Something Evil's Lurking in the Dark

@ Dandy Darling;

"Alright, if you're sure." Emily smiled, pleased that he'd come to a decision not only about his birthday but about the next step in their journey. She knew she'd be packing her most summery clothes and she made a mental note to go to the stores and pick up a couple of extra things. "Alright then, it's our big trip. I can't wait, I know we're going to have an incredible time together." It would be the first place on her list to check off of places she'd been. She hoped by her next birthday she'd have several more places crossed off of it.

--

Brayden nodded, thinking that maybe a burning would be a last, desperate resort. He knew the ghost would hate it and probably attempt to kill them if they did. Even still, he kept it in the back of his head. He grinned, kissing her nose, nodding in agreement. "I'm the brawn of this operation, and you're the brains, babe, that's how it works. I'd be totally, completely, and unconditionally lost without you." They shared another sweet kiss and it made him happy, being here with her. He couldn't ask for more. "Alright. Maybe you could give him a call or something? We should pack and head there as soon as possible. Who knows when she's going to strike next. We have to be prepared for when that happens."

@ Miley Cyrus;

Oliver nodded, knowing that he was completely sure. After years of being isolated from relationships, he was ready to open himself up to Emily as friends. He wanted to be able to share time with her and tell her about the things that he had experienced over the years. "Yes, I suppose that it should be for a week. That will give us the time to really get to know the culture and explore the island." He smiled while giving her hand another gentle squeeze. This would be the first time in a century that he had made a connection with a human being.

--

"The perfect tag team." She smiled when they pulled away from the kiss. Glancing over at the electronic clock on the bedside table, Callie realized that it was only three o'clock in the morning. No person in their right mind would be up right now. She reasoned inside of her head when she turned back to Brayden. "I will figure out a way to call him in a few hours. Hopefully, this ghost will let us get some rest before we figure out how to destroy her." Callie gave him another quick squeeze, moving to settle beneath the covers once more. Maybe she could finish the rest of the night without waking up from a nightmare. "Night, Brayden." She mumbled, resting her head once again against his chest. Slowly, she drifted off into a sleep once again.

@ Dandy Darling;

Emily was getting more excited by the minute. She couldn't wait to take this step forward with Oliver. It'd be good for the both of them to get out of town and see the world. "I think that sounds like a great idea," she agreed, her mind floating to the islands. She could practically smell the sea salt already. "It's done, then. This birthday is going to be spent miles away, with tons of cupcakes." She laughed, sitting back in her seat, satisfied.

--

Brayden followed Callie's eyes over to the electronic clock on the bedside table, surprised to find that it was only three o'clock in the morning. He had never felt so awake. He supposed with all the crazy events happening as of late, even a couple of hours of sleep felt like ten. He took it as a good sign and hoped that things were only going up from here. When Callie moved beneath the covers, he followed her, settling in beside her. It felt so natural, cuddling up beside her, letting her rest her head once again on his chest. He gently ran his hand up and down her back until she fell asleep, falling into a slumber himself.

@ Miley Cyrus;

"Great, it sounds like fun for the both of us." Oliver smiled as she laughed, knowing that they were going to have an amazing journey. Placing the note back into his chest pocket, he waited until she finished with her sandwich to pay for the bill for her lunch. He had been the one to show up on her doorstep unannounced, so he would have to treat. "I believe it is about time that we go see that show, isn't it?" Oliver held out his hand for her to take, keeping the same gentle smile.

--

Luckily, for Callie, the ghost had nothing else to say to her, allowing her to sleep peacefully the rest of the night. She awoke four hours later from the stream of sunlight in her eyes, slowly blinking them open. Beside her, she looked up to see that Brayden was still asleep in dreamland. Callie leaned over to give him a gentle kiss on the lips before exiting the bed to take a shower, not wanting to bother him. He deserved to have the extra rest. There were many things that she had on her to-do list today though. One of them being to find the phone number to the supernatural expert. After finishing with her shower, she changed into a loose fitting t-shirt that she had from college and signature skinny jeans. Callie moved back into the bedroom, picking up her discarded clothing beside the bed from the last night to toss them into the basket.

@ Dandy Darling;

Emily smiled when he paid for the bill for her lunch. He was such a gentleman as always, even when he didn't eat anything himself. She was even more pleased when he came around to her side and held out his hand. She took it without any hesitation. "I do believe it is." A smile slowly spread across her face as she rose, his hand safely held between hers, letting him whisk her away, back into the streets of the big city.

--

Brayden was fast asleep, peaceful, his dreams lacking color and shapes. He didn't have visions or nightmares. Instead, he was cast into a place with white nothingness. It was the most peaceful sleep he'd gotten all week. When he woke up, he realized Callie wasn't beside him and he immediately sat up, relaxing when he heard the shower running. His lips spread into a smile as he let out a sigh of relief, running his fingers through his hair. "Good morning, beautiful," he told her when he saw her on his way to the bathroom, winking at her before he went in. He took a relaxing shower, finding himself at ease, before he came out, wrapping himself in a towel. He walked back to the bedroom, dressing himself in a grey v neck and fitted dark jeans. He pulled out his shoes, ready to put them on, before he plucked out a large, black feather.

@ Miley Cyrus;

Taking her hand, Oliver moved outside of the small cafe. He had no idea where the show were taking place, but he could listen to the sounds of the orchestra warming up before the performance started. "Ah, good, we are not far away." He announced while leading her back into the crowd. Oliver kept a strong grip on her hand, but not too strong, as he led her, afraid that he may lose her. "I apologize, this is the only way." He sighed when he received another hit to the shoulder.

--

Callie smiled, seeing that Brayden was in one of his better moods. He had slept in an hour later than she had, but it was already making a significant difference in the atmosphere. Exiting the bedroom, she went downstairs to make breakfast, realizing that they had never gone food shopping. There was only half a carton of milk in the refrigerator and an opened box of cereal in the pantry, so that would be their only option. Callie tossed her wet hair over her shoulder, bringing out the two ingredients to mix together, noting that they desperately needed to go to the grocery store. She realized how quiet it was in the house this morning and silently wondered why. Not that she wanted something to happen, but the ghost was always lingered in the back of her mind. She sat down at the dining room table with the bowl, glancing to look outside of the window. Out on the line across the street, she saw the raven, staring right back at her with its black eyes; the symbol of impending destruction. "Brayden!" She called out for him while starting to stand, hoping that nothing had happened.

@ Dandy Darling;

Emily looked around at all the people around them, a bit overwhelmed, until Oliver jerked her off in one direction. She was grateful for his ears, for it would have took her ages to figure it out for herself with her little human senses. He held her hand strongly and she gave his hand a squeeze, keeping close to his side. "No, it's okay, the sooner we get there, the better," she assured him, speaking a little louder so he could hear her over the crowd. She allowed him to lead her through the thicket of the crowd until they got to the hall, looking around at all the people around them. She could hear music playing from here and it made her smile, allowing him to tug her closer.

--

Brayden's fingers curled around the feather shakily as he held it up. How in the world one of those got stuffed in his shoe was beyond him. He glanced around conspiratorially, as if some giant bird was just lingering around the corner. With a sigh, he continued to put on his shoes before he walked downstairs, walking faster when he heard Callie calling for him. "Hey, babe, what's going on?" He asked as he walked into the kitchen, the feather still in his hand. With a sigh he placed it down on the table. "I found this in my shoe," he explained pointedly, looking over at her with a frown. It seemed like they didn't have as much time as they originally thought. He hoped the feather was more of a warning than anything else.

@ Miley Cyrus;

Leading her through the crowd, they soon came across the play that was passing through town. He had never heard of it before, but it seemed that the previous shows were all sold out. "I do not know what the play is about, but do you think you would enjoy it?" He looked down at Emily as they moved into the line with a couple ahead of them. Even though he had no cash on him, Oliver was always prepared with a spare credit card just in case situations like this occurred. When the couple moved, they had become the first people in line, and he requested to have two tickets for them. "There are only two seats available, and they are the orchestra seats, sir." The woman inside of the booth announced to which he merely produced his credit card. "We will take both of them then."

--

Callie had already made it halfway to the kitchen when she saw Brayden come downstairs unscathed. Placing a hand over her heart, she sighed with relief then glanced over towards the window. "The raven.. It came back, and it was looking directly at me again. I just.. panicked, thinking that maybe something might have happened to you." She explained as her eyes slid down to the feather in his hand. A small confused expression crossed her face for a moment, waiting for him to explain. "In your shoe?" She repeated not certain as to how it may have appeared there. "We really don't have that much time. I'm gonna go start researching. You can have my breakfast, if you want, but it's just cereal. We need to go food shopping when we get the chance, too." She moved past him to go back down the hall to the computer room.

@ Dandy Darling;

Emily's eyes lit up at the scene in front of them. She hadn't heard of this play before but it looked incredible, at least from what she could see of it. "It looks perfect," she replied, allowing him to lead her along in line to the ticket booth. She waited while he paid for their tickets when they got to the front of the line, pleased when the woman informed them of the last two seats available. They'd been lucky to come at this time. She let him guide her inside, looking around in awe on the way to their seats. There were many people around but it seemed like just the two of them, surrounded by her two loves, music and art.

--

Brayden smiled reassuringly at Callie when she put her hand over her heart, guilty for worrying her. "No, no, I'm fine," he assured her, before he let out a sigh. That raven always meant no good. It was practically a symbol of evil. "Yes, in my shoe. I don't know where it came from." It was hard to even imagine such a thing. He waited a beat as she went to the computer room, gazing out at the window. The raven was long gone but he knew it'd be back. It always was. He followed her to the computer room, taking his bowl of cereal with him.

@ Miley Cyrus;

Settling into the seats, Oliver pulled off his coat to place it onto the seat behind him to get comfortable. They had the larger seats about three rows away from the center of the stage, giving him a clear view of the performance. "I believe that we got lucky with the seats." He stated while glancing over at her. Once again, he noticed the look of excitement just bubbling at the surface. A small smile returned to his lips when he looked away to turn his attention to the stage. The lights slowly started to dim as the play actually started.

--

Since there was only one seat in the computer room, Callie settled on sitting on his lap. She started to track through her history to the sites she visited over the past few days. "I think it was... this guy." She stated while highlighting the name Simon Richards. Taking his name, she started to search up anything about him: awards, history, etc. "There's an address, but no phone number.." Callie trailed off, glancing behind her to look over at Brayden. She figured that the man had received enough prank phone calls to know not to put his phone number. "Babe, I think we're going to have to drive there." She concluded with a small sigh.

@ Dandy Darling;

Emily's eyes flitted around, taking in the sight of the people all around them, the music, the lights. It was a place she found familiar and she enjoyed every second of it. Her eyes moved over to his as he spoke and she smiled. "These seats are great," she agreed, growing quiet when the lights dimmed and the actual play began. Everything grew silent and her heart beat a little quicker with anticipation.

--

Brayden smiled when Callie sat on his lap, wrapping his arm around her. He watched her search up on the computer, his eyes following her quick movements. "Simon Richards," he read. "He sounds normal. Not like a quack or any," he joked. Although it quickly became clear that they were going to have to take a trip if they wanted to actually see this guy. Brayden paused for a moment before he looked over at her, raising his eyebrows. "Are you up for a little road trip?"

@ Miley Cyrus;

It turned out to be a classic tale of two star-crossed lovers unable to be together because of family matters. Practically like Romeo and Juliet. Although, they actually survived and lived happily together unlike in the other version. "That was enjoyable." He concluded when the lights came up, and he stood to put on his coat. Even with the intermission, the play had been three hours long, and Oliver wanted to stretch out his legs.

--

Callie turned on his lap, draping an arm around his shoulder. "I kind of figured that we would need to take the journey anyway." She smiled then hopped off of his lap to pack up. There were a lot of things that she would have to think about before packing them. She figured it would only be for a few days, so she would pack lightly.. as possible. Going up the stairs, she pulled the suitcase out of the closet and started to take her clothes off of the hanger. Taking out her phone, she started to check the weather for the next few days in the town.

@ Dandy Darling;

Emily's eyes darted back and forth as she watched the actors on stage. Her attention was completely captured by it. The hopeless romantic in her heart was delighted by the star-crossed lovers angle, making her clap like crazy at the end. She liked happy endings, and she believed everyone deserved a happy ending. "It was wonderful," she told him as they exited the building. "Oliver?" She began, her eyes flickering over to him. "I think I want to start dancing again."

--

Brayden nodded, kissing her cheek. "Then it's settled. We pack up, we hit the road and then we find our spirit guide! Or whatever." He chuckled, watching her get off of his lap and leave. He couldn't help but smile. He hoped this was a sign that they were going in the right direction. As he glanced at the feather, he couldn't help but hope they weren't being led in the wrong direction. He stood up, walking upstairs, joining Callie in packing for what he thought would be a long weekend.

@ Miley Cyrus;

Taking her hand, he led her back outside into the breezy air where the sun had already set, leaving them with only the street lights and signs to illuminate the path before them. Oliver paused when heard her starting to speak, smiling radiantly when he heard her comment. "Really? That is amazing, Emily. I am so glad that you have made that choice. I can see it in your eyes when you talk about dancing. You really love it." He knew that it was difficult for her to decide to make that choice, but he knew that it was the right one to make.

--

By the time Brayden made it upstairs, Callie had already made a mess of the entire bedroom with her clothes scattered. "I wasn't sure whether or not to take a sweater. The weather over there is unpredictable." She held up a crimson over-sized sweater, glancing over her shoulder to look at him. Callie shrugged her shoulders slightly before tossing the sweater into her luggage suitcase anyway. As long as she was prepared for any type of weather, Callie would be satisfied with what she had. "Okay, I think I'm good." She stated while sitting down on top of the luggage, zipping it with some difficulty.

@ Dandy Darling;

Emily's dark hair gently billowed in the wind, whisps of it fluttering around her face. Even in the darkness, underneath the streetlights, her green eyes were vibrant, filled with life. The sun had long since set and now they were left out in the cool night's air. They truly had spent the day together. She felt relieved to have his support on this. "Dancing is what I really want to do, not just for fun but as a career. It's not too late for me to start again. I think I'm going to join a dance troupe." Dance was her first love and she knew she'd never give it up completely.

--

Brayden went upstairs, looking around their bedroom, not surprised in the slightest with the mess that he found. He had completely expected this from her and he honestly found it quite amusing. "Jesus H. Christ, Callie, why didn't you pack the whole house while you're at it?" He laughed, shaking his head as he watched her force her luggage shut. It looked ready to burst. His version of packing took a whole ten minutes and one large duffel bag full later. "Right," he said sarcastically when he glanced between their luggage. "Let's hit the road dear, the sooner we get there the better. Sweater or no sweater."

@ Miley Cyrus;

Over the years, Oliver had seen dance evolving into its present day form, knowing of the hardships that it required. There were tireless nights accompanied by stress, but he could see the resolve in her eyes. He knew that she could push through all of that. "I only want for you to follow your dreams, Emily. If this is what you wish to do, then I am here to completely support you. The trip may be hard, but I do believe that you will persevere." He smiled to reach over and brush back some of the loose strands of hair. Oliver could see that this is what she truly wanted to do for the rest of her life, and he would only help her with her goals.

--

"If I could, I probably would pack the entire house, but that's not an option." She responded, continuing on with the joke as she stood with the suitcase. It had taken a bit out of her to actually put everything together into that one bag though. Callie pulled up the handle to roll it outside of their bedroom out into the Range Rover. "I have the address, and we can just put it into the GPS. We both know that we're going to end up in Canada if we don't use it." She sighed while moving down toward the truck of the car to put the luggage inside of it. The last time they had accidentally forgotten the GPS and ended up traveling in the wrong direction into a different state.

@ Dandy Darling;

Emily smiled as he spoke and it only got wider the more she heard from him. She knew he'd support her, but it still made her happy to hear it. "Thank you," she whispered as he brushed back some wayward strands of hair. She wrapped her arms around him, her small frame hugging him close as she stood upon her tiptoes to reach him. "Thank you for believing in me." It had been a long time since she'd felt important to someone and already Oliver had nestled his way into her heart. She cared deeply about the detective and she didn't know how she'd ever been afraid of him. He was the best person she had.

--

Brayden laughed at her next statement, knowing all to well that it was true. Callie always came prepared for everything. While sometimes it could be overkill, usually it actually came in handy. Brayden locked the door behind them, carrying his duffel bag over one shoulder and following her out to the Range Rover. He paused for a moment to touch it, relishing in the contact. Of course, he'd missed Callie deeply, but he'd be lying if he said that he didn't also miss his car. He got the keys from her, his mood lightened even further by finally getting to drive his baby again. "See? This is why you're the brains, you're always thinking." He tapped her forehead lightly, teasingly, before he started up the car, hearing the familiar purr, starting to drive after she put in the address.

@ Miley Cyrus;

Her vibrant eyes stood out against the dimmed streetlights. "How could I not." He replied while giving a light squeeze back. When they lightly broke apart the hug, Oliver placed a gentle kiss against her forehead. "You will be amazing, and I will be there to witness your opening night. Whenever that may be." Oliver chucked, taking her smaller hand into his. It was about time that they returned back to her apartment. "As much as I regret to admit it, it is getting late. I should take you back home." He concluded then proceeded to walk off back into the ground. He wished that the day could have latest longer, but even he could not control time.

--

Callie proceeded to sit cross-legged in the seat while she programmed the GPS. One time, she had made the mistake of stretching her legs onto the dashboard. She had received an earful from Bradyen, to no surprise, about placing feet on his baby. "Of course." She grinned in return then hit the start button. "It's too bad that you won't get to listen to me giving you the instructions today." Callie mused, turning her head to look outside of the window. It sent a shudder down her spine with the thought of possessed-Brayden sitting in the very spot just one day ago. "So, what are we going to do when we get there? What if he isn't there?" Callie questioned since she was starting to run the scenarios throughout her mind.

@ Dandy Darling;

She couldn't help but smile as she looked up at him. She knew he'd be there to support her dreams, no matter what. Although she was a bit put out that their time together was up, she had enjoyed herself. She walked with him back to her apartment, staying close to his side as they walked along the busy city streets. Even at night time, the streets still had all sorts of people walking them. It really was no wonder that Oliver had to constantly be on the look out for trouble; it was as if the people never went to sleep! When they got to her apartment, she turned to look at him, her back resting against the door. "I had a lot of fun today, Oliver. I'm glad you overslept. I think a day off really did you good."

--

"I know, right? I keep telling you, babe, you need to get involved with the GPS business, but you never listen to me. That voice would make millions," he teased, reaching over to take her hand and lift it up to her lips, kissing her fingers. He couldn't help but chuckle as he dropped them, making sure to follow the GPS' instructions. The last thing he wanted was to be late getting to town because he took a wrong turn. Brayden glanced over at Callie as she spoke, shaking his head with a small sigh. "We're gonna look for this guy and track him down. Hopefully by the time we get there he hasn't traveled too far. We need some answers and I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to get some."

@ Miley Cyrus;

Walking her to the front door of her apartment, Oliver placed his hands inside of her pocket while looking down at her gently. Today had been fun for the both of them. He never believed that he could have enjoyed himself in this way again. Oliver was always too cautious of people becoming too close to him, but Emily had always nestled her way without him even realizing. It was too late to turn back now. "Yes, I can agree with that. Maybe it was a way that my brain was saying that I deserved a day off." He chuckled with a small nod. The silence soon settled between them, and Oliver looked down into her mesmerizing green eyes. He was tempted to lean forward to lessen the gap between them, but he did not want to scare her off. Oliver was not sure if he could take the risk.

--

Callie nodded her head since the plan would have to do for now. They were visiting this man on pure instinct but that was all they had. "Sounds like a plan then." She stated while listening to the sound of the GPS telling them to turn right out of the drive way. If they could not find this guy, they would just have to work harder. Even though she had received some rest the previous night, Callie felt her eyelids starting to droop closed. It still terrified her to dream, and she forced herself to stay away by any means. She leaned forward to turn up the radio in hopes of that keeping her awake.