Hello, everyone! I was taking a hiatus, I still am, but I thought that you all needed this chapter. I've received a lot of hate because most of my stories end with Elejah, but they're my OTP. I've lost heart for some of my unfinished stories, but I assure you that I will finish them all. I just probably won't have a normal updating schedule like I usually do. Sorry, everyone. But I hope you like this chapter!
BTW there's no cure, so forget everything that happened with that storyline. Katherine died and it will be revealed later how.
Chapter 2
Elena sat in one of the many bars in the French Quarter. She still couldn't believe that she was stupid enough to come here. She looked down at the glass in her hand, swirling the stale Bourbon around as the bartender gave her a weird look.
"Anything you want to talk about?" The bartender, Camille asked, "I'm a psychologist outside of all this excitement. I might be able to help."
Elena narrowed her eyes before taking a swig of her glass, "Well, let's see. I'm eighteen and I've been stuck between brothers for the past, huh, I don't even know how long. I finally decided to end it with both of them because it was tearing them apart. And my two best friends can hardly stand the sight of me," she looked down for a minute before she shrugged, "I thought coming here would be better for everyone, especially me. But I forgot there's an Original problem here."
"Original problem? Do you mean-"
The brunette floundered for a moment, mentally cursing herself for talking to the human bartender so flippantly, "Nevermind. Forget what I said. Can I just have another Bourbon please?"
"Sure," Cami said, grabbing the bottle and filling Elena's glass. She smiled slightly, "You know, the Original problem isn't as bad as you think." Elena's eyes widened as the blonde continued, "I know about all the supernatural here. I know all about Klaus and Elijah and Rebekah. We're friends, kinda."
Elena snorted, "You're friends with the Originals? Do they have you compelled or something?"
"I was compelled for awhile. But a friend of mine, who's also a witch, broke the compulsion. I thought I was losing my mind," she admitted.
A man walked up to the bar and stole Cami's attention, leaving Elena alone with her drink. She couldn't believe that this poor innocent human had already been exposed to vampires, let alone the first ones in creation. When she heard the bartender's laughter, she looked over and noticed that the man next to her looked oddly familiar. She tried to focus on his voice, but still, she couldn't place him.
He looked over to her and smiled a genuine smile, "Miss Gilbert. Funny I should run into you here."
"I'm sorry, do I know you?" She asked hesitantly. It was never a good sign if someone knew your name when you were more than a hundred miles from home.
He extended his hand, "Finn Mikaelson. I believe it's been quite awhile since I've seen you. But who could forget a face like that."
"Seriously?" She ignored his hand as she felt anger bubble inside of her again, "You're comparing me to Katherine? Or is it Tatia this time?"
Finn looked truly flustered, "I was not comparing you to either of your ancestors. I was merely paying a beautiful girl a compliment. I am not Klaus or Elijah. I know perfectly well who you are."
"Well, thank you," Elena smiled sheepishly at the eldest vampire in existence, "You're the first one who recognized who I actually was."
"There's subtle differences between each of you," he mused, looking more intently at her, "Your hair is straight instead of curly. Your eyes are a few shades darker as well."
Elena smiled, "How do you remember everything so clearly?"
"When one spends more time observing rather than talking, it really puts things into perspective. Now, pray tell, what are you doing in New Orleans, Miss Gilbert?"
She took another sip of her Bourbon as she looked at him, "I needed to get away from Mystic Falls. I had a…rocky start as a vampire and I managed to burn my own house down because my brother died. I lived without my humanity for a while, but no one liked me like that. I was tricked into switching it on again and when I did, nothing felt the same anymore. I wasn't who I used to be." She sighed, tapping her long nails against the glass tumbler, "Everyone wanted to fix me. To bring back the person I was before I died. But I'm not that person anymore. So, I broke up with my boyfriend and headed to the most lively place I could think of besides New York and Las Vegas."
"Seems as if you've had a very full life so far," Finn smiled.
"I suppose," she amended, before she asked hesitantly, "If you don't mind me asking, are all your siblings here?"
Finn looked apprehensive at her question, "All of them have made a home here. Niklaus, Elijah, and Rebekah all stay at our home in the city. Kol lives in the Quarter, by the witches mainly. And I reside at our family's plantation house that is just outside the city limits," his eyes glinted with humor as he added, "You're not the only one who can't stand them, Miss Gilbert."
"Good to know," she smiled. She looked at her phone and realized it was early in the morning. Man, time flies when you have to fight your way out of a group of homicidal vampires. She drank the last of her Bourbon and stood up, turning to Finn, "It's been nice catching up, but I think I need some sleep. Any hotels you'd recommend?"
Finn stood up as well, straightening his suit jacket, "Hotel St. Marie is quite nice. It just down the street from here. I can walk you if you'd like."
"No, it's fine. I think I need a little bit of time to gather my thoughts."
"Very well," he nodded, accepting her answer, "However, I was wondering if you'd accompany me tomorrow to an art gallery opening. Forgive me if this is forward, but I believe that while you find yourself in New Orleans, you should immerse yourself I the culture."
Elena blushed, "Sure. It's not like I've got anything better to do. What time?"
"I'll pick you up at seven. Semi formal attire, if you please."
"I'll see you at seven," she smiled, brushing her arm against his as she continued out of the bar and into the night.
The next morning, Elena awakes to sunlight streaming across her face. She smiles briefly; wondering what today could have in store for her. She rolls over onto her stomach and grabs her phone from the nightstand. The time flashes at her and she groans. It's almost noon and somehow she managed to sleep too long and not get enough sleep at the same time.
A soft knock sounded against her hotel room door and Elena stumbled upright, padding over to the door. She swung the door open and came face to face with a bellhop.
"Uh, Miss G-Gilbert?" He asked hesitantly.
"Yes?"
He held a box in his hands and thrust it out to her unceremoniously, "This was left at the front desk by Mr. Mikaelson."
"Thank you," she said, taking the box from him and watching him scurry down the hall again. She slipped back into her room and shut the door, wondering which Mr. Mikaelson it could be from. She set the box on the bed and opened it, grateful that there was a note on top.
Miss Gilbert,
I didn't notice any baggage with you at the bar. I took the liberty of purchasing you something suitable for tonight. I shall see you at seven.
Warm regards,
Finn Mikaelson
Elena smiled. For the most part, she hadn't had any extended interaction with the eldest Mikaelson, but from what she could tell, he was more like Elijah than any of the others. Elijah had helped her too many times to count, yet they both betrayed each other a handful of times. Perhaps Finn was different from his family. Perhaps she might have actually found a friend in this crazy city.
She reached further into the box, removing the expensive tissue paper that covered two other white boxes inside. She pulled out the first and opened it, gasping at the beautiful black silk inside. The dress shimmied out of the box and she held it against herself. It was a beautiful three-tiered dress with chiffon skirting that flowed with every move. Her eyes caught sight of the tag and nearly collapsed at the sheer price of this one dress. Elena knew Chanel was expensive, but she didn't realize a single dress was over $800. She laid it carefully flat on the bed and took out the other box, hoping that it wasn't as expensive as the dress. She opened the box and groaned as red shoe bottoms stared back at her. Louboutin. She extracted the designer shoes carefully, admiring the elegance of such a simple black heel.
Elena couldn't believe that Finn had spent this much on her. It was ridiculous to say the least, but she had to admit that the dress and shoes were to die for. She picked up the original box and was about to set it down when she heard something rattling around inside. She sighed and removed the last few pieces of tissue paper to reveal a small baby blue box. She picked it up and opened it hesitantly. A beautiful Elsa Peretti rose gold pendant stared back at her. A small diamond was nestled in the center, making the necklace look simple and elegant at the same time.
She carefully set the outfit out on the bed and stared at it. Part of her couldn't accept such gifts from a man she barely knew. Yet, another part of her wanted to because he had gone through all the trouble of buying it for her.
Elena lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Before she knew what was happening, her eyes drifted closed and she fell asleep once again.
Elena sat in the hotel bathroom putting the finishing touches on her hair. She let it dry wavy and pinned half of it up, letting her bangs fall gracefully across her forehead. Her makeup was very simple, only enhancing her natural features. She applied pale pink lipstick that made her lips look extra pouty. She clasped the necklace on and adjusted it. She smiled at her reflection before shimmying the expensive dress over her form, allowing it to hug her curves as the chiffon flowed around her.
She grabbed her purse from the bed and walked to the door before slipping on her Louboutins and hurrying down to the lobby. As soon as she exited the elevator, she noticed Finn standing with his back to her, conversing with the receptionist. Elena walked over to them and smiled as Finn noticed her.
"You look beautiful, Miss Gilbert," Finn said as he appraised her.
She blushed, "It's only because you gave me everything I'm wearing."
"You would look beautiful no matter what you're wearing, I'm sure of it." He extended his arm as he smiled at her, "Are you ready?"
She nodded and took his arm, allowing him to lead her to the sleek black car outside.
Elijah cursed mentally as he walked into the Compound. No matter where he looked, Elena had seemed to drop off the map completely. Her scent was covered by the other vampires crawling all over New Orleans. He had searched all night and well into the late afternoon. When he arrived at his home, Rebekah was standing on the stairs in a simple green gown that she seemed to be having a conflict with.
She looked over to her brother, "Elijah, do you think this is too fancy for tonight?"
"What's tonight?" He asked dumbly.
"What's tonight?" Rebekah parroted before throwing her arms up into the air in disbelief, "It's Finn's art show! He's opening that gallery off of Bourbon Street. We were invited months ago. Did you honestly forget?"
Elijah nodded, "I've had other things on my mind tonight. I'll be sure to be there."
"Oh, you mean the doppelganger?" Rebekah scoffed as Elijah glared daggers at her, "Nik told me she has managed to find her way to our town. Don't worry, I won't hurt her. Besides, I have a feeling that she wants to stay as far away from us as possible given our family's history with her."
Elijah tried to compose himself, he didn't want his anger at his sister to become apparent. He spoke in a controlled voice, "I'm trying to find her to apologize for what's happened to her. I'm sure she'll be on her way soon enough."
Rebekah nodded, seemingly pacified with Elijah's words, "So, you're coming tonight then?"
"I'll be ready in an hour."
"Well, this just looks lovely," Rebekah said as she looked around the art gallery, "But you'd think that Finn would at least be here for the opening."
"I'm sure he's on his way, Bekah," Klaus said as he took a sip of champagne.
"Finn's never late. He has a perpetual stick up his arse just like Elijah," she said, giving her older brother a pointed look.
Elijah sighed, "Rebekah, could you remain tactful even for just one night? Finn will not tolerate any brutish behavior or repulsive language tonight. Besides, it only half past seven-"
"It started at six," Klaus mumbled.
"I'm sure he has his reasons," Elijah said firmly, causing both of his younger siblings to fall quiet.
Elijah tapped his foot anxiously against the marble floors as he mindlessly wandered around the gallery. His mind was still preoccupied with Elena. He was hoping that no harm had come to her in his absence.
"If I could have your attention please."
Elijah turned towards the voice, noticing that it was the manager of the gallery.
"I would like to thank you all for being here tonight. Mr. Mikaelson has been overseeing every step of this venture since the beginning and he is very pleased you've all come. The exhibits you see around you are from the Mikaelson family as well as several local artists. Without further ado, please let me introduce Mr. Finn Mikaelson!"
Finn walked out from the hallway, nodding at the manager, "Thank you, Clara. And thank you all for coming to the opening of Mikaelson Studios. I hope you all make yourself at home and enjoy the night. Have fun, everyone!"
Finn walked back to the hallway and brought in a woman next to him. Elijah stared at her back, wondering who had been able to capture his brother's fancy since Sage. He noticed that Finn's arm had wound around the brunette's waist and a small twinge of jealousy shot through him.
Elijah slowly made his way over to the couple, appraising the woman's form. Her waist was small and her olive skin looked beautiful encased in the black silk of the dress.
He approached Finn from behind, clasping a hand on his elder brother's shoulder, "Everything looks wonderful, Finn. You've done a great job."
Finn turned to face Elijah, releasing his arm from his date's waist and allowing her to keep conversing with Clara. He smiled at Elijah, "I'm very proud of it. It will give other local artists an opportunity to have exposure as well."
"I couldn't agree more," Elijah smiled and nodded to Finn's date, "Who's the lovely lady? I never knew you to be interested in brunettes."
"She's just a friend," Finn reassured him, "I believe you know her." Finn turned towards his date, holding his hand out to her, "Darling?"
The girl turned as Finn wound his arm around her waist once more and Elijah's breath caught in his throat. There stood his lovely Elena, on his brother's arm.
"Elena," he breathed, looking at how beautiful she was.
"Elijah," she acknowledged, surprised.
His face broke out in a relieved smile, "I looked everywhere for you last night. I wanted to apologize for what happened."
Finn felt Elena stiffen in his arms and his voice clipped slightly, "What have you done that requires an apology, Elijah?"
"Elena had a rather…rude welcome last night," Elijah said slowly, "I was trying to find her last night to right things."
"Elena?" Finn asked, looking at her.
She sighed, "I was captured by Marcel last night and forced to participate in a so-called fight night."
"You allowed this?" Finn hissed at Elijah, anger glowing in his eyes.
Elijah squared his shoulders, "I tried to stop it as soon as I realized what was happening. I-"
"Excuse me?" Elena gasped incredulously, "You called me Katherine up until I smacked you and left. You didn't care!"
"I didn't know you were a vampire!" Elijah whispered harshly, "Excuse me if I thought that you were Katherine when I first saw you. I would have saved you regardless of who you were because Marcel had no right to touch you."
Elena huffed, "Just leave me alone, Elijah. I don't need your help. Obviously I'm handling myself just fine. I would've ripped his heart out if you and Klaus hadn't interfered, but that's just your hero complex, isn't it? You have to keep trying to save me because you couldn't save Katherine!"
Elijah grabbed Elena's upper arm in a death grip as he pulled her out of Finn's grasp and shook her slightly, "You will not talk to me like that. I'm an Original, show a little respect."
Finn's hand had closed over Elijah's wrist and Elena heard his bones crush. Finn's voice became dark, "Let go of her, Elijah. I will not hesitate to rip your arm off in front of all of these nice people."
Elijah growled before squeezing Elena's arm tightly, effectively breaking her humerus as she let out a whimper of pain. His eyes softened as he realized what he had done. He let go of her arm, "Elena, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean-"
Elena rubbed her arm as the bone slowly began to heal. She wiped the tears from her eyes as she looked away from him. She curled into Finn's side as he placed a protective arm around her. She spoke softly, "Leave me alone, Elijah. I don't want to see you right now."
Please be sure to leave a review! It might make you get the next chapter faster ;)
~Grace