Hi guys... I am so terribly sorry for the lack in updates. It's just my computer was having problems, and my sister took it to get it fixed, and her friend took like a week on it, but it's all fixed so that's good, but then my sister took it to her house (as she moved out) so she could finish watching her shows, so I just got it back. Plus, my motivation for writing hasn't been so great. It's not even that great right now, as I also don't even know what I wanted to write for this chapter. I know what I want to write for Christmas and the Mabekah wedding, so I wish I could do a time jump, but I can't, at least not right now. So let's see where this goes.

On the bright side, I started watching The Originals! It's actually really good, well season 2 is way better than season 1, because of the family drama, so like thank the lord the whole family is actually featured. Also, I'm actually liking season 6 of TVD so far! Sure, as a Bonnie stan, a Delena shipper, and a Steroline-friendship-only fan, it's making me pretty angry... But I love the plotline of the Gemini Coven, which is a million times more interesting than the Travelers IMO.

Anywho, since all my TV shows have gone on hiatus (welp my 3 tv shows, plus since my computer is back I've been using Netflix to watch a few things), volleyball is officially over, my reading has lacked motivation also, and my inspiration for writing has somewhat returned, I hope this story will be updated more frequently. So I hope you enjoy this chapter :)

Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries, most of the characters belong to Julie Plec and all the wonderful people involved with these worlds. I just own the storylines.

"SURPRISE!" The voices of half of the town screamed in Stefan Salvatore's ears as he entered the house in which he grew up. He could smell the savory chocolate chip cookies, his favorite childhood snack, and the aroma of Bourbon, Chardonnay, and other of his favorite drinks, including a boyhood favorite; orange juice, which he guessed were for the little ones who were running around the foyer. His friends' and brother's faces were a heartwarming sight, that they cared so much to throw this party for him, but what actually caught his eye were the dark blue, violet, deep red, black, and white streamers hanging from the ceiling, and even the bright yellow lanterns that lit up the place, no pun intended. Of course, he knew that if Caroline and Lexi had any part in this party-planning, there had to have been silver sparkles somewhere in the house, and he was honestly scared to see what other decorations were in store for him. But he had to admit, with the streamers, the lights, the pastries, and the people, the place did look beautiful.

"You." He turned to the bubbly blonde standing at his side, who had driven him from his graduation ceremony (taking the long way, probably so everyone who had attended the ceremony could get back to the party in time) and led him inside the house. Caroline just shrugged as if saying I'm awesome, and you know it. To which he could only respond with a huge smile, and she knew it meant that he was grateful.

The first person to hug him was Lexi, who was all long, blonde hair and happy squeals, running into his arms like she hadn't seen him in centuries, although she had just seen him twenty minutes ago.

"I'm so proud of you!" She smiled at her best friend.

"Thanks, Lex. But hey, this will be you next year," he grinned.

She turned to Caroline, "True. But you won't be able to throw us a party as great as this one," she said it jokingly, but all three of them knew it was the truth.

"At least I can cook," Stefan pointed out.

"That reminds me, the food might not be the best quality," Caroline muttered. Damon, who was the next best cook after Stefan, had attempted to cook things. But he was so distracted with his son, that he almost set the kitchen on fire. At least they got some good quality food. The rest was store bought or frozen.

"It's the thought that counts," Stefan shot her a smile.

"Hey!" Damon interrupted the trio. "There's my baby brother." Caroline and Lexi moved out of the way so that Damon could hug his brother. Even if the two blondes didn't particularly like Damon, they did recognize how much he cared about his brother, and since they all love Stefan, it's something they can all bond over.

After the hug the tall, dark, and charming older brother handed the man in celebration a drink, and raised his glass up for a toast, which in return those of the party who were still in the beginning of the foyer raised them back. "To my brother; the next Doctor in Mystic Falls, helping those injured and in pain caused by his dear brother," everyone laughed at the comment. "No, but seriously. To Stefan!"

"To Stefan!" Everyone clinked their glasses in mutual respect for Stefan.

"Come on, Rippah!" Klaus' voice rang from across the room, where he stood with his sister and her fiancé. "Say a few words! You can do it!"

Stefan rolled his eyes but continued to say a few words anyway. His speech included "thanks for coming," "means a lot," "today feels like an accomplishment," and all those other cliché lines. Truthfully, Stefan didn't know what else to say. All the cliché lines that he spoke are what he feels, so why have them come out all boring and non-sentimental? Unfortunately, that was all Kol thought it was.

"This is boring," Kol whispered to Jeremy. The younger boy glanced at his deranged friend,
"I agree, but we can't just leave. Stefan's a good guy, we should at least hear what he has to say."

"All I'm saying is; if you're making a speech, at least make it interesting and memorable. Your pretty little girlfriend seems to be falling asleep."

Jeremy glanced at Anna; who Caroline said, and he quotes, "is welcome to any and all parties we throw, she can officially be part of the crew." In curiosity, Jeremy had asked crew? She just responded, "There's like thirty of us, it's who I'm inviting to Friendsgiving. Like friends of my friends, etc until we come full circle." He didn't even want to hear anymore so he just smiled and nodded, saying that Anna will be there.

The brunette boy sighed, "She's not my girlfriend."

The youngest Mikaelson brother snorted, "Right, and I'm the Queen of England."

"I'm actually 80% you are," Jeremy smirked.

"Shut it, Gilbert." He elbowed the other boy. "So tell me, if you're not going steady, exactly what are you?" He raised his eyebrow in a suggestive manner.

"Steady? What are you? From the eighteenth century?"

"Might be," Kol said smugly. "Just answer the question. Do you guys do things?" He winked.

"What things?" Jeremy continued to avoid the question. He really didn't want to have this conversation with Kol, of all people. Before Kol could tease him further, he decided to tease the threatening boy instead. "Oh wait... You mean the kind of stuff you and Bonnie do?" This managed to put a slight blush on Kol's cheeks, which will never fail to make Jeremy laugh. Oh, how a man with such sarcastic comments, cruel intentions, and insane motives could be so easily whipped by two girls who are legitimately angels on earth. "I've seen those marks, don't you think I don't know what you two are up to?"

"Isn't that just the slightest bit awkward for you? You did love her once."

"Eh, a part of me will always love her, but trust me when I say I'm happy she found you."

"Thanks, mate." And Kol did mean it. His attention was quickly stolen by the waitress strolling by with more drinks, and Jeremy took the opportunity to slip away from Kol, and over to Anna, who as his friend was correct, was falling asleep.

He gently touched her back to nudge her awake, which she quickly responded to. He chuckled at her head whipping up to face him. Her cheeks flushed, the blood flowing more speedily in embarrassment.

"I am so sorry, I must be coming off as rude. It's just I was up all night studying," Anna apologized.

"No, you're fine. I think his speech is putting everyone to sleep," Jeremy gave her a small smile.

"Hey," she slapped his shoulder. "I think his speech is great."

"You're too nice." Anna just smiled and hesitated before she leaned in to chastely kiss his cheek.

"...And so, thank you all for coming, that's basically all I'm saying," Stefan concluded his speech. Everyone slowly clapped for him, knowing that he's good with words, but as he's nice and calm, he can get quite boring, even if he means well.

"Let's hear it for Stefan!" Caroline shouted this time. Everyone gave one last hoorah before turning their separate ways to mingle with others.

And of course, the person to come up and talk to Caroline was another handsome, rogue, British fellow. No, not Klaus. Enzo.

"Hello, Gorgeous," he greeted. "Haven't seen you in a while."

She gave a genuine smile, "Hey. How've you been?"

"Just great. And you?"

Caroline smiled, "I got Klaus a puppy! He's just the cutest thing, would you like the see pictures?"

Enzo chuckled at the blonde's excitement. "Maybe later, gorgeous."

"So, what's up with you? Get tired of Damon yet?" She asked, in regard for his job as an officer with Damon and her mom.

"Damon's my mate, I can't say anything about him," he joked.

"I'm sure you have some fine tales," she rolled her eyes.

"I do, but your mum keeps everything under wraps."

"Yeah, she is pretty great, isn't she?" Enzo just nodded in agreement.

"Hey, I have a question."

"Hmm?"

"Why am I here?"

"What do you mean?"

"This is Stefan's party.. I doubt I was one of the first people on the invite list."

Caroline sighed, "Listen. I know you don't like Stefan, nor does he like you. But you're my friend, and unfortunately you're also Damon's friend, so you do deserve to be here."

"Why thanks, I guess."

"Why don't you and Stefan like each other anyway?"

"Hmm, I don't know. He must be jealous of my accent." His comment made Caroline laugh.

Before Caroline could make a comment, her arm was being pulled and suddenly she was being dragged away.

"Bonnie! What was that for?" Caroline hissed after they were out of hearing, in a dark corner in the hallway.

"I need to talk to you. About something."

"Well, obviously." Caroline gestured to the confined space her best friend had took her to. "What is it? Oh my god," Caroline gasped. "Are you pregnant again?!" The blonde's hands flew to her friend's stomach.

Bonnie shook the other girl's hands away, "No! Why would you think that?"

"Jeremy told me he walked in on you and Kol," she admitted. "Oh god, how awkward.." she muttered to herself.

"Okay, that is not how it happened. But just drop it. And I actually do need to talk to you about Kol, but it's about Klaus too. It's about their mother."

Caroline quickly looked over her shoulder and thankfully no one was paying attention to the two girls. She turned to the brunette and hushed her, "Shut it, will you? You know it's a very sensitive topic. What if they hear you? Not just Klaus and Kol, but the other three?"

"I know," Bonnie stressed. "But we can't not tell them forever. They deserve to know that their psychotic mother is still hanging around the border of Mystic Falls."

The tall blonde sighed. "I agree.." She glanced back at the party room where everyone was partying. Not only was Klaus having a nice time talking to Stefan, and Kol giving Emma a piggy back ride throughout the party, both having a smile illuminating their faces, but Rebekah was at the snack table with Matt and they were both laughing with whipped cream on their faces, Elijah and Katherine sat on the couch and Elijah had his hands on Katherine's stomach mostl likely feeling for his child, and Finn was dancing with Sage, both smiling and laughing and in love. "But they're all so happy," she pouted. "I don't want to ruin that. She's officially out of their lives, and I think they can all finally relax. Especially our guys. Not having to worry if some apparent parental figure is going to swoop in and take away your happiness, or that you have to bow down to her and do whatever she says, or have the constant fear that history will repeat itself. I think Elijah made the right decision when he told her to get out and never come back. Even if it probably hurts them, mostly Finn, they all know it's for the best. She was a toxic person, and can you imagine what would happen if they found out she was still lurking around? Rage." She lowered her voice, "She killed their little brother. I don't think they can ever forgive her for that."

"I'm not saying they should forgive her, god no. But she's still around, and they should know to be aware. Honestly, I'd feel a lot safer if they knew. Not just for Kol and his siblings, or even me, but for Emma. There's other people involved here, Care. Finn and Sage's son, Katherine and Elijah's unborn child.. You, me, Matt." Bonnie said Matt's name in a certain way, knowing how much Caroline cared about their childhood friend.

Caroline closed her eyes to think. She knew that Bonnie was right. And she also knew that her friend knew she had good points herself: they were all happy. If Caroline could describe the way Klaus smiles when it's just the two of them.. It wasn't a smirk, or an evil grin, or even a charming, seductive smile that's all part of a front, no. It was more like.. A child waking up on Christmas morning, realizing the person you love loves you back, seeing fireworks, or going to the beach. His bright blue eyes sparkled, his mouth stretching from ear to ear, and his nose scrunches up because he's laughing so hard. It was a heartwarming sight for her, and she knew that just a few words could make it all crumple down in flames.

"We'll tell them tomorrow," Caroline decided.

Bonnie gave a look. "After the party," she tried to compromise.

"Why? I want just one night with my boyfriend where I can pretend everything is good in the world. At least for him."

Bonnie's face softened. She realized that her friend was genuinely worried for her boyfriend. Sure, the brunette knew about Klaus and everything he's endured growing up, but she didn't realized how much her friend was protective of him. She may not be Klaus' biggest fan, but she does know he should be happy. Because if he's happy, her best friend is happy, and that's all Bonnie wants. So she nodded in silent agreement, saying they'll tell them tomorrow. Caroline smiled and reached out to hug the other girl, before dragging her back out onto the dance floor.

Out of Katherine's eyes she had seen Caroline and Bonnie leave to talk about something, and she sensed the arguing. She wondered what they were fighting about, and she smirked to herself as she realized the perfect way to get the secret out of the two other girls. Sure, she may be a bit too old to play the mean girl card, but she just needs to let out one last bitchy moment before she becomes a mother.

...

The party was a blast, and by eight o'clock at night, the only people remaining at The Salvatore boarding house were Elena, Damon (obviously since they live there), Stefan, Caroline, Bonnie, Matt, Katherine, Sage, and the Mikaelson siblings. The kids; Emma, Tate, and Christian, were all passed out around the house by seven so Elena had put her son to bed, and offered to let her niece and nephew-in-law sleep in the guest room until their parents were ready to go.

"I think I'm going to head out.." Stefan stated.

"Nooo!" Elena laughed from across the room. "It's your party, you need to stay! The guest of honor!" She fell on the floor from laughing so hard at something that wasn't even funny. Obviously, Elena had one too many drinks. But if Damon had any say, it was well deserved for someone who has worked very hard lately and needed to let loose and have fun. Surprisingly, the blue-eyed beauty didn't have one over two drinks because he knew it wasn't appropriate or healthy for Christian to have both parents drunk or hung-over. Since the rascal was asleep (he's a heavy sleeper), he planned on having Elena stay in bed all day tomorrow and take their son mini golfing or something so Elena could relax.

"It's my party and I can leave if I want to." Stefan helped his sister-in-law up off the floor.

"Don't reword my favorite song," Damon interrupted.

"It's not your favorite," Sage said. She went to high school with Damon, and even if they weren't always totally fond of each other, they were actually pretty close friends. And even after all these years, she knows that he always hated that song.

"True," Damon nodded at his old flame.

"There's barely anyone at this party, why are we all still here?" Rebekah asked as her and Matt joined the living room. Everyone remaining had now entered the room.

"Because it's a Mikaelson slash Salvatore and in law party," Klaus stated sarcastically.

"The after-party!" Caroline added, slinging her arm around the taller blonde's shoulder. "Ooh that actually sounds like fun." She then jumped on her boyfriend's back, like one would for a piggy back ride. Klaus just chuckled and knew he'd have one desperately hung-over girlfriend in the morning.

"You're right," Katherine grinned. "We should play a game," she said as she sat beside Matt on the sofa. She, for one, had not been drinking. She had tried to sneak at least one sip in (one sip can't hurt the baby?) but Elijah had caught her and took her glass away from her, and ended up babysitting her the entire night.

"What kind of game?" Kol smirked.

"Truth or dare," Katherine stated simply.

"Aren't we a bit too old for that?" Bonnie asked.

"Nahhh, the evil twin here is up to something," Damon said. He draped his arm around his wife's best friend, "It won't do no harm, unless our BonBon is hiding something."

"Yeah, Bonnie! Got something to hide?" Rebekah joked.

Bonnie rolled her eyes, but inside she was screaming. She shared a look with Caroline who was at least sober enough to know what was going on. She put on a fake smile, fearing the secret of the five siblings in the room would get out sooner rather than later. Do they all have to be here? Really?

"Who wants to start?" Katherine asked.

"It's your idea, why don't you start?" Her sister suggested.

"Nah, I know who my victim is. But I don't want to do it so early, I like to slowly torture people." At the comment made by his wife, Elijah just slowly sighed and face palmed, but had to admit the way the beauty had said it was hilarious and you can just barely see the corner of his mouth twitch up in a smile, even if he tried to disguise it.

"That sounds lovely," Kol grinned. "But I, personally, like to get right to the torture. May I go first?" Everyone just rolled their eyes and nodded. "Sister!" Rebekah sighed when she heard her name. "Truth or dare?"

Rebekah just stared at her brother; she knew he wouldn't have asked her if he didn't have something planned, for either choices, and she was honestly nervous to know what he'd ask. The guy only a year older than her sure knows how to make people squirm in their own skin.

"Am I going to regret saying truth?" She finally said.

The youngest Mikaelson brother just shrugged, "Probably."

"Fine. Dare."

"Damn, okay. I dare.. Okay I didn't really have a dare planned, but I dare you to.. Wait, I know something! It's totally lame, but you're lame, sister."

Rebekah rolled her eyes, "Thanks, I love you, too. What do I have to do?"

"Well because I know how much of a people person you are..."

"Don't you dare," she warned.

"You should give our lovely, pregnant sister-in-law, a piggy back ride."

"I hate you."

Katherine started laughing, "I was prepared to say how fucking lame this was going to be, but since I benefit from this; I think I like you now, little brother Mikaelson."

"How is this a good dare?" Rebekah groaned.

"I couldn't really say the other ones I thought of out loud.."

"I think it's great," Damon announced. "Just make sure you dump the devil in the trash while you're at it." Elena slapped her husband's shoulder. Katherine shot her ex-boyfriend a dirty look that could kill, and Elijah turned his head to glare at him. "Just kidding," he shot a fake smile.

"Come on, Barbie Klaus," Katherine grinned. "Bring me to the kitchen, I'm hungry."

"You just ate. And I might drop you," the other girl sighed in reluctance.

"Are you calling me fat?" Katherine sounded offended.

The blonde chuckled and smirked, "Maybe."

The raven haired girl turned to her husband, "Control your bitchy sister, no offense."

A few rounds of truth or dare accomplished nothing, as everyone asked stupid questions and came up with lame dares; such as daring Elena to put lipstick of Matt without using her hands, Caroline and Stefan changing shirts, finding out Elijah and Klaus had both had a crush on their neighbor who had been a mother figure to Rebekah when their mom left, hearing the story of how Kol and Rebekah once got suspended, when Caroline, Matt, Elena, Bonnie, and Tyler got arrested back in Freshman year, making the two most reserved Mikaelson siblings singing an old One Direction song, and having Damon call Enzo and declare his unbearing love for him; but it made everyone laugh, which didn't hurt. After Katherine was dared by Sage to put left over cake all over her face until the end of the game, it was finally her time to get some actual dirt out of Caroline and Bonnie.

"Bonnie," she turned to the girl. "Truth or dare?"

Bonnie started laughing, "I'm sorry but I can't take you seriously with that on your face." She was met with a glare and quickly shut up, "Truth."

"Perfect," Katherine smiled maliciously. She glance at Caroline, "What are you and Caroline hiding?"

Caroline's smile from the game immediately faded. Everyone turned their heads to the pair of best friends.

"What?" Bonnie croaked.

"I saw the two of you acting all secrecy all day. There was even a quarrel, wasn't there? I was just wondering why. I mean, we're all friends here, aren't we?"

"It's not really any of your business," Caroline said.

"So, you guys are hiding something!" Damon interrupted.

"Oooh, I love secrets," Kol joked as he nudged his girlfriend, who just sent him a weak smile.

"You're such a bitch," Bonnie shot a look to the girl who looked just like her best friend. Everyone was shocked how blunt she had been, which made them all more curious as to what she and Caroline were hiding.

"Bonnie, are you okay?" Matt asked in concern for his friend.

She just nodded, turned to her friend, and hissed, "I told you we shouldn't have waited until tomorrow."

The blonde sighed, "Fine." She glanced from Klaus, to Elijah, Rebekah, Finn, and Kol. The five siblings saw her looks and felt their blood go cold, for an unknown reason.

"Love, what is it?" Klaus gently rubbed his girlfriend's lower back for support.

"It's about your mother," she admitted.

That did it. Those four words just slapped the warmth out of their personalities.

Rebekah's eyes started tearing up.

Finn was attacked with false hope.

Elijah was filled with anxiety.

Kol was hit with a fit of rage.

Klaus felt like he couldn't breathe.

It was just a few seconds but all five of them felt their world fall apart.

Katherine held her head in regret for stirring something, knowing that whatever this was, she knew Caroline and Bonnie would have told it tastefully and her husband's face wouldn't look like that. Damon, Elena, and Stefan shared a look wondering if they should even be there.

"What about her?" Finn was the one to speak.

"She's still in town," Bonnie explained. "Caroline, Elena, and I bumped into her yesterday at the grocery store-"

"Wait, you met her?" Kol asked. "Please tell me she doesn't know who you are."

Bonnie nodded, "Why is that bad? Was I not supposed to say anything?"

"I was trying to protect you, damn it. She didn't need to know about us."

"Well, it's too late now."

"She's filled with hope that you guys will change your mind," Caroline added.

"How did she know who you guys were?" Elijah asked.

"She thought Elena was Katherine."

"And things kind of just went from there."

Klaus lifted his hands to his face and sighed.

"We have to do something," Rebekah spoke up, her voice cracking.

"What do you suggest we do? There's nothing we can do," Finn said.

"Don't be so pessimistic. You're probably ready to go kiss her feet; I saw your face when Caroline mentioned her," Kol accused.

"That is not fair. I have every reason to hate her as you do."

"Never thought that day would come, brother."

"Both of you stop it!" Bonnie cried.

"Katherine, this is all your fault," Caroline turned her head to the brunette.

"Oh my god, how was I supposed to know that the big secret was about some psycho bitch my husband calls a mother?!"

"Maybe if you didn't act like such a fucking child."

"I'm the child? I'm not the one planning 'Friendsgiving' and Secret Santa! I'm not the one who bakes cookies with her mother, I'm not the one who belts out old Disney songs, I'm not the one-"

"Just shut up! You always have to start trouble. Ever since we were in high school-"

"Oh, grow up and stop being such a big baby."

"I can't believe I thought we were starting to become friends!"

"Same here-" before Katherine could finish yelling at the blonde, Damon had picked up the fire pokey-thing and banged it against the table, startling everyone.

"That is enough! I hate to do this, but I'm cutting this party short."

Elena stood beside her husband, "Yes. It's been a wonderful evening with all of you, but I think there are some things to think about."

"Perhaps you guys should all head home," Stefan added.

"Gladly," Katherine huffed.

Elijah broke out of whatever trance he had been in since the fighting began and looked at his wife in disappointment, before standing up.
"Thank you Elena and Damon for sharing your home with my family and I. And Stefan, congratulations on your graduation."

"Thanks," Stefan said as he shook Elijah's hand. Elijah shook Damon's hand, and then hugged Elena.

Sage stood next, holding her husband's hand.

"I am sorry for mine and my brother's behavior," Finn said. "And I apologize for the scene we might have made."

"No, it's okay," Elena spoke. "I know things might be hard with your mother, and I just hope everything will work out." He nodded, as his wife said goodbye to Damon.

They thanked Damon and Elena, and congratulated Stefan one last time, before heading upstairs to get their son and going home. Tate was still fast asleep when his parents picked him up, and they could only hope the energetic fireball will continue sleeping until morning.

That left Elena's three closest friends, and the wildest of the British family.

"I am so sorry for all of this," Caroline spoke up.

"I don't need you to be sorry," Damon said. "I need you to leave. All of you."

"Damon, they're my friends-" Elena tried to say.

"And I'm asking nicely. Listen, I'm sorry for whatever drama is with your mother, I really am, but it's getting late, and we're all cranky and tired and worked up, especially me, so if my house isn't cleared within the next five minutes-"

"You'll what?" Kol asked smugly. He stood beside his sister, who had just finished putting her coat on. She joined her brother in sending Damon a look that said they weren't afraid of him.

Klaus joined his siblings, "You do realize you can't actually threaten us, right? And if you did, you're no match for us-"

"You want a bet?" Damon took a step closer to the British man. Elena tried to touch his shoulder to pull him back, but he shrugged her off. He has wanted to have a talk with the three siblings for quite some time. He didn't even realize that they were grown up now, but in his defense, neither did they.

"Guys, this isn't high school!" Matt exclaimed. "Stop. This is a celebration of Stefan, don't let your mother ruin it. And don't fall back to having stupid arguments with people you tolerate because it'll show that we learned nothing from our lives together. I know not all of us are the closest there is, but we're all better than death threats and overused comebacks."

"I agree," Bonnie said. Caroline, Elena, and Stefan nodded in agreement.

"Who said anything about death threats?" Rebekah asked sweetly.

"Bekah," Matt warned. "Let's go." He held out his hand.

His fiancé sighed in surrender. She turned to her brothers and lowered her voice, "Call me tomorrow so we can figure stuff out about.. Her."

Kol and Klaus nodded, both hugging their sister as she said goodbye. Rebekah said bye to the Salvatores and the other three girls, and congratulating and hugging Stefan for the last time. Matt said his goodbyes as well, and then the soon-to-be-married couple was out the door.

Caroline gently touched her boyfriend's arm, and felt horrible when he flinched at her touch.

"Kol?" Bonnie asked her boyfriend.

Sensing the awkwardness, Stefan said, "Damon, Elena. Would you guys like help cleaning up?"

"I'll clean up once my house was empty," Damon stated, glaring at the four people standing before him.

"Damon. Give them a few minutes," Elena whispered. She wanted to go hug her friends goodbye, but seeing the tension between them and their boyfriends, she settled for a quick wave and an encouraging smile. The two girls returned the smile. Elena curtly walked out of the room into the kitchen, expecting the Salvatore brothers to be behind her.

"Thank you guys for coming, and I hope things work out.." Stefan said before he followed Elena. Caroline wanted to hug him goodbye, but considering she's hugged him at least fifty times today, she debated against it.

Damon still hadn't moved, but when Bonnie touched his shoulder and said, "Give us five minutes. We'll be gone, I promise."

Damon sighed and nodded. "Only because it's you whose asking." Bonnie smiled, knowing he had a soft spot for her. He turned to the other three, "You got five minutes." And then he left the room.

"I want to go home," Klaus said immediately. He turned to his girlfriend, "I need to talk to you. I need you to tell me everything."

Caroline nodded, "There's not much to tell. But I'll tell you all that happened."

As Caroline and Klaus were getting ready to leave while having their own conversation, Bonnie and Kol stood staring at each other.

"Kol?" Bonnie asked.

"I don't want to talk."

"That's alright-"

"I don't want to talk to you," he clarified.

"Oh," her face fell. "I understand."

"No, you don't."

"Okay, I don't. Because I didn't do anything wrong."

"Maybe you didn't. But I'm just upset and angry."

"Why?"

"Because you didn't tell me right when it happened."

"I'm sorry-"

"I know you were just trying to spare my feelings, protect me, whatever, but I'm still hurt." Bonnie didn't know what to say. "But.. I'm even more worried about you."

"Worried about me? Why?"

"Now that 'mother-dearest' knows about you."

Bonnie sighed. "Kol.. I don't think she's going to do anything.. I know she's crazy, but she doesn't seem like that type of person.. The type of person to threaten or blackmail or hurt her children's loved ones.."

"What about my brother?"

"That's not the same thing. You know what I mean. I don't think she'd get involved in your love life-"

"You have no idea how wrong you are about that." He recalled a few situations back in London.

Bonnie just gave her boyfriend a confused look. He shook his head, before grabbing her coat and helping her put it on. Soon enough, the pair was headed home.

...

The ride home with Elijah and Katherine was completely silent. But it wasn't the comfortable silence; it was the awkward silence. Or was it the angry silence? Katherine was definitely angry; at Caroline, at Damon, at Esther, but mostly at herself. Elijah on the other hand, while he was mad at his mother, he was honestly more upset with his wife.

When they pulled into the drive way and parked, Katherine rested her hand on Elijah's forearm.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

Instead of answering her question, he had changed the subject. "What was the point of that?"

"I'm worried about you.." she said, not getting what he was talking about.

"Not that." He took his hand away from hers. "I meant: the truth or dare, the fight with Caroline, the mean girl attitude. Was that all really necessary? You're not in high school anymore."

"You didn't even know me then, how do you know-"

"Because you're you, Katerina! You're not a nice person."

Her heart broke when she heard what he thought of her. She knew she wasn't the nicest person, but she thought he had known the real her. Knowing he thought she was a bitch; no, he didn't actually say that, but the thought was there; made her want to throw something.

"Then why did you marry me?" she screamed.

"You don't need to yell-"

She screamed once again just to prove her point; if she wanted to scream, she would.

"You're acting like a child!"

She hit his shoulder, "You take that back!"

"See?" he motioned between them. "I'm not having this conversation." He opened the car door and climbed out.

"Don't you walk away from me!" She exclaimed as she chased him inside their house. "I'm not done with you!"

Not turning to face her, "Well, I am. I'll talk to you when you stop acting like a child."

"You're not mad at me! You're mad at your mother! Don't take it out on me!"

"I don't like the woman, yes, but I'm more concerned with the fact that my wife is behaving childishly when we're becoming parents in five months!"

They had reached their bedroom by this point. Elijah stood in front of the mirror, and he started undoing his suit and tie. Katherine stood behind him with her arms crossed.

She rolled her eyes in annoyance, but deep down she knew he was right. Although she hated to admit when she's wrong, she hated fighting with Elijah more. With anyone else, she'd scream and kick until they gave her her way, and she'd enjoy watching their skin crawl. But with the man undressing in front of her, the same man who is the only person she opens up to, the only one she feels comfortable around, the only person she truly loves, she realized it wasn't the end of the world if she surrendered.

"You're right."

Elijah turned to face her in shock. He raised an eyebrow, "Excuse me, did Katherine Pierce just admit that someone other than herself is right?"

"I won't comment to that.." she laughed lightly. In all seriousness she continued, "I know I'm immature.. I have a lot of growing up to do before our child gets here, I know that. My actions tonight were purely selfish, and I'm sorry. I didn't think about Bonnie or Caroline's feelings, or that it could affect you and your siblings. I just.. This is going to sound really bad, but I wanted to get out one last bitch move before I became a mother. It's just who I am, Elijah. I'm cruel, and I'm selfish, and I'm sadistic, and I'm self-centered. But.. I want to change. Not just for you and our child, but for myself. I just needed to let out one last scheme, and I'm sorry I didn't think of the consequences. I'm a horrible person, and as much as I want to change, I can't promise it'll be a huge success, but I can swear that I'll try. I love you, and I'll be a better person. For you."

Elijah gave a small smile. He took her hands in his. "Katerina, you're not a horrible person. You're not nice, but you're not horrible. I know who you are, you never have to explain yourself to me. I love you for all of your faults, and I only want you to change if you want to. The only thing I request is you stop picking childish fights, as that is a terrible example for our child. I don't wish you to change who you are, for me, or for anyone. You said you wanted to change for yourself, but be sure it's what you want to do. Not me, or your sister, or anyone else. I love you for exactly who you are, and so will our son or daughter. And I think I also owe you an apology. I was disappointed by your behavior tonight, but then I was the one to pick a fight in the car tonight. I furthered the childish fighting. I was even going to use the cold shoulder," he chuckled. "You said I was mad at my mother, and I was taking it out on you... And I guess that is the case. I didn't want to talk about it, so I decided to pick a fight so we wouldn't have to. And I'm sorry."

Katherine smiled. "You stupid idiot, you didn't apologize." She stood on her tip toes to hug him. "And did I mention I hate you because you always one-up my speeches?"

He smiled and kissed her nose.

"And did I mention you're such a cute kisser?"

He ran his hands down her back, sending shivers down her spine, resting on her hips. He leaned down to kiss her temple. With his eyes closed, he still rested his lips on the top of her head, and pulled her closer to his body. She melted into the embrace.

"Do you want to talk?" she asked after several moments.

He shook his head. "Tomorrow. I don't want to think about it."

She smirked, "Do you want a distraction?"

"Hmm.." He pulled away from the hug. He reached behind his back to lift his shirt above his head. "I think I could be persuaded.."

Katherine laughed, cupping his face with her hands and smashing her lips with his. Elijah reached his hands around her body, his fingers finding the zipper of her dress and pulling it down.

Sooo.. This isn't the best I could do, especially after my long absence. But I needed to get this chapter out of the way so I could get to the actual storylines I've been so very eager to write! This chapter sort of just wrote itself, especially the Kalijah fight! I didn't even plan that, but it just sort of happened. I'm sorry if Katherine or Elijah seemed OOC, or if anyone did. But I hope you at least liked this chapter :)

Okay, just a question.. How many people would like some flashbacks of the Original Family? Back in England, and perhaps even when they moved to Mystic Falls and met the people they know today? I've been wanting to do flashbacks, and I've had opportunities but I never did them. Although, if many people want them, I can make them work!

And.. Beware of a major plot twist! I'm still debating to include it, but I'm leaning towards it, so prepare for it!

Anyway.. Maybe you could leave a review? Yes, no, maybe so? I would be very grateful, and it'll be a nice way to welcome me back! So hit that button and tell me what you thought :) Also, feel free to suggest a storyline :)

Until next time, and I promise not to be so long xx