EDITED OCT22
"Did you get your suit fitted?" Brea asked, lying with her head on Kol's chest.
"Not yet," he answered, kissing the top of her head.
"And why not?" she asked looking up at him.
Kol smirked. "I was busy finding you a dress for tonight."
"Oh really?"
"Oh, yes," he said kissing her. "Come on, I'll show you," he said getting out of bed and Brea followed, getting dressed before leaving his room.
"Where is it?"
"I left it in the library, Rebekah had to approve of it apparently. My sister doesn't trust me," he said rolling his eyes as they walked down the hall and into the library.
"With good reason, your taste is usually terrible. Finn!" Brea squealed as she saw him and ran at him, engulfing him in a hug that he awkwardly returned. "Oh my god, I missed you. How are you feeling? Are you acclimatising? I'll help you out if you want, whatever you need, I'm here for your my friend," Brea said quickly and excitedly.
Finn smiled kindly before he gently released her. "It's lovely to see you again Brenna, if you don't mind, I must go see my mother," he said before walking out of the room while Brea stared after him.
"Thank god, the dullard's gone," Kol whispered in her ear.
"Don't," Brea sighed, still looking at the closed door before she turned back to Kol. "He's sad."
"How can you tell?" Kol asked, not really caring.
"I just can. He's my friend. Try to be less cruel. Please," she said with a small smile. "Now, my dress?"
"Right here," he smiled, walking over to the covered dress that was hanging in the corner and removing the dust cover to show her.
"Oh my god, Kol! It's beautiful," Brea whispered as she walked forward and felt the yellow dress, running her hands along the skirt. "I love it!" Brea said turning to hug him. "Thank you."
"Anytime darling."
"Brenna!" Rebekah called, slamming open the door to the library. "There you are, that's enough of that. I've given you two enough time. Come on," Rebekah said walking into the room and grabbing Brea's hand, pulling her away. "We have to get ready."
"The ball isn't for 7 hours."
"We're running out of time!"
"I told you, that looks much better than what you wanted," Rebekah said, inspecting Brea's nails after the nail technician was done painting them.
"I thought yellow would look nice," Brea said, shrugging innocently. "It would match the dress."
"Hardly, it would clash. Seriously Brenna," Rebekah scoffed. "A nude colour is the only reasonable option. Think Brenna, think"
"Sorry darling, but I have to agree with Rebekah," Kol said, agreeing with his sister as he stood in front of the mirror having his suit fitted.
"Finn?" Brea asked turning to get his opinion.
"Well, I have not seen your dress so I cannot give an informed opinion."
"That is an amazing non-answer," Brea laughed.
Finn smiled lightly. "I'm sure you would've looked lovely no matter what."
"Hmm," Brea smiled. "Good answer, very civil, what do you think Elijah?" she asked.
"I still like the yellow," he said smiled, he'd been the only one to agree with her.
"I knew I kept you around for a reason," Brea laughed before turning back to look at Rebekah's nails. "Oh, they look nice!" Brea complimented, as she leaned her head on Rebekah's shoulder while the nail technician finished her nails.
"It's the same colour as yours," Rebekah smiled.
"Ah twins," Brea said in a high-pitched voice.
"I'll tell the doppelgänger she's been replaced," Rebekah smirked and Brea rolled her eyes and leant back on the couch.
"Rebekah, tell me how handsome I am," Kol asked while smirking at himself in the mirror.
All Brea could do was roll her eyes as Rebekah wittily retorted, "oh Kol, you know I can't be compelled."
Brea laughed. "Brilliant," she cheered, holding her hand up to Rebekah for a high five.
"What are your thoughts, Brenna?" Kol asked.
Brea sighed, tilting her head. "Well, your arrogance did decrease the level of attractiveness significantly. I suppose you could pass for tolerable now. Not handsome enough to tempt me," she answered with a smile.
"Thanks, Mr Darcy," Kol rolled his eyes while Finn sniggered at her insult. Brea stood up off the couch and walked over to him, standing in front of him she grabbed his bowtie to straighten it.
"Nails!" Rebekah warned and Brea immediately pulled her hands back.
The door to the room then slammed open and Nik came storming in. "You went after Elena?" he snapped at Rebekah, marching up to her. "What is wrong with you?
"Here we go," Rebekah said, smiling smugly at her brother. Kol sat down on the arm of the chair next to him, pulling Brea to stand in between his legs, wrapping his arms around her as the two of them watched in interest.
"Do you want another dagger in your heart?" Nik threatened and Brea rolled her eyes.
"Again with the dagger threats?" Kol piped up angrily. "Don't you have any other tricks?"
"Oh, go back to staring at yourself," Nik snapped, glaring at Kol. Brea had to fight hard to keep herself from smiling at this and she caught Elijah's eye and he too had the same half-smile as she did.
"And who are you, my father?" Kol asked and Brea and Elijah's faces both immediately fell, they knew exactly how this was going to go.
"No, Kol. But you are in my house," Nik snapped walking towards Kol.
Kol released his hold on Brea's waist and gently moved her to the side as he stood up. "Then perhaps we should go outside," he threatened, sizing Nik up. Brea groaned and slumped herself down into the chair Kol had just been leaning on as the two brothers spent a moment glaring at each other.
"Enough," a new voice Brea recognised as Esther's snapped from the doorway. Brea's eyes immediately widened and she stood up from the chair quickly and turned to face her mother-in-law. "Niklaus. Come," she ordered and left the room, not even making eye contact with Brea. Klaus looked Kol up and down one more time before leaving the room, following after his mother.
Elijah walked to stand next to Brea and placed his hand on her back. "Are you ok?" he asked and she turned to look at him.
"Yeah."
"Come, Brenna, I need your help," Rebekah said, getting up off the couch. "I want to invite Matt to the ball. He won't say no if you're there."
"Matthew, really? You better not have some ulterior motive here," Brea warned.
"I don't. I didn't get to go to Homecoming with him last time. Your sister ruined that, just trying to make up for the time I just lost."
"Ok, sure then. Any excuse to see Matty!" Brea nodded before turning to look at Elijah and silently mouthing 'later' at him and he nodded in understanding.
Brea started to walk after Rebekah and Kol grabbed her hand. "Who's Matt?" he asked.
"Jealous much?" Rebekah taunted.
"Hush," Brea said to Rebekah before turning to Kol. "He's my bestest little friend. I'll introduce you to him tonight," she said pecking him on the lips. "I'll see you later, I love you," she farewelled before running after Rebekah.
"What if he doesn't say yes?" Rebekah said nervously as they stood outside the Grill.
"He will."
"How can you be sure?"
"Because if he doesn't I'll put rubber ducks in his bed."
"That's meant to make him say yes?" Rebekah asked confused.
"Yeah, trust me. He has a deep fear of rubber ducks in his bed. It's a whole thing from when we're kids. Tyler and I played a prank. I didn't think it was going to be any good. Turns out it was brilliant."
"Alright," Rebekah nodded nervously before she took a deep breath, straightened her posture to look more confident and waltzed into the Grill.
"Yes," Brea cheered before skipping in after her friend. As she entered the Grill she noticed Caroline and Elena sitting at a table chatting. Unfortunately, Rebekah spotted them as well.
"Careful Caroline," Rebekah warned approaching their table. "It's all well and good until she stabs you in the back."
"What are you doing here?" Elena asked. "I know your mom's rules. No murdering the locals."
"Get over yourself, Elena," Rebekah snarled. "It's not all about you," she said and Brea smirked at her friend.
"Oh, over there," Brea said to Rebekah when she spotted Matt. Rebekah wiggled her eyebrows at Brea before walking off towards Matt.
"So…" Elena said awkwardly. "I take it you're going to the ball?"
"Yeah," Brea said scoffing.
After a moment of silence, Caroline's head whipped around to look at Rebekah and Matt talking, she was clearly listening in. "Oh my god," she said shocked. "She's inviting him to the ball. Why is she inviting him?"
"Probably to get this reaction from us," Elena said as Rebekah looked over and smiled at Brea who gave her a double thumbs up.
"Or, perhaps she's inviting him to make up for the fact she didn't get to go to the last dance with him?" Brea suggested, smiling at her sister as she shrunk back in her seat. "Not everything they do is for some nefarious reason, Elena."
"What time is this stupid dance?" Caroline asked.
"You were invited?" Brea asked.
"Yeah," she grumbled. "Klaus invited me."
Brea straightened her back in shock. "Really?"
"He got me a dress and everything," Caroline said, not noticing Brea's reaction, but Elena certainly did.
"Just... be careful. Ok, well," Brea said, noticing Rebekah walk off to wait by the car. "I'll see you both tonight then," she said, tapping the table before walking over to Matt. "Matty blue eyes," Brea greeted.
"Hey, this isn't some big scheme to kill me is it?" he asked straight out.
"No, she just wants to go with you it seems," Brea smiled. "It is, however, a big plot for me to kidnap you and force you to move in there with me."
"You want to move in there?" Matt asked sadly.
Brea sighed. "I don't know. I love living with you and I don't want that to change, but they're also my family. I am married after all," Brea said smiling widely.
Matt smiled back. "I'm really happy for you Brea, honestly. You just seem… lighter, I guess. Anyway, I got to get back to work, I'll see you tonight," he said kissing the side of her head before walking off.
"Ouch Rebekah!" Brea hissed.
"Just sit still," Rebekah ordered Brea, grabbing her head and holding it straight as Brea groaned.
"Easy Bekah," Nik laughed from the doorway.
"Go away Nik," Rebekah snapped, turning back to Brea's hair, but Nik just walked further into the room.
"You look beautiful."
Brea smiled at him. "I'm not ready yet," she still had to have her hair finished and put on her dress.
"Nonetheless," he smiled at her as she looked at him through the mirror.
"I hear you invited Caroline," Brea said averting her eyes.
"Yes," Nik replied awkwardly and the conversation ended.
"You're done," Rebekah smiled bending down next to Brea's face with a smile.
"Bekah!" Brea squeaked. "It looks beautiful!" she said as she looked in the mirror at her soft curls with the front bits pulled towards the back of her head.
"It suits you," Rebekah smiled standing up straight. "You're going to look amazing tonight."
"I need you as a personal stylist."
"You look amazing," Nik whispered and Brea's eyes flicked over to him with a small smile.
"Brenna, there you are," Kol said from the doorway and she turned to look at him. "Wow," he said, eyes widening, making her smile. "You look positively perfect," he said walking up to her and grabbing her hands, making her rise from the chair she was sitting in. "I could kiss you all night," he said and they couldn't break eye contact.
"You most certainly will not," Rebekah ordered. "You'll ruin her makeup." Brea flicked her eyes to the side to notice that Nik had snuck out. "The dance is starting Kol, you need to go," Rebekah said grabbing Kol by his jacket and pulling him out of the room. "We'll get dressed and see you downstairs, go, go," she said ushering him out of the room.
"You're beautiful," Kol called back as Rebekah shoved.
"And you look very handsome," Brea yelled back with a smile.
Rebekah shut the door and turned back to her with a smile. "You do look lovely. Come, your dress is in my bathroom, go and get changed and I'll zip you up," she said and Brea nodded, walking into the bathroom.
After putting on her dress looking at herself in the mirror with a smile before her eyes flicked down to her ring. It had been dully glowing all day, she knew it was because of Esther, she couldn't be trusted. "Zip me please Bekah," she asked and Rebekah ran over and zipped up Brea's dress.
"Now you," Rebekah said turning around and Brea zipped her up. "I missed this," Rebekah said taking Brea's hands.
"What?"
"Getting ready with you. Being close to you. You're basically my only friend," Rebekah said and Brea smiled at her. "You're my sister," Rebekah said, her eyes tearing up.
"No," Brea laughed as her own eyes teared up. "Don't cry, you'll make me cry."
Rebekah sniffed and pressed her fingers under her eyes. "We mustn't cry. We'll ruin our makeup," she smiled. "You ready?"
"Loaded question," Brea laughed. "Ready to introduce my friends to Kol or worried about having to be nice to everyone all night?"
"Come on. We both look incredible, let's show people," she said grabbing Brea's hand and they giggled as they ran out of the room and down the stairs towards the ball.
"Darling," Kol said appearing as the two girls reached the bottom of the stairs.
"I'll leave you two," Rebekah smiled walking off.
"Hello," Brea greeted smiling, jokingly giving him a little curtsey.
"I have not seen you nearly enough today," Kol smiled grabbing Brea's hands and walking her backwards so her back was against a wall under the stairs. Kol smirked before he leaned down and kissed her.
"We must be careful," Brea whispered against his lips, "Rebekah will kill us if we ruin my makeup."
Kol pulled back slightly but kept his face right near hers. "I happen to think your undone look is your most attractive one," he said and her heart began to race.
Brea smirked and placed her hands on his cheeks. "Well my darling husband, if you're lucky you might get to see that look later," she smiled and Kol growled, grabbing the back of her neck and pulling her in for a kiss. After a moment they separated slightly and Brea caught sight of Stefan watching them a short distance away. Brea rolled her eyes and glared at him, before taking Kol's hand. "Let's move."
"What is it?" Kol asked as they moved through the crowd. Brea didn't say anything until they came to stand next to Elijah and Finn who were talking on the other side of the room. Kol grabbed two glasses of champagne off of a waiter's tray. "Here," he said handing one to her, she took it and raised it to take a big sip.
"Are you ok?" Finn asked concerned.
Brea smiled at him before answering. "I'm fine, just annoyed that he came."
"Who?" Elijah asked.
"Stefan."
"May I enquire as to why?" Elijah asked.
"He tried to drive Elena and me off of the Wickery Bridge," Brea said shrugging before quickly reaching out and grabbing Kol's jacket before he could make a move. "Don't," she warned pointing a finger at him. "Trust me, he won't be doing that again. He did not earn any goodwill with Elena or me that night."
"I'm going to kill him," Kol snapped.
"No, you're not!" Brea snapped. "I don't need a defender. Leave it. Please," she huffed. "Excuse us," she said taking Kol's half-empty glass and placing both hers and his on a tray before dragging Kol off. "Can we not argue please?" she asked. "I don't need you to fix my problems for me. I thank you for wanting to help me but please, let me deal with my problems. If I want your help with something I will ask. Do not hurt my friends Kol, please."
"Fine," Kol groaned, not wanting to fight just as they'd been reunited. "But I won't be making small talk with him."
"If you follow that logic you won't be talking to anyone tonight," Brea snorted straightening his jacket, but these words caused him to grab her hands, his eyes full of anger. "Kol," Brea pleaded, letting go of his jacket and crossing her arms. "Focus on the future, ok? Don't worry about anything that happened before you were awakened. I can sort that myself alright? Just be friendly and agreeable, and just be happy with me ok? Please?"
"Alright," Kol said, gritting his teeth as he looked around the room before his eyes came back to rest on Brea. "Alright," he repeated before kissing her. "Just don't take that ring off alright," he said tapping her finger.
"Never do," Brea smiled, pecking him on the lips and turning to look around. "Ah," she said as a waiter came past and she grabbed two new flutes of champagne and handed one to him.
"Cheers," Kol smirked and they clinked glasses before linking arms and taking a sip.
Brea giggled, "I love you."
"I love you too," he smiled.
"Mm," Brea said finishing her sip. "There's someone I want you to meet," she said taking his hand. "Be extra nice, she was basically a second mother to me my entire childhood. Carol!" Brea greeted happily as the pair walked up to her, "Damon," she nodded more dismissively.
"Mayor Lockwood," Kol greeted, taking her hand and kissing it. "We haven't formally met. Kol Mikaelson," he said releasing her hand and wrapping his arm around Brea's waist, pulling her into his side. "We hope your lovely town embraces us just as much as we plan to embrace it."
"Damon Salvatore," Damon said holding his hand out. Kol looked down at Damon's hand but didn't remove his hand from Brea to shake it. "Have we met?" he asked awkwardly pulling his hand back.
"I've met a lot of people, and you don't particularly stand out," Kol retorted and Brea muffled a laugh, lightly slapping his chest.
"Grab me another drink would you please?" Brea asked holding up her now empty glass.
"Of course," he smiled kissing her cheek, taking her glass before and walking off.
"Excuse me, Carol," Damon said, his eyes transfixed on something across the room before he walked off.
Brea turned to look where he was going and saw her sister standing in the entryway in a magnificent dress. "Wow she looks awesome," Brea smiled. "As do you, Carol, that is such a lovely dress."
"Here you go darling," Kol said handing Brea a new glass.
"Thank you," Brea smiled wrapping her arm around his shoulder and he grabbed her waist.
"Kol?" Carol asked looking at Brea. Brea smiled widely and nodded. "Well, it's certainly lovely to finally meet you. Brea told me all about you the other week when I found out about her. It'll be nice to finally see Brea happy," Carol smiled.
"Why do people call you Brea?" Kol asked confused.
"My brother that I was talking to earlier, he couldn't say Brenna as a child, he could only say Brea and I guess it just kind of stuck."
"You haven't heard from Tyler by any chance, honey?" Carol asked.
Brea shook her head. "No. He didn't even say bye this time, Caroline was the one who told me he left. He had to go though, Carol, you know that. He had to do it for himself."
"I know," Carol said sadly. "I just miss him."
"We all do," Brea smiled at her.
"Who's Tyler?" Kol asked.
"Tyler is Mayor Lockwood's son, one of Nik's new hybrids. Nik was abusing the sire bond and making him do things he didn't want to do, so he had to leave town. Sorry Carol," she apologised.
"It's alright love."
Brea turned to glance behind her and stiffened. "Are you serious?" she groaned.
"Oh dear," Carol sighed as they spotted Elena walking into the ball with a Salvatore on each arm.
"Hang on," Brea said releasing Kol and turning in towards him and sticking her hand down the front of her dress to reach the phone Rebekah had tucked into her bra.
"Oh god," Kol said moving his arms to cover Brea, he wasn't yet used to this time period.
"Got it," Brea said pulling out her phone and taking a picture. "Katerina is going to die when she sees this," she said, sending the picture to her sister. "MATT!" she yelled as she spotted her friend walk in. "Talk to Carol," she instructed Kol as she sprinted off to meet her friend. What she didn't see as she ran off, was the glare that Kol was sending in her friend's direction.
Brea took a sip of her drink and laughed as Elijah retold a story of one of Nik's wild nights. "Oh, I remember that," Brea giggled. "He was so drunk."
"If I do recall you were the one encouraging him," Elijah smiled at her.
"Well," Brea shrugged. "It was kind of funny."
Brea's eyes then widened as she saw Caroline enter the ball. She looked beautiful. She was about to walk over to greet her friend but stopped as Nik walked up to her. She smiled softly at them before she turned her attention back to Elijah and Kol.
"Would you mind if I borrow Brenna for a moment?" Elijah asked his brother. "I need her help preparing my speech."
"Urgh, she's all yours, that sounds dull. I'm off to find Rebekah," Kol said, almost running away from the idea of Elijah's speech.
"You already have your speech planned," Brea smirked. "That was effective at getting rid of him though," she smiled.
"Of course," Elijah smiled jerking his head for her to follow him outside. "I don't want to be overheard and I haven't had a chance to speak with you today."
"I'm worried," Brea said, not wasting any time darting around the subject. "I don't trust your mother."
"Neither do I," Elijah said, his eyes watching the doorway.
"It doesn't make sense. Why would she forgive Nik? He killed her, it doesn't make sense. She wasn't even slightly angry."
"I agree, I fear I also doubt her intentions," Elijah said sadly. "She has requested a meeting with your sister."
"Elena? I didn't know that."
"I've asked that she let me know what my mother discusses. Do you think I can trust her to tell me the truth?"
Brea hesitated. "Honestly... I don't know. I'm worried for myself also," Brea said hesitantly.
"In what way?" Elijah asked.
"Nik told me that when he killed Esther he found her trying to make a spell to undo the reincarnating one she placed on me. What if she wants to complete her work on me and have me killed?" Brea asked.
Elijah pursed his lips, clearly angry. "Ok," he said holding her shoulders. "We won't let that happen to you, I promise. Stay with Kol, Nik or me tonight, that way I know you're safe. I doubt Rebekah suspects anything, I don't want to worry her and I don't trust Finn."
"You don't trust Finn?" Brea asked.
"He hates what we are, he always has."
"He's my friend, he wouldn't hurt me."
"He won't go against our mother. Even if she tries to hurt you," Elijah said and Brea looked down, he was probably right. "We should go inside. I have to open the ball, don't worry, we'll keep you safe," Elijah assured and Brea nodded before the two walked inside. "Go find Kol."
"Darling," Kol said immediately appearing at her side.
"Did hear Elijah?" Brea asked shocked.
"What'd Elijah say?" he asked, looking between them before Elijah walked off.
"Come, Elijah's about to open the ball," she said taking his hand and walking towards the stairs.
"If everyone could gather please," Elijah called out from the middle of the stairs.
Brea hesitated to walk up the stairs. "Come on darling, you know you're part of the family," Kol smiled.
"I know," she sighed. "I just remember what happened the last time we stood on stairs as a family," she glared and Kol's eyes darkened, that was when he was last daggered.
"That won't be happening tonight, I promise," Kol said and Brea nodded before taking his arm and allowing him to escort her up the stairs to stand with the family. He positioned them so that she was standing one step below him and pulled her so her back was pressed against his front as he lazily leant against the bannister and took a sip of his champagne. "This bit is boring," he whispered in her ear.
"Shh," she hushed with a smile as she grabbed the hand he was using to lean and wrapped it around her waist.
"Welcome. Thank you for joining us," Elijah greeted the crowd. "You know, whenever my mother brings our family together like this," he said as Esther began walking down the stairs towards the family, making Brea immediately tense as she pulled Kol's arm to hold her tighter as Esther stood next to them. "It's a tradition for us to commence the evening with a dance. Tonight's pick is a centuries-old waltz. So if all of you could please find yourselves a partner, please join us in the ballroom."
"Want to be my partner?" Brea joked.
"Come on darling," Kol rolled his eyes as he grabbed her hand and quickly pulled them down the stairs away from Esther. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she looked back to see Esther watching her. "Is that really the best you and Elijah could come up with?" Kol asked. "Wasn't much of a speech," he laughed as he led her to the ballroom.
Kol and Brea took their spot standing behind Damon and Elena. "You look so beautiful Brea," Elena said turning around.
"Thanks, you too," Brea responded with a smile.
"I'm Elena," she said to Kol. "Brea's twin, it's nice to finally meet you."
"Lovely to meet you, Miss Gilbert," Kol answered politely after Brea elbowed him.
"Come on, you can do better than that," she muttered to Kol as the music started and they began dancing.
"Well, I'm much more interested in talking to you," Kol whispered and Brea rolled her eyes. As they stepped to dance across to the other side of the room, they crossed paths with Matt and Rebekah. Brea poked out her tongue and pulled cross eyes at Matt, who in turn snickered. Kol's head whipped around to look at Matt, not that Brea noticed.
"I always loved the waltz," Brea smiled as he spun her around.
"You love any dance, my dear," Kol smiled.
"Very true," Brea smiled.
Kol leaned in to whisper in her ear. "You are most definitely the most beautiful girl in the room."
"Shut up," she laughed.
"Well Niklaus is certainly entranced with her," he said as he gestured to Caroline and Nik. "Elijah told me earlier that he had your memories taken away after I was daggered."
"You weren't angry at him were you?" Brea asked.
"No, I thanked him actually. It allowed you to be happy while I was gone. All I want is for you to be happy," he said. She released his hands when it came time to swap partners, but Kol quickly pulled her back into him. "Kol," Brea chastised as she looked around to see Nik glaring before he reached out and took the hand of the girl Kol was meant to dance with.
"That is not how the dance goes," Brea said hitting his arm.
"You're allowed to break the rules, darling," he smirked while she shook her head. "It's more fun."
"Do it properly next time, you'll ruin the flow of the dance," Brea warned. Brea turned to look at the other side of the room, only to see Stefan and Elena leaving the ballroom. Brea groaned and dropped her head onto Kol's shoulder.
"What is it?" he asked.
"My sister is no doubt creating drama, don't worry about it," she smiled, pulling her head back up. "And… swap," Brea smiled pulling herself away from Kol and spinning into Matt's arms. "Bestie!" Brea greeted happily.
"Hey," Matt laughed.
"I missed you," she said pulling a sad face.
"I saw you about half an hour ago."
"It's just been too long Matty, too long."
"You're weird," he smiled.
"Thank you," Brea said pulling a funny face again.
"Stop it," Matt laughed. "Isn't a dance meant to be classy? Respectable?"
"It's meant to, doesn't mean it has to be."
"Your date is glaring at me," Matt whispered nervously to Brea and she turned around to see Kol dancing with Rebekah while glaring at them.
"Ignore him," Brea said turning back. "He's probably just jealous of how cool you are."
"Probably," Matt smiled as the dance ended.
"Let's get a drink," Brea said taking his hand and walking him over to the bar.
"Hey!" Caroline greeted bouncing up to them.
"Hello, my gorgeous friend!" Brea smiled. "We," Brea said gesturing between her and Matt, "are about to come up with a marvellous plan. Want to join?"
"I'm so in, just after I have a drink," Caroline said, ushering a waiter over and the three of them took a glass.
"I've had a few of these already," Brea said smiling at her glass and giggling.
"Yep," Matt smiled, "that was evident."
"So master plan," Brea said, "to bring my baby brother back to Mystic Falls!"
"Brea…" Caroline said hesitantly.
"No, Care, Elena only wanted Jer to go while it wasn't safe for him here. He was only in danger because Stefan had the coffins, that little problem has been solved so surely it's time for us to team up together and convince Elena it's time to bring him back. Who's in?" Brea asked holding up her glass.
"I am," Matt said, raising his glass. "I need a break from you, if Jeremy's back it might take some pressure off of me," he teased and Brea gasped, bumping him with her elbow.
"Alright, I'm in too. I need a distraction," Caroline agreed and the three of them clinked glasses and drank their champagne.
"I love champagne," Brea mused looking at her empty glass. "I have to introduce you guys to my husband! Where is he?" Brea said looking around the room to see him and Rebekah talking in a corner and her smile fell. "That's never a good sign," she hissed as she marched towards them. "Where'd Rebekah go?" Brea asked as she reached Kol and found Rebekah had already left.
"What does it matter?" Kol asked taking her hand.
"I don't want any trouble tonight Kol, I mean it. Whatever you two are planning, don't. I'm not ok with it."
"Not planning anything dear. I was just having a nice conversation with my sister," he said and Brea nodded, not sure if she fully believed him or not.
"Where's Finn?" Brea asked nervously looking around. "There's something I wanted to ask him."
"Who cares," Kol said kissing Brea and she smiled at him.
"I want to introduce you to Matt," Brea said pulling away.
Kol sighed. "I'd rather not."
Brea frowned. "Why not?"
"I don't like him," he said and Brea stepped back.
"You don't even know him?" Brea snapped.
"Don't need to. I saw the way he was looking at you when you were dancing."
"Matt's like my brother what are you talking about?"
"Well, I didn't like it either way," Kol shrugged.
Brea scoffed. "Oh my god. Seriously? Is this how it's going to be? The first time you were undaggered you went on murder sprees around New Orleans right when I start getting sick and you left me to die with only Rebekah and Elijah by my side," she snaps and Kol looks down ashamed. "The second time you put all your focus on creating a dagger to neutralise Nik rather than just being happy with me, leading to him daggering you again, and now what? You're going to be some crazy jealous man? No, I'm not having that," Brea snapped and Kol's eyes darkened. "I'm not arguing with you in public, come find me when you want to be reasonable," she before storming off.
"Urgh there you are," Brea said as she found Nik in his drawing room.
"Didn't know you were looking for me," he smiled. Brea sighed and threw herself down on the couch. "I heard," Nik said sitting down next to her.
"You did?" Brea asked turning to him and he nodded gently. "What do you think?" Brea asked.
"It's not my place," Nik answered diplomatically.
"Oh come on, it is. I'm asking Nik, please," she said grabbing his hands.
Nik stiffened, staring at their hands. "Ok, well," he said looking up. "I think you're both right in a way."
Brea nodded, listening intently. "Elaborate."
"Well, I know how much the human boy means to you, Kol needs to accept that. If he wants you to be happy he needs to make an effort by being kind to your friends. Trust me, I learnt that lesson the hard way. But at the same time, it's always just been our family, you've always been content with socialising within the family, but it's different this time, maybe it's because you didn't have your memories but I think he's worried you won't make him a priority."
"That's ridiculous, Kol's my main priority."
Nik sighed before smiling at her. "Kol's ridiculous by nature, you don't expect him to think logically do you?"
Brea released Nik's hands and slouched back onto the couch. "I told Elijah about Esther trying to undo the spell on me."
Nik nodded. "What did he say?"
"He doesn't trust her. He said to stay with you, him or Kol tonight," Brea lifted her hand in the air to show him her ring. "It's been glowing slightly since last night, it's not bright but it's a glow."
Nik looked at her in the eyes. "I promise you, we will keep you safe."
Brea smiled and leaned her head on the back of the couch. "I know, I trust you with my life."
Nik smiled at her for a few moments before standing and holding out his hand. "I believe the toast is happening soon, we should probably head down," he said and Brea grabbed his hand and they walked out of the room and down towards the ball downstairs.
"Hello my beautiful carebear," Brea said as she bounced up to Caroline, Nik hot on her heels.
"Hey!" Caroline smiled before it dropped as she saw Nik. "Where's Kol?" she asked.
"Urgh, don't ask," Brea groaned as her eyes flicked over to see Kol and Finn standing together not too far away.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," Esther said tapping her glass from the middle of the staircase. "Waiters are coming around with champagne," she said as a waiter crossed in front of them and Nik grabbed two glasses, handing one to each Brea and Caroline before taking one for himself. "I invite you all to join me in raising a glass. It provides me with no greater joy than to see my family back together as one. I'd like to thank you all for being part of this spectacular evening. Cheers."
"Cheers," everyone else in the room returned, raising their glass.
"Bottoms up," Brea smiled at Nik as they drank from their glass. Brea lowered her glass before looking over at Kol who was watching her and she quickly downed the rest of her champagne. She leant up to Nik and whispered. "If you want to impress her show her your drawing room, it's enough to woo any girl, trust me," Brea smiled before walking towards Kol. Nik watched her sorrowfully as she left. It wouldn't woo every girl.
"I was looking for you before the toast," Kol said as she reached him.
"Were you?" Brea asked irritably and he nodded gently, reaching forward to take her hand but she pulled it away. "Are you going to apologise?" she asked.
"Darling, you know I'm not good at apologies," he smirked.
Brea's face fell and she pushed her empty glass into his chest. "Why are you being such an ass?" she asked sadly before turning away and walking up to Elena.
"Hey, you ok?" Elena asked.
"Why are men so annoying?" Brea groaned.
"Tell me about it," Elena nodded. "Damon's driving me insane. He's following me around, trying to make all my decisions for me. What's your problem?"
"Kol's being a possessive ass. I was talking to Matt and he got all jealous and said he didn't like him."
"Well that's a problem, you and Matt are just about inseparable," Elena laughed. "You live with him half the time."
"Yeah right?" Brea laughed. "Kol hasn't exactly been all that willing to meet people tonight. I get it, I mean he's been in a coffin for a century I'm sure meeting new people isn't high on his to-do list. But you guys are important to me, you make me happy, it just hurts that he doesn't want to get to know that side of my life. Now that they're all undaggered I was hoping we could just put all that hating the originals rubbish behind us and just live in some form of harmony. This was not how I wanted tonight to go," Brea groaned. "I wanted it to be everyone getting to know each other and mending fences."
"I'm really sorry," Elena said sincerely grabbing Brea's hand.
Brea tilted her head confused. Elena looked genuinely distressed. "Thanks."
Elena composed herself and released Brea, "I should probably start getting ready to go, it's getting late," Elena said. "You want a lift?"
"Um," Brea said looking over Elena's shoulder to see Caroline walking around looking lost. "No that's ok, you go, I'm going to see if Care needs help," Brea said smiling before walking off. "Caroline, you ok?"
"Have you seen Matt? I can't find him and I'm a little concerned."
"No, I saw him with Bekah at the toast but I haven't seen him after that. Silly kid's probably gone and gotten lost," Brea laughed and the two started looking around for Matt.
"There's Elena and Damon, let's ask them," Caroline said walking towards them.
"Oh god that looks tense," Brea groaned, reading the body language between the pair.
"Have you guys seen Matt?" Caroline asked.
"Um, no," Elena said blinking back tears.
"Nope," Damon popped.
"Ok," Brea said touching Caroline's arm. "I'll go look upstairs, you keep looking down here," she suggested and Caroline nodded.
"I'll come," Damon said touching Brea's elbow and walking up the stairs with her. "I need to apologise. I'm really sorry Brenna."
"You're apologising?" Brea asked shocked.
"Yeah, you deserve it," Damon said.
"Hm, at least someone's apologising, we seem to be running short on them tonight."
"Trouble in paradise already?" he joked. "Look, I've been very unfair to you the past few weeks and I'm sorry. I was angry. I'm scared of losing you. To be honest, you're the best friend I've ever had, and that's too important to me to just let it fade. You don't have to choose a side Brenna, just be yourself. No one's ever been able to tell you what to think," he said as they reached the top of the stairs. "It's one of the things I love about you, and the fact that you look gorgeous tonight," he smiled touching her chin. "I'll take the left side, you take the right, might speed things up a bit," he said and Brea nodded as they split to look for Matt.
"Matt?" Brea called as she opened the door to Kol's room. Upon finding it empty she closed it and turned around to see Damon standing in the doorway to one of the balconies, he was clearly talking to someone. Brea picked up the skirt of her dress and quickly ran across to him, he must've found Matt. "Matt!" Brea screamed as she reached the balcony and found Matt lying down groaning in pain and clutching his hand which looked to be broken. Brea bent down and placed her hand on his shoulder. "What happened?" she asked.
"Over," Matt groaned and Brea nodded and stood up, running to look over the balcony in time to see Damon snap Kol's neck. Brea jumped back with a gasp, covering her mouth.
"Oh my god," she breathed, running back to Matt. "Did Kol do this to you?" she asked and he nodded. "Son of a…" Brea groaned. "Can you stand?" she asked.
"Yeah I got it," he groaned as he slowly stood up.
"Ok, we're going to get you to the hospital. Just hold your hand against your chest. Come on," Brea said as she placed her hands on his shoulder and elbow as they made their way downstairs. As they reached the foyer, Brea saw all the Originals gathered outside, clearly debating what to do with Kol's body. "Wait here," Brea said as she released Matt and walked forward and tugged Nik's sleeve.
"Brenna," Nik said turning around. "Kol…"
"I don't care," Brea snapped. "I need one of your hybrids to drive us in Matt's car to the hospital," Brea ordered.
Nik looked behind her at Matt and realised that must've been why Damon snapped Kol's neck. "For god's sake Kol," Nik growled. "Of course," he nodded at Brea. "Go to his car, I'll send someone, they'll be there when you get there, they'll take you wherever you want."
"Thanks," Brea nodded, turning to look at Matt and gesturing for him to come forward. "Let's go," Brea said to Matt as she took his shoulder again and they made their way out of the house, towards the car and to the hospital.
Brea and Matt were on their way home from the hospital with their hybrid driver in silence. Matt's hand was in a splint to support it after Kol crushed it. "I need a coffee," Matt said, breaking the silence.
"Can you take us to the Grill please?" Brea asked the driver and he nodded and changed course to pull up at the Grill. Brea and Matt got out of the car and headed straight to the bar to sit down.
"Want one?" Matt asked.
"I'll just get a cola," Brea smiled.
"Coffee and a cola please," Matt asked the bartender.
"I'm really, really sorry Matt," Brea said turning to look at him, her eyes tearing up.
Matt placed his good hand over hers, "it's not your fault."
"I feel like it is. We had a fight. Kol and I, over you. That's probably why he went after you."
"You guys had a fight over me?" Matt asked.
"He was jealous. He didn't like me dancing and talking with you and I told him that didn't matter, you're like my brother and that nothing was going to change that."
Matt smiled. "That's a nice ego boost," he joked as they got their drinks. "It's not your fault though Brea. Don't beat yourself up over it," he said as they both turned to their drinks.
"Hi," Rebekah said nervously approaching the two of them. Brea scowled and turned forward, she knew she and Kol must've been coming up with a plan to hurt Matt when she saw them talking earlier. "What are you doing?" she asked.
"Well, let's see, I went to a dance and got my hand crushed," Matt answered sarcastically. "Found out I don't have health insurance. Brea had to pay my whole bill so I just need a minute to myself."
"Well, I thought maybe I'd buy you an apology drink," Rebekah suggested and Brea turned to look at her, she seemed to genuinely feel bad.
"Maybe you could just leave me alone," Matt asked.
"Look, I'm really sorry about Kol. He's a lunatic," Rebekah said and Brea tipped her glass in agreement.
"Look, Rebekah, you're really fun and pretty and all. But I really need you to leave me alone. I'll meet you in the car," Matt said getting up and walking off.
"You invited him with the intention of hurting him," Brea accused. "I know you and Kol. You shouldn't have done that. Regardless of your mother's rules, or even Matt, you shouldn't have done that to me," Brea said to Rebekah.
"I thought I stopped the plan, Kol did this by himself."
"I'm sure he did," Brea agreed. "But the moment you even thought about it you let me down," Brea said standing up and following after Matt.
"Ok, we need to wind down," Brea said as she and Matt entered the house. "Movie time?"
"Absolutely," Matt said throwing himself down onto the couch.
"Ok, I'm going to change out of this dress, you get changed and pick a movie," Brea said walking to her room and changing clothes. "Picked something?" she asked as she walked back into the living room.
"Yep. The Departed," Matt said.
Brea smiled, sitting down next to him. "You and Jer have very different taste in movies," she laughed as they started the movie. Towards the end of the movie the doorbell rang. "Urgh," Brea said putting her hand on his leg to help herself up. "I've got it, don't worry about pausing it. It's a bit late to be showing up at someone's door. I'm going to yell at them," Brea grumbled, checking the time as she made her way to the front door.
She opened the door to see Kol on the other side and Brea's eye's widened and she immediately went to close it. "Wait, please," he begged and Brea held it slightly ajar. "I went to your house and you weren't there. Had to compel a few people in the Grill and they told me you'd be here. I'm sorry," he said and Brea opened the door wider to look at him. "I'm really really sorry."
"Why are you sorry now and not before?" Brea asked angrily. "Do you think you finally went over the line when you crushed my best friend's hand?" she asked.
"I'm sorry, Brenna, hear me out, please," he pleaded. Brea raised her eyebrows expectantly. "I shouldn't have done what I did."
"Really?" Brea asked sarcastically.
"I wasn't thinking before, darling. I didn't listen to you. It took me waking up without you by my side to think it through. It was beyond selfish of me. I never want to hurt you." Brea looked into his eyes and she knew he was being sincere. But she wasn't happy to just forgive and forget. "You're the most important thing in my life. My whole world revolves around only you, I was just upset tonight watching you interact and knowing that you have other people that are important to you. For me, there's only you. But you have other people and it's not fair, but it hurt. It wasn't a fair judgment for me to make. I'm sorry."
"Nik said the same sort of thing."
"You talked to Nik?" Kol asked.
"He heard our argument. He actually stood up for you a little bit," she said leaning against the door. "Look, it's not appropriate for you to be here ok? This is Matt's house. I accept you're sorry but I'm still really angry. Don't do anything else to hurt my friends again," Brea said straightening up. "I don't really want to see you tonight. So... good night," she said as she went to close the door.
"I love you," he offered before she closed the door.
"Love you," she grumbled back, fully closing the door and heading back to Matt.
"You missed the end," Matt said.
"I've seen it a million times with you, I think I know how it ends," Brea smiled. "I'm really tired, I'm going to go to bed."
"Yeah, same. Who was at the door?" Matt asked.
"Just Stefan," Brea lied. "He wanted to know how you ended up."
"Huh, didn't expect that," Matt said. "Alright, good night," he said trudging off to his room.
"Night," Brea returned as she walked to the bathroom and took off her makeup before heading to bed. She'd been lying in bed for 15 minutes, unable to fall asleep when she sat up and opened her window. "Kol," she called and he quickly appeared at the window. "You can't be here."
"How did you know I was here?" he asked.
"I figured you would be. Rebekah said you stayed outside my house last night," she explained. "You have to go, you can't stay outside here, it's Matt's house. I'm serious."
"When I woke up Elijah said to make sure I keep an eye on you. He said you were worried about something and I should make sure you're safe."
"I'm inside and in bed Kol. I'll be fine. I appreciate the thought, but I'm really angry and I can't sleep knowing you're outside my window right now ok? So please, just give me tonight by myself and go home. I'll see you tomorrow. Please?" Brea asked.
Kol sighed and nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow my love," he whispered before running off.
Brea groaned and closed her window, throwing herself back down onto the bed. Her vision almost immediately became blurry and she tried to sit up, alarmed at the feeling but she couldn't find the energy to lift herself. She glanced sideways, and despite the blur in her eyes, she saw her ring light up. Just before she passed out she watched her window start to open and then everything went black.