Aria: Originally, I had such a difficult time writing that part, but when I sat down to write it, it was really easy. I'm glad you liked it.

Elejah: Thank you. I actually like writing Elena and Kol together.

Bulldozed: I'll go further into Elijah's thoughts on the scene in this chapter.

Eva: That part that you quoted happened to be a spur of the moment addition. It wasn't in the original version, I only added it when I did a final read through and thought that the chapter needed something more. And Happy (Belated) Easter to you too.

Guest: As much as I enjoyed writing that scene, I can't picture many more in this story, this wasn't intended to be very long. But I'm glad you liked it!

Sharbour: Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, I'm glad you liked it.

Diehardromantic: As I told someone else in another response, that last bit was added in my final read through when I thought the chapter needed a little more.

Barbossas: I don't know if the rest of the story will be as entertaining, as they still have to deal with Esther and Finn.

Heather: Thank you for leaving a review.

Guest: Thank you for reading.

Elijah: I'm going to be skipping ahead to the next day, however, you guys will be able to read Elijah's reaction to the scene.

Ellie: I would think he'd be savvy too, but I like the idea that he just doesn't know how to handle a drunk Elena and her lack of a filter.

Chabuduo: Thank you, and thanks for taking the time to review.

Guest: Thank you for reading.

Author's Note: Sorry that it took so long to update, between work and Easter and entertaining, I didn't have a much of a chance to write. Please forgive me in the way that I've taken liberties. I can't remember much how things went down in the show when it came to how everyone learned that all the vampires were tied to the Originals and that if they died then anyone spawned from their bloodline did.

Disclaimer: I don't own any characters familiar to TVD.

Chapter 3

Closing the bathroom door softly behind him, Elijah used the towel to dry his hair a bit. Clad in his boxers and pants only, he stopped in front of a still slumbering Elena. There was no chance that she wouldn't be hung over, not with the amount of wine she'd consumed. It was only a matter of when her body would wake up and realize it.

"Jesus, Kol, what were you thinking?" Elijah berated as he drove them towards the mansion. "You should never have approached her."

"I told you I was curious about her," he shrugged. "All I did was keep her company while you were otherwise engaged," the youngest brother denied easily.

"And you got her drunk, and you propositioned her," Elijah bit out, his grip on the steering wheel tightening.

"Maybe I was just curious about what kept you going back for more. Not that she or her predecessors are unfortunate looking, but there are far more enticing women out there." His response was flippant and he knew he was only adding to his brother's irritation.

"You will stay away from Elena from here on out."

"You aren't the boss of me, brother," Kol practically hissed out the last word. "And as far as I know, you are in no position to dictate Elena's life," he added, casting a look at the topic of his sentence. Elena, upon entering the car, passed out.

"Do you need to be neutralized?" Elijah asked then. "Because all I need to do is ask Nicklaus for a white oak tipped dagger." And there was no doubt in his mind that Klaus would give it to him. His relationship with Kol had always been volatile.

"Taking a page out of our dear brother's book?" Kol demanded then, angered by the threat.

"I'm not above it," Elijah threatened. "If you pull another stunt like you did tonight…"

He'd dropped his brother off before turning around in the opposite direction before heading towards the Gilbert residence. He had considered keeping Elena at the mansion, but he didn't feel comfortable with her being in such close quarters to his mother.

There was no way his mother didn't realize he was on to her. Though she and Finn were mysteriously absent every time he was at the mansion, Elijah knew they were attempting to rework another plan. He still hadn't told his siblings about his suspicion regarding Esther. He had a feeling that his sister would be hard pressed to believe him and Klaus wouldn't be able to stop himself from attacking their mother or Finn.

It was the reason that he'd called Carrie. He was hoping that she'd be able to come up with something for him to use against Esther and Finn. And then, he would speak to his siblings. Of course he hadn't been able to come right out and ask her for help of the magical variety first thing, he had to build up a repertoire. And it had been a nice evening.

It may have been twenty years since he'd last seen her, but Carrie was just as beautiful as ever. Obviously, her body had matured and it had changed after giving birth ten years earlier, but not much else had. Life had agreed with her, and as the saying went, 'she'd aged like wine.' Aside from the fact that it had been so long since they'd met face to face, they easily slipped back into a flirty banter. They had never had a problem in the bedroom, it was everything else that got between them.

"So…it's over then?" Elijah asked, noticing the bags that were packed and the boxes that littered her living room. He offered her a sad smile.

Carrie licked her lips. "Come on," she said, sighing. "You and I both know that it was bound to happen sometime," she shrugged weakly. "There's a reason why vampires and witches don't hook up more often." Stepping closer to him, she wrapped her arms around his neck.

He easily returned the embrace. "I know," he admitted. And he did. Things had been going downhill for the last month. He should have been the bigger person to end it, but he hadn't wanted to. Carrie was familiar and comfortable. She really was a great companion.

"I think I'm going to head to South Carolina," Carrie shrugged. It was where her sister was, and she needed to be around someone familiar. "I'll write you when I get there," she said pulling away from him. She placed her hand on his cheek and kissed his lips. "If you ever need me, I'm there for you," she promised.

It was if no time had passed between. He greeted her with a welcoming embrace. Other than the few letters they'd exchanged through the years, they hadn't spoken. And he'd been genuinely curious about her life, about her daughter. And he'd intended to give her his undivided attention, until he heard someone hissing in annoyance.

"If you don't stop looking at them, she's going to notice you and point you out," he hissed after a moment.

Was that his brother? And more importantly, who was he talking to?

"You're right, I won't be so obvious."

Elena!? What the hell was his brother doing with her? They'd only been introduced the night before. Kol had a way with women, but he didn't think he was that good. Not to mention the obvious question, how did he get her away from her Salvatore brothers?

He kept a close eye on the pair after that.

Minutes later, their wine was delivered and their orders were taken. Kol took the liberty of pouring Elena's glass before filling his own. "You know, this is the first date I've been on in over a hundred years."

"It's not a date," she quickly rectified.

Damn right it wasn't a date! He shouldn't have worried, and Elena could hold her own against Kol.

"Sorry, this is my first 'it's not a date' date in over a hundred years," he held up his glass in salutations, waiting for her to mimic him.

He stiffened upon hearing Kol's words. He wanted nothing more than to turn around, but he wouldn't give his brother the satisfaction. Obviously, Kol knew that he could easily overhear them.

And so his conversation with Carrie continued. She told him about her husband, how he had first been her friend. That they'd supported one another in relationship after relationship and things remained nothing but platonic for eight years. And then one day, it wasn't enough anymore.

"I'm amazed that it took him that long to realize it," he voiced then. "Tell me, is this husband of yours blind?"

Carrie giggled. "Oh, Elijah. You're so funny."

"Are you attempting to flirt with me?"

"Of course not," he denied quickly. "I just want to get to know you, Elena. I understand that until recently you were involved in a triangle of sorts."

His brother wouldn't dare… "You touch her and you'll regret it, Kol," he hissed under his breath, knowing that his brother would be able to hear him easily.

"Elijah? Are you okay?"

He shook his head and smiled at Carrie. "No," he admitted in a soft voice. "Much has happened in the past weeks and…"

During the course of his relationship with Carrie, he'd told her about his family and the status of his relationship with Klaus, so there wasn't much to explain on that front. And he'd told her about his reunion with Klaus, the sacrifice and the fact that his brother had daggered him. He mentioned being awakened and the fact that the rest of his siblings were as well. He told her about Esther's appearance. And then he finished by explaining about the doppelganger and his and Elena's suspicion about her blood and what power it had against them.

And during the course of his explanation, he'd listened to Kol and Elena's conversation with half an ear; swearing to commit murder every time Kol opened his mouth. But it came to culmination when his brother eluded to sex.

"Have you ever done that?"

Oh yes…Kol was a dead man.

"Of course, I've had sex."

He shook his head. "No, I mean just sex. No relationship, no emotional tie. Just sex."

His body coiled and he was ready to strike. Carrie's voice faded, the world around him faded and he heard nothing but the conversation between Elena and his brother.

"No."

"Do you want to?" He offered.

His hand fisted against the table and he fought to control himself. He wanted nothing more than to jump across the distance and snap his brother's neck. What was worse was the silence that followed the invitation. Was Elena seriously considering his invitation? What was wrong with her?

"Elijah, what is wrong with you?" Carrie asked, easily able to pick up on his mood.

"No," Elena finally replied.

Finally!

"I don't think so." Though he could detect the slightest bit of hesitation in her voice. "I think I…need some air."

"My brother is here with Elena and…I have to go." Even as he spoke, he heard his brother suggest the same thing to Elena. "I'm sorry, Carrie, but I…" he trailed off, unable to finish his thought. He turned to offer her a sincere apology, but stopped when he noticed that she appeared to be studying him.

"Go. You have my number. Call me when you have a moment," she said, completely understanding that he needed to leave. "I will expect an explanation," she informed him pointedly.

He nodded. "I know," Elijah answered, leaning down and kissing the top of her head. "You'll get one."

Groaning pulled him out of his thoughts. "Oh God…" His gaze fell on Elena. Her eye make-up was smeared and her hair tangled in a large knot. She groaned again, opening her eyes and then closing them against the blaring sun. "What…?"

"Did you enjoy your night?" He asked casually.

His presence startled her and she turned in his direction. "Elijah? What? What happened?" She couldn't keep her eyes open, the sunshine only made her head hurt more. For a moment, she doubted that he was even there.

What should he say? More importantly, what did she remember? "What do you remember from last night?"

"…Wine. I remember wine," she admitted in a whisper. Her stomach lurched. She bolted up from the bed, and ran for the bathroom.

The door slammed behind her and he was easily able to discern the sound of retching. Wincing at the sound, he expelled a deep breath and moved for his shirt.

After emptying the contents of her stomach and brushing her teeth, Elena returned to her room. She'd nearly shrieked upon seeing her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Her hair was ratty and her mascara had smudged. "It's official, I've hit a new low…" She murmured, turning on the shower.

God! Elijah had seen her in such a state! She supposed it didn't matter if she had feelings for him, because after that morning, she was certain that it would never be reciprocated. She wasn't sure what his past relationships entailed or how attractive his partners had been (because she was sure they had been beautiful), there was no way she stood a chance.

Stepping into the shower, she nearly melted under the hot spray. Her head was still pounding, but at least her stomach wasn't protesting anymore. With quick but careful movements, she washed her hair and body before getting out.

With a towel wrapped around her body, she returned to the bedroom, stopping when she found Elijah bent over her night stand. Though the towel was secured around her, her hands settled over the top, in case it loosened.

"I'm sorry," Elijah apologized. "I thought I'd be able to deliver this and be out of the room before you left the bathroom." His eyes briefly met hers, belying the truth to his words before flittering away.

"Elijah, I…I am so…incredibly sorry," she stumbled over her words, her cheeks flamed. "Between last night and this morning… I don't know what's wrong with me, I don't normally-"

He'd always been aware of the fact that there was an age difference. Immortality aside, he was still fifteen years older than her. Yet, they didn't lead normal lives, and given the situations that they'd faced, she'd faced, it was easy to forget just how young she really was. However, he was painfully aware of it in that moment. Retrieving the pills and water he'd brought up for her, he handed them to her.

"Th…Thank you," she stuttered, reaching for the items.

He offered her a small smile. "You're welcome. We can talk later. I'm sorry if I've overstepped my bounds, but I've invited Carrie over so we can finish our conversation from last night." When he noticed Elena purse her lips, he rushed to continue on. "I'm sorry for taking such liberties, but I couldn't bring her back to the mansion and I would feel better discussing such a thing in privacy, as opposed to a hotel."

She nodded once before swallowing the pills he'd given her.

"You're more than welcome to join us if you feel up to it," he welcomed.

"Thank you for coming over," Elijah greeted Carrie at the door. "Please, come in."

She took inventory of her surroundings. "Nice house, though I never would have guessed you live here." There was nothing wrong with it, however, she remembered the opulence that Elijah tended to surround himself with.

"I don't," he replied, leading her towards the living room. "Elena does."

He went home with Elena? "Oh…" Huh…that was interesting.

He shook his head. "It isn't like that," Elijah instantly denied. "She was completely trashed and I…" He trailed off. No matter what he said, it wouldn't have made a difference. He knew he could have dropped Elena off and returned to the mansion, but the thought hadn't even crossed his mind the night before. Instead, he put her to bed and then fell asleep on the couch.

Carrie subtly looked around. "And where is she?"

"She's slightly hung over. She's upstairs, taking her second shower of the morning," he admitted, chuckling. He hadn't suffered from a hangover in a thousand years. And while part of him felt guilty for finding amusement in her predicament, a much larger part felt vindicated; especially when he recalled her questions towards Kol and the jealousy that he'd felt.

"Elena is the doppelganger, correct?" She asked, though she already remembered that much from yesterday.

He narrowed his eyes on her. "Yes," he answered cautiously.

She pursed her lips and nodded casually. "And you've been in love with her for how long?"

Her question startled him. "I beg your pardon?" He asked, nearly choking. "I'm not…" he sighed.

"Elijah," she interrupted his thought process. "I know it's been a while since we've seen one another, but you can't lie to me," she reminded him softly.

"Carrie, not now." He couldn't discuss it, not then. There were more important things to worry about. He wasn't ready to discuss Elena or his intentions for her, he certainly wasn't ready to think on them. "Did you come up with a plan?"

She really didn't want to drop the conversation. It was amusing to see Elijah react in such a way to a woman. He was the epitome of control and he had full control of his emotions, until it came to this woman. It was miniscule, but after knowing him as well as she had, she knew. And though there would always be a small sliver of her heart that was devoted to him, she loved her husband. Her delight far outweighed the sliver of jealousy she felt.

"I think so," she sighed. "And though it isn't as drastic as certain death," she recalled the plan he'd shared with her. "I do think your Elena is going to have a problem with it."

"She isn't my Elena," he denied instantly before moving back onto the topic. "What is your plan?"

"I steal someone's powers," she shrugged. "If I can steal someone's powers, it will break the bond of the Bennett line and I believe I have enough witches that would be willing to help me send Esther back to the other side."

"And they'd do that?" He asked, finding himself unable to believe her words. "Witches and vampires don't exactly have the best track record when it comes to working together."

She nodded. "I know," but she liked to think that her friends would trust her enough to do it. "There won't be too many, but they're powerful enough. I know that you would hate to do something against Elena's witch friend, I am giving you that opportunity." He hadn't said anything, but she knew that his main concern was Elena and what his actions would mean to her.

"And it wouldn't be permanent?" He asked, needing to make sure.

She offered him a reassuring smile. "No, after Esther is taken care of, I'll return them."

"And what is to stop my mother from using them again?" And if the powers were returned, would his mother have access to them again?

"My friends will do everything they can to make sure that doesn't happen," she vowed. "I made a promise to you once, that I would help you…whatever you need. And I intend to follow through with it."

"Okay, I trust you." The words weren't easy to come by, but he meant them all the same.

"Now, may I suggest we get in touch with Elena's friend?"

He nodded once in agreement. "I guess I should probably call my siblings as well," he sighed, not looking forward to the conversation with them. Walking her to the door, Elijah held it open for her. "I'll call you as soon as we're ready," he said.

Carrie trailed behind him. "Okay, I'll wait for your call. Elijah, the sooner the better," she cautioned him.

"You son of a bitch! I should have known that you would be so stupid as to align yourself with the woman that wants to kill us!" Kol stalked into the living room, paying no mind to Klaus or Rebekah, he focused on Finn. He towered over his brother, his anger vibrating through him. "How could you have been so stupid?"

"We never should have been created," Finn denied in hoarse voice. "Mother made a mistake."

"Her mistake saved our lives countless times," Finn shot back. "I know you never particularly cared for this life, but I thought it was pretty honkey-dorey."

Klaus, having had enough, stepped forward. "Not that I don't enjoy watching this little spat of yours. I can't help but feel curious about the reason why." He turned his interest on Kol. "What do you know that the rest of us don't?"

"I know that right now, Elijah is meeting with a witch because mommy-dearest tried to kill us all the night of the ball."

"She wouldn't do that," Rebekah denied, speaking up for the first time. "She said that she wanted us all to be together again. She wouldn't have said that unless-"

"Wake up, Rebekah." Kol wanted to throttle her. While he and Rebekah had never seen eye to eye on, well, anything, she'd never been blind about anything or anyone. "She isn't our mother, she hasn't been for a thousand years. You really think that she'd do nothing after watching the acts that we've committed over the years?"

Klaus glared at Rebekah for daring to interrupt. "What did she do?" His voice was tight and his siblings knew they were on thin ice.

Kol sighed. "She took blood from your doppelganger and laced the champagne with it in effort to tie us together."

Rebekah offered Klaus a look of confusion. "I don't feel any different, do you?" Surely, if that was the case, she would have known, they would have known by then.

"Elena stopped Elijah from drinking it, thus ruining their plan."

Klaus pursed his lips. He'd think on that fact in a moment. "What was supposed to happen once we were tied?"

Kol offered Finn a dark look. "Our darling brother was going to play the sacrificial lamb and kill himself."

"Thus kill the rest of us," Klaus finished. He moved away from the rest of his siblings.

"What I don't understand, is why go through all the trouble to kill us?" Kol voiced, looking back to Finn. "Let's go with that mindset and mo-Esther actually achieves her plan to kill us, there are still other vampires out there, it isn't as if she'd be ridding the world…" He trailed off, his thoughts moving a mile a minute. "Son of a bitch!" Understanding dawned on him and he leapt towards Finn, holding his neck in his hand.

"Kol!" Rebekah moved to get in between them.

Without removing his hold or gaze from Finn, he tossed Rebekah away as if she was nothing more than a fly. "You despicable, good for nothing, piece of shit!"

Rebekah flew back to her brother's side. She was both angry and annoyed that he'd pushed her away, but her curiosity won out. "What are you going on about?"

"He finally realized it," Finn said casually. He'd dealt with Kol on many occasions, his temper was hardly frightening for him.

Her dead stare reflected her ignorance of whatever realization that Kol had come to.

"If we die, then every single vampire spawned from our blood dies as well," her younger brother supplied when Finn didn't bother to answer.

The female Mikaelson balked upon hearing the revelation. What? Kol couldn't possibly have been right! Why would Finn do something like that? Why would he willingly end his life for the sake of righting their mother's mistake? How could he have possibly agreed to such a thing? He'd betrayed them, his own siblings…for what? Why? How?

Before anything more could be said, Klaus advanced on Finn. Dagger in hand, he thrust it into Finn's gut. The siblings watched as he became immobile, his skin graying as he succumbed to the power of the white oak ash.

"Where is Elijah now?" Klaus demanded, turning to face Kol.

"You expect me to what?" Bonnie asked with an air of incredulity. Her eyes traveled from her friend before her to the Original. His back was turned and he was speaking on the phone.

"I know it sounds crazy, Bonnie, but it's the only way…" Elena interjected weakly. When Elijah asked her to call Bonnie over, she'd finally journeyed from the sanctuary of her bedroom.

The Bennett witch immediately shook her head. "There has to be another way," she insisted.

Disconnecting his call, he turned around to address the witch. "Miss Bennett, I do believe that you're the reason why my mother is here in the first place," Elijah replied stiffly. "You should not have interfered in the first place."

She opened her mouth to respond against his harsh words, but was interrupted from doing so.

"He's right, Bonnie," Elena admitted.

Her eyes nearly popped out of her head over the audacity of her friend. "How can you say such a thing? I'm not the only one that was looking for a way to take care of Klaus," she bit out, reminding her friend of that.

Elena nodded. "I know," the brunette admitted softly. "But we only made things worse. This isn't just about Klaus anymore. She won't be happy with only taking him."

Bonnie shook her head. "So?" She asked, her eyes never faltering from Elena's, though she could feel the Original's eyes piercing her. "I don't owe them any allegiance. And I can guarantee that Stefan and Damon would say the same thing."

"No, you don't," Elijah agreed stiffly. "However, I've just had an interesting call. If my mother succeeds in her plans, not only will she kill my siblings and me, but all of the vampires throughout the world."

"Excuse me?"

"What?"

"If you won't help for sake of helping us, then what about for your friends? While I believe you feel similar to me where the elder Salvatore is concerned, can you say the same for the younger? What about your friend Caroline? Would you just let her die?"

"How?" Bonnie asked, her mind attempting to find understanding.

"All the vampires in the world have been spawned from us. Should we die, every vampire created from our bloodline will cease to exist as well; whether we were directly involved in their transition or not." He waited for the fact to sink in before he spoke again. "Now, do we have your cooperation?"

Elena grabbed both of Bonnie's hands within hers. "Bonnie, please."

"You're talking about taking my powers," she whispered.

"And I'm talking about the death of your friends," Elijah replied. "I do have another solution if you'd like," his voice took on an air of ease. "However, this one would involve the death of your mother or yourself. Either way, I could care less about which path you choose to take, so long as my mother is taken care of." While he had no care for the witch in front of him, he would hate for Elena to endure such pain.

Before Bonnie could say something else, there was a pounding on the door.

"I'm going to guess it's your family…" Elena sighed. She watched Elijah nod once before she moved to answer the door.

"Is Elijah here?" Rebekah asked, not bothering to greet the doppelganger in front of her.

Elena nodded once. "If I let you in, you all have to promise that none of you will harm me or Bonnie…"

"Lucky for you, we have a much larger situation to deal with," Klaus bit out. "You and your friend are safe from us tonight," he guaranteed.

AN: Okay, so as I say all the time, it's been such a long time since I've watched any episodes, I can't remember if all of the Originals had been invited in, or how many times they were (because of the de-invitation spell Bonnie can cast). For the sake of my story, let's just say that there isn't any danger of them being permanently welcomed inside the Gilbert residence.