Chapter One
Hey there! Welcome to my new TVD fic. This is just a test run to see if you like it whilst I work through my writer's block for I'm Gonna Be Strong. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this – it'll be chock full of drama, which is my favourite :)
Disclaimer – I do not own the Vampire Diaries, but I do own Teagan.
The hour was late, but the party continued on as though the clock would not strike twelve soon. The age of prohibition was upon them and they partied in elegant speakeasies hidden from the eyes of the police. Champagne flowed with the easiness of a river and people drank it with the eagerness of five year olds with ice cream. There was dancing and, on a small stage at the front of the speakeasy, a white haired woman sang huskily with instrumental backing.
To the left there stood a bar with several men giving out drinks and drunks running up a tab that they would regret in the morning. Sitting on a barstool, ignoring the hooligans that surrounded her, sat a young woman. Her dark green flapper dress glittered in the low light and a scotch sat comfortably in her ring adorned hand. Tanned skin looked darker due to the lighting, and shadows across her face made her look very mysterious. Her eyes were focused on a couple across the room from her.
A woman in a silver and black flapper dress with rich blonde hair curled into an up-do was rather close to another dark haired woman, whilst the man on the other side watched. His hair was sandy and he was dressed crisply in a tuxedo. The woman at the bar could not see his face, but she did not need to. Just like she knew the blonde woman had charming blue eyes, she knew the man had light green orbs – or so she'd been told.
"Oh bloody wonderful – that'll be him, will it?" a new voice demanded as a figure sat next to the woman at the bar. She turned her hazel eyes to her new companion and raised an eyebrow at the bitter expression clouding his defined features. Blue eyes were narrowed towards the same couple she'd been observing and one of his elbows rested on the bar, a drink in the other hand.
"I do believe that is him, yes. She likes him, so be nice," she scolded and the man that had been with her since the beginning, the one that saved her life, raised a challenging eyebrow at her, finally tearing his eyes away.
"Teagan, sweetheart, we know Rebekah is fickle. And we also know she has no interest in being with this . . . boy like that," Nik pointed out and she shrugged casually, tucking a stray lock of auburn hair behind her ear.
"Yes, but she wants to spend time with him – romantically or not. We should respect her wishes," Teagan argued, staring at the man she considered her brother for all intents and purposes. He glowered darkly, taking a gulp of his drink, finishing it.
"He is the result of a diluted bloodline. What makes you think he is worthy to even be in our presence?" he demanded and she rolled her eyes playfully.
"Honestly, Niklaus, your attitude leaves something to be desired. And I am not an Original either – does that make me unworthy?" she asked quietly, half scared of the answer. Nik was often volatile and some things could easily set him off.
"I turned you myself, hardly diluted. But your attitude also leaves something to be desired, sweet Teagan." His voice was dark and she sighed, realising she'd irritated him.
"Then get rid of me, send me away. I don't have to be around if you don't want me," she pointed out sharply, stung by his behaviour. Nearly six hundred years – five ninety five if they were being specific – and she still didn't like being dismissed so easily. Niklaus had a short fuse and often reacted violently, hence his three siblings in boxes, but Teagan never liked being told she wasn't wanted. A loud sigh sounded from her right.
"Sweetheart." She steadily ignored him, terrified of showing weakness. Her eyes were firmly planted on an older couple dancing as though they were seventeen, large smiles on their faces. Nik did not like betrayal and had large trust issues, hence why she and Rebekah were rarely allowed true happiness. "Teagan." His voice was harder but she couldn't bring herself to turn her eyes, not when he would see the hurt in them.
"I need some fresh air," she stated as steadily as possible, rising from the barstool and finishing the rest of her scotch. Teagan only made it to a small hallway leading to an exit before Nik caught up and spun her around. His expression was a mix of frustration and what could be seen as apology.
"Love, you're overreacting again." Fury grabbed Teagan like a tsunami and she almost yelled at him, had he not continued. "Have I gotten rid of you yet?" he asked and she knew he was expecting an answer, so shook her head. "No, I haven't."
"But you continue to punish us both – myself and Rebekah. I do not like it, Nik. Why rob us of happiness when you know we would never betray you?" she demanded, several problems making themselves known. Nik clearly hadn't been expecting them and anger quickly became prominent as his grip tightened dangerously on her wrist.
"This is not the time or place for this conversation," he warned but she was furious and upset and that meant the filter she normally tightly maintained had disappeared.
"I do not care! Why are you punishing us for nothing? Why do I always have to be inferior, even though you CHOSE to save my life!? Why do you make it seem like you never appreciate me when it's your fault I'm still here? Compel me, stake me, I don't care!" she rambled, no longer caring if she looked weak. Nik, on the other hand, was taking deep calming breaths until his face relaxed.
"You know what it is to be second choice, as you so eloquently pointed out. I will not be second choice to anyone." Teagan's face abruptly morphed from rage to understanding and her heavy breaths suddenly calmed as she stared at her brother. "I chose you as a member of my family, Teagan," he added, scowling at her. She smiled weakly.
"You will never be second choice, Nik. You saved my life but, more than that, you're my brother. I trust you and I would hope that there was a tiny bit of trust for me in you. Aside from that, what are the chances we both find someone for me that meets both of our standards?" she asked, smiling more. Nik's entire frame relaxed.
That was their relationship. Some would consider it unhealthy but it was normal for them, expected even. They both loved one another, just like they loved Rebekah and the blowouts only happened once every few years, clearing the air. Both had tempers when they wanted and low tolerance for dismissal. It was their similarities that led to their disagreements, but it also meant a mutual understanding.
"Come, love, we have to introduce ourselves to Rebekah's new friend," Nik urged, a hand settling on Teagan's lower back. Smirking, she linked their arms and they walked back into the main area of the speakeasy, immediately spying Rebekah and the man they'd come to know as Stefan Salvatore.
"I think I should go first, we don't want to put him in hot water too quickly," she suggested, tilting her head slightly. The light made the sparkling clips in her hair shine.
"You are hot water, Teagan," Nik argued, going to take a step. She immediately pulled him back and they looked at one another.
"Just let me play with him a bit?" she asked, licking her lips eagerly. A devilish smirk took over her mouth and Nik rolled his eyes affectionately. "Please, Nik, I haven't played in a while," she added mischievously. Nik sighed and let her go, gesturing her towards the two vampires. Their companion was still between them.
"Don't play too much, love. I want to test the lad also," he warned and she nodded, smirk widening as they went separate ways. Nik went to the bar and ordered another drink, whilst Teagan softened her expression just enough that she didn't look suspicious, and sauntered over to Rebekah and Stefan.
"Rebekah, hasn't anyone told you it is considered bad form to hide new friends from family?" she asked slowly, coming up to the table. Rebekah, looking slightly peeved, pulled away from her female dinner. Teagan smiled cheekily.
"Is Nik bored again?" Rebekah drawled in those luscious English tones of hers. Teagan did not have such an accent, simply American with subtle hints of Italian.
"I think he may be verging on it, so I decided to come over here as I am considered the lesser of two evils." Rebekah rolled her eyes and Teagan just looked at her big sister expectantly.
"Stefan, this is my little sister Teagan. Teagan, this is Stefan Salvatore," she said and Teagan finally got a good look at the elusive Stefan for herself as he stood up in front of her. His eyes truly were light green and he had smooth skin on a structured face. His lips were curled into a half-smirk, half-smile as he took her hand and kissed it.
"Always a pleasure to meet such a beauty," he complimented and Teagan was mildly impressed with his charm – but only mildly. She retrieved her hand and leant against the table, a sultry smile on her lips. Still seated, Rebekah coughed knowingly and it was thankfully not a bitter sound. They all liked to play their games.
"Oh I'm more than just a pretty face, Mr Salvatore. I have many layers to unravel," she said coyly, licking her teeth fleetingly. Stefan gazed at her with interest as she tilted her head to the side playfully. "I have to warn you, though, people think I'm a tad challenging." It was bait and he took it easily.
"I always enjoy a challenge," he replied, making her smile and move away from the table, pressing a hand to his chest then moving it over his shoulder. Warmth spread from her fingertips all the way up her arm and through her body as desire she hadn't felt in a very long time tingled in her chest.
"I could very much enjoy you," she told him, fingers dancing across his neck. Aside from the near loss of control due to the intense attraction she felt to the younger vampire, Teagan was very much enjoying her teasing. Of course, Nik had to intervene.
"It's late, Rebekah, we're leaving. You as well, Teagan, you've had your fun," he claimed, grabbing Rebekah from her booth. Immediately, the blonde protested whilst Teagan slowly backed away from Stefan and stood at Nik's side. Her eyes never left the younger vampire's and his never left hers.
"Get off me, Nik," Rebekah ordered, pulling free from her brother's grasp. Teagan hardly paid attention until Stefan's eyes left hers and he stepped towards Nik threateningly. It was then that the red head realised he was either too arrogant or very stupid. Neither boded well, especially since Nik did not like being challenged.
"Who is this guy?" he demanded as though about to start a fight. Teagan raised an interested eyebrow as Rebekah stomped forward and stopped him from moving.
"Stefan, don't, he'll kill you," she warned and Stefan's eyes turned to Teagan. She smirked that devilish grin once more, waiting for an outburst as Nik's hand settled on her lower back again.
"So this is the famous Stefan Salvatore I've been hearing so much about. You're right, he does have funny hair," Nik noted with a tiny smirk. Teagan grinned gleefully but Rebekah looking at her pleadingly stopped that behaviour. "I'm bored, I want to go." Stefan looked like he was trying not to laugh whilst Rebekah and Teagan eyed each other. Of course, the elder sister knew Teagan's interest in Stefan had exceeded mere playfulness because no one read Teagan better than her family. Nik was obviously trying desperately to ignore it.
"Then go without us, we're having fun," Rebekah urged, stepping away from Stefan, who turned his gaze back to Teagan as she did to him. Nik sighed above her, removing his hand from her back and gazing at Rebekah.
"You are my sister, which means you have to do as I say. You don't hear Teagan complaining, do you?" he asked rhetorically. Teagan felt his eyes on her but she was too busy grinning teasingly at Stefan to notice. The waves of heat she was experiencing were delightful and fresh.
"She's too busy eyeing Stefan to care what you say," Rebekah pointed out, finally pulling Teagan's gaze away from her new interest to look at her brother.
"Come on, Nik, let's get to know him. He likes to play games too," she pleaded in the tone Rebekah had taught her. Her older sister grinned and Nik rolled his eyes, looking at Stefan analytically. Both women saw the moment he decided to test Stefan out.
"Fine, let's sit and talk like civilised gentlemen. Shall we?" he offered, gesturing to the booth. Looking relieved, Rebekah slid back in and Nik followed after, sitting on her left. Stefan surprised Teagan by gently pulling her arm and helping her slide into booth on Rebekah's right then sitting next to her. His fingers brushed her thigh through the fabric of her dress and a barely hidden shudder ran through each of the contours of her spine.
"Play nice, Nik," Rebekah pleaded, clearly intent on keeping her new friend. Teagan was on the same agenda.
"So, Stefan, enlighten me. What makes you worthy of spending time around an Original like my sister? She's pure vampire, while you're no more than a diluted bloodline," Nik pointed out like he had earlier. Teagan and Rebekah shared an exasperated look.
"Don't listen to him, Stefan, Nik's an elitist," Rebekah countered whilst Stefan's fingers followed the patterns on Teagan's dress. The red head swallowed as inconspicuously as possible, but Nik was too observant not to notice her preoccupation.
"Maybe your interest is more in Teagan than Rebekah. Tell me, Stefan, what gentleman teases a lady under the table?" he asked pointedly but Stefan's hand did not withdraw. Instead, it stopped moving and settled firmly, causing Teagan to smirk.
"You can't complain about my intrigue with Teagan, she's not your real sister." Teagan's mood changed so abruptly that no one except her siblings would have been able to pinpoint the exact moment her expression morphed. Her right hand landed sharply on top of Stefan's then yanked it, nearly twisting it clean off. He gasped in pain but she didn't pay it any mind until Nik stepped in.
"Easy, sweetheart, we're still in a public place and you're making a scene. Stefan, Teagan is as much my sister as Rebekah."
"And she is my baby sister above all else – you'd do well to mind your tongue," Rebekah added snottily and Teagan, appeased by their intervention, released Stefan's hand with a sickly smile. He attempted to place it on her shoulder but she swatted it away and managed to slide out of the booth.
"Now you've hurt her feelings – bravo, Stefan. You know, Bekah, he's not doing a remarkable job of convincing me he's worth my time," Nik pointed out as Teagan glared at Stefan. Rebekah looked a tad sheepish, but still determined.
"Give him a chance. He hasn't insulted you yet," she pointed out before looking at Teagan apologetically. "Though he'll have to work to regain our baby sister's favour," she added before the red head gave Stefan one last contemptuous look and stormed off.
As far as she was concerned, Stefan Salvatore would grovel until the skies turned green but she was too riled up to decide if she would forgive that or not.
So, let me know what you think. There will be VERY minimal Stelena in this story, but only mentioned. There's established Delena later, along with many dramatics. I hope to see you all time. Love, Bianca :) x