Dangerous - A Nicholas Ruffilo Prequel
(So guys, this is going to be the start of my Bad Omens why choose fic! This is the first of two prequel stories I am doing before I move onto the main story. Anyways, thoughts and love are much appreciated!)
I wasn't always a killing machine. Okay, maybe that's a dramatic take on the life I currently lead. I was once normal. Doing day to day things like worrying about how I was going to pay my bills or what I was going to eat. I was once human.
- - -
"Nicholas!" My manager called, "My last client cancelled so I'm going to call it a day." I looked over from my station, "You know how to close down right?" Before I could open my mouth, Tom had already placed the shop keys on the shelf behind me. "You'd be doing me a massive favour buddy."
I sighed, going back to the design I was working on, "Sounds like you've already made your mind up."
"Well, Rose called in sick today and Mike is useless when it comes to locking up." Tom smiled as he looked over my shoulder to take a sneak at what I was working on. "You've seen me do it plenty of times."
"Maybe because you're the manager?" I muttered under my breath.
"I have every faith in you." Tom smiled, "I'd stay but I'd just be sat doing nothing while you'd be tattooing this design on your client. Not to mention, I'd just be a distraction."
I rolled my eyes. Usually when I worked, I kept myself to myself. I was here to work, not to make friends. "Whatever. It's not like I had anything planned."
Tom grinned more, as if he knew how lonely and pathetic my life was. "Well it's settled then!" Tom grabbed his jacket, "I can't wait to see the finished piece tomorrow buddy."
- - -
"And you're all done." I sat back, admiring the piece of work I had finished.
"Dude! This is sick." My client was overjoyed. "Seriously?! You came up with this all on your own?"
I shrugged, "You came up with the idea, I just drew what you wanted." I leant back as far as my chair would let me, cracking my back whilst I removed my gloves. "You're all set with your aftercare?" The client nodded. "Great. If anything needs touching up just message me to book in and I'll do it for free. It's not the studio policy but it's my policy."
"Oh I'm going to tell all my friends about you dude!" My client smiled. What was his name again? Brendan? Paul? "Your boss will have to give you a promotion with the amount of clients you're going to bring in." He got up, "Thanks again man." He quickly paid and left, shutting the door behind him.
I sighed, locking the door, being alone in the studio. Was this really my life? Wake up, come to the studio, tattoo clients, go home and do the same the next day?
"Man, I need a better life." I sighed, grabbing my things and shutting off the lights. Everyone I knew had their lives in check and then there's me. My life, if you could call it a life, was in shambles.
I got home to my cold, empty apartment not knowing how I was going to spend my night. Looking towards my bedroom, dread filled the pit of my stomach. How many nights had I had the same nightmare? No wonder Tom constantly said I looked like shit. I sighed, scrubbing my hands over my face. When was this numbness going to stop?
Maybe my dreams meant something? Who was the woman that was haunting my dreams? Was she real? I shook my head, dreams weren't real. But this one felt... different.
- - -
"Nicholas." A feminine voice called, "Nicholas." I looked around, I recognised this place. This was the studio I worked in, but it looked different. My station was empty, my flash sheets that littered my section were gone.
"Nicholas, you need to accept your fate. You can't keep running from what you are." I turned around, trying to figure out where the voice was coming from. I was confused. What did she mean?
I looked down at my hands to see they were covered in blood. “What the fuck?” Whose blood was this? Was it mine?
“You lost control Nicholas. They’re dead.”
“Who are dead?” I asked, being confused.
Before the voice could answer, my vision focused on a pile of bodies that was in the middle of the studio floor. The bodies were my colleagues. Tom, Rose and Mike. They were dead.
“What the fuck is happening?!” I stumbled back in shock. This couldn’t be real. “Wake up Nicholas. You’re dreaming.”
The feminine voice started to laugh, “You did this Nicholas.”
“W-what?” I stammered.
The voice laughed again, “You need to stop running from your fate Nicholas. It’s coming sooner than you think.”
I gasped shooting up right in my bed. I had lost count how many times I had this nightmare. I sighed, leaning over to my bedside table, grabbing my phone to check what time it was. It was always 3AM whenever I woke up from the nightmare. Guess now was the perfect time to get out of bed seeing that there was no way I was going back to sleep.
I went to the kitchen, making a fresh cup of coffee wondering if Noah would understand if I canceled his appointment? Noah was the only friend I had but even then he didn’t understand what was going on with me at times. I’d known Noah most of my life, we were inseparable growing up but everything changed when he met his girlfriend.
Now, I don’t have a problem with the fact that my friend has a girlfriend and if I’m being honest I’m happy he found someone that could put up with him. His pettiness about dishes being left out got on my nerves when we lived with each other.
I looked over to my phone, hearing the text chime. “Who could this be at this time?” I asked myself as I went back into the bedroom to retrieve my phone. I scoffed, as if he knew I was thinking about him.
Noah: Hey, we still on for our session in the morning? If this wakes you up I’m sorry but I can’t sleep
Nicholas: I’m awake but don’t worry, you didn’t wake me. I’ve been having trouble sleeping myself recently.
Noah: You haven’t been sleeping?
Nicholas: Long story short, I’ve been having the same nightmare for the past few weeks. Blah, blah, blah it’s not that important. I have your tattoo design in the studio waiting for you.
Noah: Sweet! It’s been too long my friend.
I chuckled to myself, remembering the good times I had with Noah growing up. We were both known as the rejects in school but it didn’t matter. We had each other.
Noah: Do you mind if I bring Haley? She’s been begging me to meet you.
I rolled my eyes, of course his girl wanted to come too.
Nicholas: Sure, but won’t you be worried about her getting bored?
Noah: Nah, honestly she wants to get a tattoo done by you, she thought she’d meet you first and then go through some ideas with you if that’s cool.
Nicholas: That’s fine by me. I’ll see you tomorrow buddy.
- - -
“Noah!” A woman giggled, “Stop it!” She laughed.
“Baby look!” Noah started laughing too when I walked into the studio. “Nick!” He came running over, holding an inflated glove in his hands. “Dude, it’s been so long!” He smiled and hugged me. “We shouldn’t have to wait so long to see each other.” He pulled away. “Nick, this is Hayley.” Noah smiled as the young woman came and stood at his side.
"Hi." She smiled, blushing. "Noah has never stopped talking about how talented you are."
Noah groaned as I could feel a blush spreading across my cheeks. I shrugged slightly, "I was always good at art in school, just thought I could put my skills to use inside a tattoo studio." I smiled, offering my hand, "Nicholas but you can call me Nick or Ruffilo."
She blushed again, shaking my hand, “Hayley but you already know that.” She smiled. “We can go through ideas after you’ve finished with Noah.”
I nodded going over to my station, grabbing the design as I made my way over to the back to get the stencil ready. “You look like shit.” I looked up to see Rose was making herself a coffee. “Nightmares still?”
I looked at her confused. “How did you know about my nightmares?”
She sighed, “Your station is next to mine Nick.” She stirred her coffee, avoiding eye contact. “I heard you talking to Tom.” She grabbed her cup, “Listen, Mike and I are going out for a couple of drinks after we’ve finished. You should join us,” She smiled, “Unless you’re thinking of being a third wheel for your friend.”
“You know I don’t mix work with my personal life.” I stated bluntly, grabbing Noah’s stencil. “And yes, Noah was a friend of mine but I’ve always been his tattoo artist so this doesn’t count.
- - -
“So how long have you been tattooing?” Hayley asked as I was putting the finishing touches to Noah’s filler.
“Pretty much since he finished school.” Noah answered for me, “Nick’s a few years older than me.”
Hayley nodded, “And all this was done by you?” She asked pointing to Noah’s arms.
“It is.” I nodded, “Noah was the first person I ever tattooed. He’ll probably be the last person I tattoo too.” I put the tattoo gun down, turning my attention to Hayley. “Let me wrap up here and we can start to book you in for yours.” She smiled, grabbing her phone.
“Dude? Who the fuck is the blonde that keeps staring at Hayley?” Noah whispered.
“Huh?” I finished wrapping Noah’s arm.
“The one over there at the station. She looks like she wants to eat her.”
I looked over to where Noah was staring. “Oh, that’s Rose.” I turned away, focusing my attention back to Noah’s fresh ink. “I don’t really know much about her, just that she works here and often calls in sick.”
“What’s her work like?” Noah asked, still focusing his attention on Rose.
I shrugged, “I’ve never really seen her work, Her clients are always here super late. Mostly when I’ve finished for the day.”
“Strange.” Noah got up making his way over to Hayley, “What do you think babe?” Noah twisted his arm so she could take a look.
“It’s beautiful.” She smiled, “You really are talented Nick.”
I started to blush again. What the hell was wrong with me? I’ve never reacted like this before whenever someone has complimented my work. So why, when Hayley does, does my brain and body betray me?
“Dude, stop looking at my girl like that.” Noah laughed, “You look like you’re in love with her.” There was a gasp and the sound of equipment dropping to the floor. We all turned our heads to see Rose was picking up her equipment. “We should head out for drinks once you’ve finished, you know, catch up properly.” Noah smiled, “I’ve missed you man.”
“I’ve missed you too.” I replied back whilst watching Rose, “Just text me where and I’ll meet you guys there.”
“See you later Nick.” Hayley smiled, walking out with Noah.
Rose scoffed, “See you later Nick.” She imitated Hayley’s voice, “God, even her voice is annoying.”
I rolled my eyes, “Just get back to work on your none existing customers.”
- - -
I played with my drink, trying my best to pay attention to the conversation that Noah and Hayley were having. My mind kept drifting back to the conversation with Rose earlier. The only person I told about the nightmares was Noah in text. Did he mention it in conversation whilst waiting for me in the studio?
“You really don’t want to be here do you?” I looked up from my drink as Hayley spoke. “I don’t know why Noah dragged me along honestly.” She sighed, looking over to the bar where Noah was standing.
“Are you two having problems?” I asked, following her gaze to the bar.
She sighed again, “He doesn’t know when to stop drinking at times. I often feel like I’m a third wheel in my own relationship.”
“He liked a drink but I never thought he had a problem.” I looked at her, seeing Noah swaying slightly. “Maybe he should call it a night?”
“Maybe.” She smiled sadly getting up. “I’m sorry you guys didn’t really catch up.” She grabbed her phone out of her bag, “Noah won’t mind but I’d like to get your number. We can discuss our appointment.” She passed me her phone as I quickly inputted my number for her. “It was really nice to meet you, Nick. Even if Noah has kinda ruined it.”
“Next time?” I asked.
“Next time.” She smiled walking over to Noah. I watched as she helped him out of the bar, picking my drink up, there was no point in me leaving yet. I didn’t want to go back to my empty apartment. I didn’t want to face the nightmares just yet.
- - -
I stumbled out of the bar, last rounds were 10 minutes ago but yet, I carried on drinking. I needed this. I needed to not feel, to not be anxious about going to sleep. Maybe I drank enough that I wouldn’t wake in the morning? That would finally stop the nightmares.
“It was really nice to meet you, Nick.” Hayley’s words repeated in my head. What was this I was feeling for her? She’s my friend's girl, I couldn’t be having feelings for her? No, I shook my head, I wasn’t like that.
I kept walking, not really caring if I was walking straight but I knew that I just needed to get home. “Nicholas.” I froze. That voice. That was the voice that had been haunting my dreams.
I turned around, looking into a dark alleyway. “Who are you?!” I slurred, “What do you want with me?!” I yelled.
“Nicholas.” The voice repeated. Calling me into the alleyway. Now, my sober mind would have told me to stay the fuck away from this place. To turn around and go back to my apartment but, I wasn’t sober. I wasn’t going to miss this chance to face the woman, if it was even a woman, that had been haunting me.
“What the fuck do you want?!” I stumbled into the alleyway. “Just leave me the fuck alone!”
“You know what I want.” I could hear the smirk in her voice. “You.”
- - -
“Shit!” A male voice shouted, “Nick? Nick, it’s Mike, can you hear me?” I groaned, what the fuck was Mike doing in my apartment. “Nick!” Mike started to shake me.
“Let me sleep.” I groaned.
“Buddy, I’m going to get you some help. Don’t move.” Help? I didn’t need help. He needed to get the fuck out of my apartment and let me fucking sleep. God knows I fucking need it. “Nick, can you open your eyes for me?”
I hissed, opening my eyes, “Let me fucking sleep!”
What happened next was a blur. One moment I was shouting at Mike to let me sleep, the next moment… his lifeless body was at my feet. That was the first time I tasted blood. That was the moment my body and soul changed forever.
This is where I find myself now. I don’t know who the woman was that was haunting my dreams but I feel now I will never know. The woman, no she wasn’t a woman. She was a vampire. She took away my humanity. There was nothing left for me.
I hid away from everyone, ignoring Tom and Rose’s calls. My phone chimed. Maybe it was time to disconnect the line? Go completely off grid? Try to blend in with human society, even if I wasn’t human anymore.
Hayley: I’m worried about you.
Hayley: Are you okay?
Hayley: Please Nick. Just let me know you’re okay.
Noah: You know, we can see you’re reading these dick. It’s not nice to be ignored.
Noah: Seriously? We just want to know you’re okay Nick. You’re not alone. We can help you.
I sighed. Nobody could help me now.
Nicholas: Just… leave me alone guys.
Hayley: Please Nick, you're our friend.
Nicholas: No one can help me now.