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Entry tags:

penny dreadful: ethan chandler

permanent catch-all

WHO: Ethan Chandler (

lupusintus) & Others
WHAT: Permanent catch-all
WHERE: Various locations throughout the City
WHEN: Will date starters accordingly.
WARNINGS: Talk of assault, murder, werewolves, drinking, swearing and trauma likely. Will update as necessary.

( If you would like to do something with Ethan, feel free to hit me up via

accessories, PM or you can add me on Discord (wartheatre) -- I'm happy to write up the starters, just toss an idea my way and we will run with it. )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Ethan hasn't dropped by unannounced since the day he stumbled into the Welcome Diner looking quite a fright, likely causing Daniel's blood pressure to skyrocket to astronomical levels. Amidst one of his nightly walks that are meant to disguise the fact that he is actually patrolling the streets, something that has become more frequent since Halloween, he finds himself walking up to the building. He knows the routine like the back of his hand now, Daniel typically sends the others home early and closes the place by himself.

It means he doesn't have to mince words or be forced to change topics again because some of the younger workers are in earshot. He's put this off for several days now, still reeling a bit from the backlash that came with the rampage. In truth, the day after it happened, he had every intention of telling Daniel that he would no longer be working here in order to put the others at ease. Would he accept that? Unlikely, given how he was quick to accept him. He's concerned about the man, however, as he doesn't seem like the type of person who is from a world where actual monsters exist.

Had it been too much for him?

After lingering at the entrance longer than he would have liked to, he opens up the door and steps inside. Rather than announce himself, he walks through the dining room in silence when he doesn't immediately see him fussing away at someone or something. Odd. In the back, maybe? He doesn't have to search long but, when he does find him, he decides to sit back and observe what he's doing when he picks up on the way his shoulders seem to sag.

This isn't Daniel LaRusso, father of all the wayward City teens, who would give someone the shirt off of his back if it meant they would be happy. He might play the part of the charming rogue but he's also more perceptive than people give him credit for. After what he did for him, he's not about to hightail it out of there without extending some form of comfort. So, with that in mind, he takes a few steps back and calls out to get his attention. ]

Mr. LaRusso? You here?

[ It's strange how the empty diner always feels like a blessing and a curse all at once. It's a blessing in the sense that he doesn't have to keep up a smile or positive energy for anyone, given that there's no one around to witness him, but it's a curse in the sense that not having people around is exactly what makes all the negative thoughts creep back in. It's a little easier to keep them at bay when he's feeling productive. Like he's really getting something done, like he's helping people-- making a difference, no matter how small.

But now he's alone? Well, it's so much easier for all of his private thoughts to overwhelm him. Especially the thoughts that have been swirling around in his head stronger and stronger lately. Thoughts that were born out of the recent events back home, kicked into Daniel by the person who was practically his living nightmare, and then strenghtened by the city.

You can't help anyone, the thoughts say, sneaking up on him just as he's trying to move around some supplies in the backroom, taking stock of what they do or don't have enough of for the upcoming week. The thought makes him look a little older than he actually is - like a shadow creeping over his face, a sag in his shoulders, his gaze more tired.

He doesn't realise anyone can see him. He was just far away enough from the door to not hear it, and he was so focused on his own thoughts that Daniel didn't hear Ethan's footsteps at all.

It's only the voice that finally makes him realise someone entered the diner. Daniel startles, turning his head to look back in the direction of the main room of the diner, quickly sucking in a breath and trying to instill some energy into himself once more. C-come on, Daniel. Time to put your game face on. You're a car salesman, this is practically your speciality..! ]

I'm here! [ He calls back, turning to make his way back out of the room and over towards where Ethan is. It seems Daniel manages to conjure a smile on his face in the meantime, since he's definitely greeting the other with a friendly smile. It feels even more important when Ethan hasn't been around the diner much, really. Daniel does figure maybe the guy was a little worried about what happened before, so-- being friendly is important. It's important to show Ethan everything's cool.

And that Daniel is fine, clearly. ]

Hey! What are you doing here at this time? I mean-- I'd gladly offer you a drink and all, but I was kind of in the middle of closing the place up.

[ The fact that Daniel immediately perks up causes him to frown a bit before he appears, though he has a small smile on his face once he steps out of the back. The fact that he can change emotions on a dime is concerning, something he is likely to bring up sooner rather than later if this keeps on. For now, he plays his unassuming role well, walking over to greet him as soon as he steps into his field of view. ]

Couldn't sleep, I went for a walk and ended up here. Want some help?

[ Ethan, Daniel surely must have realized, is just about as stubborn as he is. It's only been a few days since the attacks and, despite moving a little stiffly (due to the bruised ribs), he's made quite the comeback. Without waiting for an answer, he shrugs his coat off, drapes it across the bar, and proceeds to begin rolling up his sleeves a little. It wasn't a question; he's already looking at him with an eyebrow raised.

He hadn't just ended up here either, but he doesn't need to know that just yet. ]

I had a few things to take care of, I figured I'd let you know I didn't drop after leaving the diner the other day. Sorry for disappearing like that and for bringing something like that to your front door. [ Daniel doesn't need to know he had to lure a god out of his establishment and talk some sense into him before he wrecked it with his rage. Nope. Not at all. ]

I didn't want to come back until the dust settled, I figured having a werewolf in the building might drive people away. You put so much work into it, I wasn't going to be the one who ruined that for you. [ The smile he gives him is pleasant, showing none of the turmoil he feels inside. He genuinely feels bad for throwing all of the information that he did on him that morning; few would have been prepared to handle it. ]

Well, if you want honesty, I was pretty upset you just sauntered out of here like that without letting me know. [ Judging by Daniel's tone though, it doesn't seem like it was any angry kind of upset. He doesn't sound angry as he's talking now, nor does he make any attempt at projecting anger.

Which means that - especially with the way Ethan knows Daniel so far - it's easy to figure out that it was instead worry. Especially when Daniel didn't know the real reason Ethan left, and instead assumed the other just felt too guilty to receive any further help and left.

He moves over to where Ethan is standing, shoving a dish towel into the other's hands. ]

If you want to make up for it though, you can start by cleaning the dirty glasses.

Honesty's all I'll ever ask for. I didn't do it to be cruel, I told you I wasn't going to bring trouble into the diner. [ He almost would have preferred the anger, he's still trying to wrap his head around how forgiving and helpful people have been after learning what he is.

Ethan does know him by this point, so he cracks a quick smile when the dish towel is deposited in his hand. He twirls it around for a moment before giving Daniel a two-fingered salute, his feet leading him back to where the glasses have been waiting for him. Something about this feels oddly familiar so, when he does speak up again, the fondness in his voice comes through. ]

Me cleaning dirty dishes hardly makes us even, Daniel.

[ But these are going to be the cleanest glasses in the city. ]

[ Nothing of what Ethan is saying here is all that surprising to Daniel. The other's guilt had been clear as day to him just the other day, after all, and all of this seems in line with it. Him still being convinced that he was going to bring trouble to the diner, even though Daniel hardly believed anyone would storm in angrily, and if they did, he could just tell them to leave.

(Not like he knows what really went down, after all.)

And then there's that last part too. More guilt. There's something a little strange to it, someone acting like they owe Daniel that much, especially when he wasn't doing anything but being a decent human being and helping someone who was clearly in trouble.

It's why Daniel shrugs it off, instead letting out a huff and speaking up with: ]

Yeah? Well, then we can see about that after you do the dirty dishes here for a month. [ His dry tone makes it obvious that he's not serious about that one.

Mostly because he's pretty sure Ethan would actually do all of that if Daniel just asked.. ]

Besides, I--

[ Daniel's voice sounds a little closer at first, like he's approaching Ethan, but then there's a thud when he's cut off mid-sentence.

Yes, Daniel did just walk straight into a doorpost. Mostly because the sadness he's concealing is mixed right in with similarly concealed fatigue, and when your vision goes blurry at just the wrong moment-- well, that's when dumb accidents like this happen.

At least he mostly seems okay, he's just letting out a groan and rubbing his face right after.. ]

Sure, I'll wash the dishes for a month. Hell, two even, but--

[ Smack!

Ethan doesn't even have to look up to realize what happened so, when he does look over, the expression he wears is one of complete and utter exasperation. This is the man that told him to sit down and shut up when he overdid it, so it only seems fair to return the favor now. ]

Quite a few words are coming to mind now, namely: I think you need to talk a little less, and listen a little more. If you were hoping to work yourself to death to run away from something, you picked the wrong guy to slip up in front of. Are you going to take a seat or am I going to have to seat you myself?

[ It could be a lighthearted remark on his part, but the smile definitely gives off try it and find out vibes. After draping the towel over his shoulder, he steps around Daniel to nudge one of the barstools out with his foot before looking expectantly at the seat. ]

If you end up concussed on my watch, what's Robby going to think? [ Oh yeah, he just played the kid card. ]

You don't have to talk to me but you are going to take it easy while I finish closing this place up. [ And, because he knows he'll protest, he lifts a hand to stop him before he can get a word in edgewise. ] That wasn't a question and that look, the one I know you're famous for, won't work on me.

What's it going to be, Daniel?

[ Christ.

Without saying a word, Daniel does move over to the barstool to sit down on it, still clutching his head. There's a variety of reasons for it, really. Even though Daniel is pretty sure Ethan wouldn't tell Robby - please, what grown adult involves a kid into adult business - there's still something about the sheer mention of the boy's name that makes Daniel feel guilty for so many reasons that he has hardly any choice but to sit down. And the other reason-- well, Daniel doesn't think Ethan is above manhandling him onto that seat.

And Daniel would really prefer to just skip the manhandling step.

So he keeps the honour to himself as he sits down, only then starting to speak. ]

Just so you know, I refuse to take this kind of talk from a guy who walked out of my diner terribly injured, just because he was too scared to let someone care for him. [ TWO CAN PLAY AT THIS ONE, ETHAN!!

Especially since Daniel feels like he's earned the right to be sassy after Ethan practically forced him to sit down. Not that he couldn't use it. Now that Daniel has finally stopped rubbing his forehead, there's definitely a red spot growing there on his tan skin where he hit himself. Not blood, just.. irritated skin, mostly. ]

I'm fine. Just a little tired, I guess.

If I was scared, I wouldn't have come to you in the first place. I would've gone home and tended to my wounds like I usually do.

[ Oh. He wants to play like that, huh? He puts his hands on his hips after letting out a huff, turning away from what he was working on to look back over at him. ]

I walked out of your diner because I heard someone coming and they didn't sound happy. Who else would storm over here after I left my message other than someone who was wrong by me? I told you I wouldn't get you or the diner involved any further and I meant it, I managed to talk him down but it took some effort. If you'd gotten between the two of us, I don't know what he would have done to you, I wasn't willing to risk that.

[ He will, however, stop short of actually saying that person was the God of Mischief. Instead, he walks behind the bar, taking a clean towel before he adds a scoop of ice to it and offers it to Daniel. The ice won't do much for the bump he might have later but maybe it will soothe some of the irritation. ]

I'm a little tired and I didn't run into a post. You're exhausted, even if you're too stubborn to admit it. I'm not asking for your life story but I am offering you an ear, so I hope you'll take it one day.

[ Daniel will at least take the towel with the ice - if not just because he wants to keep this from escalating into a true bump on his forehead, since that is not something he wants to have to explain to the kids..

So he will sit down while pushing the icy towel to his forehead. Even if he actively looks like he's sulking as he does so. ]

Ethan, I literally run a karate dojo back home. I know how to fight.

[ Look, that part is way easier to address than the rest of this, thanks. ]

If there would have been trouble, I could have helped handle it. I'm not a child.

[ This evening he is on another one of his nightly patrols, having found that sleep has chosen to elude him for yet another evening. Ever since the Halloween gathering, and the fiasco that was the second floor, Ethan has been seeing Sembene often in his dreams. He isn't a child and is unafraid of the things that could potentially be lurking in the darkness just beyond his reach, but his sense of guilt won't allow him to make peace with it.

Something about seeing his close friend straddling him with his hands around his neck and murderous intent in his eyes is still so jarring. It wasn't Sembene, he knows that much, but he can still feel his hands around his throat some nights. Tonight isn't one of them but something does still haunt him this night -- the carnage he inflicted on the handful of people he attacked when he transformed. He had no right to ask for their forgiveness even now, even knowing some of them had forgiven him.

The entire purpose of these patrols is to search for dangerous things, but what does someone do when they are the danger? Who better to keep an eye out for monster than another monster? At least that's what he's been telling himself. He is just a man save for when the moon is full but, if something does creep out of the shadows, he will do whatever it takes to subdue it. Ethan rounds a corner near one of the shops and, upon spotting a figure approaching, narrows his eyes to get a better look at it.

A predator? Another ghoulish specter? No, not a creature at all, but a kid.

Briefly, he feels his jaw muscles tighten as he grits his teeth, as he's continually reminded that the younger residents here suffer as much as anyone else. This place has no business bringing in people who are so young; Robby, Peter, Usagi and now this one here, his heart breaks for all of them. No matter what they have suffered in life, they don't deserve to be torn away from their families and friends. While not as nervous as Peter, it does seem like something is gnawing away at Will.

Perhaps he's out here for the same reason he is. Without any further hesitation, Ethan calls out to him rather than walk over immediately, not wanting to startle him further. ]

Hey. You alright over there?

[ Will has made it all the way to the end of November even if it did mean mostly locking himself in the apartment just as he had done after leaving the bank vault. He had Peter over once at least, and he knows there are other people he could have reached out to, should have probably, but he doesn’t want to try and explain what happened to mess him up to the majority of them.

As December approaches some of the knot in his chest loosens enough to breathe and he realises how little fresh air he’s had that wasn’t hanging out on the fire escape smoking and the food situation is dire because convenience store snacks are not enough to sustain a person for as long as they have been, mostly though he’s just run out of ibuprofen, can’t sleep and it doesn’t feel as unsafe walking at night when he has a handful of vampires he could reasonably call if it did feel that way — and in some small way he isn’t as concerned as he should be with his own safety after the Haunted House, if you can die and come back or get possessed and hurt people for some perverse stress test why should he care? — so he’s ignoring everything his mother has carefully had in place since he was last allowed out in the dark all alone.

It’s easier not to care when you’re still safe though. Now he has to contend with walking back from the grocery store with a backpack full of supplies that’s just a little heavier than he’d usually carry - and maybe he really needs to stop rotting at home because it shouldn’t be making his shoulders ache already — and now he’s constantly having to remind himself that the chittering he swears he keeps hearing is in his head, there are no democreatures here and frankly if Henry does emerge from the shadows what’s gonna happen? He’s done absolutely nothing to Will so far.

So, okay, he startles when somebody is actually there and also speaks to him. He takes a sharp intake of breath, stills completely and fixes Ethan with a deer-in-the-headlights stare for what feels like an age, but in reality lasts less than a full minute, as his brain processes that theres somebody there, that the somebody doesn’t look like a threat, though people can not look like a threat but certainly be one. Once he’s convinced himself to stop acting like a prey animal — he is one, he knows this, has been made aware of his own vulnerability over and over again — and finally lets the breath back out, transforms the shock into a weak smile and tries to act normal. ]

Yeah, I’m… Sorry. You startled me. I’m fine.

[ His heart is only trying to race it’s way out of his chest and into an early grave. ]

Just needed something for a headache.

[ One day he will stop giving the teenagers here heart attacks, this is the second one this month that has stared up at him with that deer in headlights stare that only serves to make him hate this place more. At least this one didn't square up on him like Robby did, though he probably should have. He has no idea just how fortunate he is that this evening wasn't a full moon, he could have very well been that prey animal that he sought.

Or maybe that's why he was so easily startled, because he saw his post on the network and just realized a dangerous man stood before him. He can't help shifting uncomfortably when the silence lingers a little too long, looking off to one side as he quietly swears to himself. There's a great deal he didn't take into consideration when he outed himself, namely the fact that the younger residents were also treated to the sight of his battered self. Ethan doesn't blame the kid for being scared of him.

Will manages to surprise him, however, when he speaks up again. While he highly doubts that he's fine, as he's also prone to putting on a brave face when he finds himself in a difficult situation, he decides not to question it. Part of him wants to give him his space so he doesn't freak out further but it's just not in him to ignore someone who is clearly struggling with something. ]

It looks like you bought half of the store. [ His attempt at lightening the mood as he tilts his head off to one side to get a better look at the bag with an eyebrow raised. The bag looks heavy. ] Do you need some help?

[ Will really resents himself sometimes for being so obviously scared of basically everything but unfortunately he’s experiencing his second time in a place that’s definitely not home where everything seems out to scare him.

His brain starts to catch up to having seen the man before, on the network, the werewolf… But it isn’t a full moon and it’s probably fine. Unless werewolf lore is all as wrong as vampire lore. Even then though, while he didn’t respond to the message because it wasn’t anything to do with him, the man seemed genuinely remorseful and if werewolf lore is right it’s essentially the same as being possessed and he’s been that and either hurt people or tried to twice now. ]

Yeah I picked some other stuff up while I was there. [ He shifts the backpack a little but it doesn’t stop his shoulder complaining about it. ] Are you sure though? You’re not busy?

[ He doesn’t want to come across as if he’s trying to blow Ethan off because of the werewolf thing, it’s not that, he’s just not good at accepting help. Which is how he got into this stupid situation where he hid away until he absolutely had to leave the apartment in the first place so maybe… ]

I won’t say no if you’re offering.

I’m Will, by the way.

Absolutely. I wouldn't have offered if I was busy.

[ Rather than forcefully take it from him, he extends his hand and offers it to Will so that he can give him the bag. If he did see what he posted to the network, he doesn't want him to think he's about to attack him or something. That feeling will go away eventually but, at least right now, he's walking on eggshells around people-- especially the kids. A lot of the residents have been accepting and supportive, much to his horror, but there are others who aren't quite so ready to forgive him. ]

If you're worried about me seeing where you live, I can carry it as far as you're comfortable with letting me. I didn't come out here to chase around anyone, especially not someone who looks like his head is pounding as loudly as my own.

[ A feeble attempt at humor, which he punctuates with a smile upon him introducing himself. ]

Good to meet you, Will. My name's Ethan Chandler.

[ It truly doesn’t bother Will as much as it maybe should, learning that some of the monsters of myth are real at least in some worlds. When you’ve been pursued by bloodthirsty flowerfaced creatures, smoke monsters and quite possibly an evil psychic, though that hypothesis is one he’s only entertaining now that he’s met the man. Sure Henry could be just as evil as he claims in the 1989s but he could also be possessed or just very disturbed by the things done to him in the lab and Will is perhaps dangerously determined to find out for himself away from the judgement of people he’s hurt.

Still, the vampires have been nothing but good to him and Ethan doesn’t seem like a bad person. So he hands the bag over without fuss, the jars inside it clinking as he does. ]

I’m not worried, you don’t seem that dangerous right now and uh… I saw your network post but maybe if I say it now the wolf will remember, I definitely wouldn’t taste good enough to be worth tracking down, I have a… blood problem, which could be contagious if ingested. [ Seriously he does not want anyone to accidentally ingest particles from the Mind Flayer, moreso than he doesn’t want to be bitten by anyone. ]

[ When the jars clink together, he's quick to gently loop one of the straps over his shoulder before starting to walk with Will again. If the weight bothers him it doesn't show, he's more concerned with the fact that he's unloading all of this information on him all of the sudden. Before he can catch himself, he laughs. ]

Anyone ever tell you that you're an interesting kid, Will? I don't know if you're brave or if I should be concerned, but I'm thankful for it. If the wolf remembers anything I wouldn't know about it and I think it works the other way around too. You don't have anything to worry about tonight, I'm just a guy helping out someone who needs it.

I'll keep that in mind. [ He'll refrain from mentioning his own blood being a problem because, well, it's kind of a given now. The only thing he isn't certain of is how he was turned, so he's not about to let someone ingest his own blood. In short: he gets it, Will, at least to some degree. ]

[ The tail end of a sharp, anguished howl pierces the night air as what appears to be a man hurries as fast as his legs will carry him toward the safest place he knows, the graveyard. He's counting on the fact that no one will follow him, though it's easy enough to follow the droplets of blood that trail through the dirt behind him. Ethan's jacket has soaked up most of it but the freshest wounds, the bites to his forearms, are still actively bleeding.

It's only when he crosses the threshold and makes it a few feet away from the last gravestone that he collapses for the last time, a clawed hand gripping at the weathered stone as he grits his teeth and attempts to survey the damage to his body. The adrenaline is still coursing through his veins but it's fading, causing him to be acutely aware that the bites might not be the most trying of his injuries.

Every breath is an uphill battle, causing him to opt for short, shallow breaths to minimize any further aggravation. He can't help but wonder how long the lucidity will last, how long before he descends back into the darkness and reason gives way to frenzied madness. Even the slightest bit of noise, such as the rustling of grass, has him baring his canines with a low growl, a warning to anyone who might approach.

Please, don't. Go away.

If he loses himself now, no one is here to pull him back from the edge again. ]

[ Blood. He can smell blood. Armand's head whips around at the sudden aroma and it's soon followed by scrabbling, laboured breaths - someone is hurt.

He'd been doing a lap of the graveyard, surveying the empty tombs with an eye to find one of a decent size to convert into a chapel in the future, but such whimsy can absolutely wait. Armand follows the scent, feeling alarm as it gets stronger, but that's nothing on what he feels upon encountering the unfortunate creature at its source.

Of course he knows who it is - though he's much changed - that coat has spent a great deal of time slung over the back of his own couch, Armand's even worn the damn thing, he'd probably know it by the scent of the fabric alone. Still, he knows a cornered animal when he see's it, knows the taste of danger and fear, so he's careful with his distance, his tone, even the lift of his hands - non threatening and placating - as he edges closer across the grass. ]

Ethan? Hush now, you are hurt. There's no more harm to be found here, isn't that so? You'll not leave and I'll not let anyone close.

[ Armand has no idea what has transpired - even if he could take a few educated guesses given the state Ethan is in - but this man is dear to him and Armand will assume the worst from all sides until he has more information. ]

[ Ethan smells him before he sees him and instantly recoils not necessarily out of fear of seeing him, but he doesn't want to hurt him, not again. He actively tries to get to his feet again, yellow eyes darting from one side to the other as he searches for a clean getaway. Upon not seeing one, he staggers behind the tombstone he was resting against with a snarl, slowly holding out a hand as if that action alone might somehow ward the vampire off.

Please, Armand, I don't want to hurt you.

Despite the changes to his face the look he gives Armand is almost pleading. It's a far cry from the day they met when he looked upon him with rage and borderline murderous intent. When he finds he can't move any further away he collapses into the grass and curls up on his right side, nursing the left with gritted teeth. He can't recall the other encounters so he's chalking this up to Heine and whatever the frenzied creature was that resides within him.

Seemingly resigned to the fact that he's not going to be able to escape, he finally looks back over at Armand and eventually nods. He even stops clenching his jaw, mouth moving as if words might spill forth, but the words never come. There's nothing but quick gasps of air and a growl that holds about as much menace as an angry feline would. He hurts too bad to flee or even to move right now, so he settles on looking up at the moon, willing the sun the rise sooner rather than later. He can't communicate as he is now. ]

Hurt me? Oh my dear, man - you won't raise your hand to me again - besides I will not allow it. I'm much too quick for you in the state you're in now..

[ And what a state. Obvious transformation aside, as Armand draws closer, he can see the way Ethan protects his own wounds, see's the fear, the guilt and the obvious surrender. He's been very careful to not dip into Ethan's mind, but some thoughts are just too loud and if it aids their communication until this fades? Well then, so much the better. Armand won't go so far as to push deeper however - he made a promise after all.

His movements are slow, careful, senses turned to Ethan and the area around them, on high alert for anyone approaching, for any movements beyond the ailing mans control. Armand's own powers may be dulled here, but his concentration is still formidable in moments like these. ]

Are you being followed to your knowledge? Either way I'll move you from here the moment you are able - this exposer is not safe.

[ Ethan has had several days to reflect and to heal though the walk to Lestat and Louis' flat still takes a great deal of effort. There are times when he has to pause to take a break or shift the bag he has in tow to his other hand to take some of the pressure off of his side. This is important, however, and he's not about to let something like injuries deter him. He told Lestat he would be by in a few days, and he intends to keep his word.

A distinct clinking sound follows his every step as the groceries he has in tow, containing several bottles that look suspiciously like the blood bottles from the store (because they are), knock together noisily. Oh, the thought has crossed his mind that someone will stop him and think the man has similar cravings to the wolf, but Ethan is trying to ignore that. There's also a brief moment where he wonders how in the hell he managed to become the vampire equivalent of a milkman to not one but three vampires in the City now.

It's easy enough to swallow his discomfort and pride when he reminds himself that he's the cause of whatever pain or discomfort they might be in right now. Louis said the damage had been significant and, remembering his encounter with Armand, he has come prepared. Do they even drink these? Lost amidst his thoughts, he doesn't even realize he's already made it to the front door until he blinks himself free of his temporary stupor and worries his bottom lip. There's no trepidation for the journey here but he does take a second to check something.

As his usual clothing was a complete loss, he's sporting a nice shirt and vest combo with a pair of dark, fitted jeans. The sleeves are rolled up but stop before revealing the bandages he has in place, something he's done intentionally because he isn't sure how they'll react to the smell of blood. He's also put on a pair of brown, fingerless gloves to hide the wounds to his palms. A lot of care has gone into this, whether they realize it or not. Ethan isn't here to make them feel more uncomfortable than he already has.

He lets out a sigh and finally knocks on the door. ]

Edited 2023-12-12 14:41 (UTC)

[ There's the faint sound of music coming from inside the apartment, something tinny that is all too clearly a recording of something not suited at all to the format it's been crafted into, but which is being quite loudly sang along to by a brazen voice, apparently serenading another voice berating him very softly for being so loud.

When the knock comes, all that silences beyond the door are the voices, and footsteps scuffle - one to the door and one to turn down the music - before the entranceway opens and there stands Lestat, dressed rather casually in a large flower-patterned shirt open to his sternum and tucked into fitted dress pants that accentuate his slim waist and long legs. Just typical clothes for idling around the house, singing along to the large CD player you've proudly displayed just to the side of the dining table, much to the quiet enthusiasm of your lover, as he idly prunes a small box of window plants you've lifted onto the coffee table for him.... Just normal guy things......

Lestat's eyes take in Ethan, and his pleasant expression drops a little. It doesn't turn to a scowl or anything that one might consider negative, but he's definitely no longer smiling. He knew Ethan would visit sooner or later, given the kind of man he is, but Lestat hadn't really figured out what he planned on saying just yet. It's only a few days ago that he'd told Louis what Dorian had told him, and the conversation had left the two of them rather stumped as to how to handle the Ethan portion of things. Well, no time like the present. ]

Monsieur Chandler. [ Don't be a dickhead, Lestat..... ] Ethan. Good evening.

[ He steps back, opening the door a touch wider. ]

Please, come in.

( Louis turns the music off on their little CD player with the soft click of a button, and peers at Lestat's back and at the faintly-visible shape of Ethan through the small gap in the door. With preternatural speed, he tidies up the living room — one moment the sofa is in disarray from two vampires making out like teenagers, and the next it's immaculately neat again, pillows perfectly in place. Louis rarely uses his powers in ordinary life, but cleaning the house for surprise company is clearly an exception.

He pops up behind Lestat, greeting Ethan with a gracious nod and a sweep of his hand toward their sitting area. )

Yes, sit anywhere you like.

( There are armchairs and a sofa in a very modern-looking living room, complete with a large television set; flower arrangements sit in vases here and there throughout the apartment. None of it is particularly vampiric. Nor is Louis' soft green cashmere sweater that perfectly matches his eyes, a change from his usual somber black.

He hears the quiet, very familiar clink of bottles, and glances down to the bag Ethan is carrying. Incredulously: )

... You brought drinks?

( He doesn't know what to expect out of this conversation, but it seems they're already beginning with a surprise. )

If I interrupted something, I could come back later.

[ In fact, he almost wishes Lestat hadn't just given him the signal to step inside, it feels like he's stepping into unfamiliar territory because he is and it's throwing him off. It isn't that he's expecting either one of them to suddenly tear him limb from limb, it's the fact that he has never had to make a trip like this before. People didn't survive encounters with the wolf, there was never time when he thought something like this would even be possible.

His eyes drift from Lestat to Louis, darting to the floor briefly when he suddenly recalls what he saw when Vanessa snapped him out of it. Had Lestat held Louis like Heine held the bleeding Badou? Cradling his loved one like a precious gem. It takes a moment for him to raise his head again and nod his appreciation before stepping inside. At the mention of the bottles, he holds them out awkwardly after a few false starts, eventually nodding again. ]

I didn't know what state you would be in; I've seen the end result of an attack before, but they've always been human. Truth be told, I don't even know if either of you use these, I've never come across this situation before. If it's too much, I can leave them outside. It was the only way I could think to help. Mine is no good and I don't think you'd want it even if that weren't the case.

If I'd known this would happen, I would've told you both sooner. It isn't like me to be so careless; I suppose being here for several months without an incident made me complacent. It wasn't a matter of trust, there are very few people here that I trust more than the two of you. [ Of course he doesn't know they know the truth but he's actually being sincere himself, as he had grown comfortable enough around Dorian to lower his guard when he shouldn't have. ] Even fewer now.

I've dealt with this for so long on my own that reaching out to someone else, especially after Sembene, was the furthest thing from my mind. For two months I was able to keep the wolf at bay, I'd never been so thankful to have lost my strength before. I'm supposed to protect people and I hunt the creatures of the night, yet I have one of them inside of me.

[ This stern mood almost feels unfamiliar to him now, it’s been so long since he felt it… but like an old pair of boots, he fits into the familiar grooves of it quicker than he expected. The straightness of his back as he walks, the brisk step he takes into the room after closing the door behind Ethan despite the other man not looking even the slightest bit comfortable with coming inside. Lestat even very nearly goes and sits in the armchair as he might have were this their flat in New Orleans and he a well to-do business man, entertaining some high brow moron with whom they were to do business to secure their earnings for a few more years… The man he is now hasn’t sat in a solitary, domineering armchair for months, and so he catches himself and descends onto the couch instead, perched at his usual corner.

He props his chin on his hand and crosses his legs as their friend starts to speak of his reasonings, just barrelling right into the matter at hand. Lestat appreciates the lack of preamble, but also wishes this weren’t quite so reminiscent of an apology. Lestat doesn’t need one, nor did he ask for one, even though Ethan clearly seems adamant that one must be paid. He looks at Louis briefly, on the precipice of asking if his wound has started to heal faster given the application of an apology, but thinking better of it. ]

I understand. If I had something like that hiding inside of me, I probably wouldn’t be shouting it from the rooftops. The only reason I’m not against the wider population knowing the truth of what I am is because I can control myself. Losing that control is a frightening concept.

[ He doesn’t look at Louis, but his bright eyes do shudder ever so slightly, as if he’s resisting the urge to. ]

For the record, Ethan, we know about Dorian’s involvement. I spoke with him a few days after the incident. So you needn’t take on any unnecessary blame in front of us.

( For his part, Louis takes the offered bottles with a gentlemanly nod and a quiet thank you. He's in the kitchen putting them away when Ethan begins his apology; he stands with the door of the nearly-empty refrigerator open in front of him, half-turned at the waist to regard him. He's more understanding than Lestat is when it comes to loathing the monster inside of oneself — or, in Louis' case, the monster that he is, inescapably, every minute of his life. What he can't entirely understand is why Ethan would wish to protect Dorian.

Louis lets out a breath of relief when Lestat comes out with the truth. If it were up to him, he might have beaten around the bush out of politeness, or if he were in a worse mood, out of a petty desire to see whether Ethan would own up to it himself. But he's been spared that, so he nods, fingers knotted awkwardly in front of him as he comes to sit next to Lestat on the couch. )

Yes, it makes perfect sense now why you kept it to yourself. You weren't careless... your trust was betrayed.

( He sounds far more bitter about that than about being mauled. )

My fear might be well-founded, but I should've had a failsafe, someone who could've ended it before things got out of hand. I'm not careless, not with this. It doesn't change what happened that night, but I've been offered help. There will be a place I can chain myself up during the full moon and Daan gave me a sedative to take before it happens.

[ At the mention of Dorian's involvement he presses his lips into a thin line and closes his eyes briefly, complete with a sigh. What was the point of Dorian asking him if he wanted him to come clean if he was just going to do it anyway? He can think of several choice, and very colorful, words that come to mind regarding his friend right now and it likely shows.

When he opens his eyes again, he finally sinks into a chair nearby. He's not about sit on the sex sofa. ]

He knows what he's done and, no matter how angry I might be, I know he didn't do it out of malice. Dorian was the only one who knew what I was, but he underestimated the wolf and didn't take my warnings seriously— he won't make that mistake again because he'll no longer be involved in what happens. His face was the last one I saw; I knew I couldn't stop the change, but I bought him as much time as I could for him to get away. [ He drops his face into his hands, suddenly recalling his last memory: him yelling at Dorian to run. His own voice thick with fear was the last thing he heard before everything went dark. ] I thought I killed him. In fact, I was sure of it.

[ When he looks up again it's directly at Lestat, as he isn't sure if he told Louis about Vanessa. Despite the ominous tone to the next part, he almost looks sick with relief. ]

Miss Ives was there, Lestat. Dorian told her to stay away, and she took to the streets to investigate what was happening. She got in-between me and another person I was attacking before he could kill me, I wouldn't have lasted much longer. Rather than attack her, she was able to.. [ He pauses a moment, having never actually had to explain it before. ] Her voice got through to me and called me back; I was able to regain control of myself and run rather than continue fighting.

[ Lestat lets out a bark of laughter that sounds about as humourless as the whole situation. ]

Yes, I agree completely. You may have the right to have been afraid, but you are a damned idiot to have not taken proper precautions. I know Dorian even less than you do, and I still would never trust him with something that could put other people in danger. The man is an addict when it comes to sensation and experience, and he is unimaginably selfish — in what world does that type of person make a good confidante?

[ He shakes his golden blonde head, a hand flying to the arm of the couch to brush aside his quick temper, to keep their conversation away from name-calling. He did quite enough of that when shouting at Dorian. Thankfully, when Ethan mentions Vanessa, Lestat's mood simmers off and turns more curious instead. ]

She sounds an impressive woman, to not listen to warnings, to reach out to you despite the danger of it all. Sometimes, even in our most monstrous states, all we need to hear is a familiar voice to pull us back to what we know; the reassurance that we aren't alone.

[ He does look at Louis then, he can't help it, as he thinks back to when Louis' eyes had blown black and dark as he sank his teeth deeper into Dorian's lifeless body, how he'd heard nothing but Lestat's voice in the din of it all, how he'd come back to him, for him.

Anyway... ] You nearly did kill him, and you'd have been well within your right to, just as I had the right to kill you and would have had I not been stopped. Despite the damage done, it could have been much worse. This place could have played a part in it, more than just the cruel punishment of those involved. We should all be thankful for that much, rather than continually apologising. Sorry fixes nothing; the past is the past. I'd rather focus on securing the future, so that none of this happens again.

Tell me, Ethan — does silver have any effect on you like it does the wolves in storybooks?

( Louis glances to Lestat at the same time Lestat's eyes turn to him. He doesn't need to read his lover's mind to know he's thinking of that night in October when Louis had lost himself to the blood — Dorian's blood — when somehow Lestat's voice had called him back from the annihilation of the swoon and made him whole again. He reaches to take one of Lestat's hands, putting it between his own and resting it upon his knee. I understand, the gesture says.

His expression pinches slightly when Lestat mentions silver, but he looks back to Ethan, trying to smooth the troubled crease from his brow. Almost gently: )

Lestat is right, Ethan. The past is the past, and I know better than most how little guilt can accomplish without useful action to follow it. I accept your apology... I wish for no bad blood between us.

Even Dorian I may come to forgive in time. He was reckless and misguided, but not malicious. I have no desire to seek revenge. I killed him, after all... if anything, my injuries have accidentally made us even. I'm only sorry that you were the instrument.

( He hesitates, not wanting to turn the conversation toward something so grim, but knowing that it's inevitable. He lets out a slow sigh, sinking back into the cushions with a look of resignation on his face. What a terrible thing to have to contemplate. )

... But, yes. It might be wise to have a failsafe of sorts — if one exists, that is. Silver is common in folklore, but it's no more dangerous to us than tin. Garlic is entirely useless. ( A pause. ) What about wolfsbane?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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Daniel LaRusso → ( Around November 30th/December 1st)

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Will Byers → (End of November)

Re: Will Byers → (End of November)

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screams into the beyond.. how did i miss this

I got distracted by prom sorry!

good lord, i had four pages of tags..

Armand → (November 28th)

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Lestat + Louis → (Early December)

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