adventurous soul

“Okay first though you have to promise me something – you cannot film it or take a picture. Nothing on social media. Pretty sure I have some bad dares already roaming around the internet and I don’t need anything else while I may or may not be a little buzzed. Okay that’s a lie, I’m pretty drunk.”

      “You’re okay..” The raven haired male exclaimed as his gaze came to land on that of his twin. Relief flooded his features as he approached her. He hadn’t had much time amoungst ensuring everyone’s safety in the firehouse to get in touch with her, nevertheless he knew she would be okay. If anyone was adaptable in times of high stress it was Sutton Williams. Joshua couldn’t help but chuckle lightly at her concern, it was like looking back at a mirror image of himself. “I’m fine — no injuries, full bill of health? You okay? Where the hell were you?”

It was instinctual, arms wrapping around her brother the moment he turned, squeezing tight before she released her hold. No matter how well she knew Josh could take care of himself, along with others, she still fiercely worried about him. It was this town, after all. Offering up a tight smile, she gave him the once over, aiming to confirm what he had already told her. “Well, I’m not sopping wet anymore, so I’d say I’m good. Hangman’s Tavern. And no, being stuck in a bar wasn’t ideal; I hardly got to drink.” It was easier to joke about it all now, once the storm had passed and everyone was seemingly safe once again.

Fingers gripped mercilessly at the bottle in his grasp, nails scratching against the glass as he stared blankly forward. The night sky loomed above him just outside the window, the moon hanging low over the trees but that wasn’t what caught his attention. Instead, it was the stars twinkling just beyond, illuminating the night sky with the promise of magic. A promise he knew was made up of a falsehood because the only magic this town had to offer, was the sort that turned people into monsters. But a sudden noise drew the wolve’s attention away and he turned lazily towards the sound. “Do you mind?” His tone was coated in annoyance, his left hand now pressing palm flat against the wooden bar. “Some of us are tryin’ to have a half decent evening and you’re fuckin’ that up now.” Whoever this person was, they were in for quite the treat… “Do you know who I am?”

As of late, it seemed the whole town was on edge. As if they were all expecting another storm to come through, destroying what was left of their home. She’d done her best to help out, but even she had needed a break from the sight of destruction. Hence her coming to the bar, with intentions of letting the liquor sooth her need to leave. As her foot connected with one of the lone stools, clattering across the ground, she hadn’t expected the response from the man before her. Dark eyes shot up, a single brow raising as he snapped at her. “Half decent evening? You’ve been staring out the window for practically an hour. I can guarantee I didn’t scare away the stars and moon.” The question took her by surprise, Sutton wondering if she should have known who he was. “Other than another snappy local, I have no idea who you are.”

“You’re not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on. Come on, I can test it if you like?”

“What? There I am, wondering how long it’ll be before I have to literally dig sticks into my eardrums to stop the sound of everyone bitching before we all drown, and you’re out here, gettin’ sticky fingers for the good shit? You should have told me.” Lithe fingers reached out, hands flexing as she pouted, “Come on, gimme, I think I’m still thawing out.” 

“ ––– Listen,” Ellie piped up, rolling up the sleeves of her plaid flannel blouse. “We’re not going to last in this little place much longer if we all just sit around doing nothing.”  Tension tied her stomach in knots as her fear of drowning gripped her chest, but she refused to succumb to her feelings. “Will you grab the other end?” She asked the person closest to her as she grasped the end of one of the tavern’s tables. “We can push it in front of the door for now.  It won’t hold for long, but it’s better than nothing, right?”

There were more than enough people within the tavern capable of being useful, despite the choice to stay here, he wasn’t foolish enough to think it’d last. However, knowing that both pack alpahas were within the building with him didn’t at all shirk his built in need to do something, the automatic instinct of those meant to lead, even if he no longer did.. Zach wasn’t by any means scared or worried about the prospect of death; but drowning didn’t seem like a good way to go, not today. Perhaps that alone, mottled with the uncertainty of where the last remaining members of his own pack were pulled him from his usual place in lingering shadows. “That door isn’t going to hold when the water rises.” The bar wouldn’t hold against flood waters, no on with any wits about them could believe as much, even with the water already slowly trickling in through the sliver of space between the floor and rich mahogany. 

              “You don’t need a room there when you can just as well get drunk here. I’m a great listener when it comes to crazy talk – just tell me your poison and I’m your guy.”

“Sugar-y goodness or healthy goodness?” Lana murmured in question as she stood in the cereal isle of the grocery store, debating between two options. The gym-owner in her said she had a rep to upkeep, but the chocolate lover in her said who gave a fuck. She bit the bottom of her lip as she idly began to tap the side of the basket she was hold. 

“You want anythin’? This place has the damn best burritos on this side of the fuckin’ country. Just don’t ask me what’s in it – cause I sure as hell don’t know.”

         “When we were ten sure, but I think it’s fair to say we’ve grown up since then — well one of us has.” Joshua teased as he fell into step beside his twin. “Sick of my apartment already?” He queried curiously. “Don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts about sticking around.”

“Well, I can definitely help with the coffee, but may not be the best option for being jet-lagged since sleep will really on help that in the long run.” And truthfully, she’d rather them get filled up on coffee and stay awake, then part just to sleep. “Yeah, that’s what I was told when I was at the hospital for Remi. I mean, even she walked into traffic and I can’t bring myself to understand why she’d do that. I know for a fact she’s not… you know, suicidal, but can’t really explain why else she’d do it.”

“Sleep is probably a good idea, but who am I kidding? I’d much rather keep myself going on solely coffee. Maybe throw in a granola bar every so often.” Despite the tone of conversation to follow, Sutton teased lightly. Though she should have considered sleep, she feared what her mind may conquer up. A frown turned down the edges of her lips, teeth clipping the inside of the cheeks. “I’m not sure any of it really makes sense. There’s been so many sides of what happened, I can’t even begin to understand what happened.” Of course, Sutton knew that magic had a play in the events of the day. But she couldn’t outright state that, not when others wouldn’t know what she meant. “Is she going to be alright? I’m a little behind on checking on others.”