It is what it is. (OPEN)

[Rose Decumbry]

Home, sweet home, how she missed it. She’d been in more places then he probably should have been in the last couple of days. She was walking down the streets, the wind whipping at her hair. Normal people (bundled up in their faux fur coats and such) were cold. Rose loved the feel of wind running through her body, feeling as if it was going to fly her away, into the night sky. She wasn’t sure what her purpose was, exactly. Maybe it was to feed; maybe it was to familiarize herself with her beloved home. Her beige colored Grecian dress picked up at her feet, billowing out almost. Her short stature some thought the dress would swallow her up, but it did the opposite; mainly because she had on some heels. A low and cold breath escaped her perfectly poised lips; she couldn’t smell anything that seemed remotely worth going after. The bad part about London, plenty of opportunities to catch a meal, but most were drugged, or walking along crowded streets. It’d be hard to lure a meal away, when it was probably surrounded by friends or someone who knew them. She found herself in a garden, one from long ago. A small gasp escaped her lips, tears instantly starting to spring up in her eyes. How could she walk in here without noticing? How could she let herself? It’d been two years, and she hadn’t stepped foot anywhere near this garden...

She turned to go, but found herself at a standstill. Her mind was telling her to go, and leave, but her legs couldn’t move, or more likely wouldn’t. A small hand went up to her quivering lips, touching them lightly. Her legs moved them, almost without her consent. She moved almost like she was floating, past the beautiful decorated posies, roses, and tulips. She found herself perching down on a bench, when feelings she’d suppressed swamped her. First, she felt anguish, depression, hurt and loneliness. Her hands held themselves, her mind shutting down, trying to block these feelings out. Then it was giddiness, and the feeling of adoration and admiration. She loved him, still did, and would never be able to forget him. And then it was anger, pure and raw anger. How could he leave her like this? Capture her heart, and hold it for so long, then drop and break it into a million little pieces? How could he ? Anthony …Rose squeezed her eyes shut, erasing the memory and name. Why was she being haunted? Why couldn’t she just possibly move on? A shuddering sigh escaped her, head tilted upwards to the sky. She knew why though, because the man up in the sky hated her. And the man underneath the ground spat her back out. So she was damned by both, meant to possibly walk the entire earth alone, drinking and killing, neither be a saint or a sinner. She was just…her. One tear spilled over her sharp cheekbone, and she knew that wouldn’t be the last. And much like her anger, when she started to cry, it was hard for her to control her thoughts, emotions, and mental health.

Her hands went up over her eyes, tilted up so that they met at her forehead. Slowly letting her eyes open, she stared at the midnight sky. He was up there, somewhere. Or was he down in his grave, his body just rotting and decomposing there. Just like her parent, just like her sisters? Just like everyone she loved in an old lifetime? She hadn’t even known her mother, except for seeing her in pictures, and that wouldn’t suffice anything. Another tear slipped, Rose bit the inside of her cheek, refusing to let herself break so easily. She’d barely even known herself anymore, and here she was, acting like a foolish child. Rose’s hands went back to smooth her unruly hair. “Why did you all leave me..Why did you all fate me to be alone? Why must you make me feel like I’m worth something one day, and make me feel horrid the next? You were supposed to love me...” Her body ached, and cried for more, begged for it. A deep anger sank deep into her body, directed at her father. “How could you? You were supposed to love and cherish me. But instead you hated me. You hated me for I looked like my mother. You hated me because I killed her! What have I ever done to you, but serve at your beck and call? I never disobeyed you, yet you hated me, not for who I was but for who I resembled. Did you ever love me once in your lifetime? Or did you only want to use me like my sisters?!” Her hands balled into fists, her lips pressed into a thing line, holding back trembling tears. “You never loved any of us...did you? You only cared about your business, and money. Never your own family!” She grabbed a punch of flowers from behind her, and threw them at the empty air. “Huh? Why? Why did you damn just me?! WHY NOT ALL OF US?! What did you hate about me so much? What the hell have I done but been your obedient little bitch?!” She let her head fall, ashamed at her outburst. No, wait, no she wasn’t. “I hate you! I hate everything you’ve made me feel, and made me become! You’re a monster!” Her body sagged against the bench, her head hitting the top part of the bench. “But so am I...” She shook her head. “I am because I am just like you. Father .” She smirked, laughing slightly. “I guess I inherited more than just your hate, anger and ability to hold grudges. Thanks a lot...oh mighty father that I used to strive to be like. Maybe if you saw me now, you’d be somewhat proud.”

She closed her head, another feeling washing over her. Hurt and the feeling of being swallowed by a hole. She could only imagine who she’d be fussing and coming clean with next. "I still love you Rose, I still want you." Her mouth gasped, several tears slipping past her guard, “No, no, no, no, no!” Her head fell into her lap, her hands buried and pulling painfully at her hair. “No, please, please don’t do this to me! I’m begging you not too!” The tears were spilling now, uncontrollably. “…Anthony...” her voice came out in short, chopped sobs. “No,” it was long and dragged out. Her body was shaking, fighting for control. “You said…I remember what you said to me. ‘And I will always love you. I promise you that I will not ever do that again.’ Meaning you’d never leave me! You’d never leave or worry me again! And I trusted you! I believed you wouldn’t hurt me. I remembered everything you ever said to me! I didn’t mean to fall in love with you! You made me believe it was possible for me to be loved. I, the monster that I am, was loved! By you! You were the first person who actually cared about me, showed me what love meant!” She swiped the flood of tears quickly, her dribbling nose and such. “And I let free of everything, everything and everyone! I let myself be free, let myself not care what others thought, or what people said. You made me feel alive all over again. Nobodies made me feel like that in forever. You were the only one...” She closed her eyes momentarily. “And then I watched you die. Watched them shoot you like an animal. You never were. You didn’t deserve to be shot. You were perfection, the perfect gentleman. The perfect boyfriend, I believed one day that I would marry you one day.” She shook her head in her hands, refusing to let herself stop. “And, I wanted no one but you. I remember what I said too.... ‘I...I will always love you, forever. No one will ever be able to replace you. No one. Even, even when you’re gone, I'll always be with you.’ And...I have for the longest time. I still do to this…this very moment...” her breath caught and shuddered. But she refused to let herself stop, despite all the tears.

“But I can’t anymore. You were my first love, my first and only. I’ve held on for the longest time, and kept making excuses to keep holding onto you. Because I was afraid to know what it felt like to be alone? Afraid to live without someone who made me feel complete.” A pained expression crossed over her features, “I was afraid to live without someone of a species I had grown to despise. I don’t despise you Anthony...just who you were...now and then.” She shook her head slowly closing her eyes. “But I have to finally move on.” She removed a red, thorny rose from the bush to her right. “Look, one of the flowers you gave me the night you came back, and expressed everything on your mind...And I did too.” She raised her eyebrows, twirling the rose around between her fingers, a thorn pricking the same spot over and over. “I’ll always have a special, reserved for you. And people like you…” Her mind instantly went to Adam, but she shook him clear. She needed a mind focused just on Anthony for now. “But I can’t give you all my heart anymore. We’re restricting me from…finding someone else. They will never replace you, but I can’t go on mourning. I’ve been mourning for two years. I’m sure even you think that’s a little long…you’d want me to be happy...right?” She nodded, wiping some stray tears, nodding quietly. “Yeah, we’ve always wanted the best for each other..Even if it wasn’t us being together.” She nodded, holding the flower up, admiring it with such admiration, and her namesake. “I’ll miss you Anthony...I’ll always care for you..Never forget you..But it’s time I move on.”

The rose slipped from her blood stained fingers, fluttering off in the gust of wind. “Goodbye,” she whispered, watching it fly away. And it was like a weight had been lifted, freed from a prison. “Thank you...” she whispered, catching the last glimpse of the crimson color, and then it was gone. She blinked, wiping away the tears, which had trickled down to almost none.

Was this how people had seen her in the last couple of months? A sorry, depressed little child? Someone who had limited herself to almost nothing? Let her become so withered, and shrunken inside, no one knew what to do with her? Yes, that was exactly what Rose had become. Some little weakling, which wasn’t what she was. She was strong, and she was dangerous. She was a vampire that had seen it all. Lived through it all as well, and like hell she hadn’t fought through everything and came out on top. “Yeah, I’ve earned my spot on this damn earth. I’ve fought to make and climb on top. I’ve been through hell to fight for what I want. I’ve fought with some of the worst and most horrible vampires, and I haven’t died.” She shook her head, angry at herself. “You’ve let people see the worst of you, Rose Marie Decumbrey, and it’s time you let them see you are no longer that person. You’re back to who you were meant to be.” A fire ignited under her eye, but simmered out somewhat. Which was…?

“Right, you’re a vampire, and an heiress. You’re strong, witty, extremely sensual, stubborn, romantic, easily angered, but you have control now. You’re no longer a monster. You are whatever you want to be. And it’s not like you can’t be whatever you want to.” She smiled, laying down to take up the entire bench. It was like she’d been reactivated, someone had restarted her. It was a feeling, she could experience over and over again. She could only die under two circumstances, a nice old wooden stake, or some hot fiery sunlight. As long as she avoided those two casualty makers, she could hit restart anytime she wanted. She could start a new life, anytime she wanted. She could live a new person anytime she wanted. But she’d have to keep the same profession, for it was mainly what she was good at. Or maybe she could attend college, but academics were never really her favorite thing. She’d been at a finishing school the main portion of her human life, so maybe she really could get married, and do what she was good at.

She smiled, the dress slowly fluttering up over her calves. A small and delicate smile lit up her face, as she tilted her face towards the sky. A whispered hum traced vocal chords, as she looked at the night sky. It was quite beautiful, the different shades and everything, with the white tinkling stars like diamonds. The diamonds that Rose could buy if she desired. She sighed, stretching her arms up over her head. “What a night...” she whispered. Now she just needed something certain, to spice it up. She giggled, how ironic. Earlier this night, she would have been dying to lay and let the sunlight consume her. But now, she was more self aware, more aware that if she wasn’t in by a certain time, she would be dust. So, the night turned out to be quite a turn around. Rose was such an odd person; even now she could admit that. And it didn’t bother her, not in the least bit. Now, she could just have fun. She had enough money to keep her going, just like that annoying and petty energizer bunny. The only good thing her father had provided her was money that would keep her afloat. And the fact that her modeling career, paid rather nicely. Her bank account had about...ten zeros. She rubbed her head; she’d need to start doing something other than being an heiress.

God, she had such a sex drive. Clenching her jaw, she pushed it down deeper into her core. She’d take care of it, by means of catching a meal. Rolling her shoulders, she closed her eyes, she’d take a little nap, which wasn’t necessary, but neither was talking to oneself in the middle of a garden that had no one but a little vampire accompanying it.

Then, a fairly unselfish idea crossed her mind. Since she was feeling overly gracious, and kind, she would transfer, around ten thousand dollars to her friends account. Ali, Inora, Phoenix, Inora’s boy toy, hell, maybe even her scandalous little friend. Evelyn, whom she hadn’t seen in quite the long time. Yes, she’d get right on it, as soon as she arrived home. Cooped up in her little attic of a bedroom, and complete the transactions, and pretend like nothing had ever happened. A smile traced her lips, home. Home was where her heart was, and always would be. No matter what happened, what challenges she faced, she’d always have a home. The home where she’d grow up and the first place she’d want to die. And her home would go down with her. No one knew the history behind that house, except Rose. Not even Ali, her great niece knew what had happened and been experienced in that house.

Though the memories weren’t always found and cheery, they were memories that would stick with Rose forever. And no one else deserved to make any memories in that house. No matter what they paid for, they money paid for it, that house would never be theirs.

She smiled, taking in the lovely scents of the flowers, taking time to inhale each and every one. The rose was her favorite, of course. Rose even smelled like roses, go figure. The entire Decumbrey line had smelled like roses, and even some of the shadings smelled like it. But they smelled like flowers over all, not one specific flower. She let her mind close off, not thinking of one specific, just there, listening to distant noises, and smelling new smells.


Apparel

[Codie Marshall]

Gently folding her arms in front of her chest as she walked, Codie breathed in the familiar scent of pure freedom as the wind blew through her chocolate brown locks. The scent of different flowers blew with it causing Codie to close her eyes momentarily to savor it. It reminded her much of her place back in Seattle when her father used to randomly buy her mother flowers and they'd sit in the middle of the table in her favorite purple glassed vase for the whole family to see. Her Father had always been a bit of a hopeless romantic at times which often got Codie wishing that she'd one day find a guy that would treat her nicely.

A smile had Crept on her face. Truth was that she had indeed found a guy... Desmond had often found a way into Codie's thoughts, he was the main character, he played an important part of the story that was her life and she enjoyed it in a sense that even though she was on her own tonight, she carried him with her, in her thoughts... and in her heart. She indeed found herself enjoying every moment she had with him, wanting to spend every waking minute with him without a moments hesitation. Codie even found herself being able to pick up his scent quite easily now... oddly enough she could sense it now, she spun around looking to see if perhaps he had followed her but no one was to be seen behind her.

Codie stopped in her tracks as she breathed in once more. It certainly was a familiar scent to Desmond, but there was something different about it. Something she couldn't quite put her finger on. If she were in wolf form she had a sneaking suspicion her ears would be fully pricked right now as she tried to make out where this unfamiliar scent was coming from. Codie found herself following it almost uncontrollably until she noticed a beautiful blond woman not too far from where she was standing. The lady appeared to be angry at something, and Codie couldn't help but vaguely hear thanks to her superior hearing as to what all the fuss was about. Already she could tell she wasn't human, her skin a familiar shade of pure pale just like her boyfriend Desmond. The scent also lingered off of her which was beginning to make the wolf inside of Codie a little jumpy.

Codie watched as the girl wiped away tears. She was never one for really crying herself, nor was she one for giving advice... especially when that came down to by the sounds of it, death. Death was something Codie wasn't used to... she had lost a few stray animals due to disease and such but never had she lost anyone close to her heart, by the sounds of this young lady. She wasn't too sure how to act... or even how to approach her, so she did it as casually as she could. Hoping to not cause a stir as she really wasn't feeling up to it tonight. She decided to keep her distance as she wasn't 100% how the girl was going to react to her, or even how Codie herself would react having now smelt the scent even more strongly. " Are you OK?" she asked softly, half expecting that her sudden voice wouldn't startle the woman being a Vampire, but she was prepared for whatever was to happen next.

Codie had never met another Vampire besides Desmond before, and she wasn't really sure what to expect from this girl. She was never one to really judge without getting to know them first, even if they were the species she was bred to hate. The thought of her brothers magically popped in her head as she thought about what they would say to her about talking to a Vampire. They were the enemy, there were no questions about it. But still... why did they make Codie so curious?

[Rose Decumbry]

The scenery, was something that Rose wanted to take and scrapbook. She’d thought she was alone, and believed she was. Rose began humming, a tune her sister’s used to when she was little. It had a slow rhythm, and many high notes. She remembered it, because it’d been one of the last things they had left her with. There’d been words to it once, but she didn’t dare to sing them. Who knew who’d stumble on her path after everything she’d said, and the way she acted tonight. She turned her head to the side, a new scent catching her overly sensitive nose. But Rose ignored it, guessing it was some lonely pup, or vampire wandering around, looking for someone to ‘chill’ with. Lids slid over her ice eyes, just taking in the sounds and smells once more. If she really wanted to, Rose could walk around with her eyes closed, given she’d been in a place she was familiar with. Like the garden, parse. And then that pesky little scent hit her in straight on like a freight train. Werewolf. How could her overly sensitive nose not have caught this before? It was sp apparent, it was almost overwhelming. Rose’s ice eyes flew open, searching and looking over everything with such an extreme scrutiny. Werewolves were good hiders, she knew that much. They were sly and cunning, much like their counterpart species.

And then a frown traced up unto her lips. What if her counterpart species, had seen her little epiphany, revelation? They were just like the paparazzi. They’d beg, tease, and taunt. But Rose had been in the spotlight for so long, and knew how to handle those who dared to poke fun at her. So like the paparazzi, Rose could handle a werewolf who thought she was a weakling, someone who couldn’t hold her feelings together. A little, lost child. But no, Rose wasn’t that at all. She was one hundred and twenty fucking one. She knew damn well what was good for her. She heard movement to her right, and the werewolf had come into view. She didn’t seem to be the mean type of person. She had an angular face, sharp cheekbones that pretty much seemed to jump from her face. A nice, perfect but darker shade of beige skin, her pallor matching her face. The chocolate brown eyes, the straight forward nose, and nice and proportionate pink lips (though a little on the small side, in Rose’s opinion). Her hair even seemed to go perfectly, long cascading brown curls that reached down to the upper part of her chest. She was small (not as petite as Rose, she noted) and seemed to have a fit enough body. Overall, she was a fairly attractive woman, for a werewolf. Rose stood, since it was the polite thing. Oh, she’d probably think Rose was some type of lost kid, from the height she stood at. She didn’t look like it...much.

Then, her voice wisped into her ears, concerned for her well being. She nodded slowly, her little head of blond bobbing up and down. “I’m fine, thank you. How are you?” Her voice was light and airy, the British accent sounding like a million little bells, chiming in harmony. This was her voice, it evens sounded childish. Rose could turn this into a little convo, not really answering the questions head on, but turning them away from her, with questions back to the other woman. See, she knew how to handle a situation like this. Without a doubt, this werewolf knew Rose was a vampire. It was all thanks to the sensitive smell they got off each other, she could have guessed. “You don’t look like you’re from around here. Visiting I presume?” She chided herself mentally then, forgetting the most important part of a conversation. Gliding, within one step, she had placed herself in front of the vampire. The perks; having some serious speed. “Forgive me; my manners seemed to have flown out the window. I’m Rose, Rose Decumbry. It’s so nice to meet you.” She leaned forward, her lips grazing the werewolf’s sharp cheekbones. “You are?” A curt little smile traced her lips, her blue eyes shimmering. What an interesting night this turned out to be indeed.

[Codie Marshall]

As the blond girl stood up, Codie couldn't help but notice how young and petite she looked. Generally Codie was the butt of every short joke growing up but this young lady was indeed smaller and appeared to be no older than 15, 16 at the most. She moved so gracefully and effortlessly that it wasn't only the scent that poured off of her that gave it away to Codie that she was in fact a Vampire. She watched her curiously, noting that what she had just saw was a subject the girl obviously didn't want to talk about as she had asked how Codie was herself. Codie couldn't help but notice the voice that had come from such a young girl also made her sound like just a young teenager... but the WAY she had spoke made her sound much older.

It had got Codie curious as to how old this girl actually was behind the beautiful human mask. She gently shrugged her shoulders in response, " well, there's no full moon out tonight" she replied as her way of saying she couldn't be any better. Codie loved being a Wolf at the best of times, when her actions were controlled by nothing but herself. The moon often frightened her but she missed seeing it's beautiful blue glow highlighting the plants and the trees through her human eyes. Now of course the only time she got to see it full was when she was locked inside a metal cage, howling... scratching... and biting to be set free by anyone with a death wish.

“You don’t look like you’re from around here. Visiting I presume?” before Codie could respond the girl had appeared in front of her within the blink of an eye, introducing herself as Rose. Codie felt her ice cold lips touch her extremely warm cheek making her feel a little uneasy... Codie had never got an introduction quite like that before, plus it didn't help that Rose was in fact a Vampire and for all Codie knew at any given moment could easily attack her. She gave her a smile before introducing herself, " I'm Codie Marshall, it's nice to meet you too Rose" Codie thought the name suited the blond standing before her, despite the fact she had just witnessed her demolishing a few of said flowers.

Codie softly sighed as she placed her hands in her jean pockets, deciding to answer Rose's previous question. " You're right too... I'm not actually from around here. I moved here from Seattle to be with my boyfriend. Let's just say not a lot of people back home approved of us together" She wasn't entirely sure if mentioning her boyfriend was in fact a Vampire would go down well with another Vamp and being as though Rose was the first one she had met apart from Desmond himself, Codie didn't want to cause any conflict. " How about yourself-" Codie begun to ask, "-hang out in the gardens most nights? or just needed a bit of a break from certain people?" she hadn't heard a great deal of the conversation Rose had had with herself only moments ago but she knew the girl was upset over something... or someone. Codie could tell the girl didn't appear to be the type to spill her deepest darkest secrets with someone she had only just met but she knew herself sometimes it was good to talk to someone... that plus she didn't want to see any more of London's gorgeous flower beds ruined, " I know I sometimes need to get away, to be on my own and collect my own thoughts" Codie was speaking the entire time as casually as she could in her usual friendly tone. Rose seemed like a lovely girl but she still was a little unsure on what her actions might in tale.

[Rose Decumbry]

Rose brushed her hand over her own cheekbone, at some stray hair. Codie made even Rose feel awkward and an ounce of insecurity. And that wasn’t saying much, but strangely enough, Codie was a unique sense of beauty. Unlike, Rose who had to prove to others she was beautiful back in her own modeling job. " Well, there's no full moon out tonight" As, so her suspicions had been proven correctly, and in fact she was a werewolf. But just the thought of the girls figure contorting into one of a werewolves’ with the fur, and the rabid behavior. She seemed to be too innocent, to hurt even a fly. But she didn’t really know what this women’ anger level was, so she didn’t have much room to judge. “I suppose you wouldn’t have to worry about it tonight, but some close night you will,” she winked, a playful hint at the nearby future. The settling sign of affection Rose shown (due to manners passed down from the 1900’s) she seemed to have made her newly founded acquaintance uncomfortable, hm. " I'm Codie Marshall, it's nice to meet you too Rose" She smiled once more, a glint catching on her fangs. Codie, a tomboyish name, she thought. " You're right too... I'm not actually from around here. I moved here from Seattle to be with my boyfriend. Let's just say not a lot of people back home approved of us together" Rose knew how it felt. To be in a relationship where no one was agreeing with your decision. Her back stiffened a not somewhat happy smile on her lips. “You can personally deliver a message from me; to them then next time you have an encounter with them. It’s not their life, so they can but the hell out. I know exactly how you feel, I’ve been there too. And if they don’t listen, well, they’re not worth having in your life if they don’t want you to be happy.” Her words slurred, but her heart spoke true. She’d never had her friends dislike someone she’d been with, but there was no saying it wouldn’t happen.

“A little bit of both,” she began, looking around, before crossing her hands. “I need some alone time in general. And this garden has always been my favorite. Ever since I was a little child, way back when. Certain people, just..I needed alone time.” She smirked, seeing through Codie’s attempts to get her to talk, which wouldn’t be accomplished. Rose was one of the most secretive people one could meet. She barely even opened up to the people closest to her even know. " I know I sometimes need to get away, to be on my own and collect my own thoughts" She shook her head, slowly, twiddling mentally with her thumbs. “Sorry. You’re not getting anything out of me, I rarely ever talk to anyone about issues in my personal life. So,” she smiled as politely as she could, “If you were looking for some explanation as to what the last part of the conversation was about when you showed up, you have high expectations.”

“Sorry, if that seemed a bit outlandish, but what you heard is not easy at all for me to express to be blatant.” She shrugged, a little bit embarrassed. “So, I’m going to take my turn and ask you a simple question. Your...Boyfriend...is a human? Based on that most werewolves’ love the sun, and those vampires can’t go out in the sun...” Rose, having dated a werewolf, knew how antsy they got when they didn’t get to go to the beach or something outdoorsy. But that was the sacrifice you made for love, giving and earning. Her eyes flickered looking Codie straight on in the eye for a few slow moments, feeling the urge she should start wearing some sunglasses. Her eyes had almost a ‘glare’ to them. She then looked away quickly, at the flowers to her left.

[Codie Marshall]

As Rose spoke about Codie not having to worry just yet about the moon being a problem, she smiled politely as her response although the thought of the moon being full in only a matter of nights sent chills up and down her spine. When she had mentioned her real reason for now calling London home, Codie couldn't help but notice the reaction she received from Rose when she mentioned people not approving of her love life. You can personally deliver a message from me; to them then next time you have an encounter with them. It’s not their life, so they can but the hell out. I know exactly how you feel, I’ve been there too. And if they don’t listen, well, they’re not worth having in your life if they don’t want you to be happy.” It felt like a sore subject by the way Rose had spoken but Codie didn't think anything of it, for probably the first time someone had actually said something positive about her relationship with Desmond. She nodded in approval to the girl's words, " I will. Thank you. You do have a good point"

Codie couldn't help but then smile as she had been caught trying to get Rose to talk, she bit her bottom lip trying to hide the fact the smile had formed on her face as she looked down at the ground... although she was sure she had already been caught out; in a way Rose reminded her of a childhood friend she once had growing up. Always keeping things to herself and twisting her words around to prevent the spotlight from shining brightly upon her. " you have high expectations" Codie shrugged followed by a nod in obviously agreeing with what the blond had said, " I have been told that before" she spoke truthfully but in a way hopefully lightening the mood. When Rose apologized however Codie shook her head, " no don't worry about it, I however am sorry I'm so pushy".

It wasn't long however that the tables had yet turned back towards Codie, this time the question had made an unexpected turn back to her relationship. Nothing Rose had said had affected Codie's feelings towards Desmond... she was right in the fact that Codie did enjoy soaking up in the warmth of the sun, like a lizard on a rock Codie enjoyed nothing more than to spend a day in it's rays. It upset her a little that she'd never get to enjoy moments like that in the arms of the man she loved. There were a few moments silence as both Codie and Rose stood there, staring into each others eyes. Codie had been pondering whether or not to tell Rose the truth, it wasn't until Rose looked away that Codie opened her mouth to speak.

" Actually he's a Vampire" she told her not even flinching a muscle, watching for Rose's reaction with curiosity. Codie was aware a lot of both species weren't keen on the idea but for once in her life... she didn't particularly care, as she continued speaking from the heart, " I left my family.. my pack.. my entire life.. just for him. The sun is nothing compared to him" The last line Codie had said hadn't exactly been directly spoken to Rose herself, instead it was as though she was talking to herself, reminding herself on how lucky she really was for finding true love. Codie smiled as she came back out of her little trip down the memory lane that lead to Desmond, playing on Rose's talents and turning the conversation back to her, " how about you? have you got a boyfriend?... married perhaps?" she took into consideration that Rose was, despite how she looked, more than likely older than herself and surely marriage was quite on the cards.

[Rose Decumbry]

Rose let her eyes open freely once more. A distant feeling of isolation growing, but she wasn’t isolated; nor would she ever be. She was surrounded by people constantly, almost every waking moment she had. And at this moment right now, she was with a found werewolf, Codie. She didn’t protest the situation, but wasn’t quite comfortable with it just yet. She didn’t let the discomfort show through on her features though; she was well at masking such things. Her eyes flickered back to Codie, holding her face with her eyes. She nodded her shortly, agreeing, that she indeed had a good point. She’d dealt with others rocky relationships, and had always been there to give meaningful advice. Too bad she’d never been able to listen to any of her own advice, with her complex relationships. But then again, some situations were just unfixable and one had to move on.

Codie’s awkwardness was one of a small child’s. The way she bit her lip, peering down to the ground. Whose hand had been caught in the cookie jar? Codie’s…A small and practical smile traced her own lip, despite feeling a little out of place herself. So Codie hadn’t been new to being called a high expectation woman? Good, that made Rose feel less like she had to apologize. And even then, she wasn’t expected to apologize. Codie must have worked her way into Rose’s system somehow. One thing was true, Rose never apologized; to anyone. And what Codie said next, didn’t vex Rose in any way. " Actually he's a Vampire" her light eyebrows elongated over her eyes, pushing into her forehead. Vampire/ werewolf relationship, she said? That wasn’t new news. She’d seen and witnessed many werewolf and vampire relationships first hand. One of her own included. " I left my family.. my pack.. my entire life.. just for him. The sun is nothing compared to him" her neck stuck out further, catching the last part of her sentence. “So basically you traded your entire life, for someone you believe you have fallen head over heels in love for?” she bit back her retorts, except two. “You’re young and naïve, Codie. Don’t automatically assume that this is true love. I thought I had it too, and woke up one day without it. And how do you know he’ll stay with you when you’re old, withered, and spotted? How do you know that he won’t go off fondling for some younger women? You don’t. I’m not trying to be snide Codie, but don’t count your chips before they actually arrive on a platter.” She held the look in her eyes, fierce, a tad angry, with little remorse. Only fools rushed head on into love.

Rose had experience with that, enough to know what she was doing, and what Codie was as well. However, the next question Codie asked her raised a defensive barrier. Though, her eyes matched Codie’s with a fierce defensiveness, remorse, and some pain. She shook her head, a tight smile on her lips. “I’ve been married once. And I believed he was ‘true love’. Back then you married into money. He married into my money, but I felt a deeper connection than that. Turns out he only lusted to drink my blood, and lust after turning me and then dumping me like trash. So I’m very cautious about who I start any serious relationship with now. Because of one silly mistake. But to answer your question, I am single.” She didn’t mean to sound prude, snobby, or arrogant, or even rude to say the least. But like Codie had just experienced, Rose was a fairly private person, and didn’t share anything personal with any other species, especially a species she had just met. And a species, who had a healthier relationship than Rose had in an entire lifetime.

[Codie Marshall]

Codie listened as Rose had begun to speak to her as though she was a child unaware of what love was. Counting softly in her head as nearly each word Rose had spoke brought out the slight anger issue Codie had learned to deal with since becoming the monster that she was. It annoyed her that Rose was quick to judge Desmond and his feelings toward her. She hadn't thought much about their future that far ahead... well, she had. But the thought that she would age within time but yet Desmond would stay the handsome Vampire she fell in love with crossed her mind. Codie waited until Rose had finished what she wanted to say, " I know he won't leave me" she told Rose, remaining as headstrong as she had ever been, " There are things in my life that I'm still to this day unsure about, but this I am certain. Desmond is different." Codie had kept eye contact with Rose... she was still a little firey but yet her voice spoke a different story, it was difficult for her to sound remotely angry. Codie was more like a placid Labrador than a werewolf at times, " I've had my share of bad relationships, believe me, I know it's risky to get involved... to even say 'I'm in love'... but if it's one thing I've learned, you have to take risks in life.. even in love... otherwise what's the point in living?"

As Rose started talking about previously being married and what had happened to her at the hands of her ex-husband, her feelings of anger softened leaving only that of pure sorrow for the girl as she finally understood why Rose was so touchy on the subject of love. It upset her that a man could do that to someone as innocent as Rose, she didn't even have a choice and he just left her, abandoned her. " I'm sorry to hear that Rose. If I ever come across him I'll make sure to turn him into my own personal chew toy" One thing Codie disliked was men that treated women badly, and by the sounds of it Rose definitely got the rough end of the stick. Codie wasn't a stranger when it came to men under the bad category either, her high school sweetheart had turned out to be a jerk for lack of better words and had cheated on her, leaving her quite judge mental toward other men.

" We've all made bad decisions, you just have to pick yourself up, know that none of it was ever your fault and move on." Codie had felt bad for Rose but she was glad that she finally had answered a question she had asked. It still felt rather strange for Codie to be talking to another Vampire apart from Desmond, the scent had been coming off her in rolls but she didn't mind. The wolf inside had calmed down, although Codie herself was still a little unsure about Rose and what her future actions toward her might be. She kept her eyes solely on the young girl standing in front of her... it was hard to believe that the scent she had been smelling was coming from her. Such a young girl, her life cut short by a Vampire Rose had thought she loved. How could anyone harm her?

[Rose Decumbry]

Rose had never been one for ‘romance’ and ‘true love’ anyway. She’d read all the novels, self teach books, none of it was true. And Rose was eager to settle down! She just couldn’t because; she had trouble finding a guy, who wasn’t just after sex. Maybe if she was uglier, a decent guy would be mildly attracted to having a monogamous relationship with her. Only a few of those strolled along, but something tragic always pulled her back from it. A death, another woman, something. And so all the hope, which had so aimlessly dwindled into her frail heart, was rotting away like acid. Maybe, in a few long years, she’d be nothing at all. And continue to be nothing, at all. Just be the epitome of a lost, wandering soul. Yes, that would be what she could possibly turn into, if she continued down this lonesome path. Rose couldn’t take anyone with her though, that just wasn’t fair to the other. " I know he won't leave me" those few, poorly spoken words struck a hidden chord in her. “Nobody knows anything anymore.” She herself stood stubbornly by her own mindset. Maybe, she’d even begrudge Codie, for not thinking like her. Of course though, not many others thought like her, but they held her trust. Codie hadn’t even breached what trust was with her. She rolled her shoulders subtly, yes, Codie wasn’t close to it. She all but switched Codie on mute, while she ranted, she’d heard it all before. What they felt was ‘real’. Rose almost wanted to say in a snarky tone, and ask what real was. She scoffed, trying her best not to hide her tone.

“What’s life worth living for? For what species? For vampires, there is one point. You keeping going till you finally fixed all your fucked up problems,” she knew swearing in company of strangers was far from ladylike, but she wasn’t feeling very ladylike at the moment. “For you werewolves it’s about living it to the fullest, because your time here is limited. Oh so limited it’s almost sick.” Her features weren’t fierce, nor her voice. It was almost amused, a whimsical tone to her voice. As she listened to Codie continue, she only tuned in, to catch the last part, that struck a deep, ringing gong, that awakened her light temper. Had she really, just said that?

“I’m going to ask you to hold your tongue, to what you just said.” Her eyes were shining now, with a deep anger. “That ‘chew toy’ of which you speak is condemned to death.” It was true, Hyde, or Anthony, but overall her sire, was sentenced to die. He had contacted her, in person, to tell her this news. Rose wasn’t happy about it, but surely wasn’t upset either. Because he had been unsuccessful in killing Rose, the bounty placer, Sevanni, needed to dispose of him. It wasn’t Hyde’s fault, exactly. He was still madly obsessed with Rose, and it’d been a long time since they’d seen each other. Rose always felt anger towards him, but now she only felt sorrow. What a condemned life, and now, this time, he really would be gone. And she could possibly end up missing him. His abusive ways, the times he tried to kill her, but could never bring himself to do it. It was his way of showing sick love. “And I’d rather have you not talk about my ex-husband in a way like he is nothing.”

[Codie Marshall]

" Fair Enough" Codie responded to Rose's sudden change of heart, still her friendly tone hadn't overly changed although on the inside she couldn't help but think Rose needed to loosen up a little bit, " I am sorry". Codie wasn't afraid of Vampires and she wasn't prepared to start now, not even the hint of anger she caught in Rose's eyes changed her mind... however tonight she wasn't looking for a fight. Within all honesty Codie didn't like to fight unless it was extremely necessary and in this case, to her, it wasn't. She broke away from Rose's ice cold glare and glanced up at the sky. It was yet another beautiful night in London, a part of her however had begun to miss her brothers back in Seattle. She could only just imagine what their reaction would be to her talking to Rose which almost brought a smile to her face.

" Anyway Rose, It's been great talking to you. But I best be off. Enjoy the rest of your night" Codie gave Rose a warm smile before turning on her heels and heading in the direction she was previously walking in to start with. Thoughts of what a tough life Rose must have lived through, what she STILL was living through, were dancing around in her head, it never occurred to her to ask Rose how old she actually was... would it be considered rude to ask a Vampire that question? perhaps they'd be like children and grin from ear to ear at the fact they were getting older. At that thought she started to think of Desmond again, had she even asked how old he was? Not that it actually bothered her, but it would be interesting to know. In fact it would be interesting to know a lot about his past.

It hadn't occurred to Codie until after her chat with Rose that her and Desmond hadn't even sat down and spoke about their pasts with each other. Codie begun to feel a little worried... she knew Desmond knew she was a werewolf, but he was yet to even see her in her shiny white coat. What if he didn't like what he saw? Codie pushed the thoughts out of her head, she didn't want to think negative anymore when it came to the two of them, if he loved her like he said he did... surely he'd except her no matter what.