Part Three.

"I can't love you,
but I have to.
I can't become part of you,
But I want to.
I can't hug you,
because I'm not allowed."

~Unknown.


Elena slowly rolled over, waking from her deep and dreamless sleep. She stretched, her bare arms now exposed to the cool air from the outside of her blanket. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes before sitting up and looking over at the clock... 11:00am, she had slept in. Elena sighed softly before pulling the covers off of her, getting out of bed and walking towards her closet. She had to do some grocery shopping today, and she was thinking of stopping by and seeing Stefan, to make sure he's okay.

Elena picked out a pair of jeans and a light long sleeved shirt before making her way to the bathroom to shower. She slowly rid herself of her pajamas before looking at herself in the mirror, a small giggle escaping her lips as she saw her hair. She grabbed her brush and worked out the tangles before turning the water on for her shower. She tested the water with her hand before stepping in, letting the soothing water run over her body.

She didn't realize she was thinking about Klaus until she was washing the shampoo bubbles out of her hair. Last night... she had felt free last night, not tied down like she had been feeling far too often lately. It was funny that she found that with Klaus, and she had to remind herself that he only wanted to befriend her to make more hybrids when he could... But did Elena even want the cure anymore? Part of her said yes, and part of her said no, but what would Klaus think if suddenly she told him she no longer wanted the cure? He would probably freak out.

Elena finished her shower and shut off the water, stepping out from behind the curtain and grabbing her white towel from the hook on the back of the door. She dried herself off with it before grabbing her clothes off the counter, getting dressed and brushing through her hair. She looked at herself in the mirror for a moment, before walking out to get her flat iron from her bedroom.

When she walked through the doorway something caught her eye. There was an envelope on her bedside table, with her name neatly written on the back that she must not have noticed when she woke up. She walked towards it and picked it up, studying the envelope before opening it and taking out the folded sheet of card stock inside.

Elena read over the letter, a bit puzzled at how it had even gotten there. The handwriting was neat, and as soon as she read the first line she knew who it was from.

"Hello, love.

I would like to invite you to a little get together I'm having this evening.

I'm inviting Damon and Stefan, as well as Caroline.

It's a simple dinner party to discuss what has been happening recently.

I hope you can attend,

-Niklaus."

Elena bit her lip as she finished reading the letter. She had no problem with Damon and Caroline, but Stefan? She didn't know if she could handle that just yet... on the other hand, she really did want to see Klaus again, and maybe her and Stefan could talk about everything. She didn't particularly want to get back together with him, but it would be nice to be on good terms again.

Elena decided she would go. What was there to lose? She would have a good time, get to hang out with her friends, and more importantly, she'd get to see Klaus again. She knew she wasn't supposed to be thinking about him as much as she was... but she couldn't help it. There was something about him... the way he held himself, and the dominance in every move he made. Not only that, but there was something appealing about the broken ones... the ones who had never felt real love...

Elena mentally laughed at her thoughts. She was definitely going crazy.

Soon Elena finished her morning routine (Blow drying and flat ironing her hair, doing her makeup, brushing her teeth ect.) and was ready to start the day. She had many errands to run, so she didn't waste time as she grabbed her keys and headed to her car. She opened the door and slid into the drivers seat before putting the key in the ignition and starting the car. She went to look over her shoulder before pulling out, but a small box on the passengers seat caught her eye. Curiously, Elena reached over and took the box, opening the lid, and gasped as she saw its contents.

A heart shaped necklace was inside, with a silver chain. It was studded with diamonds, and just the sight of it made Elena gasp. Under the necklace was a small card that simply said "see you tonight". Klaus.


Niklaus had woken up hours ago, in fact, he barely slept. He kept thinking about whether or not Elena would show up, or if she would leave when she realized he hadn't really invited anyone else but her. He wondered if she would wear the necklace he had bought for her, or if she would enjoy herself. But guiltily, one question hung in Niklaus' mind. If the night went as perfect as he planned, would she spend the night?

He hoped so. He didn't really expect sex from her, but he hoped the night would go well, and he hoped they would hit it off. The truth was, he hadn't felt this way about a girl in a long time, and, well... he cared about Elena. He wanted her to feel the same about him. Which is why he was fussing so much about what he was going to cook, and what he was going to wear. Even the music he would have playing in the background was on his mind as he cleaned his house. He could have easily gotten someone else to do it for him, but for some reason it felt right that he should be the one to do it.

Klaus chuckled at himself as he started washing the dishes. He was sure he was going crazy.


Elena drove back in her driveway a few hours later, sipping a late from Starbucks, her trunk filled with groceries. She turned off her car and unbuckled her seat belt before opening her passenger door and getting out. She walked around the car and popped the trunk, starting to bring the groceries in, placing the bags on her counter top. Jeremy was home and helped her put the groceries away in the fridge and cupboards.

When everything was put away she turned to Jeremy, a smile on her face.

"I'm going out tonight. I'll leave you money for pizza if you want.." Elena continued to smile as she spoke to her brother, Jeremy. He rose a curious eyebrow at her.

"Alright, where are you going?" He asked, grabbing a glass of water.

"Klaus' house." Jeremy nearly spit out his water as he heard Elena's reply.

"What!?" Jeremy was nearly in shock. Elena just chuckled.

"Damon, Stefan, and Caroline will be there too. Hes not so bad..."

"Elena, he tried to kill you." Jeremy couldn't believe it, and Elena could understand why.

"Trust me, Jer. Damon and Stefan will be there. I'll be fine."

Jeremy sighed and then gave up on trying to talk her out of it. Elena smiled and hugged him, and his eyes widen, surprised. Elena seemed happier than she had been for a long time, even before she had become a vampire. He hugged her back and she smiled, pulling back.

"I'm going to go get ready. I'll say bye before I go."

And before Jeremy even had time to respond, Elena was upstairs.


Niklaus checked, double checked, and triple checked to make sure everything was in order. His tie, the food, the table, the place mats, the wine... he had even vacuumed his welcome mat. He didn't really know why he was making such a fuss over everything, Elena either liked him or he didn't, but Niklaus wanted to impress her. Prove to her that he cared about more than just his hybrids.

The minutes ticked by and Niklaus anxiously bit his lip. What if she didn't come? He wouldn't be angry, but he would be upset. He had put a lot of work into this evening.

Soon his features softened as he heard the doorbell ring. He rushed to the door and opened it, and was momentarily stunned by what he saw in his doorway.

Elena looked beautiful, but he hadn't expected anything less from her. The first thing he noticed was the necklace he bought hanging around her neck. That was a good sign, right? Her hair was straight, but some of it was pulled back to show her perfect facial features. She was wearing just enough make up to highlight her natural beauty, but not so much as to cover it up, and she wore a short red silk dress, a matching clutch lay in her left hand. He had to snap himself out of the trance he had put himself in. When he recovered he gave Elena a warm smile and opened the door, stepping to the side to give her access into his house.

"Ah, Elena. Please, come in."


Elena walked into Klaus' home. She had been here before, but never on such... friendly terms. She walked further inside, to the dining room.

"I guess the others arn't here yet?" She said the statement as a question and raised a curious eyebrow to Klaus. He bit his lip slightly in response.

"Slight change of plans, love" He began, a small smirk appearing on his lips. "They... couldn't make it."

Elena chuckled lightly, easily being able to see through this.

"You didn't even invite them, did you?"

"No. No I did not."

Elena and Klaus both laughed, a genuine laugh that could be seen in their eyes. Elena was glad it was just them, and she didn't even bother to hide it, she was just too happy. Klaus led her into the dining room and pulled out a chair for her, nodding to her like a true gentleman.

"Why, thank you. Klaus." Elena said, a small blush creeping up on her cheeks as she sat in the chair.

"Please, Elena, call me Nik." Nik pushed in her chair as he spoke, getting a bottle of red wine laced with O negative blood and pouring her a glass, handing it to her before pouring himself one, sitting in the chair beside her, angled more towards her than straight ahead.

"Alright... Nik." Elena masked her giggle with a sip of the wine. She could taste the blood almost immediately.

"Does this have..." Elena started, but Nik cut her off.

"Blood? Yes. It's good isn't it?"

Elena nodded and took a sip. It was VERY good. She looked around at the immaculate house as she drank, thinking about how her thoughts on Nik had changed the last few days. She listened to the music on the radio and smiled at the soft beats, her eyes moving back to him.

Soon the song changed, and a song she's always loved came on, the music filling her ears as she looked at Nik. He looked back at her, a smile on his face, his eyes lightening up.

"The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath..."

Klaus looked thoughful before placing his glass down on the table, standing up slowly and extending a hand out to Elena.

"Care to dance, love?" Nik gave Elena a small grin and she bit her lip before taking his hand in hers, standing up. Niklaus walked them to a more open space in the dining room.

"Tell me that we belong together,
Dress it up with the trappings of love..."

Elena's heart started pounding as Niklaus placed a hand on her waist, why was she so nervous? When Nik looked down at her she tried to look more confident, placing her hand on his shoulder.

"I'll be captivated,
I'll hang from your lips,
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above..."

Niklaus took Elena's free hand with his own and smiled, starting to lead them in a dance perfectly in time with the music.

"I'll be your crying shoulder,
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older,
I'll be the greatest fan of your life... "

Dancing with Nik was magic. She felt completely safe, and happiness was shown on both of their facial features. He pulled her closer as they danced, keeping the same rhythm, scanning her eyes.. her lips. His tempo didn't change until the last chorus.

"I'll be your crying shoulder,
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older,
I'll be the greatest fan of your life."

Nik let go of her waist and span her around, Elena giggled in response and smiled as he pulled her back in, leaning her back far enough that she was near the floor, him supporting her full body weight. Nik smiled down at Elena and they made eye contact, seeming to speak without words. All questions answered in one simple stare. At that moment, Elena realized why Nik's house looked so nice, and he realized why she tried so hard to look good for tonight. It was for eachother. They both cared enough to try their hardest.

Niklaus searched her eyes for any sign of protest before leaning down and crushing their lips together. Elena simply melted in his arms, and kissed him with a passion she hadn't felt for anyone in a long time. Her whole world seemed to brighten as he kissed her, pulling her back up to stand straight, pulling her tight against his chest.

After a few moments Elena reluctantly pulled away, looking into Nik's eyes, which smiled into hers. He was happy, and she knew it. She liked that she could make him happy.

He cupped her cheek lightly and gently pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Elena..." He started, but Elena cut him off.

"I was so wrong about you.."

"No you wern't.. I didn't give you much to like before, now did I? I'm just glad I saw what I would have been missing out on.."


Dinner had passed, and now it was late. Elena knew she should go home, but she didn't want to leave just yet. She was waiting for something, she just didn't know what yet. Elena was sitting in Niklaus' living room, waiting for him to come back with another bottle of blood laced wine. She felt more at home here now than she had when she first arrived. When Nik walked back in, he refilled her glass before his own, and sat down beside her.

"what time do you have to be home, love?" He asked, taking her hand in his as she spoke. Impulse caused Elena's next words.

"I don't. I don't have to be home."

Niklaus locked eye contact with Elena and set his glass down on the coffee table, a bit shocked. Elena was staying the night. What was he supposed to say to that...? He somewhat awkwardly cleared his throat.

"I'll prepare one of the guest roo-" Before he could finish Elena's lips were on his. He chuckled slightly against hers and kissed her back.

"Okay, I'll take that as a no then" Nik grinned towards Elena and scooped her up into his arms, standing up, carrying her bridal style out of the living room, towards the grand staircase.

"You're sure you want to stay the night?"

"Yes.. I've never been more sure about something in my entire life."

Nik brought her up to his room and set her down gently on his bed, leaning over her and kissing her. This was where he belonged. Everything else didn't matter anymore. Every lost feeling was suddenly brought back to him. Every question was answered. With Elena, he was home.

The end~


Well thats it for this one! I hope you guys liked it! Please leave your feedback, and PM me if you have any ship requests for future fanfics! Ill try to start a new story soon, so follow me! Fav this if you like it! (please :3 )