I'd look freaky as a blond.

So, here's the speech. The zombie thing is a BITCH. Your world shrivels down to a dot. And, all you can think about is how to get your next meal, and keeping your SECRET. And no-one can really know you now. Kissing, touching, sex, love, yelling at someone for stealing the blankets. Uhm, out of the question, forever. But then one day I see this beautiful woman. She's the ONLY THING in colour.

[brainylowell]

Relationship Goals || Caroline and Lowell

[brainylowell]

caroline.‌

By some miracle ( or curse, she wasn’t so sure ) he seemed to ask just as many questions as she did. Which was probably a good thing, considering he was answering half of hers in the process. It was either incredible or terrible luck that she’d bumped into him at the train station. While she still wasn’t sure whether or not he was a direct threat to her and her friends, she wouldn’t deny that sitting down and talking supernatural lore with a freaking zombie wasn’t the coolest thing that had happened this week.

❝ No to the coffins, the garlic, and the crosses. I can only enter someone’s house if the owner invites me in. It’s…annoying. You have to die with vampire blood in your system in order to transition, and then you have to complete it by having human blood within the first 24 hours after you die or else you’ll just die permanently. And the whole relationship thing is…complicated. I mean my boyfriend was human but it didn’t really work because he didn’t want to date a bloodsucking freak, and then my other ex was a werewolf but that got…complicated. But my best friend is human and she’s been dating her vampire boyfriend for a couple of years now and it’s going strangely well. I mean, if you don’t count her infatuation with his brother. But that’s… ❞ She paused, shrugging a shoulder. ❝ Complicated. ❞   

He didn’t mean to look fascinated by everything she said, but he would be a damn liar if he tried to play it off as only casual interest. Vampires. Actual vampires. They were a thing. A real thing. “And the ultimate question,” he said raising a brow. “How long have you been seventeen?” Lowell kept a straight face for only a second before breaking into a ridiculous laugh. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t... I know you’ve gotta get tired of the Twilight references, but I couldn’t help myself.” Despite his apology, Lowell was still laughing silently to himself. Occasionally hanging his head.

Finally he sighed, sat back, and placed his hands over his eyes. “Oh, shit. I’m sorry. I didn’t think I would ever... Like. You realize the absurdity of the conversation we’re having right now, don’t you?” he asked, meeting her gaze once more. “I’m a zombie. You’re a vampire. And we’re just... Trying to blend in with the humans the best we can. It’s bloody mental.” He shook his head again and just looked at Caroline. 

“How...Um... How off-putting would it be if I asked for your number, at least? I mean. I’d like to know you. And not just because I’m fascinated by what you are. But I’d... like to know more about who you are as well.”

[brainylowell]

Relationship Goals || Caroline and Lowell

[brainylowell]

caroline.‌

She was trying not to stare. But it was just…fascinating. The more she learned, the more she wanted to know. This world was fascinating. The more she found out about it, the more she wanted to uncover. First it had just been vampires, and witches. And then there were wolves. And hybrids. And more combinations of the three of those. But nothing quite like this. Nothing quite so out of the ordinary. Nothing like zombies. Caroline slowly handed the phone back, looking up at him in fascination.

❝ No I mean it’s… ❞ She laughed softly, shaking her head and trying not to think about the time she’d asked Damon the same question. ❝ Twilight got a few things wrong. ❞ She wasn’t sure what the closest lore was to the truth. ❝ I need blood. Or else I basically turn into a vamp-mummy. And uh, you know, there’s the whole fangs and red eyes and stuff like that. Some people go off the rails a bit, my friend Stefan is kind’ve a reformed bloodaholic. But I mostly drink from blood bags. ❞   

“That makes sense. Liv does this thing that she calls Full-On Zombie Mode. It’s... I think it’s a defense mechanism. If we sense danger, if we get overly angry... We turn into a crazy demon. The white hair and red eyes. Ridiculous strength. And an animalistic urge.” He swallowed, nodding more to himself than to her, and looked down at the ground. “It’s not pretty.”

When his gaze eventually lifted to Caroline again, Lowell wondered how things might have turned out if they hadn’t been what they were. If they’d been alive, meeting at a train depot. Would she have given him a second look. “Is that where the fable of the coffins comes in? The vampire-mummy stage? What about garlic? Crosses? Can you enter homes without permission?” He laughed once, awkwardly. “Sorry. Before this, I didn’t know that other species existed. What do you have to do to turn someone like you? There aren’t many of my kind. But it’s really easy to make one, it just kind of makes you an asshole if you do it without their consent. And so... being in a relationship with someone who isn’t like me, isn’t really an option. Do you at least get that? Relationships?

[brainylowell]

Relationship Goals || Caroline and Lowell

[brainylowell]

caroline.‌

The whole zombie thing was definitely a tough pill to swallow. She didn’t know how to wrap her head around it. Vampires and werewolves were one thing. And witches too, they all kind’ve…went together. Bu zombies were an isolated thing. A low budget horror movie kind’ve thing. And he looked so…normal. But then again, who the hell was she to judge? The way he explained it, it seemed like brains were his blood. He needed them to survive, they probably… tasted… different.  ❝ Blood kinda does that. I mean, it doesn’t give me the abilities of whoever gave it but it tastes different depending on the person. ❞ It was easier to discern a person who had a good diet and exercise routine from someone who didn’t, that was for sure.

At the question about the aging thing, she shifted slightly. ❝ Like…three years? ❞ But it seemed like a lifetime. Everything had changed from the time that she was human to who she was now. ❝ I’m still kind’ve new, I guess. But I’ve had good mentors. ❞ And bad mentors.

“Oh I can’t taste anything. Or very, very little. Things need to be doused in peppers and hot sauce. Dying, or undying, at least for my kind, has a way of killing off the tastebuds. Nothing has that draw anymore, you know? And honestly, I kind of miss chocolate.” He managed a small smile before pulling out his phone. “One time I let... As an experiment I let the whole appearance go. Just to see what would happen. It was a controlled experiment. Liv was there to make sure I didn’t... I didn’t lose myself.” 

He turned a picture toward her. In the picture, his skin was so pale white, it looked as if it had been painted. His hair was the same. Brilliant, bold white. And the irises of his eyes were circled with rings of red. “This is as close to looking the part as I ever care to get. From what we know... Once you... Once you slip from being the walking undead to the walking dead, there’s no going back. No amount of feeding on brains or whatever else will make you sane again.” When she was finished, Lowell took his phone back. “So... tell me? What did the movies get wrong? You mentioned the sunlight thing? Do you sparkle? I mean, other than your eyes, of course.” 

[brainylowell]

Relationship Goals || Caroline and Lowell

[brainylowell]

caroline.

❝ Zombie, ❞ She repeated the word as if she didn’t entirely believe it. Because she didn’t. She couldn’t. Zombies didn’t exist. And sure maybe that was a little hypocritical coming from the vampire, but seriously? ZOMBIES? The last thing she wanted to deal with were zombies. For a moment, Caroline just stared at him, watching as he continued talking, barely making any sense of the information coming out of his mouth. ❝ So you eat…dead body brains. ❞ It made her stomach churn. But then again, the vampire thing. She fed from blood bags. How was that any different?

There was a few seconds where she couldn’t answer the question. Where she was still staring, and still trying to process, totally unable to make sense of the fact that zombies were a thing to even form a coherent sentence. ❝ Vampire. ❞ It still felt weird, saying it to people outside of Mystic Falls. Outside of her core  group of friends. There was never any telling how someone would react. ❝ I drink blood and don’t age and can’t walk in the sunlight and all of that. ❞ Carefully, she moved to take the seat across from him, her back still somewhat stiff. ❝ I mean not without this, ❞ She held her hand up for a moment, displaying the ring before dropping it back into her lap and twisting the piece nervously around her finger. Shit, that probably hadn’t been smart. Never show them your weakness. She could almost hear Stefan sighing in the back of her head.

“Huh.” He could have had something more profound to say, he was sure of it, but that was all that came to mind. Vampires? She was telling him that vampires were real? Like... Dracula? It seemed a stretch, but then again, he supposed if he was going to believe in one kind of the supernatural, he might as well believe in all of them. “Well,” he started, catching the vulnerability she’d put herself in. “I’m pretty sure that something going through my brain, ironically enough, would actually kill me for good. And when I eat brains I have a tendency -- well, not just me, but my kind -- to take on... certain characteristics of the previous owner. Like... Um... Well, sometimes it can affect my sexuality? Or I’ve turned into an incredibly bitchy and vain teenage girl once. Or, if I eat the right one, I can become a kung-fu master.”

Lowell smiled his typical charming expression, but his eyes were clearly studying her. “So I was right in my previous assumption. You totally can kick my ass. I mean. There’s what my friend likes to call the full-on-zombie-mode. My eyes turn red. I kind of forget where I am. And I become... I dunno. Stronger. Less aware of what I’m doing and only thinking about... anyway. That’s strictly a survival mode for me. I’m really not one for fighting others. And... the longer I go without a brain, preferably drenched in as much hot-sauce as possible because I can’t taste anything otherwise, the more like... what is it, The Walking Dead?, characters I start to look like.

“How... You said you don’t age. How long have you been...” He gestured to her with his hand, unable to make himself verbally complete the sentence.

[brainylowell]

Relationship Goals || Caroline and Lowell

[brainylowell]

caroline.

She stared at him for a few moments. He seemed too relaxed, especially when she was anything but. And he still hadn’t fully explained what his deal was. With every passing minute, they were being shuffled closer and closer to the entrance of the train, and as much as she wanted to get away from him, she also didn’t want to unknowingly set him loose on the world without knowing what his intentions were.

❝ You know you never really told me what your deal is. ❞ She accused, eyes narrowed at him even as he joked. Once they were at the train, she pulled herself up, glancing behind her at the other cars filling up and feeling something twist in her stomach. He was offering, right? She had his name. And it definitely wasn’t a fake sounding name. After a moment’s deliberation, Caroline sighed, closing her eyes and stopping him before he could get much further. ❝ Wait. ❞ Another sigh, and when she opened her eyes, she fixed him with a serious look. ❝ But just so you know, there are people waiting for me when I get off. Scary people. Who like murder and torture and stuff. ❞     

“That’s so crazy! It sounds like your friends and I have a lot in common!” He stopped, winked, and then laughed softly. “I’m only kidding. I never really got into the whole torture thing, you know. I’m too much of a softie.” Lowell nodded in the direction of his train car and led her back in silence. Once they got there, he opened the door for her, and stepped in after. He closed it behind him, but he didn’t lock the door. As casual and flippant as he was being, Lowell still didn’t know what exactly she was and how much danger he was putting himself in.

“You want to know my deal, darling? Simple. I’m a zombie. Which... still sounds ridiculous to me. Saying it out loud, you know? But, the fact is, I was scratched by someone else like me, and now I, no joking, feast on brains.” She could think he was crazy if she wanted to, but he knew without a shadow of a doubt, that she wasn’t fully human either. Or she wasn’t fully alive. Something along those lines. “Don’t worry, I don’t kill people for them. I have a friend who works in a morgue. And so long as the brains are not needed for official autopsies or anything of that nature, I simply take what I can get. That, as you say, is my deal. It’s also how I know that you’re not... Well, like the others on that loading dock. Being undead we start to get a sense for these things. But even though your skin and hair are light, they’re not light enough. You’re not like me.

“So, I’ll ask you again. What are you?” Lowell sat casually down on one of the cushioned benches, looking at the young, beautiful girl. “I promise. I’ve no interest in hurting you. Or anybody else on this train. I meant it when I said I’m a bit of a wimp. Please. Have a seat.”

[brainylowell]

Relationship Goals || Caroline and Lowell

[brainylowell]

caroline.

She couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that had settled over her. She felt trapped. Helpless. Both things that she hated feeling. The crowd was shifting again, forcing her body to be slammed against him, and no matter how much she tried to wriggle free, she was essentially at the mercy of the masses. It didn’t put her at ease though, knowing that he wasn’t human either. That just yielded a new slew of questions that she wasn’t ready to ask. Or know the answers to.

Caroline swallowed, feeling the crowd finally shift in a way that she could shoulder her way free, sensing that he was right behind her. ❝ Look whatever this is — whatever you are, ❞ Her eyes darted around, a little bit more panicked than she wanted to let on. ❝ I don’t want anything to do with it. My life has enough drama as it is. ❞

“Suit yourself,” Lowell replied with as casual an air as one might expect if she had just turned down a free sample at a cart in the local super market. He moved with her, half because that’s where the crowd was pushing him and half because they were likely trying to catch the same train. Next stop: an hour and a half away. Whether she liked it or not, they were, in some small way, stuck with each other.

“I have a car,” he told her. “That... wasn’t as much of a proposition as it sounded. I mean, I have a private car, room, thing on the train. Doing the whole cross country thing, you see. So, if you change your mind, it’s in the very back before the luggage. And, to sweeten the deal, I offer a no drama guarantee.” He smiled and shuffled. “Whaaattt?” he said in that say what sing-songy tone. “Cute, British accent, and no drama? What’s the catch, you must be asking yourself. Well, for most, it would be the supernatural aspect. For you? I dunno, but maybe it would be worth finding out.”

Finally, finally, they reached the train and were getting ready to board. “The name’s Lowell, by the way. Lowell Tracey. It’s been a pleasure having my personal space invaded by you today, Miss.” He had to turn right down the aisle. “I hope to see you again.”

[brainylowell]

Relationship Goals || Caroline and Lowell

[brainylowell]

caroline.

Annoyance turned to intrigue the moment that she turned, looked up, and realized that he actually WAS kind’ve cute. Like… a weirdly perfect mixture of Matt and Tyler cute. With a little bit of that Klaus edge and forwardness that was undeniably attractive. But before she could lapse into a more flirty demeanor, his final words made a shiver roll down her spine. Her features shifted to a look of shock for a split second, until they hardened into something more. Someone tried to move behind her, shoving her further against him. Escape was impossible, compulsion would be risking too much in font of this many people. Caroline swallowed, eyes tearing away from his to glance around for possible exit routes. “I have no idea what you mean.” She finally responded, voice cold as she looked up at him.

“Relax, love. I’m not trying to out you. And I’m certainly not looking for a fight. You would kick my ass in a heartbeat. But I also don’t really believe in make-believe. Not when I live it by many people’s opinions.” He tried to keep his expression soft, warm. When he’d told her he was certain she could kick his ass, he’d meant it. But he also didn’t want her to risk exposing herself to the rest of the station just in an attempt to get away from him.

“Would it put you any more at east if I told you that I’m not either? Human, I mean. At least, not anymore.” His voice was quiet, barely above a whisper and certainly not loud enough that anybody else would hear him. “Would you be willing to talk to... to answer each other’s questions. Maybe over a drink? When we finally free ourselves of this crowd?”

[brainylowell]

Mind over Matter || Andrew and Lowell

[brainylowell]

• andrew

That brings up a frown, though it’s more of a curious expression than anything. “What do you mean, ‘not your type?’” Andrew cocks his head. “Couple nights ago you couldn’t seem to stop flirting with her. I was pretty sure you took her home. Now you’re… not into her.” Doesn’t make any damn sense to Andrew, but that seems to be par for the course where Lowell’s involved.

Andrew snorts, moving off to mix up that bloody mary. “So glad to hear I rank higher on your list than some poor guy working minimum wage at a corner store.” Then again, it’s not like Andrew’s making much better. It’s just that part of his job - part of what he gets paid for - is talking to people. Which is, unfortunately, his least favorite thing to do.

Lowell almost laughs, but instead, he looks up at Andrew. Definitely attracted to men, yes. It was a problem. Because the girl in his head, while sad and depressed and very one-sided on the sexuality spectrum, had also gone a long, long time without getting laid. No. Absolutely not. Even on my own brain, I like Andrew, and I will not put him in jeopardy.

“It’s complicated,” he said with a shrug. “And for the record, no. I didn’t take her home. I never take any of them home. Or... anywhere, I guess.” He’s talking too much, and again he blames the brain. “Anyway. You know... Well... You probably don’t know. But if it tells you anything about my life, you’re probably as close as I get to a friend. And I... am your customer. You are literally paid to keep me orderly, and to pretend like you give a shit when I don’t stop talking. No wonder you’re so good at keeping my glass filled. I talk less when I’m drunk.”

[brainylowell]

Relationship Goals || Caroline and Lowell

• caroline

God damn Bonnie Bennett. Guilting her into being here and then ditching her for a good old fashioned bone-fest with Elena’s little brother. And it wasn’t even like she could just leave, either. Because as soon as she turned to, the whole place had filled up and now she was stuck in the mass of people waiting for whatever brand new, novelty, sure to get it’s own TLC show bakery was about to open. But that wasn’t even the worst part. The worst part was being literally smashed against the man next to her. And then the looks. The whispers. The few that had dared to ask. —- She saw it happening again. The girl with her friend a few ways off. She’d looked at her. Then him. Then the two of them — noted the way that Caroline’s hand was pretty much smashed against his chest — and then opened her mouth, eyes glinting in excitement. “No.” Caroline interrupted, voice a bit more cutting than she’d intended. “No, we are not dating. No, we are not cute orRELATIONSHIP GOALS. No, you do not ship us. — You will turn around, shut your mouth, or I will end you, got it?” The girl’s eyes widened before she turned, slowly, and Caroline let out a huff, looking up at the guy after a moment. “I’m gonna kill my friend. I mean literally murder. And no one will find her body because there will be no body to find.”

“Not to sound like that guy or anything,” he said with a playful smile, hoping that maybe, if nothing else, his British accent would charm her a little, “but I was rather enjoying the attention. You know, being stuck in a crowded place, having a girl such as yourself forced to look at me when I’m fairly certain you wouldn’t otherwise. It’s a good day for me.” Lowell went for the most charming smile he could manage. “But since we’re definitely not dating, and since we are not RELATIONSHIP GOALS,” as he said this, he lifted his hands in the air and shook his hands as if he were announcing some big prize, “how about we shoot for mere acquaintances. I can, after all, smell your perfume.” Lowering his hands back down to his sides proved to be more difficult than he had planned with all the people surrounding and he had to basically caress the side of her arm in order to do it. “I’m Lowell. And you...” his voice lowered, “are not human... Though I can’t quite figure out what you are.”

@seesgood || continued from here

[teenager-stuff]

[dreamerwithbigeyes-blog]

[louist]

[angrily shouts into the night] LOWELL TRACEY DESERVED BETTER!!!!!!

[youwillnevermakemebelieve]

Sooo  started watching iZombie. “cool show, Bradley James is in it” I thought and then…..”SPOILER ALERT” ………………he gets killed off :( I lost the will to watch the show and I refuse to watch it without Lowell in it </3

[bradleyjamesjr]

[originalcharactertag]

Which OC always keeps a tan for some godforsaken reason, even in the dead of winter?

[debramorgan-blog]

[brainylowell]

• verity

her other eyebrow joined the first as she looked at him, eyes widening. “right, and so i’m supposed to spend weeks or months recovering, when you can get hit and keep on going?” she scoffed, eyes rolling as she stepped closer to him. fingers danced up his chest until her hand grasped his jaw holding it tightly. “i don’t think so.” she tutted, moving her hand back and forth as she held his face in an effort to shake his head. 

“i don’t think so.” letting go of his face she brushed her hand against her clothes to get rid of the tingling feeling as she turned to look out the windows. “if it was the you mess you wouldn’t be standing here.” looking over her shoulder at him she shrugged. “the corporate mess and the PR.”

His nostrils flared as he watched her move, eyes narrowing a bit. And as Verity touched him, he had to clench his hands into fists to keep from ripping her grip away. “You know,” he hummed once he was finally free. “I think you spend too much time fearing stray bullets and not fearing something as simple as a little scratch from me. Something that would make you just. like. me.”

Lowell watched as two other employees, from who knew what division, walked past. “So what does a PR lady want with me. I’m just a musician. Need me to make another bullshit jingle for Max Rager? You know he promised me I would be given some real studio time.”