Bait and a Boat [Enver]

[Every]

Upon coming to Harper Rock, there were some things that Every had been almost certain of: the first thing had been that vampires didn't exist, the second had been that her father had no living relatives left, and that she would never have to worry about being an aunt. And as it turned out, she was three for three things of being certainly wrong about. The woman had not only met a vampire within an hour of arriving to the city, but she'd become one. Almost a year later, she had been incorrect about her father's living relatives: he had an aunt and a nephew, whom Every didn't remember. It just so happened, too, that the nephew was one Enver Marshall II, a movie star that a roommate of hers in college had been fond of - meaning she had known of his films before meeting him.

But the kicker of it all?

Her cousin, as it turned out, Enver Marshall II, had also been the man whom Every had killed in a duel just weeks before the information had come to light. The two had different political opinions. One believed the masquerade should never be broken, and the other did. At that point in her life, Every had been almost positive, again, that the two would never get along. She enjoyed making his life miserable and vice versa - although she still wouldn't admit that she had a stuffed owl that the man had given to her as a joke sitting on a closet shelf. It had been bitten and chewed up by her pets, but the toy was still in a decent condition. Of course, she'd also rigged it to be used as a weapon - but hey, it wasn't as if she didn't have people after her.

And once again, she had been wrong on two accounts: getting along with Enver, and being an aunt.

The brunette couldn't help but reflect on this as walked in the direction of the docks, invisible to the eye. The first bit, she supposed, wasn't so bad. She still lived to make him miserable. But the second? It was bittersweet. She didn't mind being an aunt - a cousin, in reality, but it was just easier being Aunt Eve - but she knew eventually, she would have to finalize her death by faking it and making a new identity for herself, or reveal the truth to Grace about being a vampire. The debate was still going on her head from the moment she had met the girl, spending a day with her and the two large dogs that Every owned out at the cabin for a little while. Every liked Grace, but she worried for her. She supposed it was a good sign, really.

With a sigh escaping past her lips as she hopped over the barrier between land and water, Every had no difficulty landing on the surface of the water without sinking in. One of the first powers she had learned, it was without thought when done. Her fingertips pulled through her messy brown hair as she went with mild focus only so she wouldn't sink into the waters. Her hazel eyes went to her watch, mumbling something about time and fishing in the evening before she hummed silently - the noise causing a fisherman sitting nearby to double check where he had cast his line as if he thought it were coming from the pole.

It hadn't been her decision. Grace had said yes before she could even remotely form the word, not that she minded. Or even had any other plan aside from sit in the cabin, bother Jayden or work on her car. Spade was gone and it was something she'd grown to accept. With a soft exhale of air, she reached the boat and rolled her eyes at the name, shouting out, "Enver!" before she moved towards the dock in case Grace would arrive first. As the shadows pulled away, the brunette pulled herself up to her feet and brushed off some of the drops of water from her boots. She eyed the boat and then contemplated whether or not to bother asking. Her father had always told her it was the polite thing to do - but did she have to be polite to Enver?

[Enver Marshall II]

Listening to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dooSFIvLn-Y

“Remember where your life vest is, Gracie?” Enver cast a wayward glance to his 'daughter', and as she looked around, he pointed to where it was hanging. “Safety first, first mate, Grace.” Enver reminded her, before glancing around the kitchen area, as music was blaring from a source in what could be Enver's bedroom. Could, meaning he hadn't lived on it for a long time and what was supposed to be a bedroom had been transformed to a small working space for Megan and him. Mostly her, though. Enver preferred to tinker in private, as to not let anyone know what he was actually up to.


“Auntie Every coming?” Enver glanced at Grace, and took a deep breath in, before nodding. Grace had more or less invited her with them when Enver said he was going to take to some water for a few nights with Grace and suddenly it turned into Enver, Every and Grace doing this for a night. “Yes. She is.” He acknowledged with gritted teeth and a nod of his head. Enver moved to go get his life vest, wondering how Grace didn't see the evil that was her 'aunt' Every. Weren't kids supposed to be innocent and have a good sense of character at young ages? He would have to work on that with her. Though, he supposed it was hard to see the evil deep inside of Every, since she wasn't privileged to all things vampire.

A few seconds later, Enver heard his name and it caused his shoulders to lift as he cringed, before the Allurist cleared his throat. He moved to the stairs that would take him to the deck, before stopping to help Grace secure her child sized life vest. “Your Aunt is here. Let's go greet her.” Enver suggested with a grin and a mussing of the three year old's hair. She took to the stairs, bounding up them as quick as she could, before she got bored and decided to hop the rest of the stairs up, slowing them down. Enver grimaced, then tipped his head back and called up the rest of the way, “We're over here.” Hopefully she was somewhere close, Enver would find out in another minute or so

As his head peeked out from down below, Enver brought two fingers and put them inside his mouth, and then exhaled the air from his lungs. A shriek of a whistle could be heard, as he tried to gather Every's attention, before Grace screamed, “OVER HERE, OVER HERE!”. All while flapping her arms like a turkey.

[Every]

"At least it's a nice boat."

She thought unhappily. The thought of being on a boat for a long period of time with Enver wasn't exactly the best way Every could spend her time. Then again, she had spent multiple nights at one point tracking his *** down just to put a bullet in him. She let out a puff of air through her nostrils and wondered what her life had come to. A vampire, spending time with a man she couldn't stand, to spend time with her cousin whom thought she was her aunt. She was sure that it was karma for everything she had done over the years.

"A nice big boat." She muttered under her breath before she heard Enver's whistle - a comment about not being a dog rising in her throat, followed shortly by Grace's screams of excitement. The sound was one she was used to by now. At first, Grace had been shy, and then it had died quickly when the girl had met the three large canines whom resided in Every's residence. Furry animals plus children always equals happiness, even if Skoll alone could knock over both of them in one bound. As she contemplated telling Enver off about the whistle, she made her way to where she could jump a safe, human distance onto the boat.

It was an easy effort for being a vampire. Even as a human through gymnastics, she supposed it wouldn't have been the hardest thing for her. But either way, she pretended to steady herself before she straightened out her baggy sweatshirt. A genuine smile was given to Grace as she took her in, walking their way. "Well, don't you just look adorable and safe?" She asked, kneeling down as soon as she was in reach to her niece so that she'd be down at the proper height. "I see your old man made sure to bundle it up so you'll be the perfect little sailor."

And then telepathically to Enver, she pointedly said, "There is no way in hell I am putting on a life vest." If she could drown, she would rather. After all before she had died, treading water for almost six hours was feasible as a swimmer, it was the longest she bothered trying, really - and she'd been a surfer.

[Enver Marshall II]

Safe. The right word to depict Grace and everything he wanted for the young girl. Safety. He watched as Grace took a large breath in, then puffed out her chest, pointing to all the straps and the color of the vest. In case anyone was colorblind, or something, Enver reasoned. He knew the real reason was because Grace was excited, but the things kids did sometimes...He chuckled, then stopped when Every referred to him as 'old man.'

Sure, he was older than Every, but he wasn't an old man. He never would be. When he heard her thoughts in his head, Enver shrugged his shoulder and without any words of his own [for now] he went ahead and mind blocked her with the most useful power of all in regards to Every. "Interrupting the refrain." Enver said, as if that were the only reason he silenced Every's thoughts coming his way. "Grace, honey, why don't you see if there's a bottle of water down in the fridge. Aunt Every's voice sounded a little scratchy."

With an excited nod, and a 'okaaaaay!' Grace was skipping towards the stairs, making Enver cringe. "Stairs. Don't skip or play on them." He reminded Grace before she grabbed the handrail and disappeared down the stairs. "It's funny. The role reversal we've got going on." Enver commented before scoffing slightly. "Couldn't wait to use your vampire powers around a human, meanwhile...here I am, being human. The Irony." He chuckled, then narrowed his eyes at her. "Wear one, don't. Your choice, but I'm not going in to save you should anything happen." Part of him wished something did happen, just so that he could be smug about it later, while the other wanted to toss her overboard. "Who's going to see you? Life vest would bring some color to you...cheeks." Enver said, rethinking the first thing that popped into his head 'dead soul.' No color could brighten Every's 'soul' up.

[Every]

"You know, when you're a big girl and you know how to swim like a little fish, I'll have to teach you how to surf." Every chuckled as she watched Grace. The little girl was endearing, and even if she wasn't fond of children, she'd have to admit it. Maybe it was because the girl was part of her family, but she found her that way. It was hard not to smile around her, even if the gesture was small and constant. Innocence was something she'd lost when her dad had died, but she remembered a time when she was Grace's age, and how Enver had been the best thing since sliced bread.

Even if he was an asshole then, too.

As she felt the sensation, she contemplated how hard she could punch him with 'human strength' as she called it. Over Grace's head, she lifted her middle finger in his direction before putting it down and smiling at the girl the second she lifted her head.

"Actually, I use my powers around humans all the time. I just don't pointedly show them off like someone. Or use them to make money." She said flatly as soon as Grace was out of hearing range. Even so, Every listened to make sure that the little girl didn't hurt herself. It was easy to find her footsteps, really. They were light, but somehow heavy with the way she ran. "I gave up on being human a long time ago. Putting on a facade isn't difficult." A lift of her shoulder was given before she turned her attention to the water around them.

Her expression read **** off as he mentioned potentially having to save her. "Well, at least I don't have to worry about drowning as my lungs are useless." She gave him a sarcastic grin before she resisted rolling her eyes, "And I know you may think I'm a witch, but I don't melt at the touch of water." Her hazel eyes moved to the orange life vest. She contemplated taking it and putting it on his head before shoving him off the boat, but the sound of little feet running caught her attention, so instead, she called, "Gracey, don't run. I'm going to have to figure out how to bottle that energy of yours."

She turned to walk towards the little girl, smirking as she looked at the life vest once more, "You should probably save it for when your career begins to drown. You know. Once your movie flops."

[Enver Marshall II]

Witch. *****. All sounded the same to Enver and Every was both of those in his mind. She had, at best, three times in his adult life where she was tolerable-but that was probably because they had all been public venues. "Sounds like someone is jealous." Enver retorted in return to his making profit off of his powers. Just because no one else caught that money train when things were inevitably going the way he hoped, wasn't his problem or fault. "I could give you pointers-if you ever want to become a millionaire." Yes, Enver was smug at how well he'd done financially while his first ex-wife tried to take everything from him, and then the faction Every belonged to tried to prevent him from becoming anything within the city for years. He wondered how failure tasted.

The middle finger was seen and looked past as Enver watched Grace bound around everywhere on the boat. To be young again. Not that he was ever going to get older than 31, but Grace had as much energy as the sun did and it was constantly burning. The gibe at his career made Enver scoff and chuckle. "It's doubtful. I'm sure you're aware how much my book made. If not, pick up a paper sometime." He grinned proudly, thinking of how well the movie was going. It would be better if he had Lorde around as Lorde, but she was either off running from cops again for something, or in jail again. She had fell off the face of the earth about a year ago now. "But good to know you're concerned about Grace's financial security. If things go that way, we know who we can turn to for a place to live...food...whatever." Enver smirked as he grabbed for the life vest he had offered Every, then tossed it to a seat. "I'm going to go start the boat and get us moving." Enver announced before making eye contact with Grace. "Grace, do you want to help me drive the boat, or hang out down here with Aunt Every?" Grace zipped past him and wrapped both arms around one of Every's legs, having silently made her choice. Enver's teeth gritted together tightly, before he nodded and headed above deck to the captain's area. He understood that Grace probably wanted and needed a female role model in her life...but did it have to be Every?

[Every]

A finely kept eyebrow lifted as she looked at him with a vague amount of amusement. Jealous? Really? "I own a dance studio and manage a garage, as well as a ski lodge. Just because I don't have millions of dollars to flash around doesn't mean that I'm failing financially." Plus, it helped that if she really needed the money, all she really had to do was pout at Jayden and pay him back. Truthfully, she just didn't feel she needed it all. Real estate wise, she was comfortable. She had multiple places to stay at various points in the city, as well as out in the wilderness. Her cabins were neatly decorated, her homes having a contemporary feel to them. The brunette was happy, all in all.

"Money isn't everything, Enver. Besides, all it takes is one bad tabloid and all it goes down the drain." She chimed as she cuddled Grace before the girl was released once more. The idea of that it was going to be a movie still had her rolling her eyes. It was ridiculous, really. Only egotistical maniacs did that - and well, she frowned as she stared at her cousin. Her point was made as she gave a shake of her head. "You don't need to make a movie of all of what's happened to you. I also hope they omitted the drug use and charges, because of this one." She nodded towards the child. "I'm her aunt. I have to worry."

At the idea of Enver living with her, Every was almost positive he would probably die at least one more time. She would tell Grace that he had to leave for a 'business meeting' and casually be sweeping the ash into a dustbin, and then toss them into the yard so the dogs could piss on his remains at the cabin. "It's a good thing I have multiple homes then, hm?" She said before falling quiet. As Grace wrapped her arms around Every's leg, the woman looked down at her with a gentle expression. "So, it's been a long time since I've been on a boat, why don't you show me around, first mate, Grace?" She asked, offering a smile as the girl exclaimed "Yay" and took hold of her hand, pulling with all her mighty until Every began to walk.

[Enver Marshall II]

A dance studio and a garage. Enver stared at Every. Unless it was a big chain of car repair stores, most mom and pop places didn't do as well financially. And since Enver had never heard of Every's dance studio..."Ski lodge, hmm?" Enver asked, rhetorically. He supposed during the winter months that did well enough, so she might be getting by. Not that it was any of his business or concern, just a reality. "Maybe we'll check it out this winter. What do you say, Kiddo?" Enver looked at Grace with a grin, who hoped up and down excitedly, nodding her head multiple times.

"All it takes is one bad marriage-which I don't have." Enver corrected Every, knowing it would take more than one tabloid to keep him down. Essentially, all his money troubles came from women in his mind. Not in the form that they needed him to buy them things, but in terms of divorce. The exception being his last wife. Enver frowned thinking of her, then shook his head. "Hmmm?" Enver asked, slightly oblivious to what Every had said, or asked him. Something about drugs. "Well, it's almost a documentary. So, I'll let you figure out what is and isn't included in that." There was nothing Enver didn't open up about, or share with his readers, or viewers in this case. "It's tamer than the book." Enver followed up with, offering a careless shrug.

When Every pulled the 'aunt' card, Enver felt his eyes roll to the back of his head. Two years ago, Every wouldn't have gave a damn if she was Grace's aunt, or how killing him would impact Grace, so long as she got her blood fest on with her goon friends. "With aunts like you...who needs anyone else?" Enver sneered quietly as Every suggested the two of them go on the tour of the boat. Probably to see if Enver was stashing anything on the boat; like drugs. Or weapons. Probably both. "My bazooka is under the seats above deck. Left hand side. Sniper rifle on the right side. Might have a grenade or two with it too. Ritalin and Adderall in the medicine cabinet. Grace is only allowed to have one." Enver waved them off, wondering when Every went from not giving a ****, to a mother hen almost. Both had Enver fit to be tied. "Have fun ladies." Enver followed up with clamped teeth as he shifted the weight on his feet and slowly turned the wheel of the boat to guide them the rest of the way out of the dock, before picking up speed on the calm river waters.

[Every]

She gave him a mild glare. It was a default look, really, when it involved Enver. The woman brushed her hair off her shoulder afterwards, and then thought about the idea of the two visiting during open hours. It would given Jayd some company, and she was sure he liked children. Particularly ones that weren't related to psychotic bitches who tried to kill him. ]"Great, I'll have to give you directions to the cabin out there. You two could stay there while I stay with Jayd. Chances are he'll need the extra hand opening weekend." There were plans to incorporate the lodge with something during the summer months, too.

Why didn't it surprise her that he and Keara split? "Shocker, you've become eligible to some gold digger. That'll be nice." She rolled her eyes. Although, she knew truthfully keeping Enver out of trouble was important. Because if something happened to him, she'd have to be in charge of Grace and Every had never wanted children. The girl was sweet, and she was her niece who she loved, but it was nice being able to give her back after a couple of days. Not to mention, with the trouble Every often got herself into... she briefly thought about the day Pratt broke into her apartment. She didn't go too far without a gun or knife in her residences now.

"That's comforting." She muttered. Every wasn't too worried about the admittance of who she was - considering Enver didn't quite like her, the idea of being tarnished by someone who had been questioned for the murder of her family was probably one to avoid. At least, she hoped. She didn't miss the eye roll, and as she said, "What type of bird was that, Gracie?" and the girl looked towards a seagull, she reached over to slap him upside the head with an open palm. Stepping back, she shook her head. "Well, at least you know that anyone that tries to hurt her wouldn't make it out alive."

Truth be told, Every was nicer than she preferred to let on. At least, once she got to know someone and could let her guard down, but it'd been a long time since she'd been that easy to unwind. Ignoring Enver, she felt Grace grasp her wrist in a surprisingly strong grip and began leading her around the boat. The woman answered little questions, letting out even personal ones to the chattering child whom she doubted would remember anything significant.

[Enver Marshall II]

Enver felt his hackles rise when Every mentioned how shocking it was that he and Keara split and mentioned gold diggers. His teeth came together as he clenched them, fighting back a few things he wanted to say. Keara's absence still bugged him; more than he'd like to admit. His only saving 'Grace' was in the form of an almost four year old. Because of her, he didn't have the time to wallow in self-pity or drink himself into too many stupors. "No. It's not." He said and left it as that, as he didn't want Grace to hear something she shouldn't hear.

There was a break to talk about a bird, which came with a slap to the back of his head, which only annoyed Enver more. Why were women such pains in the asses? If he could keep Grace from ever hitting the age of twelve...he would. Without siring her. Anything past that and they just became like mini Every's, or worse. Velveteens. Enver shuddered at the thought, before he stared ahead to where it was he was directing the boat at. He was glad Grace led Every out of the small space, that wasn't all that small, but with Every in it, he felt claustrophobic. He turned the radio back up in volume, and began whistling along with it, as Every and Grace moved around the boat.

---

"I'm going to be four soon!" Grace practically screamed at Every once they were away. "Daddy says I will have a party. I want a princess party!" She jumped up and down, then wiggled her butt excitedly like a dog. "I want a puppy too! But daddy says no. Not right now he says. But I want one. I want one like Marshall from Paw Patrol." Grace whined at Every, before skipping around her aunt. "You can come! To the party! We can both be princesses! I want to be a pink princess." She looked at Every with crossed arms and very solemn like. "You can be a blue princess! The princess of bubbles! And I will be the princess of candy! I want a big princess cake too!" She stopped skipping around, then hugged the legs of her aunt. "I wish you could be my mommy." She looked up at her. "We are fun!"