Claude walked through the streets of downtown Demaitre as he made his way home from work. It was late... Or early, depending on one's perspective. He checked his watch. Three in the morning. Just about where the lines between 'late' and 'early' became muddled.

This was usual for him, being up this late. The bar didn't close until late and he always stayed to help clean up. He got a few extra dollars that way. He was making a pretty steady living now, a good hundred in tips in his wallet.

He usually worried about strolling around so late with so much cash on him, lest he get mugged, but he had stayed later than usual, having a few more drinks that usual. He wasn't drunk. Not really, but it was more than he was used to having. He was beginning to develop quite a tolerance to alcohol, a thought which scared him. He didn't want alcohol to take over his life. His father used to drink a lot. His father was an asshole. He didn't want to become his father.

He began to wander about, not really caring to go home yet. It was nice out that night and he didn't really want to go home yet. Who knows what the night would bring in unfamiliar areas?

He'd managed to feed once more without letting the monster come through. Leaving the young woman alive... Unhurt but for the bite at her neck. But it had taken all his will power not to enjoy her fully... Enjoy all of her body, all of her blood... All of her fear.

With a slight sigh Julian ran his hand through his hair. Catherine was out when he woke, presumably hunting... And he took the opportunity to leave before she came back. She was still in a temper, still unwilling to let go of her past.

He didn't understand why... He didn't understand why it was so hard for her. His own parents had disowned him and wouldn't even talk to him to find out that Vivian was still alive. They wouldn't accept it even if they saw him.

Her past was tough... But it had happened so long ago and she had so much with her now. Why couldn't she just get ov-

A scent... A young man...

An urge to kill rose up in him and he stood still growling softly as he pushed it back. He didn't need to kill anyone... He didn't. The young man ahead of him... He wasn't doing anything, just walking down the street.

But for what reason? What was he doing out so late. He looked like he was in college, so didn't he have class tomorrow? Or rather, later today. His eyes followed the man as they passed, Julian froze, but let the other keep walking. Most people out this late didn't have a wholesome reason. And he smelt like alcohol and cigarettes. Couldn't be anything too good...

Maybe he should just kill him now...

No. He couldn't. The kid wasn't hurting anyone! He wasn't doing anything but walking! Julian forced himself on, walking away, but he only made it a few steps before stoping and turning around. "Hey, you lost or something man?"

Claude turned around, perhaps too quickly, as his vision doubled, giving him a slight headache. He squinted for a moment and then rubbed his eyes, finally looking at the man who had called out to him.

"No... Just walking around. On my way home from work... Sort of." He chuckled like an idiot. Nah, he wasn't that drunk, but he didn't really think he could possibly look that lost either. It just struck him as a funny question.

"I know where I am. I'm at least six blocks up from the white mice and... Eh... Five blocks away from home, give or take." He shrugged. "I know where I am." He was one of those unfortunate people who was always aware of their surroundings when inebriated. It was useful sometimes, irritating at others. At a moment like this, however, it was useful.

"Are you lost?"

Watching the man Julian frowned. He was drunk... Or close enough anyway...

But he seemed harmless. Or enough so anyway that Julian could just walk away without a second thought. He wouldn't hurt anyone, wouldn't do anything.

At the echo of the question Julian shook his head.

"Nope. I'm about one and a half miles from my place... Avoiding going home for the moment because my girlfriend has issues." He said with a bit of a grin. A hell, at least he got to get something out.

"So... You work at the White Mice? Jimmy still there?" He asked taking a few steps closer. The White Mice had been his old stomping grounds, his pick-up place. But he had only been there a few times in the past year and a half since Viv disappeared, and hadn't been back after they had found him.

"Yeah women are trouble, eh?" Claude laughed. "I haven't had a girlfriend since..." He paused, then said, "I'm not sure how long. Been a while, though."

He took a few steps toward Julian as he began to walk toward him, despite the fact that it was the opposite way of where he was heading. "Jimmy... Hmm... Tall guy? Dark hair? Bartender, right?"

"Well keep it that way kid." He chuckled slightly. "Women only cost money and cause trouble." He advised.

But he nodded as the boy described the bartender. "Yup that sounds like him anyway. So... He's still there. I thought he was out when he got his masters which should have been last fall." He mused.

"Ah, but it's been a while since I was there last really. Even longer since I talked so someone." But Well, he didn't need to go into a long complicated story now. Rather, he preferred to just forget about everything.

"But well damn... I guess they're closed for the night. All the other clubs too." Well now go figure... And he couldn't by alcohol now either since it was after midnight. So much for drinking to forget.

"Anyway, I used to go there a while back. Regular too. Well next time you see Jimmy, tell him Julian said Hey." He told the kid.

"Yeah, Jimmy. I think he's only working weekends these days. Got some other job somewhere but he keeps this one as a side... Just in case." Claude shrugged. "I don't usually work with him. He works earlier hours than me. But if I see him, I'll tell him I ran into you. Julian, is it? I'm Claude." He held out his hand to the stranger.

"Yeah, s'all closed now. Else I wouldn't be out this late. I should probably get home. I'm beat."

(I got nothin'. It's early and I'm tired. Tried to think of something but.. you know me. Lol)

Working early on weekends? Well then Julian probably wouldn't see him then. Unless he managed to work until dark.

But Jimmy knew what had happened with his brother and all. It would be nice to tell him that he found Viv, because the guy had been a friend to both of them before Viv had been taken. "Oh, and can you let him know that Viv's back too if ya see him?" He added.

"But yeah, Julian's the name. Kind of old fashion for a guy, but I like it."

But he nodded in agreement as he said that he should probably be getting home. "Sounds like a good idea Claude. There are some nasty people out here this late at night yeah?" Admittedly he was one of those 'nasty people' but Claude didn't have to know that did he?

Nah.

"Want me to walk with you to make sure you get home in one piece?" He offered. "Seeing as I'm not drunk and or tipsy." He said raising an eyebrow with a grin.

Claude stared at him for a moment and then giggled awkwardly. "No, I don't need to be walked home." He straightened his stance a little bit and cleared his throat. "I'm not really as bad off as I act. I just like to enjoy myself." He smirked, actually seeming to improve as he did so. "Like I said, I know where I am. Greenridge isn't too far from here. I can make it." He giggled again, a wide grin spreading across his features with his boyish laugh.

"So... Julian says hello and that Viv is back." He nodded, putting his hands into his pockets. "I'm sure I'll remember. I'm one of those unfortunates that remember every damn thing." He smirked once again.

"Anyhow, nice meeting you." He waved and turned away to walk down the street, his stance better, though still a little wobbly as he went. It wasn't long until he was distracted again, but he did well along his way.