canon au } { post-5a, of awkward thanksgivings and recovery periods

[kiss_evilgoodbye]

Stiles: [well, if he has to go, he's going to be with Cora and will be NOT TALKING to Scott]

Buffy: You are not allowed to skip Thanksgiving unless you are projectile vomiting blood. Or, in Ben's case, are in danger of passing out and drowning in the mashed potatoes.

Stiles: I can probably do the projectile if you want.

Buffy: [a look]

Stiles: I'll just go back to sit with Cora.

Buffy: You do that. [and she will keep setting up the dishes to eat]

Derek: [going to help, looking over the room] I hope you made the dishes extra hot. This room hasn't been this cold in a long time.

Buffy: [glances up and glances between the two of them] They'll get over it. If they're really best friends, then they'll figure it out.

Derek: I hope so. It's just... wrong.

Buffy: Yeah, I know. [she rests a hand on Derek's shoulder lightly as she moves around him] So how're you doing?

Derek: I'm alright. Things are quiet on the western front.

Buffy: Always good. Made any progress with the wedding planning?

Derek: We've got a time frame for the when.

Buffy: Time frame is good. Any idea when that's going to be narrowed down to an actual date?

Derek: Once we have school schedules.

Buffy: Good. Because I am here to take my maid of honor duties very seriously.

Derek: Oh, I know you are.

Buffy: I have waited a long time for this day. I've got it all planned out.

Derek: ...... You realize this is Dawn's wedding, right?

Buffy: [she glances back at him] Yes. Maid of honor duties are no joke. There's a bridal shower and a bachelorette party and dress shopping ... we're going to be swamped. [especially if they fall into the "I miss mom" pit]

Derek: Forget I asked. [shaking his head, chuckling]

Buffy: [she grins] And I don't know. I guess it'll be good to do something normal with her for once.

Derek: That I'm sure she'll appreciate.

Buffy: [she nods] I haven't always been the most attentive big sister and I know that, but I'm gonna do this right.

Derek: Well, I can tell you she is going to appreciate it.

Buffy: [she nods] Good. [she glances over to where Peter is sitting and smirks] So how's he been doing while I was gone - [she pauses] - I ask, even though I know he can hear me.

Derek: He's been alright. Trying to actually work with Deaton to figure out how to help Lydia.

Buffy: That's good. Has there been any change there?

Derek: [sighs, shaking his head] No.

Buffy: [her face falls a bit and she nods] We'll figure it out. Hey, if anything, Cas has got some of his mojo back, so maybe he can bring her out of it.

Derek: Maybe. But I think Peter wants to do this. I think he wants to finally help her how he knew he should have.

Buffy: [she nods] Well, if he decides he needs some mystical help, I know a guy.

Derek: I'm sure he'll ask.

Buffy: [she smiles softly before giving his shoulder a squeeze] Enjoy the dinner.

Parrish: [and he look who's arriving late?]

Buffy: [points to the buffet as she passes by] Food is in the kitchen.

Parrish: [holding the door for Laura] Thanks.

Laura: [comes in behind him and takes a deep breath] God, that smells good.

Parrish: [goes to take her coat and his, looking for the place to toss them] I'll join you in a sec.

Derek: [seeing his sister who has been mostly in a cabin for weeks now and goes to hug her]

Laura: [nods to Parrish before hugging her brother, rubbing his back gently] Hey you.

Derek: Hey. How've you been?

Laura: Okay. We've been figuring things out, slowly.

Derek: Is he getting any control?

Laura: Some. But not for the parts that really matter to him.

Parrish: [and he's over talking to Scott and can't hear them at all]

Derek: Well, hopefully a little more work... right?

Laura: [nods] I think a break for the holidays would be good for him though.

Derek: Hiding isn't going to help him much.

Laura: [she shakes her head] He's still worried about hurting people though.

Derek: It's something we all worry about. Can't blame him for that.

Laura: [she nods] But I don't think we can anchor this the way you do with wolves.

Derek: Maybe talk to Sam and Dean about it? Maybe they have something in their library that can help?

Laura: Honestly? It feels more like a psychological issue. A supernatural defense mechanism that he created to protect himself, and I don't know how to reconcile the two.

Derek: [nods] Jackson had that when he was the kanima. He didn't even know it was him, and when he found out, he still didn't remember what he did. There was that distance he put into it.

Laura: But you can cure a kanima. I don't know if you can cure this.

Derek: If it's a creature that he is, and not just a possession... no.

Laura: [she shakes her head] I don't think it's possession. The hound seemed adamant about that much.

Derek: So it's a part of him.

Laura: [she nods] It's more ... split personality than separate entities.

Derek: [one eyebrow goes up]

Laura: [she glances over to make sure Jordan is still talking to Scott] Multiple personality usually develops when the main personality experiences a trauma so profound that the brain creates a separate personality in order to "protect" the main personality. It's a similar thing with the hound.

Derek: Well, someone knew he was the hound before he was set on fire last year. He wouldn't have been on the deadpool. Which means if that's true... it's happened to him before. Something else that would have triggered it.

Laura: [crosses her arms in front of her chest] Wasn't the originator of the deadpool a banshee? She might have known something he didn't.

Derek: Yeah, but I wasn't on the list after I lost my power. And Liam was added only after he was bit.

Laura: Well, I don't think this is something you get changed into. I think it's something you're born with.

Derek: [he just sighs, and shrugs] I'm just thinking, he was in the military defusing bombs. Does he ever talk about anything that happened then?

Laura: [pauses before shaking her head] I tend to just let him tell me things as he's ready to. But the hound told me flat out that things are the way they are because the hound believes he can't handle it.

Derek: [nods] Interesting.

Laura: [she shrugs] So we're still ... peeling back the layers. I guess we'll see what happens.

Derek: Guess so. But still, Sam may have something you guys can read up on.

Laura: [nods] Yeah, I'll ask him.

Parrish: [slipping up to them] Hey Derek. [to Laura] Want me to make you a plate?

Laura: [glances over with a smile] Yeah that'll be good. I'll come with you.

Derek: I'll talk to you both later.

Parrish: [and off they go for food]

Cora: [is sitting with Stiles, watching the awkward between him and Scott with a pensive look on her face]

Stiles: [let's be real, the only reason he's here is 1. Cora and 2. Buffy is scary. He'd be a lot happier having Cora and food at his place]

Cora: [well, you would have had Cora much, much later because she is not skipping dinner. And not just because of the wrath of Buffy] Are you okay? [she asks quietly after a moment, brushing her fingers against the back of his head]

Stiles: [sighs] I just don't want to be here. No offense.

Cora: [sighs as well] Just because of Scott?

Stiles: My dad's not here, everything is just... it's not what it's supposed to be. Not like how it's been.

Cora: I know. [brushes her fingers through his hair] But that doesn't mean we shouldn't do it anyway. You've been isolating yourself a lot lately.

Stiles: [he shrugs. He'd ask what friends did he have left that she expected him to be with? Lydia was in Eichen, Scott.... Malia was barely talking to them and he just was lost as to who was even his friend anymore but here in town]

Cora: [she knows there's more than that - that there are people who care about him, even if they aren't in that tight-knit circle, but she doesn't know how to convince him of that right now]

- - - - -

Lindsay: [and later, she arrives and brings up the food he requested. she is not afraid to wave it in front of his face if he is unconscious]

Ben: [she'll notice he's paler than normal, but he will respond to the food with opening his eyes, giving her a tired smile] Hey.

Lindsay: Hey. Brought you some spoils from dinner.

Ben: [pushes himself up, one hand going to grip the side where his tattoos had been, and he forces a grin past the grimace] Any of that awesome pie?

Lindsay: You're a Winchester. Of course I brought pie.

Ben: You're too good for me.

Lindsay: [smirks as she goes to sit next to him] Ain't that the truth.

Ben: [chuckles a bit] So what'd I miss?

Lindsay: [deep breath] Not a whole lot. That's probably the most uncomfortable Thanksgiving I've ever been to.

Ben: The local pack still got all their panties twisted up?

Lindsay: Mostly at this point it's just down to Scott and Stiles. Stiles is still pissed and Scott doesn't know how to breach the divide.

Ben: Can't blame Stiles, or Scott.

Lindsay: Nope. I'm sure they'll figure it out, but it's gonna take 'em some time.

Ben: Well, good luck to them at that. [goes to stand, and hisses and holds his ribs]

Lindsay: [frowns at him in concern] Need me to get you something?

Ben: No, it's not really something that a few aspirin will help, ya know?

Lindsay: I meant more in the "whatever you're getting up for you don't have to" sense.

Ben: Well, unless you can figure out how to pee for me, not going to happen this time. [smirks]

Lindsay: [she laughs] Fine. Do what you gotta do.

Ben: [and he will toddle off and as he comes back, he will end up taking off his shirt to go and change. She will notice that all his tattoos are gone]

Lindsay: [tips her head to the side] Guess the ink went away with all the upgrades?

Ben: Yeah. They were the containment seals.

Lindsay: How's it feel? Being a mere mortal again.

Ben: Right now, painful and tired. And numb.

Lindsay: Do you think it'll pass?

Ben: I hope so. Otherwise I may just go crazy. If I'm awake long enough to.

Lindsay: [smirks] You'll get there. You just need some protein.

Ben: Yeah, I figure I just need to try and get back into a routine. And I'm going to have to start working out again.

Lindsay: How terrible for you.

Ben: Dean jokes that I'm going to have to get my shots too.

Lindsay: Well you got vaccinated before the world went to shit right?

Ben: Yeah. I think. Last shots would have been like, twenty years ago.

Lindsay: Then you should be okay for most of 'em - you just need boosters.

Ben: Yeah. I just have to find a place that I can get them without too many questions.

Lindsay: Just say you were out of the country.

Ben: Yeah. Bermuda triangle.

Lindsay: Different countries have different vaccination standards.

Ben: I prefer not to get sick. Like ever.

Lindsay: Then get your damn shots.

Ben: Will you come hold my hand?

Lindsay: Are you going to want a lollipop too? [she's being sarcastic. this will probably backfire]

Ben: Maybe.

Lindsay: [sighs] I know a doctor who won't even blink an eye at your whole zombie apocalypse story. We'll get it taken care of.

Ben: Alright. [and he's going to take the plate of leftovers and go to sit and eat]

Lindsay: [and she will drop back onto the bed and stretch out with a sigh]

Ben: [and he's starving, so yeah he will down this plate, but he doesn't eat nearly as much as he used to]

Lindsay: So Liv seemed pretty good, all things considered.

Ben: Oh yeah. She's been trying to get herself looking well enough that her dad will let her go visit this boy she's been talking to.

Lindsay: Oh yeah? Who's the guy?

Ben: Some guy named Hal. He's up at Berkley.

Lindsay: Berkeley boy. Good for her.

Ben: Oh yeah, totally. Until she has to introduce him to us.

Lindsay: [eyebrow raise] And what makes you think she will?

Ben: Cause she knows after a while, if she doesn't we'll find him. [smirks. he's just teasing]

Lindsay: [gives him a look] Can't you just let her have her fun?

Ben: Hey, I'm fine with her having her fun. It's not going to be Dean or I going on checking on her.

Lindsay: So you're worried about Michael or Sam?

Ben: I'm worried about Michael for a few reasons.

Lindsay: Like?

Ben: He's just.... way more like his father than he believes.

Lindsay: Is that a bad thing?

Ben: When he hides in books and doesn't really let himself get immersed in the world around him? Yeah.

Lindsay: Look, it is not for lack of other people trying.

Ben: [raises his eyebrow] Oh?

Lindsay: [takes a breath] You did not hear it from me, but Tara tried to make a move on him last Thanksgiving.

Ben: [closes his eyes and groans] Mikey...

Lindsay: Yeah. He shot her down pretty hard.

Ben: He's afraid, I think. Getting close to anyone.

Lindsay: Most people are in our line of work.

Ben: Yeah, but his books can't give him affection.

Lindsay: Okay. Before we go too far, do we know if he's actually ... into that? Because some people aren't wired that way.

Ben: He had a girl. She died. It's an apocalypse.

Lindsay: Okay. Maybe you should talk to him.

Ben: I could. I mean, I don't want to get too deep in his business. But I'm supposed to be the dysfunctional one when it comes to the trio of us.

Lindsay: [she laughs] If you want to keep your crown as most dysfunctional you should help him sort himself out. That way, he'll be fine, and you can go back to being unpredictable and complicated.

Ben: Well, I know what to do for the long car ride back to Kansas.

Lindsay: Have fun.

Ben: You get any time to talk to Parrish at all?

Lindsay: A little. He seems like he's doing better with the whole "I'm a supernatural" situation, but according to Laura he's still got a long way to go.

Ben: But he's not going to set you on fire anytime soon, right?

Lindsay: No. I think he's gotten a better handle on that.

Ben: That's good.

Lindsay: [she nods] Yeah, he seems better. Everything else is just going to take a little time.

Ben: Sounds like he's on par with the rest of us.

Lindsay: Yep. I do think he's more comfortable with it now, though. He won't be asking me to lock him up anytime soon.

Ben: Not that it worked the first time.

Lindsay: Yeah, but at least if he's out of that mentality.

Ben: Yeah.

Lindsay: And hopefully the hellhound won't be looking to take over for good anytime soon.

Ben: Yeah, and hopefully he won't get Crowley’s interest either. Not that it's the same kind of hellhound, but I don't want him to get the idea of experimenting on him.

Lindsay: Neither do I. Though he'll have to get through Laura first.

Ben: Not sure I want to see King of Hell go against a Hale.

Lindsay: I'd bring popcorn.

Ben: Sounds like a plan.

Lindsay: I also wouldn't put my money on Crowley. Wolves are fiercely protective of their loved ones.

Ben: I didn't say I was.

Lindsay: Good.

Ben: I'd rather Crowley not find out about him at all.

Lindsay: You and me both.

Ben: [he looks up at her, and there was a small smile] I told you yet how damn good it is to see you?

Lindsay: [grins a bit] Good to see you too. And hopefully I'll be seeing you more, now that you're not angel bait anymore.

Ben: Well, you could get your wish. I mean, depending on what's happening round here, I could always crash for a bit. Provide backup.

Lindsay: [teasing] Think you can stay awake long enough for that?

Ben: Protein and exercise, and I should be back to a normal schedule.

Lindsay: Good. Then yeah, you should stay, because we're probably going to need it.

Ben: I'll talk to Dad about it then. See if he'll let me go.

Lindsay: Cool. Sounds good.

Ben: Maybe take me on a few patrols. I can sleep in the car if I get too tired.

Lindsay: We'll build up your endurance again. It's not something that can't be regained, you just have to get used to the standard human model again. [a beat, before teasing again] Though am I going to have to worry about other forms of endurance now?

Ben: Hey, you brought it up. I was trying to be good here. [laughs]

Lindsay: [laughs] Yeah, that's what I thought. Guess we'll have to work on that too.

Ben: Just don't get pissed at me if I fall asleep right after.

Lindsay: I'll try not to hold it against you. Just don't make it a habit.

Ben: That's the whole thing about working up my endurance.

Lindsay: Good.

Ben: You're welcome to start on helping me with that tonight. If you don't have plans or something.

Lindsay: [glances down at her watch before shaking her head] I've got nowhere to be.

Ben: Good thing I'm already at dessert.

Lindsay: Excellent.

Ben: You get dessert before you left?

Lindsay: Are you offering to share? [she does not believe that he is, which is why she did, but, you know, Slayer metabolism]

Ben: Maybe. Just a bite.

Lindsay: I wouldn't say no.

Ben: [holds out a bite on his fork to her]

Lindsay: [will lean in and scoop it off] Mrs. McCall still makes the best pies.

Ben: Hopefully that will never change.

Lindsay: Agreed.

Ben: Though now that I am human, I'm going to have to watch my weight

Lindsay: [smirks] Practice moderation?

Ben: Yeah, what's that again?

Lindsay: To hell if I know.

Ben: We'll just have to make sure I exercise every day. Join a gym or some shit like that.

Lindsay: Sex burns about 200 calories and hour.

Ben: How many calories you think was in that pie?

Lindsay: More than 200.

Ben: Guess I've got over an hour's worth to get started on then.

Lindsay: Guess so.