#w; neylani smith

[ravensrevcnge]

Kara's smile fell a bit as Neylani took the drink from her just to set it back on the table for someone else. Well that wasn't much fun - and she didn't really know what to do with that, either. What was the point of coming to a winery if you weren't going to even taste the wine? One drink couldn't hurt, especially now before all the festivities started. It would be hours before the event concluded...

And she didn't even seem particularly interested in the movies. So she was actually working, then? Kara had been on edge when she'd first arrived, nervous about letting loose after what had happened on the night of the festival. But a glass or two of wine had loosened her up enough to enjoy her birthday. And she didn't want to think about anything relating to work.

"Well...sounds like you have some fun plans for the night, then. Don't waste it all working, will you? This is supposed to be fun and you said you're off shift. You're allowed to have some fun off shift. So stop stressing about everything." She chews on the inside of her cheek for a moment, then takes another sip of her wine. "I think I'm going to go find B and settle in for the movie," she points a finger, "enjoy yourself."

Her shoulders lifted into a shrug. "It must be -- guess it's just not my kind of humor," the sheriff remarked. She wasn't uptight about it, of course, but she would have gone a different route in move choice.. Perhaps away from supernatural things, for a bit. Besides, Ney would have stressed that her vampire residents wouldn't have seen it as much of a joke, were it to come from a werewolf. There were things to always consider and stress on, really.

Though Ney did take the glass being held out to her, she didn't drink. "I'll have to take your word for it tonight," she smiled at her friend, setting the glass back in place for someone else. "I have to drive later and with how thick the fog is... I don't want to chance it. Plus, I need to check in on Mr. Baudelaire after this and I don't think smelling wine on my breath would be much help."

[nathanwintcrs]

"You think asking him for dancing tips won't lead to a barrage of questions that would inevitably result in a whole host of probably not-at-all-applicable-to-me dating tips?" Complete opposites, the twins were - but that was simply how they had grown over the years. Mik had the charisma, the natural talent, and a simple air about him when it came to socializing and being out in the world. Nate? It just...never came as easy. He had to work at it, always.

But she wasn't wrong, he'd probably be head over heels at the idea of being able to help Nate sort his shit out rather than being a closed door about anything relating to romance these days. Especially considering the shit Mikael had put up with, romantically -- Nope, best not to think down that line of thought. Certainly Mikael would be happier spending his time working on Nate's issues than his own, and he couldn't blame him for a minute on that one.

Nate shrugs - a part of him thinks he probably wouldn't know a pick up line if it slapped him in the face these days. Why was dating so awkward? He'd been lucky the one time that he'd met a girl he just simply got on well with and it blossomed easily into something more. But otherwise? His dating profile wasn't not vast or impressive by any means. Or maybe he was just beating himself up too much.

"Well, I'm sure we'll at least be able to find you a date," Nate finally says. "Unless they're against the whole cop thing. Some guys are too immature to let their girl be so badass in comparison."

"I just think you could get out of the house more often," she explained, because it was the truth. Him having any kind of routine, or introverted, lifestyle wasn't really an issue-- she had one herself. But Nate still behaved as if there wasn't much else to it than that.

Ney only chuckled at the question. Mikael giving anyone dating advice? How Nathan got that from what she said, the sheriff couldn't know. "I said you could ask him for some dancing tips," she corrected him lightly, "because yes, I think he'd show you a useful thing or two." Mikael was a lot of fun, he pushed other people out of their little boxes and far from their comfort zones. Every person needed someone like that in their lives. It was just funny to see the dramatic difference between the twins and what type of men they were.

"Isn't it? It's a pick-up line, regardless, so it could work if used correctly," she shrugged. "Oh I'll be there," Ney promised. "You won't be without moral support, I assure you."

[ravensrevcnge]

Kara's knuckles drummed absently against the tabletop, taking in the scene. Jukebox Junction was an environment she actually quite enjoyed. Granted, she wasn't that much for the country vibes, but she appreciated the energy. Loud music, good food and drink, people dancing on the open floor - what was there not to like? Too bad she didn't have a dance partner, else she might be out there on the floor, too. Granted, she supposed she didn't need a partner.

She glanced up at Neylani as she approached, giving a smile and nod of thanks as the drink was presented before her, taking a small sip. "Why was I out? I don't know, didn't feel like sitting at my apartment alone all night. Figured I'd take a look around for something fun to do tonight." She was off shift after all, might as well enjoy the night. "Figured I'd probably end up here or something like." Not to say that she was really that much of a bar girl; she liked a fruity cocktail or two, but she much preferred other forms of entertainment. "Where are those nachos? Now that you mentioned them, I'm starved."

Neylani wandered off towards the bar, so she could grab them a couple of drinks rather than wait on a waitress to come find them. Plus, she wanted to put the nachos order in as soon as possible, as the sheriff realized she was pretty hungry.

After several moments, she weeded her way through the crowd of people until she spotted where Kara found them a table. Ney carried with her a drink in either hand-- one, a pale peach color, and the other a dark brown. "Here you go, one paloma," she came up on the detective and set the glass down in front of her. As she took her seat, Neylani sipped from her rum and coke, eyes taking in the room at large over the rim of the glass.

Jukebox Junction was definitely a more country vibe, most days. But she noticed at the moment, the live band was playing covers of requests from the audience. "Oh, I've heard this song before," the woman commented, "but I don't remember who it is.. Never been too good at knowing that stuff." There was a lot, actually, that Ney had missed out on in favor of her career and duty to Raven's Peak, in-particular. Her focus moved back to the other woman. "So, why were you out tonight?"

[ravensrevcnge]

"Might as well."

While Noah wasn't particularly invested in the movies, he had always appreciated the work Victor put into his business and passions. He had made something out of nothing, and now all of the citizens in Raven's Peak could enjoy it. That was something to be proud of, and Noah would always be proud of the things his siblings were able to achieve. And he would be there for them in the times where they misstep, too.

"It's not nice," Noah states simply, "just what you do for family." You show up. That was how it worked, wasn't it? At least, that was how it had always worked for Noah, what he had always tried to do. "Enjoy the movie, miss Smith," he told her with a nod before moving off in the direction of the winery.

She checked over the itinerary for tonight, mentally gauging how long the movies would go on for. It would certainly see itself past midnight, for sure. "I think so," Ney agreed, easily. "I've always heard it was a classic but, it's just one of those I never got around to seeing yet. Might as well take advantage of moment."

Ney nodded to his polite response-- seemed it was a bit of both, then. "That's nice of you," she remarked, this time offering a more genuine smile, "to come out and support your family." She may not find him to be the most remarkable person, but family mattered to him, clearly. Now that was something the two could see eye-to-eye on. Neylani always be there for her own, as well.

[ravensrevcnge]

Shit, he'd just gone out to get some groceries, spend a little time with James, and now he was being practically interrogated by a damn cop. Well, maybe not interrogated. But essentially being told how to parent his own child. As if he needed anyone else telling him he was a shit role model. Or maybe it was just because she was a damn cop that put him on edge, feeling like he had to be on his best behavior or some shit and perform for her, else she might to drag him behind bars.

His arms folded across the handle of the cart, pushing it along after them as he leaned against it. "I haven't seen much of her either," Rio muttered, though that was maybe just as much his intention as it was hers. He'd been giving her space - but neither of them would ever sacrifice James's care when things were awry between them. It wouldn't be the first time they'd been on shaky ground. It certainly wouldn't be the last.

Rio's eyes actually did roll now as Neylani continued to poke and prod for information about Amelia. "I don't know what you want me to say, sher. I'm not her keeper. Go ask her yourself if you're so worried." He knew it was unlike Amelia to hide out like this, but he also knew why she was doing it. And it was her story to tell, not his. He knew when she wanted space, and clearly she wasn't interested in Neylani prying into her business if she wasn't talking calls. It didn't take a genius to put two and two together in that regard.

But they always found their way back to one another, eventually. And once he stopped being a coward about facing it, he'd go see her himself. She was never good on her own for too long.

It was really sweet, to see how much James did love his father. The boy really wanted all of his attention and Rio seemed a bit blind to it. "Oh I don't know, maybe you are," Neylani said, more for James' benefit who had lit up at the idea of getting some sweets, which confirmed the father's assumption. "What a neat superpower to have. I bet you can even read my mind," the woman went on, nicely, her eyes finding Rio's meaningfully.

Her mind: Don't be a dickhead. Maybe it was just her being a bit more sensitive to things these days or whatever, but the man certainly came off a bit sour. Neylani would chock it up to the fact the entire town had a couple of shitty weeks and everyone was entitled to their bad days. She had her fair share of them recently. If he needed to take it out on someone, then she could handle it. Better her than James or Amelia, for sure.

Then again, the she-wolf could be conjuring this all up in her mind, for all she knew. All Ney could do was go off the vibes. The two of them did tend to have a more contentious relationship, sure, because Rio got up to some business he shouldn't and the sheriff wasn't willing to let him get away with it. Maybe she needed to just accept that unfortunately, she wouldn't be his favorite person. Hmph.

Neylani allowed James to latch onto her hand and start leading to where he needed her. She planned to get the boy extra sweets now, just to needle Rio a bit further. Now that pettiness could be chocked up to that inner moody animal within-- especially as of late, with the supermoon causing more havoc than usual with the wolves and their emotions. "I haven't seen her out and about much, since the festival," she commented, looking over her shoulder. If Rio thought he would get off that easily, thinking Neylani would suffice with something as basic and uninformative as a 'fine'. Anyone and their mothers could be fine. Fine was never even fine, these days. Fine was troublesome. Fine meant she was right to worry. But it wasn't like she could just say all of that, with James right here. "I tried to call a few times, she must be busy?" Rio could be limited in what he said because of his son too, she was sure, but there had to be something coded he could give her.

[ravensrevcnge]

"Sure," Kara agreed, though she wasn't much planning on bringing up the festival again if she could avoid it. Though she did find it a little interesting that Neylani had been willing to talk about the festival when it came to Kara's experience, but not her own. There was definitely something more there, but now was not the time. Then again, Kara wasn't sure when, if ever, would be the time. But another time, at the very least.

She looked over the choice of meats and cheeses, grabbing a small piece of cheese to put in her mouth before finding herself a fresh glass of wine. She took a sip as Neylani leaned in to express her thoughts about the movie. "Oh? I don't know," she shrugged, "it's a pretty good movie, isn't it? Probably a bit of a joke." She found it amusing, anyway, that they'd play a vampire movie in a town with a bunch of actual vampires. "I think I'd be a little more concerned if the movie was like the real ones. We can't be revealing all our secrets, can we?" She looked down at her glass of wine appreciatively, gesturing at it after a moment before lifting another glass and holding it out to Neylani. "You can have a drink, right? Just one. This is delicious."

Neylani took up a small plate, no larger than her hand really, and began to pick her way through the offer of finger-foods. She seemed to prefer the meats over the cheeses, which had always been the case. Blame that animal inside.

There was a lapse in preparing the plate, though only a shade of a few seconds before the sheriff seemed to think the few bites there were enough already. "Tell you what," Ney said then, turning to face the other woman with an air of seriousness, "let's table that for another night not your birthday." They could talk about things later, if they decided to. "I'm no more worse for wear than you, in the meantime. We're a couple'a tough cookies, you and I." Her elbow came to nudge Kara's arm gently. They could stomach a lot.

Her face scrunched just a tad. "Don't you think that's in poor taste?" she leaned closer as she whispered the question, because there were far too many tuned ears in this place, they would all hear it. "A bit on the nose, really, that he would want to show a vampire movie that is nothing like an actual one.." Her eyes rolled some. "If they had suggested Werewolf in London, I'd have stood here with my mouth open." Neylani hadn't seen that one either, but she knew it was about werewolves and a horror one, at that. Though she wasn't actually offended by any of it. She just would have blinked a few times because really? Out of all the media possible to choose from, they would land on subjects close to home? "I would rather find out what a Goonie is."

[ravensrevcnge]

There was something there, right? Neylani didn't take time off, not if she could avoid it. So the fact that she'd chosen to take a whole two weeks off, so closely following the events of the festival? Kara had been so wrapped up in her own things since then, she hadn't even thought to ask Neylani how she was doing. Besides, Neylani always had her shit together, it seemed. That could hardly be true, though. No one really had their shit together, there were just people who showed it and people who didn't.

Come to think of it, Kara didn't remember seeing Ney at the festival at all. Her brother had been running about like a headless chicken in search of her - and Kara had always just assumed she was fine, taking care of business somewhere. As much as she didn't really want to reflect on that night or dampen the mood, she did care how Ney was doing. "What about you? Isaiah was running around like a headless chicken, said he couldn't find you. I told him not to worry - I hope he didn't have any reason to?" She'd clearly made it out no worse for wear physically, but Kara knew just as well as anyone that the outside didn't always match the inside. Mentally, she wondered where Ney's head was at.

"The Goonies?" Kara repeated, considering, "sounds vaguely familiar. Maybe when I was a kid. I take it that means you're not interested in everyone's favorite movie blood sucker?" It was funny, knowing that vampires were very real and not really much at all like the movie version. Kara smirked at the thought, picking up a cube of cheese and popping it into her mouth.

Her lips twitched up some. Kara pegged her correctly-- it was rare, when she did take some time off. And even if she did, it wasn't likely just for herself or because she wanted to. Like now? There were reasons behind her sudden vacation request and none of them really were for her benefit. That was okay, though. Neylani already spent enough time alone with herself. "Technically, I've cleared my next two weeks," she confirmed. "So yes, you have me all to yourself right now."

A pang of disappointment went through her, as Kara blew off the question. It was such an obvious lie, wasn't it? None of them were fine after what happened, and yet, Neylani was coming to find that so few of the people she loved and cared about... were willing to let her help carry their baggage. When had she become a person nobody trusted to lean on anymore? Maybe when the town got burned to the ground and you weren't anywhere in sight. "Oh, good," Ney managed, with an easy smile that concealed these sad thoughts, aware she could be deemed hypocrite, too. It just didn't feel that what she had going on, was worth troubling someone else about. Kara didn't have to tell her anything, though-- that was all up to her, not Ney, so she just had to live with it.

"The Goonies," she offered up without pause. "I've always meant to see it. Have you?" As they came upon one of the food tables, Ney wished she could have some more drinks and just let loose tonight, having fun with Kara on her birthday. But she really couldn't. She needed to keep her wits about her now. She needed to check in on Roman later. Now wasn't the time to let the guards down and honestly, she wasn't sure when it would be okay again.

[ravensrevcnge]

Kara's head bobbed in a nod of agreement, a soft smile pulling on her lips as she bumped her shoulder back against Neylani. It would be a lie if Kara said she hadn't ever considered it, that her friendship with Neylani couldn't be something more. But the sheriff had always made it pretty clear where her preferences lay, and she had certainly not ever expressed any interest in Kara other than friendship.

"Everyone is different," Kara said with a shrug, folding her arms across her chest. "It's good you know what you want, even if you haven't found it yet."

She nodded again, though this time didn't give much of a response to Neylani's words. It didn't matter, she guessed, what she wanted. If it made Neylani feel better, then that was the goal of the night. To forget her date that had fallen apart and focus on something else.

"So he is," Kara hummed thoughtfully in response. Was Grayson even looking? Last she'd heard he had plenty of other things to deal with on his plate. But then again, Kara wasn't looking, either. But she was open to having some fun, always. "I'll take...a paloma?" She raised an eyebrow as if she wasn't certain about her choice - but there were always so many options to choose from. "Or honestly, whatever you're having. I'm not picky," she added with a wave of her hand before turning to seek out a free table.

"You have all of that with me," Neylani teased, with a grin. "Guess you don't have to look anymore." She bounced their shoulders together gently, to show she was only joking. Truth was, the sheriff wasn't able to pinpoint any specifics for herself in this realm, either. Physical attributes, maybe. Personality things she thought she'd prefer best, sure. But in the end, there was nothing the woman had to even stack up and compare anything to. That was why she liked to have a skeleton made out, so there were at least some sensible goals. "I know I should probably relax, it's not the end of the world," the woman sighed, mostly because it was all rather exhausting. Ney had a sneaking suspicion that she might be experiencing a mid-life crisis event early on, or maybe the coming supermoon had something to do with it? Their kind always got a bit more... antsy... during full moons, and threefold during a supermoon.

"Nobody said you aren't a great wingwoman," she claimed, "but-- I'd rather focus on you than myself." It made her feel good, when she could help her friends and loved ones find their mate. Maybe a way for her to live life vicariously through them. "And you never ask, that's why I'm simply letting you know," Neylani said airily, playing it off like it was no big deal, or there wasn't some ulterior motive. "Grayson is too, actually," she added, with a sly glance.

"I suppose I have time, like you said." Neylani would need to learn to take the detective's approach to things, probably. Kara was so chill about anything and everything, she hardly ever seemed stressed. Meanwhile, Ney over here was like seconds away from plucking eyelashes out over things she didn't have any control over. "The only eyes I wanted to draw tonight, aren't here, so -- nachos it is!" She clapped her hands together. "You go find us a table, I'll go grab us the order and a couple of drinks?" she delegated. "What would you like?"

[ravensrevcnge]

"Oh...I don't know. I guess I've never really classified it," she said thoughtfully, tapping her finger against her chin as she pondered. "I don't know if I have like, specific criteria per se? Just someone I can have fun with, really. Someone who can match my wit. And I mean obviously someone respectful, thoughtful...all that good stuff?" But at the same time, she just wasn't really looking. If it happened, it happened. If not, she knew how to enjoy herself without needing a relationship. She could spend her time with whomever she wanted without feeling beholden to someone else.

"Why are you the matchmaker? I think I'm a wonderful wing woman," Kara stated matter-of-factly, shoulders lifting in a shrug. "And besides, you're the one who is looking for a match." Neylani was the one who seemed to think she was running towards the end of a timeline, who had expectations about her romantic future. Kara was just fine enjoying the here and now and the ride life took her on.

At Ney's remarks about Isaiah Kara just rolled her eyes, a light smile on her lips. "No, I suppose I didn't necessarily know that, but I also don't think I asked."

"Well, like I said. There are a lot of ways to go about motherhood if that is what you truly want without a man being in the picture. But I can imagine they are some hard decisions to make." It was a different way to go about it. The traditional 'American Dream' or whatever was all about meeting the guy, marrying the guy, having a family, so on so forth. But everyone's picture of that dream was a little bit different, wasn't it?

"Don't look at me like that, I could never turn down a plate of good food and nachos most definitely fall in the 'good food' category. So do chicken wings, for the record, just not atomic bomb ones." When Neylani turned down the offer to let loose and dance, Kara's lower lip jutted out in a pout. "Really? But it's fun. You won't make a fool of yourself. Maybe you'll even draw an eye."

"Well what turns you on?" Neylani couldn't help her curiosity-- she hoped it wasn't too forward a thing to ask her friend, but it wasn't like they hadn't had some intrusive conversations before, either. If she overstepped, Kara would let her know. Besides, she wanted to know what other women looked for when they considered someone. Maybe her standards weren't good ones? How was she to know? Her eyebrows raised some at the detective's statement. "We?" she clarified, as it seemed Kara had now inserted herself in the mix of trying to help find her what she wanted. "I think you've got that backwards-- I'm supposed to be the matchmaker here," Ney said, laughing to herself. "Which reminds me, did you know Isaiah is single?"

As she listened, she got nostalgic for that feeling. Neylani used to feel perfectly content being on her own, too. But as she inched closer to forty with zero change or progess, she found herself focused on it more and more. It bothered her. "It's not terrible," she shook her head, to assure the other woman there was nothing wrong with not wanting to take on motherhood, it was a lot to ask of women. "I've known plenty women who never wanted to be mothers and they are happy." Neylani wasn't so certain she felt motherhood was her purpose, only that it would give her purpose. Was that the same thing? She felt it was different. Before, she took care of her brothers and now they were grown men. Before, she served in the marines and flew jets in important missions. Now, she'd been elected sheriff and had a town of people to protect, yes. Yet, she still felt bereft in some way hard to explain. "Sometimes it's hard to know if I want to be a mother, or if I'm just tired of a quiet home."

She, too, shared in the laugh about the ridiculousness of that challenge. "Eh, you're probably right," Ney agreed, waving a dismissive hand to discard aside the idea of wings. "But their nachos..." She gave the moment a look that clearly said Kara couldn't possibly have any opposition to those-- they had some great nachos! The plate was even large enough they'd be able to share. Following the detective inside, she smiled at the woman's antics even as she shook her head. "I think I've made a fool of myself enough tonight, thanks," she declined, definitely more on board with nachos. Truth was, Neylani had never learned to dance. It was a stupid secret, but there were a lot of 'nevers' in her life that most her age normally tackled a long time ago. Did she plan to learn at some point? Yes, sure, in the privacy of her home where she could look stupid by herself until she gained the nerve to do it in public.

[ravensrevcnge]

"You've got your entire night free?" Kara repeated skeptically, her head shaking a little. "Nah, that doesn't sound like you. You don't take time off, last I checked." Typically Kara didn't either, but today was her birthday and that was a special day that deserved a day off. So she had no plans but to drink a lot of wine and enjoy herself tonight. Was she worried about what could happen? She supposed in many ways she always was, but specially after the last town gathering ended so poorly. But today it wasn't hers to deal with... and nothing would go wrong. If only because it was her birthday and bad things didn't happen on her birthday.

Maybe she should slow down on the wine... Nah, what was the fun in that?

"Me? Oh, yeah. Sure, I've been fine," Kara said simply, not wanting to dwell on all that today of all days. She was figuring it out, anyway. "Were you planning to watch the movies? What were you gunna watch?"

"I know for a fact they have an entire spread of cheeses and finger foods," Neylani shared, as she looped an arm through Kara's and pulled her in close to side as she has done so many times before. She did the same with Mikael, too. "I've my entire night free so, let's check it out." Though, the comment felt a bit disingenuous to the sheriff. In the back of her mind, they were both still on call, even if they weren't actually working tonight. Something could happen. Anything could happen. And it was simply their responsibility to keep eyes and ears open, as they mingled within the crowd. It was sad, really, that neither woman could truly be allowed to fully relax. Neylani would do her best, though, to help make her friend's birthday a good one. "Have you been doing okay?" she asked then, walking in step with Kara towards the trove of finger foods. "I haven't gotten a decent chance to really check in on you, since everything.." Neylani looked over at the woman in assessment, some concern there.

[ravensrevcnge]

"Hey, I definitely have no problem with the look. It's the childish attitudes that usually turn me off." But then again, Kara was generally an upbeat person, she wasn't sure a grump would be her preferred company. But to each their own. If that was what Neylani wanted, she'd be supportive. "If that's what you want, that is what we'll get you," Kara confirmed with a firm nod. She could definitely play wing woman. There had to be eligible bachelors around, still. Ones that would be good fits for Ney and not assholes that stood her up and hurt her heart.

Heaving a thoughtful breath, Kara considered Neylani's words. Did Kara think about having a family herself? Sure, she supposed she did from time to time. But she also didn't feel she was lacking for not having it. She had a whole gaggle of niblings she loved dearly, almost as if they were her own children at times. But she also liked her space, she liked her me time - and, honestly, she wasn't sure she'd be the greatest mother. "I mean, I think if I found the right person that fit into my life as it is, I'd be willing to marry. Sure. But I guess I'm not really in any rush for it? I'm pretty happy just doing my own thing." Her shoulders lifted a bit in a shrug, "and I'm not sure that motherhood is really my thing. I'm not totally against it, or anything. It's just not something I've spent a lot of time thinking about? If that...doesn't sound absolutely terrible. I guess kids have never really been that high on my 'to do' list. I've had plenty of experience taking care of kiddos with my nieces and nephews over the years, I don't really feel like I need to have my own, I guess? But it's not a bad thing, obviously, if motherhood is what you feel your purpose is. I think a lot of women feel that way."

Kara laughed at the suggestion of eating ten of the spiciest wings offered at Jukebox just to get the free meal. "As great as a free meal sounds, I think I'd rather not swallow down flames and erode the liner of my stomach to earn it? Plus, I like to enjoy the food I eat." She happily strode through the open doorway as Neylani held the door open for her, before turning to face Ney again and walking backward a few steps, a hand held in her direction. "You'll dance with me, right? I may not give you the option so you might as well just say yes."

The sheriff's face scrunched up in some distaste at the image Kara brought to mind. No, that didn't sound the least bit fun for Neylani at all-- in fact, she wasn't so sure how long she could tolerate that behavior, either, and normally her stomach for patience was very experienced. "I definitely don't want a manchild," she confirmed. "He needs to at least be stable with a job, have an even temperament," mostly because her own could lead towards hot thanks to her species, "and I would prefer someone nice." Ney didn't feel that was too much to ask for, perhaps even borderline boring. "So it's not necessarily the trouble I want, but come on.." Her lips pursed briefly, before a shy smile won over. "You've never thought the look of it was attractive? Oof, especially the ones with the dark hair and dark eyes, and the leather jackets.." She just about giggled like she may have been a teenager all over again as she imagined it. "And I don't know.. there's something a bit sweet about those big, grumpy quiet types. The ones that don't seem to know what to do with themselves." Maybe that was because she was a woman who had plenty experience directing others. "Okay, so.. to recap, a stable nice guy grump that looks like he's trouble but isn't... How's that?" Definitely not a Micah.

"I've been going at my own pace, which is why I'm running out of time," she expressed, a bit exasperated with the thought. The sheriff got a bit quiet as Kara went on, discussing the possibilities of becoming a mother without a man. It was scary just how close Kara's comments seemed to have mimicked Ney's own thoughts in the past year or so. Sadly, she had begun to think that since a relationship was not possible for her, she could at least still do the mother part. That was something she had control over. "I've thought of that," she admitted, seriously. "At this point, it's probably what I'll have to go with. A single-parent household isn't uncommon, anyway." Just-- she would have preferred to do it with a spouse, because that was how things were done, right? It made her feel lacking to not follow along the dotted line. But her desire to become a mother outweighed any need for a relationship-- she'd been alone so long now, she really wasn't that concerned about it, outside of what must be wrong with her that she couldn't attract a mate. Ultimately, her frustrations stemmed more from the fact her path was outside the norm. Ney liked when things were uniform and made sense, she liked them to go correctly. "Don't you want to marry and have a family?" she asked the other woman curiously, looking Kara's way. Did Kara think about these same things or was she being weird on this too?

She chuckled, hugging onto the woman's arm as a source for comfort and briefly laid her head at Kara's shoulder while they walked. "I feel I'm probably more of a mild wing," she admitted. "Oh come on, you're going to back down from a challenge? If you eat all ten of them, they're free." The sound of live music got louder until Neylani disentangled herself from Kara and moved forward to grab the door for her friend, holding it open for her.

[ravensrevcnge]

Noah just studied her as she chose to go against his suggestion even as she had been the one inquiring for his opinion on the matter. It didn't much bother him, really; she was free to make her own choices, and her decisions on what movie to watch had no impact on him. He just hoped she wasn't about to spend her time with her eyes glued to the screen, should they have another situation on their hands. "I'm sure it's a fine choice." He doubted Victor would've chosen something that wasn't.

"Moral support, the wine. Whichever," Noah agreed with her assessment. His reasons were his own. To keep an eye on his family and the people of Raven's Peak. To make sure Victor felt the success. It all mattered very little.

If she had known the man's opinions of her position essentially being useless, Neylani certainly would have taken exception to it. Even been stung by it, too. That weekend had already shaken the faith and confidence she'd had in herself to keep the residents of Raven's Peak safe and sound. She should have been there in the thick of things, alongside Deputy Beckett and Detective Sykes, as they got as many people to safety or wrestled against whatever evil realized itself. Instead, she'd spent the time trapped inside her own body and mind, as something else drove entirely. Law enforcement might have seemed silly to these supernatural creatures, but they had purpose and they were needed. They weren't any old human-based unit here, that would be ridiculous. The department had equipment available to handle these beings, that would even hinder a great and powerful man like Noah Morgrave himself. And the age old adage that claimed there was power in numbers, happened to be true.

She was here, worrying about what movie to watch next, because this is where most everyone else was. Seemed prudent to her, to be where the residents gathered, and keep a watchful eye. Neylani felt compelled to make up for her massive blunder the first time.

As he spoke dryly, her mind wandered a bit. Hopefully, Kara was having a nice time for her birthday. Neylani had been so distracted with things that her gift shopping had suffered. "The Goonies it is," the sheriff decided, doubting anything he'd prefer would suit her. But she tempered these words under a politely teasing smile. "Since I already know what a dinosaur is," Ney shrugged simply, "it'd be nice to find out what a goonie is, then." She always meant to see it, anyway. "So, are you only here for moral support?" she asked, brows raising, "as you said, movies aren't your thing. Unless the wine is." Neylani assumed, however, he was here purely because his brother happened to host.

[ravensrevcnge]

Kara shrugged a little. The fact that the winery was hosting a gathering of sorts just seemed like another reason not to hold back on enjoying herself. True, she was anxious about what could happen. But she couldn't continue to live her life wondering what could happen. She still had to find the joy.

Rocking on her heels after returning Neylani's hug, she glanced over towards the winery before gesturing vaguely in that direction. "I was thinking of getting a glass of wine. Maybe seeing if they had some cheese or snacks to go along with it. Would you like to join me?"

"Yes, but I was concerned you may hold back tonight because of the gathering," she observed, waving towards the mingling crowd of people that only seemed to be growing the longer they stood there. Hopefully there would be enough room to accommodate everyone. "I'm glad to see you won't let that dim your light," Ney told Kara, her smile warm.

Truth be told, it wasn't necessarily Kara's fault that Neylani stressed herself in trying to pick a perfect gift. That was the sheriff's default mode with most people-- she needed to get them something they would actually like or cherish, or even just use. Plus, she'd been distracted by a lot of other things in recent weeks, too. If she'd been honest at all, she nearly let Kara's birthday come and go without remembering it altogether, which would have been awful. Thankfully, that didn't happen. "It's supposed to mean I really care that you would like it, so I had to be very careful of what I was choosing, and that made it hard for me to pick something out," Neylani clarified. She beamed when Kara proclaimed she loved it, though, and quickly pulled the woman in for a tight squish of a hug. "What does the birthday girl want to do first?"

[nathanwintcrs]

"Sheesh, Ney, tell me what you really think of me..." Yeah, he did have a bad habit of routine - but that didn't mean that was all he ever did. It wasn't like every single night was spent alone at home, never seeing anyone. Besides, even being home now was different than typical ever since Logan had moved in. He could already tell that Logan was sniffing around and drawing conclusions about his depression - he certainly didn't need Ney doing the same.

Was it really that bad, anyway? There was a comfort in routine, and he still got out from time to time. Nah. It wasn't that bad.

Besides, was he even all that interested in dating right now? It just sounded like a lot of work. Why did it always seem to come so easily to other people and he felt like he wasn't ever sure where to start? It had been easy, once, like pieces fitting together in a puzzle. But he wasn't sure he'd ever felt that connection with others he'd dated in the past. Or maybe his expectations were too high now.

"You want me to ask Mik for dating advice now?" It wasn't that Nathan doubted Mik's perspective - in fact, he would probably have plenty to say about it. But Mik's approach, Mik's ways...they just weren't the ways that worked for Nathan. He was a little bit jealous of it, really, how simple it seemed to be for Mik to just flirt with whoever happened to be sitting nearby at the bar and take him home. Nate could never dream of making such moves, they would certainly fall flat and awkward and just lead to an embarrassing encounter for the books.

He gave her an apprehensive look, like the idea of making small talk was probably the worst thing she could possibly suggest. "Are you suggesting 'I was going to get a cup of lemonade, why don't you join me' is a classic pick up line?"

"I'm not saying I won't go. I'll think about it. But what are you doing on Saturday? Seems like it could do you some good, too." Or, at the very least, they could both be pushed into an incredibly awkward situation together. Ney deserved to find someone just as much, if not more, than he did. He'd had his chance already.

"I am good at my job, but I've an entire town of folks to watch over.. you may just slip through the cracks by accident," with each word, her fingers lightly tugged at a frayed piece of the couch's pillow. Mostly because she sometimes had difficulty lying to a person's face. It was her father's fault-- the man had instilled a certain kind of fear in her, if she dared utter any false word, to the point where she could burst into tears for even trying to mislead him. Her father hadn't been an abusive man, of course. He just commanded that respect. One look of disappointment could destroy her.

"You could, but you didn't, and haven't, so I don't think you're going to because it's not a bad idea." Finally, she did look at him, so he could see how well she wore that pleased expression. "Besides. what else is there to do? If you don't go, you'll just be stuck back at home as any other day, doing the same old boring stuff you always do. Don't you get tired of that?" Probably not. His past relationship must have done a number to him, because he wasn't even in his forties and yet, one could live by that mundane, set routine. She'd wager money he went to bed at a specific time, too. Ney did as well, but!-- the difference was, it was often past midnight, before one, and on the heels of incredibly long, exhausting days that were not always the same. "Literally, the absolute worst thing that could happen is you get there, feel awkward turtle, decide to nevermind, and nope out of there before anyone has a chance to notice you." Really, far as she could see, there wasn't any downside to the ordeal.

Ney's stare dropped away, to anything else in the room to focus on as a noncommittal 'hm' sort of sound came in response to his seemingly innocent comment. Nathan hadn't meant anything by it, and yet the words still managed to wound somewhere. Because naturally, it forced the woman to have to look at herself and ask the age-old question of what was wrong with her then? People all around her, Nathan included, apparently found their people without any bumps or forks in the road-- everything was easy, simple, and perfect. It all fit right, even if it sometimes fell apart somewhere along the line. Ney had yet to get to those first baby steps with anyone. It was like pulling teeth, some of the most awkward and awful situations that never bore any fruit, not for lack of her trying. Oh, she had tried. She had lost count on how many times by now, too. Lately, she didn't see the point in trying anymore.

For herself, that is. For Nathan? Absolutely, he should try. His luck in that department held a much better success rate, even if the last one had failed so spectacularly. In her opinion, that only said his next was bound to be exactly what was meant for him. Like Goldilocks. Or... did he need to go through three for that? Maybe he already had? Actually, just nix Goldilocks altogether, she was a picky bitch anyway.

"I don't know, I thought dancing sounded fun," she shrugged, though wasn't too surprised to find out of his aversion to it. Most men usually were. Her lips pulled into a smile at the mention of Mikael, one of her best friends. She got to be more open with that twin, actually-- more... womanly, as weird as that sounded. She could giggle and be silly and play with the makeup and wear pretty things to be admired in, and Mikael played along right with her. "You could always ask him for tips?" she suggested, because sadly Neylani had no real experience with dancing either. As pathetic as it was, she'd gone to prom on her own and spent the time chit-chatting with one of her favorite teachers about what her after-school plans were from here. And the other one, in seventh grade? She was helping to document everyone else's good time with crappy, overexposed pictures. "But it's not like you have to dance, either," Ney went on with a light eyeroll, "use your imagination. Someone asks you to dance, divert the conversation to something else so that way, you continue their interaction yet avoid the dreaded dancing. Be like-- WOW, that color on you is amazing, or try the classic 'I was actually just going for a cup of lemonade first, would you like to join me?'" She gave him an expectant look. "Be spontaneous, think on your toes!"

[ravensrevcnge]

"I don't know, it kind of sounded like you believed it." She's not knocking the idea, though. Maybe Ney would do good with a younger guy to keep her life interesting. Clearly not this younger guy since he made a mess of things, but still. Or hell, maybe it was all a misunderstanding? "Do you want a bad boy in your life to clean up after? Sounds like a lot of work if you ask me." She didn't really think Micah felt into that category, maybe more fancied himself to be one, but regardless. That didn't seem like the type of guy that would work for Neylani in the long term. She needed something more...stable. More reliable, supportive.

But then again, maybe that didn't actually exist. Maybe they were both better off doing their own thing.

"Alright, listen - timeline-schmimeline. You can go at your own pace, girlfriend. You're doing amazing. Have you even noticed that you're freakin' sheriff of this place?" Maybe she didn't have the guy or the kids, but that didn't mean there wasn't still time. "Besides, if you really want kids, there are ways to go about that. Without the guy. Just, you know. Food for thought. If motherhood is really what you think you want in your life right now, I'm here for you one hundred percent. Just tell me where and when to be and I'll be there. Granted, I don't have much experience with babies. But I'm pretty quick on my feet, I could probably figure it out."

She looped her arm through Ney's as they walked, eyebrows knitting together briefly at the mention of 'blazing hot wings'. "See, I knew I liked you. I like my girls spicy," she teased, nudging her playfully. "I'm pretty sure that is a usual on the menu, though you may have to count me out. I think I might literally die after one of those wings, and I fancy myself pretty decent with my spice..."

Ney offered the woman a look. "I know you saw me do this, right?" she asked, miming air quotes again. "He likes to pretend that he's a troubled lost soul not worthy of anything, who am I to burst that bubble of his?" She chuckled to herself. Micah certainly looked like he would be a lot of trouble, but that could be misleading, she felt. He was a quiet, stand-offish person that had intrigued her enough to ask him out in the first place. But other than a few relatively minor run-ins with the law and general grumpiness to him, the wolf had never given her such a terrible impression of himself.

"Mm, I don't know," Ney only shrugged as they walked along in the direction of the rowdy bar. "I think I stopped looking for that person a while ago," she admitted, "because I don't know if they actually exist. Really, the whole thing is just exaggerated." Her arms came up to cross over her chest, an unconscious move to hug herself. "But I haven't gotten any younger and just-- I'm already six years past when I thought I would already have this all sorted out. I should have two-point-five children by now, a husband of three years after we dated for a conservative two, engaged for one.." The annoyance that she hadn't managed to accomplish this, or anything remotely close to this, was evident in her tone. Ney was not a woman who liked when things didn't go her way.

But like Kara, she was also a woman not very keen on giving up her independence or making room for someone else in her life. That was a big chunk of the problem, which she seemed to overlook. Ney's inability to release the reins and just let something happen hindered things, and even if she did get a sprinkle of interest from someone... Well, she managed to squash that all to hell once they discovered how stuck in her ways she was, and how unwilling she was to embrace change or adjustments to what she was comfortable with. "Do you think they'll have the blazing hot wings tonight?" she asked, trying to recall, smiling over at Kara as the woman came in quick with the support. She was a good friend. As awful as the detective's situation had been a few years ago, Ney couldn't say she wasn't a little bit glad it happened, as it had given them the chance to meet. Kara made a fine wolf.

[ravensrevcnge]

Sometimes Noah wondered what the point of having a sheriff in town even was. Sure, they needed to promote peace and order and all that, but in the end - hadn't it fallen on the shoulders of the originals time and time again? Noah didn't remember seeing the sheriff running about solving their little demon problem. But that wasn't to say she hadn't been. But even now, instead of keeping watch over the town she was musing over what movie to focus her attention on.

He supposed everyone deserved some time off. But wasn't it the perfect time to strike, knowing the town had their back turned again?

"Movies aren't really my thing," Noah stated bluntly, returning the even stare she settled on him with his own, disinterested one. She had never seemed keen on associating with him before, why start now? "I don't even know what a 'goonie' is. But Jurassic Park is the one with the dinosaurs, isn't it? If it were me, I would probably pick that."

Now, the woman wasn't necessarily the biggest fan of vampires and did her best to keep her distance. Werewolves and vampires just didn't really seem to be the best mix. But Raven's Peak was meant to be a safe haven for everyone and they all had to play to get along. Noah Morgrave was probably one of the few that made her especially uncomfortable, because he was just unreadable. And Neylani didn't particularly enjoy anyone she couldn't get a decent read on. His family had been there even longer than her own, though, so she didn't wish to ripple the waters any. The woman settled an even stare on the vampire. "Why?"