for the rest of us death will be a relief

[praevaricatio]

Comments

[braveandstupid]

At least the others have been friends rather than foes.

[She doesn't know Angel or Cordy but she knows they're allies of the Winchesters and she's glad they have their friend back. Derek and his beta. The Harvelles.

And then, because she's Elena:]

If you want to skip New Year's and go back to London, I'd understand.

[Though she's sure Matt will be disappointed, but they have more time.]

[moralitypolice]

I'm not skipping New Years. Why does everyone think I'll let Kai run me out of my own hometown. Just because I'm not going to be in the same room with him doesn't mean I'll let him dictate what I do and where I go.

( And she's done huffing for more important things. )

But, you needed to know. I have no reason to think he'll target you. I really think he's been there, done that, but you - ( Deserved the right, another way to put it. ) How are you doing? I mean, Matt... I can't wait to see him.

[braveandstupid]

I'm not thinking that. I'm just letting you know it's an option because I also remember me being rather adamant about everyone attending.

[But good to know that she will still be there. She's missed Bonnie so much.

When the topic changes to her, however, she sighs.]

I'm ... fine. And Matt seems good? I think he's excited to see everyone. Have you heard from Tyler?

[moralitypolice]

And I know what adamant Elena is like. I'm not going to disappoint her, not even if my nemesis has somehow returned along with everyone else in our lives.

( Which is a lot, but she's not letting it get to her. Well, she is. She really is. But Elena is helping. )

Tyler's... mom is back. Carol Lockwood was at a bus stop. He didn't tell you?

[braveandstupid]

[She does feel her breath catch at that because good. She was starting to feel like she was being gifted an embarrassment of riches. She would want to spread the wealth around.]

He probably did, but I've been asleep and I haven't checked my messages. I just always pick up when Bonnie Bennett calls.

[moralitypolice]

Well, Bonnie Bennett appreciates it. When you get the chance, call Caroline, too. I mean, we all got parents and grandparents in our stockings this year. And it's really weird. But - not bad that we're not hating it, right?

( Even if dynamics will have to be reestablished and the world is nothing like anyone remembers it. )

[braveandstupid]

I will call Caroline. And yeah, it is wild. But I definitely don't hate it.

[She doesn't know the full roster yet, but when she does catch up on the group chats she will have a lot of feelings.]

I'll see you soon?

[moralitypolice]

Oh, I should - probably ask. Isaac and I are leaving Williamsburg. Are you okay if we crash at your place? Or, are you coming back tonight?

( It's important to ask to do things, even though she knows Elena wouldn't mind - or say no. )

[braveandstupid]

No, of course. Take the guest room. I'm not sure what we're doing yet, but there's plenty of room.

[She'll talk with Tyler. Maybe they can open up the rooms at the Lockwood Mansion for some of their wayward wanderers because while there is Damon's house, well.

She has a feeling there's a few of them who would prefer not to sleep there, never mind actually asking Damon to use the house. He did say he was leaving home so she doesn't even know if he sold it.]

Worst comes to worst, it's winter break. We can have them sleep at the school.

[moralitypolice]

We'll find somewhere.

( If Elena's concerned, then Bonnie isn't. )

Anyway, that's what I called to tell you. The Kai of it all.

[braveandstupid]

I appreciate the heads up. And I'll see you soon.

[She's surrounded on all fronts right now so she feels safe enough not to worry about Kai. And now it seems she has a pile of mountains to go through.]

Love you.

[moralitypolice]

I love you. Get some more sleep. I promise, Jo, or me, will update you.

( She hangs up, turning back to Isaac. )

[notwitty]

[He glances back to face her, his bags packed during this conversation.]

Everything good with Elena?

[He says like he couldn't hear the conversation with his werewolf ears. Honestly, he wasn't listening that hard, he's mostly worrying about Erica.]

[moralitypolice]

Yeah. I think we're past the worst of everything with this coven out of commission, but she needed to know about Kai. She also gave us permission to sleep in her guest room tonight, which we will be taking her up on.

( The 'If that's alright with you,' is implied. )

[notwitty]

[He nods. They do have the pack house, but it's weird to be in all by himself so staying with Elena is fine for now. They'll all reshuffle once people descend for the holidays.]

Sounds good. I'm ready to hit the road when you are.

[moralitypolice]

( And then, because it's an overwhelming feeling and her grandmother is incoming. And Enzo is back. Everything just rises up in her heart. Isaac has treated her so well today and taken all her anger in stride. )

I love you, Isaac.

[notwitty]

[He's not used to hearing it.

Not that he's had many opportunities. His family wasn't the most affectionate, and he hasn't had partners that got that far. He's had relationships, but they haven't felt like this. They haven't been Bonnie.

He hopes his face isn't as deer-in-the-headlights as he feels internally. He hopes he doesn't seem like he's being bowled over.

But in the end, he does manage to pull through:]

I love you too.

[His voice feels rusty as he says them, and he hopes it doesn't feel like they're words he's never said before, even if he hasn't, not really. But he means them - that's probably the point that matters most.]

[moralitypolice]

Let's get on the road.

( She comes over to the bed to grab up her bag before pulling Isaac in by his collar for a kiss. )

[notwitty]

[He kisses her back, one hand coming up to brush gently against her cheek before nodding.]

Let's go.