"No need to be sorry. Beautiful woman like you, I should be thanking you." Beat. "Or maybe sending you my dry cleaning bill, I haven't decided."

“Anything I can do to help with that?”

"Save me from the monotony of the history teacher? The amount he drones, no wonder they're falling asleep in their seats. Or maybe that's just my kid."

“Your kid? I’d love to try your moisturizer.”

"My niece, truly. But I have been the favourite and doting uncle her whole life. Her mother tragically passed away in childbirth, so I've been helping out where I can."

“I’m sorry. That’s really good of you. Which one is she?”

"Juliet Salvatore. Have you had the pleasure?"

“Afraid not. Most students I’ve met were at work, and you probably don’t wish your niece had been in the hospital more often.”

"Maybe if I had known they had such quality staff."

“I didn’t know there were any charming, single men left in this town, so I guess we’re both surprised.”

"Damon? How did you- what are you doing here?"

"Obviously attending to my duties as one of our dear Juliet's guardians. I take them very seriously, you know."

He looks between Melissa and Damon, skeptical and anxious. "You're here for Juliet?"

"And the networking opportunities with fellow guardians," he turns to Melissa, "This is Juliet's father, Zachary Salvatore."

“Zachary, nice to meet you. You weren’t expecting him?”

"...nice to meet you too, Ms. McCall." He turns to Damon, "When did you get into town? Where are you staying?"

"McCall. I know that name. Local family. Interesting."

“What have you heard, exactly?”

"Snagged up a prime piece of real estate right from under our Salvatore noses in the fifties. Keen bit of business sense, he had. Big family, so I supppse he learned quick."

He sounds a bit bitter.

“On behalf of my ex-husband’s dead father, I have to give my sincerest apologies. The McCalls really did you wrong. I should be getting to gym class, wouldn’t want to miss that. Nice meeting you, Zachary.”

She waves at the Salvatores, and starts off towards the gym.

The Salvatore men continue to have a hushed argument before Zach disengages and heads in the same direction as Melissa.

To the gym!

"To give you all an idea of how your kids are doing in my class, we'll be playing a game. Everyone split into two teams."

The only other parent she recognizes is Zachary.

She joins him.

"Any guesses on what we're playing?"

"Bobby was always very into dodgeball."

"I guess that'll give us some free time."

And indeed, when Coach Finstock demands that several adults play dodgeball, Melissa is one of the first ones out.

Zach lasts a little longer, he's obviously fit, but his lack of enthusiasm for hitting other people is his downfall.

He moves to stand next to her.

"I'd like to apologize for my cousin. He's.. an egomaniac, essentially."

"He was charming, for all of five minutes. Does he normally show up unannounced?"

"That's his modus operandi, he likes to make an entrance. Always has."

"I'm sorry you and your daughter have to deal with that. You handled it well."

"She's strong and knows how to deal with him, better than me at any rate." He sounds proud. "Your son is Scott McCall, right?"

"That's him. Why, what have you heard?"

"I remember him from when they were in pre-school together. Juliet had a crush on him for a while there." He laughs.

"A lot girls did. He liked to share. His teachers wanted to bottle that and give it to all their students. What's your daughter like?"

"She's... a handful. Just started regular school this year and she's already got a boyfriend and is sneaking out of the house. But. She's my world. I find it hard to find fault with anything she does."

Snort.

"I'm surprised they didn't stay friends. I wouldn't call Scott a handful, but I might say it about his best friend. He's always dragging him out in the middle of the night. Teenagers."

"She was homeschooled not long after, had trouble making friends. Doesn't seem to have that problem now."

"I don't think I could homeschool my kid, even if I had the time. How did you make sure she was learning what she needed?"

"I hired the appropriate tutors. Even then it was difficult, she only ever had time for her art. Which hasn't changed according to her teachers."

"I wish Scott had that kind of focus. He does well in all his classes, but he doesn't have anything he's committed to."

"He has time. Kids tend to find themselves in high school. I know I changed a lot during."

"Oh, you can't stop there. Was it the outfits? The hairstyle? The hobbies?"

"I discovered Shakespeare and poetry and Cat Stevens."

"I was a mess in high school. I'm glad we're meeting now."

Coach Finstock loudly congratulates the winner for "proving that gym class is a valuable part of daily life".

"Well. I guess I'll see you around."

"Right. Yes. Would you like to have dinner with me some time? I have no social skills, but I am an excellent cook. If you like Italian."

"I love Italian. How's Tuesday night sound?"

"Excellent, yes. Do you know the Boarding House?"

"There aren't that many old houses on the edge of town. I'll be there at seven?"

"That works. I'll look forward to it." He looks very pleased.

"Good luck with your...Damon. I'll see you then, Zachary."

He waves her goodbye.

"I'll need more than luck."

And he leaves, keeping an eye out for any evil uncles.

The next day, after her shift, Melissa stops by the Stilinski home.

"Want to explain this unplanned visit, or am I making us coffee?"

"Coffee sounds amazing."

"You realize I had to bribe Stiles to take Scott out tonight? I'm going to have that guilt hanging over me for the rest of my life."

"Uh huh. So, yesterday I met this guy at school."

"Suspect or victim?"

"...date."

"I'm not a source of gossip, Melissa, I'm the Sheriff."

"We both know they're the same thing."

He pours them both a cup and sits.

"Fine. Who do you want to know?"

"Zachary Salvatore, father of Juliet Salvatore. What have you got?"

"I'm not giving you anything on criminal history. At a certain point, we cross the line into stalking."

"Not even if I beg?"

"He lived here when we were kids. Went to school with me and Raf. He was an athlete. Kind of aloof. Some people thought he was cocky and arrogant, like he was too good for us. I didn't really think about it, honestly. The jocks were the jocks, and if you weren't, you mostly stayed away. He and Raf played together."

"You don't actually have to bring up my ex-husband when we're talking about my upcoming date, Noah."

"Right, sorry. He stopped hanging out with the jocks a little while before graduation. Everyone said it was a death in the family, or drugs- I figured it was rehab, but you know I don't like to gossip. Anyway, then he fucked off to college and stayed away until he came back to raise Juliet."

"Do you know why he came back?"

"No one really knows. It's not my place to speculate."

"No rumors? Nothing coming down the grapevine?"

"I'm not your personal rumor mill, Melissa. Ask him."

She sips her coffee.

"How's Stiles doing?"

"You know how it is this time of the year. He's holding up."

"I guess there's really no good time of the year."

"There really isn't."

Sip.

"What happened to us, Noah?"

"We were both looking for comfort. It was just the timing of it all."

"Right. I'll see you on Thursday?"

"Or the next time our boys get themselves in trouble. I should probably get Stiles before he does something I'll regret."

He leaves his coffee unfinished, and leads her to the door.

Monday happens and Juliet is on a Mission.

Find Scott McCall.

Scott McCall appears to be in conversation with this boy.

Right. The mouthy one.

She interupts. "So, Scott. Is your mom allergic to anything?"

"No? Why? I'm Scott."

"I got that, yes. That's good. And she likes Italian food just fine?"

"She loves Italian. My dad used to cook it all the time."

"You're Juliet Salvatore, right?"

"The one and only. That's really fortunate! My dad is awesome at Italian. He really likes to embrace our heritage like that."

"That's cool. I'm glad you like Italian food? Otherwise that could get awkward."

"Her dad is going on a date with your mom tomorrow."

"Oh- oh! Why did you know that? Um, yeah, Italian sounds good. He shouldn't worry about doing anything fancy, she'll be happy with anything as long as there's tomatoes somewhere."

"I know everything that happens in this town, Scotty. You guys talk it out, I'll see you later."

He walks off.

"Tomatoes? I can work with that. I'll put it on the grocery list. He was thinking pizza, but I really don't think that's quite appropriate for a first date. He makes a good bolognese though."

"She'd probably eat pizza, too. Most nights we have takeout. Do you know how they met?"

"Well their lives revolve around us, so they obviously met at parent-teacher night last week. They bonded over dodgeball."

"Oh. I- that's good. Do you need anything from me?"

"I was kinda wondering if you wanted to hang out tomorrow. That way we can keep each other company while our parents do this date thing. You're on the lacrosse team with Matt, right?"

"Yeah. What did you want to do?"

"I've never been bowling before."

"Okay. Were you thinking of inviting Matt?"

"I was thinking it, but it could just be us if you want. Or you could bring some of your friends. I'm not fussy."

"I could bring Stiles or Harley? Or maybe Danny, if he's not busy."

"Stiles and/or Harley would be good. Maybe not Danny, we don't really get along."

"Okay. I'll ask the Sheriff if he can drive us."

"Sounds like a plan. Are you allergic to anything? Maybe I'll bake something. I'm feeling bake-y."

"I'll eat anything. Stiles, too. I think Harley doesn't eat pork, but I don't think there's a lot of pork baked goods."

"That sounds like a challenge, but maybe not one I'll take up now."

"I can't promise anyone else would eat those. We can pick you up at 6:30 and then get Matt and Harley on the way."

"Somebody will. Maybe Brian. He seems like he'd be too polite to refuse such an offer. 6:30 sounds great. I'll be long gone before your mom gets there, so I won't psych her or my dad out."

“Okay. See you then.”

She smiles at him and turns to continue with her day. Mission complete.

Her day continues. At lunch, Lydia and Jackson wave her over.

She smiles at them and sits.

"Hey. My two favourite stalkers. Get any good dirt on me this weekend?"

"No. Should we be trying harder?"

"I contain multitudes. I'm sure there's something you could find. Are you coming to my and Diaz' Halloween party? Maybe you'll find something there."

"Like we'd miss a Diaz party. Brian, you coming?"

"I can see if I have room in my schedule. How's Matt doing?"

"Good. He should be around here somewhere. I think he likes to keep up a little mystery. Can't have me getting too familiar."

"He's not very subtle. I haven't seen anyone fall so far, so fast."

"Are we looking at a long-term thing?"

"I don't think I'm much capable of anything but."

"We didn't have anything contingent on that, did we?"

"I'm sure you can rework whatever plan you might of had in my favor."

"We didn't, anyway, we're clear. How was your weekend?"

"I found out my dad got his first date in fifteen years. You know Scott McCall? Apparently his mom is very dateable."

"Which one is McCall?"

"I'm not sure. Brian?"

"He's on the bench."

"That's specific."

"He's the Latino kid with the fluffy hair, always hanging around Stilinski."

"Interesting. This is a first date?"

"Yup. I'm hoping it goes well, maybe it'll get him out of the house more. He's such a homebody."

"If it doesn't work out, we can try my mom."

"Yeah? What's she like then? Obviously beautiful, since she created you."

"Flattery will get you everywhere. She's prettier than me, a teacher, intelligent but incurious, sociable, and resistant to change."

"She seems lovely. Dad is a huge lit nerd, so at least they'll have something to talk about. He's very awkward socially though."

"I don't know how patient she can be under normal circumstances, but on a first date, she'll be on her best behavior."

"I've just got the dad, and I'm not sure he's anyone's type."

"Everyone is somebodies type. I don't think my dad has ever dated a guy before, but I don't think he'd be adverse to it."

"I'll keep an eye out. Let me know when it doesn't work out."

"I have a little more hope than that, but I'll keep you in the loop." She looks to Jackson. "You busy Wednesday after school?"

"Lydia, am I busy after school?"

"I'm in charge of your social calendar now?"

"He's free."

"I'm free."

"You wanna come hang out at the Boarding House? I don't know if you're into mechanics, but I can guess that you will really appreciate the contents of the Salvatore garage."

"Sure, I wouldn't mind taking a tour."

"Awesome. Maybe we can even take the Ferrari out for a test drive." She stands. "I think that's enough mystery for me. I'll see you guys later."

"See you later, Juliet."

She waves once and looks for Matt.

Matt is available and happy to see her!

"Hey. How was your day?"

"I think I made a new friend."

"That's good. Do I know them?"

"I'd hope so. Since we're going bowling with him and his two friends tomorrow. Scott McCall, potential Wonder Woman enthusiast?"

"I remember. Sounds fun. Are we hitching a ride?"

"Scott volunteered the Sheriff to be our taxi. Which is either going to be hilarious or a disaster."

"It'll be a very entertaining trainwreck. What do you want to do tonight?"

"Wanna come over and help me develop some of those photos I took the other day?"

"It's like you know me. Sure, let's go."

"Stefan is picking me up, so that'll be interesting."

She takes his hand and they head to the parking lot.

Sean runs into them on their way out.

This is probably not much of a coincidence.

"Juliet, I wanted to apologize. Try to apologize, again. I'm sorry."

"...it's fine. Stefan told me what happened. You were trying to help. I get that."

"How are things? At home."

"Apart from being locked in my cell for four days, it's pretty normal. Dad has calmed down a lot."

"That's good. And you and Matt? That's new."

"We're sickeningly adorable together already."

He kisses her on the forehead, and then on the lips.

"Very humble."

"Humble isn't in my vocabulary." She leans into Matt affectionately. "How about you? Have you seen Stefan since he got back?"

"Uh, no. Is it that obvious?"

"Your heart speeds up a little every time I mention him. Apart from that, no, not really. You should ask him out, he's perpetually single. Maybe it'll improve his mood. He's so broody."

"I'll give it serious consideration."

A car pulls up beside them.

"That is genuinely the worst advice I have ever heard, mini me. Do you really hate this kid that much?"

"Damon! I don't hate him. I think they'd be cute together. But, what are you doing here? I thought Stefan was picking me up."

"Change of plan. You get your favourite, better looking cousin instead. Just your luck."

"I'll catch you later."

He takes off.

"Hey. I don't know if Juliet mentioned me. I'm Matt."

"The dutiful boyfriend, right. She is very smitten. Are you smitten, Matty?"

"Very smitten."

Smitten look at Juliet!

She kisses him and then opens the car door and slides into the back seat, pulling him with her.

"We're going home. Was that your plan too?"

"Well I was thinking about whisking you away on a family bonding road trip. Maybe steal a couple of cars, kill a couple of motorists."

"I don't think Juliet wants to make the news for something that uninspired. Juliet, is killing motorists what you want to be known for?"

"It's tempting, but I'll think I'll pass on this one. I have homework."

"I guess I'll just have to go at it alone. My own flesh and blood rejects me. This is my life now?"

"You're charming, I'm sure you can find someone else to accept you."

"And he goes for flattery. Interesting. Not what one would expect when confronted with a cannibalistic relative of their first girlfriend."

"I don't think I'm your type."

He looks at Juliet, not voicing whatever question he has.

She leans into him and takes his hand.

"He's being a dick, it's his default setting. He won't touch you, I promise."

"Can't a man indulge in some harmless threats without being called names? What happened to respecting your elders?"

"Are you an elder? I think you have to be old, not just older than us. How old are you?"

"Not a day over 170."

"He's 173, to be exact. Wendigos live a really long time. Werewolves too."

"That sounds like a good deal. More for werewolves than wendigos, no offense."

"What, not into a little blood play?"

She kicks his seat.

"Would you stop. This is why nobody ever wants to hang out with you."

"He said I'm charming. They're all just intimidated by my wit."

"I have to admit I'm biased towards another Salvatore."

Kiss!

She appreciates it a lot.

"You haven't met Stefan yet, didn't you see how overcome Sean was with him?"

"I'm not saying Sean has bad taste, I just think I picked the best one. What do you think of him?"

"Of Sean? He's nice enough. He has trouble with a lot of things though. Doesn't quite understand humans, I think. Makes it hard for him to fit in. He's not doing an awful job though."

"He's one of Stefan's pet Wendigo family? That's so depressing. Feeding on the dead, not a good way to live."

He makes a face.

"Oh, you feed on the living?"

"Gotta keep my strength up somehow. Plus, corpse-eaters are taboo, I don't want all the other Wendigos to make fun of me."

"We wouldn't want that."

He squeezes Juliet's hand.

She kisses him.

Kissing is good! Damon is much lsss important than kissing.

This is good because she will keep this up until they arrive at the Boarding House!

"Get out of my car. You're infecting it with all this lovey dovey bullshit. I'll need to get it detailed."

Matt gets.

"So, here we are. Meeting the Salvatores."

"That was definitely the hard part. Dad and Stefan are not... that. If I had known he was here I would have better prepared you. You did good though."

She holds his hand tight.

"He seems friendly enough. Maybe he'll grow on me."

"Doubtful he'll stick around for long enough for that to happen. But absence makes the heart grow fonder or something."

"Let's never do that."

Kiss! He lets his girlfriend (!!!) introduce him.

They go inside and she leads him to the kitchen. "You should call him Zach, he doesn't like being called Mr. Salvatore. My grandfather was weird about it, apparently."

Zach overhears.

"Your grandfather instilled respect, I can do that too, but without the antiquated formalities."

"Hello, Zach. It's nice to meet you."

He offers his hand.

He shakes it for a short moment before letting go, uncomfortable.

"I'm making some sandwiches if you want something to eat while you study."

"No food allowed in the darkroom."

"That's no place to do your homework. You need to focus on things outside of photography, Juliet."

"We can have some sandwiches first. Photography can wait."

Juliet makes a face at that but complies.

"Matt is on the lacrosse team, dad. That's something you have in common."

"You any good?"

"I'm not attracting any talent scouts, but I do alright."

"Bobby Finstock is your coach? That must be an experience."

"That's a word for it. If I were a decent writer, I'd probably use him as inspiration for a character. He's not nearly as interesting as a photographic subject. Although he makes the most fascinating expressions."

"I got a bunch of hilarious shots of him at try-outs. Just. His face is so expressive. Also I think he had a stroke or something when Scotts friend got onto the field."

"She's an amazing photographer. Have you seen any of her work, Mr. Salvatore?"

"Most of the art on the walls are hers. I especially like her early work. Which mostly consisted of pictures of her pet rabbit, Bugzy. Hundreds of them. Just of the rabbit."

"He was a very handsome rabbit! And they were all very artistic. I didn't have any friends so I had to make do."

Matt looks around at the accumulated evidence of her adorableness.

"I really admire your commitment to the pursuit of your passions, Juliet. And to the handsomeness of rabbits."

"I don't actually think her ego needs to be fed any more. It's already too big for her tiny tiny body."

An older looking teen walks into the kitchen and steals Juliets sandwich.

"You must be Matt, I'm Stefan."

"No, he's a thief and a liar. I'm not tiny, I'm just not done growing."

Matt kisses her on the forehead, as if reminding her that she is, indeed, tiny.

"Stefan, it's good to finally meet you. I've heard lots of things."

She makes a face at Matt and Stefan.

"I've told him all bad things, all the juicy stuff. Like the fate of my handsome bunny. RIP Bugzy."

Stefan winces slightly and hands her back the half eaten sandwich.

"I thought I was going to pick you up from school. Did you catch a lift with Matt?"

"Actually, Damon gave us a ride."

Zach sighs loudly.

"I thought he would have left by now. Stefan?"

"The Hale's aren't around anymore to keep him away and he has a place in town now. I haven't actually spoken to him, he's been avoiding me."

"He said he was here for Juliet."

"I can take care of myself now. I have an anchor."

Stefan looks between them, uneasy.

"The wolfsbane? It's never been enough, Juliet. He's stronger than you and Stefan."

"I wasn't before. But. Matt is my anchor now. I can control myself. Even on the fullmoon. It was... I don't need the wolfsbane anymore."

"Juliet explained things to me. I just want to be here to support her."

He stares at him.

"You haven't known her a month. This is her life, it's very dangerous."

"We care about each other."

"It's a nice thought, Matt, but you don't know what you're getting yourself into."

"He doesn't need ominous warnings, dad. I'll explain everything, properly, and he can make up his own mind. He's smart enough to make that choice himself."

“I can take care of myself.”

"It does seem that way. You're handling this very well."

"I need him. He's strong and he helps me handle... everything."

“If there are things I need to know, we should get them out of the way now. Far as I can tell, there’s a lot of dangerous stuff out there.”

"I am dangerous. If I lost control- it's happened before, before we started using the wolfsbane. I broke free and killed somebody. I'm also an Alpha. Which means if I bite someone, they can become a werewolf too. Or they die."

"I'll be careful. This doesn't change how I feel about you, it just means I need to look out for myself. I've been doing that a long time."

"There are ways. Druid magic is powerful. You might be able to learn some of it..."

"I do know someone that could help with that."

Zach leaves.

"Is he going to be okay?"

"Dad has... he gets stressed. Damon being around does that."

"I get that. I'm not exactly his biggest fan, either."

"He's not sticking around, is he? He never does...."

"I'll take care of it."

“Maybe we should talk about something else. Stefan, what’s going on with you?”

"I've been offering my services as a mechanic, helping out in town. It's a hobby."

"Are you planning your annual birthday trip to New York? You'll be gone over Halloween, won't you?"

"That's Lexi's plan. She was hoping you'd join us, but I'm sure you have other things."

“We made other plans. If you want to go, I don’t mind.”

She kisses him.

"Nowhere I'd rather be."

Kiss!

...

"We should probably study."

"I suppose if we want to be successful at this high school thing."

She sighs dramatically and they go do that.

They study. They kiss, but they mostly study. Matt insists, he actually does need to study, he just likes her company.

Eventually, Matt has to leave.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Juliet."

He kisses her goodbye.

"Farewell. God knows when we shall meet again."

The next day, Erica sits next to her in homeroom.

"Hey, beautiful. You have a good night?"

"It was the same as always. How's your allergy? If that's the lie we're going with. Maybe it's a genetic disorder? We might want to get our stories straight."

"Would you like a lie?"

"Is the truth going to set me free as in kill me or just free me?"

"The truth is dangerous, but just the knowledge won't kill you. Acting on the knowledge? That's an unknown."

"I'll try not to do anything."

"Skip your next class with me?"

"First class of the day. What a rebel. Sure."

And she does. After homeroom, she hangs back with Juliet.

She waits until they are alone.

"So. I'm a werewolf."

"...what, seriously?"

"Seriously."

"I get it. God, put those away. What does that even mean? Werewolves are fictional, how do you even work?"

"Magic. We assume my mom was a werewolf. I change into a wolf on the full moon. Well, whenever I want, but the full moon is usually compulsory."

"Should I be watching for wolves that are looking at me weird?"

"Most werewolves don't change into actual wolves, just like, very hairy people with pointed ears, long teeth, and sharp claws. I'm kinda special in that regard."

"Okay. So. Have you hurt anyone?"

"...yes. When I was a kid."

"Okay. Is there anything that's relevant to me about how werewolves work? Are you contagious? Do you eat humans? Any part of humans: blood, flesh, hair? Is it just the transforming or do you have other powers?"

"If an Alpha bites a human, they can they turn into a werewolf or die. I don't eat humans. I have heightened senses, strength and speed. I heal really fast and I have the ability to take away pain from people I care about. I also age really slowly, but that may only really be a definite thing with born werewolves."

"That sounds like a good deal. It's hard to control?"

"It is. I've always had an especially hard time dealing with it. But with the right anchor, something to focus on, it can be easier."

"Who's your alpha?"

"I'm an Alpha. I don't have a pack."

"Is that as cool as it sounds?"

"I like being a werewolf. I wouldn't want to be anything but. So, yeah, it is cool."

"If I can prove to you that I'll be able to handle it, will you turn me? It doesn't have to be soon."

"I've never done it before and you could die."

"I could die the next time I have a seizure. Do you need a parental consent form?"

"...No. I just-" she pauses, "I don't know how to be any sort of good Alpha to you? If I did that. And I couldn't just let you go on your own.  I want to help you. I just have no idea how that would work."

"So what, you need a practice run on someone who'll be okay if you can't? I can find you someone. Don't worry about me spilling the beans, I can talk around it."

"That sounds like a terrible plan," she sighs, "I'm not worried about you telling anyone, I trust you. But. I only just got my own shit together. You saw me last week, I was a mess."

"Okay. How can I find another alpha?"

"....no. I'll do it. You just need to give me time."

"Okay. I'll give you time. Thank you."

Erica hugs her.

She hugs her back.

"I'll figure this out, I promise."

"So. Werewolf. That's pretty cool. I hope you can keep everything anchored, I guess."

"Matt is my anchor. Which is... a Thing."

"Is that romantic or creepy?"

"It's probably both. Or dependant on how Matt sees it."

"Good luck with that. See you around, Juliet."

"See-ya."

She waits for her to leave and sends a text to Damon.

[So. You know a few werewolves. Do you know a lot about the process of Turning someone into one?]

He responds nearly immediately.

[Now that's a loaded question.]

[It's important.]

[He would probably die.]

[I'm not talking about Matt. Do you know or not?]

[Sure. I am a fountain of knowledge.]

[And you'll tell me?]

[Anything for my favourite niece.]

[I'm your only niece.]

[As far as you know. Go to class.]

She goes.

Classes proceed.

Lydia and her friends want Juliet to sit with them.

She can sit and also bring along Matt because she wants to.

"Juliet. You brought a friend."

"Yeah. I'm Matt. We've met. Several times."

"We're glad you two are joining us. Jackson, tell them."

"Do you two like bowling?"

"Let me save everyone some time. They want a double date."

"I'm not sure if I like bowling! We will be finding out tonight though, we're going with Scott and his two friends."

"Really. That's nice."

"..would you like to come along?"

"It might get a little crowded. McCall, really? Doesn't he always hang out with Stilinski?"

"I mentioned his mom going on a date with my dad tonight. We were gonna hang out while that happens."

"That makes more sense. We'd love to come."

To Matt: "Should I poll Scott about this?"

"Jackson's right, it will be a little crowded. Even if he says yes, it's politer to ask."

She looks out over the cafeteria. Is Scott around?

Scott is having lunch with Stiles and Harley.

"And I'll be right back." She goes over to him and sits. "Hello again."

"Hey. What's going on?"

"So about our group date thing tonight. How do you feel about Jackson and Lydia coming around?"

He looks at Jackson and Lydia.

They're observing with interest.

"Is this a prank?"

"...no? Why would I do that, I like you. I mean, I don't think I would even do that to someone I didn't like."

"They clearly sent you, it's a fair guess."

"I sent myself."

"They can come if they really want. He knows Stiles is going to be there, right?"

"I'm like a scab. He can pick and pick, but I'm not going anywhere."

"I think I'm missing some interpersonal knowledge here."

"Stiles and Jackson don't really get along."

"We're nemeses. Since kindergarten."

"What happened in kindergarten?"