The Consequences of Messing With A Whitlock
by: Wizardtho
Chapter 10:
Once Captain set me down at the bar, he went behind it, then frowned, "Nate? Can Isabella drink safely while on the drugs?" Nate thought for a minute, then asked, "Major, can you let me feel how she's doing right now?" Major looked at me for permission. At my nod of agreement, he said, "Brace yourself, Nate. Isabella has the purest feelin's I've ever felt. They can be intense. I'm an empath… yet, sometimes it's even hard for me to handle certain ones." Nate nodded and took a deep breath, then Major said, "I'll ease ya in, then tell ya when ya have all of it."
After only a minute or two, Nate grabbed onto the bar, saying shakily, "How much more?" Major chuckled, "That's only half way." Nate shook his head, "Shit, that's so much. She feels so much, all at the same time... yet she sits there like it's nothing... like that whirlwind of feelings isn't happening inside her. Damn, I need you to take off any vibes you're giving her, Major." Major shook his head, "I'm not givin’ her anythin’ right now. Do ya want the last few emotions? Can ya handle ‘em?" Nate gripped the bar a bit harder while nodding stiffly.
After another minute or two, Nate was breathing roughly. Another second passed before Major said calmly, "Still half power, but ya have all of ‘em now." Nate grit his teeth, then said through them, "Cut it off. I have what I need." He took a huge breath as he sagged into the stool closest to him, looking at me in awe after a second of regrouping, "Jesus Christ, Little One. How do you sit there so calmly through all of that? Captain, I can honestly say, I think your mate can handle just about anything you throw at her right now. She could definitely use a drink... or four." Captain nodded, then said, "Ali? Her smokes are in the chest freezer in the mud room. Would ya mind grabbin' ‘em when ya grab yours and Major's?" Alice kissed my cheek, then sped toward the stairs.
"What's your pleasure, Kitten? You want your Cabo Wabo Uno, Johnny Walker Blue Label, or your Appleton Estate 30 year?" I smirked at the look on Nate's face, then said, "Well, since Nate thinks I need a drink... or four... better hand over the Cabo Wabo. Oh, shit. Since Ali's getting smokes, I think I should go over those house rules now." Captain nodded, so I let out a loud whistle before saying, "Hey, everyone? Listen up for a minute, please. I need to go over a few things."
The room fell silent, so I said, "I need to state some house rules. First, this house is fuck-ton huge, so that it can accommodate everyone comfortably. It's going to be hard for me to keep it clean on my own. All I ask is for you to keep your own suites straightened up. Ali and I will take care of the open spaces, but please pick up after yourselves in those rooms. It will greatly help me out. If you smoke in the house, I would like to keep it in this main area downstairs, with the fold-back doors and Billiard area windows open. That means you can smoke in the billiard room, the lounge, bar, and card area. Upstairs, please keep the smoking to the outside balconies and porches, not inside. If you smoke outside, please make sure your butts go into ashtrays... not on the ground. If you drink outside, make sure any bottles or glasses are brought back in or put into a trash bin. It would be my luck, if someone left a bottle or glass outside, that it would break and I would end up stepping on the broken glass. We really don't need me suddenly bleeding from cutting my feet on broken glass. Last thing, I know vampires can get rowdy with play fights or heavy romps, but I'm warning you to keep the fighting outside and the heavier romps to the woods and/or clearings. If any of the hard work that my mate has put into this house gets broken, you'll be paying to replace it on your own dime, as well as putting in the work yourself. Baby, do you have anything to add?"
Captain beamed at me, "Just one thing, Kitten. I took a lot of time plannin' out and plantin' those pretty flowers outside for Isabella, so I better not see any play fightin' near my mate's yard or garden. Keep that shit to the clearin's around the property. There are several to choose from, as ya should all know by now, so there's no need to fuck up my mate's garden." There was a ton of yes ma'am's and yes sir's, so I nodded, "Now have fun." With a bunch of chuckles, I took the shot glass Captain handed me, then watched him place the crystal ashtray on the bar. He grabbed several more, placing them in strategic areas as the crew started opening windows.
Alice lit us both a cigarette as she sat down, then said, "I picked up all of the quilt sets for the beds, but I want your confirmation on where they go before the other girls help me put them on. I also got coordinating bath towels and things for each set. Each bath set is in the two main colors of the bed set." I sighed in relief, "God, do I love you, Ali. I really don't know how I could have done all this without you. As soon as we get through shopping, I'll confirm the bedding for you." She kissed my cheek, then breathed in my ear, "I love you, too... but breathe, Baby Girl. Everyone here loves you already, so you have nothing to worry about. Just breathe."
We easily got the entry chairs, the keeping room set, as well as ten matching bar stools for the main level bar and kitchen area done. I suddenly remembered that we didn't do anything for the dining room, so I turned to Captain, who was making my fourth shot, "Honey? Would you like me to get a large set for the dining room, so you can use it as your planning space with Major?" He smiled, then both he and Major said at the same time, "That sounds perfect, Isabella." Major added after only a second, "We hadn't quite figured out where we wanted to do that, but the dinin' room would be an excellent option, Sugar Plum." I gave him a smile in acknowledgement.
It didn’t take long before Ali and I were able to find a really nice 10 person set, with a matching serving hutch that could hold glasses and alcohol. We also found 2 chaise lounges and a low table for the master bedroom, a small love seat for the balcony bedroom, an arm chair for each of the single rooms, two chairs and an entertainment armoire for the small loft, a table and chair set and two more arm chairs for the larger loft, an arm chair each for the other upstairs couple rooms, and a leisure area set. Then we ended up finding a bunch of audio/video equipment and game systems. That left Alice and Major's room for upstairs left to go.
We looked for about 30 minutes before I found just what I was looking for. It was a couch and coffee table set that matched their bedroom set almost completely. I was so excited that Major chuckled as he walked towards us, "What's all the excitement for, Sugar Plum?" I bounced in my seat, "Major, you have to see this. It's for your room, look." He smiled widely when he saw it, "It's perfect. It's almost identical to our bedroom set." I nodded, making sure Alice put it in the order as Major went back to what he was doing. I also ended up finding a library wall with a matching corner display case for their room. That finished out the upstairs for now, so we took time to find a few accessories for different rooms. I also found several nice picture frames, because I was hoping to do some sketches of everyone, if they'd agree.
Just then, Captain kissed my neck, whispering, "I'm positive they'll love it, Kitten. All you have to do is ask." Alice blanked out into a vision, then smiled, "Oh, they'll definitely love it, Baby Girl. Hey everyone, listen up a sec." When everyone gathered around, Alice looked to me. I glared at her before clearing my throat nervously.
I looked around at everyone saying, "I used to sketch all the time. When I got to Forks, somehow all my art stuff went missing. It upset me so much that I stopped. Captain has made me promise to start up again. I just got the idea to do sketches of all of you, if you wouldn't mind. I'm seeking your permission beforehand, because when I come upon the perfect scene, my mind automatically catalogs everything, then I gather all of my supplies and sketch after. I like when things don't look forced, so you won't be asked to sit for me or pose in any way. If you ever see me just standing somewhere and I don't answer you, I'm in the middle of cataloging a scene. Please do not interrupt the process, because I'll lose everything. Would you all agree to be sketched?"
With a round of smiles and nods, Char asked, "Would we be able to see a sketch that features us before you display it in the house?" I grinned, "Of course. I would never display you in a sketch you didn't approve of. I would also be willing to sketch a non-display picture for anyone who asked, as long as it wasn't of an intimate nature. Sorry, but I've never done nudes, nor do I have plans to start."
I got a round of agreements from everyone, then Damon asked, "We haven't seen your studio, Bella. Is that a private area for you?" I shook my head, then smiled softly as I said, "I don't have a studio, Damon. I haven't been here much longer than all of you. Most of my time has been spent getting the house in order. With the way I wanted each couple to have their own space, then the singles doubling up, there isn't really room for me to have my own studio. I can always sketch in any of the lofts or leisure areas of the house. I usually need a distraction when I sketch... whether it be music, conversations, or hearing any number of you chatting and having fun. For some reason, my sketches never make sense if I look down at them or concentrate, so a distraction is always welcome."
Not 15 minutes later, I caught sight of Aaron holding Char against the railing to the billiard room. Immediately my mind started cataloging the scene, but I heard Major say in a soft breath, "Don't disturb her. Her heart rate and emotions are stable. She's in no danger." I came out of my scene with a heavy breath several minutes later, then noticed that everyone besides Char and Aaron were looking at me. Captain took my chin between his fingers, tenderly asking me, "Are ya alright, Kitten?" I smiled as I nodded, "Yep. Just taking in a scene, why?"
He shook his head with a chuckle, "Ya don't even know what happens to ya when ya do that, do ya?" I shook my head, "I just figured I looked stupid staring off into space or something." Everyone laughed, then Major said, "Isabella, your eyes fogged over, like Ali's do in a vision, then darted all over the place. I had to reassure Nate that your heart rate and emotions were stable, or he would have tried to snap ya out of it." I shook my head, looking around the room as I said, "Major was right. I was in no danger. Now that you all know what I didn't, you know the physical signs of when I'm taking in a scene. Please remember not to try to snap me out of it. Now Ali? Will you go get my supplies, please? I'm sure Captain bought me some before I arrived, seeing as he asked me why I wasn't sketching."
She nodded, darting up the stairs without another word. She was back before I could get another shot down, then I heard her tell-tale giggle. I raised an eyebrow at her, but she shook her head, "Nope. Not going to say a word. You'll have to find out when it's time.” I smiled while shaking my head at her, saying, "Alright, Miss Know-It-All. Carry my supplies over to the center of the lounge couch. I have a process, and I can't sketch unless I go through it."
I downed my shot, then handed the glass to Captain, "Refill please, but make it the Appleton. Hurry and join me?" He kissed me quickly, then hopped behind the bar as Alice and I walked arm-in-arm to the lounge. I sat in the very center, then took the train case in Alice's hand, placing it at my right thigh.
After I opened the lid, I studied how everything was set up, saying a minute later, "You can sit next to me Ali, but make sure the case doesn't get moved once I start. I never look at my supplies... not the sketch pad or my pencils, once I start. The pencils always get set at my right thigh, and it's like my fingers automatically pick out the right colors." She nodded, "So it's almost like automatic writing?" I nodded, "Yeah, but nothing makes sense if I stop before the sketch is complete. It's so weird. Maybe with everyone around, someone will figure out why that is."
Captain came to sit on my left side, kissed my neck before asking, "Would ya like this now or in a few minutes?" I smiled, "Now, please. I should probably have a cigarette now, too, so I don't jones for one during the sketch. It might take me a while before it's complete." He pulled my cigarettes out of the pocket of his t-shirt with a smile, then lit one and handed it to me.
I smiled, then turned to straddle his lap. "You have been so patient with me today, yet I know all you wanted to do was cuddle up and talk to me." He kissed my shoulder as he wrapped his arms around me, then said, "I can wait until later, but I do want to talk with ya about a few things. We're still waitin' on Coop, who should be here soon, then we should get everyone settled into their rooms. After that, I'm stealin' ya away for a long bath with me, then we'll curl up in bed. You've had a long day, so I'd definitely like some down time with ya. Ya need to slow down, Kitten. I know Ali's been helpin' ya out a lot, but ya can't keep goin' like ya have, with only cat naps here and there. Speakin' of which, aren't ya late on your meds?"
He looked to Major, a worried expression on his face as he asked, "Major, she's not holdin' back her pain, is she? She hasn't had her meds yet." Major shook his head, "I'm not gettin' a stitch of pain or ache from her at all. I'm so used to feelin' her pain right before it's time, that I used that as my guide. She's nowhere near drunk, though, so it can't be that maskin' her pain. Nate?"
Nate came rushing over, so Major asked, "It's past time for Isabella's meds. She doesn't have any pain or stiffness in either her shoulder or her wrist. What's your suggestion?" Nate beamed at me, "I suggest we get you the hell off the meds, Little One. Trial basis, of course. At the first sign of unmanageable pain in either, Major or Captain are to give them to you. Otherwise, I say stay off of them. Four double shots of Cabo and one of Appleton... don't you have a buzz?"
I shook my head with a shrug, "Nope. Have Major show you if you don't believe me." Nate's eyes went wide, "Oh, no. No way. I'm still trying to get over your feelings from last time." Stefan came over with a shit-eating grin, "I'll do it." I chuckled as Nate shook his head, with Major saying, "Sit your ass on the floor, so ya don't go rippin' into her pretty new sectional, Stef."
I giggled at his excitement as he dropped to the floor on the other side of the coffee table from me, then Major said, "Brace yourself, and don't go diggin' into the wood floor. I'll tell ya when I get to the same level as I gave Nate." He nodded excitedly. I watched as everyone that was here gathered around and quieted down.
Little by little Stefan's eyes got wider. When he was breathing heavily with his eyes as big as saucers, I couldn't help but snicker. Stefan busted out laughing, then Major said, "Almost there, Stefan. Can ya control yourself long enough to get the last few?" Stefan closed his eyes tightly, his hands flat out on his thighs, taking several deep breaths. He nodded, then Major said after a second, "That's only half power of all of her emotions." Stefan shook his head several times, then looked at me. "I... you... Damn, Cher, Nate was right. Fuck, Major, let me out."
I knew when Major stopped letting him feel, because Stefan let out a huge breath while falling back to lay flat on the floor. I looked around, then asked, "Major? What's so different about my emotions, that they can't handle them?" Major kissed the top of my head, then sat on the coffee table, saying, "Your emotions are even more pure and powerful than a vampire's. You're special, Isabella. The control ya show holdin' just one of those emotions, is more than a 210 year old vamp can handle. Your slight little snicker had Stefan practically rollin' on the floor laughin'."
I shook my head, stubbing out my cigarette as I processed everything, then looked between Major, Alice, and Captain. "But aren't vampires supposed to feel more intensely than humans? First, there's something wrong with my brain because Fuckward can't read it. Now you're telling me that I feel more than any human or vampire should, so there's probably something wrong with the rest of me?"
I saw the slight dart of Major's eyes as they caught Captain's, then I turned in his lap again to straddle him. When he looked in my eyes, I knew he knew more than he was telling. I barely even recognised my voice as I said in a deadly calm tone, "You and I need to talk. Now." He went to stand up with me in his arms, but I stood up first. I grabbed the Appleton off of the bar, not even fussing with a shot glass, then started trekking up the stairs.