Day 56: Magus Park (Morning)

[scintillatingly]

Getting to check up on Neku had been good (even though Sora realized that he was the one who'd been approached, rather than doing the approaching), but when the buses finally made their way through the snow and into the town, the boy was completely distracted by the view that followed. It really did remind him of Christmastown. There were no lights

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[loyalrose]

Rose fell into step beside him as they started moving away from the buses, heading deeper into the solitude of the snowy park. Flakes continued to flutter down around them, adding a pristine air to their surroundings, one that Rose soaked up with a smile. Despite everything, she couldn't but be in a good mood at the moment. It was easier outside than it had been on the bus, and even a few moments ago. Despite the fact that nothing was how she expected it to be, little things kept creeping up on her that kept her mood buoyed in spite of the seriousness of their situation.

At his surprised question, she couldn't stifle her bubble of laughter, turning to flash a grin at him. "Lexi thought it would be a good idea to attempt to set us up together about a hundred years back," she informed him with amusement glinting in her eyes. "You came very highly recommended."

As he started to explain about their surroundings and the situation they were trapped in, her expression turned more serious. She'd noticed a few of her new limitations, but hadn't been sure what to blame that on. She had almost died, after all, and she'd chalked up her guard to having supernatural strength, not that hers was decreased. The last bit had her sputtering in surprise as she turned to search his face, certain he must be having her on.

"A squirrel the size of a mountain lion?" she echoed in disbelief. "You're... you're serious?" Slater would have loved hearing about this place. Just in case, she glanced around at the surrounding trees with a sudden wary suspicion, as if half expecting to see some giant fluffy rodent stalking them. "Well, damn. Congratulations. That's the most far-fetched thing I've heard in at least a century or so."

As he explained about the feeding thing, she blinked, filing that information away for later. "Well, at least that's a comforting thought for the time being. Confined as we are, I can imagine finding a decent meal becomes quite a bit more challenging." She was used to taking care of herself, had been doing it for a very long time, but the more she learned about this place, she had to admit it all sounded a little daunting.

Her lips quirked in amusement a moment later, however, as another thought occurred to her. "I'm sure Damon's thrilled with the... challenge of being subtle."

[broodings]

Stefan ducked his head in embarrassment when Rose suddenly flashed a grin and told him something Lexi had never mentioned before. "Um..." He coughed. Very, very rarely was he ever grateful for what he was, but this moment might've been one of them. Had he been human, with warmer and quicker blood flowing through his veins, Stefan suspected he would be blushing bright red about now. "Lexi could be very... I mean, I'm sure you... ah..." His mouth made a few other attempts at forming words before deciding to simply clamp shut. She was only teasing him, anyway; he could tell that much after a century of the same from his best friend. Stefan glanced back up at Rose and smiled, noting how that unexpected laugh made her seem at once less grave and less unfamiliar. Yes, he could see her being one of Lexi's friends.

He didn't have words either for her obvious incredulity about the giant squirrel, just a helpless shrug and equally disbelieving shake of the head. If Stefan hadn't jumped on the creature himself, he wouldn't believe it either. The squirrel had provided a good meal in the end, one which would hopefully last him another day before his hunger threatened to overcome his control again.

He worried that Damon was already past that point - while his brother didn't have the same... difficulties... with human blood, impulse control and patience weren't exactly his strong points. From the wry familiarity of Rose's comment, she was thinking along the same lines. "Oh yeah," Stefan answered dryly. "If he was any more thrilled, someone would be dead." He stopped once they were in the middle of the little park, well out of earshot of any passersby. If Rose was a vampire staying with them, no doubt she'd already know better - Damon wouldn't have tolerated anyone who might compromise their cover - but Stefan had to make certain. "But... luckily, no one is yet, and we need to keep it that way. We're already come too close to being exposed."

[loyalrose]

At Stefan's flustered response, Rose laughed again, looking very amused. "Lexi was Lexi," she agreed with a grin. "And loved to meddle, especially among her friends. You can close your mouth now, you're perfectly safe. Besides, I've seen the way you and Elena are together. That's special. And for that alone, I'm glad I didn't take Lexi up on her pestering."

Not to mention Lexi had never quite fathomed Rose's taste in partners. She hadn't had a high opinion of Trevor, either. And Rose could just imagine what her old friend would have to say about Damon The thought amused her.

As did Stefan;s warning that followed a moment later as he pulled her aside. "It's good to hear Damon's restraining himself admirably," she commented wryly, her lips quirking about the corners. "You don't have to caution me, Stefan. I've spent a long time flying under the radar. You won't risk any additional exposure from me, not if I can help it. Although considering you don't know me, that's a lot to take on trust. I've never liked hurting people. It's not me. I'll be careful. But if you don't mind my asking, what's happened that's risked your exposure? I thought those in charge already knew what we are?"

Her daylight ring was proof of that, after all. In this case, she appreciated her secret being known by someone at least.