AN: Aaah! Sorry for the wait, but I'm slowing down to every other Sunday! So, enjoy the famous Episode 15 as it is a weenie bit longer than most others.

Also, 123 of you are following?! That's crazy! But I feel greedy: so follow if you're enjoying ;)

By now, you know what to do.

Chapter 11

I frowned at them, wondering what was happening. Slowly, carefully, I inch closer, knowing that I might be able to hear them if I do. God, I'm such an eavesdropper. But I'm right, and better, Mike doesn't notice.

"Don't mind us, my brother and I are just here to let off some steam." Klaus said faintly, the words stretched and quiet over such a distance. Kol had stopped staring at Mr Saltzman's date, unblinkingly and very disturbing. That's not going to win him any points. I mean one, she's here with Mr Saltzman, so probably older than him, and creepy stares don't equal likes.

"Right," he agreed, not taking his eyes off Mr Saltzman's Doctor date. Someone snapped their fingers near my face and I jumped. I glanced back at the old man and he was frowning at me. I copied the expression, glaring at him.

"Hmm?"

He rolled his eyes. "Said d'you wanna 'nother drink?" He asked again, and I nodded quickly, glancing back over at the party of four over by the bar. The tension was still mounting over there. Mike followed my gaze and rolled his eyes. "Woman," he muttered under his breath but I was too entranced to care.

He lumbered over to the bar, dispelling the little group. Mr Saltzman and his date walked away, not without wrapping his arm possessivly around her waist and shooting a glare at Kol. In response, the younger Mikaelson wiggled his fingers. Mike shot a pointed look over his shoulder at me, and I fought the urge to glare.

He did that on purpose... I shook myself. Am I seriously watching the citizens of Mystic Falls like it's some kind of soap opera. Why yes, yes I am. I internally rolled my eyes. Well that's weird, cut it out.

I glanced back up at the bar, watching Mike tapping his fingers against the wood, waiting for whatever poor barman had the discomfort of serving him. Kol caught my eye and grinned, raising his glass. Klaus noticed, following his gaze, and seeing me, bobbed his head briefly before doing exactly what I was doing- people watching.

My phone dinged, and I looked down at it quizzically. The little message sign blinked, flashing furiously, along with a picture of Rebekah grinning. There was another one of her crossing her eyes, trying to look down her nose that I had managed to snap. However, I had been threatened on pain of death to never show it, so the nicer picture took its place. Most of the time.

Hey,

I smiled, shaking my head. Hi, where are you?

My new drink slides under my nose just as my phone bleeps to life. Just outside of town. I can't believe I agreed to it.

I frowned in response. Did your brother ask you to?

Yeah! And it sucks! And it's ridiculously boring.

Rolling my eyes, I started tapping away on the screen, ignoring Mike entirely. He didn't seem to mind too much though.

Who asked you? And what are you doing, cuz two of those idiots you're related to are attempting to drink the Grille dry! I knew I was being nosy but hey, insatiable curiosity ran in my family.

Klaus and Kol are at the bar?

Yeah, didn't you know?

She didn't respond for a while. I frowned, but then grinned, the puzzle pieces fitting together. So what mysterious errand are you doing for Elijah?

What makes you think it's Elijah? I can almost imagine her flustered response as if she's here with me. I peer back over at the bar. The two brothers were still as statues, perfect opposites, the dark and the light sharing the same expression as they surveyed the Grille, tipping back drinks faster than Mike could, not looking any less sober.

Because Klaus and Kol are here, and they both look like the type that don't mind getting their hands dirty. So, what are you doing for Elijah? I drummed my fingers on the table, waiting for her reply.

Waiting for a business deadline to be met. I re-read it, trying to ignore the ominous tone that lingered in her words. I decided to iterate my question.

What kind of business? Rebekah didn't reply, but even if she did, I don't think I would have wanted to know the answer.

I finished off my Dr Pepper, not ordering another one while Mike did. I would go home, alone, soon, as the pensioner at my table downed another whiskey. I had no idea how he could drink so much, or where he put it, but I didn't really care. The sky outside had darkened considerably, and I smiled a little, a stupid thought coming to my head. Winter is coming. Hey, I told it was stupid. Rebekah hadn't responded, and I had given up waiting, trying not to feel hurt by it.

Mr Saltzman and Dr Fell, I think, migrated to the pool tables, laughing and chatting. I thought they were adorable together. The Mikaelsons brothers were still here, but they both avoided me, which was normal, I was their little sister's geeky friend.

Suddenly, my History teacher got a call, and he left his date alone. From the bar, Kol was nudging his brother, staring at the doctor. The blonde was shaking his head, but Kol seemed determined. I hope he doesn't do anything to them; I liked Saltzman and Fell together... Right Sarah, stop shipping your teachers. Plus, the way Kol was doing it was creepy, which is weird since when I've met him, he's been pleasant and charming, why won't he be like that now?

Familiar blonde curls bounced past as Caroline strutted past. Klaus saw, smiling faintly and my face split into a grin. Aww! That's so cute! His brother was nattering about something, but noticing the blonde's lack of attention, he turned as well, and spied Caroline.

He smirked, and I listened in shamelessly. Come on Kol, say something nice. "I remember her from last night. She looks like a tasty little thing." I wanted to bang my head against a brick wall. Oh God...

Klaus was grimacing, but still staring at Caroline. Both brothers were at this point, and she had seen. "Say another word and I'll tear out your liver," he muttered under his breath and I smiled. Why did all the Mikaelsons use weird words or phrases, and it always sounded like they meant something else?

"Caroline!" Klaus called and the cheerleader raised a thin eyebrow, and smirked humourlessly at the pair.

"Oh, it's you," she sneered. I frowned; I hadn't spent much time with Klaus but he was nice enough and I couldn't understand what Caroline, or any of her friends had against him or his family. She doesn't hate him just because Elena hates Rebekah, right?

Klaus wasn't deterred by her tone. "Join us for a drink?" He pleaded and next to him, Kol raised his glass as a toast. Caroline scrunched up her nose delicately, and bared her teeth.

"I'd rather die of thirst first, but thanks." I winced at her icy words, but Klaus didn't seem fazed, too busy watching her walk away.

"Isn't she stunning?" He sounded so amazed and sincere. Kol mimed stuffing two fingers down his throat, pulling a face.

"Well she certainly looks good walking away from you." I almost wanted to laugh at Kol's snide words but his brother gave him a withering look.

"I'll take that as a challenge." The brunette shook his head, turning back around, flinging a hand out to try and catch the barman's attention. Klaus was still watching Caroline stalk off and silently I urged him to follow her. As if he heard me, which he couldn't since I didn't say anything, he finished off his alcohol and ran out after the blonde popular girl.

I smiled faintly, but something sunk inside. No one would chase after me; I wasn't a blonde bombshell on legs like Caroline or even Rebekah, nor was I an exotic dark brunette like Bonnie or Elena. I was average looking with sub-par social skills and an uninteresting life, no one alive would go for me.

Searching my pockets, I looked up at Mike. "I've forgot my keys." I mumbled, and Mike's head shot up, looking around.

"Eh?" He almost shouted. I cringed at his loud voice; a lot louder than most of the people in here, tables nearby turning to stare at us, including Kol Mikaelson all the way up at the bar. I flushed, not liking the attention. It made me feel uncomfortable, everyone focusing on me, especially when I wouldn't want it.

"I said I forgot my keys," I hissed at him, eyes darting at everyone. Most had turned back around, ignoring the noisy table, but a few were still watching. Nosy Parkers... Just like me, hypocrite, I growled. Mike raised an eyebrow and I blushed, realising I had made that noise aloud and looked away. Geez Sarah, what is up with you? Wordlessly, he handed me his set, glaring back down at his empty glass, tapping it roughly against the table.

Quickly, I got up, wincing a little at the loud scraping noise the chair made, but everyone had gone back to their original conversations and discussions, not interested in a mild domestic between two loners.

Outside, Klaus had managed to catch up with Caroline, coaxing her to take a seat next to him. He looked so thrilled, it was sickly to look at. I backed away from them, not wanting to interrupt or overheard them in any way. Though, by going the long way around the square, it was going to take longer to get home, and I wasn't wearing the right clothes for this kind of weather. I wore jeans, long sleeved shirts and jumpers mostly and I wrapped my arms around myself. You're an idiot Sarah, invest in a frickin' coat for once.

"Haven't you been told it's not good to walk alone outside?" I shrieked at the teasing voice from behind. Elijah was smiling, and I was definitely not. How did he sneak up on me? I'm usually quiet, too quiet, most can't get the drop on me. I want to reach out and smack him playfully. But to do that, I need courage, and I don't have too much of that lying around.

"What's your problem? You don't creep on girls in the dark either!" I hissed, and he shrugged. It was strange how formal he could be, yet with a snap of the fingers, his entire countenance changed.

"I was not, as you so eloquently put, creeping. I was meeting with a few associates on a business arrangement, and happened to see you." He defended himself.

"Was this to do with whatever 'business' you had Rebekah do out of own?" I quipped and Elijah glanced down at me, face stoic. I could see the gears turning, and the question burning on his tongue. "I'm not stupid, and Rebekah tells me almost everything, even about doing favours for a brother and since two of them are sat, nursing whiskeys, it turns to you."

"You have forgotten Finn."

I smirked victoriously; he had practically just said it was him, and he knew it. "No, but I don't feel that Finn is the one with mysterious business."

Elijah arched a lovely eyebrow. "Mysterious business? What do you think I do in my spare time?" He teased, and I smiled. I liked talking to Elijah, he could always make me smile, even if I didn't want to. I wanted to seem mature, not like a giggling school girl. Even if I was that. I shouldn't be in front of him.

"Sit in the Red Bean all day." He smiled, eyes glinting happily.

"You forgot to mention drinking tea." I laughed. Then, I quieted. "You don't actually do that, right?" I asked hesitantly. He gave me a look- the one you reserved for when people acted or said something crazy or stupid. Right now, I felt like both.

"No, I assure you I do things other than buy cheap teas from you on Saturdays and Sundays and Wednesday afternoons. For example, my 'mysterious business'" he mocked, "was with the Salvatore brothers," his lip curled at the name. "And Rebekah is assisting by making sure a deadline is met." Alarm bells should've rang in my head, but the Mikaelson's presence muted them.

I don't know when we stopped walking, but now we stood motionless. We were no where near my house, closer to the square but out of sight of his brother, Klaus, and anyone, like Mike, in the Grille.

We had fallen silent, and tension inside me grew. I wanted... I don't know what I wanted. I think I wanted him to kiss me. Yeah, that would be nice. Really nice... Don't go down that path Sarah, I warned myself. He wouldn't do it, wouldn't want to. I was his kid sister's friend, maybe even his friend, though more likely an acquaintance, nothing more to him. I'd rather not go for it than face heartbreak and eternal embarrassment.

"You know what, I'm gonna head back, pick up Mike y'know, make sure he gets home alright, he's had a lot to drink," I rambled hurriedly. He nodded and suddenly grabbed my hand. I stopped, startled. Slowly, he lifted it, keeping eye contact, and gently pressed a kiss to it. I flushed, my stomach dropping.

"Ah, uh..." Oh God, why won't my tongue work? This is bad, really bad. Oh God, body, what are you doing to me? And why in front of him? Jesus, he'll never speak to me again. Do something! No, say something! Quick!

"Bye," I squeaked and pretty much legged it. What is wrong with me? What am I doing? Oh God, what have I done? Sarah you twit, you were meant to act cool, casual, collected, not like that!

I burst into the Grille, trying to catch my breath. I scoured the room, and there was no sign of Mike. Did he pass by me? No, he passed by Klaus and Caroline like a normal person would. Though something else caught my eye instead. Kol had moved from the bar, instead lounging by the pool tables with Dr Fell, Mr Saltzman no where in sight.

I was too far to hear, but I watched them instead - in the most non-creepiest way possible. He seemed to be trying to talk to her. Woo her, I snorted. Though, she seemed to shoot him down at every turn. I couldn't blame her; she was here with someone else, something Kol knew, and he was using an ounce of charm, something he had buckets of. What was he doing?

Suddenly, Kol squeezed up against Dr Fell, backing her up into a wall. I froze. Geez, what is going on? What is he gonna do? Jesus, is he gonna assault her?! He was whispering into her ear, and the woman looked a little scared. Then, Mr Saltzman appeared, just behind the pair. There was something in his eyes. They were cold and dark, nothing like they usually were. His eyes were always warm and happy, even when people handed in homework late.

Kol spun on Mr Saltzman, glaring at the older man. My history teacher grabbed him, holding the Mikaelson like he was hugging him, arms and jaw clenched. Kol jerked in his arms, and Dr Fell stood between the two and the bar, glancing worriedly around the place. She missed me, but I didn't miss them. Did they... Did they just kill him? Oh God! Wha - How - Oh God!

Mr Saltzman dragged him over to a door, one I knew led to a back alley which was used to unload goods for the Grille. Why was no one else seeing this? All I could think about was how my teacher turned out to be a psychopath. I stumbled out the main doors, and ran out to the front end of the alley. The side door burst open, light pooling in the gap and Mr Saltzman dragged out Kol's dead body, followed shortly by his date. I should call the police. I started to freak out. What if they saw me and 'silenced' me? What have you done Sarah? What's Mike gonna do? Heck, what's Dad gonna do?

Two black figures were already in the alley, backs turned to me. "Here, grab him," Mr Saltzman grunted, and one of the figures laughed shortly.

"Well sexy doctor, nice job." My stomach dropped. Damon and Stefan Salvatore. They were involved. What the hell is going on? Who are these people? It's like they've done this before.

A blur charged into the alley. It knocked into Mr Saltzman and then Stefan, causing the two to drop Kol. In the alley, I couldn't see his face, but I could see a metal dagger stuffed into his chest. The blur pulled it out, and glared at Damon. The Salvatore raised his hands a little, and the blur stopped. I couldn't see their face.

"I should have killed you months ago." The blur spat, and I covered my mouth to keep from screaming. The blur was Klaus.

"Do it. It's not gonna stop Esther from killing you." Damon promised, and the blonde Mikaelson froze. Part of me wondered what Esther had to do with this. Most of me was panicking, shaking violently, but not from cold. I wanted to gasp or run, but something rooted me in my place.

"What did you say about my mother?" His tone was icy, and after 'The Flash' display, I know Damon wouldn't, or shouldn't, sass him.

"Didn't know I was friends with your mummy? Yeah, we have a lot in common, she hates you as much as I do." Klaus grabbed Damon's jacket, pulling him close. Oh God, I think I'm gonna see another murder tonight. I never expected him to stop it.

"Leave him." My shaking stopped, and I glanced up, just like Klaus and Damon. There he stood, at the top of the stairs at the back of the Grille, staring down at the conflict below, like an avenging angel. Was Elijah involved? "We still need him Niklaus."

Oh God he was. What is wrong with this town? Klaus took a step closer to his elder brother. "What did mother do? What did she do Elijah?" Klaus demanded.

Elijah ignored his brother's questions, directing his attention to the Salvatore. "You tell me where the witches are, or I'll tell my sister to kill Elena right now." Rebekah? Witches? Who was he talking about? Was that the 'mysterious business' Rebekah and Elijah were talking? Killing a teenager?

Damon started. "You told me we had until after nine."

"I'm sure Rebekah will be more than happy to start her work early." I could hear a smirk in his voice, and could imagine he raised an eyebrow as he spoke. They were a family of sociopathic serial killers. And then I made a stupid mistake. I took a step back.

My foot hit something - a can I think - but it echoed and rattled in the alley. Everyone's heads shot up, even Stefan and Mr Saltzman. I was gaping; opening and closing my mouth like a fish, staring at them all in turn. I couldn't see their faces, all shrouded in darkness, but they could all see mine, and every emotion on it. "Sarah?" Elijah sounded so confused.

My instincts kicked in, adrenaline pouring into my blood. I took another step back. Then, all of a sudden, Elijah was in front of me. His face was as stoic as ever, but his eyes... They looked pained. I felt like everything was in slow motion. He raised a hand, but I stumbled away. I have to run. I flee, but get maybe a few feet and then, Elijah was stood in front of me again.

I lurched to a stop, almost crashing into him. "Sarah," he murmured, as if I was a wild animal, cornered and trapped. I spun again, and this time, Klaus was behind me.

"Careful love," the blonde warned, but he didn't sound too concerned. He took a step forward, and in response, I took a step back.

Elijah repeated my name and I turned again. A hand tightened on my shoulder, and I twisted around. Klaus was there. For some reason, old memories of my dad's survival skills swam to the front of my mind. I feigned, and Klaus read me, catching it. Shame he didn't catch my knee jerking up as he bent forward for my wrist.

The Mikaelson choked out some sort of screech, and I ran forward, only to be caught by Elijah again. He turned me around in an iron grasp, keeping me close, but far enough not to hurt him.

His pupils went wide and suddenly, I stopped fighting. I calmed down. Wha- what's going on? "Stop fighting me Sarah," Elijah's voice was smooth and calming, soothing the panic inside, even after everything I had just witnessed. "You are going to walk home, and the moment you cross the threshold, you will forget everything you saw in this alley." I nodded absentmindedly, mumbling his words under my breath. It was like I wasn't in control of my own body- and I didn't mind.

So, I turned around, with no complaints and did exactly as Elijah ordered me to. It felt like a dream- nothing stopped me, not even traffic, which made me very glad it was late at night. My muscles shook, and I trembled as I grasped the door handle. The door swung easily, and I stepped in and... Nothing.

I frowned, straightening. Why was I hunched over? And was I shaking? Well, it was cold outside. I poked my head into the living room. Mike was passed out on the couch, snoring. I smirked, and stifled a yawn. I don't know why, but I felt exhausted, which I didn't feel earlier at the Grille.

Something was tapping my window. I groaned, rolling over further into my pillow. The tapping continued and I got up, grumbling. Lazily, I pushed open my window, looking down and immediately sobered up. Below my window was Elijah Mikaelson. This feels very Romeo and Juliet. He smiled, though it didn't look natural and beckoned with a finger. I blushed ungracefully and closed my window, trying hard not to squeal. Quietly, I ran downstairs, and then ran back upstairs to drag a brush through my hair.

I slipped out, and Elijah turned to meet me. "Hi," I murmured shyly, and he nodded in return. I gulped, trying to ignore the tension between us. His hand slid into his pocket, almost nervously.

"I would like to apologise." He said. I frowned, wondering what he was talking about before I stiffened. Was he talking about the kiss? He had to be. He regretted it. I nodded, swallowing a lump forming in my throat. God, what did this man do to me? Elijah hesitated. "I'm leaving Mystic Falls tonight." I glanced up at him, but he refused to look at me. I stared back down at my feet. "And so I need to do something first."

A hand lifted my head. His eyes were like melting chocolate, boring straight into my plain light blue ones. His pupils dilated. "You're going to forget me coming tonight," Elijah's voice was low and hypnotic. "Something woke you and when you came downstairs, there was a letter waiting for you." He purred, and all I could do was stare up at him. Carefully, slowly, he leaned down. My mind was screaming and my eyes fluttered shut.

He was inches from me. I could feel his breath on my lips, and they parted of their own accord. And then, it happened. It was soft, short and sweet. It wasn't quite the fireworks and angels singing I had thought it would be, but it was pretty close. He was holding me, arms wrapped around my waist, and the simple hug felt nice, comforting. He pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Goodbye Sarah," he murmured.

I opened my eyes, glancing around before looking down. There was a little envelope, similar to the one I got for the Mikaelson ball. My name was written in dark ink, with a beautiful hand. I picked it up, looking back down the street, finding no one. Huh? I tore it open, unfolding the letter. As I began to read, my eyes widened, and my mouth fell open. What?

No one's POV

Rebekah walked into the room, heels clicking with every step. Elijah was at the far end, staring blankly into the flames in the hearth. "Where the bloody hell is everyone?" She demanded.

"It's over Rebekah," her brother stated simply, sounding dejected. The blonde glanced at him.

"Where's mother?" She asked hesitantly, and Elijah laughed bitterly.

"We have no mother, only Esther. And Esther was right."

Rebekah stiffened at his words. "What do you mean?"

Her brother turned to her. "All my talk of virtue but when it suits my needs, I kill, maim, torture. Even today, I terrorised an innocent-"

"Elena is hardly innocent," She butted in.

"I was talking of your friend, Sarah." He shot back, and the blonde stared at him. "She saw the Salvatore's, and their little hunter dagger Kol. She looked so scared of me, and rightly so." He explained, walking around the dining room table towards his sister. "And I used your hatred of Elena to get what I wanted. Wielded you like I would a sword, my own sister." He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand.

"You did it to protect us, and rightly so. We deserve to live, we are better than they are!" She begged her brother to see reason. He only looked at her sadly.

"Are we?" He asked, and Rebekah's eyes widened at his question. "Mother turned us into vampires, she didn't make us monsters. We did that to ourselves." He smiled sadly, walking out of the room, leaving Rebekah alone in the silence with the remnants of their conversation lingering in the air.