𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨 | 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟒 𝐙𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚

𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐈𝐈𝐈

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October 31st, 2019

The night had come to a conclusion, March had celebrated as he did every year and his guests slowly bid him goodbye— Until it was just Richard and him in the nearly vacant, ancient room. "Now that the rest are gone, I'd like to have a word with you." He smirked smugly and brought his glass of wine up to his lips before sipping. "I've never seen such an infatuation carried out by you, and that young fellow Michael—" Richard sat across from him and toyed around with a knife, "yeah?" He tilted his head, staring at the man across from him. "And that girl, who is she?" March leaned forward, his eyes wide with enthusiasm. "There's something about her, a ticking time bomb—" he leaned back and settled into his seat. "I found her at a camp that's just like this place, damned souls ruined to stay there for an eternity in limbo." He watched the others every facial expression and, closely investigated his posture. March didn't become easily interested in anyone— let alone a woman. He had always been loyal and devoted to The Countess, down to her last breath. Even though the two were in an unrequited relationship for eternity, stuck in this shit show hotel.

"You don't say." He raised a brow, "There are such places? Are there more?" He brought a cigar up to his lips and lit it up, quickly flicking his wrist to extinguish the flame on the match he used. "Not that I'm aware of—" Richard stared uninterested and glanced down to his watch, "If you want to ask me about her, why don't you simply meet her yourself tonight— All souls are free to roam today on hallows Eve." He glanced back up at March, who wasn't so accustomed to roaming around during this time— he typically preferred to stay at the hotel and continue rotting beside the countess— who spent most of her time weeping miserably and going after attractive young men. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to leave this once, I have a reason."

He stood up and tugged on his coat, running his hands over the fabric to straighten out the wrinkles and pressing them down. "But first, I need to run a few errands— you can tag along, I'm sure she'll be back with Michael by now— I have a lot to tell you, those years I went missing and didn't show— all had a good reason." March perked up and exhaled from his cigar, "Why, I can't wait to listen— let's go on then." Promptly the men began to make their way out, the hotel seemed busier than lately. March stuck his head up high and continued to follow behind Richard. He knew how far advanced the world had moved from his time, so he wasn't as shocked. But Richard, seemed just as awestruck from all those years spent hidden in those woods.

Once outside, Richard adjusted his shades and lit a cigarette while walking alongside March, wondering what Michael and Rose were up to. Seeing her arrive and the condition she was in with that guy set him on edge the entire night, March noticed it— he didn't dance with Aileen the way he usually did— or spoke up, even toasted once the girl was gone.

"A man only acts that way over a woman whenever he is either deeply infatuated with her— or she is his possession— so tell me Richie." March tapped his cane against the pavement a few times before staring at Richard, "which is it? Infatuation or possession?" Richard thought for a moment and then returned the glance toward March, "She owes me, I wouldn't say I'm infatuated— but in a way I own her." He ran his hand over his ribcage and stared back down at the ground, "in debt to me, I watch over her until she completes what she owes."

March nodded, "Although she may be temporary—she sure is lovely." The men continued to walk until they reached the Condo— Richard completely forgetting what he had to do— simply because he wanted to see Rose, March followed after the brunette male until they made it inside the building, and the indicated room. Once inside, Richard could spot Rose dancing with a glass of wine in his hand while Michael was in the kitchen cooking. A small smile sat on Michaels lips while watching and dicing up some basil. The stove behind him was sizzling at the salmon sitting on the heat of the pan. Once Richard and March were spotted, Rose stopped in her tracks and sat her glass down in front of Michael. "Do you guys want some wine? We were just getting started on dinner—" March stepped forward, ignoring Richard as he removed his coat. "That would be lovely darling, It's hallows Eve tonight—Richard promised to take me to that house where there are spirits stuck."

Richard stared at him deadpanned, 'I never agreed to that.' He thought, Michael glared down while staying silent and tossing the basil in the pan, along with the seasoning and checking the asparagus. "You be careful in there, lots of angry and vengeful ghosts—Heard you weren't too fond of Doctor Montgomery." Michael muttered, March thanked Rose quietly as she handed the wine glass to him, his eyes following her as she walked back to Michael like a child following its father. "He was a mediocre man, his wife Nora was a good friend of mine— horrible thing that happened to their baby." March cleared his throat and approached where Rose was seated, "So tell me about yourself dear." He softly tucked her hair behind her ear and stared at her like a lion watching its prey. "A little bird told me he just stole you off the streets, quite the vulture he is." He looked away to drink from his glass.

Rose had never met someone like him, he was so Sophisticated— ancient. "Well—" she was interrupted before she could finish her sentence, Michael loudly set her plate of food in front of her— it looked beautiful, and smelled delicious. "Let's eat first, talk is cheap." Michael stared at March with a serious expression and then at Rose, giving her a smile.

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Hello, your fellow author here. I didn't get to update as I wanted yesterday :( but hopefully, another update today will make up for that! I hope you all had a safe Halloween and social distanced! <3 much love,

Kira.