CHAPTER XXVII
It was time for the Ball.
Elena was dressed in a black loose dress, claiming her bump was too evident for her to wear any other color. Wanting to draw attention to the attributes on her upper body, she chose a dress who showed her shoulders, and had a sexy, but respectable, cleavage.
Even with baby bump and all, Damon couldn't help the amazed face when he saw her. She was the prettiest woman he had ever seen, period, there was no bump that could change his opinion.
Caroline, of course, was wearing the dress Klaus had given her. He also had gotten a little tux for Lukas, which looked incredibly cute on him. She was almost melting with him on her arms, claiming he was "her little gentleman".
Stefan had his usual black tux on, his baby girl was the one getting all the attention with her princess dress. Never in his life had the youngest Salvatore taken so many photos, proud as hell of his gorgeous daughter, calling her "daddy's little princess" all the time.
When they all arrived at the Mikaelson Mansion, the group was welcomed by all the Originals, except Esther, who would only come down a bit later, when it was time for the first dance.
Rebekah was wearing a green gown, which matched with the details in Sarah's dress. Seeing his wife so stunning Stefan could only stare and compliment her.
- You look absolutely gorgeous, Rebekah. I'm the luckiest man in here to have the company of the two most beautiful women on this planet.
The Original was a little unsure about believing his words or not. How many times hadn't she fallen for pretty words? She politely thanked him and turned her attention to the baby.
Little Sarah was a bit sleepy by then. It had passed her bedtime, so she wasn't that excited about what was going on around her. As soon as she spotted her mommy, she wanted to jump on the Original's arms, but her daddy didn't let her.
- No, my little princess, you will wrinkle Rebekah's outfit, and possibly ruin her hair if you decide to grab it.
- Come on, Stefan, I can't easily become a mess like that. Give me this pretty girl here. - the girl said getting the little one.
Elena had her phone in hand and spotted the blonde Original with her daughter and approached them.
- How about a picture of the two of you? Then Stefan can join in, and I'll take one of you three. - she offered, watching the boy mouth a "thanks", smiling.
After the photographs, as if knowing her duties were done for the night, little Sarah rested her head on her mommy's shoulder, beginning to fall asleep.
Rebekah kissed the baby's head and rocked her lightly. She was a bit scared to fall for that scene Stefan was playing. But she was loving to have that little girl in her arms, it was like they belonged to one another.
The youngest Salvatore could only stare adoringly. God, how he missed his lovely wife. He knew she was still a sweet, caring girl, she just needed a place to call home, to feel safe, and people she could trust.
When Sarah was sleeping deeply, the couple went upstairs to place her in the cradle in the room Klaus had prepared for the babies. Everything was already set for them, the cradles in place and two hybrids waiting. The girl was carefully lied on hers, and Stefan took the phone number of the hybrid to occasionally call her. Of course he'd check her in person, but calling was more practical for an every fifteen minute check, since he couldn't use his vampire super speed there, in front of everybody.
Sarah might have quickly fallen asleep, but Lukas was very much awakened. He was wearing the exact same tux as Klaus, and looked like his dad's miniature. As soon as he saw his papa, he was in the hybrid's arms, and Elena, phone in hand, ready and alert, took pictures of Klaus with Lukas, and of the two of them with Caroline. The blonde felt grateful the brunette was being the photographer for the night, registering those moments for them.
Damon rolled his eyes seeing Klaus with Lukas and mumbled "Klaus and mini-Klaus". Caroline just shot glares at him.
- There's no need to wrinkle your fancy tux even more, Klaus. You can give him to me.
- Nonsense, love. Would you like to dance with us? - he inquired, holding the baby boy in one arm, offering the other to her.
She took it, and the three of them were slow dancing, Caroline with Klaus' arm around her waist, and hers around Klaus and their boy, and Lukas being held by his daddy, his hands on the Original's chest, sometimes pulling his tie.
The Original Hybrid felt so good on that moment he almost had a hard time believing it was actually happening. He held Caroline closer and whispered in her hear "You look ravishing in that dress, love". She simply thanked him and gave him a sweet kiss on the cheek, making the grin on the man's face grow even wider.
The scene was so adorable Elena couldn't help herself and filmed it. When she thought she had filmed enough, she put her phone back in her purse, turning around to find herself a non-alcoholic drink, almost bumping into Elijah.
- Sorry, I wasn't really looking. - the girl excused herself, blushing a little.
- There's no need for an apology, Elena. You look lovely tonight. Even more beautiful than usual, if that's possible.
- Oh, no, I'm fat and all clumsy. Pregnant women aren't attractive.
- I beg to differ, Elena. You are so attractive I am having the most sinful and forbidden thoughts right now about all the things I would like to do with you if I was ever given the chance. - the man declared, pure lust in his eyes.
He knew he was stepping out of line, but she had to know how insanely and irresistibly attractive she was, even pregnant.
Elena couldn't help but to feel aroused by his words. And she was pregnant, which only made everything worse, for anything was able to get her horny. So imagine a handsome, charming man like that saying things like those...
- Thanks, I guess. - she was blushing furiously now.
- Could we talk in private for a moment?
The girl had no idea what he could possibly want, but nodded and followed him anyway.
He led her to an office, closing the door behind him, making sure no one took notice of their little escape.
- What troubles you, Elijah? I thought we had everything set for the meeting with your mother.
- I know of our plan, Elena, but I'm having second thoughts. - he confessed approaching her - My mother's been acting strange the whole day, always in the company of my brother Finn, who was never happy about what we are. Did you know he even tried to help our father kill us once?
The doppelganger got shocked. Okay, she didn't want to be vampire either, but to help your own father to kill your siblings? That was to go a little too far in her opinion.
- Do you fear she might try to hurt me?
- I want to think she wouldn't harm a pregnant woman, but I cannot be sure. I've heard she tried to have you killed once already, is that correct?
The girl nodded.
- Perhaps you should not go, Elena.
- But Elijah, then how are we gonna find out her true intentions?
He seemed to get tense, angst taking over his face.
- I don't think I can bear the thought of something bad happening to you because of my family once again. And Finn clearly stated Mother wishes to see you alone.
The brunette girl was invaded by a warm, nice feeling watching him worry about her. He cared for her, she just knew it. She touched his face and caressed it gently.
- Nothing is happening to me, Elijah. Besides, you're gonna be just a door away, right? - she said trying to tranquilize him.
The man held the hand in his face, getting closer to her.
- My mother has tricks, Elena. She could do a privacy spell, one of her favorites, by the way, and I wouldn't be able to hear anything, in case you... asked for help.
- Oh... - she didn't really know what to respond to that.
- If only I could be there with you somehow... – he voiced his thoughts.
- Maybe there is a way... - she wondered, taking the phone off her purse. - Your mother has her tricks, we have ours. - she smiled mischievously.
After a while, when it was almost time for the opening dance, Lukas had fallen asleep in Klaus' arms. The couple went upstairs to place him in his cradle. Caroline took off his fancy outfit and changed the boy into the pajamas she had brought, thinking it would be cruel to let him sleep so uncomfortably in a tux. She then kissed his forehead and left, but not before she could get the hybrid's number, promising to call every five minutes. The Original just shook his head lightly, she was surely overprotective over her child.
There was time for the dance. All the Originals positioned themselves on the staircase, and Elijah spoke on their behalf.
- If everyone could gather, please. – he began, getting everyone's attention – 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 century's old waltz. So if all of you could find yourselves a partner, please join us in the ballroom.
Klaus was the first to take Caroline's hand and guide her to the center of the room. Stefan was next with Rebekah. Damon asked Elena, but she said she wouldn't dance with the big bump, it would be strange in the middle of so many people.
The eldest Salvatore was ready to stand by her side to just watch when the mayor called him out, practically demanding he danced with her. She smiled and mouthed "just go" to him. Next she knew, Elijah approached her.
- Aren't you dancing, Elijah? You're the host of the party.
- Precisely, lovely Elena. And it's my duty to keep you company if you don't want to dance in front of others because you would feel awkward, given your condition. Besides, all my siblings are dancing, and the host is the Mikaelson family. – he enlightened her, and she could only smiled at how sweet he was - But wouldn't you really like to dance? I could take you to a private place. No one would see you.
The girl thought maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to dance with her husband, and nodded. The Original took her upstairs, leading her to a balcony where they could hear the music clearly. He held out his hand for her, which she gladly accepted, any chance to be close to him was a chance she'd take.
They waltzed slowly, due to her condition, staring at each other in the eyes. She felt compelled by him, but in a different way than usual, of course. She just couldn't help herself, getting closer, approaching his face. The man noted what she was doing, closing the distance, and kissing her passionately.
Elena stopped moving, getting her arms around his neck. She intended to make that kiss last. Gosh, how much had she missed him!
When they parted, he had to ask her.
- What does this mean to you? What about the Salvatores?
- God, why do I have to keep explaining myself about the Salvatores to everyone all the freakin' time?! Stefan is like a brother to me now, that's it! And Damon, well, we got closer when Stefan left town with Klaus because we were both looking for him and because Damon has a thing for me! But we were never together!
Elijah watched her exasperated outburst with an amused grin.
- Why are you smiling, Elijah? We just had the most romantic moment, slow dancing and kissing, and then you had to ask me about... - she was complaining when he cut her, kissing her hungrily.
They kissed for a long while, parting to give her some time to catch her breath.
- My apologies, Elena. I will then understand I'm entitled to wear an angry expression whenever Damon tries anything with you. - he declared amused.
- Have some patience with him. He's a nice guy, just can't take a hint. - she told him sweetly.
She felt some kicking in her stomach and bend a little, hands on her belly.
- Are you alright, Elena? - he asked concerned.
- Yes, I'm fine. It's just the babies, they started to move around.
- Could I...? - the man reached his hand out to her bump.
- Sure, here. - she responded placing his hand on the right spot for him to feel the kicks.
The Original smiled feeling the little ones moving and kicking.
- It must be kinda tight in there. And it's gonna get even tighter with time. - she joked, caressing the hand he still had on her bump.
After the endearing moment, they went downstairs to wait for Esther to call Elena. They would finally find out whatever matters she had to discuss with the brunette.
While the couple shared such intimacy in the balcony, the others were in the ballroom dancing.
Klaus couldn't help the grin he had on the entirety of the time. He was almost thinking it was too good to be true. What he simply couldn't understand was how, after the horrible things he had done to her friends, Caroline was being so lovely to him. Sure she'd scold him every now and then when she thought he was doing something she considered wrong, like bossing his sired hybrids around. But still, she had defended him, claiming his mother had no right to believe she was the only one to forgive, she had let him in her home and her life, she'd let him hold little Lukas without hesitation, and she was there dancing with him. And he knew how loyal she was to her friends, and her good disposition towards him got him really puzzled.
- You're quite the dancer, love. - he complimented her, decided to just enjoy that enchanting evening.
- I had training. I happen to be Miss Mystic Falls. - she responded a bit cocky.
He liked her confidence.
- I know.
- Stalker... - she mumbled in a playful tone.
- When I first laid eyes on you, I just had to know everything about you, love. - he explained smiling.
- Have you ever heard of talking? That's how you get to know someone, Klaus.
- And I want to get to know you. I want to know everything about you, sweetheart. Your hopes, your dreams, everything you want in life.
Caroline's heart was beating fast, her eyes glued to his.
- Just to be clear, I'm too smart to be seduced by you.
- Well, that's why I like you. - he stated, spinning her around, loving the challenge she represented.
Stefan was dancing with Rebekah, trying to break down her resistances. But he knew he had to be careful, she wasn't the same sweet, innocent girl. A thousand years of disappointment, violence, and heartbreak had changed her a lot, but deep inside he knew she was still his princess.
- What's your game, Stefan? You were clearly in love with the doppelganger when Nik undaggered me, and I was still a fool in love with you, not realizing almost a century had passed since the 20's. Now you're here, flirting with me, even using your own baby to get near me. What do you want? Who put you up to this? And what for? – the girl inquired a bit hurt, tired of being played.
- What do I want? You. Who put me up to this? My own self. And what for? To have you back. – he answered honestly. Of course the "back" he was taking about was because of their little adventure a thousand years ago, not the affair they had in the 20's.
- If you think you can play me for a fool, Stefan Salvatore… - she began angry, raising her voice, but was cut by him.
- Compel me. Ask me what I want. I'm not on vervain, and I won't be upset. – he declared to her total shock.
- I don't think that will be necessary. I can always tell when you're lying, Stefan. I just feared my radar was malfunctioning. – the Original said a bit uncomfortable.
He got closer to her, whispering in her ear, "Then you know I'm telling the truth, princess". The girl felt a shiver through her spine. Shit, wouldn't she ever learn not to fall for any man who knew the right things to say?
After the dance, Elena was escorted upstairs by Finn. Elijah found a quiet room and stood by, phone on one ear.
- You're alone. Wise choice.
He heard his mother's voice, completely silent, not even letting a breath out.
- It's only sage. I spelled it so we could speak freely without fear of being overheard.
The man knew his mother too well. The privacy trick, of course she was using it.
- That will be all, Finn. Thank you.
And the doors were closed. The Original felt a sudden concern knowing Elena was completely alone with his mother.
- You must have a million questions for me, Elena. Please, ask away.
- How are you alive? Are you a ghost, or…
- Not exactly. When I died, the witch Ayanna preserved my body with a spell. She was a close friend of mine. An ancestor of your friend Bonnie. I'm actually drawing power from the Bennet line to be here, to be alive again.
- So you've been really dead for a thousand years, on the Other Side?
- Nature's way of punishing me for turning my family into vampires. But there's a way to undo the evil I created.
He knew it. His mother's intentions were never pure. She had come back with an agenda of her own, a mission.
- You're here to help us kill Klaus, aren't you?
Elijah could hear the sorrow in the brunette's voice. For some reason, she didn't want his brother dead. And neither did he. True, he had been mad at Niklaus for a while, especially after he daggered him once more, but, in spite of his desire to punish his brother, he never wished to see him dead.
- One thing at a time, Elena. For now, I simply need your help.
Caroline spotted Elena climbing up the stairs and decided it was better to take Klaus away from there. Her friend would find out what Esther was up to and tell them, but the hybrid was too impulsive and could ruin it. He probably would go upstairs and enter marching into his mother's chambers, demanding she'd tell what matters she wished to discuss with the doppelganger. The witch would make up some excuse and rearrange her plan, and they would never know what she intended to do.
She got out for a stroll, knowing he'd follow her, and stopped in front of a beautiful horse, remembering Diamond, and how good was to first ride her with Nik.
- You like horses? – she heard his voice and smiled.
- Wanting to get to know me like a normal person, stalker? – she joked, turning to face him – If you want an answer, you're gonna have to tell me something first. Why did you invite me here? Just to provoke your mom after what I told her?
He grinned remembering Caroline claiming Esther should "get off that high horse".
- I fancy you. Is that so hard to believe?
- Yes. You barely know me. – she confessed sadly. Even though she knew a lot about him, he knew nothing about her.
- You're beautiful, you're strong, you're full of light. I enjoy you. – he responded, and she felt her legs weak.
That man would be her death…
- You know, – he began to talk again – horses are the opposite of people. They're loyal. My father hunted me for a thousand years and the closest he ever came was the day he killed my favorite horse. He severed its neck with a sword, as a warning.
The blonde girl felt a cold shiver through her spine. Mikael was creepy and a half, the most loathsome man she had ever met.
- I'm sorry, Klaus. Your father was really a cruel man. – she said sincerely.
- There's no need for pity, love. – he told her in a rude tone.
"His pride, I had forgotten…", the girl thought sighing.
- It's not pity, it's sympathy. You said so yourself, we all have our daddy issues. – she declared, changing the subject right away, for she didn't want to spend another minute talking about the Original father – And to answer your question, yes, I like horses.
He grinned at her, his dimples on display. She had to use all her self-control no to jump his bones right there. Instead, she shook her head and dialed the hybrid's number to quickly check on her son.
- You worry too much, sweetheart. – the man stated after she hang out.
- Better too much than too little.
- He's perfectly fine with Mindy, I assure you.
- Forgive me if I don't trust that a hybrid enslaved by you will take good care of my child just because you commanded her to, regardless of her will to do it or not. – the girl declared annoyed, a hint of irony on her voice.
- They aren't slaves, love. They're soldiers, comrades.
- They have no free will, and obey you whether they like it or not, never questioning a simple order. And you claim they do that because they wish to serve their master. A person who doesn't have free will, obey blindly, and has a master, in my opinion, is a slave, Klaus. - she said rolling her eyes at him.
- Come on, love. Don't do that, we were having such a lovely evening.
- I think I should get going anyway, I have a baby, you know.
- You wouldn't let anyone forget about it, you have your phone on your ear every five minutes to check on him...
She huffed.
- You know, those hybrids have mothers who love them and who would hate to see them reduced to slavery! One of them could be Lukas!
- Come on, love. I will not sire your boy in case he happens to be a wolf. – he promised with a mockery tone.
- Unfortunately, you don't fancy all your hybrid's moms, Klaus. Therefore, they aren't so lucky and can't do a thing about the fact their children were turned against their will and are now forced to serve you!
- You speak of them as if they were saints, love. But they are not. They are killers.
- Just like you and me! But that doesn't mean they don't have people who love them! – she exclaimed exasperated, just wanting to get away from there – Excuse me, I'll go check on my son. Let's hope he's not a wolf, or, if he happens to be, let's hope you still fancy me by then so you won't turn him against his will and make him your slave!
She turned her back to Klaus, leaving him there to his thoughts.
Whilst Caroline and Klaus argued outside, Elijah was still locked in a room, hearing his mother's conversation with Elena.
- I understand Rebekah shared the story of my family. How I upset the balance of nature by turning my children into vampires.
- She said you did to protect them from the wolves.
- It's true. In spite of what your friend might think of me, I had my children's best interest in mind.
The Original had a light smile remembering Caroline's words.
- But in no time at all, they began to feed on human blood. They ravaged the town with no remorse. Eventually, Niklaus turned against me.
- How are you gonna kill him? He's immortal…
- It will take time… magic… and your assistance.
- What do I have to do with it?
- My children believe I'm holding this ball to celebrate our reunion. But in truth, I've gathered them together to perform a ritual. The first step requires blood from the doppelganger.
Elijah panicked. He was already at the door when he heard his mother's voice again.
- Only a drop. Its essence will be in the champagne toast later on this evening. Will you do it? Or shall I?
He stopped and went back to just hearing.
- Elijah is more suspicious than the others, so he may need more persuasion. I see how he looks at you, you should have no problem to get him to believe you. But they all must drink of the toast in order to be linked as one.
- What do you mean "linked as one"?
- You said so yourself, Klaus can't be killed. But tonight's spell links all my children together, so that if one goes, they all go.
- What?!
Elijah could hear the surprise and shock on the girl's voice, but hoped she could get it together for her own sake. It was better his mother thought she was cooperating. If she refused or resisted, Esther could try to hurt her to have it her way.
- I love my family, Elena. But they are an abomination. I betrayed nature when I created them. It's my duty to kill them.
When Caroline made her way downstairs after checking on her son, she spotted Klaus walking towards her and tried to turn the other way. She just didn't want to talk to him after their argument. But he reached the blonde and stood in front of her.
- Don't be angry, love. We had a little spat. I'm over it already.
The girl just rolled her eyes, upset.
- Well, I'm not. – she answered icily.
- How can I acquaint myself? – he inquired smiling that dimpled smile which would be the death of her for sure. "Damn these pregnancy hormones!"
"Be strong and just ignore him, Caroline", she convinced herself and walked past him.
- Come on, love. Talk to me. – she didn't even budge, silent – How about I show you something beautiful? Come on, sweetheart, come with me. I dare you.
Caroline let herself be taken by him, his insistence getting the best of her.
He then led her to what seemed to be his studio.
- So, what did you wanna show me?
- One of my passions. – he responded pointing to one of the most wonderful paintings she'd ever seen. One she was almost sure shouldn't be in the hybrid's possession…
- Wow, impressive. I take it the curators of the Louvre aren't on vervain...
- Well, that's their mistake.
- What about these? – she lifted her wrist, showing the diamond bracelet – Where did you steal these from?
- That's a long story, but rest assured they were worn by a princess almost as beautiful as you.
She blushed a bit, looking down and spotting his drawings. He seemed to be even more talented than she remembered.
- Your drawings are beautiful, Klaus.
- How could you be so sure they are mine? - he inquired, thinking she was little too certain on her assertive.
- Well, who else would've made them, if not you? That's your studio, right? - she tried to get him to think that seemed obvious.
He decided to believe her. At least for the moment.
- Actually, one of my landscapes is hanging at the Hermitage. Not that anyone would notice. Have you been?
- I've never really been anywhere.
"Except Mystic Falls. Now, and a thousand years ago…", she thought bitterly, for not even when she time travelled she'd got to go somewhere other than her hometown.
- I'll take you. Wherever you want. Rome, Paris… Tokyo? – he offered smiling, wanting her to feel comfortable in his presence.
- It must be really nice to just snap your fingers and get whatever you want. But I have a child now, and I don't want him growing up with this kind of example, he'd become an insufferable brat. So I have to refuse your offer, Klaus. Especially if you're getting your hybrids slaves to work their asses off for free in order to give me this dream life of adventures you're offering!
- This is about Tyler, isn't it, love? - the Original asked annoyed, for she was too insistent about the enslaved hybrid's subject.
Truth is Caroline didn't even remember her ex existed, her relationship with Tyler seemed to have happened ages ago. She simply thought what he did to those hybrids wasn't right. Her children could be wolves at any time if they ever triggered the curse, and she'd hate if someone enslaved them as if taking someone's free will like that was perfectly normal and acceptable.
- This is about people's exploitation, Klaus! Why don't you put that civilized man mask down and stop pretending this is perfectly justifiable? Just face the truth, and face who you are! Maybe then, you could stop lying to yourself and everyone, and change into a better person! One who doesn't need to force anyone to be loyal to them, but who earns said loyalty!
- Love, I think it's time for you to leave! - he said but she just continued.
- You just assume the worst of everyone right away, isn't it? Just 'cause your father didn't love you, you assumed no one else will either! You believe everyone is just waiting for an opportunity to betray, to leave you, or worse! So you build your relationships with people over nothing! You use your money, your power, your influence, but not only for a second you consider opening up and trying to build a connection with them, to understand them!
- Love, I'm warning you... - he started the threat, but she interrupted him.
- Or what, Nik?
He opened his eyes wide.
- What did you just call me?
She got nervous, realizing she shouldn't have let that slip.
- I heard Rebekah calling you "Nik" once... - she tried.
- And? It still doesn't explain why you had a sudden desire to call me that.
- I... I... - she tried, but nothing came out.
- Tell me, or I'll force it out of you, sweetheart. - he warned approaching her, grabbing her face to compel her.
The girl had to think of something, and fast. She decided to act out of impulse and kissed him hard.
He had no idea of what was going on, but caught himself kissing her back. Her kiss was the sweetest he'd ever shared, but he knew it was a sweet lie.
When they parted, the Original hybrid was even more suspicious than before.
- What did you do that for, love?
- I wanted to know what it felt like kissing you. - she lied.
He was about to stop that nonsense and compel her at once when he heard his phone buzzing. It was a message from Elijah.
It was time for the toast, and apparently they had urgent issues that couldn't wait.
- This conversation is not over, love. – he warned her, offering her his arm and taking her back to the ballroom for the toast.
Caroline just nodded, apprehensive.
Elena was tense after the talk. So tense she could barely go downstairs, her legs shaking. She then found a quiet spot and typed a message to Elijah.
"Don't drink that toast! And tell your siblings not to drink as well. Elena"
"Already sent them a message. I also asked them to meet me afterwards to discuss what to do about our mother. I intend to confront her right after the ball. Elijah"
"Shouldn't we keep up with the plan? Elena"
"Yes. I'm coming to you. Elijah"
The Original approached the girl. It was showtime. He knew Finn would be watching and listening, so they had to be convincing.
- So, how was my mother?
- Intense.
- And for which reason did she need to speak with you in private?
She saw Esther on the stairs and got tense. Sensing her nervousness, the man called her once more to get her to focus on the plan.
- Elena. – his tone was firm, and she looked at him, getting a bit calmer – Should I be concerned about my mother's intentions?
- She just wanted to apologize for trying to have me killed.
- So, it's true then? She's forgiven Klaus?
- It's true.
Right after the brunette confirmed the lie, Esther got everyone's attention. It was time for the toast.
- Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Waiters are coming around with champagne. I invite you all to join me in raising a glass. – the witch raised her glass and spoke formally – It provides me with no greater joy than to see my family back together as one. I'd like to thank you all for being part of this spectacular evening. Cheers!
When it was time to drink the toast, all the Originals, except for Finn, pretended to drink it.
Elena couldn't stop staring at Elijah. He mouthed to her, very discreetly, "I didn't drink it", and she let out a breath she didn't even know she was holding.
After a few minutes, the man led her outside, so the girl could get a bit of fresh air. It would be too much for anyone, let alone a pregnant woman.
- Thank you, Elena. You saved us.
- I'm sorry your mother is trying to have all of you killed. I thought she just wanted to kill Klaus and got really surprised when she said she intended to kill all her children. – she told him, caressing his face.
- I noticed, you sounded quite shocked. But you recovered in time. You did very well, I don't think my mother suspects of our plan. – he smiled lightly, kissing her hand.
- Elijah, thanks for the compliments, but I want to know how you're doing. It's your mother, and she wanted to kill you! – she inquired worried about him, about his feelings.
The Original felt touched by her concern. Of course he was disappointed and sad, but he had been around for a thousand years, he had been through a lot already.
- I already suspected she had ulterior motives, Elena. Don't worry about me, I have been around for a long time, I can take a blow or two.
Nobody could be okay after knowing their mother tried to kill them. Not even a thousand year old vampire, and the girl knew it. She decided to do what she thought would work best, and embraced him.
They remained like that for a long while. Elijah felt so good on that embrace, and was positively surprised realizing she knew just what he needed. He didn't want to talk about it. What one could say to cheer up someone who just found out their own mother tried to kill them? But that tender gesture, a simple hug, was all he needed on that moment.
Klaus, Rebekah, and Kol didn't know the details yet. Elijah had simply texted saying they shouldn't drink from the toast. They had their suspicions, but would only know for sure what the hell was going on once they gathered after the ball to have the conversation Elijah had texted them they'd have.
After what had happened, the hybrid wasn't in the mood to have another argument with Caroline. He suspected everything that happened during their time together, including the girl calling him Nik, was just a distraction strategy. The text from Elijah made it very clear something was going on, and maybe Elena, Caroline, Damon, and Stefan were part of it. So, when the blonde said it was time to go, calling the others, he just bid her goodbye.
Once they were back at the Boarding House, Elena told them everything that had happened. Stefan and Caroline felt so relieved hearing no one drank the toast they couldn't even believe it. Damon, on the other hand, got really pissed.
- Wasn't that everything we wanted? To be rid of the Originals? And you just helped them, Elena? – he questioned, out of himself, forgetting she loved Elijah and was married to him.
- Damon, I couldn't let them die! Elijah's the father of my children! And they're all my family now I'm married to him! Klaus is a jerk who made my life a living hell, but he's Caroline's husband and the father of her children! And Rebekah is a She-Devil, but she's little Sarah's mom, and Stefan loves her!
- You're all out of your freakin' minds! You met them a thousand years in the past, in an alternative version of the past they have no memories of! What happened to you made no difference in their lives, it makes no difference! They're still the same, with the same memories, and the same sins! – the vampire yelled furious.
- But it made a difference to us, it makes a difference to us, Damon! They don't know us, but we know them! They have no memories, but we do! We don't know how we're gonna do it, but we can't just pretend nothing happened! – Stefan declared, although he was quite sure his brother wouldn't understand.
- Damon, I appreciate everything you have done to protect me. – Elena approached the eldest Salvatore, trying not to be too harsh with him – I want you to know I love you, but Elijah is the man of my life, the one. I couldn't let him die. Any of them.
She could see she was hurting him, but that needed to be said. The way he looked at her, heartbroken, brought tears to her eyes.
- If that's how you feel, I don't think there's a reason to stay around. I guess I'll leave town for a while. It's not like the Originals represent any danger to you anymore… – he promised in a serious tone of voice – I might come back for Christmas, but only if I'm getting a present. – he added in a lighter tone, showing old Damon's smirk. He needed no one's pity.
Elena had in Damon a really good friend and didn't want him to leave, but could understand his decision. She wanted him to be happy, and if he was going away to find his happiness, she would never ask him to stay.
He climbed upstairs and locked himself in his room, taking a bottle of bourbon with him.
- Shit, the air is heavy. – Caroline commented tired – Well, it's official, guys.
- What, Care? – the other one asked puzzled.
- We have the worst in-laws in History of mankind… - she declared with a sigh.
The three teenagers stared at each other and laughed. After all the tension, they just couldn't help it.
- You're priceless, Caroline. – Stefan stated, falling noisily on the couch.
