Author's babble: Thank you's all round :).

CHAP 47:

As Elijah compelled Jonas I tried to pay attention. I'd never seen anyone being compelled. But my focus was elsewhere. More specifically, on my approaching pregnancy. Just now I'd felt like my uterus was everyone's property as they were discussing what to do with it. It was all well and good and I saw the practicality of what Jonas had suggested. But it just highlighted once again how little control I had, even away from Klaus. I didn't dislike the plan. Just the sudden switch that was about to occur seemed so foreign. To be honest, I'd taken comfort in avoiding pregnancy. Now I'd have to, and while I'd prefer it to be Elijah's child in me. How we were going to manage this seemed extremely tricky. Klaus and I had sex most days, at least once. What if this plan left such a small window that Klaus could become the father? On top of the details. How was I to simply have sex with Elijah after my behaviour lately? Awkward didn't even come close.

Elijah saw Jonas out of the room before closing the door and turning to face me. His face bore a frown as we looked at each other for a few moments. To me the tension in the room was exponential. The thought of Jonas and Elijah having in a way; discussed my sex life, seemed all to personal for them to have a right to talk about it. Mentally I had to take a step back to appreciate the fact that I had never had any privacy regarding my sex life. Everyone had to know what went on between Klaus and I. This was no different. It felt like it was, but it wasn't.

"So you haven't told Jonas about my implant then?" I enquired slowly.

"No." I gestured with my hands to question him why, but his focus was elsewhere. "Elena. I must apologise." Elijah clasped his hands in front of him. "I had hoped that when Jonas had some further information, that he would be telling only me. So that I could then deliver this scenario to you, myself. With some decency. This of course doesn't apologise for having discussed something so personal to you, without your consent. However, you know there is just cause. I wouldn't have obliged Jonas' ideas just now if I didn't think you would approve. I assure you, you have a say in this."

"No. It's fine. Awkward. But I get it. It's sounds like a promising plan. To conceive to another. Klaus might even," I took a calming breath and looked down at my hands on my lap. "Leave me alone. Once he knows I'm pregnant." When I looked up again Elijah's head was tilted to the left slightly while his brown eyes showed a reserved understanding of what I was referring to.

"It does." He agreed, stepping closer. "But I wanted to be delicate in how I brought this up with you. If you're happy for me to be the one engaging in such intimacy with you. Though we will be doing the deed. Know that anything of that nature will always mean more than that simple act to me. I know we've had very little opportunity to indulge in much intimacies." Elijah fiddled with the lapel of his jacket, but did so without looking at his work directly. "That our first and last attempt was," Elijah's hand left his lapel to run back through his hair. He was showing his awkwardness and it was both beautiful and flattering. "Well, it was what it was." I cleared my throat gently and cocked my head at him.

"I'm not averse to it Elijah. To you." I said softly as I blushed, causing the slightest of wrinkles to gather at the outer corners of his eyes. Giggling as I looked up at him affectionately Elijah began looking more comfortable. "I sure as hell won't be jumping into bed with anyone else." I assured heartily. "Besides." I'd begun confidently, but quickly lost my nerve. So I continued as a mumble and dropped my gaze to where Elijah had been playing with his lapel. "As far as I'm concerned. That night left us with some unfinished business." Face reddening I couldn't force my gaze up to his again. Noticing his jacket moving closer my heart began to race.

"In other words." Elijah's deep voice rumbled while his right hand came up beneath my chin and with a ghost of a touch coaxed my eyes up to his. "What better excuse to finally consummate," hepaused slightly as he looked at me intently. "The downfall of my brother?" My eyes narrowed in consideration at his use of the word consummate. Once he'd wittily finished, a little spurt of laughter left my mouth before I sealed it with one of my hands. Elijah's own chuckling continued. By the look of him he was proud of his light-hearted, yet under-lyingly meaningful words. I supposed we hadn't really consummated ourselves yet.

"Oh brother." Came my response to his wit. He raised his eyebrows at me in mock offence.

"Should I add us as well? Properly." Elijah asked good humouredly, but with caution despite the sexy smirk on his face. Uncovering my mouth I smirked back.

"We both know you made reference to us just then. Just don't get ahead of yourself, okay?" I warned gently.

"It is far to late for me to heed that warning." Graciously I smiled up at him. As a comfortable silence stretched between us Elijah sat next to me again on the bed.

"Why haven't you told Jonas about my implant? Don't you trust him?"

"I do. But I feel we should keep this between ourselves. Do you agree?" I did immediately. If Elijah thought it best then it was.

"Never-the-less I don't want you to feel pressured by any of this. There is time for you to change your mind as you see fit until we can co-ordinate the removal of your implant and so on."

"Elijah. I'm pressured no matter what with the ways things are."

"Understood. But I don't want to force you. There are still other options. In fact I have another to discuss with you, in addition to daggering him at the very last moment." I gave him my full attention. "Your first day here, when I was at your bedside upon your waking. You implied that if worst came to worst. Should I take your life in my own hands and end it. That the resulting consequences to your family might be a somewhat, acceptable sacrifice. This avenue of action has weighed on my mind heavily." Remembering instantly and seeing the problem with what I'd said, I waited anxiously until Elijah paused. I know what I'd said. But if Elijah did this his life would be at an end as well. Klaus wouldn't just accept that he didn't have a doppleganger any more.

"Wait. No. I know what I said. But it was wrong of me to give I don't know, permission of sorts. You can't even consider that. I was only thinking of everyone else then. If you kill me. Klaus will want revenge on you. Let's just focus on the current plan." Elijah's face looked uncomfortable as he slowly shook his head.

"I have to consider it. If we can't execute this method and," he cleared his throat. "Klaus finds a way to impregnate you himself. To dagger him during the sacrifice, as I've said, cuts it very fine. All will be lost if I'm unsuccessful. Though I cannot give you a respectful death. You would still be dead. The world, safe. Believe me when I tell you that is all that would drive me to carry it out."

"But-."

"I know the price of your death Elena. It's is regrettable that your remaining family will also be affected. I just want you to know, that having given this a great deal of thought. If this pregnancy technicality doesn't pan out. I am considering it, above daggering Klaus." Elijah explained sombrely.

"You can't." I half whispered. Again I felt something that resonated like discomfort within me at the thought of my approaching death. Regardless of it's circumstance.

"If it needs to be done, I must."

"But he'll kill you! Because of me." My voice faltered.

"What better reason to inhibit my immortality?" He replied with feeling.

"Don't say that." I half snapped. "Why didn't you tell me this earlier? I asked you the day after you came back. Pushed, that even if something was in-the-works for you to tell me." Giving Elijah a dirty look I stood up off the bed. I wanted to move, pace the room but Elijah caught my left hand and gently pulled me back down. Left leg against his right and my shoulder brushing against his I sighed exasperatedly but stayed still as his fingers entwined with mine. I glared at our clasped hands.

"You can be a very persuasive woman. I'd have though it obvious that I didn't want your feelings in addition to my own swaying the decision I've come to." Frustrated I raised my gaze to his face which was so close I felt the warm air exhaled from his nostrils. The emotional depth in Elijah's eyes left no question that choosing to kill me was hard enough without my feelings weighing in on his decision. We'd somewhat been here before, in this discussion. I had been understanding of it then. Of course we hadn't been at the mercy of Klaus, where any wrongdoing on Elijah's part would leave him susceptible to his brother's ruthlessness. Dropping my eyes to our hands I inhaled deeply and calmed myself.

"I'm sorry. You-. We need to do what's best for everyone. If it comes to that I understand. You know that. When we last talked about this option I was fine with it. It's just that now Klaus has me and I assume you'll have to end me here, under his roof. He'll know it was you and you mightn't get the chance to escape." I raised my eyes back to his. "Everything was so much simpler before Klaus took me." I finished wistfully. Elijah chuckled bitterly at this.

"Speak for yourself." His voice was rougher for a moment. "The weight of your life has always posed some difficulty for me."

"Of course." I replied bashfully. "So why did you tell me about possibly daggering Klaus if killing me, rather than him is really the last resort?"

"In all honesty I only decided with finality last night. Should Klaus become suspicious of me and give no opportunity for me to kill you. Then of course my final focus will switch to putting a dagger in him. They're both last resorts in a way, according to how this situation pans out."

"I understand." Undeniably I did. "I hope Plan C as in conception, works."

"So do I. So do I." Elijah loosened his fingers from mine and stroked the knuckles slowly while looking down at his actions.

"Any idea how we're going to manage to have sex? I'm going to smell of you. Taste of you."

"That is the difficulty of, Plan C. I don't yet know. Do you-?" He began, but stopped, turned his face toward me and tried again. "Klaus' ability to read minds. We need you to think as little as possible about this plan. I'm aware that while my brother enjoys delving into other's minds, it can be exhausting for him. Not that exhaustion seems the right word, considering he's a vampire. My understanding of his party trick is that a thought must be communicated for him to hear it. I would compel you not to think about it, but that is both impractical and impossible, as you know." I nodded.

"I understand. I've been doing that somewhat already. And somehow I've been able to hide unintentionally that is, things from him. I don't have any control over it. Klaus doesn't know what it is. Nor does he like it. But if it's possible, then I'll apply that shielding to any thoughts on this plan. Do you know he can look through my mind? Is that something that could jeopardise what we're planning? "

"While in possession of your body?" His tone was even more serious than it had been so far.

"What?" Was Elijah referring to sex?

"Has he possessed your body like a common demon with the use of a witch or warlock?"

"No."

"So he's just seen what you see." Elijah volunteered.

"Yes. Only once though."

"I doubt he'll do that often. That takes a lot of concentration to do. Providing we're not doing anything if by chance he's looking in, it shouldn't be detrimental."

"Chance." I said then laughed sadly. "That seems to weigh in quite heavily at the moment."

Neither of us spoke for a while, just sat in companionable silence.

"Your family," I began eventually. "Do you think he'll really un-dagger them?"

"You heard that hmm?"

"Well, yes. But he'd already told me at the villa. I wasn't sure if I should mention it to you in case it was a lie. Didn't want to give you false hope. But then he went and told you about them last night."

"I believe he will remove the daggers at some stage. There's no knowing when. The unfortunate fact of the matter is that they are still missing out on life. And I missing them greatly." I squeezed his hand comfortingly at this.

"Have you any idea where he's keeping them?"

"None."

"Would he have told anyone else?"

"It's as equally possible, as it is doubtful." He replied bitterly.

"So, when you kill him. If you kill him. Your family's location-." I pieced the facts together with dread for Elijah.

"Will die with him." Elijah looked me in the eyes with such intensity it took my breath away. "I'm well aware."

"Maybe you should kill me then." My notion was honest. It made sense. If Klaus were alive, then there was more chance of the rest of Elijah's family being re-awoken at some point. Sure we had our plans, and I had pleaded with him not to kill me earlier. But Elijah was to spend many life spans on this planet. Without his family, that could prove to be extremely lonely. My family and I only had one life-span. As much as it hurt to acknowledge, Elijah's family situation trumped mine if I thought about it without my emotions. Without valuing my own family.

"My preference is to kill my brother, not you Elena. No matter the resulting losses. Either way I lose my family. Because Klaus would have me join the rest of our family given the chance. Not to mention he is, my brother. Of course another stalemate is losing you. But Klaus is the problem. If we can be direct in solving this problem, we must." Parting my mouth even as I still tried to find the words I wanted, to tell him I both appreciated and mourned his approaching loneliness. Emphasising of course, my understanding but to voice the view from where I stood as well, to encourage him in reuniting with his family. Elijah squeezed my hand before releasing it and stood. "As much as you no doubt feel the need to console me into rearranging my priorities, you need not. This is not something we need to discuss at length. You know how I feel about you." He turned slightly back to face me and I could only nod.

"Are you leaving now?" I asked in curiosity.

"Yes. We can't take too much of Klaus' games for granted. Suspicion and all that."

"Alright. I suppose I'll see you later then." Some longing crept into my voice causing Elijah to look at me oddly and raise an eyebrow.

Blushing I ducked my head for a moment then raised it again. By the time I had, Elijah'd strode to stand before me. Looking up into his eyes I found them deeper and full of passion. Passion for me? Leaning in he placed his right hand on my left shoulder and pushed me back gently. Heart pounding as my back lowered to the bed, Elijah shifted and I felt the bed give as he rested a knee on it. The hand from my shoulder moved up to stroke my cheek as his face came closer and my eyes fluttered shut. Coming close to finding my senses I opened them. Elijah's hand was now trailing his fingers down the side of my neck, then down over my left breast. Undulating slightly as I gasped our chests touched and I felt Elijah's breath on my lips as he exhaled shakily. I placed my right hand on his left arm supporting him along my side while his other hand continued to travel down. His face was so close now that there was only a fraction of space between our lips. It was incredibly tempting and my mouth slowly parted and closed again and again. Alternately biting my lower lip I felt like Elijah's lips were pulling at mine. Coaxing them upwards to join with his yet never meeting. Because they're not allowed to. Klaus. It was torture. Sweet, sweet torture that left me panting while he stroked my side. I had no idea where this was going. Only how borderline prohibited this was. A line that might get crossed. Must stop this, now. With difficulty I finally found my senses and voice.

"What are you-? We can't. Not yet." I managed to say weakly.

"Shh, I know. I've just got this ferocious urge to kiss you right now." Every move of his lips felt like they were brushing against mine. So much lighter than a feather and yet exquisitely satisfying and infuriating at the same time. But we weren't kissing. The only real feeling on my face was Elijah's breath wafting over my lips. Not that I was truly appreciating that sensory overload when I became hypnotised by every one of Elijah's eyelashes as his lids lowered in his perusal of my eyes "Of course, there's no proper way to do that." Moaning softly as Elijah brushed his nose against mine my other hand found it's way to his side, then lower back. "But. I. Felt." Each slowly pronounced word heightened the anticipation he'd created. We were hardly doing anything but I was burning with the sexual frenzy he'd started. "We could engage in a near-kiss." A moment or two passed and Elijah groaned in frustration then retreated, pulling me forwards with him so I was sat up again. Staring at each other with our chests heaving my eyes kept slipping their focus to his lips. Mind blank I unconsciously raised my right hand to press two fingers against my mouth. Elijah licked his own then shifted slightly and I managed to look at all of him as he adjusted his jacket. "Just to see you looking at me as you are now." He finished and stepped close to me again to guide a loose section of hair back over my right ear. Adoring eyes twinkling he seemed to pause and decide something. "I'd go so far as to say this is better than a kiss." Smirking he gave me a quick nod and left. Whew! Right then, I thoroughly disliked him for winding me up.

Time crept by and I found myself becoming restless as the evening's events approached. When Klaus entered I was lying on my front across our bed. Staring at my dress hanging inside the wardrobe I'd opened, and left that way a while earlier.

"Elena?" He queried sharply. Lifting my head up off my arms crossed in front of me I further pushed myself up onto my elbows and turned my head to look at him. "It's just gone three o'clock. If you'd rather not be rushed you might like to start getting ready. Shower, make-up, then Greta's going to do something with your hair." While he was just outlining rather mundanely what I would need to get started on, his posture as he stood just inside the closed door instantly concerned me. He seemed extremely composed. Different to how Elijah looked when he screened himself, in that the impression I got from Klaus was ruthlessness. Perhaps it was just how he wanted to be for this evening and was getting in character. But it could easily have something to do with me.

"Okay. But I can do my own hair. I'd rather not bother her any more than necessary with the pregnancy spell. Not being well and all that-."

"So you've been told then." He acknowledged tersely while cutting me off. Taking a moment to consider exactly to what he was referring so I was sure before deciding on a vague answer, I watched as he stepped further into the room and towards me. His movements lacked their swagger, despite still maintaining his usual confidence. Everything about him was conservative, yet all wound up like he was ready to blow.

"Was I not supposed to be? I only know because I asked. She didn't seem well."

"How much did she tell you?" He snapped. Taking a moment I gulped as I took the initiative to decide his behaviour was due to me

"Just that I have some magical force within me that protects me from tampering."

"That's very broad." He replied condescendingly. "Tell me, were you told anything about your mind? The reason for your bit of privacy from me, where others are completely exposed?" Frowning at him I pushed myself further off the bed so I could sit up. Lying across the furnishing only made me feel vulnerable with Klaus as he was.

"No. What about my mind?" This sounded like it was going to be interesting. Foolishly I was suddenly more focussed on feeding my curiosity than what was up with the vampire in the room

"What I've just said. It seems we have an answer to why you have the capacity to keep things from me. Like a safe within your subconscious certain actions, moral, seamless notions are hidden from me. You'll remember some of your quick-witted remarks have been of this nature. Hidden. Even some of your actions have belayed no indication prior to their occurrence. I do not like this revelation one bit." He informed me, his voice rough as he closed the space between us. Well I wasn't liking this one bit. Klaus was put-out about this. Probably about all the magical resistance I held. It was time to move. Anxiously I moved clumsily away from him across the bed. Rising from the other side of the bed he flickered before me. "Have you nothing to say regarding this?"

"You're angry about it. " I answer slowly. "You know I can't help it." I half pleaded.

"Oh I'm more than angry." He hissed. "Your abilities are undermining me."

"It's not my fault."

"No. But you've no problem using your mind against me." He snarled dangerously as he took my upper arm in his tight grip and stepped in close. Tensing at this before trying to lean back I whimpered a little.

"I never intend to. It just happens."

"Presumably more and more until your mind completely disallows my penetration. Which will mean no more internal conversations. No more of my reading your mind. It's rather upsetting." He ground out, squeezing my arm tighter as he did.

"Really? I asked impressed as I tried to crane my head and neck back a bit to turn my face away from his breath, but Klaus only leaned in further. Despite the pain I smiled at him once his words had settled in."Not to me."

"That's unsurprising." He squeezed tighter still and my smile died.

"You're hurting me!" I complained softly. Hopeful for release. He kept a hold on me but stepped back and jerked me along with him to the door.

"El-ena," he sing-songed. "You remember how we had a discussion about my treatment of you the other day?" His tone of voice had become threatening and the reminder of that conversation and how it might relate sent chills up my spine. It snatched my ability to speak. "Answer me love. I'm referring to my decision to be more docile with you." Klaus elaborated.

"Yes. I remember." As much as I tried to keep my voice strong it faltered. There had to be a reason he was bringing this up.

"If you lie to me, or take advantage of your ability in any way. I will thoroughly ensure you don't do it again."

"But-," I began, having found some semblance of voice.

"If I feel anything's off about you, you will be interrogated. And I can promise you it won't be pleasant. My questioning you the day we went to see the werewolves will seem like nothing in comparison." My blood ran cold then, but I managed to stop my body visibly trembling.

"What if your suspicions are wrong?" Klaus stopped us as we neared the door and turned to face me sharply.

"Then I will apologise." His voice was kind and he looked into my eyes affectionately.

"You think an apology will make it alright?" Came my horrified response. Tilting his head to the left and shrugging the corresponding shoulder Klaus smirked at me. "You-," I began haughtily, but broke off as I thought to recheck my attitude. "When have I ever kept anything from you? I've never been dishonest with you. I love my family too much. Why would you need to threaten me? To torture something out of me? I have no chance to be dishonest with you! I have no freedom. You know I'll always do what you want me to." My voice pleaded with him. I was wondering if he already knew something about the developing plan. But surely if he did, he would boast about finding me, or rather us out. This, was something else.

"Now that you have something over me, I cannot afford to be as lenient as I had intended until I break my bond. Consider things between us as they have been, but that my fuse has become shorter. Any resistance that tests my lack of patience with you," He shoved me slightly away from him and opened the door, then pushed me roughly so I was pressed up against the wall right next to it. Gasping my heart beat thudded erratically. My arm was jerked around until it was trapped against the side of the door frame and my hand stuck out in the doorway. "Will result in consequences. Be sure of that. I'm aware of what I've said before now. But things change. If I feel it warranted, force will be my first response." He snarled then kept me pinned while an arm reached out and made to slam the door shut with extreme force. My scream began before the door was even halfway to it's frame. I knew from the position of my arm that it was going to suffer damage. The whoosh of air as it followed through it's motion made me tremble. Klaus had been so good to me. Now that was all going to change. He was going to hurt me just to make his point, and do so before his Reveal. How was I to act normally if I was afraid he was going to use force for any little thing I might do wrong?Eyes screwed shut I didn't see when Klaus prevented the door from slamming on my arm. Only noticed that impact hadn't occurred and cautiously opened them. Eyes darting to my arm and the door nearly closed but not restricting it, I took a deep shaky breath before repeatedly inhaling and exhaling for a moment. Snapping my eyes to Klaus' my heaving chest paused mid breath. They were soft and caring, classic confusing Klaus. Unsure of what he was playing at I tried to move from where he'd pinned me but he still held me fast.

"Klaus?" Fear coloured my questioning voice.

"Take heed of this, your one and only warning, my love. I don't take any enjoyment from this." I exhaled incredulously and gave him a disgusted look. "If you ever hide anything of importance from me with your mind be sure you will pay for it." Pausing he looked at my confused expression with interest then smirked. "Did you really think I would use excessive force on you this close to my Reveal? I'd have thought you'd take some comfort in that. Now, chop chop. Start getting ready, and wash well. Don't want anyone confused regarding who you belong to."

"Excuse me? Klaus?" I heard Jonas' ask from outside our room.

"What ?" He snapped in response as he stepped aside to release me, opening the door as he did. Moving from the wall I turned to stand next to Klaus. I would have exited our room, but seeing as the doorway was occupied I stayed. Jonas wasn't looking the best.

"Can we discuss something regarding your plans for Elena?" He asked carefully.

"Out with it Warlock." Klaus drawled boredly.

"You might prefer we discuss this inside." Jonas suggested while gesturing inside.

"Stop stalling and start talking. You know I'm on a schedule." Jonas blinked twice then glanced at me, then back to Klaus before he next spoke.

"Well. I'm rather amazed that Elena hasn't conceived to you yet. Regardless of any reproductive issues she may or may not have. Your vampire sperm should be more than capable of penetrating any barriers. We know there's no magic affecting her womb. Perhaps," he paused and looked past Klaus. "You are part of the problem?"

"What?" Klaus blurted, his voice flat. Jerking his head to face me he looked my surprised expression over with narrowed eyes. Daring me to have something to do with this. I was as uninformed as he was. In my gut I felt as though this could be convenient to our cause though.

"Maybe your sperm aren't-."

"Are you insinuating that my sperm are impotent? That I am not functioning?" Klaus hissed and turned his anger contorted face back to Jonas.

"It's a possibility." Jonas provided clinically.

"It is not!" Klaus growled in the warlock's face. Jonas stood his ground and I was afraid for him. "I am a vampire. An original. Nothing about me is defective." I couldn't help the near silent huff of laughter that lightly snorted from my nose. It wasn't the best thing to do I admitted to myself as Klaus whirled on me. As his arm came up my eyes widened, and the next moment he had my neck in the firm but unrestrictive grasp of his left hand and I was trembling. "What's so funny?" Blinking back the automatic rush of moisture to my eyes I glanced at Jonas and new I couldn't say how defective I thought his personality was. Not that it would be the wisest move if Klaus and I were alone either.

"N-. Nothing." I managed in a low sexy tone and smirked at him. Removing his hand Klaus rose an eyebrow as me then directed his attention back to Jonas.

"I assure you I am functioning as well as the next man. Now leave me be Jonas. I've no time for this!" Jonas dropped his head and left. Deciding to take my leave next I moved around the silently fuming Klaus and had stepped out into the hall when he grabbed my right wrist and crushed it. This time my tears overflowed. My painful cry became a muffled groan as Klaus covered my mouth with his and pushed his tongue inside. His hold on my body was crushing as he claimed my mouth, then suddenly broke our mouths apart and released me in the same instant while stepped back. I grimaced at him as I held my healing wrist.

"What was that for?" I hissed lowly at him while gesturing to my wrist.

"I don't appreciate being the source of hilarity." He hissed back. Oh. His family laughed at him, etc etc. I could see how this could be a sore point for him. "Hurry up and get ready."