Chapter 1

It felt sweet, the first subtle contact of their lips. Only matched in sweetness with the taste that had accompanied it, likely due to the wilting layer of cherry flavored lip gloss that Hawthorn had applied earlier in the day, which Everett was given the chance to glimpse as the first flood of memories pushed themselves to his retinas. To think, all on the second day that he was able to call freedom his own, under certain limitations of course, which he understood even if he complained about it along the way. Too bad it hadn't ended on that high note. The hands of fate playing along their discordant tones on the organ of Everett's life, as bipolar as a housecat in the way they constantly switched their tune from an overwhelming major C to a tender and jubilant A. The night wasn't all bad - he had gotten another kiss after all.

Memories sprung from the passion like water from a leaky faucet, spilling loose into Everett's mind and bringing forth both the good and equally bad, although in the end he did get what he was searching for: Soft, sunkissed skin coating arms that were slender and lanky in build resembling that of a feminine figure; Hawthorn. Held out in front of her body as another, rather familiar gentleman would close her fingers around a small box, the subtle whispers that accompany the thought describe it as a gift. There is auditory excitement in Hawthorn's voice that makes Everett slightly agitated, but that man that was there, Jakob, seemed to take it better. Progressing further along in the memory, pushing the subconscious forward button after a kiss would be exchanged between the two, one that only brought forth memories that intersected themselves into the present one. Playing out scenes of intimacy between the two, as if fate knew how to torment his mortal soul, despite fate not playing any part in it. His eyes shut, closed tightly as if that would bring an end to the footage that only continued to pester him in the blacked out theater of his mind. Bearing through it, trying his best to ignore the flow of thoughts that began to burrow into his fragile psyche, he'd eventually emerge victorious with new information held tight in hand.

A private getaway for once private lovers - information nestled in the comfort of Hawthorn's lips . . . why did Odessa have to make him care? 'Suppose it's like Rick Astley always says: "We've known each other for so long, your heart's been aching but you're too shy to say it . . . and if you ask me how I'm feeling, don't tell me you're to blind to see." With his newfound "freedom" Everett should really look for other music.

Their lips separated, leaving a subtle taste of consumed whiskey to tease the buds lining his tongue as his vision established itself once more in reality. Odessa's figure came into view first, body highlighted by the surrounding light which was still adjusting to his eyes, giving her a near angelic visage in the process. Smooth, well cared for skin of a deep chocolate color; thick chestnut hair that was wild in the enticing ways; piercing amber hued eyes that seemed to sparkle in the light. Culminating into the finest asset a person could have - taste. Even the faintest nibble could allow a person, more specifically Everett, to gauge the flavoring of a person and for some unknown reason the blandness that often tormented his dishes was gone. Was the taste due to the blood that pumped through her veins or was it something else? Perhaps it wasn't truly a spice that was missing from his cooking, for all he knows, it could've been a spice missing from his heart.

However, that is something that only happens in fairytales and the fact he was shot just a few nights ago proves that this definitely is not a fairytale, at least not one with a happy ending. Plus, he eats people - that doesn't seem like a protagonist to me. Odessa settled in on her chair, body turned away back towards the counter as Everett finalized his return to reality.

Pink flushed into her cheeks, hiding under the dark tints of her skin but still coming off as a quite visible violet shade as she stared silently into her empty glass, using whatever droplets that found themselves sprinkled along the inner walls to distract her from the overwhelming embarrassment. Roused from her thoughts by a firm tattooed hand that placed itself upon her shoulder, confiscating the glass from her idle hands that went limp once their purpose was gone. "That was a fun discussion to hear, 'Thorn. Cisco could've sworn you two would need a bit more time, but empath over there knew what was up." The man spoke, taking up a seat beside the woman after taking a momentary glance towards the Orc and Tiefling duo as the door closed behind them. Her attention would turn towards the man, leaving Everett to endure what their kiss had allowed him access to. "You . . . um-" There was a brief pause in her speech, eyes focusing on Reggie's lax features, him looking as though his brother hadn't just tried to kill him hours ago with the casual nature he tossed back the glass of whiskey with. "What exactly did you hear?" Odessa managed to mutter out, doing her best to fight back the blush that was polluting her cheeks. "All of it. Every single word." He replied, topping off the glass before pushing it back in front of Odessa. "Say goodnight to Everett for me, would you? You know, when he's done." Reggie stood up from his chair, giving Odessa a small salute with two of his fingers before limping his way out of the bar, the soft ding of the bell sounding his exit.

A soft scrape was heard from Everett's stool as he began to shift in his chair, an elbow placed upon the counter as he held his head in a supportive hand. Quiet, unintelligible muttering spilled from his lips before he would toss back the glass he had neglected before the sealing of their relationship, hoping that the alcohol would burn away some of the memories he was allowed to witness. Harsh, bitter stinging it flowed down his throat as he'd replace the glass onto the counter once again, erratic yet composed. He felt a hand placed over his own as it left the glass, the familiar soft skin that enticed his gaze up from the pit it found itself trapped in, giving sight to a familiar face that was slightly tarnished by a borrowed memory that once again presented itself to him - Jakob at the forefront, the sensation of lips pressed against her neck, skin against skin; it was cold yet warmth radiated from each touch. It was vivid. Too vivid. Was this an outcome he'd never felt with his power? To truly feel the emotion; the touch; the feelings!

Everett brushed the hand off of his own, sitting up and stumbling out the front door, nearly tripping on himself as he did so. The signature sound of the bell rang overhead as he'd push against the wide latch that kept it closed, blasted in the face with a gust of chilled air that caused his hair to skew slightly to the left. He gulped down a few breaths of the air, resting his back against the wall as he tried to burn away the images that haunt his mind. If this were a normal circumstance, he'd turn and run, like the coward he truly is - explosives aren't friendly to strays. A valid reason for him to stay, as valid as the figure who had made their way outside, sporting a different and rare expression for when they usually spoke: a frown. "I'm sorry to have barged out on you like that, Odessa. I just . . . " Everett stopped himself, searching for words that could justify his actions, yet finding none. "It wasn't right of me." He would mutter out, straightening himself against the wall. The male's gaze shifted to the fairly lively streetways, taking in the serenity of the busy city as a means to distract his thoughts. Odessa stood off to the side, arms crossed over her chest with her gaze focused intently on the male's features. Despite what Everett could have believed about the frown, be it from disappointment or genuine sadness, in the end it was worry.

Minutes raced by, silence filling the void between them, save for the occasional honk or siren that sounded from the cityscape. Slow, deep breaths causing his chest to visibly rise and fall were observed by a now seated Hawthorn. Staying beside him, at a careful distance in respect to his boundaries, to show that she truly did care. "Can we stay elsewhere tonight?" He would be the one to break the silence, turning his body sheepishly towards the woman. Such a question roused concern in her mind, a quizzical expression overtaking her face. "Why would we do that, Everett? It should be safe now." She replied calmly, rising to her feet. Odessa at this point would begin to approach, taking cautious steps towards Everett as not to overstep the ever shifting boundaries, gauging his reaction on each movement. "I just wish to be sure, Odessa. I'm not sure I can stand another surprise at this point. Plus, I'm not sure how much more damage my body can take. Hello Kitty Band-Aids only do so much . . . " Everett did his best to make light of their past situations, forcing a smile to his lips despite the visible wince that would follow it. Her approach was met with uncertainty, a mixture of emotions from the male which was difficult to read, leaving her to act off of instinct.

Two more steps were taken by The Beast towards her beauty, bridging the one foot gap between them with an outstretched arm that took gentle hold of Everett's nimble, bony fingers. There was no resistance to her actions, which inspired her to take it one step further. Taking up refuge at his side, Odessa would slip her fingers in the space between Everett's, closing them around his hand to which he would do the same. "There should be a hotel nearby, if you'd like to stay for the night. Should be safer there for you." Everett turned his head to look towards Odessa, taken aback by her sudden speech. For him? He'd be left alone? But . . . his grip upon her hand would suddenly tighten, staring down at her with worry. The tightened hold was enough to grasp her attention, immediately shifting her gaze from the path before them up to his pleading eyes. She'd be a monster to refuse, more of a monster anyway. "Okay. Safer for us, Everett. But you're sleeping on the bed." She said calmly. "Deal." He grumbled, giving a weak wave of his free arm for her to lead the way.