Corded Souls Chapter 4: Part 4, a vampire diaries fanfic

It was her last day in Paris and she was going to miss it. The summer had flown by, but in a good way. She enjoyed being in France and experiencing the culture. She learned quite a bit and felt like she grew.

She was a different person here.

Saying goodbye to some of the customers, she glanced at the time and pulled off her apron. It was the end of her last shift.

"À la prochaine, maˈdam!" she told the manager with a wave. She had been working at a small bakery that paid under the table and gave her cash. It helped keep her busy while she went through the summer.

Elena smiled at the sweet old lady, who spoke rapid French and gave her best wishes, as she departed from the shop.

Taking a breath of fresh air, she glanced to her watch and made her way through the city. She was determined to do all her favorite things and stop by her favorite places before leaving.

Her first stop was a coffee shop. She sat at one of their outside tables and drank her coffee while writing in her journal and occasionally texting on her phone.

When her cup was finally empty she packed her things and slung her bag back over her shoulder. She stopped by her favorite local market, talking to the local man and saying goodbye. She did the same to the bookshop and trinket shop she had discovered.

It was late at night when she stopped to pick up some of her favorite foods to eat one last time, along with desserts she wanted to bring home for Bonnie and Caroline to try.

She walked the streets, marveling at the beauty of the city and the calm it had to offer her. It was weird to believe it had only been a summer, and she wasn't sure she wanted to go home to reality.

Tucking some hair behind her ear, she stopped at a dying flowery bush. With a quick glance around the dark neighborhood to make sure no one was looking; she used her magic to make it flourish again and bloom beautiful flowers.

She smiled at the pretty sight and ran her fingers over the blossoms.

Continuing her walk, she pulled out her keys as she made her way to her tiny apartment.

"Elena," a familiar voice called. She spun around at the sound of the familiar voice as her heart hammered in her chest. At the bottom of her steps were three familiar men.

"W-wh-wha..."

She squealed at the startling surprise of Kol's embrace. He lifted her off the ground as he hugged her and she laughed and held onto him.

"Hi, to you too," she chuckled as she enjoyed the welcoming gesture. She smiled as he set her down but continued to hold her. He inhaled the scent of her beauty products and melted at the sound of her laughter.

He parted only to kiss her, sighing happily at how she pressed against him.

She parted from his lips, not letting the kiss get far. She looked to Finn and Elijah; still incredulous they were in Paris.

"Come on," she said, sticking her key in the door and unlocking it. She invited them in and took off her bag. The place wasn't much considering she was leaving tomorrow, but it had been hers for the few months.

She dropped her keys by the door and was brought into a hug by Elijah. She smiled and gave a laugh, setting her food down to hug him back

She missed the way he tended to settle his hand at the back of her neck. He gave her a long loving kiss and she pulled away staring at his lips.

"Hey," he said, holding her close.

"Hi," she said a bit breathless. She then pulled back and looked to Finn. He stood waiting looking quite jealous.

"Finn," she acknowledged, stepping from Elijah.

He pulled her into a big hug and she smiled when he kissed her head. She had forgot how tall Finn was in comparison. He had a few inches over her.

She gave him a quick kiss and stepped back from them. It was funny to see how much they stayed the same, but had small differences from time passing.

"So, does someone wanna share what are you guys doing here?" She wondered. "My flight home is tomorrow."

"Its been an entire summer, Darling," Kol said, as if it were obvious. "We wanted to see you."

She looked at him somewhat skeptically and analyzed the other two. "Right," she said with narrowed eyes. "Well, make yourselves at home. I'm going to go change."

She grabbed fresh clothes and slipped into the bathroom.

She shed her work clothes and changed before unclipping her hair and letting her curly locks fall. Shaking a hand through the mess, she came out from the bathroom and tossed her dirty clothes in her bag.

"So," she stated awkwardly, trying to figure out where to go with their surprise visit.

Kol went to her, taking his crystal from around his neck and putting it back around hers. She had returned it to him before leaving.

"This belongs with you," he urged, enjoying the sight of the rock on her again.

She stared down, fingering the familiar pendant. It was strange to feel it again. Running her thumb over the familiar ridges, she recalled the last time she had touched it.

"Umm, come on," she said, backing up from Kol and taking his hand. "I have something to show you all."

She grabbed her bag of food and then went to a large window. She pulled it up and slipped out onto a platform that had a ladder. She climbed up and smiled at the empty roof.

Using her magic, she lit a fire in the small pit and went to go sit on her favorite old couch.

"Its beautiful up here," Finn said, looking around.

"It is," she agreed, setting out food for all of them to share.

She glanced over the edge of couch and stared out at the scenery.

"It seems like you've enjoyed yourself here," Elijah remarked, standing with his hands in his dress pants pockets.

They had been following her since she left work.

It had been accidental at first. They planned on showing up at the bakery to surprise her-Bonnie had told them where to find her. But when they arrived, only needing to cross the street, they saw her walking out from the busy shop, saying goodbye to the lady who was running the place.

They then, followed her to where she went next, but refrained from surprising her when they found her sitting contently by herself drinking coffee and writing.

They ventured through the city with her unknowing. They enjoyed being near her again. The summer and dealing with Klaus had been too long.

Finally, when she walked home, they called for her. Elijah had been the one to say her name. He couldn't wait to see her look at him again.

"Yeah, it's been good," she said, appreciating the foreign country and haphazardly playing with Kol's crystal.

Kol came and picked her up, settling her on his lap, while Elijah sat near her legs, and Finn pulled up a milk crate to sit on.

She told a little bit about what she had been up to and places she explored.

"Is that why you have so much food here?" Finn wondered, seeing all of her desserts.

She faked offense, reaching over and giving him a shove before going for more dessert. He snickered and smiled at her smile.

"I didn't exactly expect to entertain visitors," she said, breaking apart her croissant. She laughed and protested when Kol stole some, before handing some to Elijah. "I'll go tomorrow and pick them up things before I leave here. You're returning to Mystic Falls, right?"

She wasn't sure if there was some new plan they had yet to tell her about.

"Yes, Darling," Kol replied, easing her worries and kissing her head. "We'll be with you."

Elijah set his hand on her ankle and she looked at him. "We're not leaving you again."

It was one of the most difficult things they had done.

She gave a reluctant nod and looked at her lap. "So, I heard you took down, Klaus. Tell me about it."

She had been keeping in touch with Bonnie and Caroline so she knew a few things.

Finn gave her the details of their takedown. It had been messy and imperfect, but they had successfully daggered their hybrid brother, giving him a taste of desiccation.

"I thought a dagger wouldn't work?" She asked them curiously. She recalled the conversation with Elijah when she learned Klaus was a hybrid.

"We were able to create a golden white oak ash dagger," Elijah explained. "The dagger was transmuted into gold, therefore, bypassing Niklaus' immunity to silver due to his hybrid nature."

She sat stunned. She had to admit, she was impressed with the brothers.

"The threat is over," Kol said, giving her a kiss.

She was quiet briefly, before glancing to the eldest Mikaelson. "How's Sage?"

She had heard from Caroline that Sage and Finn had been trying to work things out. The red-head even helped take down Klaus in the end.

"Fine," he replied, not wanting to talk much about his womanly interest while with her. He wanted them to enjoy their time all together.

They talked for hours and all reconnected. Elena eventually called it a night with all of them, cleaning up the food and putting out the fire.

"If you're staying, you get to sort amongst yourself which one of you gets the couch. I'm not sleeping with all three of you in my bed," she remarked, walking towards the ladder.

She laughed as they got up and shoved one another around. She squealed as Elijah was the one to pick her up from behind and give her a small spin. He smiled at her and kissed her shoulder where her baggy light blue waffle shirt kept slipping down.

"What are you doing?" She asked, seeing him keep hold of her.

He gave her a quick kiss and watched his brothers rush to get into her apartment. "I figure if I hold the girl hostage, I'll at least be sleeping wherever she ends up."

Elena smiled at his smirk and enjoyed his few extra kisses.

Both Kol and Elijah had won the bed and Finn had to take the couch. He grumbled to himself as his brothers smirked and settled on the mattress.

Elena rolled her eyes as she set up with a couch bed. "You all know it's one night, right? And it's not like anyone is getting lucky."

It was late and they had to catch a flight the next day.

"Not the point," Finn noted to her, giving her a hand with the blankets. He kissed her temple and hovered near her.

"You'll survive a night," she assured him. She gave him a kiss and stood at the foot of her bed, seeing two smiling faces. Rolling her eyes, she crawled between them and laid down.

It was oddly familiar to have them both with her and a bit strange.

"Darling?" Kol questioned, seeing her pensive. She looked at him. "Are you alright?"

"Fine," she nodded. She had Elijah shut off the light and set an alarm for the morning. Laying her head on Kol's chest, she let Elijah's arm go around her waist and fell asleep.

Elena woke with a small gasp.

"Elena?" Elijah asked concerned. He put his hand on her arm and turned her to look at him.

"Hey," she said, sitting up slowly and getting control of her heart beat. "What time is it?"

"A few minutes before your alarm," Finn noted, going and handing her some coffee. She thanked him and took a few sips of the caffeine.

"Are you still having nightmares?" Finn wondered.

"Uh, not always," she said slipping from bed. She ran a hand through her hair and then noticed a brother missing. "Where's Kol?"

"Went to feed," Finn answered. Elijah sat studying her.

She nodded. "I'm going to go shower," she told them. Taking her coffee with her, she slipped into the bathroom and shut the door. Letting out a sigh, she slid down the door and sat there for a minute.

She felt heavy. The nightmares were increasingly strong. Fuck.

Giving herself a few more minutes, she got up and ran the shower, jumping through fairly quick. She grabbed some clean clothes and made sure everything was packed.

"Okay, I'll be back. I'm going to head to the bakery down the street and grab some things for Care and Bonnie," Elena said, grabbing her keys and bag.

"Would you care for some company?" Finn asked curiously. Elijah looked to her hopeful as well.

"Sure," she agreed.

They grabbed their things and left with her.

"So, how are things with Sage, really?" she asked Finn as the three of them walked. "I have sources tell me you two made up."

He stared at his shoes and nodded. "Yes. We've been…working on things."

"Good," she chirped. She liked that he was happy. "I heard she helped with the whole Klaus thing. It seemed like you couldn't have done it without her."

"I wouldn't go that far," Elijah remarked, still a bit distasteful for the woman.

Elena looked at him curiously and they continued walking. It wasn't long before she got to the bakery and Elena went looking at all of the goods. She spoke with the shopkeeper in French, pointing to all of the things she wanted wrapped, and smiled as they made small talk.

Elijah paid for her things even with protest and she thanked him on their walk home.

"I didn't know you spoke French," Finn noted.

"I didn't," Elena said with a small laugh. "My mom made me take French for years and was horrible at it," she spoke.

"Yet, you speak it almost fluently here," Elijah stated.

"It's hard not to when you're submersed in the culture. You pick up a few things. And I think I learned more than I realized. I guess school was useful," she stated.

She took them to her favorite coffee shop, stopping by there one last time and ordering a very large coffee.

"You are going to be up for days," Finn declared, seeing the huge cup.

She took a sip, savoring the drink. "You'd be surprised," she spoke. She smiled at the flowers in the street, running her fingers over some of the petals.

Elijah paid for a small bunch of them.

"You don't have to," she said, as he thanked the florist

"Maybe I want to," he replied, helping her pick a few.

They continued along until they came back to her apartment where Kol was waiting on the steps. "Took you all long enough."

"I'm enjoying the last of the city," she justified.

"You can come back, Elena," Finn said. It was as if she was saying goodbye.

"I know, but probably not for a while," she stated, glancing around as she opened the door. They walked inside and gathered their things. They had an hour before having to go to the airport.

With a last glance, she said goodbye to her familiar space and left for home with the Mikaelson men.

She had been quiet most of the flight. They all were interested to know what she was thinking about as she stared out the window.

"Out with it," Kol finally said next to her. "What is going on in that pretty little head of yours?"

She looked at him with interest. "Nothing really. Just waiting to get home," she replied. "It's hard to believe it was only a summer."

None of the men were sure how to take her response. They had felt some disconnect with her, but figured it was their bond all being strained for so long.

She stared out the window. It all felt different but quite the same. She wondered what the new year would bring and if it'd all work out in the end. She wasn't sure of herself.

Kol set his hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. She looked down at the embrace and forced a small smile on her face. She looked back to the window, laying her head against the plane. Everything felt different.

"Elena," Kol called, shaking her awake a bit harder. She gasped awake and was startled at her surroundings. There was rough turbulence shaking the plane. Glancing around and finding herself safe, she realized she was the one making the ride rough. Concentrating, she stabilized their flight and controlled her breathing.

"Elena?" Finn questioned.

Kol pressed his hand to the side of her head, looking concerned at her.

"Sorry," she breathed out. She pulled her seat belt off and made her way through the plane to the bathroom. She quickly shut herself in the confined space and let out a breath.

She turned on the cold water of the faucet, pressing the water to her face to wake her and remind her she was in control. She continued to splash it over her face until she felt more ready to go out again. She dried her face and stared at herself in the small dinky mirror and then unlocked the door.

A hand reached out and grabbed her elbow and she looked back to see Elijah waiting for her.

"What's going on?" he questioned. It was the second time now he had seen her wake startled.

She swallowed hard and put herself against the wall. She looked around at the empty small space and then back at him. "Kiss me."

He gave her a curious look, trying to understand her reasoning.

"Kiss me," she demanded stronger.

He leaned in, giving her a gentle kiss. Her hand slid up to the back of his neck and she felt a sense of security wash over her. He always seemed to bring her stability.

They parted from their kiss and his face lingered near hers.

"I might be a bit on edge to be going home," she stated to him. He held her close and soon dipped his mouth back to hers. He wanted to comfort her. "You're safe," he breathed. He pushed some hair behind her shoulder. "And everyone missed you."

"Even you?" she wondered, searching his face for the truth.

"Especially me," he confessed. He pressed his head to hers, savoring the feel of her. He kissed her head and held her close for a few more moments. When they were both ready, he guided her back to their seats.

Elena sat back down and took Kol's hand again. He looked at her with concern and she stared back out the window with his hand in her lap.

The first thing she saw when opening her front door was Bonnie and Caroline waiting with big smiles on their faces. They squealed when seeing her and quickly rushed to elope her in a hug.

Elena dropped her bags and smiled and laughed, hugging them both back. She had missed them tremendously.

"You're back," they cheered, pulling back from her.

"Your hair," Elena said in astonishment to Bonnie. She had cropped it short. The witch smiled.

Elena then looked to her other friend. "You look great, Care."

The girls all hugged one another.

"Okay, my turn," Jeremy declared coming into the room. She brightened at the sight of her brother. Reaching on her toes, she hugged him tight. Happy tears filled her eyes and she was hit with a huge relief. She had been worried about him the entire time she was gone.

"I'm still here," he remarked, knowing what she was thinking.

"I know," she murmured, burying her face against him. He chuckled and hugged her tighter.

She went to Alaric next, smiling at the sight of him. She relaxed when he hugged her. She forgot how safe she felt with him.

"How was France?" he asked.

"Good," she chirped, pulling back and smiling at him. "Amazing actually."

Everyone gathered in the house for dinner and they caught up with one another. Elena smiled at all of the stories they had from the summer. Bonnie had come home only a week ago after traveling with her dad all summer, and Alaric and Jeremy had been home for a few days now.

"If you guys leave me without me for another summer, I am going to hurt you both," Caroline threatened her best friends. She had missed them terribly.

"Aren't you all rooming together for college?" Jeremy asked, getting up from the table. "I think you'll eventually get sick of one another."

The girls raised their eyebrows at him.

"I wouldn't be so sure about that one, Jer," Alaric noted. He knew the girls were pretty tight, even when they had their differences.

While Kol played video games with Jeremy after dinner, Caroline talked with Finn and Elena laughed with Bonnie and Alaric while Elijah and Jeremy made small talk. She passed out gifts for everyone and the girls all tried their treats that got brought home.

"Okay," Alaric said, eventually calling it a night. "Not too late. You guys have school in the morning."

"Senior year," Caroline said excitedly. They smiled to one another.

"This is the year, you guys," Caroline told her friends. "There's no Klaus, no psycho-Elena stalker, not as much boy drama, and no big supernatural problems."

"Cheers to the no stalker part," Jeremy noted.

"It'll be a good year," Bonnie agreed.

Elena smiled to them, finding the smile slightly forced. "Senior year," she said incredulous. They smiled to one another and hugged some more before saying goodbye. Elena stood on the porch with the Mikaelsons.

"Was it better than you imagined?" Finn wondered; having heard she had been nervous about the reunion with everyone.

"It was," Elena agreed, going and sitting on the swing. "And I'm honestly excited to see Rebekah and Stefan tomorrow for school."

They chuckled.

"Go get some sleep," Elijah advised, giving her head a kiss.

"I love you, Darling," Kol murmured.

"Love you too, Kol," she said softly. Finn gave her a quick hug and soft kiss. "See you tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I'll swing by after school," she agreed. She watched them go and then stayed outside for a few moments, savoring the peaceful night before going in.

The first day of school was oddly refreshing even though it felt fairly repetitive. She enjoyed catching up with Stefan and falling into the usual patterns with chatting with her friends and attending classes. She chatted with Rebekah during lunch and a bit after school.

"You guys, bonfire tonight. Don't forget. You better be there," Caroline said quickly, before rushing to go to cheer practice.

"Who'd want to miss the taste of stale beer?" Rebekah questioned sarcastically.

Elena gave a chuckle, walking out of school with the girl. "They're actually pretty fun. And if you're lucky, sometimes, people bring some better stuff than the watery keg beer."

"Goodie," she said flatly. They went back to the mansion together, where Rebekah had pointed out her brothers had been like sad puppies without her.

"I'm sorry about Klaus," Elena said softly, knowing how close Rebekah was with her. She sighed. "Yes, well, maybe a few years will teach Nik a lesson or two."

Elena tensed at the idea of Klaus returning.

Rebekah got out from the car and Elena took a moment before following, walking into the familiar mansion.

She was caught off guard by the sight of Sage and Finn. They were on the staircase together, with Sage on the steps looking lovingly to Finn.

"Uh. Sorry," Elena said, dropping her head. Finn took a step back from Sage and Sage looked amused at the two of them.

"Elena," Sage acknowledged.

"Hey Sage," Elena said awkwardly.

Sage looked to the teen, stepping down the stairs and to Elena. "So, I don't really do apologies," she stated. "But I truly didn't know Klaus was going to try and kill you."

She nodded. "Thanks…"

"Darling," Kol said, surprised to see her. He came down the stairs, suspicious of Sage.

"Hey, I actually was just leaving. Uh…tell Rebekah I'll see her tonight," Elena said, backing up and quickly leaving from the house. Kol glared to Sage. "What did you do?"

Sage raised a brow and gave a smirk. "This time? Nothing. I think she was actually running from all of you."

Finn hung his head and Kol glared to his elder brother.

Elena was in the middle of getting ready when the doorbell rang. With a huff, she rushed to get it, holding two tops in her hand she was trying to choose from.

"What are you guys doing here?" she asked, seeing the three Mikaelsons.

"Besides barely seeing you today?" Kol asked, stepping inside and giving her a kiss.

"Yes. Look, can we do this upstairs? I have to get ready," she said, trotting back up the steps. She looked at her two tops again as she waited for her curling iron. Black sheer top or red crop top.

"I vote neither to those," Kol remarked, going and laying on her bed. She gave him a glare. "Well then it's a good thing I'm not asking you."

She went with the red top, putting the other back in her closet. Quickly changing in the bathroom, she came back out and checked the time. "So, what's up?" she asked.

She grabbed some of her makeup off her dresser, deciding to go darker around the eyes.

"I thought you were stopping by after school?" Elijah asked.

She hesitated. "I did and then I had to go," she said.

"Elena," Finn said in a knowing voice. "Be honest with us, do you have a problem with Sage? We understand if you would. Would you prefer me to stop seeing her or discuss our terms?"

She did her mascara and then touched up a few curls to her wavy hair.

"No, it's fine," she told him. "Really. It just takes a bit of time to get used to. Sage is fine."

She sprayed her hair and looked at the time. Running her hand through her hair, she let out a breath. The same bonfire every year and yet it was different. And it was her last.

She went looking for her shoes, picking out some boots with a bit of a heel.

Finn went to her and stopped her. "Look at me," he demanded. He wanted her full attention. Her eyes were guarded.

"We matter," he said strongly. "This relationship matters, Elena. If you're uncomfortable, you need to say something."

"It's fine," she said putting on a brave face. "Now, I have to go." She dropped his hand from her face and grabbed her leather jacket.

"You know…" Kol said from her bed.

"No," she said, flipping her hair out of her jacket. "You're not coming with me." She looked to each of them. "None of you are."

She grabbed her phone and walked out from her room seeing Jeremy walking out of his. "Uhhh…" he looked to the Mikaelsons behind her, curious what they were all doing in her room.

"Ready?" she asked her brother, ignoring his curious look.

"Yeah, let's go," he said. He put on his jacket.

"Jeremy is going?" Kol asked.

"Yeah," Jeremy said with furrowed brows. "It's not like a school thing. You guys can—"

She put her hand over his mouth. "We're getting out of here now."

The Mikaelsons looked confused to one another while Elena dragged her brother out of the house. She looked to the men. "I'll catch up with you all later, okay?"

Elijah's eyes narrowed. She was hiding something. "You shouldn't drive," he said, going to take her keys. She quickly pulled them away. "Jeremy is going to be. I'm fine."

She gave each of them a quick kiss and gave a wave, tossing her brother the keys and making her way to the bonfire.

"So, what was that all about?" Jeremy wondered. He figured they'd be going with her—or at least Kol. He looked young enough to fit in with them.

"It's complicated," she said.

"You know you always say that, right?" he asked.

"Because it always is," she retorted, staring out the window. "Plus, it's a new school year. I don't need to start it off with rumors."

He frowned and let the topic go. It wasn't long before they got to the spot and parted looking for their friends.

"Elena!" Bonnie called. She looked around and smiled, seeing the familiar face in the crowd. They made their way to one another and Bonnie handed Elena a beer.

Thanking her, they sipped their drinks and stood around.

"Ladies," a familiar voice called. They turned to see Stefan.

"Hey," they smiled.

"Have you seen Caroline?" Elena wondered.

He nodded. "She's talking to some of the cheerleaders near some of the trucks parked by the woods."

"Who brought the good stuff?" Rebekah asked, coming up to them with a decent beer in hand.

"That'd be me," Damon said, coming up to them with a six pack. Stefan rolled his eyes and the rest of the group had furrowed brows and perplexed faces. "What are you doing here, Damon?" Elena wondered.

"Aren't you a bit old for this?" Bonnie questioned.

"Do you not have anything better to do?" Rebekah asked.

"Says the 1,000-year-old girl hanging with high schoolers," Damon glowered to Rebekah. He turned to Bonnie next. "I thought I'd win a few over with my generosity and I have. No need for your judginess little witchy," he stated.

"Where's your boy posse?" he asked Elena. She glared at him.

"I thought they'd be attending with you."

"Well, they're not," she snapped.

"Damon," Stefan sighed.

"That's right," he bit out. "You're one big happy family."

"Okay, cut it out, Damon," Bonnie interfered. "Go be a creep who hands out beers elsewhere."

He scoffed and left the group.

Stefan frowned. "He's watching over me, playing big brother."

"Why?" Bonnie asked.

Elena studied him. "You're trying human blood again."

He nodded. "Trying to rebuild a tolerance and work on suppressing the urges," he spoke.

"Is that wise?" Bonnie wondered, thinking of how his decision to do something similar last year ended with him being an emotionless asshole.

"This year is going to be exciting," Rebekah noted, taking a long sip of her beer.

He rubbed the back of his neck. "It'll be better this time," he assured them. "And Damon is making sure of that by hovering."

They all hung around the bon fire, eventually letting the alcohol loosen them. They laughed and dance and it was a normal time with nothing eventful or tragic happening.

With a smile on her face, she got home safe with Jeremy and called it a night.

"Red or yellow?" Rebekah asked, holding up two shirts. Elena looked up from her books. "Are you honestly asking for my opinion or just go with the opposite of what I say?"

Rebekah glared.

"Yellow," Elena answered.

The blonde went and changed into a pale-yellow top, then doing her makeup while Elena did some homework.

"Okay," Rebekah said, feeling slightly nervous. Elena smiled at the girl. "You look great."

The doorbell rang right on cue and Elena got up from the bed.

"This is ridiculous," Rebekah said. She was one of the oldest vampires in the world and had gone on plenty of dates. Why should this be different?

"Stop second guessing yourself," Elena scolded. She grabbed the blonde's cell phone from the bed and escorted her from the room.

"Here," she said, giving her the phone. "Now. Go answer the door and meet Matt. Have fun."

Elena watched from the staircase as Rebekah grabbed her things and answered the door.

"What are you doing?" Elijah asked, seeing her in the hall. He went to stand next to her, looking to where she was staring. "I see."

She smiled to him. "I'm getting out of here now, actually," she said, giving him a quick kiss and going to Rebekah's room to get her things.

"Why not stay?" he questioned, following her. She hadn't stayed over since coming home from France. She only ever popped in and out. He hovered in the doorway. "I'll make dinner."

She shut her bag and slung it over her shoulder. "It's a school night," she replied.

He studied her. "It hasn't stopped you before."

"True, but I also don't have a change of clothes," she replied.

He pursed his lips in thought. "I'm sure Rebekah could lend you something."

He pushed off from the doorway and went to her. His hand settled at the back of her neck. "Stay," he requested, taking her bag from her shoulder.

"Fine," she said giving in. He leaned in and kissed her and her eyes fluttered closed. She moved her mouth against his and pulled him closer by his dress shirt.

He held her against him, embraced in his arms while their lips battled. She moaned in their kiss at his aggression and picked her up, wrapping her legs around him. He sped her to his room, pushing her against the back of the door.

She gave a startled breath, but had barely a second to think about it with his lips on her neck. she groaned and ran her hands through his hair, grinding her body against him. "Elijah," she breathed. Her lips went back on his and she hastily went to unbutton his shirt.

He set her down and kept her pressed to the door, helping her with her clothing. His lips found every inch of her skin to kiss as she stripped, and he assisted her with shedding his own clothes. Their lips found one another again, tugging at one another.

Elijah groaned, keeping her pinned with his naked frame and raised their hands together. He ravished her neck and entwined their hands pressed on the door. His mouth dipped to her breast, giving a hard suck. She groaned as he teased her.

Using her magic, she flipped him back, pinning him to the wall. He looked at her with surprise, but had no chance to think about it when her mouth hit his and traveled downward. He gave a loud groan as her mouth took his stiff length. He gasped at how much he missed her.

"Elena," he panted. He ran his hands through her hair and watched her suck him. The back of his head hit the wall and he groaned as she used her tongue. "Enough," he said, using his speed to shift them back to how they were.

He pinned her to the door and nipped at her lips. "If I'm going to cum somewhere, it's going to be inside of you," he said huskily against the column of her neck. He picked up one of her legs, wrapping it around his waist as he slid inside of her.

She gasped at the feeling and he groaned against her skin, burying his face in her neck as he gave her his complete length. Their mouths attacked one another and their needy passion continued. He gave rapid, sharp thrusts for her, picking up both of her legs and taking full control.

She pulled him close to her, wrapping her arms around him and running her hands through his hair. "Elijah," she panted, clawing at his skin. His face burrowed against her skin and he continued to thrust.

She moaned helplessly, enjoying how the desire between them was mutual. Her body bounced against him and got tighter with each thrust. He never once stopped and kept control of her hips. He nipped her skin and kissed her forcefully. His speed and force picked up just slightly and he drove into her until she reached her climax.

He groaned against her neck, giving jagged thrusts. He was quick to spill inside of her, releasing a load that had been pent up for a while. He entwined one of their hands, raising it above her head as he kissed her until he was done.

He pulled back just slightly to look at her. She had a warm glow and seemed satisfied. "Well, looks like we got that out of the way," he remarked breathless.

She gave a small laugh, holding onto him while he had her in his arms. He smiled at her happiness and kissed her again.

"Does that mean we aren't doing this again later?" she questioned teasingly as he set her down on her feet. He pulled out from her and watched her grab her clothes. "Don't tempt me," he stated dangerously.

"Later," she clarified with a smile. She gave him a small kiss. "I think you promised me dinner."

She pulled her pants back on and he dressed quickly and followed her downstairs.

While Elijah made dinner Elena finished her homework. They ate together and washed the dishes. It was a quaint night and she enjoyed it.

"I'll be right back," she said, going to leave the living room.

"Where are you going?" he questioned, watching her trot up the steps.

"To raid your book collection!" she called. He had cases of books and planned to read all of them one day. She squealed when she was picked up and in his room within seconds.

"I wanted a book," she said with a small laugh as she found herself on the bed.

"Which?" he asked, going to lay down with her.

"No—…" she shivered as he gave open mouth kisses to the side of her face, working his way down. They drove her crazy. "—clue."

She pulled her mouth back to his and quickly went for his belt. They were practically naked when Elena stopped him. "What about the rest of the house? They'll be coming home."

He went and pulled out some dried sage from a small container. He brought it back to her, letting her spell it. When it started to burn, he set it down on a side table and went back to kissing her.

They rolled in bed together for hours until she was exhausted.

"Oh my god," she said breathlessly. She rolled off him and pulled the sheet around her chest. She laid her head on his chest.

He kissed her head, running his fingers through her hair. He had missed her—not just for sex, but he missed feeling close to her. "Sleep," he commanded gently. Pulling her closer, he made sure she was comfortable and smiled when she fell asleep in his arms. He had never been happier.

Elena woke up to an empty bed. Elijah's spot beside her was cold and she was still naked.

Giving a tired groan, she rolled to her back, keeping the sheet tucked around her and rubbed her eyes.

"Goodbye, Kol," Elijah remarked, coming into the room with a tray.

Elena sat up, her brain still waking. "What's going on?"

Elijah was dressed and holding a tray in his hands, while Kol was complaining about what he had missed.

Elijah set the tray on the bed, giving her a small kiss and then turned to his brother, shoving him to the door. "Go, Kol."

The door slammed shut and Elena sat up in bed, cradling the cup of coffee in her hands and sipping it. "How long has Kol bothering you?" she asked curiously.

"The entire time I was making breakfast," he replied, coming to lay with her. "You've got school in about an hour." He kissed her for longer. "I apologize for not being here when you got up."

"You're forgiven," she said, giving him another kiss. "Only because you made the waffles."

He gave a chuckle and she smiled, reaching to the plate and taking one more.

"Leaving so soon?" Kol questioned as Elena and Elijah came down from the bedroom. Elena rolled her eyes, going and kissing his cheek.

"Stop being jealous."

He watched her walk around their kitchen and ran a hand through his hair. He blew out a breath of frustration. He hated how perfect the two of them looked together.

"Did you want to work on your magic after school today? We haven't done something like that in a while."

She stiffened and shut the refrigerator door. "No. I'm good."

"Good morning," Finn stated. Elena looked to see him and Sage and she gave a forced smile. "Hey Finn. Sage."

"Elena," Sage acknowledged. She turned to Finn, giving him a kiss. "Okay, well I am going to go." She gave him another kiss. "Love you."

Elena stood awkwardly in the kitchen grabbing more coffee and waiting for Rebekah. She tried ignoring the couple's goodbye.

"Are you alright?" Elijah asked quietly seeing her tense.

"Fine," she chirped, tsking a long sip of coffee.

When Sage left, Finn looked to Elena. She was uncomfortable.

Before he could try to talk with her about it, Rebekah appeared. "Ready?"

Elena grabbed an apple from the counter, silently appreciating the girl's timing. She put her bag around her shoulder and said a quick goodbye to everyone. She had made it to the front door when Kol sped and caught her arm before she could exit.

"Hold on," he said, pulling her back. "You never say no to working on magic. You always push me to teach you better control."

She shrugged. "Aren't you the one telling me I shouldn't be using it anyhow?"

His eyes narrowed.

"Elena," Finn sighed. "You're not fine with this arrangement. We can all tell."

Elena looked to see Finn and Elijah now joining them. She shook her head. "I'm not doing this."

"What?" Elijah asked confused.

"This three on one thing," she said. "I really have to get going."

She gave Kol a kiss and backed away from the other two, hastily exiting.

Kol stared after her. "Something isn't right" he said to his brothers.

"She's avoiding me," Finn declared. "Maybe I need to take a break from Sage."

"It's something more," Elijah agreed with Kol. He noted little things that had changed, like her not wanting to stay over.

Kol looked back at the door where she had left and shook his head. He was certainly going to find out.

A flyer was slapped down in front of her and she groaned. It was the car wash event.

"No," Elena stated, looking up to see Caroline looking at her with a disproving look.

"I'm short girls and you know some of the people on the football team. I need the help and you're my best friend. Please come support me?"

Bonnie looked between the pair, knowing this was going to be a fight if one didn't give in.

"I will—by being a patron," Elena stated, pushing the flyer back to the blonde. "I'm not participating."

"Ugh! Come on, Elena," Caroline pouted, sitting down next to her in the cafeteria. "You don't even have a car to bring."

Elena faltered, unscrewing the cap on her water. "It's not a good idea, Caroline."

While she wanted to be there for her friend, wearing a swimsuit and washing cars was not a good idea for her. She knew the Mikaelsons would show and people would talk. She was steering clear of rumors this year.

"Don't tell my brothers," Rebekah stated, seeing the flyer. She came and sat down with them. "Go to the stupid event for an hour."

"I don't even have a swimsuit," Elena said. The event was right after school and running through the weekend.

"You can work the Saturday shift," Caroline said hopeful. "I'll be there and so will Bonnie. Rebekah is stopping by for a bit. Come on."

Elena groaned and Bonnie gave her sympathetic look.

Caroline grinned, knowing the look on her friend's face. She grabbed her into a hug. "Thank you!" She skipped off to finish details of the event.

"You really need to grow a backbone," Rebekah commented.

Elena glared. "Weren't you just the one saying not to tell your brothers."

She shrugged. "I didn't say give into Caroline Forbes."

Elena rolled her eyes and slouched in her chair.

Kol huffed and locked his phone screen. Grabbing his jacket, he went to go find Elena.

"Where are you going?" Rebekah called.

"To see Elena," he replied.

Before he could exit, Rebekah was at the door. "What about family time?" she questioned.

Kol's eyes narrowed. "Family time? Is that the best you got?" he questioned. He glared at his sister. "What schemes are you up to sister?"

Rebekah looked up to see her other brothers joining them. She steeled herself. "I'm not scheming anything. I think you just look desperate."

Kol glared. "She's my soulmate and avoiding me."

Rebekah rolled her eyes. "Quite dramatic, aren't we?"

"Rebekah, what have you done?" Finn asked suspiciously.

"My god! Why am I always the one at fault?" she huffed.

Elijah's eyes narrowed. "You're not answering the question."

Kol stood impatient. Pulling out his phone, he called Elena. It rang and soon went to voicemail. "Get out of my way, Rebekah—before I make you," he warned.

"You're pathetic. Just see her later," she tried again.

Before things could turn into a fight, Finn had Kol with his arms behind his back and Elijah was standing with his arms out between the pair. He looked to his sister. "Tell me."

She crossed her arms and sighed. "There is a school car wash going on today. Elena is helping out."

Finn's brows furrowed. "Why didn't she tell us?"

"Because she doesn't want us there," Elijah gathered.

"…possibly," Rebekah stated.

Their brows all furrowed.

Rebekah swallowed hard. "I might have suggested hiding it from you three at school yesterday."

"You did what?" Elijah asked in a sharp tone.

She sighed. "Caroline has been hounding her for days. It was merely a suggestion. She gave into Caroline and happened to do what I recommended. I may have told her I'd run a bit of interference for her while she had her shift."

They glared at her.

"Look," Rebekah told her brothers. "You three just showing up would call attention to all of you. She gets off in a few hours. I am going in an hour or so to go see Matt anyhow. I'll make sure she's alright."

Kol pulled himself out of Finn's grasp. He looked to his sister, glaring, and grabbed his car keys, heading to the school car wash.

"Kol!" Elijah called.

"Elijah," Finn sighed. "We should—"

Elijah pinched the bridge of his nose. "I know. Let's go."

Rebekah huffed and tossed her arms in the air. "Perfect. Just what I was trying to avoid."

"Do not speak," Elijah warned his sister, grabbing his keys and leaving with the two of them.

"Elena! This is a sexy suds car wash. Not a t-shirt contest," Caroline scolded. "Shirt off."

"I said I'd be here and help. I'm not walking around in my swimsuit," Elena stated.

Bonnie came up to the two. "Go easy, Caroline. Elena is here for you."

"And I appreciate it," Caroline stated. "But everyone is in swimsuits. Now come on. At least just take the shirt off. You can keep your shorts on."

"Care," Bonnie tried for Elena. She understood her friend's hesitations. Caroline was starting to push too hard.

A cold squirt of water hit Elena's back and she gasped. She looked to the culprit and noticed some of the guys on the football team snickering with the hose in hand. "Come on, we want to see what's underneath."

"Really?" Bonnie glared to the men.

"Hey!" Matt called angrily, going to deal with his team.

The guys all scattered

Caroline yelled at them to go back to work. She looked to Elena. "Well, you're wet now. Might as well take the t-shirt off?"

Elena glared as Caroline walked off and Bonnie gave her a sympathetic look. "I'm sure it will die down. Come on. Let's stick together. We've only got a few hours left."

Elena sighed, and pulled her shirt off to reveal her black bikini top. "I'll be glad when there are no more school events," she muttered. Bonnie gave a laugh and they walked off to the cars.

Lines were long and the people supposed to be working weren't doing such. It made Elena grumpier than she already was.

"Hey," Stefan said, catching his friends washing a car. Both girls smiled. "Are you coming to help?" Bonnie wondered.

"Please don't tell me you brought your car," Elena said, knowing he had too nice of a vehicle to bring to this thing.

"Are you kidding? Hell no. I'm not letting the cheer or football team near anything of mine," he stated. The girls chuckled

He glanced around. "It looks like you guys got another good turnout, though."

"Is there such as thing as too good?" Bonnie wondered, looking over to some of the football team with the cheer girls. They were playing with the hose and goofing off instead of taking care of the line of cars.

"Hey Matt," Elena smiled as she saw him approaching.

"Hey Lena. Bon," he greeted. "How is it so far?"

He noticed Elena keeping head down, drying off a car and trying to ignore the cheer team looking at her. He looked to Bonnie, who was still giving sympathetic looks to her friend. They were all worried about her.

"People are jerks," Bonnie stated for Elena.

"It's fine," Elena sighed. She stopped drying and sucked in a breath. "They have to stop eventually. And boobs seem to be a new concept for some of the guys of Mystic Falls High."

Matt, Bonnie and Stefan chuckled at her words.

The football team suddenly hosed Matt, getting Elena and Bonnie both soaked.

"You get wet easy, Gilbert," some of the football players teased to Elena, seeing her top half dripping wet.

"Get out of my sight!" Matt threatened to his team.

Stefan looked to the girls. "You okay?"

Elena stared at the hose in the football team's hand. Using a bit of magic, she turned up the pressure on the water, making it slip from his hand and spray all over. The group struggled to catch the line and got soaked in the process.

"I can't say they didn't deserve that," Matt said, grabbing towels for him and the girls. Stefan looked amused at the display.

They dried off and let the next car come through.

"Alright, I'm going to let you guys be," Matt said, seeing his team get rowdy. "Let me know if you need anything."

"Me too," Stefan said, going to take his departure.

They smiled and watched them go.

"Three more hours," Bonnie reminded her friend supportively. She talked with the next customer while Elena refilled the buckets with soap and water. They looked to the muddy car and started working.

"I'm pretty sure they just went and got their car dirty in whatever possible to come here," Bonnie noted.

Elena laughed, taking the hose and trying to remove the thick layer of mud. She heard a car door shut and glanced around. Tensing when her eyes landed on a familiar figure, she swallowed hard.

"Darling," Kol stated, leaning against his car. He was up next in her line. He stared at her; his eyes amused to see her reaction.

"What are you doing here?" Elena asked.

"Kol," Elijah's scolding voice called.

Bonnie grimaced and looked to Elena. The girl stood frozen.

Elijah and Finn looked to her, caught off guard by how good she looked.

"I tried," Rebekah noted, walking past her. Elena looked after the girl, wishing for help.

"It's best not to follow whatever our sister advises," Finn stated in a scolding tone with Elijah looking the same.

"Clearly," Elena muttered, turning her attention back to them. Her ears caught the whispering and she looked around. A few were standing and staring at her.

"Go back to your cars," Bonnie advised the men hushly.

They looked at her puzzled and then noted everyone around. More were starting to comment.

"Elena," Caroline said, coming up to them in her pink bikini and clipboard in hand.

Elena looked to her friend, seeing the cheer team now talking about her.

"Do me next, Elena!" one of the guys from the football team shouted. The team laughed.

"Slut," a cheerleader commented loudly.

Caroline looked to her team with a glare.

The guys snickered. "Elena, you know, you can come give me a wash! I'll—"

"—shut up right now or I swear I'll make your life hell," Matt threatened his team.

Elena shut her eyes and took a breath. She could hear people calling her a whore and a gold-digger. She dropped her sponge and looked to the Mikaelsons. "You guys just had to come," she said bitterly.

She turned to walk off and take a break when some of the girls banded together and threw a large bucket of soapy water on her.

Matt and everyone working went to quickly interfere.

"Doesn't even seem like that will help," a cheer girl sneered as she got pulled back. "Slut."

"Hey!" Alaric shouted, catching the scene.

Matt quickly grabbed Elena a towel and Bonnie stood near her while Caroline went to interfere and get the girls away.

"Damn girl," one of the guys stated. He looked over Elena's figure. "You know, I don't got the money, but I'll sure be part of whatever arrangement you got goin'."

Rebekah, Stefan and Alaric held the Mikaelson men back.

A large fire on one of the cars caught everyone's attention and the football team went running for one of their cars that was on fire. They quickly went dumping water over it.

Elena pushed her way through the crowd of people and quickly rushed off from the area.

"Elena!" her friends called. "Elena, wait!"

Caroline sped in front of her. "Okay, look, I know—"

"—I told you, Caroline!" Elena shouted. "I told you I didn't want to do this stupid car wash! I told you!"

"I know," Caroline said regretfully. "I'm so sorry, Elena. I didn't know it would get this bad! I thought everyone was over it and that you were old news!"

"Elena," Bonnie said softer.

"Elena, please," Caroline begged on the verge of tears. "I'm sorry. I will talk to everyone and make sure that they pay for this, okay? We won't let it get far."

"It was supposed to be a new year," Elena shouted with tears in her eyes. "I-It—"

"—we know," Bonnie said sympathetically, going and putting a hand on her friend's arm. "We can still turn it around."

"How?" she demanded to her friends with tears now down her face. She noticed Stefan, Matt, and the Mikaelsons all joining her now. She shut her eyes and shook her head. "How, Bonnie?"

She looked at her friend helpless. They all knew homecoming was coming up. It'd only make it worse. "Just leave me alone."

Alaric went to catch her so she wouldn't walk home. He had a towel in hand for her, wrapping it around her shoulders. "Come on. I got you."

She leaned against him and everyone watched them walk off together.

"Was it like this—before?" Elijah demanded to know from her friends.

"A bit worse," Matt admitted. "She tried not to let it get to her."

"Ugh!" Caroline huffed, throwing her clipboard down. "People are just horrible!"

"Why'd you make her do it, then?" Kol glared. "You pushed her into this."

Caroline glared. "I didn't make Elena do anything. She showed up and was being a supportive friend to help me."

"And look what it costed her, Caroline," Rebekah stated frustrated.

"Okay, stop," Bonnie said, not letting the fighting continue. "Caroline is right, Elena chose to do this. And yes, it backfired. But we couldn't have known it was going to be this bad."

Kol's hands were clenched in fists.

"She just needs some time to calm down and get her head together," Stefan agreed with Bonnie.

Elena holed up in her room for the rest of the day. She laid on her bed thinking about the turn of events.

"Elena?" Ric said, knocking on her door and poking his head in.

She looked to him.

"Do you want to see them?"

She groaned and put a pillow over her face.

"I'll take that as a no," he stated.

"Ric," she called before he could shut the door. He looked at her and she pulled the pillow from her face. She looked at him, silently questioning what to do.

"It's up to you," he said, not wanting to make the choice for her.

He opened the door wider and went to go sit on the bed with her. "Look, I don't know how this whole bond thing works between the three of you," he said. "All I know is that… if you're happy and you love them, don't let this small-minded town get to you."

She sat trying to swallow her tears. "It feels like this is impossible."

He was thoughtful. "Love isn't easy," he said. "But it can be worth it. Wouldn't you agree?"

Her eyes dropped from him and she nodded. He reached over and kissed her head. "I'm sorry you're going through this. I wish there was something I could do to stop it."

"Thanks, Ric," she said softly.

He got up from the bed and shut her bedroom door. "Not tonight, guys," he told the three. "Give her a bit of time."

They all stood with varying worried and pensive faces. He sighed and went to the door, opening it for them to get the hint.

"Alaric," Elijah finally spoke, wanting to protest the decision. They needed to see her.

"She found a way to get through the rest of this horrible day," he told the men. "She's the strongest person I know. She can get through anything. Just give her a bit of time to do so."

With a few more seconds of pause, they finally shuffled out the door and Alaric shut the door. Vampires.

"Okay," Alaric huffed. He had picked up defense training again with Elena. "I'm getting out of here. I'm meeting Meredith for dinner. You good here?" he asked breathless. She nodded. She was going to practice a bit more.

"Don't stay out here past dark," he advised, glancing around the woods.

"I won't," she promised.

Elena stayed for about an hour, practicing on a dummy before packing her things and walking back. She was determined to make the most of her senior year. She faced the people at school and even made it through the week. She needed to keep busy and do things. She had to keep moving.

Walking up to the house, she felt a rush of wind behind her.

"Elena," Finn's voice called. She looked over her shoulder, seeing the three familiar men.

"Hey," she said to them. She opened the door and let them inside. She dropped the things in the closet under the stairs and then stared at them.

Jeremy came walking down the stairs, looking at all of them and feeling the tension in the room. "Uh, 'Lena…I was going to get out of here. You good?"

She nodded.

"A package came for you. I put it on your dresser," he said, giving her cheek a kiss. She watched him go and locked the door behind him.

"I'm not going to break," she told them, feeling them stare at her as if she were fragile.

"It would be alright if you did," Finn assured her, putting his hand in hers.

"You are human, darling" Kol remarked, giving her cheek a kiss.

She gave a small smile and looked at his hands on her shoulders. "I'm all sweaty and gross."

"Sweaty yes, gross no," he replied, giving her shoulder a kiss.

She glimpsed at Elijah who was pensive and guarded. She had them go upstairs with her. "Out with it," she commanded, knowing he had something on his mind.

"You never told us the rumors and name-calling started again," he stated as they got into her room.

She shrugged. "It wasn't all that bad until the car wash. High school jocks remembered that girls have boobs and it brought out the crazy."

Kol and Finn gave a small chuckle while Elijah just stared at her. "Is that why you've been different?" he asked. "You don't want to be seen with us?"

"What?" Elena asked confused, pulling out her ponytail.

"You're hiding something," he accused.

"Elijah," Finn warned, wanting him to tread carefully. He went and sat on her bench by the window while Kol sat on the bed and Elijah continued to stand.

Elijah ignored his older brother and pushed. "You've been acting different. You rarely stay over the mansion; you aren't as affectionate. You're…you're holding back."

Elena shook her head and ran her hands through her hair. Her patience was very little. "What do you want from me, Elijah?"

"I want the truth," he demanded sternly.

"The truth?" she huffed angrily. "The truth is yes; I'm being called a slut. And a whore. And whatever else people can think of," she spoke. "But I'm going to get through it because I always do."

He shook his head and pointed a finger at her. "You know there is more to this thank you are letting on. Your actions speak more than what happened at the car wash."

She glared.

He looked to his brothers and tried to bite back his anger. He took a deep breath and looked at her. "Whatever is going on, we can work through it. We love you, and want you safe, but you constantly push us away."

She looked at him incredulous. "You all up and ended things for a summer. And you dare stand there and say you love me and I'm the one pushing you away?" she asked him. "You all wanted me out of the picture because our bond and relationship weren't convenient for you at the moment," she glared with hurt.

"What did you want me to say, Elijah?" she said disbelieving. "Did you want me to confront you guys on how you all take love as a weakness? That you all decided to just push me away so that you could feel strong about yourselves?"

His eyes narrowed. "You don't—"

"—you don't just stop loving a person when it's inconvenient for you!" she shouted at him. Her mirror shook and she looked to it, trying to calm herself.

"Elena," Kol said cautiously.

She turned to the object, touching the glass and calming the vibrations. She hung her head and slowed her racing heart.

"You didn't ask if it'd be okay. You didn't do anything but make a plan and demand I follow it," she told him. She looked in the mirror at them. "You all left and expected it to be fine. You expected it to be okay and it wasn't."

She was hurt by their actions.

Elijah faltered, as did the other brothers. They hurt her.

She curled her hair behind her ear. There were things that they needed to know. "Your mother came after me."

Their heads all snapped to her.

"What?" Elijah asked with a sharp breath.

"While I was in France and you were all busy fighting Klaus," she said over her shoulder. "Esther came to try and kill me."

"That—no," Finn said, trying to make sense of their mother's actions. She wouldn't harm an innocent.

Elena swallowed hard. "Klaus had the white oak, meaning our lives weren't yet linked, and she got her loophole."

Finn looked pained.

"Her objective at the time was to kill her children," Elena explained. "She knew Klaus would keep the white oak by any means necessary and we'd never have linked lifespans. You'd be alive for eternity. She was desperate and figured if I was gone, with the bond between us, you might consider ending your own lives."

They were all speechless.

Kol tilted his head and looked at her. "'at the time'," he stated, calling her out on her words. His eyes narrowed, knowing her too well. "What did you do?"

She shifted where she stood and swallowed hard. "The agenda changed. The ancestors began to turn on your mother. They were unhappy at her failures and began to work on bringing back Mikael."

Fear struck each of them.

"Esther and I are working to make sure that doesn't happen."

"What?" they all asked.

"What did you do, Elena?" Finn whispered dreadfully.

"Hey body was weak. She had been using my blood she stole from Klaus to keep her power and fight the ancestors. She was juggling too much at once. When she came to kill me, I offered her a better solution."

She looked at them. "In exchange for helping me to learn to control my magic, I am letting her channel me so that she can survive."

The men were baffled and so Elena gave them a minute. She looked to the package on her dresser and opened it. It was from Esther.

Elijah went and looked at it. It was a piece of black rock.

"Don't," she said, not letting him touch it when he reached down to pick it up. "It's from your mother. It's like a secret message that can received by touch."

He looked at her, feeling overwhelmingly betrayed.

"This isn't your fight!" Kol declared angrily, getting up from the bed. "You have no idea what you have gotten yourself into. We had this! You had control over your magic!"

The mirror behind her vibrated and started to crack. "Control?" she asked incredulous. "You think this is control?"

It shattered into pieces and she threw all of the shards at her bed frame and her wall. The windows and glass around the home began to shake and the men looked around.

"No, Kol! I don't have control of it! I never fully could," she said furious with him. "Nothing I do can control this—No breathing technique or focusing. It is too much for me to handle!"

She held her hands out and pulled the shards out from the wall and headboard, keeping them suspended in the air above her bed. The men all looked at the broken pieces.

"I'm half-witch and a doppelganger. Both of those together are dangerous. I can power an entire coven of Travelers because of the magic in my blood."

She collected all the glass from the mirror together by closing her fist.

"I'm not going to apologize for what I did when you all decided it was best for me to get out of your lives. You left me, so I had to deal with this on my own."

The men all felt a pang of guilt.

She threw her hand behind her and the mirror pieces turned liquid, forming back into the frame with perfection. The windows stopped shaking and she clenched her fists.

"I'm done getting lectured by the three of you. You all threw me away the moment you felt weak and you dare call that love."

She turned to the box and went to take the rock when Kol sped and stopped her. He looked at her with fear and worry. "You cannot trust my mother."

Her anger lessened and she looked back at him. "But you can trust me."

His heart ached as he looked at her. "Don't do this. We will find a different way to get you to handle your abilities and break from my mother. We won't leave, Elena," he said, on the verge of begging. "It was stupid of us to do in the first place."

Her hand moved from the box and settled on his chest as he pulled her close and held her.

"I'm not backing down and I am not letting your father come back to try and destroy your family. This time, it isn't your fight or family business. Your mother wants Mikael to stay dead, just as much as I do. You need to trust me."

"Our mother is known to lie, Elena," Elijah said pained. "She could hurt you."

"If I die, so does she," she said. "She's channeling my blood for power. For now, we're on the same team."

Kol held her. "How do you plan on stopping the ancestors?"

"Kol…" she hesitated on telling him much in case he was to try and stop her.

"No," he said stubbornly, reading her face. "You're not hiding any of this from me. I want to know, Elena."

She sighed and looked to the rock in the box. "We're going to destroy the other side."

"You're—…that is your bloody plan?!"

She rolled her eyes and pushed away from him. Turning around and was met with Elijah. She sighed.

"You both are absolutely insane!" Kol scolded.

"What do you suggest, Kol?" Finn asked.

"We wait and figure out something different. We figure out how the ancestors are going to bring Mikael back and stop Esther from stealing power from Elena."

She huffed. "You aren't listening!"

A lightbulb in her lamp popped and the door to her room slammed shut. She scolded herself.

"Get out," she said to the three of them. She stepped away from both Elijah and Kol. None of them moved so she looked at them. "Get out or I will make you."

"We're listening," Finn said calmly. He took a step towards her. "We will listen."

Kol ran a hand over his face. "That could very well kill you."

"You're going to have to trust me," she told him adamantly.

He stepped towards her, bringing her into his arms again.

"I will do anything for the ones that I love," she said, staring down at his chest. "And I know the idea of losing me is scary, but I'm not going to let you all die. I can stop this, Kol."

"Let us," he pleaded. "We're the Originals."

"And I'm just a human," she agreed. He stared at her, brushing her bangs from her eyes. "We'll come back to you."

She looked at him. "Do you know how many people I loved have died for me?" she asked him. "John, Jenna, my parents, Isobel, and the list keeps going." She put her hand on his cheek. "I'm human, but I can do this."

"Elena," Elijah's voice trembled.

She laid her head on Kol's shoulder. "I feel like I'm constantly trying to hang onto everyone I love for dear life, and no matter how hard I try, I still lose them."

"We're here, Darling," he promised.

"I know," she said, lifting her head. "And I want you to stay that way."

They were Originals, but they were vulnerable.

She stared at him. "I won't ever leave you, Kol Mikaelson, but please, you have to stop leaving me."

She used her magic to bring the rock in her hand and listened as Esther's voice filled her head.

"What is she saying?" Kol urged.

Elena glanced back to her clock. "I'm to meet her somewhere. Tonight."

His hold on her got tighter.

"We're going," Finn said determinedly. He had much to say to his mother.

"Fine," she agreed. "But I need to shower and change," she said, stepping from his arms. "I need an hour."

They looked at her suspiciously, watching her grab her clothes and towel.

"It's a shower," she said rolling her eyes. "None of you are joining me."

She walked into the bathroom and shut the door. Turning on the water, she looked at herself in the mirror and frowned. She looked tired.

She was less an hour in getting ready and when she came out from the bathroom the Mikaelsons were waiting, including Rebekah.

"Seriously?" the blonde glared to the doppelganger.

"Don't start," Elena warned to the girl. She looked at the time and then grabbed her phone.

"What are you doing?" Finn asked when she put the phone to her ear.

"Calling my backup," Elena replied. It rang twice more before the line picked up. "Hey Bon. It's me. Can you meet me somewhere? I need that favor now."

Elena gave her the location and then hung up, grabbing her jacket.

"Bonnie knew?" Kol glared.

Elena had told Bonnie about what was going on one of the first nights after Esther came and threatened her in France. Bonnie had promised to be there in any way possible and not to tell anyone anything.

"When you're nearly strangled by the Original Witch, you call for any help you can get," she replied.

She walked out from the room and left the house with the Mikaelsons in tow. They used their enhanced speed to bring her to the specific location in the woods, where Bonnie was waiting by her car.

"You okay?" Bonnie asked, looking to the Mikaelsons behind her friend. She was sure they were angry.

"Great," Elena sighed sarcastically. They walked to a familiar ground. It was the tunnels Elijah once showed her.

"Ready?" Bonnie asked, grasping Elena's hand.

Elena looked down at the cave, seeing the glimmers of light. Esther was already waiting. She took a breath and tried not to think about what she had gotten herself into. "Yeah."

The two took the jump down, landing on their feet with the help of their magic. The Mikaelsons all looked at them with interest and then followed them down.

Esther had lit the way, showing them to the area of the tunnels that vampires could not cross. It was where Esther had kidnapped Elijah.

Kol quickly pulled her back from stepping over where he couldn't reach her. "No," he said adamantly.

Bonnie looked worriedly to her friend and waited.

"You're not going in there alone," Elijah agreed, stepping in front of her.

"Please, relax," she told them both calmly. "I'm just here to talk with her."

"Mother!" Finn called. His voice echoed off the tunnel walls.

She stepped around the corner. "My children."

"What are you doing, mother?" Finn asked. He couldn't understand her motives. He couldn't wrap his head around her justification for going after Elena.

"What needs to be done, my dearest Finn," she stated. She looked to the hold Kol had on Elena and she broke his wrist.

He hissed and Elena looked to Esther. "Stop."

Esther motioned for her to step over the line and Elijah moved in front of her to stop her.

"Please," she begged him. "It's just to talk. You need to trust me." She reached up and gave him a kiss, then side-stepping him and walking over the hold with Bonnie.

"We have much to discuss," Esther said. "I see you've told my children our deal."

"They deserved to know what is coming for them," Elena justified.

"Well, if we can stop it in time, Mikael may not come at all," she stated. She motioned for them to enter further and both were surprised to see spirits.

"Ayana?" Elena asked.

"Grams?" Bonnie asked incredulous. They stepped towards the circle of moonlight and had a brief discussion about the other side. It was possible to destroy, but it would take all of them.

"Do we know when he is coming?" Bonnie asked the group.

"The ancestors are preparing," Esther answered. "She looked to Elena. "How is your control?"

She ran a hand through her hair. "I've had better days."

"It's been an emotional week," Bonnie said supportively.

Esther nodded and looked to Elena. "Keep it under control. Watch your emotions."

She nodded.

"We should go," Ayana spoke to the women.

"Be safe," Esther said.

They soon disappeared and were left with just Esther. "I will let you know where to meet next. It's best you don't bring my children."

"We can hear you," Kol called in aggravation.

Esther gave a flat smile and looked to both girls. "I'll see you both soon."

Flames from the candles roared and they both glanced around. The tunnel gave a shake and Esther was gone.

"That was a way to exit, I guess," Bonnie stated.

Elena shook her head and sighed. "Let's just get home. I'm exhausted and my head hurts from all of this."

They walked to the group, who gave them some scolding. Elena tucked herself against Finn tiredly. "Are you alright?" he asked worriedly.

She nodded. "Like I said. Tired from all of the drama. Can you take me home?"

He had her hold on to him and sped her home with Kol following. Before Elijah could follow, Bonnie grabbed his wrist. "Go easy on her. I know you're mad, but she's trying to protect you."

He glared to her.

"We don't need protecting," Rebekah stated.

Bonnie gave an offended look. "Really? Not from Mikael? From what I hear, he hunted you all down for centuries."

They faltered and Bonnie stared at Elijah. "You made her leave town for the summer. What did you expect?"

Rebekah was quiet, unable to speak for his brother. She had thought it was idiotic to send Elena away as well, but they had done it regardless.

"It was for her own safety," Elijah justified.

"No," Bonnie argued. "You could have allowed her to be here. You could have worked around it, especially for the sake of your guys' bond, but instead you pushed her away. You told her you loved her and then you pushed her away—again."

Rebekah looked to the witch in amusement. She wasn't sure if she heard many people ream out an Original and survive.

Bonnie glared at the nobleman. "She loves you more than you know. Elena is my best friend and she has lost enough. She is risking her life because she doesn't want to lose the three of you. She loves you guys. Do you think we like working with your mother? Because I'll tell you, it's not a joy. But we do. Because we fight for the ones we love. So, stop making it worse for her or I will come after you."

She gave one last menacing glance to the man before getting in her car and driving home.

"Well, that was quite entertaining," Rebekah commented.

Elijah glared at her.

When Elena woke the next morning, she found steaming mug of coffee on her nightstand again. Glancing behind her, she found no one in her bed. Confused, she slid from bed and made her way downstairs. Elijah was in her kitchen making waffles.

"These are amazing," Ric stated, munching one of Elijah's famous waffles.

Jeremy agreed, his mouth stuffed full.

"What's going on?" she asked confused. She hugged her sweater tighter to her body.

"I can see why you stay at the mansion," Alaric noted. She furrowed her brows, looking to their plates and then to Elijah to explain his presence in her home.

"Eat," he demanded lightly, pushing a plate of waffles to her.

She looked at the food and shook her head. "No, thank you." She left the room and went to go back upstairs to bed.

"Elena," Elijah called, going to follow her.

"Go away," she stated, walking up the rest of her stairs and back to her bed. She flopped belly first on the mattress and tried to ignore his presence in her doorway.

"You didn't drink your coffee," he noted.

"I don't want any," she said with her head turned from him.

His eyes narrowed and he frowned. She always wanted coffee. He wasn't sure if he'd ever seen a time without it in the morning.

He left her doorway and went to sit on the edge of her bed. "Elena," he said gently.

"Go away, Elijah," she said staring out the window. He reached over to her, hesitantly setting a hand on her back. He stared down at her, wanting her forgiveness. He didn't know how badly he hurt her by sending her away.

She loves you more than you know.

He removed his shoes and laid down with her, pressing his body close to hers. "I'm here," he murmured.

They laid together for a while. Alaric had stuck his head in and checked on them. Seeing neither seemed to be in a mood for explaining what was going on, and still fully clothed, he let them be.

"You can't talk me out of helping your mother," she finally stated.

"Okay," he murmured, giving her shoulder a kiss.

Her eyes narrowed as she stared out the window. "And there's no planning behind my back to stop me."

His hand rubbed her back. "I wouldn't, Elena."

She turned her head and looked at him, searching his eyes for the truth. "You would. If it was a danger to me. You'd try to find another way."

"When you love someone and that person loves you in return, you're uniquely vulnerable. They have a power to hurt you that's like nothing else," he stated. He looked at her weakly. "I know what it is like to feel loss, Elena. It's something we share. And I never want to be in a place where I lose you."

She stared at him, considering his words and hurt. "You see love as a weakness."

"I see it as a power," he corrected. "One that can be revoked by any being and used against you."

"Is that what eternity does?" she asked. "Make everyone jaded?"

He ran a hand through her hair. "More than I realized," he admitted. He looked at her. "It wasn't until I fell in love with you that I started to believe differently. This bond has pushed me to re-think who I am as a man."

They stared at one another. He could tell she was uneasy at his words. Holding her close he decided to be the most vulnerable he had ever been in his existence. "I'm not sure if I've experienced love before—not like this."

She swallowed hard.

"I'm sorry for hurting you," he whispered to her, kissing her head. "Forgive me."

She closed her eyes, savoring the feel of his lips. When he pulled away, she rolled him onto his back and laid her head on his chest.

"Show me more about what life used to be like for you," she requested softly. He looked down at her and put his hand to her head, recalling some of his past memories.

They laid like that for most of the morning, repairing damage they had done to one another.

It took time for the three to re-build trust in their complicated relationship. It was like they had to start over again. It was a slow process that took work and being open with one another and wasn't always the easiest.

She was exchanging her book at school when she found a thick envelope with her name on it in her locker.

She turned it over and broke the wax seal, opening it up to find an invitation to meet at the Mikaelson mansion. Looking at it confused, she saw a note scrawled from Finn in his familiar script telling her he'd be taking her out.

Stuffing the note in her bag, she shut her locker and went to her last class of the day. She pulled out her phone when she was seated and texted him.

What are you up to?

Found the note, did you? He replied.

I did. Care to shed light on what's up for tonight?

Just follow the instructions on the invite, he replied.

She sighed at his answer and waited for school to be over. She pestered Rebekah on the way home and then was confused when the blonde dropped her off and drove away.

Elena went to the door and Finn opened it with a smirk on his face.

"Seriously, what is going on?" She asked.

"Today marks the day my crystal turned when we met," he remarked. She looked at him with surprise. She felt like an idiot for not remembering the particular date.

"I'm sure it wasn't all that great of a day since it was quite traumatic to hear three brothers were tied to you, but I wanted to change that. I want the life altering day to feel good to you," he stated.

She was baffled what to say.

"Come," he said, taking her hand and leading them out the door.

He took her around town, showing her all the familiar places but telling them how they used to be for him. They got ice cream, which was one of his favorite things she introduced him to upon starting their relationship, and then took her outside to the middle of nowhere, where it was dark and he had a whole area set up with a blanket bed and candles and food.

"Finn Mikaelson, " Elena said in awe.

He smiled and kissed her cheek. He guided her to the area.

"One thing that never changed was the stars, " he spoke. "It was the only thing besides you that made me think I'd survive the modern world."

They laid down together and he held her close. "I was so hurt, Elena. So bitter and traumatized over my brothers' actions and betrayal. They left me in a box and lived. They were nothing but hypocrites for speaking of loyalty and family. "

She pressed a hand to his cheek, hating the hurt she saw in him.

He kissed her palm. "Your love and patience changed me. I learned how to forgive through your kindness."

He kissed her lovingly. "Thank you."

She was speechless, unknowing what to say. Pulling him in, she kissed him again.

He groaned lightly against her lips. It felt years since kissing and touching her.

"Finn," she moaned, feeling his excitement.

His cheeks pinked and she continued to lock her lips around his, grinding her body to him.

"Elena," he breathed, his hand going to her hips. He pulled his face back to look at her. He wanted to be sure. They had started over and he knew she was still uncomfortable in their relationship with Sage.

"I love you. I want to make sure I'm not pressuring you. I can wait," he said. He didn't want his pent-up need for her to rush things.

She stared at him, flushing a bit. "Our conditions..." she said awkwardly. He leaned in and kissed her. "Nothing changed, Elena," he assured her. He had still wanted only her and was saving himself for that. He continued to deny Sage in every sexual manner.

She looked at him with a bit of surprise. She was learning how sexual vampires could be and she was sure Sage had needs. She figured it changed between them when they all started over. "But—"

"No," he answered, seeing her discomfort. "Not in any matter. I made it clear to her and she knows if she tried, I'd end things. It's my vow to you Elena. It's part of how we make this work. My body is only yours. And same with my sexual pleasure."

She blushed at his words and he smirked. He gave her a kiss and stared at her. "Don't ever think Sage would come before us."

She gave a nod, laying with him and enjoying his kisses.

He didn't let things go too far for them. Instead, he had them eat and then blew out the candles so they could lay and look at all of the stars.

"It's incredible, " she said, never having seen so many. They were far from light pollution.

"It used to be like this often," he remarked, thinking about his days.

Her hand slid up his chest and she stared at him. "Are you alright?"

His voice sounded sad.

"I miss it sometimes," he acknowledged. "I dont miss my father and I do enjoy many of the things in the present day. But parts of what used to be can't compare. We lived among horses and animals. Fires and dancing were simple."

She recalled some of the memories Elijah would show her. She could see how it would be something to desire.

"You know," he said still staring up at the sky. "One of my favorite things in this modern day? Showers."

She gave a hearty laugh and he smiled. "But quite seriously, hot water almost endlessly. Or cold water, if necessary. You can just stand there. It's brilliant."

She smiled at him and gave him a long kiss. "You need cold showers at times, huh?"

A blush grew to his cheeks and her smile widened. She sat up on her elbow, enjoying how she could tease him. "Finn Mikaelson," she said slyly. "Why do you need cold showers?"

"I dream of a certain girl," he admitted, while running his hand up and down her side. "Beautiful long brown hair, gorgeous face," he said. "The way she can kiss...her lips are unlike anyone else's."

She smiled at him, enjoying his thumb brushing across them.

"And these dreams with this girl," she teased. "What tends to happen?"

He stared at her, his eyes filled with desire and need. "I think you know."

"I don't," she replied. She was curious just what he liked them doing in his dreams.

"My beautiful soulmate is naked before me," he confessed. "And I feel the smoothness of her skin."

"Hmm..." she said, going to take off her top. He swallowed hard, watching her strip. She put his hands on her body. "Keep going."

He ran his hands on her, touching her soft skin. She got up from him and he watched her stand to shimmy out of her pants. She stood in her bra and panties.

"Finn..."

She sat back down on him.

"I kiss her."

His mouth attacked hers and she moaned against his lips. He was hungry for more. He unclasped her bra and she pulled off his shirt. They rolled her onto her back and he quickly undid his pants, showing his need for her.

"Elena," he groaned needily. He groaned louder as she stroked him and he slid her panties down from her long legs. "I need you."

She nodded against his lips and he was quick to plunge inside of her. He broke their kiss and groaned against her chest. He hadn't had her in so long.

"Finn," she trembled. She bit her lip and he looked up at her. "What is it, my love?" He asked concerned.

"I'm close," she confessed with pink cheeks. Her body felt on edge and she was embarrassed she wouldn't last much at all for him.

He gave a small chuckle and kissed her. "That's perfect. "

His hips began to move against hers and she moaned loudly. "Ouhh," Finn groaned out, clutching the blankets as they moved so he wouldn't accidentally hurt her. "Elena," he trembled. Her body hugged him and he kissed her skin, shivering when she cried out and her body climaxed. He gave a few more thrusts, barely able last longer than she did before releasing inside of her.

He moaned and gave small kisses to her neck as they waited until he was done.

It was the quickest sex they had each had, and yet highly pleasurable.

"I like these dreams you have," she panted. They both laughed and he kissed her. "I have a few more," he stated. "All with you, my love."

She smiled at the way he said 'my love'. She kissed him lovingly. "Show me."

She knew he was ready. He smirked and put his mouth to her ear. "You're going to be exhausted by morning."

She gave a laugh. "Then you better buy me coffee. "

He smirked and gave a sharp thrust, making her moan. They had all night.

Their date ended with a hotel shower. As he desired, he kept her up most of the night and exhausted her body. They slept for hours until he brought them to a spa the next morning to pamper her and ease her muscles.

Somehow between that and some sleep, they were fairly re-energized for one another.

"Elena," he groaned, bowing his head to watch her down on her knees on the tile for him. They had done every fantasy he imagined and she was teasing him now in the steaming shower. He'd be able to only ever think about this.

He groaned loudly, his head going back against the tile as she moved her mouth and tongue up and down his length.

"Ohhh!" He found her talented at this maneuver. "My love," he whined, his hand in her hair. She was going to make him fill her mouth.

He called for her louder and it wasn't much longer before he climaxed at the pleasure. He trembled and gasped. He moved her hair back and watched her lips around him. He was going to be hard for days.

He panted and ran his fingers over her wet hair as he recovered. He was going to have a difficult time not dreaming of this memory. He groaned looking down at her. Her mouth released him and she stood back up.

"You have ruined showers for me," he declared.

She smirked and kissed him. "And here I thought I made them better."

He latched his lips to hers. "There is no way I won't be hard now each time I shower."

She gave a small laugh. "I think cold showers will still work for you."

They made out with one another until Finn made them get out and he had her begging for him over the edge of the bed.

He groped her ass cheek when they both finished and then helped her climb into the bed. He lulled her to sleep and smirked at the turn of events. Their anniversary definitely turned around.

"Hey," Elena smiled, feeling her neck get a kiss from Elijah's lips.

"What are you looking for?" He asked, having found her in his room.

"I'm in the mood for poetry," she told him, raiding his collection. "Suggestions?"

He pulled her to a different bookcase, pulling a book from the top shelf. "Try this."

It was another very old and fragile looking book.

"Thanks," she smiled. She went walking from the room when her name being called again stopped her. She looked to Elijah again.

"Your homecoming is coming up."

She tensed.

"Did you plan to go?"

She shrugged. "Probably best not to."

He frowned and walked to her. "I thought the rumors had died down?"

He had been keeping a closer eye on it, along with school events.

"They have," she said. "And I'd rather not push it."

He looked at her. "If you want to go, you shouldn't let others stop you."

"I know," she agreed. "I'm just not sure I want to."

"So, if I asked you to join me on a trip, would you?" Kol's voice asked her from the bedroom doorway. Her head snapped around to look at him.

"You'd probably miss that ridiculous high school football game, though," he stated.

She looked at the two of them curiously. "Where would we go?"

"As if I'd share that," Kol teased. "And no, Elijah would stay here."

Her brows furrowed.

"Would you go?" Elijah questioned. They all wanted to make it easier on her for her last year of high school. It was her last homecoming, but it was a school dance. They were giving her a backup plan.

"I guess I'd go on this mysterious trip," she replied.

"Good. We leave tomorrow," Kol said before leaving.

"Wait! What do I pack?"

Kol was already gone and she looked to Elijah with furrowed brows.

He gave her an expressionless face and she scowled. "Don't give me that look."

She left his arms and he smirked when she disappeared from his room. They had a few tricks up their sleeves she had yet to see.

Kol had compelled the whole first class to clear out so they had it to themselves.

"Kol," she laughed as he sat down in an empty seat and smirked at her.

"I'm not joining the mile high club with you," she teased lightly, knowing what he was thinking. She set her bag down and he grabbed her by the waist, setting her on his lap. "Studies say that it makes orgasming much more intense," he said, running his hands down her thighs.

"Nope," she said catching his wandering hands and getting up from his lap. "Not happening."

He huffed lightly, smiling at the sight of her happy.

"You're staring," she commented, going to sit in a chair across from him.

"I am," he said, not denying it. "I can't stare at my girlfriend?"

"Is that what I am?" she asked curiously.

"Well, I figure the word 'soulmate' might be a bit intimidating to you," he remarked.

"Fair point," she replied. "So where are we going?"

A smirk grew across his face. "You'll have to wait and see."

She rolled her eyes. "I hate you sometimes."

He got up from his seat, hovering in front of you. "We both know that is one big lie," he stated, giving her a loving kiss.

He sat down next to her, pulling up the arm rest so that she could lean into him. He kissed her head, having enjoyed being with her alone again.

"How did you get Alaric to let me miss two days of school?" she questioned as they waited for the plane to take off. Homecoming wasn't until the weekend and yet she was leaving mid-week with him.

"He knows hard this is for you, Elena," Kol said kindly. "It didn't take much more than asking. He's around you and all of the idiots at your school."

She played with his hands and fiddled with his daylight ring.

"What is the meanest thing that has happened to you with your bullying?" he asked her curiously.

She tensed. "I don't think we should be going over that," she replied. She didn't need townspeople being murdered.

Kol rolled his eyes, knowing what she was thinking. "I won't kill them. Maybe just…pull off a limb or two."

"Nope," Elena replied.

He sighed. "Come on. Tell me? We'll be far away from here in a few minutes."

"And you've got a very excellent memory," she stated back, leaning up and bringing him in for a kiss.

They went quiet for a few moments, and the plane made signals that they were getting ready to take off. They sat up from one another and buckled their belts.

"Please, darling?" he asked.

She sighed. "I came to school one day and there these flyers that were made," she said, recalling the school year. "They listed my dating history and guessed the sexual positions I probably had with each guy, and posted them everywhere around school."

He tensed.

She curled some hair behind her ear. "Bonnie and Caroline quickly helped me get them all down. Caroline sped around school for me and Bonnie used her magic to burn a bunch. Matt and Stefan took them out of the guy's locker room and they were gone by second period."

He wrapped his arm around her and kissed her head. Mystic Falls was lucky Kol Mikaelson was departing for a while.

He surprised her with a trip back to the Bahamas.

"Seriously?" she asked when they stepped out of the airplane. He smirked at her.

"Hold onto me," he requested. She wrapped her arms around him and he took them to their hotel. She was stunned at suite. It was huge and secluded. The bedroom had a high ceiling, a seating area, and enormous bed. And upon walking out the private patio, there was their own swimming pool, hammock, and amazing view.

"Welcome back," he murmured in her ear. She looked at him, stunned to silence. He grinned.

"Thank you," she stated. She turned back to the view. She couldn't believe she was here again.

"I love you, Elena," he murmured. She looked over her shoulder and kissed him. "I love you too, Kol."

They spent the day shopping and exploring again. Elena was thrilled to be back and experiencing the land, making him go to most of the places she had last been.

"Elena," he groaned loudly when he finished inside of her. They had settled in their bed for the night but neither were quite ready to call it a night.

He kissed her and brushed some hair back from her face. They panted against one another, both coming down from their highs.

She hummed in happiness, smiling when she felt his lips on her collarbone. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, content to feel him still buried inside of her.

"I love you," he breathed, kissing her lips.

"I love you," she replied, feeling perfectly content. It had been the best day.

He eventually rolled off her and brought her to lay with him. She ran her fingers over his muscles, not wanting the night to end.

"What is it?" he asked, seeing her fight her sleep.

"Everything is just…it's perfect," she said softly.

He smiled, running his fingers through her hair. "Well, it's a good thing we have many days left here."

She smiled at that, leaning up and kissing him. She felt asleep a few moments later and Kol reached for his phone. He sent a quick text to his brothers and then put it away and fell asleep with her.

They spent the days swimming, hiking and eating local cuisine. Elena gave little thought to homecoming until they sent her pictures of them getting ready. They missed her.

She sent them a text back, wishing them fun.

"Everything alright?" Kol asked, bringing drinks back and giving her a kiss to her cheek.

"Yeah," she said, shutting her phone. "Just Bonnie and Caroline. Homecoming is tonight."

"Ah, right," he said, sitting down and ogling her in her bikini. "What is so special about a school dance anyway?"

She sat back in her chair and shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe who you're with? Sometimes it's nice getting dressed up and going out to have a good time."

"Interesting," he stated.

They laid on the beach for a while until Elena smiled. "Kol!" in the water was a swimming pig.

"Oh dear heavens," he muttered, rolling his eyes. She smirked to him, pulling him up to join her. "Looks like the hogs are done resting."

She smiled and dragged him to the water, where they stood watching them swim around.

"You know, as entertaining as this is, I think someone might find more amusement in this," he murmured to her. She looked at him confused. Kol looked back over to the beach and she followed his line of sight.

On the beach stood Elijah in his swim trunks and a white dress shirt.

She rushed out of the water and ran to hug him. He smiled and caught her with ease, happy to see her. "What are you doing here?"

Before he could answer, there was a snort and a pig rubbed against her leg. She looked down and laughed, giving it her full attention. Elijah stared at the animal with interest.

"Yes, good luck getting attention with these things around," Kol said, giving his brother a clap to the shoulder as he watched Elena pet the pig.

"Stop being jealous," she scolded lightly, watching him go sit back down.

Elijah stood with her, bending down to pet the animal with her. "Are you having fun?"

She smiled and nodded. She told him about all the things they had done the past few days and then took his hand. "Come on." She brought him into the water and laughed when they stood waist deep in the water with a few pigs and piglets swimming near them.

Elijah watched her, giving a kiss to her shoulder. He was happy to see her happy. And by little pigs none the less.

She reached out and pet one smiling as it gave a snort and then went back to shore.

"Kol is usually too jealous to be amused by this," she stated, watching another pig come near her. She looked around for anyone looking and then used her magic to conjure a carrot in her hand, giving it to the piglet.

He smiled at her gentleness and wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Yes, I can see that."

His younger brother was busy glaring at the pig near him and the ones in the water.

Elijah held her for a while longer before the pigs got tired and most left the water. She went swimming with him, enjoying his presence on the trip. "I can't believe you're here."

He kissed her lovingly. "I'm not going anywhere."

She smiled, making out with him in the water until another pig came interrupting them.

Elijah could definitely see why the animals were a nuisance. Elena conjured another carrot for the pig and then swam back to shore with him.

"I see the hog interrupted your snogging session," Kol remarked to his brother with a smirk.

"He did and Elijah didn't overwhelmingly jealous," Elena noted, going and sitting back down.

"Right," Kol said rolling his eyes. There was a possessiveness in his brother's eye.

Elijah went to lay with Elena, not bothering to correct her on his bit of jealousy. Instead, he roamed his hands over her figure and enjoyed the sight of her in her bikini as they laid together.

They got dressed up to go to dinner and then decided to walk around the beach. She smiled and laughed with the two men as they went strolling.

"Thank you both for the distraction from tonight," she said, knowing they did it because it was her homecoming.

"The night isn't over, Darling," Kol told her. He pulled her along, up the beach where there was a pergola set up on the beach wrapped in twinkly lights and had white drapes that blew in the wind. Confused, she looked at the area and went to investigate.

"I can't say I've ever attended a 'homecoming' before", a voice called to her. Elena spun around and found Finn standing across from her.

A smile spread across her face and she went to hug him. "You're here, too? I thought you'd be with Sage."

He gave her a loving kiss and set his head to hers. "My love, when are you going to learn that all I think of is you?"

"Charmer," she teased.

He smiled and caressed her cheek with his thumb. "But the truth."

Elijah and Kol walked up to the pergola. "We wanted you to have your version of homecoming," Elijah explained.

"And to do that, we couldn't exclude the true stick in the mud," Kol stated, slapping his brother teasingly on the back. Elena gave a laugh and went to hug Kol. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back.

"Thank you," she murmured.

"I love you," he replied, giving her hair a loving kiss.

"Now, what music does homecoming consist of?" Finn wondered, looking at Kol's music player on a little table.

"Give me that," Kol told his brother, taking the device from him. Elena gave a laugh and Finn grabbed her into a dance, while Kol and Elijah sat at a table and played chess.

"Seriously?" she asked.

"It's this or stare jealously," Kol stated.

She rolled her eyes. She danced with each of them and then sat with Elijah to watch Kol and Finn.

"How do you play?" she wondered. They all looked at her surprised.

"What?" she asked, shrinking against Elijah at their incredulous stares.

Elijah went through the rules while they finished up their game. He had her go through a trial game with Kol, while they helped advise her and teach her.

"It takes practice," Kol said, quickly beating her.

"Clearly," Elena said with furrowed brows.

She tried two more games until she quit, watching Finn and Elijah play against one another while she sat on Kol's lap and listened as he made commentary.

"So, was it a good homecoming?" Kol asked as they packed up the game and walked back to the room.

She looked at him mischievously. "Who said it was over? I think there were some activities that can be done in the bedroom…"

She laughed as Kol dropped the chess board and grabbed her, speeding her back to the room.

He kissed her hungrily, his hands traveling under her short black dress. She moaned against his mouth and smirked when she felt a rush of wind behind her. Her dress was quick to come off, as was their clothing.

She found herself bouncing against Finn as she laid with her back pressed to his chest while Kol touched her and Elijah sucked her breasts.

She cried out at the stimulation, whimpering as her body jumped from Finn's thrusts behind her. He was panting in her ear, sucking on her neck and jousting roughly.

"Yes!" she called, arching her back as her body orgasmed. Finn held her hips down, continuing his motions, while Kol continued to touch her and give her pleasure. Elijah groaned possessively as he watched Finn finish with Elena. They started a whole new game with her.

Being blindfolded was something Elena had never done before and they made sure she was comfortable with the item before taking anything further. They helped to pamper her body and ease any tension she was feeling, as they pinned her arms above her.

"Guess," Elijah declared huskily in her ear.

Before she could ask, she felt one of them bury themselves inside of her. She gasped in pleasure and surprise and pushed against the ones that held her arms.

Not knowing where each man laid and having to figure who was inside of her drove her crazy. They teased her body and touched her everywhere, making her senses go haywire.

"Guess," Elijah instructed again.

She moaned and tried to roll her hips against the man that held her, but they stopped her. Lips came over hers and she moaned, feeling the thrusts pick up.

"Finn," she shivered. He was bigger than the other two and liked to be rougher.

Another kiss hit her lips. "Elijah," she murmured, knowing his mouth. she gasped when Kol's mouth went over her nipple. "Kol," she whimpered.

Finn picked up his pace and groaned as she got tighter. Before she could climax, they all switched and she whimpered.

"Elijah, please," she begged. Fingers ran over her clit and she gasped.

"She's so wet," Finn groaned. She couldn't tell where his voice was coming from, but she begged to be touched. They took her to the edge again, this time surprising her with someone's mouth. She was a blubbering mess at the pleasurable torture.

"Please," she begged.

"Guess," Elijah whispered.

Lips moved over her mound and parted her slick folds. "F-Fi-nn," she shuddered. A mouth went over hers and she moved her lips against his until she gasped as they let her orgasm.

She cried out with pleasure and her body trembled as every sensitive area of hers was pleasured. She whimpered when they were done with her.

"She enjoyed it," Finn smirked.

"Quite a bit," Kol murmured, slipping his fingers inside of her. She was soaked.

"Easy," Elijah advised, seeing her tense. She was sensitive. They pampered her and helped her body relax.

"Kol," she shuddered, feeling him enter her body. "Very good," Elijah praised. He gave open mouth kisses down her neck and she moaned as his thrusting got more intense. They used and pleasured her body as he came and switched again when she was ready.

It was the most adventurous and orgasmic sex she had had with anyone, but especially them. Her body trembled at how good it had felt. Elijah was the last one to finish, pulling the blindfold off her and letting her arms go free. She wrapped her limbs around him and molded her mouth to his.

"You…are so sleeping on the couch," she panted, punishing him for holding back so long.

The men snickered and he gave a small laugh. "I thought you enjoyed yourself."

"I did," she said, her heart still racing. "Doesn't mean you're staying here with me."

He loved to sleep inside of her and he was surely big enough to. But there was no way she could handle any more of them.

Kol and Finn both smirked while Elijah pouted. He slipped from her and gave her loving kisses.

"Best get going," Finn gleamed, rubbing Elena's shaking muscles.

"Watch it, buddy. We can plan the next few days too," she warned breathlessly to Finn. He quickly ended his cockiness and let Elijah continue kiss her.

Eventually she pushed him from bed and got dressed, taking his spot on the couch. He looked to Elena, who was already fast asleep against Finn.

"We wore her out," Finn stated quietly.

"She handled us well," Elijah added, thinking about all of their sexual acts. He loved hearing her beg and call for them. She had been incredible to watch climax and feel her pleasure.

"She is astounding," Kol agreed, giving her light kisses as she slept. She loved having sex as a foursome as much as they did. He held her close. "We should be careful we don't push her too much after that."

They had used her quite a bit, getting lost in their pleasure and bond. She didn't seem to mind it, but her body was quite sensitive. It was their first time since leaving her for the summer and it had been quite intense.

Kol kissed her hair once more and fell asleep behind her.

The next morning was easy and casual. Finn had gone out and gotten everyone coffee and Elijah ordered room service while Kol tried teaching Elena the game of chess again.

Her brows were furrowed in thought and concentration and Elijah kissed her lovingly, setting her on his lap as she played.

"Stop distracting me," she said with a small laugh, feeling his lips on her skin.

"Yes, Elijah," Kol snapped with a glare.

Elijah glared back and Elena rolled her eyes.

They played for another hour, with Elena losing twice before she called it quits. She wanted to show Finn the pigs.

"Why would you swim with pigs?" Finn questioned as she dragged him down to the beach. She rolled her eyes as the brothers laughed.

"Isn't that unsanitary?" he questioned to Elena.

Both Kol and Elijah snickered a bit harder and she glared back at them, sufficiently shutting them up.

"They're cute and they're fuzzy and they can swim. Not to mention, they like carrots," she said.

He gave her an unsure look and she rolled her eyes. "And if it's that unamusing to you, you can stand there and gawk at me while I'm in a bikini, like Kol seems to do."

"Elijah does too," Kol justified. Elijah shoved his younger brother.

"Whatever," she said to them. She smiled as a few pigs approached her on the beach. She shed her cover-up and went in the water with them, conjuring a few carrots in hand to get them to come out farther.

"Good god," Finn muttered at the sight of her figure.

"Well worth it," Elijah chimed to his brother, watching Elena in the water.

"She'll pay no attention to you. It will be all about those hogs," Kol stated.

"They make her happy," Finn observed. She was smiling and laughing as they took carrots from her hand.

"Yes, they do," Elijah remarked, enjoying her bright smile.

Finn went out to the water with her. He was not amused with them, nor did he handle them well when they came over to him. Elijah eventually joined, petting one of the little ones and she smiled.

"Finn's not a fan," she stated.

Elijah pursed his lips to hide his smirk, seeing his older brother give a disapproving glare to the pig that snorted by him. "I can see that."

"I think the last time I was near a pig it was for mother's slaughter for a town feast," Finn commented.

She grimaced.

"Maybe we not think of that with these, brother," Elijah said, seeing Elena's displeased look. She pet the pigs, giving them extra carrots for Finn's comment.

"Be careful," Finn warned, seeing her conjure more food. He glanced around for onlookers.

"I am," she said, petting a piglet.

Elijah stayed with her, feeding some of the pigs while Finn dismissed himself. She laughed at a baby pig that circled her and gave little snorts.

Elijah smiled at her lovingly, giving her a kiss to the head.

They swam together after the pigs left the water. She listened to him tell stories of some of the pigs they raised, making sure not to discuss their fated death.

They got out when Kol stood at the shore with a drink for her, aggrieved over his brother and the animals.

She gave him a kiss and thanked him for the beverage. "Stop glowering at the cute animals."

Elijah held back a laugh and they walked back up the beach where Finn was sitting. They laid out for hours, letting time pass by them until more people gathered around the area and they decided to leave.

They hung around their private pool. Elijah and Finn went to get food and blood, while Kol stayed behind and stayed with Elena.

"Still jealous?" she wondered, feeling his hands roam her body.

"Yes," he declared, kissing her cheek. She chuckled and wrapped her arms around his neck, giving him a more passionate kiss. They made out in the pool until a throat cleared and they found Finn back with coffee for Elena and blood bags for the rest of them.

By the time Elijah came back, the three were in a splash war with one another and quickly pulled him into the pool, getting his clothes soaked.

Elena laughed so hard that the men couldn't help but smile, and the splash war continued until Finn's phone rang.

"Sage," he answered, going into the room.

Her smile faltered and she looked back to the two men, who both noticed. She gave them both a kiss. "Come on, let's go eat."

She grabbed a towel and dried off and they sat near the water, eating and talking while Finn stayed on the phone. Eventually, they lit a fire in the pit near the patio furniture and Elena fell asleep against Kol.

Elijah grabbed her a blanket while Kol ran his fingers through her hair.

"I'm—" Finn frowned when he came back to see Elena asleep. He hadn't meant to be on the phone for so long.

"Anything important?" Elijah asked.

Finn shook his head. "No. We just haven't spoken in a few days and she was asking how our trip was going."

"She was jealous," Kol stated.

Finn hesitantly nodded. "It's not easy on Sage."

"Elena either," Kol replied.

Finn's eyes narrowed at his littlest brother. "She wants this for me, Kol."

"Yes, and you just take however you please, don't you?" Kol snapped.

"Enough," Elijah called lowly, starting to see Elena stir. He picked her up from Kol and brought her into the bedroom. Putting her on the mattress, he gave her a gentle kiss and pulled the blankets around her.

He went back out to his brothers who were arguing.

"Your duty is here," Kol said strongly.

"And I am here, am I not?" Finn snapped back.

"Both of you," Elijah said with a glare. "May we consider revising our terms?"

They all hesitated.

Finn glared. "That is not necessary."

"No?" Kol questioned angrily. "You pop in and out of this relationship when its convenient but can never constantly be there."

"You have no idea—"

"What's going on?" Elena asked groggily.

Elijah sighed and went to her. "Go back to sleep, Elena."

"No," she said, a blanket wrapped around her. "What are you all fighting about?"

"Does having Sage around bother you?" Kol asked bluntly.

"Kol," Elijah scolded.

She looked at them confused. "I thought we've been over this?"

"Not thoroughly," Finn reluctantly agreed. "Tell me the truth, Elena."

She looked to Elijah, who agreed.

"It's…just something to get used to," she said uncomfortably.

Finn sighed. "We can feel your uneasiness, Elena."

She tensed and Elijah guided her to go sit by the fire. She sat down and Kol brought her beside him so she could curl around him. They waited for her to speak.

"I didn't know you guys have said the 'I love you's," she said softly. She had heard Sage say it to him.

"Elena, I don't love her like the way you believe," Finn said desperately.

"I know," she agreed. "I just didn't know."

"Elena," Elijah said gently. "Did you want to revise our terms?"

She looked at him puzzled. "Are you asking me to choose?"

"No, darling," Kol said, feeling her tense. "We just want to know if you still want this to be an open relationship. It can just be the three of us."

She stared at the fire in thought. "That's not really fair, though," she said. "And it makes me no better than Katharine to have you three."

"That's not true," Finn disagreed.

Elijah shot his brother a look to calm himself and then spoke for him. "We are willing to keep this between us. We've had the chance to explore it more."

Elena looked at Finn. "Do you love her?"

He went to refute and say the same words he had before, but she stopped him. "I know it's not like how you love me. But does a part of you love her? Even feel slightly in love with her?"

He hesitated to answer and she knew that he did.

"Then be with her," she stated. "You should be with her too."

"Elena," Elijah said, feeling her emotions through the bond.

"It's okay," she told all of them. She stared in the fire. "it's okay."

They sat together quietly and Elena laid her head on Kol. "Matt told me one time, 'once you fall in love with someone, I don't know if you can ever shake them.'"

They stared at her and she looked to Finn. "You fell in love with Sage, even if it was long ago. And that's okay. I do want you to be with her, but it doesn't mean that I am not going to be uncomfortable. It's going to take time to get used to seeing you two together and hear your exchanges of 'I love you'. It doesn't mean I want to revise our terms; it just means we need time to adjust."

"We've done quite a bit of adjusting already," Kol commented.

"And that's just how it has to be," she said looking up at him. "You might find someone too. Some old love interest who returns again."

"No, Darling," he said strongly. There was no one.

"Never say never," she told him, staring back at the fire.

They frowned.

"What is it with you and Matt Donovan?" Kol questioned.

Elena rolled her eyes. "You're going to be jealous of Matt now?"

He stared at her. "I'm not jealous of Matt—at least not at this moment. You two just seem…" He wasn't sure how to describe it. He remembered observing the two when he first met her at the Grill. She didn't fit in as a commoner, but Matt certainly did. They were opposites, yet always close.

"We're best friends," she stated. "We pretty much shared a crib as infants—actually I think we did at one point," she said thoughtfully. She gazed at the fire. "He's…he's the one that gets me. When the world is crashing around me, Matt makes sense."

They stared at her, wanting to be that.

"I know Matt, just like he knows me," she said. She watched the flames dance into the fire and her eyes slowly drifted closed once more.

The next day was spent bonding with the brothers both together and separately. She went exploring in the morning with Finn, where they stopped and got coffee together. And then later she went swimming with Kol.

"Here," Kol said, bringing her into the small round hot tub. The pool seemed extra cold and she was shivering.

"Favorite swim stroke," she demanded to know.

"I'm a horrible swimmer," he remarked. "I barely learned."

She tilted her head in interest. "Can you tread water?"

"I can."

"Can you do the backstroke? Are you able to float?"

"Yes, and yes."

She fired off more questions until lunch was served and she asked the other two men her same line of questions.

"We're quite curious today," Elijah commented.

"It's not every day I'm in a swimming pool with vampires," she justified.

When they were done eating and she was through with her questions, Elijah pulled her to the hammock to read together.

They went swinging in the shade until it got late and they decided to go out to dinner.

"Will someone come play a game of chess with me?" She asked when they got back. She was determined to understand the concepts better.

Finn sat across from her while Kol and Elijah tried to guide her. Learning to play against Mikaelsons was going to take much time and effort.

Finn woke Elena when it was morning.

"Come on, sleepy head," he said, giving her a kiss and handing her a coffee. They had to head to the airport. Their time in the Bahamas was coming to a close and they had to get back to Mystic Falls.

Sighing, she got up from the bed and then heard the sound of wind chimes jingling. Confused, she looked around for the source of the noise and found outside of their private door were crystal chimes hanging. "Did you guys—"

She went to the crystals, looking carefully at them. They were colorful.

"Elena?" Elijah asked concerned, going over to her promptly.

"It's Esther," Elena replied. She went and touched the charms, closing her eyes and listening to the message. Her brows furrowed and she pulled away in thought.

"What is it?" Kol asked worriedly, as he came to join them

"We should get back," Elena told them. "I need to meet with her." She went to get her things and get dressed, calling Bonnie on their way out from the private suite. "Bon, it's me. Esther needs us. I should be back in town by night. Same place."

"I'll meet you there," Bonnie agreed.

They boarded the plane and Elena sat in her seat anxious.

"What was the full message?" Elijah asked her.

"It's not the message that worries me," she told them, knowing they could sense her heightened emotions. "It was her tone of voice."

They each swallowed hard. The plane ride home couldn't be fast enough.

Nightfall hit and Elena was waiting with the Mikaelsons in the woods for Bonnie. As soon as her car pulled up, Elena went rushing to hug her friend, glad to see her.

"It's not good, is it?" Bonnie murmured quietly.

"I'm not sure," Elena replied. They looked concerned to one another and then walked towards the tunnels. With another jump, they walked to the familiar area and went to Esther.

"Girls," she acknowledged.

"Where are Ayana and Grams?" Bonnie wondered.

"It's not a full moon, I'm afraid. There isn't enough power to bring them here," Esther stated.

Elena and Bonnie glanced suspiciously to one another. "Then what are we doing here?" Elena asked.

"I fear we are running out of time," Esther stated. "The ancestors are only growing stronger. Mikael will soon be coming."

"But we had time," Bonnie stated.

"Anger does wonders," Esther stated. She looked to where she knew her children stood listening and she opened her hands. "Join me."

Both girls looked hesitant at the offering.

"Don't do it," Kol stated, unable to see what was going on, but he didn't like their mother's words.

"Elena," Elijah warned.

Esther looked at them expressionless. "It's not to hurt you."

Both girls joined the witch's hand and could hear her voice in her head.

There are things you must know, Esther said. My husband will not stop to come after all of you—but especially you, Elena. Not just for power, but because of your love for my children.

Elena looked at her puzzled.

When I made the crystals, I did not share what I did with Mikael. I did not want him to know.

Why? Bonnie wondered.

I love my children, she stated. And I would rather die than to watch them suffer. After I used my magic to turn them into eternal creatures, their thirst for human blood had become overwhelming. I watched them become selfish abominations to this earth, committing heinous acts.

She faltered. I did not realize until it was too late, my husband, Mikael, had similar qualities. His were not a thirst for human blood, but for rage and vengeance. He desired to kill our children over their disgraceful actions to our family. He turned into a monster that I failed to predict coming, and regretfully, aided for a while.

She looked at the girls. I love my family. And I am deeply sorry that I must involve you both to assist me in righting my wrongs. It was my intent to save my children by providing them some good. And in secret, as a failsafe, I linked their lives to their mates, for when the time came, they could die with the one they loved. It would bring an end to all of the suffering and tragedy they had committed against the world.

Esther frowned, not having been vulnerable like this in almost her entire existence. But her children's lives depending on the three of them together. She looked to the teens. When it comes time, you must protect my children. Promise me. I cannot bare to see them suffer. Even Niklaus. Mikael will go after him once he is done with all of you. My husband is a warrior. He will show no pain or emotion.

The girls swallowed hard and Esther squeezed their hands tighter. Promise me. I have seen how my children have stood by one another—to live and to choose happiness and love. I wanted this life for them long ago. If I cannot stop him, you protect my children from suffering in any means necessary.

Both knew that could mean their deaths and Bonnie glanced to Elena, wondering what to do.

We aren't going to let Mikael win, Elena said strongly. And I'm not letting your children die by the hands of their father.

She disconnected her hand from Esther.

"We'll continue to prepare," Bonnie stated. "You'll tell us where to be when the time is right."

Esther nodded.

The girls gave Esther one last glance before leaving the area.

"What happened?" Kol demanded.

"Come on," Elena said softly. She looked back to Esther and left the tunnels.

"Elena," Bonnie said, catching her friend's hand. She was worried about Mikael and Esther's warning.

"It's okay," Elena assured her. She had been training with Alaric and had gotten practice from Elijah. She could handle whatever was to come.

"He's going to be powerful," Bonnie stressed, glancing over her shoulder to the Mikaelsons, who were all clearly listening.

"And we'll be ready," she stated. "Even if he crosses over, he needs a hold—an anchor, just as Ayana said. If we can stop him before that, we can send him back for good."

"Do you really think she knows what she's doing?" Bonnie questioned. She didn't mean to question the witch, but with every passing meeting, it was looking more grim.

"I'm not sure if any of us really do," Elena said thoughtfully. "But it doesn't stop us from trying."

Bonnie hugged her friend and she smiled, hugging her back. "I love you, Bonnie Bennett."

"I love you too, Elena." She pulled back and smiled. "I'll see you at school tomorrow?"

"Yeah," Elena smiled. She walked back to the Mikaelsons. "It's been a very long day. Can someone take me home?"

Elijah held out his hand and sped her back to the Gilbert residence.

Elena spent less time with the Mikaelsons since she needed to prepare for Mikael and it made all of the Originals antsy.

"You guys seriously need to chill," Sage remarked seeing them standing around.

"This isn't her fight, Sage," Finn stated.

"Isn't it?" she asked. "Maybe not directly, but she's tied to you guys. I'd qualify that as partly her battle." She went and got herself some more coffee and the front door opened.

"Kol?" Elena called, coughing into her elbow.

Kol sped from the room, meeting her in the hall. "What is it? Are you alright?"

She looked at him puzzled. "Yes? Are you okay?"

She noticed both Finn and Elijah also hovering.

"They're freaking out over you and Mikael," Sage stated for the girl.

"Actually, speaking of which," Elena said awkwardly "Can I happen to borrow a grimoire?"

"Which?" he asked with narrowed eyes.

"I think it's green?" she said, clearing her throat.

"Why? What's going on?"

"Nothing new yet," she said calmly. "Bonnie and I are just being extra prepared."

"Elena, you need to tell us more than that," Finn stated.

Elena sighed and then gave a small cough. "Look, can I just borrow the book? Bonnie is waiting in the car."

Kol frowned and sped to his room, grabbing the book and bringing it back down.

"We're speaking about this later," Elijah told her, kissing her head before she could leave.

Elena gave a small cough and nodded. "Okay."

"Dinner, Elena," Finn called.

She nodded and coughed again, thanking Kol with a kiss. Giving a wave over the shoulder, she rushed from the house to meet with Bonnie again.

They all turned to go back to the kitchen when they heard Bonnie shout Elena's name.

"Elena! Oh god," Bonnie said, jumping out of the car and going to her friend who collapsed. The Mikaelsons and Sage sped from the mansion and saw Elena on the ground.

"Elena!" Bonnie shouted again.

"Bonnie, what happened?!" Kol asked, kneeling down by her.

"I-I…I don't know." She looked at her friend helplessly. She looked over her friend, trying to pull herself together. She wiped her tears and stared at her best friend's form. "We need to get her to Esther."

Elijah scooped up Elena's body while Finn grabbed Bonnie and they all sped to the tunnels.

"Esther!" Bonnie called. They got to the threshold and Esther looked to her children, her eyes landing on the sight of Elena's body in their hands. "No," she said fearfully.

She went to step over the line and take her, but Elijah backed up. "Don't you dare touch her."

"Elijah," Bonnie stated hesitantly. He looked down to his soulmate, his stomach churning with fear at her lifeless state.

"Let us through, mother," Finn stated determinedly. They weren't going to leave Elena.

Esther reluctantly took down the barrier and Elijah carried her in. Kol shoved all of Esther's things off the stone table and Elijah set their love down.

"What's happening?" he asked his mother panicked. He shed his suit jacket and put it over her trembling form.

"I don't know," their mother answered, looking over Elena's figure and put her hands on the girl's forehead, trying to sense her energy. "Bonnie. I need more candles."

Both Sage and Finn set up a bunch more and Bonnie lit them all at once with her magic.

"She's not breathing," Elijah said fretful, listening to her breath sounds fade.

Esther shut her eyes, hovering her hands above Elena's form and focusing on a spell to interfere on whatever magic was taking over the girl.

"Her heart beat is slowing," Kol said, trying to keep the anger and impatience out of his voice.

"Bonnie, get some chamomile and that yellow powder in the brown satchel," Esther instructed with her eyes closed, going back to chanting her spell.

The two witches worked to bring back Elena and the rest stood idly.

"Her heart stopped," Finn choked. He could feel the emptiness begin to fill his chest, similar to how it did when she had almost drowned.

Kol bit into his wrist and put it to Elena's lips, waiting for the magic to heal her, but his blood dribbled down her face.

"It's not working," Elijah observed. He let out a shaky breath and backed away, throwing a pestle and mortar at the cave wall and it shattered to pieces.

"Calm yourself, Elijah," Esther instructed, trying to keep focus.

"You cannot die," Kol snapped to Elena's unconscious figure. He hovered his face near hers. "You promised not to leave me if I didn't leave you. I'm here," he vowed. "I'm right here."

Elena gasped awake, finding herself down in the tunnels alone. "Stupid girl," a voice called. Elena looked around, hopping off Esther's work table.

Mikael stepped out from the shadows.

Elena glanced around.

"You're dead," he stated, seeing her try to piece things together.

She stared at him. It didn't make sense. She couldn't be dead. "No. I'm dreaming. I have to be."

Esther would be gone if she had died.

"On the contrary darling," he said taking steps towards her. "This is very real."

He sped behind her, locking his arm around her neck. "Welcome to my hell," he spat in her ear. "I've been stuck in an eternity of watching my despicable vermin children rule this earth. Well, no longer."

She struggled against his grip and realized the extent of his words. He gave his own lie away. "I'm not dead and you haven't been able to cross over yet."

She used the moves that Alaric had taught her, fighting her way from Mikael's grip and breaking his arm. She used her magic and pulled the old chains on the wall that Esther once used on Elijah.

Whipped it at Mikael, she hit him in the face and knocking him down to his knees. "I'm not dead and this is not real."

She moved with the chain, using it to her advantage against him until he caught It, yanking it to him and bringing her body back against his. He wrapped it around her neck, making her gasp for breath.

"You think you're so special, sleeping around with my children like a dirty little whore," he spat, tightening the chain, as she pulled at the links to try to break free. "You are as much of a hideous creature as they are—loving them, as if they have feelings; as if their hearts are more than organs."

"You won't win this," she wheezed. She brought her elbow to his torso with force and broke his knee with her magic, making him release her. She unwrapping the chain from around her neck and threw Mikael into the cave wall, quickly trying to find her way out from the tunnels.

"You will die alongside them!" he yelled out to her, his voice echoing off the walls. She ran and looked back, seeing him walk hastily for her. She used her magic once more, sending him flying back.

She went to the spot where Elijah had made a hole in the ground and found nothing. It was closed. Feeling frantic, she searched around and noticed a torch hanging on the wall. She laid it down and spread the fire in a line, letting it draw a boundary between her and Mikael.

"I'll do whatever it takes to stop you," Elena vowed.

She gasped awake, her eyes opening and her lungs filling with air.

"Elena," Elijah breathed, going to her side.

"It's alright, Darling. It's alright now," Kol said, helping her to sit up. Bonnie grabbed a cloth and helped to wipe the blood from her face.

"I-I saw him," she trembled, her eyes wide in shock. "He tried to kill me." She looked to Bonnie and Esther. "I saw Mikael."

The witches worked hard to prepare. If Elena and Bonnie weren't in school, it was down in the tunnels with Esther. Time was running out for them.

"Elena," Kol's voice called. She went around the corner of the cave and saw Kol standing at the line. Esther had reinstated the barrier.

"Come on," he said, holding his hand out for her. She looked at him confused. "Kol, I can't. I—"

"It is a Saturday morning and I haven't seen my mate in over a week. A week, Elena. Now, I am asking...as nicely as I possibly can. Can we please get out of here and be together?"

She looked at him and then at his hand. She wanted to go with him, especially because he was asking, but she was needed in the tunnels.

Wasn't she?

She glanced over her shoulder and Bonnie gave her a small smile and a nod. Elena shot her a grateful look and then put her hand in Kol's.

He pulled her over the line and held her close, pressing them together. His eyes shut in relief as he felt her body relax against his. It had been a very long week without her.

"I love you," he murmured in her ear.

She smiled against his shoulder. "I love you, too."

He sped off with her, taking her out to breakfast.

"I know you," he stated, guiding her to an open booth in a small crowded restaurant downtown. "You've been working all morning and the closest thing you've had to food would be a very large cup of coffee."

She bowed her head at his words and he knew he was right. He gave her a menu, making her look it over. Whatever she was going to order, he was going to make sure she ate enough. She hadn't been over for sleepovers or dinners for days and the Gilbert household did not have people that tended to cook.

"What have you been up to this week?" She wondered after they ordered. He chuckled to himself, seeing another cup of coffee in her hand.

"How do you not get the caffeine jitters?" He asked, ignoring her previous question.

She looked down to her coffee and shrugged. "Tolerance?" She guessed.

He shook his head, finding that not to be the best answer.

"My week has been boring. Rebekah is driving me up a wall with Matt talk, Elijah has obviously holed himself up in his office away from us all, and Finn is busy with the horrid Sage."

"Be nice," Elena scolded.

"She knows she's wretched," Kol stated. He sipped his own coffee, staring at her from across the booth. He missed her. "You know, at least with Nik there was some sort of drama or entertainment."

She made a face at that, curling some hair behind her ear.

"I'm kidding, Darling, " he said. "I'd never wake him. It took us entirely too long to finally get him subdued. If he was to ever awaken, you and I would be far away from here."

She nodded, unsettled at the idea.

"Tell me what you have been working on with my mother and Bonnie," he said, changing the topic.

They chatted through most of breakfast and Kol quickly paid before she could protest with him. He took her hand in his, kissing it lovingly and dragged her from the restaurant.

"Okay, what are we doing?" Elena asked, feeling like they had been walking for miles. He rolled his eyes. "Must you always know? There are such things as surprises."

She stopped him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "I'm not exactly in a mood to be surprised," she replied.

He frowned and kissed her. She held onto him, running her hand through the back of his hair. She missed him.

With a rush of wind, Elena looked around and noticed they were in a zoo. She smiled and stared at him. "What are we doing here?"

"What do people usually do here, Darling?" he questioned, taking her hand and grabbing a map. He led the way, taking her through the exhibit.

"You hate animals," she said, watching the tigers roam about. She felt sorry for the life they had to live in a zoo.

"I don't hate animals," he stated, holding her close as she leaned on the rail. "I just don't find them exciting like you do with those swimming hogs."

She gave a small chuckle and looked to him, giving him a kiss. "I'm sorry you were so forgotten about on the weekend trip." She turned in his arms, running her hand sup and down his chest. "How can I ever make it up to you?" she said dramatically.

He smirked at her, giving her a kiss. "Come for dinner tonight. I want to be with you."

She gave a laugh, shaking her head at how she had fallen for that. "Clever, Kol Mikaelson."

He kissed her again, wanting more time with her.

She took his hand in hers and walked them from the tigers. "What's next?" she asked. He pouted at her lack of an answer and walked them to the flamingos.

They walked all around the park, grabbing a soft pretzel and drink.

"Favorite animal so far," he requested.

She was thoughtful, munching on the food. "Meercats," she said. She liked watching them. She looked to him. "Should I even ask if you have a favorite?"

"Yes," he stated. "And we haven't seen it yet."

She looked at him interested and he took him to the polar bears. "Really?" she asked curiously.

"Really," he said, holding her close and watching the large white bears.

They stood together for a while, enjoying the cool air and lack of people to bother them.

"Come on," he said finally. They threw away their food wrappers and he took her to the penguins. She smiled at all of the birds waddle.

"This place is the worst," he complained to her lowly. His heightened senses were not happy. Burying his face against her hair and neck, he watched her smile at the animals and then pointed to a caretaker, who was waving them over.

Elena looked at him confused. "What—"

"Let's go," he said. He held his breath and took her behind the are and to the caretaker he had compelled earlier in the day. The woman let Elena give the penguin a fish and be in the area for a few moments.

Kol stood with her, watching her beaming face and giving her a loving kiss to the cheek. She laughed so happily he swore his heart was melting.

"Look," she laughed. The penguin had waddled off with the fish, bringing it to his 'girlfriend'. He squawked at another male penguin who tried to join in with his girlfriend.

"Story of our lives," he murmured to her, making her laugh further. He smiled and kissed her cheek.

When Kol was sure they smelled like the penguin exhibit, he had them leave and continue on. She got to feed the giraffes, rhinos and monkeys. But when he brought her back to the tigers and had a zookeeper let her play with the baby tigers, she was lost in the animals again.

She smiled and fed the baby tiger, watching and laughing as he rolled around and was a little clumsy thing. Kol stood behind her, happy to hear her laughing. Sometimes it scared him how much he loved her, but he couldn't imagine going back from knowing her.

When the little guy had to go rest, Elena and Kol left and she beamed to Kol, giddy from the experience. "Are you glad I dragged you out from that tunnel on a Saturday now?" he teased.

She grinned and nodded, wrapping her hands around his neck. "Did you see how cute the baby tiger was?"

She went on and on and he eventually stopped her, quieting her with a kiss.

"Thank you," she breathed, melting against him as he held her.

"I love you, Elena," he murmured.

She brought him in for another kiss, getting lost in the sensation of his lips on hers. "I love you, Kol."

Making out with her was the best part of his trip at the zoo. She had no fear of townspeople commenting or others staring. They were lost in one another and nothing more than an ordinary, overly affectionate, couple.

It only got better when no one was home in the mansion. He raced Elena upstairs and sped her to the shower, stripping her of her clothes and washing the penguin smell off the two of them.

"Kol," she moaned as he kissed her neck and ran his hands over her naked figure. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she kissed him fervently.

"Bloody hell, Elena," he groaned, sensing her desire for him. They ground their bodies against one another, teasing and nipping each other's mouths. He picked her leg up, wrapping it around his waist as he pushed inside of her.

They groaned against one another, lost in the feeling of each other.

"Kol," she begged, rolling her hips against him. He groaned, quickly stilling her. He kissed her roughly and hiked her leg high. His thrusts were slow but deep, and he watched her unravel for him. He sucked on her neck and teased her breasts when she moaned. He loved her sounds.

"Faster," she pleaded. "Please, faster."

He kissed her forcefully, picking up his pace for her. She whimpered against his lips, making him groan and increase their speed. They clawed and molded against one another and Elena lost herself. She cried out, holding onto him as her body climaxed. He groaned and ran his hand through her hair, clenching the locks as his body released when he thrusted back inside of her.

She whimpered as he set her leg down and she mashed her lips back over his hers, making out with him intensely.

"Elena," he panted, pulling out of her and holding her close. She laid against him, enjoying their closeness.

He kissed and held her as she re-washed. By the time they were out of the shower, the entire bathroom was steamy.

"Come—I will give you something to wear," he stated, pulling her to his drawers. She laid on his bed in her towel while she waited for clothes. She laughed when he came hovering over her and groaned against her neck.

"Kol," she warned, feeling him suck on her skin. His hands dropped his clothes he got for her; instead, traveling up to the knot in her towel and releasing her.

"Kol," she moaned, feeling him kiss a path downward. She gasped, running her hands through his hair as he kissed her breasts and traveled further. She trembled as his mouth teased her mound and she soon found herself on top of him, back in a 69 position.

"Elena," Kol groaned, clutching her rear cheek as she sucked on him.

She rolled her hips and moved against his mouth as she pulled her hair to one side, working his length over.

Kol groaned loudly, thrusting his hips against her mouth. "Bloody hell," he cursed to himself. Pulling her body upward, she gasped and he held her tight, making her ride against his face. Her body trembled and she used his chest as leverage.

Every groan he gave vibrated against her and she moaned in response.

"Kol…Kol…" she breathed, her hips rocking against his lips.

His tongue ran over her wet clit and she whimpered, her body shaking with pleasure. She wined out for him as his tongue invaded her. She found herself unable to focus on anything but what he was doing. Tossing her head back, she sat over him, crying out in dire pleasure at his actions.

As soon as she was finished, he sped them around, seating her down on top of him at the edge of the bed. She gasped and trembled, whimpering against him as her body was still coming down from the high. He groaned and buried his face against her neck.

Breathing heavily, he gave them both a minute to calm down. He could heart her heart beating rapidly and her blood called to him.

"Elena," he warned, fighting against himself from losing control. He pulled back, struggling with his transition and she helped him by putting up a small boundary between them, lowering his urge to feed from her.

"That's it," she said breathlessly. She whispered a spell to mask the sound of her heartbeat and he looked at her, veins around his eyes.

"It's okay," she assured him. His vampire features slowly faded and he looked away ashamed.

She broke the spells between them and turned his cheek to look at her. She gave him a loving kiss. "It's alright. I'm here. I love you."

He looked at her vulnerably. He was frustrated with himself.

"Kol," she said softly. "You controlled it."

He swallowed hard, realizing he had.

She gave him another kiss and he melted to her, holding her close by the waist and sitting her down further on his lap. She groaned against his mouth.

"Are you sure?" She asked, worried he was still overwhelmed.

He kissed her again, putting his hands back on her hips and grinding them together.

They rocked against one another, picking up speed and going until both were satisfied. She laid against his chest, her face in the crook of his neck as she tried to catch her breath from the amazing sex.

He kissed her shoulder and rubbed her back. "I can hear Finn and Sage coming back," he remarked. He didn't want to let her go, but he knew how she liked to be respectful of others in the household.

She gave him a long kiss before unsaddling herself from him. Picking up her things he let her borrow, she quickly got dressed.

"Bloody hell," he muttered, running a hand down his face and laying back on the bed. Seeing her wearing his clothes made him overwhelmingly possessive.

"What?" She asked with a frown, looking down at herself.

"You're gorgeous," he stated frankly, not letting her doubt herself. "You can't look more perfect."

She smiled and tossed him some boxers. "Get dressed. Let's make dinner."

"No cooking in the kitchen, Gilbert," he stated, hearing her walk to the door.

She glared playfully at him and opened his bedroom door. He sped to get dressed and raced to the kitchen before she could get there.

"Cheater," she called walking down the steps. She could hear him banging pots and pans around.

Finn and Sage entered the house, both noticing her attire. While Sage looked at her unimpressed, Finn's jaw clenched.

"Kol took me to the zoo," she explained.

Sage stared at her up and down. "And so…"

Elijah was next to enter the home, confused when there was a small crowd behind the door. He looked to see where Sage and Finn were staring and tensed.

"We fed the penguins and smelled," she added. "He let me borrow some clothes." Her cheeks were slightly pink and she quickly said hello before scurrying to the kitchen.

"Should I bother asking if I can help?" Elena asked Kol.

"Go relax," he stated. She ran a hand through her hair, wanting to avoid everyone at the moment. "Can I go exploring your grimoires?"

He stopped what he was doing and narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

"Because you made me lose a day of witch work," she said, going and giving his cheek a kiss. "Thank you!"

He watched her dash off. "I didn't say yes!"

Elena walked her way back to Kol's room, checking out his large collection of grimoires. She wondered to herself how he collected so many, and then decided not to think about it. She picked one out, grabbing his music player and laying upside down on the couch. She studied some of the work and looked at the old writing.

She found a spell that would minimize an explosion and ran her fingers over it.

A hand went over her ankle and she on reflex used her telekinesis to send the enemy backward. She ripped her earbuds off, hearing a grunt, and then realized it had been Elijah.

"Oh no!" she said, rolling off the couch and going to him. He was on his feet after being thrown in a wall, adjusting his suit.

"I'm so sorry, Elijah," she said, looking him over to make sure he was alright.

"Seems it was my error. I should not sneak up on you, especially since you have your abilities," he spoke. He forgot she was a witch sometimes.

She curled some hair behind her ear and went to him. "Are you okay?"

He cupped her cheek and gave her a loving kiss. "Better now, yes."

She stood captivated by his kiss.

"Now, what are you doing?"

He hadn't seen her in over a week and had missed her.

"I was looking at Kol's grimoires," she said, going back to the old book. "He stole me away for the day and is cooking dinner so I came up here to keep out of the way."

He nodded, hiding his distaste and jealousy over his brother's clothes on her body. "You know, Elena, you can start to keep some of your things here. You have your own room."

She tensed. "I don't know, Elijah."

He walked over to her. "Why not?"

She shrugged. "This is Klaus's house. It's just kind of weird. I mean, I get it, but having a room here feels…"

"Permanent?"

"In a way," she admitted. She was thoughtful. "Or maybe just complicated."

He frowned and kissed her head. He sat with her and looked at the page of the grimoire. "Containing a surge of energy?"

She shrugged. "There are many spells in here."

His fingers ran over her skin and he looked at his actions in thought. "How has my mother been treating you?"

"Fine," she said. "We've been doing what we can. There's a full moon soon and we should have more power then."

"You know, you make it sound so casual—destroying the other side. From what I understand, many rest there."

She hesitantly nodded. "But it's our only way to stop Mikael at the moment." She looked over at him. "If you're worried, it will be okay," she assured him.

"Elena, you're trusting my mother, she is not one to put trust in."

She looked at him interestedly. "You trusted her when it came to the crystals and the soulmate principle."

He slowly shook his head and pursed his lips. "Not completely." He had done extensive research into both before accepting them.

"Hey," she said, putting a hand to his cheek. He stared at her. "The one thing I do know about your mother is she would rather die than to watch you all suffer."

His brows furrowed. It didn't make sense. "And yet, she tried to kill us—to kill you, Elena."

He stood and ran a hand through his hair. Losing her would have been more than suffering. He couldn't seem to imagine it. He looked at her, worried now, that she could be under a spell of his mother's. Her influence was strong.

"Don't you think just maybe you've been suffering for centuries?" she asked him. He stared at her. It scared him now to hear her talk like Esther.

"I don't agree with what she's done," Elena stated. "But…I guess I get her weird messed up logic in some way."

She stared at the spell book. "Do you know, for as long as you've feared your father, she did just as much? For a witch who had so much power, she couldn't stop Mikael from beating Klaus or hurting all of you. She was a wife and a witch who did what she could, but we all know it wasn't enough."

He turned away ashamed, recalling all of the times their mother stood by. He recalled her calling Mikael off, but by then Niklaus was on the ground or he had endured a whipping.

"I think it's why she's trying so hard now," Elena said, gently talking to his back that faced her. "No one wants Mikael coming around again."

She looked down at Kol's book one last time before shutting it. It was odd to be standing up for a woman she feared for such a long while, but it was all she could do.

She laid lazily with Kol on the couch after dinner. They watched a movie and cuddled.

"Would you ever want that, Darling?" He questioned, staring at the television. There was an idiot standing in front of a large crowd, declaring his love to a woman.

"What?" She wondered. "You singing in front of people?"

She smiled at the idea and looked at him. "Can you even sing?"

"He's horrible. Let's not try it," Elijah stated, coming to join them. Elena buried her face against Kol to hide her shaking laughter.

"Thank you for your commentary, Elijah, " Kol said sarcastically. He waited for Elena to be done and couldn't help but smile when she looked at him happily.

"I'd appreciate the attempt, but maybe we don't go for the grand gesture by having you sing in public," she smirked, giving him a quick kiss and curling back into him.

Kol considered her words. "What grand gestures do you fancy in films?" Elijah sat in the chair, curious to hear as well.

She shrugged and smiled when Kol moved her hair back to kiss her neck.

"I don't know," she said shiftily. "I dont know if gestures even really have to be grand. I think what makes them most special is the thoughtfulness behind the action."

She turned back and gave Kol's lips a kiss and Elijah tensed with jealousy.

"Now, can we finish this movie?" She teased.

While Elena watched the movie, Kol was busy playing with her hair. Finn and Sage soon joined them, cuddling on the loveseat and Elena tensed.

Kol glared to his older brother and tried to ease her tensions.

"Do you want to go look at more grimoires?" He asked quietly.

"Are you saying that I can raid the ones in your room?" She wondered happily. Her smile turned to apprehension. "I did sort of throw Elijah in a wall when reading them. It might be better for you not to be there."

They looked to Elijah with amusement.

"Do not sneak up on a witch," he noted, flipping through his own book in the chair.

She grimaced. "I had music on too, which didn't help."

Kol laughed, wishing to have seen the encounter.

"Come on. We can go through one together, but no music for your little ears," he teased, getting up with her and dragging her upstairs.

"Is it just me or does she walk out of a room every time I enter one?" Sage asked the two remaining men.

"She's just getting used to things, Sage," Finn justified with a frown. He needed to talk to her about it again.

"It will take time," Elijah said, closing his book and getting up. "You did attack and taunt her not to long ago."

He left the room to go to his office and work, helping to distract himself from the longing he felt in wanting to spend time with Elena.

She stared over the edge of Wickery Bridge, peering down at the mucky water. She still occasionally dreamed about it and her times drowning.

"Dare I ask why you're here?" Elijah's voice questioned as he came to stand next to her.

"I should ask the same question to you," she stated. He stared and waited.

"I don't know. I was out on a run and just…came here," she said. She glimpsed to him. "You?"

"I could sense you," he remarked. He studied her and wondered how long she had been out running. She had left the mansion early this morning in the same black sports bra and leggings. "What is it?" he asked. Something was bothering her.

Her brows furrowed and she stared at the water again. "When Klaus pushed me off this bridge…" she swallowed hard and opened her mouth to say more, but words couldn't come out.

He waited and narrowed his eyes, analyzing her with more concern. She was holding something back.

"Elena," he prompted gently.

She sighed and waited. Her mind was muddled. "I don't know," she huffed, walking away from the guard rail.

Elijah pursed his lips and turned around, leaning back against rail. "I think you do."

He waited and watched her work whatever was going on in her head. Eventually, she turned around and looked at him. "We're destroying the Other side. And I feel…." She hesitated.

She felt like a monster.

She tried again. "Those that linger around won't be anymore. They'll go to…oblivion or whatever, or find peace." She sighed. "And it leaves no chance for them to ever come back. This is it. You die and you're just…"

Gone.

"I know we don't bring back the dead," she stated. "But people like Lexi and Grams are still on the other side. And the dead rising has happened—look at Esther."

She bit her lip. "And what if…what if something were to happen eventually? What if somehow…"

He studied her. "You're afraid of losing us."

She was afraid of losing anybody. "White oak is still out there," she stated.

The thought that her loved ones could somehow die and she'd never find a way to bring them back. She wasn't sure she could fathom that.

He pushed off the rail and went to her. He pulled her into his arms. "I can't lose you," she whispered. "Ever."

"I'm right here," he murmured. He cupped her face, his thumb brushing over her cheekbone. There was something more in her eyes.

"Tonight is going to get complicated," she warned him. "Mikael is strong. He'll have a good hold on this world when the moon rises," she said, trying to keep the apprehension of out her voice.

"Let us help, Elena," Elijah urged. He hated being helpless and hearing her fear. And they had all been kept in the dark about what was going to happen. He couldn't intervene on their plans because it was in a place that was inaccessible to him and he feared any move could hurt them or backfire. He couldn't risk her.

"There's nothing for you to do," she stated.

He brushed some whisps of hair behind her ear. "I don't believe that."

She gave a small laugh and kissed him. "Believe what you want then."

She kept her lips locked around him until her lungs burned for air. "I should go and finish my run."

"Come back to the mansion with me," he encouraged with a small smile. He had other ideas in mind of what they could do. "I have some unlit sage left from before."

Her cheeks flushed and his smirk grew. She pushed him away. "Get out of here."

He stared at her lovingly.

She went and gave him one more quick kiss. "Bye," she smiled. She put her ear buds in and went jogging off through the woods.

Nerves filled her stomach as the evening grew near. Staring at herself in the mirror, she let out a breath and tugged at her long sleeves.

"Elena?" Finn called, knocking on the door and letting himself in. She turned around to him and gave a forced smile. "Hey."

He frowned. "Your heart is about to beat out of your chest."

She gave an uncomfortable laugh. "I'm just…" she wasn't sure what to say.

He stared at her. "Knowing my mother, something dramatic is planned."

"Please don't ask," she stated. She hated keeping this from them, but she also couldn't say what would happen.

"Elena, let us do something," he urged, going to her and taking his hands.

"There isn't anything for you to do," she pressed. "I-I…"

They weren't witches.

She took her hands out of his and let out a breath, turning and running her hand through her hair. She stared out the big window, seeing the sun start to set.

There was another knock on her door and they both turned around.

"You have a guest," Kol prompted, opening the door wider for Bonnie.

The two girls rushed to one another, embracing each other into a hug.

"I'm freaking out," Bonnie muttered while hugging her friend. She couldn't sit still or focus on anything.

"Me too," Elena admitted, holding onto her.

"Perhaps you tell us the plan for tonight," Kol suggested, seeing the rest of the Mikaelsons also gather.

Bonnie and Elena looked to all of them.

"Even if we wanted to, we couldn't. We can't afford anyone knowing anything," Bonnie stated.

A queasiness filled Elena's stomach as she thought about the dead that she loved. They'd all vanish tonight.

Bonnie turned to Elena. "You know, Esther was saying she'd be in the tunnels until a little before nightfall. We could join her and maybe do something there."

"Yeah," she sighed, trying to get her nerves under control. "It beats sitting around here."

"You told me our father would have a strong," Elijah called to Elena before the girls could exit. "He'll appear tonight, won't he?"

He had been analyzing all of her words in his head over and over. Both girls looked to one another.

Kol's jaw clenched and he looked at Elena. "You need us there. There is no way you can take on our father."

"I did a pretty good while dead," she challenged. Bonnie put a hand on her arm. "What did you tell them?"

"Nothing," she said innocently. She looked to Elijah with a glare.

"You're our mate, Elena," Finn spoke.

"And this is our father," Elijah added.

Bonnie stared at the four of them. "What makes you think you could handle him? Haven't you all been running from him for centuries?"

They tensed and Elena knew Bonnie wasn't trying to challenge them, though it came out that way.

"Yes, well, it's time to stop running," Rebekah snapped.

Bonnie backed down.

"Fine," Elena gave in with a hand through her hair. "Fine, come with us."

Bonnie looked at her with surprise. "Esther is not going to be happy with you."

Elena rolled her eyes and walked out the door with the group of them. "When is she ever?"

They got to the tunnels, where Esther gave Elena a disapproving glare as they entered.

"It's not her fault, mother," Finn tried.

Esther gave them all a knowing look before leaving their sight.

"Are we all prepared for tonight?" Bonnie asked, looking to all of the supplies they'd need.

"As much as we can be," Esther told the girls. She put some things in a bag. "Come. I've been preparing."

It had grown windy, the coming storm only getting worse.

Bearing against the wind, they walked their way to the Mystic Falls Old Cemetery, where there were torches already set up. The fire flickered. "Long ago on this spot my son tore my heart from my chest," Esther explained. "The violence of my death marked this ground for all time."

Elena and Bonnie took hands and continued walking. It wasn't seconds later Elijah, Kol, Rebekah, and Finn were stopped by a barrier.

"Elena," Elijah called frustratingly.

"Bitch," Rebekah said angrily.

She looked back at them. "I'm sorry."

"Mother!" Finn called. He looked down noticing the large ring of salt around the area.

"Elena, get back here!" Kol demanded.

Bonnie tugged on Elena's hand, guiding her to where Esther had gone into the Salvatore crypt.

Shielded from the wind, they pulled everything out of the bag and got themselves ready.

"You did the right thing," Esther stated to Elena while looking over her spell book. She knew it was hard for the girl to shut her sons out from this whole thing. "I expect you will see the rest through."

Elena swallowed hard and went back to equipping herself for Mikael.

When Esther required it, she held out her palm and let her slice into it, letting her doppelganger blood drop. It was only moments later when Esther began to work on her spell that her head popped up and she looked to the doorway. "He's here."

Elena looked at the two anxiously. "It's too soon."

"The moon isn't high enough," Bonnie added with distress.

Esther stood frozen, hearing her husband's voice again. his voice had a timber to it that vibrated her soul.

"Oh, this is too easy," Mikael called to see his children all near the edge of the cemetery.

"We'll stall," Bonnie told the Original Witch. She grabbed some supplies and quickly equipped herself. Elena quickly stopped her. "Bon, do you even know how to fight?"

"I'm not letting you go out there alone," she pressed. She looked her best friend, then getting idea. "I need you to trust me. I can do something, but I need to get to the Mikaelsons."

Elena looked out the tomb and saw Mikael walking closer towards his children, antagonizing them with his words. She looked back to her friend. "Okay, here." She gave her the arm cuff as a weapon to protect herself incase she'd need it. "When you use this, you put all your force into the punch, okay?"

She nodded.

Elena let out a breath and looked to see Esther still preparing. She only hoped she was doing the right thing.

Mikael growled and yelled, hitting the barrier when he realized he couldn't cause harm to them. He looked down in the wind. "Salt," he spat, seeing a thin line. He turned around, seeing Elena and Bonnie.

"Oh, this is just pitiful," he remarked.

Bonnie and Elena looked to one another.

"Give it your best shot," Bonnie stated. The girls locked hands, putting their hands out, murmuring a spell that brought Mikael to his knees. He seethed with anger, fighting against their magic. They took steps closer and closer, until they broke hands and Elena went for him, quickly staking him in the shoulder.

Bonnie ran for the Mikaelson children. "I need one of you," she spoke quickly.

Elijah put his hands out to hers first and she looked back to Elena, getting thrown a large distance away on the ground. She looked to Elijah's hands and closed her eyes, beginning to chant a spell.

"Stupid little girl!" Mikael yelled at Elena. Elena got up from the ground, gasping and wincing when Mikael kicked her down to the ground, breaking some of her ribs.

Using her magic, she flung him across the ground, knocking him into the cave. She winced as she got up, holding her side.

Before she could comprehend it, Mikael had her by her throat. "Not so smart now, are we?"

"Depends how you look at it," Elena murmured, kicking off from a tombstone and sending him into a large branch on the ground. She stumbled as she landed out of her flip. She went to take a step forward and suddenly was 20 steps away. "What the—"

She suddenly cried in pain, her body aching. Her body felt like it was being coated with lead. It was heavy, but strong.

"Elena!" Kol shouted. She looked behind her, quickly rolling out of the way from Mikael She got up and did it again, going further than she anticipated. Confused, she looked at herself and realized what Bonnie was doing.

Elena glanced to the sky. It was almost time.

She turned back to Mikael. They fought with speed and agility. She had adapted to the vampire abilities rapidly. And she knew how to fight. It went back and forth, the two of them in a stalemate, until he broke her wrist and sent her flying back by a hit to the chest near Bonnie

Elena faltered in getting up and coughed blood. She noticed Elijah on his knees, a look of pain in his eyes.

"Break the circle, Elena," Finn stressed. "We can help."

Before Elena could do anything, a stake went flying for Bonnie. And with her reflexes, she was able to catch it. Another one had been too quick and it went piecing Bonnie's side.

Bonnie gasped, breaking the magical hold that was being used. Elijah caught himself by his hands before he could fall and looked weakly at Elena.

"Bonnie," Elena said worriedly. She pulled the stake out and set her friend down.

"Elena," Rebekah stressed. "Let us in!"

"Yes, break the circle," Mikael spat, taking her by the hair and pulling her up. He let his vampire come to show and savagely bit into her neck. The brothers were all shouting, as she cried out in pain.

He pulled his fangs back from her, his mouth filled of her blood. "You think you can fight me?" he seethed to his children, before looking to her again. "You are worse than the vermin I call my children."

"I will kill you!" Kol shouted at his father, banging against the barrier.

He went to drink from her again when Elena gave a twist of her wrist and Mikael's neck snapped at an odd angle. It subdued him to the ground momentarily.

She dropped down with him, and held her hand over her bleeding neck wound. She crawled towards Bonnie to make sure she was okay.

"Let us in, Elena!" Finn shouted.

"Bon," Elena choked out, coughing up some blood. She pulled her friend up as best she could. The full moon was almost at its peak.

Bonnie hissed, holding her side. It was bleeding profusely.

"Elena. He's going to be back up any minute!" Kol shouted against the wind. "Break the damn barrier!"

Before she could do anything, Esther came out from the tomb. She searched for Elena and gave a single nod. Mikael was beginning to reanimate and stagger up.

"Elena!" Kol shouted.

Mikael looked to her, a smirk on his face. Before he could touch her, she set him flying back with her magic, right near Esther. Grunting, she pushed Bonnie's body over the edge, breaking the salt line.

"Heal her," she demanded strangled. Elijah bit into his wrist, giving it to Bonnie, while Kol rushed to Elena, making her do the same.

Rebekah and Finn had rushed to their mother and father, when they found another circle stopping them, this time in the shadow of the moon.

"What the—" Rebekah stared at it confused.

"You dare test me?" Mikael said to Esther.

"It is not right for you to be here," she stated to her husband. "You cannot cross the lines of life and death here."

He bared his teeth at her. "That is where you are wrong. You, my pitiful wife has failed to succeed in killing our abominable children! You waste your time on love and stupid bonds," he spat. "The ancestors have granted me this. You forget, my treacherous wife, we have no humanity."

He went to go attack her and she quickly protected herself with a long dagger, stabbing him in the chest. She backed away; her eyes wide at her own actions.

Mikael looked to the weapon and growled. He pulled it from his chest and tossed it away. He grabbed Esther by the throat, holding her up to the moon where her feet dangled from the ground.

"Elena," Esther choked out. She looked to the girl, giving a nod. Esther used the rest of the magic that flowed through her, making her husband drop her from his hands, and quickly pulled out a chain, wrapping around both their necks.

Elena looked for the dagger that got thrown away and used her magic to send it flying into the two of them, killing the couple in one swift stab.

The Mikaelsons all stood gaping at the sight. Their parent's bodies began turning to a hardened ash, almost as if they were statues.

The winds were only picking up and they didn't have much time. "Elena," Bonnie called, squinting and getting up from the ground.

Elena nodded and Bonnie helped pull her up.

"What's happening?" Kol demanded to know as she went to leave him. He did his best to shield her from the leaves and twigs that began to blow.

"We need to destroy the Other Side. And quickly!"

Both Elena and Bonnie walked against the harsh weather with joined hands, walking into the moonlit circle.

Esther and Mikael's figures were being swept away as dust by the strong and powerful winds.

"Do you think we did it in time?" Bonnie yelled to Elena as they stood facing the blustery night. The light in the woods got stronger.

"I have no idea," she replied, bracing herself for whatever was coming. As a strong gust went flying towards them, the girls held up their hands to protect them and block the onslaught of force. Their feet slid against the ground and with one final push of magic, murmuring a spell, air bursted like a bubble through the woods and everything died down.

The girls looked around, wondering if it had worked.

"What just happened?" Rebekah said shocked.

"We're finally become orphans," Kol remarked looking to the space his parents had stood.

Elena and Bonnie hugged one another tight, relieved that it seemed to have worked. There was no Mikael and no Esther.

"I believe there is some explaining to do," Elijah said to the girls.

Elena looked to all of them. She tried to gauge their anger and feelings of betrayal.

"Esther wanted this," Bonnie said stepping in front of her friends. "So, if you're mad or are going to hurt Elena in some way—"

"You think we'd hurt our mate?" Finn questioned to her.

"I did just kill your parents," Elena stated quietly.

"And I'd like to know why," Rebekah demanded.

Bonnie stayed in front of Elena, deciding to give the shorter version. "In order to destroy the other side, we needed someone to have a foothold on both worlds. You mother figured it could be her. In her transition from life to death, she'd have a presence on both planes."

"It wasn't the original plan," Elena tried to explain. "We were going to just send Mikael back, but Esther had changed it. She could sense how strong Mikael was. The ancestors were fighting her."

"But you were linked," Elijah stated, recalling her say that if Esther died, so would she.

"We were working on the unlinking spell when Mikael came. His arrival was quicker than we expected, so Bonnie and I stalled," she stated.

"Why hold us back?" Kol said with anger.

Finn agreed. "You could have let us help."

Bonnie shook her head. "You couldn't have. An anchor is needed to keep a foothold in the living world. Mikael could have anchored himself to one of you, as easy as touching you. You share blood. The ancestors could have easily helped bind his life to yours and he'd have all eternity," Bonnie stated.

They huffed, wanting to be mad, but it was harder with hearing the logic of their actions.

"I'm sorry," Elena said to all of them. "It was our only option. I—"

Kol sped and pulled her into a kiss. "If you ever do something like that again," he threatened, putting his head to hers. He couldn't imagine losing her. He held her tight and left his warning empty. "You don't get to leave me."

"I'm not going anywhere," she stated.

Finn pulled her into a hug next and kissed her head. He wasn't sure if he could speak words to the trauma of tonight's events. "I'm sorry, Finn," she said softly. She looked up at him. "I know how much your mother meant to you."

He gave a nod. He already forgave her. "It was a sacrifice that she was willing to make."

"For her children," Elijah stated, realizing what Elena had meant when they had been in Kol's room the day he scared her.

Elena looked to him. "I told you."

"She would rather die than to watch us all suffer," Elijah recalled.

Elena went to Elijah, who held her tight and gave her a long kiss.

"Get a room," Rebekah snapped. Elena looked to the girl.

"Well, I'm not going to say it's alright," the blonde stated bitterly.

"Rebekah," Finn scolded.

Rebekah put her hands on her hips and stared at Elena. The doppelganger had killed her parents; though, their father was already trying to kill them and her mother was weirdly protecting them. With a sigh, she reluctantly gave acknowledgement to the justification of Elena's actions. "Fine. You're forgiven or whatever."

Bonnie and Elena looked to one another and went to hug again.

"Let's never do that again," Bonnie told her friend.

"Trust me, I don't ever plan on it," Elena said, pulling back.

"Good, because there is no bloody way, we are ever going through that again," Kol remarked, pulling her back into his arms.

"Let's get home," Finn told all of them.

Elena looked to the sight of the havoc. For once, something had gone right.

She stood in her bedroom at the Mikaelson mansion, looking at her dress hanging near the full-length mirror. It was prom night — her last high school dance was only a handful of hours away.

"You're sure you want to go it alone?" Finn's voice asked. She spun around, seeing him hovering in her doorway. "I didn't mean to scare you."

She had decided to go solo, not picking between Mikaelsons. She was going to be with her friends and have a good night. She didn't want rumors to start again.

He came in and shut the door. "You'll look beautiful."

"Thanks," she said softly, glancing back to her pink floor length gown. She went to go sit with him on the edge of her bed.

"You know Elijah or Kol would take you," he stated, while trying not to sound jealous. Finn was all too aware he wasn't an option. He looked too old to show up at a high school dance with her—not to mention he had been seen around town with Sage.

"I know they would," she said softly. She stared at her lap and then glanced to him. "But I can't choose Finn."

He pulled her in for a hug, giving her head for a kiss. He hated to see her sad and though she tried to mask it, she was hurting.

"I wish I could be there for you," he sighed. Their relationship felt strained because of the stupid dance and their small town.

"You're here now," she stated, pulling back and putting a hand to his cheek. She had already felt better just by his presence. He leaned in and gave her a long loving kiss. "I'll make this up to you."

She gave a small smile. "It's just prom, Finn. I'll survive."

"In those films, prom is a big deal," he replied, recalling the rom-coms and American movies he'd sit and watch. "Caroline keeps calling it 'a rite of passage'".

Elena gave a laugh. "Yeah, well that's Caroline."

He curled some of her hair behind her hair, marveling at her beauty. While Rebekah had stopped in to do her hair and makeup for her, he found her just as beautiful without any of that sort of thing.

"We'll do something just the two of us," he promised.

She gave a nod, liking the sound of that. She put her head on his shoulder and soaked up his presence until Rebekah yelled at her to get ready.

Finn left her, giving her a gentle, encouraging kiss before departing for the evening.

She did a bunch of last-minute things before slipping on her dress. She was about to call for Rebekah to help her zip up the part of her dress she couldn't reach when Elijah appeared before her in the mirror.

"Would you like some help?" he questioned, hovering behind her. He was on the verge of speechlessness at the sight of her beauty.

She stared at him in the mirror, longing for that sense of security he gave her. Giving a nod, she showed him where she couldn't reach.

"Allow me," he murmured, doing the hook-and-eye before zipping up the rest of the gown. He stared at her in the mirror again, watching her silently critique herself. "You look lovely, Elena."

His hands grazed her shoulder and his lips kissed her cheek before softly going down her neck. Her eyes fluttered closed at the sensation, only opening when he stopped.

"Thank you."

He stepped away from her, tempted to disrobe her of her evening gown and take her to the bed nearest them. "I know Finn has already spoken to you," he stated.

"Let me guess," she said lightly to him. "You're going to make it up to me, too?"

He gave a light smile and then had to ask. "You're sure this is what you want?"

Her smile had faded and she stared at herself in the mirror again. "It's just a stupid dance," she stated.

"It's your last dance of your high school years and a societal moment," he acknowledged. "it's not just any small thing."

Her eyes dropped to the floor.

"And that did not answer my question," he stated, coming back behind her and tipping her chin up to stare at one another in the mirror.

She gazed at him through the reflective glass, finally turning around to him. "Is it stupid to care about this sort of thing?" she wondered aloud to him.

"No," he said, putting his hand over hers, that went up and down his chest. "No, it's not."

She nodded. "You'll be here when I come home?"

"Absolutely," he vowed.

She went to kiss him when they both heard. "Ah-ah!"

They looked over to see Rebekah in her yellow dress. "Your lipstick is absolutely perfect. No messing it up by snogging my brother. Wait until after the dance."

Elijah glared to his sister while Elena sighed.

"I mean it," she said, threatening them both before walking off.

Elena left his embrace, gathering her clutch. She felt odd going it alone and suddenly found she wasn't sure if she wanted to go.

Elijah waited for her, escorting her down the main staircase and outside to the limo they had waiting.

"Thanks," she said softly to him, letting out a nervous breath. She felt comforted by his manners, as he walked her out to the stretch vehicle.

They approached the limo and Elena was about to say goodbye to Elijah when suddenly Kol got out from the vehicle, a white rose corsage in hand.

"What are you doing?" She asked puzzled to him.

"I happen to be your date, darling," he said charmingly.

She stared at him with furrowed brows, then looking to Elijah. "You could not make the choice, so we did so for you," he explained. He saw her conflicted eyes. "It's alright."

He gave her a loving kiss to her cheek and she reached up, giving him a hug. "Thank you," she said softly.

He smiled at the surprising embrace and tried to calm his jealousy. "I'll see you tonight to hear all about the evening," he remarked. He pulled back from Elena and glared to his younger brother. "Behave yourself tonight, Kol."

Kol rolled his eyes and stepped to Elena, putting the corsage on his date while his brother disappeared.

"So, what'd you two do, draw straws?" Elena asked him while he slipped the flower on her wrist.

"Someone is quite sassy tonight," he remarked, opening the limo door for her.

She paused and sighed. She was being rude. Looking to him, she stared at his chocolate eyes. "Thank you for taking me tonight and being my date."

He smiled. "My pleasure, Darling. "

They waited only a few moments for Rebekah before taking off. Elena and Kol walked slowly up the way to the school, staring at the rotating photo displays.

"Freshman ski trip," Elena told Kol when a picture of a younger looking her and Matt appeared on the screen.

"And this?" Kol wondered, looking a frame ahead and seeing her in a picture in a silk blue gown.

"Miss Mystic competition," she answered. "My mom entered me before she passed."

He gave her hand a squeeze, seeing the pained look on her face. Giving the back of her hand a kiss, they continued walking.

When they finally made it into the gym, her friends and brother were all waiting, welcoming Kol fairly easily.

"You look beautiful, 'Lena," Jeremy told his sister.

"Thanks, Jer," she smiled, giving him a hug and smiling when he cozied up with Bonnie.

"It's prom, you guys," Caroline said tearily, as they took their seats at the table with Stefan as her date.

"We made it," Matt agreed.

They grabbed their drinks, holding them up and toasting with one another.

"What's Damon doing here?" Bonnie wondered, seeing the Salvatore roaming.

"Excuse me," Stefan said, quickly going and dismissing himself.

"This ought to be good," Rebekah remarked.

Elena looked over at the two, seeing Damon's unhappy face.

"Damon thought you were going to be dateless," Rebekah stated, listening in to the Salvatores conversation with her vampire hearing.

"What? He thought he'd just swoop in?" Caroline asked, peeved at the idea.

"As if you'd need a knight in shining armor," Kol remarked to Elena, making her smile. He often used to try to label himself as such. "Come on, let's dance," he said, getting her up from the table.

They danced most of the night until Damon began threatening the people at the voting table for prom king and queen. He had tried to interfere to make Elena the winner.

"Damon, stop it," she warned lowly. She had been nominated but didn't want to win.

"Oh, come on, Elena," he scoffed when Stefan and Kol pulled him back from choking and compelling a student. "After all that's happened—"

"You can't make up for your past mistakes by making me win some stupid dance," she said through clenched teeth.

He looked at her, his eyes glowering with fury. "Fine," he spat. He walked out from the gym and she let out a breath. Kol already compelled the high schooler to forget what had happened.

"Let's go enjoy the rest of our night," Kol stated, glaring to the younger Salvatore to leave them alone at the moment. He took Elena's hand, pulling her through the crowd and into a slow dance.

He looked to his date, seeing her thoughtful face.

"What is it?" He wondered.

"Am I wrong to still be mad at Damon?" She asked him. She couldn't help but still hold onto her anger for everything he did. It wasn't just kissing Katharine or being unable to tell the difference between them. It was the drama he started or how he snapped Jeremy's neck out of anger and spite. He was constantly jealous and wreaked havoc because of it.

"I might not be an unbiased opinion, Darling, " Kol admitted as they swayed. He had hated the Salvatore for a very long time and much more now to see Elena thinking about him.

Kol went and gave her a small spin, dipping her gently. He smiled when he found her attention completely back on him.

"Thank you for tonight, Kol," she said as he pulled her upright. "I'm glad you're here with me."

He beamed at her, setting their heads together. "You look absolutely radiant, Elena."

Her hand caressed the hair on the nape of his neck and she soaked in the moment. "I love you."

He gave her a loving kiss. "I love you, my beautiful soulmate."

She got home with Kol with a smile plastered on her face.

"The night isn't quite over," he stated, dragging her to the backyard.

She looked at him curiously and smiled when her eyes caught Elijah and Finn near the gazebo on the property.

The night was set up for them. With lights, candles, flower petals and music, everything looked perfect.

"What is this?" She said with a smile.

"The rest of prom," Elijah stated, going and giving her a kiss.

"A more private version," Finn added.

She chuckled at the game of chess also set up, finding it so similar to their homecoming they surprised her with.

"Thank you, " she told the three.

She laughed as Elijah swept her into a dance first, making her smile and laughed as he held her.

"How was it?" He asked as they swayed.

"Good," she smiled. "Bonnie and Matt won prom king and queen, everyone danced, I got to see Jeremy and there was only a little drama from Damon."

Finn's head snapped up from the chess board. "Damon? Why was he there? What did he do?"

"He thought he could be my date," she answered reluctantly. The two men stiffened. "And he tried to compel the people who were tallying the king and queen nominations for me to win."

She put a calming hand on Elijah's chest. She could feel his irritation. "Luckily, Stefan kicked Damon out from the dance and Kol helped compel the students so that no one saw anything."

Elijah gave her a possessive kiss and she accepted with ease, locking her lips with his until the light rumble in his chest stopped. When they pulled back, she laid her head on his shoulder while they swayed. "He's trying to make amends in his odd Damon-like way."

"Do you forgive him?" Finn wondered staring at her. He knew she was a fairly forgiving person.

"In some way," she stated. "I think I can forgive him, but I can't trust him. I'm still mad at him. With everything he's done...I can't just look past it."

"It's understandable, Elena," Elijah said comfortingly, knowing she was hurting from the elder Salvatore.

She continued to dance with him, wanting to be held closely and intimately. They swayed to a few different songs until Finn quit his game and desired time to dance with her.

"You look gorgeous," he complimented as he held her.

"Thank you," she murmured against his lips as they kissed. They moved softly to the music and she smiled as Finn planted light kisses to her mouth. She enjoyed the affection they were all able to show and feel.

As they danced, they read one another through their eyes and body. Finn was the one man she could communicate with just through their embrace or gaze. They understood each other on a completely different level.

"Finn," she coaxed in a soothing tone of voice. He was holding onto a possessiveness. Something was bothering him. She stroked the back of his neck with her fingers to calm him and waited for him to speak.

"I'd like to handle Damon Salvatore the next time he bothers you," he stated. He was tired of letting the Salvatore get away with his antics.

"And what would you plan to do?" She asked curiously.

Finn was quiet, unwilling to answer her question. He had many lessons in mind for the man to endure.

"He needs to stop acting like a child," he said scoldingly.

"As much as I appreciate that, going after Damon isn't going to help anything," she replied.

He looked at her, contemplating how to argue. "Damon Salvatore has been a nuisance for too long. He's gotten away with plenty and cannot seem to mind his manners."

"...true," she said, unable to argue. "But whatever you have in mind to teach Damon a lesson, probably won't stick. Damon is always going to do what he thinks is best, regardless of anyone else. I've had to come to terms with that."

"It's not right, Elena," Finn urged.

She knew there wouldn't be winning with any of them and a fight would surely ensue of they were going to team up on her like they often did.

"Can we drop Damon as a topic of conversation tonight?" She asked nicely. "I'd rather focus on all of us being here and having a classic ending to prom night."

Finn held back a groan, knowing what she was implying. He stared lustfully at her lips and set his mouth over hers.

She moaned against into the kiss, enjoying his dominance and need he conveyed for her.

"My love," he whispered, stroking her cheek with his thumb and staring at her. He pressed them tighter together, making her feel his excitement.

She gave an approving nod and he quickly whisked them away to his room, knowing his brothers would follow.

Kol helped Elena from her dress while she worked to disrobe Finn. The three men gave approving groans when her gown pooled to the floor and left her standing in just thin lace panties.

"Finn," she trembled, running a hand through the elder man's hair as he sat on the edge of the bed, his mouth latched to one of her breasts.

"Get on the bed, Darling," Kol demanded huskily in her ear.

She laid down on the large bed, enjoying how each man stripped from their dress wear, showing their excitement for her. Elijah was the first to kiss her while Finn had taken her hand to stroke himself.

"Kol," she moaned, breaking her kiss from Elijah, feeling him kiss down and around her navel. She ran a hand through his hair and before he could get further, a knock interrupted them.

"Finn? Elijah? Is Elena in there with you?" Rebekah's voice called from the other side of the door.

"Go away, Rebekah," Kol snapped.

"She can't hear you," Elena sighed. Elijah had lit sage before they all started.

Kol muttered a string of curse words and Elijah slipped on his pants, going and answering the door.

"What is it, Rebekah?" He asked, mildly annoyed.

"Considering you are half naked in Finn's room, I'd say it's a mighty good guess Elena is in there with you. I need to steal her from you—girl crisis," she explained to her brother. "Elena! Get out here!"

Elena sighed, pulling her hand away from Finn.

"Go away, Rebekah!" Kol snapped.

"Get lucky another time, Kol," she called back bitterly.

Elijah pinched the bridge of his nose, looking pained to see his soulmate spread perfectly on the bed for them.

"Why must you demand her now, Rebekah?" He asked, tearing his eyes back to his sister.

"Matt and I got into a fight. She's the one that knows him best. I need her help," she stated. "Elena!"

"I'm coming," she called back slightly irritated. Both Kol and Finn were huffing as she pushed them off her and went to put her dress back on.

"Rebekah," Finn called frustrated. He was hard and horny.

Rebekah rolled her eyes. "I'll be in my room. You better be decent and in my room in five minutes, Elena. Or I'll come for you again and not be so nice!"

The blonde turned and left, leaving Elijah to shut the door and look to his mate.

"Don't go," Kol stated, pulling Elena back to him between his legs.

"Kol," she sighed, holding her dress up by her chest.

Elijah went over and helped her with the zipper, kissing up and down the side of her neck when he was finished.

She gave a small moan and shivered at the feel of his lips. "Elijah," she breathed, trying to find an ounce of self-restraint. It was difficult not to fall back into bed with them.

"Elena," Finn said strained, watching the pair of them. He stood up and took her hand, putting it back on his member that protruded from his dress pants.

"Bloody hell," Kol cursed, laying back on the bed as he sensed Elena's arousal.

Finn shivered at her touch, guiding her hand with his as they stroked him.

"I... have to... go..." she breathed out, moaning softly into Elijah's embrace.

Elijah turned her head, pulling her into a needy and desperate kiss. She whimpered slightly, enjoying how his lips sucked on hers.

Kol ravished her neck and just as they were about to fall back into bed, another knock came at the door.

They all gave a huff.

"Finn?" Sage's voice called.

Elena swiftly retracted her hand away from Finn's length and gave both Kol and Elijah a rushed kiss.

"Elena," Finn called, seeing her scurry from the three of them. She was uncomfortable now. They each could sense her.

He quickly put himself back in his pants to go and stop her.

"Uh, I have to go see Rebekah," she said, opening the door and swiftly exiting.

"Oh, hello," Sage said amused, examining the girl's disheveled appearance.

"Hi, Sage," Elena said awkwardly, slipping past her and walking to Rebekah's room.

"So, I'm guessing I interrupted," Sage declared, opening the door wider to the three men looking sexually frustrated.

"Don't start, Sage," Elijah declared, buttoning his shirt and leaving the room.

"You know I could help," Sage said to Finn, seeing his tented pants and bothered look.

Kol shot his elder brother a deathly glare and exited the room next.

"Sage," Finn said in annoyance.

"What?" She asked innocently. "I could. You know I could, baby. Just once."

"No," he said adamantly while adjusting his trousers. "And don't ask again."

She huffed, frustrated at the arrangement they had going. She hated not being able to have sex with the one person she wanted it from most. Damon was fine when it came to scratching the itch, but Finn was marvelous in bed and it had been centuries. She wanted her mate back.

"So, what is it?" Elena asked Rebekah as she came into the girl's room.

"I pushed Matt," she sighed.

Elena sat on the bed, waiting for more details.

"College," the blonde spoke.

Elena internally groaned, having a clear idea of where this was going. They had all finalized their college plans, including Matt, who decided one more year in Mystic Falls to save money before trying the college route again.

"I told him it'd be no big deal, and he could pay me back eventually," Rebekah stated, breaking Elena's thoughts. "He should have the opportunity to go to college if he wants and its not like money means anything to my family," the blonde justified.

Elena shook her head. "You are coming from a good place but you can't just offer to pay for Matt's college. You're his girlfriend. And to owe someone for that, especially a significant other, is too much."

Rebekah frowned. "He insists that I'm unsupportive of his plan."

"Aren't you?"

"No!"

Elena was quiet for a few moments. "Then you have to stop trying to fix his problem. He figured out something that is going to work best for him. The only thing to do now is be there and help him in ways that aren't monetary."

The blonde frowned. "And how do I make things up now?"

Elena sighed. That was going to be a whole other difficulty.

The girls schemed for hours.

Elena eventually fell asleep on Rebekah's bed and it wasn't until Elijah scooped her up and brought her to his room that she stirred.

"Elijah?" She asked groggily. "Why are we in your bed?"

"Here," he said gently, giving her one of his shirts to change into. He gave her a gentle kiss.

She looked at the clothing hesitantly.

"We're sleeping, Elena," he said, knowing what she was thinking. He hadn't brought her in his room to start something sexually with her. He just wanted to hold her.

He helped her with the zipper of her gown and watched her change into his shirt. They soon climbed into bed together and she laid her head on his chest.

"Elena," Elijah said softly. "Our open relationship makes you uncomfortable."

She gave a groan and buried her face against him. She didn't want to discuss this again.

"Elena," he called again, brushing his hand through her hair. He didn't want her to feel embarrassed by their situation.

"I just need time," she stated softly.

He gave a kiss to her head. "I think its more than that," he called boldly. They could almost feel a physical pain through the link when Elena saw Sage and Finn together. It ran deeper than she let on.

She sighed and he waited, stoking his fingers up and down her arm for encouragement.

"What if we're not real, Elijah? What if this crystal thing is wrong?"

He tensed and studied her. "You don't believe that."

"It crosses my mind," she said softly. "Finn and Sage...they met before the crystal and fell in love."

"That doesnt make them real," Kol's voice declared, coming into the bedroom. He shut the door and slipped into bed behind her.

"I want you to be happy," she stated to both of them.

"We are, Darling," Kol assured her with his arm over her waist.

Elijah agreed, kissing her head.

She laid thoughtful, doodling on Elijah's chest. "I want us to go over our terms, maybe come end of my first year of college," she spoke. "We should have something in place, in case something comes up, you know? College could change our dynamic."

"How so?" Kol asked before Elijah could.

"Well," she said thoughtfully. "I'll be away at Whitmore and you guys will be here. We won't see each other as often."

"Whitmore isn't far, Elena," Elijah spoke. For vampires it was barely much at all.

"True, but I'll have classes and things. It will be different. I don't want to hold you guys back."

"Darling," Kol sighed.

"I mean it," she insisted to both of them. "We still need to look into this soulmate thing more. There could be more to it. We should at least put checkpoints in place, okay?"

They reluctantly agreed to please her and then lulled her to sleep.

"Sage is getting in the way of things, Elijah," Kol whispered irritatedly.

"Doing something would be more harmful than good at the moment, Kol," he replied, soaking in Elena's embrace.

"I get her being insecure," Kol stated, thinking about all the town has done to her. "But revising our terms because she thinks she holds us back?"

Elijah sighed, agreeing with his brother. He gave a loving kiss to her sleepy head and smiled softly as she snuggled closer to him.

Kol pulled up the blankets around her to keep her snug and kept a hold on her from behind.

"We'll just have to show her we can work," Elijah declared.

"... I'm going to Whitmore," Kol declared boldly. He already compelled the admissions people to accept him. He wouldn't be away from her any longer.

"I figured you would," Elijah remarked. Kol still looked young enough to fit in the college crowd. "Have you told her?"

"Not yet," he replied quietly. He was waiting for a good time. He wasn't sure if she'd be happy at the idea.

"Tell her soon, Kol," Elijah advised.

Silence fell among the two brothers and they held their love until they all fell asleep.

"You've been avoiding me," Finn declared in Elena's bedroom doorway. She was busy packing her things, getting ready to go off to college in a few days.

"Finn," she said surprised. She stuffed a shirt in her bag. "What are you doing here?"

"We have yet to talk," he remarked. Ever since prom, he barely had seen much of her. Sage was demanding more attention and he had been swept away. It wasn't until Elijah mentioned something that he realized just how little he had seen of Elena throughout the entire summer.

"Talk about what?" She asked, going to her closet and grabbing some other clothing.

"Us," he declared, entering her room and taking a seat on her bed near her bags. "Elena, you're avoiding me and I know it's because of Sage. I know you still doubt the magic of the crystals. I've wanted you to come to me with your concerns."

She tensed and kept her eyes focused on her shirt.

"Its fine, Finn."

"Would you stop saying that?" He asked irritated. He caught her hand and brought her over to stand between his legs. "I've asked you to be honest with me and come to me when you have issues with us."

"And I have no issue," she urged. "I stand by what I say when I tell you it takes time to adjust."

"And yet, you share your concerns with my brothers. I know Elijah is digging into the soulmate principle on your accord, and Kol is getting ready to follow you to Whitmore."

"I didn't ask Kol to do that," she justified, "and yes, I want Elijah to dig into the crystal and the Corded Soul Concept. Regardless that its real, there are things we still don't know."

Finn's jaw clenched. "And the rest?" He asked.

She looked at him bewildered. "The rest?"

He huffed in slight embarrassment and frustration. "Elena, you haven't let me touch you since prom night when we were interrupted by Rebekah and Sage."

"Is that what this is about? Sex?"

She pushed away from him to finish packing but he caught her by the waist and stood up from her mattress. "You know it is more than that, my love," he said, staring in her eyes. "I dont want you questioning us. You're pulling away from me. You've been avoiding me."

She hesitated, glimpsing away from him.

He gave a loving kiss to her cheek and held her close to try and ease her tensions. "I'm here, my love," he murmured in her ear. "I love you."

"You've been busy with Sage," she replied weakly. "I haven't wanted to interrupt."

He sighed and pressed his head to hers. "Never think you are less important to me."

"Easier said than done," she murmured to him. She soaked in his embrace. She had barely seen him much all summer. "I'm guessing Elijah told you about the plan to revise our terms?"

"And I disagree with it," he said strongly. "Unless it is only for us to be yours, I want our terms to stay just as they are."

She gave an uneasy smile and ran her hand up and down his chest.

"I mean it," he stated.

"I just want to have a plan in case things change for any of us," she said softly.

His jaw clenched again and he pulled her against him tighter. "Why can't you believe I love you, Elena?"

"Then where have you been, Finn?" She countered softly. She bowed her head in disappointment. She didn't want to drive a wedge between him and Sage. "You haven't been around to do anything, Finn. You haven't been there when Elijah made us sit down and make plans for when I'd be home for breaks in college or talk about classes with Kol. We went out for a weekend at the lake house and you were too busy managing Sage and Troy to go with us."

She stared at him. He hadn't been around to have sex with. It had just been her, Elijah and Kol. She didn't mind, but it did occasionally feel like she was missing him. It made her sad, and Elijah tried to insist on talking to Finn, but she'd never let him.

He gave her a passionate kiss, trying to convey his sorrows and mend her pain.

"Finn," she shivered out as his mouth traveled to her neck. She held back a moan, knowing how he was purposefully pressing them together.

She gasped as he nipped at her neck and rubbed at her breast under her shirt.

"Finn, stop," she breathed, pushing his hand away and stepping back from him. Alaric was still home and she wasn't about to start something.

"We can't do this here," she said before he could apologize.

"Then come home with me," he stated huskily, pulling her back to him. "Come be with me."

Her eyes stared at his perfect lips and he waited patiently, running his hand through her hair. He wanted her.

"I can't, I have to finish packing." She pushed away from him again, going back to what she had been doing earlier.

"You've still got days," he countered, watching her fold another shirt into her bag.

"Alaric is helping me take up some things tomorrow. We got access to the dorms today," she spoke. "I'm leaving early."

Finn's brows furrowed. "Do Kol and Elijah know? I thought we were going to take you?"

"They know," she confirmed. "Plans changed a few weeks ago. Ric and Jeremy wanted to be there and Jer is leaving in a week to go to Denver for a bit. I figured you might not make it so we just cancelled our plans. Elijah is helping Kol, but thats just to tag along, I think. His dorm isn't too far from mine."

Finn stopped her by letting a hand over hers. It hurt him to hear she thought he wouldn't make it to see her off to college.

"Its fine," she said softly, staring at the hands. "At least Sage and Troy aren't causing trouble, right?"

Finn stood disappointed in himself. Was that how she tried to reckon his actions?

He turned her head and waited for her to look at him. "You are my mate."

He stopped her before she could speak. "Stop putting Sage in front of you—of us."

Elena felt a growing frustration bubble to the surface. "Then stop letting her."

He looked at her with surprise and she felt a slight hint of guilt. But she couldn't go back. And Elijah's urging to be truthful and share how she felt was nagging at her. "It shouldn't have taken you this long to notice I've been gone, Finn. Or that Sage has been taking up your waking and sleeping moments. I get you didn't even quite realize it. Elijah probably said something, right?"

Finn hesitated and she sighed. "It's not just me who out our relationship on the backburner. It's you too. You've prioritized Sage. And I'm happy for the both of you, but it's not just on me to get your attention."

"Elena?" Alaric's voice called. His feet shuffled to her bedroom and he stopped at the visitor in her room.

"Hey," he said awkwardly. "Are you almost packed?"

"Yeah, I should be done soon," she said with a forced smile.

He gave a nod. "Finn," he acknowledged before leaving.

"Alaric," Finn responded. He waited for the man to leave, before turning to his mate.

"Please, just leave Finn," she said tiredly. She still had a lot to pack.

Finn stared at her and decided to do how she asked. With a kiss to her head, he vanished from her room and she was left alone again.

It was maybe another hour later when there was another knock on the door and she could tell exactly who it was without turning to look in her doorway. "Elijah."

His shoes went scuffling against her floor and he wrapped her in his arms. "I'm sorry," he murmured in her ear. The words had her relaxing. It was rare to hear him say such a thing to her.

Things hadn't gone how he hoped when he saw Finn arrive home in a foul mood. With a prod to his elder brother, he found things were still unresolved between them and possibly a bit worse. He knew he was slightly at fault.

He gave gentle kisses to her neck, until finally she turned and faced him, giving him a needy kiss to his mouth.

"Are you alright? " he asked, feeling a certain sadness between them.

She gave a shrug. It wasn't like Finn negated anything she said or tried to fight what she said. It hurt for him to be a bystander in this mess.

"Elena," Elijah murmured, feeling her hurt. He could see why she doubted them more when Finn's actions spoke to tend to Sage and not their mate.

"I love you," he stated, trying to calm her.

She nodded, keeping her face pressed into his neck. She felt unimportant and unloved. "I love you too, Elijah."

He held her for a while, knowing she wasn't alright. He eventually helped her to pack and they laid together after packing Alaric's car.

"Come be with me tonight," he murmured, holding her close. He wanted to fall asleep with her in his arms.

"I can't. We leave early tomorrow."

"I'll wake you early enough to get home," he promised. He didn't want her to go just yet.

She looked up at him, giving him a gentle kiss. "You know you'll need to let me sleep tonight," she said coyly, knowing how he often kept her up.

He gave a smirk and kissed her snarky mouth. "Come home with me."

He convinced her with another kiss and helped her pack a bag for the evening. She let Alaric know her plans and Elijah took them back to the mansion, stealing her for himself.

"Read to me," she demanded lightly, picking out a book from his shelves and laying in his large bed. The two got settled and he cracked open the book, reading to her until she was starting to fall asleep. He kissed her head and put the book away, shutting off his light and holding her close.

"You want it, dont you?" She asked, holding back a moan as he kissed her neck to get her riled. She knew exactly what he was attempting to do with her.

"Only if you let me," he murmured.

She groaned into his mouth as his lips set over hers. He loved swaddling her. It was rare that they wouldn't fall asleep with him buried inside of her if they were together. Even Kol started to do it.

She quickly began to disrobe him and Elijah was enthusiastic, peeling her clothes away to be with her. He loved how she let him have his way.

"Do you want Kol and Finn to join us?" Elijah asked politely, knowing they were both home. He kissed down her chest and over to her breasts.

"Just you tonight," she moaned, shivering at the pleasure he was giving her.

He groaned in happiness to hear her desire. He was going to miss having her after a long and pleasurable summer.

His mouth sent over her mound, licking up her nectar. She gasped and moaned, running her hand through his hair. He smirked in satisfaction, happy to hear her sounds. They both knew Rebekah wasn't home. And when she was gone, Elena never held back.

"Oh, Elijah," she gasped, bucking her hips against his mouth. She shivered at the way his tongue parted her folds and teased her clit.

He sucked on her wet mound, watching her unravel for him. She loved being pleasured like this.

With a loud whimper, she climaxed against his face and he was hasty in taking all of her nectar.

"Elijah," she pleaded, needing him inside of her. He made his way back up to her, getting behind her and to spoon her. He groaned at her hard pebbled peaks that he rolled between his fingers.

"Elena," he groaned. She could take more. Lots more. Her body was turned on and she was horny.

"It's...okay..." she moaned, feeling his hand go down between her thighs to touch her.

"You want more," he enticed. He knew her body well. He knew her orgasms. She only got this way when she wanted all of them.

"Elijah" she whimpered, setting her hand over his that was between her legs. She was sticky and wet.

"Let Kol join us," Elijah murmured, knowing she wanted to be overwhelmed with pleasure. He could sense her desires without her having to say anything; she wanted more than one man on her, but she wasn't comfortable with Finn at the moment.

Elijah groaned at how wet his fingers were, and kissed her deeply. "You want more."

She gave a whimper and nodded, her mouth leaving Elijah's. "Yes... okay."

He touched her faster, making her give sounds of satisfaction. It was barely seconds before Kol was in bed with them, naked and hard at the sight of her.

She gasped at the familiarity of both brothers. She couldn't say she wasn't pleased with how they explored each others bodies over the summer. They had grown comfortable with one another and knew their desires.

"Kol!" She called out happily, feeling him suck on her breasts and assist Elijah in fingering her.

She whined happily, feeling the rush of pleasure she got from them. She rode out her high from their actions and desired more.

Kol was quick to roll her on her back and set his mouth over her, while she encouraged Elijah to straddle over her chest so she could take him in her mouth.

"Elena," he groaned, trying to restrain himself. His hand ran through her hair.

She stroked him like he often enjoyed, feeling his desire for her. "I'll get you hard again, Elijah."

He groaned at the promise and let her have her way. He moaned happily at the feel of her mouth and the way she used her tongue. He watched her orgasm once from Kol, before finishing in her mouth as she sucked him.

"Fuck, Elena," he grunted, his hips thrusting as she continued to take him.

She pulled away only to moan at Kol's actions. He was still down on her, giving her wild sensations with his tongue.

Elijah got off her and watched as Kol finished Elena for a second time. Both men enjoyed watching how an orgasm could take her. They made their soulmate feel intense pleasure.

Kol moaned at her wetness as he drank her down. She was quite horny like Elijah had said. He pulled up from between her thighs, intent on having her. Swiftly getting into position, he pulled her hips up to meet him and jousted roughly, burying himself inside of her.

She gasped and moaned when she felt Elijah behind her, kneading and sucking on her breasts. She was in unbearable pleasure, calling out for them and releasing against Kol's spear of flesh.

He grunted with happiness, running his hands up and down her inner thighs as her body contracted. She was getting overly sensitive by their doings. He knew her body.

His thrusts continued and Elijah rubbed her clit to help him finish. Kol felt her body melted to his and he succumbed to a mind-blowing orgasm.

She whimpered for them both as he finished inside of her, giving jagged jousts. Elijah pulled his hand back from her clit, kissing her mouth in apology. He pushed her body too far to get them off.

"Forgive me," he pleaded to her, kissing her gently and keeping hold of her.

Kol stilled her quivering hips and rubbed her body, seeing how tender their mate was after their actions.

"It felt...good..." she whimpered against Elijah's mouth as their tongues battled. He groaned for her, finding her innocence to be dangerous for them.

Kol pulled out of her and let her rest.

"Leave us, Kol," Elijah demanded. Kol looked to Elena and she nodded, finding herslef safe and content in Elijah's embrace behind her.

Kol leaned in and gave her a long kiss. "I love you."

"I love you too," she said slightly breathless. "And thank you." He had been amazing with her.

He smirked, kissing her once more. "Any time, Darling."

He got up from the bed and left the room to let the two be. Elijah moved to snuggle her and ease her body from the stimulation.

"We don't have to, Elena," he said, stopping her hand that began to pump him. He didn't want to push her too far.

"Elijah," she stated, giving him a loving kiss. "I might not be able to handle both of you again like that, but I want you. I want to finish what we started. "

He groaned at her words, letting her hand pump him. He loved how she desired sex.

It wasn't long before they were back in the spooning position, with Elijah thrusting inside of her, making her call for him as she climaxed.

"Y-yes," she whimpered as he gave loving kisses to her shoulder and neck. He was gentle with her but didn't let up, knowing she liked when he didn't pause after she came.

"Elena," he grunted, grasping at her hips and trying to bring her closer. He enjoyed how she needed him. She called for him in her orgasm.

"Again...Elijah, " she whispered for him, knowing he was close to finishing. He groaned at the idea of continuing, while her channel was still so tight. He did as she pleased; with rapid rough thrusts, he helped them both to strong climaxes.

"Oh! Elijah!" She called out, her body spasming for him again as he rocked and grunted against her.

Her body hugged him tightly and she moaned happily, feeling him finally release inside of her. They kept going in their motions, giving small thrusts to one another to prolong the intense orgasm they shared. They finally halted when he finished cumming. They were both happily exhausted.

They hummed in content as they held one another. Elijah snuggled them together and buried himself as deep as he could. He made sure she was warm and comfortable before they both fell asleep, him nestled inside of her warmth.

She woke up to her body being pampered. She groaned at the mouth on her breast, knowing Elijah was doing a very fine job of waking her.

"You're hard," she groaned as she ran her hand through his hair, and feeling his erection buried in her.

"I woke up inside my beautiful mate, " he declared, tempted to give a thrust. She wasn't ready yet.

He began to rub her clit and made her moan loudly. She was quickly getting there. "I need you."

He moved his mouth to hers, teasing her with his tongue. It wasn't long before he was able to thrust against her and get her to exclaim sounds of pleasure.

She flipped them around with her magic, giving him a view of her frame as she rode him.

"Elena," he groaned as he watched her. He sat up and took her hips, bouncing their bodies with one another. She whimpered as they made contact with her g-spot and they pounded against one another uncontrollably. It wasn't long before she called out for him in pleasure and he groaned happily and continued until he was finished.

He grunted against her, trembling at the satisfaction he felt when she ran her hand through his hair as he spurted inside of her.

"Good morning," she giggled, giving him a loving kiss when he looked at her. His mouth overtook hers and she moaned.

"I'm guessing I have to get up."

"Yes," he frowned, breaking their kiss.

She nodded, knowing what was coming. Things would change a bit between them. The next time she planned to be home was Thanksgiving. "We'll still talk right? And you'll visit?"

They planned to video chat often and he would super speed to her when she wanted.

"We'll be alright, Elena," he assured her.

She gave him a loving kiss and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

"Go shower. I'll make you breakfast," he declared, giving her another kiss.

"Shower with me," she said half breathless.

He gave a groan and his mouth moved to her neck. "You know if I do we will start this again, " he said, ready for more sex already.

She gave a groan and exposed her neck more for him. "Is that a problem?"

He pushed her down on his lap, burying his growing erection inside of her. He wanted her.

"I promised you I'd get you home in time."

She sighed and nodded, pulling back from him.

He captured her lips in a hard kiss and she whimpered. Sparks shot down their bellies and Elijah picked her up, speeding her to the bathroom and turning on the shower. He held her in his arms with her legs wrapped around him and his length still inside of her. He kissed her and brought them in the shower when the water was warm, pinning her to the wall and giving them what they both desired.

She moaned and whimpered as he let her stand, but kept one leg around him, making him get deep. Her body buzzed as he gave her pleasure and was unusually rough with her.

She called out as her orgasm shook her and she couldn't control the feelings she felt for him. He groaned against her and let his cum flood her, shooting a heavy load inside of her.

"Elena," Elijah panted. They felt amazing.

She kissed him happily and pulled herself away from him. He smirked at their fluids that seeped from between her legs. He had given her quite a bit.

"We...are...addicted...to...sex..." she groaned, feeling him pull her back against him and start to touch her. She moaned at his fingers, sighing in content as he slipped his digits inside of her. Her hand went over his, setting a faster pace.

He smirked from behind her and pleasured her further.

"Give it to me, Elena," he murmured in her ear, feeling her hold back. His fingers moved quicker and wasn't long before they were making slick sounds as he cupped her most sensitive area to get her off.

"Elijah," she whimpered against him. He kissed her shoulder and neck, continuing the rapid pace of his fingers. He wanted her to let go completely.

The shower door opened and they both looked to see Kol joining them.

"Kol, what are—"

He went to Elena, giving her a hard lustful kiss. "You can't expect me to have to listen to this and not look at you," he muttered, knowing how her body could react to them.

Elijah continued his actions, bringing her attention back to him and not his little brother.

Kol stood in front of her, rubbing himself as he watched the two.

"Elijah, " Elena whimpered helplessly, getting close to climaxing.

He sucked on her ear and helped her to keep going. He groaned at the sound of his wet hand moving so slickly in and out of her.

"Oh...oh...oh!" She cried out loudly, her body squirting at his actions. Both men groaned at the reaction and Kol quickly came, shooting cum all over Elena's stomach and thigh as he watched her orgasm.

It took coaxing and time for her to have such orgasms, but the summer had given them much time to experiment. Both Elijah and Kol got to experience the intense reaction.

She whimpered and shivered as she finished and Elijah's hand slowed.

"Get out, Kol," Elijah demanded, feeling overly possessive of Elena in that moment. The younger man would have all the time with Elena.

Elena gave Kol a long kiss, rubbing him off just to make sure he was finished. He groaned and she let him go, knowing Elijah needed the time with her.

When Kol was gone from their shower, she kneeled down and helped Elijah; his erection standing high for her. He groaned at her mouth, grasping at her hair as her head bobbed against his length.

"Elena," he called. She sucked harder and stroked him with her hand. He quickly pulled her up to kiss her and finished over what Kol had left on her skin.

He groaned and grunted in her mouth, kissing her with passion and showing her his desire. He stood panting and pleasurably spent, happy to see her just the same.

"I love you," she murmured as he kissed her and helped her wash.

"I love you, Elena," he replied.

Elijah made her waffles and even had extra for Alaric and Jeremy.

"Thank you," she said, giving him a quick kiss. She grabbed her plate and smiled as Kol gave her cheek a kiss.

"I see you took a shower of your own," she teased.

He gave her a quick kiss and annoyed Elijah as the man asked about him being packed and ready.

"I'm not five," Kol insisted irritated to his brother.

A mug of coffee was set down beside Elena at the counter and she looked to see Finn staring intensely at her.

"Finn," she said, feeling the air get thick with tension.

"Are you joining us today, brother?" Elijah asked casually. Kol grabbed a plate and sat near Elena, easing her tensions with a quick kiss.

"Yes. I—"

"Finn?" The door opened and Sage's voice called.

Elena tensed and all glanced to her. "I should get going," she murmured, taking the last bit of waffle and grabbing her bag. Her coffee stood untouched.

"No. Stop," Finn declared, halting her from leaving. He looked to Sage in the doorway. "Sage, Elena leaves today. I'm going with her to drop her off."

"Okay," Sage said, unsure why tension was in the room. "I'll be out with Troy or maybe stop and see Damon."

Finn gave a look of displeasure, not liking either influence.

"Must you be with them?" He asked his love interest.

"You seriously want to get into this now?" Sage said with short patience.

"Its fine, Finn. Go be with Sage," Elena stated. "I've got Alaric and Jeremy."

"No," Finn stated, before his brothers could add in. If there was one thing he realized about last night and this morning when hearing them all in pleasure, was how much he missed. He was an outsider and there was no one to blame but himself. "I'm coming to see you go off to college."

Elijah hid his smirk behind his cup of coffee, while Kol stated at his elder brother in interest. He was wondering when the man would wake up.

"Sage, if you're going to be with them—"

The red head rolled her eyes. "—dont treat me like a child, Finn. I know not to go off and kill the townspeople, though maybe you should remember we're vampires. We're top of the food chain."

Elena tried not to make a face, thinking of how that sounded a lot like Klaus.

Sage went and gave him a kiss and waved to everyone else, walking out the door.

"I should head home. I'll meet you guys at Whitmore," Elena said softly. She thanked Elijah for the waffles and scurried away from the men.

"Hey," Kol called to her, catching her at the door before she could leave. He wrapped his arm around her and gave her a loving kiss. She melted into him and pressed her forehead to his. He couldn't wait to spend college years with her. "I love you, Darling."

She gave a small smile. "I love you too, Kol." She gave him one last kiss before exiting, leaving the Mikaelsons to themselves.

"This is the last of it," Alaric said, bringing in her last duffle bag. The girls smiled to one another, adjusting to their dorm room.

Caroline was busy hanging lights while Bonnie and Elena arranged the furniture.

"Blood bags are in the fridge," Jeremy stated, keeping them in a hidden compartment for Caroline.

Elena went and hugged her brother, hanging off him as Alaric set her bag down on her bed.

"The house is going to be quiet without you," the little Gilbert told his sister.

"I'll visit," she promised.

"And you'll be home for Thanksgiving," Alaric stated, giving her a hug.

"Let's just hope Elijah makes the turkey again," Jeremy teased and they laughed with one another, while Alaric swatted Jeremy.

"I wouldn't mind," Elijah said, coming into the dorm room with Kol. He was happy to have a place in Elena's life and in holiday traditions with her.

She smiled and hugged the man, proud to see him in just a dress shirt and pants. He looked much more relaxed. He gave her a quick kiss and glanced around the room.

Kol went and laid on Elena's bed, propping his hands behind his head.

"Where's Finn?" Alaric asked, seeing they were missing a Mikaelson. Elena had mentioned the slight change of plans when she had brought them breakfast waffles.

Both Kol and Elijah looked to one another, disapproval on their faces.

"Is everything okay?" Jeremy wondered, seeing them go quiet. He looked to his sister, finding her face bothered.

"Its fine," she sighed. "Another change to the plans. Damon and Troy got into things and so Finn had to go take care of it."

"Damon's been extra broody lately," Bonnie commented.

"I think he's upset by all the change," Elena stated. Stefan was joining them at Whitmore, commuting for now. "We all know how he handles that."

They all scoffed and Elijah kissed Elena's cheek. He knew how she harbored unreasoned guilt for Damon's actions.

"Well, we should get going," Alaric announced, clearing his throat of his growing emotions.

She went and hugged both him and Jeremy, promising to come home and spend time with them. She hugged Elijah next, having a hard time letting go.

"Promise to call," she commanded.

He refrained from rolling his eyes, opting to kiss her instead. "I will, Elena. Let me know how your first day goes. I want to hear all about it."

She nodded, hugging him tight. She was scared of things changing and everything becoming different between them. They grew close over the summer.

"It's college, not France," Jeremy complained, looking over and seeing their mushy goodbyes. He was having just as hard of a time saying goodbye to Bonnie.

"France felt easier," she muttered, pulling away from Elijah. He frowned at her words and pulled her in for another kiss.

Both Bonnie and Caroline snickered, while Alaric shook his head and both Kol and Jeremy rolled their eyes.

When the goodbyes were out of the way, it left the four college students alone in the dorm.

"Well, what first?" Elena asked, unknowing what to do with herself. She sat on her bed next to Kol.

"I say we find a party," Caroline declared.

"Like this one?" Bonnie grinned, pulling out a flyer from her back pocket. She had been handed the invitation while they were moving in.

"Yes!" Caroline exclaimed, grabbing the paper from her and checking it out.

Elena smiled to her friends and looked to Kol, who was already giving her a reassured look and a kiss to her head. The four were about to start a whole new beginning.

A/N: What do you think about a sequel?