start of something N E W [vincent]

[lacey]

It was always the same - dad goes out for a couple of hours. Dad comes home drunk. Dad starts yelling. Dad eventually ends up hitting her. Lacey was so tired of being at home it wasn't even funny. She wanted to get out and live with her brother, but her father wasn't having it. Even though she was 18. It was utterly ridiculous. So when her father left again for the second time today, Lacey raced to her bedroom to get ready. She threw on some jeans and a t-shirt and pulled on her tattered converse shoes. In the bathroom she applied some makeup, doing her best to cover a fading bruise on her jaw line. With a frown she analyzed her face. The bruise was still visible, but it wasn't standing out as bad as it had been the other day. Now it looked as if she had just slipped and hit her face on a wall or something.

Good enough. She skipped down the stairs and paused at the bottom, listening. Nope, her dad was officially gone. Good. She walked to the back of the house and slipped out the back door, locking it behind her. Every chance she got she snuck out. And that was usually only when her father wasn't at home. She walked around the backyard to the sidewalk and started into town. There was always the possibility that her dad would see her walking down the street, so she kept to the shadows as much as possible. She made a quick detour to her brother's apartment, but after knocking multiple times she cursed Kyle for not being at home. She usually went to his place once she got out of the house, and now she felt like killing him.

She was just wandering down the street now, going no where in particular. She was passing the pet store when she heard a tiny bark from inside and she turned to see the most adorable little Golden Retriever puppy looking at her through the glass. Her heart melted just looking at the little thing and she wanted to just snuggle with it. She stepped back, eyed the little shop up and down and then walked inside. As the door opened a little bell rang above her head, making all the animals inside go crazy. After a minute they settled down and she smiled at the person behind the desk.

She found the puppy first, walking up to the little cage it was sitting in. The puppy came up to her, trying to stick its little nose through the bars and she gave it her finger to lick on for a minute. She bent down, trying to see... Oh, it was a little boy. She smiled and pet the little guy through the bars of the cage. It was then that Lacey noticed the little sign next to the cage. GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPIES - $700 $700?! Goodness, Lacey didn't have that kind of money on her. All of her money went to bills and other things needed around the house. With a sigh, she gave the puppy a final pat on the head and turned around before she got too attached and had to beg the cashier to give it to her for free. But she didn't noticed the person standing behind her as she turned and walked right into him/her. She stepped back, stunned for a second. "Oh my, I'm so sorry!"

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tags: vincent
words: 579
notes: none that i can think of xD
muse: edge of glory - lady gaga

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[VINCENT HUGH JACKS]

Vincent stumbled out of bed with a groan as it was about mid day. He ran his hand through his spiky brown hair that was sticking out at random places. He slipped into the shower quickly, taking off his boxers and letting the water roll of his muscled, pale chest. There were a fresher set of scars right across the middle of his chest and stomach from a fight he had gotten into with another werewolf. The scars were taking a long time to heal for being part werewolf, but he supposed that was normal for those like him, the few that were actually part werewolf. He quickly cleaned himself up before getting out of the shower and drying himself off before getting into some clean, dry clothing.

His apartment was getting old lately and lonely since he had moved into this one a few weeks ago. He recently found out he was allowed pets, but he was not sure what he wanted. Maybe a dog, and he just smirked. They always did say that dogs were a man’s best friend and he understood what dogs were like. He would have never imagined himself as a werewolf, but now he could not comprehend a life without that. It gave him the opportunity to run when he had most needed it and now, he could travel easily and rarely needed a car unless he needed to look normal, but he just took the bus mostly. He was really a man of simple tastes, except when it came to relationships and loving someone. Ever since Salene betrayed him, he has not trusted anyone for that matter.

He walked out of his room and the building soon enough, the sun touching his skin as he walked down the sidewalk, the silence allowing him to just clear his head. After about ten minutes, he walked pass a pet store, a puppy just behind the glass as he gazed at the dog. The puppy seemed happy and content, something that reminded him faintly of himself while he was with his family before he left. He wondered how much he cost. Slowly, he moved into the room, coming to where he saw the puppy originally. A girl kneeled there in front of him now, just softly petting the puppy. She had beautiful, long blond hair. He looked at her body for a mere moment before making himself look at the corner of the back of the room, about to step away, knowing he needed to stop being such an ass.

She stood up and turned away from him, a discontent face made her expression as he stopped, but she bumped into him and apologized quickly. “It’s alright,” he said, his voice deeper because he still was waking up a bit. “You alright?” He asked her, his arm coming to her shoulder gently. He glanced over at the sign by the puppy and it stated that the dog was $700. “Wow puppies are expensive,” he said, dropping his hand and rubbing the back of his neck. “Are you going to get the puppy?” He asked her, walking past her for a moment and leaning down to look at the puppy who was persistently wagging his tale as he snaked his fingers under the dog’s soft chin and scratched, he outstretching his neck and just then coming back to lick his fingers and nibble a little which made him smile.

Tag: Lacy
Notes: None
Words: 572

[lacey]

At least this guy was being nice about it. Lacey hated when she accidentally ran into people and they started yelling at her for it, no matter how many times she apologized. He told her it was alright, and then asked if she was alright, and she looked up at him with a smile. Oh, she didn't realize how cute he was. Then she felt his hand on her shoulder and she nodded. "Yes I'm alright," She said quietly. Gosh she was such a klutz! She was always running into people and things and walls... She felt her cheeks heat up with a blush that she wasn't able to get rid of. She watched him glance past her at the sign that said the puppies were $700.

"Wow puppies are expensive," He said and she kind of laughed and nodded. When he asked if she was getting the puppy her smile faded into a frown and she shook her head. "I wish. I haven't that kind of money right now," she sighed and looked over at the puppy. He had his nose pressed up against the bars and his little tail was wagging and it made her smile. Such innocence was always admirable, even in a dog. The guy stepped passed her and knelt down to pet the dog himself and she laughed as the pup started nibbling his fingers. This was a problem, she was already growing attached to the little guy. She kneeled next to the guy and started petting the pup herself, her fingers stroking the area between his eyes where the fur was always the softest.

"I think," She started, "that if i were to get him, I'd name him Zoticus. It's Greek for 'full of life'. But I would call him Zoti for short, since Zoticus is kind of a strange name." She was babbling and she knew it, but she couldn't help herself. She looked over at him and smiled, hoping she wasn't annoying him too much. "I'm Lacey, by the way," she added. She looked back at Zoti and continued to rub the little patch between his eyes. She giggled when he moved his head so he could lick her fingers and she felt that tugging at her heartstrings, begging her to take this little guy home. Damn puppy dog eyes.

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tags: vincent
words: 387
notes: it's a tad short but i'm half asleeo >.< sowwie
muse: clickk! << this adorable little pooch <33

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[VINCENT HUGH JACKS]

Vincent saw looked at the fuzzy puppy as she said that she did not have enough money. Part of her wanted to buy the puppy for her just to make her happy because there was a mood about this girl that bothered him. He ran his hand through his hair for a moment. “I’m sorry,” he whispered after moment as he glanced at her, watching her pet the puppy, it making him smile softly. She talked momentarily about his name and he thought it was an interesting name, but one that would fit the puppy that was now licking her fingers and he just laughed softly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Vincent,” She said as she held a hand out to her.

Vincent eyed up the dog, knowing he could pay for him and just wanting a dog so bad. “Listen, I’m going to buy Zoticus. You’re allowed to come visit him whenever, if you want,” he said as he looked over at her. “I’ve wanted a companion for a while, especially in my apartment, sound good?” He asked her as he just waited for her approval in a sense. She did not look threatening and did not smell like anything but human. The only thing he had to worry about was himself losing control, but that was nothing new to him. It was something he had to live with every day of his life. He merely glanced up at a middle-aged man walking by before he looked back down at Lacey. “You’re welcome to come now if you want,” he suggested, understanding if she would say no because he was a stranger.

“I’m going to go grab someone,” he said, standing up and walking around her carefully as he just walked up to one of the attendants lurking in the aisles. “Hi, I would like to purchase one of the golden retriever puppies,” he said as they led him over to the front desk to pay. He took out his credit card and they told him some information about the puppies. “I’m naming him Zoticus,” he said as they had asked for a name. He handed the person his credit card and they led him towards the puppy and unlocked the dog from his cage, attaching a leash to him and bring him over as Zoticus jumped on his legs and wagged his tale. He laughed and smiled at the little puppy that was definitely full of life.

taq: lacy
notes: dawww cute puppy zoticus!
words: 411

[lacey]

Lacey glanced at him quickly when she heard him apologize, and she shrugged, not knowing exactly what to say in response to that. Once Zoti started licking her fingers she heard him laugh next to her and she glanced at him again just as he was saying that his name was Vincent. "Nice to meet you, Vincent," she said, shaking his hand. Just then she felt a little wet nose against her hand and she looked back at Zoti and giggled when he started licking her fingers again. This dog was indeed full of life and his name fit him very well.

Vincent started telling her that he was going to buy Zoti and she met his gaze steadily. A small part of her was disappointed that she wasn't going to get the dog, but in the end she was glad he was going to buy him because she knew Zoti would be going to a good home. When he told her she would be able to visit Zoti whenever she wanted she smiled and nodded. "That's really nice of you, thank you." Vincent glanced up through the window and she followed his gaze. And froze. Her father was walking past the pet store, looking like he had a few beers in him already. She vaguely heard Vincent say she could come visit them now and then he left to go get someone.

Fear was coiling in her gut and she felt like she was going to be sick. She stumbled backwards, trying to conceal herself behind one of the aisles, but she wasn't quick enough. Her father had seen her, and the little bell over the door rang and she heard her father's heavy footsteps. "Lacey! What the hell are you doing out of the house?!" She heard him bellow throughout the store, a slight slur to his voice. He was definitely drunk. And then suddenly he was right in front of her, his breath reeking of alcohol. "I'm sorry! I just wanted to take a walk and--" She was interrupted by a slap across her face that made her fall to the ground with a yelp.

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tags: vincent
words: 358
notes: draaaammaaaa!!
muse: little zoti :3

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[VINCENT HUGH JACKS]

After he got the puppy, holding his leash as the little dog jumped around happily. Then he heard yelling and the air completely changed, making the hair stand up on the back of his neck. The strong words echoed as he came over and slapped Lacey across the face. Vincent shoved the leash back to the lady that was still there and quickly stepped in front of Lacey. “Hey sir. I don’t know what is going on, but you need to leave,” he said calmly, the man gaping and yelling, Who are you to tell me what to do?. Then he went to go punch him and he ducked while pushing Lacey backwards as the man growled. Vincent punched the guy across the temple, sending him backwards to fall with a thud to the floor.

He hated when men slapped women like that. Right now he stared at the man, his eye color changing as hair stood up still on his arms as he looked quite feral and alive. “Call the police,” he said as he looked at the pet shop lady and he just grabbed Zoticus’ leash and turned around holding a hand out to Lacey. “Come on, we need to get out of here,” he said, not even worrying about the person on the floor, just grabbing her hand and leading her out towards the street. Adrenalin coursed through his veins as his heart pounded while he continued to walk, slowing down now. After walking about three blocks he took a right and then another, slipping through the apartment building doors as he ascended up the stairs. They had been completely silent as he just stared straight ahead. He opened his apartment door, opening to a small, plain, and slightly cluttered room.

He let her in, closing the door behind her and turning around, letting go of her hand. “Are you alright, Lacey?” She asked him seeing a mark from the man slapping her. He just avoided it by looking into her eyes, they were beautiful and he just paused before blinking himself back. “There’s a bathroom right down the hallway to the right. There’s a spare bedroom to the left right across from the bathroom,” he said as the puppy stood up on Lacey’s leg, wagging his tail.

[lacey]

Lacey hadn't really expected anyone to help her, which is why she was just kinda standing there dumbstruck with her hand pressed to her cheek as Vincent stepped in front of her. She watched, fear struck, as Vincent yelled at her father and her father yelling back at him. Then before she could blink again her father took a swing at Vincent and he pushed her backwards so she didn't get hit. She fell back against a box of animal food, knocking it over and getting it all in her hair. She scrambled to her feet, trying to get the pet food out of her hair. She glanced at Vincent and her father in time to see her father flying backwards from Vincent's punch. Then he went to grab Zoti's leash and came back to grab her hand, telling her they needed to get out of there.

Lacey just kind of stumbled along, not really comprehending anything going on at the moment. She was still reeling from the slap mark across her face. She hurried along with Vincent, following him around some turns and finally into a building where they climbed some stairs and walked into a small apartment. She blinked out of her daze when Vincent let her hand go and asked if she was alright. She glanced around quickly and then met his gaze. "Um, I'm not... I'm not sure," she whispered quietly. She listened to him tell her where the bathroom and spare bedroom was and nodded, bending down to pick up Zoti, who had jumped up on her leg. She held the pup close, finding comfort in his soft fur. After taking a quick look around, she looked back at Vincent. "Um, I think I'm going to take a shower.. If that's alright?" She waited until he said yes before she put Zoti down and headed towards the hall.

She stepped into the bathroom, gently shutting the door behind her. She turned, surveying the small bathroom. It was cute, quaint, comfortable. It was simple too, very guy-like. Everything was white, white tiles, white shower curtain, tan towels. But it was nice. She stepped further into the bathroom and glanced at herself in the mirror. She made a face when she saw a thin red line through the t-shirt she had on. One of her most recent cuts must have started bleeding once her blood started pumping earlier. She pulled her shirt over her head, followed by her bra as she looked at herself in the mirror.

Her whole body was covered in cuts. All self-inflicted. It had been her only way to comfort herself once her father had become abusive. She stepped out of her jeans and panties, looking at the cuts down her legs. After a second she turned to the shower, pulling the curtain back and turning on the shower. While she waited for the water to heat up, she turned back to the mirror, looking at her body again. She reached over and grabbed a little square of toilet paper and cleaning up the bleeding cut on her stomach. It was then she heard the doorhandle turning, and she spun around the face the door, her eyes widening.

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tags: vincent
words: 534
notes: ooooh drama!
muse: the puppy and the movie playing right nowww

[VINCENT HUGH JACKS]

Vincent just simply nodded as she requested a shower and she began walking after setting the puppy down, leash dragging behind him. He just kneeled down nearly the floor, Voti coming to lay down in between his legs, his tummy exposed. He just ran his fingers gently along his soft stomach, laughing as Voti went after his fingers again. “You like to nibble don’t you little Voticus?” He questioned him playfully as he unattached the leash from his collar. Vincent knew that from this moment they would be buddies and the puppy was quite playful. There were some people that dogs knew were just dog people and he had never had a dog before so this surprised him, but in a sense, it did not surprise him.

He saw the puppy’s tongue hanging out and wondered if he was thirsty. He wandered into the kitchen, the puppy following him automatically and he grabbed a bowl, filling it with water as he came to set it on the floor. “There you go boy,” he said as he watched Voti drink for a little while when he heard the water start up in the bathroom. “Shoot,” he whispered as he walked quickly towards the closet grabbing a towel and then going by the bathroom. He had called out Lacey’s name but there was no answer so maybe she was in the shower. He was just going to place this in on the counter for her.

He turned the handle and looked up at her, wide eyed like a dear in the head lights about to turn away, but saw all the cuts. “Oh my…I’m sorry!” He said as he dropped the towel and walked out. He sat against the door for a moment, just shocked at all the cuts that raped her beautiful body. His heart was pounding as he just made his way after a moment back towards the living room and then into the kitchen, grabbing a beer out of the fridge. He just had questions now that he was not even sure if he was supposed to bring up.

[lacey]

Lacey wasn't able to move to cover herself as Vincent looked at her. He mumbled an apology and dropped a towel into the room and left quickly, shutting the door behind him. Oh shit. She slowly stepped towards the door and picked up the towel, hanging it over the shower curtain rod before she turned to the mirror once again. She tried to see herself through his eyes, tried to see the cuts as he would see them. And she didn't like what she saw.

She turned away from the mirror, disgusted. She stepped into the shower, the hot water feeling amazing on her body. She quickly washed up, getting the remains of the animal food out of her hair before she turned off the water and rung her hair out. She wrapped the towel around her body and stepped out of the tub, wiping her feet on the rug on the floor. She hurriedly dried off, careful to not look at herself or her cuts. She pulled her clothes back on and fluffed her hair into a normal looking style before stepping from the bathroom, headed to find Vincent. As she stepped into the hall, Zoti came trotting up to her and she smiled as she lifted his small body into her arms and held him tightly to his chest.

Lacey found Vincent in the kitchen, grabbing a beer. She stayed in the doorway, watching him. She could tell from his posture that he was just as freaked out as she was about this whole thing. "So um... I take it you... You saw that?" She had no idea how to phrase that differently, so she just stood there, looking like an idiot. She felt the blush creep across her cheeks, and she just held Zoti tighter to her body, hoping she wasn't making a completely idiot out of herself.

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[VINCENT HUGH JACKS]

Vincent removed the bottle cap and drank about half the bottle right away, the liquid warming him as he just stood, staring at the entrance of the kitchen. The images of all the cuts on her popped through his head and he just shook it away feeling sick from the scene of her cuts. She had never encountered someone who cut themselves, nor had even planned to, but he just hoped maybe he would be wrong, that someone was doing this to her and he could protect her. He took another drink of his beer, just leaning against the counter still. He heard the shower turn off and he just mentally prepared himself for the awkwardness that might hit between them.

After a few minutes, he had finally finished his beer, letting the bottle occupy the counter as he just heard her walking through the hallway. He watched her come into the room for a mere moment before turning his gaze away, past her. "Yes, I suppose I did," he said as he just had his hand on the counter. "Listen, you don't have to tell me why. I will listen if you need me to, but I don't want you to tell me if you feel like you don't want to." He simply said as he just gazed up at her. He was going to ask her to promise to get help, but he figured that that in itself would be slightly rude, despite the fact that she might really need some help.

"I just need to ask one question. Was that man that..." He stopped looking at her face for a mere moment, "Was he your father?" He asked her with a tense pose. His fingers slid through his hair as his eyes finally connected with hers' again to get an honest answer. He wanted to give her some protection for her and help her in some way. He had never encountered something like this before, but he knew there had to be some way to help. He knew this was not just an ironic situation that a protector of human beings found a girl who was being abused tonight. It was in his nature he supposed to find people like this, but still it had never happened before quite like this.

[lacey]

Lacey knew cutting wasn't the answer to any of her problems, and that she should get some help. She especially believed this when she saw the expression of disgust that Vincent was giving her. He couldn't even meet her gaze, which made her blush deepen. She looked at the bottle on the counter, noticing he must have drained the whole thing in just a few seconds. Dear lord.. She felt horrible for everything that was happening right now. She had never shown anyone her cuts before. But then again she didn't show him necessarily, he had walked in on her. The funny thing was she wasn't even embarrassed about him seeing her naked. She was just humiliated over the cuts all across her body. Actually, she would have rather him see her naked, no cuts, than having him see what he did.

She slowly pet Zoti's back as she hugged him tight, trying to think of something to say. Vincent told her she didn't need to explain, but she wanted to. She just had no idea where to begin. Thankfully he spoke up, filling the awkward silence. He asked if that guy had been her father. Lacey sighed heavily, also embarrassed to be associated with that horrible scum of a man. She nodded slowly, her hand still sliding across Zoti's back. "Yes.. That was my father," She said quietly. She felt the need to explain to him why she did what she did. He might not understand completely, but she felt she had to give him something.

Stepping forward, Lacey pulled out one of the chairs from the kitchen table and took a seat, Zoti still in her arms. "Look, I might as well explain. But just so you know, I have never told anybody this before. Ever. I don't know why I'm trusting you with this, but I guess since you've already seen for yourself, I might as well tell you why I do it," She said, taking a deep breath before going on.

"My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was twelve. After she died, my father became an alcoholic. Eventually he started beating me and my brother, Kyle. Once Kyle turned eighteen he moved out and he wanted to take me with him, but my father wouldn't allow it. When I was seventeen I tripped at home and accidently cut myself on the arm. Seeing the blood and feeling that pain.. I don't know, it gave me some kind of emotional release. So I started cutting myself. I know it's wrong, and rather sick, but it's like a drug, I have to do it now. Otherwise I go into I guess you would call it withdrawl."

She looked down as she finished, her voice breaking a bit. This wasn't easy for her. And it was a double whammy - first he had seen her secret, and then she just gave him her whole life story. She kept herself busy by petting Zoti, and she smiled faintly when he looked up to lick her chin. She wouldn't be able to leave this dog now, she had grown too attatched.

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[VINCENT HUGH JACKS]

Vincent watched as Lacey moved forward, sitting in a chair. So that was her father and for a moment, panic struck him as he could be holding a minor, but she certainly did not look like a minor. If someone saw them that knew her and she was underage, this could look very bad. He was not sure exactly why she was telling him this either, but he would hear her out. If she wanted to talk, he was here for her and always would be if she needed. People had always trusted him with random stuff and it always made him surprised, but he just wondered what about him made them think that he was trustworthy of this information.

He listened to her, holding back the appalled feeling, but anger also filled him at the thought that her father was abusing her. He then figured she was at least 18 by when she said ‘when I was 17…’ so he just felt somewhat some relief, but then he felt slightly protective. He started thinking about what he could do to help her and maybe there was no other way of helping than offering her his place. He knew as well that he would have to trust her, but he doubted that she was lying from all the cuts she had.

He just looked at her and had his hand on his chin, just thinking a bit. “You can stay with me for a while if you want. I mean you are eighteen and I doubt he knows who I am. Plus, I can protect you if he does randomly show up,” he said as she just looked into her eyes wondering if she would accept his offer. He also wondered if she trusted if he could handle protecting her, but he honestly could. She had no idea exactly what he could do and he did not planning on telling her unless he had to or was discovered in mid change.

Part of him was considering telling her exactly what he was just in case so that he would not be surprised, but he figured right now was not a good time nor was he prepared mentally to tell her. Telling humans about supernatural creatures was a fickle thing these days. Most people looked at you crazy or screamed when you proved yourself right. The human race was so ignorant sometimes that it made him annoyed, but he only knew this because he was part human and no human is perfect. Eventually it would show itself to her though because he would be forced to change at the full moon and that could hit him anywhere, just hopefully she would not hear the pain and the noises that followed because of the pain.

“I’m not just going to let you go home so you can get abused again. I’m not one of those guys. If you leave, you have to promise me that you will find somewhere besides your father’s house to go,” he said, just looking at her with serious, caring eyes.

[lacey]

Lacey was surprised that Vincent cared so much. She definitely wasn't used to it from anyone but her brother. She kept her eyes on Zoti while Vincent processed her story. She was feeling really humiliated actually. Partially because she was very embarrassed to admit that her father was who he was, and the other half had to do with him seeing her cuts. It was something she didn't take very lightly, and she was praying to God that she could trust this man with her secret. As of right now it seemed like she could, but appearances could be deceiving.

Her eyes widened when he offered his apartment to her. She really hadn't been expecting that, and she didn't really know what to think of it. Her first reaction was she could just stay with her brother, but on a second thought that would be a bad idea. That would be the first place her father would look. But she would have to get word to her brother that she was safe. She really wished she hadn't snuck out that morning. It was so much drama that she didn't need. But would she stay with him? She really had no where else to go, and if she went back home her dad would probably beat her so bad she'd end up in the hospital or even dead.

"If you leave, you have to promise me that you will find somewhere besides your father's house to go," He told her, and she felt his eyes on her. She sighed, playing with Zoti's ears. "That's the problem, I don't have anywhere else to go. My dad would think to look at my brother's first, and I don't really have any friends. Not since my mom died." It was rather embarrassing to admit to that as well, that she didn't have any friends. After her mom died, she had become a little more secluded, but once her father started beating her and she started cutting, she had cut off all contact completely. She felt bad about it, but there was no way anyone could find out about this. Until now, anyway.

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[VINCENT HUGH JACKS]

Vincent sighed as he heard that, knowing just as well how he understood that, but he could tell that she partially did not know if she could stay here. He just wondered if this was the best thing for her, but her words only confirmed that this might be the only option besides going back to her father’s which Vincent would never let happen until he died if he had to. He just thought about the idea of her being her and she knew she would probably find out that he might be gone quite a bit. Then again, he would need someone to take care of Zoti and she was already doing a good job at tending to him, a smile tugging at his lips.

“Then we’ll figure something out if you want to go. If you really don’t feel comfortable staying here, we can find an apartment for you to stay in for a while,” he said as he just crossed his arms over his chest, wondering if she would just leave like this. She did not seem like the type of person to want to be alone after something like this, but people always seemed to do what you expected the least. He was just hoping she would be willing to stay.

Why was he so caring about this situation though? He questioned himself about this silently just as his eyes rested on him as he thought it over. Something about her had invigorated him, had made him want to help or was it just a simple job, a simple protection? No, it was surely something more than that and he could not look past that, but then what was it that kept him going with her? He just studied her, trying to figure it out, but he couldn’t.

[lacey]

Listening to Vincent talk, Lacey realized she really didn't want to be by herself. She was scared, to say the least, of her father finding her. And for some reason she felt safe with Vincent, even though she had met him only a hour or so ago. The idea of living with a total stranger should have freaked her out, but she would actually rather do that than stay anywhere else. She felt Zoti's little tongue on her fingers and she looked down at him with a smile. God she loved this dog.

Looking back at Vincent, she tilted her head, thinking a bit. "I'd actually feel more safe here than anywhere else. I just... I don't want to be an intrusion." She was thinking of if he had a girlfriend, or even some one-night stands. She didn't want to be in the way of that. And strangely at the thought of that, she felt a little pang of jealousy. She really hoped he wasn't the type to man-whore around with other girls. Nothing could be more disgusting.

Shaking her head, Lacey looked back down at Zoti and came face to face with the little guy. He didn't hesitate - his tongue was lapping at her nose right away and she giggled a bit, hugging him tighter. There was something much too comforting about this dog and she didn't think she could bring herself to leave him. That was probably another reason why she wanted to stay with Vincent. She would have something to do during the day. Since he was so young, he would need to be potty trained and just house trained in general. It was that or she get a job, because otherwise she would be way too bored.

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[VINCENT HUGH JACKS]

Vincent watched Lacey and Zoticus just constantly have fun, making him smile as he had his arms crossed over his chest, just relaxing against the counter. There was something so adorable about this picture that he could not even look away or think about anything else. He knew that the dog was pretty much hers in the first place so if she were ever to leave, he would give Zoti to her because he could not picture tearing these two apart. Then he realized how much he had been staring and he slowly just rubbed the back of his head, just looking away.

He heard her words which made him smile a bit and then he laughed at her second set of words. He did really not have any friends or a girlfriend right now nor did he plan on having one. He was in the time period where he just focused on his job so much that he was barely home from time to time. “Trust me, you won’t be an intrusion. No one should come here really. I work most times. There might be quite a few nights I am gone because lately I’ve been working until three in the morning,” he said as he just leaned back.

“We’ll have to get you some clothes though while you stay here. I’m free this Friday to take you if you would like,” he said, knowing it would be odd for a man to bring up such a proposition, but he was different indeed. He understood what it was going to take to have another person living in his apartment.