#mysticpara 2: a good fright

[aidenoconnell]

Aiden shakes his head but there is a faint smile there, and if he was brutally honest he is hungry. The more he keeps prolonging because he doesn’t trust himself, the worst it’s going to get. It’s like having a backwards and forwards drug addition; need it to survive but too much and he’s afraid of the consequences. Aiden pats August’s back as they disappear back into the crowd of the festival, finding a person for Aiden to skin his teeth into.

Maybe this town won’t be so bad.

aidenoconnell​:

Aiden’s not sure why August feels so pressed about not feeding on Luci. There’s so many other people here, and sure, maybe Aiden’s concious is really kicking into overrdrive here but it doesn’t feel right to him and he’ll stand his ground on it. He sighs a bit, looking at his brother and makes a face about him desicating. He doesn’t look that bad, right?

“I’ll go feed, okay?” Aiden says and he kind of just wants his brother off his back a bit. And he motions to the crowd, “Go find someone.”

August breathes in a little and shifts on his feet--he knows he’s pushing a little and maybe...maybe there was a time where this seemed easier for Aiden? He didn’t think as hard and they fed together. And it just is what it was. He supposes it stems a bit from worry...there’s nothing worse than an over-hungry vampire.

You make different and too-quick decisions on accident. And he doesn’t want Aiden to accidently get hurt.

August smiles a little, his hand coming down on Aiden's shoulder, "C'mon, let's go pick your poison."

[aidenoconnell]

a good fright.

Aiden leaves the house early.

Truthfully, he's never been a good sleeper even when he was a human only to become aware that it's called insomnia later on in life. He never bothered anyone with it, sometimes he likes hearing the sounds of the night especially when it's raining out. He likes how it trickles against the glass of the window. So when the next morning rolls around, he's quiet as he gets up and showers, dresses and leaves the house silently.

The whole town is silent, which is supposes isn't anything out of the ordinary anyway for a Saturday morning. He walks the block and back down to the town square, the diner is open but that's the only life he sees as he passes by and continues right through the square to the other side, coming along the walking trail by a bridge. He can hear the waterfall peacefully cascading as he finds it, and it's not really hidden anyway but it opens up to a man mad pond which is nice.

Aiden walks over, climbing down the rubble and rocks until he gets to the bottom and walks around, looking out at the horizon as the sun is coming up. He perches himself on a large rock and sits, closing his eyes as he takes in the nature sounds and the running water. Peace. Even if it's just temporary it's peace and he sits in that for a long while, until the town begins to wake for the day and move. Maybe this'll be his spot, somewhere to go to take a break if it gets too much.

He heads back into the town, grabbing breakfast along the way and all the banners and signs are going up for the festival tonight. There's a lot more people here today than yesterday, and Aiden thinks that's a good sign as well. Honestly? He's kind of looking forward to it.

[aidenoconnell]

lucifitzgerald​:

“I’m alright,” She promises, “Curb came quicker than I thought.” She smiles up at him, “I’m gonna head home I think, clear my head. Luckily I don’t have work tomorrow,” She laughs, “Gonna sleep in.”

She lets out a slow breath, “M’close, just a few blocks away.” Luci curls her hair around her ear, giving him a good looking at, “I’m really glad I bumped into you. I’m sure I’ll see around–small town and everything.” Her voice is definitely hopeful.

Aiden nods and Luci seems pretty sure of herself which is good. He doesn’t think she’s too drunk to walk anyway, can make it and he doesn’t want to interfere anymore than he has her evening. So he slows his walk to a stop and nods, smiling a bit when she says she’s gonna sleep in. “Sounds nice,” he says, truly, it does. 

“It was nice meeting you,” Aiden nods, “Yeah, small town, bound to happen. Gotta check out the library and all, see what book gems are poking around there.” He offers her a soft smile as he takes a small step back. “Get home safe.”

[aidenoconnell]

Aiden’s not sure why August feels so pressed about not feeding on Luci. There’s so many other people here, and sure, maybe Aiden’s concious is really kicking into overrdrive here but it doesn’t feel right to him and he’ll stand his ground on it. He sighs a bit, looking at his brother and makes a face about him desicating. He doesn’t look that bad, right?

“I’ll go feed, okay?” Aiden says and he kind of just wants his brother off his back a bit. And he motions to the crowd, “Go find someone.”

aidenoconnell​:

Aiden smiles to himself, waving to Luci as she goes on her way home. Will he stop by the library? Honestly, yes, even before he knew she worked there. He loves that kind of thing, the smell of books and old pages. Maybe it’s an extra perk that he’ll know someone there and it won’t feel so isolating as well. Something tells him his brother won’t want to go on a library excursion with him. Speaking of,

“She’ll be okay,” Aiden comments simply as he makes sure Luci gets down the street. He looks down for a moment before turning back around to August then back at the festival still going on. “She’s nice, do me a favour and keep her off your feed list. You don’t need to mark the entire town.”

August has so many questions trapped underneath his tongue. It’s one thing for Aiden to be disinterested in feeding, it’s another to put a human on a ‘no feed list’. Why take the time to single this girl out? She must have made one hell of an impression...or maybe he’s just feeling sentimental. Their first night in a new town and Luci’s the first towns person he’s spoken to. Who knows.

Either way, he makes a dramatic move at rolling his eyes but he can do Aiden this favor. Something he’ll promise that he won’t go back on--August would never betray that trust.

“Fine,” He puts his hands up in mock surrender, “I won’t touch her.” Aiden should, however. He thinks he’d enjoy that honey sweet taste. “At least tell me you’re going to feed soon--feel like I always gotta worry about you lookin’ half desiccated.”

[aidenoconnell]

Aiden smiles to himself, waving to Luci as she goes on her way home. Will he stop by the library? Honestly, yes, even before he knew she worked there. He loves that kind of thing, the smell of books and old pages. Maybe it’s an extra perk that he’ll know someone there and it won’t feel so isolating as well. Something tells him his brother won’t want to go on a library excursion with him. Speaking of,

“She’ll be okay,” Aiden comments simply as he makes sure Luci gets down the street. He looks down for a moment before turning back around to August then back at the festival still going on. “She’s nice, do me a favour and keep her off your feed list. You don’t need to mark the entire town.”

aidenoconnell​:

Aiden nods and Luci seems pretty sure of herself which is good. He doesn’t think she’s too drunk to walk anyway, can make it and he doesn’t want to interfere anymore than he has her evening. So he slows his walk to a stop and nods, smiling a bit when she says she’s gonna sleep in. “Sounds nice,” he says, truly, it does. 

“It was nice meeting you,” Aiden nods, “Yeah, small town, bound to happen. Gotta check out the library and all, see what book gems are poking around there.” He offers her a soft smile as he takes a small step back. “Get home safe.”

Luci grins, taking her hat off to hold in her hands as she takes a few steps back, her eyes on him. “Small town.” She agrees and she knows that one way or another, she’ll see Aiden again. Maybe after a few times (or god, maybe the next), she’ll fish over her number.

“Looking forward to seeing you in the stacks.” And god, is that lame? She’ll blame it on the ciders. A soft laugh leaves her lips as she waves, turning to walk towards home.

August, who was lingering not too far away, suddenly appears behind Aiden. He smiles a bit as he watches Luci walk,

“Not gonna walk her home?” He asks, teasing, “So many things go bump in the night.”

[aidenoconnell]

lucifitzgerald​:

Sometimes she’ll catch a glimpse of Aiden out of the corner of her eye as they walk along the outskirts of the festival, passing haunted hay rides and pumpkin patches, floats leftover from the small parade, and get that strange sense of deja vu like she’s seen him somewhere before.

It’s so strange.

Maybe he’s just got one of those faces, because she’s never been to Kansas before.

“Corn fields?” She asks, giving him a small smile. “That’s my extensive knowledge.” Luci lets out a slight laugh, “But at least you kinda get it, living in a small town. I think sometimes people from bigger cities have a hard time adapting here–we got a lot going on, but it’s definitely not as busy.”

She huffs as she steps off a curb and her ankle goes a little wonky–stupid boots, cider. She doesn’t fall though…so that’s good.

“Yeah, that’s basically it. Not missing much,” he nods with some amusement. “Right in the middle of nothing.” And he has been to Kansas, or well, through Kansas. Wasn’t exciting then, still isn’t exciting now which is a bit unfortunate. He exhales as the sounds dim just a little as they step away but he wonders if that’s more Luci’s doing since she’s been drinking. Step away from the crowds.

Aiden reaches out but reflex and steadies her. “You want some water? I can go find some,” he offers her.

[aidenoconnell]

lucifitzgerald​:

“Whole list.” She grins up at Aiden, because he gets it. And she has no idea if it’s the magical feeling of the festival or just a good night but the fact that she’s hit it so off the bat with a stranger in a small amount of time? It feels nice. She knows it doesn’t take her very long to hit it off with someone, but still.

Everyone she’s talked to for the most part is from here, so it’s easy to get along. Aiden’s brand new, and admittedly that’s kind of fascinating.

“So what did you think about the festival? Can I ask where you came from?”

This is why it’s important to have some kind of plan of a backstory. Aiden knows he can use his own personal one to a certain extend, fabricate some of it while keeping the truth in there somewhere. “Kanas,” he says just as him and August discussed. “This small town as well but I can tell you they don’t do anything as exciting as this,” he motions around with his hand.

“So yeah, I’m actually impressed. This is nice,” he nods. “It’s uh, nice to see people come together like this.”

[aidenoconnell]

lucifitzgerald​:

August smirks lightly, still lingering. He knows what buttons to press to make his brother angry, though he doesn’t want to do that. But he does think about telling Aiden– I know you don’t need a chaperone, maybe I do, or, maybe I still want to taste her. But he doesn’t say any of that–instead,

“Just intrigued to what you’re doing.”

But he lets it go, leaning against the doorframe of a place and letting Aiden walk further away.

“I feel like it’s been a while since I found a good book,” She smiles over at Aiden, “I hate when you get to the middle of something and it doesn’t turn out as good as you expected, it’s like a waste you know? I don’t have all this time to waste on bad books.”

Aiden rolls his eyes, and he almost says go away but leaves it. He’ll circle back to August in a bit, feels kind of rude to do that now when he’s in the middle of a conversation with Luci anyhow. He clears his throat and nods along to what she’s saying, zoning back into their book talk that seems a lot more easier than thinking about his brother literally stalking him. 

“You think it’s one thing but it’s another. Or a terrible plot twist,” Aiden chimes in. “Rushed endings, out of character moments. There’s a whole list,” he lets out an airy laugh as he glances at her.

[aidenoconnell]

lucifitzgerald​:

Luci hums lightly as she sticks her hands into the pockets of her dress as they walk. She supposes that’s true and she really likes that perspective–she feels like a lot of people just needs to find a niche, like they try one book and if it’s not your cup of tea? Try another.

“It’s a shame, there’s so much to explore. But I’m excited for you to try out the library! Hopefully I’m working that day.” And did she just…kind of flirt with this man and hoping she sees him again. He’s handsome and he reads…what better combination could you want?

“No, I get that. I try and pick stories that speak to me the most. I love Bradbury and Poe but I also love true crime, fantasy. Just needs to be written well, you know? Compelling.”

Aiden tips his head down for a moment, though there’s a small turn up of a small. “It would be welcoming to see a familiar face,” he comments and that’s definitely a bit of a playful tone back. Aiden’s relatively a smart guy, he has an interest in learning by doing and observing. And he’s thinks he can pick up on when something is going well or decent enough. He might have only met Luci twenty minutes ago but he can sense she is a very genuine person and that’s a touch rare lately. 

“Yeah, that’s exactly it. Something more than surface level,” he says as he turns his head away for a moment, looking back over his shoulder but he doesn’t see August. He steps to the side when some guy and a girl cut right through him and Luci walking, giving him the quick opportunity to say: “I don’t need a chaperone,” for August to hear. 

And he doesn’t, and he’s not going to feed on Luci either. It doesn’t feel right either. He can go into the woods and find his fill tomorrow.

[aidenoconnell]

augustcastle​:

August follows.

He doesn’t stalk his brother, exactly, but Aiden’s never really been about social contact. He keeps to himself…this was true even when he was human. But now there’s this entire other level of their existence and for him to so easily attach himself to a girl for the night…he’s intrigued.

He knows enough to know that she’s human. No magical sense about her. So they have in common…what exactly?

It’s not that August has never had human friends, of course he has, it’s just…he also knows that Aiden hasn’t exactly fed in a while.

Luci hums as she finishes her cider, definitely a bit tipsy now but her walking is solid and her speech is fine. There’s coherent thoughts and everything. She smiles as Aiden mentions that he reads and ugh, that’s so nice to hear.

“Not enough people read,” She admits, “Do you have a favorite author?”

“No, not a lot of people do anymore,” he agrees and ends up tossing out his cup because he knows he’s not going to finishing it at this rate. “I think it’s just how your raised. You either come from a household that reads or you don’t, but don’t mean you can’t do it yourself.” 

He slips his hands back into his pockets as he carries along walking, this brief sense that someone is watching but it also has a distinct feeling of August. So Aiden doesn’t let it bother him. “You know, I don’t think I have a favourite. If the writing and story is intriguing enough, I’ll read about anything or at least give it a-go. No sense is being tunnel minded about it.”

[aidenoconnell]

lucifitzgerald​:

Luci raises her eyebrows and nods, “Yeah it is actually! Good eye.” She means about the houses, there’s so much going on here that’s dipped in history and you really just have to go digging for it. 

“The Historical Society here throws all of these really cool events. Like balls and art shows, re-enactments, uhm…and they show off these collections sometimes of historical documents and artifacts they’ve collected,” She knows she sounds excited but she really does love stuff like that. Especially with showing someone who’s never been? She’s a little geeked to talk about it. 

“You’ll love that I think, especially if you’re into history.” Her cheeks kiss pink and she has another sip of her cider. 

Ah, that makes sense. There is a whole committee dedicated to this town, the history, what’s to be unearthed and researched. He looks up at the clock tower then around them. “I did notice all the signs that have something to do with the founders of the town, guess that’s where the Historical Society kicks in,” he comments as Aiden glances at her. 

He takes a sip of the cider but it’s way too much for him, so he pours a little out when Luci isn’t looking. “This seems like a place you’d go on a school field trip to,” he teases. “Might have to take a trip to the library. Need some new reading material anyway, just finished rereading some Agatha Christie.”

[aidenoconnell]

lucifitzgerald​:

Luci smirks a little at his questions about her costume. She knows the get-up is a bit ridiculous but she loves playing up the whole spooky aspect of everything. She had this velvet dress from an old party she went to and one thing led to another–she just needed to get a pair of spider print stockings and a hat. She already had the booties.

“I know,” She laughs, fixing her hat a bit, “I like playing up the old movie stereotypes…and I look cute.”

“I like history too!” They begin walking, just slowly getting out of the major crowd, “Like especially with working in the library, you can spend extra time researching things or finding out the history behind something. Like this town–it’s got a lot of roots.”

Aiden smirks lightly and begins to walk along with her. He doesn’t really find any of it overly insulting. There’s so many movies, literature and pop culture about it that what’s the point of being offended? There’s a good portion that is right, and some that is super silly. So he lets out a soft laugh at Luci’s costume accomplishment.

“I’ve heard this place has a lot going on,” he comment, scratching the side of his cheek. “I’m interested to dig into and see what it’s all about. Sure the library as a ton of information. Feels like one of those civil war towns, just by the houses alone.”

[aidenoconnell]

lucifitzgerald​:

Luci smiles warmly at Aiden’s expression about the cider—it’s definitely on the stronger side. But she thinks that’s sweet, that he’s not here to get absolutely wasted and just having a good night? This festival attracts everyone, from families to college kids, to rowdy adults and those alone. She was perfectly happy with disappearing into the crowd tonight, getting tipsy and dancing.

But this is nice too.

“No, no. I totally get what you mean. I like my small friend groups too,” She grins. “I mean I was on my own tonight, just looking to dance and have a good time in my little witch costume, so. I’m sure you’ll meet a lot of people pretty easily, everyone here is decently friendly.”

Aiden’s met a lot of solo wanders in his lifetime, he was one for a bit too so he understands what Luci is saying. He likes people watching (not in a creepy way), seeing how they life and how times have changed immensely. Sometimes he is stuck in his old ways, has a more difficult time to transitioning but that’s never seen to be a complete downfall for him. And with that, he’s met some very interesting people along the way. He keeps in touch too when he can. 

“Are you a witch?” He asks, and touches the point of her hat with amusement. “These really weren’t what they wore,” he comments and quickly follows up with, “From what I’ve researched. I like history. I think The Wizard of Oz made it popular.”

[aidenoconnell]

lucifitzgerald​:

Luci shrugs her one shoulder because she doesn’t mind. She’s always been social, so she loves buying people drinks and getting to know them. Aiden’s new, so,

“Oh it’s no worries. It’s a nice little welcome drink.” She grins. She takes a sip and pretends to cheers him. 

She then raises her eyebrows about his brother and oh, she hopes she’s not stealing him away or anything. She assumes that if Aiden didn’t want to spend time with a stranger or dip, he would. 

She smiles as he admits his brother is a bit more social than he is. “That’s kind of surprising, you seem perfectly social.” Luci grins. “So you could have fooled me.” 

Aiden offers a small smile and nods, taking a sip and whoa. It’s so strong or it’s probably just him. He swallows and the flavour lessens but it’s definitely not a drink to chug at any rate. He squints for a moment, looking back at Luci as he chuckles softly. Fair enough.

“I’m better in smaller groups,” he corrects himself, shifting his weight between his feet. And if he were a bit more honest, he’d tell her he doesn’t do this, right off the bat befriending someone so instantly because he’s a cautious person. And yet nothing feels... alarming.

[aidenoconnell]

augustcastle​:

August definitely makes a face, because /what/? So not only is Aiden not going to feed on her, he’s not letting him feed on her either? He huffs out a sound that mostly comes out of his nose. He knows that there’s a bunch of other choices tonight (also known as the girl he just told to fuck off) but but he’s confused as to why Aiden has found a plaything. What’s the point? 

“Your loss I guess. Let me know if you change your mind—I’ll help you.” He licks his lips, can’t quite get that honey smell out of his nose. So he has to go. 

He disappears quickly before Luci turns back around, two ciders in hand. 

“I got you one. It’s some sort of pumpkin flare.” She smiles, handing the cup over. 

Aiden rolls his eyes because August is being a touch dramatic there. His loss? Sure, although it doesn’t feel much like it. But he knows he might get some sort of earful from him later when August decides to reeducate him on the dietary needs of being vampire. That’s what they are according to lore right? Bloodsuckers, human killers, monsters of the night who give a good fright. 

He blinks and looks back at Luci, “You didn’t have to get me one,” he says but takes the drink from her. “Thank you, uh, my brother texted and he’s alright. No rush on looking for him. He’s... a lot more social than I am.”

[aidenoconnell]

augustcastle​:

August huffs as Aiden just…goes the opposite way. He’s confused and a touch annoyed because was he looking for him or not? What exactly is he doing wandering around with a stranger if they’re not meant to feed on her? 

He slides off his stool, moving through the crowd. 

Luci nods and heads towards where Aiden directs, finishing her spiked cider and putting the cup into the trash. She hums as she wanders the streets with him, wanting another drink or maybe some sort of snack. 

“Yeah every year,” She grins. “We’re big on holiday specials and stuff like that, as you’ll come to see.” 

Luci steps forward to check out some pumpkins and some other ciders that she wants to drink. While she’s distracted, August slips right up to Aiden. 

“She’s a good choice,” He smiles a little, watching Luci’s back. “Cute. She smells sweet, like honey or something.” 

Aiden raises his brows in interest, that’s a lot of commitment, so they must have a committee dedicated to ever event in town. But he can see it creates a sense of community as well, bringing people together and to enjoy a nice evening out. “Looks like it,” he smiles a bit as he looks at one of the menus for that looks like fried fritters and such.

He can feel August before he sees him, internally sighing because obviously he couldn’t run away from him. “We’re not feeding on her,” Aiden counters, keeping his voice low but Luci seems to be busy ordering anyway. More fun cider. Aiden drags his away from her to his brother instead. “She’s showing me around the festival, plus there’s plenty of other people here.”