Path of the Vampire forum

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--

This RP takes place on Monday 27th April 2015.

Skylar:
I know how Ricky feels about tattoos but I’ve wanted this one for a while and now seems like the right time to get it. Besides. I already have two. A third won’t make a difference. I’ve chosen to have a few swirls drawn across my left hip. Among them, or rather on them, kinda, there’s gonna be two butterflies. The bigger butterfly will have a triquetra in the body. They all sound kinda random I know but each element means something. The butterflies are to represent new life. So two of those are necessary for Ric and I and/ or to represent my new life as a vampire and a married woman. Either or works. The triquetra signifies this new balance in my life, so the three points are for body, mind and spirit. Corny I know but it works for me. The swirls are fancy stems and leaves, so they kind of represent nature and the foundations of life but I kind like that it’s all interconnecting. Kinda. So yeah. That’s the reason for it. Mainly I wanted something to celebrate my new life as an immortal. But now I’m kinda excited about it being something for Ricky too.
Due to the location I want this thing in I’ve kind had to wear knickers that remind me more of cheese wire than underwear but art is pain. Right? I’m starting to wonder now if maybe I should have talked Ric into coming with me or if I should have gone it alone but it’s too late now. Patrick wanted a new tatt too so… yeah… we’re going together. Not that either of us are ink virgins and need someone to hold our hands. It’s just nice to have someone to chat to that you know… you know?
“Hey Pat.”
I embrace the guy as I rock up to the tattoo parlour. I’m not exactly on time but I’m not majorly late either. I had a little trouble waking up truth be told. There are just days when you don’t want to get out of bed. Good days that is. Not sucky ones. I’m still getting used to waking up with Ricky but right now I can’t help but kinda enjoy it. I’m sure the novelty will wear off eventually but for right now it’s all good.

Patrick:
He is smoking on one last cigarette before he is stuck for a while. This is not his first time and he was sure it wouldn't be his last either. After all that had happened recently he felt it was time to get this new tattoo, so when Sky had said something he was more than happy to go and get one himself. Based off of his past experiences, it was always better to have someone to talk to, help keep your mind off of the pain. This one was going to be pretty painful too. He had other chest tattoos but this one was going right in the middle. As he sees Sky he puts his cigarette out. "Yo. You ready to do this?"

Skylar:
“Baby I was born ready. I was just held back due to sucky parents.”
I laugh. Mum ******* hates my tattoos. She kinda hates Ric too so getting one for him is kinda salt in the wounds as far as she’s concerned. She’s still pushing for me to hold a reception to celebrate my marriage. I mean I told her I’d already done one with friends and such but she’s still in my ear about it. I’m not giving in on this one. Knowing her she’ll want a sit down meal or some **** and I can’t put Ricky through that. I’m not sure who’d make it out alive; even I tend to feel homicidal at those things.
“You ready to suck it up and writhe in agony for a few hours?”
I wink at him and push the door open. I’m not sure why I’m teasing him. This one’s going on my hip bone, so it’s probably gonna sting like a mother ****** but I can take it. I’m pretty sure I can. I’ve been ripped to shreds by critters and traps a couple of times now and stitched up by the now hubby, so… bring it on I say.

Patrick:
"Have some tatted up stranger penetrate me for a few hours? Sounds like fun to me." He laughed as he followed her inside. He had heard it put that way before and it had always stuck with him. He wasn't sure why. Maybe because it just made tattoos sound dirtier or just because his mind was in the gutter most of the time anyway. Either way. It worked just fine for him.

Skylar:
“Oh baby, you know just what a girl wants to hear.”
I laugh and shove him playfully.
“You picked a design or did you draw one yourself?”
I suddenly realise I should have asked Pat if he wanted me to draw one for him. Oh well. Maybe next time. Cos well… there always seemed to be a next time. Tattoos are kind of addictive in a way. You get one… like I did… and then you end up with another and another. I might need to stop at three though. Depends how Ric reacts. My body, my rules but I still kinda want him to be attracted to me. Actually scratch that. I want him insanely attracted to me. I just don’t see that happening in this life time or any other.

Patrick:
He pulled out a sheet of paper and sketched on it was a drawing of a heart. It had a crown of thorns on top and the whole thing seemed that be on fire. "I got Michael to draw it up for me the other night. Just after the funeral." He smiled more to himself than to her as he remembered how that night went. "You have yours all ready or going to get some free hand done?"

Skylar:
“Oh hell no. Ain’t no-one free styling on my body. This **** has to last.”
I can’t even begin to explain the importance of this one because… well… the first two I got human and while yes I intended to keep them for life, I had also planned to die. Now they’d be with me forever. You’ve kinda gotta be certain about this kind of thing when you’re thinking of keeping it for that long. I mean whatever happens between Ric and I. Divorce, death, re-marriage whatever… this tattoo is a symbol of me now. Of how even I can change. I never thought I’d be married and yet here I am. Life is such a funny thing. You’d think I’d be more in awe of my supernatural state but nope… Being married kinda kicks dying up the arse if you ask me.
I pull a piece of paper from back jeans pocket and unfold it.
“Here’s the one I’m getting done. It’s kinda new life and balance inspired. You know. Like the whole marriage thing and stuff. I kinda gotta be thankful for what I have. You know?”

Patrick:
He thinks back to Dillon and nods. "Yeah, and you never know what's going to happen anymore." He made his way up to the reception desk and told them his name. He had made an appointment beforehand. Last thing he wanted was to be stuck waiting for even longer for the artist to be ready and their chair to be free.

Skylar:
I follow suit and give my name. I see the looks I get when I only give one name but that’s who I am. Though Hawthorne isn’t such a bad surname. I much prefer that to Higgins. Oddly my initials didn’t change when I married. That’s kinda funky. Still my name is like my brand name. It’s who I am.
“You want me to improve that sketch of yours hun or you happy with it as is? Cos… I know you know about my musical talents but I’m also a pretty kickass artist too. I don’t only draw and paint either. I make jewellery and re-enactment weapons.”
I may have told Patrick all or some of this before but it never hurts to remind someone and if it’s one thing I’m confident in, it’s my talents.

Patrick:
He laughed "Like to toot your own horn eh?" He was playing more than anything. He knew the girl was good at what she put her mind to and because of that he did find himself looking up to her a bit. "As far as helping it out, I like how it is. No offense or anything. Just like the way he did it."

Skylar:
I laugh and I laugh hard.
“Well you know I’m new to this whole marriage thing. Before that I kinda had toot my own horn… a lot, if you catch my meaning.”
Yeah. I’m being filthy. I think Patrick has hung out with me and the guys too much. I’m way too comfortable around him and while I don’t mind being crude in the right company – or the wrong company sometimes – I just know I can play with Pat and he won’t think anything of it.
I ask the guy at the front desk what the wait time is and apparently it’s negligible; they’re running pretty much to time. That’s always a good sign if you ask me. Not that I’m all that great at keeping appointments myself. I just kinda hate having to be somewhere at a set time and hour. That’s probably another reason I’d never wanted to hit it big as a musician. I’m way too comfortable playing what I want, where I want and when I want. You’ve gotta be crazy to give that up.

Patrick:
He tried not laugh but that didn't work. It came out first as snort but quickly turned into full blow laughter. He is almost in tears as they called back into a different room. He wipes his eyes really quick. "At least now you won't have to toot it unless you want to." He chuckles again.

Skylar:
“Yep. Yep.”
I swat him on the *** as he walks past me and then I follow him through to the back room. There are two tattoo artists free which will make things easier.
“Oh and no perving on me when I drop my pants. I know. I know. You won’t be able to stop yourself because I’m so damned attractive so just remember my guys pretty good at skinning things being a taxidermist and all. His skills with the blade are unparalleled.”
Well maybe that’s a lie but it’s not to me. I’ve never seen anyone wield a blade better than Ricky. Not that I watch all that many people fight or anything. And not that I actually think Patrick’s gonna perve over me. Things with Michael seem to be going well and there doesn’t seem to be even the smallest amount of real attraction between him and I. We’re kindred spirits. Friends. That’s all. I’m pretty sure he knows when I’m teasing by now.

Patrick:
"I promise not go get an instant boner if you promise not to drool all over the place when you see my magnificent man boobs." He cups himself and starts laughing again. He knew he was a skinny ****** for the most part but he did have some muscles to back himself if need be. He takes off his jacket and hands the artist his drawing. No need to be shirtless just yet.

Skylar:
“I’m pretty sure I can keep my **** together sweetheart.”
I wink at Patrick and follow suit. I’d actually been here once before to discuss this design so I kinda knew what to expect and stuff. I mean it’s nothing they probably haven’t seen and done a thousand times but if your body is your temple, then you kinda need to check the painters are up scratch before you let the at your walls.
“Seriously though… I’m kinda not sure if Ric would lose his **** for you being in here. Or for me having someone do this. So… probably best you do your best not to perve over me.”
Mainly cos I wouldn’t have to say a ******* word. I don’t much have a choice in the memories Ricky gets off of me when he feeds. The last thing I want is to be losing another friend so soon cos I couldn’t keep my pants on… again. Still… I’m completely sober this time so go me I say.

Patrick:
"I promise not to perv over you. Besides not sure Mike would like that very much anyway." He takes a seat as he waits for the artist to return. After he verifies it's what he wants he pulls his shirt off, revealing many other tattoos form his wings on his back to the symbol he got when he was made a paladin. Most people saw them and just thought they were cool, but everything on him was there for a reason and meant something to him.

Skylar:
“Oh Mike now is it.”
I know his full name’s Michael and Mike isn’t that strange really. At least Pat hadn’t added syllables on like I’d done to Ric’s name. I dunno why but I’ve just always called him Ricky. Of course he hated it at first – probably still does – but he got used to it. Still, it’s my thing. I’m the only one that calls him that. Probably cos it’s kinda cutsie and not any people are stupid enough to think of him that way.
“Yeah I’m not sure what I’d do if I had to potentially be jealous of the entire world… I’d pr…”
My words trail off as Pat takes his shirt off. I’m not interested in him like that so get your mind out of the gutter. It’s the markings that have me speechless. I’ve seen them before. Or ones like it at least. Those freaks in the sewers have them.
“Erm…”
I shake my head. I probably do look like I’m drooling or something. I mean people don’t tend to stop talking for no reason.
“Interesting tatts Patrick.”
Okay. It’s stupid but I’m nervous. He’s my friend and I don’t think he’s gonna like attack me right here and now, but damn if I don’t have flashbacks to those naked freaks that seem to live under the city. I can’t help but start to wonder…Does he know what I am? Am I in trouble? And if he did and I am… why’d he go to all the trouble of being my friend?

Patrick:
He sits back in the chair and looks at her confused. She had a strange look on her face. "I said no drooling." He chuckled but it did not last. "Yeah most people like them." He rubs the symbol on his chest "I've had this one the longest and it probably hurt the most but I have a feeling today's is going to be worse." He can't help but get an odd feeling all of a sudden. It's like he's been drinking too much but in truth he hadn't drank in few days. He brushed it off as nerves but something was nagging at him.

Skylar:
“I wasn’t… er… yeah… okay. You caught me. That’s some pretty nice ink you have there. It mean anything special? Got a story?”
I work my jeans down over my hips but keep myself facing his direction. This is as much to make sure that I see any attack coming as it is to make sure he doesn’t see my bare arse. G-strings really don’t cover much of anything.
Suck it up buttercup, I tell myself as I settle down onto the chair. I have to kind of lay on my side a little to give the guy access to my hip. I point out exactly where I want the thing too. This is my first time with colour but it’s not a big deal. It could be worse.

Patrick:
"Don’t all tattoos?" He was being vague and he had his reasons. "Maybe after this we can talk about their meanings some." She was his friend and he felt he could trust her with his secret. He wouldn't unload everything all at once but bits here and there. No need to **** her life up in one night at least. He laid his head back as the gun started and the needles started to work on his skin.

Skylar:
“Err… sure.”
I try not to sound nervous. I’m usually a better actress than this but I kinda feel like I’ve been thrown through a loop. I half think we should go to Lancaster’s cos if something goes wrong the chances are that Elliot or Pi will be there to help me. But you know… Public place. Witnesses. Maybe not. We could go to Dillon’s place. I mean I still have a key and Russ is hardly ever there. I’d taken over Dillon’s share of the rent so technically the place was mine too now. Russ couldn’t afford the place alone and well… Ricky and I weren’t exactly short on cash.
I split my attention between Patrick and the tattooist right up until the guy covers his work and I’m told I can put my pants back on. I start to regret choosing jeans. Sweats would have been a more comfortable choice.
“So Pat… where to now?”

Patrick:
Once the artist is done he finally takes a full breath before he ready and cleared to put his shirt back on. He turns back to Sky as they are both paid and ready to leave. "Where ever is good with me. I have to where to be for a few hours. You free or do you have to go meet up with Ric?"

Skylar:
“I think I’ll give that boy of mine a few more hours before pissing him off.”
I’ve composed myself by this point so when I smile there’s no nerves behind it anymore.
“Did I tell you he kinda doesn’t approve of tattoos?”
I can’t really explain why. Just that he doesn’t think you should be readily identifiable which makes him sound dodgy. I start to wonder why he felt that way as a human. What the **** did he do that required him to go unnoticed? Probably should have asked myself that question a while back and certainly before I put this ring on. I look down at the ring and turn it on my finger.
“Wanna head over to Dillon’s? I kinda still have stuff to do there. I mean his parent’s offered and that but I’m pretty sure he has stuff in there he wouldn’t want them finding. Like his porn collection… which is pretty extensive.”
I’m not even joking about that. The guy has a draw full, and not a small draw either. I can’t really say much though cos I’ve watched a lot of it myself. I’m not gonna share that little nugget right now though.

Patrick:
He snorted "Yeah, if I die any time soon, whoever comes to get my things, make sure they don't get a hold of my porn. Hell bury that **** with me so no one can find it." He was keeping his mood light. She seemed to be better now so it must if been nerves. "At least you won't have to deal with that. I'm pretty sure Ric will take care of that for you."

Skylar:
I find myself laughing again. I find it hard to imagine that Patrick would want to kill me. Especially when we’re like this. I half want to tell him that ship had sailed. I didn’t actually have any porn of my own – though maybe I had kind of inherited Dillon’s – and I wasn’t big into possessions so it was never really going to be a problem for me anyways. Or wouldn’t have been.
“And what makes you think I’ll be going before Ric?”
I give him a look that says he should probably be careful about what he says next. Yes I drink and am a little accident prone but Ric’s out fighting ****; though I guess he doesn’t know that. Taxidermy… not especially dangerous as far as jobs go. Though Ric does hunt the animals himself at times. Hunting accidents happen.
I shiver at that thought. I ******* hate seeing him hurt and stitching him up like I had to last night… well it’s not my favourite job.

Patrick:
"Just a hunch really. He looks a little on the stubborn side. I feel like he would stand up to the Grim reaper and make him wait till he was ready." He had to laugh at the thought. Truthfully he didn't know much about the guy but he got feelings and hunches every once and a while and for the most part they were right. "Plus isn't there something about a married man lives longer and a married woman doesn't?" He had heard something about that. Could of been anywhere but he didn't have the greatest memory ever, the alcohol didn't help it any.

Skylar:
“Ha. Yeah. You might be right about that. That boy is a tough nut to crack. Not sure about the marriage thing though. Women tend to outlive men… normally. Though you know… if it’s your time, it’s your time. Some people see it coming. Most don’t.”
I sure as **** didn’t see it coming and if Elliot hadn’t of instinctively saved me I’d be worm food by now.
“Come on. Let’s go get comfy and chat about those marks of yours. I’m sure their story is way more interesting than mine.”
I hook his arm with mine and pull him close. It’s a dangerous thing to do now I know what he is but I’ve done **** like this so many times before that it still feels kind of natural. The journey to Dillon’s place doesn’t take long. I unlock the door, push it open and shout out for Russ. As expected I get no reply.
“You want a beer?”
I’m already heading to the fridge as I ask this.

Patrick:
"Pssh like I'd say no? I thought you knew me better," he said jokingly. He made his way over to the couch and sat down after he took his jacket off. He looked around at the place as he waited for her come back.

Skylar:
I grab two beers from the fridge, pop the caps and join Pat on the sofa. I hand him his beer, clink his bottle with mine and make another toast to Dillon. I still miss my friend. I think always will.
“And I dunno. Maybe you’ve gone upmarket with your drink choices now you’re doing a bartender.”
I kick my shoes off and curl my feet up under me. I’m way too comfortable here. It’s odd really. I half expect Dillon to walk in and moan at me about drinking all his beer or something. That or have him roll out of his bedroom with some vapid looking tramp on his arm.
“So… your ink. I swear you have a mark I recognise… That one on your back… Is it… Common?”

Patrick:
He takes a swig of the beer as he thinks what to say. "Among some circles it is common but as a whole I'm pretty sure it's fairly uncommon." His feeling comes back. "Where do you think you saw it if you don't mind me asking?"

Skylar:
“If I told you where it was, you’re gonna think I’m a complete weirdo.”
I chug down a couple of mouthfuls of beer. How the **** do you tell someone you sometimes hang out in sewers because the darkness makes you feel better? The smells pretty rank but it’s worth it. Plus, bonus… Ricky’s often there with me. Some night’s I don’t even get a choice as to whether or not I want to go. He buggers off and a little while later there I am. That’s one nifty little super power he has I tell ya. It’s come in damned handy at times.
“I mean, if you told me you occasionally look through manhole covers and **** I’d think you pretty weird.”
Or a vampire. Or some paladin freak. ****. I probably shouldn’t have said that. I’m not armed or anything but even if I was it wouldn’t make a ******* difference.

Patrick:
This surprises him, a lot. He drinks some more as he looks off into nothingness for a moment before he blinded Kara and brings himself back into the present. "Remember when we were talking about what happens when you die? And I said there was heaven, hell or limbo?" He waits for her to answer. He doesn't want to get too ahead of himself and with what he has to say she is going to need to be on the same level as him.

Skylar:
“Yeah. I remember. Kinda. That was the night you met your cutie. And you’re welcome by the way.”
Okay I didn’t do any of the heavy lifting on that one but I had kinda talked him into trying for the bartender. Man could that one come back to bite me in the arse if things go wrong. That’s if I survive to see that. I mean yeah I’ll come back if I die but then I’d definitely have to stay away from him. Right?

Patrick:
He smirks at her before going back to the conversation. "Well what if I told you that there are other things out that. That those weren't your only options when it comes to death." He wasn't used to having this conversation but it was better he practiced it now. If things get any more serious with Mike he's going to have to have it with him. Better to do something before he comes home with a wound or worse, doesn't come home at all.

Skylar:
“I’d wonder what the hell you’re taking about.”
I say the words like I mean them. Like I’m curious and possibly think he’s insane. I know he’s not and I know what’s out there but I’m curious to see what he’ll say next. If he’ll tell me what’s out there. What goes bump in the dark.
I sip at my beer. Probably should have offered the guy a glass but meh, too late now. Besides, I’m not girly enough to require one, so I doubt he is either.

Patrick:
"Well," He took a deep breath and let it out slowly "Vampires are really... So are zombies and some other ****." He was sure she would think he was nuts but oh well, it was the truth. She didn't have to believe him.

Skylar:
“Er… yeah… Like paladins right? The fuckers that run around naked in the sewers shooting at anything that moves.”
Okay. So there’s a touch more hostility in my voice than I’d like but those fuckers really are insane. I’ve been shot at by them multiple times. I generally run. Not cos I’m a coward but because - despite what the hair colour might tell ya - I’m not stupid. I know my strengths and weaknesses and fighting... well that’s no strength of mine; I’m no battle babe.
“So is that what you are?”
I have one hand full with my beer bottle and the other rubs idly at the tattoo on my ankle. It’s almost like we’re having a nice casual chat. Only… we’re not. Not really.

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--
Patrick:
"Not all paladins run around naked Sky." It was true that there were those that did but not all. "How do you know about them anyway?”

Skylar:
I knew this question was coming. I probably should have gone to Dillon’s room and picked up a blade or something but I didn’t really think that far ahead. I kinda wanna ask him if he’s armed but I don’t think he is. Why would he be though? We were only going to get tattoos.
“I’ll take that as a yes. And I kinda, sorta know about them cos the fuckers like to use me as target practice from time to time.”
So… there it is. I tell him without telling him. The fact that they shoot at me must tell him what I am. If he doesn’t know already that is.

Patrick:
"So you're a fanger then." It wasn't so much a question as a statement. "It explains a lot." He wasn't sure how get felt about this new development or how he should react in this situation.

Skylar:
“Urgh. What a horrible word. You really call vampires that? And yeah. But I’m the fuzzy kind. Can’t you tell?”
I laugh. I’m serious though.
“What does it explain exactly? I was always wicked talented. Only now I’ll admit… my voice does seem to act as a kinda lure these days. It’s kinda cool.”
I can feel his indecision and if he had my superpower he’d probably feel mine. I mean ****. I’m sitting on a couch with a vampire slayer.

Patrick:
"Some of us call you fangers and we tend to get a sick feeling around your kind." He can't help but chuckle. "I just thought I was drunk all the time when I was around you, well I was but not that drunk."

Skylar:
I grin at him.
“Ah. So that’s why you’ve never tried to **** me. I churn your stomach eh?”
I can’t help but find that funny. Not really sure why. I mean I don’t honestly expect every guy to fall in love with me or anything. I just happen to hang out in a lot of bars and most guys will **** anything after a few drinks.
“So… Do I got to worry about you trying to kill me now? Cos I gotta tell ya. If I do… That’s gonna suck.”

Patrick:
"I know I'm supposed to kill you now but," his voice trails off as he looks around and takes a swig of his drink, "I can't kill a friend but I don't know what I'm going to do."

Skylar:
“Cool. Cos the chances of me killing you were pretty damn slim.”
I laugh and present him with the stem of my beer bottle in the hopes that he’ll clink it and seal this truce if that’s what it is?
“Why’d you kill our kind? I mean… we don’t run around killing people. I’ve only ever fed off two people myself. One cut herself and offered me her wrist and then other… well the other was Dillon. But as it turns out. I’m kinda a disappointment as far as being a vampire goes. I don’t actually have fangs so biting people is problematic and then they have a tendency to remember what I did the next day. At least Dillon did. Didn’t wanna risk it after that.”
I shrug ever so slightly. I’m not sure I should have said any of that but **** it. He knows what we are and what do I care if he knows my secrets? They are mine after all.

Patrick:
He clinks bottles with her. "It's just what I was raised to do. I had the option of being a priest or a paladin and I can't do the no sex thing."  He smirked.

Skylar:
“I hear that. And don’t they kinda frown on the whole same sex thing too? That really wasn’t much of a choice for you was it? But I guess you did at least have a choice. I kinda… well… I died on stage actually. Electrocuted by a dodgy guitar. My – and I kinda don’t like this word but – sire, he saved me. Didn’t know me from Adam but he made sure I came back. I mean he was the one that gave me the guitar, so it was kinda his fault but it was a total accident. I’m kinda grateful though. Cos yeah… the alternative sucks and being a vamp kinda rocks. Permanent PMS aside that is.”

Patrick:
"So I take it Ric is a vamp too? I mean I've heard of the whole vamp on human thing but, that guy just kinda screams vamp to me." He was being honest, not that he knew he wasn't just drunk all the time it did fit him.

Skylar:
“Erm…”
Crap. How do I answer that? I’m proud of my guy. I am. But he wouldn’t want me telling people he’s a vampire. Kinda too late to deny that though.
“I could lie to you but I doubt you’d believe me. Ric’s a much better vampire than me. He’s got great instincts. He can protect himself. But unlike me… he’d be pissed to find out you know what he is. He’s kinda private you know?”

Patrick:
"So what is he going to do when he finds out I know?" This was a legitimate concern. He had known people that had disappeared and no one has heard from them again.

Skylar:
“Honestly? I don’t know, I mean I guess it depends if you’re going to keep our secret. I could try and enthral you if you’re really worried but I’d honestly rather not do that to a friend again. It… err… well it didn’t work out too well for Dillon.”
****. I hadn’t meant to say that but I couldn’t exactly take it back now could I? And besides. I didn’t say Ric killed him. I just said Dillon being my thrall hadn’t been a good thing for him and that much was true.

Patrick:
He thought for a moment about what could happen. It didn't seem anything good could come from them to continue to be friends with the way they were now. "I don't want to end up like Dillon."

Skylar:
I doubt that would happen. Unless he’s planning on calling me a slut when Ric’s around. I probably should warn him about that actually. Not now though. Cos warning him would be to implicate Ric and while I don’t mind Ellie knowing, Pat don’t know Ric and if he tried to kill him; well… That wouldn’t end well for anyone.
“Could be worse. You could end up like me.”
My hand comes off from my ankle to tap him on the knee. There’s no real reason for it besides showing that I’m teasing cos well, that’s gotta be a fate worse than death for a paladin. Right? To become the thing they were trained to hunt.

Patrick:
"I don't know about that, at least you guys seem to come back for some reason, we don't." He finished off his beer and looked at the empty bottle for a moment. "I don't know what I'm going to do if anyone finds out you're a vamp and I've been hanging out with you."

Skylar:
“Well I’m not all that vampy now am I? I got my colour back. I don’t have fangs. I can eat and drink. But erm… yeah… what would happen? Would you be in trouble? I bet I’d be hunted. That’d suck. But Ric’d take care of me. He’s good like that. That boy of mine’s a survivor. Unlike me.”
I guzzle down some of the beer I’d been neglecting and go to grab another couple from the fridge. I don’t ask. I just assume Pat will want another.

Patrick:
"Yeah I'd probably be in deep **** if someone found out. I'd probably be dead to be honest." He takes the drink and quickly downs half of it as he thinks about the outcome of this conversation. "I'm sure he would keep you safe though."

Skylar:
“Yeah. It’s me he can’t save me from.”
I laugh.
“But he tries bless him.”
I could explain about my affinity for stepping into traps but I don’t. I’m accident prone and if this friendship continues I’m pretty sure he’ll figure that out for himself.
“So… They’d kill you? Just for being friends with me? But I’m harmless. Honestly. I’m more of a danger to myself than anyone else.”

Patrick:
"I know that but to most of us you are all that is wrong with the world and need to be killed on sight." He chuckled. "It's really hard to think of you that way, but they would kill me just in case I was your thrall and I was to tell you all our secrets."

Skylar:
“Well you kinda are telling me your secrets.”
I nudge him with my foot having seated myself back on the sofa with a fresh beer.
“But I’m kinda telling you mine too. You know… I could beat them to it. Kill ya myself.”
I poke my tongue out at him. I’m playing. I think. I mean I wouldn’t even know where to start with siring someone. That’s kinda Ric’s thing. Not mine. He seems to like making ‘things.’

Patrick:
He chuckled but then went silent for a moment as he thought about it. "You know...that could actually work." He took another long drink from his bottle. "I mean, not sure how those things work but you know, it would help us both"

Skylar:
I should have said kill him and make him like me, but I think he got what I was saying. I already confessed to being a shitty fighter, so… I guess it was kinda obvious what I’d suggested.
“Well yeah. I guess. I mean. If you’d wanna be a vampire, I’d give it a go. Would you want to be like us though? Like me? I mean. That thought doesn’t make your skin crawl?”
I wasn’t sure if I was serious before but what the hell right? I mean what’s the worst that could happen?

Patrick:
Did the thought make him sick? He had always been told that vampires were the scum of the earth but he had been around her for a while now and some of the other paladins he knew seemed far worse than her. "I can think of worse things than being like you."

Skylar:
“Thanks. I think.”
I look him over. The guy’s nice and all but did I potentially want him around for eternity? Did that even need to be a thing? Was I ready for this? The answers; I dunno, probably not, and not at all. But well… Too late now. As always I’ve put gone and put the cart before the horse.
“So… You trust me not to kill you outright?”

Patrick:
"If you kill me, I'm dead so it won't really matter." He shrugged it off. He would of died someday anyway at least if died tonight it was on his terms.

Skylar:
“If I kill you I’m not gonna be happy about it, so you damn well better pull through this. So… erm… I was kinda dead when this happened to me. Any idea what we’re doing here or are we gonna wing it?”
I have an idea of how it should work. I mean I know he has to drink my blood but maybe he knows how this all works. I’m not sure if he’s gonna want me to do this now though. I mean… I’m not exactly confident I can do this.

Patrick:
"I have no idea." She shakes his head. "I didn't need to know how they were made, just needed to know how to kill them." In all honesty it would have been a good idea to figure out how they were made to stop them from the beginning, instead of playing catch up after they were already running around.

Skylar:
“So we’re winging it then. Right… so…”
I take a swig of my beer and think about it for a moment.
“Here’s what I know. So… for me... I think I was dead and then fed blood. I definitely wasn’t bitten. But since I have no intention of killing you, we need to figure out an alternative. I also know humans can get powers from drinking our blood. They’re called blood thieves. And… I don’t think they are bitten. So we should try… erm… me biting you and feeding you my blood?”

Patrick:
"How are you going bite me if you don't have fangs?" He looks at her a little confused. "I mean I'm sure if you bit me hard enough you'd draw blood anyway but still."

Skylar:
“I can bite you and draw blood. It’s just gonna hurt more. I mean people can bite people. It’s no different. But you know. Pain and you’ll remember it tomorrow. If not tonight considering I’m giving you my blood too. I dunno. I’m not too sure how that works. If it’s any consolation… This is gonna be as weird and uncomfortable for me as it will be for you. I understand if you wanna change your mind or you know… find someone else to do the deed.”
Oh boy do I understand. If Elliot had sold the afterlife to me like this I’m not sure I’d of accepted. ****, I’d of run for my life. Unless I was wasted. Then I’d probably have dared him to prove it. Maybe. I make bad decisions when I’ve had too much to drink.

Patrick:
He sat there for a moment in silence before he stood up. "I'll be right back." He walked into the bathroom and called Michael and told him he wasn't going to make it home tonight. He then splashed his face with cold water and looked at himself in the mirror before going back and sitting back down. "Well it's now or never I suppose."

Skylar:
When he goes to the bathroom I assume he’s about to punk out on me. I mean that would be the sensible thing… Right? Only I hear him on the phone. He’s not punking out. And well. Looks like I’m not either. I mean skipping home and telling Ric would solve the issue. For us anyways. I’m pretty sure Ricky and his group could clean this mess up… only… yeah. Never gonna happen. I like Pat. I don’t want him dead. Well, not dead, dead.
He returns and says it’s now or never. He might be right. I gulp down the rest of my beer in one go – the rest of my beer being almost an entire bottle – then I stand.
“So… where shall I bite you? Because I like really don’t want this to be like… kinky or anything.”

Patrick:
He rolled up his sleeve to expose his forearm "You don't have an arm fetish do you?" He was joking but more so to try and lighten the mood some because he was sure this was an awkward moment for the both of them right now. "You do know someone that can help just in case this goes in the south right?"

Skylar:
“Sure. I have family. My sire’s pretty cool. And I have Ricky too. He’s helped me a lot too.”
I take a hold of his arm; one hand lightly wraps around his wrist while the other goes to steady his elbow.
“And yeah. No arm fetish. At least not for yours. Ricky’s on the other hand…”
I wink at Patrick and then bite down hard on the middle of his arm. I contemplated the wrist but there’s not enough flesh there and I’d probably crack my teeth on his bones knowing my luck. I use my hands to keep his arm in place as I do this too. The guy might be strong but he’s probably no match for me, despite my size I’m wicked powerful.
I drink from the wound I create.
Damn if that isn’t the best thing I’ve ever tasted. No wonder paladins hunt us. Their blood is super tasty. He tastes way better than I remember Dillon tasting. And Roxy. Wow. I almost loose myself in it as it’s been so long since I had blood from the vein. Blood bags just don’t cut it. Unfortunately I don’t have much choice in that though.
I pull my teeth out of his arm and look at the ragged flesh. I really ******* hope that heals. I lick the marks and hope for the best.
Okay… that was a little kinky.

Patrick:
He tries to jerk his arm from her but it doesn't work. Damn is this girl strong. "****!" He was trying not to show the pain but without having a sharp edge to cut the skin better that **** hurt. He clinched his fist and then released it, like someone does when they give blood, which was kind of what he was doing right now anyway. After she is, he grabs his arm when she bit him and he looks at her and tries to joke again. "Guess I need to stop skipping arm day."

Skylar:
“You thought that was bad… the best is yet to come. Want me to pour my blood into a glass for you so you can pretend you’re being civilised?”
I’m actually not joking, though it probably sounds that way. I’m used to decanting my blood on a regular basis. We need it. Well. Ricky needs it and it comes in handy to have some stashed away just in case. I mean for regular feeding and injuries he can bite me all he likes but for other things… like if want a night out at Lancaster’s it’s best for me to bring my own so Ric can pass for human. Not that I think he cares. Not that we actually haven’t found a much better use for my blood since we got married. I shiver with the thrill of that thought.
“So… preference?”
I walk over to the kitchen to grab a knife. I could have cut him to drink from him but I wasn’t sure if I only needed his blood in my system or if the bite was an integral part of the process.

Patrick:
"Just put it in a glass and we will see what happens." He hadn't known of any paladin that had been turned. He was sure he wasn't the first but he just didn't know of any personally. He also didn't know if vampire blood had any effect on them or not. Oh well it was time to man the **** up and see what happens.

Skylar:
I plunge the tip of a rather blunt kitchen knife into my wrist. I know where it goes. I could probably do this blindfolded. I’m so used to in fact that I don’t even flinch. I place the wound over a clean and empty glass; a glass I took out of the cupboard before I cut into myself.
“Drink up. And I swear to god you moan about the taste of it you’ll get that glass cracked over your head.”
I tell him this as I thrust the glass into his hand. I use my other hand to block the wound on my wrist. I should probably go get a band aid or something. I look in the direction of the bathroom, look back at Pat and then decide that maybe he’d prefer me not to be watching.
I make my way to the bathroom. Had I of known I’d be doing this tonight I’d of worn my leather cuff or punky sweat band to cover the wound like I usually do.

Patrick:
He waits till she’s is in the bathroom before he looks down at the glass. He can't help but make a face. He walks over to the kitchen sink before he turns the glass up chugged it like it was car bomb. He wipes his mouth after he is done and stands there for a moment, feeling it go down. Once it hits his stomach, he has to stop himself for getting sick. He grabbed the side of the sink as he feels his stomach heaving and he clinched his teeth as tight as he could trying not to scream. She was right, the worst was yet to come.

Skylar:
I probably don’t give him as much time as I should as I grab a band aid from out of the box in the bathroom cabinet that now has no mirror. Dillon may have been a bit of a prick to me at times but he cared enough to remove all the mirrors in the flat that I might look into by accident.
I walk back into the front room and see Pat standing at the kitchen sink. Wrongly as it turns out I assume he’s already thrown up what I so graciously gave him. With a shake of my head I walk over to him and rub his back like a mother might do with an ailing child.
“Don’t worry. I can give you more.”

Patrick:
He feels her hand on his back and he turns to her. Sweat is forming on his body quickly. He tries to steady his breathing as he slowly talks "Do," he has to stop himself from throwing up. "Do people tend to get sick?"

Skylar:
“Erm… I dunno. I don’t remember feeling sick. I remember being scared and pissed off but I’m not sure I trust that memory. It was all kind of a blur. One minute I was on a stage, the next I’m in a dusty old attic being told I died.”
The guy looks a bit peaky but I guess he drank my blood after all. He looks like he’s about to hurl. I can’t blame him. I didn’t want to drink the first cup of blood I’d been given till I had it in my hands and instinct kicked in. Unfortunately for him – what with being human and all – he doesn’t have that instinct.
“How do you… you know… feel?”

Patrick:
"Like I wish I was dead." He was being honest. This was painful. More than he was prepared for. He knew it wasn't going to be the easiest experience he's ever gone through but damn. "How do you know if it worked or not?" He clinched his stomach again as his body tried to make him throw up again.

Skylar:
“You’d be a vampire. Which… I don’t think you are. Your heart wouldn’t be beating and I’d just… see it.”
****! What the **** have I done? The guy is in pain. I wasn’t expecting this. Do I need to kill him? Maybe I should kill him?
I step closer to him and place my hands on his face. I could snap his neck. Nice and quick. Only… the thought of the crunching bones makes me feel ill.
Nope. Can’t do it.
“It’ll be alright. I dunno how. But it will be. It has to be. Maybe it takes time.”
I look into his eyes and hope to god that I’m not lying to the guy.

Patrick:
He weakly nods. "Maybe I should lay down for a bit. It might help the pain a bit." He turns around and has to grab the counter top again to keep his balance as the room starts to spin around him.

Skylar:
As he makes a grab for the counter, I move to grab a hold of him. If he has any pride he’s probably gonna hate what I do next but he can suck it up. I scoop the guy up in my arms as if he were a child. He’s a little difficult to hold comfortably but that has more to do with his size than my strength. I make my way down to Dillon’s room. Well… my room now. I nudge the door with my foot so it swings open and I deposit Patrick rather carefully on the bed.
“Can I get you something? More beer? Something stronger? Or aspirin maybe?”

Patrick:
He is taken aback as she picks him up. He's never been manhandled till now and if he wasn't concentrating on keeping the blood down he would of protested but it’s not like it would of done him any good anyway. He shakes his head. "No beer. Maybe water. Might help in some way."

Skylar:
“ ‘Kay. ‘Kay. Hun.”
I don’t waste any time getting back to the kitchen to grab the guy some water. I must have done something wrong, but just what I’ve done I don’t know. Vampire blood is safe to drink. Ric used to drink it. Still does drink it. Maybe the paladin thing is getting in the way?
I go back to the bedroom but stop by the bathroom for some pain meds. I don’t care what Pat says, he might just need them.
“I got you these too.”
I flash the meds before setting them and the glass on the side table.
“Maybe you just need to rest up. Let it work.”

Patrick:
He grabs the meds and pops some into his mouth and takes a sip of the water to help them go down. He takes another drink before he lays back down. "Maybe you’re right."

Skylar:
I said the words but I’m not sure I believe them. Thankfully he seems like he does.
“I’ll be in the front room for a bit, till ya… fall asleep or whatever. Okay?”
I’m not really sure what I’m supposed to do at this point. Do I kiss his forehead like a mother would? Erm.. nah… seems weird. I rub at his shoulder.
“We’ll get you through this hun. Don’t you worry.”

Patrick:
He nodded weakly and closed his eyes tight as he tried not to clinch up again. "I guess we will found out tomorrow what's happened to me."

Skylar:
“Yep. We will.”
I leave the door slightly open as I leave cos I wanna be able to hear if he stops breathing. If nothing happens in an hour or so, I’ll go ask Ricky what I’m doing wrong.

Patrick:
After she leaves the room he curls up into the foetal position. He didn't want her to see him like that. As the pain meds started to kick in he started to fall asleep.

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--

This RP takes place on Thursday 30th April 2015.

Skylar:
I’ve been feeling pretty shitty these last few days and doing my best to hide that fact from Patrick. Tonight though, tonight I don’t have to hide it because finally I have some answers for him. He’s gonna pull through this. Or should. We just have to keep doing what we’re doing. So… I feed from him. He drinks my blood. And hopefully he’ll turn in a couple of nights or so.
Poor guy looks wretched. I’m not sure I’d wanna put anyone else through this. How Ali’s had the stomach to do it twice I’ll never know. It’s probably worse for me though what with being an emotional radar and everything. I feel what he feels. Guess that’s what they call poetic justice. I mean it’s my blood that’s churning him up. I really hope he thinks it’s all worth it when it’s all said and done.
“Patrick?”
I call his name as I enter the flat, though I don’t expect an answer. He’ll likely be in the bedroom. Dying slowly. Poor ********.

Patrick:
He is in the bedroom hugging what has become his new best friend, the trash can. There is a wet rag on his head, it wasn't wet to begin with. He's pretty scared to know what he looks like right now but if it's half as bad as he feels, he would not be winning any beauty contest anytime soon. "Here." He somehow manages to get out.

Skylar:
I move to the bedroom and take away the trash can he’s hugging. The thing needs emptying and the stench in this room is getting worse with every day that passes.
“I’m so sorry hun.”
I take the cloth from off his head and leave the room. I probably should have said more but I wanted to get the bin swapped out and the cloth rinsed. When I go back in I have one cleaned out trash can and the cloth is soaking in a bowl of ice water. I’ve only been gone five minutes or so, but I could almost swear he looks worse.
“I brought some fresh soup and stuff. Do you think you could keep it down?”
I’m not going to ask how he’s feeling. He looks like **** and feels a hundred times worse. It’s kinda of weird having this superpower at times.

Patrick:
"I can try but no promises." He wasn't sure he could keep much if anything down at the moment. By some mercy he was able to keep her blood down. Maybe this was working. He just wished it was working faster.

Skylar:
“Good boy.”
I say this with an encouraging smile and return the trashcan to him before placing the bowl on the nightstand and wringing out the cloth before wiping his head with it and repeating the process. After I’ve cleaned his face up a bit I wring the cloth out one last time and leave it on his head.
“I’ll go make you some soup then. But before I go...”
I perch myself on the edge of the bed.
“I have some good news for you.”

Patrick:
"You win the lottery?" He still had his sense of humor but he wasn't even sure how long that would last. He laid back to listen to her and let the coldness of the rag soak into his skin.

Skylar:
“I did once actually. Three times if you count coming back from the dead and finding Ricky too.”
I smile and wonder if I should get him a change of clothes. Maybe change the bedsheets. Maybe even get the guy to the bathroom and hold him under the shower or something. Though I’m sure Russ could help him with that last part. Or Sapphire maybe. She’s been helping me look after him and kipping on the sofa like I used to.
“But anyways. My sister told me she’s been through this with her kids. And well… She has two. Apparently you’ll be sick as a dog for like a week and then… if we’re lucky, you’ll turn like we wanted you too.”
I smile at him for real, cos this really is good news.

Patrick:
"Has it been a week a yet?" He tries to laugh but it turns into a cough. She was being really good about this whole situation. "I know you aren't much into the kids thing but if you had them you'd be a good mom."

Skylar:
I softy backhand him in the hip when he says I’d be a good mom.
“I’ve nursed the guys through a fair few hangovers. And you know… the occasional bout of man flu.”
As much as he’s teasing I kinda hope he’s not lying. I mean I’m trying. I am. I half argued with Ellie the other day on the family forum over this. He was telling me to take responsibility for Pat and I was. I had been. I’m trying.
“It’s Thursday hun. In case you’ve lost track of the days. We started all of this on Monday. So… you have a few more days to go if we’re lucky.”
I fall silent for a moment.
“Pat… you know I’d never have suggested this if I knew you had to go through all this… right? I’d of asked my sire to turn you. Or Ricky.”

Patrick:
He looks at her and smiles, well what he thinks is a smile. "I know. Neither of us knew what we were getting into when this started." He rolls over onto his side and grabs for the trash can again but luckily nothing comes up. Just dry heaves this time around.

Skylar:
“I’m sorry though Pat. That’s what I’m getting at. Sorry that you had to go through all this ****. I guess my turning was pretty damn easy compared to this.”
I don’t mean to rub it in. I’m not trying to. I just want him to know that I thought this would be easier. That I hadn’t intended him to be sick as a dog for a week. Which is a stupid saying if you ask me. Especially when my dog is just fine. It’s my friend that’s as sick as… well my friend that’s so sick he might actually be dying right in front of my eyes; a long, slow, painful death by illness.
I rub at his shoulder as he wraps himself around the waste paper bin as if waiting to lose his lunch, again.
“So… blood or soup first?”

Patrick:
"Blood. We should get it out of the way." He slowly sits himself up so he can drink. "So have you told everyone that you're going to be a mom or are you waiting to see if I can pull through this in one piece?" He wasn't exactly under the impression that he was going to die but he didn't know if he was going to be the same person.

Skylar:
“I told Ricky about you on Monday. The rest of the family found out what I was up to a day later when I posted on the family forum asking for information about turning someone. Ric said I had to kill you. My sire said to keep doing what we were doing. And since I’m no killer, I took his advice. Then today. Just when I was starting to feel like I’d really fucked up your life, my sister posted telling me she went through twice already and that I just have to keep going.”
I pat his leg and stand.
“So yeah. They all know you exist. I’ll show you the forum when all this is done. We’ll need to sort out a couple of face to face introduction too. But I wouldn’t worry about any of that right now.”
I start making my way to the door.
“I’ll be right back with your blood. Or my blood rather. The blood. Whatever.”

Patrick:
He laid against the back of the bed. He was sweating still but he felt like he was freezing. It was like having the worst hangover, the flu and food poisoning all at the same time. One thing was for sure. If he was able to make it through this he'd be able to make it through anything.

Skylar:
I’m not gone long. I’ve got this down to an art form now. I come back with the glass of blood and my wound covered. I’ve put the soup on a low heat on the stove too. I kinda hope he manages to keep it all down because at this point I’m not sure what he needs to survive; blood or regular food.
“So… you gonna give me your arm again?”
As much as I hate how all of this sucks for him, I kind of enjoy this part. Fresh blood, direct from the vein. It’s like heaven. I’m half tempted to ask Ric if can get me some on a nightly basis but god knows where he’d source it from. Considering he’d pretty much offered to off Patrick for me, I think I can assume he might not leave the donor alive to tell the tale of the crazy guy that stole their blood.

Patrick:
"I'm pretty sure you can take whatever you want from me at this point and I couldn't do anything about it." He holds out his arm for her. The pain of her biting him doesn't bother him anymore. Hell it's the part that lets him know he's still alive.

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--
Skylar:
I place my offering on the nightstand.
“I’m not gonna drain you cos I can or anything.”
I kneel on the bed and take the arm he offers. I hold it in the familiar way, gripping the wrist and supporting the elbow and then bite into his flesh. I drink less these days. His blood is starting to taste a little off. Nothing like vampire blood but not exactly like it was that first night either. When I’m done I let my tongue trail over the rough edges.
“Okay… you’re up…”
I grab the glass and offer it to him.

Patrick:
He takes the glass with his other hand and slowly drinks it this time. Once he is about halfway through he turns to her. "Can I have bendy straw next time?" Again he tries to be funny but he goes back and continues to drink. It has gotten better but he still knows the pain is coming.

Skylar:
I watch him drink the blood with interest. I mean I’ve seen people drink blood before but they were all vampires, not humans. Not that I’m sure Pat is all that human anymore. His hearts still beating and stuff though, so I guess he’s still more human than vampire.
“Darlin’ you start needing a straw and I’ll be letting the stuff pour straight into your mouth direct from my vein. I’ll choke you on my blood if I have to.”
I’m not even joking either. If push came to shove, he’d be gagging on my blood while I’m phoning Ric to come kill him. That kind of death is a last resort though. Ali didn’t mention anything about me killing the guy.

Patrick:
He looks at her a little confused but laughs it off. "At least no throwing up yet." He sits there waiting for it though. He was sure it would come sooner or later unless his body was starting to change.

Skylar:
“Thank god for small mercies eh?”
I look him over. I really hope he pulls through this. More than that though. I hope he pulls through and doesn’t hate my guts.

Patrick:
"Always a good thing." He smiled again. "I hope you don't think I'm some kind of mess. Well I am right now but...You know what I mean." He thought for a moment. "I mean I hope you won't see me anyway differently after this is done."

Skylar:
“You and me both hun. I mean… I kinda hope you don’t decide you’re sick of the sight of me or anything or regret going through all of this. I just hope you think it’s all worth it when we’re all said and done.”
I smile at him. I’ve almost forgotten the soup I put on the stove. I was more concerned with him drinking the blood and keeping it down. And yeah I was a little distracted by feeding too. If we’re lucky I only get a few more days of this.

Patrick:
"If I'm not sick of you yet I don't think I will be anytime soon. I mean we got, what?" He concentrates for a moment "Three days left? Then we find out if it was all worth it or not." He lets out a weak laugh. "Hopefully I'm a better vampire then I was a paladin."

Skylar:
“Hun. It won’t take much for you to be a better vampire than me. As far as vampires go, I’m a pretty crappy one from what I can tell.”
I shrug. I like me. But I really am a crappy vampire. Not my fault. Or maybe it is. I just am who I am.
“So… you ready to try some soup?”
I’m kinda hoping that he is. And I kinda hope that he keeps it down.

Patrick:
"Yeah I'll give it a try." He says nodding. So far so good after all. Maybe he was over the hump and he'd start getting better but he was still feeling pretty fucked up at the moment.

Skylar:
“Good boy.”
I make my way to the kitchen and pour the soup from the saucepan to the bowl, grab up a spoon and quickly make my way back to the bedroom.
“Hope you’re hungry.”
I hold the bowl out to him. I’m ready to steady his hands too if I need to. I don’t want him spilling it on himself. Him dropping my blood isn’t a problem. Him scolding himself with hot soup is.

Patrick:
He takes it and sits it on his lap to try and minimize the possibility of him spilling it all over the place. "Thank you Sky." He slowly takes a few spoonfuls of the soup

Skylar:
“You’re most welcome hun. So… question for you… you any good with a sword?”
Seems like an odd question but it’s not. In some ways I hope the answer is yes but I don’t mind if he says no. I’m not all that great with them myself. I just… I dunno… Most vamps tend to walk a darker path than me and actually enjoy hacking and slashing at the things in the quarantine zone and stuff. If he’s like that, I know he’ll need a decent blade and it will give me something to work on by way of a tangible apology.

Patrick:
"I'm decent." He was pretty good but he knew others were better than he was. He ate some more of the soup. He was taking it slow to try and give his stomach time to adjust to thing.

Skylar:
“Cool. Cos when I told you I made re-enactment weapons I was kinda… fibbing. I mean that is what I sell them as but they’re wicked good and sharp. So… not really for re-enactment if you get my drift. So I’ll either find one in my current stock or see if I can make you something better as a kind of birthday present. I have no clue if that’s a thing or not but we’ll see. I probably have some cash spare too that will help you move and ****. As I’m not sure you’re gonna wanna stay where you are once this is done. Not if your… friends know where you live.”

Patrick:
He nodded his head. "I'm not sure if they know where I live but I understand what you’re saying."

Skylar:
“I’ll get you enough to make sure you can buy your own place.”
I’ve got the cash to spare. Hell I’ve thought about buying Dillon’s place. I’m sure if I offer the landlord over the odds, he’ll take it. I mean this place needs some refurb, but I’ll think about that later. It’s not all that important now.
“So… anything else you need from me while I’m here? I could put a new DVD in for you if you want?”
I’m kinda hoping that if I open the DVD player I’m not gonna find one of Dillon’s porn discs. I mean I’m no prude. I’ve seen them all before. I just don’t think porn is the best thing for anyone to be watching when they’re ill and pretty much dying. Though… What do I know? Maybe it’s a ‘pick me up’ for some guys.

Patrick:
He shook his head. "I haven't really been...awake enough to pay attention to anything to be honest." It was the truth and when he was awake she was here or he was busy being sick all over the place. Probably better to stay asleep till all of this was over with.

Skylar:
“Can I help you with that? By which I mean. More meds. Some alcohol. Maybe a sleeping pill or something?”
It’s not the kind of thing you can get over the counter and I don’t have any in the flat but I know a few too many musicians that are into pills and stuff. One phone call and I’m pretty sure I could get my hands on something. Ric’s kinda resourceful too, I’m pretty sure he’d be able to get his hands on whatever I needed if I asked.

Patrick:
"Nah, I'll be alright." He tried to protest. "You do enough for me as is. If I make it through I'm going to owe you big time for all of this"

Skylar:
“Make it through this hun and we’re five by five.”
I’m not kidding either. I mean I was putting the guy through what is probably the worst week of his life and when it’s all over, he’ll be dead. Not like dead, dead, like Dillon. But dead like me dead.
“I just hope you think it’s all worth it when it’s all over.”
I lean over and kiss his cheek. Careful not to move too quickly as I know he still has soup in the bowl.
“I’ll be back later and Sapphire will be in and out. You just tell me if she doesn’t take good care of you okay?”

Patrick:
He put the bowl back over on the table and lays back down. "I will but from what I can tell she's been great." He rest his head and closed his eyes. Just three more days and then it would be all over. He hoped it was worth it too but more so for her than for him.

Skylar:
“That’s it hun. You rest. With any luck we’re past the half way mark now. So… not long now.”
I take one last look at him and leave. Try as I might not to feel guilty as sin about this, I just can’t help myself. Pat was my responsibility now; poor ******.

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--

This RP takes place on Monday 4th May 2015.

Patrick:
He starts to feel a pain in his chest. It's not like the pain he has been enduring for the past week. He reaches for his chest, it's almost like a heart attack. It is a heart attack. He screams out in pain and soon he feels his own heart stop. Silence falls in the room for a moment before he inhaled. His chest starts to move up and down rapidly as he breaths but after a moment he realized he didn't need to breath at all. As he rolled out of the bed he realized that he was dead but it had worked he was a vampire now. He walked over to the dresser and pulled out some clean clothes and made his way to the bathroom. It had been a week and he could smell it. He took off what he was wearing and all of his jewelry before he hoped in to take a long much needed shower.

Skylar:
I’m hammering the crap out of some of the new pieces Sapphire collected for me when I get the phone call. Sapphire had run from the apartment after hearing Patrick scream out in pain and was refusing to go back in to check on him. I’d of ordered her to do it but she said everything went quiet after the scream and well… if he died, I don’t want her dealing with the body and if he comes back, I’m not so sure having a human greet him is a good idea in case he’s hungry.
I make sure everything’s gonna be good where I left it and tome to the den. I’m through the portal and on the train in practically no time at all. It doesn’t take all that long to get to Coastside. On my way there I text Ricky letting him know that I had to run out. He’s not my keeper or anything. I don’t have to tell him **** if I don’t want to. He’s a **** hot tracker and I’m not difficult to track down if I do go AWOL. I just kinda like him knowing where I am. I don’t ever want to make him worry. And he’s pretty good at letting me know what he’s up to too.

Patrick:
The shower is done and he feels way better than he had. He throws on the clean cloths and goes to put his necklace on. Once the cross that is hanging on it touches his skin it starts to burn. He quickly grabs it and throws it on the ground. "What the ****..." He mutters to himself as he looks down at it. He was going to ask to Sky about a lot of this. He knew some but not all.

Skylar:
“Pat!”
I sound panicked as I come through the door. Sapphire was down in the lobby. I asked her to stick close in case I needed her.
“Pat?”
He’s not in the front room - not that I expected him to be there - so I head for the bedroom.
“Pat?”
I knock on the door but don’t wait for him to answer before I begin to open the door. Yes. I was raised better than this but I really don’t know what I’m going to find and time could be of the essence.

Patrick:
His eyes shoot up towards the bedroom as he hears his name being called. It's Skylar and in truth she has never been happier to hear her voice. He ran into the room and grabbed her up in hug, holding her tightly for a moment. "It worked Sky, I'm one of you." His voice was chocking up as he spoke.

Skylar:
The bedroom’s empty. I don’t have even a moment to contemplate what that means though before his arms are around me. I was about to go check the bathroom next, so I see him before I feel him. Just.
“Oh my god Patrick.”
I hug him tightly. The guy isn’t just up and about and feeling better. He’s a vampire. It worked. And he’s already showered and changed. I pull back, put my hands on his shoulders and look him over.
“Man. You look great. Like better than I’ve ever seen you look. Though maybe that’s cos you’re in Dillon’s clothes.”
The guy could dress. But it’s not Dillon’s threads that make him look good. It’s the whole vampire thing. Sure, we’re usually pale and stuff but we’re the best versions of ourselves. At least I think we are. I’ve yet to meet any fugly vamps. A few oldies, sure, but even then I guess they have their charms.
“You’re a little paler than normal but damn. Ain’t you a little hottie.”
I kiss his cheek. He’s still not my type but I’m thrill to see him up and about.

Patrick:
"Not sure if was the week to die or if it's me being a vamp now but I've never felt better." He was smiling from ear to ear. "Like I feel stronger and healthier if that makes sense." He didn't know what to do. He felt like getting into a fight or running around the city. He had so much energy and was so ready to take on anything at this moment.

Skylar:
I grin at him.
“Yeah. Makes total sense. See. I told ya being a vampire rocks. Now we just have to figure out what flavour vampire you are.”
I punch him in the shoulder only this time when I do it, I don’t hold back. I don’t have to anymore. He’s not some fragile little thing I might break. Not that he probably was all that fragile before seeing as how he was a paladin and all.

Patrick:
His brow shoots up as he looks at her slightly confused "Flavor? Hun I'm sexual chocolate now." He rubs down his chest with a chuckle "But for real what do you mean by flavor and how would I know what I am anyway?"

Skylar:
“Well there are different types of vampires. We’re all born into one area and kind of progress to others if we work on keeping ourselves healthy. Me. I’m what they call an allurist. As is my sire Elliot. You’ve probably met him. He owns Lancaster’s. Ricky’s what they call a shadow. My sister Charlie she’s a… erm… a mind vamp; a telepath. Ellie’s missus. I think she’s a killer. Then there are a but I’m not really sure about them. And erm…”
My brain isn’t working properly. I’m a little on the excited side. I have my very own ‘thing’ and he’s happy and healthy. Finally. I was kinda beginning to wonder if he might not just up and croak on me before my blood got to work on him.
“We can do tests. Or we can test you… See if you have any powers yet. Though you may not be able to use them on command. I dunno. Man this is exciting.”

Patrick:
A laugh leaves his mouth "You're as giddy as a school girl. Calm down. It's not like we don't have eternity to figure a lot of this out." He felt kind of weird saying that but it also felt good. He was going to have to get use to this. His hands clap together. "Okay you said some kind of test, what do I have to do?"

Skylar:
“I’m sorry Pat. I really can’t help it. Between your excitement and mine, I’m kinda set to explode. I mean allurists are prone to mood swings and stuff but Ellie and I… we both have this weird little superpower that lets us feel what others are feeling. So… wow…”
I jump up and down and shake my limbs out as if I’m about to go on stage. I’m pumped and I kinda need to focus. This always helps. Well if I’m about to perform that is. Maybe this is a performance. I mean I’ve never been anyone’s sire before. Hell I’m only just capable of keeping a dog. Though Pat’s way more self-sufficient than Blackie, so this has to be easier. Right?
“Okay. Well I think we only did a couple of tests before we figured out what I was. Cos… I could see myself in the mirror and I was able to eat and drink. Most vampires can’t do that. This isn’t an exact science though. Oh. But shadows. They are really easy to spot. If you cut them that is. They bleed black blood. It’s kinda… mad actually. Sexy if you happen to be my husband but yeah… I’m not sure thinking black blood is sexy for anyone else. Or on anyone else.”
I start laughing. I’m seriously hyper and I can’t seem to stop myself from babbling. While I’m not sure I’d ever sire anyone else again – because I wouldn’t wanna put them through what Pat went through – I’m kinda glad I made Pat mine. The guy really doesn’t know how bad he lucked out getting me. Poor ******. That thought keeps the laughter coming.

Patrick:
"So you're going to cut me? That seems easy enough. Maybe we will get lucky and figure this out quickly." He offered up his arm to her, much like he had this whole week only this time he was sure she wouldn't be biting him, though he could be wrong.

Skylar:
“I’m no battle babe hun.”
I grab a hold of his wrist, turn and pull him with me through to the kitchen area. I look about for the sharpest of the dull knives on offer.
“Here hun.”
I release his wrist and press the handle of the knife into his hand.
“Just prick your finger and we’ll see if the blood runs red or black.”

Patrick:
With a quick peck the blood starts to flow. He frowns as it is red. "Well ****. So much for that one. What shall we test next?" He was rather eager to learn what he was. It would help to teach him what he needed to know.

Skylar:
“Not a shadow then. Shame. Shadows have some sexy superpowers. Well… My shadow does.”
Obviously I’m talking about Ric. He’s wicked talented and so much more adept at this life than I am. I’ve always known I was a lucky girl. I mean I have my own talents and much like a cat I always land on my feet but it’s more than that recently. I got Elliot as a sire which was lucky in and of itself. And soon after that I met my guy. Ric may not think he’s a prize but I do.
“So… I guess we can try getting you to look in a mirror. If you see yourself, you’ll probably think you look like crap. I look shocking in a mirror. Like the corpse I should be. That’s why Dillon removed all the mirrors and stuff. Anything I could catch my reflection in. It was sweet of him. He was a good guy.”
I smile at the memory of my friend.
“I think he has a mirror in his bedroom though. Inside one of the cupboard doors. You won’t look as bad as me though. I mean you’ve only been dead… well… less than a day.”

Patrick:
He snorted and shook his head "Well I guess I'm going hunting for a mirror." He made his way back into the bedroom and started to look for the mirror in question. After less than a minute he finds it and looks into it. "Damn, I do look like ****." He looked at himself for a bit longer before he turned back to Sky. "So which one was the mirror one?"

Skylar:
“Well I’m not sure we’re the only ones that see themselves or not… so we’ll try part two of this test. See if you take after me and Ellie. That would be seriously ******* wicked, cos it kinda rocks to be able to still eat and drink and stuff. Helps us pass. And well… I even still feel the effects. Though I think you knew that already… So… beer?”
I’d been standing in the doorway when he checked his reflection in the mirror. I’m not going near the thing myself. I’ve caught glimpses of myself over the past few months and I’d rather not have that image burned into my brain.

Patrick:
"**** yeah I want a beer. I've had nothing but your blood and soup for a week." He was hungry too or maybe thirsty. "So if you can eat and drink food, do you need blood too? Or does the food and drink out way the need for blood or what?"

Skylar:
“Good question.”
I say this as I reach into the fridge and pull out two bottles of beer. I pop the caps and then hand one to Patrick.
“If you can keep this down I’m pretty sure you’re an allurist like me. If not. I’ll be making a phone call to Ellie to find out what the next test is.”
I watch and wait to see if he’ll puke the beer back up or not. But while I wait I bring the neck of my bottle to my lips and gulp down a few mouthfuls of the amber nectar.

Patrick:
The cold liquid taste and feels so good. He drinks almost half of it before he pulls it from his lips. "Beer, how I have missed you." He is able to keep it down so far. That's a good right? Just to be sure he takes another drink. "So is this a good thing? Or should I be worried?"

Skylar:
I smile as he pretty much chugs down half the bottle. If that comes back up I’m not cleaning puke out of the carpet. I probably should have made him drink it over the sink. Oh well. I laugh when he talks to the beer. I do that sometimes too. Usually when I’ve had a few. Or for the reason he’s doing it now. Because I haven’t had one in a while or because I really need that first drink of the night. And no. I swear. I’m not an alcoholic.
“Looking good so far.”
I give him a wink.
“We’ll give it a few minutes to be sure though. I’m not too sure how quick you’re supposed to puke it all back up. So while we wait… maybe we should cover the basics of being a vampire? Though you probably have a good idea on what those might be I’m sure.”

Patrick:
"I know some of the basic stuff that if you fucked up it made it pretty easy for us to find you." He shrugged "It's the powers that I'm sure I'm going to need help with. I mean we had powers but not like you guys do."

Skylar:
“Oh yeah Well when you start figuring out the powers you have. I’m sure I’ll be able to help. I should give you Ellie’s mobile number too. I mean even if you aren’t an allurist. He’s the go to guy when I don’t know what’s going on. Well in d’Artois anyways. I was kinda hoping they’d of let Ric on the forums by now. But…”
I shrug.
“Guess I’ve gotta wait and see on that one. Oh… Oh… my favourite power. I swear it’s part of the reason Ricky fell in love with me.”
I focus on Patrick and inspire him.
“Did you feel that?”

Patrick:
Whatever she did seemed to work. "Holy **** Sky! What the **** was that?" He feels even better, if that's at all possible. It's kinda felt like someone had just shot him up with adrenaline or steroids or something.

Skylar:
“Cool right? Ellie… that’s what I call Elliot. Some people call him Lan or Lancaster but you need to know who Ellie is if I say the name… well he does that to me almost every day and it’s like getting a spiritual hug. I really like it. I started doing that Ric shortly after I met him. Not on purpose at first, cos I didn’t know I was capable of doing it. I was thinking about him and it happened. Then I decided that since I wanted him to notice me… That I’d do it daily. You know. Get his attention. Now I do it to help him. To make sure he’s the best version of himself he can be. It’s called inspiring someone. Which kinda makes me his muse. I’m a muse.”
I laugh. I love that. I do. Being an artist you kinda believe in that kind of thing. You need imagination and inspiration to create. And being able to inspire others. Well, it’s just amazing. Not that dissimilar to inspiring people through your work but definitely much more direct and personal.

Patrick:
"I'll have to keep that in mind. Maybe I can be someone's muse." He chuckled. It was a nice thought and also a super useful power. He was definitely going to have to learn that power, if he could that was.

Skylar:
“Well if you’re gonna be Michael’s muse, you’re gonna have to tell him what you are. Which I wouldn’t recommend dong right away. I mean I haven’t told the guys. Dillon knew. But I enthralled him. So… I’m not sure that counts. Ellie’s pretty cool about people knowing what we are. Ric… not so much. I’m kinda sitting on the fence on that one.”
I take a sip of my beer.
“Okay so maybe I’m not entirely on the fence. I mean I don’t run around telling people what I am or anything. Just doesn’t make sense. So while I won’t say don’t tell him. I will say think about it before you do. Oh and you know not to go out in sunlight right? Kinda bad for us.”

Patrick:
"Yeah that one I know. We dragged a guy out just as the sun was coming up one morning and watched him fry. At the time it was good but not I see it's not a good thing." He finished off his beer and set down the empty bottle. "It was a really fucked up thing now that I think about it because there wasn't much he could do but...anyway."

Skylar:
“Don’t worry about it. I mean. **** happens. I respect life and stuff but some pretty fucked up **** goes on in this world. You don’t even need to start with the supernatural **** to see people killing people. Personally. I’m no fighter. I can’t even begin to imagine what it might be like to take someone’s life.”
I begin to lift my bottle to my lips and then pause, because, well… that’s kind of a lie. Hadn’t I killed Patrick? Not that, that wasn’t in some way part of the deal but he was technically dead.
“If I don’t count you that is. ****. You made me a killer.”
I backhand him in the shoulder like I do to Ric when I’m messing around.
“********.”

Patrick:
"I've been called worse. At least that one has some truth behind it." He goes and fishes another beer out and starts drinking it. "What am I supposed to call you anyway? Sire? Maker? Mom?" He chuckles again at the thought of calling her his mother.

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--
Skylar:
So this is how Elliot felt when I first started calling him papa bear. Well ****. Ain’t karma a *****. I damn near choke on my beer when he adds mom to the list.
“Erm… Pass. Next question please?”
I laugh cos I’m kind of amused. I have no idea what to call him either. Is he my childe? Kid? Thing? Right now I might just go with mine. Cos that much is true. He is mine. Kind of. My responsibility. My burden. Bah. Those things sound… negative. My friend. He’s my friend. My blood. My family.
“Okay. Well… I’d definitely say we’re family. So if you really wanted to call me mum I don’t think I have much right to object… but it’s kinda weird.”
I got me a twenty-eight year old, chain smoking, alcoholic childe who likes to swing both ways. Go me. Obviously I’m not gonna phrase it that way to Patrick. I think he’d laugh but you never know.
“I’m beginning to think I’m being smacked by karma truth be told. I used to wind Ellie up something fierce about being my dad. The human bar staff at his place – the ones that don’t know about vampires – are convinced I’m his love-child. Of course I told them that and I can be pretty persuasive. Ellie doesn’t seem to be able to lie though so I told them all he’d deny it if they asked because the whole thing is very painful for him, what with having missed out on so much of my life and all. My mum never told him about me. So sad.
Oh wait… what were we saying…
Oh yeah…”
I managed to side-track myself and have to get myself back on point.
“I’m not really sure what to call you either. The technically terms are sire and childe but I don’t much like that. I’m definitely Ellie’s brat. His mistake. I call Papa Bear. And I even got him to admit that he is pretty much my dad. So… yeah… I dunno. Ric calls his kids his ‘things.’ But I’m not sure that works for me either. I guess we both have to work this one out.”

Patrick:
He starts laughing "I can call you mommy and call Ric daddy." He was joking of course. Though the look on Ric`s face would be pretty interesting. "We will figure out what to call each other sooner or later but till then let's stick with you being Sky and I'll be Pat."

Skylar:
If I had breath to hold I’d of been holding it when he says he can call me mommy, though I can’t help but laugh at the idea of him calling Ric daddy. I pretty much know how that would go and it would end with Elliot hunting Ric down and one of them dying because Ric might just stab Patrick for calling him daddy.
“Oh thank god. That sounds like I plan. Really the next best thing I had was ‘mine’ which you kinda are in a way. It just sounds so possessive though. And word of warning… I wouldn’t’ call Ric daddy. Like ever. Even his ‘things’ don’t get to call him that. Oh… And while we’re on the subject. Don’t insult me in front of him either. You can call me what you like when he’s not around. Just… yeah… he’s gotten a bit – and here comes that word again – possessive of me since we got married.”
I down about a quarter of my beer as I try to gauge his reaction to what I’m saying. I had to get serious for a moment. I’m still buzzed. Still super excited. Just needed to get that warning out there.

Patrick:
"Yeah again, he doesn't take me as the super fatherly figure to begin with." He took another large gulp of his beer. Still not sick so he must be whatever she said he was. "When do I get to really meet any of these other people?"

Skylar:
“Ric’s… an acquired taste. He’s incredibly loyal and he’d kill for his things. He just doesn’t like certain labels. And doesn’t see himself as a father.”
Yeah. I think that’s what it is. I’ve never really asked. I figure each to their own… right? I see Elliot as my father figure. Took him a while longer to see it himself. I don’t much care what Pat and I call each other. We’ll figure it out. This is new territory for both of us.
“When do you want to people? I’m sure I can make it happen. I’m pretty sure you’ll love Ellie when you meet him. You may have already met him at Lancaster’s and just not known it. Once you know who he is, you’ll never miss him again. He’s a lanky ******. Ricky though. He’s trickier. He’s not as busy as Elliot. Not really. But he’s not so good with people. He’s getting better but my boy’s no social butterfly and I don’t expect he ever will be.”
I lightly shrug my shoulder. I don’t care if Ric’s never the outgoing sort. I knew who he was when I fell in love with him. So long as he shows up, plays nice and acts interested for ten minutes, I’ll be ecstatic.

Patrick:
He shrugs "I can meet people whenever really. Not like I don't have a lot of time on my hands. Probably won't be seeing Michael for a while, till I know I can handle this whole thing so I got to do something to keep me entertained. I can't be stuck up your ads all the time either." He hoped things would be easy and he could still at least see Michael after all this.

Skylar:
“Baby if you’re up my ***, you and me have bigger issues that what to call one another.”
Okay. Possibly not the best thing to say to your childe but I’m not changing who I am, just because I happened to bite him and feed him my blood for a week. I’m in hysteric now though. Which doesn’t help me drink my beer. I kinda feel like I’m drunk. But I’m not. This is a great feeling. Like I achieved something. Only I didn’t really. I’m just super happy Patrick survived the process. He was kinda beginning to look like a puking corpse in those last few days.
“We’ll get you to meet Ellie first. He’s… wow… well I guess I have three men in my life again now. I mean if I had to rank people, you, Ric and Ellie. You’re my top three. I love my biological family too. Don’t get me wrong. My brother’s definitely on the list but we don’t run in the same circles these days.”
I’m pretty sure he’s already figured out that Ric and Ellie are super important to me. I mean I never shut up about Ric before now because, well, we were dating and stuff. But now he knows what I am and he’s mine, I’m free to talk about papa bear too.

Patrick:
It was nice to know that he was in someone's top three. It put a smile on his face. "Aww, baby girl, you're one of my top chicks too." In truth she was his only chick. The only one that stuck around at least and hell she kinda made it where they would have to be around for a while.

Skylar:
I throw my arms around him - careful not to smack him with the beer bottle or make him spill his beer in the process - and kiss him on the cheek.
“Aw. Well that’s good to know, cos well… you’re kinda stuck with me now. No matter where you go, or what you do, we’ll always be family.”
I squeeze him tightly. Maybe a little too tight. So I have to quickly stop myself and pull back.
“****. Sorry. ****… I almost forgot. You probably need to feed. I mean beer’s good and all but we can’t live on that. So… vein or blood pack?”
I ask the question and I’m pretty sure he understands that the choice is to drink from someone or from a blood pack, so I back up a bit so I’m not in his personal space and let him decide. Feeding’s kinda important. I’m not sure how I missed that. Which reminds me;
“And for now I think we’ll go with allurist for you. I mean that’s your second beer right and nothing’s made a reappearance. You can taste it all right? No issues there?”

Patrick:
"Yeah, taste like beer and I think let's go with a pack. It sounds way easier." And less likely to be caught and hunted down others. **** he just got turned, no need to be dead in the same week was there? Nah, he was going with the easier way for now, at least till he knew what the **** he was doing.

Skylar:
“From the vein tastes better. I’m not gonna lie. When you’re ready to try that, you let me know and you can feed off Sapphire. At east then we’ll know if you have the same thing I do where people remember you the next day. She won’t mind I’m sure. She’s kinda… well I believe the polite term is harmless. By which I mean she’s daft as a brush. Lovely. But really not a thinker.”
I go to the fridge and look root around in the back of it. Dillon always kept a few blood bag about for me. We tended to hide them in things we know Russ wouldn’t look in. Change out the boxes every once in a while. I look in the fridge and find this one in a rather large margarine tub. No-one eats margarine. Stuff tastes like ****.
“It won’t taste like mine. In case you’re wondering. The moment you smell it, you’re gonna want to drink this. At least that’s how it was for me after I was turned. I was worried I wouldn’t like it but the moment Elliot put the cup in my hands. Man…that **** was gone.”

Patrick:
He took the blood pack and walked over to grab a cup. As he ripped it open, he had intended to pour it in the cup and drink j it from there but it was like she said. The smell hit him and before he knew it the blood pack was empty and the blood was going down his throat. Cold blood was odd but man, he could get used to it. "That wasn't all that bad."

Skylar:
“Didn’t wanna warm that up first?”
I ask with a giggle. It’s kinda fun to watch him though I gotta admit. It’s kinda nice being there for people’s firsts.
“You can warm it up if you want but yeah. The thirst… You gotta watch out for that. My advice. Drink a little every day. I can get ravenous when I’m injured or whatever because I need more blood. I’m not sure I’d want to be drinking from someone at that point, as I’m not sure if I’d be able to stop myself from draining them dry. It’s like… the only good reason to drink from the packs if you ask me. You definitely aren’t going to kill anyone if you do that.”

Patrick:
"Good to know, and I was going to warm it up but when I opened it.. I guess that hunger kicked in." He chuckled to himself a bit. "I'll try to stay away from fights for now though if that's okay with you. I mean I like a good brawl every now and then but need to get use to all of this first."

Skylar:
“Oh hunny. I’m a lover not a fighter. I just so happen to be one hell of a spectacular drunk and rather clutzy at times. The family homestead has traps and stuff in it and well… I kinda sort of fell into them… twice… on two different occasions. Kinda not all that bad though when you have a sexy guy to play nurse.”
I chuckle as I remember how good to me Ric was when I needed patching up.
“Even if he does need to work on his bedside manner.”
I cough and clear my throat and try to wipe the smile off my face cos those traps were kind of responsible for me living with Ricky. I’d miss them, maybe, if I wasn’t one hundred percent sure I’d probably have taken a spill into them again. Kinda gotta thank whoever it was that died that time and got them moved. Though now I think about it… they may not have made it out of vampire hell.
“No need to worry about that now though. They got moved and stuff and I’m not sure how long it will take to get you access to the family home, as that’s not my call to make.”

Patrick:
"Family home?" It was an odd thought for him. He had never really had a home to speak of in the first place. Well there was the church, but that was t much of a home. More just a place to crash really.

Skylar:
“Well that’s a stretch of the word. Maybe. I think there is a home section. A place we can go that’s more comfortable. I just haven’t been there. There are a fair few portals to go jumping through. It’s kinda fun truth be told. Have you ever used a tome or a fadeportal before?”
There’s no point me continuing unless he has, cos I’d have to try and explain them first if he hasn’t.

Patrick:
"I have no clue what you are talking about." He looked blankly at her. He should be taking notes on all this stuff. It seemed like more to take in than he had to learn when he became a paladin.

Skylar:
“Well I have this paper thingy called a tome. I don’t much understand how it’s made but it’s magic. I hold it. Say the words and poof. I’m no longer where I was. I’m in this railway tunnel or something. It’s the place I call the family homestead. I ride the elevator and go into the depot and there’s everything I need to play with. Accept hubby. Ric’s not allowed in there. But anyways. There’s things like a ritual alter, crafting bench, forge, etc. The useful part is the portals. Fadeportals. Again. No idea how they are created but man do they ever work. There’s one that drops you out in Elliot’s office at Lancaster’s. I use that one a lot. So like right now. If I wanted to go for a drink. I could be seated at the bar in like… hmm… 3 minutes.”
I explain but I’m not sure if any of what I’m saying makes sense. It’s the kind of thing that maybe you have to experience to believe it’s true. I never really thought to ask how the things were made. I just accepted and appreciated the fact that they existed and that I could use them.

Patrick:
They sound like magic to him. Great even more of it to deal with. "They do sound really useful. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to get to use them some day." He would ask why Ric isn't allowed but then again he gets kind of understand it. Maybe they had to trust you before they gave you the keys to the kingdom sort of dealing.

Skylar:
“Oh I’m sure you will. It’s just all a matter of whether or not Pi has made the tomes. Since I think she’s the family magician or what have you.”
I’m still excited. I neck what’s left of my beer and go to put the bottle in the recycling.
“So… You think you got the basics? No sunlight, be careful feeding and using powers and stuff. Try and keep what you are secret. I don’t think there’s anything else. Oh. The family website forum thing. I’ll have Pi or Ellie make you a profile and then text you the address. It’s a nice enough way of making first contact. If you read my silly questions thread, you’ll kinda be able to see the kind of week I had on the flip side to what you were going through. It’s kinda amusing to look back on. Totally not funny at the time though.”

Patrick:
"Yeah I think I got the basics at least. I'm sure once I start developing powers I'll have more but we will see as that happens." He rubs through things quickly in his head to make sure he did have things down. It was pretty easy, at least for him. Being a paladin probably helped put a little though.

Skylar:
“Cool. Well I would just post stuff on the family forum or ring Ellie or something if I had questions. So you do the same okay? Only ring me first. If I can’t help. I’ll ring Ellie. Just, you know, remember I don’t know everything. No-one does. Which is kinda cool. Cos it means you don’t have to feel like you need to know everything either. Oh… and I have a kick-*** sword for you. I’ll give you that tomorrow if you want. Saph kinda scared the **** out of me so I high-tailed it over here without it. Sorry.”
I give him a sheepish grin. I probably should have brought it with me but again. I ain’t no battle babe, so picking up a sword as I run out of the door. Not really my instinct.

Patrick:
He smirked kind of sheepishly "I probably scared the **** out of her too to be honest and that sounds good to me. I can't wait to see it." If her talent for making weapons was anything like her others, it would be awesome indeed.

Skylar:
“It’s not my best work looks wise. It’s kinda nice, no work of art but it’s one of the best swords I’ve ever made. I think I’ve only made a handful of others as accurate and powerful as this one.”
I can’t lie. Some of the stuff I make is fugly. But sometimes you have to say. Who cares. If it’s gonna get the job done, does it really matter if it’s ugly as all sin?
“So… Fancy getting out of here and grabbing a bite to eat. Like people food I mean. Not people.”
I laugh and nudge him with my elbow.
“You’ve gotta be sick of the sight of this place by now. Oh… and you’re more than welcome to stay a while if you want. While you sort your own place out.”
I go over to the draw and grab the spare key. Russ has his, I have Dillon’s and Saph’s got my old one. Thankfully we have a spare for when one of us loses ours.

Patrick:
"Food sounds like the greatest thing ever right about now." He laughs as he puts the key in his pocket. "Like a big juice burger would hit the spot." He was starting to drool just thinking about it.

Skylar:
“Mmm…. Let’s hit a steakhouse. Get something really good. You ready?”
I glance down to his feet to see if he’s wearing shoes.
“I’m paying by the way. Birthday treat.”
I wink at him.
“Grab your stuff hun. Let’s get this show on the road.”
I wait for Pat by the front door. I’m so ******* relieved that he made it through this and the moment I get the chance I’m gonna be contacting Pi and Ellie to make sure Pat has access to the family forum. He needs to know he has a family and that they will be there if he needs him. Just like I will be.