I haven’t really spoken with Noah since he demanded the meeting. It’s been nearly two weeks since that text, and he’s been taking his time in approaching us. At first, we thought he was going to bail on it completely – but the tension is still there. We’re still guiding the rest of Levesque, helping them where we can, but Noah has been quiet. At least he’s not causing more issue than we can handle.
He finally messaged us tonight to see if we were available, and so we waited for him to come to my office in Myth, as was the original plan. It’s not only safe here, but the cameras Every installed ensure that whatever happens within this room can be recorded for our records. Too many cops have tried to pull something over on us over the years – and tonight, it played an even more important role, I feel.
By the time he finally came for the meeting, I’d already admitted to myself and Every that this had been a poor choice on my part. The only thing that kept me from completely dismissing him was his family. That was what it all boiled down to, wasn’t it? The sole purpose I had in turning him. It had nothing to with the man that stood before me in my office, preparing himself to try and win us back over. No, it was his children, the very children he said he wanted to protect, but was working so hard to destroy.
He started off by apologizing, making an excuse about his newly turned nature, how the emotions got the best of him. I feel like he was trying to appeal to me in that manner, but I know the difference in being overwhelmed by emotion and being a disrespectful ********. He was the latter. His charade wasn’t working on me – I was too far settled in my opinion, as was Every, and I think he knew it. He started to scramble for any reason to make us understand his choices – and that was when he destroyed everything.
He lied to me. He admitted it. I was foolish to have thought he would have told the truth – but to hear it, to realize everything that I had done, that I had risked, that I had given up for him – he
Every noticed when I had shut down, she saw the change, she picked up on the shift in the air. It was then, we both knew without a doubt, that he had signed his death certificate, so to speak.
I don’t really want to write this down, not when I can just watch this train-wreck whenever I feel like. I need to talk to someone about getting these in a safer system…
NOAH
Noah didn't stop at the door to Myth this evening. The bouncer there tried to usher him back into line, but a quick wave of his hand and anima surged through his veins, pacifying the other man as he walked in. Noah couldn't help but grin as, behind him, several individuals in the line cried out in protest. It was the little things about being a vampire, sometimes.
Wasting no time at all, he made a path towards the office, keeping his eyes peeled for either of the women or even Roman.
CALIGRACE
“He’s here,” Caligrace said, her pen rolling lazily between her fingers as she tipped her head back. Ever her companion, Every was shrouded in the shadows, her bright eyes cutting a glare towards the redhead that would make anyone else shudder. The allurist, however, she flashed her a brilliant smile - before focusing on the screen as her childe made his way in. The moment she watched James’ face turn to stone, his body swaying, she snapped her teeth together.
“He’s lucky Luca was off tonight, or he wouldn’t have made it two inches without getting his teeth knocked out for that trick. He’s almost here. You good, doll?”
EVERY
"Luca'd have to beat me to it," Every responded from her spot behind the redhead, looking at the screen with her arms folded in front of her chest. "Cop might think he's fast, but he's still got nothing on me." Though her tone held tension, there was a brief glimpse of pride crossing her lips about her childe holding on before her features fell into their usual appearance of annoyance, her eyes still shimmering their animalistic shade of gold.
Stepping forward, adjusted so she was still merely halfway in her comfort zone. The chair she liked to sit in when she worked sat caddy cornered to their position, waiting for Noah.
NOAH
Greeted by no one on his way in, Noah simply approached the office door and knocked, waiting. Manners were important, after all.
CALIGRACE
At the knock, she released a quiet sigh and tossed her pen on the desk, watching it roll across the surface before stopping next to the stained glass fox knickknack. "Come in, Noah," she called, fingers brushing through her hair as she shot Every one last look before her features smoothed into her usual, charming smile.
EVERY
"Don't give me that look." She stared at Caligrace, shaking her head before she lifted a hand in brief wave.
NOAH
It was something the childe and sire pair had in common: that disarmingly charismatic smile. It was what he wore when he entered, as smooth and professional as any of the countless meetings he had had in his human lifespan.
"Caligrace, Every," he greeted as he approached, nodding at each of them in turn before he took a seat while unbuttoning the jacket of his suit. "Thank you for meeting with me."
CALIGRACE
Humming a quiet note, she said nothing for a moment as he made himself comfortable. It was only when he started unbuttoning his jacket, that she finally spoke. "Of course. Though, next time, I ask that you don't use your powers on my patrons - especially my staff. Luca is normally running security." Her smile still in place, she pushed back from her chair to move around her desk, small frame hopping until she was seated on the edge, crossing her legs.
EVERY
"We're nothing but prompt." Waiting until Caligrace finished moving around, Every dropped into the previously occupied seat and crossed one leg over the other, leaning back. "What, in full, do you wish to discuss? We're aware of the issue the other evening."
NOAH
"Oh." Noah's features took on an expression of surprise. He hadn't even considered that it might be impolite to use his powers in such a manner. It made sense when she asked though, so he nodded his acknowledgement. "Of course, it won't happen again."
Noah leaned back as Every approached, his gaze dropping to her form to instinctively check if she was carrying any weapons. It would not surprise him if she shot or stabbed him. He might even agree that he deserved it.
"I wanted to offer my apologies," he began, his gaze flicking between both of them. "I was rude and needlessly aggressive. That's really not like me." There were no lies here. The words he were saying were not just empty platitudes: he depended on both of these women for not only his own survival, but the survival of every person he loved, and he hoped they could tell.
"Several of my wounds impaired my faculties. As for the fight itself..." Noah shrugged and shook his head with a sigh. "Also unlike me. I prefer to consider myself a diplomat. Some sort of... Rage overtook me. I've never felt anything like it before."
"Regardless," he continued. "We had an agreement and I disrespected it. I understand I will need to take time to rebuild your trust and I hope to do just that."
CALIGRACE
As he spoke, Caligrace took a moment to study him. Her methodical gaze swept him slowly from head to toe, and after a moment, she made a quiet sound. It wasn’t much to go on in terms of deciphering what she found - or didn’t find - when she appraised him, but still, she smiled. “You need to learn to control yourself and your actions, Noah. At the risk of sounding like I’m scolding you, there was no excuse for how you chose to talk to us. I understand the emotional turmoil more than anyone else due to my own heightened senses, but I learned how to control that, and quickly. You need to do the same,” she offered, gaze drifting to Every before she finished speaking, "and yes. You will. I had hopes for you."
EVERY
Every had given up her weapons to Caligrace, although for her sanity, they were still within reach. She sat listening, resting her knuckles to her cheek as she listened to the man speaking. To her credit, primarily due a promise she'd made to Eloise and the redhead sitting in front of her, she still didn't strike out with her shadows. "That would be an allurist nature getting out of control, but you were still a prick and you are certainly going to have to prove that you sincerely mean your apology. Actions speak louder than words." She drummed her nails against her cheek briefly.
"I'm going to put this very bluntly. I don't frankly give a damn what you think of me, but Caligrace and I are your best chance of survival in this city. She brought you into our fold, and therefore, you and yours are under my care. I fully acknowledge that. You need to consider we've both been around the block."
She paused, trying to figure out what to say less as if it were intentional, "I've known many in this city. You come across at times as arrogant and power hungry, and we've watched it be the downfall to someone we're close to." Sitting up, she rested her elbows against the desk edge. "Growth isn't measured by strength. It's measured by knowledge and the ability to survive, which both of us have managed here under circumstances you haven't seen."
NOAH
"Scolding accepted," he agreed, the smile unwavering at both of them.
"Though we have rarely interacted aside from the turning and this brief... Incident, so I do not appreciate those accusations." Noah leaned back, folding his hands in his lap as he directed his attention to Every. "I have been, perhaps, reckless in my understanding of what I can and can not do now, though I am adjusting. But I do not desire power for its own sake, I assure you. I only strive to be the best version of myself that I can."
"I never meant to disrespect either of you, though I acknowledge I did. We are in agreement: your experiences and knowledge far outweigh my own and are needed for our continued survival. I rely upon you, and I am grateful for your continued hospitality for myself and my family."
CALIGRACE
“You need to understand something. I took a big risk in bringing you in. I didn’t talk it out, I didn’t wait to see what my faction and family might think. I chose to save you and your family, because I knew if I didn’t, you would either die or be used against us,” she stated honestly, adjusting her position so her fingers could curl around the edge of the desk as she leaned forward. “What you did was one thing. How you acted after, that was something else entirely. It’s not something that is going to continue, regardless of your promise. The next time, it won’t be Every you have to check for weapons, but me, and that’s as clear and concise as I can make it.”
With that said, she leaned back, her posture relaxing once more. There was a method to the madness that the redhead possessed. It was rare that anyone figured her out. No one knew what her next move would be, or how she would react to any given situation. It was proven in how her features danced from charming to serious to contemplative. “They’re not accusations, but observations, and we’re not the only ones to make them. It could be you just learning your footing, or you could be like the handful of others that have come and gone in our lives. What’s the saying? Only time will tell?” The question was directed at Every as she casually plucked a piece of candy from the jar at her side and unwrapped it, the scent of watermelon filling the air before the jolly rancher was promptly tossed onto her tongue.
“We’re trying to keep you alive, Noah, and I can see in how quickly you backpedaled that you realize that. I want to believe that you’re sincere for now, but that will be told through actions. I just hope you continue to realize that what I said was true. I’m your only chance at surviving - and so is Every. Don’t make me regret you. I really don't want to."
EVERY
"Or, if the masquerade were still an issue, consider the fact I would have killed her, or you on principle." She added shortly after Caligrace's comment about the big risk. Her hair fell over her shoulder as she adjusted again, uncomfortable. Caligrace's chair wasn't as soft and eventually, the shadow stood. She leaned back against the wall, her arms folding in front of her chest. Every continued to listen, but she gave a shake of her head. "You said, and I quote," It took her only a moment to remember before she spoke clearly, "But this is power, everyone. Real, raw, and tangible. Immortality."
Every stared at Noah, proceeding to continue, "You then looked at one of your daughters, Aubrey and clarified that there were indeed powers. Each powerset is unique to the individual, but any one of them could expand our enterprises a hundred fold.' So enlighten me, how that was meant to come across as? And, if you've forgotten, I'd be happy to play back the mental snippet." Her eyebrow lifted, showing she meant it. "And, to clarify something. We aren't immortal. You can permanently die, I have seen it and I've felt the bond tether away from sire to childe. I don't wish that on anyone."
NOAH
Noah's smile finally faltered. He decided to meet the seriousness of the evening with a relatively neutral expression. It was funny, what happened to his face past the smile. The wrinkles showed. The grey in his hair was more noticeable now.
"Fair, all of that," he agreed, and even his voice had abandoned the perky charm it normally carried, dropping several octaves as that mask of professionalism finally faded.
"Excuse me for trying to pitch dying to a group of twenty-something year olds as exciting. And sure," he admitted with a dismissive gesture. "There might even be a little truth to my own excitement at the thought."
His gaze slid to focus on Cali now, features softening with an apologetic smile. "I have already apologized for my demeanor that evening. I will continue working on controlling my emotions, so I feel that we are beating a dead horse there." Allurist nature? That explained a lot. He made a mental note to speak to her privately about that later.
"I have a confession," he said with a sigh, sitting up from his chair long enough to shrug the suit jacket from his shoulders and drape it across his lap. He took the time to unbutton his sleeves, rolling them up his forearms twice before continuing.
"I did not seek out immortality for its own sake. I misled you by omission and I am sorry for the deceit." This would not be a fun conversation, he decided quickly. Only Clio had an inkling of what he was about to tell them. The rest of his family had been kept in the dark.
"As you know, my family and I have ties to the Canadian mafia. We rose in prominence rather quickly. Especially I, from a young age." There was no ego in the statement, only a factual tone. "Roman may be able to enlighten you more. He seemed to recognize me. The point though, is that I made enemies."
He paused for effect, allowing them to process before speaking more.
"Our kind of people, and I don't mean vampires, we hold grudges for long times. We are patient. We wait. I angered several people in my youth, and a few after. I was tipped off that those same people were making moves against me and not the ones of the political or financial kind."
There was a sterness to his manner now, an unapologetic ferocity layered beneath this truth.
"I liquidated several of my assets and came to the one place I knew - or hoped - they would not follow. And I took certain measures to ensure we would be safe beyond that. One such measure being, well..." He trailed off, gesturing between Cali and himself.
"Now I won't make apologies for trying to make sure my family stayed safe. Nor am I entirely apologetic for the deceit, if only because I had no way of knowing you and I," he said, speaking directly to Cali now. "Would remain on good terms or if you would accept me at all. You're likely right, though. I would have died or been used against you, because I would have gone elsewhere had you refused me."
"What I will apologize for, truly, is the disrespect I showed you both." And now his gaze flitted between them both again. "Rest assured, I understand the dynamic here. I need you more than you need me. So whatever either of you needs from me or my family, I will do our best to oblige you. And I hope this does not damper our relationship further. I will continue to learn, and excerise more discretion than I am used to. It's a new dynamic for all of us. I appreciate your patience in allowing me to settle into it."
And there it was, cards on the table. Noah hadn't come here for power; he had ran here for safety, sheltering his family in the best way he knew how. A good defense, after all, was a solid offense. He hoped only that they would respect the decision and continue to work with him.
CALIGRACE
“Be that as it may,” she said, her tone shifting, a subtle change that she knew Every picked up on, by the way she tensed, “it’s my dead horse to beat.” The once fiery glint in her amber eyes vanished as if wiped away by a sudden storm, and she turned her focus to the ceiling as the man continued to speak. Lie after lie after lie, she thought, her fingers tightening their hold on the desk. She had risked so much to save him - them - things she hadn’t even known were something she could potentially lose. She felt the wood crack, the sound no more than a whisper, before she relaxed. This shouldn’t bother her, and yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling of -- betrayal. That was what it was. He had, in his own way, betrayed her before they had even fully begun.
Clearing her throat, she finally blew out a breath of unneeded oxygen as her hand dipped behind her, the drawer to her desk sliding open as she searched blindly. It wasn’t long of a search, and the second tin - this one black, with a small pink fox painted crudely on the metal - was produced, her thumb flipping it open with a soft clink. Before Every could react, the tablet inside was swallowed, but she tossed the tin to her right after, allowing her to see the contents before she finally focused on the man. “You lied,” she said after the pill dissolved.
“You didn’t have to lie. I would have understood.”
In truth, she wouldn’t have, not fully, but she would have understood the part that mattered. The reasoning, of course, but the rest - the history, no. She hadn’t grown up in a world of violence and war. She had been tossed into that after Freyja had snapped her spine in two, but she had learned fast. “I honestly don’t know what to say right now.” Shaking her head, she chose to run both hands through the thickness of her curls, letting them fall free down her back as she pushed herself from the desk.(edited)
She didn’t move away, instead choosing to lean back against it, arms crossed across her stomach as she hummed another note. “See that you do,” she finally said, waving her hand towards him, as if to indicate what she meant.
Change, Noah. Change, or lose everything you’re trying to save.
EVERY
Glancing between the two allurists, Every lifted a hand to pinch at the bridge of her nose. With her own temper in the mix, it was never a good thing, Every had learned. "If they're anything like my own... issues, they will. And we'll be ready for them." She finally said, opening one eye to look towards Caligrace when she heard the rustling of a tin. Her lips parted to snap at her to put it back, but instead, pressed her lips together and glare. Yes, she had her vices, she coping mechanisms, but that didn't mean she'd like them.
"After this, you're going to go see Chadwick. No arguments."
The telepathic message went quickly after she heard the woman's response.
"You're a bleeding heart, love. I've told you this." She followed up, but then looked to Noah. "From this point forward, I hope you understand that to fully understand everything - no more lies. This puts all of us into danger." Every lifted her hand to scratch at her face with her nails. She sighed. This was a mess.
NOAH
Of course he had lied. He hadn't known her, except that she was a criminal like himself and a vampire on top of that. He had no reason to trust her. Until now.
Growing up in the life he did had never left much room for trust.
Now, as he continued to rely upon her and Every, and he let them into the truth, he hoped they would see this as the olive branch that it was. That he was, for the first real time, considering them family instead of just allies.
"Agreed," he conceded. "No more lies. And if they come, I will burden that responsibility with no expectation from either of you. I would only ask that if something happens to me, you take care of my family."
The voice in her head nearly caused her to roll her eyes, but instead, she simply tipped her head in her direction, her fingers working loosely through her hair. Before she was aware, she had made a braid, and she moved behind the desk to tie it off with a small band as she made a quiet noise at Every's statement. "I suppose I am." It wasn't said with her usual charm, but she offered a hint of a smile nonetheless before her gaze traveled back to her childe.
"I can agree to that. They'll be looked after," she promised, small body falling unceremoniously into the chair that Every had vacated.
EVERY
She glanced between the two once more, considering the depth of the conversation. They were running from things. It cleared things up, yet at the same time, furthered troubled them. “You should tell them, if you haven’t. They have a right to know.” She finally spoke, drumming her nails. “Whether or not you disagree with it.”
She glanced towards Caligrace, knowing the allurist had shut down. She frowned at her. “They will. We’ve become fond of them, you need not ask for that of either.”
NOAH
"I intend to," he agreed with a nod. "I just...." Was avoiding the conversation, if he was being honest with himself. "Wanted to give them time to settle in."
Noah frowned briefly at Cali, but his features smoothed over in an instant into a comforting expression.
"You have both been more wonderful and welcoming than I could have expected. Or deserved. I can not express that enough."
CALIGRACE
"Take it from someone who was 'given time' by the person she respected and loved the most. It'll only hurt them more," she muttered, though she pulled a breath in, bringing with it the taste of pumpkin and cinnamon. I do love the fall, she thought, unaware that her thoughts had drifted into Every's mind. "Tell them the truth, Noah," she reiterated, before picking up her pen, "and of course. I told you what I would do for you. I tend to stick to my promises until I'm proven otherwise."
EVERY
Her golden eyes glanced at her childe at the telepathic comment, and then looked back to Noah. “Anything else?”
NOAH
He shook his head. "I have more questions about this Allurist nature you've both referred to, but they can wait. I've taken enough of your time," he said, already beginning to rise with his suit jacket draped over an arm.
CALIGRACE
"Just give me a bit, and we can meet up later, okay?" Her gaze lifted from the desk, and she gave another smile, but she didn't stand. It wasn't to be rude - Caligrace was still very much young at heart, and didn't often follow social cues the way that she should when her mind was overwhelmed. "I have a few more meetings lined up with buyers I have to get through. I'll text you, or have Roman hunt you down when I'm done."
EVERY
“I’ll be around, if I can answer any.” Every straightened up and then reached over to pull on the braid. She then looked at Caligrace, “Uh. No. I’m taking over those meetings and you are going to see Setzer, now go before I teleport you there.” She reminded the redhead before she looked to Noah. “Phones are on.”
NOAH
Noah nodded and took his cue, turning and walking out of the office.