Whole Lies & Half Smiles

Vivienne’s gaze softened as Maia spoke of hope with such bitterness. She reached out, brushing a hand over Maia’s shoulder—a gentle, grounding touch. "Perhaps hope hasn’t been kind to you, darling, but that’s only because it wasn’t paired with the right people.” She squeezed her shoulder lightly. “You may be able to see things as they are, but that doesn’t mean you’re meant to be alone in them.” Vivienne’s expression grew earnest. "If I can offer you anything, it’s a reminder that you’re allowed to want more than what you’ve settled for. You’re worthy of it.”

With that, she leaned back, tilting her head with a smirk. “As for fun, well, you’ll find that I have a way of indulging myself thoroughly. But tonight,” she added with a wink, “it seems I’ve found something more satisfying—showing you that no matter what, you have a place here. So, don’t worry about me; I’ve got more than enough to celebrate.”

Maia smiled warmly, laughing slightly. She knew there was a lot to thank her for, more then Vivienne even knew at this point but she didn't know how to start. "Oh I'll be sure to tread lightly don't you worry. But I'm sure Noah would love to gossip just as much as I do." Maia laughed, plus it would be something fun to bond with him over.

She tried not to flinch as Vi reached out to her, after all even if she technically killed Maia she had shown her nothing but kindness since then. "I don't know. I feel like even with the right people I get hurt. And maybe that's all hope is destined to do for me." Maia wanted nothing more then to fight back about hope, it was one of the first lessons she learned. Hope was never going to be on her side and the few times she allowed herself to have it, it lead to nothing but disappointment. But having Vivienne here and advocating for her made Maia's heart swell more than she was used to before. "I really like him, Vi. But maybe he doesn't like the idea of us as much as I do." Which hurt her to think.

"Good, I'm glad you are." Maia said earnestly. Just because she wasn't having a good time didn't mean she wanted that for everyone else. "But thank you, really. that means a lot to me."

Chuck's breath was coming in gasps as if she had been running. She had reason to be scared right now, something her anger was doing it's best to cover for her. But now she was just throwing people around.

"Fuck," her shoulders slumped but she held her hand out anyway to help the woman up, "Yea, well, it's dark and this town has hunters in it. You know a girl can't be too careful. You should be careful too." The warning wasn't exactly warranted. While Chuck had taken a job on Maia many years ago, she knew that the person who hired her wouldn't be still out to get her. Chuck had made sure of that. "The fuck you doing out here this late anyway? Hunting?"

Maia groaned but gladly took Chuck's hand to get help up. "We have to stop meeting like this." Maia laughed even if she was trying to catch the breath that was knocked out of her.

"Wait what do you mean there's hunters here? I know there's a lot of us here but isn't this place supposed to be some sort of safe haven?" After all that was what the rumor mill was churning and what lead Maia to it in the first place. But Maia quickly waved off any concern for her own sake. "Please I'm fine. I told someone recently that there's already multiple people here that have tried to kill me and I'm still kicking. Guess you can't keep me down." She shook her head slightly, not knowing where to even begin. "Just needed to clear my head. A lot has been going on. What about you?"

"Okay good! Truly I hope you can part without much trouble." Maia loved Jesse but if she was stuck in this sort of situation with anyone she would hate it. "That's fair. I'd be jealous that you married him and not me. You know I'd always provide for you." Maia joked with a wink. "You know you always say that but I worry. I don't want to put that to the test if I can help it."

"It's wonderful that you feel a sense of home here. It took me centuries to find that, and I’m glad you're starting to feel it too," Vivienne continued, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "And wine from a local winery sounds delightful! We’ll have to celebrate your new beginnings properly," she added, unaware of who owned the winery.

As she noticed the tears welling in Maia's eyes, Vivienne’s expression shifted to one of concern. "Oh, sweetheart, you don’t have to hide anything from me. You deserve to be cared for, truly," she said gently, reaching out to brush a stray tear away with her thumb. "I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through, but I want you to know that it’s okay to feel and to be vulnerable."

When Maia shared her experiences with her mother, Vivienne felt a surge of protective instinct. "That sounds incredibly painful. No one should ever make you feel like a burden or an afterthought," she said, her tone fierce yet compassionate. "You’re not defined by your past or by those who didn’t see your worth."

Vivienne chuckled softly at Maia’s comment about the hidden money, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, I can only imagine the stories behind those riches. But you’re right; it’s not worth risking your newfound peace. You deserve stability more than anything," she said, nodding in agreement.

As the conversation shifted to her consorts, Vivienne's gaze brightened. "Most of the time, I keep them as humans. It allows them to live fuller lives, to experience the beauty of being alive without the weight of our existence," she explained, her passion evident. "Also it gives me a snack whenever I want. Besides being a vampire isn't all that it's cracked up to be, so I don't want to force that on my petals."

Her smile widened at Maia's genuine gratitude. "Yes, I plan to stay for a while, and I’d love for you to be part of this new chapter," she said, her tone warm and inviting. "Together, we can build something beautiful here."

Maia had to admit that she appreciated how understanding Vi seemed to be with her. Like one would be to a rescued dog. Maia just hoped that it would continue even if she proved to be more trouble then she was actually worth. "I feel like it's hard to come out of survival mode, I've been in it far too long." But she smiled when Vivienne said she wasn't going anywhere. As much as Maia didn't trust others, she trusted her words.

"It surprised me, if I'm being honest. I didn't think there was a place anywhere that I could actually feel like home." But Raven's Peak had a way of having a hold on Maia and she wanted to explore that feeling for a change instead of running at the first sign of trouble. "We should! I think it would be so much fun!"

Everything that Vivienne was saying was something a mother should say to a child but it was the exact opposite of what Maia was always taught when she was younger. Being vulnerable and emotional only led to getting hurt and Maia started wondering when that other shoe was going to drop. "I don't know. I worry it's not in the cards for me. I've hurt too many people in my life." But her heart wanted it to be true, especially when Vi was reaching out to brush away a stray tear on Maia. "Maybe not, but it's a past that isn't too far behind me."

"You and me both. It is hard to think about but I'm really trying to behave." She wasn't sure why she was telling her maker this. Maybe she just wanted someone to be proud of her or maybe she wanted Vivienne specifically to be proud of her.

"I guess that makes sense. Though I've always thought being a vampire was a gift. The first time I turned someone I turned I had a hard time convincing him that I did something good for him and us." And Maia still worried how much Liam resented her for it.

"I would really like that, Vi. I'd like to get to know you more." Maia said with a genuine smile, just happy to be involved.

He looked over in her direction briefly as she spoke. "That certainly sounds ominous. If you did want to talk about it, I've been told I'm a particularly good listener. I think it comes from having grown up with sisters." Growing up, Atlas had been more sensitive to things than his father would've liked, but that had never been something that worried him. Once they were both in the car, Atlas started the engine and pulled away from the curb. "Well, I don't see why we can't take the scenic route." He said with a grin, turning the car away from downtown and towards the outer suburbs.

Maia laughed, knowing that if she didn't like Noah or her job so much she would have switched in a heartbeat. Atlas seemed like a smooth talker and she found herself wondering what it would be like to work for him, among other things. "Well you definitely have piqued my interest, I'll tell you that."

She quickly waved his concern off. "It's best if I don't think about it, to be honest. But I have no doubt you're a good listener. Plus it's nice to know that even though you've been around a lot longer you probably heard the same sob story before." Maybe people didn't change as much as they thought as time went on. Maia quickly grinned when he said they should take the scenic route. "Good, I was hoping you'd say that." She settled in, turning to look at Atlas more. "So are you enjoying being back in your home town?"

And then he remembered the masquerade. Fuck. She hadn't just been upset that he left without telling her. He stood her up, made her look like a fool. ''I'm sorry, Maia. I'm the asshole, I forgot about it,'' maybe being honest would make it better instead of coming up with some stupid excuse.

''I'm not lying! I received an email saying Dahlia's adoption wasn't legal, they were going to take her for me,'' of course it never would've happened. Liam wasn't just a normal defenseless human, he would've used his compelling abilities, but some part of him still thought it was important to do things by the book. ''I don't even know what this is! We didn't see each other for decades and we were so fucking angry at each other. Then you got hurt and I don't even fucking know. What are we doing Maia?''

Maia could see he was stumbling over his words and she had to admit she was pleased with herself for winning this argument momentarily. She knew he would try to find an excuse but she decided deep down she wasn't going to forgive him for anything he could think of. "Yeah! You are an asshole. You forgot about me. Like you always did!" She knew it wasn't exactly fair but it sounded good in the moment.

But then his real excuse came and Maia immediately felt like the asshole. "No they can't take her from you! How could it not be legal?" Okay so maybe Maia cared more about Dahlia and Liam then she originally thought she did. She had to admit that she never thought much about kids in general but Dahlia had quickly taken her heart when they first met.

Liam's next words stopped Maia in her tracks as she immediately looked down at her hands, trying not to cry. This was the moment she knew was coming and knew that everything was over. "It's not for a lack of fucking trying, Liam. You're the one who left. I always wanted us." It sounded stupid and vulnerable and it was everything that Maia wasn't. But there was so much more she wanted to say but was worried.

It wasn't until he heard Adelaide speak that he looked at her, remembering where they were and what they had done. "No, it was my fault. I fucking made it mad. It was fucking dumb of me, I don't know what I was thinking. I'm sorry, Addie." His whole body was still buzzing from the amount of magic it had taken to push the demon back to hell, but he did his best to push it aside so that he could check on Adelaide. "You're bleeding? Are you okay? We should get the fuck out of here."

"I don't think it's very hard to make a demon mad, in all honesty." Adelaide wouldn't let Kai take the blame on this. It was all her idea and she shouldn't have done it in the first place and she was going to be beating herself up about it for a while. "I shouldn't have asked you to do this with me. I'm sorry."

When Kai's focus was on Adelaide she brought her hand up to her head. Now that the excitement was over and her adrenaline was wearing off she could feel every ache in her body and her head was spinning. "Yeah I'm fine. I'm just a bit surprised that I haven't started healing yet." It was curious and she couldn't tell if it was because it was caused by a demon or because of where they were. "Let's get out of here." Adelaide agreed, trying to get herself up even if it was a bit more difficult then she originally thought it was.

She stopped by her favorite coffee shop to grab an iced coffee when, out of nowhere, a girl’s bracelet snagged on her new skirt. Before they could figure it out, the girl instinctively yanked back, tearing the fabric. It wasn’t anything catastrophic—she was still decently covered—but the hole was impossible to miss, and embarrassment flooded her. She spun around to confront the girl, only to see her disappearing into the distance.

Perfect. Now she had to head home to change, even though she had planned to hit a few more stores! @fadedstarsfms

Bianca wasn't quick to go into work. It was one of the positive sides that she could come in whenever she wanted but it was a lot harder to fully blow off the store. So as a treat for getting out of the house, Bianca decided to stop at the coffee shop to get a coffee and even some baked goods.

She was waiting in line trying to decide what to get when she saw it all in front of her. A torn skirt, the perpetrator running off to not accept blame, and the victim left with the damage. Bianca was quick to step forward to try to help. "I saw the whole thing! I'm so sorry. How can I help?" She quickly rummaged through her purse to make sure she had it and called out in triumph as she held out her emergency sewing kit. "I can fix it if you want? It may not be the prettiest but it could buy you some time!"

It had been far too long since Ria had seen Bianca, and she felt terrible about it. Normally, she would call or text or visit regularly, but lately things had been kind of crazy and she just hadn't had the chance to check in. So, she'd made a point to clear some time to go over and visit.

"I'm sorry it's been so long, I hope you know that doesn't mean I love you any less." Ria said with a smile, pulling the older woman into a hug. When it came to motherly figures, Bianca was the best and Ria appreciated everything she did for her, the time that she gave her. "I've missed you. I hope you've been doing well."

Bianca had been going through her own things and sadly it meant that some people got pushed to the side as she tried to get back to her normal self. But when she finally did feel like her normal self, Bianca knew the first person she needed to make plans with was Ria.

"No no! I'm sorry Ria. I feel like I'm the one who failed you." Bianca said as she held her tight. Ria was like another child to her and she didn't want her to think that she was forgotten for even a second. "I've missed you so much. Tell me everything what's new with you?"

"Well you know Kevin. He can be a bit demanding, so lets hope for Cricket's sake, Kevin can forgive them." Micah said with a laugh before he nodded his head slightly. "Lets go for a walk then, take a breath and get away from all this for a moment."

Maia looked at him with skepticism. Of course she knew everyone had their past that they found it hard to talk about, but she knew that she had a bit longer time to have a darker past then most. "I've hurt him in the past. We had trouble getting over it in the past so why should I have hoped that this was any different?" She didn't want to argue about nothing being wrong with her because god she could point out so many things but she worried that revealing all of herself just meant that everyone would hate her eventually. Hate her like she hated herself.

"I'm sure Kevin will find it in himself to forgive. He's a good boy." She laughed before following where he was nodding. "Honestly you're speaking my language. That sounds perfect right now."

"nice doing business with you," the vampire grinned, taking the cash and pretending to check it, pocketing once it was given and handing maia the two little plastic sachets of product.

"and - just in case,"

"Pleasure doing business with you as well." She gladly took the baggies, knowing it was a stupid idea but at this point she didn't care. She needed her mind clear and Maia thought this was a perfect way.

Maia grabbed the business card, flipping it in her fingers to look at both sides. "Thank you. I'll be sure to give you a call." She knew that they both knew the truth that this wasn't going to be a one time thing.

She turned and fished through one of the baggies to quickly swallow one of the pills before stuffing the rest of it and the card back into her corset.

Maia quickly waved off his apology, always happy to laugh at herself. "It's okay. I know you certainly wouldn't want this place to have what happened to it. And if anything it showed how much I missed working here and how good you've made it for all of us." She said truthfully. Sure it was her first real job but that didn't mean that she didn't appreciate the atmosphere all the same. "I will definitely consider it." Maia was sure she'd go back and forth but deep down she knew that she needed the distraction. She didn't want to be sad all night, didn't want to think of all her failures, and this was the best way to do that. "I'm always going to worry about you Noah. You deserve to have fun on your night. But I get it. It's nice to have you back here honestly."

"Oh fuck them that is bullshit!" Maia was mad for Ria, never hearing something like this before. "How much longer do you have to live with him? Hopefully it'll be over quick for your sake." Maia's jaw dropped when she heard who it was. "That fucker! He didn't tell me he was married. Yeah I know him!" She was shocked to find out who it was, but maybe this town was a lot smaller than she thought. But ultimately she was relieved when Ria said it wouldn't change a thing. "Okay good because I need them too and I would straight up kill the judge I am not even exaggerating right now."

At the mention of Victor, a faint smile curved her lips. “He’s… certainly something, isn’t he?” Vi chuckled, her tone warm with affection. “But as for Noah—well, he and Victor share a flair for loyalty and charm. A strong combination in any century.” She gave Maia’s hand a small, reassuring squeeze, sensing the complexity of the night for her and wanting to offer whatever solace she could. “And thank you, Maia. Happiness does feel different when it’s shared, doesn’t it?” Vi’s gaze softened, and she nodded as though sharing an unspoken truth. She felt that special lightness with Victor, a rare feeling in her long, long life.

Noticing Maia’s sadness, Vivienne’s expression softened further, turning sympathetic but resolute. “Sweetheart, please don’t think less of yourself for having hope,” she said firmly, her voice dipping low so only Maia could hear. “Hope isn’t foolish—it’s brave, especially for people like us who know the world’s darkness. And if tonight feels heavy, I understand. But let’s not let this dim that spark of yours, hm?” Vi tilted her head, giving Maia a smile that held an unspoken promise. “If anyone here deserves joy, it’s you. And I’ll gladly remind you of that as often as you need.”

Maia was relieved that Vivienne seemed to be understanding towards her, it took a little weight off of her shoulders. She smiled warmly and nodded. "Thank you, really." There were a lot of things she was thankful for the other but she wasn't quite sure if she would even admit that to herself just yet. After all without meeting Vivienne she wouldn't have even met so many people, including Liam, in the first place.

"Well I hope to meet him someday, especially if you two are a thing." She wasn't sure if they both were close like that but Maia also knew that if she did show up with Liam she would have introduced him to Vi. "Makes sense. Maybe I'll have to gossip with Noah later and get all the info I can on Victor for you." Maia joked but was also curious. Maia smiled politely after all she never really knew what it was like to share that happiness with someone in the long run. Short term happiness, sure, but Maia wasn't good at the long term.

"Hope has never helped me before." Hoping for her mother to notice her never worked. Hoping that each con would be the last con like her mother promised before Maia started telling herself the same lie as she went out on her own. All hoping did was disappoint Maia so she thought it was ridiculous that she found herself having hope with Liam. "It's better for me if I just see things like it is and I should have. So it's on me." Maia quickly took a sip of her drink she was holding to quiet the urge of just wanting to scream and cry at the moment. "Don't you worry about me. You have a fun night and you deserve to bask in it."

It wasn't that Atlas couldn't remember the history of the town. He'd been there, he lived it, he was a part of it. But, with everything that had been happening lately, he couldn't help but wonder if there was something that he'd missed. So, in an attempt to try and provide some help and insight into the ongoing situation, he'd made his way to the library to try and dig up something that he might've missed.

He was browsing the shelves when he spotted Briar, who he knew to be a journalist that had recently written a piece after the summer festival demon invasion. "Hi there, I'm Atlas Moretti. I'm wondering if you might be able to help me. I saw the piece you wrote after the summer festival, and I was wondering if maybe you might be able to shed some light on what you discovered while writing it."

Briar knew she had lots of people to lean on now for help, and she appreciated it so much more than she could begin to put into words. But she couldn't help but be frustrated that she wasn't learning everything as fast as she could have. So Briar found herself at the library looking up different books on vampirism to see if there's something in there that could help somehow. But Briar worried that at this point she was just grasping at straws.

She was flipping through pages next to a shelf, determining if the book was worth reading or not when she heard a voice call out to her. "Oh! Hello!" She never imagined a Moretti would be reading her work let alone try to search her out. Briar was quick to put the book back. "Oh of course. Honestly I haven't found a whole lot, it's mostly just speculation of what actually happened. But I did find evidence of people trying to hide the truth."