The Light Behind Shadows

by Fireworks174

VTM AU. Simon Rowe. The mysterious fledging who tries to stay out of Kindred business. Not even the sewer rats knew anything about his past. He's just someone who wants to be left alone with what little he has. Sadly, the past is never truly forgotten. Faced with his past, he must work his way through these Final Nights without losing the light he longed for. "I won't go back!"

Ch 1: Shadows

Akira Yamaoka and Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: Different Perspective (Shadows Of The Damned)

As a child, my big brother was the light that protected me from the shadows.

When our parents died, He took me under his wing and tried to make up for their absence.

The love we once had,

Doesn't live here.

Your heat plays with my head,

Clever torture.

What it is never clear, not fair.

Some will win, some will lose.

Who cares?

He raised me when I kept falling.

He always tried to put me back together when he was broken too.

His embrace warmed my broken heart, reminded me that I was loved.

He was my light….

The past has no will worth protecting.

Does love make you feel sad?

How is that working?

If it's time and I'm blind, Oh God

Then I can, if you win, life gone.

I know this is not what you've planned,

It's here, draw your line in the sand.

Uh-Uh….

…. And he was gone.

Went to join our parents in the light, and left me in the shadows.

Even in death, his final words continue to guide me through this darkness.

"No matter how bad this world may be, never surrender. I promise you, that the light will continue to exist in this darkness and when you find your light. Love them, protect them, as I've tried for you. I love you, Simon."

Some try, Some cry,

Some die, who are you?

My faith, you're late,

Be still, we are through.

I love you too.

Your little brother has gotten himself into some trouble, but please don't worry about me.

"I'm sorry, but you are dying and there is little hope of surviving. A shame since you merely came to the wrong place at the wrong time."

I will keep my promise, Brother.

"Even when it's pointless, you still attempt to break from the sweet release of death. Very well, since you appear eager to continue in this hellish world ..."

I will find my light in these shadows….

What's killing me?

Could be your song?

And what you see might be dead wrong.

Time will tell, end is well, my forever.

Things we do, things we try,

Then it's over.

….and I will protect them.

"….Then let me show you something."

End Song

*2 Weeks Later: November 16, 2004

"Our top story tonight, a derelict ship found floating ten miles off the Los Angeles coast earlier this morning was towed into the port of Los Angeles a few hours ago. This ship was spotted around midnight by fishermen who contacted the Coast Guard after they attempted to hail the ship proved futile. Coast Guard officials are releasing very little information right now, but have identified the vessel as the Elizabeth Dane. No word as of yet as to the whereabouts of the crew, though the Coast Guard is asking any ships that had contact with the Elizabeth Dane to assist them in their search. We'll have more on this story as it breaks."

"Well, isn't that spooky? What do you think?"

From the kitchen, a young man listened to the news as he tried to prepare dinner. Looking behind, he turned his attention away from the stove and to the girl on their sofa.

"What? You mean the ship?" He asked

"Yeah."

Taking a moment to think, he placed a lid on the pot and turned off the flames.

"I don't know? It's a lost ship that was found. I mean, don't ships go missing all the time. Guess this one was lucky." He said with a shrug. "Dinner's ready if you want?"

The girl shook her head.

"Come on, you have to admit this sounds pretty…"

Knock Knock

Before she could finish, they heard someone knock at their door.

The girl rose from the sofa and went to the door. Looking through the peephole, she smiled as she recognized the person. Unlocking the door, She opened the door and greeted their guest.

"Melissa."

A young, yet tall woman stood at the door. She had pale greyish skin with her black hair resting on her shoulders. She wore a short-sleeve V-neck magenta shirt with a matching long skirt that stops near her black high-top sneakers. Melissa lowered her black sunglasses, her orange eyes stared down at the girl as her ruby teardrop pendant shined briefly in the light.

With a soft smile, Melissa said, "Hello Heather, It is nice to see you again. How are you tonight?"

Smiling, Heather replied, "So far, so good. I just got back two hours ago after researching at the library. Now it's time to relax."

Lowering her shades, Melissa glares softly.

"With that outfit, I can tell."

Heather blinked at Melissa before following her gaze.

Heather wore a short low-cut blouse that clung to her figure like a second skin. The light blue blouse had a wide V-shaped opening, showing a generous amount of her ample chest. A pair of black panties shielded her lower modesty from Melissa's glare, but her smooth legs and wide hips only irked Melissa even more.

Realizing her current apparel, Heather blushed in embarrassment. Her ivory skin nearly matched her blood-red hair and her soft green eyes were wide behind the black frame glasses.

With a short squeak, Heather said "Hey! This is my apartment, so don't judge me for what I wear!"

"Oh, I'm not judging your clothing," Melissa replied.

Heather noticed Melissa's eyes were mainly focused on her breasts, glaring as though they insulted her.

"Is there something wrong?" asked Heather as she covered her chest with her arms.

"Can I ask you something, Heather?"

Uncomfortable with her stare, Heather nodded slowly.

"What is your breast size?

Heather was surprised by the blunt question she was asked.

"W-Why do you need to know?"

Melissa locked eyes with Heather, her eyes changing from orange to blue.

"I'll ask you once more. What is your breast size" She asked.

Suddenly, Heather felt drowsy as she spoke.

"I'm not sure. Last time I checked, I was a D."

Melissa reeled back as though she were struck.

"D?!" Melissa whispered in shock.

To her shock, Heather nodded weakly before saying.

"Although, my Master said that I might be getting bigger."

Melissa could only stare at her figure. While She wasn't petite in height, she had a nice waist and hips. When it came to chest sizes….

Well, there was a reason why A was the first letter in the alphabet.

"Jump."

Melissa had a sullen pout as Heather began to jump in place. And it wasn't just her body that was bouncy.

"Hey."

Looking past Heather, Melissa saw the other occupant of this apartment.

Shadows of the Damned OST: 06 It's a Bug Hunt

He was a young man of similar age to Heather if only a little older. His black hair with red highlights barely reached his chin. Without a shirt, Melissa could see his lean pale physique with ease. A pair of black faded jeans was the only article of clothing he was wearing. However, his eyes caught her attention, like all the others before her. Those silver eyes turned white in the dark.

Like a beacon of light in the night sky.

Shaking her head, the fog in her mind began to vanish. Sighing, Melissa said.

"Hate when you do that crap, Rose. Hell, I didn't know you could even use Presence."

Narrowing his eyes, he said in a low tone.

"Release her, Melissa. Now."

Melissa rolled her eyes as they changed back to their original color.

Blinking a few times, Heather noticed her actions and was puzzled.

"Why was I jumping?" asked Heather as she placed a hand on her forehead.

The young man, still glaring at Melissa, rebukes.

"The Mage used Dominate to make you jump because of her insecurities, fucking bitch."

Heather turned and faced him.

"Simon!"

Not the least bit offended by his remark, Melissa giggled and waved away Heather's concern.

"It's fine, Heather. I completely deserve that." said Melissa before smirking, "Anyway, I'm here to give Simon what I promised. So, you will welcome me into your home, Mr. Rowe?"

With an almost subtle glance towards Heather, Simon sighed and turned around with his left hand in his pocket.

"You don't need my permission to enter, Melissa. I'm not that fucking green and you know that."

Melissa grinned "I know Rose, I'm just testing you."

"More like fucking me."

"Nah, I'll leave that to Heather."

Heather blushed brightly while Simon went stiff.

With a small laugh, Melissa walked into the apartment.

"I have Auspex, remember? I can smell it coming off both of you. Even without it, the security guard was complaining about the occupants of Floor 4 being a little too noisy and how much he envied the punk kid."

With a quiet mumble, Heather closed the door before locking it. Afterward, She went back to the coach but noticed that Simon was sitting in her spot. Instead, she sat next to him and laid her head on his lap. Glancing down, Simon simply placed a hand on her hand and began to caress her soft crimson hair. He had a faint smile as he watched her eyes slowly start to shut. However, that smile was replaced by a blank stare towards Melissa as she stood in front of the television.

"Cute." tittered Melissa with a smirk.

"You said that you had something for me." Simon said before raising an eyebrow towards her, " Does that mean you finished everything?"

Shadows of the Damned OST: 07 My Dying Concubine

Smirking, Melissa took out a small pocket knife.

"Let me show you."

Suddenly, Melissa made an incision to her wrist and they watched as small drops of blood dripped onto the coffee table below her.

"Thaumaturgy: Path of Mercury" Whispered Melissa.

Slowly, the blood came together to form a circle before something began to rise from the blood.

Melissa grabs the object before pulling out of the bloody portal.

Holding it out towards Simon, she said, " I present you with your jacket. Good as new and with an added property, from your friendly neighborhood Tremere."

Simon gently raised Heather from his lap, trying to ignore the tired whine that came from her lip and took the jacket from Melissa.

It was a black faux-leather jacket with a grey jersey hoodie attached and they were closed by zippers. It had a total of four pockets; one chest pocket, two waist pockets, and an interior pocket.

"Once a worthless object that kine would purchase out of pointless monetary spending. Now, through the secrets of the Tremere, this feeble clothing…"

Simon snapped his fingers at Melissa.

"Hello Ms. Jackson, speak normally for fuck sake."

Melissa pouted.

"Spoilsport. Moving on, I did what you asked. Just to let you know I won't do anything like this again. I know the one that most kindred usually go for enchanting, but fuck if it ain't strenuous. Besides, I have my experiments to work on, so I can't be everyone's fix-it girl. Got it?"

Simon nodded.

"I understand. Thank you for this, Melissa. I mean it."

Inspecting his jacket, Simon pressed his thumb against the synthetic leather and noticed nothing out of the ordinary.

Turning towards Melissa, Simon asked,

"What are these extra properties you mentioned."

Melissa shrugged

"I like to call it Restoration."

"Alright. Well, what does it do?"

Melissa explains, "In simplest terms, this enchantment can restore damaged objects to their original state. For example, if you break a glass vase, then the vase will repair itself.

Simon raised an eyebrow as he continued to inspect his jacket for any mistakes.

"So, it can't be destroyed?"

"I wouldn't say that. There is a limit to how much damage it can take before Restoration takes effect. I still don't understand why you wanted me to do this. Didn't the Sheriff wreck this thing?"

With a scowl, Simon said, "Yeah, The Sheriff."

Melissa nodded before narrowing her eyes at Simon.

Song End

"Simon, can you ask something?"

"What?"

"Rumor has it that you started working with LaCroix," Melissa watched as Simon went silent, staring at Heather who was now wide awake. "Is it true?"

"Give me a second, Melissa. I need to get dressed," said Simon before asking Heather.

"Heather, would you mind keeping her company, please?"

Once Heather nodded, he went up the stairs to their bedroom.

Once she saw him shut the door, Melissa made her way to the couch and planted herself next to Heather. Silently, she watched as Heather looked bothered by Simon's actions. While observing Heather, she couldn't help but ask.

"How do you do it?"

Heather turned towards Melissa, confused by her sudden question.

"Do what?"

Melissa gestured her hand upwards at the bedroom.

"What is it about you that changes Simon?"

"What do you mean?"

Rolling her eyes, Melissa explains to Heather.

"What I mean is that Simon is usually quicker with the blunt comments and mean insults, although I take them as well as the others. However, whenever you're around Heather, Simon softens up a little. And I've noticed that he becomes more aggressive when he feels like you're involved. Why is that?"

For a moment, Heather pondered over this.

"I knew Simon could be mean to people sometimes, but he's never been anything, but kind to me. Even before we started dating, he's become family to me," Heather lowered her head. "I just wish to return the favor."

"What do you mean by 'return the favor?"

Heather lamented as she closed her eyes.

Ishii Yasushi: Asagiri

"Simon always puts my needs before his own. When I wanted to drop college, He talked me out of it and even started paying for my tuition. Though, I have no idea how he has that kind of cash-"

"Trust me when I say that you don't want to know, Heather, always," said Melissa, under her breath.

"Anyway, Simon comforts me when I'm afraid and he shields me from harm. I should be grateful to have someone who cares so much about me."

Looking upwards for a moment, Melissa inquires about Heather's problem.

"But…."

Heather leaned into the cushions and continued.

"Whenever I look at him, there is always something behind his eyes. Grief and Sorrow, Regret and Misery, and you know what hurts the most about this. He's always trying to hide it from me. When he notices, he puts on a fake smile and acts like nothing."

Looking upstairs, Melissa silently glared as she went to comfort Heather.

"I understand what you're feeling, Heather. When it comes to his past, Simon's a tight-lipped bastard. He tends to be a loner, and usually avoids people," Melissa said, sighing while playing with her hair. "Sometimes, I think if you never came into his life, then it would've gotten a lot worse."

Grimacing, Heather sniffles softly. "I just want him to trust me. For Simon to see me as I see him."

"And what do you see Simon as?"

"He's my light in this world of shadows."

Song Ends

Melissa stares at Heather before groaning loudly.

"You gotta be kidding me."

Heather turned towards Melissa, slightly annoyed.

"What?"

"You didn't just say that."

"What?" repeated Heather with a little fire in her.

"The 'Light in Shadows' thing. Do you have any idea how annoying it is to hear that over and over again?"

"Simon rarely talks about the Light & Shadows." countered Heather, feeling defensive over her lover.

"No, Simon doesn't," admitted Melissa before stating, "but Jack, Reggie, and even FUCKING DAMSEL have started saying it. Do you know how annoying that is, Heather? I swear, every time I'm at the bar, it's like Reggie has my scent and just loves to use those very words because he must want me to go MALK!"

Heather stood her ground, arms crossed beneath her breasts and unknowingly, further annoying Melissa.

"Well, this is my apartment and, as long as it doesn't offend Simon, then I'm allowed to say what I want." rebuked Heather.

"Oh yeah?" hissed Melissa.

"Yeah." scowled Heather.

The two girls glared at each other with ferocious contempt.

"Pfft…"

Melissa's cheeks puffed up with unnecessary air….

"...Pfft…."

….and Heather started to vibrate in her seat.

Until it became too much to bear.

"Pfft….HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Melissa burst into laughter with Heather following shortly after. Soon, their laughter turned to exhausted giggles, the tense atmosphere was forgotten for now.

Eventually, Melissa smirks.

"Simon loves you, you know that. Whenever I see him, it is obvious that he's thinking about you. You're an amazing influence on him. I think Simon is just trying to get himself together before he reveals anything to us. And knowing him, you are going to be the first person who gets to learn his past, lucky you Heather Poe."

With a soft smile, Heather said.

"I know, it just hurts sometimes. Worse than how we first met."

With her curiosity peaking, Melissa asked.

"Heather, if you don't mind me asking? How did you meet Simon?"

" It's ok. I don't mind telling you." Heather let out a soft giggle before she recalled her encounter with Simon.

Akira Yamaoka: Forest(Extended) (Silent Hill 2)

* October 30, 2004

"WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN?! THERE IS AN INJURED GIRL IN THERE AND YOU'RE JUST GOING TO FUCKING IGNORE HER!"

My parents and I were caught in a car accident. As a result, my parents along with the other driver were killed on impact and my life was hanging from a thread. An ambulance transported me to the nearest hospital. I ended up at the Santa Monica Medical Clinic at the worst time.

"Listen, I'm the only physician here at the moment. Currently, there are too many people needing treatment. Right now, I'm needed for an operation to remove several bullets from a wounded officer." The doctor sighed. "Listen, the nurse has already called Doctor Roberts half-hour ago and he should be here soon. Just keep her company, talk to her, anything as long as she stays awake. I swear to you that she'll be Robert's priority."

The doctor was lying and I knew it. What he didn't know was that I was awake when his nurse gave my diagnosis to him.

Ruptured Organs

Lacerations

Internal Bleeding

My condition was too severe to just simply wait.

I was dying. It was just a matter of time.

I knew it, and so did he.

"Fine."

I could barely hear after that. Everything just felt like a blur and all I could see was darkness

But….

"...Don't die."

I felt something slithering down my throat. I didn't know what it was, but it was fixing me.

"Please,...no more….."

It was like someone precious was bringing me back.

"That's it. You'll be safe for now."

For the first time since coming to that clinic, I opened my eyes.

All I could make of that person was his hair.

Red just like roses.

"Who are you? What did you do?" I asked weakly.

He kept his back to me and open the door to my room

The only thing he said was.

"Get Better Soon."

Heather opened her eyes as she sighed.

Melissa smiled at Heather.

"He turned into a Ghoul to save your life."

"Ghoul?"

"They're humans who've consumed the blood of a Kindred." Explain Melissa. "You do know what Kindred is, correct?"

Heather said. "Simon told me that it's just a fancy way to say, Vampire."

Melissa shook her head.

"Of course he would," muttered Melissa with a sigh before smiling. "So, what happened next? He saved your life. I'm guessing it would be too much to ask that he visited you."

Heather chuckled. "You're right, he didn't visit. By the time Dr. Roberts arrived, Simon was already gone. After two days in that clinic, I was released with most doctors saying it was a miracle. However, it didn't matter to me, because for that whole time, I kept thinking about that man who saved me. After that, I spent most of my time trying to find Simon."

"Didn't make it easy now, did he?"

"Nope. After 3 days, I almost gave up until I saw him from across the street from the Last Round bar. The moment I got to him, I just lost it. Kept thanking him for what he did. And finally, I asked if I could stay with him. For a while, we were just roommates until I confessed and we started dating."

Melissa raised an eyebrow.

"What about your grandmother?"

"She passed away in her sleep while I was still recovering."

Melissa winced.

"Sorry for your loss. Wait," said Melissa, puzzled. "You convinced Simon to let you live in his apartment."

"Yeah."

"How?"

Heather gave a sheepish smile.

"Oh don't leave me hanging. Come on!"

Heather snickered away as Melissa was acting like a child.

"Hey!"

"I'm sorry. You look so freaky adorable when you're pouting like that."

"Whatever."

After Heather stopped, they turned their attention towards the television.

"He may be rude, but I know he cares about you too Mel."

Melissa raised an eyebrow.

"Simon? Simon Fucking Rowe? Yeah, like shit."

Heather explained.

"As you said, Simon isn't a person who can express himself easily. Although he may seem like a jerk, but ..."

"I would have gone with a jackass, but you do you." retorted Melissa.

"Ignoring that. Let me tell you something. With Simon, he does small gestures that go unnoticed. Trust me, he does care about you as his friend. He just hates being the center of attention….."

Song Ends

Suddenly, Heather went quiet.

"Heather."

"Who is LaCroix?"

Melissa was surprised by the sudden question, even more so when she noticed Heather was looking her right in the eyes.

"Why do you ask?"

Heather sneered, something Melissa didn't think was even possible with her.

"Just before Simon went upstairs, you asked him about this LaCroix and I want to know who he is."

"Didn't Simon-"

Heather interrupts, "Don't change the subject! Who is LaCroix and why does it sound like working for this guy is a bad thing."

Taking a breath to relax, Heather continues, "Look, I understand that I shouldn't get involved because I'm human. I'm not strong like Jack. I'm not fast like Simon, and I'm definitely can't do that blood thing of yours, Melissa-"

"Thaumaturgy," Melissa muttered.

"The point is that I can't be involved and I understand why, but I'm tired of being kept off this whole Vampire loop. Especially when I know Simon's involved, so please just tell me something. Please." Heather pleaded for answers.

The silence was tortuous for Heather. She had no idea what Melissa was thinking as her sunglasses betrayed nothing and her face seemed truly dead.

After what felt like minutes, Melissa sighed.

"It was sloppy of me to make assumptions. Of course, you wouldn't know, much less Simon. I guess I'm so used to being around the veterans that I've forgotten how new the two of you are to all of this."

Rising from the coach, Melissa made it to the television before shutting it off. Turning to face Heather, She disclosed some knowledge to the ghoul.

"I'm only going to say this once. I hope you realize the consequences of revealing this to anyone." Warned Melissa with a grave look.

Heather gazed intently at Melissa and nodded.

Melissa had a dour expression on her face.

"Alright, then."

Akira Yamaoka: Dance With Night Wind (Silent Hill 3)

With an unnecessary breath, Melissa began the lesson.

"Within this World of Darkness, there are many neonates who would align themselves with more experienced kindred. It's rather natural. When faced with the unknown, most are likely to seek answers from whatever, or whoever is available. A great example would be a teacher and a student because students have no other choice than to rely on the tutelage of their educator."

Melissa scowled, "However, knowledge is always changing, usually in favor of whoever tells it. In my eyes, this is the relation between a sire and childe. A mentor and their student."

Heather looked peeved and asked, "How does this relate to LaCroix?"

Melissa glared at her. "Patience, Ms. Poe. If I simply answered your question, then you're likely to have more. This way I can teach you about our vampiric society. Now silence, because this teacher has begun and this is one lesson you cannot ignore."

Taking the silence as confirmation, Melissa resumes her lesson.

"Eventually, a coalition of like-minded individuals is formed, which we kindred called a Sect. Although most Sects are clan-oriented, two major sects house numerous kindred. They are known as the Camarilla and the Sabbat."

Melissa spat out their name as though it were a disease.

Seeing such a hostile expression, Heather felt faint, but she resisted the urge to run. She needed to know.

After a minute or two, Melissa's silent rage just dropped like a fly.

Before Heather could say anything, Melissa pressed on, "The Camarilla is usually led by a prince, a kindred who rules over their chosen domain. In this case, the prince of Los Angeles and leader of the L.A Camarilla is Sebastian LaCroix."

With a fixed stare on Melissa, Heather became mentally alert. She was starting to get a bad feeling about this.

With this, Heather inquired, "So, this LaCroix is like the Head of the Camarilla?"

Melissa shook her head. "Not exactly, Heather. LaCroix must take into consideration the Advisors before he can pass down new laws." She pauses and, grimacing slightly, reveals. "However, it's starting to feel like they'll only get involved if the Masquerade is in danger."

Heather gazed intently into her shades, her focus completely placed on Melissa.

Melissa sighed, "Now, we come to the meat of this lesson. The Masquerade."

Turning away from Heather, Melissa made her way towards the aquarium near the front door.

"I'm sure you can guess what the Masquerade is, Heather?"

Heather nodded.

"Then, you should know that the main priority of a Prince is to maintain the Masquerade so that our existence isn't revealed to humanity."

"Because humanity outnumbers you?"

Melissa shook her head.

"While that is a good reason, it's not the only one." She stops and watches the fish as they swim around the aquarium. "I don't know if this is right, but I believe the Masquerade was created to protect humanity as well as the Kindred from each other."

Heather raised her brow to Melissa.

"Most Kindred like to see themselves as being superior to Kine." Melissa scoffed, "Which is far from the truth since we were all humans before the embrace. It's almost like being compared to humans is the worst insult towards them."

Rolling her eyes, she whispered underneath her breath.

"Dipshits."

"Melissa," Heather raised her hand. "What happens if someone…"

"...Breaks the Masquerade?" Melissa interrupts before answering. "Well, depends on the crime, but it always ends with someone getting punished."

"By punished, you mean?" Heather guessed, clenching her fists.

"Final Death." Melissa nods as she turned away from the aquarium. "And sometimes, it's not the criminal who receives the punishment. And sadly, Ventrues prefer half-hour sleuthing over a thorough investigation anytime."

"End of lesson." The Tremere concluded.

Heather lowered her head, biting into her lip.

"Going back to the subject at hand. You're right about Simon. He's someone who hates it when someone focuses on him," Melissa paused. "Except when it's you, then he's all for it."

Heather looks at Melissa with gloomy eyes.

"Moving on. Simon Rowe is a man who would rather stay out of the spotlight than be in it. He has never joined the Anarchs and he's made it clear that he'd sooner eat shit than be a Sabbat." Melissa put her finger on her chin and continued. "So, why join the Camarilla? Unless…"

"...Simon didn't have a choice," Heather finished for Melisssa, who nodded in agreement.

"LaCroix is the type of person that Simon despises, even I know that. If the rumors are true, then the most likely situation is that Simon did something and LaCroix blackmailed him." Melissa explained. "That's as far as I've gotten."

"And that's about as far as you'll go."

Song Ends

They looked up and found Simon walking down the stairs.

Still wearing his faded jeans, he had a plain black T-shirt that had tears at the bottom and a pair of black sneakers with a white stripe.

Finally, Simon slips on his jacket and glares at Melissa.

"Oops," Melissa smirked, unbothered. "Can't blame me. Heather wanted to know, you know?"

Heather stared sadly at Simon, causing him to deflate, but only a little.

Sighing, Simon said. "It's nothing, okay?"

"No, it isn't." Heather countered before saying. "I'm sorry, but I'm just want to know what's going on. I know you don't want to worry me, but you're doing just that. I'm always worried that you're leaving one day, and never come back."

"I'd never do that!" Simon declared.

"I know that, but what if something happens to you? Something that takes you away from me?" Simon flinched as her eyes begin to water. "The thought scares me to death, Simon. I just want to help, but I can't do anything and that's what hurts the most!"

"I…."

"She isn't doubting your skills, Rowe. Just your social skills." Melissa interrupts. "She ain't asking for your life story, only what's bothering you. She shouldn't have to hear it from me."

"We're both know how Kindred acts, and honestly, we act more like the Kine than Kindred. And Heather's a human." Melissa crossed her arms. "Just tell us the truth."

Simon between his girlfriend and the Tremere before sighing with defeat.

"It's true," Simon admitted, much to Heather's relief and dread. "I'm working with LaCroix and not by choice."

"So I was right." Melissa frowned before asking. "I doubt you're going to tell us why?"

"You would be right."

Melissa snorted.

"There's a reason," Simon muttered. "I just can't tell you."

"Clearly." She nodded, annoyed. "Then, what can you tell us?"

Before Simon could speak, the phone started to ring. Narrowing his eyes, Simon gestured at them while he made his way towards the phone.

Akira Yamaoka: Breeze In Monochrome Night

"Hello," Simon answered.

"Mr. Rowe." A male voice called out.

The girls noticed Simon's scowl, but Melissa stopped Heather from speaking. Shaking her head, she placed a finger on her lips and pointed at the Ghoul's master.

"LaCroix." They spun their head at Simon, pay them no mind. "Why are you calling at this time at night?"

"Why else? It's not as though we can discuss matters during the day, now can we?" LaCroix asked, sarcastically. "Regardless, there is something that I need to discuss with you."

"What is it?"

"It's not something that cannot be discussed over a phone call. That is why you are going to meet me at my office. Now, if possible."

As much as he wanted to decline, Simon knew what awaited him if he did that.

And unfortunately, so did LaCroix.

"Fine," Simon said, reluctantly. "I'll be there shortly."

"Thank you, Mr. Rowe. You know where I am." LaCroix said, before ending the call.

Returning the phone to its socket, Simon let out a frustrated sigh.

"I take it that wasn't good," Melissa said eyebrow raised.

"LaCroix wants to speak with me," Simon said, annoyed.

"About what?" Heather asked, worried.

Looking at his lover, Simon went to the couch and sat next to her.

"It's nothing bad." Simon comforted her, before resuming. "LaCroix wants me to do something for him."

"A job?" Melissa asked.

Simon nodded and said. "Basically. I'm his errand boy. In exchange for this one job, he'll leave me alone."

Melissa narrowed her eyes at him.

Heather stared at him before putting her hand on his shoulder.

Smiling softly, Simon placed his hand atop of hers.

"I'll be safe, Heather." He whispered, lovingly. "I won't leave you."

"Promise?" She whispered back.

"Cross my heart and hope to die," He nodded, bravely.

Somehow, that calm the storm in her heart as she leaned towards him.

They share a deep kiss.

So deep that it took Melissa clapping her hands to bring them back to reality.

With an amused smirk, Melissa placed a hand on her hip.

"Not I don't mind the free show," The Tremere tilted her head at the door. "Maybe wait until after your talk with LaCroix before you get busy. What do you say, Simon?"

Rolling his eyes, Simon briefly kissed Heather again and whispered goodbye to her. Standing up, He makes his way to the door. However, he noticed Melissa opened the door for him.

"I was leaving anyway. Might as well follow." Melissa said, jokingly.

Yet, her eyes gleamed behind her sunglasses.

Nodding, Simon walked out and locked the door once she waved Heater goodbye. After they entered the elevator, Melissa waited for the doors to close before turning her head at him.

"Rowe?" She scowled, lowering her shades at him. "He'll leave alone.' LaCroix! We both know that's not how this story ends?"

"What else could I say, huh? 'I've pretty much become his slave until my next death." Simon hissed, vexed by his problem. "Because that would comfort Heather, now would it?"

"I get what you're trying to do, Rowe, but it won't last forever," Melissa said, causing him to lean against the elevator. "What happened? What the hell did you do? What's, in Caine's name, forced you into this?"

Simon didn't say a word, only glared lifelessly at the floor. Growling, Melissa looked away from him and scrutinized her reflection on the elevator door as it continued to descend.

"If I told you why, and LaCroix found out, then you'll be killed."

The Tremere glanced at the Neonate's reflection.

"Why?"

"Cause LaCroix breaking his own rules, the Camarilla's rules. If the truth behind our transaction were to reach the greater vampire population, then he'll be just as screwed as I would. That's why so few know the truth and even that was unwilling on my part." Simon revealed.

"Few? As in other than LaCroix?" Melissa asked. "There aren't many that you trust."

Simon shook his head.

"It ain't trust, it's confidentiality." Simon clarified before explaining. "You don't need to trust someone when you know they'll find the opportunity. They can benefit from the situation, then the problem itself doesn't matter. As long as the benefits outweigh the crisis."

"In other words, you reveal your deal with LaCroix because you knew that they'd be interested and you'd have a backup plan if things go south." Melissa guessed, to which Simon nodded.

"Bingo."

"I don't need to be smart to say that it's the Anarchs," Melissa smirked.

"Bitch." He smirked back before saying. "Only Jack and Nines know the full story. The others are aware of the situation, but they won't stick their nose where they don't belong."

"And in exchange, you act as their fly on the LaCroix's wall," Melissa stated correctly.

Song Ends

"Exactly," Simon said as they entered the lobby.

Walking past the security guard, they exited the Skyline Apartment and stared at the starry night.

"Ever wonder what life is like up there?" Simon muttered.

"You talking about space?" Melissa glanced at his jacket. "Or…"

"You know what I'm talking about."

As Simon made his way down the sidewalk, Melissa sighed softly and looked back at the shadowy sky.

"Yeah. Yeah, I do." Melissa nodded before following the neonate.

Started this in 2019. Late, but I hope you all enjoyed it. Don't know when or even if I'll update this. I'm can't say I haven't enjoyed going back on unfinished stories.