Dent

[Roderic]

Invite only

I woke up tonight with an agenda. I wasn’t going hunting like I usually did. I had a different sort of agenda. I wasn’t sure why people wasted their time doing things like this, but it was important. Supposedly. More important than work and more important than a hobby too.

I got out of bed and stretched out. I wasn’t sure why. It never made me feel limber and I never had any pain or knots in my back. It was just something I did for years. Some old habits died hard, I guess. I moved to the computer that was left running during the day, and check my email. Nothing new, which was good. I didn’t like idle chatter between people; face to face or through other methods. I open an email I read the night before, and reply.

Meet me at the farms north of honeymead. One hour.

I hit send, then go about my routine. I go to a dresser drawer, open it and grab a pair of gray colored sweats. I slip them on, then do the same with a white tank top. I snag my Ipod, set the playlist and head out of the apartment. While I head down the hallways, I put a bud in each ear, hit play and ignore the rest of the world. They don’t matter unless they engage me.

My run was going to be cut short tonight. I could run a mile in a little under six minutes. That meant I only had time to run three miles instead of five. That would leave me time to come back, shower, change clothes and head to the farms. I run the perimeter of the qz twice, believing it to be around three miles. Give or take a block or two. I don’t use the blocks as a timekeeper, but time itself. 19 minutes later I was walking back in the door of the flats, buds pulled out of my ear and hitting the button up. It opens, people get off and I am alone. It takes two minutes to get to my floor, and I get out. I open the door, wipe my feet off twice, peel the shoes off by stepping on the backs of my tennis shoes and head to the bathroom.

I have to carefully move around materials I am using to try and spend a night at the apartment. A whole night. I bought bars for the windows, wooden planks to then cover the bars and a towel I will use to stuff behind the door to keep me from materializing into shadows and sneaking out that way while I sleep. I’ve not tried the experiment yet, or even started putting the bars on the windows. That will be started this weekend.

I grab a new change of clothes, toss the Ipod on the dresser and head to the bathroom where I take a ten minute shower. After a twelve minutes shower and change, I’m heading to the Bullwood station, the river not slowing me down as it did for most our kind and all humans. Unless you were a resourceful blood thief like I had been.

I pay the ticket price, then head to Honeymead station. I get off and have 9 minutes to spare. I stand around for a single minute, then head to the farms when that minute passed. With just under two minutes remaining, I tug out a cigarette, the lighter, and light my smoke. I wait, listening to the sounds of screaming, laughing and compressed air being released.

[Velveteen]

The email invoked a surprised laugh and the raven haired vampire shook her head slowly with mild amusement. If she were honest, when Roderic suggested they hang out, or go on a date, rather, she hadn’t expected that it would happen so soon but by the same, she had known for a long while that Roderic was not your run-of-the-mill Mr Average either. Which was likely the reason that Velveteen actually liked the guy. Sure they had hunted him more than a couple of times and put the guy in hospital with some rather horrendous wounds but it was nothing personal.

One of the things most failed to understand was that it was never personal until they made it so, like more than a few had. The hunting was merely a symptom brought on by the disease that plagued the city and the vampire community. If anything his constant desire to provoke them into such was amusing and even when he did his best to claim the treehouse as his own, Velveteen just figured that the guy liked the attention. Who was she to deny him such a small gesture? It wasn’t until recently though, that she and Micah got the chance to have an actual conversation with the guy and she had to admit, that she was rather impressed. He was indeed rather unique and this only served to encourage her to want to get him know him better.

When the gift he sent her arrived, it was true that at first she wasn’t entirely sure if it were meant to be an insult or compliment. Even thinking of that thing made her shudder. It was simply terrifying to look at and it soon found its place in a box, buried beneath the tree where no one would ever see it again. She did however mark the place so that she could find it again if ever there would be a need. She hoped there wouldn’t. But still, the fact that he had taken the time to craft it and send it to her in the first place indicated that it was meant as a good deed so she thanked him thusly.

The email itself required no response really and as she had no other plans at this time she let it go and would meet him at the farms in an hour. Micah was already aware of the emails so when she reached out with her mind to let her husband know that she was going to hang out with Roderic for a while, his response came as no surprise. “Ok. But if he looks at your *** I’m shootin him.” Velveteen laughed out loud and shook her head. She really should have anticipated that one. “Baby, You are the only one who looks at it. You know that. I love you and will see you soon.” She responded as she pulled on her jacket.

There was still plenty of time but Velveteen figured she could hang out at the farm for a while. It had been a while since she had been there and it would be a nice change of scenery, though, she was indeed curious about what he had planned and why they were meeting there. With Roderic, she couldn’t even begin to to guess what he had planned, but she was certain that no matter it was it was sure to make for an interesting night.

Time passed pretty quickly as she wandered through the gardens, stopping to watch the large koi fish swim lazily in the pond. She had always loved the peaceful calm that descended over the world at night. She could exist easily never having to see the sun again but if it was reversed that would certainly be a cause for angst. It was possibly a couple minutes before the hour was up, maybe less (she had always been terrible with time) but she decided to wander out to the front to either find or wait for the man. He was easy to spot, being the only one standing out there. She greeted him with a crooked grin. "Hello again, Bloodthief."

[Roderic]

I honestly had no clue what people were supposed to do when they just hung out. I hated shopping, but tolerated it for Phoenix's sake and for Katerina's sake too. Movies were a waste of time, unless there was something to learn from it. Even then, I didn't bother with them much. I was a doer, not a sit on your *** kind of guy.

Both Phoenix and Velveteen had informed me of the difference between dating and hanging out. One was a way to make possible friends, the other a potential for something along the romantic spectrum. Calix had tried, but lost me when he said we could do both. Now I knew the difference.

I wasn't sure if she was going to show. I didn't check my email on my phone, but I had a feeling she would. Velveteen didn't have to reply the first time when I mistakenly asked her on a date.

As I stand around, smoking on my cigarette, I think about new things I can make with my craft. Something unique, but sell-able. No point in making something if it wasn't going to bring me in cash. Bone key chains were the newest thing, but I knew I could do more with parts of animals I hunted. She approached me, I hadn't really heard her. Not until she addressed me with the usual nickname.

I turn in the direction she's in and see her not so perfect smile. I don't mean it in an insulting sort of way, it's just different. It's not one of those plastered on smiles. Forced and faked. And it's not quite the type someone would give a friend they were meeting up with. She wasn't sure about me. I was alright with that. I wasn't sure about her either, but Phoenix suggested I should be more social and when I met with Velveteen and Micah a few weeks ago, I figured they could be someone I could attempt to be social with. They asked questions and listened and I did the same in return. They liked information and people's thoughts. The kind you would find way down deep. Just like me.

So, I was a little disappointed when I found out we wouldn't be joining Andras. Nix said they had information and could help the family with things she couldn't. But in the end, I trusted Nix would give me any information I wanted and needed or would try her hardest to get me the answers I required. Still, that didn't mean I couldn't hang out with Velveteen or Micah just because we wouldn't be part of their family.

I nod at her. "Velveteen." I don't comment on the nickname. It doesn't bother me. It's factual. I was a blood thief. I still might be today if Nix hadn't been unlucky. I didn't really think on these things. There was no point in wasting time thinking about what could be or what might have been. Here we were. "Is your aim still good?" I hadn't been shot by her in a while, but the question made me smile too. Just a little. The answer didn't really matter. I wasn't going to change what I had planned, only because planning this event took me a few days. Too many days. Hanging out was a task in my mind at the moment. But her answer would let me know what my chances might be tonight. Bad, or really, really bad.

[Velveteen]

“My aim?” That crooked grin that seemed ever present remained as she tilted her head curiously. That seemed a rather odd question to be asking straight off the bat but the one thing she had learned about Roderic so far was that he was odd. “Well, with as much shooting **** that I do, logically, it should be better….Why? Are we gonna shoot someone’s chooks?” There was a casual wave of her hand towards the nearest farm though the smile that came after the question suggested he was talking about the more...personal moments. Sterling orbs pierced the darkness and shone bright with curiousity. She had no idea what the plan was for this evening but she had no doubt that it was going to be interesting either way.

She considered joining the man in a cigarette but figured she would wait. If their ‘date’ consisted of hanging out here in the dark and shooting the **** then there would be plenty of time for that. As she waited for a response she quietly appraised the bloodthief turned vampire. He had stayed active and that showed in his obviously increasing strength and power. He seemed to have taken to the change well enough though she had to admit she knew very little of the guy. He could have tried to do himself in for weeks after for all she did know. He intrigued her. That was the only way to put it at this moment.

Roderic, from the few interactions they had had thus far, always appeared to be deep in thought. Quiet for the most part and watching, taking in things around him. Whether or not that was a correct observation on her part was still be determined but for now she was content to take it as it came. “Cause that would be kinda...harsh. Shootin’ some poor farmer’s chickens.” She was kidding of course and the subtle flicker of her pale lips said as much.

[Roderic]

I look at her and think over the suggestion of shooting chooks. I let my lips curl up a little, then shake my head. What a waste that would be. I'm sure any weapon she had was high powered and so there wouldn't be much of a chicken left for me to work with. But she did interest me in the idea of working with the chickens for a project for someone. Later on down the line. I would pick a few up after our 'hang-out' and see what I could do with them.

I let her talk again, then tilt my head just a little. I don't think it would be harsh. I let her know as much with my next statement. "What would be harsher would be me letting the farmer's waste the best part of the chicken. They only think about poultry sales. One track mind. I would make more cash by making something out of them and selling them in my shop." That was true. Either people bought my things for gag gifts or for the uniqueness it possessed.

I leave it at that. There was no need to expand on what I said. She and her husband had been gifted with some of my work. I never heard anything about it from Micah, but no news was good news. Supposedly. Someone told me that a few months back. He hadn't shot me yet, so I may agree with the woman who told me that on the train one night.

"Our plans." I say, making a gesture to the west with a quick hand. I then head off in that direction, not going to fast or too slow. She is capable of keeping up and I'm not going to insult her speed or capabilities either. I know well from my blood thief days and nights.

We arrive to a small farm. Maybe the smallest of them all. There is a small queue of people standing around by or under a small tent. There's something to eat there, but I don't pay it any attention because I can't eat anything in there. And I suspect she can't either. If she could and wanted something she would say something.

I see what we came for. Somewhat as we round the side of the house. A large, hunk of metal, which would be revealed as an old truck in the middle of a field. On the side facing the house were a few numbers spray painted on it along with red circles on them. Obviously anyone who had trained with a gun would know they were targets and the point allotment for hitting each area.

But what was the most impressive was not that. Not to me. It was the man-made canon that shot something at the truck. A sign over the canon read 1 for $3, or 3 for $5. It also gave away what it was we'd be doing with a large sign that had ears of corn painted on it and read "Corn Cannon."

"I found it online." I admit. I had spent days thinking about what to do. I didn't know what people did. Not out of ordinary suggestions. It seemed unique. How many times did someone get to shoot something from a cannon in Harper Rock? Even if it was just a small, man made one, of compressed air?

[Velveteen]

It was pretty obvious that this man was more a thinker than a talker. He only said what was needed and little more. But when it came to his work she could tell he was rather passionate simply by the amount of words he used. Several complete sentences even. Her lips mirrored his as it was rather apparent that the pair were still very much sizing each other up. While she had absolutely no clue what he had in mind she had no doubts that it would be something she would never dream of. A slight and hopefully not too obvious shudder shook her shoulders at the mention of his creations. She had seen his work. It was stuff that nightmares were made of. That he had a shop to actually sell these things was just creepy. It not only sounded intriguing but truly macabre. She would definitely have to visit some time.

A few short but silent moments passed before he gestured towards the west and spoke again. She looked toward that general direction searching for a clue and expected him to continue but instead he just walked off. The woman blinked in surprise. Once. Twice. And then followed after him, suddenly realising he wasn’t about to stop. She smirked a little and decided that he reminded her of one of the old professor types at Uni who were rather genius in their own right but lacked a certain connection to reality. Not that the bloodthief was old, but like the professors, he seemed to be off in his own little world most of the time and just expected everyone else to keep up, which she did her best to. Physically? Easy. Mentally? That was a whole other matter.

She followed him to the small farm and became slightly nervous at the humans that were gathered there. Cooking smells tickled her senses and try as she might she had no idea what they could be doing here. She could only hope that his plans were masquerade friendly or this night was going to end badly.

The targets were her first hint and correlated with his question regarding her aim. She nodded to herself and smiled. Shooting things was fun and she was totally down for that but when they stopped by the ‘Corn Cannon’ she couldn’t help but look at him with a rather amused expression. Firstly...who on earth would have thought of such a thing and secondly how on earth did he know about it? Her second question was answered almost immediately and she couldn’t help but appreciate the effort he had gone to on this. “So are we going to shoot it? Or steal it?” Her expression was playful yet her voice was kept low just in case that was exactly what they were going to do.

[Roderic]

It was a unique experience to see Velveteen like this. I had seen a glimpse of humor in her at the thing with the Altaire and Andras. The side I knew all too well was the serious one. The business one. I don't begrudge her, Micah or their faction for trying to kill me. Hospitalizing me just shy of half a dozen times even. I would have done the same if things were in reverse. I chalk it up to a few things. But mostly basic survival instincts. Protect what was yours. Property or the like.

I realize I've thought too long as silence lingers between us at her questions. The corner on the right side of my lip inches up. Just a little. "You know, I did think your tree needed a trim the other night." The tone of my voice matches hers; a brief second of humor shared between the two of us.

I fish out a couple of bills from my pocket in preparation for the event, but there's a small cue before it would be our turn. The idea behind hanging out was to get to know the other person. To see if you would make the effort again. I wanted to know more about her than how well she could control a hunk of corn being launched at a beat-up pick up truck. I'm sure I could even hit the thing and I know I'm a terrible shot. I prefer a sword or anything sharp any day of the week. But the truck was a big target that didn't move and it seemed the corn launcher was aimed right for it. Just had to angle it a little depending on a few things. Wind maybe. Temperature? Weight of the corn. Guess we would find out when we had a little good hearted competition. "Ever play two truths and a lie?" I had once. During my short stint in college. Neither one of us played the game again for very different reasons. However, I'm positive Velveteen knows more about me than she lets on. Knows that I'm not just some taxidermist who does this because I can't do anything else. I could do a lot of things, but my passion resided with the unique contributions I made to society every time someone stopped in and placed an order. The line shifts forward, but my eyes remain on her as I step forward with it. Would she put herself out there? Be vulnerable for five, maybe ten minutes? Guess we would see.

[Velveteen]

The amount of people around , even though the numbers weren’t large, made her a little nervous despite her outwardly calm and controlled appearance. The woman tended to avoid areas that were frequented by humans, especially the well lit areas. She knew how she looked beneath the revealing illumination and healthy human beings did not look like that. Her head was kept kinda low and she focused most of her attention on present company - something that seemed to calm the uneasiness. Her expression displayed in-credulousness for a mere moment. “You can use this thing to trim trees? Seriously?” She asked as she glanced back towards the cannon, just a tiny bit late in recognising the humour in his tone.

“Ohhh. I see how you are….Funny.” Her nose wrinkled a little and she grinned crookedly. It would be hard to know if she was serious at all with her question or had been teasing the whole time. The line moved slowly and she was careful to create a barrier of space between herself and those in front and behind, though, luckily for her, very few ever willingly invaded her personal space.

The Bloodthief was proving to be somewhat of an enigma and she found herself curious about the man. The person. She had always thought he wasn’t quite right in the head when he tried to claim the treehouse and due to other things he did that seemed less than intelligent at the time but she had come to discover that he was rather thoughtful individual that considered things on a whole other level. It seemed his thought processes weren’t what one would consider normal at all but he was far from being dimwitted. That much she did know.

Her head shook at his question and while the name of the game gave the basics up she still felt compelled to ask exactly what it entailed. “Nope. Never heard of it. But I do like games and I’m a quick learner. Tell me how and then you start!” A genuine smile curled her pale lips and she took another small step forward as the line crept along a little further.

[Roderic]

I don't say anything as the line moves again. It's slow and grueling, but I have the mindset to carry things out. To see them through, I only hope she does too, as there are about five more groups ahead of us. I find this activity to be one of a great waste of time, and think that the people who have this corn canon should have a better set-up. They could make a lot more money with a couple more of them. Keep things moving. Maybe even a competition between canons simultaneously. I might suggest it on the way out when we leave.

She comments on me being funny. I think she's the first to credit humor to my personality. I certainly attempted it with those few words, so I come to the conclusion that my attempt was successful. And given that she was smiling, which is a positive reaction, I may try it again sometime in the future. I don't want to overdo it tonight.

She liked games. I keep that tucked away, not that I knew a lot of them. If I had to think what sort of games, I would go so far as to figure she liked games that required skill, wit and strategy. Occasionally, back in my blood-thief days, I might have had the upper-hand for a few hours, maybe a couple days, but eventually, Velveteen and her crew managed to turn the tables. I'm not sore about it. I respect that she and they could pull it off.

"It's easy. I'll tell you three things. Two are true, one isn't. You have to guess which isn't. It's a getting to know you game. We'll take turns. But to make things a little more interesting, if you get it wrong, you don't get to fire the canon to try and get points to win the pre-existing game set out. Same applies to me. The more you get right, the more chances you get at firing the canon and winning." I make sure she's following what I say by what her facial features say. When it seems she understands, I talk again.

"I'll start. I've never driven a car before. I graduated from high school in the top ten percent, and finally, I was part of the track and field club in my high school years." The line moves again, after a family of three leaves, a kid crying from the surprise of the sound the canon makes.

[Velveteen]

The woman kept her head low and shuffled forward with the line, grateful at least that they were outside. Such a close proximity to humans in a large group offended her senses. People smelled bad. A cloying mixture of scents magnified by the warmth that their bodies emitted made for some rather unpleasant moments. It was just another reason for her to avoid them where possible. But out here, in the cold, it was much easier to ignore. The crisp and frigid breeze meant that most odors were kept within the confines of their many layers. Velveteen couldn’t help but wonder how they would feel if they could smell themselves.

The sound of his voice drew her attention once more and she listened intently as he told her how the game worked and then the rules. Oh yes she liked this game. It was very much the type of game she enjoyed. One that not only required some analytic thought but also provided small windows of insight to the other players. She bobbed her head and smirked, understanding and agreeing to the terms of the game. This was certainly going to be interesting….for both of them.

He provided the three statements for her to consider and pick which was the lie. Her teeth worked thoughtfully at her lower lip as she watched the young family move off trying to console the crying child though her mind was already racing. She turned her gaze on Roderic and thought about each sentence before stacking them up against the little she knew about the male and the things she had perceived for herself. Roderic was a rather unique individual. This much she knew without a doubt and she had a depth, which she was certain very few had really explored, if any at all. He was a very private guy but she could sense a darkness within him and that intrigued her.

She easily believed that he would have graduated from high school in the top ten percent. He often displayed a level of intelligence that many would not have thought him capable of so that didn’t surprise her at all. She could also believe that he had never driven a car before either. Something about him told her that he preferred to life without leaving a paper trail. He had that whole ...nomadic type aura about him, if there was a such a thing. Track and field? Nah. He did not seem the sporty type. She could be wrong and she considered it a moment longer before giving her answer. “I don’t believe you were ever part of the track and field team, Bloodthief.” She tilted her head and looked at him almost hopefully though her grin seemed to exude confidence.