medicine and the pain

Beth looked up, shielding her eyes from the sun. She squinted… her eyes trying to find the source of the burning smell in the air. “Wait…” She paused. “I’m sure I see smoke in the distance.”

All vampires needed their time alone, Tomas was no exception. “Perhaps the old lighthouse is functioning again?” He didn’t bother looking. “Granted, the last owner died about sixty years ago... but you never know.”

Beth sighed, looking over at the vampire. “I’m not doing anything. I’m just drinking some of this awful rum stuff.” She sighed, glancing to his hand. “I fed earlier.”

Tomas frowned, he was judgey... of course he was. But after five hundred years he had earned the right. “Are you in the navy all of a sudden? Partaking in rum?” He pulled  a face. “Are you definitely feeding enough?”

Beth looked up when the older vampire took her drink. “I am controlled. I feel relaxed and it’s nice. I’m not doing anything but sitting here.”

Tomas shook his head. “You are a vampire, things can spiral quickly.” He had known her as a witch. She had poor control then. He held his hand out. “You should be feeding.”

“Do you know how much I’ve had to drink to feel anything?” the blonde laughed, pausing as if she was waiting for a response. “A lot. The answer is a lot.”

Tomas took the blonde’s drink, sighing. “I do know. And that is why i also know you must control yourself. A drunk newborn vampire is trouble for everyone.”

Natasha was always thinking. It didn’t matter if it was about her small store that still needed fixing, her apartment payments, if her shoes matched her outfit, or if her lack of witch coven involvement was lacking. The woman always had something on her mind. Which was why, where ever she was now-whether it was in her own store/at the coffee shop/or anywhere in town-she hadn’t caught what the person behind her had said. “I’m sorry, what was that?” Natasha asked, quickly turning around to see who had posed the question/comment. @crestlecovestarters​

Tomas glanced at the blonde, he had come in and he hadn’t known why. Perhaps he just missed being around Beth as a witch. His affection for her would get him killed. It was nothing romantic, he didn’t know if he was capable of those emotions anymore. But he felt protective of the young vampire... and perhaps that extended to her twin sister. He half smiled, picking up a small necklace. “I bought one just like this once. Is... it’s origins from the town? Do you know?”

Beth laughed a little at his words. “I guess, part of me always thought so. I worked hard, studied hard, I was too sarcastic, too into magic.” She gave a sad smile. “I don’t exactly feel free. I suppose I feel a lot of things.”

Tomas listened to the vampire’s words. “You are a kindred spirit with Claudia...” He paused, knowing he had given away a certain interest of hers. “I did not say that out loud. She would have my guts. You feel emotions you didn’t know you have?”

Beth gave a quiet nod, she could see in the man’s eyes that he had many stories behind them. Maybe one day she’d hear more of the things he’d seen. “I suppose… I never really loved like that. I’ve actually never been in love. Never. got the chance to. I’m hoping for them then. The idea is nice.”

Tomas wanted to make this easier for her, he just wasn’t always sure how to do that. “It is over rated.” He chuckled. “It can take years to build and... can be taken so quickly. You are lucky in some ways. You are free.”

Tomas nodded, he had seen things that would make most people’s blood curdle. But he didn’t feel like sharing that with the blonde, he didn’t want to frighten her. “Perhaps... although this is a difficult life for love. When most people say they will love a lifetime... they mean 50 years. Not 500. Although some loves endure.” 

“I’m admitting to that. I don’t want to be alone in this,” she said gently, returning his smile. “He sounds like an interesting guy, for sure. A fae? Really? They’re happy together?”

“You are not alone, my dear. I am just cautious around our kind.” She had been away from months, she could’ve been turned against him. “Well, she was killed and made one us. But I believe they are happy. I have not heard anything otherwise.”

“I believe so. I have no reason not to,” she said gently, playing with the cup on her hand. “I am… not naive enough to think that a few month old vampire should be completely alone, no,” she admitted, eyes glancing up at his story. “Wow… really? So he… resisted then snapped? What happened to him?”

He nodded, listening to the woman’s words. “You should not be. You need help.” He smiled slightly, thinking about old friends. “It is a true story. Indeed. Ah, he fell in love. With a faery of all things. I believe they live in the south now.” 

“I… Ezra has taught me well. I… have pretty good control she said. And Claudia is watching me while Ezra isn’t here” She took a small sip. “I focus on… that I need it to live.”

“I believe that. She is a good woman.” She just wasn’t him and for that reason. He didn’t trust her totally. “And you believe you need to be watched?” He nodded. “You wouldn’t believe the vampires i have known that have resisted. I knew this boy once... an army fellow. He was so moral and believed he didn’t need blood... he ended up having a killing spree every few years.”

Tomas nodded, his eyes glancing over the vampire again. “I am an older vampire in the presence of a young one. Of course i am. You are not my own progeny. I do not know how well you handle situations.”

The vampire nodded. “If you stay smart, sensible and in control. I will be that person for you.” He lifted his own glass. He watched her drink, analysing every movement. 

Beth smiled gently, playing with her bracelet. She didn’t want to drink in front of the vampire, especially with his control. “I feel like… I’m doing okay at this,” she nodded. “That sounds nice though. To be so in sync with someone. So relaxed.”

Tomas sighed, pushing the glass towards her again. “Bethany. I have broken my bones shifting into a wolf, I have drunk blood not because i need to. But because I want to.” He nodded. “It is something to count on.”

Beth knew how the vampire felt and at times she felt it lingering. She felt like she couldn’t feel the things she did around him as much as he couldn’t her. She nodded. “Thank you for helping me. I’m trying to be careful,” she replied, looking to the drink. “I’m okay, thank you. “Claudia has her tastes that’s for sure,” she gave a little laugh.

He nodding, sipping his own drink. He had little shame around feeding these days. He was old. “I am aware.” Although he was also aware that caution did not come in Beth’s nature. If it did, she wouldn’t be here. “She always has. We are not friends exactly, but we have been around eachother for centuries. We are two cogs in the same clock.” 

Beth looked down, not knowing what to do with herself. She fiddled with her hands, nodding quietly. “I’m sorry,” she breathed, moving her arms around herself. “Well, thank you for your affection. I do feel that,” she nodded.

Tomas found himself often having to compose himself around the young witch. “No need to be sorry. I am just keeping you aware. This world is more dangerous for us then you know.” He nodded towards the wine. “Drink. God knows what the Bryant’s are feeding you. They are a good family. But i am aware they import their liquids.” He chuckled at his own words. 

Beth looked away from the blood, feeling embarrassed. She sat back, rubbing her hands together. “I still do.” She gave a small nod. “Hmm… thanks. Rubbing it in,” she said quietly. “Lucky.” She rubbed her lips together.

Tomas sighed, he had little time for the moping of his kind. They had looked into the jaws of death and come back from it, they were lucky to be given another chance. He sipped his drink. “Lucky... because i do not feel the one thing that makes a vampire feel alive? Think before you speak child. Not every talent is a gift. And not every vampire has the affection for you that I have. This new life can be ended as quickly as your old one. You must still be cautious.”