salvatore school } { of surprise sisters and plans to settle

[impetere]

Cora: [so one day when Derek gets home from doing whatever he's doing at the Salvatore School, he comes in to find his sister sitting cross-legged on his couch. Her laptop is in her lap, and her phone is buzzing next to her as texts come in, probably from Stiles. She's been sending him pictures of Derek's new life now. When she hears Derek come in, she glances up and gives him a baleful look] You do realize there's nothing to do in this town.

Derek: [and he's been thinking about something from his last class and wasn't expecting sudden sister on his couch. He's going to drop his briefcase and his claws and fangs show before his nose and eyes catch up to him and he drops the shift] Cora?

Cora: [squints at him] Who else would it be?

Derek: It's Mystic Falls. There are multiple answers here.

Cora: [squints some more]

Derek: [sighs and goes to grab his briefcase and close the door to his apartment] You could have called.

Cora: You don't exactly have the best track record for answering your phone.

Derek: I do call you back.

Cora: Yes, but by the time you called me back, I would have already been here anyway.

Derek: Is it just you or did you bring company? [and he's going to take off his jacket and tie, then turn to face his sister with a smirk]

Cora: No Stiles, if that's what you're worried about.

Derek: [and he lets out a breath in relief] It's good to see you, Cora.

Cora: It's good to see you too. How's the new job?

Derek: Real good, actually. I think I've finally found where I'm supposed to be.

Cora: That's good. [inches over on the couch to give him room to sit] So Mystic Falls is going to be more of a permanent thing?

Derek: I think so. I mean, I'm doing good here. And not just with the schoolwork, but helping these kids get control and understanding of their gifts.

Cora: Then good. [she'll probably make it permanent too, she's just got to talk to Stiles first. She's not sure he's going to want to go back to another small town] I'm glad you're doing good.

Derek: Thanks. How about you? What's been going on?

Cora: Not much. Stiles and I are trying to figure out what to do next now that he's almost done with school.

Derek: What are some of the choices? [he motions for her to follow him to the kitchen so he can cook them dinner]

Cora: [and she will follow, perching at the counter as he does] Going back to Beacon Hills, maybe working for his dad. Maybe New York, maybe LA. Maybe Quantico. He just has to make the career choice, and then we can pin down where.

Derek: They'll always need law enforcement anywhere you go.

Cora: Yeah. It's just a matter of where we want to live. [or more where Stiles wants to live because where Cora wants to live is basically "where Stiles is." If she can work in "close to Derek" that's also an added bonus]

Derek: I'm sure you'll find the right place. [he pulls out two steaks from the fridge] I eventually did.

Cora: [she nods] Yeah, we'll figure it out. Might be here too. Stiles is having me check things out while I'm here.

Derek: Mystic Falls? Really? [there's a hint of hopefulness in his voice]

Cora: Yeah. [and she gives him a look] Did you really think I wouldn't include somewhere you've decided to settle?

Derek: Maybe? I mean, you get to choose your own life. You don't have to stick around someplace because of me.

Cora: Yeah, but I do if I want you in my life on a more regular basis. [a pause] It's not a guarantee. Stiles might decide he wants a city over another small town, but I'll try to stay close.

Derek: You do know Stiles will pretty much do whatever you ask.

Cora: Yeah, but you also know how much trouble he can get into when he's bored.

Derek: It's hard to forget that fact.

Cora: So I want him to be honest with me on if he can handle it. So maybe it might wind up being DC, but we'll still be nearby.

Derek: And it's not like you don't enjoy a long jog. [smiles]

Cora: [she snorts] Or I'll just drive.

Derek: Either way, it would be really nice to have you close.

Cora: It would be nice to be close. We haven't always gotten a lot of time.

Derek: I know. And my coming here didn't help. I'm sorry about that.

Cora: [she shakes her head] You were seizing an opportunity. And a place like this ... it could change things for a lot of kids like us.

Derek: True. Hey, I could see if they need a soccer teacher.

Cora: Man, I haven't played in forever.

Derek: But you still know the rules and how to play.

Cora: I do. But I think I might try something different.

Derek: But you'd be interested? [smiles]

Cora: I don't know. I have to figure out where I'm going to live first.

Derek: I'm just giving you options.

Cora: I know. I'll figure it out. Place first, then job.

Derek: And I'll support your choice wherever it takes you.

Cora: Thanks. [she sighs] Peter dropped by yet?

Derek: Not yet. I'm sure it'll happen eventually.

Cora: I haven't seen him since the whole thing with Monroe. It's been mostly cryptic images from various beautiful locations.

Derek: Same here. I don't know if I should be jealous or not.

Cora: Don't be. You're doing something you enjoy, and he's traveling alone and can't even benefit from Instagram.

Derek: I actually know what that is. [working with teenagers has been a benefit on getting caught up on technology]

Cora: [she laughs] Guess working with kids has been good for you.

Derek: I've had practice dealing with teenagers.

Cora: You're going to have to deal with a lot of them now.

Derek: Yeah, but I don't have to protect these kids from death and hunters every week.

Cora: That's good, at least. They'll get to grow up kind of normal. [a beat] How'd you hear about this place anyway?

Derek: One of the founders, Caroline Forbes, approached me about making a financial donation to the cause.

Cora: And you decided to leverage that into becoming a teacher?

Derek: No, I would have given it to them no matter what. But I did express my interest. There's a few kids here that have it hard, so having someone who's walked my shoes gives them hope for getting a handle on their gifts.

Cora: I'm glad that they're letting you do that, then. [a beat] Do you have any favorite students yet?

Derek: I'm not supposed to play favorites.

Cora: Uh-huh.

Derek: There is this one girl though. Hope. She's special in the whole powers department. Behaves way older than she is.

Cora: Sounds familiar.

Derek: Her mother is the alpha down in bayous around New Orleans.

Cora: Hayley Marshall. I've heard about her.

Derek: So had I. We talked, before I took the job.

Cora: Does she live up to her reputation?

Derek: Yeah. She's got a powerful presence and her people are dedicated to her leadership.

Cora: So another good ally to have, I guess?

Derek: She's a good ally. So, what vegetable you want with this?

Cora: What have you got?

Derek: A little of everything. They're in the freezer. Easier to store that way.

Cora: [she shrugs] Whatever cooks fastest. I'm starving.

Derek: Then grab the corn on the cobs and toss it in the microwave for however long the package says.

Cora: [and she hops up to do that because a microwave she can operate]

Derek: [and by the time the corn is done, so will the steaks be]

Cora: [and she'll grab plates and drinks so they can go sit at the table] You also are not just hanging out with teenagers, right?

Derek: No, I hang out with the adults too.

Cora: Just checking, given your history.

Derek: [rolls his eyes]

Cora: Do you like the adults?

Derek: I wouldn't work with them if I didn't.

Cora: Good to know. [and she'll eat a bit and see if he'll want to volunteer any details on his own]

Derek: [nope. Derek talk about his feelings? Wha?]

Cora: [sighs. So she'll fill the room with idle chatter instead]

Derek: [idle chatter he can do]

Cora: [very well. and once they're finished and the dishes are cleaned up, she'll turn back to him] Do you mind if I crash here while I'm in town?

Derek: Not at all. You can have the bed. I'm good on the couch.

Cora: You sure?

Derek: Yes.

Cora: Okay. [holds up her phone] I told Stiles I would call and check in so I'm gonna go crash. But I'll buy breakfast tomorrow?

Derek: Sure thing. Sleep well.

Cora: [and she will gather up her stuff and retreat to his room to call her boyfriend]

Stiles: [and he's in the middle of studying with the crust of pizza in his mouth when he answers] Hey you.

Cora: Hey. How's school going?

Stiles: Got a test tomorrow on warrants and probable cause.

Cora: That sounds fun. [no it doesn't]

Stiles: Hey, it lets me know when we can break into a place legally. Or when we need to send Scott in.

Cora: Okay, so it's practical. Got it. [she smirks as she flops back on the pillows] Do I need to let you study or can you talk for a bit?

Stiles: I can talk. Probably should get something to drink anyway. [and he'll go looking for a soda] You find the sourwolf?

Cora: I did. He's right where he said he would be, in Mystic Falls.

Stiles: Good. How much trouble has he gotten into down that way?

Cora: Not a lot so far. But he's spending his days surrounded by supernatural teenagers so who knows how long that will last.

Stiles: You'd think he'd have learned by now not to do that.

Cora: Well, this time it's an actual job that paying him and he's a teacher, so ... slightly different than last time.

Stiles: Well, that is a difference.

Cora: I think he really likes it, though.

Stiles: That's good.

Cora: Yeah. I'm gonna be here a couple more days to investigate but when I come back I'll have a full report for you.

Stiles: What were your first impressions of the town though?

Cora: It's a lot like Beacon Hills. It's small and quiet, but ... it's got history. At least for people like me.

Stiles: I assume it's safe there, if there's a school and all.

Cora: Yeah, it seems like there hasn't been a major supernatural event in years, but in the past there are a lot of reported "animal attacks."

Stiles: Alright. So, either the police there is ignorant, which I doubt, or hiding the truth.

Cora: I'd go more towards hiding. I think the headmaster of Derek's school and the sheriff have a relationship.

Stiles: That's handy.

Cora: Yep. It actually seems ... kind of nice here.

Stiles: Good. Good. So, is it getting added to our possible list?

Cora: Yeah, maybe. Or at least somewhere close like DC. It'd be nice to be able to just drive over and see him when I wanted to. He seems to be staying put for a while.

Stiles: Any hint of evil women trying to swoon him?

Cora: Not that he's told me about. The only women he's mentioned above the age of consent is Hayley Marshall and Caroline Forbes and one is a fairly decent alpha while the other is his boss.

Stiles: I thought Marshall was based in New Orleans?

Cora: Yeah, but her daughter goes to the school.

Stiles: But she wouldn't be there all the time, so not worried so much unless your brother pisses the kid off.

Cora: Yeah. [a beat] Which he might.

Stiles: It's your brother. He's going to probably piss off half them anyway.

Cora: Though he has learned about Instagram.

Stiles: Seriously?

Cora: I referenced it earlier and he didn't have to ask me what it was.

Stiles: I'm impressed.

Cora: I don't think he'll be making his own account anytime soon, but at least he's somewhat catching up with the times.

Stiles: Miracles can happen. Scott isn't going to believe us when we tell him.

Cora: And we're so trustworthy otherwise.

Stiles: Ok, he'll believe you. Me, it's always fifty-fifty.

Cora: I promise I'll vouch for you.

Stiles: [smiles to himself] I miss you.

Cora: I miss you too. I'll be back soon.

Stiles: Maybe you should sneak into my bedroom window, like old times.

Cora: Maybe I will. If you leave the window open for me.

Stiles: I'll always leave it open for you.

Cora: Good. [sighs] I should let you get back to work. But I'll check in with you tomorrow night?

Stiles: As long as I don't die during this exam, I'll be here. You enjoy your time with your brother.

Cora: I will. Good luck on your test.

Stiles: Love you.

Cora: Love you too. [and with that she will hang up and go get ready for bed]