Ana Van der Witt (geminana) wrote in tiberiusswann, @ 2010-08-23 17:21:00 |
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Entry tags: | ana, cassie |
Monday, July 21st, 2008
Who: Ana and Cassie
What: Cassie needs some make-up help.
Where: Ana and Ava's penthouse.
When: Monday night.
Needless to say, Ana was a little surprised when she received a text message from a certain little chaos demon. How had she even gotten her number? Probably snatched it from either Charlie or Ava’s cell while she was over their place. What was even more interesting was that Cassie was in New York and apparently needed her help and didn’t want Charlie or Ava knowing about it. How mischievous. Since she was still in a particularly giving mood from this weekend, Ana told Cassie she could come to the penthouse so she could help her with her little issue, whatever it was.
Ana was lounging in her living room, clad in a pair of black yoga pants and a mint green tank top as she heard a knock on the door. The security at the front desk had already called up and notified her of the guest, so she wasn’t surprised at all. Standing up with her mug of warmed blood from last night’s late night donor, she walked over to the door and opened it.
---
Cassie had indeed swiped it from Charlie when he went to New York and left her in his apartment. She’d had it just incase she needed to get in contact with him or Ava and they weren’t answering, but it turned out to be of some other use in the end it seemed. The chaos demon hadn’t really had anything to do with Ana before but she had heard that she knew make-up well, and right now that was very handy. She was extremely glad Ava was out as well.
The girl that stood there in the doorway had a nasty looking bruise coming up on her cheekbone, her forehead and a little blood around her nose, although it seemed she had cleaned herself up. “Hey.” She didn’t seem brought down by it much, still smiling in greeting, but it was more neutral than the normal Cassie personality.
---
Ana’s eyebrow raised as she surveyed the damage done to the demon’s face. Stepping aside, she waved her in, closing the door once she was in the foyer. “What did you get yourself into?” Her tone of voice wasn’t scolding at all. Instead, it was relaxed. She was curious if anything. Cassie was a big girl who could do as she pleased as far as Ana was concerned. Now had it been Ava or Charlie, they would’ve shown a lot more concern than Ana was at the moment.
Leading her into the living room, she sat down on the expansive couch in front of the glass coffee table where a large case lay that contained a great deal of makeup. As Cassie talked, Ana studied her face, thinking of how best to cover up those nasty marks. Grabbing a makeup removing towelette, she handed it to the demon, gesturing toward her nose. “You might want to clean that up first.”
---
She wasn’t looking for sympathy, just some help covering these up since she didn’t really fancy explaining it to anyone, especially not Charlie when she went back to Danvers the next night. Cassie shrugged at the question and gave a small smile. “I was mugged. I was in a bad mood and projecting like crazy so didn’t really help myself any there. Hazard of being a chaos demon.” She knew it could have been easier and less painful for her if she hadn’t just had a fight with biodad before running into these guys.
Taking the wipe she wiped at her nose carefully, trying not to wince. “Thanks. For the wipe and doing this, you know.”
---
It was a good thing she wasn’t looking for sympathy because she wouldn’t really be getting much from Ana. She may have been going soft, but she wasn’t about to turn into Mother Teresa. “Mugged?” she repeated with another raise of her eyebrow. “Hope they didn’t take anything you’ll miss terribly.” Ana had been around her share of demons, not just at the school, but at all the underground clubs she had been to so she knew how riled up things could get with even just one of them around. “Haven’t learned how to keep the projecting in check yet? You might want to get on that before someone leaves you with more than just a couple of bruises and a bloody nose.”
Ana just kind of made a little noise of acknowledgment at her thank you and turned to open her case of makeup. “So I take it I shouldn’t tell my sister or Charlie about this?” Grabbing a tube of yellow base, she turned back to face Cassie, pausing to regard the bruise. “Hold this,” she said, handing over the tube while she stood. “You need some ice on that before I do anything else.” Walking off to the kitchen, she grabbed an icepack from the freezer and covered it in a napkin before returning to the couch. “Put this on your cheek for a bit.”
---
“They chose a stupid time to do it.” Cassie rolled her eyes thinking about how useless it was for the muggers. “My phone was in my hotel room and the room card was tucked into my bra. All they got was my clutch with some money and make-up in and a bracelet I’d just been given. Even my cards were in my room.” All this for pretty much nothing but $20 and jewellery. “I’ve got it under control most of the time, I was just.... he was winding me up and I was in a bad mood, it’s harder to control when I’m angry. Besides, I’m used to some bruises, I can handle it.” She’d told Charlie after the bar fight that it wasn’t the first time her abilities got her hurt, and this wouldn’t be the last either.
She watched Ana, waiting to see what she picked up, but looked up to her face when the vamp asked her a question. “Charlie doesn’t understand it, he’d just get upset for no reason, and your sister is his wife. Doesn’t sound like the best recipe for keeping it hidden.” Cassie replied with another shrug, sounding amused. The tube was taken and looked at while Ana disappeared to get ice. “Ta.” Taking the ice she put it to her cheek and gave Ana the tube back. “This stuff you’re using, can I buy it easily?” May as well ask the question, she would need to buy something for the next few days anyway, and it wouldn’t hurt to have some incase she hurt herself again.
---
“Well, that’s fortunate that they got away with very little and nothing too important.” Though she had lived in New York for quite a while and even roamed around Central Park a few times at night, she had never been mugged. And it was a good thing that she never was, because her assailant would be in for a rude awakening. She would have no problem putting them in their place in the name of self-defense. “Believe me, I understand the bad mood part,” she continued nonchalantly. “Maybe you should learn how to defend yourself properly so you don’t have to deal with bruises anymore. You’ve got a pretty face that you shouldn’t ruin.”
Ana let out a soft laugh. “He is a bit of a worrywart. Ava could keep a secret if told to, but I understand what you’re saying.” Ana was pretty amused herself. The little chaos demon wasn’t so bad. If anything, she reminded her a little of herself when she was younger. Opening the tube, she grabbed a makeup sponge and dabbed a bit on before lightly taking a hold of Cassie’s chin. Tilting her chin down, she began to work on the bruise on her forehead, pressing the sponge gently to her skin. An amused look spread across her face as Cassie asked about getting some of the makeup. “You can certainly buy it, but I don’t know how easily you can get it. It’s expensive stuff, but I suppose I could give you some if you need it.” Ugh, why was she being so nice? This was far too odd.
---
Surprisingly Cassie had never been mugged before, although where she lived in England wasn’t as bad as New York was for that. Still, the chaos demon attracted, well, chaos, especially when emotional, so she wasn’t all that surprised she managed to get in trouble here. “Thanks. Charlie was teaching me self defense after the bar fight incident, but three against one doesn’t go so well, even when you’re more than human it seems.” Did Ana Van Der Witt really call her pretty? She was amused but didn’t make a big deal of it.
If there was one thing the demon was good at it was being so damn awesome you couldn’t help but like her at least a little, even if she had just been pranking you or causing you trouble. Cassie didn’t even flinch as Ana started putting the make-up on, taking note of everything the woman did. “I can pay for it. It just means buying less clothes, I can survive I’m sure.” She offered with a laugh and a grin. Ok so that was debatable, Cassie liked shopping, but she’d make do. It wasn’t like she hadn’t already done enough shopping during the holidays.
---
“You could learn to handle a three against one situation. It’s entirely possible with training.” Ana had never been put in a situation where she had to defend herself from a real threat. Sure, she had been in countless fencing competitions and won a great deal of them, but they were never for survival. Even so, she felt that she could probably handle herself pretty well if she had to fight. There was certainly that cocky side of her personality coming out. And yes, she called Cassie pretty. The girl had a pretty face, but it was nothing to make a big deal. It was a passing comment.
“So you’re saying that you actually want to pay seventy-five dollars for this even though I just offered to give this to you?” She laughed slightly again, amused by her comments. “You should never have to cut back on your clothing expense, honey. It’s not right.” And really, there was no such thing as ‘enough shopping’, at least not for Ana. Once she was done with her forehead, she motioned for Cassie to take the ice pack off so she could start working on her cheek. Dabbing some more base onto the sponge, she began to cover the bruise on her cheekbone. “This isn’t the only thing I’ll be using so just take the stuff when I give it to you, ok?”
---
“I guess I need to keep training then. It’s not quite perfect with Charlie because he won’t really fight back.” She said easily, “but it’s better than nothing, right?” Cassie was extremely grateful to Charlie for even teaching her as much as he had, but she needed someone who would fight back properly to practice completely. She was usually cocky herself, insisting if she was really in trouble she could use her telekinesis to hit someone with something, but she didn’t tend to consciously try it when it really happened to her, even if things did tend to float when she was in danger.
Cassie did flinch a little at her cheek being touched, her forehead had just been from hitting the ground, same as her nose, but her cheek was from a hit so it hurt more. The demon laughed again at Ana’s last words. “Ok then, I’ll stop arguing and just say thank you. I owe you.” Not that she was quite sure what she could do for Ana that someone else couldn’t, but she’d put it out there. “You’re not so bad. I should have spoken to you before now.”
---
“Maybe you should ask the childcare woman then.. Heather, I believe her name is. She doesn’t seem like she’d have a problem fighting back.” Charlie was such a softie when it came to this girl and Ana couldn’t quite understand it. If he wanted her to be safe, he should really teach her to fight, not just go through the motions. But whatever. He had his ways.
Ana stopped for a second when she flinched, but then kept right on without so much as an apology. Cassie knew it was going to hurt no matter what Ana did. Once she was done with the base, she reached back into her case to get a liquid foundation that matched the demon’s complexion. After selecting the correct shade, she grabbed a new makeup sponge and poured a bit of the foundation on before getting to work on blending it on her forehead. Funnily enough, she wasn’t doing this because then Cassie would owe her. Quite frankly, Ana didn’t really know why she was doing this in the first place. Where did this urge to be good and nice come from? It was weird. “I’m more than not bad, honey. I’m fucking fantastic,” she replied with a wink.
Stopping to lean back a bit and look at her forehead, she nodded in acknowledgment to her own work as she began on her cheek. “So you’re going to need two things is you want to keep this covered well. First, that yellow base I used to neutralize the color of the bruise and then foundation to make it all blend in. You can use either liquid or powder, but I think liquid is much better in this case.”
---
“I actually asked her once before, but never got around to setting up times and actually starting. Charlie suggested her the first time I asked if he knew anyone to teach me.” Yes, Ana and Charlie both had the same thought. Scary. “I might have to ask again, and maybe apologise for last time. Thanks.”
She did try and stay still, because Ana was right, Cassie knew it would hurt no matter what. “Funny, so am I. Looks like we’re in the right place and company.” She replied, laughing softly and giving her own wink. She didn’t care where Ana’s urge to be nice came from because she liked her and was just glad of it. Listening to the instructions on how to do this herself she went to nod and then realised that would be a bad idea right now. “Cool. So I can just use normal foundation over it?” Cassie asked, making a mental note she needed to grab some make-up tomorrow anyway to replace what was in the clutch that was stolen.
---
“She seems like she’s willing to take on students. It wouldn’t hurt to ask.” If Ana had known that she and Charlie had had the same thought, she also would’ve thought it a bit scary for her liking.
Ana let out a soft laugh at Cassie’s response. The little demon wasn’t so bad herself. It helped that she had a good sense of humor and not to mention a mischievous side. That seemed to put her in Ana’s good graces which was a rather difficult of a thing to do. “Of course. It doesn’t matter what kind you use. But you can take this one as well.. my skin hasn’t been this shade in a long time.”
---
“It never hurts to ask.” She replied with a smile and then wrinkled her nose, “what am I saying? That’s a lie. You shouldn’t ask if you’re going to do it anyway no matter what the answer because then it makes it easier for them to pin it on you.” Not that she needed to tell Ana that, but Cassie had a habit of talking a lot.
This was going well, not only was she getting help but she was also getting free make-up. The demon really had picked the right person to go to. “Thanks. I can’t imagine you any different than you are now. You and Ava suit the pale look, then again you probably suit everything. Bloody sickening.” She laughed, not holding any resentment towards their looks really of course.
---
Ana just kind of raised an eyebrow at Cassie’s babbling. She had no idea what the demon was talking about, but she wasn’t about to ask. She didn’t really care for her to clarify that much. Seemed like she was talking about getting away with something mischievous which was rather amusing anyway.
Of course she had picked the right person to go to. Ugh, there was that nice stuff coming through again. Seriously, Ana had to get her head checked. Letting out a little laugh of her own, she set down the makeup sponge and regarded the work she had done as she spoke. “How very right you are. I love my complexion now. I was never one for sunbathing much in the first place. Plus, it causes wrinkles... something I don’t have to ever worry about,” she finished with a grin.
Screwing the top back on the foundation, she handed it to Cassie along with the yellow base. “You can use some bronzer or blush too to make it look less even and hide the fact that you’re hiding something even better.”
---
It was usually best not to try and understand Cassie when she was babbling about stuff, but it did make sense this time, and it was about causing trouble as expected. She shut up though when she saw Ana’s reaction and guessed she wasn’t following.
“Wrinkles. Urgh! Thanks for reminding me what I have coming.” She grimaced, pushing her skin around. “At least I have longer than humans before I get any. Maybe I should take a leaf out of your book when I’m older. Stop it dead. Although Charlie thinks it might be dangerous for vamps to feed on me.” She shrugged. “Is mid twenties a good time to stop at?” Her constant talking and questioning could be annoying but it was part of her.
Cassie took the two things and put them away with a nod of thanks. “Bronzer, blusher, got it! I’m going shopping tomorrow anyway to get new mascara, eyeliner etc, so I’ll add it to the list. Thanks sooooooooooo much for doing this. Do I get to be the first person you’ve ever covered bruises on?”
----
Ana just sort of grinned at Cassie’s reaction. At least the girl was amusing. “As long as you’re in control of your abilities and you’re with a capable vampire, it won’t be dangerous. Charlie just worries too damn much,” she replied with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Mid-twenties are a great time to stop. Just look at me... I’m going to look this amazing forever. I don’t think that’s bad at all.”
“It’s fine, don’t worry about it,” she said in response to her thanks. It was weird hearing this thank you thing. “And no, you’re actually not the first person I’ve covered bruises on.. I’ve gotten a little carried away with a few of my donors sometimes..” And why was she sharing this with Cassie? Ana really wasn’t liking this side of herself.
---
A wicked smile crossed her face as Ana said it would be ok. “Let me know if you ever want to try then.” She winked, before stretching. “Do you think you’ll ever make a vampire? Unrelated to my earlier question by the way.” Since she suddenly realised it sounded like she was trying to see if there was a chance of Ana making her into one, which wasn’t her point. “Although looking as good as you forever is tempting.”
“Makes sense.” She decided. “Is bruising a common thing?” Cassie was just curious. “You can tell me to shut up by the way, you didn’t sign up for a million and one questions I know.” Although she didn’t expect even Ana to tell her that, not that she would be upset if she was kicked out. It was hard to insult her.
----
Ana had to laugh at the offer. “I doubt I will, but I’ll let you know if I change my mind.” Cassie was a pretty girl, but she didn’t pique Ana’s interest in that way. At her question though, she shrugged. “I don’t know. I don’t really have a desire to make one right now. Who knows.. I might change my mind sometime down the road.” It had a lot to do with the fact that she’d end up being responsible for this new vampire and in turn, she’d be tied down. That wasn’t something she wanted.
Pausing for a second, she listened as Cassie gave her permission to shut up. But oddly, she didn’t want her to shut up. She actually didn’t mind the questions so much. “It’s common when the donor likes it rough. Some men seem to think they’d be able to stand a chance at overpowering me, but they end up being completely wrong, of course,” she said with a wicked grin.
---
Cassie wasn’t thinking about having to appeal to Ana that way, somewhat naively, but more just thinking of doing it as... well not a friend, but just being nice. It wasn’t that she didn’t know it could be sexual, just didn’t put things together that way, so she just nodded and grinned at Ana’s brush off and went on to the next thing. “It’s not like you don’t have time, right?” She shrugged. “Besides, you should wait for some really hot guy before committing.” Wisdom as an 18 year old sees it.
“See that would frustrate me, I like it rough and knowing I’m actually able to get out of almost anything they do would just ruin it.” Not that Ana really needed to hear that, or it had much to do with anything, but that was Cassie for you. “Which way do you prefer it? Playing games? Sensual? Sexual? Rough?” There would always be more questions.
---
The relationship between a sire and their childe didn’t necessarily have to be sexual, but there were going to be moments where those cravings were going to overcome the childe. Ana certainly had that with Saul, but she knew it was also possible to just do it to be nice. Maybe you could call what Saul had done for her and Ava as nice, but Ana wouldn’t want to describe it that way. Once Cassie said the word ‘committing’, Ana’s expression quickly became serious. She did not like that word at all. Ana merely grumbled in response, turning to reorganize her case.
Ana just kind of arched an eyebrow once Cassie starting talking about her preference. She definitely didn’t care to hear that. And then there she was asking about Ana’s own preferences. Really? Did the girl think they were best friends now that she had helped her cover a few bruises? How amusing. “It depends on my mood,” she answered simply, hoping that would be enough of an answer to satisfy her.
---
Cassie could take a hint and decided to leave the subject of sire and childe alone. She should have thought about the effect the mention of committing would have on Ana, she took after her twin. When her next subject bombed as well she decided to leave it where they were. Stretching she sighed and looked at her phone. “I should probably be heading back to the hotel..... Thanks for the help, I owe you.” She repeated, standing up.
---
Ana took after her twin sometimes, but not in the committing department. It seemed Ava was perfectly alright with settling down and committing to Charlie, but Ana was fighting against everything that came anywhere near that. She refused to fall victim to something like commitment. That just wasn’t who she was.
Closing her case, Ana nodded, rising shortly after Cassie did. “It’s fine,” she replied, waving a hand dismissively. “Just remember what I told you about applying makeup and you’ll be fine.” She crossed the living room into the main foyer and stopped to open the front door. “And I won’t tell Charlie or Ava about this. Your secret’s safe.”
---
Anyone could see that Charlie was the exception, not the rule with Ava though. Still, Ana was indeed different from her sister now when it came to that, but maybe not as different as it may appear. Who knew if the younger twin would fall as well, despite her objections.
“I will.” She replied with a smile as they headed for the door, nodding at the promise Ana gave her. “I think maybe you’re not as mean as you make out.” Cassie said, her parting shot as she left, not giving Ana time to object. Well, at least it wasn’t another thank you.