— moonlight

By the time the wooden door opened and Elena made herself known in the small office; Francis was doodling a doe in her notebook; surprisingly enough she had always found doodling relaxing; and clearly, judging by the sharp lines she was leaving on the pages, she had been quite on edge lately, without truly processing it. She wasn’t truly phased by her sister’s presence; or the question she had so bluntly asked. Francis was known for always having an answer; keeping quiet would only be a step back, and she never wished for people to see her as someone that couldn’t fight back. “I wouldn’t really call it avoiding.” She spoke up, finally placing the pen down and glancing up at her sister; back laid firmly on the back of the chair, “I had important things to take care of. As much as I care for  all of you - sometimes you’re really hard to tolerate,” She was honest; and truthfully, anyone would need a break from that family - from time to time. “You don’t have to do that, Elena. You, of all people, should be there. As for me - I’ll come along. Let’s just hope things go well this time. I’m not in a mood for anymore family drama.”

Crossing one leg over the other as she patiently waited for Francis to rattle off whatever lie she was about to come up with, when she said she wasn’t avoiding all Elena could do was give her little sister a knowing look. “So what do you call missing the past 5 family dinners since I’ve been announced as supreme? Needing me time conveniently?” She question once more. While she understood needing me time this lined up too well with the more recent decision. At her words Elena’s face soften she did feel for her little sister. “It’s okay to be upset, Fran. I get you wanted this, but it’s not like I did this to you on purpose.” She tried to explain, she knew this was the last thing her sister wanted to hear, but at the end of the day she hadn’t. The ancestors had picked her and it was what it was. “It’s not like I haven’t been gone before? Being the supreme means nothing in this family at the end of the day.” Elena commented with a shrug. They all had their place in the family, Elena knew hers was being the flighy one that never stuck around too long. “Hey, I’m not going to start any drama. If you prefer we can keep witch law a topic off the table, that only leaves what like nine hundred other things for us to argue about?” She joked teasingly. 

Francis’s eyes remained on the pages of the book she was holding in her hands; ignoring her sister’s words, and focusing her attention on the story within the pages. One comment. She had made one comment, and as per usual, things had to be blown out of proportions. Yes, they had their diffferences, and Fran was only looking out for her sister; she was looking after all of her siblings, making sure they were safe and doing the right thing, only so she could see them succseed in life. Finally, once her sister was done talking, Francis looked up from the pages; locking her eyes on Parker’s own ones, “Are you done?” She asked, before closing the book in her lap and placing it on the table next to her, “I’m only looking after you. I want you to do good, can’t you see that?” She creased her brows slightly, “As supreme you would have to do a lot more talking about the witch law. Don’t tell me you’ve grown bored of it already.” 

Parked sighed at her little sisters words, she was hald tempted just to keep going so Francis couldn’t talk. Giving her sister an annoyed glance, she nodded her head to let her sister know she was done. “Last I checked you’re the younger sister here, which means my job is to look out for you, not the other way around, Francis.” She remarked sharply, she picked up her glass of wine. “Also I am doing good, just you don’t agree with my definition of good since it’s not what is laid out in black and white in front of you.” She countered. “Why are you hoping that I’ll get bored and skip town so you can take over? Last I checked the ancestors gave me the job, not you.” She knew that comment would sting more than she meant it to, but it was the truth. “Trust me I’m working on changing all of your boring ass backwards laws. Starting with inner species marriages. Last I checked there was a big world out there and it’s not just ran by witches. It’s not like we can pick who we fall in love with. Plus just saying, Brandon deserves the same rights as us even if he isn’t a witch anymore. I mean come on this isn’t the 1800′s anymore.” 

“Possibly. I didn’t leave Isaiah with his grandmother, get all dressed up, wear this exquisite dress, not to have a good time.” Nina should have been shellshocked to come back. She should have been the first one running and screaming away from here, but she chose instead to focus on the good. Had she never embraced this life, she’d never have changed. She would have never fallen in love with Isaac, and never gotten her son Isaiah out of it all. She would have never gotten into a friendship with Alex, putting aside their differences. She would have never seriously entertained the Bryants had Mason never spoken to her on the bench the day her grand mother chastised her. This place gave her more than it took. In tragedy, it gave her beauty. “There’s no other way for me. If eyes aren’t looking at me, then I have to have a wardrobe change. Though this time, I suppose they’d be looking at me with those awful sad eyes thinking ‘another death what more does she have to lose’ and then I’ll have to revert to my old ways and take their air from their lungs because then they’ll see that they also don’t have anything.” She took a breath. “Nope…no…this place does something to me. I have not taken the air from anyone’s lungs in a decade.” Nina chuckled. “Yeah…on demand is definitely a word for it. But I’m here to see Jackson. He claims our dog King misses his Mom, so what kind of co-parent would I be if I didn’t come out and show up for puppy?” Though the dog was anything but a puppy and she had no plans of seeing it, just the man that owned the dog. “At least I’m not the Roanoke Widow. I’ll take Bachelorette anyday.” 

"I have to admit you do look amazing, but I’m just saying that dress is going to be wasted here. You do remember everything that happened here right? The best we can hope for is the world not ending or hunters waiting till next weekend to pounce.” She was still traumatized by the numerous events that had happened while they were here, those were just two of the big ones. While there was good here, there was still so much bad and dark energy that she felt the moment she step foot on campus, it was a reminder of the loss that she’d experienced again and again. She’d ended an engagement, lost a life long friend, went to her ex fiance’s funeral, watched the lives of people she’d grown up with been taken one too many times, watched her best friend die in her arms. “Can we not try to kill anyone please? I understand you hate the sad eyes, but most people are just trying to be nice, not a dick.” She explained. “It’s like it brings out the worst in us and we’re been here a total of five minutes.” She sighed heavily. She didn’t want this week to ruin any of the progress that they’d made in the past year. “I see. Well you know you could visit King without dragging us to this hell hole. Plus let’s be real you’re not here for the dog, so...” Rolling her eyes at Nina. “I’m pretty sure I’m the Roanoke Black Widow at this point given both of my ex boyfriends have ended up dead. It’s like my vagina is out here putting a death sentence on men.”

“Well, I’d like to hope not. If another man has taken my nickname for you, we’ll have to exchange some words and some punches,” he joked. “Dad life keeps me busy, but if I don’t take time for me I’ll never have much of a life. Besides, my daughter is older now, she can do without me for a bit without crying every time I leave a room.” Javier did not miss the baby phase, the separation anxiety phase. Those were triumphs in themselves that he didn’t turn into a hermit and vow to never leave his child right then and there. “Well…you know, I have to subliminally let you know, because I doubt you would have asked.” Javier looked at her then, a smirk on his face. “All the time you spent here wasn’t so bad was it? We always seemed to have a good time together, without the end of the world’s approach, right?” 

“Well no need to worry about exchanging some words or punches, because nobody but you has ever called me that.” Reassuring him with a smile, she put her hand over his and gave it a squeeze. “I see. So with her being older now what have you been up to with your me time? Anything too exciting?” She asked. At his words she gave a laugh and shook her head. “Just too clarify this is you putting an invite to do whatever on the menu right? Because that certainly seems like what you’re hinting at.” Looking over at him and she raised her eyebrow as she smirked at him. “You’re right actually, we use to have a lot of fun, for the sort period that we did have that fun.” Before life got crazy and everything that once was faded, with a promise of to maybe revisit when things were different. While things were different now years later, she wasn’t sure that Javier still wanted to revisit anything. “At least now we’re both here and the end of the world isn’t approaching. Well... at least as far as I know, if it is then it’s someone else’s turn to save it.”

“Why wouldn’t you? I am the king of them.” it was bullshit and he knew it, though he was perfectly capable of spewing bullshit and making it sound good, and he usually had a quick comeback to almost anything but when it came to anything genuine… that was when he found himself lacking. Blame it on the bad experiences almost every time he had tried the whole genuine thing and it had only backfired on him. “Well, I could’ve told you that as well, but alas, not one person has ever been that bothered to put everyone out of their misery. But, oh well.. guess you can’t do that anymore.” he gave her a slight smirk. 

Part of him was desperate to question Mara, to find out what the hell had happened. A small part of him wondered if she’d been hurt, a tug deep in his chest at the thought of it. Had she chosen this like Emma had? Like he and Nina had? “Whether you’ve learnt or not, I’m still older and stronger and don’t let appearances fool you I’ve stayed alive this long for a reason baby vamp.”

“I was doing fine until someone past flavour of the month decided to come along and glamour my dinner, I spent effort talking to that one. You owe me a sexy brunette with daddy issues.”

Rolling her eyes once more at his words, rather than continue the spat she let it drop. Figuring there wasn’t a point to take anymore digs at him when clearly he didn’t care. “Oh I can’t? I mean there’s still plenty of ways to kill you, Nicholas. If you’d like it to be via werewolf bite though we can always call Nate? I’m sure him and Ava would be here to solve this problem pretty quickly. I mean they’d probably be a little pissed to be cutting their vacation short, but Nate would deff enjoy taking you out.” She told him with a smirk of her own. “Or I could just sit you on fire, or stake you, or pull off your daylight ring and let you burn in the sun when you least expect it?” She continued on. “See plenty of ways to still kill you.” 

“In case you forgot the reason I’ve been alive so long is because I’ve learned a thing or two as well. So while I might be younger than you at this whole vampire thing I wouldn’t underestimate me.” Taking a step so she was standing less than a foot away, she looked up at him. Almost waiting for him to actually challenge her on this. 

“What can I say it gives me joy ruining your night.” She told him with a laugh. “Oh yes, I remember your effort, well no worries I’m sure you can find another. Brunette’s with daddy issues seems to be a recurring theme for you.” She knew that she was counted in the recurring theme of brunette’s with daddy issues. “Actually I owe you nothing. Considering all the shit you’ve done to me. If you want dinner go back in there and find someone else. I’m sure someone else will fall for your mediocre bullshit, after all it’s what you specialize in.” 

+

Alyssa certainly wasn’t sure that she wanted to do this. Learning to cook had disaster written all over it, but she wanted to give this a shot. After-all Alyssa is always up to giving something new a try at least once. “No, but if you give me the chance to think about this any longer, I’m going to back out of it,” she laughed. With the cookbooks, in front of her, she picked the top one and opened it up. Thumbing through the pages, she looked at the pictures, then to the matching recopies. Everything looked great. They haven’t even started cooking and she was finding this challenging. “Something edible,” she joked again, but then got serious. Deciding to give pasta another shot, she found that section and started flipping through the pages. A particularly lovely picture of lasagna caught her attention. “How about lasagna?” Alyssa suggested, she moved and turned the book along with her so that she was standing next to her sister. “And a salad? Like coleslaw, that could be fun.” Rather than have a regular salad, she figured a coleslaw would be a good option. “Um, are there recipes for salads?” 

“Well no more thinking about this then only cooking.” She announced with a smile, she was going to let Alyssa back out from this. Especially not when she’d been trying so hard the last time she attempted to cook for Ava. “Everything is edible in there.” She informed her as she leaned against the sink. Waiting to see what Alyssa would pick. When she brought up the lasagna she had to admit she was a little skeptical given her last attempt, but trying again never hurt anyone. “That one took me forever to master.” She admitted with a laugh. “Let’s try it tho. After all you have me here to help.” If there was one thing she’d got good at it was teaching herself to make dinner. Going over to the cabinet and she opened it before pulling out the lasagna pan, she carried it over to the island. “I mean we could do that.” Nodding at her sisters suggestion, she wasn’t sure they went together, but what the hell it was all about teaching Alyssa to make meals herself. “I’m not sure, but worst case we can pinterest something?” She offered as she pulled her phone out of her apron and pulled up the app. “Is there a certain type you’re looking for?” She asked as she looked over at her sister. “You can also start preparing the pan for when we put the lasagna in it and turn on on the oven.” She directed. 

“Oh I didn’t get you drunk, sweetheart, you were well on your way by yourself. I also didn’t suggest marriage. I simply sweet talked your drunken hot mess of a self until you wanted it.” Jacen shrugged. “My life was crap before. It’s crap now, what’s the difference? Except there’s a guaranteed pay day at the end of this,” he assured, knowing for certain that he would eventually get what he wanted out of her. 

His brow rose. “Were they? Because you wouldn’t know. And I’m very convincing. All I had to do was spin a story about how you were my high school sweetheart, and that we were wanting to make things official and you got so excited you drank far too much. People hung on my every word.” Of course there was some truth to what he’d said, and who she had used to be to him. But he wasn’t some love struck guy anymore. He was jaded and hurt and had experience so much loss. “This isn’t show and tell. No. I’m keeping my evidence nice and safe.” Jacen chuckled. “I’ll get it one way or another. You’ll get tired of being alone, of never having a connection because who wants a woman that’s already married, to a cop. That won’t hesitate to ruin them? That reminds me, I should take out a life insurance policy…you know just in case I out live you and I get my money that way.” 

When she told him she hated him, he smirked. “Talking dirty to me now? I’m touched.” He knew that he was getting under her skin, even if she didn’t show it. When she tried to reach for her underwear in his pocket he caught her hand by the wrist. “Getting frisky, aren’t we? I am taking them. And ninety dollars? Yeah I’m keeping them. You pay this much for some panties but can’t give me even a fraction of what you owe me?” A smirk found its way onto his features. “You’ll get them back…depends on how you behave yourself tonight.” He chuckled knowing that they wouldn’t see the light of day. 

He drove fast, loving the feeling of the wind zipping past. It almost gave hime the thrill of being able to fly. It hadn’t taken long to get to their destination. When they arrived, he got off his bike, offering to help her off as well. He offered her his arm, as he headed straight for a sectioned off portion of McDonald’s that was just for them. His friend had hooked him up with a side all to itself roped off from anyone else entering. They had an assortment of everything on the menu. They even had candles and low light. It was a half booth, but the chair on the other side was missing. He slid in and said, “Looks like my lap might be the best seat in the house.” 

At his words Olivia narrowed her eyes, she questioned if he was telling the truth or if this was just another lie. She wanted to believe that she wasn’t that stupid, but when she was drunk anything could go. When he mentioned his life was crap before this, still crap now it pulled slightly at her heart strings until she remember exactly who was standing in front of her. “You’re not getting anything from me. We can stay married the rest of our lives for all I care, but you’re not getting a dime from me.” She refused to give him a cent. Especially after all the bullshit that he’d done to her recently. “Your the one who needs something in this, not me.” She informed him with a smirk. “I have the power here, not you.”

“You’re not that convincing, Jacen. Try again. I don’t believe you.” Letting him know that she wasn’t falling for a bit of it. “It is show and tell. So show me because I don’t believe a word coming out of your mouth. This is me calling your bluff.” She countered with a laugh of her own. “As I said you’re not getting a dime.” She repeated. “You think I care about being alone? I’ve been alone since my parents died. This isn’t new for me, if anything this is how I thrive.” She had little connections outside of her family and best friend. “People don’t care that you’re a cop, if you try anything I’ll report you to your boss. Pretty sure blackmail is also illegal so go ahead Jacen.” Daring him to continue, because two could play this game. “Take one out because it’s the only way you’re getting a dime from me.”

“If you want dirty talk you should see what I call you when you’re not around.” She informed him with a hiss. At him catching her wrist Liv used her other hand to go for the underwear instead. “Please you’d be into that.” She remarked with a huff as she shook the blonde hair out of her face. “Because you don’t deserve the money!” She yelled. “You’re giving me back my underwear, Todd.” She warned him as she pointed a finger at him. 

When they arrived Olivia sighed heavily and she couldn’t believe she was actually doing this willingly. Taking his hand when he offered to help her, she got off the bike. Pulling down her skirt that was too short to even be at a McDonalds. When he offered his arm she was hesitant, but took it and strolled into the restaurant with him.  “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Noticing that there was only one seat. “I’d rather sit on the floor.” She remarked. Standing on the other side of the table when he slid in, she refused to give in. Instead she got on her knees and set level with label. “Guess there’s two seats after all.” She remarked. “Did you order dinner for us too? Or do I get to pick that, unlike what seat I want.” 

“Sorry if you’re after some romantic soliloquy, a profession of how I missed you and your biting wit? I never did them then, why would I now?” he drawled before he glanced up at the woman’s sudden movement. Too fast, too sharp, too swift for a werewolf in human form. If it was a full moon, he would be unsurprised by this but also not likely to be near her but it wasn’t until he watched her compel his latest meal did click and he hissed softly. 

“First, I usually rip someones head off when they do that.” he reminded her, hands clenched at his sides. The only thing that was keeping him from doing that was the fact this was Mara, he wasn’t dumb. He wasn’t going to be bringing down any kind of trouble should he decide to do anything about it.  

“When did you decide to join the world of the undead?” 

“Please like I would even want a romantic soliloquy, especially from you. The most you could ever give someone for that matter is wow your ass looks amazing in them jeans, which isn’t exactly a panty dropper.” Rolling her eyes at his words, she kept crossed her arms over her chest. “I should have bit you a long time ago and spared the rest of the world your bullshit.” Huffing at his words. She didn’t ever expect to hear how much he of all people missed her, because at the end of the day that would require more emotions than he’d ever allow himself to actually feel. 

“First, we both know I can kick your ass still so you’re welcome to try. We both know it’s not going to end well for you.” She countered, she took a step closer to him. Rolling her eyes once more at his question. “Like you care or it actually matters. Let’s just say long enough that I’ve learned how to use my powers to my advantage.” She snapped. 

“Any reason your extra broody? Or is it just your bitchy and gloomy time of the month?” She remarked with a smirk. 

location: DINNER AT WHATEVER FANCY PLACE IN NY

Dylan watched as her phone flashed TJ’s name across it once more, she hit decline again. Ever since he’d ended it and left Dylan had flat out refused all communication with him, every text went unanswered and every phone call declined. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to talk to him, in fact she missed him more than she’d ever admit; but feels for him were the problem in itself. He’d hurt her and she refused to show him any weakness. As Dylan turned her attention back to her date she blinked once more and tried to tune into the conversation. “I’m going to the ladies room.” She announced mid sentence, in the hopes that if she left and came back this boring conversation would be over. 

Excusing herself without a second thought, she walked through the restaurant to the ladies room. Sitting down on the couch, she tapped on her phone as she waited for the time to past. Mostly answering emails and half scrolling through instagram. After a solid ten minutes she put her phone back in her clutch, walked out of the restroom. Unfortunately as she got to her table she wasn’t greeted by her date, but instead a familiar face she wasn’t ready to see. “Where is my date?” She asked with a sigh and put a hand on her hip. “Also aren’t you suppose to be in whatever southern hell spot your parents live?” She questioned. Standing at the side of the table rather than sitting down across from him yet, she half debated just leaving. “You know I’ve been ignoring you for a reason right? Like this wasn’t my phone accidentally eating your texts and ignoring your calls.” 

Javier had somehow managed to always stay out of the antics and the foolishness on campus. He was one of the few that actually enjoyed coming back for reunions, seeing old friends, avoiding old flames. After being a single dad for a very long time once he was out of this place, it was nice to come back and just hangout with people his own age for a change. Work and fatherhood were all he truly knew these days. But he found himself at the bar, jonesing for a drink. An adult beverage where he hadn’t had one of those in quite some time. 

He hadn’t been paying attention to his surroundings or the woman he was about to sit next to until she spoke to him. It wasn’t that he’d forgotten her, he couldn’t forget her. He just made a point in his life never to dwell in the what ifs of life anymore. He grinned, his lopsided grin in her direction. “You and I both know, Cariña, that you are far from forgettable. Really? Why? You guys too cool for a single Dad to come out and reminisce over the old days with?” he joked. “I didn’t expect to see you. Considering that I’m pretty sure you and this school didn’t really have much love for each other after a while.” 

—

At the familiar nickname Alex smiled, she wiggled her nose. “I haven’t been called that in ages.” It was a nick name that she’d missed hearing often. “Well thank you for reminding me that I’m not forgettable because you had me worried for a second.” She told him with a laugh, she moved the long blonde hair out of her face. “It’s not that. I just figured you know dad life would keep you busy and you wouldn’t have time for all of this.” Gesturing to all the magic that was going on around them as people celebrated. “Caught that single you slipped in there.” Alex noted before taking a drink from her glass. It was true by the end she’d practically ran out of here, but here she was sitting at the bar drinking in the place she swore she’d never return. “I’m going to blame Nina on this. I protested, but we’re a package deal for anywhere we go, so here I am. At least I’m not trying to run out of here again tho? That’s a plus right? Plus I haven’t almost destroyed magic this time so we’re certainly ahead of last time I was here.” 

If Nina were being honest, the idea to come back here hadn’t been an easy one. It had come with many calls, many people wanting to see her now. Tyler, Mason, Jackson. The latter was the one that had gotten her to say yes officially. She’d lost so much in this place. “I like some of these people. The majority can honest spontaneously combust and I wouldn’t mind. But there’s a very good looking and very charming man waiting to see me. And I’ve never passed up an opportunity for all eyes to be on me, which they will.” Although she hated that there would be condolences coming her way for the loss of her husband. Loss just simply kept coming. It started here. Here was where her crazy roommate, who she loved, shared not just her heart but her body with, actually allowed herself to be possessed, killed Nina’s entire family, and terrorized her friends and the man she loved for quite some time. “I love the Bryants. You know this. With the exception of Mason, I haven’t seen them in a while.” Mason had been one to warm her bed many a nights after she lost her husband. He was and always would be the sweetest. “Search for a husband? Nina Ryback doesn’t have to search. Potential husbands come to me. And you haven’t fucked the one that I actually convinced me to come here.” 

—

After all the trauma the school had brought Alex didn’t want to spend her time here, to be reminded of all that had happened in the short period of time. “You like what three or four people? Max like five.” She pointed out with a laugh. “Oh I see. Well, sounds like you might be having a fun weekend then.” Alex commented and wiggled her eyebrows at Nina. “Yes, I know you’re all about being the center of attention, but it’s part of the reason I love you.” Telling her with a laugh, despite how rocky they had started Nina and Alex had ended up each others ride or die. They’d stuck by each others sides though the loss of husbands, break ups, children, and more than could be put into words. “So should I ask who you are here to see? Or is it a surprise for me?” Questioning the woman who was next to her. “I still have lunch with Emily often, but yes I know Mason is on demand for you.” Mason had been on call as a bed buddy for Nina since the passing of her husband. “Well Ms. Ryback, are you actually going to be the next Bachelorette of Roanoke because that’s what it’s sounding like.” 

He’d scarpered pretty quickly out of the lives of his friends once he’d convinced Emma to switch off her humanity, not realising that she’d actually do it. How was he supposed to know she’d go for it? That was pretty dumb on his part, in hindsight, but at least he’d been sent packing by Nina whilst they turned their intervention attempts onto someone a little more worthy of one. He had no idea where he was, only that he’d taken the first flight out of town and he hadn’t looked back. He had had a few texts from Nina, more don’t stay away forever types that she hoped would get through to him and remained promptly left on read. 

Now, he was lost in the neck of the pretty brunette, hands circling her waist as he lost himself to the music and the scent of blood thrumming beneath the warmth of her skin, a smirk tracing his lips. He would wait until he got back to the current hotel, have his fill then, but … he could toy about now, couldn’t he? However, his attention began to dwindle and he knew that he needed to make a move. The girl leading the way, he stuffed his hands into the pockets of the coat that was more for show than a need to shield himself from the cold. The familiar voice however, would’ve brought a shiver down his spine. “Ah, fuck.” he mumbled, unaware the brunette he thought he’d never see again could hear as clear as he could.

“Mara, hello…..” he didn’t really think of anything to say, giving her a nod. “Goodbye.”

—

Mara heard him curse, she let out a laugh. “And here I thought you’d actually be happy to see me.” She remarked before taking another hit from the joint in her hand.  “Hello Nicholas,” Repeating to him with a nod of her own. But when he said goodbye the anger inside of her topped off. “Goodbye? That’s all you really have to say to me after all this time?” She questioned before tossing the joint to the ground, digging her heels into the pavement. If he was planning to leave after being an asshole he wasn’t going to get to leave with human. Appearing in front of the girl, Mara locked eyes with her as she compelled her. “Forgot you even know him. You just wondered outside to cool off, now go back inside and enjoy you night.” She ordered, she watched as the girl turned around and headed back inside. 

“Now that we’re alone do you want to try this again.” Gesturing to him with annoyance as she waited to see what his next move would be.