After a surprisingly eventful morning, Amy had taken some time to relax - or that would have been the plan, if she didn’t have to get ready for the rest of the day. At least she’d been smart enough to actually buy an outfit, seeing as none of her usual wardrobe really screamed Halloween at all. Not that she was really a fan of over-the-top stuff, but she couldn’t exactly turn up without anything. That seemed like it was breaking some kind of unspoken rule.
So instead she’d bought the first thing that fitted her and she was willing to wear - which had turned out to be a pirate costume of somewhat questionable historical accuracy. Okay, so the neckline was a bit lower than she was used to, and the pants were definitely, um, form-fitting, but it wasn’t enough to be impractical and she’d left her shopping a little too late to be spoilt for choice. At least it was comfortable enough, and she’d tracked down a pair of boots that meant she wouldn’t break an ankle going down any stairs.
Could be worse.Once she was ready, she’d just spent her time relaxing, reading a few chapters from a book she’d borrowed from the library. Virgil said he’d pick her up here, right? Okay, so technically he should’ve been here by now but it had only be a couple minutes and she wasn’t the type to get impatient unless someone was
seriously late. As long as they didn’t miss the bus, anyway.
Sure enough, it didn’t take too long before there was a knock on the door, and she heard Virgil call through. "
You all good?"
”One minute!” She called, as her eyes scanned the pages of the novel. Folding over the corner of the page, Amy shut her book and placed it on her nightstand. Fairly sure there wasn’t anything else she needed, she grabbed her phone and headed over to the door. Pausing for a second, she looked back at the room one last time to check she hadn’t forgotten anything before heading out.
”I guess Fear Fest is still on, then?” she laughed softly as she stepped outside, eyes sparkling with mischief as she pulled the door closed behind her and looked him over briefly. The outfit definitely suited him, and she didn’t comment on the stereotype, mostly because it didn’t really occur to her. After a second, she looked up at him with a teasing smile.
”I’ve got to say, Virgil, I didn’t take you for the fashionably late type of guy.”Like a wounded puppy, Virgil pouted at her teasing. She was right. He was
rarely fashionably late. His late mom would have whooped his ass if she knew he was even a second late picking up up a girl, specifically one he was going on a date with, saying things like ‘I’ve raised you better than that’ or ‘You’ll never get married at this rate’. That’s what she said to his brother, the infamous Cerberus, at least. Hey, now his brother had the gorgeous model Carlotta Milano (Hart) as his wife. Parenting done right.
Although Bianca had the most potential of maxing her necromancy abilities out, since she was their grandmother’s legacy, Lucio Jr, his older brother, had the militant mindset to control an army of the dead strategically and for the benefit of the family. Of course, his operations were in Los Angeles but if anyone had the brains to be the legacy of Witching Hour, it should’ve been him. And yet, Lucio could careless, so long as he was respected and could continue to build onto the Hart name, keeping their grandparents’ traditions alive, he’d be satisfied.
Lidia, one of his sisters, on the other hand, was quite bitter that she was the third necromancer born into the family. Their father and Uncle Leo value the feats their children can and could accomplish while alive but there would always be a hint of favoritism and unfortunately for Lidia, since she was neither the legacy nor the strategist, she would never be seen as great (constantly second-rate). One can say Lidia didn’t like Bianca all that much because of how reckless, foolish, and ‘not all there’ her dear cousin was. Someone who did not have the mental capacity to be the great Romilda’s successor.
Vincent would have gone far as Amadeo’s descendant, the next best Ultimatum, if only he didn’t die... but enough with family politics! It was time to make an impression on his new friend. “
My bad. I’m usually on my A-Game. Today, not so much.” His brown orbs surveyed her attire and his lips curved into a dimpled grin, “
I better be careful. People gonna’ notice you.” Leading the way down the hall and ideally out the building walking in the direction of the bus, the Italian pup shrugged, “
Halloween is cool, I guess, but I’m lookin’ forward to catching the mischief on tape. The stories my cousin’s told me… legendary. Are you prepared?” Virgil pulled his camera up and pointed it at Amy’s face, quickly hitting record.
Honestly, the majority of footage he gets on tape he keeps as stock. Rarely does it ever make it to the final film - plus, it was nice having a collection of footage of his friends. Memories he can look back on when he’s older and possible gift material for the holidays or birthdays.
As Virgil spoke, Amy found herself holding back a laugh. It was obvious she didn’t mind him turning up late or anything, and honestly the look on his face would’ve made up for it either way. Part of her was curious about what had made him late, but it seemed nosy to actually ask so she stayed quiet. Of course, she wasn’t oblivious enough not to realise she’d get ‘noticed’, considering the circumstances. Eh, she’d deal with it if she had to - but there’d no doubt be plenty of people at the Fear Fest who’d draw a lot more attention than she would. Hopefully, anyway. Being in the limelight wasn’t really her thing if she could avoid it.
Despite that, she felt relatively comfortable as she followed Virgil down the hall. Now that he’d turned up, she found herself looking forward to the rest of the day. Speeding up to walk alongside him, she didn’t actually notice him raise the camera at first, speaking lightheartedly.
”I’m as prepared as I have to be. What’s life without a few surprises anyway?” she grinned brightly as she turned and spotted the camera.
”Besides, it helps us get to know each other, right? I’m looking forward to it - although you could at least try and get my good side on camera, Spielberg.”He gave her a coy smile to her remark. She was witty, he liked that. People needed more humor in their lives, especially during this day and age. Staring at the screen, he gave her fair face a closer look, while complementing, “
You have a nice voice. It’s kinda soothing. Has anyone told you that before?” Was he being creepy? Maybe he was… he didn’t really know. He just liked the air she carried around her, a pleasant girl to be around, unlike a good portion of people he knew, and her voice was bright, warm, as if beams of sunshine had melted into sound.
It was nice...
Not wanting to make this awkward between them, he brought his camera to his side and shyly ran his hand through his hair, “
So yeah, how about that bus?”
"Really? I always thought it sounded kind of weird." Amy looked equal parts surprised and happy with the complement, glancing at Virgil with a smile before continuing.
"I'm glad you like it, though. I mean, I kind of ramble sometimes, so it'd probably get annoying otherwise." She paused, mumbling absentmindedly just loudly enough for him to hear.
"Especially when I'm nervous."Catching sight of Virgil once again, she looked slightly embarrassed.
"...I said that out loud, didn't I?" Virgil chuckled and gave Amy a nod, not saying anything in response, simply observing… her. He didn’t mind listening. He was loquacious himself, so at least they had that going for them. Two people who got lost in their words.
Looking for something to distract from her admission, she looked over Virgil's appearance once again. You know, now that she thought about it he
did seem kind of cute in a cheeky, excitable sort of way. Then again, she needed to get to know him properly, but they had the whole of Fear Fest for that - God, she didn't even know what went on at Fear Fest yet either!
Okay, Amy. Not helping.She took a few seconds of walking in silence to calm her thoughts before she looked back at him, confidence returning slightly.
"Anyway, you’re right, we should probably get to the buses. I think it'd sabotage both our plans if we don't even make it to the Fear Fest, right?"“
Right.” Virgil led the way and held the dorm door open, only to meet his gaze with her’s and unexpectedly ask, “
Do I make you nervous?” His expression grew serious and was filled with genuine curiosity. If he made her nervous, he’d have to make sure to hangout with her more so she wouldn’t be uncomfortable around him. Unfortunately, before Amy could answer, Virgil’s attention was brought to his vibrating phone and he gestured for her to give him a second. While still holding the door, he grabbed his phone and saw a text message from someone he rarely received text messages from. His older brother.
From: The Hound of Hades
We heard you’re in the tournament. You’ll be seeing us soon.
In Lucio’s terms, soon meant… very soon. Wait were they all coming or just him and his immediate family (Lucio’s wife and children)? Walking away from the door, Virgil looked visibly sick to his stomach. He was not ready to see his older brother or worst, his father… why did he have to be in the tournament again?! After pocketing his phone, he cleared his throat and nervously laughed, “
If I broke a leg or something, do you think I’ll get a ‘get out of jail free card’ or in this case, tournament? I’m…. going to be so bad, Amy. I’m nothing like Vince.”
”Okay, you weren’t making me that nervous, but now I’m definitely nervous. What brought this on?” Amy looked genuinely concerned about Virgil, trying to figure out what could have gotten him in such a state so quickly.
”You can’t go hurting yourself to get out of the tournament. As much as anything else, if they really want you to compete, they’ll probably just find a healer.”After taking a second to actually look at how freaked out Virgil was, she shook her head slowly. She was curious about why he was so worried, but the content of the message wasn’t her business. Interrogating him probably wasn’t about to help anything. She spoke softly, gently, making eye contact with the panicked Hart in an attempt to calm him down.
”Are you listening to me, Virgil?”As much as he could have zoned out, when Cerberus (his brother) or Empyrean (his father) were brought back to his reality, Virgil’s senses scaled from 5 to 11, real quick. Attentive and alert, he looked back at the girl, who was making sure he was alright. Man, now she knew he had family issues.
Way to go, Verge! You’re not suppose to make a lady worried. “
Uh, yeah. I’m listening…” He took a moment to breathe in and out, a couple of times, something his mother taught him when he was struck by the fear of his family. When he was all good and done, his cheeks were kissed a light pink, embarrassed that she had to see that, “
My family can be rather intimidating, more so my side in LA than my family here. But that ain’t saying much since this side is pretty bad too.” He gritted his teeth. His family’s reputation wasn’t something he was necessarily proud about but it was the family he was brought into and the reputation he HAD to add to with his own.
“
Eh-hem. Looks like my big bro will be coming down soon… He didn’t give me a date or anything, and I know he ain’t gonna reply to my text since he’s a massive troll… like, he KNOWS he gets under my skin. He’s just like my father, it’s kinda stupid, really. Being in the tournament is not the problem. It’s my family… being there…. watching me. That’s the problem.” Steady cowboy. Ranting to an acquaintance sorta, friend sorta, was dangerous for a Hart. Tightening his grip on his camera, Virgil brushed all his building anger to the side, “
I’m not here to bring the mood down, we’re here to have fun! Let’s go have fun.”
”Virgil.” Amy spoke in a level tone, concerned but still firmly refusing to leave the topic without saying anything.
”If it’s about the tournament, I can help you. I’m competing too, after all. I’m not going to pretend I know what you’re dealing with, but there has to be something I can help you with, even if it just means helping you get ready.”She was worried she might be overstepping some kind of boundary by refusing to leave it alone, but Amy was nothing if not stubborn. If she could help, then she would - if there were consequences, then it was her choice to bring them down on her.
”Just keep it in mind, alright? You don’t have to do everything yourself.”After that, she decided it was probably time to leave the subject alone. With a placating smile, she looked up at him.
”But you’re right. Today, we’re here to have fun. So let’s worry about all of that later, okay?”...she was so
caring. Virgil blinked dumbly at Amy as he listened to her words. The only living person he knew that had a heart pure as gold, which Amy reminded him of, was his aunt Belissa, who honestly shouldn’t even be with his uncle, but c’est la vie. She was forced in a situation she couldn’t refuse and now she belonged to the Capo Famiglia of the family.
Did Amy know the dangers she could face by getting closer to him? Probably not. That was for another time, he guessed, and yet learning to train with a fellow classmate sounded rewarding. Exciting, even. He didn’t really know much about Amy or her powers, maybe they could train together in the Control Room? He had yet to really explore that building besides during class… has it been two weeks since Delirium? Eh, regardless of how long he’s been in upstate New York, anything to help him not make a fool of himself in front of potentially his father, assuming his father was coming along with his brother, would be grand! “
Got it. No serious talk. Just fun. Yes, sounds good to me.” Stopping in his tracks, he saw the busses and noticed how PACKED they all were.
“
Time to go hunting for seats?” He noticed Gianna, with a mysterious masked girl he did not know, in one of the busses, sitting and talking to… Brenna and Lucas? Yeah. That’s the bus he wanted to be in. Wait. No. He should let Amy pick. That was the gentleman thing to do. “
So which bus would you like to start at first?” On his back was a backpack filled with clothes and other necessities. Nothing over the top. He’d probably keep it on him rather than put it in the luggage compartment.
Looking at the busses and having been completely oblivious to Virgil's dumbfounded look, Amy just shrugged. It didn’t really bother her where they went either way, so she just pointed at the one he’d been looking at without really paying attention to who was inside - although whether it would have changed anything if she'd noticed wasn't really certain.
”That one’s fine. Hopefully we can find a couple that aren’t taken yet.”Despite her worries about everything, Amy found herself smiling brightly at Virgil. She wasn’t sure what Fear Fest was going to be, but for some reason she was looking forward to it regardless. If nothing else, she had a feeling it’d at least be an experience to remember.
”Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s get going!”
Member
