Friday March 30th - 8.00pm : Baring Fangs.
Two days and it felt like the world had turned upon its head.
And yet really nothing had changed to when he was here so many months ago, part of this school and part of Rogue’s life as he not so secretly earned for. From being almost human, to this cursed existence again, from being unable to touch Rogue, to being able to... and it was difficult to see the sacrifice he made when he was laying beside her or holding her. It was still awkward, and they were both still confused, but it didn’t matter, he was just glad to be back... he never took a moment to realize how much he truly missed the school as well as Rogue’s company. Though he didn’t entirely miss the fact he had to walk into Hank’s office to get his blood, to heat it up and unless he desired walking through the halls with it he also had to drink it here too. Generally he’d walk off to a quiet place and be on his own, sipping at the liquid as if a hot tea to be savoured.
Hank had talked to him about the possibility of stocking up on the blood so that Spike could get his batch and take it to his room, something Spike only did a few times before he left the school after his awkward slip from Rogue. Not to mention the recent blood transfusion, even if Spike was able to go back to hording the blood off in his room and only coming here weekly, it wouldn’t be for a short while till Hank was sure Spike was handling the changes well enough, or so it seemed to Spike after Hank’s discussions with him.
The ding of the microwave sounded, and Spike’s mind tried not to wander over to Hank’s presence at his nearby desk, after all this time the vampire knew Hank wasn’t going to stare, it was clear that would just make things more awkward between them, but it didn’t stop Spike feeling that itch of paranoia on the back of his mind. Taking the cup out, Spike poured two teaspoons of sugar into the crimson blood, stared at it a moment, and then tipped another half a spoon before placing the spoon down. With his back still turned to the – seemingly distracted – doctor, Spike dipped the very tip of his finger into the liquid to stir it, reframing from using the spoon for ‘the yuck’ factor even he could see. A moment later the tip of his finger was pressed lightly between his lips, it was just a few days ago real food was passing once more into his mouth, with all the tastes more humans took for granted, tastes that had long since dimmed and faded for the vampire. Things he missed so badly, things he would always seem to miss, but now the reminder made it harder, and for a moment he felt his mind reliving the night out with Rogue, and remembering the new tastes he had long dreamed of experiencing, as well as a few he had long since forgotten.
"So," The vampire announced, taking hold of the cup with both hands and leaning against the bench, now looking towards the doctor, his eyes focused and clear, his mind attuned and thoughtful, "Tell me.." What? Spike wasn’t sure what he’s missed being away so long, he wasn’t sure what was his right to know or not, what did he deserve to be part of and what should he be left right out of? "..how’s things with you then?" Spike could tell there was a female in the doctors life now, opposed to when the vampire was first here.... but that didn’t stop the doctor from looking as if life itself was draining from the pores of the mutant, he needed sleep, relaxation, hell, anything that probably involved not thinking would help. For now, leaned back awkwardly, wanting to try and slip back into what once was slowly becoming his place, and now it all seemed like he didn't entirely fit in again.
TBC: Hank... then probably Spike again and then cue Illidan’s arrival.
A choice had been made. Informed and as sane as any choice ever could be where love was concerned. And Hank, as a doctor and a friend had helped Spike to implement it. So why did this still feel so awkward? To both of them apparently, given the way Spike fussed over his mug .
Maybe because draining the life out of someone, even if that person had asked him to do it, wasn’t something the physician was ever going to be easy with. It had been a moral dilemma that had haunted Hank during the weeks between his first discussion with Spike and the day they had actually put their plan into action. And, Hank realised as Rogue’s lover wandered into his office in search of the blood that he once again was dependant on, apparently it wasn’t one that was going to stop haunting him any time soon.
Had it been worth it? Giving up humanity in the name of the most human of all emotions? In the end only Spike could be the judge of that. Hank could only hope that he wouldn’t come to regret his decision. Or that , if Spike ever did, that he himself would have perfected the means to give the vampire back that opportunity to step back to the world of the living which Arisa’s magically enhanced blood had offered him so miraculously.
Not that he had even had time to start working on it yet. There was so much to do. So many issues to be dealt with. And not just on the medical side. He could have chosen to step back from Riley and Max’s personal problems he told himself, before shaking his head with a wry smile of self recognition. No. He couldn’t have. It wasn’t in his nature. Just as it wasn’t in his nature to give up on the idea that one day they could work this out situation between Spike and Rogue.
Optimism! Misplaced perhaps but, if the last few weeks had been worrisome in the extreme they had also proved to the blue furred mutant that miracles could and sometimes did happen. It there was bone felt weariness etched into the doctor’s features there was also a deeper contentment that not even tiredness could wipe away. And it showed in his yellow eyes as Spike approached, breaking the barrier of silence between them, his action as much as his words showing that he was going to be ok. That he was coming back to them. Alive or not.
“So , tell me” he said quietly, no trace of the terrible madness that had plagued him, in his soft voice. "..how’s things with you then?"“Things are good” Hank answered with a smile. “Things are better than good. I have not had a chance to tell you yet, what with all the things that have been going on but…” The doctors face lit up as it always did when he thought about this unexpected joy that had somehow found its way into his life. “I am going to be a father, Spike. Cublets! Me! Who’d have thought. It’s not common knowledge yet.. but.. it is news that should be shared with ones friends don’t you think?
Re: Friday March 30th - 8.00pm : Baring Fangs."Things are good" Came the light hearted reply, which to be honest had taken Spike slightly by surprise. Things didn’t seem entirely ‘good’ from what little he saw, and for a moment Spike wondered if it was just something that might make all the bad seem a little better, though with the added comment Spike couldn’t help but try to imagine what it was to get Hank so excited. "Things are better than good. I have not had a chance to tell you yet, what with all the things that have been going on but…" If there was any breath in Spike’s lungs he would probably have been holding it in with the anticipation, what would Hank have to say that would cause this... a few probabilities passed through the vampire’s mind... what was to come however left even Spike speechless. "I am going to be a father, Spike. Cublets! Me! Who’d have thought. It’s not common knowledge yet.. but.. it is news that should be shared with ones friends don’t you think?" Had there ever been anyone who felt it important to tell Spike they were to be parents soon..? No... even as a human it was more of a statement to be rubbed in his face then to be shared as a moment of joy.. and as a vampire .. to be shared with friends...it had never been stated like that before, it had never even been suggested that Spike was anything more than just a guest of Rogue’s. Or if it had, Spike wasn’t in any frame of mind to pay it any attention..
"A father?" It was clearly not something Spike would have guessed if he had tried "Well... not sure I’m ready to rub your belly over it just yet.." the vampire mused lightly, drawing the warm mug against his chest as he thought of it. There had been moments the last few weeks were Spike wondered over what being human offered and a family, in the normal sense, was definitely something he wasn’t sure he could cope with. It wasn’t like he ever had any sort of experience, at best he fed and clothed Arisa and even then it wasn’t like he had to dress her himself nor did he need to spoon fed the kick. And even that had him running in circles wondering if he was giving the girl everything she needed... the drinking of her blood obviously aside. Though the only image of fatherhood Spike could manage to bring forth was that of his own father and it was a very off putting image at best.
"But.. that’s ... well.." Why was it so hard to figure out a reply? "..a big thing." And impressive too, though Spike looked slightly distracted as he finished speaking, his face turned as if expecting to hear something, or thought he might have heard a noise off in the distance. It wasn't that he was confused over anything, the other resident vampire seemed to be drawing nearer and Spike had done all he could till now to try and avoid crossing paths with him. "Though I must admit I’ve never seemed to get on with father figures," Not with his human father, and not with Angelus, his grandsire who was the father figure as far as their little vampiric group were concerned, though a smirk toyed in the corner of his lips. "I hope you learn how t’balance work an’ play a bit better though," Spike threw in another light hearted remark by sayin; "You’re startin’ t’look a little undead around the edges yaself there," And with that, much to Spike’s disappointment, the outsider min doors of medbay could be heard sliding open, and here Spike wondered if it had been too much to hope that other vampire was just passing by without specifically heading towards here. However, just as Spike needed a feed, Illidan probably did as well, and while Spike had done his best to avoid and ignore the other’s presence, it was only a matter of time till they crossed paths once more. And Spike had to admit.... he really didn’t like another vampire in the school, though he felt very hypocritical on the whole situation, it didn’t stop his view on the matter.
Normally other vampires were repulsed by the fact Spike had a soul, they could sense it, almost smell it on him, or feel it like a warmth that humans were ignorant towards. But aside that, Spike had been mistreated by enough vampires to just have a strong dislike of what they were capable of doing, he hated them, he hated their arrogance, and most of all, he hated what they represented of his past.
Re: Friday March 30th - 8.00pm : Baring Fangs.
Illidan had been outside, his head tilted upward, his eyes opened wide, he did not move, he was perfectly still. As the light of the moon hit his eyes it was almost as if they pooled and then splashed out into the area around them, his skin, white as marble and cold as death had gained that natural glow that it possessed in the moon light. He had been out here since he had awoken and had been staring at the moon this whole time. His thoughts were conflicted and painful, they spoke of nothing but love and hate, of peace and war. He could not understand them, it was almost as if someone else was thinking with his mind. If he hadn't had a strong grasp on his sanity he may have put up more mental blocks then he usually had. He shifted for the first time since he arrived in the spot where he stood to place his hands in his pockets. Like sheathing blades, the alien mind mused. He found it strange to be the audience to his heated thoughts. He was aware that he thought far too much and he would end up excited before an appropriate time in the conversation. Taking the reigns of his thoughts he couldn't help but wonder if all the honesty at Xavier's was harming him. After all, he was a creature of deception, his life for nearly two millennium was nothing but lies. Lying to his prey, lying to his master, his master lying to him. It was a what some might call a sad existence, but then again they had probably never hunted for the perfect prey. He let his drop, the light pools in his eyes instantly evaporating as he looked down now at the ground. He turned and walked inside, he was thirsty.
As he made his way to the med lab and thusly Doctor McCoy he couldn't help but wonder what the good doctor, who for some reason he wanted to impress so badly, thought of him now that time had passed since that horrid series of events. He didn't see Danae anymore, he didn't mind. He came to the conclusion that what he felt was real, but he was mistaken in naming it love. Their entire beings had melded so wholly that he felt a strong attachment to her, like the feelings for a limb, you wouldn't say you love it, but it certainly pains you to be without it. He surprised himself by performing an incredibly human action and put a finger to his ear and shook it, there was thing deep thumping sound, like a bass drum beating like some kind of artificial heart. If he wasn't so sure he was hearing things he'd have thought it was getting louder. He continued thinking about that night, completely unaware that he had heard this sound before on that night. The steady beating of an ancient beings heart.
He continued on blissfully ignorant as he walked on he couldn't help but notice that the halls were almost entirely empty, he grew curious as to the amount of time he spent outside. He had a rough idea of when he had awoken and could check the time in the med lab. He walked through the first set of doors leading to the med lab just in time to remember what that noise was before actually seeing Spike. Despite the realization when his eyes fell on Spike, mug in hand, Illidan was a little surprised. In addition the smell from the mug was making him a little edgy, he was very thirsty. Illidan noted their conversation and waved a little before going through the almost routine act of taking the blood, heating it and drinking it. Although not as shy or uncomfortable about the process as Spike, he did make sure not to interrupt their conversation, though he could tell Spike was uneasy, and most likely watching him. Illidan got the slightest hint of indignation, just because he was here first doesn't make this blood just his. What, he's the only damn vampire aloud to try and do a 180? Having finished his meal Illidan let his tongue clean the little bits that hung around the edges of his mouth. It wasn't so much that he would feel odd with blood around his mouth, he was actually rather fond of the look, it was more that he didn't want to waste any of Hank's kindness. For the blood was in essence that, was it not? Hank's willingness to not only tolerate the undead in his home, but to feed them and provide them with shelter in a place where no one judges anyone else. The blood was the embodiment of those ideals and that was something Illidan would not allow to be wasted. He felt this strange tension in the room that he was well aware was generated entirely by him. Not that he was the being tense, but he was the one making Spike uncomfortable. He knew it was Spike, not so much because he was sure Hank would openly say if he had a problem, but more because he knew how vampires interacted, and he remembered Spike had been territorial before. Illidan folded his arms over his chest and lean back against the wall. He did not like being the subject of other's evaluation.
He was still, like a pink and fleshy statue, his thoughts consuming him to the point where he didn't think to fidget occasionally or do those other little things that made him look more human. Instead he stayed there his eyes closed, waiting, he focused on absolutely nothing, for the first few moments stray thoughts would float up to the surface of his mind, but he pushed them away until the sea of his mind was pristine and clear, nothing there but the very essence of his being. In this state of being he felt comfortable to deal with whatever came next, be it a reintroduction, a question, a comment or a fist.
Re: Friday March 30th - 8.00pm : Baring Fangs.
It had had to happen sometime. This meeting between the two vampires. And, Hank thought with a sigh, given their need for the supply of blood he kept on hand for them, it was perhaps logical that it would take place here in med lab. It was though a little bit of drama he could well have done without at this moment in time. Especially given how well things had been going between him and Spike.
The doctor could tell that the blond vampire had been touched by his words, letting his own shy congratulations echo through his replies no matter how light hearted they might have seemed. He was pleased for Hank, that much was obvious. And perhaps even more pleased to have been admitted into that circle of those with whom this most happy news had been shared!
It must have been hard for him at the Institute, never knowing if he was accepted for his own merits or simply because he was Rogue’s companion. It was, Hank had to admit, not something that the majority of people found easy to do. Accept a vampire as a friend. Invite them into their lives and consequently into the lives of those they held dear. But then again there were few vampires who would want such bonds to be formed with those who were in a very real sense their prey. Hank knew of only two. And they were both not only at Xavier’s Institute but there in front of him at this very moment.
Spike and Illidan. Ancient undead beings, suddenly trying to recapture a trace of that humanity they had lost centuries ago. Each one for their own reasons. Though it could be said that they had both found their way to this place because of a woman. Now Spike had given up the chance of fulfilling his dream of a normal life to stay with Rogue and Illidan… Danae had left him, whatever ties there had been between him and her, cut as cleanly as if she had used one of the blades she could call to hand. And yet here he was. Still at the school. Still drinking blood from a mug instead of from the throat of human. Hank didn’t really know why. Nor he suspected did Illidan himself. But that there was a deep felt reason, of that he had no doubt.
There was something here for Illidan that he hadn’t managed to find elsewhere. Acceptance perhaps? The recognition that if he truly wanted to build bridges back to the life he had lost then there were those here who would be ready to help him. Maybe just a respite from the loneliness of his existence! Whatever it was it kept him coming back to med lab for the sustenance he needed. Just as Spike too was drawn here by its call.
However much they had changed though, however many efforts they both made to fit in, the fact was they were at heart predators. Hank recognised that easily enough for after all, beneath all his kindness and scholarly manners, so was he. And predators were nothing if not territorial. So there was tension in the air, for all Illidan’s casual nod and studied silence. A tension which , given the volatile nature of the beings concerned, Hank knew could explode into violence at any moment. Though with a bit of luck it would refrain from doing so!
“Spike” , the doctor said amicably “you remember Illidan, don’t you?”
Re: Friday March 30th - 8.00pm : Baring Fangs.
To say it was a warm welcome would have been an overstatement for sure, though Spike did note that Hank gave his usual curt polite expression, ready for a warm welcome though Illidan moved intently and focused towards the fridge. It was a little awkward, to be speaking and then have someone interrupt and then have that person who interrupted just wander about silently and almost ignoring the people already in the room. Hell, Spike wasn’t always well known for his manners, but even he made the effort at times like these! And for a moment, just when it looked as if the other undead had finished his business and was ready to leave, to Spike’s surprise Illidan settled against the wall, closing his eyes and remaining quiet and motionless. If Illidan was attempting to provoke annoyance in Spike, the blonde irritably awarded the other some points in succeeding.
"Spike" The use of the vampire’s name summoned his attention towards the medically trained X-man, and for a moment frustration brought on via the new arrival faded as focus shifted. "you remember Illidan, don’t you?" It was as if Spike thought it a joke, dropping the mug on the bench behind him and folding his arms across the broad chest, looking back towards Illidan with a look that stated he was sizing the other up. It shouldn’t be a shock that he would distrust other vampire’s, especially those older then a few hundred years, the older the vampire, usually the more arrogant and psychotic they became, and Spike had suffered at the hands of Ancient’s long enough.
"Vaguely," It was a lie, when they had met Spike’s mental state was relatively balanced, at least well enough to remember the event more clearly then what he would have managed during an episode. "I believe we discussed a few things," Spike’s attention moved towards Illidan, a mock smile upon his lips as he recapped, "From suspicious luv affairs to my hurtin’ ol’heart and... somethin’bout Slayers may’ave dropped into th’convo.." Yes, he remembered his threat to Illidan, and it was good if Illidan hadn’t forgotten it, though admittedly it wasn’t really his place to lay out the threats in the school, the only thing that gave him the sense of authority on the matter had been the fact Illidan was a vampire. Something they had in common, and to be honest, Spike was used to having a certain power over the undead in his world, he may have been the puppet of Angelus and Dru all these years but that didn’t stop him from holding his own against any of the others outside the ‘family’.
Once however he dragged the hint to the old threat of sending the slayers after Illidan should the vampire make any wrong moves that would harm those at the school, the smugness seemed to fade slightly from the otherworldly vampire.
"Must admit, I didn’think you’d still be hangin’round," He stated towards Illidan, it would have been about three months exact almost since they last met, and the meeting had been brief, and Spike’s need to speak with Hank too urgent to really put much care in Illidan. The only thing that drew Spike’s attention then was the fact Illidan had bitten one of the students, "Actually, Hank an’ I were just sharin’ life stories, since you’re loiterin’ around again, what’s yours?" It wasn’t exactly that Spike was trying to be rude, but he knew nothing of the demon sharing a room with him right now, knew nothing of Illidan’s habits or history or personality. He was annoying, that was obvious, and from the previous conversation they had he hadn’t felt that the school was opening up lovingly to him, but given the situation, what else could be expected? Maybe just a little interrogation, though Spike didn’t want it to look entirely as one, but finding out something might help find out about the motives and goals of this soulless demon. And if Spike could confirm the things said, or find gaps in the story, then Spike would be that much closer to figuring this other out.
Re: Friday March 30th - 8.00pm : Baring Fangs.
((As a side note, I realize if you were to read Illidan's bio the history section is a might...unclear. So I am quite glad Spike asked, so consider this, some clarification on a slightly muddied history.))
Illidan's thoughts were of the self loathing kind. He felt a might rude for merely nodding at Hank, who had in fact gone out of his way to get to know Illidan as best he could over these three months. He had, at first at least, hoped to give a normal greeting, however, when he saw Spike the threatening nature of their conversation jumped to the front of his mind, and he had frozen. A human reaction perhaps, but he wasn't used to being threatened by vampires. It wasn't that vampires didn't kill one another, either, it was more that normally there were categories that he could use to help he deal with why he was to be attack. There were those who wanted to drink of other vampires to gain strength more quickly, and they usually resorted to force. Others who just hated their kind, Illidan supposed to a degree he, himself, was like this. There were fights over prey as well. In fact, recapping all this Illidan felt rather ashamed that he reacted as he did, he had more than enough combat experience and he wasn't so young now that even against an ancient he couldn't hold his own. In fact he had been gaining some real self confidence here, with the help of some socializing. He was actually feeling up to the task of drinking his master's blood and becoming whole. Of course for all he knew, doing so may in fact have been not but another lie from his master. Still, it was easy enough, either he became whole or he didn't have to bother Hank one night for a meal.
Illidan turned to face them as Hank introduced him into the conversation, Illidan was slightly relieved that at the least Hank hadn't taken offense at his near lack of greeting. "Spike you remember Illidan, don’t you?" Illidan offered a discreet nod to the other vampire. Illidan didn't bother to do any of his human, he figured there was no reason, since everyone present was aware of what he was. "Vaguely," Spike replied, Illidan found it curious, he never forgot anything, his memory trapping every bit of information, however it seemed that perhaps Spike was a completely different kind of demon then him. Then again he had heard that Spike was a vampire with a soul, and that made him special. Ilidan had never considered such things. He, himself, must posses a soul since he can feel, right? After all, Illidan had more desires than just that to feed. Perhaps there were in fact more than one kind of vampire. How irritating, Illidan thought, Just when I thought I was beginning to understand what I was, it turns out there may be more to understanding what it means to be undead. "I believe we discussed a few things," Spike continued. Illidan cocked an eyebrow, the things they discussed were pretty, intense, at least as far as vampiric conversations went. Especially, since Illidan had had a bit of an outburst and a window had been shattered. Normally vampires, were very subtle, no need for intense emotions what with them being physically dead and all.
"From suspicious luv affairs to my hurtin’ ol’heart and... somethin’bout Slayers may’ave dropped into th’convo..." Illidans eyebrow remained raised the slayers had done much more than drop into the conversation. It seemed pretty clear to Illidan that Spike was trying to play down the hostility. It was understandable, vampires were naturally creatures of deceit. "Must admit, I didn’think you’d still be hangin’round," Spike's dislike for Illidan seemed to seep out of his words and infect Illidan like some kind of plague, or so Illidan thought. Of course, he had not forgotten that when he first spoke to Spike he had spoken a might harshly himself. "Actually, Hank an’ I were just sharin’ life stories, since you’re loiterin’ around again, what’s yours?" Illidan was taken back a little by the question, not only had it been awfully direct, but it was actually fairly considerate of Spike, to bring him into the conversation like that.
"My life story. It's pretty short," he smiled, intentionally taking Spike literally, he just hoped the humor would not be lost on them both, "I was born at a young age and, well, I may well have been a mutant, since the most interesting part of my life starts around the time I hit puberty. My internal temperature rose significantly and any clothing I wore began to singe. In fact, I had to take considerable care that I remained very clean, otherwise the dirt particles would burn and turn to ash so on and so forth. Being a mutant nearly two millenniums ago was difficult, I ended up isolated and alone. It was all made worse by the man who would eventually be my sire. He used what little power he possessed to further isolate me from everyone, he would levitate me in the middle of the night, attack anyone who came to visit me. When I 18 I finally gave up on trying to fit in and ran away, thats when my sire revealed himself. It didn't take much to convince me to become a vampire myself. That is where my life story ends." He smiled at them both. "Oh, and Hank, I'm sorry, I meant to give you a bit more of a greeting, I was just a bit distracted. So, I am truly sorry about that."
Re: Friday March 30th - 8.00pm : Baring Fangs.
He had expected conflict! Verbal at least! The equivalent of two male cats fighting for dominance, starting with the voice and in all probability, working up to the claws! Which just went to show that, for all his previous thoughts, Hank wasn’t as big an optimist as he had supposed himself to be! Because ,despite what could very well be seen as the occasional growl on Spike’s part, the anticipated roar never came. Instead wariness and sarcasm somehow veered off at the last minute towards a very blunt, but none the less, pertinent question. And that seemed to surprise Illidan as much as it did Hank.
Ok it wasn’t exactly the hand of friendship perhaps that the blond vampire extended. But at least for now the ‘hand’ didn’t have a weapon in it. , "Actually, Hank an’ I were just sharin’ life stories,” Spike said laconically “since you’re loiterin’ around again, what’s yours?"
Of course Illidan could have chosen to take offence. It was after all not exactly the kind of thing you asked someone outright. Not unless you were friends with them that was. Though even then it could be difficult! Especially for people like them! Mutants! Vampires! Beings whose history was likely to be far from ordinary! And, more often than not, filled with moments even they would like to forget.
Still Spike’s enquiry did cut to the heart of the matter. After all he hadn’t had the benefit of the past three months to get to know this enigmatic stranger. Hank himself knew that he himself had only begun to scratch the surface of Illidan’s complex personality. But what he had seen so far gave him hope. Illidan was dark and tortured and infinitely dangerous. But then again so were many of those who passed through the doors of the institute. Logan had been little more than an animal waiting to kill when he had first arrived there. Kage was even now fighting his mutant power in an attempt to keep his humanity. And as for Zia! Hank loved her implicitly but that didn’t mean he was blind to what she was. Or rather to what she could have become! If she hadn’t come to Xavier’s. If they hadn’t met!
And that in the end was what it was all about. The fact that no matter what life threw at you, no matter what you were supposed to be, there was always a choice to be made. One opportunity to be seized that could change the course of your destiny! Maybe not an obvious one! Maybe even one that you had thought lost the for ever! But one that never the less might just present itself when you least expected it.
Coming to Xavier’s may have been that opportunity as far as Illidan was concerned. Meeting Rogue certainly had been for Spike. For her he had found his soul. And endured all the pain that entailed! Illidan’s journey on the outside seemed less extreme. But was it really? After all he had no great love affair inciting to stay here. Willpower and his own desire to be something other than what he had been all these long years was the only thing keeping him from returning to the hunt. And maybe the possibility of friendship!
Hank himself had noticed the vampire’s sometimes awkward attempts to build bridges. Here in med lab and, from what he had heard, elsewhere as well. Michael! He shouldn’t really have been surprised. The boy seemed to make friends easily. Even dangerous ones like Illidan. Still it was a good sign. As was his reaction to Spikes question.
Strange! Usually eloquence came easily to Illidan. It was indeed one more weapon that he had learned to use so effectively over the centuries. But then again Hank could say the same. Social awkwardness only set in when the vampire dropped the mask. When he let people see his real nature. He had done so moments ago, standing still and silent like a marble statue, no semblance of breath lending credence to the illusion that he was anything other than dead. But he had reacted all too humanly to Spikes words. Emotions had effectively played across his alabaster features. And Hank didn’t think they were all for show.
Nor did his smile, surprising as it was, seem insincere. Opening up like this, to someone who could have been seen as a threat, was a big step. Hank had already heard of how Illidan had been manipulated in the past, though the exact details of his mutant power came as a revelation. Still this wasn’t the moment to question him further on that subject. This was rather a moment for honest pleasure. Pleasure in seeing how far both Spike and Illidan had come, one dragging himself back from the edge of madness, the other from an isolation that was no less destructive!
And so Hank answered Illidan’s smile with one of his own and said “Don’t give it a second thought. I certainly didn’t take offence. I know what its like to be distracted with other matters. And Im sure Spike does too. “
Re: Friday March 30th - 8.00pm : Baring Fangs.
"My life story. It's pretty short," If it was just the irritation of Illidan's invasion or the more likely fact the blood wasn't agreeing with Spike, as had been expected to occur for a little while till he got accostumed once again, the blonde vampire's hand pressed against his stomach for a moment. "I was born at a young age and, well, I may well have been a mutant, since the most interesting part of my life starts around the time I hit puberty. My internal temperature rose significantly and any clothing I wore began to singe. In fact, I had to take considerable care that I remained very clean, otherwise the dirt particles would burn and turn to ash so on and so forth. Being a mutant nearly two millenniums ago was difficult, I ended up isolated and alone. It was all made worse by the man who would eventually be my sire. He used what little power he possessed to further isolate me from everyone, he would levitate me in the middle of the night, attack anyone who came to visit me. When I 18 I finally gave up on trying to fit in and ran away, thats when my sire revealed himself. It didn't take much to convince me to become a vampire myself. That is where my life story ends." A mutant? Spike couldn't help but wonder how things would have been if he were more then just a scrawny well groomed socialite wonnabee. Whenever a hand was raised to him, he'd have been able to defend himself, whenever a voice was raised, he could quieten it. All the nights that had passed by with his mothes sobs whispering through the walls, all the times she had to hide one bruise or another... he could have stopped it, he could have done something.
"Oh, and Hank, I'm sorry, I meant to give you a bit more of a greeting, I was just a bit distracted. So, I am truly sorry about that." The apology gave a sense of annoyence to Spike, the vampire wasn't sure entirely why but even that gesture grinded at him, nothing seemed to sit well with him, be it Illidan's manners or lack of them, either way, it was still an invasion he couldn't shake off. The blonde was considering most handsome by many, however the other vampire was also a looker in his own rights and for the briefest of moments all he could see was Rogue turning away and finding the next best substitute.
The insecurity felt familiar, and yet at the same time unwarrented and senseless, how many times did she have to take him back before he started feeling secure in the relationship? Perhaps that was the problem though, the fact that when he had once felt so secure and so content it had still all fallen apart. It was odd how quickly fears could turn based on life events, not too long ago Spike was scared of not being capable of protecting those he loved, now he's just bck to square one...... or was he? Before he'd never had the shadow of emotion which followed his almost irrational paranoia, that sense of stupidity and childish feel to his fears and concerns.
“Don’t give it a second thought. I certainly didn’t take offence. I know what its like to be distracted with other matters. And Im sure Spike does too.“ The mention of his name pulled the vampire from his own thoughts, causing Spike's face to lift enough to stare across at Beast, taking a moment to replay the first part of the sentence in his mind before glancing over at Illidan. He'd have replied, but it would be a waste of time, the fact he looked disorientated enough to suggest he wasn't paying attention to what Hank had said would have been a big enough clue to those who were smart enough to notice.
"If this is where we have a big group hug I may be sick." It looked as if he might be regardless, by the manner his hand nudged away the mug of blood, "Actually, if you're so-" Only a slight pause, one that was more for the toying then anything to do with taking a chance to think over, all the things Spike could say that would fit in right there, only he relented with a soft smile, "-aged, perhaps you could help with a lil'somethin'..." A hand motioned towards their blue furred companion as Spike continued, "Our host'ere has a slight problem.. or a few hundred o'them in any case, but one in particular you see which involves a guy who's been put to sleep in a manner seemingly unnatural... you ain't happened to know of such similar cases by chance?"
Re: Friday March 30th - 8.00pm : Baring Fangs.
"If this is where we have a big group hug I may be sick." Illidan couldn't help but smile, genuinely, at Spike's comment. It did seem like one of those touchy feely moments that had become so popular in American television lately, that moment were despite any grievances or trespasses the protagonists and assorted other characters realized everything was alright as long as they had each other, a total fallacy in Illidan's mind. "Actually, if you're so-" Spike paused slightly and offered a hint of a smile before conintuing, "-aged, perhaps you could help with a lil'somethin'..." Illidan was taken aback by this. Was it a challenge, a test, a legitimate request, Illidan was unsure. He was, however, instantly snapped into a defensive mind set. He knew how vampires worked, how they thought, they toyed and played, nothing was ever as simple as yes or no, this or that. There was a trick or trap coming and Illidan would be ready. "Our host'ere has a slight problem.. or a few hundred o'them in any case, but one in particular you see which involves a guy who's been put to sleep in a manner seemingly unnatural... you ain't happened to know of such similar cases by chance?" Illidan was almost tempted to put a hand to his cheek, as Spike had slapped him with the proverbial glove. His eyes focused on Spike and locked onto the other vampire's. His posture alone informed Spike that he knew this was as much a challenge as it was a request to help their mutual friend. Illidan also knew that Spike was having a difficult time dealing with Illidan's presence, regardless of outside factors Illidan was aware of this.
He turned after he was sure the message had been put across and began to pace, his arms folding over his chest with one hand, supporting his head as two slender fingers wrapped around his chin. He knew of several possibilities, some more feasible than others. "Well, if it is a magical sleep the number of causes could very well be limitless. Charms, curses, magical traps. Enchantments, perhaps he accidentally ingested some kind of potion. I admit magic is not my specialty, neither is medicine. It would stand to reason though, that like in medicine, if the cause is magical you have to treat it properly or risk making things worse. I know of certain places you can go, people, or rather, things you could speak with, though finding them is a challenge in and of itself." He hesitated and looked up at Hank. "I believe I know you well enough to be sure you've already exhausted the medical aspect of the problem so I won't bother applying my minuscule knowledge of the more modern medicinal practices to the issue. I do know, that whatever is keeping this person asleep must be still be in them in one form or another, otherwise the effect would have worn off. Be it some residue of the ingredients or a trace of some magical aura." Illidan felt rather silly, and yet he was sure he had also revealed that his 'minor' knowledge was meant relatively, his knowledge was minor for someone who had lived nearly two thousand years.
"That is really all I can say, sorry I couldn't be of anymore help. What do you think Spike? Or is this person ever real?" That last part was aimed right at Spike, and was accompanied by a dagger like stare. Illidan's body remained calm and relaxed by his patients was being tried by Spike. He had not threaten the other in anyway, he had not interfered in his affairs, he had not harmed anyone during his time at the manor. Spike's prodding was something else, and Illidan was not prepared to take it sitting down. He let his tongue run along his slightly elongated canines in anticipation. He had often toyed with the concept of matching more than wits with Spike since they first met, and he was more than a little excited by the prospect of it happening now.
((I realize this post wasn't spectacular, but stuff at home is kind of strained right now and it is blocking the creative flow.))
Edited by: Illidan Ryer at: 6/26/08 1:32 am
Re: Friday March 30th - 8.00pm : Baring Fangs.
Humble apologies for having taken so long.. and also for maybe killing the fighting spirit.. sigh.. its Hank.. i can try to rewrite him out of things with a phone call if thats better.. for now though .. this is what he would have done.. but im more than happy to work round if it mucks up what you had in mind guys!.. dont want to be the destroyer of vampire action. Stupid reasonable char!
........................
The question about Illidan’s past that Hank had expected to be seen as offensive had been accepted without so much as a flicker on the vampire’s part. This request for help though seemed to have touched a nerve, or so his body language said. Why? Hank wasn’t presumptuous enough to believe that he could answer that with any degree of certainty but his predators instincts let him recognise that Illidan was for some reason suddenly on the defensive.
Certainly the atmosphere in the office had changed. If it hadn’t been exactly comfortable before there had been at least one moment of shared humour. Now though it was as if some sort of duel had been entered into, on Illidan’s part anyway. Still words rather than violence were, it seemed, still the order of the day.
To be honest Spikes question had caught Hank every bit as off guard as it seemed to have caught the other vampire, To think that of all the more recent residents in the Mansion it was Spike who unrelentingly pulled his attention back to Charles’ problem. The blond vampires obvious devotion to Xavier was, Hank had to admit, one of the things that had gone a long way to making the doctor take that first step towards acceptance of the undead being as more than just Rogue’s lover. A step he didn’t regret taking, it had to be said, despite all the vampire’s troubles. Indeed he only wished he had done it earlier.
It was that very trust that Spike had built up that had led the doctor to fight for Illidan’s right to stay at the school. Until he came there had been those who thought that vampires should be killed out of hand. That they were by their very nature evil! Now those who had fought at his side and seen his commitment not just to Rogue but to the Institute were not so sure.
The benefit of the doubt! Asked for and awarded to another vampire! And it had to be said one who had come to the school under not exactly auspicious circumstances. It didn’t seem a lot perhaps but it was in reality a giant step. And Hank had to admit that Illidan had so far proved worthy of it. It was ironic then that in all probability that these two being who had perhaps the most in common also undoubtedly had the greatest potential to become enemies. Or friends! Neutrality didn’t feel like an option from where Hank was standing. But at least for now things had remained civil.
Despite his reaction Illidan was answering Spikes question lucidly. "Well, if it is a magical sleep the number of causes could very well be limitless. Charms, curses, magical traps. Enchantments, perhaps he accidentally ingested some kind of potion. I admit magic is not my specialty, neither is medicine.” He announced still pacing through the office It would stand to reason though, that like in medicine, if the cause is magical you have to treat it properly or risk making things worse. I know of certain places you can go, people, or rather, things you could speak with, though finding them is a challenge in and of itself."
Magic was the frontrunner as the culprit for Charles’ coma. Anything else and surely either his own powers or hanks abilities and resources would have picked up some trace. Hank smiled slightly at Illidans next words. It seemed that he too had some faith in the doctors capabilities. “I believe I know you well enough to be sure you've already exhausted the medical aspect of the problem” he told the blue furred mutant frankly ” so I won't bother applying my minuscule knowledge of the more modern medicinal practices to the issue. I do know, that whatever is keeping this person asleep must be still be in them in one form or another, otherwise the effect would have worn off. Be it some residue of the ingredients or a trace of some magical aura."
It was the conclusion Hank had already reached and the main reason he was considering transferring Charles to the magic school, even if the very idea of leaving his mentor helpless in the hands of other people all too often kept him from what little sleep he managed to grab between emergencies. And speaking of emergencies he might just have another one on his hands given how Illidan’s canines were extending. "That is really all I can say sorry I couldn't be of anymore help. ,” the vampire added though his attention had obviously switched from the doctor to concentrate wholly on Spike; What do you think Spike? Or is this person ever real?" .
Was that it? Did he think this was some sort of trick played upon him to see what his answers might betray about his past? If so Hank could at least put his mind to rest on that score. “He is very real Illidan” Hank said not troubling to let his concern and sadness for Xavier hide itself from the vampires acute senses. “And unfortunately his case is every bit as grave as Spike has led you to believe. It is my mentor Spike is concerned about. Charles Xavier. The man who founded this school as a sanctuary for all those lost and seemingly cursed by powers they either didn’t desire or which could be beyond their control. ”
Hank deliberately didn’t use the word mutant. That may have been the Institutes primary function but everyone concerned knew that it had gone far beyond that. Now all those burdened by powers, whatever their source found a home here if they wished. And that included the two seemingly young men standing in front of him.
“I have done everything within my abilities to try and rouse him but to no avail.” Hank turned towards the blond vampire with a smile still tinged with sadness Spike is one of those most fervently trying to track down other possibilities to help him. And he was right to ask you.. I should have done so myself.. you may well have, if not direct knowledge then perhaps contacts that could help us. For I fear that magic is at the root of this problem. And I am ill equipped to deal with that.”
Things seemed to change, Illidan must of sensed the agitation and frustration, the desperate need not to be overshadowed by this other who just walked into the school so effortlessly, or so it seemed to Spike. The reply was levelled, the other vampires tone calm enough, yet it was not difficult to tell the defenses had risen, the challenge was accepted, but at what cost? "Well, if it is a magical sleep the number of causes could very well be limitless. Charms, curses, magical traps. Enchantments, perhaps he accidentally ingested some kind of potion. I admit magic is not my specialty, neither is medicine." Admittedly, Spike was hardly an expert in any of those fields... in fact, he knew very little about a lot of things at times but what he did exel in was the ability to find and extract information from various sources. Over the years he learned a little bit of a lot of different things, some that would never be useful and others that might still have a use in the right situation... like the witch doctor who tortured Spike with the trials which deemed the vampire worthy of his soul being returned. "It would stand to reason though, that like in medicine, if the cause is magical you have to treat it properly or risk making things worse. I know of certain places you can go, people, or rather, things you could speak with, though finding them is a challenge in and of itself." The hunt was a lustful adventure for Spike, he hated being treated like a bloodhound but at the same time he always preferred the ground and physical work compared to just barking orders and sitting behind safe walls.
"I believe I know you well enough to be sure you've already exhausted the medical aspect of the problem" Stated Illidan with a sense of knowing and certainty that, for some reason, upset Spike a little more inside. It was silly, and stupid and yet the more comfortable Illidan seemed around here the more Spike felt he was being replaced somehow. "so I won't bother applying my minuscule knowledge of the more modern medicinal practices to the issue. I do know, that whatever is keeping this person asleep must be still be in them in one form or another, otherwise the effect would have worn off. Be it some residue of the ingredients or a trace of some magical aura." Magical aura... residue, for any involved in magics they would guess the same thing, and in some ways that's the only information Spike felt he had really offered to Hank for a while, and here Illidan had said it in one breath, no research to back it up, nothing but thoughts, thoughts that Spike couldn't find answers to confirm, though he tried.
"That is really all I can say sorry I couldn't be of anymore help." The blonde tensed his jaws as Illidan's irritation became more and more obvious, which annoyed Spike greatly, though hunger both distracted and irritated the ancient being as he tried to keep his mind focused on the others words. "What do you think Spike? Or is this person ever real?" Even real? What did Illidan think, that Spike got his jollies off making up stories like this? Did the other truly think so low of him? A flash of anger boiled in Spike's icy blue gaze before Hank's words eased his temper as effectively as a shield deflecting the most serious damage away, so few in the vampires life had stood up for him that it was strangely soothing as well.
"He is very real Illidan" A steady gaze remained on Illidan, watching almost sternly for a moment as Hank spoke, studying the reactions that came from the other vampire. "And unfortunately his case is every bit as grave as Spike has led you to believe. It is my mentor Spike is concerned about. Charles Xavier. The man who founded this school as a sanctuary for all those lost and seemingly cursed by powers they either didn’t desire or which could be beyond their control."That's you, the whisper was a bitter scorn in the back of Spike's mind, his own words like poison in his mind, So much power and no control, at least when his mental stability came into things, he was a wreck at times, and what was more dangerous was the frailty of William's own mind, both to him and all those around him.
"I have done everything within my abilities to try and rouse him but to no avail." For a moment Spike felt almost drawn into a moment of distant lost thoughts, a torrent of self doubt and inward betrayel before Hank's words pulled his focus back to the here, now and what was important. "Spike is one of those most fervently trying to track down other possibilities to help him. And he was right to ask you.. I should have done so myself.. you may well have, if not direct knowledge then perhaps contacts that could help us. For I fear that magic is at the root of this problem. And I am ill equipped to deal with that." Was that true? Spike's mind seemed to empty suddenly, with nothing but Hank's words washing through him as thoughts both stilled and rushed and yet nothing seemed to progress more in thought then repeating the doctors words and trying to understand what he was really saying.
Again, doubt... was that true? Or was Hank just trying to help bolster Spike's standings in front of Illidan... it honestly wasn't something Hank could be seen doing, lying so that someone else looked good, not without a reason in any case. Not that Spike didn't have a reason to be so passionate, he had after all seen a world without Xavier and his X-men... heck, he had been part of their downfall back where he was from. And for that, he felt somehow responsible, as if fate had given him a second chance to do what should have been done the first time. Death and chaos was so easy, pain and misery so effortlessly spread, while peace and harmony was a challenge that seemed to see no light half the time, no matter how hard one fought for it. Sometimes, trying to do what was right, felt like it was tearing Spike up inside, nothing seemed to change or it didn't change fast enough. Some things he did appeared ignored or unnoticed while other things he did, like failures or mishaps, they were recalled, they were remembered. But despite all of Spike's flaws, his greatest ones were largely unknown in this reality, things were so different at these exact points in time and all the mistakes of the last 8 years seemed to have been washed away. Not in is mind owever, and his only solace was the simple fact that few new the deeper gorey details that haunted the fall of his own world.
"There ain't a lot Hank's 'ill-equipped' for, feels only fair to help where one can," Spike added, more for Hank's comforts then this relative stranger amongst them, " 'Sides," he began, throwing a glance towards Illidan, "I don'need lies an' twisted tales to test people," This was directed entirely towards Illidan, though Spike began to turn his body around, back to them as his hands moved for the previously disgarded mug, voice lowering slightly as the words flowed smoothly from the vampires lips, "Truth has a habit o'findin' us in the end," While starvation was a far cry away still, hunger had raised its eyes a little and while Spike wouldn't have minded quenching that apitite some more it seemed the mug itself held nothing that appealed to him. But at least if he pretended that it did... well then maybe this little gathering could start to break away, because the longer it continued, the more awkward it grew.
Re: Friday March 30th - 8.00pm : Baring Fangs.
" 'Sides, I don'need lies an' twisted tales to test people. Truth has a habit o'findin' us in the end." Spike was on edge, this much was clear to Illidan, but he was not the cause, and yet, Illidan found himself feeling surprisingly empty, no guilt, no embarrassment. Whatever had held him to this room before, whatever he had planned, whatever game he had been playing was forgotten. Illidan was now concerned with this lack of feeling. Illidan stood frozen, completely unmoving, not even a rise and fall of the chest to accompany what should have been his breathing. He stared at nothing in particular with unblinking eyes. He opened his mouth to speak but stopped, he wasn't confused, anxious or worried, blank, empty, he felt...nothing. True nothing. It frightened the part of his mind that understood enough to realize that he had always taken his feelings for granted. The rest of his mind turned its focus onto that most unusual concept, he felt nothing and yet he felt fear. "How does one feeling nothing and yet feel frightened?" He asked quietly to no one in particular. He looked around for nothing in particular and yet some incredibly specific. Finally failing to find anything of use within the room he revealed his subtle fangs and bit deep into his arm. His hand and body reacted as though he felt the bite, but he felt no pain, he felt his teeth against his bone, his lips upon his flesh, and his own blood seeping into his mouth and rushing around his tongue, but pain was absent. He removed his teeth from his arm and made sure to clean the blood from his arm before wiping his mouth clean on his sleeve and watching the wound heal. Whatever had been done or said he did not hear or see.
Finally freeing himself from his daze he looked up at Hank. "Hank, my friend, what is the date?" He looked passively at Hank, his normal acting all but forgotten, he was purely a vampire and had given up hiding it at his moment, for no reason other than that he did not fear discovery or revel in the game of deception that normally gave him so much joy. He tried to focus on Hank but part of him was beginning to rationalize why he should accept, maybe even enjoy, if he could, this change. He wonder if something that had made him stand out from so many others of his kind had changed. Was this some odd punishment, some new power, a result of being incomplete from nearly two centuries? Or something worse? It was at that moment that he became aware of something he hadn't noticed before. The powerful, primal, tribal beating sound of an incredibly ancient being, and it wasn't Spike, this was different. It was commanding, it called to him. He looked at Spike, curious if this was what had had the ancient on edge, the presence of something older than him. Yet, he doubted Spike could hear it, it felt, directed.
He tried to go back to ignoring it but couldn't, much like when you become aware of something different on your body for the first time, you can not ignore it now that you know it is there. Illidan was not young, even for his kind, he had spent many years learning, and was, even as a mortal, intelligent beyond his years. It did not take him long to realize that this being and this fundamental change in him were connected if not directly. He tried his best to look like he was back in the conversation, but was clearly waiting for nothing more than an appropriate moment to excuse himself and chase down whatever it was that taunted him so.
Re: Friday March 30th - 8.00pm : Baring Fangs."There ain't a lot Hank's 'ill-equipped' for, feels only fair to help where one can," Spike said with a strangely awkward modesty before responding to the other vampire’s barely concealed challenge as to the motivation behind his previous line of questioning. " 'Sides, I don'need lies an' twisted tales to test people " he told Illidan bluntly “Truth has a habit o'findin' us in the end,"
And so it did. Whether it was the truth about actions we weren’t altogether proud about or, as in this particular case, about the profound nature of your being! Though it wasn’t fair to say that Illidan had ever tried to conceal what he was. Still suddenly the difference between him and all things living was laid starkly bare as without warning the disturbing statue like state he sometimes assumed fell upon him once again.
The process was at one and the same time chilling and yet beautiful to watch, this sudden transformation of an apparently young man into a lifeless facsimile of himself. It reminded the doctor of those butterfly collections he had seen in the museums, all of the glorious colour preserved forever but the essential spark of life that could have actually permitted those vibrant wings to once more take flight snuffed out by some all to ardent collector.
As someone who was confronted day by day by the transitory nature of existence, Hank could understand all to well the desire to preserve life. But not at any cost! Illidan’s youth and beauty had indeed been captured ,as if in some infernal snapshot, by the one who had made him what he now was, leaving him untouched by time. But his humanity had been the price Illidan had paid, willingly or not, for this eternal existance!
Watching the vampire fade in and out of so called normal life couldn’t help but make the doctor wonder about his sanity. And yet there was nothing here to remind him of Spikes seeming madness. If Illidan was sometimes ice then Spike, had from the very first moment of their acquaintance, been fire. Where the newest arrival sank into motionless intensity, he on the other hand had always erupted into a volcano of uncontrolled emotions. Maybe that was because he had won back his soul from whatever abyss it had been dragged into. Maybe it was for a thousand other reasons. Hank couldn’t tell.
Vampires were something.. The doctor stopped himself right there before he went any further.. Vampires were rather, people he had only recently come into contact with, as anything other than enemies, that was. Now though he had seen how much Spike was ready to sacrifice to be with the woman he loved. And that he truly loved Rogue was something Hank could never doubt. Not after all they had been through together. Not after he had been the one to take Spike’s humanity away this time just as whoever had transformed him into a vampire had done all those long years ago.
Still, if he was now beginning to understand Spike’s personality, Illidan remained a mystery. And what happened next wasn’t designed to help the Doctor unravel it. "How does one feeling nothing and yet feel frightened?" the vampire asked suddenly, life returning to him as though at the flick of some invisible switch. Then the fangs were out and sinking into his own flesh with dreadful deliberation even as Hank sprang to his feet to try to stop him.
“Illidan , for gods sake….” The blue furred mutant said as he reached the pale youths side. Even then there was no emotion that he could see in the blank eyes, nor did any return until the self mutilation had stopped and the wound resulting from it had healed with its usual inhuman speed. Only then did Illidan truly seem to see him again as he asked with chilling unexpectedness. "Hank, my friend, what is the date?"
The date? What did that have to do with anything? “Illidan what is going on” the physician asked with obvious concern. “Surely you’re not going to tell me that what you just did was normal? If something is wrong then let’s talk about it. Maybe I can help.
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Re: Friday March 30th - 8.00pm : Baring Fangs.
For a moment, there was a quiet silence that left Spike unsure if it would ever break or not, if he ought to continue talking to Hank as if Illidan were nothing more then a mindless statue or excuse himself in order to leave this odd encounter behind and perhaps return when Illidan had departed. To be honest, Spike hd an urge to move his hand infront of Illidan’s face and wave it a little to see if anyone was home or not. It wasn’t like he had said anything so profound to knock someone speechless. But something stopped him, be it Hank’s presence or the sheer awkwardness of the moment, Spike found himself content with staring, as if waiting for the other vampire to snap out of his state.
"How does one feeling nothing and yet feel frightened?" The words seemed to trigger a moment of images, times, places, events that Spike had remembered in his past, times where there was nothing but anger and fear inside of him, a lust for love and violence, a desperate for the outlets of his desires. Sometimes, in those moments, there was that feeling of emptiness, that sensation that was devoid of all meaning, where nothing mattered, and nothing felt real. Was this the sort of thing that Illidan referred to, or was it something else that triggered the similar sensation? It was then, just as Spike was about to ask what the hell Illidan was on about, that the fangs were shown, not in so threatening a manner that Spike instantly reacted, but in his hesitance he still found his form ready and posed to move between Hank and the vampire should the need arise.
And yet Hank wasn’t in threat, it seemed neither was Spike, as the intended victim of the vampire was instead his own arm, which… took the blonde vampire by both shock and disgust. Not that Spike hadn’t at times harmed himself in such a manner, but usually his mind was too broken to truly think about it, and should a vampire drink their stale blood too much, it’d make them sick, ill… the blood had to have life in it, true fresh corpse could sustain them, but not one who had been dead for days. Illidan, right now, was not just marking his flesh, but biting deep enough it seemed that Spike had no doubt he was touching bone, though if this hurt, it didn’t appear to show, nor did the other seem phased that he had company as he cleaned up the blood about his self inflicted wound.
"Illidan , for gods sake…." Came Hank’s voice as it broke through Spike’s earlier thoughts, the doctor was moving closer towards the now disturbed vampire and Spike could not help but feel that it perhaps was not the wisest of moves. At least not when Spike was there, able to take whatever blow might come while Illidan acted… so unusual. Then again, the feeling of territory and belongings seemed to a bubble away inside and it actually annoyed Spike to feel the sensations that came more naturally to most vampires. Merely because a side of him knew they were not ‘his’ property, nor were they in ‘his’ land, yet it was well known that the vampires who grouped together were often protective as well as dangerous to those around them.
"Hank, my friend, what is the date? " The date? Was that how Spike sounded, when he was lost to his broken mind, was that what Rogue and others had to contend with? There was a pang of guild in the undead’s chest with the thought, they put up with so much from him already, things like this that he does at times must make it all so much harder for them. Despite the question, Illidan still seemed dazed, out of it, maybe Hank would tell Illidan to go lay down… or drug him… or ask him to leave the school, came the final thought more wishfully. Then again, it were both their flaw and their strength, to take in and aid those who needed help, though admittedly there had been times Spike wondered if he had another place to go if they might have asked him to leave so long ago. Now, however, Spike did have another place, sort of… the place of this realities Spike, the one who died saving his life, the one who was so much more involved in helping people then Spike had been, and no matter how hard the vampire tried, things like this just reminded him that in the end, he was nothing like his counter part. Or at least, that’s how it felt at times. Though in the end, even Spike had to admit, he had Rogue… and that was something this worlds counterpart had never had the pleasure of, nor did he appear to have any close ties that Spike had yet discovered outside of the hotel.
"Illidan what is going on" Blue eyes peered over the porcelain features of the other vampire, Spike’s gaze watchful and curious, there were various actual reason that would cause a vampire to react in that manner as well as mental. "Surely you’re not going to tell me that what you just did was normal? If something is wrong then let’s talk about it. Maybe I can help." Yeah, maybe Hank could, but not if it was something beyond even this doctor’s capabilities, if indeed it was vampiric in nature, the various cultures within the species could at times be as many as that of human’s, though to a far smaller scale. It would difficult to tell sometimes, and being from another reality made it even harder for Spike to feel comfortable assessing certain things. That didn’t mean however he would totally ignore it, not when it was happening possibly right in the school, where Arisa and Rogue and all their friends and family lived. While the blonde could jump to conclusions, he decided for once to just watch, to wait for the reply and see what came, it could be nothing, but then again, Spike didn’t like Illidan, or any vampires who hadn’t proved themselves to him personally, so he wasn’t going to take any chances.
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