A/N: Pleased that my story still seems popular. I'm getting new readers every day. Thanks everyone for making my day, and proving to me that this story doesn't suck. Now onward with the story.

Also, due to a reviewer's request for more romance between Grace and Klaus; I will endeavour to increase the quantity from now on, in between the action and drama this story accumulates. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

I do not own The Vampire Diaries. All characters (except for Grace) belong to author L.J. Smith.

Please review respectfully with your thoughts, and please, no flaming.

Now without further ado … Enjoy xx

ON YOUR SIDE

"Life isn't pretty, we all get a little wreaked sometimes.
If God's listening, people think you're out of your mind.
Even if you believe it. Through all the hard times, I'm on your side..."
~The Veronicas: 'On Your Side' (On Your Side [2016]).

~: Mikaelson Mansion :~

After giving Nik my ultimatum in regards to moving with him into his newly purchased and renovated mansion; my love decided to give me the grand tour of the place that – until further notice – I would be living in, in two weeks time.

As I predicted; the rest of the abode had the same colour scheme as what I had seen in the main foyer:

- There was the kitchen, which was huge and very modern with a white marble and brown stained motif, and a skylight that stretched from one side of the ceiling to the other, which – when it was daytime – would let in large amounts of natural light. It had a large restaurant style oven and an industrial stainless steel refrigerator, a large island work station with brand-new beige marble counter tops and a built in sink, stained wooden cupboards and drawers, and every imaginable kitchen appliance that you could think of.

It was every homemaker's dream kitchen; and I absolutely could picture myself in here, leaning against the counter and sipping a large mug of tea while scrolling through Facebook on my phone, or getting my hands dirty making cookies or other pastries (which was something I enjoyed doing during my down time … when I wasn't been threatened with my life, or out saving somebody else's).

- Then there was the dining area, which Nik showed me after we passed through some one way swinging doors; the kind you'd expect to see in fancy restaurants, and I rolled my eyes at the obvious flash of cash shown here. That told me that all my food needs would be catered for by live in servants, and that it was likely that my chances of having down time to myself with my cooking hobby was likely to be slim.

Fat chance.

But I am digressing.

The dining room again had the theme of 'large' and featured an enormous, expensive looking long wooden dining table with comfortable looking high-backed chairs around it, and a large flower display in the middle of the table of an exotic flower I couldn't remember the name of. Another chandelier dangled above the table, currently dimmed to give the room a sort of relaxed atmosphere, that I felt was a nice, classy touch.

- Next door was an elegant ballroom, with floor to ceiling windows and more chandeliers, and even a skylight above our heads, which allowed a beautiful view of star constellations on a clear night. In front of the floor to ceiling window – which I noticed showed the beautiful front yard gardens – was a beautiful black full grand piano.

I turned and looked at Nik with a raised eyebrow, walking backwards towards the piano and delicately grazing my fingers across the burnished black wood.

"Who learned to play the piano?" I asked him, both curious and impressed as I walked around to the piano seat and sat down. I pressed down on a couple of keys idly.

"We all did." Nik replied, with a modest little shrug as he walked over to the piano and paused beside it, leaning on it as he watched the reactions on my face with obvious interest. It was very clear that he was anxious and eager to please. "Although Rebekah quickly lost interest after a while, as did Kol. I preferred the fine arts, over the musical arts. It was Elijah actually who persevered and became quite accomplished." He explained.

I grinned at that pleasant discovery, "Can't wait to hear him play, eventually." I expressed the interest, earning an indulging smile from Nik for my efforts.

"All in good time, darling." He promised, a little sadly. And I winced, hoping that our family reunion wouldn't be too hostile. I really wanted it to be the way it used to be, before Mikael and Esther destroyed it in one bloodstained night.

"Do you play?" He asked me, curious.

I glanced up at him, "No. I play the guitar." I replied, hopping up from the piano seat and flipping the lid shut on the keys to prevent them from becoming dusty.

"I didn't see any guitar back at your apartment." Nik observed, looking surprised at yet another talent that I possessed apart from artistry like him.

"That's probably because at one point, early on, I had to pawn it for some cash to pay off some important bills. Broke my heart to do it too." I replied, sadly.

"Sorry to hear that." Nik looked upset on my behalf, but I shrugged, stuffing my hands into my pockets as I sauntered back over to him.

"It's not a big deal. Playing a guitar is like riding a bike; you never lose the knowledge on how to play it once you're accomplished at it." I reassured him with a bright smile, before looping an arm through his. "So, where next on our little tour?" I asked him brightly, steering the topic away from my guitar playing skills and back to the present. Nik frowned at the abrupt change in topic but obediently turned and led me from the ballroom and up another set of staircases to the upper floor, where I assumed were the bedrooms.

We turned down a hallway, and instantly I noticed that the walls were decorated as far as the eye could see in beautiful pieces of artwork, and the various memorabilia Nik and his siblings had collected or probably stole or gained as a trophy over the last thousand years. Memorabilia like medieval weaponry or preserved tapestries etc.

I pulled away from Nik for a better look.

"Did you paint these?" I asked him, gesturing at the paintings.

"Most of them. Others I bought personally from the artists." Nik replied.

My mouth fell open a little; although, I wasn't sure why I was so surprised to be honest. Plus, Nik could be pretty charming and convincing when there was something that he wanted. After a few minutes of basking in the brilliance of these priceless pieces of artwork, Nik resumed showing me the rest of the mansion. We turned a corner and came across a hallway full of doors.

"Bedrooms?" I guessed.

"Yes. Each with their own bathrooms." Nik informed me, and I raised an eyebrow at the unexpected 'fun fact'.

"Problems?"

"No. A lesson well learned, actually. We were all sick of Rebekah hogging the bathroom for hours on end with her 'beauty routines'." Nik explained, not really bothering to lower his voice.

"I heard that!" Rebekah shouted from a nearby room.

"I meant you to!" Nik responded back in a normal voice, smirking. I giggled at their extremely normal sibling banter.

"And where will I be sleeping?" I asked, as we passed by Rebekah's bedroom – she was eagerly inspecting the size of her new closet – and made our way back to the staircase.

"With me in my bedroom, of course." Nik looked a little surprised by the question. "I thought that was a given?" He stated.

"How very presumptuous of you." I stated, playfully.

"If you desire a room to yourself-" I placed a finger over his lips stopping him in mid-sentence, before wrapping both my arms around his waist and smiling at him as I stepped into his personal space.

"Relax." I said, cupping his cheek, feeling the stubble underneath my palm. Nik fixed me with a bewildered look. "I'm just teasing you, my heart." I said, before kissing him chastely. However, as I pulled back and prepared to descend down the staircase, I was immediately – but gently – tugged back and engaged in a prolonged and deeply passionate kiss that took my breath away.

"You need to work a little more on your jokes, darling." He stated, resting his forehead against mine as he said this, before pecking my nose and pulling away to lead me down stairs to continue the tour. I spied another set of double doors off in the shadows, and I paused and directed his attention towards them.

"Where do those doors lead to?" I asked, already heading towards them; eager to investigate. Nik stopped me almost immediately.

"That would be my study. I cannot permit you access into it right now." He stated, firmly. I looked at him, feeling the curiosity mounting before glancing back at the doors.

"Why not?"

Nik wrapped an arm around my waist as he escorted me back to the living room. "It's also my art studio, and I'm currently working on a piece of artwork that I'd rather you not look at, at present."

I shrugged, "So it's a surprise? I get it. I've had many of those over the years." I took a seat next to Henrik who was in the middle of reading a book he must've borrowed from his brother; as I hadn't come across any private library on our tour around the place.

Nik smiled appreciatively at me. "Thanks, sweetheart."

My phone starts ringing, scaring the crap out of me and mildly annoying Nik, Henrik and Rebekah – who had just entered the room, accepting a glass of scotch from her brother – as I scrambled to answer it.

"Who would be calling at this hour?" Rebekah wanted to know, as she takes a sip from her drink and perches on the edge of the couch, eyeing my phone curiously. I glanced at caller ID and had to look twice.

"Jeremy?" I muttered. "That was quick..." I stated, before hitting the accept button. "Hey, what's wrong?" I questioned him.

"Elena got Damon to compel me a few minutes ago." Jeremy got straight to the point, and a smirk crept across my face.

"My prediction skills really don't suck." I commented.

"Or his sister is just predictable." Rebekah corrected me, sounding rather catty as she sipped.

"Alright then, so what did Elena want Damon to compel you to do?" I asked the obviously exhausted sounding Jeremy. "And make it snappy, it sounds like you could use a few hours sleep." I added, firmly.

"Yes, mom." Jeremy laughed.

"Don't get cute. Just answer my question." I prodded. I heard Jeremy groan and then bed springs squeak in protest; indicating that the teenager must've flopped down onto his bed.

"I had just gotten home a few hours ago, and was getting ready to crash when suddenly Elena knocked on the door frame. It looked like she was hesitating over something that she needed to tell me, and I figured I was in for it for killing Klaus' hybrid." Jeremy began his explanation, and I glanced up at Nik for his reaction. To my surprise, all I saw from him was curiosity. Not a hint of anger was reflected upon his handsome face.

"Well, what did she say?" I asked, getting to my feet and beginning to pace the length of the room, aware of the three sets of eyes focused upon me and two ears listening in on our conversation.

"She wanted to talk about what I said to her earlier this afternoon. About how the both of us should pack up and ditch Mystic Falls." Jeremy replied.

"Not bloody likely!" Nik immediately spoke up, this time looking annoyed. I threw a scandalised look at him, which he ignored. But unfortunately, Jeremy had already heard him.

"Was that Klaus?" He asked, sounding a little amused by his reaction.

"Yeah. Sorry, I forgot to mention that he, Rebekah and Henrik were in the room with me." I apologised, feeling embarrassed.

"Nah, that's cool. I don't mind them listening into the conversation. They might be able to help us with a solution." Jeremy pointed out.

"Solution to what?" Rebekah asked, suspiciously. I pulled the phone from my ear and put it on loud speaker, setting it down on the coffee table and re-taking my seat beside Henrik on the couch.

"Liberating Jeremy from Elena's influence." I responded to them both. "God knows he needs freedom from her."

"Understandable." Nik agreed, still looking concerned that his personal blood bank might be skipping town.

"Anyway, Klaus, you can chill out. Elena's not going anywhere. Apparently, I am." Jeremy confirmed, sounding oddly pleased.

"You are?" Nik sounded dubious.

"Yeah. I'm apparently being shipped off to Denver, or so Elena 'persuaded' Damon to suggest to me." Jeremy said. "Where I'm staying with some nice 'family friends', going to a new school, meeting new 'living' girls and probably attending an art class. I didn't even know we had family in Colorado." Jeremy sounded mystified.

"Is that so?" I asked, getting angrier with Elena by the second.

"They want me to leave Mystic Falls behind and never think twice about it." Jeremy stated, sounding rather hurt.

"And do you want to do that?" Nik asked, carefully in case Jeremy was actually considering the possibility.

"Hell no. I wanna stay here in Mystic Falls. I want to help where I can!" Jeremy immediately protested. "Although, the art class did sound tempting..." Jeremy trailed off.

"Jeremy, if you sincerely do not wish to leave Mystic Falls, you don't have to." I reminded him.

"I'd even be willing to offer you a few tips towards your artistry." Nik attempted to sweeten the deal.

"I second that." I agreed, smiling warmly at my boyfriend who scratched the back of his head and looked embarrassed. Even Rebekah seemed taken aback by the generous offer her brother had just put down on the table.

"REALLY? Are you serious?!" Jeremy exclaimed, loudly. My eyes widened in alarm, fearing that Elena would somehow overhear the conversation currently taking place.

"I wouldn't have given you the option if I wasn't serious." Nik stated, matter-of-fact.

"So here's a possible solution to your problem, Jeremy." I began to put forward my idea. "That is, if you agree, Nik." I added, looking shyly at him.

"Depends on what it is." Nik stated, cautiously.

"I want Jeremy to pretend to go along with Elena's idea, but in reality he'll move in with me into my apartment." I pitched the idea.

"But because you are eventually moving here, you're wondering if it would be okay if Jeremy came to live here too?" Nik correctly guessed what I was asking of him.

"That's pretty much the gist of it." I confirmed.

"You'd seriously do that for me?" Jeremy sounded astonished at what I had just suggested. But it seemed even he had doubts that Nik would give his okay to him moving into their mansion … however temporary it might be.

"Is it really that hard to believe?" I questioned, sounding a little hurt.

"Yeah, kinda. I mean my sister is the doppelgänger, and she's been causing problems for you lately." Jeremy pointed out, logically.

"Yes. But you're not Elena." Henrik put forward a rebuttal. "You've never given us any cause to dislike you or see you as a potential threat."

"I believe that you are all forgetting that I haven't given my approval on whether or not Jeremy can stay with us." Nik stated, quietly.

"So what's your decision then?" Jeremy asked. Nik went silent for several minutes, and I studied him worriedly. Thankfully, we didn't have to wait too long for him to make up his mind. He sighed heavily.

"He can stay." Nik eventually caved, sounding extremely reluctant.

Rebekah looked a little disapproving, "I do hope that we won't live to regret this decision, Nik." She warned, before knocking back what was left of her drink and leaving the room. Nik rolled his eyes, but you couldn't help but notice that he did look a little regretful.

"So what do I do now?" Jeremy's voice brought me out of my thoughts and back to the situation at hand. I grabbed my phone and took it off loud speaker.

"Get some sleep. I'll get in contact with Damon and set everything up." I instructed. "Just play along with whatever Elena is trying to make you do, we'll take care of everything else." I promised him.

Jeremy let out a loud yawn right into my ear. "Sounds good to me. I'll see you soon, I guess." He said, wary. "'Night, Grace."

"Pleasant dreams, kiddo." I chuckled and rang off.

I glanced over at Nik.

He had his back to both Henrik and me, staring into the flames of the fireplace, very obviously brooding. "Could you excuse us for a moment, Henrik?" I muttered at him without taking my eyes away from my boyfriend.

"Sure." Henrik replied, obviously sensing the tension in the room as he marked his place in his book. He unexpectedly plants a kiss on my cheek before retreating from the room and I smiled after my little brother, surprised, before I walked over to Nik; sliding my phone back into my pocket as I went. I stopped right beside him, trying not to crowd him while feeling the heat of the fire warming up my legs.

"Are you okay?" I asked, tentatively; unsure what mood he was in and didn't want to risk his wrath unnecessarily.

"I trust you realise that this went against every fibre of my being to grant asylum to your friend, love." Nik answered, sounding a bit resentful.

I nodded.

"Think of it as good karma, Nik." I suggested, earning a perplexed look from him in return. "If you want to prove to your brothers and Rebekah that you're attempting to atone for what you did to them, so that we can be a family again … then granting Jeremy protection against Elena's influence is a good stepping stone towards it." I attempted to get him to see the bright side to his generosity.

"How is granting this boy permission into my home supposed to convince Elijah, Kol, Finn and Rebekah that I'm attempting to atone for my past mistakes?" He scoffed, draining his glass and heading back over to the wet bar to refill.

"In granting Jeremy sanctuary here, it's sending the message that you're regaining your compassion for others." I explained, trying to carefully choose my words as to not aggravate him. "You've been so used to getting your own way for the past thousand years, Nik, that along the way you've been cruel and unsympathetic, even ruthless." I reminded him.

"Your point being...?" Nik raised an eyebrow at me. "You're just relaying things about myself that I already know. Besides, it's gotten me to where I am today." He argued.

"But somehow you've lost the kind, sweet and loving man you used to be. The man I fell deeply in love with … before Mikael beat it out of you." Nik froze, and I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist, resting my head upon his shoulder.

Nik automatically and eagerly relaxed as he turned and wrapped his arms around me and held me possessively. "It is possible to become both men, Nik. I'm not telling you to abolish the man you've become; because even I can see that it gets results quite effectively." Nik smiled slightly. "I'm just saying that it will put you in good stead with the rest of your family if they can see that you're trying to make an effort to change. Not to mention the likelihood that Jeremy will aid you no questions asked, should Elena start acting up again." I pointed out.

"What you are asking of me, darling, will not be easily achieved." Nik reminded me, squeezing me tighter.

"Then think of it as a challenge. You used to love those." I grinned.

"Still do." Nik agreed, grinning back and obviously remembering some positive memories. He sighed. "I suppose I can try to find a balance between who I was and who I am."

"Good answer." I approved. "As for your insecurities about Jeremy staying here: you can trust him. He is nothing like Elena, and from what I've observed; he just needs a friend who won't use him or stab him in the back. Perhaps you and Kol could oblige?"

"Stranger things have happened." Nik shrugged. "But I can't speak for Kol. Once we get him, Elijah and Finn back; my advice is to ask him that question yourself." Nik suggested.

I yawned, "That's the plan."

Nik pulled back a little and scrutinised my face with his blue-green eyes, before he smoothed back my hair behind my ear and planted a kiss to my forehead. "You better go to bed, love. You'll be no good to any of us dead on your feet." He suggested, frowning.

"In a moment. I still have to get into contact with Damon about bringing Jeremy over here instead of Denver." I insisted, yawning again and actually almost stumbling over.

Nik's eyes lit up as he steadied me. "So you're staying over then?"

"That was the plan. I don't fancy wrapping myself around a telephone pole travelling back to my apartment, or colliding with another vehicle." I said, pulling out my phone from my back pocket.

Nik kisses me again before pulling away and heading for the main foyer staircase. "Do you remember where my room is?"

"Yes, Nik. I'll be up in a second, I promise." I reassured him. "Get lost already." I pretended to be annoyed with him, and rolled my eyes as I heard him chuckling on his way upstairs. "Men... honestly."

I decided to take my phone call outside, as the warmth from the fireplace was making me sleepy, and I needed the cold autumn night air to be alert enough to get this conversation over and done with so I could go curl up in the arms of my beloved hybrid. It took a bit for Damon to actually pick up, but when he did he was none too pleased with me.

"Do you have any idea what time it is?" Damon grumbled down the line the second the call connected.

"I also would've accepted: 'Hey, Grace. What can I do for you now?' But given the hour, I'll accept what you just said." I retorted back, playfully; still fighting to keep my eyes open.

"What do you want, Grace?" Damon sounded bored.

"I just had an interesting conversation with Jeremy a few minutes ago. Perhaps you'd know what I'm talking about?" I stated, casually.

Damon huffed in annoyance, "Figures that kid would've snitched. So, what now, are you going to scold me for kowtowing to Elena again?"

"Actually, I told Jeremy to give me a call in the inevitable likelihood that Elena would've made you compel him. So, no. Not mad at you." I explained.

"Then why are you calling me then?" Damon sounded genuinely surprised by my explanation.

"To ask you for your assistance. I'm slightly adjusting the plan you and Elena had set up for Jeremy: instead of him boarding a plane to Denver – why the hell you chose that particular city I have no idea – he's going to hide away with me at my place." I said.

"Your place?"

"Well, technically Nik's new mansion; since I'm moving in in two weeks when my lease expires. Jeremy's already been clued in on that." I clarified.

"And Klaus is okay with this?" Damon sounded sceptical, didn't blame him.

"Absolutely. We discussed it with Jeremy, and we've got the all clear." I confirmed.

Damon groaned, "Jesus, Grace..."

"Damon, Jeremy doesn't want to leave Mystic Falls. He told me so himself. He wants to help out where he can, not be bundled up and sent away for his so-called 'protection'. Giving him sanctuary, albeit in a strange mansion, is letting him have that freedom to choose." I said, getting frustrated with him.

"I told Elena that this idea of hers would backfire." Damon muttered.

"Then why'd you agree to do it?" I said, slightly outraged.

"It was either me or Barbie. I did it under protest. I actually fully agree with you that Jeremy needs to be away from Elena." I heard him sigh, sounding stressed and equally as fatigued as I did. "So what's your plan, baring in mind that Elena is going to be expecting to see her brother boarding a plane to Denver." Damon asked.

"Continue along with the plan of Jeremy going to Denver just like you planned with Elena. Only the second Elena – and I'm assuming Alaric – leave the airport, drive Jeremy to this address." I rattled off the address on the piece of paper Rebekah had given to me earlier to Damon. "Then Bob's your uncle, Fanny's your aunt; everybody wins." I laid down the facts to a still highly sceptical Damon.

"Not sure who is taking Jeremy to the airport, but I'll improvise." Damon promised.

"Cheers, mate." I said, relaxing a little.

"Yeah, and what's gonna happen when Elena decides to take a trip up to Denver to visit?" Damon wanted to know, as I heard more bed springs creaking in the background on Damon's end of the conversation.

"We'll jump off that bridge when we come to it. One step at a time, hon." I replied, automatically.

"Can't see this idea blowing up in our faces..." Damon muttered, sarcastically.

"Give me a little bit of credit, Damon. I'm not a fool." I moaned back at him. "Just make sure he gets here without Elena getting suspicious. Now, it's late and I gotta get to bed before I keel over from fatigue."

"Fine, whatever. But you owe me, Williams." Damon mumbled. "Get some rest, and I'll see you tomorrow." Damon promised.

"Wait, what? Tomorrow? Why?" I asked, confused.

"Tomorrow, we're meeting Stefan at the old witch place. He wants to see me there, and I figured you'd wanna come along also." He explained.

"Probably a good idea. Thanks, Damon. Have a good night." We both hung up, and I let out another massive yawn before getting to my feet and turning for the double doors behind me. Quite by chance, I thought I heard a twig snap underfoot. I froze, and glanced behind me cautiously; hoping that Nik was still awake also and ready to come to my aid if for some reason, things went pear-shaped. "Hello? Somebody there?" I called, frowning warily.

No response.

I shook my head, assuming that in my tired state I was imagining something that wasn't there. I turned and moved sluggishly for the front double doors and let myself in before stumbling up the staircase and down the hallway towards Nik's – or should I say 'our' – bedroom. I paused momentarily in front of the bedroom door before reaching for the doorknob and slowly easing it open and stepping inside.

I turned and closed the door behind me, and leaned against it as I took in Nik's bedroom: I assumed it was the master bedroom, as it had a generous space; with latte coloured walls and crème hued woodworks. There was another large fireplace in here, already lit and crackling away, and on top of the mantle were several candles of all shapes and sizes lit with a massive mirror mounted on the wall above it.

There was a large window with a cushioned window seat beneath it, that I could see myself sitting upon with my sketchbook or novel just staring outside at the backyard. Heavy taupe velvet curtains hung around it and were halfheartedly pulled across; presumably by Nik as he was preparing to roll himself into bed. I shook my head and walked over to pull it completely across, before turning and taking off my shoes and jacket as I continued looking about the room.

Nik had several large bookcases with loads of leather bound books and personal brick-er-brac, a beautiful antique vanity and mirror (which I assumed he had put in here for my use), antique lounge chairs and couches with earthy upholstery, Persian rugs, a large chest of drawers, and a walk-in closet that was also the entryway for a very modern and fancy looking en-suite bathroom. There was a feature wall, I noticed, that had lots of little framed pictures and quotes right above what I thought was undoubtedly the best thing in the room: a large king-size bed made of an expensive dark brown timber with smokey grey sheets and a burgundy comforter.

There were matching bedside tables either side of the bed, one of which had a lit lamp which illuminated a figure lying in the bed: Nik, who had his eyes shut and looking peaceful. I quickly, but quietly made my way over to the right side of the bed and got into it, clicking off the bedside lamp and rolled onto my side facing the bedroom door, making myself comfortable. I was just drifting off to sleep, when Nik suddenly shifted and wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me into his body and nuzzling his face into my neck.

I could feel his warm breath disturbing the small hairs on the back of my neck, and I smiled and reached for his hand that was holding me to him and interlocked our hands together. To my delight, he tightened the grip.

"Goodnight, sweetheart." I heard him mumble groggily into my ear.

"Sleep well, Nik."

I woke up alone the next morning, a little hurt and surprised that Nik wasn't here; until I heard the shower going and realised that my love was currently going through his morning routine. My mind immediately went south and I started having a vivid images about what Nik looked like naked. Then when the shower stopped, I instantly got out of the bed like it had been set on fire, and made a beeline for my shoes and jacket.

I did not want to still be in here when he came out to get dressed, as it would be all kinds of awkward ... for me. I managed to get one boot on, but because my other foot was still strapped up because of my sprain, it was taking a bit longer than I liked to get the other one on. I ended up hopping around like a demented bunny, trying to pull on the boot.

"Come on, dammit!" I bitched out my boot, and ended up falling sideways behind the couch. I landed with a grunt, and froze when I heard an amused chuckle coming from the entrance to the walk-in closet.

"Good morning, love." Nik greeted me, warmly. I gulped, and slowly peered over the backrest of the couch and felt my eyes widen; Nik stood there, damp from his shower and shirtless, with only a towel covering him from the hips down, preserving his modesty. "Having trouble?" He asked, curious and smirking a little. I stood up and moved around the couch and took a seat, figuring I might as well put my shoe on properly, since it was unlikely that my boyfriend was going to get changed until I had left the room.

"No, not at all." I responded, willing my heart to stop thudding like a sledgehammer. "It's just a little difficult because of my foot being strapped up like it is." I explained. Nik tossed what he was planning on wearing today onto the bed – tight, black skinny jeans with an expensive looking leather belt, a white Henley, and a pair of socks - and came over to where I was sitting.

"I'm pretty sure that your foot should be fine now. You can probably remove the tape." He pointed out. "Here allow me." And before I could stop him, Nik had already seized my foot and started carefully tearing away the sticky tape.

"Thanks, Nik." I said, feeling my face flaming out. Then, just like Cinderella's prince, Nik picked up my boot and carefully placed it on my foot, zipping it into place.

But he didn't immediately let go of my leg.

As I glanced up at him in question; a lump started to form in my throat when I saw the obvious desire in his blue-green eyes, which flashed gold for a split second. Slowly Nik, as I watched, trailed his hand up my calf, behind my knee, and then along my upper thigh, causing goosebumps to form and tingles down my spine. I felt another bolt of desire, the same I experienced back when we played Twister at my apartment; as Nik's warm and powerful arm wound itself around my waist and pulled me towards him, forcing me to sit on his lap with my legs astride his hips as his mouth descended upon mine, inviting a wild kissing session.

I couldn't do much, except hold onto Nik for dear life as he stood up easily supporting my weight in his arms and moved back towards the bed, drawing me down onto it. I immediately stiffened and began to pull away from him looking at him warily, as the conversation about being virginal with Rebekah suddenly came rushing back. I wasn't completely innocent; but the furthest I had ever been with a guy was a session of heavy petting - or if we were being juvenile, third base - which had been really nice and enjoyable, all things considered. But it never felt right going further with any guy … except for Nik.

Problem was: I was afraid.

Nik paused and pulled away slightly to fix me with a worried frown. Which lasted for several minutes, before he suddenly cottoned on to why I had stiffened and offered me a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, darling. I won't force you to do anything you're not ready for. I promise." He told me, sincerely. I smiled with relief and pulled him back down to resume kissing him, while he buried his hand into my hair to hold my head against his so I couldn't back away. I moaned and giggled a little when his tongue tickled my own. I felt him smile and laugh as well.

But unfortunately, our little bubble of bliss was popped when somebody started rudely thudding loudly on Nik's bedroom door; annoying both of us immensely.

"Ignore it." I suggested coyly, earning a boyish grin and a chuckle from Nik who immediately resumed our make out session. However, the visitor was persistent.

"Don't ignore me, Nik. I know you're in there, the shower turned off about ten minutes ago!" Both of us groaned as Rebekah – cock-blocking us, again – shouted in from behind the door. "Is Grace in there with you? I know that she didn't go home last night, but she isn't downstairs at the breakfast table." Nik growled in irritation before getting off me, and scooping up his clothes. I sat up, and watched him pull on his shirt before groaning again and flopping back down on the bed and shielding my eyes with my arm.

"Yeah, Bekah. I'm up, just give me a few minutes please." I replied back, trying to hide my own irritation. We heard her retreating footsteps fade away from the door, before I heaved myself off the bed and shrugged on my jacket; realising that Nik had used that opportunity to quickly pull on his jeans. "We just can't seem to catch a break, can we?" I muttered, with irritation as I walked over to the vanity mirror and attempted to fix up my unruly hair. But was interrupted when Nik vamp-sped over to me and turned me around so that he could push me up and pin me against the table with his whole body, to resume kissing me.

"We'll find the time to be alone, baby. I'll make sure of it." He whispered in a husky voice, kissing my neck before taking my hand and leading me out of the room and downstairs to where breakfast was apparently being served.

We found Henrik sitting and reading his book, and Rebekah sitting casually at her spot at the table, sipping from a glass of blood and nibbling at a plate of seasonal fruit. Don't ask how those two particular 'delicacies' apparently fit together as a balanced diet. Ugh!

She eyed us with interest as we both walked in hand in hand, and she took in my obviously flustered appearance and swollen lips. Not to mention, Nik's satisfied smirk and possessive grip on my hand.

"Did I interrupt something earlier?" Rebekah smirked, knowing full well that she had. Both Nik and I glared at her, unamused, as Henrik chose to change the topic.

"What are you gonna do today?" He asked around the table, brightly.

"There is a Founder's Day fundraiser happening tonight. I thought I might make an appearance. Might be able to convince Stefan to hand over the coffins if I use an outside source." Nik responded to his brother's query in a breezy tone.

"What 'outside source'?" Rebekah asked, narrowing her eyes a little.

"The Mayor." He replied, simply.

"What kind of help is she likely to be?" Rebekah sounded dubious.

"Mrs. Lockwood is a member of the Founder's Council. She holds a lot of influence." I chimed in, earning a look of surprise from Rebekah. "I did a lot of research when I first arrived in town."

"You mean that pathetic group of amateur vampire hunters made up of the founding families?" Rebekah sniffed.

"Precisely." I replied. Henrik grinned at me.

"What are you up to, Grace?" He asked, with interest.

I shrugged, reaching for the jug of OJ and poured myself a glass; while also trying to force down the bile that started to climb up my throat when I noticed both Nik and Rebekah taking large sips of their blood.

"Not a clue." I responded. "All I know is that Damon is meeting Stefan at the old witch house today, and he wants me to come with." I stated, not entirely surprised when I saw Nik immediately frown at this.

"Are you sure that's wise?" Rebekah questioned, with concern.

"Like I said, I couldn't tell you. But who knows what is running through Stefan's head at the moment. All we really know is that he really really wants to punish Nik." I responded, buttering some toast and reaching for the strawberry jam, and gesturing politely for a cup of tea to the servant serving us (which turned out to be one of Nik's hybrids; a young woman called Mindy, I believed).

"I agree with Rebekah. This doesn't feel right; and her instincts have been pretty flawless over the last few decades. As I told both you and Stefan on our way back from Chicago." Nik backed up Rebekah's objections, causing her to scoff.

"Yes, the decades that I haven't been daggered and cooped up inside a stuffy coffin." She muttered, resentfully.

Nik let out a martyred sigh, "Your complaints are becoming tiresome, Rebekah. I think it's time to forgive and forget now." Nik strongly hinted in a firm voice. Rebekah opened her mouth to object once again, but I quickly jumped in.

"This might be an opportunity to gather more information about Stefan's plans regarding the coffins." I pointed out to him.

"That's not really helping, love. I'm not particularly keen sending you into the lion's den, regardless if it could be an excellent opportunity." Nik was stubborn.

"Damon's going to be there too, Nik."

"Even worse." He responded, immediately.

"Do we have to do this every single time I go somewhere with him to investigate something for your benefit?" I asked, annoyed. "I think it's time to take your own advice, sweetie." I dabbed at my mouth with a napkin. "Now, if you'll excuse me; I really need to get going."

"Where are you going?" Nik immediately asked, ditching the other topic abruptly.

"Home. I gotta have a shower and get a change of clothes before I can even think of going anywhere with Damon … and Stefan." I explained, looping my purse over my shoulder. Nik immediately got up from his chair.

"Let me walk you out." He suggested, and I blinked at him in confusion, before noticing the flirty expression on his face and immediately nodded.

"That would be lovely." I agreed, as both of us ignored the knowing expression on Rebekah's face, and the look of utter confusion on Henrik's. "I really gotta go, Nik. I'll probably see you at the Fundraiser tonight anyway." I reminded him, feeling very reluctant to part from him.

Nik pouted, playfully, (something that he would strongly deny later on) as he opened the front door and reluctantly let me leave. "I ardently look forward to it." He responded. Nik stood in the doorway, and remained there until my car went out of his sight.

I felt like I was floating on air, as I somehow managed to get back to my apartment in one piece. After getting inside, I managed to spend ten minutes bathing and getting changed into fresh clothes – black short-sleeved skater dress with white polka dots and cuban roses, and black converse hi-tops – brushed my hair up into a high ponytail, slipped in large hoop earrings and donned both my vervain/wolfsbane bracelet and Nik's silver wolf's tooth necklace, before there was the expected knock at my front door.

It was Damon; standing on my doorstep with a pleasant expression on his face, that became a look of surprise when he saw the upbeat one on mine.

"Okay, I give. Why are you so cheerful this morning?" He asked me, curiously.

"I just had a good morning, that's all." I responded, pushing Damon back out of the apartment as I turned and deadlocked the door. "Alright then, after you." I indicated, waiting for Damon to stop gawking at me.

Damon instantly recovered, still fixing me with a weirded out expression.

"I don't wanna know. Let's just find out what Stefan's up to." He suggested, and instantly grabbed my hand to lead me downstairs to his car, where Stefan was waiting impatiently in the front seat for his brother to return. The scowl on his face immediately deepened the very second I walked into view.

"Seriously? Is Grace the reason why we're here?" Stefan bitched, rudely.

I made a face at him, "Haven't you heard, Stefan? Damon and I are practically valcroed at the hip." I quipped as I slide into the backseat, ignoring the amused smirk that spread across Damon's face. "Where he goes, I go. Most of the time."

"Thought that place was reserved for your boyfriend." Stefan retorted, snidely. I ignored him, focusing on Damon.

"Let's get this show on the road, huh?" I suggested, not giving Stefan's surliness the opportunity to ruin my good mood.

~: Old Witch House :~

Damon drove all three of us to the old witch house, where Stefan informed us both that Bonnie was already there attempting to open the mysterious fourth coffin that Nik had alongside Elijah, Kol and Finn's coffins.

Something told me that they would've been better off leaving well enough alone and not messed about with that coffin. Nik obviously had it closed and sealed for a reason, and opening it could be a potential recipe for disaster.

But then again, this is Stefan we are talking about; anything to screw with Nik's plans would be right up his alley at present, so I really shouldn't have been surprised that he was getting Bonnie to attempt to spell open that casket. I walked along a fair way in front the brothers, but made sure that still able to hear what they were saying without being completely obvious, as we walked up to the house ready to deal with whatever Stefan needed Damon for.

"You didn't say anything to Elena about the coffins, right?" Stefan enquired to Damon, who rolled his eyes.

"No, I said I wouldn't."

"What about her?" I didn't need to look back to know that Stefan was referring to me, and I wasn't sure whether I was supposed to be insulted about that or not.

Damon frowned, "Grace hasn't got a clue." He lied, but Stefan seemed to buy it and I furrowed my brow; wondering what game he was playing at.

"Why are you asking?" Damon wanted to know.

"Because protecting the location of Klaus' family is my number one priority right now." Stefan stated, bluntly. "The fewer people who know, the better."

I couldn't help but scoff silently at his words. It seemed that Stefan was shit outta luck as far as keeping the location of Nik's coffins a secret. We were almost at the house, when Damon suddenly walked over to me and grabbed my wrist to prevent me from going inside. I glanced back at him in question.

"What?" I asked him.

Damon didn't reply, still focusing on the house. I turned to see what had caught his attention and noticed Bonnie walking slowly to the staircase, having not spotted us quite yet. When she turns to walk up the stairs, she sees the three of us standing there staring at Damon and his unexpected reaction. I rolled my eyes when Bonnie's face immediately hardened when she saw me and Damon, but she surprisingly obeyed him when he puts his finger to his lips to quiet her.

Damon inclined his head, listening intently to something only he and presumably Stefan could only hear. Then without warning, one of Nik's hybrids walked out of the house and ran right into Stefan. When the hybrid recognises him, he vamps out and goes to bite Stefan; who instinctively jerks out of surprise and moves to protect himself. But Damon vamp-sped up behind the hybrid and rips his heart out.

"These hybrids, really bringing the neighbourhood down." He stated, before allowing the bloodied heart to fall to the ground. I sighed, knowing that Nik was not going to be pleased when he learned that yet another one of his hybrids had been taken out. I stepped towards the house.

"Shall we?" I asked, gesturing carelessly at the door but not waiting for an answer as I breezed on inside, bypassing a glaring Bonnie in the process. The arrogant little witch immediately left and the rest of us followed Stefan down to the basement, where Damon and I knew that Stefan had stashed Nik's coffins and had the witches in the house cast an enchantment over them so that Nik or anybody Stefan didn't want to know about the coffin's locations would be able to see them.

Almost immediately after stepping into the room, Damon had momentarily disappeared leaving me alone in the basement with a glaring Stefan whom I attempted to ignore. But it was becoming difficult and extremely uncomfortable, as every human instinct I possessed was sending me urgent fight or flight messages. I couldn't have been more relieved when Damon returned. Only to look at him like he was a loon when Damon started fiercely bashing one of the coffins with a shovel he had brought along. Both Stefan and I watched him for a few minutes, before I wondered over to him and placed a gentle hand on his bicep; drawing my best friend's attention.

"Feelin' better? Got whatever it is out of your system?" I questioned him with boredom.

"No." Damon retorted, flashing me an unamused look.

"You're wasting your time, anyway. It won't open." Stefan agreed with me, eyeing the shovel. "Did you bury the body?"

Damon lowered the shovel. "Yeah. Any sign of our little hybrid buddies?"

"Nope, just the dead one." Stefan confirmed, then threw me a hard look that I raised an eyebrow at. "And if you know what's good for you, you'll keep your mouth shut about this."

I aimed a glare at him that could melt steel, "Watch it, Salvatore. I may not be a vampire, werewolf or hybrid; but I'm not one to be trifled with. As you already know when I killed Mikael." I reminded him, making Stefan stiffen at the memory.

"Alrighty then!" Damon spoke over the top of us, taking my hand and squeezing it in a fruitless attempt to calm me down. "Back on topic now!" He pulled me closer and leaned down to whisper into my ear. "I need you to calm down, Grace."

"I will he if does." I muttered back, darkly. Damon hummed in agreement, before kissing my temple chastely, and pulled me to his side for both protection and comfort as he addressed his obviously unstable sibling.

"So Klaus has 6 siblings. Amirite?" He looked towards me for confirmation, since I grew up with them all in my past life.

I nodded, "I never knew the eldest. She died before I was born and before our families came to the New World."

"Right, good to know. We already know that Rebekah and the youngest, Henrik, are currently staying with Grace at her apartment after Rebekah was unsuccessfully daggered by Elena." Damon continued, and I chose not to reveal both Rebekah and my intentions to move to Nik's mansion when my lease was up. Henrik had already 'moved in' and was obviously very content and happy living with his older brother like old times.

"Which leaves Elijah and two others. Three sleeping originals, four coffins. So, who is in the locked box?" Damon wondered, looking at me with hopeful eyes.

I shrugged, "You got me. Nik's very hush-hush about that."

"Whatever is in here," Stefan placed a hand upon the coffin. "Bonnie seems to think will help us kill Klaus. So, the sooner she can get this open, the sooner we will know if she's right." He stated, matter-of-fact.

"You really think that these haughty, power-hungry witches are going to help you gain access into that coffin? Whatever plan you've got going, Stefan, opening that coffin is not going to aid you a bit." I laid down the facts.

"That's not really going to stop us from seeing what's inside, though is it?" Damon retorted, before frowning at the ceiling at the 'witches' that I noticed were all crowding around us; either wearing smug smirks or had anger on their faces. "But you'd think the spirits of a bunch of dead witches that can make the coffins invisible would have figured out how to open one."

I raised an eyebrow at the group of witches, and they defiantly stared back. None of them budging an inch to give assistance. I let out a humourless chuckle, gaining their attention.

"None of these witches, are going to help you." I said, gesturing all around the room with my hand. "And for once I agree with them. Not only because I love Nik and would sooner die than betray him, but also because you really have no idea what you might be dealing with if you successfully get that open."

Although, I had a hunch and a horrible feeling I knew who was in there … and if it was true, I questioned Nik's motives and judgement.

"They're surrounding us?" Damon looked surprised, but then frowned. "Fat lot of help they are then."

"You know, none of this is gonna do us any good if Klaus' hybrid friends find our hiding place, right? They need to go away." Stefan stated, causing both Damon and I to exchange looks with each other. If that was what Stefan wanted, there was only one solution that we could think of that would get him what he wanted.

"Great idea, Stefan. Why don't you just ask them to pack their bags and take a long rest while we're at it?" Damon drawled. "How about we try to keep the peace? Don't attract attention to the real thing we are trying to hide."

I folded my arms across my chest, "Nik will call off his hybrids if only you'd just give him back his family." I pointed out to him. However, Stefan was not having a bar of what I was saying, which only frustrated me more.

"I'm not gonna play defence when I have what Klaus wants." Stefan insisted, stubbornly. "He does what I say, or I dump his family to the bottom of the ocean."

"He's not going to kowtow to anybody, Stefan. Especially someone who is behaving like a spoilt child who has had their favourite toy taken away from them as punishment." I couldn't help but make comparisons.

"Exactly. You do that, then he kills you and everyone you know like, I don't know … me!" Damon argued, earning a snort from me. Like I'd allow that to happen.

"No, he's bluffing. His family means more to him than anything else. A perfect example of that is standing right beside you." Stefan retorted.

"You sure about that?"

"Well, I don't know Damon. I mean, I guess there's only one way to find out, right? Call his bluff." Stefan concluded, and I thought I noticed his eyes flicker in my direction for a split second. My eyes widened a fraction; praying that he wasn't going to do what I thought he was to do.

Apparently, Damon hadn't cottoned on to Stefan's plan, much to my dismay.

"The only way to call someone's bluff, Stefan, is to be willing to lose everything if you're wrong." Damon pointed out the obvious, which Stefan responded to with a smile and promptly leaves, leaving a worried Damon behind. I quickly followed his example.

"Woah, hold up! Where are you goin'?" Damon asked, seizing my wrist and pulling me to a stop.

"Back to see Nik. I'm already experiencing withdrawal symptoms." I replied, with a deadpan expression on my face. Damon frowned.

"And do what exactly? Stefan wasn't bluffing about having your guts for garters if you narc on him to your boyfriend." He protested, looking panicked. His response almost caused me to smile.

"Let him then. Then you'll be dealing with a bloodthirsty, vengeful and grieving hybrid boyfriend who will literally rip him to shreds. Don't even get me started on what Rebekah is likely to do." I replied, flatly, watching Damon start grinding his teeth in his anger when he realised the truth in my statement.

He and I both knew the consequences of Stefan's actions; I was just wondering if Damon was willing to let it happen to him. I shook off his grip on my wrist before continuing on my way. "Besides, who said that I was going to blab to Nik about anything that we've learned here? I'm content sitting back and waiting for Stefan to inevitably screw up with his vendetta." I said, as I walked back to where the car had been parked and continued walking.

The new Mikaelson Mansion, surprisingly, wasn't too far away from the site of the old witch house, I discovered.

And I could use the exercise.

A/N: This is the end of the chapter. I hope that it has a sufficient amount of romance and fluff between Klaus and Grace in it. Let me know in a review! But don't worry, there will be more where that came from in future chapters. Stay tuned for the next chapter! TTFN xx