13.1 Residuum

Your head is spinning as you struggle to regain your breath and recompose yourself. Panting lightly, you watch as the tall figure stands straight again. A light blush has returned to your cheeks as you realize the full extent of your actions, as well as his. Hurrying to grab your clothes, you quickly redress before turning back to face the Doctor. Before you can speak a rush of lightheadedness floods your body causing you to take pause. You're hardly aware of the firm grasp reaching out to steady you.

"You're growing weak." You hear his deep voice speak, though you find it hard to concentrate on the words. "You need nourishment."

"I think there's food in the fridge." You mumble as he helps you take a seat.

His light scoff barely reaches your ears before he turns and makes his way to the kitchen. You hear some of the drawers open and shut before he suddenly appears back at your side. Glancing over in his direction your surprised to see nothing more than a small, sharp knife in his hand.

"What are-" Your words swiftly falter as he brings the blade to his forearm, swiftly drawing blood.

"I can only continue to satiate you for so long." He cautions, bringing his now crimson appendage to your lips. "You will need something fresh soon."

You cast the man a disparaging look before your eyes drift down to the dark liquid that is now running down his ivory skin. The scent that reaches your nostrils is somehow both revolting and irresistible. It is a mixture of sweet, tantalizing, ichor combined with a stale, retched, stench reminiscent of rotting meat. You're absentmindedly aware of your tongue peaking out to gently run along the inside of your lips. Despite your better sensibilities you eventually find yourself unable to resist. Plunging forward, you feel a rush of warmth connect with your lips as they meet the hot liquid. All at once you feel renewed strength as you gag on the rich yet slightly rancid fluid. As more of the liquid fill you, as does your hunger for more grow. Your hands, which have somehow found their way to his arm, tighten around the appendage. Diving in deeper, you desperately seek every drop you're able. Dr. Underwood tisks under his breath callously before wrenching his arm from your grasp.

"I forget your naivety." He states brusquely while turning and rolling his sleeve back down. "You need to learn to control your urges."

"I don't see how anyone can control this." You admit as you bashfully wipe blood from your lips.

The Doctor lets out a deep breath before raking his hair back. Now that you're more clear headed you can see he looks somewhat drained. His already pale appearance looks almost translucent now as his charcoal eyes wearily regard you. Your own gaze slowly sinks downwards as the mix of shame and regret continues to flood you. It was not your intention to go overboard in either of your endeavors to satiate your many new needs. Regardless, you seem to have overdone it in both regards.

"Relax." The Doctor replies, adjusting his clothes as he not-so-subtly glances at the door. "You're hardly the first to go through this. Patience is the answer and how you must remain for now."

You open your mouth to speak but quickly silence yourself as it appears to be pointless. Soundlessly, you indicate for him to execute his desire to leave. Without so much as a backwards glance he brusquely exits without another word. A strange mix of feelings overcome you as you wallow in the aftermath of your actions. In the midst of the annoyance and guilt of your behavior is the unmistakable surge of energy and a seemingly insatiable appetite.