Hedge Witch

"You could rattle the stars. You could do anything, if you only dared." ~ Sarah J. Maas Welcome to the trash zone, full of wonders and fandoms.

[hedgewitchh]

This is only the beginning

Kayliegzh life was spiraling, in a free fall she wanted an escape who could've guessed who her savior would be.

“Kay!” A voice yelled to her as she stepped out for a breath of air, she turned and saw Sara. Kayleigzh blew out a breath from between her teeth in frustration, she wanted two seconds for herself and not for her ‘girlfriend’ to follow her like a puppy. 

She put on a bright smile, she felt her face twitch at the effort. “Sara honey, I told you I'd be right back.” 

Sara clinged to her arm and looked at her, Kayleigzh was a bit taller in her heels. “But, you left me all alone.” She pouted, “Besides Carlos is about to bring out the good stuff and I know you don't want to miss that.” Sara placed a kiss on her shoulder.

Kayleigzh sighed but smiled down at her girlfriend, “Of course I wouldn't.” She bit the inside of her cheek hard, reminding herself to act the part of a doting girlfriend and party fiend. Even though she could feel the lethargy claw at her limbs, she didn't choose this life per say she just wanted to be accepted. Sara was a by product of that, they liked Sara and Sara liked her which made it easier for her to join a group. 

“Oh Kay,” She whispered, putting a hand to her cheek, “You look absolutely pale, are you feeling alright? We can go home.”

Kayleigzh cringed, she didn't like how Sara called her place home. It was too fast for Kayleigzh; she liked her space and Sara did her best to invade every bit of it as she could leaving no time for Kayleigzh to do anything else. She can't remember the last time she was able to go to a family dinner alone, Sara clung to her and threw an absolute fit if she was told no. Her family seemed to be disappointed in her when she showed up with Sara, Mariqa had no problem being cruel to Sara every chance she got and Annha was distinctly uninterested in everything that came from Sara's mouth and ignoring her at every turn, mom tried to be supportive but didn't like to linger around Sara and dad… dad just looked at Kayleigzh with disappointment every time she saw him. She knew he didn't like her life choices, where since she dropped out of college and fell into the wrong crowd, she could feel the shame curling in her chest at this point she was used to feeling it like an old friend had carved out a space to sit and stay.

“Kay!” Sara was pouting and looking at her, Kayleigzh couldn't even think in peace. 

“Yes, dear?” She put her smile back on, and linked her arm with Sara's and waltzed back inside.

“The princess returns!” She heard a voice yell, she flicked her hair over her shoulder, it was getting too long for her taste but Sara had demanded she grow out her hair. She perched in her seat and an arm was thrown over her shoulder, she leaned into it. Sara put a hand on her thigh, fingers playing with her jeans frayed edges. Kayleigzh's preened under the attention of hands touching her, hands caressing her as little pills were pressed onto her tongue.

The world became delightfully bright and soothing, sensations were heightened. She felt weightless, she was floating above the clouds. She could feel someone near her only distantly and only vaguely, hair brushed her bare skin. Hands crawled under her clothes.

It was suddenly all too much as quickly the high had become blissful. It was quick to sour and taste acidic, she shoved the hands and people away. They didn't move so easily, hands shoved her down and smoothed through her hair. She grabbed at the hands, holding them away from her. She wanted to scream, it clawed at her throat till it felt raw, she shoved and pushed at the hands and muttered words. 

Finally she was released, her legs felt like jelly but it didn't stop her from running. She hit the ground, asphalt tearing up her hands and knees. She could feel herself gasp, she scrambled up and into an alleyway. Tears welled up in her eyes, she hiccuped and a sob escaped her throat. The setting sun was blocked out by somebody stepping into the alleyway, she bowed her head willing to accept if she was going to get mugged. She could hear the person speaking, her brows pinched as she tried to focus on what they were saying.

The person was eye level with her, crouching down to look at her. The shadow made sure that she couldn't see the person clearly, it didn't help that she couldn't force her eyes to focus. They took up her whole vision, they were wide, their shoulders were so broad that she couldn't see beyond them.

A hand helped her up, she struggled. Pulling away from the hands, “No,” She whimpered “Please, you can have the money in my wallet.” She fumbled for her back pocket, where her wallet sat but another hand grasped her wrist. A deep rumble answered her, the roaring in her ears lost the words. The hand was large but the grip was loose, she could easily tug her hand away if she wanted. 

The rumble continued and she stared up at the figure, she could see the sun through their hair. It looked like fire, she moved her hand up mesmerized wanting to know how he could calm with fire on his head. The man froze as her hand touched his hair, she carded her hand through. It wasn't fire, it was soft and wavy. “Soft, but it looks like fire. How can fire be soft?” She felt herself calm as she moved her hand gently through his hair, her hand dropped the side of his face feeling the scratch of a barely there beard. It stung as it brushed her hand, she hissed and pulled her hand away. “Am I dying?” 

“Not yet,” His deep rumble answered, it was ominous but she didn't feel threatened. “Come on, this is no place for a lady.” His tone was hard but not unkind. A hand reached out for her before reconsidering and grabbing her wrist. She went willingly, swaying as she stood.

She swayed into his side, sighing at the touch. He kept her upright, “Warm.” She muttered as she turned away from the sun, it hurt her eyes. 

She was seated in a car, maybe she was being kidnapped. Wouldn't be the first attempt, she was from a wealthy family and many people wanted some of that wealth. “My father won't give you money. He will find me though.” She pressed her head against the window, her eyes were heavy.

A gruff sound reached her ears, she realized it was a laugh. “Princess, I'm not kidnapping you. You aren't safe on the street, doubt your father could save you that quickly.” She looked at the man and saw a small smile on his face. 

Her brows pinched, confusion flooded her system. “I wasn't on the street, I was inside. There were too many hands and they wouldn't let go,” She wrapped her hands around herself, “They wouldn't stop touching, but I was inside.” She could see him glance at her, “I felt so trapped, I don't know what they were doing. I know it wasn't good, I didn't want it.” She furrowed her brows, “I think, I'm not sure. Why wouldn't I want it? I like being wanted.” The words kept tumbling from her mouth, she couldn't stop them. “I'm tired of being touched when I don't want it, I want some personal space and I just don't have that anymore.”

She took a breath and rubbed her hands harshly on her jeans, it irritated her hands as it reopened the scabs trying to heal. “I want her to go away, she is always there. I can't even breathe without her breathing with me, she can't be alone for a minute. I want to be alone, no I want to be away from her.”

“Then why don't you leave?” He sounded puzzled.

“I tried, she kept showing up. Kept coming back, would be in my house and blowing up my phone. It's like I can't escape her.” She kept rubbing her hands on her jeans, it grounded her. 

A hand grabbed hers, stopping the movement. She looked down, his large hand covered her own. His hand looked rough; she could see small slivers of scars covering his hands. She didn't feel the need to throw him off, “Stop that, you'll just cause more injury.” 

“I can't focus, it's like a fog is clouding my mind.”

“That's the drugs. They do that.” His voice was laced with humor.

She giggled, “Possibly, or maybe I'm always like that, I'm blonde for a reason.” She ran her thumb over his hand, feeling the bumps of his scars. She enjoyed the feeling, it was so different then what she was used to. “You have many scars?” The question went out of her mouth without her permission, “Sorry, that was rude.” She quickly said after.

His hand didn't move, “It's fine, I do. You willingly went with a dangerous man, those survival instincts need some work.” His face was stormy as she looked at him, there was something under his words that she didn't know.

“You don't seem that dangerous, I've had many people threaten me.” She laughed, “They haven't been this gentle when mugging or trying to kidnap me.” 

“Gentle.” He muttered to himself, his tone undecipherable. The car stopped and his hand moved, she quickly grasped at him before she could stop herself. She didn't want to lose his touch. “We have to get out of the car.” He gently untangled his hand from hers.

She grasped for the door handle, she managed to get the door open but forgot the seat belt and was almost jerked back in her seat. She tried to hit the button, but kept missing. An arm crossed her vision and freed her, she stumbled out of the car. Reaching out to steady herself, her hands met what felt almost like a brick wall, only to be nose to chest with the hulking figure before her. She looked up at the man, her hands pressed against his stomach. 

She realized how small he made her look, her hands looked so small against him. She had to crane her head to look up at him, “Did you know you're a giant?” Once again her mouth was much faster than her brain, a furious blush quickly spread across her face and ears. She backed away from him, stumbling and catching herself on the car.  “Oh god.” She covered her face, “I'm usually not this much of a bumbling fool. I swear.”

She heard a chuckle and peeked through her fingers and was surprised to see him laughing, she flushed more as he laughed at her. “I somehow doubt that, I imagine this is truly you princess.” 

“I…” She stamped her foot, “That's not true! I'm quite smooth, thank you.” She crossed her arms as her lips twisted into a pout.

The amusement didn't leave his tone, “Clearly, my apologies you're very smooth. Let's get you inside.” 

She continued to pout as he took her arm and led her up some stairs, the smell invaded her nose making it crinkle in disgust. It smelled of sweat and mold, she stepped closer to the mystery man not wanting to touch anything. They climbed more stairs, eventually it was enough to make her breath become labored. She wasn't out of shape by any means, but the stairs seemed never ending. 

They finally stopped at a door and the man held it open for her, she made sure not to brush anything as she stepped into the hallway. He placed a hand on her back and guided her to what she could only assume was his place. He unlocked the door and let her in, it smelled much cleaner than the hallway which reeked lightly of weed, mildew and new paint. She stepped into the apartment, it was sparse. She couldn't see any furnishings beside a couch, a TV and a gaming set up. “It's uh nice.” She cringed at the way the word came out, it sounded bad.

“It's not what you're used to, so sorry some of us don't live in ivory towers.” This time he sounded stoic, but his tone was hard and maybe a touch bitter. She was familiar with that kind of tone, whenever she would visit her friends' places. She was known to be a touch snobby about her surroundings. 

A blush bloomed again, “That came out wrong, it's perfectly fine.” She shifted her weight from foot to foot, suddenly uncomfortable. 

He snorted and guided her to the couch, “Sit down.” It was an order and she followed on instinct, sitting perfectly straight before she watched him stare with a raised eyebrow. She made herself relax, leaning against the arm of the couch. It wasn't the most comfortable couch she sat on, but it seemed to be well used as she sank into the cushion.

The man disappeared from her view before coming back with a small case and a glass of water, she didn't realize how dry her mouth was until she saw the water. She reached out for it, it was handed to her quickly and she gulped it down greedily. It was gone far too quickly, she could feel some drip down her chin, it was nice and cooling against her heated skin.

She placed the glass on the side table, and wiped the water with the back of her hand. Looking up shyly at the large man, “I uh never caught your name.” 

“I never gave it.” He said quickly, his tone almost meant to shut her down.

“I'm Kayleigzh, most people call me Kay easier I suppose.” She shrugged and smiled, looking at him expectedly.

He grunted in response and kneeled in front of her, she was quick to move backwards her hands gripped the edge of the couch. It made her hands sting, she wouldn't say no, didn't know how to, but she wasn't exactly in the mood as he moved closer. He froze and looked at her, he was still almost eye height with her even kneeled below her. She didn't even feel like she was breathing, her legs twitched as they tensed. She didn't know why he wasn't moving anymore, she stared into his eyes realizing they were a dark grey she'd never seen that kind of color before. He had a five o'clock shadow, and was attractive at least to her; to others he may have been a bit plain; but she always had a thing for men who looked physically stronger than her and was a redhead to boot. 

Right now though, she realized how stupid she was. She followed a random man into his apartment in a drugged state, she knew where this always went. She came down a bit but was in no state to make a run for it, her eyes flicked to the door then quickly back to him. His face didn't move, it was like looking at a statue. The more still he was the more panic crawled through her, her hands flexed against the couch. Her breath came out in small pants, she tried to squash it but like a caged animal it wrangled from her grasp and ran free through her body, she looked at the glass next to her.

“I wouldn't do that.” His voice was low and almost soft but the warning evident, her gaze snapped back to his. “I don't know what you're thinking but I just want to clean out the rocks from your scrapes.” He gestured to the small case next to him, he slowly went to open it. She felt like a scared animal from the way he watched her, like she would flee as if any fast movement would spook her, which wasn't exactly wrong. He opened the case and she saw a small first aid kit, tension left her body a bit. 

“I'm not here to hurt you Kay,” She felt a jolt at the sound of her name, “I'm hoping to…” For the first time he looked hesitant, “Let's get you cleaned up.” He swallowed quickly and grabbed a few things from the kit. He reached slowly for her leg, she looked and saw a bit more blood then she was expecting, it was a dried rust color ruining her jeans and the leg that didn't originally have a tear in it now did. She must've hit the ground pretty hard, she didn't even register the pain most of the time. Though she hissed as he started to clean the wound, his face was impassive and he was moving methodically like he was used to doing this. 

She looked at his hands as they moved, gritting her teeth as they did her gaze traveled up his arms where she could see a few more sizable pieces of scarred flesh they varied in size as she looked. Her hands moved without her permission as she traced one of the closest scars, her fingertips barely touching as she felt the difference in skin texture. He tensed under her, before continuing seemingly to ignore her as he moved to her other knee, though his jaw seemed more set then before, she continued to touch his arm just watching her fingers move as she did. 

The adrenaline leaving her body leaving her feeling a bit light headed, her hand came to rest on his biceps leaning forward slightly. She leaned into his space, “You truly aren't going to hurt me or anything else.” She ducked her head to look at his face, she was closer than she meant to be almost nose to nose with him. She could feel a rush of air escape from him at her sudden appearance in his vision. “Like I realize I made myself pretty easy prey to any unsavory folk, are you one of those?”

He chuckled, “You have no idea, but I'm not here to hurt you.” He stopped and seemed to think, “I just saw a woman who couldn't be trusted on her own and needed help.”

“A hero are you?” She giggled, “The most unusual knight in shining armor I've seen.” She looked him over, his black shirt, dark jeans down to his combat boots. “You almost instead look like a villain in a fantasy novel, the one that turns out to be the real love interest.” She laughed, before she caught what she actually said and for what felt like the millionth time she blushed.

His mouth lifted up in a smile, “I'm no knight.” He looked up at her, “Though I may be a villain in whatever smut you seem to read.” He looked back at her knee leaving her to gape at him, was he flirting with her? And with her own dumb thoughts that should stay in her head. “Probably should close your mouth princess.” He looked back up at her quickly with a hint of mischief.

She clicked her mouth shut, she was never in this position. She had plenty of people flirt with her but it was always cheesy lines and with so much farce just to get in her pants, or it was the awkward fumbling of people believing she was too far out of their league. She'd never had someone banter with her, and truly shut her up like this man has and she doesn't even know his name. She'd never had someone just touch her and not want anything from her, he seemed willing to accept when her body signals told him no and backed off if she wasn't comfortable. Who was this man? Why did he show up now? Thoughts flew across her head ending with Sara was going to be pissed if she learned about this. Though she supposed Sara didn't have to learn about this, she could hold this memory for her and only for herself. 

“Jack.” She was snapped out of her spiraling thoughts, as his voice drifted over her.

“What?” She looked at him as he moved her hand to be in front of him.

“That's what you can call me. Jack.” He sounded like he didn't want to be telling her this, but seemed to continue.

“Jack.” She tested the name, almost whispering it to herself. “Well it's nice to know the name of my villain.” She smiled smugly at him since it was his turn to look a bit surprised by her, then the stormy look returned and he stared back at her hand. 

He finished quickly in silence and she was fine to sit back and stare at him. He bandaged what he needed to and then stood up and put a bit of space between them. “You should get some sleep.” 

“What can't even offer the damsel in distress your bed? Wanting to leave me to sleep on this uncomfortable couch?” She felt a slow smile spread across her face, she felt brave.

His gaze darkened and she felt satisfaction purr in her chest, he stopped and started a few times a war crossed his face. “You're in no state for what you're offering.” 

“Why? I don't mind your hands touching me, in fact I'd like them to touch me more.” Her voice turned into that purr from her chest.

His jaw twitched, then he was in her space far quicker then she was expecting him to be far quicker then what seemed natural, causing her to jump a bit. His arms caged her to the couch, she placed her hands on his chest out of instinct at his sudden appearance. “You push my patience dear, but I'm not going to be another person to take advantage of you in this state.” She stared up at him, her mouth parted. She couldn't explain the emotion in her chest, “You don't owe me for taking you off the street, I won't lower myself like that.” His eyes burned a trail down her body, “Even if the offer is tempting.”

Her hands grasped at his shirt, “I…” Tears sprang to her eyes, “I didn't offer because I believed I owed you, I mean of course I owe you for picking me up from God knows what could've happened instead if you weren't there.” 

She swallowed thickly, the emotions she felt were hot and heavy in her chest, having someone saying it so plainly hit her in the most vulnerable spots, places she thought they would be hidden from view and yet this random stranger picked them out like he just knew her greatest insecurities just by looking at her. Even her sisters avoid touching on the subject about how low she would drag herself just to be wanted and kept around, how she would give anything to the next person she believed she owed. “I was genuine, your hands aren't too much like everyone else's.” She brought her hand to his where it still caged her, grasping at his wrist “I've never…” She paused, maybe spilling herself to a random stranger she would never see again was a horrible idea, but the words tumbled from her, “I just want to be touched by hands that don't hurt and cause me to shrink away to nothing. You touched me without expectations, in fact I kept you touching me.” She looked up at him, tears slipped down her cheeks. She was sure to look like a mess the longer she sat here, “I want you to keep touching me, please.” The plea was almost reverent when it fell from her lips. “I want it to stop hurting.” She leaned forward, more into his space, their breath mingling together. 

He jerked back from her, standing straight. “You are temptation incarnate.” He ground out, “Not while you're intoxicated, you're not thinking straight.” He seemed to be saying it more to himself than to her. Trying to convince himself, she could see she had an effect on him, his own cheeks a bit pink, eyes a bit darker and chest rising and falling a bit more rapidly.

“Please Jack.” She purred his name, reaching a hand out toward him. “You seem to want me, so why not let go and give in.”

“No.” He looked torn, “You can stay in my bedroom, you'll be safe until you wake up.”

She pouted at him, “Stay with me at least?” She said hopefully standing, walking towards him and putting a light hand on his tense arm. “I do hate sleeping alone, besides I'd have no idea where sleep clothes are.” She moved to wipe the drying tears from her eyes.

“Sleep clothes?” He seemed puzzled.

“You expect me to sleep in bloody jeans? You do have a washing machine don't you?” She looked distastefully at her jeans, “And you wouldn't like me to prance around with nothing but my underwear on, unless?” She smiled at him, looking up at him shyly. 

He didn't look fooled by her act, it didn't stop the lust that she saw rise as he looked down at her. “I'll get you some clothes, you can get changed in the bathroom.” He stepped away from her and walked in the direction of his bedroom.

She should probably rethink her decisions up to this point, but she enjoyed somebody who didn't seem to have alternative motives to keeping her around. She didn't know where the bathroom was so she pulled her jeans off, wincing at the pull from where the blood left them stuck to her skin and her top quickly followed, leaving her in her lacy bra and throng thankfully matching today. A delicate red, that complimented her skin beautifully. She placed the on the couch, and as she faced away she heard the crunch of wood. Turning around she saw Jack holding the door frame and it seemed to creak under his grasp almost breaking, she stared at his show of strength.

“The bathroom was over there.” He choked out as he turned his head.

She shrugged innocently, “You didn't tell me that before and I couldn't stand wearing those clothes for much longer.” She waltzed closer to him, grabbing the clothes and heading in the direction he pointed. 

When she felt hands wrap around her waist pulling flush against his body, she arched her back to look up at him. He was staring down at her with hunger so intense she almost flinched away from it. “You are incredibly frustrating.”

“Clearly not enough.” She pressed herself more firmly against him, enjoying the feeling of him against her. “Don't you want me to be in clothes?” She moved a hand down to cover his own, her hand was dwarfed by his. “You're currently preventing me from doing so.”

He released her almost as if he was burned and she whined at the loss, hearing him huff behind her. “Go get dressed.” He ordered a tone leaving no room for arguments.

“Yes, sir.” She said slyly, smiling at the way his breath caught. She walked into the bathroom, it was just as sparse as the rest of the apartment, seemingly just having necessary items. 

She turned on the sink, splashing water on her face and trying to remove her makeup without her face washes. When she looked up, the mascara was instead running down her face framing her green eyes still bright from her crying earlier. She took a rag and gently tried to remove it more, before sighing and giving up dropping it in the laundry basket. She removed her bra, breathing deeply as she could without it on. She pulled on the shirt too big for her, it ended at her thighs. It fell off her shoulders and she moved it so only one shoulder was uncovered. It showed the top of her breast, she left the pants he gave her on the ground. 

Walking out Jack was nowhere to be seen, she heard a lid close from a room to her left she glanced at the couch and saw that her clothes were gone, her wallet sat on the side table. Looking around she realized her phone was nowhere to be seen, she sighed deeply she probably lost it again as she had a tendency to do. “Jack?” She called sweetly, “Did I have a phone with me?” 

“No.” She heard from the room where she heard the click. Well if he turned out to be unsavory, her options were very short now. Jack appeared from a doorway, he seemed calmer than the state she left him in before until his eyes landed on her again. Seeming to drink her in, he stared at her bare legs the way the shirt fell from her shoulder showing the lack of bra, her makeup messy from her cleaning. She saw his breath caught, he took an aborted step forward before catching himself and frowned at her. She smiled sweetly at him, “There were pants.” He stated gruffly.

“And they were far too big, I'd say this shirt is almost too big. Seems like it's just about to fall off.” She pulled at the collar to prove her point as it fell down a bit lower, his gaze followed her movement. “So, I left them in the bathroom.” She breezed past him, heading to where she assumed his bedroom was.

She was right, the door was open, a king sized bed sat in the middle in front of a window. She saw a large wardrobe and a dresser, she raised her eyebrows at the additions that seemed a bit too extravagant for how spartan the rest of the apartment was. “I'd keep your curiosity to yourself princess.” His voice was much closer then she was expecting, almost breathing on her ear probably bent forward over her, she swayed back into him like he called to her, her neck tilting to invite him, though her hair stayed on her neck which annoyed her, it's a reason she preferred for it to be shorter. But his words made her more curious, what was this strange man hiding, maybe it was his murder wardrobe. Or was it something else, from the way she piqued his interest at following orders and the way his breath caught at sir, she could make an educated guess. 

She turned around making the move deliberate so he had time to straighten and didn't hit him in the nose. Then made her way to the bed, sitting down on the edge, it was a four postered bed if her guess was right that was very intentional. Which based on his furnishings, it seems he lives with intentions. She pulled herself backwards until her back pressed against the headboard, she moved the pillows until she could comfortably sit up. Then look expectedly at Jack, “Gonna stand there and stand all night? While you're welcome to, I'm sure you'd rather do something else.” She almost sounded like an animalistic growl from him. She smiled, “I, of course, meant sleep, I'm a damsel I'd never suggest anything lewd.” 

“Sure, you'd never want me to touch you and pull you roughly against me having my way with you, since you're such a damsel and i'm a villain keeping her in my bed.” He sat on the edge of the bed, his back to her. She felt a flush run through her body at the thought, his words flowed against her skin like silk and her thighs tightened together. She could hear the heavy thump of boots hitting the floor, it echoed in the silence.

The bed creaked under his weight as he leaned back, she was still as he moved. He didn't remove his clothes, even his belt stayed on. “Getting shy on me now princess?” The humor was back in his voice.

“Me shy? I've never been shy in my life.” She stubbornly crossed her arms as he moved to lean back on the headboard mirroring her. 

“Then this must be your first time.” His voice rumbled from his chest, she could feel it through the bed it was a soothing feeling as it vibrated through her bones

She turned her side, bending her arm under her head. She reached a hand out and touched his side running her hand up and down, gently dragging his shirt up slowly. “I assure you it is far from my first time.” Her fingers brushed bare skin and she felt him shiver under her touch, before catching her hand and bringing it up to brush his lips against the back of her hand. It was her turn to shiver at the gentleness of the gesture, it made her stomach twist.

He stared at her for a moment before reaching out an arm and pulling her flush to him a soft whoosh of air left her at the movement. She moved her hand to be resting on his chest, she could feel his heartbeat it was slower than she expected far slower then what seemed natural for how his body was reacting. She looked up at him with her brow furrowed in confusion, her own heart was almost racing. He seemed to ignore her look and pressed a kiss to her forehead, smoothing out her furrow.

“Wh-” She started but was cut off by a question she wished he didn't ask.

“Tell me would your girlfriend be happy with what you're doing right now?” She stiffened at his casual tone.

“She…” Kayleigzh took a deep breath, “I'd rather not think about her right now. I'd prefer to continue to enjoy my night with a man much more interesting than her.” She stared at his chest while she absent-mindedly moved her fingers against his chest. 

“Don't like her much?” 

“No, you have no idea the lengths I've gone already to break up with her. She never accepts it as far as I'm concerned we aren't together.” Her tone was hard and thick.

“Then why hang around her?” She could feel his hand flexing against her side, his grip wasn't tight enough to hurt but it was enough to make her twitch.

“Cause she throws a fit every time, and it gets worse every time. Either I accept it or she ruins my peace.” She grinned her teeth, feeling a familiar anger rise in her chest rage that threatened to claw her throat with no release.

He hummed in response, “And if she disappeared tomorrow?” His voice was dark and biting, though it didn't feel like it was direct towards her. “She puts you in dangerous situations.” He paused, “I assume.” He added as an afterthought.

She nodded against him, her mouth tightening into a flat line. “She does, I know I have a problem but what else am I to do. Sometimes I feel like I'm in too deep to crawl my way back out.”

“Well I don't think that's necessarily true, if you stopped playing the dumb blonde you could do what you set your mind to..” He shrugged, “But that's an opinion of someone you don't know, so take that as you will.”

She stared up at him, warmth flooded her system. Who was this guy? He said things so casually as if he peered into the deepest parts of her. He looked down at her as she was quiet for a while and she leaned forward and quickly brushed her lips against his. It was innocent, she didn't know how else to express herself. “How can you see me so clearly?” She breathed against his lips.

“It's not that hard to figure out Kay.” He moved his hand to her hair, gently running his fingers through her hair. The moment seemed to be captured in time, so gentle that she could hold it in her heart and hope to never forget it. “It's easy to see through to the real you, not the facade you play everyday.” 

She ducked her head into his chest, feeling bare. She could feel the self deprecation thoughts begin to swirl in her head. Thoughts she'd rather keep to herself, especially with how much she's already laid bare before this stranger who she knew nothing about besides what she could glean from the very little he said and his house showed. She shoved the thoughts into the darkest part of her brain to unpack another time.

She wanted to move on from this uncomfortable conversation, Jack seemed to sense her tension and he didn't say anything further leaving her to her thoughts. She shook her head and ran her hand to gently touch his face as she looked up at him again only to see him staring at her, his expression unreadable. She ran her thumb across his cheekbone, “Thank you.” She muttered, the words almost foreign to her. 

He huffed a laugh, “Thanking me now are you, still think I'm the villain?” 

“I stand by my statements, you're still the villain that would kidnap the woman but turn out to be better than she expected.” She smiled at him, pressing herself tighter to him. Feeling lethargy crawl up her limbs, she felt around for a blanket pulling it around her and throwing the edge over Jack as well. “If you'd be more comfortable you could shed a few layers.” She made her point by putting her hand under his shirt feeling his abs tense at her touch.

“I think it'd be better for both of us if I don't.” She whined and pouted, “Don't take that as a rejection,” He tugged at her hair making her mouth part in expectation, “I told you before, you're not in the right state of mind for that.”

“I think I've come down enough. I feel pretty sober.” She said defiantly, her hand drifting closer to his belt. His hand grabbed hers and interlocked their fingers on his stomach.

“Pretty sober and actually sober are two very different things. You can try your luck next time.” She felt his head turn to rest on top of hers; the movements felt intimate more than actual sex.

“There won't be a next time will there?” She said it with finality, “I go back to my day to day and you disappear as if you never existed.” 

He sighed, “With luck, we will never meet again. That would be best for you.” 

“What if I don't want that? What if I want to see you again?” She said a bit angrily.

“Believe me, it's best if I truly disappear. This will be a blissful drug trip for you as if it never truly happened.” His other hand came to rest in the dip of her side, she wished to feel him on her bare skin but it was like trying to convince a brick wall to move.

“I don't want that.” She stubbornly moved her head to stare at him.

He shook his head, “Don't do that to yourself, move on and become better than you are now. Maybe consider leaving the stalker first.” 

She leaned forward and kissed him again, he didn't protest as he kissed her back, but it didn't move past that as much as she wished it would but he controlled the pace when she tried to change it. She leaned away to take a full breath. His hand tightened around hers, she laid her head back on his chest, her eyes drifting close exhausted from the day. 

She swore she woke up at one point hearing a voice whispering next to her she frowned and buried herself closer to the warmth, a hand wound into her hair seemingly absent minded. She heard what she thought was a phone call but she was probably dreaming. “Yes she's safe, a pain in the ass but safe.” There was a pause as if someone was answering, “Yea, she's sleeping it off right now. She was different from what was reported on her. I think she has the potential you see.” Another pause, “She should move forward on her own now, and then we'll have to move quickly, if she does.”

She drifted off again and some time later, her eyes opened to eyes that looked more animal than human, they glowed like two coals, they stared and held her gaze while muttering something she couldn't quite comprend the words or the meaning but it felt important. Like she could almost remember them but was meant to forget. She groaned and burrowed into the bed further, the smell of whiskey and aftershave lulling her back to sleep. 

The morning sun burned into her eyes, she turned to bury her face into her pillows. Except the pillows were a bit rougher than her silk sheets, she sat up looking around. The room was barebones, only a dresser and wardrobe, she blinked as a headache was throbbing behind her eyes. She pressed the heels of her palms into her eyes, hissing as she felt a sharp pain. She looked down and saw a few scabs and bandages covering her palms.

She stood up, cringing at the cold floor. She gently padded out, peeking her head out of the room. Looking for whoever was clearly her one night stand, she didn't see anyone and didn't feel like calling out to face them. She saw her clothes from yesterday folded on the night table and her wallet sitting neatly on top, she padded over slipping back into her clothes. They smelled clean, she lifted the shirt to her nose and smelled a light detergent that didn't overwhelm her senses. 

“They washed my clothes? Weird.” She went to put the shirt on the couch and stopped, she didn't want to put it back down. She pulled it closer to her chest, it was just a very large plain black tee there didn't seem to be anything special about it but she couldn't put it down. She was being ridiculous but that didn't stop her from following her impulses, she sighed and folded the shirt and tucked it under her arm. Looking in her wallet, checking the bills and saw none of it was missing which surprised her. 

She pulled out a few large bills, looking around for a piece of paper. It wasn't hard to find, she rolled the pen between her fingers. There was a feeling of debt for the person she couldn't remember the face of. She remembered he was an imposing figure who was nice to her. She wrote a short note, only partially lying as she could barely remember last night.

Last night was fun, take this as thanks for washing my clothes. Xoxo Kay

She placed a heart around her name, leaving no number. She placed the bills folded up under the note, and breezed out the door. She wrinkled her nose at the smell that permeated the hallway, she shivered and turned around swearing she felt eyes on her but saw no one. She shook her head and walked out of the building a bit winded from the long trek down. 

When she got on the street, she didn't recognize this part of town and felt for her phone before groaning of course she lost it again this would make number five for the month. She swore and cursed herself before wrapping her arms around herself and heading down a street hoping to find a taxi or a store.

She ended up having to buy a new phone from a Walmart she stumbled across. Her feet were killing her from her wandering in heels, she picked up a pair of sneakers tearing off the tags and putting them on. She turned on the phone and downloaded her information, she looked at her contacts and sighed before calling home. 

Jeff, the family butler, picked up the phone, “Winestein residence.” 

“Hey Jeff, I uh need a ride back to my place. Could you send a car?” She rubbed the back of her neck, her fingers getting tangled in her hair. She hissed as she pulled her hair, cursing she needed a haircut but Sara would pitch an absolute fit if she cut it above her shoulders again. 

“Of course, miss Kayleigzh. Where are you?” Jeff's voice was colored with concern, it was rare she called anymore. She rattled off the general area. “Are you alright miss Kayleigzh? Staying safe?”

She sighed and pressed her fingers against her nose, still feeling her pounding headache. “I'm fine Jeff. Never been better.” She lied through her teeth, a pang of guilt hit her chest. Jeff was a second father to her and she was always lying to him.

“Did miss Sara abandon you somewhere again?” The question was tentative as if he was unsure if he should be asking.

“No, I went for a walk and just ended up lost.” She sucked air through her teeth, she wanted to tell Jeff the truth that she couldn't remember last night after her high was ruined. She felt a sense of sadness about it, then she swore she felt a longing for a pair of hands she couldn't place or even remember. “I'm okay, just a bit lost is all.” She forced a cheery note into her voice.

“Alright if you say so, you know you're always welcomed back home if you need.” She'd rather eat glass then admit she needed help and run back to daddy again, she was supposed to be proving she could handle herself. She knew her father was disappointed in her and would still be if she ran back home with her tail between her legs, she wasn't made for the family business the same way Mariqa wasn't and she recalls how biting his words could be when speaking to her. But he still seemed to hold hope for her and she just continued to fail him at every turn, she was on the path to follow and she got accepted in a pretentious school for business and math.

She ruined that, she met Sara and fell hard into the wrong crowd, started skipping classes or came in hungover and her grades suffered because of it until she finally dropped out instead of letting them kick her out, that was three years ago and she never would live it down. “Thank you Jeff.” She hung up and waited for the car outside, she bought a pack of cigarettes and leaned against the wall as she smoked. She shivered again, and once again got the sense she was being followed. She looked around and saw nothing out of the ordinary, sighing she must be getting paranoid.

She eventually ended up back at her apartment and walked inside, excited to take off her shoes and relax in a bath. She walked inside, took off her shoes and put down her heels. She heard a clatter from further into her apartment, making her freeze and stare from where the sound came from. She set the shoes down and slowly padded to the room, her hand opening her phone to her dad's contact as he told her to always call him before the police. 

She winced when she made a noise and went to peer around the corner, and sighed heavily when she saw Sara in her kitchen raiding her fridge. She closed her phone, purposefully making her footfalls heavier. She watched Sara jump and whirl around a large smile crossed her face when she saw Kayleigzh.

“Kay! I was worried.” She closed the gap between and went to wrap Kayleigzh in a hug.

Kayleigzh shoved past her, “Clearly.” She said dryly, “So worried, I can tell by how you were raiding my fridge as if you lived here.” Her tone was harsh, she just wanted to be alone. “You don't by the way. I don't know how you keep getting in all I know is I want you to leave.” She turned to stare Sara down and she saw her crying gently.

“But Kay you ran away and I tried calling and looking for you, but when I went outside you were gone. Your phone was on the ground, cracked.” She put the phone on the counter top and she was right. It must've fallen out when she fell, “I was worried so I came back to your place. I hoped you would show up.”

“Yea not like you couldn't report me missing, if you were so worried.” She hissed, “I was in fact missing, I think.” She paused and tilted her head. Was she missing, no she went willingly with the stranger, she looked at the shirt she was still holding, that she impulsively took and now is clinging to her side. 

Sara watched her, her eyes narrow. Staring at the shirt, “You think?” Eyes still full of tears but she watched the frown appear on her face. “Were you with someone? Were you cheating on me?!” Her voice raised almost into a yell.

“Christ! Cheating on you?!” Kayleigzh voice raised as well, it wasn't the first screaming match they'd gotten into. “We aren't even together! I broke up with you!”

“You were! You were out with someone! How could you?!” Tears flowed freely from Sara's face and it angered Kayleigzh to no end.

“Are you even fucking listening to me?! You know what get out, get the fuck out of my house and don't come back!” She stalked closer, “If you don't leave I swear I'll call-”

“What you'll call dear daddy? You can't handle anything on your own, it's so pathetic.” Kayleigzh flinched away from her, “It's why you need me. I make you better, don't you feel better when you are with me? I'm all you need Kay.” Sara moved closer, she was nose to nose with Kayleigzh and she went to wrap her arms around her. “Everything is okay when I'm around.”

Kayleigzh looked down at the shirt, she felt something trying to come to the forefront of her brain, words spoken softly to her, she felt comfort from them. She had no idea who said them to her or what they sounded like. Kayleigzh took a step away, “No, I'm done. I can't do this anymore, the way you cling to me. It's like I can't breathe and I feel smothered.” Kayleigzh felt a panic rise in her throat threatening to choke her and cause her to crumble. She swallowed and kept her eyes locked on Sara's shocked hazel eyes. “Get. Out.” She hissed and pointed towards the door.

“But-” Sara looked lost, this was the first time Kayleigzh has shown her theoretical fangs. She typically backed down and crumbled under pressure. She remembered spilling all of herself to a stranger and they didn't laugh but instead steadied her, seeming to really want her to better herself. 

“Get out of my apartment. I mean it Sara, I don't want to see you again.” She went and threw Sara's shoes toward her. “Leave.” She held the door open and watched Sara duck her head and walk past, before looking at her with wide eyes.

“Why?” 

“I don't want you. I don't want you anywhere near me, I can't stand you.” She glared at the other woman and slammed the door in her face, locking it behind before pressing her back against the nearest wall. “Fuck, I can't believe I did that.” Kayleigzh laughed, pressing a hand to her hair, tugging at it. She walked through her apartment, putting the shirt in a box that she kept all of her important memories. She didn’t know why, but it felt right.

Her next weeks were filled with a new wardrobe, getting her haircut back into her preferred bob and went to visit her family. She felt the addiction like a burn in her skin and she had spent many nights curled on her floor doing everything not to call her contacts for one more high. She needed to be better, and one of those ways was trying to get clean. She refused to go to a rehab, not willing to be the next rich girl to grace the front cover of a gossip magazine. Her face was already enough there as it was, her family was one of the most influential in Chicago and when she uttered her unusual name people's ears pricked for gossip. 

The secretive family, the family that adopted their children instead of having their own. Everyone clamored to peer into their lives, and she was one of the most available for them to see and report on. 

She didn't want that anymore, empty words and killer hangovers the next day. She looked at her phone and saw it was almost Friday, maybe she should go to her family, her only solace in the world.

She went to family dinner, blissfully alone though she still couldn't shake the feeling she was being followed during the next couple of days but every time she looks there's no one there. She walked into her family home, opulence greeting her and Jeff at the door.

“Miss Kayleigzh!” Jeff had a wide smile, she hugged him tightly melting a bit when he hugged her back. 

She pecked his cheek in greeting, feeling safe for the first time in awhile. “Jeff, you look well.” She smiled back at him, stepping away.

“Is Miss Sara behind?” He said her name with disdain and peered over her shoulder.

She shook her head, “With luck that's the last we see of her.” She felt guilt rise in her chest when she saw the relief flood his face and the smile become genuine again.

“Well everyone is waiting in the dining hall, it's been a while since you attended.” There was that awful feeling of guilt again, “They're all delighted to see you.” He led her to the doors, her heels clicked against the polished tile. She brushed her pencil skirt as she approached, feeling self conscious.

Jeff held open the door and she heard the conversation halt as she entered. As she stepped into view it was still deathly quiet as eyes stared at her and then behind. Kayleigzh fidgeted with the sleeve of her shirt looking at her family, her sisters sitting next to each other, her father at the head of the table and her mother at the other side. They looked like the picturesque wealthy family from the jewels that dangled from their ears and wrist to the way they dressed. She wasn't much different, her clothes designers and tailored to fit her. She took a deep breath and sighed loudly, “She's not here, she's gone for good this time.”

She saw the looks her sisters shared and felt shame that there was doubt in their gazes. “Well am I allowed to join?” She gestured to the table, the food looked untouched like they just got served.

“Of course my dear, please come sit next to me.” Her mom's warm face was a solace in this awkward moment, she slid into her seat and her mom reached out to touch her hand. “You look good, I see you cut your hair. It looks nice as always, dear.” Her mom's warm voice washed over and made her feel more at ease.

“Well spill dear sister, what happened? How did you get rid of that parasite.” Mariqa piped up, she was the closest in age to Kayleigzh only two years between them compared to Annha's five and seven. It made Mariqa more candid with her than the rest of the family, more brash to ask questions Kayleigzh tried to avoid.

“I had some help realizing she was not right for me.” She struggled to grasp the words that made her feel that way, the night she spent with haunted her but she also could only remember bits, words said and the feeling of touch and the smell of whiskey and aftershave but no specifics of the stranger. “I kicked her out again.” She felt her mother squeeze her hand, “Not for the first time, she always managed to sneak in.” She said more quietly, but strangely it seemed like everyone heard her clear as day.

This seemed to pique her father's interest, “She broke into your home?” His gaze was hard and pinned Kayleigzh to her seat, “Is there anything else she has done to you?” His tone dripped with anger and she shrunk in her seat.

“She has been sending me messages no matter how many times I change my number, it's why I was unable to tell anyone I was coming.” Her hands shook, and her mom tightened her grip and stared at her father.

“Dear husband, maybe you should be kinder. We don't want to scare her away again.” Her tone was soft as silk but there was an edge underneath it.

Her father looked abashed for a moment, “Forgive me, it's not you I'm angry at Kayleigzh. It's that Sara, she has made herself a nuisance and threatens my daughter's security.” His fist clenched around his fork, it was the only thing her father seemed to truly care about. He held his family above everything else, when he could. He and mother had a nighttime routine that was very strict. They were only seen when the sun set which sometimes made it hard for his daughter's school years but he would drop everything if his family needed him.

A plate was placed in front of Kayleigzh by Annha, it was filled. Her sister's cold eyes stared at her, “Eat, you've gotten too skinny. Can't have you falling over.” Her oldest sister was cold but it didn't stop her from trying to care in her own way. 

Kayleigzh took a few bites, before realizing the food was a bit cold. She looked around and saw none of the rest of her family had anything on their plates, their glasses were touched but that's it. She furrowed her brows, maybe they weren't hungry but they didn't make sense Mariqa had a voracious appetite and though Annha always picked at her food she still would eat all on her plate. Her mom and dad always preferred to eat in private, she looked around at her family as they started chatting among themselves while she ate, she could tell something was off but didn't know what it was. Was her sister's skin color off? They looked paler than normal, Annha's tanned skin seemed a bit shallow and Mariqa seemed less peachy then last she saw her. “Are you guys getting enough sun?” She asked before she could stop herself.

“What?” Mariqa whipped her head to Kayleigzh and then quickly looked to Annha and then her father, her eyes were wide.

“You both look paler than normal, like you haven't seen the sun in awhile. I know I've been gone a while but it hasn't been long enough that you've both become hermits.” Kayleigzh sat up straighter, all of her family's eyes were on and it didn't feel as familiar as she was used to, she swore she saw a glean in each of their eyes as the light caught them.

Mariqa laughed awkwardly, “I've been far too busy partying to even think about going outside, those hangovers really kill you and my eyes.” Her smile was a bit less than sure and she elbowed Annha.

“I've picked up more shifts at the company, they have me working so much overtime I barely remember to get out.” Her sister's flat tone cut in, “Don't worry, the doctor gave me a good bill of health and I'm sure he would do almost the same for Mariqa except for how much drinking does.” 

There was a sardonic smile, but she traded glances with their father. Who was looking at Kayleigzh with an unreadable expression, she turned away from his not wanting to see what he found when he was done looking at her, but after a bout of silence she looked over and saw a ghost of a smile on her father's face and a look of pride that she didn't understand. 

Dinner was a quiet fanfare for the rest of the time, quiet chatter from her family washed over her in a soothing lull, the previous awkward conversation forgotten for the moment. They made their way to the parlor, but Mariqa pulled their father away and upstairs, seemingly to his study. Kayleigzh narrowed her eyes, that was strange Mariqa didn't seek out father alone time anymore.

She sat with her mother and Annha, catching up with them leaving out any unsavory bits of her life. She talked about how she started reading again and went on runs in the morning, she didn't mention how she ran herself ragged every day trying to burn out the addiction that made her skin itch. She failed to mention that her smoking upticked in place of the drugs. Eventually she looked at the time and her father and Mariqa hadn't returned, “Excuse me for a moment, I have to use the restroom.” She said in the middle of a conversation, and she walked out of the parlor. She looked around and didn't see anyone before gently walking up the stairs, bending down to take off her heels. She was used to sneaking around the mansion, hoping to remember the spots that made noise. She tiptoed toward her father's study and she could hear a conversation going, she moved as close as she dared trying to listen in.

“Yea and what about me? You wouldn't consider me ready! She's already questioning, it's time to welcome her in before it's too late.”

There was her father's deep voice speaking back, she couldn't quite make out the words.

“What if someone else takes the chance away from us? You can't tell me people wouldn't love to get their claws in a Winestein, having her under their thumb would spell ruin for us.” Mariqa was never the quiet type and Kayleigzh was glad for her sister's loudmouth.

There was a pause again.

“What do you mean?! She is more than capable, before she was even out performing Annha! She would be wonderful, if you would just embrace her.” She said embrace with stress, Kayleigzh brow furrowed, there seemed to be an underlying meaning. “She just needs a hand that's all and so what if she spends the rest of it partying? You have all the time in the world to teach her.”

There was a powerful rumble as it seemed her father disagreed with her sister. 

“You old stubborn fool, I love you dad but you couldn't be more blind. If you don't take her, someone else will.” She could hear heavy footsteps approach the door and Kayleigzh quickly ducked into a nearby room carefully to make as little noise as possible. “Damn him, fine he doesn't want to then I will.” She heard her sister mutter as she stormed past, the words were ominous and made Kayleigzh heartbeat speed up.

When did her family become so foreign to her, they seemed to change so much in the months she was gone. She waited until her sister was downstairs and she crept for her hiding place, going back down the stairs putting her heels back on and walking back into the parlor. Mariqa's mood seemed to have brightened, almost manic in movements. It worried Kayleigzh but she kept her mouth shut to avoid a fight starting between the two of them.

The night passed smoothly, though she didn't see her father even when she was getting ready to leave. She hugged each of them, pressing a kiss to her mother's cheek before she left.

She went back to her apartment and settled in for the next few days, trying to forget how weird dinner was. She buried herself in any activity, found her focus and she ignored the many messages that Sara was still leaving her. She wasn't deterrented by Kayleigzh's lack of response, she held full conversations by herself it rambled on and on getting crazier as the days passed. No matter how many times she blocked her number the texts would continue to flood in.

Until she got one from another unknown number, she was ready to delete but it looked different from the ramblings of Sara. ‘They come for you, be careful.’ It sent a shiver down her spine, she looked around and tried calling the number but it didn't connect like it was immediately disconnected after sending her the text. A knock came from her door and she jumped, she got up and grabbed the baseball bat she kept by her door. Paranoia ran through her body, she looked out her peep hole and saw two men she recognized they worked for her father. She breathed a sigh of relief and opened the door, “Hey, what can I do for you two?” She placed the bat down behind her door and brushed her hair out of her face.

“Miss Winestien your father has requested you to be moved. Immediately. He believes your safety to be at risk.” One of them spoke, she believed his name was David but she was never too sure.

“What? But I- what about my stuff?” She stammered.

“It will all be moved to your new residence, if you wish to grab a few things we can wait for ten minutes.” He tapped his watch and looked at her. 

She took the cue and quickly went back inside grabbing a backpack and stuffing some essentials into it and her emergency bag, then went into her closet and grabbed her most important possession. The box fit snugly in her arms, when she went back the door was opened as one of the body guards peeked his head in.

She was shipped off to the upper side of Chicago behind a gated community, pulled in front of a house. It looked a bit modern and it was nicer than she expected, she should've expected that her father held back at no expense for his children, even fueling his kids' drug fueled binges. She stepped into the threshold and the two stopped at the doorway, she looked at them, “We will take our leave, we are never too far away miss Winestein.” They nodded and left her alone.

The house was far bigger than her studio apartment, so she put up her essentials and stuffed her energy bag under her bed just in case. The box went into the closet until she found a more suitable place for it.

The rest of her apartment was delivered that night. She didn't know who was hired and made quick work to bring her stuff to her new house. They didn't bring any furniture as there would be no place for it since it was already fully furnished.

She spent the next day unpacking and settling into what was to be her home for the foreseeable future. She got a text from Mariqa as she was folding up her laundry. ‘What are you doing tonight?’ 

‘Unpacking, dad moved me recently. Why?’

‘Great then I'm coming over for a housewarming party.’

‘Please don't bring other people, I can't handle a true party right now.’

‘Dear sister, who do you think I am? I would never besides we also need to celebrate that the wicked witch is out of your life.’ She sent a devil emoji as well.

She sent back an eye rolling emoji and told her the door was open. She went to the kitchen and looked in the fridge, it was barebones. She sighed and opened a delivery service ordering some Chinese place that was close to her. 

Mariqs arrived a bit after the food, Kayleigzh was getting comfortable on the couch. She dressed down, no need to impress her sister, just a tanktop and sleep shorts. “Kay!” She said as a greeting when she opened the door, walking into the living room. “So tell me what really happened to you and that bitch.” She flopped down on her couch, lying down and throwing her legs across Kayleigzh lap.

“I told the truth, someone helped me realize that I may deserve better than a person who stalked my every movement.” She sighed and moved her food away from her sister's feet.

“Who?” Her sister peered at her, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

“I don't know,” She started hesitantly. “I think I was on a bender and whoever they were found me and took me home with them.”

“You just went willingly with a stranger. What if they had hurt you?” Mariqa's voice was a pitch higher with worry.

Kayleigzh quickly shook her head, “No they wouldn't, they were nice to me. I remember them taking care of me and talking with me. They were an imposing figure but I didn't feel threatened by their presence, I just can't remember what they look or sound like.” Her eyebrows pinched together as she tried to remember but it was like trying to hold a ghost, they just slipped through her fingers.

“Sounds like a guardian angel saved you, are you sure they were real? Not some drug hallucination?” Mariqa was watching her carefully.

“I would've if I didn't wake up in their bed and with one of their shirts on, wasn't a guardian angel I know that. They were more like a dark figure, a villian of a story that was forced into that role.” She stared at her wall, not really seeing it.

Mariqa's laugh broke her out of her thoughts, “You should become a writer Kay with that kind of plot. Could become a famous smut writer like the ones you enjoy reading.”

A blush crawled up her cheeks, “I grew out of that!” She denied.

“Oh no mister villain! Don't save me, please definitely don't lock me up in your room.” Mariqa continued to giggle, “Don't wrap me in your big strong arms, whatever would I do if you pinned me-” Kayleigzh put her food down and rushed her sister putting a hand on her mouth, her face flushed a scarlet red.

“Stop that, I didn't say any of that.” She stared at Mariqa making sure she was done, “Besides I feel like we didn't have sex, I probably tried but I feel like they had self control and didn't want to take advantage of me.” 

“But you woke up in their bed and in their shirt.” Her sister stared dubiously at her, “You also fuck with anything that is willing to give you attention.” Kayleigzh slapped her sister's leg, it stung a bit and didn't seem to faze Mariqa.

“They… I don't know M.” She put her head in her hands, “It's like trying to see through a fog, no matter how much I try to cling to it. It's slipping from me, like it's important I forget them. The only reason I know for sure it was a hallucination is I kept their shirt.” 

“You kept a memento from a one night stand you can't even remember? No way, are you getting sentimental in your old age?” Mariqa leaned back, “I wanna see it, cause I don't believe you.”

Kayleigzh huffed and pushed her legs off of her, getting up and stomping to her bedroom. Opening the closet and pulling out the box with the shirt, she pulled it out. It still smells lightly of what she remembered the stranger smelling like. She went back to her front room and threw it at her sister, “See I'm not crazy.” 

Her sister stared at and held it up to her nose, taking a deep breath through her mouth reminding Kayleigzh of cat scenting. “Was this stranger a tall and muscular man?” Mariqa sat up and stared at Kayleigzh, her face set into an unusual serious expression.

“I don't know.” She said exasperated, “I couldn't tell you anything about them, except what I already told you and that their hands felt nice.” She added shyly.

“Kay I do not need to hear your fantasies about a random stranger swooping in to save you.” Mariqa stood up and walked closer, “I need you to tell me, have you ever met this man before?” 

“No, I don't think so. M you're kind of freaking me out.” She reached her hand and put it on her sister's bare arm and was surprised at how cold she felt. 

“We've run out of time then haven't we?” She stated to no one, “I'm sorry Kay this isn't how I wanted to do things, but we can't let you fall into their hands.”

“M, I don't know what is happening, what are you talking about? Am I in danger?” Fear welled up in her chest, her sister looked nothing like she remembered. “Who's hands?”

“Anybody else's, damn with the consequences.” She pushed Kayleigzh against the wall with seemingly ease. Kayleigzh grabbed her sister's wrist and tried to get her off of her.

“M please,” She pleaded with someone who looked like her sister but didn't resemble her at all. Tears welled up in her eyes, as she looked at her sister's blue eyes.

“Don't worry Kay, you'll be stronger and capable of taking care of yourself.” She smoothed Kayleigzh's hair, “This will only hurt for a moment and then nothing.”

“Are you going to kill me?” Her voice was higher and filled with fear.

“In a sense, I'll explain everything when you wake up.” 

Then her sister lunged at her and a sharp pain was in her neck, she remembered screaming and then nothing until the hunger started. A hunger that seemed never ending and then warmth in her mouth, liquid ambrosia down her throat. Better than anything she's ever had before, she blinked and was aware.

She stood in a park and looked down, there was something in her hand. No it was someone, it was a person blood ran down their neck an impossible amount was staining the grass below them. She dropped the woman with a thud as they hit the ground and whirled around. She looked at her hands stained with blood. Her clothes were washed with it and she could taste something coppery in her mouth. She rubbed her arm across her face and looked down. She yelped at the blood that was there, she didn't feel hurt anywhere why was there so much blood?

She looked into the night and it was like she was in daylight, everything was in clear view. She could see a squirrel running up a tree as if she was near it, she could hear its soft chattering as it looked around. She scrambled away and went to run away from the park, a thud was next to her. She whirled and saw a man leaning against a tree, watching her. His mouth moved and she could hear him as if he was standing next to her. 

“I wouldn't run that way if I were you.” He was studying his nails, wearing a long jacket and turned just enough away from her that she couldn't see his face, just his lanky form. “It's a shame, we could've done wonderful things together. Go the other way, your sister is waiting for you.” Then he was gone as if he was never there to begin with. 

She didn't wait and ran towards where the stranger ushered her, finding Mariqa looking frazzled and calling her name. She felt a tug in her chest as she looked at her sister, needing to run to her. She slammed into Mariqa. “Mariqa I don't know what happened, someone is dead. We need-”

“To get you home, you'll probably throw up soon and we need to feed you again.” Mariqa held her and threw a robe around her and put the hood up. “Don't draw any attention to yourself.” She ordered and steered her towards a car.

They drove her home and a million questions ran through her head, but she kept quiet until they were in her house. She ran to the bathroom and gagged, throwing up whatever in her stomach. It was just red, blood she realized it smelled so strongly. She pressed herself against the opposite wall, banging her head against it. What was happening? She heard a crunch and looked behind her, seeing a dent in the wall from where she hit, but she didn't feel even a dull ache. She had blood all over her, seemingly covering every inch of her. She peeled out of her clothes hating the way they felt and stepped into the shower, a few minutes in she doubled over in pain from her stomach. She was hungry, it was unlike any hunger she has ever felt before.

She pushed it away, used to ignoring her own body. She realized she hadn't breathed the entire time and instead of her lungs screaming at her there was no pain. She took a deep breath and it felt unnatural and unnecessary to her, she quickly got out after the drain ran clear. She went and got new clothes on, a more appropriate attire, a simple pair of jeans and t-shirt.

Her sister was sitting on her couch, looking unbothered by what was happening as if this was all normal. The shirt she had thrown at her sister was on the table and she could smell it as if it was right under her nose.

“Explain. Now.” She was angry, a burning rage that threatened to consume her.

“Now, Kay, I need you to calm down and eat.” She gestured to the cups in front of her. “We have to figure out what is bearable for you before you get hungry. This is important, please hold on to your questions until the end.” Her sister looked serious and she went to the pouches. “Don't worry about what is, just use your nose, it won't fail you.”

She held each up to her nose until she got to the almost last one in what seemed like an endless line, she took a deep drink and it was ambrosia and soothed the painful hunger inside of her. She sniffed the other ones and found one more that smelled delightful and drank deep from that one as well. The other smelled unappealing like it was old food or worse.

Mariqa got up and looked at the glasses, “Redheads huh? Shouldn't be surprising since you always liked those.”

“How have you done this?”

“With our infinite amount of wealth and people to call. Now I need you to remember that food for you is redheads. Anything else will not satiate your hunger, it will taste disgusting and you'll throw it up.” 

Kayleigzh felt better after drinking the liquid and felt more calm. “Can you please explain now?”

And Mariqa did, she explained how Kayleigzh was now undead and was immortal forever. She explained rules that made no sense, that the supernatural walked among them. She also said they would be in deep shit if the prince ever found out Mariqa embrace Kayleigzh.

It was almost fate as her door was knocked down and men swarmed them, grabbing Mariqa. Kayleigzh lashed out at the hands that clamped on to her, she managed to shake a few and threw one against the wall with a bang and she turned to Mariqa and came face to face with a gun barrel. “I suggest you calm down right now, unless you want to meet final death right now.” Kayleigzh slumped a bit, “Good now the prince is waiting and he's not in a good mood.”

They were shoved into a van, they didn't tie them up or anything but they sat an armed guard in the back with them. When they arrived at where the assumed prince was waiting, she was standing in front of a bank she stared but was shoved forward barely catching herself.

They were both marched to an elevator that took them far below the first floor of the bank. They walked a hall lined with guards, each of them armed and standing ready. She reached out and grabbed her sister's hand for a moment before letting go just as quickly.

She was then in an opulent room and sitting at a desk was a child. She looked around like this had to be some kind of joke. “Mariqa Winestein, you've been naughty. Embracing your sister without permission.” The kid got up from his desk and stalked toward him and Kayleigzh suddenly felt small and weak compared to the kid walking up to them. He stopped and studied Kayleigzh, “I've heard of you Kayleigzh, I thought you were to be embraced in a year or two but it seems your sister thought she knew best.” The way he spoke made him seem much older then the ten years old he seemed. 

He moved past her and to Mariqa, “You know there are punishments for what you've done.”

“Yes sir.” She said demure

“Then what shall we do with you? Normally we would have you meet your final death, but you're lucky I'm in a good mood.” He clapped his hands together and a slow smile appeared. It was predatory.

It was the start of Kayleigzh Winestien's undeath, baptized in the blood of innocents and her sister as she was forced to hurt her until the prince was satisfied.

---

Heyyyyy so its been a minute, I had a rough couple of months that didn't let me have the energy to post. This is Kayliegzh beginning story, she was my first vtm character and I love her. She's a kindred with a 8 humanity which isn't hard to play at all lol

I will tag the normal people, hopefully yall dont mind and enjoy

@tippytappytyping @belladonna-lavender @froggyishere @ellie-anor @nikijakalope @pent-tent

[hedgewitchh]

Eternity is a long time

Lucy has lived a long life, it had grown boring even her research couldn't being the thrill it used to. A trip to Houston finally might promise a difference in routine.

Lucy's days were full of monotony, waking up at sunset, going to the temple and doing her job. Every day for years and years it went like this, she worked on rituals for the church and worked her way up the ranks quickly. She was transferred to Houston. ‘They need to be whipped into shape, I hear a few childer are unruly this year.’

So she went, always the obedient kindred the perfect Tremere. She hated it, she wanted to do more, be more; but a rebellious church member didn't get far and she'd be damned if she let the power she clawed for slip away from her. She bought a quaint house in a gated community. She planted trees around the property, and she used rituals to help the growth of the plants.

She settled into her new home, decorating the way she liked and hired a contractor to renovate her basement for her magical practices. She moved her sanguine servant to her bedroom for the time, placing her on the desk. Zoey was the one person or homunculus she could talk to about her wants and how boring meetings are.

Days passed before she went to the church, drawing it out as much as possible before she had to be a proper church member. 

She dressed in a pencil skirt, stockings, a blouse that she left the top buttons left undone and kitten heels. A cross laid on her neck showed off proudly, most of the Tremere wore religious iconography, some were more bizarre than others . Some based their entire outfits on the symbols, some like her were more discreet. She threw her hair into a low bun, looking as professional as she could.

The church was imposing as ever, she could feel the wards that surrounded the place and kept the public away from it during the day. She saw the stained glass windows, it looked like a mockery of an older church used for perverse rituals by beings damned and forgotten by God. She pushed the large doors open, heavy even to her supernatural strength.

The interior was spacious, high ceilings and burning candle light. There were no modern appliances to be seen, they were probably ones for the technomancers somewhere; she didn't need to worry about it. She walked up to the receptionist, a young man with dark hair. He looked up at her, bored though he gave her a quick once over. “Yes?”

“I'm Lucy Grey. I was sent from New York, the pastor should be expecting me.” She was curt with her words, not caring to make small talk.

His eyes widened, “You're Lucy Grey? Regent of the sixth circle? That Lucy?” 

She sighed, she was old enough and powerful enough to be known even here. “What? Expecting some old crone? Yes, I am her. Now tell the pastor I am here.” He nodded dumbly, staring after her, probably wishing he made a more memorable introduction, wanting to gain favor with her now that he knew she was a high ranking church member. She heard him make a call off the rotary phone and talk quickly, before calling out to her telling her to wait in the meeting room. She stared at him before he seemed to understand that she didn't know where to go. 

“Yes, apologies follow me.” He paused, “Please.” He added quickly, she stepped behind him.

 “Yea, yea old man I'll do it. Calm down.” Was heard before a body knocked into her own, pushing her against the opposite wall. “Shit.” Lucy stood up and looked at the man.

“You idiot, do you know who you just ran into?” The receptionist whispered yelled at the mystery man. She looked at him, he unassuming in height standing not much taller than her, a trench coat swished around him. He was handsome enough in a gangly way but she was more interested in his eyes, they were full of light and mischief. His skin was bright and flushed unlike most of the other kindred he was around, his smirk vanished as he looked down at her. She didn't miss how he looked at her breast for a brief moment.

“No? What some big shot in the church here to yell at me?” His mouth curled into a half smile as if it was always meant to be present. 

“She is a regent and you will show her respect!” The receptionist raised his voice slightly.

The man scoffed and then bowed as sarcastically as someone could. “Oh pardon me. Your regentness how will you ever forgive someone as low as myself?” He straightened himself almost to full height, shoulder pushed back.

She stepped closer to him, heels clicking against wood. “I assume you're a childer? Not yet use to the way the church works. I can overlook it this once.” She gave him a once over. “I can't imagine with your attitude you'll make it very far through the test.” Her smile was sickly sweet, she watched him bristle at her words.

“Yea sure, we'll see won't we?” He muttered and stormed away from her.

“Who was that?” She turned towards the receptionist.

“Christopher Sepren, he’s a few months old and is due to take the test soon with the others. He has yet to learn manners.” He sounded tired of Christopher already. 

She nodded and continued to follow until they reached the wide doors, the receptionist opened the door for her. She thanked him and walked in, the pastor already sitting at the head of the table, the doors closed with a heavy thunk. She took her own seat at the other end of the table. “Pastor.” she greeted softly, smiling at him. The picture of prim and proper.

“Lucy, it's so lovely to see you.” His voice rumbled out of him like thunder, his smile was easy going. “I trust your stay has been a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of New York.”

“Houston has its charm, that's for sure.” She replied easily, not interested in small talk. “Tell me about this year's batch of childer any unruly ones I should pay attention to and any outstanding ones I should also watch?”

The pastor thought for a moment and rattled off some names, describing who he thought had a chance of becoming an apprentice and those he thought wouldn't make it past the first test. He paused on a thought, “The only one that is unknown is Christopher. He has a true talent for blood magic, able to pick up the intricacies of rituals but he is defiant to his sire and has no respect for traditions.”

“I ran into him just earlier, well he ran into me. He was arrogant to say the least, and didn't like being looked down upon.” She rolled her eyes at the thought of Christopher. 

“Yes, that's the one I'd like for you to pay attention to.” 

“What? Why shouldn't I be helping a childer with discipline issues? Why him?” She was shocked at his words, was she being tested? 

“He has true talent, he just needs a guiding hand and unfortunately Arthur isn't the right hand for Christopher.”

“And you think I am?” She crossed her arms. “And if he fails? What then am I to be punished for a mistake?”

“You'll probably lose the chance to be promoted.” He shrugged unconcerned with her future. She narrowed her eyes at him but knew she would have to accept the task, she couldn't turn the offer down unless she wanted to hear from her Lord. 

“Fine, I'll get him to pass those tests and I expect Arthur to thank me for my help with his childer.” She stood up, “I'll corner Christopher now, while I have the chance.” She left without a goodbye and strode down the hall towards Arthur's office, she opened it without warning. He found the older man over a woman, drinking from her neck as she moaned under him. “Arthur, good to see you haven't changed. Here in the church? How scandalous.” She leaned against his bookshelf inspecting her nails as she waited. The smell of blood was all she could smell and taste, it made the beast inside of her rumble in never ending hunger but it was quickly quieted. 

He released the woman who whined at the  loss of the pleasurable bite, Arthur held her down with one hand. “Lucy, good to see you're as dead as ever. Can't even make yourself express desire for fresh blood? Are you that dead? Can anything make that heart beat again.” Arthur looked her up and down with lust, he had the blush of life and with the intoxicating scent of blood his libido had to be higher than normal.

“I am, nothing causes my heart to flutter like it used to.” She had no doubts, the life left her long ago along with any desire for pleasures of the flesh. It was a means to an end, to satisfy the beast. “You don't strike fire in my loins. Now tell me where to find your childer.” She looked up from her nails to stare at him.

He bared his fangs at her, “What do you want with him?” He spat at her

“I've been told to deal with your mess and it seems while promising he is trouble. The pastor thought I'd be a more gentle hand to guide him.” She crossed her arms under her breast pushing them up to prove her point. “Seeing that he seems to be blushed still, womanly guidance is sometimes better.” She looked down at the woman, “You would know.”

“Fine you can find him at home more than likely.” He told her the address. She wrote it down and walked out of the church making her way towards the small apartment Christopher owned. She went to knock on the door but stopped before she touched the wood, the hairs on her arm stood up feeling warding coming off the door. Her teeth bared in defense before she calmed down, knowing she wasn't in immediate danger as long as she didn't touch the door.

She heard a door creak open and she turned to Christopher at the other end of the hall, it seemed she didn't need to track him down. He looked guarded and stopped moving as he saw her, “What are you doing here?” 

“Pastor sent me, seems you need my help.” She smiled sweetly.

“I'm doing just fine on my own, you can ask Arthur.” He said his sire's name with disrespect.

“I did, he's about as happy as you are about this. He doesn't want me to take credit for helping you succeed.” She scoffed impatiently “We are going to be working very closely together, might as well make this easier for both of us. I'm Lucy Grey, your teacher from here on out.” 

“Chris,” He walked closer, taking out a pair of gloves and opening his door. “Come in I guess.”

The lights were off, but fire came to life in some lanterns as he lit one. She flinched at the unexpected fire and she heard him chuckle behind her, she whirled at him ready to scold him. She stopped when she saw his full smile, she couldn't stop from staring at the way his eyes crinkled at the corners, he looked truly alive in that moment as if darkness had never damned him. Firelight made his brown hair glow and his eyes danced with mischief again, she couldn't help but want to be closer to that warmth; that feeling of being alive.

She saw his mouth moving but heard nothing, she shook herself, “I'm sorry what?” She asked, she sounded breathy even to her own ears.

“I asked if I scared you too much, I would be surprised with how much candle light is in the church and-” He looked her up and down, “based on how you dress, you have to be there often.”

“There aren't exactly days off when you work for the chantry.” She felt like if she could blush she would, his gaze felt like fire on her skin and she couldn't understand the sentiment. She has been dead for too long to care about some childer, to care about his desire. 

She quickly changed the subject to how she would teach him, making him memorize everything he needed to know for the test and how he needed to impress if he wanted to survive. He seemed confused at the thought and she explained those who didn't impress would be used for rituals and never advance to learn the ways of blood. 

She was strict with him, but learned he was more likely to learn if she praised him and was encouraged by her words. She would sit on the couch and watch him hunch over a book she gave him, she would ask him random questions on the subject. He sometimes stumbled but never got the question wrong more than once, she was impressed the pastor was right he had great potential and seemed more at ease when not at the church. More willing to learn and listen in the privacy of his own home, it was commonplace that she waiting for him when he got home as he was the only childer assigned to her. He got over his initial surprise and sometimes anger at the invasion. 

She slotted with him in a way she didn't expect, he's made her genuinely laugh for the first time in maybe sixty years. She smiled easily around him and her gaze lingered on him longer than appropriate, taking in his figure when he didn't wear his jacket and the way he leaned back in his chair when he was talking with her. He started making crude jokes her way and she played them off as if they did make her dead heart feel something.

“You seem less straight laced, what happened to you? Find a nice fleshsack to spend your nights with, didn't know you had it in you.” One of the teachers asked as she passed, it's not the first time someone's made a comment. Though it was the first time someone asked her directly, it seems it wasn't unnoticed that she felt lighter than she had in years and someone thought she was soft enough to approach. 

She scowled at the teacher, “No, I have no interest in ‘shacking’ up with some mortal.”

“Then is it your new pet?” He leered at her, “What the blush really gets you going? Is that all it took to make Lucy Grey go soft? Maybe I should take him for a spin to see what makes him so special.”

She bared her fangs and stalked closer to him, unexpected anger springing in her chest “Think I've gone soft have you?” She moved her hand toward a plant near them and watched it wiggle to life, lashing out at the kindred and wrapping around his wrist. “Nobody touches what is mine. Do you really want to try your luck?” She had the plant tug on the kindred, making him stumble trying to free himself from the plant's grasp.

“Let me go.” He demanded, she shoves him back with a hand gripping a fistful of his shirt. Her face was near his.

“Have you ever tasted ash before?” She sneered at him, almost nose to nose with him. “Touch Christopher and every drop of blood you ever drink again will turn to ash on your tongue. Until you go mad with hunger and then I'll be there to put you down.” She released him and let him go.

 He looked at her with fear as she stood over him, this is who Lucy Grey was, a woman to be feared with a path unknown that only she held the key to and would never part with. She rose the ranks with her research and ability to make every kindred cow to her if she wanted, her complete control over the green world around her and an unknown power that she clawed for.

It wasn't the last time someone threatened to take Chris from her, though after a few unfortunate and mysterious disappearance of their students. They eventually quieted down, she watched as they slowly turned their ire to Chris since they couldn't do anything but spit poison at him. He took it in stride, already disliked due to his mouth this was nothing new to him it seemed; that didn't stop her from scolding and threatening anyone from being so outwardly hostile to him.

She was walking to the church's library when she heard someone talking not so quietly. “You think just because Lucy favors you, you get to walk around with no consequences? You took a book I was grabbing, now apologize and give it back.”

She heard the familiar sound of Chris’ laugh, she slowed her pace until she was just hidden behind a bookcase. “I grabbed it first, you didn't want it until I was walking away with it. Seems you're just upset that I could impress her while you aren't even a blip on her radar.” She could hear the smug satisfaction in his voice. 

“You're not that special, you're the same as the rest of us, a nobody. A nobody who's going to fail and become another useless bloodbag.” The kindred's voice was a little higher pitch in anger, a woman probably one of the newly sired.

“Then why have I gotten my own personal teacher? Why is mine a high ranking church member?” She heard the sound of his footsteps, “It's not pure luck, I clearly have the skill that just doesn't come naturally to you.” She heard an indigent huff and the sounds of heels clicking away, she watched the woman leave studying her as she went. 

She heard the sound of boots draw closer, she stood motionless until Chris almost passed her when she shot her hand out and twisted him to press his back against the bookshelf. He lashed out immediately which she was glad to see, making her proud that he wouldn't be pushed around. He stopped when he recognized her, “Lucy?” He was breathless as he asked in surprise, his voice a little louder than normal.

She reached to cover his mouth and pressed a finger to her lips, “Shhh, this is still a library after all.” She smiled at him, she put her hand down standing close to him, chest to chest.  She could feel his slow heartbeat against her, it echoed in her ears. Though as he looked down at her, she heard his heart begin to beat faster, her chest on almost full display, wearing a black lacy bra that she was sure he could see the top of.

“Dressing up for me? Could've just asked how I wanted to see you.” His voice thick with want, his mouth curled in a half smile she wanted to see all the time.

“Now Christopher, hitting on your teacher isn't that a bit cliché even for you?” That didn't stop her from moving a bit closer to him closing the already small distance

“You're the one you slammed me into a bookshelf and pressed yourself up against me? Can you blame a guy for appreciating a beautiful woman throwing herself at him?” Though his words were seductive his hands stayed planted against the bookshelf as if afraid to touch her. 

“This is just more practice, gotta keep you on your toes.” She moved away from him, letting him stand away from the bookshelf, “Never know who's around the corner.”

“Apparently I should walk around blindly if this is the treatment I'll get.” 

“While I'm having fun, I'm also serious. The test has already begun and you don't know it. The moment you started showing potential it started and other kine want to remove competition and you're proving to be heavy competition.” She looked up at him, “You'll have to start taking them out as well, I and Arthur can only do so much. Prove your standing.” She brushed a hand against his arm before quickly withdrawing.

“Arthur is helping me?” He sounded surprised

“Of course, he made you and doesn't want to lose a precious childer or look bad in the eyes of the church. This is as much of a test for us as it is for you and I plan on passing, you better as well.”

His eyes turned serious as if finally understanding, “What about after? Will I see you after I pass?” 

She feels a pang in her chest, she doesn't know she wants to lie and say she'll stay in Houston with him. “I don't know, the church may send me somewhere else. I go where they want me, I don't have a say.” She whispered, looking away from him.

“You're telling me even Lucy Grey, the one I keep hearing them praise and fear can't make her own decisions?” She saw his sneer from the corner of her eye.

She shook her head, “If I refuse, I won't climb the ranks. They'll demote me.”

“As if that's the worst thing in the world in exchange for doing what you want. What do you want?” His words demanding an answer from her

“I don't know, I want to continue to research and learn.” She felt a pain in her chest unlike anything she felt since she died, she knew what she wanted but she couldn't admit it even to herself. Unless she wanted to spiral into Tremere madness once again.

“I'll pass the tests, I want you to decide how you want to live your undeath.” 

He walked past her, he moved quickly out of the library quickly and she was left standing there, emotions swirling in her chest unlike anything else and it tore her apart. The madness felt ever encroaching, words spun in front of her eyes. Magic unfurled in her mind, “I want you.” She whispered to the air. “I want to be around you, be your everything, make you obsessed like you make me.” She gripped the books in her hands feeling them creak and bend in her grasp. A door slammed behind her and reality snapped back into place causing her to stumble in place as every sound and feeling crashed into her, she leaned onto the shelf in front of her. Doing everything she could not to fall to her knees and make a scene. 

Chris passed his tests, gaining praise even from the pastor for some of his feats and the way he took to his teachings. Arthur and Lucy were praised for how Chris succeeded and how they whipped him into shape, it almost made Lucy giggle she knew Chris was not going to stay this way. 

Arthur walked over to her, looking uncomfortable. She felt smug, “Yes Arthur?”

He bared his fangs for a moment, before cooling his expression. “I was told to thank you for helping me with Chris. I fear he would've failed without you.”

She looked out to the crowd, easily finding Christopher. “He wouldn't have, he was always going to succeed, they just wanted him to follow more rules.” She looked back at Arthur who watched her with a guarded gaze, “I trust you'll keep him safe? I don't want to have to come back and make good on my promises.” Her smile was full of venom.

“You're leaving? So soon?” He looked surprised

“They want me back in New York as soon as the season changes.” She crossed her arms and put on a smile when Christopher looked at her, “Don't tell him, let him enjoy his new position.”

He nodded and she made her way over to Christopher, he didn't even look at her as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders easily. It felt like that's where she was meant to stay there, it pained her that she knew she was leaving probably without warning but she couldn't bring herself to tell him and watch his disappointment. “Here she is, the reason I was able to make it this far.” He said loudly, it was all static in her ears. The smile she planted on was fake and she didn't even know if she replied to people's congratulations. She soaked in his warmth against her ice cold skin, not knowing when she would be near him again. 

He led her back to his apartment after the party welcoming the apprentices into the pyramid. He opened the door and turned on the firelight, she stared around the apartment memorizing everything that made it Chris’ place. She sat on the couch, leaning against the arm when Chris sat down as well she stretched her legs over him. He rested a hand on her knee, he was staring at her face. “You wanna tell me what's going on? Or are you going to make me guess?” 

She looked into his eyes. “What do you mean?”

He looked exhausted for a moment, his guard seemed down. “You think I wouldn't notice? You were off all night, it's like you were somewhere else. I've been around you almost every night for months now.” He ran his hand up and down her calf.

“I…” She swallowed, “I'm going back to New York, when spring comes I'll be going back.” She watched his face closely.

“That's in a week.” He stated and she nodded, “You're just going like that?” His face became rigid, “Were you going to leave without a word?”

She stopped moving, “I didn't want to…”

“You didn't want me to try and stop you? Is that it?” His hand paused and clenched and relaxed quickly, it almost hurt.

“No I didn't want to ruin the experience for you, it should be a time to celebrate. You've made it, be proud. You don't need me around, you'll do just fine.” Her words were shaky.

“Do you think I only got close to you for what you could do for me?” His voice rose in anger, “I wouldn't have stuck around you, I would've kicked you out. You think I have a problem telling people what I think?” 

“That's not what I meant, I wanted to comfort you that you don't need me.” She made a movement to touch his hand but decided against it.

“You didn't do a good job of it.” He muttered, “I just want you to decide for yourself and whether you stay here or go back to New York, I don't care. As long as the church doesn't control you.”

They didn't speak after that and as she felt weariness set into her bones, she didn't move and neither did Chris. Like both of them wanted to savor this moment, one moment she was alert and then she felt the heaviness set in and she was out.

The next moment she was awake and Chris was gone, he must raise earlier compared to other kindred. He was at his fridge with a blood pouch in his hand, he was looking at her. When he saw she was awake he brought a blood pouch to her, she thanked him and drank deeply until it was gone. It was cold and not the most pleasant but it satisfied her hunger for the moment.

The week passed with Lucy tying up loose ends in the church as well as spending time with Chris, they went out and he showed her Houston as she didn't get a chance to see it since her life was consumed by making sure Chris made it to the pyramid.

Then she was back in New York, the next few years passed in dull monotony. She kept making payments on the house in Houston, hoping one day to return. When she returned she made the request to go back to Houston, she waited for the word that she could return. She's never asked for anything and yet it took years for them to get back to her, when they did they approved her request. She put her apartment up for sale and packed her life up and went back to Texas. They made sure she worked for it, and she grinned and bore every task they threw at her. Whether it was a simple delivery or a ritual they needed done, she did it all without complaint.

“I want to return to Houston. I believe my time there will be useful. It is a smaller sect that could use a reagent around. I’ve already been there so I’d be a good fit.” Lucy stood in front of the primogen of New York. He was an older man, in his forties. His hair was just starting to grey at the temples.

“Lucy, you’ve been asking this for years now, what draws you to Houston? It’s not Camarilla ran, the Sheriff doesn’t abide by our laws.” His voice was rough as if he was a smoker before he turned.

“And yet he lets us stay there and conduct our business as long as we don’t interfere with him. I believe I can bring us closer to the Sheriff and maybe get a Camarilla foothold,” She looked around the room, “Though maybe we can make the Tremere presence stronger there before the Camarilla has a chance to take the place.”

“You think you can pave the way for us to take Houston?”

“It’s a long shot and one I don’t know if it’s possible, the Sheriff is known as the fastest shot in the west and I don’t think it’s just a euphemism.” She leaned forward on the table, her elbows resting as she looked at the primogen. “The Tremere are needed, our knowledge is invaluable even to the Sheriff.”

“Fine, you may go. With my blessing, bring Houston to us.” Lucy nodded and stood up, “Though Lucy remember to continue your own research for the good of the church. Let me know if that path will take you from Houston.”

“Of course father.” She nodded and walked out the door.

When she made it to the church in Houston, she met the pastor and let him know she was there to stay and she waited till the end of the conversation to ask where Chris was. She watched surprise flicker across the pastor's face, “He doesn't come around very often, chooses instead to be a P.I. he still pays his tithe and hasn't cut ties. He did fall into the same trap most young Tremere do and courted madness too closely for a year or so.” She wasn't surprised to hear the news that he went mad, a year was a short amount of time compared to some including herself. “Maybe you'll help him come back to the fold, I remember how close you two were.” His smile was gentle, she wasn't naive enough to believe it was a harmless blessing, he wanted her to convince him to bring his research back to the church, hating to lose such a precious resource.

“A P.I? Surprising. Thank you, I will take my leave.” She stood up, and walked out the door. Some seemed surprised to see her and some stayed out her way, probably fearing she came back for a vengeance.

She called his business, “Hello, thank you for calling, what can I do for you tonight?” A woman's voice was on the other side, for a moment worry spread through the pit of her stomach. Maybe he wouldn't be happy to see her, maybe he forgot her completely, he was young and she wouldn't be surprised. “Hello?” 

Lucy snapped back to reality, “Uh yes, I was wondering if I could speak with Mr. Sepren?”

“May I ask what it's  concerning?” The woman's voice was soothing, low and sweet.

“I wish to hire him.” She lied on the spot, not knowing what would allow her to talk to him.

The woman transferred her call, it rang a few times and she got worried he wouldn't answer, but then the line opened, “Christopher Sepren speaking, who is this?” His voice was deep, just as she remembered she could imagine him leaning back in his chair, trench coat hanging on a coat rack as he sat with a button down shirt. Her breath caught for a moment. “Hello, listen if this isn't a serious-”

“It is, it is.” She rushed out, “This may be better to speak in person, should I make an appointment?” 

“I have some time tonight in about two hours, can you make it by then?” His words flowed over her like water, it was refreshing. She was well and truly fucked.

“I can, I'll be there thank you.” 

“I didn't-” He was cut off as she hung up the phone. 

She was so nervous, she didn't know what to do with herself for two hours. She checked and double checked that she looked alright, her pencil skirt beginning to wrinkle with how much she fretted with it and she couldn't decide if it was appropriate to show cleavage. Then the time came for her to leave and she couldn't worry about it a moment longer. She drove and parked in a nearby parking garage, fixing her lipstick one last time before stepping out and heading to the building. She walked up a few flights of stairs, thankful that she couldn't get winded. 

She walked up to the door with frosted glass and opened it gently, “Hello? I um have an appointment?” She said as she stepped in, she saw a pretty blonde sitting at the receptionist desk. Her hair was curled and styled, she looked alive but it didn't help to settle her stomach that Chris had found a mortal to pass time with. It wouldn't have bothered her but it meant her chances lowered a lot.

“Hi!” The woman, her desk read Mary, was much more bubbly in person. “Yes, I was told to expect you. You can wait in Chris, I mean Mr. Sepren’s office. He should return soon.” Her smile was easy going, Lucy thought maybe she could like Mary if for the moment the beast didn't growl and wanted her to rip Mary limb from limb and drink her dry. She swallowed unintentionally and nodded walking to the office door that was pointed to. 

Lucy stepped inside and immediately recognized Chris’ cologne, she breathed deeply and looked around. His trench coat was gone and the office was minimal if a bit messy, she took a seat on one of the chairs facing the desk and straightened her skirt. Her mind raced a mile a minute, wondering what kind of reunion she could expect, if it went poorly she didn't have a back up plan. She would have to hope that he avoided the church as much as the pastor said he did. She couldn't stop herself from fidgeting with the necklace she wore, she moved it back and forth. Before she heard heavy footsteps and Mary’s bubbly voice through the door, she dropped her necklace and sat her hands in her lap hoping she didn't look as nervous as she felt. 

She heard the door open, and the rustle of leather. “I apologize for making you wait.” He said as he walked to the side of her, not yet sparing her a glance. “Some matters took-” He finally looked at her and her stomach flipped. She stared at him, of course he hadn't aged a day since she last saw him. His eyes were still bright and his skin still flushed with life, his hair was windswept and he was still handsome and gangly. “Lucy?” His voice a whisper, he stood motionless waiting for something, his eyes wide with disbelief.

It's like time stood still in a way kindred don't often experience, she wanted to keep this moment. The moment of indecision where any possibility could be reality, the moment of quiet before everything turned upside down. Their eyes never left the other, both searching for something. “I made a decision.” She whispered, not wanting to break the silence but it did. The moment was lost forever, too late for any regrets.

“Did you?” He sounded incredulous, an eyebrow raising.

“I did. I wasn't sent here, well I mean not entirely. I requested to be sent back here,” She paused, watching him “Permanently.” He angled his body slightly away from her, she took it as a bad sign, “Uh, I'm sorry for not mentioning it was me earlier. I didn't know what the reaction would be.”

“And what did you want the reaction to be?” He was guarded, taking a seat in his chair leaning forward and steepling his fingers in front of him. 

“It's already better than I expected, to be honest. I expect to be thrown out immediately.” Her eyes didn't leave his face, watching for any negative reaction.

He was silent for a few minutes, which made her mess with her skirt again before he stood up and it took him only a few steps to reach her. He leaned down to her height and she prepared for the worst, but instead she was enveloped in his arms. She didn't move for a moment before wrapping her arms tightly around his back, she felt him press his face into her neck breathing deeply. “I missed you.” He whispered, she could his lips move against her skin and if she was capable of crying this would've made her. She gripped him more tightly against, almost knocking him off balance and onto the floor.

“I missed you too, even though you're an absolute nightmare to teach.” She breathed against him, she could feel his slow heart beat against her, his pulse beneath her mouth. They stayed like that for a few minutes, time slowed for Lucy.

“You loved every moment of it.” He pulled away from her, keeping his hands on her shoulders. 

She placed a hand on top of his and squeezed gently. “I don't know if I'd say love.” Her smile betrayed her, he returned it.

Life wasn't so monotonous anymore.

---------

Meet Lucy Grey, probably not her real name, a old Tremere. She was mostly suppose to be a receptionist but as games progressed she became a real character. Maybe I'll write a bit more of her backstory someday.

Let me know if you enjoyed! This was written awhile ago so my writing wasn't as refined and I did change some Tremere lore. I liked the idea of magic making you go crazy for a time because their brain is trying to comprend the magic they use.

Next week is my favorite OC, hope you looking forward to it. Let me know if you want to see anything else. I'm very open to prompts tho I make no promises <3

@tippytappytyping @belladonna-lavender @froggyishere @ellie-anor @nikijakalope @pent-tent

[hedgewitchh]

What would I have been?

Avery life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes an abandoned ghoul.

------

Ryan was gone when she went to check on him for the night, he wasn't responding to her text and it was past the time she normally would be fed. Her body craved the blood unlike any addiction she ever felt in her life, her teeth ached, her skin itched and she was irritable, moody and angry at the smallest inconvenience. 

Avery was worried, but the craving overwrote almost any feeling she felt. She pulled up to the familiar house and saw it was dark and no car was in the driveway, so she parked and got out of the car. Her hands clenching and unclenching in anticipation and want, she went to the open door and found it locked. She pulled out the key she had and tried to unlock the door but it didn't turn, she tried again and again until the key snapped in her hand, her hand scraping against the wood causing scrapes to appear on her hand, she hissed and held the wounds to her mouth tasting copper. 

She pounded on the door, “Ryan! Open the door please!” She yelled and kept yelling until she fell against the door, “Please, open the door.” Her hand flat against the wood, she slid down the door tears starting to fall. She sniffles curling up against the door. “You have to be here. You can't be gone.”

She stayed there until the sun rose over the horizon, she cried herself hoarse. She felt wrung out and empty, rising on shaky legs as she walked to the car getting in. She put her hands on the steering wheel and screamed, all the anger and sadness released in a primal scream. It didn't feel cathartic as much as she wanted it to.

“What do I do? What the fuck do I do?” She tugged at her hair, she just wanted to wake up and this all be a horrible nightmare. She rubbed a hand across her wrist feeling the light raised jagged scars that even the kindred blood couldn't heal. Every Time she touched them she was reminded of how Ryan saved her, took vengeance for her, nursed her back to health, allowed her to feel powerful and live freely.

She drove around aimlessly for a while until she couldn't stay awake and she drove back to her apartment. Barely making it to her couch before falling face first into the leather and passing out, when she woke up it was night once again and the ache was back. She breathed, every day she felt weaker, more like the mortal she used to be.

She looked at her phone, hoping to see a response from Ryan but it still said undelivered. She got off the coach and peeled off her clothes, taking a blistering hot shower watching as her pale skin turned red and then went pale and red again quickly. She sighed and leaned her head against the cold tile, relishing in the heat and pain allowing her a few moments to think clearly. She needed the blood, she could find another kindred and drink from them, but no kindred gives their blood for free and with her more frail body she was no match for a full fledged kindred. She could seduce one and when they feed she can bite them and run like hell, she probably ends up dead but the ache grows more and more every day.

She made up her mind, the risk was worth the reward. She got dressed in her usual all black, a skirt, fishnets with a snake design on it and a black silk blouse that Ryan mentioned he liked. Throwing her hair in a half up ponytail, realizing she desperately needed to re-dye her hair as she saw her blonde roots growing out.

She went out to a bar she knew kindred frequented, she went to the bar and sat down ordering a rum and coke. She watched the crowd, looking for anybody who screamed kine to her, she didn't see anyone. A pit opened in her stomach. Why would a kindred walk around openly enough she would notice them? This was stupid idea. She groaned and turned to walk to a booth when she slammed into a solid body; an arm wrapped around her waist as she spilled her drink. Pain shot through her back where the arm touched her and she screamed not able to tamper the pain down, people turned to stare but she didn't care as she pushed the stranger away. Her body on fire, she stumbled back getting as far as she could from the man. People backed away from her probably thinking she was crazy, as she wasn't outwardly hurt.

She couldn't think, it felt like someone took an iron rod and both burned and stabbed her, wriggling around in the wound. It persisted and kept persisting as she ran toward the door, feeling like she was dying. She just knew she had to escape and quickly, she was feet from her car when a hand wrapped around her wrist. She swung a fist connecting solidly with a jaw, but the person was unfazed. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.” She knew, she knew what the person in front of her was. She still had enough blood to knock a regular mortal flat on their face. Fear flooded her system, they touched and it hurt her. She couldn't imagine what they could do if they got angry with her. “Please, please. Let me go, you won't see me again.” She begged, tears falling from her eyes. She couldn't die here, she didn't want to die here.

“Hey, hey. It's okay, take a breath. I won't hurt you.” The hand released her and she looked at the man who was holding up his hands. 

“Why did you follow me?” She took a few steps back, ready to run again. She doubted she could get far if he really wanted to catch her.

“You got a nasty wound and it wouldn't be right for me to stand by when you probably will collapse somewhere.” He took off his trench coat placing on it her trunk, “There, gone. What's your name?” 

She looked at him closely, he looked about late twenties which she knew wasn't his real age just like she looked twenty-two but was pushing late twenties. He had a handsome face, though he was gangly and still had life in his skin probably to blend in better. “Avery.” She muttered, not convinced he didn't mean her harm, it could be fun for him to be nice and then attack his prey. “Who are you? Why did you burn me?”

“I'm Christopher Sepren, I didn't mean to hurt you. I had no idea that you…” He paused and looked around, “About your condition.” He said instead, “Let's just say, it sucks to touch me.” He had a small smile, whether it was because he thought he was funny or trying to calm her didn't matter to her. 

“Well sure, as good as an answer I can expect from one of you.” She gestured up and down at him, “I have to get going.” She turned to leave.

“Wait, you look like hell. Let me take you, it is dangerous to drive in this condition.” 

She stared at him, trying to figure out why he was being nice to her. She had no choice, he could just force her if he really wanted to and she didn't have much fight left in her, she could feel herself wavering the longer she stood there and she couldn't lie she wanted to feed off of him and she would be dumb to not take advantage of the opportunity. “Fine.” She spit out and then softer, “Thank you.” She could feel the hunger deep in stomach, it was almost painful to ignore.

He picked up his jacket and she followed him to his car, he held the door open for her and she slid into the passenger seat. “Where is your domitor? It'd make the process easier if they could feed you.” He looked at her, and she flinched away feeling as though he hit her again.

“I…” She gulped, this was so fucking stupid. She shouldn't trust other kindred she knew that but she was desperate so fucking desperate for one taste of the power coursing through his veins. “He's gone, he left me.” She wrapped her arms around herself and bent forward not wanting to see pity for her. That she was an abandoned ghoul, a junkie, a discarded tool, easily thrown away, not worth taking with him. 

“Ah.” She heard him tapping against the steering wheel, “How long?” 

“A month and two days.” She whispered.

“You must not be doing well, besides the damage I did clearly.”

“No, I'm not doing well. Do I look like I'm fucking doing well? If I was doing well I wouldn't be in a car with a random kindred.” Her voice had a hard edge as she lashed out at him, anger bubbling beneath the surface.

“Sorry, touchy subject.” He raised a hand and backed off.

She sighed and ran a hand through her hair, tugging out the hair tie. “Fuck, I'm sorry. It's not you.” She looked at him, “Look, I'll do anything you want for a small amount of blood. Please.” She was willing to beg, her self worth and respect be damned. She needed it and with him so close to her it was getting harder to control herself.

“I'm not sure-”

“Please, I need it. I need it and I can't breathe with how much I want it. You don't understand, please I won't take much.” She begged, pleading with any being that he wouldn't turn her down. She angled her body towards him.

He sighed and tapped quicker, “Let's go somewhere else, I'd rather not get blood in my car.” She nodded quickly, she'd go wherever he wanted. He started to drive, and she moved restlessly in her seat not being able to sit still. “Look at me.” He demanded, as he got to a stop light. She looked at him, making sure to avoid his eyes; she knew what could happen. “I don't want to command you, so you have to be patient.”

“I am doing my best, believe me.” She could barely think, it was taking all of her willpower to not throw herself at him and latch onto his wrist. Her hunger twisting her insides, the pain she still felt dulling in comparison.

She has no idea how long they were driving for, it felt like eternity. “We are here.” She looked out the window and saw a quaint building, a house. He got out of the car and she scrambled to follow him, keeping her distance from him. He took out a pair of gloves as he opened his door and flicked on a light. It was a firelight not normal light bulbs and she would question it, if she wasn't so focused on getting her fix.

“Sit on the couch.” He gestured to an older looking couch, she sat obediently. He put his coat away and walked over to her while rolling up his sleeve, her mouth watered as she thought about the taste of ambrosia on her tongue. He sat down and pulled out a knife and quickly sliced through his flesh and he barely had time to move the knife before Avery latched onto the wound. She drank deeply and quickly, his blood tasted differently than Ryan’s. It was like ash and smoke, it was power and addicting, pleasure ran through her veins she wanted all of it. Every drop she could get from him, she gripped his arm tightly to her mouth. Not able to get enough as she felt the power spread through her, she could hear the rustling outside and her vision got sharper.

She felt a hand tug on her hair, pulling off from the source. She growled in anger, but couldn't move back and she watched in panic as the wound closed before her eyes. “Enough.” He demanded.

She looked at him and felt a familiar rush as she looked at him, he had become more attractive in the time she was drinking his blood. His hair tousled in a way she loved, he had light wrinkles on his face and looked as dizzy as she felt. She could run her hands down his chest, she wanted him, she knew it was because she drank from him and it would only get worse if she continued to do so. It didn't fully rewrite the obsession she had for Ryan but it quieted it for now, “Thank you, I feel much better.” She could barely feel the damage that was done to her skin besides a deep ache that was probably a bruise. 

“I see that.” He watched her carefully, as if to make sure she wouldn't pounce on him, but for now she wasn't hungry. She leaned back and let the high run through her body, breathing in and out. She started to count in her head, one two three four, four three two one. She started to do it a few years ago to calm herself or gather herself when she needed to and this moment she felt like she needed to. 

“Now,” She sat up when her mind cleared, “What do you want in return? This wasn't out of the kindness of your heart.” She crossed her arms preparing for the worst.

“You're sure you were abandoned?” She nodded there was no doubt in her mind, he sighed and looked troubled. “How long have you been a ghoul?”

She raised an eyebrow, unsure of what to make of his line of questioning. “Five years, why?”

“So you know what you're doing?” She nodded, “Know how to navigate the world of darkness? Can you deal with what goes bump in the night?”

She shrugged, “I've been many scraps over the years, been able to hold my own against other kindred. I can handle myself well.” She searched his face and body language but he seemed perfectly relaxed like this was a normal Tuesday for him.

“How about you come work for me?” He stretched his arm across the coach, “Work as my personal assistant and in return I keep you fed.”

“I'd be your ghoul then?” She didn't know what to think, a part of her screamed at her that she couldn't, if Ryan came back it'd be a betrayal to him that she went under the service of another kine. He'd be upset and disappointed in her, but another knew she wouldn't make it as a junkie wandering for the next vulnerable kindred and she supposed being taken into another kindred's care was the best she could hope for. “I tentatively accept. No reason to look a gift horse in the mouth.”

“Smart girl.” It was almost a purr as he spoke and she felt a pleasurable tingle run down her spine at the praise. She wanted more, needed more.

A few years later she got a text from an unknown number, claiming it was Ryan. The text asked to meet, she agreed only out of curiosity her obsession, a thing of distant memory, the anger and bitterness of what he did to her was still clinging onto her thoughts of him now that she was free of the bond with him. 

She told Chris she was taking the night off. Knowing if he told her no, she'd listen not without some indigent huffing but she'd listen to anything he said. She watched him become curious, “You never take a night off, what are your plans?”

“Meeting an old friend.” She skirted around the real issue, she knew her old domitor wasn't well liked. Chris didn't seem to have a high opinion of him when she brought him up in passing. He waved her off as she watched him turn back to his laptop. “Call if you need me.” She called as she walked out the door. 

She drove slowly to where they were supposed to meet, a park near where he used to live. She drew the time out, unsure if she could through with it. Eventually she was parked in an empty parking lot for the park, it was quiet and peaceful at this time. She got out and sat on a bench, Ryan would find her and right she was as she saw a familiar face. Anger brewed inside of her as she looked at him, the bitterness clawed at her throat begging to slam him into the pavement and make him answer her questions.

“Avery! You look good, healthy even.” He said cheerfully as he got closer to her. 

She scowled at him, “You look exactly the same, maybe a bit worse for wear. What are you doing back in town?”

“So do you,” His cheerful tone dropped and he instead looked closely at her, “Someone feeding you? Or are you an independent?” 

She looked away, she wouldn't sell out Chris. “I'm getting fed, whether is by someone or someone's its none of your concern. You lost that right three years ago.” Her words dripped with venom

“It's someone, you wouldn't be this hostile if it was multiple. What? Obsessed are you? I remember that, you begged so prettily for my attention.” She flinched back at his words, “You didn't wait for me? Don't you remember how much you craved to be near me? Remember how I took care of you?” His voice was smooth as silk across her skin, she did. Her skin remembered even if the memory grew fuzzy, he was much closer when she opened her eyes and didn't even realize she closed them. “Who are they? If you tell me you could come with me, I'll free you.” 

His words slipped like a dagger through her ribs, she couldn't deny a small part of her wanted her to follow him. Then she thought of Chris, the sound of his laugh when he was truly gleeful, the way he would gently touch her when she was having a hard moment, the way he looked at her after she came down from her high, the moments when he confined in her, the moments he made her feel like the most important person in the room actually listening to her, the moments when he would make a joke that made her blush a deep red and wish he would make good on it. More whirled around her for seconds and she looked back at Ryan, the kindred that abandoned her, left her to find her own way, made her feel worthless. She kept all that anger and bitterness, held on to it as she looked up at him. 

“No, you left me. I'm not yours anymore, don't think for a moment I'd crawl back to you.” She sneered at him, standing up. Throwing her bag back over her shoulder, “You left me to fend for myself and I'd say I've done a damn good job of it. Do you care how much I screamed and cried when you left? How often I called just to make sure you were okay? I'm lucky someone took me in, not that you knew.  I could've been dead in a fucking ditch for all you knew and yet you left me.” Her breath was labored from the anger that boiled over.

She swore she saw shock and then it was gone and he shrugged, “Fine, you're capable of making your own messes. I'll be in touch.” He turned around wiggling his fingers in a goodbye.

She sat back down when he was out of sight, putting her head in her hands. She sat there for a while, trying to figure out where all the pieces of her were held. She thought maybe with age she wouldn't get so emotional and break apart anymore, yet she was sitting on a bench in the middle of the night in an empty park crying over a man that left her.

 Eventually she dried her tears, got back up and went home for the night. She opened her door and saw her lights were on, which wasn't how she left the place. She treaded lightly, her guard up looking around corners, until she saw a figure on her couch. Relief ran through her as she saw Chris sitting down, he made it look like he belonged. “Chris?” She felt a weight leave her as she looked at him, feeling like she made the best choice for her. “What are you doing here?” She went over to that coach, sitting down against the arm turned towards him.

He kind of gave her a knowing look, “Satisfying my curiosity, thought maybe I wouldn't see you again.”

She stared at him, crossing her arms “Did you follow me?” 

“No, you're allowed your secrets. I took an educated guess and it seems I was right.” He looked into her eyes, he seemed to be searching for something, “Wanna talk about it?”

“No.” She said quickly on reflex alone before sighing, “Yes, maybe, I don't know.”

“Well just start talking, you don't have to be specific.” He grabbed her giving her time to move away, he tucked her into his side. 

She rested her head on him, taking a deep breath. “I'm not going anywhere.” She felt vulnerable and raw, “I think I've made the best choice I could've.”

“That enchanted by me?” She could hear the smile in his voice.

“Nah, you're alright. I'm definitely staying for Mary and Susan, how would they be able to handle you if I wasn't around.” Her mouth curled into an easy smile, enjoying the feeling of warmth that spread through her at the easy conversation that he didn't press her.

“I'm a handful am I?” Still joking but with a different edge to his voice, it made her cheeks warm. She could feel it to the tips of her ears and she was thankful he wasn't looking at her.

“Yea, your schedule is a mess. I don't know how you managed without me.” She quickly avoided the tone in his voice shifting the conversation, she didn't want to look too deeply into his jokes, not wanting to deal with the consequences of it being just jokes.

He seemed to follow her lead, they stayed like that until it was time for Chris to do the corpse equivalent of sleeping. She looked at him passed out on her guest bed and knew she made the right choice.

-------

This is the second and for now the last one about Avery. I have a longer one for her in the works, next week will be about Lucy the Tremere. Chris is a PC which is why he is here, he also has a high humanity and tries his best.

I hope you enjoy it! I really love Avery and her story

Also let me know if you want to be taken off the tag list or added, for the new ones I do have the pervious story of Avery is my last post.

@belladonna-lavender @tippytappytyping @froggyishere @ellie-anor @shining-sphinx @pent-tent @laimabynight

[hedgewitchh]

This is my savior?

Avery must fight to survive, who knew that meant so many actual fights. The taste of blood is addictive but is it enough to keep her on the tight leash?

----------

Avery spit blood on the cement, feeling around her mouth to make sure none of her teeth were loose they all seemed to place. She stood above the other ghoul, she breathed heavily and looked up. She saw the crowd around her cheering but the blood roaring in her ears drowned them out.

She could feel the bruises bloom across her skin, her knuckles were raw and bloody, part of her shirt was torn where the ghoul went to bite her. She felt a hand touch her shoulder and she whirled around ready to defend herself from the next if they sent another. Instead she saw the smiling face of Ryan, she calmed immediately as she looked at him. “I did it.” She panted, the adrenaline still through her body.

“You did it.” His voice was low and proud, he wrapped an arm around her waist and led her out of the pit. 

She leaned heavily on him, as soon as she was out of sight of the jeering kindred and ghouls. A limp forming as she continued walking, Ryan was more than strong enough to carry her. “Fuck,” She groaned, “He got me good a few times.” She pressed a hand to her hip, she could still move but it was getting stiffer.

“Your night isn't done yet.” She rolled her eyes, “Don't roll your eyes at me, you know they want to meet you and while you're covered in blood.”

“I know, I know.” She muttered, “They always do.”

“Cause you keep impressing them,” He kissed her cheek, “And you keep impressing me.”

She blushed at the contact, taking a deep breath and forcing herself to ignore the pain that was continuing to bloom. She started to count from four and then backwards to focus herself, she removed herself from Ryan’s arms as she went towards the door to where she knew Kindred was waiting to fawn over her.

She took very deliberate steps, as she opened the door the crowd went silent and watched her. Their eyes scanning for weaknesses to exploit, to watch her stumble she just had to hold on until she could collapse. Ryan walked behind her, “Here she is, I expect my pay.” He was smug and it was making a few kindred bristled at him.

She was a sheep in a den of wolves, no matter how strong she became she would always be below them in their eyes. She would always be prey. She and Ryan were passed around from one group to the next as they congratulated her and him. They gave him a few praises on how she behaved and stayed alive, she barely listened, only speaking when it was necessary and expected of her. 

When they reached his car, she collapsed in the passenger seat. Ryan placed a hand on her knee. “You did so well tonight.” She smiled at him tiredly, he ran a gentle hand along her cheek and she leaned into it. “Go ahead, take a rest.” She didn't need any more permission as her eyes fluttered close.

She woke up to the smell of food, she looked around and she was in Ryan's room. She was under a comforter, and in some new clothes just a long shirt of hers. It wasn't surprising to her this wasn't the first time this has happened, probably wouldn't be the last. She got up and padded to the front room and saw a few boxes of take out, Ryan was lounging on the couch he looked up at her and then trailed his eyes down her body appreciating the view. A flush ran down her chest, “Figured you'd wake up to the smell.” He had an easy smile, it was almost predatory. 

“Thanks.” She said as she took a seat across from him, wincing as she did. Her muscles still tight and sore, the worse was being repaired, probably the ribs she figured were fractured as she heard a small click as she breathed. She took the time to log where it hurt to move, her left side and hip were one long bruise, her cheek was still swollen and her cheekbone felt like hell, her knuckles were scabs and made it a bit harder to flex her hand as she reached for the fork. 

“Here, let me.” Ryan was beside her before she could blink, it made her jump a bit. Ryan had a fork full of rice, “Need to keep you in tip top shape isn't that right pet?” 

She nodded, melting at his gentleness. He fed her what he bought and she had to shake him off when she was full. He ran a hand through her shoulder length hair twirling the ends in his fingers, he seemed to think she waited until he was ready to share. “You made a pretty penny tonight, what would you like? There's a new art store that has the macabre stuff you like? Or a new pretty outfit that you could showcase for me?” He paused and looked at her before continuing, “Y'know what why not both? You deserve it pet, nobody but me expected you to win that fight.” His voice dropped to a purr.

“It wasn't so hard,” She rolled her shoulders, they protested a bit at the movement. “I had to win.” She remembered how the ghoul expected to take her down with raw strength. She was thankfully a bit quicker on her feet and still had enough force behind her swings to take him down.

“That ghoul had you outmatched in strength, but you my pet are a wonder at taking punches like a champ.” He pushed her head to his shoulder and continued to stroke her hair, “I can't imagine they'll go easy on you next time, maybe two ghouls or even a kindred.” There was excitement in his voice.

“I thought that was the last one for a while.” She looked up at him, he wasn't looking at her.

“Why not use this momentum to keep you going, you're on a winning streak my dear.” His hand stopped and he tightened his grip on her hair, she hissed in pain. “You wouldn't want to disappoint me, would you Avery?” His said her name with ill-intent, she knew better than to argue with him.

“No, I won't disappoint you. I'll be ready.” She whispered, putting her hand on his chest.

“Good girl,” He patted her hand and then kissed her temple. “Now get some pants on, we're going shopping for you.”

Her next days, Ryan took care of her, fed and pampered her. She managed to find a few nights to herself and she stayed home, in her apartment. She sat on her couch, the couch was worn and comfy but she wasn't comfortable as she looked at the child in front of her and she was drawing some kind of picture. Hannah was in the kitchen cooking dinner for them, as Avery sat and watched Luther Jr.

Eventually Luther Jr came up to her, shoving the drawing in his hands into her own. “Look, Auntie Avery, it's us.” Avery looked at the crude drawing, there were four stick figures one smaller than the rest, one with black hair which was Avery, one with blonde his mom and one drawn in gray and bald which was Luther, his namesake.

“It looks really good.” Avery smiled widely at Luther Jr, “Why don't you go show your mom?” He walked to the kitchen and Avery could hear Luther Jr excitedly talking to her mom.

Avery leaned back on her couch, basking in the faint sounds from the kitchen. These moments made it all worth it, what she fought for and made money for. She helped Hannah through college, watched Luther Jr during the day when she was free and not working for Ryan, she helped pay for her tuition Luther helped as much as she did. 

“Avery?” She could hear Hannah's voice closer than she remembered, Avery looked to her right and saw Hannah with a steaming plate in her hands. Her strawberry blonde delicately framed her face, her eyes tired but happy much better than Avery used to see her. Though she could see age start to wear on her, the small lines around her eyes and mouth all while Avery has looked like she was 23 for five years and would continue to not age. A wave of sadness took her off guard, Hannah and Luther Jr would age and she may have to stand and watch it pass her by. She wiped her face, shoving the emotions down. She chose this and continued to choose this life.

A plate was shoved in her hands, Hannah clearly got tired of waiting for Avery to take the plate. She set Luther Jr on the floor as she sat beside Avery, “I hope you like it.” Hannah said, her voice always light and soft.

“Of course I will, your food is one of my favorite things. We know my cooking is shit.” It was said around a forkful of food, she looked at Luther Jr, “Don't repeat that anywhere but here.”

Luther Jr didn't seem to be listening, which she was thankful for. She said a lot of things she didn't want him repeating, they watched a children's show that had Luther Jr glued to the screen.

“Avery?” Hannah's hand touched hers, Avery looked up and hated what she saw. Worry creased her face, “I don't want to overstep, but I'm worried. Remember when I came over last month?” Avery nodded wearily, not knowing where she was going. “I saw you bloodied, you looked like you got jumped. I've seen it before, even when you try to hide your bruised knuckles.” Her thumb gently ran over her knuckles as she spoke, it was soothing. “Or the limps, or the way you baby a shoulder. What's going on?”

“I have a dangerous job, Hannah.” Avery pulled her hand away, brushing a strand of hair out her face. 

“But it's happening a lot.” Hannah's voice seemed desperate, she was staring at Avery's face, Avery turned her head away. “I want you to be okay and,” Her voice dropped to a whisper, “I don't think Ryan is okay for you. He takes you into dangerous situations and doesn't seem to care about you.”

Avery felt anger burn in her chest for a moment, Ryan cared for her. He wouldn't keep her around if he didn't care for her in some way, he helped her get out of a dark place and she fights to help him out. “He cares.”

“Oh honey,” Avery hated the pity she heard, “I've been around the block a few times,” Hannah looked at her child, “They don't care about us, you'll find one or two good ones but you have to remember not even them are good people. They aren't, they still do horrific things.”

“What about Luther?” She said through gritted teeth.

“He’s still a kindred, just because he is kind doesn't mean he'll always be that way and I'll accept his help and his kindness while it lasts or until he just leaves. Time doesn't exist the same way, you know that. I may be dead and gone when Luther remembers to come back.” Hannah was wistful, her gentle tone becoming choked. “I'll always be grateful for what he did for me and Luther Jr, but I know I'm only mortal walking around with my eyes open to the darkness that haunts us.”

Avery bit the inside of her cheek, the sharp pain brought her back down from full rage. “Hannah-”

“I know dear, I'm aware of how addicting their presence is. Just please think about it.” 

Avery and Hannah sat in tense silence until they left, leaving an almost aching silence for her to sit in.  She laid down on her couch staring at her ceiling until her eyes were too heavy for her to keep open.

She woke up to her phone vibrating, “Hello?” Her voice was groggy for sleep. 

“Avery,” Ryan’s excited voice, made her try to blink the sleep out of her eyes, “Did I wake you?”

“Kind of, but that's okay. What's up?” She moved herself to an upright position.

“You have a fight tonight.” There was glee in his voice, unlike normally when he called her about fights. “You'll never guess who you're facing, but I'll tell you when you get here. Best not to talk about it over the phone.”

“I'll be there in twenty.” She started walking to her room, she hung up the phone and got dressed into a more appropriate attire. A black tight fitted shirt, black jeans, combat boots and threw her hair up into a high bun.

She drove over to Ryan’s place, when she walked in Ryan was on the couch his arms spread along the back. “Avery!” His smile was wide, wild and gleeful, it made her want to walk right back out.

“Ryan, wanna tell me what I'm walking into?” She leaned on a wall near her.

“They're pinning you up against a kindred, they think you're doing so well you can hold your own.” 

Her eyes widened and she felt her breath quicken, her heart rate skyrocketed. “You're joking right? That's suicide, I can't hold my own against a kindred.”

“I'm not dear, it's a young one barely got their first taste of blood so they'll underestimate you.” His grin faltered, “Are you telling me no?” His gaze pinned her to where she stood.

“I-” She waved her hands, “You want me to fight a kindred. It'll kill me.” Panic clawed at her throat, she could fight ghouls and mortals all day long. Kindred was a whole different ball game and she was in the little league.

He waved his hand as if batting a fly away, “Nonsense, I send you in there a bit more juiced up then normal and you'll take down a fledgling no problem.”

She swallowed and watched as his smile turned into a frown, “I'll do it.” She whispered, turning her gaze to the ground. Afraid it was too late to stop his temper from flaring, she flinched when she saw his boots enter her vision and hand tapped her cheek with a little more force than necessary.

“Good, I expect you to do well or at least make it a good show. Now come on.”

She was going to die, she couldn't text Hannah and say goodbye that would only worry her but it's not fair that Avery will just disappear from the face of the earth.

It was like she blinked and she was in the pit, looking up she saw kindred, ghoul and mortal all cheering and looking rabid at the thought of her fighting a ghoul. She stared at the near freezing fledgling in front of her, she walked over to the rack of weapons. A stake, and a short sword, she picked them up. Her reflection shone in the sword for a moment as she gripped it, Ryan made damn sure she was good with weapons. She yearned for a gun, something with distance.

She could hear the yelling reach a peak around her, it seemed they were starting soon. “I'm sorry.” She whispered to no one, every step heavier than the last until she looked the neonate in the eyes.

They looked starved and ragged, she was unable to tell immediately which clan he hailed from which would be a problem if he had surprises up his sleeve. He watched her with predatory eyes, licking his lips in anticipation, his hands flexed. No weapons were needed for him, he could break her arm with just a thoughtless touch.

Her palms were sweaty as she gripped the sword, but as she stared her mind cleared and sharpened, nothing else mattered besides living. She didn't want to die, she wanted to watch Luther Jr grow, hang out with Hannah, have a drink with friends and see the sun one more time.

It was a blur for her, wounds accumulated on both of them. The fledgling was surprised as she held her one, holding back and an or knocking their legs out from under them.

She sacrificed the sword by putting it in his mouth to keep his fangs away from her while he had her thrown down and leaped at her, it sliced through his cheeks and left his jaw hanging not able to fully close. He screamed in pain, and she took slammed her hand into the hilt, again and again. She felt his nails pierce her shoulder, white hot pain flashed through her a scream tore it way out of her throat but it didn't stop her she slammed again and again, blood and saliva dropping on her face. She dragged her shoulder away from the nails and held the sword while reaching for the stake, she couldn't keep this up.

Somehow it was over, she was under dead weight. Panting, she laid there staring up not seeing anything. She was alive, breathing and alive. A laugh or a scream bubbled from her throat, tears from the pain and relief poured from her eyes. 

Hands grabbed at her as the weight was taken off of her, she grabbed the sword and turned ready for another but their was no fight left in her. If they wanted to kill she couldn't do anything about it, she was tired and in so much pain bleeding profusely. She was so damn tired, her arms were heavy, her knees hurt, her hands were raw and throbbed with every movement. She hiccuped and cried, arms encircled her it was dark as they covered her.

“Stop crying right now.” The words were above her, they carried such authority that she didn't want to ignore, but the tears wouldn't stop. She gripped on to the shirt infront of her, her knuckles white with effort no matter how much it hurt she needed to cling to the person in front of her. A scream was ripped out of her, muffled by the person in front her. It was despite and pained, it was every frustration she had and it was unintentional she couldn't stop it. “Stop.” The word carried power and she felt herself stop and the only thing she could do was continued to breathe, tears fell for a few more seconds. “Get up and move.” 

Her legs moved with out her, she walked out of the doors she came in from. The sound of her boots were oppressive as it bounced on the concrete walls, her breath was labored and her body screamed with every movement but she kept moving almost as if her legs knew where to go while her brain couldn't even piece a sentence together. 

“Smile darling, you better smile.” It wasn't a command as the other words were but it still carried weight, she smiled it was more of a baring of teeth. “Good enough.” A hand fell to the small of her back, “You can rest soon. Be on your best behavior.” It was the last thing that was said before she was thrown into a room familiar to her, but she was so far away from here. Faces blurred together, she could see hints of fangs in their smiles.

Anger surged through her veins, burning bright and hot. How dare they jeer at her, she took on one of them and won and yet they still looked down at her. She looked at Ryan from the corner of her eye, and he basked in it and didn't care about her wounds. The feeling slipped through her ribs as if she couldn't hold onto it for longer but it started to build no matter how much slipped for her it wasn't all leaving her. 

They made it to his car, “Take me home.” She bit out cutting him off in the middle of a sentence she wasn't listening to. She wrapped an arm around herself, pressing hard on her ribs trying to hold her bones together but also trying to gold on to the feeling that grew under her skin. It made her itch and her fist curl, her nails bit into her skin she wanted nothing more than to dig them into his skin. Make him bleed as he's made her do for him, she tried to keep the anger from her tone, but her tongue wouldn't listen.

“What? Dear, this is a monumental night for us, do you have any idea of the money I made off of you?” His tone was sickly sweet, a half smile claimed his face but she watched as he tensed. “You're also in bad shape, I shoul-”

“Take. Me. Home.” It was nothing short of a growl, he hesitated it was enough for her to yank the door open and slam it behind her. Her legs almost gave out from under her, she breathed deep feeling the blood in her veins and focused to help the healing process a bit. She managed to walk through with a prominent limp.

“Pet!” Ryan's hand wrapped around her arm, making her yelp and knocking it away from her they stared at each other in disbelief. “You…” He trailed off looking at her.

“Me what Ryan? Was I not a great show for you? A wonderful pet? I did what you wanted and look what it got me!” She gestured widely at her torn clothes, still blood soaked. Her hair was stuck to her face with it and it still covered her face in splotches that didn't account for her own blood. She was better than an hour ago but the kindred got her good and deep, her shoulder still bled. “I told you! I told you! Why don't you ever listen to me!” She knew better to raise her voice, people could be walking around but the anger bubbled from her.

Ryan said nothing but grabbed her arm roughly and dragged her to a nearby shadow, she struggled but he was far stronger and wasn't hurt. He flipped her and pushed her roughly against the brick, it dug into her back and scratched the parts of her back that were exposed. He grabbed her chin, making her look at him, his nails dug into her cheeks. “I think you forgot pet,” He spat the word out, it was derogatory and she could feel it, “I hold everything, you are good at what you do and what is that you ask?” He gripped her harder and made her nod her head, “Fighting when I say to do so, when I say jump you don't even ask you just do.” 

He leaned closer to her face, nose to nose with her his gaze seemed to glow with anger. “I'm no fledgling, you best remember that. Now get your ass back in that car and I don't want to hear another word. Understand?” He pushed her head away, causing it to thunk against the brick. He walked away without an answer expecting her to follow and follow she did. Her pride wounded and she glared at his back but kept her mouth shut, this wouldn't be the last time she toed the line, wouldn't be the last time she clambered for a victory. She would just take her anger out on hapless ghouls and mortals she met during the day, a few kindred tried their luck but she was getting better at dealing with them and it would be the last people heard of them even if she didn't come away unscathed. She would keep moving forward until she was forced to stop and she would keep winning until she couldn't. 

She leaned her head against a wall as she breathed in from her cigarette, holding her breath as she took the chance to watch the kindred who thought they caught her unawares. She smiled, it was only teeth as much as a smile as a bear could make. She unzipped her jacket and flicked her cigarette away, the cold bit at her as the wind rushed around her. Thankfully they kept throwing themselves at her, she doubted they would stop. Her hand reached for a stake, she would never stop, couldn't stop. 

-----

For y'all who commented, I'm happy to provide. I'll post the next one by next week, I have like 5 more , currently i'm working on a pretty long one<3

@tippytappytyping

@belladonna-lavender

@froggyishere

Avery was my first ghoul, if there are any questions about her. I'm happy to answer, there is a next part I have for her as well that might further expand things.

Please let me know if you enjoyed!

[hedgewitchh]

So I may have gotten a hyper fixation on VTM and I may have written a few works. Would anyone be interested in reading them if I happened to post them?

I have one about a ghoul named Avery who was abandoned and had to find a new donor.

One shorter one about a tremere Lucy who is a bit older and yearns to break out of her boring day to day.

And the one I have written the most about Kayliegzh, a ventrue who has a high humanity and a crush on her ghoul.

Let me know, I'm excited to share these and even if no one is interested I'll probably post them to the void.

I said it in the comments but I'll put it here as well just in case, I've posted a story about Avery the ghoul and there is more to come. Please enjoy! 😘 Let me know if you want to be tagged in it

[kavalyera]

🎭 VTM OC ASK GAME🩸

Hello I’ve decided to make a VTM OC ask game! Feel free to reblog and put your OCs name in the tags hehe

1. What clan is your OC?

2. What faction is your OC? Do they conform to a group or are they independent?

3. Are they more “traditional” or do they break barriers?

4. What generation are they?

5. Who is their sire?

6. What was their relationship to their sire? Were they close in any way or mere strangers?

7. How did their sire treat them?

8. Was their sire with them after their embrace?

9. Do they have a childer?

10. What is their relationship to that childe if they do have one?

11. When was their embrace?

12. What happened that lead up to their embrace?

13. Was their embrace painful? (Either emotionally or physically)

14. How did they initially feel after being embraced? Did they like being reborn into something knew or did it take them a while to cope with their new reality?

15. Are they presumed to be dead or are they still acting as though they are alive to the general public?

16. How good are they at acting “alive”?

17. What are their thoughts on the Camarilla?

18. What are their thoughts on thinbloods?

19. What are their thoughts on the Sabbat?

20. What are their thoughts on the Anarchs?

21. What is their predator type?

22. What are their thoughts on other predator types?

23. How often do they kill those they drain blood of?

24. Do they easily dispose of bodies?

25. How often do they cause a masquerade breach?

26. Do they want to become human again or are they fine as a kindred?

27. Do they have a clan they don’t particularly like?

28. Where do they live now as a kindred?

29. Do they frequently change locations or do they have a fixed location where they live?

30. Do they have a clan that they do particularly like?

31. Do they have a ghoul?

32. Do they like their ghoul if they do have one?

33. Would they like to have a ghoul if they don’t have one?

34. What are their thoughts on blood dolls?

35. How old is your OC up until their death?

36. How old are they now, continuing through their embrace?

37. What age are they? (Childer, Neonate, Ancilla, etc.)

38. Do they care about the taste of blood?

39. Could they easily decipher what a Malkavian is saying?

40. Would they ever commit diablerie if given the chance?

41. Would your OC switch their clan if given the chance? Why or why not?

42. Suppose they weren’t embraced by their clan, which other clan would they thrive in?

43. What are their best attributes?

44. What are their best skills?

45. What are their disciplines?

46. What are their ambition(s) if any?

47. What are their desire(s) if any?

48. Detail things about your OC you spent a lot of time on!

49. Detail your OC’s backstory!

50. Wild card! Sender asks a specific question in regards to your OC

I hope you guys have fun :3

cr; divider by @.anitalenia / divider by @.cold--carnage

tagging some of my mutuals who might be interested (u guys are now gonna get bothered by me no take backs) (unless you ask to stop which i will dont worry dont worry im just being silly): @thewhumpcaretaker @babayagaiscomingforya @informaltorching @casperatu @styxnbones @porcelainseashore @childofmalkavians @knownsome @findingtarshish

[hedgewitchh]

Ask me! I love lore dumping

[autie-j]

My reaction to the outcome of the impeachment trial:

[catsbeaversandducks]

“Awake… But at what cost.”

Photos by kikoalan23

[stinkbutt-the-cat]

baby idiot

[huffylemon]

YOU MADE HER SAD

[princesstigerbelle]

[awwcutepets]

Gladiatorial Match circa 347 AD (Colorized)

[hclark70]

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?

[softwaring]

me

[dct239394cvvd098dffgggp]

toph was shown easily bending a meteorite that sokka gave her, meaning that toph can bend any dirt regardless if its from earth or not, meaning toph couldve definitely bent the moon and the only reason she didnt do it was out of respect for sokka and his ex gf

[phonsekal-laure-deactivated2023]

Toph doesn't know where the fuck the moon is

[myseri]

[thefingerfuckingfemalefury]

MOUSE ARMOUR

[joshpeck]

mouse anemone

[flowisaconstruct-deactivated202]

Mouse condo, previously owned by Venus Williams, desirable neighborhood, available immediately.

[jadorexjaii]

That's so cute 😭😭

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

[thenaturaldisesther]

[comment by Reddit user Sam474:

I think people aren’t giving the internet enough credit.

You grow up being told how great capitalism is and then you get online and find out that people in other countries have the same standard of living we do but without the constant fear of bankruptcy.

You grow up thinking “going to the doctor is expensive, don’t get sick and if you do don’t go until you’re sure you HAVE to” and then you find out most of the developed world can go to the doctor for free, or at least for a very affordable rate.

You grow up thinking “Work hard and be successful and you can retire at 65 and travel a little.” and then you get online and find out pretty much all of Europe gets weeks and weeks of vacation time a year and is doing their travelling in their 20s and 30s and loving it.

The list goes on and on. I grew up in the conservative south and it wasn’t an uncommon conversation starter when I was a kid for people to open up with things like “What church do you go to?” and so that’s what I thought the world was. Church and working for the weekend and be careful to save your pennies and not splurge and don’t get sick. It wasn’t until the internet appeared that I realized how differently a lot of people live and how much more appealing a lot of that sounded.

When you hear that someone else had a kid and it didn’t cost them any money, got a year off to raise it, gets free daycare, and goes to spain twice a year for vacation it’s pretty hard to still feel content with your 60 hour work week, 2 weeks off a year that you’re discouraged from actually using, and health insurance as your second biggest monthly bill.]

[cheeseanonioncrisps]

And from a European perspective, you grow up hearing everybody talking about how great the US is (because we get a lot of American TV and films, and America as a nation never seems to neglect an opportunity to blow its own trumpet) and people talking about how we should be more like them, and then you hear stuff like this…

[vereel]

I live in Belgium.

On September first I'm unemployed again, if I don't find a job.

I'm not worried. My healthcare for the year is paid. I'll get unemployment benefit for the (hopefully short) time I'm between jobs. So I'll be able to pay my mortgage and other bills. I have a college degree, savings, I've paid all my hospital bills without issues. I can afford my ADHD meds without any issues.

I see all these deprecating posts joking about millennials never bring homeowners. But half my friend are homeowners. I'm 29. I bought my apartment when I was 27.

Politicians and big businesses have been bleeding you dry and they got you thinking that everyone is living like this. But we're not. America isn't the norm. It's the exception.

[dadnoir]

noir is gay because given the opportunity he sits like this

[dadnoir]

y’all out here with galaxy brain level replies

[lilyvonpseudonym]

All! 👏 Spider! 👏 People! 👏 Swing! 👏 Both! 👏 Ways!

[vaspider]

I just laughed out loud at 6 am thanks

[kniivila]

Dog does not understand

[cpt-tightpants]

[kniivila]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME THIS RULES

[melonadraws]

Tumblr gets the nicely edited version of this piece where Anders’ staff isnt floating LOL