Rite of Passage

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They had a pleasant drive through town; quiet and pleasant. Leona understood why, for she felt somewhat the same in a different sense. When they reached the little restaurant, Clark opened the car door for her and, like any gentleman would, started to reach his hand out to aid her. But, nervously he pulled back. She didn't respond to it, for deep down she felt more of his nervousness - a charming characteristic of his that was beginning to grow on her.

The restaurant, Charlie's, was a hodge podge of glorious old school traditions, family owned and strongly standing on its foundations - the shoulders of one man, it seems. When Charlie himself came to greet them, Leona could see why such a place was so favored. Leona shook his strong hand and greeted him back before he turned to whisper something in Clark's ear. She turned her head to look around the building's decor, trying her best not to eavesdrop, but that was rather difficult for her. When she overheard what the older man had said, her eyes widened and she bit her tongue to avoid giggling. She wasn't sure if she should take it as a rather unique compliment, or just consider the old man to be a perv. But, after their moment passed and Charlie nodded to her before stepping away, she could see in his eyes an overly bubbly bottle of pride and love for Clark. He obviously has been a major father figure in his life for a long time to hold the emotions of a father seeing his only son growing into a man like that.

It was - embarrassing, to be apart of such a personal thing with Clark. Again, she understood his behavior as such and was content to continue playing as if she didn't notice. But, she noticed everything and noted it in her mind as if she was researching the old models of a once forgotten church. In a way, she was... She had to know what made this man so special - enough to cause her inner hunter to lash out like a demon when he wasn't around, only to calm like a lamb when he was.

"Sorry about Charlie. He loves messing with me."

"Ah, that's okay. Reminds me of my little family friends. It's not a bad thing to have others who care for you enough to tease... It's their timing that gets us." She smiled, hoping he realized she didn't make light of his emotions, but to show him how well she understood them. She placed her order with the waiter, and then let out a little sigh, relaxing into the vibrant atmosphere as she looked around. She didn't want Clark to feel so nervous around her, even though she was a bit anxious as well.

"How in the world did you come across such an awesome place like this?" she cheered as her eyes wandered around the fixtures, all the photos and antiques decorating the walls. "It's like stepping into a family reunion or something - everyone seems like they know each other like family..."
 
Clark smiled and then his eyes glanced away for a few seconds as the waiter returned with their drinks and food. He was glad because his stomach responded immediately after the waitress placed the food on the table. " Yeah but sometimes the teasing's kinda embarrassing, I guess I'll have to deal with it though". Clark chuckled slightly before he took a sip of his Pepsi and then a bite out of his Philly cheesesteak. He was glad Leona understood how he felt and then turned his head to look at the people in the restaurant. Every time he came it gave him a warm feeling in the pit of his stomach. The place was almost like a second home to him and he came whenever he could which was basically all the time.

The costumers were used to seeing him there do often that they'd stop and say hi before returning to their own table. It would almost seem like a family reunion but not everyone knew each other, they were just friendly towards each other. Clark took another bit out of his Philly cheesesteak before answering Leona's question on how he found Charlie's. " Well when I was growing up my pops used to always take to me this place. When I was little and my mom died my pops brought me here often. I think it was mostly because he grew up around Charlie's and he wanted me to be apart of it too. After my father died when I was fifteen I got into trouble a lot which led me back to Charlie's. That guy over took me in and raised me like his own and ever since then I've been around Charlie's Restaurant."

After a couple of minutes his plate was spotless and Clark had just finished guzzling down his Pepsi. " I hoped you enjoyed yourself here at Charlie's". Clark smiled and then the waitress came to collect the plates and hand the check. Immediately Cark picked up the bill and then paid for their meals. He stood up and then made his way to the door saying goodbye to Charlie and the rest of the gang. Clark opened the door for Leona before following her to the car.

" Im really glad you agreed to me taking you out to eat, I really enjoyed myself and if you don't mind I'd like to do it again sometime, just to hang out if that's okay with you?". Clark unlocked the car door before opening it for Leona and then moving around to the driver seat to get in himself. He drove back to the theater and parked his car looking up at the sky. The un was setting and he wasn't sure if Leona had other plans. " I don't want to keep you in case you have other plans but here's my number so you can call you anytime". After exchanging numbers Clark wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. " For someone so mysterious, your pretty amazing'.

Before he could do anything else his phone vibrated and he looked down to check the message really quick. When he looked back up he only then realized how close he was to Leona so he took a step back and then placed his fee hand in his pocket. " If you ever need help with your internship let me know okay? That Dustin guys a real ass".
 
Leona had a great time chatting with Clark. She learned a lot more about him, and why he works at Lyrics and he learned a lot about her... Not everything, but enough to maintain a growing friendship. Soon though, it was about time for them to end their day. Leona still had to return to Lark in the Morning to clock out. Then, she was thinking about heading off to Annette's to hang out for a while, but with the folders tucked in her notebook bag that Clark handed her, she was far too excited to just head home. She wanted to find a comfortable location and tear into the files, to read everything there and hopefully learn something about that old theater that would help her bring out it's former glory once and for all.

Clark escorted her back to his car and spoke about hanging out again as he unlocked his car do. Leona beamed, "Oh yes, that would be great, and Charlie's is an amazing restaurant. Everything was delicious!" Once they were back at the theater's parking lot, Clark handed her his number. She gave him her's as well, and then he gave her a hug as if they've been old friends forever. It was so charming, and comfortable. She did feel like she's known him for a long time...even though they only met last night.

"For someone so mysterious, your pretty amazing."

"Ah, don't be silly. There's nothing amazing about me. I'm just like anyone else." She grinned playfully, but in the back of her mind she was over-examining herself. Did she say or do something far too unusual or supernatural while they were having dinner? Was there something that gave her away, or was he still just playing off of last night's almost horrible fiasco? It always made her nervous trying to pay attention to everything she did - trying to keep her 'human' appearance up to par.

"If you ever need help with your internship let me know okay? That Dustin guys a real ass."

"Yes, he's truly living up to that. I don't know what makes him worth hiring - unless he played favorites with the interviewer as well." Leona sighed as she began to walk to her car. She turned back to Clark and waved, "I might have to take you up on that offer some time, Clark. If I have any questions about all of this," she tapped her bag where the folders poked out from the top. "You know this place better than I do. If you have any ideas that can make it a better place to work, then definitely let me know. I would love to hear some of your ideas."
 
Clark leaned against his car and then raised his eyebrow a moment before he smiled a bit. " I think there is something pretty amazing about you but I just haven't put my finger on it yet". There were plenty of women that came through Clark's life but Leona seemed different somehow he figured that it was just her personality that he liked but he had a feeling that there was something more. He wished that he could spend more time with Leona but she had plans he figured and Brandon was blowing up his phone trying to get him to hang out with him later on which Clark knew he would do.

Brandon was his best friend despite that fact that he was slightly crazy and they always hung out especially when Brandon didn't have work. Clark watched as Leona made her way to her car and then nodded his head when she turned around and tapped her bag saying how if she needed anymore help on her research that she'd give him a call. Clark hoped so because he wanted an excuse to hang out with her again. The notes he had given her were pretty good to get ahead in the game. There was some pictures that even the press hadn't got a hold of and documents that nobody had seem except for a handful of people.

Sitting down inside his car, Clark leaned his head back on the head rest before starting his car and then heading on over to Brandon's house. As soon as he pulled up in the driveway Brandon opened the door and then greeted his friend with a handshake. " Sup man let me grab my jacket and he we can head out". Clark shook his head and then agreed. Brandon figured that they would drive around and maybe even do a few dares while they were out. That was the once thing they loved to do was dare each other to do stupid shit and it got ridiculous when they were drunk.

Clark pulled up to a liquor store where Brandon hopped out and then came back with a 12 pack of beer and a bottle of liquor. He didn't know how drunk his friend was planning to get but Clark wasn't drinking that much and he was going to make sure his friend did the same. The sun was going down when Brandon told him to park near the pier. They grabbed the liquor and beer before sitting at the end of the pier and just chugging it.

" Aye man I got a dare for you right now and you cant back out". Brandon said taking another guzzle of his beer. Clark looked around and then shrugged his shoulders. " Okay so what am I doing now?". Brandon pointed his finger out onto the water and then smirked. " Jumped into the ocean with all your clothes on and you cant go home and change afterwards." Clark shook his head at first but then he stood up and placed his wallet and cellphone on the pier. He knew the water was going to be cold and it wasn't really swimming weather and with a combination of the sun going down didn't sit well with Clark. Taking a deep breath Clark got a running start before diving off the pier.

The cold water hit his body immediately making him shudder and he opened his eyes and immediately looked around seeing nothing but small fish and darkness. His eyes searched around for a moment before he swam up to catch his breath and swim back. He realized that it wasn't the smartest decision to jump off the pier where they were parked. Jaws suddenly popped up in his head and Clark pulled himself out the water with the help of Brandon. Now he was shivering and his clothes were stuck to his body. Brandon had no problems laughing while Clark just picked up his wallet and phone. " Lets g-g-go".

Since the part of the bet was that he couldn't go came and change the more it got darker the cooler the air got. " Damn now im gonna get sick". Brandon shrugged as he drove Clark's car. " You didn't have to do it". They drove around to they passed and abandon house where Clark dared Brandon to venture into and stay for 1o minutes.
 
Okay, Leona was doing well for herself, holding back the threat against Clark by biting the inside of her bottom lip, or digging her nails into the back side of her arm as she wrapped her hand around her after waving goodbye. Again, as the distance grew between them, the hotter her inner furnace became. When he was clearly in his vehicle and out of view, Leona rushed to her car, opened the door, and threw herself inside in order to bite down into her forearm just to control her rage.

What the hell is wrong with me? I can't do this anymore!

When she couldn't take the fowl flavor of her own tainted blood touching her tongue, she wiped her lips and started the car to head home. Leona felt as if her head was spinning and the street was waving and swelling before her eyes. It made it absolutely difficult to drive straight, even for her, but she did not have a wreck. Quickly called Naomi to ask more and more questions about what was happening to her, the older vampire suggested for her to head to her home when she was able to get away that night. Naomi knew her Sire's attitude quite well. If he had any idea that one of his members had found a human to bloodlust over, he'll want to end it quickly - by any means: against the human or against Leona, it didn't matter to him.

Leona finally made it home - an old tudor style mansion sitting near the northwest forest near the edge of town. The higher priced residence area had spacious lawns and lots of privacy; a perfect setting for a vampire coven sitting in the hub of a busy city. She parked her car in the closed lot and headed inside, not expecting her Sire to be standing in the back parlor waiting for her.

"Leona...," his tone cause the woman to stop cold in her tracks. The stings of her bloodlust symptoms had died down once she'd left downtown. Probably because there was enough distance between her and Clark to where she couldn't register him anymore. That was good, but it was quite clear by her demeanor that she was exhausted and nervous. When Leona stepped into the room, Lord Murgtaug spotted this instantly. "My dear, come and sit. You look as if you've been through hell and back."

She smiled flatly and did as she was told, dropping her bags - which felt like a ton of bricks - beside her on the white leather couch. Brigs instantly presented her with a glass of warm blood, which she took with a shock. Normally, her Sire gives his members supplements to keep them away from fresh blood. His newborns are given fresh blood, but she's been pushed off of the fresh stuff a year ago.

Leona tipped the glass to her lips timidly, savoring the sweet scent before allowing it to touch her lips. "Why the sudden change?" she questioned with an half empty glass before her.

Brigs grinned amused, "I can feel how stressed you are, Leona. That - worries me. I feel that I might have pulled you off your regiment far too soon..." Settling beside her and leaning back with his arm draped across the back of the couch behind her, Brigs hummed, "Consider this a new regiment for you and you only. A - gift, from me. I dislike the loss of joy in your eyes."

Leona finished her glass, wishing for another but refusing to give in to temptation. She was curious... She sat up taller from the couch to place a clear distance between her back and his arm, and cleared her throat. "Lord Brigs, may I ask a question?"

"Besides the one you just asked, sure. What is it, Leona?"

Recalling Naomi's warnings before about revealing too much to her Sire, changed her mind about asking Lord Brigs about the bloodlust. "Um... do you recall any stories or have any photos of the old Lyrics buiding downtown?" She dropped her eyes towards her glass first to prep her mind, before turning to give Brigs her supple eyes and a brighter smile. "I've gained a top slot with Lark, and my first project is redecorating for the nightclub with the same name."

"Brilliant!" Brigs sat up with his arms outstretched, coasting Leona into a hug without her knowledge. She really didn't want to hug him, but when he influences someone into action it's hard to break from it. "I knew you would. Sir. Giesecke has great taste in selecting potential. There was no way he would miss your talents and skills for some second-hand art student still wet behind the ears."

She didn't reply. That was enough to convince her of her Sire's connections with her new boss. It didn't bother her as much now. Looks like her competition wasn't the only one with a head-start. This made them even - with her nose way ahead. After a while, she placed the glass down on the coffee table and gave a little yawn. "I'm a bit tired after today. I've got to drop this paperwork off at the office, then I'll be back." She was trying to come up with some excuse to get out of that room. She could feel Brigs' fingertipping her emotions with his mind, trying to figure out if she's lying to him, or trying to sway her thoughts to be more beneficial to his needs. But, she didn't feel any different when he spoke again.

"Alright. Don't stay out too long. You're extremely tense. When your emotions are high, your control will be low and difficult to manage. I don't want you hunting tonight without me with you, okay?"

She nodded, still wondering why he's taken such a strong interest in her all of a sudden. Was he registering her bloodlust? Was it possible when she hasn't followed through with its temptations? She wasn't sure. It was very difficult to read the man; he was always stern and serious, except when it comes to her. With her he was nurturing, loving, laid back... It was unnerving, to say the least. She's only known him for a few years...

Leona left, dropped off a few things to her room and took a double portion of her supplement pills - just in case. Then, she called Annette and asked if it was okay to come over to her place at the coven that night. With the clearance, she left quickly her house and headed to her friends. Naomi was already out hunting for the night with another crew. The low population of abandoned animals and wild animal attacks were due to her Lord's law forbidding them to attack humans. If they must, then it was only for the safety of another human, or if a human was close to death already. His ideas were far different than her Sire's, and he held a less strict manner when managing his covens. Leona always felt less stress when visiting there.

"I'm about to go hunting. Wanna come?" Annette had changed for the day, wearing something for the cooler night. Leona decided it wouldn't hurt to hang with her and both girls left. Besides, they might run into Naomi. After a few hours of hunting, they began to follow Naomi's scent, finding the older vampire group inside an abandoned house. It was obvious that the group of friends were not alone. Tensed auras were inside. "I believe our friends are in some sort of trouble," Annette said as she jumped to the second floor balcony, testing it before giving it her full weight to hold. "Come on! We might be able to sneak up on what's going on and surprise them." Leona followed and quietly both girls headed downstairs searching for their friends.
 
Clark put the car in park as he drove off the main road and onto a dirt path. The sun was going down a lot faster than expected as Clark looked around. There was another car not too far off but it was broken and destroyed. The trees were scarce and placed on either side of the house. Brandon was excited as can be and Clark was wondering if it was the drinks talking. They had driven past the abandoned warehouse many times before and it wasn't the place that you'd just stop and take a tour into. The building was ragged and old, some of the wood was coming off and it just made you want to turn around and forget you were even there altogether.

Brandon was the first one out the car as he stretched his body like he was preparing for running some sort of marathon. Clark on the other hand stepped out the car and then looked at his friend with an amused look. Brandon was always doing things head on without worrying about consequences while Clark was always planning things out in his head incase things went wrong. It had always been like that since they were kids.

Clark walked around to the trunk of his car and then popped it and searched around until he found two small flashlights that he never took out after he went camping with Brandon and a few friends. After checking to make sure each one of them worked, Clark tossed one to Brandon who nodded his head and then turned towards the direction on the warehouse. " Okay macho man 10 minutes and then come back, after that im heading home to take off these wet clothes". Clark sighed as he glanced down at his soaked clothes clinging to his body.

Brandon chuckled and then started walking. " Don't worry ill be in and out before you know it". Clark watched as Brandon jogged up to the building and then slipped through the semi open door. He could see Brandon's flashlight being turned on and moving about which made Clark feel awhile lot better. Since it was abandoned he figured the place could be used by druggies or gang members and the last thing he needed was for Brandon or himself to get hurt.

Clark walked around the car and then glanced down at his cellphone before looking over at the warehouse. It had been exactly 7 minutes since Brandon wandered in there and Clark was just counting down the time until he came out. Not even a minute later Brandon's flashlight went out and Clark raised and eyebrow as he called out his name. When Brandon didn't respond Clark made his way over to the warehouse himself.

Immediately he turned off his flashlight and then peered though the dirty window. He couldn't see Brandon or anyone for that matter. Clark slipped through the door as well and then looked around as soon as he stepped in. The place was as ugly as the outside. There was broken glass, cobwebs covering a lot of things and slight amounts or dirt on the ground. Clark kept on looking for Brandon and then froze when he found his flashlight just laying in the middle of the floor.

When he picked it up he could hear breathing and Clark shifted his head to see Brandon not to far from him just staring at someone or something. Clark walked over to Brandon and touched his shoulder causing Brandon to jump slightly. " Dude what happened? Look lets go". Clark was on the verge of pulling Brandon when he spoke. " There's someone else in here..I think there's more than one person".

Clark turned on his flashlight and then looked around. " I don't see anyone so lets just g-". His words were cut short when he saw five dark figures heading towards them. He clutched his grip on the flashlight as he saw there faces once they came into the light. It was 3 guys and 1 woman. Their eyes shined a different color and he could see something sharp in one guys mouth. One of the guys spoke first. " You shouldn't have come here, shame now you can leave". Brandon gulped and then took his flashlight and looked around. The female shook her head. " There's nowhere to go so you might as well just give up".

Clark shook his head and then turned to Brandon before giving his friend a slight nod and then taking off towards the door. In an instant once of the three men appeared and sent his knee up which crashed right into Clark's stomach and sent him flying until his back collided into the wall. He gasped for air as he saw blood spurt out from his mouth. How did he fly back so far? The pain was so excruciating that he couldn't think straight.

Once he got up he tried again but this time the blow landed on his chest. Clark doubled over as blood poured out his mouth and his hand clutched his chest wile the other tired to stand him up. "This once just doesn't give up". Once of the men chuckled. Out the corner of his eyes he could see that Brandon had got a few feet away since the group was focused on him. He looked at the woman who seemed to be staring at him oddly before he recognized her from the bar dancing with Brandon.She seemed to realize that he remembered and smirked before turning her head and whispering something to one of the guys. " Ah come on really!? I just want a taste I promise I wont kill him".

His eyes darted from each male and then the woman as he tried to back up but let out a cry in pain. Something was broken and he couldn't stop tasting blood in his mouth. The male that was doing all the talking came forward and then lifted him up peering into Clark's face. Clark could see the mans teeth perfectly now and their were fangs visible. Were they some sick got group? Clark managed to punch the guy in the face taking him off guard and caused him to drop Clark. He winced in pain and then took a step back as they all glared at him.
 
It was automatic! Leona knew who was inside...Naomi, her partner, Croans, and a few of the other members of her circle she's met once or twice in a season. But, the obvious oddball in the mist of this group of familiar auras caused her bloodlust to slam into her chest and almost caused her to fall down the stairs. Annette turned around quickly to grab her arm and pull her back beside her, giving her friend a hard stare.

"Oh, no! Seriously?" She could see Leona's eye color brighten and her fangs naturally extended. Leona tried her hardest to fight off this sudden attack, fearing for Clark and wondering why in heaven's name was he there in the first place. Then, fear and lust lead to anger and determination when she'd concluded that someone who knew who he was had somehow lead him there to - what was the word - eliminate her problem, or turn it into a solution. She wasn't sure why they were doing this, if her assumptions were correct, but either way, Leona was set on making sure Clark wasn't hurt on her account - or hurt at all. For some reason, she felt obligated to keep him safe...

To keep him to herself...

Annette tried to keep her steady as she quickly regained her composure and she was back to normal, but she wasn't satisfied at Leona's expression. She was upset...and that scared the young vampire. "You're okay, right? I mean..."

"I'm fine!" Leona jerked away from her friend and rushed down the rest of the stairs, tracking the group into the room they occupied. The scene was easy to read - they had two humans at their mercy, one of them being Clark. The other onc, based off of her recall at the club that first night there, was his roommate Brandon. Leona was frozen in place... She didn't know how much Clark witnessed, or how much was spoken before him by the other vampires. Unaware of his view of this scene, she had to come up with a way to keep her secret safe. It didn't matter what they were; he can assume that she and Annette are just as innocent in this situation as he is.

"Naomi, what's going on here?"

"He's here with his friend; walked right in on us as we're staking the place out. We began to attack until I realized who he was."

"Don't reveal me, please," Leona pleaded.

"What's going on here? I'm gonna call the cops!" Annette, hearing the mental conversation between her friends, automatically began to play along. Then she gasped as if she'd just recognized her friend, "Naomi? Wh- What's going on? Why are you...here?"

The other vampires in the room glanced at Naomi who reluctantly gave a small nod. "Nothin's going on around here, girls." Croans stood up from his crouched position over Clark and stepped towards the two girls with an appraising appetite in his eyes. "We're not doing nothin' interesting, but since you two are here, we can start." He grabbed Leona's wrist and pulled her towards him. She screamed and began to fight against him to release her. Annette began to fight to help her friend, but one of the other men wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her away.

Naomi allowed the play to go on for a while. "No guys, that's enough!" She stepped forward to give Leona a deep look, purposefully showcasing her bright fangs. "Sorry that you had to see me this way. I guess, our friendship is over. Just... don't forget that I just saved your lives. At least, give me some credit for that."

Leona's eyes widened in a perfect portrayal of fear, confusion, and utter sadness. "Why are you saying that? What going on, Naomi?"

The dark-skinned woman passed them by without a word, and suddenly disappeared. The men who were holding them released them and did the same. Soon, there was no one left in the room but them and the two injured guys. Leona and Annette stood there for a second stunned, acting as if they were trying to wrap their minds around what they'd just heard and seen. Then, Leona ran towards Clark and Annette ran over to the unconscious Brandon.

"Clark, are you okay?" She was shaking, a perfect frightened shake as her hands seemed to float over him, wanting to help but too scared to touch him, as if it would cause him more pain. All in all, she hoped he didn't notice anything about her and their little play; that it worked to keep her and Annette's differences a secret.
 
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Did everything in Clark's life have to end in him being hurt? Everything was somewhat blurry but he could make out the conversation between the group that attacked him and Brandon and the two women who came in, one happening to be Leona. He wanted to tell her to run away and that they were different. He wasn't quite sure how exactly but he knew the blows that were landed on him were something that he had only seen superman do in movies. Clark's body was raging in pain and blood dripped from his mouth. His body was too bruised for him to even move and his chest felt like it was sucking the life out of him.

The only thing that was floating through his mind was what death was like cause he sure as hell felt like he was dying and pretty sure he was. Very slowly he turned his head to look at Brandon who wasn't moving but he was breathing slowly, no doubt unconscious. When Leona rushed to his side he have a weak smile and then winced before clutching his chest and then placing his free on his stomach as if it was going to stop the pain.

He could see the frantic Leona above him, her hands were trembling and her eyes were looking over his body. " Well I think im doing okay except for the broken rib cage and the sever chest pain". Clark closed his eyes which was more suiting at the moment because it hurt to keep his eyes open. His chest heaved up and down slowly and he re opened his eyes to look at Leona. " I think were going to need to go to the hospital because I cant move". He smiled a bit trying to lighten the mood but he knew it wouldn't help.

When the ambulance came and placed in into a stretcher along with Brandon he passed out. When Clark opened his eyes again he was in a white room with heavy bandage wrapping and a brace on his upper body. His leg had a wrap with gauze on it and his chest had a patch that was tapped down. To be said he looked like crap, well he felt like it at least. There was two doctors in the room and when they noticed that he was awake they questioned him on what happened but he honestly didn't know. They nodded and then walked out the room and Clark sighed.

He wanted to know if Brandon was okay but his throat hurt and he reached over to the table at his bed side and reached for the glass of water. After taking two sips and forcing the cool liquid down his throat he leaned back and then closed remembering what had happened in the abandoned warehouse. Nothing made sense to him anymore especially the people he'd encountered. The weird strength and the teeth, well fangs that popped out of their mouth. It was all too much.

The knock at his door made him turn his head and one of the doctors returned. " There are some people who want to see you Clark". Turning his attention to the middle aged man he nodded and then parted his lips letting out a much needed sigh. He hoped it was Leona because he was confused and maybe he knew what was going on.
 
The ambulance trip was quite eventful. Due to the situation, two were dispatched to their location. Brandon and Annette road in the first; Clark and Leona in the second. As she sat on the bench seat for the medic to take her vitals, she watched the other medic care for Clark; almost jumping every once and again when he growled in pain. She felt guilty, heartbroken that his association with her almost cost him his life... But moreso, something within her was madder at the idea of Naomi taking away something she wanted more. Did her and her friends lure them there on purpose, or was Clark and Brandon just there at the wrong time? She wasn't sure, and she surely hated the anger she felt against her mentor. Still, unsure as to why her bloodlust triggered these strange emotions she felt for an acquaintance. There had to be an explanation as to why this was happening to her.

Once at the hospital, after several hours of refusing medical care, Leona and Annette sat in the lounge only two doors down from the trauma room where the two men were being treated. Brandon was in worse condition and had several tests that kept him out of the room. Clark, on the other hand, had his own major injuries to deal with. It would be a long while before Leona would have a chance to see him, to make sure he was okay. Annette worried about staying at the hospital until he was cleared for visitors. A hospital is a dangerous place for vampires - full of humans and fresh blood stored for easier access. That could be considered a good thing, but hospitals are full of the sick. Just one taste of tainted blood can leave a vampire so horribly sick, making it impossible for them to consume fresh blood for years. If they dry out, it makes living unbearable - and sometimes grants death.

As they waited, Annette sat in a corner of the room attempting to look as small and invisible as she could to avoid people. She watched Leona pace back and forth in view of the hall where Clark's room was located. She watched hospital staff go in and out, listening to what they told him about his injuries and treatments. Leona monitored his room like a hawk, and even when Annette had suggested that they come back that night after he was done with all of his treatments, Leona barked at her slightly that she wasn't leaving. She was only a few doors away from him, but she felt as if there was a huge ocean between there and she had no way of crossing it to reach him.

Several more hours passed, and Leona was about to hit her last nerve before Clark's doctor stepped to her with a smile. "Everything is fine now. He's all wrapped up and will recover well after a few months. I'll show you to his room." The girls followed the doctor to the trauma room, and after he explained what they would see, he opened the door and announced them.

Alright, Annette, follow my lead. Leona followed the doctor inside and headed straight to Clark's side. She looked distort, fearful still, and utterly confused as she sat on the edge of his bed and nonchalantly took his hand. Annette stood at the foot of the bed with a worried smile. The doctor smiled and mentioned something about giving him time with his girlfriend before returning to explain about his care schedule. Leona didn't hear the man leave. Her mind was focused on Clark. "How are you feeling? You're not in anymore pain, are you?"
 
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The sky seemed to be consumed of bad weather and the droplets of water tapped against his window. Clark shifted in the bed and then brought one of his hands up to touch the padding that was over his chest. How one simple day went from good to hell in only a matter of mere hours. All his mind kept replaying in his head was the super fast movements that they had and their crazy amount of strength. He could replay the scene twenty times in his head and still be clueless to what exactly went on. The guy who showed his teeth and how they resembled fangs. He wanted to believe they were fake and they prpbubaly were but every time he thought about there would be a jot up pain that rushed up to his chest.

He wanted to know how Brandon was doing and it had been hours. The last time he saw his friend he was passed out on the floor. Clark really thought back there he was actually going to meet his maker. When the doctor seated next to him finished asking him questions he moved out the room and then Lena and her friend walked into the room. Clark tried to sit up but the pain made him stay exactly how he was. Clark ran his finger against the side of the bed as his eyes moved from Leona and then then her friend. He was glad to see that nothing happened to them and they were okay.

When Leona asked if he was in any kind of pain Clark shrugged and then looked over at the side table and reached for his cup to take a few sips of water. " Yeah im still in pain but it's nothing compared to before. The doctors prescribed medicine for me to take for a few months so I should be fine. The only thing that's bumming be out is no being able to work". Clark gently squeezed Leona's hand and then he looked down at his bandages. " I hope Brandon is going to be alight but I have a question. Who were those guys back at the warehouse? Are they some weird pretend group that likes to fun around with fake fangs in their mouth and torment people?. I swear they have to be on steroid that one guy, he fucking flew me".

Clark winced slightly and then he closed his eyes for a moment to relax his body before he opened his eyes again to look back at Leona and the other woman.
 
"I hope Brandon is going to be alight but I have a question. Who were those guys back at the warehouse? Are they some weird pretend group that likes to fun around with fake fangs in their mouth and torment people?. I swear they have to be on steroid that one guy, he fucking flew me".

"I'll go see if the doctor will tell me something about your friend," Annette smiled before stepping out of the room. Leona looked down at her hands around Clark's. She could feel the amount of pain he felt, as well as the amount that was numbed by the medication. It was a relief somewhat, but still upsetting. She'd wished she had the skill to heal, or at least to mend injuries; but that was a skill only older vampires possessed.

When Clark mentioned the group that attacked him and Brandon, Leona's eyebrows folded in confusion, "I - I remembered seeing Naomi with...fangs... She's been Annette's friend for a long time - a family friend, more or less. I've only known her for as long as I've known Annette. I - I've never seen her...look like that before..." She looked away, staring distantly through the rain-shielded window, wishing she didn't have to lie to him. But, for his own safety, she'll do anything. "She didn't have - fangs - last night... And I've never seen those guys who were with her before. They were creepy. All of them..." She did't know what else to say anymore, but again that guilt crept up her spine. She needed to know what happened. "I'm so sorry all of this happened, but why were you guys there in the first place? Did they - kidnap you or something?"
 
Clark moved around in the bed and watched Leona look away and stare out the window as the rain fell. When she said that she never seen her friend act that way he just merely looked at her before looking away. Everything was just so weird now and he had no clue what was going on. The fangs looked real but then again he had seen a few crazy Goth groups in high school that used to wear fangs. " Me and Brandon were doing a few dares to pass the time. I dared him to do in for a bit but when he didn't come back out I went in looking for him. I found him and then the group of people showed up". Just thinking about it wore Clark our and he reached for the cup beside his bed and then chugged down the water realizing how thirsty he was. The doctor came back in saying that he needed to rest and Clark nodded feeling a bit tired. " Thanks for coming to see me Leona". Gently squeezing her hand he smiled and then watched as the doctor closed the door behind her.

~~~

After a few long and boring weeks in the hospital Clark and Brandon were able to go home but the doctors wanted to make sure that they had somebody who would check on them to make sure they weren't doing any lifting or straining themselves. Brandon's on and off girlfriend checked up on him and Brandon to make sure things were okay. Clark called in for work but his boss said that he needed to rest and Clark cursed silently. He hated not being able to do anything but sit around, it was depressing. Clark got dressed and then threw on a jacket before heading outside feeling the cool air rushing against him. It wasn't dark but the sun was setting and Clark figured he'd head to his job and make his way to the roof.

When he got there the commotion was coming from downstairs were people were partying. Moving around his co-workers, Clark managed to get to the roof. He leaned against the wall beside the door and then looked at the view. His body was healed for the most part but it was still painful when he coughed and breathed. Clark closed his eyes relaxing and letting the cool breeze calm him down.
 
Leona returned home after visiting Clark, realizing she was going to have to do something to help her curb her crazy craving for the guy. He wasn't going to be able to go to work for a while... How in the world was she going to calm her bloodlust? Leona asked for help from Naomi and Annette, and for the next passing weeks she avoiding her Sire. What Naomi had given her to calm her cravings was something her Sire would not want her to have if he knew anything about her situation.

Naomi had taken it upon herself to get something with Clark's blood on it. When she realized at the abandoned house who the guy was, she made sure to steal a bloody piece of his shirt before leaving. She presented it to Leona, and eventually talked her into keeping it on her person - preferably hidden in her bra to where the scent of his blood would be close to her nose. This was the best way to calm her bloodlust when it's impossible to be near the one who awakened it. But, the problem is that her Sire will also be able to smell that blood on her... Leona will have to avoid him at all cost.

******

Brigs knew something was going on with his chosen girl, and even though he tried to maintain his distance to give her space, he called for one of his assistance, Lukus, to keep an eye on her. He needed answers as quickly as possible, for the hours were passing quickly for him. He needed to reclaim the day for himself. More and more, the sun was turning into his enemy again, human blood was turning into an unsatisfying dinner, and pleasures of the flesh was becoming unappealing now more than ever. He needed to Leona - she was still in her purest form, untouched and truly one worthy to become his next Vessel. But, this change in her was becoming a threat - there was something going on in her life that was changing everything he's tried to teach her about her new life. The Rite of Passage will be upon them soon - during a New Moon just before the winter snow falls. He needed to sway her thoughts and heart towards his teachings and persuade her into taking his test... If she refuses, he would make her take it. Leona was the only soul within his coven than can become a Vessel - he was not going to lose her.

******

"Leona, where are the second set of blueprints of the club - the ones from the 1950's you'd found?"

Leona flipped through several piles of papers and rolled up blueprints until she found the one her boss was looking for. "Here it is." She opened it up as she crossed the large state's room at Lyrics that the owners allowed for the decorating crew to use while they were there. Flipping through it, she found the images her boss was looking for. "It's here, sir. Right beside the new air conditioners that were placed on the roof in the 90's - that's where the original sun-roof was located." She placed the blueprints before him and pointed to the spot. "They literally just used the opening to place the A/C system, rather than cut a new one and keep the sun-roof."

"Um, we'll either have to place the sun-roof in a new location, or the A/C unit. That will be complicated, but I don't see any alterations for the A/C unit within the building's structure below the sun-roof, where the sun was allowed to enter into the theater area... There might be a chance that we can rebuild it. With the original photos you've found, Leona, of the Tiffany stain glass design of the sun-roof, recreating the look will not be difficult at all."

Dustin crossed his arms, giving Leona a frustrated smug look while their boss continued to speak. He's been trying to figure out all week how she'd found those photographs and information about lost decor like the sun-roof, the German crown molding that was originally in the theater area, or the original designer of the wallpaper that once colored the walls in the original foyer. Those small little touches that were so difficult to trace were the very things their boss enjoyed about rebuilding history. Leona's been getting all the brownie points from him, and no matter how hard Dustin slept with every woman with power working in that club, he was still falling short from impressing the big man of Lark in the Morning.

"Are you sure you'll be able to locate the pattern for that stain glass design?" Their boss asked.

"If I can't find it, I'll design something as close to the real thing as I can and make a pattern for it."

This comment surprised her boss. He looked up at her with his full, round face, pulling off his small black rim glasses to show off his puffy grey eyebrows, "You know about stain glass?"

Leona smiled, "My father use to build stain glass windows for churches and homes when I was real small. He owned his own company for years before my parents' divorced. I took it up as a hobby when I was teen - it was the only way I could see my dad back then."

Her boss smiled and nodded his head, "Then, you're in charge of the redesigning of the roof, and I want you working with me on rebuilding the theater area as well. Head upstairs and start working out your designs. I want to see a full mock-up illustration and report on how you're going to bring that rooftop back to life again."

Leona beamed brightly as she thanked her boss. Giving Dustin a confident smile, she grabbed her tape measure and sketch book and headed upstairs. After everything that's happened over the past weeks, she finally gained a big advantage over Dustin. She rushed upstairs with her mind racing with ideas and design concepts she's picked up through the notes and information Clark had given her. What he'd given her helped her find old files and contacts of the people who knew everything about that club. She was also able to research the right places, visit people who were the theater historians that pledged to keep the story of Lyrics for anyone who wanted to know about it.

As Leona jotted down her thoughts while climbing up the stairs, she was unaware that Dustin was following her. He was determine to not lose to some girl, especially this one. As soon as Leona stepped out of the door and onto the rooftop, Dustin stepped right up behind her, grabbing her shoulders to turn her around.

"Where in the world did you get all that stuff? Who's helping you out? There's no way you found that information on the internet, cause I've already looked!" He began to push her backwards over and over. Leona backed up, slapping his hands out of the way and telling him to stop. When her back hit the rickety iron railing, she turned her head and was looking down into the alley way five stories up.

"Dustin, if you would just put some effort into your research, rather than sleeping around, you'll find the same information too. I've been lucky enough to find access to people who know the place, that's all."

Dustin raked his fingers through his hair, "You're going to give me those contacts."

The way he said this made Leona's ears burn. "I'm not going to do a damn thing but continue my job." She started to step away from him, but Dustin grabbed her by her blouse and pushed her back against he railing again. Leona could feel the metal give way and she gasped, dropping her things on the floor to grab the guy's arms. "Let go of me, Dustin!"
 
Clark didn't know how long he was up on the roof but the view and the utter silence made it seem like forever. He enjoyed the solitude but more than ever he wanted to got back and start work again. It said that he was to rest for three more days before going back to work but Clark felt perfectly fine and he didn't feel like waiting anymore. Brandon was doing fine especially with his ex...or girlfriend , whatever they were was over there tending to his wounds and helping him out. She had helped both of them out but Brandon had gotten it worse. He reached in his pocket to pull out his lighter and tae a smoke but the sound of muffle sounds made him pause.

Nobody ever came up to the roof except for him and occasionally the cleaning man to take sure that everything was kept nicely even tough it was a roof. The sounds were close and Clark strained his ears to listen. There was definitely two people and he could tell from the slight pause before the other voice began to talk.

He stood up and then took slow steps towards the door. For all he knew it could have been a couple who wanted some private time which in that case he was going to have to head down and let them know of his presence or it was just people who wanted to talk. None of the voices seemed like there was any problem between the two but then the sound of a slight bang and then a shout made Clark raise his eyebrow. He opened the door and then looked down and was shocked to see Dustin pinning Leona on a old railing that looked like it was about to give out on her.

The fall would definitely be bad and he could see the crazy look in Dustin's eyes and Clark knew that if something bad happened to Leona Dustin would try to cover his own ass. He rushed down the stairs and then yanked Leona from Dustin's grasp as the rail creaked and eventually the nails popped out sending the railing down a couple feet. Dustin didn't seem to know what happened but Clark slammed his fist and connected with the mans jaw and send him tumbling down the stairs.

Dustin hesitated and then stood up and then tried to rush Clark but he was faster and grabbed his arm before pinning Dustin down and then hitting him one good time knocking him out cold. Clark was breathing heavy and then he kicked the guy just because he felt like it and made his way up the stairs towards Leona. His ribs hurt somewhat but he was fine. Pulling Leona into his arms he wrapped his arms around her. " You okay?".
 
Luckily, Leona didn't continue playing the out-of-balanced human and fall over the railing. That would make things far to difficult for her to handle - trying to hide herself away from the people she knew so she wouldn't have to explain why she was - still alive or barely injured from such a horrible accident. The idea though of taking Dustin along with her did come to pass, but someone had attacked the guy before anything bad happened. Leona knew exactly who is was before anything happened.

Clark and Dustin began to fight. She was pushed to the floor when they started, and there she sat and watched as their fight headed down the stairs. She began to lift herself to her knees, feeling this need to defend Clark - from anything threatening him. Again, she knew it was the bloodlust talking, and to actually do something like that, when he was the one standing up for her at this point, would just become another awkward situation she'll have to explain later. So, she sat there listening, waiting for one of them to emerge from the stairwell. If Dustin returned, all hell will break loose, for that would mean Clark's recent injuries caused him to fail in the fight. She would made Dustin pay. But, if Clark returned, relief would set into her bones and she'll thank him for being there for her. Leona knew she can handle Dustin's threats - but Clark didn't know that...

Her eyes lit up when Clark was the one climbing up the stairs. Her senses were high - feeling his fatigue and the soreness in his ribs, she wished she knew how to heal him through her touch. It would have been a small gift of her appreciation for helping her out - again. But, all in all he did look like he was alright. Surprisingly, he helped her to her feel and wrapped his arms around her in a meaningful hug. Leona was shocked at first, but realized that, to humans, she was in a really serious, life-threatening situation. He's thinking she would have died if Dustin was successful in pushing her over. Therefore, she needed to play the part of a nervous woman who's life flashed before her eyes.

"You okay?"

Leona shuddered, "Um... yes, yes... I'm...okay..." She wasn't sure if her act of nervousness was just due to her natural acting abilities, or from the fact that she was truly nervous being in his arms so close to him. There was an excitement there that held her tongue and guided her arms around his ribs lightly to return the embrace. He smelled heavenly, and his hold was strong and comforting. She honestly didn't want him to go, but knew that he will have to.

"I don't know...what happened..," her words fumbled with a slight panic - a honest one at that. She was panicking...Clark was so close...smelt so good...and her bloodlust began heightened once more. Leona tried to cover it all up by just throwing out words. "He...he wanted to know where I'd found all the information you given me. He...he followed me up here and attacked me! I can't believe he's being so...ruthless about all of this... It's only a job! He...he could have...killed me!" The revelation of the possible end results of her encounter was well expressed, and to make it seem real, Leona's eyes watered - not from the fact that she could have been killed, but from the fact that she had to, once again, lie to Clark.
 
Clark was glad to see that Leona was okay. He smiled feeling a whole lot better that he finally gave Dustin the ass whooping that he deserved. He honestly couldn't believe that Dustin would try to harm or possibly kill Leona in order to win the internship. He knew that people got competitive about internships but he never knew someone to actually want to bring physical harm to someone in order to win. Clark glanced behind him to see that Dustin was still sprawled out on the floor most likely passed out. He stilled when he felt Leona wrapped her arms around his waist and it only pained slightly.

He had felt Leona shudder but was glad to hear that she was fine and everything was okay. One thing was for sure and he was definitely going to let the front know what had happened and hopefully to their boss would put a end to Dustin's internship and maybe even more than that. As he listened to Leona explain what happened he nodded his head and when he saw that her eyes began to water he brought his hand up to her face and then used his fingers to wipe the tears from her face. " I know he could have hurt you but don't worry once we get to the front I'll explain to your boss what happened and you wont have to worry about Dustin anymore.

Clark looked down at Leona and then cupped her cheek for a moment feeling bad. He was honestly enjoying the embrace and maybe a little to much so he removed his hand and then slipped his hand down to claim her hand. He walked down the stairs and then stepped over Dustin before hesitating and then decided dragging his body out incase he woke up and decided to leave through the back stairwell exit.

The first thing his boss asked when he saw Clark was what he was doing at work when he was supposed to be resting but that statement quickly died off when he saw that he was dragging a man with him. Clark dropped the man and then started explaining what happened when Leona's boss came in. Once again explaining he watched her expression turned from shocked to mortified and then furious. It was quite the site to see and even better when Dustin woke up to explaining himself. When it was all said and done Dustin lost his internship and they were thinking about pressing charges on him.

Clark felt accomplished and he turned to Leona and then sighed. " I could only imagine what would have happened if I wasn't up on the roof and hadn't heard what was going on. You could have been seriously hurt on worse".
 
Leona was relieved that Dustin was out of the line-up for the job. If all he was going to do is attack her and cheat in any way to win the job, then he didn't deserve the chance.

She watched as Dustin was placed in handcuffs and escorted out of the club. The look on his face was sheer anger, and it was all facing directly at her. She could tell that he was a soar loser, someone who loses often and hates it. But, he was none of her concern anymore. Regardless of how she felt about him, which was nothing at all, she allowed her boss to 'talk' her into pressing charges. That was better than watching the guy die a blood-less death instead. That sounded appealing, but still the thought of her doing something like that was appalling.

Clark had returned to her side, expressing his concerns, reminding her that she's to be shocked or coming off of the shock of what had happen. ''I don't quite know where I would have ended up....if it wasn't for your quick thinking.'' She looked up into Clark's eyes, ''I owe you my life, Clark. I don't know how I'll ever repay you for this.''
 
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Clark watched as Dustin was escorted away glaring at Leona and then at him. He was glad that he at least left the man some well deserved bruises on his face. When Leona spoke Clark looked into her eyes and then just shook his head. " Don't worry I think were pretty even from you and your friend saving me from the whole warehouse thing". Just the mere memory made Clark's face bunch up and he leaned against the counter.

Since he wasn't really supposed to be at work and he didn't feel like hearing his boss baby him about his mostly healed wounds he figured that he and Leona could go elsewhere.

" Hey lets get out of here. Maybe to the park?". It had been a long time since he went and it didn't hurt to at least walk around the trail for a bit. He walked out the building and then over to his car. Suddenly he thought about the strange night after leaving the club downstairs. It made him wonder why all the strange things that were going on seemed to revolve around him. Clark opened the car door for Leona before getting inside himself.

The park was mostly empty except for a few couples and elderly. The kids were still in school so there wasn't as much noise as it usually would be. Clark walked down the trail and then looked over at Leona. " So tell me a bit about yourself. What do you like to do? what makes you happy, things like that".
 
"Hey, let's get out of here. Maybe to the park?"

Leona was about to turn him down, seeing that she was still on the clock and he was suppose to be at home resting, but her boss stepped forward to give her the day off. That changed her mind entirely. So, she gave Clark a nod and followed him out to is car.

The drive to the park was quiet. She stared at the passing cars and people congesting the streets, feeling like she was on cloud 9 just because she was with him. But, she also was nervous and a sharp shooting pain stabbed at her heart. All of his new problems were because of her. If she had never gone to the club that night, he would have a normal life right now. It was all going to be downhill from now on, unless she was able to figure a way to put an end to it. Unfortunately, that's what pained her more... She didn't want to end it. Or, at least, the bloodlust won't allow her to.

They walked along a beautiful trail outlined in fall flowers and dried leaves. The seasons were changing again, turning the cooling breeze of October's fall into the chilling nips of winter's call. She loved this time of year, one full of celebrations, warm fires, and heartfelt friends.

"So, tell me a bit about yourself. What do you like to do? What makes you happy; things like that."

Leona was charmed. No one's ever taken time to ask her such things. "Mm, well... I like reading good books and chatting about them with friends, I like puppies and days playing at the beach. Oh, anime! I just can't get enough of it, and really unique worldly music, or a good rock band. I can play a mean game of chess, and I use to be a skater in high school...before I broke my ankle trying to pull of a stunt no one should attempt without knowing what they were doing in the first place."

They passed a pond where swans and geese swam comfortably, and an old merry-go-round sat nearby near a gazebo. "I quite enjoy this season, live music festivals, pie eating contests..." she giggled cause that was a rather funny thing to say, but definitely true. "and just anything that is fresh and alive, that intrigues me and draws me towards wanting to know more about it. But what I like doing the most is renewing old things, like cars, or buildings, or old antiques. Renewing history, awakening it to the present, preserving the past.. I should really be working for a museum instead...honestly..." She closed her mouth, wondering is she was yapping far too much about herself. "What about you? What makes Clark tick in there?" she grinned, pressing her finger against her shoulder playfully. "What makes you happy, and stuff like that?"
 
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