy velvet cowl, or a fine pants and a vest made from a brocade, the servants will provide whatever is requested of them. The new initiate's old clothes will be burned after, in a symbol of the life they are leaving behind. If they are hungry, they will be provided food. If they need anything at all, they need only ask their new servants.
Later that night, new novices are taken to a grand hall, with high arched ceilings and candles burning in chandeliers. There are figures painted overhead, beautiful and entwined. Some have their eyes are colored to match the courts, others are gracefully placed in their death, with blood dripping from necks and wrists.
Balconies line the hall behind a forest of pillars, and vampires all watch as the group walk through (some more hungrily than others).
"Welcome to your first undying season, initiates." a fair-skinned vampire with full, crimson lips that match her crimson eyes steps forward. With dark brown curls, a plunging gown, and a broadsword strapped to her back, the woman commands the attention of everyone in attendance. Her hair falls halfway down her back, and holds herself with a surety and ease to her posture that proves her sword isn't simply for show. She stands at the center of a wide semi-circle of other vampires, "My name is Claudia. As the Red Court's acting voice for the Spring season, allow me to introduce you to the Houses that will be your new homes."
The vampire, Claudia, gives the newcomers an overview of all of the courts—Blue, Red, Gold, Silver, and Black—and then invites those already claimed by their Courts to join the vampires who will be their Makers.
Claudia offers the Foundlings who are left a sharp, knowing smile, and waves a hand, allowing them to be chosen. They are like the last sheep left at the auction, and the vampires who take them may not be the enthused about it. Nevertheless, Claudia waits until all have found a maker, nodding imperceptibly as the last are paired off.
Now that they are paired up it is expected—indeed, required—that the initiate drink from their maker. That is their Beginning. Only once they have truly begun can they can be considered novices.
"Makers, your responsibility to your novices begins today," she declares, a red-eyed apprentice appearing behind her. The apprentice -- for her eyes are too red to be a novice, is blond and pale, and dressed in reds to match her Maker. She's an unfamiliar face in the castle, even for those who have been here for some time. Whispers follow them as she and Claudia step away from the center of the room. Her apprentice, however, remains bound like a livewire, predatory in her gaze as it lands on the season's new novices. "Come along, Silvea," calls Claudia, and for a moment Silvea hesitates, though she follows as instructed. Bit of an odd duck, this one.
Later that night, new novices are taken to a grand hall, with high arched ceilings and candles burning in chandeliers. There are figures painted overhead, beautiful and entwined. Some have their eyes are colored to match the courts, others are gracefully placed in their death, with blood dripping from necks and wrists.
Balconies line the hall behind a forest of pillars, and vampires all watch as the group walk through (some more hungrily than others).
"Welcome to your first undying season, initiates." a fair-skinned vampire with full, crimson lips that match her crimson eyes steps forward. With dark brown curls, a plunging gown, and a broadsword strapped to her back, the woman commands the attention of everyone in attendance. Her hair falls halfway down her back, and holds herself with a surety and ease to her posture that proves her sword isn't simply for show. She stands at the center of a wide semi-circle of other vampires, "My name is Claudia. As the Red Court's acting voice for the Spring season, allow me to introduce you to the Houses that will be your new homes."
The vampire, Claudia, gives the newcomers an overview of all of the courts—Blue, Red, Gold, Silver, and Black—and then invites those already claimed by their Courts to join the vampires who will be their Makers.
Claudia offers the Foundlings who are left a sharp, knowing smile, and waves a hand, allowing them to be chosen. They are like the last sheep left at the auction, and the vampires who take them may not be the enthused about it. Nevertheless, Claudia waits until all have found a maker, nodding imperceptibly as the last are paired off.
Now that they are paired up it is expected—indeed, required—that the initiate drink from their maker. That is their Beginning. Only once they have truly begun can they can be considered novices.
"Makers, your responsibility to your novices begins today," she declares, a red-eyed apprentice appearing behind her. The apprentice -- for her eyes are too red to be a novice, is blond and pale, and dressed in reds to match her Maker. She's an unfamiliar face in the castle, even for those who have been here for some time. Whispers follow them as she and Claudia step away from the center of the room. Her apprentice, however, remains bound like a livewire, predatory in her gaze as it lands on the season's new novices. "Come along, Silvea," calls Claudia, and for a moment Silvea hesitates, though she follows as instructed. Bit of an odd duck, this one.
SPRING NOX
The Spring Nox consists of two events: an Arena and a Salon. The pageantry of the Nox springs up quickly, with Red Court banners unfurling throughout the castle and greenery put on display (the tame kind, one assumes).
Some may find the Arena most interesting. A complicated tournament requiring combatants to use an array of weapons, vampires from all over come to the castle to compete. Although of course the Red Court would argue the true spirit of the Arena is to show off the finesse and skill of the competitors, many vampires attend because of the thrill all the bloodshed brings. Some rounds, the blood in the air becomes so much it can be intoxicating. Good thing there are always thralls close at hand to drink from! Novices are, of course, off limits.
Normally, this tournament is held only amongst vampires. Even Youngbloods struggle against their mature counterparts, whose strength and speed are increased with their age. But this year, Claudia announces that one novice will be allowed to compete.
In order to choose that novice, Claudia and the Red Court are holding a novice tournament prior to the Arena. The prize? A permanent pass from the Red Court. This means that even should the winner never take another Red Court class again, they would have the Red Court's favor. In a world where failing means enthrallment, a guaranteed pass is far better than gold. Of course, no one expects the novice to actually win in the real arena events, but it'll be a very exciting way to lose spectacularly.
But not everyone is interested in bloodsport. Some may find themselves drawn, instead, to the Salon. This yearly event brings the most creative minds from all the lands to hold readings and discussions on art old and new. Some sessions are small, informal gatherings around one or two speakers. Others are large, reminiscent of the Silver Court's symposium sessions. There is guaranteed to be something for everyone, and anyone is welcome to reserve a space and hold a session, regardless of whether they are a vampire or not.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Red Court event without bloodwine and seduction, either. The Red Court maintains an expansive definition of art. It is not uncommon to find steamy poetry readings full of half-clothed vampires, pieces of art where the artist is a living (or unliving, as the case may be) subject, or interactive rooms with paint and other objects meant to be played with. Art is so often about the observer, after all.
A particular highlight this year is of a traveling group of vampires, the Dragulettes, who use makeup and clothing to change their gender rather than using masks. Their outfits range from the silly to the sexual, and they will be performing a series of popular folk songs. They are well known for their humor between their songs and their critiques of the way that humans put so much stock on gender and its false dichotomies. Their show will be on the same stage NECK*SINK played on, and draws a very large crowd as vampires young and old laugh and cheer for the show.
Some may find the Arena most interesting. A complicated tournament requiring combatants to use an array of weapons, vampires from all over come to the castle to compete. Although of course the Red Court would argue the true spirit of the Arena is to show off the finesse and skill of the competitors, many vampires attend because of the thrill all the bloodshed brings. Some rounds, the blood in the air becomes so much it can be intoxicating. Good thing there are always thralls close at hand to drink from! Novices are, of course, off limits.
Normally, this tournament is held only amongst vampires. Even Youngbloods struggle against their mature counterparts, whose strength and speed are increased with their age. But this year, Claudia announces that one novice will be allowed to compete.
In order to choose that novice, Claudia and the Red Court are holding a novice tournament prior to the Arena. The prize? A permanent pass from the Red Court. This means that even should the winner never take another Red Court class again, they would have the Red Court's favor. In a world where failing means enthrallment, a guaranteed pass is far better than gold. Of course, no one expects the novice to actually win in the real arena events, but it'll be a very exciting way to lose spectacularly.
((Note: Students can sign up for the Novice Tournament here. The winner will be chosen via RNG once applications are processed. (In other words, new characters can sign up too!))
But not everyone is interested in bloodsport. Some may find themselves drawn, instead, to the Salon. This yearly event brings the most creative minds from all the lands to hold readings and discussions on art old and new. Some sessions are small, informal gatherings around one or two speakers. Others are large, reminiscent of the Silver Court's symposium sessions. There is guaranteed to be something for everyone, and anyone is welcome to reserve a space and hold a session, regardless of whether they are a vampire or not.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Red Court event without bloodwine and seduction, either. The Red Court maintains an expansive definition of art. It is not uncommon to find steamy poetry readings full of half-clothed vampires, pieces of art where the artist is a living (or unliving, as the case may be) subject, or interactive rooms with paint and other objects meant to be played with. Art is so often about the observer, after all.
A particular highlight this year is of a traveling group of vampires, the Dragulettes, who use makeup and clothing to change their gender rather than using masks. Their outfits range from the silly to the sexual, and they will be performing a series of popular folk songs. They are well known for their humor between their songs and their critiques of the way that humans put so much stock on gender and its false dichotomies. Their show will be on the same stage NECK*SINK played on, and draws a very large crowd as vampires young and old laugh and cheer for the show.
A FLOWERING SICKNESS
The change of season brings more than just warmer weather, as last month's pollinating flowers have begun to bloom all across the castle! But it isn't just the grounds and the gardens that are sporting bright, beautiful flowers now that the snow has begun to recede. Sprouts and blooms appear almost overnight along the castle halls and walls, from the brightest to the darkest recesses of the castle, where flowers have no business growing at all. Where have they come from, and how are they blooming? The Red and Silver Courts have yet to find the cause, but the fact is the flowers are here -- and for now, they're here to stay.
But as the Spring Nox passes and the Spring celebrations continue, novices, youngbloods, even some mature vampires, begin to suffer from a strange, inexplicable cough, with seemingly no cure. As the days pass, those afflicted will begin to cough up petals tinged with blood. Later still, the affliction advances so that those infected begin coughing up entire flowers, with novices reporting trouble breathing, and youngbloods reporting discomfort in their chests -- beneath their lungs.
Those in the most advanced stages may find thorns sprouting forth from their bodies, with the truly severe cases becoming overrun with vines and blooms, as the victims become enclosed by plants from the inside out, and transformed into still, lifelike trees. While the rate and speed at which the affliction worsens seems to vary from person to person, the castle's walkways are soon littered with bloody petals and fretful thralls.
Fortunately for all, while the origin of the affliction remains unknown, the Silver Court finds the curse's name within their records: Hanahaki. This flower-blooming curse buries its roots in the hearts of those with unmet desires. Whether that desire is for love, attention, hatred, approval, or even food, any strong desire is enough to spark life into the pollen so many ingested the month prior, and for the curse to take root. Luckily, once that desire is met, the flowers will wither and die, vanishing without a trace.
And for those whose desires are never met? Well, fortunately for them, flowers only bloom for so long. Anyone who advances to the final stage of the curse will only be afflicted by it for ten days' time, after which the flowers will fade away, starved for lack of nutrients. During this time, those affected can be assisted by others, if they happen to know that person's desire is. Or you could try watering them, that might help? (It doesn't help.)
But as the Spring Nox passes and the Spring celebrations continue, novices, youngbloods, even some mature vampires, begin to suffer from a strange, inexplicable cough, with seemingly no cure. As the days pass, those afflicted will begin to cough up petals tinged with blood. Later still, the affliction advances so that those infected begin coughing up entire flowers, with novices reporting trouble breathing, and youngbloods reporting discomfort in their chests -- beneath their lungs.
Those in the most advanced stages may find thorns sprouting forth from their bodies, with the truly severe cases becoming overrun with vines and blooms, as the victims become enclosed by plants from the inside out, and transformed into still, lifelike trees. While the rate and speed at which the affliction worsens seems to vary from person to person, the castle's walkways are soon littered with bloody petals and fretful thralls.
Fortunately for all, while the origin of the affliction remains unknown, the Silver Court finds the curse's name within their records: Hanahaki. This flower-blooming curse buries its roots in the hearts of those with unmet desires. Whether that desire is for love, attention, hatred, approval, or even food, any strong desire is enough to spark life into the pollen so many ingested the month prior, and for the curse to take root. Luckily, once that desire is met, the flowers will wither and die, vanishing without a trace.
And for those whose desires are never met? Well, fortunately for them, flowers only bloom for so long. Anyone who advances to the final stage of the curse will only be afflicted by it for ten days' time, after which the flowers will fade away, starved for lack of nutrients. During this time, those affected can be assisted by others, if they happen to know that person's desire is. Or you could try watering them, that might help? (It doesn't help.)
((As with last month's pollen event, this prompt is completely optional! Flowers can represent whatever players want, and can affect characters as much or as little as you wish. Unmet desires can be anything from a desire for love and companionship, to "wanting to get a good grade in class," being noticed by your senpai or maybe just having the world's best slice of cake. Have fun with it! Additionally, anyone who participates in this prompt, in any form, is eligible for a free Cosmetic Physical Feature Regain.))
NEW SEASON, STILL MURDER
Partway through the tournament, perhaps during a particularly exciting bout, whispers start to make their way through the halls. Not from Whisperfangs this time, but something much more sinister. A body, murmurs say, there's a body, others shriek. Spring Nox, it seems, is to be haunted just like Winter Sol.
Outside near one of the outdoor rings, Silvea lies as cold and bloodless as the night, a deep wound in her chest but, as with last time, no murder weapon in sight.
Kashire is here, though, another thing reminiscent of the last murder. "Don't just stand there staring!" He snaps, but what else is there to do, really? Try as anyone might to get to the bottom of things, it seems an apprentice was murdered. As a crowd begins to form, castle residents and visitors alike seem to crowd the members of the Council, probing for answers. Want to join your voice to the chorus? Good luck!
Outside near one of the outdoor rings, Silvea lies as cold and bloodless as the night, a deep wound in her chest but, as with last time, no murder weapon in sight.
Kashire is here, though, another thing reminiscent of the last murder. "Don't just stand there staring!" He snaps, but what else is there to do, really? Try as anyone might to get to the bottom of things, it seems an apprentice was murdered. As a crowd begins to form, castle residents and visitors alike seem to crowd the members of the Council, probing for answers. Want to join your voice to the chorus? Good luck!
CLASS NOTES
Other notable happenings for the early winter season include:
- Tis the season for spring cleaning! With the castle overrun with blooms (bloody or otherwise) and flowers sprouting everywhere, you might make a thrall's day if you help clean up some of the mess around the castle. They won't thank you directly, but it's as good a time as any for the castle's residents to do their part and help keep the castle from becoming a gothic garden.
- The new season means new classes! Youngbloods will begin teaching their new courses for the Spring season, and students get to enjoy a slightly harder curriculum as their vampiric abilities grow and develop. Don't worry if you make a fool of yourself and walk into the wrong classroom. It's the first day of class, no one has memorized all of their students' names yet.
- Petal baths have become a bit gauche, but there must be something that can be done with all these flowers, right? Students and faculty alike are encouraged to use flowers creatively, whether it be wearing them in your hair, or perhaps building creative flower arrangements to decorate their rooms and space. Morbid, considering the cursed origin of the petals, but nothing tickles vampires quite like the macabre.
- Rumors are abuzz after Lady Whisperfangs latest rag was particularly biting. Could the Lady's latest temper flareup be due to a lost love, or does she simply enjoy tormenting the castle's residents? Either way, anonymity remains on Whisperfangs' side, but will that always be the case...?
One more thing! We've added a Locations page, for all your location-based needs. As always, characters are free to talk to the NPCs as well: Revar & Kashire & Claudia. 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 March 25-31.
Thanks for joining us and we hope you're looking forward to what this new season has in store!
Thanks for joining us and we hope you're looking forward to what this new season has in store!
hanahaki
He's on his way to grab a bite, in other words, when he spots Matt having a coughing fit. He steps up and holds out a hand to try and steady him. ]
Whoa, hold on, kid. Lemme take a look at that.
[ This scruffy-looking doctor (have I mentioned it's been a rough month?) will not take no for an answer. ]
no subject
Red means last goodbyes, [ he says, enunciating carefully through his hoarseness--as if trying to speak around more flowers. Matt doesn't feel any, but then, he didn't right before this happened. ] And passion. Yellow's for wisdom. [ A pause, as he breathes gently. The air seems to be moving unobstructed for now. ] Um, and what else ... wealth?
[ He frowns, gaze sliding Bones' way. ]
What is this?
no subject
Which is to say he squeezes Matt's arm, letting the guy lean on him if he needs it. Coughing up an entire flower has to hurt like hell. (Not that Bones would know. ]
That's a whole lotta meanings for one spindly-looking flower.
[ Leonard McCoy is a doctor, not a flower expert. But as a doctor, he is duty-bound to his patients, and right now that means Matt. ]
Flower sickness. 'pparently the real name is hanahaki. We reckon the pollen from last month put the start of those flowers in people's lungs, all around the castle. Goes away once you get what you're yearning for, but until then, well.
[ He motions to the flower. He hardly wants the kid to freak out, but he won't sugarcoat it, either. ]
no subject
Gently detaching from the wall and letting Bones take some of his weight it is.
Matt brightens at first for the explanation--that this thing has a name makes it seem a lot more official, to say nothing of treatable. And it certainly seems logically sound to infer it started with the pollen. But then the punchline lands: once you get what you're yearning for. ]
Founders ... [ He scans between the blossoms on the floor. Red, yellow. Even a white one he previously didn't notice. ] Do you know how many yearned-for things it takes to get rid of it?
[ Whereupon he immediately starts coughing again. ]
no subject
Honestly, I figured it'd be one flower-per-desire. But just 'cause something means something in flower language or whatever, that don't mean it's got a 1-to-1 with what you're yearnin' for... these things don't make a lick of sense.
[ He shifts his hold so he has a hand on Matt's back, channeling some of his healing into the novice's lungs. ]
If you wanna stop by the infirmary I can try taking a look and give you some better healing, but about all we can do is make it hurt less. The yearnin's the key -- you got anythin' you really want, kid?
no subject
Despite the second round of coughs, he moves easily enough at Bones' coaxing--easier, once the doctor's healing touch starts to flow into his lungs. Matt may take to battle like a dog wearing shoes, and in that sense be the worst Red Court novice ever, but he has no trouble at all following physical cues, or matching another person's strides as they walk. ]
I probably yearn for way too many things, [ he answers ruefully. And he doesn't just mean his numerous crushes. His curiosity is always running ahead of him, raising new mysteries and opening up new fascinations. ] So ah, if it's not an inconvenience, the infirmary sounds like a good first stop. I'll take all the help I can get.
no subject
[ It's not a bother, in other worse. Though now he's coughing up a blue one? Yikes, the kid was in trouble. Bones keeps his hold steady, happy to lead the kid back to the infirmary for a proper examination, despite his otherwise sour attitude. ]
Far as desires go, you can start listing 'em off. I'm havin' to add guidance counseling to my skills this month, on top of everythin' else, so you might as well start talkin', see if there's anythin' I can do.
drags my hand over my face
Let's see ... [ Matt takes a moment to test how breathing feels. Easier than it did a moment ago, for which he's deeply grateful. ] I want to grow a perfect orchid. That one's sort of easy in the sense that a lot of orchids are perfect, but harder because I don't have any planted right now.
I ... want to master projecting my voice. [ That one's on his mind after his salon feedback. ] Ironic that this is happening right now, for that one. Bad timing.
I want to make friends. Real friends. [ Stated for the sake of completeness, but Matt really doesn't want to get into that so he immediately breezes past to, ] To connect in general. I basically always want to kiss someone.
And hear beautiful music. That one's a constant too.
got an overachiever here (affectionate)
Shit, kid, you weren't kidding.
[ Planting an orchid is probably possible? Bones isn't much of a botanist, but they should be able to set that up, somehow. The other things almost make him want to roll his eyes -- he resists, but barely. Maybe he really is going to have to take up guidance counseling, for Founders' sake. ]
Orchids we can work with. And we can get you some cough syrup, maybe a vocal coach. [ Especially with the Spring Salon happening, someone is bound to have some background with that. ] Friends... that one's gonna take you a bit, kid. I'm sure as hell not the guy to give advice there, I can count the number of friends I have with one hand.
[ It's easier said than done, in other words. Bones knows that, too. More importantly, healing people comes first. Which is why he has no trouble offering: ]
You can kiss me if you want, I don't care. Long as it keeps you from coughin' up more flowers.
[ Which is true. It's clear by his offer that it would be deeply impersonal -- but he offers all the same. They're walking and talking anyway, so it's something to do. ]
As for music, you picked the right time of year for that. Though it's gonna depend on what you call "beautiful." You got a favorite genre, or what?
YUP that's him
You're a real one-stop shop, doctor, [ he says, amused. ] Astarion probably has opinions about where I need to focus vocal-wise. And, uh, orchids can take a few years to start showing leaves, so that's about a long as it'd take to make friends.
[ Where music's concerned, he likes so many different genres and instruments that it would probably be overwhelming to list them all, so he moves along--with the faintest of grins. ]
A kiss sounds quick.
[ Listen, he has to rep Red somewhere. Matt certainly prefers kisses with some level of passion involved, but he also enjoys a challenge. And a piece of him wonders if Bones will really go through with it. ]
no subject
Kid, if you've got that many flowers growing in you, then you're gonna need all the help you can get.
[ Even if he sounds a little derisive in how he responds. He means well, he's just. Grumpy. Which means he's not exactly pleased with the fact that so many of these seem like they'll take longer than they can spare. ]
Years? Yeah, halfa those ain't gonna happen. You'll be dead as a doornail before then.
[ He means he'll be a vampire, but you know what he means. He doesn't even slow down as he talks, though it's clear he's considering every option. ]
You're the one who said you wanted to kiss somebody. [ He shrugs, slowing them down and turning towards Matt. ] Go ahead an' lay it on me, then.
[ He is actually a very private person, but he'll do practically anything for a patient. And he's still a vampire -- an empty kiss is an empty kiss. His boyfriend(s) won't mind. ]
no subject
Strictly for medicinal purposes, [ Matt agrees seriously. Though his small, quirking smile may slightly undercut the point.
For all his amusement over the prospect, he really does always want to kiss someone. And want comes from lack--in Matt's case, from an ache of loneliness he tries not to examine. A kiss is half balm, half sacrament, half fuel for a fire. (Math isn't his strong suit.) So there's a hint of bashfulness in his expression as he glances to Bones, a flicker of vulnerability. Then Matt slips a hand to the back of his neck, pads of his fingertips just brushing. Tips his head.
And there's a kiss.
It isn't until the moment their lips touch that Matt thinks, I hope this thing isn't transmissible by mouth. ]
no subject
[ He smirks. It's hardly the most romantic encounter a guy could ask for, but Bones rolls his eyes. A kiss with a guy he just met is indeed strictly for medical purposes, so he lets Matt have this. Yeah, he's vulnerable, and this might be the kid's first kiss, who knows? Either way, Bones won't tease him for it.
He is a little bit of a curmudgeon, but not enough to mess with some kid who clearly wasn't angling for anything more than a kiss. He cranes his neck down and takes hold of Matt's shirt, holding him in place as their lips meet. Bones won't push for any more than that -- he's letting Matt call the shots here. But as long as he doesn't spit out a flower while they're kissing, they'll probably be fine. ]