Ask The Real Questions

“I’m going to worry, we both know I will,” Tajim said. He might be oblivious and obesses and driven towards his work. Single minded to the point of neglect, apparently. But he wasn’t a liar. Not to Vic. “There’s no point in lying and telling you I won’t. You were hurt. You were attacked. Not me, there’s no reason to worry about me.”

His hands kept moving over them. Like he couldn’t stop. No. It was the truth, he couldn’t. His fingers brushed over their cheek and down their neck. The other hand moving over his back, pulling him impossibly closer. That knot in his stomach wouldn’t leave. Wouldn’t dissipate. Everything they’d said and everything he’d learned would take more than a day to take in and understand.    

He just knew he’d nearly lost them. And he couldn’t let that happen.

Dark eyes lifted to meet theirs at the soft sound of his name from their lips. He listened to their request, nodding, just the barest movement of his head. The truth was… he was tired too. Exhausted. He felt beat up, mind and soul and body.

“Yes, of course.” He let space grow between them only to start them up the stairs. “And who said it can’t solve anything? Not everything, perhaps. But some things.” He tugged them gently. “Come on.”

“Well, not now.” they said with a soft smile, “Not while I’m here with you.” These moments didn’t need to be soured any further. They closed their eyes and lent into the touch, happy to feel him against them again, it had been too long since they’d indulged in the simply safety and security this little ritual provided. It couldn’t last forever of course, but maybe they could pretend a little.

They seemed to be pretending an awful lot these days.

“I know, you’ve never been a liar.” They could always trust Tajim to be honest with them, ever since he’d told them about his gift he’d kept no secrets. It seemed that dishonour was Vic’s alone now. But there was little point to dwell on that, they’d decided today was about escapism. “There’s always reason to worry about you. That you eat enough, that you sleep well. That you’re happy.” they whispered the last.

That was something they’d taken away after all. With any luck, and hard work, maybe they could try and bring some of that happiness back to him. See him smile, try and let him know just how much they loved him exactly as he was.

“Is that ‘for now’ meant to be some kind of threat towards a revolution or is it common for the power to switch between whichever species is strongest at the time?”

They wondered since it seemed to be more of a dictatorship than anything in favour of the vampires right now, especially if the werewolves had been forced from their home because of it. “Nor me really, it may be a tad unreasonable to tar all the family just by an experience with him.”

They could probably find out more if they wanted to by simply asking Tajim if he knew anything about them but that could set their husband down a dangerous path… No, they wouldn’t risk it.

“That seems to be the case with most families… and a great deal of gangs as well.” they added wryly.

“If people only did stuff because there was a need for it then the world wouldn’t be as good a place as it is… despite the millions of flaws that are still very much here.” They were sorry that she needed to deal with pain like this alone, but then… perhaps she did have someone?

“It’s hardly a great thing to hear, more often than not it doesn’t help at all and only makes the person saying it feel better for trying to be good.” They sighed, “I guess to make it more accurate I don’t think it’s fair what you’ve had to deal with nor the pain you’ve got to go through. No one else can understand that until they’ve gone through it themselves.” God they hoped he never had to lose his family like that…

Granted they were a lonely child but losing either of their parents or Tajim (forbid the thought) seemed unrecoverable.

“I did speak with him and he elucidated… mainly because I don’t think he wanted to tell me outright, that he and his only hurt or hunted the kinds or creatures that deserved it.”

“But there’s two sides to every story so perhaps what they classify as ‘deserving’ is not what others may agree with.” It was a difficult decision to make when they knew so little about either side.  

“Oh, never mind then. It’s a story I heard about an ancient werewolf so I was wondering if you might know about it.”

Odds were their worry about those claws was mainly of their own overreaction. After all, if such a powerful and terrifying beat had ever existed then it’s own kind would know about it? The thought brought a little more comfort to them on the matter.

“Most dictatorships do tend to end badly.” they said with a small nod, “But there’s always collateral damages in wars.”

They sighed, thinking that odd were the humans would be the ones to play the part of that collateral damage; after all, most of them were unaware that such a war was even possible. Beyond that younger, weaker vampires, werewolves and maybe even witches could pay a price for being guilty by association.

“Oh not everyone,” they smiled, “Just the people I like.” Which was true, for all her prickliness Vic had taken a liking to Cora.

They suspected she could do with a friend about now.

“Oh, so how is territory marked for packs then? When you’re in full wolf form I guess it may be as simple as marking one’s ground but is it a little more nuanced when you’ve got your human elements to content with as well?” They didn’t want to offend her again by assuming. “Ahh, so Chris may hold to this code by others in his family do not.”

Vic sighed, “It’s a difficult thing, people love their family and that love can make a person blind to flaws.” Which may include not acting as one should within this ‘Hunting’ business.

One more thing to try and understand.

“There’s similarities between everything if you’ve the patience to look. No shame in it.”

Frankly it might serve to help people get along a little better.

“Lots of people have told me I’ve a quick learner, but honestly you’ve been pretty good and patient when explaining it to me.”

They smile, but suspected their many questions were perhaps beginning to grate; Vic could already think of several more things they’d like to know but perhaps they were best saved for another time when Cora had been given a break from them.  

“That’s good to hear.”

They spoke softly and nodded.

“I don’t think he liked me very much.”

Their tone turned wry at that remark, but they supposed on some level even Klaus wouldn’t kill Vic without thinking it through first… The Arcane Society would demand revenge for it, or so they’d like to hope.

“He cared about this person… In his own way.”

Granted the vampire seemed too emotionally constipated to even consider being genuinely open with another person.

“Yea… I mean, while vampire life does sound interesting I’m very happy as I am thank you.”

They nodded and pushed up to their feet.

“Of course, I don’t want to keep you; though… Can I ask you to be careful and wish you the best till I see you again?”

“Vic….”

Cora ran her hand down her face and let out a heavy sigh.

“I don’t know shit about revolutions and stuff okay?–I just know nobody with power should be complacent about it and think they will always rule.”

The young wolf wasn’t sure about what the future held, but it wasn’t like she minded that much about living in the bayou, it was just the rule they weren’t allowed in the french quarter which she couldn’t see herself sticking to over a long term. Which is why it was far easier for something to happen before her temper got the better of her and she ended up getting herself killed.

“Well, it’s a good job we think that way then isn’t it?….because if I tarred all one family with the same brush because of one of them doing wrong, I’d have certainly ripped the Argents apart. Seems I am the reasonable one after all.”

She was fully aware they’d originally been on about the Mikaelsons, but felt too strongly not to comment when he had stated it might be a ‘tad unreasonable’.

“Life is never fair though. It makes you think you have something for a while and then it rips it away again. If anyone tells me it is some test and that these things are sent to try us, I will punch them in the fucking face.”

It was all a load of rubbish in her eyes and just some pathetic excuse that it said to others who wonder why they have been dealt such a shitty hand. This wasn’t any sort of test–this was just one thing after another to weed out those who gave up and those who survived–she was going to be the latter, even if it destroyed her in the process. 

Cora listened as he spoke briefly about Chris and she remained quiet without commenting. Even though Vic came across as a very genuine and honest guy, she couldn’t help but wonder how taken in he could be by the Argents words. What would happen if Chris spouted his opinions and advice at him?..would Vic change his attitude towards her? Matt had been fine until he spoke with Chris and she’d stated she was a wolf. All of it was starting to confirm her thinking of just letting people stay at a distance and not trying to be reasonable with them.

“At this point, I probably should warn you not to like me. Though you don’t seem deterred by anything else I have said, so I won’t bother.”

Of course, there was quite a violent side to the young Hale and it was down to being a werewolf, but he really hadn’t triggered that side of her at the moment, so yes..quite an achievement really. Although the bombardment of questions he kept firing her way, had made Cora have to restrain her impatience at times. So it came as a relief when he eased off a bit. 

“Well at least you know Klaus doesn’t really like most people–so it’s not like you are the unpopular one.”

She was still angry at the Original and chose not to display it to Vic because if anything, it was something she’d rather take up with Klaus personally. Not yet though. She might be reckless with her own life since Derek’s death, but she clearly must have held a little self-preservation without realising it, because she left the Mikaelson house and didn’t argue it any more. 

“You can ask me to be careful, yes.”

Her expression softened ever so slightly.

“Maybe things will be better next time we see each other.”

–or maybe they will be a lot worse. Maybe she won’t be around anymore. Either way, it was something else she chose not to air out loud. 

“Let me offer you something. Don’t assume all wolves aren’t out to hurt you. If you don’t want to be compelled by a vampire and end up doing something against your will–or have your memory wiped without your knowledge…you had better start drinking vervain…or carrying it around with you in some jewellery. Don’t trust anyone with your mind.”

She paused and gave a small nod before turning to leave.

“Bye, Vic.”

“They have the most power within the city…..for now.”

Cora had to add those two words onto the end of her sentence because there was no way in hell she was going to accept that it would be forever. She had to believe at some point in the future, the tables would be turned, or at the very least, wolves would not be banished like they were nothing and cast out from society as though vampires were far better. 

“I haven’t had much to do with the Mikaelsons apart from Klaus.”

The young Hale did have a brief fight with Rebekah, but ended up getting skewered like a damn kebab for it, which didn’t make her fear the blonde, in fact, quite the opposite but Cora hadn’t seen the female original since. 

“Elijah seems more reasonable..then again, don’t go by that because you screw with one Mikaelson–you screw with them all I would assume.”

The only reason that Cora was offering the information was that regardless of what she led people to believe, she still did care about some around here and Vic had never come across as intimidating, belittling or obnoxious, not once. 

“It’s not your fault I lost him…so no need for sorry.”

There was a small falter in her tone of voice, because she knew very well it was the kind of thing that others tended to say, ‘sorry’ was some show of sympathy, empathy or maybe both. She’d used the word herself in the past, so knew it was a little hypocritical of her if she got irritated by anyone else using it. 

“…but I know what you mean.”

She kept her calm composure and offered him a weak and brief smile before letting it fade rather quickly. 

“Well, Chris probably does seem like a good man…and he more than likely is as far as you’re concerned–because you are not anything supernatural…right?–so he doesn’t deem you as below him and untrustworthy.”

Cora did once hold quite a bit of respect for Chris Argent, but since she felt he acted like a completely unreasonable asshole, the young wolf had dropped her level of respect. 

“What?….no…I have never heard of that. Don’t tell me, it’s not another book or musical is it?”

The guy was a mind full of information–even if it wasn’t the kind of information which Cora indulged in. At least he wasn’t droning on about himself all the time. In fact, he only spoke about himself when she directly asked him.

“A war is inevitable. When you get one side demanding power–exerting power and unfair restrictions on another side. Something has to give.”

She blinked and let her visual remain on him. Her words were a matter of fact and may be understating the situation between wolves and vampires, but she didn’t really fancy going into any more detail about it. It wasn’t as though Hayley or any of the other wolves had spoken to her about an impending war.

“You’d let me in your house?–you’re trusting. I hope you aren’t that way with everyone.”

Cora took a deep breath and exhaled heavily through her nose.

“I don’t really care what other pack rules are…or how many reside in New Orleans…we tend to leave well alone unless any come encroaching on our territory….but a code yeah–hunters are meant to stick to this code…but it only applies when it suits apparently. You try to tell Chris that his sister doesn’t go by any code and his family values come before anything else.”

How could anyone who claimed to protect the innocent, not extend it to the innocent lives of a werewolf family against the wicked bitch of the hunting world?

Hypocritical bastard. 

“A vampire is nothing like a werewolf. Do show me the damn courtesy of not finding any similarities between us.”

She gave a nod.

“Something like that yeah…you seem to show some understanding of what I have said at least. Enough about asking me now.”

Cora had grown a little tired of explaining the in’s and out’s of being a werewolf, but she did think about her size in wolf form and it was smaller than most wolves she knew. Not that it ever bothered her–she figured she had enough aggression to match a larger wolf. 

“Don’t ever be worried about me. I take care of myself.”

She listened to him speak and her brow furrowed.

“Klaus?..it was klaus who did that to you?”

It would be very easy to go marching around there with the anger she possessed so often lately, but the young Hale knew she was lucky to walk out of the Mikaelsons last time she visited regarding Scott. 

“I’m surprised he cared enough to appease anyone.”

She rolled her eyes, knowing Klaus had it in him to show he cared, but after recently, it had apepared to be nothing but a facade with her.

“Yes. So lucky you eh?….you get to keep living as a human and not some bloodsucker.”

Her gaze diverted to their surroundings and she shrugged.

“I am going to go soon.”

“Is that ‘for now’ meant to be some kind of threat towards a revolution or is it common for the power to switch between whichever species is strongest at the time?”

They wondered since it seemed to be more of a dictatorship than anything in favour of the vampires right now, especially if the werewolves had been forced from their home because of it. “Nor me really, it may be a tad unreasonable to tar all the family just by an experience with him.”

They could probably find out more if they wanted to by simply asking Tajim if he knew anything about them but that could set their husband down a dangerous path... No, they wouldn’t risk it.

“That seems to be the case with most families... and a great deal of gangs as well.” they added wryly.

“If people only did stuff because there was a need for it then the world wouldn’t be as good a place as it is... despite the millions of flaws that are still very much here.” They were sorry that she needed to deal with pain like this alone, but then... perhaps she did have someone?

“It’s hardly a great thing to hear, more often than not it doesn’t help at all and only makes the person saying it feel better for trying to be good.” They sighed, “I guess to make it more accurate I don’t think it’s fair what you’ve had to deal with nor the pain you’ve got to go through. No one else can understand that until they’ve gone through it themselves.” God they hoped he never had to lose his family like that...

Granted they were a lonely child but losing either of their parents or Tajim (forbid the thought) seemed unrecoverable.

“I did speak with him and he elucidated... mainly because I don’t think he wanted to tell me outright, that he and his only hurt or hunted the kinds or creatures that deserved it.”

“But there’s two sides to every story so perhaps what they classify as ‘deserving’ is not what others may agree with.” It was a difficult decision to make when they knew so little about either side.  

“Oh, never mind then. It’s a story I heard about an ancient werewolf so I was wondering if you might know about it.”

Odds were their worry about those claws was mainly of their own overreaction. After all, if such a powerful and terrifying beat had ever existed then it’s own kind would know about it? The thought brought a little more comfort to them on the matter.

“Most dictatorships do tend to end badly.” they said with a small nod, “But there’s always collateral damages in wars.”

They sighed, thinking that odd were the humans would be the ones to play the part of that collateral damage; after all, most of them were unaware that such a war was even possible. Beyond that younger, weaker vampires, werewolves and maybe even witches could pay a price for being guilty by association.

"Oh not everyone,” they smiled, “Just the people I like.” Which was true, for all her prickliness Vic had taken a liking to Cora.

They suspected she could do with a friend about now.

“Oh, so how is territory marked for packs then? When you’re in full wolf form I guess it may be as simple as marking one’s ground but is it a little more nuanced when you’ve got your human elements to content with as well?” They didn’t want to offend her again by assuming. “Ahh, so Chris may hold to this code by others in his family do not.”

Vic sighed, “It’s a difficult thing, people love their family and that love can make a person blind to flaws.” Which may include not acting as one should within this ‘Hunting’ business.

One more thing to try and understand.

“There’s similarities between everything if you’ve the patience to look. No shame in it.”

Frankly it might serve to help people get along a little better.

“Lots of people have told me I’ve a quick learner, but honestly you’ve been pretty good and patient when explaining it to me.”

They smile, but suspected their many questions were perhaps beginning to grate; Vic could already think of several more things they’d like to know but perhaps they were best saved for another time when Cora had been given a break from them.  

"That’s good to hear.”

They spoke softly and nodded.

“I don’t think he liked me very much.”

Their tone turned wry at that remark, but they supposed on some level even Klaus wouldn’t kill Vic without thinking it through first... The Arcane Society would demand revenge for it, or so they’d like to hope.

“He cared about this person... In his own way.”

Granted the vampire seemed too emotionally constipated to even consider being genuinely open with another person.

“Yea... I mean, while vampire life does sound interesting I’m very happy as I am thank you.”

They nodded and pushed up to their feet.

“Of course, I don’t want to keep you; though... Can I ask you to be careful and wish you the best till I see you again?”

“Yes, no taking baby to the bayou. Not a good plan.” To the ocean, most certainly. As soon as she could manage a trip, her child would see the ocean and hopefully learn to love it as much as she had. It was hard to think of the baby as being out of her. Sometimes she was ready. Others terrified, much like most of her pregnancy. It wasn’t necessarily having a child that terrified her. It was the very real possibility of being a single parent.

“What a delightful name. Children have the biggest imagination. Maybe that’s why they are okay with playing with potato heads,” she said with a laugh. “Come to think of it, I think that the original Mr. Potato Head was just parts you stuck on a real potato. Now that I find terrifying.” She pictured what he was saying, the ideas coming to her fast and furious now. “A quote. I like that. Something inspiring…not terrifying.” 

She sighed as she thought on her battles with Rogan. “Not very well, if I’m honest. Rogan is still…married more to his work than me,” Evelyn said. “But  Tajim is not Rogan,” she amended quickly, not wanting Vic to think he was fighting a losing battle. “How as the conversation?” She hoped it had gone better for them. She didn’t want to see anyone be as lonely as she was.

“Maybe showing baby pictures of the bayou?” They asked with a small chuckle, always trying to find a loophole within things. As they moved through the shop Vic spent a few seconds glancing around them as that unnerving feeling of being watched once more took over them. It only lasted a few moments this time, thankfully, but it was enough to unnerve them more than they were happy to admit.

“I always rather liked it,” they puffed their chest out slightly with a little pride as they continued on their way, “They do. I honestly wish I could talk to myself as a child, just to see what they me would think of so many things.” Things they’d never thought to ask at that age, “Oh... And smelly no doubt, and likely cursed by the evil spirit of ‘not eating all your vegetables’ or something.” they snorted.

“Classes are out though, aren’t they?” She prodded them gently. “So is the stress just from the Tajim thing, or…” Cami leaned back in her chair as Vic defended their husband. “I don’t doubt that, Vic.” She pointed out softly. “Even if I hadn’t seen some of his more enviable qualities for myself, I would know that in order to attract a mind like yours, there must’ve been something in Tajim that was worth getting to know. I know I’ve taken jabs at him… But that’s because of his role or lack thereof in the marriage, about his priorities - which, though it’s none of my business - I really believe are out of order.” There was a note of concern in her voice, and a sincerity that was usually masked by sarcasm and exasperation when the topic of Tajim came up. But it was different this time; Vic’s emotional affect was different.

It worried her. 

“Is he happy?” She asked, troubled by the fact that she had to ask at all. “It’s not too much to ask on your part… Unless you and Tajim don’t want the same things. Have you ever asked yourself that? Has it ever been a problem in the past?” She considered their question for a moment, a wry smile capturing her lips for just a moment. “Let’s not go off of my romantic experience, cause that hasn’t been so hot. But when it came to friendships, or some other relationships… My brother, my uncle… Yeah, I hear you. Maybe my cat too,” Cami threw it in there just to make the professor smile, even for only a second. or two 

She found it just as difficult to smile when they gave her an ultimatum of sorts. Her fingers knit together nervously and the young woman’s gaze dropped to her lap. “I-… Can’t promise you that, Vic. I can’t promise I’ll stay, because that isn’t the plan right now. And I can’t promise I’ll be in touch, because that depends on my mental health - and how much it jeopardizes the relationships I have with those I love. You, being one of those people.” She admitted, looking up to meet their eyes. “What I can promise you… Is that so long as I’m in control, so long as I don’t think I’m a threat to your safety, I’ll be in touch. Whether I’m in Louisiana or half way across the world - If I’m okay, i’ll be there. As much as I can, to the best of my ability - as much as you want, or as much as you need me.” It was the most Cami could promise them, and the words were powered with enough sincerity to indicate exactly what Vic meant to her. 

“Well, yes but...” They swallowed, “It might even be subconscious stress. I saw a squirrel without any nuts on the road the other day, now that’s stressful.” For the squirrel and maybe they was experiencing sympathy stress? That could be a thing. “There’s so much to him that others don’t get to see, he’s happy just letting me do all the socialising, which I don’t mind, I enjoy it,” Their gaze flitted back towards the window for a moment before returning to look at Cami, “And when we first met, and since he’s,” they paused, “He’s loved me. For just being me and nothing else; even if he’s had... trouble, doing that recently I know that love is still there. I’m never going to give up on that.” And they knew Tajim wasn’t either, even if it was becoming very difficult for both of them right now.

So very difficult...

“I-” Vic thought about it for a moment, looking down at their desk, “He’s not like me, he’s not an overly emotional man he doesn’t really do really happy or sad, it’s always more of a quiet satisfaction with him.” They swallowed, “I know he has that in his work, this job is perfect for him. It’s why we moved here,” they frowned, “Did I already tell you that? I can’t remember,” they probably had... “He thought I was happy and that kept him happy but know he knows I’m unhappy it’s making him unhappy so it’s probably my fault that he’s unhappy to begin with.” God they hoped she followed that.  

“Pets are so easy to love, I’ve got a turtle that lives with my parents I’ve had since I was a kid, I love him.” But it wasn’t the same, was it? “There’s so many different kinds of love though... Does love for family mesh with love for a partner?” They were asking because they didn’t know and it seemed like such a big question. Usually they’d love to think through it but they were tired and sluggish and simply lacked the zest for such an inquiry. Vic watched Cami as she explained, candidly and fairly, why she couldn’t give them what they hadn’t asked for. A tiny part of them felt that if it wasn’t all then it wasn’t enough, that same part had almost caused Tajim to give up the job he loved so much so they furiously squashed it down, “Thank you.” they said quietly, “For being honest and for giving me more than I deserve, but... I don’t know what I’m gonna do. I’m so tired of this and it hasn’t even been that long,” They rubbed both hands over their face and again their gaze flitted to their window, “You didn’t deserve to come back to this.”

“Tell you more about those who don’t play fair?”

Cora asked the question almost as if to confirm it was correct, even though she didn’t really stick around to wait for an answer either way. She thought about those who didn’t play fair–those who had one rule for themselves and one for everyone else. Normally Klaus’ name wouldn’t come into it, but the young wolf was angry at him, pissed off at his behaviour towards her and the lack of regard and respect. She had no idea why she thought someone like him would ever care, but he made it abundantly clear he didn’t on their last meeting. 

“Most of the vampires. They have their own interests at heart and everyone else can go to hell. You should steer clear of the Mikaelsons…especially Klaus. Then there’s Marcel. He banned wolves from the quarter and would likely not think twice about killing one if he caught them there…or punish them. Jennifer Blake, I have no idea where the hell she is but she is a murderous bitch who killed my brother. Oh and the Argents…Kate Argent who was meant to go by some moral code like all hunters do, yet she made her own rules and killed an entire family of innocent wolves–even ones who hadn’t triggered the gene yet…only her family seem blinded by what she is capable of.” 

Cora wasn’t always one to sound off like this, but it seemed these kinds of people didn’t give a shit about her, Klaus had not even acknowledged Derek’s death–offered any condolences, yet she would have if it had have been Elijah who’d died. So with bitter feeling and a whole truckload of anger, the young Hale wasn’t bothered who heard her opinions–facts.

“There’s a war coming…and if you can’t pick a side, I’d definitely say get out of dodge….real quick before you’ll get caught up in something that is way over your head.”

It wasn’t meant to scare him, it was a clear warning simply because he seemed like a decent enough guy, not that she planned on trusting him at all. Everything she had said so far, it wouldn’t matter to her if he was an enemy or not. 

“I can’t listen to music while outside. There are too many things I need to be alert for.”

She wasn’t about to let her hearing be distracted and miss any possible dangers. 

“There are no rules about telling people what I am. I don’t have a clue whether that rule exists in some packs. It’s a case of being careful that’s all. Hunters have always been around as far back as my family can ever remember. They are meant to go by a code though….some don’t.”

Cora had never been one to openly tell people what she was, merely because she believed that they should know her for who she was, not what she was. The only trouble with lately, she didn’t have the same self-preservation as she used to have. 

“Vampires have a natural desire to feed on blood. Werewolves want to hunt and kill when in wolf form…but Vampires have that urge all the damn time.”

–which in her eyes, made them far more dangerous than wolves, apart from if there was a rogue one.

“I can hear whether you are lying, yes. “

She shrugged and cast a glance over at him. If her mind was clouded too much then it could be difficult to do so, but she wasn’t about to tell him that. She would sooner he just stuck to the truth. 

“The abilities stay with me in human form. I can show claws, teeth and change in eye colour too….but everything else comes when I shift to a wolf. I wouldn’t recognise friend from foe when in wolf form because yes, it’s a fully shifted wolf, feral and wanting the kill…the hunt. Which is why any good werewolf would chain themselves up out of danger once a month.”

This was something that Cora had been tempted not to do if she was honest. She had been drawn towards her wolf side more recently and if it wasn’t the pull on her heart when it came to those she pretended not to care for, some days she felt like giving in to her wolf altogether.

“I can look after myself, Vic. So tell me who the vampire was…or is this just a one-way conversation when it comes to being open?…who is your friend they said they would hurt?”

She shot him quite an indignant look just in case he was going to still withhold the information. 

“So he couldn’t have wanted you to die that much then, because he could have just left you without giving his blood. Though you do realise what would have happened if you’d have died while his blood was in your system, yeah?”

The young Hale cocked a brow, thinking if he didn’t know then he really should…just for future reference. 

Vic nodded, though it seemed they need not have bothered with the confirmation; Cora was more than happy to elaborate upon the inner workings between the differing species of the supernatural. And while her view was no doubt biased (it was almost impossible for any view not to be) They found some elements of her explanations tied in very well with their own experiences. Vic fought down the urge to look shocked at her mentioning of Klaus... The very same vampire their unfortunate encounter had been with; though it made them wonder about the rest of that vampire’s family, were they just as bad?  

“I see. So, the vampire’s currently have the most power within the city? Since this, Marcel... the one who hosted the opera house part?” they asked, unable to keep on the same tangent without branching off as new thoughts came, “Banned them from the quarter? And the Mikaelsons,” they swallowed and paused a beat, “Could you tell me some more about them? Are they all as bad as this Klaus is? And if that family’s the one to watch out for why is Marcel giving orders?” They knew so little of this world that every bit of information that could get seemed worth asking for. “I don’t know a Jennifer Blake, but then I haven’t been looking for Witches,” they paused a moment, eyes tightening as Cora continued.

“I’m so sorry that you lost your brother.” they said quietly, a real sympathy for the girl building up, was that why she was here? Was she on her own? It made them all the more determined to try and wiggle their way into the girl’s life, everyone needed someone. And if a person as odd as them could find someone that loved them then Cora deserved a little help too. “The Argents are my neighbours, I don’t know a Kate but... Chris seemed like a good man... Have you ever heard of the beast of gevaudan?” They changed the subject.  

“A war? Are you serious?“

She didn’t seem the type of girl given to hyperbole... Did Tajim have any idea about these events? He worked at the Arcane society, surely those people were aware if the tensions within the supernatural community were running this high?

“Oh... Well, why not come inside to listen to it?” they asked simply, “You’d be welcome at my house, Tajim wouldn’t mind.”

They were certain of it but made the offer casual, they didn’t want her to feel pressured or anything.

“So, different packs might have different rules? Wouldn’t you all be in the same one?” They frowned a little, “Like a uhh... New Orleans Werewolf pack?” It made sense to them, were’s of a feather would flock together. But then, how many wolves were in the city? Maybe too many for one pack.

“A code... Oh I think I know that!” they said, eyes widening a little, “Chris mentioned it,” they saw no harm telling her since she’d brought up the Argents first, “They only went after the creatures that attacked people, they were supposed to protect rather than hunt... makes you wonder why they still go by hunters really.” they added.

“So, a vampire is like a werewolf who’s always in a hungry mood?”

And they had enough trouble not eating when they were hungry... That was a worrying comparison.

“Good thing I haven’t lied so far then.” They chuckled.

Vic looked back at her with a small smile, as though they had nothing to hide which, really, they didn’t. They’d been honest about their intentions for the whole conversation.

“So... being a werewolf isn’t the end of your spectrum, so to speak?” They asked, tilting their head a bit, “It’s sort of like, a mid-point, a missing link between human and beast?” They looked to her for confirmation and continued, “And under the luna influence these more feral urges comes to the surface and boom! Full on wolf?”

“Are you the same size as a regular wolf would be?” They asked, “It seems like you guys got the short end of the stick with the whole transformation thing.” They blinked a few times, “But then you’ve only got it under the full moon whereas vampire’s have that urge all the time...”

“It’s not about not being honest, I’m just worried especially since, well...” If they didn’t tell her outright but she figured it out on her own then technically they’d not broken their word...

“You mentioned this vampire by name, apparently the worst of his family...” they blinked up at her.

“Oh he didn’t care but... he was appeasing the other person when he fixed me up, and I can’t tell you who that is because it’s not my secret to share, I’m sorry,” They didn’t want Cami’s business being spread around when she couldn’t even remember it.

“Umm... Not for sure but I’m guessing maybe I’d be a little more... fangy?” they asked, imitating having fangs with two fingers as they said it.

“I wanna hear about it.” Cami informed the professor, while studying them carefully. “What’s made these past few days so chaotic, unless it’s the drama with Tajim that you’re telling me about right now.” She nodded slowly as Vic took in the news that their husband was not keeping things from them. But her nodding slowed as they sung Tajim’s praises, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features. “Whoa there, Romeo. Hold your horses - need I remind you you were telling me about the spat of the century before I interrupted?” Thus prompting them to continue, Cami leaned back in her seat and listened. 

“You’re not burdening me, Vic…” She told them slowly when they hesitated. “What I said on the phone… About not wanting to get involved, not wanting to be your friend…” Cami shook her head sadly and looked down at the worn oak desk. “I was only saying that because I was unwell. And-… And heck, maybe I still am. But-… But you should know that when I said those things-” She choked up for a moment and had to clear her throat before continuing. “-It was the hardest thing I had to do. Maybe you couldn’t see it then, but it was also the most selfless thing I could think to do. I was only trying to protect you.” Her grip tightened over their palm.

 She let silence settle for a moment, recomposing herself as she released their hand and considered their question. “You know I haven’t been Tajim’s biggest fan - not since he started flaking on your marriage. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be honest when you ask for my opinion. So yeah, I think a couple can come back from big changes - even the negative ones. But there’s a keyword and you said it — you need to work at it. Both of you, will need to persistently and consistently work on things. Not just in the beginning, but when the glimmer of new promises fades and things return to their regular, ol’ day-in-day-out pattern again.” 

“Well of course it’s going to be that, there’s nothing else going on.” Nothing they were looking to think too hard about, “I’ve just not been sleeping well, too much stress probably.” Probably why they were being chased, they’d spend months trying to outrun the problems with their friends and their marriage and now it was all catching up to them. “Just because we’ve argued doesn’t take away from his good qualities.” they said quietly, “Most people don’t get the chance see how kind he is, he’s not good in most social situations.” Too much to be found out accidentally. “But yea... we had a, spat.” they borrowed her word.

Vic’s gaze moved up just as Cami’s in turn met their desk; it had hurt what she’d said, it had hit home how much they’d failed her, “I still don’t understand why you said them. You are my friend.” Those words were firm, as though there was nothing either could do to change the matter, “But I do understand that you felt you had to, for your own reasons.” They paused before continuing, “What if you have to ‘protect’ me again?” they asked, “I don’t wanna talk about all of this if you’re going to cut me out again and it isn’t fair to ask you to promise not to,” though, in an indirect way that was kind of what they were doing, “I don’t want to make you have to do that again.” For both their sakes.

“He hasn’t been-” They stopped, God dammit the defence came almost automatically, “I’m really scared.” They all but whispered to her, “I feel like I can’t be myself anymore because I want him happy and I might push too hard but then is it pushing too hard to want a husband that comes home to me and looks forward to that?” They let out a quiet noise, “How do you work on a marriage? I’ve never needed to before, it’s was never work it just worked.” And they were aware that sentence may not make sense, “Do you know what that’s like? When being with someone was just, effortless, easy as breathing?” Now it felt like the weight on their chest made breathing too hard.

“Hey, uh-… You sure you’re okay??” Cami asked with a short, bemused laugh. Because the Vic she knew wouldn’t let an ‘I’m doing okay’ slide that quick. The Vic she knew would test that theory, ask for elaboration - which left a single possibility; the professor was distracted. She couldn’t tell by what, but at least the topic of Tajim seemed to bring them back to the present. “Oh, it’s not like that.” The blonde assured them quickly.  I-… I’m actually responsible for that one. Asked him to give me some time before mentioning the run-in to you, he-… He was probably just trying to respect my wishes.” Cami admitted sheepishly, finding the prospect of defending Tajim an odd and foreign feeling. @tajimkkuyavar​

“Whoa… The two of you really went through the ringer, huh?” Cami remarked with a whistle. Admittedly, it was far from the scenario she’d pictured. It was difficult to imagine Vic flying off the handle and indulging a breakdown - let alone Tajim. Not that she didn’t think it was possible; it was merely a side to their personalities and the resulting relationship that both Vic and Tajim seemed to keep exceedingly private. “So why do you feel like you’re still walking on eggshells?” Vic began answering, and then backtracked just as quick.

‘Sorry you don’t wanna hear about this.’

“I do, Vic.” Cami replied with a start, reaching out abruptly to capture their hand. She hated that they felt that way, that she’d given them that impression even for a moment - even unintentionally. “I do.” She promised them.

“What?” They asked, blinking at her a few times before rushing on, “Sorry, yes. Yes I’m fine it’s just a.. chaotic few days.” They let out a breath and smiled, mainly for Cami’s benefit, they didn’t feel fine at all but were putting most of the fault on their current home life; the thought of what else could be causing their current situation was something they didn’t want to dwell on. “O-oh,” they smiled once more, relieved to know it was Cami’s request Tajim not tell them, part of them felt bad for even thinking he’d keep things from them... that was their failure lately. “He’s very good like that, willing to do so much for other people.” He really was a generous man, despite what others might think.

“Yea.” they said quietly, looking down. Vic quickly curled his fingers when Cami took their hand, they didn’t want her to see those cuts on their fingers. “Cami....” they paused a moment, “It isn’t fair for me to keep burdening you with my problems. And like you said, you’ll be leaving soon, the less you have to think of me and my issues the better.” She was so much safer away from New Orleans, even if it hurt them, if it made life hard they wanted her to be safe. “Maybe it’s better I don’t bother you with it.”

Vic’s jumpiness seemed to persist as they asked how she was doing. It was unlike the professor to seem distracted while asking such a question; uncommon for them to give anything less than their undivided attention when initiation a conversation. But it took them a while this time around, Cami noticed how they glanced over their shoulder nervously before ushering them into their office. “I’m okay, doing a little better actually… Hope that makes two of us?” She tested carefully, wondering whether maybe she was just projecting her own recent insecurities onto Vic. Maybe he was fine, maybe she was the one who needed to focus.

Taking a seat across from them, as they’d done so many times before, she rose her eyebrows at the mention of Tajim. “i also ran into him actually, but… You first.” She called dibs to be second in this case. And then, sure enough, it came… The news - or rather confirmation, at this point, that Tajim had indeed taken a leave off of work.

That’s great!! That’s really good, that’s-… Right??” She wanted to be happy for Vic - for the couple, she really did. But she couldn’t silence her doubts. “A heart-to-heart? A long-overdue chat?” Cami filled in the blanks questioningly. “How’d that go?”

They looked out of the small window of their office, just for a moment, just to be sure... Nothing their, but the eerie feeling of being watched was heavy, “H-hmm?” They looked back at her, their mind taking a moment to catch up, “Oh yes, perfectly fine.” They smiled, “And I’m so pleased to hear you are too,” they nodded, nothing but honesty in their eyes, “I truly am.”

“Y-you did?” They asked, eyes going a little wide at that revelation, “He, umm, he didn’t mention that.” they added carefully, why wouldn’t Tajim say anything? Were they planning something of their own?  

“The seasons don’t overlap much, it’s convenient.” Jax explained. He believed he could’ve excelled at any sport he’d decided to pursue, it was just luck that he’d chosen Lacrosse and swimming. He did appreciate how different the two were though, one being a very hands on team sport while the other all about your individual talent. Normally he wouldn’t pass up on the opportunity to brag about his accomplishments but somehow he knew the professor wouldn’t actually be able to fully appreciate just how long he could spend underwater without coming up for air. “Why don’t you leave the sports questions to the scouts and stick with your little nerd references, suits you better.” 

“And yet kids are so much happier than us adults are”

It was an unexpected truth and he let himself be caught off guard for a second - just a split second where his face fell as he remembered a time when he was ignorant and still believed that his adopted parents weren’t lying hypocrites. But just as quickly as it came it went and Jaxon schooled his features like he’d taught himself. “It’s easier to be happy when your biggest concern is whether or not your mom believes your imaginary friend ate all the cookies.” Jax looked at the teacher - he really needed to learn their name - with a deadpan expression as he proved to be about as ignorant as Lydia when it came the world of sports flicks. “Hoosiers isn’t a band. Or maybe it is, I don’t care… What i’m talking about is the greatest sports movie ever made.” At this rate only one of them was going to learn anything useful from the interaction and Jaxon was sure it wouldn’t be him. 

He was getting no information he didn’t already know but he did feel somewhat more confident in his choice to keep Tulane in his list of options for college. “Why do I get the feeling you have something to do with the fencing team?” He was suddenly plagued with images of Vic swinging the sword around like it was a light saber and Jaxon was only becoming more convinced of the fact that Stiles and them would be two peas in a pod if they ever met. 

“I imagine so, gives you time to make sure you keep your grades up, I’m pretty sure sports coaches are much stricter about keeping their athletes grades up nowadays.” they pondered for a moment before laughing slightly, “References, I shall make.” And yes they did do that in a Yoda voice. “Though I have met with sports scouts before, it was very interesting, one wanted to try for an olympic team straight from college but I preferred going with my education. I was just too curious.” They smiled, “Speaking of, you never actually answered my questions.” Vic could be rather tenacious about getting answers when they could; part of them suspected it was Tajim’s influence.

Ahh, there it was. The pressure of adult life, the need for responsibilities or whatever else could have effected the young man’s life and cleft it from his childhood. They noticed but chose not to comment on it, after all despite being no expert in talking (unless it involved their own subject) they supposed this young man wouldn’t be happy sharing such things. “Aww, I had an imaginary friend, his name was Cornelius, he was an octopus.” They added casually, as though all children had imaginary cephalopod friends growing up. Their grin only widened at the look the student gave them, it seemed they’d been wrong, oh well, Vic had no doubt they’d very soon be corrected. “Ohhh, how come it’s the best? Is it the most accurate? Has the best story? Best direction? Soundtrack? Or is it an overall combination of the above and extras?”

They laughed slightly, “Wellllllll I’d say I wasn’t exactly subtle about the whole thing. But yup, I’m not involved per se, I just enjoy watching and practicing there. I won four university championships and several regional’s. That was why I was talking to the sporting scout.” They explained easily. Though it had always been a hobby for them, despite how much they enjoyed it, education and research just held their heart in a way that swordplay couldn’t; though it had come close.