Moonlightaholics

Note: I have given myself the personal "challenge" of watching each of the ML episodes, in order, one per week, and then coming up with a short story that the particular ep inspired in me. Unanswered questions, something that bugged me, etc. I've just watched NSTAV and I'm working on that story, but I'm cheating a bit and offering this first even though it's out of order and I haven't gotten to this one yet.

Title: Dating Complications
Author: Cat Moon
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Nothing copyrighted appears here, so no disclaimer is necessary.
Summary: Inspired by Mick's inviting Beth to dinner in "Click" and her response, "you're going to get tired of watching me eat."
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Guide To Human/Vampire Relationships

Chapter one: Dating Complications:


In my many years of counseling with my specialty being mixed relationships, the most common question I get is, “what do we do on dates? He/she doesn’t ingest food, and I fear he’ll/she’ll grow tired of watching me eat.” To which I respond:


Since I’m tired of getting the question, I now present you:

101 Things To Do On A Date with your vampire:


1. The movies. Your vamp will enjoy the cool darkness, you can munch on snacks, and making out in the theater can be a real turn on. Be aware though that if you attend any vampire movies your vamp will most likely consider it to be a comedy rather than horror and react accordingly.

2. The amusement park. Fun for all. Your vamp can show off by winning you dozens of stuffed animals (but if the female is the vamp half of the relationship, keep that to a minimum so as not to offend your human male’s sensitive ego).

3. Carnival. See #2.

4. Video arcade. I know more than one vamp who’s into video games. They have great reflexes though, so you might have to be a gracious loser.

5. Nightclub. Go listen to some jazz, or a rock concert if you’re into that sort of thing.

6. Dancing. Very romantic, it can be a whole evening of foreplay.

7. Sports Bar. Well, yes, that’s often a dinner date, but there are the big sceen TV’s with the game on for him (or her) to enjoy, and usually pool tables if you enjoy that. Some bars also have darts and other games (but see #2).

8. Vampire club. Be adventurous, let your vamp introduce you to all his/her friends and learn more about their world. Just make sure you know the rules pertaining to freshies and exclusives… These may vary according to club and/or location. You’ll need to have “that” talk first.

9. Special events like charity balls and dedication ceremonies can be a wonderful place for your vamp to ‘show you off’ especially if they’re the one doing the donating/being honored.

10. Outdoor sports. Keeping in mind, these activities will have to be performed either after the sun goes down or in a very cloudy day, you can consider things like hiking, mountain climbing, biking… A plus to this that can make up for the ban on sun is that if you’ve ever wanted to try any extreme sport but feared the risks, you’re almost totally safe from any danger with your vamp along (and if you’re agreeable to being turned, the risk drops to almost zero).

11. The museum. If you’re into art or history, this can be a wonderful place to go on a date. If your vamp is an elder, expect to be dazzled by first hand information about the piece, when it was done, and the artist that you’ll never find in any books.

12. Symphony. Many elder vamps enjoy the music from “their time” just like humans tend to. Just smile and agree though, when your vamp starts complaining about how they can’t hold a candle to the original performance centuries ago.

13. The Opera. See #12.

14. Golf or miniature golf. Many vamps enjoy this hobby as well, just heed the warnings about time of day in #8.

15. The beach. This will have to be strictly a nighttime visit, but there are few things more romantic than a midnight stroll along the beach, hand in hand. Perhaps some skinny dipping?

16. Casinos. If you live in or near a gambling state, games of chance such as blackjack or poker can be enjoyed together. For reasons of security I’m not allowed to speak to whether vampirism gives any special edge there or not… But remember, always bet with your head not over it.

17. Batting cages. These can be a lot of fun if you’re into baseball, and operate after dark as well, with plenty of artificial lighting.

18. Baseball game or other sporting event. See #17.

19. The Mall. Keeping in mind some men (both human and vamp) hate shopping, other couples enjoy strolling through the mall on Friday or Saturday evenings. This activity can also be combined with #1 or #4. See warnings below.

20. Get togethers at home with friends. To watch DVD’s, or play board games or cards… whatever you both enjoy. If it involves food as well, your vamp will feel more comfortable if it’s a mixed party and he/she is not the only vamp/person not eating.

21. Church (services and activities). You’ll have to approach this one carefully. Many vamps are either atheists or consider themselves damned, however, there is a growing number that realize vampirism is not a curse, nothing they chose or brought upon themselves by being evil. These vampires can derive much comfort and peace from a relationship with God.

22. Sightseeing. This can be done on vacation, or right in your own city. There are probably a lot of places of interest you’ve never been to. Time of day is a factor here, but there are also sites like catacombs, and cavern tours that would be perfect for your vampire.

23. Local events. You can always check your newspaper for any upcoming special events that you and your vamp might enjoy together.

24. Quiet evening at home alone. You don’t need a dinner table for candlelight. A bottle of wine, some soft music, can set the stage for a romantic date. Anyway, with that famous vampire… ‘stamina’ who wants to go out?!

XXXXXX

As you can see, this list did not reach 101 yet, however I think you have to idea. Just about anything that can be enjoyed on a date with a human can apply to a vamp. There are a few cautions, however:

1. Please heed the level of comfort your particular vamp has when contemplating any public activities. If they are newly turned, it may not be
advisable to spend extended time in an environment where there are a lot of humans around.

2. Time of day is always a factor when considering outdoor activities. Just because vampires don't burst into flames the moment they're in the sunlight, doesn't mean they should be careless. Some of them are stubborn about this, so you may need to take charge and see to it sun exposure is limited.

3. Make sure your vamp is well fed before your date! Some vamps are easily distracted, or like to think they’re human and forget to feed. Unforeseen circumstances may delay him/her from reaching a safe source of dinner. You don't want this to happen, especially if you’ve donated recently and would be unable to safely provide a needed meal.

Feel free to add to this list with your own ideas for dating activities. The only limit is the imagination!

how about this cat?

25. Hide and Seek. Want to get playful with your vamp? What about some hide'n'seek? Get your vamp to cover his or her eyes, hands will do, silk scarves are for later, make sure he's started counting, then prick your finger, squeeze a little blood out and head for your car, windows wound down.

Luxe de Luxe wrote:how about this cat?

25. Hide and Seek. Want to get playful with your vamp? What about some hide'n'seek? Get your vamp to cover his or her eyes, hands will do, silk scarves are for later, make sure he's started counting, then prick your finger, squeeze a little blood out and head for your car, windows wound down.

That's a good one. Of course that would be another chapter: things you can do on a date with a vampire that you can't with a human. I'd put a warning with that one too, though, some vamps might get a little carried away with the hunt and forget it was just a game. And then there's Beth... she's a trouble magnet, so they might not want to play this particular game. I can see her getting kidnapped while "hiding" from Mick.

yes... Perhaps there should be a warning on that one, as an after dinner game.

That's a great list, Catmoon, and I totally go with Nr. 24.

I would like to add
#26 Going on a drive in a vintage car, maybe rent one for that special occasion, and the vamp can tell you stories about the first cars he's been driving...

There should be another list of what NOT to do on a date with a vampire, like going to the Zoo (every wild animal will feel threatened by the predator), gardening (don't think a vamp would like that one, growing food for the food...), sunbathing, baking...

Fabulous list Cat.

Whenever engaging in ANY activity...please allow 1 travel mug per participant.

In this case, sharing is NOT caring.
Lucy

Cute!

#27. Scuba diving. Getting into and out of the water may be a trick but once there the lower light condition will be a plus. And they don't need to breathe so...only one tank is required. Also the tanks are heavy so having your vamp carry yours is a definate advantage.

bluedahlia3 wrote:#27. Scuba diving. Getting into and out of the water may be a trick but once there the lower light condition will be a plus. And they don't need to breathe so...only one tank is required. Also the tanks are heavy so having your vamp carry yours is a definate advantage.

That's a great idea, I never thought of that! Just another activity that goes better with a vamp. I was going to say they could also protect you against sharks, but I'm not sure just what a shark would make of a vampire...