Alrighty, so people have liked this so far. *claps wildly*
We're going to have some Garrett point of view later, and that's where the nervousness comes back in. I feel like the POVs might be too similar? I tried.
Don't own anything.
BPOV
Garrett obviously knew his way around this part of Seattle as he hung onto me for a block once I calmed down, leading me into a small barbershop that I must have passed when running. It had nice, clean windows and that classic multicolored pole in the front.
There was no one there except an older man sweeping the floor. I took a seat at the window and watched the fucker approach the man.
"How can I help you, son?"
"I got into a scuffle," who the fuck says scuffle? "and I need to get my hair evened out, and this shaved."
The man looked up and didn't even look bothered at the bright red eyes in front of him; he merely looked at Garrett's hair and snorted. I tried to hold back my laugh but couldn't help myself. Garrett just glared.
"Boy, who let you get away with those mutton chops for so long? Obviously not your woman over there." I was still laughing and didn't even bother to correct the old man, Garrett's face was enough.
"I'm why one is missing." This gained a nod from the old man and I preened at Garrett, only serving to deepen his scowl. Well then.
"Can you fix it, please?" Garrett wasn't below whining apparently and took the chair the old man pointed to. He started setting up his area, grabbing some shears and an electric razor. I watched, transfixed, as the old man shortened Garrett's hair until it was just brushing his forehead. Taking the electric razor, he shortened all of Garrett's facial hair until it was more like 5 o'clock shadow instead of the bear look he was sporting before.
I was still wary of this fucker, but I would have no problem being seen in public with him. Well, when he got better clothes then I would be okay.
Garrett kind of just stared at himself for a bit, tugging on the ends of his now short hair. I almost expected it to grow with how much force it looked like he was using.
Rolling my eyes, I approached and stood behind him.
"What do you think?"
"I think I'm still pissed at you for burning my hair." The old man snorted as he got back to sweeping. I agree old man, I agree.
"Hey, it looks good, you know. We'll get you some new clothes and you'll be set." Mentally I was shaking; his red eyes were boring into me and since I knew I wouldn't be dinner I was nervous for the sassy old man sweeping.
"I'm so glad you approve, woman." He proceeded to pay the barber after snarling at me, ignoring my complaint for paying, and dragged me out while I waved. How rude.
"How do you have money?"
"Stocks. Businesses. Just because I'm a nomad doesn't mean I don't need money." Yes of course it was stocks. I was expecting him to say he took it off his meals. Sounds so much more vampire like.
We walked a bit further before stopping once more, this time not by my doing. I had no idea where we were going, but he obviously had something in mind.
"Do you have a car around here? Or am I going to have to steal one?" My eyes widened and I immediately started moving, this time leading him. How I wish I could drag his ass around.
"I have a car, it's not far from here." I led him to my newer Chevy SUV. Unfortunately, my beloved truck met her demise a few years ago. Rest in peace, baby.
"Where are we going?"
"Shopping mall. You think I need new clothes. And I don't have any with me, so I might as well." I had no idea why he was even taking my advice, but I went with it.
It was only around 2 in the afternoon, the mall would be reasonably busy because it's a weekday and Seattle has shit tons of tourists. I just hope he won't eat anyone.
Once we got into a store he just turned to me.
"So, go get things."
"What the fuck am I supposed to get? I don't even like shopping for myself." He rolled his eyes. Really mature there, fucker.
"Anything. Pants, shirts, jackets. Hurry up, sweetheart." He actually clapped his hands and I huffed before setting off, him in tow.
I picked tons of shit out, asking for sizes as we went. Since he told me to pick all this out, I steered clear from his current Spike style and went basic. All he did was swipe his card and hold the bags.
What are we doing here? Where is he even going to keep all his shit? I mean, does he have a place to stay? I hope he doesn't plan on staying with me, as in living. I don't want this. Nope.
He must have sensed my internal freak out.
"What's wrong now?"
"Where are you going to stay?"
"With you, of course." Fucker say what?
"Uh, no, you're not. I don't want you to, I didn't invite you."
"What better way to keep track of you than living with you? Besides, you never know sweetheart, we may end up friends." I'm going to burn him again, the asshole. I so am.
GPOV
I watched her as she went about the store, picking out clothes for me. Ah, such a sweet thing to do, never mind that I didn't really give her another choice.
She was doing fine, and was fine. She's human and I had no problem watching her ass sway back and forth as she walked. Well, when she's not looking. I don't want to give her a reason to try to burn me again, it's unpleasant.
I'm most definitely an ass man.
This woman tried to burn me, and nearly succeeded. Who the fuck was she? I don't know but I plan on finding out. In all my years, never had I met someone quite so feisty. I was right when I called her a spitfire.
We finally finished shopping a couple hours later, bags filled with clothes, shoes, and some odds and ends. I hope she has an extra bedroom. If not, I'd be fine with sharing hers.
She was visibly shaking as we parked in the basement, she really didn't want me to stay with her but I knew she'd get over it. I was curious about her, and how she knew what I was, but I wouldn't eat her. She was safe with me.
Taking my eyes off her swaying hips once more, I looked around her expansive loft with exposed brick walls and clearly modern appliances. It had a warm feel, like her, and I immediately liked it.
"You have a nice place here, sweetheart."
"Thanks, so you can leave now." She didn't even offer me a drink!
"I'm not leaving, Isabella. Wouldn't you rather be able to see me than know I'm just going to be lurking around? It's a win-win." She huffed, walking away. So cute.
"Follow me. This is your room, don't break anything please." She roughly gestured to the room and left me there with my bags. It was a nice room, the same exposed brick as the rest of the place, a big bed against the wall, empty dresser and closet, and a nice view of the city. I packed away my clothes and went back into the living area.
She was still in her jacket and on the couch, a glass of whiskey in hand.
"Thank you for the room."
"Yeah, it's not like I had any other choice that wasn't creepy or, you know, possible." Is that sarcasm? Yeah, definitely sarcasm.
"You don't have to make this hard, sweetheart. Now, how do you know about vampires?" I took a seat on the armchair adjacent to her, watching as she downed the rest of her drink and sat up completely.
"I told you, previous contact. I knew a few when I was a teenager. They left, and now we're here." She winced slightly, she probably didn't even notice it, when she spoke. Maybe it didn't end well?
"And why would they leave you alive? Or human?"
"I don't know, okay. I don't know!" Oh, she snapped. I guess I hit a nerve.
"You're going to have to tell me more one day, sweetheart."
"I'm not telling you shit," she mumbled. Oh, how wrong you are.
Oh, Garrett likes her. Or her ass.
*shrugs*
Next up, we'll hear about Jenks and how Bella works for him.
Stay tuned, folks!
