say it to me now

Maeve's birthday was still a cause for celebration, despite any reservations she or Aubrey herself had on the matter. Vampyres weren't prone to celebrating birthdays as humans did — there were far too many years to keep count of — but any opportunity for cheer was one that she would have to take to save face. There was nothing Aubrey loved more than holidays, and birthdays were no exception. Maeve, who was trying her best to guide her through the post-ball chaos, deserved the celebration. She knocked on the girl's door in a sing-songy sort of beat, her other fist firmly clasped around the handles of the gift bag she was delivering. "It's Aubrey! No rush."

"I think it would be for the best this time though."

"There are people who actually need the help, Mae — I'm not one of that number. I hold some sort of title of esteem amongst all of us, and that's supposed to mean something. I have to rise above somehow."

Two minutes later, Axel clapped his hands together as Aubrey returned to where he stood. “That wasn’t too hard, was it? Now for the fun part—” 

It wasn't as if Aubrey was a stranger to exercise, but the speed at which Axel went by default was obviously quicker than her usual standard. She wasn't terribly winded — this wasn't anything she couldn't breathe through after a couple minutes — and so she pasted on her usual smile. Cheer was difficult to maintain these days, but more necessary than ever, and so she retreated to it after moping for a few minutes. "Sure, uh, fun."

"Sometimes we need to take care of ourselves before we can take care of others."

"That's never really been my philosophy."

"Aubrey, are you sure you want to do this? Slow isn’t a particularly prominent word in my vocabulary." After a moment, Axel sighed. "Fine… start by doing a lap, then we can stretch.”

"I don't exactly have a choice in the matter. I think you know which once I'd make if I did." She shrugged halfheartedly, though managed the slightest of smiles once he did provide her reprieve. "Thanks. I appreciate it."

"In the real world, you don’t get to decide when you want to fight—you do, you die."

"I know, okay? I know. But are we looking to kill each other right now? I just — I want to take this slow."

"I know you will—I wouldn’t be here if I thought otherwise. Tell me Aubrey, what am I working with? Strike that, show me—try and hit me."

"Can't we start at a bit of a slower pace? I'd rather not hit you right now."

"Oh, take your time. It’s no rush, I wouldn’t want to burden you or anything. Actually, it’s okay. You don’t even need to spread the word. I can just put a roommate listing in the paper. It’s fine. Thanks for having been willing to though, Aubrey."

"It's not a bother. Look, I'd just like to help however I can — however trivial the problem may seem. It's better than sitting around doing nothing, y'know?"

"No darling it’s alright. We’re all having trouble trying to find order in all of this."

"It just seems like the self-centered choice. I'm contemplative — it's in my nature, really. But now I feel a bit absorbed in my nonexistent problems. I thought I would know how to comfort people, but...I don't."

"This is probably really last minute…and in hindsight it’s not really extremely important considering everything that’s going on around London and the world in general but, um, I’m looking for a roommate and if you know anyone who needs a place, or if you maybe kinda sorta need a place, I mean…yeah. I’m just looking for a roommate and I wanted to get the word out there. Living alone doesn’t really appeal to me much anymore and I don’t want to have to move back in with my parents."

"I can't take the spot, but...I'll spread the word? See if it helps n'all. Things are a little chaotic, but...I wouldn't want to leave you hanging or anything."

"If you want to learn how to defend yourself, to fight, we start now. God only knows how much help you’ll need."

Why is deciding on a dress so hard?

You must be an underclassman. Trust me, it gets easier.

But what are friends for? You shouldn’t have to do it all by yourself.

I really don't mind, Maeve. I'm accustomed to the work by now.

Honestly, you look kind of… glum. Did Luke not find you a big enough tree or approve of your colour scheme, or something? I’m sure living with him can be plenty unenjoyable.

I don't mean to. It's a stressful day, s'all. Besides, Luke and I are fine, unless you know something I don't. There's nothing unenjoyable about him.

Huh, so you people don’t actually celebrate things? I remember a club. Not that I’ve ever been there but I know it exists. 

There is one, yes. We're trying to keep the ragers to a minimum these days.