[video / action]

[anamnestik]

 [video]
[OKAY LISTEN........ Being told he was ugly by his own reflection didn't go over very well with Eliot. He may have accidentally broken the mirror with his psychic powers. He's licking his own blood from his hands when the video starts, hurt both physically and emotionally by his own self-inflicted pain. ]

I-I don't know what I did, but I think I made my mirror angry at me... [He stops licking his bloodied hand, reminded of what his reflection taunted him about: Being a vampire is his only identity, and his temporary 'ditzy' personality isn't "real." It hurts to know that it's true. As much as he wants to deny it, the taste of even his own blood is slightly addicting.] ... It might be dangerous to be around me. My powers are being weird and moody again. [No, Eliot. You're being weird and moody.]



[action - streets]

[Eliot thinks he's dangerous because of his psychic powers, but it's actually straight-up bad luck. Something that becomes apparent very quickly. Eliot can be found suffering all over town: You might see him walk under a window and have water dumped on his head, or trip over air so that he falls on his face. He also has a few near death experiences where he almost gets hit by cars or falling objects... It's just bad.

Anytime someone is near him when shit goes down, he tears up and apologizes like it's his fault:]

I'm sorry... uugh. You didn't get hurt, did you?

Comments

[immortalrose]

[No matter how late Eliot arrives, Augustine waits up for him in the living room sipping on his red brewed tea. He's dressed formally in one of his flowery black brocade suits but the ornate jacket is hanging off the back of the chair. The white ruffles shirt underneath is just as pristine and crisp as when he first ironed it.

A feat worth recognition since Augustine prides himself too much on his looks.]

Eliot...? [He peeks his head around the corner once he hears the pokemon's squeals. Sorry but that Zubat gave you away, boy.] Are you well?

You hung up abruptly earlier.

[anamnestik]

[Betrayed by his own Pokemon! Eliot has his arms full of Amelie as he walks into the living room, being on the receiving end of loud cries for attention. Also, she's useful to hide behind: Eliot is quite ashamed of his earlier behavior.]

Yes, I'm fine. Work just... uh, got busy.

[Worst Liar Ever: Eliot Durant. He recognizes as much as he looks up at Augustine.]

I don't like blood.

[immortalrose]

[Augustine watches the boy with a stern but kind gaze. He knows Eliot is lying but he doesn't mention it. Patience is what's needed here, patience and understanding. So, he sits down upon the sofa again and just waits for the boy to speak truthfully. He knows that deep down inside that Eliot wishes he was never turned. The boy prides his humanity, so imagine just how devastating it is for him to lose it.

Augustine understands, that he does.]

Of course not. [He answers tersely.] No one truly does but it's a necessity.

You're not human anymore, Eliot. You need it. You crave it.

[anamnestik]

Needing it and wanting it are different.

[At least he's being honest, even if it's hard. Pulling an opinion from Eliot is difficult. He himself struggles to determine his personal wants versus what he's been taught to want.]

It was fine when I just needed it. I could just take a little bit and feel better physically. But now... [Eliot covers his face, ashamed and perhaps scared of himself. These are the thoughts that prompted him to break the mirror earlier today.] Now I want it. It tastes good. No matter how many times I reset my memories on accident, I always 'woke up' as the same person. I had consistency in hating blood. But it's different now. I don't know who I am anymore. When did I start liking the taste? That's not 'me.'

[The confession spills out, but it doesn't make him feel better?? He kinda feels worse. Emotions suck. This is why he likes hiding behind being a Living Library: It's easier than dealing with his feelings.]

It wasn't like this before I became well fed. I was happier before. I was weak, but I was happier. I think...? Or have I lived the last 300 years miserable? I don't remember.

[immortalrose]

Calm down. Calm down...

[Augustine gathers the youth in his arms for a hug. The poor boy is driving himself mad with all these questions but he understands why. For too long, Eliot lived under the illusion that he was still somewhat human. That illusion was only recently shattered. Now it's time for Eliot to gather all the pieces but how? Where should he start?]

You are what you are now. [He tries to explain as he kneels down before Eliot so they could talk eye to eye. Augustine is a bit tall.] A vampire. You've been a vampire for the last three hundred years. Three hundred years, Eliot. That's...quite some time.

[A sigh escapes him as he tries to find the right words to say.]

Were you really happier pretending to still be human? Pretending to cling to a past you can't even remember? You was miserable but you masked it well thanks to that pocket watch of yours. You masked it and lived your life in a lie.

[anamnestik]

[Being hugged is still so strange. Eliot doesn’t remember ever being hugged. Not remembering life before Genessia has left his memory empty and lonely. The only life he knows is being a tormented human, and now here. So the idea of being a vampire like the Durants, who Eliot remembers torturing him to near death as if it was yesterday, is horrible.

He suddenly becomes very aware of the weight of his pocket watch. If only turning it could change time too, and he could go back to being a weak vampire.]

It’s all I remember. I don’t remember those 300 years when I’m “this” Eliot. [Hugging anyone back would be too scary right now. He doesn’t like arguing, since he only remembers that ending with a boot to his face.] I don’t think I can live this way. I can’t even stand another week like this. I hate myself.

[immortalrose]

[The lack of a response from the hug is noticed but what Eliot says next stuns Augustine. He pulls away with a look of true worry and fear in his eyes.]

No. [He grips the boy's shoulders a little tighter.] You...I can't imagine how much pain you're in. The Durants stolen you away from all you knew. I know they've been exceedingly cruel towards you but you're finally free of them. Free to be whomever you want to be.

[His grip on Eliot relaxes some. Maybe he's going about this the wrong way. Augustine doesn't know how to handle any of this but he'll try. He let's his hands fall off the boy's shoulder and just gives him an apologetic smile.]

If it was possible for me to erase this curse, I would but I can't. Neither of us can. All I can do is love you as you are. Even if you hate yourself, I still love you.

[anamnestik]

[His gaze meets Augustine out of instinct, which Eliot regrets. He doesn't like how so many of his mannerisms are learned survival tactics for dealing with the Durants. This isn't fair to Augustine, whom Eliot fears disappointing.]

... I don't want to have blood lust. Even if my mouth likes the taste, I don't like it in my head. Is that okay? [Rip would probably scold him, which is why Eliot asks with some fear.] Will you stop loving me if I don't like blood? Ms Rip will kill me if I say it.

[immortalrose]

It's fine. [He answers quietly with a tense smile.] You have a right to dislike this. You don't have to pretend, Eliot.

[It's insane hard for him to remain so positive now. Never in his life has he thought of vampirism to be a curse. In truth, he never really thought much about it. He knew of his mother's ordeal but never really thought he was cursed until now.

This is a curse. A terrible infliction forced upon him at birth.

Augustine never thought he was so doomed since he could walk in between the light and the dark. As a dhampir, he could live either life without much limitations but Eliot isn't so fortunate. Neither is Rip but she seems to relish life as a vampire which both amazes Augustine and confuses him.]

What? [The next question catches him off guard.] No, of course not! I won't stop loving you ever. As for Rip, she won't hurt you.

I won't allow it.

[anamnestik]

Okay...

[Despite everything that he still doesn't understand or like, which is a lot, Eliot finally relaxes. He still hates what he is becoming, but accepts that at least this terrible 'new' Eliot has a place somewhere. His head returns to being hung as his shoulders sink from relief.

It's not hard to trust Augustine, but Eliot still finds this frightening. He isn't used to fully trusting anyone. It's hard to admit that he needs help, too, since that puts him at someone else's mercy. This also means admitting his problem exists and that he really can't run from it.]

What do I do about... b-blood... lust..? I'm not going to attack Winry, am I?

[immortalrose]

I'll teach you. [He answers gently as he brushes the boy's hair out of his eyes.] I'll teach you how to control it much like I do.

[Augustine constantly has to battle against his primal instincts. He's constantly trying to curb his bloodlust with whatever potion or elixir he makes. He'll do the same for Eliot if the yearning becomes too strong. Augustine won't let his son suffer.

Not at all.]

You won't hurt your friend, Eliot. I will help you.

[anamnestik]

[It still surprises him to find those words reassuring. Eliot's gaze darts around the room briefly, almost to search for the reason he's hesitating. He has long since erased memories of his many betrayals, but the pain still serves as a warning.]

Then... Father. Please help me. [He manages to speak in an even tone, but it's the hardest thing he's had to say in a while.]

[immortalrose]

[Augustine has to blink the tears before they fall. Even as a half-breed, his tears are still red much like any other kind of vampire.]

Of course. [He says with such a relieved smile. Eliot is finally trusting him. After all this time, the boy actually trusts him.] I'll help however I may, son.

I just ask you to be patient. It will take time but I believe in you.