A/n: Hello, my lovelies. Here with an update that's been long overdue. This chapter has been long overdue, but I will be honest. My schedule is a little trickier this time around with school. My goal is to definitely update more on a daily basis. I hope all of you will still be patient with me as I do this. I definitely want to finish this story before the end of the year. :)
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Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 31: Fear and Loathing
Chicago
Past - June 4, 1922
Caroline remembered how much time and effort she put into making the 1920's Dance a smash. Of course at the time, she was trying to out-compete Rebekah's effort in the process and knock her stupid expectations out of the park. She was proud of herself for doing a great job; especially since her idea about a 60's dance being thrown out of the window. Hell, she was proud of coordinating all of the dances. She was voted as head of committee too many times to be questioned.
However, when she stepped inside of the building, all of her work paled in comparison.
She felt like she just stepped into an old movie.
It was unbelievable.
Caroline took in everything around her, and she wasn't going to stop. The jazz music from the band floated in the air, girls danced until they literally dropped, smell of cigars filled her nose, and the alcohol kept flowing like an endless river.
All of this was electric. And the sparks were not going to stop sparking.
The female hybrid let go of the railing and decided to head toward the fountain of champagne that was calling her name. However, her path to the alcohol was blocked by a familiar werewolf with the usually loud voice that followed.
"Caroline!" the blonde heard. "Long time no see!"
It took all Caroline had not to jump out of her skin. After the yelling match back with her "housemates" (if that's the appropriate word for it), she had been a little more sensitive to noises than the usual, especially very close within earshot. She mustered up a smile as she finally saw the werewolf for the first time in a while.
"Jean!" Caroline said. "Oh, my God. It's been a while."
"Eleven damn years is pretty much right." Jean replied as she threw her arms around Caroline's shoulders. "Come over here, ya crazy girl!"
Jean's fierce hug caught her off guard, but eventually Caroline settled into it, welcoming the warmth. She eagerly hugged her back, happy to see someone familiar other than vampires. It was a nice reprieve. The warmth Jean radiated healed the bit of nostalgic hurt that dwelled in Caroline's heart. After all this time, she still missed them. Bonnie and Elena. A concerned part of her hoped that they were doing okay, but the pain from the neglect from before still lingered. She wondered if those cars will ever fade.
Jean finally released her from her grip and threw her a wolfish grin. "It really is good to see you, but aren't you a little young to be drinking alcohol?"
"Seriously? You're gonna start that now with me?" While her face showed annoyance, her hidden small smile revealed everything.
"Trust me, Caroline. The last thing I'd do is hold you back from something you'd truly deserve after the ordeal you went through."
Jean would never hold someone back from their alcohol. She knew from experience how nasty the consequences could be when someone stupid enough did that. Of course, Jean's short temper made an appearance too many occasions with that. It left a few people with black eyes, and it cost her a bit too.
"Do you know about it?" Caroline asked warily, wondering about the prying ears that could be lurking around for a word.
"Adelaide gave us a short version. She didn't tell us everything." The werewolf reassured her laying a hand on the blonde's shoulder. "Come on, there's two champagne glasses with our names written on it!"
Caroline said nothing, but returned a grin as she eagerly followed Jean to the champagne fountain. The craving for it hit her harder than expected, and the sweet airy smell of the champagne coming from the fountain only amplified it. She could see ahead the flock of people gathering around the champagne, her patience already thinning as she got closer. She didn't have time to wait. She needed the alcohol now.
The hybrid licked her lips as the mouthwatering champagne was in her view. She was thirstier for more of the alcohol than the red-blooded humans drinking it. God, she was so messed up tonight.
Both Caroline and Jean stopped before the busy flock of humans blocking the champagne fountain. Jean wasn't surprised to see Caroline standing rigid. "You want me to handle this or shall you do the honors?"
Jean was itching to shake things up, but she decided to stay on the sidelines this time. And after all, why should she have all the fun when there's someone like her to have fun with? (Well, technically almost like her with Caroline only being part werewolf.)
Caroline tried to hold back a smirk, but the effort was futile. "Let me do it."
Her blue-green eyes narrowed as she watched the patrons of the bar drink themselves to death. Most of the men were already sitting down and drinking amongst their company while the women from the dance floor were taking a break to drink more of the booze. Not such a smart move, but Caroline didn't say a word. She had done it too many times herself back when she was a freshman and sophomore in high school.
She finally came across the group of the drunken girls drinking more of the champagne, blocking any way for Caroline to grab a glass. Tsk tsk, this will not do.
Tapping one of the girl's on the shoulder, Caroline didn't waste time. The pupils of her eyes dilated, and she went to work. "Do me a favor and get your posse out of here before all of the good champagne's taken. I'm really parched, and you don't want to get in my way."
That should have done the trick.
She watched in satisfaction when the girls stumbled away from the champagne fountain and left it all to herself. It was all her to use. Pleased with herself, she paraded to the fountain and grabbed a glass. Bringing it to her lips, the taste of the champagne danced along her taste buds. Now, this was the real deal.
"You want one?" Caroline grabbed another champagne glass and held it for Jean to take.
Jean smiled. "Don't mind if I do."
Caroline already had finished half of the champagne when Jean took a sip from her drink. She watched with interest as the werewolf enjoyed herself. The werewolf drank the champagne in one gulp and headed straight for another one, breaking into a smile as glanced at Caroline. She seemed lighter than the haunted young woman Caroline met before. 'Maybe this is who she really is,' the hybrid thought.
Both of the girls drank comfortably in silence, listening to the jazz band play, watching everything go on around them.
"I don't normally talk about this kind of stuff, but you do look amazing." Jean commented, eyeing Caroline's dress.
Denial wouldn't help her now. It would be stupid to ignore the fact that Klaus must have spent a chunk of change for the dress she was wearing now. It was gorgeous, and it made Caroline feel like she was worth a million dollars. "You do too, you know," Caroline replied.
"Trust me, hon. The only reason I'm dressed up like this is because if I didn't, the mother hen and her other chick would be clucking about my preference to other attire." Jean wasn't a fan of all the dresses and glamour. Getting all dolled up was usually something Charlene loved to do. The she-wolf remembered giving Adelaide hell when it came to wearing dresses. She always wanted to wear pants and be free from the confining skirts.
"You don't seem to be too bothered about it, though." Caroline finished her first glass and went for another. Then she grinned at Jean as if she was back at high school and found out a huge juicy secret. "In fact, I think you like being a girl, even getting some attention from the boys around here."
The hybrid watched with amusement as the werewolf tried to hide the truth in her face.
"Okay, fine." Jean sighed in defeat. "What woman do you know that doesn't like being beautiful? Honestly, I am pretty vain, and I love the attention. I'm not ashamed of it. I've been done being ashamed of who I am and what I am for a while now."
"There's nothing about you that needs to be fixed." Words slipped out from Caroline's mouth before she could think of it. However, she didn't regret it. In fact, she was proud of it.
Light brown eyes met blue-green. Both of them have changed from when they first met. Gone was the vampire that was limited and unsure about what lied beyond her hometown and herself. That girl died the moment she protected Klaus from certain death. A determined Caroline was surer of herself, and Jean was happier than when she was in New Orleans. It seemed like time had done them a favor for once, and it was for their advantage. It could be false, but both of them didn't say anything. Who would want to jinx that?
"There is nothing wrong with any of you," another female voice joined into the conversation. "Besides the usual issues that you work on, anyway. No need to worry if you ask me."
Both of them turned around to see another familiar blonde joining into their sight. Caroline didn't think she'd be relieved to see her, but she was glad to be around at least one blonde she could get along with civilly. (Not that she couldn't handle Rebekah, but she was happy for the break.)
"About time you got here, Char." Jean commented happily. "I was wondering when you were finally gonna get a break."
"Someone has to work for to put food on the table." Charlene retorted while getting a glass of champagne. She didn't hesitate to bring the glass to her lips, savoring the bubbly liquid. She definitely deserved it tonight. "And to help pay for the drinks you love too much."
"I'm not that bad!"
Charlene arched an eyebrow. "Really?"
A small growl of frustration escaped her throat. "Okay, I need to improve…somewhat. There? You happy?"
"I'm not happy, but it'll do for now." Charlene wasn't going to let Jean get away that easily. Someone has to rein the leash back a bit before it got too slack.
"Are you two always like this?" Caroline asked.
"More recently in the last five years. I can't let her have too much fun."
"And I gotta make sure you get to have some fun before you turn into an old crone because let's face it. All of us know that you don't age well." The she-wolf said as she gently patted Charlene's cheek before breaking out into sprint back to the dance floor.
"Damn you, Jean!" The witch yelled. "I'm going to make you pay for that!"
Caroline gave out an amused chuckle as she watched the rare sight of Charlene losing her top. It felt out of place for her, but then again Jean always had a way of getting under anyone's skin. It didn't take much to guess that Jean must have known the right buttons to push in order for the witch's temper to come out.
"Should I be scared to ask what you're planning?" The hybrid asked in curiosity.
The witch smirked. "No, the best plans happen better when it's in secret. Besides, you got nothing to worry about. You already have enough on your plate rooming with the Mikaelsons. Last thing I need to do is add to that mess."
Finally alone with the Charlene, both of them watched from above as the patrons of the Gloria's Bar danced down below. Caroline spotted the werewolf joining in with the crowd, dancing shamelessly to the point of actually getting up on the bar for everyone to see. She laughed a bit as Charlene tried to hold back the smile tugging on the corners of her mouth.
"You can't get mad at her for long, huh?"
The witch sighed. "It's difficult when it comes to family, especially when you're close."
"At least you have Adelaide to help you out." Caroline reassured her. "Where is she right now, anyway?"
"Trust me, I'm surprised how Adelaide can handle both of us. She already drive her crazy enough. A temperamental werewolf and a crazy witch to boot." Charlene probably would have already thrown in the towel. She knew she wasn't made from the same material as her teacher was. That woman endured and experienced more than Charlene could possibly imagine, and she would never compare to her. As acknowledged as she was of her own strength, she knew it wasn't the same on Adelaide's level. "She's most likely talking with Gloria right now. They've been old friends for a long time."
"So, you're staying with Gloria?"
"Yes, and we have been for almost twelve years. Klaus doesn't let what he values stray away so far." The witch explained.
Caroline wished she didn't have to know the truth behind that statement all too well, but she hadn't forgotten. She was present when Klaus and Adelaide came to terms. The contract between Klaus and Adelaide still existed between them. Adelaide prevented Kol from being sent into his own coffin with a dagger to his heart as company. That price came with the older witch being in his service along with her apprentices at the time (along with other things that were bargained with.) Even when Adelaide lost one, Charlene remained. That contract would bind her to him as long she was alive.
Death wasn't coming around anyone's doors too soon.
"So besides working for Klaus, what do you do?" Caroline couldn't help, but wonder.
"Adelaide was always about earning our keep so she works with Gloria in keeping the bar running. While she handles that, I work as a backup singer while Gloria also leads, and Jean maintains the bar."
It was Caroline's turn to raise an eyebrow. "Jean handling the bar? Are you sure you thought that through?"
Before Charlene could answer, a loud smash reach their ears.
"What the hell?" she muttered.
"When I say keep your hands off me, I mean KEEP YOUR DAMN MAN-HANDS OFF OF ME!" Jean yelled as she jammed a whiskey bottle against the man's head, the bottle breaking into pieces. "And that was for trying to steal my stash of whiskey, you jackass!"
"Dammit, Jean." Charlene cursed under her breath, trying to breathe calmly before the werewolf drove her to oblivion. She turned to Caroline and asked, "Do you mind if…"
Caroline answered before the question was finished with an amused smile. "No, not at all."
Charlene mouthed a silent 'thank you' to her before running off to deal with the situation. Left to her own thoughts, the hybrid let out a deep breath, enjoying the moment of solitude and listening to the music still floating around. She couldn't help, but think how much she was missing by staying home. She felt like she'd seen so much already, and she couldn't still wrap her brain around the fact that was on the beginning. There was so much more she hadn't seen through her own eyes.
"Let me show you what the world has to offer…"
Those words still fluttered in her head from time to time, much to her displeasure. Maybe not so much to her displeasure anymore, but she still disliked the effect it held over her. To admit to any weakness, really. Caroline knew. Oh, yes. She knew what she wanted. What any girl could have wanted from that offer made to her. And that's what made her mad at herself. She thought she was above that trivial kind of mentality. She wasn't going to fall head over heels over some beautiful words.
Yet she couldn't deny that weakness.
Ugh. Why did she always have to be attracted to the most complicated people on the planet?
Hearing the music pick up again, Caroline shook her head, and headed out to the dancefloor. No matter what time period she might be in, dancing was always a good stress reliever. She had no problem with it.
Caroline merged herself within the crowd, trying to find enough space to actually dance on her own between them. Finding herself a good beat, she just let her body take over, and went from there. She didn't understand what was going on with her feet, but who in the hell cares? She wanted to have a good time. It's not the same at being at a club back in her time, but it was as close as it was going to get.
She twirled and spun, the tassels of her dress following in suit as she went. The female hybrid shook her ships to the beat with no regrets. Immersed in her fun, she was oblivious to the sets of eyes watching her as she danced. Not that she cared since she could take care of herself.
As the lively music began to end, the melody of slower song crept into the atmosphere, bringing Caroline back to reality. She watched as men and women on the dancefloor paired themselves for a slow one, leaving her as one of the few that were alone. Deciding to give herself a break, she made her way through the crowd, eager to see if maybe she could get a sip of blood before the night dragged on.
"May I have this dance?" one of the older patrons asked her as she walked.
"No thanks," she answered politely, hoping her white smile will charm him enough.
"I'm sure a woman as beautiful as you shouldn't be dancing here alone." The older man tried again despite her rebuff.
Caroline studied him for a moment, trying to detect anything unwanted underneath. As much as she tried to see, she couldn't find any foul hidden agenda in his question. Just an old man wanting a dance with her.
"Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the compliments. However, I'm just really tired and I really think I should be getting home. I'm usually not used to all of this yet." A lie wasn't going to hurt her in this situation. Hopefully, she played the part.
Seeming to fall for the act, the older man smiled ruefully and kissed her hand. "Apologies, milady. I hope you can forgive an old man just wanting a dance."
She smiled in return. "There's nothing to forgive."
"Mister Hill!" a deep male voiced called out. "It's good to see you again, old timer!"
The owner of the voice came striding onto the dance floor, his face ringing alarms in Caroline's head as she saw him. Her mouth dropped open, and no words came out. There's no way she could say anything. She was too frozen and too blank. Caroline knew it shouldn't be too obvious of seeing other people besides Klaus in other time periods, but it still didn't hold back the shock running through her veins. It didn't stop the initial reaction.
How could his face be here?
"How many times do I have to tell you, Salvatore?" the old man barked jokingly. "You don't have to call me that. Just call me Gordon."
Stefan shook hands with the man in a firm grip. "I would like to extend the same courtesy to you. Please, call me Stefan." The vampire still kept a good grip of the older man's hand and leaned in closer, the pupils of his green eyes dilating. "I see a lovely female patron over there who would love a dance. Why don't you ask her for a dance and forget your troubles?"
"Thank you very much for the suggestion, my boy. Mrs. Adams! Do an old man a favor and let's have this dance!"
Caroline chuckled a little watching the old man before she was spun into a strong pair of arms. When she was finished, she finally came to eye to eye with a face from her past – actually her future in technical terms now. She remembered those green eyes anywhere, although they looked different now. They lacked the warmth that accompanied them when she was around her best friend. This wasn't the same person.
"I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I stole you a moment for a dance." Stefan remarked as he took the lead.
"Usually, I would mind but it looks like I have no choice." Caroline replied, trying to still get over the shock of seeing him here.
He chuckled. "Don't worry, I won't completely waste your time."
"Let's just hope," she quipped.
Stefan brought her hand into his and his other hand found a place on the small of her waist. Caroline eased her breathing and pushed away the nervousness as best as she could. She still put on a brave face because she definitely wasn't going to let him get the best of her, but it didn't lessen the anxiousness that came with the tales of the Ripper of Monterey. She'd heard the stories from Elena when she and Stefan were still together. She didn't want to be one of the victims, even as strong as she was as a hybrid. Stefan could beat her either way.
"You know you must have Klaus wrapped around your little finger for him to have that much of an effect on him." The ripper smirked at her knowingly.
Caroline fell silent for a moment, but remained stubborn. She didn't need him to know everything that happens between Klaus and her. "It's complicated enough."
"Either way, Caroline, anyone with eyes can see something's there."
Okay, now this was getting too strange and close for comfort. "Should I even ask how you know my name?" she asked with a frown.
"I didn't get it out of Klaus if that's what you're thinking. Bex is naturally vocal whether it is socially…or amongst pillow talk." Stefan whispered close to Caroline's ear, and then spun her around to the music. She twirled back towards him with the tassels of her dress swishing to the beat. She came back to him with grace and they resumed dancing again.
Caroline's eyes widened briefly. Rebekah and Stefan were already involved? How far did she really travel through this damn time rollercoaster? God, this was too confusing.
"Careful before she'll really be displeased with you." She didn't know where the words are coming from. She sounded surer of herself than internally, that is for certain. At least she could put on a brave front with him. It's kind of odd for her to be scared of Stefan than of Klaus. Then again, she'd found more things about herself that were more insane. "You don't have to hear from me about how vindictive she can be."
"I'm not concerned. I can fend for myself just fine, sweetheart. Sometimes, experience isn't the key to everything. You can just get lucky, and that would be enough for you."
"It's nice to have both. The experience and luck. You have a higher chance in succeeding."
"I guess I will find out once I finish dancing with you." Stefan started. "Don't be obvious, but we two vampire siblings dancing at eleven o'clock."
The female hybrid glanced at the corner of her vision as they danced, noticing two familiar heads of brown and golden hair amongst the crowd, whispering something indistinct that she couldn't make out. However, she knew who they were. "Kol and Rebekah. Should I afraid of my life too? Rebekah may think I'm your consort in your crime."
He shook his head. "No, you don't need to fret too much on it. Bex maybe a lot of bark, but she knows where and when to direct her bite. There are too many factors that prevent her from losing control."
Not to mention that Caroline had a nasty bite of her own.
Stefan sent her a knowing look. "But I think she knows enough not ruffle your feathers too much, huh?"
"I don't have feathers. I much prefer using my claws…or teeth if need be." She answered with a bit of smile, her yellow and black hybrid eyes flashing briefly.
"I would suggest to keep that warning close to your heart, Stefan." Klaus' voice rang in the dancing couple's ears. "Caroline is capable of surprising anyone, including…well that is unimportant."
Damn his timing.
Both Caroline and Stefan stopped in the middle of the dance floor, finally letting Caroline go from Stefan's hold and just leaving her to look at Klaus for the first time in forever. She was stunned to see him dressed so…perfectly. She couldn't deny it. He looked damn good tonight.
All the memories from the 20's dance came rushing back to her in a colored blur. The music, him dancing with her, the feelings inside of her she tried to squish like a bug that needed to die. The residual disgust with herself was there, but a piece of eroded away more and more each time she saw Klaus. Looking back to the world around her, to Stefan, and then back to Klaus again, she could barely hold back the wonder of it all.
"Hello, Klaus. How may I be of service?" He addressed the Original.
Caroline only watched the exchange between them with confusing curiosity. She couldn't tell whether that was a joke or a real question.
She didn't miss the twitch of a smirk tugging on Klaus' lips. "Mind if I cut in and take this lady for a dance?"
Of course, the night wouldn't be complete without Caroline dancing with the devil.
"Yes, you may." Caroline's voice cut in before she could think logically. What in the hell was she thinking?
Caught in surprise, all Klaus could do was let his smirk grow into a dimpled grin. Caroline stared at his face, and her undead heart fluttered. Damn him.
The younger Salvatore knew when he was wanted elsewhere. He watched Klaus and Caroline for a moment before he dismissed himself from them. "I am just going to take my cue and leave you two alone. I have a certain blonde not so pleased with me to attend to."
'No.' Caroline weakly protested silently. 'Don't leave me with him.'
But that protest didn't reach her throat. She didn't let it. She didn't want it to be heard.
Klaus was either unaware of Caroline's internal struggle or he was deliberately ignoring it. Caroline didn't see any indication he knew. He was still busy with Stefan.
"Watch out then!" Klaus jested before turning back to Caroline again. The handsome Original stood there and offered up his hand, silently waiting on Caroline's call. "After you, my lady."
Trying to hold back the smile itching to come on, she grasped his hand with her own and let him take the lead. She almost reared back in shock when he put his arm around her waist, bringing him closer to him more than Stefan had. Electricity ran through her body, and she had a hard time trying to focus at the thing at hand. Klaus' other hand connected to her as he swayed them to the slow song playing the air.
She held onto him with her free hand on his shoulder, the closeness between them leaving her no choice but to look into Klaus' eyes. She felt like those eyes always pierced right through her, leaving her breathless if she didn't fight it enough.
"You look ravishing tonight," he complimented her. "The dress definitely suited you."
"I could say the same thing about you about a few things." Caroline responded in kind, trying to focus on anything but that dimpled grin that he kept sending her.
Klaus continued to sway them to the tune, one of them lost in their own thoughts while the other was lost into their partner. Maybe that can be said for both of them. With Klaus in close proximity to her, Caroline's mind was buzzing with everything. His effect over her was ongoing no matter where she went. He was always inside of her. Just like a pulse.
Caroline could feel the tugging to be closer to him despite a part of her hating it. She hadn't forgotten the blood bond that still tethered her to him. When she came inside earlier, she had some inkling of where he could be in the area. However, she paid no attention to it because she knew it wouldn't be long before he had found her, not the other way around.
And strangely, she didn't feel so out of place in his arms. It wasn't so bad.
"Did Rebekah drive you mad today?"
Caroline wasn't stupid enough to answer that question, not with said Original lurking around somewhere and the super-hearing advantage. "I'm still in one piece. I'm here, aren't I?" she quipped to him.
Laughter rumbled through Klaus' chest. "I knew you would fair."
She scoffed. "You overestimate me too much."
"I see what's true for itself, love." He argued, spinning Caroline around. "Strong, beautiful, and full of light. Not to mention, I do enjoy you."
Those words came back to her with a vengeance. Everything, everywhere she went, there was always a reminder of him. Dammit, why?
Not to mention, the man's good mood really confused Caroline. She was used to his ever-changing mood swings that often left a whiplash in its wake. For the first time in forever, he seemed genuinely happy. (Okay, maybe that was going too far.) She couldn't say happy, but he did appear a lot healthier than a few weeks ago. Not as stressed and miserable. He still had that confidence and swagger about him that made him think that he could take on the world.
And what solidified that confidence is what thrilled and frightened Caroline at the same time.
He could take the world. He was that powerful enough.
"You still enjoy me after all the craziness I put you through?" she asked as they continued to sway to the music, almost relaxing her body as she held on.
Those stormy eyes rumbled and pierced directly into her hazel ones. They were surer than anything before. "Caroline," he began, "don't let yourself fall for that trap of thinking of you needing anyone's approval. You don't need anyone to paint a picture for you to see the real thing."
Her scrunched up into a scowl. "I didn't ask for anyone's approval. I just asked a simple question."
"And I'm giving you an answer, love."
"How about an answer that's not too cryptic and vague?"
He sighed. "Fine, but only for you, Caroline."
Klaus brought Caroline closer within his hold, his arms imprisoning her away from everything else. She had no choice but to turn her head away from him to give herself room to breathe without his hot breath overwhelming her. His mouth was close to her ear, dropping to a whisper only heard between them. "You're worth it. After everything, you will always be."
Before she knew it, Klaus' hands left from her waist and she found them hold her face. He forced her to look up at him, rendering her motionless with the effect of his words reverberating in her head. His face was inches from hers, and she knew. She knew he wasn't afraid to claim what he thought was hers. Caroline knew too well what ends he'd go through to ensure...God, this was crazy. As he was about to lean in, she brought a finger to his lips and whispered with a smile for him for the first time that night. A brave one, but a smile nonetheless.
"Let's take this somewhere private..."
Later that night...
It had been one hell of a night. The bar had been pretty busy like usual so Charlene was glad of the time. Right now, it was last call, and she definitely wasn't complaining of getting out of there soon. She could practically hear her bed calling out her name, and she was awfully tempted to use her magic to get the people out of the bar faster. Unfortunately tonight, she couldn't leave Jean finished her shift tonight. That girl was made to last beyond last call, much to Charlene and a few others' chagrin.
"Honestly, Jean. There's something called subtlety." Charlene said in an small irritated tone, watching the werewolf sort and organize through the alcohol after cleaning up the mess from the bustle of today.
"There's also something about 'self respect', which I recall that I had every right in protecting when that son of a bitch tried to-"
"I know, I know! I heard you earlier when you screamed practically from the rooftops about him." She almost snapped at her, the lack of sleep from the night before showing itself through her somewhat foul attitude.
Jean finished stocking the last bottle of bourbon before giving the witch a questionable look. "Okay, now you're just being crazy."
"No, don't turn this against me. Trust me, hon, you're the very definition of crazy."
"What gave you the first clue, Char?"
"I don't know. I can't remember that well." Charlene answered, trying to not think of ways she could probably make Jean look like a puppy for a week. Yeah, that would be pretty good. Turning the fierce werewolf into a cute and adorable puppy would definitely knock down her pride. The witch smirked just thinking about it.
"Well, I know exactly what will cheer ya up." Jean stated happily, diving under the bar to find her little secret she had been saving for a certain someone's birthday. It took her ages to find, but it's nice to know that you have good connections once you've traveled around. Leaving Louisiana for the first time had been one experience she couldn't easily forget.
The witch watched with curiosity, wondering what in the hell could be so interesting. "Jean, what are you up to?"
"This is what I've been up to for the past two and a half months." The werewolf held up what appeared to be a glass bottle of alcohol wrapped in blue and white wrapping paper, topped off with a nice blue ribbon around the handle. She passed the bottle over to Charlene with a happy grin on her face. "There ya go."
"What is this?" Charlene shouldn't be surprised about Jean giving her alcohol as a gift, but she couldn't figure out Jean's reason for this giving this to her. "Some special occasion?"
Jean rolled her eyes. "You should know, Char. You're the one who has a birthday coming up a month from now."
"This is my birthday gift?"
"Of course, silly. Go ahead and open it already."
Not wasting time and hopefully this will satisfy Jean's impatience, Charlene tore the wrapping paper away and stared at the content that was inside. "Wow," she said in shock. "You got this for me?"
"Don't be so shocked, Char. I got your favorite brand of poison. The only con about it that it's probably the most illegal thing made right now with Prohibition still in swing." She explained. "But hey, it was fun and worth it. I knew man back home who made this kind of stuff, and it's one of the best batch I've tasted. But I gotta admit, even moonshine is too strong for my taste. I prefer whiskey."
Charlene's irritated mood lifted into a more happier state, touched by Jean's personal gift. "You didn't have to go through all of that for me."
Jean shook her head. "No, I don't mind at all. You're my family, and I'm loyal to those to who I love. You and Adelaide are my family. i'd bend my back over backwards for you if it meant for you to be happy."
"You wouldn't have to do that either way, though." Charlene reminded her gently, coming up to the wolf, hugging her as tight as she could. "Thank you so much, Jean. This means a lot."
"You're welcome, darlin'." Jean eagerly returned the embrace. "But just be careful. Drinking all that stuff isn't good for you."
"You're one to talk." The witch joked, releasing the werewolf and still looking at the bottle of clear moonshine. Damn, she hadn't drank this in ages. This definitely will not be wasted.
After Jean finished cleaning her side of the bar, her eyes caught the sight of a lone man among one of the bar stools on the other side where the other bar remained. Gloria's bar served alcohol on two sides of the building. Jean covered more of the busier side, which was situated close to the dance floor. The other side was more secluded, giving people more room and privacy if they just want to drink and socialize and leave the dancing out of it.
Judging from what she saw from behind, he was surely drinking the hell out of that bourbon, which she could smell from here too. The tall and lean frame of the man accompanied with the dark hair just set her a little on edge. She could also hear the slower heartbeat that usually didn't come with humans. He was a vampire.
"Hey, do you want me to get him out?" Jean whispered. "Last call is almost over."
Charlene knew who she was talking about. After the main bustle of customers left, there would always be a few that lingered in the bar before it closed for the night. both of them had seen him a few times this week, but he left on time before closing. It was less than five minutes til closing, and he was still sitting there drinking away. The witch was more curious than concerned.
"You can go ahead and leave. I can handle this." Charlene replied, her head tilting to the side from studying him from the back.
Jean was skeptical. "You sure?"
"Yes, I am sure. Go." The witch reassured her.
Giving the man one last glance and then to Charlene, she finally relented. "Alright, but if he starts shit-"
"I know what to do, Jean. I can handle myself."
Not saying another word, the werewolf kept her sharp eyes on both of them until she was finally out of the building. Seeing her chance, Charlene sauntered over to the other side of the bar where the lone man sat. She saw how the man gripped the glass tight in his hands, his knuckles white as a sheet. She couldn't help, but wonder what in the hell was bothering him.
"Drowning your sorrows doesn't do much good," she said in a calm tone.
"Babe, do me a favor and mind your own business. I do as I please." He told her in an almost bored tone. Hell, he didn't even turn his head to talk to her. Hmm, she would have to fix that. Using a bit of her magic, she managed to levitate the bottle out his hands and break it into pieces. That's when he finally turned his head to see her face, and she finally caught a good look at him.
He was handsome, she had to admit. The dark hair complimented him against his pale complexion. He had the physical physique molded into something any woman would stop to take a look. What really caught her attention was his eyes. Those ice blue eyes that were as bright as her own, but they possessed a coldness that Charlene lacked.
She saw his look of disbelief change into aggravation. "Like I said, drinking isn't good for you. And as often my friend even says so herself, she can be quite a contradiction," she explained.
"What are you supposed to be? My therapist? Sorry honey, but you don't fit the role." He commented cruelly, probably trying to swat her away from him. Yeah, like that was going to work on her.
"Just think of me as an unbiased stranger you can talk to without someone judging you, or more or less as an unbiased witch. Is that all right?" Charlene asked in a patient and tentative manner, careful not to anger him. She didn't want to anger; she genuinely was curious about him. Sure, she should have listened to logic about how curiosity killed the cat. But if it weren't for her curiosity, she wouldn't be in Chicago or even be a witch. She'd probably still be in New Orleans married with a husband and children. She gave up that opportunity for something bigger. She wanted more.
She walked closer to him, her heels clicking behind her, taking a seat next to the vampire unafraid of him.
"Just to warn you, if you're trying to pull some miracle as to make me feel again, it's not going to work." The vampire warned her, already confirming one of her suspicions. 'So, he did turn off his humanity. Interesting,' she thought quizzically.
"I know already from the beginning, but I'm letting you know that I'm not moving away until you start talking, even if that takes me all night." Charlene knew it was going to be a long one, but she couldn't fight the damned curiosity bugging her. Might as well see where this goes, it's not like it's going to kill her.
Hopefully.
I've lived a lot of different lives
Been different people many times
I live my life in bitterness
And fill my heart with emptiness
And now I see, I see it for the first time,
There is no crime in being kind
Not everyone is out to screw you over
Maybe, oh just maybe they just wanna get to know ya.
Now the time is here,
Baby you don't have to live your life in fear
And the sky is clear, is clear of fear
- "Fear and Loathing," by Marina and the Diamonds