Ok…to start out. I'm so sorry that I haven't updated in a month. My computer took a dump and I haven't been able to get on. All my files were deleted and then the internet took a crash soon after that. So I hope that everyone had a great holiday. Just so we are clear, the timeline is not the same. Halloween is after Homecoming, and I have much excitement in store for you guys. Well…enjoy.

Era sat by her window, glancing at the stars. She pondered what she was about to do. She loved Elijah like a brother. When he had made his feelings apparent, Klaus grew so angry. It was a betrayal in the highest aspect. He couldn't believe that his own brother wanted to take away the one person that actually meant something to Klaus. They argued. It was an argument that, to this day, made Era blush with shame. Elijah had said that Klaus didn't deserve her, that his only thought was of the whores he got pleasure from. If he had truly loved Era, he wouldn't need anyone else. Era had known he'd had a point, but she also knew that Klaus loved her. Eternity was a long time. It was ignorant to believe that a vampire wouldn't test the water. Era had done the same. Once the water was tested, and the proof that there was no one else he would ever care about, he came back. She knew he would. He always did. Elijah went away soon after that. Then Era met Jonathan. She could only assume, he sent for the moral brother to stay with him when she left. Klaus's jealousy should have been her first and only clue that he would never be okay if she shared her heart with anyone but him. Era tried to remember the early days of their relationship. He had killed any man that as much as looked at her lustfully.

She sometimes pondered what her life would be like if Elijah had been the one to save her instead of Klaus. Era knew it wouldn't have mattered. Klaus had held her heart even before he had rescued her from that dingy cell. He had come to the whore house several times before that, never approaching her. He was beautiful, and his eyes followed her everywhere she went. Elijah had been with him the first few times, but soon it was just him. Era shook her head at the memories. She needed a clear head if she was to do this. It didn't matter now. Klaus had asked her to do something and she would. She would convince Klaus to awaken him when the time came, when Michael was out of their lives and buried in the ground. Era walked up to Elijah's door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked softly.

"Come in, Era," He replied for the other side of the door. She walked in and sat down across from him, hands braced behind her.

"Where have you been?" She asked. Elijah glanced up from his book, and couldn't help but admire her figure for mere moments.

"Out searching," He replied softly. She straightened up, eyes never leaving his.

"Aren't you afraid I'll tell Klaus that you're searching for Michael?" He put his book aside and stared at her, almost sadly.

"I'd wager you have already, little one." His voice held no betrayal, only contempt.

"I haven't and I won't," Elijah's eyebrows rose in surprise. Era bit her lip at the lie. She looked down at her knees, "I'll be honest. I tried to. I called him. He wouldn't even talk to me. Klaus called me an unloyal servant. He called me a servant, Elijah. I came here at his request, and he wouldn't even talk to me other than to utter those words. I was his puppet," Elijah couldn't believe what he was hearing. Klaus was a cruel man, but never to Era, "Then I started to think about Jonathan…and you." He sucked in his breath.

"What about me?" He asked with an undertone of caution laced through his voice.

"What would have happened if it was you who had saved me; if it had been you and I, instead of Klaus and I. Do you ever think about that?" Elijah struggled with words. He wanted to believe that she was going where he thought she was, but he couldn't fully accept the thought of it.

"I do. It doesn't matter, however. Whether or not you belong to Klaus anymore, he's still my brother. I'm sure he's just angry right now." He got up to leave. Era stopped him by putting a hand on his chest.

"Does it matter? He can't take back what he said, or what he's done. I have been loyal to him for 900 years, and yet he says those things to me. He sent you away when he found out your feelings for me. I think it's the reason I turned to Jonathan. I couldn't stand to be around him, knowing what he did to you. I missed you, Elijah." She moved her hands around his neck, and her face came closer to his.

"Era, we have to stop. You're just upset. Don't do anything you'll regret," He murmured, yet he didn't move his face away from her.

"Please, Elijah. It's just one kiss. He'll never find out, but I have to know. I have to know if there is anything truly there. We owe ourselves that, don't we?" She whispered, moving her face closer. Their lips almost touched. Elijah nodded ever so slightly and closed the small gap between them. He moved his lips against hers, gently. He had waited 900 years for this moment. Era thought of the difference in Klaus and Elijah's kisses. Klaus was fierce and unyielding, while Elijah was gentle and almost hesitant. She felt sad for what she was about to do. Michael would kill her and Klaus both. Her hand reached to grasp the dagger in her back pocket. She poised it, unnoticeably. Before Era could have second thoughts, she plunged it into his heart. Elijah pulled back, a look of betrayal on his face,

"Don't you see there isn't any other way? I can't let you awaken Michael. I'm so sorry, Elijah," She whispered in his ear. He fell to the floor, skin grey and body still. Era took a shuddering breath, as she looked down at the body. Now all that was left to do was hide the body. She had arranged for a coffin in a crypt twenty miles away. Klaus would add him to his collection of coffins. She picked up the phone and dialed the familiar number.

"Era." It was only her name, but no one said it like he did. It was like the caress of a feather.

"It's done," She replied.

"Good. Have you a place to hide him?" His voice was almost concerned. He loved his brother; Era knew that for a fact.

"Of course."

"Good girl. I'll see you soon, my love." Era sighed deeply at the thought of his returning.

"Goodnight, Klaus."

"Oh and Era…You'll look beautiful in your dress." She wrinkled her face in confusion.

"How…"

"Rebekah sent me a picture. Goodnight." The line disconnected. Era picked up Elijah's body and jumped out the window.

!

Jeremy looked in the mirror, straightening his tux. Era wouldn't settle for anything less than perfection. Her coldness to him lately had stung, as much as he hated to admit it. He knew she was a vampire of many deceptions. She belonged to Klaus. Maybe that was his appeal. Era was forbidden, and if people were attracted to anything, it was the forbidden. Jeremy sighed again. He found himself thinking less about Anna and more about Era. She was using him, Elena had said. He was nothing more than a distraction; a way to get Elena to "Behave". Did he like her? Jeremy wasn't sure, but he did know he was intrigued by her.

"You look handsome," A voice said from behind him. Jeremy whipped around to see Anna.

"Thanks." He didn't know what to say to her, which had never happened before.

"You're going with that vampire Era, right?" She huffed. He could hear the jealousy in her voice.

"I was blackmailed into it, but yes I'm going with her," He replied. The atmosphere was tense around them.

"You haven't been thinking of me as much since she came into the picture." Her voice was angry. Jeremy rubbed his hands over his face. He couldn't deal with this right now.

"I don't have time for this, Anna. She belongs to Klaus. She's evil, and I know it. Stop acting like a jealous girlfriend." He was practically shouting by the end. He was tired, and her accusations hit him like nails in his skull.

"You like her! Don't you? Admit it!"

"Why do you care?" Anna was silent for a few moments.

"Because she's dangerous."

"So were you." His face was serious. His head was pounding by this time. He wanted her to leave. Jeremy knew that he could have sent her away, but he was afraid she wouldn't come back. She was grating at his patience, but he didn't want her to go away forever.

"Who the hell are you talking to?" Jeremy whipped around towards the new voice. Era was sitting on the window sill. He didn't know why she was here. It probably had something to do with Homecoming. Anna gave her a disgusted look and disappeared.

"Uh…no one," Jeremy replied too quickly. Era raised an eyebrow.

"Are you on drugs?"

"What? No…What are you doing here?" Era walked around his room, touching random pictures on his dresser.

"I was out on a few…errands. I thought I'd stop by and see if you got a corsage."

"Yes. I got the white orchid just like you asked. Anything else?" His voice was sharp and terse.

"So touchy. I didn't hurt your little feelings did I?" Her voice mocked him, yet her eyes held the tiniest bit of concern.

"No."

"Fine. Pick me up at eight tomorrow. Don't be late. Maybe you could catch a ride with Matt." He nodded, and then watched as she climbed out the window. Jeremy heard a thud as she landed and disappeared into the trees.

!

Era applied a last swipe of mascara. Jeremy and Matt would be here in 15 minutes. Rebekah was checking her appearance for last minute imperfections.

"This is so exciting," She gushed to Era. The vampire in question smiled.

"You look beautiful." Rebekah smiled brilliantly.

"As do you." Era looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was curled. The white of her dress made it look like a flaming halo. Her make-up was done with vampire precision. Rebekah had picked out a wonderful dress. It was floor length with a corset that tied all the way down. The bottom swooped down in feather-like material. Her shoes were a small white heel.

"You did a wonderful job."

"Of course I did. My brother would go berserk if he saw you now." Era closed her eyes briefly.

"Where is he?" She heard Rebekah sigh.

"I don't know. The last I heard, he was in Oregon. He'll be back soon."

"I've lived without him for 100 years. I can last another few weeks," She replied. Rebekah was silent for a moment before taking a hesitant breath.

"Is Elijah…" Era looked at her with sympathy.

"Yes. He's somewhere safe, I promise," She said softly. Rebekah just nodded in return. Nicklaus had always been closer to Rebekah, despite his temper. Elijah had always been there to help instill morals and a lecture or two. Then he fell in love with Era. Rebekah had seen the trouble from the beginning. Not only would Klaus kill him, but he wasn't strong enough for Era. He had too many morals, and Era's lack of compassion for humans would have eventually gotten to him. It was strange to think that the girl that had brought her family so much happiness was the one to tear them apart in some ways. Rebekah knew it wasn't her fault, not completely. But it had happened regardless. A doorbell rang downstairs, bringing Rebekah out of her thoughts.

"They're here," Era said. She swooped out of the room.

"Era…" Damon stopped them at the bottom of the stairs. He was in a tux. Elena wore a flattering purple dress. She looked beautiful. Era turned to him, waiting for him to continue. Rebekah opened the door. Jeremy and Matt walked in, their breaths hitching at the sight of their dates. Rebekah grabbed Matt and led him out the door to wait in the car.

"Where is Elijah? I haven't seen him since last night. He's supposed to come to the dance, and help me watch over Elena tonight," He said with an accusatory edge. He thought she had something to do with Elijah's absence.

"How am I supposed to know? I'm not in charge of his comings and goings. Maybe he's decided that the guilt of betraying his brother is too much for his conscious. Regardless, I'm sure your little chit will be okay for the evening. I'm guessing that annoying little brute of a brother will be there. Plus you, I, and Rebekah will be sure to rush to her side when she gets a paper cut," She replied, smiling at Elena. Damon rolled his eyes and pulled Elena out the door. Era turned to Jeremy and gave him a nod. He held out his arm, which she took.

The car ride was silent with awkwardness in the air. When they got to the school, the men handed the lady their tickets. They proceeded to go into the gym. Streamers, banners, and balloons hung all around the room. The smell of sweat filled Era's nose from the grinding teenagers. A refreshment table set in the back. Alaric was there, looking awkward as he handed out the punch. Someone had managed to spike it with alcohol. Era surveyed the scenes with unimpressed eyes. She looked at Rebekah.

"This is what we've been missing for centuries, Rebekah?"

"Oh hush, Era. It's fabulous," She replied, her voice filled with excitement. Rebekah grabbed Matt's hand and dragged him onto the dance floor.

"Uh…want some punch?" Jeremy asked slowly. Era rolled her eyes.

"Sure." She got an unfortunate surprise as they approached the table. Bonnie stood by the table. Jeremy paused to talk to Rick.

"Hey Jeremy," Bonnie said, completely ignoring Era. Era grabbed her punch, tempted to pour it on her sparkly dress. She just looked away.

"Hey Bonnie." He sipped his punch, very aware of the hostility between the two. He tried to think of a way to diffuse the situation.

"Let's dance," He said quickly to Era. She looked at him in surprise, but nodded. They walked out with the other couples that were now swaying to a slow tune.

"You look nice," She said, almost unwilling.

"So do you. Era…about the other night…" She shook her head.

"Jeremy, don't start to feel anything for me. I can tell you do. It's a smell that radiates off of you. Just because I showed you an act of kindness means nothing. I belong to Klaus."

"Is that what you told Jonathan?" Her head snapped up. Anger filled her eyes. She wanted to snap his neck for his insolence.

"I knew Elena would tell you, but what makes you think that you can talk about it in my presence? What gives you the right?" She questioned. He just glared at her.

"What gives you the right to use me as a puppet in your game to get back at Elena because Klaus keeps her alive? That's what this is about, isn't it? You're jealous of Elena. You're afraid that Klaus will get back at you for falling for someone else," He countered, just as angry.

"I squared my debt for that. Or did your sister neglect to tell you that part," She spat.

"You broke his neck. And now you're looking to sentence me to the same fate?"

"He won't hurt you unless he thinks I have actual feelings for you," She replied.

"Then you're trying to protect me by acting cold? So you do like me," His grin was triumphant. Era wanted to slap it off of his face.

"I find you amusing, like a trinket or a toy," Her voice became cocky, but the grin never left his face, "I don't understand you. I don't give a damn whether or not your family and friends live or dies. Yet you have a school boy crush on me?"

"I don't have a crush. I find you amusing, like a trinket or a toy," He threw her words back at her, "And you still love Klaus despite what he's done to you."

"Nicklaus and I have been together for centuries. He's done more for me than you will ever know."

"And betrayed you in horrible ways," Jeremy retorted. Era's eyes narrowed.

"You're on dangerous ground, little boy. I'm immortal. We have plenty of time to forgive."

"Then why not leave me alone? Even though you're acting cold, you still made me take you to Homecoming. You could have easily found someone else to take you, even on such short notice." Era had nothing to say at first, but then a smirk grew on her face. Jeremy became wary immediately.

"Would you have let me leave you alone? You're fascinated by me. Admit it." Jeremy looked away, a small smile playing on his lips.

"You're cocky."

"With good reason," She said. He was quiet for a moment.

"So when Klaus comes back…you'll leave with him?" She just nodded.

"Then why not have some fun with me until that time comes?" His eyes danced with mischief. Era looked shocked, and that gave Jeremy satisfaction.

"A fling?"

"A non-committed fun time," He countered, as if the word fling was a word he didn't use.

"And your sister wouldn't care?"

"I really don't give a shit." His hand ventured lower in a suggestive gesture. Era let it stay there, curious as to how far he would take it.

"Well Rebekah would." She was tempted. Jeremy was gorgeous, and he was offering her something potentially fun.

"Then we meet in secret. I'm not talking about sex, yet anyway. We can just have a fun time." Era surveyed him suspiciously.

"What made you change your mind? Last night you seemed to hate me," Era asked.

"That's for me to know, and you not to," He replied. Era's mouth dropped open at his audacity. Just as she was about to answer, a figure appeared beside them.

"May I cut in?" Jeremy shrugged and walked off the side, giving Era a lingering glance.

"What do you want, Damon? I haven't touched or insulted your little blood bag today. I'm not going to tell you about Michael or Klaus. So what other possible reason could you have for dancing with me?" Era asked, sharply.

"I'm just here to dance." The look in his eyes said otherwise.

"Spit it out." Damon shrugged and went for it.

"When is Klaus coming back?" He asked, as he twirled her.

"No idea. Even if I did know, I wouldn't be telling you. Plotting to kill him? Older Vampires have tried and failed," She said, haughtily. Damon just looked at her, almost annoyed.

"I just want him to leave Elena alone. I want him to leave Mystic Falls and never come back," Damon replied smoothly.

"Well if I have my way that will happen." He stopped moving. They stood there, hands in the dance position.

"What do you mean?"

"Don't get me wrong. I don't care if he kills you or her, but I don't like his need of Elena. His obsession with making hybrids wasn't nearly as strong when I was with him. I'm hoping my presence will rectify it. I have no desire to share him with a bunch or mongrels." He smirked.

"Jealous, are we? So you don't want him to make more hybrids?" Era sighed.

"If it's what he wants, then I can do nothing, I'm just hoping that when I see him, he doesn't want it anymore. Then Rebekah, Klaus, and I will leave this miserable little town." Damon raised an eyebrow. It was an annoying habit of his, she observed.

"Why are you so afraid of Michael?" He daringly asked. Era's nostrils flared.

"None of your concern. Only know that if you do, we all die. I'm too fond of my life, and you can bet your ass he would come after me first."

"Why is that? What did you do to him that was so horrible? Or is it that getting to you gets to Klaus?" He smirked as she eyed him angrily. He knew he had hit the nail on the head.

"Klaus knows that if anything were to happen to me, he cannot rise to the bait," Era said, trying to keep her voice even.

"Ah yes, but reason goes out the door when feelings get involved. " Era glanced at where Jeremy and Bonnie were dancing, before turning back to Damon. A predatory smile graced her lips.

"Is that what happened with Elena, Damon? We can't turn human. How does she feel about becoming a vampire?" His smile dropped from his face. A tick thumped against his cheek.

"This isn't about me and Elena."

"Isn't it?" You think you can pry into my personal relationships, and not have me pry into yours? Either Elena becomes a vampire or you leave. You could stay and watch her die, but I don't recommend it." Damon winced at the word die.

"I won't leave her, and I'm not going to have her hate me for an eternity for forcing her into being a vampire." Era looked at him with almost sympathy.

"Eternity is a long time to forgive someone," She replied softly. He smiled at her.

"You know Jeremy likes you. I have no idea why, but he does." Era shook her head and sighed.

"It doesn't matter. I'm not leaving Klaus. Even if I wanted to, Klaus would never let me go." He nodded. Jeremy took that moment to walk up to grab his date's attention again.

"Nice talking to you…bitch," Damon called. He walked off with a smile.

"Have a nice chat?" Jeremy questioned. They walked to sit down. The music had gotten louder with a faster pace, but he knew Era could hear him.

"Of course. Believe it or not, I'd actually like him if we weren't on opposite sides," Era replied. She smiled at Rebekah, who was dancing with Matt. A smile was lit on the blonde's face. She was having the time of her life.

"Do you think he'll ask Elena if he can change her?" Jeremy was curious, and scared for his sister's future with the vampire. Era looked at him.

"He will. Whether she'll say yes…well…I don't know her well enough to know," Era contemplated.

"Knowing Elena, she'll want it to be romantic," Jeremy commented, rolling his eyes. Era wrinkled her nose.

"Turning is never romantic. 'Oh let me light some candles. Then I'll feed you my blood, and the break your neck while we listen to Barry White'." Jeremy chuckled.

"You know we've gotten through a conversation without you threatening anyone." Era studied him. He had a mischief in his eyes. Era had no doubt that this boy would become a vampire. Whether by his own free will or someone forcibly changing him, she didn't know.

"It's still early," She defended. He shook his head, and his arm came up to sling against the back of her chair. Era didn't move it. She was still thinking on his proposition.

"Have you seen Stephan," She asked suddenly. Jeremy looked confused by the sudden change in topic, but shook his head.

"Not at all. He's supposed to be watching Elena, right?" He paused for a moment, searching the crowd, "There he is. He's with…" He trailed off, eyes wide. Era's head snapped up to his line of vision. The man beside Stephan was staring straight at her, slightly glaring at the arm slung over her chair.

"Klaus."

There is a cliffy for you. So please read and review. It took me a long time to write and type this chapter. I'd really like to know what you think. Next chapter includes some Era and Klaus action. Thanks for reading.