Lurking in the Shadows // TMI PRP // Nadine & Mir only

Holly's eyes widened. "What?! You should be more careful!" She knew she sounded harsh, but it was mostly with worry.
Jason shifted Anya in his arms. "I.. I think she's okay. Just had an absolutely awful fright. Er, we're going to the Institute now... do you guys mind?"

"No," Caleb said. "I hope she's okay."
"I am, thank you," Anya muttered through tears, having given up trying not to cry on Jason.

"I guess we'll leave you guys," Holly said.
Jason nodded a quick goodbye, and began to slowly walk back to the Institute.
Holly turned to Caleb. "What should we do now?"

"I don't know," Caleb shrugged. "Sure you want to be seen with me?" he teased.

"I'm sorry for crying on you," Anya mumbled into his shoulder.

Holly rolled her eyes. "I'll manage."

Jason shrugged -which was hard to do- and replied, "It's fine, really. I didn't really like this shirt." It was a lie, but he didn't need to make Anya feel any worse.

"Maybe we should just walk around, then. Try to see past our prejudice," Caleb smirked.

Anya lifted her head up for a moment, and then, seeing the peculiar stares from passerby, she nuzzled her face into Jason's neck, closing her eyes. "They're staring at me and it's not because I'm sexy," she muttered. "Jason, I feel so ugly..."

Holly smirked too. "Sounds like a plan,"

Jason frowned, unsure of what to say. If she tried to deny that she was ugly, she would probably say something along the lines of, "Don't try to win my heart!" Instead he simply said, "You shouldn't. You look fine," he offered her a smile.

"So tell me more about yourself," said Caleb, starting to walk.

"Stop lying," Anya sobbed, tears splashing onto Jason's soft skin.

"Well, for starters, I'm a vampire," she laughed. "Is there anything you want to know specifically? I've had a long life, full of adventures..."

Jason sighed, trying to sound upset. All he wanted to do was comfort her, but if he acted angry, he might push her away, which was probably better for the both of them- or, was it? "What shall I say, then? Because everything I tell you, you whine about." He knew it wasn't true, but it probably was better if they weren't together... if that was possible.

"Whatever you'd like to tell me," Caleb shrugged.

"I'm sorry," whispered Anya. "I've learned never to trust or believe anyone."

"Well... I live in the hotel, love pranks, and my friends. Also love pranking my friends. I've had more boyfriends than even I can count. I love exploring... that's about it. Now, tell me about you."

Jason almost stopped. They were approaching the Institute. "Y-you trust me?"

"I live with my clan in an abandoned apartment. I love coffee and mischief making, and I believe strongly in chivalry such as the medieval knights swore by; in other words, kindness and bravery and respect towards women."

"I was attempting to say that I don't know how to trust," Anya clarified.

Holly smiled. "I believe in rights for woman too. Hey, we have something in common." She laughed.

"Oh," Jason said. "Why is that?"

"Shocker," Caleb smirked. "I think we'll find we have a lot in common."

"I've been hurt and used too many times," murmured Anya. "You know how some people see the good in everyone? I've come to see the hate in everyone's heart."

Holly laughed. "I honestly never thought I'd have anything in common with a lycanthrope."

"I see," Jason said, shrugging. The Institute had come into view, by now.

Caleb smiled. "You are so ignorant it's endearing."

Anya closed her eyes, breathing in his scent, her eyelashes fluttering against his skin. She loved this feeling of closeness; this feeling of safety. She loved him. Wait... what? Did I just think that?!

Holly laughed. "I guess you're right,"

Walking up to the Institute, Jason asked, "Are you all set to walk now, or would you like me to carry you to your room? I don't mind carrying you a bit more." I just don't want to let you go...

Caleb laughed as well. "Oh, I am."

"Would you mind carrying me a bit further?" Anya asked hopefully.

"I have a question for you. What will your friends think about you befriending a vampire?"

Jason nodded. "Sure," He tried to walk slowly, so that their time together lasted.

"They'll think all they want but they won't say anything. They're scared of me," Caleb shrugged.

Anya reverted to her thoughts from a few moments previously, trying to wonder what had triggered that fatal word, "love," to wander into her conscious thoughts. She had already predetermined that love did not exist. Love was a selfish game; you only loved another when you couldn't love yourself. No one quite knew what it was, and not a soul could define it. It was abstract, foreign, and painful; the very opposite of instrumental. Love was messy, and love was the downfall of many. Love was a weakness, and Anya was not about to fall for another trap of vanity.

"And why's that?"

Jason slowed down drastically as he approached Anya's room. "Er, we're here.."

"I killed my parents and brother and I don't regret it," said Caleb numbly.

Anya slid gracefully out of Jason's arms. "Thank you," she whispered, kissing him lightly on the cheek. She slipped inside her room, closing the door behind her and leaning against it. Half of her wanted to run back into the hallway and beg him to stay with her, and the other half needed to be alone. With a sigh, she wandered to the closet and changed into loose grey sweat pants and a black tank top.

Holly bit her lip. "Why?" she asked softly.

Jason began to shuffle away, before calling, "If you need anything, you know where I'll be..."

"I don't know," Caleb murmured. "I don't remember. I was five."

Anya paused with her hand on the doorknob, remaining silent. She closed her eyes, contemplating what to do. "Okay," she called softly at last.

"Five?" Holly tried not to sound surprised. "You were five, and already a killer?" As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Holly immediately regretted them.

Hearing Anya's reply, Jason shuffled to his room, closed the door, threw his shirt on the floor, and flopped down onto his bed, not bothering to close his eyes.