Eve and Bran (pt. 1/2) Who: Bran and Eve What: random run-in Where: Verdant When: Sun. night Warnings: medium. some flirting and allusions to sex Status: g-doc
Bran ended up at Verdant earlier than planned, since he was supposed to meet Damien and Alyssa. He’d left the apartment to go take some photos in the woods and…after fucking and drinking the blood of some person, the vampire decided bourbon while he waited sounded good. Alyssa entertained him, because while she could pick up on embarrassing actions of his, she did tease his brother and sometimes Damien needed some teasing.
After being handed his bourbon, Bran’s gold eyes took in those currently at the bar at 9pm. Plenty of beautiful women, but he didn’t feel the need to do anything unless someone spoke to him first. And since technically Tandy couldn’t drink legally, he didn’t think he’d see the blonde here at the moment. Besides, he felt pretty certain she lived with the owner of Verdant.
He pulled out his camera to examine a couple of the photos he took. The digital did a decent job, but nothing compared to his camera at home.
Eve loved Verdant. It was always hopping and the people were so friendly. Plus, it had the best drinks aside from Lux. She’d decided to head to the club following a long shift at the casino. The brunette pulled on a trendy, flirty dress and a pair of fashionable heels. She wore a little makeup and left her hair down. A leather jacket thrown over her shoulders completed the look.
Stepping inside, Eve beamed at the security guard who merely looked amused. He was used to her by now. They’d chatted a few times at the bar and she could tell he liked to hear about people. Kind of like herself back in heaven. Plus, it made the long nights here go a little faster too.
Making her way to the bar, Eve slid onto one of the empty stools and quickly ordered an appletini. Even after every drink she’d tried, she still found they were her favorite. Once the order was in, Eve took a moment to actually notice the other people at the bar, including the guy next to her. He was good looking in a dangerous kind of way. However, what caught her attention were the pictures he was flipping through on his phone.
Eve didn’t make a habit of looking over people’s shoulders, but the photos were so good that she couldn’t help it. Just like she couldn’t help saying something about.
“Those are really good,” she said, voice an octave higher to be heard over the music.
Bran did not generally keep his opinions to himself. In fact, he voiced them, loudly, on a regular basis. However, he tried not to judge the alcoholic drinks others chose. Just because he chose bourbon didn’t mean the vampire expected others to choose the same alcohol. Although, he really couldn’t understand the appeal of appletinis, not that he planned on saying so to the hot brunette. And yes, he definitely picked up on how hot the brunette was.
He hadn’t expected anyone to see his photos. Bran kept that side of himself hidden from everyone, except his older brother and Jimmy. Nobody knew that the psychotic younger brother held an artistic side, not even Skye and they’d been a couple for a fucking century. To be fair, Bran never loved her. He still didn’t know why they’d been a couple, considering he still slept with other people during.
His head looked up and he shrugged, although a slight smile tugged at his lips, before his expression returned to neutral. “Thanks.” He offered his name. “I’m Bran.” Thankfully, with his enhanced hearing, he could hear easily over the music. “I don’t tend to show off my photos, especially not when they’re only on my phone and not printed.”
Eve beamed and nodded. “You’re very welcome, Bran. Oh and I’m Eve. It’s good to meet you.” Eve thought he should show them off more. Sure, she could appreciate the appeal of printed photographs, but it was clear from the phone screen that he knew how to capture the essence of a scene perfectly. “And I think you should totally show them off more. Even on the screen, you can tell you have an artistic eye.”
Her appletini arrived and Eve eagerly took a sip. Yes, she knew they were not for everyone, but she liked them and that was all that mattered. Everyone was entitled to enjoy drinking what they wanted.
Glass still in hand, she turned to look at him. “Of course, I’m not an art expert or anything. I’ve only recently started catching up on that kind of thing since my return to Earth.”
Bran thought she looked pretty when she beamed. “Nice to meet you, Eve.” He would always keep that side of himself hidden, sharing it with a select few. Although he did offer a rare show of a genuine smile, before it disappeared under his usual mask of indifference.
“I’ve got a reputation to keep,” he commented dryly. “Count yourself lucky you see them at all.” Bran wouldn’t show them off the way Alyssa did her art, but he still felt pride about the praise.
He did sputter at the return to Earth comment. “Okay, where did you live previously?” She didn’t strike Bran as Fae, but of course different worlds etc.
Though she’d only just met Bran, she felt as if the smile he’d gifted her was rare and not a gesture to be taken lightly. Eve found herself secretly pleased that she’d managed to coax one out of him. Though, the compliment was completely true and Bran was absolutely worthy of every syllable. He clearly had talent.
“Your secret is safe with me,” Eve replied with a playful smile. “And I do. I’m pretty sure that smile, though gorgeous, is shown about as much as your photographs.” Even with an indifferent expression on his face, Bran could never be considered anything, but attractive. Though Eve would be the first to say she felt people always looked better with a smile on their faces.
The sputter elicited a giggle from Eve. At this point, she wasn’t surprised by the reaction anymore. “I was in Heaven,” Eve answered honestly and then took a sip of her appletini. The “H word” tended to cause different reactions from everyone. She was curious to see how Bran would respond.
“Thanks.” He tilted his head and found he liked the playful smile, although as per usual his expression gave nothing away. “I’m pretty sure if you told my older brother I smiled, he’d ask what drug you just did.” Or something like that, given it was Damien. “While his girlfriend would insist on pics or it didn’t happen.” While Bran did take a few photos of himself, he hadn’t yet with his new camera.
Bran blinked and his golden eyes took in the brunette again. “So, Eve, like the first woman in the Bible? No offense, but you kind of got a crap husband…and God. And snake.” Her story almost made Bran feel sympathy. “I always preferred Greek and Egyptian myths.” The vampire definitely did not follow any religion, but could anyone blame him? Really?
The comments earned him another laugh. “I do happen to partake in recreational drugs from time to time, but I can assure your brother, I am currently not on any,” she replied. But, Eve had not thought to take any pictures of Bran’s smile either. “It’s that rare then? Too bad. You look just as good with a smile as you do with that mask of indifference.” Eve took another sip from her appletini.
Eve nodded and looked down at her drink, a nail running along the ro,. “That would be me. And yes, I was lucky enough to have all of those things. Though the snake is my friend.” Though their relationship did not work out, Lucifer turned out to be a good friend to Eve and the brunette would always appreciate that kindness. If it wasn’t for him, she never would have left Heaven and had a chance to explore an actual life on Earth.
She looked over at him again. “They tend to be a bit more interesting than my story so I don’t blame you. But I think all of them have some merit. What about you? Where are you from, Bran?”
Bran liked her laugh and appreciated he caused it. “Let me guess. Kenny supplies you? My drugs of choice are alcohol and the occasional hit of nicotine.” As a vampire most drugs didn’t do much for him. Fae blood, though? That shit could be addictive to a vamp. Probably one of the things which drew his brother to Alyssa if he had to guess.
“Vampires back home learn to mask our emotions. And I…excel at it. I’m not sure I could stop if I wanted to stop.” Bran honestly had no idea if he could relearn showing emotions.
“Well, you’re definitely hotter than I would ever imagine. I won’t ask you questions about home, but I’m glad you are friends with the snake, as a snake myself.” He shrugged with a brief smirk.
“Midnight City. In the US. It’s a city where supernaturals live, like werewolves, vamps, witches, and the Fae stuck in our world. Were you kidnapped here from Heaven or did you make a stop in-between?”
“Actually, the only drug I’ve had was a hit of marijuana at the orgy. Ben let me have a drag from his blunt.” Eve hadn’t indulged in drugs since though perhaps she’d have to look up this Kenny guy. “But now I guess I know where to go if I want another hit.” Eve liked her liquor and occasionally she was okay with a cigarette. “I usually don’t smoke, but I do enjoy my liquor.”
Eve looked curious as well as a little sad. On one hand, it was cool he was a vampire, but on the other, it was depressing he had to mask his feelings all the time. “I’m pretty sure you’re the first vampire I’ve had a chat with,” Eve replied honestly. “Which is cool. It’s kind of sad you have to hide your emotions all the time though.” But maybe he had to do it for survival purposes.
Eve laughed again. “Thanks. I’m glad I outdid your expectations,” she replied and then nodded. “Oh, Lucifer has been a good friend. We’ve had our ups and downs, but he’s pretty much always been there for me.” No matter how complicated they got, he truly did want to help Eve. “And I guess that is why we are getting along so well. I mean, outside of me complimenting your stellar photography skills.”
The first woman nodded.”That sounds like a fascinating place. I’ve never heard of a place like that outside of Madison Valley.” Eve took a sip from her appletini. “I actually made a stop in L.A. before coming here. I was actually about to go and find myself when this place stole me away.” Bran had done a little pot, but quite honestly the vampire didn’t care for the smell. While his nose could pick out separate strains, it still always had a slightly burnt grassy smell that the vampire did not appreciate. “What’s not to like about liquor, especially when you can get so many varieties?”
He hadn’t expected someone to look sad, although his surprise didn’t register on his face. Call it part of holding onto power. Others didn’t know when they surprised or pleased a vampire. Although he did allow his features to soften briefly. “Well, welcome to speaking to a vampire. At least from my world. Other vampires don’t hide their emotions like my brother and me.”
“I’m glad you outdid my expectations too,” Bran smirked before his mask slid back into place. “I haven’t spoken to Lucifer, but it’s good you have a friend here.” The vampire didn’t actually know what would happen if he remained and his brother got sent home.
A small laugh from Bran. “The compliments helped.” Ah yes, LA. “Find yourself? And is it working out for you here?”
Eve smiled. “My thoughts exactly,” she agreed. The brunette knew pot was certainly not for everyone and it did have a bit of a smell to it. Being that he was a vampire, she knew that smell was probably even more off-putting than to a human.
The brunette did appreciate Bran allowing his mask to slip around her. “Thanks. I’m enjoying the experience so far.” Being that there were different kinds of beings here, Eve wasn’t surprised to hear that other vampires did not hide their emotions. She actually enjoyed the fact there were so many different kinds of people and beings here. It made the experience more exciting and fun.
“I’m glad you do too,” Eve replied. “I don’t have any siblings myself. I kind of wish I did.” Though some of her friends were close enough that maybe she could consider them as such. Eventually.
Eve laughed. “They usually always do and I don’t know. I was expecting to be able to see the world and now I’m kind of just stuck in this town. But you should be able to find yourself anywhere, right?”
The golden-eyed vamp avoided most other vampires in this place. He’d met the Adrien guy and Bran didn’t care for him or his judgment of Bran. Miriam honestly bored him and he had no idea how his brother befriended her. Nobody should care that much about science. Finally, with what transpired between his older brother and Kol, Bran didn’t really feel like getting into it with any of the Mikalesons or vampires from their world.
“I’m sure if you ask my brother, he would gladly offer me to you as a sibling.” And then immediately regret it. “Sometimes friends can be like siblings.” He thought about Jimmy from back home.
“True, but you can always go on a trip with transportation services.” He considered, briefly, of seeing if Eve would go home with him, but Bran wasn’t used to propositioning women. Eh fuck it. “So, do you want to have another drink or go home with me?”
At Bran’s words, Eve giggled. “I’m sure your relationship isn’t that bad. Besides, I think I’d rather have you not on the list of potential siblings.” For the moment. Maybe things would change, but Eve was liking the idea of maybe being his friend. Of course, then he said friends can be siblings and Eve was relieved she hadn’t mentioned the ‘friend’ part of what she was thinking. Instead, she nodded. “Oh, I can definitely see that. I think I could see my friend Linda as maybe a sister someday or even Chloe.” Chloe was a big “if,” but Eve tried to keep positive about their relationship despite everything.
Yes, the transportation services! Eve completely forgot. Was this appletini stronger than she thought? “You’re right! I completely forgot about those. I need to check that out soon. You can’t find yourself without a little adventure, right?”
And he was bold. Eve liked bold. Though part of Eve felt that he didn’t often have to be this bold. Given how gorgeous he was, she was sure half the women in this club would have been the ones to ask him to go with them. Half of them would have killed to be in Eve’s spot on this stool.
Eve smiled and set down her glass. “I think I’m ready for a change of scenery.” Given he was a vampire, this could potentially be dangerous for Eve, but Eve was a sucker for danger and she found she enjoyed his company.
“Maybe I’ll even be lucky enough to see you smile again.”
“Nah, my brother is my best friend as I’m his. We just like to get on each other’s nerves, and I excel at it.” After all, Bran perfected the skill over the centuries with much enthusiasm. He certainly wouldn’t mind another friend, although Bran didn’t care too much either way. “I don’t believe I’ve met Linda.”
He couldn’t help the brief smile at Eve’s enthusiasm. “Whichever place you choose won’t know what’s coming.” Bran took a sip of his bourbon. “Anywhere in particular you want to go?”
Given that more than one woman checked out Bran since he’d arrived at the bar, he wouldn’t argue with Eve’s thoughts. Bran laid down enough cash to cover their drinks. Oh, this would undoubtedly be dangerous but the most enjoyable type. He got off the stool, texted Alyssa, and helped Eve down, before wrapping an arm around her waist.
Eve gave a knowing smile. “That doesn’t actually surprise me too much.” Part of Eve envied the sibling relationship Bran had with his brother. She wished she had someone like that in her life. Maybe if she did, she wouldn’t have ended up in so many questionable situations. At least she had plenty of friends to help with that now. Well, when she listened to them at least. “Linda is one of the therapists in town,” Eve explained. “She’s from my world and has been very kind to me.” Even when Eve didn’t think she deserved it after putting Charlie in danger.
And she got herself another smile. It was brief, but Eve counted it all the same. “I’m not that much trouble,” she replied with a laugh. Truthfully, Eve wasn’t sure where she wanted to go. “And I’m honestly not sure where I want to go. There are so many places I’ve never been.”
Before Eve could say anything in protest, Bran paid for their drinks and helped her down from the stool. His arm settled around her waist and Eve swore she could feel the chill from his pale skin seeping through her clothes. It was…a new experience. The two made their way out of the club into the warm night.
“So, I’m guessing you still live in the apartments?” Eve asked as they headed in that general direction, her heels clicking on the pavement.
Given that Bran couldn’t imagine his life without his older brother, even while they annoyed each other, he understood envying someone with that sort of relationship. Of course, that didn’t mean he listened to his brother except for the whole don’t murder, which made sense in a place where they couldn’t leave and didn’t wield the same power as home.
“You should make a list of the places you want to visit and then fuck I don’t know. Tackle them alphabetically?” Bran shrugged. He wanted to take a trip, but he hadn’t decided where. If he asked his brother, Bran might suddenly find himself the third wheel to Alyssa and Damien. Of course, he and Alyssa could get into some trouble and give his older brother one hell of a headache.
“Not anymore. I bought a house recently. Thank fuck.” Although they had been walking in the general direction of the apartments, Bran directed the pair down a different street. “Apartment living is not fantastic for anyone, but especially those with heightened senses.” How Damien managed, Bran had no idea.
Eve laughed. “That’s actually not a bad idea. Hey! Maybe we can take a trip together.” Once they became better friends or, rather, friends at all. Eve was fine with going alone or with Nina, Lucifer, or Linda, but she thought she would throw the suggestion out there. Bran looked like he could use more friends even if he had one in his big brother.
“Oh, nice! I wish I could afford a place for me and my ward. Maybe in another few months.” Of course, Nina was going to be eighteen soon and capable of moving out. Eve already knew the brunette would probably try and find a place with her friends from home. She couldn’t blame her and, really, Eve should eventually live on her own. She had to break that codependency streak somehow, right? “And yeah, I bet it was horrible for you to be able to hear every little thing happening around you.” Eve was suddenly grateful she didn’t have heightened senses.
“I’d be happy to take a trip with you.” While Bran’s interest lay with Tandy, he couldn’t ignore how sexy the first woman was. Also, she reminded him a little of Jimmy and Bran missed having a female friend. Yes, he had Alyssa, but more due to her dating his brother than anything. She held back her chaotic tendencies to not cause his older brother a headache after the first time Bran and Alyssa drank. “Provided you don’t force me to go to Disney.”
“It helps that I could use compulsion to get a lower price.” No, Bran didn’t sound guilty or sorrowful over his decision. “I hate listening to other people sleep, or breathe, or fuck.”
They finally made it to Bran’s house and he opened the door. “Ladies first or some such shit.” Maybe he wanted to check out Eve’s ass.