"Who is that?" Klaus growled, a menacing glare on his face.
Damon turned to see who he was looking at and sighed.
"That's Ronan, his Aisling's son."
Damon had introduced Klaus to Aisling a short while earlier, mentioning that her son was in Maya's year. But he might have held back the part, where Ronan and Maya were, well, not quite dating, because Maya had refused to classify it as that so far, but they were sweet on each other and spent time together when they could. They'd been to the last few school dances together, and they'd danced with each other at the Beltane festival. They hadn't been on a 'date' as such with each other yet, but Ronan was part of Maya's group of friends that she hung out with outside of school, and they paired up a lot inside and outside of class.
The first time the idea of Maya attending the school dance with Ronan came up, Damon felt a twinge of discomfort at the thought of his daughter dating. But he quickly recognized that it was inevitable, and anything less than acceptance on his part would be unfairly sexist and hypocritical—a sentiment Maggie and Lexi had not so subtly implied. Narcissa's scathing letter, laced with pointed threats, left no room for argument.
In truth, Ronan was a decent kid who had been nothing but a good friend to Maya since she started at the Academy. Damon reckoned she could do much worse for her first romantic interest. He had kept these details from Klaus, though, suspecting that he wouldn't take it nearly as well. And while his relationship with Maya was on the mend, despite an unrelenting series of pranks that Klaus had been targeted with, and any attempt by Klaus to forbid her from seeing Ronan would surely send it spiralling back into conflict.
"What is he doing touching my daughter like that!" Klaus's exclaimed, his tone sharp with indignation as he took an aggressive step forward.
Ronan and Maya's hands were interlinked, nothing more than that, as they stood in a group of their year mates, chatting away. Sora, Kamala, and Aiden were there, as were some others Damon vaguely recognised, but couldn't name. The summer solstice festival also doubled as an end of year party for the academy, and had a much higher attendance than any of the other festivals, as even those who didn't celebrate the wheel of the year attended.
Damon blocked his path, his voice firm yet calm.
"Don't," he warned. "Ronan's a good kid, and Maya really likes him."
"You've allowed this," Klaus hissed, his glare shifting from Ronan to Damon.
Damon met his gaze without flinching.
"Yes," he replied steadily. "And so will you."
"Absolutely not!" Klaus thundered.
At that moment, Rebekah breezed into the fray, flanked by Caroline, Bonnie, Tyler, and Stefan, each drawn by the growing commotion.
"What's going on?" Rebekah inquired, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene before her. Her gaze, along with those of her companions, quickly shifted to where Maya and Ronan stood—a little too close, a little too comfortable for Klaus's liking.
Caroline and Bonnie exchanged a look, their eyes wide with a mix of alarm and curiosity as they assessed Klaus's brewing storm. Tyler and Stefan subtly positioned themselves, ready to intervene and provide Damon some support if things escalated. Meanwhile, Rebekah watched Maya and Ronan with a trace of amusement and warmth, clearly more intrigued than concerned.
"Oh, is that Ronan?" Rebekah's casual remark cut through the tension, redirecting Klaus's glare from Damon to her.
"You knew about this?" Klaus's voice was a dangerous whisper, his eyes piercing.
Rebekah met his fury with an unwavering stare.
"Yes, I did. She likes him," she replied, her tone firm, implying the matter was simple and clear.
"How long have you known?" Klaus demanded, his suspicion widening.
"Maya mentioned him to me when I took her shopping for her end-of-year dance dress," Rebekah disclosed, her voice calm and unapologetic.
Klaus scanned the faces around him, searching for shock or disapproval, but found none. The lack of surprise on their faces only fuelled his frustration, revealing an unspoken consensus about Maya and Ronan that he had not been privy to.
The circle of friends, now silent observers, waited as Klaus processed this revelation, each prepared to defend Maya's choice should the need arise. Their united front and the calm assurance in Rebekah's voice made it clear: this was not a secret borne of deceit, but a chapter of Maya's life that was gently unfolding, with or without his approval.
"You all kept this from me!" The tension in the air was palpable as Klaus voiced his grievances, his voice tinged with both anger and a subtle ache of betrayal.
Damon sighed, it was a fair point, he probably should have mentioned it, especially when he'd invited Klaus to accompany them to today's festival.
"You're right." Damon said, extending his hands in a gesture of peace, his face earnest under the summer sun. He hesitated, the words catching in his throat as he tried to find the right way to explain the delicate situation. "I should have told you that Maya and Ronan are..." He trailed off, uncertainty clouding his expression.
"In a situationship," Caroline offered.
Klaus' expression morphed from anger to confusion, his brow furrowing as he processed the unfamiliar term. Beside him, Damon's face mirrored his puzzlement—both men out of their depth in this modern romantic vernacular. Stefan, Tyler, and Rebekah were faring no better with understanding Caroline's comment. In fact, the only one who did seem to understand was Bonnie who seeing the confusion on the faces of everyone else was quick to explain.
"It's a term for two people who are more than just friends, who have romantic feelings for each other, but aren't ready to label themselves as a couple."
Damon nodded slowly, the description resonating with him as he mulled over the nuances of Maya and Ronan's relationship.
"In a situationship then. I should have told you," he admitted, his voice soft but sincere. "And I didn't because I was afraid of how you would react, and I was worried it would have a negative impact on your relationship with Maya."
"She's too young!" Klaus protested, his voice rising slightly in protective fervour.
"She's almost fourteen," Damon countered, his voice steady and calming "Maya's growing up, yes, she's still a child, but she's on her way to becoming an adult. She's growing up, making her own choices. You can't control everything, and you shouldn't try to, or you'll just drive a wedge between you."
"He's touching her, taking advantage of her!"
The summer sun beat down relentlessly on the small group, casting sharp shadows that seemed to underline the tension among them. The vibrant greens of the garden foliage stood in stark contrast to the severity etched on Klaus' face as he confronted his sister, Rebekah, whose casual demeanour did little to soften the mood. She rolled her eyes with a mix of annoyance and disbelief, flicking a lock of hair out of her face as she responded.
"They're holding hands, Klaus. He's not exactly ravishing her!" she scoffed, her tone dripping with sarcasm, clearly unimpressed by her brother's overprotectiveness.
Klaus' response was a deep growl, more akin to a wild animal than a man.
"He shouldn't be touching her at all!" he retorted, his eyes narrowing into slits as he glared at Rebekah. His stance was rigid, muscles taut with barely restrained anger, making him seem even more imposing under the bright daylight.
"You need to calm down, and think about this rationally," Damon warned, his voice carrying the weight of reason over the heated emotions. "Do you want to push Maya away?"
"Of course not!" Klaus snapped; the ferocity of his tone slightly diminished as doubt crept into his voice.
"Then calm down," Damon continued, his words smooth and persuasive. "Ronan is a good kid—he's kind and respectful, and he likes Maya. He's not looking to take advantage or score points. They are first and foremost friends." He paused, allowing his words to sink in amidst the chirping of birds and the gentle rustle of leaves. "So, whether this thing between them develops further or fizzles out, the main thing you need to bear in mind is that Maya cares for him."
Klaus seemed to struggle with the logic, his jaw clenched under the glaring sun.
"Why are you so calm and accepting of this?" he questioned, his voice a mix of frustration and curiosity.
"I've had time to get used to it," Damon replied simply, his eyes reflecting a depth of understanding forged by experiences past.
Stefan, who had remained silent until now, added his own piece, his voice lighter but still serious.
"Maggie and Lexi had a talk with him and Narcissa threatened him," he let slip, a hint of mischief in his smile.
Damon scowled at Stefan, but didn't deny that his explanation held an element of truth to it.
"Narcissa is..." Damon started, then paused, searching for words that could possibly encapsulate the formidable witch. He sighed the challenge too great. "She is utterly terrifying. A daughter of the House of Black, cousin to Maya's other godfather, and a distant relative of Maya herself." His voice trailed off as he struggled to convey the sheer intensity of Narcissa Malfoy's presence. "She is hands down the scariest person I have ever met. You'll understand when you meet her," he concluded, his tone suggesting that words could hardly do justice to the reality.
Damon glanced over at Maya, who was still standing hand in hand with Ronan, then stepped closer to Klaus, placing a calming hand on his arm, keeping his tone gentle but firm.
"She's happy, Klaus. Isn't that what we all want for her? To be happy and safe?" His gaze softened, inviting Klaus to see the joy in his daughter's eyes.
Maya, oblivious to the brewing storm, laughed at something Ronan said, her eyes sparkling with youthful exuberance.
Klaus, his features softening, the anger draining out of him sighed and looked away from Maya and into Damon's eyes.
"And you think he's good for her?" There was a vulnerability in his question, a father's concern for his daughter's well-being.
"I do." Damon replied confidently.
He glanced again at Maya, seeing her not as the little girl he needed to protect but as the young woman she was becoming.
Finally, he sighed, his voice barely above a whisper.
"All right. But I'm watching him."
Damon clapped him on the shoulder, a grin breaking through.
"That's fair. And so will we all."
Elijah adjusted the cuffs of his sharply tailored suit with a practiced flick of his wrists before pressing the doorbell of the Gilbert's residence. Jenna, having assured them that Miranda Sommers-Gilbert had recuperated fully and was back from the hospital, had facilitated this meeting. Elijah's intent was clear: to have a thorough discussion with Miranda about the tumultuous events of the past year involving her family, and to outline the debt she and her kin owed to the Salvatores, and more crucially, to him. It was a conversation designed to dissuade her from any rash actions, though Elijah was prepared to intersperse his points with veiled threats if necessary.
Accompanying Elijah was Finn, the calmest and most composed of his siblings, chosen for his ability to maintain a cool head under pressure. Last weekend's events had stirred unrest among them, exacerbated by their failure to pinpoint the mastermind, though suspicions heavily leaned towards John Gilbert. The lack of evidence and his current whereabouts only fuelled their frustration, making today's visit to Miranda a pivotal attempt to find leverage through reasoned dialogue, something they doubted John was capable of.
The door swung open to reveal Jenna, her smile warm and inviting as she stepped aside.
"Please come in, both of you." Her words, while unnecessary for Elijah—who needed no invitation to enter—were nonetheless appreciated, reflecting her support for their cause.
They entered, following Jenna to the living room where familial warmth mingled with a hint of tension. Seated on the sofa were Elena and her adoptive mother Miranda, with Jeremy occupying an armchair nearby. The siblings' reactions varied distinctly: Jeremy echoed Jenna's welcoming smile, while Elena's expression clouded with disapproval. Miranda, caught somewhat off guard, managed a polite but puzzled smile.
"Miranda, this is Elijah and Finn Mikaelson," Jenna announced, her tone suggesting the urgency of the meeting. "They wanted to talk to you, and I thought the sooner the better for everyone."
Miranda's smile fell from her face as soon as Jenna mentioned their names, and a look of cool disdain entered her eyes, telling Elijah all he needed to know. Miranda had clearly been informed of who and what they were.
"You are not welcome in my house." She stated angrily.
"Miranda –" Jenna's attempt to placate her sister was cut short.
"You invited them in! Knowing what they are!"
"They're here to talk Miranda, you should listen to them."
"I have no interest in anything a vampire has to say."
"Judgemental of you." Finn said harshly, Elijah may have overestimated his brother's control on his temper, "Considering it is due to the actions of three vampire that you and your daughter are both standing here today."
Miranda glared at him, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes that told Elijah, she may be aware of them being vampires, but she had clearly got a very one-sided version of events from someone. He was fairly sure who that someone was, as well. He passed an unimpressed lance over Elena, before stepping forward calmly.
"I think, Mrs Gilbert, that you should hear us out before rushing to any snap judgements."
"Miranda," Jenna's tone was sharp and authoritative, "Sit down and listen to them. Please."
Begrudgingly, Miranda stepped back and sank down onto the sofa, Elijah and Finn took a seat opposite them, and Jenna perched on the arm of the chair Jeremy was still seated in.
"Perhaps we should begin with the car accident last year. You and your daughter were pulled out of the car by the Salvatore brothers. If they hadn't been there, or hadn't acted, you would both be dead right now." Eijah stated calmly, leaving no room for argument.
"Neither of them have done anything to harm your family. In fact, they have both gone out of their way on several occasions this year to protect your children and your sister from others who might hurt them."
"Because they want her," Miranda shot back, "because she's the double of their ex, and they see Elena as another chance to be with the woman they love."
Finn shook his head in disbelief at that statement, and Elijah raised an eyebrow, wondering how she had come to that conclusion. What exactly had Elena said to her to make her think that.
"That's not true." Jeremy refuted quietly, preventing the need for Elijah of Finn to do so.
Miranda looked over at him, and then at Elena who blushed slightly under her appraisal.
"Elena may look like Katherine, and Stefan and Damon both dated Katherine before they became vampires, but none of the rest of that is true." Jeremy shot an annoyed look at his sister and explained further, "Stefan might have been drawn to Elena in the beginning, but it never went anywhere and that was Stefan's choice, not Elena's. As for Damon, he has no interest in Elena whatsoever and has never once indicated otherwise."
"Jeremy's telling the truth," Jenna confirmed with a quiet confidence. "As is Elijah. Stefan and Damon saved your lives the night of the accident, and they've saved Elena several times since because they're good people and no other reason than that."
"They're not people Jenna, they're vampires." Miranda retorted, without any real heat.
"They're people, Miranda. You may wish to believe otherwise, but I don't, neither does Jeremy." Jenna sighed, "That's a conversation for later, please continue Elijah."
He nodded and told Miranda the rest of it. That he had been the one to provide the doctor who had awoken her from the coma, and yes, he'd done it when he struck a deal with Elena, but it was still due to him that she was sitting here awake and aware. He explained how it was the Salvatores who had searched for a way to break Niklaus' curse without Elena dying, and had been doing so since they'd learned of it, without being asked.
"… You should be aware Mrs Gilbert. My siblings and I intend to settle in this town, I am having a house built for us, and we will remain living here as members of the community. Just as the Salvatores are doing. We have no intention of harming your family, indeed my brother has extended an offer to your daughter to protect all of you and any future children any of you may have."
"Because he wants her blood." Miranda stated, her earlier anger had drained out of her tone, making Elijah hopeful that they had indeed got through to her.
"That is true." Elijah allowed calmly, "He has extended an offer to her which is more than fair. As well as protection for all of you and future generations of your family. He has offered to pay the college tuition for both your children, purchase a house for each of them when they are ready to move out, and set up a trust fund, that they would be able to live quite comfortably on, or save for any children they might have. All in exchange for Elena donating a bag of blood to him as regularly as is recommended by medical professionals."
Miranda looked quite taken aback by this, clearly another thing Elena had failed to inform her of, or had chosen to mislead her about.
"Considering that Niklaus could compel her to do as he wants if he chose to, the offer he extended is definitely a fair one." Finn added.
She tensed, but nodded, acknowledging that he was correct.
"Fine. Even if I accept everything you've said, which I haven't just yet. Why are you here?"
"To make it clear to you that acting against us would be very unwise. We cannot be killed, not by any means you possess, and it would be the height of foolishness for you to try."
Elijah leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady and unyielding as he addressed Miranda.
"Mrs. Gilbert, understand that our presence in this town is not merely by chance. We have a long history here, and your family now finds itself at the heart of matters that stretch back centuries. We are not adversaries, unless you choose that path."
Miranda shifted uncomfortably, the weight of his words settling around her.
"And what of my daughter's freedom in all this? You speak of deals and protection as if she's merely a pawn in your games."
Elijah's expression softened slightly, acknowledging her concerns.
"Elena's autonomy is paramount to us as well. This offer isn't a shackle but a safeguard. Elena is a doppelganger, that makes her somewhat of a commodity in the Supernatural world. Her blood is a powerful ingredient in spells, and there are many who would seek to use her. We can protect her from that. What we propose is a partnership, one where Elena holds as much power as we do."
Finn, who had been quietly observing, chimed in with a gentle sincerity that contrasted his brother's intensity.
"We Mikaelsons have our faults, but we honour our bonds. Elena will always have the choice to walk away. But with our protection, she—and your entire family—can face these threats with formidable allies by your side."
Miranda looked from Finn to Elijah, her eyes narrowing slightly as she processed their words.
"And what of the other families in this town? The Lockwood's, the Forbes? Are they part of this 'partnership' too?"
Jenna answered before Elijah could, her voice steady.
"Liz, Caroline, Tyler and Mason, are all aware, Miranda. We're all navigating this together. It's not just about the supernatural; it's about community. We're stronger together, and the Salvatores, the Mikaelsons, they're part of that strength now."
Elijah nodded, glad for Jenna's interjection.
"Yes, and it's a community we respect and wish to protect. Our methods may differ, our histories may be complex, but our goals align more than they diverge."
Miranda paused, taking a deep breath as she considered their words. Her gaze lingered on Elijah's face, searching for sincerity. Finally, she turned to look at her daughter, who had been silent throughout the conversation. Elena met her mother's eyes, a mix of apprehension and resolve in her own.
"Elena, what do you think?" Miranda asked, her voice softening. "This is your life, your decision."
Elena straightened her voice clear despite the tension.
"I want to hear more about what they're offering, about what this protection means for me and for Jeremy. I need to understand everything before I can decide."
That seemed to be a dramatic shift in attitude from her, but he could pretend to accept it at face value, whilst maintaining a healthy cynicism.
Elijah nodded in approval his demeanour respectful.
"That's fair. We can arrange for more detailed discussions; answer any questions you have. Transparency is vital."
Miranda stood, her decision clear in her posture.
"Alright. We'll consider your offer. We'll have those talks, and then Elena will decide. That's how we'll proceed."
As they stood to leave, Finn's voice held a note of assurance.
"Thank you for hearing us out. We look forward to finding a path that benefits us all."
With that, Jenna led them to the door, the conversation concluding with cautious optimism, leaving space for reflection and the possibility of a new alliance forming in the shadows of their small, intertwined town.