hey it's good to be back home again

[somanyadjectives]

[It's been a while since Stefan has been back in Mystic Falls, but he wasn't going to miss the twins graduation. He knew that coming home was going to be complicated. He was bringing his girlfriend to meet people. He was bracing himself for Damon's judgement about him dating a vampire slayer the entire ride from the airport.

What he hadn't expected, was getting ambushed at a gas station while filling up his car by a hunter.

According to Damon, there haven't been hunters in Mystic Falls in years. They knew that the school would be a beacon, but they also took precautions for that to protect the kids. Most hunters understood that they were trying to reduce deaths, rather than concentrate them. This isn't to say that Mystic Falls is perfect, but they're doing better than they used to.

Stefan doesn't kill him. He's caught off guard enough that he doesn't immediately go for the kill, and Buffy catches the hunter off guard enough that the guy decides to retreat and regroup rather than push his luck against a slayer and a vampire. This isn't, unfortunately, before he manages to plug Stefan with a few wooden bullets. And those hurt like a mother.]

Gotta love coming home.

[He groans as he sinks back against the car, trying to keep an eye on their surroundings, before glancing down at the bleeding holes in his shirt.]

I liked this shirt.

Comments

[attainathons]

But... she's only two years new and not trustworthy.

( Buffy gets it.

Damon -- sees that Buffy gets it, but decides to just hand Elena her scotch before he -- regrets doing anything else. )

Do we have your family stuff tomorrow?

( That's to Stefan. She doesn't think they're free, but she'd help.

Damon just sips his own glass of scotch, a deep, quick, labored sip.

"Raise your glass if you think you're the only person who didn't know about Buffy." )

[braveandstupid]

["I did say that I would bring Buffy by to see Ric and the girls." Which means no, they aren't free. And also Stefan is ignoring Damon being petty in the corner.]

I'll be okay going on my own. It'll be five minutes, in and out.

[attainathons]

( A measured, but brief sigh.

"You're not going to accept my help with this, are you."

Buffy breaks off, naturally, closer to Stefan. )

Their gifts are in the car.

[braveandstupid]

[And this, Elena will actually acknowledge Damon for.]

I think I can handle sweet-talking a gas station attendant. Besides, if the hunters are still out there, we don't want to give them another vampire target.

[But if he really insists, she won't try and stop him.]

[unforgivably]

And your ... resemblance to the former vampire?

( It's weak, and he only lets it hang out there between them before he looks away and takes a sip. He knows he's being ridiculous. )

If you have the time, no gas station attendant could resist you. Go in the morning, after the rush. ( He dips his head down. It's easier to be in this friendship without Stefan and Stefan's new girlfriend around. But, the longer he's around her in person, the better he can be. ) But get sleep beforehand.

[braveandstupid]

[She nods, because that's the next step. Heading home to bed. She offers Damon a small smile all the same, because she knows what he's actually saying in between the words he's actually using.]

I'll be careful.

[And she will. She barely goes anywhere without being armed these days. She learned the hard way from her teenage years. Then she turns to the other two.]

And have fun with the girls tomorrow. Maybe we could do dinner after, when I'm actually awake enough to catch up?

[attainathons]

Yes. I brought that book we talked about, the collection of essays? There might be some blood on the cover.

( It was in her tote. She had to finish it first on the plane. )

But, let us know when you're done. And send everything through that you get from this hunter. Maybe we can squeeze in some sleuthing.

[braveandstupid]

Hazard of most things in Mystic Falls.

[So many things wind up with blood on them that shouldn't. But she offers them all a smile, before finishing off her bourbon.]

Okay. I'm going to go crash, but I'll see you all tomorrow.

[And she'll glance to Damon, just in case there's anything else he wants to tell her before she leaves.]

[attainathons]

( That human smile, the small one where he's grateful Elena stopped by? It's quick. But it's there. )

It was good to see you in person. That hunter won't get far.

[braveandstupid]

He won't. We'll track him down and find out why he's here.

[And with that, she will nod, say goodnight, and head out to sleep in her own bed for the night.]