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Sissy: *knocks on the door gently* Gregory: *opens the door...puzzled look, then a smile replaces it* May I help you? *He is tall, wearing all black...wearing jacket with zippers and other assorted coolness on it...baggy pants that are pulled over his boots...pentacle choker..black hair, shoulder length and tied back...gold eyes...British accent...and a very nice smile ^^* Sissy: *smiles shyly* Uh...hi...umm... *suddenly* Where's Jace? Gregory: Jace? Oh...he's on an errand of sorts...who are you? Sissy: ...his girlfriend. *gaining confidence* Who're you? Gregory: Ah...I see...in that case, come on in... *shuts the door behind her as she enters* Me? I'm Dante Gregory Raven...but most call me Gregory...and your name is? Sissy: I'm Sissy...Miller...Sissy Miller. Yeah. Raven? *grins* Gregory: Yep. That's also the name of my clan. Would you sit down? *gestures towards the couch* Sissy: *grins* Thanks...um...so how do you...know Jace? Gregory: Oh...now there's a bit of a tale...and I don't know all of it. But, to make a long story short, Jace has an alliance with my clan...has had it for quite some time apparently. Oh, I'm a witch by the way. That should clear up the whole clan bit, in case you were wondering. Anyway, apparently Nicholas, our leader and my uncle, felt I would be safe here due to the most recent threat. I frankly don't know what he's talking about. I can take care of myself. I am 329 years old. It's probably because of the whole life play thing, but that doesn't make much sense...and it doesn't matter anyhow. I'm rambling and being a horrible host. Would like some tea? Sissy: *grins* Tea?! I'd love some! *clasps ribbon-bedecked hands together in delight* You're not rambling...after all, I did ask the question. Gregory: *smiles* Okay. *goes to the kitchen to make it* Yes, but I did not answer very well, or maybe I did. *thoughtful expression, then shrugs* I suppose you will have to ask Jace. He knows more than I on this matter...even though it does concern me. *has been searching through cabinets while talking...stops* Do you know where he keeps his tea kettle? Sissy: *shakes her head* Last time I was here our dinner was Pizza Hut, so I don't have much knowledge of the kitchen. *grins* Gregory: *sighs then returns to searching* Oh, bloody hell...where is it? Aha! *pulls it down from a shelf* Got it. *proceeds to make tea* So...tell me about yourself. Sissy: ... I like ribbons. I have a twin sister...total slut...we're nothing alike, no worries. Gregory: *blinks* Well...that's an uncommon description for your sibling...but, okay. Ribbons are cool. *notes the pentacle around her neck* Into witchcraft? Sissy: *deadpan* No, into Jace. Gregory: Ah, I see. How long have you been together? Sissy: Oh, man...um...I don't know...like, a year? Gregory: Hm...impressive. Do you take sugar with your tea? Lemon? Sissy: Lemon, thanks. *grins* What about you? Gregory: Me? Sugar, naturally. *pours tea and brings it to the couch* Sissy: *takes it gratefully* Thanks a ton! Gregory: You're welcome. *sips tea* So...you know that Jace is...what he is, right? Sissy: Of course. Gregory: Figured...no problems with that I assume? Sissy: *beams* Nope! Gregory: Also impressive. *sips his tea* Sissy: *sighs happily* I wouldn't care if he sporadically grew purple antennae...he's well worth anything. *looks around and pats her lap to invite Rascal up* Me, I'm not much more that I seem. The only way I could come up with to describe myself is that I 'm practically the antithesis of my twin...at least I'm a lot quieter. *offers Rascal a dangling ribbon* I doubt I have the, uh, authority or privelage or wahtever, to ask to hear about you...peoples' pasts can be ugly enough, but with an especially long one... Gregory: Well...that's love for you. *chuckles* Hats off to you both. I have yet to see his better side...if what you say is true. No doubt it is. *watches her and Rascal* And I have yet to have any luck with the lady of the house...and I'm good with animals. *sips his tea* Oh, it's quite alright. Ask me anything you wish. My past isn't particulary exciting. A few fights here and there. My clan is very peaceful -- unless provoked otherwise. We are threatened quite often, so we have weapons with us at all times...plus our skills with majick...but we try to use them for violent purposes as little as possible. *flicks his wrist and knife appears from under his sleeve. He tosses it up and down in one hand* They're wicked fun to play with though. *grins* Anywho, I was born and bred in England. My mother died when I was 10 and I have no bloody idea who my father was...which doesn't matter. Nicholas became sort of a father figure to me. He's the one who sent me here. He taught me majick and practically everything I know. He took me in when my mum died. A very good man...hmm...I suppose that's it. No much, like I said. *rolls up his sleeve and returns the blade to the spring-loaded sheath upon his wrist, then returns to his tea* Sissy: *mulls this over while sipping her tea* I see... *chuckles* I am all of a grand 17 years old...but... *sighs* After waht happened to Jace, and the stories about the vampire bar that my sister tells... *pulls a blade out from her pocket* I go armed too... *the knife hasn't escaped having a little ribbon tassel attached to it* Gregory: *blinks* Wow...didn't expect that to come from you. I suppose it's a wise idea though, considering the company you keep. Where did you get it? Can I see it? Sissy: Sure, my sister got it for me, so I'm not sure. *hands it over* Gregory: *looks at it and switches it open* Pretty common. *runs his fingers through the tassel* Nice touch. *closes it shut and hands it back to her* It's common, so it's easy enough to get. But sill a decent blade. Sissy: *nods, tucking it away* It just makes me feel better. Gregory: *nods* That's what it's there for...you know, I -- *front door opens* Jace: Hey, Gregory, I'm home! *walks in the room pulling off his leather jacket* Did you-- *sees Sissy...blinks* Sissy?! Hi! *that was meant to be loud in a surprised, awkward sort of way* Um...you didn't mention coming over! Gregory, can I talk to you? Be back later! *grabs Gregory and leads (drags) him into another room* Sissy: *blinks* What...? *chuckles and scratches Rascal behind the ear* Does he do that often? Rascal: Mreow. ((you have no idea...)) *voices in the next room-- "...why does it matter? ...because...want her involved...* Sissy: *hums a sticks her fingers in her ears* Jace: *comes back...Gregory sulking behind* 'allo, love... *hugs and kisses* Sorry about that. Sissy: *grins* Hi Jace! *practically attaches herself to him* Gregory: I'm going upstairs to finish unpacking... Jace: Good idea. *returns his attention to Sissy* How are you, dear? Sissy: Better...and glad to see you. *kisses his nose* What about you? Jace: I'm...as good as I can be while gaining an unwanted roommate...but better now... Sissy: Yeah...why is he here? Jace: *sighs* Long story...as most of my stories are. *sits* Join me. *pats the couch beside him...sighs and gathers his thoughts* I shall try to keep this short. You know, I was aiding a clan of witches. He's a member of that clan. *pauses, seems to be gathering his thoughts again, but it looks more like he's debating something* He...saved my life...when I was stabbed. So, technically my life belongs to him now. That's part of why he is here. I must protect him. It's not too safe for him in England right now. He is next in line to lead the clan. Nicholas...the current leader...has begun to wither. He does not have much time left. Gregory is the last in the blood line fit to rule. If he perishes, the Raven clan will perish as well...and it's falling apart as it is. Nicholas chose me to play body guard because one, I'm in life play with Greogry, therefore eternally in his debt. Two, I don't live in England nor anywhere else in Europe. In other words, far away from the danger. I just got word of this a day ago, and Gregory arrived that same day. No doubt Nicholas did that on purpose. *muttered under his breath* The bastard. "Jace, my dear friend and comrade. Thank you ever so much for your help. It was most kind of you. Oh, and by the way..." Bloody hell...I finally get some time to myself and THIS is dropped in my lap... Sissy: *listens quietly, then nestles against him, arms gently hugging his waist* I'm glad he saved you. *kisses his cheek* I was afraid for you, when you left, but when you came home... *rests her forehead on his shoulder* I kept picturing you dying. Jace: *strokes her hair* Please don't...things like that rarely happen to me. Please don't worry about me. Sissy: I try not to...I can't really help it. Jace, I don't want you to get hurt... Jace: *sighs* I'll try not to, but I can't make any promises. Gregory: *wanders down the stairs and into the kitchen. Opens a few cabinets, then the refridgerator* Jace: What are you doing? Gregory: *still looking through the contents of the fridge* Me? Dinner. Jace: Dinner? *looks at the clock on the wall* 6:45? Wow...was I gone that long? Gregory: Yep. *closes the fridge, a plate of raw chicken breasts in his hand* Jace: Wait...you don't have to-- Gregory: *holds up a hand* Hey, I got to earn my my keep around here. Jace: Whatever. *to Sissy* Do you want to stay for dinner? Sissy: If I'm not any trouble... Jace: None at all. Gregory: *humming Moonlight Sonata while preparing the meal* (Fast Forward - Dinner is served and survived.) Sissy: *hops up* Dishes are mine! Gregory and Jace: NO! *look at each other, blinks* Gregory: *looks to Sissy and smiles* I'll do them. You two go have fun. ((Don't have sex now!)) Jace: Um...okay... *goes up the stairs with Sissy at his heels, goes into his room. He sits upon the bed and looks at his hands while twiddling his thumbs a bit, then looks expectantly at Sissy. He's been a bit quiet this evening (with exception of his entrance). At dinner, he said very little - Gregory led most of the conversation, and the majority of it was with Sissy. He seems a bit on edge, as if something has been trying his nerves* Sissy: *settles beside him and slips an arm around his waist; softly:* What's up? Jace: ...nothing. I'm just a little...unsettled... Sissy: Haha. Really. Jace: Really what? Sissy: Really-what's-going-on, what. *prods his nose* Jace: *smiles a little* It's nothing. Don't worry about it. *kiss* Sissy: I'll...I'll tickle you! Jace: Fine. I'm not ticklish. *folds arms across his chest* Sissy: *tries his sides* Sure you are... Jace: Oh, hell. *tries not to laugh* I'm warning you... Sissy: And I'm not listening... *tickles harder* Jace: *begins to laugh, falls over* No...stop...dammit...STOP! Sissy: *giggles and sits on him, but gently* Now tell me! Jace: Tell you what? Gregory: *walks by, glances into Jace's room, then quickly averts his eyes elsewhere. He goes into his room (the guest bedroom), then comes back out again with a pair of boxers in one hand, using the other to sheild his eyes* Sissy: *turns halfway around* You're just jealous! *laughs* Gregory: *bathroom door slams* Jace: Perhaps we should have closed the door? Although it doesn't matter much now, does it? Sissy: He would've screamed, I think... Jace: Nah...he's too polite. Sissy: Now...TELL ME! *recommences tickling* Jace: NO! Not fun not fun! *manages to wriggle out from under her* God, you're wicked good at that. Sissy: *crosses her arms* C'mon... Jace: What? *has curled into a ball at the head of the bed, arms set firmly over his sides* Sissy: *sneaks a hand under his shirt to run her worried fingers over the scar on his stomach, frowning slightly* You don't want me mixed up in this, do you... *her short hair falls forward as she tilts her head in concern, just barely revealing a little puncture wound bruise on her neck* Jace: No...I don't... *glances the bruise, sits up quickly, pulls her hair completely from her neck* Sissy? Bloody hell, who BIT you?! Sissy: Bit me? Hm? I dunno... *gives him a false-innocent stare, then her lip twitches* Jace-it-was-scary... *unties the wide rainbow ribbon from around her neck (a gift from Claidi), revealing a few bloody scratch marks and a couple more bruises* It happened outside Las Noches... *the pentagram's chain is slightly bloody* Jace: *eyes widen* What happened?! Sissy, you've got to tell me... *both hands have a firm grip upon her shoulders, eyes and voice filled with worry (in otherwords, he's on the verge of spazzing* Sissy: *hesitantly* There was...this group of vampire outside Los Noches...just having fun, I think. They...well, they each had a "snack"...until they saw the pentagram, it seemed somehow, that they knew it was from another vampire... Jace: *sits back, a little dazed* NO...not vampires...witches...they thought you were connected with witches...witches that hunt... *pause* Who were they? Do you know? Sissy: *shakes head* No idea at all...didn't even see them, it was too dark. Jace: *dark laugh* Lucky for them. *more silence* Sissy...I don't want you to go to New Mayhem anymore... Sissy: *pouts for a second, then sighs* Alright... Jace: *silent nod* May I see it? Sissy: See...? Jace: Look at it...the... *winces a bit* ...the wound... Sissy: Oh...sure... *brushes her hair back and bares her neck...there are a few finger-shaped bruises trailing down from her neck to her chest* Jace: *runs his fingers along the bruises* Oh, Sissy...I'm sorry...I...should have been there...when did this happen? Sissy: Last...night. It's alright, love, once they saw the pentagram they promptly deposited me in Las Noches, the nearest place they thought nobody would ask questions. *grins* They weren't...polite... *as obvious by the finger marks which extend well past her shirt collar* ...but I'll be fine. Claidi closed up most of the skin for me. Jace: *sighs and pulls her to him* My god...I'm so sorry... *pulls away and looks at her* Only most of it? *looks at it* Hmmm...I can fix it further... *lays a hand gently upon it, murmurs a spell in a language uncommon to most, wounds heal completely, bruises fade* There...knew this magick was still good for something. Sissy: *wiggles a hand under his to feel her neck, then squeaks happily* You fixed it! *throws her arms around him and gives him a squeeze* ...I'm sorry I made you worry. Jace: *holds her* It's not your fault. I'm sorry you had to suffer due to the rubbish of my kind. *bathroom door opens and Gregory walks by, no shirt (because he's smexy it too ^^), still wearing the black pants he was wearing previously, hair down and slighty damp* Doesn't look in Jace's room and goes into his own across the hall and shuts the door* Sissy: Wasn't much suffering. *sighs into his neck* But I'm still not sure what's bothering you. *snuggles into his lap and gives hima quick peck on the cheek* Jace: That's all for the better...I think. *glances at his watch over Sissy's shoulder* Ten 'til eight...I should probably go take a shower... *lets Sissy go, gets up, and goes to his chest of drawers....rummages around for a clean pair of boxers/pants. You don't mind do you? Sissy: ...No, not at all. Can I take a nap? Jace: Yeah...or you can keep Gregory company. I won't be long... *off to the shower* Sissy: *rests, for a sec, then is too curious and gets up to knock on Gregory's door* Gregory: *opens the door, look of suprise that quickly fades into a warm smile* Hello. What brings you here? Sissy: Um...bored, I guess. Gregory: *hears the water running in the bathroom* I see. Well, c'mon in. *steps aside to let Sissy in...his hair has been tied back again, but he has still neglected to put a shirt on, sheepish grin as he leaves the dorrway* I apologize for my appearance. I wasn't expecting any visitors. *opens a drawer where several black t-shirts lie. He pulls one out, and turns to pull it on. He has a rather larger, tattoo on his back in between his shoulder blades. It is a raven wtih it's wings spread. A pentagram is braded upon its breast. It soon disappears beneath the newly restored t-shirt* There...that's better. *looks around* Well...welcome to the...guest room. *shrugs* Not much, but I suppose it's home for the time being. *he has not changed much in the guestroom, the small closet is half full, a few spell and majick books, along with several novels, have been set upon the book shelf. A few sketchbooks lie on the shelf as well. A flute case makes its home underneath the nightstand. An empty birdcage hangs from its stand by the open window. A walkman sets upon the bed beside the pillow, a few assorted CD cases surround it in unorganized heap - the only part of the room that isn't organized - most of them classical and old school artist/singers like Frank Sinatra...a bit of Godsmack in there too* A couple rolled up posters lean up against the wall. A portrait of a woman with long black hair and dark eyes smiles from beneath the glass of a gold frame that sets upon the nightstand, alone with an Anne Rice novel and a lamp.* Sissy: *looks around appreciately* Never been in here before...but I assume all this is yours. Gregory: Really? Hm...well...everything but the furniture. Sissy: *smiles* It looks rather lived-in, obviously. Did you used to have a bird? Gregory: Really? It's only had two days worth of me living in it. I suppose I just settle easily. *chuckles* I have many birds...as companions. But I've never actually owned a bird if that's what you mean. I don't believe in owning something that lives and breathes...especially a creature that is as free as a bird. The ones I have befriended come and go as they please -- that's why I keep the window open. The cage is simply there for shelter if they desire it. I usualy have seeds and water for them in there, but I haven't had the chance to do so. *leans against the wall beside the window, staring out into the sky* None of them have come to visit me here yet. I'm...not sure why. *seems to get lost in the stars for a moment, then turns to Sissy with a grin* Maybe it's the cat... Sissy: *blinks* That's...wonderful of you. I keep a guinea pig...couldn't really survive on her own, I guess, but she has the run of my room at least. I can't bring her over here either...I usually take her with me...but yeah, Rascal... Gregory: *chuckles* You seem like the guinea pig type. *looks down in response to something nuzzling up against his leg* Well, speak of the devil. Hello Rascal. Warming up to me, I see? *kneels down to pet her* That was quicker that I expected... Sissy: *grins and flops down too* Rascal! Rascal: Mreow. *looks to Sissy, then jumps in her lap* Gregory: Yet, she still seems to like you better. Sissy: Nah, she's just known me longer. *strokes Rascal's head* And I probably smell like food too. *chuckles* Gregory: *chuckles with her* Yes...I suppose that leaves shampoo and shaving cream int he dust. Sissy: Yes, guinea pigs smell much more edible! Gregory: True. *watches her and Rascal* So...are you staying here to-- *shocked look comes over his face, clamps a hand over his mouth* I'm sorry..I didn't mean...I mean...it's none of my business... Sissy: *laughs outright* No, I'm not spending the night... You're so considerate... *still petting Rascal* You're so different from most of the people I know around here...Jace is different too, along with a couple of other...mortals...but everyone's so, I dunno, blunt and sometimes nosy. Makes me wonder how people have changed over itme... What they awere like when Jace was younger, and what he'll think of the future...what I'm dead and gone and laying in a neatly worked hole in the ground somewhere...what it'll be like then... Gregory: Considerate? Well...um...thanks. Although, I 've barely seen the considerate side of Jace. I'm not sure why he's so ill towards me. *shrugs, seems to think on the subject* Well, as far back as I can remember, most people have always been that way. There were always exceptions to that though. I think you're one of those exceptions. *looks to the portrait on the nightstand* I think my mother was too...I didn't know her that well. She died when I was very young...but the way Nicholas goes on about her... *trails off and smiles* Well, I suppose that's just the way brothers are. Sissy: *smiles faintly* I have two brothers...one of them still doesn't talk. Jace is determined that he will someday, though. *grins* He's really a nice guy, Jace is. I just think that...Nicholas shoved this on him a bit suddenly... Gregory: Yes...he shoved me into it too. This is about me, yet I'm the only one who doesn't know what's going on. Did he tell you anything? Sissy: Well... *hesitantly* He said that you saved his life...Jace, I mean...and so now he's protecting you... *shrugs* Being mortal these days, it sounds to me like either some medieval clan dispute, or a weird gang romance. *giggles* Ever since I met Jace, life has...well, a lot of new dimensions are suddenly visible. Gregory: *nods* That I did...but "protecting" is hardly the word I would use. True, we do technically have the life play going, but it's MY call when to ask for the debt to be repaid...or so it goes. Nicholas made this decision for me, and I don't know why. I'm definitely missing something. I know Nicholas knows, and I think Jace does too. *sighs* The whole thing is ridiculous. I wish I knew what was going on... Sissy: *shifts nervously* Me too...there's something he won't tell me or something... *bathroom door opens, Jace comes out...clean, shaved, clothed, etc.* Gregory: Well, now's your chance to interrogate him... Sissy: Me?! Gregory: Yeah, you. He won't even TALK to me. *laughs* You don't have to if you don't want to. Perhaps things will loosen up later... Sissy: Hmm. *gets up and flies down the hall to glomp him* Gregory: *calls out the door* Nice talking to you! Jace: *is glomped* Hey...that was...unexpected... *smiles* Sissy: *grins and kisses his nose* Jace: Sorry I was gone so long... Sissy: That's okay! I talked with Gregory. Jace: Oh? Sissy: *nod nod nod* He's super nice, actually! Jace: Yeah, I know... *zones out a bit, then:* So...how long can you stay? Ot s...8:30 now. Sissy: Um...like, until 9:00... *giggles* Gregory almost asked if I was staying the night... Jace: O_O He WHAT?! Sissy: *laughs* Almost. Jace: Oh, hell. *mumbles something under his breath* Sissy: *quiets him with a kiss* Sh, he looked horrified. Jace: Yes... *kiss brings a little smile* He better have... Sissy: Oh, he did...don't worry. He seems to be a considerate fellow... Jace: Yes, I know. (Fast Forward. They go off and do what couple normally do when alone. Five days later. Gregory has started attending school with Jace. It's only two weeks into the semester, so it's no big deal. Gregory takes English (he has this with Sissy), Latin III (he has this class with Jace, it is the only time they see each other during the day), Algebra II and Visual Arts I. He has second lunch, and of course he manages to hook up with others members of our little band of immortals, etc. It is now the morning after Jace had his "little talk" with Nahallad (see the Group Role Play, Revenge Taken for details on that). Jace has come in his "angry attire" (all black, no glasses, etc.), which will most likely seem very outlandish to Sissy. The gang meets at one of the picnic tables in the courtyard before first period. Fayth and Kiss are already there. Jace and Gregory come from the Senior parking lot, and "hellos" are given and received. Gregory hops up on the table beside Fayth, while Jace simply leans against it. Cue Sissy) Sissy: *flops down on the picnic bench, then does a double-take at Jace* Uh... Jace: *had been staring off into space, blinks and pulls back into reality at Sissy's voice* Oh...hello, Sissy. *hugs and a kiss* How are you? (The others say hello as well in their designated ways.) Sissy: Hi, everybody...um, I'm fine...are you? Jace: I'm doing...okay. Sissy: Yeah, and my dad went out and got a tattoo last night. *rolls her eyes* Sure. Jace: *blinks* What? Fayth: Jace...I think your get-up is making her think otherwise. It's making me think otherwise as well. What's up? Jace: Huh? *looks himself over* Oh...right...just in a bit of a black mood I suppose... Sissy: *snuggles him* Why? Jace: Just...because... Sissy: *sighs* Is anyone else gonna tell me what's going on? *no takers* Sissy: *raises an eyebrow* Gregory? Gregory: ... *mouths the word "later"* Jace: *shoots a glare at Gregory* Gregory: *shoots a similar glare back...alright, not similar, practically indentical* Sissy: Tell meeeeee... *waves a ribbon-bedecked hand threateningly* Jace: Well-- *bell rings* I'll talk to you later... *gives her a kiss on the cheek and heads off. Fayth runs to catch up with him. Snippets of conversation are heard: "Jace...you told...about Gregory..." Jace shakes his head as they turn a corner. Kiss is gone. Gregory hops up and throws his book bag on, then puts a hand on Sissy's shoulder* Let's go... Sissy: *almost shrugs it off with a trace of nervous habit, then smiles apologetically, heaving her bag over one shoulder...her face loses the smile pretty quickly* Gregory, what's going on? Gregory: *as they head for class* Well, I'm not entirely sure. Yesterday, after school, Fayth came to us as we were about to leave. She gave Jace a note and said that somebody named...hmm...Cerule I think...gave it to her at Los Noches the night before. He didn't read it until we got back to his flat. When he did read it, a dark look came over his face. I asked him what was wrong, and he told me that it didn't concern me and not to worry about. *enters the classroom* Last night, he went off somewhere, dressed like he today and armed...althought that's not too out of the ordinary. Neither is his dress come to think about it. *takes a seat* That's practically the only way I saw him dressed during the time he was helping my clan. I tink that's what he wears when he plans to fight. That's what bothered me. I asked him what was going on, and if there was going to be fight. He said not likely, but perhaps. He didn't elaborate any further. He told me he would be back in two hours - three at the most - and that I shouldn't worry. I must've looked worried because he smiled and told me everything would be fine. The smile caught me off guard. He rarely smiles when it comes to me. When he does, it's so...familiar... *zones out, then shakes it off* Sorry...where was I? *thinks* Oh, yes. He left and came back an hour and a half later. He didn't tell me what happened. He just went to bed...and that's all I know. Sissy: *hand drifts to her neck* W-was he wearing his pentagram? Gregory: Yes...he was. Why? What's wrong? Sissy: *a bit pale* Oh...um..well, I guess I owe you that explanation, at least...I got bitten a while ago and didn't know who did it. I guess he found out...I hope he didn't hurt them. *swallows* They were just having a a good time...or something... Gregory: *blinks, looks of concern comes over his face* Bloody hell, are you okay? That's awful. Having a good time, my ass. That's terrible... Sissy: No, really! I'm fine! I doubt those guys are though... Gregory: Yeah... *under his breath:* I hope Jace beat the living daylights out of them... Sissy: Or the dead daylights. Gregory: *chuckles* Perhaps. (English class commences. Fast Forward. First lunch - no Gregory, he has second lunch with the Flayer and company. Jace wishes to talk to Sissy alone about the night before. They talk over tacos. Jace = Taco Bell Junkie ^^) Sissy: *hesistantly* So, Jace...wh-what happened last night? Jace: *clears his throat* Well, in short...I gave one of the vampires who harrassed you a bit of a...warning... Sissy: *whimpers* Gregory told me you looked dressed up for a fight...and something about Las Noches... Jace: Yes, well....there wasn't a fight. I didn't expect one, and he was at Las Noches...the vampire I mean...with Cerule. She's apparently adopted him. He's quite...weak. She allowed me to give my warning. Sissy: *reaches for his hand* Jace...you don't have to do things like that for me... Jace: *takes her hand and gives it a tiny squeezr* Sure I do...you're my girl... *smiles* Sissy: You go through enough as it is...I'll stay out of New Mayhem... Jace: I'm assuming you haven't been going to New Mayhem anyways...considering I told you not to... *eyebrow slight raised in a questioning manner* Sissy: *shakes head emphatically* No! Definitely not. I don't know about Randy though. *falters* She...runs off sometimes, and I think she keeps getting wasted somewhere...but I don't know if it's in New Mayhem or not... Jace: *sighs* Well, I wouldn't know...last night was the first time I've been there in quite a while. Sissy: Okay... *sighs and squeezes his hand* Jace: Do you want me to ask around? Sissy: *shakes her head* No...I'll get it out of her myself... Jace: ...okay... *silence...and eating of tacos...checks his watch after a while* We better head out... Sissy: *nods* Let's go to the car... Jace: Okay... *they go to the car and drive back to school* (The rest of the day proceeds normally, along with the next few weeks - or so they seem. Jace is still a little out of it, but has returned to his normal self - for the most part. Gregory has blended into the student body quite well and has managed to hook up with our little band of immortals, etc. He has even been to a few of the gatherings that they have had. Life is seemingly good. About two weeks after the incident at Las Noches, Gregory meets up with Sissy after school and pulls her aside* Gregory: Sissy...I need to talk to you. It's...about Jace... Sissy: *lets Randy continue on while holding her arm...(Randy eventaully realizes that Sissy's body is no longer following the arm and lets go exasperatedly)* Go on, Randy, I'll ride home with you after rehersals. *grabs Gregory's elbow, looking up at him with "concern and worry" written all over her face* What is it? Gregory: Well...he's...kind of losing his grip on things. He pulls off a good act around you, but at home... Sissy: *face crumples* Jace...wh-where is he? Gregory: Now? Uh...probably waiting for me in the senior lot. He'll come looking for me soon, so I better make this quick. He...hasn't been sleeping well...if at all. I hear him at night. He talks in his sleep, tosses and turns - a lot. I've watched him. In the morning, he looks like hell. I...I think he's beginning to take sleeping pills - a great deal of them. I can't do anything about it...but you can. Please...try to come over today and find out what's going on. *is worried* Sissy: *whimpers* Okay...thank you. *gives him a quick, tight hug and runs off after Randy* Gregory: Thanks... *trots off to meet Jace* (That afternoon at Jace's apartment...) Sissy: *knocks quickly...stands waiting on the doorstep with a nervous stomachache* Gregory: *opens the door* Hey...I'm glad you're here. *invites her in* He's upstairs... Sissy: Should I...go up? *starts up the stairs* Gregory: *nods* Jace: *upstairs in Gregory's room. He sits on Gregory's bed, his back to the door, holding the portrait that sat on Gregory's nightstand. He runs his fingers over it as Sissy approaches and is completely oblivious to her coming. That in itself is not exactly normal* Sissy: *stops in the doorway, then sniffles* ...Jace...? *a bit louder* Jace? Jace: *starts at the sound of her voice, then relaxes. He doesn't look up or turn around* Hello, Sissy. Sissy: *sits down on the bed behind him, slipping an arm around his waist...sets her chin on his shoulder, looking at the portrait* Jace: *silent for a bit, then sighs* You're here because Gregory told you to come. Sissy: Yes. Jace: *half-hearted chuckle* I suppose he has his reasons. I have been a bit of a wreck lately. *looks at her for the first time since she entered the room. His eyes look very tired, almost drugged. He holds her gaze for a little while, then looks back down at the portrait* I'm sure he told you I haven't been sleeping well in the last few weeks. I'm surprised he waited as long as he did to mention it. *at a lower volume* Must have been when I starting popping pulls... *another one of those half-hearted laughs* Anyways...the reason for my lack of sleep is I am plagued with dreams...dreams of my past...dreams of her... Sissy: *kisses his cheek, worry in her eyes again, before looking down and touching the face in the picture with a fingertip* Gregory's mother...you knew her then... *her other hand is now restin on his shoulder, her thumb absent-mindedly stroking his neck as she waits to see if he will continue* Jace: *nods* Her name was Amaris. We didn't meet under the best of circumstances - she was about to be burned at the stake. Witch trails, you know. There were two others with her. I decided to rescue them. After doing so, I found out they were members of the Raven clan. Amaris, being their leader, felt I should return with them and accept their hosbitality, since I saved their lives. She had taken an immediate dislike to me (I was an arrogant bastard) and only did this because the life play demanded it. So, I was asked to stay for a few weeks, and I accepted. I fit in quite nicely with the Raven's and was seemingly well-liked by all - all except Amaris. Her dislike for me seemed to increase as the days went by...and my interest in her did the same. *chuckles* Just like me to chase after the woman who won't have me. But my seemingly vain persuit eventually paid off, and my original stay with the Ravens went from a few weeks to about 40 years. The clan became my life, and so did Amaris. She was everything to me. She is the one who gave me this... *runs his fingers over his pentacle* I could have honestly spent the rest of my life with her, but her life was all I had. I wish I had met her sooner. She already had 320 or so years behind her, and witches of her kind don't live much longer after they reach 350. Anyways, 40 years went by, and I was called away on an errand. My time of return, if I returned at all, was uncertain. I spent the entirety of that last day before leaving with Amaris and made love to her that night. Early the next morning, I left. About a month after my departure, I received word of an unwanted blessing. Amaris was pregnant with our child - MY child... *pauses, sighs* I was...shocked. I was instructed to return on the day the child was due, if not sooner. I chose the former. I probably could have returned sooner, but my fear wished for me to prolong the inevitable. In all honesty, I did not want this child. Nevertheless, I returned on the day specified, and, of course, the child was right on time (witches are very good at predicting that sort of thing). So, on October 13, 1674, Amaris gave birth to our son...Dante Gregory. *stops and closes eyes, awaiting Sissy's response* Sissy: *has her forehead resting on his shoulder, cheek pressed to his shoulderblade...softly:* And she died...and Gregory never knew you were his father... *still trying to absorb the fact that Jace has a child who looks as old as he is* Jace: *nods* She died three years later...just...withered away. After her death, the matter of Gregory had to be tended to. Nicholas agreed to keep the boy in his care. He and I had become good friends over the years - practically brothers. He had become very attached to the child and was more of a father figure than I had been. I couldn't allow myself to get close to the boy... *rests his head in his hands* It sounds terrible, I know. I just...didn't want to take on the role of a father. So, Nicholas took custody, and I left. Every now and then, I would receive word on how Gregory was doing, but I never had any direct dealings with the clan until the most recent incident...and that brings us to where we are currently. *pause* I...should have told you all this before...but...this is so difficult for me... Sissy: Well..I can understnad it would be... O_o ... *pulls one hand away from his face to kiss his cheek* Are you going to tell him? Jace: ...eventually...I'll have to. *half-hearted chuckle* Nicholas won't take him back until I do. Sissy: This is...this is so weird...I keep forgetting you're this old... *rubs her eyes* Jace: Which is probably a good thing. *not really sure what to say* Sissy: G-go tell him. Now... Jace: ...I can't. Sissy: *has come to terms now with the fact that Jace has been around for quite some time...that this wasn't meant to happen...she had a little surge of mortal jealousy, thinking of Jace dreaming of someone else, fathering someone else's child...she's calmed down some, breathing deep and speaking calmly* It's only fair to him...you told me, and I'm not even related. Jace, don't keep him in the dark. He knows there's been something going on that you won't tell him about... *smooths his hair, looking pleadingly at him as she catches hold of his hands* Jace: I know...and I will tell him...but not now. I...don't know what I'd say to him. Sissy: What, you just told me! Jace: Yes, but you're not the one finding out that Darth Vader is your father. Sissy: *giggles involuntarily* You're not Darth Vader... Jace: I might as well be. I...haven't been treating him as well as I should... Sissy: *hugs him tightly* So fix it... Jace: I'll try... *kisses her forehead* Tomorrow is Saturday...I'll try to tell him then. I promise. Sissy: Okay, okay. *snuggles into his lap* Thank you, Jace... Jace: *strokes her hair* You're welcome... (They stay like this for a little while. They don't notice Greogry coming up the stairs, He starts to walk in his room, then stops in the doorway, surprised, then puzzled.) Gregory: Um...what are you two doing in my room? Jace: *jumps at Gregory's voice, turns head to the door* Uh, hi, Gregory! We were just...leaving. Sissy: *grins innocently...nodnodnod* Jace: *nervous laugh and smile, leaves Greogry's room and goes to his own, Sissy at his heels* Gregory: *afer door to Jace's room is shut:* What in the nine hells was THAT about? *shrugs and enters his room, notices the portrait lying on the bed, picks it up and looks at it with a vexed expression, shakes his head and returns it to its spot on the night stand* Sissy: *flops down on Jace's bed* Um...oops? I guess he'll be curious to hear it by tomorrow... *pats the bed next to her, inviting a snuggle* Jace: Yeah...I'm almost hoping he asks. It would make my life easier. *gladly takes the invitation, climbs into the bed beside her and wraps an arm around her waist* Sissy: *smiles* Yes, that would be easier. *gives his neck a little kiss, then asks suddenly* Jace? Would those vampires - in New Mayhem - would they have killed me? Jace: *taken aback* Well...I'm not sure. They might have...I...don't really want to think about it. Sissy: *sighs* Okay...'cause...Jace...I'm gonna die someday. Just like she did. *rests her cheek on his shoulder without looking at him* Jace: ...I know. But...that's quite a while from now. Eventually, my luck will run out too. Death is inevitable, even for "immortals." The best thing to do is to enjoy things while they last. Sissy: *slips her arm around him, happy and fulfilled* Amen. Jace: *smiles, relieved his answer was satisfactory. He enfolds her in his arms, and drifts off to sleep...dreamless and content* -END- |