City of Night (Marcus/Sophie)

[Olivia]

Olivia peered over the top of that month’s edition of Vogue, purple tinted eyes glimmering with irritation. She was thousands of miles high in the sky, but even the wonders of a first class flight did not save her from the constant crying of a spoiled brat.

“Excuse me,” Olivia gestured toward a passing stewardess, who immediately looked down due the pale woman’s command of professional tone. “Could you please tell me when we’ll be arriving?” The stewardess gave an apologetic smile, her brown eyes swiveling in the direction of the wailing child before giving her answer.

When Olivia’s suspicions had been confirmed, she leaned back into her seat, although she was no longer in the mood for reading. The stewardess had reassured her the pilot would be announcing the plane’s descendance soon, but it wouldn’t be soon enough. Olivia glanced out the tiny window and into the midnight sky, whose plane was decorated with sparkling stars. It was too clear of a night to waste on sleep, although Olivia was already reassured her unsuspecting host was far from succumbing to such a state. No vampire could.

* * *

Half an hour later, the flight had landed in Venice, Italy, where Miss Olivia Sawyer Ridgeway was escorted out of the airport to her silver Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, her excessive luggage already stored neatly away by one of the busboy’s. “Keep the change,” She added in her throaty Italian accent, handing the boy a rather generous bill before driving in the direction of Volterra, home of the ever prestigious Volturi.

* * *

Olivia was in Volterra in no less than an hour, her blonde tresses streaming in the wind, what with the convertible’s top down. It was not hard to find the Volturi castle, looming above the city in a rather pompous way, in Olivia’s opinion. Sophie had been ever so right to snag a brother, how smart of her! They were like the Kings, Presidents… CEO’s of Vampires! And her friend had snaked her way in between their bed sheets. Admittedly, Olivia was slightly jealous upon receiving the e-mail of Sophie‘s most notable achievement yet… what vampiress wouldn’t be? Of course, it gave her a good reason to go and visit her friend, not that she would be using her. Not entirely, at least. In truth, she actually rather enjoyed Sophie’s company, and it had been a long while since the two had seen each other.

Pulling around the large, decorative fountain which marked the entrance of the castle, Olivia parked the car as a Volturi servant, an obvious valet, approached her, bowing and opening the front door. Olivia merely nodded a wordless thanks, placing one, long, bare leg out at a time as she exited the car, handing the keys to the valet.

As the valet drove Olivia’s car and baggage (which would, no doubt, be placed in a luxurious guest room before Olivia even had time to enter), the blonde gallantly approached the mansion, her black high heels clicking noticeably on the cobblestones. It was a strange way of meeting the infamous Volturi, but Olivia did not let her nerves get the best of her. She was in her element, after all, sporting a black dress either too low or too high in certain places, a small bag hanging from her shoulder and carrying all her little modern gadgets, including her contact lenses case. Olivia was not unlike other vampires, choosing to conceal her bloody irises with thin little slips of color, feigning the mask of a blue-violet gaze. Extending a thin, jeweled hand, Olivia knocked at the Volturi’s large oak door. It was a very strange sensation, which was soon lead to rest as another servant opened the door at her request, raising a brow at her appearance.

“I’m here to see a friend.” Olivia stated with a superior note of authority, annoyed she had not yet been lead inside. But the butler merely shook his head, stating in Italian that her presence would need approval. Olivia frowned. She was not used to being denied, but understood that the Volturi were entirely different from other vampires. So, annoyed, she nodded and watched as the servant meandered off, no doubt to seek out permission.

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[Marcus]

The evening found Marcus in the room that had long since been christened his ‘study’. It was a typical Italian night, the moon high in the blackened still regretfully tinged with the orange glow of human pollution. The air was humid on such a night Marcus would leave the comfort of Volterra for a hunt. He lent heavily against the window frame of the large patio windows, silk curtains flittering around him mixing with the wind and his long dark hair. Brooding as always. It was something he could often be found doing, staring silently out the window to the night thinking thoughts none other knew still and silent as the night outside, cold stone set face unmoving, reddened eyes unblinking, lips locked in that eerie silence he seemed to emit.

His gaze only flickered from the dark night when the sounds of another approaching and the familiar scent of the doorman flittered to his nose. Visitors? They had not been expecting any… Aro must be busy, ever the more sociable of the brothers he was the one alerted first more likely to grin with excitement then give harsh bored demands like the other two.
‘Master…’ the servant began as he came to the open door, his eyes taking in Marcus and only Marcus, not the slight form of Sophie curled on the sofa with her books – oddly respectful of Marcus` brooding or any object in the room, ever the good servant. ‘There is a woman who claims to be here to see a friend.’ The only response he received was the hint of a nod from Marcus who did not move until the man had retreated back down the spiral staircase.

He said not a word to Sophie as he spun on his heel and headed in the same direction, down the long spiral stairs in seconds and to the foyer – the receptionist desk empty for the late time. He was soon to the large ornate doors truly it was odd to receive a guest especially in this manner usually their presence was anticipated. He pulled the door back open, leaning to the door frame much as he had the window crimson eyes catching the other vampires. He did not know her. Strange.

She was good looking. Perhaps one of Caius` ‘friends’ who would linger for a night then vanish off the face of the earth the next morning. Still… he would have preferred to greet such a guest himself Marcus knew – lest his brothers try and succeed in their own seduction.
“A friend?” He requested simply with a raised dark eyebrow unlike the many in the mansion who would be forcibly polite or even get excited.

[Olivia]

Olivia didn't have to wait long, although her posture suggested otherwise. Her hips were jutted arrogantly to the side, a pale hand resting upon her slim waist as Olivia tediously regarded her ringed fingers. As the door opened, the light from inside the mansion caught her trinkets, making them twinkle as brightly as the stars in the cold, clear night. Olivia halted the twirling gesture of her wrist, candidly poised at Volturi's threshold as her violet eyes found the scarlet ones of a dark, pale man.

The first attribute that caught Olivia's eye about this particular man was not necessarily his looks, but rather the thin coating that seemed to depict his age. Olivia was a perceptive woman, she had to be in her industry of ensnaring. His pale skin seemed to have adopted a thin, shiny texture, his eyes deceiving her with an incandescent, milky layer of film. But he was undeniably attractive, which was the second attribute Olivia noticed, much in the same sense Olivia was herself. Their looks could no doubt sway either gender, somehow simultaneously soft and strong.

She already liked him, and liked it even more that a Volturi brother himself had descended his stair to greet her. Of course, these were assumptions- but Olivia would be far gone without them. But surely this man was one of the infamous brothers, for no other vampire yet had become acquainted with that strange look of immortality.

Her lips slid into a winning smile and Olivia neared the door, lifting the hand she had been so precisely inspecting to rest against the door frame next to the ancient. She was tall, even more so in heels, but he still outdid her. Which one was he? It rumored that Caius was the blonde, so that left Marcus and Aro. But which?

"Indeed, perhaps you've seen her? Flowing, fiery red hair... pink, pouty lips? Ring a bell?" The inquiry was made in mock professional tones, the egotistical little smirk never drifting from her lips.

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[Sophie]

Sophie was captivated by her book. She was reading at a rapid pace, finding Shakespeare very talented. The Tempest was one of her favorite plays. She sat there reading even as someone interrupted them. She paid little or no attention to it, knowing it was for Marcus. It was always for Marcus, which was fine. She could relax on the sofa and continue on reading until she was done. She had heard the mention of a girl, her brow arched slightly as he exited the room. They had a very honest/open relationship, if he was fucking someone else he would tell her, or so she thought. She didn’t really care, they both were people that could not and would not remain with one lover for long. She needed variety after being constricted for so long. Watching him leave, she turned back to her book and continued reading.

It only took her a little bit to finish the book, but she was content with it once more. She also felt accomplished, but she also had an idea. She wanted to see if it anyone was putting on a production of it. It would be amazing to see, so she got it in her mind to find herself a drink and ask Marcus if he knew of anything in the area. Surely the guest would have been directed somewhere by now. Getting up off of her chair, she opened the door and made her way down the stairs to the foyer. She saw Marcus there, but couldn’t see the other person. Not worrying about it, she started to talk. “Marcus, I was wondering…” What was going on? Why wasn’t he letting her in? That was when she heard the girl’s voice and Marcus happened to move slightly showing her face. She let out a shriek of delight and ran down the rest of the steps in a hurry. “Olivia!” she screamed.

She hadn’t seen her in forever, but there was no denying the happiness she felt. It was so unexpected. She had sent her one email, but she had never replied. She just assumed that she didn’t get it. Bounding down the steps she half pushed and nudged Marcus out of the way, jumping into the girl’s arms like there was no tomorrow. One leg immediately linked with the other girl’s as she threw her arms around Olivia’s neck for a passionate kiss. It had been far too long, but that didn’t matter. This girl was her best friend in the entire world, she didn’t care about pretenses or being rude. She just cared about a proper greeting. Finally, after a minute or so, Sophie let herself down and gave her a hug.

“Oh I can’t believe you’re here. You just…I’m so happy you’re here. Come in come in.” She realized then that she had practically ignored Marcus. Turning to him, she grabbed Olivia’s hand and escorted her in. “Marcus, this is Olivia. Olivia this is Marcus.” There was no doubt he would be confused, but that didn’t matter. She was far too excited to care what he thought at the moment.
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[Marcus]

Olivia’s description instantly hit a cord with Marcus. A red head with pouty lips? Only one person matched such a description. What was this a field trip? Was he going to end up with a gaggle of women in his rooms gossiping and painting toe nails? That certainly was not to be allowed. Before he could even open his mouth to respond a flame of red hair came dashing past him leaping straight into the woman’s arms. Marcus was not a man who felt shock, truly the world had showed him all its wonders.

Yet Sophie’s lips suddenly to the blondes in a… far more then sisterly kiss caused the tiniest murmur of a tiny flame of surprise. In a moment his gifts had analysed their hearts in seconds picking apart this relationship of a curiosity, friendship with the mingling touches of lust. Still… he should have picked up on this the moment he opened the door to her.

He could not resist the slight raise of an eyebrow as the two caught the other in a heated kiss. Well… truly most men had the fantasies of the two women foolishly believing they would miraculously turn and beckon you to join - a man could hope. Truly he could not stop the slight falling of his jaw as he watched them with dark eyes... fascinating.

His eyes only disconnected when the kiss did turning back to head further inside the mansion waiting for the couple to finish not an ounce of jealousy or frustration merely a new interest. Finally some attention was brought in his direction, a small hint of a smirk gracing his pouted lips as he watched the two of them He gave a low bow before his mistresses friend, taking her hand lightly to raise her knuckles to his lips.

“Un piacere.” He whispered voice thick with that dark ancient Accent as he released her hand raiseing back to his full impressive height.

[Olivia]

For a moment, it looked as though the Volturi would send her away, causing Olivia's heart to briefly be blanketed in ice. She would not under any circumstances, whether it be a Volturi or a deity, be sent away. She was the Miss Olivia Sawyer Ridgeway; heiress, business woman, fashion industriust... rich! If her fame and fortune could not buy her way into the manor, her good looks wouldn't be spoiled.

The iciness halted in its persistence, ultimately melting at the sight of flowing red hair as a body practically slammed into her own, causing Olivia to stumble back momentarily. There was no mistaking that ethereal aroma, nor the softness of lips which pressed against her own. As one of her favorite girls in the world curled a leg around her, Olivia hooked her arms about the red head's waist and returned the spontaneous, if not heated kiss. As Sophie pulled away, Olivia couldn't help but dish out one of her driest smirks toward the man, who was unsurprisingly both baffled and delighted. Allowing Sophie to reign her in, Olivia paused and was smugly satisfied when Marcus took her extended hand as chivalry required, placing what she considered to be a rather soft kiss to her knuckles. Most men treated her with such respect, although the wonderful ways of tradition had seemed to lessen this century, but Olivia was ecstatic to see the ancient resurrecting it.

"Marcus," She inquired, allowing the name to roll off her tongue sensually, getting a feel for the Italian 'r'. "The youngest, right?" Not that it mattered, but it at least made for conversation. Her eyes moved up and down his tall frame, and Olivia couldn't help but inwardly agree just what a pleasure it all really was.

"Thank you for having me on such short notice." She added with a coy grin before turning back to Sophie, as if Marcus was minuscule in comparison to the red head. In a sense, Olivia supposed, he was, for Sophie's seducing personality had gone forever unmatched (at least, in Olivia's books). But it was partially for show that Olivia focused all of her attention to Sophie, enforcing her newfound status in the manor as she stole away the Volturi brother's novel mistress. Giving her friend's hand a squeeze, she said "I'm happy to be here too. It's been too long! You will show me around, won't you?"

[Sophie]

Marcus’ reaction only made Sophie smile slightly. She knew his interest would be peeked. It wasn’t that she did it for his benefit at all. No, Sophie was truly happy to have Olivia come and visit her even if it was unannounced. She didn’t care a bit, though some others in the mansion would find it irksome, one clearly coming to her mind. Aria would not be pleased that Sophie had another friend in the house. Sophie could take care of her own, but she felt better with another person around to back her up. Aria was one of the most annoying people Sophie had ever come in contact with. She had ran away just because Marcus had brought the red head to her bed. It baffled Sophie that one would leave their home over something some, childish. Marcus was a big boy, he could chose to sleep with anyone he wanted to. Apparently though, Aria had a long standing crush on him and Marcus was either blind to it or ignored it. Sophie would like to think he ignored it because she didn’t want to believe Marcus so daft as to not realize why the girl left. Jealousy was a bitter thing, but at least Sophie didn’t have to put up with her for a time. It made her life easier that was for sure.

As she pulled Olivia in, Sophie let go of her hand so that Marcus could place his charm on the blonde. She knew him far too well enough to know that he was no doubt intrigued and fascinated by both of them. He was every the gentleman though, not speaking of what just took place. Sophie watched with a delighted smile as he gave Olivia her do and proper welcome. No doubt he had been trying to throw her out previously. Tossing her red hair over her shoulder, she gave Marcus a small smile before turning all of her attention back to Olivia. Even though the girl was still focused on Marcus and babbling about him being the youngest of the bunch. No doubt trying to turn their awkward meeting into more of a conversation. Sophie couldn’t help but to smile as her eyes caught Marcus’. It was truly a surprise for both of them, but Marcus’ confusion and Sophie’s happiness were mixed in with each other. She caught Olivia’s eyes as she gave her hand a small squeeze. Sophie returned the light gesture with a small smirk to her painted lips. “Of course I shall show you around, but I must tell you that Marcus is a far better tour guide than myself. I’ve only been in Italy for a few months and I’ve yet to see it all. And the manor, well as you can see it’s huge.”

She turned to Marcus, “Olivia will have a room near us yes? And if you’re not too busy would you mind terribly showing her around the Volturi Castle, darling? I know you would be delighted to talk of all the artwork..” She wasn’t trying to order him about so she made her words seem more of a question rather than ‘oh you’ll do this and this because I say so.’ Marcus would understand her questions and hopefully come out of his study to show around her blonde friend. “I shall take us to the theatre tonight or there are a few shops that we hold clearance with to go shopping. How many bags did you bring? No matter we can get you more if you run out of room.” Linking her arms with Olivia she waited for Marcus to agree or disagree. He could do what he liked, but Sophie believed he’d join them. “Olivia stop staying away for so long. I’ve missed our little chats!”
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[Marcus]

Marcus watched the two women with a slight hint of a interest to his usual uncaring soul, the two held the familiarity of lovers and yet spoke to one another alike sister. Certainly their hearts told complicated tales of lust and deep friendship to his senses. Crimson eyes fell to Olivia, seizing her carefully with that gaze instantly weighing her up in his mind his eyes merely given her a quick glance over before returning to her features. The youngest... ahh yes for he and his brothers impossible age he was indeed the youngest, how ironic for this girl who was little more then child when stood next to him would ask such a question. In many ways he was obviously the youngest, the most spoilt, the most bratish who took whatever he pleased. Certainly he was not as firmly built as his brothers gifted with the figure of a slim athlete more so the strong shoulders of his two brothers."Indeed, they save the best for last." He stated egotistically with a elegant dismissing flick of his wrist at the subject.

A long dark eyebrow arched across his pale features, not in shock truly he had not felt that for centuries. But a mere mocking.
"Of course mistress." he gave the sarcastic droll of words with a dramatic roll of the eyes spinning on his heel to leave the girls to their gossiping and conversations of shopping, no doubt from his pocket. He minded not. Truly it would make not a dent in the Volturi fortune if they brought every item in the Volterra market. Money was never an issue and women that could shop always meant happy women.

Travelling across the huge entrance hall his hand came to grasp the shoulder of the young guard discreetly trying to sneak away from the talking trip tugging him back to face him, the boy absolutely quivering with terror at being confronted with a Volturi elder. He was obviously new, the nerves of mortality still clinging to his quivering form. Quietly he discussed the organisation of the room for Sophie's friend with the guard to organise. Certainly he would not put her in the closet room, a man needed his privacy he could just imagine the constant swapping and changing of gabbling women painting nails and gossiping as Sophie was he knew a girl who enjoyed such things while he was attempting to read or work.