Seth POV
5 weeks later
I could feel both Nessie's and Mom's eyes on me as I robotically crunched my cardboard flavored cereal, my eyes focused on the table cloth as each crush was just another piece of my heart breaking.
That night really was the last time I saw Barry. I remember walking into school the next morning looking around frantically for him, but if his fading scent was anything to go by, he was gone. He said at most he would be gone for 2 weeks max, but that's not really shock me. I just remember the way he said it is what got me thinking.
"I'll be gone for a week or two so don't panic alrigh'?" The way he smelled and said it with a light laugh. Like leaving me was just going to be easy. I get it, we just met that day but it still hurts.
With each passing day, my heart broke a little bit more. I felt more anxious every day as I hoped for a sign of his return, the only reason I feel any kind of hope is the stone he put around my neck that night. I forgot it was around my neck due to all the action and it still held Barry's scent so I'm pretty sure it's the only thing keeping me alive, if barely. As both my pack and my family have said I just seemed like a corpse of my formal happy self.
Bliss Nessie, Charlie, and Mom's heart cuz they are trying to help me, but telling them the cause of my pain means I would have to come out, and I wasn't in the right place to do so yet, nor was I ready either.
Pack stuff has also been a bit messy with both me and Jake recently. Like me, Jake wants to find Barry as soon as possible, to only kill him. It's gotten to the point where Sam had to revoke him as beta and renamed Jared as beta out of his own safety, but that just made Jake livided. As one day during training drills Sam pitted Jacob against Jared and it was just a bad idea on Sam's part.
Jared was his normal upbeat self, while Jacob was his new-normal gloomy and slightly drunk self, and when Sam said go they did their thing. Things escalated quickly as Jared was able to pin Jacob down and stupidly made a comment on how this was a repeat of Jacob's battle with Barry.
Jacob snapped, and before we knew it Jared was on the ground with small pools of blood around him, while more of his blood was stained on Jacob's rustic fur. Everyone was on deck to stop Jacob's attack while me,Bradly, and Collin went over to bring a barely cautious Jared to Emily's.
Needless to say things have been tense since then.
"Hey, Seth." I slowly lifted my head up just enough to see Mom's concerned face.
"It's been five weeks now, the only other time you were like this was when-when your dad died." I watched her take a shack breath at the mention of dad. It's been two years since he's died but still never got easier talking about him. "I just- I mean… Are you really alright? If your not, it's not too late to move back to La Push, I'm sure Le-"
"Mom, Forks is fine. Honestly, right now being with the pack is just too much right now. Being her with you,Charlie, and Nessie is great. There is too much pack drama down there as of late." I tried to assure her with a smile but, I didn't have the strength to give any smile of sorts. Instead, Mom give me her own smile.
"Ya from what Leah tells me Jacob has been a little troublesome lately, right?"
I nodded shallowly, just wanting to return to eating my pain away. As I brought a new spoon of cardboard to my mouth, I heard my mom let out a sad sigh before hearing her run upstairs to get ready for work.
Nessie awkwardly moved around the kitchen preparing our lunches, since she can't hunt during lunch, she hunts for breakfast to shave off some of hunger.
"Alright, a small PB and J for me, and ten different sandwiches for you! All under ten minutes, new record if I say so myself!" Nessie cheered with a wide smile only an actual two year old in a fourteen year old body could produce and dropped both paper bags on the dining table.
"That's cool." I said coldly as I finished my pathetic breakfast before shuffling to gather my stuff for school, going through the motions of throwing on my backpack and an unneeded jacket, as I looked at my dead face in the mirror.
My hair was getting long and unkept as loose strands stuck out like a bird's nest, and I was gaining a slight shadow around the bottom of my face , usually I would shave it off but I didn't have the life in me to do it, and by it I mean anything.
"Hey Seth." Nessie's small voice snapped me out of my mind just enough for me to get a good look on her concerned face.
"Yes?" I asked planly. Nessie's eyes wandered around the house, looking at everything but me. I watched as she bit her lip nervously much like her mother would do when she was human.
"Everything alright? I mean-like-I just- you know. I'm here for you." Nessie stammered out as she fidgeted with her handbag. Her cute, honest eyes staring up at me like a cute cartoon kitten. I felt my heart warm up a little at her attempt to ask about me. I nodded my head and with what felt like my first genuine smile I patted her head.
"I'm fine." I said with a breath leaving my lungs as I ruffled up her hair. "I'll be fine. Now let's get going alright." I moved my hand from her head and held it out. I watched as Nessie's smile returned, before I was dragged through the front door by a tiny hybrid whose cool hand was wrapped around mine.
Four periods down, two more to go, and another day to spend alone outside with my thoughts. If that's one thing I missed about La Push where the lunch time conversions. Since La Push high did both middle and high school I would often be eating with the pack, minus Jake after the Cullines, and we would just have the best of times, but here in Forks I was nothing more than that 'hot native american guy'. I lost count on how many girls would try to get my attention during lunch, even without my missing imprint depression I would just ignore them until they would go away.
History was up for fifth period and if anything I was looking forward to a nice nap. Nothing against the teacher or anything, it's just if my heart didn't feel like it was going to explode on itself from pure sadness and desperation all because of my soul mate who I- I'm just going to shut up before I get even more depressed. I don't wanna cry right now anyways, that would take too much energy.
Walking into class was about as normal as it would be. Boring walls filled with useless historical facts, a cheap and dirty looking white board, rows of desks, and seeing how life just wants to beat down this dead puppy decided to use a sweet honey smell to help mask the smell of stale wallpaper and gross teenager, sad I was the only one who can smell everything. Either way I trudge my way though the other students as I take my seat in the back unaware of the others around me.
"Excuse me, but this seat isn't taken I hope?". I look to my left to find a tall guy in a really long black robe like jacket zipped down, looking down at me, with a non threatening smile and kind looking fiery red eyes. It was a knee jerk reaction to connect red eyes with bad vampires, but upon closer inspection he lacked the glass like look that vampire eyes had.
"No, go ahead." I said simply, gesturing to the chair.
"Thanks!"
I give a small smile to the guy before returning to emotionlessly staring at the front of the room. I grew more and more irritated as my noise picked up that danming sweat honey smell. Like whatever god damn magically life force controls my life now just has 'remind Seth Clearwater of his heart cruising abandonment by his soul mate'. I get it god,spirits, WHATEVER THE HELL YOU ARE! My soul meat left me for good! Can I just be a pathetic puppy in peace and would someone snuff out that damn sweet honey candle.
For real! I can't be the only one smelling this damn candle. Surely someone else at least noticed the smell of sweet honey right, it is a really strong smell even for humans. Sniffing the air a little found made a heart stopping realization as to why nobody smelt it but I. In my depressed state my nose failed to recognize the smell of candle wax, but I would have at least noticed a bright flame of a candle. In fact the smell itself was far too light like it was fading away, but it was still new in some way.
"Damn it human me! Who cares how long his scent been here lets go and find him!" Wolf me growled inside my mind.
"Hold your tail boy, don't you recognize the other smells."
" I do, but I just don't care why should I!?"
I groaned at my wolf's small minded brain. I wanted to find Barry as soon as possible too but something didn't go right with me. I picked up too many fresher and newer smells in the room and they seemed oddly familiar.
One was a little weaker but still stronger than Barrys. This one held the smell of a normal werewolf smell as one would find in La Push, combined with the scent of snow on an evergreen tree. While the other was much newer, as this one held the scent of ash and cinders like they just took a bath next to a fireplace.
Just before I could think about this even more, a loud knock on the classroom door combined with the bell brought me back to the world I was in as… the old lady I had for a history teacher didn't great us with a good stall good morning, but in her place walked in a much younger 27 looking man.
Needless to say the classroom was soon filled with hushed whispers, but what I was more concerned about was that the snowy evergreen smell was coming off this stanger that just walked in. Once again though before I could connect any dots, this stranger took center stage behind the teacher podium with a deep cough.
"Good afternoon class. Now, I know everybody has many questions so if you would be quiet you may find the answer to them. I'm Oki Kamui and I'll be your new history teacher for the remainder of the year. Your old teacher was transferred out someplace I do not know, nor should you be concerned about. As for-"
My eyes were fixed on as he explained the sudden change in Kama and gave his little introduction speech. If his pale-ish skin, slightly narrowed eyes and his last name our new teacher was differently a asian guy just like Barry, but that was by far the last thing that stood out about him.
reminded me a lot of Sam. He was huge looking like Sam with his broad shoulders, same height, and smiler shaped head. Combined with his piercing commanding look, his gray eyes and deep voice, pure leadership was just coming off . His jet black hair was all breaded back into a large braided ponytail that reached half way down his back, while his short beard was nicely trimmed, his whole look was very viking like.
While his look was very feral, his clothing was very clean and dignified. wore an open long brown trench over a formal white button up shirt with a straight black tie hanging neatly down his neck. All complete with prim and proper black business pants.
In short just gave off major alpha vibes…. Wait….
scent was there that night Jacob fought Barry. It was mixed in with all the other smells of the other animals. Seeing how there were only two other wolves on Barry's side, Barry being one of them, then the other wolf must be .
Barry had to be close by then, and just the thought of it made me smile wider than I ever had before.
Each painfully minute of class passed as my eagerness to get out there and ask where Barry is even if he was here was eating at me greater than any hunger I have felt before. My foot was taping on the ground, out of beat to my pencil tapping, while my eyes just looked outside the window daydreaming about a certain white wolf vampire.
"Just leave this human missure already and let's go"
"I know, I know, just hold on boy if we know a location then we can meet up with our mate sooner."
"Hehe you said our mate! Bout time you come around to it"
"I was never opposed-"
" , Kamiki-Kun a word if you would."
I was brought out my musing as voice broke me out of my was over and the only people left were me and the tall kid who asked to sit by me named Kamiki remained, which seemed intentional.
I just shook my head and walked up to meet him with Kamiki following me closely. I watched as wrote something down before looking at me and Kamiki with that shape commanding look.
" , I would like you to meet Moe Kamiki." said as he justered to the boy whose first name turned out to be Moe.
"Ummm hi, I'm Seth."
"Hey, and as you guess the names Moe." He said with a small smile as he took my hand and shook it with great friendliness.
"Now that you two have formally met, I won't waste more time. Surely by now you know we already meet."
"Yes! You were that older wolf from that night!"
"Told ya Sensei, he was a smart one." Moe said with glee.
"I never doubted you Kamiki-kun."
"Hold on, which one were you!?" I asked Moe, who checked redden a little as he went to scratch the back of his neck.
"Ohh me? I was the bird that was picking at the puppies of your pack."
"Really? Cuz you smell different from when you did back then."
*Ahem* "Focus here , I know the more we get off topic the less you know of Amaterasu-Kun's whereabouts."
I let out a low grow instinctively as that sounded way too much like a threat about hiding my imprints location. It only grew louder as Kamui's smile turned into a slight grin.
"No need to get territorial pup, I simply want you to get to class on time. I can see you still have the necklace on."
I looked down to the bright blue stone around my neck. I couldn't bear to take off sense then, I felt a smile grow as I felt a warmth come off it. I could feel both of the others smile at me too.
"Aww he's already feeling the effect of it."
"That's good, he really is the one." said with a chuckle before handing me a sticky note with an address on it and a time of 7:30 on it. "You'll find your mate there. All he asks is that you meet him there at the time."
"So he wants to meet me… for a date?" I asked as I felt my checks heat up and the feeling of excitement rise in me.
Moe and only smiled at each other with a knowing smile.
I stood nervously in a packed parking lot in front of a wooden archway. I don't know what I expected but an outdoors theatre was not the first thing that came to mind. I guess being in my excitement to see Bary again, I didn't really ask Moe or what or where I was going.
Now I heard ramblings of some new open land right before the magical creatures' border on the outside Port Angles, as Sam was worried if whatever was built there could attract vampires to a human buffet, so we were watching this area of land for a bit. It was a nice circle clearing in the woods right next to the road with a large wooden stage in the middle and little food carts lining various corners of the theatre. More towards the back were little wooden bar tables where some older people stood around talking with a bear, while the front were cute log benches where a lot of families and other high schoolers like I sat.
With a deep breath I decided that walking in and taking a seat was better than standing frozen in the dirt parking lot. I smiled as I walked past the large wood carving that looked depicted a wolf howling at upwords while balancing on a ball of some kind. It was cute, and with that image in mind it made sense that the name of this place was "The Wolf's Theatre".
I decided to just stand around one of the empty tables to stop myself from blending, I was by far the only person here wearing a plaid jacket and faded blue jeans here but my height would be distracting and unfair to the little kids who would be behind me if I took one of the benches.
It was a packed night, as it seemed like everyone from Forks was here. I saw kids with families and friends drinking the night away. I guess it helps that it was the grand opening of the theatre and tonight only admission was free. Thing is, with so many people it was hard for me to smell Barry's familiar scent though the crowd, and as each minute passed by the more and more worried I became. What if I'm being stood up? What if this was just some giant plan of humantion? Was lying to me? Did he give me the wrong place? Did I go to the wrong place?
I felt a tinkle of sweat run down my neck as my nervous finger tapping increased in speed, but then every studium light that surrounded the theatre in an instant shut off, shocking the crowd who soon were murmuring with concern, but other than that it was eerie silent.
Then a single spotlight hit the stage to reveal the one person responsible for my heart's uncountable pounding. Barry kept his head down as the whole theatre went silent with suspense. Then finally Barry brought a mic to his mouth.
"Boys only want love if it's torture, don't say 'I didn't say, I dind't warn ya'. " Was he said before a soft snare drum and some kind of electronic sound combined into a simple yet pleasant melody. Soon the stage was fully lit up showing the fairly large band behind Barry, but they palled in compression to my werepires melodic voice.
Nice to meet you, where you been?
I could show you incredible things
Magic, madness, heaven, sin
Saw you there and I thought
"Oh, my God, look at that face
I could be, your next mistake
Love's a game, wanna play?" Ay
New money, suit and tie
I can read you like a magazine
Ain't it funny rumors fly
And I know you don't know about me
So hey, let's be friends
I'm dying to see how this one ends
Grab your passport and my hand
Think you can make this bad guy good for a weekend?
With a dramatic leap onto center stage Barry drew his sword into the air just as three other dancers and singers appeared , and just like that I couldn't help but feel Barry just getting warmed up. Then all the sudden his eyes found mines in the crowd, and he grinned at me. I felt more heat run to my cheeks his eyes never left mine for the rest of the performance.
So it's gonna be forever?
Or it's gonna go down in flames?
You can tell me when it's over, mmh
If the high was worth the pain.
Got a long list of ex-lovers
They'll tell you I'm insane,
Don't you know I am a player,
And I love the game!
Cause we're young and we're reckless
We'll take this way too far
It'll leave you breathless
Or with a nasty scar
Got a long list of ex-lovers
They'll tell you I'm insane
But I've got a blank space, baby
And I'll write your name
I could only watch, as Barry spun, jumped, and did many other dances with the dancers, while still sounding pitch perfect. (Although they were touching and holding him too much for my taste).
Cherry lips, cloudy skies
I could show you incredible things
Stolen kisses, pretty lies
You're the King, baby, I'm a fling.
Find out what you want
Be that boy for a month
Wait, the worst is yet to come, oh, no
Screaming, swearing, perfect storms
I can make all the tables turn
Cherry blossoms in a storm
Keep you second guessing like
"Oh, my God, who is he?"
Don't be shocked by my apathy
For you'll come back each time you leave
'Cause, darling, I'm a nightmare hunting your daydreams'
So it's gonna be forever
Or it's gonna go down in flames
You can tell me when it's over, mmh
If the high was worth the pain
Got a long list of ex-lovers
They'll tell you I'm insane
'Cause you know I love the players
And I love the game
'Cause we're young and we're reckless ( oh )
We'll take this way too far
It'll leave you breathless ( oh )
Or with a nasty scar
Got a long list of ex-lovers
They'll tell you I'm insane (insane)
But I've got a blank space, baby
And I'll write your name
On the last beat Barry gracefully stuck his sword into the wooden stage as he addressed the audience, specifically the audience in my direction. Letting the music repeat in a stagnant loop.
"O'right, 'oright ! Thank you one and all for coming out tonight. My name is Barry Amaterasu and on behalf of all the work here I welcome thee to the opening of the Wolf's Theatre!" Barry said with a booming voice that would echo all the way to Forks.
"I know it must be queeny to be witnessing actual entertainment here in Forks, and not just spending time at some rundown, hick, tavern in Port Angeles or god forbid whatever dodgy place Forks is trying to offer. But no need to worry my dear Olympic Peninsulaians, for the Amaterasu Clan is here to save you from the drab world you call home!" I remained quiet as the crowd went wild. I never thought my little Peninsula was boring, but then again I never really left this corner of Washington either so I wouldn't really know.
"Now, as great as I am, even I require the help of some chaps now and then. So it is their pleasure that I introduce my mates to yal." The crowd once again cheered Barry centered himself to the middle of the stage, between the other three who found their way behind a mic.
"Intimidatingly tall like the rest of us! You find him in the corner in any social gathering just watching. Most would run from him the moment they meet his eye, but I promise ye he's a loyal gentleman though and though. Please give a hand to Geki Ryoshima!" A spotlight shone on an eighteen year old with the same light tan skin as Barry. Much like Barry said he was about as tall as Sam. He had his hair running down to his neck, much like a pre wolf Jacob. Geki didn't seem to have much style as he only wore simple black tee and jeans. Coupled with the stern thousand yard stare and his everlasting scowl and emotionless face, it was kinda unverified seeing him clap along to a pretty happy tune.
"Now here to prove he's not just a mug jock, and that he's a draft brutish jock that always away with the fairies! Please give a cheerleader screech for Ite Wawku!" Another spotlight shined down on an empty spot before someone doing a breakdance spin on his head spun into view before jumping into a showy front flip and landing in front of his mic. Ite, unlike Barry, seemed to wear a genuine wide smile as his short messy blond hair bounced in time with his head to the beat. While being the shortest out of the two currently on stage, he made up for in his bulkness. Unlike Geki before him, his style mirrored Barry's. Wearing a white white style sleeveless jacket with almost unbearable color splashes and tee coupled with basic ripped blue jeans. Either way Ite seemed more at home on stage then Geki.
Barry and Ite exchanged a bro fist bump as he walked over to the last figure hidden in the spotlight less shadow.
"Now last and certainly not least, I would like to introduce someone who for some reason has stuck with me through thick and thin. A kind hearted soul with a kent face who I can never corrupt. Please give a warm welcome to Moe Kamiki!" A light shone on Moe who was simply smiling out on the crowd. Not as deadpan as Geki but more reserved than Ite.
"And of course, you have me! Names Barry Amaterasu!" Once again the crowd cheered as Barry walked to the center of the stage, pulling his sword out from the wooden floor and reseted the blade behind his shoulders. " Now, how 'bout I give ya some life advice, Port Angeles?! As a way of saying thanks for coming out tonight!? Do tell me if you wanna hear it?!"
With an almost deathing cheer of the excited crowd, I would say the answer was obvious. An answer that made Barry grin my way and froz me into place.
"o'light! Listen up mates!"
Boys only want love if it's torture,
Don't say I didn't say, I didn't warn ya.
Boys only want love if it's torture,
Don't say I didn't say, I didn't warn ya.
The other 3 shifters sang the second part as an echo. Harmonizing beautifully with each other with Ite taking the lighter part of the song while Geki sang lower with Moe keeping the melody even. What was so cool as each one would go up in pitch and melody, effortlessly harmonizing with each other as the melody got more complex.
Boys only want love if it's torture,
Don't say I didn't say, I didn't warn ya,
Boys only want love if it's torture
Don't say I didn't say, I didn't warn ya.
Boys only want love if it's torture,
Don't say I didn't say, I didn't warn ya.
Boys only want love if it's torture
Don't say I didn't say, I didn't warn ya!
So it's gonna be forever
Or it's gonna go down in flames
You can tell me when it's over (over)
If the high was worth the pain
Got a long list of ex-lovers
They'll tell you I'm insane (I'm insane)
'Cause you know I am a player
And I love the game!
'Cause we're young and we're reckless
We'll take this way too far ( ooh )
It'll leave you breathless, mmh
Or with a nasty scar (leave a nasty scar)
Got a long list of ex-lovers
They'll tell you I'm insane
But I've got a blank space, baby
And I'll write your name
Barry finished his flashy number in the way I imagined he would. As he and the ensemble held a note for longer then they should be able to as a cluster of fireworks went off in the sky in tune and time with the play off of the song. Everyone was on their feet clapping and cheering, while I was frozen in place with probably the dumbest looking smile on my face. My heart was pounding as the performance was exerting, it felt like I was up there dancing and singing with the amount of sweat that built its way onto my hand, and I felt warmer than normal. Still the whole time my eyes never left Barry, watching closely at every moment he did. Focused on each small detail of dance he did with his feet, or the small motions his fingers did to keep beat, or how he gracefully danced with that sword like it was nothing. Then as the clapping and cheating settled down he looked straight my way with a big smile and at the moment I felt like the stars align and my fate was locked into place as my checks slowly heated up.
I was deep in the hole of love.
I wanted nothing more but to keep falling forever.
Moe walked on stage with a simple acoustic guitar strapped to his back and a wild wave of applause. I was so focused on Barry that I failed to notice that the ensemble behind Barry were all gone, most likely moving backstage quietly during his little speece. Nonetheless, Barry set up a simple set up, a wooden stool, a mic stand, and walked off the stage giving Moe the empty stage to himself.
I felt my wolf grow the moment Barry was out of sight while my heart plummeted as the fear of not seeing him again instantly shot up through my body. This time however my wolf was not taking any more chances and something primal told me to find him, and this time I didn't hold back. If I had to guess I would have to-
"You mind if I hang out here for a bit. I could use a little chin wig after performing a kick arse opening number kind of takes the wind out of someone y'a know?"
I look back to the table I was just at and there he was chugging down something in a water bottle that wasn't water, all dressed in some simpler style clothes I met him in. At a moment's notice a shy smile grew on my face as my blood rushed back towards my cheeks.
"Ya, no I-I don't mind please help yourself.. I- I mean that- just you know stay here… with me." A said with a smile, but then I see that damn smirk rise with an eyebrow as he wipes away some type of animal blood off his lips with his arm. It was then when I felt my face heat up and what I just said finally registered with me and just a tsunami of embarrassment came over me, that I could only stand and stare as I mentilly punched myself in the face.
Barry chuckled as he leaned over the small table resting one arm along the surface while using the other to hold up his head with the palm of his hand, his enchanting deep golden eyes drawing me in with every passing second. "Wow Seth, we barely even know each other and you're over the moon. I'm flattered really." I felt just a ball of saliva go down my throat and all my palms felt like I just deeped them in burning hot water. My wolf really liked the low pretty voice Barry used in his last sentence.
"Well I mean you know.-" I laughed nervously while rubbing the back of my neck trying to keep it cool. "You, you're just my imprint, that's all! I wouldn't want you to think I didn't like you or anything. In fact, I like you alot! Like a lot a lot and like sure I'm sure if we just-"
My rambling was instantly shut off the moment Barry walked next to me and took both of my hands in his, cooling my overheating bodys with their nice and warm feel. His eyes looked into mine and combined with a cute smile, I felt the world just stop and the only thing I could see and hear was him
"Look, I know how imprints work. I'm a wolf to remember. So I'm not going to waste time on some 'I'll be whatever you want' bullshit o'right. No need to flog a dead horse." I simply nodded as I felt the air grow more serious.
"I'm not gonna lie, I'm interested in you Seth. You're dishy and you have this… appling innocence that's hard to ignore, not to mention that woody's smell. So I'm willing to give us a go, but being with me is a double edged sword."
Barry took in a deep breath as every hint of snarkiness was gone with only an unreadable face staring back at me. "I'm shit person, I plan and simple. I don't have the best past that's bound to catch up with me, not only that but I also have things to do here. I don't give a rats arse about what I have to do to complete them. So if that means I have to lie or manipulate someone, or sacrifice the loved ones of others for my cause to the dogs, or even worse-" His hands tightened over mine to an almost deathly grip, losing all warmth from them making them closer to a true vampiric touch. "Breaking the heart of another wide eyed twit who's stuipd enough to try to love me. So if you want to drag around this low life scum around town, I make no promise that I won't leave scars." He put his hand on mine, drawing circles on my skin, as he sang the song from before in a hushed voice. Singing the chorus in a way that made his words sound more like a clear warning than cheeky cockyness.
So it's gonna be forever
Or it's gonna go down in flames
You can tell me when it's over,
If the high was worth the pain
Got a long list of ex-lovers
They'll tell you I'm insane
Don't you know I am player
And I love the game
I searched futilely for any hint of sinister cynicism that he had during that night he fought Jacob. Any hint of the playful hybrid that kissed me out of surprise after that battle. Any hint of the happy show stopping performer that was just on stage a couple of minutes ago. All of that was gone, this Barry held a strong sense of authority, and warning.
With a breath of my own, I'm able to loosen my hands from Barry's icy hands as they lighten off their grip, and quickly clasp my own around his in an attempt to warm his. An action Barry didn't see coming if his slight flinch was anything to go by.
For a moment I just stood there running my fingers over his skin feeling it as to make sure they were real. His hands were a nice kind of rough, I could tell they were through a lot from the little indents and scars on them, but moving over them felt like how sand would fall between your fingers, a nice tingly feeling.
I thought my heart would be just ready to explode but it was calm, as was I. My thoughts were clear and any trace of nervousness was out of my body as one of my hands subconsciously moved a loose strand of hair behind his ear, before leaving my hand on his shoulder while taking in a quick breath of his lovely honey scent.
"I don't know or care about whatever baggage you're carrying around. All I know is that you are it for me. My spirits and ancestors knew somehow that you and I were going to be perfect for each other." My voice was low and gravley, sounding almost like a wolf slowly growing as he approached his prey. Both my wolf and I were on the same page for once, we both knew what we wanted as my hand moved from his shoulder to his check. Feeling the cool heat from it. "So go and play your game Barry. As I promise to bet you on it."
"That's a awfully dangerous thing to say Clearwater. Think you got the jewels to back it up?"
I gave off a slight grin at Barry's challenging words as I moved my other hand to his check, effectively holding his head in place. "Just you wait. You stole my heart, so it's only fair that I take yours." Without a second thought I brought his lips close to mine and had my second kiss ever.
Barry POV
Out of all the things I expected out of tonight, Seth Clearwater completely ignoring my warning and instead kissing my lips first was not one of them. If that's the game he really wants to play then who am I not to play along. I let our lips linger on each other letting the young one let out that pent up aggression.
"Wow you go get it Ammy-senpai!"
Seth pulled away the moment a voice of a young, crud and loud voice came from the other side of the table and just like that the nervous Seth that I expected tonight was back in for swing. As he was frozen with a beat red face looking mortified at a physically looking 16 year old boy with a wide smile. I on the other hand just looked at him with complete indifference.
"What!? Don't stop the show! I was enjoying that!"
"I believe the show is on the stage Wawku-kun." A semi emotionless tired voice cut through the air like an arrow joined the group. I love my clan mates so much that I wanna kill all of them sometimes.
"Ummm-I wan't-how-umm- hi.." It was cute how absolutely modified Seth was. He desperately tried to fix himself. I rolled my eyes as I admired his nervous breakdown before grabbing his hand, and I felt him at a moment's notice calmed down.
"This would be the rest of my little clan. The peeping tom here is Ite Wawku while the dead pan lean bean is Geki Ryoshima. Say hi you two."
Ite Wawku, was what most would call a loose cannon of a high school class clown. With the body of a very fortunate sixteen year old. He looked like one of those bulky football players in high school that don't look like they should be sophomores but are somehow are. Short messy black hair in a similar style of Seth's neatly unkempt hair. A lovable idiot that one. I hate him, but keep him around as he and I share the same joy of messing with people. You could say I appreciate him.
Geki Ryoshima, looked like what most would find out behind the school smoking weed or some shit. Intimidatingly tall, like most of us I guess, long black hair that went down to his neck and clothing sense that just yells 'school shooter'. Funny thing is Geki is anything but a wasted outback school emo. Geki's loyalty to me knows no bounds. Sure his rigid, gentlemanly personality leaves me asking for actual personality but last time he showed 'personality' it-well- let's just say there's a reason he keeps himself monotone.
"Hey!"
"Greetings."
"Hi-Heyllo. I'm Seth."
"We know who you are, Clearwater. You're the first autosaidā to ever hold one of Ammy-senpai magic rocks."
"I'm sorry, What does auto-wata mean?" Seth asked with a child-like curiosity looking for me for answers.
"It means outsider in japanese. Which you should learn if you plan to stay with us long."
"Don't rush him, Ryoshima-kun. Seth and I just 'gave in' to the wicked imprinting, so he has all the time in the world to learn."
"If you insert Amaterasu-san, both Wawku-kouhai and I just wanted to. It's about time to pack up. After all it is a school night after all."
"Really! Damn times really fly by when you sucking face with your soul mate huh?" I said with confidence as I poked Seth in the rips as he rubbed his neck.
"God, I can't get any more embarrassed tonight can I?"
"Nope, part of being with me is that you are subjected to my taunts." I said with a grin.
"Aww Ammy-senpai already so lovey dovey! If on-"
"Shut it you tosser before I bite your tail off your sorry arse!"
Like clockwork the youngly was quiet at an instant and with nothing more than a bow of respect the little lamb ran off backstage with Ryoshima following him. Leaving us two wolves alone.
"Sorry 'bout them, Wawku-kun is…. A special wanker…. , Ryoshima-kun is kinda formal to an uncomfortable fault."
Seth smiled lightly as his face slowly returned to it's normal tan color. "No it's fine, I have a feeling that I might as well get used to it. Who they there that night?"
"Yelp Wawku-kun was the Ox while Ryoshima-kun took the mantle of the Tiger."
Seth made an O out of his mouth as a long "aaaaaaah" sound left it. His face is still a little red. I watched him with a smile as he looked around nervously, clearly trying to strike up a conversation.
"Umm you accent."
"Ye, wa abou' i'?" I say with an amused smile over exaggerating the whole britishness of it.
"Well… your last name doesn't sound very British or European for that matter, and not to connect anything to race but you also don't look British either." Seth mumbled the last part, knowing I could hear just fine.
"Na it's fine really It's a dog's tail of a tell . Long story short, I'm as much japanese as those eejits I call friends." I silently bring my hand to feel a milky white scar on the nape of my neck. I see Seth tense up a bit at the sight of my vamp mark. I calm him down with a smirk.
"When I was actually bloody 17 I got bit being a stupid bloke of a vampire. Then by some gobsmack miracle I was turned into a werepire. My blasted father opted to throw a wobbly and tried to kill me. Queen bliss my luck, I made it to a dutch trading ship just in time. Once we landed I romed Europe until I found myself among the blimey villages of early Britain. I guess I figured it was as good a place as any to stop running and call home for a few centuries. Adopting their English, changing my first name to fit in and grown this charming accent you hear now.
"What was your actual name?"
A growl made its way through my throat as I sharply turned to face Seth "I wouldn't have changed my blasted name if I wanted them to flaking know it!"
While I snarled, Seth shifted back a tad. It was a sight I normally love too see, but even my dead heart felt some sorrow. "Sorry, that topic still gets me brassed off sometimes. Best you think off something else mate."
"Ya sorry" An awkward silence hung in the air before Seth spoke again.
"How did you build this place? I know I was in imprint depression for a whole two-ish weeks, but I'm sure I would have noticed this place." Seth asked slyly, meeting my eyes.
I pushed myself off the table as my hands started to twitch with excitement, Seth watching me in slight confusion. "Well now, that such a simple question my dear Seth-" I said with my showmen voice, my arms outstretched to my sides with hands wide open as a smile put itself on my face. " But one I shall answer!"
I closed my eyes to focus as I felt my body tingle. Like clock work my body began moving to its own tune, repeating an action that I have done many times, and enjoyed many times over. Both my arms made a half circle, with my left arm moving up, while the right moved down. Then I brought my hands together, but no together. Both hoved a few inches apart like I was holding a basketball between my palms close to where my stone hung from my neck . Once a familiar feeling in my stomach grew, I threw my hands to the ground in a swapping motion.
With a smile on my face, my eyes open to a bewildered Seth and a small clearing surrounded by trees, hidden from the main road due to the trees, but not far from it. As no remains of a stage or any kind of building.
"Ho- What?! Fu-"
"Shut your trap and maybe I'll tell ya! I'm half vampire so it only makes sense that I have a vampiric gift of my own. My gift just happened to be cognitive control."
Seth slowly nodded his head like he knew what that meant. A tisk sound left my mouth as he tried to act smart. "It's okay to be dumb Sethy I kinda find it sorta cute."
I grinned as his cheeks turned red on his rustic skin. Gods, what happened to all his moxie a few moments ago. "Umm I guess you could explain what that means."
I held out the palm of my hand and a small blood red energy ball formed and floated in the middle of my hand. "I can change what someone's brain sees, think, or even feels. Kinda like I'm telling someone's brain that something is real, or that me singing in the middle of the street is totally normal behavior.
Basically, I can cause illusions to make people believe there head's on straight. From a massive outside theatre in the woods with a full house to this very table we are leaning on right now." I say that last part with a smirk.
"What! No, this table is AAGH!" I held down a chuckle as Seth lost his balance as the 'table' disappeared and fell to the ground.
"Wow okay… that's something. I thought the crazy power was being able to see the future." Seth chuckled to himself as he got off from the ground. Once he was up he looked around the now empty woody's lot, his bewilderment clear on his face. "I guess keeping up an illusion that big took years of practice?"
"Ya, thankfully I have a few too many centuries of experience with my power. When I first turned I could barely hold that table illusion for more than a few seconds. But now I could stuff bigger than that performance and hold the whole charade for hours."
"That's good I guess." Seth's voice was quiet as he looked at the ground.
"Come now. What happened to the wolf just a few moments ago huh?" I walked over to him, placing my hand on his warm check, "I'll admit you're cute when you flushed and nervous, but you were much more-" I trail my hand on his check, and run it up and down the side of his arm, relishing in the shivers his body gave off from the touch. " exciting when you kissed me without warning."
I moved my face closer to his until our noises touched his nervous breath slowed as he stared back at me, that convection slowly returning to his eyes.
"You really do like playing a dangerous game huh?" His voice dropped down to a growl, which brought a smirk out of me.
"That depends… you playing too? Cuz I know Kamui-sensei would love to go over the rules with you."
Like clockwork, the color from his face drained, and the hot fierceness from his eyes faded back to nervousness. "What…"
I pulled my face away from his and looked to the left of us. "I'm I right, lads?" Seth's eyes followed mine and quickly let go of me, choosing to look at the grass instead of my group of shifters in animal form.
"How long have you been-"
A large snow white ox snorted loudly in anumsent. While his eyes were covered by his hair I could tell there was a perverted wink under that.
"Seth, but you know I love myself a good joke now and again."
Seth looked at the animals then back at me with a small smile on his face, "Is there anything you wired illusion powers can't fake?"
"Any senses that your dog brain has to process I can fake, so you better watch that mangy dishy tail of yours." I smirked while patting him on the head, before turning my attention to my clan.
"As for you eejits! It's getting late and we have school tomorrow right? Then we best be
heading off to Bedfordshire before the bloody police come around." Geki stretched out his limbs in the manner a house cat would, which is very funny looking action from an large tiger, while Moe sat perched resting his wings on Ite's back with my messenger bag around Moe's neck, looking how I imagine a messenger bird would look at.
I slide my hand under the end of my shirt to take it off so I could change, but before I could I felt a wave of nervousness from behind me.
"Seth-" I said with a sharp turn back at his blushing face. " - this isn't travana. Unless you're looking for a br-"
"No no! I'll umm see you tomorrow!" Seth stood up straight then his already tilted arrow as he looked hazle to the end of the clearing where his dumper was on the side of the road. Leaving with nothing more than a goodnight and a an hand on his neck.
My clan watched as the sounds of his clunker riddles and bumped before his headlights were on the road and back to Forks, before Moe squawked at me.
"Blimey, keep you damn feathers on I'm coming!" I shouted back as I made my way back to them, striping my garments as I did. I got on all fours as I let the large furrier side take hold, and started my why back to out home.
" Is this really a time to play your games now Amaterasu-san, we can't protect Clearwater if things get to drastect."
"Put a shock in you bellaching for now Ryoshima-kun, I got all the bloody time in the world to play."
Hay y'all I am back just before the new year! At last the story is starting to pick up a little spead, and as you can guess I don't really have an update schedule but as you can see this story is at least being worked on. So thank you y'all for coming back after all this time :).
Songs Used:
Blank Space-Taylor Swift