fionaxsharpe

[fionaxsharpe]

The moment Deirdre agreed to meet outside, Fiona nodded and turned on her heel to make her way back out through the large automatic doors leading to the hospital's parking lot. Pulling her phone from her back pocket she scrolled her newsfeed while she walked brusquely between the cars until she reached her sister's. Leaning against the driver's side Fiona pulled her cigarette case from her purse, undoing the clutch to pull out one of the sticks and a lighter.

Having lost track of time, Deirdre's voice nearly startled Fiona, tough she kept her demeanor calm as she inhaled the last hit of her cigarette. Bending, she dragged the lit end across the pavement to put it out before tucking the butt into a pack she kept in her bag.

"Rosens sounds fine, they've got good wings." Fiona agreed, making her way around the front of her sister's car to take her place on the passenger's side. "And, I could go for a drink, or twelve. How was your night? Seems like its been chaotic." She commented, sliding into her seat once the door was unlocked.

Deidre sighed. Arguing about her sister's tobacco use was unlikely to make any real difference, she knew. Fiona would only quit if and when she was ready. But it still hurt Deidre's heart to think of Fiona inhaling poison into her lungs. She had to fight the urge to lecture her little sister almost every time. "Sure, I'll meet you by the car."

Those fifteen minutes seemed to drag on for hours, but eventually, it was time to clock out. Deidre raced to collect her belongings. She approached Fiona, who was mercifully finishing her cigarette.

"What about Rosen's bar?" Deirdre called out. "I could go for some fish n chips honestly."

[fionaxsharpe]

While physical affection wasn't something Fiona herself offered quite so readily, especially since the loss of her fiancee. Even so, it was something she desperately needed. Leaning into her brother, she took a long, deep breath, doing her best to hold herself together.

The sigh Declan gave didn't escape Fiona's notice, though she didn't draw attention. While her brother had allowed her to remain aloof about the topic at hand this time, it wasn't lost on her that her half-answers and attempts at misdirection wouldn't continue to placate him, or the others, for much longer. Tucking the thought away, she tipped her head up to study Declan's face as he spoke. "She must be a long-lost Sharpe." She teased, suppressing a small laugh, which she let out at her brother's comment about his academic record. "Don't downplay yourself....It wasn't all bad." Nodding, Fiona's eyes fell as she gave a half-hearted shrug. "Yeah, I get it. You're not wrong. I guess the best time to look for a date isn't just after disappearances." Glancing back at her brother, she added, "If she doesn't like you, Dec, she's a fool."

Despite being an open book, Declan still had his secrets. Every family did and when Fiona moved to hug Declan. Declan hugged her close. He loved his sisters, he would die for his sisters. That he knew. He kissed the top of her head, just wanting them both to feel safe for a moment.

He nodded. "We always think of something." He sighed knowing that was true. Although Declan was beginning to become tired always being the one to listen to the pack and the council. He laughed, shaking his head. "No... relax. I just... have this way of getting under this one girl's skin." he thought back to the vampire in the woods. "I don't know maybe she's seen my school reports." He joked again, covering his true feelings. "Of course i want to be liked. I'm a man... and i like women." he laughed scratching the back of his head. "It's all just a bit of a weird time right now, isn't it?"

[fionaxsharpe]

Fiona listened while Alex spoke, nodding along as she processed what he was saying. It was obvious he was sharing something with her that wasn't entirely enjoyable for him, and that was a fact she appreciated. Outside of her family and her pack, there were few people she had connections with despite how social of a nature she had. "It won't ever stop surprising me, I don't think; the fact that people have such a tendency to expect things from others they can't expect of themselves." She let the thought hang between them for a moment. "I can understand that too." Fiona admitted, her tone heavy. "All of it. It's...It can get to be a lot. And no matter how much you were able to ignore it n the past, once you really notice it...It's like you can't stop." Within her own mind, she wasn't certain she was making much sense. Really, she just found it beneficial to get a bit of her emotion out. "I...." As the pair took their seats in one of the bar's outlying booths, Fiona slipped the jacket from her arms to make herself more comfortable. Studying the table they'd been placed at, she took in a deep breath, unable to meet Alex's eyes. "I...Lost someone." While she felt as though she should say more, more simply didn't come in the moment. Virginia's accident had happened just outside of town, and had made the news headlines for weeks after. Fiona wasn't certain if Alex was aware of the connection, though knowing Holloway and the speed at which gossip traveled around town, she wouldn't have been surprised if he did. Just as she collected herself to say more their server arrived. Immediately, Fiona ordered two shots of tequila and a beer. Between the conversation up to this point and what she'd just heard Alex say, she found herself preparing for a long night. "What now?" Fiona asked, hoping the surprise in her voice sounded authentic. "Macabre interests aside, what prompted that theory?"

Alex was glad when he moved to Holloway. It was a new start for him and he enjoyed being in the town that his grandmother had loved so much. He had friends and people who knew him as Alex. His friends were important to him and he cared about the girl. He hoped she knew that. "I really do think people think that. I'm this easy going guy and nothing gets me down," he laughed at himself. "I try my best to be a good person. I like to help people. I don't like to let anyone down," he struggled. "I just... yeah. I spent so long pretending. For me personally... I think it got harder," he said simply, he didn't need to get into his past and he didn't want to. "Sometimes, that is okay. You just... even ramble it all out. It's okay not to always know everything," he offered with a smile. "My theories. Well, I am the guy who has played a lot of video games, read a lot of comics and plays DnD... I have so many ideas in my head. I'm just for the first time wondering... if magical and supernatural beings could be real."

[fionaxsharpe]

Thinking back over the years she had actually known Alex, Fiona willed herself to relax a bit further. While they certainly hadn't ever been the best of friends, they'd both grown up in Holloway, and she couldn't ever recall any immediate scandal or any part of the drama mill directly involving Alex. It was comforting, too, to know that in some small way, there was someone other than her family with even a modicum of concern for her. "It's funny, I think people really do think that." She added, expanding on his commentary on how others seemed to perceive him. "I've never heard anything but good about you, Alex. I know that comes with a certain set of expectations, though." The conversation brought personal reflection of her own, about the parallels between how people saw him, and how people saw her. The difference was, in Fiona's case, there definitely was no hiding how not-okay she was. "I hear it gets easier, though. Pretending. It sounds like you disagree with that, though." The offer came and Fiona couldn't stop the sudden intake of breath. "Talking...That's a thought. I'm not sure I'd know what to say." She admitted, partially under her breath. When the conversation turned back to Alex, Fiona glanced over at him, nodding her understanding. "Yeah, i know what you mean. Holloway hasn't ever been the picture of a normal town, but this is...A lot. Any theories you' be willing to share?" She asked, realizing that they'd finally made it to their destination. Stepping up to the door, Fiona gave the handle a tug, stepping back to allow her companion entry first.

Alex was kind in nature and he couldn't help but want to make the girl feel better. He glanced to her on and off as they walked, hoping she was okay. He hadn't meant to make her nervous or anything. He'd truly just wanted to comfort his friend and Alex was an affectionate person. "It is okay not to feel okay. No one is all of the time. Not even me and people seem to think I'm happy go lucky Alex," he laughed slightly at himself. Though he could see she was maybe lost in her own thoughts. "And it's okay to admit that. Believe me, I know life can be tough sometimes. If you need to talk... or not?" he gave her a sad smile. "I mean, after all, you have given me the title of angel now. Me? I'm just, in this weird place. Of what the hell is happening in this town right now."

[fionaxsharpe]

Fiona chuckled softly as she raised her eyebrows, taking in the sight of her older sister. Growing up, she had always admired a great many things about Deirdre, things that she herself seemed to be so severely lacking. There was a time she would have balked at the thought that her sister ever experienced a day that was anything other than perfect. And yet, here they were. "No worries, I get it." She replied, nodding her reassurance.

"Fifteen?" Fiona half-repeated, half-questioned with a glance at her watch. "Sure I've got time. But..." Glancing around once more, she turned slowly back to her sister. "If it's all the same to you, I'll wait outside. I could use a smoke anyway. Meet you by your car?"

"Oh Fiona I'm so sorry- today has been crazy like you wouldn't believe. I think my mind has just finally given up." Deirdre visibly brightened with her sister's presence. There was something comforting in having the Sharpe girls together again.

"My shift is officially over in fifteen, so if you don't mind hanging around we can go for dinner or drinks or both if you're down." Deirdre continued. "I feel like it's been forever."

[fionaxsharpe]

The longer the pair walked, and talked, the more at ease Fiona felt. It was impossible for her to let he guard down entirely, however it wasn't lost on her that company and interaction, while both things she avoided, were apparently things even she needed to feel just a bit more balanced. The tension that overtook Alex's form when she moved stirred something within Fiona she could only akin to concern, for both the man's feelings, and the fact that she truly hadn't meant to come across so cold. Sure, it was practically her aesthetic these days, but that didn't mean she should take that out on Alex, someone who had stopped his night to entertain her when she really needed it- even if that fact was one she couldn't admit to anyone. "I- I know. It's not cliche. I've heard it a lot but that doesn't make it cliche, just true." Taking in a breath, Fiona allowed her eyes to drift closed momentarily. "Life is just...Things are tough, sometimes." She replied, almost as though she were testing the waters. "Good, you should take it, it's the truth. I wouldn't want to fight you for disagreeing, but would, if the need be." Casting a glance at the other, she offered the smallest of smiles. "So, Alex. Tell me about yourself. Anything. I'm all ears."

"Okay, good," he replied, giving the girl a small smile. He really didn't mean to upset or offend her, he really did want to help. "Exactly, and you don't have to. It's okay not to be okay. As cliche as that saying sounds. You don't need to act chipper all the time if you're not," he said, using her words. Alex felt her move and quickly moved his hand back to his side. He suddenly felt a little embarrassed but he tried his best not to show it. He'd only been trying to comfort her. "Okay good, cool," he repeated, focussing on the walk for a moment. "I will definitely take angel, high praise. And it sounds like you need this night."

[fionaxsharpe]

The hospital really wasn't the place Fiona wanted to be in- not that anyone really did, she thought, but that didn't make the significance it held any easier to stomach. Still, she found herself passing the building on her way home from work, and as she did it dawned on her just how long it had been since she'd see her older sister.

Fiona spotted Deirdre almost immediately, and made her way over to her sister, ready to greet her. It was obvious, however, that her sister was flustered when she looked up, for a moment perhaps not even registering who Fiona was. "Well, that's a fine how-do-you-do after not seeing each other for a couple of days." She teased. "I'd say I'm visiting someone- you." Glancing around, Fiona wrapped her arms around herself. "What time do you get out of here?"

open starter

@hollowstarters

location: the Holloway clinic

time: late evening

It had been a long day in the emergency department and Deirdre felt like she was dead on her feet. She nursed her coffee that had long since gone cold as she took a brief glance around the waiting room.

When her gaze returned to her computer, she was startled to find someone standing at it. Deirdre put a hand over her heart as if she could will it to slow down. “Oh my goodness, I didn’t see you there. How can I help? Are you here to be seen or visiting someone?”

[fionaxsharpe]

Looking up into her big brother's eyes, Fiona took in his expression- despite the uncertainty behind his eyes, the fear, he still put forth an effort to comfort her. Stepping towards him a bit, Fiona moved to wrap an arm around Declan's waist in a quick hug.

Rolling her eyes, Fiona outright laughed at her brother's questions. "Believe you me, that was one of the first questions brought up. We'll come up with something, I'm sure. What that is, I haven't the first clue." Her laughter dissipated into a look of confusion, tinted with shock, at Declan's description. "Only a few...Want to...Okay, so, should I also institute a protective detail for you?" She asked, her teeth immediately worrying her lower lip as her wheels began spinning. "Well, if that's her problem, she obviously can't comprehend your intelligence." Realizing how crass that may have come off, she backtracked. "Did you want her to like you, Dec? Talk to me, please."

Declan tried to give a comforting smile, but in times like this... he found it difficult. He worried constantly for himself and for his sisters.

He chuckled as she spoke. "How is the curfew even going to work on a full moon? Do you think i could just ask the mr nice wolf side of me if he could stay in at 10pm." he joked, again smiling. "Maybe he'll decide to give himself some warm milk and go to bed." this time he smiled as he spoke. "Oh... i mean... only a few of them want to kill me and one of them i am not sure even likes me very much. I have this weird feeling that i might talk too much."

[fionaxsharpe]

"Hey, I get it." Fiona replied with a shake of her head. "It's all good. You aren't wrong. It's not like I put forth an immense effort to seem chipper." Shrugging, she glanced back at her feet. Fiona knew all too well that what Alex said was true, and it left her a bit off-kilter. It wasn't often she met someone who understood. Alex touched her arm and Fiona all but jumped, no longer used to any form of contact. She hoped he wouldn't notice, even though she doubted it. "I'm not offended or upset, not at all. I'm just..." Shrugging again, Fiona brought her eyes up to meet his. "Sounds good. Im looking forward to it honestly." She added as they began walking. "I don't think I've had a night including both those and company n some time. You must be an angel."

Alex didn't want to pry and he didn't want to offend her. He smiled quickly, not wanting to upset the girl. That would never be his intention. He just wanted to help, he wanted her to be okay. "I speak my mind, I don't mean it badly. I can just tell you have things on your mind?" he asked gently. "I won't go into my past but from experience, things sometimes don't just correct themselves," he said, touching her arm just slightly. "But yeah, no need to get into that right now. I really don't mean to offend or upset you in anyway. We could do those plans for sure. Netflix will be there tomorrow. Come on, pizza and drinks."

[fionaxsharpe]

The seriousness with which Declan looked at her sent a chill down Fiona's spine- it wasn't an expression her older brother donned often, and something about it managed to unsettle her even more than she already was. Though, the care and concern behind his next words quickly broke through the feeling, replacing the chill with a comforting warmth.

Rolling her eyes at Declan's attempt at a joke, Fiona pushed her brother playfully on the shoulder with a light chuckle. "Glad we're on the same page." Her soft smile remained as he updated he on all she seemed to have missed, no matter how much she tried to be around for as much as possible. "Yeah, that's no one's favorite. It's bad enough having the human police instituting rules that directly affect us in that way, but the reason behind it..." Her voice trailed as she shook her head. Still, when Declan mentioned having met women, Fiona couldn't help but to arch an eyebrow. "Is that so? Do tell- now I'm curious."

Declan's eyes looked at her sister, for once deadly serious. He often hid his anxiety behind his clumsiness and foolery, but he didn't want to. He wanted his sister to know he was there for her. No matter what. He didn't want her to carry this alone. "You must." he replied firmly, this time reaching out to try to comfort her. He knew everything she had been through... he knew it was a lot for anyone. And now to be dealing with this.

"That's how you've always carried me." he joked, his usual grin returning to lighten the moment. "everything is... i think everything is fine. Things have been weird with the woods being off limits and the curfews. But hey... i think i've met some interesting people." he chuckled. "Some interesting women. That's for sure."

[fionaxsharpe]

There were many 'gifts' that came along with being a wolf, one of which was the fact that Fiona's senses were consistently in overdrive. Therefore, it didn't escape her notice that Alex seemed to be studying her. Normally, that wouldn't bother her a bit, but something about tonight, compounded by all that had happened in town, left her feeling a bit shaken, something she only hoped wasn't outwardly apparent. Fiona shook her head at both the question and Alex's apology. "Don't worry about it. There are very few topics I consider off-limits. If someone has a question I always prefer they ask. But, in this case, no. I think some part of me keeps hoping it'll just...Correct itself." The realization of how immature the admission sounded washed over her, but she managed to shake that off, too. "Sounds like you and I had some pretty similar plans." Normally, this would be the part where Fiona would find some reason to politely decline the offer, but for reasons unbeknownst to her, she couldn't seem to make the words leave her mouth. "You're right about that...If you're sure you won't be too upset about giving up your Netflix, I wouldn't mind footing the bill for a pizza and some drinks."

Alex found himself watching her, he was an empathetic person and he hoped she was okay. Though he didn't want to pry and he instead smiled, walking beside her. "Hmmm, that still sounds sucky, getting used to that. I am sorry. Have you been to see a doctor or something?" He paused. "I am sorry if that is too private." His eyes glanced over her face. "You wouldn't be keeping me from much, I live alone. I was literally going to get pizza and watch some Netflix," he laughed. "You can show me your favourite bar... though Holloway doesn't have the biggest selection."

[fionaxsharpe]

Despite any stigmas that may or may not have existed societally, Fiona had always loved her family, and her brother, for exactly who they were. Since they were young, she'd known her elder brother was a bit anxious- something she'd worked over the years to assure him wasn't necessary, especially in her presence. Even before the incident, Fiona had been headstrong, confident, and not one to back down...From anything. Of course, Declan's questions continued; really, Fiona couldn't blame him. She couldn't blame any of them, really. Something was happening, and they all knew it. Still, panic wasn't an emotion she wished to incite, or did the Pack Leader. "I must, must I?" She replied smoothly, despite the slight twitch at the corner of her left eye. Declan's admission of concern wasn't an odd one, though it was one of the few sentiments capable of breaching the walls she'd built around her heart. "I know, Dec." Fiona replied softly, dipping her head just a bit. "I know. But...It isn't a burden I would wish to place on anyone else. I wish I could say more. I know you want me to. But the truth is, there just isn't much more to say. I have nothing to give you- nothing solid, anyway." Sighing, she ran a hand through her hair. "Besides, you should know by now, I'm great at carrying burdens. It's, like, my favorite pastime. But...Enough of this." She said, waving a hand in the air between them. "What about you? How is...Everything?"

Declan wasn't the manliest of the wolves, nor did he ever pretend to be. it wasn't who he was and it never had been. Plus, he had grown up with sisters he knew exactly where his place in the pack was and it was surely somewhere below them. He nervously looked around, his eyes on the woods. He shook his head, his eyes glancing back to the depths of the woods. "But things are happening to us... it happened again last week. The Stirling boys... just gone. People are disappearing Fi... you must know something about that." He sighed frustrated at the usual answers they always got from the pack. "I am worried about you. That's what i'm worried about. I'm worried about our family. About our safety. You are allowed to share these burdens with us. It's not all on you."

[fionaxsharpe]

Seeing Alex relax further soothed something in Fiona she hadn't even realized had been tensed. Taking a deep breath, she blinked several ties in an attempt to clear her head, and to at least give the appearance of lightening her mood. "I guess so." She replied with a soft, not fully-formed smile. Shrugging, her eyes fell to her feet for a moment as she willed herself to come up with some sort of plausible excuse, something to make the situation sound a little less heavy than what it was. "It's funny, there was a time I might have said the same about myself. Eventually, though, with enough time...You just get used to it, I guess." The question landed for a split-second Fiona's expression faltered. "Unfortunately not. I appreciate the sentiment, though." She added, not wanting to come off as rude. "Would I like a drink? Yes. But, I wouldn't want to keep you from your evening. 'm pretty familiar with where the bars are in town, after all."

Alex let his body language relax, giving the blonde a smile. He'd been paranoid and felt a little silly, though he quickly shook it off. He'd always been pretty easy going. "Imagine things that are not really there?" he asked her with a laugh. He glanced over to the dark street once more before turning back to her. There was nothing there, it had been in his head. "Yeah? That sucks. I like my sleep. I'm grouchy without it. Anything I can help with?" He looked at her. "I was going to head home, though would you like a drink?"

[fionaxsharpe]

The relief on Alex's face didn't escape Fiona's notice, nor did the smile that came across his features at the realization of who he was speaking with settled. The right hand corner of her own mouth turned upward a bit as she offered something resembling a smile. "I get it. It's an easy thing to do. Especially when all the shadows are out to play." She said, eyes flickering to the left briefly as her attention was drawn by a flurry of movement nearby (which, thankfully, proved to simply be a stray leaf). Turning back to the conversation, Fiona shrugged. "As alright as I can be. I guess so, but I don't sleep much." Taking a breath, she added, "Are you heading home, or out for more drinks?"

Alex was aware he was being paranoid. Too many supernatural stories and slightly tipsy, he had let his mind wander. He took a deep breath before letting it out slowly. Doing his best to hold his composure. He was a friendly person by nature and a soft smile quickly spread onto his features as his eyes took in the other. "No, no, I know. Thank you. It was all me," he gave a little laugh. "Honestly, coming out in the dark after a few drinks. My head is making me see things," he laughed at himself once more. "Are you okay? It's pretty late."

[fionaxsharpe]

When Declan smiled Fiona couldn't help but to widen her own. "I'm glad to know you know the score." She said, eyes glittering as she teased. It was important to play up any moment filled with anything other than anything else she found herself feeling on a daily basis. When her brother's words landed she felt the familiar weight of all she knew settle once again on her chest. Fiona's lips hardened into a line, traces of the bit of reprieve she'd allowed herself vanishing. "I didn't call you paranoid." She said after a moment, finally breaking the silence that had settled between them. The call out was not only obvious, but it was fair and spot-on. And, Fiona knew he was aware. Steeling her expression, she turned to face Declan once more. "There's always something to worry about, Declan. If you're paying attention, that is. That's why you can't give shit too much though. I should know. Meaning, you should too." Another pause came, and when Fiona spoke again, her tone was noticeably softer. "I wouldn't let anything happen to you. To any of you."

Declan probably wasn't as well tuned into his wolf side as his siblings, nor was he particularly anything special. But he knew the scent of his sister, they had spent enough time together. It would be concerning if he didn't. He smiled slightly as her arms folded, glancing back over her. "I wouldn't dream of thinking i had any control over you." he retorted, rolling his eyes with a playful smile. "You know exactly what i'm afraid of... you feel it too. The way the air has changed here. The way the woods feels.... different. Don't tell me i'm paranoid. You might be able to hide this from the rest of the pack. but you can't hide it from me. I can see it all over your face." He stood up slightly from the bench. "I'm right aren't i? There is something we should be worrying about?"

[fionaxsharpe]

To say the air had been thick with tension would have been an understatement. Even without her position within the Pack Fiona would have known something was off- she had her wolf senses to thank for that. The addition of her position only served to confirm her suspicions, in the heaviest of ways. Things had been hectic, with an added layer of stress as she worked diligently with the Holloway Pack Leader to keep the sheer shit from the others. They needn't be too alarmed...Not yet. During her walk patrol Fiona spotted her brother, having smelled him before she saw him. She'd been intending to scare him, continuing the game they'd played in childhood into their adulthood. Of course, he sensed her before her plan could come to fruition. Cocking an eyebrow, Fiona crossed her arms ove her chest. "You know, Declan, you are one of the few individuals on this planet with both the audacity and the ability to tell me what to do. I trust you're wise enough to know I likely won't listen, but it's meaningful that you try." Stepping forward, she glanced at her brother. "What are you afraid of, Dec? Meeting the Big, Bad Wolf?" Fiona asked with a dry, obviously sarcastic laugh.

The town had been strange over the last few weeks and Declan had been feeling it. There were new scents, new feelings... something was off. But then he expected the witches would have a handle on that. Or the pack leaders. It wasn't his place to interfere in these things. But he heard the snap of a twig and footsteps approaching and his instincts turned towards the woods. "You know you shouldn't be in these parts." He nodded towards the woodland. "You don't know what's lurking in the darkness."

[fionaxsharpe]

Fiona hadn't been heading anywhere in particular- though it wasn't unusual for her to spend all hours of the night doing just as she was. Sleep wasn't something that had ever come easily to her, though since everything had happened the thought of sleep had become something closer to a fantasy than it ever had been. With so few people out, the movement across the sidewalk caught her attention quickly. Realizing the figure was, in fact, someone she recognized she relaxed. Momentarily she considered going over to say hello, but thought better of it, not trusting her own voice at that precise moment. Though, with nothing better to do and a sudden curiosity, Fiona decided to follow the other for a bit, trying to work up to greeting him. Startling Alex wasn't what Fiona had intended to do, but when the other jumped, she raised her hands coolly. "Woah. Sorry, man. I didn't mean to startle you."

Open to all

Alex had been hanging out with friends at his store and he was heading home pretty late. Before he had even realised, he was walking faster and faster. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being followed. “Being crazy, you’re being crazy, Alex,” he breathed out loud, trying to focus on the music in his headphones. "Stop freaking yourself out." He jumped, seeing a figure but as his eyes adjusted, he realised it was someone familiar. "Fuck."