Circumstances

Pairing: OC/Rebekah

Summary: As much as everyone thought they knew, Jacqueline always managed to prove them wrong. People claim to know who she is, what she's done, what's she's been through - and yet none of them can see all of it. What happens when she meets a certain Original Vampire who sees every little thing about her. From the way she walks to the way she acts... but will Jacqueline allow her supernatural mate to see her past as if they experienced it themselves. Elena bashing..

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"I'm scared of everything. I'm scared of what I saw. I'm scared of what I did, of who I am…. and most of all, I'm scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I'm with you."

Baby, Dirty Dancing

TRENTATRE

"Jacqueline!"

Jacqueline paused when she heard her name, eyes moving across the street to where she saw Elijah standing. She frowned but when Elijah tipped his head to beckon her over, she reluctantly went.

"Hey, Elijah?" Jacqueline greeted the man with a nod. "What's going on?" She wondered

Elijah looked around them, eyes searching for anyone who could overhear.

Jacqueline narrowed her eyes at him - this was very unlike the Elijah Mikaelson she had seen as if yet. It made her worry that something serious had happened. Of course, whatever it was likely involve her or could be prevented by a witch. Cause clearly, judging by the look on his face, he was both wary and worried over whatever the situation is. Yet despite what she was able to figure out by looking at him - Jacqueline still did the polite thing and waited for him to explain it.

"Would you walk with me?" Elijah asked offering his elbow to her as he looked over to the park behind them. "I have a matter to discuss with you"

Jacqueline looped her hand around the crook of his elbow. She allowed him to lead her further into the large park area. The park was nothing special, but the small pond did attract a few families on the weekends. Jacqueline looked at the few people in passing, while she and Elijah walked in slightly awkward silence.

Jacqueline didn't mind though - she took the time to breath in the fresh air and clear her mind.

There was a lot going on lately.

"So?" Jacqueline finally prompted Elijah as she glanced up at the taller man. "You seem deep in thought, Elijah" she commented idly

"Indeed I am" Elijah nodded with a small sigh, "I fear I have uncovered something that I had not expected to uncover... Unfortunately I do not know how to proceed under the delicate circumstances"

Cryptic as always.

Jacqueline hummed as she glanced at him again, "And I am here to offer advice?" she questioned

"Not exactly" Elijah said looking more and more uncomfortable the longer the conversation went on. He sighed and paused, turning to face her with an odd look. Elijah's eyes searched hers - for what - Jacqueline didn't know, but he seemingly found it anyway.

"Elijah?" Jacqueline sighed impatiently

Elijah's mouth quirked up into a small smile before he schooled his features again.

"You and Rebekah are quite close, are you not?" Elijah inquired

Jacqueline was glad that she was smart enough not to run around a town full of vampires without placing a spell over her heart rate. She really was grateful for it at the moment though, because while she managed to control her facial expression - her heart thumped so loudly she feared it might burst.

This was not what she had been expecting Elijah to ask about.

"I guess" Jacqueline said in an effort to remain casual.

Elijah watched her carefully, "Something has changed between the two of you, has it not?" he asked. His tone suggested that he already knew the answer to that question.

Though his neutral face and tone provided no insight into how he felt about it.

Jacqueline's eyes narrowed and she held her head just that slight bit higher in defiance. "What does it matter?" she asked, bracing herself for any harsh words or opinions he might have.

Elijah's eyes softened, "I do not believe it to be a bad thing"

Jacqueline couldn't help the fact that her eyebrows rose in surprise. Admittedly she had expected an old fashioned opinion from the man. Sure, it's the 21st century and all, but Elijah pre-exists same sex relationships by a few hundred years!

It wasn't exactly a big leap to think he wouldn't approve.

Then again, this is Elijah, and he's a pretty cool guy. At least in Jacqueline's opinion...

Jacqueline sighed.

She couldn't deny the fact that she was still wary about this conversation. Or that fact she's completely confused about Rebekah. However, her curiosity to what Elijah thought of all this was preventing her from lying to him about it.

"You don't?" Jacqueline asked with a small disbelieving shake of her head, "Cause I'm not so sure about that"

"You have romantic feelings for Rebekah, correct?" Elijah clarified looking about as confused as Jacqueline felt.

Jacqueline shifted uncomfortably and shrugged.

Jacqueline didn't like questioning her feelings on things. She liked to act and just do whatever felt natural in the moment. Taking or thinking about feelings was not something she was comfortable with on a regular day.

Let alone today.

The last few weeks had been emotionally draining.

Jacqueline heaved a sigh, and intently looked away from Elijah. She avoided looking in his direction as she readied to confide in him. Jacqueline hadn't breathed a word of what happened with Rebekah to anyone. It wasn't like she had any friends to talk about it with anyway... so if not Elijah, then who?

Jacqueline cleared her throat unnecessarily.

This felt wrong.

"I don't know, alright?" Jacqueline said in exasperation, but still made no move to actually look at Elijah. Though Jacqueline knew Elijah was listening carefully. "That's never - well that's never happened before. I've never been attracted to a women... but Rebekah's different, I guess" she shrugged again as she struggled to put her thoughts and feelings into words he could understand. "I've been with plenty of men and I've only ever been attracted to men. Rebekah's just different and I don't get why... there's just... more... when it's her"

Jacqueline winced at the admission.

Could this situation possibly get any worse?!

"I do believe I understand the feeling of more - intense attraction" Elijah said a little uncomfortably.

Considering it was his little sister that Jacqueline was talking about, she didn't blame him.

Elijah signed, "I also believe that Rebekah shares both your confusion and affections"

What?

That made Jacqueline look at him again and she was unsurprised to find a pinched sort of expression on his face. She knew that Elijah was trying to help, but Jacqueline was completely ready for this conversation to be done and over with. Not that she didn't appreciate the advice or the listening ear... but not only was Jacqueline uncomfortable with regular emotions, but she was also uncomfortable with dealing with these specific ones.

Especially in front of Elijah.

"How did you know about any of this anyway?" Jacqueline questioned. "Rebekah told you?"

"I first noticed when Tyler came to town. I had thought my sister was jealous that Tyler was talking to someone else... then I realised Rebekah had no idea who Tyler was. It was small things after that" Elijah admitted with a kind smile on his face. "Like how upset she had gotten when you and Kol got along at the dinner"

Jacqueline smirked a little at that.

She had noticed as well, but immediately dismissed it as her own imagination and sibling rivalry. Maybe she had been a little too quick to dismiss the idea of Rebekah returning her feelings?

Elijah chuckled a little, as if he knew what she had been thinking.

"Indeed" he agreed, "I however, also noticed the way you and Rebekah stand awfully close to each other. As well as the way you both give your full attention when talking. I believe Damon had tried to speak with you both a few times and neither noticed"

Jacqueline looked away from him again - she hadn't realised it had been that obvious.

Of course now that the kiss had forced Jacqueline to acknowledge the feelings she had been having, it was rather clear how she felt and why. Jacqueline just hadn't realised it might have been obvious to someone else observing. Though Jacqueline wasn't sure how she felt about Elijah realising what was going on before she had.

Jacqueline supposed it was irrelevant now anyway.

Great.

Jacqueline glanced at Elijah who seemed to be patiently waiting for her reaction. She sighed, "So, uh, I'm assuming since you're talking to me that you'd probably have a similar conversation with Rebekah?"

"I did plan to" Elijah agreed, "But if you don't want me-"

"I do" Jacqueline cut him off a little too quickly.

She huffed at her own reaction, crossing her arms over her chest and sending a mean scowl to the ground.

She felt pathetic!

This was mortifying but Jacqueline didn't really imagine herself having a better plan.

"Alright" Elijah agreed easily

Jacqueline groaned and looked back at Elijah with a wince. She sighed again, "Just, uh, don't tell anyone about this conversation... alright?" she waited for him to nod before she made a quick escape. "I'll see you later - bye"

Jacqueline forced herself not to run from the scene.

Or teleport...

Jacqueline hovered in her bedroom as she internally debated what she was going to do. Elijahs talk this morning had given her hope for her situation with Rebekah. So had Rebekah's actions with Damon the other night. Though the fact that Rebekah hadn't spoken to her the morning after was worrisome.

She was conflicted.

All because of some stupid emotions!

Ugh!

Honestly, what were the point of emotions when they only make life that much harder?

The ringing of the doorbell had Jacqueline frozen in place in her bedroom. She knew that was Rebekah at the door, yet she made no move to leave her bedroom. Jacqueline wasn't sure what to do yet!

What was she going to say?

She had, after all, invited Rebekah over for a reason.

Jacqueline could only sigh as she heard footsteps outside her door before it was pushed open. Rebekah stuck her head in the room - blue eyes landing on Jacqueline with a smile. "Hey!" Rebekah greeted happily

Jacqueline smiled, she just couldn't not smile at Rebekah. That sounded so sappy that Jacqueline wanted to hit herself for merely thinking it.

"Hey Beka" Jacqueline smiled and sat herself down on the edge of her bed.

Rebekah followed, "The school dance is coming up tonight. I was planning on wearing that red dress got when we were shopping last time. What do you think?"

Jacqueline nodded.

She didn't think it was very appropriate to voice her thoughts on the dress. Rebekah had looked particularly sexy in the dress, that's for sure.

"Do you have a date?" Jacqueline forced herself to ask.

Her heart hammered under the spell placed over it for illusions sake.

Rebekah sighed, "I don't"

"Well..." Jacqueline licked her lips, the only proof of the nervousness she felt within. She sighed and shook her head, not bothering to finish the sentence.

It was a stupid idea.

What would Jacqueline do at a school dance anyway?

Rebekah would want to have a good time with the friends she had made. After all, that had been why Rebekah enrolled - to experience it all. Jacqueline going as her date would prevent that from happening.

"Well what?" Rebekah asked, casting her an odd look.

Jacqueline huffed at her own reaction to what had logically been a simple thing to do. She had thought about it - she was supposed to just ask. Yet now, in the moment, it was incredibly difficult to do and she didn't like that at all. Jacqueline was supposed to be above this!

She's a grown ass woman not some shy schoolgirl!

"I was just gonna say that since you don't have a date, if you want, I'd go with you" Jacqueline said as she chose to appear as casual as possible.

Rebekah was silent.

"You don't have to say yes - I was just asking in case you didn't want to go alone" Jacqueline added when she was met with silence.

With what was likely rejection.

"It doesn't matter anyway" Jacqueline concluded with a forced shrug of indifference. Internally she was cringing at how poorly that had gone. Now she felt bad for every time she laughed at some guy failing at asking her out.

Cause it sucked!

A lot.

If Jacqueline wasn't far too prideful to show her hurt, she might have made a fool of herself. At least now she retained her dignity.

Rebekah's hand reached out and grabbed her own.

Jacqueline's eyes snapped up to Rebekah's after a quick glance back down at their joined hands. Rebekah was looking at her oddly again and Jacqueline wasn't sure how to interpret that look. Either this was about to be the nicest rejection ever or something else entirely. Honestly Jacqueline could tell which was coming and so she braced herself for the worst.

Rebekah sighed.

Jacqueline was ashamed to say she held her breath a little.

"I-I didn't mean to run away" Rebekah said quietly, "I would like very much for you to accompany me to the dance, Jacqueline"

"Really?" Jacqueline felt pathetic as soon as the words left her mouth.

Rebekah didn't seem to mind though, she only nodded and smiled shyly. "If you still want to? I know that I distanced myself... but I just needed to think"

Jacqueline nodded, "I get it. I've always been the type to act before I think"

Rebekah chuckled

"I'd like to go with you then" Jacqueline gave a firm nod as she spoke. "I already have a dress anyway"

"The black one?" Rebekah asked with that odd look on her face again.

"I can find something else if it'll be too much..." Jacqueline said uncertainty, unable to read Rebekah's emotions right now.

Rebekah shook her head quickly, "No! No, uh, I think you look incredible in the dress"

Jacqueline smiled

Rebekah's hand caressed Jacqueline's as they both fell silent. Jacqueline was trying to process the whirlwind that had been their relationship so far. She was trying to comprehend the fact that Rebekah actually feels the same way as she does. It was difficult after having believed the opposite up until today.

Though she had suspected...

Rebekah never said otherwise though and Jacqueline had been forced to dismiss the small hope.

For her own sanity.

Jacqueline looked back up at Rebekah again. Needing to make sure Rebekah didn't look like she regretted this. Rebekah looked happy though as she smiled at Jacqueline in return.

"You know... if we happened to kiss again" Rebekah began slowly, "I wouldn't run away this time"

Jacqueline's confidence was back in full force as she slyly grinned. Knowing that there was no possibility of rejection silenced the doubts that had been growing. Jacqueline lifted her hand to brush along Rebekah's cheek. She liked the way that Rebekah lent into her touch.

However the touch was secretly her way of making sure Rebekah wouldn't spook.

And Rebekah hadn't run yet.

So, Jacqueline leant forward and pressed her lips to Rebekah's. She kissed Rebekah tenderly and felt Rebekah smile against her lips. The kiss quickly began to develop, their lips moving against each other, tongues delicately exploring.

Neither one wanting to scare the other off.

Jacqueline shuffled forward on knees. One arm snaked around Rebekah's waist, her hand soothingly running down Rebekah's back. Jacqueline's other hand was angling Rebekah's face at the best vantage point to deepen the kiss.

Rebekah sighed blissfully.

Jacqueline almost startled when she felt Rebekah's arms pull her closer. A hand sat on Jacqueline's hip and the other moved into her hair.

It was great!

Jacqueline marvelled at the feeling.

They were forced to pull away for air all too soon. Jacqueline smiled at Rebekah and hummed in contentment. She didn't know why, but suddenly she felt like she was right were she was supposed to be. Like this was where she had always belonged.

Where she would remain.

Jacqueline didn't know how she knew that and she didn't question it.

But she hoped it was true.

Rebekah quickly kissed her again as soon as they caught their breaths. Jacqueline chuckled but didn't dare pull away. It was a dizzying feeling but entirely addictive. She wasn't sure how long they sat tangled up on her bed kissing, but Jacqueline knew it was no short while. Cause when she glanced at the time again - an hour had passed.

Had they really been kissing for that long?

Judging by Rebekah's swollen lips, they certainly had been.

Jacqueline smirked and pecked Rebekah quickly on the lips, not deepening the kiss. "If you-" she kissed Rebekah again in between worlds. "-want to go to the dance-" they kissed again. "-we'll need to get ready"

Rebekah sighed.

Jacqueline just chuckled not all that fussed either way.

Rebekah pecked her lips again one more time with a groan. "I helped organise the bloody thing for weeks! I want to have a good night"

Jacqueline nodded and flopped down on the bed. Laying on her back she watched as Rebekah laughed at her and then stood up. Rebekah moved to a dress bag that Jacqueline hadn't noticed Rebekah had brought with her before now.

Rebekah pulled out the red dress.

Jacqueline smiled and stood up, she knew that she needed to get dressed. She knew how much Rebekah wanted to attend a dance and she wasn't going to stand in the way of that.

So that meant being on time.

And keeping her hands and thoughts to herself for a little while longer.

Jacqueline could do that, right?

A/N: I had a comment and a DM about the Damon/Jacqueline/Rebekah situation. I figured for those interested that I would explain the reasoning. Firstly, just remember that Jacqueline is a 21 year old woman. Others her age are attending college frat parties - I think a character at that age could be a doing a lot worse. Secondly, the previous men she's been with have been over the span of a few years. The reason they were included was to give insight into her seemingly inability to emotional connect. Everything she has previous to Rebekah is casual and more friendship than love interest. Lastly, sex with Damon doesn't really mean anything to her or Rebekah for that matter - it's an excuse. The second time (chapter 32) is just an excuse for them to be together. Thats why Jacqueline is suddenly interested when Rebekah agrees, cause it's not about Damon. Damon is part of the pleasure but he acts as a buffer, a 'safety net' for if they feel too vulnerable. Neither woman knows how to deal with these specific emotions - Damon becomes a way to explore those without fully committing and having to admit that.

Hope this explains!

Please keep writing reviews! I love reading reviews and absolutely love seeing suggestions for the plot-line. It's prevented someone serious writers block!

Jacqueline and Rebekah still have a long way to go. The point of my story is that people - even vampires and witches - aren't perfect. It's supposed to show struggle, pain, survival, loyalty, love and moral dilemmas. Life is messy and it doesn't fit into one neat chain of events. We make mistakes and sometimes end up having to do things the hard way just cause we were too prideful. Jacqueline has faults, but she tires to acknowledge them even if she makes no attempt to fix them. I hope my story is communicating everything I want it to!

FYI My story will venture into The Originals timeline cause I'm not a big fan of Elena. Most of the Vampire Diaries drama just seemed preventable and unnecessary to me.