oo1 ♞ video.

[compulsions]

[That may or may not be a very faint bruise across the bridge of his nose. Elena's arm swing is a little stronger than it used to be and apparently he bruises now which is perfect.]

So how's being in the real world working out for everyone? Scale of zero to zero.

Remember, don't hurt yourselves with those brand new toys.

[Especially you, Elena.]

Comments

video;

[undying]

[Blank stare.]

You know, considering the fake Aztec curse and almost being blown up by ghosts, I'm still questioning the sanity of that sentence.

private video;

[coy]

I'm not crazy. [Her jaw sets, pain flashing in her eyes.] You killed my dad. It was the ring and it's mojo, every time you died... it like, did something to you.

private video;

[undying]

[It's Caroline. Caroline. He has to remind himself. It's not Damon being a dick, it's his student-turned-vampire, Elena's friend, telling him he's a murderer.

It's easy to see how he switches the phone in his hand, staring at his ring. He draws his thumb over it.]

I've never even met your dad.

private video;

[coy]

[She looks at him like what he says is the dumbest thing in the world.] So? I'm not making this up. Why would I? Look where we are. [Now is not the time for some joke. And even so, Caroline isn't the one who messes with people.]

private video;

[undying]

You think it's easy for me to digest the fact you're accusing me of being crazy because of a ring? I mean, this is on top of the surprise, you're fictional thing.

private video;

[coy]

No but... How am I supposed to know that you're not... evil and trying to get something?

private video;

[undying]

[Besides the fact that the most evil thing he's done is be a shitty guardian?

He thinks about it. Being honest. Christ.] I guess if you don't trust me, don't tell me where you are. You don't have to answer anything. Worse comes to worse, you have a shotgun.

[No idea how he got to the point where he can reassure Caroline she's free to shoot him, but what else is he supposed to do? It's not exactly a grain of salt situation.]

private video;

[coy]

[It kind of... hurts to have things like this. Despite what he'd done to her father, Caroline knew that it wasn't really Ric who did it. It was something inside of him he couldn't control. She looks at him for a moment, trying not to see the sadistic smile he had on his face as he tortured her but it's difficult.]

Is it really you?

private video;

[undying]

I'd say who else would I be?, but I guess that time's passed. [He pauses, looks away for a second.] It's me. As far as I know.

[Another pause. He doesn't know if he should, but if it's true - he can't just. Stay silent.] I'm sorry. About your dad.

private video;

[coy]

[She's quiet for a long moment.] It wasn't you. [Well, it was but not him. She'd forgiven him before, she could do it again. If it's really him.] We all have blood on our hands. [She's once again 'taking a page from the Elena Gilbert handbook'] Where are you?

private video;

[undying]

[He doesn't know how to take that. He killed her dad, but it wasn't him? This whole thing isn't making sense, but he doesn't want to push her. He can find out more as time goes on. Seemed like they were effectively trapped here.]

Heading towards the park. I'm meeting up with Damon. [Best that he tells her, actually. Maybe it'll make everyone rest a little more if they know what he's doing. Whatever makes it easier.]

private video;

[coy]

Okay. [Damon will explain things, figure things out. She'll take care of Elena. It'll all be okay because it has to be.]

I guess I'll see you later then.

private video;

[undying]

[It's more hopeful than he thought it would be. Still minimal, though.

(Why would Caroline still want to see him if he'd killed her father?)]

Take care of yourself, Caroline. I'll be around.

private video;

[coy]

Okay. [And a small smile before she cuts the feed.]