Mr. Perfectly Fine

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Harley nodded at the reminder of how new everything was. “I grew up around witches and shifters, but I didn’t know any vampires before I got here.” He explained. “Do you think the kid watched too much Twilight? ‘Cause my friends growing up wanted to be witches and wizards so bad thanks to the series by She Who Must Not Be Named”

As he found out the man’s coffee preferences, he thought for a moment. “A small cup of their specialty coffee might be good. I’ve heard they have really good tea here too.”

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The comment was one that threw Rhea off a bit, not quite prepared to hear something like that first thing in the morning. Sure she herself had begged to be turned but…she’d been an adult, and before that she’d almost been murdered by a vampire… “I uh….I guess it’s a sign of the times.” And clearly this man speaking so openly about it, he probably wasn’t prejudice against her kind. 

“I usually just get coffee, today a cinnamon coffee cake to go with it.” She nodded to the barista on the other side getting her order ready. “Do you..see many people like that? Wanting to be turned?”

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“A step in the right direction, if you ask me.” Thomas spoke, smiling a little more as he watched. “Both sounds good, I may copy you on that.” 

The question made him pause. “It’s...growing more frequent. Little man definitely set the record for youngest.” He ordered, turning back to the woman. “It’s hard sometimes- you want to help more than what I can.” 

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“Turn him into what?” Harley asked before he even thought about it. He had grown up around witches and shapeshifters, but he was still getting used to living among vampires. He shook his head, looking away for a second to try to hid his blush. “That….was a really stupid question, let’s ignore that I asked that.” He looked back to the doctor know so he would be able to understand him more easily when he spoke again. “Kids like that either rule the world, or burn out the second they finish school.”

His expression lit up when he was asked for coffee recommendations. His baseline was over-caffeinated and a little sleep deprived, so it was a question he had been mentally prepared for almost as long as he’d lived on the island. “That depends on how strong you like your coffee, and if you prefer hot or iced.”

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“No such thing as stupid questions. It’s a fairly new norm for most of us.” The doctor hummed, looking over the menu before agreeing with the young man. “I’d hope the first, but I suppose you’re right.” 

“A child?” He questioned with slight concern, he’s not had such a thing happened to him lately. Most likely due to him constantly on the move because of his job. “That explains it– the young doing things, or wanting to, because of how cool it might be.” He shook his head, the young would never change no matter what time period they happened to be in. “What did you tell him? I’m curious to hear how you handled the situation.” A child of his age bold enough to ask such a thing did offer the possibility of him exceeding expectations, that he could agree with. 

“You’re asking the wrong person, I don’t know much about the place anymore than you seem to be.”

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“Little man came with a plan,” the doctor shook his head. “I had to tell him that we were not ready to take volunteers yet. He had reasons why he’d be a great vampire- that he’d be able to control himself...” Thomas only laughed and shook his head. “I let him know that I would pass his interest on to the king and Dr. Liu and get back to him.” 

Thomas simply stood, smiling at the duke. “Well- Mr. Castillo- what if we go somewhere a little more familar? I’d love to chat more. ” 

“ You gotta hand it to children; when they have their minds set on something they can go above and beyond what you think they will do. “ Linnea replied with a smile on her face as she glanced at the owner of this pretty wild story. “ I don’t really know you first hand but I will agree with him as a whole we all are pretty cool” She knew the pair of them were different though but all of the inhabitants of the island in Linnea’s opinion were beyond cool. “ I would love to see what kind of field they go into. “ 

“I’m probably the worst to ask since I’m relatively new here and have only had a couple things. You can’t go wrong with a blonde Americano, “ She offered with a smile

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She was right- and the kiddo that the doctor had seen was only proving her correctly. “I’d agree with. I haven’t met many people here that I can say I don’t like. It’s refreshing.” 

A blonde americano? “I think this is sign for the both of us to try something new.” 

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Still relatively new to the island, Meena hadn’t met many of the residents, nor had she spent much time exploring many of the shops in town. However, she decided she would stop in the little coffee shop just to check it out and try it, maybe even sitting inside for a bit. Unfortunately for her, it was much busier than she’d hoped, but as she was just heading for the door the other spoke to her. “Oh,” she smiled softly down at them before taking a seat across from him. “Thank you!” she chirped, taking a second before she noticed the glum expression on his face. “Everything alright?”

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Her positivity was intoxicating, it was sweet. Refreshing. Tommy wasn’t about to be the person who brought her down. “It’s nothing, I promise. Just a bit of time will erase it.” 

“You on the other hand, seem to be sunshine embodied.” He noted, “Care to share?” 

♛

Mari managed to keep her smile, despite the previous encounter she had, not letting it get to her any further. Though she would have been lying if she didn’t at least think of it, and that she would have to come up with a solution. If ever she found out who was bringing it into her club, hell would be paid in kind. Her heels click along the floor to behind the bar, one of the bartenders moving off to the side to give her space to make drinks. She expected the other to follow, thus not bothering to look back. “Don’t worry about money. First drink is on me,” she’d smile, eyes glancing up only once from beneath her brows while she got a bottle of Jack and a small glass, pouring it by a count of three, and handing the alcohol towards the other. She’d lean her hands against the bar to continue their conversation. “Are you here for the booze, drinks…company?” She’d question with a lift of her brow.

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“A little bit of everything. Getting off work, trying to step out of my comfort zone.” It was all true- he was trying all that. Thinking maybe a change of pace, a change in scenery, would do him good. Can’t live in the office. 

She worked with such precision, it was admirable. “Have issues of that type often?” 

“I had a child today ask me to turn him.” Thomas hummed, settling into his cup of coffee with a smile. “Nothing was wrong with him, he was visiting his brother. But he thought we were cool.” The doctor could only shake his head, “10 years old, marched right into my office while I was working on a research presentation like he owned the place. ” It amused him to say the least. “A kid like that is going to mean business when he grows up- I’m telling you.” 

With a smile, Thomas settled into the bar seat at Deja Brew with a smile. “Anyway- What do you recommend from here? I’m exploring.” 

tw: drugs ; mild violence ; language

There was something about the nightlife that made Mari feel alive. The heavy bass, the dancers, the way that people of all species celebrated the night with their seduction to lights, music, drinks…bodies. She was still young and felt the thrill of what life had to offer, and if she didn’t have to manage the club, she’d be out on the floor with some sorry sod that she had no intent of actually getting to know. Though of course, everyone who knew the Castillo family, knew they were more than just a club, selling arms in the basement to wealthy and potential buyers for the crown… amongst other things that were asked of them. It was also no secret that – like mother like daughter, that Mari didn’t tolerate disrespect, and when she’d seen a patron taking drugs on the dancefloor, Mari nearly lost it. 

She motioned for the bodyguards to grab the individual, much to everyone’s confusion in the surrounding area, and the individual struggling in the guard’s grasp. However, the guard had been strong and thus unable to be swayed. Bringing the high dancer before Mari, she’d slowly stand closer to them, eyes practically piercing into their soul if she could, with an anger she rarely showed. “Where did you get the drugs?” Knowing that lately, this was not the first time the drugs were coming in, and she did not appreciate not knowing. 

The person being held by the guard was far too gone to speak before Mari would draw her lips to their ear. “Get the fuck out of my club and don’t come back unless–” she’d threateningly grip onto the fabric of their pants where their– parts had been. “–you want me to cut off your cock and feed it to you after torturing you into giving me the information I want,” Mari’s crimson hues would practically glitter, before pulling and nodding at the guard to throw them out. The vampiress did not play when it came to narcotics and wouldn’t have buyers in her club. It was bad for business. Her mother taught her that. 

Upon turning, she’d realized she had an audience to which a smile finally made it onto her features. “Sorry about that~!” Stepping towards the individual. “Care for a drink? I’ll even make it myself. I make a strong margarita on the rocks,” her voice still a bit loud to speak over the music. If only to set aside the previous encounter for another time.

@ paradisusstart

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Thomas watched for a second, eyes wide at first until he realized just what was going on. Never had he seen someone act so swiftly at the club level. He had heard rumors of more and more drugs being an issue on the island. But this time was blatant. 

“No need to apologize.” The Doctor spoke, “And I’ll pay you for a whiskey instead?” 

Anna nodded it, It was good to have a time off between appointments, she could catch her breath, and try to relax, specially after seeing a vampire, vampire?! wasn’t Dr Wilson a vampire as well?  She completely forgot about that, otherwise she wouldn’t have sat down and share a table with him. She tried to relax, pretty sure he wouldn’t attack her, and not wanting to offend him. She gesture at him as her own way of returning the question.

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“I suppose you could say that.” Though her words were modest the way she straightened a little with pride was even more apparent that was true. Gaze following down the socks that had caught her attention, her giggle was easily and maybe a little girlish, though she did her best not to notice. “Oh, I do so love children. I’ve worked with them since I was old enough to supervise them, as well. Or I did, I suppose. I-” 

Words dying suddenly on her lips as she stared at his offered hand, she found herself quite in shock at the turn of events, and for a moment she was absolutely sure that her face must match the colour of her dress. Clearing her throat of butterflies she rested her much smaller hand in his and rose from her seat. “Once, but it was brief. I shared a waltz with the princess. But…Not yet by a dashingly socked stranger.” 

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“All mothers are nosy when it comes to their children, so I can’t fault her that.” Even if the ‘child’ in question was a couple hundred years old. “Well, if she’s coming by maybe you should try and arrange a meet up.” Mei teased lightly, wanting to keep some semblance of levity to the conversation– but that didn’t last long as he finally cracked and started coming clean.

“Oh Tommy…” She frowned, taking his hand over the table again. “I’m sorry you’re going through all this and that she left…you don’t deserve that.” She knew how it felt to have the person you love just disappear, but unlike Thomas’ situation, Julian didn’t exactly have a choice. And Mei was the one who chose to stay behind. Whereas Thomas was just…abandoned. She couldn’t imagine how that must feel. “Don’t bottle it up though. Don’t push your emotions aside…feel your grief, Thomas. Your anger, your confusion. Everything. Because if you bottle it up…it’ll explode eventually. And given your line of work…that definitely wouldn’t be a good thing.”

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“I’m convinced she’d pass out.” He hummed, laughing just slightly. “I’ll be fine. I promise you that.” Tom only managed a half smile before looking back down at the book. “I’m pouring myself into work. It’s easier. I don’t have time to think about things when I’m in a room with a patient.” It wasn’t bottling up in his mind- deflection more like it. 

Mei rolled her eyes at his comment, giving him a teasing little hint of a smile bit squeezing his hand just the same. “I don’t know if it’s the cover.” She corrected lightly, but wasn’t about to let the conversation shift. Not yet anyways. “Your mother? …Why? Tommy– come on tell me the truth. How’re you feeling?” it must be bad if his mom was coming, right? Or was Mrs. Wilson just being a bit dramatic?

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He did laugh, shrugging a little. There was no way to avoid it with her was there? “Mom knew a bit about her. She’s... a nosey mother in that sense. She lives for the grandiosity too- I’m sure she and the king would get along spectacularly if given the chance.” 

Anna had been on the island for a while now, giving the fact that she was still trying to hide, she hasn’t exactly manage to get to know most of the people around, trying to change that, she decided to go out for coffee instead of drinking in her office. She looked around trying to find a place to sit and smiled when someone offered her a place, grabbing her coffee she sat down next to him, giving a nod and a small smile as a thank you.

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Something about the way her name sounded so thoughtful on his lips made her cheek flush bright, hopefully hidden by the lower lighting and the intricate lace of her mask. “I have been to many an event like this, but generally not as a guest. My attendance would be carrying a tray.” Or rather in the supervision of those who did. “I’ve managed my fair share of events such as this.” Large events had always been her favourite, exciting in and of itself. 

That blush in her cheeks deepened a little at his compliment, her free hand smoothed down her skirt, a sip of champagne giving her a spare moment to reinforce her composure. “As do you. I must say, I enjoy the whimsy in your attire, subtle though it may be.” 

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Tommy nodded, “You worked somewhere important then.” The doctor looked over at her, smiling now and looking down at his socks. “I work with kids.” He hummed, “It feels wrong to not have some part of them.” 

With a pause, he offered a hand. “Have you danced with anyone here yet? As a guest.” 

Despite how busy she’d been with work, when Mei Lian heard of the noblewoman’s leave of the island, her first thought was of her best friend. She knew Thomas wasn’t the type to so easily open himself up romantically, and she knew he felt strongly for the woman, so to have her just leave, well…. Mei knew she needed to check in on him. So after making a few calls to pinpoint where he was, Mei made her way into the coffee shop, wasting no time in sliding into the booth across from him, a little frown on her face.

“And you’re more than welcome to stop putting on a brave face if you need to.”

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Mei Lian. God she was such a good friend to him. “If it isn’t Miss cover of Vogue herself.” Thomas grinned, closing the book with a hum. “Rightfully so- might I add.”