KazAlkemi

Hidden Among the Shadows - A Supernatural Inspired RP

Christian listened intently, committing Penny's teachings to memory. The concept seemed straightforward enough, but it was the application Christian was unsure of. Christian took a deep breath and turned the key. The car came to life under him and he felt this surge of emotion that had him tightening his hands on the wheels. Adrenaline and excitement. Ah, so that's what it felt like.

”Okay, ready.” Christian waited for Penny to leave before he turned the car, slowly but successfully and followed behind Penny.

It was slow going at first but soon Christian found his rhythm. Driving was rather uncomplicated. It was a simple and easy action of steering correction, acceleration, braking, and turning. Christian learned more in the small town with the traffic lights and stop signs. By the time he parked in the hotel parking lot and shut the car off he was feeling rather confident with his driving skills. Of course, there was the city to contend with the next day.

Christian got out of the car and smiled at Penny. ”How was that?”

Hidden Among the Shadows - A Supernatural Inspired RP

Penny was making a compelling case for getting Christian to drive. Besides, he was enjoying all these chances to have human experiences. It was something he had always wanted. Christian hung back while Penny said goodbye to her brother properly. He was still mulling over driving when Penny asked him what his decision was.

He smiled at her wryly when she used his nickname and looked at the car. ”Did you know there are over one hundred fatal car accidents in America per day?” Of course, Christian couldn’t die. But what if he hit someone, killed them and then had to reap them? Christian kicked the ground and sighed.

”Fine. Show me what to do,” he said, caving to Penny’s whims.

Hidden Among the Shadows - A Supernatural Inspired RP

Christian grinned, pleased he was right and that Penny seemed so distraught over it. He had to agree with her on the marriage front. Not telling a family member something that important even though he declared he wanted to be closer seemed the complete opposite. As far as Christian understood it, marriage was a right of passage for humans. It was just as important as their birth and death day.

"I have to agree...he should have mentioned something in the last year." He pondered over the different reasons why Luke may have withheld that information but none of it made sense to Christian. Not if Luke genuinely wanted Penny a part of his life. The pressure on his hand pulled Christian back to reality and he smiled at Penny. "You can rant anytime," he assured her.

Christian nodded his head along, agreeing a proper goodbye was in order, but he stopped nodding when Penny asked him about his feelings about driving. Panic filled his eyes from the idea of being behind the wheel. He didn't move from his spot until the pull on his arm from Penny demanded him to.

"Can't we just call someone to come pick up the car?" he asked miserably.

Hidden Among the Shadows - A Supernatural Inspired RP

A wave of sadness washed over Christian while Penny spoke of her past, coupled with the sensation of child-like fear and confusion. Why her? Why them?

Christian's thumb started to rub against Penny's while she spoke. An unconscious action that may have been more needed for him than her.

”Pain and suffering are never easy emotions to deal with or forget about, especially when they happen to children. I can see how your brothers may have wanted to distance themselves from having to experience those feelings, not to excuse their behaviour towards you. Perhaps it is time to have the hard conversations, even if you may not want to. This same principle is applied to spirits wanting to cross over but can not. There is a moment in time or an emotion they are denying themselves and until they can embrace it, they remain lost. This is not a choice you have to make today, but it may be one you will have to make soon. I apologize for being blunt, but none of you know how to be a family. There are bound to be mistakes made and feelings hurt on the road you'll take, but if it is something you desire, it may be worth it.”

Christian may not understand the basics of humans like cooking, but emotions were something he felt confident in. Of course, even he got it wrong from time to time. He only hoped this time he was right, even if it was only a small amount. He did not like seeing Penny hurting, but Christian believed her journey was not meant to be an easy one and he was going to have to get used to that.

”You're a fighter, Penny. Which is why I think you can't stop caring about your brothers. It's certainly why you are still here. You got that second chance at life because you were ready to fight for it.”

Hidden Among the Shadows - A Supernatural Inspired RP

Penny's hand fit comfortably in Christian's. He found it comforting in a way he wasn't used to, but it also felt like the most natural thing in the world. It was strange how something so normal felt so uniquely special. Christian mulled this over while he set the pace of their walk, leaving Penny to sort through her feelings. When she finally spoke up, Christian turned his head to look at her, trusting his feet to keep them on a safe path.

He smiled when she apologized, unable to help himself. ”Human emotion is one thing I am quite comfortable with, actually. It's buying trailers and grilling I am rather under prepared for,” he said with a slight chuckle. Christian squeezed Penny's hand before he spoke again. ”I think your brother does care… but he may not understand how to be a brother. Why do you wish you didn't care?”

Hidden Among the Shadows - A Supernatural Inspired RP

Supper was a little uncomfortable. Christian could feel the tension in the air, but was used to one-sided conversations. He was also used to no conversations. Sometimes it took a while for a spirit to come to terms with their death and make the decision to cross over. Like the teenage girl Christian had helped after meeting Penny. He spoke when spoken to, adding a bit of information here and there, but Christian mainly left the conversation to the siblings. At least, until the conversation turned.

Christian stood when Penny did, focusing mainly on her while brother and sister went back and forth yelling at each other. When Penny stomped away, Christian moved to follow but paused. He turned back to look at Luke.

”I’ll talk to her, but I can’t make any promises. Thank you for the meal,” Christian said before he hurried after Penny.

Penny was already at the truck by the time Christian made it outside. He got to her quickly, watching her rub her eyes. Christian sighed and glanced around.

”You can’t drive like this. Let’s go for a walk. Just down the road a little ways and back. Come on.” Christian offered Penny his hand to take, and a small smile, hoping to convince her that a walk was a good idea right now.

Hidden Among the Shadows - A Supernatural Inspired RP

Christian felt his cheeks warm, and his eyes grew wide. He didn’t realize he could blush. Christian ran a hand over his cheeks and mouth to compose himself. There was an understanding that Luke was doing the typical big brother looking after his younger sister speech, which Christian understood but didn’t think was necessary. Even if Penny hadn’t survived a nest of vampires, Christian got the impression Luke didn’t really know his sister. Christian didn’t think Penny would let anyone walk over her. Then again, Christian was starting to get to know Penny, and by coming here, there seemed to be more layers to her than he realized. Lovers not only sounded weird to Christian but was way too soon even to consider.

Christian cleared his throat and nodded, hoping he came across as nervous about being beaten up rather than anxious about advancing his relationship with Penny.

”I understand,” Christian finally said, smiling awkwardly. Once they finished outside, Christian followed Luke in, shutting the door before reuniting with Penny. He felt his cheeks flush again when she asked him how it went.

Christian couldn’t deny he was interested in Penny. He was currently interested in developing their friendship and helping her improve her hunting skills, but he also enjoyed the feeling he got when she relaxed in her arms. Or the way she seemed to smile just for him every time he walked into the room.

”Interesting…I learned a lot,” he said, truthfully. ”Do you have a barbecue? If I practiced I’m sure I could have the technique down.”

Château de La Lune

---

---

Rihannon Linx

---

Location: Dining Room
Skills: N/A
Fit

---

---

Rihannon watched the volley of words being thrown back between Richard and Eleanor before they leaned over to Nathan.

“Are family dinners always like this?” they asked him curiously. This was better than reality TV.

“Well, I wouldn’t say always. But there is almost always some drama.” Nathan smiles. “I’m Nathan.” He offers his hand for Rihannon to shake. “Sorry about my brother. He thinks he is always right.”

Rih extended their hand to shake Nathan's. “Rihannon, and trust me, I've heard worse. Is this the first awards event you've put on?” The event overall seemed organized but there was an underlying note of chaos that didn't seem normal.

“No,” he tilts his head a little confused. Releasing Rihannon’s hand. “My grandfather started it in the 90s. I think I've been to almost every one. Though, Lawrence being punched is a first. What have you noticed? My mother will probably lose her mind if anyone says as much to her.”

“Oh… I've just never heard of this award and well… The maids seemed a little lost earlier with our luggage but I suppose anything can happen with an event hosted in a family home. How does your family pick people for this award anyways? I'm not exactly well-known… did they hack us?” Rih joked.

“Oh, the maids are new. We usually only have the full time staff here. That'd be Felix, the butler, Gordon, our chef, Faustus, the gardener, Armel, our driver, Leon, the sommelier, and Olivia our maid. The other two are just in temp positionsions. As is Aziza, he is here for Gordon. As amazing as Gordon is, I don’t think he could cook for over twenty people without some help. We always have to have some extra help. During the rest of the year not even all of us are here at the same time. This week is the busiest for everyone. I’m sorry you had issues with your luggage. Did it get solved? If not Felix would be able to help after dinner.” He paused thinking about the rest of what Rihannon had said. “As for picking you, you were probably submitted by someone who noticed you and thought you could use the extra attention. I don’t know anything about hacking.”

Well, someone definitely noticed me, especially if they were behind that letter in my room.

"Yes, it was okay. Although, I did hear yelling in the hallway about it from one of the other guests," Rih confessed as they settled back into their seat. They glanced around the table, wondering just who might have nominated them. Of course, it didn’t have to be a person who was here, but that seemed unlikely. Once their glass of wine was topped up, Rih took a generous sip before cutting into their fish. It was light and flaky, just enough to satisfy a craving.

Hidden Among the Shadows - A Supernatural Inspired RP

Christian made his way into the kitchen and waited for Penny. He didn’t feel comfortable wandering the house without her. He was looking forward to their conversation at the hotel later. Christian wanted to get to know Penny better, but was also concerned. It seemed her past hadn’t been the most pleasant.

Christian smiled and stood beside her when she returned to the kitchen. At her suggestion, Christian looked around the kitchen. ”Um, sure…Where are those exactly, and what do I do?” He followed Penny’s example, though, and washed his hands.

After brief instruction, Christian sprinkled the appropriate spices onto the prepared patties. He remained focused on his task even when Luke joined them, and finished just before Luke picked up the tray. Christian turned to put the spices away when Luke asked for help.

Christian turned, looking at Luke and then Penny. He smiled gently at her, knowing what this conversation was going to be about. It would be a first for Christian, but he had heard stories from human souls about the art of backyard grilling and the community it evoked.

”It’s okay,” he assured Penny before he joined Luke outside.

Christian walked around the deck, taking in the backyard and the setup before he joined Luke near the grill. He watched the man turn on the BBQ, committing everything to memory. It seemed like an important task to learn. Christian turned his focus to Luke when he addressed him. He smiled at Luke’s attempt to intimidate and put Christian through the paces.

”I was honest with her. I don’t see much point in lying or playing games. If she asks me questions, I answer her. If she needs me, I’m there for her. I confess I wasn’t expecting much more than your sister’s friendship, but…” Christian looked back toward the house, his smile shifting into something softer. ”There definitely seems to be something developing, but I am in no position to rush it,” he said, looking Luke in the eyes for further assessment.

Hidden Among the Shadows - A Supernatural Inspired RP

The act of Luke sizing up Christian brought a genuine smile to his face. The squeeze to his hand only brought a sparkle to Christian’s eye before he released Luke’s hand. Christian found it amusing that Luke was trying to determine what kind of person he was during this quick interaction.

If only he knew…

Of course, the actual truth would probably kill Luke. Or just make him think Christian was some crazy person, which wasn’t the first impression Christian wanted to make. While Christian continued to find the male ego fascinating, he felt the air around Penny shift into something darker, and looked to her, alarmed.

Christian won’t beat me.

Christian stepped closer to Penny, resting his hand lightly in the middle of her back. He didn’t want to come across as if he were crowding her, but he wanted to know she had his support with whatever was going on here. There wasn’t much time to ensure Penny was okay before Luke seemed to deflate and led them to the truck they were here for. Christian dropped his hand while they walked, but remained close to Penny, feeling rather protective of the human he had grown attached to.

While Peny examined the truck from the inside, Christian walked around it, looking for dents and scratches and trying to look like he knew what he was doing. Once the deal was made, with the incentive of staying for something to eat, Christian followed Penny into the house. The continued silence started to worry him, and he frowned at the back of Penny’s head until they were inside and she addressed him.

The frown instantly dropped when Penny apologized to him, replaced by a horrified expression that she felt the need to apologize.

”I think the girl who survived a den of vampires can handle a little family dinner and drama,” Christian said, attempting to joke. But not wanting Penny to think he was trying to make light of the situation, Christian pulled Penny in for a hug, tucking her head under his chin and held her. ”Do you want to discuss it?” His tone was gentle and open, wanting to give Penny the space she needed to express herself.