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..
.
"I do believe in killing the messenger. Do you wanna know why? Because it sends a message!"
Damon Salvatore, Vampire Diaries
CINQUANTUNO
Jacqueline sighed as she was finally able to sit down at the breakfast table with everyone. Vampire speed makes cooking go a lot faster thankfully. However she found that resisting using her magic to cook it, was a little difficult. Sometimes she wished she could use magic for everything... but Jacqueline didn't want to become reliant upon magic.
It's a slippery slope.
Especially when she's got immortality to look forward to.
"Jeremy still isn't here yet" Rebekah murmured with pursed lips.
Jacqueline sighed in frustration knowing she had already called Jeremy downstairs about 20 times. Jeremy and Tara had been getting along great in the time the young witch was here. Jeremy had even developed a crush on the girl. However, Tara was never going to be able to stay here. Last night the girl had gotten called back to the Coven and her family again - they all knew it had been coming though.
And Jeremy was upset about it still.
Apparently he had wanted Tara to stay with them.
While Jacqueline didn't necessarily have an issue with that... she didn't like how attached Jeremy was to Tara. Jeremy seems to be more attached to Tara then Tara is to him. Jacqueline didn't want to see him get into relationship that was one sided.
It's not healthy.
Rebekah seems to think it could be because of Jeremys recent vampirism.
Jacqueline wasn't sure.
Though she supposed it would make sense. Jeremy had only been a vampire for a few months the now. A 17 year old with magnified emotions was bound to get a little messy in the beginning. If Rebekah was right, then the crush Jeremy has should sort itself out soon enough. Yet Jacqueline still found herself worried for some reason. She wasn't able to place her finger on exactly what had her so worried.
She was going to continue to monitor the situation.
Jeremy was never like this before and the way he had shut down couldn't be good. The behaviour was unlike Jeremy and Jacqueline wasn't sure how to address it. She'd never dealt with teenage depression or angst.
This wasn't her expertise.
In fact, Jacqueline didn't really know much about dealing with emotions. Sure, she has them, but they mostly go ignored. If Jacqueline felt some type of emotions she didn't want, then it was pushed to the back of her mind and locked up tight, never to be thought about again. It wasn't a good way to deal with things, of course, but it was the only way Jacqueline knew. For a person who struggles with her own emotions enough already... how was she supposed to deal with Jeremys emotions?
And she was aware it made her a hypocrite.
But Jacqueline was a prime example of why not dealing with emotions was the wrong way to go about things. If anything, her hypocritical ways, were an attempt to stop Jeremy from making the same mistake she had made. Growing up Jacqueline had been a child left responsible for two other children. If they had wanted to survive then Jacqueline's feelings on the situation couldn't matter.
So she pushed them away.
After a while, that was all she knew how to do.
"Kol will you go and tell Jeremy to come back down here" Jacqueline said, but her tone suggested it was an order not a request.
Kol sighed dramatically.
Though he didn't seem to be too put out by the task. Not when it was a perfectly good opportunity to annoy someone. At this point - Jacqueline didn't even care. If Kol managed to get Jeremy downstairs for breakfast than she didn't have a problem with the 'how' of it all. Becoming a vampire didn't mean that Jeremy wasn't still a 17 year old kid who sometimes needed a parent to set boundaries.
Jacqueline had dropped the ball.
Once again, she felt like she had failed Jeremy in a way.
Kol sped into the room chuckling to himself as he retook his seat at the table. The grin Kol wore earnt him a few questioning looks from everyone else waiting on Jeremy to reappear for breakfast. Kol shrugged in an overly-innocent way before saying, "I relayed your message. Don't worry"
Jeremy grumbled and took a seat.
"Let's eat then" Elijah said diplomatically. Though he cast Jeremy a small glance before serving himself some food.
Jeremy sat hunched over in his seat, chin rested on his hand and not looking one bit interested in any of the food. When Jeremy was passed the jug of blood, the teenager didn't even look as he passed the jug onto Rebekah without pouring himself any.
"Jeremy" Rebekah said softly yet firmly, "You have to drink"
"I don't feel like it" Jeremy snapped back with a petulant look on his face. He had worn that look since finding out Tara had to return to the Coven.
Rebekah narrowed her eyes, "Jeremy you need to feed or you won't be able to control it-"
"I said I didn't feel like it" Jeremy grumbled at Rebekah with an angry side eye at the woman. "What do you care anyway? Just cause your dating Jacqueline doesn't make you my mom" he spat
The table fell silent.
Rebekah nodded silently, the pang of hurt she felt ripped through their bond.
Jacqueline rested a gentle hand on Rebekah's as she turned to Jeremy. "Actually Jeremy, that's exactly what it means" Jacqueline stated, struggling to hold firmly onto her composure so she didn't snap. When it came to someone upsetting her BloodBonded there was a certain rage that gripped her heart.
Jeremy huffed.
Jacqueline knew that Jeremy didn't mean what he had said to Rebekah just then. She knew how much Jeremy had bonded with Rebekah over the past months. He considered Rebekah as more than 'just the girlfriend'. The only reason he had said what he did was cause he knew it would hurt Rebekah.
He wanted to make everyone around him hurt.
All cause Tara had hurt his feelings by going back to the Coven.
That wasn't gonna fly.
"If Rebekah tells you to do something, Jeremy, you do it. So your gonna apologise and then your gonna finish a glass of blood" Jacqueline told him but her tone was too composed for anyone to know what she was thinking. "You can sit there until we're all done. I don't give a goddamn shit what mood your in. Cause, believe me, if you keep this up, your not gonna like the mood I'm in. Understand me?" she barked
Jeremy would have blushed if he could. The embarrassment was blatant on his face as he nodded.
It didn't matter what 'mood' Jeremy was in, he didn't have the balls to fuck with Jacqueline when she was pissed.
"Now" Jacqueline ordered cooly as she stared at Jeremy with a sharp look on her face. Almost daring him to ignore her instructions.
Jeremy pulled a face.
However, despite not liking what he had been asked to do, Jeremy turned to Rebekah anyway. "I'm sorry, Rebekah" Jeremy said sounding like he really did mean it. "I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry"
"I accept your apology, Jeremy" Rebekah nodded softly
Jacqueline felt Rebekah's hand tighten around her own as a wave of gratefulness and love was sent her way through the bond. Jacqueline squeezed Rebekah's hand back in response and pushed her own love through the bond. However, Jacqueline didn't let the stony expression ease off her face as she watched Jeremy.
Jeremy sighed in embarrassment.
He slowly poured himself a glass of blood as he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Apparently he didn't like being reprimanded in front of everyone else.
Jaqueline didn't care though.
This was family and Jeremy needed to show some respect for that. He couldn't go around thinking he could do or say whatever the hell he wanted. If Jeremy was so concerned about what everyone else thought then he shouldn't have come down here and started shit. It was his own mistake for thinking Jacqueline would allow him to get away with it because they weren't alone.
"Now, Jeremy" Jacqueline barked. "If I have to go over there and force it down your throat, you won't like what comes next"
Jeremy's face pinched together at the threat.
He nodded slightly, fully believing that she would follow though. He drank the full glass of blood without another word. Jeremy set the glass back on the table and looked to Jacqueline again.
"Thank you" Jacqueline let her face return to normal and just as quickly, returned her attention to her food again. "Is Josh bringing Cami over here today?" Jacqueline prompted conversation at the silent table.
They had all watched the reprimand.
Elijah gave her a respectful nod. It was Elijahs was of telling her she had done the right thing.
Jacqueline offered a small smile.
"Indeed. She's acting as my stenographer for my memoirs" Klaus nodded, allowing the tense moment of everyone witnessing Jeremy's punishment end. "I do believe she asked if you were going to be here. Care to share, love?"
"Yeah. Apparently Cami told Josh about how I removed her compulsion" Jacqueline nodded easily, "Josh asked Cami to play messenger between us. He wants to remove his compulsion to spy on Marcel"
"Do you think he will be loyal to us if he doesn't have the compulsion?" Hayley asked worriedly
Jacqueline shrugged, "Probably. The guy is lost on his own... if we undo the compulsion when he asks it'll work more in our favour than if he finds another way on his own"
Elijah nodded, "Marcel is aware of the traitor, is he not?"
"He is" Jacqueline hummed in agreement. "However, Marcel's bold in his desperation. He's got nothing to loose anymore, aside from being King. Marcel is done countering our moves... he's decided to make a few of his own. Marcel didn't say anything about Josh for a reason - he's planning to use Josh in a plan. I just have to figure out what that is"
"One last attempt. Is what it is" Klaus grinned
"Probably" Rebekah agreed, "Marcel tried to convince me to work against Nik yesterday. He said 'The Garden' was inspired by Nik's daggers for us. Marcel showed me the building plans for 'The Garden' it was the beginning of a house he designed for me"
"Your room is still untouched" Jacqueline stated plainly, her annoyance barely showing despite the fact she felt it strongly.
"He must think he's one lucky guy" Hayley chuckled, "I mean, doesn't he think it's weird that he has all these women throwing themselves at him?"
"I don't throw myself at him" Jacqueline's lip curled in disgust at the statement .
The mere suggestion that she was hanging off of Marcel's arm, hurt her ego.
Kol snorted, "Darling. I've seen you at those parties you attend for Marcel... you might not be hanging off his arm but you are quite the little seductress"
That restored her ego a little.
"Can we talk about something else?" Tyler pulled a face of disgust. "I know what guys think about - I don't need a reminder that Marcel's thinking about Jacq!"
Davina giggled, "Marcel also likes Rebekah, remember?"
Rebekah preened under the statement and nodded confidently. "What's not to love? I have the man eating out of the palm of my hand"
It was true.
Marcel seemed to have a thing for a strong woman who he couldn't charm with a look and a nice compliment. Marcel liked the chase, he liked when they play hard to get. However, when they aren't easy it just makes him fall harder for them. The man only seemed to love what he could never have.
It made it too easy to manipulate him.
At first, Jacqueline had found the fun in his arrogance. However it had long ago gotten boring.
She was ready to be done.
"What's going to happen when Marcel finds out the two women he pines after are actually dating?" Hayley asked with a chuckle of amusement.
"I don't know, but I want to be there to see it" Klaus laughed
No doubt it would a comical sight.
Jacqueline could barely wait for the chance to make a dramatic announcement to the man. Though she knew it would have to be a lot further down the track. Otherwise she would be outed as a traitor from the beginning. Marcel might be an idiot sometimes... but he wasn't that stupid.
"It won't be long now" Elijah assured them all with a sympathetic look in Hayley and Davina's directions.
Both Hayley and Davina hadn't been allowed to go out on their own without someone with them. It was for their own protection with the large targets painted on both their backs. Sometimes it felt like everyone in goddamn New Orleans wanted both women dead.
There had been enough attempts.
Rebekah nodded her agreement, "Once we have control of the French Quarter nobody will dare harm either of you. Especially not since the last witch elder is already dead"
"That was the Agnus woman, right?" Kol clarified, "The one that tried to kill the baby?"
Elijah nodded grimly.
"I know that I've been able to go more places since Agnus was killed... but why am I still in danger if there aren't any more elders?" Davina asked
Jacqueline sighed, "Marcel and a few of the daywalkers have been looking for you" she admitted to the teenage girl. "It's not the witches we're protecting you from now. Which is why your fine going out of the house as long as it's not the French Quatre"
Davina nodded, "I can take a few vampires"
"She can" Kol nodded proudly at his protégé. "She has made a very big improvement"
Davina beamed at the compliment.
Unlike Marcel who had wanted to lock Davina away in the Church attic, they had all been teaching Davina to take care of herself. There wouldn't always be someone with the girl and she needed to know how to protect herself in that situation. Kol and Jacqueline had been teaching Davina magic for weeks now. While Elijah and Rebekah had been teaching all three teens the proper ways to fight.
Sometimes strength and speed couldn't be relied upon.
Especially not when going up against someone older and more powerful.
Of course, Jacqueline didn't intend for any of the teens to have to protect themselves anytime soon. However, she understood the importance of them having those skills regardless. There was no safety in being oblivious to things going on around you.
That was a sure way to get killed.
Once Hayley has the baby Hayley will learn too. Elijah has already offered to teach Hayley more self defence.
And Klaus offered to turn Hayley into a Hybrid.
Jacqueline let her lips quirk up into a small smile at the thought of how far their Frankenstein family had come in the past year. She could barely believe it had been only months since they all met in Mystic Falls. However, Jacqueline wouldn't trade this for the world.
Looking over at Jeremy she was relieved to see he was smiling and talking again.
Whatever emotional rollercoaster Jeremy was currently on was going to be difficult. Jacqueline knew that already, but she planned on helping him through it. All these amplified emotions were surely difficult to manage for the teenager.
They'd get through this.
Just like they get through everything else thrown their way...
The tension between Hayley and Elijah was obvious to anyone with eyes. Or ears, as it turns out Hayley wasn't able to regulate her heart rate.
Jacqueline had to roll her eyes.
Davina giggled quietly and tucked her head into the side of Tyler's neck to muffle the laughter.
"What, pray tell, seems to be so funny?" Elijah asked, snapping himself out of the little moment he and Hayley were having.
"Nothing, Elijah" Rebekah dismissed easily
Jacqueline could feel the amusement her girlfriend currently felt. Despite the fact neither revealed it on their faces. This was something Jacqueline had decided to steer clear of. It wasn't her business if Elijah wanted to dance around his feelings with Hayley.
Who was she to comment on that?
Jacqueline remembered having done the exact same thing herself for a while.
She flinched when she looked up at Elijah again and was forced to remember the awkward conversation they'd had in Mystic Falls. The conversation that gave her the confidence to put her pride aside and take a risk she otherwise wouldn't have take.
Shit.
So maybe she did owe Elijah some advice after all. Cause while he may be a 1000 year old vampire, he's still just as clueless with love as any of them.
"Jacqueline?" Elijah rose a brow
"Teenagers, you know? They're probably giggling about something stupid" Jacqueline rolled her eyes with a dismissive shrug. Not caring if the excuse was that believable or not.
Elijah just nodded as he realised nobody was talking.
She wasn't sure if he knew how entranced he got by Hayley. Jacqueline figured with how often it happened, that he wasn't aware. They had all witnessed it at one point though. Elijah and Hayley would get near each other and it was like everything around them disappeared.
Jacqueline understood.
She felt that with Rebekah all the time. That was what love looked like.
Jacqueline leaned her head onto her girlfriends shoulder. Smiling a little when Rebekah's arm instantly wrapped around her shoulder, bringing her closer again. Jacqueline unashamedly enjoyed the closeness and let her eyes fall shut.
"I'm going to lay down" Hayley said to everyone
Jacqueline waited until she heard the footsteps leaving the room. Then she looked up at Elijah, watching him watch Hayley leave. Jacqueline smirked and nudged her girlfriend who shared her amusement.
The awestruck look on Elijahs face was new.
Jacqueline couldn't recall a time Elijah had such a blatant reaction to a woman. Not even from Rebekah's memories. Of course Jacqueline knew of 2 times Elijah had ever fallen in love. Rebekah - and therefore Jacqueline - had witnessed his actions those hundreds of years ago.
Those times hadn't ended well for him.
Jacqueline felt bad about that. Especially when Tatia turned about to be a raging bitch and Celeste was killed on Klaus' orders.
That couldn't have been easy.
Jacqueline thought about loosing Rebekah and the feeling made her want to cry right then and there.
She couldn't imagine what Elijah had felt.
Didn't want to, honestly.
However, Jacqueline could clearly see that the past was behind them. Something like the jealousy Klaus felt back then wouldn't happen again now. All the Mikaelson siblings had evolved as people since that point in time. Jacqueline couldn't help but wonder if those experiences were what held Elijah back?
Cause they shouldn't.
Hayley isn't Celeste or Tatia.
This situation is entirely different than it had been in the past.
Elijah didn't have to hold himself back now. At least, Jacqueline didn't get that impression. Sure, Hayley is having Klaus' baby, but the two had been nothing more than a drunken night together. If Klaus was truly bothered by Elijah being with Hayley then he would have said something already.
It wasn't like either hid their feelings well.
Everyone knows.
That includes Klaus who seemed to take just as much amusement as Jacqueline. Klaus had accepted Hayley as part of the family but made no move to be with the woman. All he really wanted was the chance to be a father to his child. Jacqueline didn't think that Elijah being with Hayley would really impact that.
Not if they didn't let it.
It likely wouldn't be easy, but as long as they taught the child who her father is... there shouldn't be an issue.
Right?
So why does Elijah hold himself back from making a move with Hayley?
"Your falling for her" Jacqueline blurted out before she could stop herself. While she hadn't meant to say anything, she didn't back down after she did.
Elijah gave her a look.
Jacqueline shrugged, "You can't deny it. You, Elijah Mikaelson, are falling for Hayley"
"I-" Elijah started to deny
"Come on, Elijah" Rebekah scoffed with a smile. "You've bloody fallen for the girl. Admit it. It might do wonders for the stick that's lodged up your enduringly stoic ass if you did"
Jacqueline chuckled.
Elijah looked away as his lips pulled up into a smile and a small chuckle left him. "If I admit to you that its complicated, would that suffice?"
"I don't get it" Tyler spoke up from across the room.
Elijah turned to raise a brow at the two teens.
"You and Hayley make eyes at each other all the time" Tyler smirked, ignoring Davina when she hit him on the chest for his comment. "Everyone already knows you've got a thing for Hayley"
Elijah looked offended by the wording. "I do not 'have a thing' for anyone" he muttered
"Aren't you and Hayley dating?" Cami asked as she walked into the room. The human instantly blushed in embarrassment. "I am so sorry. This was a private conversation and I completely overstepped. It didn't mean to say that out loud!"
Jacqueline smirked.
When she spotted Klaus smiling behind Cami she wondered how much the pair had heard. Judging from the way Elijah looked away from Klaus... Elijah wondered the same.
"Nonsense love" Klaus said to Cami and placed a hand on her back to guide her into the room. "Speak your mind as you wish"
Cami still looked embarrassed though.
"I have to admit I do wonder myself why my brother has yet to ask Hayley out" Klaus said as if it were no big deal.
That sounded awfully like permission...
Elijahs eyes narrowed sharply on Klaus' back. Elijah cleared his throat, "Hayley is carrying your child, brother-"
"What of it?" Klaus shrugged, "I have little interest in Hayley herself. My child is what I care about"
Elijah seemed a little shocked.
It might not have been the most straightforward way of expressing encouragement - but it was the only way Klaus knew how. Elijah knew that just as well as Jacqueline did. Clearly Elijah hadn't expected Klaus to be this supportive of the idea.
Maybe he'd finally ask Hayley out now?
Jeremy walked through the door covered head to toe in blood. His face, for once, was void of any type of emotions.
Jacqueline thought he might have flipped his humanity switch...
Until Kol walked in behind him looking similarly coated in blood. Human blood, if Jacqueline's newly advanced sense of smell was correct. The look on Kol's face was one Jacqueline had seen many times in the past months. Always whenever he returned from having fun or causing trouble. It was the look of grewsome satisfaction on Kol's face that told Jaqueline all she really needed to know in that moment.
"What happened?" She asked, instantly regaining her composure.
She already knew though...
Jacqueline had dreaded the day this happened. Had hoped that when and it inevitably did, that Jeremy would be older and it would be self defence.
This likely wasn't the case.
Jacqueline was not fool enough to allow herself to think otherwise. At the end of the day, Jeremy may be a kid still, but he's a vampire. A vampire who's now a little desensitised to violence. After all, he does drink blood to survive. Not to mention she had done her best to normalise vampirism.
Normalising this lifestyle had benefits and negatives though.
He wouldn't become like Stefan - denying his true nature because he can't control it. Or rather won't control it. He wouldn't be irresponsible or reckless with his vampirism. This way he could understand the history of it and the 'rules' he needed to follow throughout this life.
Those were all greatly important things for Jeremy to know as a vampire. However there are clearly negatives to making this such a normal way of living...
Violence becomes acceptable.
Killing becomes unimportant.
It was a double ended sword that Jacqueline didn't know how to feel about exactly. She knew this world of the supernatural - had learnt anything and everything she could about it. Jacqueline understood that, as cruel as it sounds, killing is normal in this world.
People do what they have to do.
They all live in the shades of grey now and that was something she accepted. Jacqueline thrived in those shades of grey and she could never judge anyone for doing the same. Considering she had killed her fair share of people in her 22 years of life, her hands weren't clean and she didn't pretend they were. While Jacqueline had mostly killed in self defence or self preservation. She had killed without real reason as well. There had even been a brief moment where she was doing sacrificial magic that had required human sacrifice.
She was by no means innocent...
In fact, she never really had been innocent. Not even back as a teen in Mystic Falls. Jacqueline had never been someone who cared about right and wrong if didn't fit her needs. Morals weren't relevant when Jacqueline set her mind to a task.
Least of all if it was for family.
On a regular day she wasn't all that cruel of a person. A little cold, sure, and not that welcoming, but not cruel. However if it was for someone or something she cared about... all bets are off.
Jacqueline was ruthless.
Equivalent, if not superseding, any Mikaelson in that department.
So jumping into an overprotective motherly role right now would only make the situation worse. Now that Jeremy has killed she needs to make sure he doesn't delve further into his own downward spiral because of it.
And how the hell was she supposed to do that?
She didn't really know.
So, Jacqueline did the only thing she really could do right now - clean up the mess that had been made. She sped into the kitchen and grabbed a trash bag from under the sink. Using the time that she was out of view to get an ironclad hold on her emotions. Now wasn't the time to show them.
Jacqueline didn't want to make Jeremy feel ashamed of himself or anything.
Reacting badly to this would make this worse.
Which had been the single most important reason as to why she had not wanted him to kill anyone. At least not if it was an avoidable situation. Though clearly none of that mattered anymore. Jacqueline sped back over to Jeremy and handed him the trash bag. "Go take a shower. Put your clothes in the bag. They won't be salvageable, but I'll get rid of them for you" she shrugged
Jeremy blinked a few times.
He looked like he had expected some kind of yelling match. As if he thought she would hate him for what he had done. Jacqueline kissed his forehead where there was no blood. She offered him a small gentle smile before nodding to the stairs.
"Uh, okay" Jeremy nodded and headed up to his room for a shower.
Once he was gone, Jacqueline looked at Kol and noted that he was watching her closely for a reaction. Whatever reaction Kol thought he would get, she wasn't going to give it to him. Kol had offered to take Jeremy out to have fun tonight, it was supposed to be a brotherly thing. Something where they could both enjoy being single and young.
Or in Kol's case... looking young.
Jacqueline had trusted Kol to look out for Jeremy's best interests.
Maybe she had been wrong to do so?
Kol was a lot older than Jeremy despite looking to be around the same age. Kol had seen and done more in his long life than Jeremy could imagine. Their views on things like killing and feeding were different because of that. Maybe one day, years from now, Jeremy would be as careless about human life as Kol, but for right now that's not the case.
Vampire or not - Jeremy is a 17 year old boy.
A kid.
A kid who was only just adjusting to this life of vampirism that he hadn't planned on having so soon. Jeremy lacked the life experience and maturity to deal with the personal consequences of killing at this age.
"We went to a party" Kol offered as they started at each other in the empty hallway. Kol shrugged, "A vampire rave. If your wondering... Jeremy only a killed 3 people. I killed more"
At least he was honest.
"Okay" Jacqueline nodded then turned and walked away from him.
She didn't know what else to do in that moment. Though she supposed there was nothing more to do. Jacqueline couldn't change what had happened. She couldn't take back actions that she knew Jeremy would regret. If she thought for one second that Jeremy was ready to deal with something like killing - this would be an entirely different situation.
On top of all that, Jeremys been in a bad place since Tara left.
Kol knew that.
They all have seen how much effort Jeremy put into not hurting a human since he turned. Jeremy had vowed at the beginning of his vampirism that he didn't want to hurt anyone who didn't deserve it. That had been a decision that Jeremy had made for himself, knowing he couldn't live with carelessly killing.
Those 3 people tonight hadn't deserved to be killed.
Jeremy would regret this.
What irked Jacqueline the most about all this is that Kol had known that just as much as she did. Instead of being the big brother and friend Kol said he would be - Kol had let Jeremy do something he couldn't take back.
And Kol wouldn't stick around to deal with the fallout of that.
Cause Jeremy is going be struggling for a while now. Jacqueline could already sense that from the dazed look that had been on Jeremy's face.
Kol was the older vampire.
Kol should have been keeping an eye out. He should have helped Jeremy if he started struggling with the bloodlust.
Clearly Kol hadn't.
With pursed lips Jacqueline walked up stairs and into Jeremy's room as she heard the water start running. She spotted the trash bag full of his clothes and snatched it from the desk. Without a word, Jacqueline reached out with her magic and set the bag on fire until it was burnt into ashes. Reaching out with her magic she used a rush of wind to carry the remaining ashes out the bedroom window.
Jacqueline looked around the room.
It looked like what one expected a teenage boys room to look like. There was art all over the desk, a skateboard against the wall next to a guitar and keyboard.
She just hoped tonight's events didn't rid him of the innocence she had done her best to ensure he kept.
Jacqueline's magic whipped the wind around where she stood in the room, threatening to tear anything in it's path down. With realisation quickly dawning on her once again, Jacqueline composed herself before that could happen. Instead she made a quick exit from Jeremy's bedroom and headed to Elijah's office.
She knew there was one person who could really help her with this.
Elijah would know what to do.
Jacqueline knocked on Elijah's office door until she head him call for her to come in. Stepping into his office she sighed heavily, "Do you have a minute?" she asked
Elijah nodded and swept a hand out to the chairs opposite his desk. "Of course" Elijah agreed, "Is everything alright, Jacqueline?"
Jacqueline reached out with her magic to ensure nobody could over hear their conversation. Taking a breath before she dared to admit the truth. "I don't know" Jacqueline told him before explaining the situation in between sighs of frustration and annoyance.
Elijah listened patiently, understanding her concerns as she expressed them.
"Well, I agree with you" Elijah said with a sympathetic nod. "Jeremy will need guidance to ensure this does not have negative effects on him. Sometimes we are so used to age not matching looks that we forget he is but a child"
Jacqueline hummed in agreement.
That was the thing that got to her the most about the way they live. Power is what creates a hierarchy, not age and experience.
Jeremy didn't have either though.
While Jeremy may enjoy being a vampire, he's always maintained that he just wants to do teenage things. Jeremy had no interest in the underhanded ploys with Marcel or the power struggle between vampires and witches. Jeremy had been happy hanging out with Davina, Tyler, Tara, Josh and some kids he met in the art program.
Jaqueline had respected that.
She had done everything in her power to make sure he could have those fundamental experiences.
"If you wish, I can speak with him in the morning" Elijah offered, "I wouldn't have an issue with spending the day accompanying him"
Jacqueline nodded, "I think you'd have better luck with helping him through this" She admitted slightly begrudgingly as she fought the urge to snap for the hit to her pride. Jeremy was her child in all ways that mattered. Jacqueline's heart twisted at not being the one able to help him right now.
But she'd do whatever Jeremy needs.
"You've been a good role model for Jeremy" Jaqueline forced herself to admit what she knew was truth. "He looks up to you... like a son looks to a father. Jeremy, he uh, never had that with Greyson"
"He had you" Elijah pointed out comfortingly
Jacqueline nodded, "Yeah. He did. And while he was younger that was enough. He didn't know what he was missing out on back then and he didn't care. But now... vampirism, killing... these are things I can't help him through" she sighed, pained at the words she was forcing out.
Jacqueline had never been one for emotional truths.
She didn't share things like this with anyone who isn't Rebekah and she didn't enjoy it. However, Jacqueline would always put Jeremy's needs above her pride and comfort.
Jeremy needed Elijah's guidance.
There was nothing more that Jacqueline could do but to come and speak with Elijah about it. In the time that their families had been together, Jeremy had come to view Elijah as the fatherly figure Greyson had failed to be. Elijah was just that type of person though - the one who takes care of his family, who guides and advises them.
Even Jacqueline found herself looking to Elijah when she was at a loss in a situation.
He was very much the head of the family.
"We're all here for the boy" Elijah said firmly, "Don't worry. Jeremy will get through this rough time. I've dealt with enough of Niklaus' 'rough times' to know Jeremy will be fine"
Jacqueline chuckled at that.
She supposed he was right about that though. Jaqueline had been given Rebekah's memories of the past 1000 years and she knew well enough how much Elijah had to deal with. There had been a lot of 'rough times' Elijah had been forced to deal with over the years. In comparison to those, then Jeremy's downward spiral should be easy.
It gave her a little comfort.
"Thank you, Elijah" Jacqueline stood from the chair and offered him a small smile. "Goodnight"
"Goodnight Jacqueline" Elijah nodded, his lips quirked up into a fond smile as she left the room and relinquished her magical hold.
The privacy spell now gone.
Not that anyone in the house dared to listen into Elijah's conversations though...
Felling slight better about the entire situation, Jacqueline walked into her bedroom and shut the door as she spotted her girlfriend. Jacqueline offered a small smile when her girlfriend looked up from her vanity. Jacqueline moved across the room and pressed a kiss to Rebekah's lips before she routed through the draws for a shirt to sleep in.
"Going to bed already?" Rebekah asked
Jacqueline hummed in agreement, "I'm going to take a shower first though" she said.
Rebekah nodded, "Do you want to tell me what happened?"
"You know how Kol offered to take Jeremy out for some 'brotherly fun to celebrate their youth and single status'?" she asked seeing Rebekah nod before continuing. "Well, Kol took him to a vampire feeding rave-"
"He did what?!" Rebekah was immediately alarmed
Jacqueline scoffed, "Yeah... it went about as well as you'd expect. They both got home covered in blood. Jeremy killed 3 people apparently and Kol didn't stop it"
"That bastard" Rebekah growled out through clenched teeth.
Jacqueline only sighed and shook her head without commenting. "I spoke to Elijah. He thinks he can help with Jeremy" Jacqueline said instead, her feelings on what happened still mixed.
Rebekah nodded, "Elijah dealt with the three of us for over a thousand years. If anyone is capable - it's Elijah"
Jacqueline nodded.
That had been her exact thinking as well and she felt reassured that Rebekah agreed. Jacqueline didn't care who it was who helps Jeremy get himself out of this rut he's been in all week. As long as it happens, and he's happy again, then she was happy too.
"Come on then" Rebekah said as she stood from the vanity. "Let's shower" Rebekah took Jacqueline's hand and threaded their fingers together gently.
Jacqueline smiled.
Nothing more really needed to be said as they took comfort in each others presence. The past week had been a difficult one and they hadn't nearly spent enough time together. It was getting more and more difficult to keep up the façade of not knowing each other in public. Jacqueline had never been ashamed of her relationship with Rebekah - it felt wrong to be ashamed of it.
It felt wrong to hide it.
Especially when it meant people got free rein to hit on her girlfriend right in front of her. It made Jacqueline particularly murderous to see but yet she couldn't act on the rage.
It would jeopardise the plan.
Rebekah provided distractions with clearly staged run-ins with Marcel whenever Jacqueline needed to get away to inform Klaus or Elijah on something. Marcel was under the impression Rebekah was a jealous ex. His inflated ego made it impossible for him to consider any other possibility. However, that's exactly what they had intended to happen when Rebekah's 'run-in's' were blatantly petty.
It was too petty for something Rebekah would actually do.
Marcel liked the attention though.
And Jacqueline took the gratification that slipping away and undermining one of Marcel's plans provided her with. It wasn't much but it was all Jacqueline would get right now.
"I can't wait until we can go out together in public" Jacqueline said as they walked into the bathroom.
Rebekah nodded in agreement, "I know. We'll go on a date once all this is over... a whole day just to ourselves!" Rebekah smiled wistfully at the idea of it. That, after all, had been their main reason for coming to New Orleans. The city was amazing to spend the day in. That's all they had really wanted to be doing for these past weeks of being here.
It would be great when they could.
Rebekah stepped into the large shower first and turned on the water. The steam from the hot spray began to fill the cold bathroom. Jacqueline stepped under the water and sighed contently as she felt her body relaxing once again. When Rebekah's arms wrapped around her, she turned in the embrace to face her BloodBonded. Their arms tightened around each other as their lips met in a slow kiss.
Not a droplet of water existed between them as they stood together in the hot shower.
They both had needed this.
Spending so much time off doing something or saving someone had taken it's toll on them. Jacqueline relished in the chance to even spend 5 minutes talking with Rebekah at nights now. It was the only time they got alone where they didn't have any obligation to be doing something or watching over someone.
Rebekah had somehow manged to get elected super-nanny
And Jacqueline had been roped in as Klaus' assistant.
Breaking away, Jacqueline reached for the bottle of liquid soap that smelt like vanilla. She poured some of it out and lathered it in her hands before massaging it into Rebekah's shoulders and arms. They stood face to face as they both enjoyed the give and take of the simple loving action until they were freshly bathed.
The love was palpable through the thrum of their BloodBond.
The connection between them somehow strengthening. Jacqueline hadn't thought that was possible.
But she didn't complain.
Rebekah's hands glided across Jacqueline's skin and began to explore her breasts. Jacqueline happily sighed as she enjoyed the feeling. She rested her head on Rebekah's shoulder and attached her mouth Rebekah's neck.
There was no rush.
They simply relished in the time they had to slow down and be together after the busy week.
Jacqueline made a noise deep in her throat when she felt Rebekah's hands travelling lower. The slow movements were more difficult to enjoy now that the state of need they were in had built. Jacqueline leaned into Rebekah's touch encouragingly as the kisses she was leaving on Rebekah's collar bone dipped lower as well. Rebekah's hand threated through Jacqueline's hair and cupped the side of her face tenderly.
Jacqueline was sometimes floored by actions like that.
She'd never been with anyone who made her feel their care through such simple actions. Rebekah managed to do it effortlessly though and Jacqueline could only lean into the touch.
Rebekah's fingers slipped between Jacqueline's legs.
Jaqueline let out a breath as she trembled at her girlfriends actions. The slow and careful touches left her physically aching and shaking. Though it wasn't long before she was lost in the sensational oblivion as steamy water cascaded over them.
.
.