Music To My Soul

Ch.1

Alucard:

It was a beautiful night on the coast, the warm salty air of summertime in California filled me with a renewed sense of freedom and hope. I had found myself sitting next to the water on a rock outcropping from the sand, the moon glowing off the water in a way that made it look to dance on the waves. I knew I wasn't alone on this beach, but given how I had abandoned my usual red garb and the suit for more modern wear to blend in better, I doubted they even noticed me, or even knew I was here. I had come to resort to a pair of jeans that were a touch too tight, but were the newest fashion for alternative men, the two tone denim of black and plaid was strange, but it was different enough that Iscariot wouldn't be able to find me. I have also taken to wearing my hair into a small knot behind my head, a plain black muscle shirt was all I had, a hooded sweatshirt that had a coffin on the back with  the words 'Dead Inside' on the front tied to my waist.  I even wore a pair of Doc Martin's, as was suggested to me by the gentleman who ran the store I had hypnotized my way into free clothing. 

 I watched the other soul on this beach, and I saw he was taking photos. He was short, with cocoa brown hair that was neatly styled. The white board shorts and flip flops told me he was used to coming out here, and the unbuttoned flowered t-shirt told me he had a workout routine.  All in all he wasn't an ugly gentleman, even his face was boyishly handsome in a way. I got up and made sure to kick the sand so he would hear me. He noticed me, and paused his photo shoot. 

" Oh, sorry, I didn't know there was anyone else here." 

" That is quite alright. I hope you don't mind me asking, but what exactly are you doing?"

" Oh! I'm trying to take photos of the ocean at different moon phases so I can do a 365 day collage to hand over to my professor. The name's Timothy, what's yours?"

" My name is Vlad. Your project sounds very interesting and beautiful." 

" Thanks. Tell ya what, my dude. Let me finish up with a few more shots, and how about we get something to drink, yeah? Beers on me. No offence, but you sound fresh off the boat, if you catch my meaning." 

I gave a laugh and smiled gently. " I'm not offended, and yes, I am. Born in Romania, but I've called England home for the last few years, until recently. I'm trying to set up roots here for a while, but I am finding it hard to even find a place to plant my feet. For a city called 'The city of Lost Angels', you'd think it would be easy."

I watched him laugh a small bit, take a few more snapshots, before he frowned and looked worried. 

" Do you have your green card? That helps a lot in getting a place around here." 

" I have my visa and such, but everywhere is extremely pricy on my limited budget. I'm only going to pay for something reasonable." 

" I hear that." Tim fiddled with his camera a small bit, before smiling and putting it away in a protective bag. " Alright, let's go get those drinks, yeah? It's Friday, we should be enjoying the weekend as much as possible!" 

I had to laugh at this human embodiment of sunshine, and followed him into the city. We got to a sports bar, and sat down at a table. 

" What's your poison of choice?" 

" I like wine, but I'm willing to expand my palate to a point. What do you recommend?" 

"  I get a rum and coke, so I could get you that if you'd like?" 

" Just the rum. Soda has too much sugar for me." 

" That's fair. Be right back, Vlad."

While my new friend went to the bar, a girl walked in, and made a bee line for Tim. I used the shadows of the bar to eavesdrop on the conversation. 

" What do you mean your ditching me, Tiffany?! I have rent to pay, and what about us?!" 

" You are just some bullshit teacher going to a bullshit art school! You don't give a shit about me! If you did, you'd remember that yesterday was our anniversary and that you spent the entire day working and grading papers! Not even a fucking gift or an acknowledgement!" 

" I'm sorry I take my job seriously, Tiffany! I'm sorry I'm not the rich, doting, sugar daddy you were hoping for! I'm trying to do full time school and full time work! I am sorry I'm busy!" 

" Well, you are now down a roommate and down a girlfriend, you stupid, arrogant bastard. We are done! I already moved my shit out, so delete my number and leave me alone!" 

I felt bad for the boy, he sounds tired and like he was genuine in his words. I watched her slam a key down on the counter, and storm out as Tim came back with two drinks after pocketing the key. 

" That looked messy. You alright, friend?" 

" I'm kinda not. I need someone to help with rent. My apartment is 1,200 dollars a month, and I can't pay that on a teacher's salary, especially a middle school music teacher's one and go to school. I'm fucked and so royally screwed." 

I watched him knock back a large swallow of his drink, and that's when an idea popped into my head. 

" Well, maybe it was fate we crossed paths, my friend. I need a place to call home, and you need a second paycheck to help with the bills. I believe we can be the others solution." 

Tim shot up straight in his seat from his slouched state, and smiled wide. 

" You are so fucking right on that. Holy shit! How much stuff do you have?" 

" Just a trunk and my bed, but I do have a few rules I'd like to run over with you first." 

" Absolutely, my dude!" 

" Do not touch my bed for any reason. I'm very touchy about who is allowed to mess with it." 

" Yeah no, I get it. That's fair. What else?" 

"  I'm what you could call nocturnal. I sleep during the day and I hate the sun. I'm allergic to it." 

" Ah, ok, so I'll try to be quiet during daylight hours. Anything else?" 

" My room is also off limits should I not be in there. I have too many precious and priceless items to just let anyone in without me being there. Most of them are familial heirlooms older than most." 

" That's cool. Pretty reasonable, all things considered. You can move in tomorrow while I'm at my night class. Here is your key, and here is the address so you can find the place. Do you have a phone yet or no?"

" Not as of yet. I know I need to get one soon. Seems not having one in these times is a bit of a social taboo." 

" Once you do, I'll need your number so I can keep in touch with you."

" I can agree to this. Let's toast to new beginnings as bachelors of the night, yes?" 

" Yes, let's my dude." 

With a small clink of the glass, I tasted the dark spiced rum, and it wasn't too bad. I pocketed the key and napkin he had written the address down on, and I would move my stuff tomorrow as he instructed. This could be the start to a beautiful friendship, I believe.