Aeron had read about this thing in papers more than once. At first, he didn't like the thought of it. Vampires were amazing! Who'd want to go back to being a human again, if they'd been turned? Aeron fancied vampires a lot, even if he was one of them too, they were sexy and hot and they could do so much more than humans. And it's not like you had to be mean just because you were a vampire. Aeron was a perfect example of it. He'd killed the night he woke as a vampire. One kill. He hated it. He felt so bad about taking a life, he'd ended a life, that person would never walk or love or feel anything ever again. He hadn't killed since that night, and it hadn't really been that hard for him. Sure, the urge was there sometimes, to drink more than he ought to, but then he thought of the bad conscience and how sad it would be to be killed.

Things hadn't changed for Aeron like that. He still didn't kill and he did enjoy to be a vampire. Lately he'd just been reminded of how alone he was. First he'd met Bill, whom he kind of made cheat on his boyfriend back then, Bill who was now back with the same (scary) vampire guy and engaged to him. Getting married, vampire to vampire. Then there was Olivia. He loved her dearly as a friend, but she'd gotten engaged now too. To a vampire. Aeron felt so alone, he knew people who had the love of their life, but Aeron had none. He was alone.

And why was he alone? Because he was a vampire! Both Bill and Olivia went on about how they were sure he'd find that special someone, and how he'd get married too one day. The thing just was, Aeron had only been deeply in love once, and that was with a vampire too. That wouldn't be bad, if it wasn't because Aeron had had this romantic vision of them spending an eternity together. As a surprise for his love, he'd gotten himself turned into a vampire. And the very same night he let his love know... well, said love left him. And he hadn't seen him since. He had no love in his life because of that. Plus, everyone he met and liked and tried to get to know, they were either too shy and disappeared before Aeron could make a move - or they only wanted him because he was a sexy vampire. Life as a vampire could be fun, sure, but there were just some down sides to it too. And Aeron dislikes down sides.

So this is why he'd gone to the hospital tonight. He hadn't told anyone about it, and he hadn't dressed up too much for this. At least Aeron thought his outfit tonight was toned down a bit, even without glitter on his eyes or in his hair. It was fine for this kind of talk he was looking for. He'd contacted the hospital about that cure for vampirism that he had read about, and they said they'd set him up with a time and date. They'd done that, and Aeron now sat in a waiting area. He had no idea how the doctor or scientist or who he'd meet with, looked like or what their name was, but he'd come and he really just wanted to know more about all of this. Aeron understood they'd had a few troubles finding test subjects for the cure. Maybe he could be one of them, once he knew more.

Since the life broadcast of Sofia and Daniel's press conference on T-FAV they'd received very many inquiries from vampires throughout the United Kingdom as well as from abroad. Vampires from as far as the southern cape of Africa had contacted their office out of interest as well as out of spite and revulsion for the project led by a vampire and a human. For all of the interest, however, Sofia and Daniel had yet to find any fair number of willing volunteers. Only a few would agree to meet them in person and from then it was even rarer that they would agree to do it. Rather than lost hope, of course, they just got more stubborn - especially Sofia. She had a meeting today with a young vampire (At least, she was assuming he was young... In body at least. The way he spoke on the phone certainly had an air of youth.) who was potentially interested in their program. Despite a number of rejections, it excited Sofia to have a meeting. She would reel this one in, she convinced herself in the pre-meeting pep talk in her lab. And when the time finally came around Sofia turned the alarm off on her cell phone and slipped it into her pocket with a confident nod. She hadn't gotten anywhere by being spineless - Tonight, Sofia was bound and determined to bag this one.

On the way out of the lab Sofia took her lab coat from the hook where she and Daniel kept their things. Sofia didn't make a habit of wearing her coat but she'd found that it projected a professional appearance to potential subjects. Like the one she was going to meet in the general waiting area in her wing, Sofia hadn't dressed with much purpose tonight - a pair of slim-cut jeans and heels completed her outfit with a t-shirt that Sofia had always been rather fond of. It seemed appropriate to wear to work as well, didn't it? Sofia had always been a fan of "A Brave New World." Perhaps that was why so many people thought she was a raving lunatic.

Well, she wasn't. She was just ahead of the game.

Rounding a corner, Sofia approached the plush, open seating area where so many plants were lovingly watered in full view of the room's large, beautiful windows where sun was said to just pour in during the daytime. Of course, it was not daytime and so the crowds were gone too. There was only a small smattering of people in the waiting room - a girl in scrubs, a man in a shirt and tie, and... How the hell did you describe that other than vampire?

Sofia grinned when she saw him. All dark hair and dark-rimmed eyes with pants that were... entirely too tight. And the shoes... She didn't mean to profile, of course. But that was a lie - she really did. Weren't his shoulders cold...?

"Aeron?" Sofia asked him still grinning but coming forward now with an outstretched hand, "I'm Dr. Knight. How nice it is to meet you."

There wasn't much to do in the waiting area, and Aeron was far too anxious to pick up a magazine and read it. Besides, they didn't look all that interesting. Should he have told someone he went here? But he'd not made any decisions yet. He was merely here to hear more about this programme and what it would involve and everything. Aeron was curious, and he was doing something about it. He hated to sit around at home, being all alone, thinking of all that could be and not do anything about it. He'd lost his chances when it came to other things, but maybe this would work out. And maybe his life would be better, if he became human again. Not that he hated his life, there were just things that could be better in it. And those things weren't good because he'd been turned into a vampire. So this seemed to be the logical way out.

He got a bit nervous though, the longer he sat there waiting. People gave him odd glances; it's not like Aeron look like your typical test subject or just typical any kind of person who'd hang around in a waiting area in a hospital. But here he was, and he was used to people giving him odd glances - so really he didn't mind. Was that doctor coming soon? He closed his eyes for a brief moment, trying to use his vampire senses. Aeron had trained himself into knowing them and using them. He'd kind of miss them, now he thought about it. For he knew that another vampire was approaching the area where he sat. That was a bit odd, wasn't it? Another vampire at a hospital, two vampires at a hospital! When they could heal so easily!

But he opened his eyes and looked up and saw a blonde female vampire approach him. Was she his doctor? This just got weirder and weirder. It would seem she was, since she now spoke his name and introduced himself. Aeron jumped to his feet and shook her hand, smiling to her. With her blonde hair and pretty eyes, she kind of reminded him of Olivia. Except Olivia wasn't a vampire. "Yep, I'm Aeron. Dr. Knight? I hadn't expected you to be a vampire." He added with a grin, "But nice to meet you too, I guess. So, where are we going?"

Of course it was the Aeron Sofia sought. There weren't any other vampires in the waiting area and just... look at him. My God, she thought. If ever a picture had been painted of a vampire... Sofia wasn't making fun of him, no. He looked good, she supposed. Alright. Sofia had a husband and being that she'd never been terribly thrilled with men before Gideon they just sort of slipped under her radar. Now that she was here appraising this one she thought he was handsome enough... But bloody hell, did he have a style or what.

Through her grin, Sofia introduced herself and extended a hand which Aeron, who might have been resting, was only too excited to accept. He jumped up out of his chair and startled Sofia somewhat with his enthusiasm. But she had to say, she sort of liked it. He smiled right back and had a good handshake.

"Yep, I'm Aeron. Dr. Knight? I hadn't expected you to be a vampire. But nice to meet you, I guess. So, where are we going?"

Oh, God, an American! Sofia hated Americans (barring Olivia and Dario, of course! Actually, come to think of it, her two best friends were American...) more than anything. How did they even end up in London when it was so far from their big, bloated home? Oh, but Aeron was nice enough. He had a good smile and a happy voice. Sofia couldn't quite dislike that.

"Well, here you have me," Sofia grinned, showing a little fang. Inevitably, whenever she was excited for something or a little perky her fangs came out. It was probably a youthful thing she should have trained herself out of but that didn't mean Sofia actually wanted to. She liked them. "My partner is Dr. Daniel Pierce, a human. You can hardly do vampire research without having at least one vampire on the team. Please, come."

Sofia gestured for Aeron to follow her and began a walk back down the hall from which they came. Sofia and Daniel shared an office where they'd made it just comfortable enough to see patients in as well. Unfortunately, for all of the waves their work was creating they just didn't receive a great deal of funding for it. But Sofia would show them.

"I have an office that we can sit and chat in. I should hope that I have all of the answers," Sofia looked at Aeron and smiled as they approached her office. "And even plenty of supplies on hand if you decide that you're interested. Come in."

Turning the knob on a door marked for "Dr. Sofia Knight and Dr. Daniel Pierce," Sofia let Aeron into their small shared office. It had a good carpet and big windows with a desk but it was still only one desk. To compensate, Sofia and Daniel brought laptops and put their work away in the desk drawers after every use. Sofia had one side of the desk and Daniel the other. It was rather civilized considering their relationship typical aggression. Decor was simple and rather generic save for one small "Sex Pistols" Sofia had hanging on the wall next to a signed photograph from a "The Who" concert. Daniel didn't approve but he'd long ago given up taking them away from her. Sofia showed Aeron the chair in front of the desk and stood near it, clasping her hands before her with a smile. She was incredibly friendly tonight. Sofia wanted something but Aeron didn't know how sour she could usually be.

This night just got a lot more interesting with the doctor turning up. For she was a vampire, though a young one. In fact, if Aeron should make a guess, he'd say she was around his age. So since he'd been bored, he naturally jumped up when she was there, to shake her hand and of course smile at her. Confirmed who he was and everything. Aeron didn't often think about how his cheerfulness might surprise people, this is just how he worked. He hated to be sad and low. So instead, he was bright and cheerful. That's how he preferred it, though that wasn't why he was here, for once.

She grinned back at him and showed a little fang. Oh Aeron already liked her, "Sweet." He said, and let her explain about her and her human partner. Though he wondered, if she was a young vampire and working on this research and all, why didn't she try out that cure on herself? If they had troubles finding test subjects? Aeron would have to ask her about it. For else, wouldn't it be odd to work on it but not want to try it out for yourself.

He followed her down the hospital corridors, and let her do a little of the talking. "I'm not even sure what my questions are yet, but we'll get there." Aeron said to her, and then they were approaching the office. She already spoke of supplies and Aeron being interested. Well he had to be somewhat interested, since he'd come, but he had to know more first. And he'd not start anything tonight. Had to have at least one last night as a vampire, no matter what, right? Living the life of one. He entered the office and looked around. Small but comfy, he thought to himself.

Aeron naturally sat down when invited to, and saw how the doctor clasped her hands together with a smile. "Won't you sit too?" He asked with a small grin, well it seemed stupid that he was sitting and she was standing. Well... on to business, right? Oh but it was so interesting with her, and all! "I've got to say, still a bit surprised that you're a vampire too. Not that it's a bad thing, but I guess I wasn't expecting it. If this whole... cure-thing works out, will you take it too then?"

"I'm not even sure what my questions are yet, but we'll get there."

Oh, fantastic. He was malleable then... If he didn't have any questions then he didn't know enough about the project. And if he didn't know enough then Sofia had the choice to explain it just like she wanted. Of course, she wouldn't lie, Sofia never lied, but it meant that he hadn't heard the negative press from the vampire side. There were vampires calling their so-called "cure" (Sofia was hardly satisfied with T-FAV enough to refer to it as such) an attempt to muzzle the vampire population and make humanity superior. Sofia knew that would never happen and it was a foolish argument. T-FAV was a means of freeing the individual vampire and although their powers were lost under the drug if they could tweak it just right Sofia was hoping one could experience the best of both worlds. That, of course, was all she would want out of it. Sofia was happier than ever as a vampire. For her, she didn't have a disease to be cured. For others, possibly Aeron, it may have been a burden.

"Won't you sit too?"

Sofia hadn't planned to but after the vampire sat he invited her to as well. Well... sure. Sofia gave Aeron a cheerful smile and went about her desk to sit straight in her chair and rest her hands on the mahogany, fingers clasped. He was curiously polite for a vampire. Again, Sofia tended to profile individuals and vampires, she'd found, were a demanding sort. They got what they want when they wanted it and nothing less was acceptable. However, the longer she sat with Aeron the more Sofia learned about him. He wasn't much older than she was, was he? In fact... Sofia got the impression that she might have been older. Why on earth would such a young vampire want a way out? She was curious about his story... Perhaps Sofia would ask. It might help.

"I have to say, still a bit surprised that you're a vampire too. Not that it's a bad thing, but I guess I wasn't expecting it. If this whole... cure-thing works out, will you take it too then?"

Oh, Sofia hated when they asked that question. She wasn't fond of talking about herself at all... But while that was true she only grinned and shrugged a shoulder, sitting back more comfortably in her desk chair since they were going to speak a little more casually it seemed.

"Well, Aeron, that's a good question and I have to answer it honestly - I'm not sure I will. This may confuse you even more but I actually really love being a vampire." Sofia laughed at herself, finding that Aeron's good humor was infecting her otherwise sour personality. But she didn't really mind... It was uplifting. And good rapport with a potential patient could not be bad. "I'm also married to a vampire many centuries older than I am who loves it even more than I do. There are many benefits of T-FAV which intrigue me - for instance, I have three children and I would love to be able to take them to the beach or to the park... In daylight hours." Sofia winked at Aeron. "So I will try it briefly, yes. But I am not looking for a cure for myself. Only others."

Aeron was just here to find out about that cure thing he'd read about. To find out if it was anything he'd want to try. He only had one reason really, but maybe he'd get another. Or maybe it was just about time for a change in his life, which would hopefully make some things improve again. So together with the doctor they reached her office, and she indicated he should sit. Aeron felt a bit odd being the only sitting though, and well... it wasn't his office, but he still invited her to sit down too. Which she did with a cheerful pretty smile on her face. She seemed really nice, seriously.

Once they both sat down, Aeron began talking. Speaking of his surprise about her being a vampire, and then asking what he had thought about asking, if she would try out that cure too. She grinned at his question and leaned more back, said she'd answer it honestly. Well that was nice. Aeron liked honest people. The doctor said she loved being a vampire. Well it's not like Aeron didn't love it... but he kept quiet and listened. Oh she was married too? Everyone were married or getting married. Everyone had the love of their life. Even vampires. Just not Aeron. And her husband was even centuries older than her. And she was about his age, had perhaps been turned around the same time too. Why couldn't Virgil like that Aeron was a vampire too? When others could do that...

Quietly he listened. She had children. Wow! Three of them! At her age? She was something, this doctor! Young and beautiful, married and had three children AND she was a vampire. Oh and she was a doctor, the pay had to be good too. Was there anything she couldn't do?

"You're very lucky." Aeron said instantly when he got the chance, "I mean, you've got everything anyone would want in life, don't you?" He smiled still, serious about what he was saying, but then he continued, "It's not like I don't like to be a vampire. I love it too... but sometimes..." He trailed off, and his cheerful smile faded with that. Was he telling her too much? Oh but she was a doctor, she was bound by oath to keep his secrets, right? Wasn't there some rule about that? Besides, she seemed so open and friendly, and she'd been honest with him.

"I just don't know. Sometimes I think it's a mistake, that I got turned. Maybe I shouldn't have done it. So that's why I'm here." Basically, anyway. He hadn't told her the entire story, but was there really a need to? Aeron usually tried to keep from talking about Virgil at all. It was plenty to just think about him.

There were very many things that Sofia could not do and of the things she supposedly did well the only reason she succeeded at all was because she wouldn't, and couldn't, accept failure from herself. Had she gotten her degree honestly? Mostly. But a healthy portion of her degree hanging on the wall was also thanks to good old-fashioned arm twisting and extortion. She'd gotten this job partly through her past research and enthusiasm but mostly she'd gotten it by breaking medical ethics and treating Daniel's wife's cancer under the table. Children she'd obtained only after a long, dirty battle and after the death of their mother. Gideon was still with her due to sheer amounts of masochistic effort made on both sides. And the one best friend she had left, Olivia, was only there now because Sofia had to suck up her pride.

So when Aeron said, "You're very lucky," Sofia only smiled. "I mean, you've got everything anyone would want in life, don't you?"

"Only through great, great exhaustive effort." Sofia pointed out cryptically but she didn't disagree. She did have almost everything a woman could want, including endless youth. But it hadn't been handed to her.

This, of course, was about Aeron and his wishes. He explained that he loved to be a vampire but when qualifications came into play his very cheerful smile began to run away from him. Sofia's expression mirrored Aeron's and she watched him carefully. Here was where the cheery smiles broke off... No vampire could actually be so happy. Something had to have happened to make them a vampire after all. And if Aeron was considering reversing that then he had more problems than a polite demeanor was going to conceal.

"I just don't know. Sometimes I think it's a mistake, that I got turned. Maybe I shouldn't have done it. So that's why I'm here."

Sofia nodded her understanding. She was reminded of her conversation with Olivia, about how many things in the world Sofia knew she could not have now because she was a vampire. Of course, the benefits of her death far outweigh the benefits of life and she did not have any regrets... But even Sofia, who had hated life from a young age, could recognize the good things. Aeron was apparently drawn enough to those things to consider his turning having been a mistake. And there was what he said, "Maybe I shouldn't have done it." Like Sofia, had he chosen his path?

"I can't help but notice, Aeron, that we seem very similar in age... Meaning, you must be quite young as well. And you hint that you picked this fate, am I correct?" Sofia asked with an expression that was not smiley, no, as she didn't want to mock his thoughtfulness... But Sofia seemed curious about him. She tried her hardest to look good-natured. Really, she didn't meet many who chose vampirism but those that she did were young like herself. It was a recent phenomena it seemed. "Why were you turned?"

Aeron really thought Dr. Knight here was a very lucky woman. She had everything you'd want in life, really. At least in his eyes. He didn't know her story, of course, he only knew what she told him, and that made it seem so. She definitely had more than Aeron had. Not that his life was bad. He had Glitter, his favorite place to be. He had an amazing staff there, he loved them all. He had a wardrobe few could brag with! Aeron also had a very good friend in Olivia, and he had friends like Julian. He just didn't have anyone who loved him or who loved him back.

The doctor smiled at his words, and said she only had everything she wanted through great effort. Oh, so it hadn't been easy? Of course not. Nothing good ever came easy. Hard times always came. Like now. Now was a hard time. He then began talking about himself, how he did love being a vampire, just like she did... and then his smile faded. Aeron almost always smiled or at least looked to be in a good mood. But this sat deeper in him. He explained to her why he was here. That maybe he shouldn't have been turned at all.

He glanced up at her, saw her nod quietly first. She was quiet, seemed to be thinking. What would she say? Would she say that oh, then he should get the cure, or would she want to know more? He kind of hoped she didn't. There wasn't a need for her to know more. But she began talking about how they were similar in age, and how she thought he picked his fate and was turned on purpose. Aeron nodded, "I did. It's my own choice. I halfway had to force my sire to turn me." The thought made him smile slightly, it had been a very special experience. But she went on, asked why he was turned.

Aeron's eyes failed to look at hers again. He leaned more back in his chair and ran a hand over his hip and thigh in an insecure manner. "It's a bit... stupid reason, really." Aeron said, it had to be stupid, right? It should have been the best reason in the world, love! But then it didn't work and that made it seem stupid. He finally dared to look at her again, "I was dating this vampire..." He said, inhaled a breath before he continued, "And I thought that our love could last forever. So I was turned, to surprise him. It was stupid... he didn't want me like this. He claimed I'd change too much." He paused, seeming a bit thoughtful and then shook his head, "I honestly don't know if I really have..."

Sofia was curious, personally, as to whether or not Aeron had chosen his fate as a vampire. After all, he hinted that there were things he regretted and he was so young, almost exactly her age. Sofia didn't quite have regrets but she knew there were things that would have been different for her had she not died... They would have been worse, probably. But Aeron's luck might have been better. And were his troubles ones that Sofia and Daniel's "cure" might solve?

Aeron nodded and agreed that it had been his choice to be turned. He confessed, even, that he halfway forced his sire to do it... Aeron smiled a little and Sofia smiled too. There was a great deal of arm twisting involved in her own turning too, wasn't there? Sofia thought it was never going to happen with how violently Rhett reacted to it. But it had been perfect still... He was a good sire to her even if he was at a distance, Sofia thought. She never thought that he minded her busy life. After all, when they saw one another it was good and Sofia, she thought, had been rather successful.

"It's a bit... stupid reason, really." Stupid reason to be turned? Well, if he had so many regrets... Sofia watched Aeron touch himself in such an insecure way and really believed him. From the way he dressed the young vampire certainly didn't strike Sofia as insecure. But his turning made him shy... Curious. Her head tilted slightly to show interest and Sofia listened close. Aeron explained, finally finding her face again after so long, that he was dating a vampire.

Oh, no. What a stupid reason indeed.

Did Sofia have a tape recorder in here?

"I was dating a vampire... and I thought that our love could last forever."

Olivia! Where the bloody fuck was Olivia when Sofia needed her to hear something. She was a good girl though - her eyes didn't light up with opportunity like they wanted to. But damn, Livvy needed to hear this. And Aeron very reasonably had regrets. He'd thrown his humanity away for someone who didn't even love him anymore...

"I'm sorry." Sofia offered, for the lover who left him. Though clearly, Aeron knew that he was partially to blame as well. Leaning back in her chair to mirror Aeron's body language, Sofia grasped her hands together over her stomach and looked at him with kind eyes and the barest hint of a smile. "As someone who also chose this death... I can sympathize with your choices and I can only imagine how it did hurt to have a lover reject you afterward. Lately, a friend's forced me to give this more thought... And we really do give up many things for death, don't you? It hurts more when you know you've chosen it for yourself..." Sofia didn't regret it personally. But if Olivia chose to die, Sofia thought for sure that she would... Aeron had regrets now. It seemed. "Our cure may be able to give you back some of what you are missing though, presently, it is not a cure-all. But the good thing is that you can try it and see if things really have changed."

Aeron was more or less never insecure. But then, he also did much to prevent himself from feeling like that. It wasn't a nice feeling. It wasn't nice to feel insecure, or sad or lonely... so he worked hard to not feel all that. Worked hard at Glitter, and to spend time with the friends he had, made sure he wasn't alone and always around people who'd cheer him up and make him smile. And Aeron loved to make other people smile too. Making others smile got him all excited too. So this was new for him. But he didn't know Dr. Knight here so well, and yet she was a doctor... and a young vampire, like Aeron. She knew what it felt like sometimes, didn't she? He only just met her but he still dared to trust her, for really - what else could he do, if she was to help him?

So he explained why he was turned. Why he thought it was stupid. It's not like he wanted to think it was a stupid reason to be turned - it was for love, after all! And wasn't love supposed to be the best thing in the world, the thing that made the world go around and stuff like that? Yet being turned for love hadn't been the greatest thing ever for Aeron. It was supposed to be so good, but it hadn't been. And though he loved being a vampire, it had maybe been a mistake to do it. So if you could undo it? He wanted that... kind of.

He thought he sensed a strong reaction from the doctor when he'd told her his story. She was feeling strongly for his story, she could... maybe relate to it somehow? Despite being married and having children and still being a vampire. The doctor spoke then, said she was sorry for Aeron being left. He watched her lean back and smile slightly at him. She said she did sympathize with him. Aeron nodded. It did hurt to have his love reject him. He just never really gave himself time to dwell on it for long. The doctor continued, said a friend made her think about what you gave up for death, and how much it could hurt.

"I don't know if... I don't think he'll come back, if I become human again. I haven't seen him personally since that night he left. But I was hoping things might be easier. Perhaps people will be more open and honest in the daytime. Now that I've tried this... maybe I'll look at it all in another way." Aeron explained, oddly thoughtful for once. He smiled at Dr. Knight, she was making him think about things he rarely thought about. And he had more to say, "What do you mean with that it's not a cure-all. What does it do, exactly?"

Aeron was foolish to change for love... But it was in the past now and Sofia had Olivia to deal with as well. Everyone was changing for love. Even Sofia - Just look at her now! She had a job and behaved herself to a certain extent. She was monogamous and even developed some ideas about God. Perhaps some day she would regret the things she'd chosen but in the present time it was wonderful - better than Sofia could ever expect. Aeron must have felt that way at one point. Only now, he had come full circle to regret.

"I don't know if... I don't think he'll come back, if I become human again. I haven't seen him personally since that night he left. But I was hoping things might be easier."

Sofia nodded her understanding though she doubted that people truly were more "open and honest" in daylight. Her experience had always shown that people were people no matter what time of the day they dwelled in or how they fed themselves. They would always be beasts. However, Sofia had met her dearest friends in the nighttime... If anything, it was the better option or her. And yet Aeron was quite optimistic. He hoped that he would look at life differently once he had it again. The trouble was, it wasn''t quite "life" as he'd known it before and Sofia made that clear.

"What do you mean with that it's not a cure-all. What does it do, exactly?"

Sofia took a breath and leaned forward in her chair more formally once again, folding her hands on her desk top. She wore a light, pleasant smile but it was a serious matter and her eyes danced to reflect their concentration as well as the full absorbtion of Aeron's response.

"The drug essentially tricks your organs into functioning as a human's would again. Initially, it is quite painful but you grow used to it over time. You can digest food, drink alcoholic beverages, and take in the sunlight like any human can. However, you are not fully human, at least at this stage of development. You cannot procreate," Though with how tight those jeans were, Sofia thought in the back of her mind, he probably had a low sperm count as it was. "And eventually your body will start building a tolerance to the drug. How soon it will occur, I cannot say. Some subjects are doing quite well after an extended period of time. What is certain is that you will at least see the sunlight again." Sofia flashed Aeron a more youthful smile. She wasn't only business under the surface, she missed some things as well. "That's something even I can appreciate."

Aeron liked Dr. Knight here. He liked most people he met, except for Bill's boyfriend Kenny, but besides that... and he could probably get to like Kenny, if he was just given a chance. But that was ruined now. It was the closest thing Aeron had ever been to a near-death experience, and maybe that was also part of why he was here right now. It had forced him to rethink some things; that and the fact that most people he met at the moment were in love and/or getting married, made him come.

And it really had been a foolish reason for being turned. It shouldn't have been. Love was supposed to be the greatest thing ever, it should be a good thing, but in that case, Aeron had loved more than he had been loved. At least that's the way he saw it now. And he doubted Virgil would want him again, even if he became human. He left, after all. They hadn't even talked at the Halloween party, where Virgil had been too - and Aeron had also done his best to avoid his ex, didn't know if he dared to confront him. But he was optimistic about this right now, that if he was changed back and became human, all things would be more open for him. The sweet doctor just nodded. Then Aeron went on to ask more into the cure which was apparently not a cure-all.

She leaned back, had that light nice smile on her face when she replied. Aeron thought he understood why her husband loved her. Who'd not love a light kind smile like that? But he listened to her answer. She explained technically what the drug did. Said it could be painful, but you'd get used to it. Then all the good things. You could digest food again, you could drink and you could be in the sun. A downside was apparently that you could not reproduce. Aeron smiled, "That's not a problem, I'd not be able to anyway." He said with a wink to her, it's not like he could get a guy pregnant! Then he let her continue, she had more to say. Apparently the body would fight the drug after some time...

"Seeing the sun again will definitely be nice. I've not been to the beach since I was turned... or maybe before, since my ex couldn't stand the sun either." And it was true, now he thought about it. It would be nice to be able to go to the beach this summer. And look at people... and guys. He smiled, positive once more. "How soon does it begin to work, after you start taking the... drug?" It didn't sound nice, when you called it a drug, he thought. "I mean, I can't go outside in the sun the day after I begin, right? Will I still need to drink blood, even when I can digest food again?"

Sofia received Aeron's wink after she explained that he could not reproduce but she didn't quite understand it. He'd not be able to anyway... and winked. Sofia's head tilted slightly. Her gaydar had always been terrible. She might have lived most of her life until Gideon as a lesbian but gay men had always mystified her. The way Aeron dressed was rather over the top... Sofia didn't usually find any distinction between the average vampire and a regular gay human. So many vampires dressed like fools, thinking they were the elite or handsome or whatnot... Aeron must have been gay then?

Well, it explained the pants.

And at any rate, Sofia didn't really care so she went on and spoke of things such as food and the sunlight. Aeron smiled again and Sofia liked that. She truly wanted another subject and he was agreeable thus far. His questions were very reasonable and intelligent. Sofia could get used to having a patient around that didn't think they were above her.

"How soon does it begin to work, after you start taking the... drug? I mean, I can't go outside in the sub the day after I begin, right? Will I still need to drink blood, even when I can digest food again?"

"No, actually," Sofia gave Aeron another, brighter smile, "The drug's effects are almost immediate. I always recommend that a patient waits a couple of hours before venturing into the sunlight and that they use sunblock in overly sunny areas but results have shown that once the initial shock of pain passes your body will function quite normally. You will not need to drink blood any longer as the drug will stimulate production of your own blood however you may feel sick at first due to the presence of foreign blood in your body. But this will pass."

Aeron forgot that he hadn't told Dr. Knight here that he was gay. Often he just assumed people knew that, though he should know better. Olivia hadn't guessed, when she kissed him at the Halloween party, but then Aeron made sure she knew. She'd been so embarrassed, though he tried his best to make her not feel like that. It had been his own fault for being so nice to her, and flirting with her for fun. But he wasn't thinking about it now, he just enjoyed talking to Dr. Knight and so let her know in his own way, that he'd not be able to get anyone pregnant anyway.

He went on soon though, as the doctor had talked about food and sunlight, and it made Aeron smile. He looked forwards to that! Oh it was more or less for sure now, that he'd do this. He'd take the shot, he'd participate in the program. So he asked more questions about how it worked, and had to know if he'd need to drink blood and everything. Dr. Knight seemed very happy to explain it all to him, and Aeron got more and more excited. Even if she talked about how he'd feel pain, Aeron just thought about walking in the sun again. And if his system didn't fight the drug too soon, he could go to the beach. Oh maybe he'd go on a vacation, just to make sure he'd go to the beach before it started to pull back!

"I think I can live with the pain, when you think of all the good things." Okay, it was impossible to just sit still now. Aeron stood from the chair, "I mean... a short amount of pain and then I can stand the sun. Oh..." He stopped as if he just realized something, and he placed one hand on top of the other over his heart, "Will... will my heart beat again? If my body produces blood, it must be, right? That would just be..." Wow, really, right? He was going to do this, definitely. He smiled happily at Dr. Knight, almost feeling kinda emotional now, "I'm all yours for this cure. Maybe I can start getting the shots tomorrow night?" So tonight would be the night he went out and did all he could to be a real vampire - except for killing, but did real vampires have to kill? - and then tomorrow, he'd begin the cure. This was so exciting!

"I think I can live with the pain, when you think of all the good things."

Sofia watched Aeron get up and begin to pace with a bemused smile. Good, it was good that he was pacing... Thinking about it. Mulling everything over. But obviously, he had it in his head that it was something good to do... There was excitement in every twitch of his body. Damn, he really was gay, wasn't he? Sofia was such a failure of an ex-homosexual. She could never tell.

"Will... will my heart beat again? If my body produces blood, it must be, right? That would just be..."

Sofia took a deep breath and let it out with a big smile. It was sort of endearing how he did that... Just stopped as if he were in shock and looked at her. Hands over his heart. It was dramatic... and touching. Thankfully, Aeron didn't know Sofia as she lived the rest of her life so it wasn't terribly embarrassing to smile and be so pleasant with him. She sort of liked making someone happy... Sofia was coming to really love these sorts of things. Olivia was so happy when Sofia relinquished her hatred of Cain enough to congratulate her. That felt good too... Was she going to make a habit of this?

"Your heart will beat, yes. It will probably be startling at first."

To imagine if her heart beat again... Sofia didn't think she would like it. She liked the peace that came from a dead body. She could finally have quiet when not even her heart beat disturbed her thoughts. But for Aeron, he would probably enjoy having that comfort again.

"I'm all yours for this cure. Maybe I can start getting the shots tomorrow night?"

"Absolutely." Sofia answered at once with a big grin. She put her hands on her desk top and rose as well to face Aeron on a proper level now. She'd been hoping to do it tonight and still her gaze betrayed a certain amount of hope and curiosity but Sofia had faith that he would come back tomorrow night... She shouldn't push him, should she? He was rather happy with this right now... It was good to keep them happy. "I can come to you if you will be more comfortable with the pain at your home. From then on you will have to see my of my colleague every night until you are comfortable enough administering injections yourself. Of course, as part of the program you must still report on your progress every evening... E-mail is fine. When shall I see you tomorrow?"

Aeron was definitely excited now. So he'd feel a little pain when he began the cure, but so what? He'd see the sun, he could eat food again, there'd be so many things that would be great. Naturally he'd be excited about that. And he'd experienced that as a vampire, emotions were felt even stronger. Maybe he'd miss that a tiny bit. But not so much, because Dr. Knight said the cure wouldn't be forever anyway. He'd become a vampire again. So why should he miss something he knew he'd have again? Oh there were so many good things, he thought, as he paced the floor and then stopped as he realized that his heart might beat again.

He'd even placed his hands over his heart. Yes, dramatic. Aeron could be dramatic. But really he barely thought about it; he'd always preferred to express himself as much as he could, with his smiles and his eyes and gestures and words. All at the same time. Especially when he was happy like this! Dr. Knight took a breath in and smiled brightly back at him. Oh look at that, she had such a lovely smile. Then she confirmed that his heart would beat, though it would be startling at first. Aeron nodded. His heart would beat! Startling, but so what? A heartbeat... he was so glad he came here today. And so he told Dr. Knight he'd be all hers for the cure, and that he could start the next night.

Dr. Knight grinned back at him and rose to face him better. She suggested to come to his place, if he'd be more comfortable with that, then explained some specifics about how he'd have to take the shot every night. And he'd have to report on his progress.

"I'll come here... it's fine with the pain here, it's a hospital after all, right? It sounds like the right place to be, if I feel pain." He said with a happy smile to her, "And... an hour after sunset? I think that would be fine. Oh... I'm so excited!" He smiled brightly again and before she'd know it, Aeron was on her side of table and he'd gotten himself close and personal with her, as his arms went around her in a hug. He squeezed her warmly and then chuckled, "This is going to be so great! I can't wait to my friends find out... Livvy's going to be so surprised, I bet!" He said as he pulled back from the hug and sighed happily.

Aeron was so excited! This was good for Sofia. If he was this excited now then hopefully even if things were poor or he hurt he would remain optimistic enough to take it all with a grain of salt. Maybe he would just remain optimistic throughout and make excuses for the pain. It was good when they did that... Sofia was very happy with him as a subject thus far, even if he had some illusions that the hospital would help him with the pain. Sofia wasn't going to do a damn thing about it - he was just going to hurt! But if he wanted to come here then fine. Sofia smiled and nodded.

"And... an hour after sunset? I think that would be fine. Oh... I'm so excited!"

"Yes, that would be -- oh."

Sofia expected to shake hands and finalize it but before she knew it the other vampire was around the desk in a manner which startled Sofia and made her a little bit frightened! Rather than hurting her, however, his arms went around her in a strong hug that Sofia hadn't expected and which, at first, she was terribly hesitant to return.

"This is going to be so great! I can't wait til my friends find out... Livvy's going to be so surprised, I bet!"

Sofia gave Aeron a gentle, hesitant tap but smiled more convincingly when he pulled away. She wasn't familiar with such random, enthusiastic hugs... That was something new for her. Not that she particularly minded in retrospect. Hugs were good... But maybe having her own personal space back was a little better.

"Yes... I hope they'll be excited for you." Livvy, huh? That reminded Sofia, she had to call Olivia... At least figure out when she was going to see the girl. Not that Sofia was excited to potentially encounter that asshole she lived with, of course, but at least seeing Olivia would be nice. She sighed and put on an enthusiastic smile for Aeron, clasping her hands together. "Speaking of Olivias, I do have someone I need to contact tonight. Aeron, is there anything else I can do for you? If I were you I would go and enjoy the rest of your vampire abilities tonight."

Aeron easily got excited, and once he began working himself up because of something, he could get really high. He had been a bit nervous and unsure to begin with, when he came here, but he wasn't anymore. Dr. Knight was really sweet and nice, and she explained things so well, so everything was going to be fine. He'd come to the hospital tomorrow night and get his first shot of this drug. Never said that someone might help him with the pain, but somehow it just felt more safe to be at the hospital, at least to begin with. She smiled at him, and then Aeron expressed how happy he was.

And not just with words! No, in moments he'd moved around the table and flung his arms around her in a warm and tight embrace. She smelled nice too, and her hair was soft, he thought, and she was really nice. He noticed how she seemed to become tense to begin with, but Aeron ignored it. He was indeed too excited! He told her how he could not wait to tell his friends, and how Olivia was going to be so surprised. Finally the doctor returned the hug, but not so much, and Aeron pulled back, though stayed in front of her.

Dr. Knight said she hoped his friends would be excited for him. Seemed thoughtful, then sighed and said she had to contact someone. When speaking of Olivia's... how did she know the Livvy he talked about was really an Olivia? He shook his head at her question, "No, I guess that was it? And I promise I'll enjoy the rest of the night... use my senses and find someone hot to feed on." A grin spread on his face, not that he ever really stopped smiling at all, "Maybe I'll even entrance them. Just a bit." Which was going far for Aeron, who usually never entranced his prey at all. He wanted them to be willing, after all. Aeron could seem tough to some, but it was all an act, and he'd never want to control someone else... unless they wanted him to, naturally.

If only Sofia knew what Aeron was thinking... 'sweet' and 'nice' were words that could potentially be applied to her these days but that didn't make her comfortable with them yet. No, Sofia preferred to think of herself as something more vicious...! "Sweet" and "nice." It must have been sweet and nice that got her into this position, being hugged half to death. But anywawy, it wasn't actually that bad... and now Aeron was still smiling and seeming quite encouraging. He said he had no other questions and would go enjoy his night now. Sofia remembered her last night as a human.... It was nothing remarkable. But the last night as a vampire in full-strength would be very fun for Aeron, she supposed.

"Good," Sofia grinned a little when Aeron said he'd go find someone to feed on, someone hot. And entrance them too. The way he said it made it seem like it was a very taboo thing for Aeron to do.... Was he more decorous than that usually? Sofia had no qualms at all about entrancing her victims and in the past she'd had no qualms outright murdering... But none of that could ever happen today. She was lucky enough to survive without being caught in the past. So entrancing was Aeron's big leap, then? Placing her hand gently on his back, Sofia began to show Aeron her office door all with her same tender, friendly smile that would run out of steam soon. "Our skills are actually quite delightful when used properly, aren't they? Have fun with them. Ride the wind as a mist, perhaps, and feel emotions. Just for fun. And then tomorrow your treatment begins, alright? One hour after sundown."

Aeron definitely thought she was very sweet and very nice. She had a lovely smile and she just seemed like a good person to him. Of course he didn't know how she could also be like, but if he knew... he'd probably still like her anyway, for being very vampire and despite Aeron being a vampire too - he was also still a vampire-fan, adoring and admiring them. So Dr. Knight was far from the oldest vampire he knew, but she was still pretty cool. And she almost lived a normal life, despite being vampire. Aeron would never do that. Normal to him wasn't what was normal to most other people.

He let her know he had nothing more to ask about, and that he'd definitely find someone hot to feed on and maybe even entrance them. Aeron never did that. He wanted them to be willing and he didn't want to hurt people, unless they asked him to - and even then he'd feel somewhat bad, except if it was in some sexual situation. Then it was different and most likely a turn-on, and there it could be good to feel pain. But usually, he wasn't like that at all.

She put a hand on his back to show him the door, but in a gentle way, a kind way. He could definitely picture her as a caring mother. It almost made him feel warm, and soon he'd be able to really feel warm, so this was great! She spoke about their skills, and asked him to have fun. Oh Aeron knew all about having fun - his way!

"I can mist... it's definitely fun. And I promise I will have fun. I'll see you tomorrow then." He opened the door but didn't leave yet, turned to face her, "It's been great meeting you, Dr. Knight. Do you have some first name I can call you by?" Aeron asked curiously and with a grin on his face, it would be a joke if she said she had no first name. Of course he expected her to have that.

"I can mist... it's definitely fun. And I promise I will have fun. I'll see you tomorrow then."

Sofia stopped in her office while Aeron opened the door and turned around to look at her. She wanted to push him out but Sofia was feeling nicer than that... A little bit nicer, anyway. So she just smiled back to Aeron who seemed as excited as could be. Sofia thought that if she were going to lose her abilities just one short night from now she would not be smiling so much! But Aeron was different. He truly wanted humanity back it seemed... So for him this was exciting. And for Sofia, she was excited to have a new subject.

"It's been great meeting you, Dr. Knight. Do you have a first name I can call you by?"

"And you, Aeron. I'm sorry," Sofia actually grinned at herself faithfully now. She'd never told him her name? She offered Aeron a hand to shake. What could she say, she liked being called 'Doctor' so often... If he had as many student loans and battle scars from medical school Aeron would want to be called 'Doctor' too. "It's Sofia. Use whatever you prefer. Goodnight?"

She didn't seem to want to follow him out. That was just fine, she'd done so much already... or, she would do a lot. And he'd confessed things to her, like how he got turned because he thought love lasted forever. And she agreed it wasn't the best reason to get turned. So now he'd try this cure, after a night of fun as a vampire - but he just knew he'd have fun as a human too. It would be really nice and he was definitely excited!

Aeron told her how it had been great to meet her, then asked for her first name. Just because it made it seem more... personal, and with some of the things he told her about and what he was going to go through with the cure - well, he expected they'd be close somehow anyway. So why not? Dr. Knight also thought it had been good to meet him, then apologized and shook his hand. Aeron took her hand, it seemed so weird now he'd hugged her, but maybe she preferred to just do that. He usually forgot to think when he hugged people, Aeron's hugs often came from his excitement, and when he was that excited, well it was hard to consider other people's personal spaces.

He shook her hand firmly, "Yeah, goodnight Sofia. See you tomorrow night then... I'm sure it's going to be good, even with the pain." Aeron grinned and added a wink to that, then held up his hand for a wave and was on his way away from her office and the hospital after that. On his way out to mist on his way to some club, where he'd find someone hot to entrance a tiny bit and enjoy the blood from that hot person. Life was good... it usually was!