Chapter Fifty: Just A Game

Pleading eyes that break my heart. So homesick I can't feel
But I know I must play my part and tears I must conceal
There comes you to keep me safe from harm
There comes you to take me in your arms
Is it just a game? I don't know
To keep you safe from my bow
Take my hand and my heart races
Flames illuminate our faces
~Birdy

Night came and went without anymore incidents. Nilin had fallen into her bed and didn't move until the sun broke through the earth again. She woke up before Elena, like normal, but let her sleep. Nilin laid there for a while, staring up at her ceiling. After some time though, she began to feel restless.

Being as quite as possible, she snuck out of the room silently and went into her father's room. Nilin had to stop for a moment as she looked around the room. It still held his familiar scent. Of course a stray tear fell, it seemed like the only thing she was doing theses days was crying. She wiped it away quickly before continuing into the room.

There she pushed through his closet to the back where their safe was hidden. The smell of her father engulfed her even more as she nudged her way between his coats. Turning the dial quickly to the encoded numbers, Nilly unlocked it. She pulled out an old wooden box. Gingerly she sat on the bed, placed the box in her lap and opened it.

In it, laid very carefully, were her mother's wedding ring, a locket, pocket watch, old looking documents, and a gold chain necklace with a pendant on it. The pendant was smooth looking blue rock set in a gold rim. Lapis lazuli, Nilly believed the stone was called. Etched in the back was her last name, Gilbert. With a sigh she unraveled it from the box and clasped the long chain around her neck. She closed the lid and placed the box back in the safe, locking it again.

Her father had promised her the necklace when she got older. He told her he was saving it for her wedding day. The necklace was one of the oldest family heirlooms, handed down to the eldest child. For some reason Nilly felt like she had a duty to wear it now. For her father, her mother, her aunt and uncle, for everyone she had lost.

She walked back to the door, looking into the room once more before finally closing it. Down the hall she went back into her bedroom. She sat down on the floor, leaning against the bed and waited. Eventually the lump on the bed began to stir, groaning and stretching.

Elena rolled out of bed, sliding down next to Nilly on the floor. She leaned her head on Nilly's shoulder and huffed.

"Good morning, beautiful." Nilly greeted.

"Hi," she mumbled back. Nilin placed her hand on the side of Elena's head, patting it.
"We're officially done," Nilly said. "But I think I'm going to move all my furniture into my dad's room make that a storage area and give Mildred this one. It's bigger and has its own bathroom."

"That's a good idea," Elena commented, seeming more awake. "Then maybe she can get the rest of her things from her apartment today and make it official."

Nilly smiled a little. "A few signatures and we're finished."

Simultaneously the two girls let out a deep sigh and couldn't help but giggle.

"How'd are lives get so screwed up?" Elena asked, picking her head off of Nilly's shoulder and looking at her. Then they both began to laugh till they were clutching their aching sides. Still laughing, Elena stood up and stretched her arms above her head.

"I'm going to shower," she called over her shoulder, heading towards the bathroom door. Nilly sighed and got off the floor as well. She straightened the blankets out on her bed and roused up the last box in her arms. Going down the stairs, Nilly shifted the box in her hands so not to stumble and placed it by the rest of them.

She heard the stairs groaned behind her with the weight of someone else coming down them. She turned to find Mildred dressed and ready. "Good morning, peaches."

"Morning," Nilly replied, pulling her hair back in ponytail with a hair tie on her wrist. She glanced down quickly at her pajamas, black flannel shorts and a loose white cotton t-shirt. Guess today wasn't the day to look good.

"Are you heading out?" Nilly asked as Mildred went for her keys.

"I'm going to sign over the apartment at the senior home, though my son won't be too happy about it," she smiled. "I'm grabbing anything I actually still have there and bringing it back here, as well." Nilly couldn't help but notice how free Mildred seemed that she was getting out of the drab senior home. It made Nilin feel good that she was helping one of her family members out, that she was doing right for at least someone.

"Be safe," Nilly said, hugging the aging woman. Who, in return, gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Don't worry about me, just finish what you need to get done and I'll pick up some groceries for a supper tonight." Mil said as she walked by Nilin and out the door, locking it behind her.

Nilly watched through the peephole until Mildred got into her car and drove away. Nilly heard the groan of the stairs again as Elena came down, her hair still damp. "I'm going to start loading my dad's car up, why don't you check on the guys and get something to eat?" Nilly suggested.

Elena ran her fingers through her hair. "Are you sure you're ready to leave? We could stay longer, you know," she said.

"We can't, but I am ready. It's time to move on. It's the next chapter in my life." Nilin answered with a small lopsided smile.

"Okay," was all Elena said, her eyes seem to water, as she ducked into the family room. Nilly let a long breath and went back up to her room again. She had pulled out a pair of jeans from one of the boxes and quickly slid them on. She left her white v-neck t-shirt on and redid her ponytail.

Then she began the tedious task of loading her things into her father's black ford that was parked in their attached garage. She managed to squeeze three large cardboard boxes into the trunk and some things in the backseat. She attempted to fit more, but she couldn't for the life of her. Wiping the sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand, Nilly placed the box she had in her hands on the ground.

She'd have to put the rest of it in Elena's car.

Nilly sighed and went over to the garage door that led into the house. She hit the switch to open the automatic door. Hearing the creaking of metal as it began to lift, Nilly went back over and hoisted the box up. She walked over the garage door as it slowly ascended, revealing the driveway inch by inch. As she went to duck under, she froze, ice sliding down her back. There was someone standing on the other side of the garage.

Christian.

He smiled at her, his dark blonde hair slicked back. With his hands behind his back, he step forward as the groan of metal ceased. He stopped, his foot unable to pass the threshold. Nilly smirked, remembering that at least he couldn't get in the house.

The irked expression on his face made her lips curl even more. But then his eyes shot to hers and all at once the feeling of dread washed over her again. "Clever, very clever." Christian said, testing the barrier with his foot. "I forgot you had a witch on you're side, along with that vampire boyfriend of yours."

Nilly eyed him cautiously, the box in her hands feeling a hundred pounds heavier. "What do you want?" her voice strained.

"You know the answer to that, though you haven't made it very easy. Have you?" he chuckled. "I lost you there for a while after our little run-in in Georgia. But I seemed to stumble into this small town. You wouldn't have known it was there unless you were looking for it," he said smiling. "MysticFalls I believe it's called and the people there were very friendly."
Nilly's eyes widened in shock, the box in her hands finally slipping and hitting the ground with a loud thud. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat as his grin became more pronounced, more sinister.

"And?" she asked, her voice horst.

"We'll I found out some very interesting recent events involving the Gilbert family, a coincidence? I don't think so, but without a trace of you in that horrid little town I decided to come back here. And look what I found," he raised his eyebrow, his eyes raking over Nilly. She forced herself to suppress a shiver. He shifted his weight to the other foot, cocking his head to the side before he continued. "But what would be your connection to that town, hmm?"
Her dry lips parted in attempt to muster up a response, but her brain was too slow and when she heard the creak of a door behind her opening, her heart dropped. Christian's eyes slid past Nilin as a familiar voice called out to her. "Nil?"

She was frozen, her eyes locked on Christian's face. Nilin didn't need to turn around to see who had made the unfortunate appearance at the terribly wrong time. She watched as his eyes widen and then as a disgusting smile crept over his lips.

"Get in the house, Elena." Nilly warned, her voice sharp and deadly. When she didn't hear any movement from behind her she nearly shouted, "Now!" The door slammed shut quickly and Christian's attention returned back to her.

"So that would be your connection," his eyes glistened and Nilly felt as if she could faint. A sudden blaze of anger welled up in her chest as she took a steady step towards him.

"Do not touch her," she warned, her eyes burning.

His eyebrows wiggled. "Hit a nerve, did I?" he smiled. "Well, it looks like you've made this very easy for me, Nilin."

Nilly's confidence began to falter. A very sick feeling was washing over her as Christian began to pace back and forth in front of her.

"You see, I've grown bored of this little game between us," he began, waving his hand about. "So I'll give you two options. You could either make this easy on yourself and leave with me now. No one would know, no one would get hurt. Very simple," he smiled. Then he halted his pacing, stopping dead in front of her. "Or," he emphasized. "I can find a new toy to keep me entertained. What did you say her name was? Elena, was it?" his lips curled in a unnerving grin.

His eyes sparked at that and Nilly had to stop herself from lunging at him. "Go to hell," she spat.

At that he just laughed at her, shaking his head slightly. Then his face changed completely, stern and cold. "I will give you three chances, Nilly." Christian warned, wiggling his three fingers in front of her. "This being the first, but come the third chance you will be mine. Whether the heads roll or not, it's your choice," he smirked.

She swallowed hard, thoughts running through her head. What would be better for everyone? Safer for them? What about her? Could she do that, walk away with the devil? What would happen to her?

"What's it going to be Nilin?" he asked. Nilin's mouth opened with a shaky intake of air.

But then her response was being drowned out by an animalistic growl behind her. Suddenly she was being pulled away from Christian forcefully, her head snapping backwards. She found herself standing against Damon's tense back as he snarled at Christian.

Damon's hand behind him was clutching her arm tightly, almost painfully. She wrapped her one hand around his wrist and the other one gripped the back of his shirt. Not that she would be able to do much if he decided to go after Christian.

"Damon," Nilin warned breathlessly.

"Yes, Damon." Christian mocked. "Why don't you keep out of this one? No need for someone to get hurt. Again, that is."

Nilly felt Damon tense up, his grip tightening even more. "Please, Damon," she tried again, but her presence seemed to have been forgotten. Though not by Christian, his eyes slid to Nilly, sparking slightly. He continued to speak to Damon with his eyes still on her. Or whatever part of her that was visible from behind Damon's body.

"Nilly was just about to come with me, weren't you?" he grinned, tilting his head to the side. Then his eyes snapped to Damon, sharp and cold. "Now, hand her over."

Damon laughed, "What makes you think-"

"She is mine!" Christian snapped, making Nilin choke out a gasp as she clutched herself closer to Damon, burying her face in his shirt.

"Somehow I doubt that," he said with a surprising amount of calmness. "But I don't doubt this, the next time I see you and there is nothing holding me back, I will kill you. If you touch her, go near her or even blink in her direction, you are dead." Damon threatened, emphasizing the last three words.

The look that came over Christian's face was deadly. His eyes lock with Damon as he seethed, but before he could say a word the garage door came down, closing with a loud creak.

Nilly let out a breath, but suddenly she heard a tremendous amount of noise. Something was hitting the metal garage door, denting it inwards. She could hear Christian's yells and threats all interlocking with her name as he abused the door in a tantrum of fury. One, two, three bangs. Three hallow bangs that caused Nilin to cringe into Damon's back.

Her breath was becoming caught in her throat as she felt Damon's arms around her waist. A rush of air engulfed her and she was suddenly looking around the kitchen. Stefan looked like he was in the middle of restraining a shouting Elena, who seemed to have been on a mission to get into the garage. But now they were both frozen, staring at Nilin. She saw them both let out a long breath.

"I told you he could handle it." Stefan said, letting go of Elena's arms. Elena wiped her eyes before rushing over and hugging Nilly.

"I'm fine," Nilin swore to Elena after she released her from the bear hug. Elena's hands framed Nilin's face as she looked her over, making sure everything was in check.

A waved of panic hit Nilly for a moment when she realized that Damon was no longer near her. She pulled out of Elena's hold to look behind her. Nilin's heart calmed when she saw his dark figure, leaning against the wall.

Without warning, he pushed off the wall and stalked over to Nilin, causing Elena to back away. Just inches away from her, they locked eyes with each other. "Were you going to do it?" he asked Nilly. His face was expressionless.

"Do what?" Elena questioned, looking to Nilly. There was no confusion for Nilin though. She knew what he was talking about, no need for further explanation.

Nilly frowned. "I-"

"Were you going to go with him?" he said forcefully, taking an intimidating step towards Nilin. The room grew silent. Nilly was lost for words, her lips trembled slightly.

"I-I-"she stuttered.

"Don't tell me you were actually considering it!" he yelled at her, causing Nilin to jump back.

Finding her voice, Nilly glared up at him. "How can I tell you anything? You won't let me get a damn word in," she shouted back.

He stepped back, crossing his arms over his chest and motioning for her to talk.

She gritted her teeth. "The thought crossed my mind," she said honestly.

"Nilin," Elena breathed. "What, why?"

"Because," Nilly started, her voice getting louder as she looked around the room. "He threatened you, Elena. He saw you, you're no longer safe. He threatened the people I love and it was a way to keep everyone safe. If I left with him you would be safe and it would all be over."
"That's the point!" Damon said. "It would be over, you would be over. Meaning you would be dead," he spat the word.

"At least it would have been my choice, Damon!" she said back with the same intensity.

"Like I would let you," Damon sneered, turning his back to her.

"You can't act like that!" Nilly shouted. "Not around me!"

Damon turned quickly, staring her down. His dark eyes set her back but the burn of anger still tingled in her chest. "Why not?" he questioned. "It's nothing I haven't done before. Why—?"

"Because I don't want you to be what other people think you are!" Nilly snapped, her hands flying up.

"What? A monster?" He asked, his voice practically venomous.

"Yes! No," she thought for a moment. "No, that's not what I meant, Damon."

"Then what is it that you meant?" he asked, glaring at her.

"Damon," she warned trying to create distance between them. He wouldn't let that happen, he matched every one of her steps.

"No, go ahead and say it, Nilin," he pushed. "Say it," he leaned in closer to her.

"Because I can't fall for a vampire again!" she yelled. The room froze, everyone froze. She stared at him, her mouth forming the last syllable. He stared at her, his eyes holding frost.

A disturbing almost smirk slithered on to his lips as he spoke. "Sorry to disappoint you, Nilin, but last time I checked, I'm still a vampire."

"I wish that you didn't have to act like one," she said shouted at him, her fist clenched. She gritted her teeth, the anger bubbling over. Damon stepped dangerously closer to her, dissolving the last of the space between them.

"I am not human," he pronounced each word precisely.

"No, you're right. You're not! But you are impulsive and idiotic and a pain in my ass," she said with the same precision, matching his glare. Nilly noticed the tremble in his clenched hands.

"Is that what I am?" he laughed, but the bitterness returned. "At least I don't need to be escorted everywhere I go because I'm in fucking danger all the time!" he spat.

Nilly was silent again, his words hitting her. She swallowed hard. "Oh," she began. "So I'm a burden on you?" The room fell silent once more. Nilly bit her lip and nodded at him. "And we're back to square one, with me walking out that door."

"Nilin…" Damon began, but she shook her head. Turning on her heels she left the room before the tears fell down her cheeks.


Elena stood there motionless as she watched Nilly dash up the staircase and Damon flash out of the room. Stefan and Elena slowly turned to each other, not sure as what to say or to do. With one more glance at one another other Elena headed for the stairs as Stefan went after Damon down the hall. That was their job after all, as siblings, to look after the other.

She knew Stefan was dealing with Damon and his behavior, so now she had to find Nilly. She stalked to the end of the hallway. Three taps on Nilly's door supplied no answer, she tried again. Still nothing, so she did it once more.

"Open the door, Nilly. Please." Elena asked, again no answer. "I swear to God, Nilin. I'll- I'll break this door down if you don't open it." There was silence from the other side, but then Elena heard the click of the door unlocking. It opened half way to reveal an expressionless Nilly.

"I want to go home, Elena," she said, her voice so broken. Elena nodded.

"Okay, okay. We'll go home," she promised as her voice softened to a hush. Stepping into the room, she enveloped Nilly into her arms.

"Please, just take me home." Nilly cried into Elena's shoulder, shuddering. "Please, Elena. I just want to go home."

Elena felt her heart cracking as she hugged her sister, running a soothing hand up and down her back. Nilly just gripped her, mumbling over and over again.

"We'll leave, okay. We'll go." Elena said, as she somehow managed to maneuver Nilly on the bed and wrap blanket around her. She sat there, Nilly's hand in hers, and waited for Nilly's eyes to close. They did eventually, and the grip on Elena's hand slackened. When she was one hundred percent sure Nilly was asleep, she slipped her hand away and stole out of the room.

Once downstairs she found Stefan in the kitchen, looking out the window into the backyard. He heard her approaching, of course, and turn towards her.
"Hi," she smiled sadly as she came up to him. "Where is, um-?"

"He's drowning in a bottle of whiskey." Stefan answered her.

"Oh," Elena frowned. She sighed as Stefan stepped closer to her, placing his hands on her upper arms. She tried to make her smile more genuine.

"Is she okay?" he asked solemnly.

"She will be," Elena replied. "She's sleeping now, I think she needed it."

"Nilin's had a rough few days," Stefan said. "This didn't help."

"I knew something like this was going to happen," she told him. "It was bound to with the two of them."

"Yeah, but we had our fights too, maybe this just needs to happen." Stefan said, taking her into his arms.

"But we were never so vicious to each other," she said. "We aren't explosive like that." He didn't say anything, just rested his chin on top of her head. "We should leave today, as soon as possible." Elena finally spoke.

Stefan nodded as he cupped the side of Elena's cheek. "We'll go, don't worry," he said. The last of Elena's strength flattered as she pulled herself closer to Stefan. They stood there, silent like that until they heard the sounds of the front door opening.

Around the corner came Mildred, two brown grocery bags in her hands. She looked between Stefan and Elena, reading the expressions on their faces. "What happen?" she asked, her voice drawn.

"It's time for us to leave, Mil," was all Elena had to say.

With that Mildred nodded and began to unload her bags. "I understand, but let's wait until dusk. It will be safer for ya'll," she explained.

"She's right. That will give us plenty of time too." Stefan agreed.

Elena nodded in accord.

"Prefect, and all this food won't be going to waste," Mildred smiled a little as she pulled out a pan. And just like that, Elena felt okay. She noticed Mildred had that effect on people. She eased the tensions in the room. Elena let a long breath out as she walked over to Mil and began to help her prepare dinner.


Author's Notes:
Oye, hello my amazing readers! Here's Chapter 50 for you guys, pretty long but pretty eventful. Christian threw a tail spin on everyone's happiness. Nilin and Damon have come to blows, how do think that will affect their relationship? As usual, I wanna know what you guys think. Love hearing your opinions, so let me know. I'll see you guys Friday!

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