NaRuKo-InuTaiSHo-XD: Thank you for reviewing and I hope you enjoy the new chapter
BrookeWorm3: Thank you for reviewing I don't have end result at the moment, more of a general idea of certain things will occur. At the moment I don't have a plan to kill Olive, right now I'm just trying to give her more backstory so you can understand her relationship with the other characters. I'm not trying to make it seem like she will die and I'm gonna work on that.
LucifersAlleyCat: Thank you for reviewing! Yea Damon has a lot of grovelling ahead of him. Damon's reasons for trying to make up to Olive is also because he wants to make things right again. I'm going to delve deeper into why their relationship is so strained but he is aware of it, just not fully grasping the entire story. I'm glad you like the relationship with Olive, Klaus and Kol. I think that they bring out interesting aspects of their personalities and so shall see them having more interactions and being a little family later on.
Gottalvethosefanfics: Thank you! I am definitely still writing like crazy. Making it sound like a proper story is my one hang up. This is a long drawn out rekindling in my head between all the Salvatores but I won't make you wait too long. Both brothers are equally hated by Olive but there are both in different stages so I'm trying to let them feel their feelings and kind of show you why they are reacting this way
Chapter 9: When you are young they assume you know nothing
It had been just over two months since father had opened his home to Miss Pierce and Aurora could tell her eldest brother was completely besotted by her. The signs of his infatuation were unmistakable. The way his eyes would follow her when she moved around the room, how he unconsciously mimicked her movements, and the small blush that crept up his cheeks whenever they made eye contact. It was a delightful sight to behold, seeing her brother so happy. Father had always been more critical of Damon despite joining the Confederacy as instructed. It was difficult for Damon knowing that he was disappointing the family. No matter how much he pretended it did not. But Katherine had brought back the light to his smile.
However, amidst all the happiness, Aurora couldn't help but notice how Stefan would also gazed upon Miss Pierce with a warmth in his eyes whenever she entered a room. Could it be that both of her brothers were entertaining Miss Pierce?
She was not oblivious. She had heard the rumours circulating in the tearoom about the scandalous relationship between her brothers and the young woman. She also knew that such rumours had caused a profound impact on her prospects, leaving her shamefully untethered. Prior to Miss Pierce's arrival, numerous suitors had come to the house, seeking her hand in courtship. But those visits had grown scarce, and her father was growing concerned that he wouldn't find her a suitable suitor before her upcoming birthday.
Nevertheless, such rumours seemed too outlandish but have any truth to them. Her brothers were kind and honest men that would rather die than betray one another. No woman could ever come between them. Aurora often felt a twinge of envy regarding their relationship. While she knew they loved her and cared deeply for her, their strong bond often left her on the periphery. They would run about the estate, play in the dirt, and create joyful memories together, while she was left to her own devices. Despite this, she knew that they did not mean anything by it. If they had invited her to partake in such youthful activities, their father would surely have gotten out the belt.
No, Aurora knew her place.
Every Tuesday since she was ten, Aurora ventured into town to have tea with the ladies of Mystic Falls. Since the sudden passing of her mother, these gatherings had become more important. The ladies offered words of wisdom and guidance, teaching her how to uphold the values of the Founders. Without them, she would have never learned how to be a proper lady of the house. Since then, following her weekly tea, Damon would accompany her to the Lockwood house and escort her back home. These walks provided a cherished opportunity for conversation and bonding without the judgement of others. Damon, always eager to nurture her inquisitive mind, shared stories of the books he had read, presented her with new music sheets for her evening practice, and occasionally divulged town gossip he had picked up at the local taverns the night before.
Her interactions with Stefan were slightly different. While she still cherished her conversations with him, she was aware that he would often report her words back to their father. It was expected, and she understood his responsibility. As much as she loved her brother, those few moments of childish rebellion she shared with Damon made her week shine. He never cared much for rules and regulations. In his company, she felt safe to indulge in improper behaviour, knowing that her brother would protect her.
On this particular day, Damon and Aurora were laughing together as they walked towards the estate, having witnessed one of the Fell boys falling into a pond after attempting to ride a horse backward. The sunshine and the joy of the moment begged for the fun to continue. Aurora asked her brother if they could go for a stroll in the garden before heading back inside; it was just too beautiful a day to waste indoors. With a smile, Damon led her to the garden, but as they approached, his gait faltered, and his expression darkened.
Aurora turned back, her brow furrowing in confusion, and met her brother's pained gaze. Something had clearly troubled him. Following his line of sight, she looked back to the garden and rested on two figures in the distance. Their appearance was nearly obscured, but it was evident that her brother was locked in a lover's embrace with Miss Pierce.
The rumours were true.
"Oh, Damon. I am so sorry," Aurora sighed, unable to bear witnessing her brother's distress.
"We should head back," he replied, his tone curt, as if he wished to avoid any further discussion of the matter.
"Are you alright?" she inquired, her concern apparent.
"I'm fine, sister. Come, Father will be looking for you."
"Brother, I see how you looked at Miss Pierce. I know that you love her. I-"
"You know nothing, Aurora," Damon scolded, his voice now bearing an unusual coldness. "This is my business, not yours. You may think you are no longer a child but remember that I am your brother. Assume that my words are gospel, and we shall not have a problem."
"Damon-" she began, her eyes reflecting shock and trepidation. He had never spoken to her this way. Her brother had always been kind and loving, he made her feel safe. He had never spoken to her with such malice. With each hurtful word, the foundation of her affections began to crumble, the ash obstructing her vision. Her brother, the one she had looked up to and adored, was clearly not the man she thought he was. His capacity to be so casually cruel sent a searing pain through her chest as she forced her tears away.
"I do not want to hear about your childish thoughts on romance. My business is mine and you would do well to stay out of it."
Taking a deep breath, Aurora forced her sorrow down, her fingers scratching the inside of her elbow. She straightened her back, wearing a placating smile on her face. "My apologies. I shall go prepare for dinner." With her head held high, she turned and headed back inside, not giving her brother another thought.
It had been nearly three weeks since Damon had sternly instructed Aurora to stay out of his personal life. Since then, their interactions had become limited to a few polite exchanges in the presence of others.
The first Tuesday after their discussion, Damon had informed her at breakfast that he would be unable to escort her home from the Lockwood's as he had promised Katherine a ride to the Falls. As a result, Stefan had started escorting Aurora back home, engaging in courteous conversation during their walks.
Aurora was keenly aware that her brother's distant behaviour stemmed from his embarrassment over their previous altercation. He had, of course, every word he said but was not one to offer an apology, regardless of how well-deserved it might be. Though his apology or reaction was unnecessary. She understood that her place was not to meddle in his personal matters. She had been presumptuous, and she should have known better. She should not have assumed to know better.
One evening, the Salvatore household gathered for dinner, with Giuseppe taking his usual seat at the head of the table. Aurora sat between Katherine, on her right, and her father on her left. Damon and Stefan occupied their usual spots across the table, casting covert glances to Katherine that Aurora pretended not to notice.
"Aurora, I have excellent news," Father announced, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he addressed his daughter.
"Yes, Father?" Aurora delicately set her fork and knife on the table, resting her hands in her lap, giving him her full attention.
"Mr. Forrest has asked for your hand in marriage, and I have accepted." Stefan turned to his sister, offering a supportive smile as Aurora sat in shock.
"Oh," Aurora breathed, taken aback by the unexpected revelation. A marriage… was an honour. She had never imagined that Mr. Forrest would be the one to ask for her hand. She would be betrothed to a well-established man with strong ties to the town, greatly benefiting their family. Her father, once an outsider in the gentlemen's club, would now find himself welcomed with open arms. Time and time again they have refused to let him gain entry, something he cited to his Italian heritage and tan skin. Now, their newfound social status would secure them respect, something her father had longed for. Father had always reminded her of the value of her pale complexion and how it could open doors for them, that they should use it to their advantage. On sunny days, her father would instruct the servants to ensure all the curtains were drawn to shield her from the sun's rays. When she ventured outside, she was adorned with a large hat and long, elegant gloves, protecting her pale skin. She had grown accustomed to enduring the summer heat, reminding herself that this was her contribution to the family. One day, she would no longer bear their family name, so if preserving her fairness was her role, she would gladly endure it and sit in dark and empty rooms.
"That is wonderful, father," Aurora responded, her smile teary-eyed. No matter how hard she tried to hold back her emotions, her eyes filled with tears. Tears had no place at the dinner table, no matter how pleased she seemed to feel. Hysterical behaviour like this would not be tolerated, especially if she was to be married.
"Oh, my darling daughter, your tears of joy are welcomed." Giuseppe gently cupped his daughter's cheeks, his heart swelling with pride for securing such a prosperous match for her, allowing him break out of the oppressive role this town has placed him in.
"I'm just so thrilled," she nodded, her voice quivering as she tried to hold back her emotions. With gentle hands she picked up the napkin from her lap, carefully folding it into a point, and used it to discreetly dab away the stray tearsใ "When did he ask you?"
"About a fortnight ago, I was not sure if he was worthy of you, but your brother assured me that he is a good man that will care for you," Father explained, glancing over at his eldest son, who wore a less than enthusiastic expression.
"I didn't know that you assisted," Aurora said, turning to look at her brother.
"I really did not do much," Damon chimed in, grimacing. Truthfully, Damon had never been particularly fond of Mr. Forrest. His brash personality and loud demeanour were hardly traits he had envisioned in a suitor for his sister. He had hoped that the Johnston's would renew their interest in uniting their families. They had previously engaged in extensive discussions about the potential union but for reasons that escaped him they had decided to have their son marry the pastor's daughter instead. It was a sudden turn around and he knew his sister still felt the sting of their rejection, as did he. At church on Sundays, they no longer greeted them as warmly as before and their weekly dinners had been cancelled for months. It remained a confounding mystery to Damon.
"Hush, now. Your brother and I want you to have the best. Mr. Forrest is how you will achieve that," Father insisted, giving Damon a stern look.
"Thank you," Aurora nodded at her brother, her voice breaking slightly. Placing her hand over her heart, she took a sip of water to quench her parched throat.
"Who is Mr. Forrest?" Katherine inquired, her gaze shifting to the head of the table.
"Forgive me Miss Pierce, I often forget you're new to this town. Mr. Forrest is a very successful lawyer and is well liked amongst the townspeople. A fine man for my angel," Giuseppe explained. "He shall be joining us for dinner tomorrow and so you can make your introductions."
"When are we to be wed?" Aurora inquired, still processing the whirlwind of emotions.
"In two weeks, my dear."
"So soon?" Aurora expressed her surprise.
"Is that not a bit rushed? The town may assume something improper has occurred," Damon cautiously reasoned.
"Watch your mouth, boy," Giuseppe warned, directing a stern glare at his defiant son. "He is needed on a business trip to New York and thought it would make for a lovely honeymoon. Don't you agree?" Father said, turning to his daughter. He knew she would never disappoint him.
"Of course, Father. A honeymoon in New York, it is lovely." Aurora echoed, her hand discreetly scratching her wrist beneath the table.