Chapter 54
Apr. 2nd, 2018 12:55 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
simtopi
135 pictures
Warnings: Stalking, assault, blood, pixelated NSFW
At this point, Susan would have been happy to be anywhere else than in class on a weekend. Going to rehearsals for her drama class production was normally fun, but tonight she was just tired and it showed in her work. She was glad Tashia Felding suggested cutting it short; everyone could get ready for the Tri-Var party.
Susan was invited, but as tired as she was, she wasn't sure if she wanted to go. She just wanted to pick up some takeout and go home. Absent-minded, she took everyone's shortcut through Central Quad towards University Way.
It was a quiet night, and though it wasn't late, it still got dark earlier. Not a lot of people were around. The Central Quad café was closed and she could see maybe one other jogger run past. There was a weird chill in the air. For the season, it should have been normal, but this creep factor seemed to soak into her skin.
She checked the time on her phone. Most of the restaurants around here tended to close early on the weekends. When there was no one around, why bother staying open.
But she had a craving for something other than pizza and she needed to eat.
She heard someting.
She let out an audible gasp. She didn't realize there was any one else, and this guy literally seemed to come out of nowhere.
She was a little embarassed about the reaction, but she was more creeped out. She hurried past him, trying to keep her gaze down. Just don't make eye-contact.
As she walked by him, everything seemed to go quiet. She couldn't even hear his footsteps. Slowly she turned around to see if the guy had made any distance from her.
No one was there.
She didn't understand it. He had walked by her no more than 20 seconds ago, and now he was gone.
She picked up her pace. The sooner she got to the shops where it was more populated, the safer she'd feel.
She paused as she reached the path behind the library. She didn't know why she was suddenly so scared. It was like instinct had kicked in telling her that there was danger.
She was right not to ignore it.
"Don't be afraid..."
"I just need something from you and I'll leave you be."
Cecilia: It's the biggest party of the year... No, I mean it this time...
Cecilia: It's not like I'm telling you this out of the blue, you knew about it for weeks...
Cecilia: ... so? That's never stopped you from showing up at a Tri Var house party before. You were at the last one. And Gabe said he's going.
Cecilia: Oh please, I know for a fact you're never that busy.
Cecilia: Okay fine. Come or not, whatever... No, Jasmine, I don't care.
She hung up, annoyed. But she was used to Jasmine by now and she figured her sister would flake on her like this. It wasn't like she needed Jasmine to be there, but her indifference bothered her.
She had been so involved with talking on the phone, she hadn't realized how far down the street she walked. She was still unfamiliar with a lot of parts of the town.
She was a little lost, though she did recognize that she was nearly at Central Quad. She should just get a cab to go home.
She didn't like being in unfamiliar settings. She had to find a way to blame this on Jasmine.
Her vision went dark suddenly. She felt light headed.
No, she didn't like this sensation at all. Whenever she felt funny like this, there was always an element of some kind of crazy paranormal experience happening. This wasn't like the feeling of Marion Landgraab watching over her... this was different.
The Warehouse bar was up ahead. Maybe that's all it was. By now, she had reluctantly accepted the fact that she was a psychic, so she was probably in tune with bad energy happening around her. The bar was one of the more seedier places, and it was probably just her gut instinct to stay away.
She decided to go with it.
Except she only took a few steps when she turned around. There was something going on...
Slowly she walked toward the Warehouse. She didn't quite get there. There were people in the alley.
She gasped in horror.
Cecilia: ... it's ... you!
She never forgot him. The mystery guy she made out with at the Malcolm's nightclub*.
She saw him again at the Secret Society mansion*. Samantha Cordial said he was a vampire, but Cecilia had no idea what to believe anymore.
He said his name was "Wesley".
He was shocked to see her. He had been careful, using his abilities to cloak himself.
Cecilia: What are you doing to her?!!!
He disappeared, leaving the girl to slump down the wall. Cecilia ran to her to help her. She was cold and muttering incoherently,
Is this what he did to her? Why she couldn't remember what happened at the club?
He was standing down the alley, staring back at her.
He had recognized the girl as well. There was a momentary sense of disbelief that she had seen him at all.
She ran after him as he disappeared again.
The alley lead to locked backdoors and a fenced dead end.
She needed to know who he was and why he was here.
And why he showed up in her dreams*.
He hadn't fed in so long, it almost felt good to hunt again. Until Cecilia appeared.
He was glad she did, though. It snapped him out of the blood lust and reminded him exactly what a monster he was.
Tonight his victim would be okay, but another mistake could happen.
There was so much that Willow had to learn. She was once startled how much of it had opened up to her and it was all in that book that Miss Cordial had given her. On one hand, she felt guilty knowing now where all of this was coming from. But on the other hand, everything she was learning about could help others if she used it correctly.
The Dark Witches weren't evil, Malcolm assured her. All they wanted was to open magic to the rest of the world. Willow was important for that. She had to admit that it was flattering. She had never felt this special before, not like she ever wanted to be.
"You have the power to help people." Malcolm had said. "You can help us improve the world."
What was so bad about that?
She looked up. She heard something outside. A light rustling on the window.
There was nowhere more safe for her than in this cottage. Malcolm saw to that.
Whatever it was out there could be an animal. Once in a while, some creature would wander through, not realizing that this was a witch's dwelling.
Though some knew perfectly well where they were.
Willow: How long have you been out there?
Wesley: Not long. I came to see you.
Willow: You shouldn't be here. The Coven are keeping an eye on this place.
Wesley: That doesn't bother you?
Willow: Surprisingly no. They won't harm me.
Willow: Not like you did.
She walked down to meet him. Carefully he touched her cheek. The last time he had seen her was at Sibyll's church. She looked very much the same, except there was less warmth in her eyes.
Maybe he stayed away too long.
Willow: You're warm. You've fed.
Wesley: I have to sustain myself.
Willow: It's a little creepy, that's all.
Wesley: Yes. It is.
Willow: I know you come by. I know why you do.
Wesley: I need to make sure that you're okay.
Willow: That would be sweet, but you're only coming off as some obsessed stalker.
Wesley: I'm a vampire, unfortunately it comes with the territory.
On some level, she appreciated that he was actually trying to be funny.
Willow: I've really missed you, Wesley. But you risked getting yourself killed coming here.
Wesley: I know what the Coven can do to me. Sibyll and I have dealt with them before. And I know they're protecting you, but do you know why?
Willow: I have a general idea.
Wesley: And you agree with it?
Willow: I'm not sure.
Wesley: They can't be trusted.
Willow: I know that. I'm not naive.
Wesley: Then you know you're in danger if you stay here.
Willow: I don't know that. It's the safest I've ever felt in a long time. No one bothers me. No one else comes here.
Wesley: I made you a promise years ago that I'll try to keep you safe, I mean that and I always will. But there's no way I can follow you down this path. Even if I wanted to.
Willow: I can tell them not to hurt you.
Wesley: I'm not sure I can believe that. After all, I killed one of their own.
Willow: You were under Clara's oath, I'll ...
Wesley: ...Willow, they don't care about me. They just want to control you.
Wesley: I'm begging you not to follow them. Please, Willow.
She didn't know what to say to him. Wesley was one of her oldest friends, and for a moment she considered what he was asking of her. But she couldn't say what he wanted to hear.
Wesley knew when she said nothing that he already failed in protecting her. She wasn't going to leave.
The Tri Var Mansion
The Greek House parties were infamous for a reason, and that was why when you receive an invite, you go. You meet people, you dance, you drink. Maybe if you were lucky, you'd hook up with one of the sorority sisters.
The music was loud, but Cecilia was still stuck in her thoughts about what happened earlier this evening. Watching the couple go at it on the couch next to her suddenly made her uncomfortable thinking about it. People honestly didn't really care what was going on.
She snapped out of it when everyone started cheering and yelling. One of the freshman had stripped down and was giving everyone a show. This guy definitely couldn't care any less.
If only real life had a censor blur. She really did not want to see this.
"I would have thought this party would be fancier."
It was the barista from the coffee shop.
Cecilia: What were you expecting?
Nora: Well, okay, the cocktail weiners do not disappoint.
Cecilia: Well I'm glad you made it.
Nora: I figure sure why not. Besides, it's good to make new friends, no?
Cecilia: It's a great reason to be here. Have a seat.
After a while of being at home, Adrian felt restless. He decided he'd just stop working on his assignment that night and go for a run.
He was frustrated and he needed to take it out on something.
As usual, it was going to be on himself.
*Earlier*
Jasmine: There's a party going on tonight at the Tri Var house.
Adrian: And you want to go?
Jasmine: Do you want to go?
Adrian: You know it's not really my thing. And I've got this paper I need to work on, but ...
Jasmine: Okay.
Adrian: Why do you sound upset?
Jasmine: I'm not. It's just another stupid party.
She hung up before he could tell her to go if she wanted to. He didn't really want her to go. Between classes, and assignments, and avoiding one another at the dorm, they hadn't seen much of eachother.
He did have stuff to work on, but he would have dropped it to spend some quality time with her. What he didn't want was to spend it at a sorority house party.
He knew she was upset about what they talked about the other night at the field. But he didn't think she was that upset. She seemed to blow up at something that he thought was light-hearted teasing.
She wasn't at the dorm tonight. He looked down at his phone wondering if she'd texted him. When there was nothing there from her, he continued on, annoyed at himself.
Let her cool off, he thought. He needed to cool off too.
He ran about twenty minutes through campus, cutting through some of the older campus buildings.
Rounding the corner, he paused when he saw who was sitting there.
Willow.
Jasmine: I just got here and there's some asshole waving his dick in my face.
Gabriel: Yeah okay, I'm going to need eye bleach after seeing that.
Jasmine: These are reasons why I didn't want to come here.
Gabriel: Come on, some immature streaker isn't going to discourage you from staying I hope.
Jasmine: I've come to expect this kind of assholery from places like this.
Gabriel: Why are you even here?
Gabriel: No, no, don't answer that. You're avoiding the boyfriend.
Jasmine: I am not.
Gabriel: Please. I know you better than you know yourself.
Gabriel: You know what I think?
Jasmine: No, and I don't care.
Gabriel: I think Adrian called your bluff. You didn't want to be here, you just wanted a reaction out of him. Let me guess, he didn't bite.
Jasmine: Yeah, fuck you, okay.
Gabriel: I would have thought you'd be past these sort of games.
Tashia: Hey cutie!
Tashia: Glad to see you made it. Oh hi, Jasmine.
Jasmine: Hello. Where's the booze?
*Ignores Jasmine*
Tashia: I just wanted to thank you again for all the help during drafting classes.
Gabriel: Yeah sure, it's no problem.
Tashia: Come on, I'll show you around.
Gabriel: You don't really have to, I've been here before. I was at the last party, remember?
Jasmine: No, it's okay, I'll find it.
Gabriel had no idea what he was talking about with Adrian. Though if she were being honest with herself, she didn't even know what she was doing.
She made her way to the keg and poured herself one, ignoring everyone else.
She headed to the main common area through the billiards room. She could see Cecilia there already.
Cecilia only nodded to acknowledge her. Typical of her, she practically begs for Jasmine to show up only to ignore her while she was actually there.
The room was crowded and hip hop was blaring loudly on the stereo. Barely anyone paid any attention to her as she stood in the door way. Cecilia was with her friend, talking.
She looked over, hearing a familiar giggle over the music.
Gabriel and Tashia were hanging out by the fireplace.
Gabriel was doing just fine without Willow, it looked like. She found herself really wishing that Adrian were here. Again, Jasmine had to ask herself....
... what was she even doing here?
Adrian: Willow?
Willlow: Hi Adrian. You're out late.
Adrian: You know I like to run late.
Adrian: I really didn't expect to see you here though.
Willow: I needed to get out.
She expected him though. She knew he would be here.
Adrian: I haven't seen you in classes for a while.
Willow: I know.
Adrian: What's going on, Willow?
She paused for a long while, trying to think of what to tell him.
Willow: It just didn't feel as important anymore.
He smirked.
Willow: What's so funny?
Adrian: Lately I feel like I'm the only one that's taking school seriously.
Adrian: Remember when were kids, you'd get so annoyed everytime I tossed a ball when we were studying.
Willow: Well it was annoying. I'm here trying to help you and you kept playing with that stupid ball.
Adrian: It helped me concentrate though. I didn't do too badly during the exams, thanks to you.
Adrian: So what's different now? Why is school unimportant to you, of all people?
Willow: I feel like you should know the answer to this.
Adrian: I know. Things have been a little messed up lately. With the supernatural, and other stuff.
Willow: Other stuff.
There was a long pause.
Willow: Where's Jasmine this beautiful night?
Adrian: I don't know. Some party.
Willow: You didn't want to go?
Adrian: No, I didn't.
Adrian: Maybe there is a lot going on. But whatever, I'm not going to keep her from having fun, you know?
Willow: You're too good for this world. You've always been.
Adrian: Jasmine says that too.
Willow: Don't you feel like just giving in some days? Just do whatever you want to do?
Adrian: What do you mean?
Willow: I don't know. Turning that part of your brain off and being like everyone else. Not giving a shit about responsibilty... or anyone and anything really.
Adrian: Yeah, sometimes, I guess. I mean, it would be nice if things were just easy for a change.
Willow: You make it hard for yourself because you put a lot on your shoulders. You give too much but you don't get much else back. I know the feeling.
Adrian: Maybe. But it's okay, it's how I was raised. I have a feeling we're not talking about me though.
Willow: I am talking about you.
Adrian: Okay. But what do you think?
Willow: I think that I think too much about everyone else and what they want from me. I've lost Gabriel. Jasmine barely talks to me anymore. Rowan, my own brother, doesn't even trust me. And tonight... tonight I lost another old friend.
Adrian: Jesus Willow, why is all this happening? I can't imagine you doing anything wrong.
Willow: I don't think I'm doing anything wrong either. I'm just reacting. Maybe I just want to turn it off and go back to normal. Maybe I can't and all this has to happen for a reason. I can't ignore what's going on.
Adrian: Don't ignore it then. Face it head on.
Willow: I'm a bit afraid to go down that path alone.
Adrian: You know by now you're never going to have to be alone.
Adrian: I'm on your side.
Willow: Are you really?
Adrian: You know I am.
Willow: Then promise me that you are.
Looking into her eyes rekindled old feelings he had for her. But despite that, his skin suddenly chilled, and it wasn't the night air.
Maybe she was right. Maybe all he had to do was shut that part of himself down and do whatever he wanted to. React however he wanted to. Was this what Willow was talking about?
Adrian: I promise, Willow.
Something in her wished he hadn't.
She took him by surprise when she reached up and kissed him. This wasn't a dream this time.
The spell was cast when he didn't pull away.
Next » [ Chapter 55: Shifting ]
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