Damon's Daughter
Chapter 20: Confessions
A/N: This is a rather interesting chapter. I hope you have as much fun reading it as I had writing it! I think I'm going to have to change the rating soon though...

"You look beautiful," Elijah whispered in my ear as we walked down the large staircase. I could feel his breath on my neck and it tickled. I giggled and ran my thumb over his.

"What is that? The fifth time you've said that to me this evening?" I smirked at him.

Elijah pursed his lips. "I can never say it too often," he smirked back. "My dear, could you excuse me for five minutes?"

"Um, sure. I'll be at the bar," I smiled and detangled my hand from his.

As I strolled to the bar Damon slid in front of me with a worried look in his eyes,

"I think it would be a good idea for you to leave…" he started, his eyes darting back and forth.

"What? Why?"

"I have a feeling that things are going to get really ugly, really fast, very soon, and it would be best if you weren't here. I have enough to worry about."

"Dad," I said taking a step closer to him. "You don't have to worry about me," I whispered. "I'll be fine," I assured. Damon didn't say anything.

I sighed. "Do you trust me?" Damon looked around the room, unable to meet my gaze. "Hey, look at me," I said, cupping his face in my hands. "I will be fine. You hear me? I will be fine. If anything happens I will be the first out and I'll be dragging Elena with me. Okay?"

Damon nodded his head in defeat. "Okay," he choked out. "I believe you."

I squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Good. Now go have fun. Stop worrying for at least five minutes."

He rolled his eyes and I let go of his hand. "I mean it," I smirked before turning to the bartender.

"Martini please, extra dry."

The bartender nodded and started to prepare my drink. I was studying the mansion when Elijah took my arm and led me away from the bar.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"I would like to be your dance partner, but first I need to make an announcement," he smiled.

I narrowed my eyes. "That's not exactly an answer."

Elijah chuckled and led me up the stairs. He cleared his throat and then announced "Tonight's pick is a centuries-old waltz, so if all of you could please find yourselves a partner and join us in the ballroom. I know I already have my partner," he smiled and looked down at me. I giggled and leaned my head against his chest. We quickly made our way into the ballroom and Elijah smiled at me.

"May I have this dance?" he asked, holding out his hand to me.

"You know that I'm a terrible dancer," I sighed, taking his hand. Elijah brought my hand up to his mouth and gently kissed it.

"I have a hard time believing that," he smirked.

"I knew you were lying," Elijah said as we waltzed around the ballroom.

"And what exactly did I lie about, Mr. Mikealson?"

"You are not a terrible dancer," he smiled. "If anything, I'm the terrible one. I can't recall how many times I have stepped on your feet," he commented.

I laughed and rolled my eyes. "Time to switch partners," I whispered, suddenly being twirled into the arms of another man. The moment I felt the other man's arms around me, I knew who I'd ended up with.

"Klaus," I muttered and looked up at him.

"You look beautiful," Klaus smiled. "You're also quite the dancer."

"Oh, save it," I snapped. "You've probably said the same thing to Caroline."

"Jealousy isn't your best look, my dear Emma. I see that you're here with my brother," Klaus commented, glancing at Elijah with a hint of jealousy in his eyes.

"Jealousy isn't your best look, my dear Klaus," I said, tit for tat.

Klaus rolled his eyes. "I'll admit I'm rather jealous of Elijah. Anyone would be, seeing as you're his partner. But I won't get too green with envy. I know that you'll soon grow tired of him and his dull, predictable ways."

I glared at Klaus. "Shut up," I spat.

"Why? Have I hit a nerve, my dear? Is it because you know I'm right?" Klaus tightened his hold on my waist, causing me to shudder.

I was suddenly very uncomfortable in Klaus's arms. "Klaus, stop it," I whispered.

"Why?" He whispered back. "You didn't seem to have a problem with me holding you like this a couple of months ago."

"That- that was different and you know it. Elijah and I weren't-" I stuttered.

"Together? Yes, I know. But the question is: Does Elijah know?"

"No, and he never will," I firmly said. "Klaus, what happened… with us… That was a one-time thing. I was distraught over Elijah and you were there… I would've had sex with anyone at that point."

Klaus shook his head. "It was more than that and you know it. But if you wish to live in denial then that's fine with me." He said, and I was suddenly in someone else's arms. When I breathed in the scent of Damon's cologne I sighed in relief.

"Are you having fun?" he asked.

"Yeah. It's all just a bit… overwhelming. What about you? Are you having a good time?" I asked.

"I'd be having much more fun if Elena would stay put and realize that she isn't going to talk to the wicked witch."

"She's not that bad," I laughed.

"So now you're siding with the Originals?" Damon snapped.

"What? No, I am just saying that–

"I saw you mingling with all of them," Damon interrupted. "As a matter of fact, everyone did. How do you think that makes me look? Carol Lockwood asked me if you were an Original, for God's sake. Maybe it's time for you to pick a side."

I looked at Damon in disgust. I abruptly stopped dancing and stormed out of the ballroom, leaving Damon standing there by himself. I wasn't in the mood for his drama.

"Where's your date?" Kol asked walking up Rebekah.

"Flirting with his ex," Rebekah deadpanned.

"You've changed, Bekah. You know, settling for mortals is the first sign of weakness." Kol replied. "Elijah's not settling for some mortal, and neither is Niklaus. It seems as if they are both at war over that girl."

"Yes, it seems as if they are." Rebekah muttered while watching me run out of the ball room. "Besides, I'm not settling. I brought him here to kill him. He's Elena's friend. If he dies, she suffers. But I've already been scolded once, so I was hoping you'd help your baby sister out," she pouted.

"And spit right in the face of mother's rules?" Kol smirked at his sister. "I'm in."

"Emma!" Rebekah called out, and gestured for me to join them. "What's the matter?"

"My dad," I breathed. "I'm fine. I just need to blow off some steam. Where's Elijah?"

"I believe that he is looking for that doppelgänger wench. He went that way," Rebekah replied, pointing to the direction he went in.

"Thanks," I smiled and quickly tried to find Elijah.

I found Elijah in the middle of a long hallway, staring out the glass doors.

"Where have you been?" I exclaimed. "I looked all over for you!"

"Sorry, my dear. I had business to tend to," he explained.

"That doesn't give you any excuse to just run off," I huffed. Elijah looked at me, confused.

"I'm sorry," I breathed. I was being crazy. Elijah hadn't done anything. It was his stupid brother and my stupid father causing me to be so agitated. "My dad is being so–

"Shh… It's okay," he said. "You don't need to explain. I understand." He then lightly kissed me on the lips. "Come. Let's go," Elijah said, grabbing my hand.

"Where are we going?" I questioned.

"It's a surprise," Elijah smiled.

3rd Person POV

Elena stood back in the ballroom after her meeting with Esther. She learned that Esther wasn't just planning on killing Klaus, but her entire family. She felt that they were an abomination. Esther asked for Elena's blood to complete the spell, and Elena willingly complied. As she stood in the hallway she thought about how happy Emma was with Elijah. She had just now gotten him back and now she was going to lose him again. Elena was torn away from her nightmares when she heard the click-clack of heels on the floor. She looked up and saw Emma and Elijah coming towards her.

"So how was my mother?" Elijah asked.

"Intense," Elena replied.

"My words exactly," Emma chimed in.

"And for what reason did she need to speak with you in private?" Elijah asked her. Elena looked over and saw Esther on the stairs staring at her. Esther met her eyes and smiled.

"Elena. Should I be concerned about my mother's intentions?" Elijah persisted.

"She just wanted to apologize for trying to have me killed," Elena replied looking at him.

"So it's true, then? She's forgiven Klaus?" Elijah asked.

"It's true," Elena told him.

"Thank you Elena," Elijah smiled. Elijah walked Emma away from Elena. The two of them stopped when Elijah saw his mother standing on the stairs with a glass of champagne in her hand.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Waiters are coming round with champagne." Esther began. Elijah took two glasses from one of the waiters and handed one of them to Emma.

"I invite you all to join me in raising a glass. It provides me with no greater joy than to see my family back together as one. I'd like to thank you all for being part of this spectacular evening. A special thanks to Miss Emma Salvatore. This young lady has brought much light back into my life. Cheers!" Esther continued raising her glass. Everyone began to drink.

Emma looked at Elijah, confused at Esther's speech.

"She really likes you," he smiled, holding up his drink. "Cheers."

"Cheers," she smiled back, neither of them realizing that Elena was staring at them with regret in her eyes.

Emma's POV

"Can I open my eyes yet?" I whined. After the toast Elijah led me down the hallway and covered my eyes. I felt my bare feet touch cool grass and I was suddenly very suspicious of what Elijah had planned for tonight.

"Nope, not yet. We're almost there," Elijah whispered.

"Now?"

"Nope," Elijah laughed.

"What about now?" I asked.

"Be quiet or I won't ever let you open your eyes," Elijah joked.

"Fine," I sighed in defeat.

Elijah walked a couple more feet until he stopped dead in his tracks.

"Now," Elijah smiled, taking his hands away from my face.

What I saw took my breath away. Elijah had led me to a decorated garden. As I walked around I saw that there were lights on the bushes and in the trees. A picnic was set up in the gazebo. Rose bushes surrounded me. It was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. I ran back to Elijah and put my arms around him, hugging him in a tight embrace. "Did you do this?" I asked, smiling ear to ear.

"With help from a couple of maids. Do you like it?" Elijah smiled.

"I don't like it, I love it! I love you! This is amazing!" I cried, placing an excited kiss on his lips. As soon as it happened the kiss was over and I took off sprinting to the gazebo. "Are you hungry?" Elijah asked, regaining his composure.

"Of course I am! Your mother is a great party planner but the only thing that she didn't think of was food." I smiled, removing some food from the picnic basket. "Mm… Chocolate! Yum." I mumbled, fidgeting with the chocolate wrapper, unable to open it.

"Would you like so help with that?" Elijah asked, trying to hide his laughter.

"Yes please," I said, looking back into Elijah's deep brown eyes. Suddenly I found myself unable to take my eyes off his. In the dim light I noticed that Elijah's deep brown eyes sparkled. As his hand touched mine I suddenly felt warm, warmer than ever. In that moment I forgot all about my dad and my mom and even Klaus. All that mattered then was Elijah and me. "Kiss me," I breathed. In a spilt second Elijah's lips were on mine. And in that moment I felt complete. "I love you," Elijah muttered against my lips.

"I love you too," I whispered and found myself trying to undo Elijah's tie.

"Not now," Elijah protested. He pulled his lips away from mine and sighed. "Tonight. Meet me back here tonight. After the party is over."

I nodded and leaned my head on his chest. Elijah rested his chin on the top of my head and sighed. "Emma, there's something I need to ask you," he began.

My heart suddenly started to beat a hole in my chest. What if Klaus told him about what happened? What if he's having second thoughts? I took a deep breath. "Anything."

"Will you marry me? For real this time? No more running off with second thoughts."

I tore myself away from Elijah and looked up into his hopeful eyes. Waves of shock crashed over me. That was not what I expected Elijah to ask me. "Elijah, don't you think we should wait a bit longer?" I asked.

"No. No, I don't. We've known each other for nearly two hundred years. We could never move too fast. Just think about it. We could finally do what we dreamed of! We could run off to some foreign country and just be with each other forever! Isn't that what we've always wanted?"

"Yes. I mean no. I…" I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. "Why does everything have to be so complicated with you?" I muttered. It suddenly occurred to me that I couldn't marry Elijah, not now. I couldn't be everything he wanted me to be anymore. I was no longer some doll he could spoil with expensive clothes and precious jewels. And our old dream of running off together to escape our demons… I didn't need to live off dreams anymore. Before coming to Mystic Falls, Elijah was my only family. But now… Now I had Caroline and Elena and Matt and Stefan and Damon and more. I love Elijah, and I always will but now… I don't need him anymore, not like I used to.

Elijah looked at me, confused. "What do you mean? Isn't this what you want? To get away from Mystic Falls? To just run off together?"

I looked up at Elijah with pity in my eyes. "No," I whispered. "Not anymore."

He just looked at me, shocked.

I took his hand and pulled him to the ground with me. "Elijah, I love you. I will always love you, despite everything we've been through. But what you're asking me to do… I just can't. I can't just run off to France or Japan without a care in the world. I have a family now, Elijah. A true family. Of course, it's not exactly picture perfect, but it's all that I have. For the first time in my life I feel like I belong. I love Mystic Falls, and I love my friends, and I love my family. I can't just run off with you like I used to."

"So… so that's a no?" Elijah choked out.

I glanced down at my manicured hands and felt a tear fall from my eyes. "Yeah. It's a no."

Elijah cleared his throat. "Where does that leave us?" he rasped.

I tightened my lips, trying to stop the tears. "I, I don't know," I stuttered.

"Emma… before you make your decision I need to tell you something, and you might hate me for it."

"I could never hate you," I scoffed and rested my head on my knees.

"You say that now…" Elijah said, barely a whisper. "After we called off the engagement, I um… ran into Katherine and…"

I froze and the pit in my stomach grew. "And what, Elijah?"

I heard him gulp. He didn't answer. I lifted my head from my knees and turned to him. "You had sex with Katherine, didn't you?" I asked, my voice void of emotion.

At the sound of my voice Elijah cringed and nodded.

For a moment all was silent and then I suddenly let out a hollow laugh. "You think this is funny?" I Elijah exclaimed.

"No," I cackled. "I think it's hysterical. Wanna know why?" I smirked.

Elijah searched my eyes for an answer. I leaned into him, so close that I could feel his breath on mine. "It's funny because two hours after you left, I fucked your brother."

A/N: This wasn't what I originally had planned for this chapter AT ALL. But I got a plot bunny while writing and it wouldn't leave me alone. It just made more sense to me to write it this way. I feel like Emma has really grown as a person and is slowly realizing that she doesn't need Elijah as much as she thought she did. I think she became so dependent on him when they were together and after he left she sort of put him up on this pedestal, forgetting all of his faults. As for the Klaus and Emma thing, I will elaborate on that next chapter. Please review! I love hearing what you all think! :DD