2: [voice]

[steadfastest]

Okay, so, there's something about reading not-the-cliffs-notes version of Bram Stoker's "Dracula" that really helps you appreciate the fact that these people decided to live between an insane asylum and Dracula's creepy house. COME ON, PEOPLE. COULD YOU HAVE PICKED A WORSE LOCATION

Comments

[Voice]

[redstringed]

You see? It's a wonder anyone takes that book seriously at all.

[Voice]

[steadfastest]

Rachel! Uh--yeah, remember that Giles guy I mentioned? He really likes that book. I just hate it when people turn themselves into victims, you know? Although that's probably the kind of thing you like.

[Voice]

[redstringed]

Does he, now?

And why on earth would I enjoy the stupidity of others as they place themselves in harm's way? Other than a general sense of schaudenfreude.

[Voice]

[steadfastest]

Oh. [Schaudenwhatnow?]

Well, you know--you're a vampire. That's a pretty good reason, right?

[Voice]

[redstringed]

I thought I had made it perfectly clear when last we spoke that the idea of consuming another's blood was absolutely repugnant. Clearly I was mistaken.

Or are you suggesting that I enjoy pain for pain's sake?

[Voice]

[steadfastest]

No, no--but--you're a VAMPIRE. That's what you guys do.

[Voice]

[redstringed]

Those without the willpower to resist the impulse, perhaps.

I find it wholly detestable. Tea is much more to my liking.

[Voice]

[steadfastest]

[Xander does not like it when things with vampires get complicated. They're bad. They are all bad. Right?]

Yeah, but you need the blood to survive, right? I mean, you're not gonna get by on ham sandwiches.

[Voice]

[redstringed]

Do not think me so weak. I manage perfectly fine.

Small... unpleasantries are a small price to pay for dignity.

[Voice]

[steadfastest]

Huh. Color me all kinds of skeptical, babe. [And sort of impressed, too.]

[Voice]

[redstringed]

Oh? Perhaps the vampires you are accustomed to dealing with are little more than brutish beasts with no sense of self-control or willpower. Underestimate me if you like, but know that you would be grossly incorrect.

I understand the consequences of my choice, and I stand by it.

And do not ever call me that again.

[Voice]

[steadfastest]

Okay, let me get this straight, Rachel: you've chosen to live without bloodsucking?

Vampires killed one of my best friends a couple years back. So I'm going to stand by that until I get real proof that vamps are anything but beasts.

[Voice]

[redstringed]

I can say nothing about the vampires you know in your world, but how would you have me prove this to you? Would you care for my life story, perhaps? A signed oath? I have no need to justify myself to you or your companions.

It happened once, and I will not allow it to happen again.

[Voice]

[steadfastest]

Mm hmm. Yeah, a little life story might help. Maybe.

[He's bristling at the "it happened once," but as a guy who has been possessed by a hyena spirit and as a result nearly devoured his best friend, he's willing to maybe give her the benefit of the doubt.]

[Voice]

[redstringed]

What reason would I possibly have for telling you a single thing about my past? Is my privacy worth so little that I would abandon it for the sake of a scruffy little boy's emotional security?

As the head of House Alucard, I see no reason to justify myself here. I know that what I say is the truth, and what I say to you will change none of the facts of the matter.

I would much rather partake of tea and sweets than the disgusting act of feeding on another being.

[voice]

[steadfastest]

Hey, hey hey hey--I'm not little, alright? Fine. Don't tell me. Whatever.

[I'll be over here, not trusting you.]