Young Face, Older Memories. Not All Good...

"Get Out."

It might have been a good ten seconds of silence before Lewis uttered those words. The icy sensation that he gave off was replaced with a familiar violent rage. All the while Luna's joy soured instantly as a stoic mask returned to her pale features.

‘Mr. Weils’ sighed as he stood up, a good six-two to Lewis's six-five, "Is that any way to greet an old friend Adrian? I simply came over to see how you were doing since Evan's passing."

"Bullshit." Growled Lewis as he clenched a meaty fist, "Why are you here Warren? Cause you know damn well that I don't want you here. Neither did Evan."

Mr.Weils turned to Luna and gave a bit of an apologetic smile, "I apologize Ms.Dell, I know you wanted this to work, but I did say that he wouldn't want to see me."

Luna's eyes darted away from his as a bit of guilt and rage bubbled up to the surface. There was no hiding it. Her ears were rose-red, while her eyes inferno orange. Roland moved his eyes away from his god-sister, instead setting his eyes on Mr. Weil's daughter.

The only way Roland could describe her was that she had the "gothic nerd" look with more emphasis on nerd. Standing at a good five-four. Virri's hair was a very messy bob that could be described as a cheap cut or an amateur's magnum opus. A hairstyle that's complemented by thick-rimmed glasses, chocolate-colored eyes, and clearly plucked eyebrows that sat atop a slightly large upturned nose. As for the gothic part. She wore actual black and white stockings that rode up to her knees. And a simple skirt and button-up that covered her modest chest.

Virri's eyes darted to her left as she noticed Roland's gaze upon her. Her cheeks turned a dark hue as she smiled back shyly, showing off a bit of buck teeth and a chipmunk's overbite. She looked dorkier than Luna used to be. Well, as they used to be. Either way, there must be something truly special about her to make Luna smile.

"Ah, this must be Evans's...Grandson I presume?" Said a voice that snapped Roland out of his inner monologuing. Weils smiled down at him. It wasn't really a friendly smile, more predatory than anything, "And here I thought that Evan's descendants were no more, with that god awful car accident. May Yineth rest in peace-"

Lewis walked up to the lanky man as he growled down at him, "You keep her name out of your damn mouth. You parasitic piece of shit-"

"Uh, Father?" Said the mousy girl. She was visibly twitching. Her left hand clutching her right arm as the other was balled into a fist. "T-This seems rather personal. So um, how about we leave you three alone? Luna and I had-" she winced as she gritted her teeth, looking a tad more pallid than a few moments earlier.

Roland made a couple of steps toward her. "You alright? I can give you some water if you-"

"DON'T TOUCH ME!"

Roland stopped mid-step, nearly stumbling to the floor at the near bestial outburst. The voice was hers, but it was a few octaves deeper. Subtle, but smokier sounding. Roland swore he saw the veins in her hand visibly blackened and swell up a tad, or was it the entire arm itself?

A look of pure worry eclipsed her as she looked at him apologetically, "I'm sorry! I-I'm uh, I just need my meds! M-My body uhgh! Spasms u-under stress." She turned to her father, "F-Father? If you would please?" Her voice was hoarse while her breathing was ragged. Her body visibly shook as she tugged at Mr. Wells's coat.

"Did you leave it in the car again my angel?" He smiled as he pulled out a pill bottle and placed it in her grasp. Watching as she gulped more than a couple down. Her body gave a final shudder before visibly relaxing. her breathing slowing a good three pitches as her facial tics seemed to have smoothed out as well.

"Thank you father," She said as her cheeks restored their color. Though notably paler than before, the energy she produced was more vibrant, genuine even. "Luna? Let's go! I heard that the ice cream place down the street is pure awesomeness! I want a double scoop. No! A triple scoop of Rocky Road!" Said Virri, a mischievous glint in her sky blue eyes as she gripped Luna by the hand and pulled her out of "Hart's Endeavor". As they left, Luna looked back at Roland and gave him a hard glare. What for he wasn't sure, but it never takes much to get on her bad side. Which he seems to always be on.

"Such a sweet girl." Said Weils as he looked back at Lewis, "I must say Adrian, you've done quite well settling down. You have a nice career as a...what? Archaeologist? Digging up the dead and selling it to the highest bitter? A job like that is very time-consuming. Soon your body won't be able to keep up. Much less you'll find a willing buyer these days." He took out a slip of paper labeled "Monarchs Bank" and added seven zeros after the number seven. "So tell me, how much will it take for you to give this place up?"

"I rather-"

"I wasn't talking to you, Adrian." The playful demeanor vanished like the flicker of a candle. His eyes swiveling to Roland's, "Tell me? Are you following in your grandfather's footsteps?"

Roland shifted awkwardly on his footing, "I want to be a writer yes-"

"Then are you going to be in his shadow as you do so?" Said Weils as he gestures around the book shop, "This place is a symbol of his pride. It draws tourists from all over the country to come and meet the famed 'Wax and Key', author." He seemed to spit out those last words, a hint of disgust dripping from his tongue before he tapped the check with his pencil, "I'm offering you more than you'll ever receive for a vanity shop. So, what will it be?"

Roland's eyes rested on the check a bit, before sighing a bit under his breath. "I can't accept the money."

Weil's eyes grew hard as he looked at the boy, a frown hardening his youthful features, "Can't or won't?"

"Both?" Roland's eyes seemed to look downcast before looking back up, "I'm the only blood relative my Grandfather has left. He was an orphan, so all ties end with him, this is the only place I have of him. I can't just give it away over a really nice payout. So with much appreciation, I have to say no."

More silence hung in the room as Mr.Weils slipped the check back into his pocket, "I respect that. Unlike your…" he looked at Lewis up and down, "Godfather, you don't seem to possess spite in your actions, there's a familiar warmth to you I haven't felt in a long time." He walked over and placed his fedora hat on top of his slightly grey head. "I hope to see you again, Roland, perhaps then you will be more forthcoming." He gave a simple wave as he walked out. The store bells giving a ring as it slowly shuts.

"Well that was-" Roland felt his body jerk sideways as he felt Lewis grab his shoulders, "Listen to me, we got to go, and we got to go now."

"What? Go? Where are we going?"

"The Manor," Lewis said as he shoved Roland out the door, "Weil's won't be far behind, but we can still get the keys."

"Wait. Keys?" Roland's brows twisted in confusion, "What happened to just the one?"

"I'll explain on the way, but for now get in the fucking car!"

He pushed Roland out the door and towards the car before going to the driver's side, hastily fastening his seatbelt, "What about Luna? She's going to be pissed when she finds out we left her." Said Roland as he buckled up.

"Luna will be fine, " explained Lewis as he ignited the engine, "She'd be more upset if we were to interrupt. That and that girl is with her. I don't want Warren to be tipped off."

Lewis stomped on the accelerator and sped down the semi-busy street. The sun setting on the horizon. Roland looked back at Hart's Endeavor. The lamplight flickered on to give in to the night. It was a good sight. Something that Roland wished he held onto.