the air in the bayou always felt thicker than the air in the quarter, heavy with the scent of damp earth, cypress needles, and the oncoming rain. it was the only place where the constant, frantic thrumming of your own heart seemed to slow down, matching the steady rhythm of the swamp. you sat on the edge of jackson’s porch, your boots dangling over the side, watching the fireflies blink in and out of existence against the dark curtain of the trees. your chest still felt tight from the shouting match with klaus. the way his eyes had flashed with that jagged, paranoid lightning, treating you like a piece on a chessboard rather than a person with her own soul.

the screen door creaked behind you, a familiar, grounding sound. a moment later, a shadow fell over you as jackson stepped out. he didn't ask what was wrong. he didn't demand to know why hayley’s sister was sitting on his steps in the middle of the night looking like the world had finally broken her. he just sat down, his large, calloused hand holding out a chipped ceramic mug. the steam smelled of chicory and comfort.

"he’s looking for you, you know," jackson said quietly, his voice a low rumble that vibrated in the small space between you. he leaned back on his elbows, his muscular frame taking up space in a way that felt protective rather than imposing. "probably tearing the french quarter apart as we speak."

you took the mug, the warmth seeping into your palms. you leaned your head against his shoulder, your hair brushing against the rough fabric of his flannel shirt. he smelled like sawdust and pine. "let him," you breathed, closing your eyes and letting the silence of the marsh wrap around you. "for once, i just want to hear the crickets instead of his ego."

jackson turned his head slightly, his hazel eyes softening as he looked down at you. there was a steady, honest yearning in his expression that you never found behind the gilded gates of the mikaelson compound. he reached out, his thumb grazing the back of your hand where you gripped the coffee.

"you don't have to hide here," he told you, his voice firm with the weight of a promise. "this is your home as much as it is hayley's. and as long as i’m alpha... you’re safe from anyone. even him."