He’d managed to make it from his apartment in Greenwich Village to Jersey City without incident, as far as he was aware. No one had stopped him, and no one had noticed him, as far as he knew. Still, he found himself stepping out of his car and straightening his clothes with a nervous hand, and glancing around to make sure there was no one about as he made his way up the porch steps to Brandon’s.
Casey raised a hand up, hesitated, then knocked at the door. It took several moments before the door opened. He’d been expecting Emilio, but instead he found himself looking at a petite redheaded woman with bright green eyes, an olive complexion, dressed in casual clothing, and standing a few inches shorter than him.
“Can I help you?” she spoke, her voice carrying a note of authority to it.
“I’m sorry — I’m looking for Brandon.” he said.
“And who might you be?” she asked. Chewing a little on a piece of gum after speaking.
“Casey. He knows me.” he responded.
She looked him up and down a moment before pulling the door open wide before stepping aside, cracking her gum as he walked past. “Brandon’s not quite awake yet, and Emilio is getting thins prepared for when he does wake, to answer your question.” she offered.
“I hadn’t asked a question.” he stated.
“You wanted to.” she countered.
“Touché.” he looked around, then back at her. “Who might you be?”
“Petra. I’m Brandon’s ghoul.” she said, leading him into the living room, where she gestured for him to take a seat before doing so herself.
“Oh. I wasn’t aware he had a ghoul.” he apologized.
“It’s alright.” she said dismissively. She looked him over again, pursuing her lips before smirking. “He usually goes for the pretty ones.”
Casey frowned, looking annoyed. “Is that an insult or a compliment?”
“A fact.” she countered. “Besides, I never said it was a bad thing.”
Casey studied her back, watching her posture and body language, wondering what sort of person she was.
“Do you like him?” she asked after a few moments’ silence.
“I enjoy spending time with him.” he admitted.
“Do yourself a favor — don’t catch feelings.” she warned.
Casey took a moment to study her, to notice her aura, noting the mixture of light blue, pink, blue, and the pale splotches that indicated ghoul.
“Why?” he inquired.
“You’ll only get hurt if you do.” she cautioned.
“Care to explain?” he asked.
“You fall in love. You expect love back.” she hugged herself briefly and looked off in the distance, then focused her attention back at him. “You won’t find it.”
“No offense, but are you sure that’s not just the blood bond talking?” he prodded.
She shook her head. “Brandon doesn’t return affections. Not that I’ve ever seen.”
He opened his mouth to say something, but she cut him off. “Lust is different from love.”
“He’s taken an interest, and put effort into our dates. Has risked himself to come see me. And you say that isn’t some kind of feeling?” he asked incredulously.
She shrugged. “You should ask yourself what he wants. Does he want you for a good time? A long time, or are you just a passing fad? Is he trying to recruit you? Use you?”
“I don’t think he’s using me.” he answered.
“You’re just a Neonate. Don’t presume to know the mind of a Methuselah.” she snapped, narrowing her eyes at him slightly.
“And you’re just a ghoul.” he snapped back.
“Perhaps.” she sighed. “But I’ve centuries more experience than you, so tone it down.”
“Sorry.” he apologized.
“It’s alright. I think I can see why he’s taken with you. For now, anyway.” she sighed.
He frowned. “You’re so sure.” he commented.
“Don’t get me wrong. I hope someday, someone proves to be the exception. Hell, I hope it’s you — I like you better than his ex-wife, that’s for sure.” she said.
“He was married?” Casey asked, startled.
“A business arrangement.” she waved her hand dismissively. “She was a real piece of work. But that’s beside the point.”
As she got up from where she had been sitting to move next to him, Casey tried to process the news. She sat down next to him, and took his hand. “You seem like a decent guy, from things I’ve heard, and things I’ve read. So I like you. Don’t do anything to change that.”
A noise down the hall sounded, and they both looked up. After a moment, she dropped his hand and stood. Looking back down at him, she spoke again. “Don’t forget.”
Casey watched as she walked away, opposite the direction of the noise. A few moments later, Brandon arrived, smiling as he saw Casey. He returned the smile, but he couldn’t get Petra’s words out of his head.
Should he be cautious? Or should he just go for it? Inwardly he sighed before tucking the doubt away. There was nothing wrong with enjoying the time for what it was.