While investigating the death of a computer programmer, Nick becomes obsessed with a vampire games that promotes virtual killing, letting his obsession get in the way of the case and giving in to more backsliding.
A 'virtually' addicted Nick determinedly enters his loft. Hastily he puts down his gloves, tosses off his coat and scarf, and strides purposefully to the refrigerator. He grabs a bottle of "wine". Opening it quickly (sans fangs) he drinks deeply before he retires with it to the frontroom. The fireplace is lit. (How does he do that, anyway?)
Nick barely places the container and 'game' on the table when he hears the unexpected sound of vampiric flight. A sultry tone distracts him from his mission. He turns.
LC: [sitting comfortably in a leather chair, facing his protege] "Would you care to try a little human vintage?"
Looking from the table, Nicholas glances towards the voice. He finds LaCroix seated, there's a bottle in his hand.
LC: [leaning forward] "It's young, but has an earthy, robust taste." (I don't want to know...Farm boy, or maybe Stable hand perhaps?) "And it finishes quite well. It really is quite delicious." (My, my is Orgasm Man talking about the 'wine' or the source? ;-[)!) [offering it]
LaCroix eyes the label. A grin and slight laugh escapes his lips.
Nick steps sideways, to snatch the pro-offered gift warily from his mentor's hand. Never meeting his gaze. (What? Nicky dear, afraid Walking O might...bite you <bg>?!)
LC: [steepling his fingers] "You know...I've been having the strangest inklings about you, Nicholas. [Nick uncorks the new bottle, gently inhaling the bouquet as the other speaks] That you are, ever so slowly wandering back into the fold..." (Wandering? I think Bee-lining would more accurately describe it -- Ah, oh..."Bee lining"...a honey reference. I didn't do that on purpose, initially. Beat me with honey sticks --- ===H=== ===H=== !!!)
The young man hesitates only a moment before he takes a long draught on the bottle of mortal blood, that his master brought for him.
LC: "So you can imagine my delight at finding you like this. [amused, he pauses briefly] I almost hesitate to ask...[serious now, pausing] What has happened to you?" (Like Big L doesn't know. He just wants to hear Hormone Boy say it.)
Knight recorks the container to stare at the 'intruder'.
N: [terse] "Nothing's happened." [responding quickly] (Too swift to answer, Nickness. You've done that before. It's a dead <g> give-away you're lying, O' Blond One...)
LaCroix sits patiently, listening.
N: [given almost as an excuse, trying to explain] "It's the 'Game'. [moving forward] It's a Virtual Reality game...about vampires."
LC: How quaint. [gesturing to the table] And this, game, has rekindled the stirrings in you?"
N: [walking away, turning away. bottle still in hand] "I'm doing it to solve a crime." (Oh, yeah, right. I believe you Nicky, yep, ah huh. And I'm sure Uncle believes you too... Grow Pinocchio nose, grow ;-[)!)
LC: "Oh, yes. Yes, of course you are." [sitting closer to the edge] (See...told you Brickness...LC has learned a little about your behavior over the span of 800 years. You, on the other hand...) "And you have, killed? In this game?" [he points to the device]
N: [near the front window now he turns abrupty, and gives a sharpened response to LaCroix] "Yes!"
LC: "Savored the victim's blood? [returning the gaze] Must be quite an impressive game..." [taunting, smiling mildly. then glancing down] (Love that sarcasm Uncle projects - Great grin too. YUM ;-[)!!)
Nicholas looks off, fiddling with the cork, confused.
The sound of a vampire taking to the air is heard again. Nick re-turns, back. The loft is empty of its guest. He walks towards the suddenly vacated chair, staring at it. He seems lost. (Read: <But, but daaad! I wasn't done talking with youuu...>)
The bottle in his hand is opened once more. A deep drink follows. (Now that the "Daddy Distraction Factor is gone, Nickness can refocus on his new obsession.) Detective Knight sets the human blood back down on the table and quickly reapplies the VR equiptment. He then plants himself firmly into the seat so recently occupied by his master. (Must still be warm, eh? Nicky-Pooh ;-[) ===H===!) To continue...playing. (Off again to Virual Vampland...Happy hunting dear boy <bg>.)
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