for the rest of us death will be a relief

[praevaricatio]

Comments

[marinates]

Will Stefan Salvatore be there when our plane lands, or after?

( He wouldn't expect the former, but, he means on the ground. If he's going there for Christmas, to the Lockwood's, it stands to reason he might be there, too. )

[indurare]

After, I would expect. It seems as though a great deal of people are heading back to Mystic Falls, but from what I understand Stefan will be one of them.

[She can only imagine given the alternate universe children and other people coming back from the dead.]

But I believe Bonnie or Isaac will be the ones to greet you at the airport.

[marinates]

Well, that won't be awkward at all.

( He'll always carry Bonnie in his heart, but isn't worried about coming back to her. Or, getting to know her new boyfriend. )

And what does the Christmas holiday look like for you, Melanie Hamilton?

[indurare]

Family, mostly. Wesley, my nephew has been making a home here, so it will likely be a small intimate dinner with family and then ... I'll probably be moving on.

[She's not sure where yet, but probably a nice city to wait out the winter. Scarlett and Rhett are expecting Russell, and who knows where they'll go to give him time to recuperate. But Melanie is ready for some time on her own.]

I haven't decided yet if I'm in the mood for sun or snow this winter.

[marinates]

Lucky you get the choice in the matter. I like both. Are you leaning toward either, at the moment?

( He's realizing he may have his own choices to make as well, soon. After this business with his coming back is settled or handled or understood. )

[indurare]

[She gives a small shrug, because no, she hasn't. She tries not to think too far ahead, to stay in the moment. She also knows that part of it will depend on where she's trying to draw attention away from, if people are looking for her to find Scarlett and Rhett.]

I've narrowed down places. Either Chicago or Mexico.

[She has a small villa in Puerto Vallarta. Not far from the beach.]

[marinates]

Both sound very appealing. Promising, even.

( He turns the phone given to him around to hold it out to her. )

Mind giving me a ring once you decide. I seem to be awash in possibilities. And I like them a little more narrowed down and as far from Mystic Falls as I can manage. At least, at first.

[indurare]

[She smiles at that before nodding as she takes the phone, saving her number in it.]

I think some company sounds lovely. I'll be sure to keep you apprised.

[marinates]

I look forward to it.

( He takes her hand in his and kisses the back of it. )