"This is a terrible idea, Ellie." Damon hisses from below Elena as she uses his head to hoist herself up a tree.
"Shh. And no, it's awesome." She says, balancing on a tree branch as Enzo watches her with amusement, Damon with annoyance, and Stefan with his usual concern for her general well being.
"I don't understand why we don't just go in through the front door? We can hear if they're in the room." Damon says as Elena looks down at him with disappointment.
"Your Stefan is showing." She says with a head shake before turning to Enzo and holding up her hand. "Gimme." She says, making him toss her a piece of black fabric. Elena pulls the fabric over her head and looks down to them with a smile visible through the ski mask and a thumbs up.
"Sneaking into his room through a second story window isn't frightening enough? You want him to think he's being kidnapped?" Stefan asks, making her roll her eyes and push open the window.
"You guys don't know him like me, he's gonna love this." She assures, climbing through the window, the three vampires following.
Elena enters her brother's room through the window hoping to find him sleeping in his bed, disappointed and shocked that he's already awake at noon on a Saturday, she decides to check on her room and enters through their conjoined bathroom, stopping in her tracks with a look of disbelief that quickly turns to into a large smile as she pulls out her phone and beings taking pictures of Jeremy asleep in her bed and holding the stuffed panda bear he got her years ago.
"Aww." She says out loud, causing Jeremy to open his eyes and immediately yell.
"Aaah!" He exclaims, scooting off the bed and falling on the ground as she grabs her stomach in laughter. "Ellie?" He asks with disbelief as she pulls off the mask, still laughing.
"Sup." She says with a nod as he looks between Elena, her phone, the bed before his expression morphs into horror.
"No." He says walking towards her with his hand out as she shakes her head. "Give me the phone, Elena." He says in a serious tone, making her slowly bring the phone to his hand before smiling mischievously and pulling it away, quickly turning around and running out of the room as Jeremy runs after her. "Dammit. Delete it, Ellie!" He yells as she giggles.
"Not a chance." She says as he chases her down the stairs. "Hey, Jen." Elena says as she jumps over the couch, past Jenna as she reads a book.
"Ellie?" She asks with shock before Jeremy tackles Elena to the ground. "Jeremy!" She scolds as he holds Elena's arms down.
"Give me the phone." He says, struggling to reach the phone.
"Catch." Elena calls to Jenna as she slides the phone to her aunt, who picks it up and puts her hands on her hips.
"Stop! The both of you." Jenna demands, making the siblings stop their struggle and look to her. "What the hell is happening?" She asks with wide eyes.
"Rem was cuddling Mx. Bamboo." Elena tries to says as Jeremy puts a hand over her mouth
"Ellie broke in with a ski mask and tried to kill me." Jeremy says, making Jenna and Elena roll their eyes.
"Get off your sister." Jenna says, making Jeremy stand and stick his hand out for Elena, as he helps her up, Jenna and Jeremy stare at her with question as she raises her hand in a small wave.
"Hey, guys." She says with a smile as her aunt and brother look to each other before tackling her into a group hug, making Elena laugh.
"What are you doing here?" Jenna whispers, pulling away from the hug with soft eyes.
"I wanted to surprise you!" She shrugs as Jeremy laughs into her shoulder.
"Mission accomplished." He says, pulling away with a smile. "You're back." He states softly, making her nod.
"Yep. So, how ya been?" She asks the two casually, as she walks towards the front door and opens it, revealing three amused vampires. "You may enter." She says to Enzo, he follows the brothers inside.
"I'm sorry, Jenna. We tried to stop her." Stefan says immediately with his hands surrendered, making Elena roll her eyes as she walks past him.
"Kiss ass." She whispers teasingly, pulling Enzo towards her family members. "Jen, Rem, this is Enzo. Enzo, this is my amazing Aunt Jenna and my wonderful little brother Jeremy." She introduces them as Enzo takes Jenna's hand and kisses the back with a charming grin.
"It's a pleasure, love." He says as she smiles.
"You're Lorenzo st. John, right?" She asks as he nods and drops her hand. "Ellie told us about you, I'm really sorry about the whole Augustine thing." She apologizes before smiling. "I'm glad they got you out." She says as Jeremy shakes his hand.
"Yeah, me too." Jeremy adds with a smile before he turns to Elena with a grimace. "Hey, you know that uncle John's here right?" He asks as Elena smirks.
"Why do you think they're here? I thought an introduction was in order." She explains gesturing to vampires as Jenna sends her a disapprovingly look.
"I hope you know what you're doing." She says, making Elena nod as Jenna sighs. "He's out back." She admits.
"Thanks, Jen. Love you." Elena says, kissing her aunt on the cheek as she runs out of the room.
Elena makes her way to the backyard, stopping in front of a large shed. As she hears grunting coming from the inside she slides open the door, making John look to her in surprise before turning back to the dummy, punching the chest and releasing a stake from the contraption strapped to his arm.
"You listened." He states, making her roll her eyes as she walks closer to him.
"Technically, Klaus listened." She says, removing the stake from the dummy and setting it down on the table next to them.
"Klaus Mikaelson." He shakes his head with irritation.
"Don't start-" He interrupts her.
"You should have told me." He says loudly as she sighs. "I knew you kept things to yourself, but this? Letting him kill you without telling me?" He continues with anger as she looks down. "Leaving? What if he had killed you? What would Jeremy have done? Jenna? Me?" He exclaims.
"I'm sorry. Okay? But, you would have tried to stop me." She explains as he runs a hand over his face.
"Of course I would have. I'm your-" he cuts himself with a sigh as she sends him a sad smile.
"Come inside. I've got a surprise." She says, leading him out of the shed before stopping and turning to him with a grin. "You're gonna hate it." He shakes his head with a small smile, following her inside the house.
"Salvatores?" John asks Ellie as she raises her brows in surprise. "Isobel mentioned them." He admits, making her roll her eyes.
"Guys this is my uncle/bio dad John, John this is Damon, Stefan, and Enzo." She says pointing to each of them as John glares at each of them, Elena clicks her tongue and wrings her hands awkwardly before continuing, "Um, so you guys are vampires and he's a vampire hunter, discuss." She says, making them all send her a look. "Oh, and just so we're clear." She turns to John. "If you hurt any of them, I will turn you into a vampire." She says with a smile as John looks to her with eyes. "Now." She claps. "I've got a pageant to get to."
"Damn." Elena whistles, leaning against the doorway of Caroline's dressing room. "Already look this good without your makeup." Elena shakes her head as Caroline makes eye contact through her mirror before quickly standing and turning around.
"Ellie? What are you- oh my god!" She exclaims with an excited smile, running towards Elena, pulling her into a tight hug as she bounces up and down. "How are you here?" She asks, pulling away slightly before hugging her again.
"You think I'd miss you being crowned Miss Mystic Falls?" Elena asks with mock offense as Caroline rolls her eyes.
"We don't know if I'm gonna win." Caroline says, Elena raises a brow in challenge and Caroline sighs with a smile. "Okay, I'm gonna win." She says reluctantly, making Elena laugh.
"There we go! Confidence is key, my dear." She says, following Caroline back to the vanity. Elena begins doing Caroline's hair as Caroline looks at her through the mirror with a smile.
"I can't believe you're here. We really missed you." She says with emotion in her voice, making Elena smile back at her.
"I missed you too." She leans down, kissing Caroline's cheek. "So what are we gonna do to celebrate? I'm thinking dinner at the grill. What do you think?" Elena asks, tapping Caroline's shoulder, noticing her faraway expression.
"What if I don't win, Ellie? Caroline asks with insecurity as Elena scoffs.
"Are you kidding? I will Tonya Harding, all these bitches if I have to." Elena says, making Caroline giggle. "But, that's not necessary and you know it. You're Caroline Forbes. This title is your birthright!" She declares dramatically. "So let me hear you say it." Elena gestures for Caroline to speak.
"I'm gonna win." She says with a nod and a laugh.
"Damn right you are!" Elena exclaims with excitement.
"Hey, look what Bonnie and I stole. Okay, I stole." Vicki corrects herself as she and Bonnie enter the room, immediately taking notice of Elena. "Holy shit! El, when- what?" She rushes out as Bonnie squeals, running towards Elena, pulling her into a tight hug.
"Surprise!" Elena cheers with a grin that's returned by all three girls.
"Are you back? Like for good?" Bonnie asks with a hopeful expression, Elena nods with a smile, making the group cheer and hug her again.
"Okay, okay. As much as I adore your attention," Elena starts, causing the group to roll their eyes. "Our precious Care Bear needs to get ready. And I need to drink some of this." She adds, taking the bottle of champagne from Vicki's hand with a smirk.
"Miss Caroline Forbes and her escort, Tyler Lockwood." Mayor announces Caroline and his son with a smile that makes Elena roll her eyes before she claps and cheers loudly for her friends.
As the pair makes their way towards the dance floor, Tyler's eyes widen at the sight of his best friend, making Caroline giggle quickly as Elena sends him a quick wink.
"Care looks amazing." Vicki says proudly as she hands Elena a glass of champagne.
"She always does." Bonnie agrees with a smile as they watch the blonde glide across the dance floor.
"Where's Matty?" Elena asks, looking around as Vicki shakes her head.
"He's working." She says, making Elena's eyes snap to her.
"When did he get a job? Why did he get a job?" She asks as Vicki sighs and Bonnie sends the older girl an encouraging smile.
"Mom came home while you were away. She needed the money." Vicki answers bitterly as Elena clenches her fists.
"Seriously? Is she still here?" Elena asks, Vicki shakes her head as she watches Caroline.
"Nope, bailed as soon as she got it. Whatever, we're better off." She says with a fake smile, Elena grabs her hand and sends her a smile.
"You are. I'm sorry I wasn't here." She apologizes sincerely as Vicki smiles slightly.
"That was incredible!" Elena exclaims with an excited cheer as the group of friends enter the Mystic Grill. "Did you see her face when she lost? The utter devastation, disguised by a humble smile." She continues with a faraway smile as the group sends her a look. "I mean, Caroline winning was the best part, obviously. Sarah losing was just a bonus." She adds sheepishly as they smile at her. "Order me a burger, I'm gonna go find Matty." Elena says as they are seated.
Elena makes her way through the crowded restaurant, searching for the blonde quarterback. She stops suddenly as she sees him before running over and tapping him on the shoulder. "Excuse me sir." She says in an accent as he turns around.
"Ye- Lena?" He asks with shock as she smiles widely and laughs.
"Hey, how's it going?" She asks before grunting when he pulls her into a tight hug.
"When did you get back?" He asks as he pulls away with a smile.
"A few hours ago, I wanted it to be a surprise. Everyone's over there." She points to the table of their friends. "Come join us? Stefan and Damon are at home, so they can't compel your boss but I'm really good at threatening people." She says, he laughs and shakes his head.
"That's okay, I'm almost off. I'll be there in a minute." He says as she nods.
"So Klaus was all 'and yet here I stand, a vampire who can walk in the sun, a wolf who can change at will'." She imitates Klaus's accent, making the group laugh.
"Did the wolves go for it?" Vicki asks, sipping her drink as Elena shakes her hand.
"More or less, Klaus challenged the alpha and became leader of the pack. They didn't really have much of a choice after that. They came back with us, they're actually pretty cool people." Elena says as the waiter sets their food down.
"Speaking of hybrids, grams is not happy." Bonnie informs the doppelgänger, making Elena whine slightly, putting her head on the table.
"I didn't think she would be." She says before raising her head. "But, you know what they say, better to ask for forgiveness than permission." Elena tries to make herself feel better. "So, tell me what else I missed. How have you all been?" She asks, looking at them.
"Everything's been kinda the same." Caroline says with a thoughtful expression as the others nod along.
"Well, that's lame." Elena pouts. "What about at school? Any scandalous rumors? Teacher-student affairs? Teen pregnancies? Dropouts? Anything?" She asks with a hopeful expression as the group shrugs.
"Not really. Unless you count-" Tyler cuts himself off as the group sends him identical glares.
"What?' Elena asks with wide eyes as Tyler sighs.
"There was a rumor that you dropped out and that you're a… pregnant runaway." He explains slowly as the group stares at Elena, gauging her reaction.
"Oh, my god… that is awesome." She responds with a laugh. "Oh, I bet the founding families are so disappointed." She says with a wide smile as the others join her in a laugh.
"My dad thinks it's because you no longer have a strong male figure in your life." Tyler rolls his eyes as they laugh.
"Neither do you." Elena replies, making him snort. "I should start wearing a fake baby bump." Elena says with excitement as the others shake their heads.
"No, you shouldn't. But you should re enrol in school." Bonnie says. "It's not as fun without you." The group nods as Elena shrugs.
"I might have to. With Klaus waking his siblings, Rebekah might want to give highschool a try. Kol too." Elena says with a thoughtful expression.
"Really? Should we be worried? Isn't he called the wildest Mikaelson?" Caroline asks with wide eyes as Elena laughs.
"Oh, yeah. Dude's crazy! But I'm sure Klaus will have something to keep him in line." Elena responds before smiling. "You guys are gonna love Rebekah. She's totally badass and super sweet." Elena says as Caroline bounces in her seat.
"Really? Do you think she'd want to be a cheerleader?" She asks with a hopeful tone as Elena nods.
"Definitely! And she'd be great." Elena says as Tyler looks to her.
"What about this Kol guy? We could use another vampire on the team." He hits Matt's shoulder lightly as he nods his head.
"Maybe. If he doesn't try to kill the whole team." Elena wonders out loud as Tyler swallows thickly. "But I'm sure he won't." Elena offers, noticing the group's reaction.
After changing into her pajamas and texting the Salvatores goodnight, Elena gets into her bed and turns off the light before she hears a knock on her door, making her turn her head, seeing her brother walk into the room.
Jeremy wordlessly climbs into her bed, making himself comfortable next to her as she raises an amused brow, he shrugs as she laughs and scoots over.
"How long have you been sleeping in here?" She asks as she turns on her side.
"Since you left, at first it was cause I missed you. But now it's more of a habit." He defends himself. "It was really inconvenient, by the way. The sun shines straight through the window in the morning." He complains, making her chuckle and nod.
"How have you been?" She asks quietly, he sighs and turns on his side as well.
"Fine. It was weird not having you here. I mean, I know I called all the time, but you've always been here. It was hard getting used to you being gone. Also, Jenna is bad at making me do things. She doesn't know how to threaten." He jokes, making them laugh together.
"But other than that, everything was fine?" She asks as he nods. "You're not on drugs and don't have a secret older boyfriend or girlfriend?" She continues, making him snort and looks to her like she's crazy.
"No. Why would you ask that?" He asks, making her shrug.
"No reason. I was just worried about you." She admits as he smiles.
"I missed you. I'm really glad you're home." He whispers with emotion as she smiles and leans her head on his shoulder.
"Me too." She whispers back with a smile.
"Yo, I got your message, they awake yet?" Elena calls out to Klaus as she enters his newly built mansion.
"Not yet, Elijah is taking care of that now." He says, meeting her at the entrance and taking her bag.
"Cool. So, am I here for emotional support or…" She trails off with uncertainty as he shakes his head.
"No, I wanted to show you something." He says with a slightly nervous tone as he rubs the back of his neck. "This way." He takes her hand and guides her through the house.
"Ooh, your bedroom? We don't have a lot of time before your siblings wake. Quicky it is." She says, taking off her jacket as Klaus shakes his head with a laugh.
"No, that's not- come here." He pulls her to a dresser and looks to her for a reaction as she stares blankly at the piece of furniture.
"Wow. A craftsmanship." She panders with a nod as he rolls his eyes.
"It's yours." He states simply, making her eyes widen before she throws her head back with a groan.
"Oh god, you're in love with me. I knew this would happen, I care about you-" Klaus interrupts with an eyeroll.
"I'm not in love with you. Stop accusing me of that." He orders as she holds her hands up in surrender.
"You sure? Because this feels like a very 'in love' thing to do." She replies skeptically.
"Yes, I'm sure. I just like having you around." He admits, grinning as she smirks smugly.
"Of course you do, I'm amazing-" Elijah interrupts with a knock on the open door, making the two turn to him.
"I'm sorry to interrupt," He sends them a look that makes Elena mouth 'jar' to him. "I believe our siblings should awaken soon." He informs as they nod and follow him out of the room.
Elena and Klaus sit on one of the many very expensive and uncomfortable couches, waiting for the Mikaelson siblings to rejoin the land of the loving as Elena looks over to Klaus.
"You nervous?" Elena asks, noticing the way he keeps clenching his jaw as his leg bounces slightly, he shakes his head.
"Of course not." He denies with a scoff as she raises a brow.
"It's okay to be a little worried. I mean, this is the first time you will be seeing any of them in 90 years." She says as he sends her a look. "All I'm saying is that it's fine if you're nervous." She puts her hand on his arm before he stands and begins pacing slightly.
"There's no reason to be nervous, Ellie. Mikael is dead and I'm finally waking them, if anything they should be thankful." He says as she sends him a pointed look. "And so what if they aren't? They can leave for all I care." He shrugs as she stands, grabbing his hands and stopping his movement.
"They won't leave you." She assures as he looks away from her. "And if they do, you've still got me." She smiles as he looks to her and opens his mouth to say something before she shakes her head. "I just- I want you to know that whether or not you have your family or your hybrids… you'll never be alone." She promises, making him smile at her.
"What the bloody hell is this?" The familiar voice of Rebekah Mikaelson exclaims with disbelief, gesturing between Elena and Klaus's joined hands, Klaus looks towards her and stiffens, seeing the rest of his siblings standing behind her.
