Contact Post

[nougatlover2017]

(785*) 777-7777
* Kansas, Lawrence area code.

Comments

Itinere

[lopeholt]

[ Allison has been in Itinere for a few months, but she's been keeping her head down. After all, she's had a lot to recover from. She knows she's dead; she remembers that clearly and while she wishes she'd survived, she's also okay because she died to save her friends so that they could save the world, or at least Beacon Hills and she knows they're okay (they have to be). Because of that, she's been able to accept being here. She's got an apartment that she's been decorating. She hasn't made any new friends, but she's working on it. She makes herself go out and remembers Lydia's words to her:

"Smile, Allison. Someone could be falling in love with you"

So she smiles, she says hi. She makes small talk. If this is Allison's afterlife, she's going to at least give it a go.

Which is why she's at the spicy food festival. She isn't that crazy about spicy food in general. Sure, she likes Mexican food and tacos (who doesn't, they're tacos) but the food is not the point on this outing.

The point is that very cute boy enjoying a fried ice cream. Okay so not maybe that particular cute boy, but meeting people. That's the point. And if she decides to start with the cute boy...who would blame her?

She sidles up, margarita in hand (liquid courage), and smiles at him. ] You know, I used to wonder how they fried ice cream when I was a little kid. It took me a long time to realize it just looks like it's fried. Is it any good?

tries this again...

[nougatlover2017]

[ For those that do know, the afterlife does look similar to this place, but if there were ever an expert, it might just be Jack. The good news is that Itinere is neither Heaven nor Hell. The only uncertain thing is just what Itinere is. It could be an alternate universe or a man made island in space. Jack can't even tell. But mostly he doesn't even try. The town is exciting, just like his new favorite of pastimes found in comic books.

How might you ask? Each page would take him on whole new adventures. It really resonated with him because of his own experience. Except instead of monsters, the adventures were more like Indiana Jones and deciding what to do next in a choose-your-own-adventure comic format.

But of course with the question of trying more spicy food or fried ice cream.

Fried ice cream wins. Though his face and lips are a little red, the cream instantly soothes the tingly sensation on his tongue so he can talk when he turns to look whose speaking. He instinctively raises his free hand to signal hello and smile back without reservation. The fact that she is cute isn't lost on him. ]

How do you mean? [ His look switches briefly to the ice cream but then back on her. It never occurred to him it wasn't fried. ] On a scale of 1 to 10 though, it's almost a perfect hundred. You can try it. You want to try it?

Second time's a charm

[lopeholt]

[ The afterlife isn't something Allison has had the privilege (?) of visiting and returning from. Not really anyway. There was a whole ceremony with an ice bath where she was nearly dead, but not quite. The not quite part was rather important. As she settles here a little more, she'll probably dive into those theories about what Itinere is and isn't. It's safe and surprisingly normal. That's what Allison is focusing on right now. Comic books are good. She knows Stiles had quite the stash, though they aren't something she's really delved into just yet. She's more of a novel and research kind of girl.

She did *love* the Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books when she was younger. She's pretty sure she'd read every one of them at some point and even plotted out the endings to see if she could find a pattern. She's a bit of a nerd sometimes. Don't tell anyone.

You can never go wrong with ice cream. The easy wave and smile are encouraging so she relaxes a little. At least he's not looking at her like she's crazy or like he's trying to figure out why she's talking to him.

That slightly confused look is also adorable and it makes her grin, dimples showing.] They freeze it hard then roll it in something like cinnamon, sugar, coconut, and crushed cornflakes I only found out after I spent way too long trying to figure out how they fried it without it melting. I asked my mom. [ She admits with a slightly sheepish look. His offer to let her try his ice cream is meant with the slightest bit of hesitancy, but he seems so genuine and eager about it, she nods and steps closer to take the spoon with his ice cream. She scoops up a spoonful and puts it in her mouth, sucking the ice cream off it. Her eyes widen slightly and those dimples are back with her closed mouth smile. She waits to swallow before she speaks] You're right. Easily the best thing here. I don't think spicy chicken wings can compare.

[nougatlover2017]

[ Maybe Jack could tell her about the Heaven he helped build once she comes to terms with her situation in the open. Jack has a little (a lot) he isn't telling her because they've just met too. Theories are exciting though. Jack has some of his own too. But nobody knows what Itinere is exactly either. Maybe she can recommend some of her favorite novels and he can show her his favorite comics sometime. Win/win.

That secret would just be between them should he ever learn she was a nerd. She's extremely cute either way. Choose-your-own adventure books are amazing for all age groups. Netflix did a couple of those for exclusive content, which is pretty awesome. One day soon Jack might ask if she wants to 'netflix and chill' to hang out again.

She's the first person around his age that's come up to him so the truth is, he is happy she wants to talk to him.

Her smile is infectious with those dimples, his confusion melts away because of that. He nods at the ingredients and fishes out his phone to open a folder and put everything she listed into it. ] I think I'm going to try to make that later. I know, uh, somebody who would love that. [ Dean would. Lucy too, probably. He has to check with both of them first if they know what it is. ] Your Mom must be really special. [ Of course he can't know her situation, but it may be telling to his own because the mention of Mom being special creates a sad spark in his eye. He totally missed the memo that it is not always fine to share with new people. It doesn't seem to bother her after an initial pause which he notes though. Her smile renews his enthusiasm from a curious look that grew in anticipation of her reaction. ] There's no contest. But I'm told half the fun is trying everything to see if anything does compare. [ That is an invitation, in case she wants to hang out more. ]

[lopeholt]

[ She would like that. There are some things that are better to reveal once you get to know a person. She'd like to talk about the theories with him too and share book recommendations. She hasn't checked out the school here yet and she's finding there's a lot of time to fill with books and movies. He can help her fill that time.

She hasn't seen those exclusive content things. Maybe he can show her. Her reaction to 'netflix and chill' will depend greatly on their relationship and the status of that relationship.

Itinere is definitely lacking in teenagers. Allison has noticed that as well. Lydia would say that's a sign for her to start looking at older men. Allison isn't interested in older men.

She gives him a surprised look when he says he's going to try to make the fried ice cream. ] You cook? [ she tilts her head a little at that] Girlfriend? Boyfriend? [Allison takes a sharp breath at that, looking down as she nods. ] She was. She...died a year and a half ago. [ She looks up to see that look and assumes it's pity rather than empathy.] It's okay. Really. [ She reaches out to put a hand on his forearm to assure him. She's pleased when his enthusiasm rebounds.] You know, I think that's good advice. [ She isn't entirely sure about the invitation, but she will be more certain as they continue to talk and she's certainly agreeable to hanging out with him. Cute, kind, and her age. Why wouldn't she want to hang out with him?]

[nougatlover2017]

[ Things might move a little fast in some areas because Jack is bad at lying. It depends on whose advice he asks and when as they're opening up to each other. He would like to fill that time with her.

Maybe after the wedding then? Netflix and chill with pillows at the theatre. His idea of what that means currently is non-sexual.

Yes, let's agree older men aren't ideal. Jack already sees her as a potential friend.

He gives her a look of full optimism. ] Sort of. I'm learning a little bit every week from Lucy. [ It's fine, don't explain who that is right away, Jack. It isn't until the gf/bf comment that he does. ] No. My mom died when I was born. I have parents that took me in that like to cook. There's Dean and Lucy. [ If there's any pity, it might just be a reflection of his thoughts for himself. It fades away the minute her hand grabs his attention at his forearm. ] What do you want to try? [ They can definitely stick around here and talk. ]

[lopeholt]

[ They'll deal with things as they go. Allison is a little less rash than she used to be, but she doesn't have to worry about her family trying to kill her boyfriend here. It will make a difference.

That will work for her. She can't promise she won't fall asleep.

The optimism is contagious. That answers who Lucy is. Allison smiles softly at the comment about cooking. ] I used to make cookies with my mom. They were from ready-made dough, but I loved it anyway. [ She glances around them. ] Funnel cake?

[nougatlover2017]

[ That's good for Jack. He will eventually want to be honest with her about his entire history. If her family were here, he'd want to tell them too.

Should she fall asleep, it might be the most heart pounding thing Jack would ever face. He'd probably text the first Winchester that came to mind that he thought would know the etiquette to deal with sleeping beauty.

If he had a girlfriend, he wouldn't as awkward around Allison. ] I do that with Lucy sometimes. What's the difference between ready-made dough and from scratch. [ It's easy to guess he's always done it from scratch. ] You're going to have to show me what that is. Is it anything like Angel cake?

[lopeholt]

[ She'll be surprised and have a lot of questions, but she won't be scared of Jack. Ruby, however, might be another story since she was technically killed by a demon.

She won't sleep for too long. He could always curl up with her and sleep.

Fair point. It's terribly obvious that he's only ever made cookies from scratch.] It's dough in a roll. All you have to do is cut it into slices and put them on the cookie sheet then into the oven. [She smiles at that.] You didn't go to the fair when you were younger, did you? [ She tilts her head toward the funnel cake stand.] It's not as spongy as angel food cake and it's fried then they sprinke cinnamon and powdered sugar over it. It's delicious.

Random Itinere Meeting

[itsametaphor]

[ Gus likes to hang out at the bookstore. There's a pretty girl (older than him, but that doesn't mean he can't talk to her) a very nice cat, a lot of excellent books and coffee. There aren't that many people that come and go so it's quite enough. He can sit on the couch, read biographies about important people that weren't forgotten when they died, and spend his afterlife in a fairly enjoyable way.

Gus has noticed that there aren't a lot of teenagers here; a few, yes, but not the number of teenagers he's used to. At first, Gus thought it was because this place was for the dead, but Gus is a gregarious guy and he talks to people. He's figured out that while he's far from the only dead guy, he's not in any kind of strictly dead guy hangout. He's browsing in the biography section when he sees a guy that looks about his age. He looks over at the guy. Gus has got an unlit cigarette between his lips. ] That Churchill biography is a pretty good one. If you're going through hell...keep going.

[nougatlover2017]

[ Jack has Sam to encourage him to read on a weekly basis so visits frequently. Easily, the bookstore has more than the bunker and Jack spends an hour or two there choosing a pile to take home and taking suggestions from Gracie.

It's not the first time today he's spotted Gus in his peripheral but he did not think he wanted to be bothered. Guess he was wrong. Looking up from his book, a furrowed, if not contemplative look to see if he should add it to the pile transitions to a more inquisitive yet friendly one. ] Yeah? There's more than one copy so it must have been popular. Don't tell me everything, but what does going through Hell have to do with it.

[itsametaphor]

[ Sam sounds like a smart guy. Gus spends a lot of time reading, but he also plays video games a good deal. Gracie is all too happy to suggest a variety of things to Jack and when he returns, she always asks what he thought of the books he'd taken home.

Honestly, Gus thought the same about Jack. The more open expression from Jack encourages Gus to continue chattering. ] Spoiler free zone [ Gus promises, but moves a bit closer with a slight limp] You know, World War 2. Most of it focuses on his life then, how he dealt with the war snd that sort of thing.

[nougatlover2017]

[ The movie theatre has a sweet set up for those that want to play video games on the big screen. Gracie and her suggestions are certainly one of the reasons Jack keeps coming back. When she asks what he thinks, she finds she has his entire honest opinion that they spend an hour talking about the last book sometimes.

Friendly chatter is welcome. In fact, Jack is encouraged by the fact his question isn't too dumb. ] You sound like River Song from Doctor Who. [ But is he discouraged? No. World War II books will be on his read list all week. ] Where should I start if I read all about World War 2?

[itsametaphor]

[ Gracie likes that about Jack. She also likes that he's open to reading all genres of books without judgment.

A little odd, but not dumb. Gus thinks about it, reaching up to fiddle with the cigarette between his teeth before he moves down the shelf a little with a bit of a limp. He grabs three books: The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, Three Ordinary Girls, and The Splendid Vile ] That's a pretty tall order, but these three will get you started. From there, you can decide what point of view or issue you want to focus on.

[nougatlover2017]

[ Gracie is a nurturer by character, Jack finds. Her excitement about genres is what draws him to listen to her.

The cigarette catches Jack's attention the more Gus plays with it between his fingers. It does strike Jack as odd that it's neither lit and they're indoors. His hands stay helf out after the first book is offered to him. He reads the names of each as he's given them. ] What's a Third Reich? [ The least familiar topic with said historical event strikes him as the most interesting (for now). Later he will definitely share his thoughts about how Hitler and Vader are the same. And how he can't believe one person could make others do so much evil. ]

[itsametaphor]

Gracie loves books. Really, Itinere gave her a chance to have her dream job. Unfortunately, it's very difficult to make a living as a bookseller in her world.

It's an old habit and coping mechanism for Gus. Reading is a pastime that Gus really only started to appreciate after he'd gotten cancer. He's always loved history though. He gives Jack a quizzical sort of look then chalks it up to Jack being from a world in which Hitler never existed, or at least never came into power. He's been in Itinere long enough to know that's something that's possible here. "The official name for Hitler's army," he responds. "Nazis are sort of slang." He's not wrong about Hitler and Vader. Gus will be amused at the comparison.

[nougatlover2017]

Gracie is very good at her job. Jack would sympathize with her if he knew it was difficult to make a living doing what one loves. It would be something on his list to change if he ever went home too.

Jack is still figuring out his interests but he could learn a thing or two from Gus' example. Reading the history of the world never killed anyone. Unfortunately, Jack never learned about Hitler in the short time he was alive. Sam being one of his teachers can only teach him so much. Vader is the best comparison Jack can draw to. "It doesn't sound like an army I would want to be apart of no matter what you call it."

Post canon world

[lopeholt]

Hey. How's it going?

a few seconds later

This is Allison. I haven't heard from you in a couple of days and I didn't know if you meant it when you said we should keep in touch or if that's something you tell all the girls you bring back from the dead, but...hi.

a minute or so later

Is this weird? This is weird. If this is weird, you can just ignore this and I won't keep texting. I promise.

<3

[nougatlover2017]

[1 hour later on the dot, due to some really bad "good" advice from Dean.]

Hey, Allison! Sorry I didn't get back to you until now. Things are going. How are they going with you? Gladd to hear from you

Yes. I do want you to keep in touch. I didn't know if you wanted time just with your father. No. Should I bring other girls back from the dead? It seems like people can't explain or decide if that was the right thing for me to do. Do you feel fine with being back on Earth?

Do you think it's weird? I don't think it's weird. I'm not going to ignore you. 😃

Re: <3

[lopeholt]

[ Oh Jack...not good advice, though it could have been much worse. ]

Things are good. They're...I mean it's a little weird, but good weird. Dad has been very clingy, but I get it.

I do. I did. I'm not sure he knows what to do though. [ Give her a second. That made her laugh ]I don't know. I think I like being more minority and less your day job. What is your day job? Do you go to college? I just realized I don't know anything about you. I got off track a little there. I like being back. Thank you. I'll leave martyrdom and sainthood to Joan of Arc

Okay. I'm glad you don't think it's weird. And also that you want to keep in touch.

Re: <3

[nougatlover2017]

[ Much, much worse. ]

I think good weird is all you can ask for in life. [ Somehow he's relieved that she's given him no indication of being unhappy about being back.]

Maybe you can go hunting together. You're good with a bow, right? Okay. I'm not really sure I'll bring anyone else back anyway. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do. I haven't really thought about it. Are you looking at college? Don't thank me. [ It is a small thing on his part to help people. He may be blushing. ] What's a Joan of Arc?

What else is new?

[lopeholt]

I think you're right. My life was good weird before I died.[ She's definitely happy to be back. He needn't worry about that.]

My dad and I? I think he's a little leary of letting me around anything that even close to a werewolf right now, but I have been practicing with my bow. I used to compete nationally and I was ranked. I was before I died. I was going to try to get into Stanford on an archery scholarship, but I don't know what I'm going to do now. To be honest, I didn't know what I wanted to go to college for, I just knew it was the next step.

[nougatlover2017]

Is there anything that would help make it less weird and more good? [ His doubts will likely remain until he sees her again. Maybe he will show up with a bouquet of failed flowers and one perfect one that he created. ]

Your friends? [ It crosses his mind that he can help her see them if she wants to. ] Wow. I think you can do anything you put your mind to. Is there a job for ranked archery champions? [ Is that what he calls her? ] You have lots of time to figure it out. Probably. I never thought about next steps for what it is like to live a human side either.

[lopeholt]

Time, I guess, but also getting back into living a life instead of recovering from being dead. One of these days I want to wake up and my first thought not be 'I'm alive'. Does that make any sense?[Oh Jack. She'll take him out on a tour of Paris if he shows up.]

I've talked to them and I've seen Isaac because he's working with my dad now, but the rest of them are in college and they've got lives. They can't just drop everything to see me.[She wouldn't say no, especially to seeing Lydia.]I don't think so. If I'd kept it up and gone to the Olympics...maybe a spot on a Wheaties box? I guess I could always try to win The Hunger Games. Everyone has a talent. Mine is archery. What's yours?[ Calling her Allison is just fine. ]My dad keeps telling me that, but I think he just wants to keep me in his sight and right now, I can't blame him. I think you'd be okay in college with that attitude. After all, from what I understand, that's sort of what college is about: thinking about the next steps in your life.

[nougatlover2017]

No, I get it. I've died a few times and I'm not sure Sam or Dean really get it. [ He does not know their history. ] You're the first I ever talked to that can understand.

Do you want to see them? I can drop you to see them if they can't drop everything and see you. [ His middle name could be Mr. Helpful. ] Why not start there? But me. I'm not sure I figured out mine just yet. Cas and Amara can do a lot of the same stuff I can. [ She has him stuck there. ] I don't mean to sound like your Dad. Maybe college could work for both of us though.