[Open Post] Where the Streets Have No Name

[lesandra]

Hey! Let's do a thing.

Throw up a starter, or let me know who you want and I will throw up a starter. Any of my muses are fair game. Lemme know who you want!

Comments

[lockanthrope]

It's been months since Tyler has seen Mystic Falls. He's been traveling from one city to the next, one state after another, trying to find other packs to warn them. Most of it is wild goose chases, being sent from one town to another and finding the packs he's looking for are gone, or moved, or no one has ever heard of them.

The gone ones are the worst, the most worrisome. Had they heard and they were hiding, or had he gotten to them and they fought? He used them and destroyed them? God he hopes not. It's all he can do though, is hope and do the best he can.

Northern California made him feel just about as far from home as he could get. He hadn't counted on ending up this far but he just kept driving from one state to the next and now he's here.

And he's facing a garage. Well then. He can work with that while he tastes things out. Parking the BMW out front, he heads inside, pausing in the dark to let his eyes acclimate.

"Hello? Anyone here?"

[lesandra]

It was a slow day at the Perez & Camerino Auto & Detailing shop. Slow enough that only two of the crew were actually there that late afternoon. Ricky Camerino who was in the office working on some paperwork (that he'd pushed off long enough) and Les Morgan who was in the garage sanding and prepping a car to be painted while keeping a very good ear out for the phones and the door.

As far as packs went, their family kept their werewolf business as far down on the down low as they could possibly make it. They were well known in human circles because they held weekly races on their land but they tried to stay clear of any other packs or supernatural business.

Les heard the bell ring from the front and sat the sander down before making her way toward the front lobby. She tugged the gloves off as she walked through and took a look at the other man, sensing exactly what he was. "Can I help you," she asked, walking toward the desk and studying the man silently.

[lockanthrope]

Standing inside the door longer than he needs as if he needs to adjust more, as if his eyes didn't catch up quickly but it lets him breathe, lets him assess the situation. Lets him scent out how many are there and what he's facing.

Anyone else would see a beautiful woman and be unaware of the man in the office. Of the beautiful werewolf before him. Well then. He wasn't led wrong.

"I'm sorry to bother you, I'm Tyler Lockwood," he says, getting out his wallet and pulling out a business card he had made for this purpose. He doesn't try and shake her hand, instead sliding the card over the counter towards her. It would show true information she could confirm about him. The human side of being a Lockwood. Not to mention if other packs had mentioned him.

"I've kind of been driving all over the country and now my car's giving me a weird knocking. I was hoping to have someone take a look at it?"

[lesandra]

Les picked up the business card from the counter and studied it silently before raising her gaze back to this Tyler Lockwood. He was attractive but she was not going to even touch that one right now. It would only take a second before Ricky would come out of the office. Just as she thought, Les turned her attention to the hall that lead to the offices and the breakroom/locker room.

"Les, pull his car into one of the empty spots," Ricky Camerino said, walking into the lobby then around the desk. The moment the other werewolf stepped foot into the shop, he had scented the other wolf and shot off a quick text to Don, their alpha as a quick heads up. As beta, he could handle it but it wouldn't hurt. On the one hand, he was glad to get out of paperwork (again) but on the other hand, if a new werewolf was in the area and found them, then they had a different problem. He kept his gaze on the werewolf before glancing at Les.

Les handed over the business card. "Tyler Lockwood, Ricky Camerino... Ricky, this is Tyler," she said, though honestly, she didn't have to for Ricky's sake; he'd have heard the entire exchange anyway. She turned to the other wolf and held out a hand for his keys. "Keys?"

[lockanthrope]

He knew the other wolf was there, but he acts normal, looking up as he came in even though a moment before he was watching the woman in front of him. Smiling though at that comment, sliding the key across the counter just as he had done the card. Making an effort not to touch her, not to get that close and risk either of them thinking he was making a dangerous move.

He knew what she would find on the seat. Paperwork about his travels. Information about Mystic Falls. Leaving openings so they would know why he was there, and things they could check on.

"Ricky, the pleasure is mine. I'm glad I found a place that might be able to help. Just as I hope I can help as well," he says, very carefully wording it. "And thank you for letting me interrupt. I promise, I'm not here to cause any trouble."

[lesandra]

She picked up the keys and left them to it, walking into the garage and opening one of the bay doors. When she was a teenager, she'd have rolled her eyes at Ricky's reaction. Les knew that he'd have sent Don a text before even coming into the lobby so she would be curious if the older wolf came back down to the shop or if he let Ricky handle it. She slipped into the driver's seat of Tyler's car and took a look at the paperwork covering the passenger's seat.

Obviously he'd left it out for them to see and so she took a moment to review it before turning the car on and driving into one of the empty stalls then parking. Well, this was sure going to be interesting. She memorized the name Mystic Falls so they could do some research later. She turned the car off, popped the hood then started to give it a check over. Regardless if it was knocking or not, after driving across country, it could probably have a look over.

Ricky watched her go out of the corner of his eye, not wanting to take his eyes off the other wolf standing there. "What can we help you with, Tyler," he asked, knowing the car was only a front for likely a more serious issue. It was the first time in a long time that another wolf from another pack had found them or came to them.

[lockanthrope]

Tyler knows the chances he's taking. Every time he goes into a new territory, every time he risks going face to face with another pack, he knows there a chance they will turn on him. He's likely to win, if only because he's a hybrid, but in the end it's a chance he has to take

For the sake of every pack he comes face to face with. They need the warning. So far it's been helpful to those packs and there's a chance he'll be able to help this one as well. He hopes.

"I swear, I'm not here to hurt anyone. I'm actually here to help. If you talk to Winston with the Appalachian group." Group not pack. He's being so careful. "He'll tell you I'm not here to hurt anyone." He doesn't question if Ricky is the one he's supposed to talk to or not. He's doing the best he can. "Have you ever heard of the Mikaelsons?"

[artfulforger]

None of this makes sense and yet it makes perfect sense. It's been years since Mal died, and yet how many lives had she touched? Is it possible that she somehow sent this woman to them here and now?

After discussion, they knew it wasn't safe to go together. If it was a set up, they could only afford to let one of them be captured and so Eames had convinced Arthur to stay with Peter in Northern California and he boarded a plane.

He'd chosen the bridge because it had crowds and it had all manners of egress and he knew it would mean he could get away. Even if it made it easier for someone to sneak up on him.

Checking into a hotel, he changed into the outfit he'd told this woman he'd be wearing, grabbed his copy of the Count that he'd had since Mal gave it to him, and headed for the bridge.

[callmeles]

As far as places went for Piper, the Czech Republic didn't hold nearly as memories as other places did. It was nice to come to Prague and enjoy the history, the architecture and the art. That wasn't exactly the goal for this week. No, she was here because she was following up on a lead regarding a first edition book that would prove, if she was able to locate it, very useful.

That was tomorrow though. Today, she was meeting a close friend of Mal's. Mal in of herself, brought back a ton of memories for her and she was sure, or at the very least suspected, that it was even doubly so for the man she was supposed to meet.

Compared to the style of dress he had told her to look out for, Piper's outfit was a little less subdued but no less fashionable for Prague. When needs must, she figured (she had realized early on that sometimes it was useful to dress to impress), and wore some pressed slacks and a red silk top. She held her copy of the Count that Mal had also gifted her as she made her way down the bridge at the appointed time. She kept her eyes peeled for anyone matching the description he'd given her. Not only that but she was also keeping every sense alert for anything out of the ordinary. The last thing she wanted was a fight on a public bridge.

After a few minutes, she spotted the same book she held and the very paisley blazer. Piper made her way over to him. "Long live the Count, Hale," she said, though truthfully on guard for just about anything.

[artfulforger]

Prague held memories, though in this day and age, Eames feels everywhere holds memories. Some good, some bad. Some Seattle. All differing levels of memories, of emotions, of how bad things might be. From meeting Mal, meeting Arthur, to Inception, to Rose Red.

Prague fell somewhere between, though he and Arthur had one of their first jobs together here and he had fond memories of that.

It's those thoughts on his mind as he watches a woman in a red shirt come closer. He sees the book, staring at it. He tells himself anyone could have found out about the book, about Mal, but he doesn't believe that. She'd gotten the book from Mal.

What she wanted from Eames was another story.

"Long live the Count," he says, at least glad he's had time to get himself composed. "There's a cafe two blocks down with outdoor seating. Let me buy you a coffee?"

Of course he has plans to move from this sight now that he's seen her. He's not letting himself be caught here if she had planned an ambush.

[callmeles]

Piper took a moment to assess the other man and sense if anything was awry. There was something there that she couldn't quite put her finger on. He didn't have any magical talents so to speak... yet?

But, there was potential.

Well, that was interesting.

She nodded at the comment about the café. "Perfect. But please, let me buy you a coffee. After all, I'm the one that reached out to you out of the blue like this," she said with a little smile. This conversation would be better to have sitting down anyway. Piper took a moment to wonder how much this man knew about Mal and what she had been able to do and if she was bringing unnecessary drama into his life.

[artfulforger]

While Eames has embraced that the supernatural is real, it's not part of him as far as he knows. He just knows this is life now, and will believe it as much as he had faith in dreamsharing.

It's why he's accepting that maybe this was meant to be. Possible that Mal wanted him to meet this girl. He's not sure he trusts her but he truly does wonder.

Laughing though at her negotiating, spreading his arms wide and inclining his head. "Fine. You can buy me a coffee. They have a great pastry selection too."

He turns, heading that way and keeping a careful pace to let her keep up with him. "You come here often?"

[callmeles]

If there was anything that was remaining at the forefront of her mind, it was that Mal wouldn't have put a spelled letter in a book and lead her astray. What she wasn't as sure about was how much to reveal to him about... well, the things that went bump in the night. Did he know? Was she really the one to tell him?

She felt a grin tug on her mouth at his response and nodded. "Good, I could use a pastry. I've always liked their pastries here," she said, walking along aside him. "No, not as often as other places. I really should return more."

And, if she were the old Piper, she'd definitely want to spend time here soaking up the language and learning everything she could about the Czech language. But if it were the old Piper, she'd have her friends here as well and she wouldn't be in this position. Perhaps one day when their mission was complete. But that was still a ways off and right now, she couldn't let things like that distract her.

"What about you?"

continuing from bakerstreet!

[woocas]

Continued from here!

yeah all good text you later, tater

Well, that went better than he thought! Lucas sits back, laying his phone down on the hotel table and breathes a huge sigh of relief. He might not be in town too long, but he's determined to make the most of it, and hopefully for the time lost between them.

The next day and a half passes at a neck-breaking pace, as all overnight investigations tend to do. He barely has time to eek out another quick text or two, a few pictures from the building the team is looking into while giddy, nervous, energy builds. Since graduating high school their paths have diverged only to wind back together now.

hey what's a good place for coffee? you free soon? He shoots off the text as even approaches and promptly paces the hotel room while he waits for a reply.

googling places is my favorite thing. :)

[lesandra]

Les was glad that he was in town for a little bit and they'd get a chance to hang out again. She had missed her friend over the years. By the time their meeting time came up, she'd rolled her eyes at the teasing from Abby and the over protective comments from the guys at the shop - especially Don and Ricky.

"Alright, guys. I'm out. Heading home for a quick shower. I'll call you later," she called, heading out of the shop when she receives the text.

Yeah, I'm heading home to shower and then I'll be free. You know, I know it's a little further away but there's a great place called Roy's Station & Coffee and Tea in Japantown in San Jose.

They have great pastries. I can meet you at your hotel and we can drive out together?

Yay discovering places!

[woocas]

man that sounds great! my treat ok?

Tacking on the address for the hotel to his text, Lucas sits on the end of the mattress, glancing at his phone before flopping back against the bed with a heavy sigh. The past few days sure have been a wild ride and a breather is definitely in order.

By the time Les arrives, Lucas is outside in the parking lot with a bag slung over one shoulder and sticking his thumb out like he's trying to hitchhike when he spots her car. When she rolls up, he's all smiles, and maybe there's a flutter or two in chest. Only from excitement, of course...

"Hey, going my way?"

[lesandra]

Won't say no to that!

It was probably thirty-forty minutes later before she pulled into the parking lot of his hotel and grinned when she spotted him. She stopped and hit the unlock button.

"Hmmm, I could be," she teased. "Get in Casper, we're going on an adventure."

Truth be told, she was a little anxious and also a bit excited to reconnect with her old friend. She wasn't really sure where it would lead but at the very least, it'd be nice to be talking again.

[woocas]

"Oh man," Lucas slides easily into the passenger seat, clicking his belt on and leaning back into the seat with an amused laugh. "Casper...it's been a few years since I've heard that."

No one at the Academy gave him a nickname, but maybe that was for the best.

"So how is big city life really treating you?" It sounded as if her job was taking off, which was good to hear!, but their hometown hadn't been nearly as bustling. Not out in the sticks either, but nothing like this.

[lesandra]

"Well, considering I'm one of the only people to call you that...," she trailed off, sending him what she hoped came across as a teasing look. She started to drive again, pulling out of the parking lot of the hotel and hitting the road.

Les glanced over at him. "It's going really well. Don and Ricky's shop is growing in popularity, we've met some great new friends and we're starting to get a name for ourselves in the racing community in town. So it's been really exciting to see it coming together. The city is huge but we're enjoying it. Definitely a huge adjustment."

She focused on the road a bit before glancing at Lucas. "How about you though? The Academy treated you well? And you're happy with what you're doing?"

For Lesandra

[divaoftime]

Maybe it's a petty use for her powers --okay, fine, it is-- but that's not going to stop her doing it. She wants to see the face of the bitch who had the nerve to buy up the very last stick of her favorite lipstick from Sephora. It's a very specific shade of Fuscia and it should have been Piper's!

She lady at the shop said it had only sold ten minutes or so ago, that's not even that far into the past. It will be easy to pick up the trail. She will hunt it down and steal it back!

Piper sits herself behind a tree in the nearby park. With her back up against the rough bark. It will appear to anyone passing by as if she's just taking a quick nap. But, though her eyes are closed, she is not sleeping.

With a whisper of will, her spirit steps out of her body and into the past. About nine minutes ago. She is still next to the tree, but her body is no longer visible. Time is playing out just as it did. Just as it must and will. Piper, unseen by all (or so she thinks) makes her way back to the Sephora.

She is immaterial, incorporeal. So, when she gets to the door of the shop, she doesn't even slow down. She keeps walking right through the closed doors as if she were a ghost.

[callmeles]

Alessandra De Luca, or Piper Allison as she was once (and still) known as, couldn't remember the last time she'd actually been to Sephora. These days, it wasn't exactly a place she regularly frequented since the last thing she was really focused on was makeup or skincare. Still, she'd a little time to waste before she met a contact down the street about a particular grimoire she'd had her sights on.

Les was looking at the different perfume options when she could sense something that wasn't there before. She lifted her head from a bottle of Versace perfume when she noticed a young woman walking straight through the doors of Sephora. Not opening them, as you do, but straight through them like a ghost would. Only, she didn't sense this young woman was a ghost. She was much more focused than your normal spirit.

Well, that's fun.

She'd wait to see what the other girl did before making a move. Just because she had once been some sort of "chosen one" with Jordan, didn't mean she needed to make everyone's problems her own. Not when she had bigger fish to fry these days.

Les tucked a package of the perfume into her basket before drifting toward the makeup section, only looking and not intending to buy anything at all. Which lead her closer to the young woman who'd entered the store. She tried to get a sense of exactly what she was - perhaps some form of astral projection? It wouldn't be the first time she'd seen something like it - it has been a while though.

[divaoftime]

Piper went straight for the lipstick display with her arms stiff at her sides. She didn't bother walking around the displays either; she went right through. She was a woman on a mission.

Once she got to the display containing her trademark shade, she stopped to look it over. Yes, it was still there. the very last one. So, now all she had to do was wait. She crossed her arms over her chest and stood there impatiently tapping one finger against her forearm.

"God, hurry up you bitch, and show yourself."

[callmeles]

Les took a minute to check out a few different eyeshadow palettes while keeping an eye on the young woman standing near the lipstick display. She truly couldn't help the snort of amusement at the girl's words. "All this work for.. a lipstick," she asked, glancing over at her. Truthfully, she likely wouldn't have made it her business or even commented but she was amused. Les also likely realized that if anyone overheard her, would just think she was talking to herself since she doubted anyone else could see the young woman.

Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw an older woman with greying hair and a very bright outfit approach the display case. Her face was powdered white and she already wore a very bright shade of fuchsia lipstick. Really, Les had to give it to the older woman - it was bold.

[Sorry, I couldn't help myself! LOL]

[divaoftime]

"Huh?"

That's funny. The woman nearby just said something about lipsticks. Weird. Piper glanced over and realized... the woman was looking right at her. Uh.

What?

Just then, the lipstick thief approached. Piper's attention was split now between these two concerns. Her quarry was here. The woman very clearly was a frequent user of Piper's signature shade. Now Piper was starting to wonder if she wanted to share that dubious honor with this eccentric old hag.

"Ugh, I wear it so much better than she does," Piper said, intending the comment to be just to herself, before remembering that there was just the slightest possibility that someone else here might be hearing this.

Okay, time to put that theory to bed. She stomped over to the eyeshadow section and squared up with the woman there. "Can you see me right now?"

[It's great!]

[callmeles]

Truth be told, the older woman was an inspiration. You could be fabulous an eccentric at any age. Even before things went to hell in a hand basket, Les hadn't been a makeup girl. She took care of her skin and maybe wore mascara and lip gloss but that was about it. Still, she had always admired those who did and wore the bright makeup.

Well, if she had questioned it before, Les was doubly sure that this other woman was not a spirit. At the comment about wearing it better than the older woman, Les shrugged a shoulder. "It fits you both," she mused, setting aside the palette she held in her hands.

Les arched an eyebrow at the stomping and the direct approach. She glanced around the shop and was thankful no one was looking at her strangely... yet. "Yes, I can. Are you astral projecting? Because, you're clearly not a spirit..."