Tristan: "I guess this is my payback for that little stunt."

He laughed a little then, a nervous and shaky sound that echoed strangely in the empty entryway.

Tristan: "Watch it, Tristan- wouldn't want anyone to think we're going batty, would we?"

He stopped pacing and looked around, as if realizing he was alone for the first time.

Tristan: "Because talking to yourself is perfectly sane."

He took a deep breath and cleared his head. He had to help James, but was certain he had no idea personally what to do. There had to be someone who could help- someone who not only knew James was a vampire, but also knew a great deal about paranormal happenings as well. The answer came quickly.

Abigail. He'd gathered she & James knew each other from a long time ago, though he personally could never keep track of James' various 'encounters'. She seemed to be the mystical type, too- the way she showed up just in the nick of time, dispersing those zombies as easily as breathing.

He reached for his phone, thankful she'd decided to stay in town through the end of the week. Before he'd finished dialing Markus' number, the doorbell rang.

Tristan stood transfixed, looking between his phone and the front door. Through the panes of glass he could just make out Markus & Abigail waiting for him to come to his senses and let them in. After staring for a few more seconds, he managed to open the door.

Abigail: "Where is he?"
Tristan: "How-"
Abigail: "I told you already, I go where I'm needed. Now, where is he? Where's James?"

Tristan looked to Markus in utter confusion. Markus responded with a shrug.

Tristan: "He's upstairs, in his bedroom. Sleeping."
Abigail: "Just like they told me. I should have known it wasn't going to be as easy as shooing a few pesky zombies."

Markus looked embarrassed.

Markus: "I'm still really sorry."
Abigail: "Now you know better, right? Don't let it worry you any more, callaloo."

Abigail smiled as she turned and made her way up the stairs. Markus & Tristan followed.

Tristan: "'Callaloo'?"
Markus: "Old pet name, long story. Please don't ask."
Tristan: "Can I call y-"
Markus: "Absolutely not."
Tristan: "But it's so cute!"

Markus: "Exactly. So what's happening with James?"
Tristan: "I can't get him to wake up. I was just about to call you when you rang the doorbell."
Markus: "Yeah… Nana was pretty insistent I bring her over here right away. I learned a long time ago not to question her when she's like that."