but oh what a year

[patrols]

Comments

[decoys]

Maybe it's the last time I saw you.

[When he was ready to commit suicide by Jo.]

But you seem like you're in a way better place. And it's really good to see.

[cholesterol]

I remember that. Osiris, right?

( Things weren't good. Even a little. )

[decoys]

[She nods, because yep. She doesn't remember much of her time as a ghost in between - that's the last clear memory she has.]

I know it was a long time ago for you. But when you're a ghost you hold on to the things that stick.

[cholesterol]

A good time was not had by all.

( But, he is no longer there. )

Had a close call with Sam a year or so back. Vampire nest almost got the better of me. Took a few months to recover.

[decoys]

Glad you did.

[Jo takes a breath, before offering him a softer smile.]

I know I make it my job to give you shit, but it really is good to see you.

[cholesterol]

You too. You're a sight.

( For tired, tired eyes. )

[decoys]

[Jo smiles, before leaning into his shoulder again.]

If I go back to hunting, how long do you think it'll take before Sam stops giving me sad puppy eyes every time?

[Also a tentative ask of how Dean would react to that, to her putting herself in the line of fire again.]

[cholesterol]

That's just his default look. You're thinking of taking it back up? Maybe with a certain partner?

( He indicates Matt, who's in a neighboring room, laughing with Tyler. )

[decoys]

Gotta have someone watch my back.

[So yes, she is thinking about doing it with a certain partner. But that being said:]

It's all I've ever wanted to do. I'm not going to give it up just because I died.

[cholesterol]

Not saying you should. It's in your blood. Just - what's your mom gonna say. You're back, you're alive, and you're going back on the road.

( he's guessing there isn't a third chance. )

[decoys]

I'm not sure she'll be doing much different.

[She has no Roadhouse to go back to. Hunting might be the thing to get her started.]

I don't know. I was also thinking about trying to get a Roadhouse going again, but that's going to take time. And money.

[cholesterol]

Money's not always an issue, we could find a channel somewhere. Not a bad idea, though. Bunker was pretty central for a while because we had this influx of hunters from another world.

( That was a tense time. )

[decoys]

Yeah, but I'm sure you don't want me fleecing a bunch of drunks in your living room.

[Does the bunker have a living room? Guess she'll find out soon enough.]

It's good for them to have a place to socialize that's ... neutral. Where they can do what comes naturally.

[Gossiping like little girls and giving Jo all their money.]

[cholesterol]

Like the bunker.

( She is not hosting a US crossing for hunters at the bunker. )

Damn straight, Annie Oakley. Sam and me will back you. You know your mom's in. Matty Blue-Eyes.

( Thank Katherine for that one around the time of the murder party. )

[decoys]

Matty Blue-Eyes?

[Is that what people are calling him? She will be saving that for later.]

We'll see. Gotta find a place first. And more than anything I just want to get back on the road.

[cholesterol]

Then we'll get you a car.

( And they'll make it happen. )

We want you to do whatever you need to with this second chance. We've done this before. With friends. We'll help in any way.

[decoys]

I know.

[She trusts the boys not to leave her hanging.]

Until then, we enjoy the party. Especially since they're willing to spring for the top shelf.

[cholesterol]

Top of the top.

( He pats her knee once, before pushing himself up and offering her his hand. )

Party we should get back to, though. Or, else we'll start collecting them.

[decoys]

[She waves him off, catching sight of Matt wandering closer.]

I'll be out in a minute. You go.

[She still needs a little staircase time.

That being said, when Dean wanders out towards the bar, he will find Liv behind it, fighting to pull wrapping paper off of what looks like a bottle of flavored vodka. It's a struggle she's losing, because Elena enjoys her suffering, clearly, and she settles for just getting enough to clear the cap.

"Fine, mystery flavor it is."]

[cholesterol]

( Dean nods to Matt, who takes his place, asking if she's okay.

Dean definitely wanders to the bar to refill. Dean smirks to himself though. )

Put me down for one mystery shot, just so you don't go it alone.

[geminated]

[She smirks, before nodding as she pulls up a second glass.]

I tell Elena every year that she doesn't have to actually wrap the bottle, but apparently she enjoys suffering. Unclear if it's mine or hers.

[She pours them both a shot, before knocking it back and making a pleased face once she swallows it.]

Plum. Nice.

[cholesterol]

Wouldn't know, this is the first year I've had a Mystic Falls Christmas.

( With Elena at this age.

He takes his back. A bit sweet for his taste, but it doesn't rankle. )

Did not expect flavord vodka. Not usually my speed.

[geminated]

It's not always. It depends what new local distillery she manages to find.

[She goes back to peeling off the paper, revealing the label for a distillery a couple of hours from the bunker.]

Our relationship is mired in alcohol, for better or worse.

[cholesterol]

Mystic Falls has local distilleries?

( Oh, close to the Bunker. This one is in Kansas. She means anywhere. She's thoughtful like that. )

There are worse things a relationship could be mired in.

( He picks through the mixers. Plum, plum. He holds up the 2-liter of Sprite. Hm? )

[geminated]

[She considers, then nods, because that should work. She also goes to start working on the wrapping paper for the second bottle.]

I'm Liv, by the way. Not sure if we've been properly introduced.