resistmyself | || 0-1 || written || into the den of lions

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|| 0-1 || written || into the den of lions

[The following is written in neat handwriting, evenly spaced on the page like something you might find in the classified ads section of a local newspaper.]

Wanted:

Understanding house/flatmate.
Must be some form of non-human.

Please respond privately for further information.

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I see.

That is highly unlikely to be a problem, unless my kind unexpectedly also smell like humans. I would suggest meeting somewhere well-ventilated to be certain without potentially tempting you beyond reason.

If I may ask, were you born a vampire (so to speak), or were you originally human? I've heard tales of both kinds.

Don't get ahead of yourself.

I was made. I don't know what you've heard, but two vampires are incapable of reproducing naturally.

I don't consider common sense to be getting ahead of myself. If we have incompatible species, and the possibility that my kind may tempt as much as your native prey exists, then any further consideration becomes pointless. It should be among the first priorities.

You're right, of course. I apologize.

We should pick a location to meet at.

If you have a preference, then there will be fine. If not, I suggest the forest right outside of town to the east. The offshore breeze seems fairly steady today to make avoiding scent easy enough, and plenty of escape routes should either of us need them.

I don't think it will take long. My name is Knives, by the way.

[Remembering little social niceties like introducing himself can be difficult sometimes.]

Mine is Hal.

I'm going to request somewhere else, if that's alright. There's a shrine in the village - only one that I'm aware of. If we meet not far from there, you can run to it should anything go wrong.

Granted, I'm not particularly worried that I'm going to leap at you when we're simply meeting to talk. [Especially if he's male. It's more difficult with women.] I have better control of myself than that.

That's reassuring to hear, so to speak. In which case it's unlikely I'll suddenly have to flee for fear of becoming lunch. The shrine you speak of isn't terribly far from where I am now. I'll be there shortly.

Alright. I'll meet with you.

[And he closes the journal to get ready to do that.]

[Knives doesn't leave immediately for the right spot, instead sitting and studying his journal for a little before getting up and hunting for the shrine mentioned. It doesn't make him late exactly, but it does give him time to think.

He certainly looks human, at least. Tallish, mostly dark haired, neatly dressed and unearthly quiet when he moves, but still human looking. Knives does look around when he arrives, half-expecting someone dressed like Dracula from old movies to suddenly pop up.]

[Hal doesn't resemble Dracula very much at all. He has a dark coat, but that's about it, and it's hardly vampire-esque in the classical sense.

He nods as he approaches Knives, not even the slightest bit of bloodlust surfacing as he nears.]

[It certainly isn't 'traditional' vampire clothing, if one only has movies and stories to go on. This doesn't keep Knives from weighing Hal's appearance anyway, and part of it the lack of impression that Hal's about to go for his throat.

Which in his book is a good thing. He offers one hand; he knows proper human greetings at least.]

You probably hear this a lot but I expected a cape and slicked-back hair. Any difficulties?

[His tone is friendly enough.]

None. And yes, I do hear that sort of thing a lot. I hope my actual appearance doesn't come as a disappointment.

[Given that he's hardly tall, dark, and gruesome at his whopping 5'10".]

No. I prefer reality over media representations.

[It was a little relieving, but probably not for the reason Hal might expect.]

One hurdle overcome. [He considers for a moment before continuing.] Should you not find a housemate that suits you better, I'm sure I won't find alternatives before then. ... Though I do keep a dog. She's quiet, but not everyone likes dogs.

[Which may be a dealbreaker for some people. A graceful way out if the plant is not at all what Hal is hoping for in a roommate.]

A dog.

It's... been a while since I've lived with one of those.

[And while he might not have any issue with them, his other self might decide to have a bit of fun on its account. Still, it's not quite a deal breaker.]

House-trained, I assume?

A 'border collie', if the books I've found are accurate. She is, yes.

[House broken, anyway.] I have been working on teaching various tricks and commands. It is supposed to be healthy to have a companion animal.

[Knives has never had a pet. It's a bizarre experience.]

She hasn't met anyone or anything she seems to dislike. Presumably this includes your kind.

[He's not going to run around claiming 'vampire' in public, not if Hal felt so anxious about it that he wouldn't tell anyone outside of private conversation. Anyone could be listening.]

Presumably.

[He seems to be giving this a fair amount of thought.]

This may only be a temporary arrangement, of course, if I actually go through with it.

[They might not even get along, knowing him.]

Of course. And there is always possibility of personality conflicts or incompatible habits that may get in the way.

[Knives doesn't seem bothered by the idea at all. It isn't a personal rejection or acceptance. Some people simply didn't get on, or if they did, wouldn't make good living companions.

Never mind that Knives' only 'housemates' til now had been unrepentant mass murderers.]

But it is good to know that species won't be an issue.

[He pauses.]

I imagine if you wish to pursue this idea further with me, there will be questions. [Because nobody lets someone else into their home without knowing the sort of person who's involved!] I will do my best to answer them, if the time comes. But I believe that doesn't need to be done in person..?

Perhaps not.

Depending on who else answers my... ad? I may contact you again sooner rather than later.

[From what he's seen, this is going to be one of the strangest choices he's ever made.]

I'll be around. If you do need to see me again before then, I'll bring the dog.

[Just in case. Making sure everyone got along well was a solid precursor. Knives liked to plan ahead, even just a little bit. Surprises were never fun. He pauses, considering, before inclining his head slightly.]

Have a nice evening.

[Knives seems to think for now things are well concluded, and with that thought, turns to go.]

That sounds like a good idea.

...And thank you.

[He's not sure how nice any of his evenings will be for a while, but he appreciates the sentiment all the same.]

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|| 0-1 || written || into the den of lions

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