charisstoma (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
charisstoma) wrote2014-06-29 03:34 pm
charisstoma) wrote2014-06-29 03:34 pm
Entry tags:
Taking Steps: Date by Appointment Part 19
Title: Taking Steps: Date by Appointment Part 19
Author: charisstoma
Word count: 717
Continues from Part 18
“The house looks good,” he said falling into a chair groaning from many minor aches. Stephen grinned at him from where he lay on the facing couch. Everett was envious thinking, ‘the cool leather must feel nice on the skin his clothes doesn’t cover,’ and remembered the taste of that skin still sweaty from labor that had nothing to do with cleaning.
“Yeah, we did good, didn’t we. Never gotten this much done before. Hmm, what could be the difference?” He pretended to consider and laughed as a pillow was chucked at him.
“There’s lots more of them where that came from,” Everett grinned holding a pillow up threatening. “I won’t be running out for a good while during Pillow War III.”
“Pillow War III? Did I miss I and II?”
Sagely nodding, “Before your time, in the infancy of my life.”
Stephen arched his brows, “Didn’t make into my history books. Can’t have been all that important.”
“It was a covert war,” Everett said in the manner of an aged veteran recounting war tales. “Known only by a select few; my friend, his siblings and me. Luckily no pillows died during the battle and were back in their places safe before the authorities arrived.”
“They never caught on, these authorities?”
“Well after the second war, Jamie’s Mom mentioned that the pillows were looking a bit the worse for wear and then bought new ones to replace them, and since she was doing that decided they needed new lamps and a recliner to coordinate. When the new stuff was delivered, she looked at us with that steely look that mothers are born with and told us we were older and should play outside from now on.”
“I doubt that Connell wants to redecorate the livingroom anywhere in the near future, so we’ll have to put Pillow War III off.” Pensively, “He should be back sometime today.”
“Why? Why didn’t he call to let us know what the Counsil might have said?” In spite of the ache in his body he stood, “It’s because it’s bad news, isn’t it. They won’t let me be a part of you. I’ve got to pack. Can I use the computer to look up schedules? If the Council said he had to give me up then he’ll do whatever they say, won’t he?”
“Calm down Everett. Wait and see.” Stephen had stood as well and grasped his arms. “The Council isn’t going to make you do anything you won’t want. That’s not like them nor for that matter the other vampires that make up their culture. They don’t rape or bleed anyone against their will. True if someone is bleeding they may lick the blood up but in their minds they’d probably justify it thinking their saliva does have antibacterial properties. If one of them did anything like you’re thinking, they’d be the one to suffer the weight of the Council for the same reasons as they’re going to or have decided what happens between you and Connell and me.”
“And you know this how?”
“That pre-consort instruction I told you about and I’ve seen it in action. It’s more like a utopian feudal system. The leaders work for the betterment of those they are responsible for, for all of them, which would include you if you become a part of their culture. You were already, to some degree, when you entered the Blood Donation Clinic.”
Sitting back down with his head in his hands, “But I’d still be sexually assaulted by vampires if I don’t choose one of them.”
Hesitantly, “You could tell them that you don’t want any. You know like they teach in school, 'just say NO.' You’d have to do it again and again, being really firm about it, and it doesn’t guarantee that the same vampire won’t be back the next day trying again. They can be very obsessive and some,” Stephen rolled his eyes, “are way too talented. Thing is you can’t give them any hint of arousal and yeah I know that that’s no excuse for what is sexual harassment but …” The sound of the garage door opening cut him off. Flashing a look over at Everett, “You okay?” when he nodded and stood up, “then let’s go find out what the Council decided.”
Continues with Part 20
Author: charisstoma
Word count: 717
Continues from Part 18
“The house looks good,” he said falling into a chair groaning from many minor aches. Stephen grinned at him from where he lay on the facing couch. Everett was envious thinking, ‘the cool leather must feel nice on the skin his clothes doesn’t cover,’ and remembered the taste of that skin still sweaty from labor that had nothing to do with cleaning.
“Yeah, we did good, didn’t we. Never gotten this much done before. Hmm, what could be the difference?” He pretended to consider and laughed as a pillow was chucked at him.
“There’s lots more of them where that came from,” Everett grinned holding a pillow up threatening. “I won’t be running out for a good while during Pillow War III.”
“Pillow War III? Did I miss I and II?”
Sagely nodding, “Before your time, in the infancy of my life.”
Stephen arched his brows, “Didn’t make into my history books. Can’t have been all that important.”
“It was a covert war,” Everett said in the manner of an aged veteran recounting war tales. “Known only by a select few; my friend, his siblings and me. Luckily no pillows died during the battle and were back in their places safe before the authorities arrived.”
“They never caught on, these authorities?”
“Well after the second war, Jamie’s Mom mentioned that the pillows were looking a bit the worse for wear and then bought new ones to replace them, and since she was doing that decided they needed new lamps and a recliner to coordinate. When the new stuff was delivered, she looked at us with that steely look that mothers are born with and told us we were older and should play outside from now on.”
“I doubt that Connell wants to redecorate the livingroom anywhere in the near future, so we’ll have to put Pillow War III off.” Pensively, “He should be back sometime today.”
“Why? Why didn’t he call to let us know what the Counsil might have said?” In spite of the ache in his body he stood, “It’s because it’s bad news, isn’t it. They won’t let me be a part of you. I’ve got to pack. Can I use the computer to look up schedules? If the Council said he had to give me up then he’ll do whatever they say, won’t he?”
“Calm down Everett. Wait and see.” Stephen had stood as well and grasped his arms. “The Council isn’t going to make you do anything you won’t want. That’s not like them nor for that matter the other vampires that make up their culture. They don’t rape or bleed anyone against their will. True if someone is bleeding they may lick the blood up but in their minds they’d probably justify it thinking their saliva does have antibacterial properties. If one of them did anything like you’re thinking, they’d be the one to suffer the weight of the Council for the same reasons as they’re going to or have decided what happens between you and Connell and me.”
“And you know this how?”
“That pre-consort instruction I told you about and I’ve seen it in action. It’s more like a utopian feudal system. The leaders work for the betterment of those they are responsible for, for all of them, which would include you if you become a part of their culture. You were already, to some degree, when you entered the Blood Donation Clinic.”
Sitting back down with his head in his hands, “But I’d still be sexually assaulted by vampires if I don’t choose one of them.”
Hesitantly, “You could tell them that you don’t want any. You know like they teach in school, 'just say NO.' You’d have to do it again and again, being really firm about it, and it doesn’t guarantee that the same vampire won’t be back the next day trying again. They can be very obsessive and some,” Stephen rolled his eyes, “are way too talented. Thing is you can’t give them any hint of arousal and yeah I know that that’s no excuse for what is sexual harassment but …” The sound of the garage door opening cut him off. Flashing a look over at Everett, “You okay?” when he nodded and stood up, “then let’s go find out what the Council decided.”
Continues with Part 20