AN: Some of the dialogue is taken directly from the episode, 'The Dinner Party." The lyrics used are from the song 'Tell Me Why' by Gorky Park.

Chapter 9: And the Plot Thickens!

'How much trouble can you make?

And how much shit can you take?'

/D:A:D, 'Riskin' It All'.

Alaric groaned and rolled over on his side, before opening his eyes. The clock on the bedside table showed 10.13. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, then glanced around the room, not recognising his surroundings. Then he remembered that he was at the boarding house.

The door was wide open and he heard faint laughter travelling up from below.

He got out of the bed, pulled on his jeans, and ran his fingers through his hair, then quickly made his way down the stairs and into the kitchen.

Damon, Stefan, and Darwin were sitting around the kitchen table with two large plates of brownies in front of them.

"Never have I ever kissed a guy, "Darwin chanted.

Stefan frowned: "Does family count?"

Darwin shook his head and Stefan and Damon both grabbed a brownie from the plate on the left.

"Have you even ever kissed a girl? "Damon asked, while eating his brownie.

"Occasionally, not often, "Darwin answered.

"Never have I ever ... "Stefan paused to let out an uncharactaristic snicker, "... Used a pick-up line."

Damon grabbed a brownie from the plate on the right and Darwin from the one on the left.

"Didn't think it was your style, "Stefan commented.

Damon shrugged: "No man's creative when drunk and horny."

Alaric quickly caught on: "Which plate contains the special brownies?"

Stefan snickered again. "That's the fun of it; we have absolutely no idea!"

Rick moved over to the coffee maker and poured himself a cup of coffee. "When did you and Elena get back?"

"Very early this morning. I dropped her off at her house. We had a surprise visit from a couple of werewolves last night."

"So did we, "Rick remarked and sipped his coffee. "What was your problem?"

"Tyler and Brady. They came for Elena. Tyler did not know that Elena had to be killed in the sacrifice to break the curse. He let me go when I told him and I killed Brady ... I wonder how they found out about the doppelgänger and the moonstone?"

"Maybe Tyler knew something about the moonstone? It was his uncle Mason, who had it. And there was Mason's involvement with Katherine."

"Mr. Saltzman, would you get me one of my bottles from the fridge, please, "Darwin asked.

"Sure." He went to the fridge and grabbed one of the bottles labelled 'organic' and handed it to Darwin.

"Thank you, "Darwin said, then added, "do you want to join our game?"

Alaric grimaced. "No thanks. I've got papers to grade. And I got a message from Jenna last night. She'll be showing Elijah around the area today, and I thought I'd tag along."

"Alright, "Damon nodded, "just remember the name."

Alaric stared at him, uncomprehendingly.

"E-li-jah."

Alaric shook his head. "You are such a dick!"

(Break)

Elijah and Jenna were walking slowly side by side across an open field. He was actually beginning to find the young woman's company quite stimulating. She knew her local history well ... As it was written in the books, of course, but still; Elijah appreciated knowledge of the past, possibly because he had lived through a good portion of it.

"The old Fell property actually starts just beyond that fence, "she informed him, carrying the map, Darwin had dug up for them. She had a bag of scrolls slung over one shoulder.

"Ah, the Fells, "he mused, "one of the 'Founding Families.'"

"Why do you say it like that?"

"My reaserch showed me that this area was actually settled almost two full centuries earlier. It was a migration of townsfolk from the northeast. It was Salem,to be precise."

"Massachusetts? "Jenna asked surprisedly. "As in the witch trials?"

"Which means the ever lauded Founding Families ... didn't actually found anything, "he concluded.

Elijah looked up and saw Alaric Saltzman walking up to them, hands in pockets.

"Well, I bet it was the men, who made a big deal about being founders back in the 1860's, "Jenna said, "men are very territorial."

"Yes, they are, "he agreed as Alaric came to a halt and Jenna finally noticed him.

"Elijah, this is my ... friend, "she sounded out the word in a way that made it clear, that there were more to it than that, "Alaric Saltzman."

"We met briefly at the Lockwoods,"Elijah informed her.

"Yeah, "Alaric said casually, "I got your message about walking Elijah here through the old property lines. I thought I would tag along, being a history buff and all."

There was a short silence, which was borderline awkward, before Alaric continued: "Where to next?"

"I'm pretty curious about the freed slave property owners, "Elijah said, sounding just as casual as Alaric, "Some say the descendents of the slaves are the true keepers of American history."

"Well, I only brought the surveys, "Jenna reached out and touched Elijah's arm briefly, "I got that list in the car. Just give me a sec."

Elijah and Alaric watched her walk away, before facing each other.

"Alaric Saltzman, "Elijah stated, "you are one of those people on Elena's list of loved ones to protect."

"Yes, so is Jenna, "Alaric reminded him calmly.

"You don't have to be jealous, "Elijah said, "I don't really pursue younger women."

Alaric stared him down in complete silence.

"It was a joke, Rick, lighten up, "Elijah patted him on the shoulder. Then Elijah's cell phone started to ring in his pocket. "Excuse me."

He walked a good distance away from Alaric, before pulling out the phone.

UNKNOWN CALLER ID.

He answered it: "Yes?"

"Mr. Mikaelson? This is Dr. James Stern."

Elijah glanced back at Alaric and lowered his voice, even though he seriously doubted the human would be able to hear him at this distance: "You already have the results of the DNA-test, Doctor?"

There was a brief pause. "No, someone broke into my lab last night. The only things taken were the two hair samples, you sent me."

"That's odd, "Elijah frowned, "And the surveillance cameraes?"

"The security system was hacked and the recordings deleted ... I strongly suspect that you don't want the police involved?"

"No! No, I do not."

"Can you get me some new samples?"

"That's quite possible."

(Break)

"So, Elijah's plan has been for Elena to die all along?" Stefan asked again.

Damon nodded, setting down his drink. "That's what Bonnie told me."

"Yes, and Elena confirmed it. It's part of the deal she made with Elijah."

"Then Elijah has to die. The sooner, the better."

"I guess so." Stefan sounded subdued.

"You guess so?" Damon threw back at him, disbelievingly.

"I know it has to be done, but that doesn't mean I have to like it, "Stefan stated defensively, "there is no way this is going to be easy. Elijah's an Original, we don't even fully comprehend what that means!"

"Don't worry, "Damon tried to reassure him, "we are going to be smart about this."

"Have you told Darwin? He's quite a bit stronger than the two of us. We may need him."

"Darwin?"Damon said incredulously, "participating in murder? And on someone he may or may not be related to, however far removed. No, I haven't told him."

"You told him about the dagger, "Stefan reminded him.

"I needed to know, if he knew something about it. He's as old as sin."

"Did he know?"

"Not sure. But since we've decided to kill Elijah, I officially don't trust him to be on our side."

Stefan sighed deeply: "So, about Elijah; how and when?"

"I'll think of something." Damon looked up from his drink, spotting Bonnie and Jeremy sitting together several table's over and an irate-looking Luka walking up to them. "Oh, this should be good..."

"What?" Stefan turned his head to see what Damon was referring to. "Oh!"

Luka leaned forward, putting his hands flat on the table. "You wanna tell me what the Hell happened yesterday?"

Bonnie raised a questioning eyebrow at him: "Sorry?"

"Don't play dumb, "Luka's voice was slowly rising, "you both were here, and ..."

"And?" Jeremy asked.

Stefan snickered loudly, and Damon missed the next few sentences. He sent his brother an annoyed glare, realising that Stefan still had to fully recover from the 'brownie attack' that morning. He himself had gotten over it pretty quickly and Darwin had hardly been affected at all.

"... bought you a coffee and we played pool, "Bonnie said, sounding slightly bored.

Luka bent in closer to her: "You see, I think you are lying."

Jeremy immediately jumped to his feet. "And I think you need to back off, "he said, but without making it sound like a threat.

Luka looked back an forth between the two and, much to Damon's chagrin, walked away quietly.

"What an anticlimax. I was ready to put twenty bucks on Gilbert Junior."

"I don't know, "Stefan mused, tapping his fingertips on the table, "Luka's a Warlock, I'm sure he has a few magic tricks up his sleeve."

"Wanna bet?"

"Luka left. They are not going to fight."

"They might, "Damon smiled, "maybe not now, but later on. It's just a question of starting the right rumours at the right time."

"Scheming bitch, "Stefan murmered.

"I prefer the term 'warmonger.'"

Stefan straightened up and inclined his head toward the door: "Incoming. Sour history teacher."

Alaric took a seat at their table and crossed his arms over his chest.

"How was it with Jenna and her new boyfriend?" Damon asked teasingly.

"Quite boring, actually. We took a walk in the countryside..."

"Oh, how cute, "Damon remarked sarcastically, "they are already looking for real estate."

"... And talked about local history, "Alaric finished, ignoring him.

"Did you get anything out of Elijah?"

"No, like I said, it was quite boring ... but maybe we shouldn't talk about this now, "he added hurriedly, as he saw Andie walking up to them and seating herself next to Damon.

"Don't worry, "Damon turned his head and kissed her, "she's been compelled to keep our secrets."

"Hmm, "Andie confirmed, "my lips are sealed."

"This is too wierd!" Alaric shook his head in disgust. "Anyway, things are not going to well with me and Jenna right now. Apparently, John has been dropping hints to her about Isobel. How her body was never found."

Damon looked at Stefan. "Who's your scheming bitch, now?"

"What?" Alaric frowned.

"Nevermind, "Damon said, "if you need someone to rip off his head, you just let me know. I'll do it for free."

"Really?" Alaric seemed to consider.

"Sure, what are friends for?"

Damon glanced at the door, just in time to see Jenna enter the Grill. She was followed closely by Elijah. "Oh, look! If it isn't Dr. and Mrs. Crane."

Alaric buried his face in his hands. "When are you going to let that go?"

"Never ... Hey, Jenna!" Damon said as she and Elijah walked up to them, "Heard you had quite a meeting of historical minds today."

"Yes, "Jenna looked Elijah, "you could say that."

Alaric stood up. Everyone was smiling; his was the only one that looked sick. "As much as I'd like to continue this conversation I've got papers to grade."

"You're right Alaric, we should continue this, "Damon said.

"How about having a dinner party?" Andie said enthusiastically.

"That's a good idea, "Damon kissed her, "I'll be happy to host. How about tonight?"

"No, I ... "Alaric began, at the same time as Jenna said: "I'm free tonight."

They stared at each other, until Alaric backed down. "Fine."

Damon looked at Elijah, who shrugged. "Sure. It will be a pleasure."

(Break)

Darwin chewed distractedly on his lower lip, as he entered the Grill. He had spent the entire day at the library, apart from the morning in the Salvatores' kitchen. He had been trying to finish his paper on Communism.

He didn't know, why he even bothered. According to his student ID he was already 16 years old and he was only a sophomore. There was no way in Hell anyone was going to believe he was 18 in another two years.

Darwin kept his head down, thoughtfully, and almost immediately bumped into somone's chest. Someone, who didn't budge from the rather forceful impact, and Darwin fell backwards, landing hard on the floor.

"I'm sor-, "he started automatically, but choked on the words as he looked up and took in the dark, suited figure.

"Let me help you, "Elijah offered calmly and held out a hand, but Darwin merely stared at him as a deer caught in headlights.

After about five seconds, the Original sighed and reached down, grabbing Darwin by the arm and pulling him to his feet.

"Sorry, Mr. Mikaelsen." Darwin realized his mistake the second he made it, but it was too late.

Elijah stared at him, his face still wearing his usual polite expression, but his grip on Darwin's arm tightened a bit.

Niklaus was Darwin's least favourite Original, obviously, but over the last few days, Elijah had become a very close second. He had even surpassed Mikael.

Darwin jumped, as music started blaring from one of his bags. He was carrying all three of his laptops and had no idea, which one was making the offending music:

"Tell me why why why

why-ia-ia

We can't find the time

to try-ia-ia

Tell me why why why

why-ia-ia

Cause I can't win this fight

without you"

"Oh, by Odin! "Darwin exclaimed despairingly, feeling more humiliated than he had in centuries. He didn't have to look around to know that all eyes in the Grill rested on Elijah and himself. "Now what?!"

"Darwin!" He heard rather than saw Jenna, but he knew it was definitely her hand that rested briefly on the back of his neck. "Are you ok?"

"Fine, "he mumbled and Jenna reached for his bags.

"I think it's that one." Elijah finally let go of Darwin's arm and pointed to Desdemona's bag.

Ah, of course! As Kol used to say; never trust a woman to be anything but deceitful!

Jenna pulled Desdemona out of her bag and opened her. She quickly shut down Winamp, and the music finally stopped.

"Don't look so frightened, "Elijah told Darwin, as Jenna put Desdemona back in her bag and zipping it shut. He reached out again and stroked the boy's hair, seemingly to calm him down. "There's nothing to be afraid of."

Darwin was completely baffled by the kind gesture. It felt completely out of place, considering what had transpired during their meeting at the Lockwoods. But then he felt Elijah's hand tugging at the long, dark strands.

'Oh no, this again?'

After receiving the warning text message from Niklaus last night, it had been pure Hell to break into the doctor's lab and it had taken him the rest of the night to hack into the security system. He highly doubted that he could do it again. After all, he was neither a cat burglar nor a computer whiz. He simply had some experience from freeing lab monkeys with his 'Green Peace' friends a couple of years back.

Besides, he had barely slept for two nights in a row; he was overtired and on edge.

"There, "Jenna said, patting him on the back, "everything's back in order."

"Thank you, Ms. Sommers, "he said, while thinking to himself: 'It sure as Hell is not! But the good news is that now, it finally can't get any worse!'

Elijah and Jenna left the Grill and Darwin walked over to the group seated against the back wall.

"You sure know how to make an entrance, "Alaric commented, sounding slightly amused.

Damon smiled wryly. He had an arm wrapped around Andie's neck.

"We're having a Dinner Party tonight, "he informed Darwin, "and Elijah is the guest of honour. You are welcome to join us if you want to, of course."

He opened his mouth to say that he'd rather cuddle with a porcupine, but then remembered his deal with Niklaus and immediately snapped his mouth shut.

Somehow, he had to keep Damon away from Elijah, which was proving to be damn near impossible. But If anything happened; he'd never see Kol again. At least not in this life.

"Of course I'll join you, "he ended up hearing himself say, "I'll even cook."

"That won't be nessecary, "Damon assured him a bit too quickly, probably thinking it improper to serve an Original tofu casserole and left-over, funny brownies, "Jenna already offered to do that."

And to think he just seconds earlier had thought it couldn't possibly get any worse, because it just had become worse.

And a lot worse!

(Break)

Elijah's cell phone started ringing just as he left the library. He answered it, continuing to walk down the street at a leisurely pace.

"Yes?"

"Mr. Mikealson, this is Dr. Stern again. I've just received the new hair samples you've had messengered over."

"Good, when will the results be ready?"

"I'll stay here tonight until I finish with the test. I should have some answers for you before 10 o'clock this evening."

"Could you call me as soon as you have the results? Or better yet, could you text them to me?"

"Sure, I will."

AN: 'Mikaelson' would be both a Norwegian and a Swedish last name. The modern, Danish form is 'Mikaelsen, 'Either way, as you probably know, it means 'son of Mikael.'