The Old Motel ( demy x DigitalSiren )

[demy]

The old motel lay on the outskirts of all three towns. The flickering neon sign leaning precariously next to an old dirt road. It was like jumping back to the 70' which was very well the last time the building had been renovated. It was the perfect spot to get lost. To forget or be forgotten. The tumbleweeds from the three townships always blowing on in. It helped that the place was dirt cheap. Nothing fancy. No pool, no food except for a few lone vending machines with expired goods. A cleaning service came by but they always did the minimum.

The Reception office was an experiment in wallpaper. The front desk always manned by the same girl on the nigh shift. A blonde barely legal creature with an annoying habit of chewing bubblegum. She spent most of the time flipping through magazines, only poking her head up to take keys and answer questions. Her policy was if you could do it yourself than go ahead and do it.

A red stick was always slapped to her chest ...

"Hello my name is Bunny"

Most figured she was either desperate for a job or a relative of the actual owner. They were wrong. Bunny was the owner, though this fact was never advertised. It had been her mothers and now it was a home for her little hive. Her band of misfits.

Bubblegum popped, the vampire looking up from an article on skin care, blue eyes darting toward the back door. It opened a moment later a lanky shadow slipping through the doorway.

"Oh about time," Bunny cooed giving the older man a smile. The man looked to be in his thirties, a lanky fellow with piano fingers and disarrayed strands of inky hair. His grey eyes were deep set, sunken, in a pale face made up of sharp lines. "Go change the light in the upper outer corridor would you? The flickering is getting on my nerves." Looking down at magazine Bunny went back to reading her magazine, pink polished nails flicking to the next page.

There was a quiet pause. Bunny glanced up. "Arthur?"

Arthur was already heading back out the door, the soft gravel crunching under black shoes. He liked to dress simply. White cotton button up, gray slacks and black shining shoes. Blinking slowly the vampire looked out into the bordering woods, before moving towards the two floor motel. Changing a light bulb. It was a little task. Simple. Most of things he was assigned to do where like that, always looking to keep him away from guests. The humans found him a little unsettling, It was late most would be asleep. He was sometimes offended when the old vampire had the mind to be.

He was not exactly the most stable creature.

 

[Bunny]

Breeanna had once had her whole life ahead of her, a bright and promising career as a singer. Her sweet, husky tones had been enchanting and she'd be slowly rising through the local hot spots. It was there, that she found the world of drugs and slowly began her descent into madness. At first, like most things, she felt like she had a handle on it and then she couldn't make it a night without the sweet anticipation of sliding a needle into her veins and the feeling as the rush took over. Around her, people had tried to help, however it had never been quite enough and it wasn't until she hit rock bottom that she decided to make a change. She didn't want to die at nineteen..

The motel rented rooms both short term and long and while not an amazing place to live, she could afford it while she tried to get her feet back underneath her. It had been almost a month with out a needle in her arm... but every day and night she saw the other junkies passed out in their rooms or hallways, from their various addictions. It was hard to stay on the path she was trying to walk when temptation lingered around every corner.

Sighing, hands raked through strawberry blonde locks, her cornflower blue eyes flickered to the alarm clock. It was three am, the garish neon green light the only source of illumination in her small room. The darkest hours of the night was when the cravings were the worst. Some nights she could curl herself into a ball, rocking back and forth until the shakes stopped and she finally passed out sweaty and exhausted, muscles tense. Tonight, however, Bree knew it wouldn't work. She could feel the need marching along her skin like angry fire ants. "Fuck" Shifting on the bed, she tried to push the desire away. It had almost been a month! She could do this...

Sitting up suddenly she grabbed her hoodie and was pulling it on as she pushed out of her room, the door swinging shut behind her. Walking might help... It did sometimes. barefooted, her progress made no sound on the questionably stained carpet. Snapping a rubber band on her wrist over and over, the sharp sting helping to control the urge as much as the walking was. In the morning her wrist would be raw from snapping it.

Turning a corner she saw two figures in the distance, one bent over the other; at first glance it looked like lovers intertwined but the smaller male figure was struggling against the larger male. Breeanna had considered walking the other way, but curiosity got the better of her. It wasn't until the male pulled back from the other's neck and then lifted his hands to his face, twisting his hands suddenly that she figured out what she'd just seen. Gasping both hands over her mouth, her eyes widening as the male turned eyes to her.

Turning and running Bree made a beeline back for her rooms. The door banging open before she began to bolt the flimsy locks into place. Curling into a corner, arms around her knees, large eyes on the door. What she wouldn't have given for a needle right now... In her mind there was a mantra of fuckfuckfuckfuck. She honestly expected the man to burst through her door at any moment and kill her too. What was the point in trying to quit drugs, if she was going to die in some stupid hotel... fucking sober.

 

[demy]

The step-stool creaked. The hallway dark as Arthur carefully removed the faulty bulb, swapping it for a new one retrieved from the storage closet. His thin fingers gave a few quick twists, light flooding the space. The vampire stepped down, glancing out into the woods from beyond the railing. There were only a few lost souls in residence...

"You idiot." The words seeped up from the floor below. Arthur cocked his head recognizing the voice of his patron. Bunny sounded livid, her voice continuing to churn insults. The lanky man left the stole behind, wondering down to next floor where he found the shadowed silhouettes of fellow vampires.

A body was slumped on the ground. Arthur fixated, the smell of blood tanging the air. His dark eyes growing stark.

"Arthur." He looked up finding Bunny looking at him. The female having taken a moment of pause from berating the male with her. Martin. This one was young, always testing his limits in the hive. She had no patience of mistakes. "Someone saw." She continued her voice a soft coo at the old vampire. It was no secret the female dotted on the fading creature like a dog. Most would not keep someone like Arthur around, a possible danger that might be better dispatched. "A girl from 105, she ran back to her room. Can you take care of her? Can you do that Arthur?"

The three of them were alone tonight. The others having been sent on a few tasks for the motel.

"It has to be you." Bunny told him when Arthur made no move to comply. "Martin doesn't deserve the treat and I need to keep an eye on him while he cleans up his mess." She narrowed her eyes. "I know you haven't eaten in awhile, take this opportunity to fix that."

That was that. Heaving a quiet sigh Arthur turned away from the pair, from the body with a measure of difficultly. The girls room was not far away. The locks bolted. He had keys for some, a good jerk for the rest. They kept the locks in poor condition on purpose.

The whole of the door would jerk open with a smothered thud. Arthur looming in the doorway before slipping inside. His dark eyes finding the girl in her corner.

 

[Bunny]

The door didn't slam open right away and Breeanna had some time to think she was safe, the edge of her fear dulling slightly. The adrenaline and fear had at the very least, chased away the shakes. At least for now that was. The muscles of her arms, legs, and back had begun to uncoil as the flight response began to slip away. Had Bree been in her right mind, she might have considered someone coming for after disposing of the body or another night; honestly, she was hoping they'd be less concerned because most, if not all of the residents of the motel were druggies, and reporting a crime, even a heinous one like murder, would give them pause.

Any thoughts she had were pushed from her mind as her door burst open. Stifling a scream, Breeanna looked up at the imposing figure in the doorway. It wasn't that Arthur was wide, looming in the doorway however, he seemed to fill it. A trick of the light, fear? Shrinking back into a smaller ball Bree shook her head. "Please.. I haven't and I will not tell anyone!" Maybe she should have kept quiet, but why else would someone be in the doorway.

Her husky sweet voice sounded again, trembling with fear. "I promise! I came here to get clean, so I didn't die... I don't want to die, please" Curled like she was, Breeanna looked smaller still than her normal five feet. Still dressed in her hoodie and shorts, she managed to even seem delicate beneath the bulk of the fabric. The lines of her face were pixie-like; high cheekbones, a slightly upturned nose, and a full mouth that curled at the edges as if she was smiling at some secret joke, at least normally.

Bree wasn't sure if she could even get around the man in the doorway, what she did know was she wouldn't' go quietly.. It had been almost a month in hell, fighting to get her life back. She wouldn't let them take it from her without a fight. She had no idea how she'd fight and knew, when it came down to it, she might lose, but she'd have to try.

 

[demy]

The air was thick with a heady flavor. It was something the old vampire had drenched in many times before. Arthur took a moment in the doorway, his unnaturally quick breathe catching. A moment passed as with a slow blink the man turned towards the trembling creature. Her voice was sharp. Shrill. Much too loud.

It was also familiar, coaxing fleeting memories behind his eyelids. Arthur closed the door softly.

"Hush," He breathed. "hush." A drifting whisper that held a ineffable chill. Arthur could use a little magic. It was temperamental, unreliable like his fraying mind. A blanket settled over the motel room. The outside hum of the vending machine fading in the background.

Good. All things considered Arthur was having a good day. He felt in control. Calm despite the scent of death and blood that lingered. Very good.

"No fussing." Arthur told her, walking carefully towards the young woman. She was such a small creature. The vampire had never been much of a killer. In undead youth he was messy. Unrefined. Than came the years of control and clarity. Keeping to his territory and feeding with care. That was a long time ago.

He did not have the mind to be careful.

It was a shame. This girl was a pretty thing. Arthur slowed in place, kneeling down a few feet away from his prey. The vampires sunken dark eyes taking in every little detail. Her soft features, like those of a ethereal creature. The feeling of familiarity was drifting back to the surface. Latching onto the girls stark expression. It was disarming.

Muddling. Arthur frowned as his control started slipping away. He gave a himself a little shake, murmuring in a dead tongue. It might have sounded like gibberish to most. Focus. There was a job to do. He had been given a job.

 

[Bunny]

Hush, hush. The words had been so soft, but she'd picked up on them. A frown furrowed between her brows, but she did as she thought she was bid, hushing. Her large eyes were still wide with her fear, giving her an almost doe like appearance, as she gazed up at him. The door behind him had been closed, as he'd stepped into her room. The sounds of the outside world had faded, but Breeanna hadn't noticed. Fear could do that, cause the rest of the world to fade. Bree nodded, to show she'd heard him, watching him walk closer. She couldn't make herself smaller, though she might have if she could. She'd seen something she shouldn't have...

She'd seen the man before her around, normally fixing things about the motel. She'd never talked to him, but it wasn't because he'd scared her or anything else so silly. It was because Bree had kept to herself, avoiding the others who frequented or lived in the motel. They were all there for similar vices, she knew, but she was trying to be good, get back on her feet; She even had a job! The lanky form knelt before her and she watched him, much the way a mouse must watch a cat, when it knows that it's trapped.

Breeanna could almost feel his gaze as it traced along her and she sat up some. "Please, mister, I really will not tell anyone... I just want to get better" It was the truth, raw and vulnerable. She wouldn't tell anyone about the dead man, she couldn't help him and much like her, likely no one would come looking. That would haunt her for the rest of her days, but she hoped, she have many days to feel the guilt of letting his death, someone who could have been her, pass without raising alarm. Bree leaned forward, one small, pale hand moving across the faded carpet, an offer. "Please" The warning to hush, to not fuss, lost as she appealed to him to spare her once more.

 

[demy]

The mind was a complicated thing. It was infinitely more complicated when it belonged to something like a vampire. A creature blighted by something unnatural.

Arthur was drawn to her sweet voice. It trickled into his fraying mind like the first dribbles of rain. The more she spoke the less the age old vampire understood. His dark gaze growing distant until at once growing sharp as a razors edge to settle upon her offered hand. A pale hand reached out in kind. Her skin was soft under his fingers, his thumb brush the back gently.

It was enticing. She was enticing. Her scent as sweet as her words. A feeling was bubbling up that the old vampire had not felt in a long time.

"птица," Arthur murmured gently letting her hand drop delicately. " тише птичка, все будет хорошо." With a sighing hum the man reached forward and in a motion too quick to follow scooped the little creature up into his arms.

She might as well been a feather. A little too light. The vampire gave her a slow blink with eyes now inhumanly dark. Rasping to her in a gentle murmur, a strange grating language, his words growing more intelligible.

Arthur set them on the bed, the girl balanced delicately on his lap.

 

[Bunny]

The brush of his thumb was almost soothing, if she didn't consider that fact that the man before her had burst into her room, not long after she'd witnessed a murder. She watched him, there was something about him; Bree knew that the others found him scary, she'd heard talk about him. She couldn't see it though, the fear was still there, but more from what she'd witnessed and his sudden appearance than the man himself.

He spoke and she frowned, just slightly at the word. She didn't know the language and the one word wasn't enough for her to try and guess. The next though, made her think perhaps Russian? Her mouth had been opening, to apologize, say she didn't know what he was saying and then she found herself cradled in his arms. That fear that had been dying roared back to life, her heart, beating like a bird beneath her breast, frantic and trying to escape. He carried her as if she weighed nothing towards the bed, setting her in his lap.

How had he moved so fast? The fear was from that unknown; he'd moved faster than a human, but that wasn't possible. Murmuring to her softly, Breeanna turned her face towards him. One small hand rose to his cheek, the touch of her fingers against his skin surprising herself. He seemed broken, much like she was, yet different from how she was. Two broken little birds. She was still frightened, to be sure, but she felt something... more. He wouldn't hurt her. If asked, she couldn't have said why she felt that way, only that she did.

"I'm Breeanna" Her fingers stroked gently against his cheek. "What's you're name?"

 

[demy]

Arthur was an old soul. His distinct memories a collection of fleeting moments, sounds and feelings. It sometimes seeped into his here and now with persistence. This was what was happening now, the vampire with one foot in his past.

The creature in his arms was warm.

Her quickened breathes, and skittering heart making him attentive. The mans left leg twitching in a jaunty pattern from unresolved instincts. This girl was very much alive.

A deep contrast to his own waxen skin, and dark sunken features.

Warm fingers graced his cheek. They were light, a gentle brush along his sharp lines. Arthur looked down into the creatures face. Her delicate features. His eyes slide closed, face pressing into the contact, intently closing the distance between them.

"птица." Arthur murmured, a moment before pressing cool lips to the skin before her ear. Her question went unanswered. The vampire distracted by all the other sensations vying at his attention. Scent, sound and now taste. The gentle thrum of blood calling to him.

There was a knock on the door. It was gentle. Aimed at not drawing attention.

Arthur jerked up, looking at the door with black eyes.

"Arthur?" A voice called out. Gentle. It was mans voice, another member of the hive. The older vampire knew him to be familiar. Duke. A burnt out rock star who, like Arthur, was from a different age. The door was carefully unlocked. A paunchy man with dark hair peering around to take in the pair. "What do we have here?"

 

[Bunny]

That feeling of harmlessness that Breeanna felt didn’t vanish as his eyes slid closed, pressing his cheek into her hand. She didn’t know what to do. The strength he’d shown along with the speed was concerning, but as long as she was still, he didn’t seem inclined to hurt her. Small victory?

Bree was unaware of what she was dealing with. It wasn’t logical for her to assume vampire and even if she had, she’d have thought herself crazy. He spoke again, his voice soft the word almost sweet. Pea-t-z-ah. That’s what it sounded like he was saying. What did it mean? His face lowered to hers, and the cool dry brush of his lips along her skin, just before her ear made her still further. The danger she was in was unknown to her.

The knock was soft and she flinched, only slightly as the man jerked up. “It’s okay” her hand was still on his cheek, the instinct to soothe him kicking in, if not for him, then herself. Strong, fast and likely sent to kill her… she didn’t wish him upset.

Arthur? Looking to the man who held her in his lap she stroked his cheek. “Arthur?” She echoed softly. Was that his name? The door opened, and light from the hallway spilled in, illuminating the two of them. She didn’t need to turn to see the man who entered. He had keys, he knew who the man was. Would he save her or finish what Arthur had yet to do.

She didn’t know, but she did know, at least for the moment, Arthur wasn’t harming her. The new man was an unknown. Instinctively she cuddled in closer to Arthur, fingers falling from his face. “Please” The words were soft, unsure. Her eyes met the new man’s. If she was in danger, please save her, if she wasn’t, please don’t kill her.

 

[demy]

The vampire reacted to his name, a shiver than traveled the length of his lanky body. His dark on the other hand fixated on the new occupant of the old motel room. Duke looked amused, stepping into the room before closing the door. It was just the three of them for the time being.

Breeanna might have felt the tension growing in the creature holding her. A tight coil about to spring.

"Arthur." This new man spoke up again, his voice still gentle and very much amused. "I know our little miss queen bee told you to take care of things.." A snort. "Pretty sure she didn't have this in mind." Bunny had sent Duke to check up on the old vampire. Make sure what needed to get done got done.

Several silver rings glinted as the paunchy man tried to take a step forward. A low growl had him stopping short. It was a sound that echoed deeply from his chest.

"Alright, alright." Duke held up his hands in a placating motion. "Hello there." He said softly, peering the young woman. A soft smile on the strangers lips. The situation would need to be handled more delicately.

Arthur grew restless under the continued interaction.

Noticing Duke sunk down on one knee trying to calm the older vampire by seeming less confrontational. Bunny was going to be pretty unhappy if things went unchecked. She could be a straight bitch.

"What's your name honey?" Duke asked the frightened female.

 

[Bunny]

The arms around her didn't so much tighten, as his body coil and harden. The frown that furrowed between her brows only deepened as she watched the newcomer approach. Everything said was taken in and held for later. Queen bee, take care of... Her thoughts were shattered by the low growl. "Arthur?" Her voice was small, but her hand found one of his, the tips of her fingers brushing against his palm.

She could feel the unease in Arthur and she leaned up, following the same instinct hat had lead to both her touches, the one to his cheek and now to his hand. Her lips brushed his the corner of his jaw. "It's okay" It was far from okay, but she was now trapped in the lap of a man indeed sent to take care of her, facing another man who had come to make sure that he did just that. Her eyes shifted to the new man and she nestled herself closer to Arthur. He at the moment was far safer than his friend.

"Breeanna" Her voice didn't tremble, and for that she was thankful. "Yours?" Though her eyes left him quick enough. Focusing on Arthur once more, her fingers tracing patterns on his palm, absently. "He was sent to kill me, wasn't he?" It was said more as a fact than a statement. Looking back towards the newcomer. "Do you know what Pea-t-z-ah means? He keeps saying it to me"

The whole situation was surreal. She'd witnessed a murder, hidden, albeit badly, been tracked down by Arthur who had been sent to kill her it seemed, but now she was in his lap, cuddled close and all but protected from the newcomer. That, and she found she was far more scared of the man kneeling than the one growling above her. Her soft touch never ending, trying to help soothe him.

 

[demy]

It was a little ridiculous. Duke cocked his brow watching the young woman pet and coddle their resident crazy. She was playing a dangerous game though it was her smartest move given the circumstances. Arthur on the other hand seemed content with the attention. Leaning down to press his lips into the next of her blonde locks. Pretty little thing.

"Duke," The paunchy male introduced himself all while considered his current options. A possible tussle with Arthur would just draw more attention. "He was, you've seen something we'd like to keep under wraps and well our Queen Bee can be a little brutally efficient."

Pea-t-z-ah?

Duke ranked his brain a moment but came out the other end shrugging.

"Can't say I'm all too familiar with Russian, someone else usually handles him when he's like this." Duke gave her a soft smile. Reaching up to coax with a hand. "Arthur play nice forever Breeanna. He never does. Why don't you came with him and we have a nice chat. Figure out a solution that works for all of us hm?"

Arthur chose that moment to adjust his little lap cat. Pressing them further on the corner bed, putting the wall at his back. Breeanna more securely settled in the space between his legs.

"For the love of fuck Arthur." Duke murmured quiet enough for only to the two vampire to hear.

 

[Bunny]

She nodded slowly, her eyes moving to Arthur once more. She had been right in why he'd burst into her room, but he wasn't harming her. He actual seemed protective of her. Looking to Duke she shook her head some. "I will not tell anyone" There was truth in her words, the honesty ringing in the softness of her voice. "Please" Would he believe her? Something else stood out, queen bee... Like a hive? What did that mean? It was something best left for another time.

"So it is Russian" She nodded some, tilting her head at the offered and. "Like what?" Her eyes narrowed and she shook her head. "Forever or not, you just told me he was sent to kill me. I might be a recovering addict, but I am not stupid. If I leave with you I am dead" Breeanna was unsure if it was her words, or the fact that Duke was trying to lure her away from him that had her pulled further back on the bed.

Sighing softly she laid her head on his shoulder. "Besides, I have seen how quickly Arthur moves. I doubt I could get out of his lap and to you, even if I wanted to." She had no idea how they looked to Duke. Perhaps like she fit there, snuggled against Arthur, her hand moved and stroked his arm lightly. The small little touches a comfort to her and she hoped to him. Her adrenaline was beginning to wear off and exhaustion was settling in. Bree's free hand rising to her mouth, stifling a yawn, a small, soft squeak ending the yawn.

 

[demy]

Bunny was going to be pissed.

The paunchy man tossed in the towel, getting up from his kneeling position. A small motion from Arthur had the opposed vampire toss up his hands. Easy. This was going to have a mess their queen bee took care of, noway Duke was risking getting his head torn off.

"Looks like you're stuck with him for the night." He told the young woman, a deep snort sent in her direction. "Hope that works out for you little missy."

It was hardly a positive note to leave things on. Duke backed out the room, a lock clicking from the other side of the door. It seemed the little addict would be spending her night with a unbalanced vampire. Speaking of which...

Arthur relaxed when it was just the two of them. Tension easing from his lanky body though his grip on the young woman did not lessen.

"только мы двое, маленькая птичка." He rasped in a low voice. Mouth tracing the curve of her ear, before settling in the curve of her neck. Her heartbeat was a calming rhythm. A lullaby for a creature like him. Her hands a soothing balm.

It sparked simple memories. Fond memories.

 

[Bunny]

Stuck… night? She blinked as Duke rose and she felt Arthur move more than saw it and she stroked his arm, a gentle reminder that she was there, that everything was okay. She nodded some. She did too… Arthur seemed quite content to let her live, for whatever reason. Duke had said he’d come to check Arthur had killed her. Going with him was death, for sure. Where as staying with Arthur… was death later?

What in the hell was she going to do. She watched Duke leave, suddenly unsure she’d made the right choice; though it seemed unlikely that Arthur would just let her leave either. He only relaxed as the lock slid home and they were once again alone.

The shell of her ear was brushed with his lips as he whispered to her in Russian and Breeanna shivered slightly. Had Arthur been a lover and not a strange man, the gesture might have been romantic, much like as his lips settled in the curve of her neck. She could feel each breath, tickling along her skin.

She shifted against him, but only slightly, unsure of what to do now. Yawning again, her eyes closed once and she forced them open, the battle with sleep however wouldn’t be one she won. Within minutes, she was asleep, cuddled against him. Any plans for her to try and flee once he was asleep gone.

 

[demy]

It took a moment for Arthur to realize the object of his confusing affections had fallen asleep. Her breathing a gentle ebbing wave. The vampire pulled away took gaze at the little creature in his arms. Rough fingers drifting over her arm, tangling in the nest of blonde atop her pretty head.

"Спи крепко, маленькая птичка." He murmured with a cooing sigh.

It was hard to imagine a crooked body like his moving so smoothly. Arthur though supernatural means managed to settle them both under the bed. A blanket settled around the young woman, his lanky form blocking her in against the wall.

Vampires much preferred being close to the ground. In the past they had buried themselves in graces, below old trees and old dirt. The underside of the bed would have to do.

The night passed with little event-

Except for the body being burned out back. It was inconvenient task. Dangerous with the dry spell. They had dug a deep grave, dumping the body and dosing it. The smell was horrible but the local bog would help and by morning everything would be back to normal.

Bunny wasn't pissed like Duke had predicted. The paunchy male coming to her with the situation. She was certainly irritated but also a little curious. It was an odd reaction from the old vampire.

"We'll leave it for now, see how it plays out." She puffed waving a hand. "Watch the room while I shower." Bunny cleaned herself up, before setting herself up on the front desk. It was early for her. Too early. It made the female grumpy.

Duke was sent off to take of something else. Bunny played around on the computer for awhile, wondering when the girl would notice the keys on Arthur's belt. The addict was still alive, the old vampire was no doubt out for morning. Bunny could hear her steady heartbeat down the hall. It was lucky coincidence the girls room wasn't connected to the outdoor walkway. The one window already nailed shut.

She would need to come through the lobby...

 

[Bunny]

Breeanna was fast asleep before the roughness of his fingers brushed along her arm or found their way into the softness of her strawberry blonde hair. Even in her sleep, she shifted slightly closer however, mummering nonsense at the gentle touch. When adrenaline gives way, one could feel weak and the limbs were prone to trembling, in Bree’s case sleep which she’d been unable to find for so long claimed her.

She didn’t feel as she was moved by Arthur under the bed, nestled against the wall in his arms. It was likely for the best, because the oddity of being moved beneath the bed would have likely scared her. But, in her sleep, held tenderly in Arthur’s arms, neatly wrapped in her blanket she felt safe as she slept and her dreams, when they finally came were pleasant, at least until she woke.

Her body knew something was wrong long before her mind had, a dream of being in a warm field with the sun on her face shifted and she was suddenly buried underground. When her lashes flicked open, her heart racing, the darkness under the bed did not soothe her. Whimpering, Bree reached out, hand finding the wall. Turning, something made difficult by the blanket and the arms of Arthur, brought her face to face with the sleeping man.

The events of last night came rushing back and she bit her lower lip. He’d been sent to kill her. It was a fact, just like the fact he hadn’t and he had even protected her against Duke. Duke wasn’t here now and for some freaking reason they were under the bed! Trying to keep her panic down she carefully moved Arthur’s arms. His body was stiff and he held her nestled close to him.

It took her far longer than she’d have liked, but finally she was able to pull free. Sighing softly she began to shimmy and wiggle her way to the light that was filtering into her room. Minutes passed by as she carefully moved, not wanting to wake him. Once her head and arms broke the edge of the bed, she used them along with her shimming to crawl from under the bed.

“What the hell” Bree’s sweet voice was a whisper. She didn’t need her things, she just wanted to leave. She’d keep her word, not tell anyone what had happened. A deal was a deal, but she wasn’t staying here!

Grabbing her wallet and keys she headed for the lobby, her only escape from the motel. Hugging herself she stopped in front of the reception desk. Not looking up she fished out her wallet. “I’d like to check out” She still owed for the past week and she wanted nothing left tying her to the place. Looking up she found herself face to face with Bunny.

 

[demy]

Bunny looked up from the computer. Her baby blue eyes into the object of the motel staffs current gossip. She had seen the girl around, some bent out of shape addict who was trying to kick the habit. A unreliable witness. A pink bubble ballooned from the girl lips, popping loudly in the quiet lobby.

She felt like playing a little...

They had never really talked past check in. Bunny did everything she could to put across a 'don't chat with me' vibe. It worked wonders. This would take a little effort. Fucking Martin.

"Rough night?" She asked with a tone as dry as sandpaper, chin slumped in a proped up palm. Her mouse clicking away, acting as thought she was actually going to check the poor girl out. Still owed a week. Bunny knew without looking, the motel was pretty chill about people being behind...

Another reason these kinds of people flocked here. Why worry about money when you're real reason for wanting guests was the liquid gold in their veins. Bunny had enough old money to keep the place working, the rest of hive contributing with what they could.

Arthur had a tidy sum in way of old currency. Some of it worth a lot these days. It was one of the main reasons Bunny put up with his unpredictable moods.

"You owe a week," A cocked brow. "You got that kind of cash on ya?"

 

[Bunny]

Bunny indeed had never seemed overly friendly, but Bree had never minded. Like many who came to the motel, they were not looking for stellar service, just a quiet place to lay low for whatever the reason. So the question about her night would have been odd, even if she hadn’t seen a murder.

Breeanna frowned. Did… Did she know? Queen Bee, the title came back to her almost as if in a dream, Duke’s voice echoing in her mind. Arthur… he worked her. She knew that she’d seem him about, fixing odds and ins around the motel. Rather than answer, she took a cautious step backward, as if fishing out her wallet.

A week? She knew that the information was correct and she did have that on her, but it was all she had on her. Biting the inside of her cheek she watched Bunny with brilliant cornflower blue eyes. Her voice was small, even as she took another step backward. “Are... Are you the queen bee?” Her voice was soft and there was a defiant tremor in her question.

If she was indeed the queen bee, she knew about the murder. Knew Bree had seen it. Breeanna had no idea that any of the people involved with this twisted tale were anything else but human. Sure, Arthur had moved faster, seemed stronger, but drugs could do that. But, if Bunny was in charge, was who Duke was talking about… She might have a gun and backpedaling away would do Bree no good, no matter how safe it made her feel.

 

[demy]

Oh, she was a clever one. Bunny showed no reaction to the little nickname. It was something Duke called her, always out of earshot. Well, what he assumed was out of earshot. The paunchy male was smart enough not to refer to Bunny directly, but this human girl seemed to have connected the dots.

It was not everyday the vampire was taken for anything other than a disagreeable teenager. It was refreshing but she had a part to play. They all did.

Bunny looked at her client with a blank expression, pink bubble popping, delicate brows knitting. It was too soon for the act to be over. She deserved a little fun. Responsibility would soon follow. The human girl was already getting ready to bolt-

"Look..." She glanced at the computer for show, smacking her gum.

"Breeanna with two e's-" The snide remark part of the girls consistent charm. "My Aunt tends to hire weirdos, you know shit hole place to work. Rumor around the motel is one them spent the night in your room. Arnold or whatever his name is..." Bunny let her voice drift off into the stuffy lobby. Leaning forward with a small sigh, she tried to come off as actually giving a shit.

"Anything I should know about? Or did you invite him to there to fuck? No shade either way but if you need help..."

 

[Bunny]

It had been the only thing that made sense. Bree had seen other people at the front desk, but Bunny was by far the one she had seen here the most; it was something else though, that had caused her to ask if she was the queen bee and vampire was far from her mind.

The bubble popping caused her to jump slightly, nodding as Bunny she said her name. Though almost immediately her face changed as she brought up Arthur, there was anger there, in those pretty, scared eyes. “His name is Arthur” The answer as almost like the look, a snap of sound from her and she sighed softly.

“What is wrong with me” She whispered and lifted a hand to the back of her head. “I didn’t invite him in” Bree wasn’t going to lie, but Arthur hadn’t hurt her and he had kept her safe from Duke; even if he had been sent to kill her…

Breeanna watched as Bunny leaned forward, giving a small shake of her head as her hand fell, her strawberry blonde locks brushing her shoulders with the movement. “He sorta appeared. I think he was sent for a reason, but he didn’t hurt me. He was…” Her lashes lowered as she tried to put it into words. “He was actually sort of sweet, he protected me from someone else who came into my room… At least I think”

Her hands pushed into her pockets and her eyes opened. Bree met Bunny’s eyes and she shrugged some. “Even if I didn’t understand what he was saying. The other guy said he was speaking Russian.” Even now, she didn’t rat Duke out.

Exhaling she bit her lower lip. “But he didn’t hurt me.” She tilted her head. “I know he likely shouldn’t have come into my room… But he doesn’t deserve to be punished either”

 

[demy]

What a interesting reaction.

Bunny was delighted by this strange turn of events. There wasn't much that took the motel owner by surprise. Was this girl actually fond of the senile vampire?

He could be a little cute. Like a grumpy old dog.

This place was a refuge for damaged people. Dear Breeanna could have a complex. A thing for broken older men? She was keeping her silence. No mention of Duke, murder or the intent to. Kept her head down.It was a useful trait given the unusual circumstances.

Not that it would help her. Bunny had no intention of letting the girl leave the motel.

"Gotcha," Bunny clicked. "Cash or card?"

Might as well get their money before breaking the news.

Arthur woke up. It was sudden, violent. The vampire knocking his head roughly on the bottom of the bed. With a sighing groan He carefully picked himself out of the makeshift nest. It was one of the motels rooms. Dark eyes peering around with a underlying confusion. The last thing he remembered was turning a light bulb-

A scent filled the empty room. Memories struggled to the surface.

Martin. The dead body. Bunny and the following task. The girl. The fucking girl. Her voice and scent had bought something out in him. Arthur buried his face in cold palms, fingers digging into his temples.

He fought for focus. Control. Control.

It was early. When was the last time he had managed the feat of getting up so early. Something was wrong. It rung in his bones. Where was the girl?

Arthur went to the door, slipping out into the hallway. He caught her scent. She was live. A startling feeling swelled up in the vampires hollow chest. Relief. There were voices drifting in from the lobby, one of which had his hackles rising. A prickle at his spine.

He followed the sound, moving into the lobby.

The girl had him stopping short. So familiar. Bunny looked up from the transaction, catching the old vampires gaze. Her lips quirked into a little smile.

"I found your missing pet." She cooed with a teasing tone.

 

[Bunny]

Still feeling testy about the questions about Arthur and her own reaction, Bree reached for he wallet. "Cash..." Her mind was still trying to understand her defense of Arthur. If she did have a complex, a thing for broken men old or otherwise, it would have been news to her. Bree was counting her money out, reluctant to part with the cash so soon. Part of the benefit of the motel was they allowed her to pay for her room as she got paid from the diner. Paying the bill on her room would leave her with a measly ten bucks, not enough to do anything with.

Looking up she caught sight of Arthur, gasping at the sudden appearance. Her head snapped to Bunny and she frowned. Was she, or he the pet? By the fact her eyes were locked on Arthur, she felt she knew. Cash in hand, she brushed her hair back from her face, tucking that sunny, strawberry blonde hair behind an ear with her free hand. The long length of her bangs hid her eyes slightly. "Morning Arthur"

Breeanna's voice was smokey and sweet even with that unease of being caught trying to leave. Ignoring Bunny, she took a single step closer, her eyes finding his as her face tipped up towards him. The lines of her pixie like face earnest. "I have to go, but I will keep my promise." She couldn't stay here, not with the murder, Arthur or Duke. Arthur was honestly the least of her worries, but Duke, finishing the job?

She took a step towards Bunny, laying the cash on the counter and stepping back. There was this worming feeling in her stomach that told her that Bunny knew everything. She was the queen bee, and that she was the one who wanted her dead. Looking over her shoulder.. Bree debated just trying to make a run for it. "I am late for work..." She turned to leave.

 

[demy]

"Might be calling in sick today Breeanna," Bunny mused after taking the money and stuffing it into the lock box under the counter. There was a thin note in her voice. It took visible effort but Arthur looked away from the girl, dark eyes resting at his patron, back jerking ramrod straight. "I never ask for much. Help me run this motel, keep a low profile and don't kill anyone-"

The old vampire was still struggling to make sense of everything. The bubble gum blondes ire an all too familiar concept though not often directed at him.

"-Martin had to go and fuck that last one up. We need to clean house, which does not include witnesses running off to their day jobs!" Her voice was sharp. Arthur did not answer, letting his peer take in a deep breathe. A habit. "What were you thinking?!"

"I wasn't apparently, as you've so elegantly pointed out." The old vampire replied dryily. All sense of his Russian infliction gone. Bunny looked taken back, than a snort bubbled up, casting the male a weary look. Arthur talked very little in more recent years. So little that the sound of his voice ringing through the lobby was a shock.

This situation simply seemed to call for it, he was also feeling shockingly present in the old lobby. His attention drifted to the girl. What was to happen now?

"оставь ее или убей ее?" Bunny riddled off.

Arthur frowned dragging his gaze back to the more dangerous problem. What did he want? He wanted time to sort through things. Time without his patron and this girl tugging him in opposite directions.

"держать-" The old vampire started, only to be interrupted.

"How do you plan on doing that?!" Bunny was back to English in a heartbeat, her lip drawn down dangerously. "The fact that you're up walking around coherently this early is a miracle. Как ты собираешься следить за ней?" Arthur resisted the urge to bring his head to his temple. A headache was coming on. A novelty for a vampire.

"Дай мне время-" Bunny glowered at the Russian vampires request. "пожалуйста."

"Fine." The teenager finally spat, reaching under the counter and dragging out an old phone. It landed with a clang. Bunny picked up the receiver and jerked it toward Breeanna. "Call in sick." The tone in the vampires voice left no room for arguments. "You're going to keep us company for today."