have it your way, have it your way

[havethings]

Comments

[polydeukes]

[Josie nods because the word is familiar.]

Stefan's friend Buffy is one, right?

[And yes, she knows they're friends not friends but that's not relevant to this conversation.]

[moralitypolice]

Stefan's - yeah. She is. And, a family friend and I, Danny, we were in Scotland. I was not seeing someone, I was in a castle of women. Well, and Xander, but he doesn't count as a man.

( He would love that. (Read: would not love that.) )

If I were seeing someone, then I'd tell her. But, you should ask her about Ryan.

[polydeukes]

Oh, I already know about Ryan.

[She has eyes, like the rest of Caroline's friends.]

When we were leaving she was getting ready to take him on a state fair date.

[moralitypolice]

How do you know this and I don't know this?

( Excuse her rudeness as she pulls her phone from her bag. She group texts Elena and Caroline Our state fair is a great state fair. Don't miss it, don't even tell me about Ryan?

Maybe Elena has also been left out of the loop. Maybe not. But, she's feeling sassy.

To be fair, none of you are ever subtle about your romances. And it is Mystic Falls.

Thanks, Hope. )

I'd think you guys would have better things to do than track what the adults are doing.

[polydeukes]

We just want you guys to be happy.

[Because when you're happy they can get away with more stuff under your noses. A beat.]

It seems like Aunt Caroline and Elena are getting there, clearly you are next to set our sights on.

[She's teasing. Mostly. She's currently eyeing Dean Winchester skeptically as he's Suspicious, but Elena seems happy, so she's not questioning it too much.]

You haven't had one romantic European fling?

[moralitypolice]

( Exactly what she thinks, as she doesn't respond to that, or even scoff. But, she would. )

That's not exactly the kind of conversation I should be having with you, too.

( Wait, Dr. Gilbert's getting where? )

[polydeukes]

[She told you about it at brunch, briefly. Or more to the point, she mentioned it and then eagerly tried to deflect onto Caroline.

But Josie shrugs.]

It's just nice to see you guys happy. I know you went through a lot when you were younger.

[Some of that adjacent to the man who's just walked into the restaurant, Bela in tow. Also technically adjacent to her girlfriend, but she's not going to go there.]

[moralitypolice]

( Right, that's - right. As people do. )

That doesn't end. It hasn't suddenly gotten easier, just... more infrequent. I love that you're invested, but maybe keep your eyes in your own vacation?

( This moment interrupted by, Bela and Elijah. )

Hope, you know your uncle Elijah, and girls, this is Bela. She's a friend.

[enjoythe_ride]

Hello, ladies.

[Bela offers a smile as she moves to sit with them. It's been a long time since she and Hope have seen each other, but this is much better circumstances than the last time.]

Congratulations to you both. I've been told you both worked very hard.

[moralitypolice]

( We've met. It's still a sore subject for Hope, and a sore time in her life that Elijah speaks up, reinforcing how he feels, too.

Graduating from high school is a feat. You should both be proud. Hope does pull him in for hug, because friendships have taught her that the family she has does matter.

Apparently, Bela is still in the picture.

How... are you, Bela?

She can be nice!

Bonnie just sits back, taking a drink from her wine. )

[enjoythe_ride]

[Yes, she is. And she's used to Hope's perfunctory politeness at this point. One day she might grow on the younger witch, but for now, she's welcome to play the role of unwanted somewhat-aunt.]

I've been well. How have you two been enjoying Prague?

["It's such a cool city." Josie's happy to fill in the blanks so Hope doesn't have to talk. "We're probably going to do some more exploring after lunch."]

[moralitypolice]

( Timing really sucked. She doesn't actually resent her. But, it's hard for Hope to let things go. Maybe one day she'll realize that Bela might be family, too.

It's a beautiful city rich in architecture and history, Elijah says. )

Elijah's right.

( Don't mind, Bela, if Bonnie pours you some of her wine. )

[enjoythe_ride]

[Maybe they'll wind up on an adventure together at some point, but for now, it can stay where it is.

But thank you Bonnie, for the wine.]

I have some contacts in some of the older historical buildings. I could arrange a private tour, if you like?

[moralitypolice]

( That... would be really nice. Thank you. She exchanges a look with Josie, knowing that's something she'd be more than interested in. Saying yes to that isn't difficult. It's a no-brainer.

Bonnie is texting.

The art museum is something to behold. The building itself is its' own work of art.

This is going well, so Elijah chimes in, too, ordering an old brown liquor. )

[enjoythe_ride]

[Josie nods her agreement and offers Hope a small smile because she knows how hard it is for her to take things at face value. So it's a bit of you're doing amazing sweetie from a distance.

Bela nods with a smile.]

I'll make some calls after lunch and text you the information.

["The art museum is on our list," Josie adds. "But I think we're going with the rest of the group." So probably not today, if Hope's plans are to be believed.]

[vampireboulevard]

I told you about Ryan! I distinctly remember Ryan being a topic of brunch conversation.

[A pause.]

Who told you about the state fair?

[moralitypolice]

Josie Saltzman.

So, this is a date? A first date situation?

[vampireboulevard]

I swear, she's worse at keeping secrets than I am.

[Not that Ryan was a secret, exactly, but way to put her in the hot spot, Jojo.]

But yes, it is an official date with only a minor chance of havoc being wreaked by a baby vampire.

[moralitypolice]

Unless it involves the darkest of magics and an imposter headmaster.

Is that what we're calling him? Your baby vampire?

[vampireboulevard]

What? No. NO. Ryan is not a baby vampire.

I was talking about Stiles.

[moralitypolice]

Just making sure. I didn't want to have to worry about power dynamics. With the #metoo movement and all

[vampireboulevard]

True, I was worried about that, but Ryan is fully graduated from my vampiric tutelage. Now I have a new freshly turned vamp to worry about.

[This one she actually made, no matter how unintentionally.]

But Scott and Cora are willing to step in on the sensory training, so I am free to go on my date and only have to intervene if we suddenly hear screaming.

[moralitypolice]

Nothing like an early graduation.

I'm kidding. He's not like that, you're not like that. I know.

Well, maybe despite it being Mystic Falls and despite it being the annual carnival, there won't be screaming or bloodshed. We can hope, right? And you have Scott and Cora, the... werewolves?

[vampireboulevard]

Yes. Scott is Stiles' best friend and also True Alpha Scott McCall who has no business being as sweet as he is. Like if you had told me one of the werewolf superpowers was a nice, goofy guy I would not have believed you after all the other assholes we've met.

And then Cora is a Hale. Derek's sister, I think? But when he went to New Orleans, she decided to stick around for Stiles.

[She has Opinions on why, but she's keeping them to herself and not meddling. Stiles is an in emotionally volatile place, so he should take his time.]

[moralitypolice]

How goofy? Mystic Falls doesn't really do goofy?

Maybe it's Josie's influence, but is that something? Are they as tangled as we once all were?

Does Elena know about your State Fair date?