Fat City Blues Club (Jay)

[Dhara]

*Back Dated to 2 June 2017*

Jay: “Stop changing the ****ing set list!” Jay had finally snapped. Ripping a paper from Sonnie's hand. He was always trying to change things up. Sonnie had true passion, for his small orchestra, and for the style of music Jay and the Sonnies Orchestra performed. That is, when they could land a gig. Tonight’s show, at the Fat City blues club in Toronto, was likely the biggest they had ever played. Just the thought turned Jay's stomach. How many would be in the audience? Jay wondered. Sonnie said nothing, as Jay wrote out the original set list, before handing it back. He took a deep breath while doing so, his hands were already getting a little clammy. “I would just feel more comfortable, if we stuck to what we practiced…” Use nice words. Jay reminded himself, mentally. Sonnie just gave a nod, muttering a ”Sure, man.” before heading in with the orchestra, to set up. Jay would hang around outside for a while. He always liked to clear his head before a show. Anything to help shake some of the nerves. He would walk a little way from the entrance of the club, pacing the sidewalk. If he screwed this up, the Fat City blues club would never have them back as anything more than an opening act.

Dhara: She was restless, as always, and so she took the rarely driven silver Mercedes and went out for a spin. Driving the car made her nervous, she still had trouble believing it was hers. She thought any moment her boss would ask for the keys back. But tonight, tonight was the exception. She found herself in Toronto of all places, driving around the unfamiliar city. Her amber eyes roved over neon signs until one caught her eye and had her turning around. Fat City Blues Club. She parked the car and hopped out, being sure to lock it securely. Her satchel was slung over her head to sit cross body, and she pulled her snow white hair free of the strap.

As she tucked her keys away, she looked around, then headed for the club, a hand holding onto the strap of her bag. She paused to pay the parking attendant, making small talk before heading towards the club. Amber eyes roved over the sidewalk as the tiny woman walked along, holding her ankle length black skirt up a little to avoid any stray puddles or dirt. Her eyes landed on a tall, but clean cut young man and she smiled, even though he seemed to be a bit nervous. She played at guessing his height, perhaps a foot taller than her, but certainly no more. She studied his features as she neared him, her smile still in place. “Good evening.” She said as she drew even with him, but she didn’t stop to chat, instead moving past him and into the club to find a seat and listen to the live music that had been advertised.

Jay: His attempt at a clam down, was failing. His palms already sweating a little, he truly felt on the verge of throwing up. “Get your **** together Jay.” He spoke to himself quietly. His eyes shutting a moment, playing over all the little details he was to add to his performance. Nearly every step was planned, one had little room for mistake. These types of shows were meant to feel light hearted. Jay had spent countless hours on youtube, watching his favorites, like the rat pack. Studying the way, they moved, hand gestures and facial expressions. It was the fair haired woman approach that settled his thoughts for a moment. Perhaps a little too much, as Jay found himself offering only an awkward wave. Silently cursing himself, as he said not a single word, and the woman would be on her way inside the club. This is why you have hardly any friends. He quietly told himself, but knew it was likely his temper that drove those off that knew him.

He waited a moment, and would head into the club. Inside, the orchestra had already set up. Jay made his way towards the stage. Music for the first song on the set, I’ve got you under my skin had begun to play. Jay was in no hurry, as he could not help but search the crowed, for the fair haired woman. He thought he could see her, and when on stage, Jay would speak first in that direction. “Good evening.” Smiling, while removing the microphone from its stand. On stage, Jay could look calm and collected, but his heart was racing. “Thank you all for coming out tonight. I am Jay, and this is Sonnie and his orchestra.” Following his words, Jay went right into I’v got you under my skin. He nailed every note, every hand gesture and smile, just like Frank. Jay was playing to an audience tonight. His heart raced faster.

Dhara: She’d found a table near the stage, almost dead center, and ordered a drink. Nothing fancy, a cranberry and club soda since she didn’t ever drink alcohol. She saw the nervous man from outside when he came in and joined his fellows on the stage. A pleasant surprise indeed. She felt eyes on her and her amber gaze lifted to his grey one, a smile on her lips as she watched him perform. Her eyes never left him as he sang. She watched his every move, her fingers tapping on the table in perfect timing with his song.

She couldn’t take her eyes off of him, he seemed so different from the man she had seen outside, the one with nerves and anxiety. He appeared confident, flawless and his voice was perfect for the song. She found that she was quite glad she’d gone out tonight and ended up here. A smile curved her lips as she sipped on her drink, her eyes continuing to follow his every step and gesture as she listened to the music play.

Jay: The orchestra would go right into Fly me to the moon, the flow flawless. Jay made good use of the stage, as movement was one way of keeping calm. Jay sang on, with all the heart and soul he could manage. His left hand nearly death gripping his microphone, while his right fidgeted with cord. All little things Jay used to put himself at ease, while on stage. He also liked to use a focal point, one typically an inanimate object, but Jay found himself looking ahead, dead center stage. He kept telling himself it was not because of the fair-haired woman. It was hard not to take notice of her smile, and he found himself smiling a little more so than usual.
The set went on, with Just in time, The way you look tonight, Moonlight Serenade, Smile, and I Love You for Sentimental Reasons. Jay and Sonnie would make small banter at times, between songs. It was all rehearsed, but never came off as such. With the end of the set, Jay would ask for the crowd to give a hand for the orchestra, and for Sonnie. Taking a small bow himself, Jay thanked the audience, before exiting the stage. He would help the orchestra pack up, and Sonnie would be on his way with them. Most everything done in silence.

Jay made way to his car, ironically finding he had locked the keys within. The car was not in the best of shape, and it didn’t help then as he kicked the door out of frustration. A dent left in its place, and he would lean against the rust bucket. A silent trail of curse words leaving his mouth, as momentarily his eyes clenched tightly shut. Counting heartbeats, Jay forced himself to take in deep slow breaths. Once he both counted and felt it slow, his eyes would open, taking in sight of the club. The main act was now playing, but it was more of a blues style music. Looking to his phone, of course it was dead. Jay would head back inside. Ordering a water, he found himself drawn in by the music, but also the fair-haired woman. He would make way to her table, and not be awkward in asking, “Mind if I have a seat?’

[Jay (DELETED 9366)]

Dhara: Her applause was enthusiastic and genuine at the end of each song and she found she was a little sad when the whole set was done. She could watch and listen all night. The next group was a blues band and while it wasn’t horrible, it also wasn’t her thing. She listened to a few songs, then tugged a notebook out of her bag. She listened with one ear, creating a ‘To-Do’ list for tomorrow. Her routine never changed, but she always made a list, just to ensure she wouldn’t miss anything.

She glanced up as the waitress brought her another cranberry and club soda, then went back to her list. Her writing was neat and precise, the German, her native language, flowing across the page. Making lists made her calm and happy. She glanced up at the band, her pen tapping on the ink covered page. She figured it was probably time to go when there was a voice at her elbow. She looked over, then up, tucking her white hair behind her ear with a smile when she saw it was the singer from earlier.

“No, I do not mind. Please join me.” She motioned to an empty chair, closing her notebook and tucking it away. Amber eyes fixed on him, as if he were the only person in the room. She gave him her undivided attention as he settled in a chair. She waited for him to be comfortable, then offered a delicate, pale hand by way of introduction. “I am Dhara. You sang an excellent set tonight.” The compliment was delivered in a lilting, accented voice, her words were honest and simple, a genuine compliment in an age when so few were really given.

Jay: “Thanks.” He shared with a smile. As he took a seat, Jay would have a long drink of his water. Finding his mouth was parched. His heart also still raced. After show nerves, as he called it. He watched her for a moment, between stealing a glance to the band. She had introduced herself, and he would be quick to shake the hand offered. “Thank you, Dahra. It is a Pleasure to meet you. I am Jay.” Smiling even more, as he realized he had technically already introduced himself. “That is my real name. Not just a stage name…” He joked, unsure why he thought that would come off as funny.

“About outside. Before show nerves.” Speaking, and relaxing a little more in his seat. His eyes lingering a little more to the band, as sips of water were taken. His heart rate slowing little by little. His leg shook a little under the table. “It was our first time playing here.” He shared. Finding small talk had a way of going well, if you started by sharing something simple about yourself.

Dhara: “A pleasure to meet you, Jay.” She took a sip of her drink and smiled at him again. “Your first time? You could not tell that you were nervous. Not at all. Unless one had seen you outside.” She chuckled softly. She glanced to the band and then back to her companion. “I thought you had left? Or did you come back because you like blues music?” She herself was not a fan, so she focused on him instead of the band.

Jay: He found comfort in her words, in knowing they were all truths. She didn’t seem to mind. With her question, Jay would begin speaking before thinking the words through fully. As a result, he rambled a little. “I will. I mean I did. I do.” He laughed a little then, before trying again. “I don’t mind the blues, but had tried to leave. Locked my keys in my car.” He admitted. Finishing the water from his glass, Jay found he still felt parched. “Came back in to collect my thoughts, before making my next move.” He spoke seriously, but attempted to make light of his situation. “Like, do I want to break a window? Could be a long walk home..” He couldn’t even recall who had his spare. Had I given anyone a spare? “I think playing the blues, is far more enjoyable.” He spoke then, on watching the band. “Do you enjoy listening to the blues?”

Dhara: She frowned at his misfortune. It had to suck to lock your keys in the car. “That is unfortunate indeed. Do you have a tow service who can come unlock it? Where is home? I mean… how long of a walk would it be?” She contemplated offering him a ride but didn’t want to seem like she was being creepy. Plus she kept hearing the voices of her sire and her friend, urging her to have more caution in her life and not just throw herself into potentially dangerous situations.

She glanced at the band and made a face. “Not particularly.” She said, toying with the violin charm that hung at her neck. “To be honest I have no idea why I came here. I was just restless and drove to Toronto for the evening. Saw this place and decided to come in. I prefer renaissance, or classical, or the kind you were doing. I believe they were referred to as ‘The Rat Pack’?”

Jay: Her reaction, lightened his mood. She had not poked fun at his misfortune. “It would be cheaper to just break a window.” He said with a smile. As if perhaps joking. By cheaper, of course, he meant it would be covered with plastic and the edges duck taped, if it rained. “I’m from Harper Rock.” He would add, in response to how long a walk would be.

Jay found it surprising then to find she was not overly fond of blues music. She enjoyed the rat pack though, and he couldn’t help but smile wider. Jay was a big fan of the rat pack himself. “Do you play?” He found himself asking, and make a motion to the violin charm she toyed with.

Dhara: He was from Harper Rock. Perhaps a casual coincidence, but for the young woman, it seemed it was fate that she had come here tonight. She turned her amber gaze back on him and smiled, nodding at his question. “I do. Violin, lute both twelve and twenty four string, piano, guitar…. Pretty much anything with strings or keys.” She said it in such a way that he could tell she wasn’t bragging, but rather stating a simple fact. She was very musically inclined. “I sing, too. I used to make a living by playing on street corners and the like. I used the money to travel the world.”

She sipped her drink and tapped her fingers on the tabletop, then toyed with the violin again. She was never one who was able to sit still for very long and it showed in the quick, bird like movements of her long fingers. Only her eyes stayed still, focused on him as if searching for something. Finally she drew a breath and offered a smile. “I am from Harper Rock as well. Since you do not appear to be an axe murderer of some sort, I’d like to offer you a ride. It seems silly to me to leave you here when I am heading in the same direction.”

[Dhara]

Jay: “You must be amazing..” The words just left him, after she confessed to making enough money to travel the world. No doubt the woman was musically gifted. “I can play the piano, that’s about it…” He admitted. Jay was known to dabble with percussion, but he had never been coordinated enough to master the drums. He was always trying to talk Sunny into letting him play during the shows. Maybe one day, Jay told himself. He just had to find a way to prove himself, or show his anxiety could be held under control.

It was the offer of a ride that took him back. Jay thought for a moment, remembering just where his spare key was. “If you are sure, I could pay you for your troubles.” He paused a moment. Reminding himself that she had admitted to being restless, and that’s why she came to town. “I am in no hurry though.” Not like he had anything to rush home to, nor would he rush a kind stranger.

Dhara: “It’s really no trouble.” She smiled at him, looking shy at the compliment to her talent. “I don’t know about amazing, but I managed to earn enough for bus fare and food and stuff.” She finished her drink and smiled at him. “If you have a spare key, I can even bring you back to your car so you don’t have to walk or try and take a cab.” She picked up her bag and started digging for her keys, tugging them out. “You don’t need to pay me, really. I’m sire you would do the same and help someone in need.”

She glanced at the band and made a face before looking back at him with a smile. “I’m ready when you are. I mean if you’re certain about taking a ride with a stranger.”

Jay: He might have seemed a little hesitant. This due to his limited experience with someone being so overly nice to him. She seemed genuine. “Thank you.” But he decided he would find some way to pay her back, somehow. She even assumed he would do the same for someone else. Jay liked to think he would, especially now. Who was this woman, who did random acts of kindness and looked for good in others? With catching the last of her words, he smirked and stood. “Ready. Can’t claim this to be my first time, riding with a stranger.” Jay felt Dhara to be a kind stranger. If anything, it was simply a gut feeling, and Jay always trusted himself.

Dhara: She chuckled softly and walked with him out of the club. They chatted quietly as they walked to the parking lot and she found she was enjoying the company. For all his claims of being anxious, she guessed it had to be stage related nerves because she was finding him to be witty and charming. Overall excellent company. She had her keys in one hand, her other hand holding the strap to her satchel where it crossed over her chest.

She pressed the button on her keyfob and the lights on the Mercedes blinked, accompanied by a soft beep of the alarm disengaging. As they approached her car, a shadow detached itself and took the form of a large, menacing man. The stranger reeked of booze and other things that were best left unnamed and Dhara instantly was afraid, though the only sign was the widening of her eyes.

“Give me your keys, your wallet and your bag.” The man rasped out, and it was then that Dhara saw the gun he held in shaking hands, swinging it back and forth between the two people who stood in front of him. She licked her lips and nodded mutely, not sure what to do or say. She could survive a bullet, but she knew her companion couldn’t. She knew because she could hear his heartbeat, the thing that she lacked. She also lacked the ability to defend either one of them. She detested violence of any kind, her hands already shaking at the mere threat of violence and she dropped her keys, causing the stranger to start screaming at her to hurry up.

She bent down to scoop up her keys, hands still shaking. It wasn’t just car keys, it was her house keys, and the keys to the properties she managed. The key ring that she managed to clutch in her small hand literally opened dozens of doors in her life. “I’m sorry…” She whispered to the stranger, apologizing for her clumsiness and her nerves. She didn’t want to give up her keys or anything else, but she realized she had no choice. She glanced at Jay to see what he was doing or thinking. This certainly was not how she figured the night would turn out.

Jay: Walking out of the club with Dhara, Jay found the small talk pleasant. She didn’t come off as judgmental, and her kindness still had him in higher spirits. They approached the car, and before Jay even had time to consider what the woman drove, another man was stepping out. Jay felt himself tense a little instantly, his heart racing. The overpowering smell of alcohol did not go unnoticed. Great, just great. Typical. Such thoughts rattled within Jays mind.

Jay kept quiet only at first. Unsure for a moment, and not wanting to act out of anxiety driven rage. When hearing Dhara apologize, to the armed man, that was when Jay began to speak. His eyes never left the man with the gun. “We will not be giving you anything.” He mustered as much confidence as he could, as he spoke to the gunman. His attempts at finding a way to confuse the man. “Get in the car dear.” He spoke to Dhara, but Jay would hold his attention to the man with the gun, that now held to him alone. Slow breaths He told himself, but nothing would help his racing heart. Adrenalin, flooded his bloodstream.

A string of actions happened then. Jay would use a power, obtained from his blood thief habits, and a swarm of insects, would cloud the drunkard. Jay would steal a glance back to Dhara, urging her to get into the car. A shot would be fired. The man pulling the trigger, as he attempted to free himself from the swarm. The bullet sinking deep into Jays side.

Dhara: She took a half step towards the car when a swarm of bugs came out of nowhere. She knew she didn’t do it, it wasn’t an ability she possessed. But before she could think to much about it, a shot rang out, the sound echoing on the buildings. She smelled gunpowder and blood, her hands tightening on the keys she held. She could see the hints of blood peeking out from the navy jacket he wore and she frowned. This was so not how the night was supposed to go. And where in the world were all the people. She reasoned that they couldn’t hear anything over the music and the streets were mostly empty. She reversed direction and headed towards Jay, but before she could reach him, another shot rang out. Jay collapsed and the drunk ran away. Lifting her skirt, she ran towards her new friend and rolled him over.

Her hands shook as she pushed his blazer aside, the red of his blood was startling against the white of his shirt. Reaching out, she pressed her hands over his chest, whispering to him, begging him not to die, to speak to her. To do anything that would let her know he had a chance of surviving. When no answer came, and there was too much time between breaths, she knew there was only one thing that could be done.

Pushing her white hair from her face, she left streaks of his blood on her skin and in the silken strands. She then dug in her bag, finding her first aid kit and the sharp scissors inside. Since she had no fangs, it was the next best option. She tried to calm her shaking hands as she crawled to his head, lifting it up and placing his head against her knee. She cut deep, then dropped the scissors and opened his mouth with her free hand. Her bleeding wrist was pressed to his lips, and she stroked his throat to induce him into swallowing. Her tears dripped off her chin and onto his cheeks. She never intended to turn any one, let alone without a choice. “I’m so sorry…” She whispered over and over, finally pulling her wrist away and closing the wounds. She stroked her fingers through his hair, waiting in silence for something… anything to happen.

[Jay (DELETED 9366)]

Jay: The last thing Jay could remember, was the second shot fired. His world went black, and Jay was sure this was the end. Visions of his life flashed, and Jay would even recall seeing a bright light. One where loved ones beckoned him to join them. They all looked so happy, yet all Jay could think of was the fair haired woman. Was she safe?! As he slowly came to, calmed by the feel of her touching his hair. Jay would mutter something he thought could be funny, at the time. "Happy birthday." He said, and would even manage a small laugh. Maybe she had seen frosty the snowman, as that was where he had gotten the quote. Frosty had always said such, whenever he awoke.

Something was wrong though. His face felt wet, and the taste of blood hinted his mouth. "Dhara, are you ok?!" His concern distracted him a moment, but it would not take long to notice the lack of a beating heart. His heart should have been racing. "You.... You saved my life...." His eyes locked on her. He wanted to say more, but still felt very weak. He made no attempt to get up right away. "Are you ok? Did he hurt you?" Jay tried then to sit up, as he looked to her.

Dhara: His eyes opened and she felt elation like she had never experienced. It worked, she had made a vampire. She wasn’t sure why he said ‘happy birthday’ but she ignored it, passing it off as a side effect of being turned. She swiped at her tears, streaking blood on her pale skin. She helped him sit up, looking him over, as tears continued to fall.

“I’m fine…” Her hands shook and she was ice cold. “I.. he shot you. And then…” She swallowed hard, “I am… I am so sorry. I did not save you… I turned you. I am sorry. I made you a vampire. I did not want you to die because of me.” She wasn’t sure what else to say as she stared at him. “Please do not hate me…”

Jay: Sitting up, Jay would take a moment to inspect his wounds. To him this was not as big a deal. He had not guessed it to be, at least. His hand would rub at his throat briefly. Water was far from the first thing on his mind. He could still taste the blood at his lips, and his mouth even watered a little. It was not until the woman spoke, that his attention pulled away from blood, and back to her. Jay would first take hold of her hands, speaking calmly. "Dhara, I could never hate you. Never. Ok." As he spoke, Jay would take the decorative cloth from his jacket front pocket, and gently brush tears from her cheeks. It was killing him to see her in such a way.

"I am a bloodthief, well I would buy vampire blood to drink for fun anyways...." He would shut his mouth then, worried he was just going to make the situation awkward. Jay was truly grateful. His arms would move then, to embrace her a moment. "It's ok. We are ok." He assured her. His words 100% confident, as he would would do whatever it took to make it so.

Dhara: He was being so calm and rational, it surprised her. She looked him over, feeling hopeful at his words. A bloodthief… that explained the swarm of bugs then. It didn’t change her mind about having turned him and she even dared a tiny smile. When he hugged her, she wrapped her arms around him and held on tightly, her face tucked against his neck, a few more tears escaping to fall against his skin. She didn’t let go, even when she began to speak again.

“I am glad you do not hate me.” She said quietly. “Thank you for trying to protect me.” A soft sigh, she really was useless when it came to acts of violence. “I will still bring you back to Harper Rock. You can stay in my guest bedroom if you like. And then tomorrow we can come get your car. If that is okay with you. And you do not have to stay with me, I just… you have been through a lot.” She paused because she was babbling at him. “I have blood, too. You will need it. I am sure you must be hungry.”

She finally loosened her hold, but took his hands in her own ice cold ones, giving them a gentle squeeze. “I will help you in any way I can. You have my word.”

Jay: There was something unexpectedly calming, a feeling that washed over him, as he held her for the moment. Jay could honestly not recall anyone having cried over his well being before. He was truly overcome by her kindness, even before now. With hearing her words, he made no form of protest. Jay knew himself to be weak still from his wounds, and honestly he didn't want to be away from her right now. "Thank you. That actually sounds really great." All of it. The safe place to sleep, blood and Dhara would be right there. "Will you be alright to drive?" He could not help worrying, she still seemed shaken.

"After all of this, can I still see you? I mean..." Jay was not sure how all of this worked. He had heard of vampires who never knew the vampires who turned them. "I would like to." He added, before stealing a glance around. "We should probably go soon. With two shots fired, I am surprised none has shown up yet." Looking down, he caught sight of a lot of his own blood, that now stained the pavement.

Dhara: “I can yes.” She got to her feet and offered him a teary smile. “Drive I mean.” She held out a hand for him, to help him up. “Of course you can. We can. See each other again, that is.” Speaking English was difficult for the small German woman when she got upset. “I am not going to turn you and abandon you. I promise that whatever you need I will be there for you.”

She helped him in the car and slid in herself, turning on the heater and the seat warmers. Jay was asleep before they’d gotten to far from the club and she drove in silence, keeping the radio off. She was tired and wide awake at the same time, fingers tapping on the steering wheel as she debated where to take him. There was only one apartment she really felt safe in, her own little sanctuary, so she took him there. As she pulled up to the curb and shut the car off, she reached over and gently shook him awake. “We’re here.” She said softly, taking her keys and climbing out of the car.

She waited for him to join her, then lead him inside. They went up the elevator and down the hall to the very end. She unlocked her door and ushered him inside. There was a baby grand piano, covered in picture frames and small objects, like foreign coins, mosaic tile and ribbons. In the living room was a couch, coffee table and recliner. Even though there was a TV and entertainment center, it was clear from the blanket and the book on the arm of the couch that it was hardly used.

“This is my apartment. You are welcome to stay as long as you want or need.” She went to the kitchen to make herself some coffee and heat up some blood for him. “There are shades on the windows to protect from the sun. I have a spare toothbrush in the bathroom. There’s a robe in the closet and I have a washer and dryer. I can get the blood out of your shirt and sew up the holes.” Her hands started shaking again as she thought about what had happened. She took a few deep breaths and poured herself some coffee. She set his mug of blood on the dining room table and took a chair, offering him a small smile. “Drink, there is plenty more where that came from.”

[Dhara]

Jay: He found comfort within her words, as he took the hand offered to stand. "Thank you Dhara." Was all that he managed to get out, before she was helping him in. He didn't fight the exhaustion, as it washed over him. The warmth of the car, and the smooth ride back to Harper Rock. Before he knew it, Dhara was waking him, and they were headed into an unfamiliar place to him.

The moment they walked into her place, his eyes instantly fell first on the piano. It was quite tempting to head over and play his fingers over the keys. Perhaps later, Jay told himself. "You have a beautiful home." His eyes took in all the small details, as he listened to her talk. Dhara was so well prepared. He found himself wondering how long the woman had been a vampire. With mention of the shutters, it sunk in for Jay, that he would never feel the sun in a pleasant way again. Being alive was worth it, but many things would change for him now.

Jay would have a seat at the table, as she set out the blood for him. "It smells really great." He would smile, before continuing his broken record of gratitude. "Thank you." He said again, before taking a long drink from his cup, and then it was gone. Looking to his empty cup, all he could think of was wanting more. "How often do you..." His worlds trailed off, as his stomach suddenly felt as if it was not liking what had been sent down. "I feel kind of sick..." Jay looked a little frantic then. "Restroom?" But it was too late, and Jay would jump from his chair, and sprint to the kitchen sink. All the blood he had just drunk, all came right back up. "Oh god... I'm sorry... I..." Turning on the water, he would clean out the sink, and his face. His heart no longer raced, but Jay could certainly still feel the effects of anxiety that pressed now.

Dhara: Before she could point he was up and at the sink. She felt a stab of worry for him, and as he rinsed out the sink, she rose from her chair. She moved on silent feet and got a glass out of the cabinet, filling it with water. She touched a cold hand to his cheek and smiled gently. “It is alright. We will get through this together.” She offered him the glass. “You can rinse with this if you like. Maybe try swallowing a sip or two, that might help us figure out what path you are.”

She moved to collect his mug and make him some more blood. A nagging thought played in her mind. He was a bloodthief in his previous life. What if he could only have vampire blood as a result? Well they would cross that bridge when they came to it. The microwave beeped and she stirred his drink before setting it down on the table. “How often do I?” She asked, wanting to know the rest of his question. “You can ask me anything and I will answer as best I am able.”

Jay: With the feel of her cold hand, upon his cheek, Jay found himself calming again. He did best to focus on her smile, and encouraging words. We will get through this together. Jay told himself this over, within thought. As she handed him the glass of water, Jay would heed her words, and rinse out his mouth, before taking a few sips. The cold water felt nice going down. "Thanks..."

After rinsing his face off again with water, Jay would join her back at the table. He would take a few more sips of water, before speaking. "How often must you feed?" Asked, as his hand reached for the new mug of blood. The smell was overpowering, as if a new sense allowed him to pick up on it. His mouth watered again, but he was a little hesitant, and for the moment just held the mug. Finally he would take a few small sips, but found his stomach turning a little again. "Do new vampires have trouble feeding at first?"

Dhara: “I don’t feed any more, I boost my own blood. But before, only once a day. I have never fed off a human. I have always purchased blood.” She watched him drink the water and keep it down, nibbling on her lip before she took a sip of her coffee. “I think you must be an Allurist, if the water does not bother you. I had a terrible time teaching myself to drink coffee again.” She grimaced at the memory. “It took months and it made me incredibly sick.”

She watched him sip at the blood and his question brought a frown to her lips. She had never heard of new vampires having trouble with feeding. Be it fresh blood or bagged. She toyed with the violin charm at her throat, her mind moving to another vampire, another time, and the knowledge she had gained from him. She bit her lip again and rose from the table to move to the counter. “I would like to try something if you are willing.” She said as she took a third mug from the cabinet. She pulled out a sharp paring knife and cut deeply into her wrist. She held her bleeding wrist over the mug and smiled at him. “I do not have fangs.” She explained, answering the question before he could ask it.

Once the mug was a quarter full, she brought her wrist to her mouth and licked the wound closed. She brought the mug back to the table and swapped out her blood for the bagged blood, taking a deep drink of the still warm blood. She knew she probably needed more than one bag given how much she’d lost. “I think, perhaps, you can only ingest vampire blood. Maybe because of being a bloodthief before turning... “ She drained the mug of blood and licked her lips. To her it tasted amazing. “Maybe try drinking my blood instead?” There was only understanding in her amber gaze, understanding and a desire to do whatever it took to help him.

Jay: Wait she makes her own blood? Jay wondered if that was something he could learn to do. He was a little surprised at her having never fed from a human before. With her mention of having no fangs, it kind of made sense. Before Jay could voice anything, his complete attention was stolen by her actions. She was cutting herself, and it ate at him to know the woman was causing pain to herself, on his behalf. The smell of the blood struck him. A taste he already knew.

His eyes held to the new mug in hand, as he voiced something then. "I have heard around.... Some vampires are not fond of those who drink vampire blood. Is that true? I never told hardly anyone about being a bloodthief." The last part he admitted, and was not quite sure why. Jay didn't want to be the cause of any more trouble for her. He could not even wait for the answer anyways. Jay would bring it to his lips. Slowly taking it down, but not placing the mug back to the table until it was empty. "I feel you are right..." His eyes held to her, asking still if this was a bad thing.

Dhara: She sat and watched him, her own empty mug sitting on the table. She would make herself another cup shortly, but this was more important. She touched his hand lightly, then wrapped her tiny hand around his to squeeze his fingers gently. “It is true. But I will keep you safe. I will keep you supplied with blood.” She smiled lightly at him, then got up to make herself more blood. She was ravenously hungry and she could only imagine he was as well.

“Here…” She said, coming over to the table with her knife. She had blood warming in the microwave for herself and so she cut deeply into her wrist again, holding it over the mug for him, wanting to make sure he was satiated. It was her fault that he was in this mess as it was. Now she wanted to do everything she could to protect and keep him safe. Once the mug was full, she licked the wound closed, just as the microwave beeped. She grabbed her mug and came back, clinking it against his with a small smile. “Cheers…”

[Jay (DELETED 9366)]

Jay: The world felt as if it were moving, the room spinning around him. Dharas touch grounded him, pulling back his focus. She confirmed his suspicion about vampire blood drinkers. Jay didn't feel fear of such, knowing he could figure things out with Dharas help. Still, he cringed again, as the woman yet again cut herself. A mix of emotions, guilt paired with hunger for what filled his mug, rushed over him once again. "Cheers." He smiled a little brighter, before taking a drink from his glass; forcing himself not to chug the whole thing down. "Thank you." He was still overcome by her kindness. Knowing had he just broken his car window and left, she might not be in this mess. Or worse, she could have been the one shot. Jay found the last thought unbearable. He vowed to himself then that he would never let anything bad happen to her, if he could help it. "Do you like being a vampire?"

Dhara: She watched him, ensuring he was drinking, perhaps henning a little. But she was concerned for his well being and wanted to make sure he was safe and sound. She sipped from her mug, fingers tapping on the white ceramic as she thought about his question. “Most of the time I do. It is a little lonely sometimes, and I miss the sun. But I am working on being able to go out into the sun again. There is pretty much nothing you cannot learn, powers wise that is.”

She sipped from her mug and then licked her lips. “I am a Mystic, that is what I started as. But I have learned powers from all kinds of paths. Necromancer, Shadow, Shifter, Summoner, Fadewalker, and Immortal so far. I have been a vampire for a year and a half now. I was turned on Christmas day in 2015. It took some getting used to, but I have a good sire who helped.” She didn’t mention that they had been dating at the time, or that they’d married shortly after. She didn’t mention her divorce either as none of it seemed relevant to the moment. She sipped from her mug and tucked her hair behind her ear, noting his blood on her hands still, which caused her to tremble as she remembered how close he’d come to dying.

Jay: Small sips, this is what he reminded himself, each time the mug was brought up for a drink. Jay could not help but wonder, what she meant about it being lonely sometimes, but he would not press with questions. Before he found interest in vampires, secretly, but never knew all that much about what the life of one could be like. Now he would be getting first hand experience, and considered himself lucky to have been turned by a vampire who could help him figure things out.

As she mentioned being turned on Christmas, Jay would frown. It lingered a moment, as she mentioned how her sired had helped her. Was the one who turned her no longer around? Yet another question, Jay would not allow himself to answer. He looked away a moment, but when his eyes returned to her, he caught sight of the way she trembled. Guilt washing over him. "We are okay, everythings going to work out...." His words trailing off, before added. "This doesn't have to change anything in your life. I mean, you never have to see me again, if you wanted..." Saying such, he found his stomach turning for another reason, as Jay could not imagine never seeing her again. Jay found it odd to have such strong feelings, when he hardly knew her.


Dhara: She reached out and took his hand gently in her own. “My own sire did not abandon me and I will not abandon you.” She squeezed his hand gently and smiled. “We’re okay… most importantly, you are okay.” She released his hand and finished her blood, then smiled at him. “We will get through this together, as I said.” She rose and smiled at him.

“I need a shower… please, make yourself at home. I won’t be long.” She squeezed his shoulder gently, and headed off to the bathroom, making sure to grab her robe from her room. She was quick, as she had promised, washing his blood from her skin and taking a few moments to wallow in guilt and pity, her tears mixing with the water. Ten minutes later, she emerged, a cloud of steam billowing behind her, clad in a floor length royal blue silk robe with a peacock embroidered on the back. She was still working a towel through her white tresses, a smile touching her lips when her eyes fell on him. “I am sure you have more questions?”

Jay: Once again, the woman offered him kind words, along with the groundings feeling of her hand, as she gave his a light squeeze. "Together." He repeated, his eyes held to her, bright with gratitude. As she excused herself, Jay would wait until the woman was out if sight, before draining his mug. Even then, he would reach a finger to clean the inside of the mug, as he rose to walk to the sink. Set on getting every last drop, he would fill the mug with water, to drink down also. Would it always be like this? He thought on this, along with many things, as his empty mug was set aside and he returned to his seat.

His eyes lingered around, but he would not move. Afraid to mess up anything, as he was covered still in a lot of blood; most of having dried. It felt as if no time had even passed, before Dhara was walking back out. The moment he saw her, Jay found himself holding his breath, then awkwardly reminding himself he no longer had to breath. Jay had no trouble reminding himself to be a gentlemen. He had already found the woman attractive, but was sure to not allow his gaze to linger in any way inappropriately. "Oh tons and tons!" He smiled, and his words would trail off with the play of a laugh. "Who is your favorite composer?" He threw in a non vampire question, but one he was very interested to hear the answer to." The piano, it's beautiful. Maybe once I clean up, would you mind if I played?"


Dhara: She smiled at him, his question such a change that it made her eyes light up. “It really is hard to chose. Beethoven probably. I have a fondness for playing Moonlight Sonata. I find it very calming.” Her smile faded slightly when she realized he was still blood covered. “Apologies for being so thoughtless. Come, I will get you some towels and see if I can find something that might fit you.”

She headed back to the bathroom, pulling two towels and a washcloth from the hall closet. She placed them on the bathroom counter and got a wrapped toothbrush from under the sink. She opened the door to her room, revealing a tidy space with a canopied bed. The decor was done in various shades of blue, soothing to the eye. She kept talking as she searched for something that might fit him. “There is shampoo and soap, I put a toothbrush on the counter for you. I feel I must apologize again for you will smell like a girl… I do not have anything more masculine to offer.” She found a pair of sweats and a t-shirt, clearly sized for a man, and though faded, the garments were clean. She emerged from the bedroom and offered them to him. “I hope this will do? Take all the time you need.”

[Dhara]

Jay: The world felt as if it were moving, the room spinning around him. Dharas touch grounded him, pulling back his focus. She confirmed his suspicion about vampire blood drinkers. Jay didn't feel fear of such, knowing he could figure things out with Dharas help. Still, he cringed again, as the woman yet again cut herself. A mix of emotions, guilt paired with hunger for what filled his mug, rushed over him once again. "Cheers." He smiled a little brighter, before taking a drink from his glass; forcing himself not to chug the whole thing down. "Thank you." He was still overcome by her kindness. Knowing had he just broken his car window and left, she might not be in this mess. Or worse, she could have been the one shot. Jay found the last thought unbearable. He vowed to himself then that he would never let anything bad happen to her, if he could help it. "Do you like being a vampire?"

Dhara: She watched him, ensuring he was drinking, perhaps henning a little. But she was concerned for his well being and wanted to make sure he was safe and sound. She sipped from her mug, fingers tapping on the white ceramic as she thought about his question. “Most of the time I do. It is a little lonely sometimes, and I miss the sun. But I am working on being able to go out into the sun again. There is pretty much nothing you cannot learn, powers wise that is.”

She sipped from her mug and then licked her lips. “I am a Mystic, that is what I started as. But I have learned powers from all kinds of paths. Necromancer, Shadow, Shifter, Summoner, Fadewalker, and Immortal so far. I have been a vampire for a year and a half now. I was turned on Christmas day in 2015. It took some getting used to, but I have a good sire who helped.” She didn’t mention that they had been dating at the time, or that they’d married shortly after. She didn’t mention her divorce either as none of it seemed relevant to the moment. She sipped from her mug and tucked her hair behind her ear, noting his blood on her hands still, which caused her to tremble as she remembered how close he’d come to dying.

Jay: Small sips, this is what he reminded himself, each time the mug was brought up for a drink. Jay could not help but wonder, what she meant about it being lonely sometimes, but he would not press with questions. Before he found interest in vampires, secretly, but never knew all that much about what the life of one could be like. Now he would be getting first hand experience, and considered himself lucky to have been turned by a vampire who could help him figure things out.

As she mentioned being turned on Christmas, Jay would frown. It lingered a moment, as she mentioned how her sired had helped her. Was the one who turned her no longer around? Yet another question, Jay would not allow himself to answer. He looked away a moment, but when his eyes returned to her, he caught sight of the way she trembled. Guilt washing over him. "We are okay, everything's going to work out...." His words trailing off, before added. "This doesn't have to change anything in your life. I mean, you never have to see me again, if you wanted..." Saying such, he found his stomach turning for another reason, as Jay could not imagine never seeing her again. Jay found it odd to have such strong feelings, when he hardly knew her.


Dhara: She reached out and took his hand gently in her own. “My own sire did not abandon me and I will not abandon you.” She squeezed his hand gently and smiled. “We’re okay… most importantly, you are okay.” She released his hand and finished her blood, then smiled at him. “We will get through this together, as I said.” She rose and smiled at him.

“I need a shower… please, make yourself at home. I won’t be long.” She squeezed his shoulder gently, and headed off to the bathroom, making sure to grab her robe from her room. She was quick, as she had promised, washing his blood from her skin and taking a few moments to wallow in guilt and pity, her tears mixing with the water. Ten minutes later, she emerged, a cloud of steam billowing behind her, clad in a floor length royal blue silk robe with a peacock embroidered on the back. She was still working a towel through her white tresses, a smile touching her lips when her eyes fell on him. “I am sure you have more questions?”

Jay: Once again, the woman offered him kind words, along with the groundings feeling of her hand, as she gave his a light squeeze. "Together." He repeated, his eyes held to her, bright with gratitude. As she excused herself, Jay would wait until the woman was out if sight, before draining his mug. Even then, he would reach a finger to clean the inside of the mug, as he rose to walk to the sink. Set on getting every last drop, he would fill the mug with water, to drink down also. Would it always be like this? He thought on this, along with many things, as his empty mug was set aside and he returned to his seat.

His eyes lingered around, but he would not move. Afraid to mess up anything, as he was covered still in a lot of blood; most of having dried. It felt as if no time had even passed, before Dhara was walking back out. The moment he saw her, Jay found himself holding his breath, then awkwardly reminding himself he no longer had to breath. Jay had no trouble reminding himself to be a gentlemen. He had already found the woman attractive, but was sure to not allow his gaze to linger in any way inappropriately. "Oh tons and tons!" He smiled, and his words would trail off with the play of a laugh. "Who is your favorite composer?" He threw in a non vampire question, but one he was very interested to hear the answer to." The piano, it's beautiful. Maybe once I clean up, would you mind if I played?"


Dhara: She smiled at him, his question such a change that it made her eyes light up. “It really is hard to chose. Beethoven probably. I have a fondness for playing Moonlight Sonata. I find it very calming.” Her smile faded slightly when she realized he was still blood covered. “Apologies for being so thoughtless. Come, I will get you some towels and see if I can find something that might fit you.”

She headed back to the bathroom, pulling two towels and a washcloth from the hall closet. She placed them on the bathroom counter and got a wrapped toothbrush from under the sink. She opened the door to her room, revealing a tidy space with a canopied bed. The decor was done in various shades of blue, soothing to the eye. She kept talking as she searched for something that might fit him. “There is shampoo and soap, I put a toothbrush on the counter for you. I feel I must apologize again for you will smell like a girl… I do not have anything more masculine to offer.” She found a pair of sweats and a t-shirt, clearly sized for a man, and though faded, the garments were clean. She emerged from the bedroom and offered them to him. “I hope this will do? Take all the time you need.”

[Jay (DELETED 9366)]

Jay: Her words of Beethoven, and Moonlight Sonata, had the piece playing within thought. He almost wouldn't catch the next of her words. "Dhara, no need to apologize for such", was all he said, even though he wished to assure her further. Jay was in no rush to take his clothing off, his shirt in particular. Would he still have bullet holes? Had both bullets went all the way through? Jay played it all to his imagination, but it felt as if one was still inside him. He would not admit aloud, how nervous he truly was to find out.

He would follow along, as she showed him the bathroom, and would gather everything he needed. His unbeating heart, it felt to ache in the moment; he still wasn't breathing around her. All he could think of at times, was the blood from his mug. Realizing that none had ever been so nice to him, so beautifully kind. What hit him hard, was knowing she would likely have been just as sincerely kind, even if she had she not turned him. This could not be played off to 100% guilt of feeling stuck dealing with him. "This will work great. This is great.Thank you, Dhara." Smiling then, wishing he had any sort of power to was the tragedy of the situation. "I won't be long." He assured her. When he found himself alone, Jay wasted no time, and would run a shower as hot as the water would go.

Dhara: As soon as the door was closed, she slipped into her room to put on something more appropriate than just a robe. Usually she slept in a long over-sized t-shirt, but since she had company, she tugged on a night dress. Long sleeved white cotton that fell to the floor and was edged in lace. Her robe went over that and was belted securely, the lace of her night dress peeking from beneath the hem of the long blue garment.

She moved to the piano and settled on the bench. As she flexed her fingers over the keys, she saw her hands still shaking. Blowing out a steadying breath, she began to play. Moonlight Sonata, of course. The piano was perfectly tuned and the rich notes filled her apartment and her. It was as if the music was being poured into her soul and she sighed softly, eyes closing so she could just listen as she played. Her hands stopped trembling and she finally began to relax for the first time since they had left Toronto.

Jay: Taking off his jacket, no problem. Now the shirt was a different story. So much blood had drenched the fabric, but that would be the least of his worries. Jay would catch sight of himself in the mirror, and he froze. He looked like a corps. He wondered if he would look like this forever. Jay would have to quit his job, or so he assumed. So caught up in the reflection. I'm hideous. Thought as his hand would press the tips of fingers against the now fogging mirror.

Feeling sick again, Jay would pull himself away to the shower. Feeling overwhelmed with the disgust over the sight of his reflection, he washed obsessively. What confused him most was how with his own eyes he felt to look normal. The mirror, could it be true or how was it a lie? Lingering until the water ran only cold, he dried and dressed; not once looking to his reflection. At the door, before he opened it, Jay would press his ear against the door. Dhara was playing the piano, the very song she spoke of before. Not even sure of how long he lingered, with eyes closed, just listening to each perfectly played note. Only after a time, would he head out to watch her play. Keeping a distance, as he wished to enjoy the music.

Dhara: She could feel it when he came in the room, though she continued to play for several long minutes. Her eyes finally opened and found him, a smile touching her lips. “How was the shower? And your… your wounds? Have they healed?” She asked as her hands continued to move over the black and white keys. She shifted on the bench, making room for him to join her if he wanted to.

“Have a seat? I believe you said you wanted to play, and you had more questions.” She finally let the song end, her hands going still, the notes fading away. She looked him over and smiled again, relaxed and tired. It had been an incredibly eventful night and in the end it seemed to have worked out for the best. She let her hands fall into her lap as she watched him and waited for what he would do next.

Jay: "I have never felt so clean." Jay joked. "Looks like I'm healing up nicely. Might have scars." Shared, but he had no clue if vampires could keep scars. Settling beside her on the piano bench, his eyes would linger over the pictures that sat upon the piano. As her notes ceased, Jay would move his hands to play finger over the keys. He made his best attempt at playing Für Elise, but it was not as easy to do from memory. Jay would not let the failed notes slow him, but just kept on playing. He had questions of the vampire sort, but lingered away from the topic for the moment. "How long have you played the piano?"The more Jay played, fewer notes would be missed. "Been awhile since I last played Beethoven. Hope I'm not hurting your ears too badly." Spoken, as his eyes would linger over the pictures once again.

Dhara: “Pretty sure you are making them bleed.” She teased, watching him look over the pictures. Front and center was a picture in a battered frame. A white haired, amber eyed woman sitting in a field of wild flowers. The brilliant sun made a halo of her white tresses and in her lap was a baby. Amber eyed with a delicate cap of white curls. Dhara and her mother. It was the only image she had of her. She felt a pang of longing wash over her, as it always did when she thought of her mother. She shook the feelings off and scooted closer to him, her leg pressed against his. She lifted her hands and caressed the keys. One hand was between both of his, the other on the outside. She played the piece with him, muscle memory ensuring she stayed out of his way.

“You might.” She said over the piano. “Have scars I mean. Some vampires do. I don’t.” She let her eyes travel over the other photos. Her and her sire, Rhett. Her and her now vanished friend, Aliyah. Her and Calen, also gone. She shook her head and crinkled her nose, making a face at the pictures. “I started playing when I was two. So at least 20 years.” In reality it could be 18, or it could be over 20. She wasn’t sure of her exact age, but that was also something she wouldn’t get into. “What about you?”

[Dhara]

Jay: He could not help but laugh, with catching her teasing remark, then add, "Is it still Beethoven's music, if I missed half the notes?" Joking in turn, he expected no reply. As she moved closer, and her hands began to play along, Jays playing would improve, somewhat. He quietly listened to her words, and each note she played. It was tempting to stop, as with each slip of his finger to a wrong not, Jay wanted to cringe.

"I started playing when I was 10. My grandparents ran a pawn shop, and they had this piano I would play on." He laughed a little then, before following up with a confession. "When I was 12, a guy bought it. I remember being so upset. Told them I was running away... Had no place to go, but walked until I thought I could walk nomore. Then walk back home, and it was quite miserable. I apologized first thing when I got back. Surprisingly they paid for me to have lessons after that. So, I have been playing for about 18 years." Jay realized he had never really shared that whole story with anyone. Before he always just confessed to taking lessons, never about the piano he had loved and lost. "You look a lot like her." Jay added, as his eyes lingered again upon the picture of the fair haired woman with the child. "Your mother?"

Dhara: She did the math and placed him at 28. Not too much older than her supposed age of 25. She chuckled at his comments of running away and missing notes. “You’re not as bad as you think. Well…” She amended with a laugh, “Not once you’ve warmed up a bit. And yes, it’s still Beethoven just… maybe Beethoven, the early years?” She bumped her shoulder against his and grinned. “It’s hard sometimes, when you haven’t played in a while.”

Her eyes moved back to the picture and she smiled, then nodded. “Yes. That was taken in our village in Germany. At least that’s what it says on the back. I don’t remember, for obvious reasons.” She chuckled softly, then named off the people in the other photos. “I hope one day you can meet Rhett.” She turned her head and yawned into her shoulder. “You’re welcome here anytime you want. I won’t be insulted if you stop by just to play the piano. All I ask is that you leave my violin and lute alone.” She smiled up at him. “I do have a guitar, too, that you’re welcome to play.”

Jay: Each time the song came to the end, Jay would start right back with the beginning. Each time soundings just a little better; he was truly trying. Listening then, he could not help but hold a smile. The way she joked, had him hope the shock of the night's events were fading. As her shoulder bumped against his, he would add, "Maybe you could give me some pointers sometime. You play beautifully."

As she spoke of those in the pictures, his attention would shift back to them. Germany, that explains the accent. Jay had been unable to place it at first. "Sure, I would be happy to meet Rhett, if you wanted me to." He wouldn't add how terrible his people skills could be at times. "No need to worry about me touching those, as I would likely cause my own ears to bleed from playing." He joked. "Though I do know a few songs on the guitar, but the piano has always been more my thing."

His fingers would slow, and after a time then pull back so he could wiggle them loose. It had been awhile since he had played anything like that, and it truly had lifted his spirits. Smiling over to Dhara, he wished to assure her that he did want to see her again. Oddly, just the thought of being away from her, caused him uneasy. "I would never come over just to take advantage of this amazing piano." Spoken before his hands would run over his face. Exhaustion lingered with him, as did his hunger.

Dhara: She finished out the final few chords, then smiled up at him. “ Thank you.” She said softly, “I would be happy to give you some pointers. I could even teach you to play the guitar if you like? I love music. It is the breath to my life.” She said with a soft sigh, then looked him over carefully, a small frown curving her lips. “Are you still hungry?” She asked, knowing that after her turning she had been ravenous and it had taken three bags of blood before she felt full. When he nodded the affirmative, she smiled and got up, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“I’ll get you some more blood. The fridge is stocked with food, too, but I think blood is what you need. Blood and sleep.” She padded into the kitchen. She hopped on the counter and pulled a large glass down from one of the higher shelves. She dropped gently back to the floor and rolled up her sleeve. With her back to him, she sank the knife in deeply, watching in silence as her blood began to fill the glass. She spoke after a few moments. “Do you like waffles? I could make some when you get up, maybe a small sense of normalcy to help you adjust?”

Once the glass was filled to the brim, she licked her wrist closed and turned around to smile at him. “Also, I have something for you.” She said, pulling open her junk drawer, she found a small gold key and held it up. She palmed it and picked up the glass, walking back to him she held both items out. “This is the key to this apartment, so you can come and go as you please…. If you please. You most certainly do not have to stay here.” A gentle smile curved her lips. “You are not a prisoner.”

Jay: "I would like that, very much." Jay had always shared a love for music, but professional lessons had not been an often luxury of his. With question of hunger, Jay would only nod. It felt to be an impossibility, to lie to her. Jays mouth watered with the thought of knowing where the blood would come from. The guilt struck him hard, to know she would be harming herself, to help satisfy his hunger. Jay heard mention of waffles, and all he could do was smile, for the moment. It would not be long, before she returned with glass and key in hand. "I do like waffles actually." He added, holding his tongue from speaking further, on assuring her she didn't have to do such; because he wanted her to.

"I could make the coffee?" His hands would reach for the key first, then the glass. "Thank you, Dhara." He wondered if she would tire of hearing him say such. "If prisoners were treated so kindly, they might never leave." He joked, but most of his focus held on the blood. It took all he had not to just chug it down. He could not deny his urges fully for long and would take a single drink from the glass. He found he could not bring himself to deny his urged for long. The glass would be to his lips once more, and he would drink half of it down, before finally pulling the glass away. "I.." He could think of no words to describe how he was feeling, without sounding odd. "So sleep, do you sleep during the day? I have heard of some vampires unable to stay awake during the sunlight hours."

[Jay (DELETED 9366)]

Dhara: She smiled and sat beside him once more, her eyes drifting shut as she boosted her blood to replenish what she had given him. “Be careful… you are taking your life into your own hands by messing with my coffee.” She teased, bumping his shoulder carefully. “Waffles it is, maybe some bacon, eggs and hash browns, too? A full breakfast. Food is almost as good for the soul as music.”

She spun the sapphire ring on her right hand as she listened to his question, wondering what he was going to say before he changed his mind. Her lips pursed as she thought about her sleeping schedule. “I do sleep during most of the day. It used to be that I didn’t have much choice, but I’ve been working very hard at trying to stay awake. Most of the time now, I sleep when I remember, or when I get bored since I can’t go out during the day. I work three jobs, all at night, so that’s another reason to sleep during the day.”

She looked up at him and smiled. “You’ll be safe from the sun while you sleep here, I can assure you of that.” She wanted to promise him, but her mind drifted to Aliyah and how the woman had been attacked in her sleep by vampire hunters. It was a memory that haunted the girl, and one that kept her from promising any sort of safety other than protection from the sun. She grinned suddenly, the action lighting up her amber eyes. “In fact, I think the coffin in the spare room is just your size, as long as you don’t mind pink satin lining?” She tried not to giggle or give away that she was teasing him.

Jay: He laughed then, before replying as seriously as he could manage. "Well, I can't back out now. How do you like your coffee?" Ending with the question, Jay would not protest the full breakfast. It was such a kind gesture, to refuse felt wrong. He listened as she answered his question of her sleeping schedule. Jay could not imagine a life without sleep. He would force himself only to take small, slow sips.

With mention of the coffin, he studied her a moment; unsure if she was serious or not. "Do you sleep in a coffin?" Suddenly wondering if he actually needed to. "Can't say I have never been in one. Just unsure I could rest well inside." Smirking then. She has to be joking? He thought, before downing the last from his glass. He was finding it a little hard then to keep his eyes open, but found himself fighting it.

Dhara: She laughed softly at his expression and then shook her head. “No, I do not sleep in a coffin, and you do not have to either.” She gently took the glass from his fingers and rinsed it out in the sink. She walked back over to him and held out a hand to tug him off the bench. “I take my coffee very black and very strong.” She said as she waited for him to stand. Once he had, she kept hold of his hand and lead him to the small hallway. The bathroom was directly in front of them, her bedroom to the right. The door was open showing the canopied bed and soothing jewel tone shades of blue.

She opened the door on the left, turned on the light and smiled as a tidy room was revealed. There was a queen sized bed, night stand, bookcase and dresser in the room. A thick bedspread in emerald green draped over the mattresses and the pillows were encased in soft green cotton. Heavy drapes covered the window in yet another shade of green. All in all a rather soothing room, just like hers. She looked up at him and smiled. “I hope this is okay?” She said as she stepped aside for him. “I know I keep saying it, but you are welcome to stay as long as you like.”

Jay: He would laugh with her, relieved he didn't have to sleep in a coffin. She didn't sleep in one, but it would not have mattered to Jay if she had. His glass was gone, and she was helping him stand. "Black coffee. Think I can manage that." Spoken, before giving her hand a light squeeze. She was leading him down the hall, and as they passed her room he would jokingly say, "Nope. No coffin." His attention pulled then to the room where he would be staying. "It's perfect, Dhara. Again, thank you; for everything." His words ending with a yawn.

"So, I'm not sure how sleep overs like this go.... Just no drawing on my face with permanent markers, ok?" Joking, he found himself wishing he could stay awake, but could feel the press of exhaustion. "Will you wake me, when you get up? Are you going to sleep?" Jay would stop himself from rambling, and just smile. "Wake me, when you want coffee?" That felt a better response.

Dhara: “I solemnly swear not to draw on your face with permanent marker… now washable ones… I make no such promise.” She smiled up at him, then chuckled at his rambling questions. “I will wake you when I get up, yes I am going to sleep.” She smiled up at him and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “Good night, Jay. I am just across the hall if you need anything.”

One last smile and a squeeze to the hand before she released him and headed into her room. She paused in the doorway and looked back at him. “Good night, Jay.” She said one last time before shutting her door with a soft click.

Jay: He found her marker response simply great, Jay found Dhara was quite good with comebacks. "Washable markers are fine, I guess... I get to admire the art, and still look presentable in public, if I wanted." He shared the words as seriously as he could manage. Jay still questioned his appearance, but could not help but smirk; the marker art could be an improvement. "Good night Dhara, sleep well." He would watch as her door closed, and Jay would walk into the room of calming green. Feeling dizzy, he sat at the end of the bed, as his mind raced over the entire night. Knowing what he would have done before meeting her. Left, as soon as he could. The best moment to guess she would have been fast asleep, Jay should have been gone.

He could not do this, not to Dhara. Climbing into the bed, he would just get his shirt off, before crashing into the deepest sleep of his life. Tossing and turning, nightmares plagued him. They would fade, and soon soundly he slept; unbreathing. When Jay would wake, and for a moment the unfamiliarity caused a brief moment of panic. Hunger lingered with him, but soon Jay would drift off once more; after reminding himself he was safe.