Newborn (Michael and Raffaele) - Timeless2024-03-29T05:17:59Zhttps://timeless.ning.com/forum/topics/newborn-michael-and-raffaele?id=5164310%3ATopic%3A98035&feed=yes&xn_auth=noRaffaele slipped his sunglass…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-07-13:5164310:Comment:988772022-07-13T22:08:26.136ZRaffaele Spataro - Councilhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/RaffaeleSpataro
<p>Raffaele slipped his sunglasses on, hoping the line would move along quickly. Mundane activities were only slowing him down and the need to find the newborn, but of course, he remembered what it was like to be hungry; as a human. His family had to work to get their meager meals on the table and it wasn't the easy kind of labor. They had gotten very lucky in catching the eye of the wealthy given his father was an excellent horse trainer and he was sure to follow in his footsteps. At least,…</p>
<p>Raffaele slipped his sunglasses on, hoping the line would move along quickly. Mundane activities were only slowing him down and the need to find the newborn, but of course, he remembered what it was like to be hungry; as a human. His family had to work to get their meager meals on the table and it wasn't the easy kind of labor. They had gotten very lucky in catching the eye of the wealthy given his father was an excellent horse trainer and he was sure to follow in his footsteps. At least, that was the plan those many centuries ago. Then hell came to meet him in the form of a beautiful woman at the tavern and everything changed. </p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10643458269?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10643458269?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="250" class="align-left"/></a>"My favorite?" he questioned, giving himself a moment to quickly scan the chalk written menu above the counter. "The bacon, egg, and cheese." He was pretty sure that was still a classic most humans liked, right? Frankly, he didn't care enough to think on it too hard. There were more important things to think about right now. His eyes landed on the coffee bar which had every imaginable type of coffee that could exist lined up for their customers. Raffaele nodded towards it then, indicating that that was actually the most powerful of the smells which were hammering his senses. "Seems you have your fair pick then to continue on in your survival of the world."</p>
<p>Once he was holding the warm sandwich in his hands, they quickly exited the shop as it was entirely too small to stand around more than one needed to due to its popularity. The line still wrapped around the block as people waited. Raffaele peeled back the aluminum foil on the meal he had just ordered and looked to its contents. He should've picked something more simple and not this complex in flavors. Sure, he could eat it, but it would do nothing for him. Taking a bite, he mechanically chewed at the food as any normal person would. The oddity of the simple behavior was somewhat foreign since it wasn't something he did often. Blood consumption didn't require this amount of involved work.</p>
<p>"I'll call for a car to come pick us up to get to the library," he said matter-of-factly, finding it tough to get through the bacon and its overly salty taste. Raffaele didn't have to glance up to know the sun was rising steadily as the sun tended to do. Moving away from the shaded canopy of the street wasn't something he overly cared to do on any given day. He pushed a saved number in his phone and waited until the familiar voice on the other end picked up. "Yes, we'll be at the apartment. Have someone sent, please." The sanguine hung up and glanced over to Michael with a forced smile. "Shall we?"</p>
<p>Within a few minutes, an all blacked out car arrived at the steps of his building. Raffaele opened the door and motioned for the human to enter. "After you. You can tell the driver the address on the way."</p> Michael stretched a little as…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-06-27:5164310:Comment:991082022-06-27T20:08:01.899Zf2330b17eed54bbd99af5121820e349bhttps://timeless.ning.com/xn/detail/u_f2330b17eed54bbd99af5121820e349b
<p>Michael stretched a little as he found his way to his feet, trying to ride himself of the stiff muscles that could followed a trip to the hospital followed by a night on the couch. Despite stretching out his legs and arms and back, he was more careful with the movements of his neck, trying his best to to distrub it. He was hopeful if he just didn't move it, the wound would heal and the pain would vanish. It certainly helped some to get a little movement in, but even stretching couldn't…</p>
<p>Michael stretched a little as he found his way to his feet, trying to ride himself of the stiff muscles that could followed a trip to the hospital followed by a night on the couch. Despite stretching out his legs and arms and back, he was more careful with the movements of his neck, trying his best to to distrub it. He was hopeful if he just didn't move it, the wound would heal and the pain would vanish. It certainly helped some to get a little movement in, but even stretching couldn't totally rid him of the annoyances of the events of last night. Or the memories that couldn't and wouldn't totally leave his mind. It still didn't add up or make sense. </p>
<p>Michael waved off the man's response. He didn't think he was being too helpful. Not yet at least. Maybe he'd prove to be later thought after they visited the library to talk to some of the people there. "I'll be fine," he insisted. He wouldn't be an inconvenience if he could avoid it. "Right," he sighed. He forgot about the cops for a moment. He would probably have to deal with them sooner or later. He was hoping for the latter. He didn't know what he would say to any of their questions. He wasn't ready to deal with it. "I'll figure it out," he assured. He wasn't sure how he'd get into his apartment but surely there was a way. He knew after yesterday and whatever happened today, a nice, warm shower would be in order. </p>
<p>Michael followed Raffaele out into the hallway and out the door. The familiar sounds of the city we're everywhere. People talked on phones as they rushed around, others scolded children, others kept to themselves. Cars stopped and drove with traffic. It was one of the first things he experienced in the past day that felt familiar. It was almost comforting to him. He shoved his hands into his pockets, hoping to remain as casual as possible dispite the bandage on his neck. Luckily for him, the city was fully of things to pay attention to and he was likely the least interesting among them. As they neared the bodega he could smell the food wafting from it. He didn't realize how hungry he truly was until he smelled it. Almost as if in cute his stomach softly growled. He tried to ignore it, sure that Raffaele couldn't hear it.</p>
<p>He joined the line, leaning to the side slightly to see what was offered here. "What's your favorite?" he asked at the mention of the breakfast sandwiches. Surely since he sometimes lived here he knew. Michael softly chewed on his bottom lip and he considered the options in front of him. There were a million, but there was enough, and it smelled so amazing he couldn't imagine any of it would be a bad choice. Or maybe he was just that hungry. He offered a soft smile. "Yeah, definitely," he admitted. "I don't think most of us who live around here would survive without it," he joked. "</p>
<p></p> Raffaele leaned against the k…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-06-13:5164310:Comment:989162022-06-13T17:55:09.293ZRaffaele Spataro - Councilhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/RaffaeleSpataro
<p>Raffaele leaned against the kitchen island as Michael began to wake, nodding to his question. "Early riser, indeed." He couldn't help the slight smirk that followed in his answer. He watched the human's movements and behavior when he relayed that he was alright, though hearing that he was still reeling was of course to be expected. Imagine if he really knew what it was in the dark that had almost killed him. He had only had to tell a few humans in his long lifetime about what was really out…</p>
<p>Raffaele leaned against the kitchen island as Michael began to wake, nodding to his question. "Early riser, indeed." He couldn't help the slight smirk that followed in his answer. He watched the human's movements and behavior when he relayed that he was alright, though hearing that he was still reeling was of course to be expected. Imagine if he really knew what it was in the dark that had almost killed him. He had only had to tell a few humans in his long lifetime about what was really out there in the world and their reactions were usually never controlled, but they did seem to find comfort in knowing they weren't going insane from what their memories were telling them really happened.</p>
<p>He was a trooper though. Michael still refused the painkillers which was admirable. Raffaele watched as he reached for his wallet then, smiling at his offer which was so thoughtful yet completely useless to him as a sanguine. "It's no problem at all," he replied, reaching for his set of keys to the place on the countertop. "Just glad I could help. Really, you're helping me a lot in the end here. Food and the library sounds like a good plan. If you need to rest, don't hesitate to say something. Seriously. I'm sure you probably want to get back to your place at some point too. There's probably a patrol car sitting there waiting for you, so if you have some back way in, maybe you can get home for a bit without them knowing if that's what you want still."</p>
<p>Raffaele led the way out through the door and into the quiet hallway. The city noise was instant as they stepped outside which was something he never cared for. His European countryside living would always be more inviting than this chaos. The smell from the bodega was wafting down the block which was probably more apparent to him than Michael given his enhanced senses. His dark eyes moved up to the street's tree cover which lined the entire sidewalk, blocking much of the morning sun and making it much easier for him to be outside. It was not a mistake that he'd chosen this street as one of his places around the world. </p>
<p>A line had formed like it normally did at the small shop. He'd had an understanding that this hole in the wall was considered one of the best in the area. "I hear their breakfast sandwiches are the best around," he mentioned, joining up with the queue and feeling extremely human suddenly. He didn't have to fake it very often when it came to having to eat, but this was rather necessary to keep up appearances. "Coffee drinker?"</p> Michael couldn't say for sure…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-05-24:5164310:Comment:989082022-05-24T23:54:27.790Zf2330b17eed54bbd99af5121820e349bhttps://timeless.ning.com/xn/detail/u_f2330b17eed54bbd99af5121820e349b
<p>Michael couldn't say for sure if it was the previous nights wild events, being in an unfamiliar space, or some combination of the two that caused his nightmare. All he knew was when he woke up he felt a combination of relief and anxiety. Relief because he was essentially fine. He was alive and at least relatively safe. The anxiety, however, came from the fact that last night was very much real. The way his dreams made it seem, the person who attacked him didn't seem very much like a person…</p>
<p>Michael couldn't say for sure if it was the previous nights wild events, being in an unfamiliar space, or some combination of the two that caused his nightmare. All he knew was when he woke up he felt a combination of relief and anxiety. Relief because he was essentially fine. He was alive and at least relatively safe. The anxiety, however, came from the fact that last night was very much real. The way his dreams made it seem, the person who attacked him didn't seem very much like a person at all. But certainly that was just a dream. His mind trying to make sense of something that shouldn't have happened. He took in his surroundings once again. it looked different in the light almost more empty some how. As much as Raffaele was trying to uncover some mystery of his own, it appeared to Michael that Raffaele was also some sort of mystery. Afterall, who lived like this? He still didn't fully understand the guys hunt for a serial killer either. He stretched out some as he tried to rub away the sleepiness from his eyes. He attempted to stretch out his neck, but regretted it instantly with a soft wince. He didn't know why he thought not even twenty-four hours later he would be better. He guessed it was just wishful thinking. </p>
<p>Michael jumped at Raffaele's voice, turning to see him. He'd been caught off guard. Obviously he knew that they guy was here, but he hadn't heard him enter the room. Michael cleared his throat in attempt to recover and remove any early morning raspyness. "'Morning," he mumbled. He took the guy in, who appeared to be fully dressed. He really couldn't remember if that was what he worse yesterday. While he could recall their conversations, some of the finer details were blurry. Probably because he was still waking up. "Early riser?" he asked as he stretched out his limbs and pushed himself into a standing position. He was thankful for the sunlight he allowed to stream in he moved to it almost instinctively, enjoying what little warmth he could get from it through the window. "I guess I'm alright," he sighed, deciding to be honest. "Still reeling a little, I guess." It was pretty crazy to think just hours before he had been attacked badly enough to require a hospital visit and surgery. It hadn't fully hit him even now that he very well should be dead. </p>
<p>"No, that's no necessary. I'll be fine." He was in a great deal of discomfort, but he'd only taken the pills last night out of desperation. He didn't want to take anything unless he absolutely had to. He had hated the way the pain meds had messed with his head at the hospital. He didn't want to risk feeling foggy like that again, unless it was absolutely necessary. "I'm starving, actually," he admitted. As if on cute, his stomach growled in agreement. He'd had dinner the night before, but going through such wild events took a lot out of him. "You must be too, huh? Sorry, you've been taking care of me and I didn't even think about you." This man he hardly knew saved his life and inconvenienced himself and Michael hadn't so much as considered maybe the guy was hungry too. "You know what," he said, moving to grab his wallet off the table where he left it. "We can stop at that stand you mentioned before. I'll buy whatever you want too. It's really the least I can do." It would be the smallest repayment he could make. "And then the library?"</p> Raffaele nodded in response t…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-05-10:5164310:Comment:985882022-05-10T16:42:22.016ZRaffaele Spataro - Councilhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/RaffaeleSpataro
<p>Raffaele nodded in response to his gratitude, giving a quick smile and then made his way down the hall and to his room. Just like the rest of the place, it was a room that didn't seem to have a lot of personal belongings. The closet probably told the most about him as it was filled with a lot of clothing he'd forgotten about. He'd only left them all here in case there was a reason for him to stay in the city for some time. The current situation was definitely one of those reasons. His eyes…</p>
<p>Raffaele nodded in response to his gratitude, giving a quick smile and then made his way down the hall and to his room. Just like the rest of the place, it was a room that didn't seem to have a lot of personal belongings. The closet probably told the most about him as it was filled with a lot of clothing he'd forgotten about. He'd only left them all here in case there was a reason for him to stay in the city for some time. The current situation was definitely one of those reasons. His eyes turned away from the open walk-in to the dresser which had his passport, comb, and not much else. The wood of the dresser was ornate and deserved more attention than being here in this room that he rarely came to where it was mostly just his eyes that admired it. His fingers glided over the top of it before he saw his reflection in the standing mirror. The reflection looked tired. He hadn't had much in the way of sleep since the killings and the circling under his eyes indicated he was do for a drink.</p>
<p>It would have to wait though. Hopefully Michael would be asleep soon and he could move about the apartment more easily without the eyes of the human on him. For now, he slightly pushed back one of the heavy curtains and peered outside. He glanced up and down the street, but saw no immediate signs of any police presence or that of a newborn who may still have it out for Michael. Of course that didn't mean the other sanguine wasn't out there. Newborns could be reckless, but it would sense what Raffaele was as well and the inherent danger it could be in should it try and stand against him. Raffaele just wanted to get to the newborn before anything worse could happen though he very much doubted that no more bodies would end up being found, especially after the interrupted meal that would've been Michael.</p>
<p>He waited some time and then let himself concentrate on the beating of the heart that was down the hall. Its rhythm was even and slowed and he knew Michael had fallen asleep. Raffaele quietly left the room and walked about the space without making a sound. It was hard to shut off the sound of the human's blood pumping so invitingly once he'd tapped into its steady song, but the sanguine ignored the burning that started in his throat and went to the refrigerator. It took a lot for him to not hungrily rip the blood packs open, but he managed to control himself enough and the beating of Michael's heart became more quieted. </p>
<p>Attempting to sleep now would be pointless given his kind, so he didn't even attempt to. Instead, he kept his mind on all the facts of what he knew and what new information Michael had provided. He lay on the bed with his back against the headboard and eyes closed to let his thoughts wander as the hours passed. He only knew it must be close to morning when he heard movement coming from down the hall which was Michael rising from his sleep. The beating of his heart had quickened once awake. Raffaele moved from his darkened room and back out to the large living space. Perhaps it was a bad dream as he seemed to be okay if only a bit sleepy from just rising. A bad dream? "Good morning," he greeted and went to move one of the draping curtains aside to let more light in, being sure to avoid it as much as he could. "You alright? At least as alright as can be? I have more painkillers if you need and I'm sure some food might help. You must be hungry."</p> Michael sighed but didn't pre…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-04-21:5164310:Comment:988082022-04-21T20:14:03.484Zf2330b17eed54bbd99af5121820e349bhttps://timeless.ning.com/xn/detail/u_f2330b17eed54bbd99af5121820e349b
<p>Michael sighed but didn't press further. He was growing to learn that Raffaele rarely would give him really answers. He seemed to always be vague, answering just enough to not be ignoring him without truly giving Michael the answers he was looking for. He leaned back in his seat. Maybe at a different time he'd push for more answers, but he was truly growing tired. "Sounds like you've got friends everywhere," he left it at. He didn't know how someone managed to travel as much as this guy…</p>
<p>Michael sighed but didn't press further. He was growing to learn that Raffaele rarely would give him really answers. He seemed to always be vague, answering just enough to not be ignoring him without truly giving Michael the answers he was looking for. He leaned back in his seat. Maybe at a different time he'd push for more answers, but he was truly growing tired. "Sounds like you've got friends everywhere," he left it at. He didn't know how someone managed to travel as much as this guy seemed to. It didn't really matter though. Michael had been through quite a bit in the past several hours without a moment of real rest or sleep. The adrenaline was completely gone. Even wanting answers wasn't enough of a reason for his body to keep going. He yawned, covering his mouth with his left hand in the process. </p>
<p>"Thanks," he murmured softly as he took the pillows and blanket from the man. He set the pillows down near one arm of the couch. He gave a nod when told about the fire place. "Alright. I'm sure I'll be fine." Despite being a naturally curious person, Michael really didn't like to inconvenience someone, which meant unless he was truly freezing, he probably wouldn't touch the fireplace. It didn't look heavily used. There wasn't much soot or ashes surrounding the opening or lining the inside. As a result, Michael assumed he must use it. Maybe Raffaele liked the cold. "Sounds good," he responded, settling into the couch. It was still dark out now, but they realistically only had a few hours until the sunrise. "And, uh, thanks. I'm aware I can be a lot, um, but I appreciate everything," he added as he pulled the blanket up close over his body. He knew the thank you wasn't enough, but he was too tired to come up with much else. Still, the guy had saved his life. And got him out of the hospital. That was no small feat. He couldn't be more thankful. He reached for his phone, finally having the nerve to message his friends. He didn't meantion the attack. He didn't meantion he wasn't home or where he was. He sent them a simple group message stating he wouldn't make their plans that following afternoon but they should continue without him. Then he finally let himself lay down.</p>
<p>Michael fell asleep almost as soon as his head met the pillow. He'd been tired, but the true exhaustion of the day hadn't hit until he layed down. He had thought he would struggle to sleep in a stranger's home, but his body didn't seem to care. His dreams were wild and nonsensical to him. The events of the night had easily seeped into his dream landscape, each time changing just a little. Each time it made less and less sense. His attacker morphing from someone he almost considered a friend to something only seen in fairy tales. A new birdseye view of what happened over the last evening playing out differently each time. His attacker changing. The man who saved him changing. He had tossed and turned on the couch, mumbling nonsensically in his sleep. He didn't wake, however, until the time where no one came and saved him. He woke with a start, a soft gasp leaving his lips. He sat up quickly, too quickly he realized as splotches of grey clouded his vision for a moment. He took in his surroundings. The sun was out now, bringing light into the previously dark apartment. Despite the light he couldn't determine the time or how long he'd been out. He rubbed his eyes, forcing the sleep out of <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">them.</span></p> It wasn't like Raffaele could…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-04-05:5164310:Comment:984592022-04-05T22:40:59.361ZRaffaele Spataro - Councilhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/RaffaeleSpataro
<p>It wasn't like Raffaele could tell the human the truth. <em>'Oh, yeah, this is just normal when there's a newborn on the loose with no guidance and a thirst that drives them to madness and murder.'</em> He supposed he could always go with the psychotic serial killer theory. Sometimes humans were more vicious than his own kind. At least most sanguine did it for survival nowadays while these killers did it for something much more sinister like the thrill alone. That conversation had come up…</p>
<p>It wasn't like Raffaele could tell the human the truth. <em>'Oh, yeah, this is just normal when there's a newborn on the loose with no guidance and a thirst that drives them to madness and murder.'</em> He supposed he could always go with the psychotic serial killer theory. Sometimes humans were more vicious than his own kind. At least most sanguine did it for survival nowadays while these killers did it for something much more sinister like the thrill alone. That conversation had come up quite a few times when sanguine had considered trying to take over so many hundreds of years ago; Their dangerous thinking of superiority. Well, they had been sorely wrong and the humans were much more resilient, smarter, and tougher than his kind gave them credit for. It was as if they forgot who they were when they were once humans themselves.</p>
<p>"Sally? Yes, we've known each other for quite some time. Old friends, you could say." Vague as always. Once upon a time, Sally had been a normal functioning human herself. She was a mother of three children and doting wife to her lord of a husband. Unfortunately that didn't matter to the sanguine nest that were out hunting one night and lured her and her husband into an abandoned shipyard when the couple had been out after going to the theatre. The monsters were not kind to say the least and ravaged them both, but thought Sally too pretty to kill in the end and instead, attempted to turn her despite the odds. The fighter that she was, Sally made it passed the pain and changes of her body and soul and became a creature just like them. They watched as she killed her husband after refusing to help her feed. Months with them was nothing but oceans of blood until coming upon Raffaele who offered a chance of something different from the senseless violence.</p>
<p>That was long ago...</p>
<p>Raffaele got up from the table and went into a couple of closets before finding some bedding, further proving that the man spent no time in this place. He took a few of the goose feather blankets and pillows out and came back to offer them to his guest. Nodding to the fireplace, he picked up a small remote and placed it on the floor near the couch. "If you get cold, you can turn that on. It warms the whole place up." Not that he himself would ever need it for anything other than the aesthetics of it. The sanguine had spent a few nights gazing at the flames in the dark, letting the only light inside come from the moonlight. "If you need anything to eat, feel free to come and get me. Like I said, that corner spot is always open. My bedroom is the third door down on the right," he said, pointing to the hallway. "If you're feeling up to it, we'll check out the library tomorrow after something to eat."</p> Michael really didn't know wh…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-03-25:5164310:Comment:984442022-03-25T15:19:24.083Zf2330b17eed54bbd99af5121820e349bhttps://timeless.ning.com/xn/detail/u_f2330b17eed54bbd99af5121820e349b
<p>Michael really didn't know what to make of any of it. He wasn't a detective or a cop or anything like that. He knew he wasn't qualified to figure this out, and he wasnt so sure if Rafael was either. He still felt like he knew next to nothing about the guy. Still, Michael was a man of his word. He promised he'd say all he knew for an escape from the hospital. At least the pain meds he was given were helping to some degree. It was becoming tolerable once more. </p>
<p>"Maybe not, but...what…</p>
<p>Michael really didn't know what to make of any of it. He wasn't a detective or a cop or anything like that. He knew he wasn't qualified to figure this out, and he wasnt so sure if Rafael was either. He still felt like he knew next to nothing about the guy. Still, Michael was a man of his word. He promised he'd say all he knew for an escape from the hospital. At least the pain meds he was given were helping to some degree. It was becoming tolerable once more. </p>
<p>"Maybe not, but...what would drive someone start attacking people? You said it yourself, this isn't a one time thing. Someone is probably doing it on purpose. I can't think of any reason someone would act like that," he claimed. He could almost understand if it was a one off thing. Someone with a nasty temper or lost it, or someone who was intoxicated or high, or someone who just had a mental break. All of those people might have a moment where they just lose it. But this many times? To this many people? It was a hard idea to grasp. </p>
<p>Michael sighed and tried to remember. He liked the woman who lost her life. She was kind and they were friendly enough to say hello in passing. Much like the man they had been discussing, however, it wasn't like they were close. "I dunno," he said honestly. "I mean, it's possible. The library isn't too far from work. It's why I go to that one. It's possible maybe she goes there too. I know that isn't really a lot of information to go off of. The city is big, but people tend to frequent places closer to home and work, right? I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to check if she ever checked a book out from there?" he offered. If she had then she went there. Michael felt confident if he asked the Liberians there they would tell him.</p>
<p>Michael raised an eyebrow. "You mentioned you came to the city to visit some people. Is Sally one of those people?" he asked. Sally was kind enough. Not that he knew her outside of the bar either. Michael knew Rafael was right about needing sleep. He'd been up for hours upon hours. The adrenaline of the day had worn off. He was tired. Michael risked the movement and shook his head. If hurt, but he was able to get through it. "I'll just sleep out here on the couch. That's more than fine." He wouldn't feel comfortable taking his bed. "Do you have a blanket or something I could borrow?" If he didn't Michael would make it work. He truly didn't want to be more of an inconvenience than he already was. </p> Raffaele folded his arms over…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-03-18:5164310:Comment:984412022-03-18T19:21:41.377ZRaffaele Spataro - Councilhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/RaffaeleSpataro
<p>Raffaele folded his arms over his chest and took in the new information about the man that was looking like a possible suspect. Hearing that someone died got him thinking that maybe the person wasn't actually dead, but more like undead. If this person was the newborn and they were close with the family member, perhaps another sire came from this all. It was so close in timing. A newborn changing someone is practically unheard of. They would have no idea what they were doing and to stop…</p>
<p>Raffaele folded his arms over his chest and took in the new information about the man that was looking like a possible suspect. Hearing that someone died got him thinking that maybe the person wasn't actually dead, but more like undead. If this person was the newborn and they were close with the family member, perhaps another sire came from this all. It was so close in timing. A newborn changing someone is practically unheard of. They would have no idea what they were doing and to stop feeding before the person was dead, knowing that exact moment when one had to stop, was not as easy as it sounded. Unless, it was someone else who had turned them both. It was a theory. One he wasn't too keen on hoping was true.</p>
<p>"I can't imagine someone being that desperate in grief that they would start attacking people, especially the one supplying the escape method away from said grief. Still, if he was this down as you say, he might've been visiting the bar more often. I gotta say, it's a little weird that you seem to know one of the victims. Did she go to the library too?" It's sounding like there was some connection here. Oddly, it somehow was looking like it completely revolved around Michael now. He knew two people who were possibly involved, one definitely, and now he himself was a victim. Raffaele didn't want to worry the human, but there was definitely something linking them all together.</p>
<p>"Maybe that's where the person is looking for targets. A place you all go that's common. The library. The bar." Raffaele folded his arms against his chest and looked off as he tried to sort his thoughts. "Might have to pay Sally another visit tomorrow night then," he said softly, more to himself. He looked over to Michael then for a quiet moment. "You should probably get some more rest. You can crash on the couch or take the bed if you like."</p> Michael really was trying to…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-03-12:5164310:Comment:985422022-03-12T03:10:12.583Zf2330b17eed54bbd99af5121820e349bhttps://timeless.ning.com/xn/detail/u_f2330b17eed54bbd99af5121820e349b
<p>Michael really was trying to tell the guy everything he knew. It just wasn't much. As he had explained, he had spoken to the guy here and there. They weren't best friends, but they weren't strangers either. They were typically friendly. "I have his number. I can try giving him a call?" he offered. Michael still wasn't sold it was this man he knew, even if it looked a whole lot like him. He sat back a little, trying to relax in this unfamiliar place. Micheal absent mindedly chewed on his…</p>
<p>Michael really was trying to tell the guy everything he knew. It just wasn't much. As he had explained, he had spoken to the guy here and there. They weren't best friends, but they weren't strangers either. They were typically friendly. "I have his number. I can try giving him a call?" he offered. Michael still wasn't sold it was this man he knew, even if it looked a whole lot like him. He sat back a little, trying to relax in this unfamiliar place. Micheal absent mindedly chewed on his bottom lip as the man across from him got up and left the room without a word. The gears were moving in his head. He was stuck on what Rafael had said. Desperate people do desperate things. That was stuck replaying in his head when Rafael came back with some pills in hand.</p>
<p><br/>"Not trying to drug me, are you?" Michael joked, but took the pills with a drink from his water anyway. Frankly, even if it was a dangerous move, it didn't matter. He was still injured. Still in pain. Although he liked to act tough and fine, he really wasn't in any condition to do much of anything. If this Rafael guy turned out to be no good, there was nothing he could do about. At least this way he'd have less pain. He shrugged smally but leaned over to look at the photos on his phone. He frowned. "Yeah. I knew her. Kind of," he said at one of the photos of a girl with dark curly hair. She worse a blouse and horn-rimmed glasses in the picture. "We worked together. I mean, not together together. Different departments. Not even on the same floor. I guess it's been awhile since I saw her..." He hadn't even noticed. How didn't he know? How didn't the company say anything? "I think I've seen him at the bar before too," he said about another picture. It wasn't like he went around talking to everyone. He kept with his friends mostly. He did pay attention to his surroundings though. His round face, light eyes, and dusty colored hair was familiar.<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10203344095?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10203344095?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10203343272?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></p>
<p><br/>"What you said earlier, it got me thinking. Maybe I should have said something before. I just wasn't thinking about it I guess. If it really is him...I know he's been going through some stuff lately. Someone in his family died a few weeks back. A cousin or aunt or something. " Surely the loss of family was enough to make a person do some irrational things, but this? That seemed a bit much. "Your promise about not being a cop better not have been a lie," he hesitated for just a second. "He was really down. Like, really down. You could tell just by being near him. I sold him some weed for cheap. It's a side hustle. Life in the city is expensive, and it should be legal by now," he defended himself. "Anyway, I don't think he was into the hard stuff or anything. I don't know. I don't touch any of that. He bought weed from me a few times after that. He seemed better. I thought maybe it was helping. But...maybe not?" If seemed unlikely that was the cause, but if did appear to be a change in character in the guy. Maybe that was something.</p>