taking time to heal

[slayers_desire]

For the next few days, April couldn't help but think of her friend Victor. Who had been captured by the alternate-Lionel Luthor, tortured and injured. It would take a lot of time for Victor to heal her wounds. There were also non-physical wounds too.

Cole didn't trust Clark. And Lionel was still out there. Plotting something.

Today, April was staring out to the city, her mind wandering today. Her PINpoint beeped in her hands. And she looked at it, reading the message waiting for her.

Clark should come home soon. And at least this message was a good one.

Comments

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark can take a guess on what they're going to do with their rolled up sleeves, something that he can't do under normal circumstances. "Because I'm an outsider?" he guesses, keeping his voice just as low.

[slayers_desire]

"You could say that. I can bleed for you instead, if you like." Spike offered.

"These are our children. Our future. We sacrifice for them." Mykal bares his fangs. So do the other husbands.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

If he'd known beforehand, he could've brought his blue kryptonite along. But he's polite enough not to say anything about it that might insult Spike.

He wouldn't ask Spike to do that. But he has offered. And it seems like it might be rude to leave their part in the ceremony incomplete. "If you're willing, I'd appreciate it."

[slayers_desire]

"I am glad to help my baby girl." Spike vamped out too. Together, all the husbands bite their wrists, and hold their bleeding wrists out. The blood collects and spills towards the lake, where it colors the water.

"Blood fuels us. Blood is our future. We bathe our children in the blood of their past, their present, their futures."

One by one, the woman go deeper so their bellies are covered by the bloody water.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

He feels a bit conspicuous, not doing the same thing as the others, even though he can't. So he focuses on the words, and the spirit of the whole thing, watching April. If he was capable, he would sacrifice in the same way right now, so he has to just hope that it counts.

[slayers_desire]

When it comes to April's time to bathe herself in the bloody water, she glances up to Clark. And smiles.

I know you would do anything for me

[kalel_ofkrypton]

He smiles a little, just feeling privileged to be a part of this, knowing that this is the sort of thing that others wouldn't understand. But he's allowed and encouraged to be here, and he's glad that he can be here for her, helping her bond with others like her. Anything.

((bedtime for me))

[slayers_desire]

"Husbands, come and claim your wives. Share the night with them." Mykal calls out. The husbands don't worry about their wounds. They step down from the stands to help their wives out of the water. Some husbands have two wives to claim. Some are two men claiming one woman.

For Clark... there is just April.

((night. day off for me tomorrow so yah!))

[kalel_ofkrypton]

There may be 'just' April, but Clark wouldn't have it any other way. And he steps forward to help her out. You did great.

((and I got sent home from work early because there's nothing to do, lol))

[slayers_desire]

The other husbands are taking their wives to the town square. April and Clark follow. Thank you. I felt like one of the clan out there. It was...

She paused. And got a strange look on her face. Then grabbing Clark's hand, she placed his hand on her belly. Just in time for him to feel the baby kick.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

He jumps slightly, not having expected that. But he's quick to realize what it was. "Oh, wow... I think Acorn approves too."

[slayers_desire]

"Acorn is very happy right now." April closed her eyes and enjoys the moment.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

He doesn't want to take his hand away, afraid that he'll miss more movement, and somewhat amazed that he can feel it now without the mental impressions from her. "Thank you... for making sure I didn't miss that."

[slayers_desire]

The kick will only last a moment. But it was still a great memory to share. "I am glad my voices warned me that it was coming."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"I'd thank your voices if I knew how." Another milestone reached, another sign that the baby's growing up healthy and strong. It's something he sorely needed right now, a calm spot in the storm.

[slayers_desire]

April notes that they were sort of left behind. So takes advantage of the private moment to steal a soft kiss from him.

"We should catch up to the others."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"We wouldn't want to miss the party," he agrees, reaching to hold her hand. "I can dry you off a little first if you want."

[slayers_desire]

"Please. I don't want to get a chill."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

He smiles at her, and uses a mild version of his heat vision, almost like drying off in the sun after a swim. He finishes it with a kiss. "Better?"

[slayers_desire]

"Much better. Thank you." She kisses him again.

They walk to the village square, where there are some tables set up. The wives are sitting at the tables. The husbands aren't currently. There is a chair waiting for April.

"I get the sense there is still more to this ceremony."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"I guess you'd better take your seat, then," he says, escorting her over.

[slayers_desire]

April sits down with a soft chuckle. She watches as the husband prepare to serve their wives. Spike goes with Clark, to help him learn the ceremony.

"We serve our beloved ones. We ensure that they are healthy. That they have the nourishment needed." Mykal speaks again. He is at another table, one with him and his wives.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark welcomes the assistance, since mimicking what he sees the others doing will only get him so far. And while the vampire community here has been perfectly accepting of him not knowing their ways, he'd still like to avoid making any embarrassing mistakes of etiquette. "Thanks," he whispers, to avoid interrupting the ceremony.

[slayers_desire]

"No problems mate. This one is easy. Just choose healthy foods for your wife, and serve her." Spike explained. The table was full of fruits, vegetables, cheeses and milks. And there was blood there too.

"Husbands, serve your beloved ones." Mykal instructs. There are some husbands who just place the plate in front of their wives. Some who lovingly feed their wives. April watches them all, amazed at how well connected the community is. No one is left out.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark takes a balanced selection, choosing things that he knows she'll like, and brings it over to the table. Guess I get to spoil you some more, he teases her, offering a morsel at a time.