MYSTIC FALLS

Damon could only stare at the sight before him in utter shock, Enzo had shown up out of the blue, but alas that was not the most shocking thing. It was what he had dumped in the middle of The Salvatore's home that was shocking. A currently unconscious Aaron Whitmore.

"You brought me, Aaron Whitmore? Alive?"

Enzo merely smirks brightly at Damon's words "He's the last of the Whitmore clan." Bending down he lifts up Aaron's wrist showing Damon a very familiar object that he hadn't seen in decades "Do you remember this Vervain wristwatch? Dr. Whitmore never took it off. Even when he was rooting around in our chest cavities. It's fitting Aaron should die wearing it too. So...do you wanna kill him? Or shall I?"


NEW ORLEANS

Buffy glances at herself in the mirror as she grabs the light cream-colored lipstick off the stand. Fixing up her lipstick she then moves to grab the small silver hoops and begins putting them on. Finally finishing her look off with her mascara she leans back and runs her hands through her newly straightened blonde locks. She couldn't help but groan at the long locks, she really needed to get her damn hair cut.
Moving to stand she glances over at one of the floor-length mirrors and couldn't help but laugh, she was in Rebekah's room and she couldn't help but be shocked by how many mirrors were in The Originals room.
Grabbing her white platform heels to finally finish the look off she turns to take in her appearance. The dress Klaus had gotten her was beautiful it was a light pink which was a loose material at the top a tight corset wrapped in silk around her waist before the skirt flowed down in that light pink material that also felt as light as air. He really did have excellent taste in clothes or just compelled the right people.

Walking out onto Rebekah's small balcony she glances down into the compound where people were beginning to file in. It was strange that down below if you thought about it were nothing but people who hated each other. Werewolves, witches, and vampires all filled the room. But yet there was no violence, no threats...there was an understanding.
Feeling eyes on her Buffy turns her head ever so slightly to spot Klaus stood on his own balcony looking dashingly handsome in a suit and a tie. His eyes were locked on her staring at her as though she was the only thing in existence. Catching his eye he throws her that smile of his, the smile that she couldn't help but smile back at, a smile that honestly made her blush a little.

Nodding her head at him slightly she finally tears her gaze from his when she feels Jackson's grandmother Mary come up to her "Come on dear it's time."
Glancing back at Klaus once more she smiles at him and winks making him shake his head in amusement before watching as she follows Mary to where the two of them would wait for Jackson and Hayley.


MYSTIC FALLS

Katherine nervously makes her way around the party at the Lockwood estate just praying that Elena didn't decide to make an appearance right now of all times.
Looking around for either Stefan or Xander she sighs in relief as she spots Stefan stood at one of the kegs getting himself a drink while looking like he would rather be anywhere else than here.
"Hey." She calls walking over.

Stefan spins around and chuckles at the sight of the Banshee "Elena, you're alive. You had Xander all...well Xander."

Katherine keeps up her best Elena smile and shakes her head in amusement "I swear every time I leave a room he's worried I'm gonna come out and suddenly be a demon."

"Well, he is the demon magnet." Stefan couldn't help but point out thinking back to all the stories Buffy had told him about the demon girls Xander had dated. That boy did not have much luck.
Katherine lets out a small laugh before gesturing to the red cup in his hands "Wow, Stefan Salvatore is drinking beer out of a cup. Want me to show where Tyler keeps the bourbon?" She teases as she grabs her own drink.
Stefan shakes his head "Can't babysitting." He says before gesturing to the dance floor where Xander was dancing like an idiot and bobbing his head completely out of tune to the music "There was an accident on his work site today so it's pushed his work back. Hence the bad dancing."

Katherine chuckles in amusement as she watches Xander dance badly to the music "Thank you." She tells him kindly "Clearly he needed a boy's night."

"I think he would have preferred you." Stefan argues before arching a brow as they walk through the party "So where have you been, Caroline was ready to send out a search party for you."

Katherine thinks carefully for a moment before sighing "Major study fest. With finals coming up I just needed to zone out from the world." Pausing she glances over at Xander once more before turning to Stefan curiously "Do you think he's okay...I hate it, but I know he and Katherine had started to bond. How do you think he's dealing, it's kind of a touchy subject for us." She asks before taking a sip of her drink.
Stefan thinks for a moment glancing out at Katherine with a shrug "Pretty sure he's fine. Haven't talked to him about it."
"Really?" She asks a little stunned before frowning, clearly, that wasn't going to get her any closer "What about Buffy? I haven't been able to ask her how she's doing with it."

"She's a bit busy blessing a wolf's marriage." He reminds Elena arching a brow at her curiously, she was acting a little weird about this whole Katherine thing "Plus I'm pretty sure she and Damon had a laugh about it this morning after Damon put here where she was always meant to be."

At his words Katherine's eyes widen ever so softly as it clicks, there was only one place Damon Salvatore would think her body would belong, where her body was always meant to be. The tomb.


NEW ORLEANS

Buffy stands to the left of Hayley's side watching with a small smile as Jackson and Hayley stand side by side with Mary in front of them.

"We gather together...as a community seeking peace..." Mary begins as she stands underneath the flower alter performing the unification ceremony "...inspired by the union of this couple before you. Blessed by an alley of the wolves." Mary says smiling at Buffy who couldn't help but smile back.
As Mary continues Buffy feels eyes on her yet again, turning her head she spots Klaus stood on the balcony opposite them with a heartbroken looking Elijah at his side.

Buffy couldn't help but feel for Elijah, the love he had for Hayley was so clear in his eyes...as was the pain he was feeling for having to endure this. Being forced to watch the woman he loved be given away.
"And tonight..." Mary continues drawing Buffy's attention back to the ceremony "...we honor that blessing...with the long-awaited unification...of two Crescent bloodlines." Slowly Mary hands a small blade to Buffy "In doing so...we mark the joining of the Crescents with The Slayers, the most powerful Slayer will bless this union marking the partnership of two different species."

With that Mary gives Buffy a small nod, Buffy glances over at Klaus who smirks at her from his place on the balcony, sighing Buffy takes the blade and pricks her finger letting a drop of blood fall onto the thin rope covered in flowers.
As the blood drops onto the rope Mary smiles and takes it beginning to intertwine the rope between Hayley and Jackson's hands that were clasped together "With this blessing...The Slayers join the wolves." Pausing Mary continues to wrap the rope around the couple "And with this union...Hayley will share...her unique gift with her pack. And now...your vows." With that, Mary hands Jackson a burning candle.

As the couple begins to perform their vows Buffy had to admit a small tear did escape her eyes, it was pretty beautiful and she could tell just by looking at Jackson, how much he meant every word he said...even if Hayley was still yet to feel the same way.

"You two have endured...all the traditional werewolf rituals and trials." Mary tells them "You have sworn allegiance to a powerful alley. Helping set the future for our people. Now there is only one more trial remaining." With that Mary turns to Jackson with a kind smile "Jackson you may kiss your bride."
As Jackson nervously moves towards Hayley Buffy couldn't help but glance back at Elijah sympathetically as he couldn't even bear to watch the couple seal their marriage. As she turns to look back Buffy couldn't help but catch Klaus' eyes once on her again, what made her pause was the look in his eyes as he watched her, it made her swallow slightly forcing herself to turn away.

As she does she spots both Hayley and Jackson's eyes glow a bright vibrant yellow, it had worked. Buffy looks down into the crowd curiously and as suspected all the wolves' eyes begin to glow while the vampires looked around nervously.

Mary merely chuckles before turning to Buffy holding out a pen towards her and gesturing to the piece of paper on the table "Final part of the blessing. All Alphas who have come today have signed this with blood. The wolves are a part of you. And you a part of them now. You protect each other." With that, all the wolves in the crowd as well as Hayley and Jackson bend down to their knees in front of Buffy who takes a nervous breath. The Slayer runs a nervous hand over her wrist trying to ignore Klaus's gaze knowing he was probably smirking and already planning how to use this to his advantage.
Buffy sighs before digging the pen into her palm hard enough to draw blood with that she then leans over and signs her name.

It was official, the wolves of Louisiana have sworn allegiance to Buffy Anne Summers.


"I'm just curious." Damon pipes up after Enzo had hammered on and on about killing Aaron and restarting their friendship by bonding over the murder of Aaron Whitmore "Do you ask all your friends to prove their loyalty by killing someone over drinks?" He asks as he glances at Enzo who was sat comfortably in one of the chairs, a glass of bourbon in his hands.

Enzo groans in annoyance at Damon's words and leans forward in his chair glaring at his old friend "His grandfather slit our eyes open with a scalpel." Pausing he stands and takes a step towards Damon who was having arguing thoughts right now on what to do "You've taken out everyone else in the Whitmore family, I thought you'd want this."

"Will you believe he's a friend of a friend?" Damon asks because technically it was true, he and Elena were sort of friends-ish well more acquaintances and honestly, he didn't want her going all Banshee on his ass and given what he had seen her do to Jessie. He so did not want that inflicted on him.

Enzo merely chuckles "No, because that would force me to believe that you've gone soft."
"Well technically..." Damon cuts in trying to buy himself some time "...I didn't kill them all by myself. I had a friend with me for the last one. You'd like her, she's got a thing for accents." He mumbles groaning as he realizes how true that actually was given that she did have a kid with Klaus "...I kind of promised her that I would let her help with the last one. And she's not here so...this is gonna have to wait." He lies making Enzo chuckle "I like the sound of this bird." He says making Damon roll his eyes.
Enzo merely smirks before taking a seat again "Give her a call then. We can all rip out his throat together. Plus if she likes accent, you know she's going to like me."

Damon clenches his jaw as Enzo merely watches him, grabbing his phone he smiles "Here's the thing about her...I may have taken advantage of her own misery during my own killing spree. And so I owe her...and given that..." He says gesturing to the still unconscious Aaron "Is her sister's friend...I have to do this." Without another word, he speeds over to Enzo and snaps his neck. Looking down at Enzo's body he sighs, that should have bought him some time.


NEW ORLEANS

Buffy smiles as Oz continues to introduce her to all of the wolves during the reception while they all move through the compound, the newlyweds dancing happily. Honestly, the blonde was quite enjoying getting to know the wolves, she felt a connection with them knowing that they were her daughter's pack. But it was pretty exhausting.

"I feel like I'm on display." Buffy tells Oz who laughs as he adjusts his tie before spinning her as they continue to dance.
"Buff, you're literally the most powerful person here." He points out "This is also the first time something like this has happened. It's a pretty big deal. This is the new world."
Buffy lets out a small exhale before laughing as the two continue to dance, honestly it felt nice to have just a carefree moment, it made her forget for a brief moment all the hell that had happened recently.

As the two keep dancing a familiar voice pipes ups from behind them "May I cut in?"

Oz sighs in annoyance glaring at the figure behind her, Buffy turns her head spotting a smirking Klaus watching her. Offering Oz a small smile she nods her head before taking Klaus's hand letting him spin her before bringing her in close.
As they sway back and forth she couldn't help but gulp memories of all the times they had danced filling her head, from the 1920's decade dance to the ball.
"How long did it take you to almost dagger, Elijah?" She asks arching a brow as she spots Elijah watching the two of them from a nearby balcony with an annoyed expression on his face.

"He just can't take the truth Luv." The hybrid says simply as his left-hand draws circles on her lower back.
Buffy couldn't help but roll her eyes at his words, he wasn't lying but he was holding back about what exactly he had said and she had a feeling it wasn't pretty. He had probably pushed quite a few of Elijah's nerves and today of all days that was just cruel.
"The woman he loves just married someone else. Maybe take it easy on the brother bitching." She suggests not noticing the look he gave her.

Klaus merely watches her closely before spinning her out as he brings her back he dips her and he couldn't help but smile as the bubble of laughter escapes her. At her words, he couldn't help but clench his jaw slightly though as the idea of being in Elijah's position filled his head. If he was being forced to watch the woman he loved marry another. But unlike his brother...he would do all he could to stop it if he was in his position. No matter how much blood was spilled.
Lifting the blonde back up they continue to sway and he takes the opportunity to bring up the subject they had been avoiding for months "Move to New Orleans."

At his words, Buffy freezes in her movements her hold on his shoulder loosening ever so silently as she stares at him with shocked wide eyes. This was it, the moment she had been dreading, the very thing she had been avoiding for so long "What?" Was all that escaped her as he watched her with so much love it made her very confused, and honestly, it made her want to hide.

Klaus merely chuckles before gesturing towards the city around them, the music, the art, the people, all the beauty that was surrounding them. The way all the different creatures were free to be themselves, not hiding away playing human. This was where she belonged...and he was pretty sure she felt the same, even if she wouldn't want to admit it, due to her pain in the arse friends back in Mystic Falls.
"You can be yourself here." He tells her spinning her again before bringing her in close his arm wrapped tightly around her waist as he leans down to whisper by her ear "Where you don't have to hide who you are. Where you won't judged. You can be your true self."
Pulling back he looks into her beautiful green eyes unable to tear his gaze from them as that familiar pull filled the air between them "Just consider it."


MYSTIC FALLS

Inside of the tomb where many had believed she had laid for 145 years, Katherine stood by Nadia's side watching as the Traveler Mia stood over Katherine's dead corpse waiting to begin the ritual that would rid them of Elena Gilbert forever.
"In order to seal your soul inside of Elena's body, I'll need some of your blood." Mia tells Katherine who immediately holds out her hand willingly towards the traveler, she was ready to finally have complete and utter control of this body.

To finally be free.

Wincing slightly as Mia cuts into her palm she then watches with horror as Mia takes the blood-covered blade and stabs it into her Original body, slicing open her stomach "You mutilated my body. Lovely."

Mia merely rolls her eyes at the Banshee "Travelers don't have access to traditional magic...so we improvise. Now shut up. I have to concentrate."

With that Katherine offers her a sarcastic smile before frowning as she hears voices in her head, voices who clearly knew she wasn't Elena Gilbert. Voices that didn't like her inhabiting the Banshee's body. As though the Banshee inside her was trying to fight against the traveler magic Katherine was forced to relinquish control as the voices pushes forward the rightful owner.

Elena's eyes open only for herself to find herself horrified at the sight before her, Mia was chanting in Czech over Katherine's body as they stood in the tomb. Elena gulps in a panic before turning around only to spot Nadia stood there her eyes glued to Katherine's body.
Clenching her eyes shut she tries to focus before backing away from them both trying to pretend that she was still Katherine "So what's happening now?"
Mia growls in frustration and looks up "If you wanna say goodbye to Elena forever I need silence."

Elena's eyes widen before panic fills her as Nadia walks over concern etched all over her face "Are you okay?"
"Save your daughterly concern." Elena tells her trying to act the part "I'm fine." She assures her while trying to figure out how in the hell she was supposed to stop this.

Elena couldn't tear her eyes from Katherine's corpse as she watches Mia continue to spell, she could scream but she didn't know how that would work against a Traveler, plus Nadia was close enough to knock her out before she even got her mouth open. The only chance she had was to catch them off guard, but that plan at the moment wouldn't work given that she could practically feel Nadia's gaze burning a hole through her head.

"You never told me where you wanted to go." Nadia says suddenly making Elena tense "Where I wanna go?"
"Once we complete the spell." Nadia clarifies "Where should we start our world tour as we work out a way to turn you into a hybrid."

At her words Elena's blood runs cold, Katherine wanted to be immortal, to be a vampire but she wanted to keep the Banshee abilities that came with being in her body. Elena couldn't but feel sick at the thought.

"Let me finish." Mia hisses "Just a few more seconds and then I'm done."
Realizing she was out of time Elena swings her hand out punching Mia across the face causing the traveler to go face-first into the wall before collapsing to the ground. Without hesitating, she screams loudly causing Nadia to cry out in agony and grab her ears and before Nadia could summon back Katherine Elena raises her hands sending a sonic wave at Nadia, specifically her neck.

As Nadia's neck snaps and she collapses to the ground Elena takes her chance running like hell.


NEW ORLEANS

Buffy who at the moment was completely and blissfully unaware of the danger her sister was in allows Elijah to spin her as they dance making her laugh. Swaying back and forth with the Original she had seemed to build quite a nice bond with over the past few years Buffy smiles happily.
It was nice to see him actually enjoying himself.
Even if she knew deep down this was going to be one of the hardest days of his life. And that was saying a lot given he was a 1000-year-old immortal vampire.

As they dance Elijah smiles down at the blonde before thinking back to the conversation he had overheard her having with his brother, "I heard Niklaus asked you to move to New Orleans."
Buffy groans slightly before arching a brow "I thought gentleman didn't eavesdrop."
"My brother is not exactly an inside voice person." The vampire argues making Buffy shake her head in amusement.

Elijah merely smiles as he watches her, he could see how his brother was different around her, lighter, more at peace but there was so much darkness surrounding that man that sometimes even the brightest light couldn't get through.
"How do you feel?" He asks her curiously, he could see that she was torn, it had been obvious that she enjoyed being here, but there was conflict all over her face. He could tell she felt responsible for the things that happened back in Mystic Falls even if she didn't need to.
Buffy sighs at his question, honestly, she was still trying to wrap her mind around it all and sort out her own thoughts, but the truth remained that she was tempted.

She had wanted to escape Mystic Falls for so long but each time she got close she had been yanked back "I don't know." She admits.
Elijah looks down at the young woman and smiles sadly, it was like there were two sides of her both fighting against each other "Whatever decision you make, make sure it makes you happy." He advises before arching a brow as he spots his brother watching the two of them like a hawk. He saw the way his brother looked at the Slayer, despite him saying there wasn't anything there anymore, despite the distractions Klaus had with other women he could see that his brother loved her. But he knew his brother well enough to know that Niklaus saw love as weakness.

But when it came to Buffy he saw conflict when she looked at his brother, there was a connection there, that was obvious enough "Do not let others influence your decision." He tells her making her eyes widen as she looks up at him, the two of them continuing to sway to the music "You know what is right for you, Buffy. My brother will try to keep you at his side, you know that. But don't let him decide for you."
Buffy lets out an amused breath "I got my own Buffy Super Slayer mind. And while I care for you brother...I'll figure it out on my own. I need to."
Elijah smiles kindly at his friend before sighing "I think...you feel more for my brother than you realize." He tells her noticing how she tenses in his arms refusing to make eye contact, and he wasn't surprised, there would always be guilt to how she felt about his brother given what had happened between their families, all the death surrounding their beginnings.
Offering her a reassuring smile to assure her he didn't judge or expect her to admit anything he continues "You have a good heart. You always have. I've known that since the day I met you. I just hope...Niklaus doesn't drag you into his darkness."

Buffy smiles slightly at his words before frowning as she spots Elijah's face fall, turning her head she couldn't help but sigh sadly as she spots him looking over to where Hayley and Jackson were dancing. She could see the heartache all over his face, knowing the feeling all too well she squeezes his hand slightly "It gets better." She whispers drawing his attention back to her. As he looks at her she offers him a small smile "If you ever need to hit something...which very helpful. You call...I'm pretty unbreakable. Or there is ice cream." When he lets out a small laugh she shrugs "What it works!" She argues laughing in success when he shakes his head in amusement and spins her again making her giggle.

However, her laughter fades as she spots Klaus entering the room over Elijah's shoulder...with Joy in his arms the little girl now in a sweet pink dress and tights, pretty much a mirror image of Buffy herself.

Buffy lets go of Elijah as she stares at him in confusion, what the hell was he doing? Not noticing Hayley and Jackson move to her side she merely listens to Klaus who calls everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen..." The charming devil pipes up "...may I have your attention, please?" Pausing the hybrid's eyes land on Buffy who was watching him in confusion "Buffy, if you would join me... I'd like to propose a toast."
Buffy glances over at Hayley and Jackson who were watching in shock before sighing and moving over to Klaus who happily hands Joy over to the blonde. Placing Joy on her hip she allows the little girl to play with the necklace around her neck while she glances at Klaus who merely grins as he turns to face the crowd.

At that moment she knew...she was gonna punch him at some point today...probably very soon.

"I want to welcome you all." Klaus says "As you know, before my return to New Orleans, Buffy and I had a daughter. Due to tragic circumstances...she was lost. Now she has returned home." With that Klaus places a hand on Buffy's back pulling her closer while she resists the urge to roll her eyes.
Klaus merely grins and gestures to the little girl in Buffy's arms "This is Joyce. But we call her Joy."
As silence fills the room as vampires, werewolves, and witches alike all stare in shock and surprise Klaus grins "By Hayley and Jackson's union there was an agreement made. That our daughter would be apart of the Crescents. Hence the alliance with the Queen Slayer."

"I'm gonna kill you." Buffy mumbles under her breath stumping on his foot as she keeps a smile on his face, if it wasn't bad enough that he sprung this on her, he then called her the Queen Slayer. Again, despite knowing she hated it.
Klaus snorts before continuing with his little speech "And she will live here among you. Among her pack. Her family. We implore you...protect her daughter. Teach her. Love her as one of your own."

Buffy glances over at Hayley and Jackson who both offer her small smiles and nods, they had promised her when they bowed down to her that they would protect Joy with their lives. She just hoped that it never came to that.

Klaus grins brightly as he watches the wolves all focus on Buffy, their Queen, the queen they had sworn loyalty to.
Grabbing a glass of champagne off the nearby waiter's tray he then turns to Hayley and Jackson "Jackson, Hayley when you and your wolves bowed to the Slayer Queen, you pledged yourselves to her. And to our daughter. As a show of thanks from your Queen and I..." He says making Buffy glare, she knew he would do this, use her newfound status to make himself for power...she was so gonna throw him out a window later.

Ignoring the harsh glare coming off the beautiful woman beside him the hybrid continues "...we invite you both...to live here. Officially uniting your people and your union to The Slayer. Let us show the world that you were right..." He says his eyes landing on Oz who glares right back at his smug face "...that we can live in peace. Show them what the world is going to become."


MYSTIC FALLS

Elena runs through the forest as fast as she can, she didn't know how long she had until Nadia recovered from that broken neck and had Mia continue with the spell. She had to get to someone, to warn them.
Grabbing her phone she moves to open it only to groan as she realizes that Katherine has put a pin number on it "No." She breaths before continuing to run. However, as she runs memories begin forcing their way into her head.
Memories that weren't hers.

Memories of Klaus, Elijah, a lot of them of Mary.

"Katherine get out of my head." She gasps as she runs only for memories of Katherine's kills to fill her brain. This couldn't be happening it just couldn't.
As she runs she quickly finds herself on the Lockwood property her eyes landing on Xander who was outside talking to Damon.

"Xander!" She screams causing the human to turn only to spot his girlfriend running towards him, Damon gives him a nod before disappearing while Xander quickly runs towards his girlfriend.
Elena jumps into his arms and for a moment she was relieved, she had hope that she made it in time however just as quickly as hope-filled her as she held onto the man she loved it vanished as she felt the voices in her head screaming in panic before there was darkness.

Katherine opens her eyes and frowns in confusion as she finds herself hugging Xander quickly gathering her composure she pulls back allowing him to cup her face in his hands as he looks at her with a worried frown "Are you okay?"
Katherine nods quickly before quickly changing the subject "Why were you talking to Damon?"

"Oh without Buffster here, he needed a brilliant Xander speech about reasons not to kill. I think Buffy's a little better. Plus her hair is shiny I think it distracts him from murderous thoughts." Pausing the human smiles and pushes the hair out of Katherine's face frowning as he watches her, there was something different about her, he just couldn't pint point to what it was "Lena, are you sure you're okay?"
Katherine merely smiles and nods as she allows him to pull her into a hug, knowing she couldn't break up with him without it being suspicious...at least not until she figured out something else. Something that may get him to break up with her...well Elena, but still allow her to keep her friend "I'm perfect."


Damon groans as he grabs a bottle of bourbon from some random kid and moves to sit down on the Lockwood back porch unable to get inside now that Matt was the owner and he couldn't find the human to get himself an invite.
Taking a big gulp he thinks about killing Aaron, he wanted him dead, it didn't matter that the Whitmore funding had been cut off, this was the last one. Then he would finally be free. And if he didn't do it Enzo would track him down anyway. Honestly, Xander's speech hadn't helped in the slightest, honestly, he had kind of zoned out half way through, it was all killing is bad bla bla.
Pretty much all the stuff he heard from Elena and the rest of her judgy friends.

Grabbing his phone he dials a familiar number only to grown as it goes to voicemail "Hey it's Buffy. If it's the end of the world. Beep me."

He couldn't help but snort at her words before sighing "Buffy, I thought we agreed you'd pick up when I call. It's very annoying. Look I know I said that after you helped me track down Aaron's aunt I was done...when you helped me I thought I was...but I want him dead. So bad Buff. So just...either call me to tell me not to...or just don't hate me if I do."

"You got her to help you?" A voice says from behind him causing Damon to quickly hang up and spin around only for his eyes to widen as he spots his brother staring at him in horror. Damon couldn't help but wince at the look on his brother's face...this was not good.
"Well..." He tries a little unsure of how to dig himself out of this hole "Um...kind of."
"When?" Stefan asks making Damon frown in confusion as to why that would be the first thing he asks, the raven-haired vampire sighs before gulping down some more bourbon and then glancing back at his seething brother "Last spring."

Stefan's eyes widen as he stares at Damon it all quickly, the timeframe of all of it, "So let me get this straight...right after she sent her daughter away you took her on a killing spree?"
Damon couldn't help but wince at that, okay maybe the timing had been a little bad, she had been really angry and emotional "I was distracting her."

Stefan couldn't help but scoff in disgust as he stares at his brother, he claimed Buffy was his best friend but instead of helping her, he did this, what the hell was wrong with him? "She had just lost her child Damon! You took advantage of her emotional state after she lost her daughter! The fact she didn't turn it off was a miracle but you...god...you took her on a vengeance quest. You pointed her like a weapon! Your best friend! Her entire life people have done that to her!"

Damon merely clenches his jaw at his brother's words because the fact was, it was true, Buffy offered to help but only because she was angry at the world. He hadn't even told her until he saw how angry she was. He had pointed her at something evil, wielding her like a weapon "Stefan I..."

Stefan merely shakes his head "I can't even look at you right now. You could have destroyed her Damon! And yeah you didn't but after everything she has done for you...admit it to yourself, Damon. You used her. Think about that and then maybe you'll realize why she is so desperate to leave this hell of a town." And with that Stefan storms off leaving his brother with his own conscious, stuck with his own thoughts.


NEW ORLEANS

Buffy sighs as she and Klaus stand side by side looking over their daughter who was now laid in her crib in her PJ's happily clutching Mr. Gordo in her small hands as she wriggled around.
As they stand there in silence listening to their daughter coo happily Buffy finally tears her gaze off their blonde-haired princess to look at Klaus "Next time tell me." She whispers causing him to look at her in confusion, Buffy sighs, "Next time you wanna use my position and the trust the people have in me. You tell me. You need to trust me with this information...especially if you want me to stay in New Orleans. If I decide to stay, remember we are equals, Nik." Pausing as a smile covers his face she shakes her head "Next time, I'll throw your ass out a window. And laugh. And mock."

At her words he lets out a small chuckle as he watches her, he could see it in her eyes, she would do anything to protect their child, just like he would. And while he knew she wouldn't admit it out loud, she would kill and betray whoever they had if it meant keeping their little girl safe.
"Understood."

As the two merely return to a comfortable silence they are interrupted as Elijah strolls in quickly followed by a distraught-looking Marianna and Rebekah.
Klaus merely clenches his jaw "Must you intrude on every moment."
Marianna steps forward wiping rare tears from her eyes "I couldn't stop it. I couldn't fix Kol's Hex. He won't last the night."
With that Buffy sighs sadly and turns to Klaus placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, she never got to say goodbye to Jeremy when he died and even though he was back it had almost killed her. And she knew last time Kol died it crushed the hybrid, he deserved...no he needed to say goodbye this time "Go. Say goodbye."


MYSTIC FALLS

Entering the tomb Katherine walks up behind Mia just in time to hear her final words "Now about that payment we discussed."
Without hesitation the ex-vampire and new Banshee pulls out one of Elena's knives and grabs Mia by the back of the head bringing the knife across her neck, slitting her throat. As the traveler falls to the ground dead Katherine merely grins over at Nadia who rolls her eyes in annoyance "Was that necessary?"
"No." The Banshee admits as a small smirk crosses her lips "But she was a loose end, and I hate that."

Nadia shrugs and glances down at Mia's now dead body before chuckling "She gave me the creeps anyway."

Katherine couldn't help but smile at her daughter's words as she spots that familiar smirk on the vampire's face her grin merely grows "Cold. Manipulative. Good hair. You really are my daughter."

Nadia merely lets out an amused breath as Katherine wipes Mia's blood off her hands and onto Elena's hideous jacket, which she couldn't wait to burn "If that's your way of thanking me, save it for the road."

As Nadia moves past her the smile falls from Katherine's face "I'm not going anywhere. Not yet." Pausing she spins around to explain to her very confused daughter "For the first time in 500 years I'm in the clear. There's no one coming after me. And as Buffy Summers' loved one...I'm the most protected Banshee in the world. Speaking of...I need to learn how to use these abilities of mine. I need to learn as much about Elena Gilbert as possible...and then I'm planning a trip to New Orleans."
"What about me?" Nadia whispers realizing that if Katherine wasn't leaving with her, where did that leave them.

"You're a grown woman." Katherine admits offering her a small smile "You can do what you want. But if you want my vote...stay. And then you can come to New Orleans with me. The Originals the people that hunted me will protect me because of what Elena means to Buffy. We'd be powerful. Look I'm not saying that I'll ever learn how to be a good mother but...I'll try."


NEW ORLEANS

Buffy sits on the floor of Joy's nursery now in her sweats and her Sunnydale High jumper watching her beautiful daughter sleep just praying that her daughter wouldn't receive Slayer visions as she did in her youth. To be honest there wasn't much known about Slayers with kids. Only two other Slayers in history had children and that was the Slayer in New York in the '70s and Tatia Petrova over 1000 years ago. From every Watcher's journal she had read, both women had their children prior to being called and given slayers were called young and normally didn't last long once called there hadn't been any record of a Slayer having a child after being called. So she had no idea of Joy would receive some of her Slayer gifts, or if the demon side of her would affect her little girl.

Her thoughts and worries were quickly washed away as she spots an incoming call from Elena "Hey, dissapero girl." She whispers staying quiet to not stir Joy.

"Hey." Katherine says happily through the phone "How was the wedding?"

"Very beautiful. Wolves pledged the allegiance bla bla. Klaus took advantage as expected. But no death or violence, so I put that in the plus column."
Katherine giggles through the phone and Buffy still unaware of who she was really talking to smiles "Sounds like a fun time. Maybe I'll visit you there soon."
Buffy sighs before standing and glancing out the window at the city around her honestly for the first time in a long time, it felt like home. Mystic Falls hadn't felt like home since she was resurrected, she didn't belong in Whitmore...but there was something about New Orleans that she couldn't quite shake.

"That'd be good. I'm thinking of staying a little while longer. But could definitely use a good dance out."
At her words, Katherine pauses for a minute "Dance out?"

Buffy couldn't help but laugh, she wasn't surprised Elena didn't remember, it had been so long since they had done it "Remember we were kids and every time one of us was upset or stressed, we could put on the first song we found and dance around like idiots. I kind of miss it. Plus once Joy's walking I'd like to do her first dance out with you."

Katherine chuckles through the phone clearly pleased with Buffy's suggestion "Sounds, like a plan. You know Buffy...I think New Orleans is good for you. If you want to make permanent...well I'm sure I can find a med-school nearby."

Buffy's eyes widen and she couldn't help but smile as joyful tears fill her eyes, knowing that her sister, her best friend would come out here it took so much stress off her shoulders, it was one less thing to worry about "You'd willingly be near Klaus?"
"For you. No biggy. Plus hello...banshee."

Buffy lets out a small laugh leaning her head against the window happily "I love you, Lena."

"I love you too. More than you know."


WHITMORE

Damon watches as Enzo smirks at Aaron as the two of them stand in the middle of the road after tricking the human into pulling his car over, using one of Damon's favorite tricks.
Speeding up behind Aaron Damon smirks as he leans against the human's car, Enzo smirks over at his friend before turning back to Aaron "Damon's teaching me a little game. See, he assured me you'd be on this road heading out of town."

Damon shrugs in amusement as Aaron turns to him in confusion and slight horror "You said that you were gonna let me go."

"I did." Damon admits "I tried."

"Does Elena know that you're here?"

Damon scoffs in amusement at Aaron's words, it was funny how people thought that he cared what Elena Gilbert thought, the only reason he hadn't ripped her head off was that Buffy would probably kill him "Nope. Didn't matter if she did. You see my brother...he and I had a little chat. And he's the reason I'm here. He thinks I'm ruining my best friend Buffy. But you see, I know something Stefan doesn't...while Elena's sister may deny it, she enjoys doing something a little evil. Just like I do. She really enjoyed helping me hunt down your aunt." At his words, Aaron's eyes widen in horror and he couldn't help but gulp. Damon merely grins evilly relishing in Aaron's terror "I had to practically keep her from ripping her head off herself."

"I can't blame her." Enzo pipes up from behind Aaron a wide smirk on his face "It was justifiable."

"Just like the rest of your family. Now I promised Buffy I'd leave Wes for her...and trust me she'll torture him...it will be gruesome. But you...you're mine. You deserve it. Just like your family."
Aaron clenches his jaw trying to hide his terror as he summons his courage and glares hatefully at the vampire, he knew he was going to die tonight but it was nice to know that by killing him Damon's life would be over "She's Elena's sister. If Elena hates you...she will too."

"Ooh." Damon teases before laughing "No you see when Elena does her normal thing and gets all judgy telling Buffy how to live her life. Buffy will remember how much she enjoyed this summer killing with me. All of her friends think I'm a monster. And they're right...and the thing is...Buffy doesn't care. If she was here right now, I bet she'd hold you down for me. So scream all you want." With that Damon's eyes fill with blood and he rips into Aaron's neck.


NEW ORLEANS

Buffy places Joy's blanket over her before slowly exiting the little girl's room being quiet as possible as she shuts the door behind her.

As Klaus' room was the adjoining room to Joy's Buffy sighs as she spots him stood in the corner staring out of the window, his entire body was tense she could practically smell the grief all over him.
"Hey." She whispers causing the hybrid to turn to her his face filled with rare emotion, he could see his eyes were red and wet. Without a word she walks over wrapping arms around him tightly, he tenses for a long moment before slowly she feels his arms wrap around her waist holding onto her tightly as he grieves for his brother.
Tucking her chin into his neck she takes a shaky breath, there was nothing you could say when someone lost a sibling, losing a brother is like losing a limb. Losing a part of yourself.
"I'm sorry." She whispers because honestly, it was all she could say at this moment.

Klaus merely takes a deep breath before pulling back and squeezes her wrists holding onto them tightly as he gazes into her green orbs "Thank you. Marianna and Rebekah will bring him back. I'm sure of it. But thank you."
Buffy smiles sadly at him before leaning up and kissing his cheek softly "If you need anything I'm down the hall." Reluctantly she pulls out of his grasp and heads for the door.
Klaus watches her for a long moment before moving to sit on his bed, as she grabs the doorknob he takes a deep breath before sighing, he didn't want to be alone. Not tonight "Buffy."

The blonde spins around staring at him in confusion before she freezes as she spots the look on his face. She had never seen him like this...so broken.
"Yeah?" She whispers a little unsure of what he wanted.
The all-powerful hybrid merely sighs "Will you stay?" He asks her softly "Just tonight."
Buffy takes a shaky breath at his question, a little unsure of what to do, but one more look at his face and she found herself unable to move back to the door.
Nodding silently she sits beside him on the bed and as he lays back his head on the pillow she slowly lays beside him resting her head on his chest as he wraps an arm around her waist.
As she listens to the sound of his heart beating Klaus runs his hands through her straight blonde locks "I'm glad you're here Luv."

At his whispered admission, Buffy smiles softly "Me too."