Who: Stefan and Tyler When: Late June Where: Some Bar What: Drinks to celebrate Tyler’s new job Rating/Warnings: Low/None Status: Complete
Stefan had offered to take Tyler out to celebrate Tyler’s new job. They could get some drinks and chat, hang out. It’d been far too long since the pair had had reason to hang out and catch up. Stefan also wanted to hear about Tyler’s new set of Dreams. He himself hadn’t had Dreams in so long, he was wondering if they were ever going to start again.
He headed to the bar and wandered in, noting exits and very aware of each other warm body in the room. Thankfully, there weren’t that many. It was easier for Stefan to control his impulses and urges when there were fewer people around. He went straight to the bar and ordered a beer to sip while he waited for Tyler to arrive.
Tyler could have easily compelled himself a job working as the University Football Coach, but there was something about that that didn’t feel quite right. He didn’t have any hangups about compulsion, not like Caroline did, but it still felt like a job that he should earn on his own merit’s instead of the powers from his dreams. Which is why it had been something of a surprise when the job had been offered to him.
Because he knew he earned the job, he felt even better about it than he might normally. Which meant celebrations were definitely in order. It didn’t take him long to spot Stefan once he walked into the bar, and he headed toward the brunette. “Hey man, how’s it going?” he asked, pulling up a stool next to Stefan.
Stefan grinned when Tyler pulled up the stool next to his. It was good to see his friend, and good to see him so happy. The job must have been treating him well, Stefan supposed. Or, had he started yet? It was still summer, so maybe Tyler was starting for the next school year.
Anyway, Stefan smiled at how happy Tyler seemed over it all. “Good! Not new job good, but I’ll take what I can get.” He clapped Tyler on the shoulder, then lifted a hand to flag down the bartender. “What’re you drinking? It’s on me.”
Tyler couldn’t help but smile a little at Stefan’s offer. They were both equally capable of compelling their own drinks, but Tyler understood that compelling everything probably wasn’t the best practice to get into. “Scotch,” he answered.
Definitely not compelling everything. Though, they definitely could have compelled this round--but it was a celebration. Stefan’s offer was supposed to mean here, I’m celebrating with you because I’m proud of your accomplishments. As a good friend. Anyway, when the bartender came over, Stefan ordered two scotches.
“So, when do you start? Do the teams practice during the summer?” He asked.
“I’ve already started,” Tyler confirmed. “The games start at the end of August, so we spend the summer preparing for them.” Tyler had when he’d played in college too. He was still new enough that it was a little bit strange to be on the other side of all the screaming for once.
“Oh wow. That’s great.” Stefan nodded. Not that either of them really needed a job with a paycheck--they could pretty much compel anything they wanted to--but getting that paycheck really feels good. It’s a source of pride.
“You’re telling me,” Tyler said, grinning. He hadn’t had a job in his dreams and had kind of lost his purpose because of it. It seemed like a good idea now to have something to keep himself busy. Besides, Caroline didn’t exactly approve of compulsion, not after he’d compelled her after her mother’s death. He had the feeling she wouldn’t approve of him living off of it.
“What’s been going on with you?”
“Nothing exceptional. Just spending my time working in the Garage and keeping my other urges under control.” Stefan hadn’t had a lot of Dreams lately to mess with his head, but he was still a vampire. And he still had to keep those hungers under control. “My roommate Anna is on a television show, so she’s been making me watch it with her every week.”
“I hope it’s decent at least,” Tyler said, grinning a bit. “But good for her. You must be proud.”
“I’m certainly proud. But really, it’s all her. Her hard work and determination… and her talent? Her personality really works for it, too. Everyone loves her.” He shrugged softly. “You’ll have to let me know when your games are. We can show you support.”
“Thanks man,” Tyler said, grinning. “I’ll definitely be letting everyone know our game schedule once I get it. It means a lot.”