Weird West AU

[the_hair]

The first thing about The Gulch was that it was a town of survivors, hell, the town itself was a survivor, it had survived the river running dry, a copper mine doing the same and a silver mine collapsing even before they moved the stagecoach stop a few miles off.

But even then, they were the last wayside spot between the stagecoach stop and the nearest train station, so they'd continued to scratch out a living even then. These days, there was water in the river basin again, and the town was a quaint tourist destination, both of which were things that kept everyone going. Of course, the tourists never stayed long, they always knew the vibe was off. But others? The ones that the town often referred to as 'good folks, like us', well, they usually found a place to stay.

The second thing about The Gulch was that it had been called something else, once upon a time, but the only one still living there who knew it was Benny who ran the general store and managed the diner next door to it, and he knew because he'd been there the whole time. No one quite knew what he was, but it was rude to ask. One of the few taboos the town had, if someone wanted it to be known what it was they were, or did, or had done, they'd say so, but nobody ever asked.

Which was part of the reason Steve had stayed the past few years. He'd heard about the place the same as anyone else, through whispers and offhand comments among their kind, other good folks (like us), and he'd ended up making his way there after The Incident. The town had a small chapel, mostly taken care of by Robin, who always laughed about it, since she'd run away from home before she could be sent off to join a convent -or something like it- and ended up keeping the chapel tidy, making sure there were always prayer candles in various colors and as many different holy books as she could find. But non-denominational worked for Steve, since he'd been excommunicated as it was, couldn't very well have a monster tending a flock after all, even one that had -mostly- learned to control itself.

But no one in town minded that their new preacher wasn't technically allowed to preach, it wasn't like any of them were going to tell, and most of them were just happy to have one again, the last one had been back in '86 and no one had liked him at all and he hadn't stayed long. Mostly Steve liked that the rectory was a small brick house out behind the chapel, and had a root cellar, that he could convert into a very different kind of storage room.

That particular morning, two days after the full moon and definitely still feeling it, Steve was perched at the end of the counter at the diner, nursing a cup of coffee and waiting for his breakfast, it was busier than it had been in a while, which meant that both waitresses and the one waiter had all been called in and would likely be working through lunch. Judging by the number of cell phone pictures being taken and people wearing brand-new hiking boots, Steve figured that meant the town had been featured in yet another tourist magazine, and would be busy for a few days before things settled down again.

Comments

[thefreak]

Eddie had always seen himself as being destined for a big city. He wanted to be anonymous, just another random guy amid the busy throng, able to live his life without people giving him grief.

Another part of him craved attention, just not the kind that he tended to accrue by being himself. He wanted to take his music on the road and spread it across the country. Life, as it would seem, had other plans for Eddie Munson.

Eddie was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He would have died that day were it not for Christine Cunningham or Chrissy, as she preferred. A vampire. Although he didn't remember the details, he did know that she took pity on him and gave him her blood, giving him a choice. He could die on his own terms or become one of her kind and join her coven.

Immortality sounded pretty cool, but the price he would pay would be immense. It was enough to chase him out of town when said town thought he had killed poor Barb Holland. Although Eddie managed to kill the one responsible, it didn't matter. The town would never trust a vampire, and so Eddie ran.

He ran to The Gulch, where it was rumored that people like him could be safe and live in peace. Sure, it wouldn't be as exciting as in the movies, but Eddie had enough near-death experiences, and being chased with pitchforks had lost its appeal long ago. When Eddie stepped off the bus that took him from the train station, he first noticed that the sun didn't feel quite as harsh as it usually did. Eddie wasn't about to take a chance, though, his thumb fiddling with the ring that once belonged to his mother, the one that would keep him from burning to a crisp in daylight.

Without much of a plan post-arrival, Eddie roamed until he found his way to the diner. Although human food didn't fill him up, it would be an excellent place to get the latest buzz and maybe be pointed in the right direction. Eddie had enough savings that he was pretty sure he could at least find a place to lie low until he could get back on his feet. Then, he'd either move on or, who knew? Maybe this was where he was meant to be?

Stepping foot into the diner, Eddie ignored those who turned to stare at the newcomer. He was used to it by now. Instead, he went right for the counter, sidling several seats from Steve. He gave the preacher a cursory glance, furrowing his brows in confusion before returning his eyes to the menu placed in front of him.

What in the world was a preacher doing in a place that, from what Eddie heard, was filled with those that God would have called damned simply for existing?

[the_hair]

That one rule, that no one asked, it generally worked. The problem was, Steve had an unfair advantage, at least for a couple days on either side of the full moon, and while he couldn't always suss out exactly what someone was, there were two types he could always tell for certain: other shifters, and vampires.

Shifters always tended to smell a little like their other shape, and a little like something else, familiar and unidentifiable, he'd long since figured it was just whatever magic or trick of genetics that allowed them to change shape. Vampires, on the other hand, smelled cold. Not dead, generally speaking, or at least not unpleasantly so, but a particular kind of cold, like shade in a low-lying valley or bowl glen in an otherwise sunny area.

But he wasn't going to just say that he knew what the newcomer was, that would be rude. Instead, after a slow sip of his coffee, he just said: "Don't figure you're with the sorority campers over there." And then, after a brief moment, added: "If you're staying the night the hotel's right across the street, even with this gaggle there should still be a room or two available."

[thefreak]

Eddie, a newcomer to this town, still grappled with his identity. He sensed there was more to this place than just vampires, but he couldn't decipher what others were. All he knew was that there were more like him, fellow outcasts, out there.

Which begged the question - was the preacher like the rest of them? It was possible. And while Eddie would scoff at religion in general for the kind of persecution it led to toward him, maybe he could withhold his judgment of this stranger until he knew more about him and this town.

Eddie snorted at the preacher's first comment. He shook his head, turning to get a better look at the preacher now that he was engaging in conversation. And it was the kind of conversation that didn't seem to pass judgment on Eddie without even knowing him, the way Eddie was used to even before being turned into a vampire.

"Hotel, huh?" Eddie mused, his eyes quickly scanning the preacher's form before returning to his menu. He decided to order a coffee and an omelet, hoping it would help him blend in. "And what if I'm planning to extend my stay beyond just one night?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of challenge.

[the_hair]

There was a quiet undercurrent of amusement in his voice as he answered, "They've got weekly rates, too. But, if you're thinking even more long-term than a week..." It was almost a question, but didn't quite make it to being one, giving Benny a nod of thanks as his own breakfast -apparently mostly bacon and sausage though with a thick slice of toast and a dish of breakfast potatoes beside it.

Steve cocked his head towards Eddie though he was addressing Benny, "Newcomer's looking for a place to stay, you know if the Séance still has a room to let over his shop?"
The man behind the counter considered for a moment before nodding in turn, "Think so, you want me to call over and ask?"
Steve shook his head, "Nah, it's still early, he won't be awake to entertain visitors yet."

He nodded to Eddie then, "I can walk you over once I'm done here, if you don't mind waiting."

[thefreak]

"The Séance?" Eddie questioned, his brows furrowing with unease. What in the world kind of name is that? The word 'Séance' seemed to imply a communication with the dead, a prospect that Eddie found unsettling. He wasn't keen on the idea of sharing his personal space with spirits, benign or otherwise.

Then again, Eddie was still finding his place as a new arrival. He couldn't afford to make enemies if he hoped to establish himself here. He observed Steve's breakfast choice, though it wasn't nearly as appetizing as the priest himself. He quickly dismissed the thought, reminding himself of the importance of playing nice. After all, he couldn't risk alienating someone who seemed to have deep roots in this town.

"I don't mind," Eddie responded finally. "Not like I've got much better to do, anyway." Eddie's life had been a series of disappointments and missed opportunities, leading him to this small town and this peculiar situation. He was used to being alone, to having nothing better to do. So, why not give this 'Séance' a try?

[the_hair]

"It's a title more than a name." Steve replied, something like agreement, "But it's what he prefers, so it's what we use." He made a loose, semi-circular gesture with the slice of bacon in his hand, "Runs the occult shop, you might have seen it on the way in, depending which side you came from, it's the," he paused then, just long enough to look very briefly pained as he said it, "'The Crystal and Balls', but it's mostly a gimmick for the tourists."

He gave a little shake of his head, stuffing the slice of bacon in his hand into his mouth, chewing slowly and flashing Benny an 'ok' even as he made a satisfied noise at it, swallowing before he continued, "I'll let him give you the whole run-down if he's even still got the room to spare, hasn't been anyone rolling in who'd have taken it, but he might have decided he needed the storage. Hard to say."

[thefreak]

The look on Steve's face, coupled with the actual name of the shop, caused Eddie to bark out a laugh. He looked apologetic as he clapped a hand over his mouth before continuing to snicker. Clearly, his sense of humor had not matured along with the rest of him.

"Ah. Yes, I might have seen that," Eddie confirmed. "If you wouldn't mind, I would at least like to see if there's still a room for rent." He appeared to hesitate as he sipped coffee before pressing on. He wasn't sure how much he felt comfortable telling this stranger, but he seemed pleasant enough. And hadn't immediately assumed the worst of Eddie. Whether that would change once he knew Eddie was a vampire remained to be seen.

"To be honest, I'm at the end of my rope. I've heard whispers about this place, about it being a sanctuary of sorts. Right now, I could use a place like that. If the rumors hold any truth," Eddie confessed, his voice betraying his desperation.

[the_hair]

Steve couldn't help but smile -however slightly- at the laugh, though his brow lifted a little at the follow-up, nodding once, "Oh it is, always has been. Local history museum upstairs over the general store will tell you more about that." A gesture at Benny with one hand, "Benny here runs that, too."

Benny nodded, "You ever want a full tour instead of just the self-guided walk-through, just let me know. As long as it's not middle of a meal rush I can leave the girls in charge over here for a bit." He smiled, 'And if I'm busy, you can always ask Robin," a nod back to Steve as he continued, "Parish administrator and junior librarian." That smile spread a little, "And we're happy to have even a junior librarian over what we had before, which was no librarian and an honor system."

Benny had apparently taken over for the moment so that Steve could eat, "She's the first one in an age who wanted to learn this history in-depth. So definitely your best but for a tour if I'm busy." The revelation that Benny knew the history because he'd lived it instead of learned it would be later, once Eddie was comfortable and settled enough to share his own status.

He did have to peel off to go settle checks for the tourists, then, though Steve was just finishing up his own breakfast, downing what was left of his coffee with one long swallow before tucking a couple bills under the mug and giving Eddie a nod, "We should go, if you're ready, otherwise he's not actually going to let me pay for my breakfast." It was mostly a joke, but Benny did have a habit of undercharging the locals.

[thefreak]

While Steve and Benny could theoretically lie, Eddie sensed they were telling the truth. This place didn't feel like it was hiding a dark secret. And while nobody could tell Eddie why or how this place became a safe haven, that was probably by design.

Now, all Eddie could do was trust in this town and try to get back on his feet.

"Yeah, I'm ready," Eddie confirmed, his eyes flickering to his meager breakfast. He knew he would need to feed soon, but for now, this would suffice. Once he settled in, he would have to find a safe way to feed. The thought of taking what wasn't his and being chased away was a nightmare. As much as Eddie despised rules, he was willing to make an exception for a place where he could sleep without fear of an angry mob at his door.

Eddie left payment for his meal on the counter and joined Steve. "If I do end up renting this place, I'll need to contribute. Do you know of any job openings? I may not have many special skills but can tend a bar and handle a car." Earning an honest living would be a welcome change. Just because Eddie didn't make it to college like his uncle hoped didn't mean he was destined to be a drug dealer forever.

[the_hair]

He actually considered that one as he shouldered the door open, holding it for Eddie and giving Benny a parting wave before heading out onto the sidewalk himself, tilting his head in the direction of the shop, "Séance might take you on as a shop assistant in exchange, at least until you land something with actual pay."

He scratched the back of his neck, "Haven't had a mechanic in town for a dog's age, most folks don't even have a car around here." A thoughtful sound followed, "But if you can tend bar, I know Samira, Sami, she's been looking for someone since her last guy walked out." He cocked his head towards the building across the street from the diner, it was very much an old-time saloon, with the bat-wing swinging doors and everything, though clearly not yet open for the day, given the two hasp latches -one above and one below the door handles- were locked and the windows were still dark, "She'll open up around five or six, whenever Benny closes up for the day. They try not to split the crowd, and there's some county ordinance about not selling alcohol before six PM."

A little shrug, "So you'll have options, but most everyone here's found a place for themselves, even if they didn't walk right into the position." The way he'd done, not that he was going to say so, Eddie would find that out soon enough.

[thefreak]

Eddie's eyes immediately snapped onto the doors of the saloon, a place that piqued his interest. While it wasn't what Eddie was used to, he felt he could tend to the bar there just as well as any establishment in the city. He nodded, taking his time to trail his eyes back to Steve, smiling as friendly as he could.

"I'll take your word for it," Eddie remarked, taking in more of the town as Steve led the way. "By the way, I don't think I caught your name. I'm Eddie." He reached out a hand adorned with several rings, one of which was a unique piece that allowed him to walk in the daylight without being burned to ash.

[the_hair]

He was pretty sure he recognized some of he sigils on the rings, but he wasn't surprised considering that he'd already sussed out what Eddie was, but the secondary validation was good to have.

He smiled as accepted the handshake, nodding once, "Steve. Obviously most folks around here call me Reverend, because, uh, that's what I am." A gesture to the church just visible in the middle distance at the end of main street, and mostly only visible because of the height of the building and the fact that it was partway up the hill at the edge of town.

"We're non-denominational, evening service Fridays and Saturdays, morning and afternoon service on Sundays. Office hours most of the day otherwise for counseling or advice." A nod followed, "And the chapel sanctuary's open at all hours, never know when someone might need it."

Arriving at the mystic shop, the place was just opening, a young man propping the door open with a mandala-painted rock and hauling a chalkboard a-frame sign out to the sidewalk, all with one hand, as he had a stoneware mug in the other. He was, perhaps unsurprisingly, dressed like every witchy best friend in every 90s movie, and it somehow worked for him even considering the fact that he was somewhere around six feet tall and lanky to match.

He gave a cheerful wave when he spotted them, one that Steve returned, though he didn't actually greet them until they were close enough that he didn't have to shout, giving a nod, "Rev," Eddie got a quick once-over, "new guy. What brings you by to see me?"
Steve gave a nod in turn, "Séance, this is Eddie, going to be staying a while, hoping you still had a room available."

[thefreak]

Eddie was pleased his hand didn't burn up when he shook hands with Steve. Whether it had anything to do with his church being non-denominational or if all of that was about vampires being unable to withstand any religious iconography being bullshit, Eddie couldn't say for sure. Still, he was hesitant to promise he would visit the church.

At least they arrived at the mystic shop relatively quickly, so Eddie didn't feel the need to make promises he wasn't sure he could keep. He smiled as he regarded the inside of the mystic shop with interest. Now, he could see himself venturing inside; it was much more his style.

"I can't promise you rent up front, but I will be working on securing employment," Eddie insisted, his eyes finally meeting the Séance's. He felt an odd, cold sensation pass through him, though that might have nothing to do with this mystic and everything to do with Eddie's vampiric nature. Sadly, he was still learning what vampires were capable of, having had no time to learn from his master.

[the_hair]

Another factor was, of course, that Steve wasn't technically a religious figure anymore, having been not just excommunicated but literally run out of town. Though given as no one in The Gulch knew about that either -save Benny who seemed to know everything, and Steve wouldn't begrudge him that- and Robin -who knew the first part but not the second and didn't care either way- there wasn't really any way for Eddie to know that much.

Séance regarded Eddie for a moment, holding that mug against his own chest with both hands as he did, head tilting a little. He couldn't be entirely sure what Eddie was, only that death clung to him like a shroud, but he wasn't going to say anything about it, either. But he nodded, taking a sip of his tea before answering, "Still got the room, and business has been good, I can let you have the first week rent-free, and if you haven't managed to catch a job by the second week, I can put you to work myself stocking shelves and packing orders or something like that, there's always plenty to do around here."

Steve relaxed at that information, not really sure why he'd been worried that Eddie wouldn't have a place to stay even if it was just long-term at the hotel, he wasn't sure why he apparently wanted Eddie to stick around. But it also wasn't something to dwell on right then, instead he just nodded, "That's good to hear." He turned to Eddie then, both brows lifting in some kind of concern, or just caution, "You think you'll be alright if I live you in Séance's capable hands?"

[thefreak]

Eddie let out a breath he didn't even realize he was holding, a wave of relief washing over him. The uncertainty of his future had settled, and he knew where he would be staying for the unforeseeable future. Although Eddie would have holed up in the hotel, it didn't feel like a viable long-term option.

Eddie felt a surge of hope, a feeling he hadn't experienced since leaving home. Maybe he didn't have to live like a nomad, moving from place to place whenever anyone found out his true nature. Perhaps this was a place where vampires wouldn't be shunned.

"I think I'll be okay," Eddie nodded with a coy smile. "But I hope I'll be seeing you around, Steve." He winked before turning towards the Séance. "I don't have very many belongings. Or much to my name, really. So moving in should be smooth as butter."

[the_hair]

Steve couldn't help but smile at that, "I'm sure you will, especially if you're stopping by Sami's for dinner."

Séance smiled as well, nodding and waving Eddie into the shop, "Most of the locals eat dinner at Sami's, and she's still looking for a bartender, last I checked, if you've got any experience at that it's probably worth it to talk to her at least." He shifted his mug to one hand so that he could gesture around the shop with the other, "So this is the Crystal and Balls, if you've been in any kind of metaphysical shop before this one's pretty much the same."

He regarded Eddie again, "I go by Séance because I'm one of the world's few actual mediums, I can talk to ghosts." He inclined his head, "But, they know they're only allowed in the reading parlor and only when I'm actually doing a session, so you don't have to worry about being haunted or anything like that."

[thefreak]

Eddie's eyes lit up at the prospect of working as a bartender at Sami's. He nodded eagerly, though softened as Séance explained the shop and who he was to Eddie. Considering Eddie's nature, the thought of being able to commune with ghosts sent a chill down his spine. He didn't think many ghosts would take kindly to someone like Eddie.

"Ah," Eddie responded somberly. "That's, um. That's good." He avoided Séance's eye contact as he looked around the shop a little. "I'm afraid I might have, uh. Added some ghosts to the world. At least at the beginning, before I learned to...control myself." He chose his words carefully, still unsure if letting too many people know what he was would be wise. At least, not until he knew who he could trust.

[the_hair]

Séance wasn't about to out any of his neighbors, that was one of the hard and fast -and still mostly unspoken- rules of the town. But he wasn't just going to leave that explanation unanswered, either, pleased that Eddie was being at least a little bit open with him, "You and a lot of other people, friend."

He shook his head a moment later, waving his free hand in a semi-circular little movement, fingers twitching more than fluttering, though that was the intention, "Ghosts have other things to worry about, they don't take it personal unless it was already personal, and in that case you've got a whole bunch of more important problems than the haunting."

He waved Eddie onward, fishing a key out of his pocket to unlock the 'staff only' door behind the counter, there was a small storage area and the stairs to the upper floor, "C'mon, room's upstairs, you can take a look, see if it'll suit you for now, and if it does, feel free to move right in." He apparently had no qualms about leaving the shop open for a few minutes while he was upstairs, "And you can either lurk up here like the Phantom today, or you can hang around the shop and I can fill you in on whatever I can, whatever works for you."

At the top of the stairs was an area not quite the same size as the floor below, and Séance gestured to doors, "I'm on this side, across the hall is you, and the linen closet, then bathroom's all the way at the end, place used to be a tenement of sorts, the rooms we've got now used to be two separate apartments, each, can only imagine how crowded that was."

[thefreak]

The room itself might not have been anything special, but it was a sanctuary for Eddie, a refuge from the chaos of his past. It was his own space, a luxury he had longed for during his time on the run. And more than that, it offered a sense of security that he had never experienced in any other city. Not to mention, it was more affordable than he could have hoped for.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Eddie whispered, his voice trembling with tears of joy, "I love it." He couldn't believe his luck. "Is there, uh, a laundromat or something in town?" The town seemed to be a self-sufficient haven, offering everything they could possibly need. It all seemed too good to be true.

"I don't have much with me, but I hope you and the ghosts don't mind the occasional jam session. It's just an acoustic, at least." Eddie was relieved he didn't carry much baggage. The apartment would have felt cramped with all the stuff he had when he lived with Wayne. But that didn't stop him from missing his prized vinyl collection and the memories they held.

[the_hair]

The room was furnished, if sparsely, bed -with a bare mattress- dresser, chair, overhead light -with a multi-colored chandelier type shade- and a floor lamp that definitely didn't match, and Séance hung back to let Eddie get a feel for it, "You've got a south-facing window, but it does have a full blackout shade, just rolls down and fastens at the bottom."

He leaned against the door frame with one shoulder, arms folding loosely across his chest again, smile emerging at the question of music, "And we like all kinds of music in this house, we'll have to see if it carries, because if it does the only stipulation will be not while I'm doing a reading, but honestly even then it's probably fine." He unfolded one arm to gesture with a thumb in the direction of the bathroom, "Washer's in the bathroom, I know, I know, seemed weird to me at first too, but it works, there's also an old-school wringer, no dryer, but there is a hanging air-dry contraption in the ceiling out here, I can show you how to work that."

He ticked things off on his fingers, then, as if he couldn't keep still for long, "So there's clean sheets in the linen closet, just pick whichever ones, they aren't fancy but they're good. If you need a better lamp or a hot plate or another chair or something, we still call the back room at the general store the 'trading post', folks leave stuff there that they don't need anymore, it's free for anybody to pick up if it's something they need, we look after each other in more ways than one around here, there's no curfew or anything, just as long as you lock up behind you, remind me to get you the spare key downstairs. Anything I can answer for you quick-like before I pop back down there to do business?"

[thefreak]

Eddie nodded eagerly at his stipulation. That would be easy enough to abide by. "Sure thing, just let me know when you're doing readings so I don't accidentally interrupt." Although there were still some lingering uncertainties about settling in one place, this did seem like a viable option for Eddie. At any rate, there was no harm in doing a trial run. If things went south, he didn't have many belongings and could pick up and go on the run once more.

"Thank you!" Eddie said as he continued looking around and getting a feel for where he would stay for the foreseeable future. If he did decide to stay long-term, he would have to do a bit of redecorating, but for now, it felt like it could be home. "And, no, I'll leave you to it. Think I'll do some light unpacking before meal time and come see you about that spare key before I head out."

[the_hair]

Séance grinned, "Sounds good, and I can show you the arrivals board when you do, it's got all my scheduled readings but also things like merchandise deliveries so you know when to expect the store room to be a little more crowded for a bit. I know for a fact there's nothing on for today, so you can make whatever noise you want to up here." The board was mostly because Séance himself wasn't the most organized person, though he was a lot better at it now than he had been when he'd first arrived. He was a lot better at most things now than when he'd first arrived, but that was a story for another time, and he just nodded, pushing himself up from his lean, "In that case, make yourself at home."

He gave another little wave, just a flutter of his fingers, before making his way back downstairs himself.

[thefreak]

When Séance left, Eddie took advantage of his time by moving his things into the space and making them his own. It still felt like it needed a little breaking in, but once clothes were placed in drawers and his guitar was leaned against the wall, it started to feel a little more like he was moving in there instead of just passing through.

Since he didn't have much stuff, Eddie finished this much faster than expected. He wasn't sure if Séance would be available to give him the spare key and show him the arrivals board, but the thought of just sitting around didn't sit right with him. Well, he could always find Séance later, right? He made his way downstairs, content to walk around the town and get his bearings until mealtime. He might as well start meeting people. It felt counter-intuitive, but maybe if more people knew about him and his true nature, they wouldn't suddenly turn on him. It was worth a try, anyway.

[the_hair]

It was still early enough that the tourists hadn't come back from their hikes or their sightseeing and it meant Séance was just puttering around the shop making sure displays were filled even as he bobbed his head along with Fleetwood Mac piping out of the store's sound system.

He grinned when Eddie made his way back downstairs, "Settling in already?" He snapped his fingers, pointing at Eddie before sweeping off behind the counter again, "Key. And if you're coming back after closing it's probably safer to use the side door." He tilted his head in the direction of said door, "Sounds counterintuitive as hell, coming in through the alley, but that one goes right into the storeroom, and then boom, stairs, don't have to worry about stumbling around in here with the lights off to get there."

Another easy smile followed, "And you can stick around here if you like, or go a-wandering, either way if you're back around sundown I can walk you over to the Pit and make introductions."

[thefreak]

The music had Eddie bobbing along to the beat as he made his way to the door. He was startled when Seance found him first. He grinned and nodded as he walked over to claim the key from his new landlord's hands.

"I'll take your word for it." He tossed the keys up casually and grabbed them with one hand before pocketing them. "Although I do have fairly good night vision, it is best not to take chances." Besides, having a more direct route to his bed come sun-up would do just as well. If he did claim the bartending gig, his hours would skew more towards nighttime, and daylight ring or not, he would not want to cut it too closely.

"I'll come back around sundown for sure. See you, Seance, and thank you!" He patted his pocket where the key rested safely before going out the front door to explore.

[the_hair]

The town was one of those places that seemed like it had been designed as a picturesque tourist trap, at least on the surface. It was, however, easy to see how upper floors of buildings -much like Séance's- were probably living areas for everyone who also worked in town, whether at the diner or the general store, and it was delightfully old-west while still being a full supermarket with a deli section and everything, though there was a note on the top of the glass deli case that residents with special dietary restrictions -'kosher, halal and many other types'- could ask for a special order.

The hotel was doing a steady business, as was the spa and salon next door. There was also a used bookstore, which doubled as a library for residents, and an antiques and thrift store. Really the selection of businesses along the main drag was as much of a hodge-podge as the residents themselves, but aside from the Snake Pit which just wasn't open for the day just yet, there weren't any shuttered windows or closed doors, so things seemed to be doing some kind of business to be able to keep running.

[thefreak]

Exploring the town took up most of Eddie's day. He couldn't help but poke his head in each of the stores, though without any money, he couldn't do much more than window shop. Eventually, it became a matter of waiting for the Snake Pit to open while keeping his eyes peeled for Steve.

Everyone seemed impossibly friendly. Eddie was used to others turning to cross the street to avoid passing him, but now everyone seemed keen on smiling and waving at the newest resident. Maybe eventually, it wouldn't fill him with unease like the shoe was about to drop at any time.

He almost considered going to the chapel when he didn't run into Steve right away. It was non-denominational, so he was fairly certain he would not immediately burst into flames. Not wanting to take the chance just yet, he stood outside and looked the building up and down, debating with himself if the risk was worth it. Surely, he wasn't the only vampire in town.

[the_hair]

Steve emerged from around the side of the building, gardening tools in one hand, watering can in the other, bandana tied around his head to keep his hair out of his face. He startled briefly upon finding Eddie standing there, but smiled a moment later, "You know, it's quieter inside. Not as bright, either."

Not that Eddie was standing in direct sunlight, the shadow of the chapel itself keeping him from the worst of it, right where Steve had been around the back, and not that it was really all that loud outside, either, it was actually pretty quiet for still being in clear view of the town at the base of the hill.

[thefreak]

Steve wasn't the only one startled, as Eddie was surprised when Steve emerged. He immediately found himself frozen, his eyes transfixed on Steve's current state, bandana around his head somehow making him look more enticing than before. It was enough to drive all sense of words right out of his head, leaving him sputtering and in dire need of a recovery.

"Yeah, well, y'know," Eddie started, stammering. "Wasn't sure I was going to burst into flames if I went inside, so I thought I'd be cautious." He was mostly joking.

[the_hair]

Steve just nodded, because that was as good as confirmation of what he'd already smelled on the other, but he wasn't going to say as much, not until Eddie said so himself, so instead he just set the watering can on the steps, followed by the tools, followed by tugging off his gloves and offering Eddie a hand, only barely biting back the smile as he said, "So I'll come with. That way I can haul you back out here if you start to smoke."

A shrug, "You won't, though. Nobody has yet." A pause, as if he actually had to consider that before shaking his head, "Not so long as I've been here, anyway." That soft-edged, easy-warm smile followed, "But if you'd rather not risk it, that's fine too, I'm not about to make anybody do something they're not comfortable with. Kind of goes against the whole... you know, thing." A loose gesture towards himself as if that explained what he meant.