The Kiss of Death

Elizabeth knocked on the door, and heard Klaus tell her to come in. So she opened the door, and found him there looking at the mirror while fixing his collar. She leaned by the doorway, and crossed her arms over her chest, smiling faintly. "You seem excited." She commented, and saw him look at her direction through the mirror. He then smiled.

"Just a tad," He said with a shrug. "But I must say that you don't look very prepared."

"I'm still deciding whether I should join." She said matter-of-factly. "After all, I haven't ridden a horse in a very long time." She added, and then a smile crept on her lips. The thing that they were talking about was the event today. Klaus was in the council and that he arranged a small horse-riding event where townies can watch, ride and enjoy. It was brilliant, Elizabeth must say. And Klaus had been making her join the horse race when Elizabeth had been dead for centuries – she cannot exactly say if she still knew how to ride a horse.

"Well, you should definitely join. But if you really don't, then I shall stop persuading you." He said, facing her. Elizabeth then gave a nod. He then put his arms to his side and opened them slightly. "So how do I look?"

"Like a real equestrian, back in seventeen-hundreds." She teased, and raised her eyebrows.

"Everyone rides a horse before, unlike nowadays." He said with a shrug as he went to his walk-in closet to get his coat. She then looked down and remembered her main purpose on why she was here, by his room. He then came back out and so she looked up at him.

"Nik," She said. "Did you know that Katherine was back in town?"

"Katherine?" He asked, looking at her then back away.

"Yes," she replied.

"No," He shook his head. "Why would I know?" Elizabeth then arched her eyebrows in disbelief, but then she frowned. He of all people should've known she was back in town. He wanted her dead for a very long time now, yet for some reason he hadn't. And that is very suspicious.

"I just thought you knew," She said. "Since I know how much you want the girl dead. She's in town and I cannot really take her audacity for even showing her blasted face." She added with much hate and disgust, but Klaus only looked at her and let out a chuckle. She knew he was in a very good mood, and that didn't exactly entertain her.

"Did you just call her a girl?" He asked. "For God's sake Elizabeth, she's as old as a dead body that has already been decomposed for centuries. She's no girl, she's a bloody vampire."

"Oh who cares?" Elizabeth interrupted. "If you won't kill her, then I will."

"Lighten up, will you?" He then said, looking at her with his face calm and a smile on his lips. "Let her have her fun, the poor vampire's been running away for centuries."

"And you suddenly feel pity for her, I suppose?" She asked bluntly. "Did she ask for you to have mercy on her and grant her another century to live as freely as she would like?" She added with utmost sarcasm she could muster and she was standing straight now with her chin up. Klaus exhaled and smiled easily, looking at her with such warmth and calmness.

"She'll be dead soon enough," He said, as he walked towards her. "But now, I couldn't care any less." – He then stopped in front of her and brushed his hands from her shoulders to her elbows. – "I have you now, and for that is all that's important. If you want her gone, then she will be soon enough." He looked directly at her eyes, and she looked back. "Now, shall we go?"

"Just let me get my purse." She mumbled. And so, he let go and nodded, then she turned away to get it.

Damon put his leather gloves on in front of the mirror, and then gave himself another good look. It felt like the old days again, as if it was 1864. It had been a while since he'd gone to a horse race, and it has been a while since he had ridden a horse (since he's got his sleek Hummer now to travel – winks). He can remember 1864 perfectly. A lovely afternoon by the field, riding his horse, and Stefan riding his as well, and both of them racing towards the Wickery Bridge, laughed as they challenged each other and got really competitive until someone came along, interrupting them.

And that would be their father.

Or maybe not.

"Going out for the race?" He heard that same familiar voice say. And then he saw Katherine by his doorway through the mirror. "Just like the old days?"

"I suppose you're coming as well?" He asked, rather coldly. He didn't really have any interest with Katherine's affairs. After what she did to him (or them, but mostly to him), he was just done. He had loved her, but with all the games she played, it made him sick to the gut. But now, that sick gut-wrenching feeling is mostly for his hatred for her.

"I'd be sneaking around. I can't let Klaus see me," She breathed and pouted. Damon only sneered. Katherine thinks she's absolutely irresistible, but she's not. He only felt sorry for her.

"You'll always be on the run." Damon said with such mockery. "I hope he sees you and cut your throat." Katherine then rolled her eyes as she walked away.

"Wishing death upon me is just funny," Katherine said with an air laugh as she walked towards him. "If you do hate me so much, then death would be too easy." Damon turned to face her and saw that she was already behind him. He then narrowed his eyes and pursed his lips.

"I know…" He replied. "Too bad you didn't rot in that underground chamber. The world would've had rejoiced." He then smiled viciously as Katherine's eyes narrowed.

"Well, I didn't." She replied matter-of-factly. "I'm still around to have fun. Besides, you need me." Damon sniffed in mockery as he stifled an air laugh.

"Hardly," He replied then a smile slowly crept along his lips.

"Whatever," She shrugged. "Now can we go?"

"I don't remember approving of being your escort." He said as tilted his head to the side and his smile disappeared.

"Well you are now," She said with a smile and a wink.

Then she was gone.

Elena walked with Stefan to the white tent, wearing a blue dress with her arm around Stefan's. It was a bit unbelievable that Klaus finally arrived and suddenly organized this event after he invited Damon to dinner a week ago. Also, he had been terribly quiet – and the silence was scaring her. Klaus wasn't meddling in their lives, everything was clean, and he hasn't killed anybody.

Yet, that is.

She wondered if the silence will exist for a long time. And she hoped it will. "Elena!" Somebody called her and interrupted her thoughts. She turned around, still holding onto Stefan's arm, and saw Caroline walking with Tyler. She had her signature sunshine smile on her face, and Elena noticed how elegant she looked in her emerald green dress.

"Hey," Elena smiled as Caroline and Tyler were only a few feet away from both of them.

"Can you believe this?" Caroline asked, looking by the white tent, and saw lines of buffet table with beautiful, elegant and extravagant decorations. "Klaus is gone for months, and then he organizes this! Everyone, like, wants to go! This is pretty much a big thing."

"She's excited, obviously," Tyler said with a knowing smile. He was wearing a tuxedo, and so was Stefan.

"Yeah," Elena said with a laugh.

"Stefan, are you going for the horse race?" Caroline asked, and Stefan smiled kindly and shook his head.

"No," He said.

"Why not?" She asked. "You used to ride horses all the time! You're old enough to be a pro!" Caroline added with a laugh, and Elena laughed as well. Stefan only let out a chuckle as he nodded, and raised a finger.

"You do have a good point, but I'd pass." He said. "It's been a while, and I'm probably not as good as I was before."

"That's right." Someone suddenly chimed in, and they all saw that it was Damon, wearing his riding apparel, black coat, white button-down shirt that was unbuttoned on the first two and was tucked in on a black high-waisted, leather-belted trousers, black knee-high leather riding boots, and his hair was just a mess. He was holding his leather gloves and was smirking at his brother. "Because he usually lost to yours truly," He teased and Stefan looked at him.

"I didn't know you're joining, Damon" Stefan replied.

"If you had paid enough attention and not hunting bunnies, you would've at least known." Damon said with a smile. He then looked at Elena and the other, but it seemed to Elena that he was looking nothing in particular. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and prepare."

"You should join," Caroline suddenly said to Stefan once Damon was far enough to even hear them. She then shrugged. "Just to kick Damon's ass." She added, and they all smiled. "We better get a drink," Caroline said and then they were gone.

"I absolutely agree with her." Elena said with a kind smile. "You should go and kick Damon's ass." Stefan chuckled, and looked away. He was calm now, Elena knew. After a few days of not actually talking, and not seeing each other, everything was calm now – even though they were avoiding the issue here exactly.

"You think so?" Stefan said and she nodded as she gave his arm a squeeze.

"I know so."

Klaus and Elizabeth arrived and were welcomed by none other than Mrs. Lockwood. As he looked around, he could see that the event is going swimmingly. Everyone enjoyed the food, the lovely décor, the lovely weather, the expensive champagne, even the horses. Kids were having fun, and so were the adults.

Not like he actually cared.

"You have arranged such a wonderful event, Klaus." Mrs. Lockwood said. "It's just…" She said, looking around. "Amazing. Just amazing." Klaus smiled graciously as he gave a nod.

"That is wonderful to hear. Thank you very much." He said, putting a hand on his heart as if to say he was touched. Although he wasn't exactly, because he knew that it will be great. He was good at this stuff. Why? Well, because he's lived for centuries – that's why. He was a pro, and at a great advantage.

If only Mrs. Lockwood knew…

"And will you stay back here in Mystic Falls?" She asked.

"I guess we might," He replied with a shrug and took two glasses of champagne from the passing waiter. He then gave one to Elizabeth who accepted it gratefully. Klaus smiled at her. "We've been gone long enough."

"You are always welcome here in Mystic Falls," She said with a tight smile, and Klaus sensed her nervousness through her eyes. And so, he secretly smiled as he took a few swigs of his champagne.

"That's very nice to hear," He said with a rather, saccharine smile. But then, Elizabeth squeezed his arm and whispered in his ear, excusing herself. So he nodded, and she slipped off. Once Elizabeth was far enough, he saw Mrs. Lockwood watch her. "She'll just grab some of those h'ordeuvres." Mrs. Lockwood smiled and nodded.

"I'm sure the council members would love to chat with you," She said. "Shall we go?" Klaus continued to smile.

"Of course." He said, then glanced back and saw Elizabeth by the buffet. When he knew she would be fine, he followed Mrs. Lockwood.

"There you are," Elizabeth said as she approached Tom with a great smile. The party was going great and she knew that Klaus was very happy. Everyone was complimenting it, and now he's even chatting with the council members, probably basking the glory – Elizabeth assumed. Tom was well-dressed as always. Though, he was not wearing his typical, French Ambassador attire, but rather, he was wearing an Armani suit. Of course, that still qualified as the "French Ambassador" type, but he leveled it down by not wearing his tailored ones. "You look fantastic!" She said as she gave him a kiss on each of his cheek and smiled.

"So do you," He said as he smiled then looked around. "I must say that Klaus did a very good job."

"Did you arrive early?" She asked, holding on to her champagne flute.

"Yes, I was on time." He replied matter-of-factly.

"You've always been punctual…" Elizabeth commented with a thoughtful smile then she stood beside him as they both looked around the crowd. The place was full of townies, smiling and wearing fancy clothes for this event. "The people are surely enjoying," She commented again.

"They are," He said as he took a champagne flute from a passing waiter. "And I am hungry," He said, and then he sipped on his flute. Elizabeth smiled as she watched him, but turned away after a few moments. "Is that Katherine?" He asked. She then looked at who he was looking at. "She sure smells like a human."

"That's because she is…" She told him. "That is the doppelganger, Elena." Tom then arched his eyebrows.

"Right, I haven't exactly met her, but she was in New York a few months ago, wasn't she?" He said, looking at Elena again as Elizabeth nodded in reply. "Do you think Katherine's here?"

"I am certain she is somewhere lurking, hiding from Klaus, but not too far away. I can smell her…" She said. "And if I have to search for her, I am also certain that I can touch her mind to know where she is exactly." Tom smirked and then sipped on his flute again.

"Well that would be fun…" He said, afterwards.

"I agree."

"Are you joining the race?" He asked, cocking an eyebrow. She then looked at him.

"Perhaps" She replied with a shrug. "If there is a good opponent, then I will. If there is none then I won't."

"But if there is, you aren't exactly wearing the proper attire for racing." He said.

"My attire won't matter." She said with a confident smile. "I told Klaus that I won't race because I had been dead for centuries and that I might've already forgotten how." She said with an air laugh and Tom let out a chuckle.

"He's a fool." He said with a great smile as they glanced at Klaus, who was talking to the council members.

"I know." She said. "The race will start soon."

"Then we must get seats now." Tom said as he took Elizabeth's and his empty flute and gave them to the passing waiter. "By the way, have you seen Damon?"

"Not yet," She said. "But he's here, I can feel it." Tom then only shrugged.

"Shall we go then?" He asked, and Elizabeth smiled and nodded at him.

"But first, I shall get a martini." She said. Although she really was going to get a martini, she was waiting for something.

Or someone…

Damon saw her, with her back turned against him. She was wearing a red dress that hugged her body. It had a low cut in the back, revealing her bare back, and it had a low cut in front too. She was talking to Tom, the French Ambassador that was the first vampire she turned and was her former beaux.

Damon then scrounged his nose at the thought.

Elizabeth and Tom were talking with champagne flutes with their hand, smiling and looking at the crowd in front of them. Soon enough, Tom walked away probably to get their seats since the race is about to start. He then took a glass of scotch from a passing waiter and made his way towards her.

"So you're finally back," He said behind her. She then faced him with an expectant smile. He then noticed how her hair had grown from the last time he saw her.

"Ah, Damon," She said. "Just the one I was expecting," He then smirked.

"You knew I was here?" He asked, arching his eyebrows.

"You are my familiar, aren't you?" She asked, getting a piece of chocolate that was placed one a bowl by the buffet. "I know you even if you're a mile away."

"How wonderful," He said with utmost sarcasm and drank on the tumbler. Elizabeth smirked as she popped a piece of chocolate to her mouth and started chewing.

"It is," She said after she swallowed. "How was New York? I believe you stayed there for the whole summer…" She then gave him a knowing look, "while I was in Paris," She added.

"I did," He said with a nod. "I was there, just having fun – nothing new." He added with a shrug, although he left the part where he has nearly mastered telepathy and manipulation.

"I see you're joining the race," She commented, looking at him from head to foot. "I wish you the best of luck." She said and gave his shoulder a good squeeze. And before she can withdraw her hand, Damon held wrist tightly. Once he did, she looked at him in disbelief.

"Stop the charade." Damon said with his eyes intent, "You can't fool me." He then leaned towards her. "I know you hate me, you despise me, and you want to kill me sooo bad right now. So just say it in my face and do it – stop making me wait." Elizabeth's smile faded and her expression was full of scorn. She then inhaled deeply and looked at him dead in the eye.

"Let go of my hand…" She said slowly yet firmly. After a few moments, with their eyes locked towards each other's, he smiled then finally let go.

"So you're not going to say it?" He asked, teasing her. For a moment she glared at him, but then she slowly smiled. She leaned towards him.

"I don't need to," She whispered. "Because you already know how much I despise you now," She said with a hiss. They were so close that Damon can feel her breath on his skin, as his skin itched for hers to touch his. But then Damon felt a shock. A shock he cannot really explain. But there was one thing he knew he felt, and that it was danger – so dangerous that he felt fear. Elizabeth smiled widely and then she kissed him on his cheek – the kiss of death, he thought – and stepped back. "Good luck."

She turned away and started walking. He was left standing there, looking like a struck idiot.

"Mr. Salvatore, the race is about to start."