Make your own kind of Music

Vicky Kaz stepped out onto the stoney drive as you opened the door for her. Her eyes traced over the huge looming shadow of the gothic mansion; a grandiose sight with the watery pitter patter of the majestic fountain before you.

"Someone's been busy." She said, watching you sling the black-scaled guitar case on your back, holding the strap eagerly close in your pale hands which quivered with a slight trembling.

You pushed it a little further behind your shoulder as she shot you a strange glance, promptly drawing away the subject "You've been here before?" You asked curiously.

She nodded, making her dark hair skip across her shoulders "Yeah I guess, when my dad attended a village council here years ago. Your dad led the event I think? Long black hair, intense cold eyes, monotone voice - real john wick looking fella?"

"That was Dad alright." A sort of tingle flushed across your skin, although the day was waning, there was still the dull shine of the late fall in the sky.

Many of the staff should have still been slumbering, waiting for the soothing midnight which was their time.

And yet; you knew some were watching. The shades of figures moved in the spiralling reflection of the mansion windows, likely having felt your presence.

"Are you sure nothing fishy is going on here, I-I mean, not that I'm nervous or anything?" Vicky tried to tuck away her stammer, it made you grin.

Thrusting out an optimistic arm, you spoke soothingly "Stick close and everything will be fine. Unless Tricky-Vicky is losing her touch?"

Her tender hands took you by the bicep and forearm, it was good to see how comfortable she was being near you now "...I've come this far."

Walking arm in arm up the steps towards the great double doors, you moved inside the mansion which immediately drove the shivering autumn cold from your bones.

The reception to the entryway was warm but ominously empty, Naomi was clearly remiss as you'd nearly never seen her away from her post at the security desk. Vicky peered around in wonder at the towering beams of rich mahogany, enraptured in the dark architecture. A whisper escaped her "Wow..."

"You ain't seen nothing yet." You chuckled, approaching the security doors which opened with a deft four-digit code punched quickly in the adjacent keypad. pushing open the rich brown doors, opened the way to the vast intricate foyer of your family home.

The Queen Bitch seemed totally in awe, peering around at the great winding bannisters of the dual staircases which led to the first floor. She basked in the monochrome of the shining marble floors and the glittering chandeliers that loomed above "Jesus Christ... this place is huge!"

Indeed it was, strange then how little memory you had of this renovation, even now the clash of alienation and homely nostalgia played like a paradox in your head. "Hey! Anyone home, Hellooo!?" You called, your voice echoing all around.

Footsteps sounded from above and after a moment you heard a voice call, just the one you'd hoped to hear "What the hell did I tell you morons about making so much fucking noise!?"

A feminine figure emerged from the east wing, her face twisted with irritation as she stepped to the landing "I'm trying to get some work done here-"

Your golden eyes met with the matching pair above. Diana wore a loose black t-shirt and leggings, her hair; a blend of black and white was tied back in a lazy ponytail, her face contorted with surprise as she began her descent down the stairs towards you.

"Chip, you're home early? what are you..." Her critical eyes fixed on Vicky "...Doing here?" She reached the bottom and stepped towards you both, scanning Victoria with those decerning orbs of hers, she seemed to come to an accurate conclusion, a sourness overcoming her beautiful visage.

"Something came up, had to skip out on the rest of classes for today." You said, trying to fill the silence where Vicky shifted uncomfortably under your sister's gargoyle-like stare.

Vicky shifted forward... putting out a hand and trying to look friendly "I'm uh, I'm Vicky, you must be Diana. Nice to finally meet you."

Didi folded her arms sceptically "No, no... Charlie, please tell me that isn't who I think it is!?"

"Didi." You spoke warningly, only to have her glower back at you.

"Victoria Kaz, of all the people on this earth, Victoria Kaz!?" She growled. "I thought you hated her, nay, despised her! The bitchy daddy's girl who made all of your academic days a constant torment, ringing any bells?"

The Queen Bitch took back her hand, looking dishevelled.

You rushed in to grasp each of her shoulders reasuringly "Ancient history, Didi, ancient history! we are getting on a lot better these days."

"pft, that so?" Didi moved into Vicky's space, clearly making your former bully slightly uncomfortable "That true, tricky Vicky? You're not playing some silly little game for that weasel father of yours?"

Victoria seemed to find her spine, puffing up and speaking out "Hey, I don't care what you say about me, but nobody insults my flaccid-wet-wipe of a dad but me, got it? Charlie invited me here, for whatever weird reason that was... if you have a problem with that-"

"Okay! I think that's quite enough, why don't you guys go to the lounge while I freshen up?" You barked before any more conflict could spark.

Diana seemed to soften a little, her red lips curled into a malevolent grin "Hmmm I think we'll get along just fine. Come on, let's get a drink while Charlie gets into some... none destroyed clothes. If my brother is bringing over old enemies without warning we can at least make sure they are comfortable."

"Oh, there's no need for t-that-" Vicky stammered.

But Diana snatched her by the arm, dragging her off "Yeah yeah let's go, Regina George, get a move on!" Your sister gave you a few quick glances as she escorted Vicky away. The first was not to you, but the onyx-leathered guitar case slung behind your back, clearly she felt the ominous vibes radiating from the ivory blade within.

But as you locked eyes, the connection between you told a tale... she was worried about the way you looked, furthermore concerned as to why you had brought Vicky along, but she quickly ushered you off with a demanding expression, mouthing "Go clean yourself up!"

"Me and my big mouth" you muttered.

You'd never showered and changed so fast in your life. You didn't even dry your hair as you slipped into a jumper, tossing the singed clothing into the trash after bandaging some of the nasty blisters and burns that Penelope had gifted you.

A whisper, so subtle that you at first thought it; the croaking and creaking of the mansion settling in, tickled behind your ears.

"Feed."

Your eyes flickered momentarily to your sprawling desk, where you had placed the Guitar Case before seeking the sweet release of the warm shower. How it drew you in, capturing your senses, inviting you to seek its comforting presence again.

Luckily, your will to supervise Diana and Vicky outmatched the nebulous pull of the scaled guitar case.

As you practically flew out of your bedroom door, trying to give Didi as little unsupervised time with what you had made out to be your ultimate nemesis as possible, you bumped into a small but hardy form.

"Fucking hell!" You muttered, clutching the aching graze in your abdomen.

Magenta eyes, playful and full of excitement flashed you a wink as a full face was crested by a full grin. "Boss! you're alive!" Rudy cried, flinging herself at you and squeezing you hard.

"Ow... Jesus Rudenia." You wheezed as the southern blonde fell back to her feet.

"Rudy thought those wand-wavers got the better of you! I NEVER SHOULD HAVE DOUBTED YOU, NOTHING CAN STOP THE BIG BOSS!" She roared.

Despite her rough nature, you were really glad to see she'd gotten back safe, pulling her back in for a hug "Thank god you're okay."

"Don't get all soppy on me now, Cowboy. Rudy is... I am just fine and dandy, misses Dumbledore kept her word, I landed back here as soon as I stepped through that goey space anus thingy." She made herself laugh with her own silly jokes again, you'd come to love that about her.

Touching her messy hair, you pushed your lips into hers and were welcomed in full. She hummed deeply, tasting your mouth flickering her dexterous tongue before pulling herself away.

With a stiff neck she sniffed at the air, eyes widening "Sweet mama mary, something smells tasty!"

"Vicky came with me." You said, feeling the daunting air that rose in Rudy's constantly shifting expressions.

"You brought home supper?" She hissed lowly, but you tightly gripped her hand.

"Rudy, you aren't to harm her, understand?"

Perplexity inhabited every fibre of her being, but she seemed to settle down some "Ooooh, keeping the human all to yourself there, boss? you greedy little som-bitch, as if that mortal cow at the academy wasn't enough?"

"It's not like that - okay maybe it is - but... just shut up and follow me." You dashed urgently down the stairs, with Rudy skipping girlishly in tow.

You found Diana and Vicky sitting by the bar in the lounge, the former held herself tightly as your sister chucked a shot of bourbon back, staring at the tanned untouchable thoroughly.

"Tralalaaaah!" Rudy sang as she pranced in from behind you "Time for a banquet, time for a ball, time for a snack that will sate us allll!" She cried in a tone-deaf operatic way. You caught her by the arm, instilling your will upon her as Vicky swivelled around at all the noise.

"Not a hair on her head is to be harmed, no a drop of blood to be drawn, is that clear?"
you commanded under your breath.

Rudy's unshakeable mania collapsed in on itself, as she held her small biceps in a huff "Gay."

Strolling in promptly you called "Vicky, Didi... I see you started without me, how goes the girl talk? getting to know one another well I hope?" You didn't hope, you prayed.

Victoria peered over her shoulder at Diana's silent glare, her double shot of bourbon standing untouched in front of her. She smiled nervously at you "Yeeeah, loads of great girl talk going on..." Her eyes screamed for help.

You slouched "God I need a drink." Understatement of the year. Walking over you threw yourself behind the bar, as Rudy cast herself on a stool by Vicky's side.

"Well, well well, if it isn't... If it isn't um... you!" Rudy said as Vicky eyed her bemusedly.

"Vicky? we literally met like four hours ago?"

"Oh yeah right, of course. You know honey I have to say you look just dandy in that slim-fit top. I can almost feel the tightness in your veins." Rudy said.

Diana rolled her golden eyes "Grab me another one, Chip.... or the whole bottle"

"Trust me, I'm on it." You agreed, going to top off your sister's drink, only for her to snatch the bottle and place it in front of her.

You eyed Vicky, who toyed with her glass shyly as Rudy pressed upon her. Reaching over, you slid the stiff bourbon over to yourself "Any requests?" You asked.

"You guys know it's like four o'clock right?" Vicky protested weakly

You all cast funny looks at her.

"Cosmo?" She quickly answered.

You grinned, nodding and turning to the hundreds of spirits hung on their optics behind you "Coming right up."

Shaking up the cocktail with the vodka, Cointreau you topped off with cranberry before finishing with lime, placing the ruby red concoction before Vicky who quickly gulped it down without a moment of hesitation. And so you made another, and another, cocktails became mixers, mixers moved onto shots of tequila.

The Awkward silence began to melt away, Rudy downed her fifth beer as she sharply questioned Vicky, whose cheeks were already becoming rosy.

"So then, my fine little peacock, what's it like having a Principal for a dad? must have been a strict old fucker coming up?" She asked lightly.

Vicky shrugged "Nah not really, Daddy always tried to be strict but he could never say no to me."

"Sounds familiar, eh Didi?" You jested, leaning over the bar to plop a couple of ice cubes in her glass.

Your sister's lips curled "Yeeeah right, because our dad and her dad were so much alike."

Vicky looked at Diana in a weird way "It's not like I never had any consequences, I got punished for misbehaviour just as much as anyone. I mean Marco isn't the big bad wolf like Roman was but-"

Diana pointed her finger at Vicky accusingly "You have absolutely no clue what our upbringing was like. So don't even go there."

"Easy there, Didi, just because we were reared by satan doesn't mean our troubles are the biggest in the world." You pointed out, taking a big sip of your whiskey as Diana scoffed.

"I had plenty of run-ins with Marcus Kaz and his antics when I went to East Wallace myself and heard plenty about yours as well. While you were playing with your uniquely commissioned doll houses, our dad **** us to read every chapter of Sun-zu six times in a row or drilled us relentlessly in the fields until we could make a six-hundred-meter sprint in five minutes."

"He really was a sick man." You murmured.

Vicky narrowed her eyes "Look, I'm not saying that things weren't hard for you or even that I didn't make Charlie's life a hell. I did it, and I accept it

, god knows I'm trying to make up for it, but I can't do that if I've got the past hanging over my head the whole time."

It was good to see Vicky stand up for herself, Diana could be a mean soul when she wanted to be. Luckily for everyone, she seemed to sense the sincerity.

"Fair enough, Kaz, fair enough." Your sister raised her drink to Vicky "Maybe craven isn't your defining family trait after all."

Vicky hesitated, but clicked her drink with Diana's all the same "Exactly."

"So good to see us all getting along!" You said with a nervous twinge.

"What's all this then?" Called a familiar jesting tone.

Vicky jolted violently as if a ghost had lept out at her, but seemed to settle as she saw the two blonde figures step out from the shadows. Huginn lept out to the bar, waving his arms like a madman "You guys started drinking without us! Heresy!!!" He complained.

Meanwhile, Muninn tried to rub the sleep out of her stormy grey eyes "Stop yelling, Hughie for goodness sake."

You brightened at the sight of her, walking out from behind the bar to kiss her cheek.

Vicky's eyebrows flickered momentarily at the sight, flushing red with either confusion or jealousy, you could not tell which. Moonie smiled lazily, wrapping her arms around you in a warm hug "Hey, you. You're back early?" She peered at Vicky, licking her lips for a moment.

"Up for a drink?" You offered kindly to the beautiful blonde who only just managed to tear her eyes away from the delicious human sitting at the bar.

"Out of a bottle, you mean?" She questioned quietly.

You nodded resolutely "You name it, I'll make it."

"Early morning debauchery, sign me right up." She agreed.

You led the pair of blondes over to Victoria, prompting them to stay civil with a warning gaze "Vicky, these are the Reid twins. If you need a book, Muninns' got them all, real smart cookie.... and Huginn here he-"

Hughie threw himself between you, taking Vicky's hand and shaking it vigorously "Sup, I'm Hugie, commander and chief of the household, you need anything let me know. Yes, even ****, you kids like **** nowadays right?"

Victoria gave the Undead Kiwi a strange look "Is he for real?"

"Unfortunately so." Moonie stepped taking Vicky's hand in a nurturing touch. She graced the beautiful mortal with a charming smile "I must say, Victoria, You are every bit as beautiful as Charlie made out."

The dark orbs of the queen bitch wandered over to you gratefully, although she did seem slightly distracted by Moonie's grip; tight and icy "...I didn't know Charlie ever thought so highly of me."

You didn't back in the day, and neither had you and Moonie really exchanged any words over Vicky... however, she had tasted your blood, and thus likely had seen Victoria through the tapestry of your blood.

"Me neither," Diana grumbled.

Huginn cut off the awkward silence before it could begin, much to your relief "Alrighty then! I'm no Velka, but I whip up a damn good martini! Any takers?"

"Sign me right up!" You called, with many of your guests following suit.

The festivities only grew between the group, it felt good to spend time with everyone together like this... even more magnificent was the level of restraint shown by the Nox. Not one even attempted to rush Vicky, the odd glance was cast to the pulsing veins in her throat, understandably so.

Instead, they actually spoke cordially with her, listening tentatively to her questions and sharing friendly banter as the drinks flowed one after the other.

"So, one thing I never got is that if you guys are staff here, how come nobody ever talks about you guys? I know events are hosted here every so often and trust me word travels around the city like wildfire." Vicky eventually asked.

Muninn scratched her chin lazily "You noticed that huh? let's just say that a lot of us are... very private people. A lot of us are just solitary creatures at heart, hell I hadn't left my home for years before Charlie..." She searched for the words "Hired us. But this place, it's just something different, here we can explore our truest selves, and seek out our ambitions instead of being boxed in and afraid. Even if we stay in our shells a little, Charlie has given us a place where we truly belong."

You smiled a little at that.

"Here-Here!" Hughie agreed loudly, swaying slightly as he raised his drink "Before we stepped through those doors, we were nothing but thirsty little leeches. Now we drink the righteous way, all thanks to the boss!" He fell back into his chair, laughing heartily.

Vicky gave you a funny look "So what, you've been hiring exclusively from alcoholics anonymous?"

Stumped you shrugged, in all honesty, you had no memory of ever bringing any of the staff in, that was but one of Nox's mysterious works. And yet, you could see the genuine thankfulness in Moonie's eyes, the joy in Hughie and the pride in your sister's golden gaze.

"Something like that. I've had my fair share of personal issues. I haven't known these guys all that long, and maybe I haven't been the best but-"

Rudy snatched your shoulder "Bullshit, sure you're stern when you need to be, just as a big boss should, but we've never lost any faith in you. Doesn't hurt that you're a bonafide snack either haha!" She chuckled.

"Thanks, Rudy, but uh..." Your lips curled.

"and here comes Little Chippy finding any excuse to put himself down, surprise surprise. When are you gonna stop tearing yourself apart, little brother, and appreciate the fact that you are doing your best?" Diana snapped.

You were feeling a little melancholic in truth, images of Morgan and the witches still toiled in your mind, how they blamed you for her hollowing, how Izzy pushed you away. It felt like no matter what you did, something would eventually fall out of place. "I just feel like I could be doing so much more."

"As agonizing as this is, I agree with your sister. You're only human, Charlie and for what it's worth, you're fit, you're rich and you have... interesting friends." Vicky said softly.

"Only human?" Was all you could mutter.

The Undead of the group peered at one another, then collectively at you. The look on your face, one of amping yourself up to spill the truth as you necked down another shot, seemingly put them on edge.

"I have heard through the grapevine that you're a decent singer, Kaz, that true?" Diana swooped in before you could speak.

Vicky huffed "I'm not too shabby. Or so I'm told, Charlie's a lot better than me though."

"Don't listen to a word she says, she's a fantastic singer. Artorias himself would be impressed by her range" You confirmed confidently.

"She's never gonna appreciate how high a praise that is," Diana said, clearly intrigued.

"A palace made of cotton candy couldn't make that old hound crack a smile!" Huginn agreed. Diana shot the blonde vampire a pressing look.

"God you're such a parrot," Diana grumbled rolling her eyes.

"Only for you." He winked

...what just happened?

Diana abruptly sat up straight "Alright then, Kaz, let's hear this angelic voice of yours."

"how about no?" Vicky quickly breathed, chasing down her inhale by chugging her martini.

"Don't be such a girl."

"I am a girl."

"clearly! I've been stuck in this mansion for days doing nothing but boring clerical work. If something interesting doesn't happen soon I may give birth?." She prodded. Vicky looked at your sister as if she were mad, trying to search for any sign of pregnancy, of which there were little just yet.

"Classy's gonna sing for us? ooooh, make it a classic! Rudy loves the classics!"

"I... I can't just sing acapella, I'll need an uh, a rhythm or backtrack or something."

If Vicky thought that would serve any real blow to Diana's cast iron stubbornness, then she really had no idea who she was talking to. Erecting up from her stool at once, Diana walked up to Vicky, placing each of her hands on the counter and closing in with a deadly grin.

"I guess I'll just have to go grab my guitar then." With that determined look on her face, Diana strode off back to the foyer although not without slipping beside you to shoot you a knowing glance, your connection was so strong, you could almost read the dark whisper of her beast within.

"If you're going to do what I think you are, then at least make it interesting."

"So then, what do you think you'll go with? ABBA, Queen, a bit of Arethrea Franklin perhaps?" Hughie questioned.

Vicky snorted "Not a chance." You hadn't realized it, maybe because of your own little buzz that you had going, but Vicky seemed slightly childish now, blushing girlishly at the idea of opening up her voice in front of these strangers.

"You seemed very eager at the house party, all that talk about taking Harry Lincoln's offer to sell out. I'm having trouble understanding what's changed?"

"Nothing's changed, I-" She said almost before she could stop herself. You had banked on her self-righteousness to leap free, lips arching tempestuously. perhaps a challenge of faith was needed, Vicky had to see that she was capable of much more than just 'High school diva'

"Then maybe we should raise the stakes?"

You closed your eyes if only for a moment, allowing the comforting dark of your lids to cast your mind out to the endless sea that resided within and cast out a little invitation to those who were bound to you.

"Come to me and see the one that could join our ranks.... oh and if you're any good with instruments, bring 'em along. You'll understand when you get here"

"Hey, don't go nodding off when I'm talking to you, I distinctly recall saying no three thrice, that's three times" Vicky tried to protest, but you caught her arm as she nudged you, watching her eagerly.

"Are those footsteps I hear?" You whispered as Diana's lightfooted steps drew closer.

The mood between Rudy, Huginn and Muninn made a distinct change... they had felt your summons too, and thus knew the reason why you had brought Vicky here.

It was decided then... you'd finally come to the conclusion you'd be shunning for so long. You had an inkling as to the subtle feeling of want since you'd escaped the Coven, they couldn't have Vicky - she was never theirs to take.

Vicky will join you in the shadows.

Jane might have still been cooking but she'd not be the only new blood you'd bring into the household, after all, why toil over protecting Vicky from the Wiccan when you could give her the power to protect herself?

"Charlie, you know, maybe you should think about this?" Huginn seemed a little more grave than was his nature, his words were heavy with the weight of his true meaning.

"For once I agree with Hughie, Chip," Moonie said, mirroring her brother's concern.

You smiled at them both "Trust me, this is the right call."

Vicky was clearly confused, unaware of your real intentions "I'm really not that good guys."

"For us, you'll be perfect. I know it." You said as Diana swept back into the lounge, striding up to the bar, her crisp black acoustic in hand.

"Well then! We are all set, go on you pale-faced bastards make some room. We've got quite the performance coming." Diana said, shooing the Reid twins away and taking your arm to pull you back. Vicky seemed ready to bolt, luckily Rudy caught her by the waist.

"Nope!"

"YOINK! oh no you don't, come on then classy, I was promised a song and a song is what I'm gonna get. Go on tweet-tweet little bird!" The Southern bell cried, ushering Vicky back into her stool.

The Bar was the stage, with Diana setting herself in with Vicky, tuning her guitar with her dexterous fingers. While you, Hughie, moonie and Rudy made up a mini audience, all looking on excitedly as you sipped your drinks.

"Well then, what's it gonna be?" Diana asked diligently as Vicky cringed to herself

"uh, you probably won't know some of the songs I asked for..."

"Don't give me that shit, if you thought my dad was bad for the physical regiment she put us on, you'd be shocked by the thousands of songs our pops made us learn, there's no song that these fingers haven't learned, take your pick."

"Classics, Classy, stick with the classics serenade us, go on, WHOOOOO YEAH VICKY WHOOO!" Rudy demanded, grabbing the twin ravens' wrists and urging them to clap and cheer, not so subtly.

"Go for it Vicky!" Hughie encouraged.

The brown-haired beauty cleared her throat, fiddling with her fingers "Umm, I... don't know that many old songs, I usually just sing songs from the charts in the shower."

"come on, you don't know any old songs?" You toyed.

A kind of light seemed to shine in Vicky's eyes, a sparkle of something that brought up a warmth in her face "I guess, there is one, but it's corny."

"SING IT!!" Rudy roared like a mad beast, her tone deepening into a growl.

"Alright alright, damn!" Victoria leant over to Diana and whispered into her ear. You turned a deaf one, wanting it to remain a surprise. Your sister also lit up as she heard the name of the song.

"Perfect choice," she spoke fondly, as her fingers began to strum in perfect cords of C major.

The echo in the room carried each chime of the strings like a hearty wind, introducing the start of the gentle melody. Vicky took an unsteady breath but you caught her with your gleaming eyes, instilling her with your warm grin. A grin flickered across her pink lips as they parted and that beautifully deep voice flowed free.

"Nobody can tell ya;
There's only one song worth singin'..."

Moonie covered a gasping mouth with her small white hands, her brother laughing like a hyena at the soothing sound of Vicky's voice.

"They may try and sell ya,
'Cause it hangs them up to see someone like you!

- But you've gotta, make your own kind'a music sing your own special song,
Make your own kind of music even-if, no-body ~ else, sings along!!"

"BLOOD-Y HELL!" Hughie exclaimed as Moonie squeaked. "I love this song!!"

"Fucking A! Classy that's the way!" Rudy howled, whistling and calling.

A wave of confidence lept from Vicky, clearly enthralled by the praise given to her as she carried her heavenly notes without ever breaking a sweat. Although you were distracted from the swelling of pride in your chest as the sound of deft footsteps swooped in from behind.

The sleek shadow of a midnight-haired Vixen stepped from behind you, watching amusedly with her arms folded in her neat black women's suit. "Well, well, of all the things I expected to be awoken by after getting your summons, this definitely wasn't on the list." Spoke the cool British tone of Cleo, as she stood by your side.

"Good of you to join us. So then, what do you think?" you whispered.

Cleo gazed over Vicky with a critical eye, curled her bottom lip and nodded "She's not the worst I've heard."

"Such a scrooge." You muttered, squeezing her with your pressuring gaze.

Cleo rolled her dark eyes "Ugh fine, she's good. Is this why you asked about the instruments?"

"Indeed, don't suppose you've got any on hand?" You asked, gesturing for Cleo to join. She raised an eyebrow, shrugging nonchalantly.

"I do not, but it appears you do." She pointed a taloned finger to your Pop's own standing piano by the fireplace, god damn she was a genius.

"You can play?" You asked curiously.

"Pft, you and your stupid questions." Cleo waved you off and slipped back into the shadows away from sight.

"You're gonna be knowing, the loneliest kind of lonely,
It may be rough goin',
Just to do your thing's the hardest thing to do."

The brightest of melodious tones flowed from the direction of the fireplace... Vicky looked over in surprise at the sudden entrance of the accompanying melody. Although, of course, it did not stop her.

"- But you've gotta, make your own kind'a music, sing your own special song,
Make your own kind of music even-if, no-body ~ else, sings along!!"

Bit by bit, the little sing-a-long grew into a bonafide shindig. Even further still as more of the mansion staff began to appear, wielding electric guitars and gleaming four-stringed Bass' all with enamoured and confused looks on their pale faces.

You ushered them all in without hesitation, encouraging them to join in the revelry, shouting to Moonie and Hughie "GET THESE PEOPLE SOME DRINKS DAMMIT!!"

By the time the crowd had come to fruition, Vicky had shed her shyness completely. She belted out her songs with the gusto you'd always seen in her, slamming shots of vodka in between verses, dancing among the gang of beautiful strangers who spiralled around her.

So many familiar faces, many you had recognized right away, not just from the workers in your home... but some from Belle's club, The Rattle, too.

Many sported those black dragon tattoos dotted in random places on their arms, or collarbones, hidden subtly from under the hem of their mini skirts, popping free on the small of their backs unveiled in their tube tops.

You knew then that you really weren't crazy... at least about the undead gathering around you, following your moves. Nox had kept them close to you, and you were putting the pieces of the puzzle together.

What were you doing? Now wasn't the time for this, you'd called them all here for a reason, to prove to them that you were human and that your humanity didn't make you weak, it was your greatest strength - it could be their strength too. Joy was bereft in this place since you had woken up, it was long due to bring back the home you had long missed.

"Fucking A!"

Roused from your unsteady drunk musings as you leaned on the bar, a petite form pushed into your side. Her pretty face pulled wide with amusement, and the mahogany-haired beauty wrapped in an azure-blue turtle neck and torn jeans smiled up at you. "Naomi, there you are!"

"So I take half an hour for my daytime siesta and you start a party without me? Typical." she toyed as the room resounded with song and melody.

"Well, I did look for you at reception but I figured you'd headed out for the day" Your eyebrow raised sarcastically at her, as you took a long sip from your drink.

Her lips curled "Fucking Hilarious."

You chuckled at your own joke, enjoying the warm buzz in your chest as you did. But Naomi ran a hand down your arm. "Right then, so this is gonna be one of those times where I ask you an awkward question in hopes of getting an honest answer?"

Sighing, you placed your drink down and gave her your full dizzy attention "Okay, I'll bite."

"Why are you doing this? dragging us all out here in the stark light of day to meet a human you won't let us touch?" There was a curious innocence in her voice, maybe that's why you answered quickly, that or the **** loosening your lips.

"Come oooon, you guys are a bunch of cold-blooded squares, what's wrong with just having a bit of fun?" You cooed boyishly, leaning down to get a better look at her cute nose, those gleaming emerald orbs.

But, Naomi pushed gently on your chest, examining you with a critical eye that you hadn't seen from her before. And by a large margin, although tucked away under her kind nature, she was clearly slightly disturbed by what she saw in you "You're really sick, aren't you?"

You lent back a little disgruntled.

"I'd heard rumours from the others, word gets around amongst us, and we are all so worried about you. But to really see it, you of all people consumed by Frenzy, it's just a little disheartening. You're clearly not doing this for us, dude. This is all you."

"And you have no idea what you're talking about." You hissed, snatching your drink back up and chugging the rest down. Naomi pondered you quietly for a moment as if searching for something - anything to say, which would quell the turmoil you'd buried so deep inside.

"Denial, it's something that I know well... just as I like to think that I knew you. What is this Charlie? You were so many things to us, but selfish was never one of them"

A heat blazed in your chest as you turned to her and captured her small form with your wrath "-And what the fuck do you know about me Namina!?"

A couple of heads swivelled around, acknowledging your subtle outburst, although they willingly retreated as you quickly shimmered down, giving them reassuring looks.

Namina, that name, so vaguely familiar. It had lept from your jaws so readily, despite you not realising its true meaning.

Naomi drumbed her fingers on the bar, she wasn't angry but did seem wholly resolved "Nothing... not about you Charlie, but I know the man who calls me Namina is still in there, soon enough his night will come." She pushed off from her stool without another word, looking momentarily sombre before rushing to join in with the dancing revelry of music and merriment, as if your conversation had never happened "YOU CALL THIS A PARTY? LET'S GET TURNT UP!!!" She cried excitedly as Vicky drew in the greater band.