#❛ lukas. ✦ / ❝ ( threads. )

[froggychair05]

I bought some dollhouse furniture today :)

[pfeffermuhle]

Ivan Rakitić and Luka Modrić // The meeting on the turret stairs, Frederic William Burton, 1864

[dcggersedge]

@deliverred | cont

"Aw, don't worry about it. Hard to pay attention to things like names when you've got a face full of sand to worry about." Though her tone is abundantly cheerful to make the joke as clear as possible, she watches for his reaction carefully. "Name's Yunaka!"

And boy, does this guy waste no time laying all of his cards face up on the table.

"You know, not that I'm ever one to be suspicious," a lie, but that didn't matter. "but it sounds almost like you're campaigning against my teammate there." A pretty bold move. If she cared about the game, or had any team spirit, she might have been mad about it.

She doesn't care about the game. And, aside from the few people she knows personally, she really doesn't care what team people are on. She just cares about sticking around as long as they do, so she can be there if they need her.

He's not wrong that someone else thinking the exact same way as her is a danger to that.

"That's a pretty big splash to make when you're on one of the smaller teams." Weasels, weasels, who is a weasel...Fogado's already out. Rafal's there, and while the dragon can take care of himself, she does have an agreement with him already.

Yunaka hums thoughtfully. "Starting a fight with my own team unprovoked ain't exactly the smartest move for me." You never know when the weirdos running this place might change up the rules, and the last thing she wanted was any reason to stand out in her team's mind. "Even if he is running around yelling "I will betray you"," a quick impression, then back on as normal "hard to really do anything until something happens, ya know?"

She looks back at Lukas now, smiling innocently. "Like an unprovoked fight with another team, maybe."

[ravenspeakmuses]

Continued from [x]

"Sorry, it's not like I don't trust you, it's just, that's very special to me, yeah? Illya left me those, he wasn't family by blood, but he was a gradfather to me, if it wasn't for the old man I had never find out what about all this," Vicent was right in one thing , though, he for sure needed to be more careful, if someone found the journal, he wouldn't be as lucky, "You're right though, I need to be more careful," the hunter nods. "Honestly? 'S a mess," Luka sighed, shaking his head, "A sinkhole opened, I think something come out of that..." @angstfactory

[shouts-into-the-void]

So Round 7 is just gonna be Till beating the absolute shit out of Luka, right?

[wnterreign]

open  starter     / @reignrbs​​

        dark  eyes  were  transfixed  on  the  sea that resided beyond sunspear's walls and stretched out toward the horizon. he'd been able to hear the waves crashing from his cell but had missed getting to see his second home, loathed that he was still kept from it. lukas drummed his fingers against the stone wall he was leaning on.        ❝ and so nothing has changed. ❞        he mumbled to himself, scoffing. he may be free from his small cell, but the greater cell of the palace remained despite the large show of power the martells had put on. it was almost laughable if his frusteration wasn't so great.

[singdreamchild]

TIMING: Christmas Night LOCATION: Cassius's house PARTIES: Cassius (@singdreamchild), Richard, Inge (@nightmaretist), Dis (@disinfernus), Zofia (@zofiawithaz) & Lukas (@lukas-dark-miracles) SUMMARY: The group of undead (and extremely old fae) get together for Christmas! CONTENT WARNINGS: None!

It had been Inge’s idea initially. Cassius had gone and visited her (with candy, as per her request), and she had the idea to have a gathering. The vampire suggested hosting, seeing as she was still mending, and he finally had a house to throw get-togethers at. When he had told Richard of the plan, the elder vampire was none too pleased. Still, he eventually relented when Cassius told him that it would be full of people who mattered to him and knew about Richard. “No hiding in the basement,” he had told his sire.

So that’s where the pair found themselves decking out the old Victorian house head to toe in Christmas decor. Cassius hadn’t gotten around to putting his spin on the house (namely, painting everything black and purple), but the old house had enough charm to it that it didn’t matter. Cassius gave Richard a pointed look when the doorbell rang and said, “Don’t disappear. These people have wanted to meet you.” 

Richard rolled his red eyes and nodded. “I’m not going anywhere.” He replied as he crossed his arms over his chest. The elder vampire’s features were twisted to look more batlike than human, which made him feel self-conscious. “Behave.” Cassius insisted in an exasperated voice as he hurried to open the door. 

Inge wasn’t much of a fan of Christmas, generally speaking. It reminded her of things long gone and aches not yet properly mended, but with her body still in pain and her usual ability to partake in shenanigans significantly limited, she figured she should do something. And it was funny, because there was actually something to do. A small group of people to gather together to have the most ungodly Christmas with.

She was still in pain, her movement still limited. It’d be a few months, Zane had said, and she wasn’t pleased about the constant reminder of her shortcomings. But she had ample distraction, and Dīs on her side. She was impressed by the Christmas decor, amused by Cassius’ dedication to the craft and rang the bell merrily.

Merrily, as in a piece of performance art. As in, she still wanted to cry and rage and throttle Siobhan and Rhett both. As in, she missed those same things long gone. When Cassius opened the door she smiled brightly and wiggled a bottle that read merlot. “I brought a gift!” It didn’t contain merlot. It contained blood. This was the time to be charitable, after all. “And also this bottle of wine.�� She moved inside, a small twinge of pain marking her features and looked around with a look of surprised awe. “Damn.”

___________

It seemed Zofia’s social life was a concern to a host of undead. 

Inge had invited her to a little holiday get together. Then, later, Cassius had invited her to the very same party being hosted at his house. She had been amused to say the least. She had no intention to attend, of course. It was very kind of them all to be so very concerned, but frankly she wasn’t feeling particularly festive. 

She had fully intended on sitting alone and adjusting to silence again, when she received one final invitation. Richard, of all people had decided to extend the invitation. She wasn’t entirely sure why the invitation had given her pause. But for some reason  she had found herself getting wine and a little poinsettia plant, and heading over to  Cassius’s. 

The door opened and her mouth quirked up into an attempt at a smile “. Wesołych Świąt, Cassius “ she said, holding up the gifts. She breezed into the space and took in the faces around her. It was strange to not offer embraces in greeting, but she wasn’t sure it would be appreciated. “Hello kochanie,” she waved to Inge, and then her eyes fell on a familiar figure with golden eyes. “You. I know you.”

———-

Lukas was pretty happy to get out of his own house, his Sire’s apparent willingness to let him only raise a few alarm bells in his head. After all, it felt nice to do something lightly normal even if he was fairly sure that he was about to have a rough time of it. She seemed to be amused for being alone on a holiday, and that usually meant she had something in store for him. 

A bottle of Whiskey in his hand he gave a small smile to Cassius before nodding to Richard. “Ah I believe I’m the last - apologies. Inge - Dīs - it’s nice to see you. ” He didn’t comment that Lizzie had been chuckling at him, and how he was sure something bad was about to happen and that’s why he was late. After all, it was just as likely that she was doing so on purpose. He also didn’t make his way next to Cassius quite yet, wanting to be sociable. 

To the only person he didn’t know he outstretched his hand to shake hers, “I’m sorry I’m not sure I’ve met you. I’m Lukas.” 

———-

Christmas wasn’t something that the lampade, or their family, celebrated - nor any holiday, really, save for birthdays and accomplishments are various kinds, so when they were invited by Inge to go with her to a little festive gathering of friends, Dīs thought: why not? They liked Inge, would have liked Cassius more had it not been for the unwarranted snacking, and Lukas — Lukas was unusual but not unpleasantly so. They nodded to him in response, offering a placid, yet amicable smile.

It was just nice to be included for a change, even if they didn’t care for the decorations.

Among the familiar faces, there was one that they had never seen before and one they didn’t think they’d see again so soon. At least, not in this capacity. They hung back, assuming that the older and clearly vampiric figure would be introduced by the host, so Dīs directed their attention to Zofia once she and Lukas became acquainted. “And I know you,” they agreed, a little amused by the circumstances. “Apparently, this town is deceptively small.”

Cassius watched as everyone said their hellos, suddenly realizing there was a reason he didn’t host any occasions. It’s because he was bad at it. He wanted to hide in a corner and wait for the gathering to start itself. But, of course, this didn’t happen. Sensing his nervousness, Richard strode up alongside the vampire and gave a welcoming smile (or as welcoming a smile as a batlike creature of the night could look, anyway). “I am Richard, for those of you who have not met me, which is, well, all of you. He gave a glance over to Zofia and winked. “Except you.” The man’s voice was deep and velvety, contrasting the monstrous face he wore.

Cassius swallowed, a sudden discomfort building as he let his sire take over. Why did he always let him take over? His gaze fell to the floor as he let his sire speak. It was weird to suddenly take on that submissive role that he always took as soon as Richard had put himself in the forefront. Cassius always told himself it was because Richard knew what he was doing and was more experienced in life. But a part of him was telling him that it wasn’t exactly the case. 

Cassius took a deep breath and forced himself to look up to his guests again, feeling Richard’s piercing gaze. “Food and drinks are set up in the kitchen, which is down the hall to the left, and the tree and chairs are set up in the living room, which is to the right.” He gave a cheerful smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, but there was a clear attempt. Richard’s presence made his skin itch. Why did it make him so damn uncomfortable? He watched as Lukas introduced himself to Zofia and nearly froze. He had never told Lukas her name, had he? Sensing the young vampire’s fear, Richard placed a hand on Cassius’s shoulder before walking toward the living room. “Let it be,” the elder vampire insisted as he made himself scarce.

The only face Inge did not recognize had to be that of Richard, that big bad in Cassius’ life that she had grown to detest and grown to be intrigued by. “I’m Inge,” she said, purposefully not going for her full name. She glanced at Cassius, who seemed almost like a puppy at the feet of its owner and redirected her gaze to his sire. “It’s great to meet you after all the stories I’ve heard. Spare a moment for me tonight so we may get to know each other properly?” 

Her gaze was considerably warmer as it fell on Zofia, giving her a smile, “Hi lief,” she said, giving Lukas an equally warm smile in greeting. Her eyes flicked between the female vampire and Dīs, wondering how they’d met. “Well, there’s a story there …” She was intrigued, a bit excited that the two of them were familiar. Jealousy didn’t arise. She had no need for such things.

Inge considered their options. “Should we get a small bite, then, and gather in the living room?” She moved towards the left, not with the usual skip to her step. She had no need for this either, the ache that spread from her waist to her legs. She half considered moving by astral — she could here, after all. “You guys –” this was to all the vampires in the room, “– should really try this wine. It’s locally sourced and though it’s not a vintage …” She smiled. “It’s supposed to be a good year. ‘93 if I’m correct?” 

____________

Zofia’s mouth tugged up into a small smile, and amusement glimmered in her usually cloudy eyes as the other vampire introduced himself. They certainly hadn’t met, but she knew who Lukas was. She’d watched him and Cassius when she’d first come back to town and her mind was worse for wear. She’d also become familiar with the name through his sire. And if Elzbieta Kowalska was his sire… “Lukas. Hello, kuzynie.” She said with a bad. “I’m Zofia.” She wondered if Lizzie had said anything. It was more likely than not though that the mad old vampire had neglected to inform Lukas of her, for her own entertainment. 

Her gaze drifted back to the only fae in the room, the small smile still hanging tentatively on her face. “Decidedly so. Lovely to see you again, Dīs.” Then her eyes found Cassius looking… stressed? He had invited her, was her presence really that alarming? Zofia was mostly in control of her own mind that day, and holiday festivities weren’t likely to send her spiraling off the deep end. She rolled her eyes as the elder vampire shot her a wink, but the smile on her face tugged a bit wider. She’d by no means consider Richard a friend. But he certainly wasn’t her enemy any longer. Not if he held out his hand to help. 

Zofia let out a small laugh at Inge’s interest. “We met under… interesting circumstances. Our goals were similarly aligned.” Cassius probably wouldn’t want talk of vengeful murder and fae sparked madness at his holiday party. The vampire smirked as Inge described the contents of the wine bottle. “What region is it from?”

__________

Lukas blinked, not quite knowing why he was someone's cousin, but took it a little in stride not wanting to make it more complicated. Then it hit him on why that might be the case, he asked with a bit of a laugh , “Znasz więc Elżbietę? - Because you don’t look a little like my mom or dad’s side. In anycase, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Zofia.”  It was a small world after all, and part of him wanted to run out the door as he spoke, scared that his Sire would be there in a moment, and not wanting to appear too stressed. He couldn’t look at it after all. 

Still, his eyes followed Cassius’s and he paused something feeling off. Part of him wanted to go to him, but he didn’t want to intrude on him and Richard’s space knowing how much he was nervous around his own Sire.  So as Inge went to move he nodded and said, “Of course. It’s also lovely to finally meet you, Richard.” Moving to go to the room he said, “Excellent. I hope you don’t mind that I brought Whiskey. It was pretty standard in my family. I’m afraid I picked up the habit.” Glancing at Inge, he wondered briefly why she seemed to be straining, although thought better than to bring it up. 

 __________

When the stranger finally introduced himself, the energy seemed to shift. Not just from the guests, from the host, as well. There was a mixture of uneasiness and intrigue, both of which Dīs felt equally, but it was thwarted momentarily when Cassius took back the reins and explained the setup. They watched as Richard stalked off towards the living room; Inge's desire to know him better did leave an acrid taste, but they did their best to ignore it.

They were glad for the change in conversation, though intrigued as to why Zofia chose to leave out any details really about their impromptu interrogation. Was this not the time for such talk? There was more of a curiosity than disappointment, a want to understand. "Interesting is certainly one way to describe it. But I am glad they were, otherwise this conversation would be much different," — if they made it out in one piece, at all. If their collision with the vampire had soured because she chose not to show the grace she did that night, Dīs couldn't be certain that they'd escape the encounter unscathed.

"I'll explain more later," they directed to Inge, happy to share even the smallest of victories. "I think you may enjoy hearing it."

Drinks sparked the turn of attention. While blood wasn't exactly a drink of choice for the lampade, the whiskey would have to do. "There are worse habits to have," Dīs assured Lukas as their glass was filled. They stole a sip before continuing, "how have your meetings been? Are you still having them?" After their brief and awkward, yet enlightening conversation, they didn't really bother with keeping tabs on the community meetings.

 __________

Richard stopped in his tracks as Inge introduced herself. Yes, Cassius had mentioned her since his arrival. Cassius for his part, shot Inge a warning glare before turning his attention to his sire, who nodded toward Inge. “Lovely to meet you, Inge. I will not be hiding this evening, so you are sure to find me.” Richard’s gaze then fluttered over to Lukas, and his eyes narrowed. He didn’t know what to take of this new one, and he wasn’t so sure if he were to be trusted. After all, he knew his sire. And with that, the elder vampire disappeared into the living room, doing his best to hid the only way he could with the expectation from Cassius that he would be on his best behavior and socializing. He used to be so good at it, but not it made his skin crawl. What was he turning into? 

Cassius seemed to relax the second Richard disappeared, a soft sigh and a fake smile plastered onto his features as he looked to Inge and her bottle of so-called wine. “Yes, I’m sure it’s… great.” Cassius shook his head, unable to get himself back into the groove of things. There was something to be said about two of your exes and your current love being under the same roof. Maybe he was crazy for allowing such things to occur, but all three of them were genuinely important to him. 

The blonde’s gaze flitted back and forth between Zofia and Lukas’s exchange, a curiosity surging through him as she claimed to be family to him. Then, Cassius listened as Dis spoke of Lukas and his meetings. What meetings? A confused frown crossed his face as he looked over to Lukas. Instead of asking outright, he filed the question away for later. “Inge, Lukas, feel free to place them on the island in the kitchen. Presents go in the living room under the tree.” It was suddenly too much, so many people all knowing the most private things in his life. No, he had to get himself under control. So after taking a deep breath, Cassius turned to follow his sire to the living room. 

She flashed Cassius’ sire a bright smile that didn’t hide the mischief behind it. She’d been bored, restricted during her day hours and wallowing in self-pity/self-hatred. Pulling at the seams of an elderly vampire would be a welcome addition to what promised to be an interesting evening. Inge nodded at Cassius. “It’s glorious. I mean, so I was told — I haven’t tried it myself. I’ll be having regular wine.” To Zofia: “It’s local, of course.”

A small look was given to Dīs, one of excitement to see what they had to tell her, but she was off to the kitchen. Walk stiff, but back straight: Inge knew that if there were people to not hide her pain in front of it might be these people, but she still had her pride. Plopping the bottle of blood on the counter, she wondered if she should pop it open to let it ‘breathe’ or if that wasn’t a thing with blood. “Lukas, do you decant this? And I’d love a bit of whiskey.” She took an empty glass, sliding it towards him as she worked on picking out some food. Best to reconvene in the living room, she figured.

With enough to satiate her non-existent hunger for human food, she made her way over there, glad to sit down on a chair. The pain from her abdomen and lower back strained down to her legs but at least there was no more pressure. “This is much better than the crypt.”

_______

So you know Elżbietę? Zofia’s mouth curled into a smile at that. “My aunt. However distant a relation she may be.” What were a few hundred years to blood relations, after all? 

The smile widened as Dīs insinuated Inge would enjoy listening to the tale of their murderous evening. The hunter had without a doubt deserved it. And based on Inge’s recent encounters with hunters, it would likely be nice to imagine the face of the one who had done her harm on the other’s body. “A local vintage?” Zofia laughed softly. “Those fine ‘vineyards’ of Wickeds Rest will be delightful, I’m sure.”

She perched herself in a corner and watched as the others continued to interact.

———

The others' proclamation that she was his Sire’s niece only stilled him for a second before he shook his head slightly in amusement. “That would explain why she was excited for me to come.” Lukas didn’t mention that he was nervous now, his hands clutching at the bottle a little too firmly for protection. Still he went to open it, keeping the nerves off his face and the odd looks from Richard out of his mind. 

At the question Lukas chuckled and said, “Yes, I am still doing community outreach. They are going very well.  You are welcome back if you’d like.” He didn’t think the other would want to go back, but still the offer was always there. Pouring out the whiskey for both of the other two he shrugged lightly and said, “For a wine? Usually you would for a Red I believe. There you go.” 

———

Aside from the riveting tale about the death of that young hunter, there was plenty that Dīs wanted to speak to Inge about — mostly ask, if she was privy and willing to indulge their curiosity — but for the moment, they would enjoy her presence, even if she seemed keen on learning about the elder vampire. Truthfully, they couldn’t blame her. His introversion was interest piquing.

They caught a little of the back and forth between Lukas and Zofia, but they were more concerned with the vampires in the other room — and the whiskey in their glass. They stole another sip as their fingers picked at a few of the food items made available, though they felt just a hair uncomfortable with the knowledge that they were the only one that needed anything on their plate to survive, that they technically were a meal fit enough for the rest of them. It was an interesting position to be in, to feel like prey among predators, as awkward as they all seemed to be.

“Are they still being held on the same days? I’m afraid I haven’t kept track of the schedule,” they returned to Lukas after finding a rather lonesome seat with a leg crossed over the other and back straight. Dīs was surprised that he was even allowed back after the discomfort of their first meeting, that the offer was even being made to begin with. Regardless whether or not it was a genuine offer mattered not, they might have to take him up on it. If only to satiate their ‘nosiness’.

—

Cassius flitted about the kitchen, pulling out glasses for the various drinks. As he came upon the bottle of ‘wine,’ he shot a look at Inge before opening it up and pouring himself a glass. He made eye contact with Richard at that moment, then took a sip. Richard didn’t let anything show, but his monstrous face finally changed from monstrous to human. One of his many abilities that the older vampires could pull off, letting him blend in among them. Instead of batlike features, he looked just like anyone else. An older man with a hint of a beard and blue eyes instead of red.

Cassius smirked at the taste of the wine, his eyes glowing a brilliant red, proving to everyone that it was, indeed, blood. “Inge has always been good with picking out a good red.” He noted before moving to sit on the couch, crossing one leg over the other and leaning back. He listened to the various conversations, from Lukas hosting meetings to Inge’s comment. He snorted into his wine glass, shaking his head. “Much roomier than it too,” he shot back with a laugh. “I wonder how Mrs. Lindamann is doing.” He wondered, referring to the woman who actually was laid to rest in the crypt. “Oh well, I’m sure she’s glad I’m gone.”

The blonde’s gaze flitted over to Richard, who seemed content to be sitting in the other corner of the room that Zofia didn’t already occupy. Two well-adjusted vampires cooped up in the darkest corners of the room. He rolled his eyes and turned his attention to Lukas, who was pouring whiskey and speaking of his community outreach. Cassius didn’t know too much, it hadn’t come up in conversation organically, so for now, he simply listened to know more.  In truth, Cassius hadn’t celebrated a Christmas properly in over a century. And it was finally in Wicked’s Rest of all places that he finally had established a family of his own that was worth celebrating with. Surrounded by people he cared about, the blond vampire for once finally relaxed. He was content.

[moondustlings]

continued from here | @egotistival

her eyes watched him closely. even though luke was her best friend, that didn’t mean he’d always give in to her, and she was kinda expecting a quick and fast no. when it didn’t come, she grinned. “you know what kind of video,” she replied, eyebrows waggling playfully. before today, she had never allowed herself seen him in that light because she didn’t want to ruin the one stable relationship she had. and in that same breath, she felt like she couldn’t ask anyone else but him. “i don’t want to make a sex tape but i … want to act like i am. record just a little bit.” she held up her thumb and index finger, looking at him in the small space between the digits. “i just want to show him that i’ve moved on. because i totally have but … just help me, okay?” her hands reached out, grabbing the collar of his shirt and giving him a playful shake. “i’ll buy you ice cream after if you help.”

[thefvrious]

@bluejeanbaby -> first five asks get a kiss

Damien was distressed, that much was obvious, but Luka was never much good at helping people soothe their emotional aches. He could listen, sure, but he was a man of few words. It was how he had always been -- the strong, silent type, sometimes to a fault. Seeing Damien like this, though, had the Russian soaking up the energy and mirroring it. In an act of desperation, he grabbed the other's hand and pulled it to him, kissing Damien's knuckles as if to bring him back to earth with Luka. "Out of your head -- it is dark in there and you should not be left alone without supervision." A slight tease, meant to pull Damien back into this realm, out of whatever it is that was bothering him.

[kinglyisms-archived]

♚ — @prerodinu Luka & Toshiro.

   Luka blinked at the otherside of the door, staring into a set of eyes that looked like they wanted to rip him apart and feed him to the nearest wolf. Except said wolf might actually be standing in front of him, not that he thinks Toshiro eats Vampire for dinner. Not that he has been to a pack dinner in all honesty. He shifts a bit in the doorway, gripping it tighter. Radovan is upstairs, they had a rather interesting night and he had woken up with the Vampire cuddling him like he was a life sized doll. Luka had nearly thrown him from the bed, but instead carefully extracted him from it. He had just finished getting dressed, now Toshiro is standing in his doorway. 

   What is his life lately? 

   “What do you want? It’s early.” 

   “Early–it’s four in the afternoon, Luka.” 

   “Exactly. It’s early.” 

   The Alpha blinked, lips thinning in irritation and then he just invited himself inside the house like he lived here. Luka moved a bit out of the way and then swung the door shut, pushing his hand tiredly through his hair. He breathed out soft, shook his head slightly and then slid his attention over toward the Alpha once more. Toshiro stopped walking by the stairs and tossed the back he had been carrying gently onto the floor, not having any idea what was in it or if it was breakable. 

   “You’re not moving in too, are you? I don’t think I can handle anymore unwanted guests at the moment.” His father wouldn’t care about Toshiro though, he can have him, Casimir, anyone else over and the man leaves them alone. They’re a bit more important if they go missing and he was trying to not get caught. Not that knocking his son around like a toy did much for that image of his. Usually that’s just behind doors though. 

   “I’d sooner gouge my eyes out than move in with you.” Toshiro stated and Luka sighed. The kid was still so young, still very opinionated, and still very angry at him and Wyatt for everything that happens during the meetings. 

   It’s not like he asks Wyatt to try and kill him every time they’re in a room together. He just defends himself. 

   “Artem asked me to drop that off for Radovan. You two should come over to the Pack house for dinner. It’ll settle their unrest at their missing Pack Mate.” 

   Ah. That was why he was here. It was time to return Radovan then, was it? Luka frowned slightly and ignored the rush of coldness that seemed to fill his chest and gut at that. That man had the right to leave, Luka did not own him and he had said he wanted to leave. He had things to do. So why does it feel like it’s bothering him? 

   “I don’t control Radovan. He can do what he wants.” 

   “God you are so insufferable.” Toshiro rolled his eyes and heaved a sigh. “I’m just inviting you, I'm not telling you to drag him to the Pack House.” 

[noblehcart]

@scandinave ( christine & luka )

"Miss Daae, I believe you forgot our standing date." It wasn't a date or courting in the slightest sense, but he didn't quite have the word for what it was. Friends being the best fitting word and they did have a standing appointment or date as it were between them. He needed company and she wanted to stretch her legs with the safety of a friend and he was more than happy to oblige her. The opera was stuffy at times and suffocating at most and with the hawkers and the patrons that lurked about that sometimes it was difficult to get out without insane amounts of pestering people. So it was less likely that people were to approach a couple so very clearly in conversation.

Hence why his hand was extended, a wry grin on his lips as he looked to his dearest and loveliest friend. " I'll forgive you this time." He teased lightly. "But its going to cost you another loop about the park."

[disinfernus]

Confessions in the Dark

TIMING: Current PARTIES: @lukas-dark-miracles & @disinfernus LOCATION: Community Center SUMMARY: Dis attends one of Lukas' meetings to see a thank you through. They leave with something a little more juicier than expected. CONTENT WARNINGS: mentions of domestic abuse, torture

It wasn’t difficult to find Lukas Zabek’s name, nor where he tended to congregate. There were flyers everywhere in town for a support group — a support group for what exactly? The flier gave enough information, sure, but Dīs wanted to hear it from him personally. Not to mention there was a thank you to cash in on, and they figured this little group would be a good way to get to know Lukas a little bit better. 

So they showed up to the doors, to the meeting, clad in their typical getup of monochromatic black. They softened it a little, though, opting for softer shades of black and even a touch of gray. This time, there was no exposed skin to be found. Instead they decided on a plain, Mandarin collared shirt, buttoned and left untucked, that gave their tall frame even more length. It was a lot more modest and confining than what they preferred, but when in Rome.

Finally it was their turn to introduce themself. Dīs took a firm hold of Lukas’ hand and offered quite the charming smile. They noticed the chill at first, but paid it no mind. Ingeborg was the same as were dozens of others in Wicked’s Rest; there was no strangeness to be found, in their opinion. Not yet, anyway. “Lukas? A pleasure to meet you, I’m Dīs. I’m looking forward to this meeting.”

Things had been going quite well for Lukas, at least as much as they could in such a small amount of time. He hadn’t expected the support group to go as well as it had, and some of the members even came weekly - asking how they could help. While it was much too soon for everyone to know the next steps it did feel like he was on the precipice of change. 

Still, he had to be careful of the town filled with more darkness than he had remembered as a human. Maybe there was some truth that the Light did blind him to all of the darkness around him. So he went around personally greeting each person, everytime careful to keep in mind where he had seen them before and if they were someone to be careful of. So when he reached someone who was dressed in darkness he couldn’t help but be careful - his smile was warm but not quite reaching his eyes like it had been. To hide that he made sure his glasses were glinting. 

“Yes, that would be me,” Lukas said trying to push the unease as he assessed the other, shaking their hand as easily as everyone else. “It is nice to meet you as well Dīs, welcome to your first meeting. If you have any questions feel free to ask. It’s not a particularly formal place.” It was true, while Lukas tended to give a small speech just to let everyone know what was needed where - it very often went into small groups after with people talking. 

“I appreciate that. I do have... one, but I’m positive it will be answered after everything has started.” There were only whisperings of what exactly this meeting was about, so far all positive from what they had heard in passing. Even some of their regulars, the ones who frequently lost at the casino, spoke good will of Lukas’ ‘community meeting’. A place for neighbors. Altruism was rare in a place like Wicked’s Rest, but it was perfect for it. Was it real?

They preferred not to bog down the brief meet-and-greet with a question that was sure to be answered in a few minutes, so they respectfully bowed away from any potential prying or persuasion in pulling that inquiry from them. Dīs wanted all of the cards in their hands first before they made their decision. The question they really wanted an answer for was what could Lukas do for them? At this point, that magic line had been tapped and ready for them to sink their shadowed claws in to further connect that tether.

All they needed was a reason.

The way that Lukas spoke, though unassuming as the man may have been, drew the other people in without much effort. There was one who thought the entire thing was nonsense and left with an irritation that dissipated the moment the front doors closed shut. The outlier was gone and the rest, some new and others were, what they assumed, regulars. They seemed genuinely happy and excited to be there, ready for this change and sense of community Lukas spoke of. It reminded them of decades back, when they too rallied their own family in preparation of a new leader: them. Until they flipped the script and turned their home into an underground graveyard, much to their family’s chagrin.

“I have to say, this all sounds very promising,” Dīs complimented Lukas once the meeting goers were left to their own devices. Some made a beeline for the refreshments, while others mingled about themselves and came up with ‘solutions’. “I am a little surprised, however, that there hasn’t been a community meeting before yours. At least, none that I have heard of.” 

Lukas had tilted his head at the odd phrasing, something that he wanted to poke at but knew that his energy needed to be spent elsewhere. So instead he had nodded lightly before going to his place in the middle of the room. 

It was, in many ways similar to how he had run most of the Church meetings, although he had to say it wasn’t particularly like Mass. It wasn’t as organized, and Lukas had to pause when others yelled out at him, giving the rest of the group a chagrined look, looking nervous as he pushed up his glasses with one hand. It was, somewhat of an act, acting like an everyman in front of people who appreciated humility and togetherness. While he probably had many of those qualities, at least he had at some point, he hardly was a meek person thrusted into the spotlight because of altruism. He had been trained for this, for better and worse and he knew how to endear people to him. So after giving the general announcements and answering questions with the full group with a gentle smile he let everyone break apart going to small groups. 

He managed to get back to the other, wondering exactly what their question was. At the comments Lukas raised his eyebrows slightly and said, “I’m glad you think so. I also hadn’t realized there hadn’t been a community action group before. I just haven't been able to find one to join.” It was somewhat true as he hadn’t found one, but if Lukas was being honest, he still would have made his little group as well. “I find that groups of people are often able to do more than individuals in changing an area, so I am glad for that. Did you come to a meeting because you found something concerning then?” 

“I may be wrong, of course. Despite having been here my entire life, I tend to live under a rock, as people like to say, so my word may not be as reliable as I’d like.” Though it was the absolute truth, Lukas would have no idea how literal they were being. Not yet. “I do agree with that. They all need to be on the same page, however, for there to be results. Which,” Dīs gave the small clusters of people a once over before their glinting, golden gaze swung back to Lukas, “it looks like you have a good group here. Very.. Cohesive.” They wondered when it would crash down. They wondered if it would. People were fickle.

“Concerning?” They gave pause, wondering what exactly they could say that wouldn’t be an outright lie, but as some of the patrons started to file out and with no other answers to be found, a brief air of overconfidence took over. “I came to this meeting with the hope that I might find an answer, but talk of gardens and potholes have given me nothing. I suppose that’s concerning.” Dīs adjusted the hemline of their shirt. Did they dare continue? They could take back this information, surely, at the end of it all. Would there be permanent consequences? There was only one way to find out.

Another patron walked out. “You are bound to me by the thanks you gave me,” they continued; a breath later and another patron wandered over to say their goodbyes. “But I am afraid I must be honest.. I haven’t the faintest idea what to ask of you.” Their eyes only broke from Lukas’ face any time someone walked up to say their bye for the evening, but they looked him over with interest and intrigue. They wanted to know what he thought. They wanted to know if there was anything more to him than the influential and caring speaker that he was. If not, this would be a waste.

Lukas chuckled at the phrase and nodded easily, “I understand. It’s easy not to pay attention to everything after all.” He looked at his group now leaving or talking amongst themselves fondly. While Lukas may not be a priest anymore, there was something in tending a flock that never seemed to leave him. He liked everyone here, even if some weren’t reliable or particularly kind. They thought he didn’t know he was sure, but he did and he accepted them anyway. “They are certainly eager, although I think you’ll find that a group of people always has more then one point of view. We aren’t as cohesive as you may thing.” 

“Yes, a problem or otherwise you wanted help with,” Lukas said, eyes flickering back to the other, his eyes having a hard time focusing mostly from the darkness Dīs wore. It was interesting though, more so than the rest around them. “Oh - answers for what?” Lukas continued wondering exactly what the other thought the group was. He’d been careful, patient and in anycase hadn’t done anything particularly noteworthy as of late.

Well - at the very least he didn’t think they knew about Kelly at least. He’d been careful about choosing her, and no one in the group had even noticed her disappearance yet. Still, he paused as the other continued. Lukas froze momentarily wondering what was meant by bound, his face relaxing almost instantly as others came to say goodbye back to his normal relaxed features before glancing back at the person he was feeling like he should have been more weary from. 

“I’m not sure what you mean,” Lukas said honestly, feeling like there was something he was missing. Still, he made sure most of the others were out, with a smile and gentleness he wasn’t currently feeling, wondering if the other was connected to his Sire in some way. He felt watched, and while he went through the motions of goodbyes and well wishes he wanted in a moment to leave the area and not deal with the shadowy figure who seemed to know more than Lukas about something. 

As he finally turned back to the other, Lukas’s eyes were more neutral, his light smile replaced by something more neutral than anything else. In a word, he looked less like the Father he had once been, and more like the man his Sire had wanted him to turn into. He felt almost naturally like he had been put on his back foot, and now he needed more information to know what to do about it.  “What exactly were you hoping to find here? If you want something from me, I’m willing to listen without talking of - binding I think you said? The others are gone, so feel free to speak plainly.” 

“It really is, isn’t it? For such a small place, there is quite a lot that happens in Wicked’s Rest. Well, now, cohesion doesn’t have to mean a lack of individual thought. I think their shared support for this group makes it cohesive enough.” Lukas’ compassion for these people was clear; they didn’t understand it, but they didn’t show up to understand.

They showed up to cash in on the ‘thank you’ that had been so willingly given, but even that seemed to be quite the failure. Was Lukas as boring as they assumed? Perhaps this could just be a one-off, a silly little fling that didn’t exactly further any of Dīs’ plans? An absolute waste of their time, but still something to get them out of the house, they supposed. They could come back from this slightly embarrassing fumble and Lukas wouldn’t remember a thing. A win-win in their book.

Dīs offered the younger man a sigh and, once the last of the straggler exited the space, made a grab for a nearby chair before setting into it a little heavily, though their movement was fluid and seemed unnaturally elegant despite the obvious exhaustion (and irritation) that seemed to take hold. If there was nothing interesting in the meeting, then perhaps he had something nefarious that hid beneath the surface. They expected not, considering the way the man was dressed.

“Tell me then, Lukas, one of your secrets.” One of their legs lifted and crossed over the other. Both hands knitted fingers together and clasped atop bent knee. Their eyes seemed to faintly glow as they eased into the chair. “And, do make it a good one. This room makes me itchy.” It felt too liminal, too open and plastic and metal. The smell of pastries didn’t help at all.

Lukas was still not quite sure how to take the other, but they seemed annoyed with him. In some ways he figured that must be a good sign that the other wasn’t particularly interested in the group. He didn’t want to be around them as interesting as they were, there was something dangerous that Lukas wanted to fade from their sight.  He was about to laugh and say that he wasn’t about to confess anything until there was something that felt hot in his throat urging him to tell them. So his mouth opened to say anything other than the truth. 

“I don’t think most of the people here are going to live if someone doesn’t kill me. If I don’t kill them She will and I can’t stand to see the blood again. I keep asking God to kill me and he hasn’t, so everyone’s going to die and the only thing I can do is kill them before she tortures them in front of me again. No one is going to agree to go through this hell or be a puppet. I hate Her and her games,” Lukas said horrified, his eyes wide as the words seemed to pull from him before he could stop them. He hadn’t meant to say that and as soon as he did his mouth clenched. “What exactly did you just do to me? What was that?” His voice was harsh, arms crossed as he felt the burns on his hands itch. He didn’t like thinking about this, and he didn’t know why it was pulled from him. 

“What are you? Why did you want to know that? ” Lukas said simply wondering if he was now dead. While Lizzie didn’t seem to like to keep tabs on him, he knew that she liked to test him as well, and saying that he hated her was probably a recipe for death or at least a very unpleasant time going home. 

Dīs sat there with a silent and amused bout of surprise. They hadn’t expected that juicy tidbit to fall from the stiff man with the kind eyes, yet there they were. Though, carnage was hardly shocking when it came to humankind, as there had been plenty throughout history who had felt and done far worse. There were those who relished in death, made it a hobby even. Lukas seemed to be plagued by it.

“I wanted to know because I had a chip to cash in and you delivered. But that just leaves me with more questions. If I tell you what I am, will you tell me what you are?” Lukas could very well be a regular old human with a desire to kill — or maybe even had someone forcing him to — but in Wicked’s Rest, there was always that slim chance that he wasn’t even human at all and that was far more interesting. Interesting in the sense of this man’s personal plight, but again, in Wicked’s Rest, there were monsters and murderers aplenty. What made him so special?

“That only seems fair, doesn’t it?”

Lukas didn’t like the other very much, something telling him to run away. Maybe something closer to what people called a human instinct to survival than anything else. He never wanted to admit any of that, something he knew would end up badly for him if the other released the information. He suspected that his Sire knew deep down that he was upset at her, but he couldn’t think that she would let him live knowing how deep it is. 

At the question Lukas’s jaw clenched, wanting to tell the other to leave him alone. Still, at this point he needed to know, if only to see why the other was able to do that to him. If there were people in the town that seemingly could bind him to tell the truth he needed to know, and how to stop them from doing so. If only to stop her from using it. Despite it all, he was trying to keep people alive, even if he was causing sacrifices he didn’t want to. 

So he paused looking at the other and sighed. “Yes. I will tell you what I am if you tell me what you are.” After all, no human could have done that. Lukas was certain, and it would hardly tip his hand at this point. “You have my word, which apparently you can use.” 

Did he know? Did he know anything about fae, about their magic and what they could do? You have my word, which apparently you can use. Dīs had to wonder exactly how far they could take this — or rather, how far they could keep him away from the absolute truth. At an arm’s length perhaps? Or maybe shrouded in darkness, blind to the real and given something else to merely satiate his curiosity?

They liked to trade, though. And they had a feeling that Lukas’ information was far more curious than their own, but that could also just be wishful thinking. The resignation had been well earned, they thought, and nodded, agreeing to the little barter with nothing but a bow. It seemed fair enough, didn’t it?

“I am…” They thought about a previous encounter, one that didn’t exactly go as they had hoped. Before they could pull the knowledge back that had been so freely given, they ran. A stupid mistake, but one that Dīs was keen on not repeating. “...Darkness.” Okay, it was perhaps a tad dramatic but protection was a must and truthfully, they just wanted to see what would happen. “I am the shadows that sit in these very corners and the dark that falls when the light goes out.” They looked a tad too proud of that fact, as they sat in their folding, metal chair with black hair that tickled the hard, dirty floor.

Lukas wasn’t exactly sure what he expected of the other, a frustration that grew when the answer was poetic and hot factual. Usually he would find it interesting, something to ponder and wonder about - but in a game of truth poetry rarely helped. 

Eyes flickering back to the other though, Lukas had to admit they did seem suited for the dark. Perhaps there was a creature that was full of darkness, he would have to ask Her about it if he ever got the nerve. He didn’t want to admit what he had talked about though the confession was still burning in his hands. 

“Poetic,” Lukas eventually said before pausing. “I don’t have as fancy of words for my existence, but I’ve been told I am a vampire.” It had taken a while for him to believe that, instead believing himself to be a demon. After all, demons had always felt more - real than Bram Stoker’s Dracula. “I assume I’ve played my part of your entertainment then?” 

Oh, he took it — he took the bait. That felt far too easy. While it wasn’t an outright lie, Dīs was a nymph born of shadow and darkness after all, it wasn’t the whole truth. They were surprised that this man simply just accepted that tidbit, especially a man who turned out to be inhuman — or rather, undead, as it were.

“You may not, but there are plenty of fancy words written and spoken by others. The internet especially has quite the fascination with… Vampires. How long have you been this way?” They asked, genuinely curious now. The smallest of chuckles escaped them; that was his follow up question? Did he really accept that Dīs was darkness eternal? Is that how She managed to rope him in, and why he hated Her so much, whoever this She was? 

“I wouldn’t call it entertainment.” They tapped the long, slender fingers of their left hand against the top of one of their knees in thought before they stood to their full height. Though they had more questions than answers, the magical contract had been fulfilled and there wasn’t much else to keep the nymph there. Especially not with how agitated the vampire seemed to be. “I had a tab that needed closing and you provided enough. Don’t fret, this meeting was going to happen eventually.”

They adjusted their collar, the tightness an obvious discomfort. “And if it makes you feel any better at all, know that this request was…tame compared to most.”

Lukas was a little tired of this all, lies and truth always seemed to mix to him lately anyway. Perhaps if he was still human he would feel the weight he used too, but at the end they all seemed to end up badly. He might as well let the lies be truth. 

The other seemed amused by something he said, but in all honesty he was used to playing that part too. After all She seemed to delight in making him a personal theatrical play. Still, it didn’t exactly seem mean either. “ I’m sure. I usually am fairly good with words, but this isn’t the type of thing I often speak on.” That was true, in the strictest sense he didn’t like being a vampire. He would, instead, like to be almost anything else if possible. So he often waxed philosophy on other things. “I don’t know exactly, Twenty years or so? Long enough,” Lukas said, not feeling compelled too. It just seemed like an answer that didn’t cost much. 

The agitation melted into something closer to tired acceptance. It was something he was good at, accepting things that apparently weren't in his control. After all, he was the pinnacle of blind devotion. If the other wanted to bend his will too, it wasn’t as if he wasn’t used to it by now. Nodding slightly he sighed and moved to start moving the chairs. “I still don’t know what tab I had - but whatever it was I am glad that it is filled. I will respectfully ask you not to tell people what I said here. I cannot stop you from doing so, but I can at least ask.” 

Lukas’s eyes glanced over at the other and said, “Feel free to take any snacks you might want.” 

Twenty years or so. The answer was surprising and elicited a furrow of their brow. That was nothing — a blip in time, barely even a thought for the centuries old nymph. It didn’t help that the man looked young, at least in comparison to most humans, but that could have also been caused by the vampirism. Dīs didn’t know enough to make a concrete opinion on the matter, but they felt pity about his undead state all the same.

“To each their own. But you are young. A long life has its way of changing… Perspectives. And don’t worry,” they stole a breath; the darkness in the room seemed to breathe with them, slow and waning like the recession of the ocean tide, “that is not my intention. I.. Your secret is safe with me.” Their stomach turned, the sharp pain of nausea acute and localized. Lies were useful but they ate away at the inside.

The idea of the snacks didn’t help, but they pushed through the discomfort just enough to politely decline the offer with a shake of their head. “You’re kind.. But I’m fine. You should…” Dīs paused. No, they were not fine, and although the fine was in relation to food substances, their magic couldn’t tell the difference. Either they left immediately or they were going to embarrass themself. “You should donate them,” they pushed the words out quickly and before Lukas could say a word, the shadowed man hurried to the door.

“A pleasure,” they finished before promptly disappearing from the vampire’s view. They didn’t leave the premises immediately, however. Instead, a passerby or two would find them with their head behind a bush. 

[stellarhistoria]

@reusignus. / luka & vash. / from here.

wings gently flutter against the warm desert breeze, a flicker of amusement turning the doctor's eyes from an icy glare to a light chill of autumn festival mirth. he can't help the chuckle at the sheepishness, and it makes him relax a little bit more, knowing well that this man - contrary to popular belief - couldn't hurt someone without reason to.

( and he doesn't believe he's given that reason, yet. he's sure he'll find one. )

"Ah, aren't y'a charmer? Bringing a tired ol' doctor some tea on a late night. One migh' think y'er flirting, you know." he jests with a little bit of a tilt of his head as he gently moves to take the cup of tea, gesturing for vash to join him on the roof. "Y'er reacting rather blandly to seein' the local doctor with'f wings."

[nightmaretist]

TIMING: Current PARTIES: Lukas @lukas-dark-miracles & Inge @nightmaretist LOCATION: A churchyard. SUMMARY: Two immortals sit in a churchyard and look at a church they're not entering for their own reason. A discussion on God and morality follows. CONTENT WARNINGS: Religion-heavy (christianity/catholicism), mentions of parental, sibling and child death

Attending church had become a rarity for Inge, who struggled to connect with the religion that had once ruled her life. It was too confrontational, did not fit the easygoing way she preferred to go to life — dealing in terror, sure, but supposedly not affected by it. Church was a place of guilt and shame, a place of reflection and remembrance, and those weren’t things she looked for most of the time. And yet, every now and then, she felt herself pulled to such places. 

That was not to say she was going into the church today. Just the churchyard, moving past the graves of people long gone and filing away some of the imagery for later. It was a rare moment of feeling somewhat grounded, in touch with the person she was before she’d died and become what she had been meant to be. A god-fearing creature. She still believed that he existed, but no longer did Ingeborg think he had any say on where she would end up post-death. If anything, she was more demon than a person made in his image.

Oh, what did it matter, what she was? Those were the kinds of questions she’d asked in the first years, when she had still been grappling with her nature, and ones she’d asked after her daughter had died and the world seemed wholly unfair. But now, it mattered not: the sun shone! A bird whistled cheerfully. She saw a stranger on a bench and decided, why not approach — better to chat up a random stranger than to keep mulling over her own existence and that of some higher power. The bench was sat nicely in the shade, which Inge did prefer. “Afternoon,” she said, sitting herself down and staring up at the church. It was a nice building. Catholic, which meant it actually had some charm unlike the reformed churches she’d gone to as a mortal. “Hope it’s alright I’m sitting down.” If it wasn’t, she’d stay. Her gaze remained on the building, one of its high towers. For a moment, she was quiet: “What brings you here?” 

Lukas wasn’t sure why he kept doing this, sitting outside in the courtyard of the Church he once ran. Perhaps part of him did it instinctually, he had on many occasions sat out here after all. It was a perfect place to contemplate everything, the good and the bad. Maybe it also reminded him of those twilights with his Sire, where she wasn’t so scary. The gardens of a church had been a place of peace - the last time he had peace. So he sat there quietly thinking, his hands clutching each other in a pretend version of a prayer, his head bowed for prayers he no longer thought God could hear. 

Maybe this just proved  he actually wanted to pray and turn to the light, but he was already a monster. He was chosen for this after all. Salvation for Lukas could only be through the darkness, so he should stop trying to hear the choirs from inside the church. He should stop trying to hold a rosary closely. He should move from his spot, even if just being near the old church gave him comfort. He didn’t need it anymore, and more importantly he didn’t deserve it. Surely though he could stay in the garden outside. After all, Eden was the place where good and evil were hand and hand until it tipped. Surely the snake had the same amount of rights to wander the place as did the rest of creations. 

Even if he was damned, and could only be saved through the darkness, Lukas could still have a place in the garden of good and evil. 

Still, as his spiral started yet again Lukas heard a woman’s voice and for a moment his eyes grew wide thinking it was his Angel - just to realize it wasn’t. Relaxing, he moved to sit up properly and said, “No problem at all. Go ahead." Afterall, he didn’t own the seat, and he was ready to not think about the gnawing questions just at the surface of his damned existence. He didn’t like thinking of the roles he - well wasn’t sure he wanted to play. At the question though he sat for a moment thinking and said, “It’s a good place to contemplate I suppose. What brings you?” 

If Inge believed in God – and that was an if, these days – then she wanted Him to exist in the simplest and most mundane of things. He was the flowers waving in the sun, the light through the trees, the sweet food on the table and also all the rest the world had to offer. The cold of night, the thunderstorm crashing down on the earth’s surface, the feeling of terror like a cold fist around a heart. If she believed in Him, He was something cyclical that she was part of.

Of course, that didn’t negate all she was taught and had once believed. It was ever-present, like a nagging thought in the back of her head. A song that had been stuck there since the moment she gained consciousness. But she sinned so much these days that she couldn’t let it rule her days any more. There was no afterlife waiting for her, anyway. Or so she told herself, convincingly and endlessly. Life was the earth’s pleasures and sorrows for her, and God was in them — and that was the end of that.

But here she was, in front of a church that would disagree with her. Inge lacked self-awareness to see it as anything else than a whimsical decision. “I appreciate it all the same.” The silence was comfortable, but she wouldn’t mind filling it. Conversation was a favorite of hers, after all: there was so much silence in her life, as it stood. “It is, isn’t it? I find churches and their grounds often are. And I don’t know, exactly, I suppose it is contemplation I’m after. I guess I used to find it inside, but it’s been a while. What about you?”

Often now, as he sat in the shade of the trees outside of the Church he wondered exactly how it felt like to be removed from the narrative of Goodness. How he would word it. Lukas always thought of Cain, the first murder, who asked if he was his brother’s keeper. Who had been rejected.  He didn’t realize how cruel it had been, that he had been Marked and told to live forever after walking the world east of Eden. Perhaps Cain still sat outside of holy places as well, waiting for an invitation to go back to God. Idly he wondered if he ever would. 

He wondered idly how many people were like him, sitting right outside of the light, rejected from being welcomed in through no fault of their own. After all, he was tossed aside like he hadn’t mattered. Normally Lukas pushed those thoughts away, convinced he still had a purpose, but surely that meant his purpose was to embrace the dark. If that was the case, sitting in the church courtyard was merely a way of reminding himself that he was not welcomed. He was marked, and he would remain here in this weird in between light and darkness. Neither protected, nor fully rejected the courtyard could provide a sort of Limbo the rest of the world couldn’t. 

“I don’t feel particularly welcomed inside if I am completely honest,” Lukas said with a small nod towards the other, an uncharacteristically solemn look to his face. “So I would rather contemplate outside of the hallowed halls where I do feel welcome to sit and simply be. Although I do believe the inside is beautiful.” It was, at least to Lukas. “Do you come here often then? I don’t think I have seen you before.” 

That was honest. Inge looked at the other, at the solemn look on his face and the truth he offered. People of faith so often claimed to be honest, didn’t they? To lie was to sin and yet, lie they all did. She herself included — but if immortality anything, it was to be above sin. So what did it matter if she lied? Maybe that was why it was somewhat unsettling and strange, that this person she didn’t know spoke with a rawness. Refreshing, even.

And maybe she agreed. Not feeling welcome wasn’t something that usually held Ingeborg back, considering all the breaking and entering she did on a regular base. There was something different about it though, wasn’t there? Maybe there was still that young woman inside her, who turned to her priest in a time of need and expected to be answers. Who thought that maybe a demon was ruining her nights, making it impossible for her to rest without terror. She knew better now, of course: mares were not demons, even if some religious zealots might think so. And for as far as she knew, there was no space for God in the astral, either.

“Neither do I. It’s been too long.” She let out a breath of air, “And I was never catholic, anyway.” That had mattered so much, back at home. The Dutch world split in catholic and protestant, society built on those differences. Inge now thought they mattered little. “There’s something holy about the gardens too though, hm? And no, not often. I have been inside, though, once, maybe twice.” Mostly to see the art. “It’s beautiful. Do you come here much?” She stared at the towers again. “What is it you’re contemplating?”

Lukas almost hummed in agreement on the idea of it being too long. After all, it always seemed that he had just entered the church days ago. If he just calmed his mind he could hear the choir and see the lights streaming through the stained glass windows creating beautiful and awe inspiring lights across the altar, illuminating the scene as he held up the eucharist. 

Still, he knew that it had changed, and it was indeed too long. He knew that even the words had changed, he no longer knew them. He knew that if he tried to touch that sanctified chalice up to God that it would burn him. His hands already bore that fact time and time again. Things that he had loved were already long gone, and while he hadn’t wanted to accept that, the years blurred in a way so he did. 

At the woman’s words,  Lukas chuckled and said, “The gardens are open to everyone I would think.” He did think that, or else he wouldn’t be here on the borderlands between what was holy and what was damned. If he could be here, there was no reason that she couldn’t, no matter what God or path she followed. Perhaps at the end of times maybe one of the loudest people would have been proven right, but Lukas thought there was such a big time before that. 

“The gardens are lovely this time of year, they’ve always been my favorite,” Lukas said with a light nod. They seemed to hold life better than most places and while the Church inside was beautiful and peaceful, there was something about the peace in nature out here. “I try to come out here a couple of times a month.” It wasn’t truly a lie, but more so stated in the opposite. He only allowed himself the calmness of this place twice a month. He couldn’t get used to a  comfort blanket that wasn’t his after all.  “Do you come by often?” 

At the last question Lukas thought for a moment and said lightly, “I suppose what I think about good and evil and an individual’s position to even begin to answer those question. In front of a church it can be hard not to think about that, although I think that’s probably too big of a problem for me.” He had a sheepish smile on his face as he continued, “Did you have any thoughts on the subject?” 

A hum of thought exited her throat at those words, “These gardens are, at the very least.” Those behind the pearly gates of heaven were a little harder to access, weren’t they? Ah, what did it matter — it was hardly a subject to get upset about, in Inge’s case, though she found herself wondering sometimes. Whether it was all real, of course, and if so who had been admitted there.

Where had Vera gone, upon death? Was she up there, looking down? Were her own parents there, too? She wondered if her two still surviving siblings prayed for her. Inge hadn’t prayed for them in quite some time and wondered if perhaps she should, despite the fact that she hadn’t seen them in so long. Hard to do, with her appearance not having changed a bit in forty years. Hard to do, when they all reminded her so much of that horridly bleak and restrictive existence. 

She remembered, with striking clarity, going into the church back in those human days and asking the pastor for guidance. It had been when the nightmares had been at their worst, her mind fraying at the edges because of a constant state of terror. Is He punishing me?, she had asked, as he rubbed his hands and considered her question. There had been so little comfort in his answer, as he’d told her to keep faith.

Inge was glad she’d left the church, even if she hadn’t completely abandoned God. There was no priest or pastor that could speak to her existence any more. “They are very beautiful. A good place for contemplation. A good use of space, too.” She wondered how many vampires roamed this place at night. How the gravestones would look covered in the blood of their victims.

He expressed questions of good and evil. Inge shifted in her seat so she could look at him better. “No, it’s understandable. It’s a large question.” Not one that bothered her much in her personal life, as she didn’t let herself be held back by human debates of morality. But even she had her little moral codes. “I think, these days, I’ve started to see God as someone who’s capable of ambiguity, right? Good and evil.” These were words that would have plenty of her family pale. “And if we are made in His image, then so are we — good and evil. I suppose it is personal, at the end of the day, what you lean towards more. But it’s also natural, that both occur within and because of you.” 

“It’s easy to think, here at least,” Lukas replied about the gardens, thinking thoughtfully about how even in the summer they looked beautiful. Even in the evening, when most people found the Church ominous and there was a sense of forboden, there was something beautiful there. He had heard once, something about the sublime being even more compelling than the beautiful. Maybe that was one of the reasons the Church had always enraptured his soul. It was awe inspiring and compelling - to the point of ego destroying in itself. 

At her shift Lukas looked at the other, for a moment, thinking back to another woman who’d sat not unlike her talking about similar topics. It should have made him nervous, but instead he felt a kind of nostalgia he’d missed over the past decades. While his Angel always prodded and asked questions and gave answers, there was always a glint in her eyes that suggested she didn’t particularly care about her answers or his. She was always playing the devil’s advocate to his sincerity, and for some reason he didn’t think this stranger was. 

He listened carefully, and found himself agreeing with her. After all, had he not come up with a similar conclusion. Still, it was probably why he was sat out here instead of inside of the Church now, a heretic of the highest degree. “I find myself thinking similarly,” Lukas said softly, “After all, what is one without the other? If good or evil were to win over the other would it stop mattering? Theoretically of course, I don’t think in the here and now such ideas matter for day to day living.” 

Well, for most people he supposed they didn’t matter - but for the former Father they did deeply hurt. He fixated on the idea of good and evil - how a balance of them could be achieved. It was hubristic for him to think about this. It shouldn’t have been up to him to decide any of this, but without anyone seemingly looking down what else could he realistically choose? He was denied the ability to be good - that much was clear with what had happened to him. He wasn’t even Job, who could continue to weather the storm even if it seemed as if no God was hearing him. After all, he couldn’t even hold a rosary anymore, much less properly be resolved of sins. 

He had so many sins  on his soul now. It had been 7365 days since Lukas’s last confession after all, and he couldn’t be absolved of any of them. 

Looking back to his companion Lukas continued, “Do you think then that it is up to us then? To decide how much good or evil we contain? Or do you think it is out of our own control?” 

That much was true. The gardens were a good place to think. Inge wondered what it said about her, that she had come here — she wasn’t a person prone to contemplation or reflection, after all. She did it in her art, revisiting memories that had scathed her as a person, but she did not tend to sit down to think. And yet she’d come here, to this churchyard, and joined in on conversation the way she might have when she’d still been Ingeborg Beenhakker, that poor mortal woman. “It is indeed.” Nothing more was said on the matter.

She chalked it up to the gardens, that she was contemplative now. Speaking of morality, using God as a vessel through which to explain and grasp it. She was a woman of little moral qualms now, time and experience having hardened and desensitized her to a point where little held her back. But there were areas where she tried to be good, weren’t they? She cared for the earth and its climate, held social-economic ideas that were idealistic (even if her own greed sometimes went against them) and fought to remain progressive, even as she grew older.

And the things she did to others — that was, perhaps, objectively evil. But maybe all consumption was, especially these days. Mortals got their hands on unethically produced foods but would balk at the sight of a vampire drinking blood or a mare creating nightmares. To eat was to claim something for oneself, an inherent selfish act of care for your own body. To call it evil was redundant, useless. (Her methods, then, those were … questionable, morally speaking, but Inge was far beyond the idea of changing that. It improved her art. It improved some other mortals’ art. And she never took it too far where her sleepers died.) 

“No, I agree. They’re hypotheticals, thinking in black and white — which is at the end of the day, where we as people will always lose. If we humans exist in shades of gray, then so does God.” Inge stretched out her legs, placed her hands on the bench next to her thighs. “Which makes me feel conflicted about heaven and hell. It’s so binary, isn’t it? Purgatory exists, but still, I don’t think that brings the nuance the church sometimes lacks.” 

His question was interesting. Inge thought on it for a second, before shrugging. “Both. There are things outside of our control – the way this world functions, for example, or the things our natures demand of us.” This part was more true for herself and other undead, of course: humans hardly had instincts to harm others (and yet committed that harm all the same). “And yet there is always some semblance of choice. Again, there’s … no black or white answer here, hm?” 

Lukas listened to his companion closely, not wanting to think too much about how his hands looked bloody. He didn’t want to think about how many sins now weighed his immortal soul down. So instead he focused on Inge - something that kept the panic from bubbling up in him. 

She had a similar viewpoint to him, although Lukas didn’t think he was gray at all. He was stained, dragged down to something not quite demon but not at all human. Surely, humans were made to be this gray - easily tilted into either good or evil - but something like him? He must be dark. After all, sun burned his skin and he couldn’t even try to hold holy items. “I agree,” He said softly looking at the steeple thinking about how unfair it all was. 

He continued contemplating deeply, hardly paying attention to his words . “I also can’t help but think there are things in the world - maybe people who are that white and black you know? Maybe most are gray and those examples are there to show the edges. Maybe heaven to some in that case is hell to another. We are all just searching for something then, and maybe everything is just purgatory. ” He paused, and if he could have he might have blushed as he realized that he was thinking particularly raw emotional ideas out loud. “Apologies, I doubt I’m making much sense.” 

Still as she continued Lukas couldn’t help but focus on the ideas - something that was at the heart of his obsessions at times. “I can agree to that. It is possibly too much to ask to go against our own natures, but at the same time too permissive to suggest that we have no responsibilities.” He thought of that verbiage, wondering if he should write that down later. “It is gray too I suppose,” Lukas said with a little chuckle. “Maybe that’s why most of the old philosophers went mad, hm? Always thinking about the nature of good and evil. Still, it’s hard not to think about it.” 

It was hard for Lukas not to after all. Even as a human he thought about it constantly, and now that his ‘role’ was reversed it became even more important to him. If he was casted as a villain now, he should act like it right? Could good really exist without evil? Was it so wrong for him to want to push people to the edge to pull them back into immortality if they weren’t going to heaven anyway? After all, he couldn’t lead people to the light anymore, but he could lead them to immortality anyway. Didn’t those people deserve a chance too? 

Didn’t Lukas deserve a chance? 

Glancing at Inge, Lukas gave a small real smile and said, “I appreciate your thoughts on the matter, though. Thank you for sharing them. Thinking about this outloud is much more fun than thinking about them alone.” 

Things, he spoke of things, people as those things — Inge furrowed her brow at him, wondering what hid beneath his skin, behind those eyes. Was he something else, then? Not just a mere human, but something that no longer counted as a creation of God? Or maybe he was simply edgy, someone who thought differently than most mortals for no good reason besides having some weird philosophy that set some apart from others. 

“You make sense.” She shook her head in disagreement, though, “But no,” she said, “I don’t think there are people – or things – out there who are the perfect extreme, one way or the other. There is no such thing as complete evilness or complete goodness. Shades of gray — some darker, some lighter, but none of them completely one way or the other. It’s like with painting … you never use the pure white or pure black.” 

She had tried to get into philosophy, once, and some of it had appealed to her — but at the end of the day, Inge didn’t tend to think that deeply about life. She was a hedonist, if anything, someone who followed whim and desire and hunger, who cared little about consequence and implication. Some ideals came into play, but most of the time? The world might as well be a planet which revolved around her. (It was, admittedly, something that came with the territory of the loneliness she found herself caught in — but that wasn’t something she wished to admit, either. Her lack of reflection helped in this regard.)

“They thought too much and did too little. Perhaps if they had gone on a few more strolls or had partied some more …” She smirked. “But it’s an endless discussion, I suppose, that of free will and good and evil. No right answer.” Except, of course, her own opinion — but even that was subject to change. “At the end of the day it’s all so very nuanced that there’s no definitive way to answer it, hm?”

She liked that thought, anyway. The in-between space. To mark everything off with harsh lines was not only limiting, but dull too. Why should she call herself a villain, when there were humans more cruel than her – even if their impact wasn’t so directly measured? Why should others call themselves good when they had done plenty of mean things? People – immortal or otherwise – were not so easily defined. She would not be bound by it, anyway.

Inge nodded at the other, agreeing with his statement. “Thank you for sharing your own with me. It was refreshing, if not insightful.” She got to her feet, however, feeling too bare and open than was comfortable. High time to flee. She did dig into her bag, though, producing a business card that bore her name and the address of her studio. “I’m Inge. If you’d like to continue this conversation some day … here’s how to reach me. Enjoy the weather, won’t you?” With the business card in his possession, she turned on her heel and was off, her head significantly fuller of thought than it had been before.

[ravenspeakmuses]

Continued from (x)

"Alright, I'm sorry, I didn't realize I dropped it," Shit, he really was an idiot wasn't he? he neded to be more careful with the journals, God know what could happene if it feel on the wrong hands," Thank you for finding it, it's very important to me," he pauses as she goes on, what a great way to make himself seem shady.

"Oh no, it's not that, I'm huh--writting a book. Those are some ideas, and I don't want anyone to steal them from me, ya know?" he lied, the writter cover up would come in handy ,he could play the role, like a Stephen King book where the writer is isolated trying to come up with the next big hit, only isntead of a haunted hotel he had--one weird ass town full of supernaturals...

@ravensrevcnge

[longislandcharm]

PARTIES: @longislandcharm, @lukas-dark-miracles TIMING: Early August, after the sleepover SUMMARY: After a night of no sleep, Winter is invited by Lukas to sit with him in a crowded coffee shop. At first she's hesitant but soon enough the two start having a nice conversation. WARNINGS: I don't think there are any...

Lukas didn’t really need to drink coffee anymore, being a vampire honestly saved him a lot of otherwise wasted time. Still, there was something aesthetically nice being a writer hanging out in coffee shops. So, as he started to settle back into Wicked’s Rest, he decided that it was a place to rest and more importantly people watch. He had always been a ‘people person’ and even with this new holy mission it was nice to just see others. 

That, and if he was going to be completely honest, Lukas didn’t like hanging around his home more than necessary. Something was bothering Her, and while she hadn’t done anything particularly awful he wasn’t excited to be around when she got bored. So instead, he took up a table and let his drip coffee get a little cold as he subtly peered around at the people walking by. One - he presumed human- took his attention though. He couldn't quite tell, but he thought he could see a ghost following her. While it wasn’t something he normally give much attention too - it was the most interesting thing here. 

“Miss - if you need a table, I don’t mind sharing,” Lukas said to the other, noting that the rest of the place was packed at this time. It must have been morning, although Lukas hardly kept that tracked. He’d be here for a long time yet. “Sorry for calling out - you just seemed to be looking for a place to sit, and well I am at a four top.” 

The first thought in Winter’s head that morning was to leave. She had come to Wicked’s Rest to get a handle on her little friend and maybe find some information about her abilities but it was turning out to be much more than she had expected. Not only did she have her own little weird issues but there were other people around that were insanely weird themselves and Winter wasn’t sure if she could handle all of the new information she was obtaining. She definitely got more than she bargained for by coming here. But after laying in bed and contemplating her life for a few hours she decided she was over the dramatics of it all and got ready for another day of research. If Winter focused on what she had originally come here for then she didn’t have to deal with the other stuff until it presented itself to her again. But staying in the hotel this time was out of the question. She needed air, she needed to be around others that weren’t dealing with strange happenings themselves.

Which is why she ended up in a crowded coffee shop in the middle of the morning rush searching for a place to sit. Her ghost, someone she decided she definitely needed to find a name for, was trailing behind as always looking bored as ever. Good. If he insisted on following Winter around then he could stay bored. She’d almost given up on her search for a place to sit until she heard a voice calling out. Stopping in her tracks, she looked over towards the man and paused briefly before taking him up on the offer despite her mind screaming about how dumb it was to sit with a stranger around here. Even the ghost was raising his eyebrows at her but she had a feeling he wouldn’t mind more drama if it were to happen. 

“Thank you. I wasn’t expecting such a busy crowd.” It was probably the first time in her life that Winter felt so…cautious. She’d never had trouble talking to strangers in her lifetime, something that had her parents concerned when she was little, but in her head she was contemplating if this man was normal or not. He didn’t seem off, though no one ever did, did they? She set her mocha latte on the table and settled in with her book before something compelled her to speak again. “Are you from around here?” Maybe if she got to know him a little she wouldn’t feel so on edge while they sat together. The question probably should have been: Do you know what the fuck is going on in this town? But even her own special brand of brash wasn’t enough for her to be so direct about this issue. “Not trying to pry or anything. Just thought I’d get to know my coffee neighbor. I’m Winter, by the way.” 

Lukas watched as the other took a moment to decide to sit down and respected it. After all, people being weary of strangers was a good thing, even in public places like this. Still, he was happy that she had decided to sit down thinking that it would be a much more interesting story. Why was the ghost following her? He’d never really seen them before - locked mostly with just his Sire the last twenty odd years - so there was a fascination on how they came to be. Still, curiosity could be lethal if he led with that. 

So instead he nodded lightly with a smile  and said, “No problem at all. Now I don’t think anyone will glare at either of us for not having enough people at a table.” He chuckled slightly at the idea, after all he had taken up more space than was absolutely necessary. He turned back to his own notes carefully thinking of what he wanted to answer his reader, but waiting to see if his new companion would start a conversation. 

He didn’t have to wait too long, looking up slowly from his own work through his glasses he was fairly sure he didn’t need anymore he said, “Hm? Oh yes. I live a bit away. Pretty nice neighborhood place. Are you new to the area? I don’t think I’ve seen you around.” At giving him her name he smiled and said, “Pleasure to meet you, Winter. I’m Lukas.” 

“I don’t mind a little glare or two.” If she did, Winter would have been continuously uncomfortable these past few months. She could feel her ghost staring at her and only imagined he was doing just the thing they were talking about. “Just because someone else is jealous doesn’t mean we have to feel bad, right? It was your table first.” Her hubris was starting to shine through the cautiousness once more. It never seemed to take long for Winter’s personality to break through whatever precautionary walls she'd built up. It was as if one defensive wall kept trying to build higher than the other and the one that always won out was her confidence in herself, whether false or not.

“I am new...and this town is interesting to say the least.” She took a sip of her latte so she had an excuse to bury the words she was thinking. Winter didn’t want them to somehow blurt out and ruin this man’s perception of where he lived even if she was dying to scream from the rooftops that his place had at least four supernatural things walking around here. At least they were all nice? Well, with the exception of her who could turn at any second. “I don’t technically live here, I guess. I’m staying at a hotel because I didn’t think I would be here long but I’m starting to realize I might need to at least rent. I now have the feeling I’m going to be here for a while.”

Maybe it was her desperation for normal after what had happened the night before or maybe it was the gentle smile he had sent her way but Winter felt herself relax more in this man’s presence and allowed herself to return his smile. “It’s nice to meet you too.” 

“Fair enough,” Lukas said, not sure if he would feel the same. Still, that was one of the reasons he liked meeting people - they tended to have different outlooks then he did. “That is also true, it is not like not getting a table is the end of the world. Still, I would rather share with someone else if I have the opportunity.” 

At the confirmation that she wasn’t from here - something he partially suspected he nodded although he was a bit curious on why she was staying. If it had something to do with the man who looked rather annoyed to be around her. Ignoring him though Lukas continued,  “Ah. I know that renting can be hard this time of year with all of the new college students. Still, I’m glad you found a reason to stay here for a while. The fall season is beautiful here. It would be a shame to miss it. Although, depending on where you’re from I’ll have to warn you it gets rather cold up here quickly.” 

“I think you’re nicer than me.” If the tables had been reversed, Winter would have let the man walk around aimlessly unless he started to look, well, pitiful. Then maybe she would have reached out. But with her mindset at the moment she knew it would have taken a lot to get her to do so. “Though, it’s not hard to find someone who is.” Was he regretting asking her to join yet? She wouldn’t blame him at all if he was. “At least when I didn’t sleep well the night before. Might be why I’m a little uh…on edge.” Not to mention her bestie that followed her in. 

Shoot, she hadn’t even thought about that. With the University around the corner and the fall semester starting soon it would be impossible to find something right now. It looked like she was stuck at the Elysium for a little longer unless she wanted to buy. “I did not think of that, actually. Wouldn’t happen to know of any places, would you?” A bitter laugh left her lips, short and not so sweet, before Winter looked up at the stranger. It had been more of a rhetorical question than anything but if he had an answer she wouldn’t stop him.

Finally, though, there was something for her to genuinely smile about. The weather, the turn of the colors, it was all something that she had been looking forward to. “Fall is fun, I do enjoy it and the fashions are incredible, but the cold is something I always look forward to. I thrive when there’s snow on the ground. My mother always said she knew what she was doing when she named me Winter.” The cold had always been a part of who she was. It started with snowmen as a child, moved into ice skating, and now it came with the ghost territory. There was something kismet about it all. “Do you handle the cold well? I figure there’s a reason you’re warning me.”

Lukas chuckled and shook his head, “I don’t think you know me well enough to make that judgment, although I appreciate the sentiment. I think I just don’t mind sharing tables.” It was part of nature that he no longer was fully attached too. After all, a Priest should share everything he had - and tables were the least of that ask. He was asked to be a conduit between people and God after all. Now it was more habit than anything he was especially proud of. “You seem perfectly nice to me. I am sorry to hear you haven’t been sleeping well, though. They are very good with coffee here so hopefully that’ll help.” 

Lukas considered the ask for a moment and said, “There’s a few rental places in town that always seem to have places - I think probably they’re a bit too expensive for students. Townhouses and the like instead of apartments.  I don’t know if that would suit you if you don’t want a big place, but I can write down some of the names in case they have something you might want.” Afterall, she could have a family with her. Still, he couldn’t imagine himself in a big place without someone else living there. 

Sometimes he wished he had gotten an even bigger place so he could spend less time with Lizzie - but that was just when she was upset. Focusing back on the other infront of him he smiled and said, “Well I think you would enjoy Maine then. It gets rather snowy here - and that's good. It would be unfortunate if you didn’t like the Winter.” At the question about himself Lukas  couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking his head, “It doesn’t bother me much at all - but I was born up here. It's pretty common for people to come in the summer and then not know what to do when it gets colder. Especially with all the ice. Still, it doesn’t seem like you’ll have any problems. If you are still here in the winter of course.” 

“I suppose that’s true. But to be fair, nice people are usually the ones sharing their tables.” But he had a point. She didn’t know him, she barely knew his name. All at once it hit her that she had so easily forgotten about the creatures that roamed around. The people at the party had been nice too and look what happened there. It wasn’t like any of them had turned personality wise, except for Mack that was, but that didn’t mean other things walking around weren’t different. She pursed her lips, looking away from him and down at the cup sitting in front of her. “That’s proof that people aren’t always what they seem. I’m not a nice person.” Winter brought her cup to her lips again, not really sure why she was admitting that out loud but once more needing to stop the flow of words threatening to spill. She really did have a big mouth.

She hadn’t been expecting him to give her an answer but was pleasantly surprised by what she heard. Winter looked up at him, an excited grin starting to form. “Money isn’t an issue. And honestly, a townhome might be too small but they sound cute. I’ve never lived in one before. I’m used to space though, that’s for sure.” Maybe the space would help keep the ghost in his own corner. Someone had told her that salt helped. She’d give the ass his own room if that were the case. “I would appreciate that. And see? Nice. You can’t escape it.” 

Yet again, her defenses were lowering. What was it about her that trusted so easily? She’d have to fix that. “Long Island could get a lot of snow too. I’m used to it. Don’t like driving in it but that’s what snow chains are for.” She nodded at his answer, Winter having encountered many over the years who didn’t know how to handle a harsh season in the north. “It’s good to know not everyone loses their minds when a little ice is on the ground. Since you were born here, though, would you mind if I asked a few questions about what’s around here? I know you’ve already helped quite a bit already but I am wondering about a few things. I feel like I might still be here around that time...I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing.” 

Lukas shrugged slightly, deciding to let the idea sit and said, “It’s your choice to think so, but you’ve been nothing but pleasant to me.” He also wasn’t sure if he could be considered a nice person anymore, although he hardly was rude to anyone he figured it was in the eyes of the beholder. He might be nice to her, but there were probably a dozen people who didn’t find him nice. He was polite though, he was sure of that. 

He nodded, pulling a bit of his notebook to scroll down the names of the places and carefully slid the paper across to make sure not to touch the other. He had been slowly learning that people could be unsettled by how cold he was. “Glad to help, those should have some places for you to at least look at. To be fair, being nice and being helpful aren’t always the same things, but I’ll consider your side. I just think providing information makes conversations more interesting personally.” 

He nodded, thinking now he had enough information that he could look up the other if he wanted too. It wasn’t that he was always so concerned about strangers - but he wanted to know if he should be concerned. It was what a good leader would do after all. “I would think it would get cold around there. Luckily drivers are fairly careful here when it’s snowing.” At her wanting to ask him questions, Lukas couldn’t help but be curious about what she wanted to know. Maybe it would be a clue to why the ghost was following her around. “I’m not quite sure what you mean, but sure. If I know an answer I’d be happy to help.” 

If he had considered her pleasant at the beginning of this interaction then maybe she was a better actress than she thought. Or maybe he really was just a nice guy who didn’t take anything personally. Winter mimicked his shrug but said nothing, deciding that arguing with him about who she was probably wasn’t the best way to go. There were so many things she could have said to prove her point but what was the point?

Yea, she would most definitely look these up online before she even thought to check them out. Winter might have argued that he was pleasant but she wasn’t dumb enough to go somewhere that someone suggested without researching it first. Still, she appreciated the gesture and pocketed the information. “In my experience nobody is helpful if they’re unkind. Unless you’re a sociopath.” There was humor in her last comment, the girl intended for it to be a joke until she realized that there could be quite a few of those around here. The laughter died in her throat and she cleared it before she continued. “How so?” 

“Long Island? Most definitely. There was a wicked blizzard that closed down almost everything when I was there once, I remember that very clearly.” It was when he agreed to her questions that Winter leaned forward, becoming a little more animated with this conversation now that the coffee was kicking in. And he was becoming more interesting. “Just a few general questions. With the amount of time that I’ve been here one would think I would know more about the town but I’m still pretty clueless. First question, is there an ice rink around here?”

Lukas chuckled slightly considering what she was suggesting and held his hands up in defense as he said, “I wasn’t thinking that at all. I was thinking if it was good for everyone, someone who might not be kind would still help. Like a boat sinking. You might be helpful but usually not kind. I also wasn’t talking from personal experience to be fair. I try to be kind.” At the question he shrugged and said, “If I didn’t answer the question then you wouldn’t have anything to talk about or expand on. Same thing if I asked you something and you said nothing. It would stop a conversation wouldn’t it?” 

“Oh I had heard of that I believe. Must have been scary to go through,” Lukas said thoughtfully. He wasn’t sure a blizzard would bother him very much anymore anyway. He noticed that the other seemed to be rather excitable now asking questions, and while he wasn’t sure why she wanted to know so much he decided that he would try to answer them. “Yes, I believe the closest one is at the University. They should have all skate times if your interested in going there. They also have rinks that pop up in the park when it’s cold enough for them.” 

“Yea, see I feel like those are special circumstances. If a boat is sinking someone who is unkind will only help because it benefits them in some way. Therefore, I don’t think that’s considered helpful at all. That’s self preservation.” She had never intended to get into a discussion about what makes a person kind and what didn’t and yet here they were. For some reason this was keeping her entertained enough and Winter found herself smiling with the distraction from her current nightmare of a life while arguing the semantics. God, she really did like to argue sometimes no matter the subject. 

“So, you just think conversations in general are interesting then.” She couldn’t blame him. She was definitely someone who liked to talk once she wasn’t grumpy from lack of sleep. “You know, like, a people person. There aren’t a lot of those in the world today. I’m glad I didn’t bother you with my question.” Most people would have ignored her and that would have put her in an even worse mood, something that would have made her the terror of Wicked’s Rest that day. Winter was thankful that she wouldn’t be any more of a menace than usual.

“We were lucky. Had a generator already since we get hurricanes every now and then. My father likes to be prepared.” She did remember that the biggest problem she’d had during that storm was not being able to go out to get her nails done like she had planned. How times had changed. Now her biggest problem was a man following her everywhere she went. His answer made Winter that much more excited for the cold weather to come in. She loved an ice rink but being out in the elements while skating was top tier. It was the only time the girl liked nature. Her smile widened into a grin, satisfied that she could enjoy one of her pastimes while in town. “That’s perfect, there’s nothing better than being on the ice. Alright, what about a nice night club? I haven’t seen much in the way of nightlife around here and even if I’m not huge into that scene a girl likes to dance now and again.”

He nodded slightly at the idea that she presented as it was equally as logical, but he wasn’t quite sure he agreed either. “It would be self-preservation, yes - but I wouldn’t consider it unhelpful, just probably not kind. Still that’s just a matter of perspective I guess.” Lukas spent too much time on stuff like this, he knew, but it was fun to pick people’s brains on what they actually thought about actions and inactions. After all, if you did the right thing for the wrong reason wasn’t it ultimately still correct? He would assume that Winter might think differently, and that was interesting. 

“Yes, I believe that I’m a people person,” Lukas said, chuckling slightly at the idea of the sentence. He supposed he was always interested in others - and that was probably one of the reasons he had  become a priest to begin with. After all, even now he found others fascinating, especially how they got to their conclusions. “Not at all. I didn’t think it was personal.” 

“I’m glad, being prepared for the unexpected is good,” Lukas said watching the other’s face light up about the ice rinks. She must have liked skating then, which wasn’t uncommon up here at all. At the next question he thought for a moment and gave somewhat of a sheepish grin and said, “Sorry. I’m not very good at knowing about night clubs. I assume that there are some - probably downtown - but don’t frequent them.” It wasn’t that he couldn’t obviously, he was hardly a priest anymore, but there were still things he didn’t think about doing. Maybe he should. 

“I suppose I look for the intention in the gesture. You had nothing to gain from inviting me to sit with you, helpful. Someone is trying to save themselves from a boat sinking and only offers to help because of it, self-preservation and in turn only helpful towards themselves, the others are just collateral. I don’t think that should count. But I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree. I don’t think we’re going to be changing each other’s minds about this with our very deep dive.” She took another sip of her coffee before she continued. “But I do see your point and respect it.” In fact, she could see Lukas winning this debate if it had been performed in front of others which impressed Winter greatly. A feat that wasn’t easy.

“A good quality.” He had gotten her to lighten up when she was ready to throw objects across a room, turned a conversation into a debate that she enjoyed greatly, and hadn’t made her want to get up and walk away from him at any point. Seemed to Winter that he knew what he was doing. “What makes it all so interesting to you? I have to say, there are some conversations that make me want to tear my hair out.” Like most of the things people would say to her when she was on tour. She was good at faking delight when it came to her fans but they could bore her to death.

“Boring.” There was a teasing in her voice as she said the word, her smile still present. “You’re telling me you never wanted to let loose and go dance with a stranger at some seedy little club in town?” Now that Winter put it like that she could see how unappealing it could be, especially in this town, but it really was a fun time when done right. “Just a drink or two to get rid of the nerves and then a party on the dance floor never fails to make my night a good one. It’s even better with friends. You really should try it sometime.” 

Lukas nodded, partially delighted that he had been right on the other’s stance. It wasn’t abnormal that he was wrong. “Fair enough, I do believe both are more than reasonable stances and thought through.” After all, it wasn’t really a question of who was right or who was wrong, but more so what the individual believed in. He was more than willing to concede on that point. 

“Thank you,” Lukas said, deciding that it was a compliment. “People? I guess because I only have my viewpoint. Conversations are one of the better ways to get more perspectives than your own, and to be honest I like learning.” He couldn’t help but laugh at the idea of tearing his hair out at a conversation, if he was honest it wasn’t something that usually happened to him. “That is also understandable, I guess even when someone is annoying it is interesting to figure out why they are. Although, I’m not having to figure that out right now for the record. You’re a very interesting person to talk to.” Which was also true, he found that being back home in Wicked’s Rest that there was more interesting people then he had remembered here. 

He gave a matching smile and chuckled, “I can’t say that I have. Still, I shouldn’t just say no because I haven’t. I’ll have to keep it in mind.” He still wasn’t sure if that was particularly his scene - especially because despite what he looked like he wasn’t in his thirties anymore. That was one point in vampirism Lukas wasn’t sure how to get by with, and as time passed he was probably going to end up trying to figure out how to deal with it. Still, he wasn’t mad at eternal youth either. “Afterall, I might end up liking it. Still, not a very good answer to your question, sorry.” 

“I like learning as much as the next person but I do have my strong opinions that I’m not willing to change. As you’ve learned, actually. If you didn’t have a strong argument I never would have let it go. Normally I’m not one to see two points of views on something.” Which was saying the least. She was strongly opinionated and very stubborn, two things that meant she didn’t see eye to eye with a lot of people. Maybe that’s why it was so impressive that he’d been able to get Winter to at least agree to disagree, especially after such a short conversation. Or maybe Lukas had just found the secret to putting her in a good mood. Whatever that was, he needed to share. 

It could have been the compliments really. Calling her nice no matter how much she disagreed, and now interesting, could get her to like anybody. If Winter was anything, she was vain. “You seem like you would make a good psychiatrist if you’re that interested in learning how people tick. It’s not my thing though. Once people really show me who they are I don’t care to know the why’s of it unless I find them easy to get along with.” She had to click with people or else she stayed far away. Another reason she probably didn’t have a lot of friends out there. “And thank you for that. Good to know I don’t have the personality of a walnut.”

Her coffee was gone now, Winter pushing the cup to the side while she focused solely on Lukas. “Well, after I get the question answered by someone who knows I can take you and we’ll see if you have fun. No pressure but I think it’s something everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. It could be your new favorite thing.”

Lukas hadn’t expected that, although that did make a lot of sense. “What can I say, I’m fairly willing to change if someone is convincing. It’s also not hard on me to hold two ideas at once, but that’s got it’s drawbacks as well.” He was easily changeable, he knew that from a young age, and it was partially why he’d gotten where he was. “You probably have the better trait, out of the two to be fair.” 

Lukas laughed at the idea, knowing that was pretty close to what he had done. After all, what was a priest then a person of God who listened to people’s troubles?  “I don’t think that’s my calling, I’d much rather write, but thank you. It’s nice to think I could be one if I wanted to be. Of course, I wouldn’t have talked to you nearly this long if I thought you were boring.” He might have, to be fair he always found others fascinating even if they were substantially dull, but it seemed unlikely that he’d have much to say.  

At the others comment Lukas couldn’t help but be a little amused deciding that it probably wouldn’t cause much harm. “Sure, I think you’ll find I have two left feet but I’m always willing to try something once.” He was also fairly sure that the other wouldn’t remember a conversation like this anyway. It was harmless. “Any other questions you have?” He took a sip of his coffee, mostly to keep up appearances as he waited for an answer. 

 “I’m going to say I do have the better trait.” Really, Winter didn’t want to admit that she admired that quality in him. Being able to see things from different points of view must have been much nicer than having a single perspective and sticking to those guns like glue. It meant he was able to connect on a deeper level than she was. She had too much pride and it drove people away. Besides, she always had to be right so of course she would agree with that sentiment. 

“You write?” She glanced down at his belongings, realizing that was a stupid question once she took in what he had in front of him. Of course he was writing when he offered a seat and she’d basically broken his concentration with conversation. He didn’t seem to mind though. “Written anything I might have read? And I don’t blame you, honestly. Even if you are a people person, that job requires a lot of a person. Can’t be easy listening to everyone’s problems constantly.” Winter laughed softly, barely heard over the noise of the busy shop, still enjoying the compliments he was sending her way. “Well, I like to think I could keep anyone entertained if I chose to. But thank you again.”

The agreement sent her mind swimming with the possibilities of how a night like that could go. It was always a fun time watching someone experience one of those places for the first time no matter who they were but she had a feeling this would be the most entertaining she’d seen. “Bet. And yea, one more for you. How can I find you once I figure it out?” Dead serious with the question, Winter raised her eyebrows in a challenging manner, wondering if he would back out or not. 

Lukas nodded letting that be the last word on the trait, after all he wasn’t particularly threatened by it anyway and it seemed to make her happy. That, and he knew at the end of the day it didn’t matter very much anyway. 

“Yes, mostly freelancing,” Lukas said with a nod glancing at his work that he was neglected. It would be fine, if only because he had the rest of the day to write anyway. “Maybe, I write mostly advice or opinion pieces in newspapers, including the local one here. My names not on much of it though.” At the thought of it requiring a lot he wondered if it truly did. He didn’t get much rest when he was a priest, but perhaps saving souls was a little different then being a therapist.

Lukas was surprised briefly that she had asked, but figured he probably shouldn’t back down on this. Besides, she probably would forget still he wasn’t exactly going to back down either. So pulling another paper from his notebook he wrote down his internet handle, figuring that his phone number was still getting a lot of random texts and he would miss it.   “Here, You should be able to find me on everything with that.” 

Even if they weren’t, something Winter highly suspected, his words felt like a challenge. She wondered if she could spot the articles that he wrote after this first interaction, if her judgment of character was as spot on as she believed. She nodded at his words, deciding to keep this personal mission to herself until she saw him next and could maybe point a few out. But she had to remember to grab a few newspapers here and there. Or find them online if possible. “That suits you honestly. I’m sure they’re fantastic.” 

Winter stood as Lukas slid the paper towards her, making sure to pocket it along with the list of places he’d given her to check out. “I’ll be sure to reach out soon. In the meantime, you should practice your dancing.” She was matter of fact with that, trying to make sure he understood that she wasn’t letting this go. If someone agreed to something she wanted them to do then she was someone who would definitely follow through. “Thank you again for letting me join you, Lukas. I didn’t think I would enjoy the company as much as I did. I have to get going though, there’s some research waiting for me.” 

She gave him another smile before grabbing her purse and the empty cup off of the table. It was off to another day spent at the University library with her friend hovering over her shoulder. Sometimes she thought that he was just as anxious to figure this out as she was. “Have a good day.”