and then darkness

Location: Baltia Park 

Status: OPEN TO EVERYONE ( @astoriastarter )

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The skatepark was one place where she found her escape; the rough and dirty hobby made everything seem so small, which she loved. It made her forget that she wasn’t human for a while, although, with super speed… she was bound to draw unwanted attention. As she 360-flipped in the air, she lost her footing and fell hard on the ground. “Dammit!” She bellowed, pushing herself up to her feet to where she was hunched over, slowly dragging herself over to a bench. 

She glanced over at the person beside her, “Someone needed to remind me that vampires aren’t invincible.” She groaned in pain. Luckily it was nothing serious, just a few scrapes and scratches. “You don’t seem like the type to be at a skatepark - well, it is a park, so forgive me for passing judgement.” 

~

Yasmine had been minding her business, reading the newspaper when she had heard the commotion. She’d kind of been keeping a side eye on the younger woman for a while now, watching as she attempted stunts, and when the other brunette finally noticed her company, Yasmine rose her gaze to meet the others.

"We’re not invinvible.” Yas spoke, her tone slightly amused. “Personally, i’m a long distance runner myself. Never got into the skateboarding thing. But i’m just hanging out, enjoying the day. Surely you could get that after being only able to come out at night for so long.”

—

She reminded Sofia of the bitten wolves in her pack. Slightly lost, but still working towards their own self improvement, attempting not to let themselves nor the ones around them down. “Ah, you’ve moved in recently, then? Where did you move from?” Sofi asked, trying to make conversation, though, she knew better than to try and do that in the middle of the snacks aisle. “If it makes you feel any better, it’s okay to miss your family. Why don’t you try and call them? It’s what helped me when I stationed in other cities.” The Alpha shared, hoping it would help the woman feel a little better.

—

“Yeah,” she began, her eye contact wavering for a moment. “Atlanta. What about you? Did you move here from somewhere, or have you been in Nova Pangaea like, your whole life?” Yasmine inquired. She wondered how many of Astoria’s population migrated here, compared to those who were born here. From what she had learned through VSP, there was a fair chunk. “I know it’s okay, I just wish I could see them. Talking over the phone’s a lot different when you used to see them day in and day out. I appreciate the advice, though.”

▬

In the eyes of the one that raised Charlotte, even more than her adoptive parents, Yasmine was the epitome of weakness. Not that the woman herself was weak, it was the idea that Yasmine meant something to Charlotte, at some point, that caused her to be the shapeshifter’s weakness. Throughout the time spent with the other woman, Charlie could notice his voice echoing inside her mind; unable to know if Joaquín would ever find her, would make her pay for surviving and leaving the pack behind by showing how finite could be Yasmine’s life.

In the ‘no’, Charlotte almost assumed that maybe it’d be wiser to let her be, after all, she could hurt Yasmine again. In case, she had hurt her before. But, that was still the other woman’s choice. And they were both adults. “Two actually. I’m working on one as a recurring role but I got the lead role in another one.” Charlie had her eyes over the other woman during the conversation, trying to read her, trying to see if there was something different about her. Because it felt there was. “Thank you. How long have you been here?” It was a coincidence, she was certain of that. None of them were expecting this encounter. 

▬

She wasn’t too taken aback by her response. She’d always been so independant, a thriver, able to do anything that she put her mind to. At least, in Yasmine’s eyes she could. There was always something that seemed to be unsaid, however, and while she always said that she was there for her, Yasmine wasn’t quite sure that Charlie understood the severity behind those words. “That’s so great.” her words were soft, but she couldn’t help but muster a warm,gentle smile. “Have any aired yet? Maybe I should check them out.”

“Um,” the hesitance was there, but the brunette continued nontheless. “Not even a year yet. I wasn’t expecting to know anyone, but, it’s nice to know you’re here and doing well for yourself.” Yasmine approved, she seemed happier, much happier than when they had last seen each other back in Atlanta. A lump had formed in her throat. Should she reveal to her what she had been through? Would she look at her differently? The uncertainty was deafening. She wasn’t sure if it was okay to  confide in her, as much as she willed herself to. God, all she wanted was to be embraced by Charlie and reassured that she’ll be okay. That this adjustment didn’t change who she truly was. “What else have you been up to?” she uttered, breaking from her thoughts. “The family will be glad to hear you’re doing good.”

— 

Warmth pooled in Olivia’s eyes as the other gave her what she imagined was but a snippet of the story behind the necklace. Aside from the general impression that it meant a lot to the other woman, she could sense nostalgia. “I understand. I never take this one off, either.” Her fingers fished for her silver pendant that had slipped underneath the fabric of her sweater. It was a small triple spiral with a moonstone in the middle. “It’s a Celtic symbol. My grandma gave it to me for my 18th birthday. She told me it meant a lot of different things, her favorite being movement, a story of moving forward to gain knowledge and understanding. She died just a few months after that.” She mustered a sad smile. “A keepsake.” The curl of her lips morphed into something more welcoming as she peered at the other woman. “I’m Olivia, by the way. But Liv is fine.”

—

She listened to the womans story as she rambled on, enjoying the openness and confidence that the other oozed, even when her tone changed as she spoke of her loss. “It’s beautiful.” Yasmine replied with a smile. “It’s good to keep these objects, keep them in the family. That way they know you’re watching over them for their whole life. And then they can do the same.” even though Yas couldn’t bear children, she could have neices and nephews, somewhere in the future. And while she couldn’t pass on this particular necklace, she could find another that’s just as special. “Yasmine. I prefer Yas. Nice to meet you, Liv.”

Catalina loved going for runs. Not the actual running part but how freeing it felt as she carried herself on her own feet, setting her own pace. It also let her mind wander a bit, to recent things and how it had thrown her off completely. Her life being shaken up once again, beyond her control. Getting lost in the town is something she hadn’t done recently and before she knew it, she was stopped at the fountain and catching her breath. The voice shakes her from her own thoughts as she looks down at the figure with a tired smile. “No! No, you are all good. Sorry for stopping in your light.” Her eye catches on the stone she was fiddling with. “Pretty necklace you’ve got there. I don’t think many people tend to wear obsidian. Not on trend or something silly like that last time I heard.”

-

“You’re fine. You seem like you’ve gotten a little lost. I’d help, but, i’m not really one to answer. I’m still getting to know the city.” the brunette conquered, a smile coming forward at the womans bubbliness. However, in the back of her mind, she could hear the thumping rhythm of her heart, pumping blood through the others veins. Biting down on her lip, her attention returned to the stone. “Thanks. It’s kind of a keep safe charm. I don’t really follow trends, kinda do my own thing. Not many people know it’s obsidian, so i’m pretty happy I don’t have to explain that it’s not just a black rock.”

Sofia’s head had been elsewhere these days, as well as her heart. She had always been good at compartmentalizing everything, but lately… well… lately it had been hard—er. She was going through the fun part of her groceries list, overanalyzing everything while torn between two brands, because that seemed better than thinking about real things for the time being. Maybe the person beside her could give a little hand about her current predicament, though. “Which one would you pick? Chocolate or dulce de leche?” When the woman gave her some attention, Sofia repeated the question. “Which one you’d get for yourself?” Given her distinct scent, Sofi figured these things didn’t matter to the vampire anymore, but hey… a little light conversation had never hurt anyone.

—

Yasmine’s brows furrowed at the bazare question, amusement breaching on every feature as she thought her answer through. “I’m honestly, well, a fan of both.” Or I used to be. Her chocolate, caramel tarts were well and truly in the past now. They just didn’t taste as delicious. Because yes, she had tried it. “Each to their own, I guess. You seem like a chocolate woman, if i’m honest.”

Being away from her ex had also given Sara some time to prioritize things in her life, like building her relationship with her son. Bin reminded her of his father with each passing day, but it was also impossible to ignore some of the traits the toddler had picked up from the time he’d spent with Taerin. A moment of distraction and she almost saw herself getting desperate again, watching as her son ran towards someone and held onto that person’s leg. Rushing towards them, Sara picked him up, adjusting the toddler against her hips, as she smiled apologetically to the other person. “So sorry about that. One second of distraction and he’s already making friends. I hope he didn’t bother you.”

—

Yasmine had watched puzzled as the young boy headed in her direction, before clinging to her calf and giving it a soft squeeze. While innitially startled, her body growing stiff, her eyes softened and allowed her hands to gently go to the toddlers shoulders. “Hey there little guy,” before she had time to continue, a woman she presumed to be his mother ushered to where they were situated by the fountain. “Don’t worry about it.” she replied with nonchalance, giving the boy a warm smile before moving to his mother. “Not at all. I understand how toddlers can be. My sisters used to be the worst at wandering off.” Yas dismissed, moving her hands to her slide into her back pockets. “How old is he?”

▬

Charlotte didn’t know exactly what to expect. Years had passed by, but there was a chance that this moment would differ from herself and the other woman. After all, this was a logical choice, moving forward and letting her experience life with someone that actually wanted to have feelings and develop a future with a significant other. But though, it all seemed to have a sense deep inside her mind, it didn’t mean that it hurt any less. It didn’t seem that it did any way, due to the tone Yasmine had offered to Charlie. “Yeah– for awhile now.”

“It’s been… three years,” it would be the answer that exchanged Charlotte leaving Atlanta for good and finally having some peace in Nova Pangaea, in a country that she was certain her alpha wouldn’t find her. And he wouldn’t see in anyone she ended up getting close to a weakness, someone to use against Charlie and kill them. “You look great,” there was something different about her. But Charlie didn’t know exactly what. “We can avoid each other if that will be easier. But, I would just advise you to stay away from– series that I’m working at.” Or else, that would lack the purpose of not seeing the shapeshifter. After all, she was a recurring role in a series and the main character in another one.

—

She felt a lump form deep in her throat. Three years. She had been here, creating a life for herself, for three years, while back in Atlanta Yasmine’s family tried to put her back together. They had watched her go through however many months of depression, all the while pretending she was fine and that it didn’t matter. Anyone with a brain, however, knew it did.

“No!” the word escaped past the lump and into the air between them. While she was infuriated with Charlie, she couldn’t help but hold somewhere special for her inside her heart. A place she thought she’d forgotten about, or at least moved forward from. “You’ve got a show?” she remembered how they used to be, laughing and enjoying each others company, all the while being almost the complete opposite. Charlotte wanted to push everyone away, and Yasmine only wanted to pull her loved ones closer. “Thanks. By the way. You smell different. It’s nice.” I think. she inwardly continued. Instead of just breathing in her natural aroma, the mixture of her bloodlust (which she forced deep down) was evident.

“To the big city?” he asked. He figured it could take some getting used to. He didn’t mind it, it was the small towns that he was less a fan of. He enjoyed being a stranger to people, being able to go through life without people knowing who he was. “Oh, uhm, I don’t really care that much,” he said. “Either works.” Which was the truth, since both weren’t really his name. But he had grown used to it enough that it felt like he could be just that, just Zak. He cocked an eyebrow at the mention of only just getting out and about. It didn’t take much time for his mind to take a crack at what that meant. “Well, you’ve picked a good day, the weather has been kind of nice lately. Sorry I’m getting in the way of the sun though.” 

—

“Yeah,” Yasmine replied. “I’m from Atlanta, so it’s big but not as big as Nova Pangaea.” it would definitely take some getting used to. Atlanta was more of a homebody, with fewer passerbyers but they weren’t unknown. “Well, I’m more of a nickname person myself, so i’m gonna stick with Zak.” the brunette retorted infitately. Her gaze moved from the man to the sky above them, sheilding her eyes from the slight glare that her eyes still had yet to adjust to. “Yeah, it is a nice day. And I think i’ll let you get away with it, just this once.” her tone changed from the casual conversation they were having to add a hint of humor, a smile lifting the corners of her lips. 

He offered her an awkward smile, still needing a moment to gather his thoughts - and not look like he was caught doing something bad. Because staring into the distance certain didn’t represent such a state. He took a deep breath in and nodded. “Yes, pretty much,” he agreed, nodding at her, then taking a small look back at the bright sun that hung high in the sky. He blinked and returned his gaze back to hers. 

Zhyan nodded, he hadn’t seen her around either. “Astoria is a fairly big city,” he said, smiling. “And I frequent the same places, so it makes sense,” he added. The bar, work, and home. Lately more work than anything else. Sadly every hour they stayed on overtime was unpaid. He took her hand gently. “Zakary, nice to meet you.” He nodded her way once again. “How new are you?” he asked. 

-

“It is, yeah. I’m not really used to it.” Yasmine replied, having not travelled much back in Atlanta. “Do people call you Zak, or do you prefer Zakary?” she chimed, trying to lighten the mood from his following question. “I’ve been here almost a year, but, i’ve only just been getting out and about.”

It was a perfect moment of the day to take a walk outside of her loft with Loki by her side, the big and excited dog that would eagerly accept every chance of heading outside to stretch its paws and adventure himself in the midst of other beings. Still, uncertain if Loki would be his shy usual self or if he would attempt to be social that day, Charlie kept him close, holding his leash. And then, it definitely wasn’t the vision of someone in front of her that gave her the sense of familiarity. Not even a scent, after all, the shapeshifter wasn’t even close enough to notice it so clearly. It was the voice. The moment her voice reached her, for the first time ever since her encounter with her alpha, Charlotte found her heart skipping a beat. Fuck. She thought to herself, and the main reason why she was in this situation was because Loki was approaching Yasmine. 

“He’s just– trying to befriend you. Which is odd, he doesn’t really like others.” She would say strangers, but while she was a stranger to Loki, it was far from that when it came to Charlie.  How do you look in the eyes of someone that you left behind and offered an excuse for a break-up? Perhaps she could thank her acting skills, they would be useful at that moment. “You’re living here.” It wasn’t really a question, it was a statement. But, she could be wrong. Though that was hardly the case.

-

It wasn’t the approaching pooch that made every part of Yasmine’s body freeze. No, in fact, it had been the voice that had tried to explain themselves. It was so familiar, and the smile that had grown due to the adorable dog before her faded instantly. Her heart ached as it once had four years ago when she was told that there would never be a future for the pair. She was far too terrified to even look at Charlie, but her curiousity got the better of her.

Amber hues rose to view the shapeshifter. How she’d changed since they last had seen each other, but how she still seemed like the same woman she’d loved all those years ago. It seemed like time hadn’t even passed. She’d still hurt her, and that pain had never dissipated, just been shoved to the side where it was never spoken of or seen again. “Yeah. I am.” she spoke, almost bluntly, and monotoned. “So are you.” she wondered if she could sense the difference in her. How she had changed since they’d last been in the same viscinity. “How long?” Part of Yasmine already knew the answer, but she needed Charlie to say it. To confirm it.