Shadowess

Denix Vames - March 7, 2021 "Just leave me alone!" Vincent disappeared. ---- Elliot slowly nodded before letting Parker guide him. Vincent suddenly appeared in front of them. "Oh, what do you want?" ,said Elliot. Vincent flustered. He didn't know why he appeared in front of them. He just knew he had wanted to get away from Amelia and David. He cleared his throat. "Um I just appeared." shadowess - March 7, 2021 "Vincent!" Amelia stood when he vanished, feeling lost now that she couldn't just follow him. "Amelia." David said gently, walking over to her and placing a hand on her shoulder. "He'll be alright. He just needs some time away to calm down. It's been a hell of a day for everyone..." He tried to reassure her. She looked at him tearfully and for a moment he felt like he was looking at his little girl again. He pulled her in for a hug and stroked the back of her head. "It's alright. Everything's going to be alright." He said to her soothingly as she cried quietly into his shoulder. --- Parker and Elliot had paused when Vincent appeared. When Vincent answered the question, Parker chuckled. "No shit." He then frowned when he saw the tears. "...You alright, man? You look upset." Denix Vames - March 7, 2021 Vincent rubbed his eyes. "Just had an argument with Amelia. It's a long story." He looked at Elliot. "Are you ok?" Elliot stumbled over. He glared. "Oh! Now you suddenly care?!" "I never stopped caring! You just can't be with me anymore." "And why the hell not?!" "Because it's dangerous to be around me! You're human and I'm a Demon. I would be putting you in more danger than you already have been." "Just let me deal with it!" "NO!" Elliot punched him. Vincent stumbled back. Shocked. He hadn't expected that. Shadowess - March 7, 2021 Parker could only watch awkwardly as they both argued. When Elliot struck Vincent, Parker stepped in. He placed a hand on Elliot's shoulder. "Woah! Hey! Let's just calm down a bit?" Parker then looked at Vincent. "He didn't mean it. He's had a lot to drink..." He then tilts his head and smiles a little. "Though you gotta admit, he kinda just disproved your point there... Elliot seems pretty capable of handling himself if he needs to." Denix Vames - March 7, 2021 "You're damn right!" ,said Elliot. Vincent glared. "I'm not going to be with someone who hits their own boyfriend." Elliot frowned. "I didn't mean it like that." "Shut up!" Vincent disappeared. Elliot kicked a rock. "God damn it! Can't catch a break anywhere!" Vincent appeared in Carter and Sebastian's bedroom. Shadowess - March 7, 2021 Parker was a little confused by Vincent's comment. Couldn't he see that Elliot was just drunk? He never knew about Theo so had no idea about Vincent's experience of having an abusive relationship. He sighed heavily. "C'mon...let's get you back... I think we could both use some rest after today..." --- Sebastian had already been woken up by Amelia and Vincent's yelling downstairs. He was trying to go back to sleep, cuddling into Carter's back when he caught Vincent's scent. Blinking his eyes open, he squinted over Carter's shoulder to see Vincent standing there. He sighed and lowered his head back to the pillow. "Whatever sexual fantasy you have in mind...the answer is 'no.'" He said sleepily. Denix Vames - March 7, 2021 "It's not that." ,said Vincent. He slid to the floor. Sitting here with his back against the wall. He sobbed. Carter slowly opened his eyes and lifted his head up. "What's going on?" ---- They soon reached the house. Shadowess - March 7, 2021 Hearing Vincent, Sebastian lifted his head again to get another look at him. He watched as Vincent sat on the floor and began sobbing. When Carter woke up and asked what was going on, Sebastian shrugged. "No idea..." He answered and rolled over to pick up his pants that were laying on the floor next to the bed. He pulled them under the covers and pulled them on discretely before climbing out of the bed and walking over to Vincent. He knelt down in front of him. "Hey, what's wrong? What's happened?" He asked gently. --- Parker opened the door and helped Elliot in. Once inside, they saw Charles naked and unconscious on the couch with just Vincent's jacket keeping him covered. Amelia sat in a chair close by him, watching him quietly with tears rolling down her cheeks. A faraway look in her eyes and David standing nearby holding a cup of tea. "What the hell did we miss?" Parker asked as he walked in. Amelia didn't look up but David walked over to them, talking to them quietly. "Amelia will need to stay on Earth for a while. She's slowly turning human so she's going to need friends to look out for her." "Wha-? How did that happen?!" Parker asked just as quietly, looking at David confused. David hesitates but decides there was no point in hiding it at this point. "She's pregnant." He sighs. "There's more. There was an incident in Hell. Theo got loose. Stole Vincent's crystal and manipulated him into helping him bribe Charles into making him a Devil...using Amelia as a hostage." "Who's Theo?" "Vincent's abusive ex." David glances around the room momentarily before looking back at Parker and Elliot. "We...obviously managed to get away unharmed but both Amelia and Vincent are very shaken up by what happened." He finished explaining. He looked at Elliot. He could smell the alcohol from the minute he stepped through the door. "Perhaps you'd like a coffee to help you sober up a little?" David asked kindly. Denix Vames - March 7, 2021 Carter sat up but stayed under the covers. Vincent barely lifted his head up. "Theo tried to become a Devil. I helped him." "You what? Why?" "I-I didn't want to! He took my crystal and made me feel different. Like the killer I use to be." He breathed heavily. "I hated it." ----- Elliot's eyes widened. "Whoa! Back up! She pregnant?" He nodded. "Think I'm gonna need coffee after all this." shadowess - March 7, 2021 Sebastian was quiet for a moment after he spoke. When he began breathing heavily, Sebastian placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's ok. You're back and you seem to be in your right mind. I'm guessing he didn't succeed if you're here, so that has to count for something, doesn't it?" --- "Yes." David answered his question then smiled and nodded. "Then I'll make you some. Have a seat, I'll bring it through shortly." He then turned and walked towards the kitchen. Parker sighed. That was a lot of information to take in at once. He helped Elliot to one of the chairs. Amelia still hadn't looked up from watching Charles. She had lifted her hand to move his hair out of his face lovingly though.

Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 Vincent nodded as he was still shaking. Charles appeared. "MUST PROTECT!" shadowess - March 6, 2021 As soon as Charles arrived, Amelia stepped between him and the other two. "Charles, that's enough. I'm safe! You saved me! The threat is over!" She said, looking at him as if this form he was in was no different from his other form. Her eyes softened. She felt a new burst of energy from deep within come bubbling forth as she spoke to him. Her eyes glowed blue and her wings appeared along with a new calming aura that flowed from her and around them all. Yet she continued to look at him as if completely unaware that she was doing anything different. "Please, Charles. Enough." Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 Vincent's eyes widened at the sight of her new appearance. Charles froze. Seeing everything about her had changed. Something about it had affected him in some way. He walked over as his skeletal form began to faded away. Leaving him naked. His head rested over her shoulder. "Fairy...." He passed out. Shadowess - March 7, 2021 David hadn't seen those wings nor felt that aura since before she changed herself into a Devil. He'd thought her transformation had completely take this ability away but perhaps not. He watched anxiously as Charles paused before walking towards her, changing as he did. When he collapsed and he saw Amelia try to hold him up, he rushed forward and helped her to hold him. Amelia had blinked when Charles had spoken and once his head was on her shoulder she saw her reflection in the glass in the door behind him. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight, this was the first time she'd ever gotten a glimpse of her own wings. Yet as she watched, they quickly dimmed and faded as if they had been made of pure light. Her eyes returned to normal and the aura faded as well. She suddenly felt exhausted. "Here, apparently women in your condition shouldn't be doing any heavy lifting..." David said as he pulled Charles off her, pulling his arm around his shoulders. Amelia looked at David in surprise and he merely smiled at her. "No one read THAT book just for the fun of it." He commented before turning to Vincent and sighing. "Amelia needs to stay on Earth for a while...Hell isn't safe for her while her powers dwindle. Vincent, do me a favor? Keep an eye on her. Make sure she stays safe." Amelia also turns to Vincent and she offers him a small smile. "I'll ask Nate if he can get you another crystal." She said as she laid a hand on both David and Vincent. David smiled at them both then teleported them to the living room of Carter's office where he lay Charles down on the couch. Amelia sat close to him, waiting for him to wake up while David walked into the kitchen to make tea. He wanted to stick around just a little while longer to make sure everyone was alright. Denix Vames - March 7, 2021 Vincent threw his coat over Charles. He sat on the coffee table. He frowned. "Theo's still roaming in Hell. We have to kill him. We don't have an option anymore. None of us can wait for him to be better. I know it's not going to be happen." He clenched his fists. "I know that now. And I know that it will never happen for me. I have to die too." ----- Elliot was stumbling out of the establishment with Parker helping him walk. Elliot had that silly grin on his face. He reeked of beer. "You're pretty cute." He kissed his cheek. Shadowess - March 7, 2021 Amelia slowly looked over at Vincent as he spoke. When he finished, she stared at him with fresh tears in her eyes. "No." She shook her head, her voice breaking a little. "Don't say that. Don't you dare!" She scolded him while crying. "Theo is a vile, rotten, manipulative bastard! You are nothing like him! You are better than him! I know you are! You didn't even have the crystal on you but you still tried to fight your old self! Vincent, you have the capacity to be good! So, please don't give up on me." David was waiting for the water to boil in the kitchen and heard the entire exchange. He sighed and stood in the doorway, looking in at them. "I wouldn't be too worried about Theo now anyway." David shrugged. "Even if he is a lunatic, he would have to be utterly stupid to try something like that again after what Charles did to him." He shook his head. "No. I think he's probably hiding somewhere in Hell with his tail between his legs after that." He turned and walked back into the kitchen while calling back. "And Amelia's right. You're not a lost cause. You just need time...and to stay the hell away from Theo." ----- By the time they were leaving the place, the sky was just beginning to turn dark. Parker had had fun with Elliot, despite the fact that only one of them drank any alcohol. He had Elliot's arm over his shoulder as he helped him walk back towards Carter's office. He blushed at the compliment and flustered to respond, then froze when Elliot kissed his cheek. He came to a stop and turned his head to look at Elliot with a frown. "Elliot, I appreciate it but...I don't think that's a good idea. Do you?" He asked gently, trying not to hurt his feelings. "I had fun today, don't get me wrong...it's just...you have Vincent and...well...I'm just not ready to commit to anyone just yet...not after my last relationship..." As much as he hated Bryce for what he put him through, a part of him still couldn't help but love him. He knew that because of this, it would be unfair to get into a new relationship while he still hadn't gotten over Bryce yet. He sighed. "C'mon, let's get back so you can sleep this off..." He started walking again. Denix Vames - March 7, 2021 Vincent cried over his hands. "It's not right. I'm like some fucked up two sided thing!" ----- Elliot frowned. "Vincent and I are barely close. We try to be but I can tell he doesn't want me anymore. Things just aren't the same." shadowess - March 7, 2021 "So, let us help you!" Amelia cried. "Vincent, I don't want to lose anyone else!" --- Parker looked at Elliot sideways with a sad expression. "I'm sorry, man..." Denix Vames - March 7, 2021 "Don't you get it, Amelia?! No one can help me! I'm a lost cause!" ---- Some tears left Elliot. "I shoulda never come to this city. Nearly died and got my heart broken." He covered his mouth before pushing away from Parker. He vomited over someone's lawn. Shadowess - March 7, 2021 "Stop it!" Amelia shouts "Just stop! That's not true!" David comes back into the room a little hurriedly. "Keep it down. You're going to wake them up!" "I don't care!" Amelia cries then turns back to Vincent. "I refuse to give up on you! I know you can be a good person!" --- Watching Elliot being sick, Parker frowned. He knew his emotions were being exacerbated by the drink. "C'mon Elliot..." He walked back over to him and placed his hand on his arm gently. "You'll feel better after some water and some sleep..."

Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 (forgot to add this in) Charles growled. He clenched his fist. "I swear I'm going to crush every single one of his bones." He disappeared. Imagining himself as to where they are. Shadowess - March 6, 2021 Laughing, Parker shook his head a little at Elliot's order. "You know what, that actually sounds good. I'll have the same, minus the beer please." --- Amelia had tried several times since she was brought to the hospital to teleport away but just like all of her other powers, this one was failing her too! She saw the way Vincent behaved and a little hope was sparked in her. "Vincent! Vincent, please help! Please!" She begged him, her eyes watering. Seeing his beloved falter, Theo walked over to him and placed his hands on his shoulders. "My love, don't listen to her. Do you not see how she and her friends have been brain washing you? Help me, my love. We can be powerful together." He smelled a familiar scent and looked over to see an angry Charles and David appearing in the room. Growling, he darted over to Amelia and hovered over her throat. His mouth elongating and his teeth sharpening. "That's close enough!" He growled, his voice coming out inhuman. His eyes turned yellow. Amelia had turned her head away from Theo whimpering and she stared at Charles and her father fearfully. 'I can't teleport!' She thought at Charles desperately. Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 The waiter wrote the order and left. He soon came back with their meals and Elliot's glass of beer. Elliot grabbed one of the big ribs and tore off at the flesh. Eating like an animal as he drank his beer sometimes. ----- Vincent caught his breath as his insanity won over him again. He grinned. "Powerful? I just want to create art." He readied his knife as he saw David and Charles. Charles's voice was filled with panic. "Leave her alone! Take me instead!" shadowess - March 6, 2021 (I think we could probably catch up with Elliot and Parker again later lol) "All in good time beloved." Theo promised Vincent. First he had to ensure they were both powerful enough to be able to fight back if either of these Devils ever came after them again. He then grinned savagely when he heard the panic in Charles's tone. Seeming to gain a sick pleasure from the situation. "Vincent, enough of this! What's wrong with you?!" David barked at him. "Either of you take another step and your lady friend here becomes part of my pack!" He let out an deep growl that made Amelia tremble and close her eyes tightly, whimpering. "Now then. I'm more than willing to let her go unharmed." Theo then says, maintaining his sharp teeth as he brought a finger up to stroke her cheek, making her recoil in disgust. "For a price." his eyes flicked back to Charles. Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 "I know what you want." Charles lowered his head. "And you can have it as long as you don't hurt her." Vincent looked at what Theo was doing and saw Amelia's frightened expression. "Theo? Maybe we shouldn't do this?" shadowess - March 6, 2021 Theo shot Vincent a dangerous look. It was a look he gave any time Vincent ever questioned or disobeyed him. A warning to not overstep him. He then looked back at Charles, grinning when he heard he could have what he wanted as long as Amelia was unharmed. "You have my word. I won't harm a hair on her head." He then glared. "But if you try anything funny." He shook his head, baring his teeth. "All it takes is a nip!" "Vincent. You can't let him-" David started but was cut off by Theo roaring at him. "STOP TALKING TO HIM! I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU TRYING TO TURN HIM AGAINST ME!!" David held up his hands, frightened Theo might hurt Amelia if he pushed his luck any further. Theo then looked back at Charles, calming down a little but was still very visibly angry. "Do we have a deal?" 'Charles, he won't stop. Don't give him what he wants!' Amelia tried to think to Charles, she was so frightened that her thoughts kept getting jumbled with other thoughts. Thoughts about the book she read. That the reason she'd been weak lately is because she might be carrying his child. A side effect of pregnancy in Devils, Demons and even Angels is their rapid transition into a human after only a day or two from conception. There was still no certainty that that was the case. For all she knew she might only be sick... but it couldn't be ruled out. Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 Vincent dropped the knife. He fell to his knees as he clutched his head. Crying as he was scared. Tears fell from Charles's eyes as he heard her thoughts. He appeared then reappeared in front of Theo. Wrapping his hand around his neck before he had the chance to bite her. He slammed him against a wall. His aura appeared as he transformed into his skeletal form. "Get away from my FAMILY!" He began to burn him slowly as Theo's bones started to break. Shadowess - March 6, 2021 Hearing the knife clatter, Theo momentarily took his eyes off Charles to glare at Vincent. "What are you doing?! Get up! Pick up your knife and help m-" He was cut off mid shout by Charles who had apparently taken this momentary distraction to grab him. Before he knew it his bones were breaking and his body was burning. He let out horrid, agonized shrieks as he struggled to get out of Charles's grip. All he knew was pure agony until he either lost consciousness from the shock of his injuries or died depending on how badly Charles burned him. As his clothes burned, a hole formed in his pocket causing Vincent's half crystal to fall out and drop to the floor. David had run forward when Charles had grabbed Theo. He ran to Amelia's side and quickly loosened her restraints, helping her off the bed and away from Charles and Theo. He was about to teleport them away when Amelia stopped him. "Wait." She said shakily then looked at Vincent. "Vincent, come with us." She held out her trembling hand to him, not giving up hope that he was still a good person. Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 Theo was dead. Charles let his burnt contorted body go. He stomped on the half crystal. He turned to Vincent. Seeing only him as an enemy. Vincent took Amelia's hand. "DON'T TOUCH HER!" Charles flew to them but missed as they disappeared. Shadowess - March 6, 2021 David had been tempted to take them to the library but with the way Charles was now, he'd probably burn it down. Instead he teleported them to the abandoned school in Lost City. Oh, the memories in this place...This gym is where he'd found Amelia...and her dying mother. At least if this place burned down, he wouldn't miss it so much. He could do without the constant reminder of what had happened to Amelia's real mother. Amelia stayed in front of Vincent, her hands on his shoulders as she looked at him. She still had tears streaming down her face and she was still shaking from what had happened. "It's alright. It's ok." She reassured him. "I know you didn't mean it. Theo tricked you. I know you're still a good person inside. I just know it." She pulled him in for a hug. "You're still my brother. Do you hear me? I won't let anything happen to you." "Amelia, he'll follow us." David warned her, worried about Charles's current state of mind. "I know..." Amelia said, pulling away from Vincent to keep her eyes open for him, ready to jump between Charles and the others when he arrived. "I just need to talk to him..."

Omg not yet but I'm dyyying to. Might treat myself and go see it this weekend

shadowess - March 6, 2021 Parker and Elliot spent most of the morning heading around the local businesses and handing out the cards before heading for the club. He stepped in with Elliot and looked for the lady that had tried to serve him drinks the night before. --- "Oh?" Sebastian grinned, looking into Carter's eyes. "What did you have in mind?" He asked playfully. --- Smiling at the kiss, Tom shivered a little as he always does whenever Nate touched or kissed him. "I just don't want to hurt anyone. I was so scared when I realized what I'd almost done...it could have so easily ended differently...If I'd hurt any of them...I don't think I could forgive myself." He explained. --- David's heart sank. He didn't want to believe Vincent would fall for such a trick. "Now, let's not assume anything!" He said, putting his book down. "By the way they were acting, I had no idea Vincent was still with Elliot or I'd never have stood for it. When I spoke to Theo he seemed to genuinely want to change his ways." He explained although now that he thought on it, he hadn't felt comfortable from the moment Vincent teleported them to the cells. Amelia had also stopped reading. She was a little pale at hearing David had actually freed Theo. "Dad, he's bat shit crazy! and he's clearly had years worth of practice at manipulation!" She shook her head. "I don't believe for a second that that monster has changed his ways this soon!" David looked between them, faltering. His own concern growing the more he thought about it. "Per-perhaps we should check on Vincent? Make sure he's alright." He then said, beginning to seriously doubt his decision to let Theo loose. Amelia put her book down and stood "Ya think?!" She started walking towards them, not hesitating to go with them to make sure her adopted brother didn't get hurt. Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 Elliot looked around. "Wow! This place looks so much different when the sun's up." Blaire walked over. "What are you guys doing here?" He held out a card with a smile. "We're here to tell ya that Carter's a private detective and he's opened for solving crimes." A fake vampire eyed Elliot. He walked past him as he kept his eyes on him. Almost about to just grab him and do whatever he wanted. Blaire noticed. She walked over to Elliot and took the card. "Yes, well thank you. I'll be sure to get the word out in the club." She turned him around and pushed him out the door. "Just be safe now." ----- Carter kissed him slowly. Letting the moment linger. "You know what I'm talking about." ----- Nate moved his hand further up to his chest. He whispered, "I understand now. I won't let you hurt anyone. I promise." He kissed his ear. ----- They all headed over to the cage. Vincent and Theo were gone. "Damn it! They must have went to earth." ,said Charles. shadowess - March 6, 2021 Parker chuckled as Blaire pushed Elliot out of the door. He handed quite a few cards to her. "Here, for your customers. Just so you know, Carter's business is open to the supernatural who might need help too. We'd appreciate it if you got that word out as well. I'm sure the supernatural community would appreciate a detective on their side." He then turned and left so as not to leave Elliot alone. "Well, we're all out of cards...What do you want to do now?" --- Sebastian kissed him back, loving how he made him feel. He grinned at his response and got to his feet, taking his hand and pulling him towards the stairs. "Maybe you could show me?" He asked coyly, biting his lip as he looked back at him. He lead Carter to the empty bedroom. (Private time) --- His touch and his kiss sent even more shivers through him and Tom bit his lip, thinking of what he'd love to do with Nate right now. "Thank you." He whispered, turning his head to capture his lips. --- "Vincent, sure. But Theo is still just a soul. He's bound to Hell and cannot leave...not unless he becomes a Demon or Devil and he'd need one of you two to do that...no, they couldn't have gotten far..." David said as he looked around the cells warily. With her powers acting up, Amelia felt vulnerable and hearing that Theo was on the loose in Hell again didn't make her feel any better. But she wouldn't believe that Vincent meant any harm. Surely he's just a victim in this? She really didn't want to see him get hurt. She walked further into the prison, glancing into the cells as she went. "Vincent?!" She called out, worried. Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 "Barbecue! We gotta go to a place that sells barbecue." ,said Elliot. ----- Nate ran his hand through his hair. Kissing passionately as he pressed himself against him. ----- "Are you sure? Is it possible that he didn't just find a loophole? Maybe he can possess Vincent." said Charles. shadowess - March 6, 2021 (What if Theo took Vincent's half crystal while they were 'busy'? lol) Parker chuckled and nodded. "Sure! I know just the place!" He said excitedly, beginning to walk. --- A soft moan escaped Tom's lips as he felt Nate pressing himself against him, driving him mad with passion. He kissed Nate just as passionately, utterly lost in the kiss and moved a hand to Nate's hips, gripping them gently. (Private time for these as well lol) --- David shook his head. "Still just a soul and they don't have any power. They're only as strong as they were when they lived and Theo was just a werewolf on Earth." Amelia rounded a corner, out of sight from Charles and David while they were busy talking. "Vincent?" She called again, looking around warily at the dark corners and shadows in the prison, recalling that was how Theo had snuck up on her last time. "Vincent?? Please answer me!" Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 (yeah sure. ill just have vincent go crazy) Elliot followed. "Hope there's some beer there." ----- Charles frowned. "I wonder what Theo has done to him." Vincent laughed in the darkness. He swung his knife at her. "Peek a boo!" shadowess - March 6, 2021 "There usually is." Parker smiled. "Though I probably should lay off. For all I know we might get a job and I'll have to be sober for it." He then grinned at Elliot. "You knock yourself out though and have fun. I'll make sure you get back safe." They soon arrived. --- Seeing the flash of a knife, Amelia gasped as she stumbled back to get away from it. She tripped but before she could fall back, she was caught. Theo's arms wrapped around her upper arms and torso tightly and she heard him chuckling in her ear, making her face turn pale. "Vincent?!" She stared at him in disbelief. Why was he doing this?! "Got her, let's go!" Theo said to Vincent hurriedly, fully aware that Charles and David were very close. "No!" Amelia screamed, struggling to break free from his grip. Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 "Alright!" Elliot raised his arms. "I'm gonna drink all the beer I can get my hands on!" He ran inside. Once he smelled the barbecue he licked his lips. "I can already picture the ribs now." ---- Vincent placed a hand over Theo. All three of them disappeared. Charles ran over. "Shit! They're gone!" He shook his head. "Theo must be doing something to him to make him help." shadowess - March 6, 2021 "Go nuts buddy." Parker said with a smile as he walked in as well. He ordered himself a glass of water and sat at one of the tables to relax, still deciding on what he wanted. ---- Hearing Amelia's scream, David had run over as well and saw them just in time for them to vanish. "Amelia!" His heart was in his throat. His daughter was in great danger and he was responsible! "This is my fault!" He said shakily. He looked at Charles, his eyes full of fear. "We need to find them!" --- They arrived in an abandoned looking hospital somewhere in Lost City. Theo still had Amelia in his arms who was looking around, then she looked at Vincent with a mixture of confusion and fear. "Vincent, I don't understand. Why are you doing this?" "This had better work" Theo growled. "This one said she couldn't make people into Devils." "Are you seriously still on about that?!" Amelia snapped angrily. "Let me go!" "Shhh. Not yet. We need you to motivate your other Devil friend to change us. Nothing personal, but one wrong move from your boyfriend and I'm afraid we're going to have to hurt you." He picked her up and flung her onto one of the beds. She screamed and struggled as he forced her wrists and ankles into the restraints, tying her down so tightly that the leather hurt her skin. Once she was strapped down, Theo frowned at her and leaned close to her hair, sniffing it for a moment. "You smell...different." He commented before walking away from her to lean against a set of cabinets. "Vincent!" Amelia looked at him desperately. "Vincent, please! Don't do this. You're better than this, I know you are!" Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 Elliot spoke to a waiter. "I want like a ton of ribs with extra barbecue sauce and a large glass of beer! Just keep them coming until I'm dead! The beer I mean." ----- Vincent flinched. He pressed his hands against his head. A part of him was trying to fight his insanity. "A-Amelia....?" He cried out as his head pounded.

shadowess - March 6, 2021 "No worries." Parker smiled, leaving him to it, sure he'd be fine. He headed back into the living room and looked over at Carter. "So, is there anything you want me to do? Work wise?" He asked, eager to get started. Considering Parker could go out in daylight, it meant he could do things during the day that Carter otherwise would be unable to do. --- David hesitated at the suggestion and Amelia stared at Vincent. Her fingers gripping the book tightly at the thought of Theo being on the loose again. David looked between Charles and Amelia dubiously before putting the book he was holding down onto the table. He walked over to Vincent and sighed. "I think I'd want to see it for myself. No offense Vincent but you two have a history. For all I know he could just be trying to manipulate you." "Dad, you're still recovering." Amelia reminded him, worried. David held up a hand and looked back at her with a calm smile. "Relax, as long as he's still behind those bars I have nothing to worry about. Besides, if what Vincent is saying is true then I won't have to worry anyway." Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 "Unfortunately, no one knows about this business. We need to somehow get the word out there that we're here to help." ,said Carter. ---- Vincent nodded. "I understand but don't worry. He's a new man now." They soon reached Theo. "Look who's here." shadowess - March 6, 2021 When Carter explained that he still needed to somehow advertise his business, Parker looked around the room thoughtfully. His eyes landed on one of the boxes with the business cards inside and he smiled, picking it up. "Well then, I guess I could visit the local businesses and distribute these? That might help get the word out." He suggested. It wasn't exactly an exciting job to do but if it would help them to actually get some work. "I'll swing by the vampire club and give them a few too. Don't worry, I'll be careful." He added the last part to settle any apprehension they might have about him going near other vampires. --- Theo turned to look at David and knew he'd have to convince him to let him out. "Vincent says you're a changed man." David says, looking at Theo suspiciously. "He's right." Theo said, stepping up to the bars. "I've seen the error of my ways and I want to do good. I'd like to get on that Programme of yours." David was staring hard at Theo, trying to read him. "You tried to hurt my daughter." He growled. Theo placed a hand on his own chest and looked at David with a sorry expression. "And I'm sorry for that. I'll happily apologize to her as well when I next see her." Theo placed his hands on the bars, looking pleadingly between the two men. "Please. Please let me out. I promise I'll do better." David was hesitating. He wanted to believe that Theo had changed but something in his gut was telling him that something was seriously wrong. Unfortunately, unlike Vincent or Charles, David was simply unable to read minds so he could only judge someone by their words or actions. This was tough. David was usually so good at telling if someone was lying to him but if Theo was lying, he was hiding it very well. He sighed, he couldn't find a reason to fault him and therefore it would be unfair to keep him locked up if he really wanted to change. He turned to Vincent, the only one in this room that he currently trusted. "You know him better...Is he telling the truth?" He asked. His hand was holding the key in his pocket. Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 "Sounds like a good idea. And you'll be fine there anyway. It's day time. The only vampires you'll see are the fake ones." ,said Carter. Elliot had finished his glass. He walked to the living room. "Hey ya'll. What'd I miss?" ----- Vincent smiled. "Without a doubt." shadowess - March 6, 2021 "Good point." Parker chuckled. When Elliot came back, he smiled at him. "Not much. I'm just about to hand these out around town. Did you want to come with me? Keep me company for a bit?" He offered, wondering if getting Elliot out of this house and distracting him from thinking about Vincent for a while might do him some good. --- David nodded then looked back at Theo, pointing a finger at him. "You try anything stupid and there won't be a third chance. Do I make myself clear?" He warned and Theo smiled with a nod. "You have nothing to worry about." He reassured him. David lowered his hand and took out the key. Theo watched him eagerly as he unlocked the cell and opened it up. David then stepped to one side, giving Theo room to step out, key still in his hand as he watched Theo warily. Theo walked out of the cell and tilted his head back, closing his eyes. He took a deep breath and smiled wide. "Ah...freedom..." He sighed and looked at Vincent with soft eyes. "Thank you, my beloved." Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 "Sure. That sounds like fun. Can I get a fancy business?" "You can keep one." ,said Carter. "Cool!" ---- Vincent grabbed his hand. "C'mon!" He pulled him to a corner of the area. He quickly threw his clothes aside as he kissed him. (private time) shadowess - March 6, 2021 Parker grinned and started heading towards the door. "We best get going then." He called to Elliot then waved at the others. "See you guys later." Sebastian sighed with a small smile. "Well, a bit of a rocky start but I think this morning is getting better." "I er...I'm guna go take a nap." Tom said, getting to his feet. He threw the empty blood bag he'd been holding in the trash before heading up the stairs. He felt emotionally exhausted after everything that had happened that morning and also wanted to be alone as he worried over whether or not Nate would return. --- David arrived back in the Library, his cheeks having turned red. "They could've at least waited until I'd left..." He muttered, shaking his head as he tried to get the image out of his head by picking up one of the books. "Have you managed to find anything while I was gone?" He asked Charles. Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 Elliot followed. Leaving the house with him. "Where should we start?" Carter leaned against the couch and sighed. "At least that's over with." He watched Tom leave. "Hope he's doing alright." Nate appeared when he saw him in bed. He laid next to him. "I'm sorry about what you went through. I should have been concerned but I wasn't." He slid his hand under his shirt. Finding comfort in touching him. "It's hard for me to learn how to be human but I'm trying." ----- Charles shook his head. "Unfortunately no." He laughed when he looked at him. "Saw something that you weren't supposed to see?" shadowess - March 6, 2021 "Small businesses, I guess?" Parker suggested as they started walking. --- Sebastian nods with a small sigh. "It's going to take time but he seems to be ok now. We just have to hope he'll talk to us if things get too much again." --- Tom opened his eyes when he felt the bed move as Nate lay next to him. He heard his voice and sighed in relief, just happy he'd come back. "It's ok." Tom whispered, moving his hand over his shirt to cup Nate's hand underneath. "It doesn't matter now. I'm just happy that you're here." He said softly. --- "Yeah..." David's cheeks turned a slightly deeper shade of red. "Guess those two missed each other..." Amelia was biting the nail on her thumb, completely engrossed in the book she was reading. So much so, she didn't pay much attention to Charles or David. David began reading the book he'd picked up as well. The room becoming quiet as they each did their research. Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 "Then let's get to it!" ,said Elliot. ---- "In the meantime..." Carter moved closer to Sebastian. Wrapping an arm around him. He smiled. "How about me and you get busy?" ---- Nate kissed his cheek. "I want to care about the things that you care about." ----- It took Charles a long moment before realizing. He raised a brow. "Missed each other? That's strange. Elliot's with Vincent. Unless...." His eyes widened. "Vincent told us how abusive Theo was. This has to be Theo manipulating his mind. And you freed him!"

shadowess - March 6, 2021 They were quiet as Elliot told his story. When he'd finished, no one was sure of what to say. After a quiet moment, Sebastian spoke. "Like you said, that was an accident. You were only a little kid, you couldn't have known any better." He said gently. He then sighed, looking a little hesitant before adding. "Well, while we're all getting it out there...When I was locked away in the asylum, I tore out a scientists throat with my teeth for horribly murdering someone close to me." Tom fidgeted with the empty bag in his hands, not lifting his eyes from it. "You all already know what I was doing before you met me..." Then Parker looked over at Elliot, taking a seat as well. He sighed heavily before speaking. "You know Amelia, right?" He started. "Before I lost my memory...I went crazy...I kidnapped and tortured her. I also tried to kill her, Vincent, Sebastian and Carter..." He lowered his gaze to the floor. "They all saved me. Now...I'm not the same. I don't want to do those kinds of things ever again." He brought his eyes back up to Elliot's. "No one is perfect. But we can always help each other to get better." ---- "Me neither..." Amelia admitted. She'd been feeling ill from nerves just thinking about it since she saw the book in her dream. "Feel about what?" David asked, he'd been stood behind them when they materialized in the library. Amelia turned and hesitated before speaking. "Um...hey. How's your back?" David rose a brow at the change in subject. "Getting better. What brings you to the library? I'm guessing it was you two who left all the books out?" "Sorry..." Amelia shifts uncomfortably for a moment. "We need to look for...a couple of things. "Oh?" "A spell or something to change a vampire into a human." "...and?" Amelia heads over to a particular book and pulls it out, holding it in her arms as she looks between them. "This book...I'm going to go read it for a while...would you mind helping Charles find the other thing?" David's eyes move from the book in her arms back to her eyes. He frowned thoughtfully. "I'll do my best." He nodded. Amelia smiled and headed over to the couch, opening up the book to read it. David turned to Charles. "I can read the language. Can you?" David had learned from the Demon that Lucifer had assigned to train him. Though, he had to learn it the hard way rather than gaining the ability easily like Amelia had. Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 Carter raised a brow. "I hate to break this serious moment but geez. Am I the only one here who hasn't done something terrible?" Elliot laughed. He rubbed his eyes. "I guess so." ----- Vincent appeared before Theo. He smiled. "Hello there." ----- Charles shook his head. "Never had a reason to." shadowess - March 6, 2021 Sebastian, Tom and Parker chuckled at Carter's comment. Sebastian then looked at Elliot with kind eyes. "The point is, as long as you're willing to take the right path and do some good with your life, then your past doesn't matter." He tilted his head a little. "Maybe bear that in mind when Vincent comes back and tells you his story?" --- Theo paused, having been pacing around his cell. He glared at Vincent with some mild confusion in his eyes. "Are you Vincent? or someone else?" He asked, eyeing him up and down. --- David sighed and looked around the room. "Alright..." He then went about doing what Amelia had been doing the last time they visited the library. Pulling out books that he thought might help and piling them on the table. He then walked over to Charles. "I can make you learn, if you'd like?" He suggested. "It would only take a moment and might give you a mild headache but you would be able to read and speak the language when I'm done." Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 Elliot slowly nodded. "Ok. I think I sort of get it." "Well, at least you understand enough." ,said Carter. Elliot's stomach growled. Carter smirked. "Maybe you should start eating those pancakes." Elliot blushed a bit. He chuckled. "Yeah. I probably should." ----- Vincent leaned in. Getting close to the cage as he began to unbutton a few of his buttons. He smirked. "Oh I'm the Vincent. And I came here for some fun." ---- "If it'll help me then sure." ,said Charles. shadowess - March 6, 2021 Parker got to his feet, smiling. He headed into the kitchen and brought back the two plates with big pancake towers on them, passing one to Elliot. "Here ya go. Let's see who can finish first." He grinned, sitting down with his own plate. Sebastian chuckled at the game while Tom simply watched with a quiet smile. --- Theo watched Vincent begin to undress with a smirk. He stepped close to the bars, slowly putting his hand through to run it through Vincent's hair before caressing his cheek. "You want to come back to me, my love?" He leaned in close, seductively. "Then let me out and we can find somewhere more comfortable." --- Nodding, David raised his hands and placed his index & middle fingers on either side of Charles's head. He closed his eyes and concentrated. "You might feel a little pain..." He said before pushing the knowledge he had about the language into Charles's mind. It would only last a few seconds before he'd pull his hands away and step back, looking at Charles curiously. He gestured towards one of the books. "Try reading a title." Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 Elliot grabbed pancake. He licked his lips. "Hell yeah!" Once the contest started, they were eating like crazy. Carter shook his head. "I think I'm gonna be sick just from watching you two." ----- Vincent enjoyed his touch. Closing his eyes as he thought about what Theo would do to him. He opened them when Theo wanted out. "Oh? And how can I do that? I'm not a Devil anymore. Unless I can use my demon powers on this little bad boy." ----- Charles cried out as the knowledge hit him. He rubbed his head before walking to the books. He looked at the one he specifically told him to read. He picked it up. "The 666 Sex Moves for Devils & Demons Alike." shadowess - March 6, 2021 Sebastian laughed at Carter's comment as they watched them eat the pancakes as quickly as they could. Parker ate pancake after pancake rapidly but soon slowed down, his stomach beginning to feel full. He looked over at Elliot's plate and could see he was already ahead on Parker. "Dammit!" He laughed trying to force down a few more bites before giving up. Sebastian chuckled, looking at Elliot "I think we have our winner!" --- Theo sucked in a bit of air through his teeth as he thought. If he wasn't a Devil, he couldn't get him out. Not unless he managed to slip the key from a Devil or that David guy. "Too bad." he tutted, stepping away from the bars and out of Vincent's reach. "If you got me out of here, I found a good spot where we can be comfortable together." He shrugged and turned away from Vincent. "Until then..." he trailed off, trying to bribe his way to freedom by promising sex. --- Amelia looked up from her book at Charles when he read out the book title, her face turning crimson as she tried to conceal her laughter and embarrassment. David on the other hand was laughing his ass off. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" He laughed. "Couldn't resist!" he wiped away some tears that had welled up from his laughter as he shrugged. "But hey, at least now we know you can read these books!" Chuckling, he walked over to the books he'd piled up on the desk. "Now then, let's get to searching, shall we?" Shaking her head a little while smirking, Amelia went back to reading the book that she had. Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 Elliot raised his arms up. "Woo hoo!" He covered his mouth when he felt himself getting close to vomiting. He ran to the bathroom where he hurled out the contents of his stomach into the toilet. Carter cringed at the sound and covered his nose. "I hate that I have heightened senses." ----- "I know just the person to find for this." Vincent disappeared. ----- Charles blushed. He set the book down and shook his head. "How immature of you." But he smiled anyway. Vincent appeared. He smiled. "Hello everyone." shadowess - March 6, 2021 Sebastian cringed a little. By now he was used to these kinds of sound and smells. Especially given his history where there was no shortage of people vomiting nearby. Tom however, had turned pale and also looked like he was going to throw up. He also covered his mouth and nose, trying to block it out. Parker chuckled, looking around at them. "Guess that's one thing I don't miss..." He commented as he got to his feet and headed into the kitchen. He poured a glass of water and took it to Elliot. "Here buddy, this'll make you feel a little better." --- Theo grinned evilly once Vincent left. "Hook. Line." He turned to look at the spot Vincent had been standing in. "Sinker." --- "With eternity at your feet, you have to entertain yourself somehow." David shrugged, still smiling while picking up another book. "So that's where I get it from..." Amelia commented, her eyes looking up at David with a playful smile. "Hey, that's not fair!" David chuckled. "Carol was way worse than me!" When Vincent appeared in the room, David and Amelia smiled at him. "Vincent!" David greeted him happily. "Come to help us do some research?" Denix Vames - March 6, 2021 Elliot took the glass. "Thank ya." He drank slowly a few sips. ---- "Actually, I was wondering if you could release Theo from his cage. He's a changed man now. He wants to do better now." ,said Vincent. Charles raised a brow. "And are you sure about this?" Vincent nodded. "Of course I am. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."

shadowess - March 5, 2021 Just as Carter asked him to have a seat, Tom heard the spatula fall and looked back to see the way Elliot reacted to his presence as well as how defensively Vincent held him. He gripped the bag tightly while fresh tears fell as he stared at them speechlessly. 'I'm a monster...' He thought as he looked at them. Parker watched as it all unfolded. Looking between Elliot and Tom, putting two and two together. He quickly took the pan off the heat before the pancake could burn then picked up the spatula to rinse it off in the sink. Tom backed away from them and looked towards Carter, shaking his head a little. "I-I don't think that's a good idea..." He glanced at the stairs, just wanting to run away and hide from it all. He contemplated going up and pulling the curtains open on himself but knew he was too much of a coward to actually do it. Sebastian frowned at him. "No, c'mon. Come and join us. It'll help show Elliot you're better now. That you're yourself again." Tom hesitates, not sure of what to do and Sebastian sighs. "No one is forcing you. But we know it was an accident. That you didn't mean to do what you did." Having cleaned and dried the spatula, Parker held it out for Elliot. "It's ok. We're safe with them." He said gently, then looked at Vincent. Then towards the others and shrugged. "I've seen what they'd do for their friends...I trust them. All of them." He glanced back at the pancakes before looking back at Elliot with a smile. "Now, c'mon. Let's see if we can't make a big pancake tower!" Denix Vames - March 5, 2021 Carter placed a hand on his arm. "Hey, it's alright. The sooner we get use to each other the better." Elliot nodded at Parker. He smiled a little when he talked about a pancake tower. He took the spatula. He began pouring another amount of batter into the pan. "I'm going to relax over there for a bit." ,said Vincent who went to the living room where he sat on the couch. shadowess - March 5, 2021 Looking back at Carter, Tom considered what he and Sebastian said before nodding a little and moving over to one of the chairs to sit with them. Sebastian gave Carter an approving smile. Tom looked between them all nervously. Especially when Vincent came into the room to sit on the couch. He then lowered his gaze to the floor as he brought the bag up to his mouth and bit into it, drinking it's contents slowly. Parker watched as Elliot began making pancakes again, glad that he seemed calm again. "How big do you reckon we can make it?" He asked, grinning. "We could have like our own pancake eating competition!" He chuckled. --- Amelia was dreaming. She was back in the library, sifting through all the books, trying to find the answers for what was happening to her. Growing frustrated, unable to find anything, she threw a book across the room with a growl. "Well, look at this mess you've made!" A woman's voice came from the doorway. Amelia looked over at the blonde haired woman and blinked, surprised. "Carol?" "Hello, sweet thing." Carol cooed as she stepped into the room, carefully stepping over the books strewn across the floor. "Oh, David would have a field day if he saw what you were doing to these books! You know how he likes to keep things tidy..." "But...you're..." "Yes..." Carol said sadly then tilted her head a little with a curious expression. "But also, no." She walked over to Amelia and placed her index finger against her forehead. "I'm in here, sweet thing." She said softly. Then removed her finger and waved a hand dismissively. "Although, not in the same way Damien said when you hallucinated him...Now, THAT was weird, wasn't it? I saw the whole thing...Poor dear..." "Sorry...hang on...what are you saying?" "Ohhh... don't worry about it." Carol winked then walked over to the bookshelf and took out a book. Amelia looked at her confused. "You don't know how to read that language..." "You do." Carol smiled, looking over at her then back at the book. "So, I do now too." "What?" Amelia was getting more and more confused. "Have you read this one? You might find it interesting." Carol glanced at Amelia knowingly. Amelia walked over to her to look at the title of the book then looked back at Carol in confusion as Carol simply stared back at her with a sly smile. Amelia woke up and looked around the room then at Charles. She cuddled into him, unable to sleep anymore after such a strange dream. Denix Vames- March 5, 2021 Elliot chuckled. "I don't know. I've been in a few eating contests myself. Let's see how far we can go." He flipped the pancake. Charles held a concerned look. "Are you alright?" shadowess - March 5, 2021 While Parker and Elliot focused on making the pancakes, Sebastian breathed a sigh of relief to see everyone was a lot calmer now. He looked over at Vincent and smiled, remembering what he wanted to suggest earlier. "Maybe you and Elliot could make the most of today? Just because we're stuck indoors during the day doesn't mean you have to be either." He gestured to himself, Carter and Tom as he said this. --- Nodding, Amelia sighed. "Yeah, just a weird dream...I dreamt I was talking to my mom...not my real one...my adopted one. She helped David raise me when he found me...I've never dreamt about her before. It was like she was really in front of me...talking to me like...like she'd never...left..." Denix Vames - March 5, 2021 Vincent shrugged. "What would we even do? I can't exactly show my face around or else people will know that I never left the city. I'm still a wanted killer." "What?!" ,said Elliot. He turned. "Shit! Probably shouldn't have said that." Elliot handed Parker the spatula. He walked over to Vincent. Glaring at him with crossed arms. "When were you going to tell me this?" Vincent nervously played with his knife. "When the right time came?" ---- "I understand. After my wife died, I use to have dreams about her. They soon stopped after a while but it's hard not to remember." ,said Charles. shadowess - March 5, 2021 Sebastian, Tom and Parker felt awkward as Vincent announced he was a wanted killer and Elliot confronted him about it. Sebastian most of all for suggesting they go out in the first place. Tom lowered his now empty bag and just watched them all silently, not sure what to do or even where to look. Parker just kept making pancakes, not sure if he could really do anything else and Sebastian sighed heavily. "Alright, can we just all try to stay calm? Elliot, you may as well take a seat. Just know that we all have our histories here...some worse than others but now we're all working together to do good and that's what is more important now. Vincent, I don't think there's ever really a 'right' time for that kind of chat so the sooner it's out of the way, the better." --- Amelia buried her face in Charles's chest, loving his warmth. "We were in the library...she wanted me to look at a book..." She lifted her head to look up at Charles, hesitating before speaking again. "I think I might know what's happening...but I need to find that book and read it to be certain." She bit her lip. "If...if I'm right...or well, if Carol is right...then it might not be such a bad thing..." Denix Vames - March 5, 2021 "We all got history. We ain't got deaths!" "I was a killer." "That don't make it right!" Vincent stood. Glaring at him. "It's not like you ever told me anything!" Elliot stepped forward. "I don't got anything to hide! Ask away!" "Oh really? Well, how about when you were five years old and you killed your own sister?!" Elliot turned pale as his eyes widened. "Th-That was an accident! I wasn't trying to!" "But it happened and you did it!" He clamped his hands over his ears. "Shut up! Just shut up!" He shut his eyes. "I don't want to hear it anymore!" Vincent rolled his eyes. "Why did I even bother with you?" He disappeared. Elliot fell to his knees as he sobbed. ----- "Do you want to go back to the library now?" asked Charles. shadowess - March 5, 2021 They watched the argument until Vincent vanished and Elliot was left sobbing on his knees. Sebastian had a hand over his mouth as he watched it all unfold, then muttered to himself "I'm beginning to think that maybe I should just keep my mouth shut..." Tom was staring uncertainly between Carter, Sebastian and Elliot. Having finished off the pancakes and turned the stove off, Parker left the kitchen. He'd heard the whole fight and was looking at Elliot with a frown. He walked over and held a hand out for Elliot to help him back onto his feet. He wasn't much of a hugger anymore. "Come and sit down..." He said gently. "Sebastian was right. We all have a past...If you think what you or Vincent did was bad... you should hear about what I did..." He shook his head. "I'm not proud of it. But I want to be better. I want to make up for what I did...C'mon, we can talk it out. Clear the air." --- Amelia smiled and nodded. She was eager to know if her suspicions were right. She kissed him before she got out of the bed. making sure she was dressed and ready before they could head back to the library. Denix Vames - March 5, 2021 Elliot sat on the couch. He shook his head. "No! I don't want to remember!" Carter sat next to him. He pulled him in for a hug. "If you don't tell anyone then you'll keep this bottled up inside you forever." Elliot sniffled. He rubbed his eyes. "I-I got my dad's keys. I wanted to drive. Always use to see him drive that truck. Really loved that car. So I got in and started it. But I couldn't really see who or what was in front of me. Then I heard my ma screaming. Turns out, I had run over my sister. Didn't even know she was there." He covered his mouth. Seeming to get sick just from thinking about it. "I don't know why she didn't move. Maybe she didn't see me but i can't forget about it. Not ever." ----- Charles got out of bed too. Both appeared in the library. "If this is what I think is then I don't know how I feel about it."

shadowess - March 5, 2021 Tom couldn't hear anything over their heartbeats but as soon as he saw the blood bag and the smell of it hit his nose, he snatched it up and bit into it desperately. He moaned at the taste and drank the bag within just a couple of minutes. Once it was empty, he let it go and caught his breath. Sebastian was still pinning him to the ground in case it wasn't enough. As Tom got his breath back, the sound of their hearts faded. As did the hunger pains and he began to think more clearly. He could barely recall what he'd just done but as he realized he was being held to the ground and looked up to see the looks on all their faces, he knew what had just happened. His own face turned pale and he began shaking. "No...oh, God no...What did I do?! Why did I do that?! I-I'm sorry!" He began crying. "I-I didn't mean it! I'm sorry!" Satisfied that he wasn't a danger anymore, Sebastian let him go and watched him sit up, pulling his knees up to both cover himself and to comfort himself as he hugged them and rocked a little. "It's alright. No one was hurt." Sebastian sighed. "Tom, you need to try to remember to drink more frequently, that's all." He placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, looking at Carter. "We'll help you." He then looked over at Vincent and Elliot in concern. "Are you two alright?" Denix Vames - March 5, 2021 Carter knelt. "Yeah. Don't sweat it kid. It was difficult for me to get use to being a vampire." "Elliot's just shaken up but we're all good." ,said Vincent. shadowess - March 5, 2021 Nodding at Vincent, Sebastian got to his feet and grabbed the blanket from the couch, draping it around Tom. "It's alright, Tom. C'mon, it's probably best that you go get dressed. When you come back down, grab yourself another bag if you're still hungry and you'll be fine." Tom was quiet, not daring to lift his eyes to look at any of them. Feeling ashamed for what he'd tried to do. At Sebastian's suggestion of getting dressed, he nodded and got to his feet, walking quietly up the stairs towards the bedroom while sniffling and wiping his eyes. Sebastian looked at Carter, unable to mask his concern. "Thank you...He'll be alright. I think with us two to guide him, he'll do just fine. It just might take him a little while to get used to it." He then looked into the kitchen, smelling the pancakes cooking. "Might want to flip those or they'll burn." He called over to Elliot, hoping that getting him to focus on the food again will distract him from what just happened. Denix Vames - March 5, 2021 Nate smiled. He hugged Tom. "I knew this would happen but I knew you wouldn't be able to hurt them." ---- "Yeah, I guess. But I'm not very good at teaching." ,said Carter. Elliot slowly turned to the stove. He hesitantly flipped the pancake. Vincent stepped away as Carter walked over. Carter placed a hand on his shoulder. "No one's going to let anyone bite you. I promise. Ok?" Elliot nodded. "I'm going to be here. Making sure that those pancakes look good." He placed a plate near the stove. shadowess - March 5, 2021 Tom was shaking as Nate hugged him. He wanted to feel comforted by his hug but a part of him was disturbed by the fact that Nate just let him go in the state he was in. Why? Why would he do that? How could he possibly know he wouldn't hurt anyone? God, if Sebastian and Carter hadn't been there... He buried his face in Nate's chest, trying to calm himself down again. Sebastian was right, he would need a second bag when he went back downstairs. He was still hungry, taking in the smell of Nate's blood. When he was calm enough, he pulled away quietly and started getting dressed without a word. He didn't know how to respond to the way Nate just let him go like that. He'd made no attempt to stop him. No attempt to help him and this baffled Tom. --- "Oh, I don't know about that." Sebastian gave Carter a kind smile. "You seemed to do fine just then." He went back to watching Elliot and Carter making pancakes. Elliot having gone quiet since the whole ordeal. If only it wasn't daylight out. He'd suggest they all go out somewhere to take their minds off it. Perhaps Vincent could take him out somewhere to help him feel better? Just as he was about to suggest this, he heard the front door open and close, followed by Parker's voice calling through. "It's just me." A moment later he appeared in the kitchen doorway, smiling. "Something smells good." He commented, seeing the pancakes in the pan. Denix Vames - March 5, 2021 Nate frowned as he watched him leave. He followed him a bit before stopping. "You think what I did was wrong. Don't you?" ---- Elliot set the pancake on the plate. Carter helped him pour another pancake shaped batter on the pan. Carter turned to Parker. He smiled. "Elliot and I are making pancakes. He figured you and him would like some. Isn't that right, Elliot?" Elliot was still shaken up by what happened. He did his best to speak. Stuttering out the word, "P-Pancakes!" He held a small smile. shadowess - March 5, 2021 Once Tom was dressed, he'd started walking out of the bedroom and towards the stairs. He only got as far as the top of the stairs before he heard Nate's question and stopped in his tracks, his hand on the banister. He turned his head to look back at Nate with a frown. Hesitating to answer. "I-I don't know...I don't know what to think right now, Nate..." He admitted and looked down the stairs. "I just want to drink another bag and try to forget that it happened..." He started walking down the stairs. ---- Parker saw how Elliot was acting and frowned. What had he missed? He wanted to ask but a look from Sebastian told him this might not be a good time. So, he put on a smile and nodded to the pan. "They look great. I can't wait to try them." He left the kitchen doorway and headed over to where he'd left his coffee cup on the table then began walking back to the kitchen with it, intending on making himself a fresh cup. "Do you need a hand with anything?" He asked on his back in. Denix Vames - March 5, 2021 Tears fell from Nate's eyes but he didn't go after him. Instead, he disappeared as the door to the bedroom slammed shut. ----- "Actually yeah. Elliot could use some help. Make sure he doesn't burn them." Carter whispered into his ear, "Try to make small talk. He's been through a lot." He walked over to the table where he finished the rest of his cup. "Damn. That was good." shadowess - March 5, 2021 Tom paused halfway down the stairs when he heard the bedroom door slam. He looked back, his heart aching. He hesitated, unsure of whether to go back to the bedroom or continue down the stairs. Feeling bad that he might have upset Nate, he hurried back up the stairs and opened the bedroom door only to find the room empty. Now he felt guilty for hurting Nate. No longer concerned with what Nate had done or why he'd done it. He sighed and bit back more tears as he turned and left the room again, worried that Nate might not come back now. He made his way down the stairs slowly and towards the kitchen. --- Parker put his cup down and paused when Carter whispered to him, his eyes darting to the back of Elliot as he spoke. Seriously, what did he miss? Nodding, he walked over to Elliot and watched him cooking. "Hey Elliot...I wanted to thank you. For making me feel welcome last night..." He smiled at him. "I noticed your accent, whereabouts are you from?" He asked, trying to keep him distracted and cheer him up. Sebastian walked over to Carter and kissed his cheek lovingly. "Feeling better?" He asked, smiling at him. Tom paused in the kitchen doorway, seeing Elliot, Vincent and Parker, he hesitated to enter the room. Lowering his gaze, he quietly walked to the fridge where he took out another bag, then hurriedly left the kitchen. He intended on slipping by Carter and Sebastian quickly to head back up the stairs where he'd probably hide in the bedroom, feeling too guilty and ashamed to be around anyone right now. Denix Vames - March 5, 2021 Elliot flipped the pancake. "....Texas." Carter walked over. "Hey Tom. Why don't you have a seat?" Elliot dropped the spatula. He breathed heavily as he backed himself into a corner. He was shaking as tears fell. Vincent kept him close. "Hey, it's ok. He's not going to do that again. He will never. It's alright. Just try to stay calm."

shadowess - March 5, 2021 Parker shrugged. He didn't take his eyes off his coffee. "I don't think it would have made much difference if you hadn't quit...Bryce was pretty determined to get to you. He'd have seen us working together sooner or later and tried to use me to get to you anyway..." He couldn't help his eyes tearing up when he talked about Bryce. His heart still hurt whenever he thought about how he used Alex then tried to kill him. By now Alex had realized that despite his own emotions, Bryce hadn't really loved him at all. He removed a hand from his coffee and quickly wiped his eyes to get rid of the tears before they could fall and he sniffed a little. "I can't go back to working at the station. Not after everything I've learned...or well...remembered. I don't think I could handle working with people who have no idea what's really going on in the world..." He glanced up at Carter. "Could I work here? For you?" He then shrugged again. "As good as it is to be human, I don't think it'd be such a bad thing to be a supernatural detective...especially when you work for yourself. You could be the first detective to do work for supernatural clients. Someone they could come to when they need help and can't just turn to the human police?" Parker suggested. Denix Vames - March 5, 2021 Carter's eyes lit up. "A supernatural detective? I hadn't thought of that." He smiled. "Yeah, I wouldn't mind helping some supernatural people out." He turned to him. "Welcome aboard." "Hey ya'll! Is it morning already? What are we talking abou-?" Elliot was running down the stairs when he fell. Tumbling at the last steps. Carter raised a brow. "Are you ok?" Elliot smiled as he stood. "Never been better. Last time I hit my head was on the fourth of July. Or was it my birthday?" Vincent rolled his eyes. "You really should be more careful." He rubbed Elliot's shoulders for a moment. Elliot turned around and fixed his hat. "Ah I'm fine. Ain't nothing to it." He pulled on his tie. "Why you wearing that?" Vincent took it out of his grasp. "I found it. It felt like it suit me." "Awful fancy for ya. But you are a fancy man." Carter gave Vincent a look. "That's my tie." Vincent took it off. "Oh alright." "Ooh! Can I try it on?" "You want to learn how to make a tie?" ,said Carter. Elliot jumped like a kid high on candy. "Yeah! Yeah!" Carter chuckled. "Alright. Just calm down and get over here." Elliot sat on the coffee table. Carter placed the tie over his neck. "So this is how you start...." As he began to explain and show the steps of putting on a tie, Elliot watched closely. shadowess - March 5, 2021 Hearing that Carter liked his idea and that he was happy to have him work for him, Parker beamed. "Thanks!" His heart lifted, feeling that he had some hope for the future now. Maybe now he could do some good and start making up for all the bad things he'd done. He then watched as Elliot and Vincent joined them. Smiling as Carter patiently taught Elliot how to do his tie, almost like a father figure teaching a kid. His smile slipped a bit but he hid it well. Alex wished he'd known his own father. Had a normal upbringing... Maybe he might've turned out different if he had? Tearing his mind away from that, he drank up his coffee quickly and set the cup down on the coffee table before getting to his feet and stretching a little. Eager to start working for Carter as soon as possible. "Well, I'd better get going then. Got a resignation to hand in if I'm going to be working here." He walked around the table, heading towards the door. "I'll see you guys later." Sebastian hovered in the kitchen doorway, smiling at them all. Everyone seemed happy this morning. It made a nice change. He looked over at Carter and winked, then nodded his head back towards the kitchen to subtly tell him their breakfast was ready. He was still wary about drinking blood in front of Elliot in case it made him uncomfortable. Denix Vames - March 5, 2021 Carter stood. "Elliot, you can practice some more if you want. I'm going to the kitchen." "I'm hungry too!" "It's...not that kind of breakfast." There was a long awkward pause. "Oh." "Yeah." Elliot thought for a moment. "Ya'll still got regular food?" "I think so." "Then I'm making me and my human friend Parker some pancakes! He'll be so happy to see them when he comes back." All three men walked into the kitchen. "Look Sebastian!" Elliot pointed at his tie with a big smile. "I'm a fancy man." "More like fancy boy." ,said Nate who appeared. "And fyi, I probably fucked one of your ancestors. A cowboy named James." Elliot glared. "Who invited the winged freak?" "Alright! Enough! Save this crap for when my hangover is gone." Nate smirked. "What happened? You let your feelings get in the way?" "Hey! Don't talk to him like that!" ,said Elliot. "Why? Are you gonna do something about it?" Elliot clenched his fists. He took a step forward before Carter stood in between them. Carter held his hands up. "Enough! Both of you! You little brats are tiring me out!" Carter glared at Nate. "You can go back to Tom and do whatever with him. Just leave the kitchen." He turned to Elliot. "And as for you! You need to learn when to shut up and ignore someone's comments. Fighting doesn't solve shit unless you're dealing with psychos. Do I make myself clear?" Elliot nodded. Nate rolled his eyes. "Whatever." He disappeared. shadowess - March 5, 2021 Sebastian grinned at Elliot's idea to make pancakes for himself and Parker. "I'm sure he'll like that, Elliot." He agreed. He then grinned when Elliot pointed to his tie but frowned when Nate appeared and talked about fucking one of Elliot's ancestors. "What exactly is your problem?!" Sebastian had asked with his arms folded. But the more he watched, the more it seemed like Nate was determined to pick a fight. He was glad when Carter stepped in the way he did and Nate vanished. Breathing a sigh of relief, he picked up the hot cups of blood and passed one to Carter. He then hesitated. He'd forgotten that Tom was one of them now. "Ahh...maybe I should've made one for Tom too..." He muttered as he looked into his cup. He couldn't help wondering how he might be coping with the change...but then again, it seemed like he'd been distracted by Nate lately. Seeing the way Nate was with everyone just now though, Sebastian worried that maybe Tom might end up getting hurt by him. Sighing, he took a long sip from his cup. Finally! This blood tasted a little better than it had been recently. Denix Vames - March 5, 2021 Nate kissed Tom's cheek. "Hey babe. You've got to drink. It's morning already." ----- Elliot pinched his nose when he smelled the blood. Nearly vomiting. Carter helped him to the stove. "Here. Why don't you stand here and I'll go get the things for the pancakes?" Elliot nodded. Carter poured some coffee into a mug and hand it to him. "Just keep smelling that and you'll be fine." "Sure thing." Elliot took some whiffs. Carter drank some sips of the hot blood. He licked his lips before opening the fridge to take out the ingredients. He set them near the stove and took some utensils and dishes out of the top cabinets. "Do you know how to make a pancake?" Elliot shook his head. "Ma always did all the cooking." "Well, today I'm going to teach you how to make some." "Really? You know how to cook?" "Of course I do. I wasn't the best at it but I have some decent pancakes." Elliot took a sip of the coffee then set it on his side of where the stove was. ":Let's get to it then." shadowess - March 5, 2021 Blinking his eyes open and smiling at Nate's kiss, Tom looked up at him as he slowly woke up. Even as Nate told him he needed to drink, he could feel his hunger begin gnawing at him. Rapidly growing worse. Having not had any blood since he was first turned, he found the hunger now to be quite painful. He grimaced, smelling the hot blood in the kitchen even from all the way up here. His hearing had also become sensitive, picking up all their heartbeats. It was almost deafening. His fangs sprouted and his eyes glazed over a little. He flung himself from the bed, away from Nate while shaking his head to try and stay focused. Finding the smell of Nate's blood particularly overpowering. Completely forgetting to dress himself, he began stumbling towards the bedroom door naked, trying so hard to focus on getting blood from the fridge instead of from anyone he came across. "G-gotta...get to...f-fridge..." He breathed as if to keep himself reminded. --- Seeing how Elliot reacted to the smell of their drinks, Sebastian drank his rather quickly before rinsing out his cup in the sink to try to eliminate the smell. He then leant against one of the counters to watch them cook with a small smile. He glanced over at Vincent. "You guys got any plans for today?" He asked, trying to make conversation. Denix Vames - March 5, 2021 Nate opened the door for him. "Try not to fall on your ass." ----- Vincent shrugged. "We never had plans. All we've done is hung out together and have some privacy to ourselves." Elliot flipped a pancake. "Ooh! We could go-!" "No." He frowned. "But you didn't even let me finish." Vincent sighed. "I know that you're going to say rodeo. And I get it. You love the South. But can we just do something that's less dirty?" Elliot sighed. "Alright." Vincent's eyes widened. He grabbed his arm. "Elliot! I need you to leave the kitchen now!" "What? Why? What's wrong?" "Because-!" A hungry looking Tom was soon in their view. shadowess - March 5, 2021 Things were calm again. Happy. Sebastian watched the conversation unfold with a small smile. That smile soon vanished when Vincent seemed to be on alert and warned Elliot to leave the kitchen. Before he could say why, Tom stood naked in the doorway as if in some kind of trance. Sebastian recognized what was happening immediately. He'd forgotten to drink for too long and now he was losing control. Tom stood there woozily for a moment, his eyes landing on Elliot. He couldn't think straight anymore. All he knew was pain and hunger. He just needed to drink blood, no matter where it came from and he'll be fine. He heard all their heart rates collectively increase when they saw him. The noise and smell was driving him wild. His lips twitched over his fangs and he growled dangerously. Sebastian stepped in front of him with his hands up, blocking his path to Elliot and Vincent. "Carter, grab a bag from the fridge. Quick." He said calmly, keeping his eyes on Tom. "Tom, listen to me. You just need to breathe, ok? Breathe and think. This isn't you. You don't want to hu-" Sebastian was cut off as Tom attempted to lunge past him at Elliot. Sebastian reacted quickly and tackled him back, pushing him away from the kitchen and back into the other room. Tom stumbled back then growled again, attempting to run past him again. Sebastian dove after him and tackled him to the floor where he struggled to keep him pinned down. "Carter! Quickly!" Denix Vames - March 5, 2021 Elliot's eyes widened. He grew immediately pale and was shaking as he saw Tom try to go after him. He raised his arms and closed his eyes. Vincent held his knife out as he stood in front of him. Ready to fight. "I'm coming!" Carter took out a bag of blood from the fridge. He ran over and placed it near Tom. "This is what you do pal. You drink from the bag. Not from the person." Elliot was nearly in tears as he heard Carter speak. Vincent put away the knife. He held him close. "It's alright. He'll be calmer now once he has that blood in his system."

shadowess - March 4, 2021 Tom tilted his head back as Nate kissed down his neck. Feeling him nibbling his skin and his hand on his chest, Tom let out a shaky breath and a quiet moan. He bit his lip, smiling while he let his other hand wander over Nate's torso and down to his hip, tracing the rim of his pants with his thumb. Filled with pure desire for Nate. (Private time) ------ Looking at Charles with a frown, Amelia shook her head a little. "I...I can't be sure but I don't think energy is the issue..." She looked over at the closed bedroom door and removed one of her hands from Charles's. She concentrated and clicked her fingers. The finger clicking wasn't really necessary but more of a concentration or comfort thing. She was trying to open the door without touching it. She often forgot she had telekinesis, only really using it when absolutely necessary but now she was beginning to get desperate. The door didn't budge. She clicked her fingers again. Nothing. Then again. The door handle twitched a little but that was about it. "I don't understand..." she sighed. "It's like...all my powers are just...fading away..." She suddenly felt incredibly vulnerable. She hoped this was just some temporary thing...maybe she was sick...wait...that actually could be a possibility! Especially for Newborn Devils, like herself, there were a variety of illnesses she could get that would leave her in a weakened state for certain periods of time. She recalled feeling nauseous the day before and although it hadn't lasted long, that might have been the start of whatever was happening to her now. She looked back at Charles. He would be fine. Having lived as a Devil for so long makes him practically immune to these kinds of illnesses. Either that or she's-...no, that can't be it...surely... "I think I just need to rest...I have a theory what it could be but we'll need to do some research in the library. It's weird though...apart from the lack of powers, I otherwise feel fine..." She shrugged. Maybe they'll find some answers when they go back to the library. It's a good thing they needed to go back to try to find a spell or potion for Carter anyway. In the meantime, she felt some sleep might do her good. ------ Smiling sleepily when he heard Carter whisper, Sebastian whispered back "Goodnight." It didn't take him long to fall asleep in his arms. Denix Vames - March 4, 2021 (lol yep) Charles was still concerned but nodded. "Ok. I understand. We can rest in the mean time." ----- Hours passed and soon Carter was awake. He groaned as he pressed his hand against his head. Rubbing his right temple. "Fuck...." He had completely forgotten that he had gotten drunk last night. The hangover was now finally telling him. shadowess - March 4, 2021 Seeing that he was concerned for her was touching but she didn't want Charles to worry. Apart from her powers vanishing, she felt fine. She offered him a small smile, trying to put off her own worries for now. There was no point dwelling on it while they currently could do nothing about it. She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head against his. "We should try to get some sleep." She said softly, looking into his eyes. Though she knew she'd probably struggle to sleep for a while. --- Hearing Carter, Sebastian stirred and woke up as well. His body feeling a little stiff and sore from the way they'd slept against the wall. "Hey..." He whispered sleepily, still waking up a bit. He lifted his head and kissed Carter's cheek. By this time, Alex had already woken up and poured himself a coffee. He'd been sitting on the couch he had been sleeping on, wondering who put the blanket on him and thinking about what he was going to do now that he'd recovered his memories. He planned on heading to the precinct to hand in his resignation...that's if Carter agreed to employ him. Denix Vames - March 4, 2021 Charles nodded. They went to the bedroom where they laid under the covers. He kept her close. Kissing the top of her head. "Sleep well dear." ---- Carter smiled a little. "Morning." He flinched as his head pounded. "Got a cure for a hangover?" shadowess - March 4, 2021 In the bed, Amelia cuddled up to Charles, enjoying being close to him as well as his body heat. She smiled when he spoke and whispered back "You too." before falling asleep. --- Sebastian chuckled while moving to sit up. He winced, his muscles aching from the awkward position he'd slept in. Stretching out, he looked around the room thoughtfully. "For us? Not sure... I guess I could warm up a bag of blood? See if that might help?" Denix Vames - March 4, 2021 Charles took one good look at her before he fell asleep too. ---- Carter rolled his eyes in the back of his head as if he was already drinking it. "Yes please! That would be fantastic." He leaned against the wall as he forced himself to stand up. "Damn balance." shadowess - March 4, 2021 Sebastian chuckled as he stood up, still stretching out his arms. He grunted as a few joints audibly popped. "I think we may need to talk about living arrangements with there being so many of us..." He said on his way to the kitchen. Alex looked up when he heard Sebastian's voice enter the room. He was still sat on the couch, holding his cup of coffee in both hands. "Oh, hey." He greeted them awkwardly. Denix Vames - March 4, 2021 "Some of them could live in my house." ,said Carter. He slowly walked in. Seeing Parker, he awkwardly waved. "Slept well?" shadowess - March 4, 2021 "Yeah... thanks." Alex wasn't sure how to broach the subject. Sebastian smiled at Alex. "Have you had any breakfast yet, Parker? I could make something for you if you want?" He offered, trying to help ease the awkwardness. "I'm good, thanks..." Alex smiled at him thankfully. Sebastian nods then turns to Carter and kisses him on the cheek. "I'll get started on our breakfast then." He says before disappearing into the kitchen. Alex looked into his coffee briefly before looking back up at Carter. "Um...I'm sorry, for the trouble I caused...you got hurt..." He shifted a little in his seat, uncomfortably. "And...I'm sorry...about everything else I did when-...before I lost my memory..." He looked back down at his coffee. "I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't come to get me at the club...I wasn't even supposed to do any investigating on my own...I er-...When they found me outside the station with memories missing, they made me see a therapist...then they confiscated my gun and said I couldn't work alone because I was a risk to myself. It was that or I'd have been made to take sick leave... Then I got the missing persons report...and I started getting bits of my memory back...and I just had to know what happened to me...So, I went looking for answers on my own..." He wanted Carter to know he wasn't at fault for looking for him. That he might actually have saved him by simply turning up when he had. Alex also wanted him to understand what he went through...he needed someone to understand. Denix Vames - March 5, 2021 Carter smiled for a moment from the kiss. Then he lost it. He sat down next to Parker and nearly broke into tears. He pressed his hands against his head as he heard what he said. "You have nothing to be sorry for. This is all my fault. Me meeting you and me quitting? It made you too curious for your own damn good. I should have stuck by you. I should have made sure you were safe. I don't know what I was thinking. And now I'm stuck under these circumstances." He ran his hand through his hair. "I wanted you to be safe. I never wanted you to go through what i went through. Just us being humans and doing a little detective work. Eating those fast food burgers and drinking some shitty coffee. That's all I ever wanted to do."

Denix Vames - March 3, 2021 Nate had already known about what he said but decided to listen anyway. "Well, I'm glad you're still alive." He nervously cleared his throat. "So, what do you think about them? The people in this house?" ---- Charles frowned. "He still would have a chance at having a normal life." He shut his eyes. Thinking about what he use to do before he became a demon then a devil. "Unlike me." ---- Carter had walked into the house with a drunken stumble. He had just been at the vampire club. Drinking blood with his venom in it. He was still smoking his cigarette. shadowess - March 3, 2021 Smiling a little, Tom thought on Nate's question for a moment. "I'm not sure...They seem ok." He shrugged. "I mean, they could've killed me when they met me but they didn't. They tried to help me instead. Made me realize I was working for monsters...and then saved my life when those same monsters tried to kill me. They all clearly have their own issues, but as far as I can tell they're trying to do what's right." --- Amelia lifted her head off his shoulder to look at him, tilting her head a little. She'd never had a normal life either but she didn't really understand the appeal. Sure, she'd like to settle down and raise a family at some point but she'd never trade her gifts for anything. Her experiences and the skills she'd gained were all a part of what made her, herself. To Amelia, giving up any part of her current life would be the equivalent of cutting off a limb. This was simply who she was and she was happy with that, even if her origin wasn't a happy one. But, this wouldn't stop her from at least trying to understand. "How did you become a Devil? Were you born that way?" She asked Charles curiously, wanting to know a little more about him. --- Sebastian heard the door and walked into the room where Carter was stumbling around. He could smell the venom on him, stinking up the house. He looked at him in disgust and anger. He knew he'd gone out to buy cigarettes but this? "Proud of yourself, are you?" He asked sourly, all the things he'd originally wanted to say to Carter being immediately forgotten. Denix Vames - March 3, 2021 "They're definitely a lot better than those winged freaks. I can't stand angels. And yeah, I know I am. But they're a lot more worse than me." ,said Nate. ---- "Died during the Black Plague. I told one of the devils how I wanted to help those people. Immediately, he made me into a Devil. I went back to earth to help but I couldn't. I saved some but lost so many." Tears dripped down his cheeks. "My wife died in my arms." ---- Carter looked as though he had been crying. He nearly when he leaned against the wall. "No, I'm not." He slid to the floor and put the cigarette out on his hand. "How do you think I feel?" He rubbed his eyes. "Put you through so much shit. It felt like I was killing you." He pressed a hand against his head. "But I thought none of you would agree to meeting with Parker. It always seemed like all the decisions I ever made in my life were bad. I didn't know if I could ever get you to agree with me." shadowess - March 3, 2021 Tom watched Nate carefully. When he said Angels were worse, Tom looked concerned. "Really?" he sounded disheartened. Before being brought to this house he'd never thought much on what would happen to him when he died. He'd never been much of a believer. Sure, he'd heard rumors from the organization but he never thought they'd be real. Vampires and Werewolves were one thing but Devils and Angels? And yet it seemed like humanity had gotten them backwards. From what Tom and seen and what Nate told him, it seemed like Devils cared more about doing good than Angels did. --- Hearing his story, Amelia's eyes widened. "Oh God..." she whispered then brought her hand up to gently wipe away some of his tears. "I'm so sorry..." She said quietly. With how she felt for Charles now, she could understand why he would disappear into Hell for centuries after something like that. She couldn't stand the thought of losing Charles. It was the very reason she'd spent most of her life trying so hard to not get attached to any lover that she'd had. Then along came Charles who captured her heart with next to no effort. How vulnerable she felt now, by allowing herself to love him, terrified her to her core. But she was even more terrified of losing him. Yet all of that fear was vastly overshadowed by the love she felt for him. Strange how a seemingly simple emotion could make you feel so much all at once. --- Sebastian had crossed his arms while looking at Carter angrily. As Carter spoke though, his eyes softened. He didn't move, watching Carter as he told him how he'd felt. When Carter finished, Sebastian sighed heavily and moved to sit next to him on the floor, his legs spread out in front of him with his hands resting on his legs. "The things we go through...they define us. Make us who we are." Sebastian looked at Carter, tearfully. "I don't regret meeting you. Not for one second. Since I started loving you we've gone up against a lot of challenges...yet we've always managed to come out on top...and all the more stronger for it...If I had to go back and do it all again, I would." Sebastian looked away from Carter, turning his head to face forward. "You still should've talked to us...talked to me...trusted me...We might've been able to work something out..." He shook his head. "But that doesn't matter now..." He nodded to the other room, where Parker was sleeping on the couch. "He seems to be doing fine...seemed like he wanted to work for you too...so maybe don't feel too bad? It might've been a messy way to do it but at least it all worked out in the end." He looked back at Carter, his tears had rolled down his cheeks as he'd been talking. "Don't do that again...going behind my back like that..." He shook his head, his eyes reflecting the hurt that he felt. Denix Vames - March 3, 2021 "Pretty much." Nate wrapped an arm around him. "Sorry if you're disappointed. Believe me. I was too." He leaned his head against. "But it is nice to be here." ---- Charles touched her hand. "It's alright. She's probably happy in Heaven. I hope." ---- Carter shook his head. "Wants to work for me huh?" He caressed his cheek with a shaky hand. "I promise I won't do it again. I'm sorry that I ever did. And I'm sorry for hurting you like that. I never thought I could get pissed off in that way." His lips quivered. "It's not something that I'm proud of." shadowess - March 3, 2021 With Nate's arm around him and their heads touching, Tom closed his eyes with a small smile. Finding comfort in his presence. "Yeah it is..." He sighed. There was that scent again. With Nate being so close to him it was as if his scent enveloped him, intoxicating him. He breathed in, enjoying his company. Opening his eyes, he looked back into Nate's. "You're so beautiful..." He found himself saying, not really realizing he was saying it out loud. --- Amelia offered him a small smile and nodded in agreement. Because everything from Hell was barred from Heaven, Amelia didn't know for certain but there were more than enough stories, particularly in the books in this library, that support the idea that good souls got everything they could ever want or need when they reached Heaven. She hugged him again, bringing a hand up to the back of his head as she did. "I think we should probably get some rest." She said quietly. She also wanted to test out a couple of her abilities to see what else wasn't working right. If her crystals were breaking like they had been, then what else could fail? --- Sebastian brought his hand up to cup Carter's on his cheek, turning his head to it and kissing it while fighting back tears. "I-it's ok" he cried. "I shouldn't have yelled...I was no better..." He moved closer to Carter and cuddled up to him, resting his head in the nook of Carter's shoulder. Just wanting the comfort of his arms around him. Denix Vames - March 3, 2021 Nate blushed. "Thanks. All angels are supposed to be attractive. It's how we lure victims in. I always hated doing the things that the archangels told me to do. I use to use my looks for sex. But hearing you say that makes me feel like my looks mean something better." He kissed him. "You're pretty hot too." ---- Charles really wanted to keep searching. He wanted to help Carter but he figured that they had done enough browsing for one day. "Maybe you're right." He raised a brow. "I'm a bit more worried about you. What's going on with your powers? Did you use too much of your energy?" ---- Carter placed a hand over the back of his head as he leaned his head against his. He stifled a chuckle as he smiled. "God! We're so bad at this relationship crap." Tears snuck by him. shadowess - March 4, 2021 Realizing he'd spoken out loud, Tom blushed. But Nate seemed to like the compliment, which relaxed Tom. He wondered what he'd meant by Angel's luring in victims but soon lost track of that thought when Nate kissed him. He kissed him back then smiled, blushing more when Nate complimented him as well. "Thanks." He said softly, resting his head againsts Nate's again. --- Amelia didn't break the hug. She was also worried and felt a little better in Charles's arms. "I don't know..." She admitted. "I know I've had enough time to recover...and I haven't used that much of my energy today." She pulled back enough to look at him, keeping her arms around his shoulders. "I want to test a couple of my powers out when we get back to your place...and try to figure out what's going on..." --- Sebastian cried softly as Carter held him, feeling a little better after their conversation. He heard Carter's comment and half laughed as well. "I don't know about that...still together aren't we?" He smiled. Denix Vames - March 4, 2021 "No problem." Nate wrapped an arm around his waist. Letting his hand get under his shirt there. He kissed his cheek. ---- Charles nodded. "Sure. And whatever's causing this, I'll help in any way that I can." They appeared in his home. ----- Carter sniffled. He smiled. "Of course." He kissed him and held on for a moment. shadowess - March 4, 2021 Nate's touch, as well as the kiss, made Tom shiver excitedly. He ran a hand through his hair, admiring how soft it felt. He gave him a lingering kiss, loving the feeling of Nate's lips on his own. --- Once in Charles's home, Amelia looked around the room and sighed. "Alright, first things first..." She said as she let him go and cupped her hands together. She concentrated for a moment. Trying to form just a basic shape with her Crystal. Just something simple and small that didn't take up a lot of energy. She opened her hands to reveal just a plain crystal disk resting in the palm of her hand. She watched it warily. Just as she suspected, after just a few seconds the crystal cracked then disintegrated into nothing more than a fine powder. Sighing, she dusted her hands off into a nearby trash can then walked into the bedroom. Returning a moment later with a candle. She focussed on the wick, willing it to light itself. For several painful seconds, nothing happened. Sweat rolled down the side of Amelia's face from the effort. Very, very gradually, the wick began to glow orange. Then a little flame sparked to life in the candle. Sighing, feeling a little tired, she stopped focussing on it. That had taken far too much effort to light. But as Amelia watched the candle, the flame quickly died again. Her eyebrows knitted together. She was both frustrated and growing increasingly worried. --- Sebastian didn't want to move. He just wanted to stay in Carter's arms for a while longer. He felt himself calming down as they cuddled each other. He kind of wished the bedrooms weren't both taken, feeling like they could both do with sleeping this off. He closed his eyes tiredly, content to simply rest here for a bit. Denix Vames - March 4, 2021 Nate moved his hand further up to his chest. He kissed from his cheek down to his neck. Nibbling there. ----- Charles was trying to stay calm as he watched her fail. He caught his breath and gripped her hands. "If you need energy then tell me. I can give you some of mine." ----- Carter whispered, "Good night Sebastian." He soon fell asleep.

Denix Vames - March 3, 2021 Nate thought for a moment. "Hmm..." He moved himself a bit closer to Tom. His cheeks blushed. "Do you um....Do you think you and I could try that? Love?" ---- Charles blushed. "You have a lot of imagination but no. I cannot read these books unfortunately. I'm not sure why. It's been so long since I've woken up." ----- Carter growled as he slammed Sebastian against the wall. He stared at him. Hard. Glaring at him. "I'm going to buy some smokes." He let him go and stormed out of the room. shadowess - March 3, 2021 Tom blinked at the question, feeling his cheeks getting warm when Nate moved closer to him. His heart had fluttered in his chest excitedly. "Um..." He stared into his eyes, unable to take his eyes off him. "I...I guess we could try dating? See if something develops?" He smiled. --- Amelia's cheeks grew red. She kept forgetting that he could see her thoughts. "Sorry...can't help it." She chuckled. She looked over the books thoughtfully. "Guess I'll be doing all the translating then...Maybe I should spend some time translating this whole collection at some point in the future? I'm sure more than a few of these books might come in handy..." She picked up one of the books. "This one says it's a guide to transformations and shape shifting..." Looking at another one. "Resurrections and necromancy..." then another "Soul binding for various purposes..." She moved a few books around, a look of concentration on her face. "A basic potion cookbook for beginners..." --- Sebastian hadn't expected Carter to lash out physically. He stared at Carter with a mixture of shock, fear and anger when he hit the wall, the back of his head as well as his back hurting from the impact. When Carter let him go and left the room, Sebastian stayed standing there, staring at the far wall. His heart was beating hard and he was shaking. As he began to calm down a little, Sebastian took in a sharp breath, sliding down the wall to sit down. He brought his knees up and hugged them, sobbing quietly. Denix Vames - March 3, 2021 Nate smiled. "Well, we've had sex at least twice now so that must mean something. Right?" ---- "Potion cookbook sounds like it might be the one." ,said Charles. ----- Carter was walking down the street. He headed to a store. Stepping into it, he realized he could smell everyone's blood. He clenched his fists as he went to the cashier. He slapped a ten on the counter. "Cigarettes. Now." shadowess - March 3, 2021 At the mention of what they'd done, Tom blushed harder and grinned. He bit his lip, remembering all the things Nate had made him feel. "Wana make it thrice?" He smirked, lifting a hand to Nate's chest. Although there was no certainty that Nate would end up loving him, Tom knew he would have a hard time saying 'no' to any of his advances. The things he could do...he was just so damn addictive. --- Amelia nods and flips the book open, resting it on the table. She poured through it, running her finger along the words and mouthing them in the original written language as she read through it. Her lips tightened a little, then she sighed, flipping through pages before stopping and reading through those in the same way. She straightened up and scratched the back of her head, still looking down at the book with a frown. "All sorts of handy spells, that's for sure...just nothing on transforming a vampire into a human...maybe something like that is more advanced?" She was beginning to suspect they might be at this for a while. --- When Sebastian had calmed down enough, he got up and washed his face in the bathroom before heading down the stairs silently. Not really paying much attention to anyone else in the house. He was replaying what had happened in his mind. Wondering if he'd been too hard on Carter and that's why he lashed out at him? He headed into the kitchen and took out the bag. Leaning against the counter, he bit into it then recoiled. He looked at the bag. Did it taste worse now somehow? He really needed to stop drinking from Amelia...this was getting a bit much. Reluctantly, he bit into it again and forced it down. When finished, he threw the bag into the trash and just stayed there, leaning against the counter and staring off into space. Occasionally he felt tears welling up again but he blinked them away as he thought on what he was going to do when Carter got back...or if he even wanted to still be around when Carter came back... Denix Vames - March 3, 2021 Nate raised a brow. He touched his hand. "I don't know. I think I just want to....talk." ---- "Then there should be a book with more advanced spells and potions." ,said Charles. ----- Vincent appeared. He smiled. "Sounds like someone's got love troubles." Elliot shoved him aside. "He means to say, what's wrong? We heard ya arguing in there." shadowess - March 3, 2021 "Oh." Tom was a little surprised but it was a pleasant surprise. It was a start! He smiled. "A-alright. What do you want to talk about?" He asked, looking at him curiously. --- Amelia looked around the room at the hundreds of books on the shelves and sighed heavily. This wasn't a small task and looking around at the collection of books made it seem all the more daunting. She moved around the room, reading the titles on the spines. Occasionally she'd pull out one, flip through it then put it back. After several minutes of doing this she came across a book that looked like it might be useful. She pulled it out with a grunt. It was huge! She needed both hands to hold the damn thing. She walked back over to the table with the heavy book and practically dropped it, causing a noise and making the table shake a little from it's weight. Dust flew up, everywhere, making her cough a little. She breathed a little heavily for a moment then opened the first few pages to read through the contents section. She ran her finger over the words again, mouthing them as she went then stopped about halfway down. She looked up at Charles excitedly. "Reverse metamorphosis!" --- Vincent's appearance and voice had made Sebastian jump. He looked between Vincent and Elliot in embarrassment, his cheeks going a little red. "You guys heard that?" He lowered his eyes to the ground, tearfully. "Carter blames meeting me for everything that's happened to him..." He shook his head, trying to fight off the tears again. He was struggling to hold himself together after what had happened in the bedroom. "Maybe I should leave for a little while...give him some space..." Denix Vames - March 3, 2021 "Well, what do you like to eat? You know, before you became a vampire." ,said Tom. ---- "Is it a potion? A spell?" ,asked Charles. ----- Vincent smiled. "You were the one who led him to that mall." Elliot pinched his ear. "Ow!" "What he means to say is, it ain't your fault. Ya can't just leave either. It'd make him feel guilty too. Ya'll just need to talk things out when he gets back home. After all, every loving has its bad days." shadowess - March 3, 2021 Tom thought on that question with a small frown. He kept forgetting he wasn't human anymore...and speaking of food, he hadn't had a drink yet either. Not since he was first turned. He thought about what he used to eat as a human. "Mostly spicy foods. Anything with a good kick to it but still bursting with flavor. The Jamaican dish, Curry Goat was my favorite." He said, remembering the dish fondly. "What about you?" --- "Hang on...According to the contents, it's might be long winded. It's like, four pages long..." Amelia said as she flipped through the pages to get to the part she needed. She started reacting through it, her eyebrows knitting together. She turned the page to read more and frowned. "It...looks more like a ritual...a complicated one at that..." She turned the page and her face turned a little pale. "I don't think this is what we're looking for..." She said slowly. It would definitely turn a vampire human again but the cost was very steep. It required a being to 'trade places' with. In theory, once the ritual was completed, the chosen human would be a vampire and the vampire would become human. Interestingly, the chosen human didn't need to be anywhere near the ritual, or even know about it for it to work, they just had to be named and a piece of their hair or blood used in the ritual. It also required a blood sacrifice to work as a conduit for the ritual. "Dammit..." Amelia groaned, slamming the book closed in frustration. --- Sebastian listened to them and nodded slowly, still frowning. He was still a little angry at Carter for slamming him against the wall but Elliot had a point. Just leaving before he got back might end up making things worse. They needed to talk things through properly if they wanted any hope of fixing things. "Thanks guys..." He said quietly. Denix Vames - March 3, 2021 "Oh, I don't need to eat. I'm immortal. Technically immortal. But I don't need food or water to survive." He frowned. "I'm sorry if I brought up any bad feelings." ---- Charles sighed. "I should have never destroyed those vials. There was more of that stuff that we gave to Parker. I was just so pissed off at Clementine. I wasn't thinking straight." ---- Elliot smiled. "No problem. We're friends. It's what we do." Vincent wrapped his arms around him from behind. He kissed his cheek. "C'mon. Let's go somewhere else." Elliot chuckled. "Alright. See ya later Sebastian." They headed upstairs. shadowess - March 3, 2021 "Oh!" Tom was fascinated by Nate's explanation. With Amelia talking about pizza earlier, he'd assumed they all still needed to eat. Maybe they just eat for fun, then? Or at least, some of them might? When he apologized, Tom shrugged his shoulders with a small smile. "It's alright. I'm still getting used to the idea of being a vampire...I was turned only a few hours before you arrived here...I got shot in the neck and would've died if Sebastian hadn't changed me." He explained. He wasn't sure if Nate already knew this, considering he'd told Tom earlier that he could see a persons past when looking at them, but he felt a little better after talking about it. --- Amelia walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "Even if we used those, Carter's memory would've been wiped...and even if we got him to remember everything, he'd re-awaken as a vampire again the minute he died. It would never be a true transformation." She rested her head on his shoulder. She didn't know what else they could do. --- Sebastian watched them leave. At least one relationship in the house seemed to be working. He waited until they'd gone before wandering into the living room and seeing Parker fast asleep on the couch. After everything he'd been through today, it wasn't really too surprising that he would pass out like that. He walked to one of the cupboards near the bathroom upstairs then came back down a moment later with a blanket which he draped over Alex. He paused and looked at his sleeping features, this being the first time he could actually take a moment to look at him properly. "You really do look so much like your father..." He muttered while shaking his head and walking away to sit on a chair in the next room. He stared off at the wall while he waited for Carter to return, thinking through what kinds of things he wanted to say to him.

Denix Vames - March 2, 2021 "Only when I'm fighting or sleeping." Carter frowned. He forced himself to sit up. "No." He set the blood bag aside. "I'm tired of being a vampire. I don't want this life anymore. I want to be human again." "You could always die and become a demon." ,said Nate. "And what makes you think I'll even go to Hell? I might end up in god damn Heaven." "Guess you'll have to hope if God hates you enough." shadowess - March 2, 2021 "Even if he managed to become a demon, he'd still have vampiric tendancies due to his life." Amelia said, looking at Carter with a frown. "You're sure that's what you want? To be human again?" She asked him seriously. There might be a way to change him back. Maybe a spell or potion. She'd have to search through Hell's books to find out though. "There might be a way...I'll have to look into it though. If not..." She trailed off uncertainly. Sebastian was watching Carter with a frown. He was a little disappointed that Carter didn't want to be a vampire anymore but ultimately it was his decision to make and whatever he chose to do, Sebastian would respect it. Listening to Amelia and hearing her trail off, he remembered what he'd wanted to ask her after their conversation about what they wanted to happen when they died. "Amelia...we've talked it over. We want to be Demons when we die...but we don't want to end up having to commit a sin to get to Hell...I was thinking...c-could you draw us up one of those contracts?" Amelia's eyes widened then she glared at Sebastian. "No." She growls. How could he ask her that? Did he not know? Contracts didn't just damn a soul to Hell upon their death, they bound the soul to the Devil named in the contract. The Devil named in the contract became stronger, more powerful just because that soul continued to exist and the soul only continued to exist as long as they honored the terms in the contract. It was Lucifer's way of gaining as much power as he did when he'd been around. Damien had tried to teach her to use them but she'd refused. It just never seemed like a fair thing to do. Denix Vames - March 2, 2021 Carter stood. "We're not doing contracts! Heaven sucks but contracts in general are the worse. I'm not letting anyone mess with their own soul." "Then we'll research on a reversal spell for you." ,said Charles. Vincent smiled. Carter read his face. "Don't even think about it! Just because I turn back into a human doesn't mean that I'm playing that cat and mouse game with you." Vincent frowned. "Aw! You're no fun." Nate winked at Vincent. "I might." shadowess - March 2, 2021 Sebastian became quiet, remaining sat on the floor as Carter stood. He rested an elbow on his knee while staring off at the wall. He had a lot to think about. He could see there was no arguing with Carter and the way Amelia had looked at him, it was like he'd just insulted her. He was still upset about the way Carter went behind his back and now it looked like Carter wanted to become Human again too which... he wasn't sure how to feel about it. Tom had been listening in as well. Interested to know if it was possible to become human again. He hadn't really wanted to change and had only chosen it as a way to survive his injuries. If possible, he'd like to become human again as well. He then saw the way Nate flirted with Vincent and his cheeks became red again out of jealousy. He should've known his time with Nate was nothing more than sex! Sighing in frustration, he stormed off upstairs. Amelia had nodded at Charles with a small smile. Happy he agreed with her suggestion to research a way to reverse the vampiric transformation. "We'll start looking asap and let you know if we find anything." She reassured Carter then looked at the blood bag he'd put down. "In the meantime, you really should go about your current life as normal. If you put off drinking blood, you make yourself a hazard for the humans around you." She nods at Elliot and Parker. Denix Vames - March 2, 2021 Nate appeared in the bedroom. "Alright there mr.pouty face. What's wrong?" He dug his hand under his shirt from behind. "You want round three?" Carter glared at the blood bag. "I hate it." He zoomed to the bedroom where he laid under the covers. Charles nodded at Amelia. "We should go. I'm sure they can handle this." shadowess - March 3, 2021 Nate had been pacing in the room and came to a stop when he heard Nate's voice behind him. He felt his hand on his back, under his shirt and he shivered excitedly but pulled away. He'd love nothing more than to experience the things Nate could do to him again but he didn't want to just be a plaything that Nate could call on whenever he couldn't get anyone else to sleep with. He turned to look at Nate with his arms folded. "I just-...I thought there might...actually be something...between us. But you're already looking for the next guy to bang. I clearly don't mean that much to you." He shook his head. "I don't want to just be some guy you can sleep with whenever you feel like." --- Sebastian and Amelia watched Carter with a sad expression. Amelia had been about to walk towards the stairs when she heard Charles and paused. She nodded. He was right. Sebastian could handle this while she and Charles started looking as soon as possible. She walked over to him and then looked around at the others. "See you guys later." She smiled before turning to Charles and holding his hand. Sebastian got up and picked up the blood bag. He threw it back into the fridge before walking upstairs. Once in the bedroom, he closed the door and sat on the bed next to Carter, quietly. Staring off at the wall. He wasn't sure where to begin, still processing everything that had happened and trying to decide how to feel about it all. So he just stayed quiet until Carter was ready to speak. Denix Vames - March 3, 2021 Nate frowned. "Tom, I've been alive since I was made millions of years ago. I don't exactly know human connection. I don't know what it means to love someone. Throughout my life, I've done nothing but fuck every guy I could find. I can't give you what you want. I'm sorry." ----- Charles and Amelia appeared in Hell. "We should start here at the library. I'm sure there's a book that has the right potion or spell." ----- Carter clutched his stomach as it was starving but he ignored it. He was silently crying. He paused when he smelled Sebastian and heard him walk inside. He felt his presence was close. "I should have never met you. All of this is because I ran into you on that god damn day." He squeezed the sheets. "You should have just killed me." shadowess - March 3, 2021 It was a harsh truth but at least it was the truth. At least he wasn't trying to lead Tom on. He bit back disappointed tears and sighed, looking away from him. He sat on the bed then nodded. "Okay." --- Amelia nodded. Already running her hand along the spines of the books nearest to her and reading their titles. She was willing to bet Lucifer got most of his tricks and power through these books. "Knowledge is power..." She muttered as she started sliding books out from the shelf. Picking out ones she suspected might help them and piling them onto a nearby table. --- His words cut through Sebastian like a knife. He looked over at him, taken aback by the resentment Carter was displaying. "You don't mean that..." He gasped, feeling fresh tears burning his eyes. Denix Vames - March 3, 2021 Nate hesitated but sat next to him. "Can you....Can you teach me love?" ----- Charles grabbed a book. "I wonder if I can read this." ----- "I do." Carter groaned as his stomach got worse. He soon was able to sniff Parker and Elliot's blood from the room. His fangs sprouted. shadowess - March 3, 2021 Tom looked at Nate as he sat down and asked what he did. He thought for a moment before replying with a shrug. "I don't know if it's something that can really be taught. It's more of an emotion than anything. For some people they feel it instantly. For others it can take a little time for that emotion to grow. Some people don't know they're falling for someone until they realize they can't stand the thought of that person not being around anymore. I'm not sure how to describe it...it's like, you meet someone and suddenly you'd do anything to make them happy and protect them. Because their safety and happiness brings you happiness too...I don't know...maybe it's just one of those things where when you feel it...you just know." He tried his best to explain it but was worried his explanation was falling short of what it really feels like to love someone. --- Amelia wondered as she looked over at Charles. It had taken for a powerful ancient Devil to invade her mind for her to be able to read and even speak this language. She wondered if he might be able to read it due to his age or if prying further into her mind might grant him that ability. She also couldn't help but admire the way he looked holding the old book. Like some kind of sexy librarian. She smirked at the thought of him pinning her against the bookshelves, thinking of how hot that would be and had to shake her head to concentrate on the matter at hand again. "Well...just start with the title. Can you read that?" She asked, trying to focus on what they were doing. --- "No..." Sebastian cried softly, his tears falling but then he took a breath and said more firmly. "No." He shook his head. "I refuse to accept that. If you hadn't met me, Carter? Vincent wouldn't have died and been redeemed. He and Theo would have trapped you and you'd have been on your own. He'd probably have carved you up! If by some miracle you survived that and escaped, you would have run into Bryce sooner or later. You would have gone through what Parker did, only instead of Vincent and Clementine turning up to make you human and forget, you'd still be his plaything for god knows how long!" He took a few breaths to try to calm himself but he was very upset with Carter right now and struggling to keep himself composed. "And I didn't WANT to kill you, Carter! If you think I'd have wanted that then you don't know me at all! I'd do anything to avoid killing someone who didn't absolutely deserve it!" He should really have stopped there. He got his point across but by now he was so worked up that everything else spilled out of him as well. He got off the bed and stood, glaring down at Carter under the sheets. "How dare you?! I risked my life for you! On multiple occasions! What do you do?! YOU GO BEHIND MY BACK! Why couldn't you have just talked to me about meeting Parker?! Do you really think I didn't want to do the same?! That I hadn't at least thought about bringing him to us?!"

Denix Vames - March 2, 2021 Nate flapped his wings to stretch them out. "Are we all done here with the dramatics? I'd really like to sleep now." "You're staying here while we talk to this man." ,said Charles who stood at the stairs with Vincent and Elliot behind him. Elliot smiled. "Oh wow! Another human like me!" He ran over to Parker and sat next to him. He wrapped an arm around him for a hug. "Hey! Nice to meet ya." shadowess - March 2, 2021 Nate's wings flapped and Amelia jumped, recoiling away from them hurriedly. Backing off into the corner of the room. She glared at him "Can. You. NOT?!" She snapped, annoyed. She really didn't fancy being burned by a stray feather. Parker had watched her reaction with fascination and quickly put together that Angel wings might not be such a good thing for Devils to be around. A good thing to take note of for if he ever became a Devil again. Their eyes then all turned to Charles as he spoke. Parker recalled Charles being the one to bring him the vial, pretending it was Lucifer's blood when he'd been a Devil. He'd never met Elliot before. The other man, he also recognized when Bryce had named him in the penthouse as Vincent Hayes. He remembered vividly, a knife being embedded in Alex's skull. Elliot's reaction to meeting Parker had taken Alex completely by surprise. He recoiled and stiffened a bit at the hug and stared at Elliot in confusion. "um...Hi. I'm Alex..." He said, trying to be nice. Trying so hard to mask the torment he felt within. He was still trying to come to terms with everything he'd learned and inside, he was beginning to feel hollow. Broken and lost. Angry and heartbroken. Even a little vengeful. Denix Vames - March 2, 2021 Nate turned to her. "Huh? What's wrong?" "You really don't know? Angel feathers can burn Devils." ,said Charles. "Really?" He plucked a feather out. Nate flinched. Charles displayed the feather on his hand as it began to burn him. He soon let it fall. Nate looked at his hand for a moment. "Oh." His wings went back inside him. "I'll keep that in mind." Elliot frowned at his fear. "Don't be scared. We're here to help you." He went into the kitchen and came back with a can of coke. He set it on the table. "Here ya go. Something nice and refreshing." Nate walked over to Carter. He knelt by his side. He placed a hand over his chest. Slowly healing his wound. "He's really cute." Charles cleared his throat. "Parker, as may you have notice, our family is strange. And so are you. So, we would like to welcome you to our group as a friend. Being half Devil really isn't that bad. You basically look young forever." shadowess - March 2, 2021 Relaxing a little when Charles explained why she'd reacted the way she did and Nate put his wings away, she looked at Nate with mild confusion. "Wait...but you used a feather to destroy Clementine. How did you not know it would burn Devil's too?" Sebastian blinked, looking at Amelia in surprise. "Clementine's dead? What the hell did we miss??" Parker began to relax a little. He lowered his legs off the couch to sit normally when Elliot hurried off to the kitchen. When Elliot returned, he stared at the can then smiled a little. "Thanks..." He said quietly. Sebastian watched the Angel approach them. Up until he'd put his wings away, he'd been staring at them in wonder. This being only the second time he'd seen an Angel and the first time he'd seen an Angel still alive. He watched thankfully as the Angel helped Carter's wounds to heal...until he made the comment that he did. Sebastian narrowed his eyes at Nate, feeling his jealousy welling up. "He's also really taken." He said defensively. The comment had also caused Tom to glare at Nate. His cheeks reddening as he stuffed his hands moodily into his pockets and tore his eyes away from him. Alex looked up when Charles spoke and he looked around the room at the others before bringing his eyes to the ground thoughtfully. He didn't know how to feel. He was still coming to terms with everything he'd learned and trying to fathom how he wanted to feel about it all. Though, he supposed he didn't have much of a choice given he is now human and otherwise alone since Bryce betrayed him. He wondered what had happened to him after he'd forced that liquid down his throat. Had he really intended to poison him or had he known it would make him human again? He rubbed his forehead, trying to push Bryce from his mind. Maybe this wouldn't be such a bad thing. Maybe these people can help him to cope with everything that had happened to him. Maybe he could learn about what he is and how to properly use his powers if he ever got them back. He lowered his hand and looked back up at Charles, tearfully. "I...I did some terrible things...how do I make up for that?" and how does he suppress the enjoyment he felt from doing them? Denix Vames - March 2, 2021 Nate let out a frustrated sigh. "I use to fuck every man that I saw and now I can't even do that anymore." He soon finished healing Carter. He stood. "Oh, I didn't know I could kill her like that. Charles told me in my head so I did it." Charles sat on the coffee table. "You're already doing that by being a detective. Detectives help people. So long as you keep doing your job, you'll feel better about what you did. And you weren't exactly yourself when you did do those things." Vincent held out his hands. He said sarcastically, "Like arresting me for being a bad boy." He chuckled. Elliot glared. He pinched his ear and dragged him aside. "Ow! What the hell?!" "My momma taught me that." shadowess - March 2, 2021 "hmm." Amelia took her eyes off Nate, looking over at Parker. She still had trouble trusting him. If he really hadn't known then what had he been doing as an Angel before being captured by the organization? Most Angels who were trained to hunt and kill Demons and Devils knew right off the bat that their best weapons were either their steel or their feathers. Happy that Carter was healed, Sebastian cradled him in his arms and kissed his head tenderly. He then looked around the room at the humans before looking over at Amelia who had just finished putting a layer of crystal over the cut in her wrist to stop the bleeding. "Amelia-?" He started but she had already started walking towards the kitchen. "I'm on it. I'm on it." She said as she went. A few seconds later she came back with a blood bag, handing it to Sebastian for when Carter woke up. Parker listened to what Charles said and seemed to think on it a moment before nodding. Maybe he was right. He remembered how he'd felt back then but he didn't feel exactly the same now. He didn't want to raise an army, or hurt people or commit murder. But he also wasn't so sure of what he really wanted anymore. Sure, he could stay a Detective...but after everything he'd learned, could he really stand to work with people who are oblivious to the real world? Wouldn't that drive him crazy? The corner of his lips twitched into a semi-smile at Vincent and Elliot's antics. He then looked over at Amelia when he heard a sound similar to smashing glass. She was gripping her wrist which had started dripping with blood again, looking at it confused. "Okay..." She muttered, concentrating until a new layer of crystal formed over the wound. She removed her hand and watched it for a moment. At first, it seemed fine but then it started to crack and then smashed again, turning to dust as it fell to the floor and leaving her wrist bleeding again. First the nausea and now this? What is going on? She gripped her wrist again, applying pressure again to stop the bleeding. "Um..." She sang, heading into the kitchen to grab a kitchen towel to tie around her wrist. Denix Vames - March 2, 2021 "Or you could work for Carter. He's starting up a private detective agency. You could be that second detective." ,said Charles. Nate walked over to Amelia. "Here. Let me help." He held her wrist and began to heal it. Carter turned his head as he mumbled. He seemed to be slowly coming to. shadowess - March 2, 2021 Parker looked back at Charles as he suggested working for Carter. That's actually not a bad idea. At least then he'd be able to talk freely to someone he worked with. Smiling a little, Alex nodded. "I think I wana do that." He said quietly. Now feeling a lot more relaxed around these people, he felt comfortable enough to open the cola can Elliot had given him earlier. Amelia shifted uncomfortably on her feet and stared at the floor as Nate held her wrist and helped her to heal her wound. She was embarrassed that she hadn't been able to fix the issue herself. "Thanks." She said quietly. She was still trying to figure out why the crystal kept smashing. As soon as she and Charles would leave for his place again, she'd test out her power. To see if anything she makes out of crystal now will just keep smashing. She looked over at the horse she'd made for Elliot. It seemed just as strong and sturdy as when she'd first made it, making it apparent that it was only new crystals she was making were failing for some unknown reason. Seeing Carter move, Sebastian held the blood bag across his chest while still holding Carter. He hadn't wanted to let him go all this time. "It's ok, Carter. You're safe. Everyone is safe." He whispered soothingly into his ear, leaving a few little kisses on his head. "I've got you." Denix Vames - March 2, 2021 Nate shrugged. "No problem. I use to heal guys all the time whenever I went too far in bed." Carter slowly opened his eyes. "Sebastian? Am I...How am I-?" "Alive? You have Amelia to thank for that. She gave you some of her blood." ,said Charles. shadowess - March 2, 2021 Amelia tutted at Nate's reply. "Do you ever take your mind out of the bedroom?" She asked, slightly annoyed. Hearing Carter wake up and Charles's reply to his question, Amelia looked around Nate at him. "Eh, it was nothing. Buy me a pizza and we'll call it even." She shrugged with a smile. "Also, it wasn't just me. Sebastian pulled out the glass, which helped you start healing and Harvey Birdman here healed you up." She jabbed playfully at Nate. "So, you know...pizza's all 'round?" Sebastian brought the bag up and placed it in Carter's hands gently. "Here, you're going to need this. You might need more but we'll take it one bag at a time." He said softly. "We're just glad you're ok."

Denix Vames - March 2, 2021 Charles frowned. "Unfortunately." They appeared in the mall. "Because you did this! I was going to talk to him but you all interrupted!" Carter ran off. Following Parker. "Parker! Please listen to me! I'll explain everything. You just have to calm down. Just stop and I'll tell you." shadowess - March 2, 2021 Before Sebastian could answer Carter, they'd both taken off running into the mall. "Dammit Carter! Stop this!" He shouted, running after them. Amelia and Charles appeared ahead of Parker, causing him to skid across the floor to slow down enough to turn sharply away from them. "Wha-! Parker, wait!" Amelia shouted, also taking off after him. Parker ended up running up a broken set of escalators and just kept going towards a large window. He didn't slow down, apparently intending on throwing himself through it. Wanting to end it all. End the pain in his head that was now torturing him. Denix Vames - March 2, 2021 "Parker! NO!" ,shouted Carter. "Enough of this!" Charles snapped his fingers as Parker disappeared. Sending him to Carter's office. Carter had tripped over a rock. Sending him out the window. He hit the ground. His eyes were wide. A large piece of glass went through from his back and poked out of his chest. The side of his head was bleeding. Blood dripped from his lips. He was starting to lose vision. Blinking slowly as the world around him grew dimmer. shadowess - March 2, 2021 Parker didn't hear Carter shouting him. He couldn't hear anything through the voices forcing their way into his mind. All things he'd heard people say to him in the past week but all at once so he could barely distinguish one from the other. It was all just noise and his head hurt so much that he could barely see straight. He ran faster towards the window in desperation to make it end. "Gotta...make it...stop!" He said through gritted teeth as he ran. Then the window disappeared and instead of running through it, he ran face first into the wall of Carter's office. He stumbled backwards and fell onto his back, losing consciousness almost immediately. The force of him running into the wall had left a crack in the paint, caused a loud bang that could be heard throughout the house and left him with a small trickle of blood falling from his forehead. The noise had woken Tom up, who'd been snoozing on Nate's chest, the feathers from his wings had kept them warm. He lifted his head to look towards the washroom door. "What was that?" --- Parker vanished and Carter tripped. Sebastian watched him tumble out of the window, his heart leaping into his throat as he watched him suddenly disappear through the glass. He skid to a halt over the window and looked down at Carter, his heart beating rapidly and aching terribly at the sight. "CARTER!!" "Oh, shit!" Amelia also came to a stop at the window, looking down. Without hesitation, both she and Sebastian jumped down, both landing skillfully on their feet near Carter. "Carter! Carter!!" Sebastian started sobbing, trying to lift him to pull the glass out, praying it hadn't struck his heart. Amelia inspected the wound. Being a vampire, it was amazing the kinds of shit they could survive. As long as his heart was intact, he'd live. It would just take him a while to heal and might even make his hunger worse until he'd healed completely. She looked up at Charles hurriedly. "Alex had been ready to jump to his death. He shouldn't be left alone. I'll help Sebastian with Carter, can you go make sure Alex doesn't do anything stupid?" As she said this she grabbed a nearby shard of glass and sliced her wrist open, hovering it over Carter's mouth. They had no way of knowing how bad his injury was but her blood might help him to heal faster...who knows? It might even save his life. "I think avoiding Alex learning the truth is a lost cause at this point..." She added. Denix Vames - March 2, 2021 Nate sat up. "I don't know but let's go find out." Both men got dressed. They headed out of the washroom and to the living room. Nate's wings went back into him. "Looks like we've got company." He knelt by Paker's side. "And I know who he is too. I can see everyone's life story when I first meet them." He placed a hand over Parker's head. There was a glow and then the wound was gone. He placed him on the couch. "He'll be fine now. Just needs to rest." ----- Charles nodded at her. He disappeared. Carter cringed as he was being moved. The large shard had barely missed his heart. The world seemed to be getting darker. He could hardly breath. Trickles of blood hit his lips. He slightly opened them. Letting Amelia's blood enter his system. shadowess - March 2, 2021 Once on the couch, Tom looked at Parker curiously. "Who is he?" He asks, looking back at Nate in wonder. The more he learned about Nate, the more amazed be became by his abilities. On the couch, Parker stirred. Groaning as his face contorted a bit and he turned his head. Sleepily, he brought a hand up to rub his face. --- Seeing him in so much pain was torment for Sebastian who worked quickly to remove every shard of glass he could find from his body so that his wounds could begin the process of healing themselves. He shared a knowing look with Amelia as he gripped the last shard of glass. "Last one...you ready?" He said. Pulling this out will help his body to begin healing itself. But so much damage will have a cost. Carter won't be able to control his hunger. Amelia nodded. Keeping her wrist close to Carter's mouth. She let out a shaky breath. "If you can hear me, Carter. You're an absolute moron but we don't want to lose you." She scolded him with a shaking voice, holding back her own tears. "So, you take as much as you need from me to feel better. Do you understand?" She took another deep breath and looked back at Sebastian. "As much. As you need." Sebastian yanked out the last piece and they both held their breath. Denix Vames - March 2, 2021 Nate read Parker's face. "He's a detective of the NYPD. He was once kidnapped by a vampire and forced to marry. Made to do his bidding. He's also half demon. He was attempting to kill himself before someone saved him." He sat on the coffee table with his wings out. "Hello there Parker. Don't be afraid. I'm an angel. And no, you're not dead." ----- Carter cried out once the large shard was pulled out of him. He gasped for air. Finally breathing somewhat after that shard came out of him. "S-Sebastian.....I'm sorry." shadowess - March 2, 2021 "That's awful!" Tom was appalled by this man's story. He barely looked as old as Tom was and he'd been through all that?! Makes what Tom went through seem like a dream in comparison. Hearing the voice and coming to, Parker sat up and backed into the corner of the couch. Staring wide eyed at the Angel in front of him. His eyes darted between Tom and Nate. "Wh-who are you people?!" He looked around the unfamiliar house, shaking. "Where am I?!" His eyes snapped back to Nate and at last he registered what he was seeing. What he'd just been told. An Angel?! His head pounded. He gripped his head again and grit his teeth, curling up into a ball as he saw another memory flash through his mind. He was standing in a room with Bryce. Drinking...was that blood? out of a glass. Bryce was talking. "Although, you are half human, half devil, and half vampire. I wonder. Could you be immune to the sunlight?" "H-half Devil?" He heard himself say in the memory. Then he was in another room. A different bedroom. Bryce seemed angry. "First of all, I never wanted your kind! Not really. All I wanted was a husband who I could drain humans with. That's why I chose Carter. But when that didn't work, I became desperate. And so I chose you. Of which I regret my decision completely. You've been out of control. Nothing but a waste of my time." Parker gasped and looked around wildly. He was back in the room with the Angel and Tom. Tom was watching him with a mixture of fascination and worry. Alex sobbed into his knees. He'd felt it. He'd felt the love he'd had for Bryce and then he felt the heartbreak of losing him all over again. The anger he felt from being rejected. He was rocking a little as he wept. His memories were beginning to make sense and he didn't like any of it. "Make it stop...I just want to make it stop..." He was contemplating suicide again. A variety of ideas running through his head. From slitting his wrists to swallowing as many pills as he could get his hands on. --- Relieved to hear him breathing normally and even talking, Sebastian no longer even cared that he had been angry with him earlier. He was just happy to not lose the man he loved. He held him gently from behind so Carter could lean against him and he kissed the side of his head. Smiling through his tears. "Doesn't matter now." Sebastian whispered to him. "You're ok. You're going to be ok. Charles is with Parker. He'll be alright too. We'll explain everything to him..." "And then yell at you later." Amelia laughed, tears falling down her cheeks. She was still holding her wrist up for him. "For now...just focus on recovering. Parker is going to need all the friends he can get now...and that includes you." Denix Vames - March 2, 2021 Nate rolled his eyes. "Humans are so dramatic." He placed a hand over his head. Giving him all of his memories back. "And fyi, Bryce was being abusive. Not the type of guy I would cry over." ----- A few tears left Carter. "Human.....I want to be.....So much pain.....Pain...." His eyes closed. Everything blacked out. shadowess - March 2, 2021 Alex stiffened when he felt the hand on his head. Then he saw it all. It all played out in his mind and all he could do was watch. He saw, heard and felt all of it as if it was happening all over again. While this truth began to sink in, Parker sat still. Staring off, across the room with his mouth slightly agape. He shivered a little as he sat there, silent. Of all the horrors he'd gone through and the horrible things he did for Bryce, one memory stood out to him. It made him question himself. Question his sanity. While they had been laying low, Bryce had taught him how to bottle blood...which resulted in a death...one that even now, Parker struggled to feel bad about. He'd enjoyed it...and that terrified him. He looked down at his hands. He was human now. How had this happened? "What was in that vial?!" He gasped, recalling his last memory before his blackout being Bryce forcing him to drink the liquid. An burning anger was rising within him. He'd been changed against his will, not just once. But twice. --- Amelia lowered her hand and put pressure on her wrist, exchanging a concerned look with Sebastian. Sebastian crumpled, burying his face in Carter's shoulder and sobbing into it. Why hadn't he just talked to him first? Why did he just sneak out like that? The fact he'd gone behind Sebastian's back like that had hurt him. But now he was more worried about Carter's state of mind. Quietly, Amelia placed her hand on Sebastian's arm and teleported all three of them to Carter's office. Once there, she looked up and saw Nate, Tom and Parker...but no Charles. "Where's Charles?" She asked, looking around the room. Hearing the female's voice, Parker looked up and stared at her. "Y-you!" He shivered. "You're the woman that we...that I..." he trailed off, looking at the ground ashamedly. "I was a monster..." He whispered, hugging his knees a little tighter. Amelia shook her head. "You were an inexperienced Devil with a monster for guidance." She said simply. "I've already forgiven you, Alex."

Denix Vames - March 1, 2021 "I'm sorry, Parker, but you have to leave." Carter ignored the ringing as he forced him out of the club. "Just tell me why you're here. Because I know damn well that it ain't hanging out and having a good time." shadowess - March 1, 2021 Carter had managed to drag Parker out of the club with absolutely no effort, which only pissed Alex off. He'd pulled as hard as he could but nothing seemed to phase this man. When they were finally outside, Parker looked at Carter suspiciously. "Well, in case you forgot. One of us still works for the force and I'm currently following up a missing persons report." He tried again to get his arm out of Carter's grip. "So, why shouldn't I be looking here? Huh? Got somethin' to hide?!" -------- Voicemail again...that can't be good. This time, Sebastian dials Amelia's number. -------- Having fallen asleep on the couch with Charles, Amelia groaned at the sound of her mobile ringing. She took it out of her pocket and answered sleepily. "Hello?" "Hey, Amelia? Carter's gone and he's not answering his phone. Have you seen him?" Amelia sat up, waking up quickly. "No, but I can probably find him for you." She replied, trying to mask her worry. "Hang on, I'll call you back when I know what's going on." She hung up and looked at Charles. "I think I'm going to have to stop Carter sooner than expected. How are you feeling?" Denix Vames - March 1, 2021 Carter glared. "I'm not trying to hide anything. I'm trying to help you. Just get out of here. Whoever you're trying to look for isn't here and there never was a trace of them here either." He poked at his chest. "I told you to go live your life. To take care of yourself. Not to put yourself in any more danger." ------ Charles slowly sat up. "I'm a bit better. But I think I should go to in case anything happens." shadowess - March 1, 2021 Parker stood his ground and glared right back at Carter. Now he knew he was hiding something. "You sure about that? You sound like you know who I'm talking about." He snapped back then blinked at Carter's next words, unable to recall when he'd said anything like that. "When?!" He stared at Carter, growing increasingly frustrated that his memories were all over the place. --- Amelia nodded and stood up, holding her hand out for him to take. If Carter's gone looking for Carter, then there's a chance he'd found him by now. They would need to be careful to not teleport too close or they'd risk Parker seeing them appear out of thin air. That might not end well for him. She pictured Carter in her mind then imagined them being a couple of miles away from him. It meant they'd have to look around for him a bit but at least they wouldn't risk Parker seeing them appear. When they teleported, they were only down the road from the vampire club. Amelia sighed at this realization. "Great...of all places..." They began hurrying towards the club. --- Sebastian couldn't just sit by and wait around for a phone call, he needed to go out looking for him. Something wasn't right and Sebastian was going to find out what was going on. He left the house and began running, following Carter's scent. Denix Vames - March 1, 2021 "I'm not but you can't stay here! It's not safe for you!" Carter raised a brow. "Don't you remember? Back at that strip club? I told you there." Charles and Amelia ran over to them. "Carter!" Carter glared at them. He grabbed Parker by his arm and started running away from their direction. "We have to get out of here!" shadowess - March 1, 2021 Parker fell quiet as Carter spoke. He was suddenly seeing him standing in the women's restroom, a woman's corpse on the floor. Stab wounds. No blood. Carter had asked him how old he was. Out loud and as if in a trance, Parker mumbled "I'm...nineteen..." He lowered his eyes to the ground, eyebrows knitting together, his head pounding. "T-twenty...next month..." He lifted a hand to his head, looking pained. Before he could recover or make sense of what had just happened, Carter was pulling him along. He snapped back to his senses and looked behind him at who was chasing them. The male he didn't recognize but the female...he'd seen her before...he recalled his memory back in that basement of a woman tied up with a cloth in her mouth. It's her! Just as quickly, his mind snapped to a memory of her shaking hands with Bryce in the vampire club while saying "Sebastian and Carter will be here momentarily with drinks. I was simply too eager to make your acquaintance." Then the vision was gone again. His head was pounding so painfully, he felt like passing out. "W-what is happening?!" He started freaking out, trying to pull away from Carter. "Why are you doing this?!" "Carter! Stop!" Amelia shouted behind them, still running after them. Sebastian appeared in front of Carter, having run the distance as fast as he could. To Parker, he'd arrived so quickly that he seemed to just 'appear'. Seeing Parker in his grasp, Sebastian looked between them in shock and confusion. "What are you doing?!" Having seen how quickly Sebastian had moved, Parker was gripping his head and gritting his teeth in agony. He remembered getting out of his car and pointing his gun at Bryce who was holding an unconscious Carter while running at an impossible speed. He let out an anguished cry, his nose beginning to bleed. 'I'm going mad!' He thought to himself. 'That's what's happening! I'm losing my damn mind!' Denix Vames - March 1, 2021 Carter grit his teeth. "Just let me talk to him!" He lifted him off the ground. He zoomed past Sebastian. Taking Parker to the abandoned mall. "It's alright, Parker. I'm going to help you." shadowess - March 2, 2021 "Oh, no you don't!" Sebastian muttered angrily as he sped after Carter. Both vampires had run far too quickly for Amelia and Charles to keep up and were gone within seconds. "Fuck!" Amelia slowed to a stop and bent over a bit, placing her hands on her knees while trying to catch her breath. The next thing Parker knew, they were moving at an impossible speed. This was just like in his dream! When Bryce had carried him...Bryce...He heard his voice again; "Remember that I love you. I would never let anything happen to you." He covered his face and sobbed. "Why?!" He heard Carter's voice and lowered his hands, shaking. He looked around at the abandoned mall then at Carter. "What's wrong with me? My head hurts!" He cried. Only a few seconds later, Sebastian tracked them down. "Carter!" He barked angrily. His voice echoing through the mall. "Talk to me! What do you hope to achieve here?!" Denix Vames - March 2, 2021 Charles held out his hand. "We can be there before they even know it." Carter had placed him on the floor. Having him lean against the wall. "There's nothing wrong with you. You've just forgotten because we made you forget." He stood. His eyes flashed yellow. "I want to talk to him! After what he's been through, he deserves to know the truth!" His fangs sprouted as it seemed like he was ready to fight. "You won't keep me from helping him!" shadowess - March 2, 2021 Standing straight, Amelia nods at Charles. "I was hoping to not freak Parker out but I guess that's already gone out the window at this point..." She said as she took his hand. They made him forget?! Forget what?! Is that why there's a gap in his memory? What did he do to warrant that?! Parker was hyperventilating. He brought a hand up to his nose then looked at the blood on his fingers, frightened. He felt like his head was ready to explode. He looked up when Sebastian shouted at Carter then he froze when he saw how Carter reacted. Memories forced their way into his head all at once. He remembered Bryce introducing himself as a vampire. He remembered seeing Sebastian drinking from Carter. He remembered Bryce grabbing him, biting him. He lifted a hand to his throat shakily. He remembered drinking blood. How hot it was as he drank it...How it tasted. But that's not right. It can't be right. He's human! He eats normal food. Walks in the sun and goes to work like any other guy. "No...." He muttered, tears pouring from his eyes. He gripped his head. "Not right...It's not right...not real...not me...not real..." Sebastian was disturbed by what this was apparently doing to Parker. "You think this is the right way to go about it?! Look at him Carter! He's terrified!" Just as Sebastian had shouted that, Parker sprang to his feet and began sprinting through the mall. He had no destination in mind. He could barely think at all. He just wanted to get away. Get away from Carter. Get away from those confusing memories. Get away from everything.

Denix Vames - March 1, 2021 Charles sighed. "Fine. I'm sure they're still sleeping anyway." He tried to sit up but grew dizzy. "I wish I'd knew when this crap is going to wear off." shadowess - March 1, 2021 (I might have to write up what Alex has been up to since he was found outside the station xD Been thinking it over all day and have a few ideas.) Amelia smiled, gently holding Charles to steady him. "For me, whenever I push myself too far, it usually only lasts for about a day." She wasn't so sure about Charles though. He might recover just as quickly for all she knew but it was apparent that he had far more power than she did. Denix Vames - March 1, 2021 (well at least you got some ideas) Charles closed his eyes. "I'm hoping for less." ----- Day soon became night. Carter had gotten himself dressed. He put on his jacket. He made his way downstairs. Quickly, he sank his teeth into a bag before making his way to the front door. shadowess - March 1, 2021 (lol Mkay, I'm typing up Parker's experiences now. This should be interesting xD Might take a little while.) Denix Vames - March 1, 2021 (alright. do you want Carter to make it to the station? cause i was thinking of him and Sebastian having an argument about going there.) shadowess - March 1, 2021 (Carter could go looking for him at the station if he wants but he won't find him there. I was thinking maybe Blaire could call Carter to let him know she saw Alex was snooping around the Vampire club? lol) Denix Vames - March 1, 2021 (that would be something. ill write that scene down.) Carter stopped when he heard his phone ringing. He quickly answered so as not to wake anyone in the house. "Blaire? What's up?" Blaire was whispering as she spoke. "Big problems here. Alex is around. The guy you told me wasn't a vampire anymore? Well, now he's coming here and asking questions. I think a part of him still remembers something or maybe he wants answers? Either way, he's going to be a target if you don't come here and stop this." "I'll be there as soon as possible. Just try to distract him." "Easier said than done but alright." She hung up. Carter closed the door. He zoomed his way to the vampire club which he was glad he could detect by scent nowadays. It made traveling in this city a lot easier but sometimes really smelly. He soon made it to the club where Blaire was trying to coax Parker into some drinks. He stepped inside. "Parker?" shadowess - March 1, 2021 Parker had been suffering from nightmares since he was found laying unconscious outside the police station a few days ago. His memory of the couple of days prior completely gone. Like he'd blacked out or something. He frequently woke up crying, as if he'd lost something important. Unable to even really remember his dreams. The only thing he could recall from his nightmares being piercing yellow eyes. The precinct had made him see a therapist when it became apparent he had no will to live, and as a result he was given anti-depressants which he never took. But still, he went to work the next day as if life was normal. That was until his superior gave him a missing persons job. He opened up the file, looked at the photo and his face went white as a sheet. Red hair and yellow eyes. Name; Bryce Heathcliffe. The local grocery store reported him missing when he didn't turn up for work and didn't answer their calls. Parker held his head in his hands and felt breathless. The room swam and his head felt like it was splitting in two. He closed his eyes and the moment he did, he saw the man standing in front of him. "Come now. We have to start the wedding soon." He heard him say and just as quickly, he was gone again. Alex gasped and opened his eyes. It was so surreal. It was like he'd actually been standing in front of him, talking to him. Wedding? What wedding?! This was weird. Had he known him?! He needed to find out! What if this guy has something to do with his blackout?! His investigations soon led him to the burned up mansion. He kicked through the ash and debris until he found the stone steps that lead down into the basement. The memories that were triggered there... First, he looked at the chains on the wall. Again, his vision blurred and his head pounded. He closed his eyes and saw a woman chained there with what looked like a cloth in her mouth. Then she was gone. A little dizzy, he made his way further in and found something shiny in the ashes. He picked it up and saw it was a half charred police badge. Breathing heavily, he gripped his head and groaned as another memory forced it's way to the surface. It was another detective arguing with the captain outside of a nightclub. The Detective placed this badge into Parker's hand and said; "Take my advice kid. You want people you can trust? Try somewhere else. I quit." Then he was gone too and Parker was back in the burned up basement. He stumbled back and leant against the wall, catching his breath. He needed to keep going. He needed to know what happened. He left and headed for the club he'd seen in that memory. While at the club, he saw a familiar face. He recognized her but couldn't remember her. The girl however, seemed to remember him. She approached him and they got talking. Parker explained to her that he'd lost some of his memory and he was trying to get it back. The girl, Lucy, seemed to show pity for Alex and she told him everything she remembered from that day over drinks. That he'd come here with a Detective Carter to investigate the murder of one of the other girls that used to work there. That Carter didn't like the way her boss talked about them and punched him in the face, as a result got suspended from work but then quit. She hadn't seen Parker again since then. The night went on and they continued to drink and talk. Eventually they both stumbled back to Parker's apartment where one thing led to another. That night, Parker had the most vivid nightmare yet. He was curled up on a bed, crying. He looked up and saw Bryce with a phone in his hand, smiling at him. "Did you hear that Parker? We're going to a vampire club. How fun is that?" Next he was in his arms but the world was passing them by so quickly that he couldn't focus on anything that they passed. Frightened, he buried his face in Bryce's neck and heard him say; "Aww! Feeling a little scared? Well, it's nice to know that you're relying on me for support." Then they were stood outside somewhere. Parker was staring up at the stars, the other male holding him. He heard the words "You are now mine." They were outside next, running at impossible speeds in the warm sunlight. Laughing. Smiling at each other. "I'm impressed. You're quick at this." He heard Bryce say. Then they stood facing each other. Bryce began; "So let it be known that Bryce Heathcliffe and..." "Alexander Draven Parker" "Stand here together to promise that the other will sacrifice themselves in order to save the other one. That there is love and happiness in such a bond. One that can never be broken." Then he was sitting across from Bryce in his own apartment. Bryce looked severely injured but he leant forward and kissed him despite his pain before saying; "You're the only one that I love. The only one who I will ever love." "Bryce!" Parker gasped awake, sitting bolt upright. He looked around his bedroom in confusion then looked at Lucy next to him whom he'd just woken up. She was looking at him in an annoyed way. "Who's Bryce?!" "Uh...I'm not sure..." Alex admitted but Lucy scoffed and jumped out of his bed, snatching up her clothes and getting dressed. "Wait, what are you doing? It's three in the morning!" Alex asked as he watched her. She glared at him while putting on her shoes. "When you get over your ex, give me a call. But I am not going to be your rebound!" She snapped before storming out of his apartment. Rubbing his face with his hands he thought over the dream. Most of that couldn't have been real. It was impossible. Probably just dream stuff...but one thing he heard Bryce say...Vampire club...He was sure there was a club where gothic fanatics go to pretend to be vampires. Maybe he could ask around there...maybe someone there knows where this Bryce character went... --------------- Alex felt like he'd met this woman before as well. She seemed pretty insistent on getting him to buy drinks but the more she tried, the more on edge he felt. "Look, I just want to know if anyone has seen a guy matching this description. I don't want a drink, I'm trying to work." He said, beginning to get agitated with her. He just wanted to be left alone so he could scope the place out. Then a familiar voice caused him to pause and he blinked. He'd heard that voice before. He turned and looked at the man. "Carter?" He asked, remembering him from that small flashback he'd had. -------- Sebastian awoke several minutes after Carter had already left. Noticing the empty spot next to him, he sat up and rubbed his eyes while looking around the room. "Carter?" He got up and got dressed then made his way downstairs, looking around. He grabbed himself a blood bag while down there and drank it while still looking around the empty rooms, being sure to steer clear of the washroom. When he couldn't find Carter, he threw his empty bag into the bin and took out his new phone, dialing his number. Denix Vames - March 1, 2021 Carter was immediately concerned. "What are you doing here?! You shouldn't be here. This isn't your kind of scene." He gripped his arm. "Let's go." He attempted to take him out of the club. Denix Vames - March 1, 2021 He heard ringing from his phone. He quickly pulled it out and hit decline then stuffed it back in his pocket. (forgot to include this) shadowess - March 1, 2021 "What the-?!" Parker struggled to get out of Carter's grip as he ground his heels into the floor. "Let me go! Get off me!" --- Sebastian heard the voicemail message and lowered his phone, staring at it a little concerned. Why would Carter just leave the house without saying where he was going? Without even a "see you later."...and why was he now rejecting his call? Something was off here. He tried to call him again.

Denix Vames - February 28, 2021 Carter smiled. He blushed. "I wonder how vast and wide Hell is." He kissed him. shadowess - February 28, 2021 Kissing Carter in return, the hand that was on Carter's cheek rose to run his fingers through his hair before coming to rest gently on the back of Carter's head. His kisses strayed from Carter's mouth to his cheek and then to his ear where he carefully and playfully nibbled his earlobe. "Not nearly vast enough to keep me from you." He whispered into his ear then brought his kisses down to Carter's neck. Then to his shoulder. Then his chest, working his way down. (Aaaand private time xD ) --- Waking up a couple of hours later, Amelia sat up and rubbed her eyes sleepily. She got up and went into the bathroom to splash some cold water on her face. She didn't feel sick anymore, which she was glad of. Maybe eating now wouldn't be such a bad idea. She made her way to the kitchen and smiled at Charles on her way through. "Hey, you been up to much while I was passed out?" She said as she poured herself a glass of water. Denix Vames - February 28, 2021 (yep lol) Charles was fighting the dizziness he was feeling. His body felt weak. He tried not to show it as he smiled. "I've been doing just fine. I made some food for you. It's in the fridge if you want to reheat it." He made his way to the couch when he nearly fell. He leaned against the counter. "I-I'm fine." shadowess - February 28, 2021 Amelia had been about to head to the fridge when she saw how Charles was. She rushed over to him and put his arm around her shoulders. She'd smiled at his attempt to reassure her but her eyes reflected the worry she felt. "Don't be daft." She said in a gentle but firm way, letting him know she wasn't buying it. She helped him over to the couch to sit down. "What's up?" She asked, looking at him worried. "Is it because of what you did with the organization? Did you overexert yourself?" It would make sense. Charles had used far more power than she'd ever thought possible before. Denix Vames - February 28, 2021 Charles frowned. He was frustrated that he had a limit. He was able to do so much. But now? Seriously? "....Maybe?" He fell on his side. Laying on the couch. His breathing was slow as everything seemed to be fading away. "Water. Some water." shadowess - February 28, 2021 "On it." She said, bending down to give him a quick kiss on his forehead before hurrying back to the kitchen. She poured water into a jug and grabbed a glass. Bringing both into the living room, she poured the water from the jug into the glass before setting the jug down onto the coffee table. She then knelt by Charles and tried to help him up so he could have a drink. "Here. You just need to rest." She smiled at him "Guess it's my turn to take care of you." Denix Vames - February 28, 2021 Charles drank some sips. He sighed. "Yeah, it seems like it. But you don't have to. I'll be alright. You just enjoy yourself here. Relax." shadowess - March 1, 2021 Amelia gently swept some of his hair out of his face with her fingers while looking into his eyes with a small smile. "I don't mind." She said softly then stood and bent down to leave a lingering, tender kiss on his forehead. Standing straight, she looked into the kitchen. "I'm going to eat now, but if you need anything else I'll be happy to get it for you." She then walked into the kitchen towards the fridge and took out the plate he'd made for her. She smiled at it. "This looks great, thank you." Amelia then went about re-heating the plate before sitting herself at the table and eating it. When she was done, she washed her plate and headed back to the couch to sit near Charles, rubbing his back soothingly. Denix Vames - March 1, 2021 Charles smiled at her touch then frowned. "We need to talk to Carter soon. He's planning on finding Alex. He wants to talk to him. Get him to remember without having him turn back into a Blood God." shadowess - March 1, 2021 This news troubled Amelia. "We'll talk to him when we next see him. We both need to try to rest for now." She reassured him. She could see why Carter might think it'd be a good idea but Amelia new it wouldn't be fair on Alex. He'd already had the chance at an oblivious human life snatched away from him once. Doing it again would just be cruel, even if that's not the intention.

Denix Vames - February 28, 2021 "Cupid's literally banging a vampire. Something tells me that he doesn't care about God's rule book and his fellow angels." Carter laid back. "Besides, I'm pretty sure God's an egotistical prick anyway. He probably enjoyed watching me suffer when I lost my family." shadowess - February 28, 2021 Sebastian shrugged with a frown. "Who knows. Maybe we're all just ants to him at this point. Too many to keep track of and too small to really care about..." He was fiddling with a frayed piece of thread on his jeans as he spoke. He didn't like to think about the afterlife. Too depressing and too many unanswered questions that he never really dared to ask. "I don't know...humans and all other species have come a long way since we were created...In terms of societal progress...maybe the afterlife and God have ways of progressing too? I'd like to think so anyway...otherwise, it all just seems a bit...bleak." Denix Vames - February 28, 2021 Carter glared at the ceiling. "If and when I die, I rather go to Hell." shadowess - February 28, 2021 After his comment, Sebastian was quiet for a moment. Still frowning as he looked up and stared off at the wall thoughtfully. He placed a hand on Carter's leg and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Me too." He admitted quietly then sighed. "But not as someone who committed a sin...I'd be lying if I said I'd never given my death any thought before...and knowing what I know...I've thought about what I'd rather happen to my soul..." He glanced back at Carter momentarily, almost hesitant before looking away and saying "I'd want to be a Demon. So I could stick around to help Amelia. I kind of feel that I owe it to her after she saved me from the Asylum. No Angels came to rescue us. But Devils did." He then tilted his head a little and smiled. "Also because she's a good friend." Denix Vames - February 28, 2021 Carter sat up. "I'm not even so sure what I would be. A demon or a devil? Feels weird just to think about it." shadowess - February 28, 2021 Looking back at Carter, Sebastian shrugged. "I think it'd be a lot harder to become a Devil...and then there's the control aspect of it. All that power. I mean, you saw how much Vincent struggled to control his anger and Amelia has to keep a special Angel crystal on her at all times in case she 'hulks out'... Maybe it's something we can ask Amelia about when we next see her? Know what our options are..." Denix Vames - February 28, 2021 Carter sighed. "Yeah, that shit was crazy. I've never something like that before. But that makes me wonder..." He looked at him. "If souls down below can become demons or devils then can souls above become angels?" shadowess - February 28, 2021 Sebastian thought about that possibility for a moment. "Maybe...I mean, it'd make sense, wouldn't it?" He looked down at the bedsheets in contemplation. "I never really thought of that before..." He admitted. Denix Vames - February 28, 2021 Carter frowned. He placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I'm making you focus so much on this." He leaned his head against his. "We should be resting right now." shadowess - February 28, 2021 Half laughing, Sebastian grinned at Carter. His kind eyes looking into his. "I don't mind. I like being able to talk to you like this." He brought a hand up and caressed his cheek. "If there is one thing that I truly want when we die. It's to be able to spend our afterlife together too." He brought his thumb down and lightly brought it over Carter's lower lip. "I'd travel the endless expanse of Hell just to stay by your side."

Denix Vames - February 28, 2021 Carter ran over. He sniffed. "Looks like the scent leads over there " He pointed to his left. ----- Nate, still naked, smirked. He stood from the floor where there were many scattered feathers around from before. He cupped his chin. Looking into his eyes. "Oh c'mon. What's the rush? They can wait." shadowess - February 28, 2021 Sebastian looked at Carter then at the door to the washroom. He stepped up to it cautiously and knocked. "Hey, Tom. You in there? Are you ok?" --- Tom couldn't take his eyes off of Nate as he approached. He stood close and the way he cupped his chin and looked at him sent shivers through Tom. His scent was utterly intoxicating and the commanding presence he had made Tom weak at the knees, unable to help blushing like crazy. He couldn't deny that he had an overpowering physical attraction to him. His words made Tom bite his lower lip, unable to resist his temptations. He heard the knock on the door and Sebastian's voice and without really thinking about it he called back; "Yep. Busy! Please go away." He never once took his eyes away from Nate. Denix Vames - February 28, 2021 Carter sniffed again. "Wait a minute. Is that....?" His eyes widened. He became red all over his face. He pulled Sebastian away from the room. "I don't know that new scent but I can definitely smell something else. And for both our sakes Sebastian, I think we should leave those two lovebirds alone." ----- Nate chuckled. "See? What'd I tell ya?" He brought a hand under his shirt. Caressing his chest as he kissed him. shadowess - February 28, 2021 It took him a moment but as soon as Carter pulled him away, Sebastian also became aware of a couple of different scents. He too became red and chuckled embarrassed. "Right, yeah." They walked back to their bedroom in silence. Once in the bedroom, Sebastian closed the door, leaning against it and chortled. "Wow...that was a close one." --- Tom kissed him back and moaned a little when he felt Nate's hand slip under his shirt. He took his shirt off and threw it to the side, wanting to feel Nate's bare chest against his own again and kissed him deeply. He placed one hand on his waist while running his other hand through his hair. Denix Vames - February 28, 2021 Carter crossed his arms. He shook his head. "Something about that mystery guy's scent was off though. It's like it's really rich. Like a diamonds kind of rich. I mean do werewolves smell like that? Is there anything else that could smell like that?" ----- Nate's wings sprouted. They slightly curved forward. Keeping themselves like a shield on Tom. With the washer turning on by his own magic, the vibrations of it were going like crazy. He smiled into another kiss. Knowing what he was planning to do on that washer to Tom. (private time) ----- Carter blushed. "Are they seriously....?" He covered his face as if he had seen it happen. "I don't even want to picture it." shadowess - February 28, 2021 (lol Nice) "I know what you mean" Sebastian commented thoughtfully. He shook his head a little. "I don't think I've..." He then paused, he'd been about to say he'd never smelt anything like it but that wouldn't be true. He'd smelt something similar once before. Albeit, it was somewhat masked by the smell of death and dozens of other scents from a variety of different species but he'd smelt it at least once. "No wait...I think I have smelt that before...back when Amelia and Damien set me free...when I went to help them and...there was a dead Angel on an operating table..." Hearing the washer turn on, Sebastian's face became very red. Carter's reaction making him burst out laughing. "Kinda jealous we didn't think of it though." He laughed. Denix Vames - February 28, 2021 "I am never doing it on a washer. I honestly don't think I'll be able to wash my clothes there anymore." Carter shivered. He tried to put the thought aside. Focusing on what he said earlier." "So, you said an angel? Does that mean that this one is ok with us? From what I've been told, it seems like angels are dicks." shadowess - February 28, 2021 Chuckling at Carter's reply, Sebastian nods. "Yeah, we might need to buy a new washer after today..." He then thought for a moment, walking over to sit on the end of the bed as he did. "Maybe. Vincent said Charles set him free...maybe the Angel arrived with him? I know there's a war between Heaven and Hell but Amelia is always talking about ending that war...Maybe this Angel wants to help?" He sighed, shrugging his shoulders. "Guess we'll have to wait to ask." Denix Vames - February 28, 2021 Carter sat next to him. "An ongoing war? Even to this day?" He chuckled. "And I thought us humans were bad with our wars." shadowess - February 28, 2021 Sebastian chuckled at Carter's comment, turning to face him as he sat down. "Yeah, apparently the afterlife know how to hold a grudge..." He laughed. "It's why Amelia's always been so jumpy about crossing paths with Angels. She never normally stays in one place for long for that reason. Apparently it's a kill on sight rule that they have and Amelia being Amelia, she doesn't want to fight if she doesn't have to. But if this Angel came here with Charles then maybe they're ok?"

Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Charles frowned. He could tell that something was wrong. He just wasn't sure what was making her feel this way. Maybe it was Clementine's death? It seemed that way. Once he finished up, he saved some leftovers for Amelia and ate his own share. ----- Carter sat up too. He cracked his knuckles. He had enough of this. "I got it." He stormed downstairs. He stopped when he saw that Vincent was sitting on the couch. Free from his cage. "Sebastian! Get down here!" shadowess - February 27, 2021 Hearing the urgency in Carter's voice, Sebastian flung himself out of bed and raced down the stairs. Not stopping to put a shirt on first this time as he assumed it was an emergency. He ground to a halt when he saw what Carter was seeing. "Wha-?! Where'd the cage go??" Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Vincent stumbled out of the couch. "Charlie boy freed me. I'm the good guy now. Yay!" He fell on Carter who caught him. The bottle slipped out of Vincent's hand. "You're....cute...." He fell fast asleep. Carter sighed. "Alright. Time for bed." He lifted him off the floor. "Better tell Elliot about this." shadowess - February 27, 2021 Sebastian rolled his eyes at Vincent. He could smell the booze and his last remark just went to prove that he was back to his old, randy self. He sighed and nodded at Carter before looking around the room curiously. They hadn't had a chance to clean up the mess from the previous night but he was pretty sure some of this mess was new. He made a mental note to ask Vincent about it when he was sober. With Carter's hands full, Sebastian lead the way upstairs and headed towards the spare room where he knocked on the door and called out "Hey Elliot, you awake? We might need a hand here, buddy." Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Elliot sat up and yawned as he stretched. He walked over and opened the door. "What the-?! How is he-?" "It's a long story but you're safe. He seems to be fine now." He frowned. Examining his face. "He was going on about drinking blood. Getting more powerful and all that crap. How is he fine now?" "We're not sure but that's just how it seems." shadowess - February 27, 2021 Sebastian stepped to one side to let Carter through with Vincent so he could put him on the bed. "Yeah, it looks like he's back to how he was when he was good." Sebastian agreed. "We just found him drunk off his ass downstairs, rambling about how Charles let him out. The cage was gone too. Look, I know you two had a bit of a falling out earlier, but maybe it'll help if you tried talking to him again when he's sober, now that he's not bad anymore. Would you be up for doing that?" Sebastian then glanced around the bedroom and noted the empty bed as well as the bedding on the floor. "Hey, where's Tom by the way? I thought he'd come in here with you?" Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Elliot hesitated. He crossed his arms. "Fine. Just put him there." Carter placed Vincent on the bed. Elliot shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe he's downstairs in the kitchen?" shadowess - February 27, 2021 Sebastian looked at Carter worriedly. The sun was still up, so he couldn't have left the house. He didn't see him downstairs but then again, they only really saw one room and were distracted by Vincent at the time. "You think he's ok?" He asked uncertainly. Sebastian was worried that after everything Tom had gone through that he might do something drastic or that he might not know how to handle his new senses just yet and might feel overwhelmed. A small part of him wondered if having Amelia's blood in his system when turning Tom might have had any sort of impact on his transformation, though he doubted there was much risk there given the low dosage. Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Carter frowned. "I don't know. Let's go look around." "Guess I'll go back to sleep then. Hope you find him." ,said Elliot. Carter and Sebastian headed back downstairs where they started their search. shadowess - February 28, 2021 They looked around downstairs. As they did, Sebastian called out "Tom?" a couple of times. He walked into the kitchen and found the empty blood bag on the floor. "Carter, come here!" He picked it up. "Looks like he got up at some point for a drink..." --- Still out of breath from their fun, Tom was hurriedly trying to dress himself when they'd heard Sebastian calling out for him. He looked over at Nate, his cheeks red. "I- I-...That was...um...I don't normally do things like this..." He flustered.

Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 "It'll be fine. Vincent will explain everything to them. They'll see that he's free for a good reason." Charles held her hand. "Trust me. Things will be fine here." Vincent burped. He raised the bottle in his hand up. "Yeah! I got it!" shadowess - February 27, 2021 She smiled at Vincent then at Charles. She could see there would be no arguing with these two. She didn't really feel up to arguing either. All she wanted to do right now was lay down and try to feel better. With a defeated sigh, she nodded. "Alright." She said, leaning forward to rest her forehead against Charles's and closing her eyes. "I trust you." Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 "Thank you." Charles held her in his arms. They disappeared. He placed her on the bed. "If you need anything then please let me know." shadowess - February 27, 2021 When Charles lifted her, she wrapped an arm around his shoulders. When they arrived in his home and he put her down on the bed, she smiled up at him. "Thank you." Now that she was away from the smell of alcohol, she didn't feel quite as sick. "I think I'm just going to sleep it off for a while." She said as she lay down. She then reached out and held his hand, rubbing her thumb over it with a thoughtful expression before bringing her eyes up to his. "Thank you...for everything." If not for Charles, there'd still be the organization to deal with. Clementine would still be around and most likely plotting Amelia's demise and she would have still had the burden of trying to achieve peace on her own. She was truly grateful to have Charles in her life. She felt even more fortunate that he loved her as much as she loved him. Despite all the bad things that had happened lately, she felt like there was some hope for the future. That maybe they'll finally reach peace and have a happy life. Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Charles knelt. A few tears left him. He kissed her hand. He brought her hand over his cheek. "I'd destroy the moon for you." shadowess - February 27, 2021 The way he looked at her. How he kissed her hand. She saw his tears and when he placed her hand to his cheek she used her thumb to wipe some of the away. His words touched her deeply and for a moment she was speechless, feeling her heart beat a little harder as she looked at him. She smiled and sat up to kiss him tenderly. Pulling away, she kept her lips close to his while looking into his eyes and grinned as she whispered. "I'll settle for peace instead." Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Charles smiled. "A good choice I'd say." He stood. "I'm going to go eat. I'll save something for you." shadowess - February 27, 2021 "Alright. Thank you." Amelia smiled as she lay back down. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to relax herself. It didn't take her long to fall asleep. Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Charles was in the kitchen. Cooking salmon along with cheesy potatoes and seasoned green beans. ---- Vincent had put away a few of the bottles of alcohol in the fridge. Leaving two bottles for himself to finish. He began singing but terribly. Waking up everybody in the house. shadowess - February 27, 2021 The smell of salmon reached Amelia's nose and while she'd normally love that smell, for some reason it just made her nausea feel a little worse. She turned on her side with a groan and stuffed her face into the pillow to block the smell. After a few deep breaths to settle her stomach again, she quickly fell back to sleep. --- Sebastian was woken up by the god awful singing coming from downstairs. He groaned and rubbed his eyes. "Can we ever get a full day's sleep?!" He complained as he sat up.

shadowess - February 27, 2021 ((You could probably add a few things to what he would find in Clementine's house. But a couple of things he'd definitely find are some books from the library that are specifically various spells that Demons and Devils can perform. Another book which would essentially be alchemy recipes which is where she got the recipe to make the serum that made Alex into a human. The angelic dagger. A few old looking Angel feathers. An entire drawer full of the serum which would mean she'd lied to Sebastian to try to manipulate him into letting Amelia stay human as a kinder way of getting rid of her. Bryce's book. As well as some other potions with various effects.)) --- Amelia pulled back and wiped away her tears. "That's awesome. Guess the Angel's knew what they were doing when they made those..." She chuckled. "I just thought...with us each having a half of the same crystal it's almost like we have one of those friendship pendant things that you can put together." She sighed and looked at Clementine's pile of ash sadly. "Don't suppose you're still abstaining from drinking, are you? Because I could really use a drink right now..." --- Tom wondered what he'd meant by that but then lost all train of thought as he felt Nate's tongue slip into his mouth and caress his own tongue. He couldn't help letting out a small moan, feeling both excited and nervous. He'd never done anything like this before and this man seemed pretty strong. Stronger than him anyway. Which became even more apparent as the Angel lifted him off the ground with ease and began carrying him away to another room. (Private time for Nate & Tom) Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 (alright) Charles's eyes widened at the sight of the dolls that stood. He glared at them. "So this is what she did to those who disagreed with her?" He waved a hand at them. The dolls shattered into pieces. "I'm sorry that this happened to all of you." He stepped into the house with ease. He searched everywhere. Finding the angelic items along with some important books, Bryce's book, and the serum that had been used to turn Alex back into a human. He grit his teeth as he saw the serum. "That lying bitch." He let the serums fall. Shattering on the floor. Spilling everywhere. He burned all the books but took the angelic items with him. Once he stepped, he destroyed the house. ----- Vincent raised a brow. "Really? Never had one of those before." He stood. "I could use a drink too." (yep) shadowess - February 27, 2021 Amelia stood up and thought for a moment. She then vanished and re-appeared a few minutes later with two shopping bags full of various colored bottles. Some were pre-mixed cocktails, some rum, whiskey and vodka. "Wasn't sure what I was craving so I just picked one of everything." She shrugged and set the bags down. Picking out one of the cocktail bottles, she sat on the couch and relaxed. "Help yourself." She said before opening the bottle and knocking it back. It was nice to have a drinking buddy again. Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Vincent took two glasses from the kitchen. He set them on the coffee table before sitting next to her. He smiled. "Thank you. I'm sure this will all taste good." shadowess - February 27, 2021 It was still difficult to believe that Clementine would betray her like that. Amelia had always known her to be closed off and a bit stand offish but to go that far? She'd grown up knowing Clementine. She remembered stumbling upon her house for the first time as a kid. How shocked she'd been to see a living child wander into her home in Hell. The argument between her and David as David made her swear to never tell Lucifer about Amelia. Whenever Amelia had gotten sick or hurt herself, Clementine turned up with one potion or another to make her well again...then promptly scolded her for showing weakness. Whenever Amelia slipped out of the library to explore and Clementine found her first, she'd spend a moment telling Amelia stories about the area she'd found before guiding her safely back to the library. At that point, Clementine seemed content to nurture Amelia into one day joining them as a Demon or a Devil. It seemed that Clementine's resentment only truly started when Lucifer disappeared and Amelia began convincing Damien that things in Hell needed to change. Then of course Damien was obliterated and Amelia supposed Clementine just couldn't stand the thought of her taking the position of power, making changes in Hell and trying to end the war. Amelia sighed heavily, trying to push those memories away as she poured the liquid into the glass. She offered Vincent some of the liquid from the bottle she was drinking too. Pouring him a glass of whatever drink he wanted to try before sitting back and drinking from her glass. "Sometimes I wonder if Damien's advice was right...about not trusting anyone." She said sadly, staring into her glass. "I've known Clementine all my life...but she was trying to get rid of me for god knows how long...and I didn't even know...I just thought she had an attitude problem..." Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Vincent looked into the glass before sighing. "Someone out there is always going to betray us. Not everybody. Just a few. But that's how things are. If we stop trusting people then we stop trusting our friends, lovers, and anyone who's willing to work with us. What Clementine did shouldn't stray you away from trust." He drank a sip. Charles appeared. Holding the dagger and handcuffs. "I found them. That snake's house has been destroyed." In his hands, he crushed both items. Shattering them into pieces. "She had so many damn tricks up her sleeves. I probably should have tortured her before killing her but I couldn't stand her being alive any longer with power like that. If she had a better perspective of the world then I would have spared her." Vincent frowned. "I don't blame you." shadowess - February 27, 2021 Amelia thought on what Vincent said as she looked at her glass. After a moment, she smiled a little. "Yeah, you're right. I think I'd go crazy if I couldn't trust anyone..." She then looked up as Charles re-appeared and she watched in astonishment as he destroyed the items seemingly with ease. She found herself wondering again just how powerful this Devil was...and then her mind slipped into thinking how much of a turn on what he just did was. He then talked about the things Clementine had been hiding and she lowered her eyes back to her glass again sadly. "I don't want to talk about Clementine anymore..." She said quietly, still upset over the betrayal. The whole thing made her feel sick...she lifted the glass to her lips then paused. She didn't want to drink anymore. The smell of the alcohol was also making her feel nauseous. Like, really nauseous. She put it down on the table, her nose creasing a little in disgust at the drink. Feeling a little better as she sat back, away from the smell of it. That was weird. She'd never been put off of drinking like that before. Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Charles frowned. He walked over. Putting a hand on her shoulder. "Is everything alright?" Vincent drank the rest of his glass. He poured himself another as he continued to drink. Not wanting to be involved. Instead, he wanted to keep drinking because he was done with stressful situations. shadowess - February 27, 2021 Smiling at Charles to reassure him, Amelia nodded. She'd wrapped her arms around her own waist. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just feeling a little queasy, that's all. I guess it all just got too much for me...Maybe I just need to lay down for a while." She'd glanced at the drinks in the bag and cringed. Although she'd barely had any, the idea of drinking any more made her feel ill. She looked over at Vincent. "Just make sure you save me some for when I feel better, mr." She smirked. Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Charles knelt. "Do you want to go to my home and rest there?" Vincent smiled. "Don't worry. I won't drink it all up. I promise." shadowess - February 27, 2021 Smiling at Vincent's answer, Amelia looked at Charles and nodded then looked thoughtful. "What about the Angel? Someone will need to explain things to Sebastian and Carter when they wake up." She looked between them then hesitantly added. "Maybe I should stick around for a bit first. I can always rest later." She didn't want to leave all the responsibility to Charles and Vincent. With how important this was, she felt it was also her responsibility to see things through.

shadowess - February 27, 2021 The knife became embedded in her porcelain armor. Only inches from hitting her heart. It burned her horribly, her armor around it cracking and breaking off. She shrieked loudly and stumbled, falling back off the rocks. Stumbling to her feet, she clawed at it, the knife too small for her giant fingers to grip. She staggered back to her feet, hissing and roaring angrily at Bryce as she stumbled away from him before vanishing, taking the dagger with her. --- At her doll house, having transformed back into her child form and pulled the dagger out of her chest, she stumbled to her basement door shakily. Blood pouring from the wound, leaving a crimson trail as she went. She unlocked the basement door then re-locked it behind her. She was going to die from this wound and re-awaken elsewhere in Hell. But before she could allow this to happen to her she had to lock the dagger away so that she could come back for it later. She slowly made her way to her cabinets, unlocking them and placing the dagger inside. Ignoring the fact that her hand was burning from touching the metal. She closed the cabinet and locked it then hid the key. Gripping the wound in her chest, she wandered over to the wall and leant against it. Sliding down it, she sat and stared at the basement door, struggling to breathe and coughing up her own blood. That was close. Too close. Had he hit her heart, she'd have been done for! She made a mental note to destroy Bryce at her earliest opportunity. She then had a very sinister thought. One that brought a vicious grin to her face. Bryce wanted to get on Amelia's good side, did he? Too bad she would destroy that chance for him! The icing on the cake would be that he gave her the perfect way to do so. Ensuring her mind and emotions were guarded as normal, she forced herself to her feet and made herself hyperventilate, making herself look panicked before vanishing again. --- Amelia had jumped, holding onto Charles a little tighter, her eyes widening and darting to Nate when his wings sprouted. Just like their steel, a single feather from their wings could do quite a lot of damage to a Devil. She only relaxed a little when he put them away again. When they arrived in Carter's office and Nate immediately tried to approach Vincent, Amelia had tensed and opened her mouth to object but Charles beat her to it. She was relieved to hear him make it clear that Vincent wasn't an option and suggest that they wait for the others. She supposed she should at least make some kind of effort to be nice. He might be a little rough around the edges but so far Nate hadn't given her any reason to suspect him of anything. Maybe Charles was right. Maybe she was just worrying too much. Maybe she was just so used to being on the run from Angels that she her distrust was just a habit at this point? She was about to offer to make coffee when the small form of Clementine appeared in the room. She was hunched over, gripping her wound, breathing heavily and losing a large amount of blood. Clementine fell to her knees, feeling herself begin to die. "Amelia! It's Bryce! He has them! He has the items! He attacked me!" She coughed up more blood. Her eyes then shot up to Nate and her face turned an even paler shade of white. "A-Angel!" She gasped, showing true fear. Light sleeper as he was, Tom had heard the commotion and had wandered downstairs to see what was going on. He stared in confusion between the dying child, the stranger, Amelia and Charles. "Oh, my God! Is that kid ok?! What happened?!" Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Vincent awoke to witness this all. "Wha-? What's going on?" Charles glared. He picked Clementine up by her neck. "Don't be fooled by her form. She isn't an innocent little girl." Nate sprouted his wings. He plucked a feather out from one of of his wings. He flinched for a moment before placing that feather on the end of his weapon. "I know what she is too." He pierced her heart. "And she will never attempt to bring another like Lucifer to reign again." Charles let her body go. "I'm sorry Amelia but Clementine had plans to kill you and possibly anyone who would stand in her way to make Hell the way she envisioned it. That would mean a constant and perhaps worse war with the angels." "What a shame. I was planning on killing her too." ,said Vincent. "I know you were." Charles snapped his fingers. The cage was gone. "It seemed that Elliot has helped change your mind about things." Vincent nodded. "Then stay here while I go look for Bryce. I'm going to search Clementine's home as well. I'm sure she's stolen a few things in the past from me or some other devil or demon." shadowess - February 27, 2021 Gasping, Clementine stared at Charles fearfully as he lifted her from the ground by her neck. She could only watch helplessly as Charles announced she wasn't innocent and the Angel sprouted his wings. Her mental guard broke down completely as she began to panic. "No! Please!" Her last thoughts as her heart was pierced being 'I may have... miscalculated... just a bit...' Her form froze, turning grey. Every vein in her body lit up as if her very blood had just been ignited. Then piece by piece, her skin began to crack and burn. Embers lifting from her little body before she crumpled and disintegrated completely. Leaving behind nothing but a pile of ash on the floor. The fate any Demon or Devil would endure upon their Obliteration. Amelia had lifted her hands to cover her mouth and nose. Tears running down her face. She had known Clementine all her life. The news that she was trying to betray her and possibly even kill her was a huge shock. She was shaking and backed up until she felt a chair behind her, feeling like she needed to sit down to try and process this. Everything else happening in the room was soon tuned out as she tried to comprehend that Clementine was a traitor. Tom was standing against the wall, having watched the whole thing and deeply disturbed by the sight of a child turning to dust like that. Even if she was as much of a monster as they said she was, it was still a very jarring sight. "Wha-? What just happened?" Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 "I saved all your lives. Had she had her way, you would have either been her slave or dead." Charles walked to Amelia. He knelt by her side. Placing a hand over her knee. "I'm sorry but I had to do it." Nate winked at Tom. "Hey there handsome." Vincent gripped his arm. Stopping him. "That's a bit over the line. Even for myself." shadowess - February 27, 2021 Removing her hands from her face, Amelia looked at Charles and nodded. She took a breath to calm herself enough to talk and said in a broken voice "I know...I know..." She wanted him to know that despite her grief, she didn't blame him for what had happened. She was just heartbroken by the betrayal and grief stricken from losing what she thought was the equivalent of a family friend. She then leant forward so her head rested on his shoulder as she wept, barely able to contain it and needing to let it go. Needing him to hold her. To just be there. Tom's face had turned red at the compliment and he wasn't sure where to look. "Uh, hi...um..." He stammered shyly then pointed towards the kitchen with his thumb. "I'm- I'm- I'm just guna...go get..." He trailed off, saying the rest too quietly to hear as he walked into the kitchen. 'What was that?! C'mon Tom! Pull yourself together...you've only been shot, turned into a vampire, watched a demon kid turn to ash and been hit on by an Angel...all in the same day...' He thought as he paused in the kitchen to rub his face briefly. Shaking his head and taking a deep breath, he opened the fridge door and took out a blood bag, biting into it quickly. His new senses had been going nuts. Particularly smell. Vincent and that demon kid didn't smell that great but the others in the next room? Was that their blood he was smelling? That really sweet smell? Whatever it was, it had been making him hungry and he didn't really fancy joining that demon kid in ash-town. So he thought the best thing to do was fill up on the blood bag instead to eliminate any cravings. Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Charles frowned. "It's ok. It's alright." He pat her back. Vincent let him go as it seemed like Tom was stable enough to talk to. Nate walked over to him. He placed his hands over his shoulders. He whispered into his ear. "You look lovely today. What's a drop dead gorgeous vampire like you doing in a place like this?" shadowess - February 27, 2021 Amelia took several deep breaths to try and calm herself down. Charles talking to her and holding her the way he did helped her a lot. When she felt calm enough to do so, she pulled back and looked at him. "Do what you need to do." She whispered. "I'll be here when you're done." She didn't want to hold him up any more than she already had. Coming to terms with what had happened, she knew that what happened next would be important and potentially even vital to their progression towards peace. Whatever Charles decided to do now, he had Amelia's absolute trust and loyalty. She then looked over at Vincent and smirked. "Oi, you. Your sister needs a damn hug!" Despite everything that had happened, she'd been glad to see Vincent was back to himself. The version of him that she had effectively adopted. --- Feeling hands on his shoulder and then hearing the Angel's voice in his ear had taken Tom by surprise and caused him to squeeze the blood bag tightly. Sending blood shooting into his mouth and causing his cheeks to puff out a bit. With a little bit of a struggle, he managed to swallow the big mouthful a little painfully and he gasped. Coughing a little and catching his breath a bit. "I-I do?" He asked, his face red as he looked down at the blood drenched clothes he was still wearing from when he'd almost bled out. "Um...I...I..." He stammered shyly, his mind racing. Turning his head to look at the Angel, he shivered excitedly and then looked at the ground. "Oh man...Y-you smell good..." Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Vincent smiled. "Needy as always." He walked over to her. Giving her a hug. Charles stood. Watching Tom and Nate's interaction. Nate caressed his cheek. He smirked. "Really? Thanks. Glad to know that I don't smell like shit." He kissed his neck as he touched his waist. "Wanna be alone with me?" "The two of can take this crap upstairs!" ,said Charles. "Oh hush!" Nate looked back at Tom. "How about it? You want to go into a room and have some fun?" He pulled him closer by his pants. shadowess - February 27, 2021 The banter brought a small smile to Amelia's face as she hugged Vincent. "Don't you ever scare me like that again!" She said, holding him tightly. "I was afraid we'd lost you." Nate's touch sent shivers through Tom. He couldn't help letting out a quiet gasp and tilting his head back a little when feeling him kiss his neck. More shivers passed through him as he felt his pants being tugged. "B-but the bedrooms here...they're all taken." He said, turning his head to look at Nate again. His eyes falling to his lips. Denix Vames - February 27, 2021 Vincent chuckled. "I thought the same until I got that half crystal back from Elliot. It seems like it helps." "I'm off now. Be safe." ,said Charles who disappeared. Nate cupped his chin. He leaned in. "Then we'll make our own bedroom." He slipped his tongue into his mouth. Kissing him before lifting him off the floor. Taking him to the washer room down the hall near the kitchen.