I forgot that you existed

“You don’t know anyone who wants a bar job do you?” the wolf half laughed, rubbing his head.

Link chuckled, leaning back on the bar. “Not out right, but i can advertise in the coven if you want. Why? is the work becoming too much for you old man?”

Cailan raised a brow, watching the way Link was looking at him… almost like he was trying to read his thoughts. “What?” he asked gently. “Thank you, I am proud of the manly beard. Even if I do look like shit… I probably haven’t slept in three days.”

“Nothing... i’m just wondering what you’re thinking.” He narrowed his eyes. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“Why you came back?” He asked, fishing for more information about what the blonde was up to while she was gone. “Then you have a gift. That’s cool. You still have magic.” 

“That’s true, it is. My mom loves her barbecue garden parties when the weather gets a little warmer. And we know Cailan loves his beers,” she gave a little laugh, grateful he never talked down to her. He had a way of making things make sense. “No idea, can’t say I have ever enquired. i suppose… makers do that stuff?” She looked at him. “Ezra… really seemed to think my powers would show in some way like this. You think that… I could?”

Link blinked. He wanted the blonde to be alright. “He certainly does. This town a big bbq place.” he laughed, nudging the vampire. “I am not a vampire, I don’t have a clue. I think it’s the rational explanation.” 

Beth sighed, part of her feeling like her friend was right. She nodded, sitting back down. “Maybe. I am so certain I could smell smoke though.” She wrinkled her nose. “Do you think vampires can get ptsd? Do you think that could be my dreams?”

Link shrugged. “It’s May, it’s probably someone kicking up a barbecue with the football season.” He took a sip of his coffee. “I don’t know, i’ve never thought about it. Are there vampire therapists? I’m sure they could answer it. Or... your powers have survived the change. it’s not unheard of.”

Beth looked up, shielding her eyes from the sun. She squinted… her eyes trying to find the source of the burning smell in the air. “Wait…” She paused. “I’m sure I see smoke in the distance.”

Link flicked through his magazine carelessly. “Or you just died in a fire and you’re paranoid?” He offered. 

Cailan gratefully took the coffee, instantly taking a sip. “Thanks, man.” He let out a little laugh. “Yeah, alternate universe or something. I don’t know. Obsessed right now. I still have the better beard though, if that helps.” 

Link kept his eyes on his fellow witch, he was starting to worry about him. He knew what he was doing when he investigated dark magic... he wasn’t messing around and he wasn’t using it for a serious cause he cared about. He was worried Cailan wouldn’t take the same precautions. “You have a gorgeous manly beard. Even if you look like crap and like you haven’t slept in three days.”

“Aww, mate. How do I let you down gently and tell you I’m into girls?” he joked along with the male. He wasn’t shy. “Is this where you tell me I look stupid? Must admit, I don’t have a degree and I judge people,” he laughed.

“I think you just have.” He dragged his finger down his cheek, pretending to cry. “I would never do that. Ah... so you’re just mean then.” 

Cailan blinked, looking up when he heard a voice. He hadn’t realised he’d been lost in his own thoughts, unsure how long he’d been staring into space. His eyes felt dry and he rubbed them. When had he last slept? That wasn’t like him. He’d read his family’s grimoire from cover to cover… gone through whatever material he could find without drawing too much attention to himself with the coven… he hoped. He was determined to help Aria.

“I think I need another coffee… or a coffee drip,” he half laughed, fingers curling around the old book. He covered it with a newspaper. 

Link brought over two coffees, holding one out to his friend. “Aren’t we usually switched? I’m the one exhausted from studying and you’re ready to make witty one liners.... you alright?” 

“I’ve fallen for you deeply. How could you tell?” He laughed to himself. “I look at a lot of people and think they’re stupid? Don’t need a degree to come to that conclusion mate.” 

“So many things i could say.” He just laughed. “I think you’d do well with a cat, you know those things basically take care of you. Tell me about it... but well, it could be worse.” 

“Whichever comes first,” he joked. “Ah, academic. Am I worthy to be in your company?” he grinned. “It’s cool, man. I usually land on my feet. I find this and that.”

“I’ll let you bow at my feet.” He joked, gesturing towards the floor. “Funny. I didn’t catch you as a cat guy. May as well get a pointy hat.”

“Well, I managed to finish school and I’m good with my hands,” he laughed, shaking his head at himself. “Make what you will of that.”

“Are you looking for a job or for a date?” He joked. “Sorry dude, i’m an academic guy. So... nothing going but i’ll keep an ear out.” 

Bradley wasn’t particularly thrilled about being back in Crestle Cove. He’d left for a reason. He’d always felt out of place here. He wasn’t a wolf… he wasn’t considered a full witch either… maybe they were just jealous of his magic. He laughed out loud before realising he had done so. “I’m not this weird all the time, I promise,” he looked up, giving a smile to the stranger. “You don’t happen to know of any work going for this weird guy, do you?”

Link laughed, folding his arms. “I guess that depends, what are your qualifications?” He raised his brows. 

Smirking Natasha nodded. “I sure do.” Seeing Link finish placing the camera correctly, the younger twin smiled wide as she reached for the screwdriver twice before finally grabbing it. “Ha ha, I’m surprised. Thought you were a drop out?” She teased and laughed as she replied honestly, “Thank you for placing that camera up there though Link. I owe you.”

Link raised a brow at the witch. “Hilarious, tell that to my PHD.’ He folded his arms. “You’re welcome, I am a good person at heart.”

Crossing her arms, Natasha leaned against the wall and chuckled watching Link work. “Give it your best shot. I can put up with quite a lot Link. Or ignore quite a lot.” The girl said, shrugging. “Normal huh? Looks like I’ll have to go back to school then.” Natasha joked.

Link laughed at her words, grinning slightly. “Sounds like you’re ready to get the right guy under the thumb.” He jumped off of the stool, handing out the screwdriver slightly out of reach as she had him. “I’m sure i can suggest some good classes, Benton.” 

Link had no interest in sharing his family secrets, particularly with a nomad witch. “I am sure.” He smiled politely, tapping his fingers around the table. She wanted something, or she wouldn’t still be around. “Why would i have bite marks? And my experiments always go well. I’m a professor.”