daylight

“Because you are friends with a lot of females who all find him… charming.” She laughed to herself. Although she knew his discomfort stemmed from his relationship with Penny. “You should be. Buffy is an icon. But the ranting is fine.”

“Hmm, I think even my own partner does,” he sighed, glancing up at her. “It was never really my thing. But I mean, look at the stuff I like,” he gave a little laugh. “Comes with being a sister.”

“You know that isn’t true, you’re my new brother. I like you a lot. It’s just a weird thing i have with him.” She scratched the back of her head. “Don’t you insult buffy when i’m doing you a solid.”

“Hmm, I doubt it sometimes,” he laughed a little. “There’s just something about him... I don’t trust and no one else sees it,” he sighed. “Sorry about the ranting and sorry about your Buffy.”

“I know i just know… what you’re like. And you’re the pack leader you probably should.” She rubbed her lips together. “I know you don’t like him but don’t talk about him that way. I care about him.”

“We spoke about this... we’re together. I want you to speak about that part of my life... I can’t have you...” He sighed, pushing his hair back. “Fine.” He reached over, grabbing a drink.

“I have an answer but you won’t want to hear it.” She laughed, reaching for a glass. She faked a sigh as she spoke. “Well…. I did have a really hot Buffy marathon planned. But i guess it can wait.” 

“No, I don’t think I do. I feel like people in this family like him more than me,” he half laughed. “Do people still watch Buffy?”

“Are you trying to stop me working for Cailan?” She tilted her head, smiling slightly. “I would love to take some shifts for you Ger.”

“Why does his name come up in every conversation?” he half laughed. “No, I’m just... I need some help. But yeah? You’re sure?”

“I’m sure you know plenty of people in the pack.” She sighed, leaning on him. Knowing that she shouldn’t comment on pack stuff. “Okay… no Cailan. I haven’t seen him lately either. By the way.” 

“I can just advertise the job like normal people do, Pen. I know people in town, not just the pack. Don’t say it like that please, you’re my partner, you can mention it. It’s a part of me like anything else.” He looked at her, hating when things went weird. “That’s probably not a bad thing. Even more reason not to give the job to him.”

Penny smiled, resting against his hair for a moment. “I love you too.” She sighed. “I guess you can hire some kid with no experience then, but i suggested it.” 

“I know you do, my love,” he smiled gently, rubbing her arm. “Well, I can train someone. Giving a kid a chance. I like that. Seeing Cailan every day would not help my stress.”

“It’s why we work yes.” She kissed his head. “I knew you wouldn’t be, but he has bar experience and people tend to love him.”

“It is why we work.” He smiled up at her when she kissed his head. “I love you,” he said, before letting out another laugh. “At least you knew I’d say that. I’d rather not have him here.”

Penny moved the man to sit, he worked too hard sometimes. “You’ve had a tough year, but i can help out. And we can always look for someone else. Cailan was looking for some extra work.” She laughed gently. “it’s your nature.”

Gerry laughed gently when the girl made him sit, he really did need it sometimes “We work together, huh?” he said gently. “Cailan working here, not sure about that.” He nodded. “Yeah, yeah. Just me.”

Penny rubbed her boyfriend’s shoulders, a baby in one arm. “I told you already, i’m happy to do those shifts. Aria taking this time off really has you worrying doesn’t it?”

Gerry let out a content sigh as she touched his shoulders. “I know, I know. I just feel like with Flick gone too and Mitch... and now Aria. I can’t do it with so little staff.” He nodded. “When do I not worry?”

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?”

Gerry laughed, holding out a beer to the male. “We’re practically the same age, Linkous.” He shook his head. “I mean, at times I feel ancient. But no. With Aria and Flick gone. I just need more staff.”

“Then i’ll be happy.” he smiled gently at the man. “Simple? You’re with a witch.” he laughed at his brother. “I don’t know about lucky… i am a vampire blood addict. But i think maybe the universe owed me one.”

“Good, you’re my family. All I want is for you to be happy.” He laughed a little. “Well, I wasn’t talking about me. Recovering vampire blood addict. You’re doing good. And you have earned this.”

Jeremy laughed, folding his arms. “You’re… taking this well. We met on a full moon. She’s a werewolf too. Her name is Rose. You know… things were intense fast.” 

“What am I supposed to do? You’re a grown man and this is a good thing.” He smiled. “Okay, wolf. That’s nice. Simple. That’s how it should feel. You’re lucky.”

“No, it’ll be a lovely family reunion with my father’s secret daughter.” he laughed to himself. “Awkward as hell.” he rubbed his lips together, laughing as he hugged him. “Unexpected, i know. But…. you know me. I was in the moment.”

“I mean, yeah, that sums it up,” he laughed with him, patting his back. “I am really proud. It is unexpected but really nice, yeah. Where did you meet her? Who is she?”

“Yeah… haven’t actually met her yet. That’s going to be an insane one.” He took a deep breath. “I look better? Yeah… i’ve seen Beth already actually.” He nodded. “I uh… we’re engaged and i brought her home with me.”

“Well, she knows about you too, so meeting her won’t be totally crazy,” he laughed a little. “You do, yeah. You look well. Yeah? How did that go with her?” He smiled. “Wait? Yeah? Damn, that’s amazing news, little brother. Come here.”