walking with the vampires

[slayers_desire]

One week had passed since April had gone to her world, gotten kidnapped, and had to be rescued by Victor Allen and Clark. Things were still a jumble in April's head because of the incident. As she tried to sort out emotions from the kidnapping, and of course from the issue that caused the kidnapping -- an alternate of Clark that was raised a Luthor.

The main thing is that communication between April and her father, Spike, had improved since then. The vampire had his own PINpoint now. And it was easier for him to send brief texts.

Or randomly show up, as he had done today. Right now, he was sitting outside the farmhouse and indulging in his habit of smoking. His daughter was inside, making supper. And Clark, should be returning home shortly.

Comments

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Though the weather's getting much cooler out in preparation for winter, it's not enough to freeze out a vampire or a Kryptonian. And Clark is enjoying the last few opportunities to ride his motorcycle to work before he has to put it away for the winter.

As he pulls up to the farmhouse after an ordinary day at work, he spies the latest addition to the farm. "Spike," he greets his father-in-law. "Good to see you. What brings you to town?"

[buffyverse_npcs]

"Thought I would take my daughter on an excursion. Been playing around with this thing..." He shows the PINpoint, "And found something interesting. She wanted to wait for you, of course."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark's eyebrows go up a little in surprise. "Interesting how?" he asks, sounding intrigued.

[buffyverse_npcs]

"A world were vampires are the majority. Not the minority."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"That does sound right up her alley," Clark agrees, smiling a little. He knows she's been yearning to spend more time with other vampires, and this seems like a great opportunity. Especially if this turns out to be a world where, maybe, it's not unknown for vampires to have children in the so-called "traditional" way.

[buffyverse_npcs]

"She is cooking supper inside. Thought I would take a moment to myself." He gestures the smoke.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Take as much time as you'd like." Spike is a guest in their home, no matter how long he stays, and he's family. And he's courteous enough to smoke outside, though whether it's because he doesn't want to smoke up the house or whether it's because of the baby, it doesn't matter to Clark.

In the meantime, he heads into the house to say hello to his wife.

[slayers_desire]

April is at the kitchen table. It looks like she was in the middle of setting the table. But right now, her eyes are closed and her hand is on her belly.

"Hello husband." She still knows it is him, without seeing him enter.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Hey, you." It's a little bit of a strange greeting - not that she knows that it's him without looking, but the way she's posed, looking inwardly.

"Everything okay?"

[slayers_desire]

"The baby is moving..." She whispers. It is a strange feeling. One that takes a moment for her to adjust to.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark can't help the smile that spreads across his lips. "Wow... really?"

[slayers_desire]

"Open your mind..." It is the only way she can share the experience.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

He does, eagerly, wanting to share this experience from her. And he comes over to touch her belly himself, knowing that he won't be able to feel it just yet, but needing that touch.

[slayers_desire]

Entering her mind, her experience, Clark will feel a light touch, almost like a butterfly inside April. That small life inside her is moving, ever so gently. Stretching. Flexing.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Wow," he murmurs. He was the first to hear the baby's heartbeat, but she was the first to feel the true first signs of life. The first movements of the baby as it develops, only perceptible because of the very physical bond between mother and child. It's something he'll only know through her, and it's amazing.

[slayers_desire]

"It took me by surprise." She chuckles.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"This is the first time?"

[slayers_desire]

She nods. "My whole body is changing, but this definitely stood out."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"I bet." He can't stop smiling, and gives her kiss. "You're amazing."

[slayers_desire]

"I am not doing anything..." April laughed softly.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Sure you are. You're growing another person inside of you." And he loves her all the more for it.

[slayers_desire]

"And I am starting to ache. All over..." But it doesn't sound like a complaint. "Father said... we could attend a vampire birth in another world that he found."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"I think that would be a good idea... if you're up for it, that is." It'll give her other vampire mothers to talk to, and maybe give her a better idea of what to expect.

[slayers_desire]

"I am. Their night ties into ours, so that is convenient."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

He nods towards the table. "Good thing you've made us something to eat before we go." And of course he assumes that Spike is invited to join them. She usually makes enough to have at least a small measure of leftovers.