[IC] The Witches & Warlocks of Tanner 2.0

[Hedgehawk]

Opening his eyes, Carlisle found himself somewhere new. First things first: could he move? He willed his legs to stand up and below and behold he could. Okay. so no longer frozen. So where am i? Looking around, Carlisle seemed to find himself standing on a train platform. He could see two train tracks either side of him. Oddly he couldn’t seem to see anyone else. Or any sign of life at all really. Looking up at the sky to see where the light was coming from, he could only see auras of luminous purple and blue.

”Ah you are finally here. I was wondering when you would actually show up”

The sudden arrival of a voice, caused Carlisle to jump.Looking around at the voice, he managed to locate the source: a tall slender man, clearly in his older years, but still somehow full of energy, with what could only be described as the whitest hair Carlisle had ever seen. He seemed to be wearing circular spectacles with a thick black frame. In terms of clothes he was wearing an exquisite Navy blue three piece suit with a matching bowtie. It looked like it had been designed to fit his figure almost perfectly.

”And who exactly are you?” Carlisle asked, taking a cautious step back, given their ability to just seemingly appear out of thin air. The mysterious male raised his arms disarmingly before continuing.

”I have had many names over the Millennia: Some called me The Ferryman, The Traveller, Heck even The Moonwalker once upon a time. The Greeks called me Charon ” Carlisle stopped. That was a name that he was familiar with. Now he knew where he was.

”So I am dead then?” He asked, preparing himself for the response he was sure he was about to receive.

”Not exactly. Not in the sense you think you are. This…” He started to raise his arms to show off the train station ”This is limbo if you want to call it that. The place spirits go before they either die, or go back to the world of the living.” With a shuffle, Carlisle took a step closer.

”So what happens now? Do I just wait until the train comes to transport me to death?”

Charon smiled lightly at his question. ”Well firstly we need to see if anyone tries to save you. And then you need to decide whether you actually want to return”

”I get a choice?” Carlisle asked, looking at the floor, a pang of shame hitting his heart ”Also I don’t think anyone will be rushing to save me currently”

”Of course you get a choice. A soul has to be willing to return in order to go back. And yeah, I saw what happened down there. Really screwed the pooch with that one hey” The male would bend down and sit against the armrest of the bench.

”Not my proudest moment. I ended up pushing away everyone I ever held dearest to me. Wouldn’t be surprised if anyone actually finds my body.” Carlisle raised his hand to check on his nose. It seemed perfectly in place, no damage at all.

”Well, you certainly didn't come out of that looking like a saint that is for sure. Said some things that weren’t exactly easy to take back, didn't you?” With a soft chuckle the male shook his head. ”Let me go over how this place works. This dimension is designed to act as a holding place, as well as helping you decide whether you should, you know, stay or go…”

”And how exactly does this place show me?” Carlisle interjected, looking around for anything that showed signs of activity.

”Well… you will see. However, I figured I should help you first. I want you to watch something. It is very important that you pay attention to what is unfolding infront of you. Don’t try and interact with what you see, as it won’t work. But I think it will at least give you answers.” The male raised his hand to go to click.

”Wait… Go wh-” *click*

The train platform disappeared in a wisp of smoke and seconds later, the smoke settled and he was standing in the coven household once more. Specifically one of the main reception rooms. He was confused for a moment while he had been bought here, only for his question to be answered a second later as Miles and Lilith entered the room. He felt his heart crash into his stomach. Why was he being forced to watch this? What exactly was the end game here?

He watched as Lilith and Miles spoke about him as if he wasn’t there. Only remembering that he technically wasn’t there. He didn’t exactly agree with anything that either of them were saying. Hearing Lilith say once more that she would never be into him once more made him nearly wretch in horror. Recomposing himself he heard Lilith start talking about Grandpa John. He swallowed hard. So earlier when she said to Miles she really needed to speak to him, this was what she had meant?

He had spent all day, the past few weeks even, focusing on his relationship with Lilith. He had been so blinded by his own desire, he had neglected that his friend was asking for help. He had drowned out those cries for help by his own selfish paranoia. He gasped for air, as he face became hot, Tears once more for the umpteenth time for today rolled down his cheek. He would raise his hands on instinct and wrap his hands around his neck, clenching tight as he felt his airway close. Charon appeared next to him watching the scene unfold.

”You know you can’t choke yourself to death right? You always do that when you are stressed, but it never works.” Carlisle lowered his hands after gasping for a few seconds. At this point, Lilith and Miles had moved on in their conversation. They had started to bond. And then it happened. Carlisle watched as they kissed. Both leaning in. While Lilith eventually snapped back. It had been done. Carlisle’s nostrils flared.

”SEE! There, I was right! Miles stole her. The bastard! I will kill him!” Charon sighed and rubbed his fingers over his temples.

”For a moment, just a moment, take a step back from your emotions. Look at them. Wouldn’t you agree that they are happy together?” Charon stared at Carlisle, hoping to break through to him.

”Yeah, happy at my expense. They will get to play happy couples, and I will once again be left alone. Carlisle sighed and ran his hands through his hair. He did have to admit, they did look peaceful. With the music faded from the room opposite he watched as the two closest people in his life got closer and closer. He felt his lip quiver slightly as he tried to keep it together once more.

”Now…. I am not an expert at relationships at all or anything… only been alive since creation and all that. But I would say, the mark of a true best friend would be noticing and accepting when your best friends have found happiness, and letting them have it. Even if it means that you don’t get your turn yet.” Carlisle wiped his nose with his sleeve before finally responding.

”I am happy for them. I am. But where is my happy ending? I have waited forever, watching as Miles took chance after chance from me. And now look. I am going to be left alone again. They will become a couple, they will bond, and sure, they will have a happy relationship. And then I will get left behind. On my lonesome”

”Yeah, but true friends stay together, even when the circumstances change. And well. If you could get over your own gain, then you would be surprised at how much they actually like you. And lest we forget. You aren’t exactly easy to be friends with. Both Lilith and Miles had to make sacrifices to be friends with you. Miles had to literally fight because he took you along. Lilith ended up helping solve your issues, she neglected her own.”

Carlisle took a hard swallow. His throat is now dry and raspy. He didn’t like taking any criticism, but watching them leave the reception room, he knew that Charon was right. There was no way that Carlisle could stop any of this. He had spent so long fighting what his mother told him he was going to be, he had neglected everything else in life.

”Okay, so now you have subjected me to my worst nightmare, anything else?” Carlisle said as he shrugged his shoulders.

”Well yes, but I am not going to guide you through it. Just walk out onto the veranda and everything will reveal itself. Just remember, some things will be trying to convince you to stay, and others will be trying to convince you to leave. Sadly, it isn’t possible to tell the difference between the two of them. You will just have to trust your emotions.” Charon shrugged his shoulders and clicked his fingers, disappearing in a billow of sudden smoke.

Carlisle stared around the room, walking over to the sofa that Miles and Lilith had just kissed. He placed his hands on the top of it, gripping it harshly. He wanted to tip it over. But he stopped himself for a moment. What would it actually achieve? Letting go he stroked the leather instead and sighed, taking a deep breath to try and centre himself. Miles and Lilith were happy. That was the important thing. Walking out over to the veranda, Carlisle opened the door, to see that the sky was the same purple blue that it was back at the train station. Maybe the scene in the reception room was just a hallucination, like everything else. Looking over onto the patio near the grill, he did see someone standing there. His heart nearly stopped. Looking back at him, was a younger version of his mother.

Carlisle stepped closer, going down the steps towards the grill. To start with neither of them said anything. All he could see was his other looking him up and down, a look of pure disgust painted over her face. Carlisle was going to tell this was going to hurt.

”You know… If I had known ahead of time that this was how you were going to develop. I would have had you aborted.” Her voice was cold, but true. Carlisle could feel her words coming through, not that of an imposter.

”I am sorry that I don’t live up to the expectations you so wanted of me” There was a hint of malice and rebellion in Carlisle’s words, but also sincerity too. He was legitimately sorry things turned out the way they did. But he wasn’t going to hold back.

”Yeah well, I got used to living with the disappointment that you brought to the family. Born a warlock. What an embarrassment. Not only could you not be powerful, you couldn’t even complete college. Name one thing you have done that you have actually completed and been successful at?” Carlisle stopped for a moment to think. Over a minute passed and then he finally spoke.

”I was made temporary leader of the coven.”

”And was that on talent or because of all the work I put in behind the scenes to convince everyone else to give you a chance, huh? And how is that working out for you? Cause day one and you have already been killed, and half the coven is trying to kill each other. Don’t exactly think you have got control of the situation. Except you don’t even know what the situation is because you were so busy being a failure trying to get the only girl that might actually make your existence worthwhile” His mother shouted at him, her finger pointing at him judgingly as he stood there and listened to her.

”Maybe I am happy with my life. Just because I don’t fit what you wanted me to be” Carlisle began to raise his voice to match his mothers, though he didn’t exactly have the same vocal depth as she had.

”All you had to do was be successful. Not majorly successful, but just successful enough to continue my legacy and give the middle finger to that bitch Mary. And you couldn’t even do that.” Amanda spat out, pressing her finger against Carlisle's chest which he swatted away. Carlisle did not respond right away. Instead, he tried to focus on exactly what she had said.

”Hang on….” Before he could even finish, Amanda finished her rant off first.

”And then, rather than being better than it, you decided to make friends with it and bring it over to our house!” That was it. He finally realised who she was speaking about. He had a hunch to start with, but now this just confirmed it.

”Miles? Are you telling me that you had me, to get back at the fact that Miles was born?” Carlisle could almost feel his heart slow down. He could quite believe what he was being told right now. His mother didn’t respond with a yes or a no, instead she rolled her shoulders and looked away from him. In the kind of way snobbish people did when they didn’t want to acknowledge your existence.

”You couldn’t even end up being stronger than him. That was the most basic thing I could have asked for. That was the whole reason you were even conceived!” So it was true. Once again Miles dominated his life. He took his girls, took his dorm, and now apparently, he owes his very existence to this man. It always seemed to be that everything in Carlisle's life was about Miles. And then people wondered why he was so paranoid about Miles coming into his life and taking even more things.

"Hang on… I was born just because Miles came along?" It was such a bizarre statement that he had to say it out loud. And it still felt wrong. His gut felt like it had been churning in overdrive. That sinking feeling in his stomach that he had since arriving here was now starting to feel like it was in free fall.

"Miles's father rejected my advances. We were supposed to usher in a new age of powerful witches by merging our bloodlines. But instead he chose that bitch Mary instead. So of course I wasn't going to let Mary have the last laugh!" Carlisle figured this was some kind of dream, so whatever he did here would have consequences. Clenching his fist he swung it awkwardly forward, hitting his mother in the face who gasped and staggered a step back.

”That’s for all the times you have berated me and made me feel like shit. I like Miles, and I don’t care that my whole existence was down the fact, you couldn’t live with someone else being happy.” He took a moment to shake his hand before continuing "I get that Miles is a handful. And women around him just seem to turn to putty. And yeah, it does feel like I am living in his shadow at times. But do you know what? I don't care. Cause he actually puts up with me" He then began to walk back to the veranda. Turning once more to look at his mother

"And I appreciate that being my friend is hard. Apparently I am a piece of shit and I haven't even noticed. So the fact he stuck around actually means something. Despite the flaws. And once I figure out all those flaws I will fix them. I will find new friends, and you know what. I will become coven leader, even if I have to face Serena in a showdown. But I won't do it for you, I will do it in spite of you!"' With that Carlisle stormed off back into the household leaving his mother out on her own.

Only a few moments later to find himself somehow back on the train platform. Charon was casually sitting on the bench that Carlisle had arrived on, eating an apple. Walking across to him, a look of confusion came across Carlisle's face.

"So I am back here, now what?"

"Well, I didn't expect you to finish your introspection that quickly. Normally it takes people a few days of back and forth torture and meditation before it sinks in." He said with a nonchalant tone.

"I don't think I have it all figured out. But look. If Grandpa John is in trouble. If he really is… Dying…" Carlisle struggled to get the word out by swallowing hard "But Lilith needs me. I need to be there." Carlisle began to speak faster.

"And what would you do when you get there?" Charon asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Something. Anything. Maybe there is an Abjuration spell. Something, or a potion that can reverse the effects." Carlisle began to pace back and forth.

"Wrong answer. That's you being you again. You have to fix everything. Have to be doing something. Maybe you just need to be there, give her a hug and say that sucks. I am here for you. Not everything has to be you finding a solution to a problem" Carlisle stopped in his tracks looking over at the male, A small look of confusion adorned onto his face.

"But what is the point in that? A friend is a person who solves problems. Makes sure they are okay"

"Your mother told you that, didn't she?" Charon started, shifting on the bench to get into a more comfortable position. "Everyone's happiness is more important than your own. You have to do what you can to make others smile. You need to bring value to the table in order to feel like you are doing good” Carlisle let out a sigh, listening to the words the deity was saying infront of him. He was trying to take in everything that was being told to him, but his mind kept wandering him to Lil and how she must be feeling.

”Look, this is all superfluous. I need to get back. I need to be able to comfort Lilith.” Carlisle would go back to pacing once more, staying still just seemed wrong.

”Well that is your next problem. You are no longer cursed, so you can’t uncurse yourself back, and because you aren’t dead, you can’t be revived. So right now you can’t exactly do anything. The only way would be to get yourself out of here by force. And there is no way you are going to be strong enough for that.”

Carlisle simply looked over at the male with a determined look on his face. ”Just watch me.”

[Hedgehawk]

It had been nearly thirty minutes since Carlisle's discovery, and the coven's members had acted quickly to move him to safety in the basement. The room, usually sealed and off-limits, was accessible thanks to Lil's knowledge of Carlisle's habit of keeping the key on him at all times.

Despite being intoxicated, Lil was doing an admirable job of keeping everyone calm and collected. She had managed to corral the coven's members into the dining room, where the atmosphere was thick with confusion. No one could say for certain what had happened to Carlisle, why he had been frozen so suddenly. Theories and speculation abounded, but no one had any definitive answers.

As night fell, ominous silhouettes began to approach the coven household. The cloudy sky and lack of sunlight made it difficult to discern their identities or intentions, but they moved steadily up the driveway towards the front door. It was clear that their attention was fixed solely on one target.

Inside, the coven was preoccupied with their own concerns, seemingly unaware of the group's approach. The newcomers made no effort to conceal their movements, their intent clear as day. Suddenly, a loud slam echoed through the house as the front door was violently kicked open.

"Knock Knock!" a male voice called out, tauntingly. He strode confidently into the room, a playful smirk on his face that belied the danger lurking behind him. Following him were five werewolves, standing tall on their hind legs, their eyes focused on the coven members huddled together in the dining room. Despite their imposing presence, they remained close to the human male who led them, as if following his orders.

”Ah I see you were having a party. Sorry for the sudden gate crash, But I won’t be a minute” The males' eyes ran over the group. He was looking for two people in particular. The first one he couldn’t see, a smirk came across his lips. ”I see you have moved your feckless leader away from here. Smart move. Though he had it coming I am afraid. He seemed to attune his little barrier to specifically forbid me, and my friends from entering. Even when we broke through he kept fixing it like a good little goblin.” The male walked over to the table, picking up a handful of chips and tossing them in his mouth. ”So he had to go. Took forever to get him to go for that cursed book. Still, we knew that he could be manipulated. Just had to find the right button to press” With that, his eyes locked with Lil and the male gave a wink with his left eye.

”Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. How rude. My name is Lucien Crowe. And I am here looking for my dear cousin.” With that his eyes finally managed to pick out Victor's face. ”There you are. How you doin’? Me? I'm just fine. So I am going to cut to the chase. You are coming with us. Father would like to deal with loose ends, and he would rather do that with everyone alive.” That last part of the sentence, his words were clearly sarcastic.

”Now of course you could decide not to come peacefully. But then I would have to start killing off your friends, and then your family. We really don’t want that do we? My friends are kind of hungry, and they are just looking for any excuse to eat out.”

[Inertia]

Victor Crowe

Interactions: Everyone currently present in the dining room.

Victor leaned against the interior wall of the dining room. Carlisle had been carried to a room and for now him and the rest of the coven were on standby. The barrier had been down for awhile now and nothing was happening. He couldn't get rid of the sinking feeling in his gut. Was he just expecting the world to erupt due to a barrier going down? Maybe. This whole thing had a familiar earmark. A certain Déjà vu.

As predicted, the front door kicked open. A familiar man strode into the dining room. Victor furrowed his brows. Lucien. The man introduced himself with the ever-familiar and narcissistic grandiosity. This man dares to intrude in his home while bringing cursed beings with him? He threatens his family... AGAIN?

Victor almost started seeing red. The first few sentences that came out of Lucien's mouth came in one ear and went out the other.

”Now of course you could decide not to come peacefully. But then I would have to start killing off your friends, and then your family. We really don’t want that do we? My friends are kind of hungry, and they are just looking for any excuse to eat out.”

“Lucien, you fucker,” Victor spat back venomously. “... Did I not warn you what would happen if you ever pull any of this kind of shit again, you threatened my family, again!?” He stepped towards the group. One of the werewolves stood in-front of him, bending down and snarling in his face. Victor looked unfazed, rage seeming to override his fear. Frost once again began coating on his hand, this time it formed at a much quicker pace and almost covered his entire arm. His icey-blue eyes staring down the wolf in anger as it blocked his path.

Victor grabbed the the snarling Werewolf's neck despite the height difference. Frost seeped through his hands and into the Werewolf It spread at a frightening pace- in a few moments its head, then torso, then it's legs was entombed in a light coating of ice. It appeared that the werewolf should be able to easily escape its confines but it didn't. Or rather it couldn't. As if it was frozen inside out. Victor pushed the Werewolf to the side. It's expression forever frozen in that encasing of ice as it landed with a thump on the floor.

For many of the Coven members this was the first time they had seen Victor like this. He had never used his powers to this extent and his attitude was a stark difference compared to his usual self. Right now Victor couldn't be mindful of such things, though it wasn't as if he intentionally hid this side to himself. It was just extremely rare and often related to his blood family.

“All I wanted was to be cut away from the Crowe's. I wanted it to end peacefully. I shouldn't have listened to my dad. And this is how you want it to go? Well. I'm here Lucien, you son of a bitch,” Victor said. “Just like you wanted.”

[SouffleGirl123]

A @Sailorsadie & @Soufflegirl123 collab
Starring: Delaney Barlowe & Miles Price

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As the wolves lunged forward Miles coolly walked- well half-walked, half stumbled- over to Delaney, a smile widening on his face. "Delaney!” he greets her cheerfully as if they very much weren’t being attacked. "What’s new?” he asks, his eyes floating to a werewolf creeping around the side. As oblivious to the whole situation he looked, Miles knew exactly what he was doing. Between growing up training together and the many drunken bar brawls their benders had landed them, Delaney and Miles had a synergy about them when it came to fights, and playing wingman for one another but that seemed unneeded for either of the friends tonight.

Looking away from Lilith and Rowan, she groaned at the sight of the werewolves. She just couldn’t catch a break tonight. Delaney immediately perked up at seeing Miles and a smirk spread across her face. ”Typhoon!” Stumbling a bit as the rum still had full reign over her body, she nodded her head over to Rowan and wriggled her brows. ”You’ll never guess what happened.” For the moment she acted as if she were ignoring the wolves, but her body was vibrating with her energy, ready to aide Miles.

Miles follows the woman’s gaze to where Rowan was standing. Miles couldn’t help but make an impressed whistle, raising his eyebrows. "Well done. Not to brag but-” he nods toward Lilith while taking a step closer to his friend. "We still got it,” as he says those words he puts his hand out to high-five Delaney, only hoping she knew what he was asking.

Her eyes followed his look to Lilith and she raised a brow. Were they seriously on again? She was happy for her friend, but worried that this would end in total catastrophe. Again. Looking up at his hand, Delaney’s smirk widened. She was more than ready to kick some ass, though it was probably an incredibly terrible idea. ”Hell yeah we do.” She raised a hand and high-fived his own before wrapping her fingers around his hand to hold it. Her body hummed as her energy shifted to Miles.

A matching smirk spread across Miles’ face as Delaney grabbed his hand. "Oh, won’t our night’s lovers be pleased,” he jokes, gripping onto her hand in return as he feels the power running through him. Miles closes his eyes for a moment, honing into the wolf behind him, probing deep into its mind, its thoughts. With Delaney’s siphoned power he managed to push through walls usually near impossible for him to break into the mind. Soon he was in, staying connected was a struggle, he knew they could keep this up for too long but definitely long enough to cause some havoc. "So, where to first?” he asks Delaney.

Breathing in through her nose, out through her mouth, she blinked to wipe away the alcohol haze that was clouding her senses. Delaney’s entire body hummed as she looked around at the crowd forming. She smirked and glanced over at Miles, her hand squeezing his. ”You know me best, Miles. Let’s party.” She gave him a wink.

"Let’s go, disco inferno,” Miles replies, closing his eyes and calling for the wolf to bounce into his comrades. Claws flying, it was sent around the room hitting its friends that were at an advantage at inopportune moments and to take a couple of hits all the same. But with every hit Miles became more weary, control magic was a battle of the mind and attacking someone your loyalties lie with always brings its challenges. For a while it wasn’t too hard to hide, Delaney’s power definitely gave Miles the boost to stay in control for longer than he could dream alone. For a moment more he stayed silent, beckoning the wolf to pounce on another and deliver a bite to his friend’s bottom.

As Miles continued to siphon her energy, Delaney wobbled more on her feet. She felt like she was going to vomit everywhere. But, she sucked it down and kept her attention fully on the task at hand. Gripping Miles’ hand, she took a shaky breath and glanced over at him. Her eyes were shining bright with her energy, but were getting dimmer as time went by. ”Miles…We need to wrap this up and go to the after party.”

Looking over at his friend Miles could see she was just as worn as him. Sweat formed on his forehead resting dewey drops on his hair and brow. It didn't help that they were both incredibly drunk and Delaney somewhat fresh out of a fight but it was also pretty on brand for the pair. "You reckon you got the energy for a good ole bar brawl first? It's been a while." Miles suggests, beckoning the wolf toward them. With a final flash of power he subdues it before them. The wolf still stumbled and moved but seemed utterly dumbfounded in it's place. Miles drops Delaney's hand, hopefully they had the energy to fight.

As his hand dropped, the connection cut out. Delaney sucked in a quick breath at the loss. She studied the wolves in front of her, the realization suddenly hitting her that they could be in way over their heads. Still, she trusted her friend to have her back. Glancing over at Miles, she gave him a lopsided smirk as she brought her fists up in front of her face. ”Typhoon my love, I thought you’d never ask.”

Miles' eyes seemed to glisten at the thought of the oncoming fight. He knew they had maybe a couple of minutes before the wolf shook off its stunned state, hopefully that was enough. With that thought in the back of his mind he lunged at the beast, throwing a fist at it. "I suppose we'll need another drinking day soon, I think we'll both have news after tonight," Miles says nonchalantly over his attacks.

She waited until Miles threw the first hit before coming in for her own, not letting the beast have a second to respond as her fist slammed into it’s jaw. The two worked in perfect tandem, almost as if they had done this plenty of times. Which, indeed they had. As Delaney’s chest heaved with heavy breathing, she laughed a bit at his comment. ”Soon? More like directly after this. I don’t know about you, but I’d like to stay drunk as long as possible from this damn night.”

With every hit from Delaney, Miles seemed to have the perfect response and as did she for his attacks. The stunned wolf being a perfectly barely responsive victim helped too. Miles chuckled at Delaney. "Don't you have a… uh what's the name you use for him," Miles takes his strike to wrack his brain, Delaney had some great nicknames but they were hard to remember sometimes, "Hunky dunk! Don't you have a hunky dunk to get to after this?"

Her fists were starting to hurt each time they impacted the wolf. Damn thing had a hard ass head. At Miles’ question, she perked up and beamed as she remembered what she was doing just moments before. She did in fact have herself quite the date at the end of this night. ”Why, yes I do. And it seems as if you have a Twinkie of your own to party with.” With another hit to the wolf’s face, she huffed out a breath. ”Look at us. We’re finally getting what we want.”

Miles quickly inspected his knuckles, they had gone bright pink from all the punches, turns out wolves weren't as soft as he imagined. "I guess we're gonna have to postpone until later in the week," With his next punch he swore he saw the wolf flinch but Delaney's last line distracted him from bracing themself. "How'd ya know she was what I wanted," Miles replies with an eyeroll, a lame attempt to come off unconcerned by her having that conclusion.

Pausing at his comment, she glanced over at him and returned the eye roll. ”Oh, please.” Delaney shook her head and kicked her leg up, connecting her heel with the wolf’s stomach. She stumbled back and groaned. Maybe she shouldn’t do any kicks while drunk as all hell. ”You can pull that crap with other people, but not with me. You’ve been jonesing after her the whole time I’ve known you.”

Miles huffed as he felt his face grow hot. He hoped the pink in his face from the alcohol covered the colour change the blood rush supplied. "Oh shut it," he replies in jest. "I wasn't jonesing," In response to Delaney’s kick he elbows their adversary to get greeted by his 2 beady eyes aiming themselves at him. The spell was starting to wear if it seemed. "We might need something stronger soon,"

Delaney couldn’t help another eye roll. Of course the man was jonesing for Lilith. It was something he couldn’t really hide all that well. From her, at least. As the wolf finally centered itself on them, she let out a breath and held out her hand to Miles. ”All we need is one final blow. I can handle it. Can you?”

Miles nodded, grabbed her hand with a tight squeeze. Once again he could feel the power run through him, somehow he felt more sober and more intoxicated all at once. "Airhorns?" he offers, being his favourite sound to blast into the heads of his victims.

As she squeezed his hand, she gave a slight nod of her head before looking once more at the wolf. Her eyes narrowed as they glowed from her power. Delaney let out a slow calming breath, focusing everything on the power she was giving to Miles. ”Whatever you do, just make it count.”

At his friend’s command Miles gave a nod of his head. His grip on her hand tightened a little more as he pushed his magic back into the wolf’s head accompanied by the trumpeting sound of airhorns. Usually they were better for disarming or causing a headache at best but between the wolf already barely standing and Delaney pumping her magical energy into him Miles was able to make the sound ricochet, seemingly penetrating the brain itself. Harsher and harsher he beckoned the horns until, suddenly, the wolf fell to the ground. It was hard to tell if it was dead or just knocked out but with the threat gone for now Miles didn’t bother to check. With the adrenaline releasing him Miles could recognise the gifts of the fight. The achy hands and joints and a sleepiness that came from using most of your power. He hadn’t even noticed he was panting. Miles turned to Delaney and gave her a weary thumbs up, trying to gauge her condition.

As the power continued to be siphoned out, Delaney watched as the wolf finally fell. Her chest heaved with exhaustion. With the alcohol already overpowering her system, she wobbled on her feet. She looked over at Miles and returned his thumbs up before falling back onto the ground, her behind hitting the ground hard. Groaning, she ran her free hand over her face, cringing as her fingers brushed over her still broken nose. Her eyes drooped. ”Good, I’m good. How many more?”

As Delaney starts to stumble Miles makes an attempt to grab her arm but with the effects of his drinking also returning all he achieved was stumbling forward a couple of steps and laughing at his friend. At her question Miles looks around the room, despite the frenzy around them the werewolves did seem outnumbered. "I think they’re all in good hands,” he reports. "Should we get that nose of yours fixed? I would hate for you to leave a bad impression on your new beau,” Miles offers, holding out his arms to help pull Delaney up if she accepts.

She scrunched her nose up at Miles, immediately regretting the action. Delaney cringed before reaching up, wrapping her arms around his arms. She looked around, trying to spot Rowan. She groaned when she couldn’t see him. Maybe he didn’t see her fall. That would definitely work out in her favor. With a shake of her head, she looked up at Miles and her brows furrowed. ”For your information, he has seen me like this, and he thinks I could still be a model. So. Screw you.”

As Delaney wraps her arms around his, Miles pulls her up, unable to stop himself from stumbling back a couple of steps in the process. "Hey now,” he muses in mock hurt. "I’m just looking out for your wellbeing, if you wanna suck face with your nose all jacked up like that, be my guest,”

Stumbling a bit forward as she was pulled up, she grumbled and eyed the man. ”You can be an ass sometimes.” She let go of his arms and huffed out a breath. Looking around, she nodded a bit before looking back at him. ”Fine. Fine. Let’s go fix me up then see if anyone else needs help. But this conversation isn’t over. I want to know how you wrangled Twinkie back into your good graces.”

"That’s why you love me,” Miles replies to Delaney’s first comment, a cheeky smile spreading on his face. At her agreement to get fixed up, Miles starts wandering toward the alchemy lab, dropping a stray siren into another werewolf’s head in the meantime. Delaney probing brought Miles to stop and turn to her, his face once again twisting in a look of mock hurt. "I don’t know what you’re talking about. With my irresistible charm, of course. You don’t see me questioning how you got Mr Hunky Dunk so fast,”

Delaney was walking along with him to the lab before he turned to face her. She stopped in her tracks, wobbling a bit. Rolling her eyes at his comment, she brought her hands up, then moved her arms down. ”Pfft. With all this, of course. How could anyone resist?” She knew she looked like absolute crap at the moment, adding to the humor of her statement. Truth was, she didn’t know how she landed someone like Rowan either. ”You almost had this at one point yourself. But nope. Off limits to you, good sir. I am an almost taken woman.”

Miles stifled a laugh. "If I remember correctly, I did have all that at one point. We would have been far too powerful together anyway. Besides, looks like I’m essentially a taken man now anyway,” he slurs before spinning on his heel to continue the march to the alchemy lab.

She scrunched her nose then berated herself for the motion. She definitely needed to get her nose fixed. Delaney continued to follow after him as she huffed out a breath. She had forgotten that she slept with him at one point. ”Damn. Who in this place haven’t I slept with?” The thought sickened her and tears immediately misted over her eyes. Damn, was she drunker than all hell. ”Why would Rowan want someone like me then? I’m damaged goods.”

At Delaney’s first question Miles gave a chuckle replying with "You and me both,” but that was when she started tearing up. Miles turns his neck to look back at her. This was not the catch up he expected. He purses his lips, trying to figure out how to respond. "We call it experience. I don’t think Rowan’s gonna care how many people you’ve slept with, why should he? I got Li back- maybe- I think that means there’s hope for people like us yet,” As he talks he leads her to the alchemy lab, opening the door and ushering her in. The last thing they needed right now was either of them having a breakdown in the middle of the temporary battlefield.

As Miles spoke, she sniffled and nodded along to his statement. He was right. Of course he was right. ”Of course there’s hope for us. Look at us, we’re hot shit.” She moved past him and entered the lab, looking around. Delaney sighed and looked around. ”Is there any rum in this place? I need some rum, some potion for this nose, and then I’ll be all set to kick some more ass.” She moved over to the shelves and ran her fingertips over everything. She hadn’t been in this room in ages. ”Hope you know what you’re doing in here. I don’t need to down anything that’d give me two heads or some shit.”

"A second head coming right up,” Miles jokes, pushing past the female to get to the potions cabinet. Lucky for him, Carlisle had taken a couple earlier so Miles was pretty sure he was correct in his selection. He pulls a pink vial out of the cabinet, a word scrawled on the bottle that probably said healing but the handwriting wasn’t very legible. "For you, m’lady,” he says, resting the bottle on both his hands and holding it up to her.

Eyeing the bottle, she reached over and took it out of his hands. She looked it over and couldn’t make out the writing. Huffing out a breath, she shrugged her shoulders. ”Well. Guess I don’t have much to lose. Bottoms up.” Delaney took another breath before taking off the cap and slamming the contents of the bottle back. Squeezing her eyes at the flavor, she set the bottle down and stuck her tongue out. ”Ugh. You’d think they’d make these things at least taste adequate. Pretty sure I just tasted feet.”

"Maybe you can be the next potion master, make that your life’s work, good tasting healing potions,” Miles muses, sliding onto one of the benches. "So, Rowan, hey? What’d he do to win your heart?”

She considered the notion and tilted her head. It didn’t sound too bad. She shrugged her shoulders and sat down on the spot next to him. ”Maybe I could. Couldn’t be that far away from bartending, you know? I’m always making new drinks at work.” At his question, she couldn’t help the slight blush creeping up her neck. Delaney raised a brow and looked at him. ”Uh, hello. Have you not seen the guy?”

"It’s the hair, isn’t it?” Miles teases, laying himself on the bench. His eyes were drawn to the ceiling. He didn’t know if it was the alcohol or the fighting but, man, was he tired. "Made you blush,” he tacks on before even looking at Delaney to confirm, he didn’t need to, he knew he was right.

Delaney rolled her eyes at him as she leaned back. She looked around the room as she let in a slow breath. She’d never really been in love before and didn’t know what the hell she was doing. Thankfully, she had her good buddy to get information from. She worried her bottom lip with her teeth before speaking. ”How’d you know you were in love with her?”

"Hm?” Miles initially replies as he tries to process his friend’s question. He remained in silence for a moment, mulling it over. Part of him wanted to claim he hadn’t thought about it but that was a lie, there were many evenings he lay in his dorm or little apartment in Olympia trying to figure out how he couldn’t fall for anyone else the way he had Lilith. Maybe not the same question but both came to similar conclusions at some point. "The first or second time? For when we started dating in high school? I dunno, I guess I kinda just did. We were just on the same wavelength about a lot of things I guess. But after that? Everything just kinda came back to her. Didn’t matter how far I moved or who I dated or slept with or whatever, it just didn’t feel right like they way being with her did. I dunno if that helps you at all,”

As she listened to his story, she continued to nod along. She felt the potion slowly repairing her face and she finally was able to breathe out of her nose. Delaney closed her eyes briefly in relief before opening them again. Glancing over at Miles, she watched his face as he spoke. She cleared her throat before looking down at her own hands, placed in her lap. ”Do you think you could love somebody without really having done anything with them?”

"Anything in what way?” Miles asks, sitting himself up to get a better view of his friend fidgeting with her hands.

Letting out a slow breath, she gave a slight shrug of her shoulders as she continued staring at her hands. She hated being vulnerable, hated showing anyone the soft side of her. But Miles was different. He had seen every side of her and never judged her. He was basically her second best friend. Delaney cleared her throat. ”Like, anything. No kissing, no intimacy…Just, them being them. Me being me.”

Miles shrugged. "That’s how Lil and I started, I would say ‘and now it’s going pretty good’ but we both know that until tonight that’s a big fat lie.” Miles thinks for a moment longer. He hated this introspection stuff but there was a comfort with Delaney that made it easier. Figures that the mind isn’t going to think someone who’s seen you at your messiest and drunkest state will think ill of you for much else. it seemed that introspection was all people wanted to do tonight "I guess for people like us that’s a breath of fresh air. We can’t rely on intimacy, you and I,”

Miles takes another sharp breath, he really hated this introspective admission of guilt thing. So, so much. With his mother already somewhat opening the discussion earlier, something was fresh on his mind. "You and I both know intimacy wasn’t really the building blocks of Lil’s and my relationship, not a stable one at least… not with me… finding my fill in other places,” as those last words came out, Miles’ voice became shaky. Sure, he used to hide behind claims of being in a casual relationship to sleep around but he’d never openly admitted the weight of his actions, never openly thought about it. He clears his throat, trying to hold himself back from also becoming misty-eyed himself. "It was kinda everything else that kept pulling me back to her,”

Delaney nodded along in understanding. She herself used to hide her relationship issues in the arms of several other people, never fully being open to show her true colors to one single person. Hell, she’d even used Miles at one point. She knew she couldn’t look at him as she heard the emotion in his voice. He wouldn’t want her to look at him, to see him miserable. The two knew each other well enough. In reality, her and Miles were very much the same person. It was true they couldn’t rely on the intimacy of another person. There was no vulnerability there. Their true intimacy relied on what happened when they were fully clothed. And it was scary as hell.

She gave a small laugh to break up the heaviness of the room. Delaney was about to admit something out loud that she hadn’t even admitted to herself. ”Well. Maybe it’ll be different for you and Twinkie this time around. You deserve to be happy.” With a forced breath out, she shrugged. ”And I’ve been realizing that I do too. And-” she paused for a moment before her confession. ”I think I may be in love with Rowan.” She quickly shook her head before continuing. ”Which is crazy, right? We haven’t really spoken about any kind of feelings to each other. Never really hung out except for at the bar. But there’s just- there’s something about him, you know?”

Delaney’s chest felt heavy. She needed another drink. With a shake of her head, she looked around and groaned when she didn’t find any alcohol. She definitely didn’t want to go back out there, either. Which brought her attention back to what was actually happening all around them. She straightened her back against the bench. ”So. Werewolves. What in the actual fuck, right?”

At Delaney’s confession Miles gives her a smile. "Then, good on ya, you deserve to be happy too. I say go for it, you’ll never know if it’s right if you don’t try. I guess we’re both starting to get a bit old to be sleeping around so much anyway.” Miles then swings his legs back around to lay back on the benches as Delaney reminds him of the battle raging outside. Right now it wasn’t really where Miles wanted to be, he was content here, even if his chest was tight from the deep conversation. "It’s a weird world. How’d you think they got in?”

She snorted at the ‘too old’ bit. Shaking her head, she ran a hand through her hair and winced when she caught the edges of some glass. Damn, she was a mess. Delaney sucked in her bottom lip with her teeth as she thought. The last thing she remembered before the party crashers was the barrier. Her eyes widened a bit. ”The barrier. It’s broken. I felt it.” She shrugged. ”I’ve always been able to feel it as this like, gentle humming thing, right? And now I don’t. It’s gone.”

"Oh, yeah, that happened,” Miles responds dryly as he’s reminded of the things that had pulled Lil away from him. "We… we should head back out, shouldn’t we? Don’t want to keep our lovers waiting too long, do we? We don’t really want people getting the wrong idea about us either- who the hell have I become talking like this?” Miles cuts himself off laughing. Only months ago he couldn’t care less about what people would think of anything he did. He suppose Lil added a level of concern for these things now. He wondered if it would last.

Delaney smirked at his laughing and nudged him with her shoulder. ”It’s us getting too old, remember? Starting to have responsibilities now. Sucks, doesn’t it?” She shook her head and stood before holding out a hand to help him up. ”Come on, my nose is all healed up and some of my energy is back. We need to go help the people we love.”

Miles smirked, clasping Delaney’s hand to pull himself up. "Let’s go be knights in shining armour or whatever,” he jokes. "And we’re due for another drinking night, I feel like we’ll have a lot to catch up on after tonight,” Miles walks to the door, pulling it open to the battle that raged outside.

[Sugar and Spite]

_{Starring: Lilith Montgomery}

It had taken a bit longer that Lilith would have liked to get Carlisle into the basement. Most of her rescue party was under the influence, and Lilith had spent most of her time wondering how it was that she was still standing. Between Grandpa John, Carlisle, and Miles - the young woman had drunk two full bottles of alcohol over the course of roughly seven hours. Adrenaline in her veins or not - she was still very much drunk.

With the group coming back upstairs, Lilith had broken away from the party to stand by the snacks table once more. Now feeling the munchies coming on, she had been eating on some of the various chips before her empath abilities seemed to pick up on what could only be described as outsiders. Part of Lilith’s ability was being able to sense familiar emotions, and the ones that she felt right now - full of anger and aggression - belonged to none of the Coven.

The realisation made every hair stand on her arms as she looked up just in time to make eye contact with a stranger walking through the door.

In her drunken state, Lilith couldn’t deny the fact that the man was attractive. Tan skin, dark eyes, and what kind of magic was he working on his hair? Lilith really needed to learn that glamour spell. Or maybe she just needed better hair products. Either way, seeing the werewolves behind him made Lilith’s body and mind shift into high alert once more this evening. The more the stranger spoke, the more anger Lilith felt rising to the surface.

Seeing the werewolves behind him, Lilith allowed the man to continue on his power trip long enough for her to raise her personal shield. A faint blue glow now surrounded the young woman's body, her hands held behind her back as shadows began to swirl in her palms. As the man introduced himself as Lucien Crowe, Lilith felt a chill run through her body once more as her eyes flicked back to meet his. Glaring daggers at the man, Lilith now wrapped her hands around her shadow weapon of choice - a baseball bat.

Lilith had only heard Victor briefly mention his brother on a few occasions - but the information that she did have on the other man was enough to let her know that Lucien should not be here. More importantly, he shouldn’t be anywhere near Victor. Hero complex and personal loyalty now in full swing, it took every fiber of Lil’s being not to claw at Luciens flesh after he had winked. If there was one thing Lilith always hated to be seen as, it was some weak, feeble minded girl - and Lucien was making her feel anything but.

At Lucien’s mention of harming the Coven, Victor seemed to take over for a brief moment. Lilith watched as her friend froze one of the werewolves in their tracks, the spectacle making her raise her brows both out of impression and shock. Lilith had always known that Victor was powerful - but it was a rare thing for her to see his powers in full swing. Nonetheless, she was appreciative and impressed with what Victor had done. Hearing her friend's words, Lilith took that as a go ahead to go absolutely feral on the piece of shit before her.

The truth was - Lilith didn’t hate men. Sure, she made jokes and she avoided them like the plague, but not all of them were bad. Her grandfather was proof enough of that. Standing there listening to Lucien speak, watching him try and start a dick swinging contest, a small smirk formed on her face. Victor was right to mention that Lucien was arrogant.

Raising the bat in both hands, Lilith raised it above her right shoulder before swinging with all of her might and connecting with the right side of Lucien's face.

How fucking dare you, she thought.

Lucien tried to lean back to avoid the shot. But it was no use as it connected and knocked his whole body to the side. He stumbled a few steps before stopping a metre or so away from Lilith, a nasty smirk on his lips. "Wow, someone is angry? Guessing you didn't think I would be able to get to you all that easily?" With that Lucien focused his energy and projected his mind forward to try and probe into Lilith's mind, seeing if he could somehow find an opening.

His comment had only made Lilith that much more enraged as she raised the bat and swung once more. She could feel her shield flickering around her, but the emotions running through her body were too strong for her to focus on anything else. Lilith had needed an outlet for her emotions for a while now, and it seemed as if Lucien had showed up at just the right time. Lilith had taken the barrier falling personally. That was her great grandmother's barrier, after all, and now the barrier had become Liliths baby over the years. Lilith truly felt that Lucien had endangered every aspect of her family in every form that he could find. He had petrified Carlisle, and John was dying - though that wasn’t Lucien's fault. Even still, she found herself shifting the blame momentarily. Regardless of anything she had going on in her personal life, however, Lilith wasn’t going to just stand there and let Victor be taken away.

As the bat collided with Lucien for a second time, Lilith felt the barrier around her collapse. She didn’t have time to inspect herself for damages - all she knew is that she didn’t feel any. Not yet.

”Fuck you,” she growled through gritted teeth.

"You aren't as strong as I…" Before he could even finish he got hit by a double whammy. The unsuccessful mind probe bounced back and hit himself, only to get smashed by the shadowbat a second time, this time drawing a hefty amount of blood from his mouth and causing his vision to blur. He coughed slightly as he struggled to compose himself.

Seeing Lucien stunned, Lilith let the bat dissipate from her hands as she held her palms down by her sides, facing them towards the floor.

Maybe she wasn’t as strong as another witch in their prime, but she was Lilith. More importantly, she was a Montgomery. Reminding herself of the facts, the brunette focused her concentration on the pit of energy growing in her stomach. The lights in the main room began to flicker, the chandelier shaking. Shadows seemed to float into the house, being pulled from outside as they formed shapes. Soon, there were five skeletal warriors standing behind Lilith, various forms of ancient weaponry in their hands. As they clicked and chattered in their own language, Lilith found herself blending in with the small army as they surrounded her, pushing her to the back of the crowd.

Lilith might have been a power hungry, angry, drunken bitch in that moment - but she wasn’t stupid. On a sober day, she would have happily continued to beat Lucien until there was nothing left of him or herself left to be found. For now, however, the Coven still needed her.

Lucien had recovered, only to see Lilith summon henchmen and begin to retreat into the crowd. He raised his left arm, firing off a small fireball towards one of the chattering skeletons. He took a step forward to attempt to give chase to Lilith. "Don't you want to know how I did it?" He said, clearly trying to fill his own ego.

”The only thing I want to know is why my grandfather hasn’t already killed you himself,” she called back, still hiding behind her army.

Lilith knew how her emotions worked. If she stayed in Lucien's vicinity for long enough - she would kill him. Would she be walking away herself? Only the gods knew that. But what Lilith did know was that if she was going to Hell - Lucien was coming with her.

Now doing the best that she could to cast her projectile shield in front of herself and her comrades, Lilith slowly continued to creep backwards.

"Telling you would ruin the fun. But I will say one thing" Lucien waited until Lilith's eyes were looking directly into his. "Be careful who you trust. One of your own isn't a loyal as you think" With that Lucien would take several steps back, clearly not interested in trying to tangle with Lilith anymore. He knew when he was outmatched, plus his head still felt like it had been cracked open.

”Well if anyone would know how to spot a snake in the grass, it would be you, wouldn’t it,” she half mumbled, mostly to herself. Lilith was far too drunk to keep on trying to work her way around Lucien. For now, she would have to let the rest of the Coven go to work.

[WolfLover]

Aurora Newman
Interactions: Coven Members, Lucien and The Hairy Ones.

---

Aurora didn’t know how Lilith managed to stay so calm and collected; but the blonde knew she owed her one for being so. It was usually her job to be the calm one. Wasn’t it? She was supposed to look out for the younger ones in situations like these. Or maybe they just found their ways of taking care of each other; well most of them. Knowing that not everyone was on good terms with each other; but as a coven they still stuck together. But Lil managed to be calmer than she had been since finding Carlisle out in the garden. She didn’t think that the evening could get any worse; as everyone stood in the dining room. Aurora had poured herself another drink. Needing something for the nerves. Whilst she probably wasn’t as drunk as some of her peers; Aurora still had enough in her system to feel a light buzz of the alcohol making its way through her system.

As she mixed the gin and tonic; she herself was trying to figure out what had happened to Carlisle, having now learned he wasn’t really dead. Although her thoughts got cut short, when the doors flung open. She was mid sip; when she saw the stranger walk in. And much to the horror of her eyes; with Werewolves by his side. If Lil’s calmness hadn’t snapped her out of her ‘shock’ from earlier, this certainly had.

Eyeing the company, Aurora’s hand curled into a fist by her side. As the man known as Lucien demanded Victor come with him, or else. Not entirely sure if she ever heard Victor utter that name to her; maybe it was the night’s events that left her with a fuzzy mind. But either way, Aurora felt an anger bubbling inside of her. She wasn’t going to let some attractive ass-hole threaten anyone she considered ‘family’ or the coven as a whole. As she felt the air around them all turn colder; her eyes widened in surprise. Brow slightly raised as she watched Victor unleash his powers. Much to her surprise, Victor had frozen one of the Werewolves solid. Despite having trained with him; she had never seen him display such magic before. Looking down at the frozen icicle of a Werewolf that was on the ground. Trying to decipher if it was dead or not. Even if it was still alive; it’d probably take a long while to claw it’s way out of there. “You sure gave that Werewolf an icy greeting.” Smiling like a proud big sister in Victor’s direction.

“You son of a bitch!” Aurora hissed in Lucien’s direction. “You’ve picked the wrong people to mess with!” Moving strategically closer, so she was by Victor’s side. Just as protective over him, like Lil was. “If you want Vic, good luck getting through the rest of us! You and your hairy friends, better get lost, before someone’s heads are going to be flying off!” If it wasn’t for her being partially drunk; she would have come out with a better threat. But it still spoke volumes. Aurora never threatened anyone; not unless they pushed certain buttons. And Lucien managed to do that in a few seconds by threatening Vic, and now Lil.

"Oh. And you are?" Lucien retorted. Not particularly interested in this woman. Rubbing his jaw with one hand. Using his free arm he fired off a fireball towards Aurora.

Feeling her skin beginning to tingle, as small sparks of electricity began building up. They were dancing against her closed fist; Aurora building up magical energy ready to be unleashed at the perfect moment. "Someone you shouldn't mess with either." Her hand glowing more prominently with her power. A thunderbolt, hurling towards Lucien. The impact would be enough to knock the man backwards. At the same time trying to dodge Lucien's attack. Feeling it brush against her shoulder; making her hiss as she gritted her teeth. Another bolt forming in her hands. "Think you forget, you mess with one member of the coven. You mess with all of us!"
Seeing that Lucien was bend over in pain. Aurora didn't think he was planning on making another move against her any-time soon. He clearly knew better than to mess with the likes of Lil and herself. Aurora was satisfied that he knew not to mess with them. Soon he'd learn not to mess with the entire coven.

Seeing the Werewolves advancing towards her peers. Aurora tossed that particular one at one of the beasts. Causing it to stagger backwards in pain. The Werewolf’s body seemed to tremble with the effects of an electrical shock, from her blow. The growl echoing in her ears; with how close the Werewolf was in her proximity.

Despite the pain in her shoulder; she didn’t let it show. Instead focusing on Lucien’s army. If you could call it that. Since one was encased in ice. The others were now facing Coven. Chaos all around. Watching as the Werewolf shook off the effect of her spell; it began advancing towards her direction. Slightly tapping her foot against the wooden floorboard. Her magical energy caused it to come alive for a few mere moments. Jumping upwards; it whacked the Werewolf square in the face; before plopping back in its slot in the floor. It was enough to try and keep it disoriented for a few seconds longer. Snapping itself out of it’s daze again, the Werewolf advanced towards the blonde witch again; claws trying to lash at her. Only to be met with another wooden plank in the face. And another..growling, louder each time as Aurora used her magic. All the while, charging herself up for another thunderbolt to unleash at the beast. Fully intending to hold the beast off for as long as possible in order to protect her fellow coven members.

With a claw reaching out for her. That’s when Aurora unleashed the biggest thunderbolt of the fight so far. The bolt flying right at the beast’s chest. At the same time, she felt a claw against her arm, trying to sink against her flesh. Just enough to draw some blood; before the bolt caused the beast to fly back from its impact. Hitting the wall with a thud and loud growl. The beast was slumped against the wall; it’s features scrunched up in pain. It was enough for there to be a slight crack in the wall, and the air around everyone vibrate from the impact. Whilst it was nowhere near dead. It’d be a while before it’d come crawling in her direction…or anyone’s for that matter.

Slightly bending over, her shoulder throbbing from where Lucien managed to hit her with a fireball. And now her arm was dripping blood. Aurora fought through the pain. Manipulating electrical energy that was bouncing in the palm of her hands. Using her abilities to stretch it out; slowly forming a protective bubble. The barrier of the shield was shimmering with electrical energy. Harmless to her and those that were to be shielded by it. But a nasty bite to the beasts, that no doubt would try and pry their way through it.

Aurora slightly strained, from pain. But after a few moments the protective bubble was shielding herself and 3 other people that were standing within 10ft of her.

Catching her breathe for a few moments. Aurora knew she probably should head to get a healie from the alchemy lab. But the barrier wouldn’t hold up without her there to keep control over it. So it’d have to wait. Her eyes scanning the room; to see if any of her peers needed help. Their safety coming first over her own.

As she inspected her shoulder wound; she saw that the strap of her dress was singed off. Even if it was her favourite dress; it was no big deal. Having bigger priorities to worry about right about now. Aurora was glad that the injuries she had, didn’t hit elsewhere. Or she might be bleeding out on the floor right now.

"Give them utter hell, guys." Aurora nodded towards her friends and coven peers. Knowing what they were fully capable of. Especially as a team.

[WolfLover]

Featuring the Pearson Siblings
Interactions: Enemies

---

The night hadn’t gone exactly as expected. If anything, it was less than what the Pearson siblings could have bargained for. What was supposed to be an evening of bonding for the coven; turned into drama, chaos, a petrified cursed leader, tanner magical barrier being down and now danger standing in their own coven house. Yep, not exactly your average coven party. It certainly was more than Tristan thought he’d have to deal with during one evening. But he supposed there was one good thing that came out of the party. Seeing Cat again. Lydia’s views were probably more so mixed…than that of her brother’s about the evening. Most likely distracted by something or someone; as per usual. But one thought they had was similar; both were glad to see Cat had returned to Tanner.

With everyone crowded in the dining hall; Tristan noticed that his sister looked a bit on the tipsy side. Of course Lydia had snuck stronger drinks behind his back after Cat went off to mingle with other coven members, before they were called in here. How much Lydia drank? He could only take a guess. His sister always had her ways of sneaking in extra drinks when she wasn’t supposed to.

It seemed like everyone’s attention was glued on the intruders; The eldest of the Pearson siblings was listening carefully…very carefully, to Lucien's demands….followed by his threats to hurt anyone in the way. Which was practically everyone in the room. His jaw clenched.

His sister on the other hand was seemingly having a classic Lydia moment; something as always distracted her inside of her head. Or maybe for once, she was thinking hard about this situation that her coven was in; due to Carlisle’s curse. The news had given her chills down the back of her spine.
At that very moment, his sister seemed to snap from her thoughts, having turned around noticing the company. Or more so..hearing it.

“I didn’t know we were expecting more gu….ahhh!!” As Lydia came face to face, with one of the Werewolves, she let out a loud shriek. Falling backwards as she stumbled away from the beast in shock. Her eyes wide, looking pale; almost like she had seen a ghost. For most coven members; their natural instincts of self defence and protection was kicking in. For Lydia…fear…total fear. And utter helplessness. More vulnerable, due to her lack of magic and even worse so…lack of spells at her disposal.

It was almost like the Werewolf sensed her vulnerability, it’s claw reaching out to grab at her leg. Claw wrapping around her ankle to drag her closer towards him.

Lydia’s body shifting backwards against the floor, trying to get out of reach. But she wasn’t quick enough. As soon as she felt the claw around her leg…she felt it’s claws slowly sinking in to keep a tight grip on her. Almost terrified to notice the chaos going on around her. But as she laid her eyes on Victor, Lil and Aurora holding their own; Lydia tried to swallow back some of that fear. If they could do it; than anyone could right? Then again, they were more skilled and powerful than she was. Using her other leg; she managed to kick up. Hitting the Werewolf in the face, as he was bending pretty low near her legs. Somehow managing to free herself. She darted behind the nearest male, with a slight limp. Feeling light blood trickling down her ankle.

With a slight snarl, Lydia saw it moving towards her. But it didn’t get too far. As her brother grabbed it by it’s tail. “Get away from my sister!” Unlike his little sister; he tried to show no fear. Not wanting them to sniff out any weakness and use it to their advantage. Tristan felt pretty pissed off that one of the Werewolves was going after his sister. Easy prey she was for them. His grip tight against the Werewolf’s tail..so tight it made his knuckles almost turn white. The air around him started to get cold…very cold. His fingertips turned a pale icy blue. The tail of the beast, slowly becoming stiff and turning a different color too; as Tristan was inflicting frost-bite onto it’s tail. Then with a swift kick; his foot collided with the side of the Werewolf. Luckily, being trained in Karate; he knew the right spots to kick. All the while managing to dodge the claw that slashed at him in retaliation. Tristan only let go off the tail, once it was stiff and unpleasant to look at from the frost-bite. Luckily it had spread pretty quickly, from the first contact he had made.

“You okay Lyd?” He asked, trying to make sure his sister wasn’t too hurt. When his sister gave him a slight shaky nod, he gestured to the barrier that was up. “Get back behind Lil’s Barrier.” It wasn’t for discussion. Tristan would much rather take a beating, than his sister. At least, he knew how to defend himself.

Knowing it was no time to argue, Lydia moved back towards the barrier that Lil had summoned to help keep the coven members safe. As she was shakily moving backwards; she saw the amusement in Lucien’s eyes at how weak she was compared to the others. He himself could use it to his advantage no doubt. Lydia tried not to look in his direction too long. Finding his blue eyes, almost enticing. ‘Think Lydia think…do something’ She thought to herself. Not wanting everyone to think that she was utterly useless. Because, she most likely was given the situation. Lydia felt desperate to help out…anyhow. Somehow.

Watching as her brother and the others were taking on the enemies within the coven household. It was chaos; not knowing where to look. Eventually she managed to focus on one of the Werewolves faces. It’s eyes especially. Her face changed to an intense expression; as she maintained eye contact with the creature; despite it fighting the others. In her mind, she was doing her best to imagine what a blind person would feel like; as the light would fade from their eyes, into nothing but blindness. The longer she stared at the creature like that; her spell slowly began to take effect. Lydia just hoped that it’d last long enough for her brother and friends to have the advantage over that one.

Swirling colors that started to dim in the creature's eyes at first made it angry. Angry growls and snarls escaping it. It was like it was seeing bloody freaking rainbows. It certainly was distracting whilst it tried to advance towards the tall dark haired male that was fighting it. But then suddenly it’s vision dimmed…till it was dark. Just nothingness. Stumbling around blindly; it had to rely on it’s other senses for the time being. Whilst it could hear and smell its prey that were scattered around the room. It could not see them.

Unsure how long the spell would hold for; Lydia just hoped that her brother and peers would use it to their advantage; since they had the upper hand against a blind werewolf for the time being.

‘Yay me’ Lydia’s thoughts internally screamed in her head. Feeling a little proud of herself that her spell managed to stick, when she saw that it didn’t fall instantly.

Tristan had a feeling that his sister managed to be of some help; when the werewolf’s growls had changed and his claws flailed about, in chaos as if trying to strike at something. Whatever Lydia did, he hoped she could keep the spell up for a while longer. From his peripheral vision, he noticed Lucien was ready to attack one of his peers with another fire-ball. “Oh no you don’t!” Tristan muttered to himself. And at that moment, the water bottles near Lucien burst. Tristan could even feel the water pipes vibrating beneath his feet. But managed not to have them burst in the wake of his power. The water heavily squirted at Lucien, drenching him from head to toe and dousing the flames of his fireball. The water then hovering mid air, from his magic. Keeping it handy in case he needed it. Although it was slightly wavering, with his concentration being on multiple things.

At the same time, Tristan was dodging the slashes from the werewolf, the best he could. Whilst keeping his eyes in two places at once.

Seeing that the werewolf was in the perfect position, Tristan’s body leaned back from another claw slash. With quick movements; his foot collided against the werewolf again in swift roundhouse kicks. Noting an ache in his legs; from how sturdy his opponent was. But he didn’t show the uncomfortable sensation shooting through his leg. He thought he heard a slight crack in the werewolf’s leg, or was it the floorboards creaking with all the chaos? But something had certainly given away slightly beneath his foot.

Another claw came flying in his direction; but this time he wasn’t so quick to duck. Feeling it against his shoulder. As he Ducked, his leg swiped beneath the werewolf’s. Managing to knock him down on the floor.

Whether or not the werewolf’s senses were coming back, or he managed to get a decent grip on Tristan. He suddenly found himself on his back. Winded, from being slammed against the ground. The water that was still hovering mid-air. Hit the werewolf from the side; with full force. Knocking him off of the Warlock.

With growls, the werewolf began to pound on the ground, trying to grab at Tristan again. But he quickly rolled out of the way. Kicking him forcefully from behind, managing to knock the beast flat on its face for a few moments. Taking it that the beast was still blinded; otherwise might have not been so easy for it to lose its balance.

All the energy building up all around him from the varying spells and combat; Tristan began to use it to his advantage. Magical missiles forming in mid air. All of the magical energy seemed to seep into it. The missiles swam around him, in circles; as they absorbed as much energy as they could. Growing in shape and power. Tristan was getting ready to unleash them when needed.

It seemed like the werewolf got his vision back; but looked a bit dazed. Shaking it off quickly. It run at Tristan’s friends; having had it’s attention snapped by someone else for the time being. Ready to defend his friends and sister; he unleashed the magical missiles. Watching as the trio of them followed their target. Concentrating on his target; so it didn't hit anyone else by mistake. It was bit of a chase for a few seconds before his magic collided with the werewolf, knocking it away from everyone. Causing a loud thud and slight shaking off the ground beneath.

[duskshine749]

"Carlisle is dead, Cait.

Half an hour had whipped by. Cait sat in silence among the rest of the Coven. Gathered in the suddenly lifeless dining room, Cait had situated herself by Daniel; in an odd way, it felt like being near Jaz.

"There's nothing you can do to help. You'd best stay here where it's safe.

"Daniel," she whispered.

Daniel wanted to scream, all of this was just too much. But he couldn’t scream, not now. He helped how he could, eventually when everyone had gathered in the dining room he found himself next to Caitlin. She whispered to him, everyone was clamouring about but he heard her just fine. ”Ya Cait? What is it?”

"Jaz… She's gone. She left." She knew it might not mean as much to him as it did to her, but it was something she had to let out.

That was definitely not what Daniel was expecting her to say. ”What do you mean she left? She was here like, an hour ago. Where did she go?”

"Her dad isn't doing well. He was injured at work; he's in South America. They don't know that there's much time left."

”Oh wow, poor Jaz,” Daniel wasn’t that close to Jaz, they’d only really just started getting to know each other. But it’s not like you needed to know someone to feel bad when they suffered a loss like that. Daniel was actually relieved that Jaz had gotten out of there before things got worse, and get worse they did.

Suddenly the front door flew open, as a human led five shifted werewolves into the house. As he spoke Daniel grew more agitated, he squeezed his left hand tightly, digging his nails into his palm. This had to be who he had been texting. The reason everyone was now in danger was because of him. Daniel wanted to shout at him, to call him out as a liar, but he couldn’t do that. He would tell everyone later, but for now he couldn’t cause even more discord among the group.

Startled by the arrival of the entourage of werewolves and the man leading them, Cait made an effort to hide. She paced two steps back, and a step to the side to stand behind Daniel, but still see as the scene unfolded. Through the fear of facing off against creatures she was ill-prepared to stave off, came a twinge of validation; not running away earlier had been the right choice. She noticed Daniel's reaction to seeing the unwanted guests. He suddenly seemed rigid; it looked like the way she felt when she wanted to lash out but knew she had to hold back.

She let go of that thought before it sank too deep. Instead, she fixed her attention as best she could on the man in the doorway, and the werewolves, whose frames collectively seemed to fill most of the space in the foyer. Cait watched, agape and at awe as Victor made himself the first to confront his cousin. It was a side of her high school friend she had never seen; a stern posture and an assertiveness that made him seem a different person. More shocking was to witness him deep freeze the first werewolf in front of him. Everyone's gotten better but you.

Daniel watched as Victor approached the group, he looked like he meant business, which was very out of character for him. He then proceeded to freeze a werewolf solid. As it fell Daniel realized Caitlin was somewhat hiding behind him, ”stay near me Cait, I’ll do my best to keep you safe.” Daniel had already brought danger to his friends, but at least now he could do his best to keep people safe.

Seeing the frozen husk of a werewolf drop to the floor became the tipping point. The remaining four gathered themselves, the tension grew thick. You're no use here. Any semblance of calmness Cait had clung to spilled out. Against warnings and cautions, she turned on her toes and sprinted across the dining room, through the adjacent living room and out into the corridor; if she couldn't help in the fight, she would keep herself out of the way.

”Cait, wait!” But it was too late, she had already run off. At least she’ll be safe if she’s far away from all the danger, Daniel was preparing to take on the remaining enemies in the room when he noticed one of the wolves break off from the others and chase after Caitlin. ”Not on my watch you don’t,” Daniel muttered as he chased after Caitlin and the wolf.

Cait's plan unraveled as soon as she reached the hallway. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw one of the remaining werewolves looking in her direction. She sprinted faster. A shout, a howl, and the frantic cacophony of a skirmish rang down the hall. She looked behind her; the werewolf was bounding after her, its length and height covering the stretch with trivial ease.

Outrunning the beast wasn't close to an option. Cait's feet lifted from the floor. With a hurried spur of power, she glided the remaining distance to the library. Practically throwing herself into the room, she landed on all fours. She spun around on her knees. Throwing forward an open hand, she released a Telekinetic force that pushed the door closed… but it was a second too late. The werewolf's head barreled into the gap. For a second it got caught between the door and the jamb. Cait tried to muster more strength, that the tandem of her magic and the door's weight might be enough to buy her time. But as she crawled backward to hide among the stacks, the labor of projecting her power became harder to bear.

Within a painful few seconds on Cait's end, the wolf had gotten an arm through, and flung the door open. Its tall form dominated the threshold as it stalked toward Cait, who had ceased using her magic. I guess this is how I go.

The wolf was faster than Daniel, it was a good thing Caitlin had a head start or she’d be done for. It slowed down a bit as it got to the library door, was that Cait’s doing? She didn’t seem very comfortable with her magic, but fear and adrenaline were great motivators. As Daniel got to the door he saw the wolf making its way towards Caitlin. He didn’t have time to think of something optimal, so he conjured some shurikens and threw them at the wolf's back. He knew it wouldn’t do much damage but it would at least get their attention. The scream let him know this was a female werewolf he was dealing with. She turned to face him but he wasn’t there anymore, he had teleported behind her with a newly conjured wooden baseball bat and cracked her over the head so hard the bat broke. She fell to the ground but Daniel knew she’d be up again soon.

”Cait you’ve gotta find somewhere to hide, and if you see a chance to escape you take it. I’ll handle this,” if Caitlin responded Daniel didn’t hear it, he was too busy focusing on the sounds of the werewolf getting back on her feet. He conjured a sword and turned, swinging at her. Unfortunately she was more aware of her surroundings than he thought, and she knocked the sword away, sending it sliding to somewhere on the other side of the room. She slashed at his chest, Daniel moved back but not fast enough. The cuts weren’t deep but they hurt like hell and his shirt was ruined.

Making no comment or argument, Caitlin did as Daniel bid her. She retreated further into the library, hiding among the high bookshelves. As long as Daniel could keep the wolf distracted, she'd be safe where she was; if the fight came close, the doorway would be clear. I could get back to the others then.

"...now is the time to decide what you want to do with all the advice given to you over the years and whether you're actually willing to listen to it."

A sword clattered and clanged, and slid across the floor. Cait poked out from her hiding spot to Daniel taking a set of claws to the chest. She looked on the floor, where the sword had come to a stop a few feet away from her. Tucking herself back out of sight, she reached out her hand. The sword wobbled a second before sliding into her reach. With more than a little effort, she stood and held the sword up; her arms shook under the weight at first. Gradually, she steadied easing the weight of the sword with her magic; she might not have been powerful, but she had learned some control, enough to divert some of the labor to the control of kinesis.

With Daniel presumably still fighting, Cait crept behind the cover of the bookcase.

Daniel noticed Caitlin had listened and hidden away somewhere. Good, it meant he wouldn’t have to worry about standing between her and the werewolf anymore. The wolf swiped at him once more but this time he teleported to her right, throwing more conjured shurikens her way. She mostly evaded but one got her in the shoulder. She charged him again and once more he teleported, this time though he stayed close, stabbing her with a dagger he conjured. She reacted faster than Daniel had anticipated, giving him a bad cut on his left shoulder before he teleported away once more.

It wasn’t looking great, the werewolf was getting in some good hits, and all the teleporting in such a short time was compounding the issue. And while Daniel wasn’t drunk, all the alcohol in his system was catching up with him, making him
sluggish. All of that led him to one thought, I need to end this soon. Since this would be his last attack, he needed to go all out.

Daniel summoned a shadow clone and either side of him, all three of them with shurikens in hand. They all threw at the same time, the werewolf, with no other option, swiped them out of the air as best she could. This was his opening, while she was distracted, Daniel teleported in front of her, newly conjured sword in hand, and stabbed her in the gut. But she didn’t collapse like he expected. Instead, she grabbed him by the neck and ran him directly into a wall. She held him there, snarling at him, and Daniel knew he was going to die. This had to be karma punishing him, this whole situation was his fault, and now he would die for his sins. Daniel flailed but it was no good, at least Cait should have been able to get away by now. He just wished he could have apologized to his friends for all the pain he caused tonight.

Cait rounded the bookcase as the werewolf pinned Daniel to the wall. It's back was turned to her. As she inched closer, it paid her no notice, completely preoccupied with Daniel.

It's now or never. I must be crazy doing this. She stepped closer; she needed the right range. I don't like doing this. But now you have to. Three steps further Cait drew the sword back. All she knew was to thrust it. This thing is getting heavy. Then run it through and be done with it! Two more steps and Cait was right where she needed to be, the snarling lupine beast stood six feet away, back still turned.

Do it now.

"Aaah! Cait hurled the sword forward. It flew from her handed, guided by what concentration and strength of magic she had left to expend. It sailed straight and true, the added momentum from her kinetics giving it just enough force to pierce through the werewolf's chest, close to where its heart would be.

It howled in agony, dropping Daniel and turning around to face Caitlin. It lumbered forward; now with a stagger in its step.

So close. Cait dropped to her knees and chuckled a bit. "Welp. Nice meeting you Dan; good run bro."

Daniel fell to the ground, coughing as he struggled to breathe again, ”not yet, this is my responsibility. No one else is dying because of me,” Daniel stood and conjured swords for himself and his shadows. This truly would be his last gambit. Before the wolf could react he teleported himself and his shadows next to her, surrounding her, and they all stabbed through her simultaneously. She didn’t howl in pain, she just coughed up some blood, then collapsed.

Daniel fell to his knees as well, and everything he had conjured dissipated. He fell forward and lifted his head to look at Caitlin. ”Thanks for the save, he was breathing heavily, glad the fight was over, ”next time I’ll give you something more suitable to throw.” He laughed a little at that, everything was just too much and it had finally made him snap just a bit, all he could do was laugh.

"I gotchu. You bailed me out twice." Either of her own inclination or because Daniel's was contagious, Caitlin joined in the laughing; hers was accompanied by a shedding of tears. She looked at the collapsed werewolf, eyes sharpened on the blade sticking out of its chest. "Did… did I actually do that?" she asked, choking back tears.

Daniel adjusted himself so he was sitting up, that much at least he could manage. ”You totally did,” Daniel was still breathing heavily, but it was getting better, ”I know you said you didn’t really like your magic earlier, but you seemed to do alright for yourself.”

"It's different. Cait spread out, lying backside on the floor. "Harder, ya know? When it's fighting like that. It feels different; like I'm not in control; like I'm not me when I'm doing it.".

”You get better at controlling it the more you do it. You're still you, if anything that feeling helps you stay true to yourself."

Cait thought for a moment, coming to a question she hadn't realized was nagging at her. "What did you mean by 'no one else'"?

”Hm?" Daniel feigned not understanding the question, he didn't want to go into it right now.

"You said something about no one else dying because of you?"

Daniel coughed, partly an aftereffect of the fight but mostly to cover his discomfort at the question. ”Aurora and I are the ones who found Carlisle, I guess I just feel responsible. Like I could have done more." There was more to it, but Daniel really didn't want to ruin his friendship with Cait after what they just went through. He got up, offering his hand to help Cait up, ”come on, we should head back to the others."

[Hedgehawk]

Lucien looked around and watched as everything was going to shit. He knew that it was going to be tough to try and get Victor. But he didn't expect this to go south so quickly. He spent most of his time glaring at Lilith. She was a cocky little shit that's for sure. And most likely the biggest obstacle to his plans. Seeing that most of the werewolves were now either damaged, dead or near death, Lucien let out a growl and sent out a psychic pulse, trying to cause everyone In the room to recoil in mental pain. At least for a moment or two.

"Don't think this is the end of it Victor. This coven can't protect you forever!" He hissed as he looked over at Lil one more time "And your days are numbered too bitch". With that, he ordered the remaining Werewolves to run, the group staggering and sprinting out of the front door and making a beeline to the Coven gate. At least he still had the curse on Carlisle. There was no way the Tanner barrier was going to be put up again anytime soon. So he could come back and attack whenever he wanted.

---

---

Carlisle was getting frustrated. Angry. Enraged even. After seeing that vision of what had happened between both Miles and Lil, he had wanted nothing more than to escape these binds that kept him stuck here on the astral plane and then return home. While seeing Miles and Lil together still vexed him, that was a secondary issue to him right now. He was more concerned with Lil's feelings surrounding her grandpa John.

"You are a so-called deity. Take me back, give me a way to get back to the world of the living." Carlisle demanded. This wasn't a request. This was an order. Charon on the other hand was casually sitting on the bench, playing with the apple core from his previous snack with his one hand.

"Well, I can send you to the afterlife, no problem at all. Sending you back to the world of the living though. That I can't do. Not without the proper authorisation on the otherside."

"Fine! Fine. I will find the correct authorisation. I will create my own way out of here!" Carlisle looked around the platform. Looking over at the exit he had before to find his "answers". He began to walk over to it as Charon protested.

"Where are you going!? Come back. You don't need to go anywhere at all!"

Carlisle simply ignored the male, Ignoring his plea as he carried on walking off. Once he reached the exit, he took a look back over at Charon before stepping down the steps and once more into the unknown of the Astral Plane.

As Carlisle walked further and further into the unknown, he had lost his footing somewhere along the way. Falling down the stairs, Carlisle eventually landed on soft green grass.

Looking up, he would be met with a strangely familiar scene before him. The flowing river, the overgrown trees and the birds chirping in the wind; He was at Montgomery River. The only thing that appeared out of place was the young blonde woman skipping from one rock to the other - and she was laughing at him.

With a soft groan, Carlisle rose to his feet, his hand rising on instinct to check to see if it was broken. Thankfully not. Seeing the female laugh at him and seeing where he had ended up, a small look of confusion was plastered on his face. "It's not that funny" Carlisle frustratingly quipped as he rose to his feet. "So I know where I am. But who are you?" Carlsie asked, not sure if he wanted to actually hear the answer.

At his frustration, the blonde laughed even harder, stopping to catch her breath as she nearly doubled over.
”Forgive me,” she responded with a thick southern drawl. ”It’s just - you’re exactly as she described.”

Once she had regained her composure, the young woman continued to hop across the last few rocks so that she stood in front of Carlisle. Still having the high ground, she leaned over with one hand on her knee, the other hand reached out towards him in greeting. A mischievous glimmer in her eye, the blonde chuckled once more.

”Cordelia Montgomery. The pleasure is all mine, really.”

His body almost froze when she heard the name. Of all the people who would see him now, a Montgomery was the last person he would have wanted. But still he had to be polite. He took her hand and shook it, not quite sure if that was the greeting she had envisioned. "I would introduce myself but It seems you know who I am. Say. When was the last time you spoke to Lil? Not in the past couple of weeks? Last few hours maybe?"

Now that the introductions were out of the way, Cordelia took a seat on the large rock beneath her, crossing her legs as she did so. Eyes narrowing as he questioned her, the young woman pursed her lips.

”My granddaughter and I speak regularly - and when we don’t I keep an eye on her. Knowing things is sort of… how do you kids say it now-a-days… Ah, yes. It’s sort of ‘my thing’. I know a lot more than you think,” she retorted, looking him up and down.

Arms now crossed across her chest, Cordelia began to rip into Carlisle.

”I know that Lilith cares about you, and you care about her - even if those levels of caring may be different. I know she had a vision, and your rinky-dink dumbass ignored it. How you’re always begging her to clean up your messes, and the one time she can keep you out of actual trouble, you just disregarded her like she was trash. I know that you’re too busy acting like a stupid love sick puppy to actually harness your powers. And I know that for some odd reason, you think you deserve the world - when you have done nothing for it in return.”

Eyes as hard as the stone beneath her, Cordelia patted the spot beside her.

”Now humble your damned self and come sit.”

Carlisle was screwed. This interaction had gone in the complete opposite direction so quickly. He wanted to argue back. But the reputation of Cordelia Montgomery was one that he didn't want to test. So he simply composed himself and complied with her request, moving over to her and sitting on the spot next to her. "I never expected her to bail me out of trouble. And if she was ever in trouble I would have done the same. It's just that she never really got into trouble. She was too good for that" Okay. So maybe Carlisle couldn't resist arguing back a bit.

Rolling her eyes, Cordelia sighed. ”My granddaughter is one of the most flawed human beings to ever grace the planet, Carlisle. I think that you, I, and a lot of others know that.” Now turning her attention to the water running on her other side, Cordelia took a moment before speaking again. ”Us Montgomerys have never been too good for anything - especially Lilith. She wants to live life to the fullest - even if most of hers has been ugly. She was never ‘too good’ to get into trouble, you know? She just doesn’t want to bug you with her problems - never has, really. You might think that you’re a burden, but Lilith knows that she is - and that’s why she’s never asked you for help. Not because she’s too good for it, but because by protecting you from herself, that’s the way that she shows that she cares.”

"Your granddaughter is amazing" For a moment his thoughts about Miles and the party washed away and he focused on just Lil as a person. "I know she is strong headed. Doesn't want to open up or feel like she is putting on someone. I know she thinks she is doing that to be helpful and caring to me. But I am the reverse of that. I want to be there to help. A problem shared is a problem halved and all that. Lil means enough to me that I would gladly take on any challenge if it made her life easier." With a soft sigh, his brain snapped back to reality. And his tone changed somewhat, now more stern, but also restrained.

"But that matters little now. I set off a chain of events that most likely we won't be able to recover from. The irony being I wanted to help, but became a burden. And then pushed her away from me. I wonder if I hadn't kept getting myself on trouble, if the answer to my question would have been different from 'No Dice'"

Frustrated and clearly at her wits end, Cordelia raised a hand and swiftly smacked Carlisle on the back of his head.

”Stop fuckin’ whining,” she groaned. ”There’s literally nothing that you can do when it comes to how Lilith feels for Miles and vice versa. The two of them were actually written in the stars. No matter how hard you, or Lilly, or Miles - or anyone else - try, they’ll always come back to each other. The Universe has always had great plans for Lilith - and she’s going to need her friend by her side.”

"Wow, okay, so I never had a chance from the start. She this is why divination magic was always so cool" Carlisle would yelp as he was hit around the back of head. "Okay, okay, I get it. So more importantly, what is possibly one of the greatest Abjurers of all time doing here speaking to me in the Astral Plane?" His tone was one of genuine curiosity as to what was going on.

Shrugging her shoulders, Cordelia was now munching on some strawberries that had appeared out of thin air. ”You’re the one that fell into my space, dude. I can’t give you all of the answers, can I? Just stare into the water or something and tell me what you see.”

Okay. That wasn't what he expected as a response. But he did as she said. He turned around, taking a moment to focus on the water. He wasn't quite sure what he was actually looking for. After a few minutes he shrugged his shoulders. "I just see myself. Sad old myself

Cordelia’s patience grew more thin with each passing second. With another huff, she turned her attention back on Carlisle. ”That right there is your problem. You’re absolutely insufferable, ya know that?” As she spoke, her head tilted slightly to the side in observation and disappointment. ”’Woe is me. I’m Carlisle. I don’t have a girlfriend. I’m so weak. I’ll never be a good leader,’” she mocked him. ”Cut the shit, man! You’re an Aston for crying out loud!”

"Can you blame me though? My own mother spent my childhood telling me that I was useless. She spent more time trying to figure out how to turn me into a witch rather than training me. The people who taught me weren't exactly Abjurers." Carlisle would turn back to look at Cordelia "I was always told that Warlocks were stronger than witches in their chosen field, but growing up, it always seemed like me and Lil were at the same level."

On abjuration, yes,” Cordelia stated matter of factly. ”I don’t blame you for your circumstances - but I do blame you for not rising from them and creating excuses for yourself.”

”I didn’t know what to do while growing up. And after college, I didn’t really figure out how to do anything useful. But I am guessing by your tone, you are about to change that. And it isn’t going to be easy, and you are going to enjoy it” Carlisle replied, standing up and taking a precautionary step backwards.

Rubbing her brows with her thumb and ring finger, Cordelia did her best not to flip out on the young man before her. ”I didn’t think it was possible to get a headache in death until I met you,” she grumbled. Standing up herself, the blonde stretched her arms over her head before looking at Carlisle once more.

”The thing about Aston women is that they’ve always been bitches, you know? I’d say it’s shocking the way that your mother has treated you - but it’s not. Multiple generations of your family have done the same to their children, and it continues to roll down hill. That doesn’t mean you all get to wallow in your own shit though.”

Cracking her knuckles, Cordelia held her hands out in front of her, palms facing upwards. Nearly no time had passed before a baseball sized orb had appeared in her hand - almost invisible, but still shimmering ever so slightly.

”First things first,” she stated, her eyes flicking up to meet his. ”Can you create a ward? Or at least a shield of some sort.”

Hearing about how Aston women were always like his mother. That was something new. That oddly gave him some solace. ”Wards? No, I had never been taught anything about wards. Shields though: Well I do maintain the Tanner Barrier. Well. Did.” With that he cast shield on himself, a faint blue aura-sphere surrounded Carlisle as he eyed up her shimmering orb.

Clearly frustrated once more, Cordelia's concentration broke as the orb in her own hands dissipated. ”How can you be so full of self-loathing and arrogance at the same time? Maintain is pushing it. The Tanner Wards only exist for as long as my bloodline does. You may have patched it - but not having Lilith help you was a serious mistake.”

Crossing her arms again, Cordelia took a moment to think. ”You know the basics, so I guess that’s something. Can you project your shield at all, or is it just a personal thing?”

”So, hang on. Even being a supposedly powerful Abjurer, I can’t make the barrier proper without the help of a Montgomery?” Carlisle asked, trying to ignore her comment about being self-loathing and arrogant at the same time. He focused for a moment and managed to project the shield, casting it so that it was protecting Cordelia instead. ”Yep. Nice and simple” He said with a smile.

”I’m sure that you could make a barrier just fine - just not the one for Tanner. The Montgomerys have been on this land since the dawn of time. If you want proper protection for Tanner - you need a Montgomery.” Observing him once more, Cordelia didn’t look impressed. ”How good is your control? Does it have to be a full body shield? Try focusing it into your hands - not touching you, just levitating. Like I did.”

”Of course I can do that” Calirlse focused on his shield and projected it infront of him, only being a meter tall and wide. Carlisle was quite proud of how well he was doing, but at that point the blue hued shield began to flicker as Carlisle was struggling to maintain control of his shield. ”Why is this happening? I never cast a shield on myself, it is always projected, why can’t I control it now?”

Focusing on her breathing, Cordelia took a deep breath in before slowly exhaling. ”Because you’re being cocky. Cocky and confident are two different things, and you lack confidence. Severely.” Hands now held behind her back, she did her best to give an encouraging nod his way. ”Try again. Focus on believing in yourself - not one upping me. You could never do that.”

"Okay, here we go" Carlisle refocused and projected the shield around him like before. That wasn't hard. He was used to projecting his shield like that. He would then try and repeat the same move from before, moving the shield infront of him and just infront of him. He would be able to hold it, it would occasionally flicker, but it was alot more stable. He just hoped that she didn't try to attack it.

Summoning a small flame in her hand, Cordelia tossed it forward at Carlisle’s shield - easily breaking through.

”You really have to do better than that,” she grumbled. ”Honestly - let me just spell it out for you. Learn how to project the shield. Put power behind it. Learn to grow the barrier and its power. Learn your power. If you want to break the curse, learn what I said, and then figure out how to project the proactive barrier over yourself. It should copy the curse, and you should be able to dispel it. I don’t want to give you a play by play, but you really are a pain in my ass, and if you spend too much time here it’s going to give you literal brain damage.”

It seemed that annoying Montgomery's was a special ability of his. The fact that Cordelia was able to easily break his shield so easily. He listened to her words, clearly she was trying to paraphrase as she probably wanted him out of her hair. "Okay, I get the idea. I will work on it. I will become powerful. I will become the strongest Abjurer in the world. Sounds cheesy, but I will do it" Carlisle said with a chuckle. "Abjuration warlocks are rare and Abjuration council warlocks, well, I think I have been the only one. So finding spellbooks to cater to that power, are impossible to find"

Slowly blinking, Cordelia shook her head in disbelief. She knew Carlisle had potential - she had seen it and discussed it with Lilith. However in this current moment, Cordelia wanted to banish him to Tartarus.

”For the love of the gods - talk to Lilith. She can help you and she has far more patience than I. Just because you’re a warlock doesn’t mean witch spells don’t apply to you. We all draw our power from the same place.”

"I know that" Carlisle said with a chuckle "It's just warlocks have a higher concentration of magic in a single school, whereas, witches have slightly less power but can dip into multiple schools and mix them up." Carlisle sounded pretty smug with himself. Not intentionally, but he liked to show off that he knew things. " Ima head back to the station before Charon sends out a search party or something. It was nice meeting you. I would say let's meet again, but that would mean I have to be dead again"

”Why are you speaking to me as if I don’t know things?” she questioned, glaring daggers at him. ”You’re being condescending and it’s another horrible trait that you carry from your lineage. You can regurgitate a textbook - that’s great. Stop being so conceited when you have nothing to be proud of. The Universe brought you here so that I could teach you and you have done nothing but be an ass. Your lack of personality is more tragic than your lack of magical capability.”

"I wasn't trying to be condescending" Carlisle defended himself. He was going to start commenting about how actually condescending that Cordiela has been saying that the 'universe' was doing things. But he didn't exactly want to get himself in anymore shit. He might be in the Astral plane, but he was fairly sure that Cordelia could still end him permanently. "Okay, I am listening. No sassy comments, no elitestism"

Waving a hand dismissively, Cordelia jumped to the rock across from where Carlisle now stood by himself. ”Hone your powers. Break the curse. Find your friends. Don’t be a douche. Now get out of here.”

Carlisle would watch her and seeing how nimble she was. He took a moment to relax and focused on trying to really structure his shield properly. He pictured in his head that he was focusing on that stream of water from before, trying to see more than his own reflection. It wasn't easy, and Carlisle was wasting magical energy and wasn't regulating his magical pressure at all. But he was able to cast a much stronger version of his shield. The bubble surrounded him as the blue hue was much stronger. "I am not going to lie, this feels nice, but weird. It feels like I am floating in water"

Watching his display, the blonde rolled her eyes and summoned a gust of wind, breaking through Carlisle's shield once more and knocking him down. ”We can literally do this all day,” she shrugged. ”But you have places to be and I have better spirits to chat with.”

Carlisle hit the ground and looked slightly dejected. He thought he had it that time. Getting back up he would nod to her and simply walk towards the exit. He stopped for a moment before turning back and looking back at Cordelia "Thanks for taking the time to talk to me. I know I can be a pain at times, but I mean well. I just don't know how to communicate" He gave off a meek smile before turning back around and walking back up the steps to get back to the station.

Arriving back at the station, Carlisle looked around. It seemed nothing had changed at all. He couldn't really get used to the fact no one was around. Charon was still sitting on the bench looking slightly pissed. Carlisle sauntered on over, looking slightly more confident in himself. "Well joke is on you, I know a way back now." He said with a confident smile on his face.

"That's cute and all, but do you actually know how to perform it? Cause if you can’t actually do it, then you are basically useless.” Charon commented non-chantly, crossing his legs as he leaned back on the bench, looking over at Carlisle.

”Well not exactly. But I have a rough idea on what to do!” Carlisle protested as he walked off towards the center of the platform. ”if you excuse me, I need to go and concentrate”. Reaching the center, Carlisle took a moment and inhaled, trying to relax. He closed his eyes trying to focus.

He was trying to copy the hand movements that Cordelia has shown him, trying to focus on his physical body rather than his astral one. It took many attempts. Far too many attempts than Carisle would have liked to admit. By the end of it, he was panting heavily, body hunched over from the sheer amount of force he was trying to pressure through. Eventually however he was able to focus on his physical body and began to cast the de-cursify wards.

Back in the physical realm Small symbols would start to form in a circle around Carlisle. Once they had full formed, there would a small flash of bright light form them, as Carlsile’s australia body got flung back towards his physical one. A second later, Carlisle was back. He lay on the basement floor, shivering, covered in sweat and his eyes, well, they looked like he hadn’t slept in weeks, as black rings and bags covered them. He felt so exhausted and weak.

Also, why did his face hurt so much? He rubbed his face as he looked at his surroundings. Slowly climbing back to his feet, struggling to maintain balance, Carlisle began to walk towards the basement exit. He hated this place and was petrified of it.

[Sugar and Spite]

_{A collab between @SouffleGirl123 & @HaleyTheRandom
Starring: Miles Price & Lilith Montgomery}

It seemed Delaney and Miles’ D&M went longer than Miles had thought, that or the coven were weirdly adept at fighting while drunk. When he and Delaney had reentered the temporary battlefield that had become of the main hall Lucien seemed to be far gone from the scene as were the werewolves who’s carcasses didn’t decorate the floor. His dark eyes scanned the scene before him, everyone seemed to be relatively ok but he didn’t really care about anyone else. Miles’ only had 2 things on his list; find booze to numb all that stupid introspection he was once again drawn into then find Lilith. Booze first, babe second he thought to himself, making a mental note of his list before wandering to the drink table. As he came closer to the table he’d come to make out Lilith standing by it. What luck! Both the items on his agenda in one go.

Despite their dwindling numbers there was still a good amount of bottles on the table, ripe for the taking. Miles poured himself half a solo cup of rum before downing almost half of it in one go. With the liquid courage quickly coursing through his veins Miles walks the small distance to Lilith. ”Y’know, baseball bats suit you,” he slurs, giving her right shoulder a squeeze.

After her encounter with Lucien, Lilith had stood in a daze as she watched him recall his small army and disappear into the night. Eyes still glued onto the scene in the backyard through the doorway, there she stood frozen. The rush of adrenaline was dissipating, leaving her alone with the mind and body numbing effects of anxiety and alcohol.

Mind still locked in defense mode, Lilith did what Lilith did best when someone randomly touched her - she attacked.

Quickly grabbing onto the bat once more with both hands, the brunette swung and connected with her target. It only took her a few seconds to realize she had fucked up.

”Oh my gods, Miles,” she shouted in shock. ”Dude, I’m so sorry! What the fuck - you can’t just - are you okay?”

In hindsight, touching a post-battle Lilith was probably far from wise but only hindsight was 20/20 and nothing said hindsight like a baseball bat to the gut. As she made contact Miles couldn’t help but let a guttural grunt escape him as he doubled over, dropping his solo cup in the process. The cup fell to the floor, the remaining of the light brown liquid sloshing at his feet. ”Mm-hm,” he groans, giving her a meek thumbs up from an arm wrapped around his now very raw stomach.

”When… I said… it looked good… on you… I didn’t mean… I wanted to be… a victim,” he replies, attempting to jest with the woman but the attack had winded him and the words struggled to come out. For what must have been the hundredth time that evening, he was glad the alcohol itself made him pink as he thought he might nearly die of shame and embarrassment in that moment.

As she watched Miles gasp for air, Lilith let the weapon disappear from her hands. The last thing she had wanted to do right now was hurt Miles - yet she had managed to do so. She could almost feel the cosmos laughing from above.

”In my defense, you can’t just walk around grabbing onto random drunk people,” she responded, doing her best to joke about the situation. ”You didn’t take any other blows tonight, did ya?”

”Most random drunks can’t-” Miles takes a sharp breath followed by a pained sigh leaving his lips. ”-can’t form a baseball bat out of thin air,” he defends. He straightens himself back up, eliciting a groan as his stomach is reminded of the blow. ”I, uh, that was really my first proper blow for the night. Guess I was due for a hit, hey? How are you holding up?”

Nodding as she looked him up and down from head to toe, she was glad to find that Miles didn’t appear any more injured than he already was. Turning her attention to the drink table, she began to make him another drink to replace the one he had fumbled. Reaching for the bottle of rum, she sighed. ”I’m fine. Pretty sure there’s some weird target on my back, but we’re Gucci over here.”

Taking a drink out of the solo cup herself before handing it to him, she rolled her eyes while being hit with another realization. ”And I guess someone has to go and see if dumbass is alive,” she grumbled.

”A target on your back in like a ‘the universe is mocking you’ kinda way or ‘there’s someone out to get you’ kinda way?” Miles questions, taking the new cup from her. He raises the cup in her direction before taking a drink from it himself. When Lilith mentioned Carlisle Miles choked on the tail end of his sip. For a while there he’d forgotten about Carlisle, or at least about his state frozen in place. Miles couldn’t help but hope he wasn’t privy to outside events or he would have a massive cheek bruise to answer for. Regardless, he did want to see his friend at some point. ”Want me to come with?” he offers

”Mostly the latter, still trying to figure out the former.” she responded, her brow furrowing as she spoke. ”I don’t think Lucien is finished with whatever that was, and his arrogance definitely isn’t finished with me,” she sighed.

Pondering over his question for a moment, a thousand small scenarios ran through the young woman's mind. Were here and Carlisle even still friends at this point? Had Lilith indirectly ruined his and Miles’s relationship as well? Would Carlisle even look at her as long as she remained - at the very least - cordial with Miles? Hell - was he even alive?

With a defeated expression, Lilith reached into her skirt pocket and fumbled around for the key to the basement. Shrugging her shoulders, the brunette nodded towards their exit.

”You’ll be a great buffer if he starts his shit up again.”

”Great, so I’m the human meat shield, I see how it is,” Miles replies with a chuckle, downing the rest of his drink. He gives a sigh before turning to the door. ”Alright, let’s hope he’s still sane,” Miles muses before leaving to accompany Lil to Carlisle's temporary cage.

You’re a lot more than that, Lilith thought.

Laughing at his comment and leading the way, Lilith bobbed and weaved through the crowd to get to their destination. Thankful that it wasn’t a long walk, she struggled with the door knob before finally unlocking it. Twisting the handle and going to push the door open, Lilith looked concerned as it barely moved and hit something behind it. Trying once more, she pushed up against it with her shoulder this time - putting more weight behind it. Huffing in drunken frustration, she turned to Miles.

”Can you try? I think the doors stuck.”

”Yeah, sure” Miles replies. He puts a bit of pressure on the door, finding it was indeed stuck. Odd, he didn’t remember anyone leaving anything on the top of the stairwell as they left after dropping off Carlisle. With a shrug he rams the door with his shoulder causing it to fly open and obviously sending whatever was behind it down a few steps, evident from the ]thump thump thump that echoed down the steps.

Carlisle had just reached the door to leave this cursed basement. It has taken him at least ten minutes to just climb the stairs. Every step felt like he had ran an entire marathon. Only to then have the door smash into him with enough force that he fell backwards and tumbled all the way down the stairs. With a heavy groan he lay on the floor. He was far too tired to even check for damage.

”Owwwwww”

It wasn’t until the yelp of pain echoed up the stairs did Miles realise what- or more accurately who- was in front of that door. He sucked in his bottom lip for a moment as the fact he had once again damaged Carlisle hit him. ”Oooooooo, sorry bud!” he calls down the stairs. At least Carlisle wasn’t dead.

Looking back and forth from Miles to the staircase, Lilith shrugged her shoulders once more. ”At least he’s alive, I guess,” she mumbled, beginning her descent.

Carlisle looked up and he saw Lilith walking down the stairs. ”I did it! I broke the curse. May have gone a little too hard though” He said with a soft cough, trying to sit up a bit. ”The astral plane is a weird place. I met so many strange people!”

Miles begins his careful descent down the stairs, being sure to remain a few steps behind Lilith lest he trips and slips down a couple. When Carlisle mentions breaking the curse Miles calls out a simple cheer, pumping the air with his fist. ”Good on you, Car!”

”Glad you managed to figure something out,” Lilith replied. Once she had gotten to the bottom of the stairs, she waited for Miles to finish walking down before taking a seat on the bottom step. Lilith was honestly in shock that she hadn’t fallen down the stairs herself, seeing as how her legs felt like drunken noodles.

’I’m just gonna come right out the gate and say it,” she began, throwing her hands up in the air before letting them fall into her lap. ”The barrier is fucked, and Victors cousin attacked the Coven.” Tilting her head to the side in thought, she narrowed her eyes. ”And I think the coven has a spy.”

Carlisle rubbed his head as Lilith spoke. Lots of words. His brain took a moment to process them. ”Alright… Thanks for covering. I will deal with everything from here” He tried to get back up, only to fall onto his knees. ”You know, I met some interesting people. I met this guy, called Charon. He is like the traveler who carries people from life and death.”

Lilith scoffed, blowing off the comment about how he said he would handle things. Miles took his place on the stairs right above her - something that oddly gave Lilith a sense of protection.

”That makes sense,” she responded to the half end of what he had said. ”You were almost dead, and he’s the Ferryman for the Greeks so….” Sighing once more, she continued. ”Look - if I’m being honest I really don’t want to hear about your travels. I just needed to see if you were alive for everyone else's sake.”

Hearing her words, even in his exhausted state, Carlisle could hear the lack of enthusiasm. He had almost forgotten how they had parted ways earlier. With a small sigh he looked at Lil. ”I know before I got frozen we were on… thin ice, putting it mildly. I was acting like a child. And in all honesty, it was such a dick move. Can’t exactly be a friend if you aren’t there for them” He wasn’t expecting it to gloss over what had happened, but it was at least a start.

”Charon showed me something as well. He showed me, you and MIles on the sofa in the sitting room, and how close you were getting. Not that it matters. You look good together. But you mentioned your grandpa. Is it true?”

Listening as he spoke, Lilith knew that Carlisle was trying to apologize in his own way - but she didn’t want to hear it. Honestly, if it hadn’t been for Miles, she would have just unlocked the door to the basement and walked away. Instead, she was now sitting on the stairs, listening to him ramble on about nearly pointless shit.
She had zoned out for a moment, focusing on the various items hidden in the shadows until Carlisle mentioned her and Miles. Her eyes flicked back to see him sitting on the floor - vulnerable and injured. He was an easy target at the moment - and Lilith would have had no problems striking. At his mention of her grandfather, Lilith glared at him. She knew how the Astral Plane worked, and that you often stumbled upon things that you didn’t mean to. Even still, she felt as though Carlisle had been digging in and snooping around in her life again.

”What does it even matter to you,” she snipped.

Sensing an even more hostile tone, Carlisle raised his hands in a surrendering motion to show that he didn’t mean any harm. ”Charon was trying to show me how happy you and Miles were together. And then you mentioned it. I am so sorry. I should have been an adult and been there for you. I know I have failed in the past. But if I can do anything to help in anyway, You just need to ask” He knew that in her current mood, there was no way that Lil was going to accept this. But He needed to say this.

”I also got to meet your great grandmother Cordelia. I can see where you get your…. Charm from” He said with a slight chuckle. ”She helped teach me more about my powers, and also gave me a few pointers about my personality and how insufferable I am. She also told me about how the universe had put you and Miles together. Found that really sweet.” He knew he was information overloading, but he really wanted to make sure that he was being as honest as he could be.

”The universe put us together, ey?" Miles echoes, looking between Lil and Carlisle. He'd silently been just listening to the conversation. This was more of Lil's conversation to have than his own and the alcohol was making him kinda spacey. In saying that, he couldn't help but be surprised at how well Carlisle was taking Lil and Miles reuniting but saying something about it now would only come across as gloating, and that was the last thing Miles wanted to do ”Look, that was a lot of information in one go, my head's kinda spinning and I'm not really a fan of this place so, uh, can we go back now? Do you need help up the stairs, Car?"

"No no it's fine. I'm fine. I can get backup the stairs myself. I did it once already. Need to go and give myself an energy boost and get the barrier back up and running." Carlisle mumbled as he began to try and get up again.

Lilith simply nodded her head in agreement with Miles. She had never had the chance to meet her great-grandmother while she was alive, but Lilith did know that Cordelia’s reputation preceded her in death. Normally she would have asked Carlisle how the whole interaction had gone - but she was far from in the mood.

”I agree. It smells like mildew down here,” she added, careful not to really respond to either of them. Ready for this conversation to be over, Lilith stood up herself and took a couple of steps so that she stood above Miles before turning around and offering a helping hand.

Carlisle would get upto his feet, using Lilith's assistance. He felt bad for actually having to take the offer of help in the end. He was starting to get the feeling he was nothing but deadweight. As he began to climb the stairs he tried to keep the mood light. "Well, I can give you a magic pro tip: Never try to break a curse on yourself while standing in another dimension. Turns out it is really exhausting and puts your physical body through hell" He tried to chuckle but winced as the motion hurt his ribs.

As Carlisle reached for her hand, Lilith recoiled. The helping hand had been for Miles - not him.

”I’ll do you a magic tip better than that one, Carlisle,” she quipped. ”Never ignore a diviner.”

With the hand being withdrawn, Carlisle leaned far too forward, nearly bowling forward. He managed to stop himself from doing that by holding onto the wall. He carried on walking slowly without the support. He could almost feel the venom coming from Lil and her words. It was clear she was having none of this from Carlisle. Was this what it felt like to be in the doghouse? "Yea… Yeah. You are right. Definitely" His earlier chuckle being replaced with a nervous stammer.

Before Miles could even take hold of Lilith's hand Carlisle grabbed at it. Even now he seemed determined to have Lil. Miles, who had remained in that step below, pulled himself up instead. He did feel bad for Carlisle but the man had turned down help, and Miles was sure the last thing Lil wanted now was him giving his friend that help. He flashed his friend an apologetic smile with a shrug before reaching his hand out toward Lil.

Taking Miles’s hand, Lilith held on to him for the rest of their climb up the stairs. Once they had reached the exit, Lilith turned to Carlisle for a brief moment. Her expression was one that clearly stated that she still didn’t want to be fucked with - but there was something else there too, something that even she couldn’t put her finger on.

”As the last Montgomery, I have duties to this Coven - and you aren’t going to keep me from them because of some spat. As much as I don’t want to, I’m going to go home and find Cordelia’s grimoire over the next few days. If you find out who the spy is - let me know. Do not hesitate to bother me with Coven matters.”

Reaching the top of the stairs, Carlisle’s stammer got worse. Every possible chance she got, Lilith was proving that she really didn’t want to know Carlisle. And it was hurting. Sure he deserved it, but that didn’t lessen the pain he was feeling. In a single day his whole life had been turned upside down. ”Um …. Sure…. Yeah I will let you know if I…um… find anything” He tried his best to smile, but his face was not hiding the pain he was feeling.

Giving him a curt nod, Lilith did her best to force a fake smile herself. ”Excellent. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Miles didn't dare say a word until the pair had left the basement and was somewhat safe from earshot, it felt less like a courtesy to Carlisle but so there was privacy in their moment despite the room before them being full of drunken young adults. ”So apparently even the universe ships us," he slurs with a chuckle, giving Lilith’s hand a squeeze.

”Not that I blame it, as you said yourself, you do adore me," he continues. Miles wasn't sure what to make of all this, he had far too much alcohol pumping into his veins for that, but even in this state he had enough conscious thought going for him to feel almost disappointed when Lil ignored his probing for what she had said about him back outside the house but she definitely had other things on her mind.

”That’s putting it mildly,” Lilith responded to both of his comments simultaneously. They were both far too drunk for Lilith to explain to Miles that she always knew they would end up crossing paths again. Lilith being Lilith, she wasn’t going to drop her guard - even now as she scrunched her face in playful disgust. ”You’re more tolerable than most - I’ll give you that much.”

Observing their surroundings, Lilith was met with the sight of the drinks table for the umpteenth time that night.

”Say - why don’t we take a few of those bottles that are left and find somewhere where people aren’t staring at us or trying to kill me?”

”Gee, what a downgrade,” Miles scoffs playfully, fidgeting with Lilith’s fingers in his hand. He watches as her gaze shifts to the drinks table once more. At her suggestion he gives a small nod ”Well, I know the barrier’s down but that sky’s looking real nice right now. If you can survive another bottle got for it, I’m way too drunk to know what to do if you pass out on me.”

”I might wake up tomorrow - I might not,” she joked, shrugging her shoulders as she closed the short distance between them and the table. Grabbing the last bottle of tequila, she turned back to him with a smile on her face as she laughed. ”And here I was hoping to seduce you. Dammit.”

Lilith let go of his hand just long enough to wrap her arm around his, locking on so that they both had support from each other to walk.

”Ya know,” she said thoughtfully, looking up at him. ”I never thought I’d say it - and it could just be the alcohol poisoning talking - but I’m kind of upset with myself for avoiding you all this time.”

”Only so much seducing you can do from six feet under. And only so much you can do with tequila. Maybe we’ll leave the seducing to me,” he jokes, winking as he holds her arm close to him. A small smile spread across his face. Home. He’d been trying to place the main feeling behind their past few interactions, it felt like he’d come home.

He starts leading Lilith to the door, taking in her words. He hesitated slightly at how to answer. It was less of a question of how to answer and more of a which answer to give. Instead he gives a shrug, ”Gotta say, I’ve never had someone try so hard to avoid me for so long before. Guess I truly am just irresistible,” he jokes with a chuckle. ”Really, though, I missed you,”

Still laughing herself, Lilith elbowed Miles gently in the side. ”Keep on, and I’ll never compliment you again.” Replaying the last of his words over and over in her head, she was glad that they were finally outside in the darkness as the heat rose to her face. Again - it could have just been the alcohol - but Lilith was going to chase this feeling for as long as she could.

”So where is it you’re taking me, exactly? Besides outside, obviously.”

As Lil jokes about never complimenting him again, Miles laughs. ”Ah, there's the LiLi I know and love," he responds. At her next question he shrugs. He hadn't thought that far ahead. ”Beats me, you know as well as I that I'm not that forward thinking. Just… away from the crowd," The pair walk a little longer before Miles nods at a patch of grass seemingly unaffected by the heat of the Summer just gone. ”There?"

Love. There was that word again - and it was the second time he had said it tonight. Walking silently, Lilith decided to blame everything on the alcohol again. There was a large chance that neither she or Miles were going to remember any of this when they woke up the next morning. Even still, she couldn’t help but to keep repeating it in her mind.

Love; What did that even mean?

As her gaze followed his, Lilith shrugged her shoulders and continued on their way. Once reaching their destination, she let go of Miles’s arm and promptly sat down on the grass below. Crossing one leg over the other, she cracked open the bottle of tequila and took a small drink before offering it to Miles. Looking up at the night sky, she quietly sighed.

”You were right. The moon is super pretty tonight.”

When Lilith passes Miles the bottle he takes a swig out of it before passing it back to Lil. His face scrunched up as the liquid swirled around his mouth and down his throat, he was never too fond of tequila but alcohol was alcohol. With that he falls back to lay on his back, eying the stars. He outstretches an arm, inviting Lil to lay on it. How he longed to feel the weight of her head on his chest once again.

Miles remained silent for a moment. In a way he seemed to be thinking to himself but Miles would claim he didn't really have any thoughts in that moment, until one popped in his head. One that made him chuckle, although that may haven't been the right response. ”So, Sunday night, how dead do you reckon I'll be now?" he asks.

With her eyes still glued on the sky, Lilith hadn’t noticed Miles lying in the grass until he had spoken. Seeing him stretched out, a small smirk formed on her face as she thought about his question and settled herself into place. She hadn’t been this close to Miles in a long time, and she didn’t want to do or say anything to scare him away. Placing an arm across his torso, Lilith sighed for the first time tonight in relief.

The truth was that Lilith was terrified of how other people would react when they found out about whatever there was between her and Miles again. She knew that her grandfather wouldn’t be happy about it, and the Coven was an issue all in itself. Not to mention that the way Carlisle had already acted was already bad enough. Laying there listening to his heart beating, Lilith’s brow furrowed. Why did it matter what other people thought?

”Well… hopefully not dead, but I don’t think gramps is going to let you off without a speech at the very least.” Taking a moment to think, it was now Lilith’s turn to laugh. ”You know, I’m pretty sure the only thing that’s saved you all this time is your mom.”

As soon as Lil had made herself comfortable on his chest he instinctively wrapped his arm around her, a contented sigh leaving his lips. His other hand remained tucked under his head and his eyes remained fixed on the sky but even with a couple of inches of distance he could smell Lilith’s hair. Was it Miles’ imagination or did it still smell exactly the same as it did almost 10 years ago?

At Lilith’s closing comment Miles chuckles softly himself. ”There’s probably been a lot of times she’s the only reason I’m alive, honestly. I mean, she said yes to Sunday dinner so there’s little your gramps can do now I guess. My only saving grace the past decade is that they get along.” he says gently before looking down at Lil who was holding him close. He readjusted his head to free his other hand and played with her hair. ”Probably the only reason I was somewhat safe from your wrath too,”

”Hey now,” she jested. ”I only ever got mad at you when you did stupid things like trying to get yourself killed.”

Feeling his fingers in her hair, Lilith closed her eyes momentarily - just soaking in the moment. Miles’s scent of leather, bourbon and musk. The way that the heat radiated off of his body. The thudding of his heartbeat, and the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. How could she have been so stupid to think she didn’t still have feelings for him? Here she was, always on her high horse, acting as if she knew everything - when she didn’t know jack shit.

”You don’t think that this… whatever it is… between us… you don’t think I’ll ruin it again, do you?” Alcohol and anxiety now speaking for her, she rolled her eyes in frustration.

Way to kill the mood, dummy.

”Well you'll be proud to know I've gotten better-" he says defensively before mumbling ”At doing the same stupid things,"

Miles enjoyed the silence a moment, a small content smile sat on his face as he kept his eyes on the sky once more. If he was being honest he wasn't sure what this was, what they were. As much as he wanted to believe his proclamation of still loving Lil was enough and as much as he knew their 'drunken words, sober thoughts' mantra had substance he was unsure if it would be enough. He wanted to freeze this moment; Lil lying in his arms under a beautiful night sky with booze to share. At least he'd know Lil was really his, he wasn't sure if either of them would remember enough to be back to lovers in the morning.

That was when Lil spoke up. ”You?" Miles questions, furrowing his brow. The hand that was once massaging her head was removed as he surrounded her with its arm, pulling her slightly into an embrace. He gave an elongated sigh, he wanted to think that talking about his past of cheating was going to be easier now that he opened the jar with Delaney but admitting you messed up to the victim of your ways was a whole new hurt entirely. He didn't want to bring back more bad memories for her. He didn't want to risk losing her again.

”I don't think you were ever the one to ruin us," Miles muses, his voice starting to become shaky despite the stoic mask he was attempting to keep up.

Lilith focused on her breathing and doing the absolute best that she could to keep herself from crying again. It was true that Miles had put them both into some really shitty situations. Even still, Lilith was sure that she had made those situations worse in the end. She was an angry sort - and she knew that too. It was one of the things she hated most about herself.

”Yeah - but I pushed your buttons. Sometimes it was an accident, other times I did it on purpose. You chose to do what you did, but I also chose to stay. I could have reacted better - or not at all. More importantly, I put expectations on you that I knew you could never live up to. And I’m not saying that to be rude it’s just -” Lilith paused for a quick second to catch her breath, not realizing how quickly she had been speaking. ”I can’t keep expecting people to give the same love that I do. It just ends up hurting me and them.”

Propping herself up on her free hand, Lilith reached across Miles to pluck the bottle of tequila from his other hand.
”Hell, Miles. I dunno. Maybe we’re both to blame.”

As Lilith readjusts herself Miles moves his free arm. He remains silent for a moment, pursing his lips. The temptation to just kiss her and take away all her words was overwhelming. Or to fill her with compliments that although were true were to push her away from her talking of uncomfortable things. Old habits die hard. Instead, he waited for Lilith to be done before propping himself up and taking a swig of tequila from the bottle himself.

”Maybe, and this isn’t to discount what I did to you, but maybe we were just dumb teens who didn’t know what they were doing,” Miles responds, taking another sip of tequila, his face scrunching up at the taste once more as it burnt down his throat. He needed all the filterless truth serum he could get to get through his thoughts. ”Look, I don’t know what this is or what it should be or whatever. I just… look, all I know is today made me realise I missed you so much more than I ever thought I would. I know that everytime I tried to have anything with anyone it was just never the same, it just didn’t feel right because it wasn’t you,” he hands the bottle back to Lilith before flopping back on the ground. ”But I also know you deserve someone who’s going to give you the same love you are, you shouldn’t settle. I want to say I will but I’ve betrayed your trust many times before and I’m really way too drunk to be making judgment calls,”

”I’m not asking you to be something that you’re not - just like I’m not asking it of anyone else. I don’t want you to make any decisions, or try and fix my bleeding heart or any of that other dumb shit just…” Taking another drink from the bottle, she looked at him lying there on the ground once more. ”If by chance either of us remember any of this tomorrow - just don’t make me look stupid for trusting you again. Please.”

Miles gave a sigh, rubbing Lilith’s shoulder. How much did he even trust himself to not go and mess this up again anyway? Less than he was willing to admit, that’s for sure, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to do all he could. It may have been the alcohol thinking but in that moment he decided he didn’t want to be the same person he was in their relationship all those years ago. He rolls onto his side, his face only inches away from Lilith’s. ”That is the last thing I want to do,” he replies gently, pressing his forehead against hers.

As his words settled into the night air, a small chill ran up her spine. For the first time in a long time - she actually believed him. Looking into those brown eyes of his, Lilith could have sworn her heart was beating louder than the bass coming from the speakers indoors. She was too wrapped up in physical emotions to form any cohesive thoughts, so she chose to act on instinct instead. Closing the extremely short distance that was left between them, Lilith chose to kiss Miles for the second time that evening.

There was once again silence between them for a moment they looked into each other’s eyes, sharing a single alcohol fuelled breath. Soon Lilith’s lips were on his once more, the tequila tasted so much more sweeter on her tongue, even bearable. His free arm wrapped around her, pulling her in closer as he lost himself in the moment once more, closing his eyes. Yes, this is exactly what his heart had been waiting for; her soft lips pressed against his, the warmth of shared breaths, the feeling of her hair between his fingers. He never wanted to let go- and he didn’t intend on loosening a single grip until one of them finally pulled away.

When eventually that time came he readjusted his arms to pull Lilith in tighter, planting a kiss on the back of her neck in the process. ”Y’know, mum’s on the night shift if you wanted somewhere to be tonight,” he says, kissing the top of her head before setting his chin on her scalp.

While Lilith had known that Miles would kiss her back, she wasn’t expecting it to be like this. Every touch made her body feel more and more like a live wire. She could have stayed in that moment forever - wrapped up in Miles’s arms and their own little world. Lilith had never been one to drink bourbon or rum, but the combination of the two on Miles’s tongue tasted like what she imagined heaven felt like.

She wasn’t sure which of them pulled away first - reminded of the need for air and the fact that they had human needs such as breathing. As Miles pulled her closer, Lilith wrapped her arms around him in her own embrace, letting the moment linger. His words pulled her from her thoughts, snapping her mind back into reality.

”Miles Price,” Lilith laughed. ”What kind of girl do you think I am?” she teased him. And then after a split second of silence: ”Can we make pancakes?”

”One who adores me. Or the girl who tried to seduce me only half an hour or so ago” he teases, moving his head down to kiss her neck once more before curling some loose strands of her hair around one of his fingers. At Lilith’s question Miles laughs, returning to his original position and pulling her back in. ”We can or I think there’s some of mum’s cookies left in the kitchen if you’d rather,” he offers

Once Miles had repositioned, Lilith had gently buried her face in his chest. ”Either way,” she muses. ”But I don’t really know how we’re gonna get there.”

”I’m gonna hazard a guess that you won’t get in the car with me if I’m driving right now, would you?” he muses, resting his cheek on Lilith’s head, taking in her scent. He’d never liked tequila more. ”I could always get us an uber?”

At his words, Lilith pulled away long enough to scrunch her face up at his first question.

”If I saw you anywhere near a car right now - I’d probably fight you,” she half-joked before settling back into her comfort zone. Lilith had all but forgotten how safe Miles had always made her feel - especially moments like this where they were intertwined. It was nice being this close to him again. ”If you can remember how to work the app right now, because I think anything on a phone screen would look like Latin to me right now.”

”Please, I’m practically an expert at the drunken uber booking. I just… uh… I need my arm back,” he says. In all honesty he could have easily slipped one of his arms in their embrace but he didn’t want to move. Part of him wanted to just live in this moment forever, just him and Lil, alone, together in each other’s arms. Eventually though he was able to reach for his phone and, after spending way too long trying to get his fingers to tap the right letters, managed to book them a car. ”Let’s get out of here,”

As Miles rightfully reclaimed his limb, Lilith huffed and pouted drunkenly, still keeping her face buried against his chest so as to not be blinded by the phone light. Once she had heard those magic words, Lilith climbed to her feet. ”With pleasure,” she sang, offering a helping hand to Miles.

Miles takes Lilith’s hand with a smirk and pulls himself up. He scoops up the bottle of tequila from the ground and hands it to Lil before throwing an arm over her shoulders and leading her to the driveway.

[Hedgehawk]

---

_{Location: Coven Household}

^{Time: 9:05PM}

---

The party certainly did drag on. In Fact it reminded Kirstie of the parties she attended back at college. She was always on the sidelines. Back at High school, she was used to being the life of the party. Everyone who was anyone would want to be near her. They would all be competing for her attention. Even those who hated her. Tonight however, no one seemed to be as much as batting an eyelid to her. It was almost as if everyone had forgotten High School had existed.

She had always felt vulnerable in the coven. None of her old entourage were a part of it. So she would bully and boss her way at school, and then come here, on her own. Turns out people are much more likely to defend themselves when it is a one on one situation. Kirstie walked over and picked up a bottle of vodka, popping off the lid she necked some of it neat. With a cough she put the lid back on the bottle before trying to integrate herself into the party. However she noticed that people wouldn’t bite back and talk to her. Whenever she tried to say more than a sentence, people seemed to just turn their back. Okay. She saw how this was. You go away for a while, and people think they can forget who you are and the power you wielded?

But how to fix it? Normally she would make an example out of someone. Plot some kind of prank or rumor that would eat away at her target. But for some reason, at this party she was drawing blanks. Lilith was the obvious target. She might have gone away to college, but the raging desire to knock that bitch down a peg or two still burned within her. If anything it had gotten worse since now she had pulled into the coven. This was always Lilith’s domain, and High school had been hers. Now with no more High school, the balance of power had been decidedly shifted. Kirstie was starting to feel like more of a caged animal.

Kirstie was about to start her ramage and find Lilith. However she was abruptly stopped when she saw Lilith enter from the garden seemingly guiding a group of people who seemed to be holding an oddly frozen Carlisle. Everyone seemed to be gathering in the dining room and despite her overwhelming urge to smack Lilith, she refrained from doing so. Something was clearly going down. It didn’t take long however for things to truly kick off. The coven was accosted by some male and a bunch of werewolves. Kirstie had kind of regretted not being here earlier in the day so she would be caught up. It seemed that everyone had the fight on hand. Kirstie hung back, picking up an empty bottle of gin and holding it just in case someone tried charging forward towards the back of the group. In a few minutes, the fight was seemingly over and the group had retreated. Everything seemed to simmer back down again.

But everything was awkward now. Did you carry on with the party? Or is that the end of it? Her eyes once more fell onto Lilith, who was now going into the basement. Five or so minutes later they emerged once more and Lilith was in tow with Miles. Lilith had decided that she had enough of the party.

”This party fucking sucks” She said aloud. Quite loud actually. But she didn’t care if anyone heard her. Carlisle didn’t know how to throw a fucking good party. This felt more like a junior school prom than an actual social party. With that little tantrum, Kirstie stormed off out of the household, back towards her car. Opening the door she turned on the engine and revved it, not caring if she was slightly drunk while driving, before taking off and driving into town, looking for an actual bar to get pissed in.

[Hedgehawk]

---

_{Location: Coven Household}

^{Time: 09:10PM}

---

TRIGGER WARNING: SELF HARM
Carlisle was exhausted, shattered, tired and completely out of it. While he had been trying to put on a brave face for Lilith. He wanted nothing more right now to curl up into a ball and go to sleep for a very long time. He watched as Lilith and Miles walked away together. A sigh escaped his lips. He didn't know what to do or think regarding the Lil and Miles situation. His brain had been overload with information over the past few hours, and his poor brain was in no state to process it all. Hearing Kirstie's exclamation about how lame the party was just caused Carlisle to sigh heavier. He wasn't in the mood to deal with her.

"When you are all done partying see yourself out. I will deal with everything tomorrow" Carlisle declared to the rest of the party goers. He then began staggering off towards the stairs, leading upto the second floor in the entrance hall. If a gone tried to speak to him or see if he was okay he would just wave them off. He didn't want to know right now. Unlike healies, there was nothing to deal with rapid exhaustion. He was going to need to rest. He could deal with the barrier tomorrow. Right now there wasn't enough energy in his tank to be able to do anything magical.

It was a slow and steady climb, and Carlisle looked to be struggling as he held onto the handrail as if his life depended on it. Well actually. It kinda did. He would stumble into the master bedroom. His new Coven bedroom. It was a nice little suite. He then moved forward and climbed onto the bay window to the side of the bedroom. It gave him a nice little view of the front of the Coven. From here he could look out onto the stars and the treetops. He used to sit here as a teenager when he needed to unwind and relax. It was a safe space for him to ponder and reflect. And boy did he have alot of that to do.

There was no more denying it. He was broken. Lil and Miles was the final item that had destroyed the fragile and vulnerable psyche that was Carlisle's mind. He was in two minds: He wanted to be happy for his two best friends. But at the same time he wanted to scream and demand that Lil loved him back. He wanted his happiness. He was fed up with being second best to Miles. But Miles had sacrificed so much for him. At least in Carlisle's mind.

Before he could ponder more, his eyes drifted downwards. They settled on two people lying on the ground and staring at the stars. Once his eyes made out the forms of Lilith and Miles kissing, his heart hurt again, feeling like it was shattering in two. That should have been him. He should have been making out with Lilith and enjoying the stars. Yet here was, sitting alone in his bedroom, barely hanging onto his life. He was a failure. He was a fuck up. He was such a fuck up that his own best friends had decided to leave him alone when he was at his weakest. He couldn't blame them. But if Lil or Miles had eyes as black as the void and struggled to climb the stairs, he would have been there the entire time. Regardless of what happened before hand.

A lone tear ran down his cheek. His broken form curling up more into the fetal position as he struggled to keep looking out the window. He was both repulsed and enthralled by looking at Lil and Miles getting comfy. His brain really couldn't figure it all out. With a whimper, and another tear, Carlisle watched as Lil and Miles went off into the night. Pressing his forehead against the window pane, Carlisle began to bawl his eyes out. Whimpers, became howls, the music from below hopefully disguising his emotional weakness.

It hurt. Why would it not stop hurting? How did he make himself feel better? His hand gripped the opposite wrist and he began to dig his nails into the skin. The pain he felt caused him to lightly gasp. It hurt, but it felt good. It felt right. This was his punishment. He deserves it. He would keep pressing harder, nails pushing into the skin as his head still stayed resting against the window. He just kept applying more pressure, until a lone, tiny speckle of blood began running down his arm. He gave a heavy releasing exhale. Did it make him feel better? A little bit. Was it enough? No.

And this was the duality of Carlisle, he wanted to be there for his friends, while also caving their skulls in. He couldn't decide which path was the right one. And he wasn't sure that he wasn't ever going to be able to. The only thing he could think of, was that he was certainly to blame for it. Everything was his fault. Wiping the blood stain on his shirt, he moved over to the bed and collapsed on it. His thoughts are still running around his brain like super cars. Does it ever get easier to deal with? Rejection? He pondered. He couldn't change the outcome of tonight. Lilith had rejected him. He was going to have to learn to deal with it. But not tonight. Tonight he wanted to have his moment. Have his paddy, and release his emotions. Pulling his legs to his stomach as he lay down across the entire bed, Carlisle rested his head awkwardly on a pillow and once more began to cry. He would continue this for a good hour, before eventually the exhaustion kicked into overdrive and Carlisle cried himself to sleep. In a household full of people: Why did he feel so alone?

[Hedgehawk]

_{A collab between @Hedgehawk & @HaleyTheRandom; Featuring Zach & Erin.}

Zach had too much to drink. Matter of factly, he couldn't actually remember what he had done at the party. He drank, he knew that. But he couldn’t quite recall doing anything else. He had a bit of a walk around, discovered what the commotion was out in the garden. Carlisle had ended up getting frozen, and the barrier had fallen. Fantastic. While the other males had offered to help or had been conscripted by Lilith to help move Carlisle, Zach had decided to very much not do so. Carlisle was a liability and to be perfectly honest had it all coming. He had been a drain in college and yet again here at the coven, he was a drain once more.

Naturally everyone seemed to be going back into the household, leaving him alone in the garden. Taking one more swig from the whiskey bottle he let out an audible sigh as he realized that it was empty. He casually tossed the bottle into the bush as he made his way inside to join the rest of the gaggle. It seemed everyone had congregated into the dining room. In getting Carlisle to the basement, everyone now had seen what had happened. It didn’t long however for things to really kick off, and those werewolves turned up. Zach was in no state to fight. The full bottle of whiskey was now starting to kick in properly. He attempted to stagger forward, trying to create a physical barrier between the werewolves and some of the females of the group.It was his odd way of trying to be helpful. Thankfully none of the werewolves even got close as several coven members went forward and broke free.

Eventually the Werewolves retreated and Zach lowered his guard with a rough pant. He needed more drink, or perhaps, maybe, a pillow to lie with. He knew it was going to be hard. Nearly every girl here was aware of his antics. That was the one thing he missed about college: The female pool was bigger, and it was easier to swim in and pick up new fish. Here however, he was going to have to really let off his charm. He scanned the room for people to work over, and his eyes rested on Erin. Now that would be a catch. He would saunter on over to her, pressing his body up against the nearby wall before looking over to her. ”Well, that was something. Once again, Carlisle somehow manages to ruin a party.”

Today had been an absolute whirlwind for Erin. From arriving to New York, to kidney punching a werewolf - the mere thought of any of today's events gave her a headache. As the crowd dispersed, Erin soon found herself alone as Delaney disappeared to find Rowan, and Serena was probably off flirting with some girl.

The blonde had made her way over to the drink table, doing her best to find something to drink. How she had ended up being one of the only sober people here this evening astonished her. As her eyes settled on a half bottle of Rum, Erin scrunched up her face in disgust while grabbing on to her consolation prize. She had acquired a taste for the alcohol after being friends with Delaney for years - but that didn’t mean that Erin enjoyed rum. Pouring some into a solo cup, Erin retreated to one of the corners of the large room before propping herself up against a wall and beginning to observe the scene around her.

She had been one of the lucky ones when it came to the fight. Most of her friends had jumped into battle, leaving Erin to fall back and protect some of the younger Coven members. She had gotten a few bumps and bruises, but it was nothing compared to some of the injuries others around her had seemed to acquire.

A familiar voice broke her away from her thoughts, her eyes falling on someone she definitely did not want to see.

”Seriously?” Erin scoffed. ”You really couldn’t come up with a better opening than that?”

Zach for a second didn't know what to say. It was like his brain stopped working. A moment later, he finally piped up. "Sorry." He half mumbled half slurred. "I forget most people didn't have to experience college with Carlisle. It was interesting. Always hanging off Miles side like a lost puppy" Zach let off a chuckle before taking the final sip of Whiskey from his solo cup. He then sighed softly "You did good tonight. With the Werewolves, and that other girl, whatever her name is"

The more that Zach spoke, the more Erin drank. She allowed the liquid to burn in her throat, rising with the anger swelling inside her chest. Zach was an absolute dog. While Delaney may have wanted to act like she had forgiven and forgotten - Erin wasn’t so big on taking the high road.

”Hayden,” she replied simply. ”Her name is Hayden, and you’d do well to get to know her and the rest of your Coven members names, honestly. ‘Would help if you showed up for a meeting from time to time, hm?” she questioned him, looking him up and down as if she was sizing up her next target.

Well this wasn't going how he planned it. He knew he was out of practice with the trip back and everything, but drunk girls normally swooned over his bad boy vibes. He popped open the new bottle of whiskey and took a deep swig. He watched Erin drink the rum before raising his own bottle.

"I was moving back in, only just managed to get everything in place. Parents didn't want me cramming up their place so I had to come back from college and find my own place right away… So that's her name…" He would hold out the nearly full bottle of whiskey infront of Erin " Have some whiskey hmmm? Better than that rum crap you are drinking. Still, I forgot how badass you can be when protecting people. Everyone things that Serena is the bad girl and Erin is the Softie innocent one. But when it comes down to it, Erin got those vicious powers" He said with a slight joking chuckle.

Completely bewildered as to why Zach had even dared to approach Erin of all people, she quickly snatched the bottle from him - realizing that she wasn’t drunk enough for any sort of conversation with him. As she pressed the bottle to her lips, the blonde took a large sip and nodded her head in recognition towards his compliment. Surely he wasn’t expecting their conversation to be all sunshine and rainbows.

”What is it that you want from me, exactly,” she questioned him, a storm brewing behind her blue eyes. ”You don’t really expect me of all people to welcome you back with open arms, right?” she continued on, taking another drink from the bottle and adding one more thought as the liquid sloshed. ”Especially after what you did to Cupcake.”

"Well, I know what I want"He said with a suggestive smirk "Always liked taller women" Hearing the rest of her cements though, Zach let out a small sigh. He really wished he kept the drink now. He could have used a stiff shot right now. "Look, it's not my fault that she got hooked on the good stuff. I made it clear from the start, I don't attach to people, I do what I please. That's her problem. You want a one night stand, I am your guy. Anything deeper, go find someone else"

Zach smirk made Erins skin crawl, her knuckles turning white around the bottle of whiskey as he continued to choose his words poorly. ”You’re expecting that from me?” she questioned him in shocked disgust. ”Please get out of here before I fuck you up worse than Kolbys whore.”

"Woah, calm down a bit girl. I think all the fighting has gotten you wound a bit. Take another drink and relax. You have been through a lot tonight. You just need to unwind" Zach would change his tone to a disarming one. He was trying to be careful here. He didn't want to totally blow his chance. "I am just trying to say that I think you are a beautiful girl and you deserve some relaxation. And I am here to help with that. Why should Serena be the one to have all the fun?"

Fighting back the urge to gag, Erin quickly raised the bottle and swung it at the side of Zach’s head. She had had enough bullshit for one night, and was tired of him piling it on. It was a little out of character for her to be so volatile, but honestly she had thought the world would have been better off without Zach for a while now.

Zach let out a yell as he felt the bottle smash into the side of his head, sending shards of glass everywhere and dousing him in the remaining alcohol. He leant against the wall, holding his head. "God damn it woman. What the fuck is wrong with you!?" He let out a low growl, having to resist the urge to try and swing at her. He wasn't that kind of person, even if he had just been embarrassed. "... You have no idea what you are missing out on"

As a pleased expression appeared upon her face, Erin let the remaining glass fall from her hand and onto the floor with the rest of the broken bottle. Zach should have known by now that Erin didn’t make empty threats. Why he had kept pushing her for sex of all things she’d never understand. He had to have lost the remaining brain cells he used to have at college. She knew that Zach would never swing - but deep down, she really wished that he would.

Shrugging her shoulders, Erin wiped her hand clean on her dress before taking a drink from the previously acquired solo cup in the other. ”Oh please,” she mocked him, her voice sour. ”I wear heels bigger than your dick. The only thing I’m missing out on is syphilis.”

Zach had his fair share of rejections. It was par for the course. But for some reason this one hit harder. He had always considered Erin an easy target to pick up. Compared to the rest of her extended family, Erin had always come across more as the loner type. This shouldn't be happening. This was embarrassing. Raising his hand to the side of his head, he ran his fingers along the impact site, using them to shift glass shards out of hair, as well as seeing if she had managed to draw blood. After pulling his fingers away he could see the tips of them now covered in crimson. It wasn't thick, but it was enough to signal that he had been hurt. "Please, you haven't had dick this good in your life. If I was so shit why do you think Delaney kept begging for more"

”This conversation is over,” Erin retorted, turning away from him and attempting to weave through the crowd. If Zach kept going down his current path, he’d have a lot more to worry about than a concussion.

Seeing Erin try to walk away, Zach would reach out and attempt to grab Erin by the wrist to hold her in place for a moment. "You are making a big mistake, girl. You don't want to walk away from any of this" He would then let pull on her wrist to try and bring her back.

Feeling the grip around her wrist, Erin yanked her arm from Zach's grasp. Quickly turning back around to face him, she balled up a fist and hit him on the same side of his head as the bottle - aiming specifically for the temple this time.

Sharply inhaling through her teeth, the blonde tried to shake the pain out of her hand, watching him slump to the floor with another smirk on her face.

Delaney would be proud.

/

[Sadie]

_{A collab between @Sailorsadie & @HaleyTheRandom
Featuring Delaney & Rowan}

Stumbling out of the alchemy with Miles, she wiggled her fingers at the man as she walked into the main area of the Coven. Her weary and drunken mind had already forgotten about the werewolves. Looking for more rum, she moved over to the party table and found one almost empty bottle left. ”Finally. Delaney grabbed the bottle and downed the rest of the contents. She wanted to block out the fact that maybe their lives were headed for such deep shit now that Carlisle was cursed and the barrier was down.

Though, she did wonder if her makeout session with Rowan would be honored. She grumbled as she set the empty bottle down, reaching for another one. ”I did my deed. Now for my reward..” With a smirk, the girl went off in search of her hunky dunk.

After the attack from Lucien and his werewolves, Rowan had done the best that he could to remain cordial with those around him. He understood his duties as a healer, but sometimes the responsibility pissed him off - especially when he had much better things to do. He didn’t want to think selfishly, or make his fellow Coven members feel like he didn’t care about them - he did.

However, in all honesty, there was only one person that he cared to check up on right now.

After helping a young red haired man, Rowan rose from where he was knelt on the ground to take a look at his surroundings once more.

That was when he spotted her nearly dancing her way across the wooden floors, bottle in hand.

Delaney. His Delaney. His woman.

Was it strange to think of someone as yours when you had no claim to them to begin with?

Right now he didn’t care. They had both nearly just died. Carlisle was cursed, the barrier was down, and he was drained from healing others. He deserved something good in this life.

Quickly closing the distance between them, Rowan wasted no time wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her as close as he could before burying his face in the top of her head.

”You’re okay,” he breathed.

”Oomph.”

Delaney barely had time to react when an arm snaked around her, slamming her into a wall of muscle. She blinked and hiccupped before settling as she heard his voice. Burying her now healed nose against his chest, she inhaled his scent and beamed. His statement about her being okay confused her. Why wouldn’t she be okay?

Giggling, she pulled back only enough to look up at his face, a huge grin on hers. She shrugged her shoulders. ”Of course I’m okay!” Delaney giggled again before continuing. ”I was just looking for you!”

She lowered her voice to a very loud whisper as her face turned as serious as it could in her drunken stupor. ”I punched a werewolf in the face.” Her nose scrunched at the thought. ”Damn, my life is weird.”

It suddenly dawned on her that maybe he wasn’t okay. Delaney blinked and pulled back more to inspect him. ”Did they get you? I’ll kick another werewolf’s ass if they hurt my hunky dunk.”

Watching her expression and paying attention to the jokes that Delaney had made, Rowan's worries seemed to fade away.

”Yours, eh?” he chuckled, watching her inspect him from head to toe. ”I’m fine. Couple of the younger kids got banged up, but it could have been worse - they could have come prepared with actual numbers. But –” His gaze falling to the bottle in her hands, he shook his head, ridding it of all of the negative thoughts. ”It’s over now. I have much, much better things to dwell on.”

Delaney nodded along as he spoke before bringing the bottle to her lips, taking another swig. She didn’t necessarily want to drink anymore, but the drinking hid her fear. The barrier was down. Werewolves were getting in. What else could come through and terrorize their little town? The thought made her take another sip.

She perked up at his last statement and she beamed before looking back up at him. ”Yeah? Like what?”

Crossing his arms across his chest, Rowan smiled down at her. ”If I remember correctly - I think you and Lilith struck some sort of deal back there before all this shit hit the fan. I always like to make sure that the winners get their trophies, ya know.”

Delaney scrunched her nose at his statement before her muddled brain brought everything together. The make out session. Her eyes widened a bit before looking back at him. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she watched him. ”That’s right…A little makeout sesh with yours truly.”

She blinked once more and tried to shake away the rum that was now floating in her bloodstream. ”That’s uh, you know. If that’s something you want too. All about consent over here.”

Continuing to watch her, Rowan's smirk never left his face. He wondered if he ever saw her the same as he did; wild a free, an absolute force of nature to be reckoned with. Hair like sunshine, and eyes as blue as the sky on Sunday morning. At her mention of the ‘make-out sesh’, he silently laughed and quickly followed it with a roll of his eyes when she went on to explain.

”Woman, if you don’t get your ass over here –”

With Delaney being so close to him, Rowan decided to wrap his left arm around her waist for the second time, his right hand gently cradling the back of her head as he dipped her towards the floor before planting a kiss on her lips. He preferred whiskey over rum any day - but on her lips? He swore he’d never tasted anything sweeter in his life.

”Consent is hot. You are hot. But please do not ever hesitate to kiss me. Ever.”

As they both stood back up, Rowans eyes fell to the bottle of alcohol in her hand once more. ”Bring your prize and let’s go.”

Delaney was stunned as she was dipped back, but then the world fell away when his lips met hers. Her free hand came up to cup the nape of his neck as he kissed her. But then his lips went away long before she was ready. She blinked up at him and her legs turned to jelly.

Huffing out a breath as they both stood back up, she had to blink away the dizziness from her eyes. Damn alcohol. She didn’t know what to say to the man. He had kissed her. He actually liked her! Delaney beamed up at him and bounced a bit on her heels. Right then and there she was determined to kiss him whenever the hell she wanted. Rowan was hers and he just had to deal with it.

She held up the bottle and smirked at him, her brows wiggling. ”Alright hunky dunk. Where are we going? Your car? Your place? Can’t really go to my mine, I still live at home.” Her nose scrunched as the alcohol continued to make her ramble. ”I can try to sneak you into my place. Ugh, I really need to get my own digs. Living with my parents is wholly inconvenient.”

Hunky Dunk. Rowan didn’t think he would ever get used to being called that, but he didn’t mind. It was her nickname for him, and he would gladly take it if it meant he had somewhere special in that heart of hers. As Delaney rambled off her list, he took the moment to think.

”My place,” he responded. ”I can make you a nice pasta or something like you like, and then we can stare at the stars or some other romantic shit.”

Her face immediately brightened as a huge grin stretched across her face. Delaney leaned into his chest as she smiled up at the tall man. Her drunken brain was still a bit muddled, but she was becoming sober by the minute. ”Aww, so it’s like a date?”

With a smirk, she tossed the bottle onto the ground, not caring where it ended up. Carlisle could clean up after the party for all she cared. She took Rowan’s hand in hers and gave a slight nod. ”Let’s go have a date, hunky dunk. And I’m so cashing in on those kisses you owe me.”

[WolfLover]

_{Collab between@WolfLover and @duskshine749}

Aurora Newman & Daniel Cooper

---

Recoiling from Lucien’s mind trick; Aurora stifled a slight groan to the pounding in her head. As quickly as it came, it seemed to go. Albeit left her head tingling with an unpleasant sensation for a few seconds. Watching as Victor’s cousin retreated with his little army. The smug bastard clearly wasn’t prepared for his little attack; as he opted for running away like a little coward before the coven could finish off his werewolf army. Whilst everyone seemed to be going about their business again. Aurora was met with another painful sensation in her shoulder.

After pouring herself a fresh cup with a drink of her choice; this time opting for Gin and Tonic. Aurora made her way towards the alchemy lab so she could grab a healing potion, her drink in hand. Sipping on it, whilst walking. It was around that moment that she saw Carlisle heading out of the attic. Relieved that Carlisle seemed to be alive, there was no denying that he looked like hell. He had been through a lot tonight. It indeed had been a rough night for members of the coven; especially those that took a hit or two. Aurora could only hope that Lucien wouldn’t be too eager to visit them again any time soon; especially after how easily the coven had handled the werewolves. Then again, they had luck on their side with a lot of the coven members being here at the party.

As she entered the lab again; her eyes instantly began to scan through the shelves of varying potions.

Daniel and Cait went their separate ways, and after all the adrenaline left his system, Daniel realized he was in a lot worse shape than he originally thought. Checking his chest it was still wet with blood, not to mention his shirt was basically in tatters. He removed what was left of the shirt and left it in a large garbage bag that had other waste from the party, mostly red solo cups. With that taken care of Daniel’s next order of business was to get this wound on his chest taken care of before it got infected, and for that he would need a healie.

As he made his way to the alchemy lab Daniel had some time to think, another downside of being off his adrenaline high. What was he going to tell everyone? Was he even going to tell them? He had to, not doing it would be the coward's way out. But he wasn’t going to announce that he had betrayed the coven tonight, everyone had already been through enough for one day. Most people probably had no idea that there was a traitor, they probably figured it was just a stroke of bad luck, or good planning on the part of Lucien without the need for someone on the inside. At any rate, Daniel would want to tell Carlisle and Lilith some time soon. He might as well get Serena there too, have all the possible coven leaders hear his confession and decide on his punishment.

He entered the alchemy lab and was surprised to find Aurora there. Then he realized that was a dumb thing to be surprised by, lots of people were probably banged up in the battle. It made sense that someone would probably be in here trying to heal up. ”Hey Aurora, some night huh? How are you doing?” He kept his tone casual, he needed to keep his head, Daniel didn’t want to ruin anything else tonight.

Just as she found the reddish coloured healing potion; the sound of Daniel’s voice snapped her attention. “Oh hey Daniel.” Aurora greeted, with a slight sigh. Nodding at his comment. Looking towards the doorway fully to see him looking in a pretty rough shape himself. The sight of his bloodied and clawed chest made her brows crease with concern. “Are you okay? That looks pretty bad.” Grabbing the potion from the shelf, she handed one to Daniel before grabbing another one for herself. “Indeed, it’s been a shit show.” Not mincing her words; it was the truth. Aurora certainly wasn’t expecting the night to go this way.

Placing her drink cup onto one of the benches. Aurora then opened up the small vial that contained the healing potion. “Bottoms up.” With a small cheers motion. Aurora downed the potion. Making a face of disgust as odd flavours danced on her tongue. Not sure if it was the fact that she had drunk some alcohol a few moments ago, or if the potion tasted just that hideously gross.

“How’s Cait doing?” Aurora asked. Knowing the younger witch had run off when the Werewolves struck. Which is why Daniel no doubt took after her in the chaos.

”Ya, it feels about as bad as it looks. Thanks,” he took the vial from her and raised it as she did before drinking it. He could feel its effects immediately, touching his chest it already felt better. Now he needed a new shirt but that could wait, he was fine being shirtless, plus he still had blood on him, any shirt would just get dirty right away.

Daniel chuckled seeing Aurora’s face after drinking the potion, ”you’d think they’d find a way to make the taste better. Maybe it's an incentive to not get hurt, then you don’t need to taste how bad it tastes.” He conjured a mudshake and used it to wash down the potion before answering her question, ”Cait’s okay, if a little shaken up. I did my best to keep her safe, guess I’m paying for that now, such is the price of chivalry.” He finished his drink and vanished the bottle, ”how did things go with the rest of them? I guess we won, I saw that Carlisle is better, I’m really glad about that. I’m not sure how I’d-” Daniel stopped himself before he said more, ”well, I’m happy he’s okay.”

Aurora wasn’t sure what it was that made her look at him more closely. Maybe it was alcohol? But for the first time in her years of knowing him, she noticed how well toned his chest was, despite all the blood covering it.

“Who knows. I don’t think these things will ever be made to taste good. It definitely gives a weird taste with alcohol still lingering on my tongue.” Aurora sat down on the bench and picked up her drink again. Hoping that the more alcohol would eventually wash off the weird taste on her tongue. As she listened to Daniel, Aurora could understand why Cait must have been shaken up. Especially in a situation like this, with them getting attacked. “You both got out alive, I am sure she’s thankful.” A soft smile on her lips. Sure, most of them did end up getting hurt, but luckily it wasn’t worse. “Oh, Lucian and the rest of them run off like a couple of scaredy-cats. Most of them were pretty badly injured; so I guess it counts as a victory?” She spoke with a slight shrug. Not sure what to label it as, to be honest. “I am not sure we're out of the woods yet though. The barrier is still down. So for now, I guess we’re more vulnerable. Hopefully Lil and Carlisle can have the barrier up again when he’s feeling better.”

As they spoke about everything, Aurora noticed the slight pause in his words. Raising a slight eyebrow. “You’re not sure how you’d…what?” Prompting him. Trying to read his expression, Aurora wasn’t sure what could be bothering him. But it clearly was something. “I can tell something’s bothering you. You know, I am here if you ever need someone to lend a listening ear, right?” She gave him a soft reassuring smile.

Daniel summoned another tea for himself and drank as he listened to Aurora recount how her end of the encounter had gone. It sounded like things had gone as well as they could, that made him feel better, but only marginally. When she brought up how the barrier was still down he looked away from her, it was all just too much. She caught on that something was wrong, and he really shouldn’t tell her. But she was just so kind and caring, and Daniel was so tired of it all. He looked up at her and saw it, that damned smile, it nearly broke him. ”It’s all my fault,” he looked away once more when he said it, and he was so quiet he would have been amazed if she heard him.

His shiftiness was very noticeable to her eyes. As she sipped on her drink, her brow creased slightly. She saw his lips moving, but the words were hard to make out. “I am sorry, what? I didn’t catch that.” Doing her best to think of what he could have possibly said. Did he say something along the lines of something being his fault? If so, what was his fault?

He looked back to her, tears welling up in his eyes slightly, ”I said it’s all my fault. It’s my fault the barrier came down. It’s my fault Carlisle nearly died. It’s my fault everyone was in danger tonight. All of it is because of me, I’m sorry,” Daniel nearly collapsed into a chair and put his head in his hands as he sobbed gently. ”I’m so sorry, I let everyone down.”

As Daniel looked at her again, Aurora caught sight of his teary laced eyes. It was enough to break her heart. It wasn’t a look she was used to seeing on him. “What do you mean, it’s all your fault? It doesn’t make any sense Danny.” Moving closer towards him, Aurora wrapped her arms around him in a soft embrace as he broke down. Hating to see him so upset and torn up about the entire situation. Rubbing up and down his back in comforting strokes. “It’s not your fault that Victor’s cousin is a dick.” Doing her best to comfort him, in the situation. Whatever it is, I am sure we’ll find a way to resolve it.” Not knowing the bombshell he was about to drop on her in the next few seconds.

Daniel sniffled, trying his best to keep his voice steady, Aurora’s arms around him helped him stay calm, ”I’ve been texting with Lucien for a few months. He told me Victor was in danger, and to do what he said to keep him safe. So I did, I gave him little updates about things. He had me give Lilith something. And through all of that he somehow cursed Carlisle.” He wiped his eyes and sniffled some more, ”gods I’m so stupid, how could I fall for such and obvious trap, stupid Daniel” Berating himself helped a bit, he deserved to be punished, but it wasn’t enough, he was still guilty of his crimes.

With him confessing everything. Aurora found herself a little speechless. Her mind going back to the skirmish with Lucien. She swore she heard him mention something about the coven having a spy. But didn’t think he was serious, to her it sounded like an empty threat to try and shake up the whole coven. But now everything was starting to make full sense in her mind. Dan messed up. And badly at that. A small part of her wanted to be angry with him, for not thinking that something weird was up when a stranger was texting him. If it had been her; she would have seen red flags all over. Aurora knew Daniel was more sensible than that usually. It was a moment of bad judgement on his part. Really bad judgement. But she couldn’t blame him for thinking that Victor had been in danger. “That crafty son of a Bitch.” Mumbling to herself. Aurora downed the rest of her drink to try and ease her nerves. Feeling the liquid tingling the back of her throat.

“You’re not stupid. It was a mistake, people make mistakes.” Aurora spoke in a softer tone once more. They were lucky that no one had died because of this incident. It could have been much much worse. But it still wasn’t right what had happened. “You have to talk to Lil, Carlisle and Serena before they find out somehow first. If anything, they need to hear it from you first hand.” Knowing that it probably wouldn’t come easy; but telling the truth was better than keeping it a secret.

”My mistake almost got people killed,” Daniel grabbed Aurora’s shoulders and looked down as he shuddered, she was really keeping him from fully falling apart right now. ”I knew it was sketchy, he never said his name or anything, I was just so scared of losing someone I cared about again.” He let his hands drop from her shoulder and looked up at her sadly, ”what if Carlisle didn’t get better? Or someone was seriously hurt and couldn’t be healed? That would be on me. I know it didn’t happen, but it could have, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive myself.”

Daniel sighed, while it was nice to tell someone, Aurora wasn’t the one who needed to hear this. ”I know I have to tell the others, I just didn’t want to make tonight any worse. I want to give Carlisle some time to recuperate before he exiles me from the coven.” He let out a slight chuckle, but there was no humour in it. ”You know, out of everyone I could have had this breakdown with, I’m glad it was you.”

As he gripped onto her shoulders more tightly, Aurora gave him a gentle squeeze of reassurance. Not even caring that she was looking a bloody mess right now; as some blood had smudged off from Daniel and onto her dress. Her dress had been ruined anyway. She understood his fear. “You’re not the only one scared of losing Vic or anyone else that you’re close to. We’re all scared of losing those we care about.” Aurora’s eyes filled with sympathy and understanding. The sad look on his face tugged at her heart-strings. “I know, things could have been much worse. But it’ll only cause more distress thinking about the what if’s of the situation.” She said honestly. “Everyone made it out alive, that’s what matters the most right now.”

Her brows slightly furrowed in concern. “You really think Carlisle would kick you out for getting manipulated by Lucien?” Aurora didn’t think that anyone in the coven would be that cruel. Sure, they would be angry with him. But kicking him out seemed too…final. Too cruel. “Whilst I do understand your worry about not making tonight worse. But trust me when I say, that you keeping this away from the others will only get worse, the longer you keep it away from them.” She didn’t want him to get into more trouble, if he decided to keep it bottled up for weeks before coming clean to everyone else. Especially the 3 main people that he needed to. A soft smile formed on her lips as he spoke about her being there for him. “You’re welcome, I guess. I am always here, if you need to talk. She indeed was always glad to help out anyone who needed her help and advice.

”You’re right, I’m just getting in my head about all this, I still feel awful, but talking has me feeling a bit better, thanks again Aurora,” Daniel hugged her then a moment later remembered he was still bloody and let go. ”Oh gods, I’m sorry, I got your dress all bloody. I mean, you still look great, but I hear blood is hard to get out,” Daniel didn’t mean to let out he thought she looked good, but it was too late now. He faked a yawn and covered his mouth to try and change topics, ”anyway, I’m pretty tired after everything, I should probably get going.” While it’s true he was tired, Daniel thought he should go before he made more of a fool of himself.

As much as she wished that there was something she could do to help him from feeling so awful; she knew the rest was out of her hands. The rest was up to Daniel. “I am glad I could at least help a little bit.” she spoke softly, as she returned the hug. Aurora didn’t mind the closeness, nor did the blood bother her. Hearing his apology she shook her head lightly. “It’s okay, Lucien ruined the dress already with his fire-ball earlier. A little blood’s not gonna change that.” As he complimented her on looking great despite feeling like a huge mess right now, she felt her face grow warm. Before she could really question that comment, or respond she noted his yawn. Fighting the urge to yawn herself; fake or real for that matter. “I am pretty beat myself. I should head home. I’ll catch you later. Have a good evening, well what’s rest of it I suppose.” Aurora’s goodnight a bit awkward, as her mind recalled his compliment a few seconds earlier. Still feeling a bit flustered to say the least. As they parted their own ways for the evening, she grabbed her belongings on the way so she could call herself a cab to head back home for the night.

[SouffleGirl123]

Catherine, Victor
& Caitlin

A collab with @Inertia and @Wayward

---

Cat had never seen Victor angry before let alone full of rage as he was now. It would be frightening if she didn’t know him well enough to know this was out of character for him. She’d spent the fight on the sidelines, delivering healing to those who needed it but she tried to stay close to Victor. He seemed to have a personal stake in this fight and she wanted to be ready to heal or hide him if things really went south. She’d been unlucky enough to take a couple hits from the wolves but luckily they weren’t horrible wounds.

As the remaining adversaries fled Catherine’s eyes flickered to her friend as she worked on healing the scratch on her right shoulder, leaving the one on her left arm for after. She closed the short distance to Victor as she did so. ”Well, that’s gotta be the coolest thing I’ve ever seen you do,” she half jokes, nodding to his canine victim on the floor feet before them. ”Really, though, are you alright?”

Victor was still seeing red. He would’ve chased Lucien down to the ends of the earth but he stopped himself as he looked to his fellow coven members. His eyes landed on Catherine and then to her wounds. It was like a bucket of water had doused his rage. “No, I’m- I’m fine. Rather, are you okay?” He replied with a strained voice. “I didn’t mean to get anyone else- the coven… involved with my family’s issues.”

At the sound of Victor’s pained voice Catherine’s face drops slightly, she hated seeing the man carrying this on his shoulders. ”Hey,” she replies gently, placing the hand of her now fully healed right arm on the man’s shoulder in an attempt to comfort him. ”It’s fine, we’re all ok. Just bruises and cuts, ok. We’re all gonna be fine.” She stays silent for a moment, taking her hand off of the man’s shoulder to heal her other wound. Many questions plagued her mind, it seemed she knew a lot less about Victor than she was led to believe. Regardless, she didn’t want to overwhelm him with a barrage of questions. ”When you said you had family stuff I didn’t realise it was this intense. Who is he?”

“That was my cousin, Lucien Crowe. Next in ‘line’ to becoming the head of the Crowe’s.”

The walk from the library back to the foyer felt longer than it was. For Cait, it was a welcome feeling, allowing her to shake off the experience and reflect on what she had done. Slowly, trembling legs steadied and her breath eased. By the time she reached the end of the corridor she had found her center again.

She stole a glance at Daniel before he split off; he seemed to be harder on himself than he needed to be. If there were anything more to it though, Cait wasn't about to go digging.

Now alone, Cait looked out into the foyer, spotting quickly the person she most. It wasn't exactly an ideal circumstance for reconnecting with a friend. But it was still something, or so she figured.

"Hey, Vic. You good?" She approached calmly and casually. "That was some Sub-Zero shit right there, she spoke with a slight shake in her voice, and nodded at the frozen husk of a werewolf still lying on the floor. She looked at Catherine, whom she had seen healing a wound from across the room. "Catherine, yeah?

Victor let out a breath, calming himself even more as Cait appeared. “Hey Cait.” He said with a low voice, “Good to see you come out of that attack seemingly fine. I am really sorry about this whole thing. I didn't mean for any of it. I didn’t think they would go this far.

Catherine's head turns as her and Victor's conversation was cut short by a new voice. She long led to know more about the Crowes, there seemed to be more interesting there than she could ever imagine. At Caitlin's question Catherine dipped her head in a nod ”And Cait, right?" she questions. Her eyes flicker to Vic, this would be a conversation for later it seemed. ”You looked pretty cool out there,”

"I… did what I could.Cait's eyes circled about and fell back on Cat and Victor. She nodded to Cat. "Got lucky to not get banged up. Wouldn’t have gotten through without Daniel though; I think he took some hard swipes though. She nodded out toward the other Coven members.

Victor’s expression twitched as Cait mentioned Daniel’s wounds. As far as he was concerned, anything the Crowe’s did to his Coven members was on him. He didn’t voice this thought, however.

"Gotta say, Vic, your cousin's quite the piece of shit. But i guess you already knew that better."

“You don’t know the half of it.” Victor chuckled hollowly, “And now that he knows of you guys, he won’t let go. It’s like I cursed you guys with that douche Lucien.” He thought back to their childhood, Lucien was almost like a brother to him back then but something changed. “Lucien wasn’t always like this. If I had to guess, his family did something to him. Not that I am making excuses for him, he deserves something for what he’s done.” Victor surprised himself. He didn’t like opening up about his family, but he feels like his fellow Coven members deserve to know, given how they’re entangled with the Crowe’s now.

Catherine noticed as her friends face twitched at Cait's comment but she pursed her lips and said nothing, instead waiting for Victor to say his peace. ”Think they come back? We're really not in a state to go chasing after them right now," She looks around the room of dwindling numbers. 2 of the council members had disappeared now which would hardly help. She worried her bottom lip with her teeth for a moment, looking between Cait and Victor. ”Look, Vic, this isn't on you. You can't help where you come from. I'm pretty sure it was you saying that to me a few years ago,"

"Yeah." Cait agreed with Cat's last comment. "And for what it's worth, we all know you're nothing like they are."

A smile crept on Victor's face, a burden off his shoulders realizing his friends wouldn't abandon him. A nagging fear, that. “... I think we should reconvene with the rest of the Coven members. Let's hope they take the meeting of my blood family as good as both of you have.”

[SouffleGirl123]

_{A @SouffleGirl123 & @HaleyTheRandom collab; Featuring Mary & Lilith.}

As the morning sun peeked through the blinds, Lilith yawned, reaching her arms above her to wrap them around the pillow that her head rested on. Taking a deep breath in, the young woman quickly noticed a few things in her pre-awakened daze.

First and foremost was the pounding sensation in her head. Next was the scents surrounding her - familiar, but not the ones of her own bedroom. She couldn’t hear the morning news on the TV, nor smell of pancakes being made on the stove. The realisation was enough to startle Lilith’s eyes open as she was met with the scene of painted walls and carpeted floors.

”Fuck,” she breathed, starting to put the puzzle pieces together in her head.

Sitting up, Lilith fumbled around the bed trying to find her phone.

That was when she spotted the pile of clothes beside the bed.

”Fuck”,” she hissed again, giving herself a quick once over. It only took a moment's notice to realise that she was wearing Miles’s t-shirt. If she wasn’t in her own room, wasn’t wearing her own clothes -

Glancing around the room once more, Lilith shouted one last ”Fuck!” before immediately regretting it as her head began to throb.

Doing the best that she could to collect her jeans off the floor, Lilith fished her phone out of her pocket before putting on her pants. She had multiple missed calls from her grandfather - no doubt that he was pissed. Notifications for multiple social media platforms danced across her screen, confirming what she already knew - last night had been one for the books.

Sitting back down on the bed, Lilith unlocked the device and began to scroll through her most recent photos, doing the best that she could to remember the events from last night. She barely had a moment's notice before her stomach flipped, making her jump up from the bed. Muscle memory took over as she raced to the bathroom, quickly slamming the door shut behind herself.

Mary had just returned home from her night shift and swung open the front door to immediately be greeted with the slamming of another. She didn't have to investigate, she already knew it'd be the bathroom. Although Miles seemed to rarely need to spill his guts the morning after a party anymore it would still happen on occasion.

"Mi-" her callout was quickly cut off as a simple No floated into her head from her divination magic. Whatever poor girl he dragged back with him? she thought back at the voice. Her divination just felt like a game of 20 questions most days.

Yes The word seemed to miss something, as if there was something more to that yes. Mary sucked in a breath as it seemed to immediately hit her. Lilith?

Yes

Mary gave a sigh, dropping her bag by the door and making her way to the bathroom. She wished she could say she was surprised but with all the workarounds to keep Lilith and her son separated she expected to either find Lilith in his bed or Miles half-dead eventually. She just didn't expect it to be so fast, or honestly for it to be the first option. She gave the bathroom door a couple of hard knocks. "Lilith, sweetie? Can I come in?" she calls in through the door.

Behind the closed door, Lilith was sitting with her legs pulled up to herself, her arms resting on her knees as she buried her face in the dark corner she had created. Thoughts ran through her head at a mile a minute, only making the splitting headache that she had worse. She had half a thought to just sit there for as long as she could until she heard the knocks, quickly followed by the sound of Mary’s voice.

If Lilith wasn’t currently in the situation that she was, Mary’s presence would have been more than welcomed - just like always. For now, however, Lilith reached up to open the bathroom door before re-burying her face.

”I think I fucked up,” she groaned.

Mary took a step back as the door slowly swung open revealing the rather pitiful sight of Lil on the bathroom floor, face lowered at the ground. It caused a knot to form in her stomach, she hated seeing Lilith like this. She gave Lilith a half-smile. "Darl, I love you but I ain’t sitting on the bathroom floor with you. I’d never get up,” she half jokes, keeping her spot in the doorway. That was when Lilith finally spoke up. "Well, is someone dead, dying or pregnant?” she asks.

As Mary spoke, Lilith put all of what little energy she had into getting herself up off of the floor. She would have fallen over if it hadn’t been for catching herself on the sink. When Mary had finished speaking, Lilith began laughing. Tears threatened to spill from the corners of her eyes as she tried to catch her breath.

”Actually, yeah,” she managed to get out between manic laughs. ”Carlisle and I’s friendship is six feet under, and gramps is goin’ right down with it.”

With so little words Lilith had seemed to overload Mary with information. She took a moment to just process all of it, blinking a couple of times as she wrapped an arm around the young woman’s shoulder to stabilise her. "Let’s- uh- let’s get you some coffee and an aspirin first,” she says softly, trying to not let the effect Lilith’s announcements had on her.

She remains silent as she directs Lilith across the hall to the dining room, the question of her statement about John nagging at her. As she pulls out the chair she failed to hold it in any further and quietly asks "What’s happened to John?” her voice small, moreso to hide back emotion more than anything else. She knew it was a fruitless endeavour with Lilith’s empath abilities yet she tried all the same to quell her fear in anticipation.

Focusing on putting one foot in front of the other, Lilith had finally stopped laughing. The feeling of shock still lingered in her bones, but at least she could act composed again. Sitting down, the young woman took a strong interest in the pattern on the table cloth. Watching Mary move around was a difficult task.

”He um…” Lilith hadn’t expected to break the news to Mary - especially like this. ”He has stage two pancreatic cancer. Said he’s been driving back and forth to Seattle so you wouldn’t know.” The thought made Lilith half-smile before slipping away. ”They offered him chemo, and he told them no. He said that he doesn’t want to fight it… and that I shouldn’t fight him about that.”

Mary exhaled a sharp breath. She suspected something had been amiss with her godfather but she never put a finger on it, nor did she expect it to be this bad. "Asshole," she mutters under her breath. Starting a pot of coffee, she used her back being turned to her advantage to let stray tears run down her face. That man had been a second father to her her whole life. After her parents returned to North Carolina he'd been the one watching Miles and making the meals until Claire moved to Tanner. That fact that she was going to lose him stung. The Montgomery clan seemed to be slowly dwindling in size and Mary wasn’t sure how much more of their losses she could take.

After taking a moment she composed herself, wiping the tears from her eyes as she pulls 2 mugs and a packet of aspirin from the shelf. Juggling them all to fit in one hand she grabs the pot in the other and carries it all to the table. After the coffee is poured she takes a seat before Lilith with a sigh. "And what did you do so wrong to wind you up on my bathroom floor in a fit?"

While Lilith was grateful that Mary hadn’t pushed the subject of her grandfather, her stupid empathy powers couldn’t help but pick up on the other woman's emotions. Feeling Mary’s sadness was enough to make Lilith start crying too. Quickly wiping her face while the older woman opened the cabinet, she began picking at the skin around her thumbs as anxiety settled in.

Coffee and aspirin were more than a welcomed sight right now, and Lilith gratefully helped herself to both. Taking a sip of her coffee, Lilith crossed her legs in the chair with a sigh of her own before turning her attention to Mary.

”So last night, Carlisle threw this welcome back party or whatever for the Coven members because morale was low when we met yesterday morning. It started earlier that day, because Carlisle tried to confess that he had feelings for me or whatever, and then here comes Miles out on the veranda and there’s this whole conversation where he’s all like ‘I miss you Lili’” Lilith began on her ramble, doing the best Miles impression that she could. With a deep breath, she continued on, still talking rapidly. ”So then because of those awkward ass moments, I went home and told gramps that Miles was coming to Sunday dinner, and we argued about that and I ended up drinking so he drove me to the party. Then shit happened and I wound up kissing Carlisle and telling him I didn’t feel the same way. He freaks out. I throw the bottle of the tequila I just drank at his head. At this point it's getting hazy, but I do remember me and Miles drinking on the couch and me telling him about John… then something about the barrier falling and Carlisle dying but not really dying. Also something about werewolves. Next thing I know, I wake up pantsless in your son's bed.”

With another sigh, Lilith raised her mug in a sarcastic cheers like fashion before taking another drink of her coffee, waiting on her second mothers reaction.

As Lilith talks Mary nods her head between sips of coffee just trying to pick up the barrage of information coming her way from Lilith’s mouth. "Well…” she says simply, trying to figure out what response to give as she was left almost wordless in the information overload. She wasn’t even sure if she picked up on it all. "Sounds like you had the hell of a night,” she takes a sip of coffee as she mentally shifts through all the information again.

She had questions, so many questions, but she knew barraging a hungover Lil with them probably wasn’t the best thing to do right now. "Ok, so how are you holding up? Any wounds?”

”None that I’ve noticed, really,” Lilith replied quietly, still trying to piece together the parts of the night that she remembered. ”Mary. How do you know if you have alcohol poisoning? Because I’m pretty sure I drank way more than I was supposed to last night.”

"Darl, if you had it bad enough you’d be in a gurney in the ED corridor by now. Why, how much did you drink?” she asks, taking another mouthful of coffee.

Taking a moment to think, Lilith sorted through her memories and did the best math with what information she had. ”A few shots with John… the bottle I had while talking to Carlisle, and I think I drunk at least another half bottle while talking to Miles?”

As Lilith recounts the amount of alcohol she drank the night before Mary couldn’t stop herself from spitting all the coffee in her mouth out in shock, a couple of coughs escaping her after. "I’m sorry, you- what?!” she splutters looking the girl over. She seemed fine. Hungover and emotionally wrecked, sure, but fine. "Child, how the hell are you still standin’- well, sittin’- right now?”

Unable to stop herself from laughing, Lilith took another sip of her coffee while shrugging her shoulders. ”No idea, honestly,” she replied, a small smile still lingering on her face as she reached for her phone.

Scrolling through the notifications once more, she couldn’t help but sigh. She had messages from anyone and everyone - all except for Miles.

”Do you mind me askin’ if you’ve heard anything from Miles this morning?”

Mary just looks over Lilith once again, shaking her head with a scoff. "You Montgomerys never cease to amaze me,”

As Lilith asks about Miles, Mary pulls out her own phone and looks at her notifications. Nothing. Not that she expected anything. "Nah. Take it he hasn’t sent a word to you? Knowing how these mornings go he’ll be on autopilot mode most of today anyway, you probably can’t count on a message,”. She purses her lip before taking another sip of coffee. The question that played on her lips became too hard to contain anymore. "What exactly is goin’ on between you 2? I ain’t your pawpaw, if you get back together you ain’t getting a talking to from me I just want to know. Are we still avoidin’ or what?”

Watching Mary reach for her phone, Lilith couldn’t fight the giant knot growing in her stomach. Did she even want to hear from Miles? Why did she care if he had messaged his mom or not? This was just a one time thing, right? Some weird glitch in the matrix? As Mary confirmed what Lilith already knew, the girl nodded her head in silence.

Notch in the bedpost routine. Got it.[ she thought.

With another sigh and the shake of her head, Lilith answered Mary’s question.

”I don’t know what this is,” she grumbled. ”I don’t think I’d have any problems seeing him around, and he is coming Sunday, after all. We have to work for the Coven…” Catching herself as she noticed that she was thinking out loud, Lilith rolled her eyes at herself. ”I don’t want to avoid him - I never did. I was just scared of what would happen if we saw each other, and well… now we know. So no,” she added with a laugh. ”I’m relieving you from your guard duties.”

Mary gave a soft chuckle at Lilith's words, topping both of their mugs up. "For what it's worth, he does miss you." For as much as they had hurt each other in the past, a selfish part of Mary had always hoped Lilith and Miles would find each other again. It'd sure make her life a hell of a lot easier but she also knew Lilith brought out the best in Miles.

”Thanks,” Lil said as Mary filled their cups. ”I think it’s reasonable to say that we could be friends again, if we tried. Don’t know about much else, but…” Shrugging her shoulders, the young woman sipped another drink of coffee from the mug in her hands. Replaying Marys words over in her head, Lilith’s mind ran wild. What would have happened if things hadn’t happened the way that they did; what if Lilith had followed Miles off to college?

”I’ve missed him too. I know that might be hard to believe with me avoidin’ him and all, but it’s true. No matter how many other guys I liked, I always found myself comparing them to Miles n’ such. My mind always seems to drift back to him, in one form or another.”

"I know. You've been pining after him just as much as he has you for as much as neither of you would admit it," she says, sipping her coffee. "Does your paw paw know where you are or should I be expectin' a call soon?"

As Mary’s words settled in, Lilith’s face burned red. ”He was expecting me home last night… hasn’t heard anything from me. I have a couple missed calls myself, but my head hurts way to bad to hear him yell at me right now.”

"Want me to tell 'im you were feeling sick as a dog so I picked you up on my way home? I can fix you some breakfast, pop on a movie, whatever will get you over the hangover,"

Pondering the thought for a brief moment, a small smile crept across the young woman's face. ”That would honestly be perfect. Thank you Mary, really.”

[Hedgehawk]

_{By@Hedgehawk & @SouffleGirl123}

The day after the party, Carlisle had spent his time cleaning up the coven household and trying to get everything back to a sense of some kind of normal. His day was a fairly solitary one. It gave him some time to reflect on his ideals and some of what had happened on that party night. He had decided to stay the night in the Coven once more. He was far too exhausted to risk driving, and his mother surely had a million and fifteen questions that needed answering. He couldn't be doing with it.

That next morning, life seemed to be coming back normal to the Coven. People were coming in and out, going about their business. Even if Carlisle didn't wake up until eleven in the morning. He still hasn't changed out of his party clothes, the speckles of blood from his nose had now fully dried on it. Leaving the bedroom he shuffled across the landing to go to the bathroom when he was interrupted by a loud screeching voice. One. He was familiar with:

"CARLISLE ASTON!"

Looking over the banister, Carlisle saw his mother looking up at him, a look of rage pasted over her face.

"GET DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW"

With a soft sigh, and the roll of his eyes, Carlisle turned on his heels and began to the process of carefully walking down the stairs. He was being careful not to stagger forward and fall down the stairs. Once reaching the bottom Carlisle was greeted by the look of his furious mothers face.

"Where do you think you have been? Did you really think that I wouldn't hear about what happened at the start of the week?" It was clear that she was furious. Carlisle didn't help matters by simply groaning at her statement.

"Mother everything's under control. We dealt with the issue."

Mary Price stood in the coven’s alchemy room eying the very bare healing potion racks, she’d heard about the fights that had happened the couple of night before but she didn’t think so much of the stock would have been drained. Although she was no longer an active member of the coven now she had passed the torch along to her son she made a point of dropping into the house at least fortnightly to check on the potion supply, someone had to keep that room stocked and she knew it wasn’t Amanda’s priority. She carefully placed pink bottles with haphazardly scrawled labels on the shelves. Her handwriting had never been the best but that was why she colour coded the bottles and left guides around the room, it wasn’t her fault if no one read them. She was halfway through shifting her stock when she heard a shrill scream she knew all too well, the one of her old leader. Mary herself had had that same scream directed at her quite a lot, not having any qualms standing up to the woman’s authority in their time in the coven. With a sigh she tucked the bottle in her hand back into her bag and, leaving it in the room, made her way up to investigate the yelling match going on outside.

"Amanda Aston,” Mary greets the woman from the doorframe between the dining hall and the reception room. A slight southern drawl coated her words, a memento of formative years in North Carolina long gone. "Y’know it ain’t proper to be yelling at your young’un like that. Leave the poor kid alone, he’s been through enough this week,”

Amanda was just about to say something when from nowhere a third voice interjected. Amanda's face dropped. Somehow her face had managed to look even more irritated. "Mary… Stay out of this. This doesn't affect you." She then quickly focused her attention back to Carlisle "I don't think you understand how much of an embarrassment you have been Carlisle. Throwing a party on your first day back. Crying like a girl because you got rejected, and then getting cursed and lowering the barrier. The barrier for fuck sake. It's a beggar's belief. Now if I was still in charge of the Coven I would.. "

" But you aren't in charge anymore mother. This is my coven now. I made a mistake, and it is upto my fellow members to decide what happens to me. Not you anymore" Carlisle interjected, his voice low and clearly leaching energy.

At the women’s dismissal Mary sighed and shook her head, moving ever closer to Amanda as Carlisle spoke. She eventually placed herself in front of the woman, filling the space between her and Carlisle. "You heard the boy, ain’t your playground anymore, Amanda. So get. Unless you have a real reason to be here despite hollerin’ at your boy?”

Carlisle watched as Mary seemed to get even more involved. He was surprised that Mary would defend him considering he was fairly sure that she would have been informed of the night's events. Amanda however looked really frustrated now.

"My coven or not. He is still an Aston, and he still brings complete dishonour to my name. Our name is supposed to demonstrate leadership and tough values, not this kind of wishy washy crap that Carlisle peddles. And you Mary, you shouldn't be getting involved at all. You are nothing but a pathetic little witch."

At Amanda’s final statement Mary scoffs, crossing her arms once more. "And here I was thinking we might have finally been beyond schoolyard insults at our age,” she replies followed by clicking her tongue. "I wasn’t kidding though, if you got nothing else to do here, get, woman,”

Carlisle fell silent. He didn't know what was about to happen, but he was prepping counterspell with his fingers just incase his mother attempted to do anything. Amanda huffed heavily. Steam almost coming from her nostrils. How dare this woman speak to her like that. She hadn't had time for this nonsense.

"Carlisle. You are a disgrace to entire family name. I knew having a warlock in the family would backfire. Should have sent you to some far away foreign school where you couldn't meddle. I would rather have the Aston name end on a high than have you drag it through the mud. Don't bother coming back Carlisle. You aren't an Aston anymore. And I will make sure that you don't take this coven over" With that Amanda stormed out of the household, leaving Carlisle to fall onto the steps, sitting down as he placed his head in his hands.

Mary stood in shock as Amanda said her peace, shaking her head in disapproval. As the woman goes for the door Mary holds back the desire to hurl an insult her way. Instead she makes her way to the staircase muttering "What kind of mother…?” under her breath, her thoughts cut off as she looks up at Carlisle on the steps.

"You don’t mind her, Carlisle,” she says gently, slowly making her way toward him. She takes a seat on a nearby step and gives him a small but warm smile. "How are you holding up, Kiddo?”

Carlisle didn't say anything at first. His brain was trying to process exactly what had happened. How bad he had screwed up. He knew his mother was demanding. She had spent a good point of her life berating him, usually for his lack of power, not his behavior. He had already felt ashamed with everything else going on this week. This was just the final straw. Rather than reply to Mary, Carlisle began to bawl his eyes out, sniffling hard as he didn't even try and and control his emotions for a while. A few minutes later he began to slow his sobs down and actually start to speak. "I messed up. I messed it all up. It's all over the place."

Carlisle’s sobs tugged hard on the woman’s heartstrings, being that wretch’s child was a fate she wouldn’t wish on her worst of enemies. Mary instinctively goes to her side to pull tissues from her bag that wasn’t there, left on the potion room floor. She gives a sigh, musing a gentle "Com’ere,” pulls him into her embrace as he sobs. When Carlisle finally calms himself down she pulls away and gives him another gentle smile. "Look, kid, I’d be lying if I didn't say some of your choices lately weren’t… wise but it’s nothing world ending.”

" You say that l, but I have ended up pushing both of my best friends away. The whole Coven think I am so weak piece of shit that falls for the first trick in the book" Carlisle rubbed the end of his nose on his sleeve before sitting back up. He did have to admit. It was very nice to be hugged. "Lilith won't even talk to me unless it's about Coven Matters"

Mary pursed her lips for a moment as Carlisle talked. "Has your ma told you about her… I think it was her 4th or so month as leader? She would have been a good few years older than you too. Some leader of a clan known to cause trouble told her they wanted to have our covens meet as a sign of peace or somethin’ of the likes. My divination essentially told me it was a bad idea, I did try and tell your mum but she refused to listen and marched the whole coven into a trap. Luckily for her I didn’t go, I was I think 5 months pregnant with Miles at the time and wasn’t runnin’ into that mess in that state. My divination showed me them in danger and I had to get all y’all memaws and pops to save them. My point, Carlisle, is that your mother made just as big and just as stupid mistakes as you. And you need your team to support you, this coven ain’t the Carlisle show, it’s a body. You need to use all its parts. Despite what your mother says, that’s not weakness, that’s the point of the job.” She clicks her tongue once again, thinking through her next words carefully. She was indeed closer to Lilith than Carlisle, having helped raise the girl in her teen years compared to Carlisle crashing at her house when his mum got too much every now and again.

"Look, kid, you fumbled the bag with Lilith but that don’t mean that friendship is done with forever. Just… give her time to cool off for a while. She still needs her friend but you need to actually treat her as a friend rather than a prize, y’hear me?”

Carlisle listened to the story that Mary had spoken. He had never heard his mother mention anything like this. All the things he had been told were that of glory and success. Hearing her mention Lilith however, he gave off a deep sigh. "I get it, but, I never treated her like a prize. Okay. Maybe not intentionally. I always wanted what was best for her, and what was going to right by her. I thought I could give her a relationship where she felt special and had no worries. I just don't understand what she sees in someone who has hurt her before. Even if that person is also my best friend."

"Look, Carlisle, I'm not the best to come to with relationship advice and honestly even I can't figure out Miles' and Lil's relationship but what I do know is Lilith likes who she likes. You can't blame anyone or pity yourself for it." she takes a sigh, looking out into the reception room before her. Memories of her time came flooding back. It seemed this generation would be just as dramatic as hers, if not more. "Do you need a place to stay? I've only got the couch or we can pop an air mattress in Miles' room. It ain’t much but it sure is better than nothing,"

Carlisle shook his head at her last question. "No, No, it's fine. I can stay here. I have been staying here for the past few days." He would eventually sit back up. "I am just clearly not cut out for any of this. I can't run the coven. It would be far better for everyone involved if Lilith or Serena took over"

Mary nods at Carlisle declining the place to stay and and stands up with a grown as her body ached. "You're no less unqualified for this job than your mother was," she says simply, looking down at the boy. "You've got heart, Carlisle, just need more gumption,"

Carlisle tried to stand back up himself having to hold onto the banister to support himself to stop himself from falling down. "Besides, I think I am the last person that Miles wants to see right now. And I get what you mean. Maybe one day I will have that kind of gumption." With a sigh he began to make the final few steps down the reception area. "Thanks for all this. Not many people would do this right now"

"Anytime," she replies, starting to walk toward the potions room before turning her head back to see the young man. "And Carlisle? Don't be a stranger. Miles needs you around to,"

[Hedgehawk]

_{By @Sailorsadie, @Hedgehawk & @SouffleGirl123}

Clara leaned her head against the window of her last interstate bus. She was late, 3 days late to be precise. She hadn’t texted Carlisle of her dilemma, sure she had intended to but it always seemed to slip her mind as quickly as she was reminded that it was something she needed to do. Time had slipped the young woman as she spent some time in Denver with the coven and next thing she knew was the day of the first meeting for the Tanner Coven. Luckily for her, she had a transportation circle in their coven’s central property. Not-so-luckily for her Denver’s coven house had a cat that walked in and distracted her while she was adding the markings to send her to Tanner and she ended up in Georgia. A long distance teleportation took enough magic out of her for a whole day and she was already late at this point so she decided to stay in Georgia for the night and just to take the bus the next day. Clara loved buses. Just as truthfully she was terrified of flying and trains were a lot more expensive.

As the bus approached ever closer to Tanner Clara couldn’t help but bounce in her seat in anticipation. For as much as she loved the bus she hated being confined to one small seat in one small place. She looked between her phone and the window hoping Willow would indeed be there to meet her. She’d arranged to meet her, well more accurately after just not responding to her messages for a couple of days she called her friend, admitting her blunder for the insistence that Willow meet her.

After having received the phone call to meet Clara, she huffed out a breath as she leaned back in her office chair. All she had been told was to meet at the Coven, but it wasn’t time yet. The meeting wasn’t until next week. Willow looked up at the calendar on her office wall and her eyes widened. ”That was this week?!” She groaned as she realized the meeting in fact had been three days ago. The young woman had been swamped with back to back caseloads that she had been an entire week behind. Not the first time she accidentally overlooked something.

With a shake of her head, she stood and smoothed out her black pencil skirt and lacy white top before grabbing her keys and heading out to her car. She knew Clara’s bus would be pulling up at the stop any minute now. She had to worry. Willow cranked up her car and headed off to the large house, Carlisle’s face in her mind. At least one good thing would come out of this: she’d be able to see the man who had plagued her dreams during countless nights. A smile pulled at her face as she stepped on the gas.

As the bus arrived at its stop in Tanner, Clara made her escape down the aisle, waving goodbye to the couple of kids she’d been intermittently keeping entertained through magic ‘tricks’ with a large grin on her face.She received her luggage, a colourful suitcase and a purple backpack, from under the bus and looked around her. When she’d looked on google maps Tanner’s transit stop seemed so close to the coven house but a mile looked a lot shorter on paper, well on phone, than it did in person. She huffed at the distance ahead of her and went on her merry way.

She tried running for a while but her suitcase clacking on the ground and backpack bouncing on her back got irritating. Not to mention having to hold down the hem of her green sundress half the time. She decided walking was better, it made singing to herself easier too. Then she came to a crossroads, it was left here, right? Or was it right here and left next? Clara was not the best navigator, even in a town she’d lived in her whole life. Well left felt like the right way but right looked like the right way. She didn’t even come to consider straight ahead. She huffed, pulling out her phone to look at her maps- hey someone tagged her in a photo on instagram. From there she found herself on the corner of the road scrolling through her phone- getting nowhere useful.

Willow continued to drive the way to the Coven as she sang loudly to ‘Walking On Sunshine’, her car stereo on high and her windows down. She couldn’t wait to see her friends again, even if she was running behind schedule. She was also possibly going to be at the end of a lecture for being late. Though really, what could have possibly have happened in three days?

As she turned down the road, she noticed a bright green dress and a head full of brunette hair bopping along down the street. Her eyes brightened and she gave a small laugh before pulling over at the curb a few feet in front of the woman. ”Clara!” Quickly parking and getting out of the car, she squealed as she ran over to Clara and enveloped the woman in a bear hug. ”I’ve missed you!”

Clara hadn’t even noticed the car stop until her name was being called by a voice she knew well. ”Willow!” she calls out in return, reciprocating her friend's hug. After a few moments she pulls away bouncing on her feet. ”Denver’s coven got a cat, just like a coven cat! Actually I think it’s a stray they picked up but we should get one. For the coven house, I don’t think my dogs would like a cat,” she rambles, bouncing on her feet. ”Oh, and I missed you too. You should come with me next time!” she says, completely overlooking the fact that transportation was not one of Willow’s specialties and Clara herself could only take others with her for short distance transport.

”Oooh!” She immediately perked up and nodded. ”We should definitely get a cat! Wouldn’t that be just the cutest thing ever?” With a small giggle, she shook her head and noticed the woman’s suitcases. ”Oh! Here!” Popping her trunk, she helped load the woman’s bags before bouncing on her feet.

”So I totally thought the meeting was next week, so we need to hurry to the Coven. Come on!” She hopped into her car and leaned over, opening the passenger door for Clara.

Clara slipped into the passenger seat, closing the door next to her with a bang that was a little too loud and made her jump slightly in her place. ”Do you think Carlisle, Lil and Serena were wondering where we were? Good thing I sent Carlisle a mess-” she opens up her messages to Carlisle to find a half written message about her absence not yet sent. ”Whoops,” she quietly replies to herself, becoming smaller in her seat.

Raising a brow in question, she started the drive to the Coven. She glanced over at the woman as she became quiet. ”What’s wrong? Did-” Willow stopped when she realized what must have happened. She giggled and shook her head. ”You forgot to send it, didn’t you?”

She huffed out a breath as she made a turn and shrugged her shoulders. ”If it makes you feel any better, they’ve known I’ve been in town and nobody has checked in with me. So they couldn’t be too upset, right?”

Clara rubbed her face with hands, echoing a strained ”I forgot to send it.” It wouldn’t be the first time she’d done something like this, it was probably far from the last time too. At Willow’s next statement Clara sighs. ”I think they might have forgotten about us,” she says simply with a shrug, rolling her window down. She closed her eyes, allowing the warm air of the day to rustle her hair.

Willow scrunched her nose at that thought as she stopped at a red light. She shrugged her shoulders and glanced over at her friend. Seeing her eyes closed, a gentle smile tugged at her lips before her attention returned back to the road. ”How could anyone forget about us? I’m sure there were other people who missed the meeting too. That’s the only reason they didn’t reach out to us personally. Heck, I’m sure at least someone would have stopped by my office if it were dire.”

Clara shrugged at Willow’s response, staying silent as she pondered over the answer. ”Is this one of those things when you say it’s all ok so I ‘feel better’?” she questions, turning to her friend. ”I’m fine with being forgotten, it doesn’t bother me,” She knew Willow had a tendency to ‘make light’ of situations that really weren’t all that bleak to her. No, not just Willow, a lot of people tended to do so to her.

”Oh, you hush your face.” She huffed out a breath as she continued driving on at the green light. ”I’m not trying to shrink you and you were not forgotten. If you were forgotten, then I was too, and we are not the type of women to be forgotten.” Willow nodded her head and reached over to pat her friend’s knee. ”So stop the pity party. Sing with me!” She reached out and turned the radio back up, ‘A Thousand Miles’ playing.

Clara shook her head as her friend spoke. Honestly she really didn’t mind being forgotten. No, there was something almost freeing about it but before she could correct her friend Willow had turned up the music. ”It’s not a pity party,” she huffed to herself in a hushed whisper. Within a moment she was transported into the music with her friend and was almost as quickly singing along with her for the rest of the short trip to the Coven’s manor.

Soon the pair pulled up to the Coven and Willow decided to park at the curb. She turned off the car and clapped her hands together in excitement. Hopefully Carlisle was inside and she’d be able to see him. It’d been a while since the two had seen each other and she was really looking forward to it. As long as Lilith wasn’t around. Willow didn’t stand a chance at being noticed if the woman was anywhere within fifty feet of the man. She let out a breath and looked over at her friend. ”Maybe we should call him first. Make sure he’s here. Can you do it?”

”Or we could just see,” she says, gesturing to the house in front of them. ”Come on!” With that the young woman slips out of her car and bounds to the front door, hair bouncing with her every step. As she gets to the house's wideset doors she rings the doorbell then steps back in anticipation.

”I- Clara!” Groaning, she looked in her rear view mirror and made sure her hair and makeup was just right. She shook her head and quickly bounded after her. Standing next to the woman, she grumbled under her breath. ”Hopefully he’s here. Where else would he be?”

Carlisle leapt from his chair after hearing the doorbell. He couldn't even remember what it was he was actually doing. Maybe he was doing nothing. Getting up, he pulled at the edges of his dressing gown. He hadn't taken it off since last night. He couldn't be bothered. It was too comfortable for him. Securing the tags, he walked over to the door, wondering who in the heck would ring the doorbell at this time.

Opening the door he saw the two females and gave a small exhausted smile. His face still looked like crap since the events a couple days ago. His eyes and face were still surrounded by black lines and bags. Now attempting to be disguised, poorly, by concealer that was a slightly different colour to Carlisle's skin.

"Ah, you two. I didn't think you were ever going to turn up" He stated as he moved aside to let them in.

”Car!" Clara cheers, wrapping her arms around the man's torso in a hug before entering the grand house she knew all too well. She took a good look at him. He looked like an utter wreck. She blinked once. Then a second time. Before simply asking ”What's wrong with your face?" She then squinted her eyes slightly to zone into his eye areas, something seemed very off. ”Your concealer's the wrong colour, it doesn't look good." Now, Clara wasn't trying to be mean, she was just pointing out what she could see. On the contrary, she was trying to help in her own way, she'd sure want to know if her makeup was the wrong colour so she figured Carlisle might too.

Willow sucked in a breath at the sight of him. He looked tired and beaten down. Furrowing her brows, she followed Clara into the house. At her friends statement, she lightly smacked her on her upper arm before offering Carlisle a soft grin. ”What she means to say, is that it’s good to see you. Are you okay? You don’t…look well.”

Carlisle had forgotten just how direct Clara could be at times. He was well aware of how mismatched his concealer was. It was the only one he could find in the bedroom at the time. He bought the dressing gown draped arm up and wiped the make up away, revealing the true extent of his exhaustion. Even two days of rest wasn't making that much of a dent in it.

"Things have been complicated. I got cursed, then died, technically. Bought myself back, but that has caused me to be exhausted and lose a good chunk of my magic. Oh the barriers down too. I don't have the Energy to restore it. Oh and even better, my mother disowned me yesterday. So now I am just little old Carlisle, bunking out in the coven until I figure out what to do." His word were exasperated and exhausted just as he was. He raised his arms to gesture to the whole Coven. He then looked at Clara. " Enough about me though. How was your trip?"

At Willow's slap on the arm Clara hissed in response, ”Owwww, what'd I do?" before redirecting her attention to Carlisle.

”That sounds like a long few days. Say, if you’re not an Aston anymore does that mean you won’t be Coven leader? Or what about the adminy job you do now? Is that gone too?” she asks. It seemed Clara had missed more than she ever would have dreamed, and she hated that thought. The barrier being down was an issue but Clara was sure it would be fine… maybe. She tried to think of what would fix it, or at least help. She went through her mental notes of each of the Coven member’s schools of magic. ”Lilith! Lilith’s an abjuror, you two are super besties, you should ask her for help! And maybe Delaney’s magic enhancer! That should be enough,” she says, her voice triumphant. The question of Clara’s trip almost seemed lost on her as she racked her brain to figure out solutions to the barrier.

Eyeing Clara, she let out a breath before looking back at Carlisle. There was so much she wanted to tell him, wanted to do with him, but the L word was mentioned again. Lilith. Though, the sound of everything the man has gone through had her significantly worried for his mental state. Willow furrowed her brows and laid a hand on his shoulder, searching his face. ”You're not little and your mother is an idiot. What do you need from us? What can we do to help?”

Carlisle’s mind almost shut down at the words that Willow spoke. It had been a while since someone had actually asked how they could help. Or perhaps his memory was all over the place with the exhaustion. ”Well, Me and Lilith are at a bit of a…” Carlisle stopped for a second, unsure exactly how he wanted to word this one. ” We aren’t exactly getting along at the moment you could say. Been demoted to ‘Coven Business Only.’ Not entirely sure she could stand being near me at the moment. So I am trying to bring the barrier up myself, or at least felt things cool for a bit.” Carlisle let off an awkward laugh.

Willow couldn’t let the squeal that was building in her chest out. Him and Lilith were at odds? Maybe that would be her way in. No, no. She couldn’t think like that. The man was obviously hurting. She had to rely on her work experience instead of letting her heart explode at him. Clearing her throat, she held back a grin and nodded. ”Well, Clara’s right though, you could use Delaney still. She’s like a spell enhancer, right? Or- could someone else besides Lilith help? I’m not up to date with everyone’s abilities.”

She felt a gentle smile tugging at her lips as she shrugged her shoulders. ”You’re not alone in this, Car. Let us help. We want to. That’s what we’re here for.”

”Did you and Lilith have a fight?” Clara asked. Willow asked topical questions to help so maybe her question would help? She wasn’t sure how it would help but honestly she had no clue how any of her friends’ brains worked. They were probably a hell of a lot more boring. ”Oh, I know everyone’s school, I keep a list! It’s in my head. Well, actually there is a paper somewhere but I kept losing it so now it’s in my head,” she replies.

”Now, abjuration, abjuration,” she muses to herself, thinking through the list of coven members once more. ”Nope, nothing. Just you and Lil. Maybe someone from the last generation does though? It’s not like they don’t have their magic anymore,”

”Nah, We didn’t have a fight per se, just a disagreement over us” Carlisle was trying his best to answer the question without giving out any kind of specific details.

”Thank you both for your concern, but I will be fine. Just gotta figure a few things out and get my energy back. Then me and Lilith will have the barrier backup in no time” He wasn’t lying this time. He was telling the truth. He just needed to spend some time in recovery before he could be of use to anyone again.

Willow was trying to not make it seem like she was super excited for their argument, and had almost failed before she cleared her throat. She rid her face of the grin before she gave him a solemn nod of her head. ”Okay, well. The offer to help still stands. Anytime you need it.” She hoped she didn’t sound desperate.

Shaking her head of the thought, she blew out a breath. Then something he said earlier finally processed. Willow blinked and folded her arms across her chest. ”Hold on. You said you were cursed and died?” She side eyed Clara before shaking her head. ”The heck did we miss?”

”A disagreement over us?” Clara echoes, trying to unravel the meanings of those words, that sentence simply just didn’t make sense. ”What do you mean by us, like did she think she was you or something?” Even Clara knew that last question was a bit preposterous but it was the closest to an understanding she could gather.

At Willow’s question Clara gave a small chuckle, ”This sounds almost as exciting as Denver. They have a cat, Carlisle. A coven cat. Why don’t we have a cat? We should get one,”

Her face brightened and she nodded along with Clara. ”Oh, we should totally get a cat! How adorable would that be?” She looked back at Carlisle and cleared her throat. ”Sorry. Uh. Yeah. Same question from before. The heck happened to you?”

Carlisle let out a sigh. Being near Clara was exhausting him already. He had little energy as it was, and she was draining the last of it. Willow seemed to be a little bit on topic at least. ”Someone cursed a book, and then made Lil have a vision about me touching the book. They knew I wouldn’t listen as I was trying to be helpful, and thus I got cursed. The curse froze me, and without me, the barrier went down. And then some werewolves attacked later on that night. At the moment I don’t know alot more, I am still trying to piece it together myself.”

More talking yet not a single one of Clara’s questions had been answered. Maybe Carlisle had forgotten them, Clara forgot questions she was asked sometimes too and Carlisle definitely looked exhausted enough to forget things like that. ”What did you mean about you and Lilith disagreeing over ‘us’?” she repeats. Sure, the conversation had long departed that topic now but the idea was stuck on her, she needed to understand what he meant. She knew she’d be lost thinking about it until he did.

Carlisle nearly choked. Why wouldn’t she give up? A visible look of annoyance came over his face until he finally spoke ”If you must know. I asked Lilith to go out with me and she said no. and to rub the salt in, got back with MIles in the same night.” Saying it out loud hurts. It was still a stinging emotion for Carlisle right now. While he wanted his friends to be happy. He still felt left out. ”I didn’t take it very well, and we got into an argument. And now, well. I don’t know exactly what we are anymore”

”Oh,” Clara replies softly, shrinking down in her spot. She pushed away the urge to ask Carlisle if she made him mad. In her experience asking people that just made them more mad.

Feeling Clara’s energy shift next to her, Willow reached out and held her hand. She gave her a smile and a wink before looking back at Carlisle. ”She was just asking a simple question, Car. No need to take out your anger and frustration out on her.”

She kept looking at the man and raised a brow. ”Im sorry you’re hurting. I really am. But we’re family. We just want what’s best for you.”

”We aren’t family!” Carlisle nearly spat out. ”We are just people who work together because of a gift we were born with. None of us are here by choice!” Carlisle began to breathe hard, the exhaustion making his breaths deeper than they should have been for someone who was seething. Slowly he would regain his breath and calm down. ”Look there is nothing you can do now to help. I just need to recover. So please for the love of everything holy, stop asking”

”I mean, it’s not really a gift. From what I’ve learnt I think it’s all biological! See my theory is there’s some mutation in our DNA that causes an extra electrical impulse to travel through our CNS system that allows-” Clara cuts herself off as her eyes meet Carlisle’s again. Yes, that was definitely anger. Or at least the look Clara knew there was in someone’s eyes before she got yelled at. As if it were possible she shrunk down even more, taking a step back from the man for safety.

Clenching her jaw at his outburst, she looked at Clara and gave her an approving nod before looking back at Carlisle. She stood her ground and huffed out a breath. ”Fine. We’ll let you be. Just know there are people out there that love you.” Especially me. “It doesn’t hurt anything to let people in.”

Willow looked away from him and grinned at Clara. ”Why don’t we go see if there are any cats at the shelter?”

”Mm-hm,” Clara mused, sniffing a couple of times. ”Yeah, ok. We’ll see you Carlisle. I hope you’re not so grumpy next time,” she farewells him, slowly backing out of the door with Willow in tow.

[Hedgehawk]

_{A collab between @Hedgehawk & @HaleyTheRandom}

It was a pretty safe bet to say that September was turning out to be a terrible month for Carlisle Aston. From curses, to rejection, Werewolves, to being disowned by his mother. It seemed that Carlisle couldn't actually catch a win anymore. He was fairly certain he had lost the respect of the entire coven. He had fallen for a trick and as a result people in the coven got hurt because of him. His mother had made that perfectly clear.

He had spent the past two nights in the Coven household. After his mothers outburst, he hadn’t left the household at all. He was still technically recovering. He had finally gathered enough energy to put up a new barrier around Tanner, it was only temporary, and was better than nothing. He had been meaning to speak to Lilith about giving him a hand with the barrier. But the thought of having to call her scared him.

He had to get out of the household however, there was no way he could stay here. Firstly, sharing a house with Hayden was driving him crazy. She was quite the territorial female, and the fact she was hurting, made her even more explosive. He couldn’t deal with it. Plus he was doing so much extra work, it was kind of sad. He actually finished all of the hellish Guild Paperwork with regards to the dead Magi they found in the Tanner Forest. He needed an escape. Somewhere. Anywhere.

And that was how he found himself outside the gate to the Montgomery ranch. He didn’t even remember how he got here. His brain went on autopilot. He didn’t even drive. He walked the entire route. He couldn’t even begin to imagine what time of day it was. All he could say was the dark clouds loomed in the air, disguising the temporary barrier protecting the town. Not that Lilith would need to see it to know it was there. He could almost hear Cordelia mocking him on his shoulder.

”This is a mistake. Turn back” His brain fired off to him. Of course it was a mistake. This was almost suicide. In his hour of need, He came back to Lilith. The one person who had enough of him. The last person who would help him. So why could he not stop walking down the long driveway to the ranch house? This was the longest he had ever spent not speaking to Lilith. They had at least texted every single day at the bare minimum. He hadn’t actually spoken to anyone really. Walking up the dirt path, Carlisle kept his head down. He didn’t want to focus on his destination. Acknowledging where he was going just made him feel a deep sense of shame. Finally arriving at the destination, He knocked on the door, not wasting any time to try and have second thoughts. There he stood, still wearing the clothes from the party, small speckles of dried blood on his shirt. This was it.

Lilith had taken the last few days to avoid Miles - per usual. While they had exchanged a few messages (mostly memes) she had avoided his questions about meeting up or anything in regards to Sunday dinner. He hadn’t questioned it so far, but Lilith knew that she couldn’t keep this charade up forever.

Aside from avoiding the largest elephant in her subconscious, the young woman had taken over most managerial duties of the family ranch. John’s health seemed to be doing okay so far, but Lilith refused to let any extra stress be added to his life, despite the old man's protests that he could still outwork any of the ranch hands. John Montgomery was right - he was a strong man, and it was a challenge for his granddaughter to still see him as such. Between watching the news, cooking dinner and sharing whiskey - they had argued. A lot.

In the quiet moments when her and her grandfather's spirits refused to agree, Lilith had thought about Carlisle. The scene of her slinging the tequila bottle had replayed over and over in her head - one of the few things she actually remembered about the night of the party. She still cared for him deeply - how could she not? He had been her best friend for years, and they had gone through countless trials together. Over all, Carlisle had been a fairly decent friend aside from getting himself into trouble and freaking out over Miles. Deep down, Lilith worried that she had over reacted, and nearly even convinced herself that she had done so - but she still believed that Carlisle needed to learn how to solve his own problems. She had spent countless hours worried about him, but she knew that she had to dial back on her own hero complex as well. Deep down, she knew that they could be friends again one day, but Carlisle needed to mature.

Standing there that night, Lilith was cooking dinner as John cleaned one of his various guns at the dining room table. She had put her ‘old country’ playlist on shuffle, allowing them both to vibe in each other's space in near silence. Bending down to pull the baked chicken out of the oven, Lilith crossed the kitchen and entered the dining room to place the entree on the dinner table. Setting the baking dish atop the pot holders, Lilith turned to see her grandfathers eyebrows narrowed in curiosity.

”Why’d you make so much for just the two of us,” he questioned.

”You’ll see,” Lilith responded. As if on cue, a knock came from the front door.

Making her way over, Lilith opened the door to find a disheveled looking Carlisle. His clothes were filthy, his hair still stuck to his head with blood, and they bags under his eyes could have given Liliths a run for their money. Before she even had time to respond, John called out from the living room.

”Who is it?”

”Carlisle,” Lilith yelled back, her voice emotionless while she never broke eye contact with the boy.

”Well, let him in,” John insisted. Lilith could hear the smirk in his voice.

With a sigh, Lilith opened the door further, walking away and back into the kitchen to stir the pasta to keep it from burning.

Carlisle watched as the door opened and Lilith stared back at him. The fact there was no emotion in her voice was unsettling to Carlisle. It was great that there was no angry emotions, but the fact was, there was no good emotions there either. This was a mistake. But there was no backing out now.

As Lilith walked away and left the door open, Carlisle followed suit. For a moment he stood there, kind of confused and both stunned as to what to do. Eventually he snapped back to reality and closed the door behind him. With a soft sigh he began to follow Lilith into the kitchen. He decided to stay quiet for the moment. He knew that opening his mouth was likely to trigger something in Lilith.

She had almost snapped when Carlisle had forgotten to close the door for those few brief moments. Thankfully he had managed to save himself without being told to do so. Listening to his footsteps falling on the hardwood floors, Lilith stared intently at the boiling water in the metal pot before her. Taking extra time to stir the noodles, she huffed before breaking the silence.

”So speak the fuck up,” Lilith nearly shouted. ”Why have you shown up on my doorstep like a lost puppy,” she questioned.

”My doorstep,” John quipped, taking the time to turn his attention to the drama unfolding in front of him. Lilith took a brief moment to look over her shoulder, glaring at her grandfather.

While Lilith couldn't see it as the mention of the word 'Fuck' Carlisle froze for a moment. It was clear from his body language he was scared. He didn't want to speak because he knew exactly what was about to happen. He coughed lightly and poked at his collar before taking a deep breath and finally speaking up. "I need your help" He said, letting the words hang in the air.

Moving the pot from the stove to the sink, Lilith turned off the burner before beginning to drain the water from the pasta. She was doing the best that she could to remain busy, and to make sure that her gaze never met Carlisle’s. When he finally spoke, Lilith let his words hang in the air for a few moments, pondering on how to respond. She could tell that John's overall mood was curious, whereas Carlisle’s overall energy was sporadic.

”My help,” she mused, now beginning to add herbs and spices to the bowl in front of her. ”I swear to the fucking gods… It’s not even been a full three days yet, and here you are - once again! ’I need your help’” she mocked him, making air quotes with her hands as she did so. Beginning to stir the pasta with way more force than was required, Lilith scoffed. ”What the fuck did I tell you about asking me for help,” she snapped, throwing the wooden spoon on the counter before turning to glare daggers at Carlisle.

As she spoke, Carlisle began to retreat backwards a couple of steps. Doing his best to not hit anything, or make a smooch noise as possible. Upon hearing the sudden clash of wood on wood, Carlisle let out a small yelp and jumped back, pushing his hand forward into the counterspell position, letting out short sharp breaths. Not that he actually had the energy to be able to do anything if he wanted to. ”I know. I … know. You told me not to bother you. Not to ask for Help anymore. But this isn’t something petty!” Carlisle lowered his head, trying not to make eye contact with Lilith after he finished speaking. He could almost feel the glare penetrating his skull.

While Carlisle coward and moved backwards, Lilith crossed the room again to place the food on the table once more. She hadn’t intended to close the space between them, but standing at the dining room table had put her closer to Carlisle than she would have liked. John took the opportunity while the pair was distracted to put his gun back into the cabinet before returning to his place at the head of the table. Keeping a close eye on his granddaughter, the old man began to fix his plate, knowing that Lilith probably wasn’t going to be sitting down anytime soon.

Standing there with a hand on the back of one of the wooden chairs, Lilith raised a single brow as she turned her attention back to Carlisle.

”’Nothing petty?’ Everything is petty with you, Carlisle Aston,” she yelled, throwing her hands up in frustration.

”Lilith,” John grumbled. ”Don’t you think you’re taking things too far? Let the boy speak for cryin’ out loud.”

”Absolutely I am not,” Lilith stated defensively. ”He wants to act like a child, ignore my visions, interject himself where he isn’t needed - nor wanted - thinks he has a say so in who I do and don’t get to date, and they cherry on top if it all? The amount of absolute disrespect he has shown.”

”Now I can understand why you’re frustrated, but Carlton there looks like he’s been through hell and back.”

Jaw clenched, Lilith looked back and forth between the two men.

”Good,” she retorted. As silence filled the room once again, she sighed. ”Well, what is it then,” she questioned Carlisle.

Carlisle was certainly taken aback at the comments that Lilith was throwing out. If an outsider was listening in, you would think the duo weren’t even friends at any point in their lives. Carlisle tried to speak, but croaked his voice. He nervously coughed before then trying again.

”Look, I am really sorry about the whole ignoring the vision thing. I should have known better. You haven’t been wrong in the past. And if I had listened to you, then the Coven wouldn’t have been attacked and people wouldn’t have gotten hurt. I don’t care about the damage I have taken, I deserved that. But I have to live with the guilt of the pain that I ended up causing to others…. Emotional and physical” He looked and spoke with a nervous sincerity. If Lilith was ever going to use her powers to probe Carlisle and see what he was truly thinking; then he was being earnest. Fear was his biggest and most dominant emotion currently.

”As for how I acted about you rejecting me. Yeah I was a jerk. I was upset. I guess I have never truly felt rejection before. I didn’t know how to process it. I was an ass. A stupid fucking doucebag. But hey… you got your own back with that tequila bottle throw” He said with a nervous laugh, trying to break the ice a little ”You can date who you want to date. I was just upset that it wasn't me. But I am happy that at least it is Miles. He is a good kid. College helped him grow up alot. Kinda” He would finally lower his hand, feeling safe to do so.

”Throwing tequila bottles,” John questioned.

Lilith rolled her eyes, taking a seat beside her grandfather. ”Long story.” Listening to Carlisle's words, she wasn’t going to praise him for a half-assed apology. In all honesty, she wasn’t quite sure how to respond.

”Well I’d like to hear it sometime,” he laughed.

Pursing her lips, Lilith reached for the bottle of whiskey on the table. ”You still haven’t answered my question,” she responded to Carlisle. ”Why are you here?” Lilith asked once more, her tone acidic.

Carlisle was going to tell the story, but decided not to. He had been trying to avoid actually asking the question. However Lilith was starting to become insistent. Carlisle let out a deep sigh.

"Well. I kinda need both of yours help. I don't know how to say this, so I will try and be as direct as I can. I am not sure how much you have heard about the last couple of days. After the party. Well, my mother came to the household and basically began attacking me. I won't go into the details, but Mary managed to get me away from her. The upshot of it is, I have been disowned. I am no longer an Aston. And now my mother is going to try and make sure I don't become the permanent Coven leader" Carlisle had still dodged the actual question. He still needed time to gain the bravery to ask.

Listening to Carlisle speak, Lilith focused on the whiskey burning down her throat. The warmth of it seemed to pool in her chest, adding to the fiery anger that was already brewing there. As she sat there, Lilith tried her best to put his words together, trying to see how any of this - once again - was her problem.

”So you want us to vote for you or something,” John questioned him.

"Well that would be nice. But no. That's not it. I kinda need a place to stay." He rubbed the back of his head.

At Carlisle’s request, Lilith choked on her drink.

”You want to move in with us,” she responded incredulously. ”After all of this, you really walk in here seeking solitude? Are you insane?!”

”Now Li-”

”No,” she protested. ”Absolutely fucking not. I’m not going to have this fucker living across the hall from me, making puppy dog eyes every morning, begging for forgiveness. He has nothing to offer us, the ranch, or anyone else.”

”Well that’s a bit harsh,” John retorted, now taking a drink himself.

”Like I give a good goddamn! He wants me to solve another one of his problems, and somehow I’m the bad guy again?”

It went exactly how Carlisle had thought it would do. Lilith was adamant. This wasn't going to work. Carlisle took another step back. "No, No. Lilith is right. I am intruding. I shouldn't have even come here, I will just stay back at the Coven household. I just couldn't stand trying to cook on my own and look after myself"

”So you not only expect us to provide a roof over your head, but you want us to look after you as if you’re a toddler?” Lilith shrieked.

”Lilith Jade Montgomery,” John spoke, raising his voice. ”If you don’t shut up and act like you have the sense I raised you with, so help me -”

Knocking back the rest of her drink, Lilith now returned her grandfather's glare as he spoke to Carlisle.

”Carlton,” he began, keeping his tone as calm as he could. ”You can stay here.”

”Oh, what the fuck,” Lilith cried out. ”You’ve gotta be shittin’ me, right? Right?! Tell me you’re joking, gramps.”

Clearly frustrated with his granddaughter, John poured himself another drink. ”The Ranch has been a secondary safety location for Coven members since the founding of Tanner. We have responsibilities to uphold, and childish games can’t get in the way of that.”

”To hell with you both then,” Lilith retorted, nearly snatching the bottle of alcohol from John.

"I will gladly help in the ranch and do whatever it is you want me to do" Carlisle said as he held his hands together in a thankful motion. He knew that Lilith was going to be furious. "Only if you are sure though. I can easily go ask Serena and her family. That's no bother. I don't want to cause friction between you considering your condition" Carlisle commented.

LIlith couldn’t help but to laugh at Carlisle’s words. The scene of him begging Serena for help with anything was comical - and then he wanted to talk about her grandfathers ‘condition’. At this point she had to laugh to keep from hitting him.

”Cut the shit dude,” was all she could manage to say before John glared her way.

”I’m not sure that it’s the best option for you, given the circumstances,” the old man grumbled. ”But it’s better than having you on the streets, I guess.”

Shrugging her shoulders, Lilith was sure to get her two cents in once more before taking another drink. ”The streets build character.”

”So does waking up at the asscrack of dawn to shovel horse shit out of stalls,” John snapped back, tossing his fork on the plate out of anger. ”Does that please you your highness?”

”It’s a start,” Lilith quipped in return, now filling her grandfather's glass for him.

As their eyes met, the stubborn, frustrated, and mischievous glimmer that John saw in his granddaughter's eyes made him sigh. He knew he was fighting a losing battle. ”Come sit down, Charlie,” he requested.

Carlisle was far too parts equal and grateful to start correcting Grandpa John over his name. Right now he knew that for some reason the male was on his side, and normally it was the other way round. He wasn't about to sabotage it. He carefully sat down on the chair, looking around for a moment. "I wouldn't survive in the streets. The coven house was far too big and lonely to be in all the time on my own. Plus I couldn't stop working. Got a lot of paperwork done at least" He was once again back with the nervous laugh.

As Carlisle sat down across from her, Lilith couldn’t seem to shake the disgusted expression that now seemed stuck on her face. She wanted to make another smart remark in regards to his small talk, but she chose to drink some more instead before speaking.

”You stink,” she stated simply. ”And I don’t just mean your personality - you literally smell.”

Carlisle couldn't really defend himself on that one. He hadn't changed his clothes in three days, and had spent most of his time either cleaning up the household after the party or sleeping to try and recover. "Yes, sorry about that. I have kinda been preoccupied with trying to recover and fix the barrier and all the other shit to worry about selfcare right now"

Looking him up and down, Lilith’s eyes eventually rested on her grandfather. Standing up from her chair, the young woman silently fixed her dinner plate and poured herself another glass of whiskey. Disconnecting her phone from the sound system, Lilith cleared her throat before speaking.

Food in one hand, drink in the other, she stood there for a brief moment, her lips pursed as she thought of what to say.

”I can’t deal with this,” she said, her tone the softest it had been all evening. While speaking, she kept her gaze locked on grandfathers. ”If you want to take in strays, then you can take care of them. I’ll be in my room for the remainder of the evening in case you need me.”

Carlisle sighed and bowed his head as he heard Lilith's remarks. The bridge was still very much burnt. He waited a moment until Lilith was out of earshot. "I am so sorry for putting you both through this. I didn't expect my mother to act the way she did. I know the past few days have been rough, and I haven't exactly been a good man. But I want to fix all that. Lilith means alot to me. Heck means the world to me, and while yes, I am upset and salty. I don't want to lose it all. She is worth fighting for and keeping in my life. Plus, she has kick ass powers" Carlisle spoke, a slightly goofy grin plastered to his face.

When Carlisle had finally finished speaking, John huffed. ”You aren’t putting me through anything, except making me uphold family traditions - which really ain’t an issue.” Continuing to eat, the older man took a moment to decide on what to say next. ”Find it really ignorant that you’re pissed off at her for not returning your feelings though. She loves you - just not in that way. And I’m pretty sure it’s killing her to have to act like she doesn’t.”

Hearing John's words, Carlisle felt like a proverbial knife had gone through his heart. He swallowed hard before continuing. "I know. Trust me. I know. I was completely out of line and deserved that bottle to the back of the head. I wasn't thinking right. I really hope you are right though. I miss the old Lilith. I want to go back to being a good friend to her. But after I was resurrected, she started talking like I had been a deadweight to her for a long time. So I am not even sure if she wants to carry on liking me" Saying it out loud only helped it set in once more in his mind. Had he been a burden to her forever?

”Only she can answer all that,” John responded, briefly pointing at the food in front of him with his fork. ”Help yourself. She made some for you too, after all.”

Carlisle was about to brush off everything he had just heard until John mentioned the last few words. She made some for you too. Carlisle took a breath as he hesitated for a second but eventually took a plate and began to plate up some food. "I should have known Lilith would have seen this coming. I wonder if she saw the argument me and mother had? Well. Not really an argument. She just kept berating me. Mary had to step in and shoo her away." Carlisle dropped his head somewhat, dejected, as thoughts of his mother's words rang in his head.

John shrugged his shoulders. ”More questions for her. I’m not a mind reader, kid.”

"I know. I will be back in a moment" With a shuffle, Carlisle got up and began to walk in the direction that Lilith had walked away too. On the way he stopped by a mirror, and took a moment to adjust his hair, and try and wipe away some of the fatigue that covered his face. Once he was as confident as he was ever going to be, Carlisle made his way over to Lilith's room. Staring at the door for a moment before gently knocking on it. "Lil? It's me"

Lilith had thought that she was going to be safe in her bedroom - she had thought wrong.

The young woman had had just enough time to lock the door behind her and flop down on her bed before she heard the knock. With a groan and a roll of her eyes, Lilith did the best that she could to glare at Carlisle through the door.

”Go away,” she called back.

"Look, I won't take a minute, and you don't even have to answer the door or even speak back" Carlisle took a minute. The silence became somewhat awkward, but he knew he had to take his time and get these words right. He owed it to Lilith and to himself to get this right. "Okay, so. I just want to say that I have valued all of our time together. Not just this summer, but everything. When I returned from college early with my tail between my leg, you didn't have to talk to me. You could have just kept living your life. But you did. And I am really grateful for that. I know there have been times where it always seems that you solve my problems for me. I guess that might be a part of being a diviner. But I never intended to lean on you, or take advantage of your abilities. I came to you because I could trust you. And if there was ever a chance to return the favor, I would have. It's just the chance never really came. This week has been a massive shitshow. I am not proud of what I did. I just don't want us to end this. That's my biggest fear. I don't want to lose my Best friend and also my only other friend as well. Not over something like this. There I said my piece, I will leave you alone" Carlisle rubbed his hair and began to turn on his heels. He wasn't exactly sure whether what he had just said actually helped. But he had to believe in it nonetheless.

Part of Lilith was proud of Carlisle for trying to apologize, the other half just desperately wanted him to shut up. He could have apologized a thousand times over, and she still wouldn't really have anything to say. Lilith would never believe him unless he actually showed her how sorry he was or wasn’t.

”Be up at five,” she grumbled. ”We have shit to shovel.”

That was the best she could do for the time being. If he was honestly expecting everything to be fine after that, than he was dumber than she originally ever thought.

"Alright…" Carlisle responded as he retreated from the bedroom door. Perhaps it wasn't a good enough apology. But he wasn't going to push it. She had her powers, she could probe his emotions whenever she fancied it, so he knew there was no use hiding things. As he went back to the dining room and sat down he let out a soft sigh. "Well, I said my bit. I don't know if I helped or made it worse. But it looks like she is going to make me shovel actual shit"

”As she should,” John replied with a chuckle. ”Did you honestly think she wasn’t going to make you suffer just a little?”

"I get the impression that she is going to make me suffer a bit more than a lot. But hopefully she will forgive me." Carlisle began to eat his food. "Question: Was my mother always such a nasty person? Mary seems to think that she made quite a few mistakes as Coven leader and that she might not have been as great as she told me"

”Aston women have always been a pain in the ass, but your mother - that woman’s outdone them all. Arrogant. Self-centered. Power hungry.” Raising his glass to his lips once more, John took a large drink before he continued to speak. ”Amanda has blatantly ignored other Council Members, harmed Coven members. It’s part of the reason I took a back seat on so many things for so many years. Just wound up teaching y’all. Got tired of always arguing with her.”

Hearing how John described his mother, made Carlisle wince. He had not heard any of this before. "Well, I knew she could be demanding. She was obsessed with me being a witch. It was bordering insanity. I never understood her obsession with me being a witch" Carlisle would take a bite before nervously smiling.
”Was?” John questioned, overhearing that the evening news was ending. Standing up from the table, he grabbed his empty plate and walked it over to the sink. ”If you’ll excuse me, Wheel of Fortune is coming on, and well - I don’t want to miss my show. You’re more than welcome to join us, but I’d sit on the far side of the living room if I was you.”

Crossing the room, he shouted ”Lilith, show time!” before sitting in his favorite chair.