Early hours of the morning, Elena found herself scurrying about the mansion and ensuring everything was ready for their departure. She'd barely slept, she was still reeling from the emotional turmoil she was faced with the night before and she was nervous to be leaving for so long.
She'd already had a long enough break from her responsibilities within the city and she thought an extra month away would be pushing it. Besides, she missed her factions, the coven and the city itself, she'd been so consumed with Elijah, the wedding, her family and the influx of enemies that she almost forgot what it was like to be a leader.
As excited as Elena was for the honeymoon, she felt as though she was leaving a lot behind and she had to ensure there where as many protective measures in place before she left as she could magically conjure in the small amount of time she had remaining.
There was grimoires set out for Davina and the covens, charmed crystals, an emergency teleportation spell a witch could perform to bring her home in the event of a life or death situation, a copy of a few of her defensive and offensive spells that she used against their enemies and vials of her blood.
She typed up some cheat sheets for Rebekah and Kol for their temporary take over of the unification leadership role, she wouldn't have enough time to explain everything during their morning visit and she didn't want to leave them clueless. Plus, they had Marcel and Davina, their significant others that wouldn't leave them to struggle alone.
Once she was satisfied with the measures she put in place and the extra preparations she had made, she started brewing the coffee machine, the one touch system that had an LED screen and different options for all types of coffees that still left her completely baffled. She had a folder of papers on the kitchen island from Marcel that she was meant to go over but completely forgot. There wasn't anything to fill in or immediate work to do, more like a quick start into her training and she liked to be prepared.
Just as she was about to take a seat on the bar stool and delve into the paperwork, she heard the heavy footsteps of someone outside her front door. She pointed her ear towards the sound and listened further, her vampire hearing giving her the ability to hear the familiar slam of a car boot, the edge in his steps that she knew and the heavy breath of someone nervous to be here.
She simply smiled to herself and sped to the doors, pulling down the handle, she opened it and revealed the all too familiar hybrid standing on her porch, newspaper in hand and his usual smirk spread on his lips.
"Your bags as promised," he said with an air of amusement around him as she folded her arms and rested her shoulder against the doorframe, "I've already took the liberty of loading them in your car."
"You're early, it's barely 6am," she couldn't help but grin, she knew how much of an early riser he was, it was something they had in common but she hadn't expected him alone.
"Well, the morning newspaper hasn't quite been the same without you," he shifted his gaze from her and onto the surrounding of the double door entrance, "care to invite me in?"
"I've missed our mornings together too," she stepped aside, smile on her face and arm waving towards the entrance foyer, "come on in."
"Thank you," he stepped over the threshold, his eyes scanning the area and taking in every feature the foyer had to offer. The grand staircase, the glistening chandelier, the regality to the white walls with gold detailings and large square archways that lead into the other rooms, "well, my brother spared no expense."
He continued to glance around, looking at the tall mirrors, large plants and foliage within the room, mirrored console tables with large vases filled with roses and tasteful artwork to match the regal feel of the room.
"I know, it's huge and a lot more extravagant than I'm used too," she said somewhat nervously as she walked through the entranceway with him until they came to the square archway that lead to the living room, "to be completely honest, I haven't even seen the whole house yet."
"It may take you weeks," he said with a smirk as he glanced around the living room, his lips parting slightly at the house she now lived in.
"Well, I know where the kitchen is and that's all that matters, I can't do without my coffee," smiling amusingly, she lead him through the bar area and into the kitchen, his surprise unending as he looked at the room.
"Do you like it here?" He asked, watching as she prepared them both a cup of coffee and sat down on one of the bar stools.
"I love it," she tucked a piece of loose hair behind her ear as she swirled in the cream and sugar. Turning to face him, she handed his coffee over to him and took a seat beside him, "don't get me wrong, I'm struggling with how different it is, it's weird not having you all here."
"We feel the same about yours and Elijah's absence from the plantation," his gaze flickered from the coffee in his hands and onto her, "like I said, the mornings aren't quite the same without you."
"Ditto," she met his gaze, a small smile curling up on her lip as she opened up the newspaper and spread out the first pages between them, "you don't think the house is a little too much?"
"It definitely suits your standing within the city, a place fit for a Queen," he had a touch of malevolence in his tone of voice and it radiated from his facial features and edgy smile. He knew how powerful she was, there wasn't another in the city that could compare.
"I'm hardly a Queen, Nik," she was uncomfortable everytime someone called her that, it didn't seem right.
"Let's see, Unification Leader, Elder of the French Quarter Coven, the only hybrid in history to have both witch and vampire abilities, you have an army at your beck and call, your vampire royalty and married into the most powerful family in the world, the wolves love you and I can't think of one person that doesn't follow you, tell me how you're not a Queen?"
"Shut up," her only response, a playful grin spread on her lips as she nudged him slightly with her elbow. A chuckle slipped through his lips and he dipped his head, attempting to hide is ever prominent dimples that they both knew she enjoyed, "I'm still just the doppelgänger from Mystic Falls, with just a few extra perks."
"You shouldn't speak so lowly of yourself, little warrior, you're not the same person you were back then, you should give yourself some credit," his voice was somewhat stern and firm, he never relented in his pursuit to see her value herself more than she does.
"Everything I've done was for our family and the ability for us to live in peace, if it wasn't for all of you then none of this would have happened, you all gave me the strength and the chance to live how I wanted too, I give the family the credit," she argued, stubbornly.
"All the power and love in the world and you still won't see your worth," he gazed into her eyes with a look of adorning disbelief and just smiled, she was truly without equal.
"What about you, huh? Look at how much you've changed in the last year, you're far from the monster that took me from Mystic Falls that day, I can't believe how different you are, I'd go as far as saying I'm proud," she grinned playfully and he could see in her eyes the proudness and the recognition of his new found tameness.
"Once again, I owe it all to you," she looked at him in disbelief at his words and he laughed, a wide-grinned and uncontrollable laugh as his point was only further proven.
"Urgh, stop," she groaned and laughed, her head slipped back and she found amusement in his persistence, "I didn't do anything, Nik, it was all you."
"Now you know that's a lie," still amused and still chuckling, he had to embrace these fleeting moments of raw emotion and humanity.
"So stubborn," she shook her head with a slightly raised chin and an air of amusement surrounding her.
"You're one to talk, sweetheart," he was quick to respond, any opportunity to remind her of her unending stubbornness.
"It's nice, hearing you laugh," as she spoke, her eyes flickered onto him and she saw the innocence behind him, something she had not seen a while.
"Likewise," he knew her recent troubles all too well, ever since she became a witch, her heartache and battles had left her tested time and time again and it was good to see her whole again.
"I've missed this," she admitted carefully, her face still radiating the happiness and enjoyment she was finding from him.
"I'm inclined to agree with you, sweetheart."
"And all is right with the world," she pecked a quick kiss on his cheek as she swiped the two empty mugs and stood from the stool, she walked around the kitchen island and went to fetch them another one.
"Indeed," he dipped his head once again, the touch of her lips still left an impression on his cheeks and he smiled, a small but wholesome smile.
"So, how are you, anyway?" She poured the coffee and turned back around with the cups in hand. She placed his in front of him and leaned against the kitchen island, staring at him intently, "it's been a tough month, I still want you to know I'm here for you."
"You don't have to keep checking on me, Elena, I'm perfectly fine," he picked up the newspaper, flashing her a smirk as he pulled the paper up and began reading.
"Fine but you can talk to me about anything, you know that, right?" She sat down beside him, peering her head around the paper slightly and starting to read, "even during the honeymoon, anytime, anywhere, you call me, got it?"
"Is that an order, my Queen?" More smirking, more amusement and more of an adoration stare.
"My royal decree," she playfully waved her hand out in front of her as if she was royal and they chuckled, everything felt normal for her again.
"In that case, I suppose I shall have too," he bowed his head playfully, offering his playful submission.
"Good, I really wouldn't want to have to take your head, it's such a pretty one," she smirked on the rim of her cup and took a small sip of coffee, her eyelashes fluttering innocently.
"I've been called many, and I mean, many, things before but never pretty," he shook his finger from side to side, his disbelief causing him to chuckle.
"I believe the Queen has won this battle," she was full of jest.
"Ah yes but the war has just begun, little warrior."
"And you shall lose that too."
"We shall see," it wasn't exactly a wine glass or crystal tumbler but he held his coffee cup out towards her and she tapped hers against it, she narrowed her eyes and curled her lips up into a smirk.
A short while later, after much laughter and happy conversations, discussions over current affairs within the newspaper and tackling the crossword, she found herself brewing another cup of coffee.
"So, what are you going to do whilst we're gone?" She asked, stood beside the coffee machine with her back pressed against the counter.
"I'm feeling particularly nefarious, perhaps tall blondes?" His sarcasm was rife and she just shook her head with an amused smile.
"Really? I always pegged you for a red or brunette type of guy," and so begun the battle of wits.
"Depends on the mood, nefarious usually entails tall and blonde," he sat back on the stool, resting his now folded hands in his lap and popping his eyebrows. She placed his coffee down in front of him before returning to her position against the counter.
"So classy of you, Nik," she folded her arms across her chest and stared piercing daggers into his eyes, all in jest, of course.
"I thought so, I don't tend to pick favourites, I believe everyone deserves a chance."
A burst of laughter erupted from their lips and she submitted, much to his delight, "I won that one, I believe."
"Did we actually move out of the plantation or did I dream that?" Elijah suddenly appeared within the archway of the kitchen and he had his hand nestled within his pants pocket.
"Some things never change, brother," Klaus' eyes shifted from him and onto Elena, both of them sharing in a small and amused smile.
"I can see that," his eyes flickered from the newspaper and mugs of coffee on the kitchen island to Elena, an instant smile formed on their lips simultaneously as he cleared the distance between them, he cupped her cheek and placed a soft kiss on her lips, "good morning, my love."
"Good morning," she had a bashful grin spread on her lips as she slid her arm around his waist and placed a few soft kisses along his cheek, "Rebekah and Kol are already on their way, they should be here any minute."
"What time did you wake up? He asked with a raised eyebrow and an air of curiosity around him.
"I didn't sleep, not really," she shrugged her shoulders lightly before fetching him a mug and pouring him a coffee.
"You could have woke me, my love," he took the coffee she offered to him and took a small sip, his gaze unfaltering from her eyes.
"It's fine, we had a late night and I had quite a bit to prepare before we left," she nodded her head towards the dining room table opposite and both brothers followed her line of sight. Upon the table was all the magical and political preparations she put in place and there was a lot.
"Do I want to know?" He responded with slightly widened eyes and a slight cock of his head.
"Probably not," she scrunched her nose and shook her head lightly, a small and amused grin appearing on her lips, "and besides, Nik was good company this morning, he brought our bags over and everything."
"That's me, good company and delivery driver," he smirked on the rim of his mug before taking a sip, his eyebrow raised and filled with amusement.
Elena chucked slightly as she started walking around the kitchen, she took Nik's empty cup and her own and placed them in the dishwasher. That's right, she had a dishwasher now, she was ecstatic. She scooped up the folder she had with Marcels papers in them and sped them over to the dining room table before returning to the kitchen.
"Well, thank you, Niklaus, for keeping an eye on my never-resting and bustling wife," his eyes followed Elena around as she pottered around the kitchen. He tilted his head slightly as he spoke the words to his brother and held his hand out towards her as if she was demonstrating his point, "vampire speed has only made it worse."
"Of course."
They were interrupted by a knock at the door and Elena instantly shot her head up and grinned, before speeding through the house and calling out, "they're here."
"She never stops," Elijah said to his brother with a smirk before they both followed her to the front door, standing in the entrance foyer as she opened it.
"Oh my god, 'Lena, this house is HUGE!" Rebekah said as her eyes scoured the outside exterior and gardens surrounding it.
"A house fit for a Queen, no less," Kol said, much to her dismay, she knew what was going to happen next.
"Ha! See? I said that," Klaus instantly sped beside her, his arms folded and a proud and smug smirk spread on his lips.
"Shut up, Nik," she rolled her eyes, a small burst of laughter emitting from her lips as she nudged him away.
"Invite us in then, love, I'm dying to see it," Rebekah exclaimed as she tapped on the barrier between the house and the outdoors.
"Come in, come in," she said impatiently as she stepped aside and allowed them to enter.
She lead them through the house and into the kitchen but it wasn't long before they were darting around the entire building and inspecting every room within it.
"Did you know there's an indoor pool area on the opposite side of the house?" Rebekah asked as she appeared back in the kitchen beside Elena and Elijah, her lips parted slightly.
"Are you serious? I actually didn't," Elena exclaimed with shock, she really had to have a full tour at some point.
"Have you seen any of this house?" Kol asked, he too reappearing around the kitchen island and taking a seat beside Klaus.
"Well, we've been kinda... busy," she admitted sheepishly, her eyes rolled playfully and they knew exactly what she meant when Elijah pulled her in by the waist and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
"Gross," Kol mumbled under his breath, offering only a look of disgust, he was mostly being playful.
"Nearly a year, Kol, we've been together for nearly a year and you're still surprised we have sex?" She lost it a bit, the comments were unending and she only looked at him with a nefarious smirk.
"Oh, she used the 'S' word, our sweet Elena, nope, I think I'm going to hurl," Kol shook his head, removing all memory of their beloved Elena being so fragrantly wicked.
"Grow up, brother," Rebekah rolled her eyes, she was long past jokes and endless teasing, she was happy for her Elena and her brother, they seemed incredibly happy and that's all she wanted for them.
"Besides, she's far from sweet in that aspect," Elijah looked at her with lustful eyes and brought her in that extra inch closer, a crooked smile curled up on his lip.
"Elijah Mikaelson," she gasped, completely taken aback by his candidness and she was left with only shock, amused slightly but mostly shock. Still, she found this side to him alluring, he usually wasn't so forward and his confidence was a sexy side to him she hadn't witnessed before, so she went with it.
"When do you two leave again? Is it soon?" Rebekah exasperated with a shake of her head.
"I'm starting to think this vacation away from us is a genius idea, perhaps I should welcome change instead of fearing it," Nik commented, as much as he was trying to keep his collected facade up, he knew all too well the effect Elena had on him.
"Likewise, if this is what marriage is, it's almost sickening," Kol said with more disgust in his tone of voice.
"Jealous, Kol?" Rebekah popped her eyebrows up for a quick second, her amusement heightening.
"Maybe just a tad."
"Perhaps you'll marry Davina one day," Elena found the opportunity to distract from her and Elijah and exploited it, all for good reason but she welcomed it.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, sweetheart, I adore her but do I really seem like the marrying type?" He seemed apathetic in his tone of voice but Elena could see he was genuinely enquiring.
"Yes," Elijah abruptly responded, his amusement unending.
"Absolutely," Elena said confidently and almost immediately after Elijah spoke.
"100%," Rebekah agreed.
"Nik, please agree with me?" Kol pleaded, holding his hands in a prayer position and turning his complete attention onto him.
"I actually thought you'd be the next one of us to get married, sorry, brother," he placed his hand on his shoulder for a long moment, offering a flat smile and a raised eyebrow.
"You should at least take her to dinner first," Elena suggested and it seemed to be in an innocent manner but she had thought about this a lot lately, the timing seemed so natural to bring it up.
"I want to die."
"No, seriously, you're only goal for our time away is that you actually take her out and I expect a full report when we return," she gave a firm nod of her head and he smirked at her, knowing full well what she was doing.
"Yes, your majesty."
"The next person that uses a Queen reference towards me is getting their neck snapped, consider yourselves warned."
"So hard to resist the temptation to call your bluff," Klaus said jokingly, as he went into a bowing position, his sarcasm and amusement rife as she stared him out and went to click her fingers.
Elijah quickly took her hand and lowered her arm, a small smirk appearing on his lips as he watched her about to protest, "the pleasure I find from my brothers torment is unending but I would rather not leave at odds with our family, my love."
She shrugged her shoulders lightly, narrowing her eyes and shooting daggers into Klaus' eyes, "I owe you a neck snap and I will collect."
"I won't go easy, little warrior, you may have a fight on your hands," he met her gaze and offered only stares of enticement.
"I think I can handle it."
"Then I look forward to besting you, sweetheart," he was all attitude and enticement, the allure of the doppelganger and her power striking again.
"You're on," she narrowed her eyes and glared at him, both them chuckling away at the situation.
"You're both insufferable," Rebekah said with an eye roll, although she acted like the toughened sister, she was actually somewhat jealous of her relationship with Klaus on a family level, they were close and it was hard to deny.
"I'm glad someone finally said it," Kol shrugged his shoulders lightly at Elena, he adored her but he knew she had a different connection with each sibling and each one of them was special in their own way.
"I'm inclined to agree, I'm sorry, sweetheart," he placed a soft kiss on her forehead and smoothed his finger along her cheekbone.
"You guys think I can beat him though, right?" She had a playful innocence about her as she spoke.
"Absolutely," Rebekah was the first to respond, the only girls of the family had to stick together.
"Without a doubt," Elijah didn't hesitate in his response and he couldn't help but flash a smirk at his brother.
"I'll even help you," Kol, always the first to aid in the torment of his siblings.
"Traitors, the lot of you," Klaus waved his finger amongst his siblings and grinned, the dimpled and beaming grin he hid once again with a head dip.
Laughing, bonding, time well spent together, everything she wanted from the morning before they left and she was completely consumed by the love she had for her family.
"Oh shoot, the time, we better go," Elena said as her eyes glanced up at the clock and it read 11am, "plane leaves in two hours."
She was bustling around the living room and kitchen, fetching everything she needed from her phone to her carry-on, including passports and boarding passes.
The siblings all waited by the car, everything was packed and ready for their departure. Elijah had said his individual goodbyes and it was hard for them, even though they were happy for them, they still couldn't help but feel saddened by them leaving.
"Everything needed whilst we're away is on the dining table, it's easy to follow, I labelled and there's tabs on the folders, everything is organised, it's a whole thing, please read it?" She spoke in a panicked state as she joined with them in the driveway.
"Elena, you're close to a panic attack, relax, everything is going to be fine," Rebekah reassured, although she still wasn't entirely confident in taking over the leadership role she had.
"It's a pity you didn't get the bloodlust or the emotional switch, it would serve you well to unwind and switch off for a while," he had a sadistic tone of voice that wasn't well received by the doppelgänger.
"You need a therapist, Nik," she said somewhat bluntly but once again, she had an ulterior motive, as always. She was stood in front of him with raised eyebrows and a somewhat kind smile.
"I'm offended," a playful gasp escaped his lips and he placed his hand on his chest where his heart rested.
"No, really, if there was ever any piece of advice that you need to listen too, it's this one," she raised her eyebrows suggestively, a small smile curled up on her lips.
"You're being serious, aren't you? I'm more offended," his demeanour changed and he became more defensive, a response she expected.
"Trust me?"
"Always."
"So, call Cami, set up a session," she placed her hand on the top of his arm with a suggestive smile.
"Ah, I see."
"She's pretty amazing, Nik, but you already know that, don't you?"
"I'll take it under consideration," he spoke after a short pause, his mind pondering her out-of-the-blue suggestion.
She pulled him into a tight embrace and his arms went around her waist like it was instinct, "have a spectacular honeymoon, sweetheart, you and my brother deserve it."
"Thank you," she placed her hand on the back of his neck and pulled her head back to stare into his eyes with piercing daggers, "Be good, call Cami and make sure our home is safe."
"I will," he met her gaze, searching for the doubt she should have in him taking a part of her leadership role considering how well she knew his history of bloodshed and violence but found none. That made him want to do her proud more than ever, "you'll be sorely missed, little warrior."
"I'll miss you too, Nik," she placed a soft kiss on his cheek before breaking their hug, her eyes lingered for a long moment as she gave him a slight nod of her head. Her attention went onto Kol next and
"Don't ruin my factions please? You need to take care of them," Kol was next to receive a long and caring embrace.
"I'll try my hardest," and he meant it, he may always seem like he's being sarcastic and contemptuous but they knew each other better than either of them would ever admit and she could trust him with anything.
"And look after Davina, please? She cares about you and she's family, outside of the coven, we're all she's got."
"And I her, nothing will happen to her, I give you my word, little sister," he smoothed his hand over her hair and gave her all the emotional reassurance she needed to leave with peace.
"Thank you," her heart warmed by his genuine compassion towards her and she felt she couldn't deny him his insistence on labels, it meant a lot to him and she should indulge him, "I'll miss you, brother."
"That hurt you to say, didn't it?" He said with a grin and a nose scrunch as he tightened the grip he had of her. He found so much amusement in one simple act of kindness.
"You have no idea," their hug came to an end but she lingered for a moment longer whilst she shuddered away the awkwardness she found from one simple label.
"I'll miss you too, 'Lena," he placed a soft kiss on her forehead before allowing her to shift her attention on to Rebekah and she darted for her, so quickly that she almost brought them both to the ground.
"Call me everyday," Elena practically demanded as she squeezed the life out of the Original sister, her hug was matched tenfold and it was almost impossible to separate them.
"I'll call at least five times a day, I'm going to miss you so much, it's not going to be the same without you here," her best friend, her confidant, her sister, the only other person to know her as well as anyone on this earth was leaving and it was going to feel empty without her.
"I'll miss you too, Bex," this was the first time she had ever been so far from home, even when she was living in Mystic Falls, she'd never been this far and the distance was starting to feel very real, especially when it came to Rebekah, there wasn't a day that went by where they didn't spend it together and it was a culture shock.
"And you're all welcome to the house whilst we're away, there's a set of keys for each of you in my study but I do expect it to be in the same condition as it is now upon our return," Elijah said as he tried to pry his wife away from from Rebekah, a task that was proven difficult considering how bonded and close they were as sisters.
"Keep me up to date on you and Marcel, I expect every small detail," she said with a slight smirk, the girliness within her only ever came out when around her sister.
"And I expect the same in return but spare me any details that involve yours and my brother's intimacy," she forced a shudder and it made them both giggle.
"Always,"
"And forever," Rebekah finished her sentence and they both pulled their heads back, a quick grin flashing on their lips.
"I see what you did there," they laughed and they smiled, everything that was to be expected between them both.
"Elena, we really must leave," Elijah didn't want to rush her but time was of the essence.
"I know," she cleared her throat and released Rebekah from her hold, she returned to Elijah's side and wiped away the few stray tears that managed to escape, Rebekah too, "it's only a month, we'll be back before you know it.
They all came together in one final group hug, as much as Elena tried to make light of their time spent away, a month was a long time and a lot could change in that time. She only hoped it would be for the better.
They dove into the car and Elena put on her seatbelt, she stared out of the window and they waved off the siblings as they took off for the airport.
"I fear for our house," she smiled, trying to bring a calmness to them as they both reeled from the emotional turmoil they felt from leaving their family behind for so long, "they're going to destroy it, aren't they?"
"I'll murder them, I happen to love our home," he kept his eyes on the road but he flickered his gaze onto her for a small moment, offering a kind smile.
"So do I, I'm praying they behave," she was literally praying to any higher entity that would listen, anything to keep them safe and whole.
"For the first time in a thousand years, I have the upmost faith in them, they wouldn't do anything to hurt us," he reached for her hand and brought it to his lips, placing a soft kiss on the back of it.
"I know," she felt calm, reassured and in a state of pure blissfulness, he was perfect and she had everything she could possibly ever want from life.
They arrived at the airport a short while later, customs was a breeze with Elijah's compulsion and for the first plane ride, he had a jet booked and her excitement was overwhelming. They were ready to take off, the first time they would spend so much time together alone and she couldn't wait to start in their journeys together.