#I mean we're in Windenburg what did you expect?

[dustbon]

New victim partner: Marcus Flex

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.65 Mistake

Sophia took advantage of her day off and slept in. I woke up around 11:00 and made sure the pups were okay. Kooper was snoozing while Rosie was completely awake, just like me. I showed her some love, then taught her how to go potty outside. Sophia was still knocked out at like 2:00, so I went for a jog, hoping the puppies wouldn't bug her too bad. See? Neither of us would survive this relationship either if we kept woohooing like that. One day, our brains would just stop working, haha. But if we croaked early, at least we'd be together.

After I returned and showered, Sophia had finally woken up and ate leftover frittatas. Dad called, saying Mama had called him this morning, all excited about me. He was relieved I finally decided to tell her, not because he had difficulty keeping my secret, but because he believed I shouldn't have hidden it from her.

"What's all that noise back there?" he asked. "It sounds like screaming children. Do you have another secret to share?"

"HA! No, I do not. We adopted two puppies. I think they're doing a duet."

"Oh my. Well, you've certainly got your hands full. I'll let you go. That's all I had to say."

We said goodbye, and I washed dishes.

"So...yesterday I got the feeling you wanted to go out," she said.

"Oh. I mean.... It's not that I wanted to go out. I'm just not really a home guy, so all my suggestions involve leaving the house. But I enjoyed being at home with you, though."

"Okay, well, yesterday we did what I wanted, so today we're going to do what you want, and I think you want to get dressed up and go dancing!"

"That's what I want, huh?"

She nodded affirmatively.

"That's what you want."

She took Gammy's advice way too seriously, but I had no problem with that.

Yasmine called while I was getting dressed, and I seized the opportunity for privacy while Sophia was in the shower. She wanted to see me, of course. I told her I had plans and was currently getting ready, but assured her I'd reach out tomorrow because I wanted to talk to her. Knowing she'd soon have my undivided attention, she let me go.

Sophia took her sweet time getting ready, but when she finally came out, I was floored. She had on a short skirt, a crop top with plenty of eye candy, and cowgirl boots. The boots were an odd choice, but surprisingly, they worked. Her hair was all curled up, and she had on a bit more makeup. She was smoking hot, and I did not want to leave the house anymore. But she insisted we get a move on, so we made our way back to Windenburg, the mecca of nightlife and the very spot where it all began for us.

It was like six something in the evening, but the place was packed as if it were 11:30. The DJ was on point, and I knew the night was about to be lit. We hit up the bar first, and I couldn't take my eyes off Sophia. She was already beautiful without all the extra, but damn! I didn't expect her to go all out, but she still had the simple elegance theme going. She never ceased to amaze me.

We finished our drinks, headed downstairs, and got in where we fit in. The dancefloor was massive, so there was plenty of space for us, despite the crowd. Still, we decided to stick to the back, where it was more relaxed and private. Mama would be bummed if she found out I was a just okay dancer, but Sophia and I were equally matched in that department. We had so much fun, moving and grooving, shaking our hips. Heh, I particularly enjoyed Sophia's hips.

I got my fill of dancing and turned around to check out everyone else. That's when I saw her...

I still thought her outfit was cool and would know it was her anywhere. Did she see me? Did she see Sophia? The dancefloor wasn't the best spot for our chat, but if she saw us, things could get messy—on both sides. I went to Sophia first to explain what I was about to do because I didn't want her to get the wrong idea when she saw me talking to another woman.

"Sophia... I just saw someone I used to hang out with. She's been calling me a lot lately, so I'm gonna go over there and talk to her."

She had a total deer-in-the-headlights look.

"O-kay?"

I knew deep down this was a bad idea, but it was already out there, so I tried to fix it up.

"I've been meaning to call her and tell her about us, but I keep putting it off. And she's right there. I could just do it right now."

She still looked confused, but not as much.

"Do what you need to do," she said.

I pulled her into a tight hug for more damage control.

"I love you. I'll be right back."

Yasmine spotted me, and I watched her smile fade as she connected the dots.

"That the reason you've been dodging my calls?" she asked, nodding toward Sophia.

I looked back at her and smiled.

"Yeah. That's my girlfriend, Sophia."

She shot me a glare that could melt steel.

"Girlfriend? Since when do you have a girlfriend?"

"Officially? Since this week. But I think I always knew she was the one for me. I met her a while ago."

Her jaw dropped, and I could tell she was getting heated.

"The one? Y'all getting married or something?"

I shrugged.

"Sure...one day."

She put her hand up to stop me from speaking.

"I just have one question."

My stomach did a somersault. This was a terrible idea, and I was not prepared for the coming storm. She seemed like the kind of person who was really good at causing scenes.

"How you gonna judge me for wanting an open relationship when you were messing around with both of us?"

I tried on different responses like clothes, but none of them fit. Our situations weren't the same—not by a long shot. Yet, I could see how she arrived at that conclusion.

"I didn't... That's different! I wasn't in a relationship with either of you! It was just casual dating. I thought you understood that."

She sighed.

"I did."

"So...what's wrong?"

"I played myself. I really like you, Luca."

"You know what I was looking for, and I have that now. Sorry I didn't say anything sooner, but I can't have you blowing up my phone."

"She's pretty."

"Yeah...she is."

"I hate this."

"What?"

"This! How it feels. I'm usually the one breaking things off. I hate you," she said with pouty lips.

I tried to keep a straight face.

"No you don't."

"Maybe just a little."

"I'm really sorry you had to find out like this. I wish I'd been braver and talked to you sooner."

"That makes two of us. I feel really stupid, Luca."

She was not going to give me even one inch.

"I'm sorry! Can we agree to keep things friendly from now on?"

She sucked her teeth.

"She's not gonna let us be friends."

I glanced at Sophia who was watching us closely with the most amazing smile.

"You're probably right. But that is something we're both going to have to respect."

I was mainly talking about her, but it taught me something too. Mama's problems began with this exact scenario when she refused to let go of Dwayne. But since I wasn't in love with Yasmine, I didn't see myself going there. Still, it was probably better to cut ties to avoid all suspicion and temptation. I'll never get why Mama did what she did, but maybe I could be more forgiving.

"Was this what you wanted to talk to me about tomorrow?" she asked.

"Yes."

As if on cue, Sophia sashayed toward us with that unwavering smile, glancing at Yasmine.

"Are you ready to go, babe?" she asked, brushing past me.

Yasmine shot her a dirty look as she walked past, but surprisingly, she didn't stay mad for long.

"Okay, Luca! She cute cute. I bet she's a closet freak. And thicc too? I know you like that. Not mad."

I let out a big breath and shook my head at her being so outspoken.

"Thanks...I think?"

"It hurts, but I'm glad you found someone who can give you what you want. If you have any open-minded friends or a twin, send them my way."

I'd never get her and this whole non-exclusive thing, especially after seeing her mope about us not hanging out anymore. Regardless, I hoped she'd find someone who could give her what she wanted. May the Watcher bless him.

[leon-classfirst]

Windenburg Stories: Melodies of Destiny

Vladislaus Straud

A place you would only see on TV, or history books, or even folklore. A place that wasn't on any maps exist in the world.

Forgotten Hollow.

"You didn't see?" Leonardus asked, "It's on the entrance." "Probably too spooked to notice, Leon." They continued their walk, and starting to notice the way up was longer than expected. They slowed their pace, caught their breaths, and returned to normal speed. "Hey, Leon?" "Yeah?" "That girl Fuuka Isuka. What's her deal?"

Leon sighed. He knew she'd ask this sooner or later. "What about her? Her being my neighbor, or the fact that I know her better than her 'own classmates', or her face?" "All of them. And this, I can sense she's no normal sim. What is she?" "Well, her being my neighbor... how do I explain it? It is what it is. The second matter might be because of the first one. The last one... she's a spellcaster, you say you can sense her, but you don't know what she is, right?" "Yes. And... her face?"

Leon didn't really like sharing personal things Fuuka said. Though, she would be okay with it nevertheless, the grim fact that he'd have to say to Sofia had his guts build up. He already shared many things about Fuuka, so the words came out of his mouth rather easily about the last thing Sofia wondered. "Curse?" "Curse." "I see. No wonder the wounds on her face don't seem to heal at all. Those scratch marks, Leon... but, get this, why she didn't conceal them, or anything? I don't mean offense to her, but, you know what I mean. You've seen Wolfgang's face earlier when he saw her, don't you?"

For what it's worth, she might be Wolfgang's next target. "She tried, Sofia. She tried bandaging her wounds, but every damn time she did... poor her... the bandages burned her wounds even more, hurting her." "And, the Wolfgang thing?" "If he does something to her... I'll-" he trailed off. "What, Leon?" In an instant, Sofia was in front of him. She got no answer as he just sidestepped and walked past her.

Gods... he's interested in her, isn't he?

"Let's talk about that later. We're here. Better yet, why don't you talk to Isuka yourself? You should know that she has a good heart." "Y-yeah, I'll do it." Leon turned around, looking at her sternly. "You won't." "Sorry, Leon... there's something about that girl that makes me want to avoid her. The others too... you noticed, don't you?"

Her curse... poor Isuka.

"Look at that house, or... mansion..." Leon said. "Bigger than what we have around Windenburg." Sofia looked up. "Even bigger than Luna's house. Gods. So, what do we do?" "Uh, knock at the door and come in." She narrowed her eyes. "That's the last thing on my mind." "Then what are we here for?" Leon shook his head and walked forward towards the door. "Leon! Gods." She looked around anxiously.

The moment he was about to knock, the door automatically opened on its own. "Well, you only live once, I guess," Sofia said, as she sighed while walking towards the door.

"Look at this place." Sofia's amazement was visible on her face. "Like the town itself, it's truly living in its own world." "Hello, anyone home?" Leon dared himself to speak. A faint voice was heard from afar, alongside a pipe organ's tune. "Come in, Children. Just walk straight and a little to the left." As they walked, they could see the source of the voice, and a man playing it. "I was wondering when you would show up. Then, when I sensed presences outside the town, I knew you would finally come." Sofia whispered, "Leon, that's..."

Leon hushed, telling her it's impolite.

"Yes, Sofia Bjergsen." The man turned around, finishing the song with a sharp tone that had shivers running down Leon and Sofia's nerves. "I am the man you see on the town center, and the man who turned you and dear boy Leon here into what you are now. Vladislaus Straud, at your service."

Straud pointed to the sofas next to him, saying nothing, motioning them to take a seat. Several paintings of several individuals came across Sofia and Leon as they walked by. They looked grand, as if they were those of importance.

Leon stopped at one of the paintings. A lady in yellow dress. He couldn't help but feel familiarity, even just from the portrait itself. Straud materialized in one of the sofas. "That would be Lady Inna Cents. She is rather young. Such a shame she cannot be with us for the time being." "Is she...?" Sofia murmured. "I can hear you, young lady. I cannot answer that question for the time being."

"So, as I have said before, my name is Vladislaus Straud. I am the oldest living Vampire of this world, and the Grand Master of the Vampiric world." Leon and Sofia suddenly tensed. They could sense an intimidating aura wrapping the Grand Master Vampire in front of them. Straud told them they shouldn't feel so, and did something otherworldly as the two suddenly felt at ease. "You must have many questions to ask."

Too many, perhaps. The two already knew they became Vampires, but still couldn't place the reason why.

"Sofia Bjergsen. You belong to an ancient Vampiric lineage, dating back to my advent as Vampire. We have a pact with the Bjergsens nearly a century ago to cease the Vampiric lineage in you. So, if you have further questions on that, no, your parents, your grandparents, your great-grandparents, are no vampires." "A pact. So you broke the pact?" "As much as I hate to admit it, yes. For the greater good." "That so? How can we trust you for not doing it for 'your own greater good'?"

Straud smiled sinisterly. "Young lady, if I wanted to do terrible things to either of you, I would have done it already." He then teleported right before Leon, his cold hands touched Leon's shoulders, tensing him. Then, he did it again, and this time, he cupped Sofia's chin. Before she could react, he teleported again and went back on the sofa. "Okay, so what about me? Why me, in particular?" "That, my dear boy Leon... I do not know myself. The ancient ones... my ancestors... I kept hearing their voices. Your name, Leon, was what they whispered to me. Day-in, day-out."

Wake him up. Our kind needs him.

"I can sense you are thirsty. Come, follow me to the dining room."

"Tea, or blood?" Their eyes narrowed as they said in unison, "Blood?!" "Yes. Human blood. 'Willing' humans, if that makes you feel better." "Did you...?" "I did not." Straud interrupted immediately. "They are doing fine. I am not a murderer, Sofia. I merely persuaded them to... donate." "In that case, just tea then." Leon nodded in agreement with Sofia. Tea it is for the day. "Now, back unto our matters at hand..." Straud explained the background of his story. How he came to be, how he had lived for hundreds of years already, and how he lived his days for those hundreds of years, and whatnot.

Though, the main catch was when he went back on track to Sofia and Leon. The Vampires were dying, or rather waning. They grew weaker by day for reasons they couldn't tell. The ancients believed Leon and Sofia were one of the last cards they could deal. Vampires, awaiting do be awakened, despite the two not knowing what's ahead of them.

Vladislaus Straud... he felt it was his calling to guide them.

He theorized that the two had to follow their destiny as Vampires; embracing their macabre nature, embracing their coldness, and last but not least, admit the existence of inferior beings next to them in order to save the Vampiric world from being extinct entirely.

Werewolves.

"Werewolves? They exist?" Leon asked. "Well, my dear boy, all this talk and you still doubt there are stranger things in this world?" He nodded. "What would one look like?" "Your Vampiric senses should feel a... how do you explain it... 'feral' presence when one's nearby. They can blend in, like us."

Sofia remained quiet. For some reason, she was intrigued with the Werewolves talk.

"Volkov family. They are one of the oldest Werewolf lineage." Straud's expression looked grim. "They have been our sworn enemies ever since the old days." Volkov. Leon and Sofia's mind clicked. "Jacob Volkov... could it be... that's it! The feral presence I felt..." "The most recent descendant of the Volkovs is none other than Kristopher Volkov. I do not know if he had any heirs or the sort. Boy, I still remembered that bitter battle I had with him fifty years ago."

The battle that he lost. "You lost? You?" Leon narrowed his eyes. "So, is this all revenge thing in the end?" "Have you been listening to me, Leon? The Werewolves are the least of our problems. There's something out there... something out of my senses' reach. We have to know for sure." "You want us... to... make enemies with the Werewolves, and if they turned out to be not the case of the Vampiric world weakening... you want us to find it?" "Yes and no. I did not say I want you to make enemies with those... feral beings... or something like that. Come with me outside. Go on ahead."

The two had no choice but to follow his instructions. When the two got outside, they realized it was dark already. Hours had passed since the two walking in the front door. The grim figure emerged, once more, as a mist, ahead from the two who could only walk normally.

"Now. Fight." "What do you mean, 'fight'?" Straud let out an echoed voice, "FIGHT!" Suddenly, the two could feel an urge inside them. Something otherworldly. A bloodlust. A will to fight. "Sofia..." Leon shook his head. "Leon..." Sofia started stepping forward, her skin turning pale like when the two met on the Crumbling Isles. Leon stepped back, he too started turning pale. "Sofia, don't..." "I have to... I can't stop this feeling..." Straud was smiling from ear-to-ear when he saw Sofia. Leon, on the other hand, Straud looked rather puzzled. He can... fight the will? But, the confusion subsided. Leon's eyes turned dark and his Vampiric fangs emerged. He jumped almost inhumanly and charged towards Sofia, who smiled. She too, charged towards him.

Looks like I have no choice now.

The two was locked in a supernatural smackdown. Straud could feel hatred running through Sofia's cold heart, likely fueling this rage in her. As for Leon, Straud felt a familiar rage he sensed before. Something recent...

No... it cannot be. Gods forbid...

Leon couldn't get pass Sofia's guard at this point. She seemed to have learned from her mistakes. As the battle went on, and on, and on, Leon pulled a cheeky move, through words... of all things. "Sofia, your parents... they knew of your talent... they love you." "NO! T-t-they... would... never..." Sofia's dark aura dissipated and Leon took this opportunity to deliver a finishing blow to her. Once more.

Sofia was defeated, once more.

She looked upset at first, but when Leon offered his hand... "Sofia... I didn't mean to say that... I'm sorry." "All good, Leon. I knew it was a trick, but I still fell for it. Had you not known me this much... I would have slapped your for that." Straud clapped his hands in excitement. "Fabulous. Your strength and willpower, both of you... I never sensed anything this strong... at a very young age such as you two." The two were unsure what to say. "There. That's my answer. Can you feel it? The hatred, the willpower in you...? This is who you are now, and you shall embrace it." Sofia smiled. "You know what? I think you're right. I love this feeling. I feel like I can take on the whole world right now." "Sofia..." Leon murmured.

He decided to play along, though he would admit that it felt good for some reason. "Y-yeah. I never felt this powerful. What is this feeling?" "Like I said, my dear boy Leon. This is who you are." He clapped his hands one time, once more. "Now then, it is getting very late. I do not want people getting wrong ideas on where you're going. Especially you, Sofia." "R-right." "We can be in touch with phones. I shall let you have my number."

Straud sensed the puzzled look between the two. "By any means, I am no technophobe, so bear that in mind."

They exchanged numbers. Straud walked forward first, showing them the way. Before the two departed, he told them to wear something proper for their next visit. He admitted that the other Vampires felt uneasy when they got here, judging by the way they looked. Apparently, not all Vampires were born with advantages like the two had. Some lesser Vampires cannot sense whether someone is in fact a Vampire or not.

Then, just like that, he dissipated into thin air, like before.

"I suppose... this is who we are now, Sofia." "It is what it is." "Come on, I'll walk you home." Windenburg and Forgotten Hollow were interestingly close to one another, so it was only several minutes of long walk for them.

CC Creds