The wind blew quietly in the forest, shaking the trees of their leaves as it seemed to get colder and colder by the minute. There was no sound except the silent swaying of branches and quiet footsteps in the distance.
Aiden walked slowly, taking his time as he stepped on the fallen leaves of winter. It wasn't snowing, but it was certainly cold enough for it. He thought to himself, mainly about Stacey as he wandered aimlessly in the forbidden forest. However, it didn't seem so forbidden now.
He took a deep breath and stopped near a large tree trunk. He slowly sat down and closed his eyes, feeling the need to take a break and rest. It wasn't until then he heard other footsteps.
((Open.))
Billie had gotten bored while sitting in the great hall watching the students study. Being hundreds of years old had its advanges. But she walked out and went straight towards the forrest.
Creeping along with beside the trees as if stalking prey Billie was very careful about making any noise. She dodged the leaves and twigs and the small crunch of the frozen grass. *It's actually slightly nippy* Billie thought to herself.
She caught a wiff of Aiden and followed it and soon saw him. She made her footsteps noticable and walked towards his tree. "You know everyone here has their own smell. If someone wanted to kill you they could easily track you. You smell sligthly stands out above the rest." She said as she lookedat him.
"So whats things are on your mind? You seem slightly troubled." She said as she sat a few feet in front of him.
Aiden looked up at Billie, surprised to see her here after not seeing her for quite some time. He lifted his head and smiled at her for a moment. He squinted his eyes to the sun that barely escaped through the dense canopy of trees above them.
"My smell? What's it smell like?" Aiden asked, curious and avoiding her other quetion.
He cleared his throat.
"Long time no see, huh?"
"I've been gone, I needed time to get myself back together" She said smiling. "And i'm to good at explaining it but you smell like a wizard, but with just a small hint of muggle, and most muggleborns reek oh muggle. But yours is just a bit there, and plus the smell of a certain girl hangs around you to. But thats what being married sometimes does. It blends scents" Billie said as she slightly tilted her head noticing he didn't answer her question. "Everything okay?" She asked she didn't care if he answered or not. She knew the answer.
Aiden nodded, finding it interesting she could identify someone from far away just by the simple scent and who they hung around with. Turns out you could find out alot about someone before even meeting them. He thought it was intriguing.
He leaned his head against the base of the large tree trunk. The sun dissapeared behind the trees and now the forest was completely dark. It was more peaceful this way.
Despite the scenery, Aiden still wasn't relaxed.
"Stacey's pregnant." Aiden said simply.
"Its all a part of being a vampire whos been around for, well a looonnnggg time" she said smiling. Billie felt the tension he was feeling. Through out her lives she found out a few secrets to life. And to become relaxed you needed to get everything thats on your chest off. Just talk about it.
Billie's jaw dropped. *Did he just reall say- that she's pregnant!?!?!* She said with wide eyes. "Oh....Wow.." Billie said then smiled. "Thats great I can talk to some people and out together a baby shower and then after that you should have everything you need and-" Billie stopped and saw the worriedness in his eyes. "It wasn't planned" She said simply. "Oh."
Aiden shook his head to the last thing she said. He took a deep breath.
"No. And we're both just starting out and we've only just settled in." He breathed.
He closed his eyes, and rested his face in his hands. He suddenly felt sick again. Aiden pressed his lips into a straight line and a crease formed in his forehead.
"I don't know how to take care of a kid...espeically twins." He said.
"Is there anything I can do?" She asked. "I can watch them anytime you need it and it'll be no charge and speaking of money, I can get some for you if you need it. I mean my family is'nt totally loaded but we can help you" She lied. Her family was one of the richest vampire familys around.
Billie took out her wand and made a cup appear that was steaming. "Here drink this it'll get rid of teh sick feeling, and calm your nerves, and I swear there's no blood in it." She let a small smile slip.
Aiden took the cup and downed it without even looking to see what was in it. It wasn't that bad actually, but he barelly tasted it. He looked up at Billie, shaking his head.
"No, don't worry. We're fine on money. I just don't know how to be a father." He replied, shaking his head.
The drink was starting to take effect on him. He didn't feel sick anymore, actually now he had a nice buzz. Not exactly like one from alchohol, just a good feeling.
Billie smiled as she saw him drink it all. "That will give a small high moment. Like you'll feel better and think completely straight and everything, but it sped up your mind slightly so it could take everything in at a slow pace you'll be fine" she said making sure he knew what was going on up in his mind now. "And you'll be great, I mean you really cool and nice so you'll be an awesome dad" She said calming with a slight smile.
((Can Stacey pop in and be all pregnant-emotional and stuff because she hasn`t seen Billie in forever?))
(Come on in! Bring me some drama! I give you some 'special drank' lol)
(( XD ))
Stacey stood up in one of the towers, facing west to watch the sun disappear under the horizon. The sky was a light orange and pink for a few minutes before dissolving into the plain darkness that winter held. With a sigh, she turned and started down the stairs, wrapping her arms around herself. The colors in the sunset meant that summer was coming, but the darkness that followed it told everyone that it was cold enough to be miserable. And she was.
She moved faster down the steps, her feet gliding down the familiar stone. Soon she was at the bottom, but something stopped her from moving on.
"Stacey's pregnant." She froze, her large eyes open wide and a wild orange color. *Aiden.* She grinned, closing her eyes. Ever since she picked up her job at the school, her powers had flourished and she had to be careful about controlling them. She brought up her mental map, concentrating on the most familiar pulse of power. Without opening her eyes, she turned again and started walking in the direction the signal was going from. Her "mental map" was a lot like a sonar system, and she followed it faithfully.
The girl stopped again. Who was Aiden talking to? He had told someone about her being pregnant. She was only four and a half weeks now, and it felt weird for people to actually know what was going on. She pushed further, trying to locate the other person.
"It wasn't planned. Oh." Billie?
Stacey just started jogging without really thinking about it. *Billie?* She hadn`t seen her fried in a long time. What was it? Two years?
In no time at all she was running on grass and only a few yards from where her husband and long-lost-best-friend stood.
"She's coming" Billie told Aiden about one minute before Stacey showed up. "I can smell her, immortal blood always has a small scent. Even if it is just a bit. Thats what makes you stand out even more" she told Aiden.
She turned to look at her friend. "Beautiful! You've simply just gotten even more beautiful!" Billie said smiling as she looked at Stacey. "I want to hug you it's been so long, but the twins! I don't know if I'll be able to control my strength with all the excitement going through my mind!" Billie said just rambling on and on. She had missed Stacey and the girl she had known was a full flourished woman. It was over whelming!
Stacey was grinning, her eyes flashing a bright blue.
"I can still use my powers, Billie," She said, coming to a stop when she got close enough. It had been a long time since she had used Billie`s strenght and her own, but she used other vampires` powers. She stepped forward to hug Billie anyway, not worrying about the twins. Since Ginny and Lavy weren`t there to make sure her mind stayed locked up, it was free to take from every living thing. All she had to do was make sure that part of her was focused on the vampire.
"I missed you! You still look as beautiful as ever!" She finally pulled away and moved towards Aiden, holding out her hand and still grinning wildly.
Billie was happy. "You, well I can feel the faint heartbeats!" BIllie exclaimed happily. "And of course I don't age to fast" She said winking. She took a step back and looked Stacey up and down. "You not even showing yet!" She said then tilted her head a little. "How do you feel about it?"
Aiden quickly looked upa t Stacey. He stood up, his eyes turning a few shades of brown before settling on a light color. He suddenly felt completely better, any sign of sickness stripped away. He knew it was from the drink, but his wholeness was because of Stacey.
Aiden looked at both of them, knowing they hadn't seen each other in awhile. He was glad they'd all reunited here.
Stacey sighed softly and sat next to Aiden, squeezing his hand. As usual, Billie has spit out more questions than she could answer.
"Remember to breath," She teased, trying to collect her thoughts. "As for the heartbeats, I can feel them, too." Instinctively, her hand moved to cover her stomach protectively. It wasn`t like she could feel the heartbeat from under her ivory-colored coat and two shirts, but it just felt natural to do it. "I`m only four and a half weeks, so I hope I don`t show yet. And... well, I can`t explain how I feel."
Without even trying to elaborate, she opened her mind so Billie could read her emotions. She was confused about it. Confused because of the high doses of hormones she had in her system and the side effects. Confused about what the future would hold. She was angry at herself for not being careful before all of this, for not recognizing the fact that this could happen. And she was determined. She would take care of her two children when they came into the world. She would make sure she and Aiden got through it all.
But there was one thing she hadn`t been prepared to feel, and that was protective. From the moment she knew, she had the absolute need to protect the beings inside of her. She didn`t understand the feeling then, and still didn`t, but she liked it.
Stacey shrugged, pulling her thoughts closed like Ginny taught her. "I don`t know, but we`ll be fine." She turned her head to look into Aiden`s eyes and gently squeezed his hand. *Hello, my moon.* She lead the thought into his mind so only he would hear it.
*My Bad* She thought to Stacey.
Billie looked at the couple. So young, so happy, so beautiful, so lost. "Don't be confused. I mean thinking about it just because it wasn't planned by you doesn't mean it wasn't planned by someone greater then all of us." Billie said not mentioning names. "He's got a plan for you and now is the time for kids. You two will have a busy life for the nest seventeen years. But thats only a small fraction of your life. You'll both be great parents." Billie said calmly she slowed her words down a little.
Aiden grinned for a moment at Stacey.
'Hello, my love.' He thought back.
He squeezed her hand softly and stood up as Billie spoke. He nodded slowly, knowing she had a point even though it was so hard to believe now. He cleared his throat and blinked, feeling nervous again.
"I guess you're right Billie. You've always been so optimistic." Aiden pointed out.
Stacey traced the fingers of her free hand over the back of the hand she was holding, standing up when Aiden did and looking to her friend as she spoke.
"You`re right, Billie, and I`ve missed your good spirits in this past year." She smiled happily up to her, her eyes lightening. Then she looked at Aiden and smiled.
*I hope she`s right, my moon. We didn`t mean for it to happen, but maybe somebody else did.* She squeezed his hand, feeling completely calm all of a sudden.
Aiden nodded in agreement. He squeezed her hand gently again as he took a deep breath. He turned his head to Stacey and smiled at her softly.
Aiden leaned forward to kiss her cheek softly. He turned to whisper in her ear.
"I know, love." He whispered before leaning back.
He was feeling better, more from the drink now.
Billie nodded. "Yes, I'm very optimistic. I don't like looking down on life. Unless it's to creep someone out." She said smiling. "I want the best for you two. The kid thing is just a small bump in the road. A bump that you'll love from beginning to end." She said looking at them both. "I've missed you Stacey, all of you! Your a great person and wonderful friend." she commented
Avalee crept through the woods in a mood that seemed constantly looming. The mood was sad, quiet, and nostalgic. She was eager to be rid of it. Why was she so intent on seeking a sort of forgiveness? Maybe it was a little bit of acceptance too. Who did she even NEED it from? She had screwed up everything here. Friends? A grand total of two.
Since then her anxiety had all but vanished, now it was just a depression. A cloud forever above her head. Screaming "YOU DESERVE IT!" at her.
She knew she deserved it.
Just then, she heard voices. She sighed quietly. Billie...and... another sigh Stacey and Aiden. What a coincidence. She paused for a moment. Trying not to make a sound. She tried in vain to shield her mind from the mind readers ahead of her, but that was impossible, she had been neglecting her studies, especially those concerned with occlumency.
Had they heard her already? Could even they speak to each other? She was weary of the answers to these questions.
((Is it alright if I join?))
Aiden nodded, knowing she was right. He squeezed Stacey's hand and gave Billie a thankful smile. He took a deep breath and leaned against the tree slowly.
Aiden suddenly heard a crackle of leaves. He tilted his head, leaning it to the side as he wondered who was approaching. He raised an eyebrow to Stacey, knowing she would've already knew who it was.
Stacey moved closer to Aiden when he leaned against the tree, loving the heat that radiated from him. She heard it before he did. She was always more observant, more animalistic and protective of herself and others. That little rustle was all she needed. Since she had gotten the job at Hogwarts, she had practically shut down her mind to those around her, leaving open only the smallest space for her strongest power to do its thing.
*Avalee.* She replied mentally, connecting aiden`s mind to hers. She clenched her teeth slightly, trying to prepare herself for what was next.
Stacey could sense her. Of course she could. She would know her thoughts immediately as well. As soon as this became apparent she wanted to run. Retrace her steps through the trees back to the safety of her dormitory.
No She thought, if Stacey wanted her gone she would have pushed her way into her thoughts.
All she wanted to do here was to congratulate them. Stacey and Aiden were perfect for each other, and Avalee was sure they would spen numerous happy years together. She came in peace. Hopeful, as she was she doubted Stacey would accept this. Avalee knew that Stacey could read her thoughts and hoped she was right now. She was ashamed of what she had done. Why come here to only further embarrass yourself? She asked herself. She took a quiet deep breath and stayed still, waiting for something to happen.
After a still moment, Stacey sighed. She was going to have to talk to Avalee sooner than later, and maybe teach her a decent mind block. She squeezed Aiden`s hand and shot an apologetic look towards Billie before silently moving through the trees to where Avalee stood.
"Ave, you`ve really got to stop bringing yourself down so much." She whispered once she got close. She emerged from behind a bush and slowly stepped towards the girl, arms down to her sides with her hands face up. Her body language clearly said don`t be afraid of me, I won`t hurt you. "What have done in the past six months to make you think I still hate you? Can you really blame me for being a little angry sometimes? And don`t think you`re the only person who`s insecure. Try to look at it from my point of view. My husband went off and kissed a girl years younger than him. Can you honestly say that you can`t understand y anger?" She lowered her voice so only Avalee-- and maybe Billie-- could hear, and clouded her mind so no one could see into it.
Avalee was not surprised that Stacey had heard her, and wasn't even surprised at how bold she was, in a good way, to talk to her. What she was surprised at was how calm and kind her tone was. She, too spoke in a quiet voice. "I know. I understand. I just want to..." She trailed off not finding words to finish the sentence. Avalee was always a little meek, and tended to always think someone was mad, but Stacey had a extremely good reason to be angry. Make amends... She finished in her head.
She did something then that was unusually bold for her. She hugged Stacey gently, and said whispered, "I'm so happy for you. You are going to be the best mother." She kept her face blank waiting for a reaction. Stacey was so strong, and had such a good heart, she would be the best mother in the universe.
Stacey tilted her head slightly to the side. *Make ammends? What for? I though we already did that.* Then the girl hugged her. Stacey froze, not sure what to do. Her eyes flickered between lime green and a luminescent yellow.
"Uh, mm, thanks?" She said, clearing her throat and taking a step back.
Avalee took a step back embarrassed, blushing the reddest red she had ever. She had hoped for a better response. She was torn between running away and staying. The moment was a lot less heart-touching than she had hoped. Endless embarrassment was the story of her LIFE. She was a child, a stupid naive child. She didn't belong there, in that moment. That moment was for Aiden and Stacey, and possibly their friends. Not her.
She looked at the ground, wanting to turn and leave.
Stacey coughed into her hand, trying to think of what to say. She could feel the embarassment running through Avalee`s mind, and it made her uncomfortable to be able to understand it the way she did.
After a moment she took a step forward and put her hands on the girl`s shoulders. "Thank you, Avalee. I appreciate your, uhm, you`re well wishes." She said softly. *Don`t look so down.* She pushed the thought out there, thinking of Billie.
She nodded her head. Uncomfortable as she was she smiled. "S-see ya around. Give my best to Aiden..." She continued to stare at the ground. All that had happened was just awkward... The wind blew through the bushes and she took deep breath. She turned to leave.
((Sorry for the shortness))
Aiden stood there with Billie, feeling awkard as Stacey and Avalee talked. With Billie being a vampire, he was the only one who couldn't hear what the two were talking about and seemed even weirder since it was probably in some way about him.
However, he sat there commonly and patiently, hoping the two weren't fighting.
"Aves, wait." Stacey said as the girl started to turn to leave. She didn`t know why she called the child Ave or Aves all of the time, it had just happened.
"You don`t have to go right now. you can-- you can stay. If you want." She added, taking a sideways step towards where Aiden and Billie stood.
Avalee looked at Stacey almost quizzically. She slightly smiled. She felt forgiven for this first time in a long time. It felt like a huge wait had been taken off her chest. She thought about everything that had happened. Although Stacey had said she had forgiven her a long time ago, she just then felt like she had accepted the forgiveness. She had no idea what had taken her so long. Now she wouldn't feel intruding.
Without a word she took a step towards Stacey, following her into the clearing. Happy to see the faces of Aiden and Billie.
Billie wasn;t sure what the heck to do. She could sense so many emotions. It was making her dizzy. She slide to the ground and jus sat there for a few minutes. Billie finally looked at them. All of them. The quiet Aiden. The scared and shy Avalee and the strong slightly confused mother. Stacey. "So..... Whats going on here?" She asked totally lost.
Stacey rolled her dark brown eyes to herself.
*Aves here is completely freaked out by me being here. While you were gone, she and Aiden had a little issue together.* She thought to Billie, the tone of the last couple words being rather bitter and completely cutting off any questions that might come from it. *She still kinda likes Aiden, I think, but she`s worried about what I might do to her. I think she thinks I`m going to blow her up or something. Just... try not to scare her off.* She thought without showing it to anyone else, knowing that only Billie would hear.
She moved next to Aiden and slipped her hand into his, automatically lacing her fingers through his. Her temperature was long gone by now, and it was nice to feel the heat coming off of him.
Aiden took Stacey's hand in his as he stepped closer to her. He looked to Stacey for a long time, then to Avalee, only to look back to Stacey again. He took a deep low breath.
His eyes became worried and curious as a crease formed in his forehead. He squeezed her fingers as his eyes swirled a dark brown.
What happened? Aiden thought, knowing Stacey would hear it.
Stacey leaned forward and lifted her free hand, brushing her cool fingers across his warm cheek.
*Nothing. She just needed to hear it from me that I wasn`t going to rip her head off or blow her up. She`s fine, I`m fine. Nothing happened.* It wasn`t exactly the truth, but it wasn`t a lie. Nothing of real importance had happened, at least not in Stacey`s opinion. She didn`t think Aiden wanted to know the details, though.
Standing there awkwardly, she had to remind herself Relax. No one here is out for blood. She felt the mid-winter air rush past her, slipping through every layer of clothing she wore. It was cold. But there was a warmth here, in this group. A warmth of friendship and love. Ever since she started talking less, Avalee had observed much more.
She smiled. She liked the warmth.
(lol you talk about no one for blood but billie takes it as much as she can!)
*Uh-huh* Billie thought to Stacey. -So thing they a thing then he and her had a thing but then she found out about their thing and then he left her with their thing making it just her thing and now she's scared of her- Billie sat explaining it to herself in her mind. "Oh I get it!" She exclaimed then covered her mouth. "Umm well who's up for something to do besides stand here?" She asked.
Aiden lifted his hand almost immediatly. He felt nervous and ill at ease, wondering if Stacey and Avalee would ever go at it at any minute. The tension showed through his eyes mainly.
He took a deep breath, shifting his weight.
"What did you have in mind?"
Stacey raised her hand, too, wincing a little as a wave of tnesion rolled off of Aiden. It was really easy to feel emotions with Billie nearby, and they made her head swim.
*I`m not going to hurt her.* She sent to Aiden. *I`m over it, and I think she is, too.*
"Why don`t we go to the Hog`s Head or something. It`s chilly out here, and we could all do with a butterbeer."
Avalee smiled. The Hogs Head. A warm and homey atmosphere sounded nice, and it was really chilly. She nodded in agreement with Stacey. She knew her and Aiden were having a silent conversation. Which was adorable in her mind. Their special little connection that proved Aiden and Stacey truly loved each other.
Avalee wrapped her arms around her torso trying to stay warm.
Aiden nodded and then tilted his head to one side. He turned in the direction of the Hog's Head, liking the idea of getting out of the cold, even though he couldn't feel the wose of it. However, a better, warmer atmosphere would be nice.
I know. I'm still uncomortable about it though. He sent back.
"Sounds fine to me. Ready?" Aiden asked them all.
"I gotta go" Billie said and ran off.
(Sorry I'm not into life right now so I'm gonna be gone a bit)