pattons-second-cookie-v2

[pattons-second-cookie-v2]

TS tweet 19/12/23

It's the anniversary of Virgil's first appearance today, so we put together an editorial look inspired by the ball of nerves himself who helped me learn more about my own anxiety issues. Happy Birthday, Virge! 💜

[pattons-second-cookie-v2]

Cant believe I got too high and now I’m building a whole AU off this shit

Broke: AU where Virgil is a vampire

Woke: AU where Virgil is a human and all the OTHER Sides are vampires

[pattons-second-cookie-v2]

The Blood That Binds- Prologue

*It’s here it’s finally here!! I apologize for not getting the character profiles done. I do still plan on uploading them. I just need more time. But I promised the story begins on Halloween and I’m keeping that promise. So please- enjoy!!*

Word Count: 1,695

Tag List: @sethlost @thearomanticsnake

Virgil sighed as he tossed the last cardboard box into the dumpster. He was relieved to have gotten settled into the apartment before it started snowing again. It felt strange to be back in the same building he grew up in. He was glad Aunt Patty still owned the complex because there was no way he’d be able to make rent anywhere else.

Heading back inside, Virgil gazed at the calendar on his wall. A large “27” was circled on today’s date. Virgil sighed as he’d nearly forgotten his own birthday. The first birthday he’d be spending in the city in nearly a decade. He’s changed so much, for better or worse. He’d gone to college, earned a psychology degree, realized he didn’t want to be a therapist and that he just needs therapy, and then refused to find a good therapist. And now…

Now he’s back home. In the same small apartment he spent the first 21 years of his life in. Where his Aunt Patty did her best to raise him whilst singing praise of his mother and father.

Mom and Dad… He’d grown numb to the memory of them. He never knew his father, but he’s reminded every year that his birthday is the day he died. It was snowing terribly, and his dad had left work and was speeding to the hospital. His car was totaled… and his body was never salvaged from the wreckage.

Virgil’s mother lost her mind after hearing the news of her husband’s passing. She couldn’t cope with the idea of raising her baby alone. Patton had been so excited to be a father…

Virgil shook the memory from his head and tried focusing on settling back in. He turns on the TV and tries to drown out his grief with Parks & Rec reruns. But the cheap comedy doesn’t work on him this time.

He feels his body tighten like a spring before he stands up from his worn out sofa, turns off the television, and grabs his favorite hoodie before heading out. It was getting pretty late, and he needed a drink.

*Downtown*

Virgil typically hates crowds, but around this time of year it’s the one thing he seeks. The louder and busier a place is, the less likely he is to be noticed. And he never wants to be noticed on his birthday.

Gay clubs are especially vibrant this time of year, with a massive wave of people seeking to keep away from homophobic family members. The most popular in the city, The Rose Garden, was one Virgil often visited when he had first turned 21. The place was called such for its classy, flowery parlor and bar area and its intense and “thorny” dance floor. He wondered if much had changed in the last 6 years.

Slinking up to the bar, Virgil felt the anxiety creep into him. Rather than push it away like usual, he welcomed it. He listened to the music humming through the walls of the dance floor and let his mind race for a moment. He felt the physical toll of panic inch in. The pounding heart. The racing thoughts. Even the slightly foggy vision. He had become so focused on his own breath he hadn’t even noticed the set of eyes watching him from the far end of the bar.

The young man looked to be around the same age as Virgil, but he had an indescribable maturity to him. Shoulders sat broadly and chin held high. Even his clothes had a certain regality to it. He had a hungry and focused look in his eye as he watched Virgil stare blankly into his drink. Something about this sad little stormcloud in a sea of celebratory bodies intrigued him. It seemed only fair to offer an introduction.

“What’s someone as pretty as you doing looking so sad?” The young man said as he placed himself in the seat next to Virgil’s.

Virgil looked over to the man as was taken back by his own beauty. He did his best to play it cool. “What’s someone as handsome as you doing wasting time with someone so sad?”

“We’ll, it is almost Christmas and New Year’s! The world continues to spin for yet another moment. Everyone is celebrating family and the year’s accomplishments.” The man quickly noticed Virgil’s disinterest in his fondness for the holidays. “There is no reason to be so glum during the holidays.”

Virgil felt the frustration well up in him, or perhaps it was just the alcohol talking. “Yeah well it’s also my birthday and I’m still feeling pretty ‘glum’ as you put it.”

“Your birthday? And you’re sitting here alone and sulking? That simply won’t do.” The man signaled over the bartender. “Some shots for me and my new acquaintance, if it’s not too much to ask.”

“No, thanks,” Virgil said uncomfortably. “I appreciate you trying to be friendly and everything, but I know better than to drink with strangers.”

The man placed a hand on Virgil’s shoulder before he could stand.

“I’m Roman. My father owns this club, and he likes to have me make sure everyone is having a good time.” His expression softened. “Please, just one drink?”

“…Fine. One drink and then I’m going home,” Virgil sighed before picking up the shot glass places before him.

The pair each raised their glass to the other.

“You never told me your name.” Roman smirked.

“Virgil,” he replied before downing his shot. He grimaced slightly as it burned his throat.

“To Virgil,” Roman toasted. “May the eve of his birthday turn around for the better.”

Roman hardly pulled a face as he took his shot. He smiled as he looked at Virgil, but found the young man looking back at him solemnly.

“It’s not just my birthday…” He could barely be heard as he spoke in a whisper. “It’s also the same day my dad died…”

Roman sat for a moment in stunned silence. Had he been given a hundred guesses on why this boy was so saddened, he never would have landed on such an answer. “Oh my… I’m not exactly sure what to say… I'm so sorry for your loss.”

“That’s all anybody ever says,” Virgil sighed as he shrunk down in his hoodie. “‘I’m so sorry’, ‘That’s so awful’, ‘You poor thing’. It means nothing. But I’m not pouring my heart out to a stranger.”

Virgil turned and stood, but instead slanted and fell off his barstool. Roman reached an arm out to catch him. He stood to join Virgil and steady him.

“You’re in no state to drive,” Roman spoke sternly. “Let me take you home. It’s the least I can do after ruining your night.”

Virgil’s meds made his two drinks feel like 6. That plus the shot and the fact he’d been so busy unpacking that he hadn’t eaten made it impossible for him to get home safely. He looked to the floor ashamed and nodded.

“Okay, but after I want you to leave me alone. You don’t save my address, you don’t get my number, I don’t even give you my Twitter handle.”

“I don’t have Twitter,” Roman said as he put an arm around Virgil’s shoulder and guided him out of The Rose Garden.

Virgil couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at that. How anyone in this day and age avoids social media is a mystery to him.

Virge pulled up the apartments on his phone and sat in the front seat with his knees tucked up to his chest. He and Roman rode in silence as the radio blared Christmas music.

Pulling up to his place, Virgil could feel Roman wanting to speak.

“If you have something to say,” he mumbled, “go ahead and say it.”

Roman hesitated for a moment. “It’s just that… I’d been told this place was haunted. That there’s a ghost that circles the building at night.”

Virgil stayed silent for a long while. “Yeah…… My aunt used to say it’s my dad trying to visit. I think it was her attempt to comfort me as a kid. Telling me he was still around in a way. But all it did was make me scared of becoming a ghost.”

“You are. So. Sad.” Roman covered his mouth, instantly regretting what he’d just said. “I apologize- I’ve just never come across someone full of such pain.”

“And you never will again,” Virgil said as he stood out of the car. “Give me back my keys. Goodnight, Roman.”

“No!” Roman rushed out of the car. “We can’t end it all like that. You can’t give me just a glimpse of how broken you are and then expect me to walk about like I’m not thinking up ways to fix you. As if I won’t be spending every waking moment imagining how I can make a smile return to your face. I can’t just go about pretending I don’t know there’s a sad young man full of such pain who needs-“

“I don’t need whatever you’re offering!!” Virgil shouted. “Friendship, Love, Sex- whatever it is you think I “need”. I don’t want it! You caught me at a weak point and that’s it.”

Virgil pushed himself past Roman and made his way to the building door.

“Just pretend tonight never happened,” he said without turning around. “That’s what I always do…”

Virgil unlocked the door and let himself inside, making sure it locked behind him before heading upstairs.

Roman stood there in the parking lot for a while, thoroughly disappointed at how botched his hunt had been. How had his natural charms not worked? Why didn’t he attempt Compulsion over this young man? What was this weird fluttering in the spot where his heart once beat?

All questions that would have to be put off for another night. There was still a need to feed before sunrise, and this new obsession would have to wait. Roman turned on his heels and stalked off into the night.

The December air was cold and still and the night moved on. From the far edge of the parking lot, Patton emerged from the shadows, visibly shaken by what he’d just seen.

“I gotta tell Logan,” he said nervously.

[pattons-second-cookie-v2]

This was posted in response to the 2016 election results but it still feels important now

Stay safe kiddos- I’m rooting for us all 🍪🩵🐶

A lot of you guys liked the message I posted from last night, so I figured I would post it here if you needed it. <3

[pattons-second-cookie-v2]

CHAPTER ONE IS LIVE!!!!

Relationship Map for The Blood That Binds- A Sanders Sides X Vampire the Masquerade AU

There's a title now!!! From now on, posts under this project be titled and tagged with The Blood That Binds.

2 weeks ago I posted a poll asking if people would like to see Character Profiles or a Relationship Map first. The results showed a majority rule for the Relationship Map, which I am sharing today! But! I will be uploading the Character Profiles as well some time between now and the publishing of Chapter 1 (which I do still plan to release on Halloween).

Anyway, I've rambled enough- HERE'S THE MAP

So I know this is an absolute mess to look at so let me further explain how it's set up. Each character has their own color (I am aware of the shade similarity between Patton/Logan and Roman/Thomas but I genuinely couldn't think what other colors to use). The symbols next to most characters are their Clan Symbol- which I will further explain in the Character Profiles.

Characters connected by solid lines have interacted directly at least once. Characters connected by arrows have not interacted, but will interact in the beginnings of the tale. Below the cut, I've included some further explanations of the relationships.

Patton and Virgil

This is the dynamic that made me want to write this story in the first place. In this AU, Patton is Virgil's biological father. Through a misfortune that will be explained later on, Patton became a vampire when Virgil was still a baby (late 90s). Virgil grew up in the city believing his father to have passed away, all while Patton has been silently observing him from the shadows. At the time where our story takes place, Virgil has returned to the city after a little over 6 years away. And Patton is going to have a totally normal and rational reaction to seeing his son again.

Roman and Thomas

I knew I wanted to toy around with the supernatural power dynamic of a Sire Bond. And I knew I wanted Thomas specifically to be someone's Sire. In the context of the story, Roman was once Thomas' love, and was given the gift of immortality as a means to stay together forever. Thomas himself was still quite new to vampirism, and he quickly grew to regret making Roman. In the modern day, Roman is more like a lackey to Thomas. Following his beck and call in hopes of earning his favor once again. It has been over 70 years, and still Roman very much has the desperate hero vibes about him.

Roman and Virgil

Roman has spotted Virgil, and where the story picks up, he's beginning to close in. The only issue is he can't decide what exactly he'll do once he gets close to Virgil. He could make him a mindless Blood Slave. He could string him out as a forlorn lover. He could recruit him to his vampiric faction, as either a Bonded Ghoul or a fledgling vampire. His decision will drastically reform the dynamics of all those around him. But he's a little too lovestruck to realize the potential damage he could cause.

Logan and Patton

A healthy relationship?? In my toxic vampire romance? Yes, actually. Logan found Patton as a terrified fledgling who'd been abandoned by his Sire. Having roughly two decades of vampiric knowledge to rely on, Logan was quick to lend his talents to guide Patton. It became rather apparent that Patton did not take well to vampirism, and Logan's levelheadedness eased him into his new existence. In the modern nights, the two are inseparable. This is mostly at Patton's request, as he begins to grow paranoid in Logan's absence.

Janus and Remus

Janus is power-hungry and Remus is easily controlled. Janus has a few years of seniority over Remus, which he is quick to remind him of. Remus is also the only character who is beginning the story already Blood Bound. He has been Janus' thrall for since the 80s, and after spending over 30 years unbound, he just feels grateful to be noticed. He thinks being close to Janus gets him closer to Roman gets him closer to the command and power he truly craves. He views his Bond as a necessary evil. Janus views it as a means of controlling a scary guard dog.

Janus and Thomas

These two are both members of the Inner Circle, a sort of Sect within the Sect of the Camarilla. Those in the Inner Circle often interact directly with the Prince of the city (or whoever is in command) as well as following out any jurisdiction placed by the Prince. Janus and Thomas entered the Camarilla at roughly the same time, as well as being welcomed to the Inner Circle during the same night of Elysium. Their specific roles within the inner circle will be explained later.

Janus has always viewed Thomas as a potential adversary, believing that their power and influence combined could be immensely beneficial to the Camarilla. Thomas, on the other hand, is extremely jealous of Janus. He believes that their parallel rise to power is building up to an ultimate showdown where one of them will be forced to overtake the other. And he does not intend for Janus to have the advantage.

Remus and Logan

Remus has a 20 year advantage on Logan. At the time of their meeting, they were both strays who were not bound to any vampiric Sect. Remus viewed Logan as a fellow outcast, someone with skill and poise that could prove a useful asset in his major goals. Logan viewed himself as superior to Remus, believing his pragmatic approach to vampirism made him more appealing. They had a messy breakup, to put it lightly, and neither of them have made any attempt to reconnect.

Roman and Remus

These two are still canonically twin brothers. There's a lot to explain, which I will cover in better detail in each of their Character Profiles. But to summarize here: Roman became a vampire first, and has believed Remus to have passed away after being deployed during WWII. However, Remus did return home after the war, and had heard whispers of his brother joining a "secret society". Efforts to find Roman ultimately lead to Remus becoming a vampire himself. Rather than wallow over what had become his fate, Remus has instead spent the last few decades working to use his abilities as a means of finding Roman and taking all that he is.

Characters who have NOT interacted together!

Patton and Roman

Logan and Roman

Logan and Janus

Janus and Patton

Janus and Roman

Remus and Patton

Remus and Thomas

Logan and Thomas

Virgil and EVERYBODY

I believe that covers everything for now. My goal is to have a Character Profile posted every Friday between now and Halloween, and then posting Chapter One on Halloween as a way to enjoy the spooky evening. As always, if you wish to be tagged in this project, reply on this post or send me a DM.

Tag List: @sethlost @thearomanticsnake

Above board for a moment, I do want to thank everyone who has been encouraging this story. It's been a long while since I've written any major works, and I'm really excited to be worldbuilding again. So just- thanks for the kind words and the sharing and the support. Its really means a lot <3

-🍪

[pattons-second-cookie-v2]

The Blood That Binds- Prologue

*It’s here it’s finally here!! I apologize for not getting the character profiles done. I do still plan on uploading them. I just need more time. But I promised the story begins on Halloween and I’m keeping that promise. So please- enjoy!!*

Word Count: 1,695

Tag List: @sethlost @thearomanticsnake

Virgil sighed as he tossed the last cardboard box into the dumpster. He was relieved to have gotten settled into the apartment before it started snowing again. It felt strange to be back in the same building he grew up in. He was glad Aunt Patty still owned the complex because there was no way he’d be able to make rent anywhere else.

Heading back inside, Virgil gazed at the calendar on his wall. A large “27” was circled on today’s date. Virgil sighed as he’d nearly forgotten his own birthday. The first birthday he’d be spending in the city in nearly a decade. He’s changed so much, for better or worse. He’d gone to college, earned a psychology degree, realized he didn’t want to be a therapist and that he just needs therapy, and then refused to find a good therapist. And now…

Now he’s back home. In the same small apartment he spent the first 21 years of his life in. Where his Aunt Patty did her best to raise him whilst singing praise of his mother and father.

Mom and Dad… He’d grown numb to the memory of them. He never knew his father, but he’s reminded every year that his birthday is the day he died. It was snowing terribly, and his dad had left work and was speeding to the hospital. His car was totaled… and his body was never salvaged from the wreckage.

Virgil’s mother lost her mind after hearing the news of her husband’s passing. She couldn’t cope with the idea of raising her baby alone. Patton had been so excited to be a father…

Virgil shook the memory from his head and tried focusing on settling back in. He turns on the TV and tries to drown out his grief with Parks & Rec reruns. But the cheap comedy doesn’t work on him this time.

He feels his body tighten like a spring before he stands up from his worn out sofa, turns off the television, and grabs his favorite hoodie before heading out. It was getting pretty late, and he needed a drink.

*Downtown*

Virgil typically hates crowds, but around this time of year it’s the one thing he seeks. The louder and busier a place is, the less likely he is to be noticed. And he never wants to be noticed on his birthday.

Gay clubs are especially vibrant this time of year, with a massive wave of people seeking to keep away from homophobic family members. The most popular in the city, The Rose Garden, was one Virgil often visited when he had first turned 21. The place was called such for its classy, flowery parlor and bar area and its intense and “thorny” dance floor. He wondered if much had changed in the last 6 years.

Slinking up to the bar, Virgil felt the anxiety creep into him. Rather than push it away like usual, he welcomed it. He listened to the music humming through the walls of the dance floor and let his mind race for a moment. He felt the physical toll of panic inch in. The pounding heart. The racing thoughts. Even the slightly foggy vision. He had become so focused on his own breath he hadn’t even noticed the set of eyes watching him from the far end of the bar.

The young man looked to be around the same age as Virgil, but he had an indescribable maturity to him. Shoulders sat broadly and chin held high. Even his clothes had a certain regality to it. He had a hungry and focused look in his eye as he watched Virgil stare blankly into his drink. Something about this sad little stormcloud in a sea of celebratory bodies intrigued him. It seemed only fair to offer an introduction.

“What’s someone as pretty as you doing looking so sad?” The young man said as he placed himself in the seat next to Virgil’s.

Virgil looked over to the man as was taken back by his own beauty. He did his best to play it cool. “What’s someone as handsome as you doing wasting time with someone so sad?”

“We’ll, it is almost Christmas and New Year’s! The world continues to spin for yet another moment. Everyone is celebrating family and the year’s accomplishments.” The man quickly noticed Virgil’s disinterest in his fondness for the holidays. “There is no reason to be so glum during the holidays.”

Virgil felt the frustration well up in him, or perhaps it was just the alcohol talking. “Yeah well it’s also my birthday and I’m still feeling pretty ‘glum’ as you put it.”

“Your birthday? And you’re sitting here alone and sulking? That simply won’t do.” The man signaled over the bartender. “Some shots for me and my new acquaintance, if it’s not too much to ask.”

“No, thanks,” Virgil said uncomfortably. “I appreciate you trying to be friendly and everything, but I know better than to drink with strangers.”

The man placed a hand on Virgil’s shoulder before he could stand.

“I’m Roman. My father owns this club, and he likes to have me make sure everyone is having a good time.” His expression softened. “Please, just one drink?”

“…Fine. One drink and then I’m going home,” Virgil sighed before picking up the shot glass places before him.

The pair each raised their glass to the other.

“You never told me your name.” Roman smirked.

“Virgil,” he replied before downing his shot. He grimaced slightly as it burned his throat.

“To Virgil,” Roman toasted. “May the eve of his birthday turn around for the better.”

Roman hardly pulled a face as he took his shot. He smiled as he looked at Virgil, but found the young man looking back at him solemnly.

“It’s not just my birthday…” He could barely be heard as he spoke in a whisper. “It’s also the same day my dad died…”

Roman sat for a moment in stunned silence. Had he been given a hundred guesses on why this boy was so saddened, he never would have landed on such an answer. “Oh my… I’m not exactly sure what to say… I'm so sorry for your loss.”

“That’s all anybody ever says,” Virgil sighed as he shrunk down in his hoodie. “‘I’m so sorry’, ‘That’s so awful’, ‘You poor thing’. It means nothing. But I’m not pouring my heart out to a stranger.”

Virgil turned and stood, but instead slanted and fell off his barstool. Roman reached an arm out to catch him. He stood to join Virgil and steady him.

“You’re in no state to drive,” Roman spoke sternly. “Let me take you home. It’s the least I can do after ruining your night.”

Virgil’s meds made his two drinks feel like 6. That plus the shot and the fact he’d been so busy unpacking that he hadn’t eaten made it impossible for him to get home safely. He looked to the floor ashamed and nodded.

“Okay, but after I want you to leave me alone. You don’t save my address, you don’t get my number, I don’t even give you my Twitter handle.”

“I don’t have Twitter,” Roman said as he put an arm around Virgil’s shoulder and guided him out of The Rose Garden.

Virgil couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at that. How anyone in this day and age avoids social media is a mystery to him.

Virge pulled up the apartments on his phone and sat in the front seat with his knees tucked up to his chest. He and Roman rode in silence as the radio blared Christmas music.

Pulling up to his place, Virgil could feel Roman wanting to speak.

“If you have something to say,” he mumbled, “go ahead and say it.”

Roman hesitated for a moment. “It’s just that… I’d been told this place was haunted. That there’s a ghost that circles the building at night.”

Virgil stayed silent for a long while. “Yeah…… My aunt used to say it’s my dad trying to visit. I think it was her attempt to comfort me as a kid. Telling me he was still around in a way. But all it did was make me scared of becoming a ghost.”

“You are. So. Sad.” Roman covered his mouth, instantly regretting what he’d just said. “I apologize- I’ve just never come across someone full of such pain.”

“And you never will again,” Virgil said as he stood out of the car. “Give me back my keys. Goodnight, Roman.”

“No!” Roman rushed out of the car. “We can’t end it all like that. You can’t give me just a glimpse of how broken you are and then expect me to walk about like I’m not thinking up ways to fix you. As if I won’t be spending every waking moment imagining how I can make a smile return to your face. I can’t just go about pretending I don’t know there’s a sad young man full of such pain who needs-“

“I don’t need whatever you’re offering!!” Virgil shouted. “Friendship, Love, Sex- whatever it is you think I “need”. I don’t want it! You caught me at a weak point and that’s it.”

Virgil pushed himself past Roman and made his way to the building door.

“Just pretend tonight never happened,” he said without turning around. “That’s what I always do…”

Virgil unlocked the door and let himself inside, making sure it locked behind him before heading upstairs.

Roman stood there in the parking lot for a while, thoroughly disappointed at how botched his hunt had been. How had his natural charms not worked? Why didn’t he attempt Compulsion over this young man? What was this weird fluttering in the spot where his heart once beat?

All questions that would have to be put off for another night. There was still a need to feed before sunrise, and this new obsession would have to wait. Roman turned on his heels and stalked off into the night.

The December air was cold and still and the night moved on. From the far edge of the parking lot, Patton emerged from the shadows, visibly shaken by what he’d just seen.

“I gotta tell Logan,” he said nervously.

[pattons-second-cookie-v2]

The Blood That Binds- Prologue

*It’s here it’s finally here!! I apologize for not getting the character profiles done. I do still plan on uploading them. I just need more time. But I promised the story begins on Halloween and I’m keeping that promise. So please- enjoy!!*

Relation Map

Word Count: 1,695

Tag List: @sethlost @thearomanticsnake

Virgil sighed as he tossed the last cardboard box into the dumpster. He was relieved to have gotten settled into the apartment before it started snowing again. It felt strange to be back in the same building he grew up in. He was glad Aunt Patty still owned the complex because there was no way he’d be able to make rent anywhere else.

Heading back inside, Virgil gazed at the calendar on his wall. A large “27” was circled on today’s date. Virgil sighed as he’d nearly forgotten his own birthday. The first birthday he’d be spending in the city in nearly a decade. He’s changed so much, for better or worse. He’d gone to college, earned a psychology degree, realized he didn’t want to be a therapist and that he just needs therapy, and then refused to find a good therapist. And now…

Now he’s back home. In the same small apartment he spent the first 21 years of his life in. Where his Aunt Patty did her best to raise him whilst singing praise of his mother and father.

Mom and Dad… He’d grown numb to the memory of them. He never knew his father, but he’s reminded every year that his birthday is the day he died. It was snowing terribly, and his dad had left work and was speeding to the hospital. His car was totaled… and his body was never salvaged from the wreckage.

Virgil’s mother lost her mind after hearing the news of her husband’s passing. She couldn’t cope with the idea of raising her baby alone. Patton had been so excited to be a father…

Virgil shook the memory from his head and tried focusing on settling back in. He turns on the TV and tries to drown out his grief with Parks & Rec reruns. But the cheap comedy doesn’t work on him this time.

He feels his body tighten like a spring before he stands up from his worn out sofa, turns off the television, and grabs his favorite hoodie before heading out. It was getting pretty late, and he needed a drink.

*Downtown*

Virgil typically hates crowds, but around this time of year it’s the one thing he seeks. The louder and busier a place is, the less likely he is to be noticed. And he never wants to be noticed on his birthday.

Gay clubs are especially vibrant this time of year, with a massive wave of people seeking to keep away from homophobic family members. The most popular in the city, The Rose Garden, was one Virgil often visited when he had first turned 21. The place was called such for its classy, flowery parlor and bar area and its intense and “thorny” dance floor. He wondered if much had changed in the last 6 years.

Slinking up to the bar, Virgil felt the anxiety creep into him. Rather than push it away like usual, he welcomed it. He listened to the music humming through the walls of the dance floor and let his mind race for a moment. He felt the physical toll of panic inch in. The pounding heart. The racing thoughts. Even the slightly foggy vision. He had become so focused on his own breath he hadn’t even noticed the set of eyes watching him from the far end of the bar.

The young man looked to be around the same age as Virgil, but he had an indescribable maturity to him. Shoulders sat broadly and chin held high. Even his clothes had a certain regality to it. He had a hungry and focused look in his eye as he watched Virgil stare blankly into his drink. Something about this sad little stormcloud in a sea of celebratory bodies intrigued him. It seemed only fair to offer an introduction.

“What’s someone as pretty as you doing looking so sad?” The young man said as he placed himself in the seat next to Virgil’s.

Virgil looked over to the man as was taken back by his own beauty. He did his best to play it cool. “What’s someone as handsome as you doing wasting time with someone so sad?”

“We’ll, it is almost Christmas and New Year’s! The world continues to spin for yet another moment. Everyone is celebrating family and the year’s accomplishments.” The man quickly noticed Virgil’s disinterest in his fondness for the holidays. “There is no reason to be so glum during the holidays.”

Virgil felt the frustration well up in him, or perhaps it was just the alcohol talking. “Yeah well it’s also my birthday and I’m still feeling pretty ‘glum’ as you put it.”

“Your birthday? And you’re sitting here alone and sulking? That simply won’t do.” The man signaled over the bartender. “Some shots for me and my new acquaintance, if it’s not too much to ask.”

“No, thanks,” Virgil said uncomfortably. “I appreciate you trying to be friendly and everything, but I know better than to drink with strangers.”

The man placed a hand on Virgil’s shoulder before he could stand.

“I’m Roman. My father owns this club, and he likes to have me make sure everyone is having a good time.” His expression softened. “Please, just one drink?”

“…Fine. One drink and then I’m going home,” Virgil sighed before picking up the shot glass places before him.

The pair each raised their glass to the other.

“You never told me your name.” Roman smirked.

“Virgil,” he replied before downing his shot. He grimaced slightly as it burned his throat.

“To Virgil,” Roman toasted. “May the eve of his birthday turn around for the better.”

Roman hardly pulled a face as he took his shot. He smiled as he looked at Virgil, but found the young man looking back at him solemnly.

“It’s not just my birthday…” He could barely be heard as he spoke in a whisper. “It’s also the same day my dad died…”

Roman sat for a moment in stunned silence. Had he been given a hundred guesses on why this boy was so saddened, he never would have landed on such an answer. “Oh my… I’m not exactly sure what to say… I'm so sorry for your loss.”

“That’s all anybody ever says,” Virgil sighed as he shrunk down in his hoodie. “‘I’m so sorry’, ‘That’s so awful’, ‘You poor thing’. It means nothing. But I’m not pouring my heart out to a stranger.”

Virgil turned and stood, but instead slanted and fell off his barstool. Roman reached an arm out to catch him. He stood to join Virgil and steady him.

“You’re in no state to drive,” Roman spoke sternly. “Let me take you home. It’s the least I can do after ruining your night.”

Virgil’s meds made his two drinks feel like 6. That plus the shot and the fact he’d been so busy unpacking that he hadn’t eaten made it impossible for him to get home safely. He looked to the floor ashamed and nodded.

“Okay, but after I want you to leave me alone. You don’t save my address, you don’t get my number, I don’t even give you my Twitter handle.”

“I don’t have Twitter,” Roman said as he put an arm around Virgil’s shoulder and guided him out of The Rose Garden.

Virgil couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at that. How anyone in this day and age avoids social media is a mystery to him.

Virge pulled up the apartments on his phone and sat in the front seat with his knees tucked up to his chest. He and Roman rode in silence as the radio blared Christmas music.

Pulling up to his place, Virgil could feel Roman wanting to speak.

“If you have something to say,” he mumbled, “go ahead and say it.”

Roman hesitated for a moment. “It’s just that… I’d been told this place was haunted. That there’s a ghost that circles the building at night.”

Virgil stayed silent for a long while. “Yeah…… My aunt used to say it’s my dad trying to visit. I think it was her attempt to comfort me as a kid. Telling me he was still around in a way. But all it did was make me scared of becoming a ghost.”

“You are. So. Sad.” Roman covered his mouth, instantly regretting what he’d just said. “I apologize- I’ve just never come across someone full of such pain.”

“And you never will again,” Virgil said as he stood out of the car. “Give me back my keys. Goodnight, Roman.”

“No!” Roman rushed out of the car. “We can’t end it all like that. You can’t give me just a glimpse of how broken you are and then expect me to walk about like I’m not thinking up ways to fix you. As if I won’t be spending every waking moment imagining how I can make a smile return to your face. I can’t just go about pretending I don’t know there’s a sad young man full of such pain who needs-“

“I don’t need whatever you’re offering!!” Virgil shouted. “Friendship, Love, Sex- whatever it is you think I “need”. I don’t want it! You caught me at a weak point and that’s it.”

Virgil pushed himself past Roman and made his way to the building door.

“Just pretend tonight never happened,” he said without turning around. “That’s what I always do…”

Virgil unlocked the door and let himself inside, making sure it locked behind him before heading upstairs.

Roman stood there in the parking lot for a while, thoroughly disappointed at how botched his hunt had been. How had his natural charms not worked? Why didn’t he attempt Compulsion over this young man? What was this weird fluttering in the spot where his heart once beat?

All questions that would have to be put off for another night. There was still a need to feed before sunrise, and this new obsession would have to wait. Roman turned on his heels and stalked off into the night.

The December air was cold and still and the night moved on. From the far edge of the parking lot, Patton emerged from the shadows, visibly shaken by what he’d just seen.

“I gotta tell Logan,” he said nervously.

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Moving On/Moving Forward Virgil going through an internalized panic attack, my beloved 💜💜

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Bringing this back up because the latest Asides got me thinking that Virgil really likes Nightmare Before Christmas because it’s an excuse to talk about something spooky at both Halloween and Christmas time and if he times it right he can get the others to watch it with him in December

Do you think Virgil dislikes Christmas because everyone is so caught up in getting ready for the holiday that they don't really celebrate his birthday on the 19th??

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Sorry for the inactivity- I’ve been having a bit of a mental health episode. But I’m doing better now and wanna get back to posting

I’m still working on The Blood That Binds, my Vampire: The Masquerade AU. I’ll be posting as many character profiles as I can over the next week or so, with any that remain coming out after the first chapter. CHAPTER 1 IS STILL SET TO RELEASE ON HALLOWEEN!!!

Aside from the story I’ll be posting here casually, but feel free to dump questions in my ask box whenever!!

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“In POF, Patton wanted C!Thomas to k!ll himself!”

WRONG!!!!!

The whole point of Patton becoming LilyPadton was that more and more intense scenarios were being thrown at him. Going from “video game vs feeding the homeless” to the trolley problem to “time spent on leisure vs time spent helping others” all building up higher and higher until he gets frustrated and asks “Well okay, what if THOMAS is being directly positioned against these needy people?!”

Similarly to how when Roman ask Janus “when is it enough [selfishness]?”, Patton was being pushed to question “when is it enough selflessness?” He even says himself he wouldn’t want to have Thomas making choices that would ever put him in a life or death scenario.

Nobody wants c!Thomas to die. The whole premise of the line of questions was to test Patton’s limits. Janus was intentionally pushing him further and further, continuously bringing up the oxygen masks scenario and speaking in ways that contradict Patton’s attempts at selflessness (calling his altruism acts of pity and such)

Janus knew that an easy way to show Patton’s flaw in always taking what he believes is the moral high road was to bring up intense questions that Pat could not easily answer. Of course, Janus wasn’t expecting Patton to bring c!Thomas’ life into the equation, which is why he intervened and revealed himself when Patton did so. He expected Patton to get riled up but not to that extreme of an extent, and when he realized Patton’s distress he brought up counter arguments that helped to calm Patton down. Janus helped Patton see his mistakes and realized where he was messing up.

AND PATTON DID!

He admits that the falters in c!Thomas’ mental health are a direct response to Patton constantly pushing Thomas in the direction of selflessness without giving time for selfish behavior. He conditioned Thomas into thinking he can only feel good if there’s goodness being spread to others without expecting praise and he had to realize he was wrong.

TL;DR- Patton only brought c!Thomas’ life into the equation after getting swept in the wave of bigger and bigger “what if…?” scenarios and Janus realized Patton couldn’t see his errors without some guidance. Nobody ever wanted c!Thomas to die, Patton was just tying to follow the trend of everyone else giving more and more intense moral quandaries for him to worry over until he ended up hitting a breaking point.

But I will NOT stand for people saying Patton wished death upon c!Thomas when he just hit a level of frustration he couldn’t comprehend.

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The Blood That Binds Character Profile- Janus

Prologue | Relationship Map | Thomas

The second Profile is here, albeit a little later than I would’ve liked. I apologize. But here it is!! Janus’ backstory!!

Tag List: @sethlost @thearomanticsnake

TW: mentions of abuse, use of supernatural domination

Janus came from a line of privilege. He had a past life in England that entitled him to all the finer things. He immigrated to America at the first signs of tension in Germany, and quickly established himself as an eccentric salesman. He had a way with words that made others believe nearly anything he said. There wasn’t any lie he couldn’t make someone believe.

No one knows who Janus’ Sire is. It’s a fact even he himself refuses to share. Some theorize that it was a past love he killed shortly after the Embrace. Others that it was an undercover Anarch. Others still claim it was the Prince himself.

What matters is that Janus took to the gift of vampirism surprisingly fast. He was an efficient hunter, a master of his Disciplines, and a strong enforcer of the Masquerade. He earned himself a spot in the Inner Circle rather quickly. He did take the time to notice the handsome young Toreador being brought up alongside him. Thomas and his clumsy fledgling Roman were a pleasant site for Janus.

As time passed Janus’ strength and resolve grew. He was uncannily good at keeping his true intentions hidden from the rest of the Ivory Tower. He kept to himself most night, keeping an eye out for strays or signs of rebellion. By the end of the 1960s he had been instated as the new Sheriff of the Camarilla. This quickly drew his desire to find himself a Scourge/Hound to assist him.

It was a seemingly ordinary night in 1975 as Janus made a brief patrol around the city. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. That was until he picked up the faint trace of blood in the air outside a shabby apartment complex. Once inside, Janus could make out the sound of two people having a heated argument.

Following the sound to the third floor, clearing the others to ensure they were clear, he came across a ghastly sight. Two Kindred, one elbow-deep in the blood of a dying human on the floor. The other was just as bloodstained but appeared injured, as if he’d be thrown about rather heavily. Janus couldn’t help but notice the eery similarity between this vampire’s features and Roman’s. If he didn’t know better, he’d say they were brothers.

The Kindred kneeling over the human was clearly younger and less experienced. It was easy for Janus to subdue him, but for whatever reason he chose to leave this one alive. Perhaps he wanted to leave them to their mess. But he would not leave alone.

It took little convincing to get Remus on Janus’ side. It took even less to establish the Blood Bond. Remus has been Janus’ obedient guard dog for nearly 50 years. It was an uneasy adjustment to bring a Tzimisce into the Camarilla, but eventually a fragile peace was established. Janus always held the promise that Remus' time would come. Just a little more time. Just a little more blood. Patience. All in due time...

In the modern nights the two are inseparable, for better or worse. Remus follows Janus' every order, and Janus is always there to clean up Remus' mess. Combatting Anarchs and Sabatt, removing strays, accomplishing Blood Hunts set by the Prince. Whatever the tasks, the Sheriff and Hound were quick to see it done.

Their next mission: Observe Roman as he is given his next trial.

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Do you think Virgil dislikes Christmas because everyone is so caught up in getting ready for the holiday that they don't really celebrate his birthday on the 19th??

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Relationship Map for The Blood That Binds- A Sanders Sides X Vampire the Masquerade AU

There's a title now!!! From now on, posts under this project be titled and tagged with The Blood That Binds.

2 weeks ago I posted a poll asking if people would like to see Character Profiles or a Relationship Map first. The results showed a majority rule for the Relationship Map, which I am sharing today! But! I will be uploading the Character Profiles as well some time between now and the publishing of Chapter 1 (which I do still plan to release on Halloween).

Anyway, I've rambled enough- HERE'S THE MAP

So I know this is an absolute mess to look at so let me further explain how it's set up. Each character has their own color (I am aware of the shade similarity between Patton/Logan and Roman/Thomas but I genuinely couldn't think what other colors to use). The symbols next to most characters are their Clan Symbol- which I will further explain in the Character Profiles.

Characters connected by solid lines have interacted directly at least once. Characters connected by arrows have not interacted, but will interact in the beginnings of the tale. Below the cut, I've included some further explanations of the relationships.

Patton and Virgil

This is the dynamic that made me want to write this story in the first place. In this AU, Patton is Virgil's biological father. Through a misfortune that will be explained later on, Patton became a vampire when Virgil was still a baby (late 90s). Virgil grew up in the city believing his father to have passed away, all while Patton has been silently observing him from the shadows. At the time where our story takes place, Virgil has returned to the city after a little over 6 years away. And Patton is going to have a totally normal and rational reaction to seeing his son again.

Roman and Thomas

I knew I wanted to toy around with the supernatural power dynamic of a Sire Bond. And I knew I wanted Thomas specifically to be someone's Sire. In the context of the story, Roman was once Thomas' love, and was given the gift of immortality as a means to stay together forever. Thomas himself was still quite new to vampirism, and he quickly grew to regret making Roman. In the modern day, Roman is more like a lackey to Thomas. Following his beck and call in hopes of earning his favor once again. It has been over 70 years, and still Roman very much has the desperate hero vibes about him.

Roman and Virgil

Roman has spotted Virgil, and where the story picks up, he's beginning to close in. The only issue is he can't decide what exactly he'll do once he gets close to Virgil. He could make him a mindless Blood Slave. He could string him out as a forlorn lover. He could recruit him to his vampiric faction, as either a Bonded Ghoul or a fledgling vampire. His decision will drastically reform the dynamics of all those around him. But he's a little too lovestruck to realize the potential damage he could cause.

Logan and Patton

A healthy relationship?? In my toxic vampire romance? Yes, actually. Logan found Patton as a terrified fledgling who'd been abandoned by his Sire. Having roughly two decades of vampiric knowledge to rely on, Logan was quick to lend his talents to guide Patton. It became rather apparent that Patton did not take well to vampirism, and Logan's levelheadedness eased him into his new existence. In the modern nights, the two are inseparable. This is mostly at Patton's request, as he begins to grow paranoid in Logan's absence.

Janus and Remus

Janus is power-hungry and Remus is easily controlled. Janus has a few years of seniority over Remus, which he is quick to remind him of. Remus is also the only character who is beginning the story already Blood Bound. He has been Janus' thrall for since the 80s, and after spending over 30 years unbound, he just feels grateful to be noticed. He thinks being close to Janus gets him closer to Roman gets him closer to the command and power he truly craves. He views his Bond as a necessary evil. Janus views it as a means of controlling a scary guard dog.

Janus and Thomas

These two are both members of the Inner Circle, a sort of Sect within the Sect of the Camarilla. Those in the Inner Circle often interact directly with the Prince of the city (or whoever is in command) as well as following out any jurisdiction placed by the Prince. Janus and Thomas entered the Camarilla at roughly the same time, as well as being welcomed to the Inner Circle during the same night of Elysium. Their specific roles within the inner circle will be explained later.

Janus has always viewed Thomas as a potential adversary, believing that their power and influence combined could be immensely beneficial to the Camarilla. Thomas, on the other hand, is extremely jealous of Janus. He believes that their parallel rise to power is building up to an ultimate showdown where one of them will be forced to overtake the other. And he does not intend for Janus to have the advantage.

Remus and Logan

Remus has a 20 year advantage on Logan. At the time of their meeting, they were both strays who were not bound to any vampiric Sect. Remus viewed Logan as a fellow outcast, someone with skill and poise that could prove a useful asset in his major goals. Logan viewed himself as superior to Remus, believing his pragmatic approach to vampirism made him more appealing. They had a messy breakup, to put it lightly, and neither of them have made any attempt to reconnect.

Roman and Remus

These two are still canonically twin brothers. There's a lot to explain, which I will cover in better detail in each of their Character Profiles. But to summarize here: Roman became a vampire first, and has believed Remus to have passed away after being deployed during WWII. However, Remus did return home after the war, and had heard whispers of his brother joining a "secret society". Efforts to find Roman ultimately lead to Remus becoming a vampire himself. Rather than wallow over what had become his fate, Remus has instead spent the last few decades working to use his abilities as a means of finding Roman and taking all that he is.

Characters who have NOT interacted together!

Patton and Roman

Logan and Roman

Logan and Janus

Janus and Patton

Janus and Roman

Remus and Patton

Remus and Thomas

Logan and Thomas

Virgil and EVERYBODY

I believe that covers everything for now. My goal is to have a Character Profile posted every Friday between now and Halloween, and then posting Chapter One on Halloween as a way to enjoy the spooky evening. As always, if you wish to be tagged in this project, reply on this post or send me a DM.

Tag List: @sethlost @thearomanticsnake

Above board for a moment, I do want to thank everyone who has been encouraging this story. It's been a long while since I've written any major works, and I'm really excited to be worldbuilding again. So just- thanks for the kind words and the sharing and the support. Its really means a lot <3

-🍪

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Dang, I’ve only been back for 2 months how’s there already over 50 of you?????

Thank you all for the likes and reblogs and follows and comments and screaming in the tags and messages and all the other amazing things you do!!! Next stop- 100!!!!!!

🩵🍪🐶

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Sanders Sides editorial photos my beloveds

(Also new icon!!)

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The Blood That Binds Character Profile- Thomas

Relationship Map

Welcome to the first Character Profile for The Blood That Binds. These post will be brief rundowns on each of the main characters featured in the story.

We're starting with Thomas, as he is the eldest vampire.

Born in 1911, Thomas lived a life of luxury. His family was wealthy, and he was set to inherit his father's jazz club. He'd always hope to be a performer, but life insisted on him running the business instead.

News of the second world war caused a sense of worry for European kindred, with some making their way to America to seek refuge. One such kindred would be Thomas' Sire, a Toreador woman known to most as Madame Silver.

Silver spent frequent nights at Thomas' club, hoping to find a worthy heir to bring into the newly established Camarilla territory. It was a rare sighting to see the master of the house outside of his office, and she was quick to take up as much of Thomas' free time as possible. Using her vampiric charm, Silver lulled Thomas into a sense of safety and security. He confided in his struggles with upholding his father's wishes, his desires to be a performer himself, and his less-than-holy thoughts about men. He was comforted in Silver's lack of judgement, and she was amazed by his ambition.

Consensual Embraces are not an uncommon phenomenon, especially within the Camarilla. In Thomas' case, it seemed almost ceremonious. A spacious room, heavily decorate, with a sparce number of masked witnesses. Upon his reanimation, Thomas was offered the blood of one of these witnesses, and their death marked the beginning of Thomas's new existence.

For roughly 2 years, Thomas followed Silver's orders like an obedient puppy. Always being told he needed more time before he could truly grow his empire. He was being conditioned alongside another fledgling, a Ventrue named Janus. He was quick to grow jealous of Janus, as it felt like he received less and less praise with each passing night.

WWII continued on, and with the US joining the fray, the nightlife of the city dwindled. But Thomas kept the club doors open as late as possible, with special discounts for soldiers. That's ultimately how he found himself meeting Roman.

A pair of twins, looking to be only a few years younger than Thomas, were in the thralls of a heated argument. It seemed that one had enlisted behind the other's back. With signs pointing towards a physical altercation happening at any moment, Thomas took it upon himself to break the two up. Casting out who he assumed was the more violent brother, he turned his attention to the one left behind. By the end of the night, Roman was like putty in his hand.

The details of Roman and Thomas' relationship are a messy blur. At first, he swore to himself that he wouldn't use the same tricks Silver had used on him. But Roman was too self-obsessed and was quick to lose sight of Thomas. Wanting nothing more than a loving companion and someone to spend time with in the Ivory Tower, Thomas began doing whatever he could to make the relationship work. It did not take long for things to become extremely one-sided, with Roman pining day and night for Thomas. It wasn't until an evening where Thomas invited himself to Roman's home that he realized the severity of what he'd done.

Drawings, poems, paintings, love letters. A mountain of devotion scattered across Roman's floor. Thomas had done more than make himself Roman's muse- he had created an obsession. And his claws had run so deep that there was no easy way for the damage to be undone. Not while Roman was alive, at least. Perhaps all this art could be crafted and honed into someone useful to the Cam.

Siring Roman was a mistake. Attempting to bring him into the Camarilla was another mistake. Thomas was inevitably given an ultimatum; either he and his childe leave the city and never return or he teaches his charge and teaches him quickly. If Roman wasn't in line by the end of the war, both of them would be sentenced to Final Death.

The training was tedious as Thomas sent Roman headlong through understanding the Six Pillars of the Cam, social etiquette regarding Elysium and upholding the Masquerade, how to manage bloodlust, and a countless assortment of other rules and behaviors. Roman was completely severed from his mortal existence, and now he belonged entirely to Thomas.

Having made the impossible possible by taming his fledging, Thomas was welcomed into the Inner Circle. This declaration was made the same eve that Janus was also welcomed in. Another strike of jealousy ran through Thomas.

Thomas works as a visionary, setting up the details of Elysium and any other meetings being held by high ranking Camarilla officials and visiting kindred. He realized quickly how little time he had for Roman. Seeing as how their power imbalance prevented them from every having a truly healthy relationship, it didn't take long for Thomas to cast him aside.

In the modern nights, Thomas works as the Herald. More or less he is a mouthpiece to the Prince, sending out word on the state of the Masquerade and the status of other Cam officials. The tasks he doesn't want to do, he gives to Roman. He still owns the club, which has gone through countless renovations and rebranding over the decades. He's only recently opened up a smaller second location, which he plans to Roman as a sort of test to see if his childe is finally worthy enough to be on his own.

Thomas himself acts almost independently. He has a few Ghouls under his control, and of course Roman hanging onto his every word. There's little resistance to his ideas, and his ability to keep the Camarilla's aesthetic in line with the modern era proved to be vastly beneficial in upholding the Masquerade.

Thomas will be seen sparingly for parts of this story, as the happenings of the Inner Circle are kept private. Most of what will likely be shown of him will be in flashback form.

*Next week's Character: Janus*

Tag List: @sethlost @thearomanticsnake