"I knew she'd take it bad," Elijah muttered.
"Shut up Elijah! Be happy I don't throw you out!" Nik yelled at his brother. Elijah rolled his eyes.
"It wasn't a big deal, Niklaus. It won't happen again."
"Not a big deal?! Yes it was a big deal! It happened with Tiana, and again with Katerina. Don't tell me its not a big deal, Elijah!"
I hated it when people acted like I wasn't there. It was time to be brave.
"Nik. Its okay," I said as I got up and walked over to him. I hooked my arms under his and hugged him. He in turn wrapped his around my waist and rested his chin on my head. I felt his heartbeat slow as he calmed down. I looked over at Elijah and gave a small nod that Nik thankfully took as me nuzzling up to him. Elijah nodded back, just out if Nik's vision, as he understood I just wanted to diffuse the tension. I watched as he walked out of the room and Nik pulled back slightly. I started to pull out of his arms but he pulled me back with one arm around my waist and the other around my neck. I barely had time to take a breath before his lips crushed against mine.
It started intense and urgent but gradually eased to soft and passionate. I tried to push him away but he held on for another second. I turned my head and pressed my forehead against his chest, which was very ripped by the way.
"Nik, I'm sorry I just... I can't."
"No, I get it. You'd rather be with him. Fine. If you come in contact with Elijah, try to hurt him, do you understand me?" His voice was angry.
"Nik that's not what I-"
"Do you understand me?"
"Whatever, Nik." I walked out with tears in my eyes. This was bullshit. I was not going to turn out like Katerina and Elena. I had to choose now, but which one?
I walked out of the room trying to hide my resentment. It was hard to see her with my brother even though she was only looking at me. I turned down the hall to where everyone was waiting. Sky and Kol looked up when I walked in.
"She'll be fine," I murmured and walked out the front door. The bright sunlight shined in my eyes. I walked over to a bench and sat down. I was joined a short while later.
"Niklaus, I don't need another lecture, I'll stay away," I said as I looked up accusingly at him. To my surprise, it was not Nik, but Sky who joined me. She looked at me sadly.
"This is from Chris." She handed me the note and walked away.
I unfolded the lined paper and read the writing on it over and over again.
Elijah,
I can't be with you. Nik won't allow it. He told me if I spoke to you, I would
have to hurt you. I can't do that. Please understand that I love you, but even
if Nik did allow it, I would not be, and am not, in love with you. I hope you
understand that all you can ever be is my brother.
Love Chris
I silently got up and left to go to the one person who could take my mind off her.
Katerina.
I handed the note to Sky and walked into Nik's room. In a flash he was away from the canvas and had his hand around my neck lifting me off the floor. His face was so emotionless it hurt. Then I realized he was emotionless.
"Nik," I choked.
"What?" He sounded bored.
"Please let me down." He let me down.
Cautiously I leaned forward and kissed him, ever so softly, and I felt a change in him. I leaned back and looked in his eyes. I smiled slowly and he returned it. He had his humanity back on.
"Nik?"
"Yes, Christa?"
"I love you." He looked into my eyes with the same emotion there.
"I love you too."