Settling In {Jack Force}

[Schuyler Van Alen]

<sup>Schuyler rubbed at her brow, frowning at the pile of cardboard boxes and suitcases sitting in the middle of her new room. She was definitely in no mood to unpack. Damn Charles Force.... She'd only just met and settled in with her grandfather, but because of the all-powerful Charles, she'd had to move out and into the Force townhouse. Living with Jack and Mimi would surely be unbearably awkward. Wouldn't it?

Pallid blue eyes wandered from her pile of belongings to the four walls surrounding her. They were dark red in colour, a stark difference to the bright yellow of her room at home; the ceiling was also lower, and the room wider. She released a sigh, stepped over to the queen sized bed, and seated herself on the very edge of it.

She would never get used to this; and she probably never had to, for her grandfather was at this very moment fighting to become her legal guardian once again. The thought of leaving the modern townhouse for her run-down mansion brought a smile to her lips. Thoughts of leaving Jack alone with Mimi however, made the smile disappear within seconds. The fact that she'd saved Mimi's life meant nothing to Jack's twin, their fight for Jack's love would continue as before.

{sorry >< warned you that it would suck! haha</sup>

[Jack Force]

(It's all right. I'm sure mine will be much worse. And it's just fine)

Jack was pacing, fretting over his current situation. Mimi... Damn that headstrong woman for messing with his head and everything else. And she had made Schuyler choose like that without a word of gratitude for saving her life for that matter. That was what angered him the most. Schuyler had done everything for them. but she would only be competition to Mimi. He grit his teeth and ran a veiny hand through his tousled hair. He hadn't bothered with it yet, knowing that the love of his life was somewhere on the premise. IT was still strange and would be obscenely awkward with his love sick sister. Just that thought was still disgusting. Blood bound? What kind of fancy torment was that anyway?

He looked around, not sure what he was looking for at all when he came upon the newest cluttered room in the mansion. He could blame his father easily for this. But now he didn't feel like it. He was going to see to Schuyler who he hadn't seen in a while despite the fact that they now lived together.

"Schuyler? It's Jack... are you.."

[Schuyler Van Alen]

<sup>Schuyler released another sigh. Why couldn't her life be easier? Why couldn't Charles Force just let her be? She frowned and rubbed at the bridge of her nose. If there was anything to gain from this whole situation, it was her being so close to Jack. They hadn't spent much time together however, Mimi making things as difficult as she possibly could. This was no surprise however, she'd been expecting it. The three of them, sometimes along with the Force cousin Anette, received a drive home from school by their chauffeur; then they all went off to their rooms.

She suddenly found herself hoping that she, Jack, and Bliss would be asked to leave for another photo shoot. Somewhere warm, just like last time. She and Jack had made quite some progress, with Mimi so many miles away...

Schuyler flopped back onto the soft bed, sinking into the fluffy covers and sheets. She'd just begun humming to herself when she heard a very familiar voice nearby. Swiftly she sat up and looked toward the door,

"Oh...hey Jack..." Her lips curved into a smile.</sup>

[Jack Force]

Jack smiled at her greeting. Simple, sweet but still a greeting. That was one he was glad for. HE remembered that beautiful night, the masquerade ball. He had finally been able to kiss her for himself. But as all things in his life seemed to be, there was a catch. She still didn't know that that had been him the whole time. But there had been something there, something beautiful that he had always wanted no matter what Mimi put on him. The girl had no business chasing him being his sister no matter what prophecies she spouted at him. He wouldn't allow it. Not when he loved Schuyler so intensely. But did she even know?

"Hi Schuyler. I'm sorry about Dad..he's yeah...well he's dead. Do you need any help settling in?" Being nice. THat was new for Jack. But then again nobody else had to know that he had been. Right? It would be their little secret. "I mean, since obviously I have nothing better to do." He coughed awkwardly.

[Schuyler Van Alen]

<sup>"Oh thanks Jack...but I'm not really in the mood to unpack right now." She released a heavy sigh. Using the small amount of bravery that she possessed, Schuyler patted the spot on the bed beside her, "But if you want...we can talk." It'd been a while since they'd had a normal conversation. Schuyler remembered the day she'd saved Mimi's life, they'd encountered one another in Venice,

The Forces--Charles, Jack, and Mimi--walked out of the courtroom together. Relief was evident in all of their faces.
Jack approached Schuyler. "Thank you," he said simply.
You kissed me, Schuyler thought. She remembered what else he had said that night...How do you know he's not interested? You might be surprised.
Did he know she knew?
She wanted to touch his cheek, to kiss soft skin again, but she saw Mimi scowling. Even if Mim Force owes her her life, it didn't mean she was going to be nice to Schuyler anytime soon.
"You're welcome ," she told Jack.
Charles joined them. "When we return to New York, I'll have my driver come by and pick up your belongings. We've already cleared the guest bedroom for you. I think you'll find it to your liking."
"What are you talking about?" Schuyler asked.
"Yeah, Dad what the hell?" Mimi interrupted.
"Your grandfather has failed to mention it, I see." Charles said grimly. "Lawrence, you might have won the leader shit of the Coven, but I have won the adoption battle. Schuyler, the Red Blood courts have decided, in their infitine wisdom, to put you in my custody.

Schuyler held back a shiver as she replayed the event in her mind's eye. That moment had been both one of horror and intense joy. She'd be living with Jack!
Nothing had come of it yet however, they'd barely spoken with one another; until now.

{{not much of a post >.> mostly flashback....ah well...}}</sup>

[Jack Force]

"Oh, right." This could be more awkward than he thought. And he wasn't ever awkward. Usually he knew what he was doing. Or he liked to pretend that he did. It was a strange fact, admitting he was a little nervous right then. And that was the truth. He wanted more than anything to kiss her again as himself. Nothing more. But he was half afraid that he would really feel something. That he would give himself away. He was afraid he would give himself to her and she wouldn't care. He almost shuddered at the thought of Mimi as well. He couldn't let her get in the way of things, never. Schuyler was too important to him whether he would admit it aloud or not. He wasn't to that level yet. He wondered if he would ever get there.

"Uh...then.." he wandered over to the bed and sat gingerly on it with a light cough. Strange, seeing this room filled again. Strange having her live there of all places. Was his father really trying to play such games with him? "Yeah, talking. That's what most people do, right? I'm sure we can do that."

[Schuyler Van Alen]

<sup>Schuyler couldn't help but feel a little awkward. They hadn't really had a chance to talk since she'd moved in, and their last meeting had been quite tense, with a small amount of words from either of them. She'd spent as much time in school with Ollie that she could, now that it was more difficult for her and her best friend to see one another outside of school, and she hadn't seen Jack around very often.

Their history teacher had changed the seating plan again, seating her and Jack at the same table together. History, of all subjects. This brought to mind the vision they'd shared, about a year ago. They'd been in a ballroom together, centuries ago, gliding along the dance floor. Schuyler slightly shook her head, removing the vision from her mind before her face went crimson.

Jack sat on the bed beside her, not too far, not too close either. She turned her head to look at him, ebony hair gliding over one eye like a curtain. Schuyler blew at it, but otherwise didn't bother pushing it aside. "Sure we can...I don't see why not...?" She lowered her lashes, then gazed up at him from behind them.</sup>

[Jack Force]

Jack raised an eyebrow, wondering why she had suddenly turned a bright shade of red. He hadnt' done anything? Had he? Perhaps just being there was enough to make things weird. He still wasn't sure about anything anymore. He wondered what she was thinking about but was afraid to ask. Was it that vision? He almost shook his head. No, that was silly. Such a thing wasn't real, right? But then again neither was being a blood sucking vampire either. But what would he know of that? Everything it seemed...though the power was wonderful, intoxicating for that matter.

"Yeah, well that was a great conversation I think. Maybe we should try a little harder next time. Let's start with...are you all right? I haven't hardly seen you and we're in the same house. Weird huh?" He felt ridiculous, trying as hard as he was for a normal conversation.

[Schuyler Van Alen]

<sup>Schuyler couldn't help but watch the slight changes of expression on his face as he processed his thoughts. Her body tensed, reacting to the close presence of his body, the smell of him. She remembered the taste of his mouth, and her stomach gave a slight twist. Schuyler pressed her lips together, holding in a gasp; she certainly hadn't expected a physical reaction this strong.

She forced herself to focus on the words he spoke, bringing the eyes she hadn't realized she'd lowered, back up to this face. Inevitably, her eyes slide from his gaze, down to his lips. I'm hopeless!!

Schuyler swallowed then answered, "It's hard to get used to the change...I guess. And I miss my grandfather...But otherwise, I'm fine. How about you?" Her gaze met his once more, "Are you alright with all of this?"</sup>

[Jack Force]

Jack shrugged. Only shrugged with so much raging inside of him. This was ridiculous. Why couldn't things be easier for them? Why couldn't they just want each other and have that be perfectly fine? He couldn't betray any of this to her. For all he knew she would hate him for it. Hate him for caring about her, really caring about her. HE felt sick somehow. Sick that all this had to be happening and it was overwhelming him. He hated being overwhelmed, more than anything. He bit his lip, something he rarely ever did unless he was nervous about something. Or upset. He was neither now. Just bothered...about her.

"Yeah..I guess it's hard to get used to the change too. I mean yeah...I don't know." He said, answering to her asking about him being all right. As if he had a choice or an opinion about this situation. He loved having her there but at the same time it made it unbearable. Horrible even just to be so close and yet..not even there. "I guess the house is big enough for one more. I shouldn't have a problem with it." Shouldn't but did.

[Schuyler Van Alen]

<sup>As she waited for his answer, Schuyler once again found herself studying his face. She wanted to reach up, touch his cheek, his lips; they hadn't had any physical contact in such a long time, it felt like years. I need him. Schuyler lowered her eyes again, attempting to hide the strong emotions raging through her. She loved him, and being this close to him, yet being unable to touch him, was sheer torture.

Schuyler felt as if she were close to crying, her chest tight, her stomach doing another flip in reaction to his closeness. She'd never had this sort of reaction with Oliver, not even while her lips were attached to his neck. She felt a pang of guilt, but also relief, for she loved Jack, and only Jack.

Her eyes widened as she realized, that this was the first time in quite some time since they'd been alone, without Mimi or Anette's annoying presence. Shouldn't they take advantage, make the best of this moment?
She barely understood the words he spoke by this point, her eyes once again focusing on his face, her heart drumming in her chest. Do it...take advantage. Schuyler took a deep breath, then reached up to gently slip her hand along the side of his neck, stopping at the nape. She stretched herself up, tilting her head, while placing a small amount of pressure on the back of his neck, urging him to lean down.</sup>

[Jack Force]

He sighed, wondering why she wasn't saying anything. It was weird, all of it. He didn't know what was going on and he almost didn't want to. Really didn't want to know. And before he knew it, she was towards his face. Really close to it. For some reason now she was right under him and he didn't know what to do. For a moment, he was very very confused. Then he realized she was wanting to kiss him. She hadn't even said anything and it confused him still. Was he supposed to kiss her back just like that? Was it really that easy? He gulped and then..

Then it happened. He bit his lip and went for it. Not fast or hard, no not at all. Usually that was his style but something changed it now. He wanted this too no matter how weird it would make things. He didn't care. He kissed her softly for what seemed like a forever bliss. Then pulled away, blushing bright red as if he wasn't supposed to do that. And now what? Would she slap him? Yell at him for mistaking whuat she wanted?

[Schuyler Van Alen]

<sup>Time seemed to slow as she waited for him to lean down, meet her lips with his. Maybe he doesn't want to kiss me...Maybe it wasn't him at the Masquerade party after all... Her cheeks warmed, turning a soft red as she realized she might have made a mistake, might just have made a complete fool of herself. She was about to pull back and apologize continuously when his head finally tilted down.

Their lips met, and she forgot all of her worries. It had been him at the Masquerade, it had to have been him. All of her suspicions that the boy at the after party might have been Oliver disappeared, just melted away. His kiss wasn't urgent, but almost painfully gently. Her heart clenched and she unconsciously moved closer to him.

Then as quite as it'd started, it was over. Her eyes opened, and she gazed up at him, almost mesmerized. Before her brain could properly reason again, she blurted out, "Do you know how long I've waited....hoped for that, Jack?"</sup>