Restless Energy, Open

[Seth Berring]

Seth leaned against the wall in the arts and crafts room, keeping an eye out on his patients. Not because he actually cared about them, but because he rather liked having a steady paycheck, and he could only get that by doing his job and keeping the nutters from killing themselves. It was a waste of time, in his opinion since most would probably be better off being shot rather than trying to heal them. Unfortunately, he wasn't being paid for his opinions, so nobody had actually considered his suggestion of just letting them duke it out amongst themselves. But no, that would have actually made his life interesting, and god forbid that ever happening.

It was raining outside, which was such a shame since it meant that the vast majority of the patients avoided the outdoors like the plague. He had never understood that mentality. Then again, he also didn't understand the fascination with electronics either. He was an outdoorsmen, and it showed that he spent a more time outside than he dis inside. If he had had his way, he'd be out there right now, but such was clearly not the case.

It was far too cramped inside. He wasn't really what you'd call claustrophobic, but he preferred wide-opened spaces to four walls and a roof. As such, he was somewhat restless as was proven by the fact that his fingers were drumming against the wall behind him as he glanced around him. Some had called him paranoid because he was constantly on guard. He called himself prepared. One never knew when one was going to be attacked.

[Hannah Anderson]

Hannah loved to be outside on rainy days. The smell and the feel of the wet earth were soothing somehow. She never took an umbrella out when it rained. After all, it was just water. It felt good on her skin and in her hair. Even in a massive downpour she would walk along like it was just a normal day. And now that she was a vampire, she didn’t even have to worry about getting sick.

All she’d wanted to do was enjoy the rain. But no, that couldn’t happen. Patients weren’t allowed to be out in the rain. Not unless they had written consent or were some kind of water deity. It was bull shit and Hannah wasn’t having any of it. She argued, she fought, and she could’ve gotten away. But ultimately, it wasn’t worth it. She’d cooperate and let them drag her inside, and then sneak out next shot she had.

So as the orderlies took her arms and pretended they were actually dragging her through the halls, Hannah just kept rolling her eyes and walking along like this was normal. But as they approached the art room, it started getting a bit tedious. She tried to pull away, nicely and calmly, but they tightened their grip.

“Leggo o' me,” she shouted as she dragged them into the art room. “I cooperated! I came in! Now geroff!” She threw them off to either side of the room, startling a few of the patients, and ran to an easel. “See? I’m a good little patient,” she said sarcastically, “Painting about my feelings and junk,” she mocked, running a random color over the canvas.

Clearly, Hannah wasn’t worth the effort and the orderlies left with what was left of their dignity. She put down the brush and shook the water from her hair before plopping into a large chair.

“Not like it’s fuckin’ holy water,” she muttered. Surveying the room, she noticed a wild haired man she knew to be staff. “S’pose you’re gonna keep me from headin’ back out, right?” Well, that shot that plan.

[Seth Berring]

Seth smirked slightly as a girl was dragged in by two orderlies. His smirk turned into a full-blown smile as he watched her toss them off like they were nothing more than toilet paper. He liked this girl already. She seemed just as enamored with the easel as he was, which was to say not at all. He watches the two orderlies leave with narrowed eyes. They made no attempt at punishing her for doing that to them, so either this was a regular occurrence for them, or they were too frightened of the girl to bother her again. He sneered slightly at that. Either way, he had no respect for them at all.

He turned his attention back to the girl and realized belatedly that she was one of his patients. His sneer turned to a slight frown as he considered her. When had she snuck away from him? In the cafeteria? In the hallway? Either way, she needed to be congratulated for that. It was not very easy to slip by his notice. He definitely liked this girl.

Seth watched as she shook the water out of her hair. A ping of jealousy washed through him, but he squashed it as quickly as it had come. She had been outside. Damn, he definitely should have noticed her sneaking off; he could have used that as an excuse to sneak out.

Seth raised an eyebrow at her as she spoke to him. "Why would I do that?" He drawled out. "It's more amusing watching you throwing them about." He wished that he could get away with that. Unfortunately, if he tried, he'd probably just get fired. To be honest, he would have been more than happy to accompany her out. Anything to get out of this cursed building.

[Hannah Anderson]

Hannah and Masquerade studied the wild haired man. Was he serious? He would let them go? Just so he could watch another show?

Not worth it. Besides, he’s bluffing.

Then he’s very good at it, Masquerade commented.

Can we play with the puppy, Harlequin begged.

Puppy?

Sniff.

It only took a small whiff before she caught it. The man was a werewolf. She’d only run across a few, but it was a scent she recognized. It wasn’t surprising she’d missed it. Her nostrils were still filled with the scent of fresh earth and rain and wolves tended to smell very much like the outdoors. Only a bit muskier.

Doesn’t the mutt look tasty, Masquerade drawled.

Why do always want to eat our toys, Harlequin pouted.

I believe the answer is because we’re predators.

Masquerade gave the man an appropriately predatory grin. “I think I’d much rather throw you about, wild man,” she said in such a suggestive tone it could never be mistaken for a threat. “I find that highly amusing.”

Hannah blinked, swallowed, and turned away feigning disinterest in his response.

What the Hell!?

Someone had to do it.

No! No they didn’t! Not every situation calls for taking me over just to get your way!

Are you going to be unhappy with wild and crazy inter-species sex?

I-well-, Hannah looked back over at the man, eyes raking over his body. She could just see the power struggle in bed. He probably had serious muscles under the crazy clothes. And that hair…she could grip it till it nearly ripped out of his head and he wouldn’t even notice. Alright, alright. I’ll concede this one to you.

I’ll take it!

What about Damien?

We agreed to be open while I’m in here. That means screwing the wolf until neither of us can walk is completely acceptable.

Oh. Okay. Let’s go play with the puppy!

[Seth Berring]

Seth grimaced slightly as the stench of cloying blood hit his nostrils. It was faint, but it was definitely there. He had been trying his damnedest to forget that both of his patients were vampires. It was rather safe to say that Seth was not a large fan of bloodsuckers. This one looked young, early twenties, perhaps, but he doubted that was her true age.

He cocked an eyebrow at her. "You're playing with fire, sweet cheeks." Seth said coolly. "Best go running back to mummy before you get burnt." Not that that wouldn't be amusing in the slightest. She was cute enough, he supposed, but far too young-looking for his taste, and she rather gave off the feeling of being wet behind the ears. Then again, he had yet to find a vampire that didn't, so maybe he wasn't a good judge.

It was difficult running into people who did meet his rather high standards. Vampires seemed no different from the average human apart from craving blood and having super senses. He had yet to see anything spectacular about them, that made him want to respect or like any of them. Still, they were marginally better than incubi and their female counterparts.

He could see that she was checking him out; he could also smell a hint of arousal on her. Seth smirked slightly; it looked like she was having some some sort of internal debate. He was tempted to tell her that it was something of a moot point since he could really see not point in sleeping with her.

[Hannah Anderson]

Hannah rose gracefully from the chair and stalked towards him, hips swaying. He thought she was going to run? Hannah didn’t run from squat. Certainly not stuck up werewolves who couldn’t hide their disdain in a pitch black room. She could’ve played the pity card, gone with the ”I can’t run to her because she’s dead” but that would have been clichéd and tacky. Besides, that would’ve required him having more emotion than he seemed to be capable of and her being less sensitive to the subject.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing with fire,” she said, stopping just out of arms length. “The best adventures have lots of flames. And if you can’t handle getting burnt, go hide in a book.” It wasn't her best line, but it would do.

This was either going to be the beginning of some beautiful banter or a Hell of a fight. Either way, it could easily end up with some very hot sex. Not that anyone in Hannah’s head was complaining. He was probably going to be a bit of a challenge, but certainly nothing they weren’t prepared for.

[Seth Berring]

"Go hide in a book?" Disbelief colored his words. This was ironic since he'd been sixteen when he'd actually learned how to read, and he still had difficulty doing so. There was also the act that books were only goo for burning, in his opinion. "Where the hell do you get your insults?" He asked with a cocked eyebrow. "Because that was rather pathetic." His father had done a better job insulting him than this girl.

He was also finding her claim of liking fires and flames rather doubtful. Clearly she had never been caught in a forest fire because she wouldn't be making such stupid claims otherwise. His lips curled into a slight sneer. "You don't play with fires; you poke it with a stick and watch the pretty sparks." He drawled out mockingly.

If she was attempting to entice him into her bed, which seemed very likely, she was a very long way from succeeding. She hadn't proved herself spectacular in any particular way apart from chucking a couple of nurses around, which even he could do. However, he wasn't about to tell her this; the last thing he wanted was someone going out of their way to get into his bed.

[Hannah Anderson]

Hannah rolled her eyes and sighed. “I know. The moment it came out of my mouth I knew it was awful. And for me to admit I made a mistake is huge so…yeah. I’d make excuses for my inability to wound you, but that would be more pathetic than the line I gave you.” It almost caused her physical pain to say it, but maybe some modesty would serve her well. If she couldn’t get a good shag, maybe she could get an ally. Maybe even a friend. Though ally seemed more likely.

But his comment her liking “the pretty sparks” brought that train of thought to a screeching halt. “You don’t know me,” she spat. “I don’t do ‘pretty’. I may never be accused of full blown pyromania, but I know from flames.” She was getting angry and with that anger she started getting closer. She could almost touch him now. “But I suppose the fact that the flames we were discussing were metaphorical was beyond you.” She didn’t normally take jabs at peoples presumed intelligence, but he’d pushed the wrong button today.

“You wanna find out who I am? What I’m like or what I’m capable of? Look outside.” She smirked maliciously. “You know the gardens. Remember the boulder that used to be next to cliff? Did you wonder what happened to it?” She sneered and whispered right in his face, “I did.”

[Seth Berring]

"Kitty has claws." He observed with an amused glint in his eyes. "Are you sure you don't do pretty? I'm sure I can rustle up a couple of unicorns for ya." He was deliberately pushing her buttons, although pushing was probably an understatement. He was going more for hitting with a large club. She was most definitely in his personal space now, which was slightly annoying. As a general rule, he disliked people standing in his personal space. Seeing her practically spitting fire was worth if. Seth wasn't the sort that really cared who he pissed off. In fact, in most cases, it was quite deliberate. His charge was quickly losing what little charm she had had, however. It was far too easy to rile her up.

"Whoop-de-fuckin'-do." Seth smirked at her. "Would you like a medal for that?" Crushing boulders? Was that really what vampires considered noteworthy? No wonder they had an actual career devoted to killing them. Sure there were werewolf hunters too, but it was a bit harder to spot a werewolf since they were normal most of the time. Vampires did idiotic things like that and basically advertised to the world what they were.

"Like I said, don't play with fire unless you can take a heat."

[Hannah Anderson]

Hannah almost snarled before she saw his game. Then she laughed. A full out belly laugh that spun her away from him. “Oh! Oh, very good. Not terribly subtle, but good for you!” She afforded him a sarcastic little clap as she sauntered back over, retaking her spot just outside arms length. “You almost had me. Almost. Bravo.” Hannah gave him a small admiring nod, never taking her eyes off him of course.

You cannot let him get the upper hand again.

I am well aware of this.

Hannah smirked, tilting her head thoughtfully. “A medal? No. That’s certainly far too much praise. But it isn’t exactly a common ability. Especially for a new vampire.” She chuckled. “At seven years, I’m not technically supposed to be able to that. But I don’t suppose wolves take much interest in the affairs of vampires. Anymore than we take interest in the affairs of wolves.”

Reel him in slowly. He’s going to be a fighter.

“I can take the heat. I just don’t think you can.” With a challenging grin she said, “Why don’t we find out? I promise not to drain you when I kick your ass.”

[Seth Berring]

Seth raised a faintly amused eyebrow at her. "Good on you." He said coolly. She had a mediocrum of sense, it seemed. She was a bit slow at the uptake, though. And she couldn't take a hint, it seemed. "I wasn't going for subtle." He pointed out dryly. He didn't do subtle, not unless he absolutely had to. He much preferred the approach that anyone with a degree of common sense could see coming a mile away.

"What on earth makes you think I ever intended on 'having' you almost or otherwise, in any regard?" He asked. He didn't even have to feign the disinterest in her.

"Awww, is the ickle vampire growing up?" He asked mockingly. Seth didn't bother trying to curb his shockingly rude nature, nor did he stop trying to bait her. His lips curled into a somewhat vicious smile. "Oh I pay attention to vampiric affairs; I hunt the bloodsuckers down and stake them when they foolishly venture into my territory." Beyond that, he could care less; vampires as a whole did not bother him much, not anymore than the various other supernatural entities.

He was under no illusion that his prejudice wouldn't get him killed some day. "Sweet cheeks, I've been staking vamps like you since I was in nappies." He said dryly. That technically wasn't true; he'd been nine the first time he'd killed a vampire, and he'd had help.

"I can take whatever you decide to throw at me in your pitiful attempts at getting into my bed, or otherwise attracting my attention."

[Hannah Anderson]

All three of the women in Hannah’s head rolled their eyes at the wolf’s mockery. This game was really beginning to lose its fun. He wouldn’t fight, he wouldn’t play, he’d barely banter. Games like this were only fun if everybody played.

Puppy’s boring. Let’s go paint a picture.

We could pelt him with crayons and show him just how “ickle” we are.

As amusing as Hannah found that idea, the wild haired nurse had finally said something that merited something more than snarky banter.

“You were a vampire hunter? Well, well. Who would have guessed we’d actually have something in common? I can’t say I’ve been hunting them since I was in ‘nappies’,” she mocked, “but I’ve done it long enough to know what I’m doing.”

Hannah sighed. This was starting to grate on her. They weren’t going to fight, they weren’t going to fuck, they apparently weren’t going to do anything of real interest so why was she still bothering? Yes, he looked fascinating, but he clearly wasn’t.

“Maybe you can, big guy, but all I hear is a lot of talk.” She started walking backwards towards the easel she’d messed up on her way in. “Let me know when you decide to do something interesting.” Hannah gave a small bow and smirked, then gave a small twirl.

“One more thing we have in common. We have little to no interest in this conversation.”

Then she picked up a paintbrush and studied the line she’d made on the paper, hoping to have some image jump out at her. Preferably not literally.

[Seth Berring]

He could honestly say that he was surprised that she had been a vampire hunter. Clearly hadn't been very good at it, though, since she was a vampire now. "Uh huh." He said. "If you knew what you were doing, how'd you become a bloodsucker?"

He sniggered at that. "That's funny. All I hear is you talking. If you really wanted a fight, sweet cheeks, you would have attacked me already." He pointed out. Seth wasn't in the habit of randomly attacking complete strangers unless they were pissing him off. She wasn't interesting enough to even come close to that, and she hadn't done anything inherently wrong to make him want to kill her. He wasn't a complete idiot; attacking vampires for the sole purpose of existing would get him killed very quickly. It was the same with all of the supernatural entities.

"If this is your idea of a conversation you've been sheltered." He considered it to be more of small talk or some shit like that. A conversation? Not bloody likely.

He was curious to see what she planned to do with a line across the page, however. He couldn't think of anything that could be done with that. Then again, he wasn't much of an artist so that was probably to be expected.

[Hannah Anderson]

“Contrary to popular belief, vampires have friends,” Hannah replied snidely. “He was alone and then he wasn’t. I should’ve died, but then a different ‘bloodsucker’ saved me. It was this or death. Not that anyone asked me.”

Truth was, she’d been in no condition to be asked. But if they had, she’d have taken death before becoming a vamp. Now, she knew it wasn’t that bad. That not all vampires were evil, cruel, vicious, heartless monsters. But back then, things were different.

“I make a point of not hurting people unless they really piss me off or they ask me to,” she said as she stared at the canvas. “Especially in places where they might be crazy enough to try and pull a Van Helsing on me. Or I could wind up locked in a solitary coffin with crosses chained to it.” She chuckled at her reference to one of her favorite book series.

She began to paint, hand moving faster than the human eye could see, turning the single black line into a forest as she spoke. “I use the term conversation loosely. I suppose it was more like semi-hostile banter. But it was mostly intelligent and around here, beggars can’t be choosers.”

As she continued, the forest became larger and more elaborate, so detailed that you’d almost believe it was real were it not in black and white. The only color in the whole picture came from the lights of a small cottage on a small hill way off in the distance. One window was partially blocked by the silhouette of a girl.

She looked to Hannah as if she was sad, looking out at the cottage, but she wasn’t sure anyone else would see it. It was all in the set of her shoulders, the way she stood. There wasn’t even anything to indicate that the girl was looking towards the cottage. It was just a silhouette after all. But for Hannah, it was all there, if you knew what you were looking for. As she signed it, signaling it’s completion, she wondered idly what someone else might see.

Of course, it wasn’t really for them. It was for her.