Mara smiled as Jin joined her. Together they sandwiched Amir between them, each of them resting a head on one of his shoulders. Mara reached out to Jin, slid her hand into his across Amir's chest.
Looking at her Creator, her best friend, a man she admitted she loved as much as the one whose hand she held, Mara sighed. "He looks so young."
Amir looked younger then the two of them. Normally, his long years touched his face in such a way that he frequently appeared as a young adult in his 20s. Now, injured and vulnerable, he really did look like the teen he'd been at the time of his death.
They lay there for some time, it seemed, until Amir showed signs of stirring again. They both knew he would have to feed frequently and sleep a good deal. Mara, however, was worried about Jin being the only one to feed Amir. He could only feed himself so much at once, after all, and Amir had drunk deeply from him the last time.
Mara looked at Jin as Amir shifted beneath the covers. "Are you all right, Jin? Should we call Claire or Bao? Surely they can find someone else who could provide the same way as you did."
Jin couldn't do it all by himself. Not this often.
Like a Box of Chocolates... (invite only)
Mara, Jin, and Bao tumbled out of the car once they reached the manor. Mara turned to lift Amir from the back of the car where she and Jin had been sitting with him sprawled across them to find Jin already doing so.
Bao had driven like a maniac to get here. Mara and Jin had done their best to assess Amir's condition. It was dire. There was very little else to say aside from that. He needed blood and he needed it soon. And even after that it was a gamble as to whether or not he would be the same Amir they had known before.
Jin carried Amir into the Manor. Rupert met them at the door, his face professionally neutral as if people wandered randomly in every day with corpselike Clan-mates. Mara stepped closer to him.
"We need blood," she requested softly. "As quickly as you can possibly bring it to us."
That said she followed Jin quickly through the halls toward Amir's apartment by mutual unspoken consent. Not knowing when he would wake or how he would feel upon doing so, it seemed prudent to surround him with things that would be familiar to him. Or at least Mara hoped they would be familiar to him. Even she didn't understand the extent to which Subira had invaded his own mind and memories.
It saddened her to think that they had done this not so long ago. Back into Amir's apartment they went, only this time he was not nearly in such good condition. But, Mara thought with a tiny flicker of hope, this time might be the last in a long while. If Amir's gamble had worked out at all, he would be free.
Mara
13 years ago
Jin
13 years ago
He lay there half dozing against Amir's cool skin. Mara's comment made him look up at the man and nod. "Yes, he does like this." Normally Jin didn't notice Amir's youthful appearance any more than he noticed Mai's. Something in their eyes and carriage told their age. Jin forgot so often that when he was out with Mai in public he was frequently surprised when people treated her as a young girl.
Amir started to wake again and Mara asked him if he was okay. Jin nodded, he wouldn't let it go so far the next time. "I will be all right. I'll be more careful." He smiled at her. "I promise, Mara." Then he would again need to drink from someone else but Mara wasn't an ethereal and to his knowledge neither was Bao, or he'd have said something sooner. Jin would prefer that the person feeding Amir was at least familiar to him, if he couldn't yet feed from his loved ones. Waking up to a perfect stranger wasn't very comforting, even when they were offering you their neck. He also wouldn't know where to go right this moment to find another ethereal, nor was it a polite thing to ask your clan mates. 'Pardon, we need to safely feed an ancient who's in dire need of blood and likely to attempt to drain whoever he can get a hold of. We're wondering are you an ethereal and willing to volunteer your neck, for the good of the clan.' He didn't see that going over well as a starter conversation.
Looking down at the Huntsman he was laying on top of, Jin spoke softly. "Amir, you're home, safe. At the Manor. Everything will be okay." He was not entirely certain Amir heard those words the last time and it couldn't hurt to repeat them.
Amir started to wake again and Mara asked him if he was okay. Jin nodded, he wouldn't let it go so far the next time. "I will be all right. I'll be more careful." He smiled at her. "I promise, Mara." Then he would again need to drink from someone else but Mara wasn't an ethereal and to his knowledge neither was Bao, or he'd have said something sooner. Jin would prefer that the person feeding Amir was at least familiar to him, if he couldn't yet feed from his loved ones. Waking up to a perfect stranger wasn't very comforting, even when they were offering you their neck. He also wouldn't know where to go right this moment to find another ethereal, nor was it a polite thing to ask your clan mates. 'Pardon, we need to safely feed an ancient who's in dire need of blood and likely to attempt to drain whoever he can get a hold of. We're wondering are you an ethereal and willing to volunteer your neck, for the good of the clan.' He didn't see that going over well as a starter conversation.
Looking down at the Huntsman he was laying on top of, Jin spoke softly. "Amir, you're home, safe. At the Manor. Everything will be okay." He was not entirely certain Amir heard those words the last time and it couldn't hurt to repeat them.
Amir
13 years ago
Amir was quietly burning and freezing, still, again. He was struggling this time, though. He didn't want to be asleep. He wanted to open his eyes again. He had seen someone there. Someone had been there for him before.
Jin. That's right. Wherever he was, Jin was there too. And Where Jin was, Mara would be close by. He wanted to go to them. It was the first thing he'd felt strongly in... how long?
Amir didn't like the burning sensation. He gradually began to recognize it as starvation. He needed blood. A lot of it. He squeezed his eyes together tightly without opening them. Tried to rouse himself.
He was cold, but someone was warming him. On either side of him there was warmth. He was in bed. It was a bed, with blankets and sheets, not a stone floor covered in dust and dirt.
Amir shifted, trying to come to, turning toward the greater heat source, moving his lips. No sound came out. He couldn't figure out why. There were various aches and pains, numerous ones, throughout his body. He became acutely aware of them one at a time.
It was hard to move at all; he had no energy and it was painful. But he did manage to open his eyes. He saw stars. Familiar, cool, distant stars. But he wasn't outside.
Oh, god, he was home.
Amir gasped. This was his bed. His blankets. His star globe, sprinkling its pattern across the walls and ceiling of his room at Heolfor. He blinked his eyes; his vision was blurring. He thought he was numb inside but he wasn't. Something ached that wasn't physical at all and he couldn't name it.
He looked down, hardly moving his head. White hair spilled across the blankets; Jin's hair. He followed it to the Nightsman's face, looking down at him with concern. He was speaking but the words didn't register. Amir turned slightly. He knew who he would see, and he had to fill his eyes with her.
Mara lay on his other side, her pale, pretty eyes watching him unblinking. He opened his mouth and no sound came out of course. He could feel his fangs, though, aching and hungry. Mara nodded understandingly at him and he felt one of her hands squeeze his shoulder.
How was he here? He was confused. But relieved, or something similar, as the wetness upon his cheeks would indicate.
Jin. That's right. Wherever he was, Jin was there too. And Where Jin was, Mara would be close by. He wanted to go to them. It was the first thing he'd felt strongly in... how long?
Amir didn't like the burning sensation. He gradually began to recognize it as starvation. He needed blood. A lot of it. He squeezed his eyes together tightly without opening them. Tried to rouse himself.
He was cold, but someone was warming him. On either side of him there was warmth. He was in bed. It was a bed, with blankets and sheets, not a stone floor covered in dust and dirt.
Amir shifted, trying to come to, turning toward the greater heat source, moving his lips. No sound came out. He couldn't figure out why. There were various aches and pains, numerous ones, throughout his body. He became acutely aware of them one at a time.
It was hard to move at all; he had no energy and it was painful. But he did manage to open his eyes. He saw stars. Familiar, cool, distant stars. But he wasn't outside.
Oh, god, he was home.
Amir gasped. This was his bed. His blankets. His star globe, sprinkling its pattern across the walls and ceiling of his room at Heolfor. He blinked his eyes; his vision was blurring. He thought he was numb inside but he wasn't. Something ached that wasn't physical at all and he couldn't name it.
He looked down, hardly moving his head. White hair spilled across the blankets; Jin's hair. He followed it to the Nightsman's face, looking down at him with concern. He was speaking but the words didn't register. Amir turned slightly. He knew who he would see, and he had to fill his eyes with her.
Mara lay on his other side, her pale, pretty eyes watching him unblinking. He opened his mouth and no sound came out of course. He could feel his fangs, though, aching and hungry. Mara nodded understandingly at him and he felt one of her hands squeeze his shoulder.
How was he here? He was confused. But relieved, or something similar, as the wetness upon his cheeks would indicate.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin looked down at Amir. It became obvious that the man was more aware this time. Jin watched as Amir's eyes wandered around the room taking in his surroundings and then looked at him and over at Mara. He felt the tears were not such a bad thing though it was still such a different sight to see on the very confident and controlled Huntsman. He figured that they were relief more than anything else and after seeing first hand what Amir had been put through he is pretty sure he'd have shed more than a few tears himself.
He leaned closer. "You are thirsty and still healing. I would honored if you drank from me, please. It will be all right."
Jin sat up some and cradled Amir carefully in his arms, bringing him close to his neck. He looked over his clan mate's shoulder at Mara, giving her a small reassuring smile. Everything would be okay. Jin returned his attention to the man in his arms, finding the situation strange in so many ways.
He leaned closer. "You are thirsty and still healing. I would honored if you drank from me, please. It will be all right."
Jin sat up some and cradled Amir carefully in his arms, bringing him close to his neck. He looked over his clan mate's shoulder at Mara, giving her a small reassuring smile. Everything would be okay. Jin returned his attention to the man in his arms, finding the situation strange in so many ways.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara watched Amir's ascent into wakefulness, still and unmoving as she held him. When he looked around and finally saw her, she gently squeezed his shoulder in a spot with no bruising.
"Amir, you need to drink."
She could see stubbornness setting in. That wouldn't do. It was safe to take from Jin and Amir badly needed the blood, faster than an IV drip could provide it. She moved around slightly to his back, supporting him there while Jin lifted him gently.
When Jin looked at her she reached out and brushed his hair away from his face with a tender hand. She was amazed at his giving spirit. She rested briefly against her Creator's back, one hand on his shoulder and the other in Jin's long hair.
"It will be fine," she said reassuringly in Arabic. "Please Amir."
"Amir, you need to drink."
She could see stubbornness setting in. That wouldn't do. It was safe to take from Jin and Amir badly needed the blood, faster than an IV drip could provide it. She moved around slightly to his back, supporting him there while Jin lifted him gently.
When Jin looked at her she reached out and brushed his hair away from his face with a tender hand. She was amazed at his giving spirit. She rested briefly against her Creator's back, one hand on his shoulder and the other in Jin's long hair.
"It will be fine," she said reassuringly in Arabic. "Please Amir."
Amir
13 years ago
Amir found himself lifted and supported by two pairs of hands. He gasped and hissed in pain as he was moved but he knew Jin as being as gentle as he could. Part of him wanted to clamp his mouth shut and not drink what was offered, but it was a very small part and he didn't understand why it would say that. He weakly lifted one hand and slid it around Jin's waist. Then he turned his head slightly and gave into the louder, far more urgent voice that told him Jin's vein was a tiny bite away.
Sinking his teeth into Jin's neck he drank, savoring the impossibly sweet, rich blood that flowed forth into his waiting mouth. He let his eyes drift closed in ecstasy. Why did it seem so familiar? It was delicious. He drank, and drank, trying to be mindful of Jin's health.
But the old familiar urgency took over and he dug in a tiny bit deeper, aching for more. The small voice said stop; the louder one told him to drink until he was sated.
Amir followed the louder one since he was having trouble enough already really figuring out right from wrong, responsible from reckless. His mind was still wandering, lost in limbo somewhere. So he just went with sheer instinct.
Sinking his teeth into Jin's neck he drank, savoring the impossibly sweet, rich blood that flowed forth into his waiting mouth. He let his eyes drift closed in ecstasy. Why did it seem so familiar? It was delicious. He drank, and drank, trying to be mindful of Jin's health.
But the old familiar urgency took over and he dug in a tiny bit deeper, aching for more. The small voice said stop; the louder one told him to drink until he was sated.
Amir followed the louder one since he was having trouble enough already really figuring out right from wrong, responsible from reckless. His mind was still wandering, lost in limbo somewhere. So he just went with sheer instinct.
Jin
13 years ago
Amir's bite was less forceful this time but urgent still. Jin held him close, gently stroking his back, letting him know without words that he was home and everything would be okay now.
The Huntsman drank deeply and Jin did his best not to succumb to the pleasure of Amir's bite, far more intoxicating this time for some reason. Perhaps because Amir was more aware? He wasn't sure why that would make such a difference to him but it did, filling him with relief.
Still, he knew better than to let it go on too long. With a soft moan, he faded away, moving slightly to the side and returning. He reached a hand out to Amir, even though he knew Mara would hold him up.
"Better, now? We can get you some more if you need." Jin didn't ask yet whether the Huntsman felt he was ready to feed from someone else. Amir would know that. He was not judgmental; any one of them would have continued drinking and not had the will yet to stop. He would not say anything to make Amir feel guilty for that. He had not been harmed; there was nothing to worry about. Jin would go find Bao in a moment but he wanted to reassure Amir that he was okay first.
The Huntsman drank deeply and Jin did his best not to succumb to the pleasure of Amir's bite, far more intoxicating this time for some reason. Perhaps because Amir was more aware? He wasn't sure why that would make such a difference to him but it did, filling him with relief.
Still, he knew better than to let it go on too long. With a soft moan, he faded away, moving slightly to the side and returning. He reached a hand out to Amir, even though he knew Mara would hold him up.
"Better, now? We can get you some more if you need." Jin didn't ask yet whether the Huntsman felt he was ready to feed from someone else. Amir would know that. He was not judgmental; any one of them would have continued drinking and not had the will yet to stop. He would not say anything to make Amir feel guilty for that. He had not been harmed; there was nothing to worry about. Jin would go find Bao in a moment but he wanted to reassure Amir that he was okay first.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara slipped her arms around Amir's waist while he drank, pressing her cheek against his back, watching Jin's face with calm eyes. She understood the pleasure of another's bite; in her opinion, Amir's in particular evoked a sense of profound desire. But it was different for everyone.
She began to grow concerned again, but once again Jin faded, this time with a soft moan that Mara recognized instantly. Apprently Jin was not immune to the effect of Amir's bite either, for she had heard him make that noise before. She felt slightly guilty... she wished she could feed Amir herself at this point; she didn't know how Jin would feel about having that sort of sensation forced upon him. Oh, she knew it wasn't exactly force - but Jin was the only one here who could feed Amir safely and he was not the type to deny a Clanmate or friend in need. So really, there was no choice.
When he reappeared she rested her hand softly on his shoulder. They would speak later, of course. After Amir had fed as much as he needed to and once she had a chance to attend to Jin as well.
Amir didn't answer Jin's question immediately; Mara looked at him with some concern. Being in a blood coma had strange effects on them all, and while Claire could venture a guess at his condition upon coming out of it, it was still only a guess. Not to mention there was the trauma of having been, in Amir's opinion, buried alive. Who was her Creator now?
"Do you know where you are, Amir? Do you remember anything of what happened to you?"
She wasn't sure if it would do to remind him if the past month so soon after his waking, but she needed to know where he stood, in terms of what he remembered.
She began to grow concerned again, but once again Jin faded, this time with a soft moan that Mara recognized instantly. Apprently Jin was not immune to the effect of Amir's bite either, for she had heard him make that noise before. She felt slightly guilty... she wished she could feed Amir herself at this point; she didn't know how Jin would feel about having that sort of sensation forced upon him. Oh, she knew it wasn't exactly force - but Jin was the only one here who could feed Amir safely and he was not the type to deny a Clanmate or friend in need. So really, there was no choice.
When he reappeared she rested her hand softly on his shoulder. They would speak later, of course. After Amir had fed as much as he needed to and once she had a chance to attend to Jin as well.
Amir didn't answer Jin's question immediately; Mara looked at him with some concern. Being in a blood coma had strange effects on them all, and while Claire could venture a guess at his condition upon coming out of it, it was still only a guess. Not to mention there was the trauma of having been, in Amir's opinion, buried alive. Who was her Creator now?
"Do you know where you are, Amir? Do you remember anything of what happened to you?"
She wasn't sure if it would do to remind him if the past month so soon after his waking, but she needed to know where he stood, in terms of what he remembered.
Amir
13 years ago
Amir knew exactly when Jin left; the Nightsman simply faded away leaving him with a sense of loss replaced by profound shame. Where had his self control gone? Deep down he understood, but he'd brought this upon himself and was now relying on the good will of his friends and family to rescue him. It was hardly fair to them.
Where had that thought come from? He was beginning to realize, with increased awareness, that he wasn't sure how to respond to his own thoughts. Why was that? Was he so different? What had changed?
He blinked slowly. Subira. He shivered. Subira wasn't in his head any more. In fact, he felt very... empty.
The numbness had returned, concealing any shameful feelings for now. He put his hand into Jin's carefully... something there hurt still. Looking at Mara's lover for a long, long moment he finally closed his eyes and turned his head away by means of answering the Nightsman's question.
Mara spoke next, concern evident in her voice. Amir looked at her, very much aware of her arms around him, very much aware that every single scrape he'd gotten himself into since arriving in Nachton, she had arrived to help bail him out.
He slumped, having little energy to do anything but exist while his body healed itself. He nodded at Mara, not blaming her for asking simple questions. His voice was hardly working, which was an improvement over not working at all.
It was, however, hideous to hear, at least to his own ears, as he painfully forced words out with as much brevity as possible.
"Thank you," he said to Jin first. Then he swallowed, trying to improve the tone quality of the hoarse, husky rasp. "Home. I remember... some."
He put his hand to his throat, then, and shook his head. Until everything else mended he doubted much blood would be spared there. For now, speaking was just plain painful.
Where had that thought come from? He was beginning to realize, with increased awareness, that he wasn't sure how to respond to his own thoughts. Why was that? Was he so different? What had changed?
He blinked slowly. Subira. He shivered. Subira wasn't in his head any more. In fact, he felt very... empty.
The numbness had returned, concealing any shameful feelings for now. He put his hand into Jin's carefully... something there hurt still. Looking at Mara's lover for a long, long moment he finally closed his eyes and turned his head away by means of answering the Nightsman's question.
Mara spoke next, concern evident in her voice. Amir looked at her, very much aware of her arms around him, very much aware that every single scrape he'd gotten himself into since arriving in Nachton, she had arrived to help bail him out.
He slumped, having little energy to do anything but exist while his body healed itself. He nodded at Mara, not blaming her for asking simple questions. His voice was hardly working, which was an improvement over not working at all.
It was, however, hideous to hear, at least to his own ears, as he painfully forced words out with as much brevity as possible.
"Thank you," he said to Jin first. Then he swallowed, trying to improve the tone quality of the hoarse, husky rasp. "Home. I remember... some."
He put his hand to his throat, then, and shook his head. Until everything else mended he doubted much blood would be spared there. For now, speaking was just plain painful.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin was not certain what kind of answer Amir was giving by turning away. He supposed the answer was later. That was fine.
The Huntsman responded to Mara's questions. At least Amir knew that he was home. He said that he remembered some things as well; that gave Jin hope that the coma did not do any permanent mental damage. He was sure that they would watch over him for a while no matter what. Jin also knew that they needed to make sure that Amir's Creator believed him to be dead as they had briefly discussed. It needed to be convincing so that Amir had plenty of time to become strong again before she could throw anything else at him.
He gently held the hand that was in his, realizing just before he squeezed it reassuringly that Amir had reached out with the one that was still healing.
"So long as you know that you're safe and that we're here for you then everything else will come in time."
Jin smiled reassuringly at the Huntsman. He would threaten him with death should he ever try something like this again later, when Amir wasn't so disturbingly close to it.
He turned his gaze up to Mara's and his eyes softened tenderly. He did not know what was in store for them or how he would handle all of it. Would he be jealous of the love she had for Amir? Jin didn't know. He was sure that it would have its difficult moments, misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Right now Jin needed to trust her.
Laying Amir's hand gently down on the bed, he eased his way out from beneath the covers.
"I will be back. Bao is waiting in the other room."
The Huntsman responded to Mara's questions. At least Amir knew that he was home. He said that he remembered some things as well; that gave Jin hope that the coma did not do any permanent mental damage. He was sure that they would watch over him for a while no matter what. Jin also knew that they needed to make sure that Amir's Creator believed him to be dead as they had briefly discussed. It needed to be convincing so that Amir had plenty of time to become strong again before she could throw anything else at him.
He gently held the hand that was in his, realizing just before he squeezed it reassuringly that Amir had reached out with the one that was still healing.
"So long as you know that you're safe and that we're here for you then everything else will come in time."
Jin smiled reassuringly at the Huntsman. He would threaten him with death should he ever try something like this again later, when Amir wasn't so disturbingly close to it.
He turned his gaze up to Mara's and his eyes softened tenderly. He did not know what was in store for them or how he would handle all of it. Would he be jealous of the love she had for Amir? Jin didn't know. He was sure that it would have its difficult moments, misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Right now Jin needed to trust her.
Laying Amir's hand gently down on the bed, he eased his way out from beneath the covers.
"I will be back. Bao is waiting in the other room."
Mara
13 years ago
Mara met Jin's eyes and smiled at him. She'd heaped such trouble upon him since they'd met. It seemed impossible that he should love her still, but he did. His strength and steadfastness were amazing to her, and even as she held Amir close, ecstatic to have him in one piece, she could not take her eyes from Jin as he turned and left the room.
Alone with Amir, Mara pulled him against her; he went without resistance. She hugged him close.
"Is she gone, then?" Mara asked softly. "Do I have my Amir back?" Then her face grew solemn. "Did I ever really know my Amir to begin with?"
Heavy questions, she knew. Especially for someone newly awoken from a blood coma, still starving. Despite two deep feedings and the constant IV, Amir still looked thin and haggard. Not nearly as bad as when they'd first brought him home, but his body was consuming blood at an incredible rate.
Amir shivered in her arms and Mara tucked the blankets back around him. "You'll be warm soon," she promised, "and you'll feel better soon."
She continued to hold him, knowing she too was a valuable source of warmth. "You're either very brave, or you're reckless and stupid." She buried her face in his neck. "I don't know what I'd have done without you."
Mara bit her lip, forestalling the tears that threatened. She wanted to be angry with Amir, not cry at him. She was just so relieved to have him in one piece, though. "No more stunts," she said. "Please no more stunts. For a while."
Alone with Amir, Mara pulled him against her; he went without resistance. She hugged him close.
"Is she gone, then?" Mara asked softly. "Do I have my Amir back?" Then her face grew solemn. "Did I ever really know my Amir to begin with?"
Heavy questions, she knew. Especially for someone newly awoken from a blood coma, still starving. Despite two deep feedings and the constant IV, Amir still looked thin and haggard. Not nearly as bad as when they'd first brought him home, but his body was consuming blood at an incredible rate.
Amir shivered in her arms and Mara tucked the blankets back around him. "You'll be warm soon," she promised, "and you'll feel better soon."
She continued to hold him, knowing she too was a valuable source of warmth. "You're either very brave, or you're reckless and stupid." She buried her face in his neck. "I don't know what I'd have done without you."
Mara bit her lip, forestalling the tears that threatened. She wanted to be angry with Amir, not cry at him. She was just so relieved to have him in one piece, though. "No more stunts," she said. "Please no more stunts. For a while."
Amir
13 years ago
Amir nodded at Jin, a jerky motion that felt awkward. "I know," he rasped unpleasantly.
He turned to Mara as Jin left and noted her pale pretty eyes watched Jin go. Her heart was evident in them, love written plainly across her face. It made her look even prettier. She had made a wise choice with Jin.
Amir wasn't about to resist Mara's tug, even if he could. He allowed himself to be held. He listened to Mara's questions, not certain she wanted a response from him at this moment. He tried anyhow.
"I was always here. I think."
He couldn't explain it to her in any greater detail. "Later," he said, weakly reaching up to pat her arm.
Closing his eyes for a moment he rested against his oldest friend. Amir was certainly learning not to underestimate the value of warmth; having kept his rooms fairly cool before he wondered briefly if he should turn the temperature up. Did he like it warmer? He liked being next to Mara. And he'd liked it when Jin had been there. His leaving had been unpleasant.
Amir didn't offer any more conversation. He was busy assessing his own desires and having a very hard time forming opinions. He supposed that might be because his mind was still working slowly. Best not to push it.
Mara seemed to have bitten back any further recriminations for the moment. So Amir simply lay there against her, and she simply held him, and he thought he liked it.
But he wasn't positive.
He turned to Mara as Jin left and noted her pale pretty eyes watched Jin go. Her heart was evident in them, love written plainly across her face. It made her look even prettier. She had made a wise choice with Jin.
Amir wasn't about to resist Mara's tug, even if he could. He allowed himself to be held. He listened to Mara's questions, not certain she wanted a response from him at this moment. He tried anyhow.
"I was always here. I think."
He couldn't explain it to her in any greater detail. "Later," he said, weakly reaching up to pat her arm.
Closing his eyes for a moment he rested against his oldest friend. Amir was certainly learning not to underestimate the value of warmth; having kept his rooms fairly cool before he wondered briefly if he should turn the temperature up. Did he like it warmer? He liked being next to Mara. And he'd liked it when Jin had been there. His leaving had been unpleasant.
Amir didn't offer any more conversation. He was busy assessing his own desires and having a very hard time forming opinions. He supposed that might be because his mind was still working slowly. Best not to push it.
Mara seemed to have bitten back any further recriminations for the moment. So Amir simply lay there against her, and she simply held him, and he thought he liked it.
But he wasn't positive.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin left the room and moved into the living room where Bao was sitting with Claire leaned against him. The Frenchwoman, who's hair was still so strangely modern for her timeless beauty, seemed to have become more bold with more than just her style.
"Amir is awake again and looking better." He sighed softly. "He knows where he is and remembers some. I am no expert but I'd say those are good signs."
Coming to stand next to Bao, Jin glanced up at the man's companion. Claire gave him the most imperceptible of nods. He looked at Amir's son and stated simply.
"Mara has given me some of her blood but Amir drank from me again. I am afraid that I must ask you for your assistance here."
He stood waiting for Bao's reply.
((OOC: Claire with permission ))
"Amir is awake again and looking better." He sighed softly. "He knows where he is and remembers some. I am no expert but I'd say those are good signs."
Coming to stand next to Bao, Jin glanced up at the man's companion. Claire gave him the most imperceptible of nods. He looked at Amir's son and stated simply.
"Mara has given me some of her blood but Amir drank from me again. I am afraid that I must ask you for your assistance here."
He stood waiting for Bao's reply.
((OOC: Claire with permission ))
Bao
13 years ago
Bao had spent most of the time in Amir's living room berating himself for being absolutely useless. He could not get into the wolves territory to discover or retrieve Amir. He hadn't even been able to to escort Mara on to the grounds. Now he was unable to feed Amir or in any other way help his maker. But he sat stock still with his eyes closed and waited. While he didn't move he was very aware of Claire's presence. It was comforting and warm and helped keep him from lapsing too far into his own thoughts.
When he heard Jin though he's eyes flew open and he looked up. He had hoped for more news on Amir, perhaps even that his father had asked for him, but swallowed his disappointment without even blinking.
"It is encouraging. Thank you I am glad to hear it. Is there anything else you need from me?"
That he had expected, It wasn't even really what Bao had meant, but as it was expected he didn't hesitate for a second. He softly ran his hands over Claire's shoulders and nodded at Jin as he stood and removed his tie.
It was a rather awkward moment, he did not know Jin that well. But up to this point it was the only thing he was able to do.
"Yes, of course. It is the least I can do."
When he heard Jin though he's eyes flew open and he looked up. He had hoped for more news on Amir, perhaps even that his father had asked for him, but swallowed his disappointment without even blinking.
"It is encouraging. Thank you I am glad to hear it. Is there anything else you need from me?"
That he had expected, It wasn't even really what Bao had meant, but as it was expected he didn't hesitate for a second. He softly ran his hands over Claire's shoulders and nodded at Jin as he stood and removed his tie.
It was a rather awkward moment, he did not know Jin that well. But up to this point it was the only thing he was able to do.
"Yes, of course. It is the least I can do."
Jin
13 years ago
Jin looked at Bao thoughtfully. "Perhaps you can arrange for some better food sources for him in the coming nights? I'm sure you know what he prefers. Once Amir is in control of his hunger again he will still need plenty to eat."
He placed a hand on the man's arm and spoke quietly. "You are here, Bao. Ready to do all you can." Jin nodded toward the door. "We, Nightsmen, are full of flash and heroics but its what we do and once we've done our small part the Rose takes over and does the rest with quiet efficiency and skill."
"Amir needs you as much as he needs Mara."
Having said his small piece, Jin hoped it was not out of line. He had come to admire the Rose and their hard work that so often went unnoticed and unrecognized. Their care and attention to detail had saved his life on many occasions. He was sure this time that it would be Bao's help that will make Amir's recovery more comfortable and take care of any unforeseen needs.
Jin nodded once to Bao, before lightly placing his hands on the man's waist. They were essentially of the same height, making the man's neck conveniently easy to reach. He placed his lips on the pulsing artery full of rich vibrant blood. It was awkward for him, knowing Bao was not fond of him. Giving Bao that small pause to prepare himself, Jin slid his fangs slowly into the man's neck and drank.. Bao's blood was delightfully pure and potent as Jin expected. He closed his eyes in bliss, bringing one hand up to the middle of the man's back to gently hold him steady. Jin drank slowly but drank deeply, taking from Bao more than he had taken from Mara. Showing him silently, in his own way, that Bao's presence mattered and that he was needed.
He placed a hand on the man's arm and spoke quietly. "You are here, Bao. Ready to do all you can." Jin nodded toward the door. "We, Nightsmen, are full of flash and heroics but its what we do and once we've done our small part the Rose takes over and does the rest with quiet efficiency and skill."
"Amir needs you as much as he needs Mara."
Having said his small piece, Jin hoped it was not out of line. He had come to admire the Rose and their hard work that so often went unnoticed and unrecognized. Their care and attention to detail had saved his life on many occasions. He was sure this time that it would be Bao's help that will make Amir's recovery more comfortable and take care of any unforeseen needs.
Jin nodded once to Bao, before lightly placing his hands on the man's waist. They were essentially of the same height, making the man's neck conveniently easy to reach. He placed his lips on the pulsing artery full of rich vibrant blood. It was awkward for him, knowing Bao was not fond of him. Giving Bao that small pause to prepare himself, Jin slid his fangs slowly into the man's neck and drank.. Bao's blood was delightfully pure and potent as Jin expected. He closed his eyes in bliss, bringing one hand up to the middle of the man's back to gently hold him steady. Jin drank slowly but drank deeply, taking from Bao more than he had taken from Mara. Showing him silently, in his own way, that Bao's presence mattered and that he was needed.
Bao
13 years ago
"Of course. For yourself and Mara as well if you'd rather not go out while he is recovering."
As sure as he knew his own name Bao knew Mara would not leave Amir's side until he was recovered. But that was no excuse for not feeding herself. While not as certain in his conclusion he strongly suspected Jin wouldn't be much farther than this from Mara and it would be poor thanks indeed if he did not see to Jin's needs as well.
He would have all the arrangements made by the following night without fail. For Amir though, he would have to ensure that one or two were disposable. His maker could be... enthusiastic some times.
Jin's hand on his arm surprised him, it was almost an affectionate gesture and while his words were reassuring Bao listened to them with the same rigid control and emotionless expression that he did most every thing. He would simply not allow anyone to see the weakness, his disappointment, doubt or self pity. It was more important that Amir heal than he feel good about it. Bao believed that with every last fiber of his being.
While slightly surprised by Jin's sensitivity to his worries, Bao wasn't quite able to believe those reassurances. Simply put any other member of the clan could do what he had. That didn't mean he wasn't going to see to what little he could do with zeal and ruthless efficacy or that he would skulk away and hide, wallow in his own grief. No. Not now, not ever especially not where his father was concerned.
He stood still waiting for Jin, neither forcing himself on the man or hindering in any way. Bao didn't often allow himself to be bitten, not even in more intimate moments. It had been months, if not a year or more since the last time some one had and even then it was Amir. That, however, had also been different. Bao found himself closing his eyes as Jin drank. His expression softened and his body relaxed slightly. It was easy to forget their bite could have very potent effects, even if he didn't permit himself to give into them entirely.
As sure as he knew his own name Bao knew Mara would not leave Amir's side until he was recovered. But that was no excuse for not feeding herself. While not as certain in his conclusion he strongly suspected Jin wouldn't be much farther than this from Mara and it would be poor thanks indeed if he did not see to Jin's needs as well.
He would have all the arrangements made by the following night without fail. For Amir though, he would have to ensure that one or two were disposable. His maker could be... enthusiastic some times.
Jin's hand on his arm surprised him, it was almost an affectionate gesture and while his words were reassuring Bao listened to them with the same rigid control and emotionless expression that he did most every thing. He would simply not allow anyone to see the weakness, his disappointment, doubt or self pity. It was more important that Amir heal than he feel good about it. Bao believed that with every last fiber of his being.
While slightly surprised by Jin's sensitivity to his worries, Bao wasn't quite able to believe those reassurances. Simply put any other member of the clan could do what he had. That didn't mean he wasn't going to see to what little he could do with zeal and ruthless efficacy or that he would skulk away and hide, wallow in his own grief. No. Not now, not ever especially not where his father was concerned.
He stood still waiting for Jin, neither forcing himself on the man or hindering in any way. Bao didn't often allow himself to be bitten, not even in more intimate moments. It had been months, if not a year or more since the last time some one had and even then it was Amir. That, however, had also been different. Bao found himself closing his eyes as Jin drank. His expression softened and his body relaxed slightly. It was easy to forget their bite could have very potent effects, even if he didn't permit himself to give into them entirely.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin gently let Bao go, holding onto the man's arms a moment to make certain that he was going to be okay to continue standing up. He had drank deeply from Amir's son and he had no doubt that it would have taken a small toll on Bao.
He favored his clan mate with a nod of acknowledgment and said. "Thank you, Bao."
Jin smiled once at Claire before turning to enter the bedroom again. He should probably give Mara and Amir more time alone but he hadn't asked if she wanted it. Before he departed for longer he would make sure she didn't need him, until then Jin would be by Mara's side as much as he could and by Amir's as well, assuming the Huntsman wanted him there. He wouldn't presume in Amir's case; he wasn't one of Amir's created family despite already considering Mara a part of his own.
Opening the door again, he slid quietly into room and then sat on the bed next to Amir.
"Is there anything else any of us can do to help?"
He favored his clan mate with a nod of acknowledgment and said. "Thank you, Bao."
Jin smiled once at Claire before turning to enter the bedroom again. He should probably give Mara and Amir more time alone but he hadn't asked if she wanted it. Before he departed for longer he would make sure she didn't need him, until then Jin would be by Mara's side as much as he could and by Amir's as well, assuming the Huntsman wanted him there. He wouldn't presume in Amir's case; he wasn't one of Amir's created family despite already considering Mara a part of his own.
Opening the door again, he slid quietly into room and then sat on the bed next to Amir.
"Is there anything else any of us can do to help?"
Amir
13 years ago
Amir was content to rest against Mara, and she said nothing further while she held him. He was desperately trying to recall what had happened the entire time he'd been in the little dirt cell but every time he thought about it he just remembered the walls falling in on him.
Thinking of other things didn't work either; now that he was free of outside influences he ended up thinking back over long years and he only wound up feeling insecure and uncertain of his actions.
Amir wasn't sure he knew who he was.
He closed his eyes and waited, for the odd feelings to go away, for some semblance of strength to return, his mind to clear - anything. Patience was not his forte and it was being forced upon him.
The door opened and Jin entered the room again. Amir turned to him, pulling away slightly from Mara. In his mind he attached great significance to Jin. He recognized him as the voice he'd heard while drifting, the warmth he'd clung to not long before.
Sliding back down under the blankets he tucked himself up against Mara but curled toward Jin, reaching his hand out and grabbing Jin's wrist lightly.
"Stay," he requested in a muffled miserable voice.
He was alone in his head; he wasn't sure he wanted to be alone all around.
Thinking of other things didn't work either; now that he was free of outside influences he ended up thinking back over long years and he only wound up feeling insecure and uncertain of his actions.
Amir wasn't sure he knew who he was.
He closed his eyes and waited, for the odd feelings to go away, for some semblance of strength to return, his mind to clear - anything. Patience was not his forte and it was being forced upon him.
The door opened and Jin entered the room again. Amir turned to him, pulling away slightly from Mara. In his mind he attached great significance to Jin. He recognized him as the voice he'd heard while drifting, the warmth he'd clung to not long before.
Sliding back down under the blankets he tucked himself up against Mara but curled toward Jin, reaching his hand out and grabbing Jin's wrist lightly.
"Stay," he requested in a muffled miserable voice.
He was alone in his head; he wasn't sure he wanted to be alone all around.
Bao
13 years ago
There was the faintest of wobbles as Jin stepped back. No doubt it was taking a lot out of the man to feed Amir and Bao didn't begrudge Jin what he took from him. He was going to need to find something himself now, but that was a miniscule price to pay.
"You are welcome. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance."
He was faintly light headed but still knew where Claire. While he didn't raise his hand he did open it in invitation. It surprised him how easy and natural the gesture was. But the contact she had offered before, it was missed now. But he did not turn away from the door to Amir's bedroom. He watched Jin leave and for a second or two as his eyes followed the other man, through the door toward his father, Bao's expression was almost hungry. But he quickly regained his composure and his typical neutral countenance.
More than anything Bao wanted to be with Amir, but he also did not want to intrude or be in the way. They deserved their privacy. Middle child syndrome was a bitch.
"You are welcome. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance."
He was faintly light headed but still knew where Claire. While he didn't raise his hand he did open it in invitation. It surprised him how easy and natural the gesture was. But the contact she had offered before, it was missed now. But he did not turn away from the door to Amir's bedroom. He watched Jin leave and for a second or two as his eyes followed the other man, through the door toward his father, Bao's expression was almost hungry. But he quickly regained his composure and his typical neutral countenance.
More than anything Bao wanted to be with Amir, but he also did not want to intrude or be in the way. They deserved their privacy. Middle child syndrome was a bitch.
Claire
13 years ago
Claire let Bao go as he stood to allow Jin to take blood from him. She watched with secret longing as those nimble fingers undid first the tie and then the buttons of his shirt. It seemed to her that the articles of clothing that made up his suit were much like pieces of armor. Claire had begun to hope that they would be somewhere private together when she finally saw him relinquish it.
Still the sight of him, shirtless and pressed against and equally bare chested Jin was breathtaking. The gentle relaxation in Bao's stance and the softening of his features as Jin drank from him were lovely to behold. Without the mask of formality Bao was overwhelmingly handsome. Claire brought her knuckle up to her mouth to keep the sigh of longing locked away.
When Jin returned once more to the other room, she reached out her hand for the one open to her. Urging him back down onto the sofa next to her, she said.
"Come drink from me, Bao, so that you can stay."
Claire looked at him for acquiescence before reaching around and slowing undoing the long line of buttons at the back of her dress. The delicate white material opened to reveal a very modern blush and pale pink lace demi-cup bra. Claire wondered what he thought of it. She had picked it at the time because it was pretty but she liked the odd mix of sexy and innocent. It even had the sweet little bow tucked right in the middle of her cleavage. She let the dress slid off her shoulders and drop down to her waist, gathering loosely at the crook of her arms, which Claire held out to him.
"Please, let me do this for you."
Still the sight of him, shirtless and pressed against and equally bare chested Jin was breathtaking. The gentle relaxation in Bao's stance and the softening of his features as Jin drank from him were lovely to behold. Without the mask of formality Bao was overwhelmingly handsome. Claire brought her knuckle up to her mouth to keep the sigh of longing locked away.
When Jin returned once more to the other room, she reached out her hand for the one open to her. Urging him back down onto the sofa next to her, she said.
"Come drink from me, Bao, so that you can stay."
Claire looked at him for acquiescence before reaching around and slowing undoing the long line of buttons at the back of her dress. The delicate white material opened to reveal a very modern blush and pale pink lace demi-cup bra. Claire wondered what he thought of it. She had picked it at the time because it was pretty but she liked the odd mix of sexy and innocent. It even had the sweet little bow tucked right in the middle of her cleavage. She let the dress slid off her shoulders and drop down to her waist, gathering loosely at the crook of her arms, which Claire held out to him.
"Please, let me do this for you."