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

[slayers_desire]

"A cornish pastry is filled with all the basics, beef, potatoe, turnip and onion. And of course, a trifle is custard, sponge cake, fruit and more fruit." April describes the two recipes.

"And nothing wrong with fish and chips," Spike adds.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Those both sound pretty good." He knows that British food is stereotyped as being bad or bland, but he of all people knows that stereotypes often aren't true. And he's sure that in his wife's hands, she'll make anything delicious.

[slayers_desire]

"We fit as much food in one dish as possible. Make it delicious and make it quick." Spike finishes his plate with little problems.

"I am sure we can add a few recipes into our menu."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"It sounds easier to balance meals that way, combining things." Much like casseroles, like the one they're enjoying now.

"My mom's side of the family tends of accumulate recipes and pass them down. She'll be thrilled to know that we're getting them from your side too."

[slayers_desire]

"I remember you mum. Good woman. Good dancer." Spike nodded in recognition.

April finished her meal shortly later. And brought out the cake, smaller plates, and of course blood for her and Spike.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark's not sure if this question is appropriate to ask, but he figures that April at least will understand. "Do you know any recipes that use blood in them?" he asks Spike. Since it's on the table and everything, and he's been thinking about that since the conversation started.

[slayers_desire]

"Black sausage. Blood pudding... beef neck sauce." Spike licks his lips, and gladly drinks his blood.

"I have made a few of those before." April notes.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"True, but it's never a bad thing to have some variety. You wouldn't want to make the same thing every time you want to have blood openly." For the most part, she doesn't drink it in public or with anyone not in the know - and sometimes not even then. He doesn't want her to feel ashamed of her heritage, what she is and what she needs. So putting it in a form that's not socially unusual seems a good solution to that.

[slayers_desire]

"Just wait pet, when we visit this world I found, no one cares what you drink or when you drink." Spike notes. He has no problems drinking his blood around Clark.

April nods, a little nervous suddenly. "That will be nice. I always feel free at home, of course. But other places..."

"We have to abide to the social norms." Spike finishes for her.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Maybe one day, society will have advanced enough that it won't be an issue," Clark suggests, trying to keep up hope. After all, when the Legion traveled back to help them defeat Brainiac, they told Clark that he had paved the way for alien acceptance on Earth. If the humans here can learn to live peacefully alongside aliens... why not vampires?

((bedtime))

[slayers_desire]

April reaches out to squeeze his hand gently. "Our love will help pave the way. I am sure of that."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark smiles at her, and squeezes her hand back. "I'll make sure of it."

[slayers_desire]

"You two are too cute. The vampires won't know what to make of you." Spike chuckled.

"Why not?"

"Few of them have monogamous relationships."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Why not?" Clark asks. He can think of all kinds of reasons, from their long lifespans to just plain instinct not forming that kind of bond.

[slayers_desire]

"Instinct mostly. They take a handful of mates. Keeps them from being bored." Spike explained.

April couldn't imagine that. "What else is different in their world?"

"Oh just wait pet... we are going to go on a hunt."

"A hunt..." the word practically breathed out of April.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

He can tell that the word strikes a chord with April, and while he doesn't have that same instinctual response, he remembers how it felt the day that they swapped powers, and he saw the world through her eyes. Running through the night felt amazing, and he'd felt the desire to chase something, but had never been able to put his finger on what or why.

"Sounds like we have quite a night ahead of us."

[slayers_desire]

"We can leave anytime you are ready." Spike offered. He smiled, sensing the instinctual response in his daughter.

April has never really visited others of her kind... just fought them. She is nervous, but excited.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark isn't sure what to expect, but he'll follow their lead, and watch, and learn. And maybe together they'll pick up on parts of vampire culture, parts of her heritage that she can embrace without fear. "I'll clean up the kitchen," he volunteers, as he can get it done the fastest.

[slayers_desire]

"Is there anything I should bring?" April asked. Spike just instructed for comfortable clothing, which was easy enough to pack. Then they were ready to leave.

April took Clark's hand. Smiling at him. "I am so glad you are coming."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Hey, I may not be a vampire, but I'm your husband. And I'd follow you anywhere." And he's quite curious to see what lies in store for her.

[slayers_desire]

Spike opens the portal, and they step through. It is night time in the vampire world, just as it was getting to night time in their world. They had entered in an alleyway. The houses... looked more European in style with steep roofs, subtly flared curves at the eaves and are faced with stucco and stone. And even though they are in a city... there are less houses, as each of the homes have large lots.

There is a bonfire in a nearby park, where Spike leads them towards. "They have a festival tonight. Their Thanksgiving, as it were."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Are they going to be okay with a non-vampire hanging around?" Clark asks, taking in the sights and sticking close at April's side.

[slayers_desire]

"They will know you aren't a vampire. But they won't attack you. They might be curious. And a few might try to smell you." Spike warned.

It was weird to note that these vampires were comfortable around fire, especially one as big as the bonfire was. It definitely looked like a celebration, with the music going and the vampires dancing around.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"So long as they know I belong to April, I can handle that."

Clark's well familiar with festivals and small town rituals involving bonfires, but this seems like something else. A little bit more pagan, though certainly festive and welcoming to those of like minds. "Where do you want to start?" he asks his wife.

[slayers_desire]

"They will smell her on you too." Spike noted.

April looked around, there wasn't any food around. A few punch bowls filled with blood. "I am not sure. Father?"

"I will introduce you to the mayor of this community. No worries love, follow my lead."