A/N: More drama ensues. Thanks all who continue to read and review! Would LOVE to know thoughts about this chapter...it's a big one. :)

Chapter 10:

Eloise shifted on the sofa, Elijah's hand resting on her leg comfortably. "So, I was thinking something." she put her wine down on the side table.

"Oh yes?" He tapped at her leg, "What is it?"

"I was thinking I'm going to need your assistance with social services. Could you help me with them?"

"I suppose that depends on what help you are asking for," Elijah said, lightly.

"Compulsion help," Eloise swallowed hard, "Will you compel social services for me?"

He gave her a measured look, "I am going to need more details than that."

"I was hoping you would say yes no matter what, Elijah," Eloise met his eyes. She titled her head, "Considering all that has happened in the past few days."

"Eloise," he poked an admonishing finger into the side of her leg, "I simply cannot give you a blind commitment without knowing the particulars of your plan."

"Why not?" Eloise asked, "Don't you trust my judgment?"

He frowned, "This isn't about your judgment. There are all sorts of things to consider here, which you very well know. If you are asking for a blind commitment, you must know that whatever you have planned, I will not approve of. So I ask you to tell me what you are thinking and I will take it under advisement."

"Well," she shrugged as she swallowed hard, "Maybe I should just ask Marcel and bypass you all together."

He titled his head, his eyes intense, "I do not think that would be advisable." His eyes watched her, with a small smile forming. "Who do you think controls Marcellus?"

"I seriously think Marcel would argue with that statement."

"Where is he living and where is my family living?" Elijah asked, pointedly, his pressure increasing on her leg.

Ella fought the urge to roll her eyes and Elijah gestured to her with his hand, "Go on. I'm waiting." he said, before returning his hand to her leg.

Ella chewed on her lip a moment before saying, "I want to take custody of Olivia and move into the Claire house with her. She needs stability and I don't trust the witches with her."

Elijah let go of her leg, abruptly, "You wish to do what?" he asked, aghast.

"I think you heard me," Eloise said, evenly.

"Are you mad?"

"Me?" Eloise pulled away from him. "I think it is a perfectly appropriate, logical plan."

"It is foolish!"

"How so?"

"The Claire house is unprotected. Even if you live there, it will be under Olivia's trust and as such there is no private ownership. Any supernatural creature could enter and leave at wish."

"Maybe that is a bit problematic, but she needs to be home, Elijah."

"You cannot move in there with her."

"Social Services will never give me custody without a proper home."

"I didn't know you wished for custody."

Eloise shrugged, "She has been through so much and...I just thought...she needs me."

"She is a witch, Eloise. She needs to be with a guardian who can hone her magical abillity. You do not know how to do that."

"I do not trust the witches, Elijah."

"It does not matter. It is who she is."

"Do you not think I can be a good guardian to her?" Eloise frowned.

Elijah's look softened, "You are so good with her, Eloise. As you are with all your students. Seeing you with your students is one of the reasons I was drawn to you in the first place. Obviously, I think that you would be a fine guardian...in normal circumstances. But we do not live in those circumstances. You cannot protect her."

"I believe I can," Eloise said, quietly. "With Marcel and the vampires in my corner. And if I go to Kieran and elicit his help from the humans."

"The witches will not want Olivia with you."

"And with vampires and humans on my side, their opinion won't matter."

"Oh no. That's not good," Elijah shook his head, adamantly, "You cannot get so involved in pitting the factions of the quarter against each other. You do not know what you are dealing with. No. I will not let you get in over your head with this."

"But this is my life, Elijah. And I am asking you to do this. I am willing to risk this...for Olivia. We can figure this out, how to keep Olivia safe with me. I cannot turn her over to some other family...not after what happened to Davina. Please understand. She needs me."

"You are not thinking clearly. You are still exhausted...emotionally and physically."

"I am thinking clearly. You offered to help me start over...can't you just help with this?"

"That offer was for your safety...to get you away from all of this. This is going to lead you into treacherous waters."

"You do not have to agree with me. All I need from you is to compel social services."

Elijah stood abruptly. He paced the room for a few minutes and then turned towards her, "I cannot." he shook his head, slowly.

"Fine," Eloise rose and went to leave the room.

"Eloise!" Elijah reached out to grab her arm, pulling her towards him, "Do not leave upset."

"Honestly I don't know how to not be upset right now. I'm asking one thing for you."

"One thing that could have serious repercussions for the peace within the quarter."

"What peace? I don't see peace," Eloise said.

"There is not active killing of each other right now," Elijah said, "that's peace."

Eloise let out a long breath, "I promised Olivia a story." she said, her voice softening.

"We will need to contact Social Services soon."

"A few more days, Elijah," Eloise met his eyes. "Do not tear that child away from me the day after she lost her sister."

"You will still be her teacher."

"You cannot guarantee that," Eloise said, her voice quiet. "And it's not the same."

"I will not compel social services for you, Ella...but I will not compel them against you."

"Okay," the edge returned to her voice, her unable to keep the feeling of disappointment at bay.

"Eloise," Elijah chided. "You are being unreasonable."

"I'm not going to apologize you...for fighting for my students. It's what you do for your family."

"Yes, and Olivia is not your family, darling."

"Family is more than blood," She shot back, "or is that why Marcel still has a complex about you lot?"

"Careful," Elijah drawled. "You speak of what you do not know."

"Then perhaps, I should leave the room before I insult the great Elijah Mikaelson further."

She turned to leave but Elijah whooshed to block her path.

"Do not think about going to Marcel or Joshua or any other vampire in this quarter to go to Social Services."

Eloise stared at him. "And if I choose to?"

"They will be ordered not to...by me. They will not cross me." He paused, "You are the one who wants to manipulate Social Services, not me, Eloise. Do not act so high handed."

"Move, please." Eloise grunted.

"What are you thinking?" Elijah asked, his eyes discerning. "You have a look about you."

"A look about me? Charming, Elijah."

"You are thinking of how to convince Niklaus to do your bidding...against my express wishes."

Ella pursed her lips for that was exactly what she was thinking. Yes, Elijah could control the other vamps in the quarter, but there was one, who couldn't be controlled by him.

"If you wish to get in a power struggle with me, Eloise, you will lose. Consider yourself forewarned. Do not even think about involving Niklaus."

"Very well."

The next morning, the tension was still palatable between Elijah and Eloise and even though Olivia was happily chatting to Hayley, the others couldn't help but pick up on it.

"Pass the beignets, little teacher," he said. Ella reached across Elijah to get and hand him the platter.

"What is wrong with you?" Klaus asked, lightly.

Rebekah frowned, "Something is up with them, don't you think, brother?"

"I do," Klaus said. "It's very suspect."

"I've been told I am not supposed to talk about it with you," Eloise said, swallowing a gulp of coffee.

"You are misconstruing my words," Elijah retorted. "I never said you couldn't talk about it...only that you shouldn't ask him to interfere on your behalf."

Niklaus raised his eyebrows, "Oh, the plot thickens. No wonder it is like this between the two of you."

"Like what?" Olivia asked from down the end of the table.

"Like nothing, dearest," Rebekah stood. "Are you done? I'm wondering if you would like to take a walk with me...now that the sun is shining again."

Olivia nodded and looked to Ella, "Can I, Ms Trahan?"

"Of course."

Hayley stood as well, "I'll come too. A walk will be good for the baby."

Elijah waited for them to leave, "I think it is time to call Social Services."

"I don't agree," Eloise countered, "I can take her to my place if you feel like it's too much with her in the house."

"It's not that," Elijah said, "I enjoy both of you here...but before Olivia gets too attached, it's better to place her with the family that she can grow up with."

"Elijah..." Eloise rubbed her temples, "I need you to reconsider. What can I do to convince you?"

Niklaus looked between the two of them, "Convince him of what, Eloise?"

"She wants to move in to the Claire house with Olivia."

"You can't do that," Niklaus said, dismissively, "It isn't protected."

"But don't you think Olivia could be placed with me?"

Niklaus considered it, "Olivia should probably be placed with a witch."

"Do you trust the witches of this quarter?"

Niklaus laughed, "No."

"See?! That's my point!" Eloise exclaimed. "I am not trusting them with Olivia."

"It's not your choice, it's social services." Elijah said, firmly.

Eloise rose, "I'm going to Marcel."

Elijah grabbed her wrist, physically forcing her back down into her seat, "Sit."

"I'm sorry, Elijah. Am I not dismissed?"

Niklaus looked gleeful, "She is a feisty one, is she not?"

Elijah shot his brother a look to stay out of it and Niklaus held up his hands.

"How do we know that Olivia will be placed with a witch family?"

"There are supernatural forces at Social Services," Elijah said, "Insiders. Olivia will be fine."

"You said Davina would be fine. And she is dead!"

"No!" Elijah held up his hand, "I never said that."

Eloise's face crumpled, "She's gone. She's gone forever. And...I am supposed to trust the same people that killed her with her sister's upbringing?"

"Yes."

"No!" Eloise wiped at her eyes.

"I know this is difficult for you," Elijah reached for her arm, placing his hand on it, firmly, "But it is the best course of action...for alot of different reasons...reasons you don't understand."

"Because I'm just a stupid, naïve human?" Eloise challenged.

"You know that's not what I think," he said, quietly.

Eloise looked to Klaus, who was frowning. "Please? I know you can convince him, Niklaus. If any one can, it's you. What do you think?"

"Eloise," Elijah snapped. "I suggest you stop what you are doing. Now."

"You are hitting him where it hurts, little teacher," Niklaus sighed, "I see your point. I really do. But I cannot go against my brother, especially when he happens to be correct. It is for the good of the Quarter, that Olivia must be placed with a witch family and unfortunately, the good of the Quarter has to outweigh Olivia's good. She won't be harmed by it and that is enough for now. Things are precarious."

"I keep hearing that," Eloise said, her voice cracking, "When will things not be precarious in the quarter?"

"I cannot tell you that," Klaus answered.

"I see," Eloise twisted a tendril of her hair, "Can I be dismissed, Mr. Mikaelson?" she turned to Elijah, her face hardened.

"Of course."

Ella left without another word and Elijah sighed, "Damn it."

"You are not wrong," Klaus said, "But she isn't either. Of course, she'd rather die than give the witches Olivia after what happened to Davina. But she could actually die if she puts herself out there...with the supernatural quarter."

Elijah frowned, "I do not know how to keep her safe, brother, and that worries me."

"What will you do?" Klaus said, frowning. He paused, "If you break her heart, I would do so now...do not let it go on for too long. She's special, brother. And she adores you."

"The feeling is mutual," Elijah said, quietly. "Even if I wished to throttle her right now...and then feed off of her."

Niklaus laughed, "In the worst way, right?"

"It's that look she gives...and she has no idea she is doing it..."

"Her heart is in the right place with the child. If she was as calculated and inhumane as us, you would not care for her as you do."

"I know, but the witches will never let it stand for Davina's sister to be placed with a human...even a human as well loved as Eloise is."

"I do not envy your position, brother," Klaus put a hand on his shoulder, "But I know you will handle it well. You always do."

In the end, Eloise did what she had to do. She said goodbye to Olivia, helped her settle in with her new family, which happened to be with another student of hers. And every day at school, she welcomed her with an extra hug and smile. And yet, she wasn't herself...the emotional toll of Davina's death, weighed heavily on her as she tried to push through it and drown herself in her work. She went straight to work and straight home...not interacting with any one except her children and co-workers.

In between navigating between the alternate resurrected witches from the Harvest, saving Klaus from Papa Tunde's blade, Elijah was busy trying to figure out the witches' end game. He tasked Joshua with the task to hover and keep a close eye over Eloise's comings and goings, ensuring that she was safe in the midst of all the drama of the quarter. And yet as the days turned into a week and then another and she was silent except for a few texts back and forth, he knew he had to act. Especially now that he discovered a certain ex girlfriend of his, put all of this nonsense into motion.

"Hello," Elijah appeared out of nowhere.

"Oh crap, you scared me!" Eloise squealed as she gasped for air. He wasn't there and all the sudden, there he was, blocking her path. "It's dark. You can't sneak up on a person like this in this area of the quarter! I'm in a freaking alley!" She bent over, trying to catch her breath, "You scared me half to death, Elijah."

She had taken the back alley behind the school which wasn't smart of her to begin with, but she had done so without thinking.

"Then perhaps, you shouldn't be out in the quarter this late unaccompanied, especially in a poorly lit alley," Elijah offered, dryly.

"I had to work," Eloise defended, shifting her bag over her shoulder, her arms full. "Prepare for next week and all."

"Seems like you took quite a bit home as it is. Hand it over here," he said, as he reached for her bag, taking it from her shoulder.

"Yes, it's a busy time of year. No rest for the weary. If I could sleep in my classroom, I would."

"I do not think that would be advisable or safe for you to do so," he said, dryly. "Shall we? Or are we going to stand here all night discussing whether or not your path taken home was foolish or not, when clearly we both know it was?"

Ella rolled her eyes at him and he gestured at her to walk on. As they did, he looked at her carefully, astonished by how weary and thin she was looking. "You have lost weight."

"No beignets your brother always makes sure I have in the mornings once he figured out I loved them as much as he does."

"Yes, but this is more than lack of sweets. Are you not eating proper meals?"

She shrugged, "I forget sometimes, you know that."

"That's madness," Elijah frowned, "Do you even have groceries in your apartment?"

"Cereal and milk, does that count?" Eloise asked, swallowing hard.

"No, I certainly do not think so," Elijah said, reaching out and gripping her elbow, to guide her to turn in a different direction, "Come, we will go back to my place and eat."

"Okay, I won't argue with you."

"Very good," he guided her down the street and around the corner.

"What's been going on?"

"Let's see," Elijah said, "While you were throwing yourself into your work and nurturing your grief, three dead witches resurrected...but not the ones we wanted."

"Christ," Eloise turned her head, "Then the reaping did work?"

"Yes, but with an intervention from an old..." Elijah paused, "acquaintance, the teenagers were replaced by powerful witches intent on harming my family."

"An old girlfriend?" Eloise asked, dryly.

"Yes. One I thought long dead. She's been body jumping for a century."

"I see," Eloise responded, her voice soft. "Is everyone safe?"

"Niklaus was daggered by a blade that renders unimaginable agonizing pain even to an Original, Hayley and Jackson nearly perished in a fire and..." he paused, "Kieran was cursed as well."

"Kieran is cursed?" Eloise asked, panicked, "How? When? Why? Is he okay? Why didn't someone tell me?"

Elijah paused, holding out his hand to stop her, "Hold on. Calm down. I don't think Kieran wished to worry you after what happened with Davina."

Eloise's heart sunk, "What happened?"

"One of the witches who had instigated the harvest to begin...Bastiana...she was killed that night Kieran urged Marcel and the vampires to intervene. She was one of the witches resurrected and she got her revenge for Kieran's betrayal...with the same curse that led to your friend Sean's demise."

She cursed under her breath. "I need to go to him. Where is he?"

"No," he shook his head, "you need to eat. You are barely holding up, Eloise. Camille is with Kieran and he is tolerating the effects of the curse fairly well."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because," Elijah turned towards her, "You needed your space to process and grieve. And I was determined to give you it. And I was busy. And telling you would be a complication and distraction I did not need...because you would have a very emotional response...and that's a liability when the quarter is like this."

"Do my emotional responses bother you?" she frowned.

"No, it shows your humanity...and your empathy and sense of justice, but in times like these...it will get you killed. And I need you safe. You have already shown you have an inclination for impulsive behavior especially when you worried about the people you love. It was easier for me to keep you in the dark, especially since you were content on hiding yourself away."

"I see," Eloise sighed. "Still..."

"I know I should have told you. But in all fairness to everyone else, it is as if you dropped off the face of the Earth...that is unless you frequent the elementary school which none of us do. Life goes on, Eloise. Especially in a place such as this. If you aren't remaining one step ahead of the others, you will be killed. Not, I, of course...but the witches are determined to kill Niklaus's child, and I cannot allow any more of my family to be harmed."

"Of course," Ella swallowed, "Are Hayley and the baby well?"

"They are well now. But the witches are plotting and we have to ascertain what their goals are and why they are doing such a thing."

"How about Niklaus?"

"He is better now."

They arrived at the compound and he led her into the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator and shifted around the blood bags to pull out an armful vegetables and chicken. "I am making you a stir-fry with chicken. You need protein and vegetables. You have a human constitution, you are going to make yourself sick without proper nutrition."

"Do you know how to cook?"

"Yes, don't you?"

She laughed, "Do bagel pizzas count?"

"No, no wonder," his eyes looked over at her, amused. He took his jacket off, throwing it on a nearby hook and rolling up his sleeves. "What is that?"

"Bagels, sauce, cheese and if I am very adventurous turkey peperoni. It can last me for 4 days."

Elijah looked horrified, "And that is what you eat when not with me?"

"Or cereal. Pancakes. Oh, lean pockets. I love lean pockets."

"That is disgusting...and troubling." Elijah said, honestly.

"I know, it's not healthy...it's a good thing I don't eat that much when I am this anxious and depressed, otherwise I'd be very plump."

"Even if you were, you'd still be desirable," Elijah said, "But you need to take better care. So tonight, I am ensuring that you eat properly. Take a seat. Can you chop vegetables while I work on the chicken?"

Eloise frowned, sliding into the stool. "Um, well...I can try."

"Good God, how have you survived this long on your own?" he asked, washing his hands.

"An occasional date for a good meal?"

"I see," Elijah smiled at her and then washed some veggies, placing it on the cutting board beside her. "Now, this is a knife, Eloise. You have seen one before?" he twirled it, easily, his eyes twinkling.

"Yes. If you weren't an original vamp, I would be stabbing you with it right now."

He laughed. "Wash your hands and I'll show you how to cut them properly."

Eloise slid off the stool to move to the sink, washing her hands and then hop back on it, "Okay, go for it."

Elijah showed her how to properly cut the carrots, broccoli and mushrooms. "Understand?"

"I think I got it," Eloise titled her head, her eyes weary but the teasing smile forming. "I'll try not to chop off a finger."

"Ah, if you do, I'd just attempt to reattach it and then heal you."

"Have you reattached fingers before?"

"From time to time..." he opened the chicken package, dumping it on the cutting board next to the stove and reached for a knife to cut it into pieces.

She began to chop, "Geez. Your portfolio is very diversified."

Elijah paused, and then snorted, "You have no idea how much so." he poured oil into the pan and then dumped the chicken in.

Ella blushed, sensing the double meaning behind his words. "I have no idea how to respond to that"

"I wouldn't expect you to. Now, do focus, and mind your appendages. I'm going to need those veggies soon."

They worked in easy companionship together. When Elijah was finished, he put a steaming plate in front of her, "Eat. Every last bite. You are not leaving the table until you do."

Eloise smirked at him, then stuck out her tongue and he poked at her in response. Then, they both started to laugh.

"I missed this." Eloise twirled a piece of chicken before popping it her mouth.

"Good girl," Elijah smiled, "I missed this too." He watched her, carefully as she ate, "Do you mind if I have a blood bag? Will it ruin your appetite?"

"No, of course not," Eloise's feet kicked against the counter. "It only ruins my appetite if it is being drained from the source," she added, dryly. "This is good, Elijah."

"Thanks."

"Things really have been crazy then," she asked, watching him pop open the blood bag, pour it into a glass and then drain it.

"Insane." he put the glass down.

"Thirsty?" she looked, amused.

"Yes," he said, simply, sliding back into the stool next to her. "You do that to me from time to time."

Eloise blushed more. "I thought..."

"I control my lusts for you, Eloise, but they are still there. Do you know that?"

She blushed redder and took another bite.

Elijah reached for a glass and used the ice maker attached to the refrigerator to get her ice and water. "You look hot." He said, innocently, as he handed her the glass.

She took it from his hands and took a long sip. "It's not kind to tease me so when we both know what is going to happen tonight."

He sat down next to her as she pushed her empty plate away. "What do you think will happen tonight?" he asked as he reached out to put his hand over hers, which was tapping anxiously against the counter.

"It's been two weeks."

"I'm aware."

"And things were really tense when we saw each other last."

"They were," Elijah said as Eloise jammed her knee against the counter, her foot jiggling, "For God's sake, stay still," Elijah admonished, but his mouth turned up in amusement. "You know I won't..."

"Yes, I don't think you will bite me or anything, but there is more than one way to hurt someone."

Elijah let go of her hand, abruptly, "Ah, yes."

"I know you are going to break things off with me," Ella turned her body towards him, "Why do you think I kept my distance?"

He frowned, "Why do you think that?"

"Because I stood up to you about Olivia and pushed back at you...wanted to undermine you by going to Niklaus and Marcel."

"Is that what you think? My ego can't take you disagreeing with me?" Elijah scowled, "I like to think myself more of a feminist than that."

"And yet..." she titled her head, "I was expected to concede to what you believed was the right course of action when I disagreed. You are an Original. You are Elijah Mikaelson. Months ago, I would have no idea what that meant, but I know now. Elijah Mikaelson."

"Yes, I know my name, darling," Elijah said, unable to keep the amusement off his face. "I'm not that controlling."

"Yeah, right," Eloise laughed at him, "You are known for your utter cunning and calculated control. People don't cross you. Say what you will about being a feminist, but when it comes down to it...to live in this supernatural quarter, you expect obedience, people to bend to your will and people act a certain way around you...and I didn't follow the script."

"I don't wish for you to follow the script, Ella."

Ella reached for her water, swallowed another gulp and nearly choking as a ice cube slid down her throat.

Elijah reached for her glass, "I'll take that. If you can't swallow water properly," He put it on the other side of him. "You really are on the edge."

"You just called me Ella." She looked at him, chewing on her thumb. "Ella."

"I did," Elijah let out a long breath.

"If that isn't a sign, I don't know what is."

"Your astuteness astonishes me at times, Eloise." He reached out to rub her hand, tracing joints and bones with his finger. "I need to know something."

"What is that?"

"Do you really believe that you and Olivia would have been safe? After all I told you has just happened in the past few weeks?"

She paused, "No, I suppose not."

"Then, I was right all along."

"But it wasn't your choice to make."

Elijah never missed a beat, "I do believe my point all along, is that it wasn't your choice to make either. Don't you agree?"

Ella paused again, trying to find the words to speak, to communicate with him, "It's just..."

"Your heart was breaking," Elijah said, quietly, continuing to rub her hand. "And the compassion you have, the sense of morality...I do not have the same. I cannot have the same."

"I don't believe that," Eloise said, "I mean you say that, but..."

"I have done unspeakable, reprehensible," his finger fell from her hand, "things for my family...and I will continue to do so, Eloise, to see them safe and protected...and frankly, I will do so until my brother finds his redemption."

"Niklaus's redemption?"

"Yes. He has this need in him, deep in his soul. The potential for atonement, redemption. I believe it to be true. I saw it when we were not who we are...just boys. A tenderness there, goodness there. And it's been a thousand years...years of trial, death, betrayal, despair...and unimaginable moral failings."

She swallowed hard, "I see it in him too, Elijah."

"I know you do."

Eloise reached out to put her hand on his arm, "What about your redemption, Elijah?"

"If I cannot see to his redemption, then all of this struggle, all the sins on my head, they will be for naught...can't you see that?"

"No, because I see a man, who is craving his own redemption...who does have such compassion and tenderness, who daily tries to fight upon the curse that your mother inflicted on you a thousand years ago...and that is the man that I am drawn to..."

"I am a monster. It is who I am."

"No," Eloise shook her head, swiftly. "That's not the man I know. Where is this coming from?"

"I cannot keep you safe in the quarter, Eloise, not under what we are facing now. They will leave you alone if they know you are no longer aligned with my family."

"Who?" Eloise asked quizzically.

"Everyone," Elijah said. "I can't protect Niklaus, Hayley, the baby, maintain our position in the quarter, if I have to worry about how you will view my actions and if my actions will undermine your safety. And the truth of the matter, as hard as it is for me to admit, is that you must do better, Eloise."

"You see me differently than any other man I have known, Elijah. And perhaps, I see you differently than most women. We haven't even kissed and yet...this is unlike anything I have ever experienced before."

"But you haven't truly lived, my darling," Elijah said, quietly, "The boys your age will mature and eventually, you will find someone else who values you the way I do."

She shook her head, swiftly, "No, I don't think so."

"A man who can give you children of your own...a future you deserve. You will be a wonderful mother, but I am never destined to be a father."

"Elijah," Eloise swallowed hard.

"Don't you wish for that? Children?"

"Of course, but being a mother can come in different ways..."

"Still, you deserve so much...I cannot take your future from you."

"I don't need a future. I just need now. That is what you said all along...to live in the now. And I'm trying."

"And I must protect you in the now, Ella. From this supernatural world, from myself. These past weeks have shown me how dangerous things are now...and you have to stay out of it. Kieran was cursed. Hayley almost burned to death. My brother...punished in the most agonizing way. Do you want that to be your fate? Being with me, will have consequences for you...in the now...and in the future. And I cannot...I will not bear your demise...or the selling of your soul. Do not ask this of me. I cannot give that to you."

Eloise's lip trembled. "Don't push me away."

"I must."

Eloise's heart tore, "Elijah." The tears fell before she could stop them. "Oh no," she swatted at her tears and then buried her face in the counter.

"Eloise," Elijah's voice was low. "You will be fine. I promise you, my darling. It may not feel this way at the moment, but you do not need me."

"But what if it is what I want?" Eloise shook her head against the counter, "I wanted it to be you."

"I know." He reached out to put a hand on her head, rubbing it gently, trying to comfort her, "I wished for it too."

They were quiet for a few minutes before hearing a clearing of a throat.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but Eloise, I've been looking everywhere for you," Klaus said.

Eloise lifted her head, the tears still falling, "What is it, Niklaus?"

"It's Kieran." He shifted on his feet, uncomfortable with Eloise's tears. "Did Elijah tell you?"

"Yes," Ella nodded, "Is he okay?"

"No, he isn't doing well. Camille needs you."

"Okay, I'm coming," Eloise wiped at her eyes, quickly, and pushed herself wearily off the stool. "I can get my stuff, later, okay?" she glanced at Elijah, her face flushed.

"Of course, but I can come with you to the church," Elijah offered, his voice low.

"No," Ella said, her voice cracking, "I'll be fine with Niklaus."

"Of course," Elijah's expression was pained. "Forgive me, Eloise."

She reached out to touch his face, "I do. I'm sure the anger will come later, though."

He gave her a small smile, "Yes, I am sure it will."

"Eloise," Klaus held out his hand to her, "It will be faster with me. Come. There is no time to waste."

He rushed her to the church and guided her up the stairs, "What happened back there?"

"It's over."

"I'm sorry for it," Klaus said, sincerely. "It is probably best before you got too involved though."

"Probably so," Eloise said, "But it still hurts, you know?"

"You really liked him, didn't you?"

"I did. So much," she said, softly as Klaus pushed open the door.

Kieran was lying on the floor, Camille beside him.

"Is he...? Oh, God!" Ella gasped, attempting to get to him, but Klaus grabbed her wrist, twisting her around.

"I fed him my blood."

"What?" Ella cried, "Why would you do that?"

Camille began to cry, "I asked him to. I did this to him. I panicked, Ella."

"Cami," Eloise gently tugged her arm out of Klaus's grip and knelt beside her on her knees. "What happened?"

"I tried shock treatment and I nearly killed him and I panicked. I begged Klaus to give him his blood. I couldn't deal with it."

"Oh Cami," Eloise put her arms her, "It's really not your fault. It's the witches. They did this."

"The witches. Those damn witches," Cami cried.

"I know, I hate them," Ella's tears rolled down her face. "I'll stay here with you." She paused, pulling away.

She glanced at Klaus, meeting his eyes, before asking, "Do you think he will want to..." she swallowed hard, looking back to Camille.

"I don't know," Camille said, quietly, "No, I don't think so. I just wanted more time. I needed more time with him. I didn't get that time with Sean...and" Cami sobbed more.

Eloise pulled Cami in for another hug. "I know."

"I need to talk to you privately," Kieran said, after waking the next morning and spending hours with Camille and Eloise, Klaus keeping watch as day turned to night again.

Eloise yawned, "Me?"

"I'm getting weaker and before..." he looked in her eyes, "I need to talk to you. Alone."

"I don't think it is advisable," Niklaus said, quietly, his stance protective.

"I'll be fine," Ella smiled at Klaus and then squeezed Cami's hand. "No worries."

"If you say," Klaus frowned, looking between the two of them, "Very well, little teacher. We will be just outside."

Cami closed the door behind him and Ella went over to sit next to Kieran on the small cot.

"I want to say that I'm sorry for how rough things had gotten between us," Eloise said, softly, "I wish you had told me about all this sooner."

"I know, but you had enough to deal with after Davina's death. I couldn't put more on your soul. Camille wished to tell you, but I begged her off. Don't blame her."

"Still, I am sorry," Eloise said, "I'm sorry I was ungrateful. I know you were only trying to protect me."

"You're forgiven, child," Kieran smiled at her, a small smile, "I'm sorry I was harsh with you. I only meant it for your good."

"I understand," Ella nodded and they were quiet for a moment before Ella asked, gently, "How are you doing?"

"I know I shouldn't fear, that I tell my parishioners not to, but I do."

Ella reached for his hand, squeezing the tips of his fingers, "I'm sorry. The witches. The evil in them. It's unfathomable...but what do you always say? God is stronger than the evil we face? I still believe it is true, Kieran...despite all that has happened."

"Not all witches are evil, Ella." Kieran looked at her evenly, "Your family...you must explore your past to find your future."

"What are you talking about?" Ella frowned as she let go of his hand, but he reached out to grip it again, squeezing it tightly.

"Your past, your history...the witches, it's all entwined. There was a reason you ended up here...and in my church."

"But, that makes no sense."

"You must, Eloise. If not now, later. One day you will understand," he said, cryptically.

"I don't understand." She frowned, "What are you saying?"

Kieran cleared his throat, "And the dark objects. They belong to you and Camille. Help her with them."

"Of course," But when she looked over at him and she realized that he was eying her neck, his entire features transformed.

"Your pulse, it's throbbing." he paused, his eyes growing wild, "Ella, move!"

Eloise made a move away, but he grabbed her too strong. She struggled, fought like hell, but his face, his fangs, his bite...it all happened so quickly. And he was being so rough- the blood loss was so fast.

"No!" Eloise felt the life slipping for her, reaching for anything to try to protect herself and stop his feeding. "Kieran, please," she screamed. "Niklaus!" she felt her mouth being clamped, by that supernatural power and her fading... with her last bit of strength from the adrenaline going through her body, she managed to grab a chair and throw it at him. She rushed for the door, "Niklaus!"

He grabbed her again, throwing her back, claiming her blood again.

"God, no," she whispered. "No. Not like this."

The door burst opened and Niklaus rushed into, violently throwing Kieran off of her.

Camille started, crying. "No. This isn't right. He would never do this to Ella. He loves her."

"It's the curse. It's going to make him violent as a vampire, Camille. We must," Klaus looked at her, his hold still tight on Kieran. "Tell me what to do."

Camille looked between Ella who was withering on the floor and Kieran. She grabbed the leg of the chair that was broken.

"I'm so sorry, Uncle," she whispered. She handed Klaus the stake.

Ella turned, "Kieran," she crawled closer. "Don't be scared." she murmured. "Don't be scared. It will be fine. Sean...tell Sean.." her voice faded and Camille gripped Kieran's face.

"Tell, Sean, we love him," Cami said, clearly. "Eloise and I both."

Klaus staked Kieran.

"Camille...it will be fine." Kieran reached out for her and then he was gone.

Cami burst into tears and Klaus reached out to squeeze her hand as she sunk beside her uncle, taking him into her arms.

"Niklaus," Ella whispered. "Elijah...I need you to tell Elijah that..." she began to shake.

"No!" Klaus barked at her, harshly, "I will not accept last wishes from you, not tonight, sweetheart," Klaus admonished as he let go off Cami's hand to kneel beside Eloise.

He bit into his wrist, supporting her head, "Drink from me, little teacher. You can tell my brother whatever you wish...you have years to sort it out with him." Eloise drank his blood and then sighed, feeling strengthened almost immediately.

"Thank you."

"Of course, gather your strength, little human," Niklaus said, putting Ella's head down on his knees, and rubbing her head, gently. "My brother would have never let me live it down if I let you die under my watch. It would have been a hundred years of moodiness from him to lose you."

"But he...and I..." Ella closed her eyes.

"Don't be silly, little teacher. I said it's better to let go now, but I really didn't think it was actually over between the two of you. You both won't be able to stay apart for long." He leaned to kiss her head, "Rest a bit. You have been through a trial."

"Cami," she whispered.

"Yes, I'll take care of her," Klaus said, "Let the blood work. That's a good girl."

He gently laid her on the floor before returning to Cami, putting a hand on her arm, comforting the woman he cared for.

Eloise shut the door to Camille's room, going out into the living room and sitting on the couch next to Klaus.

"Is Camille asleep?"

Eloise nodded, "Yes. The sleeping pills worked."

"You should rest too," Klaus said, quietly, "I can stay with her. We can call Elijah to take you home. Give you some pills for you to sleep as well."

She shook her head, "No, Elijah can't be responsible for me any longer."

"I don't think he would mind. I think he would want to stay with you after all that's happened tonight," Klaus argued, his voice quiet.

"It's really okay. I can rest here. If you want the couch, I can take the chair."

"I'll take the chair. You take the couch," Klaus countered, "But before all of that. I must know," he put a hand on her leg and leaned forward, "How are you feeling?"

"Sad. Tired. Confused."

"I meant physically..." Klaus pointed at her bandage, "I came just in time, Ella. Do you know how close you were? God, to think..."

She bit her lip, "Yes, I know. I was pretty terrified, truth be told. I could feel myself slipping away. If you hadn't fed me your blood..." Eloise's eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry. It's just...I'm trying to be strong for Camille, but Kieran's death...after Davina..." she sniffed hard. Her lip trembled.

"Oh, little teacher," Klaus moved his hand to her shoulder, "I should tell Elijah what happened."

She wiped at her tears, "Please do not. It could be construed as manipulative...and it's over. I have to learn not to rely on him."

"He would wish to know."

"I know, but it isn't a good idea, you know?"

He nodded and they were quiet for a few minutes, Klaus's hand still on her shoulder.

Finally he asked, dropping his hand, "What do you mean by confused, Eloise? What did Kieran want to talk to you about?"

"I don't know exactly...he was being pretty incoherent. Something about the witches and my family..."

"Your family, little teacher?"

"Yes," Eloise frowned, "I know my family has ties to the quarter, but I have never had a desire to explore it. But Kieran thinks I need to. And he made me promise to help Camille with his stash of dark objects."

"Hum," Klaus frowned, "I suppose you two can be trusted with them."

"Of course," Ella shifted, "Can I ask you a question, Niklaus?"

"Of course, you may, little teacher," Klaus said.

"I wish..." Ella took a long breath, letting it out, fresh tears welling up, "I want to know if..." she took another breath and then said in a rush, "Will you kill Bastiana?"

"I hadn't thought much about it," Klaus admitted. "I've been focused on Kieran and Camille."

"No, what I mean to say...is..." she ducked her head, "Will you kill Bastiana?" She swallowed hard, hiding her face, "Please."

"Will I kill her for you?" Klaus stilled, "Eloise, do you wish her dead?"

"Yes," she began to sob. "I do. I wish her dead."

"Oh, love," He reached out to tip up her chin with her finger, "Look at me. Come on. This is I. I will not chastise you ever for something such as this."

She met his eyes.

"Is this truly what you wish? For her death?"

She nodded.

"For safety or for revenge?"

Eloise's stomach sank, "Both," she croaked. "I wish her dead for both...to protect the rest of us from her...and for revenge. Seeing what I saw tonight, God, she deserves to die a million deaths for this. It was horrific. I'm so angry. And bitter. And I want her dead. And then I want that damn magical object destroyed. Please."

"I understand," He nodded, "Consider it done, little one."

She swallowed hard, "Thank you, Niklaus." She paused, "Are you going to tell Elijah?"

He raised an eyebrow, his hand still on her chin, "I think I must."

"It's just he made a big deal about your redemption and if this is setting you back any...then..." she paused.

Niklaus laughed, "My brother has been obsessed with my redemption for hundreds of years now. Don't you worry about that. You know broken up or not, you could have asked Elijah for this. I do not think he would think less of you for it."

"I think less of me for it. I rather hate myself for it, but..." the tears continued to fall, all the sudden her erupting into violent sobs.

He looked at her steadily, "Come over here. I shall prove to you my redemption is not being set back fifty years by your request." He dropped his hand from her chin and opened his arm for her. "You have been through it...and so strong for Camille and Kieran...Olivia and Davina...but you are wounded, my little human. Come, let me attempt to comfort you. My brother is a fool to let you go, but he has always been prone to foolish notions of nobility."

She slid over and Klaus reached to carefully pull her into an embrace. "Cry all you like. They may call me an unredeemable, paranoid monster, but I do like you, Eloise."

"I like you too," Ella sobbed.

Klaus rubbed her head, gently, in response. "There, there, sweetheart. Things will be fine, in due time."

"Am I a monster for wanting her dead?"

"She is the monster, love, not you. Do not worry about that. I do believe, even with this request, you have plenty of goodness and mercy in your soul. It's all quite annoying how much so at times. Noble like my good brother. You two are made for each other."

"I wanted it to be him, Niklaus," she buried her head as she wept. "I don't want it to be with any one else."

"Losing your virginity?" Niklaus struggled not to laugh.

Eloise raised her head to glare at him through her snot, tears, and sobs. "Not just that."

Klaus guided her head back down, "I'm sorry. Don't be a sentimental fool, it will still be him. There is little chance of it not being him."

"He says I will find someone else, but I don't think so."

"Tell you what. If in five years, you haven't found someone and Elijah is still being daft, you come find me, little teacher."

"To do what?" Eloise raised her head and Klaus grinned, suggestively, at her.

"Niklaus Mikaelson, it isn't funny!"

"But the thought, is delightful, is it not?" he laughed.

She laid her head back down, "You can be awful at times, but let's make it three. I am only getting older."

Niklaus threw back his head and laughed. "I quite adore you, tonight, Eloise Trahan. Now, go to sleep. You are shattered, poor love."

And he held her until she fell asleep.

"Good morning, brother of mine," Klaus said, entering the dining room the next day, where Elijah was having morning coffee and bagel...and a bag of blood. Klaus took it from him, drinking it. "Lovely day, is it not?"

"Get your own, Niklaus," Elijah reached for his bag, but Niklaus held it away from him.

"I need to gather my strength."

"Why is that?" Elijah looked at him, wearily, "What are you up to now?"

"Eloise asked me to kill Bastiana for her. I figured there was no time like the present. I do like to see her smile. She has such a beautiful one and she has been all weepy and tearful of late." He finished the bag, tossing it down, "Not as good as fresh, but it will do. Will you come with me, brother?"

Elijah stilled, astonished, "Eloise asked you for it?" He paused, "My Eloise?"

"Well, I do not think she is yours any longer, but yes, that's the one. You know the virgin with the wittiest sense of humor...the shy one who comes alive when she is around people she trusts? The teacher with the heart of gold? The one who is weeping tears over you? Ah, yes, that's the one."

"That's quite enough, I know who you mean," Elijah drawled, "I am just surprised. That's so unlike her. What happened?"

"Kieran fed on her to transition. Almost killed her. I stake him. He is dead now."

Elijah paused, jumping up, disrupting the table, his hands fisted, "What? I thought you went to protect her and Camille from Kieran."

"Well, Kieran wished for a private audience. He was on his death bed. I thought it would be fine. But it was not," Niklaus popped open another blood bag, pouring it into a glass before sliding it over to Elijah, "Oh, yes, it was quite dramatic, brother. She tried to get me to tell you her last wishes and all of that nonsense."

"Her last wishes," Elijah croaked, his throat dry.

"Indeed. Drink, you look all bothered at the thought of our little teacher meeting her demise."

Elijah's hand shook as he ignored him, "I should..." he paced, "No, I cannot. It isn't right, but..." he paused.

"And then, later, after she tucked Camille into bed, she asked me to kill Bastiana...for her. For safety and for revenge. And then she had a rather large meltdown. Wracking sobs and all that bothersome behavior that humans like to do," Niklaus said, matter of factually, "No worries. I hugged her and consoled her. Told her she wasn't a monster for it. She can be such a sweetheart at times, can she not?"

"Perhaps," Elijah paused, his fingers twitching, "Perhaps," he coughed, "I should go talk to her."

Niklaus shrugged, "Perhaps. Poor dear. It was awful way to go for Kieran...especially after what happened to Davina. I think Eloise might be concerned Bastiana will come after her next. And it's not so far off the mark, once she realizes how close Eloise was to Davina, and now that she is not under your protection."

"Yes. I think I should talk to her. After I go dispose of Bastiana with you," Elijah growled.

Niklaus gave his brother a grin, "That's the spirit, brother. I would bring Eloise her head, but I think it would be a step too far."

"Do you think?" Elijah rolled his eyes. "We will tell Eloise, gently, that we did what she wished. Not with so much drama. She has had enough for this month."

"Maybe we should bring her flowers. And beignets. She is looking too thin, that one." He paused, "By the way, Eloise and I came to an understanding."

Elijah paused, "You and Eloise? What is the nature of this understanding?"

"If you don't come to your senses in three years time, I would be the one...to...well, you know...show her all the joys that womanhood has to offer her. She was so distraught over everything, I felt quite bad. And it really isn't an inconvenience, I do like her ever so much. And I can already tell, she has a fire in her. Someone just has to light to spark."

"And that person will not be you," Elijah growled. "what would possess you?"

"I have my reasons," Klaus said, "She agreed, you know. You do know, if it bothers you so much, there could be a reason for that. I wonder what that could be." Klaus tapped at his chin.

Elijah pushed at him, "Go on. We will talk about that later. We have a witch to kill."

"It is done, little teacher," Niklaus announced, grandly as he held up a bag of beignets and a drink tray of coffee.

"What is done?" Camille asked, from her perch on the couch, a crocheted green and white blanket covering her.

Eloise's face grew pale, from her spot in the arm chair, underneath a crocheted blanket in blues. "Truly?"

"Ask him," Niklaus gestured his head as he moved out of the doorway, revealing Elijah who was standing at the door. "He is the one who did it."

"Did what?" Cami asked.

"Killed Bastiana," Niklaus said.

Camille paused and then said, "Good." She rose and took a cup of coffee from Niklaus, "I'll take that." She grabbed the bag, "And put these on a plate." She turned, "Oh, come on in, Elijah. I forgot you haven't been here."

Elijah stepped in as Eloise stood up, the blanket dropping to the floor. "Eloise."

Eloise tugged at her lightweight blue sweater that matched her pale blue eyes and brushed the lint off her joggers and then she twisted her hand around her messy bun of dark brown hair, before finally saying, in a croak, "Elijah."

"I just wanted to make sure you are okay after," Elijah paused, "everything." He paused again, "Are you okay?"

She bit her lip, chewing on it. She twisted her bracelet as she shook her head, slowly, meeting his eyes.

He crooked his finger, beckoning her to him.

Klaus and Cami were in the kitchen, chatting. Eloise glanced at them and then crossed the room and into Elijah's arms.

She began to shake. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't..." she said, but she made no move to pull away.

"No, of course, you are shaken. Stay right here with me." He glanced over in the kitchen as Cami and Klaus became aware of what was happening in the other room. He didn't make an attempt to let her go, holding her against him tightly as she cried into his chest.

"Hey, Klaus, I need to go to the church. I want to gather Kieran's papers before any one has the chance to tamper with them. Will you come with me? We can take these to go." Camille stuffed two beignets back in a bag and handed Klaus a cup of coffee. She looked at him, "We will back in a few minutes."

"Thank you, Camille," Elijah said, softly, over Ella's head as they left. The door closed behind him and Elijah guided Eloise to the couch, sitting her down and picking up the blanket to wrap back around her legs. He reached over to gather some tissues, handing her three. "Blow your nose. Wipe your eyes. I'm going to get our coffees and a beignet. You will feel better."

Eloise nodded and Elijah went into the kitchen to retrieve the coffee and the plate of beignets. "Here you are. Scoot over. May I sit next to you?"

"Of course, we may not be..." she flushed a bright red, "but..."

"I know," Elijah said, quickly and gave her a small smile, "Don't worry about all of that now. It doesn't have to be awkward between us, okay?"

She nodded.

"I really just want to talk to you."

"Okay," She whispered.

"Take a sip of coffee, Eloise." His eyes were kind.

"Okay," she said, softly and did what he said.

"Niklaus told me about Kieran and him using you to transition."

Eloise looked down at her coffee cup, "Niklaus healed me."

"There is more than one way to be healed, darling." He inclined his head, "May I look at your wound? If he fed you blood, you may not even need this any longer." Elijah scooted over and gently fingered the bandage as Eloise moved her coffee cup to rest it on her thighs. He eased it off, trying not to pull too roughly. "It looks okay. No blood, barely any puncture marks. A bit of a yellow bruising, but I think it isn't too noticeable. It should be gone soon." He threw the bandage towards the trash, easily making it. "Eloise, when a vampire is in transition, it is difficult to control that impulse to feed, especially for a person that is right next to him. Knowing you, did you try to comfort him?"

She nodded, and Elijah said, carefully, "Given the close proximity to your pulse and the new sensations, his thirst for blood, coupled with the curse, it would have been nearly impossible for him to resist. Clearly, Niklaus miscalculated how far along Kieran was in that process, otherwise, he would never had left you alone with him. And since Kieran didn't know how to stop himself or even feed properly. It's instinctual, but it has to be experimented with. Many young vampires kill unintentionally the first few times they feed unless instructed properly. I don't think he would ever wish to kill you, he didn't know how to feed without doing so. Do you understand?"

Ella bit her lip, "Yes."

"Still it must have been very scary for you."

She nodded, her lip, trembling. "I tried to fight, but he was too strong."

"I'm proud of you for fighting. That's precisely what you should have done, especially when you realize that he was going to kill you."

"But when you fed on me, you were gentle. He was so rough."

"Yes, so about that," Elijah shifted as Ella took another sip of coffee and he reached for his own, taking a sip. He cleared his throat, "My feeding on you was never meant to be primal. There was an intimacy there because I care for you. And because I know what I am doing. If you get mixed up with another vampire ever, unless they intend to kill you, they can be as gentle or as rough as they like, especially if it is more than just feeding. Kind of like...other intimate situations. But if it is primal, simply to satisfy that overwhelming need for blood, usually it tends to be rougher...much rougher."

"I see." She let out a breath, "I thought I was going to die."

"I know," Elijah said, quietly. "And you were fortunate, you did not."

"Did you actually kill Bastiana?"

"Yes. I would have killed her any way. I should have sooner, but Klaus and I were trying to figure out her motive for all of this."

"But you two killed her without ever learning that. Why?"

"Because you asked for it to be done now."

"Am I...reprehensible for asking for that?"

Elijah shook his head, swiftly. "No."

"I was angry. I still am."

"Anger is a completely natural reaction for what you have seen and been through. Anger does not make you evil. Justice was served today. Justice for Kieran, justice within our supernatural world. You think you were acting out of revenge...but Eloise, it was for justice, you asked. And I was glad to dispense it for you."

She took another sip of her coffee. "Thanks for talking to me about this."

He nodded, "Of course. I'm not going to be cruel to you, Eloise. I still have feelings for you. I just won't act on them."

Eloise let out a long breath, "Yeah, I get what you are saying." She reached for a beignet. "I'm calling out of work on Monday."

He nodded, "Good. You should. And maybe Tuesday. Help Cami plan a wake for Kieran."

She took a bite of the beignet and wiped the powder sugar off her mouth with the napkin. "Who will vie for leadership of the human faction?"

"Not you," Elijah gave her the side eye. "Or Camille."

Eloise held up her hand, "Not me. Or Cami. We have all of Kieran's records and files and dark weapons. But I don't trust even the humans with them. She doesn't know about them, but after Kieran's wake and burial, I'll fill her in. But I am not telling the others. Ever."

"You smart girl." Elijah smiled at her, "You will be just fine, Eloise."

She met his eyes, "I wanted you last night."

"I would have come to you. No questions asked. And if you ever need me again, I will come to you."

"Even if you shouldn't."

He reached out lightly to touch her face with his fingers, "Even if I shouldn't."

Her heart twisted. He understood what she needed to hear today, what she couldn't understand about how everything worked...and why Kieran was so rough with her and unable to control himself with her. Elijah was so gentle and patient with her, to explain things to her, to soothe her heart.

She didn't even know, but she had needed his help...to process what happened with Kieran, to release the guilt she felt in her soul with asking for Bastiana to be killed.

She smiled at him and took another bite, "This is good. So good. Your brother does like to spoil me."

Elijah cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow at her, "Anything you wish to tell me there?"

"Hum, no I don't think so," Ella looked amused, taking another bite.

"He will eat you alive."

"Niklaus can be very sweet, Elijah," Eloise retorted. "Three years is a long time. Don't you think?"

Elijah grunted and then reached for the napkin, "You have a bit of..." he moved towards her, "Here," he wiped at the corner of her mouth, his face becoming closer to her as Ella held her breath.

"Elijah," she breathed his name as the tension surrounded them.

"I do want you, Eloise," he said, his voice low and intimate. He paused, fighting the urge to kiss the spot that he just wiped. His voice filled with regret, "But I cannot have you." He kissed her cheek and then drew away. He stood. "I am going to make more coffee. We didn't get enough."

She nodded. "Okay. Sounds good."

She let out a long breath as he moved to the kitchen, burying her face in her knees.

Because despite Elijah's words, she knew what she felt...and what he did. And it was torturous to hold each other at arm's length.

And yet, here they were...at arm's lengths. And it felt unbearable.

A/N: thoughts?! And Niklaus...he knows exactly what he is doing.