everyonelives | for the rest of us death will be a relief

( He actually bites back the first retort that comes to mind. )

I didn't give you a fair shake.

( He'd stand by the friend-of-friend vetting and outright avoiding her. But, when it comes down to it, she came through. And with a pretty powerful and well-dressed Chess piece. (Dean's always liked a good costume.) )

I was preoccupied with where you landed me. Except, I forgot I landed there myself. I sold my soul to save Sam, not you.

( Whatever she did with that information, in the spirit of self-reliance, well, he'd - maybe he wouldn't have done the same - but for Elena. For Sam again. He could see it. )

Thank you.

[The Bela of fifteen years ago probably would have milked it. Rubbed it in his face, try to deflect. But she's not that girl anymore, trying to shake off any connections that could make things complicated, given she was about to die.

So instead, she nods.]

You're welcome.

[She's still not great at accepting people's gratitude, just as she's still not good at giving it. But she's trying to be better.]

I am sorry that Elena got caught up in all of this.

[She was the contingency for just that, but they still hoped it wouldn't come into play.]

What Elena is made her a part of this. You didn't do it.

( He knows that. Just like Bela was only looking out for herself. )

Don't -- lose my number.

[She raises an eyebrow at that, curious now. And because old habits die hard and she can't help herself.]

Careful, Dean. That's dangerously close to calling us friends.

[But it's clear she's teasing and doesn't expect any actual friendship just yet.]

We ain't enemies. Right now, I'd be happy with what I got.

( They are a lot more now and the water under the bridge continues to flow. )

I think that works for me.

[She'll settle for not enemies. Her wardrobe is safer that way. She glances over to where Elena and Elijah are talking, and can see the exhaustion in her frame.]

Have you found somewhere to sleep?

[Not that she has space to offer but she can recommend a good hotel.]

Sam's got it handled. He was on it the minute Ellen joined the party.

( Which is something. )

Anyone pop up in your circles?

[She shakes her head.]

Not that I know of, but I do have a friend checking a couple graves, just to make sure the bodies are still there.

[Bela is not a fan of surprises, and most of the people she's lost, she doesn't want back.]

Well, report back. We have a running tally.

( And, considering he doesn't have anything else to get off his chest. )

We good?

[Bela nods. They're fine.]

You should get her to bed.

[Literally, because Elena looks like she's barely keeping herself awake at the moment. And she'll let him wander off to collect her, while moving to stand next to her partner.]

( Elijah watches the scene from afar, and, as a vampire, can't not listen. But, he is invested in Bela and her happiness. So he's going to listen. When she settles beside him, he looks at her, wanting her to confirm personally. )

Your cold war...?

Thawing.

[At least if they're going with the metaphor. She continues to watch Dean and Elena go before looking back at Elijah.]

I don't think we'll ever be friends, but at least he doesn't want to shoot me anymore.

I do think lessened impulses to maim are something to be celebrated. You saved two lives today.

( Technically more, but two directly. )

I like the side we fell on in this.

So did I.

[She's always prided herself on being ambiguous - after all, when you're already going to Hell, what does it matter? But helping Ezra and David feels like she's actually done some good, even if it's not perfect good.]

I think they'll do better things with the coven than it's past minders, once the matter of succession settles.

I was thinking, until things do settle, there may be some unrest. The situation they've found themselves in is a precarious one, and there are no guarantees until the six of them are back on that altar. How do you feel about ensuring it comes to fruition?

( Taking things one step further. )

[She's surprised, but she's not opposed. She glances down at her watch to see the date, then nods.]

I'll make sure we're back for bonfire season.

[Because they have promises to keep, and this should be tied up before New Year's. Or at least have things tied up enough to make a weekend trip.]

I wouldn't dream of missing it. But, this could also be in the others interest. Davina Claire and Danny Brighton. As long as that store of magic ends in its rightful place, there won't be unnecessary upheaval.

( Everything magic in its rightful place. )

[She nods in agreement.]

Then I'll let Rusty know we're staying. I have a feeling he's looking to be as far away from this place as possible.

[Complications with certain heirs aside. Elijah may not have been in the room to see all that drama but Bela sure was.]

Then it's a good thing he has a self appointed envoy in his place.

( Them. They're self-appointed. )

I take it the coven's end in its' current iteration went off with the proper dramatics.

[She nods. It was very Mikaelson, he would have felt right at home.]

All the parents are dead, and when I left, one of the heirs was seeing to the destruction of the bodies. Now all that's left is for them to solidify their control of the coven.

[Of which they'll have he two of them to help, it seems.]

( He nods. )

I should find Elena before she and her cadre of rescuers find somewhere to sleep tonight. Claim a bedroom for us, won't you?

I'll text Sam. See if he found somewhere with vacancies.

[But with that she will let him go talk to Elena while she makes their arrangements.]

for the rest of us death will be a relief

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