Sugar & Spice

“Oh come on, Its a block party! You can’t leave yet! And its one of the first events I really get to enjoy since AJ was born, ” Lorelei pleaded, batting her eyelashes playfully. “ What do ya’ say? We can go check out the bands! Or we can load up on some questionable fair foods and hit the rides?” she added, nudging the person playfully. “Ooor, I can kick your but in some games? Your choice,” she smirked.

Oliver had been planning on heading home to get some form of sleep to be able to function enough on Sunday to put together the week ahead’s activities, but the look on Lorelei’s face twisted his arm.  He really did need to work on not giving in to puppy dog eyes.  “Fine, we can do some more things if you promise that you’ll enroll AJ with me when you’re ready,” he bargained, giving her his own soft look back.  “How about questionable fair food and I kick your butt in some games?”

“That’s not a bad idea. Let’s try it.” Luna grinned and closed her eyes, as instructed, holding her arm out with her finger pointed at whatever was in front of her. If everything seemed appealing, then she might as well choose at random. “Okay. Whenever you’re ready.”

“Good choice,” he replied with a grin and when she closed her eyes and gave the word he placed his hands on her shoulders and started spinning her around.  “Tell me when to stop and we’ll see what adventure is in store.”

“My true talent in life has been discovered. It’s the incredibly helpful and rewarding nature ability to play carnival games.” He chuckled, motioning towards the small collection of toys in a bag he’d set down on the floor. “Some of them I’ll be saving for my nephew. The others, I plan on giving to anyone else that would like one.”

Oliver’s eyes near popped out of his head as his attention was brought to the bag of toys.  “Holy cow you’ve managed to gain a lot of them.”  Moving towards it he took stock of what was in there, an idea popping into his mind.  With it he looked up at Emmett.  “I’m not going to ask for these because I think it’s a real nice thing you’re doing... but if you happen to win anymore today I’d absolutely welcome a donation for the daycare.”

“Enhanced strength doesn’t always equate to enhanced precision, Mr. Moreo,” he said with a smile. Being able to hit hard didn’t always mean you’d hit your target, but none of that seemed to be a problem for Hollow Grove’s residents. “Why didn’t you? I’m sure the children would’ve loved trying to dunk you.”

“I mean, I guess not... but there’s definitely an increased chance,” Oliver shrugged; it was no wonder the annual baseball match was always an intense one.  With the mention of how much the kids would have loved to have dunked him, Oliver let out a laugh and winked.  “That’s exactly why I didn’t volunteer.  They get to give me enough hell on a daily basis.”

“I didn’t realize so many in town had such good aim,” Nate said as he walked to a nearby table to grab a clean towel. After drying off, he reached for his shirt and began to redress in something a lot less wet. He was struggling to remember why he volunteered to help with the dunk tank when the town was full of people with supernatural strength and pent up aggression. “They’ve helped keep the heat away, at least.”

“Dude...” Oliver started, shaking his head at the other.  “You are literally in a town where half the population has enhanced reflexes and senses.  I’d be more worried if they didn’t have good aim.”  Placing a few extra towels down on the table, he looked up at the next person taking over from Nate.  “I’m glad I didn’t volunteer for that side of things.” 

“But how do you choose what to do first?” Luna asked, looking around at everything the carnival offered. All the rides, the funnel cakes, the cotton candy. She wanted to try everything. “I don’t know how to narrow down all the choices.”

“Well, if you plan on trying everything, or nearly everything my suggestion is to pick on at random.  Or let your finger decide,” Oliver suggested, stepping towards her.  “Here, close your eyes, hold out your arm and I’ll spin you round.  Tell me when to stop and whatever you’re pointing at is what you go with.” 

“You wouldn’t happen to have any interest in a giant stuffed bear, would you?” He asked, holding out the toy to the first person that passed in case they wanted to take it. “Apparently, even if you say it’s fine and you don’t need a prize, playing the game was enough, you get one.” He joked. The vampire wasn’t upset with the prize. Now he could give it to someone else that wanted it but couldn’t win.

Oliver stopped mid stride as the teddy bear was shoved in his direction and he looked down at it and back up.  “I would indeed have an interest,” he replied, reaching out to pluck the toy from Emmett’s hands and inspecting it with a smile.  “What a cutie.  And hey, it’s not often people win a prize in carnival games, of course you have to take it.” 

Practically jumping back from her spot on the pavement, Violet held one hand out to steady the boy as the other pressed to her chest in shock. “Oh! Are you okay?” Frantic eyes trailed along his body to see if there was any immediate injuries, only pulling back to his face when she was assured he was,  seemingly at least, unharmed. But still, to be sure, she composed herself enough before asking, “You wasn’t hit at all, was you?”

In that moment Oliver thought that the other may have been more shocked by the event than he was, event though it was him that suffered the near miss.  She was rattled and he shook his head to convince her that he was nothing more than taken off guard.  “No, no I’m fine,” he assured, before finally stopping to actually take her in.  “Violet?  You’re back?” 

Ophelia hid her smile behind her hand as she watched the stranger look around to see if she was talking to him. She did the same when she was addressed in public like this but it was always amusing to watch. No matter where you were people had the same reactions. “No, I don’t need a drink. Just an eclair. I woke up and decided that it was my mission today. Ha, what gave it away?”

“In that case, definitely the bakery.  It’s up on Church Street, pretty little building,” he said, visualising the storefront in his mind as he spoke.  “Great range of other baked goods too if you want to stock up.  And it was the not knowing where to find one, anyone that’s been here long enough knows where everything is.  I’m heading that direction myself if you wanted a guide.” 

“If being the important word, I think there’s some saying about no risk no reward?” Summer pointed out, more fixated on the view and lights glittering below and stars ahead. Inhaling deeply, the crisp air of night was relaxing to her, finding it an ideal atmosphere for provoking the daydreams she favored. “Are dad reflexes a real thing? Are they only at their best if you’re near a child?”

“Yeah ok... and what would the reward be in this case?” he asked as he clambered up onto the ledge with her, perching himself cross legged and trying to take in the beauty around the horizon rather than what lay below.  “Hell yeah they are.  And I don’t know, I don’t think so.  I think they’re just a danger reflex that evolves once a child in your care is born.” 

The werewolf lips tugged upwards into a roguish grin as he listened to the other man’s response with obvious amusement. “If you’re not a lawyer, then I would suggest not attempting to talk like one, all that first degree murder shit.”

“I’m not trying to talk like one... I’m just saying it’s some form of attempted murder which is still illegal here,” Oliver replied, running a hand through his hair.  “Ah shit, now you are going to have to kill me, aren’t you?” 

“Story of my life. Subtle but deadly. Or maybe not so subtle.” Elena grinned at the thought of that, never one to just hold back or not say what’s on her mind. “Oh, I think they were emotionally blank before they started those jobs. Isn’t it one of the requirements?” She asked seriously as she slipped her arm through his, making their way towards the bookstore.

“I mean, you try, you have to get points for that,” he halfheartedly consoled her, allowing her to lead the way as they headed towards the shops.  “Wait, you might be right on that.  I can’t say I’ve ever met one to ask.” 

Callie had thought about going back into teaching, but after what happened at Spring Fling all thought of that went out the window. Shrugging at his question, she looked down before glimpsing back up at him. “I went to school, but some things happened, and I guess I changed my mind. I have my niece’s though, I always watch after them.” 

He deflated a bit when he saw her reaction, wanting to reach out and comfort her.  Clearly whatever it was that had changed her mind wasn’t of the good sort.  “That’s a shame, but at least you have some kids in your life - better than none at all.” 

Today was the day. Ophelia was going to spend her day off outside and getting to know the town that she had just moved to, instead of unpacking and furnishing her apartment and she’s spent the rest of her days off since she’d gotten to town. First thing on her agenda: getting something to eat. She knew exactly what she was going to start with, too. “Where would someone go to get a good eclair around here?” 

Hearing the voice, Oliver looked up, laying eyes on the girl.  Glancing around himself to make sure she was actually talking to him and he wasn’t about to look like an idiot, he took a moment to actually think about it.  “The best?  That’s got to be the bakery.  Or Java the Cup if you want a drink with it too,” he replied, tilting his head.  “Does that mean you’re new here?”

Charlie: did you know yesterday was national kissing day?

Charlie: yesterday was national kissing day and i did not get kissed

Charlie: what has my life come to? that i am no longer celebrating major holidays like this??

Oli: I did not know

Oli: Do kisses from kids count?

“I’d tell you but I’d have to kill you…” he replied, smirking a little. 

Oliver studied the other carefully, narrowing his eyes after a few moments as he came to his own conclusion.  “Oh my god, you have.  That’s like... third degree attempted murder... or second?  I dunno, I’m not a lawyer.” 

“I could take a black hat! Maybe with very wide, very large brims? That’d be fun!” Elena smiled at the mere image of that. “But what if it’s a hat and a coat duo? That must work? And if the coat is light brown?” She considered the options. “They look cool! They’re so cold and detached from the world, caring only about themselves. And let’s go!” Elena smiled happily before motioning for him to follow her.

“Yeah the duo would work as long as it matched.  Then you’d have your fiery hair showing from underneath.  Subtle but deadly,” he commented, nodding his head along as he visualised it.  “Maybe because they’re bored to death so they have to become emotionally blank?” he suggested as he held out his arm for her to slip hers through.