* (UN)DEAD

nikola aydin / 28/29 / vampire.

[h2ir]

               the  vortex  is  needless  to  say,   not  usually  niko’s  style.  once  upon  a  time  it  might’ve  been,   when  she  frequented  bars  &  clubs  with  friends  on  either  arm    ---   but  that  was  what  felt  like  a  life  time  away.   now  she  struggled  with  large  crowds,   too  many  things  to  focus  on  with  heightened  senses   &   while  she  was  improving  when  dealing  with  humans,   it  didn’t  stop  her  from  escaping  to  the  lounge  as  soon  as  possible.

              realization  dawns  too  late,   having  practically  thrown  herself  in  the  nearest  seat.    “     shit,   sorry.    did  i  take  your  seat  ?     “

@vprssmile​     /     closed.

[h2ir]

(  *  freya.  )

freya furrowed her eyebrows ever so lightly. there was a small creased between them, almost imperceptible and so short-lived. fantastic. clearly, the young vampire wasn’t looking forward to living forever. freya couldn’t blame her —- she’d felt the same thing when she had been turned. when she’d come to terms with it, however, she had never felt freer. “i know it seems scary.” freya wasn’t good at pep talks, not with strangers. “but you’ll get used to it. to everything.”

the way the other answered her question caused freya to tilt her head. “did you kill them?” there was a certain… hunger behind the question and the answer would tell her so much more about the woman than she’d think. 

           scary  is  putting  it  lightly,  she  thinks  to  herself.  someone  so  gentle  &  level  -  headed,  now  she  looks  in  the  mirror  as  if  the  word  KILLER  is  imprinted  on  her  forehead  in  bold  letters.  it  all  sounded  fine  on  paper,  the  enhanced  abilities,  eternal  life  but  living  it  was  an  entirely  different  story.  features  soften  some  with  the  attempt  at  a  pep  -  talk,   a  weak  smile  pulling  on  her  lips.

            “    yes,    “   she  admits.  niko  has  never  felt  angrier  than  that  moment,  watching  someone  kill  a  student  of  hers   ---   someone  she  was  in  charge  of,   to  teach  &   protect.   it’s  what  had  killed  her  in  the  first  place,   trying  to  save  them,   instead,   she  got  what  she  believed  was  justice.  or  at  least,  that’s  what  she’d  tell  herself  from  realizing  she’s  now  killed  not  one,  but  two.

[h2ir]

(    *   alaric.   )

The solution to his stalker problem might be obvious to those outside of the situation but Niko seemed to sympathize with him in this instance. He displayed a knowing smile as soon as he heard her speak his name. “I am a real doctor. I’ll admit my last name complicates things, but I like being a doctor.” He tucked the badge under the collar of his jacket. 

“Please, I insist. Circumstances aside, the kiss was nice. ” He wasn’t entirely certain it was a great time for such a comment, but it was one he made anyway. “I caught you off guard. That’s all the more reason to let me make it up to you. Let me redeem myself.” 

               “   i’m  sure  you’re  great,   you  seem  to  care  a  lot.  slightly  stripper  -  esque  name  or  not.    “    she  teases  jovially   &   it’s  been  awhile  since  such  a  genuine  smile  played  on  her  lips.  despite  initial  discomfort  moreso  with  the  fact  she’s  still  trying  to  reign  her  heightened  senses  (  read  :   hunger   )   in,   niko’s  loosened  up  by  now.

              “     -------does  that  line  usually  work  ?     “    thinly  veiled  amusement  before  she  glances  around,  the  crowds  starting  to  thin  a  bit  &  she’s  pretty  sure  she  can  manage  it,   she’ll  have  to.     “    if  you  insist,    let’s  grab  a  drink  ?     “

[h2ir]

(   *   freya.   )

freya let out an amused chuckle. the original could say that the baby vampire reminded her of herself but she had never been as innocent as the other seemed to be —- after all, her first kills were her husband and children. there’s really nothing worse than that. “don’t worry — being old, as a vampire, is a good thing. means you’re stronger, faster. you’ll see.” and then she let out a scoff, shaking her head as she let an amused smile appear. “oh, i’m not friendly. just when i want to be.” and the friendlier she was to a young vampire, the more it meant she could bring her to their side — the more, the merrier. “what happened to the vampire that turned you?”

                 despite  the  older  vampire’s  words,   it  brings  no  comfort  to  niko,    you’ll  see   ;  just  how  long  would  she  live  with  this  gnawing  in  her  chest  ?  it  seemed  to  get  easier  but  the  thought  of  outliving  any  given  mortal,  her  family,  churns  her  stomach.  they  already  believe  she’s  dead,  it’s  safer  that  way,  they’re  left  out  of  it  &  she’ll  survive  on  her  own,  deal  with  her  own  guilt  &  burdens.  knowing  that  they’ll  pass  on,  tucked  into  their  casket  with  her  lies,  it’s  too  much  to  think  about.   would  living  a  thousand  years  be  worth  it  if  there  was  no  one  to  care  for  anymore  ?

                “     fantastic,    “  she  breathes  out,   “  well  thanks  for  not  ..  you  know.  killing  me  on  sight  ?    “     the  next  question  freezes  her,   there’s  a  bitterness  that  swells  in  her  heart,    leaves  a  sickening  taste  in  her  mouth.    “   ---they’re  dead  now,    i  don’t  think  they  were  much  older  than  me.   “    they  couldn’t  have  been,   she  killed  them.

[h2ir]

(   *   isabella.  )

“i like walking at night.” the blonde explained, as she brushed a few silvery strands from her eyes. “it’s peaceful.”

         “  it  is,  “     she  agrees,    a  soft  smile  on  her  lips.   “  it’s  much  nicer  than  the  big  cities  i’m  used  to,  everything’s  so  quiet  in  comparison   ---  i  guess  that’s  why  i  was  just  thrown  off  when i  heard  you.   “

[h2ir]

(   *   freya.   )

freya couldn’t help but let out a small and amused chuckle —- the woman really had no idea what she was in for, did she? “multiply that by ten and you’ll get the right answer.” there was no point in hiding just how old she was, not to a baby vampire. what she wouldn’t say just yet, was what kind of old vampire she happened to be. “don’t worry, i’ll help you.” even if the other hadn’t asked.

                  features  fall,      lips  parting  in  something  akin  to  pure  shock.  it  takes  her  a  beat  to  recover   &   if  she  was  still  capable,    she’s  sure  her  face  would  be  entirely  red  with  humiliation.   “    damn,  i  really  did  just  call  you  old  times  ten.    “   a  huff,   she’s  starting  to  believe  her  luck  truly  is  horrible,  lithe  fingertips  move  to  brush  some  of  the  loose  strands  of  her  hair  back.  “    ..  why  ?  ---not  that  i don’t  appreciate  it  !    i  just  haven’t  met  many  .. friendly  vampires  ?    “

[h2ir]

(   *   alaric.  )

If Alaric had been less desperate and more observant of her, he might have seen that this was not the woman to just come up on and kiss. The whole situation had him feeling out of line on so many levels. He felt bad for the woman as he now realized the smile she displayed only masked what she truly felt. He suspected there was more to her story than what he’d just put her through, but he didn’t want to pry. 

She’d stopped kissing him before he realized the contact had been broken. Snapping himself out of it hearing her words. Opening his eyes, he peeked over her shoulder to see his patient retreating from the cafe. He sighed with relief and stepped back from her more so he wasn’t in her space. “She’s gone. Thank you for your help and I’m very sorry. A hug probably would have worked, I don’t know how I didn’t think of that.” He shook his head, more ashamed now than before. “How can I make it up to you? I feel bad about putting you on the spot like that.” 

                   niko’s  composed  herself  by  now,  breathing  out  a  laugh  with  a  shake  of  her  head.  it  was  certainly  one  way  to  distract  herself,     “   you’re  fine,  it’s  hard  to  think  clearly  when  you’re  panicked  ---  i  understand.   “  yes,  she  understands  all  too  well,  for  someone  who  is  usually  the  epitome  of  calm  &  collected,  at  least  she  can  say  vamprism’s  given  her  quite  a  few  new  perspectives.

                  “    are  you  telling  me  this  isn’t  a  daily  occurrence  for  you  ...   “   glances  towards  the  name  tag.   “    dr .  haught  ?    “    teasing  tone   &   really,  she’s  almost  in  a  fit  of  giggles,   a  hand  lifted  as  if  she  can  hide  her  amusement.   clearing  her  throat,  she  speaks  again.    “   really  though,   you  don’t  have  to  do  anything,  i  was  just  caught  a  little  off  guard.    “

[h2ir]

(   *   freya.   )

three months. freya’s eyebrows furrowed, a little crease appearing between them — she’d noticed the vampire was a new one but she hadn’t expected the woman to be that new to being a vampire. “i’m going to go ahead and guess you have not had anyone help you.” it wasn’t a hard conclusion to get to. “what do you consider a very long time?” the original had to know this new vampire’s perception of time.

                  a  choked  laugh,    “    not  unless  you  consider  trying  to  kill  me  a  second  time  helping.   “     the  memory’s  still  all  too  fresh  in  her  mind,  not  to  mention  her  student  who  didn’t  survive  the  attack   (    &  really  ,  niko  wasn’t  sure  if  she  was  the  lucky  one.   )    “    over  a  hundred  years   ?   shit.   i’m  calling  you  really  old,   aren’t  i  ?    “

[h2ir]

(  *   mercy.    )

mercy was fairly good with her customers, so when a new one came in she almost instantly noted it. often, they were tourists or visitors who just wanted to  look in the ‘voodoo’ shop, but she often tried to get them to try at least some tea or herbs. “black caramel is my favorite winter tea, it’s a strong black tea, with jasmine flowers and caramel flavoring. though not for beginners.” she teased lightly. “i have some simple jasmie tea seeping in the back, if you’d like  to try some?”

               a  soft  smile,    bright  as  the  sun   &   curiosity  piquing  her  tone.   “   ------do  you  make  them  all  yourself  ?  “   she  couldn’t  imagine  most  of  this  being  manufactured  elsewhere.   features  light  up  at  the  offer,  she  rarely  seemed  to  enjoy  most  things  anymore  but  perhaps  tea  would  be  different.   “   if  i  could,   yes  please  !   “   (   she’d  hold  out  hope  at  least,  something  to  curb  animal  blood  would  frankly,  be  fantastic.  )

[h2ir]

(   *   mercy.   )

“welcome to bon dieu, can i help you find anything?” her voice was forced kindness, body dawned in all white to show her mourning — though many wouldn’t know that much. “we’ve got our seasonal teas on sale, sort of a get them now or next year thing.” added she, calm, delicate, practiced. mercy was only able to focus on few things in this time, and work was one of them.

                niko’s  almost  immediately  overwhelmed  as  she  ducks  in,  gaze  wandering  with  blatant  amazement.  she’s  so  used  to  larger  cities,  chains  on  every  corner  &  the  charm  of  such  a  shop,  so  obviously  well  loved  brings  an  almost  wistful  smile  to  her  lips.   perhaps  it’s  the  comfort  she  takes  in  something  as  mundane  as  buying  new  teas  to  try  that  compels  her  to  speak.   “    i’m  just  looking   ---   but  is  there  one  you  recommend   ?   it’s  been  awhile  since  i’ve  had  any  &   it   was  mostly  from  rite  aid.    “

[h2ir]

(   *  alice.   )

open: to all 

There’s a moon in the sky that looks like the slice of a tangerine and Alice is heading back home late from the station when she decides to make a detour. A quick look at her watch says it’s 2am but that’s fine - this place is open 24/7. She turns the collar of her coat up against the night makes her way towards the cafe.

10 years here but the nights still feel different than home. Alaska - with it’s midnight suns and endless nights - is nothing like Briar Creek. And Briar Creek is nothing like Alaska.

Alice stops in front of the storefront, and a look of confusion sweeps across her face. Darkened windows, locked doors - looks like they’ve been out of business for a while.

She catches the glimpse of a reflection in the inky window and whirls on the figure across the street. The human offers up a friendly enough smile. “Shit, I thought this place was still open. I guess not. Know any other places I could get a real good latte at this hour?”

               niko  knows  she’s  there  long  before  she  speaks,   it  takes  all  her  willpower  not  to  leave  right  then  &  there  ;  disappear  into  the  shadows  &  end  up  back  at  her  home.  she’d  been  preparing  to  cross  into  the  forests,  find  some  unlucky  animal  that’d  become  her  dinner.   this  was  for  all  intents  &  purposes,  her  day  time. 

              her  politeness  overrules,  a  smile  that  if  looked  too  closely  at  would  be  a  bit  strained,  from  far  away  it  looks  friendly.   hands  find  her  pockets,  head  tilting  as  she  approaches  with  more  elegance  than  she  thought  herself  capable  of.  “   depends  on  what  you  consider  a  real  good  latte,  i’ve  heard  the  black  cat’s  good,  not  sure  it’s  open  at  this  time  of  the  night  ...  morning  though   ?   “

              “     is  caffeine  at  2  am  your  usual  routine  or  ...   “    hypocrite,    only  a  few  months  ago  the  same  could  be  said  of  her  !    always  up  late,   unable  to  fully  rest  with  so  much  to  do.

[h2ir]

(   *   freya.   )

freya couldn’t help the small chuckle that left her. “i haven’t been human for a very long time.” the original couldn’t remember what it felt to be human and, truthfully, she wasn’t sure she missed it — she only missed one thing about her human life and her vampire side made sure she had nothing left for her there. “you’re a new one, aren’t you?” freya adored baby vampires; whether it was all the untapped potential or the helplessness that some had, she didn’t know. the more, the merrier, right? “how long?”

               her  words  echoed  in  niko’s  mind,  she  didn’t  look  a  day  over  twenty  five   &   yet  niko  was  positive  she  was  much,  much  older  than  that.  it’s  simply  a  reminder  of  her  own  life  now,   how  will  she  be  in  twenty,  fifty  or  a  hundred  years  from  now  ?  will  it  get  any  easier,  or  will  she  just  give  in  to  the  nature  she’s  so  desperately  fighting  ?  her  lips  purse,  peeking  out  from  beneath  thick  lashes,   “   three  months.  “   three  months  ago  she  attended  her  own  funeral  from  the  sidelines,   “  what  exactly  do  you  consider  a  very  long  time  ?   “

[h2ir]

(   *   emira.    )

emira had done her best gathering up information of what happened prior to her arrival, though that didn’t say much. thankfully, she wasn’t a human easily scared off, or she might have already flown the coop… not that she could unless she were human. “the smell is enough for me.” she could smell the vampirism on the other, so emira didn’t hesitate to bring that up. “it’s curious, that’s for certain, i almost regret the time i’ve picked to come visit.”

                 “   the  ..  smell,   right.    “    she  repeats,  still  not  used  to  vampirisim  being  so  casual.   just  when  she  thinks  she  might  be  getting  the  hang  of  all  this,   niko’s  abruptly  reminded  of  how  very  lost  she  is.   “   i’m  not  that  good  yet  --  think  i’ll  keep  to  eavesdropping  for  now.    “ 

                “   wait,   visit  ?    ...  how  many  others  are  there  here  ?   “   unease  settled  in  her  bones,   out  of  the  vampires  she’s  met  in  her  life,  she  could  count  on  one  hand  the  ones  that  hadn’t  killed  her  or  attempted  to. 

[h2ir]

(   *   freya.   )

freya looked at the brunette with an intense look. a long sigh escaped the original and with it, the remainder of the patience she had for dancing around a subject that she was so sure about. without a warning, the vampire used her speed to get to the other woman, now standing in front of her. “hearing things, smelling things, perhaps? you are faster and stronger than you were before, are you not? ” freya’s voice was calm, her head tilted. 

                  “    okay,    so  definitely  not  human  either  i  see.    “  she  braces  against  the  railing,   gripping  it  almost  tight  enough  to  break  it  (  &  if  she  cracked  it,  she’ll  realize  tomorrow  with  an  incredible  amount  of  anguish.  )   jaw  tightens,   watching  the  other  with  something  like  astonishment,  letting  out  a  breath  she  doesn’t  need.   “   i’m  ...  still  getting  used  to  it.    “

[h2ir]

---   everyone  needs  someone  to  look  after  them        /        niko  aydin  .                        [   >  the  basics.  ]

[h2ir]

(   *  freya.   )

freya smiles. the woman before her was a vampire and yet it seemed like she wasn’t aware of it. as far as freya was concerned, the brunette seemed like she wasn’t aware of how fast she could be, of how her heart lacked the natural beat. “you heard me? i was pretty silent.” freya just hoped she wouldn’t have to dance around the subject for much longer.

                   she  grapples  for  something,  anything,  huffs  a  sigh  with  a  shake  of  her  head,  curls  bouncing.   “   then  perhaps  i’m  just  hearing  things,  the  neighborhood  cat  does  like  to  get  into  skirmishes.  “   despite  the  odd  presence,  one  she’s  positive  can’t  be  entirely  human  --  niko’s  all  too  careful  not  to  mention  it,   how  would  you  even  go  about  such  a  feat  ?  sure,  she’d  followed  rumors  that  led  her  here  looking  for  answers  but  her  mouth  got  her  killed  in  the  first  place.

[h2ir]

(   *   levi.   )

         DARK HUES GAZE DOWN AT the brunette, his brow creased though a faint expression of mirth claimed his features.  The original had simply been passing ; stretching his legs after hours of being cooped up in the station.  Though, he had to admit, he hadn’t anticipated such an amusing sight in his travels.  Allowing a chuckle to spill from his lips, Levi’s head tilted slightly.  “ Can’t say I disagree, ” he commented, shoving his hands into the confines of his jacket pockets.  “ Full marks for that landing, though. ” Offering the woman a flash of a grin, inky pupils quickly scanned his surroundings.  “ Sorry if I startled you, it wasn’t my intention.  Scouts honour, ” he quipped, the corner of his mouth curving into a smile ; retracting a hand from its position to mimic a cross over his heart.

                “    really  ?  think  i  could  go  to  the  olympics  on  that   ?    “    a  flash  of  pearly  whites  in  a  grin,    at  least  being  a  vampire  had  it’s  perks,   she’d  admit  it  only  to  herself  in  situations  like  this.  it  made  it  much  easier  to  pull  herself  back  up  to  her  original  seat  &  pick  up  her  discarded  journal  in  one  fell  swoop.   “   don’t  apologize,  i  should  of  been  paying  more  attention.  i’m  used  to  big  cities,  you  can  actually  see  some  of  the   constellations  out  tonight  instead  of  just  smog.     “