This is the web, web that you weave

[abetment]

Who: Katherine Pierce + you; Damon Salvatore
Where: Her home, French's General Store, S&D Automotive, Britches and Hose, Weaver's Bar
When: March 14, all day
What: Guess who has their memories back?
Warnings: Some violence. Will update as needed, otherwise.

You were different from my last but now you got it mirrored
OPEN. Main Street. French's General Store.

[ The morning sun is shining over their just lovely backwater town as Katherine pads through the house. The one she shares with two souls who have mutually accepted along with her (maybe grudgingly), that there's so much more to who she is, to her story, than they've exposed. Because, she'll get her memories back. Sooner rather than later, as the days go on. Color her impatient with each passing day.

It happens as she's pulling a bloodbag out, the chilled item falling from her fingers and snugly back in with the others. There's a torrent of information that sweeps over her, fog lifting, reality settling in, and the ache of a life always on the run coating back over her mind. She wanted this back, her life, and now that she has it? She wants to tie the person who ever cut it off from her up by their ankles to watch them bleed out.

Okay. She needs to gather herself, her resolve. First things first: appearances. There's...nothing in the house, other than a few containers of makeup, that she wants. Needs. Slipping into an outfit she's acquired (denim, what the hell), including jeans with a snug fit and lower waistline than most of the atrocities she's seen lately. She snatches up the camisole that's she now remembers using to impersonate Elena, sliding it on and starting outside. Those ankle boots, also Elena-y, get put on too.

She strides down the street, a girl on a mission, the spaghetti straps out of place in winter weather but whatever. There are more important matters to attend to than a breezy walk, so she speeds up to vampire speed to make her way to the town center, stopping out of sight of anyone and casually walking out of an alley.

Popping into the general store, she searches for a beauty section. As if they'll -- oh, there actually is one. Maybe this town won't be as horrendous as it could be. She spies a human shopping in the area and compels them into buying the items she wants. As a gift for her: it is her birthday, after all (it's absolutely not), and the people in this town have wanted to be oh-so welcoming. A curling iron. Lipstick. Products for her hair. A manicure kit (are the people here barbarians, not providing someone with the basic necessities she needs?)

Items in tow, she stops by a clothing store. With the world's least appealing selection. She manages, compelling the shop-hand into thinking how well the outfit suits her, how it was meant for her closet. She heads back to the house in that. Where, the infamous Katherine Pierce comes together, best she can in Wayward Pines. ]

And as it all plays out I see it couldn't be clearer
For Damon. S&D Automotive.

[ There is no game she's intending to play with Damon as she steps into the garage. They both know that Stefan's her favorite to play games with, anyway. Damon, he's always been the more creative ally to have. Plus, there's a hurdle they need to get over here. She's sure his heart is oh-so shattered after mistaking her for Elena (looks like Elena finally made the switch that Katherine could see coming from a mile away; though, how long it'll last, that's another story...that won't play out there -- she hopes Elena Gilbert never actually shows up.) Her ego's getting in the way with how she's presenting herself, putting herself out there for him to be testy over. Again, might as well go in strong and take it as it comes. She doesn't actually need to do this: interrupt his work day. Yet, selfish.

Maybe he'll be relieved that she's back? No more weird Elena-ness. No more attempted soft touches to bridge a gap between them that she can't believe anyone ever made her forget. What's wrong with the people in charge around here? She's back to Katherine. If her being regarded as a psychotic bitch makes for better relations overall, that's a plus in her book. This way, they can stop pretending that Damon doesn't constantly want to rip out her jugular, too.

She's acquired black heels (not the best ones, but they'll do): a chunkier heel than stiletto, but not awful enough that she looks like a goth wannabe reject. They click across the cement floor, legs long and clad in black pants (the closest fit to her own style that the '90s clothing there allows), a dark purple crushed velvet sleeveless top on, generous with the cleavage. Her makeup is done to a tee, that obnoxious pink she came in with her makeup bag set aside for a red bought by their friendly neighborhood friend. Most importantly, her hair is curled, divinely. She thinks she's really outdone herself, toying with the daylight bracelet over her wrist when as she comes up to find Damon working on a car. ] So industrious. You always were, when you put your mind to it. [ There can't be any doubt that her memories are back, not with that confidence in her tone, throaty voice having fully returned. When he first meets her eyes, her brows pop and she adds -- ] Hey roomie. You'll never guess what happened while you were out. [ A smirk, a giggle.

Yep. She sure is back. ]

Now sing
OPEN. Main Street. Britches and Hose. Weaver's Bar.

[ She's scoped out the lay of the land, its residents (both natural and those forcibly immigrated in), in the first two weeks. Yet, Katherine couldn't seek out the sorts of people, of information, that she finds herself drawn to. There was no allure brought out by her full personality, but with her memories back...she's on the hunt for interesting people.

Things go about as she expected them to a la Salvatores. Reality bites sometimes, what can she say? They're stuck there together though, and she knows that both of them simply must have allies around. She's not stalking after either brother that day (she's not stupid.) It's the first day she's reaching out to anyone that doesn't reside under the roof of where she calls home.

Daylight hours still, she finds herself in a lingerie store. Interesting. For all the sexually repressed soccer moms of the '90s, she wonders? She goes along the aisles, a presence about her that says why yes she's interested in speaking to you, if you're in there too. Holding out a black teddy, her head tilts, curls tumbling down over her shoulders as she hums -- does she want it? ...Maybe.

With the fall of night, she finds a bar, and there's only one thing to do at a bar: compel free drinks out of the bartender (who knows if she can, depending on who's working), get people to buy her drinks and/or flirt. All of the above sounds lovely to her, the infectious giggle she has carrying out when she gets her first drink. There is a 100% chance she'll approach you, fellow patron or staff member. Bars are great for meeting people, everyone knows that.

Comments

[abetment]

[ If it grates on Damon, imagine how it affects Katherine? Her jaw hangs unceremoniously open, fingers stilling at toying with the gold band that rests on her finger. She starts to tug it off and as the fates have determined for them that day, she's left feeling awkward with it not budging. Whatever, it's just a ring. Her ring-bearing hand drops swiftly into her lap.

Honestly? Being a Mrs. Salvatore? Should come with a marriage to Stefan, not Damon. Which she's not saying. They both know she'd think it, naturally, impulsively, but she won't be rude.

She downs her entire glass, motioning for another. Looking up to the ceiling, she finally focuses back on Damon. ] I didn't know if it was actually, really true. God, Damon. How... [ her shoulders slump, word trailing off into a pause. ] What're we...do we do anything? With, about, this?

[ For once, she's flabbergasted. ]

[unforgivably]

We could get divorced. I'm sure there's a church in this town, though finding a church that would let you in its doors might prove difficult. [ His hand comes around his glass, again. ] What do you even do for work? Do I support us?

[ It's a far cry from the emotions of only an hour or so ago, but those are long gone for the time being. Maybe forever. With what they learn, more questions keep arising. It's one thing to remember random friends, and clients, even growing up here, but having a different life. ]

You realize that you and Stefan are probably sneaking around behind my back. [ It's not even an accusation. Seriously. It's more, a, of course this is how it would be. ] How is it us?

[abetment]

[ Her eyes narrow at how cold his words turn. ] Maybe I'm a homemaker. [ Laugh away -- no, really. ] I don't know, Damon, what do you want me to say? It's not like I made this choice for us. You're the one who proposed to me, remember? [ If anyone's to blame, it's him! Well, neither of them are, the town is. Yet, volatility.

Glass brought to her lips when he says that, taking the statement to include more unkind words; until his tone actually sinks in. Taking a longer drink before she lets it settle back on the bar, she sighs in frustration. ] Do you think he'll remember anything about this? Have you remembered going to school with him too? Because I haven't. What if... [ she leans over to him, whispering ] there's a lack of consistency.

[ Her back goes straight. ] Are we gonna tell him? About this? Serious question, Damon. No attitude, no matter how pissed off I sound. [ A beat. ] I'm not upset at you.

[unforgivably]

No, not really. I don't think we can call what happened back there remembering. [ He is not to blame! ]

There is. Stefan's notions stay more vague, while I have nice vivid memories about long lunches at a deli called Lamargochino's. [ Or, something like that. ] There's no reasoning behind any one memory, muscle or otherwise. [ They just come. ]

And I'm a little upset with you, but, that's my default setting. [ More honesty. ] I already talked to him, he knows we're at least engaged.

[abetment]

[ She could easily be to blame for saying yes to the proposal, too! But, blame won't help, so she actively moves past that. ] Right. I agree, Damon.

[ Some days, she may care specifically about listening in purposefully because they're talking about Stefan. She asked about him so she and Damon would be on the same page, though, experience gathering. Holding onto all he says, her lips thin with the conclusion he draws. A faint chuckle at his being somewhat upset with her, eyes nearly rolling in quiet amusement. Finally, a nod. ]

The memories. I'm basing what I think off what's happened with you both, since you've been -- aware [ actual eye roll ] of being here longer than me. It's...weird, that it's so different.

[ Stefan knows, and she nibbles slightly at her bottom lip, considering asking what the younger Salvatore had to say. She meets Damon's eyes. It's a selfish question, and she'll find out later. This day? Them, there. It can be about just them. If they're gonna do the ally thing and mean it, she needs to put more heart into it. She picks her glass up again, not drinking from it, making the liquid swirl ] Good. It's...weird, but not a secret. [ A glance at the bartender, eyes widening. ] Obviously.

[ Her eyes narrow at Damon slightly, smirk starting to form. ] So, Mr. Salvatore. [ She ain't sorry, suddenly. ] Think your wife [ she makes a face ] can out drink you? [ Embrace the story or live in misery? ]

[unforgivably]

[ They agree. They agree. ]

Only thing you can base it off. [ Not anyone else. Not right now. ]

Obviously.

[ Right. Why they're here. ] Only one way to find out. [ He too raises his glass to her. ]

[abetment]

[ Her lips press together. Yap. Making a popping sound when he repeats her sentiment about how absurdly they're recognized as being married in this town.

She brings hers over to his clink them together, not abashed that they aren't toasting anything, taking a sip. ] We could get creative with it, too. Play a...game. The harmless kind. [ She's quick to add that. ] Since this place keeps trying to force youth on us, how about -- two truths and a lie, [ she whispers -- ] future edition. [ They're already breaking rules, right? ] About, me. [ Her shoulder rises. ] I pick the wrong lie, I drink. Right, then you do. [ How about it, Damon? ]

[unforgivably]

[ Mid-sip he pauses, but she says it's the harmless kind. Despite a Katherine Pierce game never being harmless, this does sound the closest to that. He considers it, tipping his glass. Sure, she learns about the future, and there are plenty of rules when it comes to time travel, but this doesn't seem like that, and he feels like breaking more and more rules. ] The Best Hits of Katherine Pierce. Okay. You know you killed Jeremy Gilbert, but did you know you were in Nova Scotia at the time? Of course not. Though, who cares about Nova Scotia when the craziest things happen right there in Mystic Falls, like the original doppelgänger, herself. And, you never once caught a cold as a human. Apparently, Katherine Pierce's immune system couldn't be pierced.

[abetment]

[ She's trying to bond with you, Damon! Really!! Honesty from her, it's indeed alarming. As she listens to each set, the glass will be firmly planted in place on the bar's top to ensure they play this game right. She laughs at the pun -- oh, Damon. ]

Canada. Hm. [ She wants to know more about this original doppelganger, but she also wants to win (everyone's a winner in a drinking game!) Her eyes narrow slightly. ] The cold one. There's no way I said that. [ ...Right? Since all humans get sick!! ]

[unforgivably]

[ He lifts the glass to his lips and takes a big gulp, setting it down again. ]

Canada. And I never said you said it. [ And he thought it was clever. Elena might not turn a blind eye to using Jeremy's death in a game to pass the time, but he came back to life, didn't he? ] But you did catch a nasty cold. You slept with Stefan. You refused when Stefan needed help carting around Klaus' siblings. You helped Stefan get over a case of PTSD.

[abetment]

[ See, they both look at the bigger picture, at the elements that really matter. She smiles, playful, only a little smug.

That next list? Her brows raise high at the first option. She thinks she's got this one in the bag too. ] Reverse psychology, Damon? That's mean. [ Just because she wants something doesn't mean she's 100% confident she'll get it, not with the Salvatores. ] Stefan wouldn't sleep with me. No matter how hard I'd try. [ What? They both know she'd have sex with either of them if they were willing. Ain't no secret. ]

[unforgivably]

Drink up, Katherine. [ And he does sit back at that, trying to relax the best he can. ] Rebekah and Elena find a town in Florida [ Pennsylvania. ] you've completely compelled. Elena impersonates you for once. You hid the cure in a fish tank.

[abetment]

[ Her mouth opens in surprise, though she smiles through a gasp. She takes a long drink. ] When? I mean, that's...not very Stefan, not as I last knew him.

[ Really considering those options (losing two times in a row?! inconceivable!), she knows she'd compel a whole town if she needed to. Not like Florida is so far out of the realm of possibility, either. ] We both know how much I love compulsion. [ Her eyes widen in emphasis because duh. ] I bet vampire Elena would try that. And fail.

[ Her nose scrunches a tiny bit. ] A fish tank? There's better spots. That one.

[unforgivably]

You were human. Maybe he was feeling nostalgic. [ No, it had to do with her therapy methods, he's pretty sure. ] I didn't ask.

[ Or care, he'd been dating Elena. ]

Fish tank. Full of vervain, but a fish tank. Your compelled townsfolk were not Floridians. And you're right, Elijah recognized her right away. [ Oh, a pang of something that could resemble guilt, but Katherine would probably find pleasure in Elijah not falling for Elena. ] You triggered the Hunter's curse. The whole of the East Coast was mind whammied to look for you, we asked you to play Elena in an attempt to kill Klaus.

[abetment]

[ A slow nod. ] I didn't think you would have. And I wouldn't have asked you why anyway. [ Maybe another day, in another conversation, she would have: okay, they both know she would have.

Her lips purse hard to the side at losing another round, but she takes another sizable drink. ] Of course he did. It's Elijah. She thought she could fool Elijah, of all the people that have ever known me? [ A shrug; apparently Elena did. ]

Asked. You'd ask if I would, especially if playing nice keeps up. Hmm...the entire east coast. [ It's just absurd enough that that might be real. Then again... ] Just Virginia. Spells don't tend to reach out that far just, willy nilly. [ Killing a Hunter, that might've accidentally happened.

Is she awful at this game yet? ]

[unforgivably]

She didn't know that's who you'd be meeting. My, my, you were a busy girl. [ Klaus. Elijah. ]

No, Silas reached pretty much everywhere. He was an immortal omniscient psychic. [ So, sorry about that. ] Elena triggered the hunter curse. She's cured now. [ Leaving back that she's literally cured - of vampirism. ] It's getting harder, Katherine, you kept a two year low profile. You successfully convinced Whittemore's finest that Elena wasn't a vampire. You killed the only witch who could've given you real immortality. You gave your blood in a spell that helped Silas' original paranoid lover, Quetsiyah, who reminded me a little of you. But, ten times more jealous than you ever were and that's saying something.

[abetment]

[ A labored look.

Sigh. She downs the rest of her glass, motioning for the bartender again as Damon goes on, waving a hand for him to responsibly just leave the bottle there. It's a small town bar: what's it gonna hurt? ] He sounds awful. [ Silas. No comment about Elena, but that's interesting to know...

Her lips purse down at this getting more difficult, and she listens to the options. First though -- ] There's other sorts of games, ones where we both get to play. A little low-key drama. Or gossip. Here or there, but who would that hurt? [ Er...whatever might she suggest! ] Why would I ever help Elena, specifically? Unless it wasn't to help her. [ A soft sigh. ] There are so many names in that last one that you couldn't have made it up.

The second. There aren't any witches that can give that. Or, not ones that are alive. Probably. [ Overthinking it, but. ]

[unforgivably]

He was insufferable. Real high and mighty. Never even drank from the vein if he could help it. [ He just shakes his head at that point. Because, Silas was a big ol' dick. ]

Gossip. And I thought gossip was currency for Katherine Pierce. Because, there's not a lot of small town gossip here. [ Not that he's been doing his due diligence in that area. ] You did Caroline the favor. And, you were human. Alliances -- you weren't awful as a human. A little whiny. [ A half shrug.

He finishes his glass, taking the bottle and pouring anew. ] Quetsiyah ended her own life. To be reunited with Silas, who wanted absolutely nothing to do with her. Yep, everything started because of a twisted triangle.. [ He raises his glass. ] To breaking all the rules.