..... (burningdown) wrote in the_dome, @ 2013-09-22 18:42:00 |
|
|||
Entry tags: | 04-11-2017, justin, justin and zania, zania |
I Love You
Who: Justin and Zania
When: late morning/early afternoon
Where: Lance’s house
Justin had sent Zania a text earlier about stopping by to talk to her for a few minutes after he finished his morning duties at Eatzy’s. The full moon was that night and yes, he was feeling restless. There might have been a touch of anxiety too, but he wasn’t about to admit to it. It wasn’t every day someone turned into a full fledged werewolf, after all, and Justin had no idea what to expect.
When she replied that she was at the house next door, Justin’s curiosity was piqued, but he didn’t question it. Instead, he lit a cigarette and walked over, wondering if this was Mickey’s place. Or someone new. Maybe just a girlfriend. Who the fuck knew anymore. He certainly didn’t have the social life his sister had. Walking up the porch steps, Justin flicked his cigarette into the yard and then knocked.
Zania had been expecting Justin, which was why she was dressed and waiting, leaving Lance to continue sleeping. The day had turned out better than she expected, so long as she didn’t think too much on it and let herself start freaking out. Lance was… a good guy. Maybe not good boyfriend material, but he liked her and was willing to do something about it, and that meant something to Zania. She wasn’t willing to push him away when he was happy so far. He was certainly easier to handle than Mickey these days.
She opened the door from behind it, not willing to risk being touched by the sun. “Come in,” she said, waiting till he was in the house before shutting the door. “Sorry about that. I’m kinda stuck here till dark.” Which wasn’t bothering her in the least.
“Yeah.” Justin stepped inside, glancing around to see if anyone else was about. “Whose house is this again?” He was by no means pulling the protective, big brother act on her by asking, but Justin was genuinely curious as to why she was hiding out in her neighbor’s house instead of her own.
“His name’s Lance. He lives with his cousin, Kenzie. He’s a friend,” she smiled. While both she and Lance had been rather depressed when he’d invited her in, she felt like things were much better now. At least, she was in a good mood. “I got to talking to him before dawn, so I’m here all day,” she shrugged. “How’re you feeling? Ready for tonight? Do you have a plan?”
Justin wasn't comfortable there. Not only had he never met Lance, or his cousin Kenzie, but Justin was becoming more aware of the scent surrounding his sister. She was a big girl, and he wasn't going to tell her how to live her life, but that didn't mean he wanted to be faced with certain aspects of it. He cocked a brow and shot her a dubious look. "Talking. Sure." He already didn't like Lance, whoever he was, simply because Justin had yet to get the bad taste that was Dorian out of his mouth. "There were some cages built near the trader's circle yesterday. The others who were bitten will be locked up in them tonight. I decided to go too... if it works out, it'll be a monthly thing. If it's a disaster, I'll figure something out else."
“We were talking,” Zania insisted, since that was how it had started. They’d talked a great deal before things had moved beyond that, though she didn’t expect Justin to understand. Zania thrived off relationships with others, both friendships and lovers, so she couldn’t quite grasp how her brother could operate without people close to him. “If it’s a disaster…” She could feel a knot forming in her stomach at the idea. All the werewolves would be down there together. They’d likely tear each other to pieces if things went horribly wrong. “You think the cages will hold? Who built them? Or designed them? Is there anything I can do to help?”
He held up a hand quickly to stop her there, because he didn’t need, or want, any details. Thankfully she moved on to the werewolf saga that had become his life, and Justin found that much easier to talk about. Hopefully it would be a quick discussion, because he wasn’t sure how much longer he could stand there smelling sex in the air. “One question at a time, okay? It’s fine, Zan. A bunch of us built them yesterday. The other werewolves… some people who are in the know. A vampire named Mannix came around. Can’t remember who designed them, but I think they’ll hold. Don’t know what you can do to help other than come around tonight and make sure we’re not about to start a fresh blood bath in the dome.”
“I know Mannix,” she said with a nod. “I was around when he became a vampire, and his brother Jack is the one I took to the hospital. They’re good guys.” She wasn’t all that close to either of them, but they were the kind of guys she’d want backing her if things went sour. And now that one was a werewolf and the other a vampire? They’d be incredibly hard to take down. “I’m supposed to paint with Lily tonight, but we can drop by, just to make sure things aren’t going completely out of hand. Anything you need me to do for you?” She was worried about her brother and this whole werewolf thing. She wanted to be there for him, but it was so difficult with Justin. It felt like he was always pushing her away.
He wasn't sure about Lily. Zania was a vampire, and she was strong enough to handle it if there was a problem. Justin didn't want to risk anyone else, but he had a feeling people would be there tonight who wouldn't have much to protect themselves beyond a weapon or two. He didn't say much about Mannix, simply because he had only spoken to him very briefly. But the guy seemed decent enough, despite being a vampire. Smiling faintly at Zania, Justin shook his head. "Don't think so. But if anything happens..." He reached into the pocket of his jeans and pulled out a small keyring. "Eatzy's keys. You'll have your club, but make sure it doesn't go to hell, okay? The diner, I mean. My house key is on there too. Keep whatever you want... though I don't have much." She was the only family he had left beyond Nic, and Justin knew they weren’t very close, and that was mostly his fault. He just wasn’t sure how to open himself up to anyone, even his sister. His grin turned a bit lopsided as he tugged at her hair. “And… I love you. Just so you know.”
Zania’s eyes widened. “Good God, you’re not going to die tonight! Don’t talk like that!” she said, then wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tight. As much as she liked hearing some form of affection, of any emotion, from him, she didn’t want it to be because he thought he was going to die. She wouldn’t let it happen, no matter what he became when the full moon rose. He was her big brother and she looked up to him, was glad he’d managed to make it through alive and then find her. After all that, he deserved to live, and she wasn’t letting him go any sooner than she had to. “I love you, too,” she mumbled, still hugging him.
Justin was a bit taken aback by her reaction, but he supposed he should have expected it. He hesitated and then put his arms around her to hug her back. "You're right. I'm sure things'll be fine." Justin had no idea what would happen. For all he knew, none of the people bitten would survive. Maybe the change alone would kill them. But Justin knew he was being morbid, and assuming the worst. Justin held onto his sister tightly for another moment before letting her go. "I know you can take care of yourself just fine, but be careful tonight anyway, okay?"
She took a deep breath, inhaling her brothers scent. It was different than it used to be, similar but not containing the note that she identified as werewolf. It was the rest of his scent she wanted to remember, though, so that she would know which one was him when he changed. “I’ll be careful if you be careful,” she said, releasing him and taking the keys. She didn’t like the idea of a goodbye. “You should go out and have a drink tomorrow night. Have a little fun for once,” she said with a small smile. It was easier to plan for the future, even if it wasn’t certain yet.
Something about Zania was definitely off to Justin as well, but he figured it was just the fact that she was a vampire. It was something he was still getting used to, but now he had to get used to his own changes too. Slipping his hands into his pockets, Justin nodded in agreement, because he understood what she was trying to do. “Yeah, I might do that. It’s been awhile since I’ve gone out instead of hanging around the diner. It might be a good idea to take a night off. One where I’m not, growing body hair and scratching at fleas.” Justin grinned slightly. “We’ll talk once things are settled again… you can tell me about your friend who’s sleeping nearby. I’d rather not hear the story while you’re still smelling like him.”
“Yeah, I’ll tell you about him later,” Zania said, rolling her eyes on his comment about the scent. She wasn’t sure what there was to tell at the moment, other than that they were friends who enjoyed fooling around together. It wasn’t like he loved her or anything. And maybe she was okay with that. It was definitely different than what she was used or, or generally looked for. “You be safe, okay? At least text me in the morning and let me know you survived the night if I can’t be there.” If they didn’t shift back till sunrise, then Zania would have to be back inside. It was disappointing, since she imagined that moment would be rather amusing.
He didn’t care if there was nothing to tell. If there was, great. If not… still really none of his business. Again, it was Zania’s life. He just wanted to make sure this guy wasn’t going to hurt his sister. He had no idea what happened to Mickey, but obviously nothing was going on there anymore. As far as he knew. “I’ll text,” Justin promised before ducking his head in to press a quick kiss to her cheek. “Be safe tonight.” Pulling back, he turned to leave, wanting to get away from the smell of sex as quickly as he could.
“See ya,” Zania smiled, giving him a wave before ducking out of the sunlight that came streaming in the front door. She was worried about Justin, but there was nothing she could do that would make the situation any better. What would happen would happen and then they’d deal with the aftermath.