Easter Break

[littlest_gilbert]

Elena was in Iowa, and while he was on the road and would be in LA as Easter hit, Elena insisted that he come to her.

In Iowa.

So he was on a greyhound back to the land of.... okay, Jeremy wasn't really sure what Iowa was known for, but it had to be known for something.

He arrived Friday in the mid-morning, and texted his sister when he arrived. It was a tiny roadside station, and thankfully it was actually in the sixties so he could sit on his duffel-bag with his sketchpad on his lap and was working on drawing the landscape while he waited.

Comments

[littlest_gilbert]

"Maybe."

He followed her to the car and hopped into the passenger seat.

"So how's your job going?"

[braveandstupid]

Elena swung around to the opposite side of the car, pulling the door open and sliding into the driver's seat. "It's good. I think the kids are finally starting to get used to me."

[littlest_gilbert]

"That's good. I always knew you'd end up being a great teacher."

He looked out the window a moment, then licked his lips. "And the other job?"

[braveandstupid]

"The other job is the other job. But it seems like we're making progress. Things have calmed down a bit since we first started."

[littlest_gilbert]

"Buffy hasn't... you know, asked about me at all, has she?"

He will never admit that he had a crush on the slayer, though it was pretty obvious to most everyone else.

[braveandstupid]

Elena turns and flashes him a mild look. "I think she's a little out of your league, Jer."

[littlest_gilbert]

"You always told me to aim high. Shoot for the moon, right?"

He flashed her a grin.

[braveandstupid]

She laughs. "I didn't mean that high. Besides, I think I've caught her making eyes at the dad of one of my students."

[littlest_gilbert]

"Well, damn. I hope he's ready for her."

[braveandstupid]

"We'll see what happens. But I don't really think anyone can be ready for Buffy. She's not really something you can prepare for. On the other hand, he is in the business. So that makes some things a little easier."

[littlest_gilbert]

Jeremy just nods, then gives her a thoughtful look. "And should I know about anyone new joining us at the dinner table?"

[braveandstupid]

The question throws her for a moment, and she frowns as she starts the car. " ... No. Why?"

[littlest_gilbert]

"Well, new town usually would draw guys to check out the new girl."

[braveandstupid]

"Yeah, well. Most guys have been leaving me alone." Not that she's minded. It's been nice being single for a little while after her tumultuous high school relationships.

[littlest_gilbert]

"Did you scare all the cowboys already?"

[braveandstupid]

"They're not cowboys," she says with a look. "And I didn't scare them. They're just ... not interested."

[littlest_gilbert]

"Alright, farmboys."

He gave her a look. "Seriously? Are all the men in Iowa stupid?"

[braveandstupid]

"Just because they're not interested in me doesn't mean they're stupid, Jer."

[littlest_gilbert]

"Come on, if they aren't even trying to flirt, they're a bit stupid. Not that you have to date back, but they just obviously don't have any taste."

You're his sister, Elena. He is proud of you and knows you're going to make some nice, human man happy one day.

[braveandstupid]

Maybe she will. But for right now, she's glad they're not flirting. "Well, none of them are interesting me either, so it all works out."

[littlest_gilbert]

Jeremy just rolled his eyes.

"Alright. Just remember if I'm enjoying my life to the fullest, you promised you'd be doing the same."

[braveandstupid]

"Who says I'm not? I am having a great time. I have a good job, good friends -- life for Elena Gilbert is awesome."

[littlest_gilbert]

"As long as you're happy... but I'm still going to find ways to tease you."

[braveandstupid]

"I expect nothing less."

[littlest_gilbert]

After a bit longer, he started to play with the seat, leaning it back and trying to get his feet up on the dashboard. The car was too small for him.