Pairing: Mary/Jackson (F/m) switch

Monday, January 31, 2011

The Compound, French Quarter, New Orleans

Dinnertime

Tommy's Room

Tommy felt a little odd in these new "preppy" clothes that Rebekah had bought them. He didn't say anything because he knew that Aiden really liked them. He had been fine with the old plaid shirts and ripped jeans and boots they had worn before. But Rebekah had picked out a wardrobe for them in an expensive store and would not take no for an answer. Tommy had to admit that they would have looked a little out of place looking like the "Bayou rats", that kids sometimes called them at school, here in this grand old house.

"Haircut looks good," Aiden smiled ruffling his little brother's hair. "Is that a turtleneck?"

"I look like a stuck up nerd!" Tommy grumped. He never had very long hair like Jack or Ollie, but he also never looked this clean-cut before. He didn't feel like himself. A lot of people said Tommy looked like a younger version of Aiden, but he had hazel eyes, whereas Aiden had blue-green eyes, and curlier brown hair.

"So what? Be a stuck up nerd! Look where we are, bro," Aiden said throwing out his arms.

Tommy looked around at the grandeur around them, "Aiden, I feel like weird. It's so nice and clean here. I know I should miss my traps and the Bayou more, but I like it here. I like watching the people outside. I wonder where they are all going. I like the music and the fun. And all this stuff, it's really cool."

"Tom, you don't got to feel weird. Grandma and Jack and Ollie are still there, but they are okay. I mean, they have more space now. Gram doesn't have to worry about feeding us and buying us shoes. Or you doing your homework, you know. Let's enjoy being here. It won't last forever. Mr. Gerard is real smart and has his top people on this. He said if it's possible, we'll go back when the time is right," Aiden commented.

"Yeah," Tommy agreed. He brushed his hand against the new television set in his room. He had never had his own computer or phone. Tommy had always told himself that he was not interested in stuff like that, but now he realized he was.

"It's pretty cool," Aiden smirked, "Huh?"

"Yeah, but Marcel said we gotta stay outta trouble and keep up our grades...," Tommy worried.

"Josh is bugging me to do stuff all the time. I told him I have homework and he said he'd help me, but it's like he doesn't get how much schooling we missed when we were wolves, you know?" Aiden confided.

"Yeah, we're catching up with years of stuff that the others already know. You ever sit in class and start thinking about being a wolf again? Just what it felt like...running, hunting, being a part of the pack," Tommy inquired. He glanced up at his brother furtively and saw he knew what Tommy meant.

"Yeah, I do. It's like we just were living. No thoughts, no worries, no wants...just instincts and surviving. I dream of it, too," Aiden said softly.

"It was good, but Aiden, but a part of me doesn't ever want to turn again. I don't want to lose myself again, my human self, you know?" Tommy said hoarsely. For a wolf, this was hard to admit. Aiden nodded, he did know.

Davina walked in, "Sorry, I wasn't trying to listen. Dad sent me to say it's dinner. But guys, I didn't forget about those moonlight rings. I am going to make them for you. No matter what!"

Aiden smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Davina. This thing we have, it really can be a curse. Not so much the turning, but the anger we feel sometimes. It's so sudden, and it comes out of no where. It scares me. I wonder if the ring would help with that."

Davina wondered, "Honestly, Aiden, I'm not sure. I can try to use some herbs to make you guys a concoction, if that will help? I'll ask Freya about it when I'm in Mystic Falls. She's better at that stuff."

Tommy got up, "Yeah, I would try it. I almost got in a fight with that asshole in my homeroom again. He used to make fun of my clothes. Now, he's making fun of me for having new clothes!"

Davina frowned, "Who? I will turn this guy into a weasel!"

Tommy laughed, "No one. I think he's just jealous now. Come on, your dad is calling. I ain't gonna let you get in no trouble on my account."

Hayley was already at the dining room table, "About time!" They often ate dining in the courtyard surrounded by the trees and fairy lights. It felt like a magical place to Hayley. Plus, this courtyard was so big, it seemed like a huge hotel to her, and a very elegant one at that.

"Sorry," Aiden said politely. He took his seat and put his cloth napkin on his lap, like he noticed the others doing.

Marcel smiled, "It's okay. I just didn't want this amazing pizza I made to get cold! Plus, D., Mom went back up to pack even more. You needed to leave like an hour ago for Mystic Falls!"

"You made the pizza?" Tommy asked. Then, they laughed as they realized Marcel was joking.

"I can cook, but business in town went longer than expected. The factions in this city love to do nothing so much as argue. Always have since I was a boy...I remember my dad saying the same thing when he got home late," Marcel mused. "Long, long ago."

Aiden asked, "Was that in the 1900s?"

"Actually, probably starting in the 1820s. This city was starting to boom before that around 1805, but after the famous Battle of New Orleans, business was booming. Have you studied about that in school? It's kind of interesting. A pirate even helped them win the battle," Marcel added as he distributed the pizza.

Davina exhaled, "Dad, this is boring. No one cares!"

Aiden said, "We were just talking about the Mississippi River in my geography class. It's kind of cool that this all happened right here."

"Exactly. Many experts during the War of 1812 saw control of the Mississippi River as control of the war itself! The imports and exports that went out of this city around that time exploded. A lot of fortunes were made. It was an exciting time," Marcel enthused.

Davina rolled her eyes, "Here we go!"

Marcel and Aiden continued to talk about history. Hayley asked Davina about Kaleb.

"His mom won't let him do much after school. Like I'm leaving tonight and now I won't get to see him. I've never been over there. I am starting to suspect the mom knows who I am and doesn't want Kaleb with me. I mean she's probably afraid of the stupid French Quarter coven retaliating against her. Witches can be such... bitches," Davina giggled.

Marcel cut in, "Young lady, watch the cussing!"

"But it's true, Dad, about the witches!" Davina huffed, "Isn't this a free country? Jeez."

Marcel started to say something. Then, Rebekah came down. "Hon, it's time to go!"

"You just saved your daughter from an Elijah style lecture on cursing," Marcel smiled getting up to kiss her goodbye. "Did they tell you why they need you guys up there?"

"I hate to leave, but it sounds serious. Freya mentioned something about that witch, the siphon from a century ago. Remember, the one kidnapping the kids, who attacked you?" Rebekah recalled. "Kai siphoned Kol, at his request, and went into some fog...But it all has to do with that siphon girl, the blond."

"The one my dad killed? Yeah, I remember.I wish you didn't have to go," Marcel said kissing her again. "Be careful."

Rebekah sighed, "I hate to leave you with the kids. Remember, we are going to keep everything quiet."

"Davina, be good for your mother. Please watch the language. I love you," Marcel said grinning.

"Love you, too, Dad. Sorry," Davina said sheepishly. She didn't know why she pushed things with him.

Davina hugged Hayley and promised to text. She winked at the boys and pointed at her ring finger.

After Rebekah and Davina left, Marcel felt a little odd.

"So, are your rooms okay?" Marcel asked lamely.

"Okay? They are amazing," Hayley smiled. "I slept on the couch at Mary's. There was just no more room unless I lived on the room. But I was grateful to be there. You should have seen the place I lived before that."

Tommy added, "Really, everything is real nice here. I hope we ain't too much trouble."

"Not at all. We're happy to have you." Marcel swallowed, "Guys, I know this is weird, but I hope you feel free to talk to me. I'm not as good about this stuff as Rebekah but I am here if you need me."

"Yeah, of course, thanks," Aiden says. "Ah, Josh just texted that he's on his way. Sorry, I did tell him I have homework."

"Let me chat with Joshua. I appreciate you being so responsible. Tommy, I wasn't trying to eavesdrop either, but I heard you say something about some kid bugging you," Marcel started.

Tommy nodded, "Yeah, he don't like me much. I don't know why. I told him to screw off and he tried to get his friends to say stuff to me."

"Hey, if this kid is bothering you. You tell a teacher or the principal. I don't want what happened to Davina to happen to you. If he says something, do not fight him, okay? I mean it. With everything going on, you could get put into a placement and that is the last thing we want," Marcel informed him.

"Yes, sir," Tommy said. "We know better than to get in trouble at school."

"Hey, all I mean is that if you have a problem, come to me or go to the right people, Tom. You aren't alone. But I know all of you are smart kids and know how to do the right thing," Marcel said taking a bread stick.

"You know we are wolves with fairly bad tempers, right?" Hayley prodded. "I mean, Mary always warned the boys they'd get it, if they got in trouble at school, but sometimes people are assholes."

Marcel winced at the language, but ignored it. "What do you mean by 'Mary always warned the boys?' Didn't that include you, Hayley?"

"Nope. Mary done strapped my butt once and Jack told her she had no right. You know, I am kinda on my own here," Hayley admitted.

"Not anymore, hon. You are not on your own. That means if you need help, we're here or anything," Marcel said seriously as he reached out his hand and put it over Hayley's. She felt a sudden jolt of emotion at hearing Marcel say it aloud.

"Um, thanks, I think. But I'm almost grown up. I've been on my own a long time. Mary understood that," Hayley said dryly. The boys got up and took their plates into the kitchen. They sensed that Hayley needed to talk to Marcel alone.

Marcel would not give up, "Hayley, I found you when you were a baby. Your parents hid you and I went to see them, found them...gone, as in dead, and heard your cries. If I have one regret in life...it's..." Marcel stopped and cleared his throat.

"What?" Hayley breathed.

"I should have kept you. I didn't know Rebekah was alive. But I should have tried to raise you alone. I thought you would get good adoptive parents and have a loving home. Sweetheart, let me make it up to you now," Marcel said with tears in his eyes. "If I hadn't tried to make peace with the wolves, maybe they would still be alive."

"It ain't your fault. Wolves can be brutal." Hayley was hardened by years of rejection, "I'm an anger kid. I don't play well with others. I cuss and have a smart mouth. You don't want me."

Marcel stood up taking her hands carefully and pulling her up, "But I do... We do, Hayley." Marcel hugged her. "Rebekah wants you, I want you, D. wants you. Let us be there for you, for once."

Hayley let herself be hugged a moment, but pulled away. "What if I do things you don't like? What if I get into trouble. Jack is the one that kept me even...He's not here. Davina helps, but she's not here. I get upset, I freak out."

"Then, we'll deal with it like a family." Marcel looked Hayley in the eyes, "I can't turn you away. I was a little hellion at times when I was a kid and later. Sometimes I was testing to see how far I could push my family. Would they still want me? Would they still love me? A real family doesn't turn their back on you. Love is unconditional. Do you know what that means?"

Hayley blinked back tears, "I never had that before."

"You do now," Marcel said. "You do now."

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Louisiana Bayou

"Come on, Ollie. It's time to go," Jackson said robotically.

"Yeah," Ollie said, "Bye, Grandma."

Since the others left, Ollie had taken checking Tommy's traps and doing his other little chores. Jackson was trying to be strong for Mary, as usual, but Ollie knew he was sad. Ollie had moved into Aiden and Tommy's room. The privacy was nice, but it was a little lonely.

"Be good, boys. Love ya," Mary hollered.

"Love you, too," Jackson smiled as they left for the bus.

On the bus, a freshman girl who always talked to Tommy asked where they were.

"They went to live in the city, but they will still be at school," Jack answered.

"Oh, was you too poor to care for them?" the girl asked innocently.

"No! We ain't poor," Ollie bellowed.

"Ollie, chill! She didn't mean nothin'," Jack cautioned him.

Ollie slumped down, "It just ain't fair. Vamps live in fancy houses in the city and we are stuck here. Witches can kill with their minds and we only have the jump on all the assholes one night a month, but we are pissed all the time. We need them rings, Jack."

Jack nodded, "Too bad we didn't know any other big shot witches, but Davina, huh?"

Ollie sat up, "What about that new boy? Kaleb? Maybe he can do something!"

"He ain't no Harvest witch from the French Quarter coven! We don't know nothing about him. You want to ask, fine, but leave me outta it," Jackson said firmly.

"It don't hurt to ask!" Ollie scoffed.

"Just let it go, Oliver. Davina and Marcel said they would take care of it," Jackson reminded him.

"Do they seem to give a shit? We're losing our family here. We have to turn again, vamps and witches have it made. It ain't right," Ollie repeated.

Jackson said nothing and just crossed his arms and shut his eyes. He wasn't sleeping well.

High School

Lunch

Ollie caught Kaleb in the lunch line, "Hey, heard Davina had to book it up to Mystic Falls again. That's tough."

Kaleb at first had to think who this guy was, "Ollie? Oh yeah, she had to help her family. It's like always something, huh?"

Ollie went on, "So are you pretty good at spells and shit like that? I mean, you are a witch, too, right?"

"Aye, I am, but my mum and I recently moved here from the UK. We're not in a coven or anything here. I can do little spells, but I am not anchored, so major spells are out of the question," Kaleb explained as he paid for his tray of food.

Ollie snickered to see that he had chosen a salad, "Healthy lunch, man. Anyways, we need these moonlight rings. We got the stones, but we need the blood of a werewolf who doesn't turn. Davina tried the spell with a hybrid but it was linked to him. Can you think of a way out of that?"

"Hmm, let me look into it. My mother has a large collection of grimoires. I can do some research and get back to you," Kaleb promised. Another boy bumped into his tray on purpose, knocking his milk to the floor.

"Watch it, asshole!" Ollie yelled. He eyeballed the other student and the guy picked up Kaleb's milk and put it back on Kaleb's tray.

Kaleb was impressed, "Wow, that guy seemed afraid of you. Thanks. He's been bothering me since I got here."

Ollie assured him, "You help us with these rings and you will have an entire wolf pack guarding you 24/7. Think of it as your own personal security system."

"That would be nice! I'm afraid to use magic since there are so many cameras around here," Kaleb admitted. "My mum said she would cane me if I got in anymore trouble in school."

"Cane you?" Ollie blurted. "That worse than a switch?"

Kaleb flushed, "I wouldn't really know..." Ollie laughed and pounded Kaleb on the back hard.

"Hope you never have to, bud. Come over and sit with us. That punk won't mess with you," Ollie vowed.

"Ah, okay," Kaleb said following Ollie.

Fifth Hour

Hayley wanted to talk to Jack before the day was old. She went to her study hall and then asked for a locker pass. She curtained her locker and loitered outside Jackson's math class until her saw her. He asked to use the bathroom and met her in the hallway.

"You are going to get us both in trouble," Jackson smiled as he looked both way and snuck a kiss.

"Do you care?" Hayley laughed.

"Yeah, if my ass gets busted again," Jackson smirked as he ducked into a deserted cubby with her.

"Oh, it's your ass you're worried about? Hmm," Hayley laughed as she hopped on Jackson and put her legs around his waist.

"I missed you so much. I can't sleep," Jackson said as they made out passionately.

"I love you so much, Jack. It's torture, not to see you," Hayley moaned.

"How are they treating you?" Jack asked. Hayley jumped down and slumped down to the floor along the wall.

"Marcel is acting like he wants to be my dad or something. I told him that I am too old, but he feels responsible for me, because of what happened with my parents. Jack, it's real nice there in the city. Rebekah and Davina couldn't be nicer, but I can't be away from you," Hayley gushed.

"Hayley, you've got to stay there. I mean, you having parents wouldn't be the worse thing in the world. I know my mama and dad are gone, but they were the best. I wouldn't have traded them for any other people in the world. I want you to have that, you know," Jackson said blinking back tears.

Hayley was surprised as Jackson didn't speak of his parents often. She knew the wounds were still too fresh. She had never really missed having something she didn't know, or had she?

"How's Mary?" Hayley asked.

"I don't know. Tired. Her hands ain't good. We're going to get her in to see that doctor in the city. Please, Hayley, still with the Mikaelsons until this plays out. Now, let's get back to class before,-" Jackson started.

"Before y'all get busted?" a shadowy figure boomed from the hallway.

"We were just talking," Hayley defended.

"You can explain it at the office. You know you two lovebirds were on camera. Come on," the man, who Jackson now realized was a vice principal.

Main Office

Hayley and Jackson both emerged from the office with two detentions. One for public displays of affection and the other for a class cut.

"Sorry," Hayley whispered as she and Jackson stood outside of the office. Jackson noticed the secretary was glaring at them.

"It's okay. Football is over, so it's not really that big of a deal for me. We better go, before she gets up," Jackson smiled ruefully nodding his head at the secretary.

"Yeah, well, guess I'll see you at detention," Hayley smiled.

"Unless Mary buries me in the swamp...," Jackson smiled.

"Shut up," Hayley laughed.

They saw the secretary getting up and both of them almost ran back to class.

The Compound

Hayley cleared her throat at the doorway of Marcel's study. He had been late getting home and they had just eaten leftovers.

"Um, Marcel, I kind of got in trouble at school today," Hayley said looking down.

"Oh no," Marcel said. "Honey, what happened?" He figured it wasn't serious, as no one had called.

"I wanted to talk to Jackson and went by his class. We got caught making out in this little alcove in the hallway by the principal. Two detentions," Hayley said.

"When?" Marcel asked.

"Um, Thursday. I can stay for both sessions, but I would need picked up at 5," Hayley admitted.

"I have a meeting. Maybe Josh can pick you up? If not, I'll have someone else do it. I'm glad you told me," Marcel said.

"Can you sign this?" Hayley said giving him an envelope.

"Yeah, sure. I'm going to let you keep your phone since you might need it with the rides. What do you think Mary is going to say to Jackson?" Marcel asked as he signed the form and handed it back to her.

"Before her hands started paining her, she'd probably whup him for this. Honestly, Marcel, she needs a doctor bad, but you know how stubborn she can be. So I reckon, Jack ain't gonna be in too much trouble. Maybe Mary will make him weed the potato patch...although the last time he had to do that, Tommy caught a cottonmouth slithering through," Hayley recalled.

Marcel cringed, "A cottonmouth, wow. How about no tv until you serve your detention? Is that fair?"

Hayley flushed, "Yeah, more than fair. I'm probably getting off easy. I was the one who got Jack out of class and in trouble. But I needed to talk to him."

"Hayley, I meant it when I said you could talk to me," Marcel said putting down his pen. He stood up from his desk chair and came around to lean against his desk to stand nearer to Hayley. She looked up at the handsome African American man. He grinned and she felt like everything was going to be okay.

"I was kind of talking about you. You know, and about you and Rebekah kind of being like my parents. Jack wants that for me. I guess I want that, too," Hayley admitted.

Marcel smiled, "Well, you got it. Well, Rebekah checks, in, I'll tell her about these detentions. I think she will agree with me on this. It's normal for you to miss Jackson. But I want you to learn from this. Next time, you are not getting off so easy, got it?"

Hayley nodded, "There won't be a next time. I swear. I just didn't think we'll get caught. Usually, they just tell you to get back to class."

Marcel squinted, "Usually? Have you done this before?"

"Um, a couple of times. I guess I am good about getting myself out of trouble at time," Hayley admitted.

"Well, I want you to stay in class and focus. Have you thought anymore of your ideas for the foundation? Maybe jot them down and I'll bring them up the next time I talk to my dad about it," Marcel said.

"Yeah, I do have a few more. Well, I have some stuff to do. Thanks for the computer. It makes everything a lot easier, once you get the hang of it," Hayley confided.

"Good. Remember, no tv. At least until Thursday night," Marcel reminded her.

"Okay, I think I can handle that. Thanks for not freaking out. I didn't think you would, but you never know," Hayley said.

"Thanks for being honest. I know that wasn't easy," Marcel said putting an arm around her. "I'll walk you up and say goodnight to the boys."

"Okay," Hayley said happily. She wondered how Jackson was doing.

Bayou

Eve had brought Mary some herbs and a bottle of pills for her inflammation. They worked pretty well and she felt almost normal today.

Jackson came home sullen and thinking about Hayley.

"What's wrong, Jack?" Mary asked. She had felt good enough to back some pies and finally got some laundry done.

"Ah, it's Hayley. She pulled me out of class and we got busted. Two detentions. Can you pick me up Thursday at school?" Jackson asked casually. Ollie threw down his backpack and decided to go check Tommy's traps. Jackson had a rare glint in his eye, like he was spoiling for a fight. Ollie hadn't pressed him on what happened on the bus. Jackson was better avoided when he was in this mood.

"You what? Boy, talk plainly. I thought I heard you say you got two detentions!" Mary roared.

"Jesus, Grandma, I did. It's not that big of a deal. Fuck! Can you pick me up or not?" Jackson snapped.

Mary almost thought she misheard him a minute, "Sure, I'll pick ya up, boy. After you go pick yourself a switch." Mary fished the penknife she carried out of her house dress and tossed it to her only grandson.

"You're kidding," Jackson laughed.

Mary lunged at ear and grabbed him by the ear lobe. "One more smart word out of you and you're getting the strap after. Now move!"

"Awww, ouch!" Jackson groaned. "Okay, fine. I'm sorry." Jackson scowled, but scooted outside as soon as Mary released him. Jackson stumbled back out into the bright sunlight and cut a branch of a shrub near the porch. Without thinking, Jackson striped it and made sure it was smooth.

This wasn't fair. He and Hayley had just kissed like once or twice! Was that a crime? Jackson was tearing up out of frustration. None of this was fair. They should be together, but he wasn't her to be happy.

"Jackson! Hurry up, it's time for me to beat the starch out of your pants, boy," Mary hollered.

"Gram, where do you get these things?" Jackson sniffed. "I guess you're feeling better!"

"Yes, sir," Mary said taking the switch, "Eve brung me pills for my hands. I made two pies for your boys for after supper! Didn't think I'd have to whup you, but you asked for it when you cursed at me."

Jackson barely spit out a 'sorry' before Mary seized his upper arm and began to whale on his backside with the slender stick. Jackson felt the sting and threw back his hands to protect his backside. Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!

"Grandma, you're hittin' my hands!" Jackson sobbed. Crack! Crack!

"Then, move them!" Mary said bringing the stick down on Jackson's sit spots and lower as she swatted him in a circle. Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!

"Ouch! I'm sorry," Jackson cried. "Please, don't." Swish! Swish! Mary flicked the stick down to Jackson's knees as he tried to dance out of the way. Each time she brought down the switch, Jackson felt a line of fire descend. It was a sharp pain even through his jeans.

Mary gave him four last lashes across his behind before snapping the switch in half.

"Stop!" Jackson begged in tears.

Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!

"Okay, that's all. Now, you go to your room. I don't want to see you again until I call you for supper," Mary ordered as she gave Jackson a tight embrace.

"I'm sorry, Grandma," Jackson wept. His left hand rubbed his behind where he could reach. He was healing fast, but the light welts still stung and were starting to itch.

"I know. You go rest in your bed a little while. I know you ain't sleeping good. Go on," Mary said exhausted. "We'll talk about this more tonight." Mary pulled down Jackson's head to kiss him.

Jackson wiped his eyes and obeyed. He went in his room and cried himself to sleep. Ollie came in and patted his back a little before Jack slept. Ollie didn't know what to say, but he hated that his friend was hurting. It wasn't just the switching, but letting go of Hayley. It might not be the best thing for them, but she deserved a chance for a better life. No matter how painful that might be.