"What the hell is all this?" Klaus asks as Kol helps Elena carry in several boxes filled with books and files. Elena looks up after setting down a box and brushes the hair away from her face with a huff.
"My research on the Gemini coven, yeah I know, a bit much. But they have a really interesting history-"
"You still haven't explained why we need this or why we need to go to Portland. You haven't even told us which Portland," He throws his hands up in irritation as she smiles apologetically.
"All in good time, my love. But right now, I need you to have someone track down Josette Laughlin M.D., unless you want me to die," she smiles at her own manipulation tactic as he glares, retrieving his phone from his pocket.
"And as if I'd ever go to Maine," she says with offense as she bends, looking in a box. Kol looks up with furrowed brows.
"What's wrong with Maine?" He asks as she meets his eyes with seriousness.
"One word, Pennywise," she whispers the end and winks as he rolls his eyes.
"Last I checked, Jo was in Oregon. And, be discreet, please. The Gemini's are crazy. One whisper about the ascendant and Joshua Parker starts killing off his kids," she shudders as Klaus and Kol send her identical looks of surprise. "I know," she nods and looks back down to her books.
"Alright, we need to find this," Elena holds up a drawing of the ascendant. "It's an ascendant, used to create and enter something called a prison world, ringing any bells? Jo Laughlin has it somewhere in her house, it shouldn't be too hard to get to, she's technically a witch, but gave up her magic. We need to either go to her and work out a deal or just steal it, I haven't decided yet."
"If you know all that, why did you need to bring over all these boxes?" Klaus asks, looking up from his phone.
"Excuse me for wanting to brag. I thought this was a good opportunity to remind you how smart I am. Look at all this, I put this together when I was 12. I'm a genius," Kol opens his mouth to respond, but is cut off as they hear a knock on the door.
Klaus shakes his head at the girl before walking away to get the door. Elena watches closely as Kol looks through the boxes, just as he's about to open another, she taps his shoulder and points towards the stairs, swapping his box as he looks away.
Klaus reenters the room with Bonnie by his side before Kol can question Elena.
"Bon!" Elena greets with surprise and slight panic as she moves quickly across the room, pulling Bonnie into a nearby room. "Whatcha doing here, gorgeous?" Elena asks, giving her a hug while turning her body away from the doorway.
"Remember, grams and I spoke with the ancestors, I texted you," Bonnie smiles with confusion as she pulls away from the hug, Elena nods.
"Right, I forgot. Why don't you come this-" Bonnie stops Elena from pulling her away as the witch looks around, spotting the research through the door and turns back to Elena.
"El, what's this?" She asks casually, raising a brow at her friends' nervous laugh.
"What? Nothing. Why would it be anything, it's just boxes. I mean, how do you even know they're my boxes, you don't. They could be anybody's. You know, Rebekah's, Tyler's, Jenna's, you never know-"
"What is wrong with you?" Bonnie asks with concern, making Elena swallow anxiously and groan.
"Alright, dammit. You know I can't lie to you. You just cannot tell Grams. Okay? I know it's a lot to ask, but if she knows, she will definitely try and stop me," Elena says as Bonnie nods and shrugs. "Um, okay. So there's this coven in Oregon that has a special kind of witch, one that can save me."
"That's it? Why are you so worried about Grams? You know she wants to save you too," Bonnie points out as Elena nods.
"I know. But, it's complicated and dangerous. And I don't want her to have to choose between saving me and doing something she thinks is wrong. Which is why I didn't tell you, because I'm basically putting you in the same situation, just with less information. Which is actually more dangerous-" Elena rambles, gaining a smile from Bonnie as she places her hands on Elena's shoulders.
"Ellie, calm down," she orders as Elena takes a deep breath and nods. "I know." Elena's eyes narrow slightly.
"What do you mean-"
"About the Parkers. About the prison world. And about Malachai," Bonnie admits as Elena's jaw drops.
"Wh-what? How could you possibly-"
"I've known you a very long time, Ellie and you're not as good at secretly scheming as you think you are," Bonnie says with a pitying smile as Elena tries to collect her thoughts. "I knew you were up to something and you weren't exactly subtle when you asked about siphoning."
"How do you even know what a siphoner is?" Elena asks with a head shake as Bonnie smiles in amusement.
"When you told me I was a witch, I freaked. Especially after you told us all about everything that could happen. I wanted- needed to protect you guys, so I looked through everything Grams has. I found some stuff about the Gemini's. Look, you don't have to hide anything from me, Ellie. I know that even though you're impulsive and slightly insane, you wouldn't do anything to put any of us in danger," Bonnie shrugs with a smile as Elena continues staring in shock.
"So, you're okay with this?" Elena asks in a stunned tone as Bonnie nods.
"Yes, but I read something about needing a Bennett witch, do I need to come with you?" Elena shakes her head.
"No, I just need some blood," Elena lets herself be pulled along by Bonnie, still in shock as they reach the kitchen.
"That enough?" Bonnie asks after cutting her hand and letting her blood fill a cup. Elena nods silently before closing her eyes and shaking her head.
"Well, this took a weird turn," she says quietly, making Bonnie laugh. "What did you say you came here for, before you totally blew my mind?"
"Right. The ancestors. Grams and I went to this old witch house or something," Elena nods in understanding, making Bonnie continue. "They wouldn't talk to us at first, but Grams persuaded them. El, they said they knew about you," Elena grabs Bonnie's hand when the witch makes a solemn face. "They told us that some witches were ordered to kill you. That you had broken too many rules and there had to be consequences. We tried to get more information but they left before we could find out who gave the order."
"No worries, Bon. I already know," Bonnie's eyes widen at Elena's quiet confession. Elena takes a deep breath before nodding. "Okay. Everything will be fine. Thank you so much for… everything. You, Bonnie Bennett, are incredible." Bonnie smiles as Elena thanks her before reaching into her bag as her phone rings.
"It's Vic, I've gotta go. I hope you're right and everything is okay. But, just call me if you need me," Elena nods as she walks Bonnie out of the house.
Bonnie stops suddenly, before turning around with hesitance, causing Elena to raise a brow.
"You should call Damon," Elena's brows furrow as she lets out a small, confused laugh.
"Damon? Since when do you and Damon talk?" Elena asks as Bonnie shakes her head.
"We don't. Well, um- I mean, we were just texting," a childlike smile spreads across Elena's lips as a rosy blush covers the witches cheeks. "It doesn't uh- he's just been a little off and it couldn't hurt for you to check on him-" Elena cuts her off with a tight hug and kisses Bonnie's cheek as she pulls away.
"I love you, honey bee. I'm here if you want to talk about... whatever," Bonnie smiles brightly before turning away, leaving Elena with a contemplative smile.
"Good news and bad news," Elena says to Klaus and Kol after making her way back inside.
"What?" Kol asks cautiously as Klaus tilts his head and gestures for her to continue.
"Good news, the Bennett witch psychic detective agency is officially up and running. Bad news, your Mum is still a raging bitch," Elena smiles with a fake cheerfulness as the two brothers stare with equal amounts of confusion and concern.
Elena went on to explain her plans to deal with the original witch to the two very conflicted brothers before telling them each to pack a bag as she had some "business" to take care of, which is how she currently found herself strolling into the Salvatore boarding house with purpose and a bright smile.
"Well, this is a tad glum," Elena comments, coming across Damon as he sits in front of the fireplace with a glass of bourbon and somewhat sad eyes.
"Hi, beautiful" he smiles as she makes her way over to him. He holds up his glass to her as she takes a seat next to him. "Join me for a drink?"
"Why, of course, ocean eyes," she bumps his shoulder with her own as she takes the glass from his hand.
"What possessed you to darken my doorstep this fine evening?" He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively, making her laugh lighty.
"Nice idiom. And it is ten o'clock in the morning," she looks down at the drink as he blows out a breath and smirks.
"Yeah, but I started drinking last night, so it doesn't really count as morning drinking," she clicks her tongue and nods.
"Flawless logic," she says as he looks away, staring into the fire with an expression that makes her anxious. "I just stopped by to see how you are, we haven't really- uh… Look, I'm really sorry," she breaks her nonchalant facade as he looks to her with a raised brow.
"I've been kinda absorbed in my own little world. It happens sometimes, it's just that everything I wanted finally-" she shakes her head, cutting herself off. "No, I'm not gonna make excuses, I'm just sorry."
"It's alright, Ellie. I'm fine. Also, not your responsibility. I'm a big boy, I knew I could come to you," he shrugs as she nibbles her bottom lip and grimaces.
"So… why didn't you?" She asks softly as he laughs at her gentle tone.
"I don't know, I just-" he cuts himself off with a sigh. "Less than a year, Ellie. I've known you less than a year and in that time you've managed to completely change my entire life," he laughs again as she listens intently.
"How did you do that? I came here for Katherine, but by the time we were able to get into the tomb, I barely cared. I let go. Of her, of my past, of the person I was. And now… I'm close with my brother, I'm making friends, ones that I don't plan to kill. I'm having feelings. I'm happy. No, actually not happy. Killing people makes me happy. Here, I'm content." He admits as she smiles at the peaceful look on his face.
"That was never possible before. I've never been satisfied with my life. Not until now, until you. Somehow, you plotted your way into my life and changed me," Elena lets out a groan, making Damon's eyes snap to her with anger and offense. "Oh, I'm sorry. Is me pouring my emotions out to you, bothering you?" She shakes her head and laughs as he glares.
"I didn't change you, Damon. I don't change people, why do you people keep saying that?" She says with frustration. "How many times did I tell you that I just wanted you to be yourself? And you know I didn't change you, you're still the same guy. Just less of a douche," she shrugs before a grins forms on her face. "Still a douche, just less," he shoves with an eye roll and a smile as she laughs and sits back up. "I love you, Day. For who you are," she says simply as he turns to her with a smile.
"No one's ever said that to me before," he admits as she nods softly.
"Yeah, well… you're a dick," he laughs, pulling her into his side.
"I know," he kisses the top of her head as he hugs her.
"So…" Elena starts after a few moments of peaceful silence. "Bonnie or Enzo?" Damon's wide eyes snap to her the second the words left her mouth.
"How did you know?" This time her eyes widened as her mouth opened wide.
"I didn't!" She shouts with a disbelieving laugh as he shakes his head. "But, now I do. Damon," she whines his name with a smile. "You whore," she whispers lovingly as he snorts and rolls his eyes with a smile.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm working on it," he runs a hand over his face in worry as she smirks, wiggling her brows.
"I bet you are," he shakes his head as she leans her head on his shoulder and holds his hand.
Elena enters her house, taking off her shoes and dropping her jacket on the floor before she follows the sound of water running into the kitchen.
"Hi, hon. How was your day?" Jenna asks with a smile as soon as she spots her niece.
"Hello, my favorite aunt. It was good, how was yours?" Elena is quick to step by Jenna's side and take over the task of doing the dishes as Jenna smiles with an odd look on her face.
"It was good," Jenna draws out as Elena smiles wide.
"Well that's wonderful. Wow, Jen. You look beautiful. Are you doing something different with your makeup? You're glowing!" Elena compliments as Jenna's eyes narrow in suspicion.
"What do you want?" She asks as Elena's jaw drops in offense while she scoffs.
"That hurts, Jen. To even imply that for some reason, I'm buttering you up is extremely offensive. Can't a girl just compliment the amazing woman who, while completing college, took over the responsibility of raising two orphans. A saint, is what you are," Jenna continues to stare blankly as Elena rambles, causing the younger girl to sigh. "Too much?" Elena asks as Jenna nods tight-lipped.
"I'm going on a trip," Elena announces cheerfully, throwing her hands up, accidentally getting bubbles in Jenna's hair. "My bad," Elena whispers with a joking tone as she helps Jenna wipe the mess away.
"Like a real trip or a drug trip?" Jenna asks, making Elena smile cheekily.
"Real trip. But, I love where your head's at," Jenna leans back against the counter and crosses her arm as Elena smiles nervously.
"Well… where are you going," Elena raises a brow at Jenna's supportive tone.
"West, then north," Elena answers cautiously as Jenna nods once.
"When and for how long?" Elena's mouth opens in surprise as she shakes her head.
"Wait. What? That's it? I can go, just like that? No persuasion or bribery necessary?" Jenna laughs as Elena's confused tone as she takes her niece's hand, guiding to the nearby table and sitting her down.
"You're almost 18. And believe it or not, I do trust your judgment," Elena makes a disbelieving face, making her smile. "On most occasions. Okay, some occasions. But, you're probably gonna go with or without my permission. So, I would like as many details as possible so that I don't toss and turn all night worrying about you," Jenna looks at Elena with a soft smile, one that Elena returns, still surprised.
"How much time you got?"
"A sociopath? Like a real one?" Elena nods as Jenna runs a hand through her hair with a stressed expression.
"I retract my support. You can't go," Elena laughs and pats Jenna's hand sympathetically. "Too late," she says as the front door opens and Jeremy walks into the house. Elena stands, sending Jenna a smile before making her way over to Jeremy.
"Hey," Jeremy fist bumps Elena as he goes up the stairs, making her laugh and follow him up.
"Younger brother, what are you up to?" She asks, laying on his bed as he takes a seat at his desk.
"Nothing. What were you and Jen talking about? It looked heavy," Elena sighs as she sits up.
"You remember Kai?" Jeremy squints in thought before nodding.
"The "sociopathic love of your life"?" Elena nods and smiles dreamily.
"That's the one," he crosses his arms.
"You finally busting him out?" She laughs lightly with a shrug.
"I thought it was about time. I've kept him waiting long enough," Jeremy stands from his chair and takes a seat next to her on the bed.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" He asks, masking his concern.
"Probably, not," she grins as he shakes his head. "But, what could go wrong?"
"He could murder you. Actually, he could murder everyone. Horrifically," he smiles teasingly.
"Nobody's perfect," they laugh. "You gonna be okay?" He nods.
"Totally. But, John won't be." He smirks as she groans.
"I think I'm gonna grab my go-bag and bounce before I see him," she pats his shoulder before running out of his room as he laughs.
"Daily phone calls, Ellie," Jenna reminds Elena as she and Jeremy see her out of the house.
"That might be tough, you know, not the best service where I'm going," Elena grins as Jenna sends her a look.
"Smart ass," Jenna mutters as she brings Elena into a tight hug.
"Be good, don't do drugs," Elena pretends to wink at Jeremy, making Jenna roll her eyes and Jeremy laugh as he hugs her.
"What's going on?" John asks, getting out of his car after pulling into the driveway.
"Uh, I can explain," Elena smiles before taking off in a full sprint to her car and locking the car door while cracking the window. "I love you all. Rem has something to tell you, Pops," Elena waves as she speeds off, leaving a confused John and a nervous Jeremy.
"So there's this guy," Jeremy starts after John turns to him. Jenna shakes her head and walks back inside with a smile.
"Let's go team! Who's ready for a road trip?" Elena cheers as she walks into the Mikaelson mansion and drops her bag in the entryway.
"Hello, Elena," Finn smiles as she grimaces at her name but still nods in his direction.
"Finley," she greets as she looks around looking for the other siblings.
"Klaus and Kol are packing, Elijah's in his study, and I believe Rebekah's pouting in her room," he rolls his eyes as she tilts her head in confusion. "It seems she's rather offended you didn't invite her along," Elena nods with realization as she follows Finn into the living room.
"Bex, get your perfect ass down here!" Elena hollers, startling Finn slightly before they hear stomping down the stairs.
"Yes," Rebekah crosses her arms and glares as Elena rolls her eyes.
"I didn't ask you to come because Stefan is coming and I thought you would feel weird. Also, I may have a small surprise for you," Rebekah narrows her eyes.
"What is it?" She asks nonchalantly as Elena shakes her head.
"A surprise. As for the eldests, how do you feel about taking a trip to The Big Easy?" Finn furrows his brows, confused as Elena makes a pitying face. "Right. Box. 900 years. It's New Orleans, home of the Dowager Fauline cottage, aka Freya current place of residence," Elena smirks at Finn's expression as the rest of the Mikaelson brothers make their way into the room.
"I thought you and The Suit could go get her while we're gone. Then when we get back, I'll introduce her to our newest friend. As for you," she turns to Rebekah. "I've arranged for Care Bear to stay over for a while, we wouldn't want you getting lonely in this big house."
"Anything else you've planned for our family?" Klaus asks with amusement. Elena thinks for a second before shaking her head.
"Nope," she smiles brightly at the happy expressions on each of the Mikaelson's faces.