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A collab between [@SouffleGirl123] & [@Hedgehawk] Featuring [color=00FFFF]Carlisle[/color], [color=DC143C]Miles[/color] & [color=fff79a]Mary[/color] & [color=FFFF00]Amanda[/color]
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September had been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for Carlisle. There was so much going on in his life that he had struggled to keep up with the sudden changing of the relationships and dynamics that had occurred. Part of him had wished he could go back in time, before everyone returned from college where everything was alot more simple. Mostly because he wanted himself and Lilith to go back to being proper best friends again. While hanging out with WIllow was nice, he was not going to deny that. He still missed the company of the person he deemed closest to him. Even if said person had punched him in the face and threw bottles of tequila at him.

Still none of that mattered right now. His brain was being occupied by other things. More direct, and important things that needed to be dealt with. Like making sure everything was set up for this party. Over the past week Tanner had started filling up with various guests. The guise was that the society that the coven used as cover was having a celebration to crown a new leader. It was enough to keep the locals from suspecting anything. But Carlisle was angsty. The more people who were in Tanner the harder it was to maintain the masquerade. Sure they could memory wipe, but Carlisle didn’t fancy having to wipe half the town's memory just because some witch or magi had gotten too drunk.

At the moment Carlisle was standing in the entrance way of the coven household, standing there with a clipboard going through the schedule for the evening whilst also at the same time directing the various helpers and movers who were setting up decorations and furniture. [color=00FFFF]”I am standing here planning my own celebration party. I really should be getting ready and trying to relax. Shit. I need to go over my speech”[/color] Carlisle mumbled to himself, hitting his head with the clipboard when he realised he had even more work to do before showtime.

With his mother being on meal duty Miles had arrived to the coven house earlier with her. They'd decided to come together as they both knew the chances of Miles being sober enough to drive at the end of the night would be low. Miles had expected to be on grandparent duty as they were in town but they spending the morning with friends from their days in the coven. 

As he wandered through the house he quickly caught sight if his old best friend. The pair had barely talked since the family dinner. Their only non-coven interaction was really just the random memes they'd send out of instinct. Miles didn't really know how to approach the situation with the man. He missed his friend but he knew there'd be some tension over Lil, especially considering Miles had turned back on helping him to get her at the drop of a hat. As he gets closer he hears Carlisle’s mumblings and couldn't help but chuckle. [color=DC143C]”Truly a pitiful situation,"[/color] he replies half-jokingly.

Carlisle lowered his clipboard upon hearing Miles' voice.He turned around and gave a small smile. It felt strange seeing his best friends again. They had been apart for almost two years, and then after being back for a  few months he ended up getting with the girl he had a crush on all summer. It was alot to take in. [color=00FFFF]”Originally Lilith was going to do all this, but given the current situation i figured it was best not to bother her. Least I can do really”[/color] The exhaustion had left his body, but his eyes still held a speckle of tiredness for those that knew where to look.

Miles gave Carlisle a small smile in response before clapping him on the shoulder. [color=DC143C]”You look tired,"[/color] he muses. He didn’t really know what to say to the man. [i]Sorry your crush and I still love each other[/i] didn't feel right because he honestly wasn't sorry but blowing it off left a bad taste in his mouth. 

[color=00FFFF]”Well. Now I am harbouring another being in my soul, it feels like I can’t quite get enough sleep to recuperate.”[/color] Carlisle let out a soft sigh. [color=00FFFF]”I swear my nose isn’t right, even with all the healies.”[/color] He brushed his nose with his fingers. [color=00FFFF]”I thought you were coming over later, what brings you here so early?”[/color]

[color=DC143C]”Well my memaw and papaw made other plans and I thought I'd let Lil get ready alone so I came with my ma,"[/color] he replies simply. [color=DC143C]”How are you holding up? The Montgomerys aren't giving you too much grief are they? I know grandpa John can be a bit of a hardass."[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Honestly, Grandpa John ain't the issue. Lilith is. She is really passive aggressive when she wants to be. And doesn't let up. Like… I have gotten on her bad side before. But she has never been this bad. Heck, I don't even know if she will be able to hold it together when we have to do the ceremony."[/color] Carlisle let out a deep sigh [color=00FFFF]" No she would behave, she would then find a way to make me suffer"[/color] Carlisle then began to rub his forehead. 

Miles gave a sigh, looking his friend up and down. [color=DC143C]”Look, bud, I don't want to seem like I'm pandering but maybe acting like Lil's at fault for your pain isn't the best way to go living, y'know?"[/color] Miles replies, scratching the back of his neck.

[color=00FFFF]" I know that. But she is prone to overreacting you know. You try and help and all of the sudden she starts going off on one. I was trying to take charge and stop John from killing you. Didn't hurt him, or anything. Just kept him somewhere where he could calm down."[/color] Carlisle raised a hand dismissively [color=00FFFF]" It doesn't matter now anyway. I have far bigger things to be worried about… there are so many important people in Tanner right now, and the barrier isn't anywhere near its full strength"[/color]

Miles shakes his head at the boys comment. [color=DC143C]”My dude, maybe just don't intervene into other's business,"[/color] Miles replies running his hand through his hair. He looked at the few people in the house rearranging furniture and hastily putting up decorations. [color=DC143C]”Things seem under control enough… I think you need a drink. Pick your poison. Wine?"[/color]

[color=00FFFF]”Since when have you known me to drink alcohol?”[/color] Carlisle questioned. [color=00FFFF]”Sorry, that came out wrong. The last thing I need right now is my sense to be impaired. I already have the Guilds lapdogs rummaging around doing a ‘security check’”[/color] Carlisle scrunched his nose and then took a deep gasp of air inwards [color=00FFFF]”There is just so much…”[/color]

[color=FFFF00]”And why is that being put over there!? Useless!”[/color] Carlisle sighed at hearing the voice of his mother in the distance. This was all he needed.

At Carlisle's question Miles shrugs. [color=DC143C]”You gave it some good goes in college,"[/color] he replies before tugging the clipboard out of the boy's hands. [color=DC143C]”I'm not saying get wasted, although that might really get rid of those nerves you got right now, but just something to dumb off that high. You worry too much."[/color]

That was when Amanda's voice could be heard through the room. Miles tensed slightly. Amanda was an uncomfortable figure at best. Miles knew she wasn't his biggest fan but he was more concerned what she might cause his mother to do. Or Claire. 

Walking into the room Amanda finally saw the site of Carlisle and Miles. Walking over she saw Miles and gave off a grunt of disgust. [color=FFFF00]”I know I said to learn to delegate tasks to your lessers Carlisle, but a task as important as this should be delegated to a…urchin”[/color] With that she snatched the clipboard from Miles’ hands and began to flick through. [color=FFFF00]”No no no. Why did you write a plan and schedule like this? It is all wrong and out of place. No wonder this place is chaos”[/color] Before she could say anything else, Carlisle took the clipboard from her.

[color=00FFFF]”This is a coven event. I am incharge of the coven. This is how I have decided to do it. We only do this once every 25-30 years, so its not like I have alot to go on. Everyone will be happy, and all the important events are in the right order. Please bear in mind however, you are only here because you are a council member, otherwise you wouldn’t be here at all.”[/color] Amanda stuck her nose out at the last comment, not saying a word she turned around and stormed off towards the library, Carlisle gave a sigh of relief.

As Carlisle and his mother squabble Miles couldn't get a word in edgeways and in a moment she was gone. [color=DC143C]”Gee,"[/color] he says with an exasperated sigh. [color=DC143C]”24 years and I'm still just a street urchin to her. She's gonna get a fist in the wrong place between ma and Claire if she's not careful."[/color] Miles then turns his attention to Carlisle, properly addressing him this time. [color=DC143C]”Good onya for standing up to your ma. So about that drink?"[/color] he offers once more.

[color=00FFFF]”One glass of wine and that is it. I need to go through my speech and make sure it sounds like it was written by a human and not a robot”[/color] Carlisle bit his bottom lip. [color=FFFF00]”I never understood mother. She has always held disdain for the Price’s but sometimes I think it is from jealousy more than anything else”[/color] Carlisle mused as he led the pair into the kitchen.

[color=DC143C]”Attaboy,"[/color] Miles cheers as Carlisle leads the pair into the kitchen. [color=DC143C]”Trust me, the booze will make you sound a lot less robotic so win-win, right?"[/color]

At Carlisle's musing Miles gives a shrug. [color=DC143C]”Suppose our mas butted heads back in the day. Probably doesn't help mine and Claire are so close but she probably can't take it out on a Montgomery,"[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Well she can politely stick it. I have had enough of everyone arguing and bickering because of blood and power. Being a witch these days is hard enough without having all this stupid infighting. If I want my rule to be about anything it is going to be about stability. I don't want to make the history books"[/color] Carlisle said with a soft smile as they entered the kitchen. Grabbing a bottle of wine off the rack, he pulled out two glasses before trying to untwist the cap off the bottle. 

[color=DC143C]”I guess if all hell breaks loose it'll give our future kids something to talk about,"[/color] Miles muses, watching as his friend struggles with the twist cap. Eventually he puts a hand out, beckoning the man to pass over the bottle, and pops the lid off with ease. He pours them both a glass and pushes one toward Carlisle. Miles wasn't the biggers of wine drinkers himself but he wasn't going to turn down a chance to drink with his friend. 

Sighing as he had to hand the bottle of over to Miles, Carlisle would take the glass of wine back and take a big drink of it from the get go, letting out a semi-satisfied sigh afterwards [color=00FFFF]”Knowing my luck, the coven will break apart over my watch and we will be taken over by the Guild. Sounds about run of the course for me.”[/color] Carlisle then messed around, swilling the wine around in his glass as he watched it spin around. [color=00FFFF]”So how are things with you Lilith? Have you decided what you are or aren’t yet?”[/color]

At Carlisle's question the man raises an eyebrow. It had been 3 weeks since Lil and him became official once again. Although he knew Carlisle was on odd terms with Lil, Miles wasn't surprised he hadn't heard through the grapevine. It made Miles feel almost awkward in sharing this information, considering the pair's situation when it cam to Lilith a month ago. [color=DC143C]”I'm surprised you don't know,"[/color] Miles says sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. [color=DC143C]”Lil and I got back together, like properly."[/color] At this moment Miles prepared himself to have to charm his friend, unsure how he'd react.

Hearing the news, it was as Carlisle suspected. Lilith wasn’t going to tell him anything. The only time they spoke was when she was giving him the sideeye or berating him. There was no way she was going to divulge this kind of information at the moment. Carlisle would be lying if there wasn’t a part of him that was stinging at the news. It was to a degree like college repeating itself all over again. Maybe it was Carlisle's fault for developing a crush on one of his best friends former lovers.

[color=00FFFF]”That's cool. Good on you”[/color] Carlisle said with a small smile, taking another deep gulp of wine. He then put the glass down and smiled some more [color=00FFFF]”Lilith deserves to be happy, and while a part of me wishes it was me. I am more than happy it is with someone I trust to look after her.”[/color]

Miles sighs, taking a sip of his own drink. [color=DC143C]”You're saying the words, Car, but I'm not sure if you mean them,"[/color] he replies reluctantly, toying with his wine glass. [color=DC143C]”Look, part of me wants to say I'm sorry but it'd be a lie. I know it hurt you, and for that part I am sorry but I don't really feel sorry for being with her again."[/color] 

Miles turns in his place and seats himself on the bench, watching as people hurriedly set up the mansion, some occasional slinking away from Amanda Aston snapping instruction and insults. Miles was still not good with this confrontation thing. He doubted he ever would be. [color=DC143C]”I was so determined to show you I was a different person to the one who took all your girls. Some of those were jerk moves, I know. Maybe not fully my fault but a jerk moves nonetheless. When I figured out you liked Li, well it felt like a perfect opportunity to do that. I guess fate was laughing hard at that idea."[/color] Miles sighs, taking a sip of his wine.

[color=00FFFF]"Look if you had told me a few weeks ago you were going to make a move for Lil, I am not going to lie, I would have swung for you. But… It Doesn't matter how I feel about Lil, because she doesn't feel the same, and I can't change that. There is nothing I can do."[/color] Carlisle would join Miles on the bench, pouring himself a second glass of wine [color=00FFFF]" At the end of the day. As long as the two of you are happy, that's all I care about. Besides, I don't even know if me and Lil are still even best friends, or even friends at this point. No point crying about not being my girlfriend if you are losing them as a simple friend"[/color] Carlisle let out a small sigh, masking it with another drink from his glass. 

Miles looked over at his friend and pursed his lips. For as much as he didn't regret getting back with Lilith he couldn't help but feel sorry for the man. [color=DC143C]”And where do we stand?"[/color] he asks simply. Part of Miles knew they couldn't instantly go back to their friendship. Heck, he knew in some ways their closeness only went so far. Miles was far too blase for something deep and Carlisle was closer to Lil, whether she saw that closeness or not.

[color=00FFFF]"From my point of view, nothing has really changed. You are still my best friend. Sure, we aren't as close as we were back in college, but that was because we were apart for a year and a half"[/color] Carlisle would take another deep drink of his glass, almost finishing his second glass in the space of ten minutes. [color=00FFFF]"Don't mean we can't become closer. Moving forward there is going to be alot of trials and tests. For all of us. We are going to all need each other if we are to figure out how to navigate them all"[/color]

Miles polishes off his glass but doesn't refill it, there'd be better tasting alcohol in his near future and he didn't want to get wine drunk before so. [color=DC143C]”Y'know,"[/color] he says softly, placing his glass back on the table. [color=DC143C]”When you and Lil got close it stung a bit. Not in a 'I want her to myself' kinda way just…"[/color] Miles takes a deep breath, collecting his thoughts. [color=DC143C]”We were essentially raised together. Even before she moved here there were the biannual Montgomery-Price holidays and all that. She was my closest friend, we both knew things about each other noone else knew. We grieved her memaw and ma together. And after I screwed it up and we broke contact I never had anyone who knew me as well. You were the closest. The Olympia guys were great but let's be honest, they were only there for the parties and funtimes. I guess watching my 2 closest friends push me away to get closer hurt a bit."[/color]

[color=00FFFF]" I mean me and Lilith never got close until I returned from college with my tail between my legs. We were the only two from our year group to still be in Tanner. So we kinda bonded over being alone. If you were still in Tanner it would have played out differently. When you came back, well. Then it got awkward, I had to do my best to balance you being around and Lil not wanting to be near you. In hindsight I should of seen it coming with the coven reunion."[/color] While Miles was abstaining, Carlisle was pouring himself his third glass of wine [color=00FFFF]"Well, the past is the past. We can't change it, only decide what we want to do going forward" [/color]

[color=DC143C]”In your defense, none of us saw it coming. I actually thought I'd be the one with a broken nose at the end of the first day. Man, that girl can punch,"[/color] Miles replies, a small smile spread across his face at the last line. He watches as his friend pours another glass, unsure whether or not to stop him. He settled on the second option, Carlisle could figure himself out.

[color=00FFFF]"Tell me about it" [/color] Carlisle continued taking another sip from the glass [color=00FFFF]"Imagine if she actually did martial arts. This whole world would be screwed… Look… I don't hold anything against anyone. I got to go to the astral plane and be told that you and Lil were literally written in the stars. No amount of tampering or sabotage was ever going to work."[/color] a small sigh led to him taking another swig of his drink [color=00FFFF]" It doesn't matter anymore anyway. Last week I had my own run of luck. Do you remember Willow?"[/color] 

 [color=DC143C]”The therapist, right?"[/color] Miles asks, his brow furrowing. 

[color=00FFFF]" Yeah, well. Last week she came around the household while I was working on the arrangements for today. And well, turns out she has been liking me for a long time. And we kissed"[/color] Carlisle let out a little squeal at the end of his sentence before drowning it with more wine. 

Miles couldn’t help but chuckle as Carlisle squealed like a little school girl as he talked about kissing Willow. [color=DC143C]”Look at you go, Car. How was it?"[/color] he asks.

[color=00FFFF]" It was great. We went for a date out to Huskers and it was really cool to spend time with her. Apparently she has liked me for a long time and I have never even noticed it"[/color] Carlisle said with a smile, once more taking another swig of wine [color=00FFFF]"I forgot how much I like this stuff. And to think, I had been hiding juice in wine bottles and replacing vodka for water for years because I thought alcohol made me ill"[/color]

[color=DC143C]”I'm happy for you, bud,"[/color] Miles say, clapping Carlisle on the back. [color=DC143C]”And I promise she's all yours. I'm a taken man now, a properly taken man,"[/color]

[color=DC143C]”I think it was the attempted keg stands that made you ill. I appreciated the attempt but it's very much not your expertise,"[/color] Miles chuckles as Carlisle compliments the wine. He couldn't help but remember Carlisle's attempt to beat Miles' time but barely getting up in the air. Part of Miles thought his friend might have died that day.

[color=00FFFF]" Well that is a relief. Just gotta make sure that I don't screw it up and somehow scare her away or cause her to beat the shit out of me in the world's biggest overreaction"[/color] finishing off the third glass, Carlisle let out a small burp, followed by a small giggle. It was clearly that somehow, he was starting to become inebriated. [color=00FFFF]"Gonna take it sloooow, maybe woo her at the dance later tonight"[/color]

Miles looked at his friend incredulously. He'd only seen Carlisle drunk on a couple of occasions, both being in college. His speech was bound to be interesting indeed. [color=DC143C]”Having fun there?"[/color] he asks. 

Pouring the last of the wine into the glass Carlisle let out a small chuckle [color=00FFFF]" I am having a blast. The best time of my life. Don't know why I am stressing about this party or the ceremony or that Salem woman. I am happy and everyone else can suck it" [/color] With that he necked the glass of wine and put the glass down on the table a little too hard. 

Miles couldn't help but wonder if he sounded similar when he got drunk enough. It definitely has a lot more liquor for them to get there. [color=DC143C]”I can't believe I'm about to say this but you might want to slow down for a moment. You're not Lil or I, you can't really hold your liquor,"[/color]

[color=00FFFF]" I can hold my… "[/color] Carlisle interrupted his own sentence with a hiccup before bursting out laughing [color=00FFFF]" At least I am a cheap guy to buy drink for"[/color] realising the bottle was empty, Carlisle pouted. [color=00FFFF]"Maybe we should get some more from the fridge?" [/color] 

[color=DC143C]”Car, you know I'm all for the drinking but maybe hold on for a moment, don't want you chucking up on anyone during your grand speech,"[/color] Miles replies with a chuckle. Part of him couldn't believe [i]he[/i] was the responsible one for once. This must be how Carlisle felt through college.

[color=00FFFF]”I already have my speech planned out…”[/color] Carlisle slurred slightly [color=00FFFF]”Fuck my mother, Fuck the Guild, Fuck the old elites who think they are important. I am now in charge… And I say… we Par-tay ”[/color] With that Carlisle raised his hands in the air and gave out a cheer, which was loud enough that it seemed to catch the attention of Amanda.

All Miles could do is cover his face with his hand to hide the astonishment written over it. This was not good at all. Amusing? Absolutely. Probably one of the best speeches at these stuffy guild events. Probably Carlisle's best too. But also likely not a good thing. Lilith was probably going to kill one of them for this. 

Carlisle locked eyes with Amanda’s disgusted look and he called out [color=00FFFF]”Yeah I am talking about you, you demented old bean”[/color] At that remark, Amanda stormed on over and was about to admonish him when she realised he had been drinking.

[color=FFFF00]”Ah, I see the urchin has had you drinking. There is a reason we don’t let you drink Carlisle. You can’t handle it and you start getting ideas well above your station when under the influence.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]”Well I am the station now! I decide whats over or above my station level…thing”[/color] Carlisle carried on, not really making alot of sense. Amanda instead moved her eyes to Miles.

[color=FFFF00]”Make yourself useful and get him cleaned up. Last thing I need is for him to disgrace the Aston name infront of the whole magical world!”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]”It’s my magical world now and y’all just livin’ in it!”[/color] Carlisle cooed.

[color=DC143C]”Mands! Can I call you Mands? Actually I don't care,"[/color] Miles greets Carlisle's mother with a smile. He may have not intended his friend to get this drunk, Miles did only offer and pour one drink after all, but he was happy to take the hit. [color=DC143C]”Funny thing about handing over your job, I don't work for you anymore,"[/color] he says with a shrug.

[color=FFFF00]”Yes? Well that means I don’t get punished if I magically beat your ass into the ground”[/color] Amanda hissed back. [color=FFFF00]”Just do your ‘friends’ duty and look after him. If you do mind, I am off to go and greet Salem, and probably warn her that the Coven is about to fall off the edge of a cliff”[/color] With that Amanda stuck up her nose and walked off.

[color=00FFFF]”Yeah, well I…I ain’t afraid of cliffs, or Salem. I can have her…out in the parking lot…”[/color] Carlisle meandered off, trying to get up and almost falling over in the process.

[color=DC143C]”Woah, bud,"[/color] Miles replies, grabbing onto Carlisle to stabilize him. [color=DC143C]”I hate to admit it, but your ma has a point. We should clean you off,"[/color]

[color=00FFFF]”I will clean you off…”[/color] Carlisle started as Miles began to lead him away from the bench. It took a while, but Carlisle eventually sobered up enough that it wasn’t plainly obvious he was drunk. But his head was hurting. Although, Miles did have to help Carlisle into his suit, which Carlisle took as a game and began removing clothing as Miles was putting it on.

[color=FFFF00]”Dude… Why did you let me drink that much. I am hungover before my own party starts”[/color]

[color=DC143C]”Hey,"[/color] Miles says defensively, raising his arms. [color=DC143C]”I offered 1. Anything extra you had was your problem. You're and adult, it's not my job to monitor your drinking,"[/color]

[color=FFFF00]” So just like me in college then to you?”[/color] Carlisle said as he rubbed his head and looked at the clock. [color=FFFF00]”Dude it is almost time, you better go get ready yourself, depending on what you are going to wear. Also, where is your mother, I need to speak with her.”[/color]

Miles looks down at his own [url=https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIAEWDqBi5NPu-dnnCtS9L04s1efJ1OLCG6g&usqp=CAU] clothes[/url], a vest over a red button up shirt. He already had to wear a suit 5 days a week, he wasn’t going to make it 6. [color=DC143C]”Dude, I'm already dressed,"[/color] he argues begrudgingly. When Carlisle asks about his mother, Miles shrugs. [color=DC143C]”I don't know, the kitchen? What do you need my ma for?"[/color]

Looking Miles up and down, Carlisle shook his head. [color=00FFFF]”You know Lil is getting dressed up right. She isn’t going to be happy if you wear that. Alos, I gotta go ask her something important”[/color] With that, Carlisle left Miles in his bedroom before popping his head back in again [color=00FFFF]”I keep spare clothes in the closet you can use”[/color] He remarked before running off downstairs to find Mary in the kitchen. Entering, Carlisle would lean on the counter to smile at Mary. [color=00FFFF]”Hey Mary, I have a question… and a favour… and it is a pretty big one…”[/color]

Miles watches as Carlisle runs off, shaking his head. Lil had seen him earlier and said nothing so he assumed what he was wearing was fine and chose not to take Carlisle's offer. 

Mary was in the kitchen helping cook some of the party food when Carlisle approached her. The older woman furrowed her brow. [color=fff79a]"Sure, dear, what can I do for you?"[/color] she asks

[color=00FFFF]”So you know with the ceremony and all that. There are parts where the new leader and then their parents are supposed to be together. It’s all pomp and circumstance nonsense really. Things like welcoming the guests at the door, they are supposed to introduce you to everyone etc. Honestly, it might as well be taken from the fucking princess diaries. Anyway… I don’t really want to be there with my mother. She will just use every chance she can get to belittle me in front of people. I was hoping, maybe you would take her place instead?”[/color] Carlisle asked, slightly unsure of the answer he was about to get.

At Carlisle's question Mary's face softened. [color=fff79a]Of course, Carlisle,"[/color] she replies, placing the tray of spring rolls she was holding on the kitchen bench. [color=fff79a]"You'll have to tell me what I'll be doin' but I reckon I could,"[/color]

[color=00FFFF]”Most of it is just standing there and posing, Only bit that requires involvement is the introductions bit. But I gave everyone an invite they have to give to you, so you know exactly who they are. I am really nervous though. This speech is freaking me out in more ways than one”[/color] 

[color=fff79a]"In what ways?"[/color] she asks, leaning over the bench.

[color=00FFFF]”I am just worried that it won’t actually be any good. That people will not enjoy it, or that it will make me look weak. We both know that I don’t exactly have a way with words”[/color] Carlisle spoke as he rubbed his hair in both frustration and anxiety.

[color=fff79a]"Well, we've got some time. How 'bout you practice with me?"[/color] she offers with a gentle smile. [color=fff79a]"I can tell you for a fact, Milo didn't get his way with words from his father,"[/color]

With a shake of his head Carlisle spoke [color=00FFFF]”It is okay, thanks for offering though. If i spend any longer trying to speak it or going through it, I am just going to keep nitpicking it and making myself worse. Its just performance anxiety. The past 30 days haven't really done much for my confidence.”[/color]

Mary nods in response. A ding goes off from the oven and she turns to pull out a tray of chicken nuggets. [color=fff79a]"You just gotta buck up, kid,"[/color] she says, placing the tray on the bench. [color=fff79a]"I'm sure you'll be fine. Now why don't you go and start welcomin' people in, I'll join you in a moment,"[/color]
[hr]
[h2][color=00FFFF]Later That Evening[/color][/h2]
[color=00FFFF]Coven Household Entrance - Council Handover Ceremony - 7PM [/color] 
[hr]
Carlisle had sobered up enough that he could finally interact as a human being. He took a moment to adjust the bowtie on his [url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1e/22/dd/1e22dd6f3a22084cbda6aaae8ec9a41d.jpg]Suit[/url]. It was finally 7pm and everyone was starting to arrive. The ceremony was all pompous and a little dated, but it was tradition. Standing there Amanda began to walk over to him. 

[color=FFFF00]"Let's get this over with shall we? Try and look happy, we have to at least keep up appearances"[/color] Carlisle would cough slightly, pulling at his collar before finally saying what he had wanted to say all afternoon. 

[color=00FFFF]"Asides from the ceremony tonight, and that's all, I don't require you for anything. I have asked someone else to step in for me" [/color] Carlisle smiled as he motioned towards the now incoming Mary, causing Amanda to scoff in disbelief. [color=FFFF00]"Really now? Out of all the people you could choose, you went for the Urchin Breeder"[/color]

[Color=fff79a]"You're a lil touched, ain’t ya?"[/color] Mary drawls. She takes a step toward the woman, sizing her up. [color=fff79a]"I'm only gonna ask you just once to leave my boy out of this. At this rate you seemed more obsessed about him than ya own kid standin' right here. Now, tell me Amanda, what makes you think he's gonna go runnin' back to you after you disowned the poor boy?"[/color]

Amanda didn’t back down when Mary tried to size her up. Sure Mary was taller, but Amanda was going  to let this [i]commoner[/i] push her around. [color=FFFF00]”Because if he knows what is good for him, then he will realise that power stays together. Even when said power is a worthless sack of shit that doesn’t even deserve the name”[/color]

[color=fff79a]"Yeah, no. There'll be none of that here,"[/color] Mary says before turning to Carlisle. [color=fff79a]"Why don't you go and greet some of our guests, you don't need to listen to the psychotic ramblings of this sour puss."[/color] She then turns back to the woman before her and steps even closer. Mary wasn't the angry type but Amanda seemed to know how to push her buttons from the day she moved to Tanner all those years ago. [color=fff79a]"For someone who made a big deal about havin' the boy and how well he'll be raised you really turned out to be a disappointment of a parent, didn't ya?"[/color] she quips.

Carlisle took a step back. He wanted to say something, but he had the impression that Mary wanted to deal with this himself. He would take a few moments to adjust his bowtie and take the final few steps to the door, making sure he was still in earshot of duo. Amanda on the tiger hand just took a deep breath through he nose, exhaling hard. [color=FFFF00]"The problem was I had to make do with my pathetic husband. If his true father had actually had him, he would have been useful and powerful, not wasted on some stumpy little southerner like you" [/color] 

[color=fff79a]"[i]True[/i] father?[/color] Mary laughs, looking the woman up and down. [Color=fff79a]"Bless your heart, you're more delusional than I thought. Just because you [i]want[/i] someone to be yours doesn't make them meant to be. Besides, chances are your boy would still be a warlock, mine is. Not that that matters that much. No, all you would have done for yourself is be left to raise that poor boy on his own, and for his sake I'm glad you weren't."[/color]

[color=FFFF00]" Please. His father never cared so long as he was out of the way. I raised Carlisle on my own. And at every possible chance to impress or show that he was an Aston, he failed. Your son gained powers that are wasted on him. Oh if I had want I deserved, Carlisle would have been so powerful it would have made Lilith and Serena look like bitches."[/color] Amanda still looked outraged, occasionally she would glare at Carlisle, who would look away and greet the various coven members from both around the world, and from Tanner. 

[color=FFFF00]" I would explain more about it, but to be honest that would be giving away spoilers about little Jonathan. And I don't think I am ready to drop that on you yet"[/color] Amanda proclaimed with a grin. 

[color=fff79a]"My son's doin' perfectly fine with the powers he was given, thank you very much. As is yours. What you actually deserve is to be dragged into the depths of the hells themself!"[/color] Mary snaps in return, heat rising to her face from her anger. The temptation to grab the nearest stick and whack the woman over the head was strong but this was not the place. 

At Amanda's final comment Mary crosses her arms and raises her brow. There was a lot about Miles' father she didn't know. She knew he was far from a truthful man, she only knew about his magic thanks to her divination and he'd up and left without a trace after 2 months of acting like he was excited about her pregnancy. But what did Amanda know? Did Mary even care? Probably not enough.

Mary scoffed, looking the woman up and down. [Color=fff79a]"You think anythin' to do with that name would still sting? It's been 25 years, I'm not insufferably petty like you.  Y'know what? If Johnathon Park ever comes a'knocking you can have the bastard to yourself. Or better still, punt him back to Korea and out of my face."[/color]

Amanda simply laughed at how Mary ended that sentence. She didn't care? Really? If only she knew. Amanda would cross his arms and raise her eyebrow [color=FFFF00]"It doesn't matter anyway. I was left with a useless son who only had one job: Be better than the piece of shit you spat out. And somehow, he befriended him and failed to do that." [/color] Amanda huffed one more time, clearly Mary was getting under her skin. 

Mary couldn’t help but smirk at the woman before her. It seemed she had gotten under her skin. [color=fff79a]”I’d be careful with your words if I were you, Amanda Aston. There’s quite a few folks around here who are just as protective over my boy as me, and less graceful. Regardless, you’re startin’ to piss me off. Do you really want another incident like ‘96? ‘Cus I’d be more than happy to relive that for you,”[/color] With that the woman takes another step forward, her face floating inches from the shorter womans ear. She then lowers her voice into a gruff whisper. [color=fff79a]”Your smugass face looks like it’s due for some new dents. You might be able to show some emotion again after I knock out all that work.”[/color]

Amanda wasn't going to be made to look like the fool. Normally. However, memories of that day back in '96 was enough to cause Amanda to take a step back. With a deep, angry sigh, she glared at Carlisle [color=FFFF00]"If you want to take that piece of disappointing shit under your wing then feel free. But he will let you down to. This Coven and indeed the entirety of witch-kind is about to go to the dogs"[/color] Amanda would take one more step back, just to be away from Mary. 

[color=fff79a]”I don’t do that consistent disappointment to hate thing when it comes to the kids- I’m better than that. Now why don’t you be a dear and leave [i]both[/i] of my boys alone,”[/color] Mary’s voice remained calm and gentle yet she made it clear it was very much a threat. 

Amanda simply huffed and stormed off [color=FFFF00]"Yeah well good luck with that"[/color] With that she went away, leaving Mary alone. Carlisle looked over at Mary, a look of quiet fear in his eyes. 

Mary shook her head at the woman as she walked off and joined Carlisle. [color=fff79a]"Don't you go worryin' about us old crones, kid. I know how to handle your mother."[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"I know. But it just feels sad. This was supposed to be a big day. A whole celebration, but now it has been reduced to a petty bitching contest because my mother decided it would be a good idea to try and undermine me"[/color] Carlisle sighed and rubbed his head. 

[color=fff79a]"Y'know, it only becomes a competition with her if you let it. She feeds off of making you feel inferior. If you don't let her, she has no power. This can still be that big celebration, just ignore her and get on with your life."[/color] Mary replies, adjusting the golden watch on her wrist. Her eyes floated to Amanda for a moment, giving the woman a glare if she dared to look back.

Amanda simply ignored the duo and walked away, leaving Carlisle to greet one of the guests. [color=00FFFF]"I know. It just felt like I haven't really had a mother growing up. Silly I know. Why do you think they bought me the townhouse at 16? It wasn't because they wanted me to be luxurious I can tell you that"[/color]

Mary sighed and pursed her lips. She was sure as far as parents go she was fair from the best, or at least the most attentive. Having to spend countless hours working to make ends meet over raising her son did that. If Carlisle's mum were anyone else Mary would be the first to ask Carlisle to give her some grace but Amanda didn't deserve it. [color=fff79a]"I'm sorry you went though that, kid. Let's not worry about that tonight though. You have me, ok?"[/color]

[color=00FFFF]”Well that was what I was going to ask you… I suppose now is the best time to ask rather than later.”[/color] Carlisle would pull at his bowtie and straighten his back. [color=00FFFF]”So I have a job offer for you… As you know, mother stripped away nearly all of the jobs in the coven household so that she could keep the funds for herself. I don’t really like the sound of that. So I know that you have amazing skills with looking after places… I was wondering if you would want to take on the role of Seneschal? Its paid of course, fully paid with vacation and all the other benefits.”[/color] This was Carlisle’s way of trying to apologize over how shitty his mother had treated her. He couldn’t change the past, but he could at least, make the future better. 

At his offer Mary gave him a smile. She wasn't sure how to respond. On one hand, it'd be a familiar job to her seeing as she tends so lovingly to the house and its occupants but it felt almost wrong to ask for money for that work. Not to mention she did enjoy her job but it was also getting tiring on her joints. Not to mention that Carlisle almost seemed to have a secondary motive. She asked her mind if it was suspicious and her divination declined so she decided to probe no further. [color=fff79a]"Let me think on it Car. How long do I have to decide?"[/color] she asks.

[color=00FFFF]”As long as you need. I am in no rush to fill the position. I need someone to look after the household and make sure it is well stocked. Salary is $100K a year. It is a senior position afterall”[/color] Carlisle did have an agenda for sure. He wanted to make sure that Mary was not only sorted for retirement, but also had a much better work life balance. After seeing the sacrifices she had made, and how his mother had seemed to be responsible. 

[color=fff79a]"That's very kind of you car, I'll think on it,"[/color] Mary replies, turning back to the guests. [color=fff79a]"For now, though, we have people to greet,"[/color]

Carlisle simply smiled at Mary, briefly taking a moment to wrap his arms around her in a hug, muttering a ‘thank you’ before letting go and continuing to greet everyone as they entered.