The ones who live hidden in plain sight (A discovery of witches story)

8- Ordinary humans

But i'm just an ordinary human

Ordinanary ways

I'm just an ordinary human

But I don't feel so ordinary today

By one republic

Two days later, after a busy day at work, Camille headed for the car park with Marcus. On the agenda was the evening at Marcus and Phoebe's house. She went to settle in, Marcus was already busy, having offered a hot chocolate.

- Phoebe's going to be a bit late,' he said from the kitchen, without even turning around.

- No problem, she replied, smiling.

Her gaze was immediately drawn to an ancient book left on the table, a thick grimoire with pages yellowed with age. She took it in her hand, fingers brushing the worn cover. Another clue she had missed, she thought with a touch of frustration.

- It's good, Marcus commented, placing a steaming mug of hot chocolate in front of him , a smile already forming on his lips.

- Thank you, Camille replied, settling comfortably into a chair.

She could feel Marcus's gaze on , a different, almost protective gaze. She knew he could hear everything that was going on inside , an idea that remained strange, the strangest of all. With Andrew, she'd gotten used to it and his gaze hadn't changed, but here it was a constant reminder of the supernatural nature of friends. She took a sip of hot chocolate. The rich, creamy taste brought instant comfort.

- Apparently, I'm known for my hot chocolate, joked Marcus, observing reaction.

- Yes, if one day you don't know what to do, open a business, she replied with a smile.

Camille's words resonated differently in his mind this time. The idea of Marcus's immortality, which had once seemed remote and unreal, now took on another dimension. She was slowly coming back to reality, aware that time was passing differently for him.

- Camille? asked Marcus, snapping out of his thoughts.

- Just here, she replied, shaking her head slightly. Still adjusting.

- It's understandable, he said empathetically.

- I'm still having a bit of trouble with the fact that you can hear everything,she admitted, laughing slightly. A walking heart monitor.

Marcus burst out laughing, a sound that echoed warmly around the room.

- I've never heard that one before. I'll keep it,' he replied with a smile.

- Isn't it too much sometimes? To never have peace? She asked, curious.

He took a moment to think, his gaze lost in emptiness.

- Frankly, no, not any more. At the beginning, yes,' he admitted.

- The beginning, two hundred years ago,' Camille commented, laughing slightly. It helps to say it out loud. Next to you and Phoebe, Andrew seems extremely... banal, no offence.

Marcus smiled, amused by the comparison.

- Not in the least, he replied. He should have told you sooner, but it's complicated. It had to come from him.

- No, you think?' she retorted with a touch of sarcasm, a success on the journey. Seriously, I'm still wondering how I didn't ask. You really do see what you want to see.

- Yes, agreed Marcus. It also helps that almost all the myths are false. Not appearing in sunlight and mirrors would give you away.

- For sure, smiled Camille. By asking Andrew my clichéd questions, I've saved you this session.

She started looking in the bag, feeling a little hunger rising. She finally found some cakes, taking them out with satisfaction. Marcus, outraged, exclaimed:

- I've got food, you know!

Just then, the door opened and Phoebe entered, laughing slightly.

- Phoebe! exclaimed Marcus as he went to kiss , a radiant smile on his lips.

- You two are adorable,' Camille melted as she looked at them.

- How was your day?' she asked Phoebe.

- Good,' replied Phoebe, smiling.

- What would you like?' asked Marcus, his tone serious, but his eyes shining with amusement. Camille suddenly realised that the question was addressed to .

- I'm fine with this, she replied, pointing to cakes.

- Your sad cakes?' replied Marcus, a teasing glint in his eye.

- They're not sad,' Camille protested, laughing.

- He won't give up, added Phoebe, exchanging a knowing glance with Marcus.

- I'm lost, admitted Camille.

- When I found out the truth, he made an express trip, with vampiric speed to bring back ice cream in 56 seconds. First time on a long list,' explained Phoebe, laughing.

Camille remained silent for a moment, breathing deeply to absorb this sentence.

- Another reality, she murmured, trying to cope with the extraordinary.

- He loves doing that,' added Phoebe with an indulgent smile.

- You don't have to, but thank you,' said Camille, shaking her head, grateful.

- It could already be there,' replied Marcus with a mischievous smile.

- Doughnut? She proposed, her mouth watering. Yes, nodded Camille, her enthusiasm contagious.

Marcus disappeared in a flash, leaving Camille stunned.

- Oh, she murmured, speechless.

Phoebe smiled at her reaction, a habit which seemed to amuse everyone. Marcus returned almost instantly, a box of doughnuts in his hand, a broad smile on his lips.

- Okay,' said Camille, still recovering from the speed.

She opened the box and discovered perfectly glazed doughnuts, as if they had come straight out of a dream.

- Thank you, Marcus! she exclaimed as she took one, a sincere smile stretching her lips.

- Overwhelmed by doughnuts, Marcus commented with a laugh.

Phoebe laughed back.

- You've had your run, she teased, an amused gleam in her eyes.