Nobody Ever Says No to Me [Xantha/Emrys]

[Deleted]

March 1, 2026

Emrys was a busy man. He had a number of things to do. With interviews, recordings, band engagements, solo work, photoshoots, etc. He was busy. The boy took what time he could, when he could. It had been some time since he had seen Xantha, and her text was a welcomed distraction. It was a request for his help. And Emrys always helped his friends. The text was vague, but he agreed to find her after her show. With the sun being out that day, he could do little else.

As night fell, Emrys left his room to a usual site. A body guard ready to watch over him during his cores of the night. He moved quickly, as soon as he was able to leave, and made his way to the theater that she was in. It wasn't hard to get back stage. Attitude and fame did that. Catching the eyes of many of the dancers, he moved around, looking for the one familiar face. No one dared approach him, thanks the the monstrous size of his body guard. Many of the muggles would describe him as being very toll like. Though the wizarding community would just know the man as being a quarter giant. Larger than the average man, he would intimidate just about anyone. With Xantha's text seeming to be urgent, he didn't bother losing him before coming. If anything, it seemed as though a body guard would be quite useful.

@xantha

[Deleted]

Xantha was without a doubt a fiercely independant spirit that kept nearly everybody at arms length. She'd never told her mother the full extent of the pain of living on the streets or the fact she barely got around on the little money she had because she was paying off her bills. She never really told Mavis that either, not wanting her best friend and roommate to worry too much about their home. She so often lied, claiming she'd already had a meal when in truth she'd simply opted to make sure other people got to eat and bills got paid. Xantha didn't like depending on other people, because she had a hard time trusting that they'd be there for her when she needed them. While she knew she could trust Mavis, she had gotten to the point there that she didn't want the other girl to worry about her or their situation. So when David started to become a lot more insistant that he was the knight in shining armour that Xantha required to save her from the life she was currently living, Xantha didn't opt to confide in anybody.

She had trusted Emrys once, but just the once, to help to hopefully change his mind. For a few days it had seemed the case, as David had sulked and backed off for a little while, but eventually he'd decided enough was enough. Emrys couldn't be a permanent part of her life, since he was never really around. He'd returned to his advances and nothing seemed capable of persuading the man that she simply was not interested. These last few days had become harder, since he'd started following her around. It got on her nerves but she usually managed to escape him before getting home. Detours were needed on the way home by now and still she had not told Mavis. They did not need that sort of trouble. Today had been exceptionally bad, as David had reached a new level of desperate; blackmail. Xantha had not yet replied to his veiled threats to ruin her career if she didn't opt to accept him as the one true love of her life and well, Xantha was almost considering it. She couldn't really afford to lose her job and he'd probably lose interest eventually, right? Yet as she contemplated the disgusting and distasteful option she kept turning over her phone in her hands. She hadn't spoken to Emrys in a while, but when she'd been at his place not too long ago his mother had mentioned stalkers. Was this similar enough? If nothing else, she figured she could just ask for advice on how to deal with a David.

She wriggled her nose, not liking the idea of asking anybody for help, even though she doubted Emrys would ask for much in return. He certainly wouldn't ask for anything she wasn't willing or able to give, which was really the thing she might have worried about most. It took quite a bit of courage for her to swallow her pride and actually text Emrys. She considered him a friend, that much was true, but she also barely knew him. They didn't exactly talk a lot during their encounters. She sighed briefly as she texted him, asking him to meet her after the show before putting her phone back in her locker. She'd see if he was up for it when the show was actually over.

When she got backstage again after the show she mostly stuck around a few of the other girls that were more likeminded and free. David didn't usually bother her while she was still talking to them. She didn't get to her locker but eventually giggles and whispers started spreading backstage and Xantha wondered for a brief moment what all the fuss was about. Then one of her friends nudged her. "Oh my God!" She said, her eyes twinkling like crazy. "Famous hottie inbound!" She whispered to Xantha, who soon heard her start to talk to the other girls in rapid gossip about the celebrity that decided to stop by. Xantha merely snorted as she shook her head, taking her dancing shoes off. When the gossip died down she looked up to see a familiar face. A smile slowly crept on her face as her eyes met those of Emrys. She hadn't really expected him to worm his way backstage but she was grateful he was there. Maybe it would somehow help leave an impression this time? With a mental sigh of relief she put her shoes to the side and walked up to Emrys, giving him a quick hug. "Thank you." She whispered in his ear, something that would probably make it obvious the help she needed had something to do with their current location or situation. "Shall we go somewhere a little less.... crowded?" She suggested with a slightly arched eyebrow at the rest of the performs around them. It would probably be a lot easier to explain, although she could feel one pair of eyes burrowing into the back of her head in anger. She really needed help, because if Emrys couldn't help she'd have to go with the other option and she really didn't want to date David.

@emrys
((Sorry, that got bigger than I expected))

[Deleted]

Emrys' rise to fame had been quick. His music adored by many thanks to his luring vampiric pipes. His promiscuous nature had been freer in the early days. But as he rose in popularity, it seemed that many wished to be close to him because of it. Not one to like being used like that, he would quickly drop them and move on with his life. Stalkers came out of the woodwork, and even to this day, there were a number that he had to remember to avoid. Honestly, it was a point. Luckily the record label and his high security penthouse helped with that.

Emrys was always one to help out a friend. Normally that was in a physically stratifying way, but occasionally there was more to it. He rarely found himself in deep conversations about life or philosophy, but he would always be there for a friend. So, when Xantha, texted him, he agreed to meet her at the theater after the sun had set. His one and only constraint, seeing as he and the sun no longer agreed with each other. He arrived shortly before the show got out, to avoid the crowds, but hung in the shadows until it was time. As she had requested, he intended to to meet her after the show. As the show ended, he made his move.

Getting back stage was easy for him. Even if he didn't have a big name in the muggle world, yet, he could still get VIP treatment when he sought it. Once he was backstage, all he had to do was locate his friend. It wasn't too hard, and he spotted her taking off her shoes. Their eyes met, and a smirk came on his face as she smiled. She came up and he embraced her quickly as she thanked him. Whatever this was, it was serious. He knew that she wasn't one to ask for any help, ever. He caught the air that it was probably worse than he had initially thought. Watching the way that she moved and interacted with him, it was probably something or someone near by that was causing...whatever. She mentioned going somewhere less crowded, and he was sure it wasn't for their usual activity. Nodding he softly spoke "Sounds good"

Emrys always drew attention. His inhuman good looks, and confident air about him. He could feel many eyes, even of those who had no idea who he was. He slung his arm around her shoulders, ready for her to lead him wherever. As he did he spotted a familiar face, twisted with jealousy and anger. The man gave a cheeky smile his way. Earlier in the year he had promised his aunt that he would never sleep with a married person. The type of scandal his father often partook in. However, the young vampire knew that Xantha was just as into commitment as he was, so there was no worry.

@xantha

[Deleted]

Xantha wasn't really one to get nervous so she was sure that her less than relaxed bodylanguage had already told Emrys far more than she'd intially intended to tell him. She relaxed a little as he warpped his arm around her, for once seeing it more as a shield than a kind of awkward but eerily pleasant physical interaction. Anybody else that tried would probably have gotten words, if not minor physical violence for doing what he just did. It was knowing they were alike that meant she knew she had nothing to fear from him. It was exactly the reason why she felt so safe around him, despite barely knowing anything about his life. Yes, he was famous and made music but it wasn't really her style to start looking up his music, except for once out of curiosity. It had been good, but Xantha didn't exactly have the time or devices to sit around listening to music and the shows she danced in didn't really utilise music of his genre so she knew his music about as well as she knew him, in passing. She knew his body perfectly, but that was a different kind of knowing. Superficial, not emotional.

She briefly wondered if she needed to save her shoes but one of her friends seemed to realise she was going to take a moment alone with her newly arrived friend and already had taken the shoes along with her. Xantha shot the other girl a thankful smile as she disappeared towards a more quiet corner with Emrys. Full privacy was difficult, but a few of the change rooms were unoccupied. After they left the room and the stares and envy and jealousy behind, Xantha released a breath she hadn't been aware she was holding. She ran a hand through her hair, trying to relax a little but she still felt very tense. "I'm sorry if I messed up your plans somehow." She muttered, feeling very uncomfortable about needing help. She didn't usually get herself in situations where that was a thing. "It's just that...." She sighed in exasperation as she sat down on one of the benches, fidgetting nervously as she tried to get the words out. "David decided I'm his soulmate or something and he'd been getting really pushy and demanding." She finally managed to get out. "He'd gotten to the point where he'd threatening to get me fired if I don't agree to at least go on a date with him." She rolled her eyes slightly in obvious distaste. "I can't really afford to lose the job though, so I hoped that you could maybe give me some tips or tricks on how to.... discourage his behaviour?" She said, her eyes oddly pleading as she looked at Emrys. "I mean, your mom did mention stalkers so I figured that maybe you knew a way to help." She almost wanted to back track, but she knew she couldn't.

She bit her tongue, quite literally, to keep from talking. She felt the slightly pain rush through as she bit down a little harder than expected, clearly more tense than she realised. Ashamed of the fact she couldn't resolve this kind of thing by herself, she cast her eyes down in shame, unable to look Emrys in the eye. They were friends, right? Just, they were not the vulnerable feelings kind of friends so she really hoped that this wouldn't upset or annoy him. She absolutely hated being any kind of vulnerable but she felt weak and exposed in this situation. Even doing as much as admitting that getting fired wasn't an option gave him more information on her life than she'd ever openly shared with him before. It was terrifying, even more so because of what would happen if he decided not to help. She'd truly be stuck with David, unable to figure out a way to escape apart from trying to make sure she didn't appeal to him, or just outright fleeing to a different city to hide and giving up everything. No job, no way to keep the apartment or pay for her mothers bills. No, she'd probably have to endure him for the sake of others, which was almost worse. She just hoped it wouldn't come to that.

@emrys

[Deleted]

Emrys knew Xantha's body very well, though he didn't know much about her. That was fine by him, things like that came in time and friendship. He moved his arm around her shoulders, as a way to put the gilt at ease. He was there to help. They moved through the theater's back area and his abnormally large bodyguard wordlessly followed not far behind. The man could read the situation well enough to know to stick close. They got into a small unoccupied room and Emrys looked behind him, wordlessly requesting the man stay there. With the door closed, the bodyguard stood in front of the door, his body covering the majority of it. There was no way anyone would be getting past him.

He watched her as she attempted to still the nerves that she was feeling. She first apologized and he shrugged. "Seemed like this was more important. Plus, my plans are easily rearranged." He made light of it, though he didn't actually have many plans that night. He had been working hard, so he was planning to take the day off anyway. He leaned up against a wall as he watched her, silently there for support as she spoke. He thought about her predicament, stopping to chuckle a bit as Xantha called Charlotta his mom. She wouldn't know to call the woman anything else. The one and only time the two had met he had called her "mom." He thought, moving closer to her. "Your right about one thing. I have a number of stalkers. It comes with the territory. Many measure are put in place to ensure that they don't have the opportunity to get close to me." Lifting his fist to his lips he thought. Body guards and high security living wasn't exactly feasible for most. "I'd say talk to your boss about the situation, get to them before he can. I can also see if I can have a word with...David was it?" Emrys was great with people, he was good with names and faces, but he cared even less for this muggle then he had before. The man better hope he's never alone when Emrys saw him next.

He turned back to her, crouching in front and lifting her downtrodden chin in order to meet her eyes. "You did the right thing, you can't deal with this alone, I sure don't."

@xantha

[Deleted]

Well one thing was certain, with the hulking man in the doorframe to the space they were in she at least didn't have to worry about David coming in and trying to punch Emrys or whatever. David wasn't exactly the type to take rejection well, or at all. He wasn't used to people saying no and was a bit of a golden child for the company because his parents owned it. He wasn't even all that passionate about the dancing from what she could see but he was pretty good and could easily get a foot in due to his parents. Xantha knew that even if she mentioned it to her boss it likely wouldn't resolve the issue, only make it worse. He'd charm them into believing she was saying those nasty things for nefarious reasons and then probably either get her fired or in some way first try to get her adress. He didn't want to take no for an answer after all, even if it meant ruining her life. Luckily she was a bit too stubborn and self reliant to worry about it too much, but she did like having a roof over her head. It certainly was a lot warmer despite the fact they rarely used the central heating to save money, in part because it was just busted.

She felt a twinge of guilt as he mentioned having other plans, even if they were easily rearranged. He was rich and famous and probably had a lot better things to do than hang out with her. No matter how much fun they had when they were together, they lived in very different worlds. He had many luxuries that she'd never be able to afford, so as he mentioned his stalkers and a number of measures in place to keep them away Xantha felt her heart sink. She could barely afford the appartment, she certainly couldn't afford to hire anybody to keep her safe. It seemed more and more likely that she'd just have to deal with this in some other way without much help, if any at all. It was a little demotivating, but she figured it never had been that hopeful to begin with. She smiled a bit wryly as he mentioned talking to her boss first. "I'm afraid that won't do much good. His parents own the building and the company and he's a slimy smooth talker when he needs to be." Xantha said with clear distaste in her words. She was stuck between a rock and a hard place, but determined to squirm out somehow. She frowned slightly as he mentioned talking to David. "Do you think that will help? I mean, no offence but last time didn't exactly change things that much either." She said with an almost detached sense of practicality to her words. As if she was very used to hiding her emotions when things got difficult.

As he crouched by her and forced her to meet his gaze she felt very emotional for just a moment. He didn't say it, but his words suggested he would try to help her out. For a splinter of a second Xantha felt so completely safe and off guard that she almost broke down crying, the urge to just fall into the comfort of his arms nearly unbearable. For that split second she moved forward almost imperceptably much, giving in to her emotions for the first time in years. Yet the moment passed as fast as it came, her body tensing up significantly as she once again hid everything behind a fortified wall and she forced a smile on her face. Just grin and bear it. She'd had to when her mother got sick, when her father skipped out and took her little brother with him and the first nights she'd been on the streets with nothing and nobody to help her out. Nothing had changed, except that she had a few friends and a roommate now. Yet Mavis would eventually move forward and go on with her life. Emrys didn't seem like the type to do so, but all they'd ever be was friends. She couldn't put all her faith in him to fix her problems or she'd have nothing left before the end. "It's nice of you to help out. I'm not really used to needing help, so I was planning to fix this on my own. It was just more challenging than expected." It was an understatement, but more because she wanted to prove to herself that she could do anything that she needed done on her own. Trusting people was terrifying.

@emrys

[Deleted]

Emrys suggested that she follow the right channels and report it. Though he bit his lip when she mentioned that the boy was connected. He knew what that was like. That was how he started on the path he was currently on. Knowing that changed things, though Xantha did seem intrigued when he offered to talk to him. "I can be very....persuasive" He said quietly, a wicked grin growling on his face. While he knew that there were things that he couldn't do, mostly because it was considered illegal in the magical community, there were still other things that he could do to help her. He would suggest that once the show was done, that she pick up a show else where. But he also knew that she couldn't afford to be as picky as he could. And due to her being muggle, there were offers that he couldn't extend to her. "Last time I didn't know what I was dealing with." He winked at her.

He moved closer to her, and their eyes locked. He watched her eyes, seeing her release for a moment, but then hold back. The smile she gave after that was hollow. She mentioned that she was used to solving things on her own, not used to asking for help. He smiled sweetly at her. "I'll always be here for you." He moved up, kissing her forehead before standing. "How about I go and see what I can do about your stalker and my friend in front of the door will escort you out. Then we go have a nice dinner. You can order whatever you want."

@xantha

[Deleted]

There was something about Emrys in this situation that scared her, despite knowing he meant her no harm. It was almost like he was a lot more dangerous than his frame suggested and it sent a chill up her spine. She certainly didn't want to get on his wrong side, but she was glad that he seemed to be on her side in this conflict. Maybe Emrys could actually persuade David to leave her alone. Or possibly scare him into believing he'd tear him to shreds if he tried anything funny in the future. It didn't matter much to her, as long as it worked. He claimed that knowing what he was up against changed his odds of getting David to back off and she hoped he was right. Even though she didn't want to admit it, this situation scared her and David made her feel very ill at ease. She knew she'd have nothing real to actually defend herself if he ever decided to stop being polite and she definitively had been trying his patience. It was a scary kind of reality that she could change very little about herself. She smiled, a little uncertain but all in all she trusted Emrys. Trusting him? Just as scary as David was. It meant she dared to count on him.

He reassured her, looking her deep in the eyes as he claimed he'd always be there for her. She desperately wanted to believe him so she smiled a slightly more convincing smile that bordered almost on a smirk. No, she couldn't just believe that because he said it. It was never that simple. He'd be there, until he wasn't. He kissed her forehead and for a brief moment she closed her eyes and allowed her heart a second to fully believe him and place all her trust in him. But that was all it would be, a second of faith before she knew she had to come back to reality. She briefly looked at the door behind which the towering man stood. She frowned slightly. "I don't mind the idea but will he go with that? I mean, it's his job to protect you, not me." At the promise of dinner her stomach grumbled in response and she felt her face flush slightly. "You're a smart man, tempting me with food. Cruel, but very clever." She teased, even though it wasn't quite up to her usual standards. She clearly was still a bit shaken by the turns of events. "But okay, if your gigantic friend is willing to let you out of his sight then I'll go outside with him and you can do whatever you want to David. Except maybe not kill him since they'll probably blame me for that and fire me anyway." She said, pulling a face, finally managing a smile. Still, the impossible promise remained in her brain. I'll always be there for you. She cast her eyes to the door again at the memory of those words. Yeah... she thought momentarily, until you can't be, or choose leave like all the others.

@emrys

[Deleted]

While many who knew Emrys now would think he was a rich, lazy, playboy type, he actually did study hard at school. And true, he prefer that people just get along and enjoy life, when it came down to it, he could fight. He had told Xantha that he would always be there for her, and she didn't entirely believe it. It was right of her to be suspicious, but he intended to be there when it counted.

She was justly suspicious about his plan and he shrugged "I'll convince him. Plus, if he doesn't want to lose me, he'll do it." He was confident about that. There were a few things he planed to do to this David person, and then he would meet back up with them. He heard her rumbling stomach and knew that the promise of food was the right call. Thinking of food, he was feeling quite peckish. He'd be sure to grab a bite before meeting back up with them. It didn't take much to convince her to go along with his plan. He smiled as she specifically said "...you can do whatever you want to David." And that was exactly what he intended. "Please, killing would only get me banished for a time. I like my life too much to let that happen" He wasn't joking, though he made it sound like a joke. He wished it was a joke. But his aunt had threatened him too many times for it to be funny.

With that agreed to, Emrys opened the door. "You'll be escorting my friend to get her things and out of the theater." He spoke in English. The large man turned and looked skeptical. Emrys then switched to Finnish, his go to when he didn't necessarily want to be understood. "Do this, or I'll escape you. One more time and you're out right?" Was all he had to say. The monstrous man nodded and agreed. Turning back to the woman he smiled. "Do what you need to. I'll meet up with you two outside." And with that, he moved past the large body guard and was gone.

@xantha
OOC: I'll bring him back in the next thread, outside the theater.

[Deleted]

Xantha pulled a face as he mentioned that killing would only get him banished for a time. Well, that seemed a bit too positive a note. He'd likely get arrested at some point and she wasn't sure his fame and fortune would managed to buy him a ticket out of jail. This wasn't monopoly after all where get out of jail free cards could be purchased. And banished felt like an odd term to use, but she bit her tongue and said nothing, merely nodding. She did know he enjoyed his life and was glad for the times that he chose to enjoy his life with her. He was good company so far and considering he was helping her out here she certainly wasn't going to judge him. She just hoped that whatever method he used wouldn't end up getting her fired. Getting kicked out and living on the streets again would be no problem for her but she couldn't think about how she'd break that news to Mavis. Even if her friend disappeared from time to time she knew that she appreciated having a place to call home, no matter how poor the quality was.

"Okay." She agreed in a soft spoken tone as she grabbed her clothes from her locker. "I'll get changed and then go to grab my shoes." She muttered, scarsely audible. She watched in silence as he walked over to the large man and gave him instructions. She tried not to listen in to their conversation, but mostly kept an eye out as they spoke to see if Emrys could actually get the giant to agree. It seemed he had, so Xantha changed quickly, not really feeling much in terms of shame. She never had been too bothered by the odds somebody might see her in her underwear since she on average had better things to worry about. After getting changed into a more comfortable outfit than the costume she'd worn for the performance she was joint by the hulking man as she went to put her costume away along with her shoes and grabbed her bag with personal belongings. She checked her phone, only to find the message from Emrys there. Not quite what she had expected him to do, but she was glad he'd taken charge in this matter. She sighed for a moment as she stuffed her phone back in her bag, pausing before taking it out and sending a quick text to Mavis to tell her she wouldn't be home for dinner again today.

After that she joined the huge man on a trip outside. He was quite intimidating and she was sure he could easily snap her neck with very little effort. Not much of a comforting presence when she was already ill at ease. She sighed as she finally reached the open air, taking out her bottle and taking a large drink of water. Despite Emrys promising her whatever she wanted to eat she wanted to order she still felt a little apprehensive about that. She doubted he intended to take her to a cheap fast food place and a part of her was terrified he'd take her somewhere they didn't put prices on the menu and had exotic items that she couldn't even guess the price of. How on earth was she to select the cheapest option if she couldn't even understand half the food on the menu? Well, it was just a matter of hoping he picked a cheap place to eat or that he'd let her choose. She could possibly get away with something cheap? He didn't seem to be too picky on what he ate, even if the food he'd had in his house was rather luxurious. She found herself relaxing as the thoughts on food and the fresh evening breeze chased away the stress of work and in stead had her focussing far too much on something she really should not be worried about. It helped her feel more normal again.

@emrys

[Deleted]

There was little that Xantha actually knew about Emrys. The biggest thing? He was a vampire, capable of killing anyone he wanted. He also was a wizard, with the knowledge of a number of a number of hexes, jinx, and yes, curses that could do make one wish they were dead. And all he had to do, was ensure that his target didn't remember a thing, and no one witnessed his actions. That included his bodyguard who would quickly tattle to his manager. Another reason why he left the beastly man with his friend.

Moving through the theater without his massive shadow made it easy for Emrys. He swiftly moved from one place to another, unnoticed by any. Being a vampire came with skills that he didn't quite utilize as often as others. It didn't take long for him to find his target. His red eyes glinted as he waited for the man to be alone. Patiently waiting as the young man separated from the herd, the little sheep waiting for Xantha, who wouldn't be coming. At the right moment, he hit. Forcing David into a small janitorial closet, spelling the man so that no sound could come out of his mouth he sunk his teeth deep into the young mans flesh, drinking until his body untensed. Licking the holes closed he pulled out his wand, setting the man on the floor. "Mimblewimble." He said, moving his wand and casting a curse on the young man. Adding layers to it the young man's silver tongue would be no more, stutters and stumbles would come out instead. With that, he cleaned up any signs that he was there, magically of cores. Finishing with an "Obliviate." Ensuring that memories of Emrys, along with any and all black mail and romantic thoughts of Xantha were wiped from his mind.

After his work was done, he slipped out, silent and unnoticed, something he wasn't the biggest fan of. But once he was back on the streets, he made his way to Xantha and his body guard. He gave a smile as if no time had passed since they had last seen themselves. "You'll have to keep an eye out, but best if you minimize your interactions with him. Text me if it happens again, though I doubt it." He said confidently, ignoring the suspicious eye his bodyguard gave him. "Shall we go?"

@xantha

[Deleted]

Xantha kept her arms wrapped tightly around her as she waited outside. While it wasn't as cold as it had been she felt the nerves more than ever. Nerves over what exactly to expect tomorrow when she came in to work. Nerves of what to do if Emrys came back unsuccessful. The thought was downright terrifying, and the bodyguard didn't help much since he was intimidating in stature, if nothing else. She felt small and kind of powerless and she hated the feeling. She dispised it. She'd worked so hard to become strong and independant but when push came to shove it was impossible for her to counter vile men like David. She didn't have the money, influence or physical power to do anything to counter him. He knew that, and he took advantage of it. All she could do was run, which wasn't exactly the option she wanted to take either.

She felt relief pass over her as Emrys came out of the building and approached them. She tried to relax her face so it wouldn't show that she was a lot more worried than she wanted to admit. She smiled slightly as he pretty much confirmed he'd taken action of some kind. She wasn't about to ask. She'd never been one to ask questions if she wasn't fully sure she wanted them answered. She was fairly certain she didn't want this one answered at least. "Thank you." She said in earnest and she smiled a little more. She hoped to never have to ask for help again at least. "And I wasn't planning on interacting with him. I'm not exactly the type to ask questions I don't actually want to know the answer to." Such as why her father had chosen to abandon her, amongst other questions. It wasn't something she wanted to know, since it woudl hardly help her move forward in life. Part of her had that morbid curiosity like all in her shoes did, but she didn't want to act on it. She never wanted to actually ask him why he'd walked out on her and her mother.

She nodded as he asked if they should go and smiled a little. "So did you have somewhere in mind to grab a bite to eat? I'm not super picky." Maybe if she was lucky she could actually afford her own half of the food. It seemed only fair, since he'd already done so much for her in getting rid of David. Having him pay for her dinner on top of that just seemed too much to ask, even if he had quite a bit more money than she did. It was that wish to prove she didn't need anybody to help that was stronger whenever she felt helpless. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate the offer, but she didn't want him to get the idea she was using him or that she was some desperate damsel in distress that needed him to save her. "Also, just to clarify, this is not a date. We're just having a bite as friends, right?" She asked him with an arched brow, just needing to be absolutely certain. Especially after the entire ordeal with David she didn't want to imagine being stuck with somebody. Having somebody demand her loyalty in some way.

@emrys

[Deleted]

Emrys would never tell his muggle friend what he had done. That would be against the statute of secrecy. Even if she had asked, he wouldn't have told her. Telling her that it was best that she not know, or keeping things light and vague. Even if he wasn't a wizard or vampire, sometimes it's best not to know the details. But instead of asking what he had done, she thanked him. He gave a nice grin at her, he was happy to help. Stating that she didn't intend to interact with him, made the vampire happier. The more she interacted with him, the more gaps she may find. There was also a risk of history repeating itself. Not because memories returning, but from the new memories being made. As long as she kept her distance from him, he was confident that he would never bother her attain. Some may notice the difference, but once someone else caught his eye, there would be less questions.

On the subject of food, she asked if he had a place in mind. Emrys didn't go to sit down restaurants often. He either ate at home, the studio, or at the club o bar that he was at. But when he did go to sit down restraints, he preferred a place with a host or hostess who wouldn't just let anyone in. Along with an entrance that his bodyguard could monitor easily, while still providing him some level of privacy. He also preferred a place with an impressive dessert menu. While he did order and enjoy fast food on occasion, he could rarely be seen inside the establishment. He could see the headline now "Vampire singer Mordrain seen slumming it with muggle at fast food chain." Not the worst headline attached to his name, but definitely one that wouldn't help his reputation. He thought of what options he knew about near by when she spoke back up. "Also, just to clarify, this is not a date. We're just having a bite as friends, right?" He laughed loudly. "Please, I don't date." Though he didn't always go to restaurants with his friends, he could eat, and she was clearly hungry. It seemed right. Still laughing a little he spoke again. "I do know of a good place."

The two, with body guard behind, made their way to a restaurant. It was nicer, but one that didn't require a certain standard of dress. It was also one that he ordered from regularly. They knew his name and he would easily be able to get a spot. Entering the restaurant, he told the hostess his name, with a flirtatious whisper in her ear. The woman blushed and the two were quickly seated. "Order whatever you like. It's on me."

@xantha

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Emrys had the most perfect reaction as she clarified that this wouldn't count as a date. He agreed and laughed, proclaiming himself to not be the type to date. She found herself smiling a wicked little smile, finally relaxing a little bit. "Good." She said in earnest. "Because the only way I'd go on a date is if I was either forced or bribed somehow. And it takes a lot more than just paying food to bribe me to go to that extent." She said, almost rolling her eyes at the idea of somebody wanting to go on an actual full on date with her. No, she didn't need that kind of drama in her life at all. Not to mentioned that Emrys seemed more entertained by the absurdity of the idea of dating her than he was worried that she had some secret desires to get him for herself. No thanks, she was fine not depending on other people. If she couldn't do something on her own and she could do without that would always be the first choice. When she had no other choice she did ask for help, and even then reluctantly.

He said he knew a good place and her heart almost sank into her shoes, although she tried her best not to let it show. His idea of a good place was most likely far outside her price range. Still she kept her hopes up that maybe a good place could be like the first time they'd slept together. Cheap and not at all impressive. Though naturally that idea also took a rather steep nosedive the moment she noticed there was a host. A host that Emrys flirted with, causing Xantha to hold back a bit of a snort. Of course he would, that was why she liked him so much. He was a very free man and knew exactly how to seduce people. She smiled, shaking her head ever so slightly. It didn't take that long to get them a seat after that and Xantha smiled a bit doubtfully as she picked up the menu. She just mentally kept her fingers crossed that there would at least be prices on the menu so she could make sure not to overspend his budget. At least the food would be healthy, which was already a blessing. Well, unless the cheapest option was fries, but in that case she might just make an exception and order something a tiny bit more expensive. How she longed for a fancier salad and a juicy piece of meat. She could almost dream of it, not having had such luxuries in years. She bit her lip slightly as she looked at the menu.

"What are you having?" She asked Emrys curiously as her eyes ran over the various items. Everything sounded delicious! How was she supposed to choose only one thing? Well, if he was going for a three course meal she could maybe take a slightly bigger main course. It was all a matter of properly estimating how much she reasonably order, especially since she didn't want to make him wait. Not that she really planned to order anything outside of a main course. Although half the apetisers already had her salivating. She licked her lips for a moment, the temptation weighing heavy on her. "All of this sounds pretty good really." She said casually, but the hunger in her eyes no doubt would betray her. Maybe, just maybe, she would actually order something a little more expensive this time, if Emrys was okay with that.

@emrys

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It wasn't just that Emrys didn't date, over the years he had spent his time with all different ages, genders, personalities, and species. To say he wasn't picky, would be an understatement. The only thing he didn't do, was consecutive. Even if it had been some time, if you were his last, you wouldn't be his next. The woman smiled as he stated his obvious. He laughed as she expressed the similar desire to not date. "I'm sure after we eat, we can resume our usual entertainment." He said, his wicked grin looking over the dancers body in which he knew so well.

Arriving at the restaurant, the man flirted with the hostess. It didn't matter that Xantha was with him. Anyone who couldn't stand him flirting with another when he was with them had the wrong idea about him. After being seated, he slouched comfortably in his chair and eyed the menu. He ordered regularly from here, so he was familiar with what they had. The only question was, what was he in the mood for?

They looked at their menus in science. In time, Xantha asked him what he was having. It was sly. He flipped it around, having just had some blood, he wasn't starving, but his body could do with some normal food. "Thinking their surf and turf. It's pretty good." With the stake extra bloody, it was always a good option. He also hoped by picking one of the pricier options, the woman would feel comfortable with choosing anything she wanted. She complimented that everything sounded good and he nodded. "This place is a regular for me, your not wrong. Everything that I've tried has been amazing." He looked up to see her, he could tell that she was hungrier than she let on. "We could even order and appetizer to share. Also, don't worry about size, anything you don't eat now, you can take with you. That's what I always end up doing."

@xantha