Stefan followed a similar pattern over the next few days; he'd drink until sleep seemed possible, sleep than drive the day away. Repeat. As it were, it took him twice as long as planned to arrive in New Orleans. Finally, he arrived. Klaus had sent him the address. Stefan found him the place easily enough.
"Stefan. My old friend"
"Klaus, my former enemy"
"Let's not be hasty; former implies redemption. Forgiveness. I sincerely doubt that I have yours".
"You're right. But I've decided to let bygones be bygones. Bigger picture and all"
"Ah. Would that have anything to do with the several voice mails you left asking me to help you find a witch?"
"I think you know that it does"
"I'm afraid I'll need more details on your plan. I am assuming it will require a witch with an exponential amount of power"
Stefan contemplated telling Klaus of his plan; he wasn't sure if he could trust him. Yet he had no choice. No one had more extensive knowledge on witches than Klaus.
"I heard Jeremy was brought back from the dead. Bonnie did it using expression"
"A temperamental branch of magic. I assume the spell had some kind of negative side affect? Drained her of power perhaps? Which is why you're standing here asking me for my help"
"Caroline didn't mention any side affects"
Stefan noticed Klaus' face change ever so slightly at the mention of Caroline. For the briefest of moments his eyes darted to the door. Almost as if he expected to see her to walk through it. If Stefan didn't know him so well he wouldn't have picked up on it.
"I want you to help me find a witch who can use expression to bring back my friend Lexi"
"The infamous Lexi? Your original sober sponsor. Damon killed her from what I understand".
Stefan didn't answer immediately; he knew Klaus was well aware that Damon had killed Lexi. He didn't want an answer; he just enjoyed taunting him Stefan to a certain extent.
"Can you help me or not?"
"It is within my capabilities"
"Why do you make it sound like there's a catch?"
"No catch per se merely a personal interest in the matter"
Stefan was confused;
Why would Klaus care about Lexi?
Then Stefan realized;
Klaus wants to use the same witch to bring back Kol.
"Do you really think it's possible for a witch to bring back two vampires? Especially if one of them happens to be a 1000 year old original?"
Stefan had never thought of the mechanics of the spell; would it be too draining to bring back vampires? Bonnie had only brought back a human and the side affects were still unknown. Could they find a witch strong enough to bring back both Lexi and Kol?
"That's what I've always liked about you Stefan. Always so astute"
"You never answered my question"
"I believe it may take an entire coven of expression practicing witches . Luckily I happen to know where to find one"
"I'm guessing it's no where close by?"
"Now, that would be too convenient." Klaus replied , striding into the other room.
"Hope you packed your passport, mate"
Klaus reappeared a moment later, a small suitcase in hand. Keys in the other. Stefan followed a little hesitantly.
"Let me guess? Europe?"
Klaus nodded, casually locking the doors behind them. Stefan groaned; he hadn't expected this. Yet nothing worth having was easily earned. Lexi was definitely worth the trouble.
XX
Three weeks later Stefan and Klaus were in the midst of an expression coven. The witches weren't nearly as knowledgeable in regards to expression as Bonnie was. However they hadn't been personally tutored by Silas so they hadn't expected as much. Their limited knowledge meant they were unaware of the powers of an expression triangle. Klaus had argued that filling them in would speed up the process. Stefan counter argued that Kol nor Lexi was worth the lives of 36 innocent people being sacrificed. Klaus eventually complied. Reluctantly.
The witch's had been reluctant to help them. Klaus had threatened to simply kill them if they didn't cooperate. Stefan intervened suggesting that they maybe they could reach a compromise or an agreement. He had to remind Klaus that witch's were capable of some truly creative revenge ergo in this case it would be better to negotiate than to threaten or disembowel.
"What do you want from us?" Stefan asked.
Stefan helped their price wouldn't be too steep; if they asked for something he wasn't prepared to give than he would most likely slaughter all the witches. Then all their trouble, the entire trip, would have been for nothing.
The leader, a brunette with striking blue eyes came forward and wordlessly handed Klaus a piece of paper. Klaus glanced at it. Whatever was on the paper caused him to burst out laughing.
"What's funny?"
"Here" Klaus said, handing over the paper.
It simply held account details and a rather large seven figure number.
They wanted money? That's new.
"I must say, you've surprised me. Most witches ask for protection or immunity from another coven's spells or even the blood of a supernatural entity. Never in my 1000 years have I met a coven that demanded money" Klaus goaded.
Stefan noted that he was much like Damon; never one to let any insult or opportunity to make a smart arse remark pass them by.
The leader took Klaus' mocking in good humour. She smiled ruefully before she explained;
"It's deals like that which have put us in peril in the past. You may have noticed it took longer than anticipated for you to fins us. We're in hiding. Expression covens tend to have a bad reputation; ours is infamous. We've managed to annoy one too many important figures. Your financial contribution will aid us in getting new identities and safe passage. Somewhere we can stay hidden".
"If you're asking my opinion I believe the price is a tad steep. Nonetheless I accept. When can you begin?"
"Immediately. It might take a few days to complete the spell though"
Klaus scrawled his details on a sheet of paper before he headed back to the car. Stefan followed. He hoped the witches could be trusted. He wouldn't allow himself to be too optimistic lest it all fall apart. Stefan contemplated all this and more as he drove them back to the hotel.
"I'll find a way to pay you back" Stefan offered.
It may well take the rest of my existence to do so but he would do it. It would be worth it.
"I don't want your money, Stefan"
"What do you want?"
"During my time in Mystic Falls I noticed several works of art in your possession. Many are one of a kind. I've been searching for them for quite some time. I believe Damon thought they were forgeries and in turn he never sold them. Lucky for me. Allow me to have my pick and we'll call it even".
Stefan shared Damon's opinion; none of the painting they owned were that valuable. Perhaps they were of worth but no where near the substantial amount that the witch's had asked. He agreed knowing full well that this was probably the first favour that Klaus would call in. He'd most likely call in another later when it suited him.
Stefan's phone began to ring; Caroline's name appeared on the screen. He contemplated not answering it; he wasn't sure Caroline would appreciate their conversation being overheard by Klaus. However curiosity won out. He answered.
"Caroline"
"I don't even know where to start. Please tell me you're back in town. I really need to talk to you" Caroline began, jumping in without preamble.
"What's wrong?"
"It's Tyler"
Stefan noticed Klaus' hands tighten on the wheel. If Tyler had hurt her Stefan knew he wouldn't be able to stop Klaus from killing him.
It seems like I spend half my time trying to convince him not to kill people. Kinda like Lexi dedicating all her time to make sure I didn't do exactly the same thing.
"Caroline-"
"I know you're probably not alone right now. Klaus is probably with you and you;re still on you mission to bring back Kol and Lexi. I get it. But I need to talk to you Stefan"
"How did you know?"
"You mentioned your plan last week during one of your drunken conversations. I wasn't drunk so I didn't forget-"
"Caroline, I got it. What did Tyler do?"
"He- left me"
"What?!" Stefan and Klaus both exclaimed.
"He came back a week after Klaus said he could. It was great for a while. He seemed distant but I thought he was you know readjusting. Anyway yesterday he says he can't do it anymore. Just breaks up with me".
"Why?"
"He said when he was in hiding that he came across a werewolf family that had children. They were both wolves. It got him thinking. He said we could never have that. It wasn't fair on either of us"
"You mean it wasn't fair on him?"
"Ungrateful fool" Klaus seethed. His knuckles were clenched white in his lap.
"Basically, yeah. I'm fine with being a vampire. Not being able to have kids... I learnt to deal with that. I just can't believe how selfish he's being!"
"Maybe you're better off"
"Really, Stefan? You're saying that right now. You can't tell me to move on when you're off trying to resurrect some one that you can't accept is gone-"
"Caroline-"
"Look, I have to go. I'm leaving. I need to just get away. Fresh start. I'm a vampire. I can go to college whenever, right? Or wherever"
"Just promise me you'll keep in touch"
"I will. Promise me you won't let Klaus behead Tyler"
"Klaus?" Stefan asked, turning in his seat to address him.
"The mutt can live" Klaus replied through gritted teeth.
"He said he won't"
"Great. Well, hold him to it. I'll call later. Let me know how it goes with Lexi, ok?"
She hung up. Stefan looked at the screen. He was worried about her.
Hopefully she doesn't turn her humanity off.
Stefan vowed that if she did than he wouldn't stop until he made her turn it back on. He would be her Lexi.
"Klaus, you know if you kill Tyler you'll never get a chance with Caroline. She won't forgive you"
"I recall you trying to drive Elena off the same bridge which claimed her parent's lives. Yet she forgave you".
"It might not have escaped your notice that I'm sitting here with you not with her"
"Granted. I give him a chance and this is how he repays me? He breaks her heart. I should tear out his lungs"
"Sure, it would feel great for about 30 seconds but you'd lose Caroline. Or you could let it go. Give her space. Eventually she'll come to you"
"How can you be certain?"
"I can't but I'm sure that murdering her ex isn't the sure fire way to win her over".
"Fine. I said I wouldn't harm him".
Stefan lapsed into silence. Revenge seemed like the only thing on anyone's mind lately.
At least I won't have to worry about Lexi acting out any revenge fantasies. The only person she would want to get revenge on is Damon. However I don't see her going out of her way to do it especially the minute she gets back.
Not sure if I can say the same about other newly resurrected vampires.
"Can you promise to keep Kol in check?"
"By that do you mean, will I refrain allowing him to partake in his revenge plot against the murderous Gilberts?"
"Yes"
"I can't promise that"
"Klaus-"
"I'll try to keep him under control. Revenge plots never turn out as planned especially when that particular doppleganger is concerned. I'll try to distract him"
"I appreciate it"
"So tell me about this Lexi? A former friend of yours that is so important that you'd risk associating with expression?"
Stefan smiled as he began telling Klaus all of his favourite Lexi; they became more outrageous as he continued. Despite his earlier resolve he found himself feeling optimistic that he would get to see her again soon.
Klaus observed that Lexi seemed outgoing and entertaining. He said she reminded him of Kol.
Eventually they reached the hotel; Stefan feeling nostalgic about Lexi and optimistic about the witches.
In less than three days I could have my best friend. My Lexi.
Stefan went to bed that night feeling better than he had in a while. The optimism was soon pushed to the side as the image of Elena forced it's way into his thoughts. He remembered their trip to the lake house, getting to know her, the way she fought him when he became the ripper...It all played through his mind like a macabre self torturing slide show.
XX
Four days later they returned to the woods. The coven had said to finalize the spell they needed their blood. They didn't require much; a few drops would apparently suffice. As was the case with most spells, this one took place at midnight midst bad weather.
Stefan stood outside the circle as the witches began to chant. Klaus was pacing a few yards away. The wind picked up subsequently blowing out all the candles as the chanting became faster and more urgent. A few of the less skilled members began to waver slightly despite them being linked. They soon regrouped and the spell continued. Lightning struck a tree trunk close by Stefan. He flashed out of the way moments before it hit the exact spot he had been standing,It took Stefan a moment to realize the chanting had stopped. It was eerily quiet. The silence was punctuated by the sound of coughing. Stefan and Klaus both looked around to see two stunned and disheveled looking vampires. Kol and Lexi. They briefly glanced at the coven of witches that surrounded them before appraising one another. Lexi poked Kol; testing his corporeality. Kol responded in kind albeit a little harder causing Lexi to stumble a little. Lexi shot him a hlaf amused look before excitedly exclaiming;
"We're really here!"
"They did it!"
They hugged; there was nothing romantic about it. Stefan was surprised initially but it was clear that they probably bonded on the other side especially when they had seen them working together to bring them back. They broke apart searching through the smoking remains of the tree for him and Klaus. It took them only a second to spot them.
"Stefan you actually did it" Lexi said, vamping over to hug him. He responded so enthusiastically that her feet left the ground. He spun her around a few times.
She's here. Lexi. She's not actually here. To stay this time.
"So", Lexi said once Stefan had set her down, "Life so dull without me that you had to invoke dark magic to bring me back?" she joked, punching him on the shoulder.
"Looks that way"
Lexi hugged him again;
"It's so good to see you again. I see that you were struggling without me. Typical"
"Brother" crowed Kol.
Klaus walked over to Kol. KOl flashed forward meeting him halfway with a punch directly to the jaw.
"What the hell was that?"
"That's not for avenging me, dear brother. Now, I'm prepared to let it all go, even my well deserved yet devious revenge plot against those morally superior Gilberts, if you promise to destroy those pesky daggers", Kol said, offering Klaus a hand up.
"Fine. Now, lets get out of here. Fancy a drink?"
"Good to see you too, dear brother" joked Kol.
Klaus had flashed back to the car and back. he had returned with a rather expensive looking bottle.
"Well, it's no punch to the jaw but I believe the finest bourbon in all of Europe should suffice"
"You may be many thinks, Nik but you do have the best taste in alcohol" Kol said, accepting the bottle.
Klaus left him to it. He strode over to the witches. Stefan watched him go hoping he wouldn't do anything stupid. Instead, he retreived his phone from his pocket finalizing the transfer.
"The transaction is complete. You'd do well to forget we were ever here"
Now that he had finished threatening them, Kol and Klaus strode back to the car. Stefan and Lexi followed behind listening to their brotherly bickering.
"So that's Klaus? Kol's mad as a hatter brother who killed Elena and countless others, drove you back to your ripper self and is in infatuated with my replacement Caroline? Did I forget anything?"
"You missed many things but we don't have enough time to list them all. As for the Caroline thing... Well, she's definitely not your replacement"
"Can't wait to see how that turns out. She better not be"
They clambered into the back of the car. Kol passed the bottle back to Lexi. She took it, swigging from it appreciatively.
"God, I've missed this" Lexi said, handing it over to Stefan.
They had barely left the woods when Kol and Lexi began making fun of his and Klaus' actions in their absence. Apparently they had more than enough material to choose from. Stefan found that he was happier than he had been in weeks.
Author's note: Sorry I took so long to update. Hope you like it. Also, apologies if it seems like the Lexi and Stefan potential romance is being overshadowed by the Klaroline storyline. I'll try to ease up on it in the next chapter.