An: get excited it's really long! And this is just the first part of the ball! :)
A couple things: you should totally google Dragon's Eye Opals -they're gorgeous! I'm specifically speaking of the red/pink and blueish purple ones. :)
Secondly, I don't do the whole line dance thing that they do in the episode -seriously, how does everybody know the dance? I don't understand.
Thirdly, I understand that some people don't agree on the order for the Mikaelson kids? but in THIS fic, the order goes Finn, unnamed bro who died, Elijah, Klaus, Kol, Bekah, and Henrik. Because it just worked out that way and I think Finn looks older than Elijah.
Okay please enjoy! :) And don't forget to review, I like hearing what you guys think!
Chapter 11
The first guests are arriving, and the whole mansion is full of light and warmth and circulating waiters bearing trays of champagne. Klaus is already nursing his second glass. Elijah appears at his side. "Not to worry, brother. She'll be here."
"This is Caroline we're talking about," Klaus says, fondness and light frustration clouding his tone.
"Of course," Elijah says with a smile. There is always the possibility of surprise when Caroline Forbes is involved in anything. But Elijah hopes, for Klaus's sake, that she will grace him with her presence.
Rebekah sweeps into the ballroom, looking very –Elijah hesitates to use the phrase 'grown up', since his little sister will never be grown up, but –mature and lovely.
"Bekah, you look beautiful," he says, smiling.
She treats him with a rare happy smile in return. "Thank you, Elijah."
"When is your date arriving?"
Rebekah fidgets with her bracelet. "Any minute, hopefully." Her voice acquires a disgruntled tone. "What about your mystery date?" She raises an eyebrow, turning the tables on him.
"She'll arrive when she arrives."
"I'm not even going to ask about Caroline," Rebekah sighs.
Klaus gives her a dark look. There are no secrets in the Mikaelson mansion.
"Oh, Elijah, I forgot –Finn's looking for you," Rebekah says, turning back to Elijah. "He's in the library."
"Thank you, Bekah," he says, moving in that direction.
The oldest Mikaelson stands by the large fireplace in a tuxedo –quite different from the last thing Elijah saw Finn in, which is now nine hundred years out of style.
"Rebekah tells me you were looking for me?"
Elijah's older brother breaks his contemplative stare with the fire and faces him. "Yes, Mother asked if you'd say the welcome and announce the first dance once everyone has arrived."
"Of course," Elijah agrees easily, sensing something more to come.
"Mother also wants to speak to Elena Gilbert when she arrives, so if you see her, point her in Mother's direction."
Warning bells begin to peal in Elijah's ears –but for what reason? Why can't he accept that she wants to forgive Klaus?
Because anger is the Mikaelson family failing, and Esther is still a Mikaelson.
He swallows back a growl of irritation. "Why does Mother with to speak with Elena?"
Finn shrugs. "I don't know."
He does –his shrug lifts a heavy weight that settles back down on his shoulders like a mantle. And this makes Elijah even more wary, because Finn has always hated what they are, never felt peace except for the brief period when he met a woman named Sage. But that was ages ago.
"All right," Elijah says. "I'll tell her if I see her." He'll also tell Elena a few other things.
"I suppose we'd better go play hosts," Finn says, sighing.
He can't argue with him there.
"Okay, time for a girl check," Fay says as they step out of the car.
Leah barely hears her. This house is humongous, and lights blaze out of every window as people in suits and dresses stream in. "Wow."
"Leah!"
She blinks. "Sorry. What?"
"Girl check." Fay turns slowly, shivering as the cold night air gusts over them. "No weird strings showing, no panty lines, no lipstick on the teeth…?"
Leah inspects her, paying careful attention to the jewelry she applied not fifteen minutes ago to make sure it's not slipping. "Does your arm band feel okay?" she asks.
"Yep." Fay holds out her right arm, which is covered with an eclectic assortment of jewelry. Her index and middle fingers are covered with metal claw rings, and an assortment of bangles crowds her wrist. Above that a silver cuff covers a good bit of her forearm –the one thing, along with the claws, Leah didn't make. Apparently it was acquired at a Renaissance festival. On her upper arm, Leah has molded a single strand of silver wire around her arm abstractly. It creeps up to her shoulder, where the body chains that sweep from her choker end.
She never could have pulled it off, but it suits Fay, oddly. And with the gray dress –it makes her look mysterious, smoky and strange. "You look fantastic," Leah says, pursing her lips and nodding decisively.
Fay grins and tugs her coat over her shoulders. "Okay, your turn."
Leah obediently turns in a circle. Her only accessories are long white evening gloves, gold drop earrings, and a choker that she had made years ago. The gold setting makes the different pinks, oranges, and blues of the opals, a type called Dragon's Breath, glow brightly with an inner light. Her heels are the lowest she could find –Fay's are the tallest. Leah has a going bet with herself about which will break first –the stilettos or Fay's ankle.
"Absolutely beautiful," Fay proclaims, linking arms with her sister. "Let's go party."
They follow the rest of the partygoers to the front door, where men take the ladies' wraps and hand everyone glasses of champagne. The inside of the house is even more impressive than the outside, if that's possible.
"I don't remember what we're supposed to do after getting in the door," Leah murmurs in Fay's ear.
"Find your –ahem –friend?" Fay grins with enough teeth to make a shark envious.
"Please," Leah mutters, scanning the crowd, full of chattering people that she doesn't know. She squares her shoulders.
Suddenly, she hears Fay's heart trip –then accelerate into a rapid staccato for several beats before she takes a deep breath. "I think I found him," she says.
Leah turns.
Elijah always looks well dressed, and perhaps that's what has prevented her from seeing what Fay sees –he's handsome. Amid the bedecked partygoers and the lavish atmosphere, she can see it –it was always there, constant, just like his nature. Where most people dress up and look better under these conditions, he looks exactly the same.
She swallows, wondering where all the moisture in her mouth has gone.
His eyes light up when he sees her, and he smiles widely before starting to make his way to her through the sea of people.
She can't stop the same smile from spreading over her face as well.
"You came," he says.
"I said I would," Leah reminds him gently.
"I know." Something kindles in his gaze as he kisses her hand. "You both look incredibly lovely," he says, taking in their matching dresses that manage to compliment both sisters' unique styles. "That is impressive," he says of Fay's jewelry.
"Leah made most of it," Fay says, extending her arm for inspection.
"They were your ideas," Leah feels obliged to mention, giving credit where credit is due.
"Fantastic, on both ends of the creative spectrum," Elijah says, though he looks at Leah when he says it.
"So, Elijah –is this your mystery girl we've heard so little about?"
Leah blinks. The young man who has appeared at Elijah's elbow bears strong resemblance to him, but is an inch or so taller. His smile is mischievous.
"Kol, this is Leah and her sister Fay. My brother Kol." Elijah motions to each in turn.
Fay's heart again rushes into staccato beats for a few seconds. So this is whom she saw across the room, Leah thinks, appraising him.
"Pleased to meet you," Leah says with a small smile.
Kol's eyes glint as he kisses her hand. "Likewise."
He turns to Fay, and Leah starts at the slow smile uncurling across her sister's face. It's playful –almost seductive –and she's not sure how she feels about this.
"Nice to meet you," Fay purrs, holding out her hand –the armored one. Their eyes meet, and there is static in the air as he presses his lips to her metal fingertips.
"It is wonderful to meet you, Fay," he says. "You're not drinking anything. Would you allow me to get you a glass?"
"I guess that'd be all right," Fay concedes with another pleased smile. "Lead the way."
Leah watches them go, head reeling. Sometimes she forgets her sister is twenty. "Well," she says, at a loss.
"That went a lot better than I expected," Elijah admits with a smile.
Leah laughs, staring up at him in bemusement. "What were you expecting?"
"I have no idea." He offers her his arm, and she can't keep the little thrill that sneaks down her spine away. She places her gloved hand in the crook of his arm and lets him lead her through the crowd.
They pass important-looking men and women, and the cologne and perfume clouds engulf her. She can't help wondering why she's here. She's not important or noteworthy. She's not–
"What?" Elijah asks, alerted by her quiet gasp.
"She's wearing one of my necklaces," Leah breathes, completely floored. She motions unobtrusively to the short woman in the cream colored dress. This woman is here, at this fancy ball, wearing one of her designs –she can't believe it.
"She's showing off a beautiful creation," Elijah says simply.
Leah looks up at him and beams.
"Elijah," another man calls, maneuvering around a crowd of people.
"Finn, this is Leah. Leah, this is my older brother, Finn."
Leah takes a moment to evaluate the three Mikaelson men she has met so far. They all seem to share the same chin and cheekbones, though this one looks the most severe. "Pleased to meet you."
"How do you do," Finn says, without a smile. "Elijah, most of the guests are here. It's time."
Leah raises an eyebrow.
"Time for me to give speech on family and such," Elijah murmurs to her. "If you'll excuse me?"
"Of course," Leah says, releasing her hold on his arm and watching as the two brothers make their way up the staircase.
Kol and Fay appear from another room, and the younger man follows his brothers as Fay returns to Leah's side. She holds a half-full glass of champagne, smirking.
"I like this family," Fay murmurs, sipping from her glass. "They're all charming and hot."
"Oh?" Leah asks. "You seemed to… hit it off pretty well with Kol."
"Please," Fay scoffs. "I don't go for men that old."
"Who do you go for?"
She shrugs, amused. "Depends."
"Ah, if everyone could gather, please." Elijah's voice projects across the crowded room once his family has assembled on the staircase. Leah studies the faces –there's only the blond girl and a handsome young man she hasn't met yet.
Elijah has total command of the room as he effortlessly addresses the crowd. "Welcome, thank you for joining us. You know, whenever my mother brings our family together like this, it's tradition for us to commence the evening with a dance. Tonight's pick is a centuries old waltz; so if all of you could please find yourselves a partner, please join us in the ballroom."
Fay snorts as the crowd begins to flow towards the ballroom. " 'Centuries old'," she repeats, using her clawed fingers to make air quotes. "Vampire jokes. They were there when the waltz became fashionable, probably."
Leah's brow wrinkles at the thought. It's entirely possible; she doesn't know just how old Elijah's family is.
Kol descends the stairs effortlessly and bows before Fay. "Might I have the pleasure of this dance?"
Fay observes him for a second before shrugging. She places her glass on a waiter's tray. "Why the hell not," she says, placing her hand in his.
"Would you do me the honor?" Elijah murmurs at Leah's elbow.
Flattered and unsure, she smiles apologetically. "I've got to admit that I can't actually dance."
"It's easy," he promises. "I'll teach you."
"Well, if I manage to step on your feet, I'm terribly sorry," Leah says, allowing him to lead her into the ballroom.
"You won't," Elijah assures her with a smile. "Put your left hand on my shoulder."
Leah does so, fighting off a blush. Her other hand is safely held in his, and his hand comes to rest under her shoulder blade.
"Do you know what a box step is?"
"Um, is it related to the jazz square?" she asks, feeling colossally ignorant.
"In a way," he explains as the music begins. "But instead of crossing over your feet, bring them together. Just mirror me."
She starts out hesitant and awkward, but the music is in three-four time, and she knows that rhythm. Her feet get the hang of the movement, but she wants to check constantly to see if they're doing what they're supposed to.
"Don't look down," Elijah instructs. "Look at me. Your feet will keep up."
I'm afraid looking at you will make me trip, she thinks, but she lifts her chin obediently and glues her eyes to his jawline.
"Has Fay had dance lessons?" he asks conversationally. "She seems to be holding her own as well."
Is that supposed to mean she's holding her own, too, because it feels like she's flying. She's upheld only by his touch and expects to hit the ground any second. "She was in dance in middle school, but I don't know if she's done anything recently."
"I think it must be a trait you share."
"What?"
"Being good dancers."
She chuckles incredulously. "Are you sure you're not exaggerating slightly?"
"No." He shakes his head and he spins her out, and then in again. The room twirls, and she forgets to breathe. "You're a natural, see?"
"Maybe you're just good at leading," Leah replies, tilting her head to the side.
"Well, we'll find out. We've got to switch partners." Her face must reveal some sign of panic, because Elijah continues, "It's all right. The way the dance is structured, I hand you over to Kol."
That doesn't make her feel one hundred percent better, but at least she has met his brother.
"Are you ready?" he whispers in her ear.
No, not at all, she thinks. His arms are safe. "As I'll ever be."
Elijah spins her out and Kol tugs on her free hand, pulling her in.
"How lovely to see you again, Leah," Kol says, eyes glinting with humor.
"It hasn't been that long, has it?" she attempts to banter, focusing on finding her rhythm with this new partner.
"Depends on your point of view." Something hides behind his eyes, and she knows he's not actually looking at her. He's scanning the crowd, watching someone she can't see.
"How many brothers and sisters do you have?" She might as well fact-find.
"There were seven of us to begin with," Kol says. "But two of my brothers are dead."
"Oh," Leah whispers. "I'm sorry."
He focuses back on her, faint surprise entering his face. "It was a long time ago," he replies. "But thank you. There's Finn, Elijah, Niklaus, me, and Rebekah. Who've you not met yet?"
"Um, Rebekah and Niklaus, I think," Leah says, putting names to faces. Those must be the blond siblings.
"That will be a treat," he says sarcastically. "What about you? You're a vampire, but you're sister's not …what's the story there?" He tilts his head and smiles at her, his eyes searching hers.
It's unnerving when her perception is turned on her. "It's rather complicated," she says lamely, knowing the excuse is overused. "I'm eight years older than her, so the… unforeseen circumstances … passed her by."
"And now she's going to pass you by," Kol murmurs.
Leah nearly trips, and only Kol's grip on her keeps her upright.
The future has come crashing down on her –Fay is growing up, and she is going to pass Leah by. She's going to graduate and get a job and get married and have children and her older sister is going to remain twenty-three forever. The knowledge drives itself through her chest with the paralyzing force of a stake. She can't even think about Ky and Grace.
"Family's important," Kol whispers. "You've got to stick together."
The song ends and they come to a stop. The dancers are supposed to bow and curtsey, but all Leah can do is stare after Kol as he bows respectfully and retreats. What was he trying to imply, that –that she should do to her sister what that vampire did to her? This was Fay, she could never, never kill her sister. Two wrongs didn't make a right.
She would rather go back into hell than consign someone else to her deathless fate.
"Leah? You okay?"
She turns to her sister and listens to her heartbeat, quick and loud and comforting. "Yeah," she says, squeezing Fay's hand. "Fine."
"How did you like your first dance experience?" Elijah asks.
She meets his eyes, and he's watching her carefully, but he doesn't pry. Her gratefulness makes her generous, and she speaks of the 'first' part. She smiles. "It was wonderful, thank you."
"I'm glad," he says, brown eyes alight. "If you'll excuse me for a moment?"
Leah nods, and he leaves them.
"What's the deal?" Fay crosses her arms. "Was Kol being stupid?"
"I –I don't know. Why do you say that?"
She shrugs, tossing some of her brown curls out of her face. "I get the feeling he can be kind of an ass."
"Be polite, Fay."
"My jerk-meter is creeping towards red, how about that?"
"For his being a jerk, you two seemed to click pretty well earlier," Leah notes, now worried.
"I told you, no. Ugh, he's like, so old." Fay giggles. "Even if he looks really hot."
"Um… how many glasses of champagne have you had?"
"Two." Fay shrugs.
"You aren't legal yet, are you?"
"Don't be a buzz kill, Leah. Look, there's Caroline. I bet she's had a glass, and she's still in high school."
Leah looks, and sure enough, there's Caroline, looking splendid in a beautiful blue dress.
She sees them at the same moment, and a huge grin breaks over her face. "Leah!" she exclaims, her skirt swishing as she walks. "You're here!" Caroline throws her arms around her.
"Hi," Leah says, hugging back. "You look completely lovely, Car."
"Aww, thanks," the blond girl says, a pleased smile crossing her face. "Hi Fay. How're you?"
"Pretty awesome," Fay says. "And you?"
"Good."
The blond man Leah remembers from the staircase makes a beeline for Caroline. "Who's that?" Leah asks softly, though she has a pretty good guess.
Caroline looks over her shoulder, and Leah catches an eye roll before Car pastes a polite expression on her face. "Leah, Fay, this is Klaus. Klaus, this is Leah and her sister Fay –Leah is Elijah's date," Caroline adds.
She's not sure how she feels about the word 'date' because it implies things that she isn't sure about, but she smiles politely and says hello without correcting Caroline.
"A pleasure to meet the one Elijah has been so secretive about," Klaus says, with much the same accent as Kol's. His bone structure is different from his brothers' –he has more similarity to his sister, Leah supposes.
"I'm not really that mysterious at all," Leah says, laughing a little.
"Sure you are," Fay says dryly. "You're crawling with it."
"It's not interesting," Leah insists.
"It must be, or Elijah wouldn't have been so closed-mouthed," Klaus says, a smirk at the corner of his lips.
"Klaus," Caroline snaps, crossing her arms. Her glare could make armies tremble.
Leah sighs, knowing peace will not reign unless she says something. "My 'mystery', as you put it, is simply that I am a single vampire mother with two human children, and no one seems to be able to reconcile that in their minds."
He's trying so hard not to lurk outside the doorway, but he needs to know –he has to know –and Elena Gilbert is the only one who can tell him if his doubts are unfounded or correct. Finn knows something. His stoic brother is doing his best impression of a block of wood, and that never bodes well for anyone, but he isn't in with Esther. Elijah saw him go back to the ballroom.
Elijah sighs, restraining the urge to pace and lurk. He can hear the party, the music –if he strains, he can pick out the sound of Leah's voice, quiet and controlled. But he can hear nothing behind the door, not even hearbeats. His mother is doing a spell in the middle of her party, and Elena is with her.
Until he saw Elena slip away, he thought he could forget his worries for the night, and possibly do what the party was intended for –celebrate –but fate always seems to have other plans.
Somewhere, Leah laughs, and the sound strikes a hidden chord in him that he thought could never be played again. He closes his eyes and pictures her when he first saw her in that restroom, and then pictures the Leah tonight –happy, smiling, and radiant. The transformation is astonishing, and he has never been so glad he made the right decision before.
The lock turns in the door, and he is across the foyer and down the hall in the blink of an eye, waiting. The swish of a dress and the click of heels grow steadily nearer, and Elena finally emerges into the larger room. Her heart jumps at the sight of him.
"So how was my mother?" Elijah says lightly.
"Intense," Elena says with a big sigh.
Truth. "And for what reason did she need to speak with you in private?"
A gulp, hesitation, a spike in heart rate. She isn't looking at him.
"Elena?" Elijah presses. "Should I be concerned about my mother's intentions?"
"She just wanted to apologize for trying to have me killed."
She is still avoiding his eyes, but that seems to be true as well. However, they spent far too long in that room with a privacy spell up; that cannot be all they talked about. "So it's true, then? She's forgiven Klaus?"
She looks into his face and says, "It's true."
Lie.
He can't even find anger amid the shock that Elena Gilbert would lie straight to his face.
Something strikes crystal, and Esther's voice rings out over the crowd. "Good evening, ladies and gentleman. Waiters are coming around with champagne. I invite you all to join me in raising a glass. It provides me with no greater joy then to see my family back together as one. I'd like to thank you all for being part of this spectacular evening. Cheers!"
The word repeats in his head over and over again, reverberating like the crystal. Lie, lie, lie. He takes a glass from the waiter, watching Elena. "Cheers."
She clinks her glass with his, and he hears her heart accelerate, but she drinks the champagne. He takes a sip as well.
A muscle jumps in his jaw. Lie, lie, lie.