erzulie
cheers for spring; for life; for a growing soul
code by low fidelity.
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erzulie
cheers for spring; for life; for a growing soul
CAMBION
;; Delilah
coded by reveriee.
Cosmo
Does Not Know Kung-fu
TW // Dead Bunny/Eating Said Bunny
He ran through the forest, the sounds of his torn shoes muffled in the dirt and diluted by the mass of trees that surrounded him, his body doing the only thing it could do any longer. In his right hand, Jasper clutched a small object. It was his keepsake, his protection, his talisman and tool.. Yet it was little more then a jagged rock, chipped and sharp. Besides the rags that hung from his emaciated body, it was all he had in this place to call his own. A paltry weapon to fight the beast that lurked in shadows, but its weight gave him courage. Gave him hope. Gave him something. Something to do, something to hold to his chest and draw what little strength he could from when he collapse into a ball to sleep, huddled and terrified like some small, beaten creature. A tiny thing, so easily broke and fractured, but it was his.
Beneath the burn of his lungs, was the pangs of hunger as his stomach gnawed at itself. It twisted and churned in his gut, the pain that came to stab at the back of his mind only to recede to return again at a later time. It had been several days since he had last 'eaten', or, at least, Jasper thought it had been several days when he had found that rabbit. A.. mutilated rabbit, torn to bits and half eaten by some beast of the wild... Its flesh had already started to rot, but it had been all he had, all he had found. Hunger did things to the mind, made this that were normally unthinkable and turned them into something tantalizing, the urge to fill his belly with something, anything, overrode any hesitation the more civilized and human part of him held. Jasper had tried to 'prepare' the creature, but he had only mauled the corpse as he hacked away at it with the rock.. so he had torn into the carcass like an animal. His teeth tearing into fur and dilapidated flesh as stale, half-congealed blood had filled his mouth and trickled down his parched throat. As the bits of rabbit entered his stomach, as the smell of rotten flesh filled his noise, as the flash of realization made its way through his panic, hungry driven frenzy, Jasper retched. The flesh he had swallowed came back up in a sickly green spew, and Jasper had curled up next to the rabbit, the rabbit he had torn pieces off of, the rotten, dead little creature that had not been able to outrun its predator. The creature that was a feast fit only for insect, next to that small critter, Jasper had wept into the darkness, the sobs swallowed by the forest around him as the dense fog came to cover him in its embrace.
It had been only a few days since then, yet it felt like a lifetime to Jasper. A lifetime since he was curled up next to the rabbit. Moments stretched and blended into one another in this place. But it was out there. A twig snapped in the distance, the sharp sound carried through the forest. A spark ran down Jasper's spine as he pumped his legs harder, the muscles ached and screamed in protest, they pulled and twisted as if a moment away from shearing themselves free of his bone and tendon, but none of that mattered. The snapped twig, the rustle of trees, it had found him. He couldn't hear its breathing yet, he couldn't smell it yet, but he could feel it. In the darkness behind him, hidden in the fog, it was watching him. Those red eyes that peered out of shadows, it was here. His movements felt sluggish even as his frantic mind urged his body onward, even as the adrenaline pumped through his veins, he wasn't fast enough. He was never fast enough. It was there. It was there. His mind could almost imagine it, the jaws that would clamp down on his heel and drag him back off into the darkness. His foot caught on an unseen root and Jasper tumbled forward and skidded across the ground. The dirt, rocks and pine needles tore into his unprotected flesh. Jasper lay there a moment, his flesh stung and his breath came in harsh and labored.. And then the scent. As he lay there, on his stomach, the darkness all around him, the scent of rotting flesh and sulfur permeated the air. It was here. It had found him. It had caught him. His vision blurred as tears filled his eyes, tears of anger, fear, frustration... His grip on his rock, his possession, his salvation, was so tight that it cut into his palm. Blood dripped down his clenched fist and disappeared into the dark soil. With a deep breath, Jasper rolled onto his back, the jagged rock held above him, his eyes met the glowing embers in the darkness and he screamed.
---
Jaspers body jolted and his eyes snapped open to see darkness. Emptiness. Panic filled him and his body flailed but something was holding him down as he screamed into the night. It was all around him. It was soft and warm, but he couldn't move. As his limbs fought and tore at what held him, his mind started to piece things together. The darkness that seemed all encompassing was actually not so dark, a small ray of light spilled forth from a hole. A window. From a street lamp? He was not tied. He was not held down. A blanket. A bed. A bedroom. His bedroom. His store. Lazarus City. His labored breathing slowed as Jasper untangled himself from the blankets that clung to his sweat covered body. He was okay. He was safe. He was out. This was real. He was real. It was okay. The mantra echoed in his mind as he ran a trembling hand through the tangled mess of hair that clung to his forehead, his breath shaky and weak. Another nightmare. Another memory. His body still shook and he could still smell it. Still smell the meat and sulfur. As if his very soul had been tainted by it. His hand found the scare that marred his bare chest and laid upon it as he tried to find solace in something, anything, but even now, his mind couldn't help but wonder. What if he hadn't gotten out? What if this was another trick? Another illusion? What if it was all fake? Why would he have a store? Why would he be here? How could he have won against that creature? How... why... What if, even now, the beast was walking the world in his skin and this.. All of this, was just a prison of his own creation? No, he was okay. He was safe. He was out. This was real. He was real. It was okay.
He tried to rise out of bed, but his legs gave out and sent him tumbling to the cold floor and he let out a pained gasp as the wind was knocked from him. He pushed himself back up to his knees and tried to reach for his nightstand to steady himself, but his hand shook too much, the unlit lamp tumbled from the surface and the bulb shattered as it, too, hit the ground sending shards of glass scatting across the floor. Blindly, Jasper's hand reached and groped in the dark, scoured the top of the nightstand for the small box that held his salvation. After what felt like an eternity, he felt it. The small cardboard box wrapped in a thin, flimsy plastic shell, a pack of cigarettes, the word 'Newport' blazed on top as if the company had something to be proud of. With his prize in hand, Jasper rolled to sit against the wall, a shard of glass dug itself into his leg as he did so. The small cut bled freely, but Jasper did not care. He could not care. as his hands tried their best to stop shaking long enough for him to fish out a cigarette. After numerous attempts, and swears into the night, he succeeded. It felt good as it rested on his lip and already his body was reacting to the stimuli, the familiarity, the ghost of sensation that his mind had conditioned itself on. Jasper had no lighter. He knew where it was. In his jeans, but they were in a pile on the other side of the room. It was far away. Too far. Instead, he held his hand out in front of his face in the blink of an eye, a small sickly green flame hung over his finger. A misuse of his power and abilities, but it didn't matter. Nothing truly did. He needed this.
The smoke filled his lungs, pushed the pain and memories away, he could feel the tension flowing out of his body as Jasper relaxed against the wall. His brown eyes tried to trace the wisp of smoke that disappeared into the dark room when his chest started to heave. His breath hitched as coughs erupted forth, spittle and then blood shot out to run down the corner of his chin and splatter on the ground and his leg. Jasper could almost feel his lungs tearing themselves apart as the smoke filled them, as the black things inside of them tried to spread, to overtake more of them, to get into his blood, to drag him into the pit. Through the coughing and blood, he never took the cigarettes from his mouth, riding the heaves and body shaking coughs with an eerie ease of experience and as the attack faded, it left Jasper alone with his thoughts. Time moved, hours passed and the warm orange rays of the morning sun spilled into his room... And so did the sounds of the city. Horns, shouting, the occasional sound of a gunshot that echoed through the alleys, "Good morning, LC."
-- Several Hours Later --
Jasper hummed a wordless tune as he tapped his long fingers against the glass counter before him. He had been manning the register of his small shop for some time, but he had yet to have much success. Even his 'usual' customers; people coming in looking for 'enhancements', either physical or sexual, or the occasional junkie, were not coming in today. It was oddly quiet and almost peaceful, well, if the ability to ignore the 'sounds of the city' had been mastered. His dark eyes slid over his store, to the dusty shelves that held numerous glass jars and bottles filled with various liquids and regents, the smell of solvents and herbs that hung heavy in the air and could almost be nauseating to someone unaccustomed to it. It was a peaceful day, even the night before hadn't been all that bad, comparatively speaking, yes, Jasper was in a right good mood even if he was a bit bored. What few cases he had were mostly tied up or awaiting further development, either way, they could wait until later. The only true thing he had planned for the day was the arrival of one of his favorite return customers, the mysterious Serenity. It was that day which meant it was payday for him even if most of that pay would be going to keeping the light and water on, still, it would be nice to have a bit of pocket change for once. There was something oddly enjoyable at seeing a beautiful woman who looked so out of place in this part of the city, in his small rinky-dink shop, that just amused him to no end. She had her reasons, he was sure, but he could only wonder what outfit she would be wearing today, maybe some fancy dress that could get covered in dust? Maybe she would dress up in one of those pants suits, that would certainly make his day.
Such thoughts had Jasper doing a quick once over of himself, of his worn loafers that were three steps from falling off his feet, the faded blue jeans that had been around more then Serenity at a high class parlor and his dark grey shirt that had a small stain near the hem that, for the life of him, he had no idea what it was or where it was from. It simply was. As always, Jasper was dressed to impress the great people of the shit hole of a city they called LC. A small jingle caught his attention and pulled his mind back to reality as he spotted an older man in a faded brown blazer step into his store. The man looked to be in his sixties, perhaps seventies, after all, once someone went over the hill, it was rather hard to see how far over it they had gone. His skin was pale and while he wore a faded brown blazer, it was clean and pressed. The trousers were in similar shape, but it was the shoes.. the shoes that gave the unknown man away. Shiny, clean, pressed. In just a few moments, Jasper took his measure of the man. A man who came to his small store in a bad part of town in order to buy something he was not supposed to, a man who had picked out his worst and oldest clothes to try and blend in but could not bring himself to wear rags on his feet. A silly thing to do that could get the man mugged if he took the wrong corner after leaving this fine establishment.
"Good day," Jasper said as he offered a sly smile, "How may I help you?"
"O-Oh, yes," The older man said as he ran his fingers through one another as a rather nice watch clung to his thin wrist, his eyes darted back and forth in the store, Jasper almost pitied the man, he looked so out of his element, "Hi there, I am looking for some stuff and I was told that you are the best in town."
"Oh, you flirt," Jasper said as he waved the compliment away, "You're already in my house, you don't have to butter me up, but you're right, we are the best in town.. For those on the lower end budget, you know, your crackpots, your crazy cat ladies, the right kind of people, but anyways, how can I help?"
"So, its my anniversary coming up," the man looked down at the glass counter between them, desperate to avoid eye contact, "And its been awhile so I was wondering if you had anything that could help..."
"Help free willy? Help man the oar? Sail the ol' titanic?" Jasper finished for him, it was a common request, honestly. People thought warlocks and witches sold deadly poisons and special potions, but when push came to shove, most people wanted the same shit. Something to make them feel better, something to make their 'performance' better, it was almost depressing. He wasn't sure what this old man did, perhaps a retired banker? Someone with money and a bit of power who wasn't used to being out of his element. But more to the point, it should have been easy for such a man to get some pills from his doctor to take care of it... which meant his doctor wasn't letting him. Something wrong with his heart, no doubt.
"I wouldn't have said it like that," The older man said, his lips tight in a frown.
"I mean no disrespect," Jasper said as he held his hands up in mock surrender, "How long y'all been together?"
"Long time, only been married for six years though," he said, a small smile flittered its way across his face and his eyes lit up. A smile found its way onto Jasper's face too, he knew that face. He mourned that face.
"So what's his name?" Jasper asked as he let his chin rest in the cup of his hand.
"James," the name was said with a bit of pride and yet a hint of possession as if the man was ready to fight him over the very use of it.
"Lovely name, my own anniversary was last week," Jasper said, the words flowing out like a gentle stream, "Divorced now though."
"That's a shame.""Right shame. Good old Janet. Was fucking our neighbor. Good guy, that Bill. Used to loan tools to me. You know we once went to a cowboys game together? Crazy right, out drinking a warm beer and watching the game, next thing you know, he is doing push ups on your wife in the bed you've shared for eight years," Jasper said, almost wistfully.
"T-That's a shame, but... About m-," the man started again but Jasper cut him off, "And the divorce was brutal. Man, her lawyer was better the mine. She got the house, both kids, she even got our dog. Our dog! She didn't even like her! But, hey, its okay, sure I may pay out the ass for her and Bills new place, but I am living it large here in LC in this fine mansion of mine. Can you smell that?" Jasper asked as he sniffed the air, the air clogged with the sent of musk and an assortment of herbs, "That is the sweet aroma of victory."
"I'm glad you are... Happy, but about my-" The man tried again, his eyes almost pleading for someone, anything, to save him from this story form a strange man that was vastly oversharing.
"Yea, your penis meds, I know," Jasper said as he let out a defeated grunt, "See on that shelf right there? Those dark bottles filled with that red stuff? Bring one to me please."
As the man did as he was bid, Jasper fished out another, smaller, bottle from under the counter. When the man returned, Jasper took it and placed it next to the other. He made a show and waved his hands over the bottles and uttered random gibberish and nonsense, the words meant nothing, there was no magic or spell he was doing, it was all just showmanship that 'normal' people expected to happen. After a few minutes to let the magic 'cook', Jasper held up the two bottles, "Alright, see this one," he said as he shook the larger bottle filled with red dust, "this is for your lil buddy. Sprinkle a bit of it on your food before you eat, and yes, you better eat with it, trust me. It'll happen quick, so make sure you eat quick too so you still have time to brush your teeth before you dive in, got it?" Jasper demanded and didn't continue until the man nodded.
"Now this one," Jasper said as he held the other, the small bottle was filled with an odd, almost mercury-like liquid that seemed to glimmer in the light, "Is for your heart. Put a tiny drop of it in your water, coffee, tea, whatever the hell you drink in the morning. Do not use the powder unless you have used the potion, the last thing I wanna do is see your picture in the obituaries, you get me?"
As the man once again nodded, Jasper smiled, "After a few days, you'll feel a lot better, but just because you feel better doesn't mean you stop taking the potion, you get me? When you are about to run out, come back and get a refill. Now, it goes without saying, but you didn't get this from me, okay?" Honestly, it was crazy for Jasper to offer it. The elixir was.. expensive, to say the least, and he was giving it to some old man so he could get laid. A small part of him screamed at his stupidity, but it was also nice. Somewhere in this shit filled city, two people would be happy and that was two more people then there was this morning.
After they settled up and Jasper put the pittance of cash away, he gave the old man a wink, "By the way, my name is Jasper, tell James I said hey, if your erection last for more then four hours, you're welcome. Now skedaddle, I am expecting a call from my ex about Jim."
"You mean Bill?" The older man asked, his brow furrowed with confusion.
"Nah, Jim," Jasper lied smoothly, "Jim was our FedEx guy, my wife had a voracious appetite... I never had the heart to tell Bill."
Mentioned:
deer
idiot
𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥.
♡design by dreamglow, coded by uxie♡
chamomile
frond-shaped
♡ hidden tabs & hidden scrolls ♡
click name
devon.
♡ coded by uxie ♡
Last edited:
BOKEH.
❀ ❀ ❀
dreamglow
𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗼
kashbambi
boogie woogie wu
I'M THE GIRL YOU'D DIE FOR !
brunnea
haze
location
vixen city strip clubmentions
n/ainteractions
n/atags
n/acoded by reveriee.
demonology
𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒎𝒚𝒕𝒉.
deer
ғɪɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴡɪɴɢs & sᴏᴀʀ
sincerely, serenity
xxxxThe in-between moments from the waking city's first light to sunrise had been considered soothing to the mercreature. Serenity managed to derive some comfort from the atmosphere as it tingled with her sense of childlike wonder. She felt it had been a hush-hush secret to find peace in the calm and the quietness of the bustling metropolitan city. Her heart will always belong to the ocean. However, she knew her past must remain out of sight and out of mind like sunken treasures scattered and lost in the bottomless sea.
A gentle mew shifted her attention from absentmindedness to the woman snuggled against her lap. Fair, golden hair laid messily across the sleeping female's small, angular face. Underneath the mop of hair held none other than Vanya Rothchild of Rothchild Enterprise. In a drunken stupor, the woman needed Serenity's services. From Vanya's incessant babbles and whines, Serenity pieced together that she and her fiance debated over property and the size of her wedding ring. The topics her clients often complained about were ones Serenity would never come to grasp. Regardless, she listened in silence and patiently accompanied them during their most vulnerable moments and time of need.
Unfazed by Vanya's actions of attempting to snuggle closer to her to find warmth, Serenity reached across her sleeping form, softly pulling over the blanket. In one, fell careful motion, Serenity maneuvered herself away from the woman, placing a pillow underneath her head as she stood, stretching her arms, legs, and neck. How long she sat there on the couch; she didn't know.
Time seemed to stand still whenever she was alone. Serenity didn't have to use pretense and smiles to uncover the secrets and deception. Humans were curious creatures. While supernaturals were supposed to have found their haven in Lazarus, death and dropped bodies seemed to be closer than ever.
As she glided across the wooden floors bare-foot, Serenity stared out the window, brows furrowed. Has there been another murder? Her cover-up loosely draped over her shoulders, exposing her soft skin against the sunlight. Light shone through the drawn, silk curtains and Serenity stood, contemplating her next move. It didn't fall on deaf ears, at least for Serenity, regarding the news of the deceased. Although Serenity was not a detective, her curiosity got the best of her. Would she fall victim one day? Connections and traces were hard to find. However, Serenity knew Lazarus was more than what it appears to be. It doesn't do well to bode on things she had no control over. For a while, Serenity decided to remain under the radar, refusing to bring attention to herself. After all, she had a mission and wouldn't stop until it's finished.
Barely dressed to stroll outside Vanya's apartment complex, Serenity didn't pay any mind as long as her feminity remained covered with dark lace. The rest of her outfit, however, was a mixture of see-through mesh and a sequins. Time to leave. Without saying goodbye and announcing her departure, Serenity took the cash owed to her from the coffee table and made her way out the door.
xxxxAs usual, Vanya's driver was waiting for her, alert and ready to go.
"Miss," The driver Marc signaled, opening the door for her to get inside, "please."
Her lips curved into a soft smile as she nodded, keeping her gaze upon him. While Marc rarely stared into her eyes, she noticed his Adam's apple move, seemingly gulping back his nerves. Before settling inside the vehicle, Serenity kept her posture at an angle and more towards him before placing a gentle hand on his chest as she leaned in close.
"Good morning," Her sultry voice whispered, "Marc." His name slipped through her tongue like sweet butter.
With her free hand, Serenity delicately traced Marc's black suit. Her fingers trailed his suit before she found what she was looking for, his front pocket as she slipped in a bill for his services.
While Serenity appreciated Vanya's thoughts, she was uncomfortable with her employers knowing where she lived. Alternatively, she urged her clients' drivers to drop her off on Silver Crest Blvd where she worked. Although Serenity allowed herself to get inside the car, her eyes continued to watch the scenery change in a flurry of colors in a blur of motion. Once Marc reached her desired destination, Serenity got out and waited for the car to drive away from her line of vision before walking in the opposite direction.
From there, Serenity made her way around. With each step she took, she felt as if she was walking on pins and needles. A hiss threatened to escape her lips. However, she bit her lips before she could let out a noise. Is it that time already? Regardless, Serenity should have known nothing last forever. McKaine often explained the side effects of the ointment. However, Serenity didn't heed the warning signs. She pushed forward, refusing to let her body control her. With each breath she took, sharp, shocking pains ignited through her veins as she continued her trek. The mercreature could feel stares as she moved along the streets but made it to Golden Oaks before heading near Free Field to Becker Street.
However, as Serenity walked closer towards McKaine's Tonic, Materials, and Investigations, Oh my! shop, she noticed an older man leaving the shop. Judging from his facial expression, Serenity assumed McKaine gave him what he needed. His face appeared flush though his eyes filled with mirth as he stared at the two bottles. One bottle filled with red dust while the other sparkled in the light, mercury in color and beautiful. A soft smile displayed on her lips as she passed by the older man. At the corner of her eye, Serenity noticed his entire face beamed bright red, feeling his stare at her back and perhaps, her clothing choice. Cute.
A small giggle had escaped Serenity's lips before she opened the door of Mckaine's shop. From the moment she walked in, a smell of herbs and liquid-filled the air. The sound of the door bell gained her attention as she looked up. Tilting her head, Serenity curiously tapped on the bell, listening to the noise before mimicking the sound. Her nose twitched as she tried getting accustomed to the scents. But, keeping the odor in the back of her mind, Serenity shook her head and made her way around the shop, eyeing the different tonic and potions displayed on the shelves. However, what caught her eye the most was pressed leaves and herbs in smaller jars.
"Jasper?" Her voice called out, eyes searching for the shopkeeper.
But, as she continued browsing the shelves, her fingers delicately touching the jars as she passed. Serenity found a mirror and immediately frowned as she noticed how pale she looked. The color drained from her face. Her lips cracked. Was it thirst? Or, had her ailment caused this? Every month was a new symptom. However, Serenity brushed her thoughts aside.
"There are a few things I'd like to purchase. Could you brew some tea? Something to numb.. the pain."
Serenity didn't wait for an answer. Instead, she took a stool in the corner of the shop and moved it to the counter. She sat down gently, legs exposed, careful to not make any more sudden movements. Her pain alleviated for a brief moment since she wasn't walking. But, she knew she wouldn't be able to make it back to her apartment without having something to relieve her pain first. Collapsing wasn't on her list of things she wanted to do.
location: Jasper McKaine's Shop ( Becker Street in Free Field ) | with: Jasper McKaine | tags:
Cosmo
A gentle mew shifted her attention from absentmindedness to the woman snuggled against her lap. Fair, golden hair laid messily across the sleeping female's small, angular face. Underneath the mop of hair held none other than Vanya Rothchild of Rothchild Enterprise. In a drunken stupor, the woman needed Serenity's services. From Vanya's incessant babbles and whines, Serenity pieced together that she and her fiance debated over property and the size of her wedding ring. The topics her clients often complained about were ones Serenity would never come to grasp. Regardless, she listened in silence and patiently accompanied them during their most vulnerable moments and time of need.
Unfazed by Vanya's actions of attempting to snuggle closer to her to find warmth, Serenity reached across her sleeping form, softly pulling over the blanket. In one, fell careful motion, Serenity maneuvered herself away from the woman, placing a pillow underneath her head as she stood, stretching her arms, legs, and neck. How long she sat there on the couch; she didn't know.
Time seemed to stand still whenever she was alone. Serenity didn't have to use pretense and smiles to uncover the secrets and deception. Humans were curious creatures. While supernaturals were supposed to have found their haven in Lazarus, death and dropped bodies seemed to be closer than ever.
As she glided across the wooden floors bare-foot, Serenity stared out the window, brows furrowed. Has there been another murder? Her cover-up loosely draped over her shoulders, exposing her soft skin against the sunlight. Light shone through the drawn, silk curtains and Serenity stood, contemplating her next move. It didn't fall on deaf ears, at least for Serenity, regarding the news of the deceased. Although Serenity was not a detective, her curiosity got the best of her. Would she fall victim one day? Connections and traces were hard to find. However, Serenity knew Lazarus was more than what it appears to be. It doesn't do well to bode on things she had no control over. For a while, Serenity decided to remain under the radar, refusing to bring attention to herself. After all, she had a mission and wouldn't stop until it's finished.
Barely dressed to stroll outside Vanya's apartment complex, Serenity didn't pay any mind as long as her feminity remained covered with dark lace. The rest of her outfit, however, was a mixture of see-through mesh and a sequins. Time to leave. Without saying goodbye and announcing her departure, Serenity took the cash owed to her from the coffee table and made her way out the door.
xxxxAs usual, Vanya's driver was waiting for her, alert and ready to go.
"Miss," The driver Marc signaled, opening the door for her to get inside, "please."
Her lips curved into a soft smile as she nodded, keeping her gaze upon him. While Marc rarely stared into her eyes, she noticed his Adam's apple move, seemingly gulping back his nerves. Before settling inside the vehicle, Serenity kept her posture at an angle and more towards him before placing a gentle hand on his chest as she leaned in close.
"Good morning," Her sultry voice whispered, "Marc." His name slipped through her tongue like sweet butter.
With her free hand, Serenity delicately traced Marc's black suit. Her fingers trailed his suit before she found what she was looking for, his front pocket as she slipped in a bill for his services.
While Serenity appreciated Vanya's thoughts, she was uncomfortable with her employers knowing where she lived. Alternatively, she urged her clients' drivers to drop her off on Silver Crest Blvd where she worked. Although Serenity allowed herself to get inside the car, her eyes continued to watch the scenery change in a flurry of colors in a blur of motion. Once Marc reached her desired destination, Serenity got out and waited for the car to drive away from her line of vision before walking in the opposite direction.
From there, Serenity made her way around. With each step she took, she felt as if she was walking on pins and needles. A hiss threatened to escape her lips. However, she bit her lips before she could let out a noise. Is it that time already? Regardless, Serenity should have known nothing last forever. McKaine often explained the side effects of the ointment. However, Serenity didn't heed the warning signs. She pushed forward, refusing to let her body control her. With each breath she took, sharp, shocking pains ignited through her veins as she continued her trek. The mercreature could feel stares as she moved along the streets but made it to Golden Oaks before heading near Free Field to Becker Street.
However, as Serenity walked closer towards McKaine's Tonic, Materials, and Investigations, Oh my! shop, she noticed an older man leaving the shop. Judging from his facial expression, Serenity assumed McKaine gave him what he needed. His face appeared flush though his eyes filled with mirth as he stared at the two bottles. One bottle filled with red dust while the other sparkled in the light, mercury in color and beautiful. A soft smile displayed on her lips as she passed by the older man. At the corner of her eye, Serenity noticed his entire face beamed bright red, feeling his stare at her back and perhaps, her clothing choice. Cute.
A small giggle had escaped Serenity's lips before she opened the door of Mckaine's shop. From the moment she walked in, a smell of herbs and liquid-filled the air. The sound of the door bell gained her attention as she looked up. Tilting her head, Serenity curiously tapped on the bell, listening to the noise before mimicking the sound. Her nose twitched as she tried getting accustomed to the scents. But, keeping the odor in the back of her mind, Serenity shook her head and made her way around the shop, eyeing the different tonic and potions displayed on the shelves. However, what caught her eye the most was pressed leaves and herbs in smaller jars.
"Jasper?" Her voice called out, eyes searching for the shopkeeper.
But, as she continued browsing the shelves, her fingers delicately touching the jars as she passed. Serenity found a mirror and immediately frowned as she noticed how pale she looked. The color drained from her face. Her lips cracked. Was it thirst? Or, had her ailment caused this? Every month was a new symptom. However, Serenity brushed her thoughts aside.
"There are a few things I'd like to purchase. Could you brew some tea? Something to numb.. the pain."
Serenity didn't wait for an answer. Instead, she took a stool in the corner of the shop and moved it to the counter. She sat down gently, legs exposed, careful to not make any more sudden movements. Her pain alleviated for a brief moment since she wasn't walking. But, she knew she wouldn't be able to make it back to her apartment without having something to relieve her pain first. Collapsing wasn't on her list of things she wanted to do.
location: Jasper McKaine's Shop ( Becker Street in Free Field ) | with: Jasper McKaine | tags:
Cosmo
Cosmo
Does Not Know Kung-fu
Jasper leaned over the glass counter, his face almost inches above the thick notebook with various sticky notes stuck on the seams, the large book was almost chaotic in appearance as the sticky notes, although different colors, seemed to have been stuck in with little regard or actual organizational purpose. The pages were filled with lazily written red and black numbers that fell in columns to a sum at the bottom of each, usually, in a blaring red that almost squawked on the page in protest or, perhaps, were jeering up at him to mock him in his failure. But this time was different, if he took into account Serenity's purchase today, and he was already factoring it in as while the woman may seem mysterious and distant, she was nothing if not consistent when it came to her medication, then he'd be in the black. In the fucking black. Not that he didn't have debt that lurked in the shadows ready to devour him and the small shed he called a home, but that debt was all, reasonably, manageable. He would be able to make his payments, which included the renewal of a few retail licenses. Of course, the 'great' LC had bodies pilling up in the streets, vampires that were really just a bunch of shitty teenagers who never grew out of their goth phase and still thought sex and acting mysterious made them 'interesting' as they kept sucking everything that moved, either vampirically or... the other way, that was all fine and acceptable, just as planned, but one small shop owner be a day late to renew some slip of paper? Hell no, city would come down with the fury of a thousand suns to burn his ass with outrageous fines he'd never be able to pay. But not this time, this time he had it covered, he'd even be able to eat something halfway decent, be able to keep Netflix on for another month and, by god, maybe even splurge a little on something. The question was.. on what?
The small, dented bell on the front door gave a restrained chime as the door was opened, but Jasper didn't look up. There was a new scent that seemed to float through the air, like a fresh sea breeze that rolled across the sand, his entire being seemed to come alert as the hairs on his arm stood up and he became acutely aware of the other presence in his shop. Serenity had arrived. It was a pretty common feeling, thanks to her.. lineage, she had a certain aura and feel about her that had an instinctual effect on just about anyone and Jasper was no different. Or well, he could be, but fighting against something that was fairly harmless was not exactly worth the effort in doing. He didn't quite have the necessary amount of male pride to balk at the mere idea of someone else being able to effect him, plus, it was not like he had much to fear from the woman. Broke people living in a tiny apartment above their barely afloat store weren't exactly the kind of people that drew such women's attention. He was safe in his own mediocrity as was the intent. While Jasper's eyes never left the pages as he continued to jot numbers down, his head tilted slightly when the bell chimed again. Well, it did, but didn't. It sounded almost exactly like it, but it lacked a certain metallic note to it and he doubted anyone that lacked his insane paranoia would have noticed it, she was mimicking his door bell? God, mermaids were weird. This is why he liked humans. No weird powers, just weird people.
"Here," Jasper said as he waved his free left hand in the air halfheartedly, but he still did not look up from his ledger, "Give me a minute. Got super important business to take care of, moving my money around my Cayman Islands accounts. Don't want the wife finding out how much I am actually worth cause fairly sure she is about to leave me for our gardener. Really, its my fault, never get into business, or marriage, with family."
What would he spend some money on? He could use some new pillows, his own were in pretty rough shape. Maybe a new toothbrush? While some people planned get togethers and to go to clubs with their paychecks, Jasper was more interested in planning a date with an Amazon Shopping Cart. Oh! Oil. He hadn't changed Daisy's oil in a long time. Yea, that sounded nice. A day just for him and his gal, get some of the primo stuff. The pen in Jasper's hand relaxed as he felt something akin to excitement bubble in his chest, oh yes, he was gonna change the fuck out of that oil then just drive around the city for a few hours, mostly because there would be an hour worth of traffic, and just spend some 'him' time. His ears perked up when Serenity spoke again, her soft voice almost seemed to swim through the air, to touch and then recede like the tide upon the shore and once again he became painfully aware of exactly where she was in the store without even having to look up. It was a heat, an awareness that permeated within his body, it was little wonder she was so successful in her profession. She wanted to buy a few things? He could possible have even more money then he had planned? That was so odd, Jasper hadn't known it was December already.
"Tea? Sure thing, you know what is crazy, when I was a kid, everyone wanted to be Batman which I thought was insane. Batman was just some handsome, rich guy who was in perfect shape who beat up villains, anyone can do that, but Alfred? Now that was what I wanted to be. Not just anyone could brew a perfect cup of tea and keep the house tidy. Now, I know what you're thinking, 'that is silly, you couldn't be an Alfred,' but a kid had dreams, you know?" He said as the sound of a stool being moved through the store acted as a backdrop for his false story.
Finally, Jasper tore his eyes dark brown eyes from the ledger and up to his customer and the pen slipped out of his hand to slowly, painfully, roll across the surface of the counter and clatter against the ground. What the fuck was she wearing. Mesh, lacy fabric, some kind of scale things that he was sure had some stupid name but he had no idea what that name was, barely covered her body. The outfit left little to the imagination, yet at the same time, denied just enough to be infuriating, to stroke the primal flames that had long since died down to embers in his chest. Her long dark hair fell in waves around her, the way she perched on the stool, perhaps unknowingly, showed off the soft skin and curves of her body, even the curve of her neck as she looked at him was... oddly distracting. Words floated through his head, insults and jabs, words constructed in self defense, words such as, 'You are supposed to dress for the job you want, not the job you have,' or 'I'd hate to see the other guy.' But when his mouth opened to say such things, things to return the balance to his life, what came out was a strangled mess of sounds, "Mm, I-You.. Hn. Hn," the words and voice sounded alien to his own ears. Like they belonged to someone else. Some idiot who was so sad and alone that the first person to pop up in his store with anything revealing had him at a loss for words, that sad idiot was not Jasper.
As his dark eyes continued to take her in, he finally took notice of what mattered. Her face, although painfully beautiful as if carved from jade, was pale, her lips, full and seductive enough to make her one of the most wanted women in the city, were cracked and the final words of what she said, what felt like an eternity ago, finally came through. Numb the pain. Right, he was being stupid. He wasn't a randy teenager that sought to put their dick in the first thing to move in his general vicinity, he was Jasper. The things she, and that outfit, had evoked within his soul were not for him. Not anymore. He was fine. He was always fine. He would always be fine. Jasper had known something most people would go their entire lives without feeling, he had loved. Truly loved. Even if it had been for a short while, he was content with what he had experienced and preferred the company, and safety, of the ghost of his memories to the brief flights of fancy that nearly everyone in this city seemed to dally in... Not that Serenity, of all people, would ever be interested in someone like him. Would defeat the entire purpose of Jasper McKaine if she had been, as silly as such a notion was to ponder. Such an event happening would make him question reality, make him question himself... Make him ponder things that shouldn't be pondered because he was real, he was alive, this was real, he was fine.
"Right, tea. Sorry about that, I'll take care of it. I'll have to run upstairs, so just sit here and if someone enters, just pretend your my... accountant and nothing sordid is going on but we'd appreciate them not telling anyone." Jasper said, falling back onto lies and humor to rebuild the walls around him. To return to safety.
Interacting:
deer
The small, dented bell on the front door gave a restrained chime as the door was opened, but Jasper didn't look up. There was a new scent that seemed to float through the air, like a fresh sea breeze that rolled across the sand, his entire being seemed to come alert as the hairs on his arm stood up and he became acutely aware of the other presence in his shop. Serenity had arrived. It was a pretty common feeling, thanks to her.. lineage, she had a certain aura and feel about her that had an instinctual effect on just about anyone and Jasper was no different. Or well, he could be, but fighting against something that was fairly harmless was not exactly worth the effort in doing. He didn't quite have the necessary amount of male pride to balk at the mere idea of someone else being able to effect him, plus, it was not like he had much to fear from the woman. Broke people living in a tiny apartment above their barely afloat store weren't exactly the kind of people that drew such women's attention. He was safe in his own mediocrity as was the intent. While Jasper's eyes never left the pages as he continued to jot numbers down, his head tilted slightly when the bell chimed again. Well, it did, but didn't. It sounded almost exactly like it, but it lacked a certain metallic note to it and he doubted anyone that lacked his insane paranoia would have noticed it, she was mimicking his door bell? God, mermaids were weird. This is why he liked humans. No weird powers, just weird people.
"Here," Jasper said as he waved his free left hand in the air halfheartedly, but he still did not look up from his ledger, "Give me a minute. Got super important business to take care of, moving my money around my Cayman Islands accounts. Don't want the wife finding out how much I am actually worth cause fairly sure she is about to leave me for our gardener. Really, its my fault, never get into business, or marriage, with family."
What would he spend some money on? He could use some new pillows, his own were in pretty rough shape. Maybe a new toothbrush? While some people planned get togethers and to go to clubs with their paychecks, Jasper was more interested in planning a date with an Amazon Shopping Cart. Oh! Oil. He hadn't changed Daisy's oil in a long time. Yea, that sounded nice. A day just for him and his gal, get some of the primo stuff. The pen in Jasper's hand relaxed as he felt something akin to excitement bubble in his chest, oh yes, he was gonna change the fuck out of that oil then just drive around the city for a few hours, mostly because there would be an hour worth of traffic, and just spend some 'him' time. His ears perked up when Serenity spoke again, her soft voice almost seemed to swim through the air, to touch and then recede like the tide upon the shore and once again he became painfully aware of exactly where she was in the store without even having to look up. It was a heat, an awareness that permeated within his body, it was little wonder she was so successful in her profession. She wanted to buy a few things? He could possible have even more money then he had planned? That was so odd, Jasper hadn't known it was December already.
"Tea? Sure thing, you know what is crazy, when I was a kid, everyone wanted to be Batman which I thought was insane. Batman was just some handsome, rich guy who was in perfect shape who beat up villains, anyone can do that, but Alfred? Now that was what I wanted to be. Not just anyone could brew a perfect cup of tea and keep the house tidy. Now, I know what you're thinking, 'that is silly, you couldn't be an Alfred,' but a kid had dreams, you know?" He said as the sound of a stool being moved through the store acted as a backdrop for his false story.
Finally, Jasper tore his eyes dark brown eyes from the ledger and up to his customer and the pen slipped out of his hand to slowly, painfully, roll across the surface of the counter and clatter against the ground. What the fuck was she wearing. Mesh, lacy fabric, some kind of scale things that he was sure had some stupid name but he had no idea what that name was, barely covered her body. The outfit left little to the imagination, yet at the same time, denied just enough to be infuriating, to stroke the primal flames that had long since died down to embers in his chest. Her long dark hair fell in waves around her, the way she perched on the stool, perhaps unknowingly, showed off the soft skin and curves of her body, even the curve of her neck as she looked at him was... oddly distracting. Words floated through his head, insults and jabs, words constructed in self defense, words such as, 'You are supposed to dress for the job you want, not the job you have,' or 'I'd hate to see the other guy.' But when his mouth opened to say such things, things to return the balance to his life, what came out was a strangled mess of sounds, "Mm, I-You.. Hn. Hn," the words and voice sounded alien to his own ears. Like they belonged to someone else. Some idiot who was so sad and alone that the first person to pop up in his store with anything revealing had him at a loss for words, that sad idiot was not Jasper.
As his dark eyes continued to take her in, he finally took notice of what mattered. Her face, although painfully beautiful as if carved from jade, was pale, her lips, full and seductive enough to make her one of the most wanted women in the city, were cracked and the final words of what she said, what felt like an eternity ago, finally came through. Numb the pain. Right, he was being stupid. He wasn't a randy teenager that sought to put their dick in the first thing to move in his general vicinity, he was Jasper. The things she, and that outfit, had evoked within his soul were not for him. Not anymore. He was fine. He was always fine. He would always be fine. Jasper had known something most people would go their entire lives without feeling, he had loved. Truly loved. Even if it had been for a short while, he was content with what he had experienced and preferred the company, and safety, of the ghost of his memories to the brief flights of fancy that nearly everyone in this city seemed to dally in... Not that Serenity, of all people, would ever be interested in someone like him. Would defeat the entire purpose of Jasper McKaine if she had been, as silly as such a notion was to ponder. Such an event happening would make him question reality, make him question himself... Make him ponder things that shouldn't be pondered because he was real, he was alive, this was real, he was fine.
"Right, tea. Sorry about that, I'll take care of it. I'll have to run upstairs, so just sit here and if someone enters, just pretend your my... accountant and nothing sordid is going on but we'd appreciate them not telling anyone." Jasper said, falling back onto lies and humor to rebuild the walls around him. To return to safety.
Interacting:
deer
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