There was the steady sound of an alarm clock shrilling loudly, Artemis groaned and clutched her throbbing temples, and she slammed her hand down on the alarm clock instantly shutting it off. She sat up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. She swung her legs out of her bed and rubbed her temple, she felt her skin tingle slightly when she touched her temple.
Artemis shook it off and started her morning routine. She rummaged through her closet and decided to wear a pair of black jeans and a random top. She hurriedly brushed her hair and pulled it into a high pony tail.
Artemis swore under her breath knowing she would be late opening the store up. She felt as if she was forgetting something. But her mind didn't linger on it too long though, as she pulled on her converses.
Artemis hurried down the stairs and walked into the kitchen; she poured herself some cereal and munched it down.
"Morning Art" John greeted her,
"Morning" she replied through a mouthful of cereal and downed the rest of her coffee.
"You late Arty?" Jeremy asked seeing Artemis shovelling her cereal down her throat. She waved and ran pass him.
"Did you really need to ask?" John asked quirking an eyebrow at the teen.
"Yep" Jeremy grinned.
Artemis yawned as she unlocked the front door of the store and entered the shop, she flipped the sign over so now that it read 'open'. She walked into the back office and shed off her leather jacket and stretched her arms above her head.
"Miss Gilbert?"
"Derek?" Artemis stepped out from the back and smiled at the delivery man, she glanced at the time it was hitting 10.45, "Right on time" she smiled and held out her hand for the clipboard, "you can set the boxes down here" Artemis smiled signing her name on the order list. There were three thick wooden crates that no doubt held priceless artefacts.
"See yah later Miss Gilbert" Derek smiled and left. Artemis waved goodbye and her attention was soon turned towards the wooden crate, she rolled up her sleeves and grabbed the first crate
"Crap" she muttered she was unable to lift it at all, Artemis sighed and canted her head to the side, she would just have to try something else. With that thought she placed her hands on the edges of the crate and pushed with all her strength it moved an inch. "Oh come on" she glared at the crate.
"You know looking at it like that isn't going to make it move" Artemis jumped and spun around.
"So it's all vampires who have a thing for sneaking up on people, including Originals" Elijah smirked and stepped into the small quaint store,
"What are you doing?" she asked seeing him unbuttoning his coat and then removing his suit jacket, she could imagine Betty fainting from this.
"Why, I'm helping you of course" he uttered and before she could even comprehend what he meant, the crate that she had been leaning on disappeared causing her to stumble but before she could fall to the ground an arm wrapped around her waist.
"You are a clumsy creature aren't you?" Elijah murmured
"Erm…thanks well we should-"she was flustered by his close proximity he took a step back.
"I've got the rest"
Artemis shook her head and walked into the back office and saw all three crates already sitting there with the lids wide open.
"Are you going to be selling these in your store?" Elijah asked picking up a wooden totem.
"Nope" she replied and started to rummage through the crates "I archive these for the museums. So not that I'm not grateful for you helping me, but what are you doing here?" she asked placing the lid on the crate since she didn't want to damage the goods.
"I believe you're supposed to give me a tour of the old property lines" he answered, her eyes widened slightly and looked up at him
"Huh?"
"For my book-"
"Yeah the book you aren't really writing though. And I got the feeling you already know about all the old property lines" Artemis leant on her elbows whilst looking at him. She saw the small smile on his face
"You'd be right about that. But Carol Lockwood will be suspicious if we don't have a tour" Elijah uttered and pulled his suit jacket on. "So indulge me"
Artemis sighed but nodded regardless, he handed the brunette her jacket and opened the store door for her.
"Hmm a real gentleman aren't you Elijah?" she mused whilst locking the door. Artemis pulled her car keys out of her bag but they were snatched away. "Hey- what the-"
"We're not going in that" Elijah said looking at her rusty yellow bug in distaste "we'll be taking my vehicle"
Artemis rolled her eyes. "Why does everyone hate my car" she muttered as she followed after Elijah.
They arrived at the old property lines, Artemis shouldered her bag
"Do I need-"
"Yes, I rather you give me the full tour" he grinned seeing the glare she was throwing his way, she was an exquisite little creature, he idly thought, and plucked a twig from the ground as well as a lone flower, which he handed over to her.
"Thanks" Artemis smiled looking at the flower, "so let's start shall we?" she leapt over a thick branch and they carried on walking across the grassy grounds.
"Well that is the old Fell property line start just over there" Artemis began pointing towards the area.
"Ah the Fells" Elijah exclaimed "one of the Founding families"
"And you're saying it like that because…?" she trailed off looking at him.
"Well-"she stumbled over a branch, he quickly grasped her wrist preventing her from falling, she muttered a thank you and gestured for him to go on "my research showed me that this area was actually settled two centuries beforehand. There was a migration of townsfolk from the north east Salem to be precise" Artemis quirked an eyebrow and looked at him.
"Is this actual research or do you personally know from experience" Elijah chuckled she was smart and observant "so by Salem do you mean Massechutes as in the witch trials?" she asked running her fingers down the stem of the flower.
"Which means the ever allotted Founding families didn't actually found anything" he revealed
"Oh that stings Elijah" Artemis mockingly clutched her heart "you wound me with your words, saying that my family are merely frauds" she smothered down a giggle. Whilst he smirked at her,
"So if that's true why make such a big deal about being a Founding family. I bet it were the men who made a big deal out of it. They are very territorial after all"
"Yes we are" Elijah said, she frowned and followed his gaze her eyes nearly bugged out seeing Alaric strolling over to them with a grin on his face.
"Ric what the…?"
"I heard from Jenna you were giving a tour about the property lines, thought I would join in being a history buff an all" he uttered with his hands shoved in his jacket pockets.
"Sure….erm so what do you want to look at next?" Artemis asked wondering what the hell Alaric was up to.
"I'm pretty curious about old property slave owners" Elijah commented not taking his eyes off of the other man.
"Great…well not about the slave owners since that's just wrong…..I mean-you know what Ric come and help me get the list-" she didn't let him even reply before grabbing his arm and dragging the history teacher away. When they were by Elijah's car she stopped and narrowed her eyes on him.
"What the hell Ric? I know you done all of this with Jen but….-"
"I'm a history buff-"
"Liar. Now tell me-"her eyes widened in realisation when she saw the shifty look on his face "Are you here babysitting me?" she hissed
"Erm…well-"
"Damon sent you didn't he?" she snapped and folded her arms in front of her chest, from the corner of her eye she could see Elijah with an amused smile on his face
"He was worried about you being alone with him" Alaric whispered there was no point since the Original vampire could hear every word that was being exchanged between them.
"Seriously Ric?" she scoffed "I'm a big girl and I and Elijah made a deal, he would protect me, Elena and everyone else we care for if we play by his rules." Artemis jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder; she looked over and saw Elijah there.
"She's right, and I believe that you're also on the list of loved ones to protect" Elijah murmured
"Right…..so should we carry on?" Artemis suggested she could sense the tension between the two men.
"Well Ric chickened out halfway" Artemis laughed her, Alaric and Elijah had spent the last hour walking around the old property lines
"Hmm, I believe you scared him off with you your knowledge about the town. How do you know so much?" he asked as they were walking back towards his car.
"My mum, she taught me."
"You and Elena are different" Elijah stated, he could see the vast differences between the two sisters.
"Hmm, true so where to next?" she asked she reached out about to open the car door but was beaten to it, Elijah opened it for her Artemis shook her head.
"You really got to stop doing that" she muttered climbing into the car and jumped "and that" she snapped when he was beside her in a flash. "So do you-"her stomach grumbled loudly causing a blush to appear on her face.
"I believe I do owe you lunch" Elijah commented and waited till she had buckled up before starting the car
"So to the Grill?" Artemis asked, he nodded and pulled out onto the road.
"Really?" she questioned when he once again opened the car door for her. "You know what these are?" she showed him her hands
"I do, but I'm not quiet getting your concept Artemis" Elijah smirked as they stepped towards the Grill,
"I have hands. And I can use them so please don't open another door for me" Artemis uttered
"Art" Jenna grinned walking up to the pair
"Hey, you remember Elijah?" she gestured towards the dark haired man
"Oh how could I forget? How was the tour? Arty did-"
"A wonderful job" they all entered the Grill
"That's great" Jenna nodded just then Damon waved them over, Artemis stiffened slightly and led the pair over to Damon, Alaric and Andie who was all snuggled up next to the raven head vampire.
"Hey guys" Artemis plastered a smile onto her face.
"Hey" Alaric greeted them; his eyes however were on Jenna who steadily ignored him.
"So I hear you two had a meeting of historical minds" Damon said his lips tightened seeing the smirk on the Original vampire's face.
"Yeah we did-"
"Artemis was a glorious host, she showed me everything" Elijah smirked, Damon's eyes hardened at that.
"Yeah." Artemis was feeling slightly awkward "well Ric was with us, and then he was gone" she narrowed her eyes on Damon knowing he had put the hunter up to it.
"I should've come" Jenna commented "It sounds like you two had a good time"
Artemis nodded and tucked in a stray curl
"Well I should go as much as I like to continue this" Alaric pulled out some cash and dumped it on the table he slid out of the booth "I got papers to grade" Artemis could see that there was some tension between him and her aunt.
"Ya know what? We should continue this" Andie chipped in, "let's have a dinner party"
"Oh" Damon smirked "my girl, full of good ideas" Artemis's jaw clenched at that "I'll be happy to host" she looked away and quietly sighed. "Say tonight?"
"It's good for me, Jenna?"
"Sure" Jenna spoke over Alaric who reluctantly agreed.
"Well I guess you have to sit this one out Arty, no date after all and we're hosting this party for Elijah" Andie smiled at the brunette.
"Well I guess you guys will have fun-"
She was cut off by Elijah who spoke over her "Nonsense she's my host, I'll be her escort for tonight" he smirked at the younger vampire who plastered a smile on to his face.
Artemis smiled at him "Well I guess I'm in" she nodded. Alaric hid his grin and Jenna smothered down a giggle, whilst Elijah was amused, everyone par Andie and Artemis could see the jealousy radiating off of Damon.
"Perfect" Damon, his hand crushed the glass he was holding causing Andie to squeal
"My dress Damon, do you know how much this cost?" Andie hastily got out of the booth Damon didn't even look at her, he was too busy staring at the stunning brunette who's own eyes were focused on the charming man beside her,
"Artemis, lunch?" Elijah held out his hand. She smiled and nodded ignoring the looks she was getting from the others.
"Sure" Artemis nodded and followed him to the other side of the Grill, she gave him a look when he went to pull out her chair.
"Ah ok" he raised his hands up and allowed to pull it out, she couldn't help but smile at that and sat down. Artemis picked up her menu and did a quick scan she waved Matt over who took both hers and Elijah's orders.
"So this dinner party-"
"Was completely out of the blue" Artemis commented as she took a sip of her drink. "Damon's not one for hosting dinner parties"
"Hmm, you seem to know him well" Elijah uttered from the corner of his eye he could see Damon sitting there with the human, Andie. The Original could clearly see that he was barely paying attention to the news-reporter, no his full attention was focused on Artemis.
"It's Damon it's hard not to know him" Artemis scoffed and smiled at Matt as he set the plate of food down.
"So is there anything I should be concerned about?" Elijah asked causing her to pause and look up at him,
"Why would there be?" she questioned confusion laced in her tone "It's not like they can kill you"
Elijah hummed as Artemis went back to her food whilst he glanced over to Damon, who merely raised his hand and waggled his fingers, with a smirk on his face, there was anger radiating off of the younger vampire.
Artemis arrived back in the store where she knew she had to actually make a start on the items that the museum had sent over. She shed her jacket and headed into the back office. She pulled off the lids of the crates and started.
Elijah had told her that he would meet her at the Boarding House since it'll be easier for him. She didn't mind because Jenna said she wanted to catch a ride with her. Artemis opened the last crate that hadn't opened beforehand and coughed as a swarm of dust hit her in the face, she waved her hand in front of her face.
"Damn" she muttered but it was soon forgotten when she saw the cased items. "Wow," she breathed and retrieved a wooden chest; she dusted it off and let the tips of her fingers travel over the engravings.
She closed her eyes and felt the familiar tug in her gut of being pulled into a vision, she went on with her work like this for the next couple of hours, when it was nearing six Artemis was slumped on her desk dozing, there was the sudden sound of her cell ringing brought her crashing back to reality. She tipped too far back in her seat and ending up crashing on to the floor.
She grabbed her cell "Hello?"
"Hey Art. Where the hell are you? Dinner party starts at seven and you're meant to be home half hour-"
"Shit, sorry I fell asleep. I'm on my way" Artemis hanged up and frantically hurried around the store taking her belongings. She quickly locked the store door behind her and practically ran to her car. She threw her bags into the back and pressed her foot down on the accelerator and sped home.
Jenna jumped when the front door was slammed open and was slightly miffed seeing a panting Artemis.
"Art-"
"Sorry, I'm late" she wheezed "let's-ah bloody got a stich-"she clutched her side "let's go."
Jenna's eyes widened at that. "Erm…Arty, have you looked in a mirror yet?" she asked, Artemis brows furrowed and glanced over to the mirror that was by the entryway, she jumped back seeing her reflection.
"Oh my god, have I've been running around town like?" she saw that her face was covered in dust and grime.
"Looks like it, and you definitely don't want to be wearing that" Jenna snorted, Artemis sent her an affronted look and glanced down at her outfit.
"What's wrong with my clothes?"
"Ratty shirt? That won't work if you want to make Damon jealous-"
"Who said I want him to be jealous?" Artemis shook her head, Jenna snorted amused by the teen's denial.
"Alright then" she rolled her eyes "but wear something nice please. I'll catch you later-"
"Huh? I thought-"
"I'll meet you there" Jenna yelled and practically ran out of the house without a backward glance.
"What the?" she shook her head and turned around on her heel and immediately jumped back seeing John right there in front of her.
"Ah Arty, you're home great. Going to the dinner party?"
"Yeah…wait how'd you-"
"Jenna mentioned something" John spoke over her "I was meant to catch a ride with her but since she's gone I'll give you one"
Artemis smiled and nodded "Well I better go get ready then?" she said and hurried up the stairs, as soon she shut the door her smile dropped.
"Stupid Jenna" Artemis muttered realising that was why Jenna legged it. She didn't want to get a ride off of him let alone take him with her. No she needed to get out of this, but before she could even think of how she had to get dress. Artemis kicked off her shoes and headed towards the bathroom and had a quick shower. She grabbed her wash cloth and strawberry scented body wash and proceeded to scrub the grime and dust off of her skin.
Artemis then moved on to her hair knowing it also probably had layers of dust since from her work. She washed her face and reached out and grabbed her fluffy white towel, she dried herself off and wrapped it around her body.
Artemis stepped out of the shower and exited the bathroom; she padded barefooted towards her bedroom. Once she was sure that the door was securely locked behind her she looked through her dresser and pulled out a peach coloured lacy bra and paired it with matching panties. She looked through her closet and decided to wear a pink lace dress that she hadn't worn in a while. Artemis slipped it on and tied the stash in a bow around her waist. She then looked through her closet and pulled out a pair of peep toe heels. Artemis blow dried her hair and brushed it out so it was in its usual bouncy curls, she pinned half of it up and put her earrings on.
When she was ready Artemis peeked out of the hallway and quietly tiptoed down the hall, she swore when she saw John standing at the bottom of the staircase near the front door.
Artemis ran back to her room and grabbed her keys, it was a good thing she had her car keys up here with her. She grabbed them and headed towards her window.
It had a small balcony. Artemis knew this was incredibly stupid but gave it a shot. She grabbed the wooden railing and swung her leg over the railing. She was glad that Damon wasn't here, he would probably take the piss out of her and comment about seeing up her skirt, Artemis quickly climbed down the vine covered ladder and jumped off, she stumbled but caught herself.
She grinned and smoothed down her dress, she was about to stroll over to her car but ducked under the kitchen window seeing John peering out. Artemis stilled and shook her head.
"Stupid John…ergh he's so annoying" she muttered, she didn't want to risk being caught so rolled up the skirt dress and crawled towards the driveway. Once she was clear Artemis dove into her car and pressed her foot down on the accelerator and sped towards the Boarding House.
Artemis entered the grand house and dropped her keys on the table by the door.
"Arty, looking sexy-"
"Save it Damon" Artemis cut him off and went to brush past him but Damon grasped her hand, he tugged her back and pulled her to him. He wrapped an arm around her waist.
"What are you doing?" she breathed her skin tingled when she felt his drag his other hand up her bare arm.
"Just wanted to let you know how beautiful you look" Damon murmured against her ear and then abruptly let her got. Artemis shook her head and headed towards the dining room seeing Jenna and Andie there.
"Art-"
"Jen you left me with John. Why?" Artemis asked taking the plates off of the strawberry blond haired woman. She started to set them down whilst Jenna and Andie put the cutlery down.
"Well you had a better chance than me at sneaking out" Jenna grinned "you went out through your window didn't you?"
"Is there any other way" Artemis rolled her eyes.
"Wow, he must be some guy to get you to climb out of the window" Andie commented
"Hmm, yeah but you don't want to meet him, he can be a right-"
"Bastard"
Artemis laughed loudly whilst Andie gasped
"I was going to say tool, but we could go with your word"
Artemis grabbed some of the cloth napkins and started to fold them and placed it onto the plates.
"So what's going on with you and Alaric?" Andie asked putting some wineglasses down, Artemis watched the scene from the corner of her eye and licked her lips. "I feel like there's some tension"
"She does have a point Jen, you were short with Ric at the Grill" Artemis commented walking towards the other end of the table.
"I don't know what's going on, I really like him it's more than like" Artemis knew what she was getting at, Jenna was beginning to fall in love with the man. "But I can't help but feel that he's hiding something from me. And then there's John who's whispering things into my ear-"
"Don't listen to John, he can be a real dick" Artemis said she seriously needed to talk to that man. "What did he say?" she asked internally she was worried as hell that John had mentioned something of the supernatural element to her.
"Things that I don't want to believe, things that I don't believe if there coming from John's mouth" Jenna chuckled oblivious to the relieved look on Artemis's face.
"There you go then" Andie said smiling "trust is the key to any relationship-"
"Which self-help book did you get that out of?" Artemis snorted as she laid another napkin down.
"Oh honey everyone knows that. When you get into a relationship you'll learn that" Andie smiled sweetly, Artemis suppressed the urge to smack the woman in the face.
"I'm so grateful Damon tells me everything"
A small smirk made its way across Artemis's face "He tells you everything?" she asked quirking an eyebrow.
"Yes absolutely everything" Andie nodded
"Oh that's good so you know about the amount if STD's he had, terrible" Artemis tutted and turned her around so that her back was facing Jenna or Andie so they couldn't see her expression, she fought down her laugher
"I need to talk to Damon" Andie exclaimed and literally ran out of the room.
"You did that on purpose" Jenna said
"Did what?" Artemis countered with a smile on her face.
Artemis had just pulled out the food from the oven and hissed when she got burned.
"Here" Jenna grabbed a cold washcloth and pressed it against her stinging hand. "You ok?"
"Yeah, if this is Damon's party why the hell am I cooking?" she muttered feeling the pain lessening
"Technically-"
"Ergh you were meant to cook right?" Artemis asked, Jenna gave her a sheepish grin and nodded.
"I got desert though-"
"Probably bought that from the Grill" Artemis muttered removing the cloth she inspected the burn, her skin was slightly tinged in pink.
"Hey you ok?" Alaric asked coming into the room. Artemis smiled and nodded he glanced over to Jenna who was now looking at the wine selection. "Andie mentioned you needed help with the wine-"
"No I-"Artemis was grateful when the doorbell rang.
"I'll get that" she said and hurried out of the room leaving the couple on their own, Artemis shook her head and opened the door. The smile on her face instantly dropped
"Ergh, why?" she grumbled seeing John standing there. "You know there was a reason why I snuck out of the window." John stepped over the threshold and brushed pass Artemis
"You snuck out of a window in those shoes?" Damon appeared besides her causing the teen to jump "damn….that's sexy-"
"Ergh…I'm going to get drunk" Artemis muttered walking off. She left the two men at the doorway and walked into the dining room. Where she saw Andie tasting the food,
"Hmm Arty you cooked?" she asked, she nodded "You're really good-"
"She's the best" Jenna laughed pouring a glass of wine for her. She handed it over Artemis felt the fruity liquid slide down her throat.
"I needed that. You'd never guess who arrived" she said leaning her back against the counter
"Who?" Jenna asked pouring another glass for herself.
"John….he's being all friendly it kind of freaks me out" Artemis shuddered causing both women to laugh, "I'll be back" she said leaving the room; she needed to go to the bathroom.
Artemis was at the end of the hallway when she felt someone watching her, she turned around seeing no one there, and she shook it off and turned back around and gasped seeing Damon standing right in front of her.
"I have STD's?" he cocked an eyebrow. Artemis bit her bottom lip to stop herself from laughing
"Ok we can work on-"she yelped when she found herself pinned to the wall. Damon pressed his body against hers
"Really Art? Low blow" Damon eyes roamed her face and they came to rest on her full pink lips, "I mean what I said earlier you do look sexy, especially in heels, I bet you look just as good with them just on in that nothing else" he purred into her ear. Artemis gasped and her back arch when she felt his hand slide up the back of her thigh, she swallowed when he ran the tips of her fingers around in invisible circles.
"What are you doing?" her voice shook.
"I thought it was-"
"No" Artemis shoved him back her eyes hardening "What are you doing? Your girlfriend-"
"Not girlfriend, she's a distraction-"
"Well whatever she is. You're with her and I'm not the kind of person to get involved with someone-"
"When are you ever a person to get involved?" he snapped "You're cagey, you say I blow hot or cold but so do you-"
"Screw you Damon" she scowled "I don't need this, not with everything else that's going-"the doorbell rang, "That'd be Elijah-"
"I'll get it" Damon walked off; Artemis slumped against the wall, was it true? She thought did she blow hot or cold like Damon said. She pushed it to the back of her mind tonight was definitely not the night to be thinking it. Artemis took a deep breath and walked down the corridor towards the foyer; she entered it and saw Elijah and Damon speaking at the doorway.
"Artemis" Elijah smiled waking towards her "You look wonderful" he kissed the back of her hand causing her to blush.
"Thanks you're looking dashing as always" she uttered with a smile on her face.
They were now gathered around the dining table; Artemis was sitting in between Damon and Elijah.
"Hate to break it to you Damon" Jenna said whilst pouring the vampire a glass of wine "but according to Elijah your family is not a founder of this town"
Artemis swallowed down her piece of chicken and sipped her wine,
"Hmm do tell" Damon said picking up his glass
"Well I told Artemis earlier a fraction of settlers migrated from Salem after the witch trials in the 1690's, over the next hundred years developed this community where they felt safe from persecution" Elijah explained.
"Hmm because they were witches" Jenna said, Artemis could see that the woman wasn't a believer.
"There's no tangible proof there were witches in Salem" Andie scoffed.
"Andie is a journalist, big on facts" Damon said, Artemis rolled her eyes at that.
"Andie is a journalist" she muttered under her breath and the resisted the urge to thump her head against the table realising that both vampires heard her. Plus a clear sign was that Damon had winked at her.
"A little more was said that the witch hysteria broke out in the neighbouring settlement, the witches were rounded up they were tied to stakes together in fields and they were burnt" Artemis cringed at that "some say you could hear screams from miles around"
"That sounds awful" Artemis uttered paling slightly, she stopped herself from jumping out of her seat when she felt a hand on her knee giving her a small reassuring squeeze, she glanced over to Damon who sent her the most tiniest smile. It worked though for some reason she felt more at ease.
"I wouldn't repeat this to the Historical society" Jenna laughed, "I'm surprised Arty didn't pitch a fit about this-"
"Anything is possible Jen" Artemis shrugged her shoulders,
"So what you believe in that?" Andie asked cocking an eyebrow.
"Like I said anything is possible" Artemis smiled sweetly but under her breath she hissed 'bitch'. Damon chocked on his drink and pushed down a bout of laughter.
"Hmm to me though it sounds like a ghost story" John commented.
"And we care what you think because?" Artemis uttered, Jenna snorted at that agreeing whole heartedly with the teen.
"Oh god I love it when you're being feisty" Damon whispered into Artemis's ear, she shot him a look and shoved his hand off of her knee. "So where do you think these allege massacre took place?"
Elijah met his gaze "I don't know, just interested I guess, call it a historian's healthy curiosity" he shrugged his shoulders "Artemis would understand that right?"
Artemis nodded and took a sip of her drink.
"Would anyone care for some Cognac?" Damon asked "I had a bottle I've been saving for ages"
"I bet you have a lot of bottles you've been saving" Artemis commented, the raven head vampire placed his hand on her shoulder giving it a brief squeeze
"Oh Arty you know me so well" he smirked "So?"
"None for me thanks, nine bottles of wines is enough for me thanks" Alaric exclaimed as Artemis finished the rest of her drink.
"Shouldn't you be drunk then?" Artemis asked Alaric, who merely grinned at her. Everyone stood up
"The gentleman should take their drinks in the study" Andie announced, Artemis frowned at that wondering where did that come from. She started to grab the plates and pile them up
"I have to say though the food was almost as wonderful as the company" Elijah said handing his plate over to Artemis.
"A right charmer aren't you Elijah?" Artemis chuckled
"I like you" Andie stated,
"You like anyone" she muttered under her breath as Elijah and Damon walked out.
"Here John make yourself useful" Jenna handed him a plate, Artemis snorted at that whilst John rolled his eyes at her and took the plate.
"Told him Jen"
"Here, here put me to work" Alaric said eagerly attempting to grab the plates off of Jenna
"I got it" Jenna stated and walked off. Artemis brows furrowed at that,
"Do you know…"
"I heard that John's been whispering poison in her ear" Artemis told him pushing a chair in
"I suspect this is my fault-"
"Everything's you fault" she scoffed
"What did you do now?" Alaric asked as he stepped up to John.
"I just mentioned that you hadn't been completely honest about your dead wife"
"You son of a bitch-"
Artemis quickly intervened pushing both men apart she got in the middle "Knock it off, as much as I would like to see John get his face punched now isn't the time"
John took a step back "I think I've been very clear with you Ric, I want my ring back-"
"It's not yours anymore" Artemis glowered at him "You was stupid enough to give it away to Isobel in the first place and she gave it to Ric, so leave it alone" John glared at her and walked off,
"Thanks" Alaric muttered,
"No reason, the dick just annoys me even if he does have his moments" Artemis smiled as she picked up some of the stray plates. "You wanna help?"
"Sure" he grinned and was about to pick up his plates but his cell rang loudly,
"Ric?" Artemis asked concerned seeing his face morphing into one of horror
"What-wait slow down…..Stefan-"Alaric's eyes widened
"Ric what's going on? You're freaking me out" Artemis said
"Here" Alaric thrust the phone into her hands and ran out of the room,
"Stef? What's going on?" she demanded wanting to know.
"It's Damon, he's going to kill Elijah, but if he does then he dies as well." Artemis eyes bugged out and dropped the cell she ran after Alaric just managing to miss ploughing in to Alaric.
"You've got to be kidding me? Is he this stupid"? Artemis hissed at Alaric managing to catch up to Alaric.
"Yes" the hunter replied throwing the door open "Gentlemen" he grinned.
"We forgot about desert" Artemis smiled ignoring the glare that Damon shot her. "You'll love it Elijah" she held out her hand for him.
"Artemis" Elijah took her hand and twirled her around leading her out of the room, she looked over her shoulder and glared at Damon mouthing "idiot"
"Is something going on Artemis?" Elijah asked as they walked down the hallway towards the dining room.
"Not to my knowledge" she replied feeling a bout of guilt rising up within her. She wondered why Damon would even try to kill the Original vampire.
"Sorry guys" Jenna said as she poured John some coffee "desert is taking longer than I expected, it's either Arty cooks or I unwrap food-"
"A talent she shares with Elena" Artemis laughed holding out a cup to Elijah as he sat down
"Thank you"
"Art, you mind helping me out?" Jenna asked.
"Sure" Artemis nodded and walked pass Damon as he sat down she slapped him on the back of the head causing him to glare she simply quirked an eyebrow and followed Jenna into the kitchen.
As soon as they entered Artemis started to unwrap the food
"So what's going on with you and Damon?" Jenna whispered, Artemis's head snapped up and looked over to her
"What?"
"Ok, let's try this a different way, you and Elijah?"
"Nothing" Artemis shook her head "nothing is going on with either of them"
"Hmm, well even I noticed that Damon hasn't taken his eyes off of you all night" Jenna smirked
"He has Andie-"
"And for some remarkable reason he hasn't even given her a second looking-"
"Whatever Jen" Artemis rolled her eyes "I think you can handle it here. Got to make sure John doesn't end up dead, that man has such a charming personality"
Jenna laughed as Artemis left the kitchen, she entered the dining room
"Sorry you guys Jen still unwrapping" Artemis smiled and was about to take a step forward but jumped out of her skin when Elijah let out an almighty roar of pain.
"RI-"Artemis shout was cut off when a hand slammed against her mouth
"Do you know want Jenna to hear?" Damon murmured against the shell of her ear, she felt herself being pulled away. She came to a halt in the study
"Damon- what? no don't-" she shouted as he locked the study door with her in it. She ran over to the door and attempted to pry the door open and swore when it didn't budge.
"DAMON-YOU ASS LET ME OUT" she shouted and kicked the door.
Artemis paced up and down in the study and was glaring at the wall when she heard the key in the lock shift she spun around as Damon appeared in front of her.
"OK I know you're mad-"SLAP "Alright I deserve that" Damon rubbed his stinging cheek
"What the hell is wrong with you?" she hissed prodding him hard in the chest. "He was our-"
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Damon growled and pinned her against the desk with his hips,
"Me?" she questioned in disbelief "You killed any hope of us beating Klaus, why would you do that? I mean is there something wrong with you? Or do you-"
"He was lying" Damon shouted instantly silencing her. Artemis looked at him in confusion she shook her head.
"No, he promised to protect me, Elena and everyone we care-"Damon sighed and cupped her cheek
"He lied Artemis" he whispered "he lied, Elijah was plan was to kill Klaus but only when he was at his most vulnerable. That would be only after you and Elena were dead-"
Artemis eyes widened at that, "He lied?..." her voice shook "he-he was willing to have me and Elena killed?"
"So much for the deal" Damon murmured. He sighed seeing the distraught look on her face.
"I thought he was a good guy"
He wrapped his arms around her small form and hugged her close, he buried his nose into her curly hair "I know-"he kissed the crown of her head. She rested her head on his chest.
"You're vibrating you know-"
"Well I get excited when-"she giggled and slapped his chest
"No your cell is ringing" Artemis uttered moving back but he kept an arm wrapped around her waist.
"What-you sure-"Damon grabbed her wrist and ran down to the cellar, where Artemis assumed he had dumped Elijah's body.
"I thought you said you killed him?" Artemis asked seeing there was no-one there.
"I did" Damon replied looking at her. Her eyes widened
"He's going to go after Elena, we need to get to the lake house" Artemis said.
Artemis swallowed the lump in her throat and paced up and down in the doorway; she looked over to the kitchen entryway and saw Stefan and Elena standing there
"He's here" Stefan whispered to her.
"You sure you-"
"I need to do this" Artemis murmured over Elena. And jumped when the wooden door was blown off its hinges "Stefan get her out of here" she told the vampire "I need to talk to him alone-"
"Art no-"
"I'll be fine Elena he can't come in the house" she assured the younger girl.
"You know I might not be able to enter this house but I'm a very patient man I can wait you out" Elijah called, Artemis licked her lips nervously and nodded towards Stefan and Elena, she took in a deep breath and approached the doorway, and her grey orbs met Elijah's ones.
"They shouldn't have done what they did" Artemis said her hands were behind her back "but neither should you, you told me you will protect those I care about including myself and my sister, and the whole time you was going to let the sacrifice happen"
"I wouldn't have let that happen-"
"You're lying" Artemis snapped "don't lie not anymore. I thought that you were going to help us, save us but this whole time you were plotting this. I want to renegotiate our deal."
"You don't have anything to negotiate with" he countered stepping up to the threshold
"I think I do. You want to lure Klaus to Mystic Falls and he will only come if both I and Elena are here" she pulled the knife out from behind her back, she could see Elijah's posture stiffening "for that I need to be alive"
"Neither I nor Damon would let you die-"
"Oh I think you're forgetting one thing Elijah, you're on the other side of the threshold and Damon is nowhere around. So effectively I will die. I want to make the same deal; you won't harm anyone I love even if they have harmed you." Artemis said calmly but on the inside she was a panicking wreck "please"
"I'm sorry but I don't believe you'd do that, you care too much about your family to leave them like that" Elijah retorted his eyes not moving an inch away from her face "I'm going to have to call your bluff"
"Well then I guess I do what I have to do" Artemis said and raised the large knife she plunged into her stomach and cried out.
"NOO" Elijah roared bashing into the barrier the knife cluttered to the ground. She gasped and clutch her wounded stomach. "Ok, you can have you deal" he growled
"Give me your word" she breathed out stumbling over towards him.
"Yes, I give you my word" Elijah uttered "now let me heal you" Artemis slumped into his arms he raised his wrist to his mouth.
"I'm sorry but I don't trust you" she whispered and with that she stabbed in the heart with the white oak ash dagger, effectively killing him.
She tumbled down on to the ground but before she could hit the floor Damon caught her and cradled her against his chest
"You're good at acting-"
"No time for compliments" she gulped as Elena rushed to her side, Damon bit into his wrist and pressed it against her lips. She swallowed down the blood and felt the pain easing up.
"Word of warning" he murmured as he pulled his wrist away from her mouth. His thumb swiped out to wipe away the blood off of her chin. "Don't pull the dagger out"
"I think we already learned our lesson" Artemis burrowed her face into the crook of his neck. Damon kissed her cheek and glanced over to Stefan who gave him a questioning look.
"Damn-"
"What?" Elena asked panicked "are you still hurt maybe you need-"
"No, I just really liked this dress, and now it's ruined" Artemis muttered as Damon helped her onto her feet.
"I did too espec-"Artemis elbowed him in the gut and looked over to Elijah's form and sighed, she had trusted him thinking that he would help them. But he had his own agenda. She jumped when she felt a hand grasping her own one, she looked over to her right and saw Damon giving her a small smile, mouthing 'you ok?'
She nodded "Yeah, let's just get the hell out of here"
"So that's it?" Elena asked as her and Artemis watched Damon and Stefan placing Elijah's body onto the ground. "As long as we keep the dagger in he won't wake"
"Yep" Damon said crouching over Elijah and pulling it out of his suit pocket and put it in his own pocket
"Night" Elena said leaving the room but not before turning around to face Stefan and Damon "You want me to fight so I will but you can't keep anything from me or Arty, we get to make the decisions as well" she left the room.
Artemis glanced over to the brothers. "Don't keep anything else like that again" her eyes landed on Elijah and both Stefan and Damon tensed seeing her leaning over the Original.
She gently closed his eyelids "I'm sorry" she muttered and got up onto her feet.
"Arty-"Damon grabbed her hand as she walked pass him "You ok?"
"Not really, I thought we could trust him but we can't" she murmured "don't make me feel like with you or Stefan-"
"Never" he murmured and kissed her temple, she smiled and left.
Artemis arrived home and headed upstairs
"Night Art" Elena called going into her own room. Artemis smiled and headed into her own room. She slipped off her dress and threw it in the trash can. She pulled on a pair of shorts and a camisole. She felt parched and decided to get a drink, she walked pass Jenna's room and could hear the older woman crying. Artemis lightly pushed open the door and peeked into the room and saw that Jenna was on her bed surrounding in tissues. She bit her lip and hurried downstairs to get some things.
Jenna looked up hearing her bedroom door shut. "Art?"
"Guy trouble?" Artemis asked dropping down on to the bed leaning her head back against the headboard.
"You've no idea" Jenna sniffed.
"Well I've bought you some gifts" Artemis held up the large tub of Ben and Jerry ice-cream and two spoons. "You want to tell me what's up?"
"This should totally be the other way around" Jenna muttered taking the ice-cream off of her.
"Hmm, but I'm here" Artemis smiled and sat back, Jenna leant her head on her shoulder
"Yeah you're here" Jenna uttered wondering how she would cope if Artemis wasn't around to help her out.
AN: Apologies for any grammar or spelling errors, and thanks to those who reviewed.
Outfit link on profile
So there ya have it, the dinner party we all knew wasn't going to go to plan. So the beginning, Arty gave a tour of the Property lines, where Ric made an appearence because of Damon. Elijah treated to lunch and asked her to be his date. Arty snuck out through the window so she didn't have to go with John (didn't matter he still turned up) Arty told Andie that Damon may had STD's. Some Darty moments. Also Arty finds out Elijah wasn't going to stick to his word so did something about it.
Anyone spotted the deja vu moment between Artemis and Elijah and Athena and Elijah? They said the same words.
Next chap-Live Band at the Grill. And Arty meets Dr Martin.
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