AN: I hope that everyone liked the last chapter. Things will start to get interesting now that Kathrine has arrived. I hope that you all will like this chapter. Also, there will be family fluff and Elijah being the most amazing boyfriend ever in this chapter.
Chapter 4: Winter Whiplash
Raylynn sneezed as she walked down the hall to her locker next to Bonnie's. The witch had instantly noticed something was off with her friend. She instantly noticed that she wasn't wearing heels or a skirt. In fact, Raylynn was wearing a girly hunting camo track suit and her copper curls were brushed and pulled into a messy bun with very little make up on.
"Whoa…what happened to you?" Bonnie asked, looking at her. "The weather…this temperature swing is killing me." Raylynn replied, her voice hoarse from coughing. "Your asthma" Bonnie asked. "Yup." Raylynn said, pulling her inhaler from her hoodie pocket.
She inhaled a few puffs before coughing slightly, thankful it was allowing her some ability to breathe. Bonnie felt sorry for her.
"Why are you here, instead of in bed, resting." Bonnie asked. "I have to, otherwise I'll be dragged down to Bethesda and be poked with needles." Raylynn replied as they walked down to Alaric's class. "Well, I can promise you that Alaric may make you go home and call Clayton to come get you." Bonnie told her. "I have made it all day, I think I can manage the next 90 minutes." Raylynn said, as they entered the class room.
As they walked in, Alaric instantly knew that his newest student was sick. He sighed, knowing that she was also going to stubborn about going to the nurse to go home as well. He waited till class had started and they were taking notes.
"Mind telling me why you are risking being admitted to the hospital, again?" Alaric asked, kneeling next to her desk. "I don't want to be a pin cushion for my pediatrician." Raylynn replied. "Understandable, but you can hardly hold your head up." He replied. "I am fine, I have to do this…please." Raylynn said, "Just let me finish class and tomorrow I will rest." "Geez Ray…try to keep your eyes open at least…Rebekah, will you let her use your notes when she is better?" He replied, turning to the Original next to him.
"Of course, you know Elijah is not going be happy you are pushing yourself this hard." Rebekah told her, making Raylynn groan. "Don't remind me…he is already on edge because of my asthma…he was at the house last night when I had an asthma attack So, we spent the evening at the emergency room…which I was told that it was possible bronchitis or walking pneumonia and I was fine with my inhaler." Raylynn groaned. "All the more reason to stay in bed." Alaric said, standing. "You're starting to sound like Bonnie…she said the same thing in the hall." Raylynn replied, her voice muffled by the desk.
The Bennett witch nodded from her desk in front of Rebekah. Alaric cracked a smile when he seen Raylynn lift her head enough to stick her tongue out at her. Bonnie did the same back before returning to her seat. Caroline and Elena laughed softly, both knowing how protective she was over her friends.
Just then, Raylynn began to cough. With each cough, she found herself struggling to regain her breath. Alaric pulled his phone out and called Clayton, while Rebekah tried to get Raylynn to keep calm.
"…Inhaler…hoodie." Raylynn said, struggling to get the words out. "Hoodie?" Rebekah asked.
"The front pocket of her sweat jacket is her inhaler." Bonnie said, turning towards them, "Ray…listen to our voices."
Rebekah reached into the pocket and pulled out a blue inhaler. Raylynn took it from her and popped the top open. She took three puffs from it and found it not useful. Raylynn began to feel light headed from not being able to breathe as her vision slowly began to blur. The only thing that kept her from blacking out was Bonnie talking to her.
"Agent Reeves, where are you?" Alaric asked. "Heading towards the school, why?" Clayton asked as Peter looked at him funny. "I need you to break the speed limit and get here now…Raylynn is having another asthma attack." Alaric said. "We'll be there in two minutes…did the inhaler work?" He replied, making Peter look at him with worry. "No…I take it did not last night either, did it?" Alaric replied as Rebekah started to get Raylynn to relax. "No…Director Shepherds and Gibbs both are concerned that she has pneumonia." Clayton said. "Sounds like it…I'll have Rebekah walk her towards the front so you can get her…Also, you should probably let them know she is going home early." Alaric told him. "Already on it…her mum said something about her doctor making a visit to the house anyway today." He said. "Alright…thanks." Alaric replied as Clayton hung up.
Despite trying to move Raylynn, Clayton and Peter arrived at the classroom just as the attack subsided. Raylynn was tired and did not want to be there anymore. Rebekah had packed her things and handed the redhead's book bag to Peter.
"Here…I'll be by later. Get some rest." Rebekah told her, hugging her. "I will…man I hate being sick." Raylynn replied, as she was released from the hug. "I know." The blonde replied.
She said goodbye to her other friends and left the class room. Alaric followed and hugged her as well. He knew that she was trying as hard as she could not to.
"I'll send work…but promise you'll take it easy." Alaric told her. "Yes sir…I almost made it the whole day without one and now it happens." She replied. "I know…I'll see you in a couple days." Alaric told her. "Kay." Raylynn replied.
When they got back to the house, Raylynn went straight to her room and changed into her pajamas. She shivered as she felt the fever chills run down her spine. She dragged herself out of bed and into the kitchen to get some Motrin. Clayton handed her the pills and a hot cup of tea, knowing that she had a sore throat from all the coughing.
Just then, Jenny and Gibbs walked in, shocked to see her home. When she turned to them with an expression of defeat, they realized how sick she was.
"Come on, off to bed." Gibbs said, wrapping his arm around her. "I don't want to be sick anymore." She replied as he led her to the bed. "I know…Dr. Thomason is making a visit out here to get you set straight…I have also talked to Romeo…he is on the way over as well." Gibbs told her, as he sat down across from where she laid. "Romeo…really?" She asked, causing him to chuckle. "Yes…Elijah called us last night after he left telling us he was concerned you would push yourself too far. He knows how independent you are and how you hate being sick." Gibbs told her as her phone rang.
She looked down and see his picture pop up. Raylynn smiled as reached for the phone.
"Hello." She said, trying to sound chipper. "How are you feeling?" Elijah asked, "Rebekah told me you had another one." "Bad enough that my doctor is driving from almost two states away to make a house call." Raylynn replied. "I am sorry beloved, I am heading to the store…what is your favorite soup and drink?" Elijah asked. "Butternut squash and coke, why?" Raylynn replied. "Can't tell you…I'll be there soon." He replied, making her smile. "Kay, just be prepared to have Nik bring you clothes, cause you're not leaving this time." Raylynn said, "You were like a human air conditioner." "That is only because you have a fever, my love." Elijah replied, smiling. "Don't remind me…I hate being sick." She lamented, making him smile more. "I know…I'll see you in a few." He told her. "Kay…bye." She said. "Bye." Elijah replied.
He hung up just in time for Dr. Thomason to come into the room. He saw how terrible she looked and could tell instantly why she was sick. This was not the first time he had seen her sick because of the weather. Normally, Jenny drug her into his office at the first sign of her asthma bothering her.
"So, mother nature got you too, Ray?" He asked, setting his cover down on the dresser. "Sadly, even I'm not immune to her crazy moments." Raylynn replied, making him chuckle. "I can see that." He smiled. "It's not funny…it sucks." She replied. "I know…were you outside at all within the last week?" He asked, taking his stethoscope from his bag. "Yeah, there was the ball and it started to pour and we have been running on the track because it's been nice." Raylynn replied. "It has, but that was probably your downfall, take a deep breath for me." He told her.
Raylynn did so as Jenny came into the room. She watched as her daughter was unable to hold it. The Navy doctor frowned as he listened to her chest. He then pulled out the x-rays that the hospital had taken the night before. He held them to the light to look at the picture better.
"I think your folks are right…that is definitely pneumonia…which means you are on bedrest for the next ten days." Dr. Thomason said, causing Raylynn to protest. "But I have a presentation in history." She exclaimed. "Well, your teacher will let you make it up…you cannot keep pushing yourself…next time, you'll end up in Bethesda with me." He told her. "Yes sir." She sighed, feeling more defeated. "I'm calling in some pain killers. I am sure you're starting to hurt from all the coughing and an antibiotic to help…stronger than what I normally give you." He told her, "This one is different."
"How so?" Jenny asked, looking at him. "This one is in IV form." Dr. Thomason replied, causing Raylynn to groan. "Ah…sounds like he is not playing…maybe this time you won't miss a month of school." Jenny replied, trying to make her daughter see the bright side. "No, only ten days…I hate having asthma." She grumbled. "I know…I'm also calling in a couple new inhalers…how full is that one?" He asked Raylynn.
"Half full…it came in handy earlier, though." She replied, as she laid back against her mountain of pillows. "I bet, sleeping in an elevated position may help you breathe a little easier." He told her.
Dr. Thomason stayed a few minutes longer to write the scripts and gave them to Jenny. He also pulled the IV from his bag and set it up. Raylynn looked out her window while he was putting the needle in her arm. She saw Elijah's car pull into the driveway and smiled.
"All set…I want to see you in ten days, young lady." He said, picking up his cover. "Aye, aye, sir." She smirked. "Good, now feel better." Dr. Thomason replied.
As he was leaving, he nodded to Elijah as he was coming in. The original nodded back, watching him go. He also saw Clayton getting ready to go get Raylynn's scripts filled.
"How is she?" Elijah asked, setting the groceries and bouquet down. "Pneumonia like we thought…she's restricted to her room for the next ten days." Jenny told him, smiling at the roses on the counter, "Sounds like you're in the running for best boyfriend ever."
Elijah smirked as he took a vase from the cabinet by the sink. He had made sure that she had fresh flowers all the time. When she was feeling better, he would get some more exotic flowers.
"I guess so. She wants me to stay…I promise nothing will happen, my sister has already claimed being the chaperone of sorts." Elijah told Jenny. "It's fine, I trust you a lot more than I have trusted her other boyfriends. You really do care about her." Jenny replied. "I have spent a lot of years afraid of feeling something for someone. Somehow your daughter shattered those walls." Elijah replied.
Jenny smiled, knowing that he had already fallen head over heels for her. She knew one day soon she would watch Gibbs give their baby away and it would most likely be to him.
"She loves you, I know she has yet to say it, but it is in her eyes. Right now, she needs you." Jenny told him.
Elijah smiled as he filled the vase with water. Jenny smiled as well as she pulled a pan out for Elijah to use to cook. She laughed when he pulled out a large butternut squash and began to chop it. He was most definitely out for best boyfriend.
She decided to walk down the hall and check on Raylynn. Jenny's smile grew when she seen her daughter and the man she loved curled up on the bed. He was watching the football game and she was sound asleep. Her smiled disappeared slightly when she heard her snoring softly due to how congested she was.
"Finally gave up, huh?" Jenny asked, walking over to Raylynn's side. "Yeah, she drank some tea and the Motrin finally kicked in. She still has a fever though." He replied, "I'm recording the games that are on for her. She wanted to see who is going to make it." "I blame you for that…she pegged Tony one time in the head without looking." Jenny told him. "Yes, so have I…his reactions are fun to watch." Gibbs replied.
Elijah came in with the vase and a bottle of coke with a ribbon on it. Gibbs smiled as he watched him set it down on the nightstand next to the bed. Raylynn seemed to know he was there and turned her head towards him, without moving from Gibbs' arms.
"Babe." She mumbled, half asleep. "I am here…rest, I'll bring dinner in a bit." He replied, pushing a damp strand of hair from her face. "…Kay…did Bekah come by at yet?" She asked. "Not yet she will be by later, the others will come in the morning to check on you." He replied, "School was canceled due to a gas leak in the chemistry lab." "Lucky." She mumbled, dozing back off.
Elijah leaned down and kissed her head. She smiled as she reached for her stuffed dog on the bed. Gibbs smiled as he rose. She grumbled about moving.
"We'll call when we get in." Gibbs told them. "Noo…please don't leave." She whimpered, clutching his hand. "Alright, don't worry about her. I promise that she will be safe." Elijah vowed. "We know…thank you for being there with her last night…Clayton told us how bad she was. He told us you kept her calm during the asthma attack." Gibbs replied. "I hated every minute of seeing her sick. I am thankful that none of my siblings have gone through that. You have my word that I will be there for her, no matter what." Elijah said. "Good." Gibbs said, as Jenny walked over to give Raylynn a kiss on the cheek.
"Night, baby girl." She whispered to her, "feel better."
Elijah walked them to the door. They all knew that she was safe with him and their liaison officers. They had already proven to Jenny they cared about her and were willing to take a bullet for her. Malloy already had.
When he came back in, he was not surprised to find Damon sitting in the large chair by the bed, watching the game. Elijah nodded to the younger vampire before walking over to Raylynn's side.
"What did doc say?" Damon asked, looking Elijah. "Pneumonia." Elijah replied, causing the elder Salvatore to make a face. "That sucks." Damon said. "Indeed…she is on strict orders not to leave her bed and has to be back in ten days for a follow up." Elijah replied. "Good luck with keeping her there. I see the IV, the antibiotics through that?" Damon asked, walking over. "I believe so, Agent Reeves went to go pick up the script from the pharmacy a 20 minutes ago. He and Peter picked her up from Alaric's class this afternoon. Raylynn had another severe asthma attack." Elijah told him. "Damn, did Ric say how bad it was?" He asked, frowning. "No, Rebekah told me she started to turn blue from lack of oxygen…Alaric was already on the phone with them. Her inhaler did not help." Elijah told Damon. "The kid is lucky." Damon replied as they heard the front door open.
A few seconds later, Clayton and Peter came into the bedroom. They saw Damon and Elijah sitting there talking. Peter looked slightly amused at the way Raylynn was laying, taking up the bed horizontally.
"I see she finally found a comfortable way to sleep." Peter said. "Yes, she was originally curled into Jethro's side before he left. He seemed pleased that she was sleeping." Elijah replied.
"Yeah…hey Sun Ray, wake up." Clayton said, gently shaking her shoulder. "No…let me slee…p." She replied, coughing. "Yes, you have to take some medicine." Clayton replied. "No…hate that crap." She grumbled, struggling to sit up. "We know." He smiled, handing her the pain pill and a glass of water. She sighed as she took the pill and drank the water. Raylynn even opened her mouth to prove to him that she took it, which made him chuckle.
"Morning, sunshine." Damon replied, when she looked at him. "Hi…where did the roses come from." Raylynn asked, her glare softening. "Romeo over there." Damon replied.
Raylynn smiled as Elijah kissed her head. She smiled back, grateful for them. She loved that he took the time to do little things like that. All her other boyfriends only got her things when they had to, not because they wanted to.
"Thank you…you got coke." She smiled. "Yes, how are you feeling?" He replied. "Like crap." Raylynn said, bluntly. "Aside from that…would you like something to eat?" Elijah laughed. "Sure…what smells good?" She asked, smelling food through the stuffy nose. "Soup…Niklaus had a recipe for butternut squash soup. He gave it to me…that is why I asked what your favorite soup was." Elijah told her. "Thank you…and yes, I am a bit hungry." She said. "I figured…I'll get some while he puts the medicine in the IV." Elijah told her.
She smiled as she watched him leave the room. Damon made a face at her over the doe eyed look she had in her face. Raylynn laughed as he walked over the bed and flopped down next to her.
"So, you and Romeo. Is he staying the night tonight?" Damon asked, making her roll her eyes. "Yes…and no, do not that is going to happen right now. The only time he will most likely let me get up from bed it to use the bathroom." She replied, making Clayton chuckle. "And, they aren't alone…we will be here and Rebekah is also coming later." Clayton added. "Well, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon." Damon said. "That is why there are seven other bedrooms." Raylynn replied.
Elijah came back in with a bowl of soup. Raylynn smiled as she took it and let him out the tray on her lap. She smiled when she smelt it. Damon soon vacated the space next to her let Elijah sit back in his original seat.
"This looks good…thank you." Raylynn smiled. "You're welcome, there are bowls on the counter cooling for everyone else if they want some." Elijah replied.
The others left the room to go get food. Elijah sighed with contentment as he sat beside her. He was hoping that he would be able to have some alone time with her. Raylynn smiled as she ate her food, watching the last part of the game that was on.
"Hopefully, they go to bed soon." Elijah said, making Raylynn smile. "Doubt it…Damon seems pretty worried." Raylynn replied as she finished her food. "He does, we all are. We know that you push yourself." Elijah said. "I know, bad habit I've picked up from both my parents." Raylynn smiled.
Elijah took the bowl and set it aside on the other night stand. She inched and wiggled her way the best she could to snuggle against him. Elijah smiled as she laid her head on his chest and relaxed, or at least tried to. They both noticed that Rebekah pulled into the driveway in Klaus' SUV.
"You know, this fever really sucks. I feel gross and my muscles hurt." She told him, her breath ragged. "I know darling…I wish there was something I could do." He replied as she began to cough.
He frowned as he helped her sit up. She continued to cough as he rubbed her back. Elijah noticed how much it hurt her as she doubled over. The muscles in her back were tense as she struggled for air.
"Easy." He told her as Rebekah and Damon entered the room.
"Is she alright, I heard her from the car?" She asked, rushing over. "No, she has pneumonia." Elijah replied, as she cried out in pain.
"Ouch…I think I just pulled a muscle. It hurts." Raylynn said, through gritted teeth. "I know…Damon, go get the Epson salt in the guest bathroom. Rebekah, will you start filling the tub and turn on the shower, we will follow in a moment." Elijah said as he lifted Raylynn into his arms after undoing the IV.
The two went off quickly. Elijah rushed Raylynn into the bathroom. While Rebekah was filling the tub, he held her as the opposite end of the room filled with steam. Rebekah shut the door so that the room would stay full of steam. Damon came in and handed her the salt and frowned. Rebekah quickly dumped half the bag into the hot water to dissolve.
"She alright?" He asked, looking at her. "No, she pulled a muscle during the breathing fit. I remembered a trick from when we were still human. Kol got pneumonia after he fell into the river while mother was still pregnant with Rebekah. They stayed in the cave that housed the hot springs for days until he could breathe better. The steam for some reason helps." Elijah said.
"It's because of the moisture…it causes your muscles to relax." Raylynn said, struggling to clear her throat. "Easy, Damon will you turn off the shower." Elijah replied. "Yes, so date night a bust?" Damon teased making Raylynn smile.
She nodded yes as Rebekah shut the water off. Once done, Damon and she left the room to give them some privacy. Raylynn smiled, realizing that he was staying. She knew then that he would never leave her.
"Will you stay with me?" She asked as she sat up. "Are you asking me to join you?" Elijah asked. "Maybe…I have no strength to hold myself up right." She said, making Elijah smirk. "I know and yes, I will…which is why I am grateful there is a lock on the door." Elijah said as he rose to get the lock.
Raylynn smiled as she struggled to stand. Elijah pulled her up so she could stand. Elijah managed to hold her upright as he helped her to pull her pajamas off. Raylynn gasped as he let his hands run over her bare skin. She leaned into his touch as he gently kissed her bare shoulder. Raylynn whimpered softly at the difference of temperature between their bodies. Elijah quickly stripped as well before he lifted her into his arms.
"You know, my parent would freak if they saw this." Raylynn replied, making him chuckle. "Most likely, my siblings would be shocked…I am rather picky about who I open up to. You, my love, have managed to shatter every wall I have built over the last millennia, and honestly, you scare me. I am afraid of losing you." Elijah told her as he stepped into the tub.
Raylynn stared into his dark eyes with shock. The irony of his statement was that he had done the same. She swore that she would never date someone until after she graduated college after her last break up.
"I am afraid of that too…after being hurt like I was last time, I was afraid to let anyone but my family in, now that you came along, I can smile again." She replied, "I love you." "I love you more." Elijah replied, as he sat down.
Raylynn turned so that they were chest to chest as they sat in the hot water. He felt her gasp at the temperature change as her body tensed. Elijah gently held her to him, knowing that it was the fever.
"Easy…I know it's cold." Elijah said, gently rubbing her back. "Cold is an understatement, it feels like I am taking the polar bear challenge naked then being pricked with thousands of tiny needles." Raylynn replied, feeling his hands gently massaging the muscles of her back. "I know darling…try to relax, your body will stop fighting when you do." He told her.
Raylynn laid her head on his chest as she listened to his heart. The steady rhythm helped her to calm as her breathing soon fell in sync with his. Elijah continued to rub her back as she shuttered slightly.
"Better?" He asked. "Yes…thank you." She replied, lifting her head up. "Think nothing of it…I have hated every minute of seeing you sick." Elijah told her. "Me too." She replied.
Raylynn leaned up and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. Elijah smiled, knowing that had she was struggling to hold her body up enough to do that. He returned the kiss softly, his hand slipping into her curl that were falling from their restraints. Both poured all their love and fear into the kiss, each of them desperate to keep the other close. They both were nearly breathless before they finally broke apart for air.
"I love you." Elijah said, staring down at her. "I love you too…I never want to be away from you, ever." She whispered back. "You won't…I will never leave you." He replied, pushing the damp curls from her face.
The couple lay curled in each other's arms. Raylynn sighed as she felt Elijah's hands roam over her body. He purred slightly when she traced her fingers along the toned muscles of his chest and abdomen. Both were content to stay in the tub all night, away from all the hovering. Soon, the loss of the hot water made them second guess their want to stay in the bath.
"Come, the water is getting cold." He said, as he stood. "Okay…I'm cold." She replied, making him smile. "It is a bit chilly, come let's get you dried off." Elijah told her, helping her stand. Elijah gently kissed her swollen lips before taking her into his arms again.
He lifted her out of the tub and set her gently on the plush mat. Raylynn smiled when she reached for her robe on the hook and put it on. Elijah smiled when she handed him a large, soft towel.
"Thank you, darling." He said, making her smile. "Welcome." She replied, as he hugged her close. "Rebekah is waiting in the hallway, we should get dressed." He said, listening to his sister and Damon complain about them taking too long. "Or else they might get the wrong idea…not that I would mind." She smirked. "Nor would I, but I'd rather have you faint for other reasons than not being able to breathe." Elijah purred in her ear as he pulled her against. "Good lord Elijah, don't tease me like that." She whimpered, as he kissed her softly.
Elijah retrieved his clothes from the bed room and went back to the bathroom to change. Raylynn smiled, now understanding what Rebekah meant by calling him the noble one of her brothers. While he wanted her, he also respected her enough to give her privacy while she got dressed. Raylynn walked over to her dresser and grabbed her black plaid flannel pants and a hot pink tank bra shirt to wear for bed. She also grabbed her fuzzy black slipper socks.
"Alright, I am dressed." She said as she pulled down her hair. "Okay." Elijah replied, as she walked back over to the bed, "I'm letting them back in."
Rebekah and Damon were amazed to see them dressed. Damon grumbled about owing Rebekah twenty dollars. She laughed softly when she stuck it into the pocket of her jeans.
Raylynn shook her head as Rebekah set the IV back up. She guessed she had experience before. The youngest Original laughed when she seen Raylynn's make a face as she felt the medicine flowing again.
"It's strange, isn't it?" Rebekah asked. "Very, I hate it." She replied. "I can imagine…now, you think you can manage to not have a breathing spell again tonight?" Rebekah said, making her laugh. "I'll try." Raylynn replied, making her smile. "Glad to see you smiling again, I was really worried about you earlier." Rebekah told her.
"Good, because we don't need another scare like that." Damon said. "Yes, mother." She replied. "Hahaha, you really did scare us." He said, his voice and eye soft.
Raylynn smiled at him. She held her arms out, silently telling him she wanted a hug. He obliged her, knowing that she knew he was worried.
"I am not going anywhere…I will be alright." She replied, softly in his ear. "I know, Ginger Barbie." He said, earning a smack to the back of the head. "Really?" She said, earning Damon's signature smirk. "Yup." He grinned.
After that, the group decided to settle down. Raylynn remained curled into Elijah' side on the bed. Damon and Rebekah chose the chair and sofa to lounge on as Damon put a movie on. The redhead soon found herself dozing off, content next to the man she loved.
A short time later, Peter poked his head into the room to find the group sleeping, except for Elijah, who was up. He smiled softly when he seen Raylynn grumble about someone being on the IV cord. Elijah adjusted his hold so he wasn't on the tube. She settled back down.
"Everyone good?" He asked. "Yes, I believe I was the only one to make it through the movie." Elijah replied, making him smile. "I see that, she really pushed herself today. It is a miracle she did not end up in the hospital." Peter smiled. "It was…where is Clayton?" Elijah replied. "Perimeter check…the forecast calls for snow tonight here, so he is doing it early before it starts snowing…Raylynn needs to take it easy." Peter replied. "I agree, hopefully, she will listen." Elijah said. "We'll see, the first time I met her, she was on crutches and was told to say off her foot. She didn't listen then." Peter told him, making the Original smirk. "That sounds like her." He agreed.
A few hours later, Elijah decided to call it a night. He looked outside and was amazed to find nearly a foot of snow on the ground. He smiled and closed the blinds. Also by then, Damon and Rebekah had moved to the guest rooms across the hall.
"Good night, my love." He whispered, climbing into bed next to her. "Night." She mumbled, snuggling against him. "Sleep well" Elijah replied.
The next morning, Raylynn awoke to voiced filling the house. She groaned as she moved her body. Raylynn was suddenly aware of how badly her body ached. Her throat, head and chest all felt worse. Thankfully, Elijah was already awake and waiting on her to wake up.
"Morning." He smiled, pushing a damp curl from her face. "Morning…oh man, this hurts." She replied, as she struggled to move. "Your back?" He asked, reclining beside her. "Back, chest, head…take your pick." Raylynn replied, looking at him pitifully. "I see, well, the girls are here to see you and there is about a foot of snow on the ground." Elijah told her. "Ugg…I need coffee first…there is non-dairy creamer in the cabinet, but I need some." She replied, making him smile. "I figured, I'll go get it…Rebekah said she will help with the antibiotics." He told her. "Kay, can you unhook me for a minute so I can go wash my face really quick." She asked. "Yes, I can, Love." Elijah replied.
Once she was up, she slowly walked over to the bathroom to freshen up. She could already hear Caroline freaking out as Damon relayed the night's events over breakfast. Elena and Bonnie also gasped, worried for their friend. Raylynn brushed her frizzy curls and teeth. Then, washed her face with cold water before she walked back out of the bathroom. She smiled when she saw Rebekah waiting.
"Morning." Raylynn said, looking at her. "Morning, how are you feeling?" Rebekah replied as she walked back over to the bed. "Like crap…I can feel the muscle I pulled in my back and chest this morning." Raylynn said. "I am sorry, did the bath help?" Rebekah smirked, making her roll her eyes. "Yes, and yes, I enjoyed cuddling with your brother, man you are as bad as Damon." Raylynn laughed, coughing. "I was out numbered growing up, blame them" She replied, making her laugh even more.
Rebekah smirked as she hooked the IV back up. She knew that Elijah wanted to wait until it was the right time. He loved Raylynn.
"I know, he seemed more relaxed today." Rebekah said as Raylynn struggled to adjust her pillows. "He does, I am sure that Damon is as well." Raylynn smiled.
"He is and he seems to wrapped around your little finger just as I am." Elijah replied as the crew followed him. "It isn't intentional, it just happens." She smiled as Elijah handed her a large mug full of coffee. "Damon made it." He told her. "Thank you, babe and thanks Damon." Raylynn said, making her smile.
Raylynn smiled when she smelled the coffee. She could instantly smell the Irish cream in the coffee as well as chocolate. Despite having dairy in it, it would help her stop hurting.
"That's good." She smiled as she took a sip. "I try, figured you needed a treat after the crappy night you had. I made sure you had a box to yourself." He smiled setting down a box of donuts down on the bed. "I can see that…thanks." She smiled as Elijah sat beside her.
"How are you feeling?" Bonnie asked, looking at her. "Better and worse…the doctor said it was pneumonia, so I am stuck in bed for the next ten days." Raylynn said, making the girls frown. "That sucks, guess that means Caroline can't rope you into helping her plan prom." Elena teased, making Bonnie and Stefan laugh. "I wasn't going to force her, just ask." Caroline stated, making them all laugh, "Besides, something tells me that Elijah isn't going to let her out of his sight for the next two weeks."
"No, I am not." He said, causing the girls to laugh when Raylynn made a face at him. "I don't think that she will be able to avoid you the way she did Peter and Clayton." Elena laughed, making her friend smirk as she bit into the chocolate donut. "Nope." Bonnie laughed, as Clayton and Peter came into the room.
"Morning Sun Ray." Clayton said. "Hey, where are you two headed?" She asked, noticing they were dressed. "Washington, your mum asked us to go pick up someone to help Elijah keep an eye on you…his flight landed about two hours ago." Peter replied making her frown. "Oh boy, please tell me the flight was not from Tel Aviv." She asked. "Yes, it was…but we are not allowed to tell you who it was." Clayton told her. "Crap." She muttered. "Sorry, love." Peter said as he handed her his Webley. "Kay…ouch, Damon, put that in the nightstand for me, I can't exactly reach." She said, trying to open the drawer, "I already have a good idea on who it was…tell him I am listening to the doctors." "We will, see ya later, Ray." Clayton replied. "Okay, please drive safe, people in the south drive like fools when they see or hear the word snow." Raylynn replied.
"We have learned that…see ya later, Ray." Clayton smiled as they left.
By the end of the day, the whole gang had fun. Raylynn, while not allowed to leave the threshold of the back door, even enjoyed watching Klaus and Damon gang up on Elijah in a snow ball war. She laughed so hard that she almost had another coughing fit. Rebekah, who decided to stay in with her laughed as well. She could not believe that Klaus had done that to Elijah.
"I have not seen that look on Elijah's face in almost a thousand years." Rebekah said, putting a kettle on the stove. "Do I want to know what happened that day?" Raylynn asked from her spot by the door. "Nik and he were sparring with swords and Nik had cut Elijah's belt off him." Rebekah told her.
Raylynn laughed, trying even picture Elijah with long hair. She had to admit, she probably would have fell for him then as well.
"Wow, so Nik wasn't always so paranoid about things." She asked. "No, that is what time and our parents have done to him…but I still see my big brother." Rebekah smiled, watching their antics. "Well, you're their only living baby sister, it is their job to both aggravate the hell out of you and protect you." Raylynn smiled. "I know, they just get so bloody aggravating, including Elijah sometimes." Rebekah said.
The girls continued to watch their friends and family fool around in the snow. As the sun began to sink, the fun slowly began to end as the medicine began to wear off for Raylynn.
I hope that everyone likes this chapter. Please remember to review and tell me what you think.