pineslog | Life isn't pretty we all get a little wrecked sometimes

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Life isn't pretty we all get a little wrecked sometimes

Who: Katherine Pierce, Nyx, Sam Seaborn, Caroline Forbes, and Stefan Salvatore
Where: Around town, noted as the starters go
When: This month (specify times as we go if desired!)
What: Establishing new relationships, finding old ones, and possibly ruining at least one person's days.
Warnings: None as of yet

If we knew then what we do now
For Nyx. In da neighborhood.
[ Katherine Pierce has never forgotten what it was like to have a family. The love she has for her long since dead mama could never be erased, along with the shroud of hope that the woman had been stronger. Patriarchal societies be damned, not all women through the ages let men roll over their wants, the true needs of their family: some women had a voice, but not her mother. Her papa was not a nice man, not a loving person, and she hated the magic he practiced, but he was still her father and in that, knowing he was slaughtered makes her ache. Memories of a daughter she thought dead for centuries, brought up for her by Damon, those weave in among the ones she's always carried for the long lost Nadia.

But as Katherine could admit, she has not felt that depth of the bond of family in countless lifetimes. Her marriage to Damon carries purpose, but not true love (she's come to love him a little bit more recently too, but he doesn't have to believe her.) Stefan's kindnesses amid his downtrodden attitude are certainly nothing like family, even if they're in-laws as per the town's history.

It hits her like a ton of bricks when she spies one her neighbors walking on the sidewalk opposite herself. His name floods into her mind along with a barrage of memories that she can't quite pinpoint as they cascade in. At the core of each screams the connection of a sibling, something she has never known before. A relationship she's observed, so so very much. Hell, she's accused of rending apart the brotherhoods of not one, but two, pairs of brothers. These are memories she knows cannot hold truth, ones containing verbal fights (that meant so much to her at the time, how could he be so judgmental, can't you understand how in love she is?!) to a birthday cake with a set number of candles that she tries to blink away. Katherine Pierce? Has never had a birthday cake, much less when she was little.

Frozen in place, perhaps he's kept on walking and not noticed her expression of shock before she beings to walk sideways across the street.

This, it's a set of memories she should be angry over. She shouldn't accept them. She shouldn't. No. It really... ] Nyx. [ Said loud enough for him to hear, but still low, and one booted foot lifts to rest on the sidewalk, her other still on asphalt. Maybe it won't be the same for him. Maybe he won't even know who she is. She's in dark pants, as close to a skinny fit as she can find in the town's offered fashion choices, dark red top and black leather jacket on. Hair curled to perfection. Eyes locked onto his face.

Why does the thought of something that she's never truly had being taken away hurt so much? Her eyes are expectant, and she's a half second away from wanting to compel him to forget he saw her that day before she dashes away at vampire speed.

Katherine has always wanted love. She knows that family can mean love. And this man, this stranger, who she only just remembered the name of, he's her brother there. And she loves him. ]

We'd hold our hands and take a bow
For Sam. A bar.
[ Is it a night that Damon is taking a shift at the bar? Who knows (Katherine, certainly)?

Either way. She doesn't stalk after her husband in true Katherine Pierce fashion, not every single move anyway. Just enough for her ducks to be in a row. Which, is the reason why she's been a witness to this very handsome guy that Damon's established a friendship with. As for any recognition she's had of his (slightly adorable, what, she's not sorry) face? It hasn't occurred yet, so apparently these false memories have wild dynamics. Her husband remembers him, but she doesn't. Yes, she eavesdrops on conversations. No, she's not sorry.

She spies what he's drinking and orders two, sauntering over, coming in from behind where he sits. Speaking just as her face comes close to the back of his head, wanting her voice to register prominently. Sultrily. ] Funny. That's one of my favorites too. [ Does she mean him or the drink? Well. And she's slipping to sit in the seat next to him, at the bar or a table, whatever his choice would be. Her legs, in tight pants, cross over one another at the knee as she leans minutely closer to him.

A smirk that grows into a small grin. ] It's Sam, isn't it? Small town. [ She sets the glass near the one he already has, taking a sip from her own. Is she intruding? You're...gonna have to tell her if she is. ]

Together we would stand our ground (and fight)
For Caroline. Caroline's house.
[ Katherine rolled her eyes. Flat out, completely, no holding back. She rolled her eyes when Damon had the nerve to suggest that she go over to 'check on Caroline.'

Why? She can take care of herself. She's a VAMPIRE, Damon, remember? Yes, Katherine, they all remember that aspect of Caroline's life.

Then again, there are allies in larger groups. Ones that are familiar with what they are, their actual histories (or, well, she's not sure how much Blondie's actually recalled yet?) It's with a grudging sigh that she agrees, taking nothing other than herself (dressed as well as one can in the 90s, and her cell phone. Yes, she'll play it cool. No she won't bluntly state why she's there: she's not stupid, Damon.

Night's close to falling so she dashes off to Caroline's house, a surge of annoyance that literally everyone else in Casa de Salvatore had other more pressing priorities. Haven't they been there long enough that check-ins are a little outdated, too? Ugh.

Approaching, she steps up to the front door, turning the doorknob and letting it swing open. R u d e. ]

Knock knock. [ A beat. ] Caroline. [ She calls out, certainly the voice that a Caroline at home (is she home? maybe she has a life) wants to hear. That's. You're the worst, Katherine. This is part of the reason why it's easy to keep hating you, for almost everyone from Mystic Falls. ] I forgot to bring cookies, but... [ like as a nice neighborly gift -- she, at least, doesn't step further into the house? Her lips purse down as she shrugs, peering inside, listening for the homeowner who she's intruding upon. Er, checking up on. Is that even better? ]

I still wear your t-shirt out; all the ink is faded now
For Stefan. At the high school.
[ Why hide it? Katherine's there to check out where Stefan might be within this newest environment he's brought into his life. Color her slightly put out, too: determining what Stefan might do three steps ahead of schedule has always been a special skill of hers. He's...different, there. A lot like Damon's different, actually.

Elena Gilbert, what did your influence do to these boys?

She's not surprised, so much, that Stefan integrates more into the little society they have there. It's smart. They all need to, plan to, find ways to do so. Still, there's an air of mystery attached to his quality of mopey behavior. It stems from more than just being brought to the weird town. Is Katherine respectful enough that she doesn't press? Uh. No. For a place that doesn't have twenty different special events quarterly, she's been busy since her memories came back. Katherine wants to know more, and more, about the people around them. Home life's been reserved for everyone being calm enough to keep a sincere peace, along with discussions applicable to their life in the Pines.

Respect for his space? No. Katherine's been wanting to ask what his deal is for awhile now. She didn't want to ask with Damon right there, at home, eavesdropping (she likes moments alone with Stefan, no surprise.) The garage thus, also, not a good spot. In truth, she knows that anyone could listen in on any public conversation she manages to rustle up from him, but she's taking that risk.

He must be somewhere at the school, since she's already checked the garage, right? Where Damon asked her what she wanted and for once, she could tell him literally nothing from him. At first, she walks through the hallways, boots clicking along the floor, looking for that familiar form, that head of hair. There wasn't even a security person at the front entrance for visitors to check in -- all's safe in the education systems around those parts, it seems. ]

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[ Not that he would ever admit it out loud but there's something almost comforting about Katherine's presence here with them in the town of Wayward Pines. There's just something so constant about her personality that manages to have an almost grounding effect. It seems the more things change, the more she manages to stay the same. It's almost impressive, really, how unruffled by everything she can appear to be. ]

Sometimes. [ He eyes her, slightly wary as she moves even closer but willing to indulge her in a bit of idle conversation. ] If my booth at Lagomarcino's is taken.

... Normally I won't be coming here so early in the day, practice isn't until after school hours. But the principal asked me to come in for a faculty meeting but that didn't take too long so now I'm just killing time.

[ Meanwhile, the longer they're there, the more that Katherine feels the tug of fake yet strong memories pulling her toward caring about new people. And as Stefan knows, even if she's not aware of it yet, he knows that Katherine's capable of love. She's always wanted bonds with people, tried to force one out of Stefan once she returned to Mystic Falls.

Meeting people she's started to care about, through memories that should be examined very closely to analyze who can actually be an ally or not, maybe this newer advent in her life has drawn her to wanting to be closer to Stefan. Again. As if she's ever stopped.

If she's a constant to him, why not? A bond only makes sense.

She hums at his answer, rocking on her heels a tiny bit, looking over when Stefan goes on. ] So you've met all the other teachers? Oh, Stefan. Didn't you know -- those kids, they just wanna be left alone. [ She winks, apparently in good spirits, musical reference, rephrased, blending right on in. ] Maybe we could kill time together, then. Take a walk, maybe. The backyard here's...really pretty. [ Walks with Katherine Pierce always end well. ] Unless musty old gym office is your new go-to spot.

[ He hasn't made too many connections yet, as it were. But the ones he has gnaw away at him. Honestly, he's been a bit selfish in that regard, the thought of Katherine's life here (outside her marriage to Damon) never really crossing his mind to think about all that much in depth.

He's normally more perceptive about these things but then he hasn't spent a lot of one on one time with her, typically being very avoidant which is most likely why she's had to go out of her way to track him down like this.

Stefan rolls his eyes a bit but feels his mood inexplicably lightening though he'd be loathe to tell her as much. Still, his brows furrow as he makes a show out of considering her offer. ]

I guess some fresh air wouldn't hurt.

[ If Katherine has her way that day, details purely about herself won't be what they discuss.

Any negative flare from Stefan never sets Katherine back; she expects moodiness from both of the brothers. Vampires have penchants for mood swings, letting their emotions roar out freely, especially around other vampires they've known for a long time.

Her brows lift a hair as she watches the expression on his face, her own twisting as if to suggest she's considering right along with him. Then, a beaming smile. ]

Perfect. I know just the path. [ A location that surged up in both she and Damon's minds when they recalled the 'memories' of their engagement. It's where he proposed, and she's been out there once or twice. It's a pretty spot, okay? She's no liar. Head nodding to the door, she moves to start leading him out.

As they go, she stares out over the walls, path to take them to an exterior door not far off at all. ] Is it...ever like you were just here yesterday, as a student again, when you're walking through the halls? [ Asked as a way for her to see if he's had any high school 'memories' blossom. There's no wrong or right answer: not everyone is nostalgic. ]

[ They're moving through an area that is probably heavily infested with cameras so Stefan knows that he has to be more careful about what, or at least how, he says things. ]

I still don't remember all that much from "before the accident." Sometimes... It's like I catch these little glimpses of that life growing up here. Not always something solid. But I do remember. The first time I came here to the school talk to the principal about becoming a coach. I walked by the trophy case and I just knew if I looked inside I'd find my name on one of them.

[ The star quarterback. He'd made varsity even as a sophomore. In his senior year, he'd been made captain and helped lead the team to victory in the state championship. ]

[ Those accidents.

Keeping the kiddos and staff in line with all those cameras -- not that other areas town aren't equally as monitored. Peering over at Stefan, she takes in his answer, smiling warmly when he mentions the trophy case. ]

And it was. [ Of course. ] You've always been a star athlete, when you care to be. [ What a strange statement. Yet, they both know what she means. They really shouldn't be surprised that this playful little town included that as part of his past, huh? ] Did you see any cheerleading ones? Pictures? Because, I kinda feel like I was a part of that when I attended here. [ Oh, Katherine. She twists a chunk of hair around her finger, looking contemplative. Is she even making that up? Or is she pushing herself over into Stefan's world in a way that's obvious?

Approaching the door to go outside, her feet slow a tiny bit to let Stefan go first. What? She still likes doors being held for her. He could...not, though. That'd be harsh. ]

I didn't. But I'm betting you can find some old yearbooks in the library if you're interested. Maybe it'll help jog something.

[ Stefan is born and bred a gentleman, so it doesn't matter if it's for Katherine or not. He reaches the door first and opens it without hesitation, stepping off to the side some to leave enough room for her to pass by ahead of him.

Sorry, though, he won't be checking out your ass as you do Katherine. Even if it probably looks incredible. ]

[ :( Someone should be admiring it, Stef, why not you?!

Katherine moves ahead, gracefully and with that same air of superiority that's likely one of the aspects of her personality that makes it easier for Stefan to not care about how incredible she looks. Also because he has common sense, integrity. Self respect. Etc. ]

Good idea. [ She didn't even lean in that close to him as she walked by either. Her face turns to look back as she waits for him to fall back into step with her. ] I wonder how many ridiculous candids of familiar faces they have in them. [ Creepy, yet she smirks through it, leading onward on a path toward an area of deciduous trees. ] Reacquainted with any old friends yet, Stefan? Or, old flames? [ Shush, you. ]

[ He'll need to be at least a couple of drinks into the bottle for that.

Stefan rolls his eyes slightly -- at her prodding but more at the horrible idea of what she's suggesting. ] As if I need my love life to be any more complicated than it is. [ It's a slip more information than he'd usually come out and give her but then she might also just think he's referring to his past with her, Damon, and Elena. ]

But I've met a few people here and there. Mostly acquaintances but some I suppose I should call friends.

Speaking of, I hear our "happy" little family's expanded. [ She has her own brother now, apparently. Nyx. ]

[ Just a couple? A collective sigh of relief that Katherine can't respond to this bracket-spam.

A comment like that is more than enough for her to sink her interests all the more in -- as if she'd ever overlook it. So, she shoots a curious look over. She's always been attentive to Stefan though, so she lets him go on, lips twitching when he tacks on those last words. Which is, well, enough for her to glance ahead of them instead.

Damon. He's got a big mouth. But, but backtracking. ] We haven't properly played catch up, have we? [ Eye roll away. ] Mine is pretty straightforward. A big brother, who makes everything...seem more perplexing. [ It doesn't have to be, and she's not going to bare the fact that it does. ] Nothing we can't handle. But yours? Complicated, is it, Stefan? You know, there's no one better to confide in about that subject than a long time friend. [ A little smile. ]

You're right. I should call Caroline. [ Of course he's only bluffing with that one since Caroline herself is at the root of his current dilemma. But all the more reason to try and throw Katherine off the scent. ]

If you really must know, I discovered some evidence suggesting I might also be married although I couldn't even begin to guess to whom.

[ Unfortunately -- or fortunately as the case may actually be -- that part is still foggy and beyond his grasp. ]

[ Oh. She should probably play this all cool-like, shouldn't she?

KP: master of having no chill. She quickly moves a couple of steps ahead and stops in front of Stefan, putting a hand on his chest. ] Someone who actually knows you, Stefan. Not someone who guilted you into playing teacher. [ Because no matter how nice she is, being a bitch apparently rears up at the worst of times. With the person she cares about more than anyone else. ] And...what did you find? A ring? A garter in the back of your closet? [ Psh, as if she hasn't looked at the very back of his closet... ] Do share. [ Was she supposed to pick up on the fact that he doesn't have any more to share on the subject, that it's super foggy? Nah, she cares about this.

...Imagine if it turned out to be Caroline? Like, if the town picked people who came from the same place? Wouldn't that be royally messed up?! And totally outlandish! ]

[ When Stefan's forced to abruptly stop, he shoots her a look of annoyance, although he stays put where he is at that point rather than attempting to continue walking without her. When he speaks, his voice is as cold and unfeeling as it's been since she arrived. ]

Let's get one thing straight. Caroline is my closest friend. I trust her more than anyone including Damon.

So don't insult her in front of me again.

[ Salvatores, always incapable of answering point-blank questions. Katherine's brows raise high though, fingers tapping ever so lightly against his chest. ]

Seems like a lot more changed than I realized. [ A beat. ] Fine. If you believe there's a reason to trust her, who am I to dispute your judgment? [ No sarcasm, only a tone that's, Katherine. She can't help what her voice sounds like! She brings her hand away from him, over to twirl strands of hair around her forefinger. ] So. What's the deal with this feeling married to someone thing? It's new for any of us. Spill. [ Her tone's lighter than it should be for someone who was just being so insulting. Moving right along. Caroline's a touchy subject, which she sure as hell makes a note of, and she doesn't want to talk about the blonde anyway. ]

[ He can't exactly relax immediately after that but he will grudgingly choose to move forward with the conversation because it's something that potentially affects them all, Katherine included in her role as his brother's wife. ]

Damon and I have been working on cleaning up the shop. Trying to get a better idea of the business and the way we used to run things. I found a wedding band inside one of my toolboxes. And... Well, it fits.

[ She won't be mean about Caroline, yadda yadda. Carry on, Stefan.

Her lips round, lines of her face shifting with dramatics. ] Oooo, well. I guess this place likes to play the same sorts of tricks on brothers then, doesn't it? Wonder who the lucky lady is. [ A beat, nose wrinkling. ] Or, guy. Though, this is the '90s. Behind the times, probably. [ Not that that would even fit into Stefan's inclinations, but she rambles a little. Then, a frown. ] It's enough to make anyone kind of grumpy. You should've been there when Damon and I realized. But. You've seemed... [ she has the good graces to look up, moving away and starting to lead on a very slow, casual stroll once again, if he chooses to follow ] a little...down, ever since I got here. I mean, since I've been able to notice. Not because of me. I'm not that self-absorbed. [ She shoots him a look. Focused, intense, edging with a softness that's probably a little unsettling. ] Are you okay, Stefan? I do care, you know.

[ Ha ha ha, who can't take a hint? ]

[ Whoever it may be, it's clear they aren't here right now. Which is just another reason (in a long list of many) why the bullshit this town's trying to feed them is so hard to swallow. Wives, or husbands (thanks, Katherine), don't just normally materialize out of thin air after all. But it seems that in Wayward Pines they just might although frankly it will be best if this person never arrives, as the three of them (four, counting Caroline) have more than enough to deal with.

Honestly, he'll feel a little dense later when the big reveal is made but the thought of who it could possibly be doesn't even cross his mind right now (though some small part of him wonders, almost dreads, that it could be Valerie). It's obviously not Caroline and that's his biggest problem.

Not that he's going to share that with Katherine no matter how much she pries. He resumes trailing after her, folding his arms across his chest. ]

It's fine. I'm fine. [ Of course, the underlying sentiment is apparent: as fine as anyone could be under these strange circumstances. ] Seriously, you don't need to worry about me. [ His own voice can't help but to soften a little with that last remark, an unconscious acknowledgement of her genuine concern. ]

[ Since the town is so warped that it put her with Damon instead of who everyone knows she loves the most, why wouldn't it toss two people of the same gender together even if they're not actually gay? It only makes sense to Katherine! This place can't be trusted!!

They'll all feel a little bamboozled if that wifey of his ever makes an entrance. It'll be so obvious and yet, there they go. Wondering. Pondering. It all adds up when you consider their perspectives: the woman who hates her doppelganger, the man who would loathe the thought of that girl being married to his brother, and the brother who's too pure of heart to ever consider being married to her. Huh. Aren't they a funny lot. And usually they're all so clever.

She gives him a look, brows rising again, lips pressing thin, eyes labored. Until she breathes out a quiet sigh at his tone; she's not interested in arguing, seriously. ] I asked because it's clear you're not. Do you and Damon talk about what's wrong at the garage? Stefan, you shouldn't keep everything inside. It wouldn't...you know that never ends well. [ Well. No way around that being a very personal jab, is there? Her lips thin again. ] I'm not foolish, Stefan. I know I'm the last person you'd confide in. But, I'm also the last person you need to keep the stoic hero act up for.

You helped me when I go-- after my accident. I know you're a good guy. I've always known. Just, you can let it out. And you probably should. [ Or deflect into oblivion. ]

[ He keeps his gaze fixed ahead of them the whole time that she speaks. Of course he doesn't think she's foolish; Katherine Pierce is many things but unperceptive is certainly not one of them. ]

When I feel ready to talk about it with anyone, I'll keep your offer in mind. [ Keeping it in mind isn't the same as actually taking her up on it; truce or not, there's no way he'd ever voluntarily tell her that he's in love with Caroline. However, it's nonetheless an admission that she's right; that there's something that's been weighing heavily on his mind. ]

For right now, I'd just prefer to let some sleeping dogs lie. Okay? [ He finally turns his head to offer her a tight smile. ]

[ She's being pushy, but that's nothing new. There are a number of buttons she could've pushed that she didn't.

The idea of him being in love with anyone other than Elena? Doesn't cross her mind. A shortcoming of coming from the past combined with knowing just how those two acted together at home. Before Stefan's darker colors came out, but. Love never really extinguishes completely. Not that love is entering this conversation at all -- just, fake marriages.

Her lips pucker out soundlessly, thinning back to normal with an expression almost like a smile for the one he provides. ] Okay. You'd know if you needed to talk about it. I guess. So. There's just one thing bugging you? Or, is there more at home that's gone on that you and Damon could be upset about but that you don't feel like being upfront about? [ A hand goes to her mouth, feigned gasp over the rule she's 110% breaking. ] Oh. Oops. I mean. Well, no. Stefan. I meant it. No one's gonna stop me from saying what I want to you. [ Oh, be more obvious, Katherine. They're outside though; are there cameras in the trees?? ]

[ There could, in fact, be an audio recording device in the trees or bushes but they seem to be walking in a pretty wide open area right now and neither one of them are raising their voices. ]

Does the name "Rayna Cruz" mean anything to you?

[ She's old enough that it wouldn't be a surprise.

Anyway, talking about what's going on back in Mystic Falls is a hell of a lot easier than talking about things in Wayward Pines, crazy rules be damned. At least, it's an innocuous enough question. Unless whoever might be listening knows the name of every single person in Wayward Pines, past or present, which is highly doubtful.

And if it does mean anything to her, then need he really say more? The problem should be pretty apparent, in that case. ]

[ Her expression immediately sparks with question, awareness in her eyes. Although, the reason behind the latter isn't for why Stefan may originally think. ] Only that Damon mentioned her. And this, stone. [ She waves a hand, absentmindedly. ] Thing. [ You know the stone, Stefan. But, apparently Katherine doesn't. It never impacted her: she had other people chasing after her! ] He asked me that too, after my head...cleared. [ Ah, cynicism. If Stefan's going to give her insight into what's bothering him, the least she can do is be honest. ]

So. What's this Rayna Cruz done to at least one of you to warrant separate mentions from both of you? [ Interesting, and not unexpected, that they've both brought her up. Stefan and Damon are forever entangled in each other's business. Immortal brothers and all. ]

Why tell when I can just show you? [ Stefan stops walking and waits until he has her full attention before he tugs down the collar of his t-shirt low enough to reveal the x-shaped mark that's carved deep into his skin, right over his heart.

The wound doesn't appear as fresh as it once did, presumably because Rayna isn't actually here in Wayward Pines by some small miracle. But the fact that there's a wound at all should be pretty alarming to a fellow vampire like Katherine. ]

She's an immortal huntress who stabbed me her magical sword. This is her mark. It allows her to track me down to the end's of the earth; no matter how far or how fast I go, she will find me if I ever stop running. My only choice has been to stay constantly on the move.

[ You always have her attention, Stefan, but those words pull her in, and still her heart -- oh the shirt's not coming off all the way. She steps in closer, more than needed but as if she doesn't take advantage, to get a very good look.

The mark strikes something within her, and it clicks once he mentions a huntress. ] The huntress. So it has a name, and she's real. I'd only ever heard legends. Part of me figured it had to be some ridiculous Mikaelson rumor. [ A hand rises, and if the situation between them was marginally different, would've continued over to try to touch the mark. Decency, from Katherine Pierce? ] Was it...like that, when she was after you? Healed over? [ She can't help the curiosity, not about a tale of a huntress she thought wasn't entirely true to reality. Curiosity about your body is also a given, sorry not sorry, Stefan. ]

Why did she come after you? In Mystic Falls? [ Mouthed instead of spoken aloud. ] Something had to of driven her there. [ Her lips press together, eyes reflecting a silent disdain. ] Damon? What did he do now? [ The corners of her eyes narrow a teeny bit as she tacks on -- ] And where did you go, Stefan? [ Since he had to be on the move. ]

[ At her first question he just shakes his head, a bit of a grim look on his face. ]

She was actually aiming for Damon... I may have gotten in the way of that. [ It wasn't that she was targeting Damon in particular or whatever Katherine might be thinking. But his recklessness, yes, is ultimately what created the circumstances leading to Stefan's surprise intervention. ]

I was about to be on my way to New Orleans. That's the last thing I can remember.

Life isn't pretty we all get a little wrecked sometimes

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