perfectdevil | the city: inbox

I store all my fancy clothes in the apartment next door to mine. There are so many empty places here, and I never liked stuffing them all into one or two wardrobes, so I figured why not use an entire home instead.

[ Just regular guy things. ]

The sun. Vampires love artificial lights, particularly the ones that buzz or shine in unnatural colours. I once found myself mesmerized by a lava lamp for long enough that a store attendant almost called the police on me. Very rock and roll. I don't think any idea is a bad idea, my dear, but I am strangely a little reluctant to force my kind underground in any capacity. We crave a mortal life, the trappings of a mortal home, the comfort of a bed we won't ever sleep in. It doesn't make sense, I know, but I would feel miserable in a bed under the ground. Though, arranging this information sheet and leaving it at those key stations, perhaps even gathering what provisions we can provide together and making their location known to new non-human arrivals who might need them... that could certainly help speed things along.

No, no, your concern is reasonable. That's the whole reason I want to talk it through with you, and with others like you; I might think something is viable in a practical sense but miss the bigger implications. I didn't consider the psychological impacts of underground housing, just the tangible benefits.

...

What about adapting the existing housing, then? Would it be feasible to remodel a select number of apartments and somehow mark them so that vampires would know they had been sun-secured?

Now that... that is an incredible idea. You truly are a wonder, mon petit rousse. There will, undoubtably and inevitably, be a few of my kind who buck the idea of being pandered to in this way completely and decide to go it their own, but creating somewhere to keep those who need it safe, even if only temporarily until they find somewhere that speaks to them more... I like the sound of that. I like it very much indeed.

This is what I do — finding solutions to unusual problems. And based on what you've said, I have to believe a new arrival would find it more welcoming just having the choice at all, regardless of whether or not they decide to take it, wouldn't they?

The point isn't for them to not be perhaps reasonably suspicious of the offer, or to deter them from making their own way. The point is that they have the option. That this place isn't just...hostile to them, right from the start.

I've got a lead on a contractor and an offer of a facilitator. If you wouldn't mind checking them out for me using your own resources, I can see about getting them engaged to work with us.

Exactly, exactly! When I arrived here it wasn't hostility I felt, exactly, but more.. anger. Frustration. That we are provided for with the blood in bottles as though such an offer would be in any way satisfactory, like we should feel thankful for it. This place claims to cater to our needs but makes no attempt at all to know what those needs are.

[ This way, at least, future creatures who need to know they're seen will at least feel that an effort has been made. ]

But this will welcome them, yes, whether they take it or not. It's much better. And of course, chérie, whatever you need. You give me their details, and I'll take care of it.

I've found an architect named Kaveh who's agreed to undertake the renovations. We're getting a little out of hand with the details; I think you'll enjoy what we've worked out so far.

Moreso than just securing a few rooms, we're in discussions about having accompanying secure pathing so the inhabitants — he isn't aware we're dealing with vampires, specifically — can actually reach the rooms safely as well. We're also discussing getting creative with artificial lighting in ways that will mimic natural lighting, giving the aesthetic experience of sunlight without the dangers of it.

He also wants to take on the project of securing certain other, public locations as well. I like this guy, frankly; he's very much an innovator. I gave him the specs and he's running miles with them, and I don't see any particular reason to refuse.

He has some questions to ask you about your specific needs, which he's offered to pass to you through me. I assume you're amenable?

Well, I trust your excellent judgement with this matter as with all others. If you say this man is of good quality, I'm helpless but to agree. I have to admit I'm quite touched - I don't know if perhaps it's well known that vampires crave the view of the sun almost as much as we fear it, or if the inclination to try to recreate its light artificially was just quick thinking outside the box, but you and your new friend have certainly gone the extra mile with this. I'm flattered. This somehow feels like more than my little act of heroism deserves. Perhaps we'll be forever locked in a back and forth of paying one another back, my darling. But yes, of course I'm amenable. Anything for you.

I appreciate his drive to do a job right, rather than just doing what he's asked. It should be an interesting challenge.

...

You should be careful, saying things like that to me. "Anything for you", I might start to think you're serious.

And why wouldn't you think I'm serious? Tell me, has anything I've ever said to you come off as a joke?

I've told you enough of my own. You're overdue to tell me a few in return.

People don't say things like that to me when they're not joking.

Oh, make no mistake, one day I'll offer you a joke so uproarious that you won't be able to stand for laughing so hard. You can be sure of that. But I will never joke about anything like this, my darling. You and I both know I can't be put into the same category as 'people', particularly in this instance. I'll say it again. Anything for you.

the city: inbox

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject