March TDM/Event - Spring Nox

[undyingmods]

MARCH TDM - SPRING NOX

A NEW SEASON BEGINS

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!

• 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, Claudia

New 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.

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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.

((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.)

((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.))

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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!

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...?

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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!

Comments

[levelshift]

..............

[Yuri seriously considers trying to get up and walk away for all of two seconds, but he isn't that dumb. This sucks but he relents, clicking his tongue.]

Headache, blurred vision, nausea, vertigo. My left side feels weaker than usual.

[He's muttering all of that out, sounding irritated. Despite all his years spent around doctors he isn't exactly good at being a patient.]

[galacticmalpractice]

[ Try it, little man. Bones knows Yuri has all that weird fuckery going on with his maker, but like hell he's going to just stand by and watch the kid die over something stupid just because they're treating him like a guinea pig. ]

Left side, huh? Lemme guess, your maker was fucking with your brain again.

[ Fucking vampires. But Bones nods at the list of symptoms, reaching back to rest a hand behind Yuri's neck. He's going to try and heal him again, of course. ]

You know he won't be allowed to do that shit to you anymore once you're a vamp, right? You gotta consent to that shit. [ He grumbles. ] 'course, you should be able to tell 'im to fuck off as a novice, but it gets about as clear as mud when you get down to it.

[levelshift]

[Yuri's silence speaks volumes, because Bones has hit the nail on the head. Yeah, more brain fuckery. Real fun stuff.

He doesn't feel reassured by what Bones is saying, either. None of this can be that simple. Maybe for other novices who are in shitty situations and can get out of it by just becoming a vampire, but not him.]

... There wouldn't be any point. It's not like he was trying to make this shit worse, he was trying to kick start brain function using some new drugs. [Glancing over, he eyes Bones a little before shifting away again.] And he doesn't know how long it might take for them to make a difference, so you trying to heal the side effects might fuck it all up.

[galacticmalpractice]

[ Yep. Bones groans in frustration, pulling his hand back like it physically pains him. Damn these fucking vampires and their need to use kids, literal kids as test subjects. Bones may be guilty of trying some weird stuff with thralls every now and then, but lately it's gotten harder to justify, and he'd never feel comfortable experimenting on someone as young as Yuri is, no matter how smart the kid might be.

Obviously, that's not the case for most vampires. And Bones is young, he can't stop Yuri's maker from using him like this. He gnashes his teeth together almost painfully, holding back his anger because Yuri certainly doesn't deserve it. ]

There's a special place in hell for people like your maker, kid.

[ The best he can do, then, is hold out his arm to help Yuri stand. That frustration is clearly evident, but he knows vampire politics are bullshit. He can't get involved. ]

I'm serious. Vampires nabbing other vampires doesn't fly, not even in Silver Court. If your maker keeps this up after you graduate, Revar'll have his neck.

[levelshift]

[Yuri isn't expecting that smarm towards his Maker. This is just basic Silver Court shit, right? Expecting anything else seems silly, especially when this isn't even that much different than what the human doctors who raised him did. On the other hand, he isn't really feeling up for dealing with an angry disappointed doctor, so he's grateful Bones is restraining himself.

His gaze wavers and he rubs his eyes, trying to will his vision to settle down.]

What the hell else am I gonna do with my li -- undeath? [He's never going to get used to saying that.] There's no reason why I should give up on over a decade of research.

[Someone in the Silver Court giving up on research?? That's laughable. It'd probably get him kicked out of the Court or something. More seriously, he can't picture his... existence... being anything but this.

After another minute or two his dizziness is abating, enough that he can give Bones' arm a reluctant look before shakily grabbing hold. Clutching his crutch in his other hand he'll start hauling himself up onto his feet.]

[galacticmalpractice]

[ Bones grimaces in sympathy. It's true, the proper Silver Court thing would be to stick with that research and keep going, obsessively nailing down every variable and every discovery. But that's getting harder for him to stomach with every memory he gets. Watching Yuri suffer is only getting harder too. ]

That's horseshit and you know it, kid. Do you honestly believe in whatever research your guy is working on? What's he trying to prove, that he can fuck with a kid's brain until he kills 'im?

[ Harsh words, but he obviously doesn't mean to insult Yuri with them. He lets the kid lean on him as he pulls himself up. He'd help a little more, but he figures that help would be unwanted. ]

I'm just sayin', you got options. And you don't strike me as bein' brainwashed into thinking this is all for "the greater good" or some shit.

[levelshift]

[Yuri tries to balance leaning against both his crutch and Bones but that isn't easy when he's still feeling ragged and dizzy, so Bones is going to be getting most of his weight. Not that that's a big deal, what with Bones being a full vampire and Yuri not weighing very much.

Does he actually believe in any of this research? Without it he wouldn't have gotten such a high quality education. He also wouldn't have had a bunch of doctors cut his head open and poke around his brain. Those girls and that brat would still be alive without it, too. They'd probably still be enthralled, but at least they'd be alive.

Then again, the past is the past, and abandoning all this research won't bring anyone back. Abandoning it might mean those girls died for nothing.]

.....

[... There might also be the belief creeping into his mind that he really doesn't deserve anything better than this.]

I don't really care. At least he's been getting some use out of my shitty life.

[He's gesturing down the hall. Since Bones is being somewhat agreeable he's totally going to try and get away with going back to his room instead of the infirmary.]

My room's that way.

[galacticmalpractice]

[ Bones can tell the kid has complicated feelings about it. He can't blame him -- from what he'd heard of all that research, and all the kids that didn't make it, he's probably dealing with survivor's guilt on top of everything else. Fuck, they sure don't make it easy for him, do they? ]

Boy, if I could find whoever made you think your life is shit, I'd sock 'em in the mouth.

[ That's more muttered to himself than anything, but Bones also doesn't care if Yuri hears him.

Of course, he's not going to just let him go, either. ]

Like hell I'm lettin' you go back to your room. You're goin' with me to the infirmary, where me and my team are gonna keep an eye on you and make sure your brain injury doesn't fuckin' kill you in your sleep.

[ He glares, practically daring Yuri to argue with him. If he wants to argue, then good. He'd rather have an argument than hear Yuri be so down on himself. ]

[levelshift]

[Yuri clicks his tongue, though that's the extent of his response. There's no snark or petulant attitude, because there isn't really any point. Those doctors are dead now, so the only one who is making him think his life is shit is himself (because that's just a fact), and he doubts Bones would be very happy if he gave that answer. So all he gets is a tongue click.

Besides, there are more important things to deal with.]

Fuck you.

[There's a lot less bite in his cursing than usual. Partly because he's exhausted, partly because he's pretty much just saying that out of reflex than any real malice.]

The infirmary's gotta be full of people hacking up flowers, right? You don't need me there, too.

[galacticmalpractice]

[ Yuri's response only makes Leonard snort, not deterred in the least. He can't blame the kid -- that kind of shit doesn't go away because some vampire doctor tells you you're worth it.

Bones just believes that everyone is worth it, but that's not the kind of thing that would be better to hear, either. He just keeps leading him to the infirmary whether Yuri likes it or not. ]

I'll be honest with you, kid, we can't do shit for the people hackin' up flowers. At least if I'm monitoring you for a concussion, that's somethin' I can actually treat!

[levelshift]

............

[Ugh, he doesn't like how reasonable that logic is.]

Tche.

[He reluctantly backs down, looking away. Fine, infirmary it is! He won't complain the rest of the way there, though he does look a little reluctant when they reach it.]

... Weren't you trying to sell pollen to people?

[Look, he doesn't like talking to people very much, but he still hears things.]

[galacticmalpractice]

[ You know you fucked up when Bones is the one spouting logic.

But Bones is happy to make the walk to the infirmary in silence. In fact, he would have been happier if they'd stayed silent -- because for all that the infirmary is amok with people, Yuri's comment makes Bones freeze up for a second. ]

I wasn't sellin' it.

[ He grits out his response. He would definitely yell but they're in the middle of a crowded medical area now. He starts leading Yuri to one of the private observation rooms. ]

[levelshift]

[Yuri can see Bones restraining himself from yelling, and it's kind of funny. He's been expecting that reaction pretty much this entire time, so for the guy to be holding himself back....

Alright, he might feel like total garbage right now, but Yuri manages a small, rare grin.]

Then what, you were giving it away for free?

[Just going to keep poking at him since he's getting the opportunity.]

[galacticmalpractice]

Obviously!

[ Bones rolls his eyes, dragging Yuri into a private observation room. They're not gonna keep the kid in the loud infirmary, after all. He's got standards of care!

He doesn't totally mind that his indignity is coming at the cost of making the kid smile, either. Though like hell he'll admit that. A room just means he can yell now, without causing a scene (not that that's stopped him much before.) ]

We were testin' em out. I gave 'em to anybody who wanted 'em, warned 'em about the side-effects and everything. It was supposed to be research, dammit!

[levelshift]

[Yuri winces at the snapping as he's hauled into the observation room, but he doesn't stop grinning. Ahaha, Bones is riled up, this has officially moved from 'kind of funny' to 'definitely funny.' He doesn't want to push too hard though, because actually pissing off a vampire is a bad idea.]

Then I hope you got some good results. Otherwise, you just look like a guy that's peddling some really sketchy shit.

[He is going to take this moment to wisely detach himself from Bones and drop down onto the bed.]

[galacticmalpractice]

[ Bones mutters a few choice curses that sound, perhaps vaguely like "I'll show you fuckin' results." But he also starts pulling things out from cabinets, notepads and tools for checking vitals, mostly. ]

We documented all the side-effects. None of 'em included sproutin' flowers at the time!

[ He grumbles again, whistling for a thrall to join him. The thrall brings a pitcher of water and some glasses, setting them on a table by the bed. Bones nods his thanks and pulls up a chair and a pencil, as well as his notes. ]

Alright, kid. When's the last time you ate?

[levelshift]

[Setting his crutch aside, Yuri leans against the bed's headboard, trying to come up with something smarmy about how flowers are just the natural biological end state of pollen so maybe it would've been a good idea to consider it --

Buuut he stays quiet instead when the thrall comes over. He's tensing up a little, his grin fading. Also not helping is Bones doing actual responsible doctoring instead of just leaving him alone to sleep, or something.]

I had breakfast this morning.

[galacticmalpractice]

[ Bones watches Yuri quickly tense up. He's a doctor, he sees things. He's about to ask him what his problem is with thralls when he goes and says that. ]

This mornin'? Kid, it's almost sunrise! You mean yesterday. [ He rolls his eyes, taking notes and shaking his head in frustration. ] Fuck's sake...

[ Bones turns back to the thrall -- the infirmary staffs plenty of them. He doesn't love their fate either, but he at least looks them in the eye as he speaks to this one. ]

Think you can get this kid somethin' to eat? [ Turning back to Yuri, ] Kid, you got any favorites? Otherwise I'm gettin' you oatmeal just to spite ya.

[levelshift]

[Yuri only gives a vague, dismissive shrug. He eats when he's hungry, that just happens to not be very often. That's all]

....

[He scowls hard and refuses to look in the thrall's direction, quietly waiting for Bones to finish.]

I'm not hungry. Just let me take a nap and I'll be fine.

[galacticmalpractice]

Alright. Oatmeal it is. Plain and borin'! [ He turns from the thrall to Yuri, his sarcastic grin completely ignoring Yuri's complaints. ] You're gonna eat a whole bowl or I'm gonna stay here and nag you till you wanna stab me with a fork.

[ Complaints? Too bad. Bones will not hear them. Plus he'll keep on taking Yuri's vitals, taking hold of one of his wrists and gently pressing down to check his pulse. By now the thrall has left to fulfill their task. ]

What's your problem with thralls, anyway? What, you think they ain't worth talking to?

[ To be clear, he doesn't think this. He is being abrasive on purpose in an attempt to get Yuri to open up. This is classic Bones for you. ]

[levelshift]

[Seriously? God. Yuri sighs exasperatedly, making it clear from his scowl that he isn't appreciative that someone cares enough about his wellbeing to make sure he eats. And that he's not having to directly interact with a thrall for the meal, no less.

He won't stop Bones from taking his vitals, but that remark is enough to make him bristle.]

Fuck off. I don't think I'm better than them.

[It's hard to think you're better than anyone when you hate yourself.]

I don't like relying on them, especially not for inane shit like food. It's unnecessary.

[galacticmalpractice]

[ Touch luck, kiddo. Bones has no trouble caring about Yuri, and even less with taking his vitals while he makes use of the thralls in the infirmary. ]

Good, 'cause I hear that one plenty.

[ Usually from Gold people, naturally, but it's not an uncommon opinion, either. Bones ends up checking Yuri's reflexes, crooking an eyebrow at that response. ]

Why? They're already stuck here -- ignorin' em just means they'll stand around, bored outta their skulls till somebody turns 'em into a snack.

[levelshift]

[Yuri will compliantly straighten up when he needs to. His pulse and reflexes are fine, thankfully, but now that he's been sitting for a bit he's feeling more and more tired.

He really wants to just crawl into bed and sleep for a week. Can vampires do that? Maybe he'll be able to do that one day. He'd love to do it right now but Bones is still asking questions and it's making him feel more nauseous as he remembers the thrall girls.

... Then it occurs to him that if he's honest Bones might throw him out of the infirmary, which would mean he could go back to his room. It isn't the most rational idea, but it's still something, so he draws in a slow breath and mentally prepared himself to absolutely ruin the good will he's been receiving up until now.]

I killed a few thralls before coming here. It isn't fair for them to have to help out a thrall murderer.

[galacticmalpractice]

[ Well, that's one way to sober up a conversation, isn't it. Leonard lets the words linger, pausing only for a moment before he goes back to finishing up Yuri's vitals. He can tell the kid is exhausted, and can tell these experiments are doing more than just taking a toll on his body.

Killing thralls is awful, of course. But Yuri is practically a child. Anything he may have done or not done is, in Leonard's mind, undoubtedly a fault of his circumstances rather than Yuri's own. ]

Well, that's pretty fucked up.

[ Yeah, that's his response. Bones sets a hand on Yuri's shoulder, his touch gentle. Careful. He knows he won't get anywhere by telling Yuri it wasn't his fault though. ]

Whatever happened, you're here now. And the thralls here -- they don't have a choice either. Sometimes you gotta take the least-shitty decision out of a series of really shit options.

[levelshift]

[Yuri assumes that's pretty fucked up is the start of a hell of a lot more. It's a little understated, but obviously there has to be more --

He tenses up when Bones' hand settles on his shoulder, though he doesn't shift away from it. Whatever's coming is shit he deserves anyways, so it doesn't matter.

-- Except there isn't more. There's only Bones being understanding, instead of telling him to get out of the infirmary. Yuri stares, bewildered.]

That's it?

[That can't be it. He just admitted to murder, only total psychopaths are okay with humans killing innocent humans, and even though Bones is a vampire he isn't a psychopath.]

Just because I'm here doesn't change what I did. I killed some innocent kids, that's a lot more than just fucked up! [He almost sounds offended, though that's coming from his self-loathing.]