sometimes people leave you halfway through the wood

[madskilled]

Comments

[moralitypolice]

( She gets up again. )

Thanks again. And I'll be in touch, too. Stay safe, Stefan. For all we know there are still hunters around.

[somanyadjectives]

I will. You too.

[And with that he will reach out to Elijah and Bela first, just in case they need the hand:]

I spoke to Bonnie and I'm in town. Do you need a hand with the cover story?

[uniquelyvulnerable]

Without access to the upper echelon, we have what we've covered under control. Stefan Salvatore, I wasn't aware you'd flown across the pond.

[somanyadjectives]

I've actually been living in Scotland. Seemed like time for a break from Mystic Falls.

[uniquelyvulnerable]

Why on Earth have you been living in Scotland?

[somanyadjectives]

I had a real craving for haggis.

[No, he's not, that's a joke but also not giving Elijah too many details.]

[uniquelyvulnerable]

Forgive me for ever finding you to be the more tolerable Salvatore brother.

Should you have the time and means, we worked locally, but there are national names I could pass on, ones that could properly rubber-stamp this.

[somanyadjectives]

I'm sure Damon will be relieved to be back on top.

I can head in that direction. Send them my way and I'll see what I can do.

[uniquelyvulnerable]

And that's enough of any discussion on what brother holds which position.

Bela is sending you a time, place, and pictures. Revelry got out of hand.

[somanyadjectives]

I'm on it. Let me know if you need me anywhere else.

[And he will go to handle all of that. Once everything is taken care of, he shifts to texting Faith:]

Want to grab a drink?

[madskilled]

You and your hair want a drink with me? Thought you'd never ask. We're all at the Standard.

[somanyadjectives]

I'll be there in an hour.

[He has to get back across town after all. And probably book a room himself. But once he does that, he'll make his way over to the hotel bar and scan the room looking for her.]

[madskilled]

( She has a table all to herself, feet up like the professional she is. She holds two fingers up, and takes a big gulp from her drink. )

Well if it isn't Stefan the hero across the pond.

[somanyadjectives]

Is that what they're calling me these days?

[He moves to slide onto the seat across from her.]

Because it feels like today's been more about cleaning up messes.

[madskilled]

As one of the messes, we thank you. Thought all we'd have is a little rough and tumble and then a security shift. Last night brought out all the surprises.

( She'd be smoking because of one of them. But, she listens to basic rules. )

[somanyadjectives]

From what it sounds like, it was pretty rough.

[And as the drinks arrive, he picks up his glass as he looks at her.]

How're you doing with all of it?

[madskilled]

I deal, Stef. I'm not gonna cry or break shit. I'm gonna have this drink. Get a little sleep. Wake up, do it all again.

( It's not easy, but she's lost people before. )

[somanyadjectives]

[He knows. So has he, but there are still times when you need to cry or break shit.]

I know. But I will find you stuff to break if you change your mind.

[madskilled]

Pinky promise?

( Should she need it. She's not actually flirting with him, it's her wave she tends to ride, but she knows better than to go after Buffy's honey. Stefan is more of a friend and ally than anything. )

[somanyadjectives]

[He laughs.]

You jest, but I made a lot of them when the twins were younger.

[madskilled]

Little rugrats taught you right. A promise is a promise, pinky or no.

( And if she needs something, she'll ask. )

How long we in town for? Not that I don't love a good drop-in. Buff sent you into the aftermath or are we expecting another round?

[somanyadjectives]

I don't think another round is coming, at least not anytime soon. I talked to Bonnie and she and the Brighton Heir might be coming back with me to Scotland.

[He didn't come with orders for Faith, at least not direct ones.]

She said Mia mentioned something about finding her brother, and that Mia might be tagging along for that. She wanted to leave it up to you whether or not you wanted to stick with her or come back in for something else.

[madskilled]

Gotta say, I don't usually get all this freedom. Any more insight into what Mia's brother's tangled up in. These hunters are bad news.

( It's early and someone could stop her, but still, she brings up her vape, sucking it in. )

[somanyadjectives]

[He shakes his head.]

But from what I could see they were very organized and very prepared. It might be worth it to keep investigating and see if you can find out more information.

[madskilled]

I'll talk to Mia, see what she needs. I might not be on the invite list.

( One more person she needs to rendezvous with, then. )

Name's Monroe, BTW. Whoever sent these hunters.