Beautiful but deadly

—

Alex shook his head. “You say that you’ve never had it happen and then list two instances when that exact thing happened,” he countered smoothly, trying not to roll his eyes as well when he noticed the way that her eyes lit up when she spoke. Or the loud laugh that followed him admittance that he was going to return the suit in the morning as the tags were tucked away. If he did get any blood or food on it then he was going to be stuck with the bill which was not something that he was particularly interested in. Not when he had only gotten the suit for tonight and tonight only. “All that you would see is me disappearing into the back where no one can find me while everyone else is caught in the middle of the fight you started.” A tight lipped smile pressed onto his features, though it was fading slightly as he glanced at the moving crowd of people that were getting closer. But he did his best to stand his ground to keep by her side rather than leave her by herself because of his own damn problems, none of which were something that he wanted to put on her.

 He glanced down at the suit, fidgeting with the cuffs once more before he gave up on feeling overly comfortable in it compared to the normal clothes that he often wore for work. Or around town. He couldn’t even remember the last time that he had been in a suit or if the reason had been a good enough one in the first place to don it. Not like tonight. Still, as he considered her opinion — that was when he took in the reaction she had with his own. She always looked nice, more put together than he would ever hope to be, but there was something more tonight that he noticed. And he was sure that even if she couldn’t tell, he wasn’t the only one that noticed. “You more than look the part, even if this isn’t your usual scene.” He was the one that felt ready to crawl out of his skin. Though he had to pause, catching himself from blatantly staring at her when she mentioned a dance — “So what you’re telling me is that the suit wasn’t enough?” This time he couldn’t help the rough chuckle that slipped out between his lips then as he had to look away. “Most would be happy with what they’ve gotten so far tonight,” he told her with a sideways glance. “Not be looking for a way to get everything and more — especially when we both know that your pouting doesn’t work on me.” Or so he told himself.

-

“Well, I don’t count my pets fighting over me. They’re a little biased. The other instance...valid.” Nia chuckled. “You know, I’d start the fight and leave when the commotion was at a height. Sometimes I can be a little devious.” That was truer than he knew. Nia used to pride herself on never having many tells, but when Alex smiled, no matter if it was a barely there smile that faded quickly, her own smile came in wordless response every single time. It was rare to see, and in her mind it was absolute incredible every time it happened. 

She watched him fiddle with his suit again. She couldn’t fight another smile. “You know, it won’t magically turn into a different shirt,” she teased. “I could try to turn it into one, but the horror if I couldn’t turn it back.” Nia was only joking, she wouldn’t dare do any magic in this packed place. Though living with rules was something she hadn’t done when she was with her father. Rules were new to her, especially when magic was her first instinct. It was her turn to fidget with her dress when he told her she looked the part. “I think unlike you I might actually keep mine. I doubt I’ll have a reason to wear it again, but maybe I want to walk around my place in a fancy dress one day.” It would probably collect dust in her closet, but she’d have the memory. Nia couldn’t fight her laugh at his words. “Oh the suit was more than enough, and again you’re the most dashing man here, but would I be me if I didn’t at least ask?” 

She looked at him then, brown eyes meeting his. “Please? One dance and we can leave. But not on the dance floor. Over there,” she pointed to the unoccupied balcony away from everyone else. “If I accidentally step on your toes I don’t want everyone to see.” That wasn’t actually the reason. Nia knew just by observing that Alex wasn’t comfortable in this crowded place. She’d seen the way his eyes darted to the crowded dance floor. 

~

Vada sighed at the mention of Nia’s pets and shook her head, “Remi is going to be begging for a pet after that. I’ll send it to your house.” She laughed before shrugging at the question, “I don’t know, a couple times he has been at the door but I don’t think he’s waiting for her. If he was he would probably already be over here just to surprise her.” She smiled knowing how much Alden loved Remi and how much she loved seeing them together. She smiled raising her brow and pouring out her glass of water, turning to grab a bottle of wine and pour them both a glass. “It’s not a kick but it’s something better than water.” She smiled handing Nia her glass, “I would love that, and Remi would too. You’re always welcome to come with us anytime. It’d be nice to have an adult with us that isn’t my ex sometimes.” Vada couldn’t help but feel bad and she sat down next to Nia with a sigh, “I’ve been kind of scattered brained since moving here sometimes. I feel so bad for forgetting.. and then sometimes I just feel lost I guess.” 

-

Nia laughed. “With a kitten and a pup, and one of those being my familiar, that’s about all I can take. I only have them because my place can be a bit quiet, so having a few little companions definitely helps.” She smiled at the thought. Their little family made her wonder what hers could have been like if she was normal. If her mother wasn’t tucked away in her own mind and her father wasn’t set on revenge and dark covens and obsessed with her siblings. “I never turn down wine. Though, don’t tell Alex that I asked for something with a kick. I always get something ridiculous in his presence so he can be the one to ask for it,” she laughed. “My “favorite” right now is an appletini.” She winked at Vada as she said it, hoping the woman wouldn’t out her little rouse. “How often do you three go to the park together?” she wondered then. “What’s going on? Anything in particular got your mind so scattered?” 

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“Well he clearly taught you manners. Still thank you.” Reaching out too Nia and she gave her hand a squeeze. Giving a soft laugh at Nia’s words and she nodded. “Yeah, it was Leo’s idea. I guess that’s the thing about twins, it gives you two options no matter what.” They’d always been each others ying and yang, so it was fitting that their drinks reflected that. “It was all actually Leo’s idea. I wasn’t involved in this at all besides being told to put on white and to bring a spare dress. It’s all him. So clearly if you ever need a party planner he’s your guy because this is kind awesome.” It was a well thought out party, with every figure and fitting laid out perfectly for their theme, but she found herself wishing that she was enjoying it more. “It is, but probably not in the best way.” She admitted with a laugh. “God I sound like an asshole right now, but this is kinda overwhelming and giving me flashbacks of one of the worst nights of my life.” 

-

“I don’t have any siblings. I can’t imagine what it must be like to have a twin, let alone siblings. It’s not just the two of you right? I’ve met one of the others I think. You have another brother? Lucian? Briefly and ironically also at the coffee shop,” she chuckled. It had been exactly where she’d met Logan as well. “Oh no, I don’t think I’d ever need a party. I don’t know that many people and I’m sure if I invited those I did know, it’d be an awkward little gathering of many different personalities in one room.” Nia frowned. “One of the worst nights? May I ask what happened? We can step out and take a break or a walk? We can even say you left to be a good friend and tend to a party guest that needed a breather,” she offered. Nia wanted to get inside her older sister’s head, learn who she was. What made her tick. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to do learn just a bit more about her. 

— 𖥸 —

Serena had to admit that she hadn’t expected a therapist to come and check on her, but she also knew that Gina was doing just about anything to try and save her. Even though Serena wasn’t sure that Gina was right when it came to her theory. Running a hand through her hair, she looked over at Nia. Giving her a weak smile when she said that she was good when it came to snacks. It killed her that she wasn’t able to help or have her house be warm like it was suppose to be. Instead it was cold and empty, much like how she felt at the moment. “Yes, that’s okay.” Nodding softly to let Nia know that she was okay with whatever she wanted to ask. “I’ve always been a ripper, but I don’t feed inside of the accords. I never have.” Being honest with Nia, since at this point there was no reason to lie. “I have a strict schedule, which I follow when it comes to feeding. The weekend we went camping is the weekend I would normally go out of town.” She explained. “I don’t remember anything that happened though. All I know is I woke up covered in blood and I was still hungry. It didn’t feel like I’d ate or anything for that matter.” By the speed that she was falling apart it had clearly been a while since she’d actually feed. 

-

Nia listened intently to the other woman’s words. She wasn’t there to judge, nor was she there to counter anything that the other woman said. “Do you think anything could have changed? Or is there anything that could change your stance on feeding?” She wanted to help her get to the root. Figure out what happened and what caused this flip, if anything. “How would you say you felt that weekend, hunger wise? Were you on edge? Did you possibly push your limits of needing to feed?” Serena hadn’t been the first ripper she’d spoken to. She understood what the other woman had meant when she spoke about scheduled feedings. “Would you be okay if we revisit that day start to finish to see if we can uncover anything?”

⸸

“Thank you,” is probably the appropriate, social acceptable answer and Leo goes along with it. He manages to piece back together a smile, but under the shadow it comes across as faded and colorless. “I just needed some air,” he lifts the cigarette in his hand. He was about to offer her one, but then remembers that she doesn’t smoke. “And my sister’s pulling some kind of a joke and insists that I need to kiss 32 people tonight, and… that’s a lot of people even for me. Needed a break from that.” He chuckles, shaking his head slightly. Where did even Logan get that idea? “You got me a present? Aww, I’ll keep an eye out for it, thank you.” If it is in her jacket, it probably is something small, he muses. Despite his rather expensive taste and lifestyle, Leo doesn’t care much about materialistic things. If anything, he usually prefers cash… But her gesture is nevertheless appreciated. 

The question takes him aback ever so slightly. “To tell the truth, I’m not a big fan of my birthday.” He admits with a small sigh before taking an extra long drag of his cigarette. “And this party, well, it’s mostly for my sister. I thought she might need some distraction after… everything.” He is not entirely sure why he is sharing this with Nia instead of hiding behind nonchalance. Leo thinks to himself that he might be more exhausted than he realized. Exhausted enough to miss that she hasn’t answered his question. “What are you doing out here? Too much togetherness?” He asks back, raising a brow.

-

Nia’s eyes widened. “32 people? Why? Wow...is that something you do as tradition or something?” For a moment she wondered just what kind of family she had stumbled her way into. Then again, their dad had many children by different women...it was on par for the course. “I did. It’s nothing sentimental or cute or unusable. When in doubt Money and gift cards,” she stated with a chuckle. “Based on the luxury of this event, I figured you two probably had anything you could ever need so I would have been stumped.” She was out of her depth with gift giving. She didn’t have a single thoughtful bone in her body in most instances. Though there were a few exceptions. 

She hid the shock that she felt finding that he wasn’t a fan of his birthday. “Would it be too intrusive to ask why you’re not a fan? I’m...I’ve never celebrated mine, so the curiosity got the best of me. Most people celebrate and have grand parties and seem this picturesque version of happy.” She couldn’t hide the soft and almost vulnerable expression she wore. She felt comfortable in Leo’s presence. Something about him felt familiar to her and made her feel okay revealing small bits of herself. “How is everyone holding up with everything. I know we’re at a party, but I’ve seen and given my own share of fake smiles in my life time. So I know it’s easy to put on a smile and pretend.” his question made her chuckle. “Oh no. Just  feeling a little reflective and introspective. Maybe a little envious that I’ve never had a “Nia” day. My dad was a very busy man. It was just the two of us so we never did that.” Or so she told herself as the reason. There wasn’t one as to why he never put any value into her birthday. Maybe he didn’t want her to focus or get caught up in those trivial things. “But I’m also waiting for my friend that I invited to arrive, so a little fresh air until then is great.” 

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Logan downed her latest glass of whatever the hell was in the drink named after her; it was a sparkling white drink. Grabbing another off the tray as the waiter passed her, she turned around to be greeted by a warm face. Turning on a happy smile as she pretended that this night wasn’t turning into complete chaos. “Well thank you. Trust me I’m not that busy and have time.” Promising Nia that she didn’t have to hurry off. “Oh god, it’s fine. Really neither of us need anything, but thank you for the gifts and just being here. Also have a drink with me.” Offering to Nia, she flagged down another waiter and grabbed both a Logan and a Leo drink. “Which one do you prefer, a Leo or Logan drink?”

-

“My father always taught me never to go anywhere empty handed. Especially to someone’s event.” Granted, her father never meant presents. He taught her to defend herself in all situations, but he didn’t teach her to act happy at birthday parties, that was a skill she learned all her own. “Sure, I’ll have a Leo, I had a Logan earlier. That’s nice they named the drinks after you too. Everything is so...well planned. Who organized it all? Or thought up the concept of a black or white party?” she wondered. “Is it shaping up to be a night to remember for you?” With how lavish everything was and extravagant, it definitely should have been. 

—

While Alex was sure that there were plenty of people in his past that would attest to him not being a man of his word, having run out from most everyone that cared about him at one point or another — this wasn’t one of those moments. He had spent a good chunk of the past decade ensuring that his word meant something to those that needed it. Even as he donned the suit, Alex felt out of place with every step until he was beside Nia. It only took a moment before one smile from her and the slight look of relief in her eyes that told him that he had made the right decision in not standing her up, even when he felt his skin slightly itch at how many people were crowded together. As long as he paid attention to her, then he could forget that the rest of them were out there — close enough to brush against and read something that he would have instantly regretted even with the gloves to help keep him calm.

          “You better not say that too loud or there’s bound to be more than half a dozen others that might want to prove you wrong,” he replied gently with a small snort, letting her adjust the damn collar that wouldn’t stay in place despite the number of times that he had fidgeted with it on the drive over. Though under her skillful hands, it seemed to stay in place as he watched her face closely when she stood before him. “Unless that’s your plan. Get them all fighting for your attention.” A small tease then, clearing his throat slightly when she finished fixing his jacket — he figured that he would be fixing it all throughout the night. “Though I have a feeling that you’ve already caught plenty of attention.” It was hard to imagine that she hadn’t. “So it won’t take long before the fighting starts and I’ll step to the side ‘cause the last thing I need is blood when I’m planning to return this in the morning,” he joked sarcastically as he glanced away for a moment  to find some of the eyes that were sure to be on her already. He didn’t spend too long looking elsewhere before his gaze fell back on her. “If no one’s told you yet tonight, you clean up nicely.” A slight pause before he nodded. “Beautiful.”

-

“They could try, but I’m quite stubborn when I get something in my head that I strongly believe.” It was Nia’s turn to laugh. The thought of drawing enough attention to herself to start a fight was humorous to her. She’d always practiced not drawing attention to herself. A woman with something to hide, like a secret identity always tried, and sometimes failed, to go unnoticed. She did, after all, have Hastings genes and every one of them as much as she hated to admit it were stunning in their own right. “I can honestly say, there has never been an instant where anyone fought over me, unless you include my pup Anakin and my kitten Agatha fighting for my attention. Or that one bar fight where I told two people I would only give my number to one and an arm wrestling match turned into a fist fight,” she joked. Nia looked around the room to wonder if that were true. She was utterly oblivious at times, and others she could definitely catch it. It might have been the fact that she wasn’t used to this kind of setting, that caused her not to notice that she wasn’t exactly fading to the background. She covered her mouth with her hand the muffle the very loud laugh that had escaped her at the mental image of a scuffle and Alex sliding out to avoid it. “If only I could incite a fight just for the sake of watching you dodge getting anything on the suit.” 

“I am certain though that when you do return it, no one will ever make it look that good again.” She could barely take her eyes off of him, even when she looked away, they’d always make the trek right back. For someone that never wore suits, the man definitely made a lasting impression in one, and then he made a lasting impression with his words. Of all the things she did expect him to say, telling her that she looked beautiful wasn’t one. It had caused her cheeks to go from a mild tinge to full flush, and her smile to be more brilliant than it had been the entire night. “Thank you. You know, I’ve never done the super fancy thing, get dressed up, go rub elbows with all the other party goers, but I’ve gotten more enjoyment out of this party from this moment than I have the entirety of the night. The only thing that could make it even better is if I could somehow talk you into dancing with me.”  

~

“He was huge! Bigger than me! I would like to meet the kitty.” Vada chuckled at her excitement but knew once she got settled in her room she would be out like a light, “Then I guess it’s a good thing I saved the day.” She dug out her keys and opened her apartment door, shaking her head as Remi went over to knock on Alden’s door before running into their apartment giggling. Her version of Ding-Dong-Ditch. “Come on before he comes out. I swear she does that just to see if he’s waiting by the door for her.” She sighed once they got in the apartment and set her keys down, running her hand through her hair as Remi kicked her shoes off and took off to her room. “We would love for you to go do things with us. You’re one of my best friends here, and Remi loves you.” Vada chuckled and shook her head, “I do not run but I will run to the coffee shop with you anytime. Speaking of you want a drink or anything?” She said heading to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. “I’m happy you got to come over today. I still feel shitty I forgot.” 

-

“My kitty’s name is Agatha, she’s not very friendly but I’m sure she’d love to meet you. My puppy Anakin though, he adores meeting new people. So I think they both will adore you,” she told Remi. Nia watched curiously as the little girl knocked and ran away. “That’s adorable, to be honest. Does he often come out? Is he waiting? Or does he know it’s her?” Nia had to take a pause for a minute. She’d never truly had a best friend. And to have one now, that was definitely a shock to her completely because it wasn’t something she’d planned. Her sole focus was get close to her siblings to figure out how she could crush each in turn. She was finding that in addition, she was getting close to people and carving out her own friendships and her own life. It would seem that the facade of Nia was taking on a life of her own. “Well me and my pets would be happy to do things with you two. I’ll even bring them over for Remi to meet sometime. Don’t worry they’re both house broken.” Nia nodded at the offer of a drink. “Sure I’d love a bottle of water if you have it. Unless you’re offering something with a kick then i’ll take that too.” She waved off the statement. “Don’t, I’m fine. I am great left to my own devices.” 

Alex: Fine.

Alex: But no suit.

Nia: YESSSSSSSS!

Alex: If I say yes, you're most likely going to regret it.

Alex: Do you really want to do that to yourself?

Nia: You know I won't regret it!

Alex: It sounds like a type of party where you need a suit.

Nia: It is but I'll dress up enough for the both of us.

Alex: I don't wear suits.

Alex: I also have a feeling that you won't, but here's hoping that you'll give up or find someone better to take. Maybe?

Nia: You don't have to wear one.

     With the woman’s response, she tucked her pen inside her journal, and her journal into the bag, focusing her attention on Nia for the rest of their conversation. “Well then, ignore you I shall not,” She said with a grin. “I’m starting to grow pretty fond of chance encounters here in the city, too. I’m Delilah. What brings you to the park on your lonesome today, Nia?”

-

“Have you had many? I need to honestly have more. There are times when I barely see the outside of my office. Which is exactly what brings me out today. I realized that I’d only been working rather than getting any fresh air, and I tell my clients to make sure to prioritize themselves and I can’t do the same.” It was easier to give advice than to take her own she was starting to see.. “What about you, what brings you out?” 

~

Remi smiled at Nia, “we had fun at the park. I got to pet a dog.” Vada chuckled and shook her head, “it was good, I just feel sh-terrible you’ve been sitting here waiting.” Her eyes rolled and she smiled knowing Remi was getting better at catching on to things she probably had no business saying. “Next trip that is planned you’re invited then. Maybe the zoo or something. I have no clue. We can figure something out together maybe.” She chuckled, “maybe you could even talk me into running with you.” Remi laughed at that one once they made it to the door, knowing it was hard enough for Vada to keep up with her. “What, you scared I’d be able to catch you then, huh?” 

-

“You did? What’d the dog look like? I never let you meet my kitten did I? I should let you meet her sometime. Honestly, it’s fine it wasn’t too long. I was going to online shop if you hadn’t come up when you did. That would have been when the real damage was done.” Nia paused when she told her she was involved. She hadn’t expected that. “Of course, I would love to.” Being included always shocked her, gave her a pause. It was a strange feeling if she were being honest. Nia laughed. “I take it your mom doesn’t run much? Well I could use a running buddy.  At the very elast we could run...to coffee shop,” she joked. 

Where: Logan and Leo’s bday party

Nia felt out of place. It was necessary for her to integrate herself into her siblings’ lives, but this might not have been the best place. She didn’t know that she would feel so vulnerable here, watching her siblings enjoy themselves. Nia wondered how many parties must they have had when she hadn’t had a single one. How many family gatherings did they get or dressy events where all the attention was on them. She couldn’t even be herself, have her own motivations, but she plastered on a smile as she approached the woman of the hour. “Hey I know you’re busy, but I did want to say happy birthday. I didn’t know what to get you, so I ended up getting you just a few gift cards. I hope that’s okay?”