for the rest of us death will be a relief

[praevaricatio]

Comments

[unforgivably]

That doesn't make things sound impossible even though things feel impossible. I like your answers.

( He likes how she digs and excavates around in his muck. In the worst of the worst. That she gets answers. Explanations. Points. )

It might be harder on Elena, all told.

[bravebartender]

[It's why they pay her the big bucks.

But the point about Elena is sound.]

It might. But hopefully you'll both be able to support each other too. And your extended support systems, also.

[unforgivably]

Stefan's hands have been full for a few months now. Slayer baggage. Witch baggage. Bonnie baggage. He can sit this one out.

( But Lindsay is here. She is his friend. He knows that. )

[bravebartender]

Do you say that because you don't think he would want to support you or because you don't want him to?

[She would point out that technically these kids are also Stefan's family to, but she wants to know if it's habit that has Damon dismissing his brother or something else.]

[unforgivably]

I say that because he's put up with a lot from me over the years. And in the midst of his happy Scotland ending, hunters came out of the woodwork. And then witches.

( And what's next? )

He has to protect himself, too. He has Buffy. Lindsay's here.

[bravebartender]

They're his family too, Damon.

[She just wants to point that out, that one connection that he seems to be missing.]

They're your kids, which makes them his niece and nephew. He may not see it as drama to put up with. I know your relationship with Stefan is complicated, and does have a lot of baggage, but at least give him a chance.

[unforgivably]

I'm not keeping him out of that. He will be there. Him and his girlfriend already are.

( He won't be able to leave him without. )

[bravebartender]

[Cami decides not to push. They will probably have to have many, many sessions about Stefan, but she'll leave things there for now.

Having Stefan present is one thing. Trusting him to emotionally be there for Damon seems to be another thing entirely.]

Okay. Just making sure.

[unforgivably]

I'm sure. Stefan's sure. If he wants to do the brother bonding thing, nephew, what have you, I won't stop him.

( They can be good to each other. They probably will be. )

[bravebartender]

Okay.

[So long as he's open to it.]

You have my number. If you need to call because things go awry, reach out. It's what I'm here for.

[unforgivably]

Mmm, you're here so I stay this version of myself and not fall back into old, unhealthy ( violent ) patterns. ( why does he have to change her definitions and boundaries when she gives them to him. ) But, I'll remember you are. In case I need emergency shrinking.

[bravebartender]

Good. And since we probably won't speak before then, Merry Christmas, Damon.

[And with that, we will call this section of shrink sessions to a close.]