everyonelives | have it your way, have it your way

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?

( 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? )

[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.]

( 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.

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.

( 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. )

[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."]

( 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. )

[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?

( 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. )

[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.]

( And, I do have some things... planned today. And tonight. But, tomorrow, or the rest of the week. It works.

She doesn't thank her again, because she already did. But. Damn it, she's grateful. )

How many of you guys are out here?

Eight of us, total?

[She does a quick count again, just to be sure.]

The two of us, my sister, and some of the guys from our class. They said they were heading to check out the Lennon Wall today.

Just you three and guys. That... sounds like our group, too.

( It was always just Caroline, Bonnie, and Elena. And for a long time, just Bonnie and Caroline, and that was hard enough.

How many boys? Elijah asks.

Five, Hope answers with a smile. Like, you heard us. Don't play the protective uncle now. )

They're good guys.

[Because that's totally reassuring.]

Some of our best friends, actually.

( And you two, you're together, now?

Because, Elijah would care less abut the guys knowing that Hope and Josie make it so that the guys are now irrelevant. Not in their best friend capacity, anyway.

Bonnie leans in to Bela. )

Should we let this interrogation go on?

["I don't think it will hurt anything. It's likely the most normal thing they could be doing."

And she knows there's no teeth to it. Elijah wouldn't want to injure the delicate balance he and Hope have built. He's just playing the role of the protective uncle for now.]

We are.

[Josie eyes him carefully.]

We have been for a while.

( "Well, that's wonderful. I know your father, Josie. He's an honorable man."

Bonnie takes that for face value, nods, and checks her texts again. Hope crinkles her eyes because, Alaric? Honorable? Sure. Okay. He's... a sort of effective headmaster. But, she's not about to badmouth her girlfriend's father. )

I'm ... sure he'd be happy to hear you say that.

[Sure, that totally isn't a dodge at all. Let's change the topic away from Alaric Saltzman.]

How long are you two going to be in Prague? Are you living here?

( "We haven't decided on our duration. At least the next few days. Bela is here on business. I couldn't pass up a chance to see my niece."

Bonnie also stays pretty silent. Alaric's... not anyone's favorite? It's fine. )

[Look, Aunt Bonnie, Ric's been doing some shady stuff. She's had to yell at her dad a lot.]

Well, I'm glad you could make the time. I'm sure Hope's glad you see you too.

[Right, Hope?]

( Prison World punishment is up there. There might have been renegotiation regarding her blood after that.

"I am."

Real convincing. )

It's not often we're all in the same place.

[Baby steps. There's another encouraging nod, as she turns back to Bonnie.]

No, it's not. Better enjoy it while we have it, right?

Yeah. I'll drink to that.

( BUT NOT TOO MUCH.

Fin. )

have it your way, have it your way

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