"Where are you going?" Joshua asked as he watched Sam pack his bags.

Sam shrugged. "I don't know. Just somewhere that's not here. I hate it here."

"Why?" Joshua asked.

Sam snorted. "How would you feel if you just found out that your father was having sex with your half sister? Be glad Mom and Dad weren't together long enough to screw you up like they screwed me up."

"Father did what?" Joshua asked.

"You heard me," Sam said. "Don't make me say it again."

"So you're just going to leave," Joshua said. "You and Father aren't even going to talk about it?"

"And say what?" Sam asked testily. "Hey Dad, why are you screwing Lucy?"

"Well, no," Joshua said. "But maybe-"

"I'm out of here!" Sam said. "I'd tell you where I was going, but I don't want to be followed. Goodbye. Make sure that Dad knows I left and that it's his fault." He headed out the door and Joshua sighed. It was starting. And it would not end well.

He watched the door for a few minutes, hoping Sam would come back, but when he didn't, Joshua thought it would be best to try and talk some sense into the other part of the problem.

"Are you out of your mind?" He yelled, appearing so suddenly in Damon's bedroom that Damon started violently.

"What is it that you want?" Damon asked. He had managed to dress by now and so had Lucy.

"What do you think I want?" Joshua asked. "I want you to explain what the hell is going on here! What were you thinking?"

"We don't have to explain anything to you!" Lucy said. "Besides, I was just leaving anyway."

"I always knew you were trouble," Joshua said to her. "From the moment you were born, picking on poor Sam just because you could! Why do you think I've been down here ever since then?"

"Because you're dead and you have nothing better to do?" Damon guessed.

"As a matter of fact," Joshua said stiffly, "my wife Emma and the children are back waiting for me. I could be having a good time with them in this wonderful approximation of the park where we used to go out for picnics in the spring, but no! I choose to stay here and clean up the messes that you won't because you're always too busy pining over some woman! First, I had to spend years and years watching Mother cry because you left her for that Katherine and never came back. And now, I have to watch out for Sam because first you were too stuck on Mother to notice anything wrong with him as well as mooning over this-this child who-"

"Watch it," Lucy said through her teeth. "I'm still your sister."

Joshua narrowed his eyes. "No, you aren't!" He said. "Just because we share the same mother, that does not make us siblings! The only reason why you exist is because both of my parents made colossal errors in judgment! Now if you'll excuse me, I think I should talk to Mother about this. She's probably the only one who will react with the least bit of sense."

"Don't tell her you found us like this!" Lucy called, although he had disappeared. "It will kill her!"

"Well, that was an absolute disaster!" Elijah said when Selina came back into their room that night. "I hope that you're proud of yourself!"

Selina sat down. "Well, I knew always that it wouldn't go well," she said. "But I can feel good because I was there to support Roxie in her time of need. That action alone could turn her down a good path, you know?"

"I suppose," Elijah said. "But what about my time of need? You do know we could have dropped Gregory off and instead of going to some dumb party we could have spent the whole night in bed?"

Selina sighed. "All right, all right. I guess I deserved that. And I did say that if you got through the party I was gonna reward you, didn't I?"

"Well, yes," Elijah said sulkily.

Selina cleared her throat and stood up, undoing her robe and letting it drop to her feet. She wasn't wearing a thing underneath it. "Now," she said, climbing into bed next to him. 'What was it you were saying about your needs?"

He rolled over and watched her, his eyes traveling over her body. "Just that I have them," he said. She began kissing his neck and running her hands over him. "And that sometimes, I need-" He broke off and kissed her. Soon, they were rolling around on the bed and Selina was giggling loudly. "That tickles!" She cried. "That tickles!"

Just as he was about to drive into her again, she let out a shriek. Joshua was standing at the foot of the bed, staring at them open-mouthed.

"What did you scream for?" Elijah asked. "I haven't done anything yet!"

"You might want to get off me for a minute," she said. "It will make the situation less awkward."

"What situation?" He asked. "Darling, you've gone all pale. What's the matter?" Then he heard the sound of someone clearing their throat. "Excuse me," Joshua said quietly. "I don't mean to intrude, but I need a moment alone with my mother."

"Who is that?" Elijah asked Selina.

Selina sighed and covered herself up. "I'll explain in a little bit." She looked at Joshua. "Would you mind doing your little disappearing act while I dress, honey?"

"You don't have to ask me twice," Joshua said. "I'll be back in a minute." He disappeared and Selina got out of bed and put a nightgown and a robe on.

"So who was that?" Elijah said. "He looks unsettlingly like Damon."

"Well, that's because that's Damon's and my first son Joshua," Selina said. "I had him just before I turned. He grew up with Damon's father and lived out his life as a human."

"I figured it was something like that, since he appeared and disappeared so quickly," Elijah said. "But why is he here now? What unfinished business could possibly bring him back after all these years?"

"I think it's because of Sammy," she said. "But I guess I'll see when I talk to him, won't I?"

"Yes," Elijah said huffily. "I guess you will."

"Oh, stop it with the sourpuss," Selina said. "This is important, and it's not likewe can't continue what we were doing when I come back."

"Well, perhaps we won't be able to," Elijah said. "Having the ghost of your long-dead song with another man appear at the foot of the bed and watch us while we're expressing our feelings for one another has to be one of the greatest mood killers in the history of the earth!"

"All right then," Selina said. "It's not like we didn't do anything before he showed up. If you feel tired before I get back, leave the lights on, would you?" Then she dashed out of the room before he could say another word and walked to the library, closing the door behind her before calling for Joshua again.

"Hello, Mother," he said, blushing a little. "I didn't mean to interrupt you."

"Oh, it's fine," Selina said. "These things happen. In fact, with your brother Adrian, they happened much more often than I'd have liked, even after we taught him to knock on a door before he entered a room."

"And with that surprisingly appropriate segue, I would like to talk about what I came here to talk about," Joshua said. "It's fairly important."

"Well, what is it?" Selina asked. "Is it Sammy? Is he hurt?"

Joshua sighed. "He came home to give Father a surprise visit, but unfortunately, it was Sam who got the surprise. He found Father in bed with a woman and, in a way very much like Father himself, has decided to just run away instead of talking things out."

Selina nodded. "Why does that not surprise me?" She looked at Joshua. "I wish I could have raised you. You are so much more sensible than your brother."

"Well, thank you, Mother," Joshua said. "Now, I don't know where Sam went. He just said he was leaving, so when you go to look for him, you might have to drive around a little."

"Look," Selina said calmly, "I know you're worried about your brother and that's sweet, especially when you consider how your Uncle Stefan and your father were for years and years, but I doubt Sam would be wandering the streets at this time of night. The kid's got a band. He probably has bunked with one of his friends because he knows he needs his sleep just like I do. I'll look for him in the morning, I swear. Now is just not a good time."

"Fine," Joshua said. "Wait until morning. But it could be too late. You never know." He disappeared and Selina groaned and stood up, going back to her room. Most of the lights were off, except for the small lamp on the bedside table. Elijah was already asleep. Selina got into bed and shook him.

"What?" He asked groggily.

"Hi," Selina said.

He looked at her for a moment, then said, "I'm sorry, but I'm too tired now. Can't this wait until later?"

"I didn't wake you up for that," she said, giving him a hug and massaging his scalp. "I just wanted to hug you goodnight and tell you I was sorry I had to leave so abruptly."

He was a bit more awake now, a small smile softening his features as he took her into his arms. "You're unbelievable," he said. "You mean a lot to me, you and Gregory. I love you both very much. You especially."

Selina grinned. "I love you too!" She said.

He lay down and she snuggled against him. "Goodnight, honey," she said.

He grinned and closed his eyes. "Good night, darling."

Around two-thirty in the morning, Sam stumbled into a building down the street from his friend's house. It was in a shady part of town, but he didn't care. He could defend himself well after all the years of living around Lucy. Lucy, that snake! That betrayer! That whore! It didn't matter what Dad said. This whole thing was her fault.

"Hey there," the bartender said, his voice accented with a strong Irish brogue. "You can't just come in here. It'll be much more pleasant if you leave of your own accord. It hurts to get thrown out on your ass."

Sam went over to the bar. "If I was drunk when they did it, would it hurt less?"

"You've got a spine," the bartender said appreciatively. "Have a seat and we'll see what we can do for you before someone comes and blows the whistle."

"Thanks," Sam said. "I have had the most horrible day. I found out that my father is having an affair with my half sister. I mean, I never actually saw them naked, but I saw enough to put two and two together."

The bartender sucked in his breath. "Seems like a double whisky is in order for you. Or two."

"Thanks," Sam nodded. "My father used to tell my mother that when she had a problem, the best way to fix it was to drink until you couldn't remember what your problem was and then deal with it in the morning."

The bartender nodded. "Sound advice." He passed the whisky down and Sam studied it. "I'm Sam by the way," he said.

"Ronan," the bartender said, shaking his hand. He looked at the whisky bottle that was now empty. "Roxanne!" he called. "We need another bottle of whisky! Can you check the storeroom?"

"Sure!" Roxie called back. "I'll be in in a minute!"

Sam choked. "That sounded like my sister, Roxie. She work here?"

"You know Roxanne?" Ronan asked. "Did you say she's your sister?"

"Yeah," Sam nodded. "We have the same mom. But different dads. Mom knew my dad first."

"Until he left her to fight in the war and never came back," Roxie said. "Here's the whisky, you wanted, Ronan. Sammy, what are you doing here? And this early in the morning?"

"I can't sleep," Sam said. "Every time I close my eyes, all I see is Dad and Lucy naked. It's not pleasant. I walked around town and came in here. The light was on. It looked nice enough."

"And you're allowed to as well, since you're werewolf kin and all," Roxie said. "It's mainly werewolves and people of werewolf descent that come here."

"You know, I've always wondered about my werewolf side," Sam said. "I mean, Dad said that I had the ability to be one if I wanted, thanks to Mom and all."

"You wanna be one?" Roxie asked.

"Would I be as strong as Lucy?" Sam asked.

"If you were one, she'd have reason to fear you," Roxie said. "If you became a werewolf, since she's not active, you would, in a way, finally have the upperhand of the two of you."

"Why?" Sam asked.

"Because werewolf bites hurt vampires," Roxie said. "They make them crazy and rabid and they spit blood, oh, those pictures in Uncle Jake's books were horrible!"

"Wow," Sam said. "I wouldn't mind having people fear me. And I bet it would get Mom and Dad's attention too. Make them forget all about stupid Lucy with her stupid face and perfect GPA!" His fist clenched.

"Don't think you're ever gonna be better than Lucy," Roxie said. "I've been trying that for years and it hasn't worked."

"Who'd she deprive you of?" Sam asked. "Mom?"

Roxie shook her head. "No, it was my dad. The moment precious little Lucy came home, everything that was mine became hers. That was around the time I moved out of Dad's house and in with my boyfriend Vince. I left for just a few hours cause I was moving my things. I came back and Dad had taken a teddy bear from my bed and was using it to bond with that little-"

"What would happen if I bit Lucy?" Sam asked. "Would she die?"

"No," Roxie said, her eyes narrowed. "Her werewolf gene would save her. However, even though it would save her from dying, she'd still become human. You could kill her then. It would be easy."

Ronan cleared his throat. "You two do realize you're planning the murder of one of my grandchildren while I'm standing right here."

Roxie and Sam looked at each other guiltily for a moment, then Roxie said, "We weren't actually gonna do anything. We were just blowing off steam. Right, Sam?"

Sam nodded. "Right, Roxie."

Later, after Roxie finished her shift, she offered to take Sam home with her for the night. "That really sucks about your dad," she said. "I'm sorry."

Sam sighed. "Yeah, well it's not the first time one of my parents has screwed me over. I should be used to it by now."

"At least you know that Mom wanted to have you around even if your dad messed it up for you," Roxie said. "I can't say the same."

"You don't know that," Sam said. "I bet there's something about you that she admires. Maybe she just can't figure out a way to tell you."

"Or maybe we should just stop trying to get love from people who don't really give a damn about us and stick with each other," Roxie said. She stopped at a stoplight and held out her hand. "What do you think?"

Sam looked down and then took it. "I couldn't have said it better."

The next morning, Selina woke up to the ringing of the phone. "Hello?" She said sleepily. "What is it?"

"It's Roxie," Roxie said. "In case you're wondering about Sam, he stumbled into Enid's around two-thirty this morning and I took him home with me. He's okay."

"Oh, really, Roxanne? Thank you so much for watching out for your brother. Joshua told me he'd run off and I was just gonna go look for him."

"Glad I could help," Roxie said. "Bye, Mom."

Selina turned off her phone and said to Elijah, "Sam's all right. I'm so relieved."

"Good," Elijah said. He sat up. "Do you want to go see to Gregory, or do you want me to?"

"Would you?" Selina asked. "I was up all night worrying about Sam, so I'm still a little-" She yawned. "-sleepy."

"All right," Elijah said, getting up. "I'll go tend to Gregory."

"Before you go," Selina asked, "I've been wondering about these blankets." She fingered his navy comforter.

"What's wrong with them?" He asked. "Do they make you too hot?"

Selina grinned. "No, you make me too hot!" She paused. "Sorry. I just had to do that. Anyway, I was at the store the other day and I saw the most wonderful comforter set. I was thinking that it would look good in here."

"I don't know," Elijah said hesitantly.

"They aren't too girly, if that's what you're worried about," Selina said. "They just have a little more color in them than you've got now. Not that white and navy isn't a lovely combination. It's just a little blah. Not as blah as white and beige, but blah all the same. Oh, and I was thinking of repainting Gregory's room so that it looked like it was under the sea, you know, since he likes the aquarium so much and all."

"Hang on," Elijah said. "So what you're telling me is that you want to do some redecorating?"

"Yeah," Selina said. "But I thought I would run it by you since this is our house and not my house or your house, although from the looks of things, you'd never guess I lived here at all, even though we've been married for a few years now. But I'll change that. I'll do a little painting, get some new furniture, get rid of those ugly stuffed animals-"

"No!" Elijah said. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you redecorate. I have very specific things I want my home to say and right now, they're saying them perfectly."

"And what are they saying?" Selina asked. "'Hello, my name is Elijah and I am the most uptight, boring person on the face of this earth'?"

"Excuse me?" Elijah asked.

"Be upfront with me!" Selina said, getting out of bed and coming up to him so that they were nose to nose. "Why don't you want any of my stuff in your house?"

"It's not that I don't want your things in my house," Elijah said quickly, "It's just that, well-"

"Don't bother explaining," Selina said. "I don't want to hear it."

"Now, tell me, what is the problem exactly?" Alistair asked as he and Astrid and Elijah walked around Elijah and Selina's house.

"It's Selina!" Elijah said. "She's on a power trip. She wants to redecorate the entire house! My space! She says that it's about time." He paused, frowning at a fluffy pink pillow that had appeared in his chair, and the scented candles all over the living room. "See? This is exactly what I'm talking about! And this is just the beginning! What?" He asked Alistair. "Why are you smirking?"

"Why would you say that she's wrong?" He asked. "Because if you asked me, it ceased being your space the second you asked her to move in with you."

Elijah frowned. "I don't follow."

"Well, why did you ask her to move in with you the first time?" Alistair asked him.

"Because she and Lucy were in danger and I wanted them to be safe," Elijah said.

"Are you sure that's the only reason?" Astrid asked. "If so, you would have asked her to go back to her apartment after the danger had passed, but you didn't. Why?"

"Because I'd gotten used to having her around," Elijah said. "It was nice to be with someone at breakfast in the morning."

"You loved her by then," Alistair said. "That's right, isn't it? And you need her. Admit it." When Elijah still looked clueless, Alistair said, "Come back to your room for a moment."

They went back to Elijah and Selina's room where a multi-colored, crocheted blanket spread over Elijah's navy blue comforter. "You see this?" Alistair asked, picking up a corner.

"Yes," Elijah nodded. "Just the first of many ways Selina's trying to usurp my position in this house."

Alistair gave him a look. "Look at this, and then look at your bed. The blankets are like you and her. You're the comforter. Solid, warm, but kind of severe. Selina is the quilt. She adds color to your life just like the quilt is adding personality to your bed. You'll be glad if you let her do the same with the rest of the house."

Astrid smirked. "Yes, I mean come on! The color scheme on your bed is navy blue and white. The only way it could have been more blah is if you would have gone with a beige comforter instead of a blue one."

"Stop saying that!" Elijah said testily. "That's exactly what she said!"

"Why do you have such a problem admitting that she has a point?" Alistair asked. "I mean, you like having her around. Her things are an extension of her."

"Yes, but her things are garishly colored, fluffy, sparkly, or inflated. You saw that pillow. Didn't it look weird in the living room?"

"Perhaps it did," Alistair nodded. "But maybe if you brought more things into the living room that fit with, it wouldn't look so out of place."

"No," Elijah shook his head. "I will not put anything in my living room to match a fluffy pink pillow! That will just suck all the dignity out of my decor!"

"Well, then talk with her!" Alistair said. "Lay ground rules about how you want the place to look and hopefully, you'll end up with something you can both enjoy. You're getting to be as stubborn as your brother. Am I going to have to explain how to have a relationship to you like you and I did to him?"

"No," Elijah said sourly. "I'm fine, thank you."

They left the bedroom and went into the living room, where they found Selina sitting in Elijah's special chair, reading a book, her legs dangling over the armrest.

"What are you doing?" Elijah asked. "This is my chair. Get out and go sit somewhere else!"

Selina looked up at him. "Well, excuse me, your highness. I didn't see you sitting here, so I thought you wouldn't mind. Besides, me and this chair have a history. It was the chair I was sitting in when my water broke and I went into labor with Gregory."

"What?" Elijah burst out, his face red, a vein in his temple throbbing. "You mean to tell me that you were sitting in this chair, when-ugh!" He shuddered. "How disgusting. I'll have to send the cushion to the dry cleaners'."

"Well, pardon me for going into a somewhat painful labor and giving birth to your son." Selina said without looking up. "It won't happen again. And just so you know, I told Anna and she dried it off afterwards. You wouldn't have known about it if I hadn't told you."

"Yes, well-I'm going to go out," Elijah told her. "I need some air." He left and Selina looked up at Alistair and Astrid. "Piece of work, isn't he?" She asked.

Alistair nodded. "I thought that you and Klaus were problematic at times, but you mostly agreed on the little things."

Selina sighed. "I wouldn't say Elijah and I are problematic. He secretly loves when I do stuff like this. It's what keeps him alive." She took the pillow off the chair. "I think I'll go put this pillow back in my extra room." She looked at Astrid. "Would you say you have an eye for decoration?"

"Sure," Astrid said. "Why?"

"I just wondered if you could show me what Gregory's room might look like if I made it look like it was under the sea. Figuratively, like with paint and lights and stuff. Not submerged in water."

"Oh, how interesting!" Astrid said. "I'd love to give that a try."

"You want to come, Alistair?" Selina asked.

Just then, Alistair's phone rang. He answered it and listened to the other person at the end of the line and then hung up. "As much as I would love to," he said, "I need to head over to Klaus'. Apparently, a dinner that he had yesterday didn't go as well as he'd hoped and he wants me to do damage control."

"Well, good luck!" Selina said. "If anyone's good at that, it's you."

Alistair nodded. "Well, thank you. Living amongst all of you, it seems to be an almost daily task." And with that, he kissed Astrid goodbye and headed for Klaus'.