Lori
The night was quiet, calm, peaceful, as it always was. At night, there were no expectations. Rarely did people get hurt around these hours, because the world was mostly asleep, allowing the Doctor a rare moment of respite. They'd normally try to spend this time asleep. Catch up on some of that rest their body desperately needed, because they sure as hell weren't getting enough of it. However, sometimes they were unable to sleep. Sometimes, they were trapped in their head, stuck in the memories of the past, haunted by everything they did wrong in their long life - there was no way sleep would come when they were like that.

No one else seemed to be awake at this hour, the estate had been practically deserted, and so they'd been able to slip out easily, wearing their dark coat over their usual clothing in an attempt to protect them from the cold. It was somewhat successful, though to be fair, when they were this despondent, they hardly noticed the cold anyway.

A short walk, and they were gone, away from it all. In moments like these, it started to feel like they were the only person on the planet - a feeling that was far from bad. Sometimes, being alone felt like the best thing. It allowed them to lower their guard and just be, just exist for a little while. There was no worrying about patients, no worrying about their past, all that they had to do was to take one step at a time at their own pace, with only the light of the moon shining through the forest's trees to guide them.

The Doctor walked slowly, trudging through the snow, eventually coming to a halt at a completely random location. With the aid of their tinderbox, there was a brief flash of light, and then, after a few tries, a cigarette being lit up. This was something they weren't very experienced in, inexperience that showed when they inhaled a deep lungful of smoke and immediately broke out into coughs, grimacing at the *Awful* Burning feeling.
_ _

But... It helped. No matter how much it burned, they instantly felt calmer. The Doctor took another lungful of smoke, and though they coughed it out again, their coughs were a little less violent this time - it always took them a few moments to get used to this. With the next one, they only needed to cough a few times, and with the one after that, it stopped entirely.

Eyes half-lidded, they leaned against a nearby tree, right arm crossed over their chest, left holding the cigarette close to their mouth to occasionally take a drag. The scent of Devil's Root drifted through the air around them, and in the dark night, one with good enough vision might be able to see the glowing red tip of their cigarette whenever they inhaled. They were barely paying attention to their surroundings, and for once, one might be able to sneak up on them - but they would probably barely respond, no matter what ended up happening.
Ed
*With the cold, crisp, clear night Andreas would be out flying. He always enjoyed the more late night to early morning flights usually since he was able to see when the dark sky would start to lighten up. Thouh for this night he would be out because he had been struggling to sleep and feel calm. Deciding that flying would be his first choice tonight over finding someone secretly selling Bane to make him sleep. He didn't always used to use drugs, it used to be something he thought was not really needed for helping but now he couldn't live without some type corsing through his system. Though Reverie Sticks was his usual choice he'd tried almost all of the ones through the years. Some just did better and some just weren't worth it.

Andreas would be high up in the sky, soaring all the way up to the point he felt as if he could touch the stars before folding his wings in and free falling. The sound of the air rushing by his ears, the bitter cold slicing at his skin, and the feeling of his feathers trying desperately to catch the air but unable to filled him with a strange sense of fear and thrill as he fell. Andreas had done this so many times over the years he could sense when the ground was close enough he needed to open his wings, though he would always push past that normal feel of when it was safe to open your wings and not cause pain. Waiting to a last second where if you waited just a second more you couldn't pull up in time. He would count out the seconds to impact, almost wondering if he should just let him hit the ground before finally opening his wings and gliding just barely over a hill before letting his wings carry him back up into the safety of the sky. 

He let out a dry chuckle as he thought about his mindset in the last few moments. No, he couldn't allow himself off that easy, there was still too much to do yet.*

*Too much to pay for the mistakes off the past. Putting a hand to his head he wondered if just getting some Bane would have been a better idea than dealing with his own thoughts at the moment. It sure was sounding better by the second than flying all night and getting nowhere.

He was thinking of turning back to the town and looking for someone to sell him some Bane or something really strange to knock him out when he would catch a whif of something. Stopping for a moment he would try to pin point where the scent was coming from. Looking over the forest he would try to see a fire. Someone was using Devil's Root, but there was no fire from logs. Had a person gotten lost? He knew there was days some did but it didn't quite seem like it. Deciding this probably was a better idea than going for the drugs just yet, he would head down into the forest. Looking till he found the light of a small flame, there. That is where the person was, the scent of Devil's Root was also much closer so he knew he had found the spot. Andreas wondered who could be out this late, especially during the cold. Though his want of Devil's Root was clouding his mind a bit more than needed. Heading down into the forest floor, he landed close to Jones. His landing completely silent as he had learned how to be just that over the years.

Going slow, he would look around for any danger. Making sure there was only the one person before heading out of the shadows in front of them.* "A little late and cold to be in the woods for a smoke don't you think? Especially for one that looks a bit more on the struggles with this cold."
Lori
Usually, a person coming close when there wasn't anyone else nearby would have alerted the Doctor. They would have sensed the flowing of blood in their body, or heard something, anything like it - but not when under the influence as much as they were. The estate they were staying at probably could have exploded and they wouldn't have noticed right now. They didn't mind that so much, to be honest. It was nice to be able to let go of all that sometimes, to be able to ignore the external stimuli that could get more than a little overwhelming sometimes, only focusing on the steady beating of their heart and their breathing.

With the way they seemed fully relaxed, their eyes closed, an onlooker might actually feel like they were asleep, which frankly wasn't too far from the truth. They really were about to fall asleep at any moment now - until a voice startled them suddenly.

On instinct, the Doctor was about to push out their smoke and make a run for it, standing up straight in a position that looked like they were about to attempt just that, before they realized that the drug was legal in Lazaroth, and they didn't have to worry about that. They let out a breath, then took a few deep breaths as they relaxed again, trying to get their heart to stop racing. And they'd just managed to calm down fully before this stranger showed up. What a pain...

They said nothing for a few moments, only taking another drag, slowly exhaling the smoke as they examined the stranger. An Aasimar, huh. Those were rare around these parts. Not rare enough for them to truly worry about it, though.

"What do you want?" They only asked coolly, back leaned against the tree once more. "If you have nothing interesting to say, kindly leave me alone, will you?" Their voice was low and soft, and though they were looking in the vague direction of the stranger, they clearly weren't paying all that much attention to him, more staring straight ahead without really seeing a thing.
Ed
*Andreas couldn't help but chuckle at the Doctors reaction when he first spoke. It seemed that they were used to running once caught with a Devil's Root which meaned they weren't from around here. He remembered himself doing some of the same things back when he was in places that certain drugs were illegal. Hell he was planning on finding one illegal everywhere tonight yet still he used it. Though to see someone being that jittery just made him feel amused.

Though seeing that the elf was about to fall asleep it probably was good that he come because of the smell of the Devil's Root. It wouldn't be good for them to fall asleep out in the cold. He had seen more than a few who done just that and were found dead the next morning because they didn't realize how cold their really were. He would fold his wings closer to his back, sticking his hands in his pockets since he didn't want to seem threatening. In all honesty all he wanted was the Devil's Root but he was not going to take it. Probably watching over this elf was a good idea, make sure they got back to were they were staying safely.

He would walk closer as he observed the Doctor, they really seemed out of it. He probably looked the same when he took something.* "I came to check out why someone would be in the forest smoking up Devil's Root by themselves. Especially on a cold night and when they look like they about to just fall over asleep... I'm sure I have plenty of interesting things to say if needed but I doubt you would remember any of it in the morning... I think you shouldn't be left alone though when you this out of it. And I would know, not the best when it's cold out. Doubt a elf wants to end up a frozen one because they fell asleep." *Andreas wings would fluff out slightly before setting into their natural resting. He always had a bit of a "Tic" Almost with his wings. Though most was just more of jitters when around drugs probably, he did use them quite a lot.*
Lori
That chuckle... Right, to someone that seemed to be from this area, their reaction was likely more than a little silly. Maybe normally, the Doctor would have felt any way about it, but right now, they found it hard to care. They were calm, relaxed - a true rarity for them indeed. Not too long after, they'd fully calmed down again, seeming just about ready to start falling asleep once more - but apparently the stranger had other plans.

The Doctor opened one eye to look at him as he spoke, trying and failing to let his words go in one ear and out the other. Part of them wanted to tell him to leave them alone, but... He did have a point. Though they didn't feel the cold so much anymore, that tiny nagging voice at the back of their mind knew that they were going to freeze if they stayed out here alone. The weather was a lot colder in this country than they were used to, after all - they could have gone out and wandered like this in Findara, but in Lazaroth, it was not a great idea. Well... Whatever. Who really cared if they froze, right?

Their attention was captured by the movements of those wings, gaze so focused on it they seemingly forgot to blink for a few moments. "...Do what you want," The Doctor muttered eventually, not looking him in the eye. Instead, they slowly extended their right hand to one of the stranger's wings, leaning forward in an attempt to touch it. The fact that he knew exactly what drug they were on didn't register in their mind, nor the fact that he seemed to know exactly what their mental state was like, all they wanted right now was to experience what had to be an incredible softness and warmth.
Ed
*This elf really seemed out of it. Andreas couldn't help but seem a bit worried at their reaction of almost falling asleep. It wouldn't be good out here and yet their were doing just about that. He wondered if he should just drag them back into town. Least if they were in an inn they wouldn't be a problem?.

Andreas rationality was not really there though as he would get closer to them. He could make sure they got back safe after. All he needed was some of the drug... Was he really planning on taking from this fellow? Maybe? It couldn't hurt when they were so out of it anyways. Plus they literally didn't care what he did, yes it was the drug talking but so what? He used more than a drug before to get what he wanted.

Andreas would freeze for a moment at the doctor reaching out. He was close enough by now they could reach his wings if they wanted. Should Andreas let them? He could get something out of it, all he have to do was take the drug and let the dazed elf touch his wings. Why were they even wanting to? Sighing Andreas redolve ended, yes he wanted the drug and frankly he was going to get it but for the moment he decided to play a bit more dangerous. Leaning closer he would support his weight against his right hand as he placed it against the tree Jones as leaned against. Looking down at this elf and really studying their features. Allowing his wings to spread out slightly so they could actually get to feel them. Though he wasn't just going to let them touch his wins for free, no he would have their smoke before they could even register they were holding it anymore because Andreas would take in a lungfull of the Devil's Root. His body instantly relaxing more as the drug would enter his system. Breathing out the smoke slowly so as not to blow it into the doctors face.* "Well don't mind if I do whatever I want. And at the moment that means making sure you don't become an elf popsicle because you fall asleep."

*Andreas couldn't help but wonder a bit about this elf story. Maybe he would learn it or maybe not. Did it really matter if he did? No, it wasn't important for now. He'd got what he wanted and that would be enough.* "Have a fancy for wings do you? Or you just so relaxed you thinking something else all together on what you seeing?."
Lori
Perhaps the Doctor should have protested when the Aasimar took the drug from them, but they barely registered it at all, too transfixed by those wings. For a moment, they glanced up at him, head tilted slightly, as if they were trying to form a coherent thought, but it soon enough didn't seem important to their exhausted mind anymore.

No, there was one thing that did seem important, and that was those wings. The Doctor didn't notice how close the stranger was standing, only that those wings were within their reach now.

Though their fingers were cold, their touch was gentle, and they made sure not to damage a feather as they very gently brushed across the soft wings, lips parted slightly in amazement. It was so soft, and so warm... Right now, that comforting sensation was all that they needed and wanted. In fact, so comforting was it that there was an incredibly rare sight upon their face - lips curled into the tiniest of smiles as the Doctor moved their hand down, lightly petting the feathered surface.

"It's... Nice," They said softly, gaze remaining transfixed on where their hands were. It made them wonder, briefly, on what it would be like to fly. To be able to spread one's wings and take off, just like that, whenever one wanted. It must be amazing, to fly into the sky, free from everything down below, free from worries, from strife, from all that was wrong. Just... Up there, in the sky. Free, but so utterly, utterly alone.

A silent tear ran down their face, and another, and another - but the Doctor didn't notice a thing, too out of it to even feel the warm streaks on their face quickly turning cold.
Ed
*Andreas would chuckle, it was a rare sight to see someone so transfixed on his wings. Though it had also been a very long time since he'd ever let someone touch his wings. He didn't know why he even was letting them touch, but what surprised him the most was how gentle and soft they were while doing it. If he had been normal he probably wouldn't have noticed the doctors touch that much, probably hardly at all. But with giving himself to being a vampire his senses were always more. Feeling their fingers gliding down his wings in almost a cautious way, he didn't know really what to think about having the doctor touching them.

To clear his mind a bit with his conflicted feeling on it racing through his head he would take another drag, letting the drug do its work as he keep himself steady against the tree. Letting the doctor get to see a bit more he would open up his one wing. Letting them get to see the full length of just one wing. It really was impressive with how big they were and how someone even could handle it. Though his wings weren't white didn't seem to go noticed with made Andreas feel a bit better. Most knew black wings were a bad sign for a aasimar. Though his weren't really back either a mix that seemed to stay. Though it wasn't noticed in the dark either for such a thing.

Andreas would tense up at seeing the doctor starting to cry. Why were they crying? Did something go wrong? Were they in pain? Did a memory come back? He knew himself how painful a member could be of something but why cry while looking at wings? Andreas thought about trying to comfort the doctor but how? He didn't know them or anything this was all just a random meeting and they were out of it on Devil's Root.* "Uh... Yes, they are nice aren't they...*Andreas decided to try some, would they react badly? Taking the Devil's Root he would switch it to his other hand, letting his left hand be free as he would slowly reach out.

*Wiping away a few tears gently as he looked down at the elf.

*He didn't know why he was caring, maybe seeing them crying just set something off in him* "Hey now... What's got you so down? I'm sure everything will be alright, your not alone right now. If you want to talk you got an ear, if not you can touch my wings and ask whatever you want about them." *He didn't know if what he was doing was even going to work but he wanted to try and cheer them up maybe just a little. He did hate seeing such a reaction, mostly because he caused a lot of others to act like that in his past.*
Lori
It seemed the Doctor was happy just continuing to trace their fingers over the soft feathers, even more so when their full size was revealed, hands ever so gently brushing over the feathers at the end that were larger than their arms. Though they did vaguely notice the dark tint the wings had to them, they didn't mention it, assuming it to just be a regular Aasimar thing - their knowledge of the species was limited at best, having had relatively few run-ins with them, and so the whole Fallen aspect went right over their head.

Genuine surprise flashed across their face when the stranger wiped away their tears, and the Doctor retracted their hands to touch their own face instead, noticing that indeed, they were crying. That was weird. They didn't even feel that sad. So then why were they...?

It did help pull them back to reality a little, and the Doctor quickly lowered their head, taking a few deep breaths, a few moments to calm down. It was a common effect of the drug for them - it lowered the barriers they usually had up high, the ones that prevented them from displaying emotions so openly. More often than not, a few would slip through and be expressed like this - there was a reason they only partook in this drug when they were alone. Maybe they should have left when the stranger showed up... But he didn't seem to mind.

With the tears having stopped flowing, they looked up at him, blinking slowly. Why did he care? People weren't supposed to care about them, they were supposed to be the one caring about others. Well... Whatever. It didn't really matter, did it?
_ _

"It's... Fine," They eventually decided on replying, gaze lowering back to those wings, hands extending again to touch them. "Just tired... I suppose." It wasn't a lie, really. They were tired, quite exhausted, actually. They'd been about to fall asleep here just now - it was a miracle they were still standing. Still, the tiredness wasn't all that there was to it, but the Doctor was way too out of it to find the words to discuss that even if they wanted to.
Ed
*Letting the doctor notice they were crying, he could see the confusion and surprise by it. He wondered what than was making them cry so if they didn't even seem to know. Though of course he wasn't just going to pry. They seemed to just be experiencing an emotion they simply didn't express very much. It wouldn't be that much of a surprise really during the use of Devil's Root, seeing as it calmed your body quickly it probably would be easy to have something slip by.

Andreas would look at them with a new curiosity but also concern. No one should be hiding their feeling that much. But who was he to tell anyone that. He did the same thing in order to try and redeem himself. He knew he was almost a fraud sometimes with it all, he'd done a lot of bad he still didn't even know if he could pay for. It had been 60 years since than and he knew he'd only gotten but a little back for it. He had his wings sure but as for magic he was completely without. He'd probably be dead was it not for the vampirisms fast healing.

Shaking his head to get out of the downward spiral, he would listen to the doctor say they were fine. Though they clearly weren't fine he let it slide. Giving them a smile as he would rub their cheek gently to give a slight comfort, or he at least hoped it would be interpreted that way.* "Alright, as long as your okay and don't need to get anything off your chest. I can understand that constant tiring feeling weighing someone down... You really have a fancy for my wings. I suppose anyone without them does like the wings." *Andreas would fold his left wing forward to be closer to the doctor. Maybe this is what they needed tonight was just to enjoy something new. Though eventually he figured he was going to need to take them back home so they didn't fall asleep out in the cold.* "Were are you staying at the moment? Or if you rather I not know do you have an inn you would want to go to?"

*He was trying to figure out the best place to leave them were it at least would be safe for them to sleep off the Devil's Root once they couldn't fight the sleep anymore.*
Lori
Eyes fluttered shut momentarily at the gentle touch, and the Doctor leaned into the stranger's hand as he rubbed their cheek, almost seeming like they were going to try to keep his hand there - but their hands were occupied with the softness of that wing, and they couldn't sprout a third arm in time for them to do anything about it. Quite unfortunate indeed, but there wasn't anything they could do about it.

There was a lot they could talk about. Their entire past history, their crimes, the torture, the murders, the attempted sacrifice... Phaendar. All of it was stuff that most definitely needed discussing, that they desperately wanted to get off their chest... But not here, not now, not when they were about to drift to sleep in this strange and cold land, and not with a total stranger. They might be completely out of it on Devil's Root, they might be unable to remember just about anything, but they still couldn't get themself to talk about that, perhaps out of instinct - having kept it hidden for so long, it was infinitely more difficult to discuss it than to just keep hiding it.

Were it up to them, they likely would have preferred to stay here. Stay with the Aasimar until the drug wore off, keep petting those wings - their softness was doing a lot to soothe the Doctor and keep their mind from spiralling into darker territories. Why worry about all of that when there was something like this right next to them? With something this nice and warm... None of the bad things in the world seemed to matter all that much anymore.

When he asked his question, though, they paused momentarily to look up at him, head tilting to the side slightly. Right... They knew they were staying... Somewhere, but where? What was the name of that place again? The people who lived there? 
_ _

It was a fruitless task to try and figure it out. The Doctor could barely remember their own name, let alone any of that stuff. "I... Forgot," They muttered, looking back at the wings - they really were obsessed with them. "Where I'm staying, I mean... I don't remember." Their memories probably would start coming back to them tomorrow, but it was hopeless right now. So, they glanced up at the stranger again, head tilting once more. "Do you know?" Maybe that was why he was talking to them, because he knew them, and wanted to take them home. It might very well be the case.
Ed
*Andreas couldn't help but chuckle at the Doctors reaction. They seemed almost cute with them wanting a bit of comfort in what Andreas was doing. He knew Devil's Root could make you plenty out of it but this wasn't all because of the drug. No, deep down it seemed they needed this. To have a bit of comfort and something to feel he guessed safe?

Andreas would leave his hand close to the Doctors face, did he dare keep trying to comfort them? They seemed more fascinated by his wings than anything. He probably should have pulled back, not let them touch his wings as they were an important part of a aasimar. Yet Andreas couldn't bring himself to pulling away, it was strange by this was comforting to him as well, letting this elf be close and to feel the soft feathers. He couldn't even remember the last time he'd allowed someone to be this close to him. Yes, the drug was probably causing this whole scene but it was nice. How long... This question kept coming back to him. How long since he'd seem his family's graves, how long since he'd looked at his not so little sister, how long since his hands where soaked in blood, how long since he had allowed someone to touch him and not feel like he would turn them down the wrong path.

He really needed anything drag... He was going into too much of a dark place once again. Though with the doctor speaking he would snap out of it. Looking at the doctor and how innocent they looked was cute. He would chuckle at them asking if he knew. He didn't know were they lived but it meant he knew his next move was to take them to an inn to sleep it off, that was only whenever he could get them to stop being transfixed on his wings. He doubted if he took them now they would stay because they want to see his wings more. Though maybe it wasn't such a bad idea? If he got them into a room least if they fell asleep he only had to leave quietly.*
Henry
-
Andreas: "I don't know where you are staying but that's okay, how about we head back into town and get you a room? You can look at my wings more once in the light. I will let you observe them however you want to but after you need to lay down. I will stay till you fall asleep than. Sound like an okay deal?" *He didn't know why he was even trying to make a deal, just drag them back to an inn and leave them. It's what he should do yet he couldn't bring himself to doing that. 

All he would have to do was watch and make sure they didn't leave. This honestly frustrated him but maybe it was better to let him have some to think on besides his own thoughts.*
Lori
Really, the Doctor was more than happy to just go along with whatever this person wanted. Part of them, a tiny, hidden part, knew that they shouldn't be alone right now, and he was the only person nearby - so why not, eh? Why not stick with him for now? What was the worst that could happen? Certainly nothing worse than spending a night out here in the cold, on their own, probably freezing to death. They really were unprepared for the weather of this country, no matter how much they were feeling like they were getting more used to it.

They were quiet for a few moments at the suggestion, mostly to allow their tired and drugged up mind to actually process what was being said. There were a lot of words, and the Doctor sure as hell didn't catch all of them, but they felt they understood the basic message, and it sounded like an acceptable idea. Being able to examine these wings more closely in a place that was actually warm and comfortable sounded like a godsend right now.

And so, they gave a nod. For just a moment, they pulled away with their left hand, digging through their pocket for a few moments before managing to pull out a couple of coins. Wordlessly, they held them out to the Aasimar, gaze remaining focused on his wings. It was to pay for the room, they hoped to imply, because they sure as hell weren't finding the words to actually say that right now.

Should they be worried about getting taken somewhere like that by a complete stranger? In this case... Not really. If he wanted to do anything to them, now was the perfect opportunity, and he hadn't taken advantage of it. In fact, it'd be more risky to do anything when there were others around, like the people in town.
_ _

But how would they go? Now that was the real question. Sure, walking was an option, but... Silently, the Doctor looked up at the stranger, hoping desperately that they were guessing right and that he would take them flying into the sky. It shouldn't be that hard, right? They didn't weight all that much, and it certainly was a faster way of transportation than walking... Hopefully he'd see that too.
Ed
*Andreas would watch them as they seemed to take time to figure out what he had asked. They really were a bit out of it. It was a bit comical to him even on seeing that look of gears turning in their head. At seeing them finally understanding the question he couldn't help but smile as he would touch the doctors cheek again.* "I'm glad you are okay with going into the village and getting in a warmer place. I'm sure you are plenty cold out here especially with you getting into a relaxed sleep type state." 

*At seeing the couple coins being held out he would know they meant to pay for it. Taking the coins he would act as if he would use them but he had no reason to use them and was going to just give it back before he left. He wouldn't take the money and how would they know he didn't once they fell asleep.* "Come on than, you can get warmed up and can look at my wings more. You I'm sure will be happy once you can see them clearly." *At the look of a silent beg he couldn't help but chuckle, he knew what they were wanting but it wouldn't be a good idea.* "Come on, you can walk yet. I will make sure you don't fall or get lost. Don't need either of those."

*Andreas would pull the doctor away from the tree and wrap an arm around their waist to keep them up. To apiece them a bit so they didn't get too much of a fight, so he would wrap one wing around them. Andreas wing would easily wrap around their small frame compared to him, giving a bit more warmth from the cold weather outside that would otherwise make them a lot colder.*
Lori
They couldn't help it, the Doctor leaned into his touch as he touched their cheek again, eyes falling shut briefly. Those gentle touches, they didn't know why, but they absolutely adored it - perhaps because people didn't often touch them like that. Sure, they'd get the occasional handshake, and sometimes even smacked around a little, but both of those were very different from this... They were glad to experience it.

It was a little disappointing when he apparently wasn't going to let them fly, but the Doctor wasn't actually annoyed at it. They didn't mind walking, but given the opportunity to fly... Who wouldn't? Maybe another day. For now, though, they desperately needed sleep and warmth, and so they didn't at all protest when the stranger wrapped an arm around their waist.

He probably would have had some of an idea already, but holding the Doctor like that, it was hard to miss just how skinny they were - one could count their ribs with no effort at all. Their clothes did a lot to hide that, but like this... Many people found it more than a little worrying.

They didn't seem so bothered by it, though - their reaction was quite the opposite. The Doctor leaned against the stranger as they walked, practically snuggling into his side. The drug combined with their usual lack of regard for most peoples' personal space to make them, simply put, clingy, and it didn't seem like they were planning to back off any time soon. Warm and comfortable with the arm and wing wrapped around them, the Doctor barely managed to resist falling asleep already, blinks becoming slower and slower as they clearly were nodding off.
Ed
*Though Andreas would usually not do this, not allow someone to be so close to him. His thought of himself not being worthy of love or a closeness to someone because of the life he'd lived during those forty years. But with this out of it stranger he wanted to keep them safe and warm. Feeling how skinny they were caused more worry, how could they be this skinny? This wasn't healthy to be that skinny. He didn't like it but he couldn't do anything about it.

He would just keep them safe and warm for the moment. Maybe he could get them to eat something during the time of them checking out his wings? Yeah. He could get something for them to eat before they would sleep. That is if they weren't out of it before than.* "Alright just hang in there, no going to sleep just yet. We still got some time to walk... Actually."

*Deciding not to let this drag on Andreas would do something he hadn't done in a long time and that was carry someone. He would quickly shift his arms to pick up Jones. Pulling them close to his body as he would carry them. Letting his wings wrap around to cover the doctor to keep them warm as he would start to walk them into town. Thinking of which inn to go to first. Maybe he should just let them rest? Instead of letting them look at his wings and not sleep off the Devil's Root? He knew what the best option was but guessed it would be determined once they got into a room.*
Lori
Any other time, the Doctor would have protested against just being scooped up like that. They would have insisted that it was fine, that they could walk on their own, but right now... It was hard to find the energy for their usual stubbornness. Any bit of fight that was in them faded away when those wings were wrapped around them, and the Doctor let out a deep exhale, seeming to fully relax once more.

They leaned into his chest, resting their head against where his heart should be, left arm wrapped around their own body, the right placed gently against his chest. Normally, the Doctor might be a little more apprehensive about getting so close to a complete stranger, but drugs were great at eliminating that feeling. So, they slowly traced their hand over his chest, feeling the outlines of his muscles, which appeared to be just as fascinating to them as his wings earlier. Was it highly inappropriate? Probably, but that thought didn't register in their mind.

"No one has carried me like this since I was small," The Doctor muttered, voice barely audible anymore. It was hard to stop the memories from coming back - them, but a mere child, scooped up by their father alongside their brother. Both kids laughing, but then the younger twin started coughing and had to be put down to rest, and that now familiar feeling of guilt struck them. The Doctor inhaled shakily, but managed not to cry, the warmth of another's body doing a lot to keep them calm.
Ed
*Andreas couldn't help but stop walking for a moment when the doctor would start to become fascinated by his muscles. That was definitely a new one for him on someone drugged acting like that. He honestly made him a bit conflicted at the moment. On one hand he knew it was just the drugs but on the other it sent him back into memories of the time he had spent with the woman he'd thought he would be with. Those memories were ones that hurt but he would shake his head quickly to get out of it. He didn't have time to deal with such memories. No, he needed to make sure this elf got into a warm place.

Continuing to walk into town he would take some glances at them. They were quite small he thought and it felt like they might even break if he wasn't careful. Though he was hardly going to be rough with them.* "Just don't do more than that alright? I rather not drop you because you surprise me. I know the drugs got you all out of it but it's a little too soon to be acting that way to someone." *He was trying to just make light of it so as to keep his own cool but this elf sure knew how to push him tonight. Whatever was up with him this one wasn't helping. It would be okay though soon enough they probably be sleeping with how they been in a daze.

Andreas would look down at them, hearing their mumble of a past. He knew they didn't mean any of it for him to hear but he would pull them closer. They seemed to need all the comfort tonight and he guessed would have to be him to do so. Not that he really cared that much.* "You know, I hear there is one night a month that is supposedly special here. Something about you write down a past mistake you put it in this lantern and let it just fly away. I think I need a lot of those months to make up for the trouble I have caused..."

*Andreas would keep walking till he eventually would make it to an inn, keeping his wings around Jones to hide them. Sure he shouldn't have to do this yet he felt like he needed to protect them.*

*He didn't want others to get the wrong idea, he wasn't taking them to a room for a night of fun. No, he'd stopped doing such things a long time ago. It just wasn't the same without someone you actually cared for. He would talk to the owner for a bit, figuring out a room that would have a nice warmth to it for more than was actually needed to pay, but it was late and he didn't mind paying the high price for a nice room that he knew would he warm for this weak elf.

 Once getting it sorted out by making more than one excuse as to why wanting such a room he would finally head up to the room after ordering some food as well. If he could keep them awake long enough to eat he would and if not he would eat it before leaving. Either way it wouldn't go to waste.*
Lori
Though their actions were definitely inappropriate, there was no malice behind them, it was just genuine curiosity - it wasn't often that the Doctor got to interact with someone like this. However, that didn't mean they were going to keep going once they were told off, looking up at him for a moment before removing their hand, both arms now wrapped around their body. Even as out of it as they were, they knew it was probably a bad idea to upset the guy literally carrying them, especially when he was more than strong enough to snap them like a toothpick.

They listened to him speak, eyes falling shut for a moment as they were pulled close. It was a nice thought... But it was never that easy, was it? To just let one's troubles, one's mistakes fly away... No, they couldn't do that. They had to redeem themself, make up for the past, not try to forget about it. Only by holding on to it all could they ever hope to achieve forgiveness, even if everyone involved was long gone. Everyone but them.

The Doctor let out a soft hum in response but said nothing, not wishing to dwell on the topic any longer. All they wanted was to just get that rest they so desperately needed - and luckily, it seemed that the two of them were arriving at the inn.

The place was quiet at this hour, sure, but even just stepping inside the building brought them a great amount of warmth and comfort, and they inhaled and exhaled a deep breath. Only now that they were in a warm location did they start realizing just how cold they'd been - it really was a good thing that this Aasimar had found them when he did. They had to find some way to repay him... But how?
_ _

However, before they had a chance to do any of that, their mind finally stopped resisting the pull of sleep. They were warm now, and safe, and there was nothing holding them back anymore, so before they were even carried into the room, the Doctor had drifted to the land of slumber, chest rising and falling peacefully, the exhaustion finally fading from their face a little. Like this, they didn't look so burdened by the weight of their sins anymore, just sleeping like anyone else - a rare sight, but it was obvious that they desperately needed it.
Ed
*Andreas wondered a bit about them, they definitely had a story and one probably less peaceful. No, he was sure it probably was a look he would have now, or least he thought so. Sometimes he wondered how he looked to others now, but he didn't dare ask for fear someone would peice together he couldn't see himself. A price to pay for what he had done he supposed.

Heading up to the room he knew they were asleep. He noticed the change of their breathing. Guess he will get them into the bed and then leave? Yes, that would probably be best and yet he didn't want to let this fragile elf go yet. He must be out of his mind finally he thought as he shook his head, staying was a bad idea for once the Devil's Root wore off they probably not remember anything. No, it was best to leave them.

Andreas would be quiet as he took them into the room. Keeping the lights off was best as not to wake them, he could see in the dark fine anyways. Stepping as if he wasn't even there he would make his way to the bed, unfolding his wings ever slowly so as not to brush a single feather against them. He was probably being more cautious than needed but he didn't dare wake them. Finally getting them laid in bed he would get them covered up in the warm blankets. He was sure in the morning all they would think is they got a room and had a smoke. Least something like that. Setting the coins down by the door for them to get in the morning, he had no use for them. Maybe the doctor could get a better meal with the extra? Yes, he didn't need to go looking for a drug this night, he done something to help him feel a bit better.*

*Looking back at the sleeping elf he wished a better life for them, whatever plagued them he hoped they would let go and life. It was not good for one to suffer like so, ne he had lived once just the same and it did nothing be cause more suffering. Maybe he would keep an eye on them? No, that would be stalking Andreas, you swore never to do something like that and even if it was for a good reason.*
Lori
With how gently they were being moved around, it was no surprise that the Doctor didn't wake up. They curled up peacefully under the blankets and slept, slept for hours upon hours, for much longer than they had in a long while, looking as if nothing could disturb them.

It was strange. Were it not for the aid of the stranger, they probably would have frozen to death out there, but instead, they slept more comfortably than they had in... A long time. No dreams haunted them for once, they just slept until the morning, at which point they experienced one of the more confusing wakeups in their life.

Last they remembered, they were in the forest, smoking in that way they always did when they were unable to sleep... And now they were at an inn. How very strange. Well, whatever, it didn't matter. The Doctor decided to shrug off the weird feeling and just get back to the estate, picking up the coins as they exited. It was a nice day out, and they felt more well-rested than they had in ages - it was time to get back to work.
Ed
*It had been close to week since the last time he'd been out. To actually go flying and get some type feeling of calm or sleep. But it seemed to not be working no matter how much he flew around he was not being able to relax. 

Andreas had become more irritable during the weeks time. Though he never lashed out at anyone he would do so alone, hitting trees had become his way of letting the anger out without hurting anyone but himself.

And that had been something Andreas had been doing now on this clear crisp night. He had spend a good amount of the night hitting trees till his knuckles where bleeding. After that point he would look at his throbbing hands, the pain hurt but it felt right. He wasn't going to stop the blood, no he was going to leave it as he would dig into his pocket. He had found someone to sell him some Bane, they had gouged the price for what he got but he didn't care anymore. It had been over two weeks since he'd really slept and this would do it. 

The pain of his hand would increase some while he dug out the Bane he had, finally getting it out it would take a bit to finally light the cigarette he had made earlier from the mix. Once he had it though he would quickly take a drag. He wouldn't breath it out right away as that burn from the smoke simply added to feeling something over his memories of his past. He would lean against a tree as he let his wings relax behind him, finally blowing the smoke out. It burned but the calmness it causes made him not care about it, taking another drag as it helped him relax all the more. The feeling of not really caring was calming as finally he felt relaxed. 

He would cross his right arm across his chest as he looking up at the sky through the trees. He wondered a bit about some things from the past but he really wasn't thinking of them long. No, he just felt better at the moment so why was he thinking about those past things? He didn't want to, worry about those things. He just wanted to sleep*

*He shouldn't have done it out here, maybe in a cave? Least it would have been warmer than out here though wasn't like he was just going to freeze to death that easily. He just needed this and least out here he could notice is someone came close. Though he had thought logically at first his resolve was bashed once he started to use Bane. He didn't fear about getting caught or what type of trouble he was actually going to get into for using an illegal drug.*
Lori
Those sleepless nights were getting more and more frequent. During the day, when they weren't supposed to, the Doctor always fell asleep in an instant, sometimes even in the middle of conversations. They let their concentration slip for a few seconds, and they were gone, much to the annoyance of the people around them. And, much to their own frustration, the nights were the exact opposite. They could toss and turn all they wanted, but they could hardly get a wink of sleep - and when they did, they were often woken up by someone nearby getting themself injured. The lack of sleep made them falling asleep during the day much more common, which led to a lack of sleep at night, and so on, and so forth. A frustrating cycle indeed, and with no idea on how to fix it.

It was during one of those nights that the Doctor had gotten enough of just laying in bed and trying to sleep, setting out into the cold night to try to clear their mind a little, hoping that'd help. Though they weren't planning to partake in Devil's Root, they did still carry their usual supply with them, just in case they ended up really feeling like it. Last time they'd taken it, they'd wandered back into town on their own and gotten a room in an inn somewhere, apparently, so maybe this time the same would happen. That night had been the best night's sleep they'd had in a while, and the Doctor was hoping to repeat it.

For now, though, they just walked. Hands stuffed into their pockets against the cold, the Doctor made their way down that familiar path they walked so often when they couldn't sleep. It was a lovely night out, and they were glad to be outside for a little while, if only to get away from all the people around them. There was something comforting about being all alone, no one that they could sense nearby, no hurt people- wait, no, scratch that, there was that faint tug at the edge of their senses again. Someone nearby was hurt. Damn it.
_ _

They let out a soft groan, but started heading in that direction. Luckily, it didn't feel like an emergency, and so they didn't waste too much energy rushing, though their travel wasn't slow either.

And soon enough, they were getting pretty close to their destination, pushing through a few bushes to get to where they had to go. They didn't travel quietly, and it wouldn't be hard to notice their approach with how unstealthily they were moving, but the Doctor didn't care - they had to help this person out, and it'd be better if whoever it was heard them approach so they wouldn't be spooked, right? Hopefully they weren't about to be cleaved in half by some kind of weapon, they thought silently as they arrived, the injured person finally in their line of sight.
Ed
*Andreas would just be chilling, he didn't care much about anything at the moment, but why should he? He was out at night and he wasn't going to cause any harm. He always made sure he was not hungry before doing nights like this. Accidentally biting someone was never something he felt good about later. But also at the moment he wouldn't care if he was surrounded by fire. No, he was completely out of it.

He would hear something was coming but he didn't care. He simply would take another drag as he would look over towards where the noise was coming from. He should be hiding the Bane, running away, anything but staying here at the moment. His wings fluffing slightly as he just tilted his head in a bit of a curious look. 

Andreas would see the person, they looked familiar yet he couldn't put his finger on it. Oh well guess it doesn't matter that he did or didn't know. He would stretch out a wing as he blew out a cloud of smoke. He didn't feel the pain anymore either from his bloody knuckles but so what if he had hurt himself? It had felt good at the moment.*
Lori
Something about that man looked vaguely familiar, but they couldn't quite place it... Maybe he just resembled an earlier patient, or they'd seen him around town somewhere, the Doctor thought, and dismissed the strange feeling - they had a patient to focus on, their own thoughts were irrelevant right now.

That scent hanging in the air was one they did know of, though it was rare, and they furrowed their brow at the fact that this stranger was smoking the stuff so openly. Wasn't Bane highly illegal everywhere? How did he get it? That was something they only wondered about out of sheer curiosity, the Doctor had never been one for partaking in drugs like that that dulled the pain. They didn't deserve to have their pain, their feelings eliminated like that - they had to feel it all.

They approached cautiously, gaze fixated on the stranger's bloody knuckles. Had he gotten in a fight? No, if it was a proper fight, he likely would have other wounds as well... Had he been beating up someone? It wasn't someone that was around here, that was for sure, they would have sensed it. So then what had happened?

*That's not your place to wonder about.*

Right. "Can I see your hands?" Doctor Jones asked as they extended theirs, hoping to take his hand to fix the injuries. Relatively minor as they may be, with any injury, there was a risk of infection, and it was better to fix it as soon as possible. "I just want to help heal your wounds, that's all." Hopefully he'd be too out of it to care, or to try to attack them, though they were still making sure to be careful, just in case. There was no telling what people that were so out of their minds would do.
Ed
*Andreas didnt care much as he kept on smoking the Bane. He watched the doctor a bit more as they got closer. He didn't know what they were really going to do but he also was too out of it to really care even if they were coming to kill him.

The closer the doctor got the more they could see the complete lack of sleep he seemed to have. He was using the Bane for that point later but for now it was just to numb everything. Andreas would look at his hand at the doctor asking for his hand. He was a bit transfixed on the bloody knuckles he had as it seemed like he couldn't remember hoe he got them. Though his blood would be on the tree beside him as he'd spend plenty of time hitting them.* "Why does my hands look like that... Huh they don't when they should." *He would shrug as he stopped worrying about it and just held out his hands to the doctor. He didn't care what would happen as he was calm and felt peaceful. 

His wings though showed some part of him not being as calm as he felt. They would keep fluffing out before settling down. Almost as if he was going to take off yet he had no plan to as he was still leaning against the tree.*
Lori
It was hard to miss what seemed to be a complete lack of sleep from the stranger, he looked, well... Kind of like them. In a bad way. Was that what he was using the drug for? To try to sleep? Or were they just assuming that was the case because that was what they did more often than they'd like to admit? ...Best not try to think about it.

Gently, Doctor Jones took one of his hands in theirs, examining it for a moment or two, looking at the injuries with some amount of curiosity. These weren't from beating up a person, these were from punching something with an uneven surface, like stone, or the bark of a tree. Alongside those small bits of what seemed to be bark that they could see in there upon closer examination... They had to conclude that he had been hitting a tree. However, that still left the question of why, and he seemed way too out of it to answer.

In the same way as always, they started healing the injuries - luckily, it wasn't too hard, as these were only surface-level. Doctor Jones was careful to get any filth out, their brow furrowed slightly in concentration as they worked on one hand first, then the next. It didn't take them more than maybe half a minute per hand, and when they finished, they exhaled a sigh, barely seeming winded at all. Injuries like these, they could manage without too much difficulty.

They turned their gaze back to the stranger, but said nothing for now, in case he had anything to say. They did still wonder why he was out here in the first place, and what he was doing smoking a substance like that... Maybe they could try asking him - couldn't hurt, right?
Ed
*Andreas would watch the doctor as they seemed to work their magic. He hasn't seen magic like that since well he stopped being able to use any. It was always interesting to watch as they healed his hands. He probably should have said something about it but he didn't. He would simply hold his hand out in front of his face and look for any type of danger left, yet it seemed like everything was fine. No broken bones or bruises. It really was something to see magic like that again.

Andreas would look down at the doctor as he tried to now remember who they were. He knew he'd met them yet were or when was just out of reach.* "You got some nice skill there... I'm impressed someone can just do that in a matter of a minute. It really is interesting. You look like you want to say something though. Go ahead and ask all you want to."

*Maybe it was bad to let someone ask things yet he didn't care. Right now everything was in a state of not caring about anything. It felt nice as he wanted to sleep but he couldn't yet. So he simply just kept smoking his cigarette of Bane. If someone found him and wanted to take him away for it he really wouldn't care.*
Lori
Normally, the Doctor would have just left after finishing healing someone. They usually didn't have anything else to say, and they sure as hell wouldn't want to spend more time in the cold than necessary, but this case... It was different. After all, if there hadn't been a fight or anything, then that must mean this injury was self-inflicted, right? Would that mean he was going to do this again if they left? Additionally, there was that strange feeling that he was familiar somehow, and the fact that it seemed unsafe to leave someone so drugged up alone... Best stick around for a little while.

And they were even receiving permission to ask whatever they wanted. Might as well take the opportunity, no? If he didn't want to answer a question, then he could simply not do so - at least, that was the way they thought about it. Simply staying silent had always been a main technique of theirs when dealing with stuff they didn't want to talk about.

"Why were you hitting trees?" The Doctor asked after a few moments of deliberation, deciding to get straight to the heart of the issue instead of dancing around it. They weren't looking at the stranger's face - admittedly partially because craning their head back like that made their neck hurt - and instead looked down at his hands, the way they'd been healed without any new scars forming, as if this incident had never even happened.
Ed
*Andreas couldn't help but chuckle, it wasn't one of something sounded funny but more of one that was raw. There was definitely more to his story but who cared.* "To feel the pain, to hit something till my hands bled, to keep from hurting someone. There was a lot of reasons I hit a tree. Seemed easier to break a few knuckles against a tree than a face don't you think?." 

*He didn't care to get an answer back, wasn't something he was going to change anyways. Was just another way to makw him suffer for the blood already on his hands. If he wasn't so out of it it probably would be alarming to him but for the moment nothing seemed to matter besides downing out the pain and suffering of his past. Two weeks of no sleep really tended to make him usually go over the deep end, sure he wasn't into killing himself but causing some self-influenced pain, that he was more than willing to do over and over and he had. 

Andreas would stop looking at his hands as he would look at the doctor. They really did seem familiar. Why he still couldn't place it but maybe he would realize it later? That or he wouldn't think of it at all.* "You don't look like one who's used to the cold, so why are you out here? Especially when you look like someone could snap you in two easily with your small stature... You don't look like no moon elf either who likes nightly wants to study stars or any of that."
Lori
The Doctor swallowed hard at that admission, averting their gaze and instinctively hiding their right arm behind their back. To hear him admit such a thing so openly... Frankly, it lightly startled them. Was it not meant to be a shameful thing to discuss? Something that shouldn't be talked about, no matter the circumstances? And yet here he was, mentioning it so openly... Was it the drug's fault? Did that cause his apathy towards the matter?

No matter what the cause, they still didn't know what to say to it. It didn't matter what they said, it wouldn't get him to stop, would it? And any attempts to get him to stop might only worsen the issue, depending on his mindset. Surely he already knew it was bad, that this was not a healthy way to cope with whatever bothered him, and saying that wouldn't help, would it? "I see," They only muttered meekly, uncertainty obvious in every part of their body language.

Luckily, the stranger himself already provided a change of topic, and if that was by questioning them on why they were out here, the Doctor for once didn't mind so much. They weren't sure if he was trying to insult them, but found it hard to care about that either way. "Couldn't sleep," They said with a faint shrug, stuffing their hands into their pockets. "And I didn't want to be around others... So I came here." Another shrug. There wasn't a whole lot more to the story, really.
Ed
*Andreas would notice the way the doctor reacted. It wasn't a normal one. No, it was more someone wanting to hide someone or had guilt maybe? He didn't know for sure what it was and he didn't really care either, he'd just answered it regularly as it didn't matter what he did again a tree, did it? They had healed his hands so it simply wouldn't take as long to heal. Usually they would be healed mostly by the morning, having just some bruising left that seemed to linger for a while.

Andreas would move his hand with the cigarette in it as he would seem to just watch the glow of the end, he'd been getting himself completely out of it. He would no doubt sleep later with how he was asking now.

He would look at the doctor as they answered his question even though he didn't remember he had even asked.* "I suppose we are in the same than. Though hopefully that will change for the night. Want some Bane to help? It does relax you when sleep is hard to come by. Though I use it very rarely, you eventually get desperate enough for sleep you eventually will use anything to do it."
Lori
Had the stranger noticed their reaction? Or had he not? The Doctor wasn't entirely sure, but it did seem like no matter which way, he was too drugged up to question it - or he just didn't care. Either way, they weren't going to keep talking about it, more than happy to move on from that incredibly uncomfortable topic - right back into another uncomfortable topic.

They glanced at the offered drug for a moment, feeling almost tempted to accept, but no, no, they couldn't. Devil's Root was acceptable, but something this strong... They really shouldn't. So, they shook their head, taking a slight step back. "I don't mess with stuff like that," They spoke softly, hoping it wouldn't insult him. Of course, there were very rare times that they did use it, but those were for medicinal purposes only - a way to dull the pain with certain patients, for example. That was not something that was relevant here.

"Do you want me to stay, or go?" They asked instead, looking back up at the Aasimar. Really, they didn't mind either way - they were fine with leaving again, but there was also something about this man that still very much interested them. Maybe it was the fact that something about him seemed so very familiar, even if they couldn't quite place why, and perhaps sticking around would help them figure it out. Either way, it was bound to be an interesting conversation.
Ed
*Andreas would look down at the doctor as they stepped back. He didn't know why they stepped back. He didn't plan to force it, he simply was offering it. He didn't know why really since it wasn't anything he'd probably share usually? Least it didn't feel like something he would share. He'd shrug as he didn't care if they took it or not. He was pretty well done with it anyways since he'd been more than generous with the amount he was using.

He would close his eyes as he leaned back his head. He definitely felt more relaxed than he had in over a week, sure its helped that one night but that was almost a distant memory with all the other ones that plagued him.* "It's not that bad of stuff you know, not when you not actually slept any in two weeks or more. That point anyone is desperate for even a little sleep. But you do what you want, I just was offering it." *He was okay with just hanging out in the forest now.*

*He looked down at them in a dazed look, he was plenty high from but it felt good to him.* "You can stay or go. You are the one who was walking out here to be alone before. I just came out here to cause some pain to myself and than well now I'm just here." *Andreas would stretch his wings out as he would look at them, giving a slight scowl at the color as he knew they still showed his evil deeds from the past.* "You ever do something you regret? I know many say they do but it's never anything that really requires punishing yourself for it. They simply just move on like it was nothing in the end but a peddle in their shoe."
Lori
Luckily, the stranger didn't keep insisting on the drugs, seeming more than happy to do the rest of it himself. It was lucky because frankly, the Doctor was more than a little tempted to accept the offer, very aware of the effects of Bane and the way it completely dulled the mind, but they knew they didn't deserve something like that. No, it was best to just leave it to the stranger, if only so at least one of them could be sober for if something happened.

"I'm not judging you," They replied with a faint shrug, hands remaining stuffed deeply into their pockets to help resist the temptation. "I just... Don't want it." A clear and obvious lie, but one they felt need to tell anyway - if they lied enough about the fact, maybe they'd be able to start believing it as well. "That's all."

It was a strange thing that he was admitting it so freely. The fact that this was a way of punishing himself. The Doctor let an awkward silence hang in the air, taking their right wrist in their left hand, gazing down at their hands. "...I know what you mean," They muttered eventually, thumb tracing that complicated roadmap of scars that covered their arm, though they kept everything carefully hidden beneath their sleeves - that was something they weren't going to show anyone. They also didn't elaborate any further, but judging from the look in their eyes, it wasn't something they were just saying - there most definitely was something hiding beneath the surface. Question was, what were they hiding?
Ed
*Andreas would put out the last of the cigarette as he was done with it. He could tell it wasn't fully true on what with what the doctor said, it didn't seem like they just didn't want it. He thought about offering it again before he put it out but he didn't. No, wasn't needed and push away the stranger.* "Well sometimes it's not bad when you gotten to a point of needing it. Sometimes you need calm vs pain that is constant." *Andreas would push off the tree as he looked through the trees to see the sky. He thought of just flying off but wouldn't be smart to do when he was this out of it.*

"Somedays I felt as if I deserved to just die, like I need to just be gone. Probably would have been better for others if I was gone... Yet I just can't leave, would be the easy way out." *Andreas would look down at his hands as if he could see the blood he'd spilled on them. Maybe someday he could find some way to be happy and wash away the blood.* 

*He would look down at them as he tilted his head.* "You're pretty thin looking, or least your clothes look too much for you... You also heal strangely, is there a reason you heal that way? I mean there are different ways someone can heal."
Lori
They couldn't help it, the urge to turn around and leave kept growing the longer the conversation went on. It was unpleasant, to say the least, and the amount of personal questions this person was asking, all of which were hitting a bit too close to home... They were starting to dislike it more than a little. Yet... For whatever reason, they didn't leave, not yet. Why that was, the Doctor had no idea.

Maybe it was because his words were so relatable. There were more than enough times where they'd wished to die, even if that was mostly in the past. Back then, it hadn't been uncommon for those thoughts to be the only thing they could think about in a day, and they came so close so often... But something always held them back. Perhaps unfortunately, though, the Doctor didn't express any of that, instead only replying with a vague "Mmh" Noise and remaining quiet for the rest.

At the comment on their size, the Doctor did give some kind of a reaction, crossing their arms and glaring at the ground. *What of it?* They wanted to snap, but considering that doing so would reveal how much of a sensitive topic it was, they decided against it and instead focused on the actual question. "It's just the way I practiced," They replied, vague as always. "There's different ways to heal, and that's the direction I picked. Not much more to it than that." From the way they shifted uncomfortably, though... That did not seem to be the entire truth.
Ed
*Andreas thought about saying more, saying more than he needed to say. He felt like saying the things he had done. Andreas would open his mouth to say such a thing but would stop. No, it wouldn't do any good to tell anyone about it. It wouldn't save the pain from it. Exhaling he would just sit down on the cold ground. His wings being limb behind him.

Maybe staying out in the cold to sleep would be a good idea? He could easily sleep he was sure at this point. Though with the doctor speaking he would look up at them.* "I suppose it's not a bad way to study healing... I suppose I simply miss the use of magic though I deserve not to have it as well." *He didn't plan to say more on it, sharing he was a fallen was a hard topic for him, his brothers death had really caused a lot of damage but not as much as the path he'd been down.*

"Why are you staying? You don't exactly look like you like the things I'm talking about. Seeming like you more hate that I have said the things I have actually. Guess it shouldn't matter though. I doubt we will be seeing one another again. Just another random meeting in the woods. Did the same with someone like a week ago?"
Lori
The Doctor watched quietly as the man sat down, brow furrowing in concern. Was he really going to fall asleep like this? Wouldn't he freeze? Sure, maybe he wouldn't freeze as easily as they did, but he'd likely still end up frozen to death when the morning came. It struck them how similar this situation was to... Something, but they couldn't place what it was similar to. A strange sense of déjà vu lingered at the back of their mind.

"You don't have magic?" They questioned, crouching down in front of him. The question wasn't one of interest, to be honest, it was more of an attempt to keep him somewhat focused and alert. "Where are you staying? You really shouldn't be falling asleep here." Extending a hand, the Doctor lightly brushed over the stranger's cheek, hoping to get an indication of how his body temperature was doing - plus, maybe the coldness of their touch would startle him awake a little more.

At least he did seem to be properly speaking still, even if he was rambling a little - not fully out of it yet. The Doctor decided to ignore his questions, really not wanting to answer them, or even think about them. Though... Something struck them as odd. Sure, it was probably just a coincidence, but they were in the woods a week ago as well, right? Then again, had they encountered someone like him, they'd probably remember it. Best not think about it. "Who knows, we could run into each other again," They mused, and extended a hand to him. "Now come on, get up. You're getting moved to somewhere safer." Hopefully he wouldn't actually put too much weight on them, though - the Doctor would probably end up getting pulled down if he did that.
Ed
*Andreas would look up at the stars again as he thought about the question a bit. He was a little more out of it for response time but wasn't too concerning yet.* "No, I'm a magicless aasimar. A joke pretty much to being even close to a true aasimar. Hadn't done any time of magic since I became this." *Not like Jones would understand what 'this' was since he wasn't out right showing he was a vampire. Probably couldn't hide it though if he tried.*

*He's looking back at the doctor. Being closer now to them he thought almost of trying something but keep his hands on the ground. He wasn't completely logical but he knew a little of not doing something he'd regret.* "Why? Wouldn't be the worst way to go. You just simply fall asleep and never wake up. Plus I shouldn't be were I'm staying. Would be bad to go there like this, being high and a sacred place? Probably not a good idea especially this late at night..." *Andreas would give a bit of a confused look at the doctor touching his cheek. His skin being on the colder side but that wasn't fully from the cold since he wasn't normal. To him it more just baffled him why they would do that.* "I'm not crying, hadn't done that in a long time. This won't make me cry either, got no reason to cry for myself."

"You use Devil's Root, especially out here. You thought of running too that night?" *Andreas would knit his brow a bit as he kind of recalled the night but not really. He wasn't that coherent to remember the details of a night around a week ago.* "Seems like something we wouldn't plan, and I doubt I'll be back in the forest after tonight... You plan to move me? I doubt you will get very far doing that." *Andreas wouldn't take their hand as he would exhale, least not at first. Though after a moment he would take their hand, pulling them down onto him though instead of trying to get up as he wasn't exactly thinking logically.*
Lori
They supposed it wasn't all that strange to be entirely without magic. There were plenty of beings all around that didn't have an ounce of magic in them - hell, it might even be more common than people that had magic. And still... The way the stranger spoke of it, apparently he did use to be able to do something in the past. How had he lost it? That was something the Doctor hadn't heard about before. How very, very interesting - but there were more important matters to worry about.

"I'm not having your death on my conscience," They stated simply, speaking much more firmly than they usually did. "If you can't return to your dwelling, there are other places where you can stay the night." His body was cold... Too cold. He needed to get somewhere warm, and fast, lest he get himself killed. Of course, the Doctor didn't know about his vampiric nature, assuming that the coldness of his body was simply because it was, well, cold out here. If he went into hypothermia... There was no way they were going to be able to drag him to safety, not while being as weak as they were.

They blinked in surprised at the mention of their drug of choice. How did he know? Or had he just smelled what they carried in their pocket? But then why did he mention 'that night'? The Doctor said nothing, hoping he'd elaborate on his own. Instead, they decided to focus on the rest of his words. "I'd appreciate it if you could try to move on-" However, before they could finish the sentence, they were suddenly pulled down, flopping unceremoniously against him without a sound escaping them. A moment passed, and then the Doctor quickly tried to pull away and get back up - assuming he let go of them, of course.
Ed
*Andreas wouldn't probably talk about the strange way he addressed how he lost his magic. It was something maybe learning on a later date but for now probably not.* "My death doesn't need to be on your conscience if I decide to just stay here. Would be my choice if I decided to just stay." *Frowning at being told to go somewhere else, it was annoying since he didn't really feel like going somewhere else. The night was nice here.* "Tell me another reason why I should leave here besides getting cold and dying. Because it doesn't seem like a good enough one when I don't feel cold at all."

*Andreas was probably a bit rough when he would pull them down but he wouldn't have meant to. He wouldn't let go of their hand though and actually wrap his other arm around their back. Then having his wings fold over to make a little warm pocket as he would look at the doctor. He probably wouldn't have done something like this so quickly if he was not high but since he was he just reacted to wanting to hold someone for a moment.*

*Being this close to Jones he could once again feel how small they really were, feeling ribs made his brow knit as this seemed to familiar now. He just couldn't seem to place why at the moment. Either way he could tell the stranger needed more warmth than he did, they probably freeze before he was even close yet they were so concerned about him? It didn't make sense to him at the moment and he probably wouldn't make sense of it later either.*
Lori
The Doctor's breath hitched at the arm wrapping around them, and they tried their hardest to stay calm no matter how much their heart was racing. How long had it been since they'd been this close to another? And yet... Something about this felt so very, very familiar. Why was that? They tried to struggle away from him for a few more moments, but quickly conceded, realizing that it was useful. The man holding them was built like a warrior, whereas they were more like a stick.

Instead, they shifted slightly to try and make themself a little more comfortable, looking back at the man as he looked at them. How could they convince him to leave? Was there anything they, a complete stranger to him, could say? Holding his gaze, the Doctor was quiet for a little while, trying to figure out a solution, brow furrowed slightly in concentration. Actually, maybe...

From what they could tell, he did seem to be a compassionate person. The guilt he talked about, that wasn't something someone with no empathy would mention. So maybe if they shifted the focus away from his health, it might work? At this moment, they were just about ready to try anything if it meant preventing the stranger from freezing to death - and what other options did they have left? "Because I'm not leaving until you are, and it's fairly evident I can't handle the cold. I might even die before you do." Even with them wrapped up like this, that honestly might not be a lie considering how low their body temperature already was. Now they just had to hope that those words would get the stranger to do what they wanted him to do.
Ed
*Andreas would keep from holding them too tight. He didn't wish to hurt them, he knew that much that he didn't plan on harming anyone again. Least he never intentionally planned to and if something happened it was always him who paid for their treatment. Looking down at them he wondered a bit on what they were thinking. Probably just another reason to make him leave.

Andreas would frown at the doctor saying what he'd thought. But for them to be that stubborn at staying? He didn't like the thought of them getting hurt because of him, no he didn't want that at all. Sighing he wrapped his wings around them more before he gave a slight glare at them.* "Well played at using yourself as a reason to make me leave." *He didn't have any hard feelings for the stranger but was more impressed they had figured out a way to make him leave. As long as they got somewhere warm he supposed it wasn't a bad thing to leave the forest.

Keeping his wings wrapped around them he didn't plan to let go just yet. He would keep them close as he would sit up, looking around for any strange noises before letting his kind of captive go. Andreas wouldn't do anything to harm Jones, he just seemed like he needed a moment being close to someone. Waiting for Jones to get up before he would do the same. Letting his wings set peacefully behind his back once more.* "I will get a place to stay so you don't need to worry about following me, I won't stay here since you will just be stubborn and make sure I get back into town."
Lori
If they were being honest, the Doctor couldn't say that it was bad to be held like this - quite the opposite, in fact. There was a comfort drawn from it, and a tiny, hidden part of them wished that this moment would last a lot longer, that they could be held like this a lot longer. It truly had been so long... But it couldn't last. It was time for the two of them to get up and leave.

Luckily, their idea had worked. The Doctor gave a soft sigh of relief, glad that it hadn't backfired. Just assuming something like that... It could have gone massively wrong. They raised an eyebrow at his glare, but otherwise said nothing, not about to snap back and risk ruining it. Still... It was slightly amusing how easily he'd given up. This meeting surely was an interesting one, and one to remember.

They reluctantly went along with it as he sat up, once more adjusting their position to be more comfortable, straddling his lap for those few moments until he finally let them go. The Doctor carefully rose to their feet then and got up, ignoring the part of them that wished to curl back up into those arms. "Are you sure I can trust you?" They asked as they bent down to brush some dirt off their pants, before straightening their back again. A short pause, and then they spoke again. "Let me rephrase that. Are you sure you're able to make it back on your own, as drugged up as you are?" There was some concern in their eyes as they gazed at him, hands stuffed into their pockets in an attempt to keep them warm.
Ed
*To say that Andreas didn't enjoy holding than was an understatement, even in his drugged state he knew he missed such things. He'd distanced himself from getting to have any real contact with another, a way to punish himself really for letting his revenge makw him lose everything he'd had before. He felt like letting himself be happy was wrong, so he always turned from being able to do anything like that.

Letting Jones go was smart, he'd wanted to hold them longer and he would have. Probably not let them go at all, so when he go up he would stuff his hands into his pockets. He didn't need to grab them again or he might not let go the rest of the night till he was actually sober again. No, he couldn't force someone to stay no matter how much a part of him wanted to keep them captive in a hold just for a night.* "You only win this time, only because I don't want a twig like you to get sick or worse because you won't let me stay out here alone. Don't flatter yourself too much."

*Andreas would smirk at the doctor words on trust, no they probably shouldn't trust him. Not for the reason they thought though. Them rephrasing the question was better, it snapped him out of probably doing a different reply to what they asked. Though that still didn't stop Andreas from leaning forward enough to be close to their ear as he spoke* "If I say no? What will you do than? Because if you come back with me I can't guarantee that my resolve will hold out. You might find yourself stuck in a room the rest of the night with me refusing to let go of you. I quite enjoyed holding you, it feels familiar almost... Or maybe I just want it to be." *Andreas would straighten his back again as he looked at them to see what they would say. He knew he probably would end up keeping them captive for the night if they did agree but he also knew deep down it was wrong to do so. He simply just didn't care at the moment if it was.*
Lori
The Doctor's lip twitched slightly in annoyance at that word - twig. They pulled their jacket a little tighter around themself and stuffed their hands deeper into their pockets, trying their hardest not to show that annoyance. They knew they looked awful, he didn't have to point it out like that. Why he felt the need to... They didn't know. Then again, it was a simple statement of a fact, it shouldn't upset them so - which made the situation even more frustrating.

"As long as it makes you go there," They said instead, giving a faint shrug, "I don't care why you decide to leave." Him not getting himself killed was all that mattered right now, no matter what way they had to do to accomplish that. Well... There were some more brutal means that they could resort to, but the Doctor was not going to do any of that. They didn't want to cause him any harm - even if he was being annoyingly stubborn.

Actually, scratch that, he was more annoying than anything. The Doctor froze up when the stranger leaned in, side-eyeing him as he spoke. What the hell was he even talking about? It sent a shiver down their spine, but they resisted the urge to step away, hands curling to fists in their pockets. "If you want someone to hold for the night, I can recommend the local brothels," They said coolly, somewhat sidestepping the question. What did it even mean? Was he just going to cling on to them for the entire night like some desperate child? They lowered their gaze, looking away from him. ...Why was it so tempting to go along with it?
Ed
*Andreas really didn't care too much on how he was acting. He was too out of his mind to be thinking rationally. Maybe he shouldn't have had so much? It felt though nice not being plagued by every little mistake he had made before. It was still not a good plan to use Bane too often since he did act like this. He could see he was annoying the stranger more would kind of just made him want to laugh.

"So meaning if I wanted to leave because I kidnap you is a valid reason. Good to know you don't care." *Andreas wouldn't mean that and said it very sarcastically. Though he would scowl at the thought of going to a brothel. He was hadn't been to something like that since his dark days and he had no desire to go back to one.* "I rather not go to a brothel ever. No, desire to step foot into one."

*Andreas would start to make his way away from Jones, he didn't feel much like teasing them anymore. No, it was best just to head into the night. He would act nice and go into the town, than go off another way. Was best probably to not be around another at the moment anyways. He wasn't thinking clearly and just said whatever he wanted to. That was just a bad thing and they were annoyed with him so best to leave before making it worse? He didn't need another thinking bad of him. He already had plenty of those from the sins he done. Signing he's run his fingers through his hair as he looked up at the sky. Maybe it would have been different... Different if he'd never fallen, never lost his brother, he honestly could simply go on and on about it but it wouldn't change the past. He should have brought some blood wine with him, he was irritated at himself now and it usually helped to get a drink.*
Lori
They really tried their best to hide their annoyance. If this stranger wanted to go off into the woods by himself, that was his responsibility, right? It wasn't their fault if he got hurt, or worse. Whatever ended up happening to him... It wasn't their problem. No, it would be best to just stay quiet, wait for him to leave, and then return to the estate. The Doctor ignored his replies and just waited for him to start walking, trying their very hardest not to care.

*Just let him go. Rid yourself of the headache. You can't spend the night with a stranger, there's things that need to be done.*

...

*Damn it!*

It was impossible. Seeing him like this... It reminded them too much of themself. And when had they not needed that little bit of extra kindness from a stranger? That time, last week, when they'd woken up in a warm and comfortable bed instead of frozen to death in the forest, had someone not helped them out? There was no way they would have been able to make it back on their own, someone had helped them... And now someone else needed help in the exact same way. Pay it forward and all that.

The Doctor groaned internally, sighed, then jogged over to where the stranger was walking, hands stuffed into their pockets. "I'm coming with you and making sure you're safe," They stated matter-of-factly. "And if that means you're going to keep me there all night..." Another sigh. "So be it. I just... Want to know you're okay when the morning comes."
Ed
*Andreas wouldn't look at them as he walked. No, he didn't really care what they did at the moment. He couldn't scare them away. Sure he could just fly away but then he would be leaving them out in the cold as well. So he would just let them come along he supposed. It was annoying, he'd given them the reason to leah and not look back and yet here they were. He wasn't paying attention to were he was going anyways, he just planned to walk till he couldn't now just made it less likely. Which wasn't a bad thing it just made it him unable to do so.* "Just go back to wherever you live. I already said I was going to go into town. No reason for you to just follow someone high around. Besides I seen I annoyed you already a lot. So, just go do whatever else. You already know I'm not good company." 

*Andreas knew they probably won't be leaving but might as well try? He couldn't make them leave even if he wanted to because he didn't plan to hurt anyone while he was high.* "I'm more than capable of keeping myself safe in a high and lack of sleep state if I really needed to, you couldn't help much if I collapsed I doubt. Only way would be getting someone else involved and unless you plan to explain an illegal drug good luck with that." *Andreas didn't remember why he was trying so hard to get rid of them. He could get what he was wanting, would be great no? But he still knew it was just wrong.*

"If your persistent on staying just leave when we get into town. You already shown you want to leave anyways once you 'know I'm safe'. I'm just going to sleep anyways so no reason you being uncomfortable because I'm taking a joke too far." *Was it really a joke though? He didn't feel like it was, it felt more like something he wanted? Maybe he should have stayed that one night with... Whoever it was. Why they liked his wings so much that night he didn't know, it as amusing to watch though. But kind of nice being... Seen? No, it was just best not to be seen, than no one got hurt.*
Lori
If there was one thing the Doctor was known for outside of their healing abilities, it was their stubbornness. Their refusal to accept anything else once they'd set their mind on something, a source of annoyance for many. Usually, it was a negative thing, because it tended to concern matters of their own health and their refusal to take care of themself, but right now, it came in kind of handy - though it seemed that the stranger didn't feel the same way. No, he seemed more intent on trying everything he could to get them to leave. Unfortunately for him, the Doctor wasn't one to budge so easily.

"I've been in much worse company before," They replied with a shrug, "It's just part of the job. Some drugged up Aasimar is nothing compared to some of the patients I've seen." Plus, there was the matter of what they'd done - they sincerely doubted he would have done anything nearly as bad. "Besides, what sort of doctor would I be if I didn't make sure you were safe after your treatment?" No, he wasn't getting rid of them that easily.

"If you collapse, I'll build a fire and wait for you to wake up again. It's a pain, but better than you dying." Another casual shrug. As they walked, the Doctor made sure to walk in the direction of town, hands remaining in their pockets. "And I never said I was uncomfortable. That's you assuming things that are untrue." Were they about to admit that it was quite the opposite, that they had been very comfortable? Definitely not - but they weren't going to let him believe they were uncomfortable. "We're going to town and getting you a room to sleep in some inn where you'll be warm and safe. And that's final. Understood?" Maybe they were pushing it a bit too much, but this person clearly needed help, and the Doctor was going to get him it, no matter how much he was trying to resist.
Ed
*Andreas could tell they were stubborn for sure. Maybe if he'd been not high he would have cared more about them coming along. Though since he'd tried and they said they were coming he wasn't going to say anything else on making them leave.* "Suit yourself, if you want to stick around go ahead. Doesn't seem like I'm going to be stopping you. Though if you get stuck with me for the night I did warn you before." *He will still probably try to avoid doing such a thing but he couldn't help it if his resolve ended. He just hoped it didn't.

Looking at the doctor for a moment he wondered why they were so adamant?* "You think I'm not the worst company? That's a first... Though I suppose I usually try to avoid any interaction with others to begin with... Don't deserve to get close" *Andreas would mumble the last part as he tried to keep from saying something more about himself they didn't really need to know about since doubtful they meet again.*

"You still shouldn't though follow someone high around doctor or not. You never know when someone can be a few rocks short of a full basket. For all you know I could be a murderer that's just waiting for the time to kill you. Drink your blood or something like that." 

*Andreas would stop for a moment as they looked at them confused. They would have built a fire and stayed out here? Where they that stubborn?* "I would have been fine even if I had collapsed. The cold isn't that bad here. Been in worse cold before... You didn't say it but your body language has at times. I can read a person pretty well, you been annoyed and uncomfortable with me most of the time tonight." *He didn't plan to address them seeming comfortable with some of it, that wasn't the point at the moment.* "Yes, yes warm, safe, bed, so forth because you think I won't do it myself. Just leave once it's done unless you plan to spend the night stuck. Because I can't promise if I get ahold of you, you won't be stuck with me not thinking logically."
Lori
This man really was being a massive pain, but at least he had seemed to give up somewhat on trying to get rid of them. Hopefully he understood that they weren't going to leave him in the cold, no matter how much he protested. They were going to help him, the Doctor was determined to watch over him until he'd fallen asleep in a safe location. If that meant staying with him through the night... So be it. It certainly wouldn't be the worst thing a patient had done to them.

"Considering the amount of people that try to murder me when I try to help them... No, you're far from the worst." It was really quite the opposite. Being pulled into an embrace like that had seemingly awakened something in them - a desire of sorts to be held like that again, feel that warmth of another person envelop them, the feeling of safety that came with it. How very embarrassing. Best not bring it up, or even think about it.

The Doctor raised an eyebrow at him, eyeing him curiously. There was something about his words that seemed odd. That mention of drinking their blood, that was not normal. Was he...? No, it couldn't be. They were overthinking it. Though it would explain the lower-than-average body temperature, and the way he didn't seem to mind the cold that much... But no, they discarded the thought quickly. "If you decide to murder me tonight..." They gave a vague shrug, averting their gaze. "So be it, I suppose." It was more than deserved, after so long.
_ _

"You don't seem all that illogical right now. Very talkative, at least." Were the effects of the drug waning, or was he just more used to it? Then again, they'd never met him sober, they couldn't know for sure what he was like on or off drugs. "Either way, I don't care what happens. Do your worst, stranger." Wasn't like anyone would miss them if they suddenly were to disappear, the Doctor thought to themself with a sigh. Maybe it'd slow down Henryk's research, but he'd find someone else who could help. No, the only ones that might be affected would be their patients - and those could find someone else to aid them. Another would surely step up to take their place if they suddenly disappeared.
Ed
"You had ones try to kill you? That's a surprise when you hardly look threatening enough to kill. I won't get others going after someone who looks weak." *Andreas would shake his head and the complete lack of control some had. He only ever done something like that for revenge but even then it wasn't during anyone trying to help. That would just be a stupid thing to do he thought.

"You're staring doc, you got something on your mind you want to share or ask? I doubt I could avoid a question in this state but who knows what I'm capable of." *He'd shrug as he let his wings stretch out a bit, he really was sore. Maybe flying the way he had wasn't the best idea? Eh who knows what would or wouldn't be good when you got lots of no sleep. He didn't like them saying they were okay dying if they did. He had no reason to do such a thing but still was a little crazy to just be okay with it.* "Why are you so okay with being killed? You don't look exactly like you'd want to... But maybe a part of you does?"

"Talkative and illogical are a bit different, I don't care what I'm really saying. Probably reveal some deep secrets if asked about them. I'm used to this enough I can move around just too relaxed to care about a good or bad choice really." *Andreas would look at them for a moment before shaking his head, he really didn't understand them right now. He would think someone would miss them? They didn't seem that lonely? Though maybe they were like him? He hadn't met anyone that down though, sure some were down a lot but not in the sense of they believed they desired to suffer that much. No, he was probably overthinking it at the moment. Letting the thought go he would see the town in the clearing, guess was time to make his way to an inn and get some sleep? He was kind of tired and probably could sleep now. He still wished he had some blood wine but probably best not to go looking for some with his tag along. Didn't need another reason for them to be curious of him?*
-

*He wanted to set a bit of a good impression? Why he didn't know but he just seemed like he needed to? He still couldn't remember why they felt so familiar which was irritating but what can you do when you mind simply won't let you remember? He didn't think he'd taken any drug to wipe his mind. Sure he'd used such things once but he'd stayed away from such things a long time ago or so he thought.* "Seems like towns close, you sure you want to stick around? Last chance to probably leave without feeling bad." *Andreas would step out into the town as he tried to remember where a good inn was, to the left maybe? He'd look both ways for a bit trying to remember before just deciding to walk towards the left and hope he was heading in the correct direction.*
Lori
"Well... People are hardly rational when dealing with matters of their or their loved ones' health," The Doctor replied with a faint shrug, as though it didn't bother them so much. It wasn't that big of a deal, was it? They were still here, after all, so what did it matter? Only after the words had left their mouth did they realize the irony behind their statement. Everything they went through, everything they did to try and save their brother's life, all those centuries ago... Indeed, dealing with love made people make some very foolish decisions.

They averted their gaze when pressed, giving another shrug. "No, not really," They muttered absently. It was hard to miss that that was a lie, but the Doctor had made up their mind to not answer the question, and it was infamously difficult to change their mind when they'd set it on something in that way. His next question, they didn't even give the decency of a reply, only keeping their eyes down at the ground, watching the dirt of the forest turn into the cobbled roads of the city. Seemed like they were getting close, luckily. It didn't matter if they stayed or left, the conversation would be coming to an end either way.

The direction the stranger was walking struck them as odd - surely he knew the closest inn was to the right. Or maybe he was too out of it to notice. "You know you have to go that way, right?" The Doctor asked, gesturing in the direction with their head. The only reason they knew about the inn there was because they had spent the night there quite recently, apparently. With a sigh, they started to saunter to the place, ready to speed up when the stranger caught up to them.
Ed
"I suppose people aren't rational on those times. Can't say I done a lot like that in my lon... My short life." *Andreas would look away as he didn't want to try and explain his miss step, was not something he could explain since he didn't look like someone being 140 for a aasimar. No, he'd look a lot older by now. He remembered seeing others around that age to know he shouldn't look this way. Though there was a lot that didn't look normal either with his wings, hair, and eyes not being the normal way when someone talked about a aasimar.

He wouldn't notice is any of the questions got missed or their not so great answer as he would have been trying to decide which way to go. Stopping once hearing he was going the wrong way. Or maybe he was just wrong on the direction, turning back to follow the doctor along to the inn.* "Yeah, just was testing you on where it was... You're still new here got to make sure you know a place to stay if you had to."

*Andreas would stuff his hands into his pockets again as he caught up to them, he really should make sure next time no one was even close to around for this exact reason. Heading into the inn after a moment he'd go over to the desktop to get a room. He wasn't looking for anything expensive this time. Just some place to sleep for the night. Once he got a key he would show them it.* "You can leave now if you want to, I have a room to stay in."
Lori
The misspeak was not something that was missed by the Doctor - no, they caught it quite clearly. So he was a lot older than he looked too, it seemed. Well, what did they care if he wanted to pretend he was younger than he was? It wasn't their problem either way, and they didn't care enough to ask.

"Sure you were," They replied dryly, speeding up once he'd caught up to them. It was hard to tell if they were joking or just being sarcastic, but considering the situation, the latter was more likely than the former. Probably.

As they arrived at the inn, the Doctor hesitated, trailing behind him. Should they stay or should they go? They could be pretty certain that he wouldn't be leaving any time soon, now that he was already here. He would be safe here, they didn't have to worry anymore about him running off into the cold... So then why did part of them want to stay? Why did they want to spend the night curled up in that warm embrace, those wings...

"If that's what you want," They eventually muttered noncommittally, shrugging as if they didn't care either way. "You're safe now, so I suppose I can just go... Or whatever." Besides, they hadn't even exchanged names or anything. Maybe it would be best to leave.
Ed
*Andreas wanted to make them stay, to be selfish just for one night. But being selfish he'd not done in a long time because of how everything had been for him after. Maybe if the situation was different it would be okay, but for the moment it would probably be best not to drag someone into this weather he wanted to do such a thing or not. And hell he really was tempted with how nonchalant they were being with it. He wanted to just grab them and whisk them off the the room just to hold them all night. He wouldn't probably say or do anything else but hold them.

Andreas would take a step forward as he reached out slightly to do just that before stopping. No, he couldn't do that... He didn't think they liked being held and it would be uncomfortable for them all night. Stuffing his hands in his pockets so as not to do something irrational, it was hard to stop but maybe he should.* "Right... Not what I want though, but not worth making your night any worse. So, I suppose you're free and I will go rest?" *He didn't know why he wanted a clear answer on this, but it felt almost like it was the only way he was not going to whisk them off.*

"Andreas... Names Andreas, not that it really matters at this point. You don't have to say anything." *Andreas felt like he really was making a fool of himself. He'd shrug the feeling off though as he got a better look at them. They really did look not well and yet he'd made them stay out in the cold for a long time.* "Uh... If you need to warm up, I suggest you stay for a while? No reason to get too cold going back to where you been staying."
Lori
That hesitation in the Aasimar's body was not missed by the Doctor, and though they wished they didn't, they couldn't help but think on it. Did he feel similarly? Was he hoping for them to stay? The way he reached out to them... There was no mistaking it, was there? It was clear that he wanted them to stay, but... What should they do about it?

"I never said it'd make my night worse," They muttered, gaze averted, voice so soft that it was barely audible. Couldn't he just say what he wanted? Say it clearly, so they didn't have to dance around this line of uncertainty? Then again... They could be doing the same thing, no? Say what they were so clearly wanting, but... Some part of them hated that they had to do that. Couldn't he just get it over with and pull them inside? Or push them away? This all was so frustrating.

At least they learned his name. "Doctor Jones," They replied, "Though I don't know if you'll remember it at all." They kept their gaze averted but raised their left hand, touching it to their neck for a moment or two. They felt their slower than usual heartbeat, the coldness of their hand... "I suppose I'll have to agree. I should warm up at least a little." But that could be done downstairs too, near the fireplace, with a warm cup of some drink. Why wouldn't they do that? Why did they want to stay so badly...?
Ed
*Andreas didn't really know what he should do, well he did know yet didnt want to do it. He wanted them to stay with him specifically. He was wanting to be selfish just once. It was stupid of him to want it.

Andreas would rock a bit back on his heels as he looked them over, he should let them just warm up by a fireplace.* "Doctor Jones, suits you for a name. As for remembering... Probably not clearly but who knows." *Deciding just to be a bit selfish he would grab their arm lightly and pull them in. He could always get something warm delivered to the room. He hoped they wouldn't hate him for wanting to be a bit selfish at the moment. 

He'd look around the room he'd gotten, it seemed simple. A small desk by the wind and a bed. He should have gotten something to drink or a warm soup. He supposed he could always go get some if needed after.* "Uh... The room is warm and you can use one of the blankets to warm up more" *Andreas would try not to just grab them too much, simply going over to the bed and getting one of the blankets before holding it out to them.* "I'll try not to just... Grab you like your some object... But... I still like to hold you, if that's okay?" *Andreas would be try to be a bit considerate but there was a limit to his resolve for sure.*
Lori
The Doctor looked up at Andreas when he spoke to them, saying nothing in return. It didn't matter if he remembered their name or not, they couldn't care less. Names weren't a big deal to them - at least this one wasn't. This one was something random they'd picked because everyone around them kept asking for it. The other names they'd been called, those did matter... But those had been lost to time by now.

Their breath hitched when their arm was grabbed, but they didn't resist, taking a few steps forward as Andreas pulled them inside. Despite nothing really having happened yet, they could feel their heart racing in their chest, and they swallowed nervously. The Aasimar was so much stronger than them... Even if it seemed highly unlikely he had any bad intentions, they couldn't help but think of what might happen. What he could do to them, if he so desired. But... They had to trust that he wouldn't.

Instead of speaking, the Doctor accepted the offered blanket and wrapped it around themself, casting their gaze around the room. Nothing interesting. Inevitably, their eyes wandered back to Andreas, watching his every movement. They were quiet for a moment at his question before nodding, shifting slightly to stand a little more comfortably. "That's okay," The Doctor confirmed, but it was noticeable how nervous they were from how stiff their body language was. They needed to breathe and relax a little... But how did that work again?
Ed
*Andreas would still have tried to keep from hurting them as he pulled them in. Making sure they seemed okay before doing anything. He would hear their heart racing and wondered if they were scared or nervous. It seemed more they were nervous with the way they were reacting. 

Andreas would sit down on the bed as he looked at them with a bit of a curiosity. He wanted to say something else but didn't know what. This again felt kind of familiar but not completely. Maybe he just was imaging it.* "I'm not going to hurt you, I don't plan to harm anyone so you don't need to be a bit scared of anything bad happening."

*Deciding to be a bit bold he would get up, walking over to them slowly so as not to startle more than he probably was going to. Taking a moment to just be close to them before scooping them up in his arms, allowing a moment for them to get used to him grabbing them like this before he would head over to the bed. Sitting with his back against the wall and his wings relaxing slightly. He would hold them side ways across his lap, not holding them tightly but still having his arms wrapped around their waist in a comforting hold.*
Lori
There was the urge to snap back at him. Say that they weren't scared of anything, that they were just... Well, not scared, that was for sure. For a moment, a twinge of annoyance was visible in the Doctor's face, before they took a deep breath and managed to relax slightly. "...I know," They only replied softly, averting their gaze for a few moments before looking back at Andreas.

Even if they were trying to push it down, deep down where it wouldn't be found, the Doctor couldn't help being nervous. This situation was one that was entirely unfamiliar to them, and they had no idea what to expect, no idea what would end up happening tonight. This nervousness was not helped by Andreas getting up suddenly, ans they tilted their head back slightly to look up at him as he did, maintaining eye contact. What was he planning on doing...?

Breath once more hitched as they were suddenly embraced, and the Doctor froze up for just a moment before managing to relax slightly into the warmth of his arms. This was... Nice. It reminded them why they wanted this in the first place, and any doubts that they had were washed away, just like that.

They didn't protest or struggle as Andreas pulled them to the bed, and after taking a moment to adjust themself to be a little more comfortable, the Doctor remained in place, still quietly looking up at Andreas. However, after a few moments, their gaze lowered and they rested the side of their head against his chest, hesitating for another moment before lightly brushing their hand over it as well, eventually pressing their palm against his sternum, where his heart was. "I like your heartbeat," The Doctor muttered absently, either not noticing or not caring how strange of a thing that was to say. "It's... Strong." Much stronger than theirs, that was for sure - though that was a low bar to clear, to be fair.
Ed
*Andreas didnt know if he was going to like this, if holding them would really be what he thought it was going to be like as he'd carried them over to the bed. Though once he was comfortable and it seemed they were as well. Any doubts it would be nice were gone. He wanted to hold them tighter but resisted doing so to make sure they still stayed comfortable. He was okay with just keeping them close.* "Sorry if I startled you, but I didn't think it would have gone any differently no matter how I went around this. Figured just getting it over with would be easier on us both." 

*At Jones though being more comfortable with him, he smiled a bit. Though at the moment of them placing their hand on his chest he'd go still. It felt more like something that happened before especially when they would brush their hand over his chest. He didn't know fully how to react to them doing this. Though he'd relax after a bit as it wasn't anything bad.

He'd hear their talk about his heartbeat and it would send a slight fear on if they could piece together why it was different. Though he tried to tell himself they wouldn't know.* "Yeah it is strong, don't want too weak of one... Though I can't say I heard anyone say before they simply liked it. But it's kind of nice knowing someone does. You're is quieter than mine but it's calming."
Lori
After a little while, the Doctor suddenly pulled away slightly, sitting up a little straighter, though the reason why soon became evident. With both hands, they carefully undid the knots in the piece of string that held their hair tied up, freeing the white strands so that they could be a little more comfortable. Curiously enough, it gave them a slightly different look, appearing more like they were at home and comfortable instead of out and about.

The Doctor soon rested their head against Andreas' chest again after pocketing the string, and seeing his lack of rejection, placed their hand against his chest once more. "It's fine, I don't mind," They mumbled softly, feeling kind of glad that they'd been pulled into this. Andreas' embrace was so much more comforting than it had any right to be... Maybe it was a bad idea, but they most definitely could get used to this.

Their own heart rate, now that they were sitting down and very much calming down, was a lot slower than most peoples'. Indeed, it was somewhat on the weaker side, perhaps a little worryingly so - but really, what about their body wasn't worrying? "So... What now?" The Doctor's voice was soft as they looked up at Andreas, grey eyes meeting his. "Do we just... Stay like this?" They wouldn't mind that at all, not one bit.
Ed
*At them suddenly moving he'd look at them curiously, wondering for a moment on what they might be doing. He'd almost wanted to grab them tighter thinking they would leave, but told himself to just hold on. It might not be that, which soon he was able to see just that. Tilting his head as he observed them a bit more with this new look. Deep inside he thought of saying something but decided not to as he simply would just wrap his arms a little tighter around them. Still not enough to hurt them any just to have them close. Which he could tell they weren't very healthy this way but chose to not say anything about it.

At them saying they didn't mind he'd smile slightly, he still didn't want to do anything to make them want to leave so he was being a bit cautious though he would move one of his wings to be a bit of a second blanket over them. Maybe this would warm them up a bit quicker as he didn't want them to get sick because of something he caused by being stubborn out there. Though he would frown a bit at their heart rate, it shouldn't have sounded like that unless they were sleeping and even then he knew it wasn't quite right. They were a doctor yet looked this sick? Why? It didn't seem normal to him. Maybe sometime he could make them get a bit of help? Of course if they still continued to meet that is.

Andreas would look down at them at wondering what was next. He wasn't going to say it but he did like their grey eyes, though he was feeling a lot of just emotions he'd not in a long time. The main thing though was he felt like he needed to protect them? Keeping them warm and safe felt kind of right?* "Well I did this because I figured you feel more comfortable like this than probably laying down. Plus I do get to hold you close this way without it seeming... Awkward." *Andreas eyes Jones was able to finally see were not the normal glowing eyes. No, instead they looked normal, being a forest green though the one had a slash of grey going through it.*
Lori
The Doctor knew how unhealthy they were, it was no secret to them. Their low weight caused a lot of issues, their lack of sleep even more so, and that was not to speak of their mental issues. It was all a complete disaster, and frankly, they had no desire to start fixing it. It wasn't worth it, nor did they believe they deserved it.

But still... The warm wing wrapped around their body made them feel strangely at ease. Safe, in a way they hadn't felt in a long time. Like nothing could harm them right now. The Doctor blinked slowly, showing their contentment with the situation as they looked up at him. Maybe they would have noticed the lack of glowing eyes, or any other strange things about him, were it not for their unfamiliarity with the species. No, all they noticed was the green eyes, a color that was strangely mesmerizing to look into.

"I'm not feeling awkward," They replied softly, lowering their head and breaking the eye contact, instead nestling against his chest a little more. "Nor uncomfortable. I'd tell you if I was." Hopefully he would do the same. "I wouldn't mind laying down so we can get some sleep," They added after a moment, voice somehow turning even softer than before. With their face hidden, it was impossible to see their expression, but they did grab a hold of his shirt with the hand that was on his chest. This was so nice... Even if Andreas was planning to stay awake, they sure as hell were about to drift to sleep.
Ed
*Though he wanted to do something to help them he had no way to. If he was still able to heal and do such things he probably would try. But at this point of how he was, he could just hope he helped them feel safe in the moment. He would be gentle and rub their back a bit. Just wanting to help them keep feeling at ease. 

He didn't know if he could change anything for them but least for the moment he was able to do something even if he couldn't remember it in the morning. It felt though strange to have someone looking at him content. He didn't remember a last time he had felt like this with another. 

Andreas would keep rubbing their back as he listened to them. He was glad they didn't seem uncomfortable with this and seemed relaxed. He didn't want to move yet but at hearing the sleep in their voice he knew it was probably best. Keeping them still close he'd hold them as he shifted his body, being slow as moved to be laying down. He didn't know how they would want to lay so he left it up to them a bit if they rather sleep against his chest with him on his back or not. He wouldn't lie it just simply felt nice being close to them and feeling content for once.*
Lori
The Doctor was momentarily surprised when Andreas started moving, but as with just now, went along with it without complaining, adjusting their position as they went down to try and prevent either of them from being uncomfortable. Maybe they weren't entirely in their right mind either. Maybe the exhaustion was making them do things that they usually wouldn't do. But right now... Right now, none of that seemed like it mattered.

They laid on top of Andreas for a moment or two before quickly figuring out that this wasn't a comfortable position to sleep in and rolling off him to curl up against his left side instead, their left arm draped over his chest, right tucked against their chest. Perhaps they should have changed into something more appropriate, but honestly, the amount of times that the Doctor slept in their regular clothes made it so this one time really didn't matter that much. They were too tired to care anyway.

And soon enough, their breathing slowed significantly, eyes closed, body relaxing. They had fallen asleep quickly, and if left undisturbed, they'd be sleeping until the morning came, dreams remaining absent for once. Like this, they looked so very peaceful all of a sudden. The worries that usually clouded their mind when they were awake were gone, and that hint of sadness that was usually present, alongside that tension in their body language, both were absent. That, and the surprisingly long white hair draped loosely over their shoulder and the rest of the bed, made for a picture of an almost entirely different person - or, put differently, the person that they could be if they weren't so haunted by their past and everything that came because of it.
Ed
*Andreas didng mind them moving to his left side. He wanted them to be comfortable and he didn't mind them being close to his side. Letting them drap their arm over him felt... Good? He didn't get why still but he did enjoy this moment with someone, there was just a peace to the night with them close. He would stay still for a moment before wrapping an arm around them, still staying on his back. He didn't mind what they were wearing as long as they stayed comfortable.

He'd just look over at them, noticing the change in their breathing and body relaxing. He knew they fell asleep quickly which he was glad they seemed completely content. He'd try to keep a memory of how they looked now with just being at peace. He wished they would be able to have such a look when awake as well, but he couldn't just do that for them either.

Leaning his head back he would look up at the ceiling for a while, this night definitely wasn't what he had expected he knew but it was a in a good way. After a bit he would fall asleep himself, finally getting to go into a dreamless sleep with no worries or memories of the past. He simply felt as if he was floating in a void absent of anything disturbing him for once. A sleep he needed to no doubt feel a bit normal again once he would wake, though he pretty well slept as if he was dead till morning.*
Lori
After a dreamless sleep, it was at the crack of dawn, after managing to sleep for about five hours, that the Doctor awoke. This had been a better rest than they'd had in ages, though they were uncertain why when they woke up initially. They were warm and comfortable, sure, but that was normal when they were covered in blankets and curled up near a fireplace. No, it was something else.

The fingers of their left hand twitched lightly for a moment and they were planning to sit up, but something made them stop. Something felt... Odd. There was... Someone else here with them. Their arm, draped over a chest that was rising and falling, their head, buried in someone's side. Someone very much alive was sleeping next to them, and they had no idea what the hell was going on, what happened - until the memories suddenly came flooding back.

The Doctor realized with a start what happened last night, and what they'd accepted, though they didn't dare move a muscle, not wanting to startle the other. Instead, they just tried to wake up a little more and process everything, still in the same position they fell asleep in. It was comfortable - they were comfortable - and part of them was wishing that the Aasimar wouldn't wake up so that they could stay like this for a while longer, laying comfortably against him.
Ed
*Andreas stayed sleeping for the rest of the night. He was having a very good rest that he needed. As the dawn came his body kind of knew he should be up but yet he still stayed asleep. He knew something was different, the air just seemed different but it also felt comfortable so he didn't want to get up. No, instead he would just try to sleep longer. 

He felt something move slightly against his chest, that was strange but it didn't mean something bad when he just felt relaxed. His mind was still foggy with sleep and so he just thought this was something from the past. Staying still for a good ten minutes before starting to notice he wasn't alone and it didn't feel like a dream either.

Sure he wanted this feeling to be real but he also knew he didn't just do this either. No, he stayed away from being close to someone yet he could hear a heartbeat close to him. He was also starting to notice the weight of an arm on his chest. At this point his mind would be trying to piece together what was going on, had he taken someone, gone to a brothel? He usually avoided doing that type of thing yet here he was was someone. Deciding he needed to face this strange he would slowly sit up, trying not to hurt whoever was with him. Looking towards his left to see just who was there, did he recognize them? This was all things he was trying to find out before anything else happened.*
Lori
Only when the other started to stir and wake up did the Doctor reluctantly open their eyes, though they didn't quite sit up yet. Instead, they waited for the other to do so, still more than a little comfortable and unwilling to be the first to get up. 

Unfortunately, all good things had to come to an end. Andreas sat up, and the Doctor reluctantly followed his example as they pulled away from him, keeping their arms to themself again. Sitting up, they crossed their legs beneath themself and absently combed through their hair with their fingers before grabbing that piece of string again and tying it up in the same style as usual.

Only once that was done did they look up at Andreas again, but said nothing, waiting for him to speak up. What was he going to do or say, faced with such a situation? Would he even remember what happened last night, considering how out of it he was? There was a risk he'd think they had done something to him and would try to cause them harm, but if that were the case, well, not much they could do about it now, was there? They could only hope that this day would not be their final day on this planet.
Ed
*Though Andreas was still trying to piece together all that had happened he knew he couldn't just walk out without figuring if he'd done something. Taking note of who was beside him was surprising, it took a moment to recognize them but when he did his mind would race through what possible could have happened this time around. He recognized enough that the lack of memories meant he'd taken something strong over the regular Reverie Sticks. That or he'd hit his head very hard, though he guessed more the former. 

It didn't seem like much happened, there was nothing to suggest otherwise in the room besides he had a past stranger beside him. Running a hand through his hair Andreas would finally speak.* "Uh... Morning... Did you sleep well? Listen if I... Did anything that crossed a line or something I apologize. I really don't remember really anything from last night... I do hope I didn't do something you weren't wanting." 

*Andreas really felt a bit awkward with the whole ordeal, if he could remember even part of it least maybe he'd feel better about it but with it all a blank he really hoped he'd not gone looking for someone. He tried to keep his distance from others usually not go seeking someone out. Especially someone he meet randomly before.* "If I caused any harm I will pay for your treatment. I... I'll be honest I'm a bit embarrassed I don't remember what happened... Hopefully this wasn't too much like last time." *Andreas looked at them for a first sober Andreas closely. It always was interesting how others looked in different light, though he was sure was probably the same for how he looked to others. It was still early but he did feel refreshed again. He never really understood how it worked but guessed part if it came from the vampiric side of him.*
Lori
The Doctor couldn't help it - a yawn escaped them, one they quickly hid behind a hand as they closed their eyes for a few moments. Eyes remaining closed, they made an attempt to rub the sleep out of them with both hands, looking very much like they didn't want to be awake right now. Not a morning person, apparently.

As Andreas spoke up, they looked up at him, folding their hands back on their lap. There was some curiosity in the Doctor's gaze, a slight tilt of the head as they watched him, but for the rest, their expression was incredibly neutral. They let the silence linger for a moment before speaking up, voice as soft and low as always. "No, you didn't do anything wrong," They said with a shake of the head. The Doctor had kind of wanted to lie, say that he did do something, just to see what his reaction would be, but that would be cruel and they should not do that, they reminded themself. Still, the temptation was very much there.

"You didn't cause me any harm," They tried to reassure him, watching him fumble. He was way different from how he was last night, that was for sure. A lot more nervous energy, though that might be because of the situation at hand. Still, it was interesting to see him like this, and the Doctor was kind of glad that they'd stuck around - there was something amusing about it. "What happened last time, then?" Was there another time they'd met? Or was he referring to some meeting with someone else? What had he done? This man kept getting more and more interesting by the minute, especially now that the Doctor was more awake and their mind a lot sharper than last night.
Ed
*If he'd not been trying to still understand what had happened the night before and if he'd done something he'd probably have found them not being a morning person cute. He still kind of did but he wasn't showing it as he'd tried to next be taking in if anything was missing. Mostly his ring being the main thing he didn't want missing and he didn't see any bite marks so he wasn't worried there. He'd done it a fee times when being high had gone for the more fresh blood when he wasn't thinking rationally. Though it was a very rare thing now to even happen.

He was releaved they said nothing was wrong with the night. It helped him stop worrying so much as he'd take a bit more time now simply observing the doctor. Their posture made them seem almost like a curious cat to him, it was kind of amusing but he kept that to himself. Letting his wings stretch out while still being careful not to knock anything over as he had the left one fold a bit while being stretched out before he'd fold them back into a relaxed state.*

"That's releaving to hear... I...I done that before when I forgot my memories. It's rare but uh... It has happened." *He didn't know how much they knew of his night, he didn't plan to bring up an illegal drug he was sure he probably was on last night. Looking up at them a bit confused for a moment before it would click* "Uh... Last time?..Right I did say last time didn't I? Uh that, well uh how to put this to not make it sound awkward. A high someone on Devil's Root was very fascinated with my wings, and some other things." *Andreas would rub his neck as he recalled the night he hoped he hadn't acted too much worse than that. That would be embarrassing but usually he didn't ever recall acting too much that way more just no control on what he's talking about usually.*
Lori
The Doctor watched Andreas as he seemingly inspected his possessions, wondering if he thought they'd stolen anything. How would they even get away with that? Right now, he could probably do just about anything he desired to them and they'd be powerless to resist. Then again... They supposed it couldn't hurt to check. Maybe he thought he might've lost something by accident, that seemed a lot more reasonable of an assumption. Perhaps they were a little too paranoid of being accused of a crime.

Either way, it seemed that he found what he was looking for, much to their relief. No need to worry about any consequences, luckily. They watched as he stretched his wings and had to resist the urge to reach out and touch them. Part of them knew that they would be incredibly soft, but... Why did they know that? They hadn't felt the wings that much last night, not enough to clearly recall the feeling of running their hands over them. How very, very strange.

"When you're on drugs, you mean?" The Doctor asked with a slight tilt of the head. It was better that Andreas found out that they knew now, then there would hopefully be a little less awkwardness. "Bane, was it?" Despite how tired they'd been, they recalled last night quite clearly, though they weren't sure why. Their memory was spotty at the best of times, and so why they remembered everything so clearly now... It made no sense.
_ _

They were quiet for a long while after Andreas spoke up again. That was their drug of choice, and being fascinated with something like those wings, something unusual they didn't see all that often, did sound like them. It would explain the weird sense of déjà vu they got, why they thought Andreas was so familiar, although... What were the 'other things' he mentioned? "Was that about a week ago?" The Doctor asked eventually, hands folded together loosely on their lap, gaze averted. If it coincided with that vague memory of theirs from last week, maybe they could finally figure out what happened back then, though... Did they really want to know?
Ed
*Andreas would be a fiddling with his ring at this point as he tried to recall the night still. Though he didn't know why he was still trying so hard as it wasn't seeming to come back and just made him frustrated. He was glad nothing seemed to be missing as he sometimes would lose things and if he was out of it it wasn't unlikely someone would steal something. Though still his main thing was always his ring. It had taken him years to find a mage that could make such a ring and he didn't want to ever go back to the night life. He loved seeing the sun and being in the element he felt more himself in as an aasimar. 

Though at being asked if he'd meant when on drugs and they named the illegal drug he would have used, he stop fiddling with his ring. Looking back at them as he contemplated on denying it, though it seemed they already knew he'd been on that specific drug. Giving a sigh he knew no matter what he said about it they didn't seemed like they were going to turn him in, least they didn't seem to be thinking that way. "Yes, when I'm on drugs. Usually strong drugs especially. Uh which is rare." *He'd hold up his hands a bit as he didn't want them thinking he was that addicted to drugs* "I... I only do that when I'm unable to sleep for... A long time." 

*Andreas' wings would twitch slightly as he didn't get why he was feeling nervous like this still. He usually was mostly calm but this whole thing seemed to have just caught him off guard.* "It was you, about a week ago in the forest. I'd brought you here actually since you didn't remember where you were staying. I though left right after as you feel asleep so nothing happened that night. I just carried you here and you just have the fascination with my wings being soft and the othet things."
Lori
He really didn't have to justify his drug usage to them, the Doctor was one of the least likely people to judge. They could more than understand occasionally needing a little more to deal with everything - and besides, they were a doctor, they were very much used to dealing with matters such as those. And yet... They didn't say any of that. Even now, even after last night, they weren't going to admit any of their own... Less than savory habits.

"I see," They said instead, seeming content to drop the topic there. The Doctor kept their gaze averted and raised their left hand to absently start toying with a strand of hair that had managed to escape their ponytail, twirling it around and around their index finger in a manner that could be seen as endearing, or more likely, completely ignored. "I'm not going to tell anyone. You don't have to worry about that." The statement was a sincere one, even if Andreas might find that difficult to believe, considering the general public's opinion on substances like those.

They paused their twirling when he spoke up again, though, and turned their head to look at him again, blinking a few times in what seemed like surprise. "Is that so..." They muttered softly. "I suppose that does explain a lot." There was some relief that came with it, with knowing what had happened in that lost time - they rarely got to do that. "I also suppose I should thank you for not causing me any harm. Though... I have to wonder what you mean by 'other things'. Was I... Inappropriate somehow?"
Ed
*Andreas felt better after saying he didn't use drugs like that a lot, it wasn't something he liked bring up but it wasn't a worst thing to admit either on what he'd done in the past. He'd notice them starting to toy with a strand of their hair. He wondered a bit of what might be going through their head at that moment.* "Thank you for not going to tell anyone, it is a worry at times but well it's only thing that helps when I get that much lack of sleep. And now I'm trying to explain it more... Sorry about that probably something you don't really care about."

*Andreas would run his right hand through his hair as he tried to figure out what do. He did feel like he needed a drunk even though it was early or some Reverie Sticks but he had neither on him.* "Suppose we both got a night that is missing pieces? Though it's not really uncommon when using a high dose. I can't say I was fully innocent that night, I had said some things that were a bit... Inappropriate probably." *Andreas would give a bit of a sheepish smile as he admitted to a bit of his own faults of that night.* "You just changed your fascination from my wings to my chest when I was carrying you. It was all innocent as you were not exactly knowing you were doing it."

*Andreas would shrug it off as nothing as it really wasn't anything that had been bad just was something that had happened. Looking at them he would lean forward a bit and gently feel their forehead to see if they were doing better as he remembered them being colder at least from the night.* "Uh, maybe a strange question but would it be alright if I paid for a meal for you? Least get you something, we can stay and talk or not if you wanted to."
Lori
Now that they'd made sure that Andreas knew of their own drug habit, the Doctor found that they minded it being brought up less. They weren't entirely comfortable with discussing it yet, but at least they didn't have to deny it anymore. "I understand," They replied, absently taking their right wrist in their left hand, looking down at their hands, both being partially hidden in the sleeves of their usual oversized cardigan. "It... Helps take the mind off things, no? Gets it peaceful and quiet enough to sleep." At least, that was their experience with it.

They looked up at him as he moved a hand through his hair, resisting the urge to do the same thing. It seemed like it'd be very soft... And there was only one way to find that out for certain. Best not do it, though. Wouldn't want to risk him retaliating. "It's fine," They said for what felt like the millionth time this past day. "You didn't say or do anything particularly inappropriate. Nothing that I found all that bad, at least." Some uncomfortable topics, maybe, but not anything too bad.

"Suppose I was probably interested in your heartbeat," The Doctor guessed, cringing internally slightly at what felt like a vague memory prodding at the surface. "I just..." They hesitated, then shook their head. "Forget it." How were they supposed to admit to a stranger that they were fascinated by blood and everything that came with it? It seemed like a terrible idea for sure. Best keep it to themself.
_ _

And then, that soft touch on their forehead, and the Doctor couldn't stop from flinching, curling their hand more tightly around their wrist for a moment before managing to relax. It had just caught them off guard, people didn't often touch them willingly. Right now, though their body temperature wasn't as low as it was last night, it was still below average, likely due to their skinny frame. The Doctor wasn't focused on that, though, instead paying more attention to the question. They lowered their gaze, thinking it over for a few moments, blinking slowly. However, eventually came their soft reply, an almost apologetic mutter as they tightly squeezed their wrist, hand easily wrapping around it; "...I'm not hungry."
Ed
*Andreas was glad they both seemed to be past the topic for the most part on drugs. It was one of those things it had been just a struggle for him for a very long time.* "Yeah, it does help, especially when things get too noisy with... Things. Seem like you understand that need at times too."

"I'm glad nothing happened and again you doing that the other time wasn't anything bad. My heartbeat is well a bit different so I suppose as a doctor you are more interested in that type of thing. If I'm being honest that night you were high I was fascinated with your hair. It's honestly a beautiful white." *Andreas would look down at his hands after saying that as he hadn't believed he'd just said that type of thing. Couldn't take it back now though.*

*He noticed how they would be holding their right wrist, he didn't know what it was meant for but he didn't want to ask any uncomfortable questions of them. Especially since they did seem that way with him having checked their tempature and than ask if they wanted to eat something.* "Well that's okay, how about something to warm to drink? You can feel my wings also if you want to. Or if you are wanting to leave I'm not trying to keep you here."
Lori
It was a convenient statement to hop on top of. Andreas was the one who'd said that they were interested in it because they were a doctor, not for any other reason. There was nothing else behind their curiosity, no sir. It wasn't because despite everything, they had a strange curiosity about anything related to blood that bordered on the obsessive, they were just a doctor and his heartbeat was just curious, that was all. "...Yeah," They muttered, shrugging absently. "That's probably it." Better leave the topic there before they revealed something they weren't meant to.

Though... The compliment caught them off guard completely, and they looked up at Andreas, blinking in surprise. Was he being serious? Well, they supposed that when it came to their physical attributes, this one was one of the few things one could comfortably compliment. Maybe their eyes as well, but the rest of them was... Off-putting, they knew that much. The Doctor lowered their head again, exhaling a soft sigh. "Thanks... I suppose," They muttered noncommittally, seemingly attempting to brush off his words and trying to move on.

Another long pause. Should they stay? The Doctor looked out of the window to gauge the time, then back down at their hands. They did still have some free time left, and the estate wasn't too far from here... "I can do that," They said, hesitating and then getting up, stretching their arms in front of them, joints cracking noticeably. "But I won't be spending much longer here. I have other things to do."
Ed
*Andreas would hear that they seemed uncertain almost at the reason was for being a doctor. Was there another reason? He was curious to almost ask if there was. Maybe another topic for later? 

Andreas did mean what he said, he did like there hair and some other things but revealing that all could sound like he maybe was a bit stalker or obsessive? Least he didn't want to seem like that. He did want to say more but for the moment he didn't know. His question on if they would stay for a drink was mostly what he was worried about. He didn't really want them to leave just yet. But he'd look at them saying he was going to stay, giving a smile as he was happy they would for a little more. 

Being a bit too excited he would get up and hug them from behind before realizing his mistake at being a bit quick to action.* "Uh, that's fine, I don't mind if it's not long. Guess I'm... Not wanting you to leave yet? But I can understand needing to do other things." *Andreas would step back as he felt a little embarrassed for just hugging them from behind.* "Sorry about that... Guess it just felts nice to uh... Do that?"
Lori
The sudden embrace was more than a little surprising to the Doctor, and they froze up as they tried to process what was going on, having decided long ago that freezing up in situations like these was better than doing any kind of action that might result in either person getting hurt. But how to react to it? How were they supposed to respond to such a thing?

Before they had a chance to react, Andreas stepped back and released them, and the Doctor was quick to spin around so there would not be any more surprises like that. They weren't sure what to say, only looking at him without saying a word for a little while before averting their gaze, stuffing their hands into their pockets. "It's... Fine," They muttered, expression unreadable. "Let's just go."

With that, they exited the room, assuming that Andreas would follow behind them. They seemed a lot less happy to be held like that than last night, and why was impossible to figure out - even for them. They were acting so coldly all of a sudden, and they had no idea why. But it didn't matter, did it? They were going to just grab a drink, leave, and then the two of them likely would never encounter each other again.
Ed
*Andreas was kind of beating himself up inside for doing something like that. He just didn't know what to say at doing that. Why was he doing something like that? It wasn't normal for him to act that way with someone, least hasn't been that way for years. More than years actually, it was decades since he had.

He didn't want them to leave maybe? No, it didn't matter what he wanted. Nodding at them seeming okay, hopefully he hadn't caused too much of a divide but he guessed he had maybe already before than.

Running his hand through his hair as he tried to compose himself. Just get a drink and leave. It was probably best and it wasn't like they planned to meet again. Letting them leave first before he would follow them. He really did feel bad for making them seem upset almost? He didn't know what they were really thinking.* "Uh... What exactly do you enjoy drinking usually?" *Maybe some small talk could help? That or they just wouldn't answer.*
Lori
The Doctor was glad they had their back turned to Andreas as they walked through the hallway and downstairs to the inn's main area, as it allowed them enough time to compose themself. Admittedly, they were more flustered than they'd like to admit. It had caught them off guard completely, and they were struggling to figure out how to deal with the situation. Maybe it would be best to just ignore it and try to pretend it didn't happen?

Only once arriving in the more open area did they turn back to him, face as neutral as ever. That question... Perhaps strangely, they gave a dry, humorless smile. What did they enjoy? There was nothing to enjoy about drinking. Even less so than eating, which was something that was already incredibly uninteresting, especially when other people were nearby. But... They didn't mention any of that to him. "Just... Something warm with as much sugar as they're legally allowed to give me," They said, smile vanishing.

Assuming that Andreas was going to get something like that for them, the Doctor wandered to the nearest table and sat down at it, crossing their legs beneath them, sitting on the chair. Leaning forward, they crossed their arms on the table and rested their chin on them, watching Andreas with tired eyes, looking so very, very small like that.
Ed
*Andreas didn't know if he could say anything to make up for what he did but for the moment he just would follow them to the main area. He'd keep his hands to himself or least try his best to. He'd have his hands in his pockets. He was conscious about his wings and kept them tightly against his back. They were something he still felt a shame about as he knew they meant he wasn't a pure Aasimar.

"Like having sweets or more to wake up? You don't seem very... Happy at the moment. If your not comfortable staying we can simply part ways." *Andreas shrugged as he didn't want this to keep turning down a sour path.

He wondered why they seemed so small, but part of that also was he was a lot taller than them and had different builds. He'd sit down across from them, letting his wings relax slightly now that he didn't have so much worry about them being in the way of someone.* "My tastes are a bit different so that much sweet is usually a lot, go for a bit more bitter I suppose."
Lori
So he hadn't understood the not-so-subtle hint, the Doctor absently thought to themself, watching him sit down in front of them. Wasn't one of them meant to actually get the drinks? They'd intended for Andreas to do so, but... Apparently he hadn't noticed that. How unfortunate.

"Well... Something like that," They muttered absently, really not willing to go into the details of their problems with taste right now. Hopefully Andreas would catch the hint that this was something they didn't really want to discuss right now. "I'm fine staying for a little bit... But if you want me to leave, I'll go."

It was strange. No, strange wasn't the word - it was infuriating. Though they'd felt pretty refreshed when they just woke up, the Doctor was already feeling it fade, making them return to their more usual low levels of energy. They kind of wanted to fall asleep on the table right now, but held their eyes open, deciding to try and focus on the conversation in an attempt to prevent falling asleep. "I see," They replied, continuing to be as awful at making conversation about things they didn't care about as ever. "That's... Nice." No, they really couldn't force themself to feign interest. But the things they did care about were awful for conversation. What a pain...
Ed
*Andreas would look at them as he thought about saying something to it all but would eventually decided to get up and get their drinks first. Coming back after a bit was a warm cup of coffee for himself and warm milk drink for Jones. Setting down their cup before heading back to sit across from them.

"Well you don't have to explain anything to me on why you go for sweet drinks more. Hopefully this will be fine, it's a warm milk one that's mixed with wine. I heard it's usually a good sweet tasting drink." *Andreas would sip on his coffee as he didn't want them feeling pressured into talking about anything that wasn't something they didn't want to.

Looking over at them over his cup before trying to understand what to ask.* "Is there something you want to talk about or know? It doesn't have to be some simple topic, I'm used to some more harder topics."
Lori
The Doctor examined the drink for a moment, holding both hands around the cup as they inspected the liquid. They really were about to take a sip, already lifting the thing to their lips - but then, what Andreas said made them hesitate.

"What do you mean, wine?" They asked, practically snapped, lowering the cup to place it back down. That... Wasn't what they said. They'd asked for *Sugar*, not something sweet. But... They wouldn't want to be ungrateful either, right? The Doctor kept their face neutral as they tried to figure out a proper reaction. Usually they would have just said so bluntly, but something about Andreas made them want to keep him from leaving. "I don't... Like alcohol," They eventually said, gaze averted, holding back their usual harshness, hoping that Andreas wouldn't mind the way they'd snapped initially.

A sense of awkwardness washed over them, and the Doctor held their hands under the table so that they could trace that roadmap of scars hidden beneath their right sleeve without Andreas noticing - a self-soothing mechanism of sorts. His question went ignored for now as they held their head lowered, awaiting the annoyance that would no doubt come in return. Maybe they should have left after all...
Ed
*Andreas set down his coffee before moving away Jones drink towards himself. He wasn't mad, a bit surprised by them snapping but he also understood why if they didn't like alcohol.* "It's okay, I should have just gotten something else, I just asked on what was a good sweet warm drink and got that. There is nothing wrong and no spilt milk to cry over. I will fix it."

*Andreas would get up as he went to get something else, he didn't mind. Though he could tell it had struck some nerve for the doctor. Getting just a warm milk and sugar mixture. He'd ask for some chocolate in a separate cup just in case maybe they wanted to make a hot chocolate. He didn't really know so he just would try this. Heading back once he got it and would set it down.* "It's just warm milk with sugar, there's chocolate if you wish to mix some in, but you don't have to."

*Sitting down as he didn't look at them while running a finger around the rim of his cup. He didn't want to make them uncomfortable or drink something they didn't like. Andreas' wings would fluff slightly with his mood but he wasn't planning to let it ruin this too much.* "If it's something else you need we can get that. I'm not worried about getting a new one."
Lori
A quiet sigh escaped the Doctor as Andreas went to replace their drink, and then momentarily buried their face in their arms, groaning softly. This entire situation was such a damn mess... Why had they agreed to any of it?

And still, they didn't want to leave. They raised their head when Andreas arrived and took a whiff of the drink, pretending to sniff it for any hint of alcohol even if they couldn't smell a thing at all. Why were they even pretending? They usually wouldn't bother... Did they want him to think they were normal? Well, less abnormal than they were? Their gaze drifted over to the chocolate, and after examining this too, the Doctor didn't hesitate before dumping and mixing all of it in - many people assumed they had an incredible sweet tooth, and stuff like this was no helping those assumptions.

"Thanks," They muttered, folding their hands around the cup, glad to feel its warmth. Even if they couldn't really taste, or smell, there was something comforting about drinking warm things, and they were glad to take a few sips, eyes closing as they did so as if to savor the taste. "This is fine," They said afterwards, putting down the cup again, still held tightly within their hands. A moment of silence, in which they kept their gaze pointed at the drink, and then they added in a much softer voice; "...Sorry for snapping at you like that." This was a statement that was obviously genuine, for once.
Ed
*Andreas chuckled at seeing them just dumping all the chocolate into their drink. He didn't care what they liked or didn't like as long as it made them happy or enjoyed it. Sure they were a bit different but so was he. It wasn't bad to be different just made some things a bit harder in life when you have past mistakes weighing on you. Sure them snapping had startled him but it was a reasonable reason.

Sure he did wonder a bit why they went for such amounts of sugar but he guessed it might be a reason from their past like how he likes a a mix of blood wine with his morning coffee. Though it did also help hide the fact he drank such a thing. Though today wasn't one of those days for such a drink so normal coffee would have to do. Andreas would observe them a bit as they tasted it, it didn't seem quite the right reactions to taste, it seemed more to enjoying the warmth of the cup. But it wasn't something he was going to address and make them uncomfortable with.* "Don't worry about it, I can handle a little snap back. As I said before it was reasonable."

*Andreas would shrug as it really was nothing. He could ask more of why later maybe if they ever met again. But he didn't feel like now was a time to push anything on them. If they wanted to meet again he would wait. Maybe this was a test from the goddess? To see what he would do or maybe it simply was just he finally wanted to try with someone again. It had been over a century since he'd last been with someone, well in a genuine sense. He'd been less than a gentleman during his bad years, brothels was a normal place for him during nights. Which is why he was now used to using Reverie Sticks as a normal daily drug when he was getting a bit more than feeling agitated and wanted to take someone up into the clouds by their foot and drop them. Blinking a few times Andreas would wonder how long he got lost in thought, hopefully it hadn't been noticeable.*
Lori
The Doctor was quiet as they sipped their drink, cup held in both hands, gazing down into the liquid. Even if it probably wasn't the most healthy drink out there, they were appreciative of the warmth it brought them inside with every sip, and they needed whatever nutrients they could get. It was their reason for always asking for so much sugar - it was an easy way to get their body some nutrients, and for whatever reason, they didn't struggle with drinking nearly as much as with eating. It was hard to miss that they desperately needed whatever they could get, that anything was better than nothing, and so they went for this.

Their gaze slowly drifted up to the person sitting opposite them, watching him drink his own drink. What was he thinking about? He seemed to be lost in thought... Best not disturb him. Instead, the Doctor only examined him, taking in the details of his face that they hadn't had a chance to look at before. Even they could tell that he was objectively good-looking, despite not really being interested in anything like that. The general shape of his face, that jawline, that hair, those eyes... Gods, it was hard not to get drawn in by them.

Only when Andreas blinked a few times suddenly did the Doctor avert their gaze, clearing their throat and quickly taking another sip. They hadn't been staring, not at all. Why would they even stare at him? Curiosity, that had to be it. Curiosity about what? Best not think about it. No, instead, they should try and change the topic of the conversation. They cleared their throat again before speaking up, voice as low and soft as always. "So... I'm guessing you'll have to get back to your own business after this, then," They stated, hands clasped around the cup to stop themself from fiddling - though their right knee was bouncing slightly, something Andreas might or might not notice, depending on if he was looking at them from the right angle.
Ed
*Andreas would tip his cup a bit as he'd been lost in thought. Not noticing that Jones had been staring at him during his time he was spacing. When he had snapped out of it he would quickly touch the ring on his left hand. Making sure it was there, even though someone couldn't just steal the ring off his finger just because he had spaced out. 

Looking at Jones as they cleared their throat, had they been talking to him before and he hadn't noticed? It didn't seem so but he didn't know. Though it seemed their were now. He couldn't though help it but like how soft and low sounding their voice was. It just something he seemed to admire? Was he admiring that part of them? Well he did find their features something he what enjoyed? Admired? He didn't really know what it was.* "Not really, my... Plans were kind of small today. I suppose it's why I did what I did last night." *He'd shrug before taking another sip of his coffee. Maybe he would get some wine later.*

"I'm sure you have some work or some type of business after this?" *He noticed their knee bouncing, were they nervous or was it something else? Best not to ask about it and make them feel like he was prying too much in their life.* "I'm actually kind of looking for a new work place? Just been working for different people and places for a while I guess. Kind of traveling around to find good fit for me, just haven't found it yet."
Lori
It seemed the drink was already running out. How very unfortunate, the Doctor had been enjoying it - as much as they were capable of enjoying anything like that. It was a good excuse to start leaving, they supposed. They did still have things to do, after all. So then why were they so reluctant to depart?

"I suppose that makes sense." For someone who was so out of it yesterday, Andreas was surprisingly... Responsible, it seemed. Was he only doing those drugs on days that he didn't have much planned the next day? That was strangely admirable. They sure as hell couldn't claim to do the same thing - the Doctor had planned to get high out of their mind last night, and probably would have, were it not for the sudden appearance of someone that needed help. It had been convenient, and they were grateful for it, but it was a strange thing to thank someone for, so they decided to refrain for now.

A sigh escaped them as the Doctor drank the final bit of their milk and set the cup down, seemingly not noticing that a drop had escaped the corner of their mouth and was slowly running down their chin. "I do, yeah. Important business... I'm not really supposed to talk about it." They resisted the urge to lay their head on the table and go to sleep again, aware that they should get going. "I can't really help you with looking for work, but... Good luck. I hope you find something soon." Hopefully it'd be something around here... Wait, why were they hoping that? They were probably just tired, and their mind was thinking weird things, that had to be it.
Ed
*Andreas thought about offering another drink to them since it seemed they were almost out. Though he didn't think it was probably the best thing to ask either if they wanted to let leave. Though he really didn't want them to leave. It was strange that he was feeling this way. But he was just going to let it go.

Looking at his own drink he thought about how some blood might have made it taste better but something he would have to have later.* "No reason to inconvenience others because I decided to get high. But I suppose I don't exactly want to burden others with my problems." *Andreas still didn't like he had inconvenienced them but he couldn't change something that had already happened. Maybe he will have to be more careful with where he goes so it doesn't happen again. That or staying at his place would be a better choice even though he hated doing so.

He'd raise a brow at them sighing with the last of their drink. It seemed maybe they didn't want to go? Though probably because they didn't want to go to their work.* "Well I'm not planning on dragging it out of you if you aren't supposed to say. No need to help with me looking for work. I done plenty of odd work just haven't found that one thing that fits is all." *Mostly because he never stayed in a place longer than 15-20 years. He knew it was enough time to notice if he wasn't aging. Plus no place so far gave him a reason to stay, maybe this time could be different but he kind of doubted it. He hadn't really been looking for a reason to stay in any since he'd sworn off relationships of any kind once he came to his senses. But maybe that could start to change? He didn't know why he was thinking that. Andreas would notice the drop that seemed to escape the cup, he didn't know why but he couldn't help himself but to lean over the table and gently wipe the drop away from their face before sitting back in his chair.*

"Uh... Sorry you had a drop that got away. If you need to go I understand but if you like another you can have one. It's on me so you don't need to worry about paying." *Why was he trying to makw them stay again? This was just silly. He really didn't understand his own mind at the moment.*
Lori
Was it their imagination or was Andreas equally as hesitant to let them go? No, that couldn't be it, right? So far, the Doctor hadn't really offered anything worthwhile to the interaction. Most of what they'd done was being held close by him, and they doubted it was as pleasant for him as it was for them. Perhaps they were just misreading what he was thinking, that seemed pretty likely - wouldn't be the first time they'd done that.

"...I get that," They said softly, tracing a finger over the edge of their cup. "I don't like to burden others either." Even if rationally, they knew that was the only way for things to get better, it was so difficult to trust in others. To tell someone about everything... There was only one time that had happened, and that was a time the Doctor had been high out of their mind, so they barely remembered it at all.

Lost in thought, they didn't realize that Andreas had leaned over until he was already touching them, his hand as gentle as always. The Doctor didn't know what reaction to give - they didn't want to pull away, and leaning into the touch was inappropriate - so they just froze up again, letting him do as he pleased. Slowly, their eyes drifted up to look at his face, looking for any sign of that disgust or discomfort that usually came when people touched them, but he didn't look like that. Why didn't he? Why was he so... Different?

"I see," They replied, voice barely audible, still more than a little taken aback. The Doctor was quiet for a few more moments to allow their mind to process everything, taking a few deep breaths before speaking up again. "I... I really have to get going," They replied reluctantly, and got to their feet, slowly and carefully to not risk blacking out. "My patients need me." And the experiments, and everything else... But he didn't have to know about all of that.
_ _

They cleared their throat again, gaze averted. "I... Thank you for everything, I suppose," They said awkwardly, hands stuffed into the pockets of their cardigan to stop themself from fiddling. "And... Goodbye, Andreas." If he didn't stop them, the Doctor would start turning away to leave, no matter how much they didn't want to.
Ed
*Andreas didnt know what to do, he wanted to reach out again and stop them. But he also knew that he couldn't keep them from their work. No, that would he selfish of him which he couldn't do. Not today at least. He'd been selfish enough by making them stay this long.*

"I hope your work goes well for you. It's been fun, uh getting to visit. I hope you didn't mind it." *Andreas would rub the back of his neck as he looked at them getting up. He thought about getting up quickly and helping but stopped himself. He knew it was best to let them leave.

Giving a small warm smile he's look at them a last time.* "It was only right I treated you to a drink." *He'd say the next part softly so as not to be heard. Knowing it was timw they did part.* "Goodbye little elf, I do hope your work doesn't treat you badly."
Lori
The Doctor shook their head, remaining quiet for a few moments before giving the tiniest of smiles. "I didn't mind it," They said softly. Part of them wanted to go and maybe hug him goodbye, but... No, not now, if only because that'd tempt them to stay longer. They really had to go.

Instead, they raised a hand in a wave goodbye, then continued their way out of here. At that last comment of Andreas', their eyelid twitched lightly, but they pretended not to hear it. *Little.* That was something they didn't like to be reminded of. Best ignore it for now, though.

And so, the Doctor exited the building, starting to head back to the estate, feeling surprisingly fine despite how they'd felt when they left it last night. Maybe... Maybe they should seek him out when they felt bad, instead of choosing their other coping mechanisms. Something to consider next time. For now, they had patients to see.
Ed
*Andreas would have left soon after feeling refreshed and more at ease? Least this it's how he felt which was a bit of a change but a good one really. He couldn't help but have a bit of a smile as he would head out to look for a job around the Lazaroth. 

The week would go back quickly it seemed as he looked for work. He couldng help but at times think about his encounters with the strange doctor. He didn't mind them, he actually found them to be interesting and kind if wanted to learn more about them yet he didn't know if he would he able to without seeming like he was stalking them and he didn't want to do that.

So, as the week passed he would keep to himself besides looking for work. Though at nights he would go flying to clear his head for a while. Though on the night of a week past he would feel more of walking than flying. Taking a stroll through the woods as he did try to see if he remembered the night he had been so high. It still wasn't clear to him. He'd been keeping off anything strong during the week and just used the Reverie Sticks when he needed which was for less this week. It felt strange not having to using constantly but in a good sense. Maybe he should take a night to go out to find a new blood wine? He always did enjoy the more spiced flavor of one but never hurt to try new ones. Though he'd had some fresh blood wine before coming out to the woods so he didn't need to worry about such things for a while.*
Lori
It... Hadn't been a great day, to put it mildly. Not the worst one the Doctor had experienced, not by far, but it was far from good. Exhausting, to put it mildly, with a range of bothersome patients, and then... They didn't even want to think about it. They'd been trying to stop thinking about it all day. Ever since the events of morning, they'd been hit with this supremely awful sensation, one that didn't go away throughout the day.

Sure, when they were busy, when there were others around, they could keep it at bay, distract themself through their job, but now that they were alone, now that the rest of the world was asleep... It wasn't so easy anymore. They wanted to do something to help ease the feeling, something so shameful they'd never discussed it with anyone, but their mind rationally knew how awful the idea was - if only because with all the experimenting lately, they really couldn't afford the blood loss.

So, another option had appeared into their mind. Perhaps it was a reach. Perhaps it was far-fetched. It likely wouldn't happen. But they had to try. It was a last-ditch effort to try and resist that irresistible urge.

The Doctor was sitting cross-legged on that same spot in the woods as last time, hunched over. They were waiting quietly, though as time passed, they started to get more and more uncertain about what they were waiting for. Maybe it'd be better to leave. Or... There was a flash of steel in their left hand as they held on to their scalpel, absently toying with it. Maybe...

They had their right sleeve pulled up, revealing a complicated roadmap of faded scars, straight lines criss-crossing each other and wrapping all around the limb - though none of them looked particularly recent. They held the sharp edge of the scalpel lightly pressed against one of the few empty spots that remained, barely breathing, hearing their heart beat in their ears. Were they really about to do this again? After not having done so for so long?
_ _

The Doctor inhaled a deep breath and pulled the scalpel away, averting their gaze. Maybe... Not now. But what did it matter if they waited? They were going to do it anyway. Best get it over with already, no? Once more, they lowered the blade, expression unreadable, inhaling a trembling breath. A drop of blood rolled down their arm and landed on their pants, but they didn't even notice - right now, the Doctor barely noticed anything going on around them, mind too focused on the scene right in front of their eyes.
Ed
*Andreas didn't know why he was still wondering around the woods so much. Was he looking for something in particular? He didn't need blood so he wasn't hunting for prey. Even if he was he only went after animals that were not going to make it, a bit strange to go after more sickly animals or dying ones but if he could save one he had. Animal blood was also not the same so he didn't hunt unless he had no vital source close. He didn't think there was going to be anyone around so he'd let his eyes shine red, a way that usually made smaller animals stay out of his path since they gave off a more menacing feeling. 

Though he'd been walking for a while he wondered if he should just head back. He should probably sleep a few hours before going looking for a work again. Hands in his pockets he was about ready to head back though just as he was about to he'd stop in his tracks as the scent of blood flowed with the cool night breeze. Was something hurt? He hadn't heard the cry of an animal wounded so that couldn't have been it, same for a person. His eyes narrowed he'd look around a bit, maybe it was nothing but something told him it wasn't nothing.

Deciding not to let it go he'd spread his wings wide before letting them come down quickly as he'd shoot off the ground and into the night sky. He knew which way the breeze was come from so he needed to head that way first. The scent of blood was very faint so it wasn't close to him but he still knew something was hurt. Letting his sharp vision scower the woods from above as he would slowly get closer to the scent. It wasn't an animal scent, he could tell as much and there still wasn't a lot of scent of blood so he knew they weren't gravely injured. As he would see someone sitting on the ground he would decide to land a little from them.*

-

*Being quiet sometimes made it better to not startle someone when they seemed out of it or maybe more wanting to self harm? Walking slowly he would finally get to see clearly who it was. The doctor? What were they doing here and with the scent of blood too. They couldn't afford to be losing blood if it was theirs and he guessed it probably was. He could see now that their right arm was covered in scars, straight lines that made a map of past injuries. The reflection of steel shinning in the night. He knew than what was happening, taking slow and calculated steps he could see they were not noticing what was happening around them. 

Though he didn't want to startle them he also needed to act quickly, the scent of blood even though he had a fill before coming to the woods still made his fangs throb slightly at wanting to taste their blood. He waited till he was close enough before he would move with his vampire speed, being gentle though quick he would grab the Docs left wrist and move it away from their skin with his left hand as his right hand would cover the small cut with a handkerchief. Leaning down to be close to Jones to cover the wound, he'd have to take a few breaths to control himself as his eyes stayed red for the moment before he made them go back to normal. His face showing concern for them, there was no judges in his gaze as he looked down at them.* "Please... Don't do that to yourself tonight." *Andreas voice held a his concern for them but also a pain, one that hinted maybe he knew the same pain and a reason for doing such an act.*
Lori
There was the momentary urge to struggle. To protest against what was being done, to try to cause more harm, because this small cut... It wasn't enough, the Doctor knew that much. But they didn't do that - though they didn't entirely go along with the situation either.

Their left arm being grabbed, they didn't care about, but their right... The moment the other placed the handkerchief over it, the Doctor yanked their arm free, grabbing on to their sleeve with their teeth to pull it over the scars, to cover everything up again. Their expression was one of shame, their body language portrayed nothing but the same guilty feeling - it was hard to miss how much they didn't want someone to see them like this.

Ignoring the rapidly spreading bloodstain in their cardigan's sleeve, they tucked their right arm behind their back, continuing to stare down at the ground, refusing to make eye contact with whoever had showed up. Surprisingly, what they were feeling was not a sense of relief - no, it was annoyance. It was fine that he'd showed up, but why not a few moments later? This injury barely counted as a wound at all. It wasn't good enough. It should be worse, like this... It didn't count.

But they didn't try to wrestle their left arm free, letting the person hold on to it - though they weren't letting go of their scalpel either, continuing to hold it tightly. The Doctor said nothing, but they were starting to get pulled back to reality a little, the sensations of the surrounding area becoming clearer the more moments passed. Still, they stubbornly looked down, gaze captured by the drops of blood on their pants as they tried to figure out what to say. What would even be appropriate? They couldn't think of a thing, not after being seen doing something like this. Indeed, staying silent seemed like the best option for now.
Ed
*Andreas knew all to well the feeling of needing to feel the pain to cause some type of injury. It wasn't new to him and it didn't seem it was new to the doctor either. He probably should have not gone about how he did but he knew he needed the blood to stop. He was a bit annoyed at them ripping their arm away to cover it without stopping the blood than hiding their arm behind their back. But he could deal with that in a moment. No, his first priority was the scalpel they seemed to grip tighter, he didn't want to harm them but at the moment he didn't trust them with the scalpel enough not to try and make the cut deeper. So, being gentle but stern he would apply enough pressure to a pressure point to their left wrist to make them drop the scalpel, he had also wrapped his hand against the blade to be able to take it away.

Once he had the blade free from their grip he would throw it into a tree, no way they would get it out of the tree themselves. Next was the wound, being still gentle but firm he would force their right arm forward as he pulled back their cardigan's sleeve. He would use his speed to keep hold of them before using the handkerchief to tie their wound. He needed the blood to stop before he did something he might regret. They probably would hate him a bit after this but it was better for them to hate him some than to bite them and cause worse harm. 

Once he felt that the danger was gone he would cover their arm with the cardigan sleeve again and let them do as they wished. But at the moment Andreas would be kneeling down in front of them. He'd reach out for them and gentle grab their chin, making them look up at him even though he was sure they didn't want to. They could see he seemed a bit disheveled, there were a struggle in his eyes on trying to figure out what to say but something else as well but what they couldn't place.*
-

*He'd sigh a bit as he really never stopped someone like this before and he really didn't know why but when he would speak there was a rough edge to his voice.* "Don't... Don't try doing more of that tonight. I understand the want but not tonight... For tonight... Anything but that. You can hate me, and get mad at me all you want but I'm not letting you do that tonight. There is no shame in letting yourself feel that way, and I'm not ashamed or appalled by it... They show your story and pain, but only a part of it. We all have part of us that are broken and... Well they are hard to fix but I'm not letting you do that tonight to fix it. You hear me? Tonight you're stuck with me no matter if you like it or not. So, instead of doing that, do whatever to me that will help okay? I'm not leaving you, I'm not appalled, or distrusted, or whatever is going through that head of yours on what you think I should be thinking of you." 

*Andreas would give a small smile to them to show he meant what he said.* "What I'm thinking... I'm thinking how am I going to keep controlling myself around this elf... Because no matter what I'm trying to do I want to learn more about them and... Maybe be a bit cocky round them to make them just a little flustered because maybe I should just admit I really liked holding them and want to do it again even if they might not feel the same."
Lori
It wasn't fair. The Doctor let out a muffled groan as they were forced to drop the scalpel, one more of frustration than anything. Why would he do that? It was *Theirs*. He had no right to take it like that, and he really had no right to treat it so disrespectfully by throwing it like that. They reached a hand out to the blade as it was thrown, powerlessly watching it hit that tree. So unfair. Couldn't he just have pocketed it? At least then there was no risk of it being damaged...

It only got worse when he grabbed their right arm. The Doctor tried to pull it free, but it was futile. They *Hated* Being touched there by anyone else, and they especially hated it when that person then went on to *Look* At that area.

Tears blinked in their eyes, but no matter how much they tried to pry his fingers off or pull their arm free, it was futile. Why did he care so much about that injury? It barely counted as one. "Let *Go* Of me," The Doctor hissed, trying their hardest to hold back their tears. Their discomfort was impossible to miss. If he saw, he no doubt cast his judgement, and they couldn't deal with that. That way people looked upon them when they found out... It was *Awful*. Why couldn't he just let them be?

At least he had the decency to let them go. The Doctor quickly cradled their arm against their chest, blinking rapidly to try and stop their tears from falling. Their breathing was rapid, uneven, like they were panicked, and they frankly would have run away if it weren't for the Aasimar grabbing their chin and making them look at him, vision slightly blurred through their teary eyes.
_ _

The Doctor flinched at the rough edge to his voice and once more looked away, hugging their right arm a little more tightly as they pulled up their legs to hide it even more and make themself smaller. Why was he *Like* That? Part of them wanted to scream at him. Part of them wanted to run away. But there was only one thing the Doctor could do. A sient tear rolled down their cheek, and another, and another, leaving behind streaks that quickly turned cold in the night's air.

"S-shut up," They managed in a soft whimper, but made no attempt to break free from his touch. "You don't... Just give me back my scalpel already. It'd better not be damaged." Their gaze darted to the blade in the tree to avoid looking at Andreas. "You don't know anything about me." Silent tears kept flowing - just how often had they hid their tears like this to be so good at crying so silently? "...Leave me alone already. It's better for you." A blatant and obvious attempt to push him away in a moment of pure pain. Hopefully... He wouldn't listen.
Ed
*Andreas would sigh as he could see the pain they were trying to hold back, the way it seemed they thought he would think badly of them just because they had some such a thing to themselves in the past and even now. He knew they were hurting and if they did decide to yell at him they could. He didn't mind being the one taking the tongue lash if it helped. He watched them, saw the discomfort and knew they thought he would judge. But that wasn't what he was going to do, no instead he would be gentle as his hand would wipe away their silent tears. He knew all to well the want to hide the shame of something, to wish it away from all eyes.

His voice would soften as he looked at them while wiping away their tears.* "I used to cut myself as well, not on the arm though. I know what you are feeling and I am not disgusted or appalled by your scars. I'm sorry I acted... Roughly it's... Hard to explain why without... Revealing something" *Andreas didn't think now was any time to reveal his other side, no it was unwise to do that.

Instead of listening to their demands he would do the complete opposite. No, he would not let them get the chance to protest before he would pull them into his arms and onto his lap. Letting one wing act as a blanket to wrap around them a bit and a shield from any eyes seeing them showing weaknesses. He knew they didn't really want to be alone when they were in this pain, he'd been in such a place before but hadn't had someone to grab onto.

He knew that even if they protested and tried keeping to push him away he wasn't going to budge on this. They needed someone at the moment and he would pay for a new scalpel later if he needed to, but it needed to be far away from their reach. Whatever they chose to do he would except it as long as they wouldn't harm themselves.*
-

"It's okay to hate me, you can yell and scream or do whatever you want to me but you won't get rid of me tonight. If you so wish later you don't ever have to see me again, but not tonight you won't get rid of me. Try all you want you know you can't get rid of me tonight. There is no shame in feeling pure pain. You and I... I think we both got some broken pieces and right now... Need someone for a while to not judge and just be there."
Lori
There were, of course, plenty of ways in which they could cause themself harm, ways that Andreas couldn't do anything about. That magic they used to heal, it could very easily be used to cause harm, and what was he going to do about that? But if that was the case... Why didn't they? Why wouldn't they do it? What was stopping them? Was it because it it didn't feel right without the cold metal of the scalpel in their hand? Or was it something else? Either way... It made no sense.

At Andreas' confession, the Doctor looked up at him, eyes widened as their heart jumped in their chest. He did? Their hand curled around their right arm once more, feeling the familiar outlines of those scars beneath their fingers. Remaining quiet, the Doctor averted their gaze, trying to think on what to say. "I just... Don't like being touched there," They whispered, eyes squeezing shut. "...I really don't." Though could they blame him for acting the way he did? Out of all the reactions they got from people finding out, this was by far one of the better ones... They should be thankful, really.

Eyes reopened at the sudden feeling of them being pulled closer, onto his lap. The Doctor couldn't help but let a startled gasp escape them, almost instinctively trying to get away for a moment, hands pushing back against Andreas' chest, but he was so much stronger that it was almost laughable. And soon enough, they were on top of him again, those strong arms wrapped around their tiny body. After a few moments, the Doctor relented and rested the side of their head against his chest, listening to that strong heartbeat of his. They sniffled softly, trying their hardest not to cry much more - all of this was so embarrassing.
_ _

That urge was one that became impossible to resist as Andreas kept talking. In the recent years, no one had seen them like that. Seen the pain they hid inside. The tears kept flowing as the Doctor covered their mouth with their left hand, a sob escaping them that wasn't audible but he could most certainly feel it. And then another. And another. No matter how much they tried to stop it, they couldn't, and those feelings that were hidden deep inside were pushed out forcibly. With their right hand, the Doctor grabbed a hold of Andreas' shirt, clutching the fabric tightly as if needing something to hold on to, their face remaining buried in his chest to hide it.
Ed
*Andreas didn't know at first if it was going to help. He didn't know if his words would even reach them with them being in such a vulnerable state. Though it seemed a little worked as the doctor looked at him with widened eyes and a jump in their heartbeat. He would in the future try not to touch them there but there would be no such promise if he caught them doing that again.* "I will try to avoid touching you there but I can't promise that to be the case always." 

*He let them try to struggle he knew it was just because they thought didn't probably want to show any weakness to another. A reason why he let one wing shield them from the rest of the world. Maybe this wouldn't help and his words would mean nothing but least they seemed to relent and rest. He knew he was a bit scared, a doctor like them could no doubt find another way to hurt themselves if wanted. This was why he was being so stubborn. He hoped just maybe they would understand... That someone else got it? That they didn't have to be alone this time around? Though maybe he was just prolonging the inevitable.

Andreas looked down as he felt their quiet sobs, he wouldn't say anything as what could he say? No, at first all he would do is let his body react to holding them closer. He knew they needed no words spoken. He couldn't see them as he make his wings simply shield them from the world. For them it was just a little safe bubble now as he held them close, his right arm gently rubbing their back as he let them cry their pain they had been holding back. 

He didn't dare move for fear that they would react badly and shut their pain down again. How many times has he done such a thing? He would probably lose count if he really tried to know. He wasn't going to ask about their pain but if they wanted to share at all he would listen, if not well he would simply hold them. There was just some things everyone needed at some point, it could be denied and pushed down but they all needed those moments.*
Lori
Several quiet minutes passed, and the Doctor did start calming down over time, albeit very slowly. Normally, they'd be embarrassed over such an open display of emotions - well, actually, they still were. For someone who was usually so apathetic towards everything to have such a breakdown... They weren't going to live this one down, were they? What must Andreas be thinking right now? It couldn't be anything close to positive, could it?

Still... They didn't make another attempt to pull away. The Doctor continued to hold on to him, clutching his shirt, as if doing so was the only thing preventing them from falling apart. They'd probably have to replace it at this rate, or at least help wash it, but for now, it was difficult to worry about that. For now, all they wanted to do was be held close by him, and luckily, Andreas seemed more than happy to provide that comfort.

Eventually, the Doctor started moving again, letting go of his shirt to wipe the tears off their face with their sleeve, though they still kept their head down. They knew they looked like a mess right now, and they sure as hell didn't want him seeing that, to make him think even worse of them than he no doubt already did. They didn't want to see his face either, fearing the look on it, fearing a bad response. No, for now, it was best to just stay like this, where they could pretend that everything was okay... Well, as okay as it could be. At least they felt safe like this. Safe, warm, and comforted.
Ed
*Andreas let them cry and hold onto his shirt. He didn't care about the shirt if it was soaked in tear or not. He could easily replace it later. He was just happy to feel they were starting to calm down, his own worry for them fading as he held them close. The seemed to feel comfortable which is what he wanted most. Though sitting on his knees like this wasn't the most comfortable but it wasn't bad.

Feeling them moving he would let his wing move back enough to see them. He knew they probably felt a bit embarrassed and it was understandable. But he didn't plan on seeing them in a bad light just because of this. No, he just felt closer to them actually which was a bit strange... Maybe he was moving too fast in his mind? To hell with it if he was, they still needed to feel safe and comforted and he wasn't going to do anything too drastic. He'd just move his right hand to their face as he would gently cup their left cheek, using his thumb to wipe away the tear stains. He'd keep his voice soft as he spoke to them. He wanted them to see he didn't judge them or feel any ill will to them for the breakdown.* "Are you feeling a bit better now? You don't have to move till your ready." 

*Andreas would look back out to the woods as he guessed they didn't want him to see them in such a state really. He had just wanted to make sure they were okay for the moment. He had thought about doing more than just cupping their cheek but he didn't want to make them push away so it was probably more than they wanted to handle in the moment anyways.*
Lori
It was so very tempting to resist. To push closer and make sure that Andreas couldn't see their tear-stained face. The Doctor knew they looked bad on the best of days, with their unhealthy appearance, and this day was especially awful - there was no way they should let him see them. But they didn't resist, they didn't struggle. After all, if this... Whatever it was were to continue, he would need to see all of them, including the ugly parts, of which there were a lot.

So, they let him take their cheek, looking up at Andreas, a soft sniffle escaping them. They hesitated, then slowly raised their right hand and placed it upon his, not entirely sure what they were doing but aware that this felt right. They couldn't help but wonder, did he mind how cold their hand was against his? How thin their fingers felt? Or was he not the type to care about that? If he minded... Could he learn to be okay with it?

They gave the slightest of nods at the question, averting their gaze and looking down at the ground. "...Sorry for causing you trouble," The Doctor said, lowering their hands again to cover the blood on their right sleeve with their left hand. Discomfort was very evident in their body language, this entire topic was clearly not something they were comfortable sharing with anyone, let alone someone that was still very much mostly a stranger.
Ed
*Andreas didn't pry, he didn't force them to do anything they didn't want to do. He just wanted them to feel safe and not whatever was going through their mind when they thought about cutting themselves. He would rub their cheek, not caring their hand was cold or how thin their fingers were. Sure, he was concerned by how frail they looked but he also didn't know enough of their story for why they were like that. Maybe he would learn it eventually but he wasn't going to force any of it out till they wanted to share it.

For him really their thin hands he found more as delicate, the hands of a doctor he thought. Though he'd seen doctors with less thin fingers before. He didn't mind just letting them take what little warmth he had, he wasn't cold but definitely not as warm as someone who wasn't a vampire. He wouldn't even know how to bring that up but if this was to turn into something more he couldn't hide it. It was a worry he didn't want to face but someday he'd have to.

He'd look down at them and push back a loose strand of their white hair being their ear, he didn't find this to be any trouble.* "You didn't cause me any trouble, you simply needed someone and I'm more than happy to." *Andreas looked down at their sleeve, he knew that would probably leave a stain but it was best not to address it. Instead he'd move his hand lightly across their cheek till he could lift their chin to make them look at him.* "Are you scared of heights?"
Lori
It really was appreciated how little Andreas seemed to want to pry - or if he wanted to, he at least wasn't doing it. He probably had plenty of questions, who wouldn't, but he had the decency to not ask them, not right now. At this moment in time, the Doctor felt unable to answer anything substantial anyway, so it probably would only harm the situation. Maybe later, when they were feeling a little better.

Currently, all they wanted was to hold and be held close by Andreas. The Doctor wanted to curl up against him again, maybe hug him back, but it seemed that he had other plans. They let him do as he pleased, reluctantly looking him in the eyes when he lifted their chin, resisting the urge to look away. That was... An odd question.

"I... Don't think so," They replied hesitantly, becoming more and more aware of just how close the two of them were. They'd met Andreas what, two weeks ago? And that was a meeting they didn't even remember. And now they were sitting on his lap, his hand under their chin, more close to him than they'd been to anyone except maybe their parents when they were still a child. It was... Nice, and they kind of wished it would never end, even if they knew it probably would one day.
Ed
*Andreas couldn't still help it but like being close like this. It felt just kind if right? He didn't know why and maybe he just felt a desire to be with someone bit it wasn't something to rush especially when he'd not be close to someone in a very long time. Didn't mean he still didn't feel this was nice. But at the moment he wanted to give them something new. A thrill maybe that they wouldn't otherwise get? He didn't know why he was thinking of this now but maybe this would be a good thing?

Andreas would smile at their reply, he could work with that. It's better than a no, it just meant he couldn't go all the way up like he usually would. No, probably not for a first time, best to play it safe. He knew they were confused by his question but that was okay. He wanted it to be a bit of a surprise? Why he wanted to do that he didn't know.* "Can you do something for me, I promise this won't be something to harm you but could you close your eyes and hold onto my neck? If you don't wish to do that it's okay. But I ask that you trust me a little?"

*He was trying to think of a good way to let this work but he didn't know if he was going about it the right way or not. He just look at them as he would try to see if they would trust him enough. He knew they had no reason to trust him like this but maybe they would just this once?*
Lori
There was no knowing for certain what Andreas had planned, but tonight, the Doctor really didn't care all that much. Anything was better than this awful feeling remaining in their chest, making them feel like their heart was being squeezed tightly when they weren't distracted by something else. There was only one way they knew of getting rid of that feeling, and he was not letting them do that.

Actually, speaking of... Their gaze drifted over to the blade still stuck in the tree, and the Doctor looked up at Andreas, before turning their attention back to it. "Can you... Take out my scalpel, at least?" They asked softly, and then added, to hopefully increase their odds of him actually agreeing; "You can keep it on you for now if you don't trust me with it, it's just..." A soft sigh. "It's custom made, and artisans who are this skilled at making something like it are impossible to find." The reason it was custom made was quite simple - the Doctor was lefthanded, and just about every tool was made for righthanded people. They had to get a lot of things made just for them, and it was an incredible pain, not to mention insanely expensive to do so.

"I'll agree to what you want me to do if you do that... Okay?" They hesitated, then sat up a little straighter and to demonstrate that they were serious about it, carefully wrapped their arms around his neck, gaze kept down low. Only if Andreas obeyed their request would they close their eyes, but if he didn't, they would keep them open, even if they couldn't get themself to maintain eye contact right now.
Ed
*Andreas had planned to take the scalpel out anyways so it wasn't like it was beyond what he'd already been planning. He'd wrap his left under their legs before he would get up. Walking over to the tree before he would pull the scalpel out, it wasn't damaged but probably need a little sharpening later. He'd pocket it before starting to walk toward an open area of the forest.

He hoped this would help, if not well he would just have to spend the night with them till he knew they would be safe he guessed. He didn't mind if they weren't up to looking at him, he knew they still felt like he would judge them when he wouldn't do such a thing.

The night air would probably be a bit cold but as long as he paid attention they should be fine with a short flight? Just would have to make sure they didn't start to get too cold and if it seemed like they were he would just head to the inn so they could warm up. It seemed like a good enough plan.*
Lori
The Doctor was very much surprised when they were scooped up like that, wrapping their arms around his neck a little more tightly, where they'd previously been holding him kind of hesitantly. Maybe it shouldn't have been a surprise - after all, it was the only thing they should have expected would happen. Still, it took them aback a little, though they quickly got used to it.

They would have preferred it if Andreas handed the scalpel to them instead, but they supposed that it was understandable he didn't trust them with it right now. No matter how much they insisted that they weren't planning anything... Even they couldn't be certain of that. There was always a risk, was there not?

A soft sigh escaped them, and the Doctor decided to just try to ignore that for now and close their eyes as instructed, heart racing in their chest. Already only having access to two fewer senses than most people, this got rid of a third, making it very easy for them to focus on just about everything going on around them. Every sensation and every sound was clear as day, even if their mind was mostly preoccupied with the ones of just how *Close* The two of them were. ...What could Andreas possibly have planned?
Ed
*Andreas would take him time walking to a clearing. He would usually have not cared to find one when taking off himself but with having them along it was best not to go through the limbs of trees and risk getting them hurt. As he would make it closer to the clearing he would look up at the clear night sky. He was really going to do this? He knew he wouldn't drop them but it still didn't make this any more of a terrifying idea.

He could hear their heart racing and knew they probably were a bit on edge with not knowing what was coming next. Though he kept calm as he made it to the center. Changing his hold a bit to make sure they would stay safe in his arms before letting his wings stretch out, he wanted to just dart up into the night sky and let the ground vanish in a second but that want a good idea with someone. He felt a bit of a pang of guilt and loss as he hadn't been up with someone since well the family he lost so long ago. Sure he had a sister and nephews and nieces still alive but he wasn't allowed to see them. Someday it was painful knowing everything he'd lost but now wasn't the time as he'd shake his head to clear his thoughts.

Looking down at his new passenger as he gave a small smile, his wings fully out before he would let them take him up into the sky. It was still a rush as they cut through the air but not as fast as he could have went. Once he felt he was at a good height above the forest and into the clear sky he'd tap their back gently with a finger.* "You can open your eyes now, Doc." *Andreas would just be hovering in the sky with them, he wanted to let them get used to being up in the air before he would actually fly around.*
Lori
The Doctor should have been scared, being carried around like this, they knew that, but for some strange reason, they weren't. Was it because they didn't care what happened to them right now? Or because they trusted Andreas for some inexplicable reason? They had no way to know for sure. Did it matter? There was something so comforting about being carried like this... Hopefully he'd never let them go.

And then, he stopped, but the Doctor did not yet open their eyes, though they were getting more nervous by the second. That noise... Was he opening his wings? Hey, wait a minute. Was he going to... No, it couldn't be, right? Would he? They didn't know if the thought excited or scared them, but either way, the Doctor squeezed him a little more tightly, determined to keep clutching on for dear life.

Suddenly, they felt like their stomach dropped, wind wooshing by. That feeling was unmistakeable. They were being taken up into the air, but how high? The Doctor wished to open their eyes but kept them closed, unsure if opening their eyes mid ascent would cause any damage. Probably not, yet it wasn't worth the risk, was it?

Only once Andreas instructed them to do so did they open one eye, then the other. Slowly, the Doctor pulled away ever so slightly so that they could look around a little, eyes widening at everything. They didn't know where to look. The starry sky above was gorgeous, but the nighttime forest below was just as breathtaking. Though they said nothing, the way they were looking around more than betrayed their excitement with everything, eyes wide and with a rare excited sparkle to them.
Ed
*He'd make sure to keep a close hold of them, they were safe enough to move around a bit to take in the new view around them. He wouldn't say anything as he let them just take it all in. He'd felt the fear go through them as he'd taken to the sky, but he's held them close so they wouldn't feel as if they would fall. No, he wouldn't let that happen.

Hovering in the air was easy enough his wings flapping in shorter intervals to keep them pretty close in the same area. Only moving but a little so as to let the doctor get used to being up this high. He was but maybe a tree length from the tops of the trees but it was high enough to allow them to look at everything around. He couldn't help but chuckle at their excitement. It was something that would be almost impossible for the doctor to experience and Andreas knew even he missed this feeling when his wings were useless. It had been something he missed dearly during the first decade or so once he'd turned back to the right path.*

"You can look around all you want, you won't fall. Just make sure to still hold onto my shoulders at least so you feel grounded to something. First times are always a bit of a wonder yet terrifying when you get to see the world like this. It's like nothing else out there." *Though Andreas spoke fondly of the memories there was a hint of sadness mixed in his voice. It been close to a century since he'd actually flown with someone else, though this time was different since he was having to hold the person he was with. But it felt nice and felt good knowing he could keep his fly partner safe.*
Lori
The Doctor continued to look around, taking in the area. Sure, they'd seen many of these places from the ground, but there was something so different about seeing it all from the sky. There was a certain sense of being removed from it all. Removed from all of their worries that resided down there. It was... Nice.

Still, it didn't mean they were entirely comfortable. The Doctor's grip was a little more tight than it needed to be, and they were holding Andreas a little closer than necessary. This was the highest they'd ever been, after all, it made sense they were a little nervous. But, as time passes and they got more comfortable, more convinced that Andreas wouldn't let them fall, they loosened their grip slightly to get a better look at the world down below.

As he spoke up, they turned their head to look at him, once more very aware of just how close they were. Better not focus on that. "It's... Nice," They said softly, and looked back down, seeming a lot calmer than when he found them just now. "...Thank you for showing me this." Their voice was soft and they sounded rather awkward - clearly, the Doctor had no idea what they were supposed to say. Hopefully what they did say would be good enough, because they didn't have the words to properly express the complicated mess of feelings in their heart right now.
Ed
*Andreas wouldn't mind that they would hold on tightly, he could understand the reasoning when being so far up and he gave them time to adjust. He wasn't in no rush to be flying around a lot and first times even as a aasimar was difficult. He could remember his first time and how it felt, though his father had been more throw you off a cliff and hope you learn before hitting the ground type.

For Andreas the sky was all he had left from his home, there wasn't much that connected him to his old life but past mistakes and a regretful tattoo but he was able to hide more of it so most didn't notice it unless close. He's be looking out at the sky as he let them just look around. He couldn't help but think a bit about his old home during nights like this.

He'd look down at them as he gave a small smile* "I'm glad you like it, it a lot to take in but worth it in the end. Up here... You can pretty much tell the world anything and no one will tell you differently. And you don't have to say anything, just if you want to here."
Lori
Should they say something? Tell him about the reason why they were even out here tonight? Everything that had been happening this day, and before that? Was it even right to burden him with that, when he had already done so much? They didn't know the answer, but that wasn't entirely unusual. The Doctor rarely had the answers to anything... Maybe that was part of the reason why they were here right now, because of how lost they were. All alone in a strange country... Who could blame them for seeking out that old familiar feeling, that shred of comfort?

A sigh escaped them as they rested their head against Andreas' chest. The Doctor wasn't looking at anything in particular, moreso blankly looking ahead, eyes focused on nothing at all. Their breathing was slow, their heartbeat as well, maybe slightly worryingly so, but that was normal for them, wasn't it? They found it difficult to remember a time when they hadn't been like that. So weak and fragile... It was frustrating sometimes, but the thought of getting better, of changing... It scared them.

"You already know it," The Doctor said softly, tracing their fingers over their right sleeve, following the familiar outlines of the scars that hid beneath, including the new addition. "...My shameful secret, I mean." It'd be trivially easy to heal it, it'd barely take a second and with how desensitized to pain they were, they probably wouldn't even notice, and yet... They didn't. They never did, when it came to injuries like these. For whatever reason, they always let them scar. "I know I probably don't have to ask you, but... Can you promise me that you won't tell anyone? I need to be certain that no one will find out."
Ed
*Andreas could tell they had a lot on their mind, what it was he didn't know and he didn't want to press them on it. He just let them go through their thoughts as he looked down at them. Once they rested against his chest again this time he couldn't help himself, he'd rub their head a bit in he hoped a comforting way. He still was making sure they felt safe while in the sky, that just was something he felt he still needed to do.

He knew they held a lot of past pain, no doubt a lot of secrets that held them back just like he did. But maybe he could be some comfort for them, he didn't know why he wanted to be that for them but he did.* "It's not a shameful secret, I'm sure I could top you on something being shameful. This, those scars it just is a show of the pain you have endured and made through even if you might not see it that way now. Don't worry I have no one to tell about any of this and it's not my place to tell. Least not unless you were putting yourself in danger, but those scars tell me it's not something that would put you in danger. But you have my word I won't tell anyone about this."

*Andreas was just glad his feeling of biting them was gone since there was no active bleeding that made him feel that way. He knew he'd been to close, yet he couldn't bring himself to tell them either and reveal something like that. Instead he'd think for a moment before deciding to show them somewhere really peaceful.* "I'm going to take you somewhere, if you don't mind flying. Don't worry I won't fly fast if you will allow me otherwise we can just stay here."
Lori
Eyes fluttered shut momentarily at the gentle touch, and the Doctor took in a few deep breaths, some of the remaining tension seemingly fading from their body. Why was it so nice to be held by Andreas? Sure, they'd been held before, but something about this felt... Different. They couldn't put their finger on what it was, though - not like it mattered, they were happy to just enjoy the moment for what it was.

"I'd be a sorry excuse for a doctor if I didn't know how to do this without killing myself," The Doctor stated dryly in response, unable to stop themself. Was it a joke, or just regular sarcasm? With their signature blank-faced delivery, there was no way to know for sure. Still, they did seem to draw a little bit of comfort from Andreas' words, stopping their tracing of their scars and instead just holding their hand over the barely scabbed over injury. "But... I suppose I should thank you for not telling anyone." They ignored the part on him apparently being able to confess to something even more shameful, but filed it away to ask about later.

The Doctor looked up at him and raised a curious eyebrow before deciding it wasn't that important. "Sure, you can take me somewhere, I don't think I mind flying around." For whatever reason, they felt like they could trust him with not dropping them. Why that was, they had no idea. "You can go fast if you'd like... I'll just hold on." They wrapped their arms around his shoulders again and nestled their face in the crook of his neck, breath tickling that area that was so very sensitive for most people. Did they notice? It was hard to tell.
Ed
*Andreas was glad they seemed to relax finally to his touch, he was sure they kind of needed it for the night. He didn't know why he wanted to be this for them but something just kept seeming to draw them together. Maybe the Goddess had a plan for this? He didn't know what it could even be but he hoped it was good.*

"I suppose you are right about that, don't need you cutting too deep. There is no reason to thank me, I just know how that is something you don't want getting out so easily." *He couldn't help but smile at them agreeing to go with him. He still thought though it best not to go fast. Though them holding on and than nestling their face into his neck made his shiver a bit at the feeling. As long as they didn't take note too much for the small puncher scars he would let them be.*

"If I go fast you won't enjoy the flying, even if you are holding onto me. I want you to enjoy this sincd it is your first time." *Andreas would adjust his hold a bit to make sure they did stay safe before taking off in a slightly fast pace but not enough to were Jones couldn't look if they wanted to. Though mostly they would just be seeing the sky above and Andreas wings with the way they were held close. Though for Andreas he could see the trees moving below as they would start to turn into flat land and eventually to the lake. Going down into the forest in the middle as he headed for a small camp, his hideout. Taking them down slow before he'd land by the small camp. There was a fire pit, a tent made of leathers sewn together and some bags scattered around the area.*
Lori
The Doctor kept quiet about those times they had cut too deep, had done things that would have caused serious damage if it weren't for their healing abilities. Usually, they were careful, but sometimes, sometimes they were just too stuck in that dark place in their mind to care - hell, sometimes they wanted to cause significant damage. Those times scared them most of all, when they regained themself.

Andreas' scars went entirely unnoticed, and even if they were noticed, the Doctor wasn't going to question them, because minor scars like that really weren't such a big deal to them - nor was any scar, really. Considering their own, they could hardly judge, and they had seen much stranger and much worse many times before.

"Well... If you say so. You're the expert, I suppose," They muttered quietly. Maybe they shouldn't go along with him. After all, didn't they have things to do in the morning still? But then again, if they were left alone tonight... Who knew what'd happen. It seemed it'd be best if they went along, if only for their own sake - and he seemed to want them there anyway.

They didn't focus on their surroundings throughout the journey, gaze instead fixated on the starry sky. It really was beautiful out here, and the journey felt far, far too short, being over before they knew it. They pulled away slightly and looked around somewhat curiously when the two of them landed, wondering what sort of place this was but not daring to ask. A campsite? Assumedly, it was his campsite... Why had he brought them here?
Ed
*Andreas would set them down once they made it to their destination. He'd rub the two puncher wounds on his neck, point that changed him to being a vampire. He was glad they didn't seem to ask if they did notice anything with the scar. It helped some that it's where his tattoo started but it still never hide all of it when looking closely. There was many things he knew didn't seem normal for a aasimar when reading about them. No glowing eyes or white wings. No healing abilities either, he just wasn't 100% a aasimar anymore.* 

Andreas would go over to the fire pit and get one going. He knew they would need a bit of warm from that to help deal with the cold. For him it wasn't as big of a deal which is why he stayed out here alone but Jones would be different. Once he had it going he would look up at them and smile.* "Look through the trees there and you will see why I brought you here" *He would point out to a thinning of the trees which would show the lake a bit lower than them, the moonlight glistening off the still water, giving a reflection of the sky above it and the trees bordering it. It was a peaceful place where Andreas had made his little home.*

Letting them look around a bit he'd try to clean up some of the more dangerous things. Some of his own ways he'd tortured himself during days where the darkness was too much. Though he didn't think it was a topic either of them probably needed to talk about yet. Than came the box of wine he had, he needed to hide it since he didn't want to have the question of why he had blood wine. Best not to bring it up, right? He didn't want them to take him bring them here the wrong way. He had no ill intentions for why he brought them here. No, was just to let them see the sensory and if they want to talk about something with no one around here was a great place for just that.*
Lori
Admittedly, it was a little awkward to be brought here just like that. Andreas clearly hadn't been expecting company in his living space, and the Doctor felt like they were intruding more than a little, trying their hardest not to look at any of the mess. They didn't know where to sit or stand, and for the first few moments, just remained standing in place where they'd been put down, assuming that would be fine. It was hard to miss their awkwardness, the way they plucked at the dried blood stain on their sleeve and seemingly tried their hardest to move as little as possible to remain unnoticed.

There was one thing that caught their attention, though, and it was that sixth sense of theirs. They could sense that there was some kind of blood nearby, and not inside a body. Had it been stored in... Bottles? How very strange. Was he planning to murder them and bottle their blood? But why? What kind of person would need to store bottles of blood? Or had he maybe hunted an animal and didn't know how to dispose of it properly? The Doctor decided to hope that explanation was the truth, not wanting to go into it any further - they supposed Andreas had his own private business. Still, the way they were staring directly at the bottles for a few moments was undeniable; they *Knew*.

Instead, they followed where he was pointing and looked over there, lips parting for a few moments as they took it all in. It was a beautiful sight, there was no other way to describe it. The Doctor watched silently, watched the reflection of the moon ripple in the water. It made them feel a little more at ease about the situation, though they kept plucking at their sleeve and very much remained standing in place. They looked so awkward, one might consider it comical.
Ed
*Once Andreas had finished cleaning up most of it and felt a bit better with the camp not looking so messing he would go into his tent for a moment to grab a few things before coming over to the fire and setting down a fur pelt by it and a stack of blankets. He knew they probably would need it so best to get it for them now.* "You don't have to just stand there. Come sit down by the fire so you can warm up. Uh... You sensed something by the way you were looking. You can ask whatever you want here. I will try answering whatever you are questioning."

*He knew he couldn't hide it forever if he wanted to he'd just erase it later but something told him not to jump that far yet. He wanted them to trust him even if it meant revealing more about himself. Plus it would help them know to be maybe more cautious at times when it came to blood? He rubbed his neck as he didn't know what to say about it all.*

"It really is some sight huh? The moon on the water, it's the reason I decided to stay here over going into the city and getting a room. Lot more peaceful out here and you have the birds waking you over well the sound of the city waking up. So, I thought you might like this as well? Maybe I just thought you would"
Lori
Was it really a good idea to ask practically a stranger why he was storing bottles of blood? Maybe not, but the Doctor's curiosity had always been difficult to contain, often to the detriment of themself and everyone around them. Well... What was the worst that could happen, right?

They approached the fire hesitantly, extending their hands to it with a grateful sigh. With how thin they were, they had a lot of difficulties maintaining their body heat, and so fires like these were greatly appreciated - only now did they notice how cold they were, shivering slightly. "I suppose I was just wondering why you were storing blood in bottles," They muttered with a vague shrug, not looking Andreas in the eye. Instead, they went to sit down on the pelt, keeping their hands closer to the fire to try and get some warmth in their body.

"...It reminds me of home," The Doctor said softly as they gazed in the direction of the lake. Their home in Findara, that was, where they'd lived until Henryk brought them here. "It's quite nice. Thank you for bringing me here... I suppose." If he was about to murder them, at least they'd go out with a beautiful image in their mind. It was a rather nice thought.
Ed
*Andreas would be glad they got closer to the fire, he had seen they were shivering from the cold so he'd wanted to get them warmed up as soon as he could. Letting them sit down before he'd move to cover their lap with a blanket and then their shoulder with one a bit thicker and warmer. He liked collecting blankets from the different areas he'd been to. A silly type of thing to collect but seemed to be something helpful tonight. 

Once he made sure they were warm enough he'd move away so as they could see him across the fire and know where he was at. It was better this way in order to not make them more fearful of him once he revealed why he had bottles of blood. Though he didn't exactly like the idea of addressing right off the bat so he'd sit down first and keep his hands on his knees, a way to show he wasn't armed.* "It kind of reminds me a bit of home as well... Of course the sky islands are a bit different but some of this reminds me of them. It's a nice sight to watch, so I'm glad you like it as well." 

*Andreas would rub the back of his neck as he tried to think of an easy way to reveal it. He didn't realize it was so hard to actually tell someone since it usually was kept a secret.* "I suppose the best way to answer the blood in the bottles is first off its not because I'm some random killer. I didn't bring you here to do that and if I had you are way to calm for that. But that isn't a thing I do..." *Andreas would look down at his hands as he'd fiddle with his ring again, a habit when he was nervous about something.* "I have them because I drink the blood, and no I'm not some cannibal... Well not exactly a cannibal? I don't know really if that would count as cannibalism since I'm not eating flesh... This is just sounding worse by the second isn't it?" *He'd look up at them slightly as he wanted to see if they were nervous around him*
-

"You're a doctor so... I'm sure you have you heard of vampirism. Well it's what I have, most just call it being a vampire or a night walker... It also means I don't exactly die of old age and I need blood to survive. It's a safe way to get blood without... Hurting, killing, or turning someone else. It also has a well... Better taste since it's not just blood but a mix of herbs and wine... Less coppery." *He'd hold out his hands as he looked at them.* "I'm really not going to hurt you, I don't kill to get blood. It's done safely by ones who willingly donate their blood and know we exist. So, I didn't bring you here for doing anything like that I just wanted to share the scenery with you that's all I promise."
Lori
The Doctor hadn't been planning on wrapping themself up, being plenty comfortable with the fire alone, but they didn't stop Andreas from putting those blankets around their body. There was something so comforting about his touch, even if they couldn't place why that was. It almost made them wish he wasn't going to sit on the other side of the fire but next to them instead, where they could curl up against him. Why did they wish that? It made no sense. ...Maybe they should focus on what was being said.

As Andreas talked, the Doctor absently pulled the blanket a little more tightly around their shoulders, making sure not to sit too close to the fire to prevent them from catching fire. They had to admit that they were comfortable here, more comfortable than they thought possible on a night like tonight. Maybe they should thank Andreas for that. Not now, though, they had to listen to his tale. And listen, they did. They sat in silence, face completely neutral as he spoke. Even they could tell that this was a big deal and that they should be respectful about it. Usually, they wouldn't have bothered to pay so much attention, but with Andreas... They wanted to listen to him.

It was an intriguing story, and no doubt a difficult confession. Vampirism, hmm. The Doctor had to admit, they weren't entirely familiar with the disease. They'd heard of and read about it plenty, but that was all theory. This wasn't theory, this was a real-life vampire sitting in front of them, having dragged them along through the sky to this hidden island. How... Interesting. How very, very *Interesting*.
_ _

The Doctor rose to their feet and shrugged off the blankets. Perhaps Andreas may expect them to leave, but no, no, they didn't. They walked around the campfire and approached him, left hand reaching out to be placed upon his cheek and feel the warmth of his skin. "You don't feel like a vampire," They said absently, retracting their hand after a moment. "Nor do you look like one." Their expression was nothing but curiosity, no judgement at all. "Though I suppose it would explain why you reacted like that when I was bleeding... Does the scent of blood drive you mad?" Should they test it out? See how he'd react if they bled a little more? They couldn't help being curious... But their reaction probably could have been a lot worse, right? Right now, the Doctor was treating Andreas' vampirism less like something burdensome and more like something they were genuinely curious about.
Ed
*Andreas thought they would react differently. Thar they would want to leave and not be around them. This was how he expected them to react, that they would want nothing to do with him once knowing. He knew drinking blood wasn't normal to others and most found this gross and disturbing. 

He'd closed his eyes expected them to say as much when they got up. He was ready to be rejected and having to take them back before making them forget about the night and respect the wishes of not running into them again.

What he hadn't expected was them to come over and place a hand against his cheek, looking up at them in a bit of surprise they were.* "We blend in more than the stories tell. My skin is still cool compared to most, I think it's just still warmer than yours to notice it as badly. I only will look pale if I went longer than a month without blood, otherwise I'm able to look as if I did before I changed." *Andreas didn't feel like hiding it with them, he didn't mind answering any questions that seemed to be from them. Though he could see one question in their mind he didn't plan to let them test. No, instead he'd be up before they could realize it and had them captive in his hold again as he'd walk them both over to the fur pelt to sit on. Keeping them still a bit captive in his hold by holding them around their waist gently. He'd gotten a blanket onto their lap before them knowing it was even happening.* "The scent usually doesn't drive me made, but we are not testing me with blood either. Yes, tonight the scent made my fangs hurt a bit to bite but not because I was hungry. I only drink the bottled blood because if I were to bite someone it will either be a painful death or a painful change. I don't wish to put that onto another... Bit it doesn't mean my instincts still didn't make me want to bite after a long time of not. So, yes I had acted a bit more... Rash because I smelled your blood but I wouldn't have bit you as I have enough control usually."
Lori
Now that Andreas was pointing it out, they did actually notice that his skin was a little cooler than most peoples' - though it didn't seem to be as bad as theirs. That would explain why they hadn't noticed it. Plus, their ignorance on Aasimar biology led them to assume a lot of things were just normal for his species... Actually, thinking on it, what other things did they assume that weren't actually as normal as they'd like to believe?

They listened to his answers, and then came the surprise of him grabbing them again. The Doctor instinctively struggled for a moment but was quick to relax, raising a silent eyebrow at Andreas. Had he guessed their plan? It was impressive, if not a massive pain. Well whatever. Even if he couldn't do much to stop them save for tying down each of their fingers individually, it was enough to discourage them. What good would come of it? Even if they were still curious, the warmth of his body was enough to keep them away from doing it.

The Doctor leaned against Andreas, taking one of his hands and examining it curiously. Didn't seem all that different from normal people. Even if they were satisfied with what they'd learned, they didn't let him go, seeming intent on keeping him here.

"So that means you have turned people before?" They asked with a tilt of the head - an innocent question with no malice behind it. They couldn't judge. "Does blood all taste the same to you? What about other foods, can you still taste them? Do they give you any nutritional value at all?" Perhaps it was a strange thing to ask about, but they had to know. Was there someone out there like them?
_ _

As they talked, the Doctor shifted positions, turning around to face him while sitting on his lap, either not noticing or not caring how inappropriate they were being. There was a rare spark of enthusiasm in their eyes, and their curiosity was undeniable - Andreas, unfortunately, was their unwilling test subject. "How did you get turned? It can't have been recent, considering how much you seem to know about everything, right?" Their arms rested on his shoulders, loosely draped over them as the Doctor asked their questions. At least their mind seemed to be distracted from all the depressing things they must've been thinking about before.
Ed
*Andreas was glad to just hold them a bit captive so in order to not let them hurt themselves all in order to test something they didn't need to. He'd let them look at his hands, it didn't bother him any since he was sure they were plenty curious now since he'd revealed something big. He didn't believe he'd have to worry about them telling but could get to that later.

To them turning to face him during the questions he'd look down at them as he couldn't help but chuckle at their mind being so curious with all the questions.* "No, I haven't turned anyone. I know it's very painful because of being turned. I haven't planned to subject anyone else to this unwillingly as it's not some great thing. *Though not said it told the fact he'd killed before because he'd revealed that there was only two ways before.* "We crave all types of blood, but I don't think all type taste the same. I think some have a more bitter taste and some came have a more sweet taste. That goes for the blood wines, uh that's what is in the bottles are called. I get mine from a less popular seller because to me it taste better than other sellers... Doesn't mean I don't like trying different ones since I don't try from the source anymore. I can still taste foods but they aren't as appealing to me by themselves. Even for a drink I rather have some blood mixed into it. Straight blood is more coppery which I why I do the wines. It's still blood but it'd from someone who's drank and had different herbs in their system to make it have its own taste that isn't so coppery like. As for food it doesn't give me much nutrition I could eat food sure but in the end I would still starve without blood and that's a painful way to die because it won't happen over simply a short time." 

*Andreas would smile as he pet their head a bit, they were full of surprises with how they were draping their arms over his shoulders and sitting but he was trying his best not to make it into something it wasn't.*
-

"I got bit and fed from, it's rare to have someone born with vampirism. I did it willingly a long time ago for selfish reasons. Now I have to live with the choice of it for a very long time till I die of someone finding out about it and taking that information to kill me. I have outlived most my family and will probably outlive the rest of them. It's a more lonely deal than wanted, I wouldn't suggest it." *He'd shrug as if it was nothing though as he was more used to it because he'd confined himself to such a life till now.*
Lori
The Doctor said nothing in response to all the answers, only listening in silence. Why Andreas was so willing to answer everything, they didn't know, but they were happy he didn't seem to mind their questions. Most people would have gotten mad or offended at their curiosity - luckily, Andreas didn't.

It seemed like he wasn't exactly the same as them, but that was to be expected - they had met someone with the same condition as them maybe once or twice in their lifetime, and that was so long ago it may just as well be ancient history to many. At least some of their assumptions had been corrected, they felt oddly relieved about it. The assumption that vampires could only drink blood was one that they'd always been curious about, and now they knew.

If he never turned anyone, did that mean... No, they couldn't think about that. Who were they, to judge someone for the sins of their past? Andreas seemed very committed to not causing anyone any harm today, considering the blood wine, and so they shouldn't question it until he wanted to talk about it. Another question came to mind, though.

The Doctor was quiet for a few long moments, fiddling with their sleeve as they still held their arms draped over his shoulders. Should they ask it? This was an exceedingly... Strange question, and they wouldn't want to scare him off, but on the other hand, this opportunity was so impossibly rare to come by, they had to try.

A deep breath and they raised their gaze to meet his. "Can I taste your blood?" The Doctor blurted, deciding that was the best way to get the question out, though... Maybe an explanation was in order. Then again, they really didn't want to. "Not a lot," They said anyway, "Just a few drops. I can extract it painlessly, you won't even notice it." Hopefully he'd agree... They were dying to know what a vampire's blood would taste like, always had been.
Ed
*Andreas was curious, he couldn't help but wonder what they thought of him now. It wasn't something he usually just shared so he knew there was a lot at stake if something got said wrong. Had he said too much, to little? It was hard to really know with them just being silent.

Though that worry quickly turned to shock ans surprise at their quest. They wanted to taste his blood? Well know he was curious on what was going on. Did they have some strange desire to drink blood? It didn't seem right but how would he know he'd met more than his fair share of strange. Though he'd try playing it off as not too strange.* "Got a liking of tasting blood? I know you aren't a vampire because you don't got the fangs for it." *He'd chuckle a bit as he would tap their mouth lightly with a finger, he was more just surprised by the question than anything. As long as he wasn't biting them his blood wasn't dangerous. That would be a hassle if he had to watch ever drop of his blood like that.* 

"I think I don't need you handling anything sharp getting blood. Plus it's not like I'm going to cut my wrist open for you to taste my blood. But you have to answer why you are so curious about tasting my blood before you get any. You got a story behind that and no way your getting away with not giving me a bit of an answer." *Andreas didn't mind if they did as long as he knew a bit why they wanted to know so badly how it tasted.*
Lori
The Doctor was very aware how strange the request was, but they couldn't just not ask it, right? What were the odds such an opportunity would come up again? No, they had to try - and luckily, Andreas didn't seem to be as appalled by the idea as they'd expected he would be.

Though he didn't agree immediately either, unfortunately. The Doctor didn't mind the way he touched their lips, but they were a little annoyed that he assumed they'd need something sharp. They pulled their hands away and sat back slightly, still on top of him but resting their hands in their lap. A moment of hesitation, and then they pulled up their right sleeve slightly, just enough to expose the veins of their wrist and a few of the longer scars that poked out. Then, they brushed their thumb over the vein, and a small slit opened. Normally, one would expect the blood to spill out, but it didn't, continuing to flow as if there wasn't a gap in the skin. A moment later, they brushed their thumb over the small wound again and it closed up, not even scarring - which might make one wonder why they had so many scars on their arm, and why they hadn't healed the current wound just yet. "It'd be like that," They said, either not feeling any pain or being so desensitized to it that it didn't bother them. "I doubt you'd notice it." Additionally, if it were that easy for them to cause themself harm, why were they so attached to the scalpel?
_ _

They carefully covered the scars back up again, still looking down at their right arm, covering the previous injury with their left hand. A moment passed, and then when they removed their hand, the bloodstain on their clothing was gone as if it had never been there. It was done in complete silence as they thought about how to answer that question they really didn't want to. "I just... I'm curious," The Doctor muttered eventually, shifting slightly as they folded their hands together in their lap. "I can tell you the exact reason, but... It's not a topic I'm exactly comfortable discussing. If that's what it takes, I will, I just... I'd rather not." At least they were being honest about it.
Ed
*Andreas would be shocked at what he was seeing, it wasn't something you would just see someone do and yet here they were able to so something that wasn't normal. Even his abilities back when he had ones weren't anything like that. It was interesting to see yet also a bit unnerving. Which for him was not normal to get unnerved by something when he'd done many of cruel things in the past. There was so much blood on his hands, innocent blood just as much as the ones who deserved to die... Just not the way they did. 

He'd shake away the thoughts as he knew it wouldn't help him any but it didn't mean some of the sounds and screams didn't linger in his mind because of it.* "Remind me to make sure you don't do things like that when I catch you with a blade. I don't think you should do that to yourself, doctor or not its still risky. And as much as it's a interesting way to do things I think I'm fine with giving myself a cut, it will heal still just like any other cut would." 

*Andreas would tap a finger under their chin to make them look up at him, giving them a small smile. He wouldn't force them into talking about it, he knew they still needed time to really trust him. But he also knew there was lots of dark secrets between the two.* "That's enough of an answer for me, you don't have to talk about something you aren't comfortable with. Only when you want to reveal something do you have to around me. Out here and with me there is no judgment, but don't expect me not to give a joke or tease you. The least I should be able to do." *Andreas would remove his hand as he took out a small blade, the glistening of the blade reflecting his eyes shifting red for a moment before he'd take his right hand and cut his palm, just deep enough to cause blood to come to the surface. He'd put away the knife as he avoided looking at his hand. Some things just reminded of past mistakes.*
Lori
"I know how to avoid cutting my veins," The Doctor huffed in response with some amount of annoyance in their voice. "And even if I would accidentally cause more damage, it's not difficult for me to fix it." Though... Wasn't the fact that they had to reassure him of that kind of messed up? Indeed, when trying to justify this behavior, they sometimes forgot how insane it was that they needed to in the first place, that normal people never even considered doing something like it. And with how many scars they had, it was hard to miss how frequently it happened.

Better not think of that right now. Instead, it seemed that Andreas did finally accept their question, strange as it may be. The Doctor let him lift up their chin, but averted their gaze at the smile he gave them. A sigh of relief escaped them when he didn't try to force them to talk about the matter. Maybe some day they would, but that day wasn't today. Even if Andreas had already revealed this huge part of himself, they weren't as ready to do so themself. "You can joke about some aspects, I suppose... I don't care that much," They muttered with a faint shrug. There were some things they'd prefer he wouldn't joke about, but they didn't exactly have the right to complain about that, did they?

They turned to look at the cut when he made it, gently taking his hand in their right. There was a brief moment of hesitation, and then the Doctor moved their hand left over Andreas', pulling up some of the blood. They held their gaze down as they raised their hand, the blood floating up, and disappearing into their mouth. The Doctor closed their eyes to taste it better, curious as to if it would be any different compared to regular peoples' blood.
Ed
"Still something I'm going to make sure doesn't happen. I can't heal you like a normal aasimar if you messed up while out of it. So, I rather made sure that just doesn't happen at all, okay?" *Andreas just wanted to make sure nothing bad happened to them, he wanted them to be safe he guessed which was a bit strange thing to want for someone he still didn't know well.

He would frown a bit at them averting their gaze but he couldn't dwell on it. It wasn't going to change, they felt the need to hide more than he did when with someone. He felt the need to hide it more in private were no one saw the brokenness.* "I will try not to joke about certain things so don't worry. I know enough not to cross certain lines." *He'd not care about the blood pooling in his hand as he just ignored it all together and looked at the fire. Maybe he should have called it a night before but he also couldn't leave them alone either. He'd distracted them from the main thing so it was fine.*

*Andreas let them take whatever as he just watched the fire. Once they took what they needed he'd take his hand away and cover the wound with cloth. It would heal soon enough with the vampire trait. His blood was different, there was definitely less blood cells in the amount of blood compared to others, the color had also been more deep red as less oxygen would have been going through it as well. (And whatever else would made it seem different from less blood cells and blood flow in the body).*
Lori
What was he so worried about? They knew what they were doing, they'd done it plenty of times. Did it go wrong sometimes? Sure, but what didn't? And they'd been able to fix the problem every time, even if it took some time occasionally. The Doctor didn't say any of that aloud, though, realizing that Andreas wouldn't understand and that it wouldn't be worth the energy to try and convince him - besides, they had more important things to worry about.

They sat in silence, eyes closed, head lowered for several minutes, the only movement slight twitches of their lower jaw to allow the flavor to spread to each region of their mouth. Indeed, it did taste different. Very different, actually, though not different in a way that allowed ordinary people to taste it. Frankly, part of them was tempted to compare it to something else, but they were sure Andreas would try to stop them - there was but one other willing subject nearby, after all.

After that time, they swallowed absently and reopened their eyes, nodding to themself. "Very interesting," The Doctor only muttered, and fetched their notepad from their pocket. With a stick of charcoal, they made a few quick notes, though the page had something curious to it - the edges were decorated with beautifully detailed drawings of flowers, in this case daisies that were weaved together to wrap around the page. It was a sharp contrast to their handwriting, which was truly worthy of a doctor's - a complete mess and impossible to read to anyone but themself. This artwork didn't seem to be something they cared very much about hiding, for once, displaying it openly if Andreas was interested in looking at it.
Ed
*Andreas was a but lost in his own thoughts as they tasted the blood. Some things were best not to worry about such things of the past but some were hard to avoid. This was one of those times as his face showed that he was in a more dark place of thoughts. Though he was trying to hide he was feeling such a way because it wasn't what they needed to know or deal with. He was supposed to be the comfort this time. 

At them muttering about the taste he would shake his head a bit as he tried to push the thoughts away and hide that he was thinking darker thoughts. He'd look back over at them slightly, seemed they wanted to write down things though he should be worrying about them writing something that would talk about the vampirism his eyes were drawn more to the border of it. Something he didn't see usually but in his stone charms. Though he also never much tried looking for such designs either.

He didn't say anything about it but just looked at the intricate designs. It really was something he wouldn't expect to see in a doctors notepad. But who knows all doctors were a bit different.* "You get your questions answered? Or do you have more going through that doctors head?"
Lori
The Doctor closed their notepad after writing down a few quick notes, nothing they intended on sharing, just some information they wished to write down for their own research. Even if someone found it, it was hard to understand the writing both because it was incredibly vague and generic, and their handwriting was nigh unreadable to anyone not familiar with them. They pocketed the thing and looked up at Andreas again as he asked his question.

Of course the answer was a resounding 'yes'. Of course they had more questions. How exactly did one get turned, what myths about vampires were true and false, and so on. But they decided against asking those for now, not because they weren't curious, but because they were getting a little tired. Not that they wanted to admit that, because that'd make Andreas leave, wouldn't it?

"I've got what I need for now," The Doctor replied instead and once more draped their arms over his shoulders, looking Andreas in the eyes. "...Thank you for answering all my questions, and... The other stuff." They looked away as they said that last bit, but looked up again once they finished it. "Is there any way I can properly thank you? This information is very valuable to my research, and after everything tonight... I want to repay you somehow."
Ed
*Andreas looked up at them once they had finished writing. He didn't plan on asked about it since it didn't seem like anything they wanted to just share. Though it didn't mean he shouldn't still worry. He just simply didn't care at the moment.

He'd give them a small nod as he didn't care if he answered more questions or not. If they didn't have any for the moment it was fine as well. He'd just been wanting to make sure they were in a better mental state and it seemed he'd done just that.* "I don't see the point not answering them, it would be strange to tell you what I was than not answer any of it." *His wings would twitch a bit with his need for something to calm his nerves but it was better to not let down his guard with them still being here.

He'd pat their head as he just wanted them to be feeling better. There was nothing he wanted, nothing he could ask for anyways. It was normal for him to want nothing from others when being alone for so long.* "I don't need anything, just as long as you are doing better I'm fine. Just making sure you do well tonight is all I want. So, don't worry about me wanting anything in return."
Lori
With the fire on their back and Andreas in front of them, it wasn't hard for the Doctor to be comfortable, warming up significantly compared to earlier - they'd even stopped shivering and seemed plenty content now. Why did they feel so comfortable around him? Like they could just... Be, and not have to worry so much about everything? How very strange...

With their left hand, the Doctor gently brushed a strand of his hair behind his ears, and then leaned forward to embrace him once more, slender arms wrapped around the back of his head and their face once more buried in the crook of his neck. Hopefully he'd embrace them back - they didn't know why, but something about the way those strong arms wrapped all around them was so very comfortable.

"I'm okay tonight," They said softly, eyes held closed. Those pats on their head felt so nice... "I think I just... Need to be held sometimes." They squeezed Andreas slightly, breathing slow and regular. "It feels... Nice. I... Don't feel that way very often."
Ed
*Andreas didn't mind that they would nuzzle into his neck or holds onto him close. They just needed that type of comfort tonight so he was okay letting them be however they want to.

He would hold them with one arm as he would pat their head still. It helped him as well, let him calm down more and clear his mind. Maybe he wanted more sure but that wasn't something he needed to do, they didn't need that.* "We all just need a bit of comfort on hard days. I just seemed to be around to give that for you tonight which is good." 

*Andreas would move slowly to lay down on his back as he'd look up at the stars a bit. At least with the fire and blankets he didn't have to worry about Jones getting cold, and if they did he's just wrap them up more. Though for now he'd just be okay with holding them and being by the fire.*
Lori
Hard days, hmm... The Doctor supposed that would be an apt description for today. It was exhausting, overall, and they wanted nothing more than for it to be over. They didn't want to talk or think about the incident that happened before, about the way Andreas found them, all they wanted was to rest.

There was something so comforting about how he held them. His arm wrapped around them, making them feel safe and secure, his hand petting their head making them feel comforted in a way that they hadn't felt in ages. Why was he being so kind, so affectionate? Did it matter? No, they were just glad to be with Andreas, be close to him and get to be held by him.

The Doctor adjusted their position as he went to lie down, resting their head on his chest, hands folded beneath their chin as they just looked at him. A moment passed, and they turned their head to the side to be able to hear his heartbeat, letting their eyes fall shut. At least they didn't have to worry so much about flattening him when they laid like this, they barely weighed a thing compared to most. Hopefully he wouldn't mind the way their bones poked out, though, it was known to be bothersome to many.

The Doctor didn't ask about it, though, and just laid there, breathing slow and steady. They were falling asleep, and if Andreas let them, would be gone within moments, snoozing peacefully, seemingly without a worry in the world.
Ed
*Andreas didn't mind letting them just forget about the day and just be held. It was helpful to him as well. It just seemed to help balance out the thoughts that made living hard at times.

He'd pet their head still as he'd be gentle at trying not to move too much as he'd pull the blankets over them. He didn't want them to get cold even though they felt comfortable in the moment. He didn't mind their bones being a bit more poked out. Yes, it was worrisome that they did but he also couldn't force them to take better care of themselves. Something maybe in the future to work on a little. Least make sure that they ate once a day to start? He knew how it was to let yourself go down an unhealthy path, he had done it for the first decade after he realized all head done, though he was sure they been doing it a lot longer so it wouldn't be some easy thing to try getting them to eat but that was okay.

Andreas looked down at them as he couldn't help but smile just a bit. It was cute to see them like this, a peaceful moment for them he was sure. Sleeping here wasn't something he couldn't do, so he'd let them do just that. They need a good rest he was sure and it was still late. Plus he'd told them he wasn't leaving them alone for the night and he wasn't going to now.*
Lori
Unfortunately, the Doctor did not manage to sleep throughout the entire night this time, though they got a good four hours or so in. They woke up for no particular reason, as they so often did, eyes blinking open slowly as they tried to process what was going on. Right... They were once more curled up with that strange Aasimar. A sigh escaped them as they carefully pulled away, and rose to their feet, silent as the night.

The white-haired doctor looked down at the man for a moment and then turned around, stuffing their hands into their pockets. They didn't know what they were doing. Just wandering around, they supposed. Their hand instinctively searched for the scalpel in their pocket but they found nothing. Right, it'd been taken. Once more they glanced at Andreas and considered briefly to search him, but no, that'd wake him up, wouldn't it? As far as they knew, he was still carrying the thing.

Well, whatever. The Doctor went to sit down at the edge of the lake, looking out into the water as they crossed their legs beneath them. It was a nice night out, even if it was cold. So then why did they still feel so awful? Why was that irresistible urge still pulling at them?

...

The scent of blood drifted through the air.
Ed
*Andreas had been awake for some time after they finally fell asleep, his mind still wondering a bit but not as bad. Eventually he had found sleep as it pulled him under. He didn't know how long he's been sleeping till he felt a bit of something shifting from him. His mind still a bit drowsy so he'd for the moment not had thought anything of it. 

He wasn't very well used to sleeping with another so he'd gone back to sleep for the time being. The peaceful night and fire helped him think less of the worst. Though he would be up once smelling blood. Sitting up as he looked down to notice they were gone. This sent a bit of panic through him as for some reason his mind went to a worst case. Getting up quickly he'd look around the camp, hoping they were right there but it wasn't the case.

Growling a bit in frustration he'd run a hand through his hair as his eyes changed red. He hoped it wasn't them and if someone came here and hurt them he wouldn't go easy on that person. Though he knew more what the scent was probably from. Heading towards it as he went to find out.*
Lori
It was a strange sight. The Doctor was sitting cross-legged at the lake's edge, looking incredibly peaceful from behind. From the front, it was another sight entirely, though. The small gash in their arm from earlier had been expanded, stretching from the inside of their elbow to about four inches down their upper arm in a clean, vertical line. Though it didn't hit any veins or do any significant damage, the cut was far from shallow and no doubt should hurt a ton.

Of course it bled, though not as much as one might expect. Still, their right arm, right leg, their left hand, and the ground were all slick with blood, some of which was starting to dry up. The Doctor rested their injured arm on their right leg, palm facing upwards, and was working on carefully sewing the wound closed again, stitch after stitch. They held a curved needle in their left hand and clamped the other end of the thread in their mouth, sewing as if the pain didn't bother them at all. After every stitch, they made a knot, and soon enough the wound was closed. Maybe Andreas could see the last few stitches, maybe he was too slow - either way, the Doctor only looked up in his direction once they finished, carefully pocketing the curved needle.

Their expression showed... Nothing, really. No shame, no fear, only that strange numbness that came over them whenever they did this. They made no attempt to hide the gruesome sight, only numbly stared at Andreas, brushing a strand of hair behind their ear with their left hand and leaving behind a red streak on their cheek. What would his reaction be? It would no doubt be unpleasant, people generally didn't know how to respond to such a gruesome sight.
Ed
*Andreas made it to the lakes edge as he found them with the gash on their arm. Sowing it up as if it was nothing, like they hadn't just tore their skin and let it bleed. He wanted to say something but what even could he say? He'd failed at doing the one thing he'd said he planned to do that night. For Andreas it was a blow as it reminded him too much of his own past. He should say something yet he had no words. He couldn't be mad at something he was unable to stop.

There was too much blood still in his eyes but that wasn't the thing that mattered in the moment. Ignoring the scent of blood he'd walk over to them, it was a mess and not a good one. He cursed himself in his head for having lost his abilities to heal long ago. Least he would be better at helping than. Sighing he'd lean down and pick them up, he didn't care what they wanted to do to protest at this as he'd hold them close. They needed warmth right now, not a lashing because of what they did. It was over for the moment and right now he needed to handle the first problem which was getting them back to the fire. He was upset but didn't show it, simply waking back to the fire and setting them down on the fur pelt, he'd give a warning glare for them not to move before he'd head over to get some cleaning supplies.

Coming back after a bit before sitting down with a small medical kit, he'd take their arm and start to gently clean up the blood. He still didn't know what to say and problem best not to say anything in the moment either as he feared he might show his fangs were extended. Though he wouldn't bite them, they didn't need that all they needed at the moment was to get warmed and cleaned up. The clothes was the main problem though with blood on them. What to do with them he didn't know yet. Shaking his head he'd finish cleaning the area around it before wrapping his arm completely in a bandage. He wouldn't be hearing the end of this later he was sure.*
-

*Looking at them he'd gently push back their hair before wiping away the red streak of blood. He'd have stayed gentle the whole time. Sighing again at the sight before he'd tap their forehead with a knuckle. He couldn't say anything about the wound but he would about the bloody mess.* "You got two options here, you can take your bloody clothes off and I wrap you up like a roll in blankets, or you take the bloody clothes off and you get to have a very big sweater on. That's the only options you got right now as your out of it."
Lori
Usually, the Doctor would have protested. Tried to stop Andreas from scooping them up and taking them along, but they didn't have the energy. It was all just so exhausting... They kind of wished to drift back to sleep, curled up in his arms. Maybe they would have, were it not for the sudden pain shooting through their arm.

A startled gasp escaped them as they tried to pull their arm free when Andreas started cleaning it, the pain seemingly pulling them back to reality. Part of them wanted to protest but they couldn't get the words out, and so they gave in after a moment, letting Andreas clean up the wound and wrap it up. His technique for bandaging them was way off, that was not how one made sure it sat securely. He should just have let them do it. But strangely... They didn't mind all that much. There was something comforting about being cared for in such a way - even if they still hated being touched there.

They looked up at Andreas as he tapped their forehead, pulling their sleeve back over their arm to cover it up. Was he mad? Disappointed? He couldn't be happy, being woken up in the middle of the night for such a reason. Did he hate them? He had to, right? But none of the words he said reflected any of that - though they weren't all that much better either.

The Doctor let the silence linger for a long time, hugging their right arm to their stomach and wrapping their left arm around it. They lowered their gaze, and said meekly, voice so soft it was barely audible; "...I don't want to... Undress right now." Or ever, especially when there were other people nearby, no matter how nice those people were. "I'm sorry... Are you mad at me?" It wouldn't be surprising at all.
Ed
*Andreas tried to still be gentle as he had treated their wound and cleaned up the blood, sure he wasn't no expert but he knew enough that it needed to be dealt with. Maybe he should have just taken them to another doctor, let them deal with the problem but he had made a promise not to tell anyone else so this was all he could do. Though he'd give a glare at them to warn them not to move from that spot as he got up once again, he decided making something warm for them to hold would help so he'd get some coffee making on the fire before returning again.

He still didn't have much ti say as he didn't know what to say. He just had wanted them to be safe and yet he had failed at protecting them from this. No, he wasn't mad with them, more himself than anything. He didn't plan to scold them as what good would it do when it was already done. He just had to move on and help them now.

He would tap their head again with his knuckle as he was hardly going to just let them get away with not undressing. They could say what they wanted but he wasn't going to allow it.* "You are undressing willingly or I will take your clothes off myself. There is no third option here. Not for this, so you can either change into the big sweater on your own and I won't look till your done or I will see as I take them off myself." *Andreas would push back their hair again as he signed at their last question.* "I'm not mad at you, do I wish you wouldn't have done that yes but I can't change the past on this or anything else."
Lori
The Doctor inhaled sharply, flinching away from Andreas. How could he say that? They didn't want... They couldn't do that. Not here, not now when they were already dealing with so much. "Please don't make me..." They said in a barely audible whisper, curling their arms around themself. Their eyes were filled with a silent plea as they looked up at him before looking away again, looking so very small.

They could clean off the blood themself, but in their weakened state, it was going to take more energy than they had. Usually, it would only take a moment, but it was impossible currently. They could recognize the fact that it was important for Andreas, the fact that he was a controlling himself so well right now was greatly appreciated, but even then... They'd rather be attacked by him than be forced to undress right now. Their discomfort was impossible to miss, the way it looked like they were about to just run away instead of staying here in this awful conversation with someone that didn't seem to understand how deep their insecurities ran.

At least his statement about not being mad seemed to be genuine enough, that was a relief. The Doctor didn't look very relieved, though. They still seemed to be considering trying to run away, arms curled around their chest and their gaze kept low. Hopefully he'd listen to their plea. Couldn't they just go back to sleep and pretend this never happened? If that happened... That'd be ideal.
Ed
*Andreas would sigh as it was a hassle that they just didn't seem to understand why it needed to be done. He got they didn't want anyone seeing them and he didn't plan to look. But the clothes were wet which concerned him more than anything. Yes, the blood smell was not helping him but he could ignore it enough. No, he just wanted to get them better.

He'd run a hand through his hair as he didn't know what all to do. Some part of him still wanted to be mad but he just couldn't do it. He didn't care about it in the moment. Shaking his head he'd tap their head again to make them look at him. Hopefully they would but he didn't know for sure if they would or not.* "Alright fine, but you need to left your arms up than so you can least have something warm over those clothes. Than you are not being left alone the rest of the night. You let too much blood out and I need to make sure you don't pass out and get worse. We are in this together okay? You can fight me all you want later but in the moment you need some warm clothes over your bloody ones and than I'm going to sit you on my lap, okay? I won't touch you unless you want me to but right now you need all the warmth you can get. That mean you need to also drink the coffee I'm making to help regulate your heat some. You don't have to right away but you need to sip on it." 

*Andreas might not be a doctor but he knew a bit of medicinal stuff to help, he just hoped they would listen to him enough to do it. He knew they were hurting and uncomfortable right now but they still needed help even if they were.*
Lori
Indeed, when Andreas tapped their head, the Doctor looked back at him, though still very much looking more than a little uncertain. The way they protectively held their arms close to their chest made it clear that whatever he was planning, they weren't going to let him do it without a fight. Luckily, he didn't seem to want to threaten them at all. He was... Accepting of their demands. That was highly unexpected.

They seemed to relax a little and nodded, arms lowering slightly. That request was more than reasonable, and the Doctor was okay with obliging. They knew they needed the warmth, and the comfort would be greatly appreciated - plus, it didn't matter how much coffee they drank right now, they doubted they'd be able to sleep tonight anyway. Not with the constant pain in their arm.

"Okay," They said with a nod, and once more averted their gaze. Why was he being so kind? Why wasn't he yelling at them? Why wasn't he pissed off at what they did? The Doctor lowered their head, being quiet for a moment before speaking up again. "...I'm sorry," They added so very softly. "I just..." Why was this always so *Impossible* To talk about? They wished that they didn't have to discuss it, but didn't Andreas deserve some kind of explanation? Even if it didn't make sense? "Earlier today, it was... Such a small wound, it... It was not good enough. I know that makes no sense at all, but... I had to..." Another pause, another deep breath as they squeezed their eyes shut and blurted in one breath; "I don't know how else to explain it but the urge doesn't go away until I cause enough damage to myself."
Ed
*Andreas was glad they seemed to comply enough for him to get them into a sweater to least give some more warmth before he would pick them up and move them to his lap. They could do as they pleased at that point as he'd just simply make them both a cup of coffee for them to drink, of course his would have some blood in it to help the craving a bit but he wouldn't attack them. Holding out the mug for them as he drank a bit of his own. He made sure not to add anything but some sugar to help them recover more.* 

*He didn't care about what happened he just cared about the now, sure he was a bit in his own dark place but he wasn't showing it. Instead he was just focused on helping them through the night.* "It's fine, you don't need to apologize or tell me about it. It's something you do I get it, I might not like it but it doesn't matter okay? I'm just some stranger to you anyways so what right do I have to tell you what you do with your body?"

*He'd set a blanket on their lap as he set down his own mug. Just some things you can't change and if that's how they felt it was something they just felt helped, though he would have to help change that if he still was around later on. For tonight it really didnt matter.* "Just because I can't change it doesn't mean I'm leaving, okay? You still need warmth and I'm sure you are in pain so comfort will help too."
Lori
The Doctor couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Andreas' cup, sensing the blood in it but not asking about it. It made sense, all things considered, and they could imagine he was craving the stuff with how covered in blood they were. Had he been resisting his cravings? How difficult was that? Questions they wanted to ask but decided against for now.

They did wince and inhale sharply as the sweater was pulled on, using their left hand to carefully guide it over their right arm to minimize the pain. Clearly, it hurt a lot, but they didn't complain at all - they didn't have the right to, did they? It was their own fault, after all, they did this and now they had to live with the consequences. At least it didn't hurt so much more when the sweater was actually on, and the Doctor gently cradled their right arm to their stomach, holding it without moving so that it hurt as little as possible.

They held their own cup in their left hand only, partially resting it on their lap. Why was Andreas being so nice? The Doctor rested their head against his chest as they took a sip, enjoying the warmth of the drink. "I don't know if you'll want to stick around," They muttered softly. "I'm... Not okay, and... You shouldn't have to deal with that." The Doctor gazed down into the dark liquid, trying their hardest to ignore the pain. "I get it if you don't want to be around me, if you don't want to meet again after today. I just... I don't know," They finished and sighed, cutting off their own ramble. No matter how much they wanted to, it'd be selfish to ask Andreas to stay here, and the Doctor sure as hell wasn't planning on doing it. Maybe... It'd be for the best if they managed to push him away.
Ed
*Andreas really didn't have much for pain, least not anything that was good. Drugs sure but they didn't need that right now. He just tried helping them as much as he could and kept from moving too much. They probably needed better medical care but out here he didn't have it and he knew flying wouldn't help them in order to get any. No, instead he'd just concentrate on his drink as he looked down at it. He wanted something different but couldn't right now.*

"You can say if it hurts or whatever you need to do. It's going to keep hurting since you made it deep and right now we can't go looking for something to fix it. Least not while you in this state" *Andreas kept his to himself like he said he would. Come morning he could take them back once they were little less out of it from the blood loss but it would take some time.

He'd look off to the lake as he signed, this night definitely wasn't planned. A pain was more like it on some aspects but it would be fine.* "I'm not leaving so stop trying to make me leave. You're just going to have to deal work me sticking around. So you got some things that need worked through and you got some not good habits. I got just as many I'm sure." *He'd tap their head as he didn't plan to be mean but it still was to make them get it through their head he wasn't going anywherem*
Lori
"I could fix it," The Doctor said softly, gazing down at their arm. "Like how I fixed your hand a week ago. Like how I've fixed countless worse injuries. It wouldn't even leave a scar." Sure, maybe they didn't have the energy right now to fix it fully, but they could make an effort - it'd hurt way less if they did. So then why didn't they? What was stopping them? That was a question even they themself couldn't answer, and it was the same reason they tended to deny anything that could help ease the pain.

They sipped their coffee quietly, glad for the warmth that seemed to spread throughout their body. Absently, the Doctor leaned against Andreas, eyes falling shut. Even if they couldn't sleep right now, they were still exhausted.

"Well... If that's what you think," They said noncommittally with a vague shrug of their left arm. "Suppose I can't force you to leave... Suppose I don't mind you staying either." They pulled their legs up slightly, winced at the slight movement of their right arm that came with them moving around, then relaxed again, eyes remaining shut. Were it not for them occasionally sipping their coffee, one might think them asleep.
Ed
"Yes, you could yet you don't have the energy to do so. You just need to rest for now even if you can't sleep. I'll take you back later once you feel more like moving." *He knew that though they said they could do it they wouldn't, they would leave the scar for some reason. He might not know why and in reality it wasn't his to ask. Some scars just won't worth healing.

He didn't have same energy to make a comment on what they said. To him it still led to some hard memories so what was there even to say right now? They didn't seem to care what he did so he'd just leave it at that. Later he could do what he was wanting to do but not right now. He just was there to keep them warm and that's what he would do.

He'd look up at the sky and he couldn't help but think of that day, the last things he'd said before it all went bad. The smell of blood so noticeable now when he thought back to the night, how he'd just wished they were playing a joke on his. The start of his fall... The night that ruined everything. His wings couldn't help but twitch with the known feeling of a blade against them, how he'd almost lost that part of himself had it not been for his change. Too many past mistakes he wanted to fix, things he wanted to say yet couldn't. A lonely path that took him from the rest of his family*
Lori
A few moments of silence. The Doctor listened to Andreas speak, and only let out a soft "Mmh" Noise in response. They didn't have the energy to formulate a proper reply, all they wanted to do was rest, even if they couldn't sleep. It was so warm and comfortable here... It reminded them of home.

This situation felt eerily similar to back then in many ways. The way Andreas was holding them, it almost made them feel young again, like they were but a child, curled up with their brother after he'd caught them doing this exact thing. He had helped them with the patience of a saint, like Andreas was right now, and then held them close - he hadn't even told their parents. Perhaps he should have. Perhaps things would have turned out differently then.

The Doctor sipped their coffee and drained the cup, setting it aside on the ground. They adjusted their position then, sitting so that they were still on Andreas' lap, but their left side was rested against his chest so that they could make themself small. Eyes closed once more as they leaned their head against his chest, breathing slowly and peacefully. If it were up to them, they were happy to stay like this for the rest of the night, warm, comforted, and most of all, not alone for once.
Ed
*Andreas wouldn't mind that they didn't want to talk much. He knew they were tired and needed some type of rest even if it wasn't actual sleep. He didn't plan on moving it leaving so they could stay as long as they wanted to. He was sure eventually yes they would have to leave but for now it didn't have to be that way.

He did want to be a comfort for them even if they might not want or think they needed one. And he was sure they probably didn't to some extent but at least he was trying. He knew his brother would have done this for someone and he was trying to do more on how his brother was. Sure he wasn't perfect at it but he was trying. And maybe that's what this elf needed was someone willing to be there for them during the hard times.

He'd shake his head a bit, he really sometimes thought like his brother did. Just a little too late was all, but least the he was trying. That's what his brother would have wanted from him if nothing else was to just try and make a difference. He'd look down at them and cover them up a bit more just to keep them warm. It's all he needed to do for now.*
Lori
Though the Doctor didn't manage to sleep, they weren't entirely awake either, drifting between that endless void between waking and sleeping for the rest of the night. They didn't think, they were barely conscious at all, one might think them asleep - but the moment the first rays of sunlight came over the horizon, they were woken up, one eye slowly opening, then the other.

The Doctor sat up, looking twice as groggy and tired as before they'd gone to rest. They yawned, made a motion to rub their eyes with both hands - and immediately let out a muffled groan of pain, breath hitching as they remembered what happened. What they did.

Their brow furrowed slightly as they sensed something. Had the sudden movement made them tear a stitch? No, that couldn't be it. It was much more likely that in their haste last night, they'd simply done one wrong, tied the knot too loosely. Either way, that didn't take away from the fact that they were once again bleeding.

A sigh escaped them as the Doctor carefully began pulling up their right sleeves, all four layers - the sweater, the cardigan, the long-sleeved tunic they wore beneath, and lastly the bandages. Indeed, it was as they suspected, the stitch closest to the elbow had slipped away. Luckily, the wound wasn't bleeding all that badly, but it still needed to be closed up, and so that was exactly what they started to do, once more fetching the curved needle from their pocket and pushing it through the cool flesh of their arm without hesitation, as if it didn't hurt at all.
_ _

For once, it seemed like the Doctor didn't mind Andreas seeing their scars, too preoccupied with fixing their mistake, the opposite end of the thread held in their teeth due to only having one hand available to sew. The criss-crossing lines were very numerous, and perhaps, on closer inspection, he might notice that the more recent the scars looked, the more severe they got in length and depth. At least they worked quickly, and within mere moments, the Doctor had finished their task, biting through the thread for the lack of scissors. Just like that, the stitch was done, and the wound was closed up again.
Ed
*Andreas hasn't done any sleep or trying for that matter since he wanted to make sure they didn't try anything else. He let himself make the mistake one and that was as far as it was going to go. No, instead he'd just stayed up thinking about the past. A bit dangerous on his part but oh well he wasn't going to make someone talk that was tired. 

Watching the sunrise usually felt like a good thing, a new day and a better one right? But today he didn't feel that way. No, probably in all reality he was going to do something stupid later but so what? He'd done a lot of stupid before what was more? He'd shift slightly at them seeming to get up, seems their night would be closing soon.

The new scent of blood didn't bother him anymore as he just watched them work, he knew enough how to do something like that during a battle but to just do it was another. He didn't understand how they could but something told him they done it to themselves more than one should especially with scars that looks like they did on their arm. But it still wasn't his place to say anything about them. Instead he'd just let his wings stretch out as he waited to see what they wanted to do next.*
Lori
Once they were done, the Doctor carefully wrapped their arm up in the bandages again, then equally carefully layered their clothes over it, covering everything up as if nothing had happened at all. Were it not for the scent of blood still in the air, one might even believe it.

Once everything was taken care of, they turned their head to look up at Andreas, examining him for a moment. He didn't seem to be doing all that great... A pang of guilt nestled in their chest and started growing, and the Doctor quickly averted their gaze. How could they have burdened him with such a thing? How very selfish of them. The shame in their body language was difficult to miss.

"I'm sorry... About everything," They muttered softly, looking down at their hands. "I never wanted to cause you distress... Or burden you with all of this, you... You shouldn't have to deal with any of it. These are my problems, and..." They trailed off, gripping their right underarm with their left hand, fingers digging into the barely healed wound. "I'm sorry. I really am. I... Should go sooner rather than later."
Ed
*Andreas would do a bit of an opposite from what he should have. Laying his head down on their shoulder as he took a few deep breaths. None of this was their fault. What he was feeling was his own problems that didn't usually go away. He just hid them behind a mask that everything was just fine even when it wasn't.

He didn't think of them as a burden, stubborn little elf sure but not a burden.* "Stop being sorry for something that isn't your fault. I just... Some past came up when I saw you like that was all. I been fine once I drown myself in some Devil's Root." *Though in reality he was wanting to more use it in a harmful way than not but not like they needed to know that.* "As for your problems, sure you probably need to deal with them but if your anything like me and I'm sure you are just because I see it you won't do it by yourself because you rather do it to hide or run away from something that overwhelms you." 

*He'd grab their left hand to kept them from hurting their wound more, lacing his fingers with theirs to keep their hand away from it.* "Let's not do that, okay? You aren't a bother to me or burden. I'm just simply tired of life at the moment because of the thoughts is all. You don't have to leave till you want to... I rather you stay till you are feeling up to actually moving and not being in too much pain."
Lori
It was surprising when Andreas suddenly laid his head on their shoulder, but the Doctor found that they didn't mind so much, even if they worried their shoulder may be too uncomfortable to lay on. Maybe it was fine with all the layers they were wearing. Either way, they accepted the movement, closing their eyes for a few moments and taking some deep breaths.

Part of them wanted to protest against his mention of the drug. Say that he shouldn't do that, that he shouldn't hurt himself. But that'd be hypocritical, wouldn't it? Quietly, they got a little closer, pushed themself slightly more against him, just wanting to be close to him right now. Why did they yearn for him so much? Why did they want him to be okay so badly? It was a strange feeling, one that sat inside their chest and hurt their heart, and they weren't exactly sure if they liked it.

A sudden gasp as their hand was taken. As was normal for them, the Doctor froze momentarily before managing to relax a little. They hadn't had their hand held like that as far as they could remember, but... It was nice. Their fingers curled around Andreas' hand, accepting him holding theirs, lightly tracing their thumb over the back of his hand, hoping to comfort him a little. "I don't want to go," They admitted softly, and gave his hand a light squeeze. "I... I want to stay here with you." A short pause as they tucked their head away on his shoulder so that he couldn't see their face, and then admitted in a barely audible whisper; "...You make me feel safe."
Ed
*Andreas didn't mind that their shoulder was like his for same comfort. For him it was enough just to be able to show maybe he was a little weak, that he needed this as well in the moment. It felt strange that he was doing it sure but he didn't mind this time.

Getting high didn't sound bad but it definitely wasn't what he really wanted to do. No, he had other plans for it just wasn't something he would do around someone else. He'd chuckle a bit with him acting this way, he didn't fo this usually but for some reason he did maybe because he knew what he would do if they left? It would be a pitiful cry for help if it was.*

"You're okay, I'm just holding you hand. No being mean or whatever just makes you stop toying with your wound." *He would smile slightly as they traced their thumb over the back of his hand. It surprisingly felt nice, having just a little thing feel comforting. "You don't have to go than, I'm not forcing you out. Stay as long as you want to. I'm no rush to really leave, it's nice just... Being with someone like this." *Andreas would hear their last statement but he knew they probably didn't want him to hear it so he simply squeeze their hand back lightly.*
Lori
Eyes closing, the Doctor just focused on the sensations around them, the warmth that came from being so close to another. How long had it been since they'd experienced this? Too long... And they clearly needed it. They decided not to worry about it for now and just enjoy the feeling, the sounds from all around them, from the sounds of the lake to any noise that came from Andreas whenever he shifted slightly. Their hand especially felt warm, and the way he was holding it was so nice... How could such a simple gesture be so comforting?

They had to nod in agreement to his statement, giving his hand another squeeze. It was a relief to hear that he wasn't going to make them leave, they really didn't want to go. Even if there were people waiting for them, even if they had responsibilities, none of that seemed to matter right now in this tiny world of just the two of them. What if they disappeared? Stayed here, with Andreas, and hid away from the rest of the world? It sounded so nice... But they couldn't do that, could they?

A strange feeling overcame them, one that didn't show up but that they immediately recognized. "I..." The Doctor started softly, hesitantly. "I think... I might want... Might want to eat something?" They asked it as if it was a question, as if they weren't quite sure themself. "If that's okay... But I'll be fine if it isn't."
Ed
*Andreas was starting to feel a bit better. He didn't understand why but this was helping him forget about the past in the moment and think more on the now. Though he was feeling some different types of emotions. He wanted them to just stay, let him be selfish, some also less than normal thought with a stranger. Maybe he was losing it just a little.

Goddess help him he was jumping way too far ahead because he was feeling down. He needed to keep himself in check because they sure didn't feel like that just because. No, it just was nice being with someone, that's all it needed to be just comfort. Maybe this day wouldn't be so bad? It seemed least a bit better now with them wanting to stay a bit longer at least.

Andreas couldn't help but chuckle softly at their question, they seemed a bit uncertain of their own want in the moment. Though he was glad they were wanting to eat, it was a good thing and not something he was going to say no to.* "Of course that's okay, if you're hungry you should eat. It will help you get some strength back. Though I don't have a lot here. I got some meat I can cook and a kind of fresh bread I got the day before if that works, otherwise we will need to go back to the town."
Lori
Even though Andreas had accepted the request, the Doctor still seemed hesitant to actually go on with it, letting out a soft grumble as they lowered their head, burying it in his chest. This had been an incredible struggle for them in the past couple of centuries, and if there was a way for them to survive without ever having to eat, they would do so immediately.

"I don't care what food it is," They said, looking more and more like they regretted the suggestion. "I..." More hesitation, a long pause. Were they really about to admit this? After everything... Didn't he deserve to know? "I can't really taste food. At all." Another pause as they took a deep breath, squeezing Andreas' hand. "I don't... Like eating. I know I have to, but..." A slightly annoyed sigh. "I hate it. It feels weird and uncomfortable and I wish I never had to do it." Well, now he knew some of the story at least - that should explain why they were this way, right?

Why they were being so honest with this person, the Doctor didn't know. Maybe it was because of that earlier admission that he seemed to not have heard, that they felt safe around him. Maybe it was because of the blood loss. Or maybe... Maybe they wanted him to be able to trust them? No, that made no sense at all, why would they think that? This was all so confusing... They let out a sigh, once more brushing their thumb over the back over Andreas' hand. It was all such a pain...
Ed
*Andreas would rub their head as he could see they didn't really know if they wanted to eat anymore. He didn't want them to feel bad about eating and it was hard for him to do as well at times since it wasn't the same since he always needed blood over normal food. It just made a lot of changes to get used to but it wasn't bad. 

So they couldn't taste, well he knew one way that might help but didn't know if they would be up for trying it or not sure he couldn't make them just taste but he had read about spices ans citric flavors just helping out.* "Would you be okay trying stuff with more spices or citrus than? I read before it helps with one's who struggle eating without taste? And it's okay, we all have things that are different with. Just need to try right?"
Lori
Lips curled into a rare smile, but it wasn't a normal one. This one was dry, humorless, mocking the situation. "Trust me, I've tried everything under the sun," The Doctor replied. "Food combinations that you wouldn't even dare think of, but it's all the same to me. The only difference is how much effort it takes to chew." That smile faded as they let out a sigh. "In this case... I genuinely advise to not put in the effort." It was all pointless anyway, why waste the energy?

There was one notable exception to their tasting problem, one that Andreas might be able to guess considering how they'd asked to drink his blood earlier, or maybe not. But the Doctor also knew better than anyone how unhealthy it was to actually consume blood, and it didn't exactly taste good anyway. It did taste like something, though, which put it leagues ahead of anything else.

Better not waste time, right? They reluctantly let go of Andreas' hand to carefully push themself to their feet, hiding a grimace at the pain that came with it. They still had no right to complain about it. "Do you feel like preparing it, or should I?" The latter was probably a bad option, considering they had no way to be certain if it was all properly cooked or not, but it was still better than nothing, wasn't it?
Ed
"Well if you tried it all and it didn't work than we will just make it so it has good nutrition to it. Red meats would help with your iron. The meat isn't tough and I got fresh to cook. Than the bread is multi grains so that will be good... We can do a sandwich for you. Nothing too difficult to chew. *Andreas would pet their head as he was going to do his best to make at least a nutritional food that won't be too hard for them. If he could do a stew he would but that wasn't possible out here.*

He thought maybe with the red meat he could have a bit of blood to it but nothing much. That was least the best option yes? He hoped it to be at least to be the best option. They shouldn't drink blood that much so it was wiser to do this.

He would let them get up before he would tap their shoulder lightly.* "You sit down and rest, your arm is still sore and no reason for you to rip any more stitches. It's easy for me to make the food." *Andreas would go over to his dug hole as he'd get out the meat and some bread before coming back to the fire.*
Lori
Part of them wanted to protest. How could they justify letting Andreas care for them for the millionth time in the past 24 hours? But he was right. They wouldn't be of any help, and they'd only risk getting hurt even more - plus, with the blood loss and the fact that they hadn't eaten anything in a day and a half, there was a risk that they'd collapse if they started moving around too much, and they wouldn't want him to have to deal with that.

So, reluctantly, the Doctor sat back down and placed the blanket over their lap again, hoping to convey the message that they were planning to listen to his instructions for now. It was the least they could do, wasn't it? "I'll be good," They muttered, absently picking some dirt off the blanket with their left hand, the right remaining held gently to their stomach.

They watched him as he grabbed the meat and bread, saying nothing to it, but they did decide to speak up about something else instead, to distract their mind. "So... What do you have planned for the rest of today?" Had they already asked it? They couldn't recall. Best ask it anyway.
Ed
*Andreas would be glad they listened as he would start to make up the food. He would start to cut up the bread as he put the meat over the fire. He would need to make another warm drink but didn't know if coffee was a good idea for time.*

"Do you want to have some more coffee? Or I can make something else, just don't know what you want to have. Also you don't need to act like I'm scolding you. I just want you to not be more hurt and you could if you tried helping." *Andreas would look back at them and smile a bit. He also never minded cooking, he was kind of used to doing something like that.

He'd look over at them with the question as he thought about it.* "I didn't have any plans today, so we can just stay here." *He'd smile as he keep cooking.*
Lori
The Doctor watched him work without too much interest, absently wondering if what he was making looked at all appealing to a regular person. It had to, right? Otherwise people wouldn't be so eager to be eating all the time. Had it looked appealing to them, once upon a time? They could hardly remember.

They shook the thought out of their head and focused on what Andreas said instead, giving a vague shrug. "I like warm drinks," They replied, and paused, adding a little more awkwardly; "...I usually drink them with a lot of sugar to get some nutrients. I don't know why, just..." They fiddled with their right sleeve, looking down at their hands. "It doesn't bother me as much that way." Maybe it was because they didn't have to chew drinks. They had no way to be sure, and found it hard to care right now.

As Andreas looked at them, the Doctor looked back at him, a barely perceptible hopeful spark in their eyes. "You... Wouldn't mind that?" They asked, voice soft. Though they probably did have to leave somewhere today, the thought of being able to spend a little while longer here... It was one they quite liked for whatever reason.
Ed
*Andreas would be a bit thinking on types of food that later maybe he could make, they didn't like to eat much that required a lot of chewing so he could make some more types of stews. He knew a few that his mother used to make when he was younger they were always healthy and good even when not feeling well. Maybe he could try making such things later on?*

He'd shake his head a bit as he didn't know why he really was wanting to think about making meals, it wasn't like they were really that close but least this would be good. He knew the meat was tender so it should go good with a soft bread right? Least he was hoping it would be. He'd listen to their replies as he thought about it a bit, it did make a bit of sense.* "Well I will make some more coffee for now. I don't have a lot else and good thing I do got sugar for it which helps I'm sure. I will think of some others to have on hand and get them. And it's okay, you don't have to feel awkward about being different. I'm sure without tasting it makes it more difficult to want to eat anything but we will just try to make this work today, okay?"

"I don't mind, I have no plans for the day so you just rest as long as you want here. Whenever you eat to go back fine but till than don't worry about bothering me any. It's nice really getting to... Visit with someone... I...I made it a thing for a long time not to get close to others before... You kind of the first one I... Felt comfortable around" *Andreas would shrug as he didn't want to get too far into it.* "The Goddess I'm sure got some reason for this, don't know what though. She been more than generous with my past for me to have some good now."
Lori
The only thing the Doctor truly wanted to do right now was disappear into the ground because of how surprisingly embarrassing this all was to admit. It was strange, usually they didn't care much what people thought of them, but with Andreas... They wanted him to like them. Why was that? What made him different from all the others? Talking to him about these things was simultaneously easy and so very difficult - none of it was making any sense, and it was incredibly frustrating.

"Coffee is good," They said, absently tracing a hand over the fabric of the blanket. "It helps me stay awake." Were it not somewhat difficult to come by, they probably would be living off the stuff entirely. At least there were some advantages to their lack of taste - it prevented them from knowing how awful their preferred concoction of coffee and way too much sugar tasted.

They raised their gaze at Andreas' words, giving a curious tilt of the head. Was that true? Were they really the first he felt comfortable around? But why? What could they possibly have done to help him feel that way? Or was it because they were so broken themself, that he felt like they wouldn't judge as much as most? "Goddess?" They asked, deciding not to go into it and ask about the other part of his statement instead. "I... Didn't guess you were the type to be religious." They tried their hardest to keep their judgement out of their voice, but couldn't entirely succeed - if there was one thing the Doctor didn't like, it was the gods.
Ed
*Andreas would walk over to them after getting the food pretty well all finished. Just needing to get the sandwich put together but he thought he could do that once he sat down with them. Red meat always had a better taste to him since he left it a little bloody for himself. Though he did make sure it wasn't as blood for them.* 

"Glad coffee will be good for you. I do got enough sugar to help keep you awake with it." *He'd sit down with them as he gave a smile. Handing over the coffee as he would make up two small sandwiches for them to eat. If they ate them both would be best but if not it would be okay. One was still enough to give some amount of nutrients.*

"I feel comfortable around you since I haven't really tried being close with anyone in a long time and guess I just... It's nice connecting with someone and I like to hold you close for some reason." *Andreas would look at them with a bit of a question look. Guess they didn't like the gods.* "Goddess Kamara... I don't really do religion, but... I wouldn't... Be this far if it wasn't for the Goddess. I'm not exactly your normal Aasimar, I'm fallen so I... Lost a lot because of it."
Lori
The coffee was accepted without hesitation, and the Doctor lightly blew over the edge to cool the liquid down enough to make it drinkable and not burn their mouth - the irony of which, considering last night's events and the pain they willingly inflicted on themself, wasn't lost on them. Still, they sipped it quietly, and then rested the cup on their left knee, continuing to hold it with one hand to prevent it from spilling.

They watched as Andreas prepared the food, expression impossible to read, deliberately so. Wouldn't want him to know what they were thinking, after all - for whatever reason, they didn't want to upset him by mentioning just how *Unappealing* The food looked. A moment later, the Doctor averted their gaze and decided to take a look at their surroundings instead, by daylight this time.

"I don't... Mind being held by you," They admitted, even if it was an understatement of how they truly felt - they adored the feeling, and wished Andreas would hold them like that more, hell, they'd be happy to just be able to lean against him as they talked or ate. It'd certainly make the latter a lot easier.

But they didn't express that.

Instead, the Doctor just looked at Andreas as he continued talking, curiosity clear on their face. "Fallen?" They questioned, not familiar with the subject. "What do you mean by that?" Best focus on that instead of religion - most people didn't like their disdain for the gods.
Ed
*Andreas would set the food in front of them once he was done with with it before he'd move. Wanting to hold them again so he'd move to be behind them as he gently pulled them back against his chest. Still minding their arm this time as he would hold them gently with his left arm, sipping his coffee himself now.

Hopefully they would try eating a bit even if it didn't look good to them. They needed even just a bit to help them but he wouldn't force them into doing it if they really didn't want to because of the look of food. He'd instead just rub the top of their head as he wanted them to not feel pressured into any of it.*

"I be honest... I like holding you it just feels relaxing... And it feels like I can trust someone." *Andreas would sigh at having to talk about being a fallen but it was still true.* "Fallen is a simple term, there is a more technical one but it pretty much means that I turned away from being good. I was no longer the piller of good others see a aasimar instead I was more evil... Like a tiefling... Like the tiefling that took my brother... I'm not... A good person, I'm really far from it. I... I did a lot of bad things, I killed and tortured... And other things I don't want to get into really. I turned my back on everyone who was in my life because I wanted... I wanted to destroy the tiefling race. When a aasimar falls from the Goddess Kamara good graces we lose everything that made us a Aasimar. I lost my family, my fiancée, my wings, my pureness, my ability to heal. I was lost for a long time. Time that made me lose who I was and who my brother wanted me to be." *Andreas would start to fiddle with his ring once again as he'd never shared any of this before.* "I have a lot of blood on my hands, a lot of wrongs I can't fix. When I finally... Came to my senses it was too late to go home, to try and make things right there. So, I exiled myself... Swore to never be with anyone and just try to redeem myself... Till I meet you."

*Andreas didnt know why he was sharing so much, maybe because he needed to tell someone. He just hoped they wouldn't hate him. If they wanted him gone he would leave, he wouldn't blame them if they did. He wasn't a good person, not really.*
Lori
The Doctor didn't protest as Andreas went to hold them again, only shifting slightly to make themself a little more comfortable. This time, they didn't even freeze at the sudden contact, and only rested their head against his chest as their eyes fell shut for a few moments - they were clearly very comfortable like this, and they were getting used to it.

Though they looked at the food, they didn't actually made any attempt to start eating it, more curious about what Andreas was talking about. It was a very interesting tale, and they kept quiet as he talked, only looking at him. There was no judgement in their gaze, no, it was hard to see what they were thinking about, but it didn't seem to be anything bad - though they could just be deliberately keeping their reaction neutral.

It was hard to know how to respond. The Doctor looked down, gently placing their left hand over their right harm, this time not to harm, but more because their thoughts drifted back to their own troubles. Their own past history... Which was awfully similar in some ways. They didn't share it, but perhaps it allowed them to empathize more than a regular person would. Perhaps a regular person may have called him a monster, cast him away for what he just admitted to... They couldn't do that.

The Doctor raised their left hand and reached out to take Andreas' hand, gently intertwining their fingers - if he let them, of course. "I... Don't know what to say to that," They admitted softly. "I don't know if there's anything that would be appropriate to say." A soft sigh, a short pause. "I just... Know that love... It can make one do awful things." Another brief pause. "I can't claim I know what it was like for you... But I can assume that I know better than most what it is like... And how terrible it must feel."
Ed
*Andreas didnt know what they would say, would they hate him? He did hope they wouldn't but it was hard to know what they were going to do. He was glad they seemed comfortable around him before he had started to talk about everything. Sure he was wanting them to ear but they seemed to want to listen to him for now.

He'd leave them be with not eating as he would talk. It just seemed to be a lot he needed get out. Though once he was done he did bring the plate closer before he'd look at them holding his hand. He'd smile as it felt nice getting to hold hands with someone again even if it might not be for long. He'd squeeze their hand slightly as he signed, he did feel better from actually telling someone.*

"It's isn't exactly... Normal information about a person... Yeah... Love doesn't make us do... Some awful things. I can't even see my family because of it now... Don't even know if I have any family left to be honest. Thank you for listening and... Not just hating me... I am trying to be better now, not make such mistakes now." *Andreas would sign again as he pulled them a little closer, but still was gentle.*
Lori
How could they possibly hate him? After everything they'd done... As long as Andreas was trying to be better, the Doctor had no reason to even consider hating him for his past mistakes, no matter how awful they'd been. Going mad for the sake of a beloved family member... They knew exactly what that was like.

It was relieving when he accepted the gesture and held their hand, even if it didn't leave a hand free so that they could eat. The Doctor was reminded of why they couldn't use their right when they were pulled closer, a sharp pain shooting through their arm and they inhaled sharply before settling down again. "Don't pull away," They muttered quickly, wanting the comfort of being held and not minding the pain so much.

They tilted their head back slightly to look up at Andreas, watching him for a moment or two. "As long as you're trying to be better... I don't mind what you did in the past." They lowered their head again to rest it against his chest, letting out a deep breath. Despite it all, they still seemed relaxed around him, and not at all afraid. "As long as you're not hurting anyone nowadays, I have no right to judge." There was no judgement in their voice or body language either, the Doctor was perfectly calm and seemed completely at ease around Andreas.
Ed
*Andreas would chuckle a bit as they really caught him off guard a lot, he didn't mind it but it still left a lot of his own questions for why. But that was all things he didn't need to worry about for now. It just felt almost good that he told someone a bit and they didn't hate him for it. Least not as his family had when they found out. He supposed it was why he didn't talk about it before because of how his family had completely erased him from their lives and even their family book. It's why he'd never tried to reach out later as to them he was dead or didn't exist, a cruel way of doing it but he couldn't change it. He hadn't even been to his home in over a century.

He'd be concerned when they inhaled sharply as he looked down at them. They really did need that treated but flying with it hurt like that wouldn't help with the pain any. Probably just make it worse, they really needed to heal it once they got some more strength back.* "I won't pull away but doesn't mean I'm not going to not worry about it. You do need that treated better eventually so it isn't so bad. No matter how good you are at fixing it it still needs some rightly fixing to heal it faster and numb the pain." *Andreas really didn't have any hands free either with holding their left and his right holding them close. He still wanted them to eat but maybe something to deal with a bit later.*

"Don't worry I'm not... Blood thirsty like that anymore. I don't want to be like that anymore. Now... A tree or something hard gets the bad feelings than a person would. I done enough damage that most don't know about. Thank you for... Being okay around me still. And don't worry about any religion talk, I don't really talk or do a lot of that. I'm still not on great terms with the Goddess I just... Still have some reason to be loyal to her... Even if it's hard to be... I do have some things back that I didn't before. I'm just... Less shinny now." *He would chuckle a bit as something came to mind a bit.* 
-

"I guess I look as rough as I am now. Wings, hair, and eyes all show it compared to the pure white and blonde we usually have. Well... Least I think I look as rough as I feel. I actually can't see what I look like. I mean I'm sure I look mostly like I did before but I honestly don't know. Not seeing your own reflection makes that part a bit harder to know."
Lori
"The pain will get better in a few days. It always does." The Doctor gazed down at the wound hidden beneath their bandages and clothing, feeling it ache with every slight movement, every beat of their heart. At least the bandages wrapped around it prevented the clothes from rubbing against the wound, making it much more bearable than it usually was. "I..." They sighed, shoulders slumping slightly. "Being honest, I doubt you'll be able to convince me to get it treated. If I wanted it to hurt less... I'd just heal it myself." A short pause. "...I'm sorry."

They looked back up at Andreas, watching him speak about religion. It made sense, what he said. Kind of. To most, it was incredibly difficult to let go of their religions, it being something that someone had followed their entire life. So it was understandable that Andreas still felt some attachment to it, even if they couldn't agree with it. "As long as you're trying to be better now, I won't judge your past," The Doctor told him, tracing their thumb over the back of his hand, following the metacarpus of his pinky finger, up and down and up again. "I won't say I like the religion talk... As one who is forsaken by the gods, I don't like them very much, but I suppose it's okay. I just won't have anything insightful to say." Perhaps they weren't actually forsaken by the gods, but it certainly felt that way to them, and so that was what they called it.
_ _

At Andreas' next statement, the Doctor pulled away slightly and turned their body around to take a good look at him. They were quiet for a little bit, eyes glancing over his face, his body, his wings, anything they could make out from their position. "I don't think you look bad," They decided eventually, leaning back against him again. "Quite the opposite, actually." Eyes fell shut for a few moments before a sudden realization hit them and the Doctor perked up again, wincing as they did but ignoring the pain. "So the rumor that vampires don't have a reflection is true?" They paused, brow furrowing. "If you'd like to know what you look like, then... I can make an attempt to draw you."
Ed
"Maybe it will but I don't think you will want to stay that long. And flying is the only way out and it's not exactly a smooth no movement type thing." *Andreas would frown slightly but it wasn't anything he could do, he wouldn't judge. He'd simply squeeze thier hand as it was okay.* "Maybe... Doesn't mean I won't try though least a little. Not always do we deserve to have scars, sometimes we deserve to have them healed even if we don't believe it ourselves."

*Andreas would smile at them as it was just how he lived with religion. He sure wasn't perfect but he still had enough reason to believe even if he wanted to think differently because of his brother.* "My past is... Messy, very messy after a certain point. But I try to forget about it and move forward. No use staying in a cave and starving myself just because I think it's what I deserve... I got a second chance so... Why waste it?" *He liked having them tracing their thumb along his hand, it felt good having such a small connection with someone.* "Forsaken I can understand... Kamara did the same to me during the time I was a fallen. But she gave me another opportunity, another chance to find some happiness. I know she's real because well... I wouldn't have met you. And well... It might feel you are but... Maybe it's more just lost? Sure I don't plan to push you with it but maybe that's more what it is." *He'd shrug as he could be wrong but it wasn't his place to force them to believe or any such. He wasn't no saint to say otherwise. Just someone living now with some believe.

He'd raise a brow at them turning to look at him. He couldn't help but chuckle a bit at them studying his features because of what he'd said, it was amusing a bit because of their words.* "Never said I looked bad, just rough. But glad you find me good look, can't tell what others think too often by a glance. Yes, I have no reflection, which is probably a good thing since I can't see my brothers face then after messing up."

"After a century you just get used to not seeing yourself... Just learn you look however to everyone and it won't change properly... Thank you for the offer but I'm okay. I won't stop you if you wish to draw me but I don't need it. I made my choice knowing what would happen so I will live with it." *He had no reason to feel bad about seeing how much he'd changed. He'd heard over the years some of his features which some had been shocking to know but some he just expected.*
Lori
"Well... So be it." The Doctor wasn't exactly going to care about the pain moving around caused. Sure, it hurt, and they weren't going to be happy about it, but it was what they deserved, wasn't it? After what they'd done to so many innocent people... This didn't even approach a percentage of the pain they deserved. "You won't notice anyway if there's a scar more or less at this point... Why would you care?" They really did seem to be trying to make Andreas dismiss the issue.

They looked at him when he spoke again, but had to avert their gaze - it was too painful. That thought... The thought that he was able to overcome his past to some extent, while they remained stuck in it, they couldn't stand it. The Doctor let out a deep sigh and let their eyes fall shut, deciding not to dwell on it - it'd only cause unnecessary pain.

"They've never listened to my prayers," The Doctor said, unable to stop disdain from creeping into their voice. "No matter what I did, they never did a thing. They neither aided nor punished me - why should I believe in them?" It was considered a harsh stance to take by many, but it was one they wholeheartedly believed. "I don't attribute our meeting or anything to the gods. It's all random chance." Actually, speaking of that meeting... "Can you give me back my scalpel? I do have some work to do tomorrow that I may require it for." Something like that was much more important to them than the discussion on religion, that was for sure.
_ _

They reopened their eyes, tilting their head back to look up at him. "I was planning to draw you anyway." The Doctor pulled their hand away from Andreas and went fishing through their pockets to grab the notepad once again. A bit clumsily with one hand, they flipped through the pages until they'd found a drawing of a face, showing it to him. It was an Elven woman, possessing an icy cold beauty, her face pale and her eyes light. There was a faint smile tugging at her lips, which brightened up her entire face and prevented her from looking as cold as she could have looked. She was gorgeous, and so was the drawing, which would have been lifelike if it hadn't been done in black and white. "It'd be like that, but with your face instead," The Doctor said, with a faint shrug. "It's whatever you want. I don't care either way."
Ed
*Andreas couldn't help but chuckle at their stubbornness at needing not to be healed. It didn't mean he didn't want it to not be that way.* "Well I will notice it and I want you to not be in pain. You shouldn't be in pain because of past mistakes... Though I can't say too much about it either since at times I have done the exact same thing... Just... I use not a blade to do it. But if you don't want it treated I can't stop you so do as you want with it."

*He would move his hand to rub their head to comfort them a bit. It was okay if they didn't believe the same he did.* "The Goddess didn't bring back my brother either... She did punish me though so they do exist... But it's maybe different for each race." *He'd shrug as he would move his head to rest on their shoulder, wrapping his arm once again around them.* "You can have it back once we leave, till than it's staying hidden. I won't forget about it."

*Andreas would look down at them as he saw them starting to get their notebook, looking at the drawing he was very impressed. He didn't see a drawing like that by just anyone, they were very talented.* "You are very talented, and well if you want to draw me you can. I won't protest if that's something you wish to do."
Lori
Andreas' words continued falling on deaf ears - really, the Doctor was getting a little annoyed by his insistence, though they didn't express it, not wanting to risk annoying him in turn. He didn't seem to understand that was not at all how it worked, that they couldn't fix it just like that, that that would defeat the entire purpose of such an act. They took a breath, and didn't say anything else on the topic, deciding it'd be best to just move on.

"Well... Even if they are real, I'm still not a believer." The Doctor let out a soft huff and leaned their head to the side, resting it against Andreas' as he rested his on their shoulder. "I don't need their aid in my life." Despite their harsh words, the way they leaned into him was much gentler, the way they seemed to appreciate his touches the exact opposite of what they were saying. "I do need it back. Getting things like that custom-made... It's a massive pain." Though they didn't state it, Andreas would probably able to guess from how they favored their left hand for just about anything that that was the reason why they had to get tools such as those made just for them.

They closed the notepad again, shaking their head slightly and making sure to be gentle enough about it that Andreas wouldn't want to remove his head from their shoulder. "It's not talent. I've just had a lot of time to practice. It's... Something I use to help me not fall asleep." They paused, sighing. Actually, if this... Whatever it was was going to evolve, it'd probably be best to warn him about it. "I suppose I should tell you that I have a tendency to fall asleep at... Inopportune times during the day. I don't know why, but if it happens, it's normal, nothing to worry about. You can wake me, or let me sleep, whichever is better at the time." With that, they stuffed the thing back into their pocket and placed their left hand over the arm wrapped around them, content to just hold it gently.
Ed
"You don't have to believe in them, it's not something you have to believe in it's just how I feel on them." *Andreas didn't mind if they had a different opinion on the gods or even if they didn't want to get fixed up. It just all in all was just the way it was going to be. Sure he knew that he couldn't just change it for them but maybe someday they might try to.

He would drop though saying anything back for the scalpel. They can say they want it back but it won't be yet. Not till they leave was he going to do it. But he understood why they wanted it when it was custom-made. Andreas had been taught to use both his hands in fighting and writing but even he favored one hand over the other.

He wasn't going to take their word on it not being talent when it still was. He knew it was talent even if they said there was none at all just because they did it to stay awake.* "Practice still makes talent, but you can say what you want since it's your work. It's fine if you can't stay awake always, it's not like I can't make sure you are fine during that time." *Andreas would shrug as he didn't really mind, it wasn't exactly the worst type of thing someone could do. He'd take his coffee and sip on it a bit as he knew the food probably was just going to be forgotten now. No reason to being it up and make it any argument.*
Lori
It was kind of surprising that Andreas didn't seem the least bit annoyed about how little they cared about the gods - most religious types seemed to be very off-put by the mere notion alone that someone could be not at all interested in religion. It was... Nice. The Doctor really was glad to see it. "Well... I suppose it is a good thing to have something to believe in," They said with a faint shrug. Maybe it would have helped them if they could believe in such a thing... Maybe not. There was no way to know for sure now.

"It's not really a matter on if it is fine or not," The Doctor replied softly, "Suppose I just... Want to make sure you know. So that I don't scare you by accident." Why did they care about that again? Who even knew at this point, they'd been acting strange in every meeting with this man that they could remember.

The food hadn't been exactly forgotten, no, it was different - they'd lost what little appetite they had, and now were hoping that Andreas wouldn't bring it up. The Doctor absently continued tracing their fingers over his arm, enjoying the warmth of his body. "I... Do think I should go soon," They told him reluctantly, really not wanting to leave, not while they were this comfortable. "But... I do hope we will meet again... Some day."
Ed
"It's not exactly a believe in, I just... I have seen her more than once show herself to me. But again it's just something I have seen." *He didn't plan to say much more on it as it was just going to be matter. Instead he just let it be as he looked up at the now morning sun. Guess it was going faster than he thought.*

"Well thank you for telling me so I wouldn't be surprised by it. Though as long as your heart isn't down too far it won't worry me to the point of full panic. I would have just tried to wake you up." *He was glad they seemed to trust him a bit with such information. It did help more than they would probably know. 

He'd nod as he understood it was probably time for them to go soon. Shifting a bit as he kind of got ready to go if they were ready for it.* "Of course, I'm more than willing to meet again at some point. We just will have to see whenever we do meet up again. Though hopefully will he on better terms this next time. We seem to always meet on bad days, not that it's a bad thing."
Lori
"Waking me up does seem to be the best bet," The Doctor said with a nod, "Though I may be confused when I do wake up." A short pause. "Then again... Who isn't confused when they first wake up?" Why were they even telling Andreas about all of this? What were the chances of the two of them ever meeting again? Probably small... But they wanted him to know, though they knew not why.

A reluctant sigh escaped them. Indeed, it was time to go, they still had a decent amount of work to do, and it wasn't going to finish itself. The Doctor held their right arm steady as they used their left to push themself off the ground, getting up slowly and carefully, holding back a groan. At least they didn't collapse this time.

"Let's hope so," They agreed, partially because of how embarrassing it was to be seen this way. "I... Wouldn't mind seeing you again." This was something said with an air of awkwardness about it, with them averting their gaze as they did so. "You can just take me to the mainland, I'll find my way back from there." Wouldn't want to make things more difficult on Andreas, after all.
Ed
"Well no matter how you are when you fall asleep and wake up I will still make sure its not to the extent of startling you." *He'd give a small smile as he didn't want them to think he thought anything bad with it, sure it wad worrying but maybe it was a condition he didn't know about it. Though he was guessing it probably was more from their lack of being healthy. Either way he wasn't going to judge any.

He didn't really want to leave either but it was probably a good thing. That way they could get to any work they might have and he could go looking for some work again. Maybe getting one before their next meeting would be nice. Andreas would make sure to watch them, being ready to catch them if they did get dizzy or something but they seemed to do fine. He'd go over to his hiding spot and get their scalpel for them before walking back over and giving it to them.*

"I think there is no hoping, I think we will meet again but yes less on a bad day would be nice. No, I'm taking you to where you need to go. This way I know you are safe and where you are needed without just collapsing somewhere." *He was still concerned about them and collapsing from the blood lose even if they got up easily this time. But that was just something he was worried about with them more.*

*Andreas had taken the back close to were they wanted to be before heading out to do his own thing. Looking around for work and doing some other work with getting some more of Devil's Root and Reverie Sticks as he was getting a bit low in his stash. He also had heard about a new blood wine from the vine and decided to get some himself.

He'd been busy and not tried the wine the day or a few days after as he simply got busy. Usually he would have tried it but this time he just didn't. Having one day around a week later on would decide to have some. Not getting the scent of Vervain before he'd chugged a full glass of it and feeling the effects after as he'd drop the glass before looking at the bottle with distain. He knew what it was and needed to get to the bottom of it. 

Heading out he'd go to the new place and it hadn't been pleasant to say the least. He found out someone was targeting them and used the blood wine to do it. He should have just killed them there but he was at a weakened state so he couldn't. Getting the list of ones who got the wine was all he could do before reporting it to someone else to deal with the pervider. No, he needed to act fast to get all that wine destroyed. Setting off to do just that even if he was dealing with the effects himself.

After a long time of making sure all of it was done and having a less than idea trip, he dealt with some other moles, having to fight and deal with the ones he could though it ended with being more badly effected by the vervain. Finally making his way home as he tried to make it back to his home. Though that wasn't easy with being weak and feverish. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been this bad and he wasn't thinking very clearly. He'd more crash into a alleyway as he'd tried to pick himself up, this wasn't a good place to be since he'd not had blood in too long of a time frame. He knew his complextion was also paler now and he had more injuries than he could deal with either.*

*He couldn't heal himself with his vampirism and hadn't been eating in some time either. He all in all was in rough shape and he didn't like being in a populated area in case something happened.*
Lori
*Andreas.* Why couldn't they get that name out of their head? No matter what they were doing, if they let their thoughts slip, the Doctor always found their mind drifting back to him. The couple of nights they'd spent with him, the conversations they'd had, the way he'd held them close in a way they hadn't been held in ages, all of it was engrained in their memory. He showed up in their dreams a lot too, and they were almost starting to look forward to falling asleep so that they could see him again - because he sure as hell wasn't showing up in the real world anymore.

They had been looking for him. Visited the spot where they'd met last time occasionally, wandered around the area, even considered going to his island but ultimately decided against it - mostly because they didn't have an easy way to cross the lake. And yet... Andreas remained missing. Maybe it had been a fluke. Maybe he'd grown tired of their nonsense and moved on, or he was avoiding them. Frankly, the Doctor would not blame him, even if it did hurt. They wouldn't want to deal with their mess either - and so they tried to be fine with the fact that he wasn't there. That he'd be gone.

Until they ran into him again.

They'd been in town for some unrelated business. Run some errands, nothing special, but as per usual when they went out, they suddenly felt that faint tug at the edge of their senses, the one that indicated that someone was hurt. Badly hurt too. Immediately, they stopped what they were doing, turned around, and started sprinting in that direction as fast as they could.
_ _

It didn't take them long to find the person in question, but what was surprising was who it was. Panting, the Doctor paused for a brief moment while standing at the edge of the street, eyes widened. Their breath hitched. It looked like they were about to panic, but their instincts as a doctor took over, and Doctor Jones rushed forward, crouching down in front of him and examining his wounds. It seemed quite bad, but it was nothing they couldn't fix. Though something was curious... He seemed to have internal damage of some kind, as if he'd swallowed something acidic. Something to ask about later. For now, he needed to be healed.
Ed
*Andreas had managed to least get himself pulled up to be sitting position at least, though he had not energy left to get himself home which made him concerned. He didn't like being out in the open like this even if it was in a back alley. Someone could still happen to find him and if too close he might attack. Though he also might just be too far out of it to do much of anything. Andreas would wince a bit as he moved, trying to lean against the wall was better than just being on the ground. He might be able to see someone get close but his senses were so dulled he didn't know if he even could.

How long had it been since he'd fed or tried even drinking anything? He couldn't really remember since it became hard to handle anything going down his throat. Maybe he should have tried for a doctor, though what do you even say? It wasn't like he could just tell anyone he was a vampire and he really didn't want to try compelling someone to help him only for it to break and turn bad quickly. He should have probably gotten help sooner but he didn't want innocent vampires to die just because someone was after them. Though he found out more were than he likes and it wasn't easy tracking down the ones he could to pass on. Least he got rid of the wine. It's what he wanted done the most. It really was their main weakness besides the sun and not easy to detect in blood when you don't know about it.

Andreas would just put his head against the wall as he tried to concerve some of his energy. He couldn't stay here no matter how little energy he had. It wasn't safe. He needed to get back to the island. Least there he could try sleeping in his tent and try letting himself heal, very slowly. He didn't really want to trust blood wine either... Maybe why he'd yet to drink any blood. It was painful enough without someone tainting it worse. He'd hear something but it didn't sound right to him, more muffled like. Maybe he needed to rest longer than he thought.*

*What Jones would see wasn't good, his wounds were bad both inside and outside. The inside sure not easy see but for the outside he had severe burns as well as plenty of blade cuts. He'd been in quite of few fights and none of them were healing like they should, they probably were a lot slower really in healing because if his weakened state. Of course the fever he has wasn't helping any with the wounds since he was covered in sweat and dirt that was mixed with it from falling. He honestly looked like he'd fallen after a battle which wasn't completely far off. The ground kind of showed the falling from the sky part. 

Andreas would open his eyes a bit though his vision wasn't very good at the moment but someone was there, with white hair? He thought he was seeing right at least. He needed to tell them to leave. That they were in danger if they stayed neat him but he just didn't have enough strength left to even warn them and make them leave.*
Lori
Doctor Jones' medical expertise came in quite handy here, partially for the expected reasons, but also for the reason that it kept them calm and prevented them from panicking, which was quite rare for most in situations like these. It allowed them to push their fear and worry to the background and focus on the facts, the cold hard facts. The locations of the injuries, the severity of them, all of it.

Something else was noticeable too - he looked paler than usual, and when they reached out their hand and touched his cheek, it seemed that his skin was colder than normal too, something they immediately noticed due to being so close to him so many times. Was it due to the blood loss? Or something else? Examining his wounds revealed something else concerning as well: they weren't healing. The previous time they'd seen him hurt, with the cut in his palm, it had healed itself rather quickly, but that wasn't happening right now.

Then there were those burns on the inside of his throat... Had he been poisoned somehow? It would explain it all. It also seemed like he hadn't been drinking enough blood, considering the paleness and how weak he was... Why was that?

No, the exact causes didn't matter right now. What mattered was fixing everything, but how? Knitting all the wounds together was certainly feasible, but would that be the most efficient way, or would it be better to feed Andreas some blood and then let his body do most of the work while helping heal the worst wounds? Did they know enough of vampires' biology to try it? Did they even have a choice? There was no way they could fix everything on their own, not in the state they were in - they needed to risk it. Even if it was going to make him mad at them afterwards.
_ _

Doctor Jones pulled down their right sleeve slightly to expose the veins in their wrist, and like before, brushed their thumb over one to open it up. This time, however, the blood didn't keep flowing, but with the use of their left hand, they manipulated the blood so that it started hovering in the air. They took a deep breath, closed the wound, then pulled Andreas' chin down with their right hand to open his mouth and force the blood inside, covering his mouth and nose with a surprisingly strong grip to make him swallow. It was a little lower on nutrients than most, if he was able to detect that at all, but blood was blood, and it should help.

With that done, they started to work on healing the most major wounds, at the very least preventing them from bleeding any more. It was a painful process, weeks of healing crammed into one moment, but it was effective, even if sweat started pearling on Doctor Jones' forehead with the amount of effort it took. There was no way they were going to stop, though. Andreas needed them, and for whatever reason, they were desperate not to lose him.
Ed
*Andreas didn't know why this person seemed to stick around. He wasn't exactly moving a lot and he sure wasn't in a place to dealing with anything either. He didn't exactly care for the examination that he was getting but maybe it was a good thing? It meant a doctor right? He didn't know for sure though as he could hardly just ask when his throat felt as if it was on constant fire from the burns. About like how the rest of them felt just like...5 times worse as ever swallow and breath made the pain come back. 

Andreas didn't know what they were doing, he was trying to focus on who it was and what was going on but it wasn't exactly working. His body was pretty much doing the opposite for everything he wanted. It's why he'd crashed in the first place which still made him annoyed some. He could see them doing something with their arm he thought but didn't realize what fully till the scent of blood hit him. He needed to get away before something happened, why were they drawing blood so close to him?! He didn't want to be the cause for something bad to happen and the scent made him feel dread. He wanted to fight against the scent and their touch against his chin, but he had no strength. He was forced to drink the blood as it burned down his throat. He would have his eyes closed to the pain as his hands curled into fists a bit as he jerked back a bit. Though that was as much of a fight he had in him.

He thought maybe it was done, it didn't seem to have vervain in it but it still had hurt to swallow. He could maybe heal some given time but he was plenty weak. Though that didn't last long before he felt worse pain, he couldn't help but groan a bit from the pain as his fangs bit down into his lip. What was this person doing to him? He didn't think there was any poison and he didn't think any Devil's Root yet the pain was horrible for the moment. How could someone just easily do that. Maybe it was what he deserved for the past he had done.*
Lori
They hated that they were hurting him. It was obvious that Andreas was in pain from their treatments, and even if it did seem to be helping a little, was it enough? Was it enough with how much they were causing him harm? Usually, Doctor Jones wouldn't care all that much, it was for the sake of the patient getting healed, but right now... It hurt to see him like that, and for once, they wished their treatment methods were less harsh.

They paused their healing for a few moments to let out a deep exhale, their breath shaky and black spots dancing in front of their eyes. He didn't seem to be in life-threatening danger anymore, so maybe it'd be best to take a very short break and then continue healing him? Check up on his condition, see if he was awake. Technically, he was awake, they knew that, but was he aware? Only one way to find out.

Doctor Jones raised their hand to cup his cheek, moving their face relatively close to his and ignoring how it made their heart beat faster - that had to be the exertion. "Andreas?" They called out to him, voice a little louder than it usually was. "Can you hear me? I know it hurts, and I'm sorry, but I'm trying to save your life. Is there anything else I can do for you? Anything at all?" A hint of fear crept into their voice, no matter how much they tried to keep it down. "Whatever it is, just tell me... Please." If he didn't, they'd have to continue healing him, something that may take more out of them than they could affort - but if it was necessary, they would do it.
Ed
*Andreas would try to just get through the pain as it lasted, he didn't know how long it would last and even what was happening. Maybe this was a good thing but his mind couldn't see it as good yet only pain. He wanted to get away from it but he was backed against a wall so he really couldn't. Maybe it would just end. He doubted he'd black out even though he wanted to. For some reason that was harder to do for him when in pain. Maybe it was a vampire thing or just from his upbringing, who knew for sure.

Andreas took a few moments to notice that the pain stopped, someone exhaled? His senses seemed to be back a bit better now even if he didn't feel like it. Whatever just had happened seemed it was good. Once the pain stopped he didn't feel... As much? How was that even possible? It didn't seem right that pain would than make no pain unless there was a worse type of would but he didn't think that was the case.

He would flinch slightly at the touch, apparently not too aware yet at his surroundings it seemed he would think. They knew his name? He'd open his eyes as he tried to focus, someone was in front of him and knew him, they were also seeming to be helping. His mind was still working a bit slow as it took longer than should have for him to understand the questions and start to kind of register who was in front of him. Jones, they were here, and helping him? He didn't want them to see him in this state. He was literally at his weakest state. Trying to not get lost with his thoughts he'd nod slightly after a bit of time, he did hear them. He didn't really have a lot he could need. Just a bed really and rest. He felt like he still was recovering from a bolder landing on his but it didn't feel as painful at least.* "Just... A bed... You look bad... As I feel... Just rest and... I will recover." *It was hard to speak still but he needed to make sure they didn't push themselves any more. Both of them didn't need to be down right now in an unsafe area*

*He'd try giving a small smile to show he was okay just tired and sure hurt but most could just be bandaged till they healed on their own. Going to an inn or something was enough for now. They weren't safe outside like this and he knew it wasn't good if both couldn't even move if they pushed it. No, it was better this way.*
Lori
The relief they felt when Andreas confirmed he was okay was almost enough to make them collapse, but Doctor Jones persisted, only leaning forward and pressing their forehead against his for a few moments, allowing their breathing to slow and them to calm down. He was aware. Though weakened, he was still talking. He would be okay. He'd be fine. They almost wanted to cry tears of joy.

But, they didn't. Instead, they pulled away after a few moments and pushed themself to their feet. Indeed, some place with a bed where he could recover would be the best right now - whatever had hurt him could still be nearby, and they wouldn't want him to get attacked again. Luckily, they knew of a place that wasn't too far away... But how to get there?

They could in no way support him, if he leaned on them, they'd probably flop over and collapse completely without even putting up the slightest bit of a fight. So then what? "Can you walk?" Doctor Jones asked, uncertainly. Maybe they could go and find someone to help? But was there anyone nearby that they could even trust? Not knowing who'd done this to him... It was making this situation so much more difficult.

"I know an inn nearby, we can go there and I can take care of the rest of your wounds in a less... Filthy environment." The Doctor's voice was a little absent, mostly because they were keeping careful track of their surroundings, making sure that no one got close. "And then you can rest and recover, okay?" A short pause as they glanced up at the sky. "Getting out of the sunlight should help you too..."
Ed
*Andreas would try to keep focus on them as he'd finished talking though was a bit hard. He'd be more surprised though when he felt their forehead against his, what were they doing? Was it a doctor thing? He'd look at them confused as he didn't know what to do let alone what to say.

To say he didn't want them to get up was an understatement. He'd been away for too long and he felt as if he was losing someone when they got up. Though this also was just because he was probably more out of it than needed but he didn't want them far away at the moment. It still was taking him a bit of time to understand questions but could he even walk? He didn't know if he could after he could not even stand before, and they couldn't really help either they both be dead weight than. He'd shrug as he didn't know but would try to get up slowly. It was difficult even getting up but he did manage to get standing up even if he was leaning heavily on the wall.

He'd try giving a smile though he didn't even know if it was convincing.* "Got any walls along the way?...I don't I can walk far... In this state." *Andreas was luckily not seeing spots with being up but times like these wings were just more a drag than helpful in any way at all. He'd not ad wanting to be in a better place, one with less crowds close was nice. And the less sunlight would help too when he felt this bad. Least he didn't meet anyone that could destroy the ring otherwise he would have been done for completely.*
Lori
The Doctor listened quietly to his request, then thought for a moment, considering the route. They'd have to make a few minor adjustments to the one they initially thought of, but it was very doable, luckily enough. "Yeah," They said with a nod, taking a few steps in the direction.

It wasn't a particularly long walk - on a good day, it'd take maybe five minutes, but on a day like today with both travelers being as weakened as they were, it took a little longer, around fifteen minutes or so. Still, they arrived without issue, and the Doctor helped Andreas upstairs as well as they could, hiding their own struggle as best as they could. He might notice, or maybe not, but they seemed to be using both arms just fine, obviously still favoring the left with it being their dominant hand, but the right didn't seem to be in pain anymore.

The room was quiet and nice, with a large bed that the Doctor tried to guide Andreas towards so that he could sit down. As they did so, they glanced around the room for a few moments, then started rummaging around cabinets to find if there was anything that could aid them. Not too much, but those towels looked clean enough to be torn into straps for bandages, it was a start. They started doing just that, using their trusty scalpel to make an initial cut into the fabric and then tearing it with their hands, making neat, long straps. It didn't take them long, and as if they'd done it a million times before, they started wrapping up the wounds, brow furrowed slightly in concentration, not caring that their hands and sleeves were getting bloody from the work.
Ed
*Andreas would try his best to keep up and not fall behind as they worked on getting to the inn. He knew he'd be slow but he felt like it was worse than he originally thought. Maybe he should have tried staying put but it was too late now. He'd made it through after a lot of leaning against walls for support since he didn't want to try leaning against them at all.

He was more tired once they got to the inn but they weren't finished yet. He still had to make it to a room which really seemed impossible at this point but he would try. Taking a long time even for this before finally getting to the room and sitting down. He'd probably have noticed more that they seemed to be fine with their right arm now had he not been struggling and he would have been glad to see but right now was not the case.

He felt a bot bad for the one cleaning the room later since he was a bloody mess that would made the bed the same way. Though he just stayed put and let them work. He could rest soon he kept telling himself, just a little longer before getting to lay down. It was hard not to just lay down and he was sure his whole demeanor showed he just wanted to lay down. He really hated being this weak. He was making so much work for them and it shouldn't even be this way.* "Sorry... For being a mess... I wasn't planning you to see me like this... Couldn't make my wings work that long I guess."
Lori
Luckily, having already gotten rid of the worst injuries, this wasn't actually that difficult of a task, and they soon finished, tying the final bandage on his arm together so that it wouldn't slip off. The Doctor wished they'd be able to heal him fully, but they just didn't have the energy necessary. At least the risk of Andreas dying seemed to be gone, much to their relief.

"It's okay," They said softly, extending a hand to cup his cheek and look him in the eyes. The Doctor considered climbing onto his lap, but didn't want to risk hurting him - best not then. "I'd much rather see you like this than see you dead. Okay? I'm just..." They let out a trembling sigh, looking him in the eyes. For a moment, they let the calm mask slip, and they looked... Afraid, exhausted, like the almost three centuries of their life were suddenly weighing on them. "What happened? Who... Did this to you?" There was no way he did it himself, right? "Finding you like this after so long of not seeing each other..." The Doctor averted their gaze, blinking rapidly to keep tears from forming in their eyes.

Only now did they truly let themself feel it. The fear, gripping their heart, the exhaustion, the despair that came with the thought of losing him. Why did they feel so intensely about him? It made no sense... But the relief that came with Andreas being alive was equally unmatched by anything they'd felt before. "Just... Lay down, okay? Get some rest, I'll..." A moment of hesitation. What would they even do in that time? "Suppose I'll clean up the mess."
Ed
*Andreas was glad it didn't take long for them to finish. The less he had to worry about trying to stay upright was better and though sure he was still sore and a bit in pain it wasn't as bad now. He felt like he could at least breath and not feel a constant burn. He was glad they had found him but also knew they didn't have the energy to heal him probably as much as they did. 

Andreas would lean into their hand a bit as he would look at them as well. He knew he still looked bad but they looked worried and he didn't want them to now. He would be okay with time. He'd nod as they were right it was better even if it didn't quite feel like it right now. How would he tell them though what happened? Would they think he did worse because he had technically hunted some just hadn't killed them. Someone else probably did that but he would have been the reason.* "Vervain... The burns are from Vervain... Vampires can't... Can't touch it let alone drink it... Someone... Found out and used a dealer to make tainted blood to sell... Was a anti vampire group. Don't know the name of them." *He'd shrug as he didn't feel like sharing it all unless was asked for more.

He could tell they didn't really want to just clean up, he didn't really want them to either. He'd been hunting all of it for a month. He was tired sure but he had missed them more... He didn't want to admit it but he'd tried more not to kill and had fought so hard not to die because of them. He didn't think they probably felt the same but he was here because of them, wanting to see them and hold them. Probably a bit more than that but so what? Didn't matter right now. Instead he wouldn't let them get away. He'd grab their waist and pull them onto his lap as he rested his head on their shoulder. It hurt to move like this but he needed to hold them.* "Not yet... Just... I need this for a moment... Or more"
Lori
Vervain? It was a substance the Doctor had heard of, having used it occasionally in a medical context, but to hear it could be used in such a way as well... It was a little upsetting, to be frank. Was that why the inside of his throat had been burned? It explained the one missing piece, that was for sure. To think that someone would do that, try to kill another like that... They couldn't understand it at all, but it did make them more glad that they'd found him when they did. What would have happened if someone else had found him first? One of those people, even? Would he have been killed? It was an option they didn't even want to think of.

They let out a surprised gasp when Andreas suddenly pulled them close, especially when dealing with a sensitive spot like their waist. They didn't protest, though. No, the Doctor was happy to let him do so, happy that he wanted to hold them when they felt so awful. The Doctor wrapped their arms around his body and held him as close as he held them, though they couldn't muster the strength to hold him tightly.

"...I missed you," They admitted softly, voice barely audible. Though they'd been hesitant to say it, the moment the words left their mouth, they knew it to be true. They had missed him, missed talking to him, missed being around him, missed holding him. It was strange, they hadn't felt like this about anyone in a while... But it was true. "I'll stay. Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. I... I won't abandon you. I promise." They let their eyes fall shut, burying their face in the crook of his neck. "We can stay here for as long as you need... Okay?" They really were just glad to be so close to him again.
Ed
*Andreas would still just keep hold of them as he rested against their shoulder. He didn't want them to vanish and he wanted to hold them close to make sure. He was sure they had more questions about it all but was glad they didn't ask now. Though out of the woods for being in that much danger he still could push a bit too far and go backwards some. 

He didn't realize how much he'd missed this, the close contact with another but it just was also different with Jones. He felt a more want with them than he had in the past which was strange. He didn't know why but he did. He was happy though to just sit there and hold them for the time being. He would lay down eventually.


Andreas couldn't help but chuckle a bit, it sounded bad from his throat being still somewhat sore. Guess they missed him too.* "I missed you too... More than I thought I would... I don't want you to leave... I don't want to be alone..." *Andreas would sigh at how he felt so weak in the moment. Everything felt raw and well he was opening himself up to them as well it seemed. He'd make sure they stayed fine as he let himself fall back onto the bed. He really needed to lay down even though he was wanting to hold them as well. A dilemma he didn't like at the moment.*
Lori
Indeed, the Doctor's questions were many, but they decided against asking them for now. Andreas must be tired, and there was no doubt he wouldn't want to deal with them asking a bunch of questions right now. Frankly, they didn't even want the answers in this moment. All they wanted was to be with him, and make sure that he was okay. That last matter did seem to be the case, luckily, allowing them to focus on the first part instead.

The Doctor let him pull them down, more than happy to be remaining on top of him, in that oh so comfortable position, even if they worried for a moment they might be hurting him like this. Well, if that was the case, he could just say so, right? They rested their head on his chest, one hand on his cheek, the other under their cheek as a makeshift pillow.

They paused for a moment before continuing to speak. "I... Thought you'd disappeared forever. I tried to find you, but..." Hesitantly, they raised their head slightly, looking Andreas in the eyes once more. "I had no idea where to start." A sigh escaped them. Now that they'd started talking, the words didn't seem to want to stop. "I thought you'd left... That you'd grown to hate me, and decided to just abandon everything here." Another pause, voice growing ever softer. "I... Was afraid you'd hate me so much that you abandoned the entire country and that this... That all of this was just some... Some kind of joke."
Ed
*Andreas was happy to just have them on his chest now. It felt better being able to actually lay down. Trying to stay up was just tiring so he didn't know what to do. He should probably try sleeping but just didn't really want to yet. He wanted to be coherent a bit longer so he knew he was with them.

He would hold them closer as he let them get comfortable how they wanted to, sure it was a little uncomfortable but not something that he couldn't handle. The wounds were covered so that helped a lot over them all being open as before. He should probably get a blanket pulled over but than that meant moving more and he wasn't very up for doing that in the moment. Maybe once he was about to sleep he will do that or not at all.

Andreas would rub their head a bit as he looked at them. He'd made them really worry and he didn't meant to. He just had to deal with the bad wine before it hurt more that didn't deserve it.* "I'm sorry I made you worry like that... I...I won't leave you like that not, I'm not every going to hate you. You never done anything wrong to make me hate you..." *Andreas would sit up slightly, holding them still as he looked down at them.* "You're not someone I want to abandon, you..." *Andreas would pause as he tried to know what to say next. He didn't want to make them worry anymore. Maybe it was because he was still a bit in pain or because something deep down just told him to do it... He'd move one hand to grab their chin lightly before he'd lean in kiss them gently. It only being a moment before he would pull back, clearing his throat as he looked away from them.*
Lori
"Rationally, I know that," The Doctor replied softly, "But I can't help being afraid." Part of them wanted to apologize for being so irrational, but before they had the chance, Andreas sat up slightly, seeming to be trying to say something but not finding the right words. His next move, though... That was something they couldn't have expected no matter how much long they thought about it.

What was that? A kiss? They'd seen those before, but never, not once in their life, had they been kissed like that. The Doctor was stunned into silence, lips parted slightly as they just stared at him, unable to process a thought, unable to manage a word. All that remained was the lingering feeling of his lips against theirs, and their heart racing in their chest. As if still trying to figure out just what happened, they raised a hand and used it to cover their mouth, only staring at Andreas in complete silence, their usually so pale cheeks flushing a shade of pink.

But... As the moments passed, they realized that it... It didn't feel bad. Fleeting as the moment had been, they had enjoyed the feeling more than they thought they would when observing others kissing. And so, when they lowered their hand, there was a rare sight on the Doctor's face; a tiny smile as they shyly looked away, almost looking like a teenager who'd just been kissed for the first time - and far from upset about it.
Ed
*Andreas still didn't know what to say, how to form his thoughts into words and yet he'd just... He'd just kissed them. Without asking or anything just done it. To say the least Andreas mind was reeling a bit. Had he just done the wrong thing or was it okay to have done that? Too many questions and yet his head hurt from them all. He wouldn't deny though he actually liked kissing them. Even if he hadn't explained himself at all or actually finished what he was trying to say. 

Andreas decided to lay back again as he just simply looked up at them. They at least didn't seem upset. Startled by it yes, but not mad. He'd seen ones mad before for such a small thing so maybe that was good? Though he'd also seen it took a bit for it to sink in what just happened for the anger to come. He did find them very cute at the moment though. Being stunned and lips slightly parted as they tried figuring out what he just did. Maybe he would have to do that again? Wait! What was he thinking!? He'd just did it once without asking he shouldn't be thinking that already again!!

He couldn't help it though but to give a cheeky smile at them being a little flushed in the cheeks. Maybe it wasn't so bad. He'd close his eyes though after so if they didn't to recover and be mad he didn't have to face them right away. Even though they were still on his chest. He hoped it didn't mess up their relationship that was forming, whatever type it was. He mostly was wanting them happy even if he had some impulses at times and some other thoughts. He needed to control himself for now being in pain apparently made him irrational.*
Lori
It was hard to figure out what to do or say. The Doctor had never been in a situation like this before, never been so close to someone, never been... Never been kissed. And unfortunately, Andreas didn't seem to be much of a help either, with the way he was laying back down with his eyes closed, not giving them any sort of clue as to what to do.

But did it matter? The facts of the matter were: 1) Andreas had kissed them; 2) he had been the one to pull them close this time; 3) they liked the feeling; 4) they really liked him; 5) he seemed to really like them. What they should do... Wasn't that just what felt right to them? Screw the right thing to do, right? Could they really do that?

They hesitated for a long time, remaining seated on top of Andreas, hands eventually lowering to rest on his chest, gently as to not hurt him. Should they just... Go for it? Their gaze was transfixed on those lips of his, the memory of them pressed against theirs so very clear in their mind - it was doubtful that they'd ever forget. But no, the Doctor couldn't gather the courage. It was fine, they decided. There'd be another opportunity some other time. Maybe right now they should do what they came to this inn for initially, and go get some rest. Perhaps they'd be able to discuss the matter in the morning then?

Deciding that was the best idea, the Doctor laid their arms on Andreas' chest and rested their head on top of them, eyes falling shut. Exhausted as they were, they were quick to start drifting to sleep - a testament to how truly safe they felt around him.
Ed
*Andreas was kind of glad they didn't seemed to push any on the matter of what he did. It still made him want to do it again sure but maybe it was time he tried to sleep a little. It wouldn't hurt for him to get some rest and than worry about that type of thing later. Deciding it was best just to leave it for now and feeling Jones laying down as well he'd quickly get pulled into the darkness of a dreamless sleep. Which was good since he did need a decent rest to just recover. 

Andreas didn't know how long he'd slept, could have been a few hours or more but he was guessing it was more just didn't know how much more. His head still felt groggy but he didn't hurt as bad. What had all happened? He knew he was in rough shape before and something was on his chest? He'd open his eyes as he moved his left hand up Jones back, not something but a someone... Jones, why were they here? Looking down he'd sleep their sleeping form as he studied them a bit with a confused look. What had happened? 

It would take a bit before he started to recall all that had happened, he'd tried to make it home and failed, he was in an alley before someone was in front of him which turned out to be Jones. Than they came to the inn, he got fixed up, and than... Oh goddess he... He kissed them! Andreas would cover his mouth with a hand as he tried to remember anything after but it was all blank. He'd... Did they hate him? He didn't think so since they were still here but had they even talked about why he did it? Ughhh the one day he does something like that and now he can't remember anything after!*
Lori
The Doctor had been awake for a little bit, but they hadn't dared to move in fear of waking up Andreas when he needed his sleep so desperately. No, they pretended to be asleep until he woke up - though that was very hard with everything that happened last night still clearly in their mind. They couldn't forget it. That moment would likely remained burned on the inside of their skull for the rest of time. That feeling... They so desperately wanted to experience it again, but they couldn't just do that, could they? They'd probably have to figure out what it all meant, why he did that, and if he was even willing to do it again. After all, Andreas hadn't been exactly keen on addressing it... Did he regret it?

They remained in place for a few more moments when he started stirring, but eventually slowly sat up, hiding a yawn behind their right hand, while the left remained on his chest to support themself. At least they didn't appear to be uncomfortable around him, or was that just because they were tired? There was no way to know for sure from an outside perspective.

Looking back down at Andreas, the Doctor hesitated for a moment before lowering their right hand and placing it right next to the left, their arm seemingly not at all in pain anymore. "How... Are you feeling?" They decided to ask, avoiding the uncertain question of *What had happened yesterday*. "Are you in pain? If anywhere hurts a lot... You should tell me, it could be a sign of an infection." And it was right back into the doctor talk, something they knew and understood - perhaps it wasn't too surprising their mind went to talking about that instead of the confusing mess that was last night.
Ed
*Andreas would stop once seeing them up. Had he woken them up? He didn't think so but he never knew and his mind was still kind of reeling after realizing all that had happened before. They didn't seem to be upset but maybe more tired? He hoped he hadn't made them use too much energy but who know unless he asked which he didn't know if he wanted to yet.

They seemed to be okay though, their arm much have healed up good as it didn't seem to hurt them as it did last time... He wanted to check the scar but it would be a bad idea. Probably a lot of what he was thinking was a bad idea but he couldn't help it when they looked cute with their bed head. Wait... Why was he thinking this again?! Ugh his mind was too much of a mess. He would just decide to listen to the questions for now.* "I'm... Feeling less dead now thanks to you. I'm mostly just sore now. Some places feel itchy but it's probably just the healing." 

*He was almost a little disappointed they went straight to doctor talk. Maybe he shouldn't bring it up? Oh screw it! Goddess help because this is not easy.* "Uh... About yesterday... Did I do something... Different after you fixed me up? I don't know if my memory is uh... Correct or not and uh... I don't want to just... Say something that didn't happen."
Lori
The Doctor really wished to check out the wounds, but they'd already done everything they could when Andreas was still asleep - a visual examination wouldn't help confirm much else. At least he didn't seem to be lying about his levels of pain, that was a relief. "It'll itch for a while," They said, lightly scratching their right arm, where the injury had been located, though everything remained hidden beneath their sleeves. "The scars will too, for a little while. Assuming you scar at all. I must admit, my knowledge on vampire biology is... Lacking."

They looked away as they said that, almost seeming disinterested. For once, this wasn't the thing they actually wanted to talk about. Medical science seemed so much less interesting in this moment in time - what was happening to them? Was Andreas causing this, somehow? With how much their mind was stuck on that *Kiss*, it had to be, right? But would he even want to talk about that?

Apparently he did. The Doctor snapped their head back to look at him when he asked his awkward question, their face already flushing ever so slightly. How were they supposed to answer that? They remained quiet, fiddling with their sleeves as they looked down at their hands before finally, after an agonizing silence, nodding. "...Yeah," They muttered, their fiddling increasing in speed. "You... You kissed me." It was a barely audible whisper, one that made their heart race, but they'd said it, gaze slowly raising to meet Andreas' to figure out his reaction.
Ed
*Andreas was glad they didn't seem to worried about him being in any danger. He didn't feel like he was going to be now even if things still hurt some. But some soreness wasn't hard to handle, it would leave in a few days once he could get a bit more blood. Least he wasn't so pale now and didn't feel like he was a threat to them. This was a main concern for him but he felt alright.* "I still scar just... Not as much I guess. And you can always ask things whenever you want to about it later. I will do my best to answer."

*Andreas would sit up now as he let his wings stretch out. Seemed one had taken a bit more of his fall than wanted. A pain because looked like it lost a good amount of feathers. Ground it seemed for the time being, annoying since now he would be unable to get his supply but he should be fine without it just would take longer to heal. Looking back at them he could see they actually didn't want to talk about the normal. Strange but maybe there was a reason. Maybe the reason was what he'd asked?

Apparently so, least that's how it looked. He was surprised at their reaction and they have a slight flush to their cheeks? So maybe he had actually done it. He actually kissed them, goddess he hoped they didn't hate him for it. But they seemed more... Shy almost by admitting he had indeed kissed them? That couldn't be right, could it?* "So, I wasn't dreaming it..." *Andreas would run a hand through his hair as he looked at them. How was he supposed to explain this? He was nervous, what if he said the wrong thing? He didn't want to mess this up with whatever they had. He'd sigh as he looked at them, grabbing their left hand gently to keep them from fiddling and make sure they looked at him. His hand laced with theirs once again.* "Do... Do you... I'm not sorry I kissed you... I'm sure you probably... I don't know were waiting for someone else... But..." *Andreas would mumble as he looked away* "Goddess help me this is hard..."

*Before speaking up again and looking at them* "Call me whatever, crazy I guess but... I can't stop feeling things for you. I just... I want to kiss you again and hold you... I...I don't know why maybe I am crazy but... I just really want to be with you... And last night... I kissed you because it's how I feel about you and I couldn't... Say what I wantd so I just... Reacted... I'm sorry if it was wrong to do... But I'm also not sorry I did it... I know that we are not more than strangers but I don't everything just feels... Better when I'm around you."
Lori
The Doctor couldn't help gasping softly when their hand was taken, though it was more because they were very tense right now than that it actually started them. The tenseness perhaps wasn't entirely unexpected. They'd never been in a situation like this, and unfamiliar things often felt scary to them - perhaps that was something they had in common with most. Either way, when they got used to it, they did calm down, allowing Andreas to hold their hand and intertwine their fingers. It felt nice and comforting, and right now, they certainly needed that.

They listened to his rambling in silence, gaze drifting around his face. Everything about him was so wonderful to look at, it was hard to pick what to focus on. And his words... It seemed that for once, Andreas was the one who was fumbling, and not them - though they'd probably act the exact same way if they had to talk right now.

And indeed, the Doctor had no idea what to say. Words simply failed them. They continued holding Andreas' hand, considering what he said, contrasting it against their own desires... They were oddly similar. Maybe... Maybe they should take a risk. A small risk, if what he was saying was true, but a risk nonetheless. Then again, it was much more risky to start talking and probably end up saying something dumb, so...

The Doctor lightly cupped Andreas' cheek with their right hand, thumb brushing over his lips, their heart beating so loudly in their chest they were certain he could hear it. Slowly, they bent forward, gaze fixated on his lips, head tilted slightly to the left so that their noses wouldn't get in the way. So close they sat, their lips almost touching, and they hesitated ever so briefly before bridging that gap, bringing their lips against his, kissing him ever so softly.
_ _

The Doctor lingered there for a few seconds before pulling away, albeit reluctantly. "I... Hope that makes my feelings on the matter of kissing you clear," They muttered in a voice so soft that it was almost impossible to hear. Luckily, their face was still very close to Andreas', so it should be very easy for him to hear the soft mumble, or do something else if he so desired - they sure as hell didn't seem like they'd be saying 'no'.
Ed
*He made sure to be gentle as he held their hand. He didn't want them to get hurt and though they were tense he hoped this would be enough to help calm them down more. He knew all of this wasn't easy for them as it seemed they never gone this far with someone. He would have to keep that in mind and not push anything.

He didn't know what he was really saying. He wad more panicked than he thought he would be and this was making it hard to say exactly what he thought. More than not he probably was just digging himself a deeper hole to be in but he didn't know for sure.

Andreas would stop rambling at them cupping his cheek, looking at them with a bit of worry. Would they reject what he'd said? He'd freeze up at their thumb brushing over his lips, he was sure his own heart was beating just as loudly but yet he stayed still. Letting them move in as he stayed complete still, he was actually a bit nervous till he felt their lips against his. It felt like his worries vanished in that moment.

Their kiss back made it very clear to him on their feeling on the matter. He couldn't help but smile as he would close the small distance once again and kiss them back in a longer kiss. Holding them close by their waist as he let the kiss last a bit longer before he would move back a bit before placing his forehead against theirs. Andreas would chuckle a bit as he smiled at them.* "I quite like that answer on the matter. Just like I like you, Jones. More than I thought I would with anymore in a long long time."
Lori
There was something about it. Something about the feeling of Andreas' lips against their own that made the Doctor's heart race in their chest, that made them want more... More of him, somehow. It was all so strange, so unfamiliar, but in a good way. This whole situation didn't scare them nearly as much as they would have expected. Sure, it was still a little scary, unknowns always came with some fear, but they felt safe, knowing he was there with them.

Eyes fluttered shut momentarily when he kissed them again, and the Doctor was almost a little sad when Andreas pulled away. It seemed they really quite liked being kissed like that, though they did not understand why. However, for once, they were happy to just let it be, and not be worried about the whys of the situation - what did any of it matter, when Andreas was right here, with them, seemingly feeling the exact same way?

They were quiet for a few moments, resting their forehead against his in return, expression remaining surprisingly neutral despite the situation - but their rapidly beating heart and the hint of pink on their cheeks couldn't lie. It was obvious that they were feeling the same way, even if they couldn't find the words to express it. "I... Like you a lot," They replied softly. "I don't... Think I've ever liked anyone quite like I like you, Andreas." Well, now that they were thinking on it, maybe there was that one girl... But she belonged to a time that had passed by long ago. No, they wanted to be here, right now, with him. "I've... I've never kissed anyone before," They admitted, voice growing ever quieter. Hopefully that wouldn't be off-putting...
Ed
*Andreas didnt mind that they had a more natural look on their face. He knew they weren't exactly feeling that way. He really wanted to tease them a bit and do more but he would keep it to just kissing for now he supposed. Didn't want to overwhelm them too much, they didn't seem to maybe have done this before so maybe they haven't done more either. 

He'd shake the thought away for the moment as he really just wanted to tease them more but later... Maybe... He'd for the moment just rub the back of their left hand as he looked at them. He'd heard many hearts being rapidly but for other reasons. This time he liked the sound for a good reason, one he was sure he'd probably have had with his ex but it wasn't something he could have heard than. Their pick cheeks made him just find them very cute at the moment and he wanted to just tease them to keep that little flush.* 

Andreas decided after hearing the small confession from Jones he couldn't help himself. Still having their one hand captured already it wasn't hard to be quick and capture their other hand before he would have them pushed back onto the bed. His knees trapping them under him as he would have their hands pinned above their head in a matter of seconds. Him giving a cheeky smirk as he looked down at them before he would lean down and kiss them once again. He was actually glad to be their first kiss, and he wanted to be their last now.*
Lori
The Doctor couldn't help giving the tiniest of smiles when Andreas took their hand, glad that he didn't seem to be put off by their inexperience. And, admittedly, they weren't the least experienced person out there - though their practical knowledge was lacking, they'd been alive for almost three centuries now, they had picked up some things along the way, especially with having been a doctor for most of that time.

However, what they didn't have experience with was what Andreas did next. Quite frankly, there probably wasn't anything that could have prepared them for that. The way their hands were suddenly taken, the way they were pinned down, unable to escape his grasp, that smirk on his face... It only flustered them even more, lips parting to seemingly say something but the words remaining stuck in their throat as their face flushed darker.

A soft "Mmh" Noise escaped them when they were kissed, a sound they had not planned on making but that slipped out without their permission. All of this was so unexpected, catching them off guard completely... But the Doctor had to admit that they quite liked it. Even the way they were pinned down was making them feel warm inside in a way they hadn't experienced before. Even if they wanted to speak, they couldn't form a coherent word, and so they just gave in to the feeling, kissing Andreas back the best they could in the hopes of showing him that they did not mind this situation at all.
Ed
*Andreas didn't know why he was enjoying this so much but he really liked teasing them and catching them off guard. He would have to remember though to not get too carried away. Keep it simple and don't push it too far.

He had liked seeing their small smile before he'd caught them off. The surprise they showed and the darker flush fo their face made it all worth hit before he'd captured their lips in another kiss. Andreas seemed to have gotten what he wanted from them and would linger for a little longer before pulling back to just look down at them. He was more than happy at the moment just looking down at them*

"Seems I got you a little flustered, don't worry I will keep from doing too many surprises in one day. But I like you a lot as well and I'm glad I got to be your first as well. I was a bit worried before that I might have messed up by doing that." *Andreas couldn't help but smile still as he really did like them. He felt protective of them but also so much more.* "I will try to keep from throwing you off guard too much but I can't say I might not find more excuses to be around you in the coming week. Since I am stuck here with my wing needing to regrow feathers. And don't you even think about using your magic on me to fix it. It's just some feathers."
Lori
The Doctor almost wished that they would be able to reach out a hand and caress Andreas' face, but they didn't mind being held like this either - quite the opposite, in fact. It was so strange. Normally, they'd hate giving up control like this, but with him... They actually quite liked it. Maybe it was because they trusted him? Either way, there wasn't a hint of discomfort in their expression or body language, though it was also hard to read what they were feeling. Then again... That was normal for them, wasn't it?

"I don't mind any of it," They replied softly, part of them wanting him to get back down and kiss them again. "I really don't. I don't... Know why you being my first is significant, but... I... I like it. A lot." It really was a nice feeling, how had they missed out on it all their life? What else had they been missing out on? Were there more experiences like this? Hopefully... He would be able to guide them to figuring out more things like it.

The Doctor averted their gaze, thinking that over for a moment. "Perhaps... We should meet again, sooner than a month from now?" They suggested, then added to the statement; "I can't regrow feathers anyway. My healing... I can only repair what is broken. I can't regrow what is lost." That was the one major limitation they'd never been able to overcome, but even if they did know how, it'd take too much energy to do anything resembling it, and in this case, that just wasn't worth it.
Ed
*Andreas couldn't help but smile as he looked down at them. Their size comparison was definitely amusing to him at the moment because they looked so small beneath him. But he didn't want to let them go either, he liked having them a bot trapped below him though not in a bad way for once. He kept his grip light but firm it helped being on a bed since it wouldn't cause any harm. It was probably why he did it in the first place because he knew it wouldn't hurt them. Sure he couldn't see easily what they were thinking but that was okay, it did give Andreas a bit of a challenge to figure it out.*

"It's not really a big deal usually unless your younger. Kids usually like to have it more of a big deal of they did it with their crush or something like that. I just like that I got to be because I like you and I quite enjoy doing it with you. Though I suggest you don't say you don't mind any of it. There is a lot more that ones who like each other can do. This right here is only a very small part but one that I think is special for us." *Andreas would place his forehead against theirs once again as he closed his eyes. He probably should be resting still but how could he when he felt like this?.*

"We can meet whenever you want, I'm stuck in Lazaroth here till my feathers grow back. And I'm glad you can't grow them back, wouldn't give me a good excuse to be here if they were back." *Andreas would tilt his head a bit as he moved to sit back up on his knees, letting go of their hands as he thought a bit.* "Do you want to keep exploring more things like this? Not now of course but as time goes on? Do you think you will still be wanting to? I ask because... Well if you believe you will still wish to than... I might decide to get a home here to stay. Instead of living on a island, not that it's a bad thing but I can't take you out there during the very cold months and you enjoy it."
Lori
The Doctor hesitated, wanting to fiddle with something but being unable to due to their hands being held together still. "You... Don't think it's strange that someone my age has never been kissed before?" Admittedly, it was something they were a little uncertain about. Andreas seemed to know *Exactly* What he was doing, whereas they... Didn't. He probably had kissed a lot more people than them - he'd probably done a lot more with those people as well. Wouldn't it be weird for him to be with someone who hadn't done any of that? Who would be entirely clueless about, well, *Everything*?

That worry didn't take long to fade, however, with Andreas pressing his forehead against theirs so very gently. The Doctor let their eyes fall shut, taking a few deep breaths. Indeed, it didn't really matter, did it? If he wanted to be with someone more experienced... He could just find someone like that. But no, it was them that he chose, and that was all that mattered.

"I... Do have things to do," They muttered reluctantly. As Andreas let go, the Doctor lowered their hands and folded them together on their chest, biting their lip lightly as they looked up at him. "So we can't meet as often as I'd like, but when we do..." They shyly averted their gaze, heartrate quickening. "I... Wouldn't mind, I don't think. I've never... Done anything like it, so I don't know if I'll like it... But I'd like to try." Hopefully they guessed correctly what he was talking about, because *That* Aspect of being with someone was something they'd always been curious about. Would he be willing to? With them? Strangely enough... The Doctor was hopeful.
Ed
*Andreas would shake his head as he didn't find it strange. He knew some Aasimars who had taken a vow to just simply be alone and some just simply waited for the right one. Not everyone had to have a kiss when they were young.* "It's not strange at all, some like to wait till they find their beloved. And some simply don't wish to do any of that but live a life following a more holy life. Or something like that." *He'd shrug as it wasn't a big deal to him, in the past when he was more immature it might have been but now he saw why someone would do that.

Andreas didnt care about them not being experienced in the parts of a relationship, they will figure it out with time and he will make sure not to overwhelm them with too much. Not to say he didn't have some thoughts on what he wanted to do but for now he would take it slow for their sake.*

"You can do whatever you need to. I will mostly still be resting here or I will be out wondering a bit. I need to find a supplier since I can't get to mine right now anyways..." *Andreas would scowl a bit as he hated ones who did what they did because it made it so any supplier become untrustworthy in a vampires eyes unless you could watch the person all the time. Sure most were run by a vampire themselves but it still didn't mean some didn't make it through the cracks to do what just happened. 

He would shake the thought away as he he gave them a smile again.* "We can try whatever you wish to try when you're ready for it. I'm here for probably a few weeks before I can even get back to the island so we can meet whenever you want to." *Andreas would grab their chin gently to make them look at him once again* "And I will be more than willing to show you that part of being with someone you wish to be with."
Lori
The Doctor let out the softest of sighs, fiddling with their sleeve. "It's not that... It's that most people can't deal with all my issues, or they find my appearance off-putting, or a million different reasons. Then there's the fact that I myself haven't really had the time to consider any of that, nor have I found anyone interesting enough to capture my attention for long enough... Until you, I suppose." Indeed, Andreas was the first person they'd truly been interested in in a deeper way who wasn't already with someone else. Well, there were maybe one or two individuals in the past, but most of those had been dead for at least a century by now.

"I can help you test the blood," The Doctor suggested. "I... Well, my sense of taste is only sensitive when it comes to blood, I'm certain I'll be able to pick out if it's been messed with." Another thought crossed their mind then, one that they hadn't addressed yet. "While we're on the topic... I hope you don't mind I tried to force-feed you my blood. I just didn't know what to do, and I needed to ensure you were okay..." Hopefully he wouldn't mind - the Doctor really wasn't looking forward to a negative reaction, even if it was understandable. Though... Part of them was curious, what did their blood taste like to him? Well, they doubted he'd remember.

Though as their chin was grabbed, the Doctor couldn't help looking at him again. They were quiet for a moment before nodding. "I... Would quite like that," They whispered. A short pause, and then they reached out their arms, wrapping them around his neck, pulling Andreas down to kiss him again, eyes closed - it seemed they really liked that.
Ed
"So you have a few more issues than the rest normally don't have, it's not a bad thing to have some days more than others. You seen some odd my bad, and heard some of it. Part of being in a... Uh relationship is having to learn to find ways to deal or get around those issues. Otherwise might as well just be in a brothel where there is no deeper connection." *Andreas would shrug at that as he had done such a thing before and knew it wasn't as filling as knowing someone really.

He would look at them a bit at saying they could help. Could they even? It wasn't exactly something even he could just sense.* "I don't know... It's not exactly tampered with. It's made by the person eating Vervain before having their blood extracted. Some think it's a good way to keep from being bit... Though it's hard to pick up on it's scent in blood. Wearing something with it is usually a better choice." *Andreas would shake his head as some just went too far and didn't help them anyways. All usually does is ends their life or they get turned because the vampire can't kill them from getting weakened.* "I guessed as much it was your blood. I doubted someone else just gave you blood to use. Just make sure I don't bite you okay? I rather not get you stick in this existence. You can use plenty of a vampire weaknesses to keep from getting bit. If you know how to use them." 

*Andreas would let them pull him down into a kiss as he would pull them close himself as well. He didn't mind them getting a bit more bold and wanting to kiss. He was just glad they liked it really. It made him happy to see them open up even just a little like this, maybe it would be good for them both.*
Lori
The kiss lasted for a good few seconds, though the Doctor had to pull away eventually for air, being very reluctant to do so. They held Andreas close, one arm remaining around his neck, the other entangled into his hair. There was something so nice about holding him close like this, and him being willing to be held by them - part of them was starting to want to never let go.

"A relationship?" They asked softly, seemingly not quite believing what they were hearing. "Is... That what this is?" Would he really want to? With them? It was difficult to believe, but... They so wanted it to be true. And why wouldn't it be? He clearly didn't mind their presence, their oddities, all of it... Why couldn't it be true that he wanted to be with them in that way? Looking up at Andreas, examining his face, all the Doctor wanted was to kiss him again, as if trying to make sure that this was real and not some kind of amazing dream.

"I'll be able to detect it," The Doctor said confidently - a rare thing for them to be. "I have... A lot of experience detecting strange things in blood, once I'm attuned to the flavor, I'll be able to figure out if it's tainted or not." If there was one thing they were good at dealing with, it was blood - there had been some people who'd accused them of being a vampire over the years because of how good they were with the stuff. "Did my blood help at all?" They questioned after a moment. "I... Didn't know what to do, but I had to try... Something, right?"
Ed
*He didn't mind them messing with his hair, it feel oddly good when they did that but he wouldn't tell them that just yet. But he was fine with letting them know he enjoyed the rest of it with them. Though he was probably going to have to make them go eventually or they would not get anything done they needed to do.*

"If you want it to be, it's more what I feel this is like but I don't want to push you into something you might not be ready for." *Andreas poked their head with his finger through to keep them least distanced for now. He could see their want a bit and he did need to keep them a little controlled so they could do the things they needed to do.*

"I still rather you didn't. Some think normal poisons will work on us and use them if they find a way to get their wine into the mix. We have to always be cautious unless we have a trusted dealer. Mine just is far away at the moment... I will need to restock eventually which is a pain." *He didn't want them to get hurt because of him. It was fine he was good for a while before he really needed to have it just was a pain when the hunger set in.* "Your blood helped, I probably would be healing a lot slower if not for it but don't be doing such a thing often. I don't want to harm you because of something like that. It can be dangerous and it would have been if I wasn't that bad. Most times after a month it's hard to control the desire for blood. Any time before that it's not bad which is why I just regularly drink some."
Lori
"I don't know, I've never..." The Doctor's voice trailed off. Just how often were they going to have to say that? That they'd never done something they really should have done by now? Andreas said he didn't mind... But they minded, more than they should. There was something strangely embarrassing about it.

A sigh escaped them when Andreas poked their forehead, and the Doctor let their head fall back onto the pillows, letting go of him after a moment to instead start fiddling with their hands, looking up at him. "I just... I don't know if I'm ready for it. For any of this." Their left hand went to their right arm, starting to once more trace the outlines of their scars that remain hidden beneath their clothing. "I think I'd like to try... But I wouldn't want to hurt you if it turns out I'm not ready." Did that make any sense? They really hoped it did.

They considered his words, resisting the urge to protest. It seemed they weren't changing his mind, no matter what they said - and the Doctor didn't have the energy to argue right now. "I suppose I just... Want to help you," They sighed, averting their gaze. "If it's blood you need, I can give you some more of mine. I know how much I can lose, and I can afford a bit more without endangering myself." If there was one thing they knew, it was that. "Or... Something else. If... There's anything I can do for you... Please do let me know." Their thumb traced over the long scar left behind from the last time they met - they wished to help him the same way he'd helped them back then, but the method to do so seemed difficult to find.
Ed
*Andreas would lean down as he put his right by their head and his left would cup their cheek* "Hey, I don't care if you haven't okay? We can take this as slow as you need and we will stop wherever you need. If you aren't ready than I am fine holding back and just being here with you. Don't feel like you need to do something you aren't ready for just because of me. I want you happy, that's all I need."

*Andreas would lean down and kiss their forehead, he just wanted to see them happy more than it all. And if it meant they didn't go into a relationship so be it, he would just be friends with them.

He knew they wanted to help but he was okay for noe really.* "Hey, I'm okay for now. It just takes time to get back to my stash and I know you want to help. But I would feel terrible if you got hurt because of me. I just... Have to do some more shady work to get some from here if I need it before I can get back to the island... Know anything about a good place around here and close to the water? That would help if you know a place. If not don't worry about it." *He'd just smile at them as he tried to reassure them he was okay and they were helping.* "Though... Know anyone who can give uh... A good cut? I'm sure I probably need one after a month."
Lori
The Doctor closed their eyes at the gentle touch, leaning into it and taking a deep breath. They nodded, albeit somewhat hesitantly, not seeming entirely convinced by his words but ready enough to accept them. "Well... I know I do like the aspects of being together that you've shown be so far," They muttered, slightly awkwardly dancing around the topic of both physical touch and kissing him. Maybe over time they'd grow more comfortable discussing it, but this was all very new right now, so there was bound to be some discomfort.

Eyes blinked open at the kiss upon their forehead, and the Doctor felt their heart skip a beat as they looked up at Andreas, lightly biting their bottom lip. "I... Think I wouldn't mind being... More than friends," They said softly, trying to ignore how *Awkward* They were when it came to this. Luckily, it didn't seem like he minded all that much. "If that's okay with you..."

They thought about those questions for a few moments. Tried to think of something useful to say, but... Nothing. Absently, the Doctor fiddled with their sleeve, brow furrowed. "I can offer you some money to pay for those services," They said eventually, exhaling a somewhat annoyed sigh at their own incompetence. "Maybe you can ask the innkeeper? I'm assuming he knows the area fairly well."
Ed
"We can always try being more than friends and if you decide you don't want to any more than we will simply go back to just friends. I know all of this is new to you, I'm willing to go slow so you don't get uncomfortable with anything we do." *Andreas would rub their cheek as he was happy just to touch them or hold them just a little. He knew they opening up to physical contact would take time and he wasn't going to rush them into it thinking it's what he wanted.* "All I want is to be with you, no matter how it is, okay?"

*Andreas would smile reassuringly at them as he would kiss their forehead again.* "And I like how soft spoken you get, no matter what you think I like you for the good and bad. It's why I won't just leave you just because of some new challenges or problems."

*Andreas would chuckle as he poked their nose, a little tease for them being so frustrated over something so trivial* "I don't need your money and it's okay if you don't know any. It's not a problem. Maybe I can find some places and we can look together? That way you could help me pick a good place here?" *He was trying to make them feel better on the matter.* "I be honest I'm horrible at picking a place. If I had to actually pick a place you seen what I would usually pick normally. I haven't actually had a place in a very long time."
Lori
It was oddly tempting to try to get Andreas to do more, if only because the Doctor was incredibly curious about all of it. All these acts they'd heard talked about and read about but never got to experience... Who could blame them for being curious? But that would be unfair to him too, wouldn't it? Doing such things only for the sake of experimentation and not because they wanted to specifically with him. It seemed like it'd be best to wait until they knew they were ready, but how would they know? All of this was so confusing...

"I don't understand why you'd like me," They spoke up eventually, looking up at Andreas, "Why you'd be willing to do so much for me... But I suppose I don't have to understand it to accept it, right?" They raised their left hand and gently brushed it against his cheek, enjoying the closeness. It lingered there for a moment before they reached up both arms to pull him back down, not to kiss him, but just to hug him, hold him close and be held close by him, even if he may be slightly heavy for them.

It was a little ironic that he was asking them for help looking for a place, considering the Doctor's tendency to drift from spot to spot aimlessly, only stopping when people needed help. However, that didn't mean they weren't happy to agree. "I'll try my best," They said with a nod, "Even if I'm not sure how much I would be able to help. My own experience with picking places to live is... Lacking, to say the least." Frankly, they would have invited Andreas to live with them, but considering his vampiric nature... Maybe that wasn't the best idea. It'd be better for him to find a place of his own.
Ed
*Andreas didnf mind getting pulled down as he let them, still keeping his weight off them with is elbow keeping him mostly off them. He rather they just stay comfortable and that meant just letting them pull him down enough.* "I like you because you are different. You have seen me at my worst and not cared about judging me. I seen you at one of your worst. I like that even though you have a hard past and many secrets like I do you are trying to do good... Plus I just am drawn to you, I know you don't believe in the whole goddess thing but I do. I think she maybe helped is meet. Maybe I'm just a believer that some good can come to one's who made mistakes."

*Either way he might say it he just simply liked them for who they were even if they didn't understand it. He would just smile as he used one hand to hug them back. Whatever they wished to do he would for them. He didn't mind being a bit of an experiment for them as long as it wasn't used to hard anyone else.*

"Well we just will have to find a place with a good sunrise and well even if it's not by water as long as it has some nice view would be nice. But that might be impossible to find here. I don't really know though till I look." *He didn't mind the hunt since even if for a house gave him a thrill of such a quest.*
Lori
It really was hard to understand. In all of this messiness, what was there to like? Wasn't it a massive pain to have to deal with all of it? Part of them wanted to try to push Andreas away, make sure that he didn't get too close, that he didn't get hurt by them. However, the way they kept holding on to him told the Doctor enough about how much they really wanted that. Right now, all they wanted was him.

"I don't know exactly what all these feelings mean," They spoke up softly, "But I know that I like you a lot, that I like spending time around you, and... I just want to be with you." The admission was added to by them gently cupping Andreas' cheek and looking up at him, before making an attempt to kiss him. The feeling really was quite nice... How could they not?

It didn't last long, though, because they had to respond to what he said next. "I know the snowy landscape can have a lovely view, even if it is different from other countries." The Doctor was quiet for a few moments, thinking the matter over. "Perhaps there's mountains nearby that'll allow you to have a higher place to live with better views?" A short pause, and then they added in a soft grumble; "Though that would be a pain to get up to..." Maybe it wasn't so bad for him, but a long trek up a cold mountain sounded like hell. Then again, relaxing with Andreas and something warm to drink afterwards... Now that didn't seem so bad, actually. "I'm assuming you'll want something away from town so that people can't look at you too closely, right?" Speaking of... A realization came to mind and the Doctor reluctantly let go of Andreas. "I still need to clean the blood from your injuries off you, and this room." The amount of blood surely would be suspicious if someone saw.
Ed
*Andreas would poke their head gently as he smiled at them.* "Stop worrying so much. I will do things when you feel ready for them. Till than I will just help get you used to things slowly. You already got one thing down you like doing. You will get used to more as time goes on"

*Andreas would make no attempt to refuse them as he didn't mind doing it more.* "I will say this once, you don't need to have labels for your feelings. Just follow whatever feels right around me. I'm not going to refuse you just because you never done something before." 

*Andreas shook his head, he didn't want something up that high. Sure he liked a bit of a higher area but that high reminded him too much of his mess ups to his past.* "I don't want that, I can hide well enough with blood no one will know the wiser of what I am. I still sure want a bit away from the rest if it's not possible here than I will make due. Plus I don't think I need you trying to get to it in the cold no matter how nice the warmth is after." *He would tilt his head as they were right, the place needed some blood cleaned and he kind of needed cleaned up as well.* "I will clean it so don't worry so much about it, it will take but a moment to do so."
Lori
Just do what felt right... Was it really that easy? But how were they supposed to do that when they didn't even know what exactly felt right? The only way to figure that out was through experimentation, and that was something they weren't sure Andreas would like, to be used in such a way while they figured things out.

"I don't know what feels right or not," They admitted, averting their gaze. "I barely know what my options are." A deep breath. This was going to be a horribly awkward thing to ask. "Would you... Be okay with helping me figure it out? Helping me experiment, essentially?" There was that slight shade of pink on their cheeks again, and the Doctor was starting to wish that the ground would swallow them up already.

They listened to his requests and nodded - it made a lot of sense. Helped narrow it down, that was for sure. "I suppose I'd prefer it if you were somewhere close by as well," They mused, looking off to the side in thought. Well, it was something to worry about later, wasn't it? For now there were more pressing matters to worry about.

"I sincerely doubt you'll be able to clean blood off as quickly as I can," The Doctor said with a raised eyebrow in Andreas' direction. "Nor as thoroughly." Especially when it was dried like it was right now. Dealing with blood was one thing they were confident with, and they weren't going to let him do it if he was going to do a worse job at it, that'd just be a waste of everyone's time, wouldn't it?
Ed
"You don't have to just know it, sometimes it's just doing something in the moment even if you aren't so sure about it. It's a learning you just have to work through. *Andreas would chuckle as he looked down at them, kissing their forehead once again* "I would br delighted with helping you experiment. Whatever you wish to try or do, I know you aren't going to try causing me harm and so I will do whatever you want to find what you like doing."

*He would smile as he was glad they did want him close as well* "Well I'm sure we can come up with a place like that. Just have to look around for places. I will try finding some in the coming weeks since I rather not stay here ever time." *He'd shrug as it just was annoying being in a place not his.*

"I never said I could quickly, plus that just means you will be using your magic which I don't think is smart. You used a lot yesterday and than also used your blood. Some blood won't hurt anyone. I'm sure there is more rooms like this at times." *Was part of getting a room, some got bloody people who came into them or they left bloody.*
Lori
"Why can't the process be more scientific," The Doctor grumbled, more than to themself than to Andreas. Stuff to do with something as unpredictable as feelings had never been their strong suit, they preferred cold, hard, scientific reasoning. Facts and logic, experiments and evidence, that was comfortable for them. This... Wasn't. However, unlike with most times they were dragged out of their comfort zone, they were actually willing to try. To go through the difficulties, because it seemed like, in the end, it would be worth it. *Andreas* Would be worth it.

"I... Don't think I'll be able to aid you in your search today," They said reluctantly. "I would really like to, but... I have work to do." Peoples' lives depended on them - there was no way they would be able to abandon that. "But I should be free in a few days, I think." Should they plan out a meeting with him for once, instead of depending on random chance? Now that'd be something.

Though they tried their best to hide it, the Doctor's annoyance clearly rose slightly at Andreas' concerned words. "I'll clean it," They said stubbornly and started to try to squeeze out from under him. "It doesn't take that much energy, and I don't want to invite any questions from anyone that'll clean the room after us. The risk to both of us is too great."
Ed
*Andreas would chuckle as he heard them grumble about it.* "The scientific process is more off how the different things make your body react to it. Just will have to try and see with it all. I'm sure you read things before to know some stuff." *He would rub their head as he wanted them to not worry so much.* "Just give it time okay?" 

"You don't need to aid me in looking, I'm more than capable of looking around myself for a few days. Find who has what for places." *He would need something in a good range just would have to see what they had available.* "How about I meet you here in a few days? In the afternoon? We could look at some places and than stop somewhere for something warm to drink."

*Andreas would sigh as he could tell it wasn't going to change, they were going to do it anyway.* "Fine fine, I concede. Just didn't need you tired before you were going to work. But I get your point. No need to be annoyed that I'm just worried about you overdoing it so soon." *He'd let them move away as he just simply sat up. No use making this turn into a fight.*
Lori
They couldn't help it, the slightest blush spread over their cheeks at Andreas' mention of their body reacting to things, which did kind of aid in proving his point - that reaction was not a voluntary one either. Still, thinking of it... They covered their face with their hands to try and ease the awkwardness, and more importantly, hide their reaction from Andreas even if there was no doubt he'd already seen it. Not saying a word, they nodded simply, taking a few deep breaths to try and slow their racing heart.

At least the conversation had the decency not to linger on the moment for too long. Having calmed down, the Doctor lowered their hands and sat up as well, giving a nod. "That sounds quite nice." They crossed their legs beneath themself, trying not to think of the fact that this was sounding an awful lot like a date. "How about... In four days from today, early afternoon?"

As they spoke, they started cleaning the blood off their own clothing, which went quite well. Seemingly, all they had to do was hover a hand over the stains, and then it looked like it just vanished. It was a little more complicated than that, of course, but to the outside observer it often looked that simple. With their own clothes cleaned within moments, the Doctor reached out to Andreas to clean his as well, looking as if they'd done it a million times before. "Sit still, okay?"
Ed
*Andreas simply would smile as he didn't want to embarrass them too much but it was one way to say the scientific process it might have. All of it would sure be new but it was cute seeing their reactions to such small things. Maybe he will have to tease a little later when they meet again.

He was glad they didn't annoyed anymore, he didn't want to cause problems with something he wasn't going to probably win on.* "I think that sounds like a good time, will give a chance to find a few places before looking at them and it should be warm enough than as well. If it isn't as nice of weather we can simply just meet up than."

*He'd watch the process of the blood getting cleaned up as it was interesting to see. He was sure it didn't simply just vanish but no need to ask how it worked. Just staying still and watching was enough for him. He would still need to find some blood dealer here that was not no this time. Talk to one's who got from one and so forth.*
Lori
Luckily, just cleaning off blood was not a terribly difficult process, though it did require their hands getting close to the affected areas - not that the Doctor minded, they were more than happy to do so when it concerned Andreas. They let out a breath when they finished, but didn't seem nearly as winded as they did after actual healing.

Once they finished, the Doctor scooted closer to Andreas and wrapped their arms around his shoulders, burying their face in the crook of his neck and inhaling deeply. What did he smell like, they wondered to themself. Did he smell nice? More likely, after everything, he probably did need a bath... But they couldn't tell. They couldn't help it, they pressed a soft kiss into his neck, content to just enjoy his warmth.

"I don't mind bad weather," They said softly, not wanting to speak too loudly due to being so close to his ear. "Or anything... I just want to spend time with you." Maybe it was a strange thing to admit, but they didn't care so much right now. They knew their words were true, and that was what mattered.
Ed
*Andreas was glad when they were done. Glad that they didn't seemed as winded. He would hold them as he was fine just letting them rest again his neck. Though it was a surprise once they would kiss his neck. He would freeze up as it did surprise him that they would do that. He would chuckle one he got over the surprise as he just rubbed their back.

He was glad they didn't try to speak loud, it did help with his high level of hearing.* "I'm glad that you don't mind the bad weather. But I would still rather that it didn't happen. I want you to stay warm and well good.
And yes, I want to spend time with you as well. It's fun no matter what we do."

*Andreas would be okay with just holding them but no matter what he just felt wanting to do more. He supposed though it would have have to wait. Maybe once he got a place? Least was with a try?* "But as much as I love this, you did say you had work."
Lori
Breath hitched at the sudden hand rubbing their back and the Doctor tried their hardest not to freeze up, but they did anyway, though recovered after a few moments. They tried not to mind the feeling, hell, they found it quite soothing, but did Andreas mind? Was he bothered by the way he would easily be able to count their ribs, feel their spine? They knew he wasn't one to judge, but they were so used to that reaction of disgust, of discomfort whenever people got close enough to realize it, that they almost expected it from him.

That did lead to another problem, one they hadn't considered before - the fact that those things they'd like to try doing with him, likely would involve being in a state that was... Less than properly dressed, and if there was one thing they were uncomfortable with, it was that. There was a reason their preferred clothing style was anything that covered them fully, preferably baggy clothing that left even more to the imagination, even if it made them look a lot younger than they were, to the point where many mistook them for a teenager. All of this brought so many difficulties with it... But they so desperately wanted it to continue.

They squeezed him a little tighter, keeping their face hidden completely. "I know I should go," The Doctor grumbled, "But I really don't want to... I want to stay with you, right here, right now." They were quiet for a few moments, then reluctantly pulled away, gaze kept low. "Just... Be careful, please, and... Make sure to rest so that you can recover. Okay?"
Ed
*Andreas kept his movements slow so they git used to it. He knew this was something they didn't think others wanted to see or anything like that. But he didn't mind, sure it was still concerning to feel their spine and ribs just because he knew what it meant but he didn't mind it. Sure if possible later on he would try to help them but that was it. He wasn't disgusted by it.

All he could do was just let them get used to the idea of him touching them. To make them get used to knowing he doesn't care how they are going to look or anything like that. He simply just wanted to be around them like they wanted to be around him.

He rubbed their head as they held on a little tighter he wanted them to feel comforted for as long as he could give it to them.* "Oh I know what you mean. If you want you can stay, if not well you can go. I won't force you either way. But if you do go I will behave and rest some. I will be careful as well so you need not worry. I should be mostly healed by the time we meet again."
Lori
It was oddly tempting to stay, to hold Andreas close and stay with him for the rest of the day, if not longer, but that sense of responsibility was impossible to shake off. After considering it for a long while, the Doctor reluctantly declined the offer with a shake of the head, exhaling a long sigh.

"I can't stay," They said softly, "There are people that need me." It felt like a shame to always have to disappear so early in the mornings, but that was the downside with these unplanned meetings, wasn't it? Which was why the next meeting was planned, so that they wouldn't have to leave so early for once. Maybe it was silly... But they were already looking forward to it.

The Doctor got to their feet and stretched before turning back to Andreas. "You'd better behave," They told him, "Otherwise you'll meet with some very dire consequences." It was hard to tell if it was a joke or a serious threat, considering their deadpan expression as they said it.

Though it was tempting to just walk out and leave, get it over and done with, they were struck with a sudden urge to be a little bolder... He wouldn't mind, right? And so, they stepped closer to Andreas, cupped his cheeks, and kissed him on the lips, pulling away after a long few moments with the tiniest hint of a smile on their lips, though it was hard to see. There. Now they could go.
Ed
"I figured you wouldn't be able to bit doesn't hurt to try. Least the next time we meet will have a bit more planned and in a good way this time." *Though he didn't want to let them go he would so they could get up. Maybe the days would go quickly so it was the meet time.

He could help but chuckle at their threat of him needing to behave. He didn't know what they might do if it was real but he almost wanted to just test it out.* "Don't worry I will behave like a good Aasimar, no biting anyone and causing trouble with the other kids" *He really didn't mind the little threat.

He was about to ask what it could possibly be for consequences but was stopped by the kiss. He really got surprised with their boldness at times. But he liked it, it showed they were opening up and taking a more lively look on life more. He couldn't help but smirk as he would decide to be a small tease as he'd take their one hand and kiss it like he was some knight.* "Well than till we meet again. I will behave and be waiting for the afternoon of the fourth day."