new york wolves } { of new friends and strong female heroines

[impetere]

Peter: [looks up from the couch that he's managed to move to for the day] Cora, was school okay?

Cora: Yeah. [a beat, and she still looks incredibly confused] I think I made a friend.

Peter: [chuckles] You think?

Cora: I ... didn't exactly have a say in it. She just sort of sat down and started talking to me.

Peter: Perhaps she wanted to make you feel welcome.

Cora: Maybe. She's really nice I just ... didn't expect it.

Peter: Well, you should make friends. Did you like her?

Cora: Yeah. [there's a beat] She offered to help me catch up with school. At her house. [which she isn't sure what the rules on that are quite yet]

Peter: Hmm. That will be something you will need to discuss with Laura. If nothing else, she may want to go with you, or have Derek go.

Cora: Okay. It's just her, her dad and her grandmother, and she doesn't live far from school.

Peter: But still, we have to be cautious just for a little bit.

Cora: [she nods, before leaning back with a sigh. She still doesn't know how to adjust to all of this, but at least even having the idea of a friend makes it feel a little more normal]

Peter: [reaches over to gently stroke her hair] But I'm glad to hear you made a friend, Cora. That's important.

Cora: I just don't know what to say to people. Everyone else just wants to know why I transferred in the middle of the year and I don't know what to tell them.

Peter: Yeah, that I can understand.

Cora: I'll figure it out. [for right now she'll just focus on getting caught up on school]

Peter: Perhaps you can just tell them that your family moved to New York because we wanted to be together. Which is true, and doesn't really lead to a lot of additional questions.

Cora: [she nods. she'll consider it. she just doesn't really want to deal with the question at all, which is what makes it awkward. having a prepared answer could help though.]

Malia: [before she can respond with words, Malia and Laura are blowing in from the library and the other errands they ran that day, arms full of groceries] We're home!

Laura: They can see that, sweetie. [shifts bags onto the counter] How's everything here?

Peter: Welcome home. [because he will at least make Malia feel acknowledged] We're fine here. Derek is down at the Y and Cora's made a new friend.

Laura: [eyebrows go up with a teasing smirk] Four legs or two?

Cora: [rolls her eyes] Two. Her name's Alexis.

Peter: And she's helped offer to catch Cora up in her lessons.

Laura: Perfect. Do you guys have a study hall or something?

Cora: Not exactly. She invited me over to her house.

Laura: [nods slowly as she starts putting stuff away in the fridge, buying her a second to think it over] What do her parents do?

Cora: Her mom isn't around but her dad is a writer and her grandmother is an actress.

Peter: It would be better for her to go there than here. This warehouse apartment is not the best for company while we wait for the insurance money to find more suitable housing.

Laura: No, I know. [she wasn't planning that] Maybe one of us should take you over though.

Cora: [nods, she figured that] Okay.

Peter: You would be the choice that would raise less questions. [his hand subtly gestures at the scarring on his neck and face that he had yet to be fully healed from]

Laura: [nods] Of course. Just ask her what day is okay, and I'll bring you, alright?

Cora: [nods too] Okay. I'll ask her tomorrow.

Peter: Good, that's settled. Can I help with anything?

Laura: Nope. We've got it. [ruffles Malia's hair as she sorts things into the cabinets] So what kind of writer is her dad?

Cora: She says he writes mystery novels.

Peter: Well, now I'm interested.

Laura: What's his name?

Cora: Her last name is Castle?

Peter: .... Richard Castle?

Cora: I guess? I didn't ask his name.

Peter: [pulls out his phone] What was her name again?

Cora: Alexis. [and she will scooch over so that she can read over his shoulder]

Peter: [and he is playing on richardcastle.net and then shows her this photo] This her?

Cora: [nods] Yep. That's her.

Peter: Richard Castle then. He's a harmless playboy NYC millionaire. He writes this Derrick Storm series.

Laura: Hey. I find the idea of Abraham Lincoln being a vampire hunter surprisingly plausible. You never know what famous people are hiding. [she's kidding, obviously] I still want to meet him.

Peter: I didn’t say not to, just that he appears harmless.

Laura: Which is good.

Peter: Very good, since that would give Cora a new friend she can play with.

Cora: [nods a bit, before shifting off the couch] I should go do my homework.

Peter: Let me know if you need any help.

Cora: [nods and off she darts to her room]

Laura: [sighs as she watches her go, waiting for the door to close] I think she's actually using homework as a coping mechanism.

Peter: At least it's healthy.

Laura: [she nods as she goes to sit next to him] And how are you doing today?

Peter: Every day a little better. I managed to do a bit of housework today after Derek snuck out of the house.

Laura: Good! Getting up and moving around a bit is probably good for you. It'll help with the healing.

Peter: That is what I tell myself. That and I'm tired of the smells from this place.

Laura: [smirks] Well, hopefully we'll be able to get into a better place soon. Malia's going to need her own space eventually.

Peter: Our lawyer is telling me that things are proceeding smoothly. We should have the accounts soon to be able to access them.

Laura: Good. And in the meantime, you can window shop. I'm sure there are real estate listings online somewhere.

Peter: I will. Do you have any preference in location?

Laura: Somewhere close to the schools would be good. Just so that the girls and Derek can walk once they get used to the city without it being too complicated.

Peter: So the middle upper zone around the park. I can see what's available there.

Laura: Awesome. If there's any you like, just make a list and once the money comes through, I'll make an appointment with a real estate agent. Derek and I can go check them out.

Peter: That will work.

Laura: Good. [she glances over her shoulder as Malia darts through the living room to the hallway with the bedrooms, and the slam as the door to the girl's bedroom closes again] I also think Malia really likes Verity.

Peter: She's a little too young to be going to that place, don't you think? [laughs]

Laura: [gives him a look] We saw her during her competition rehearsals, actually. She teaches dance classes sometimes.

Peter: Perhaps then we can get her some dance lessons? It will get her socializing before school.

Laura: That's what I was thinking. She seemed really invested in what she was watching at any rate.

Peter: Check with Verity and see what she thinks. If nothing else, we can give her a few private lessons so she can learn to control her powers while dancing so that she doesn't make herself stand out.

Laura: [she nods] Most of Verity's classes are usually cryptids anyway.

Peter: Even better.

Laura: [nods again] So yeah. That's at least the start of something for her. And Cora's making friends. These are all good signs.

Peter: Now you just need to figure out Derek.

Laura: [glances towards the hallway] He's been hanging out at the Y a lot.

Peter: That's all he pretty much does.

Laura: I think someone there is reaching out to him.

Peter: Oh?

Laura: Don't know who, but I don't know. I don't think he would keep going to the same place if he didn't have something there to engage him.

Peter: They have a basketball there. He's engaged.

Laura: They have basketball across the street. He doesn't have to go all the way across town for that.

Peter: Unless he was hiding something.

Laura: We just got here, Peter. What could he possibly have to hide already?

Peter: You never know.

Laura: Well ... whatever it is, maybe it'll get him out of this slump.

Derek: [and that will be him coming home, hoodie up bag over his shoulder. He's keeping his head down so Laura can't see the black eye that's healing as he just beelines for his room]

Laura: [... Derek, your timing. She sighs before patting Peter's good side, before getting up to follow him] I'll be back to start dinner in a minute.

Peter: Let me know if you need anything. [and he will go back to his book]

Derek: [nope, trying to get to the bedroom and hide]

Laura: [yep, but you're not fast enough. She catches his shoulder just before he gets to the doorway] Slow down cowboy. What's going on with you?

Derek: Nothing. I'm just going to my room, where's the crime in that?

Laura: Not even going to say hello?

Derek: Hi. Can I go now?

Laura: [nope she's going to start to turn him around] Nope. Look at me.

Derek: [he's going to scowl, and then look up at her. He's very obviously been in a fight]

Laura: [her eyes widen a bit, before she moves them into his room and shuts the door behind them] What happened to you?

Derek: I got jumped. I'm fine.

Laura: By who?

Derek: I don't know. Never saw them before.

Laura: Why?

Derek: I don't know, Laura! It's New York! They were probably trying to mug me or something!

Laura: Hey, easy. Are you okay?

Derek: Yeah, I'm fine. It's already healing.

Laura: Where'd it happen?

Derek: Coming off the subway.

Laura: [takes a step closer and lets her hand brush against the side of his face gently, checking the injuries] Did you kick their ass?

Derek: Mostly.

Laura: [nods] Good. Then they shouldn't mess with you again.

Derek: Yeah. [there's a hint of something more, but he shrugs] Can I go now?

Laura: We're in your room, genius.

Derek: Yeah, and you're in it.

Laura: [her head tips to the side, because she saw that something] You sure you're okay? Nothing else you want to say?

Derek: [he just sighs] I can take care of myself, Laura. I'm fine.

Laura: Yeah, but you don't have to. You can let me help you.

Derek: I can handle it!

Laura: [her hands come up defensively] Okay. [and she'll take a step back to head out] Dinner's in an hour.

Derek: Fine. [and he's going to just toss his bag and hoodie in a corner and go to just collapse on his bed]

Laura: [sighs as she closes the door behind her, and is just going to go fix dinner. Do not tell her I told you so Peter, she is not in the mood.]

Peter: [nope, she already knows it, that's what matters]

Laura: [thank you. and normal Hale family evening and we skip to the weekend with the Castles?]

Castle: [but until then, he will open the door with a bright smile] Welcome! Come on in.

Laura: [returns the smile as she nudges Cora forward, hands on her shoulders] Hi. Thank you for having us.

Castle: No, please it's a pleasure. I even went all out and got snacks. I hope you both like pizza bagels. [shows them in and towards the kitchen] Alexis is upstairs...

Alexis: Coming!

Laura: We love pizza. [Cora is mostly quiet, her hands on Laura's on her shoulders, glancing around as she gets a feel for the place. Laura gives her shoulders a squeeze before holding one hand out to Castle] I'm Laura, by the way.

Castle: Richard. And you then, little one, must be Cora. How's the new school treating you?

Cora: [her head snaps to Castle and she nods] It's good. I like it.

Laura: Alexis was really nice to offer to help her catch up. I think she kind of caught her by surprise.

Castle: Don't worry, Cora. If there's one thing I've learned in life, it's how to handle energetic redheaded women. Just nod and go along, and you'll be fine.

Alexis: [Cora just ... nods, but before she can respond, Alexis appears down the stairs and she relaxes just a fraction, now that she's in the presence of a familiar face. Alexis just grins and reaches for her hand] C'mon. I'll show you my room.

Cora: [glances back to Laura and Laura nods. after that, Cora pulls away from her and let's Alexis take her upstairs]

Castle: So, they will probably be awhile. Can I get you something to drink, Laura?

Laura: [nods] Water or soda is good for me.

Castle: Good, because anything else and I may have to card you. [grins and is off to get two waters]

Laura: [grins a bit as she nods] I am old enough, but that is fair. [she takes the water with a nod] Thank you.

Castle: Yes, but are you old enough that I need to be careful hitting on you, that's the real question.

Laura: I'm almost twenty-two. [so let's see if that makes you feel old, Castle]

Castle: Oh, out of my age range. Now I feel old, but it does explain that you and Cora would be sisters.

Laura: [she nods] Yeah. Big age difference, but definitely sisters.

Castle: And while I'm sure any man would enjoy trying to hit on a woman fifteen years his junior, I think for the girls’ sake, we should just be friends. I'm sorry to break your heart so early in this relationship, but it must be this way.

Laura: [nods as she places a hand over her heart] I think I will just have to learn to survive without what clearly would have been an epic love.

Castle: I would have made you a happy woman. [smirks around his water]

Laura: Oh, I'm sure you would have. But unfortunately we will just have to live with the what-ifs.

Castle: That we will. I may even write us a story. No, wait I write murder mysteries - you probably don't want to be involved in that.

Laura: [cringes before shaking her head] I don't think that would end well. But if you ever decide to step outside your comfort zone, I say go for it.

Castle: I could be enticed. What kind of novel would Laura Hale be the strong, female heroine of?

Laura: [takes a deep breath, before leaning back in her seat a bit] Dystopian survival story. Preferably zombies. [there's a beat] Basically anything but young adult supernatural romance and I'll probably be happy.

Castle: [his eyes widen, and then he grins] You're a zombie fan?

Laura: Hell yeah I'm a zombie fan. I had like an entire shelf full of zombie movies back home.

Castle: Oh, then I think we're going to be great friends. Come with me. [and he is going to show off all his zombie collections]

Laura: [And she will follow and knock off all the ones she's seen and/or read]

Castle: [and they can keep talking zombies until the girls come down for food?]

Laura: [yep, because that's an easy topic and then it's the four of them sitting around with pizza] I have to say, this place is amazing.

Castle: Well, I do have to say, I have been lucky. And it lets me take care of my little girl.

Laura: [she nods] It seems like you guys have a lot of fun here.

Castle: You two should come over for one of our Friday Night laser tag nights. Castles verses Hales. We'll even give you a handicap to start

Laura: That sounds like a lot of fun.

Cora: Laser tag has those chest things, right?

Castle: Yes, and we have a very professional set. Laser tag is a sport in this household.

Laura: [glances over to her sister] You should do it. And if I can't go, Derek or Malia could probably take my place.

Cora: [looks back at Laura and nods] Okay.

Castle: More siblings?

Cora: Yeah. Derek's between me and Laura and Malia is my age.

Castle: That's a lot of kids. You parents were busy.

Laura: Well, Malia is adopted, so slightly less busy.

Castle: So they move you guys here for work then?

Laura: [pauses for a moment before shaking her head] Actually, our parents passed away a few weeks ago. We moved here for ... a change.

Castle: Oh. Oh, I'm so sorry.

Laura: [she shakes her head] It's okay. [one hand wanders over to rest on top of Cora's head since she's close enough, and her eyes have become very focused on her pizza] It was sudden but we are ... dealing with it as best we can.

Castle: Well, if there's anything we can do to help you during this time. I've lived here most of my life, and if you need anything... don't hesitate to ask.

Laura: We will, thank you. [there's a beat] ... Actually, if you know a good realtor, that would probably help the most. We have a place that's good for us temporarily but we're looking for something a little bigger.

Castle: I do, actually. I'll grab the name from my rolodex before you go.

Laura: Perfect.

Castle: But it is a big city, and it helps to have a few friends to help you get the hang of the place. And lucky for you, I have more than enough friends to spare.

Laura: We'd really appreciate that, thank you. We've heard that this city isn't so kind to strangers.

Castle: It's part of the charm. You gotta make it before it welcomes you. If you can't handle it, you leave and it doesn't have to deal with the heartbreak.

Laura: You make it sound like a girl who's heart's been broken one too many times.

Castle: Ask all the starlets who work in Starbucks and they will relate it to you like that. This city? It's a living, breathing thing. It's a relationship no matter how you put it.

Laura: I will keep that in mind.

Castle: And if you ever need it, Cora's more than welcome to come over here after school. In case you're working or something.

Laura: I usually have my brother to handle that, but I think Cora would rather hang out with Alexis. What do you think, kiddo?

Cora: [glances up from her pizza and nods] Sure.

Castle: Probably a lot more fun here than following around a big brother.

Laura: Very true. Derek's loves these days are books and basketball.

Castle: There, it's settled. We can drive her home after, or someone can come get her. I'm sure Alexis will enjoy having a friend over as well.

Laura: Derek can come pick her up on his way home from the Y. I don't think it's far from here.

Castle: No, it's just a few blocks. Hey, if he goes to the Y up here, and Cora's at Alexis’ school, you'll probably want to look in this area then for a place. I don't think there's anything in this building, but it's a good starting place.

Laura: [she nods] Yeah, that's what we're thinking. Derek's in the local public school because he only has a couple months left, but it's still in the area.

Castle: Well, if the boy's into books, I've got a library he can pick through while he's picking up Cora.

Laura: You may just know the way to his heart.

Castle: I have been told that I'm great with kids.

Laura: Does that talent extend to broody seventeen year-olds because that would be a true miracle and I may ask you to tell me your secrets.

Castle: I can try.

Laura: Good luck and Godspeed.

Castle: [grins] So, what shall we do now, ladies?

Alexis: Cora and I were thinking about watching a movie?

Laura: Actually, I should go check on said broody teenager, but if you guys are good here, would it be okay if I left you guys alone for a bit?

Castle: She's more than welcome to stay. I'll go start making some popcorn.

Laura: [nods and she turns to Cora] You gonna be okay?

Cora: [glances over and nods] Yeah, I'll be okay.

Laura: Okay. You've got your phone? [Cora nods] I'll text when I'm on my way back okay. If you need anything you can call me, okay?

Cora: Okay. [and she'll get up and go with Alexis to pick the movie]

Laura: [will head back to Castle] Thank you, again. This was a lot of fun.

Castle: Anytime. It was nice to meet you, Laura.

Laura: Nice meeting you too. [and with that she will head out and head down to the Y to stalk Derek which is where we will pick up tomorrow while I'm at work?]