My life had been a twist of events that seemed almost pre-destined at times. One thing after another after another, yet for the moment, I feel as if I have come out stronger. There was much that I could improve upon in my life but I felt a satisfaction that I was at a point in my life that I could consider hiring another person to help me out. It meant that I was on the verge of success and there was an ambition within me that craved such a distinction. It is why I never asked for patronage from Dareios or even Erik - it would have been easy to allow their assistance. My shop would've flourished and I wouldn't have struggled. But I was stubborn and what kind of success would it be if it hadn't been hard-earned? If I Hadn't struggled, clawed, and tore my hair out to do it?
Probably an easier one. Sometimes I wondered if I was batshit crazy, mostly on those nights when I was so dog-tired that I barely had the energy to eat. Other times I flourished, like when I was commissioned by high-end customers for really expensive potions. It was a give and take.
Now that I had given, over and over, I think I was ready to take.
It was perfect timing for Erik's appearance. As my eyes glide over his handsome features I consider how much I don't know about him. What kind of powers did he have? How had he known that I was ready to be approached again? Was this serendipity? I squint a bit as I chew on my fry, considering, even as he smiles in that manner that seemed to make gooseflesh rise on my arms. I don't know how it is that I managed to find vampires of the kind ilk but I also wondered why he even bothered with me when I had ghosted him so long. Maybe long lives made for long patience.
There was no tension between us. It was as if I had not disappeared into my own life. I smirk right back at him, my face screaming of course it wasn't, since we both knew he was here because I was. Erik had told me that vampires could eat food, it just wasn't the same for them. No nourishment and not as tasteful. As I chewed my salty fries, I enjoyed the flavor. What would life me like to only enjoy one source of food? Abruptly my brows furrowed and I titled my head, much the way my cat did when he was confused. "Blood tastes different depending on the person and species right?"
I grin impishly at him then, almost apologetic. "Sorry, random question," I add, waving another fry around. "I just... I love different tastes so it would be a shame if all you could taste was one thing." He takes the fry I slid to him, eating it slowly, and I watch him with a curious, if fascinated, eye. He jokes about my appetite and I laugh. "Too late for that," I say, winking at him. In our short conversation I've demolished most of my fries and half of my burger, eating with a gusto, the headache fading away quickly with the sugar and grease and a fullness making me ease back in my seat so I can focus on him better.
"I'm sorry."
The words fall out before I can stop them, my smile falling away to an open expression. "For ghosting you. I should have texted or called or... well, been a better friend I guess. I'm pretty terrible at that."
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