RAD BUT SAD

Art took the wine and took a sip immediately, confused as to holding the glass because he’d never held one he handled it awkwardly for a moment. It was okay from what he remembered, wine had never been his thing. “I mean… I think I’ve just trained myself to like cheap beers over time. It’s mostly what everyone else around you is drinking but yeah this is pretty good.” He set the glass down after fumbling with it for a second more and deciding he needed to stop making a fool of himself before he spilled anything. She’d not only agreed to hear him play, but also to lunch and the harpy’s heart did a little flip. If anything, he was getting somewhere with her already. “That’d be awesome.We can make a date of it. I’ll treat you another time once the job thing comes through. I’m pretty much willing to take anything that comes my way now so hopefully that’ll be soon too… and yeah Nightshifters sounds pretty badass and most the band is wolves so it fits.” Scratching his head, he picked up the glass, this time miming her movement and picking it up better. “After I moved back to Herscher I just was trying to figure myself out so a job was the last thing on my mind for a while after my band kinda fucked me over in LA. I didn’t really move back all that willingly I guess but this is where I was born so I decided that it was for the best… but what about you? If you were in town a while ago I would have probably known I mean… you’re so…” He cut off wondering where exactly he’d intended to take that last sentence in front of her. “Uh, I mean we really kinda stand out here in this small suburban neighborhood is all. Supers and other things aside.” Everything was taking enormous willpower on his behalf to not try and sound like some dipshit in front of her of fuck up what he was saying. He’d even toned down his cussing to some degree he realized in front of her.

Meera couldn’t help but make a face at the idea of cheep bear. The last time she had cheep alcohol was in college in which seemed ages ago now. “I don’t remember the last time I had a cheep bear. I suppose I’m lucky that way.” The woman mused before focusing back on Arthur, “Hopefully this marks your last day of cheep alcohol too.” She said with a playful wink, not really considering a deeper meaning behind the comment. When the younger said the word ‘date’ she definitely caught on. She supposed it would be a date at that point but he was clearly younger than her, what would people say if they found her with him in a ‘date’ manor? For some reason it didn’t bother her too much but there was still concern there. Without thinking she couldn’t help her self, “How old are you?” Meera blurted out, “I-I’d love to make a date out of it but aren’t you younger than I am? I mean I feel like I am almost at that age where I could look like your mom.” After she said that there was instant regret but there was still that fear in her heart, “I’m Thirty Five... Doesn’t that bother you at all?” The witch asked softly after a moment’s pause. 

Art watched with interest as she smiled, there was something to be said about her body, but Meera also was just amazing all around. It was a feeling really that made him sort of buzz literally and made him feel like he hadn’t thought about much else during the day leading up to her coming to the bar. He’d even talked to Manny about her. Okay, it was bad.

She fluidly undid the wine and he laughed lightly when she mentioned it was Barefoot. “Yo, okay I’ve had that before I think. Sounds totally fine, I think that’s sweet if I remember right.” He lit up when she mentioned she’d hit him up the next day she was off. Already it seemed like he was in good standing with her despite everything and he leaned in on the counter some to be closer to her. “Legit though? You’d want to do that? I mean we can do something more chill if you want. I kinda am regretting not just asking you out to lunch earlier.” Part of him still didn’t believe someone as beautiful as her would really want to hang around him or listen to his music so he’d bust out the acoustic for her and tone it down some. “That sounds wicked. I mean I highly doubt I’ll be doing much of anything this upcoming week….” He’d applied to bar-tend at Crossroads and all but they probably wouldn’t be taking him after his almost scuffle with the pack members there. Greg had his paws in the bar there, and Art felt disgusted that he had any say in that probably. “… uh, just, gotta keep job searching when I’m not busy with Manny’s crew. I’m hoping they’ll kinda take me under their wing and all. Nightshifters. That’s hopefully gonna be the band name if Manny doesn’t take creative control and name it something obscene,” he laughed.

“It is a sweet wine.” Meera confirmed as she poured a the second glass before sliding it to Arthur. “But that’s why I like it. I don’t understand how people can enjoy dry wine. It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.” She mused before putting the bottle off to the side. Taking the glass in hand she took a petite sip of the wine before setting it down. Refreshing definitely and the more she drank the more she would relax. The situation was fairly new to her. The witch hadn’t looked for the company of men after she broke off the arranged engagement to another powerful warlock. Something that ended up getting her disowned. If she was to marry another it would be for love, not a bloodline. But even then she never saw herself getting married, it was a foreign concept to her.  “Of course I’d love to hear you play,” The witch nodded, “I wouldn’t have gone to see you tonight if I didn’t. Even though it didn’t turn out as expected. We can always go to lunch too. It’ll be my treat, as an apology for kind of ruining your chance to play.” She teased lightly before taking another sip of the sweet wine. “You don’t have a job?” Meera questioned, “Not that there’s anything wrong with not having one, I was just surprised. What job are you trying to get into? I hope that works out for you, Arthur.” The woman smiled, “Fingers crossed you get to keep the name Nightshifters.” 

Trailing behind her it was code after code to enter her building. Alone, so that’s how it was. Okay, he could get down with that… actually it was good for him. He laughed off his question trying to recall the parties he’d mentioned in detail but some of the finer moments eluded him just due to how fucked up he used to get at them. “Wild, but that’s because it was mostly when everyone was younger and much dumber so you know how those go. No cops to break it up really here so we wrecked some stuff. I’ve been in LA for a long while since I’ve been in town though so that was far back.” As she led the way in her jacket and they entered the elevator he leaned against the metal side and looked at her heels, arms crossed before it was a short shove off into motion again once the doors opened. Her door wasn’t far and Art followed her into the space as she unlocked it, keys jingling. The apartment, could he even call it one, was pristine and he immediately felt out of place but also a sense of purpose as she stripped down some. He hovered for a moment before taking his own jacket off, it was more cold leather than affording him any warmth. He moved with her to the kitchen and hung it over the back on a chair loosely before putting his hands on the back and watching her. “Uh, wine sounds good. I haven’t really had it aside from something in a cheap 1.5 liter or a box really…. I’m sure that sounds pretty bad,” he tried to smile some at hims own expense. Every time she turned from him, Art’s eyes were on her ass. Alone, okay… he could do this. His stomach was flipping a bit from all his tangentially related thoughts about her and about how they’d gotten here. The drink would take the edge off everything hopefully and he pulled out a seat at the island and sat down. “I guess… once I get my guitar back from Manny I’ll find another excuse to play for you at a different time. It’s the main reason I wanted to do that venue after you agreed and all so I guess this turned out… not okay, but you know.”

Grabbing a bottle of Riesling with two stemmed glasses at the request, Meera couldn’t help the smile that grew on her lips. “I’ve heard worse.” She chuckled, “Sadly all I have right now is Barefoot but I personally enjoy it. I hope Riesling is alright?” She asked holding up the bottle of white wine before setting it and the two glasses before her guest. The woman undid the wrapping and twisted off the cap as it didn’t have a cork then poured her own glass half way. “How about the next day I’m off? I don’t do much besides reading and taking care of laundry and other things of that nature.” Meera explained, trying to keep the conversation as casual as possible. It had been a good long time since she had let anyone into her apartment besides the moving people who brought her stuff in which had been many moons ago. She didn’t bring men over, nor work acquaintances. So what made Arthur so special? Meera couldn’t answer that question herself at the moment but there was something.... Different about him. It honestly made her nervous, having a house guest but she felt like she was playing things off fairly well. 

He didn’t want to stare too long and so Art just tried to focus on the drive ahead but found it impossible to not be distracted as she was close to him again. Form-fitting black dresses, okay he was pretty sure anything she wore would end up on the top of his favorites but he’d gone from seeing her in doctors clothing to this. She’d gone all out for the event and then tonight was the response. He wondered if he’d be shaken by the whole thing and remembered what she’d said about work. She’d probably dealt with this sort before a lot and it angered him a bit. He was always on edge when Amy or Valeria from his old band dealt with the same shit even though he was pretty sure they could handle themselves. He wasn’t sure about Meera yet, but she seemed so in control he calmed down some. She knew where she was going… “Yeah, can agree with that,” he nodded, thinking back on Greg and the pack he’d deal with. That and the shit Manny and him would get if they went back there now after tonight. He was spacing when they entered the gated community and snapped to, realizing where they were. 

“Fuck… you live here? I’ve only ever been to house parties a few times on this side of town.” He looked around interested, he’d seen how neat the houses were and remembered his old family home and how the yard was fucked to high heaven, the bushes looked like they’d been attacked, and to top it all off the broken Subaru that was missing a wheel out front. Yeah, no this was nice and the realization that she was inviting him to her own home struck him again. When she turned off the car he tried to calm some and not slam the door open in his usual manner as he thought about he’d never asked if she had a significant other or boyfriend or anything. Suddenly a sort of awkward pit grew in his stomach as he closed the door to her car and tried to get a look at her again to judge her better. Better to ask soon than later. “Uh, you live with anyone… we’re not like interrupting anything or waking anyone up?” He moved with her to the front door, trailing behind and breath trailing off into the cold as well.

Raising a brow at his comment the woman couldn’t help but chuckle, “Yes, I do live here. How were they? I have yet to go to any house parties here.” Meera then stepped out of he car as he got out and shook her head, “Nope, it’s just me in this apartment.” She explained before locking the door and heading to the entrance where she had to put in another code to unlock the door after which she led the both to the elevator. After they were inside she hit the top floor button and once they arrived her door was the first of the only four doors in the hallway. The brunette witch gave him a lasting smile before unlocking the door to the revealed spacious apartment. “Make yourself at home, would you like anything to drink? I have wine or I could just make some coffee.” She suggested as she removed he winter coat to hang on the coat rack, showing off the black dress even further she switched the light on and headed for the kitchenette. 

Art was just done. He was still staring Greg dead in the eyes when he was grabbed by Meera who was considerably strong in her own right out of the simple want to get out of there. The wolf looked like he was working up to saying something back or to raise a fist so he let her tug him along. Art realized Greg and his gang would not let up now, and the night was ruined by the whole interaction but something was sparked in him when he’d seen the wolf lay hands on her. He wouldn’t forget this if anything and he knew the other man wouldn’t either despite being in the wrong so he knew leaving was best so everyone was safer. Huffing, Art followed her out into the cold, under-dressed and shot Manny a nod. He’d left his guitar in the bar and while Manny would take care of it and still had the rest of the band and his vampire girlfriend, he knew he owed him one now for abandoning him like this. The smaller wolf nodded back as he disappeared back into the crowd as they left, backing up from Greg now that a fight wasn’t imminent.

The parking lot was quiet and Art was considerably torn but also was too busy worrying if anyone was going to follow them or not. It seemed like a no, but he had to be prepared regardless. He nodded to Meera, trying to get her to calm some as he jogged with her. “Yeah let’s get the fuck outta here. Manny will take care of my stuff, he’s good people.” Hopping into her car once again without hesitation he was going from realizing this was the direction the night had taken to wondering where exactly she thought was safe. “Those guys won’t follow, I know them and they’ve been mostly talk up until they saw you for some reason. Fuck this all… sorry about everything.” Leaning over in the car he finally had time to admire the fact that Meera was dressed up to see him and he felt doubly bad for everything happening as he still was peering out the window. “You okay?“

Once the clicking heels had reached her car, the woman had unlocked it for the both of them and she swiftly slid into the driver’s seat. Glancing over to him as Meera started up the car with the press of a button she clicked her seat belt into place and backed out of the parking spot, “Please don’t be sorry, they were just a bunch of assholes that’s all.” She shrugged. “I’m good.” Soon the two were back on the streets of the small down and headed towards the only nice apartment complex in town. Not many people lived in the little gated community of Bridge Oaks Apartments which was why Meera loved it. She preferred the seclusion and privacy the community gave her. After about ten minutes of driving they arrived at the gate and Meera typed in her code to get inside. Then they were in and started driving to the furthest edge of it. It wasn’t all that big so they arrived to the last building.Finding her spot outside she then turned off the ignition and got out, “We’re here.” 

Art had been watching and had been intending to go downstairs, had been trying to work up what to say to here when it had gone from okay to horrible in five seconds. Every single hair on his body was standing up. Gregory, the older biker who was more beard than anything, and his crew of wolves who’d been idling in the back had noticed her way before he had and obviously couldn’t keep their paws to themselves. Arthur hadn’t been planning for her to show up like this and make things get out of hand. Fuck, he should have told her what type of venue it was and now it was all down to this moment. Legitimately dropping his cup, Art all but would have flown if it wouldn’t get him kicked out permanently from the bar. He shot his voice down to the lower level, the high pitch whistle getting everyone’s attention as he all but sped up to where the larger wolf was. Manny, Art’s wolf friend was more piercings than anything, a stringbean compared to the rest. Despite his short stature, Manny was shortly behind him, mostly confused as to what was going on. Art knew the smaller wolf could be trusted in a fight but he was hoping one wouldn’t break out as he and Manny’s band were no match versus the whole group of older wolves. Grabbing the hand that was on Meera, he still had the element of surprise. He all but got up in Gregory’s face lilting his voice some so it had that tinge of magic in it. “Fucking hell, Greg. Hands off her unless you want to fucking punch yourself or your crew mates in the face.” The wolf complied only due to Art’s voice, releasing her from his grip but obviously angry as he realized what he was going to use on him. “I swear to god I’ll break your ears and your bar if you don’t back off.”

Meera was barely able to keep up with the scene at hand as soon as the younger man had arrived. In moments the werewolf whose name turned out to be Greg let go of her due to the compulsion then she had seen a true rage with Arthur that she knew needed to be calmed down before things went from bad to worse. Grabbing the boy by the arm she pulled him towards the exit, “We need to go, now.” She decided. It wasn’t the best idea to stick around even though she knew he had a set. Hopefully male who had shown up behind Arthur was a friend but for the moment she simply needed to get her newfound friend out of the situation. Once out of the bar she started towards her car, barely waiting for him to keep up. “Let’s get out of here, I know a safe place to go. Was that your friend behind you? He can take care of your guitar and everything, right?”

Crossroads was blaring as per usual just on the edge of town right across from the rail tracks. The music was flowing from several different directions and the bar was rowdy with a group that had been there and setup for the band event earlier. Art was sipping rum and coke and sporting his usual vest, covered in old patches with a big back-patch from his old band. The amps were up and the stage was cleared for the 9pm start to the lineup. Art didn’t know most of the people now since he’d left town a while ago and most didn’t know him and so he was on edge. Manny, his old werewolf friend, had promised him they were good people though and so he was off to the sidelines at the bar, drinking idly among the younger wolf crowd and trying to socialized with them even though it seemed like their only goal in being here was getting drunk instead of enjoying the music. Shifting, Art decided he wanted to get away from it all and could see Manny in the back with his girlfriend on the upper level. Moving to them he talked idly with them for a bit before he suddenly spotted the same swath of perfect hair he had in the parking lot of the grocery store earlier that week and turned with his cup to watch her.

@deadlydamsels

Meera had heard of the Crossroads briefly but never had she been there so without anything to expect she decided it would be best to look nicer than usual. Sure she was always put together but this time she made sure to look good. Putting on a form fitting yet simple black dress she made sure to relax the look with a nude lipstick even though she had curled her long, thick locks to perfection. Although as soon as she pulled up in her infamous SUV she could tell something was horribly wrong. Was this the right spot? Yes, Arthur’s handwriting clearly stated the address so there was no way she could’ve gotten it wrong. It was right near the town’s train tracks and there was a clear line of motorcycles of all shapes and sizes across the entrance. Frowning as she got out she triple checked her door to make sure the rather expensive car was locked and the alarm was on.  Heels clicking against the pavement she made her way inside. From the moment she stepped it in was very apparent that she didn’t belong other than the fact that she was standing in a sea of supernatural creatures. What sort of trap had Arthur lured her into? Keeping her mouth shut for the moment she began to look for the bar, hoping the liquor that she was about to drink would loosen her up. She had promised him she would be there for him no matter what. If things went sideways she knew her exit and how to fight her way out. 

Finding her way to the bar she easily got the attention of one of the bar tenders as she had stuck out so well and quickly ordered a martini. The look the man gave her was a good sideways cock and after a pause she decided it would be better to order something a little more simple so she changed her drink to a gin and tonic with a lime. Once the plastic cup was in hand and the witch had taken a rather large sip she turned her attention to the crowd. Was there any chance of her finding him through this sea of supernaturals?

Closed starter for @foreverunlucky

Meera hadn’t been able to keep her mind off of what had happened with the supernatural who called himself Arthur a few days ago. He seemed young but as a person, not too bad. But she had yet to decide whether or not he was of noble intentions. Sitting in her office, attempting filling out paperwork as she mulled over the idea. Arthur said he wouldn’t tell anyone about her but there was always the risk of him being a liar. Unfortunately she had no way of contacting him, leaving the topic of the humans of Herschel, Illinois finding out about her true species a question that would probably be unanswered for quite some time. Without noticing there had been a knock on her door and since she did not answer the person cracked the door open and spoke up, “Dr. Patel?” The person who once Meera had turned to see who it was had been one of the front desk workers. Snapping out of the thought process she had been deep in she gave the man a warm smile, “Sorry,” She apologized, “How can I help you?” The man gave her a smile in return but grew a rather concerned look over his features, “There’s a young man here to see you, he didn’t give his name but he said he just needed to see you.” The witch wondered who it possibly be, not even considering it to be the young male she had encountered those few fateful days back she gave a nod, “Send him back, if you would.” The front desk man returned the head nod and left her, heading back to bring the visitor.  

At her minor panic, Art but couldn’t feel slightly ashamed for feeling good that he’d hit the nail on the head. Ah, so she was a super and a healer. That really narrowed her down to a few things, the most common being… witch. He all but smiled to himself with the realization as she sputtered out her words, words that she probably was realizing helped him narrow it down. “I don’t really have any reason to let anyone know… plus, if I need a doctor I guess I know who to come to now, no?” He realized that time was passing faster than he wanted in the car, and was sure it’d been an few minutes now, just a bit longer and it’s be done. “So… you use your powers to help others, I dig…. though I’m more of the go my own way, do what I want type.” He tried to find it in himself to apologize for earlier. “Sorry, about trying to use the voice thing on you. I was beginning to think no one was going to help me, like, voluntarily and all.”

It was good to see that he was downplaying the fact that at that point she had made it clear that she was of supernatural descent. Meera was always worried that the humans in town would find out and either run her out of town or ostracize her for being one. Not many accepted people of supernatural descent. “Thank you.” She decided on saying after a moment’s relief, “I guess so. But I’m a very busy woman so you’ll have to make an appointment. I don’t usually take walk-ins.” Noticing the clock she was glad to see that time was passing. Meera would have to get back to work soon. “I didn’t always help others. I was searched for and used only for what I could do. I don’t want to live in fear of being hurt because someone just wants me to use my powers,” She began to explain, “These people are different though. All they want is to get better and live a happy life and they’ve never gotten mad or angry because they know I can help them. They’ve seen me work miracles and never thought anything of me being a supernatural. They’re good people even if they don’t like supernaturals.” Focusing on Arthur she gave him a genuine smile. “I hope that makes sense.” Finding a chuckle reach her lips she started once more, “It’s okay. Just don’t do it again, and not to anyone else in my town.” 

“Thank you Meera, guess you saved my tail from freezing outside… and the locals too in a sense,” he semi-joked as he stretched out. “Names Art, or Arthur.” He was trying to lighten the mood as he could tell she was still nervous around him for good enough reasons probably. Art actively knew that most people in town didn’t like him or his powers, rumors flew about him but no one was quite sure what he was. Legitimately he didn’t care what others said personally and he thrived on it to a degree. Slowly her name clicked something in his head though and he realized he remembered her name from somewhere and finally could piece it to a face. “Wait, aren’t you like one of like two doctors in town. I think I’ve heard your name before… Meera, right?” Art was holding his hands to the heater when he was sure of it, but he still wanted to hear what she would say.

“It’s no big deal, really.” She shrugged. It was just a nice thing she figured would lead to good karma in the end. Plus who really could let someone without (for now) ulterior motives. “Nice to meet you, Arthur.” Watching him carefully it was clear after a moment that something in his head popped up and he apparently cared to say it. A furious blush came to her cheeks at his realization and without thinking she replied, “No- I mean yeah I’m one of the doctors but don’t let any other supernatural you might know, know. I’m trying to stay under the radar but these people need my help.” She explained quickly. It was probably a bad move on her part to speak with such haste, he would most likely come to realize what genre of supernatural she was which wasn’t a good thing by her standards. 

Realizing that she was going to stay in the warmth of her own car, Art completely propped open the hood of her SUV quickly, breath spiraling off into the air beside him as he worked. Once the clips were on he stepped backwards gave her a thumbs up and moved to the door of his own beaten Jeep. She got the car going and he turned his own. Thankfully, god bless, it started with ease the first time and the harpy stepped back, shutting his door and letting it run. His car was still freezing and so he approached her Hyundai again and popped in without being prompted. “Your car’s warmer,” he tried to justify it as he slid into the seat farther. “Mine’s gotta run for a bit now so I guess you’re stuck with me?” He tried to shoot her a smile as he leaned on the seat some, elbow up. “I still don’t know your name… just want to know so I can thank you properly.”

Meera barely was able to watch as things between the cars were going but she was glad to hear the engine of the other across hers begin to rumble. Unfortunately it took time for the car to be fully charged which led to further disappointment when she saw him get in her car. At his excuse her brows slightly furrowed. “Uh, sure.” The witch replied after a moment. She didn’t really like the idea of being stuck with another supernatural for longer than she had to but he didn’t seem all that terrible, it was mostly in her paranoid head at that point. “I’m Meera. Meera Patel.” The woman said, attempting to give a smile in return, one that was clearly forced.