( 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?
[That answer comes a little too quickly. Almost as though he's trying to ignore the fact that he's been replaying that last conversation with Max, wondering if he made the right choice.
There had been relief when he walked away. But he can't help but feel that he's kicking a can down the road, rather than closing a door for good.]
I wouldn't call it positive, but I'm not their problem anymore.
I think David and Ezra are going to try. But they have to balance out the three others and there's only two of them.
[... Honestly it may be only one of them David is also a product of his coven. Ezra may be the only one who stands a shot at being a true positive influence.
Scarlett does catch that look and gives Rusty's shoulder a squeeze. "Well, we're all here. Everyone sit, sit. Food's almost ready."]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
[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?"]
no subject
( 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.
no subject
[She greets Rhett with a smile, before going to get herself a glass of wine.]
As expected, she does have excellent taste.
no subject
( A look. )
She's a hoot.
no subject
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.
no subject
( He sends a jovial look at his son, turning toward the door as Scarlett moves.
Jay Michael glances to his boyfriend, mouthing "Russell?" )
no subject
"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.
no subject
( 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. )
no subject
[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.
no subject
Had he ever had it? (No, peep the bachelor excuse.) )
Both of our boys under the same roof, Scarlett.
no subject
[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.
no subject
( 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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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. )
no subject
[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.
no subject
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?
no subject
[That answer comes a little too quickly. Almost as though he's trying to ignore the fact that he's been replaying that last conversation with Max, wondering if he made the right choice.
There had been relief when he walked away. But he can't help but feel that he's kicking a can down the road, rather than closing a door for good.]
I wouldn't call it positive, but I'm not their problem anymore.
no subject
It's the Colony. When they lead with positivity, I'll put on Scarlett's heels and dance the meringue.
no subject
[... Honestly it may be only one of them David is also a product of his coven. Ezra may be the only one who stands a shot at being a true positive influence.
Scarlett does catch that look and gives Rusty's shoulder a squeeze. "Well, we're all here. Everyone sit, sit. Food's almost ready."]
no subject
Jay Michael takes the open seat nearby, setting his glass down on the table. )
As long as the balance they find doesn't bring down our Rusty.
no subject
[He settles and reaches for his own drink.]
But enough about me. What have you all been up to?
no subject
( Jay Michael nods, because it's true.
"Came back to Star City with William Queen, Mia, and my friend, Cooper." )
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)