Author's babble: Hello all! Thank you for the continuing interest in this story. It means a lot. I think this is one of my favourite chapters. Oh how I love Elijah!
Hope you enjoy!
CHAP 46:
The brothers must have continued talking well into the night because after a good while of deep sleep I re-awoke for a time, still hearing their voices. Their topic had brought up some agitation between them. The more I listened, I came to realise Elijah was the more irate of the party. They were discussing their family again, or still. Whichever proved more correct.
"Did you expect me to happily welcome this news?"
"Happy's not the word. But surely you could be appreciative? It's not every day, or evening that you find out your family isn't as departed from this world as you may have thought."
"They are still dead Niklaus."
"And as I said. Soon they'll be re-awoken."
"When it suits you. Which could be another hundred years at least from now. It's not right you felt the need to dagger them in the first place. They're your family. They loved you."
"They laughed at me!" Klaus hissed lowly. "I was the laughing stock of our family, Elijah. No-one could look at me with anything but pity. Nor did anyone defend me to our father." I stirred slightly.
"I did try brother. Why else did I leave them with you?" Elijah's voice sounded rough as he stiffly pronounced his words.
"You were the exception. Though you too turned against me. It wasn't a result of any belief that our father knew best."
"And yet you've had no problem sticking a dagger in me either."
"Technically, that was Jonas."
"Upon your direction."
"True."
They continued quarrelling for a while until Klaus' seemed to be trying to get Elijah on side with what he'd done to their family. Though I hadn't been hiding what Klaus had done with his other family members from Elijah. I didn't have enough information to really bring it up. But I was relieved Klaus had. It meant that if I became privy to any other information that I could easily mention it to Elijah without feeling like I might be getting his hopes up for nothing. So he might be lying about having daggered his family, and may continue to lie about anything and everything that took his fancy. But now Elijah was in the loop it would make it easier.
I woke late the following day to Greta performing the pregnancy test on me. Though startled at first. I stilled and allowed for her to continue. Upon it's completion she rubbed the tips of her index fingers in circles on her temples and grimaced slightly.
"Are you alright?" I asked.
"Fine." Came her terse response.
"You don't look fine." I pushed gently. Greta's eyes snapped to mine aggressively and my eyes widened slightly before I looked away "Sorry."
"No." She sighed. "It's fine. I have a head ache."
"Oh." I said looking up at her. "I'd offer you some pain relief." I spoke kindly before my voice turned bitter. "But I don't have anything."
"It wouldn't work anyway."
"Because you're a witch?"
"No. Because I've had it since I first used magic on you and it hasn't been any better. In fact it gets worse every time." I frowned at her trying to understand. "My pain is born of magic. Pharmaceuticals will do nothing. Treatment by magic hasn't either."
"But when you searched me for any magic. You said there was nothing on me."
"This magic isn't something a witch or warlock has tacked onto your person. We believe it's part of your doppleganger qualities. The witch that sacrificed your ancestor probably made it so as a precaution. So you could not be tampered with. Everything has a balance in this world. For you to act as a restorative element to the imbalance forced upon Klaus. You must not be swayed in any way. Your existence is pure and intended for one purpose only. To break Klaus' binds.
"But then. If I'm infertile, and Klaus wanted to change that with magic. That would be in support of breaking his curse. Not all magic would fight my, purpose."
"That's true. I suppose the original witch in this situation thought it best to cut you off from magic altogether."
"So it's me."
"Yes, it's you. The magical force within you is protecting you from all magic. Either by affecting the person tampering with you magically. Or confining it's protection to you alone. Severely when anything more complex than a pregnancy spell is used."
"So that's why I went into shut-down mode when your father used magic on me the other day?"
"Yes."
"Wow."
"In some ways it's impressive. In others, a nuisance."
"Have you told Klaus?"
"It's not his concern. His only concern is results. Anything that will affect you is all he cares about. Pregnancy tests alone are all the magic he's now allowing to be used on you. Apart from at the ritual."
"But if you tell him, maybe you wouldn't have to do them so often?" Greta flashed me an annoyed look as she stood.
"I would have thought you knew very well how Klaus worked by now Elena." She muttered bitterly and stalked to the door and left. Slamming it shut behind her.
Once she was gone I was part shocked, part ecstatic that I would only be subjected to pregnancy tests from now on. It would make it less likely for my implant to be found. This had to be the best news I'd had in quite a while. The urge to rush out and tell Elijah was enormous, before the notion caught me like a kick in the guts. I was ashamed to feel like purposely finding him to tell him the good news. It would be selfish of me after last night. Sure, I could tell him as allies. But my excitement would seem more like I wanted to tell him, as a romantic partner; some great news happening to me. Not only that, but news that affected us. It brought me back to thinking over yesterday evening. Making me feel miserable about how I handled the situation. I was thankful for the gentle knock on the door stirring me from my reverie.
"Come in." I called, expecting it to be Klaus. When the door opened to reveal Elijah I could have groaned out loud. The slight relief his knock gave me vanished instantly. I drew my knees up to somewhat hide behind as I remained sitting in bed, then waited to see if Elijah was going to come in. His movement seemed to pause dramatically before stepping forward over the threshold.
"Are you allowed in here?" I asked casually, without actually looking at him.
"I am. Klaus has asked me to teach you to dance. There will be at least two old world waltzes this evening. Which you and he will be partnered in." Slowly raising my eyes to his as he came closer, our eyes met and I shot my gaze back down.
"Great." I half spat as Elijah came to stand right next to my bed I could see his smirk out of the corner of my eye.
"I'll try as always, to not take your tone personally." Glancing up at him then back down quickly, I couldn't share his optimism.
"No need to take anything personally. It's the dancing I have a problem with."
"You danced at the villa."
"Because I had no choice."
"And yet you seemed quite comfortable dancing with Klaus." He countered evenly. My head snapped up so I could stare him down. "I'm not accusing." He assured gently with a slight shake of his head. "In fact. I'm highlighting your capabilities. I can tell you're resenting my presence and what Klaus is having us do. But you can do this. You can manage to put up with me for a little while." Flinging the covers off me and swinging my legs over the bed I narrowed my eyes as I looked up at him.
"Of course I can." I started confidently. "Though I don't need you to support that fact. It puts me off after what I did last night. Neither of us are comfortable with this. Lets just get the dancing over and done with." Standing up I removed the band from the end of my dishevelled side plait, And fingered my length of hair before securing it once again into a low pony tail.
"I'm quite comfortable with this."
"That's nice." I said indifferently. "So are we having any music? More importantly, do I get to eat breakfast first?" Elijah chuckled. And I couldn't help the wry smile that graced my face.
"It's on it's way. Klaus didn't seem to give it any thought. But, knowing you. I arranged something." I cleared my throat and turned to look at him.
"Thank you."
"It's always a pleasure." I bit my lower lip as I considered what I wanted to say. It might backfire on me, yet it had to be said. Otherwise the longer I said nothing about last night, the more awkward our time together was going to be.
"I'm sorry?" It came out half questioning. Like I wasn't sure I was even remorseful. "I mean-," I tried again. "I'm sorry. About last night. I don't regret calling Klaus. But, it was really insensitive of me." I sighed and my gaze pleaded with his. "I know this is a cop-out of an apology. I don't even know if it can even be called that. I just wish I wasn't so horrid to you last night. But I've no intention of acting any differently. You should know that by now."
"Boy do I know it." Elijah replied smugly. "And I accept it." He added graciously. "Both the apology and your behaviour." I simply raised my eyebrows at him before taking relief in Sarah bursting in with toast and fruit.
"Here." Was all she said as she deposited the plate and bowl of fruit with a spoon on the bed. Without seeming to even glance at me she strode her way out of the room, not bothering to shut the door.
"Thank you!" I called, truly appreciative. Elijah strode over to the door and closed it while I eyed the food.
"Can I eat first?"
"Of course."
"Thanks."
"To answer your other question regarding music. I will be counting for you. Unfortunately we don't have the music in any form other than the musicians to be playing it this evening. Who have yet to arrive. Even if they were, you would have to partake in this session out in the main hall in order to utilise them."
"Okay." I acknowledged while hoeing into the food. "Counting it is."
Half an hour later I was trying my best to follow Elijah's direction. With his voice counting along, not to mention his close proximity it was proving difficult. On one hand, while being close to him felt so right. It was entirely too comfortable and would surely affect my efforts to keep him away.
"Relax." Elijah coaxed, drawing out the word as he did.
"I'm trying." I said exasperatedly to which Elijah paused our movement and his counting.
"If you would stop being resistant to me you might find this easier." He suggested.
"That has nothing to do with this." I grumbled, unhappy that he'd once again brought this up.
"It has a great deal to do with this." He murmured then pushed a tendril of loose hair over my left ear. Slowly my eyes closed as I tried to hide the shiver that ran through my body in response. "It's okay to feel comfortable with me."
"How I feel is none of your business. But for your information I feel uncomfortable."
"As a result of how at ease you could let yourself be in my arms."
"We're doing an old waltz. I'm hardly in your arms." I scoffed. In response Elijah stepped into me and wound his right arm around my middle and held me against his front. My right hand remained clasped in his own which he raised and brought to rest on his chest over his heart. I held my breath and stood as stiff as a board in Elijah's secure hold. Finally I exhaled and raised my head slightly. Not to look him in the eyes, but as an action to stand up to him physically. As slight as my efforts would be.
"Klaus would not have allowed you to do what you're doing. So please let go before I or even you get in trouble." I requested evenly.
"Klaus has asked me to teach you the dances. Thus physical contact is expected. I'm well within my boundaries."
"You're invading mine." I said shortly.
"With good reason."
"Let me go Elijah." I stated almost bored.
"Not until you relax."
"This will only do the opposite."
"Then you'd better get used to my arms around you and adjust." I could only scowl. Right.
"Klaus?" I called out in my mind.
"At your service."
"Elijah's-." I was at a loss for words. Like last time, if I told Klaus exactly what Elijah was doing I might get more than I was bargaining for.
"Teaching you the dances. Yes."
"Yeah. Umm. Does he have to? Do I have to do this?"
"Yes. Put up with him until he deems you're ready my love."
"Great."
"Elena?" Elijah's voice queried suspiciously. I shook my head at him impatiently.
"Are you not enjoying yourself?"
"No."
"That's good to hear." He seemed to praise. "Was that all?"
"I had wanted a way out of this. But I can tell you're not going to offer that."
"Right you are love."
"You know. Though you find this incredibly entertaining. One would think if you truly feel how you keep telling me. That you wouldn't want your brother and I spending all this time together. Not to mention conducting a private dancing lesson."
"Are you telling me I have something to worry about?" His internal voice was suddenly severe.
"No. I just-."
"Then endure it and Elijah. Perhaps it will reinforce your desire for my own company. If you'll excuse me, I'm quite busy at the moment love."
"Oh, you know that's not possible!" I countered as sweetly as I could. Elijah's thumb began stroking back and forth on my right hand, fuelling the attitude I was sending his brother. Klaus only laughed.
"Tell me, you weren't just calling Klaus to have me removed." Elijah asked lowly, his eyes narrowed.
"I won't, and stop moving your thumb." I finished in a hiss, to which he smiled wryly.
"Is he coming?" I glanced away from his face.
"No." His wry smile grew, so that he practically beamed at me.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Elijah replied warmly.
"I'll bet you are." I said under my breath then made to move back from him. Unsuccessful, I treated him to a stern expression and a seething tone. "Let go of me, now. Or hold me as required for the waltz you've been teaching me."
"Our current stance is non-negotiable." I pushed at his chest insistently, but Elijah's hold allowed me no room. Struggling more and more without release only served to frustrate me. Matched with Elijah's increasingly worried expression I was nearing the end of my tether.
"Elijah!" I exclaimed, then huffed in the end as I twisted this way and that. Moisture stung my eyes as my frustration played on my emotions. "Stop this!"
"How about I make you a deal? I'll refrain from this method if you just let me in."
"I'm not bargaining with you!" As I managed to thrash about in his hold now. Likely to be only due to him not wanting to crush me I found myself being walked back against the wall, before Elijah pinned me against it. His whole front was flush against me now. Even the lengths of his legs pressed against mine. I gasped and heat rose in my cheeks while my heartbeat fluttered almost as rapidly as the butterflies in my stomach.
"Stop fighting me." Elijah murmured, his concerned gaze reading every inch of my face, which I screwed up as my next retort surfaced.
"Maybe I'm not fighting you. I just don't want to jeopardise my relationship with Klaus. But you're intent on doing just that! I will not encourage this love triangle you keep instigating. I'm happy with Klaus. He's a gentleman, cares about me and looks after me. Though he doesn't let anyone see it, he's very sweet. I'd consider him a changed man if I didn't know he's had it in him all along. Only when you complicate things does he become rough around the edges."
"Elena-."
"I don't want to hear it. Klaus isn't all bad!" I had to convince him that I was fine by myself. That I didn't need him. Elijah's face nearly fractured as his growing frown took over his entire face. As he gently shook his head his features became the most worried I'd ever seen them. We were both silent for about a minute before Elijah began speaking again.
"Can't you see he's scared you into thinking this way? He is no more docile than the first time he attacked you. You have changed not him and I won't have you coming to terms with this life. You're happily bedding the man who intends to kill you and keep you as his slave. He does not care for you. Caring involves niceties. He has bullied and forced you into submission. I won't stand for your delusions Elena. Nothing about this is right. I'm not about to back down." He had to back down. I didn't want to think about what might happen if he didn't.
"It's not right? Is that because it's not you? That's it isn't it Elijah? At one stage you were the one forcing me to behave a certain way. Sleep in the same bed as you, sit as close as I could to you. Parade around in lingerie, so that I would feel vulnerable for you. Who knows? That connection bullshit could have been a tactic of yours to make me believe what you wanted me to. As if I had no choice. Well, it's evident I do have a choice because Klaus can arouse me too. That's all it is." I saw the exact moment my words stung Elijah, but continued on. "You're simply sore because it's not you. This is how things are. My family are safe and I'm treated well. There is no need for you to keep fighting for something you forced in the first place!" My chest heaving and eyes watery neither of us spoke for a long moment. My words had sounded even worse out loud than when they'd come to light in my head moments ago. In some ways I instantly regretted what I'd said.
"You know very well our connection isn't made up. As for my behaviour. They were actions I instigated on your behalf. I can explain every one of them. All of my manipulation after taking you from mystic falls. None of it was truly me. I was helping you." I scoffed and turned my head to the side so I didn't have to see his face. The instant I did one of Elijah's thumb and forefingers gripped my chin firmly and smoothly turned it back. "Look at me as I explain. So none of this gets lost in translation. Do you know how hard it would have been for you to sleep in the same bed as Klaus if you'd not become accustomed to doing something similar prior? That took you long enough as it was. Without any sexual obligations on your mind. It was just a place to sleep. I acted a certain way so that you would come to less harm if Klaus ever got his hands on you. From how I physically restrained you the night we left Mystic Falls, to what I had you wear. I know my brother. So I wanted to prepare you as much I could. Everything that seems Klaus-like about me I have done for you. I cannot vouch for any and every punishment you've received at Klaus' hand since he claimed you from me. But I can guarantee you that you've experienced nothing of what he's capable and would readily have inflicted on you." Elijah paused before continuing harshly. "If you had taken as long to sleep in his bed as you did at our first safe house. You would have lost your fight long ago." His tone had become impatient and slightly angry. More upsetting than when he'd spoken sternly to me after Jonas had left our first safe house. Tears travelled in endless streams down my face from my eyes, frozen wide in astonishment. I felt sick. At what I'd just said and what Elijah'd said. He'd done so much for me. Not to mention he had no intention of stopping. "Right down to addressing you as my love originated from my desire to help you as much I could in the event I didn't keep you from Klaus." Beneath my guilt and how much I had come to hate myself from Elijah's explanation. My heart swelled with love for the man. But I wouldn't allow myself to acknowledge it fully. It only resonated more and more with the hate within me. Elijah removed his thumb and forefinger from my chin and his expression lightened. Eyes softening and his hold on me becoming more gentle, he somehow felt it appropriate to smile.
"I love you too." He said softly to my apparently unspoken declaration. I could only assume he'd honed in on what my heart was doing. Even if my feeling was emotional. Shaking my head harshly back and forth as I started sobbing I heaved for air.
"No." I blubbered softly.
"I do." He assured me while his right hand smoothed down over my head.
"I don't deserve you."
"Of course you do."
"No. No I don't. You deserve better."
"You are what's best for me. No one else could come close." Again I shook my head and gulped down air.
"Now I don't know you at all." My voice came out as a whimper.
"You do. Not everything about me is a lie. We are connected. Any actions that weren't Klaus-like have been me. I never had an alternative motive concerning our most intimate moments. Nor had I ever intended to force myself on you in that way. Anything else I was fully prepared to help you with. That, was beyond my capabilities. True enough, some of my Klaus-like methods brought us closer together. Coaxed you into opening up to me. That was a welcome side affect." Tentatively shifting my weight forward into him I slowly wrapped my arms around his neck and shoulders. Hugging him as I nuzzled my face into his neck.
"I'm so sorry. I never should have said those things. If I could take them back I would."
"You were forgiven the moment you spoke them."
"No. I don't deserve your forgiveness. There's so much I've said, even before now. I had no right. I just don't want to lose you. Being rude and offensive is the only way I felt I could keep you safe."
"You need to learn that, no matter what you try to do. I'm not going anywhere. Yes, it's dangerous. But up until the sacrifice I assure you that Klaus wants me around, he's not about to stick a dagger in me. For now. I am just as safe as you are. Take stock in that." Drawing myself back from him I found his eyes with my own.
"I'm sorry."
"Shh. Don't think any more on it."
"But-."
"You now know where I stand. Where I've always stood. I am as much remorseful as you for keeping this from you. For harbouring deceit between us. Let's both of us move on and focus on taking down Klaus."
"Just like that?" I queried. Now the awkwardness had set in. I was too ashamed to just go back to the way things were between us. "It's too awkward. I can't forget everything I've done. I can't forgive myself." Elijah's hands rose to my face and cupped each side of my head. With his thumbs he spread the lines of tears outwards and trained his warm eyes on mine.
"If I could, I would kiss you right now." He murmured. "Kiss you till you forget all your troubles. Till you forgive what you're judging yourself on and trust in how you feel. To focus on us. On the now. Not what was." Sniffling, I smiled gently as I returned his gaze sheepishly.
"I'd like that."
"I know." He smirked at me, looking like the cat that got the cream.
A short time later I knew the first dance and Elijah and I had begun working on the second. It was all coming along much easier now and Elijah took every opportunity to stroke my skin here and there. Trailing his fingers whenever we broke contact, instead of making a clean break. While it was as frustrating as hell, I didn't tell him off for it or resist. Just wished the little caresses didn't have to stop as they were. Klaus would know if anything more than touching went on. The longer we spent together cooperating, the less guilty I felt for how I'd been treating him. He was right. At the moment we were both safe and had a job to do. Despite that weight I found myself smiling and giggling at times as he twirled me around. Elijah was a fantastic dancer and he moved gracefully and every bit masculine along with me.
"Five, Six, Seven, Eight and end. I believe you've got it." He praised.
"I hope so." Came my unenthusiastic response. "Not that this hasn't been fun," I assured smiling.
"That's the best thing you've said to me in quite a while." Stepping back from him I sat on the end of Klaus' and my bed. I noticed his darkening gaze as I did so. But I needed to sit down, so he would have to deal with it.
"So. Now that's over. You don't have to go straight away do you?" Elijah looked at me slyly.
"Not tired of my company yet Elena?"
"No." I drew out cheekily. "I was just wondering if we could talk about the Klaus situation."
"I see." He said then came and sat next to me on the bed. I could have fell from my own perch in shock at his action.
"Well. First of all. Even though you and I have talked and reached some form of normalcy again. You know I'll have to keep up the act of finding your company a nuisance don't you?"
"I do."
"Good. Just know that, I-. I'm with you now. I-. Now. I don't like you hanging around still, but I agree it doesn't seem as dangerous for you at present. So-." I was trying to convey that I was with Elijah one-hundred percent now, after our heart-to-heart earlier. But every time I tried to voice it. No words came close to inflecting the right amount of remorse. I was starting to babble. Elijah reached over and placed his right hand over my left and squeezed gently.
"I know, and I understand. Don't trouble yourself." Blushing I nodded quickly.
"Also I have good news. The only magic to be used on me now is-."
"The pregnancy spell. Yes, I know about your most welcome ability." He finished, looking at me as though mesmerised.
"You know already?"
"Only since this morning. Jonas told me."
There was a knock at the door and I called for whoever it was to come in, dreading that it would be Klaus. Elijah's hand left mine as Jonas opened the door. He looked directly at Elijah, his gaze insistent.
"Can I come in? I have news."
"What kind of news?" I asked as Elijah nodded his consent.
"Good news. You must compel me once I finish Elijah. I am not to repeat this to anyone." Jonas practically begged.
"Very well. As soon as you're done. I do hope this visit won't arouse any suspicion. Klaus would only need dagger me to release any compulsion I have on you."
"Well. Averting his suspicion will prove a crucial element to what I'm about to tell you. So I can vouch that this visit won't be compromised. I know how important this is." He assured.
"Alright. What of this news?"
"Let me be quick and brief. I don't know how much time I have here. Klaus' ban of magic regarding Elena could indeed work to our advantage. He has always been so driven regarding getting Elena pregnant. Now, as you and I have wondered on and off, it now seems quite plausible that Elena conceiving to someone other than Klaus will provide a loophole of sorts. The result would still be her death. But without Klaus' knowledge, he will perform the ritual unsuccessfully. Due to the pregnancy element not being exactly as required." Here Jonas paused for breath before continuing. "He will still be weakened in the process so you can kill him. The difficulty with this scenario before now is that should Klaus have felt the need whenever Elena falls pregnant, he may have ordered a paternity spell. Now that he's banned any other magical use bar the pregnancy test, that is a highly unlikely possibility." Jonas paused again. I only wished he'd stopped for longer as I tried to wrap my head around what he was saying. It seemed the two men had been talking about this at length.
"I see." Said Elijah, which Jonas took as permission to continue and began rattling off other information.
"Now. Should Klaus wish to risk the use of a paternity spell on Elena. The witch or warlock performing the spell is required to do some quite intricate readings. Seeing as Greta is suffering from having to perform magic on Elena daily. It's likely she wouldn't be able to perform the spell. Leaving me. If Klaus trusts me to use magic on you again." Jonas gestured to me then for the first time since the start of this conversation. I'd begun to feel like this was a conversation between Elijah and Jonas up till then. While still feeling somewhat out of the loop. I began to appreciate the conversation. This could be the answer to the Klaus problem. "There is an unbelievable number of witches and warlocks reluctant to have anything to do with you. Which is good news for us. So if everything falls into place and you fall pregnant. I am more than willing to perform the spell if requested, and lie that the child you bear is Klaus'. In the event that Greta is forced into performing a paternity test on you. To make everything all the more convenient. I suggest that when, or if you do conceive, you do so with Elijah." I glanced uncomfortably to Elijah at this, meeting his gaze then looking back to Jonas. "As a blood relative to Klaus, even a half one. The results of the test will be very close. Close enough that with a little magical assistance from myself, I can sway the paternity spell to appear a certain way to Greta. The overall issue, now that this possible plan has come together. Is how we get you to conceive." Again Jonas was directing the conversation towards me. It was extremely confronting due to how animated he was taking, yet he was morose about this possible plan of action. "I'm amazed that Klaus' vampire sperm haven't been able to penetrate a possible infertility issue with you. Perhaps there's something wrong with him," he mused. "To help you conceive I can give you some herbs to help with a suspected fertility issue. That is all I can do for now. It is up to you and Elijah to arrange some way in which, without rousing any suspicion in Klaus you can-." I'd been sitting with increasing tension as Jonas spoke so expectantly of this plan involving my falling pregnant. To Elijah no less. Breathing a sigh of relief when Elijah spoke and Jonas redirected his intention and the intensity of the situation, I looked to Elijah with some awkwardness. Glancing at me with a concerned look on his face before switching his gaze back to Jonas, I watched as Elijah poised himself diplomatically.
"Thank you Jonas. This is incredibly positive news. Thank you for looking further into what we discussed. If you can assure me that you can cover any wayward possibilities regarding the role magic will have in this approaching scenario, Elena and I will see what can be done. Was that all? Or is there more before I compel you?"
"I've told you everything I know."
"Then we have hope. Let's begin then. At some point I will have to compel you to do as you intend, so that Klaus cannot inhibit you when it's most crucial for you to follow through. But that can wait for another day." Elijah stood up off the bed.
"Of course." Jonas agreed.
