Delia's Den

Hello, lovelies (Re:Vamp RP)

[chillinkillinthrillin]

Home for the Holidays

"You know I could easily strangle you from here," Delia mused lazily from the back seat of her Mercedes. "Weak as a kitten or not. Remind me why I don't?"

Macy glanced at her through the mirror from the driver's seat, but it was Noemi, also up front, who answered. "Because that'd very likely cause an accident, and I’ll heal." She took a sip of her coffee. "And you won't."

Delia declined to answer, quietly sulking as she sipped her iced macchiato. How had she let her sister turn the tables on her so thoroughly? Yes, she was physically weaker now, but Noemi had always been a pushover. But she had changed too. And Delia was afraid. She was the pushover now.

Her hand squeezed the paper coffee cup hard enough for her nails to poke holes in the side.

"You didn't have to come, you know," Noemi said with a note of irritation, then softened. "But I'm glad you did."

"Go to hell," Delia shot back, wincing at the hot coffee dribbling down her wrist.

"Oh, never mind," she added as they passed a 'Welcome to Connecticut' sign. "We're here.

Delia stared for a moment at the modest suburban home they'd pulled up to, her head a conflicted mess of feelings. She did not want to be here.

Raymond Marsh had been a legend. One of their best, most older Adamanth would say, despite having once been human. He'd been invaluable when the remnants of the old Family were re-establishing themselves on Earth. He had the connections, the knowledge, and most importantly, the talent. He was a stone cold killer, one their mother had held up as an example for her and her sisters to follow. Now he lived a normal, safe human life. Here. Away from them.

Delia hung back as Noemi walked up to the door and knocked. The middle-aged woman who answered looked vaguely familiar.

"Noemi!" She wrapped the vampire up in a crushing hug. "We thought you forgot about us."

"I told you we were coming!" Noemi chuckled, returning the hug.

"Shush." The woman released her and turned to the others. "So who are these mystery guests…" she trailed off as her gaze went from Macy to Delia, a look of startled recognition wrinkling her brow further. "Oh."

"Who is it hon?" came a voice from inside. "Is that my kid? Why are we all just-

"...Cordelia?" Ray stood in the doorway giving her a pathetically bewildered look. Delia made the mistake of meeting his eyes for a moment, then had to look away. What the fuck was she supposed to say?

As it turned out, nothing. He made the first move, striding forward past the others and throwing his arms around her. "It's good to see you again, sweetheart." There was sobbing in his voice, and Delia had to force back some of her own.

"You too, dad."

[librarygirl]

A Little Bit Dangerous

Noemi felt alone, really alone, for the first time since Lilius.

Okay, she wasn't really alone. She had most of her friends back, at least some of which would come rushing to her aid if she needed it. Two of them lived right down the street.

But the one nearly constant presence she'd come to rely on over the last few weeks was gone. Just for a few days, Karma had said. She needed to check on some things out of town. She'd be back.

But that reassurance wasn't much comfort now. Right now, she was gone, and Noemi would have to deal with this latest crisis on her own.

Because it was her own sister who had attacked and nearly killed one of those friends. Again. And she wasn't going to put any more of them in danger. Or let anyone else.

Which was why, for once, when Delia showed up at her door, Noemi was ready.

"Cor-"

Delia pushed past her into the house, not waiting for an invitation. "Put on some coffee, kiddo. We need to talk."

She went up the stairs without another word. Noemi followed just as silently, heading straight to the kitchen while Delia made herself comfortable at the bar.

Noemi leaned on the counter in front of the coffee pot, her back turned to the other Adamanth. "You tried to kill Lane."

"Tried, huh?" She could hear the grin in her sister's voice without having to look. "Good for her. I'd have been a little bit disappointed if she went down that easy."

“Who wanted her dead?”

“Privileged information, hon.” Delia sounded serious again. “But considering that she wanted you dead too, I guess I can give you a heads up.”

Noemi turned her head. Her voice was icy. “You gonna do it?”

Delia just laughed. “No! Oh my god, Nono! You’re family, first of all. You know what Mother would do to me? And second, that fucker tried to Mendaxi mindfuck me into doing it anyway. So no. Fuck her. She gets one out of two, and I make sure she doesn't fuck with my sister again.”

Mendaxi. Probably the same one who'd visited Lane. “So you’re leaving me alive, but killing my friend wasn’t a problem.”

“Never has been.” Delia smiled sweetly.

“Uh huh.” Noemi went back to making the coffee. An uneasy silence followed that they both refused to acknowledge until Noemi finally brought the pot and two mugs over to the bar. She filled both and slid one over to her guest.

"Just like Charlie? And Logan and Lorna?"

“Just like.” Delia finally spoke as she picked up her mug. “This is what I do, hon. I can't keep making exceptions when half of my targets are friends of yours.” She sipped her coffee. And grimaced. “Too much sugar.”

“I was a little distracted,” Noemi replied flatly.

“Guess I shouldn’t complain, should I?” She took another sip. “Anyway, I'm not retiring anytime soon, so learn to live with it. You should be th- thankfull,” she cleared her throat, "I hav... haven't....."

Delia’s hand trembled, shaking the mug and nearly spilling it. Noemi took it from her, setting it on the counter.

“N-noemi…” Delia put a hand to her forehead, slowly slumping down onto the counter. “What did you put in the coffee…?”

[chillinkillinthrillin]

Delia could barely hold herself up. Her hands were shaking, her vision was blurred. She felt like she was dying.

“Strighen,” Noemi answered, face blank, voice flat. Looking down at her like she was suddenly hot sh-

“Strighen?!” Delia squeaked, her throat suddenly dry. The poison she'd just sucked down was less deadly than the Strigha venom it was made from, but much more permanently debilitating. She tried to stand. She needed to get out of here…

Her chair tipped over and, unsteady on her feet, she went down with it, landing on her back on the floor. She barely noticed the pain. “Where’d you g-get Strighen…”

“I made it," her traitor of a sister explained, walking around the counter to stare down at her again. "Got the formula from Mother’s journal. And the venom,” she shrugged, “from a Strigha.”

Delia was done listening. She couldn’t stand, but she managed to flip herself over and crawl away. Until a foot pressed down on her back and pushed her to the floor again. Her strength was gone. The shaking had stopped, but a deep ache was settling into her muscles and bones.

It took a few breaths to work up the ability to speak. “You’re not… a killer… Nono.”

“You’re not gonna die, Cordelia,” her sister explained. “But you’re not hurting my friends anymore either. You weren’t gonna stop, so I stopped you.”

Delia took a deep breath. "Gotta say... I'm im- impressed… kiddo…" she breathed out raggedly. "Fuck you… though."

"Save your strength,"Noemi replied distractedly as she removed her foot from her sister's back and knelt down next to her. "The worst of it’ll be over soon."

She reached into Delia's pocket - easily pushing aside the hand that tried to stop her - and took out her phone. Delia couldn't see what she was doing, but after a moment, she spoke.

"Maisie, this is Noemi Marsh. Your boss needs a pick-up, and we need to talk. You know where I live."

[laneluthorblog]

CW: violence, car accident

chillinkillinthrillin​:

Delia inched them up to the edge of the cliff.

“Why not both?” She grinned. “This was lovely, dear. Maybe we’ll do it again sometime.”

She put the car in neutral, leaned over to give Lane a peck on the cheek, and stepped out. Circling around to the back, she put one foot up on the bumper.

“LONG! LIVE! THE KING!” she shouted and laughed, her voice ringing out across the quarry. Then she gave the car a shove, sending it forward and over the edge.

Lane rolled her eyes at the peck. Not even a proper kiss on the lips before death. It was a bit trashy, in her opinion.

Shame, if Delia wasn’t such a horrid person, they might get along.

Shit, the mug she’d picked up for Aletta was still in the backseat. It wasn’t going to survive the fall.

These were the last things Lane thought before impact, and for several minutes, the world was quiet.

[chillinkillinthrillin]

To the outside world, though, those minutes were anything but quiet.

The bulldozer roared to life as Delia started up the engine. No need to worry about finding the key - she'd stolen it earlier when she had come up here to move the huge machine into place. This work took a lot more preparation than most people realized. She hoped Lane had appreciated it.

With the dozer's shovel, she scooped up a pile of rocks and gravel, brought them to the edge, and dumped them, crushing and burying the car and her victim. She added a second scoop for good measure. Survive that!

The vampire shut off the machine and jumped out, landing in a crouch before standing and brushing dust off her clothes. She took out her phone as she started strolling back down the dirt road.

"Macy, I need a pick-up. Quarry road. And bring me a drink. You know what I like."

[laneluthorblog]

chillinkillinthrillin​:

Delia just laughed.

The car wound its way up to the top of the quarry, stopping next to a bulldozer just before the edge of a hundred foot drop.

“You’re not so bad for one of my sister’s friends. If you do survive this, come find me. I’ll get you a much better car to die in next time.”

“Well, if you’re paying…” 

With the car having stopped, Lane opened her eyes. She couldn’t see much, in the dark, but even so, she could see the ground drop out in front of them.

“Are you burying me or launching me off a cliff? Is there a stampede of antelope below?” She supposed she’d be finding out in moments.

[chillinkillinthrillin]

Delia inched them up to the edge of the cliff.

"Why not both?" She grinned. "This was lovely, dear. Maybe we'll do it again sometime."

She put the car in neutral, leaned over to give Lane a peck on the cheek, and stepped out. Circling around to the back, she put one foot up on the bumper.

"LONG! LIVE! THE KING!" she shouted and laughed, her voice ringing out across the quarry. Then she gave the car a shove, sending it forward and over the edge.

[laneluthorblog]

chillinkillinthrillin​:

Delia shook her head, but didn’t lose the smile. She took a sharp turn, passing a signpost that read ‘Quarry Road.’

“Simple, sweetheart. You bury them alive.”

Lane watched the sign pass at an angle. Ah.

Motherfucker.

“A baseball bat, car chase, and a burial? Might I suggest literally anyone but Tarantino next movie night?”

God, her head hurt. She closed her eyes against the car motion.

[chillinkillinthrillin]

Delia just laughed.

The car wound its way up to the top of the quarry, stopping next to a bulldozer just before the edge of a hundred foot drop.

"You're not so bad for one of my sister's friends. If you do survive this, come find me. I'll get you a much better car to die in next time."

[laneluthorblog]

chillinkillinthrillin​:

Delia flashed her another grin as they sped out of the garage onto the street. Before long, it was clear they were headed for the edge of town.

“You’re a smart cookie. I bet you can guess.” She watched Lane in her peripheral as she navigated through the thinning traffic. “How do you get rid of someone who can’t die?”

“Oh, I don’t know.” Lane thumped again into the seat. “I could think of a few dozen ways, but I can’t pinpoint—” Ow. “—which you might’ve managed to figure out.”

[chillinkillinthrillin]

Delia shook her head, but didn't lose the smile. She took a sharp turn, passing a signpost that read 'Quarry Road.'

"Simple, sweetheart. You bury them alive."

[laneluthorblog]

chillinkillinthrillin​:

“You’re so kind.”

Delia dragged Lane to her feet and walked her toward her car. With her other hand, she searched the reporter for her keys, finding the taser in the process.

“Oh, fun.” She gave the other woman a wink, tossing it into the back seat and Lane into the front passenger side.

“I hope you don’t like this car too much,” Delia said as she used the seatbelt to bind Lane’s hands behind her back. “Honestly sweetie, you deserve better.”

Without another word, she slid into the driver’s seat and started the car, peeling out of the garage at top speed.

“You’re abso—oof, absolutely right. It was about time to replace it anyway.”

The speed with which Delia took off, and the sharpness with which she took each turn, had Lane tossing in place uncomfortably. She grimaced as her head slammed into the seat back as she tried to take count of what she did have on her side.

… Not much. Her phone, in her pocket. The fact that they might be pulled over (no, wait, that would be a disaster). The fact that the taser was at least in the car, where she could get to it, after Delia left.

Right. She would be fine. She would be. Had to be. She didn’t intend to die again. Not like this, anyway.

“Where are we going?”

[chillinkillinthrillin]

Delia flashed her another grin as they sped out of the garage onto the street. Before long, it was clear they were headed for the edge of town.

"You're a smart cookie. I bet you can guess." She watched Lane in her peripheral as she navigated through the thinning traffic. "How do you get rid of someone who can't die?"

[laneluthorblog]

chillinkillinthrillin​:

“Privileged information, dear.” Delia grinned.

There was a sound from the other side of the garage. Footsteps, voices. Delia calmly crouched down near Lane, putting a hand to her throat.

“Scream and I’ll make this really hurt. Now let’s go somewhere a little less crowded, hm?”

God, but was she tempted to scream anyway. Blue eyes stayed fixed on Delia’s green, no matter what else she heard. It was best to try and keep others from getting involved in this. It wouldn’t end well for them.

Her, ah… To be determined.

“Lead the way.”

[chillinkillinthrillin]

"You're so kind."

Delia dragged Lane to her feet and walked her toward her car. With her other hand, she searched the reporter for her keys, finding the taser in the process.

"Oh, fun." She gave the other woman a wink, tossing it into the back seat and Lane into the front passenger side.

"I hope you don't like this car too much," Delia said as she used the seatbelt to bind Lane's hands behind her back. "Honestly sweetie, you deserve better."

Without another word, she slid into the driver's seat and started the car, peeling out of the garage at top speed.

[laneluthorblog]

CW: violence and blood

chillinkillinthrillin​:

Delia’s heels clicked as she strolled over to where Lane had fallen, with a slight detour to pick up the bat from where it had landed.

She nudged the human’s ribs with her foot, rolling her over onto her back. “Realistically, it was only a matter of time.” She twirled the bat absentmindedly in the air. “Too close to the throne and all, y'know?” Lowering the bat, she pressed it to Lane’s chin, tilting her head up to make sure she was looking at her. “Think I’m an evil bitch? You should meet my big sister.”

Lane didn’t flinch as the bat pressed against her chin. Her face had bruised and been scraped on impact, but she stared back best she could. “The joke’s on you if you think you’re any closer to that throne than she is.” Her breathing was labored, but she still muscled through the taunt. “Who—hired you?”

[chillinkillinthrillin]

"Privileged information, dear." Delia grinned.

There was a sound from the other side of the garage. Footsteps, voices. Delia calmly crouched down near Lane, putting a hand to her throat.

"Scream and I'll make this really hurt. Now let's go somewhere a little less crowded, hm?"

[laneluthorblog]

CW: violence and blood

chillinkillinthrillin​:

Delia gave chase.

Well, first she threw the bat, flipping it end over end until it slammed into the back of Lane’s head. Then she gave chase.

“That’s between me and my soon to be dead sister, sweetie,” she said casually. “Not something you’re gonna be around to worry about.”

Choice of shoes (as if she should have expected a chase—and frankly, she ought to have) suddenly became the last worry in Lane’s thoughts as pain replaced all else. She tumbled to the concrete in a heap, unable to lift her head or see or do much else, and shit? Shit, and fuck, and whether or not she came back wouldn’t erase how much it goddamn hurt now.

She did manage to catch what Delia said, or the gist of it. Better wake up fast, Lane. Unlike her, Noemi could die. She had Karma around, though, and the volph was better protection than anything. So long as someone could warn them in time.

“Good luck with that,” she managed. 

[chillinkillinthrillin]

Delia's heels clicked as she strolled over to where Lane had fallen, with a slight detour to pick up the bat from where it had landed.

She nudged the human's ribs with her foot, rolling her over onto her back. "Realistically, it was only a matter of time." She twirled the bat absentmindedly in the air. "Too close to the throne and all, y'know?" Lowering the bat, she pressed it to Lane's chin, tilting her head up to make sure she was looking at her. "Think I'm an evil bitch? You should meet my big sister."

[laneluthorblog]

CW: violence and blood

chillinkillinthrillin​:

The first sign Lane would have that anything was amiss would be the car not starting, no matter how many times she tried.

The second would be the sight of Delia in her driver-side mirror, walking up to the door with a baseball bat in hand. She smiled and waved when she caught Lane’s eye.

Then swung the bat hard at her window.

Lane didn’t scream, usually. She wasn’t much of a panicker, and could generally keep her head on, a skill she’d prided herself in for some time now.

There was a brief, cut off scream as the window shattered, raining glass over the redhead’s arms that had snapped up to cover her face. She scrambled backwards, shoving herself into the passenger seat and as far from Delia as she could get.

She recognized this woman, if only because of the effect others—Charlie, Aletta—had left, in that moment. Her mind spun, piecing together as much as she could about this woman. Adamanth. Noemi’s sister.

Fuck’s sake, they’d sent Noemi’s sister after her?

“You know—the ones that sent you—” A hand latched onto the door handle; there was no use in staying put. Running likely wouldn’t get her far, either, but she’d be damned if she didn’t try. “—did they mention their plans for Noemi?”

The door popped open; she swore at herself for leaving flats on, and ran.

[chillinkillinthrillin]

Delia gave chase.

Well, first she threw the bat, flipping it end over end until it slammed into the back of Lane's head. Then she gave chase.

"That's between me and my soon to be dead sister, sweetie," she said casually. "Not something you're gonna be around to worry about."

[laneluthorblog]

Time to Die

The moment the elevator doors opened, Lane’s phone was back in her pocket, replaced with the small taser she’d begun to carry around with her. Taser, rather than pepper spray, in case either of her theories proved right. Was it wrong that she wanted to find out?

The first, that electricity had an effect on injuries, had been easy enough to test. It wasn’t confined to electricity alone, though, and that had proved harder to narrow down. Energy? That was too vague.

The second, that Gabrielle (and Lane doubted this was the Mendaxi’s real name, but until another was provided, it would do) would be coming after her or Noemi next, was harder to prove, but no less one Lane wanted an answer to. One way or another.

Good news was, she was prepared for it. Keeping an eye on her surroundings even more than usual. Parking close to the parking garage’s elevator, especially considering how long her work days were going, lately. Checking her backseat before hopping in the car, and locking the doors right after.

Because the one thing she didn’t want to know was how long she had for help to arrive before she actually died.

[chillinkillinthrillin]

The first sign Lane would have that anything was amiss would be the car not starting, no matter how many times she tried.

The second would be the sight of Delia in her driver-side mirror, walking up to the door with a baseball bat in hand. She smiled and waved when she caught Lane's eye.

Then swung the bat hard at her window.

[chillinkillinthrillin]

Upscale

Delia sat alone, sipping an expensive drink, in a private room at one of Maroa's ritzier nightclubs. Not because she wanted to impress her new client or the underworld bigwig she was rumored to work for. The Adamanth may have been out of favor with the rest of her family at the moment, but she'd made enough local connections to stand on her own.

No, tonight she simply wanted to enjoy herself, and if the client appreciated it, all the better.

A soft, polite knock at the door preceded the entry of a woman in a black business suit. "Hello. Miss Marsh?"

"Delia, please." She could hardly resist the shadow of a grin that tugged at her lips. The other woman was more or less average in appearance - just shy of middle age, not-quite-platinum blond hair, a few inches shorter than Delia herself - but her voice… warm honey drizzled over the brain. "And you would be Gabriella." She extended a hand. "Lovely to meet you."

Gabriella took the offered hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Likewise." She then took a seat, letting her glamour drop as she did to reveal her vampiric features. Delia had known that much already. "Thank you for offering your services."

Delia had been certain that the other vampire had been the one to contact her, but what was the point in arguing so small a detail? "Can I get you a drink?"

~~

Delia spent the next ten minutes luxuriating in that delightful voice like a hot bath. It was really too bad Gabriel only wanted to talk business, but if that's what she cared about, Delia would do her best to impress.

"All I need," she was explaining, "are names and descriptions. Anything else you can give me - photos, addresses, phone numbers - are helpful but not necessary."

Gabriella slid a folded sheet of paper over to her. "The first target is Lane Luthor. She's human, as far as I can tell, but claims she can't be killed."

Delia unfolded the paper, arched an eyebrow and grinned. "Challenge accepted."

"The other," she continued, "is Adamanth. That's not a problem, is it?"

Delia made a dismissive gesture. "Normally yes, but I’ll make an exception for you, sweetheart.” She leaned in closer. “Who is it?”

Gabriella slid another sheet over, watching her carefully. “Noemi Marsh.”

Delia was quiet for a moment, then burst into laughter. “I’ve just been waiting for the right excuse. Consider it done.” She slid the paper away without looking at it. “Just say the word, and I’ll see you again when it’s time to collect my pay.”

“Mm, about that,” Gabriella purred, in a way that made Delia ready to agree with whatever she was about to suggest, “I thought maybe we could negotiate your payment…”

[librarygirl]

The Deal

Noemi filled the coffee pot with water and set it on the stove, beginning one of the small rituals that were keeping her sane lately. It was kind of amazing how unnerving it was to live alone now. How had she managed it for six months after Karma left?

She’d have to get used to it again. Charlie wasn’t coming back, and she doubted any of the friends she’d managed to hang onto liked or trusted her enough to want to live with her. Maybe-

The door opened and closed downstairs. For a very brief moment, Noemi was hopeful. Charlie still had her key, as far as she knew. Joan was the only other person who did, and she didn’t have any reason to just barge in.

Then she heard the click of heels on tiles. On wood.

She left the coffee heating on the stove and rushed around the counter into the living room. Just in time to see her sister coming up the stairs.

Delia flashed her a smile. “Hey, Nono.”

[chillinkillinthrillin]

Noemi just stared at her with a deer-in-the-headlights look. It would have been hilarious if it wasn’t kind of sad. Delia laughed anyway. “Close your mouth kiddo, you’re gonna catch flies.”

She strolled past her sister into the living room like it was hers, despite never having been here before. Not the worst place to live. A little bare though.

“What are you doing here, Delia?” Noemi finally asked indignantly.

Delia took a seat at the counter facing the kitchen, making the other woman have to go around the counter to face her. Which she did.. “Maybe I just want to see my little sister.”

The look Nono gave her said how much she believed that. Delia chuckled.

“No, hon. As much as I’d like to catch up, this is business. Where’s your little roommate?”

There was just a bare moment of hesitation before Noemi feigned casual annoyance. “She’s not home, and I’m not telling you where to find her.”

Interesting. “No problem, I’ll wait.” Her eyes flicked to something else in the kitchen. “Your coffee’s about to boil over.”

Noemi turned her head just as the water began to splash out of the pot and sizzle on the stove. She swore and rushed over to take the pot off the burner.

“Pour me a cup.” Delia grinned to herself behind her sister’s back. “I’m not going anywhere.”

The fact that she sighed and grabbed two mugs out of the cabinet was very telling. Time to dig a little deeper.

“I heard you two had a falling out. You sure she’s worth all this?”

“Yeah,” Noemi said without turning around. “She is.” There’d been no hesitation there, but there was pain. She’d hit a nerve.

“She left, didn’t she?” Delia couldn’t help the glee in her voice at the realization. “Oh shit, Nono. What did you do?”

The bottle of creamer slammed down on the counter. “Drop it Cordie, or you don’t get your coffee.”

Oh, this was juicier than she’d thought. She jumped out of her seat and rounded the counter to stand next to her sister. “Come on, kiddo. You can tell me.” She didn’t bother sounding sympathetic. Noemi wouldn’t buy it. “What happened?”

Noemi leaned on the counter and stared down. “We’re not talking about this. She’s not here. You should leave.”

“Oh no, Nono. You have to tell me now. I’m not leaving til you do.” Delia reached over and grabbed one of the mugs. They both liked their coffee the same way, so she didn’t bother adding anything, just took a sip. “Don’t think you can wait me out, either. I cleared my schedule for this.”

She took her cup and walked out into the living room, settling herself on the couch as the fluffy white cat who’d been occupying it vacated in a hurry. She sat and sipped her coffee patiently.

Noemi stayed in the kitchen, facing away from her. Predictably, it didn’t take her long to come to a decision. She was smart. She came into the living room and stood on the opposite side of the coffee table, holding her mug in both hands and taking a moment to work up her courage.

“It was Lorna,” she said finally, looking up to meet Delia’s eyes. “We’ve been seeing each other.”

[librarygirl]

It was almost worth everything just to see the look of shock that flashed on her sister’s face. Just for a second. Before she burst into cackling laughter. The coffee was still in her hand, but of course Cordelia had the poise not to spill it even when she was laughing her ass off. Of fucking course she did.

“God, Nono,” Delia giggled, wiping tears from her eyes. “That’s- If I’d known you were still taking my hand-me-downs, I’d have set you up with someone nice.”

Noemi just stood across from her, face blank, determined not to give her anything more.

Delia took a sip of coffee. “You must really have it bad for her if she split up you and Charlie. I suppose I can’t blame you though. She is hard to resist, once you’ve had a taste.” She leaned forward, a wicked grin forming. “Those tempting bite marks on her shoulder. The little heart-shaped birthmark on her inner thigh. Like a kiss on your cheek.”

Noemi felt her face turning red. How much of it was from embarrassment and how much from anger at her sister knowing exactly how to get to her, she wasn’t sure. Either way, she’d had enough. “Yeah well, neither of them are here now, and I don’t know where Charlie is. So you’re wasting your time.”

“Oh no,” Delia said, sitting back. “You’re never a waste of time, dear. And you can still help me.” She put on a completely fake thoughtful expression. Noemi knew she already had this figured out.

“You may not know where Charlie is,” she continued, “but I bet you can find out for me. You could bring me Lorna too, for that matter. But I’m not greedy. I’ll let you choose. Give me either one of them, and I’ll leave the other one alone.”

Her expression and tone were all business now. “This is the best chance you’re gonna have to get either of them off the hook, Noemi. Your choice: Charlie or Lorna. Do we have a deal?”

[chillinkillinthrillin]

“No!” Noemi said. Without hesitation, like Delia knew she would. “No, Cordelia! I’m not… Doing that.”

“It’s one or both, kiddo. It’d be a load off my mind if neither of them was around anymore, but I’m doing you a favor.”

Not strictly true. At this point, taking both of them out was getting to be more trouble than it was worth. Charlie’s survival had done its damage to her reputation, and she’d recovered. And Lorna wasn’t any more dangerous than any other reg. Maybe less now that she was preoccupied with a relationship. But she couldn’t just let them both live either. The fact that her sister had acquired the odd habit of getting close to the people she wanted dead was giving her the perfect solution.

There was a long pause before Noemi finally gave her answer.

“Get out.” She leaned forward and grabbed the coffee cup out of Delia’s hand.

Delia let her do it. Because she’d heard the tone in her little sister’s voice, and it wasn’t defiance. It was resignation. She knew she had a decision to make, so Delia would leave her to it.

“Offer's still open," she said, getting up from the couch. "But don't take too long to decide, Nono. If I get to one of them before you get back to me, I'm not waiting."

She gave Noemi a light pinch on the cheek, too fast for the other vampire to stop her, then left without letting her get another word in.

[librarygirl]

The Deal

Noemi filled the coffee pot with water and set it on the stove, beginning one of the small rituals that were keeping her sane lately. It was kind of amazing how unnerving it was to live alone now. How had she managed it for six months after Karma left?

She’d have to get used to it again. Charlie wasn’t coming back, and she doubted any of the friends she’d managed to hang onto liked or trusted her enough to want to live with her. Maybe-

The door opened and closed downstairs. For a very brief moment, Noemi was hopeful. Charlie still had her key, as far as she knew. Joan was the only other person who did, and she didn’t have any reason to just barge in.

Then she heard the click of heels on tiles. On wood.

She left the coffee heating on the stove and rushed around the counter into the living room. Just in time to see her sister coming up the stairs.

Delia flashed her a smile. “Hey, Nono.”

[chillinkillinthrillin]

Noemi just stared at her with a deer-in-the-headlights look. It would have been hilarious if it wasn’t kind of sad. Delia laughed anyway. “Close your mouth kiddo, you’re gonna catch flies.”

She strolled past her sister into the living room like it was hers, despite never having been here before. Not the worst place to live. A little bare though.

“What are you doing here, Delia?” Noemi finally asked indignantly.

Delia took a seat at the counter facing the kitchen, making the other woman have to go around the counter to face her. Which she did.. “Maybe I just want to see my little sister.”

The look Nono gave her said how much she believed that. Delia chuckled.

“No, hon. As much as I’d like to catch up, this is business. Where’s your little roommate?”

There was just a bare moment of hesitation before Noemi feigned casual annoyance. “She’s not home, and I’m not telling you where to find her.”

Interesting. “No problem, I’ll wait.” Her eyes flicked to something else in the kitchen. “Your coffee’s about to boil over.”

Noemi turned her head just as the water began to splash out of the pot and sizzle on the stove. She swore and rushed over to take the pot off the burner.

“Pour me a cup.” Delia grinned to herself behind her sister’s back. “I’m not going anywhere.”

The fact that she sighed and grabbed two mugs out of the cabinet was very telling. Time to dig a little deeper.

“I heard you two had a falling out. You sure she’s worth all this?”

“Yeah,” Noemi said without turning around. “She is.” There’d been no hesitation there, but there was pain. She’d hit a nerve.

“She left, didn’t she?” Delia couldn’t help the glee in her voice at the realization. “Oh shit, Nono. What did you do?”

The bottle of creamer slammed down on the counter. “Drop it Cordie, or you don’t get your coffee.”

Oh, this was juicier than she’d thought. She jumped out of her seat and rounded the counter to stand next to her sister. “Come on, kiddo. You can tell me.” She didn’t bother sounding sympathetic. Noemi wouldn’t buy it. “What happened?”

Noemi leaned on the counter and stared down. “We’re not talking about this. She’s not here. You should leave.”

“Oh no, Nono. You have to tell me now. I’m not leaving til you do.” Delia reached over and grabbed one of the mugs. They both liked their coffee the same way, so she didn’t bother adding anything, just took a sip. “Don’t think you can wait me out, either. I cleared my schedule for this.”

She took her cup and walked out into the living room, settling herself on the couch as the fluffy white cat who’d been occupying it vacated in a hurry. She sat and sipped her coffee patiently.

Noemi stayed in the kitchen, facing away from her. Predictably, it didn’t take her long to come to a decision. She was smart. She came into the living room and stood on the opposite side of the coffee table, holding her mug in both hands and taking a moment to work up her courage.

“It was Lorna,” she said finally, looking up to meet Delia’s eyes. “We’ve been seeing each other.”

[lornaa]

chillinkillinthrillin​:

Delia rolled her eyes, not sure why she’d expected better. She hooked her fingers into the handle of the drawer in front of her and pulled it all the way out, directly into Lorna’s path. At the same time, she swung her left arm to rake her nails across Lorna’s face before dodging around her.

Lorna managed to stop before slamming into the drawer entirely. The nails caught her, unfortunately, raking deep lines up and across her right cheek. She gasped in pain, but managed to avoid slapping a hand over the surely-bloodied mess and losing her focus. 

“Fuck you,” she spat, and stomped hard on Delia’s insole while she brought an elbow up to the other woman’s nose.

[chillinkillinthrillin]

The stomp made Delia stumble, but she managed to avoid the elbow, mostly. It made contact, but she pulled her head back to lessen the impact. It still made her eyes water.

She needed to remember who she was fighting. Not just her ex-lover, but a Regulator. Her powers were nullified. Lorna’s hits counted.

She backed away a few steps, giving herself space to figure out her next move.

[lornaa]

Backing up was a cute move. She’d bet Delia hadn’t given Logan a second to breathe, so she wouldn’t give her one, either.

She hooked the other woman’s right arm, just as she’d done to Gardner. Gardner, however, she hadn’t been aiming to kill. So instead of the leg sweep, Lorna twisted the arm behind Delia’s back and, using all her weight, slammed her into the ground face first.

[chillinkillinthrillin]

Delia tried to pull her arm away, twist out of Lorna’s grip, but it wasn’t as strong as it had been, or nearly as coordinated. So maybe she should have listened to Macy. Maybe this had been a mistake. But she’d never let that stop her before.

Still, when her head bounced off the kitchen floor and everything flashed white for a second, she just laughed. Before her vision had a chance to clear, she was already twisting and rolling, dropping Lorna to the floor and straddling her waist.

She giggled as she shook the stars out of her eyes. Blood ran down her face, and a wisp of hair had escaped from her hood to get stuck against her cheek. “Mmm, I remember the last time we tussled on the floor like this,” she said as her hands closed around Lorna’s neck. “It wasn’t nearly so satisfying.”

[lornaa]

Lorna dug her fingernails into the tender skin of Delia’s right wrist and wrenched the hand off her throat. In the same motion, she twisted onto her side, getting the assassin’s fingers away from the front of her neck. The shift also had the advantage of keeping Delia’s dripping blood away from her face– no, thank you– and of giving her a nice view of the items that scattered across the floor when she’d hit the drawer.

“I prefer this, frankly– you weren’t that hot a lay,” she said, grabbing one of the knives. Her brother’s preferred weapon, not hers, but that felt poetic, stabbing the bitch to death for him.

She swung, hitting Delia squarely in the thigh.

[chillinkillinthrillin]

That fucking hand again. It wasn’t strong enough to maintain a grip on Lorna’s throat or stop her from pulling it away. She had to admit that the human had the upper hand now, even as Delia had her pinned to the floor.

Then there was a sharp pain in her thigh. She hissed and rolled away, grabbing the edge of the counter to pull herself painfully onto her feet.

This wasn’t going her way. She was bleeding in multiple places, probably had at least a concussion, and none of it was healing. She needed to end this quickly. It would all be fine once she took out the Reg and got her powers back.

She bent down to pick up another knife that had fallen on the floor. She hated to let so much blood go to waste, but Lorna needed to die soon.

[lornaa]

chillinkillinthrillin​:

Delia rolled her eyes, not sure why she’d expected better. She hooked her fingers into the handle of the drawer in front of her and pulled it all the way out, directly into Lorna’s path. At the same time, she swung her left arm to rake her nails across Lorna’s face before dodging around her.

Lorna managed to stop before slamming into the drawer entirely. The nails caught her, unfortunately, raking deep lines up and across her right cheek. She gasped in pain, but managed to avoid slapping a hand over the surely-bloodied mess and losing her focus. 

“Fuck you,” she spat, and stomped hard on Delia’s insole while she brought an elbow up to the other woman’s nose.

[chillinkillinthrillin]

The stomp made Delia stumble, but she managed to avoid the elbow, mostly. It made contact, but she pulled her head back to lessen the impact. It still made her eyes water.

She needed to remember who she was fighting. Not just her ex-lover, but a Regulator. Her powers were nullified. Lorna’s hits counted.

She backed away a few steps, giving herself space to figure out her next move.

[lornaa]

Backing up was a cute move. She’d bet Delia hadn’t given Logan a second to breathe, so she wouldn’t give her one, either.

She hooked the other woman’s right arm, just as she’d done to Gardner. Gardner, however, she hadn’t been aiming to kill. So instead of the leg sweep, Lorna twisted the arm behind Delia’s back and, using all her weight, slammed her into the ground face first.

[chillinkillinthrillin]

Delia tried to pull her arm away, twist out of Lorna’s grip, but it wasn’t as strong as it had been, or nearly as coordinated. So maybe she should have listened to Macy. Maybe this had been a mistake. But she’d never let that stop her before.

Still, when her head bounced off the kitchen floor and everything flashed white for a second, she just laughed. Before her vision had a chance to clear, she was already twisting and rolling, dropping Lorna to the floor and straddling her waist.

She giggled as she shook the stars out of her eyes. Blood ran down her face, and a wisp of hair had escaped from her hood to get stuck against her cheek. “Mmm, I remember the last time we tussled on the floor like this,” she said as her hands closed around Lorna’s neck. “It wasn’t nearly so satisfying.”