De Soto Pharmacy
Large windows on the front and sides of the building allow outside light to shine upon the grey walls with a festive green horizontal stripe. Two cashier centers have been set up on either side of the entrance, though generally only one is occupied at any given time. Neatly lined rows of shelves comprise the majority of the pharmacy, carrying a vast assortment of over-the-counter medication, herbal remedies, bandaging, greeting cards, junk food; pretty much everything one could expect to find on a pharmacy shelf.
At the very back of the De Soto Pharmacy, is the actual pharmaceutical department. A pharmacist is on duty here twenty-four hours a day, filling out prescriptions.
Stalking is not on the agenda this evening, or any other evening for that matter. He has no idea which human works at which location and so on and so forth. It is with this in mind that the creepy vampire from the other evening steps foot into the pharmacy. The young man looks just as he always would despite the fact that he's tired from being awake for so long already. The intent is to purchase that which he will not have around his maker in order to avoid any incidents like the one that he had with Hope some time ago. Elliott may be a man, yet he is one who still has some principles left.
~*~
Graveyard shifts are no fun. Generally, Alexa is in here by herself, or with one additional clerk until 3:00 AM. That being said, she's not even back at the pharmacy counter. On break, the lab-coated young woman is up at the front talking to Janice, the clerk.
"So it's this really odd occurrence. I don't know how it's possible, and I'm not sure if I fully believe it but we're supposed to be going to look at this old painting at some point in the near future to verify it…"
~*~
Someone is going to look at an old painting. The words are heard yet they aren't fully registered. It is eavesdropping, after all, even if his intent is far from that. No, Elliott continues onward to his destination and eventually spots a small pack of synthetic. It may not be the best solution to his issues but he'd rather be better safe than sorry. It isn't until his approach to the counter that he realizes that there is a familiar face about. He does what he decides is best, which is ignore the recognition unless she says something.
~*~
There is a gum snap, then a pop of a bubble. "So, like, this weird guy that comes in here sometimes says you look like someone dead? Girl, you better watch yourself."
"I am, Janice. I've got one of the guys from the SCA coming with me. I wouldn't go anywhere alone." Alexa has had the fear of God put into her by someone at the Heritage Village. The creepy-stalker-serial-killer guy.
Janice clears her throat, causing Alexa to glance over her shoulder. "Mr. Hartigan." Spotting the synthetic, the color drains from her face. She made the assumption regardless but that's quite a bit different from seeing it up close and personal.
"OoOh girl. You certainly done get yourself in a bit of trouble don't you?"
~*~
It's difficult to not comment on certain things no matter how hard he tries. "I highly doubt that Miss Whyte here is in any danger." This is said with a smooth yet soft voice. A dip of his head is given to Alexa before he looks pointedly at Janice. "She likely is safer than many others, depending on the situation." It isn't intended to bother the unfamiliar woman but it is said all the same. Eventually Elliott shifts his eyes back to Alexa, his expression remaining neutral. "Yet my presence this evening has clearly caused discomfort within you. I sincerely apologize. Had I known prior to my arrival that you were here I likely would have returned at a later time."
~*~
"Safer? How do you figure?" Alexa asks this, quite curiously. Since the man is buying synthetic she's not too worried about becoming part of the menu, but she is rather concerned for why he thinks she's safe. "Discomfort?" Blinking, she gives her head a shake. "It is more just surprise. I had assumed… yet it is far different when I know for a fact… that is to say, you will have to forgive me for my presumptions."
Janice, meanwhile, shakes her head.
~*~
Janice, meanwhile, is ignored. Yes, he does need to complete his purchase and leave but Elliott's attention is fully on this human who has paled so much in his presence. "When one is how I am, they learn to accept certain things. I would not fault you for your response, even if my word has been given. I am well aware of the fact that my word means little at this juncture." There are some things he'd rather not explain to her, especially not in the presence of others. He continues to be still, almost as he was when human even if a little less alive at this point. The clothing worn on this particular July evening allows the very top of his scar to be seen but does well to hide it mostly. "If your death was the intended result of any actions made by the man we discussed previously, quite frankly, you would already be dead. It is my belief that you have nothing immediate to fear from him."
~*~
Janice rings up the order with tight lips and little conversation.
"I do not know why this surprises me so. Considering my meetings with the vampire at the event, and Mr. Grant, I should think I would be used to such things by now." Alexa nervously starts to play with her long hair, fingers running through it as she watches the man. The vampire. "I wish I could be certain of that fact as you are. He unnerves me. That I look like someone long dead, and we're talking centuries, Mr. Hartigan, unnerves me more than a little."
~*~
Money is offered to the woman without a glance. She can take it or not, but the offer is made. His focus is, as was before, on only Alexa. "You stated before that your experiences have given you the ability to be more open things. You may not enjoy the presence of our kind, however. That is to be expected, especially if any encounters leave an improper flavor." Elliott's eyes narrow ever so slightly as he looks her over; his eyes always wandering to only appropriate locations. "I honestly admit that I am uncertain as to who exactly it is that you resemble, Miss Whyte. Although such things are bound to happen. For example, you have pointed out the resemblance I carry to Mister Grant yet I am only twenty two years of age."
~*~
Janice takes the money with a bit of a scoff and offers him back the $3.50 in change.
Alexa exhales a sigh, twisting her hair around and around on her left hand. "Shhh. Let's not talk about my experiences." Janice obviously doesn't know about them as her attention is piqued. "If you would come back to the pharmacy counter I could show you the genealogy charts Mr. Grant had drawn up." She shakes her head. "You look far less like Mr. Grant now that I can see you in proper light. Only the base similarities are there. It would be interesting if you were descended from the same line as well. Something you may want to look into?"
~*~
"Keep it." It's almost a command even though it is made softer than some others would. The change is abandoned. He nearly abandons the synthetic but his intention is to actually leave with it this evening. "You just spoke of encountering my kind multiple times. I merely repeat this." Elliott says this as he offers Janice one last glance. She is then forgotten as he takes Alexa up on her offer. "I will look over what you are willing to share. I'm not certain that tracing my genealogy is logical at this time. Technically speaking I am a descendant of Mister Grant." He is, in a way. The shirt is pulled up slightly to hide his scar completely before he walks back to the pharmacy.
~*~
"Maybe they are drawn to my… er… oddity?" Alexa doesn't want to believe that. Otherwise she would have run into other supernatural creatures before now. It's not as though she hasn't had the poltergeist her entire life. "Technically speaking. You mean you are of his… vampire line? But that doesn't mean you are of his genealogical line. I bet that's worth looking into."
Janice stares at the change, then pockets it. It's not like she can toss it into the till.
Once they reach the counter, Alexa slips under it. Then she goes to locate the folder in her bag, which she returns to Elliott. The chart is fairly extensive going back hundreds of years. When she reaches the line she's from she points out the matriarch, then the matriarch's sister. "This is who I descend from, and this is whom I look like apparently. Your Mr. Grant has been around for a long time if this is truth."
~*~
The chart is studied in silence, as much as he can gleam from it, but the names she indicates are burned into his memory. These names are likely wise to remember if ever there is a need. "I would take Mister Grant at his word, yet that is easy enough for me to say." Elliott speaks while his eyes remain on the chart. "I know little of the specifics and am in no position to share, yet I find that he has little reason to construct such untruths." It is only then that he looks to Alexa. "It should be noted that I will never go against the wishes of Mister Grant, but I feel as if you have no concern there. If you are truly concerned about others of my ilk I can offer some assistance with that."
~*~
"You would take him at his word. Would you be able to say that he will not make a meal of me? Try to drain me dry? He seems to be quite open and honest with what he knows, yet still I put myself at risk dealing with him." Alexa is nothing if not truthful. She has nothing to hide, nor does she wish to hide anything. It seems foolish to want to try to maintain secrecy after telling a man she's haunted. "I have never met that many. Yourself, Mr. Grant, and one who's name I can no longer remember. I have never had a feeling of ill will from any of you but I can't help wanting to be cautious. You speak as though Mr. Grant is your father. That you cannot go against his wishes…"
~*~
He is in no position to explain what he is attempting to say and is fighting a downhill battle. "I am aware that there are those of us who cannot be trusted and do wish to cause harm. It would be foolish for me to deny such things. It is as it is with any living thing, however; there is good and evil in all forms. Despite saying this, I will not hold your distrust against you." As a human he was far too open, perhaps. Elliott considers her words but makes no outward appearance of this. "It is my choice, Miss Whyte. I carry a great respect for Mister Grant. This is how I am able to state that I am certain you are not in any harm."
~*~
There is a great deal weighing on what Mr. Hartigan says. Alexa isn't sure she should believe him, though he says things with such conviction that she really should. Still something niggles at the back of her mind. "In your most honest opinion, why do you think it should matter to so many that I resemble a woman dead for so many centuries? It seems odd, doesn't it? As though there is something lingering there? That is perhaps why I fear so much for my life at the moment." She sighs, touching the papers. "If it were just a passing thing, it would not matter. But at least three people have pointed out this likeness to me and it has me worried."
~*~
The question brings him pause as he considers it all. Elliott keeps his eyes on Alexa, as if looking straight through her into her soul. "There could be multiple reasons for it, if I am to be honest." He really is in no position to theorize. "It could be that you resemble a great woman that was to be feared during those times. It also could be that you resemble a woman that Mister Grant was in love with. Without knowing more I fear I can't give you one solid reason as to why it is so important. Although I am certain that if it were something that were to cause him to seek your death, he would not be speaking with you as he is." The man does seem confident, if nothing else. "Sadly I am new to this world so I know nothing of this particular situation. I can say that my resemblance to Mister Grant was noted even while I was human. The outcome was not unpleasant for me."
~*~
"In love with?" Alexa blinks several times rapidly. A faint blush seen before she brushes that aside. "Poppycock. If that were the reason than another vampire and some random man would not care who I appeared to be like, don't you think?" The charts are collected, carefully stored in the folder just as given to her. "You should look into it, Mr. Hartigan. I would if I could afford it to be done." She glances at the clock. "I still have thirty minutes left of my lunch break, and I am assuming that since you bought the synthetic you are hungry. I would not advise drinking it in here though we could wander out back if you would prefer?"
~*~
"It could be. They could all have carried such feelings, or perhaps hold resentment for such feelings. It is impossible to know the truth without investigation. Remember Miss Whyte, we were once living just as you are. We do have thoughts and emotions that mirror your own, even if often times they are hidden." Elliott makes no look at the time for he is well aware of it and how long he has. The synthetic is tucked under his arm in semi attempt to conceal it. "If you are comfortable sharing your break with me, I would appreciate the company. I find it fair to tell you that I am not starving, so you have no worry even if I did not have the synthetic. It is merely purchased so I feel no desires towards anyone."
~*~
"To be honest, Mr. Hartigan, I am uncertain what I am comfortable doing. As it is, I have thirty minutes left and I've yet to eat. If you can deal with me eating an apple, then I could use the air." Alexa moves toward the back of the pharmacy area, motioning for him to follow her. Once she reaches the side door, she moves the three steps to the picnic table and sits upon it. "I think I can be secure in the knowledge that should you wish to feed from me I really have no choice in the matter. Still that does put me more at ease. I have no clue as to the feelings of these men, but I will tell you that they made me feel as though I were being stalked to be killed and I cannot explain how much that has made me wary of every male I come across lately."
~*~
"As you wish." The words flow so smoothly that he never once pauses to consider them. He exits just as she does yet does not sit. Elliott remains standing yet not too close to her. It wouldn't do well to cause her more discomfort. "I disagree. With me there is always a choice, Miss Whyte. I was given the choice and I respect that enough to offer it to others." Hope was an accident, and one he won't forget. The synthetic is left untouched as they continue to converse. "It could be a testament to your beauty." He is reaching for ideas at this point but makes no indication of such. "I could attempt to see just how important this woman is, if you would like. I make no promise of finding an answer, although I am willing to try if it will help put you at ease." Not all men are untrustworthy.
~*~
The apple from her bag is chomped into. Alexa chews the fruit thoughtfully, not saying much. When finally she speaks, she looks right at the vampire. "But not all of us are so lucky, Mr. Hartigan. If you wished to draw my blood right now, what recourse would I have except hoping you were decent folk?" Another bite of the apple is taken and she watches him. "I would like. I cannot control what others see or feel, but I do not understand just who this woman was or why it is important that I look like she. It makes no sense to me whatsoever and is perhaps a point I would like to put far behind me. I have enough of my own issues without bearing the burden for more."
~*~
"I would suggest that you prepare for your fears, if they are so strong. Although I for one appreciate being able to speak with you without having something harmful waved in my direction. Yet you could say the same thing about a human mugger. What would you intend to do if someone wished to take your money, or God forbid something else?" The thought actually repulses him to the point that Elliott shifts his gaze away from her. "I will speak with someone whom I'm more familiar with and see if she can offer any insight as to the true nature of all of this. Then should I leave message for you here with what I am able to find?" The rest of her issues go without comment for the time being.
~*~
Prepare for her fears. As though she's got something to found them on. That sort of kills her confidence and she eats the remainder of the apple in silence as she considers this thought. "I have no reason to harm anyone, whether they sought my money or my blood. I have no ability to fend anyone off." This is not a lie. Her ability with weaponry is paltry. Dangerous at best — for herself. "I am always here when your kind would be awake, Mr. Hartigan. Contacting me here would be for the best."
~*~
He simply is not as comforting as he used to be. "You can either be prepared for your worst fears, Miss Whyte, or you can't. If you truly believe that there is nothing that can be done, perhaps you should take to other means. There are those who can help protect you." This isn't Elliott offering, so much, as simply stating that it can be done. "Then I shall return her in search of you, so long as my presence does not offend. Although I fear I have little need to speak much more to that woman inside." He actually finds her annoying, which is rare for him.
~*~
"The problem with always worrying about my worst fears, Mr. Hartigan, is me worrying about poletergeist attacks. I can concern myself with them or just allow life to go as it pleases." Without her direct involvement. Alexa wraps the core of the apple into a napkin and eyes him readily. "Those who can help protect me? In what form? The police likely think I'm cracked, and no one else would be interested if I were being honest."
~*~
When she eyes him he shifts his gaze to watch her. It may make her uncomfortable but he does his best to show that he means no harm. The distance between them is slowly cut down but he doesn't make any sudden moves. "Allow me to investigate. If you truly have nothing to fear from Mister Grant as I suspect, then you could always ask him if he knows any of our kind who may be willing to assist you. It's not uncommon for such things to happen." The way that he's been walking reveals the top of his scar again, something that Elliott doesn't realize. "It could also aid you with your poltergeist issues."
~*~
"Willing to assist me? In what?" Obviously Alexa has no grasp or understanding on such things. She continues to eye Elliot and then lets out a heavy sigh. "How would you even begin to fathom my issues with the angry spirit? Obviously you do not feel it as I do." She folds the napkin over the apple core and watches him. "I wish to speak with you at greater length, Mr. Hartigan, unfortunately I have to head back inside shortly."
~*~
It is an extremely slow movement, a small gesture, but if she'll allow she will find that his hand is on her shoulder. The touch is extremely light, again if she doesn't swat it away. "We all have our demons. Some are more external than others. I have yet to encounter such a fiend so no, I cannot fully grasp your current situation. That does not mean, however, that I disbelieve you." He believes she's mistaken but Elliott is not going to elaborate that far. "We can discuss what I was attempting to say at a later date, if it is your wish. I will not keep you from your shift. I did offer before and I shall again; if you do wish to speak or need me for anything, you have my number." He won't be stalking her to make sure she's okay.
~*~
Alexa allows the touch. He has made no untoward movement at her, thus she should not reject it. When the moment has passed, she makes to get up. "Mr. Hartigan, perhaps you can shed some light onto certain situations. If you wish to, please feel free to stop in at any time. As this is a business that sells the synthetic I would not consider it to be stalking." He has proven himself to want nothing from her, thus what has she got to fear. Reaching up to touch his hand she whispers, "I wish to speak of things, but not here. Not now."
~*~
It could be considered progress that she's not pulled away from him. Just as he's about to move his hand he feels the presence of hers and allows the moment to linger slightly. "Whenever you are comfortable, do let me know. I will be there." This is said softly, almost intimately. Elliott has no idea what he's getting himself into but as of yet believes things to be harmless. "I will return here in a matter of days. You have my word."
~*~
"Why do you wish to help me, Mr. Hartigan? I do not understand." Alexa is nothing but blunt and honest, and the truth is, his offer to be there in a matter of days is a bit unnerving. "I do not know if I will be comfortable or not. Or if I will be seeking company or not. The issue remains with the poltergeist of course."
~*~
"That, Miss Whyte, is a question that I have heard before. Even before I found myself as I am." Elliott finally pulls his hand away, the memories of his experiences with Hope hitting him rather hard. None of this is reflected outwardly. "I was to be a priest. Aiding others is what I am used to. The fact that I am now as I am does not change that. Though if you do find yourself uneasy with this, simply let me know. Especially as you did not know me before, I do understand."
~*~
"You are a little creepy, though I feel no outward ill from you." Alexa knows that her thoughts on such things are not the be all, end all. Still he doesn't seem to be trying to attack her or kill her which means he can be trusted at least that far. "Mr. Hartigan, I said that I wish to speak with you again. Hopefully you will see fit to come back to the pharmacy on another evening to continue this conversation, or to at least assure me my worries are foolish."
~*~
Creepy is not a descriptive word that he is accustomed to hearing. "Your honesty is appreciated." It would be different if he were still a human, he realizes, but such is (un)life. Elliott backs away from her then, his synthetic still tucked under his arm. "I shall return, even if it is merely to continue the conversation. I will seek answers for you. Until then, you should return to your duties. I will leave from here so as not to draw more conversation from the woman at the front."
