sixwordstories | (no subject)

Severely mame?

No. It's not even necessary to cause much harm.

Interesting. Explain.

[Rarely does he say 'explain' in invitation as he just did.]

*Explaining these things to someone who seems interested and not outright hostile doesn't happen often to him.*

Well, of course we harm the person we take the blood from simply by doing that. But the amount we need isn't high enough to cause severe damage; and the wounds we cause do heal.

[Sherlock's expression darkens slightly.]

You might do better to find some individuals who would be willing to cater to... your needs.

Of course. What I've just described is what I'd have to do in an emergency. When there is no such person or a blood bank, and no time to wait.

[Sherlock is disappointed.]

Why do you allow yourself to get into such a state.

[Says the man who doesn't eat when he's working a case because 'digestion slows him down.']

I try not to, but do you get into an emergency situation voluntarily? It's not that I forget building up stocks or something.

*He tries not to sound irritated, but this is something he really takes care of, because it's important to him not to cause more harm that absolutely unavoidable.*

[He catches the tone.]

I suppose.

*Julian nods, regaining his calm demeanor.*

It doesn't happen often now. Although I won't lie ... not all of us are that considerate.

Course not. And how many of you... are there?

That's hard to tell. A few dozen to hundred in a city, maybe more if it's a larger one. It varies. And we don't have a census.

Far more than I am comfortable with...

You haven't encountered any before me, right? It's pretty unlikely that you'll meet another one. And it's in our own interest not to cause havoc.

I suppose if you hunt and the like, you wouldn't want to, no.

Most of all we want to avoid being hunted ourselves. We want to live, but given the circumstances, it probably won't surprise you that not everybody is happy with that. There's a reason why the vast majority of people doesn't know about us. Those who do rarely prove friendly.

[Julian is confusing Sherlock for someone who cares.]

Is it any wonder? You've already admitted there is truth behind the myths. People have a reason to fear you.

*Julian isn't surprised, usually the reaction is worse.*

They do, although of course I don't want to be sentenced for things I haven't done. Still, it's reasonable to be cautious, probably also to fear us. So why don't you?

[He looks Julian up and down.]

For the same reason you don't fear me.

[Basically? He's good in a fight.]

*Julian notices the look and smiles wryly. This, too, he has seen before.*

Don't underestimate us. If I had any intention to hurt you, you could hardly do anything about it.

[Sherlock is bemused.]

I have said the same thing in my time...

And what happened?

They lost.

[Which says everything and nothing at the same time.]

*Julian takes it as overconfidence, and that's possibly dangerous. Oh, not to him.*

Impressive. But still, this time you would lose.

You wouldn't like me when I loose.

[It's as much a promise as a threat.]