Brisbane. A town situated in just the right place on the world map. Don’t ask specifics I’m no Polymath, just your everyday migraine suffering Mindcaster. Growing up here as a kid I always knew I was different. You know the whole “mind reading” thing aside, it’s a lot easy to pass off as a sideshow freak and not be considered psycho. No, it was the whole “time freezes at Midnight” thing that almost landed my ass into Brisbane Hospital’s Psych Ward. Needless to say I’ve learned it was better to keep my mouth shut about the “Secret Hour” between 12:00 and 12:01.

There are others like me in this town, not Mindcasters. But, other kinds of Midnighters, though we seem few and far between. I’ve been in contact we a few Midnighters from a place called “Bixby” who’ve been very helpful in the way of information and tips, but reluctant to come help us out.

“Us” being us Brisbane Midnighters.

We’ve been holding our own well enough, but since our one and only Fire Bringer is too afraid to step outside during the Secret Hour holds us back from making any large dent in the seemingly infinite numbers of Darklings and Slithers. Plus who knows what else is out in the forest around my home.

Sometimes... actually most of the time I wish I wasn’t a Midnighter. I’m fairly certain we all feel that way at some point, it’s hard to keep secrets like this for so long. But, it’s even harder that we’re a group of people who were practically shoved together without care or thought as to the fact that we might not get along or even like each other. Occasionally, I believe the only thing that keeps us together is our shared extra hour of the day and the fact that only we know the true dangers of the dark. Nothing is more frightening than coming face to face with a shape changing Darkling that knows your deepest darkest fears. That would like nothing more than to rip your body and mind to shreds to sate their ever growing hunger.

Without the others our lives would be a lot more difficult.

Without the others our lives would be filled with a lot more fear.

Without the others we’d probably go insane with loneliness.

With numbers comes security. We’re a bigger threat if we’re in a group, I can sense the Darklings fears when we’re all in the same place at the same time.

Together we’re the nightmare of Nightmares.

Together we’re safe.

The Darklings do their best to keep us separated. But, it’s impossible. We are Midnighters and it’s our job to be the first line of defense against the Dark.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The bells to Cafe Seville rings at an annoyingly high pitch that Aslynne can hear clearly over the sound of her music in her ears. Blaring Halestorm so loud her ears rang. A few paper flyers were rolled up in her gloved hand, the expensive leather riding gloves looked well worn and loved. Her white long sleeve blouse was tucked into her fawn colored riding breeches that were tucked into her shiny leather knee high boots. The black leather matching that of her gloves and belt she wore around her hips. Her hip length hair braided down her back, and her phone shoved into her back pocket where her purple headphones wrapped around to her front clearly hanging from her ears. Though, it was mid-summer she couldn’t allow any accidents to happen. Just the thought of skin to skin contact with someone made her feel sick to her stomach. Let alone what it actually did to her.

It was a little before noon so the shop was practically, but the hiss of Aslynne’s music could clearly be heard a foot or two away. Shoving her sunglasses up her nose with a finger (because even inside the shop was too bright) she walked up to the counter and leaned on it with a wicked grin as she caught Danielle’s attention. “Hey lovely, I have a favor to ask.” The sassy Mindcaster waved the colorful flyers in her hand. “I need a live-in stable hand and was wondering if I could tape up a flyer to the window or something. After my billy-goat ‘mysteriously’ disappeared with only its hooves and horns left behind, Sally quit.” Aslynne’s nose scrunched up in distaste but she was sure Danielle with catch her meaning.

Those damn Darklings ate her goat. Again. That was the sixth one this month. They were getting brave. Aslynne supposed that it was time to replace the hundred and something titanium stakes she had around her property all connected with a thin copper wire pushed close to the earth so nothing would trip on it. “Hey, anyway I could convince you to come down this Saturday and help me replace the wards? Daylight time of course.” Aslynne wasn’t so cruel as to ask Danielle to come out during the secret hour. She could “taste” the fear that permeated the entire shop, though Aslynne was determined that she’d one day get Danielle to come out. Aslynne had a Maglight with the Fire Bringer’s name all over it.

One might worry of Aslynne’s lack of hesitation over putting up flyers for a live-in worker instead of going through a proper agency. But, when you dealt with the deadly Darklings on a nightly basis a stranger living in your in-law apartment over your barn didn’t really worry you. Confident that she could handle any Daylighter problems that would or could come her way. Worst comes to worst she could totally mind wipe any attacker or incapacitate them with a single touch. The feel of someone’s mind rushing into your own and vice versa was not pleasant.

Her phone vibrated in her back pocket and she could taste the flavor of Professor Lee’s mind, like chai tea and pumpkin spice, with an aftertaste like a musty, dusty old book and for the third time that day she ignored it scrunching her nose in distaste. He had said something earlier this morning while she was at the college practicing on how not to go crazy in a crowd and giving him flyers to hand out that he might have someone for the job that he might be popping in. But, she wasn’t that interested in that right now.

“Also, can I get a coffee? Black, please?” Aslynne had to get the taste of Seer out of her mouth.

@Dark Light@Kaalee@sk0m

With a frustrated sigh of disappointment a sweaty Tyler watched sensi Cayde hang up the phone for the third time today without saying a thing.

"C'mon, who puts up flyers and then doesn't answer their phone?" He complains to his teacher, while massaging some of his many tender and tense muscles.

Tyler quickly checked his attitude, as he imagined even by now he must be getting on Lee's nerves. He had been floating around the dojo all day participating in multiple classes or simply exercising to kill time, and all without paying. Waiting for and pushing the dojo owner to find out about the flyer vacancy.

While he didn't have to pay a penny due to his financial troubles, he was physically paying the price. Exhausted and sore, he couldn't play at another hour of arm bars and hip throws.

Picking up a small towel he wipes the sweat from his forehead as he begins pacing back and forth.

"Agh, can you try her again?"

He was beginning to get pretty desperate. This was a perfect opportunity for him and the prospect of his boss being a pretty lady didn't hurt his drive either, even if he knew nothing about horses. However every hour that passed was an hour where he could have lost his chance.
And as nice as Lee was to him, this wasn't Ty's style of fighting.

Finally giving up Tyler retreats to the changing rooms. Besides his motorbike outside all of his remaining possessions were in this room, stored between his duffle bag and a borrowed locker.

"I gotta go get something to eat" he shouts out to Lee. "Want anything?"

​Danielle was wizing about her cafe, as it was a Thursday but still rather busy. She was mostly taking orders to hand to the baristas, but would occasionally walk around her store, making sure everyone was okay. It had taken a lot to get to this point. She inherited the space from her aunt, who had used it as a failing clothing before she passed. Danielle used what money she saved up for college to renovate and turn it into a cafe. It was rough for a few years but she was a local girl and she had a lot of friends. Now, while she was busy, it was smooth sailing business wise and she couldn't be happier.

Except, of course, there was the small problem of the secret hour between 12:00 and 12:01 which contained hundreds of things that were trying to kill her. That put a small blow in her perfect life but she managed.

Danielle's face lit up when she saw Aslynne as she came into the cafe.
"Aslynne! Sam, take over here?" She smiled at the guy who was kind of floating, and moved over to an empty part of the counter.

"What brings you to my part of the woods?" Danielle knew Aslynne hated crowds and she didn't mind visiting Aslynne out at her Ranch. She did always like when Aslynne visited her though. She listened to Aslynne's request for her to put up the flyer and she nodded, grabbing it right away, dancing over to the window, avoiding people, and she grabbed the role of tape that was conviently next to her. She taped it up and then grabbed her window marker and put a couple big arrows pointing towards it on her window. She admired her handiwork for a couple seconds before moving back to the counter with a wide smile.

"Good? And I'd be happy to come out on Saturday, it'll be fun!" Danielle said, before grabbing one of the mugs and filled it up with coffee and giving it to her.

"Do you want a scone or a sandwich or something to go with that?" Danielle asked her.

@Kaalee

The taste of Danielle was it’s usual bland Daylighter, like an airy wafer, with the hint sweet tea taste of happiness. Aslynne grinned in response, “Excellent, we can even have lunch out in one of the fields.” The bitter taste of the coffee canceled out all other tastes on her tongue and she sighed with relief. Pulling out her headphones she let the minds of the Daylighters wash over hers her knuckles turning white around the mug for a few moments before she let out another sigh and a shudder.

The crowd in the cafe wasn’t nearly as bad as one of Lee’s lectures were. The hall had been practically full. She needed to find a way to deal with her powers without the blaring music. Her ears were often left ringing with how loud she put it. When Danielle asked if she’d like anything to eat Aslynne replied with a “Surprise me.” Knowing anything Danielle gave her would be yummy.

Her own shade covered eyes glancing over at the poster on the window and gave Danielle a thumbs up over it in thanks. Sipping again at the coffee she leaned against the counter and looked over all the mundanes. While a few thoughts stuck out louder than the rest.

‘Better go before...’ An image flashed in her mind. A man leaving before paying and the bitter taste of spinach that was his guilt washed over her. One glance at Danielle and she said, “Deserter at table three. He’s practically screaming his thoughts.” Deserter being a code word for those few who tried to chew and screw without leaving the bill. “Want me to stop him before he leaves?”

@Dark Light

"She knows I am calling Tyler. Repeating the call will just be a waste of time." Lee said as he got up and was asked by Tyler about food. Lee looked at him with a confused look. "I know you mean well, but anything you get will not be to my liking. I prefer to make my own food for a better balance of my body and mind. But either way, get yourself something you want." Lee slipped a folded 20 dollar bill in his hand. He knew of Tyler's troubles and Lee never shied away from helping his students in matters of how society treated them. Though in his training he would never offer help as he expected his students to overcome.

He knew Tyler needed to move on from this place. He may have passed down a few things to Tyler's skill set but he had his own style and his own way which worked for him. Lee helped people find their ways through their own strengths. He put his hand on Tyler's shoulder before he left. "She will give everyone applying a fair chance. She is not of an unfair mind. You will hear something soon."

@Dark Light @Ayla @Kaalee

Lee went on down to the basement of the dojo after Tyler left. He placed his hand upon the wall in the far corner. A runic symbol appearing as he placed his hand, burning in a green-ish hue. The wall shifted slightly in the light and Lee passed through the wall as if he were a ghost. Runic magic was something to be used effectively for secrecy. The room in passed into was dimly lit. Everything was of an antique look and the stone of the room seemed to be set for time unknown. Lee moved into the room further flipping a switch that turned the room visible with full light that was not as intense as normal light.

Bearable.

Lee had something laying on a table next to some artifacts and books. It was wrapped in a large bolt of cloth and was light but didn't bend. He removed the bolt to reveal several different shapes and sizes of metals. Steel, alloys....anything he could forge with. He had just ordered the metals and received them today. The hour was becoming more threatening as of late and he need to arm appropriately. As well as arm the other Midnighters. He would have to call them together soon, he needed to determine what sort of weapons would suit each.

He was hoping that this would also help Danielle be more confident. There is something about a custom weapon that instills bravery. He knew of her reluctance...and they needed her for the hour.

Tyler was in no position to refuse Lee's money, he pockets it with a grateful nod. Had it been a handout from anyone else it would have been much more awkward but Lee was on another level, always seeming calm and collected. Even a moment later as Ty's bike roared to life and he took off down the road, Lee's words resonated with him and he no longer stressed about the job vacancy.

A little while later he shuts off the motor and kicks out the stand. As he pulls off his helmet he see's Danielle in the window of her cafe playing with a sign. He loved the subtle hints of character about this place like the arrows drawn on the glass, although he never noticed what they were pointing too as he was to preoccupied with admiring the vision of her walking away to the counter.

Tyler slips into the cafe and throws a cheeky little flirty wink Danielle's way. It seems to go largely unnoticed as she talks to an odd customer wearing shades inside. With a quick glance around the shop Tyson notices trouble. An old acquaintance that hit rock bottom just like himself, although it wasn't via sheer bad luck like it was for Tyson but instead due to problems with addictions.

With a heavy sigh Ty pulls up a seat from across his old friend. Quick to cover of the pleasantries he soon is practically interrogating the man trying to discern if he has made or atleast attempted to improve himself at all. While Tyler was stern he spoke with compassion and care but none of his words altered that hidden floating bitter 'chew and screw' taste that only Aslynne was aware of.

Danielle smiled as she perused her selection before picking out a carrot cake donut.
"This is brand new, see if you like it." Danielle handed it to Aslynne before glancing over at the man in question. She knew him, he'd come in before, and she had tried to help him get clean but she could see him up to his old tricks. She didn't know the man who was now talking with him, though.
"Nah, I got it. Thanks though." Danielle smiled at Aslynne before she went and pulled up a chair to the table, straddling it and resting her arms on the back of it.

"Frank, my man. We're friends right? I've helped you out every single time you've asked and you know all you have to do is ask. So whatcha doing Frank?" Danielle asked with a concerned face.
"Jesus, what is it with you two? I wasn't going to dine and dash. Tyler, good to see you again. I'm sorry for coming Dani, I knew this was a mistake." He was lying through his teeth and Danielle didn't need to read minds to know that. She smiled sadly at him, before quickly trapping his hand to the table and pushing his sleeve up his arm, revealing heroin injection sites, three or four of them. Normally heroin addicts only have one injection site but if he was shooting up when he was already high, he might miss. All of those were recent too.
"Jesus Christ Frank." Danielle pulled back, looking up at him.
"I told ya Dani, you didn't want nothing to do with me." Frank said before throwing a 5 and some change on the table and barging out.

Dani took a deep breath, shaking her head. She licked her lips once, since they were dry as all get out before looking up at the newcomer.
"Thank you, for keeping him preoccupied until I got here. I'm Danielle, owner of the cafe. I haven't seen you around before, you just passing through or something keeping you here?" Danielle asked him, with a smile and an extended hand to shake.

Tyler's fingers tap hard against the table three times in heavy succession, he stares out the window as Frank scampers off, concern and deep thought painted heavily on his face, that wasn't a victory.

"Don't thank me, I didn't do anything... Not for you anyway."

There was a very subtle undertone of sorrow in his distant voice. It took him a moment to regain his thoughts and address the woman before him. She somehow seemed to catch him by surprise even though he just answered her.
Tyler, suddenly realising his rudeness, gently clasps his hands around hers and turns on the cheerful charm, speaking with a daring smile he tries to quickly recover any damage he had just done.

"Not to say I wouldn't do anything for a gorgeous gal like yourself though."
Sounding a lot more confident and warming as he firmly shakes her hand in greeting.
"Pleasure to meet you, it's nice place you have here!"

He pauses for a moment allowing himself look around in admiration, his eyes momentarily fall upon the girl in shades, ignoring her oddness he looks back to Danielle, catching her eyes in his before continuing to talk, replying to her last question quite casually.

"I don't quite know yet, haven't really decided. All depends if this place is good to me."

He turns his head to look out the window and then looks back at Danielle, letting her catch him briefly giving her a look over. "so far I'd say it's pretty fifty-fifty at the moment."
His eyes find hers again and a playful, slightly bashful grin cracks through his attempts of holding a serious face as his hand tilts from side to side (signaling either way or 50/50) while he tries not to smile too much.

"So how long have you lived here?"

Danielle smiled a bitter smile at his reply to her thanks.
"He'll be around again, and maybe I'll actually be in a position to help this time." Danielle sighed, before he started with the charm. It caused a real smile to break out on her face as she returned his hand shake before bringing her arm back to her chair.
"Thank you, I was hoping for that." She laughed, turning the chair back around so she was sitting proper. When he mentioned he didn't know if he'd be sticking around, she perked up. That probably meant he didn't have a job yet, and he looked rather fit.
"Well if you want a job, I could introduce you to my friend over there," Danielle jerked a thumb over her shoulder towards Aslynne," She's looking for a ranch hand. Includes room and she pays pretty damn well. I'd be working for her if I didn't have the cafe."

She tried to keep a straight face as well when he said it was fifty fifty but she wasn't very successful.

"Well, how about a cup of coffee and something to eat to try and tip you over to my side?" Danielle asked, before he asked how long she's lived her.
"All my life, born and raised."

Just before Danielle could mention the details of her friends job Tyler interrupted.
"Ah thanks but it's ok, I'm actually waiting on something a mate is hooking up for me. It's a pretty good deal, if they ever learn how to answer their phone you just might be seeing a bit more of me."
He gives her a little wink.
"Depending on how good your coffee is of course." He adds in teasingly.

He stops talking and just gives a soft smile while looking at Danielle, creating a little bit of a slightly awkward moment.

"So yea I'll try a bite of your best." He says breaking the tension.
"I would love and ask for you to sit with me and tell me about this town but you should probably get back to your friend there." Tyler sounds a little bit saddened by the prospect.
"oh and don't worry... I can pay." He says half laughing as he rolls up a sleeve and jokingly shows her his clean arm. (And maybe, accidentally a bit of bicep and muscle)

@sk0m@Dark Light@Kaalee

Aslynne gave Danielle a thumbs up as she tore a piece off the doughnut and popped a bit into her mouth. Delicious as usual. But, the taste was quickly washed out of her mouth by the bitterness of disappointment. Her nose scrunching up in distaste. Which then turned to irritation as her prospective employee mentioned her off handedly in the conversation with Danielle. Shooting back the last of the now lukewarm coffee she wrapped up the doughnut in the napkin pulled a ten out of her pocket leaning over the counter to set it by the register.

Slipping her headphones back into her ears she pushed her sunglasses back up her nose with one gloved hand and walked over to Danielle and her new companion. “Dani, I’m going to bounce, but this,” She held up the carrot cake doughnut, “Is a keeper.”

The man practically screamed his credentials in his thoughts and she turned to him, “I hope Lee has good things to say about you when I call him back, Mr. Virth.” She gave him a wicked grin that often had a darkling or two quaking in their claws. “With luck you might be seeing more of me.” She didn’t offer a gloved hand to shake or even bothered to make any goodbyes before she left other than a pat to Danielle’s shoulder in passing. The music in her ears being heard as “hiss” as she turned it back on. The weight of all those minds were beginning to press on her again.

She would wait until she was back home in her driveway before attempting to call back Lee. The line ringing and ringing, but she could taste him if she focus hard enough. Chai tea... and... the sharp sour taste of fear... what did Mr. “peaceful mind and body” have to be so afraid of. The Darklings were oddly quiet. She could always sense them at the edge of her mind like they could always sense her too. On the passenger seat of her truck she looked down at the stainless steel western show bit. It was heavy and clean. She had picked it up at the local tack shop. Once it was tainted by Darkling focus, she could still use it. It was named “Overzealously”.

“Lee... pick up... Lee lee lee....” She said to the empty car in a sing song voice.

"My coffee is the best in the state, thank you very much, if not the tristate area."
Danielle stifled a smile when Aslynne came over and commented on Tyler.
"I see you've met the Professor then? Azzy and him...have an interesting relationship but if the Professor is recommending you, I'm sure it'll give you a reason to stick around then." Danielle smiled, before getting up.
"Good bye Azzy! Good bye my love!" Danielle said in true Danielle fashion before grabbing another large mug of coffee as well as one of the carrot cake donut.
"Okay the donut is on me because I'm using you as a guinea pig, and here is your coffee. Would you like sugar or creamer?" Danielle asked him, as she sat down again.
"I've been working since six this morning, I think I can take a break, right?" Danielle smiled at him, taking a bit of her own carrot cake donut. It was pretty good, although not her best work.
"So, what would you like to know about the small grouping of buildings that is Brisbane? I mean really, there's three streets and four gas stations and if that doesn't tell you about this town I really don't know how to describe it." Danielle shrugged, looking out the window at Main St.

Ved
With a final, painfully long stoke, he was done. Stepping back from his latest piece, he observed it with a smile, looking over each and ever line of it, making sure it was perfect, and it was. He loved painting, and lived and breathed art, it was his current passion, and he had dedicated many hours to it, of course only on the rare occasion when he was free. This current piece though, was to be a donation to his favorite local coffee shop. The store was covered in thirteens, and he had decided to create a painting for it. Though at a slow pace, he had managed to complete it. With a hazy tan background, splattered with different shades of Brown and red, and the letter in large, curvy and smeared print, 13. Lifting it up, he smiled at the painting lightly before dropping a bit of black wax on the corner, and stamping in his signature with a loud thump. After, he left it to dry as he did a few chores around the house, before wrapping it up and taking it downstairs, setting it in the back of his old, black, metal truck.

Driving to the shop, at a fairly steady speed, he allowed himself to drift a bit, letting down his guard for a moment before a flood of geographical relevance poured into his mind. Below his town was nothing but miles of stone and clay, the occasional diamond formation and water-wells. As his mind continued to travel uncontrollably, he saw the miles and miles of liquid metal that made up the earth's core. Flashing back, he slammed on the brakes, less than thirty feet away was a red light, and with no cars behind him, he was lucky not to cause an accident.

After a few more minutes, he made it to the coffee shop, unloading his painting and walking in with a smile and his donation for the building.

'I hope Lee has good things to say about you when I call him back, Mr. Virth.'
Things went, other things were said, the woman left, Danielle spoke but Tyler's mind was still rolling around what was just said. He holds half smiles and nods while trying to split his attention between the conundrum in his head and events unfolding around him. To make matters worse that smile stained his mind leaving an afterimage...

Then suddenly Danielle calmly added to trick like it was no big deal, speaking about the professor. Tyler recalled Lee was a professor. What was going on here!? Had she just mistaken him for someone else? Was this lady just a looney? Was it all simply coincidental?

No, she was looking for a worker and getting a reference off Lee. Had Lee finally got through, if so he wouldn't have known Tyler was here.
Tyler racked his brain trying to work out this parlour trick.

He gives a soft chuckle and shakes his head, leaning over the table he speaks softly.
"Alright! I give in. So when did Lee finally get a hold of her and how did you guys know it was me he was talking about?" His foot twitches under the table as he waits for a reply. So caught up he doesn't even notice the man enter with a painting.

"That's a hell of a poker face you have there by the way, remind me not to play cards with you." He jokes as he sits back thinking he has it all worked out.

Danielle only froze for a moment when he mentioned how they couldn't have known that Tyler was the one Lee was calling about. Which they couldn't have except for the fact that Aslynne can read minds and Danielle knows when Lee's calling her because she makes a face. Then she laughed and raised an eyebrow.
"Technology is amazing these days. You can snap a picture of someone and send it instantly. The Professor may be one of those types but even he has a phone. He probably snapped a picture of you because those two play the longest games of phone tag I've ever seen. Mostly because they're ignoring each other but still. I just happened to be the reason he wasn't getting through before. Azzy was asking me when I was coming back to the Ranch. It's a beautiful place, and I just love her horses." Danielle laughed, shaking her head before changing the subject.
"If I have such a good poker face, maybe I should play more often. I've been looking to doing some renovating around here." She winked before a man with a painting came in. Danielle's eyes went wide and a broad smile broke out on her face.
"Ved, you didn't." She said, even as she was grinning. He'd told her often enough he was going to paint something for her shop and he finally did. She laughed and through her arms around him, careful of the painting.
"You are just to amazing. I can't wait to see it." She said, leading him over to Tyler.
"Tyler, this is Ved, our resident artist in town. Ved, this is Tyler, hopefully he's going to be Azzy's newest ranch hand. Sally apparently quit, which good riddance. I never really liked the girl anyways." Danielle smiled, before turning back to Ved.
"Okay, it's time for the big unveiling. Drumroll please?" Danielle said, drumming her hands on the table in front of her.

Tyler accepts Danielle's answer, with a slight chuckle, what else could it be.
Regarding poker he replies, "If you want to play more often, actually I'd love to take you on sometime, I like a good challenge." He says with a smile. "However" he adds putting on a playful face, "I don't have the job yet so unless you can think of something else we could play for?" He lets the sentence trail off. The grin on his face indicating he knew exactly what stakes he was getting at. It was sort of hard to tell if he was joking or serious.

Then the man with a painting enters.
When the newcomer is introduced Tyler stands and greets Ved offering a hand to shake. "Nice to meet ya." He watches the unveiling before speaking.

"So Ved, as an artist you might be able to help me out with the question I was about to ask Dani, where would be the best place in this town a newcomer like myself could take a pretty girl out on a date?"

Lee was focused on the creation of his own weapon. His forge within the hidden room lit bright and fires burned forming metal together into something that would be useful against the darklings for several kills before the taint of the darklings lessened the weapons effect. Then he would have to reforge the weapon, purify it's metal and unleash it once more. Lee had some lore on weaponry to help him shape the weapons in the correct way. There were designs that were more useful against darklings and slithers than others. Lee's weapon of choice was the simple katana. Elegance and versatility at it's best.

@Ayla

With a pouring of molten metal Lee heard his phone ring. He put things down and made them safe before coming over to see that it was Aslynne. The mindcaster he knew of in the town. She fit every bit of the lore on one and she wasn't as ignorant to the hour as others may be...or avoiding it. Though with her abilities she was going to sense more than the rest. He answered and he kept hearing her say 'pick up'. He smiled and replied. "I have picked up. Were you just saying that to annoy me because I know you know I picked up."

Ved

He smiled and let out a half chuckle, hugging her back with one arm, due to the other being more than a bit preoccupied with what he would later describe as his favorite painting, of his own work at least. He would never admit that it had taken the last several months for him to finish this painting, and that a glance at his dumpster would reveal several failed attempts at creating the perfect piece. But on his 26th attempt, he had finally finished it, creating a piece he would prize eternally. Thank god he was better with a needle than a brush, because otherwise he would be out a job and facing several lawsuits, which he definitely couldn't afford, even with a job.

Walking, or more so, being drug by Danielle, he approached the new person, who would soon be working for Azzy.
"Hope you can handle the labor, I only lasted a week with her. And to answer your question, I'd have to say this very cafe."
He said with a smirk, then With a gleaming look of pride, he lifted the painting up and fastened it to a nail he had put in the wall several weeks ago in preparation. Stepping back to make sure it was fastened and level, he reapproached, and to the tune of Daniella's hand-drums, pulled down the cloth cover to reveal his painting.

@Dark Light@Kaalee

@sk0m

“You got me, Professor. Queen Bitch strikes again!” Aslynne scoffed, but the large heavy silence she put before her next words alluded to seriousness. “I met Tyler. He’s one of us, isn’t he?” Aslynne knew that Lee would be able to make out a Midnighter’s face as clear as day. Midnight Focus clung to Midnighters like static to a balloon. Just like she could taste the difference. All Daylighters tasted the same to her. Like unflavored wafers or cheap bread. But, each Midnighter stood out and Tyler had tasted of Jack Daniel’s and bad pickup lines.

“Midnighter or not, he’ll do. But, don’t think I’m going to be the one who gives him the intro into this life. You’re the Seer, you do the introductions. I now have to go to the hardware store and pick up some nails to hammer into all the window sills. Having two Midnighters on property is like a shiny red beacon to the Old Dusty Ones. I might be able to slink by okay on my own, but who knows what power this guy has. What if he’s another Flame Bringer?” Old Dusty Ones being the really really REALLY old Darklings that lurked in the darkest part of the Reservation. They almost never showed themselves, but Aslynne could taste them out there.

More warding, and a lot less time to do it. Gods, this was all such a pain in the ass. “Anyway, Lee. Few more errands to run. I’ll swing by on the way home... Oh! And don’t forget to name that Katana. Give it something badass like ‘Hepaticocholangiocholecystentersotomies’; that’s the scientific name for a Gall Bladder surgery. If you didn’t know. Bye for now!”

Click... she hung up.

Danielle laughed when Ved said that this would be the best place for a date.
"I would protest with a modicum of modesty but considering it's this or Dan's on 1st, I will agree with this." Danielle said, as she started bouncing on her feet. Ved put the painting on the hook and took the covering off. It was the number 13 and it was beautiful. It took Danielle's breath away, and she turned to him.
"Ved." She said, her voice chock full of emotion. She threw her arms around him, hugging him with a bone crushing hug.
"Thank you." She whispered into his shoulder, before taking a few deep breaths, stepping away and composing herself. She smiled brightly at him and the painting and then at Tyler.
"Isn't he amazing? You need coffee Ved, and one of my new carrot cake donuts." Danielle said, before going to grab just that. She brought them both over to him and then sat down in her previous seat.
"Sit, Ved, I was just explaining to Tyler about Brisbane. Or rather I finished explaining about Brisbane. It is truly the definition of a small town." Danielle laughed, taking another bite of her own donut.