Re: Waking in StRaNgE Places (Shay Sylvar)
Posted: 11 Oct 2024, 01:43
Today it seemed would be a day of many firsts and he would push on through in the hope of learning more...
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.”
“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.”