- Pocketful of Dreams - {Michaela}

[Amos Artan]

He might be a little high, not enough to make him an incoherent mess, but enough to make him that little bit twitchy. Also it the drugs have made his writing even more messy than before, Amos would be lucky if even he would be able to decipher the scribbles later on and the pen is starting to run out of ink making him tap it on the edge of the pad in annoyance and to relieve the energy that is building up in his muscles, a kind of explosive energy that could make Amos lash out and do something stupid, anything to vent it from his system.

He'd been sent to scout out the Millennium Bridge for Sophia, see if he can find overhear or see anything suspicious that could tie into the explosion that had blown up his bosses car and thrown her into the air. "Gotta find out who it was, gotta know who's talking around the place and wanting to blow us up". His voice is soft enough that people around him wouldn't hear what he is saying and anyone who does probably wouldn't care, just think it the insane rambling of a junkie. Either way Amos is happy.

His pen suddenly scratches across the piece of paper, ripping a hole in it. "Damn it!". In frustration Amos thrown the pen against the ground. He glances down at the black scribbles mess that is his hand written notes, running a hand through his hair. "I better be able to read this tomorrow morning". As usual Amos is dressed in his simple clothes, they been probably the only things that would set him apart from the normal drug taker you'd see on the streets. Black jeans, grey zip up jacket and a pair of red cons (fake). All in all he looks just that little bit too clean to be a junkie.

[hanariyo]

The Millennium Bridge was definitely a beautiful example of modern architecture. Michaela had lived in London for nigh on nine decades and yet she still found this place breathtaking. It was simple, barren of all decorations, yet it stood out. She had never been able to see the bridge in the daylight but if it was anything like it was at night, then it was a shame she couldn't.

Wrapping her light blue scarf securely around her neck, Michaela pulled out a compact mirror from her purse to make sure that no one would be able to see her mouth - or rather, her fangs. She liked being a vampire, true, but it irritates her that she can't so much as smile without being categorized as a bloodthirsty beast - and in most cases, a wanton slut. Once satisfied, she placed the mirror back in her purse, zipped up her light pea coat jacket, and continued her walk along the bridge, the sharp clicks of her heels lost among the thrum of the crowd. The sun had set a few hours ago, yet the place was still bustling with humans. She could hear their heartbeats as they moved past her.

Or not.

As soon as she had past the group of humans, the bridge cleared. It seemed like most of the humans outside of Clerkenwell preferred to stay home nowadays. Michaela couldn't blame them. Humans always were a bit obsessed with their mortality and for good reason too. They were just too frail. There were stragglers, couples or even the odd loner - but they were moving quickly with a set destination in mind. If they thought her suspicious, she wouldn't know. They barely glanced her way before moving off.

It wasn't until an hour later before she found true solitude. It took her several treks across the bridge, but finally. Michaela ran a hand through her dark tresses before leaning against the cool railing to look down at the Thames. It was cleaner ninety years ago, but it reflected the moon just as well.

"Damn it!" A sharp cry of frustration broke through her silent revelry. "I better be able to read this tomorrow morning!"

Perhaps she was wrong once more. It seemed like not everyone had vacated the bridge. Was this the rumored "odd daredevil" that risked crossing the bridge at night? From the sound of a slightly erratic heartbeat, it was a human - that, or a werewolf. Michaela couldn't bring herself to care. She didn't really hate werewolves.

"You there, isn't it a little late to be out?" Despite her better judgment, Michaela found herself approaching the stranger. The stranger was a man, fairly young and dressed casually enough. Mafia? Who knows? Did she even care?

[Amos Artan]

(Sorry it's bad)

"You there, isn't it a little late to be out?"

He hadn't noticed that someone had come up near him, the sound of her question making him jump a little. "Perhaps it is late, but then couldn't I ask the exact same question of you? What are you doing out so late this evening?". Amos flips his notebook closed and puts it in his jeans back pocket. "Sorry if I disturbed your peace and quiet on the bridge, I was just getting kinda frustrated with my pen... ran out of ink and tore the page". He laughs softly to himself, then frowns knowing that she didn't care about why he had been frustrated. He looks at her for a moment; good looking, well dressed and not bothered by the night cold. "Vampire right? I mean you've got to be. The only female werewolf I've seen who has looked good is someone I worked with". He couldn't say that his bosses name, he's high not stupid.

He might have normally been apprehensive about a vampire been so close to him, but he'd always had a soft spot for the ladies even female vampires, a species which Amos would hate for the rest of his life. With a little caution Amos moves towards Michaela, feeling a little bit cocky. "So looking for some nice sap to sink your fangs into eh? Or you one of those vamp's that is trying to stay off the human blood and feed off of animals instead? Be like a werewolf trying to stop themselves from changing". The words run out of his mouth, the filter that would usually be between it and his mind seemingly not in operation at the moment.

[hanariyo]

So she had a chatterbox on her hands. Despite his earlier surprise when she made her presence known to him, he was taking it quite well. Most humans didn't like to be taken by surprise, and definitely not this late at night. Instead of hostility as was the usual choice when faced with the fight or flight instinct, he was rather calm - if not a little too chatty for her liking. The young man didn't seem to care if she was listening to him or not - she was, but that was besides the point - he explained everything after apologizing for intruding on her privacy. He was really polite, something she liked and looked for in her companions.

Vampire, right?

Two words, one question, and that was all it took for her to snap back into alertness. He was a sharp one. And oddly enough, he wasn't scared. His heart rate didn't pick up or slow. She remained silent for he was talking once more.

I mean, you've got to be. The only female werewolf I've seen who has looked good is someone I worked with.

The only inclination of her disbelief would be her one raised eyebrow. He was good-looking, calm, polite, but unfortunately, a little stupid. No one ever admits to their association with the immortals, especially to a supposed enemy of their own side. He was definitely lucky that she didn't care one way or another about whom he worked with. Was he under the influence? Drunk? Drugged?

Instead of commenting on his less than whole state, Michaela smiled widely and flashed him a bit of fang, "Why thank you. You make quite a figure yourself, I must say." She purposely let her eyes roam up and down his body before honing in on his face. When he moved closer to her, still unflinchingly calm and with a hint of a cocky swagger, Michaela did not move away.

So looking for some nice sap to sink your fangs into, eh? Or you one of those vamps that's trying to stay off the human blood and feed off of animals instead? Be like a werewolf trying to stop themselves from changing.

Well, should she really be shocked at the things that come out of the man's mouth anymore? He obviously no longer has his inhibitions to stop him. He was a brave human, she'll admit. "I am a little parched," Michaela said smoothly. Although she wouldn't feed off of him. He was amusing - for now. She'll find someone in Clerkenwell on her way home though. Although she has several packets of animal blood, she'd rather not partake in it unless absolutely necessary. Animal blood is like grape juice compared to the heavenly ambrosia of real human blood. She moved even closer to him until they were basically face to face. She whispered, "Are you offering to quench my thirst?"

[ahah, no problem! we all have our moments of suckiness]

[Amos Artan]

The drugs have served to calm his nerves at times like these, which also gets rid of the habit of developing breathing trouble when nervous. But he is in control of the words that come out of his mouth, mostly anyway. Usually there would be a bit of restraint in what he says, at the moment he just as little care for anything. His head is starting to clear a little, the numbness of the drugs slowly fading away, making him start to feel the cold in the night air. Amos shivers a little. What stupid things would he end up saying to a vampire? Someone that could easily overpower him, easily snap his neck at will with a simple flick of her wrist.

Amos smiles a little. "What? Surprised that I'd admitt having dealing with werewolves? I could care less, I'm sure there are people out there who don't like it that humans are working along side werewolves and vampires. I'll say that I'll give most vampire a bit of a wide bearth... had a bad encounter with some a while back". His nose wrinkles a little at the thought of remembering what happened.

"Why thank you. You make quite a figure yourself, I must say"

"Well well, a vampires complimenting a human on their appearance, now that's not something you don't hear about happening every day, usually it's the other way 'round". "Are you offering to quench my thirst?"

"I don't plan to have the scars of your teeth on my skin... at least not anywhere that can be seen. Anyway you probably wouldn't want to taste my blood anyway, it's been a little tainted in the past few or so hours. Better that you go find yourself some young thing at the local bar, give him a flutter of your eyeslashes and whisper empty words into his ears telling him what he wants to hear. Putty in your hands".

[hanariyo]

It was true that most humans did align themselves with one species or another. She had never felt the need to align herself with anyone. She was satisfied with how London was run at the moment and if she didn't, she can easily move elsewhere. There are plenty of places where vampires have settled. She always wanted to experience the long Canadian winters anyways. She wasn't one for extremes, especially nowadays. She was getting too old - if that was even possible - for such youthful and rash actions.

"I don't mind, either way. But if I was some other vampire, perhaps you'd be floating down the Thames right now." She felt the need to warn the young man anyways. It was times like these that she felt like a grandmother - always so cautious and dull. It was no wonder why she couldn't land a date for the life of her. The fact that he was talking to her - a vampire - when he allegedly had bad experiences with those of her kind spoke volumes of his open-mindedness or stupidity. She reiterated sincerely,"You should be more careful."

So he was under the influence of something. He didn't smell like a drunkard - Michaela decided it was drugs. Again, was this human brutally honest even without the drugs? The last time she had checked, drug use still wasn't widely accepted. Yet here he was telling her that he just used recently. "Well, since you're not at your best at the moment, I guess I'll have to come find you another time." She smiled, once more baring her fangs, and since they were practically face to face, the man was going to get a good eyeful of them. She probably wasn't going to make good on her promise, but she doubted that the man would want her to find him again once he regains his senses.

And although the idea of her leaving the Bridge this very moment and getting a bite did sound slightly appealing, she knew she has plenty of time to get to Clerkenwell, feed, and return home before the sun rose. And she definitely does not whisper sweet nothings to anyone. She considered it below her.

[Amos Artan]

"How lucky for me indeed that you are one those 'nice' vampires, or at least appear to be. Well either way thanks for not throwing me into the river after draining me dry, appreciate it, really". Amos rubs the back of his neck with embaressment. "Well I was younger and stupid. Went out with friends and got just a little bit drunk. Then we went for a walk through Hyde Park. Long story short let's just say that it didn't end up all that well after we got jumped by a group of vampires". "Yeah I should be more careful, well I kinda am nowdays. Mainly keep to myself and stay away from the clubs and bars that are mainly meant for vampires and humans alone. Went to one of those places once... again with the running. Does havock to my knees and back".

"Well, since you're not at your best at the moment, I guess I'll have to come find you another time"

"Maybe you will. Though I can be a hard person to find at times, don't go out much and unless you follow me home I doubt you'd ever find out where I live. Must sound a bit paranoid I guess but we've got out reasons for the ways be act right". The sight of her fangs makes his skin pickle a little, now his heart beats that little bit faster and out of instincs he takes a small steps backwards to put distance between himself and Michaela. His mouth opens a little but no words come out.

What are you doing! Run you idiot, get out of here while you still can. Run to the car and drive as fast as you can back to the house. Damn common sense can be a real buzz-kill at times. Amos closes his eyes for a moment and blocks out the inner voice of common sense. "How rude of me, I haven't even introduced myself yet. I'd tell you my full name but that could be bad. So I'll give you the name Art".

[hanariyo]

Finally, Michaela sees something ordinary and expected from this man. His heart rate picked up when she had stepped closer to him. He was intimidated. Finally. She hadn't realized how much she wanted to scare him until then. She wanted to scare him - but only a little bit, of course.

It seemed that he was taking her warning sincerely. He even bothered to thank her for not killing him - sheepishly, but it mattered not. Not many people thanked her for not killing them after all. He looked rather endearing - like all men - when looking so sheepish. He was rambling again, about his past - and admittedly, less than stellar - interactions with her kind. It was definitely amazing that he was standing her, somewhat lucid, and talking to her.

Now that she was sure that he was just another human - prone to fits of anger, sadness, and fear - she saw no need to intimidate him. He seemed to be offering her a challenge. He was a hard person to find, so he says. She had plenty of experience tracking people down during her lengthy life of being one of the living dead. She was old enough to be his great-grandmother's grandmother. Perhaps, she was even older.

And then it happens. His heart skips a beat, and the look in his eyes tells her that he's finally realized what he's dealing with. She may be nicer than the next vampire - but that is because of her age and who she was. Michaela chuckled lowly when he opened his mouth but no words came out. He was going to run for it any moment now.

Instead, he shuts his eyes, and after a moment, reopens them - visibly calmer. She was pleased and disappointed all the same. "How rude of me. I haven't introduced myself yet. I'd tell you my full name but that could be bad. So I'll give you the name Art."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Art." Michaela said, trying out the name that was given to her lightly. She extended her hand for a handshake and the amused look she shot her companion dared him to touch her. "I'm Michaela." She had no qualms with giving her real name. She wasn't aligned with anyone worth revealing or looking into after all and most of her clients were straight-laced businessmen.

[Amos Artan]

The night air chill has started to creep through his jacket, making Amos shiver a little, but it could also be Michaela been so close to him and the fact that there is very little space between the two. Perhaps Amos shouldn't have alluded that he could be a hard person to find. It could be inviting the vampire to come looking for him, tracing him down. Maybe he'd be leaving work while the sun us still up, get a few uv lamps on the bedroom. Do they work the same as the sun? Do the same damage? Either way he's going to pick up something fir protection; knife probably he's always been more comfortable with blades than with firearms.

Not going to run, not going to back down in fear

Calming himself down Amos looks at Michaela, the constant flashing of her fangs making him feel slightly unnerving him. But he has seen plenty of werewolves change so it's going to take more than a vampire bearing their fangs to make him turn tail and run. When Michaela introduces herself Amos bows his head a little. "A pleasure to meet you". He takes her hand to return the gesture even if the grip is fairly weak. "Maybe you could be the one to change my view on vampires, or at least ones like yourself. Could even bring myself to have a friendship".

[hanariyo]

He was very warm. Either that, or she really was extremely cold. But then again, she was a vampire. His handshake had been a little reserved and soft compared to the firm and equally cold business handshakes she had received and given in the past. She couldn't help but like the feeling. Everyone always wanted to prove they were strong - perhaps even stronger than she was. And in her world, a handshake says a lot about a person. She wonders if Art knows that? Does he suspect what she's thinking about him?

She released his hand and noticed that he had taken a few steps backward from her. He seemed to be ready to bolt, but something - was it pride? - restrained him. He spoke of friendship, and very pleasantly so. It made her wonder. Was he aware that he was like an extremely large blood bank to her? She wasn't as uncivilized to actually attack him after assuring him he was safe. The idea of being friends with a human - even one that works and associates himself with werewolves - wasn't repulsive. "Nothing's wrong with a little companionship once in a while." She said, nodding. "Living a long life with no one to talk to is tedious."

They had been talking for just a few minutes now, but they haven't moved at all. Although she didn't feel much, it was cold cold cold, almost too cold for humans. Why was he standing there in the first place? Was he waiting for someone? She casually browsed the surrounding area. There wasn't anyone in the vicinity. She wanted to know, and she'll get her answer. "Are you waiting for someone,Art?"

[Amos Artan]

Her skin is cold, but he should have expected that from Michaela, she is a vampires after all they always have cold skin probably something to do with them having no heartbeat and been well.. dead. In the club he should have been able to tell that the girls wasn't human or werewolf, he should have known. But the alcohol had dulled his sense and the allure of a pretty woman on his lap distracted his mind from the more important things. Perhaps if it weren't for the chilling cold of a vampires touch or his past experiences with vampires then Amos could let himself become friends with a vampire or two. But there is always that danger with associating yourself with vampires. Been so long living they are prone to get bored of things easily. You're friendship could mean nothing to a vampire, you been something to pass the time and when they're done they'll drain your blood.

"No, there is nothing wrong with wanting to be able to spend time with other people. It can get mighty boring been alone all the time. Sure there are people who work with or for but most of the time they're just that, co-workers that you wouldn't associate outside of work besides maybe the sometimes nod or wave of hello if they do it first. Sometimes I wonder how vampires manage to deal with living such long lives".Amos looks at Michaela. "It would be depressing to get watch the people you know, who are not immortal, grow old, wither and die. At least been human I am know that I am going to end up like everyone else. There is no endless time for me and perhaps I am glad for that".

"I am not waiting for anyone. Sometimes, despite the cold, I like to go out sometimes and do some writing, nothing of importants really. Sometimes I write down bits and pieces of the conversations I hear around me and then piece them all together to make new ones. It can be interesting sometimes". The cold is starting to get to him. "I know been a vampire and all makes you more resilient to the cold and such but maybe it would in your liking to move to somewhere that not so... brisk?". To be honest he may want to spend a little bit more time with the vampiress.

[hanariyo]

He couldn't imagine how vampires live such long lives and if she was brutally honest, Michaela didn't know how she did it either. This year, she was going to turn one hundred and ninety years old. She was just a decade off from two centuries! She didn't look a day over twenty, but there are ways one could tell someone's age. Their eyes - rumored to be the windows to a person's soul - can be used to discern someone's age. Michaela had gone through several lifetime's and had experienced several lifetimes of emotions and trials. "It's not as hard as it sounds," Michaela said blithely, waving a hand airily. "When you first become a vampire, everything is new and wonderful and exciting. The decades seem to blur past you. But by the time you hit a century or so..." Everyone she knew had died after that.

She couldn't think of any reason why she should not relocate elsewhere with the human named Art. The sun wasn't going to rise any time soon, she wasn't bored at all, he had nothing to do, she didn't have anyone to meet, and she didn't need to feed yet. After a moment's pause, Michaela nodded in acquiescence. "I don't see why not. Do you know a place?" There was a wiggling notion, at the back of her mind, that perhaps he was leading her off to some place where his associates waited. He did align himself with werewolves after all. And although she means no harm to anyone, she couldn't say the same about others' intention for her.

But she couldn't detect anyone nearby besides Art and herself.

He was entertaining, even while under the influence. But Michaela couldn't help but wonder, what would he be while sober? How would he act? Tomorrow, if he even remembers this encounter, would he be kicking himself for acting the way he did or be thankful that he is still alive? She'll have to find out. A small mischievous smirk found its way on her face as she imagined his surprise when she drops in on him. For she will find him - maybe not next week, or month, but eventually.

[Amos Artan]

He can't quite believe Michaela about how easy it is been a vampire. Something in the tone of her voice and how easily she waves it away makes him think that she's not quite telling the truth about it all. There has to be something in her time as a vampire that has made her feel that it isn't all that great of an existance. "I think if I could spend that time with someone who is also an immortal then it wouldn't be that bad. But to have to spend all that time on your own with everyone else around you dying of old age while you continue on never aging, always beautiful. However for the moment I am human, so I'll have to be happy with aging and having to go to hospitals if I injure myself".

Her acceptance of wanting to move somewhere else surprises Amos. He hadn't expected her to actually agree. "Uh. How about taking a walk to West End? I'm not sure if vampires eat proper food but I'm feeling a little peckish. Plus it would get us out of the cold and really anything that does that is good in my books". The two have the same kind of feelings of apprehention; are there others waiting further down the bridge or in an alley way? Just waiting to jump out and knaw on his soft fleshy skin. "I do have a car if you're not keen on walking". He catches her little smirk. "What are you all smiley about eh?".

[hanariyo]

He was rather naive - even for a human, Michaela decided. Humans were mortal and even they die prematurely and leave someone behind. Just because they're human didn't mean that they could spend the rest of their lives together and die at the same time. Someone is always left behind to live, to grieve, to mourn. Hospitals don't always save everyone that passes through its doors. Even immortals - although more resilient - can be killed. Their killer just had to be very thorough. "Even immortals can die, Art."

Mentally, she thought about where they were going. The West End was close to her home so she didn't have to worry about not getting back on time. "The West End sounds good." She let out a low chuckle at his ignorance. Of course she could stomach a little bit of human food. Every woman, alive or dead, needed her chocolate, after all. Instead of telling him, she shrugged and said playfully, "You'll just have to find out when we get there. Where is your car?"

He had caught her smirk, and showed his rather paranoid side. "I was just thinking," Michaela answered honestly. "I haven't had such an enjoyable conversation with anyone in quite some time." She let him ponder on that. If just a simple conversation amused her enough, she must be quite a lonely old lady. "Perhaps I should take to wandering around at night more often."

[Amos Artan]

"I know they can die, but it seems easier for a human to die than for a vampire or werewolf. Each heal faster than humans are they are more resistant to disease. Seeing a vampire get killed isn't a pretty site at all. I hate those hunters who go around killing every and any vampires and wolves they come across. There are ones in each species who have done no harm to anyone, just want to live their lives. Not all vampires and wolves are killers". He frowns a little. He may have a hate for vampires but isn't one to go out killing them all. He's a strong believer of 'to each their own'. If the vampires and werewolves don't cause any trouble for anyone then there's no reason to cause trouble for them.

Truth be told Amos doesn't really know all that much about vampires, he hasn't exactly gone out of his way to know how their body works. Then again there are a lot of people who don't know how it works, even most vampires don't know. Same goes for werewolves. How do they survive the change? With all the pain and breaking bones and organs rearranging themselves why don't they die? Just another two mysteries that exist in this world."You better eat something, I don't to be sitting there eating by myself... just be plain rude". He smiles at Michaela, showing that he isn't serious about her having to eat anything. "Car's parked just a bit away from the bridge. I don't like parking it out in public where everyone can see it, I've already had one car have it's tyrs slashed and the engine busted by roving gangs". The car is parked halfway down an alleyway, been black it blends in with the shadows.

i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv8/minkys/mus.jpg

"I'm glad that I've given you some entertainment for the night. Ususally when I go out somewhere I spend it on my own, but tonight it was a nice change to have someone to talk to. If you take to wandering at night you never know, we might bump into eachother again. I wouldn't complain if we did".

{you can skip to them been in West End if you like}