Store trip ayy. Can this be considered a filler with the slightest bit of actual plot fulfillment???

Fiddling with the buttons on Emerson's jacket, I walk on the edge of the cracked sidewalk, trying to balance myself as I place one foot in front of the other and also making sure to avoid the little flowered weeds sprouting up. Everytime I'd lose balance and have to step off, I just get back up again. It's a rather amusing way to pass the time of travel.

"So~," I begin, not allowing my brain to second guess itself "When can I get my own clothes? I'll find some way to pay you back." I question with a quirk of my brow, hopping off the sidewalk then doing a little twirl.

"Nonsense, we have centuries of built up money we don't use. This trip is to get you clothes, actually, and anything else you may want. I apologize it's taken so long." Sebastian replies as I watch in high spirits Emerson shoving Remington into a light pole.

'Finally. As cute as you are in oversized clothes-'

'Especially my clothes.'

'-You desperately need your own garments '

The brothers laugh, playfully pushing each other back and forth with their shoulders, Remington easily giving out cheeky remarks in his head as he fends off his younger brothers' sly shoulder jabs. My attempts at holding back my laughter were futile as Emerson runs at a human speed behind Sebastian, a mischievous smirk etched into his visage. I expected him to possibly shove Sebastian like he did Remington, but instead he jumps up and latches onto Sebastian's back, legs and arms wrapped around his eldest brother tightly. He fixes his hat and grins back at me cheekily, sticking his tongue out like a playful child. What an impish fellow.

"Want a ride sweetness?"

I turn back to Remington with a giddy smile, jumping on his back after he crouches down for me. I laugh as he stands up with his forearms under my knees and I look around at the buildings slowly coming into view and the increasing throng of people.

My laughter continues as Rem twirls in place, my grip around his neck and shoulders tightening ever so slightly so as to not slip, fingers lightly brushing against the mark on his collarbone. The spinning makes me dizzy momentarily, the world a mess of colors as he turns around and around.

The shock of pleasurable tingles brings back memories of last night, of Remington's gentle touch across every inch of me after we marked each other.

"So~," Emerson begins his question like I did moments before, grinning mischievously as Sebastian sidles on up next to us with a similar smirk on his lips. "How was he?"

My cheeks immediately burst into the color of the reddest roses, and I duck my head into Remington's shoulder to hide my face. I grumble out incoherent words in utter embarassment, not really knowing how to reply to that question. "Aw, birdie, we couldn't not notice. You came out of the room attached at the hip this morning smelling like sex with hair so messy only one thing could've done it." Emerson coos playfully.

I just laugh with an ever so slight lilt of nervousness. Emerson continues poking fun at me as Remington gives sarcastic and confident little remarks here and there. Sebastian simply smiles, silent but still engaged, except for his playful jabs at Remington.

The people around us either smile at our blissful ignorance to the world around us or sneer in distaste at our immaturity. We ignore them, no danger around us for now. It's just us, enjoying the time we have together. This feels so nice, to finally have a family who wants me around.

Taking a gander both ways before crossing the crowded streets, we eventually reach the shopping district. Going into the first store, I hop off Remington's back rather clumsily, taking a good look at all the clothes on the racks. Not much peaks my interest except for a couple pairs of faded black shorts and a red and black striped sweater that are a decentprice. Sebastian pays with a rather odd looking credit card, and I certainly would have protested more had it not felt nice to be treated to something, and the fact that I have no money. The card has the symbol for eternity in white on one side, framed by a deep purple background, and the code and such on the other.

As we leave the store, I question Sebastian about the card. "Oh, I forget how little you know about the supernatural world aside from bits and pieces about the different species. It's a credit card specifically for supernaturals beings. Oftentimes, our lives are much longer, especially in vampires' cases so we have our own banking system set up. With us being much older than most other supernaturals, we brothers have a lot of money, and a lot of power in our world."

"Even so, we don't socialize much with others of our kind, not many think we're still alive anyway. For the most part, we're simply a well known legend outside of the Underground and its entrances." Remington continues, adjusting the sunglasses he wears.

"The most disappointing thing about the legend, is that it's about our dark sides. No one remembers us for our good deeds, for the humane things we've done. We're hated and feared for a time in our lives where we were at our lowest." Emerson comments, a bitter edge to his voice.

"They know nothing. Don't mind them Emerson. They're ignorant fools. You know your mistakes and triumphs, that's all that matters. Not the unjustified cruelty of the world we live in."

I stand on my tippy toes to kiss his cheek, sneakily stealing his hat. He laughs, half-assedly attempting to steal his hat back but I go and bother Sebastian, jumping up to place it on his head.

One of the stalls we pass catches my eye, or more specifically one of the products the stall was selling. Puppets dangle from their strings off of hooks placed close together on a thin metal rail that circles around the top of the stall. Little puzzle boxes and yo-yo's line the shelves below the puppets and on hooks below those hang packets of green colored stars. The stars are what my heterochromatic gaze focuses on.

Tugging on Sebastian's sleeve, I pause in my slower stride to gaze at the packets of stars. He turns to look at me, stopping as well before his blue eyes travel to where I'm staring. He must have caught the silent question in my eyes since he smiles softly before speaking, "Those are glow-in-the-dark stars. You can put them on the ceiling of your room to act as a dim light source or just because you like them."

"I can look at the stars while inside? Anytime I want?" I ask, voice small and unsure, hope bubbling up in my heart.

I absolutely adore the stars. I was never allowed outside, I couldn't remember what the sky looked like before I escaped mere months ago. It was dark when I'd first seen the sky, with it's glimmering white stars that twinkled under the pale light of the waning moon. The sky told me that I was finally free, and I've loved it ever since.

"Of course. Here, I'll buy you a pack and we can put them up in your room." Sebastian remarks with a bright grin, already walking over to the stall.

Remington and Emerson walk back over to us, and having heard the conversation, Remington walks over to Sebastian and grabs three more packets of glow-in-the-dark stars. Emerson takes my hand and squeezes for a moment, a gesture of support, before he let's go and returns to standing motionless beside me. They pay and walk back towards us, both of them smiling and whispering to each other.

"We're going to be putting these on the ceiling in my room since you practically live in there with me anyway." Remingtons says, chocolate eyes warm as they gaze into mine.

"We'll also be lining them on the walls throughout the house, so you should be able to walk around easier." Emerson gazes at me softly, his hand in mine once more.

My eyes brim with tears, the silver and gold shining with emotion as black eyelashes begin to clump together from the wetness. "You... you noticed...?"

"It's hard not to notice your distaste for wandering the halls alone or in the dark when there is such relief on your face when we come into view, or when you turn the lights on no matter the time of day. You're always much calmer when someone is with you birdie." Emerson remarks as Remington moves to wrap an arm around my waist.

He leans into me, the tears slowly subsiding as his joyous, kind presence wraps around me like a warm embrace; ironic, due to the coldness of his skin.

'I'm glad they're all so good to you when I can't be.' Andy remarks, and I know there'd be a sad smile on his face if he was here.

'I wish you could be here with us too.'

'I know. I hate that I can't keep my form in the human realm for long. It's only because my soul is attached to Remington's, and now yours, that I can even exist in this realm at all.' He explains, and there's the warm feeling of a ghostly hand on my cheek for but a moment.

After that, Andy stays mostly quiet, but makes little comments here and there that keep him as engaged with Remington and I as possible. I'm happy to say that Remington and Andy have lost most, if not all, of their hostility towards each other. They've long since moved past that, having reached an understanding and cleared away the previous miscommunication.

We continue shopping, the minutes ticking by as we move from store to store. Thankfully, I have a decent amount of clothes now, finding my style leans between a mix of Emerson and Remington's. Maybe Rem will still let me wear his hoodies though.

"Hey sweetness, let's go in here! Been shopping here since it opened in 1988." Remy calls, a few feet ahead of us in front of a store.

The comment is so preposterous to onlookers that they think he's joking. If only they knew. Walking into the store called Hot Topic, I attempt to whistle in awe of the clothing items they have here, but I can't whistle. So, in short, it sounded more like the wheeze of a dying man. I find myself loving all the buckles and zippers on the clothes, all dark in style but with a touch of extravagancy. This is definitely my sort of store.

I'm not even gonna bother looking anywhere but the clearance section, after taking a single glance at the price tag of a very lovely skirt. I find some shirts with weird names on them with varying designs, deciding to ask Remington about them considering he knows more about the store than I do. "What is My Chemical Romance?" I murmur, liking the name but being confused nonetheless.

"Only my favorite band ever, sweetness." Remington walks up behind me, wrapping an arm around my waist.

"You'll have to show me their music sometime. I'm always happy to find more of things I've never experienced." I reply, putting the shirt back as its not in my size.

'They're really good, based on what Remington has listened to.'

"Of course!" Remington's smile is so bright and joyful its practically contagious, "They released a CD recently called I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love. They've even got a song on vampires, and lots of the others on the album allude to them." He laughs excitedly, the corners of his eyes crinkling in that way I adore.

Going through the racks some more, I come across a pair of leather jeans, with sheer material on the calves and rosey lace on the thigh as well as a shirt to go with it. The shirt is quite lovely, one sleeve and the top of the chest being floral lace with red roses on the front, little skulls making up the center of the buds.

Checking the price tag, I'm happy to see the items aren't too expensive and are clearanced.

'You should get that. Remington dear, get that for her.'

I laugh lightly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

'Of course.' Is Remington's reply, placing some necklaces into my hands.

I look around some more, a beautiful dress catching my eye. Its black, with sheer material with black bats all over it, the knee length frilled hem poofing out due to the soft silk tule underneath. Long sleeves end in a gently waving, flowing design that looks like it would cover my hands. "Go try that on sweetness. Try a couple of the sizes to see what will fit, even." Remington steers me in the direction of the changing room, handing over a few different sizes of that dress after taking the items I'd been holding.

I come back out in the size that fits me best, happy to see I've filled out a little bit. The dress is still a bit big, but I think if I continue eating properly, it will fit almost perfectly later on. As it turns out, it was on off the shoulder style, with ruffled edging around the top hemming, and it showcases all the scars marring the top of my back and shoulders. "Do a little spin darling?" Remington asks, a gentle, lopsided smile pulling at his lips.

I do as he asks, a bit self conscious at the way the corseted bodice is a bit loose on my ribs and how the sheer sleeves hang just at my fingertips. "You're beautiful my love, and it shows off your... tattoo nicely- and the, ah, the marks I left. Lets get that dress for you, if you like it?"

"I do like it." I murmur, turning to go change back into what I was wearing before.

'You really did look lovely darling.' Andy assures, fond.

I thank him, happy to know they both thought I looked good in the dress despite having never worn one before. It helped to ease some of the self consciousness stil overwhelming me. They've never, never said a word against my scars. None of them have. They either don't care or don't see me any differently. I'm grateful. Its hard not to feel self-conscious about my entire body when I felt the stares of people we'd passed earlier. Heard their whispers against the din of the crowded area, even as my boys had tried to steer me away from anyone who said anything. I heard how they spoke about how my scars made me ugly, heard how they asked why I even bothered to show my face outside of my home. Like my scars were something I could control, like I had done this damage to myself. I had never felt the urge to hurt myself in this way, and the thought that they'd say that about someone who was at such a low point they would do that to themselves is sickening.

There was some solace to be found in those I heard defending me and my appearance. People who went against family and friends to reprimand them over their judgmental, cruel words. There were still good people in the world, as hard as it was to find them under all of the scum who paraded around as perfect human beings who can do no wrong.

I kept that smile on my face, bringing forth that lingering happiness at a nice, calm day with my boys. They've gotten me many things today, clothes of my own, those glow in the dark stars I'm excited to put up. I'm not letting my own mind ruin his day for me.

My vampires did what they could to distract me from the words said about me, and I'm grateful. So grateful to them, for everything they've done for me despite my mistrust of them in the beginning and Sebastian's understandable worry.

Back in the changing room, I stare at myself for a moment once the dress is off, shaking off the thoughts swarming my head. My cheeks aren't as gaunt now that I'm eating three meals a day, as small as they are. My ribs are not as prominent, skin slowly becoming a healthy tan despite how little I've been outside in the sun. Turning my head side to side, I notice how my exhaustion induced eyebags have nearly disappeared and my jawline has long lost its sickly sharpness and softened into something more healthy, skin no longer stretched over my cheekbones and jawline like I was on my deathbed.

I look alive, in a way I've never seen on myself before. Its a realization that brings me happiness. I never thought I'd live to see myself happy and healthy and yet, here I am. In love and loved in return by not one, but two soulmates, who don't care that I'm a bit strange and too emotional and can get so, so scared and scarred up with crooked fingers that ache sometimes and can get hard to move. With two brothers who care for me like I always hoped my parents would have, like I hoped my little brother who doesn't even know I exist would have.

I turn away from the dressing room mirror, sparing a glance at the massive amount of band stickers plastered all over the walls. A smile lights up my face, my shadows clinging to my feet and festering in the corners of the room as I get dressed in my old clothes I'd borrowed from the boys. I go out to meet them with the dress I want in hand.

"Come on, sweetness. Let's pay for that." Remington grins, taking the dress from me and holding all my other items, much to my chagrin, walking over to wait in line for the cash register.

We hold hands as its our turn to pay. Placing the items on the counter, we wait for the pretty cashier with a septum piercing to ring us up. I notice that she's taking long side glances at Remington and batting her mascara covered eyelashes, causing my grip on his hand to tighten just slightly.

The picture of us waking up together this morning, in nothing but haphazardly thrown on underwear so we're not entirely naked flashes through my mind. My body still aches from the strain but its a pleasant ache, knowing the cause. Remington is mine, as Andy is mine, as I am theirs. But Andy isn't here to catch eyes as I know he would, so it is Remington who is being admired.

He's mine, though. The rose tattoo on his collarbone proves it, reflected on my own skin.

A smidgen of jealousy strikes through my heart, but I squash it quickly, pouting lightly and leaning into Rem as his chuckle resonates in my mind.

"Cute when you're jealous." His cold breath sends shivers down my spine as he leans down to whisper in my ear, Andy's voice just barely coinciding Remington's.

"Quiet." I grumble, and as we leave after paying I stand on my toes to kiss his cheek, a blush staining my cheeks.

Walking around for a few moments more, simply holding hands and enjoying each others company as we attempt to move through the slowly thickening crowd, something in a passing shop catches my eye.

A fuzzy black stuffed bear sits in the windowsill, a red ribbon tied around its neck. I pause, simply staring at the cute stuffed animal in awe. I've never had a toy to call my own. My parents had toys when I was a child, before they sent me away, but I was never allowed to play with them. I longed to have something to do in that house, but I wasn't allowed outside, I couldn't speak unless spoken to and if I got in the way I was locked in my barren, colorless room.

One thing remained consistent from my time with my parents to my time there: I was never to own anything, my room would remain without any signs of life. I didn't deserve to be in posession of anything that meant something to me. When I escaped from that place, I stole and scavenged. Everything I had when I first came to live with these boys that mean so much to me was all something that was once someone else's. Nothing I had was ever truly mine.

Then they took me here to shop and now I have clothes. Clothes that are mine. I didn't steal them from anyones home or car, I didn't rummage around in trash or charity bins for anything that would even remotely fit me. Those clothes were bought with the intention for me to wear them, to own them, to call my own-

"My sweetness, do you want that bear?" Remington inquires softly, bringing me from my daze.

I look away from the stuffed animal and up at him, nodding hesitantly. He smiles, one as soft as his heart, guiding me into the store. I trail behind him, my expression the epitome of apprehension, and my grip on his hand tightens. Remington picks up the bear from the window, holding it as gently as he was my hand, and we go to stand in line. After paying and leaving the store, he brings us over to the side and a bit away from the crowd of shoppers. Letting go of my hand, he uses it to get the stuffed bear from the bag the cashier put it in, and then with both hands he offers it to me with a grin.

"This belongs to you now." Remington smiles, chocolate eyes glimmering.

'You, and no one else.' Andy reassures, his presence comforting.

Slowly, I reach to take the bear from his grasp and notice something that causes me to adore this stuffed creature even more. The stuffie's eyes are a sky blue, shifting shades as I lift it up to take a closer look, greatly resembling Andy's. It's fur was made to look full and fluffy, each strand sticking out as though it were spiked. Like Remingtons hair. Its hair is black, like both of theirs. The bear looks like a mixture of both of them, and I find I love it even more for it.

I hold the bear to my chest, moving in to hug Remington with my free arm. He wraps his arms around me, trying to avoid letting the plastic bags he was carrying knock into me too harshly and we just stay there for a moment.

"You can have as many of those stuffed animals as you want. I'll buy you anything you wish for." He murmurs into my hair, placing a gentle kiss to the crown of my head.

"I love you." I reply, letting the slow thump! thump! of his heart ground me to him and this moment.

"You guys are so cute I could puke." Sebastian laughs, walking over to us as he leaves the GAP store.

Remington and I pull away from each other, turning to Sebastian in order to address him properly.

"Where'd Emerson go?" I inquire, not seeing my favorite pirate, my grip on my stuffie never lessening.

"Barnes & Noble. He always peruses the Philosophy and Art book sections." Rem comments, thumb rubbing the fabric on my arm softly.

"He was good friends with Vincent Van Gogh you know. Well, they were a bit more than friends but that's a story for another time. Anyway, we were in France around the same time as him." Sebastian remarks, fixing the scarf around his neck so that it lays correctly.

"You've all lived in France before?"

"We've lived many places love. We're old." Remmy grins with a gentle gaze.

"Talking about Vincent without me? For shame." Emerson appears next to us, a book about Alan Watts in hand.

"Shut up Emerson, Sebastian just mentioned him in passing. Its such a shame people think he committed suicide." Remington scoffs in a playful manner, his latter words causing him to then shake his head in saddened disappointment.

"He... didn't?" I inquire, a confused expression overtaking my features.

I have no clue who he was anyway, feigning interest so as to not draw attention to my lack of knowledge, my arm that wasn't in Remingtons tightening around the cute black bear that's now my own.

"No, birdie, he was murdered." Emerson states, a sad lilt to his words.

I frown, apologizing for saying anything. "By who?"

"We could never figure out for sure. It was probably those young boys that loved to torment him. He was a painter, spent days in his home working, so it was no big deal for us not to see him for a few days. Imagine our surprise to hear he suffered from a gunshot wound for two days before passing." Remington leans closer to me, trying not to be heard by the passing public.

"Emerson was devastated. Another friend lost to time." Sebastian pulls Emerson in for a side hug, the latter staring at the ground in remorse.

"Living forever doesn't seem as great as people think it is." I mutter, laying my head on Remington's arm as we make to exit the mall.

"Its not that bad. But, we do have each other. A lot of vampires live their days alone, as most no longer have families." Emerson's voice is quiet, reserved, as he takes cautious glances at our surroundings.

"None of us would have lasted this long if we hadn't 've had each other." Rem grins, leaving me for only a moment to tackle his brothers in a group hug, arms around their shoulders.

I smile as they laugh, happy to be together.

I love my family, and I'll be dammed if anything is going to try and rip us apart.

None of us pay much attention to the crow lingering above us on the lamp post as we start the walk home, nor do we see the number thirteen carved into its beak.

Things will be set in motion now.