(no subject)

[ellazo]

From: https://lastvoyages.dreamwidth.org/991942.html?thread=125923270#cmt125923270

[It’s a short enough stroll to the other man’s room, and although Lawrence does not own a watch, and his cabin remains glass-walled and clock-less, he is uncomfortably aware of the fact that he knows what time it is, down to the second, and how much time has passed between one thing and another to the same degree. He does not appreciate it. Time, Lawrence thinks, is something you should be able to lose track of. And it seems like something that is for the benefit of someone else more so than himself. Lawrence is a man who shows up when he feels like it, not at appointed times.

He therefore does not arrive punctually for reasons entirely based on petulant defiance, but he has managed to wear a shirt that does not have bullet holes in it. He knocks by kicking the door twice with his toe.]

Comments

[ellazo]

Got shot down holdin' up a supply wagon. I filled his corpse up with nitro; used it to blow a regiment of Confederados to kingdom come. Either they couldn't put him back together, or they didn't care to, 'cause I never saw him again.

[Several emotions flit across Lawrence's face and through his words: sorrow and anger, of course, but also guilt.]

Of everythin' they did, that was the worst, if'n you ask me. Just take us away; give our lives to somebody else. There's another fella here named Lawrence. He's funny. I like him. But it gets my hackles up. Makes me feel I gotta watch over my shoulder.

[revpirenewlin]

[His eyes widen at the mention of nitro, and remain that way throughout the tale. By the end he almost regrets asking.]

Jesus tapdancin' Christ. [That's all he has for several moments. It certainly cements everything he'd heard thus far. Puts it all into perspective. The reprogramming, former lives. Same bodies, different personalities...?]

Wow. Just, yea, I can see where that'd be---I mean, fuck, they would just completely blank you, just like that? But you're here now. Does it help knowing that's no longer a concern? That you will remain you?

[ellazo]

[Lawrence nods once.]

Ain't it though? Who says? That trouble you heard about, before you showed up? That's just what happened here. Folks changed. It didn't get me, but who says it won't? Who says I even am me? I feel like I am, but I was made to be that other fuck first. So which one of us is right?

[Lawrence shakes his head abruptly.]

See, this's why I drink.

[revpirenewlin]

Lucky you still have that luxury...

[Muttering, pinching the bridge of his nose, but now isn't the time for a pity party. Ignoring his own negativity, he strides forward, placing a hand on Lawrence's shoulder. He leans down, just enough so he can meet his gaze directly.]

Listen, I never met that other guy. Whomever he was before this version of you. Just like you never met me before I got Turned. That ain't nearly the same thing but point is, we're always changin'. Each night there's some new experience or fact or... whatever that alters us. Not even considering what crazy the Barge will throw at us next.

[ellazo]

[Lawrence gazes back at him. Lawrence glances down at the hand on his shoulder. Lawrence glances back at Steve's face.]

Hold up. Are you tellin' me you can't drink?

[The horror in Lawrence's voice is practically palpable.]

[revpirenewlin]

[A couple blinks follow the question.]

Is that all you got from... everything I just said?

[It was almost adorable. Steve sighs and stands, crossing his arms.]

Correct. No booze, no caffeine.

[ellazo]

It's the most important bit.

[Lawrence is deadly serious.]

How the hell've you kept from puttin' a bullet in your own head?

[revpirenewlin]

Well for one thing, a bullet wouldn't hurt me. [Slight frown.] That is, normally it wouldn't but here with most of what I can do stolen away, who really who knows what the dang rules are.

Anyway, getting drunk is nothing compared to feeding. The headrush, the physicality an' the taste--

[He shuts up, silently wills away the fangs from popping. Not gonna do it, not again, noooooope. Just a charming smile instead.]

Anyhoo, I think we are gettin' waaaay off track with, ah, whatever lesson this was.

[ellazo]

[Lawrence arches an eyebrow.]

I ain’t in any rush, are you? Plus, you caught my interest if you think there’s somethin’ drinkin’ can’t hold a candle to. You can go on about that.

[revpirenewlin]

[A couple seconds to compose himself, press a finger to his lips before he crosses his arms again. This was fine, everything was fine.]

Nope, no rush here. Just, ah... I wouldn't want to do something... untoward. [Ahem.] Alright, so its the same concept, different liquid. Trade alcohol for blood. It's not just for survival, but feeding off someone especially during more, shall we say, fun activities?

[There's a pause and against all of his better judgment his gaze wanders over Lawrence and, not for the first time, he notes just how damned attractive he is. Compliments to the creator for that. But just thinking of how he must've been used in the park, brings his mind back into sharp focus and he shakes his head to clear away the terrible thoughts.]

It can be quite the pleasurable experience for both people is what I'm saying. [Pause.] Plus fairy blood, or that of exceptionally ancient vampires, can get me what might be considered 'drunk'.

[ellazo]

[Lawrence barks out a laugh at the word ‘untoward’.]

Ain’t that kind of you, to consider my reputation.

[The smirk on Lawrence’s face says just how little reputation there is to consider.]

Now, see: I get how that’d be a right good time for you. I understand less how it’d be good for whoever’s blood is all comin’ outta some hole in them. I ain’t sayin’ I never laid with nobody who liked to use their teeth: on the contrary. But I never been drunk up like a whiskey bottle.

[Because that is how Lawrence tends to consume his whiskey.]

[revpirenewlin]

[His turn to chuckle a little.]

How tragic. For you, I mean. You must've been with some really tame biters in your time, then. Or ones who didn't know just what the hell they were doing.

[There was a second where he wondered if Lawrence was being intentionally innocent to the point of obtuse. Just as well he knew this was a dangerous line of discussion to continue. But then again, when has Steve Newlin's judgment ever been his strongest suit?

He moves toward Lawrence; his steps slow, leisurely. His voice softens to match his pace.]

Most go for the neck. A hickey bite. Common, rather sensitive spot. If you want to be practical and quick, there's the wrist.

[Steve drops to his knees in front of Lawrence, never breaking eye contact.]

But there's one other spot that's often overlooked. A tragedy, really. It's a vampire's favorite.

[Light fingertips caress their way up Lawrence's pant leg, pausing just at that inner thigh juncture where the femoral artery would normally reside. His lips part and this time, he doesn't resist when his fangs extend.]

The blood flows quite freely here. A vampire doesn't have to suck as hard. Now, ask me again, how a person might not enjoy some attention down there?

[ellazo]

[Lawrence hums vaguely in agreement.]

I do suspect it wasn’t a thing they could pull out at home on the missus or mister. A lotta lip biters. But I do like to indulge folk, when I can.

[He watches Steve move forward; drop to his knees. He reaches out two fingers to lightly stroke the edge of Steve’s hairline, as if to smooth the strands more securely into place (although this is unnecessary).]

I am startin’ to get an inkling. An’ it surely makes for a pretty picture from where I’m sittin’.