foul deeds will rise

tagging: @catalinastarter·

location: garage

Aiden would be lying if they said they didn’t miss the thrill of a chase. Working on cars was something they’d loved doing since she was younger, but it had gotten monotonous. The male mechanics didn’t want to believe that they could possibly know what she was doing and often tried to undermine them. While they ordinarily loved proving people wrong, they’re getting tired of people trying to tell them what they did and didn’t know; especially when they knew far more than most. The sound of tires crunching on the sidewalk caught their attention and they jerked upwards, slamming their head on the hood. “God damn it,” they muttered, rubbing their head. Grease smeared along Aiden’s skin, coveralls, and cheek and they wiped their hands on a rag. “We’re about to close up, so if it’s anything major, I might not be able to get to your car till the morning.”

*

Clarissa knew a thing or two about cars, her dad had ensured that she learnt how to change a tire and check the oil but if things got much more complicated than that she was entirely lost. So, when her car began to make a noise that left her mildly unsettled she decided to leave it to an expert. She hadn’t made an appointment, which wasn’t like her usually organised self, instead she was just going to inquire about the issue and when she could bring her car in. It hadn’t been her intention to scare the other and her apology that came quickly after they’d slammed their head emphasised that. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to make you jump.” She spoke quickly, grimacing slightly as she imagined how much it must have hurt. “I actually just wanted to ask about a problem my car is having, it’s still running for now so I think it’ll be able to survive until tomorrow if that’s the case. No rush.”

Status: Open, @catalinastarter·

“I’ve been here for two years, and I can’t believe I’ve never tried the Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure,” Johnnie said. It was the weekend, and Johnnie was ready to recuperate from his work with a bit of social chit-chat with anyone from around the island. It didn’t matter who. “There’s gotta be one tourist trap that you’ve never tried out yet. Which one is it for you?”

*

Given how busy work was with the lead up to Christmas, and the inevitable closing of the office over the holidays growing closer with each day, Clarissa had agreed to meet Jamie at the Banquet Hall so she could get as much done as possible beforehand. It was at times like these that her obsessive work personality liked to rear its head. She was excited about their plans for the evening though; ice skating during the holidays had always been one of her favourite ways to celebrate. As well as that, she was curious to see what Jamie was like out on the ice. There was a part of her that expected him to find it as natural as breathing, he was smooth when it came to most things, but she would just have to wait and see whether that was the truth. 

Standing outside the hall with her hands buried in her pockets to keep warm, she waited patiently for him to arrive. It was already beginning to get dark, a tell tale sign that winter was upon them. She didn’t mind though, christmas lights and decorations and everything that came with the holiday thrilled her, so she was simply enjoying it while she waited. That and the knowledge that she’d be spending time with him again, his company was steadily becoming one of the things she looked forward to the most. Something which both thrilled and terrified her, but she was getting used to that sensation.

When she eventually spotted him she couldn’t stop the smile from pulling at her lips, it was a natural response these days. “Hey you. You ready to show me your mad ice-skating skills?”

*

“Your incredible advice?” Lucian had to laugh at her words, expression contorting into one of sheer amusement. “I don’t that led to the decision, because it was nothing like that, nothing like that at all…” It was, of course, their entire conversation had been important in how things had progressed, because they’d always taken Clarissa’s advice. They only hoped that she did the same with them, even when they were being a complete ass about it sometimes. “Or, okay, maybe a little bit. But you’re not taking all of the credit.”

As the conversation moved to Jamie, they stayed quiet and let her speak, listening to everything she had to say and doing their best to keep any judgement out of it —- there would always be a little awkwardness there. “No idea what you’re trying to suggest,” they commented lightly, shrugging their shoulders and offering her a smile. “Seriously though, a doctor that only believes in love and marriage? I think if I did that I’d be a of a hypocrite, don’t you?” Brows lifted a moment and they laughed. “But that’s good, that’s definitely a step in the right direction.” Especially considering the word date had come up.

*

“A little bit of credit? Alright, I can live with a little bit of credit.” Clarissa teased gently in return, laughing a brief moment later as if to emphasise the joking nature of it all. Lucian knew her well enough to understand when she was messing around though. In all truth she was just happy that they seemed happy. “What did you two talk about? I mean, what lead to the unofficially dating label?” She questioned curiously, just wanting to understand more of what this new relationship was like for them. It was obvious she could be a bit too curious at the best of times.

“You’re right, you would be a bit of a hypocrite but you always tend to want the best for me. Although, I think ‘the best’ can be pretty subjective.” As she spoke, it came across as if she was simply just mulling something over rather than actually speaking it in everyday conversation. It was pretty common for her to get lost in her thoughts. As they mentioned a step in the right direction, she couldn’t stop the slight smile that pulled at her lips. She couldn’t help it when she thought about Jamie these days. “I hope so, I feel like I’m more invested than I should be but I’m also just excited to see what happens. I don’t remember the last time I was excited about something like this.”

*

“Good to know.” The response was easy, even if at this exact moment, Lucian was thankful to not have any need in calling her at three a.m.. It seemed that life wasn’t all that bad right now and it was something that they could get very used to. They had a lot of work going on, sure, but they’d never had any issues with that, especially so when a lot of time was being spent out at the shelter. It was the one thing they’d always adored to do, to feel like they were making a big difference not that a lot of their other hobbies had gone by the wayside.

“Life events?” They pondered the question for a moment, pressing their lips together thoughtfully. “I mean, there is the guy I was telling you about, things are… well, I guess we’re kind of unofficially dating. It’s nothing serious or anything yet, we’re just seeing how things go, taking it very slow.” A slight pause and they had to crack a grin. “What about you and Mr. Atwater? Do I even want to know?” they questioned, unable to ask without teasing. They knew she’d understand that it was going to take a while for them to get used to the idea she was entangled with Jamie Atwater of all people.

*

If she was being honest, her inquiry into life events stemmed from a curiosity about the romantic situation they’d mentioned the last time they’d seen one another. Hearing that things had progressed in a positive direction only thrilled her, a feeling which was accompanied by a sense of relief - she believed Lucian deserved some happiness in that department. “Really?” Clarissa questioned in an intrigued tone, a smile spreading across her lips. “Unofficially dating, huh? That’s amazing, what led to the unofficially dating decision? Did you take your best friends incredible advice and just have a discussion with this person?”

When the question was turned back on her she couldn’t help but roll her eyes, knowing there was sure to be some kind of taunting accompanying his questioning. “That depends, are you going to listen or just tell me that I’m insane and point me towards some nice doctor who believes firmly in love and marriage?” She couldn’t help but return with her own teasing, it was easier to have conversations that way sometimes. However, she did eventually provide an honest answer. “Things with Mr. Atwater are good, he took me on an amazing date and we just talked about anything and everything. Actually got to know one another.” She explained, shrugging her shoulders softly. “It was...nice, actually.”

*

Clarissa coming out and saying that they didn’t need to apologise only received a shrug in response from Lucian. They knew that, but it still didn’t mean they wouldn’t ever do it again. After spending so many years apart after they’d both moved away following high school, they couldn’t help but feel a little bad whenever they disappeared again without prior warning. They’d spent way too much time running away from things and they were done with that now, so explanations or apologies were always needed. Still… sitting there eating ice-cream on the beach, it was like being transported back in time to when they’d been innocent twelve-year-olds, not a care in the world but the sweet treat in their hands.

“Well, you should know no matter what’s going on I’ll always make time for dessert… especially with you,” they answered, glancing back to her then and flashing a bright smile. “In fact, I think I need to make more time for dessert period.” After a moment and after hearing Clarissa’s question, they had to laugh lightly. “Do I not look okay?” it was a serious question, they wondered if something in particular had prompted the query.

*

It was nice to know she had someone in her life who was willing to make time for her. She would always do the same for Lucian as well, it was part of the deal when it came to a friendship like theirs. After everything, even if they hadn’t seen one another in some time, she still knew that they’d always be there for one another. That kind of understanding had definitely helped, especially when their lives had grown busy at different points in their lives. “Well thank you, you know that I’ll always make time for dessert with you as well. Even if it’s 3am and the only ice cream flavour available is vanilla.” She added, a breath of laughter escaping her as she nudged her shoulder against his. Obviously, there was some teasing to her words but they were still entirely true.

“No, nothing like that, you look great.” Clarissa reassured before taking another bite of her ice cream, considering her words for a second before continuing. “I’m just checking in. I mean, did anything interesting happen since the last time I saw you? Exciting life events or anything. I feel like I’m behind the times.”

♢

“You in glasses?” he asked, his entire face turning to amusement. “That’s… cute.” And he’s not exactly making fun of her. It would be cute - ridiculously cute. But it probably wouldn’t help her growing out of that nerdy little high school girl image she’d been pushing back against in his presence these days. Still, he wanted to see it. “Can you please?” he asked, his tone still slightly mocking though he was actually asking.

Once he’d finished his attempts at not sounding like a spoiled jerk, he let out a sigh of internal relief as she admitted she could understand. He laughed at her mention of ‘Atwater allure’. Hey, at least she’d said it, not him. “Yeah, but then if that’d happened and we’d actually known each other in high school, I 1000% would’ve been a dumbass and ruined any chance of this happening now so… blessing in disguise?” he asked, turning back to look her in the eyes. He realized after it had come out that it was kind of sappy but there was no going back now. 

Because I take promises very seriously. Though something tightened in his stomach at the comment, he managed to completely ignore it, instead focusing on the expression playing at her features. It made him happy - to see her like this. And he wanted to promise her and know that he would keep it. He really did. So tricking himself into believing in that, he raised his hand up between them, his littlest finger stuck out. “Pinky promise,” he told her, a slight laugh bubbling out at the childish-ness of it. Something told him she wouldn’t mind. 

*

She couldn’t help but smile in response to his words when he mentioned their timeline of getting to know one another was a blessing in disguise. It was true, if they’d been closer in high school things could’ve played out very differently between them. The more she thought about it the more grateful she was that their relationship had only seemed to progress now that they were adults. She enjoyed learning about Jamie from Jamie rather than just hearing about him through other people. “I couldn’t agree more,” Clarissa added after a moment, meeting his gaze with a softness that was possibly more vulnerable than she would’ve usually allowed it to be. Although, for that brief second, she didn’t really mind.

Her laughter echoed his as he held his pinky finger up between them, the amusement washing over her along with some kind of gratification that they could bounce between being light-hearted and sentimental within a breath. “Very serious of you,” She commented while reaching to hook her pinky finger around his to seal the promise. “Would it be too forward of me to say that I’m excited to see what you come up with? I feel like I’m in with some kind of secret club.” Just like that, she was back to making teasing comments but there was definitely a hint of truth to her words. “Thank you for doing all this, it was perfect. Even if it was just a couple of blankets thrown in the back like you think it was.”

Without really noticing, the night had grown dark around them. The stars were as impressive as they could’ve hoped, in fact, the whole evening had been more than she could’ve ever anticipated. It left her feeling completely overwhelmed and entirely spoilt. 

♢

He laughed with her as she spoke about her brother, the memory seeming to fall fondly on her, though she didn’t say much about her relationship with him. He wasn’t sure how much he should ask. Normally, his ability to have no filter didn’t bother him, but with her, he had no desire to push her into conversations she didn’t care to have yet. The trouble was figuring out where that line was. As had become habit when around her, he was overthinking things. 

Taking in her answer, he supposed he could understand her perspective, though really the undercutting of his privilege and status here was a difficult lens for him to stop looking through. Being in Catalina at the top… well, it blurred your view of the rest. And he was only starting to see that, thirty-one years into his life. At the mention of the Yale-rejection murder, he chuckled. “Yale is a pretty big deal,” he told her nodding, something like pride seeping through though he couldn’t pinpoint the feeling himself. “I forgot for a second that you’re a fucking genius,” he said, smiling widely as he tilted his head back, before looking back at her. He didn’t mind subtly poking fun at himself in that intellectual realm, though in reality, that was one way that she seriously intimidated him. 

There must’ve been a sparkle in his eye as she mentioned seeing the place through his eyes. He wanted very much to do so, and this almost felt like permission to do something a bit more…extravagant in the future. After all, he did live a somewhat extravagant life and Catalina was the backdrop for it. “Mmm, it’s hard to describe. At risk of sounding super vain, there is something very fun about nearly everyone knowing of you and seeing your life as this… aspirational goal?” He laughed, even becoming slightly embarrassed. “It sounds kind of awful but, I mean, doesn’t everyone want to be rich and admired on some level?” He winced at her, hoping she sort of knew what he meant. Obviously, he knew there was more to life then that, but he also knew what people would give to be in his position.

As she gestured, his eyes followed it out to the view. It really was stunning. “This is only the start,” he whispered as he leaned in closer, as if it was a secret only they could know. If she wanted his perspective, he would make it happen. 

*

She couldn’t help but laugh when he commented on her intellect, the entire thing sounding absolutely ridiculous in her head. Most people would probably hate on her for it but she’d never actually considered herself to be some freaky genius girl, she knew that most of her success had just stemmed from applying herself endlessly. Study was her main focus for most of her teenage years and she still carried a pretty intense work ethic around with her now, but she wasn’t about to explain that to Jamie. It would only make her sound like even more of a know-it-all. “Do you want me to remind you on a regular basis that I’m a genius? Sorry, fucking genius.” Clarissa mocked, her smile only reflecting his as she spoke. “I could let you in on a fun fact every time we see each other or I could just start wearing my glasses on the regular, give in to the whole “Yale graduate” vibe.”

It was interesting to hear about Catalina from his perspective. Of course, she’d had her assumptions about why it would be such an appealing place as an Atwater, but it was different actually hearing it from him. There was real honesty to his admittance, which was a quality about Jamie that she was learning was pretty consistent and she appreciated that. Like he’d said, there was something vain about what he was saying but there was also an immense truth to it. No matter how much people tried to deny it there was some part of them which craved admiration and wealth. “I can understand that. I mean, I won’t lie there was a part of high school Clarissa that wished she could have just an ounce of that Atwater allure.” An almost embarrassed breath of laughter escaped her at that, reflecting the way he’d winced earlier. “Maybe if I’d been less of a nerd and knew more about flirting I could’ve stolen some of that off you.”

There must have been an excitement in her gaze as he made the promise that this was only the start. It thrilled her, left her intrigued and wanting more, which was something of a recurring them with Jamie. “Is that a promise?” She questioned while leaning in slightly closer herself, trying to reign in the grin that was threatening at her features. “Because I take promises very seriously.”

for: @clarissaarcheron· location: step beach

“Here we go…” Lucian passed over the ice-cream as they stepped back onto the sand, and then sank down to sit next to their friend. It felt like it had been a while since they’d seen each other properly, but then, they had allowed themselves to become ridiculously busy over the last couple of weeks when it came to work. It was the holidays, creeping up upon them, the need for extra money to try and make things special for their sister at least. Holidays had always been horrible and they were so determined to change that now.

“I feel like I need to apologise for not being around more,” they said as they looked out to the ocean, frowning very thoughtfully. “Life’s just kind of… taken over.” The truth was, they felt like they hadn’t had much time for anyone this last week, but sometimes they had periods of their life that went that way.

*

Clarissa gladly accepted the ice-cream from Lucian as they appeared beside her, the pair of them settled comfortably on the sand. The set up was something of a tradition for them, she could remember being in the exact same position when they were children, arguing over which flavour was the best. In her mind it was cookies and cream each and every time, without argument. As a result, there was something comforting about it and given the chaos of the last few weeks it was exactly what she needed. Plus, she always enjoyed spending time with Lucian.

“Please, you don’t have to apologise for life.” She reassured without a moment’s hesitation before taking a generous taste of her ice cream. “As long as you’re doing okay and can make time to eat dessert with me, I’ll always forgive you. You know that.” A smile pulled at her lips as she glanced over at them, allowing her words to sink in for a moment before checking on them again. “Are you? Doing okay, I mean.”

♢

“You should come by and try it some time; you’ll get to experience the looks firsthand,” he joked, something he couldn’t stop himself from doing if he tried. Still, it felt like they were actually talking about something real now. And while he had no complaints about their talks in the past, he was surprised at how comfortable he was talking to her about something that held a little more weight. It was this ease about her; her ability to conceal any expectations she may have. It just felt so…natural. 

He listened as she replied, looking away only to find his next bite of food. “That’s nice. That you’re so close to your mom.” That was the best he could do for sentiment. Even with his own mom, he didn’t know how to speak fondly of their relationship. “Oh, yeah, Rhys, right? I didn’t know he went into the air force. That’s cool. But yeah, I guess it doesn’t lend itself well to family life,” he said thoughtfully, tipping his head a bit to one side as he made the realization. Despite her brother also attending school with him, they’d never become friends. It seemed all the Archerons had pretty much flown under Jamie’s radar until now. “Yeah?” he asked, intrigued by her comment on leaving Catalina. “And why is that?” He was focused more now, wanting to know her better. Even with the decent amount of time they’d spent together recently, Clarissa wasn’t overly open with personal details. And her statement had sparked an interest in an area Jamie now realized he knew very little about: her life between high school and, well, a few months ago. 

He smiled slightly as he felt her foot against his, the smallest bubble of happiness bubbling up. He inched closer, wanting to close the already small gap between them. “Yeah, not long,” he said with a shrug. “I was in LA for school and then Europe for a year just travelling but… there’s no place like home,” he stated, with a little smirk before bringing his champagne to his lips. He did love being in Catalina, for the familiarity, the comfort, the people, but mostly for everything that came with being an Atwater. In other places, sure, Jamie had no problem; he was attractive, rich, charming. But here, he was special. And very deep down, he felt like he needed that. 

*

For a moment Clarissa was surprised when he mentioned her brother’s name, but then she was reminded of the fact that they were even closer in age than the two of them, so of course he’d know him. “Yeah, Rhys.” She confirmed once she’d finally made it through the thought process. “I think he was always interested in joining the air force, although he’d probably hate that I know his interest in that stemmed from him watching Top Gun one too many times and assuming he could be the next Maverick.” The memory made her laugh and suddenly she realised that she could barely remember the last time she’d seen her brother in person. Just more evidence that he rarely made the trip back home. 

She should’ve expected Jamie’s question about why she’d decided to leave Catalina, but there was a part of her that felt embarrassed to explain her reasons. He’d always been - well - important in Catalina and she had been anything but that. Even now, she couldn’t completely understand why he’d want to learn more about her. Regardless, of course she answered. “I left because I felt as if there was nothing here for me. I didn’t exactly leave an impression during my school years, my brother had already left, all that was here was my mum and she always encouraged me to pursue bigger and better things.” She shrugged her shoulders softly, glancing up to meet his gaze once again, a hint of amusement tracing across her features as she continued. “Plus, my mum said she’d murder me if I turned down an offer from Yale.”

Without truly realising that she was doing it she reached out to rest her palm on his arm, simply chasing more contact between them. When he spoke about Catalina it seemed like such a different place, but honestly she could understand why. Everyone knew of the Atwaters. Still, she was curious about how he would explain it. “What is it that you love about Catalina?” She asked after a moment, watching him in consideration. “I feel like I need to see some of this place through your eyes. Although, I guess this-” She gestured to the view that was before them, “Is already showing me this place from your perspective...and it’s pretty incredible. Plus, the company isn’t too bad either.”

STARTER FOR: Anyone … Open / @catalinastarter· LOCATION: Carmichael Roses Co. TIME: Afternoon, around 2:00PM.

Revisiting an old favorite, I Carry Your Heart by E.E. Cummings was a tender experience now that Jack was sober once again. This time, he wants to do things right, to not expect too much from himself but also try not to give up when things get too tough. He wanted to still be exposed to the world all while getting better, especially since quitting cold turkey hasn’t worked in the past. So, with the permission of his doctors, he’s allowed to go out. Not to bars, no, but out. Just to remain a sense of normalcy. Remaining cooped up was a luxury Jack Adler, despite his being in the public eye, could not fathom right now. It only made him dwell on his troubles rather than seek out healthy mediums. 

So, he quite literally goes to smell the roses today, his face inside a book as he takes a pause on a little stone bench near a rose bush. The roses were pink and white and spread out across a sea of green. The smell was lovely and reminded him of his mother’s old perfumes. 

“Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide..” The singer reads to the nearest stranger, “What do you think that means?” Jack has a vague idea but he’s curious of the way others might perceive it, especially a tad out of context.

*

Finding some form of peace for a few moments was what Clarissa’s entire being was craving at that moment. It seemed as if the past few weeks had been nothing but manic and now it was finally time to pause and take a breath. To savour each inhale with purpose rather than absently gasping amidst chaos. She could usually find some semblance of peace amongst the roses, whether that be immersing herself in another world while surrounded by their intoxicating fragrance, or simply watching the interactions of others from a quiet seated position amongst the foliage. 

On this particular occasion, she had a book in hand and was searching for that perfect spot - the one that would beg her over - when she came across Jack. Given that his question was centered around an interpretation of literature she was more than happy to provide an answer. 

“You’re a Cummings fan then, are you?” She questioned with a hint of a smile on her lips, holding her novel in both hands as she took a moment to consider her opinion. “I think he’s trying to say that love is the deepest foundation of all while also being the unifying force that keeps the tree of life together. He’s emphasising that an understanding of that is the deepest secret of all.” With that she gently shrugged her shoulders, “Although, that’s just one woman’s opinion. I guess that’s the magic of poetry though, it’s open to interpretation.”

·

He would’ve been embarrassed if he were sober enough to recognize how embarrassing the situation actually was. Or if she’d displayed any sort of aversion to his spectacularly stoned behavior. She doesn’t seem to notice or she’s just pretending not to smell weed in the air when she lowers herself to the ground right next to him. How thoughtful of her.

“Well, I’m no statistician,” he begins running a finger underneath his nose as he sniffles. The open balcony doors lets in the cool October breeze— that, or they’re in the presence of a ghost. “I’m not a statistician…” he repeats after he’d momentarily forgotten what he’d meant to say. “But I’d say one in fifteen. Call it a hunch. I feel it in my bones.”

He lets his head fall back, eyeing her dark features in the low light, squinting just enough to note the shade of lipstick she’s wearing, if any. Brown? No, red. “You a lustful woman, Clarissa?”

*

She found herself laughing quietly at his declaration that he wasn’t a statistician, appreciating the way he actually provided her with a quantitative representation of what her chances of scaring someone would be. It wasn’t that she hadn’t noticed the recognisable scent of weed in the room, she’d just chosen not to acknowledge it for the time being. Plus, she found some enjoyment in observing the behaviours that came along with it. “Well if you feel it in your bones then I’ll have to trust you,” She began with a grin, glancing over at him briefly as she spoke. “There’s no opinion more trustworthy than that.” 

When he noted the meaning behind the dark shade of red that coloured her lips she was initially confused. It had slipped her mind that the colours they’d chosen to accompany their costumes held forms of commentary on the various sins. However, it didn’t take long for her to remember. “Lustful?” She repeated with consideration, pouting her lips for a moment as she thought over her answer. “Possibly, but only when I’m given a reason to be.”

.

Being invited to random parties wasn’t unusual for Aly. She had quite a social life. Her love to live led her many places, as did her various charitable endeavors. This was an act of the former. A Halloween bash hosted at an elusive manor. The invitation from which was delivered by hooded figures. As weird as it was cool, Aly thought.

A work call pulled her away from the main party. Up the staircase and down a hall. Into a quiet and, what she thought was, empty room. The call was brief. Aly answered, annoyed. The caller stated their business and disconnected. She typed a few things out on her cell phone before the ordeal was over. Some issue in the business books she’d already corrected, but no one read their damn emails. She sent out another with high importance, then put away her phone just in time to see a woman come into the room from the balcony. The younger brunette jumped. She was startled by Aly’s presence. Which amused the older one.

“A little creeped out, huh?” Aly understood. The manor was kind of creepy, but she didn’t scare easy. A fact she was proud of. “It’s my first time, too. Although, I know where the bar is. If you want me to show you?”

*

Clarissa was relieved when she noticed it was Aly standing before her. Her level of discomfort had been steadily rising and when she’d jumped at the appearance of a figure it only made it worse. Thankfully, it was just the brunette and not some terrifying presence that had been haunting the manor for a lifetime. Not that she thought that could actually be a possibility...not really.

“You could say that.” She admitted to the brunette with a laugh when she questioned whether she was scared. “You’re not?” Unfortunately, she had never been one of those people who could comfortably watch horror movies on her own. “The bar sounds like a much better idea than lurking around up here, so I would love for you to show me the way.”

Honestly, Clarissa was eager to get out of the room. It was making her feel more unsettled by the second; that was what happened when she allowed herself to get get carried away with her thoughts. The joys of having the mind of a fiction editor. She wasted no time in heading for the door, however, when she went to turn the handle she quickly discovered that it wouldn’t budge. Surely this was some kind of joke. She gave it another firm tug. Nothing. “Well, this is not helping to convince me that this place isn’t creepy.”

*

Aaron had been wandering around so much since the start of the event that he had actually lost track of where within the manor he’d been and he hadn’t been. There was a very good chance he’d already been into this particular room, but that didn’t stop him heading in there again, hands trailing over surfaces and picking up random objects to examine.

Already very intoxicated, he’d reached the clumsy point of the evening and as he made his through the open door to outside, clutching tightly onto the stem of a champagne glass. As he made his way out, he ended up tangled in the curtain, which led to a trip and a string of swear words, which is when the other person noticed him. He knew her vaguely, was sure she was one of sister’s many friends —- but he’d never been good at keeping track of that. “Because where’s the fun in warning you about it?” A shrug and he downed what was left of his champagne. “Well, I haven’t been here for 12 years, not really something you get to come to every year…”

*

Clarissa was relieved to recognise the man before her. She didn’t know Aaron well, but she had come across him a few times. Frankly, there would’ve been something unsettling about being in that room with a stranger, so seeing a familiar face made her feel oddly reassured. It must have been the old horror concept - things always felt safer in a creepy space when one had company. 

“Damn, I was kind of hoping you’d say you’d been to this thing multiple times and knew all the most interesting and intriguing spots.” She commented while taking a few steps further into the room, quietly studying the space and running her fingertips over the spine of a book on one of the many shelves. “How are you finding it so far? Do you feel like you need a break or do you want to keep me company while I wander around in search of a drink or something more interesting.”

It was going to be a clean party. He was going to be good.

But god, he could never really stay in one place for more than an hour at most and not immediately feel like he needs a change of setting.

Don’t get him wrong, everyone looks amazing and this whole place is surreal (he wasn’t aware that such structures still existed in the modern world, complete with working toilets and electricity) but there’s only so much walking and talking he can do in one night before he decides that he needs a breather.

When he found the room, it was already open. The sheets are all messed up and he can only guess what had happened here. So he opts to sit on the floor right next to the bed, pulling out a doobie from his breast pocket, still immaculately rolled.

The first hit already has him slumped against the edge of the bed. He hadn’t bothered taking his mask off— primarily because he can’t, because he’d secured it too tightly and now he feels sweat building underneath his eyes, on his cupid’s bow, on his forehead. He’d done away with the hat, at least, set aside on the pillows, retiring the cowboy for only a few moments.

He must’ve fallen asleep because when he awakes, it’s the sight of the wind-blown rayon curtains that greets him, and he thinks maybe he’s still high. He is. But not enough not to recognize the woman standing outside. He doesn’t move and instead waits to be discovered from where he’s still sitting on the floor, the joint put out on the nightstand beside him.

Then she saunters back inside and acknowledges his presence with a jolt.

“Nothin’ scary ‘bout cowboys, ma’am,” he says, dragging his syllables into a twang. He reaches up to tip his hat, but remembers its absence when his hand falls over his head instead. That would explain why his head no longer feels as heavy as it did earlier that night, though his whole body now feels an entirely different kind of weight. “Well, there’s two of us now. Give me like, five seconds and I’ll join you.” He does not move.

*

At first, Clarissa wasn’t sure who she was talking to. The mask he was wearing made that a slightly difficult thing to interpret. However, it didn’t take long for her to recognise the man beneath the costume. She’d somehow ended up in a mentor or tutor type role with his daughter, very much by complete mistake, but as a result she’d come to know Hayden to some extent. 

She couldn’t help but laugh at his comment (once her heart rate had slowed that was), her natural teasing tendency beginning to resurface once more. “I don’t know, I think there’s a few things that are scary about cowboys.” As she spoke she took a few steps closer, standing at his feet and watching him in consideration. On any other occasion she would’ve thought it was a strange place to settle, but at this event, this wasn’t even nearly the strangest thing she’d seen. It was normal really. 

When he offered to join her she was relieved, company would definitely help with the discomfort that had begun to swell within her as she wandered the abandoned rooms. Although, it didn’t take her long to realise that moving might not be a quick process right at that moment. 

“Five seconds, huh?” She repeated in amusement, shaking her head ever so slightly before moving to take a seat beside him against the edge of the bed, stretching her legs out in front of her. “Let’s give it a little bit longer than that, maybe I’ll get some satisfaction by scaring another guest if they wander into this room. What do you think the chances of that are?”

Wandering the halls of Wollstonecraft manor on her own seemed like an excellent idea at the time. Of course, there were others passing her as she investigated the rooms and wings that were on offer, but there was something unsettling about the entire event. Honestly, why did they only open this place up on Halloween night? Why was it so mysterious and exclusive? If she was being honest with herself she was surprised that she’d even been invited, but when she’d been handed the invitation she couldn’t help but admit she was intrigued. That was the main reason she’d decided to actually come along.

She stepped foot into one of the many vacant rooms, wandering out onto the terrace that lay just beyond the billowing curtains. It felt like some kind of movie set but the distant sounds of the party occurring around her was a reminder of what was actually going on. For a second she just took in the view, muttering to herself about how insane the entire thing was before stepping back into the room. Her own musings had distracted her from the fact that another guest was also exploring the space, so she let out a sound of surprise and jumped visibly when she finally noticed them. “Oh my god,” She breathed after a moment, closing her eyes and placing a hand over her chest. “You scared the shit out of me. Why didn’t anyone tell me that exploring this place was more of a two person or group venture? Is it obvious that this is the first time I’ve been to this thing?”