Los Angeles: Blood Moon (VtM V20) - ❌🌙🟩ch11-ate-the-bread-that-once-was-stone

Chapter 11 Location: LA Suburbs and Outskirts Players: Diego @Diego, Bruiser Rat ST: @Slinar [Alexander Montferrier] Previous scenes: #❌🌙🟩ch9-dont-go-around-tonight

Diego was quietly moving through the streets, sticking to the shadows, avoiding getting anyway close to random street people. Everything hurt and he couldn't afford to heal for fear of losing control. He was heading for Selma's neighborhood again. He left two bloodbags in that freezer and he desperately needed them if he was to heal enough to have a chance hunting. And he needed to hunt. His body was mangled, in small and major ways. The emptiness of the diablerie was still haunting him. He would need a lot of blood to restore himself, and yet he wasn't planning on leaving any cold dried corpses in the streets. Diego was planning to take it slow. He needed to take care of himself now, before rushing back into danger.

It was risky doing his usual thing. Sneaking onto a bus, sitting down, hoping on his obfuscation to have everyone ignore him. But time was of essence, and getting there on foot was as bad of an idea, as trying to grab a ride from under somebody. Calling for a taxi would force him to show himself to the driver, and he frankly needed to get his outfit in order before doing something like that.

One bus coming in the distance. One of the last one of the night. Tired workers mixed with students were waiting at a stop. A young goth man was smiling a cigarette near him. The smoke ran through his hairs and face, as he gulped it and let it flow from his nose. The bus stopped. And the driver, a muscular man in a red Marcel looked at the crowd : "Last bus of the night, prepare change!"

Diego was standing round the corner from the bus stop. When the bus got near, Diego was ready to walk to it, when his leg suddenly bent and he almost limbed head and shoulder first into the wall of the bus stop. - ... f...-urniture, - he hissed through the teeth, trying not to attract the attention of the goth, or others at the stop. There were slowly packing themselves into the bus, and there were way more of them than he had anticipated. His mind was a hazy mess from the hunger, from the pain, it was hard to focus on the people, hard to cloud their minds, when he could hardly see them at times. Diego manned-up, bit down on his lower lip and focused. The bliss of the death-defying act he pulled with Balle washed away a bit, but so did the pain and the haze. He walked from behind of the stop and headed to the bus. The people ignored. He slipped inside the bus, and the people avoided him, stepped aside. The gunrunner pressed himself in the back of the bus and closed his eyes, waiting for the the bus to start moving. The road felt longer, than it actually was. The bus was slowly emptying. Until finally, Diego was in the familiar neighbourhood. He stepped off the bus and headed for Selma's house. He knew the way in. And where the fridge was. (edited)

The way to Selma's was right ahead. Garden... wait, has he disarmed the shotgun? More safe to go through the tunnel. He crawled, slowly, back into the tunnel, as he emerged into the basement. The mood of abandonment was still there, but no more whimpering from the dog. *The result, the making of those Sabbat. They destroy, consume all.*

10:05

MOOD MUSIC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imhmn4r0gic&t

Diego strengthened himself upon leaving the tunnel, and started slowly limping for the stairs. He wanted to get to the kitchen as soon as possible. Still, habit is a habit. Diego wasn't making much noise, and would only relax upon confirming that the shotgun trap was still armed and that the first floor was empty.

As Diego progressed to the ground floor he heard a sobbing in what seemed to be the lounge room. Someone was crying visibly. On the floor, he noticed wet clothes in a pile.

Diego stopped in his place. Whoever was here, he was not ready for a fight. He felt like he was one pinky toe bumped against a bedsite table away from calling it a night and collapsing into a wreck. He could make himself feel better, if he'd just healed some of the worse of the cracks and displacements, but... But then his hunger would speak up. And whoever was crying would be in danger. And Diego didn't want any more unnecessary killings tonight. Maimings? Maybe. Not killings. He turned his head towards the door, looked at the shotgun trap, to see if it was intact, before slowly taking his hunting knife out of its neat little holster into his left hand, and his 9mm into his right. He walked past the clothes on the floor, trying to see if he could make out anything recognizable in the pile. And then started quietly limping towards the source of the crying, clinging to the shadows, diverting attention from himself [Obfuscate 2] (edited)

The pack of clothes was visibly a raincoat, and gray jean. He approched slowly toward the source, leaning in the doorframe to see. What he saw was a naked woman. She had long blond hairs, falling on her shoulders. She was crying blood, and it tainted her body, her voluptuous breasts before wetting the sleeping couch. The smell of blood, all over. Her cries were more sobs, as she looked at the ceiling, contemplating her bloodied hand. She was weak, ready to take. He saw that she was visibly only wearing dark lingerie on her crotch, and nothing else. Visibly, she didn't noticed him. The succulent body, available to his Beast.

Diego's ribcage expanded, letting in the air, and he slowly breathed out. Again, doing this purposefully clearly wasn't the same as doing it naturally, but it brought a level of control. This was not something or somebody he expected to see upon returning. The bruiser rat felt like a voyeur. It was hard not to ogle at the girl, for all the reasons. Yet, the pang if guilt reminded him, that all those reasons were wrong. Suddenly, he felt envy. He remembered that adonis-of-a-tremere. His thoughts got clouded with bitterness for a moment. After all, his insecurity egged him that if that vanilla bastard walked out of the shadows right now, the girl would probably not even whimper. And some of his kin knew how to make themselves look proper. Like, human. He envied them as well in this moment. But this almost-naked woman got whom she got. Diego limped to the door to the kitchen an stopped at the threshold, hoping this was enough distance for her. I wouldn't be. - Ma'am, you're crying all over my friend's couch, - he said at last, for better or for worse. (edited)

The woman looked at him with a side stare, not even moving her head. "I've been in this bed enough time to know that Selma's wouldn't mind." She whipped someof the blood in her eyes, standing a bit on her arms. "Who are you?"

Diego realized that he forgot to put away the knife and gun. So much for first impressions. Having done so, he said: - A member of the family. Very tired and grumpy one, - Diego looked into the kitchen. - You're taking my presence he way better than expected. Gimme a sec. There was two blood in the fridge. I hope you didn't drink it. Who are you, by the way? And Diego walked up to the fridge to check. (edited)

"I'm Revana. A good friend of Selma's. She didn't expected guest here except me, you're searching her too?" She sighed, before frowning a bit. "I drank it, I'm sorry. You look like you've been through a buldozzing machine. " She looked at him, before biting her lower lips. "I could use some moral comfort. You're ok with feeding on me ?"

12:01

Her scent reached to him. Lust, hunger, thirst, it all melted in a confusing emotion in the middle of his loin. And yet, the more confusing was that she didn't seemed disgusted by him.

- ...bulldozer got it worse, - he retorted, with what sardonic humour he had left. As if disbelieving her, Diego opened the fridge. Revana heard disappointed growling from the dark of the kitchen and the fridge door slammed shut. something that sounded pretty close to a "fuck!". After a while, Diego walked back into the lounge. His eyes were hazy with hunger, but his voice was slightly more collected. Like with alcohol, he was always better at pretending to not be under the influence, than actually not being. - On a different night, it would be a "no", - he walked up to the sofa, looked at the woman on it. Weighed in everything that was going on. Walked around the sofa, to were he woman laid her head and shoulders, behind her. He lowered his collars, letting her see him as he was. - ...Probably. (edited)

She turned, before touching his torso softly with the tip of her fingers. "Why don't you come on the couch" she said, proposing him to go in front of her with a tap on the bloodied sheet, as she sinked more deeper in the back. She was tall, maybe more than six feet, and he would actually be in a confortable way. "I'll try to soothe your Beast and you just need to not drink too much." She took her arm and slowly pulled on it.

MOOD MUSIC https://youtu.be/UujiRUTYDmM

asbear

The Naked And Famous - The Sun - unoffical video

@Diego, Bruiser Rat

- Enticing,.. appetizing, - he responded quite honestly, taking her hand as she touched his chest. Yep, getting on that sofa was nice. He used to dream of stuff like that as a teenager. Well, as an adult as well, if we're honest. But things change and those dreams rarely come true. Sometimes, like now, because we don't let them happen. - ...Not at first meeting... Let's meet half way. He leaned over the back of the sofa and hugged her from the back around the shoulders with his left hand. Her right arm he pressed against his cheek, before sliding it to the nape of his head. His head was facing her shoulder and neck.

"You've stayed human in so many ways, including intimacy. It's trully a pleasure." She grabbed his arm more strongly, as she passed her fingers on his cheek and chin.

13:08

It was soft, almost like a gentle pat, almost like a breeze. It blew away a bit of his Beast, as he could feel himself more and more pained by his physical state, but at the same time more lucid of what he was doing.

@Diego, Bruiser Rat

Some bad ideas are overwhelmingly obvious. But every bad idea needs something appealing about it, to entice. Well, a naked well-endowed woman was offering the battered, exhausted and hungry Diego a sip of her, all while playing a victim in need of comforting and directly responsible for leaving him with an empty fridge. Things. Just. Added up. Diego leaned in and his incisors pierced the skin at the base of her neck.

@Diego, Bruiser Rat (have you made a GODDAMN BIBLICAL REFERENCE IN THE TITLE ?)

Slinar [Alexander Montferrier]

@Diego, Bruiser Rat (have you made a GODDAMN BIBLICAL REFERENCE IN THE TITLE ?)

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Diego, Bruiser Rat

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(epic)

Diego leaned more and more, as he felt her slowly sinking in the couch, moaning in a low voice, as she still grasped his arm, more strongly. More Vitae was flowing from her eyes, as she cried from pleasure and relief. But our Nosferatu was not seeing that. He was in ecstasy. Her Vitae was maddening, rich in sensations, as he felt slowly his pain becoming more and more present... No, he was just more aware of it all. He felt also connected to something great, beyond the normal sight, and still, he couldn't help to think. When was the last time he had a consenting intercourse with someone ? The taste was exhilarating, and he could feel his bones slowly reforming, as it was immediatly used to ease his pain. The ribs piercing his lungs were removed, to a more normal place. Broken still, but not ravaging his body. As he nearly stopped to drink, he thought of the void inside of him. The part that seemed to be emptied by Balle, the part that seemed to have no filling. Why couldn't he just drink all, and fulfill it ? The sensation was visceral, terrible, for it was lust and need combined, survival and pleasure. And yet he resisted, for the woman was one of the rare person in those night to have shown kindness to him. Acceptance.

Diego restrained himself, and stopped gorging himself on her blood. His teeth let go of her tender, seemingly vulnerable flesh. His head was still in the clouds from the rush of experiences he just received. It was exhilarating, thrilling. He was actually tempted to go back to drinking, as if letting go wasn't hard enough. Instead, he leaned his head slightly to the side, until he touched her head with his temple. Making a connection. Reinforcing it. This was too much. Too much. It felt too good to be right. With an effort, he began to straighten up. He removed the arm he put around her, inadvertently sliding it across her collarbones and shoulders. Inadvertently. Yeah. Right. Diego stood up and walked back away from the sofa. Several steps and his back met the wall. He was happy the back of the sofa was there, a barrier hiding his reaction from her. Because the gunrunner was almost angry and how fulfilled he felt. That is, how fulfilled he felt several long seconds ago. The feeling was left there on the sofa. Revana's absences was harrowing, hollowing. He suddenly realized he was holding the palm of his hand against his mouth and limps, almost as if trying to catch and hold the warm, intoxicating sensation of her blood. What's worse, a very vocal part of him believed that she was enjoying it as much as it looked. The rat started slowly circling the sofa, until he was several meters in front of it. He sat down on some stool. Never once did take his eyes of her. This was too good to be true. In un-life and in life too. He agonized over the thought that this high would be gone soon, leaving the hangover-like desolation and self-hating feeling of having been tricked, used. But right now, right now it felt like heaven for the damned. He waited for her to come back from it. Silent, contemplating. Glad not to have killed her. (edited)

"Well, don't you punish yourself. It was exquisite, and you've taken ahold of yourself." She smiled, before winking at him. She seemed amused by his reaction, and yet a bit worried. "I hope it will help you get a bit on your track." She rose up, leaving him alone in the lounge, as she headed upstairs. A moment passed, where he could just hear the drops of water from the shower afar. But all seemed in a blur, as he stayed there. Knowing he almost drank her more and more. But he had resisted. A certain pressure began to rose up in him, during this waiting for her to come back. But is it really necessary to stay?

@Diego, Bruiser Rat

Hate seeing them leave, but love watching them go. And with Diego's new acquaintance, there was a lot to look at when Revana was crossing the room and walking upstairs. When the last of her finally disappeared upstairs, the rat lowered his head. This right here was some cinema-staged shit. In all his life, he only saw scenes like this in cheesy action movies. Stuff like this didn't happen in real life. Not to grunts like him. The thought weighed heavy on him. Maybe he could, like, slip away? Just get his stuff and leave? Suddenly, his jaw tensed, brows frowned. - ...like a fucking teenager, - he muttered contemptuously. This was not heavenly grace touching him - this was a vamp getting her kink rubbed, putting some moves on him while he was at his worst, having him sip of her, and maybe blasting him with everу mind-bending shit she hand in her clan's arsenal. - ... You fucker stood up to Balle, don't you go and go "full retard" after seeing a pair of tits, - he cursed at himself, actually feeling better with the rudeness and crudity. Diego got up and went into the kitchen. Hard to say if Revana was expecting to see the rat here when she returned from the shower, but he walked out of the kitchen just as she was walking down the stairs. His top jacket, the one with the hood, was in his hands, soaking wet, smelling of dishwash, soap, bleach of all things. Diego was able to rid of the blood, but the fabric wasn't gonna look pretty after something like that. He could already see rusty-red bleach stains setting in. - Shower do you some good?- he asked casually, stopping beside his backpack and twisting the water out of his jacket. - Must be hella of a sob story from what I saw when walking in. (edited)

As Revana came back, she was still naked, visibly not disturbed to put clothes on, except her black lingerie panties. She smiled at him, passing a brush in her hairs, as she looked at the jacket. "It was nice. I was a little elsewhere after some events earlier... I...-" She stopped herself, lost a bit . "And with Selma's gone, it's hard to keep foot in this whole mess." Her voice was sultry, almost the one of a big cat, or a tigress. She jauged him, a little distant look on the face. "I've heard about you. Selma talk a lot when she's high, and you're recurring. You're Diego, isn't it ?" She smiled softly, the tips of her lips curling a bit as she seemed to look in the void a bit. Her finger curled a lock of hair.

@Diego, Bruiser Rat

- Solid guess, - he nodded, while assessing the damage to his obviously still damp jacket. - And you were her "fix", then? Wouldn't want to disappoint, but she never mentioned you, Revana. You local? Diego put on his jacket, with considerably more grace than he was capable of before. He remembered who to thank for that. - You have this seductive femme fatale look down pat. If I was a shallow man, skin-deep, I'd guess you for a Toreador. Then again... He tapped himself on the temple with his clawed index finger. - ...there is enough mystery for a Malk in you... Am I anywhere near? - he picked up his backpack and affixed it again, before leaning against the edge of a table. (edited)

"I'm one of the Mad Ones, yes." She crossed her arms, visibly upset with something, or a bit wary. "I am more than that. Why are you talking about her to the past ? Do you have any idea about what happened ?"

- Just as I am more than a pretty face, - while obviously a joke, Diego's face was focused, contemplative. - Selma is missing. I am looking for her. Her, and a gangrel she might have mentioned to you or worked with. Not sure. - his voice was insistent, disciplined. - Places she frequented are not safe, this one included. You need to find a safer place, do you have one? Diego felt an overwhelming urge to offer her a safe place. He felt silly when internally explaining to himself why taking in another stray was a bad idea. An alluring one, though. Fortunately, Diego was certain that this wasn't an option his new acquaintance would jump at.

"She didn't mentionned work. It was not... A pleasant subject. I think this place is safe, but you're right, if she's taken by anyone. You have any idea who that could be ?" She began to gather her stuff all around, or visibly what seemed to be femine outfits.

She seemed to be really concerned, and yet it was clear that she was not telling everything.

- The worst kind, kiddo. Camma's bogeyman, - Diego conceded. Everyone had secrets, but it troubled him that Revana had secrets seemingly related to this situation. His gaze almost tenderly measured her up as she was moving around, bending down, straightening up. A lot to look at. Diego's eyes wondered a bit to the left of her. He didn't want to look fixated on her. - I worry about her, - he decided that maybe honesty, a glimpse of it, would serve him best right know. - She kept secrets. Some of those secrets she kept to "keep us safe". And now I am running out of leads to find my little sis. Diego pulled his hood and collars up, feeling physically uncomfortable with exposing himself like that. He was internally cursing himself, reminding himself of his previous suspicions. Thankfully, his phone silently vibrated in his jeans, and Diego was able to switch his attention there. - I need to go, Revana. Before I loose somebody else tonight, - Diego put the phone away. - I was really hoping to talk you into sharing what happened to you, - he added quite bluntly and ingenuously, - but it seems this is not the night for that conversation. (edited)

07:17

@Vincent ICEberry

07:17

@Slinar [Alexander Montferrier]

As he talked about the Bogeyman, she tensed up. A lot. Her manner were those of a stray cat, looking around her. "The... fuck do you mean by Sabbat ? They are here ? They are the one that have taken Selma ?" Her voice was tensed, totally uncontrolled and panicked. It seemed to you that it was like you just opened up a door to her worst nightmares.

(I'll let you change the text because you'll recieve it tomorrow)

Diego's head turned to the side slightly, animalistically. His shoulders lifted slightly, while the head ever-so-slightly slumped into them. But this would not help de-escalate her mood. He knew that. He tried to remember what his drill-sarge did when one of the privates broke down under stress. He relaxed himself and opened his face again. - Revana, it's okay. We can discuss this, but only when your calm. It is safe here for now, and.... and I have a safe place if you need it. But I can only discuss it when you're ready. And I can stay until you are. (edited)

"No no… I need to go, if they have her, he…" Her eyes were all opened as she frantically looked around. She began to grip her finger to her knees, kneeling down. Blood was slowly drown out by her nails as she pierced the skin. She looked at him with a sight of réalisation and whispered. "He’s coming."

Diego felt a pressure on his eye, as he blinked and saw that Revana had disappear.

Diego looked at her, piercingly. He stepped towards her, to stop her from hurting herself and to make sure she would answer his question. - You know something, you... - but she was gone. Just like that, in a blink of an eye. Diego jumped back, frantically turning his head. He was looking for any remaning clothes Revana hadn't picked up, and leaped to that spot. - I can help. I have a safe place, with a big dog that's waiting on its master to come back. You'd be safe there, - he was talking fast, knowing he was running out of time. He was looking around, knowing how pointless it was. His hands were slightly outstretched, palms open, almost in a begging manner. He decided to try the heavy artillery. - We can help Selma! You might know enough to save her. Don't walk away from her! But he hardly expected her to respond... (edited)

All he heard was the sound of silence.

09:34

END SCENE

Recap: Diego managed to return to Selma's house in the suburbs, counting on an easy fix before going out for a night of hunting. To his surprise, he met an alluring naked kindred, Revana, crying her eyes out with blood. Making himself known, he was offered a novel and inviting way to break the ice: to drink of her. Burned by hunger, Diego agreed, diving into an ecstatic, almost erotic trip, powered by Revana's unusual vitae. Overcome with lust, shame and suspicion, Diego tried to find out more about Revana and what she knows of Selma. But the second Sabbat was mentioned, Revana fell into panic and escaped, leaving Diego grasping at straws.

#❌🌙🟩ch11-in-peace-i-will-lie-down-and-sleep