everyonelives | as we pass through arrangements of shadows

( "That's what people say when the reporter gets it right, Stefan. Stefan?

Did the call drop?" He looks at his phone, no, it's going. He's probably consulting with his betrothed. She and Stefan are practically married by now. )

You say "according to him" like you don't believe they got -- doxxed? Not with doxins...

I'm saying that I haven't talked to anyone else yet, and I wouldn't put it beyond my brother to fake a catastrophe to show up and be himself.

[Unmute.]

I'm here, and no, that's what people say when it's really none of your business.

[Mute.]

He doesn't have to stay here. I could put him up in a hotel.

To terrorize the Scottish highlands? I think we'd both rather have him close, than ... doing who knows what in town.

( Or, she doesn't know, but she does think it. )

[He makes a face because she has a point. Then he sighs.

Unmute.]

What time does your flight get in?

Eight hours. Quick flight to New York and then a non stop barely over six hour flight.

( He relented. That was easy. That it's because they don't trust his actions? That's on them. )

Stefan glances down to his watch and does the math with time zones ...]

Okay. Text me the flight details and I'll be there to pick you up.

( He doesn't love that he's some kind of liability, but, he wins. )

OK. ...Obviously, it goes without saying, be careful when you're out in the world. Your name, your picture, and your history is out there.

[Stefan nods.]

I will. You be careful too. There's a lot that can happen between now and you getting on the plane. Never mind what might happen in the air.

Just what I need, Con Air, but with vampires. I'll keep a low profile. Snag some sunglasses, a baseball cap. Blanket for warmth.

( They still give blankets, right? )

[They totally can in AU land.]

Yeah, I'm sure you'll totally blend in.

At least there are like nine people in first class. See you soon, brother.

( And in sunny Scotland, Buffy waits as Stefan hangs up.

"Your brother's coming." )

Yes, he is.

[And as much as he grumbles about Damon, he also knows that this might be good.]

It probably won't be that bad.

Yeah, probably not. You're also allowed to be happy. He is your brother.

( Just in case he wants to... exude more happiness, he can. )

He is. And I love him. It's just ... hard to turn off that sense of impending doom.

[But in theory, the doom has already happened. And Damon has grown and changed as a person. So he's probably overreacting.]

You don't have to talk to me about a sense of sibling doom. Although, I grew out of mine. I'll tell you about Dawn, sometime.

( And how she wasn't always her sister, but now she's the only sister she'd ever ask for. )

I'd love to hear it.

[He drapes an arm around her shoulders and pulls her in closer.]

I'd love to meet her one day too.

You will. Both. Just not before I shower off this patrol. Come on. You can help me choose Damon's bedroom.

( Will she go small and shabby or large and chic? )

Are you sure you want to give me this much power over a guest?

[Because he will troll his brother with small and shabby.]

I'm giving him whatever power you feel comfortable with. You're on home turf.

( So, it's up to him! )

I'll consider my options.

[He turns to lead her towards their own bedroom so she can clean up.]

We can discuss it over dinner?

Yes, please.

( And so she will shower and wash off all the grime from her patrol. Even though she strictly leads them now, dust and dirty seems to just fly up. )

[And Stefan will make her some yummy food, where they'll chat and settle on a medium room for Damon.

And, once Damon's flight comes in, Stefan will be there waiting at the airport, sitting in his car at the arrivals door while keeping an eye on the doors.]

( The medium room suffices!

Damon didn't pack, being on the run, so he comes in his leather jacket, stolen blanket from the plane in hand. He finishes whatever glass of alcohol he has on him and throws the glass into the trash, very whatever about everything, before climbing into - that's not right - he climbs into the left side of the car. )

How long'd it take for you to get used to this?

A while.

[But when you've been driving since cars were invented, you learn to adapt.]

But I've made worse adjustments while driving.

Remember when amnesiac Stefan rolled his car?

( Car memories! That's what they're doing, right? )

How far out's this castle?

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