Hey, Ireallyappreciatethereviews. Thisismyfirst-everfanficstory, soIamtotallyopentoanyfeedback, concerns, etc. Iamalsoahugefanofcriticism! Itmaysoundstrange, butIlikecriticism, sodon'tgoeasyonme! InoticedmostofyouareconcernedforElenaandDrake'sfuture; sure, it'sgoingtogetalittleheavy, butit'snecessaryformyplotline. (Kudosto "VoiceofReason," btw, forreadingmymind...)~ Thatbeingsaid, Idon'twanttogiveanythingaway, butI'lljustletyouknowthatIhaveitallplannedout, andIknowwhereI'mgoingwiththis :) Also, ifyoudon'tlikeit, noone'smakingyoureadthis (Ithink...), andI'msurethatthereareplentyofgreatUnchartedfanfic'souttheretosuiteveryone'staste. Thanksforreading!
Threemonthslater...
Elena trudged down the dark, damp street, with her arms tightly folded across her small notebook over double-breasted coat. Her flats made rhythmic clack, clack, clack, sounds as she maneuvered down the pavement. She had begun to shiver as she felt drops of rain fall upon her exposed legs every few steps.
Ishouldhavewornleggings, she thought despairingly. At least she looked better without them. It had been a long while since she'd actually dressed up. She looked down the street ahead of her and saw the bright sign that she had driven by earlier. It read "Rivendale Pub," and was supposedly the hottest place in this corner of London. She couldn't help but faintly smile as she watched a group of five or so well-dressed people enter the pub. All she wanted to do was meet some interesting people, have a few drinks, and have a good time to ease her from the overwhelming stress she'd been going through lately.
She wasn't exactly at a highlight in her relationship with Nate. They hadn't spoken for a week, and hadn't seen each other for several. They had had a huge falling out. Nate had convinced her to stay in their apartment together, but then decided that he wanted to go on yet another dangerous artifact excursion, and, despite Elena's voiced disapproval, he'd already made preparations for his trip. Nate would go without Sully this time, too, because Sully was recovering from a recent surgery on his gallbladder. After Nate had made plans for his trip, she'd decided to get away for a while and accept an assignment to cover popular locals' pubs in London.
Elena shook her head as she reflected on this and decided to forget about it for the night. When she reached the door to the pub she couldn't help but think of Nate, and she sighed. Elena then entered the pub and began to survey her surroundings. There was some popular English band playing on the pulsing speakers, and there was ample talking and laughing throughout the room. Groups of friendly-looking people were scattered about, with some people seated at the bar. She decided to head towards the bar, and ended up sitting at a tall stool between two solitary gentlemen.
Elena patiently waited for the busy bartender as she began jotting notes in her notebook: RivendalePub: livelyatmosphere, lotsoflocals. She inconspicuously observed the two men by her. The one on her right was sandy-haired and casually-dressed and looked as though he were a part of some band. For all she knew, he probably was. He had begun socializing with a young woman next to him, so Elena slightly turned towards her left to observe the other gentleman. This young man had tidy dark brown hair and was more well-dressed than the other man, wearing a black coat and a neat white shirt. Elena noticed that he seemed to watch his surroundings carefully, surveying each person that passed by. He wore a calm, if somewhat blank expression, and almost seemed out of place in the lively pub. The man wasn't particularly handsome; but, then again, she couldn't help but compare him to Nate, who wasn't exactly hard to look at.
Elena suddenly felt very hot and removed her thick coat, revealing a form-fitting but modest cocktail dress. She faintly smiled as she remembered Chloe's disdain at her not having worn it before, as she had claimed it would look fantastic on Elena. The poor dress had sat in her closet for years. Elena had to admit, Chloe had been right; the dress did look good on her. No, it looked great. She felt happy for a moment, but then the mood began to fade as she noticed she was all alone in this large room of people who all seemed to have someone to talk to. She suddenly wished that Nate had come with her, even though they were she remembered the man to her left and took note of the beer glass in front of him. She decided to be bold.
"I'm sorry, but can I ask what you're drinking? I'm not sure what to order," Elena said politely. The young man sat straight up and looked over at her, seemingly surprised at her question. He hesitated a second before he spoke.
"I'm, um, I'm having the Newcastle Brown Ale. It's one of the more popular ones here," he replied. He seemed to look her up and down once.
"Oh, okay, thanks," she said awkwardly. Elena realized that she hadn't practiced making small talk with people for a long time, and was unsure of how to go about it. By the way he ran a hand through his hair, the dark-haired guy seemed to feel the same way.
"You're... American, I presume?" he questioned.
"Yes, I am. I'm from California," she answered.
"I've never been. You're just visiting here, then?"
"Yes," she said, and then added, "Actually, I'm here for my job. I'm a journalist-slash-reporter for a news agency, so I'm here on an assignment." He seemed to consider this for a few moments.
"May I ask what you've been assigned to cover?" He asked.
"Yeah, actually, I'm supposed to write about the most popular pubs for locals in south-eastern London. You know, the ones that they try to keep hidden from tourists," she added, and winked. He smiled.
"Ah, I see. Well, you have come to the right place. This place is really popular with locals. In fact, I have never seen any tourists come here. Besides you, at least," he said, smiling again. She attempted to hide her own smile as she looked around for the bartender.
"I assume you're looking for the bartender? Here," he said, and motioned with his hand for the bartender to come over. The bartender immediately made his way towards them.
"Oh, thanks," she said.
"No problem," he said. Maybe she imagined this, but the bartender seemed to give Elena a wary look before turning towards her acquaintance."Can I please get a Newcastle for this young lady? That is what you wanted, isn't it?" He asked, facing Elena.
"Oh, yes, thank you," she said hastily. The barman nodded eagerly and hurried over to make the drink.
The young man gave her a cocky smile before adding, "It's on me."
"Oh, no, don't. Really, I've got it," she said, embarrassed. He looked at her intently and said, "Don't worry about it."
"Thanks," she said. She didn't know what to say, and nervously played with the ends of her wavy blonde hair. She'd been growing her hair out for months, so it now stretched well below her shoulders. She continued to play with her hair until the bartender brought over her drink. She didn't hesitate to take a few sips, as she just wanted to relax. Relax, have a good time, and take notes about the pub for her job, of course.
"So?" The young man asked. She turned to find him looking at her with intensity. "How is it?"
"It's good. I really like it," she said, sitting up straight and tossing her hair over her left shoulder. His eyes followed her left hand for a moment with obvious interest.
"You're not just saying that to be nice?" He teased.
"No, of course not!" She exclaimed. "I'm an honest person."
He chuckled. He shifted his weight on the stool and turned more towards her, taking on a more casual appearance.
"It's nice to know an honest person for once. I don't know many," he said, and seemed to consider this for a moment as his eyes remained on her.
"To be honest-and I don't mean this as a joke-I don't know many honest people either," she said. He nodded, and she decided to press further. "Are youanhonest guy?" she asked. He raised his head a bit and seemed a bit taken aback by the question, but smiled as he thought about his answer.
"To be completely...honest...I'm not very honest," he said. "I guess I could work on that a bit," he added thoughtfully. Elena nodded and then turned back to her notepad as she listened to the catchy beat of the song playing in the pub. Catchy, crowd-pleasingmusic, she jotted.
"What are you writing?" The man asked.
"Oh, I'm just writing notes down about the pub for my article. See?" She said, shoving the notepad towards him. He read it and nodded, but hardly seemed interested. She continued to observe the others around her. Most of them were completely drunk by now, and had begun to laugh loudly. Even the blonde man to Elena's right had acquired a loud, booming laugh. She glanced over her shoulder at the blonde guy, taking in the scene: he was facing towards the young brunette at his side, playing with her hair. She giggled every so often, blushing a bright red and playfully pretending to shove him away. Elena hoped that shehad never acted that way with Nate. It was almost embarrassing to watch.
"They're fond of each other. I wouldn't be surprised if they left the bar altogether and went back to his apartment," Elena's acquaintance observed. She lifted her eyebrows at his assumption.
"I don't really come to bars often, so... I'm not good at guessing who's gonna go home with who," She said, and nervously laughed. The guy was nice, but there was something to him that she couldn't quite place.
"It's actually quite easy," he remarked, then added, "I don't think I ever caught your name. I'm Edward," he said, holding out his hand. She hesitated before shaking it.
"Elena,"she replied. She thought for a moment. She probably shouldn't have given this man her real name.
"Have we met before?" He asked. He looked her up and down in an obvious manner. Elena wasn't sure that she liked this.
"Uh...no, not that I remember," she said, and pretended to concentrate on her notepad again. Edward took a generous drink from his beer. Elena fiddled with her own bottle, tapping her nails on the glass, trying to think of something to write. It had been a lot easier writing articles when Nate had been there to help her, giving her suggestions and providing her with witty comments to spice up her writing. She smiled as she thought of his ability to make light of any situation.
"You know, I don't know many Americans. But I must say, you're a fine one," Edward said, letting the words hang in the air for a moment. She blushed a little, but didn't respond. She began to write an outline for her article on the pub."I haven't liked any of the other Americans I've met." Edward continued. Elena was now deep in a train of thought, and ignored him. "All of the other Americans I met weren't very...well... cooperative," he said with a chuckle. He shot her a curious look, and she paused in her writing. Whatdidhemeanby 'cooperative?' She shook her head and continued writing. "I really like this place. It's a great place to meet women. So...what do you think of the place so far?" Edward asked. The guy wasn't getting the hint; she didn't feel like talking anymore. She just wanted to relax and write her article. She looked up at him wearily.
"It's...nice. I guess I could see myself coming here I lived here," she said, taking in the cool atmosphere of the place.
"And the drink? You like that as well?" He prodded.
"Yeah, it's good. It's different from American beer, but I like it," she said. She remembered when her and Nate would have a beer every once and a while in their apartment while they watched a sappy romantic comedy. Nate...
"And what about the people?" Edward pressed. Elena sighed to herself.
"The people? Hmm," she said, not really caring for the conversation. "Well, considering that I've only met youso far, I'd have to say that the people are...interesting," she said, and laughed to herself. He laughed as well, apparently mistaking her statement for a compliment.
"They are to your liking?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. She wasn't sure what exactly he was implying by this, but she had a pretty good idea. She realized right then that she didn't feel like hanging around this bar much longer. She pretended that she didn't hear his question.
He leaned towards her a bit and began to speak more softly. "Have you noticed the couple behind you?" He asked, glancing over her shoulder. She was surprised by his change in subject, but was thoroughly startled to find the couple eagerly kissing each other when she turned around to look.
"Huh. 'Guess you're right."
"Right about what?"
"That they'll go home together," she said, trying to avoid meeting his gaze.
"Oh, yes, well...I'm very observant," he said.
"Oh really?" She asked carelessly.
"Yes, in fact, I can probably guess the steps that guy's going to take," he said. She tilted her head, waiting for an explanation. He half-smiled as he watched the couple. "First, he'll help her with her coat, and then open the door for her. Then, they'll hold hands when they're outside, and then he'll help her onto his motorcycle, but not before sealing the deal with another kiss," he said, and his gaze met hers. His gaze was intense, and Elena felt uncomfortable. Was he trying to be funny? It wasn't working.
Elena heard the couple behind her stand to leave, and sure enough, she watched as the blonde guy held up the girl's coat and helped her put it on. As the couple headed out of the door, however, the guy didn't hold the door open for her; instead, it swung back on it hinges after the guy passed through and hit the girl in the forehead. She yelped, and clamped a hand to her forehead as the oblivious blonde guy continued down the sidewalk towards his motorcycle. Elena's mouth gaped in surprise, and she watched as Edward lazily got up from his stool and went over to the girl.
"Alright?" He asked. The girl, in shock, responded by removing her hand to reveal a bleeding cut on her forehead. "Uh... there's a bathroom in the back with a sink," Edward said as he began to lead the girl towards the back of the bar. Elena felt like she should help, and followed Edward and the girl through the throngs of people. When they reached the bathroom at the back of the pub the brunette ran into the bathroom and came out a moment later with a wet hand towel pressed to her forehead. She was muttering some curse words about the blonde guy. She then looked up at Edward.
"Thank you, that guy was a jerk. He didn't even notice, the idiot!" she exclaimed. Edward simply nodded and muttered "welcome." The three of them then stood there awkwardly for a few moments until -speak of the devil-they turned to see the blonde guy shove his way through the crowd towards the group. The blonde's eyes darted between the brunette and Edward, and then rested upon Edward to shoot him an accusatory glare.
"You!" he exclaimed, jabbing a finger at the man at my side. "I've seen you here before! You think you're going to steal my girl away!"
"Wha-"
"You took her away! You tried to lure her away from me, huh?' The blonde yelled in his more rugged accent. He was clearly in a drunken rage. A few people near the group began to watch the unfolding scene.
"Lure her away? I was helping her," Edward exclaimed defiantly. He attempted to stand taller.
"Help her? Helpher! Yeah, caz gettin' her to go home with you instead would helpher!" The blonde growled.
"You don't want to be messing with me. This is a mis-"
"A misunderstanding, right? Am I right? That's what they allsay!" The blonde yelled, throwing his hands in the air. Edward's hands curled into fists.
"John, leave 'im alone! He was trying to help me! You slammed the door on my face! See?" She exclaimed, holding up the blood-spotted hand towel and revealing her cut. WillIeverescapebloodandviolence? Elena thought with a sigh.
John, however, was apparently fed up with the whole situation. He took a step towards the brunette and raised his hand to hit her, but Edward savagely shoved him back. Edward glared at John. John at first seemed reluctant, but then slowly lowered his arm as he began to melt under Edward's unrelenting glare. John continued to glare at Edward, but then took a deep breath as he seemed to realize that this would be a bar fight he wouldn't win. John then let out a peculiarly animal-sounding growl and shoved his way back through the crowd. The brunette let out a long breath of relief.
"Whew, and to think I almost went home with 'im tonight," she said, fake-smiling. She glanced at Edward, who then nodded a good-bye towards the brunette, and motioned towards the front of the pub, looking at Elena. "Shall we?"
"Umm.." She didn't really want to hang out with this bar brawler any longer, and figured that she'd just leave. When they both made their way back through the crowd of pub patrons, Elena grabbed her coat and notebook and said, "Well...I guess it's time for me to get going."
"So soon?" He asked. She pretended to survey the pub and consider her answer.
"Yeah. It's getting late, anyway," she said. She began heading towards the door saw Edward hold it open for her. When she reached the cold outside she saw that Edward was standing near the doorway of the pub.
"You should thank me for not slamming the door on your face," he said self-assuredly. She pretended to laugh. This guy was more cocky than Nate had ever been.
"Uh, yeah...thanks."
"Do you need a ride or something?" Wouldtheguyeverleaveheralone?
"Um, no, the place I'm staying at is right up the street. I walked here." It was actually quite a way's walk, and she had taken a cab to the pub.
"Oh, well, would you like me to walk you there?" He offered, smiling.
"Um..." He waited for her reply. She just wanted to go back to her room and write her article, but for some reason she didn't want to hurt this guy's feelings, despite the fact that he wasannoying. Also, she would have to walk back, considering the fact that there weren't any cabs around, and she didn't exactly want to do it alone late at night. She sighed. It was at times like this that she wished Nate was with her. "Sure."
"I'd be happy to," he said, as if she'd insisted that he come. His arrogant smile bugged her as they began walking up the street. The rain was still lightly sprinkling, and Elena shivered as she felt it trickle down her legs.
"Are you cold?" Edward asked. He tried to offer her his coat, but she shook her head. As they continued walking Elena thought she heard footsteps behind them, and looked over her shoulder to see the barren sidewalk. Huh, she thought. After about ten minutes of walking her small hotel came into view. Again, Elena thought she heard the footsteps, and this time she turned completely around to look, but to no avail. The sidewalk was still empty. Nowthat'sweird, Elena thought.
"What's wrong?" Edward asked, laughing. "Not scared of ghosts, are you?"
"Hardly," she muttered, and they continued walking. I'mjustbeingparanoid, she decided. Spending the past two or so years following Nate on his ventures hadn't exactly been great on easing her mind. Even at home in the apartment, Elena often found herself instinctively checking over her shoulder every so often.
As they neared the hotel Elena noticed several black uniform cars parked out front of it and parked across the street. She figured there must be some function going on there. They were nearly to the hotel when she heard definite footsteps behind her.
"Freeze!"
Both of them stopped dead in their tracks and looked wide-eyed at each other. Edward turned around. "Shit," he breathed, in shock. Elena then turned to see a dark-suited man aiming a hand gun at them. Edward slowly began to raise his hands from his sides, but Elena wasn't going to give up thatsoon.
"Come this way," the man ordered, beginning to walk backwards down the street.
"No," Elena said, but then heard footsteps behind her. She looked around anxiously, and saw yet another suited man pointing a gun. Edward saw this man as well and raised his hands higher in defeat.
"Elena, we better listen to them," Edward whispered loudly, beginning to follow the men. Elena scowled. Natewouldn'tbesuchapushover, she thought bitterly. She turned to the man behind her.
"Who are you, and what do you want?" Elena asked. The man simply shook his head and pressed his gun into the back of her shoulder.
"Get moving," he growled. She reluctantly began to walk forward. As the distance between them and the hotel increased, she realized that the two men were guiding Edward and her into a dark, wide alley between two closed shops. Her heart began to race, and it felt as if it were going to leap out of her chest. She didn't want to follow them, she wanted to resist, but she knew that it would be pointless; they were clearly armed and able. Elena realized that she wished Nate was there to help her. When she thought of his absence, she suddenly felt a tight grip of fear taking hold of her. She'd never been in a situation like this without him. As the two were forced into the alleyway, the two men stopped them, and waited for a moment.
"Now what? What do you want? Look, if you want to rob us, here-" Edward said, beginning to reach into his pant pocket to pull out his wallet.
"Stop! Don't move," one of the men said, aiming his gun at Edward. Edward quickly pulled his hand back out of his pocket and once again held his hands up. He glanced nervously at Elena, who was too much in shock to make eye contact with him. Then they heard several footsteps heading their way from the other end of the alley. A large, dark shadow from the building to their left covered most of the alleyway, so Elena couldn't see who-or what- was coming. She remained frozen in place and began to shiver all over. Not because of the cold, but because of fear.
"Thank you, but we don't want your wallets," A sardonic voice called from the darkness. Elena didn't recognize the voice. Who were these people? An icy pang of fear travelled up her spine, but she still didn't move. She heard the footsteps grow closer and closer until a group of three men emerged from the shadowed alley. Elena took note of their appearance immediately. All three of them wore suits, and were similar in appearance to the two men who had led them into the alley. Two of the men before her wore red neckties, while the taller one at the front wore both a black tie and a seemingly smug smile. She guessed it was the man at front who had spoken, as he nodded towards the two men behind Elena and Edward, apparently signaling them to lower their guns.
"Who-who are you?" Elena questioned through chattering teeth, both thoroughly confused and afraid. The tall man's eyes came to rest upon her, and seemed to take in her appearance before speaking again. She noticed a long, crescent-shaped scar curving over his right eyebrow.
"I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to come with me, Miss...Elena," he said in a surprisingly polite manner. Elena scowled, and took a step back.
"What? Wait-who are you?" She repeated. "Howdo you know my name?"
He took a small step forward. "Why, we've met already, haven't we? No?" He asked, half-smiling. When he received no reply, he continued. "I apologize, we have not been formally introduced." Elena held her breath as he extended his hand towards her. "My name is William. William Talbot."