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[Robin] Transacted Transfusion
Posted: 16 Oct 2016, 10:37
by Mackenzie (DELETED 8346)
Getting back into the workforce was both a blessing and a curse.
On one hand, productivity shortened the hours. Mackenzie found herself excited to be in a new environment, eager to reacquaint herself with a life where her survival wasn’t always at the forefront of her mind. It took some getting used to after so many months of living on another schedule. Waking up early and actively spending daylight hours took a toll on her body that she’d long forgotten about.
There was also the curse of being a blood thief and sharing the weakness vampires had. The cooler temperatures kept her skin covered. The sunglasses kept the brightness from stinging her eyes. It would take a while to get used to, and therein lay the cursed part of her new job. Though Lincoln was far from a fastidious boss, Mackenzie’s hours were never quite the same each day. As someone who’d previously worked in the tech industry in the Silicon Valley, it didn’t perturb her per say, but it presented her with a few complications.
Keeping herself properly fed was a struggle. No longer did she have full days to luxuriate in preparing meals and doing grocery shopping, spending hours on intricate healthy recipes. No longer was she free to come and go at leisure at any hour of the day, looking for her next victim—her next dosage. It was this that troubled her the most, as she began to feel its effects within days. An increase in activity coupled with less time to keep her body healthy were beginning to affect her mood and her mental faculties.
It was a Friday night when she decided to give the Necropolis a try. It’d been weeks since she’d heard of it, and only now did she appreciate the practicality such a place could offer. A long day at the office hardly paved the way for a long night of hunting, and with Mark out of town indefinitely, there was no other way to get fresh blood. The shops offered blood packs at a cheaper rate these days, but anything medicalised was an instant turn off. Given the options of fighting for blood in the sewers or paying a donor at a club, the choice seemed evident.
Uncertain what to expect, the blood thief took her time getting ready. A long bath, a short nap, a quick meal, and half a bottle of red wine was necessary to get herself in the right mindset. It’d been years since she’d last been to a nightclub, but her closet had a decent supply of outfits that surely fit the bill. Opting for a monochrome attire that wouldn’t draw much attention to her tall frame, Mackenzie left her apartment with purpose.
By half eleven, she arrived at The Necropolis, ID and a roll of bills tucked into the lining of her jacket. The wait to get in wasn’t long, though once inside she realised it was far more crowded than she’s anticipated given the short line at the door. Overwhelmed by the smells and sounds, Mackenzie sought the safety of the bar. She lured many gazes as she went, and wasn’t shy to look back. She hoped there’d be someone amongst the crowd to give her what she’d come for.
Re: [Robin] Transacted Transfusion
Posted: 22 Oct 2016, 09:06
by Robin Little
In a club like the Necropolis, Robin stood out. But that was the point.
Ever since vampires had been revealed to mankind, there were plenty who flocked to the vampire-friendly club. They were looking for their Edwards and their Lestats; their romanticised Draculas. Those who were not afraid were curious. They wanted adventure. They wanted the gothic darkness that fiction had promised them. Whether or not anyone ever found what they were looking for, Robin couldn’t know. He’d never stopped to ask.
But that’s who the club attracted. Goths and emos, those attracted to darkness, those who think there’s something grand in a diet of blood and constant night. Rather than dress according to the demographic, however, Robin dressed up. He had to stand out. He had to make it look as if he worked there – as if he were someone important, someone that others came looking for. Sometimes he wore ties, but tonight he did not. The damn thing had to be removed so often, it was easier just to leave it off. Some liked the transaction to be impersonal – the liked a wrist rather than a neck.
Given the demographic, though, there were plenty who liked the neck. Robin had to admit that he liked the neck, too.
For Robin, the night was just starting. There were still plenty of hours to go until lockout; most often his clients came in after midnight, so Robin started at eleven and worked through until just before sunrise, at which point he would make his way home. He didn’t work every night, either – if he had two or more clients in one single stretch, he had to work to catch up. At least he’d grown up that much. At least he was taking care of himself. Once upon a time, he’d let the vampires take from him until he got sick.
Though he didn’t think the implications would be so drastic, now that he was one.
With other people to take care of, however, he was slowly realising that he had to step up. He had to try to **** up less often. And if he was less scattered due to blood loss, he might be less clumsy. Less inclined to bad luck. One could only hope.
At the bar, Robin waved over the tender and ordered his usual glass of house red. It had no effect, but it was still a habit that helped him get into the headspace for the night ahead.
Re: [Robin] Transacted Transfusion
Posted: 11 Nov 2016, 19:15
by Mackenzie (DELETED 8346)
Mackenzie wasn’t one to stand out when she chose not to. Yet, it should have occurred to her that since the fall of the masquerade, Harper Rock had become a beacon to everything macabre and on the periphery of socially acceptable. Any semblance of normal might very well be a distinguishing factor in a place like this.
Walking towards the bar, the blood thief noticed the pattern of spiked collars, heavy eyeliner, and excessive facial piercings. Many patrons looked like Matrix simulations, making her look incredibly underdressed. A glance across the countertop made her realise she wasn’t the only one who’d skipped the TripAdvisor reviews.
“I wasn’t the only one to misjudge the vibe of this place,” she said, smiling at his expense before motioning up and down at his attire. Surely she looked more the part than he did in that crisp suit.
“I’m guessing you either work here or cannot help me at all,” she added, sliding into the space between him and a Neolutionist punk.
Re: [Robin] Transacted Transfusion
Posted: 14 Nov 2016, 08:37
by Robin Little
The red was handed over, the glass at least an ordinary glass and not some fancy gothic goblet. Robin nodded his thanks, the glass barely brought to his lips when he was addressed. A glance was spared for the woman and also for her attire.
”At least you’ve got the colours down?” he asked. Black was the theme. Colours bounced in every now and again but they were rare. Or red. Rare, red. Same difference, right? At least the white of her shirt matched the skin tone of the regulars. Robin thought about making another joke. He thought about telling her he owned the place. Though his suit was impressive, it wasn’t ‘club owner’ impressive. That was a lie he didn’t think he’d be able to pull off.
”I work here,” he said, laughter fading as he assumed a semi-serious air of professional-ness. If that was something that Robin could achieve. At least he was doing better now than he had in the beginning. He wasn’t fumbling over himself. He had a certain twinge of confidence. It came out to play whenever he wore one of his better suits – and at least tonight he hadn’t had any clients yet. He didn’t have to worry that there might be some stray drop of blood on his crisp white collar that he had failed to clean up.
A couple of spare shirts were kept in the staff room, just in case.
”How can I help?” he asked. He assumed it would be a question he could refer to someone else. He was but a lowly Blood Doll. What answers could he possible have?
Re: [Robin] Transacted Transfusion
Posted: 28 Dec 2016, 18:07
by Mackenzie (DELETED 8346)
The man seemed sympathetic enough. A glance at his wine glass made her realise she’d been so intent on her goal for the evening, that she’d forgone the habitual, smooth way of going about business. If she was honest with herself however, this wasn’t the sort of place she pictured herself getting comfortable in. That, and she’d already had half a bottle to tame her nerves.
Unable to lie, and too direct for her on good, Mackenzie told him exactly what she wanted.
“I’m looking for fresh vampire blood.”
In any other circumstance she would have been embarrassed, but he’d assured her that he worked here, and thus she expected him to know exactly what she was referring to. After all, it was no secret that this was the place to come. At least, it wasn’t a secret amidst the vampires she’d frequented thus far. And by the looks of it, the establishment prided itself in its alternative image.
Re: [Robin] Transacted Transfusion
Posted: 21 Jan 2017, 09:07
by Robin Little
The word had spread, and customers such as these were not uncommon. They knew what they wanted, and they weren't afraid to ask for it -- especially now that vampires had come out of the 'coffin', as people liked to put it. Personally, Robin thought it was cliche. Before he answered, he took a slow mouthful of the wine, the taste at firsty tangy but smooth as it slid over his tongue and down his throat. The glass would not be finished. He had a job to do, right? That's why he was here, not to drink all night.
"You've come to the right place," he said, the glass of wine placed back on the bar top, ready to be pushed away and discarded as soon as the terms were set.
"And you've found the right person," he said, offering a grin that lacked smarm but was chock-full of a quiet kind of charm, one that attached itself to the awkward and oblivious. Robin was unlike many allurists. His tongue did not drip compliments, and he did not ooze grace. But, like a puppy who'd known no neglect he was welcoming and open with his friendliness. He was friends with the world, and barely judged a single soul. He was alluring not for his sex-appeal, but because he was the boy next door.
"Blood thief, I take it? I have to be sure of these things. I need to make sure you know what you're buying," he said. After the Maddison incident, he was sure to ask every client what their purpose was before going through with the sale.
Re: [Robin] Transacted Transfusion
Posted: 04 Feb 2017, 03:13
by Mackenzie (DELETED 8346)
Leukaemia had robbed Mackenzie of more than she’d believed herself capable of losing. In turn, it had also given her a great gift: while her determination and stubbornness were of no surprise to anyone she acquainted, such voracious an illness had revealed the extent of her tireless resolve. It was more than survival that had led the ailing human into this lifestyle however, it was the desire to have the final say — especially in this matter. Her bone marrow was still riddled with ticking bombs that might very well take her to the grave, but not today.
The immortal blood she consumed weekly denied the cancer of the exploitable human frailty — it kept her alive. The benefits outweighed the possible danger she was putting herself into by approaching this man. There were all types of vampires in this city, and there was no telling she’d not walked in on a trap designed for someone exactly like herself. Not all vampires took kindly to her kind, which was ironic given a vampire’s very nature was to leech blood off others. It was rare to be dealt a bad hand though, and skilled in business as she was, Mackenzie was capable of reading people with a fair degree of accuracy.
This man wouldn’t hurt her. In fact, he came across as endearingly sincere.
The blood thief wondered, briefly, how old he was.
Whatever his age, he certainly seemed experienced.
Her gaze followed the glass of wine before flitting to the bartender — too far away to order. Mackenzie was not against drawing attention to herself (usually), but waving her arm around for the man’s attention was too collegial an act for her. Licking her full lips, she glanced back at the nameless vampire.
“Set your terms,” she said, shifting her weight until she was comfortably leaning on her forearm, the thick leather sleeve keeping her skin from touching the sticky, damp countertop. “All I want is privacy, a fair price, and clean blood — no drugs.”
Re: [Robin] Transacted Transfusion
Posted: 13 Feb 2017, 10:01
by Robin Little
”My terms…” Robin repeated, a smile settled upon naturally tainted lips. No drugs? Were that he could consume drugs and that they would have an effect, perhaps he’d have failed this customer’s expectations. But given Robin was lacking in the ability to enjoy his previous highs, there were definitely no drugs in his system. It would have been a waste of money.
”We vampires have to buy blood every now again, too. The price given to us is basically the same, regardless of where we go. My price is much of a muchness – the same. Three hundred for a pint,” he said. He thought it was fair. Quid Pro Quo, right?
”We have booths reserved for the blood dolls and their customers,” he said, gesturing to the part of the nightclub that was cordoned off, VIP, a bouncer standing steadfastly by the black rope. No one who was not invited by the club’s staff would be allowed back. No one would interrupt.
”Drugs no longer have any effect on me, so there are none in my system. My terms – only that you know what you are doing, and that you know if anything were to go wrong, if you consume too much, it’s on your shoulders. You have consumed vampire blood before?” he asked, wanting to make sure. Those who had not trained their bodies to withstand and sustain the blood of vampires… well, it sometimes could not be pretty.
”We can wait until you’ve ordered your drink,” he said. There was no rush, was there?
Re: [Robin] Transacted Transfusion
Posted: 18 Feb 2017, 04:42
by Mackenzie (DELETED 8346)
The price of vampire blood at any of the city’s underground shops was at a 90% markup, but Mackenzie refrained from correcting him. His logic was infallible and while an eye for an eye made the whole world blind, she saw little reason to pay more than was necessary. It was higher than what most blood thieves offered to pay for a pint, but if he could assure her quality then she’d eagerly shell out an extra hundred. Not to mention there was probably a percentage of commission taken by the establishment, and if they priced it any higher than what it was, people would forgo booths and privacy for the seclusion of a dark alleyway or dingy van.
“Mm, I have. Nearly nine months since I started,” she replied, casting another glance towards the bartender. He wasn’t any closer to them now than he’d been earlier. Licking her lips, Mackenzie returned her attention to the vampire. Truth be told, she was already beginning to feel the effects of the wine. Or perhaps it was the smokey atmosphere and flashing lights.
“I’d rather get to it, if it’s no bother to you. I have the cash already.”
It occurred to her that she didn’t know his name, nor he hers. Briefly, she wondered if it mattered. Undecided as to the answer, she pushed off the countertop and glanced around them. Perhaps it’d be easier to think once they were somewhere more… quiet.
Re: [Robin] Transacted Transfusion
Posted: 26 Feb 2017, 09:39
by Robin Little
Every client was different.
Some likes to prolong the goal and spend more time with the vampire whose blood they would eventually consume. Sometimes it was nerves that kept them at bay, Robin easing them into the idea like young adults having sex for the first time. Some simply enjoyed the pleasure of a waiting. Others, much like those young adults having sex for the first time, couldn’t keep their hands off him, eager to get to the prize, to the climax, rushing for the inevitable high.
Some, again, just wanted to get it over with -- feeding was not a joy to them, there was no pleasure in it, and they preferred the convenience of getting it done without fuss.
This woman was tending toward the latter. Whether she lacked the pleasure and only had the need, Robin did not know, nor did he feel it was his place to ask. He followed her lead and stood when she did, a hand hovering at the small of her back as he gestured toward the cordoned off section of the club. Once she knew where they were heading, he led her through the least crowded path to their destination. Robin nodded at the bouncer who nodded in return, reaching for the rope and unclipping it, allowing the two of them through.
”My name’s Robin,” he said as he paused by their destined booth, after which he held open the curtain and stood aside to allow his client to enter first. They were possibly about to get quite familiar with each other. A name, he thought, was a requirement. The music from the club dropped away, somewhat -- still loud, but less invasive.
”Do you have preferences? I have a small blade if you haven’t the means to break skin. I can offer the vein from neck, wrist… wherever you prefer,” he said. It was a strange conversation to have, but one that Robin had grown accustomed to.
