( He never knows what to expect with this family, but more family, he didn't have on his Bingo card. He takes his boyfriend's coat and shrugs off his own. He thinks Thanksgiving went well enough and he made a good impression (enough, anyway), that Christmas would go smoothly. But, now there's a brother who excites the excitable vampire mom even more than Wes.
And Wes excites Wes something real.
He does kiss her cheek, too, before he sees where the coats can go. )
Rhett and I have another child. His name is Russell and he's a witch, not a vampire, but through a unique set of circumstances, he's had a longer lifetime than most.
[She smiles as she gestures for them both to make their way inside.]
Because of those circumstances, he doesn't normally join us for holidays but those circumstances have recently been resolved.
[So full family Christmas. She's very delighted but also very anxious about it.
Wes nods as he moves forward to Rhett to greet him also. "So we're celebrating, then?"]
Well, you know Russell, he doesn't like to make a fuss. But I am celebrating, if that counts for anything.
( Disposing of the coats, he heads further into the swanky penthouse. Way out of his league and price range.
"We," Rhett reiterates, giving his son a hug, before turning but keeping an arm around him. He hands him a glass of whiskey and nods for Scarlett to do the same for Jay-Michael. "are all celebrating as a family. And it counts for everything."
Jay-Michael can't help but catch the Christmas spirit, a genuine smile forming. )
It has been nearly four hundred years in the making.
[So yes. They are celebrating.
Scarlett will pass the glass to Jay Michael with a nod and reach for her own.]
This also will probably be our last night in Star City. Depending on where Rusty wants to go, he does need to ... stay off the radar for a little while.
[Wes nods. "Understandable. It's good that you'll be getting some time together."]
But, it's been good having you in town. Meeting you. Knowing Wes' family. Very not my big Texas family.
( He makes it clear it shouldn't be. His family always leaves something to be desired. And they would be polite to Wes, but improbably passive aggressive, too. )
[Scarlett can't help but ask. Family is important! She will bring a dish. And probably wine.]
Rhett and I haven't been back to Texas in a while. Oh! We could go to the rodeo!
[She looks delighted by the prospect, and Wes sighs because while Scarlett has no qualms about the fact that Wes and Jay Michael are both men, he does know that Jay Michael hasn't had that conversation with his family yet - if he ever will. He's under no obligation to.
"Not for a while, Scarlett. But if that changes I will let you know."]
( Maybe it's Scarlett's gung-ho go-get-em, love everyone family-mostly attitude, but it breaks through to something. )
You should. We... should.
( He looks over to Rhett, though, who's brushing something off Wes' shoulder. It is probably invisible or nonexistent, but like his wife, he fusses. There, that's better.
He shares a look with his boyfriend, though, because it is a talk they should have and a bridge that needs crossing. If not as a vampire, as a brother and son.
It also kind of warms his heart, that Scarlett already wants to smash both families together and it's been how long? He searches Wes' features, hoping that didn't awaken any insecurity or any sudden, "nope, not me, not us" feelings. )
[They can definitely talk about it later, without his parents around. It's a more serious conversation than Scarlett is prepared to have at the moment. But flighty as she may be, she can read a room.]
Things between the living and the dead usually are. But don't worry, we can keep a secret. We can play perfectly human.
[Scarlett sees the look Wes is giving her.]
What? We can.
["Scarlett, it's not 1865 anymore. You don't have to be married within a year."
( It's cute and all very family in a way he loves. He doesn't hide what little laughter comes out because of it. )
Scarlett. Rhett. I appreciate you accepting me and inviting us over for your other son's brief surfacing... ( Too many details. ) And I'm not planning on going anywhere. I promise. And, if I make it back to Texas, you will both know.
[And with that, there is another knock on the door. Scarlett puts her glass down and goes to answer it, her energy back to that high key anxious-excitement, and when she opens the door, she deflates again.]
Merry Christmas, Melly.
[Melanie's eyebrows go up as she makes her way inside, before sighing. "I take it we're still waiting on Russell?"]
("Yeah, you too. You and your extended family have been more than welcoming. Well. Not you," he starts, shaking his head. "You know what I mean. It's nice. To meet you. Too." And now he's shaking his hand for entirely too long. But, Rhett interrupts the sure to be awkward proceeding clapping both Wes and Rusty on their backs, Jay Michael finally lets go, letting Rhett have his moment. He sips, sheepishly. He really has lost his military cool.
Had he ever had it? (No, peep the bachelor excuse.) )
[Rusty glances over at Wes, who had a "leave him alone" expression on your face. Rusty holds up his hands, before turning and letting Scarlett scoop him up in a warm hug.]
I'm so pleased to see you. I want to hear all about how you made those monsters suffer.
["Not much to tell. I didn't actually get to do much of the killing."]
( Even suffering under his withering look feels fair.
Jay Michael turns to Wes, shaking his head. It's fine. He's learning all of this. And as cool as he sees himself, and maybe Mia? sees him, he's very not cool. And he's going to accept this.
He also doesn't want to ask any curse or dead witch questions because it seems - macabre? Though 'monsters suffer?' Pretty macabre. )
Knowing you working with their ancestors paid off, we can finally stop worrying about our eldest.
[Rusty can see Jay Michael's eyes starting to glaze over and he opts to explain himself.]
I was cursed by a coven called the Colony four hundred years ago. I was working with some members of the coven to take out the people who cursed me. Doesn't break my curse but it now has a seventy-five percent less chance of me being done with it before the next century.
( Jay Michael realizes the explanation is for him, so he clears his throat and straightens up.
Rhett takes it upon himself to pour from his personal scotch collection, light ice, and brings it to his son. )
The people who cursed him used the bodies of the next generation and the next to keep themselves in power. It was quite the gambit until the jig was up. And then everything fell into place. And to think what would have happened had that Maxim fellow not found you in Hershey.
( He nods at that. Of course. Who doesn't like chocolate. Jay Michael frowns at the sound of old witches recycling family members' bodies to lengthen their life - while also ensuring someone else's curse stays put. That's a dedication he's never heard of. And probably was never capable of. He did betray his best friend.
Rhett joins his lady-love, looking back at the family they've put together over the centuries. )
As long as history doesn't repeat itself, I am sure they will find their own groove. And how did you leave things with them?
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( He never knows what to expect with this family, but more family, he didn't have on his Bingo card. He takes his boyfriend's coat and shrugs off his own. He thinks Thanksgiving went well enough and he made a good impression (enough, anyway), that Christmas would go smoothly. But, now there's a brother who excites the excitable vampire mom even more than Wes.
And Wes excites Wes something real.
He does kiss her cheek, too, before he sees where the coats can go. )
Merry Christmas Scarlett, Rhett.
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[She smiles as she gestures for them both to make their way inside.]
Because of those circumstances, he doesn't normally join us for holidays but those circumstances have recently been resolved.
[So full family Christmas. She's very delighted but also very anxious about it.
Wes nods as he moves forward to Rhett to greet him also. "So we're celebrating, then?"]
Well, you know Russell, he doesn't like to make a fuss. But I am celebrating, if that counts for anything.
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"We," Rhett reiterates, giving his son a hug, before turning but keeping an arm around him. He hands him a glass of whiskey and nods for Scarlett to do the same for Jay-Michael. "are all celebrating as a family. And it counts for everything."
Jay-Michael can't help but catch the Christmas spirit, a genuine smile forming. )
It sounds like it's all worth making a fuss over.
( "You have no idea, my boy." )
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[So yes. They are celebrating.
Scarlett will pass the glass to Jay Michael with a nod and reach for her own.]
This also will probably be our last night in Star City. Depending on where Rusty wants to go, he does need to ... stay off the radar for a little while.
[Wes nods. "Understandable. It's good that you'll be getting some time together."]
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( He makes it clear it shouldn't be. His family always leaves something to be desired. And they would be polite to Wes, but improbably passive aggressive, too. )
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[Scarlett can't help but ask. Family is important! She will bring a dish. And probably wine.]
Rhett and I haven't been back to Texas in a while. Oh! We could go to the rodeo!
[She looks delighted by the prospect, and Wes sighs because while Scarlett has no qualms about the fact that Wes and Jay Michael are both men, he does know that Jay Michael hasn't had that conversation with his family yet - if he ever will. He's under no obligation to.
"Not for a while, Scarlett. But if that changes I will let you know."]
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You should. We... should.
( He looks over to Rhett, though, who's brushing something off Wes' shoulder. It is probably invisible or nonexistent, but like his wife, he fusses. There, that's better.
He shares a look with his boyfriend, though, because it is a talk they should have and a bridge that needs crossing. If not as a vampire, as a brother and son.
It also kind of warms his heart, that Scarlett already wants to smash both families together and it's been how long? He searches Wes' features, hoping that didn't awaken any insecurity or any sudden, "nope, not me, not us" feelings. )
Maybe not never, though. It's complicated.
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Things between the living and the dead usually are. But don't worry, we can keep a secret. We can play perfectly human.
[Scarlett sees the look Wes is giving her.]
What? We can.
["Scarlett, it's not 1865 anymore. You don't have to be married within a year."
She waves a hand at her son.]
Nothing wrong with looking towards the future.
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Scarlett. Rhett. I appreciate you accepting me and inviting us over for your other son's brief surfacing... ( Too many details. ) And I'm not planning on going anywhere. I promise. And, if I make it back to Texas, you will both know.
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[And with that, there is another knock on the door. Scarlett puts her glass down and goes to answer it, her energy back to that high key anxious-excitement, and when she opens the door, she deflates again.]
Merry Christmas, Melly.
[Melanie's eyebrows go up as she makes her way inside, before sighing. "I take it we're still waiting on Russell?"]
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( In an unpredictable way. He leaves Wes by the kitchen and greets his oldest friend with a kiss on each cheek. )
I heard you made friends and then sent them off on an airplane.
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[She greets Rhett with a smile, before going to get herself a glass of wine.]
As expected, she does have excellent taste.
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( A look. )
She's a hoot.
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Scarlett's head snaps up from where she's checking on the food. "Melanie Hamliton."
And with that, there's another knock on the door.]
That must be Russell. Perfect timing. I'll go get it.
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( He sends a jovial look at his son, turning toward the door as Scarlett moves.
Jay Michael glances to his boyfriend, mouthing "Russell?" )
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"It's not," Scarlett protests as she moves towards the door.
Melanie opens the door and Rusty is, in fact, behind it. He flashes Melanie a smile, and lets her pull him into a hug.]
Nice to see you under less murderous circumstances.
[His tone is teasing, and she laughs. "May that stay that way for a long time. Come, Scarlett has been beside herself."
He makes his way inside and flashes Rhett a smile.]
Am I late? I'm fully prepared to blame the traffic, if so.
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( He waits for his time, but when he's granted it, he draws his son into a bracing hug.
"Murderous, vengeful sorceress," Jay Michael says to himself, nodding. He sips from his drink as he listens as the story comes together. )
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[His eyes then scan over the rest of the room before giving his brother a nod.]
Wes.
["Rusty." He then gestures to the man standing next to him. "This is my boyfriend, Jay Michael."
Rusty nods, before making his way closer and extending a hand.]
Nice to meet you.
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Had he ever had it? (No, peep the bachelor excuse.) )
Both of our boys under the same roof, Scarlett.
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[Rusty glances over at Wes, who had a "leave him alone" expression on your face. Rusty holds up his hands, before turning and letting Scarlett scoop him up in a warm hug.]
I'm so pleased to see you. I want to hear all about how you made those monsters suffer.
["Not much to tell. I didn't actually get to do much of the killing."]
Ah, more's the pity.
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( Even suffering under his withering look feels fair.
Jay Michael turns to Wes, shaking his head. It's fine. He's learning all of this. And as cool as he sees himself, and maybe Mia? sees him, he's very not cool. And he's going to accept this.
He also doesn't want to ask any curse or dead witch questions because it seems - macabre? Though 'monsters suffer?' Pretty macabre. )
Knowing you working with their ancestors paid off, we can finally stop worrying about our eldest.
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I was cursed by a coven called the Colony four hundred years ago. I was working with some members of the coven to take out the people who cursed me. Doesn't break my curse but it now has a seventy-five percent less chance of me being done with it before the next century.
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Rhett takes it upon himself to pour from his personal scotch collection, light ice, and brings it to his son. )
The people who cursed him used the bodies of the next generation and the next to keep themselves in power. It was quite the gambit until the jig was up. And then everything fell into place. And to think what would have happened had that Maxim fellow not found you in Hershey.
( "Pennsylvania?" Jay Michael asks. )
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[It was a good life, up until it wasn't.]
And the coven is their problem now. I hope they realize what they're getting into.
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Rhett joins his lady-love, looking back at the family they've put together over the centuries. )
As long as history doesn't repeat itself, I am sure they will find their own groove. And how did you leave things with them?
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