Things We Lost in the Fire || Plot Shuffle
Who → Cole, Elizabeth, Jen, Maggie Where → O'Malley's Summary →Maggie Tyrell and Jennifer Allen decide that the best way to wait out the storm is with a good bottle of wine at O’Malleys. Two women decide to commiserate on the tragic pasts when they get some unexpected visitors. Naturally Cole Westwood stumbled his way into his favorite bar to join the party. For the handful of older adults in Hollow Grove it was like they reverted back to their high school selves all over again. In her attempt to gather up her pack Elizabeth Smythe shows up at OMalley’s looking for some not realizing how late it has gotten she is forced to turn. In the chaos of her turning a fire is started.
Cole: Cole had been driving through the harsh cold, taking care of a few last minute things that called to his attention such as work and some cheap entertainment of his aquaintences when the storm had hit hard enough to make him realize that going much further was hopeless, and home impossible. Though, through the snow he saw a beacon of hope and hopefully one of the Tyrell sisters to share the misery of the weather with. It seemed to be on his regular schedule anyway, so why not spend the evening trapped with the original? He parked outside and climbed over the snow, entering the bar with one last shiver of cold and looked around to see an unexpected face in the dark bar. "Hello, ladies. Am I interrupting?" He asked, but took a seat at the bar regardless of the answer that they had to give, leaving one seat between him and Jen.
Jen: Jen had popped open a bottle of wine and poured herself a generous drink, grateful to at least be in the company of someone she liked if she was to be stuck with anyone at all. It was certainly much better than going home to an empty house. What she hadn't really been expecting was more company, however. She sat up a little straighter as she heard the door open, the wind blowing treacherously outside. Spotting Cole, she raised an eyebrow and returned to her drink. "If we said you were, would you care?" she asked, knowing very well that it wouldn't change anything. "Although I shouldn't really be surprised to find you here," she added after a beat, taking a drink of wine. "How's the weather looking?" Not that she particularly cared what the storm was doing outside, but at least it gave them something to talk about, if only briefly.
Maggie: Maggie knew that if there was one thing in this town that she could rely on, it was the weather changing it's mind more than an indecisive bride-to-be. Truthfully, she couldn't complain. The bar was empty and she had a few bottles of wine she had special ordered that she still hadn't tested-- and she figured now would be the best time to break a few of those out. Heading her way back out to back from the storage room and out to the bar, Maggie was grateful to see such a friendly face coming through the door. Carefully setting down the box of bottles on the pool table, she smirked in response to her friend, "Hey there Miss Frozen Jen. You're in luck, I just got a new shipment in." Without hesitation, she pulled out the first bottle in site and made her way around the bar, "Let's see what this surprise has in store, because you're right, I'm always in need of a glass of wine." As she headed her way around to the seat beside her companion, as the all too familiar face made his way into her place. While Cole hadn't been much of a pain as of late, Maggie appreciated Jen's response as she found a good sense of humor in it-- resulting in a fit of laughter knowing that Cole was in fact interrupting.
Cole: He shrugged and shook his head, bluntly answering the first question. “No, I wouldn’t. I’m already here.” He looked around the bar, seeing no one else. It was a curious thing to see Jen there, he’d been there enough times to know who visited on a normal basis. “My car doesn’t like the snow, it was either here or the mall and I’d prefer not to deal with those people running around because of the storm.” He sighed deeply, suddenly more irritated that the snow blocked him from leaving and he wasn’t about to go sit in the cold because they wanted some private time. “The weather is shitty, thanks for asking.” He leaned back on the bar, looking at Maggie and the crate of nice looking wines. “Can I grab my own drink or should I wait for you to be done with those?” He rolled his shoulders back and tried to shrug off some of the snow that had started to melt on his coat.
Jen: There was an amused smirk on her face as she glanced from Cole to Maggie. "Can you believe it, Maggie? He didn't want to go shopping on a day like this." She raised the glass to her lips again, pausing momentarily to shoot a glance in Cole's direction. "I guess Victoria's Secret will just have to wait until tomorrow to get your business." She finally took a sip of her wine, drumming her fingertips against the bar. Admittedly, it would have been nice to have some one on one time with Maggie; it had been a while since the two of them had really had the opportunity to sit down and talk about anything, and if she had ever needed a confidante, now was the time. But she could wait until later on when the storm had passed and Cole had managed to meander out of their company again.
Maggie: Bitterness usually followed Cole around like a lost puppy, so Maggie didn't think twice of his more than harsh attitude. Most times, she was fine with it and even appreciated the mood he'd bring into her life-- but weather like this just made him a little less than tolerable. Sipping from her glass, Maggie couldn't help but choke at Jen's remarks. Regaining her breath and placing an amused smirk across her face, Maggie couldn't help but add fuel to the fire. "I guess they might just go out of business without receiving their daily business from Mister Westwood here. I know O'Malley's sure as hell would if it wasn't for him." Enjoying her free time amongst the unpleasant weather, she had become quite comfortable as the laughs kept rolling. "Regulation calls for me to go behind the counter, although, I don't think any health inspectors are going to be out in this sort of weather so get off your ass and get it yourself."
Cole: Cole rolled his eyes at the bit of attitude that Jen always showed him, he figured that if these girls got any chance they’d turn on him verbally. It was the only way he could win anything against the two vampires, but it seemed like them doubling up on him would come back to bite him in the ass. “I’m flattered by the thoughts, girls, but I don’t think I want to know what pervy thoughts you’ve got stuck in your heads.” He said, only partially true. He rolled his eyes and gave a lazy salute to Maggie. “Happy to do my duty for the bar.” He got up, walking around the bar and grabbed a glass from the shelf that they rested and made himself a drink. “Never know, they could pop in during the storm out of convenience for everyone.” He drank from the glass, leaning against the bar from the inside and watched Maggie handle the box with a bored look.
Jen: Her eyebrows furrowed slightly at Cole's response, her features twisting into an expression of mock disgust. "I wasn't thinking anything pervy until you mentioned anything, and quite frankly, I think I could use some brain bleach right about now. Whatever appetite I might have had is certainly gone now." She shuddered a bit, a laugh managing to sneak past her lips as she leaned her arms on the bar. "Out of sheer curiosity, how much money do you think Cole spends here? Let's say yearly average." She glanced over at Maggie with a conspiratorial grin. Picking on Cole was one of her favorite pastimes, and the fact that he'd openly interrupted her little pow wow with Maggie only made him an easier target. Running her finger around the rim of the glass, Jen took a look at the interior of the place. "I'm actually a little surprised that there aren't more people here seeking refuge from Mother Nature."
Elizabeth: If there was ever an inconvenient day for a blizzard, today definitely would be the day. The harshness of the wind nipped her skin however, Elizabeth Smythe could hardly think of her discomfort. She had a mission – search Hollow Grove high and low for her packmates and bring them back to the Smythe estate. With the full moon rising, there could only be trouble should the wolves be left unchained and able to roam the once quiet town. After all, they were vicious and their natures called for them to main any vampire in sight. And let’s be honest, it was hard enough as it is to control herself in a town of vampires, let alone wolves that didn’t take easy to their transitions. She can see the O’Malley building with their lights on, Liz hesitates before leading herself into it. The warmth of the bar was comforting however, the presence of two vampires being Maggie Tyrell and Jennifer Allen was not. She can see Cole Westwood is among them but she pushes away her discomfort. “I’ll make this quick,” Liz finally speaks, “I’m looking for my wolves. But from what I can see, they’re not here. Unless you want to tell me otherwise.” Her hazel eyes glance at the clock somewhat alarmed but yet adamant on being sure no wolf was in the vicinity.
Cole: Cole looked directly at Jen with an extremely skeptical look. “You mention Victoria’s Secret to a man and you think that there’s nothing dirty going on in their head? I thought better of you, Jen.” He shamed her mockingly and shook his head at her. He looked up at Maggie at the next question and pointed at her, “That’s confidential information, you’re not supposed to give that out.” He was smirking when he heard the door open up to his surprise. He didn’t know many wolves that came to the place at all, so seeing Elizabeth there was certainly a surprise of sorts. He looked around to the vampires in the room, gauging their reactions to her before speaking. “Evening, Liz. As far as I know, your pack isn’t here. Sorry to break it to you.” He shrugged, knowing that the tension in the room would only build with the more time that Liz spent there.
Jen: As hard a time as she had been giving Cole for showing up unexpectedly, his presence wasn't all that terrible. He kept things interesting, at the very least. But it was the next newcomer's arrival that set Jen's nerves on edge. Any humor that had been circulating through the air seemed to disperse entirely. Her jaw clenched as she watched Elizabeth Smythe walk into the building. It was really no secret that the two couldn't stand each other, for obvious reasons. Jen shot a quick glance in Maggie's direction, trying to gauge her friend's reaction before she turned back to the Original. "I think it's safe to say your kind doesn't make a habit of hanging around here, Elizabeth." She set her glass of wine down and crossed her arms.
Elizabeth: At Cole’s words, she gives a short nod, relieved at the news. “Thank you, Westwood.” She knew that most wolves would pick different places to take refuge but better safe than sorry. The mere sight of Jennifer could make Liz scoff – praying for the day that she could finally lay a hand on her, “Well you’re here so that’s good enough reason to scare ‘em off, Jen-Jen.” As that jeer fell out of her mouth, a sickening crack breaks the silence as Liz lets out a soft cry. Damn it. She thought, damning herself for not checking the time. The full moon was rising and the last place Elizabeth should’ve been was in the room with an Original vampire, Jennifer Allen and Cole Westwood. She crumbles to the floor, as her painstaking transition to wolf begun. Unlike most werewolves, being that she had been doing it for long enough – it was quicker. Looking up at the three figures, “G-get out, now.” She demanded but soon it wasn’t a blonde on the ground but a large wolf with red eyes with one intention – kill everything in sight.
Cole: He nodded at the words, but sighed a bit at the comments that sounded like the start to a cat fight, only a few hundred times more deadly. He wasn’t going to get in between the two of them, he knew he couldn’t do anything against them with the bits of protection against the supernatural in town that he carried around on his person at all times. He was watching the fight start to unfold, only to be broken by the blonde's body to start deforming in front of them. He’d grown up alongside werewolves, but he had never seen one shift in front of his own eyes. All he knew was that the entire situation was something that was pulled right out of a nightmare. It took him a few seconds to register the words and started to move around the counter quickly, keeping his eyes on Liz while he touched Jen’s arm lightly. “C’mon.” He spoke softly, realizing that they were in danger.
Jen: Elizabeth's remark wasn't entirely unexpected, and Jen had already prepared a retort for the occasion when the sound of snapping bones echoed through the building. The words died on her tongue as her eyes widened slightly. It didn't take a rocket scientist to know what was happening. An expletive fell from her lips as she stood up, knocking the bar stool over in the process. Her eyes quickly surveyed the area, taking note of the fact that Elizabeth was in their path to the front exit; trying to get past her would surely end disastrously. Elizabeth may have had self-control in her human form, but as a wolf, Jen knew she wouldn't hesitate to kill them. Cole's hand on her arm brought her from her thoughts and she nodded, backing away from the wolf. She took his hand and ran for the nearest door, making sure he was in ahead of her before she stepped in and shut it. It occurred to her briefly, in the tangle of her thoughts, that Maggie wasn't with them, but surely her friend had good enough sense to get out of there as quickly as possible, even if the bite of a werewolf wouldn't end her life permanently. "I need something to block the door with."
Elizabeth: Snarling, the lycanthrope stared at the figures in the room – the one she was hell-bent on taking down was Maggie Tyrell which took away from killing Jennifer and Cole. After all, it was that family that Liz detested the most although Maggie never truly took part of the ongoing war. But in this state – she knew she had to hold it together as well as she could without the chains she’d been so used to for the thirty years. It was impossible to keep still, as she craved to run hating the confinement. Her head turned as the vampire and human made a dash towards the door, following them not being aware enough to realize she had knocked over the array of alcohol. It took one spark from a candle to send it all into unadulterated flames. And as any breathing creature, she needed to breathe air – not smoke. Her huge body bit the back entrance as the flames grew as it hit the bar’s cabinet.
Maggie: Elizabeth was the last person that Maggie expected to see walking through the door, and while the act was fairly innocent, she couldn't help but be hostile. Confirming the negativity of any presence of her pack pups, Maggie impulsively urged the werewolf to the leave the premises-- but almost instantly the woman fell to the ground and it was clear to the three what was inevitably occurring. Seeing the other two beeline safely out the front exit, Maggie pivoted in her heels as she swiftly made her way out the back door. Less than a few seconds later she was caught off guard as the wolf did just the same, but for her own subsistence, she made straight quick to her home without looking back, despite what condition Liz left the bar in.
Cole: Cole looked around the small room that Jen had lead him to for safety. His heart was pounding in his chest as he looked at the walls around them. “This isn’t the fire exit.” He said out loud to point out that they weren’t home free just yet. They were still in the bar and had no idea what was happening on the other side of the door and he had no idea how they were going to get out of there. “Something to block the door from a werewolf? Should we use a chair?” He didn’t mean to lash at her, but his mind was thinking about if there really was anything that they could use to keep the door closed. He mumbled curses under his breath, looking at Jen. “What are we going to do?” He asked seriously, hoping that she had a better plan than trapping them in the contained space.
Jen: "Excuse me for not knowing this place like the back of my hand," Jen snapped in return, throwing an irritated glance in his direction. It wasn't as though she'd been able to think all that clearly under the pressure. The only thought in her mind had been to get out of Elizabeth's sight and more importantly out of the way of her teeth. She leaned back against the door, rubbing her temples as she took a few steadying breaths. "How are there not windows in here?" she muttered, taking a quick glance around the storage room as she tried to ignore the commotion out in the main area of the bar. "We'll just have to wait -" She stopped talking abruptly, sniffing at the air. "Do you smell smoke?"
Cole: He groaned at the snippy comeback, regretting starting the argument in this situation where she could very well save him. He'd put a hand through his hair, grabbing a chunk to perhaps hold a thought in one place for a second. He looked at her as she spoke. Waiting out the wolf didn't seem like the best plan to him, but it was what they had. "Alright," He agreed hesitantly, hoping that he could trust her word, but of course, it couldn't be that easy for them. "Smoke?" He asked and sniffed the air to verify that she was still sane. He stepped around her, looking at her feet that stood against the door and had faint, grey tendrils curling around her feet grow darker with passing moments. "Yes, apparently." He grabbed her, pulling her away from the source of smoke and opened the door a crack to look into the main bar. "It's empty, but on fire. We need to get out of here." He stated promptly. Nothing had to be complicated, just get out.
Jen: It had seemed, at one point, that it was impossible for this night to get any worse, but seeing the smoke billowing through the crack under the door proved that idea wrong. Jen moved away from the door, her arms crossed as she tapped her foot anxiously. If it wasn't the werewolf bite, it was a fire. Either one would kill her. "Right, okay." Jen nodded, clasping her hands together momentarily. "Okay, you need to cover your mouth. I'd rather not have to drag you to the hospital for smoke inhalation." She didn't even know how bad the fire was, but in a building that held this much alcohol, they had to get out quickly before the entire place went up. "You go first. I'll be right behind you." As concerned as she was about getting caught in the fire, she didn't want him to meet that fate either. Not only that, but it'd be easier to take a sweeping glance around the place to make sure Maggie was out without holding him up.
Cole: He had closed the door after she looked like she had a plan, thinking that it might help them get some time to think. "Alright." He nodded and let out a breath, grasping the situation at hand. "Okay," He confirmed once more, meaning that he had a firm handle on it now. It was now or never, and he was determined to make it now. "Don't die." He stated before pulling his shirt over his mouth and nose and proceeded to cover over both features as he opened the door and ventured into the quickly boiling room. He dashed to the other side where he'd seen the fire exit so many times before and pushed the door open with his shoulder, shoving his way through roughly. The change in temperature squeezed on his lungs tightly and stung his skin, but over all he was fine. A few shaken breathes would confirm that he was alive.
Jen: She looked over at him and nodded. Dying wasn't exactly on her agenda for the day. There was a moment's hesitation between the time that he stepped out of the room and the time that she followed him. Fire had grown to be one of her fears, for obvious reasons, and stepping into the blazing room wasn't necessarily her favorite option. But when it was a matter of life or death, she had to get past it. She covered her mouth and nose half-heartedly, pausing in the middle of the room to throw a quick glance around for any signs of Maggie. Not catching sight of her, Jen ran out of the building after Cole. Coughing a bit, she rested her hands on her knees, turning her head to look at him. "You alright?" She glanced back up at the burning building; within hours, it'd be nothing but ash and rubble. After a moment, her gaze wandered up to the moon, full and bright in the sky. "You should get home."
Cole: His breath slowly became regulated and he looked at her on the ground, glad to see that she was unscathed. He looked at the bar he'd spent countless hours by himself and with Lex. It was a little crushing to see the thing go down, but it was better than being inside it when it decided to give out. "I'm alright." He turned from the building, putting his back to it as he took a seat in the snow next to her. "How about you?" He ignored the suggestion for the moment and let the cool air settle against them with the crackles of the fire building up behind them being the only other noise.
Jen: "I'm fine," she responded distractedly, rubbing gently at her forehead as she looked at the building. Jen was grateful enough that nobody had gotten caught in the building, but she shuddered to think what could easily have happened if they hadn't gotten out when they did. This was going to be a mess to deal with in the morning. She couldn't help but wonder how many more werewolves were running wild tonight. The thought made her cast a quick glance around, taking in their surroundings. The street seemed empty enough for the time being at least. "I doubt Elizabeth is the only wolf out on the streets tonight," she commented, looking down at him. "It's not safe out here. For either of us." Jen offered a hand to help him to his feet. "Get home, okay? The sooner, the better. I've got some people to check up on." She took a few steps in the direction of the boutique before pausing to look back at him. "Cole? Be careful."
Cole: He looked up at her, exhausted by the adrenalin leaving his system and nodded. She had a point, if a Smythe had made the mistake of being out like that there were others out. He took her hand and pulled himself up, looking around the streets and the piles of snow around them. "Alright, I'm going to head out." He took out his keys from his pocket as she started to walk away but looked up at his name. The concern on her face fit the situation, just as real and dangerous as it was inside the small room. He nodded, accepting the kind words. "You too, Jen." He said and walked to his car.