In Bar: the prequel to the sequel

[onceaviking]

He'd sent him away.

Eric had been chatting about his plans. Going to America. Finding a place to stay
And there'd be room for Godric too.

And he'd said no.

He didn't want to release Eric. He'd said that repeatedly. But he needed time on his own. And so did Eric.



Eric did not agree.


So it's a somewhat rattled vampire entering the Bar tonight. Rattled and tightly wound.
And unhappy.

Comments

[runningred]

Jay's just coming back from a run as Eric comes in, watching the vampire's body language with concern. He grabs a bottle of water and follows Eric, calling out to him softly. "Hey?" He knows better than to ask if Eric's okay but concern is written around his face.

[onceaviking]

Eric's face whips up. Then he says, "Oh. It's you."

Not like he expected someone else. Just - distant.
You can see the tension in his body from a mile away.

[runningred]

"Yeah, just me." He comes closer, keeping a watchful eye on Eric's face. "Has something happened? You seem... off kilter?"

[onceaviking]

"No," Eric says. "No. I just -"

He shakes his head. "I just had a talk with Godric..."

His voice trails off.

[runningred]

"Your maker?" He sits down opposite Eric, close enough to touch if Eric reaches for him.

[onceaviking]

"Yes."

There is a lot of emotion in that word.

Then he shrugs. "It's not important. Just a small change of plan." For once, he isn't very convincing.

[runningred]

"Not what you were hoping for?" Jay keeps his voice soft, gently encouraging Eric to talk if you wants to. Although he clearly need to.

[onceaviking]

"No. No, it wasn't. But Godric's right."

He's always right. Obviously.

[runningred]

"Tell me about him?" Jay asks softly. Godric clearly matters so much to Eric.

[onceaviking]

"He's ancient," Eric says, softly. "Strong."
Looking away.

[runningred]

"And special to you." Jay all but whispers, understanding. Eric seem more alone tonight than ever before and Jay finds himself wanting to help somehow.

[onceaviking]

Eric seems not to hear him.

[runningred]

"Hey?" Jay calls again, reaching out to Eric cautiously. "Come up to my room? I have a gift for you?"

[onceaviking]

"I am not hungry," Eric replies, absentmindedly.

[runningred]

"There's more to my room than just me. Please? I have a surprise I hope you'll like. Might help take your mind off things for a bit."

[onceaviking]

Eric looks hesitant. Then he says, "All right."

[runningred]

Jay leads Eric up to his room, shedding his work-out clothes as soon as they're inside. "Check out the bathroom."

After discussion with the bar, Jay's fairly standard bathroom has tripled in size and acquired a truly magnificent double sized shower with extra jets and everything.

{{cont. here}}