The Firebird

Chapter 7

Pairing: Elsa/OC

Rating: T for Language and Content

Jaymen and Elsa continued to grow closer. They spent what little time Elsa had to spare, together. After all, she was a queen and she did have responsibilities. But that didn't stop the pair from eating meals together and spending time with each other. Often times Jaymen just spent her time in Elsa's study. That is, when she wasn't forced into whatever Anna wanted to do. Not that Jaymen particularly minded, the redhead was refreshingly energetic. They two spent time riding horses, exploring the castle and surrounding grounds, and getting into all sorts of trouble in the town.

Jaymen couldn't remember a time in the last few decades that she had so much fun. She and Bella always enjoyed their time together of course, but this was different. Jaymen was sure she was developing feelings for the royal family. And as much as it hurt her to admit it, she couldn't stay much longer. It had been a couple weeks since her last discussion with Kristoff about telling the sisters about her other powers. But she just couldn't.

Currently Jaymen was sitting in her usual spot in Elsa's office, reading a book about Arendelle's history. She figured since she had been living here, she might as well get to know the history of the kingdom. Not to mention she was kind of curious where Elsa's powers stemmed from; studying Elsa's family tree could hold the key. Magical powers could be passed down from parents to child, although not the most common method of power transferal.

"Enjoying yourself over there?" Jaymen's eyes snapped up to see Elsa leaning back in her chair, looking at her. She just nodded.

"The history of your kingdom and family is entirely fascinating. Have you always been friends with Corona?" Elsa shook her head.

"Not exactly. We have been on trading terms with them for a long time from what I understand. However, my father's sister is the Queen of Corona. So of course it makes them family. Rapunzel and her husband Eugene came to my coronation. But I'd imagine you know how that turned out." Jaymen gave Elsa a small smile.

"What happened at your coronation wasn't your fault. You were scared and alone. No one should have to come into their powers alone. It was hard enough for me with a friend by my side. I can't imagine how it must have been to not have anyone know how to handle them."

"It was difficult, of course. My parents tried to help me best they could; the mantra, the gloves, everything was in an attempt to help me. And I will always love them for that. But I see now that it wasn't the right thing to do. If I had only accepted my powers and not pushed them away, I could have prevented all that happened." Elsa put her face in her hands. She obviously still regretted what happened and blamed herself. Jaymen stood from her chair and went over to Elsa. Bending down next to the queen, she lifted her chin with a finger.

"Elsa, you need to stop blaming yourself. What's done is done. And while you blame yourself for it, I know it wasn't your fault. Hans and the Duke are to blame for what happened. You were frightened of your powers for so long, and those two made it worse. They persecuted you, made you an outcast, captured you, and even tried to kill you. And you handled it the best you could. Trust me, if I was in your position, they two would probably be dead." A tear started to run down Elsa's cheek.

"I know you're trying to make me feel better, but.." Jaymen cut her off.

"No buts Elsa. You have amazing control, especially for someone of your age who didn't have a mentor or a friend to help you through this transition. Magic isn't easy, it does strange things because it wants to. There's no rhyme or reason for it; it just is. Please believe me when I say you are an outstanding caster and with some training and practice, you can become one of the greatest there has ever been."

Elsa looked into Jaymen's golden eyes. There was something about this girl, her friend, that Elsa could never figure out. On the outside, she looked so young, maybe nineteen years of age. But when Elsa looked into her eyes and heard her speak, she seemed so much older. Elsa couldn't help but notice that Jaymen was extremely close to her. She felt her friend's thumb caress her cheek, to wipe away her tears. She leaned into the girl's touch, feeling how soft her hand was. In the back of her mind, Elsa knew she was developing feelings for her friend went way past friendly, and into the romantic zone. But she didn't know how to handle that. She had never loved anyone outside her family before. These were foreign feelings to her.

She also was afraid of how her friend would react if she knew. Elsa had been starting to come to terms with these feelings ever since she took Jaymen up to her ice castle, but she was scared that Jaymen would not return her feelings. So she always kept them hidden.

"You really believe I can handle it?" Jaymen nodded her head.

"I do." Elsa smiled and pulled her friend into a hug. Jaymen was a little surprised, but she was getting used to more human contact since she started staying at the castle. She wrapped her arms around the young ice caster. Although her body was colder than a normal human, it didn't bother Jaymen. In fact, it felt rather good in comparison to her warmer body temperature, courtesy of her Firebird.

Elsa held the hug a little longer than normal, but her friend didn't seem to mind. When the two finally separated, Jaymen stood and offered her hand to Elsa, smiling. "Fancy taking a break and walking through the gardens with me?" Elsa nodded and took the offered hand. She needed some air. Working on trade agreements all day was exhausting.

Jaymen opened the door for Elsa, gesturing for the queen to go through first. Elsa smirked, still always the gentleman was her companion. Jaymen offered her elbow to the queen, which Elsa took, giggling a little. Even since the first time the two had met, Jaymen always treated Elsa like a queen, for lack of a better term. Even though Elsa had told her she didn't need to treat her so formally since they were friends. But Jaymen always did.

It was a nice day out in the gardens. The sun was high in the sky; warming the palace grounds. Walking through the gardens, Elsa always gazed upon the flowers and thought of her mother. She had always loved the garden, especially the flowers. Her mother would often tend to them herself, even though they had gardeners to take care of them. She just loved being out in nature. So whenever Elsa saw them, she thoughts would always stray to her parents.

Jaymen saw the look on Elsa's face. "Is there something wrong?" Elsa shook her head.

"No, just.. My mother always loved the flowers and the garden. So whenever I come out here, I think of her. And my father." Jaymen nodded her head slightly.

"Understandable. They were great people Elsa, as I'm sure you know. I hope you know that if you ever want to talk about it, I'll be here for you." Jaymen felt a little bad making a promise that she knew she probably couldn't keep. Jaymen had also been thinking about her feelings since that day at the ice castle. As much as she knew she was falling for the queen, she knew it couldn't happen.

It wasn't because of the fact they were of different class, or even both women. It was because fire and ice didn't mix. They were opposites, not meant to be. Jaymen had always hurt those she was close to, except Bella. But Bella was in a league of her own. Her Lycan friend could handle the fire, handle getting burnt. But Elsa; she couldn't imagine herself burning Elsa. Her control had gotten much better over the centuries, but there was always the risk, and she couldn't let herself take the risk. She had been running from growing attached to anything for as long as she could remember.

Not to mention the fact Elsa was human. A human with magic, yes. But a human none the less. Which meant she would die; she would live longer than the typical human by a long shot. But not forever. Unlike Jaymen. The Firebird was cursed with immortality. Some thought that it was a gift, to live forever. But Jaymen never saw it that way. She could never grow attached to another non-immortal because she would have to watch them age and die. She had watched the world grow and change around her. She had seen the birth of an empire, to its downfall. And she would be around for the rest of time to see the world change.

"Thank you. You know, I don't know what I'd do without you sometimes Jaymen. You've been here only a couple months, but I feel closer to you than I have anyone else. Even my family." Jaymen looked at Elsa and blinked.

"I.. feel happier when I'm around you as well Elsa." Jaymen couldn't lie to the blonde about that. She deserved to know that she cared for her. Elsa grabbed the brunette's hand and drug her over to a stone bench where they both sat down. Jaymen noticed that the blonde didn't let go of her hand once they did. In fact, she noticed that her hand was starting to frost over due to Elsa's powers. Jaymen raised an eyebrow at the queen. Elsa then seemed to realize her powers were a little out of control. The girl blushed and started to apologies.

Jaymen waved her off. "Don't worry about it Elsa. It happens, besides, it's not like I don't have a way to warm up." That being said, Jaymen lit a bright orange flame in her palm. Still holding Elsa's hand, she was sure to make sure the flame wouldn't hurt her friend. It did, however, melt the ice from Jaymen's hand, and Elsa's as well. Elsa held their entwined hands up a little so she could see the water dripping down their fingers.

"I still can't get over how you can light fires and they don't hurt you, or me." Jaymen smiled and laughed a bit.

"Well, I've had a lot of time to practice. Can't go around using my powers can have them burn every single person I come in contact with." Elsa nodded.

"I suppose I see how that could become a problem." She lowered their hands back down onto the stone beneath them. The more she thought about it and the longer they sat there; the more Elsa wanted to tell Jaymen about her feelings. Elsa wasn't normally one to put herself out there first and leave herself vulnerable. She never made the first move. All of her suitors pursued her. Although she never actually felt anything for them. But now, Jaymen changed all that. She wanted to tell the girl that she felt something more than friendship towards her. The last couple of weeks had cemented that into the back of her mind. The girl she was sitting next to was intelligent, funny, amazingly beautiful, as well as extremely polite and caring. Plus at least a hundred other things Elsa could have listed off.

"Jaymen." Elsa started. She was nervous about how the brunette would react. But Elsa's heart told her this was the right thing. And if it was one thing Elsa had learned it was to follow your heart and never take love for granted. "There's something I've been meaning to talk to you about, I just don't know how." Jaymen looked a little concerned.

"What is it? Elsa, you know you can talk to me about anything and you don't have to be nervous." Elsa nodded.

"I know, I'm just worried about how you'll react." Jaymen furrowed her brow.

"Well, you'll never know unless you tell me." Elsa took a deep breath. But instead of words coming from her mouth, she did something she never would have imagined she could do. With her free hand reached up and put it behind Jaymen neck and pulled the girl in and pressed their lips together. Jaymen's eyes widened as Elsa kissed her. She didn't know how to react. It was unexpected and took her by surprise. She never imagined Elsa felt anything for her.

Sensing a lack of movement from Jaymen, Elsa broke their kiss and was just about to start apologizing. Saying how she was sorry, and that she shouldn't have done that. Jaymen, still in shock, snapped out of it. She knew she shouldn't, but she grabbed Elsa's face and kissed her back. Both women groaned in the ecstasy of kissing the other. The tension that had been building up between them for the last few days, being poured into this kiss.

Jaymen was the first to come to her senses. Breaking the kiss abruptly, she stood up. "I'm sorry Elsa, I shouldn't have. I'm sorry. I.. should leave" And with that Jaymen abruptly left Elsa sitting on the stone bench, torn between hurt and confusion.

Jaymen knew this was a long time coming. Jaymen needed to leave the castle for her rebirth that evening. She had been planning to just leave the castle that evening and come back in the morning. But now she couldn't bare to stay in the castle. She needed to leave. She was growing too attached to the royal family, time to move on a find a new home. Perhaps somewhere in America this time?

Walking through the castles front gates, she waved at the guards as if there was nothing wrong. They smiled at her and returned to their stoic guard position. Walking quickly towards the forest, she disappeared into the trees to prepare for the coming rebirth.

Darkness was starting to fall. It was time.

Elsa sat on the stone bench, staring off in the direction Jaymen had retreated. Elsa didn't know what to think. She was stupid for thinking Jaymen could return her feelings.

But that voice in the back of her head wouldn't be quiet. 'But remember? She did kiss you back. She's got to feel something.' Elsa shook her head. Even if she did, Jaymen regretted it afterwards. So much that she ran from the blonde. Probably back to her room or something. Elsa couldn't help but feel a little betrayed by Jaymen though. She had always said she would be there to listen. But she ran from Elsa. She didn't even give her an explanation or anything. She just ran. Elsa thought that was a little uncharacteristic for the brunette. She normally just deflected the question or topic if she wasn't comfortable with it. Elsa knew that Jaymen didn't think she realized it. But Elsa noticed. Jaymen often deflected questions about her past or really anything to do with her life before Arendelle.

Elsa just sighed and stood up. She wanted to to go find her friend. Even if Jaymen didn't return her feelings, she still considered the girl a friend and hoped that their friendship wasn't ruined because of her feelings towards the brunette. She walked to Jaymen's room and knocked on the door. There was no answer, so Elsa knocked a little stronger. Still no reply. Elsa turned the knob to the room and to her surprise it was open. She pushed the door open to find the room empty.

She spent the next hour trying to find the girl, with no success. Night was starting to fall and Elsa was getting worried. In a last ditch effort, Elsa went to the guards by the front gate to inquire if they had seen the young firestarter.

"We did, Your Majesty. She left the castle near an hour ago and headed towards the forest. From there we don't know." Elsa thanked the guards and walked out the gates. The guards tried to protest, but Elsa silenced them. She was determined to find the girl. She would feel so guilty if her feelings caused Jaymen to do anything rash.

Darkness had overtaken the kingdom. As Elsa entered the forest, she had no idea where Jaymen could have gone. She knew that Jaymen had lived in the forest previous to living in the castle, but she didn't know where. She just wanted to find her and repair what little was left of their friendship.

Elsa saw a flickering light off in the distance. She didn't know what she was getting herself into. And if she was in a more stable state of mind she probably would have been more cautious. But at the current time, all that mattered was finding her friend. She quickly walked in the direction of the light. As she got closer, it got stronger and brighter. She could feel the heat, so she knew it was a fire burning. If she was lucky, it would be Jaymen's fire. That made her press on.

When she finally reached the source of the light, she stepped into a small clearing. And in the middle sat her friend. She was on her knees, almost looking like she was praying, eyes closed, hands on her thighs. "Jaymen" Elsa spoke quietly. Jaymen eyes shot open and looked up at Elsa.

"Elsa, you.. You can't be here right now." Elsa took a step forward. "Don't! Please, just turn around and go back to the castle." A tear ran down Jaymen's cheek, much like Elsa had done earlier that morning.

"Jaymen, I'm sorry. About earlier, I shouldn't have kissed you. I understand you might not return my feelings, but you deserved to know. " Jaymen bowed her head slightly and then winced in pain.

"Elsa, you're wrong. Now please, for your own safety. Leave." Elsa raised her eyebrows. What did her friend mean? Jaymen looked at her hand which was feeling warmer than normal. Her rebirth was going to happen here and now. She needed Elsa to leave. She didn't want the blonde to be hurt. Or to even see the rebirth. "Now Elsa."

"I'm not leaving until…" Elsa was cut short by a short scream and brilliant white, orange, yellow and red flames flickering around Jaymen. Even from the tree line, Elsa could feel the intense heat emanating from them and the light was almost blinding to her. As the flames engulfed her friend, Elsa cried out and tried in vain to freeze the flames. But to no avail. The fire was too hot. Even her enchanted ice wasn't enough to stop the fire.

The light from the flames became so intense that Elsa had to shield and avert her eyes. When the light died down, Elsa looked back at the clearing where her love had been. Instead all she saw was a pile of grey ash. Elsa slowly stood and walked over to it. Bending down on her knees, she gently picked up a handful of the ashes. As the fine substance feel through her fingers, she felt the tears start falling from her eyes. She slumped over to one side, eyes covered by her hand, tears now streaming down her cheeks.

Elsa wondered what she had done in her life to deserve to have almost everything she ever loved ripped from her. First her parents, then the only person she wanted to start a relationship with. Even if she didn't return the feelings. Elsa would have been content with just remaining friends with her. But now, none of that was possible. Her heart physically ached for the girl she had grown so close to in the past month or so. She couldn't be gone, she just couldn't be.

Suddenly a hand place itself on Elsa's shoulder. The queen should have been alarmed since there should have been no one else out there at that hour. But the queen was so overcome with grief and shock, she didn't think about it. "Please, just.. leave me alone."

"You sure?" Elsa's head snapped up, instantly recognizing that voice. There bent down next to her was the person she was crying over. Jaymen was still alive.

"But.. how? I watched you burn. The ashes." Jaymen cracked a smile.

"You didn't think you could get rid of me that easily could you?" Jaymen took one of Elsa's hands. Watching the blonde cry over her ashes was not something Jaymen wanted to see again. And it wasn't something she probably would. Her cycles were about five hundred years, so Elsa probably wouldn't be alive. However, watching the queen cry, Jaymen realized that she didn't care.

'Carpe Diem. Seize the day.' She had thought to herself. Screw the consequences. This girl cared about her. A lot. And Jaymen would be damned if she let her sense of self pity get in the way of what could be an extremely happy few hundred years of her life.

With that thought in her mind, Jaymen reached up to wipe the tears from Elsa's face. Smiling at the blonde. She leaned in and whispered. "I'm sorry. But you're wrong. You have no idea how much I return your feelings." And Jaymen crashed her lips against Elsa's lips. Both women felt sparks going off between them, the electricity of their shared passion flowing through their bodies. As the two broke apart, Jaymen rested her forehead against Elsa's.

"I have a lot of explaining to do, don't I?"

Okay, 3 months, give or take. Yeah. It's long overdue for an update. I tried to make this a pretty pivotal chapter, as well as a little longer to make up for the fact I haven't updated. It's not much, but it's something.

So yay, they finally confessed. And trust me, there will be a lot more confessing in the next chapter as well. Jaymen finally has to come clean. I don't think this chapter was that spectacular, but it was fun to write regardless.

The transition from friends to lovers may seem a little abrupt, but keep in mind I did a lot of time skipping. There are weeks in there I just didn't want to write, because it would be all the same, getting to know you, growing to love you, type chapters. Which can be fun to read, but they're not super fun to write.

Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Until next time.

A Charmed Vampire