Waking in StRaNgE Places (Shay Sylvar)

[Shay Sylvar]

Today it seemed would be a day of many firsts and he would push on through in the hope of learning more...

[Aviana]

Aviana watched Shay closely as he spoke. Catching the sheepish grin he offered her. She found herself stifling a laugh. Knowing how easily things could go sideways with sires. His confession about trash-talking Mortll made her raise an eyebrow. Though it wasn’t completely surprising. Shay was still learning how things worked in this world. Offending a powerful vampire wasn’t exactly the best start.

“Well... that’s a bold move.” Avi’s tone was light. A smile touching her lips. “But, you’d be surprised what a little time and effort can fix. If you give it a shot. You might find Mortll more forgiving than you think. Maybe just… less trash talking next time?”


As the elevator doors slid open, Avi led him inside. She pressed the button for the fifth floor. Before leaning against the wall, glancing his way as he asked about Z.

“Zaylee upset about no gifts?” Avi chuckled softly. “You could show up empty-handed for the rest of your life, and she'd still welcome you in with open arms. That's just the type of person she is. Honestly, her excitement alone will probably knock you off your feet.”


The elevator ride was short. Soon the soft ding of the doors opening revealed the hallway leading to Avi’s apartment. Avi stepped forward, but as soon as she opened the door, she froze in place. Held completely speechless.

The apartment was exploding with Christmas. There was a massive blue spruce tree. Its top nearly grazed the ceiling. The tree is adorned with hand-crafted decorations. Tinsel was draped everywhere. Lights blinked from every available surface, and garlands hung from the walls. It was like walking into a Christmas wonderland. Avi blinked. Her usual calm demeanor slipped into wide-eyed disbelief.

Z had clearly been hard at work. The apartment looked like it had been turned into an arts-and-crafts studio. Paint supplies and fabric were scattered across the living room. The decorations were beautiful. Each one a masterpiece in its own right. No doubt all hand made by Z during one of her creative frenzies.

Then there was the music. Z was blasting Christmas carols, her voice belting out to match. The human woman was dancing around the room. She was entirely absorbed in the holiday spirit. Her enthusiasm is infectious and joyful.

Before Avi could get a word in, Z spotted them at the door and dashed over with a huge grin. “There you are!” she exclaimed. Her voice bubbling with excitement. She threw her arms out wide in a grand gesture. “Merry Christmas! Can you believe it? I got this tree for free! You’ll never guess how!”

Avi raised a brow, still processing the scene. “You what?” asked, as she moved further inside of the apartment, so Shay could enter.

Zaylee didn’t miss a beat. “So, there I was, walking downtown when I passed by this Christmas tree lot, right? The guy running the place looked exhausted. Poor thing. So I asked him how much for the biggest tree they had left. Turns out, they were about to close and needed to get rid of it before midnight! I told him, ‘You’re in luck! I’ll take it off your hands,’ and he just... gave it to me! For free! Can you believe that? I mean, I had to call three cabs to get it here. Three! And of course, there was some confusion with the drivers, but we managed.”

Avi glanced at Shay, her lips twitching into a half-smile, clearly trying to contain her amusement. Z was theatrical, as always. Spinning her story with dramatic flair, her hands gesturing wildly as if the whole thing had been an adventure worthy of legend.

“Oh, and don’t worry,” Z continued, winking at Shay. “I’ve got plenty of supplies if you two want to make some ornaments. Just say the word!”

Avi finally found her voice, shaking her head with a bemused smile. “Z… you never cease to amaze me.”

Z beamed, clearly pleased with herself. Avi couldn’t help but laugh under her breath. Christmas had arrived in full force, and it was impossible not to be caught up in Zaylee’s enthusiasm.

Avi took a moment to take it all in. The tree, the explosion of decorations, and Zaylee, who was practically vibrating with holiday cheer. She turned to Z, eyes narrowed in amusement as she tried to picture the logistics of getting the enormous tree into the apartment.

“Three cabs?” Avi repeated, folding her arms with a smirk. “Why, exactly, did you need three cabs?”


Z lit up, clearly eager to tell more of her wild story. “Oh, well! You see, the first cab driver took one look at the tree and said, ‘Lady, that’s not fitting in my car!’ I tried convincing him it would, somehow, but no luck. So, then I called another cab, and he didn’t even get out of the car. Just shook his head and drove off!” She shook her head, grinning, clearly enjoying every twist of the tale. “The third guy, though, he was a champ. Helped me tie it to the roof, and we cruised through downtown like we were on some holiday parade float! People were honking, waving. It was like being in a Christmas movie!”

Avi shook her head, the corners of her lips curling upward. “Of course. Leave it to you, Z, to turn a cab ride into a spectacle.” She turned toward Shay, “Z, I’d like you to meet Shay. He’s new to Harper Rock and to our world, really.”


Z’s eyes lit up with the same boundless energy she always had. She practically bounced over to Shay, extending a hand with enthusiasm. “Shay! It’s so great to meet you! Any friend of Avi’s is a friend of mine, so you’re stuck with me now!” Her smile was bright and welcoming, completely genuine.

Zaylee pulled him in for a quick hug, as if that was the natural next step, and then leaned back with a wink. “Don’t worry, Shay. Avi keeps me around to make sure things don’t get too gloomy around here.” She twirled back toward the tree, gesturing grandly. “Now, about that tree! Isn’t it a beauty?”

Avi watched with a soft smile, feeling the usual warmth Zaylee brought into any room. It was chaotic, yes, but it was also comforting. Shay would need that, especially with how hard he was finding his place in this new life.

“Yeah, it’s something all right,” Avi said, her voice holding a rare trace of affection. “But seriously, Z, next time, just call Corbin. He would have sent a car. You could’ve avoided the whole cab parade.”


Z laughed, clearly unbothered by the thought. “Where’s the fun in that?” She winked and went back to fussing with some ornaments, humming along to the Christmas music in the background.

Avi turned back to Shay, her smile softening. “Told you she was... a bit much. Feel free to make yourself at home.” She gestured around the open room. There was a large sectional couch loaded with throw pillows. Bookshelves lined most of the walls. As well many of Aviana's large paintings. Aside from the holiday decor the apartment had bohemian vibes.

Avi stepped further into the apartment. Her senses immediately assaulted by the comforting warmth of the place. The open floor plan gave her a clear view of everything. The kitchen, where Z was now bustling around. The massive blue spruce tree that dominated the living room, nearly touching the ceiling. The entire space was infused with the rich scent of fresh pine mixed with the sweet, buttery aroma of something baking. Avi's sharp senses easily picked out the cinnamon and nutmeg.

Cookies. Of course, Z was making cookies.

As Avi approached the tree, she reached out and touched one of the branches. The needles felt cool under her fingers. She marveled at how perfect it looked. It wasn’t just huge, it was beautifully full. Its dark green branches decorated with delicate, handmade ornaments. All of them were clearly Z’s doing. Colorful paper snowflakes and garlands made from strings of popcorn and cranberries were draped across the tree. Avi could spot a few ornaments she recognized from years past. Crafts Z had poured her heart into.

Z’s voice rang out from the kitchen, followed by the sound of clattering trays. “I forgot…You guys can't eat cookies, right? At least they smell good? Figured I’d whip up a batch of sugar cookies. Oh, and chocolate chip! But if you don’t like those, I’ve got gingerbread dough in the fridge. This place is gonna smell like Christmas for weeks!”

Avi gave the tree one last glance and moved toward the kitchen. Eyeing the plates of raw cookie dough Z had laid out on the counter. The kitchen was as much a reflection of Z’s personality as the living room. Cluttered in the best way. With half-finished projects scattered about. There were jars of paintbrushes, stacks of half-painted canvases. As well all sorts of craft supplies that blended in with the festive chaos.

“I can’t believe you’re actually making cookies,” Avi remarked, glancing at the oven as the warm, sugary scent intensified. She reached for one of the star-shaped cutouts Z had prepared but paused before touching it. “These are probably better left to you,” she said with a smirk, knowing full well her baking skills were nowhere near as impressive as Z’s.

Z, catching the motion, grinned as she popped the tray into the oven. “Good call. I remember that batch of brownies you tried to make for me last year. Still don’t know how you managed to burn the tops and leave the centers raw!”

Avi rolled her eyes. The corners of her mouth tugging upward. “I’m a vampire, Z, not a baker.”


Z wiped her hands on her festive apron that looked like it had been hand-sewn from about five different Christmas-themed fabrics. “Well, I’m a human, and we humans have a thing for cookies at Christmas. It’s practically a requirement.” She cast a glance toward Shay, “Shay, don’t be shy! Come see the tree up close. Avi and I worked hard to make sure it’s almost too big to fit in here.”

Avi stifled a laugh. “We worked hard? I don’t remember being part of your Christmas mission.”


Z waved her off with a good-natured huff. “Details, details. You inspired me!” She gestured toward the tree again, her eyes twinkling with pride.

Avi leaned against the counter. Her gaze follows the swirl of holiday decorations and the tree’s twinkling lights. For a moment, she let herself settle into the warmth of the moment. The smell of cookies in the oven. The glow of the Christmas lights reflecting off the windows. The gentle hum of Christmas music playing in the background.

There was something about Z’s boundless energy. Especially around the holidays. It made the apartment feel like a safe haven. Shay might still be finding his way, but she hoped in this moment he was finding a moment of peace.

With a small smile, Avi looked at Shay and said softly, “Welcome to Zaylee’s version of Christmas. It’s a bit overwhelming, but somehow it all works.”

[Shay Sylvar]

.

Shay gave a nervous nod, the sheepish grin continued and he averted his eyes briefly as Aviana dispensed some common sense advice with a just a hint of a reassuring smile. In the cold light of day whilst riding
the elevator with this lady he began to realise just how foolish his actions may have been.

"Maybe -if- I'm ever in the same room as her..." He paused and his gaze moved downwards as he found himself looking at his feet, Shay wasn't used to being wrong and nobody ever told him if he was, in fact his parents had spoiled him... even his ex-wife had never blamed him for their separation.

Feeling more than a little guilty of acting like a teenage brat. "...it's BIG -IF-.." deliberately accentuating these words "... I'll do my best to make amends." With this revelation made, he looked Avi in the eyes again. " I promise".
The man found himself chuckling along with Avi as She revealed more about Zaylee and her limitless excitement until the elevator doors pinged and slid almost silently open, taking in the sights of festive delights he found himself smiling and then there was the amazing smell!
Shay watched as Avi too surveyed the scene with open-mouthed amazement before his eyes came to rest, marvelling at the focal point of the whole decorated living room."Fantastic!" he mused almost inaudibly.
The two of them listened as the girl related the tale of how the tree came to be... and then was literally knocked off his feet as Avi introduced them and Zaylee, with all the mannerisms of the most fuss-loving labrador bounded over and taking his hand shook it whilst smiling and talking nine to the dozen!
He had to admit, the tree was perfect and so was the decor....More than this though, childhood memories were awakened by that most enigmatic of aromas, his mother baking in the kitchen... his favourite day that came every two weeks... Her special recipe biscuits, hints of cinnamon, brown sugar and chocolate chips!
Rooted to the spot as he revelled in the moment, the mental image of his mother in her pinny handing him a small bowl with crumbs and segments of broken biscuits, still warm... " Zaylee bakes??" His voice quiet, questioning, but filled with incredulous delight.
"My mother liked to bake... same day, every other week... as a small child I loved this day above all others, the smell, the taste and..." trailing off the smile faded just a touch. "...it was our time...Just Mum and me... what I wouldn't give to relive those moments...She loved Christmas too"
Snapping back to the here and now he gave a wry smile and then in a typically Shay-ish way shrugged off the brief melancholic episode and levelled a gaze squarely at Zaylee where she stood in the kitchen doorway and his eyes laden with mischief...
"Later I shall try one of your baked creations... and to hell with the consequences, stupid godamn 'pire physiology... they smell waaay too delicious to miss out on!"
He found himself giving a small laugh as he watched Avi and Zaylee interacting in the kitchen... and then laughing louder, shook his head in mock disbelief as Avi appeared to do her very best 'Bones from Star Trek' impression.
Wandering towards the tree and reaching out a hand, he allowed his fingers to curl around one of the smaller branches and felt the gentle prickle of the needles. "There's always something satisfying about having a real tree.... I just hope Z's a whizz with a hoover too though as this beast's going to shed over the next few weeks like a bad dream buffalo in spring!"

It had been so very long since he'd actually been this close and actually enjoyed the company of, bonafide, genuine, sentient people... no painful intrusions of the mind, Aviana's small but absolutely life-saving tip had made this excursion from the 'combs not only bearable... it was in fact thoroughly enjoyable, in the background of everything going on,
his mind was concentrating on keeping a very low-level but ultimately occupying link to any and all wireless internet connections and ensuring that this constant flow of music from his spotify playlist remained just that: constant. A thought crossed his mind, he wondered if Avi knew he'd already implemented her musical suggestion, it's not like he'd lifted any headphones to his head!
Shay found himself wondering why Avi used actual ear buds to play her music? Was it just a throwback to before her turning? Or were they a necessity? Afterall...he'd only found out that he could 'converse' with technology by accident, was this something all telepaths could do?
"Can I ask a question Aviana?" Once again he decided to flex his new found skill, his mental voice filled with trepidation, unsure if it was wise to even broach this subject. "For the first time in....hmm I don't know how long... I'm genuinely not feeling threatened..." pausing briefly he mentally shook his head "...maybe that's not the right word.. maybe more like burdened?... you know? The noise? The fogginess?"Outwardly he sighed and shrugged. "Ha.. white noise! Thought pollution! Yes! That's the phrase..." This was what he would refer to random peoples thoughts from now on... well, he didn't want that cacophany in his head so pollution seemed apt." I'd like to thank you for giving me something of a respite from it... but my question is this..." Once again he paused, plucking up the courage to ask. "Forgive me if I'm out of line asking... but do you -need- the ear buds?" he blurted out the question and then rapidly followed it up, unsure if he was making sense. "..to listen to music I mean?"
Well, that was it, he'd asked a question, would the girl wonder why he'd asked? Was it normal to connect mentally to electronic signals and if it was why had one of his siblings given him the smartphone? Bit stupid when he didn't even have a charger or real place to charge the crappy thing. To say he was curious about his skills now was an understatement... Avi had set thought processes in motion.

[Aviana]

As Aviana stood in the kitchen, her mind lingered on Shay’s earlier words in the elevator. I'll do my best to make amends. I promise. She genuinely hoped he would. It wasn’t easy, but if anyone could patch up a relationship with their sire, she hoped it was Shay. Avi admired his willingness to try, even after everything he had been through. His admission about his mother was a tender moment too, that pulled at her heartstrings.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Shay spoke of the tree, reaching out to touch it. She chuckled softly at his comment about it shedding like a bad dream buffalo in spring. She could already imagine Z joyfully dragging a vacuum around the apartment, humming to Christmas carols as needles fell to the floor.

Z, meanwhile, was a whirlwind of cheer. She moved around the kitchen with ease, and Aviana caught another whiff of the cookies Z was baking. The scent filled the entire open space, blending with the crisp, piney fragrance of the massive blue spruce. The combination of fresh baked goods and the woodsy scent of the tree was intoxicating. It was an atmosphere that immediately warmed Aviana from the inside out. It reminded her of simpler times. Of winter nights spent by the fire, though those memories were distant now.

As Shay’s telepathic message entered her mind, she stilled for a moment, listening. His mental voice was gentle, less burdened now than it had been earlier. She could feel the calm in his thoughts, the peace he had found, even if just for a moment.

Aviana smiled softly as she listened to his question, her thoughts darting towards the earbuds still nestled in her ears. She responded in kind, her telepathic voice steady and warm, "No, I don’t need them to listen. As a telepath, I can connect with the internet, apps, music, anything digital, through my mind. But..." She paused, considering how best to explain. "There’s something about using earbuds that feels... Different. Sometimes it’s comforting to experience the physical sensations of sound, like everyone else does. Having the actual signals in my ears makes it all feel a bit more real. It’s a small thing, but it helps me."

With that, she reached up and removed the earbuds, wrapping them around her fingers before slipping them into her pocket. The world around her suddenly seemed a little louder, a little brighter. The Christmas music blared in full force. Z’s voice rising in joyful song as she tended to the cookies. The hum of life and the festivity of the room washed over Avi, filling her senses completely. She wanted to experience it all, fully and without distraction.

She glanced towards Shay and gave him a knowing smile. "It’s funny. I spend so much time shutting out the noise of the world that I sometimes forget how nice it is to just... be in it."

Z spun around, noticing Avi's shift in attention and the removal of the earbuds. She laughed, her cheer infectious. "See? Even the grumpy vampire can’t resist Christmas!" Z teased, tossing a dish towel over her shoulder before pulling a fresh tray of cookies from the oven. The scent intensified, making Avi’s stomach twist in envy.

"You’re going to love these," Z said, turning her bright smile to Shay. "They’re perfect. I used my grandmother’s secret recipe." She gave a little theatrical wink. "Okay, maybe not so secret. But! They’ll make you want to eat one, even if it won’t do much for that undead physiology of yours." She slid the tray onto the counter, eyeing both Avi and Shay with a playful grin.

Avi shook her head, laughing. "You’re a dangerous woman, Z. Maybe I’ll take my chances later, and try a bite." Her smile was playful, it was unclear if she spoke of cookies or Z herself.

Walking deeper into the apartment, Avi approached the towering tree that now dominated her living room. She still couldn’t quite believe Z had managed to drag it in here. The soft glow of the lights bathed the room in warmth, casting long shadows against the high ceilings. It was the kind of tree you saw in department store windows. Grand, elegant, and too big for most homes. But somehow, it felt perfect here. As if the tree itself was a beacon of hope and warmth amidst the cold night outside.

She ran her fingers lightly along the branches, feeling the gentle prickle of the needles. "You’ve really outdone yourself," she called over her shoulder to Z. Avi shook her head with amusement. "You’re something else."

Z smirked and pointed a cookie at her. "And don’t you forget it."

Aviana took one last look at the massive tree before deciding it was time to relax. Z had transformed her apartment into a winter wonderland, and the peaceful glow of the lights made everything feel cozy. With a satisfied smile, she turned and wandered toward the couch, sinking into the plush cushions. The soft crackle of the fire Z had started in the corner fireplace and the steady hum of Christmas music made her feel unusually at ease.

As she settled into the cushions, Avi tucked her legs beneath her, leaning back into the warmth of the throw blanket Z had draped over the arm of the couch. She glanced over at Shay, who had stayed near the tree, his fingers brushing the branches thoughtfully. His earlier words still floated in her mind. The way he’d spoken about his mother, how much the smell of Z’s baking had stirred old memories for him. It had struck something deep within her, too. Family. Time spent together.

"Hey," Avi called softly to get Shay’s attention. She gestured toward the space beside her on the couch. "Why don't you sit? You look like you're about to start contemplating the meaning of life over there."

A hint of a smile played on her lips as she patted the seat next to her. She offered an unspoken invitation. She let a comfortable silence hang in the air for a few seconds. The weight of her past, old memories, seemed to linger just below the surface. Avi knew those moments carried more significance than she might admit.

She turned slightly, pulling the soft blanket over her lap as she looked at Shay. Her voice was casual but her eyes held a certain thoughtfulness. "You know, when Z goes all out like this, it’s hard not to get caught up in the holiday spirit. She gets this place feeling so festive, it almost makes me forget I’m…" Avi paused for a beat, her smile turning slightly wry. "Well, you know. A vampire."

A playful glint entered her hazel eyes as she shifted the conversation toward something lighter. Her fingers drummed absently on the armrest before she glanced toward the coffee table, where Z had spread out a collection of unfinished Christmas ornaments and arts-and-crafts supplies.

"You ever made an ornament before?" she asked, tilting her head to study Shay’s reaction. "Z dragged in that tree, and now she’s got all this stuff to make ornaments. Says it’s a tradition." Avi smiled, then added with a teasing grin, "I mean, sure, we could just hang pre-made ones... but where’s the fun in that? You want to make some with me?"

The idea of sitting there and crafting something so simple, so human, felt like an odd but welcomed shift from her usual reality. Something that might allow her and Shay to momentarily step away from the complications of their supernatural lives. Plus, there was something deeply satisfying about doing things with your own hands. No matter how small or insignificant the task seemed.

Avi grabbed one of the plain clear glass ornaments from the table and rolled it between her fingers. "We could make some to put on the tree, something uniquely ours," she suggested, her voice light. There was a sincerity behind it. "What do you think?"

She wasn’t sure how Shay would respond, but the thought of creating something tangible, even as simple as a Christmas ornament, made her feel grounded. It reminded her of the time she’d spent with her Grandmother back in Chicago, before everything had changed. Back when things were normal.

A part of her hoped it would give Shay the same sense of nostalgia and comfort that had flickered in his eyes when he spoke about his mother.

[Shay Sylvar]

.

Watching her remove the ear buds and wrap them around her fingers he mulled over her explanation and heaved in an inward sigh of relief... maybe he wasn't such a freak afterall!
"I think I know what you mean about shutting out the world... Before all this happened to me, I was a pretty normal person, socially speaking I mean."
Shay 'clocked' Avi's smile and realised that they were very much of the same ilk, he too smiled as the girl genuinely seemed to be enjoying drinking in the ambience of the room and the moment.
Zaylee called Aviana 'the grumpy vampire'? The man wasn't sure he'd heard her correctly... he wasn't exactly Harper Rock's most notable social butterfly but compared to most of the vampires he'd met so far, Aviana was a veritable blast of warmth and indeed radiated friendliness. It would be a while before he would begin to understand that Zaylee and Aviana had a friendship built over time that allowed the former to keep the latter walking on a path of a brighter demeanour and away from the melancholic thoughts that can and will plague beings destined to walk the Earth for centuries or maybe even millenia!
Chuckling as Avi too teetered on the decision to maybe risk a cookie tasting session, he really hankered for a taste later and sincerely hoped that, should his body reject it that Z would not be offended, it was more than obvious just how much attention to detail she had lavished on the preparations as a whole and he'd hate to be the one to put a downer on such an amazing event.
Turning towards his host at the sound of her voice, he smiled and nodded as She offered the seat next to her on the comfortable looking couch.
"Not sure I'm qualified to ponder the meaning of life anymore..." he chuckled and shook his head. "...I am however qualified to know when it's a good time to count your blessings.... and I'm fairly sure this is one of those times!"
Taking a seat beside her, he let out a comical sigh, closed his eyes briefly and wore a smile that would not look out of place on a certain cat character from Alice's Wonderland.
"Ahhhhh.........It's been a long minute since I sat on anything more comfortable than the floor of the 'combs!"
As Aviana sought comfort under her blanket, Shay smiled as he listened to her comment about almost forgetting the vampire side of her nature and found himself hoping that one day he too could feel this...even if only for a short while.
He watched as the flickering firelight illuminated her face and couldn't help but notice the almost comical glint in her eye as She spoke. Shay's family had always been quite big on tradition but he could honestly say that this was something he'd ever come across, however he was never averse to trying something new and with slightly quizzical expression he gave a nod.
"I'll give it go..... what do you have in mind and where do we start?"
Following her move towards the coffee table he eyed the small glass object with interest and a grin spread across his face at her words... oh yeah...She'd grabbed his attention, Shay was now invested in this endeavour!
"Hmmm... uniquely ours you say?"
He shuffled forwards to the edge of the seat to get closer to the coffee table and scanned the crafting materials there.
"Okay.... I'm new to this...lead on and I will follow."
All he knew right now was whatever he was going to make required some metallic gold and orange colours...