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Valeria:
Val has been busy this past week. She was shot, things she couldn't tell anyone happened, then she spent one day with each parent for New Years. Diego Rolan was the one to get New Years eve at least.
Val however, was meeting a friend for New Years day. She knew he was broke as shit, and she didn't want anything fancy...so you know whats great for two night owls? Mcdonalds! She already had chicken nuggies, as is the superior Mcdonalds meal. Yes she got a happy meal. Shut up. It was cheaper and came with appy slices. The toy was just a bonus.
Vincent:
Vincent walked in, worried and guilty. Worried at not hearing from Val in awhile and guilty for not being their for her. Val see's the usual sight, that lanky boy who thinks he can talk his way out of anything, Breaking Benjamin shirt and black sweatpants. Something is different now, he may not realize it but he's walking more confidant, must have been a good week?
"Val," he exclaims smiling, coming in for a handshake, "Where the hell have you been?"
Valeria:
Val gets up quickly, subverting the handshake to immediately put him in a headlock and noogie him. "You dummy, why did ALICE have the be the one to tell me you got a partner. More than 2 weeks right? Isn't that a record for you?"
She lets him go and hugs him, a bit crushing as always. She's a gymnast after all. "Busy, holiday weekend ya know? Had to go to both parent's house so they didnt get jealous. SOME of us cant sit around and be players all day."
Vincent:
he's not shocked at the headlock. . .does not mean he enjoys it, but damn it it's Val and he won't say anything except, "Ok but why." and the hug, before it would have crushed him but the blood. . .well she'd notice he's taking it better than normal.
"Yeah, player. . ." he mumbles sitting down, he'd get a big mac in a second, "So. . .I'm going to rip the band-aid. . .I'm dating, no scam, no con, I met someone and I really like them, Alice met them last night." he winces preparing for whatever overdone way Val will congratulate him
Valeria:
She gives that goofy grin at Val gives all the time. The hug is stronger than normal, but the Blood still protectd him. "Bulking up too or something?"
She paused as he does, suddenly getting a bit more serious. She matches his energy in a big sister way, even if hes 3 years older than her. "Hey, look at me." Oh no here it comes.............."Im proud of you." Huh? What? A hand goes to his shoulder. "Take care of them, k? And if they hurt you I'm killing them, just so you know. Gotta get that one in."
Vincent:
"That. . ." he blinks, "That was much more subdued than I was expecting," he comments, "So yeah, I haven't been around cause. . .it's was a whirlwind and a honeymoon phase." he admit, "But enough about me," he says, looking her dead in the eyes.
"Val, I heard you went out drinking with some friends and went off, they couldn't find you and nor could Alice, she was worried sick," ah yes, the side of Vincent only Alice and Val know, the older brother who raised his own sister for ten years and somehow made her better than he was, self proclaimed dad Vinny is rearing his ugly and responsible head, such a boring Vinny, "Val, look at me and be honest. . ." he looks to her arms, trying to find something, "Are you using again?"
Valeria:
"Look, you know me. I've been with enough people to know stuff. You seem to care about them, so keep that up. K?"
She goes quiet, staring him down for a minute. She sighs. "I was DD, not drinking. Some assholes started insulting Luna, my friend that started transitioning remember? So yes, yes I got in a fight...but we took it outside at least. I may have lost that one and the cops took me in for questioning." Its happened before. "Let me go though. Wicked headache for work the next day."
Vincent:
he looks her over, not completely buying it but not seeing any holes in the story.
"Ok," he says, "So you were bigot beating, that tracks." he says, leaving and coming back with a big mac and large fry, "So, the cops let you go. . ." he raises an eyebrow, black girl beating up some pricks defending a trans-woman. . .and the cops sided with Val, "Must have gotten some good apples to pick you up that night, lucky you. . .why didn't you call?"
Valeria:
"They swung first. Self defense. Camera in the alleyway. Ducked the first punch from the biggest guy cause he thought he was all that." He could hear her heart start pounding slightly faster.
"Cause I was fine? I can take care of my self Vin."
Vincent:
"Ok," he nods, "I know, I know, Alice was just worried, and if she's worried I'm worried, ya know?" he relents, taking a bite from the Bigmac, he refuses to call it a burger, "I don't want to pry." he says, "So, how have you been, we haven't hanged in a while, thanks for letting Alice crash with you. . .I've been having Avery over."
Valeria:
Ria sighs, she hated lying to him but knows it has to be done. "Yeah I know you two worry. Sorry I should have texted."
She nods, still on edge. "Yeah of course. You know my mom adores her. And you. Well...I swear my dad likes you more. At least he doesn't still think I'm dating you. THAT one was awkward."
Vincent:
"He locked me in the car and gave me the talk. . .then seemed insulted that I didn't find you attractive," he winces, "That was the night I had the fear of god put into me without even deserving it," he chuckles, "Didn't your mom call me a 'silver tongued shyster' who 'is going to be behind bars'?"
Valeria:
"That seems like him. Look. He was army. If I'd known I would have told him." She snickers. A bite of her lip, which Vinny knows as her 'thinking' face.
"To be fair she didn't think you were listening in, and she did apologize by ordering pizza."
Vincent:
"True, the pizza was nice," he chuckled, "And she's not wrong, I am a bum who'll end up in prison, but damn it I'm giving them a reason!" he laughs, "So, I've got someone, has any fine lass caught your eye?"
Valeria:
She chuckles along with, taking a breath. "No. A couple hook ups but thats it. Don't worry I've gotten better about it, been careful and whatnot. One I walked out on when she didnt respect a boundry."
Vincent:
"That's good," he nods, "I hope things are going well with your folks, I know it's nothing like my own situation but. . .I know divorces can be tough on everyone, how's that front?"
Valeria:
"Both are good. Neither are really talking to the other, but both still care at me ya know? Good part of it is double Christmas gifts ya know?" She half jokes.
Guy:
It’s the time of night, that when a stone cold motherfucker looking Guy walks into the MacDonald’s lobby, everyone freezes for a moment. He breezes in, glancing about, tilting his head when he sees Val and Vinny. He continues to the counter to order, and the place slowly relaxes.
Vincent:
Vincent feels it, the beast reacts to competition and his eyes turn to Guy, remembering the man from Elysium, he feels no real ill will toward the man but his world's are colliding and that's the issue, he does not want to seem unnerved and most people would notice nothing, Val however has known him for years and knows his smallest tells, he's uncomfortable and annoyed.
Valeria:
Val notices, and Vinny knows her tells too. Most of them at least. Its that game where you figure out a tell so the other immedietly masks that one and has another. Val however...seems calm. A slight bit of a smile as she waves to the Hellhound.
"Anyway. If you or Alice need a spot to stay, I'm certain either of my parents would be fine with you staying over. Its part of the reason both of them have started stocking the guest rooms just in case."
Guy:
Guy gets his food and looks around the room again, holding his tray at proper 90° elbow angle. He makes his way over to Val and Vincent, and nods. “Valeria. Vincent. How’re your nights going?”
Vincent:
a twitch of the eye, "Val. .. how do you know this man?" he ask, dad Vinny was back and he was concerned, "Guy, , ,I'm going to ask you once and once only, how do you know this young woman and why would you be on a first name basis?"
Valeria:
Ria looks at Guy, then back at Vinny.
"He's the one that helped me after I was knocked out" her eyes flick to Guy to make sure he heard that part, "the other night. How the fuck do you two know each other?"
She pauses for a minute, taking Guy's side over Vinny's. "Fuck, Vin did you con him? He's like 8 feet taller than you!" Vinny wasn't that short, but both the others were tall as fuck.
Guy:
“Like she says, met in a dark alley,” he says as he sits. “As for first names, it’s 20-fucking-23, and that’s how people talk to each other?”
He takes a bite of QPC (as they call it these days), swallows and sips his spicy Sprite, smacking his lips slightly. “No, Vincent didn’t con me, we met at an exclusive club he got into totally legit.”
Vincent:
Vincent just glares, daggers from his eyes really, "So. . .Val, what did you think of Twilight, I also thought it was shit and honestly Robert never caught my eye until Batman, Bruce Wayne looked like a MCR fan and I fucking loved it," he chuckles, "I did find Van Helsing to be a good film, the hunter killing such a powerful and old creature, Blade had that killer opening. . .but the greatest vampire movie has to be Fright Night, it's a cheesy classic and I love it. . .Guy, I doubt it but are you a horror fan?"
Valeria:
Val just looks between them. She's not the best at reading people but she can tell Vinny is upset. "Hey I mean... sounds about right for Vinny to be honest."
She looks nervous, not sure how to answer. "Do uh...I need to walk away for a minute? Mcflurries? Anything like that?"
Guy:
“I’m a fan of older stuff, but there’s some newer things I like. Dracula Untold was better than I thought it would be. American Werewolf In London is a classic. I saw this one Little Red Riding Hood thing were the Big Bad Wolf was sexy, that was fun.”
He smiles one of his razor blade grins to Val. “Naw, things are good.”
Vincent:
"I never liked Untold, the 'Dark Universe' line was a flop. . .have you ever read manga," he turns to Val, "I think I recommended once but I know you didn't pick it up, their's a tale of a college boy, goes on a date and nearly dies, transforms into a monster. . .I need you to try Tokyo Ghoul, wonderful piece of work."
Valeria:
Val looks between them and shakes her head. "Nope, the boys are having a dick measuring contest." She gets up, half mumbling. "Ill get myself a fucking mcflurry," she turns, "and yall cant have it!"
She walks off back to the counter, facepalming hard.
Guy:
Guy sips his drink after Val steps away, and pushes a fry around. “You could just…try talking not at a MacDonald’s. I can think of a few better places for conversation.”
Vincent:
"What conversation, I'm merely discussing horror films and manga," he shrugs, "If you want to have a conversation of some kind, we can step outside." he relays, "Last time I checked it was normal to discuss interests such as horror." he says flately. . .dead eyes, no emotion, but his beast is growling
Valeria:
Val is staring at them both from across the room, waiting at the pickup line. No not Vinny's kind. She's a bit too far to hear them but is watching.
Guy:
“Look, Vincent, as much as I would enjoy seeing how things would go if we ‘stepped outside’, that would be rather stupid, and I don’t think Val would appreciate it. You should probably talk to her about things when you have a good chance to. When you aren’t feeling the urge to snap.”
Vincent:
Vincent breathes for a second, "I suddenly find my stomach not agreeing with me, I'm going to take a breath of air. . ." he steps up and makes his way out, as he passes guy he says in a whisper only a fellow vampire could hear, "Hurt or abuse her in anyway, I don't care if I'll burn I'll fucking kill you." he then walks out, god help whoever looks at him the wrong way on his way home
Valeria:
Val gets her Mcflurry, and comes to sit back down, looking at Guy, then back at her last, sad chicken nugget.
"So...not what I expected tonight...I'm gonna give him a ride home in a minute but..." she looks at her Regnant, almost asking for advice but not sure how.
Guy:
Guy nods to Val. “In here, or should we step outside first?”
Valeria:
She looks at her Mcflurry. "Im parked out front, you?" She chomps her last chicken nuggie.
Guy:
“Street over. Shall we?”
Valeria:
She nods, throwing out her trash and walking him towards her bike. As soon as they're outside she looks at him.
"I'm...sorry about him. He had a rough time growing up but hes a good kid at heart."
Guy:
“Oh, I don’t mind. He’s looking out for you, and…well, you’re from his old life, and he has to keep them both. It’s complicated as I understand. You’ll have to talk to him…just be cautious, he’s a bit worked up right now.”
Valeria:
Val leads him over towards the corner. An Indian bike there.
"I appreciate the concern Guy...but honestly I'm not that worried about him hurting me. He's not someone I've ever seen as...buff or anything like that. Ive had to save his neck a couple times. Plus well...almost a decade, I know how to talk to him."
She frowns. "Guess that explains why he's been so absent, hm."
Guy:
“It would. And if his moods or reactions to things have changed…” He pats her on the shoulder. “Awesome bike. I’ll get out of your hair, so you can clear things up. Let me know if you need anything, ok?”
Valeria:
She nods. "Thanks. My dad helped me buy it...said I could have it if I made it run again...and...well here it is." She pulls out a key to open the bag, pulling out a helmet and jacket and making sure the spare is there.
"I'll let you know...hopefully it'll go well. Quick question...you're not following me right? Just making sure."
Guy:
“Huh? No. I was just in the area and figured I’d try some McDonalds. Why, do you feel like you’re being followed?”
Valeria:
She shakes her head. "No, nothing, nothing. Have a good night Guy."
She puts on her helmet, cracks the visor, and gets on the bike. A kick to turn over the engine and she runs! Could run a bit better but its good. "Ill let you know how it goes."
She gets ready to drive off and find Vinny unless Guy has more to say.
Guy:
Guy nods. “See you later.”
Vincent:
Vincent was walking down the street, 'She's a fucking addict,' he raged in his head, 'where does that overblown piece of shit get his kicks giving crimson cocaine to the girl. . .did he know we're close, was this to get to me. . .I think he know's Titania, is this the witch deciding to keep me in line', his mind was spiraling
Valeria:
She takes off down the street, keeping to the law but also clearly fresturated. A moment later she sees Vinny, and revs the engine once to let him know she was there. She slows down next to him, down to his walking pace.
"Hop on, we need to chat. Or I'll just drag you along if I gotta."
Vincent:
He looks at her, tired and pissed, "Val. . .you know what he is right?"
Valeria:
Val keeps pace. "Yes I know what he fucking is. Who's yours? Lemme guess, new partner is blonde and you love them biting the fuck out of you right?"
She put a foot down, grabbed a second helmet, and tossed it at him. "Now get on or I may actually get upset. K?"
Vincent:
he stops. . .maybe she got through, "Blonde. . .yeah, yeah let's take a ride Val." he says without much emotion, "Take me to the apartment." he says hoping on behind her, oh great he's pissed
Valeria:
She rolls her eyes. "You know the shit. Lean with me, yes you may have your hands on my waist so you don't fall off, if we tip, ROLL, dont fucking slide." As soon as Vinny was on she leaned back over and started driving, she flips her visor down as a clear 'dont talk to me' and takes him towards the apartment at just barely inside the legal limits.
Vincent:
when the arrive, he turns to her, "Val. . .mind coming up, we need to talk." he says, not a suggestion, a we need to talk, the third time he'e ever said it in that way, and the first two where not good talks in the slightest
Valeria:
Val parks, taking off her helmet and putting it up but keeping the jacket.
"Thats why I'm here Vin. We do need to talk. Alice ain't here right?" A pause "Fuck, Alice isnt part of this, right?"
Vincent:
"No and she never will be," he says leading her up the four stories to his little hole in the wall, entering his apartment he's glad Avery is out as he sits down, "What happened, really, what do you know and what am I?" he says, almost interrogating, great, dad vinny is pissed
Valeria:
She follows him up, shes been here enough times to know where his little bolthole is. "Good, she better not be. And shut the fuck up Vinny. Don't talk to me like a child. Deal?" She crosses her arms, not sitting with him.
Vincent:
"Ok, I'm not going to treat you like a child." 'your an addict back on the wagon but with a drug you can't handle', he thinks to himself, "Ok, just tell me what happened, cops didn't pick you up did they?"
Valeria:
She keeps her arms crossed, making sure to remind him with a look that she could just walk out. She gives a defeated sigh.
"No...they didn't. Everything up to that point was true though." There was a rough pause, a calculating look of how to say this. Blunt it was. "They shot me. Hit something major. Didn't even know that prick had a gun."
Vincent:
"You. . .you got shot. . .you got shot," he repeats, standing up and walking over, fussing over her, "Where, are you ok, ok your ok now but. . .and guy showed up and did what?"
Valeria:
She shoots him a look to back off. "Yeah, got shot. Something in the chest, just like the old man."
She leans on the wall, underestimating it a bit do lands with a slight 'oof'.
"Guy chased the bigots off...came over to me...gave me a choice when I ask him to help me. I could die there peacefully...or he could save me. He seemed fine with either one...and hearing I was an addict he sounded worried. So cut him so slack, k? He saved my fucking life. If it wasnt for him we wouldn't be chatting here and you and Alice would be in your best black outfits."
She looks away, then back. "So who Ghouled you? And why?"
Vincent:
"Who. . .who Ghouled me," he puts his face to his hands and laughs, it's a sad laugh and a laugh one does when reality seems to be cruel, "Val. . .Val I wasn't Ghouled. . ." he looks up, red eyed and fanged, "I get bad sun burn these days."
Valeria:
Val looks at the fangs, and theres a genuine pause of shock, before a quiet "oh...I see."
She frowns. "So why'd ya do it? Let yourself be some hot vampire when you still got Alice trying to go to college Vin. Was it the rush? Or the money?" She looks upset, but not entirely at him. "I told my piece, what happened Vin?"
Vincent:
"I was at a party near Temple," he begins, "Their was this. . .girl, like. . .looking back she charmed me but I thought she was a goddess on earth, whispered all the right words, and your right she was blonde," he sits, "Thought I was getting lucky then one minute she's on my neck and," he starts breathing faster, "I didn't know I was happening, I remembered she said shit like 'your lucky I'm choosing you', and 'not everyone can see their own funeral'," he punches the wall next to him, "Bitch stole my fucking life from me, didn't even bother to ask if I wanted this shit!" he yells then chuckles, a chuckle of trying to keep it together, "Whelp. . .turns out not asking me permission signed her death warrant."
Valeria:
She goes quiet, looking down for a moment. After a minute she just said, to the room, deadpan, "fuck..."
She walks over and puts a arm around Vin's and guides him to couch. She's done that to him a dozen times, and its her 'im here for you' motion. "Our lives got pretty fucked up now...didnt they? How long has it been now...since that bitch?"
Vincent:
"Like, five weeks. . .I'm a monster." he sighs, "I'm. . .Val I'm dead. . ."
Valeria:
Val pauses. "Fuck... so your not much farther than me."
She picks a leaf out of Vinny's hair. "I know hun. And I should be dead too. Can you promise me something?"
Vincent:
he looks up at her, tired and just done, "What?"
Valeria:
"We still look after Alice, k? She deserves better than us two fuck ups so...lets get her better than us."
A look over the the bedroom. "Hows the partner? They know? Are they a vampire too??"
Vincent:
"No, they do know but they aren't a vampire, think, if vampires are real don't ya think more shit is too, turns out we've been living in an urban fantasy novel, their something else." he nods, "I'm not telling Alice anything, but I'll look after her not matter what, and any kids she has and them. . .I'll watch over my family."
Valeria:
"Guy said the same thing, hasn't explained more of that to me yet. Didn't want to overwhelm me and stuff. Honestly....I appreciate it."
She ruffles his hair, then stops rather suddenly, unsure if she should, then says fuck it and does it again.
"But yeah, we can do that. I'll be here with ya. Supposedly I'm immortal too now as long as I keep drinking Guy's uh...fuck what did he call it? The V thing, true blood. Plus I'm stronger and hardier like he is."
Vincent:
"Vitae. . .Val it's worse than cocaine." he says concern, "I asked if your using again and. . .well shit your on something new."
Valeria:
She frowns, holding him in a loose hug. "Yes but coke had me feeling like shit if I didn't have any...this stuff is making me feel strong. Fuck, Vin I can make a difference. Guy wants me to meet some of his friends, something like a neighborhood watch. I'll get to beat up bigots AND have backup."
She looks him over. "Plus...its my choice. Guy sat me down that night, and made sure I understood I could quit if I ever wanted to. He knows ways to help with the addiction. But...if you're here too I don't wanna. K?"
Vincent:
"Damn it Val," he mutters, sighing, "Fine, but if it ever makes you do something stupid, well I'll do something."
Valeria:
Val squeezes him gently, Vigor strengthening her to just within human limits.
"Yeah yeah. You'll kick his ass or die trying...well...die again? Lets face it, what are you gonna do Vin?" She lets him go. "Plus...well...Guy's nice. I know he talked about the whole facination thing but like...he's been nothing but caring. If anything he was sorry that this was the only way to keep me alive." A look at Vinny. "And I'm happy, k?"
Vincent:
"As long as your happy I guess. . .I had a talk with a vampire who was a ghoul, he says their treated like property more than people and I'm worried ok, but If you think you can handle it theirs nothing I know I can say that will change your mind. . .well at least now you know why I've been absent lately."
Valeria:
She rolls her eyes. "He's treated me like a person so...maybe you were just told wrong. But no...you can't change my mind. You know I've always been someone who wants to make a difference, this is my chance."
She pauses a second. "Also, speaking of. We need to have a talk about what happened at McDonald's."
Vincent:
"I was pissed that a vampire messed with someone from my life, I didn't know he saved you and thought it was some fucking power flex or something, I'm sorry."
Valeria:
"Not that, well, sorta that." She moves quickly, and the palm of her hand hits his forehead. Not enough to do injury but enough to hurt slightly and get his attention. "Dumb..." she does it a second time, "...ass!"
She crosses her arms, hands balled into fists to make her biceps look bigger. "For someone who wants to be 'all that', you really do play all your fucking cards as soon as you can. You gotta keep some of this shit to your chest dude! Ive been here for like...3 days and I get that."
She rolls her eyes. "There's always people that'll hate you for reason xyz. DONT give people a legit reason to hate you. Most people wouldn't want a vampire around them, k? So next time, shut UP dumbass."
Vincent:
"Yeah, yeah, I need to think before I act I know," he sighs, "You know I hate being pushed around, I can't help but lash out sometimes."
Valeria:
"Yeah I know. But lashing out like that is gonna get you killed. So when in doubt," She does a zipper motion to get lips. "Got it?
Vincent:
he sighs, "Yeah, I'll keep my mouth shut. . most of the time." he shrugs, "So, what's new with you, got any special plans or jobs I can help with?"
Valeria:
She sighs, only hoping that would be true.
"Nah, not really. Work had been... well you know how I feel about it. I need the cash. Now... well... hoping to get introduced to some of Guy's friends. If there's anyone I should meet or avoid, gimme the scoop, mkay?"
Vincent:
"Titania, avoid her at all costs," he says flatly, "Nothing good can come from hanging out with her, theirs this guy names Visigny, he and his spouses seem like good people but theirs something weird about them, never say I said that, you know Guy, other than them I don't know too much of the others."
Valeria:
"Titania, got it. What's she look like so I can walk the other way?"
She nods through the rest, then pauses at the short list. "5 weeks and you know like...3 people? Damn this Avery person really is distracting you. Getting all lovey dovey all the time aren't we?" Theres a smirk that shes joking, but only partially.
Vincent:
"Shut up," he says blushing, "Those are just vampires, I've met other folks, wizards and cyborgs, Titania looks like this small albino goth bitch, don't even talk to her."
Valeria:
"Vin, I adore talking to small goth bitches, you gotta be more specific." She laughs. "Wizards and cyborgs though...weird. But hey, I'm picking. First time in...like ever I've seen you blush that much about someone. Clearly they mean a lot to you, so once again...take care of them and if they hurt you im kicking their ass."
Vincent:
Vincent laughs, "Don't take this the wrong but they'd kick your ass in a minute flat." he sighs, "Don't worry, they love me. . ." he says wistfully
Valeria:
"Hey! That means I got a whole minute to prove my point! And yeah yeah, don't make me gag." She pats him on the back hard. "I'll worry anyway, you tend to bite off more than you can chew. Aight. Anything else you need from me?"
Vincent:
"No. . .if anything it seems you'll need my help, I'm the one with fangs here."
Valeria:
"Hey look, I've probably bitten WAY more people you have. I'm fine, I'll let you know if I'm not."
Vincent:
he just looks at her then shakes his head, "I don't need to know that Val, I don't give you details on what I do," he chuckles, "But yeah, call me if you need anything, ok?"
Valeria:
"Don't kinkshame." She winks before standing up. "But yeah, if you or Alice need anything, call me. If i have any problems, I'll call you. Or we'll... you or Guy, whoever makes more sense."
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