[right][sub]Collab with [@TootsiePop][/sub][/right]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Tebwq3S.gif[/img]  [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/190630/084a8ed2648046633da52a6a00a7c745.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/kaq4Mfi.gif[/img][/center]
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[indent][b]"All of it, miss?"[/b] a very confused voice said through Amelia’s phone. [b][color=ed1c24]"Yes. All of it. And get me an apartment. In Manhattan. Near-"[/color][/b] She wanted to say near central park. But who would pay that? She was cut off from her mother's money. Sure, she had her own savings but those wouldn't cover one of the most expensive penthouses. She let out a heavy sigh. [b][color=ed1c24]"Just get me someplace not too far from the office."[/color][/b] She pulled the phone away, not caring what her assistant would say. She was a good person. She'd find a place but Amelia couldn't handle anything really right now. If there weren't so many vampires on the island, she would've run to her room and cry. Instead, she was forced to pretend like everything was fine. Because that's how this infernal game was played and she knew it.

It was morning but she already felt exhausted as she fell down in one of the chairs in the hallway a bit further away from the main hall. You could say that the whole ordeal had taken a heavy toll but in truth, she wasn't feeling very well rested after last night. Happy, she felt very happy about last night actually. But not rested. On top of that she now also felt completely and totally lost. What about her brand? Her place to live? Her friends and family? Normally she'd run to her mother with all those questions. But then she realized one very important question: what about her boyfriend. She could call him her boyfriend now, right? Maybe not in public yet but soon? Still, she swirled her phone in her hand. Maybe she could talk to Sebastian? He'd understand. Somehow the old Tepes always understood. Hell, he even understood when she slapped a corpse. The very memory made her almost laugh.

[quote=Amelia Artois]To: [b][color=46D85F]Seba[/color][/b]
[b][color=ed1c24]I really need someone to talk to. Can I talk to you? I'm in the East Hallway.[/color][/b][/quote]
[quote=Sebastian Tepes-Artois]To: [b][color=ed1c24]Butterfly[/color][/b]
[b][color=46D85F]Absolutely. One sec.[/color][/b] [img]https://i.imgur.com/7undMkO.png?2[/img][/quote]

His heeled dress shoes could be heard coming from down the [img][/img]hall. When Sebastian wanted to be noticed, he made sure he was. And when he didn’t? Well, that was a different story entirely. His steps echoed and each one had a purpose, a rhythm, and a likeness to it. As if he was someone that was untouchable, and he knew it. Presentation was [i]everything[/i], after all. The lights were dim, not on a glaring bright setting, and it made the blonde woman appear small. The armchair cushions took the form of her dainty body and while she felt despair, he saw beauty. The Artois ladies were diamonds to him and he saw incredible potential, even if they weren’t always capable of mustering the strength to see for themselves. He adored them and he appreciated that they sought him out during their darkest hour.

There was no doubt that this Elder vampire was handsome, let it be from the wisdom and intense care in his stare to the gentle touch in his expressions and voice. He was the kind of vampire that would have many women, and men, swoon over him simply by giving them a kind smile. A casanova, they’d say. But not in the way that the younger generations loved. Their love was forgettable, thoughtless, with no goal in sight. His love was forever and left an everlasting mark. Sebastian had years of experience where he could make just about anyone feel special and needed when they felt lonely. 

Aside from Dmitri, simply because of the obvious betrayal on the flamboyant man’s part and their rocky past. Why would he, an ingenious, impressionable, and innovative Elder, solely serve a house that frowns upon the way he loves? Why should he confine himself to the cage that was his brother’s idealistic utopia that he wanted to force upon his counsel, his children, and all vampires that believe him to be king? Sebastian wasn’t that kind of man that followed someone blindly. You can have his loyalty, if you’ve proven to him worthy, but he refused to sell his soul to someone of his level or lower. Perhaps this was the way of a modest gentleman. Perhaps he was simply too old to give a fuck. He wouldn’t know. He did what he believed was right for him and that's that. At the end of the day, every vampire had to serve themselves and this challenge would teach them just that. 

Promptly, Sebastian slipped into the light to show himself. It took only a second. His lips curled into a warm, loving smile. It had a hint of femininity, but his bone structure was completely and utterly all male. If Sebastian could be related to a flower, it would be a rouge poppy. He was vibrantly bright, with overwhelming confidence and stood out wherever he went. A conversation piece for the dinner table. Hate or love, he didn’t care. As long as he was worth a mention, he’d say that was a success for his drawn-out existence. [b][color=46D85F]“Are you alright, Amelia?”[/color][/b]  

Amelia didn’t answer the question. Instead the blonde got up and rushed towards Sebastian. Before he could react she threw her arms around him. When she was sure they were around, she pulled in tight, pushing her face against his chest. She was quiet for a moment. Then a bit longer. Though her breathing was a bit more labored than it usually was. She was soaking up the safety of the man that let her in his house. The man that didn’t scold her when she slapped a corpse, thinking the person was just asleep. The man she called uncle, even though he wasn’t even an Artois. After what felt still far too short she released him and whipped away two tears that had been welling up in her eyes.
 
[b][color=ed1c24]“Sorry.”[/color][/b] She said, her voice was surprisingly well kept together. [color=ed1c24][b]“Just, the whole…this!”[/b][/color] She said as she flailed her arms around her as a dramatic gesture. [color=ed1c24][b]“It’s getting too much.”[/b][/color] She released another sigh and she felt a lot calmer already.[color=ed1c24][b] “So I’m not okay. But I’ll manage. I’m an Artois. We always manage. It’s just… has anyone before now ever have to ‘make’ a House like Dmitri asked?”[/b][/color] There was a certain level of disdain when she said the name Dmitri. She was no great supporter of the Tepes clan. Their somewhat reserved stance towards humanity had been a thorne in her side for some years. Most recently some old fart had blocked a collaborative fashion show even! And she actually made the quotation marks when she said 'make'. As she tried to push her point of just how insane it all was.

[b][color=46D85F]“Oh my sweet, precious butterfly.”[/color][/b] Sebastian couldn’t help but smile at her dramatic antics. Full of fire and a life with little hardship. Afraid of the unknown. Afraid of failing. Afraid of not being the crème de la crème. The one that stands at the top. It was cute, really. While she was in his embrace, he had quietly twirled her blond strands around his pointer finger, playing with her womanly pride that was her mane, until he could sense she was going to push away. When the spotlight was on him, he shook his head, [b][color=46D85F]“Do not apologize.”[/color][/b] He crossed his arms and carefully watched her. [b][color=46D85F]“I’m here for you, you [i]know[/i] that.”[/color][/b] 

He paused for a moment before clearing his throat, his jolly tone becoming serious the more he talked. [b][color=46D85F]“As to answer your question, we did not, but also—”[/color][/b] His purposeful break was for anticipation purposes. Absentmindedly, he turned his sigil ring around his finger, [b][color=46D85F]“—I come from a time where opportunity to make a house was non-existent. You came from one of four ancestors and that bound you by blood. A contract that you take to the grave. If you disagree, you were sentenced to death. If you proposed different ideals, you were ridiculed. Having a legacy to live up to isn’t as charming as you think it is. And, my dear, we still had far more odds against us than you do.”[/color][/b] 

He sighed to himself, knowing that this wasn’t what she wanted to hear, but needed to. [b][color=46D85F]“You cannot just ‘manage’, Amelia. We are in the century where you can access information with a simple swipe on your phone. We are in the century where being gay is a trend and not a sickness. We have right over ourselves and our opinions. You have flourished in your career pursuits but that doesn’t change you still use the strength of your family rather than yourself. Hours ago, two purebloods were savagely murdered at Central Park. An unspoken proclamation of war. Do you think Ambrosia, or even me, can protect you? Do you think we’re always going to be here?”[/color][/b] He decided to let that sink in, gesturing for her to take a seat with him. [b][color=46D85F]“We do what we can, but we’re not gods.”[/color][/b] 

Her face grew solemn when she heard the news about the purebloods’ deaths. She made a mental note to send flowers to the graves and her condolences to the families. Even if they weren’t from a tributary house of Artois. Violent deaths of her own kin hurt her the most. Violence in general hurt her the most. She took the seat Sebastian motioned towards. His lecture on doing better also stuck. It made her realize just what she was squaring up. It felt even more daunting. Especially as there wasn’t any history to learn from. No, she would be breaking ground on this project. Instantly her image changed. She would be a pioneer! A heroine in the books of history! Like queen Victoria, Empress Theodora or queen Boudicca! She’d meet any problem with the same fire!
 
Though she didn’t forget what Sebastian said about her own career as well. If anyone else would dare say such a thing she would have slapped them on the cheek there and then. Except maybe for Trixie and her mother. Her work was her pride. Her tool to change the world. To hear now that it was a creation from her family felt personal. But this was Sebastian and he would never lie to her. He was right, sort of. If he wasn’t, she wouldn’t have had to call her assistant just now. Not that she would admit it though.
 
[color=ed1c24][b]“Maybe not mom or you, but Trixie will. She will always protect me.”[/b][/color] She said, utterly convinced the elder vampire would come to her aid when she needed the most. [color=ed1c24][b]“Besides, she’s training me to fight as well! I’m good with a dagger you know!”[/b][/color] She said and with a flick of her wrist, a knife appeared in her hand. She cut the air in front of her, almost like a child excitedly showing her skills. It made her smile as she realized Béatrix would probably scold her for having ‘a bad form’ and ‘being stupid and reckless’. So she quickly put the knife back in her sleeve. Not that it was very dangerous. The blade was very dull. As to not cut her own skin. It was the only knife she really trusted herself with.
 
[color=ed1c24][b]“But you’re right.”[/b][/color] She said, trying to contain herself a little bit more. If she was going to play this game, she would have to become unreadable. Like Sebastian when he wanted to. Or the uptight Viktor who probably never smiled. Or she could do what her mother did and just fool everyone. [color=ed1c24][b]“I’ll do better! I’ll make my new house better. In my house, no vampires will die a violent death and nobody will be ridiculed again!”[/b][/color] She exclaimed as if she was queen already. In her mind, she would make it so. Peace and happiness for all. There would be challenges.
 
Amelia wasn’t completely foreign the workings of politics. She needed people. So she turned to Sebastian. [color=ed1c24][b]“Will you help me?”[/b][/color]

Sebastian’s gaze twinkled. This is what he loved about her. How she could turn something intimidating to something worth the chase. A positive disposition, for a bright woman. [b][color=46D85F]“Well, of course. What better way to start your journey off by making an Elder an ally, and a resource.”[/color][/b] He reached for her hands lovingly, [b][color=46D85F]“Keep your eyes set on the picture you have in your mind. Use that to lift you up when you feel down. You can make an absolute masterpiece, Amelia. A work of art. You just have to believe in yourself and don’t let the other children, like Kasania, Octavius, and Niklaus, make you feel inferior.”[/color][/b] 

Leaning in, he gave both her hands a gentleman’s kiss, before adding, [b][color=46D85F]“My first suggestion. Find a place outside of your residency that you, and your following, can meet, even if at first, illegally. There are many abandoned buildings on Staten Island. It’s a ferry ride away but the distance might be worth it. And—”[/color][/b] Whether his intent would be well received by her was beyond him, but he felt like she was smart enough to understand why this was necessary to do. [b][color=46D85F]“—Always take precautions.”[/color][/b] He released her hands and allowed her to once again digest the information. 

The girl was ecstatic that an elder like Sebastian would help her out. She tried not to show it, as practice in containing herself. Though she failed miserably as the smile on her face only grew ever brighter. She listened carefully at his advice about the meeting place and how she should take precautions at any turn. She didn’t really understand why the initial gatherings should be illegal. Sure the court of vampires was a cutthroat place but the others wouldn’t [i]really[/i] cut her throat…right?
 
[color=ed1c24][b]“Tavi doesn’t make me feel inferior.”[/b][/color] She blundered out before she knew it. She refrained from slapping her hand over her mouth to stop the words. Knowing full well that would only implicate her even more. Their… relationship had to stay a secret. For both their sakes. The worlds they each lived in would not like the idea of them dating or even interacting! But she loved him still. He was sweet and caring, deep down. He had the same fire as her as well! A blaze that would change the world. Of course he would try to make a house on his own but she would convince him to join hers instead. As the king to herself as queen. They could both finally let go of the family ties that kept them apart for so long.
 
To quickly change the subject, hoping Sebastian wouldn’t notice the note about Tavi and only Tavi, she said: [color=ed1c24][b]“I would never think about you as a resource! That’s Tepes thinking and I will not think like a Tepes!”[/b][/color] she stated firmly. Sure, they might be masters at the game of politics. Sure, they ascended to kings but at what cost? They were horrible, antiquated and so relentlessly Machiavellian that the best ones barely had a heart left to love the world they wanted.
 
She got up, invigorated by her little talk. She needed that. To just vent and let it all out for a minute. He followed suit. [color=ed1c24][b] “Now, I still have a few phone calls to make and e-mails to send out. Before the sun goes down today Sanguine will be totally and absolutely mine.”[/b][/color] She gave him one last, tight hug and said, [color=ed1c24][b]“Thank you. For everything!”[/b][/color] Before she went off towards her room. 

While she walked away, Sebastian couldn’t help but smirk in amusement. She was truly a delight. An absolute gem. Genuine, with adoring faith. Beautiful. With one last piece of advice, he called out to her: [b][color=46D85F]“You’re welcome, butterfly. Do be careful, though! Not everyone who smiles at you is your friend.”[/color][/b][/indent]