Chapter Text
„Y'know kid. If I wouldn't know any better i'd say you're the one playing us all fools!“ the crowd of men around laughed heartedly at the joke. The gang around was known as 'hunters' fools who crawl around the sewers of New York city, robbing people and banks in a rowdy fashion. Yet in the more recent times the police has been finding and seizing them a lot more often, causing a disturbance in their plans and their unity and trust as a gang. The only one they could turst? That dumb child that ran their errands and gained money by looking poor.
Said child smiled lightly, naive innocence written all over his features „I wouldn't dare do such blasmephy Boss.“ he stated and shook his head „Those who do are fools.“ The man sniggered humorlessly „You and your old-speak... take your money and leave.“ he stated, handing him a small pouch. The child's bandaged and dirty hands took the bag of money and pocketed it, „Yes, Sir, thank you.“ he stated and rushed through the men before they could call him back to discuss something like a plan.
Once outside he felt the freezing cold air of Winter hit his face, something he had gotten used to by now if he had been honest, the poncho and his sweater weren't the best in the current winter times but they were better then nothing... His ears picked up a few cars coming his way and his eyes fell to black fancy cars that rolled up. He hummed as the first one stepped out, an officer. He hid in the shadows for a few seconds, watching them all step out when a woman stepped out, red long hair braided back. She must've been the leader with that badge.. She scanned the surroundings before her eyes met his. Owen's eyes widened and his heart picked up, how did she see him?! Usually no one sees him! Let alone finds him that quickly! Her gaze made goosebumps raise over his arms and back, it made him take a step back and clutch the bag strap that was wrapped around his shoulder and connected to a bag on his hip. He took another step back before he rushed into the alleyway the containers around created. His ears picked up silenced footsteps, but he didn't dare look back as he scrambled through the tight alleys. The boy climbed a fence with practiced ease and jumped out of the restriced zone, running into the city and into his all too well known alleyways. Even now he could hear the gunshots but that didn't slow him down, after all, the farther he got the better.
He took a breather when he was almost at his hideout, deciding to walk instead of run the rest of the way.
His home was an old, rundown shop. It seemed to have been one where they sold stuffed animals and knitted blankets as it still had more then enough of them. By now their glow had vanished and all of the items inside had gotten a fair coating of dust and debris. Leather pieces started peeling and some of the items had gotten munched on by moths..
A soft sigh left his lips. Well, for now he at least didn't need to worry too much about money. He grabbed the pouch and opened it. „what?“ he hissed and his eyes wavered, a few real coines mixed into fake ones. And the paper money was game money. He scowled, so much to not worrying about money for awhile.. that damned bastard.. with a low growl he emptied the pouch on the desk where he counted the coins and seperated the game money from the real pieces.. He eyed some of the stuffed animals... Could he clean them and sell them..? How much would that get him anyway?
He sighed and his head hit the table. Life was unfair.
There were those born into wealth and freedom of choice. Those who didn't have to worry about food, medicine or clothes.. He sighed, It was probably time again to sneak into the rich part of town to scavange for warm clothes they just threw out because of some irrational reason.. like a small tear..
The green sweater he had been wearing for quite some time now he also found there. But this sweater was starting to be too cold to wear in the winter time, it's fluffiness having been reduced by the continous wearing. A shiver went up his spine at the cold feeling that seethed under his shirt and poncho. Yeah, it was definitely time...
Owen eyed the coins and put them back into the pouch which he placed into his huge bag and which he then hid under bundles of old blankets. He then crawled under quite a few of them as well, rubbing his eyes to get the tiredness out of them. A soft grumble left his lips at the sensitivity under them. He had only seen it shortly, but he must've caught an infection somewhere as at the edge of them the skin was extremely irritated.. He has been hoping for it to leave by itself but frankly, without luck..
A soft sigh left him as the blankets slowly warmed with his bodyheat. The past few weeks had been.. adventurous. He doesn't even remember how he ended up with that weird gang but he needed the money... selling them out was just a.. parttime of his now. Weirdly enough this hadn't been the first time a group of thugs made him their little erranboy and each time these groups miracilously found themselves in more trouble with the police..
Heh, fools, all of them..
It was mocking how those who wanted him he ended up betraying. . . Just like how he was left back in the day. All other kids his age had people that looked after them.. what did that one boy call it? Right.. Parents. He didn't have Parents.. not that he needed them, he was doing fine by himself, thank you! His eyes opened shortly.. was he though? What was it like to have people who cared...? His eyes fell shut again. Whatever.. he needed to plan his trip into the rich part of town..
/ / /
Somewhere in the Rich part of the city there was an apartment filled with candlelight and the soft glimmer of a christmas tree, decorated in red and gold ornaments. The only things that filled the silence was a CD player in the corner of the room that was playing all kinds of chistmas tunes, the occasional mewling or purring of cats and to those with super hearing, the rustling of fabric as feet, soft and delicate danced over the mahogany floors.
The owners of the Apartment were located in the same room, despite it being a huge apartment. The female with snowwhite hair and red eyes, known for her amazing stories, Shelby, was seated on a crimson red couch with a sketchpad on her legs that had found their way onto the couch. Next to her laid a black cat which she gave half of her attention to as her hand traced through the fur delicately, the other was busy drawing the sight in front of her.
Her roommate, white hair with a bluish tone in them flowed with his movements, his dark crimson eyes were half lidded and despite his easy going outfit of a dark crimson colored sweater and some dark blue sweatpants he was dancing with grace only an immortal could achieve.
Scott...
Shelby's eyes fell to the man, entranced by his grace. Just a couple decades ago she didn't really believe in vampires.. if you had told her then that she'd become one herself or that she had to keep one in check, let alone be able to watch one dance she would've laughed at them and then sat down to write a story without giving it anymore thought.
Now though.. things were different, especially after Oakhurst. Scott had made an effort to change and its shown. Alone the fact that she got him to dance that night... never would he have done that a couple decades ago. All things that had ever concerned his past had been behind lock and key and Shelby respected that. When they had first met he was almost 1600 years old.. and frankly that was enough time for things to become traumatic or overwhelming.
Her eyes noticed a suble change in his gaze, his earlier dazed and thoughtful glimmer changed to curiosity and resulted to a glance at the windows that showed the sleeping city. She looked over the rooftops, unable to spot anything.. was Abolish around again? The first time he had spied on them Scott didn't seem to notice him, but ever since then it's become a habit that Scott noticed the male. Why she wasn't sure but.. it was nice to know that Scott was sharp as ever.
Her eyes fell back to her drawing and she continued, the pan scratching only slightly on the surface.
As the song faded out Scott let himself still. „I'm gonna get something to drink, want some too?“ he asked, making her look up „Sure thing! That'd be nice.“ she smiled, not watching as he vanished into the kitchen.
The apartment still had all the needed rooms, kitchen, bedrooms, everything. Not only incase they had guests but also if they ever ended up selling this apartment, something that Shelby hoped wouldn't happen for a veeery long time. It was a lovely and cozy apartment despite it's enormous size. With almost three floors it was one of the most expensive apartments around town! But if you asked Shelby, the big fireplace was the best thing about it in the winter.
While Vampires couldn't produce their own warmth, it sure was nice to feel it form the outside. It was like a continous hug! Or a very cozy blanket.
She smiled to herself as the cat Purred and adjusted its place against her, nudging its head against her to stretch and then relax anew.
Yeah, cozy was the right word for it all. This christmas felt unlike all the others they've had, well christmas hadn't passed yet.. there was still a couple of weeks, Novemeber just knocked on their doors but it's been awfully cold, colder then usual.. if it were to rain now they'd have their first snow!
A small grin fell onto her face at the thought of it, letting her fangs shine in the candle light.. Despite being a couple decades older now she was still not over the sight of snow falling at night where the yellow light let it shimmer like fairy dust.
She was pulled from her thoughts when a glass of crimson liquid was held under her nose. „What are you grinning about?“ came the light hearted question form her roommate. „Oh.“ she smirked and took the glass „Just thought you grew soft.“ Scott raised an eyerow and scanned her for a second before he let a soft chuckle leave his lips „Yeah right, and the truth?“ he asked, raising his glass. Shelby raised hers as a silent cheer before they both took a sip „heh, just thinking that it's already really cold and we'll probably have snow early this year.“ Scott hummed at that and looked outside. Shelby noticed his eyes zone out yet again.. He's been in thought quite often today.. „Are you okay?“ she asked making him break out of his trance „Yeah, I was just thinking that we could visit the Christmas market together with Abolish and Drift once it's snowed..“ a sharp gasp left Shelby and a huge grin grew on her face „I'll call drift!“ she exclaimed and dropped the pad and pen on the couch, racing to the stairs „NO TAKEBACKSIES!“ she called as she reached her room, her voice muffled by the sturdy walls.
Scott sniggered to himself at the exietment and shook his head, oh what had he gotten himself into... „Alright, alright..“ he mused, watching the cat pout, its tail swaying in dissapointment. With a hum he joined the cat and let his hand glide through his fur. It instantly started purring and before Scott could even settle their second cat joined them and settled in his lap. The vampire huffed but couldn't help the smile growing on his features.. his eyes went back to the rooftops, locating the prying eyes. And yeah, maybe he was getting softer.. in a good way..
/ / /
When Owen woke up he shuddered at the cold that bit at his skin. Why was it so cold and bright..?!His eyes opened slowly and the first thing that came to view was white. He raised his head and his eyes widened- snow?! Already?! He winced and tried snuggling deeper under the blankets. „oh come on..“ he whined when he felt just how cold the blankets had become.. they wouldn't warm with only his body heat now.. His only bet was to go into town and try to get something akin to winter clothes. He let his head fall back onto the old dirty floors and sighed. Great.
The boy pushed himself out of the ball of blankets and gabbed his bag and poncho before grabbing the last bits of money he had hidden. Well. Time to head out..
He hated the trip there. It wasn't just that everything there had been more then expensive, no. The people there were unforgiving. It didn't matter if it was a child or an adult, he would always get chased out in the end. The least he got was a stink eye.. that he could work with but the children could get aggressive..
Owen moved to the door and looked around before jumping over the piling snow that laid in front of his door. His eyes travelled up to the sky. At least it was still snowing.. if it wouldn't have been it would've been a lot colder which would've made the trip a lot more unbearable.
He adjusted his bag and his poncho, a shudder wrecked his body, making him hiss and start running. Maybe he could keep himself warmer this way...
His trip first brought him to one of the cheapest shops in town, buying himself a bit of bread and water there. „Thanks Sir.“ he said and was about to leave when the old man spoke up „Now hold on young lad.“ he called making him turn. „You're going out like that? Aren't you cold?“ Owen smiled „ah, we were a little short on money Sir, I'm oka-“ his sentence was cut off by an invoulentary shudder and clattering of teeth. The man frowned with worry and turned around „here lad, take this, it might not be much but it'll keep you warm for awhile longer.“ he stated, turning around with a loaf filled with meat and some greens. It was warm, practically steaming. Owens eyes went wide and he waddled back quickly, taking it from the mans hands „Th-Thank you so much!“ he squeaked and instatnly nibbled at it, letting him savour the taste of such a rare treat. The man smiled at him in pity „Of course kid, now scram before your parents see.“ Owen nodded „thank you!“ he called again and rushed away.
First he let it dissapear in his pocket to warm himself up slightly, only when he felt himself growing really hungry did he take the still slightly warm bread and ate it, slowly as ever to savour each bite. The old man was kind. He's known him for a very, very long time and he was sure that the old man had an idea that he had lied when he talked about his parents back when they had met.. He had said they had newly moved here.. well.. no one actually ended up moving to town that year which didn't help him back up his story but the old man never questioned him, not him, not his clothing, nothing.
It was rare but sometimes the man would give him treats like these.. to say he was thankful for the old man was an understatement.. but he wouldn't say anything.. he feared it'd sound weird.. you don't bite the hand that feeds you, nor do you shoo it away after all.
Around Owen people were rushing around as he cut through the city. The main city was a nice shortcut to get to the rich part of the city. Even though he couldn't buy anything himself it robbed him less time.. the only issue was that he had to risk getting spotted early by someone of the rich folk.. his eyes landed on a market not far from his place at the outskirts of the street. Christmas market? Already? He hummed, it did add up.. it snowed already and who knows what 'month' they had.. he could only guess by the festivities they presented in the windows of each shop.
He broke his own sight of the market by ducking into an alleyway. He jumped a little as he moved to keep warm and with just a few more turns he hummed in delight at the sight of lots of old things standing around on the dumping ground.
With a quick scan of his surroundings he rushed in and searched the furniture, finding necklaces, rings and other yewellery. He hummed in delight at the sight of another bag, it was pure leather, in tact and beautifully made, he couldn't see the issue with it and just like that it was already around his other shoulder. He hissed in glee at the sight of a fluffy blanket, its issue? A mere coffee stain.. he scoffed „Why throw it out..?“ he murmured to himself and quickly folded it up to grab for later. His search brought him to broken glasses, kitchen utensils and then finally „clothes!“ he hissed happily and started going through them, slowly filling his bag with new clothes. Then he found an orange hoody a smile grew on his face. It was completely in tact! It didn't even have a stain! It was as good as new! He looked around before quickly putting it into his bag, he would change into it once he was out of danger.. he noticed a group of children walk into the area making him hiss and swiftly grab the blanket before rushing into the alleyway. If he was lucky they didn't see him and he could continue to rummage..
„Hey kid.“ his heart sank. No. Oh hell no. He whirred around and stared at the much taller teen. „What are you doing rummaging through someones trash huh?“ the male growled. Owen knew that if he were to answer he'd only make it worse, but not saying anything either was... horrid. His mouth opened and his eyes fell to the ground „u-um..“ „hah! The baby can't even talk! What? Never went to school?“ another mused and the group of five moved around him. „Oh come on, look at his clothes! I'd be suprised if he even had a home to go back to.“ „Stinks like one of those homeless freaks..“ stinks? He doesn't stink! He just hadnt... a bitter expression fell onto his face, they'll get bored, surely..
„Cat got your tongue freak?“ Owen scowled.
„Aren't you one yourself?“
The boys went silent and his eyes widened, he hadn't meant to say that aloud. His heartbeat picked up, his hearing sharpened and suddenly he felt every little bit of movement around him. Oh lord what had he done.. The one behind him moved slowly „Get him“ „now hold-“ the one behind him moved, making Owen yelp and move to the side, a loud shriek leaving his mouth as something sliced through the sweater and into his sensitive skin. He dropped the blanket, seething as the older ones tried to keep the younger ones in check but without looking back he scrambled away into the alleyway. And it was a good thing he didn't look back as he heard footsteps pounding after him with shouts of names he didn't recognise. He didn't double check where he was going, he had to run. It didn't matter to where, just run, RUN!
His heartbeat was in his ears as he cut yet another corner, why were they still behind him!?
He tried a few more flukes, creating a little more of space betweent him and his pursurers but it wasnt enough as they still raced after him.
Owen raced past a trashcan where cold air rushed through a hole in his sweater and just then did he notice the warm liquid that was rushing down his side and how his sweater stuck to it. His eyes wavered. No.. nononono. They had a dagger?! He risked a short look back and yes, he saw the butterfly-knife in one of the teens hands.
He upped his pace with newfound terror, where they trying to get him killed!? Theres no way right!? But why else would someone follow someone else with a dagger?! His throat tightened, panic pooled in his stomach, the streets! Surely he'd find someone there! An Police officer or some kind of security! Surely!
Without a second thought he ran out to the city streets, yelping when he had to start doding people left and right. Just don't stop! As long as he didn't stop they couldn't get him! His eyes flickered back after a few seconds were they still behind him..? „ACK-!“ he yelped when he ran into someone, hands holding onto the coat so he wouldn't fall, hands fell to his shoulders, ensuring he'd not topple over.
/ / /
Scott eyed Shelby who was humming a tune as they walked home from the christmas market.. even though they only wanted to go on a small shopping trip that day they ended up on the christmas market and of course they found the one shop that sold things about Occults and of course Shelby finds the one book that was „lost through time“ and had to take it with her to „study“. He eyed his phone as he ensured the female wouldn't run into anyone else in her blissful state. Scott meanwhile had been waiting on Abolishes message to their invitation. If the man would be too busy..?
He looked up at the rooftops as he let his phone vanish. Was abolish even in town?
Before he could get lost in tought something small crashed into him, he gasped and held whatever it was close to ensure it wouldn't fall. Little hands grabbed his black coat and his eyes locked on a boy with brown, curly but matted hair.
He let the boy topple back slightly before he looked up at Scott „Ah, I'm so sorry! My apologies I wasn't looking where I was going! So sorry!“ he squeaked out, barely actually acknowledging him or Shelby as he already scanned his surroundings again like a rabbit getting followed by wolves.
Scott kept a hand on the boys shoulder as he noticed something odd, aside from his behavour.. he knew that face.. those brown curly hair.. those brown-red eyes and that brown poncho.. and that smell of blood.. he knew it.. wait.. blood..?
His eyes darted to where the injury was only for him to look at the boy's face again as he tried to run off „What's the hurry?“ he asked lightly, noting his frantic heartbeat and the way his whole body trembled.
/ / /
The voice was sweet but it hinted to something so much more dangerous. Owen turned to the man slowly, finally taking in the people in front of him. The man had almsot middle short white hair, dark crimson red eyes, a black-blue sleek Coat with a neatly made collar, underneath a crimson red sweater also with a collar. His black pants were also neatly tucked into his boots that showed a fluffy rim. Next to him was a woman with brighter white hair, her glowing red eyes were calculating his every move like a curious predator, she wore a beige coat with a collar, she however also wore a crimson-black scarf, otherwise she had similar black pants but beige fluffy boots.
The paper bag she held hugged to her chest seemed to hold a book.. he opened his mouth to answer only to get cut off „Yeah, what's the hurry man?“ one of the kids smiled with feigened innocence.
/ / /
Shelby frowned at the whimper that left the small boy as he stepped back and bump into her. Yet this time his eyes never left the boy. With a firm look she held the boy close to her, the blood she smelled from the boy already told her enough.. but she hadn't noticed Scott internal turmoil just yet, too busy with the nearing children. „Why don't you guys go ahead without him?“ she asked sweetly, albeit the threat being clear. „We'll talk to him for a bit.“ she soothed and held the boy more firmly by his chest.
She heard his heart hammer against his ribcage but the others quickly rushed away.
„Are you hurt? She asked handing Scott the paper bag and crouching down to the boy's level.
For the first time now she took in his features and her eyes widened slightly and if she could've she'd have paled.
The face, that skin irritation, the brown long curly hair and the smell of his blood.
The boy held the strap of one of his bags „uh.. thank you miss!“ he exclaimed and bowed his head before eyeing the ground „and- no I'm okay! I should probably get back to my mother though!“ he squeaked out and Shelby hummed lightly. He was lying.. his heart was still pounding, the way his eyes avoided everything and everyone... tsk.. „Let's go then“ she nodded and patted his shoulder in a kind and caring manner „lead the way.“
/ / /
Owen stared at her in suprsise, crap, and what now? He had to get back and retrieve the blanket.. maybe he should go in the early monring..
„s-sure“ he nodded and started walking into a random direction. But he could loose them... he's lost plenty of peole in the crowd before.. they walked for quite awhile and it was slowly getting awkward. Couldn't they just talk already?! Get distracted!? Anything?! Finally it seemed like the gods heard his prayer „Scott, why don't you give me the book again?“ she asked and that was all Owen needed, he made a sharp loop around Scott into the next alleyway before he promtply darted down and behind a trashcan. He heard the two walk past without noticing making him sigh with relief. If they had noticed he wasn't actually with someone who knows who they would've handed him over to..
He moved away from the wall and slowly made his way back to the dumpster. It was getting late.. he could still retrieve it.
Much to his luck he was able to retrieve it and nothing happened to it! With that he rushed back home. What a haul!
Once he got back it was already way beyond dark out and it had gotten colder. He quickly changed into the warmer clothes he scavanged and hummed in delight, not only were they warmer, they were a lot more comfortable! With a strech he sighed, only for it to follow by a wince as a bundle of sharp pain travelled up his side.
He eyed the earlier injury and winced as he pulled the sweater up, what was he supposed to do? ..