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thememoriesofaqueen · 1 year ago

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Love Will Remember 5

[Chapter updated in January 2024] A/N: It's been a while since I last updated but I promise you, I haven't abandoned this story. I figured the start of 2024 deserves a fresh little something for all the Kalijah fans. We're still here, even all those years later. <3 I also want to thank you for your continuous support and feedback. It means a lot to me <3

English is not my first language

→ I do not own anything of the TVD - Universe and I’m not affiliated or associated with the writers etc. This is only a headcanon/fanfiction.

Pairings: Kalijah (Katherine & Elijah), Klatherine (allies)

Rated: M

Read on: AO3 and / or FFnet

Word Count: 4k // Masterlist (x)

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She had been thinking about the last night – or rather about the conversation with Elijah – for a long time. He could not remember her and yet her conversation had a quality that she had not felt for a long time.

Of course, it had only been superficial topics. After all, to him, they were strangers and he believed she was just a tourist. And yet he had been earnestly interested in her answers all the time. He was genuinely interested in talking to her, without hoping they would perhaps end up in bed. And one has to believe her when she says this thought isn't uncommon when it comes to men. Men in bars usually don't just gift a drink and start talking if they weren't hoping for something that usually contains a very specific 'something'.

Somehow she felt foolish that she liked this stupid conversation so much. She should not feel flattered that he had noticed her (and not another person in this bar). That he had bought her a drink, something she had never seen him do before. He played for his audience but rarely interacted with them the way he had done with her.

That didn’t mean Elijah was still somehow attracted to you, Katherine. Why should he, he doesn't even remember you!

And yet Katherine was confident enough to believe that her beauty was naturally striking. Why wouldn't it lure a man towards her? Even if they were speaking of Elijah who didn't just follow his basic instincts. But perhaps he does by now. She has no idea, after all, what kind of man he is without his memories.

As much as she resisted, she thoroughly liked that she had been noticed by Elijah. At the same time, however, the pain of their separation flared up again.

So many years had passed and yet the encounter with him triggered something in her. It made her remember what he had meant to her. How he had made her feel.

Memories that should belong in a box, hidden in some kind of cellar.

But she really shouldn’t be sentimental. This was a mission, after all. Speaking of…

There was no way around meeting Elijah again. Even if it was probably better to leave this conversation to be just this one single direct interaction with him, she would most likely not achieve success if she only played the mysterious stranger. Sure, perhaps that would increase Elijah's interest but one cannot be certain. And a pure possibility alone was not enough.

Not when she had Klaus breathing down her neck. Not when there's the possibility that he's watching her. The thought alone made her feel uneasy and caused her to immediately go through her apartment to check if there was anything unusual in there.

She turned each pillow over and even rummaged through her closet just to make sure he wasn’t hiding somewhere. Which, of course, is totally stupid, but her paranoia forced her to.

Under other circumstances, her curiosity about this changed Elijah would not be great enough to accept the danger of Klaus. Under other circumstances, she would run; no matter what Klaus promised her, you could not trust him.

But she knew, was actually pretty sure, that he had a close eye on her. He could even be trusted to monitor her and have some kind of tracker attached to her. After all, he had enough witches under his control who would certainly grant him this little favor. There's no way he would entrust her with something as important as returning his brother to their family without making sure she was supervised the entire time.

It made her want to barf.

Katherine quickly closed all the curtains of her otherwise sunny apartment (call it a useless sense of security) before she sat down and tried to think.

If Klaus wanted to see progress, she needed to be more quick and efficient. Otherwise, she risks getting a visit again which was something Katherine wanted to prevent.

Okay … let's think.

It was really not new to her to pick up and flirt with a man who could be useful to her, and it was usually no problem. But this man of all people was… difficult. They had history and although she didn't want to admit it he still … meant something to her.

Part of the reason why he decided to end their relationship was because he feared she was deceiving him. Which was complete bullshit because she didn't have any secret agenda. He knew what she had wanted, namely his position to work out a deal for her. She never made a secret of it when she decided to contact him.

He did her injustice by accusing her of wanting to take advantage of him and somehow, it had given her some kind of satisfaction to know that despite his beliefs and fears, he was wrong. That she hadn't done anything unrighteousness. That she wasn't as corrupted and ruined as everyone wants to think. That she was worth saving.

But if she does play him now, he would be right. He could obviously not remember but Katherine is sure that at one point, he will. And if that point is reached, he will remember everything. Including how she played him. He would be convinced that he made the right choice, that she couldn't be trusted.

And she couldn't have that.

So think, Katherine. What is something you could do to make progress but which won't let you look like a mendacious person once he remembers? What would make him want to interact with her but wouldn't be too much? What wouldn't be looking manipulative?

It was actually pretty sure that most of the actions had to come from him, because then you could not accuse her of anything.

Even if she could, of course, create an incentive, because there was something that she could certainly take in her hand. Something that would be appropriate and not quite so noticeable that it would seem suspicious.

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The next evening she went back to the bar. She didn’t dress up more than usual, and didn’t wear any extraordinary clothes – she is, after all, not going to a party or trying to seduce anyone. Which meant that her casual clothes had to do. She was just herself, which should be enough. And if she's honest, she still looks better than most visitors in this bar or even in this town.

She ordered two beers at the bar, and despite not being a beer drinker, it was a necessary evil that she had to accept. After all, one had to create a few similarities and she had seen him drinking that brand of beer. Perhaps the desired conversation would be more easy then.

Speaking of conversation: Katherine had tried her best to prepare herself. To settle into her role as a tourist who has never met him before this trip to Manosque. She had thought about practicing her performance in front of a mirror to make sure everything was going according to her plan. She was a 'bit' perfectionist and she didn’t want to have multiple efforts. It had to work perfectly the first time. However, she quickly figured out that this might not be the right approach. It would give her a false sense of security, at least until something unexpectedly happens. Then, chances would be high that it would throw her off track for a few seconds which could be enough for Elijah to note that something was going on.

She had therefore only roughly considered something and decided to improvise the rest which hopefully won't turn out as a mistake.

Until now, however, everything seemed to be going as it had been observed the previous evenings. While Elijah played, she kept herself in the background, trying to not raise his attention just now. Even after she had gotten the beers she had ordered, she waited for Elijah to take a break before she made her way to him. He was sorting through some papers when she showed up next to him, focused on staying calm and not forgetting her role – which was admittedly difficult because he looked forbiddenly dashing in the white Henley he wore.

"Hello."

He looked up in surprise, apparently not having noted her approaching and the hint of a smile played along his lips as he seemed to recognize her.

"Oh, hello." He put the pieces of paper back on the holder of the piano before he stood up from his piano stool to speak to her at the same eye level.

"I brought you something", she handed him the beer in her left hand which he took with one raised eyebrow, probably wondering what the reason for this was. "I wanted to return the favor for yesterday's drink and I hope you accept?" a genuine question because she still found it difficult to assess this new Elijah.

"Why thank you, but you really didn't have to return the favor. I liked doing it, I certainly didn't expect anything in return." He assured her and sounded sincere. It made her wonder what exactly made him want to buy her a drink and even initiate a conversation. She's sure she's not the only frequent visitor/listener in this bar.

"Well, I like to return the favor," she offered him a smile which certainly wasn't a forced smile. Even this conversation somehow felt … natural. "Cheers?" she lifted her bottle and thankfully, Elijah returned the gesture. Both took a sip from their respective bottle whereby Katherine tried to ignore the specific taste of beer which wasn't really to her taste.

That would already be done.

So that no embarrassing silence arose, Katherine resumed the conversation relatively quickly.

"You had to get back to work so fast yesterday," her hand caressed the piano to show what she meant, "That I didn't have any opportunity to even ask for the name of the very generous man who bought me a drink. I hoped to find out today so I could say properly thanks again."

This should be a good start and would also tell her what he called himself. Maybe he had given himself a different name than Elijah. Perhaps he now went by 'Theo' or 'Daniel' or something entirely different.

"You're right. I apologize for not introducing myself, but somehow I didn’t notice." Because interacting with her felt so familiar? Because he somehow knew that they already knew each other? Katherine assumed that she was not going to find out.

He moved his beer to his left hand before he extended his right hand to her. "My name is Elijah."

So it is Elijah after all. Somehow it was nice to see that he kept his name and didn't completely invent himself new.

Her eyes fell on his outstretched hand, which he had given her to greet her.

So far, she had studiously avoided touching him in any way; although touching was the key to creating familiarity, a short touch here, a short touch there. Decent, of course, but people tended to have more trust in a person when you touched them briefly on the shoulder, hand, or upper arm.

It is probably quite obvious why she had avoided this so far. She didn’t want this kind of familiarity, a healthy distance has never hurt and it is better for her.

Nonetheless, it would be viewed as impolite if she just ignored the hand that he had extended to her which is why she took it. His handshake was as she knew him; not lax, but he radiated the authority known from him. Which in this case was probably something he didn’t express consciously.

"Nice to meet you, Elijah." She bit down on her tongue to not add any additional comment such as 'a nice name' and then made sure to let go of his hand as quickly as possible without seeming suspicious.

"And with whom do I have the pleasure?" He, again, sounded genuinely inquisitive about it which suggested that he really didn’t seem to have a clue who she was.

Of course, she knew that this question would come, and it was the logical consequence after being asked his name. Katherine had also thought about it. What name should she give him? The French version of her name? Catherine Pierre? Her original name, the one he always liked to use? Katerina? The name she usually uses? Katherine?

She wanted to lie to him as little as possible, even if the French version of her name was not a lie, after all, there were people who called her that. However, she always kept in mind that one day he would remember everything. To name him another name was therefore not really an option because he would see it as a blatant lie and another reason why she wasn't trustworthy.

So only Katherine and Katerina remained.

Katerina was of course very obvious, it was the name he always chose for her. He met her as Katerina and somehow, that name stuck with him, no matter that she chose to go by a different name by now.

However, there were two good reasons why she would not introduce herself as Katerina.

On the one hand, she had concerns that this name might trigger something in him, maybe he would start to remember completely. He must have recognized something about her, otherwise, she could not explain why he had bought her of all guests a drink. Katherine, however, wasn't sure if it would be good for her if he started to remember. That should be a task his family has to handle, not her as it could come with risks. She had no idea how long Elijah was already in this memory-less state, she had no idea what he had done since then. She couldn't assess how he would react upon starting to remember who he truly was, what he was capable of, and what he might have done since he chose to get his memories erased; perhaps the true reason why he had picked such a drastic decision in the first place would bubble up again and one never knows what the true trigger for that choice had been and what that caused him to feel.

She didn't want to get in the danger zone.

On the other hand, she also didn't want to introduce herself as Katerina as some kind of self-protection. Hearing him say her name like this – although he probably won't remember to roll the 'R' as he used to do – could bring back even more memories and she wasn't sure if she could endure this.

It was surprisingly difficult enough to interact with him because all the interactions or conversations went through her mind hours later. He was a person who was hard to forget because he did hold a meaning to her even though he believed it to be different…

This is why she chose to introduce herself as the person she was, the person she identified herself as: Katherine.

"My name's Katherine." No last name because he also didn't introduce himself with his last name (if he could even remember it).

Not having to mention a surname was also convenient for her as it came with fewer risks. 'Katherine Pierce' might trigger something in him as well, a 'Katherine Pierce' also might be recognized by others because she had no idea what Elijah did when he wasn't in the pub playing the piano. Perhaps he had friends he talked to? If he tells them that he had met a 'Katherine' it wouldn't be as striking as if he tells them he met a 'Katherine Pierce'. Although Katherine didn’t think she was some kind of well-known celebrity, she was cautious about her identity.

"Katherine-" he repeated the name, his gaze still curious on her although she believed he tried to classify the name on his tongue. "-it's a beautiful name."

That comment made her involuntarily smile although she quickly tried to hide that response. Instead, she politely thanked him the way every person would react when receiving a compliment on their name.

"Okay, Elijah." It was strange saying that name out loud again, even more so to say it in front of that man himself. "Now that I know your name, I can again thank you again for the drink. It really surprised me. Positively."

Oh, if only he knew how much she was surprised by this deed.

"It really wasn't a circumstance. Aside from that, it should probably be me to thank you for returning the favor even though I truly had not intended for you to repay me in any kind." A statement that seemed to be important to him because he again let her know that he indeed didn't have any ulterior motives behind buying her that drink.

"Don't worry, I wanted to." Now, how to keep this conversation going? The actual agenda was over. You bought me a drink, I bought you a drink, we’re even now. Topic finished and everyone back to their respective spot.

Only with the difference that their conversation could not stay there. It needed to develop, to move further.

Sure, now would usually be the time to start flirting, which was typically a breeze. A few ambiguous sentences, a glance here, a 'random' touch there. Only with the difference that she did not want this.

It would be a lot easier if he wasn’t Elijah.

"I was wondering…" She chose her words wisely, wanting to push their conversation in the right direction. There was something else she wanted to say but decided against it before the words left her mouth. "how long you're already playing here? I suppose a solo man show is quite rare." Her words were accompanied by a slight smile that might elicit him some secrets.

It caused Elijah to chuckle shortly before he eyed the beer and then returned his gaze back to her, his index finger swiftly scratching over his cheek.

"It's probably no fascinating story. I wanted to visit this town and I came in here to buy a drink. While I was waiting for my drink, I discovered this piano in the corner. It was a bit dusty and covered but somehow I had this desire to play it. It wasn’t exactly polite, but I went over and folded up the key cover, sat down, and started playing. Please don’t think I’m crazy, but there was this connection somehow as if it was meant to be. And the owner of his pub, Baptiste, was impressed by my playing and asked me if I could imagine playing here regularly."

"And so you did," Katherine concluded, still fascinated by the turn of events. She cannot picture normal Elijah wanting to play a shabby piano in a pub and then even agreeing to play regularly in there. He would probably take such an offer as an insult, even if he wouldn't voice it out loud.

"I'm sure you have many fans," Katherine added as she kept her gaze on Elijah. She didn't know why she chose to say this. It was actually rather stupid. Concentrate, Katherine!

The corners of Elijah's lips lifted slightly and he almost looked slightly sheepishly.

"I think people like the music. Although I'm of course well aware people don't come here to hear me play."

Is he really sure about that? Because Katherine knew there was one person in this room that specifically only came here to hear him.

"Well, I can only speak from my perspective. I was surprised to discover life-piano music when I first came to visit. But it was a nice surprise."

The words left her lips fluidly, not giving a hint away that she truly was astounded by the entire arrangement.

She seemed to have flattered him somehow because he did smile again. Not in the polite, casual way; it was a smile that reached his eyes. An honest joy. An expression that she had rarely seen except for the moments they shared a moment.

Somehow she found it adorable.

Damn it.

Was that really necessary?

To mask this confused reaction, she took a sip of her beer and wondered why she a) reacted to him in that way and b) why she acted so awkwardly. She struggled, not being able to lead their conversation anywhere fruitful without having to flirt or without having some kind of non-neutral reaction.

Was it really possible to mess this up so badly?

Sure, she could ask him if he wanted to show her how to play piano but this was neither the right location nor was it the right approach. It would just remind her of certain things plus she was also sure it was no good idea to risk being (almost) alone with him. Although alone time would probably be the key to success, Katherine simply didn’t want to be alone with him.

Surely Klaus would understand.

…

Who does she fool? Of course, he wouldn't.

"Uhm, I don't want to take more of your time…", she started while thinking of a good way to end this conversation before it got awkward but also keeping a door open.

The next question he would certainly misunderstand at the beginning, but nevertheless, a part of her was quite interested to see how he reacted to it.

"I was planning on going out for dinner tonight…" As expected, Elijah seemed to be slightly puzzled about the start of this sentence as his words caused Elijah to tilt his head, apparently seeming like he considered something. It was interesting in a way that he didn't seem to be interested in the potential thought of spending time with her outside this pub. Which she definitely found strange. But perhaps that's only her interpretation because she didn't really want him to consider this some type of date. Before he could voice his objections, however, Katherine quickly raised her hand.

"Oh, no, not what you think. Don't worry." She quickly added that she definitely wasn't asking him out. At least not yet and hopefully never.

"I thought that you might know a good place? I would appreciate a tip."

Elijah was indeed able to make a recommendation, which she took as an occasion to finally say goodbye on the grounds that she was starting to feel hungry and thanks to him, now has the ideal restaurant.

It was hopefully an elegant safe before she found herself in an embarrassing situation although she did ponder if he would have actually declined her invitation if she truly had asked him out. What was the reason for it?

Did he subliminally have a grudge against her? Even if she could not comprehend that, because he has been quite friendly and open-minded towards her so far. Surely he wouldn't initiate a conversation by buying her a drink if he somehow didn't like her.

Or maybe it was something completely different: Maybe more was hiding behind the supposedly unsuspecting facade.

It definitely gave her something to think about as she put the still-half-full bottle of beer on the bar and then proceeded to leave the club.

In the background, the music began to play and as she walked outside, she noticed that he had not answered the one question about how long he had been there. Intentionally or accidentally?

Don't give it too much thought, Katherine. Don't let him drive you crazy.

Even before she had entirely left the club, she had already taken out the phone from her bag to go look for the address of the restaurant although she did not plan on visiting it this evening as she was looking for a different type of meal. Something more nutritious for a vampire. And hopefully also a way of distracting her mind.

While searching for the address on the internet (and its opening hours), Katherine subconsciously noticed a woman who was entering the pub. Katherine didn't really pay attention to that person, despite her instincts telling her that there was something different about this woman in comparison to the usual visitors of this place.

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A/N: Please consider leaving (positive) feedback as it keeps my muse for writing alive. ♥ Remember to stay kind.

#love will remember #lwr5 #tvd ff #tvd #katherine pierce #elijah mikaelson #kalijah

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thefloatingwriter · 2 years ago

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Masterlist

Harry Potter (Marauders):

Ongoing -

All Throughout The Great War (on hiatus; possibly indefinitely)

Summary:

A (mostly) canon-compliant fanfic going from September 1st, 1969, to October 31st, 1981. - "The shrill sound of the train’s warning whistle startles Marlene out of her trance of staring at the Hogwarts Express in wonder; that, and her Aunt Euphemia’s hand enclosing her own and pulling her towards the open compartments, Uncle Fleamont hurrying after them. “Excuse me,” Euphemia says hastily to other family members scattered around the platform. Some were crying, some looked nervous, but others looked positively relieved to be sending their children to Hogwarts. If Mother were here today, Marlene thinks, she would be one of them. That makes her sick to her stomach, and she hastens to the train."

Oneshots -

Do You Think About Heaven? | Emmary, fluff + angst

Summary:

“”-And I just thought you would wanna see it,” Moody finished, handing the photo over, or maybe forcing it into her hands. And she just stares at it. At Marlene’s face, so happy and full of life, something that at the present moment she simply couldn’t have. Lily and James, standing proudly and with huge smiles. Dorcas, with that small smile that she used so rarely in an event that had nothing to do with Marlene. The Prewett Brothers… Edgar, his wife, who was such a wonderful woman, and his children killed alongside him… Benjy Finwick…”

I Stayed There (Dust Collected On My Pinned Up Hair) | Emmary + Wolfstar, angst, major character death

Summary:

The first words Mary ever said one-on-one to Emmeline was, “Why won’t you just leave me alone?” It wasn’t meant for Emmeline, and Mary had apologized profusely for it, but sometimes Em still brought it up. On the days her wife decided to tease her, she would say it to every question Mary asked until she kissed the answer off her lips. Then, Mary had enjoyed it, even if it did get a bit annoying at times. Now, she would do anything to have her wife do that for the rest of eternity.

You're No Good For Me (But, Baby, I Want You) | Quillkiller, angst, major character death

Summary:

After Bellatrix’s death and the Second Wizarding War ends, Narcissa Malfoy finds a box of letters in the Malfoy Manor’s attic as she’s cleaning it out.

Looking Out For You | Angst, pre-canon

Summary:

The first chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone from Minerva's perspective.

Indulging in Cigarettes (And You) | McLupin, marauders era.

You & Me (Infinitely) | McLupin, break up, angst, marauders era, major character death.

Summary:

“Y’know,” he said, and she turned to him. Remus smiled. “I think I’m in love with you.” Marlene grinned impossibly wider, settling back into her seat. “Of course you are. I mean, I am Marlene Mayra McKinnon.” He had laughed at that, grinning. “But, if it means anything to you,” she had started, turning to him and Remus looked at her out of the corner of his eye, “I think I’m in love with you too.” It did mean something to him. It meant everything to Remus.“ - a study of remus and marlene’s relationship over the years.

The Vampire Diaries:

Ongoing -

always remember (the burning embers) | Kalijah, hunger games au, angst.

Summary:

Daphne’s voice comes out after the crowd dies a little. She gives a perfectly white smile and exclaims, “May I present the male volunteer for District Four of the 62nd Annual Hunger Games: Elijah Mikaelson!” If the cheers were booming before, they are ear-splitting now. An older son of a victor, one who has passed his Academy training if the lack of volunteer calling is any indication, and a daughter of another victor, a Bennett girl enrolled in the Academy. This seemed to be wrapping up to be an interesting year after all.

Oneshots -

Suffer With Me | Kalijah, angst, memories, au for 2x1 of tvd.

Summary:

The woman passes the baby to whom Bonnie assumes is her husband. The woman on the bed is sobbing, she can hear that much. The father is taking her child away, out of the door, and out of her life, and the witch can feel her heart breaking in sympathy. The mother’s arms dropped, and Bonnie gasped. With the woman’s face now uncovered, she can see her. ”Katherine,” Bonnie breathed out, and she was falling again. or: What if, when Bonnie touched Katherine’s arm in “The Return”, she was dragged into the doppelgänger’s memories?

(to kiss in cars and downtown bars) was all we needed | Stebekah, fluff, au for 4x12 for tvd.

Summary:

Before he could convince himself out of it again, Stefan found himself saying, “All right, fine, but how do you plan to lure Kol in?” Elena goes on a rant again, and by the time they were done putting the specifics in place, Stefan has everything he needs to put his own batshit insane plan into motion.His was almost as crazy as hers. Almost. As soon as they say their goodbyes and he makes sure he hung up five separate times, the vampire stops revving his engine and vamp speeds to the cellar. Klaus is leaning against the cellar wall, Damon still looking very bored. Clearly, they had not been having a very interesting conversation. ”Klaus,” Stefan said by way of a greeting to either of them. “We need to talk.” or: when elena calls stefan to tell him of her "kill kol" plan, he creates an even worse plan to counteract said plan. of course, this has absolutely nothing to do with a certain original sister. of course not. right?

whether weather be the frost (or the violence of the dog days) | rebekah + elijah, sibling love, au for 1x13 of to.

Summary:

The first thing she noticed was the amount of dead wolves around her. The one who had been breathing down her neck only seconds before was lying next to her on the ground, neck at an off angle. Most of them had their hearts still on top of their chests, and that was what mostly alerted her to the identity of her rescuer. ”Elijah.” or: Elijah chooses to save Rebekah in s1e13

(A Favorite Color) Can Be Very Personal Indeed | rebekah + elijah, kalijah, the mikaelsons have issues.

Summary:

It takes a second for Katherine to respond, which doesn’t help the itchiness under Rebekah’s skin at all. When she finally does speak, it’s not what she had expected at all. “What’s his favorite color?” ”What?”“What’s Elijah’s favorite color, Rebekah?” ”I… I don’t know.” or: Rebekah and Klaus learn things they should have known a thousand years ago and Elijah is confused over how his favorite color matters all that much.

The Hunger Games -

everyone sees it (except for me and you) | Clato, cashbaria, odesta, 5+1 things, canon divergence.

Summary:

“You don’t see it?” Brutus asked after a second of surveying her. Enobaria simply shook her head, now confused herself. ”See what?” Brutus’ mouth now gaped open. “Cato and Clove?” Enobaria was starting to get annoyed, and she showed it by yanking the knife she had thrown out of the dummy particularly violent. “What about them?” she snapped. Her fellow mentor opened and closed his mouth a few times before snapping it shut. Finally, Brutus laughed a little. “You’ll see.” or, 5 times Enobaria doesn't understand what's happening between Cato and Clove, and 1 time she does.

tell my sister don’t cry (and don’t be sad) | Marvel + his sister, angst, 74th Victory Tour.

Summary:

Katniss is just beginning to down her cup when a girl’s voice stops her. “Nice party, isn’t it?” ”It’s certainly something.” The girl laughed, and there was that edge again. “Something, she says,” the blonde murmurs. “Yes, that’s a word for it. A full-fledged murder celebration.” or, Katniss meets Marvel's sister on her Victory Tour.

even here as we are standing now (i can see the fear in your eyes) | my backstory for beetee latier, before his games, during, and after.

Summary:

For just a moment, he was six once again, holding a blood-covered bat as his body shook and his mind raced. He felt the all-too-familiar urge to vomit up his lunch. He did it again. After promising himself he wouldn’t resort to violence again, he had. It was like an addiction—the instinct to respond violently, the animal fear to escape the cycle, the inevitable backslide. The violence grew and grew until it was larger than him; until it was laughable to say that it was a part of him and not outside of him, larger than him, leering above him like an all-powerful deity, laughing as he tries to change himself. You will always fail, they sneer. The cycle will always continue. or, the 40th hunger games; the before, the after, and everything that came in between.

Tales of a Victory | ongoing series about every victor of the hunger games.

Series Summary:

a chronological list of fics for each victor of the hunger games.

#dayne talks #dayne writes #writing #masterlist

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dangerousdarliing · 1 month ago

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Katerina Mikaelson, original vampire. So Katherine married to Elijah, and goes by the name Katerina. Turned into an original vampire by the Mikaelson witches (Freya/Hope). Possibly with Kalijah. Open to timeline. But possibly;

When hell was destroyed, Katherine doesn't die but gets to return to life. She finds Elijah before his death (when Elijah lost his memories) and they start seeing each other again. She helps save Klaus from the Hollow and becomes one of the family.

Cured Katherine meets up with Elijah in New Orleans beginning of The Originals. Helps the Mikaelsons/Elijah win.

#plot bunnies ~ katherine pierce #go live your dream ~ plot bunnies

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imgoingtofreakoutnow · 4 years ago

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Hj Annie, it's me again lol

I wanted to ask for a moodboard with a pride and prejudice aesthetic if possible? My chosen pairing is Katherine Pierce and Elijah Mikaelson. My kalijah babies 😌

-> Pride&Prejudice!Kalijah

#thanks for the ask!#i hope you like it!#i had fun making this #picnic with annie⚘#annie hits 300 #annie's 300 event #kalijah moodboard #ask

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rae-sparda · 4 years ago

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ERASE ME NOT

Notes: Heelloo everybody, this is my first ever one-shot! This was requested by @umaficwriter and it's my first time trying to write angst, or something like it...

All errors are mine! No beta, we die like men!

Hopefully you will enjoy! Happy reading!! :3

Pairing Kalijah; Katherine Pierce x Elijah Mikaelson

After all the trouble she passed through to be free, the last place she thought she would call home, was exactly where she was. Even if she was not welcome, they learned to tolerate her and to grew accustomed with her help. Katherine Pierce was a survivor, a force to be reckoning with, and she proved that to the Mikaelson family, who knew her resources were necessary to protect little Hope.

“I don’t get why you’re angry with me.”

“Katerina... You don’t understand. Despite all the thing I hav-”

“Despite all the things? I stayed by your side through every enemy your stupid family gathered throughout the centuries, I’m here where no one likes me! This family of yours despise me! You sister hates me, Hayley hates me. Klaus looks at me like he’s waiting for the perfect opportunity to kill me! The only person who shows me some kind of compassion, is Hope. Do you really think I’m here because of me? I’m here because I love you!” The stretched silence was deafening enough that the couple heard every member leave the house, leaving them be and while Elijah was petrified, having not anticipated this reaction from Katerina, said vampiress was breathing heavily, replaying their conversations in her head, trying to understand what had led them to this.

“But I guess my love isn’t enough, is it? I’ve stayed here for you, but... If you want me to go, all you have to do is tell me, and I’ll go. But you’re never, ever is going to hear or see me ever again!” Her words cut deep and were final, but even so... Elijah didn’t react. In fact, he was as stoic as ever, his gaze far away. Feeling hurt, the doppelganger nodded her head and gave a step back, crossing her arms, protecting her. “So, Elijah... Should I stay or should I go?” She had promised herself to never feel like this again, especially if the person who was doing it was Elijah Mikaelson. How stupid and naïve she was... His silence was all she needed to understand. His answer crystal clear. Turning around, she took a deep breath and started to walk away, only to stop at hearing his voice.

“Katerina... If you cross the door, it’s over. We’re over.” Looking over her shoulder, she smiled sadly at him, tears glistening in her doe eyes.

“That’s all the confirmation I needed, Elijah.” She brokenly whispered and speed vamped out of the mansion, taking a while to recover from all the pain she was feeling. Deciding enough was enough, she knew what she had to do. Walking to the Rosseau’s, she spotted Klaus fairly easily and went in his direction, seating in front of him.

“Big discussions, Katerina?” He asked venomously, pretending to be worried about her relationship with his brother. Glaring at him, she fought the urge to not throw anything at him and took a deep breath, smiling brightly while getting his glass of bourbon.

“Like you care... But I want a favor. I want you to erase my memory, compel me to forget your family, Elijah, all Originals, anything that remind me of any of you.” The shocked face he got after her request was priceless, but he was quick to hid it, much to her disappointment. Beckoning her closer, he put both hands on each side of her face and didn’t waste any time. Fitting, she supposed.

“You’ve never heard any stories about the Originals and never met them. You think any rumor about them is just a silly story, a myth to scare vampires that lose control. You also never met the Salvatore brothers, Damon and Stefan Salvatore, nor your lovely doppelganger Elena Gilbert. You will never set foot in Mystic Falls ever again and the name Elijah give you this incredible fear that makes you run as fast as possible and never look back. You are Katerina Petrova, who goes by Katherine Pierce these days. You are a survivor and a vampire. You’re free! Go have the world at your feet, Katerina.” Nodding blankly, the girl vamp speed, getting away and leaving the Original Hybrid smiling smugly. He finally got a sort of revenge for her little stunt over five hundred years ago.

#kalijah #katherine pierce #elijah mikaelson #fanfiction #fanfic prompt #one shot #angst

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certifiedceraunophile · 4 years ago

Note

Hello! I’m your Klaroline Swap gifter👀 I am sorry it's taken me this long to reach out but I've finally gotten to it! I am excited to be writing for you and wanted to ask a few questions about your gift. Wanted to know about your all-time favorite tropes and side pairings? Any Caroline friendships you like? Any tropes or pairings you don't like? Any pet peeves with KC fic? Any smut preferences? Anything you especially want to see or any info you'd like me to know? Hope you have a great day!💖

Heyyy!! Thank you for sending me this ask, and please don't apologize, it’s all good 💖 I hope you're having a great day too! So I’ll just jump in and answer all your questions ✌🏾✨

I am so so sorry it got this long, like so long, I really tried to condense it, but I have no concept of short and concise so now I have to put this below a cut 😭🙃😭

All time favourite tropes:

[see here's the thing I dont exactly *know* what tropes are so I'm just gonna yeet a bunch of HIGHLY specific prompt-thingies that make me tingle at you and you can do w them what you wish- like take out certain parts you want to use, or base other tropes off of them anything you wish really, even if you choose to ignore all of them I won't be holding it against you dw!]

Ok so I love love the "I was just captured by the bad guys and very harshly uh demanded to sell you out, but I didnt, bc even though I might posture like you’re the scourge of the earth and would gladly see you dead, I in fact, do not want you dead and will therefore not be selling you out and will handle mild -emphasis on mild please do not hurt either of my babies too much- torture instead and oops! look at that, you just overheard this exact exchange where I stand my ground and refuse to betray you, and now you’ve gone feral over your loyalty kink and are spouting promises of never letting go of me, which honestly I cannot bring myself to be mad at."

I love love love the forced bedsharing trope which then leads to accidental cuddling, where one party [caroline] is just very very annoyed that their body sought the warmth of a cockroach fucknugget being [klaus] and the fucknugget party is just very very smug about being the other party's personal space heater, and nuzzles them and cuddles tighter and asdfghjkl I'm getting tingly just thinking about it, and like says w a husky sleepy voice “don't move” and cuddles closer. jfc please I’m a basic bitch with very basic wants.

I absolutely LOVE the "we work on opposite enemy sides, but now we have to band together to defeat one common enemy and honestly I am NOT glad that I constantly wanna throw you against a wall, and not all reasons for said wall-throwing are strictly to inflict violence on you."

I also LOVE the "fuck youre bleeding/hurt/injured and fucking hell I dont know why my hands are shaking while I attend to your wounds but god it is, and now I'm not sure exactly how deep you've furrowed into my heart and stuck yourself there like a dickheaded leech."

Now I feel like I have given you many tropes, but I also feel like i didnt in fact help you at all, bc I'm not sure these are uh tropes?? but anyway those are some highly specific...scenes?? I have a very deep bias for

[you obviously dont HAVE to write ANY of them if you dont want to]

And also if I had to give you a clear cut trope to follow, I absolutely LOVE the enemies-to tentative allies-to lovers trope, in which one party is just working really really hard to get to the lovers part, and the other is working really really hard not to get to the lovers part, but caves later on, bc really the fucker grows on you. [Featuring Klaus as the "high key besotted already pursuing Caroline"-person, and Caroline is the "I am very very annoyed w this wooing, but I am more annoyed this wooing is working"-person. And also, I like my Klaus E V I L, But really really really *soft* for Caroline.]

Also if by tropes you meant settings, Like AU's, literally anything works, I have a personal bias for Crime AU's when it comes to enemies to lovers, and Canon is the ultimate enemies to lovers AU, but honestly you can use which ever one you want, I am not entirely sure myself if I have a specific preference here, AH, Fantasy, Supernatural, Scifi, it's all good.

[I however am not extremely fond of Historical Settings]

Again you are not required to follow any of these tropes at all if you don't wish to, I just require you to have a lot of fun writing and love the beauty you write yourself first!

Side pairings:

Ok I LOVE me some Kennett [kol + bonnie] but I also LOVEEE kolenzo [Kol and Enzo], I also am extremely just *heart eyes* at Bonenzo [Bonnie + enzo], but I absolutely DIE for Kennettzo [which is OT3 of Kol Bonnie and Enzo]

Kalijah is also a-ok w me, and I feel like I dont have any other side pairings I'd like die to see I guess. If you choose not to go with these side pairings its perfectly alright.

Caroline Friendships:

Ok this I can answer without rambling like an idiot, I love love love love :

Bonnie + Caroline [like i love this so much it physically hurts me, they both deserve so so so much better]

Kol + Caroline [I will literally touch a frog, and I have a phobia of frogs, to have one full conversation w these two idiots]

Enzo + Caroline [Honestly enzoline brotp makes me wanna sob happy tears bc they are so perfect together]

Katherine + Caroline + Rebekah [bad bitch meets head bitch meets super bitch, what could possibly go wrong]

Tropes and Pairings I dont like:

NOTPS:

Kolvina, stebekah, delena, stelena, datherine, steferine, Haylijah, Marcel+Rebekah, Matt+Rebekah, Bamon, Kai+bonnie, beremy.

And I think that's about it? mostly I just hate elena stefan damon and hayley and I am not fond of them w anyone, I hate all canon Rebekah relationships, and I dont like seeing Bonnie with anyone other than enzo or kol.

Tropes:

I am totally not fond of the Kill Liz for plot reasons trope, like seriously killing Caroline's mom is not ok w me, but I am totes fine if she's like already dead as part of Caroline's backstory, just don't show me Liz dying in the story as a part of the plot.

Any form of sire-bond-y or like sire-bond adjacent or like any form of deal/bargain/agreement that gives Klaus even a tiniest bit of power over Caroline's free will and choices, is just not for me, like at all, no matter how well it's done, I can't stand it.

not fond of any form of prisoner/hostage tropes, like klaus kidnapping caroline or caroline kidnapping klaus and holding each other hostage and stuff like that.

Death as a plot point doesnt work for me? and really I'd prefer if there were no major character deaths at all.

Friends to lovers trope is not for me, childhood friends to lovers trope is definitely not for me.

I don't like any sort of redemption arc really, anything that starts with Klaus as a “bad” dude and ends with him being a relatively “good” dude is not for me.

Any form of infidelity, like ofc especially in between Klaus and Caroline is just [shudder] hard pass, but like I also hate it when Caroline or Klaus cheat on anybody at all.

Also all the tropes and like themes I'm not comfy w that I mentioned in my original Gift Request still stand.

KC Pairing Pet peeves

ok This I can answer easily bc I have like a FEW,

I hate a woobified Klaus so much, like so much, I hate all TO!Klaus characterizations but this one is the worst, absolutely not here for it, I am not here to feel sorry for this mf I want to feel really deliriously GIDDY at how evil he is and how whipped he is for Caroline, but like concentrating on Klaus's manpain is not something I really wanna read.

Caroline excusing Klaus's bullshit, or like being a push over-y “it's ok, I understand why you did it” person is not for me, bc she never was one to begin w, she never did rationalize or justify Klaus's behaviour, she always held him accountable and told him what a difficult son of a bitch he is every chance she got.

I don't like arcs where Caroline is Klaus's redemption? like Caroline bringing Klaus into the "light" or whatever I am not here for it, like at all, I like Klaus staying evil while being endlessly in love with Caroline, and Caroline being able to be w a man she knows is a selfish evil ruthless grade A asshole, but will literally also choke himself to death for Caroline, cuz the man is whipped as fuck.

I also absolutely am not a fan of arcs where like Caroline remains "pure" or whatever, like that's just not for me, I am totally fine, actually MORE than fine for ruthless Caroline who is willing to do deplorable shit to get to her goal and protect her people, like Caroline being extremely almost evilly pragmatic just gives me a boner, and pretty sure gives Klaus one too. Klaus "protecting" Caroline's so called innocence is uh off putting for me personally. And her remaining this pure white light princess of good and Klaus being attracted to the *good* in her is um, nope.

Smutty Preferences

Honestly I’m very easy when it comes to smut [and u totally dont have to write me any if you dont want to]

I do not like:

non con/dub con, anal sex, Strict and/or elaborate Bdsm themes, [light undertones are ok], drunk sex, sex that’s basically infidellity [like caroline/klaus cheating on someone else w each other] , gagging, choking, Extremely rough emotionless sex, sex as a bargain, or as a part of a bargain.

Smut preferences:

I like reading oral sex, especially Klaus going down on Caroline

light bondage like being tied up [either Klaus/Caroline I enjoy both]

Sex toys are really really good, like love reading Klaus using one on Caroline, or Caroline using one on herself and Klaus watching

I do have a special love for praise kink, especially Klaus being really just in awe of Caroline during the do and expressing it uninhibitedly

Dirty Talk is GREAT

I enjoy both Klaus and Caroline in a dominant role, but I usually love it when both of them share the dominance equally, I’m just not into “Yes master” and “Yes mistress” level of dominance. I guess the word I’m looking for is Vanilla dominance lmao.

Bloodplay is also great if they're vampires.

And Klaus and Caroline leaving marks on each other is *swoon*.

I love reading possessive!klaus and possessive!caroline in equal measure so really your choice.

Hot and Dirty sex with a an undercurrent of emotion and devotion, want and need and all that nice stuff is great!

But I do have a list of words I’m not really a big fan of coming across when I’m reading smut:

Any word for vagina that’s not wetness, or folds or lips, is squicky, cunt is not a problem, pussy however is squick.

Clit is clit; little nub, bundle of nerves, all of that makes the med student in me really anxious lmao.

Any word for Cock that’s not cock is squick.

Juices, cream, semen are squicky, I just prefer come or release.

Ok these are seemingly innocent words but moist, engorged, gaping, drooling, sopping are not words I like seeing in context of smut.

So yeah that’s about it, I know hi, it’s been what, eleventy bajillion years since the beginning of this ask, I am so so so sorry for being this difficult, and really, LIKE SERIOUSLY, except for my squicks you are more than welcome to just skip past everything else, since I’m not really that hard to please, as long as the no-no’s are not there in what I read and the dynamic I asked for is even just vaguely followed I will be really really really happy and really I just want you to have fun writing whatever you feel like cooking up, I’m superrrr excited to see your interpretation of my request!!!

[Also Please please send me another ask clarifying you got my answer and also telling me I haven't frightened you with this long ass rambling list of okay’s and no-no’s bc honestly I am just anxiously debating if I should answer this ask like this or yeet half of it and vaguely rewrite the answer.]

Hope you have a great day lovely!! I am once again sorry for being this difficult. ✨💖🤝🏾

#kc sweet swap #anon ask

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jamsudreams · 4 months ago

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I’m With You Chapter 8

Story Summary: Set in 2x02 but instead of Damon finding Caroline Klaus does.

Read in AO3

#kc fanfiction #klaroline fanfic #klaroline fanfiction #klaroline au #klaroline fic #possible katholine friendship #not sure yet #minor kolvina #minor kalijah

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umaficwriter · 4 months ago

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Champagne Problems

Summary: my Kalijah Christmas take this year!

Notes: I’ve started this in September and hopefully I’m posting this before Christmas Eve. Enjoy!

P.S: this will soon hit ao3 and ffnet as well ;)

Disclaimer: TVD isn’t mine, but I wish Kalijah were.

///

The night was clear and calm. In complete contrast with his chest, that grew nebulous and rebellious by the minute.

The train was quiet as its occupants let themselves rest lulled by their hopes and dreams, incopable of seeing the mask behind the man.

Elijah was crestfallen. His brain numb of its synapses and his heart long hollow.

The solitude and silence only closed in the train metal walls around him.

He did not want to see anyone, nor be alone either, tho. He wasn’t sure which was worse: watching his family celebrating the new year approaching, laughing despite the terrible scene just days prior, or the quietness of strangers unaware of his hurting, of his future crushed before his eyes.

Sighing heavily he fished from his jacket pocket a folded piece of paper.

His fingers trembling as he unfolded it in the low light offered by the moon, as the train followed his destiny.

The kind brown eyes stared back, immobile, incapable of showing anything but affection.

The slight smile he’d loved so much - and still does, for it was too soon to simply forget it - was a sign of mockery now. How could you even consider the possibility of she saying yes? How had he missed the signs?

The long neck and perfect sculptured face only made Elijah want to throw the photograph away and with it the feelings he harbored for her.

He had shown her his secrets, delivered his heart, bruised, beaten black and blue, she’d dropped it. Glass shattered on the white cloth, dripping blood in its wake.

///

The decorations shone to their maximum. Mistletoes strategically placed gave, every now and then, chance to see one of the couples present kissing swiftly. Ornaments made the Mikaelson manor even more beautiful, garlands hand made by Caroline impressed the invitees and stockings adorned the fireplace waiting for their owners to come proclaim their contents.

Said blonde smiled brightly when her oldest brother in law closed the velvety ring box.

“Oh My God!” She neared bounced on her feet, although still aware of her ever growing baby bump.

Elijah smiled down at her “do you think she’s going to appreciate it?” He questioned.

Caroline smiled from ear to ear “she’s going to be thrilled! Katherine trully loves you, Elijah,”

His first idea was to invite Caroline to come purchase the ring with him, no one better to help you choose than your lover’s best friend, right? Albeit, at the last minute he shied away from the idea, choosing to adjust his mother ring instead.

Katherine had a difficult past. Coming from Bulgaria at a young age, she and her twin, as soon as they set foot in America, were stroke by tragedy, when their parents died, leaving them alone in this world, except for their tutors. Giusepe and Lilian Salvatore.

Both parents of Stefan and Damon weren’t much loving, nor with their own, neither with the girls. Hence his future fiancée not feeling belonging to a real family in a long and torturing time. And he was the one who wanted to assure his Katerina that she would be his family. From now on. Always and forever.

So, with his mom’s ring in his pocket, he welcomed family and friends as they gathered around the house for Christmas dinner.

///

“And you think he’s going to propose?” Elena asked her sister as both were tapping the finishing touches in their make up.

Katherine stopped on her tracks, eyes fixiated on the mirror ahead, gazing at her twin through the reflection.

“Why’s that face, Kath?”

Elena also stopped applying her makeup, approaching her sister, downing herself on the bench in front of the vanity mirror, their shoulders bumping.

“Hey,” she tried.

‘I don’t think I’m ready,” she confessed

Elena shook her head “and where’s that idea coming from anyway? You practically live together already,”

“It’s an enormous commitment,” Katherine stated matter of factly

Elena only rolled her eyes “duh, and isn’t that exactly how people end up after a long term relationship? Married?”

“Yes, but-“

Elena rolled her eyes at her copy and got up going back to her previous task.

“Katherine, you’re going to be fine!” She looked back but her sister wasn’t staring.

“Elijah loves you, it’s only natural he’s planing on doing it,”

And she knew as much.

They had talked about it. Kind of.

Elijah was a family man.

She’d known jt from the very beginning.

They had bonded over the years, while his siblings and the Salvatore’s became friends alas she and Elena.

Elijah was the oldest Mikaelson. Always taking care of his brothers and sister, being there for them, holding his family together through thick and thin.

And then she came into his life and he did the same to her.

Showed her true love, held her, walked her through the learning process of loving someone…

Or so she thought.

She did love him. She was only… broken. Incapable to grasp the possibility of building a family, of being part of something that wasn’t fragmented.

Elijah’s touch was Midas’ like, everything turned into gold wherever he went. Their friends appreciated his compassion as well as his humbleness, his loyalty and dignity. He was a true gentleman, a good friend, fervent lover, and Katherine was sure he would be an amazing uncle/ godfather, and when the time came, he would be an incredible dad, treasuring an amazing family.

Only not with her.

She liked things the way they were now. Katherine wasn’t a fan of changes and thought better for them to stay together, although as it is now.

He, on the other hand, couldn’t wait for her to be his wife.

He was nervous. Has been for the past weeks. This night would be the one where his life would change for the better . He would propose to the woman he loved for years now, and if everything went according to plan, they would be married already around this time, next year.

“Hello, handsome,” Katherine greeted as she approached her boyfriend in the parlor.

Elijah took a moment to admire her before taking her hand in his, kissing the back of it. Act he usually did when they were on a more formal occasion, but she appreciated it nonetheless.

“You look ravishing, as always, my Katerina,” he complimented admiring her deep red dress and lips. Her nails were painted a nude color, thing he commented on because it wasn’t usual for her. Did she know what were his plans for the evening? Only Klaus and Caroline knew so far, less people knew, less chance of screwing the surprise.

“Oh,” she casually analyzed her nail polish, the other hand on her waist “just went for a change, I guess,”

Nodding, Elijah smiled and softly kissed her lips, whispering sweet nothings in her ear and kissing just below it before parting

“I love you, Katerina,” came his confession, eyes shining. He could go down on one knee right then and there, but some people were yet to arrive and he wanted everyone to witness this special moment.

Catching the different glint in her lover’s eyes, Katherine tilded her head in questioning, but chose to respond with a chase kiss instead, her hands coming to rest on Elijah’s upper chest.

Little did they know it would be their last kiss in a while.

///

Christmas songs chimed in the background, lights twinkling while animated chatter filled the Mikaelson manor with the holiday sprit, it was a happy moment in the lives of all involved and Elijah contemplated his love while she talked with her best friend, Caroline, her twin beside them trying to hear the baby inside the ever growing baby bump his sister-in-law would carry around ‘till February, Hope would be born a spring baby, just like her mother, apparently.

He couldn’t help but think that a couple years from now it would be him and Katherine going through something similar.

Smiling over his wishful thinking, he caught his sister calling everyone to enjoy dinner.

After that, he, Katherine, as well as the Salvatore’s, miss Bennet, and his family were gathered around the grand room. Some standing by the window, Caroline and his brother sharing whispers in the couch beside his sister and Stefan.

Katerina stood lonesome by the giant tree in the corner of the room. The fireplace offered a hue that made her ethereal, an angel set ablaze within his darkest hour.

He idolized her, loving her so profoundly it crushed every turbulence away. With that in mind, he crossed the room calmly but purposefully, stopping beside her.

“Katerina,”

The smile she offered him made him melt all over, she was beautiful.

The man’s hand touched hers, bringing it to his lips, the gesture conducted a smile to appear in the woman’s face.

“What was that for?” She questioned. Elijah has always been affectionate, gentle, tender even, but tonight he seemed to exaggerate. It felt like he wanted to say something but was holding back.

Shrugging dismissively he shook his brown-haired head.

“You should know that from the moment I saw you, I knew I had to have you,” he took a deep breath and Katherine kept smiling at him, her hand interlaced in his.

“I’ve never thought I’d find love, less so in my early years of life but you were there, beautiful, outgoing, fearless,” his eyes shone as he recalled their early days “the complete opposite of myself, but precisely what I needed…”

It was then Katherine realized the chatter in the room had died down, side glancing she noticed her friends and Elena watching them expectantly. Rebekah even had a champagne bottle in hand.

Katherine knew very well where this was going.

“Katerina-“

“I need for you to stop right there,” her eyes locking with his “please…”

Elijah nodded although confused.

Her hand’s dismantled themselves from his grip, the brown pools shining with bright water crystals, whose reflected Elijah’s hurt. Before she proffered anything, he already knew her answer.

It hurt.

It hurt her deeply injuring him in such a way. But she could not, for the life of her, commit to marriage.

She would’ve made such a lovely bride, an alluring wife. What a shame she was fucked in the head.

“Katerina…” his plea crushed her a little more and the waterfall created itself smearing her makeup. Elijah’s orbs begged for her not to do this.

Everything happened so fast, at the same time it seemed to take forever.

She dropped his hand.

No one celebrated no more. An unsettling stillness hung in the air as the clock stroke twelve.

Twirling on her heels, Katherine left him standing, depraved from her warmth, the front door opening and closing, a sound that would hunt him for years from now.

///

The Fourth of July came and went quickly for everybody but Elijah.

Katherine had asked for Elena to gather her things at his condo and when he tried to talk to Elena, convince her to convince her sister to at least, talk to him - she owes me that much, I’ve dedicated years of my life, my heart and soul and she simply turned me down without any explanation whatsoever? I deserve to know why! - and the younger twin agreed, but there’s nothing in heaven or hell to bend her sister’s will.

That was how it ended.

Elijah couldn’t conceive his life nowadays. A year ago he was cheering, drinking, spending the day in bed making love to the woman he thought he would’ve spent the rest of his life with.

Now everything had been shattered, fireworks that faded right before his eyes, transforming themselves in lightning, scaring away his hopes and dreams.

///

November flushed her cheeks as the snow constantly fell at her backyard.

Katherine breathed deeply, the cold air engulfing her insides, her skin prickling with goosebumps as she closed her eyelids.

Fall had always been exciting. It was her favorite season, after all.

She closed the flannel tighter remembering easier times, when that same back porch witnessed languid kisses, sweet promises, adoring glances and such a deep, heartfelt feeling she thought she would say ‘yes’ when the time came, instead she’d lacked words, her courage down the drain, melting just like this white sea would a couple months from now.

Being with him wasn’t encloustrating, being inside her head otherwise…

She felt like she could burn from the coldness of not touching him no more.

Her head spinning with so many conclusions, so many convictions that served her nothing but increasing her anxiety.

Could’ve been this, that made her say nothing? Made her walk away?

So many tears and years denying she had a problem, champagne problems they would say…

Katherine was broken.

Damaged.

But Elijah had seen something inside her eyes. He had burnt himself inside the hellfire that was her mind.

Forcefully wiping her tears away, she took a deep breath. There wasn’t an easy way out of this. In fact, she’d already copped out when she left the manor at Christmas Eve, and then again when she had her sister grab her things at his house, instead of growing herself a nerve and doing it by hererlf.

But it would’ve been too hard… seeing the pain inside his chocolate pools, knowing she had been the one who caused it.

And even if she ran to him right now, they would never be the same.

She’d bet her life that Rebekah said she was fucked in the head, that she was an egoistical bitch, and that her brother was better off.

Katherine had broken them up.

She was to blame.

But someone also was to blame for her being like this. Her disability for commitment wasn’t born with her, one could call it trauma, genetics… somehow she turned out this way.

///

December entered the calendar and slowly turned itself into Christmas lights, peppermint candies, Santa hats and tall, tall Virginia Pines.

Like a problememwtic child, it screamed inside Elijah’s head: a year since..

Shaking his head he gathered his things and left for the living room, where his family talked loudly, all probably spoiling Hope rotten.

Caroline and Klaus were so, so lucky. Not only because their daughter was healthy, gracious, perfect, but also ‘cause they had reached this far.

It made Elijah wishful thinking on how would’ve beens, on how she was feeling now…

A year had passed by and it still hurt. Less so than it did before, but the sting was there, knocking on the walls of his heart, screaming, begging for him to let go, to try once more calling her, to ask Elena again, to ask Caroline how she was in Japan, and f she would be back for New Years' Eve.

Yes, she couldn’t’ve left the message clearer. She desired to be, to exist as far away as geographically possible from him, from his stupidi ring, from his stupid habit of keeping a picture of her in his wallet.

He wished he could deem it champagne problems, and just like the bubbles when you swallowed ‘em, Elijah wished she would disappear from his mind.

Watching his family brought some comfort though, their smiles, the hugs they shared, the cheers as Hope distracted all of them with her toddler mannerisms… it was the bits of magic his life lacked nowadays.

She backing out from his proposition he could, painfully understand. After all, he had met Katerina when she was pretending to be strong, but feeling the complete opposite. And he saw it.

He saw her.

Not the tough girl act, not the barriers she’d built around herself.

Elijah had seen her for the sensitive person she was, the one who was never introduced to real care, the one who was loyal, sexy, funny, sassy, talented…

Back then Katherine lived in a world where only her mind existed, a castle whose walls were so high, one could never enter and she wouldn’t be able to leave.

And he knew she knew he had put it down.

Only for her, years later, put it back up as soon as he proposed.

He would like to understand, fully what was on her mind. But he wasn’t a masochist, he wouldn’t go after her just to receive radio silence. If she didn’t want to marry him, he couldn’t force her to.

Happiness wasn’t something he felt much these days, but he held onto his pride, or at least the bit that was still there.

///

Next December was born in a colder than usual weather, still, Elijah held Gia’s hand tighter as he knocked at the Salvatore house’s front door.

Stefan welcomed them, while the others gathered around the living area. It wasn’t Christmas yet, but the place was decorated to the nines. The tree in the far corner near the fireplace ablaze, many gift boxes that he was quite sure had his niece name on them, after all, the friends liked to spoil the younger Mikaelson.

“Elijah, Gia, hi!” Elena greeted them animatedly, side hugging her ex-in-law and greeting Gia with a proper hug.

Family and friends were acquainted with his girlfriend of six months now, Gia Mohan. a lawyer he had worked with a couple years back and had reencountered last January.

She was funny, outspoken, polite, beautiful, a great professional and Elijah could say he felt happy again, after a long time.

Gia was just making small talk with Elena about her engagement ring - Damon had proposed just a month ago -, when they heard yet another knock at the door.

He figured they were all here already and technically they were, so imagine his surprise when at turning around, he caught Elena letting out a yelp that caught everyone’s attention and hugging her twin sister by the door.

“Oh my God! You came!”

And for Elijah it was like time had stopped.

Notes: is it over now? will come soon

#kalijah #katherine pierce #elijah mikaelson #katerina petrova #the vampire diaries #tvd #katherine x elijah #nina dobrev #kalijah au #daniel gillies #kalijah fanfic #champagne problems

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klaroline-fantasies · 5 years ago

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I’m almost finally seeing my way in my writing. I’m trying to plan it out as best as I possibly can. Here’s my plan.

So right now I’m working on three stories:

My first season of The Originals

Kalijah Short Story

And Re-writing & finishing Revenge.

So here’s my thinking.

If I can finish the kalijah short story, I can publish it while working on the re-write and finishing up of Revenge and working on The Originals. If i can somehow finish Revenge before finishing the first season of The Originals, I can have the The first season publishing while I’m re-plotting and writing season 2 of the Originals and work on finishing up HEA. (which would be about 2-3 chapters) but I decided that I’ll re-write HEA before finishing it up (which wont be much work because most of the chapters aren’t that long) and there’s going to be a sequel but i wont start or publish it until I can see my way where my writing is concerned. So while Season 2 Of The Originals is in the works, i should only have Senior Year to finish up. Once I re-write and finish up that story, I can go on to starting some of my ideas I have packed away in my folders and plot bunnies that I wanna work on.

Like for example

Yall remember the oneshot Silenced by Darkness? I wanna do a sequel to that. If you wanna know the vybe of that sequel, it’s gonna be similar to Her Deepest Desires. It’s gonna be in the same timeline too so :D

I have this Snow White story idea I had but it’s not what you think it might be. Basically it’s amnesia/witch thing that was meant to be a oneshot, but some wierd reason I got like three chapter plots for it so who knows, might be a very short thing.

I have this bollywood themed story that was intially meant to be a klaroline story but its heavily more kalijah than anything so i might turn it into a kalijah story.

I have this Possession story thing I have been working on for years. I havent finished off a guideline for it yet but basically Caroline is being posessed by a greek goddess, she’ll be raising people from the dead, it’ll be a whole thing.

And during all those different things, I got a bunch of oneshots that I started that id like to finish.

Oh, and for some wierd reason, I got super obsessed with Pheobe and Coup from the last season of Charmed so I wrote a klaroline version of it. It’s not finished and it was meant to be a oneshot, but it got like 27k of words so might be a short story or something.

Here’s the kicker....

I wanna do all of that for 2020.

Plus I wanna do a mates thing and another porn star thing.

Yea, wish me luck!

#mine #mywriting #klaroline #i blame the fandom #yall give me too much ideas #i have an overactive imagination #what you think gonna happen when you put those two together

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originalhybridloverfics · 6 years ago

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Good to You Ch19

A/N: I want to take a moment to discuss a few things regarding the story. One this story is not going to follow all of season one, I might use some of its themes but I’m to veer away from canon when the truth about the babies is revealed.

Secondly, Katherine and Stefan are going to have a bigger role to play in the story eventually.

And last this is primarily a Klaroline story but the side pairings will be Stebekah and Kalijah.

Warning: This chapter has smut

300 years ago, Klaus and his siblings helped build New Orleans. In their absence, a new king arose. Now Klaus returned and taken Marcel's kingdom as his own. Klaus had hoped this would bring his family together. He was wrong.

Caroline sat tensely at the head of the long dinner table in the courtyard of the compound. She felt like she was surrounded by enemies on all sides. Being surrounded by Marcel’s inner circle around the table, it was reassuring to feel Klaus’s presence just behind her, she glanced at Hayley at the opposite end of the table, not looking too pleased to be there. Klaus reached around her, grabbing the fork next to her, calling for everyone’s attention by tapping his glass with it. “Let us begin with a toast to our shared gift: immortality. After a thousand years, one might expect life to be less keenly felt, for its beauties and its sorrows do diminish with time. But, as vampires, we feel more deeply than humans could possibly imagine.” His hand landed on Caroline's shoulder and she glanced up at him, catching his eyes. “Some more than others.” Klaus pulled his gaze from her and gestured toward a group of waiters and waitresses and they stepped forward joining them at the table, one for each guest. Caroline swallowed hard, she was slowly realizing sometimes bloodshed couldn’t be avoided but that didn’t mean she wanted to feed off of innocent people. She looked down when Klaus’s hand moved in front of her as he produced a glass, she could see was already filled with blood. She felt a small smile tug at her lips, appreciating that he knew she didn’t wish to take part in drinking from innocents. She accepted the glass, her fingers brushing against his.

Klaus faltered for a moment at the simple touch, before straightening his shoulders and focusing back on his speech. “Insatiable need, exquisite pain…” The servants slit their wrists with knives, filling the cups with blood for the vampires. “Our victories, and our defeats.” Klaus continued, turning his gaze to Marcel. When Marcel met his gaze he thought about the last time he saw Rebekah.

“You can't afford your wounded pride. With Klaus in control of your empire, you need to give him what he craves most: loyalty.” Rebekah stressed. “Or, at least, the illusion of it.” “I took his girl. I ambushed him, tried to bury him alive.” Marcel pointed out. “He's not gonna trust me.” “He will, because he wants your allegiance,” Rebekah replied. “Speaking from my experience, I know that if you play the part, all is forgiven. But, if you give him any reason to doubt you, he will strike back.” Rebekah took Marcel’s hand in her own. “Make me a promise, Marcel. You will do whatever it takes to stay alive.”

“...To my city, my home again. May the blood never cease to flow…” said Klaus. “...and the party never end!” Marcel finished. Diego watched Marcel with judging eyes.

“I just don't get it, man. We would've stayed with you to the end.” Diego argued, looking at Marcel like he couldn’t possibly understand how his friend could have doubted how far they were willing to go. How far he was willing to go for him. “Letting you do that would have been letting you die, and you're still my people,” argued Marcel. “Now, just follow my lead. Trust me, it ain't over yet.” Diego wanted to trust Marcel but he was no longer sure it was the right move.

Diego raised his glass. “To New Orleans.” “To New Orleans!” Klaus echoed, his voice echoing through the courtyard. “To New Orleans,” Caroline murmured looking at every face seated at the table. How the hell was she supposed to remember every vampire who came through here? “New Orleans.” everyone echoed, raising their glass, all drinking. Caroline lifted her glass to her lips but the moment the blood touched her tongue, she had to bite down on her cheek and breathed deeply. It wasn't human blood in her glass. It was Klaus's. She would know the taste of his blood anywhere. She glanced at Klaus and saw him watching her, his lips tugging up into a tiny smirk and she quirked one perfect brow at him in response as if to say ‘really?’. His eyes only sparkled with mirth in response. More than one throat cleared, pulled their attention away to see the occupants at the table, looking at Klaus expectantly. Klaus cleared his throat, focusing back on all his guest. “I understand that some of you may have questions regarding the recent change in leadership, and I invited you here tonight to assure you that you are not defeated. No, my intentions moving forward are to celebrate what we have. What Marcel, in fact, took and built for this true community of vampires.” “What about her?” asked Diego, pointing toward Hayley. “The wolf?” “Had you'd let me finish, Diego, you would know that there is, of course, one further matter I would like to address.” he extended his arm, gesturing to Hayley at the opposite end of the table. “As many of you know, the girl is carrying my children. Consequently, I trust you will all pay her the appropriate respect. However, I understand that some of you are concerned by this vicious rumor that I intend to use the blood of our children to create hybrids. I assure you I do not.” Hayley smirked sarcastically. “Father of the year.” Every New Orleans vampire seated a the table looked highly doubtful. “It appears I will have to earn your trust,” Klaus commented, observing their lack of belief. “Very well, we'll eliminate the root of your anxiety. You see, how can I sire any hybrids if there are no more werewolves alive in the bayou to turn?” Caroline’s eyes widened as Hayley exclaimed. “What? Klaus, no!” Klaus, however, ignored Hayley. “So-- eat, drink and be merry. And, tomorrow, I suggest you have yourselves a little wolf hunt. Go ahead, have fun. Kill them all!” he smirked widely. Caroline stood from her seat and Klaus turned to her questioningly. “A word, Klaus.” she didn’t wait for his response walking out of the room. Klaus offered up a smile to his guests. “If you’ll excuse us,” he turned and followed after Caroline without question. Marcel lips tugged up in amusement, he couldn’t ever remember Klaus following around anyone but yet here he was following after Caroline without a single complaint.

Caroline led Klaus into his new required study and whirled around to face him as he shut the door behind them. “You can’t just order a massacre to gain trust.” Klaus frowned. “It’s not like I ordered them to kill a bunch of humans.” “No, you ordered them to kill wolves. Possibly Hayley's pack which makes them her people, her family, and your children’s family.” “I am all the family my children are ever gonna need,” Klaus argued. “Klaus.” Caroline shook her head. “I need you to think about the far-reaching consequences," she took a step toward him her hands landing on his chest. “One day you’re children might want to know more about the pack they came from. Do you really want to have to tell them that their own father had them wiped out?” Klaus faltered. “This can’t be about that. I can’t think about that. Right now, we are surrounded by enemies, I need to remedy that. I need allies. We need allies.” his hands covered hers. “And to do that sacrifices have to be made and unfortunately the wolves have drawn the short stick. I value your opinion Caroline but I won’t be swayed from my decision.” he leaned forward pressing his lips to her forehead. “I can’t have the vampires thinking I’m going to use the blood of my children to make myself a hybrid army. Trust that I know what I’m doing.” Caroline sighed. She wanted to argue further but he had a point they needed allies. Still, it didn’t mean she had to like it or support it.

A blue truck was parked just outside the plantation house. Movers were packing up a large painting into the truck. “Absolutely not, I paid for that!” Rebekah called out firmly to the worker. “Please, you never paid for anything in your life.” Said Elijah. “I hardly see how that's relevant,” replied Rebekah, turning to him. “Nik's just punishing us.” “Well, we've hurt him. Deeply, it would appear,” said Elijah. “We believed the worst about him, the one time in a million when the worst wasn't actually the truth.” Argued Rebekah, believing they had been justified in their actions. Elijah turned and started to walk away. “Where do you think you're going?” Rebekah questioned, calling after him. “To make sure Hayley doesn't suffer for our mistakes,” answered Elijah. “Niklaus is feeling vindictive, we cannot trust that she is safe.” he left the house and Rebekah glanced at the empty home around her with a frown.

Klaus stood talking where Cami was seated on the couch typing, transcribing his memoirs, their previous fight forgotten. “And so then I bit Elijah and left him in the bayou with my hybrid venom in his veins. Serves him right, for making such vile accusations against me. And the way that he treats Caroline, it’s unacceptable. And then…” He noticed Cami had stopped typing. “Are you taking this down?” ”To be clear: if the Quarter is yours now, you still need me why?” asked Cami. “My memoirs.” Klaus shot her a flat look. “A thousand years of history isn't going to write itself.” Approaching footsteps sounded and they both turned as Marcel walked in. The man looked at Cami in surprise, her presence there throwing him. “Cami. What are you doing here?” Cami looked directly at Klaus. “My question exactly.” “Oh, it's quite alright,” Klaus said dismissively to Marcel, for the moment ignoring Cami. “She knows.” “She does?” asked Marcel once again surprised. “That you're vampires?” asked Cami. “Don't worry, he's compelled me to forget everything as soon as I leave. That way, I'm too busy agonizing over whether or not I'm losing my damn mind to realize I'm playing spy for an immortal egomaniac.” “You know, I actually talked to him about all the compelling but he deems it necessary,” Caroline walked into the room. “He didn’t listen to me.” Klaus smiled at her. “I heard you. I always hear you, love. I just didn’t agree with you.” “There’s a shocker,” said Caroline, her lips tugging up in amusement. Marcel chose to ignore the obvious flirting going on between Klaus and Caroline and focused on what suddenly had occurred to him. “You compelled her to go out with me, didn't you?” he asked knowingly before looking to Cami. “And I thought you really liked me.” “So did I.” Responded Cami. “I mean, to be clear, I only compelled you to give him a chance,” Klaus told Cami. “Anything you felt for him was quite real.” Cami and Marcel exchanged confused glances unsure of what was real between them and what wasn’t. “...and for the record, the level of awkwardness we're all currently experiencing is entirely genuine,” said Klaus as he moved closer to Caroline. “You think you're so clever, don't you?” Asked Cami glaring. “Compelling the poor naive bartender. Look what I found: real me, not your compelled therapist.” she showed Klaua an old photo that looked to be from the early 1900s of him and Marcel. “Actually I prefer "convenient stenographer...'” Klaus mused, unbothered by her anger. “You think this is funny, messing with my mind?” Cami demanded angrily. “My sanity is not a joke!” “No. I don't believe it is.” Klaus replied, locking eyes with her, intending to compel her. “You never found this. You will remember nothing of our life as vampires when you leave here, do you understand?” Cami nodded dazedly. “I think that just about does it for the day. You may go.” Klaus dismissed her and Cami took her things and left.” Marcel frowned after her. “If you have feelings for Cami what were you doing with Rebekah?” Caroline wondered, bringing Marcel's attention to her. Marcel frowned. “It’s complicated. I’m not sure you would understand.” “And you think my history with Klaus, isn’t complicated?” Caroline snorted. “Believe me, I know all about complicated relationships and conflicted feelings.” “I have a feeling our level of complicated differs.” Marcel arched an eyebrow at her. “Klaus came to my town, broke his curse by sacrificing someone I have been friends with since we were kids, his existence was the reason I was turned into a vampire, he terrorized my town, turned my werewolf boyfriend at the time into a hybrid who is now my ex-boyfriend not to mention he had that same boyfriend bite me. Hell, he bit me once.” Caroline leveled him with a look. “I know complicated relationships.” Marcel looked at her in slight amusement and wonder. “And here I thought you had no idea the monster that Klaus is, yet you stand beside him?” Caroline considered him for a moment. “I know who Klaus is. I’ve always known who he is but I choose to look for the best in him even when its buried deep, deep down beneath everything that makes him who he is to everyone else.” Marcel was unsure how to respond to that and instead remained silent regarding her closely.

Hayley looked around, making sure she was still alone. She didn’t need anyone knowing she was sneaking out through the backyard of the Abbatoir. She looked behind her again uneasy but no one was following her, she turned back around and she nearly jumped out of her skin as a figure cut in front of her. “Going somewhere?” asked Diego. Hayley opened her mouth to reply but hands wrapped around Diego’s neck before those same hands threw the vampire into the wall. Hayley stared at Elijah in a mixture of relief and trepidation. “Elijah, you shouldn't be here. Klaus has his guys watching me.” “I wouldn't worry about them,” Elijah commented dismissively as two thuds sounded and she turned to see Rebekah taking down two other vampires who had been hidden around the corner. “Come, we mustn't linger.” he took her gently by the arm. “We'll get you someplace safe.” “No, you don't have to worry about me. I'm fine.” Hayley pulled her hand from his grasp. “I've been deemed under protection by the almighty Klaus. It's the werewolves who need help. He ordered a wolf hunt as some jacked-up peace offering to Marcel's crew. You have to help them.” “Out in the bayou?” Rebekah questioned, sending Hayley an annoyed look. ”Do we look like a bloody vampire-rescue-squad? I think you should be grateful we came to save you!” “Listen. Rebekah,” said Hayley. “All my life, I've wanted to know who my real family was, and just as I find out that they're out there in the bayou, Klaus orders them killed. You wanna help me? Help my people. Please.” she pleaded.

Klaus stepped back into the room just as Caroline turned to leave Marcel on his own. “Love, where are you going?” Klaus asked his hand, gently landing on her arm. “I’m gonna leave you and Marcel to your business,” Caroline responded. “Maybe, I’ll see what the French Quarter has to offer.” “You will,” Klaus said. “I was hoping to spend the day with you.” Caroline’s brow furrowed. “Don’t you have things you need to do now that you have the city?” “Now that we have the city.” Klaus corrected. “I want you at my side through all of it.” “Oh.” Caroline's eyes fluttered in surprise. “If you want to be that is.” Klaus' finger grazed her inner wrist. Caroline smiled at his attentiveness. “Alright, so what’s on the agenda.” “Well first, we have a meeting with Marcel.” He slipped a hand around her back and led her over to a room where there was a table set up, he motioned Marcel to follow. Marcel hesitated he had watched Caroline and Klaus’s exchange and he was thrown by how different Klaus was with the blonde compared to how he was with everyone else, including his own family. Klaus pulled out a chair for Caroline and she took a seat and he scooted her chair into the table before taking the seat next to her, and looked to Marcel, waving him over. “Have a seat.” After a brief moment, Marcel took a seat opposite Klaus. “The humans have called a meeting. They're not exactly thrilled with the new status quo.” “Why would they be?” asked Caroline. “No one ever likes change and the fact that an Original is now running things, I’m sure doesn’t help their concerns.” “How unfortunate for them,” Klaus commented. “Look, it's your show now,” said Marcel. “But you wanna know how I built what I built? Politics. A little diplomacy goes a long way, especially with the human faction.” Caroline snorted, drawing both their gazes to her. “I’m sorry,” she glanced at Klaus. “But the idea of you being diplomatic is laughable.” “Duly noted.” Klaus looked at the photo that Cami found of him and Marcel from the year 1919. “I haven't thought about this night in ages. 1919, the opera house, just before it burned. This was the end of an era. Now, in the interest of new beginnings, I feel that there are some things I should probably confess to you. But…” He grabbed a glass of alcohol. “Where to begin?” “Thierry was never disloyal to you, I set him up in an attempt to locate my brother. He's your friend, and consequently, he can return to the compound at your discretion. Cami's part, you just learned.” Klaus listed off his deceits. “And then, there's young Joshua. I've been compelling him from the beginning, although I suspect you already knew that, as he was the one who led me into your trap.” “I may have fed the kid some information, nothing more,” Marcel admitted, not wanting Klaus to kill an innocent kid vampire or not. “And then there's Davina. She's a powerful weapon. At this point, I'd like to keep her close at hand. I think we-” “Hold on a second.” Caroline interrupted. “Davina’s the teenage witch, right?” “Yes, correct, love,” Klaus answered, looking at her expectantly sure she interrupted him for a reason. “She’s not a weapon, Klaus, she’s just a kid who's been screwed over by the witches of New Orleans, she doesn’t need you acting as if you own her simply because you want to use her power.” “Caroline now is not the time to be high on morals. Sometimes, here in New Orleans, you’re going have to do things you otherwise wouldn’t.” “I know that but I’m never going to be okay with seeing a young girl as a weapon.” She sent him a pointed glare. “As far as Davina is concerned we’re going to have to agree to disagree.” Klaus heaved a sigh turning his focus back to Marcel who was watching the back and forth between them with slight amusement. “We should have her move into the compound here with us.” Caroline’s brow furrowed if Davina lived there she could keep a protective eye on her. She may have accepted her feelings for Klaus but she still knew his flaws, she accepted them but that didn’t mean she couldn’t interfere on Davina’s behalf. “She can't leave the attic,” Marcel said, his voice pulling her from her thoughts. “I already tried to move her once.” “Yes, about that... Turns out, your little witch is quite the actress.” Klaus informed Marcel. “She made a deal with Elijah while he was in captivity, tricked you into letting her stay put in exchange for some spells from our mother's grimoire.” Marcel nodded bitterly. “Good to know. Is that all?” “I do believe it is,” said Klaus with a decisive nod. “I appreciate the honesty,” said Marcel. “A rare occurrence from the Mikaelsons.” Caroline quipped. Despite himself, Marcel found his lips ticking up into a smile as Klaus sent Caroline a mock glare, she only smiled back at him in response. Klaus took a drink from his glass, eyes never leaving Caroline. Marcel cleared his throat and Klaus slowly turned his eyes to him. “Meeting's in an hour,” Marcel told him, getting up and leaving. Klaus returned his gaze back to Caroline, setting his glass on the table. “That went better than I expected, considering how you got the reigns of the city,” Caroline commented. “I suppose it did,” he notices her bangs had fallen in front of her face, and he reached out brushing it back behind her ear, his thumb skimming her cheek. “Enough about Marcel.” he leaned forward brushing his mouth against hers. Caroline leaned forward her hand curling around his neck, enjoying the simple kiss.

Marcel watched as Davina stood with her back to him, painting. “You're gonna love it at the compound. I already got the best room in the place picked out.” “I can't leave!” Davina protested. “Remember what happened last time?” “I know about your deal with Elijah,” Marcel told her in disapproval of her deceit. “We can't be lying to each other. I'm trying to protect you. With the witches still looking to kill you for the Harvest, believe me, you're safest with us.” “New Orlean witches suck,” Caroline walked into the room, Klaus right beside her. She took in the young witch. She looked even younger than Caroline imagine she would. “No offense to you of course. Hi, you must be Davina. I’m Caroline.” Davina looked from her to Klaus. “You’re with him?” her eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Are you his wife?” Caroline laughed. “Definitely not a wife but I am with him.” “I like to think of Caroline more as my Queen.” his eyes turned to Davina’s paintings and he stepped closer to get a better look at them. “I see you're an artist. Wonderful! I look forward to witnessing your many talents!” Davina turned to Marcel, glaring. “Was this his idea?” “Davina, please. I understand you're devoted to Marcel, but Marcel is devoted to me. I assume you'll want what's best for all of us.” Klaus walked over to Marcel. “Okay, enough.” Caroline cut a look at Klaus. “This can’t be about what’s best for everyone. This needs to be what’s best for her.” Caroline turned to Davina. “Look, I am not going to stand here and lie to you and say that moving you out of here is all about you. Klaus wants you close. You’re powerful and he sees you as a weapon but you’ll be protected from the witches and from my own experiences their a bigger threat. It would be better if you were at the compound and once all this harvest business is taken care of, you can go wherever you want. Move on with your life.” Davina watched her. “You really think, it’s going to be that easy, that simple?” “No,” Caroline answered. “But it’s something to fight for. Don’t you want your life back?” Davina didn’t know Caroline and her instinct was to distrust but the blonde just seemed so genuine. “Yes.” Klaus walked over to Caroline placing his hand on Caroline’s lower back. “We have a meeting to attend downstairs.” Marcel nodded. “All I’m saying is do what is best for you,” Caroline told Davina before allowing Klaus to lead her out. “You have quite the way with words, love,” Klaus commented, as they walked from the attic. “Its called being honest.” Caroline returned teasingly. “There are better ways of doing things than using intimidation.” “I’ll leave those ways to you,” Klaus responded as they disappeared from the room. Marcel turned to Davina. "I'll get someone to pick up your things. We'll get you settled in right. Trust me.” He turned and headed back downstairs to join Klaus and Caroline for the meeting. Davina watched him go, casting a sad look around her room.

Father Kieran lifted his head and took notice of Klaus and Marcel and a blonde he recognized from when she came to the church with Rebekah. He believed her name was Caroline. “Klaus, Marcel, thank you for coming.” he greeted. “We are aware of the change in the leadership in your community, and we thought it was time to make the appropriate introductions.” The meeting was being held in a back room of St. Anne's church, several men were seated around a table. “Who is the blonde?” The Sheriff asked standing up and the Mayor followed suit. “Caroline Forbes.” Klaus leveled him with a murderous look. “And you will treat her with the same respect you would me.” The Mayor didn’t much care who the blonde girl was instead he focused on Klaus. “We wanna be sure you understand how things work around here.” “Is that so?” Klaus asked the Mayor, his audacity rubbing him the wrong way. The Mayor nodded, not noticing the dangerous look in Klaus’s eye. ”What the Mayor means is that we just want some insurance that this new development isn't going to endanger our city or its inhabitants.” Father Kieran explained, speaking directly to Klaus. “Look, you freaks do your thing, and we'll look the other way.” The sheriff told the three vampires in the room. Caroline glowered and Klaus looked at Marcel as the Sheriff continued to speak. “As long as our pockets stay full, we won't have a problem.” Father Kieran shot a disappointed look at the members of the council and tried to backtrack, wanting to keep things as civil as possible. “More importantly, there are rules,” he spoke to Klaus. “No feeding on the locals, don't bring any unwanted attention to the city. History has proven that we can co-exist peacefully. However, if you cross the line…” “You answer to us.” The Sheriff told Klaus interrupting Kieran. Caroline raised one eyebrow at the Sheriff, either the man was stupid or he didn’t know who Klaus was. Not many people lived to see another day after speaking to him like that. Klaus laughed loudly. “Okay... I'm sorry, let me get this straight-- I'm to play supplicant to this pompous ass and his ridiculous group of petty thieves?” He sighed dramatically, shaking his head, he walked toward the Sheriff and Mayor. “Here are my terms: You will take whatever scraps I see fit to leave you, and you will be grateful. If that doesn't suit you, I may decide you've outlived your usefulness.” Klaus held his hand out to Caroline. “C’mon, Love.” Caroline accepted his hand, falling into step with him. “The council here seems more corrupt than the one back home,” she commented. The Sheriff watched angrily as Klaus and Caroline walked down the aisle to take their leave. Marcel followed, annoyance feeling him at Klaus’s action. He was never going to run the city properly if he couldn’t learn to compromise with the humans.

Klaus' and Marcel's vampire crew were deep in the werewolf encampment of the bayou not far from the lake nearby, they violently tore through the camp in search of wolves to kill. “Hey, they're obviously here. Fan out, find 'em, and bring me some heads!” Diego commanded the vampires he was leading. “I'd rather you didn't.” Elijah appeared just meters away from Diego, Rebekah at his side. “The hell are you doing out here?” asked Diego. “I've come to suggest you seek other hunting grounds,” replied Elijah diplomatically. Diego shrugged. “Suggestion noted…” he said but he had no real intention of taking the suggestion to heart. Rebekah walked up to him. “Oh Diego, it would be such a shame to have to rearrange that pretty face.” She pulled her arm back but Diego grabbed her arm, stopping her fist from slamming into his face. “What the hell do you care about wolves?” Diego asked her, releasing her arm and pushing it away from him. “Generally, I don't,” Elijah responded candidly. “However, this particular clan is not to be touched.” he paused for just a moment. “Goodbye.” Rebekah smiled sweetly at Diego, whispering. “Bye.” “Nothing here anyway,” Diego called out to his vampires. He whistled, motioning to his guys that they were going and the werewolf hunting party followed him as he led them out of the wolf encampment. “Ah, great,” said Rebekah pleased. “I think as well our job here is done.” Elijah stopped sensing something, someone nearby. “Not quite.” he vamp sped away, appearing in front of the vaguely familiar woman, Eve, she stood by a tree, waiting. “We're not here to harm you,” Elijah assured her. “Hello, again. Eve, was it?” “One of Hayley's litter-mates, I presume?” asked Rebekah, looking at the woman. “Hayley sent you here to protect us, didn't she?” Eve asked knowingly. “Tell her we appreciate the concern, but we've been looking out for ourselves for a while now. Nobody finds us unless we wanna be found.” “Well, we found you, so…” Rebekah said, her tone filled with condescension. “Like I said,” said Eve. “There's something I thought you and your family should know about.” she started walking along a path, fully expecting the two originals to follow her, she had a map and stake in her hands. Elijah and Rebekah shared a look before following after Eve.

Caroline and Klaus walked into a bar Klaus said Marcel frequented. “There he is,” said Caroline, spotting Marcel sitting at a table alone. “Why don’t you go and join him, I’ll be there in just a moment,” Klaus suggested. Caroline nodded and walked over to Marcel’s seat, taking the seat across from him. “Hope you don’t mind if I join you.” “Looks like you’re already making yourself comfortable.” he straightened in his seat. “I appreciate what you said to Davina.” Caroline gave a shrug. “I was only being honest. If it isn’t obvious I don’t exactly approve of a teenage girl no matter how powerful being seen as a weapon.” “Oh, you made your opinion known, love.” Klaus settled in the seat next to her, settling a bottle of whiskey on the table in front of them. “About meeting with the humans, I think it goes far more gracious than they deserved.” Marcel stared at Klaus falling silent as he poured the three of them drinks. “You're disappointed by my lack of diplomacy,” Klaus noted. “You out of all people should need no reminder of the human capacity for cruelty.” Marcel continued to remain quiet. Klaus' phone buzzed and he rose from his chair to answer it. “Hello?” “Mr. Mikaelson.” The Sheriff’s voice sounded on the other line. “I just wanted to let you know that the faction's considered your terms. We've reached a decision.” “Have you?” asked Klaus, not really caring what decision they reach because they would fall in line rather they wanted to or not. An explosion sounded from outside, the ground shook slightly. It was quickly followed by the sound of gunfire, glass shattering, the windows blown in, shards of glass flying everywhere, sunlight piercing into the local vampire bar. Vampires in the bar were hit by the gunfire, some bursting into flames when the light of the sun hit them, not fortunate enough to have a daylight ring. Screams of pain and agony filled the air. Marcel saw some of his guys around him collapse from being hit, from burning. He rushed to save one of the burning vampires, Klaus moved to help him, and Caroline went to help one of the ones hit with bullets. Marcel felt a sharp pain throughout his body before he could reach the burning vampire, bullet after bullet tearing through his body. Klaus felt the same pain but he gritted his teeth against the onslaught of bullets. Marcel collapsed, falling to the floor in pain but Klaus barely noticed, all he could focus on was the awful sound of Caroline crying out in pain as she was hit with a barrage of bullets. Her cries pierced his ears, tearing at his chest, the sound of her pain doing more damage to him than the bullets had. His eyes shined amber and he saw red, immediately furious, he rushed to her covering her body with her own shielding her from further pain. Anger rushed through him as he hovered above Caroline, her face twisted in discomfort, eyes shining with pain. How dare they cause her any sort of pain. How dare they hurt Caroline!

Klaus kept Caroline close, she breathed heavily. When the attack had ended he had to remove wooden bullets from her abdomen. He hated causing her pain, seeing her cry out but it had to be done. Klaus ripped into his wrist and held it out to her. “Drink. It will help you heal faster.” Caroline's fingers curled around his wrist, her mouth closing over his blood and drinking deeply the moment she tasted his blood on her tongue. Klaus ran his hand down her hair, in a soothing motion before wrapping his arm around her shoulder, holding her close. Marcel looked at them for just a moment, anger surging through him, the vampire bar was empty besides the three of them after the explosion and the gunfire. The room was destroyed and in complete disarray. Destroyed furniture, broken glass, burnt skeletons, and desiccated vampires littered the floor around them. “Dammit, dammit, dammit!” Marcel flipped a table over, enraged. Caroline release Klaus's wrist, licking his blood from her lips and stood, Klaus's arm was wrapped firmly around her waist as if he was trying to steady her. She shook her head at him, silently telling him she could stand on her own. “This is on you!” Marcel whirled on Klaus suddenly. "Now that you're in charge, these are your guys laying dead. Your guys.” “You think I care about them when Caroline was hurt?! Do you?!” Klaus demanded. “Because if you do you are sorely mistaken.” “I think what Marcel here is trying to say is that I can't be the only one you care about. I'm not the only person in this city.” Caroline interjected, wanting to ward off the storm brewing in Klaus. Klaus wanted to argue that her life was the only life besides his children that mattered. However, he bit the words back. “You're gonna run this city, that better mean something to you, otherwise no one worth a damn is gonna follow you.” Marcel snapped. “No one!” “I was beginning to worry about you,” Klaus said when Marcel turned away. “I don't think I could've taken any more of this differential nonsense. I mean clearly I underestimated the faction, that won't happen again. But, tell me: Now that we've arrived to this point, now that they have come into our home, visited this upon our people, hurt the ones we care about… How would you counsel me to respond?” Caroline had a feeling Klaus was only asking out of courtesy to Marcel. She knew that no matter the answer Marcel gave Klaus would make the city's council pay. “Let's go kill them all,” said Marcel. Klaus looked to Caroline. “Are you with us, Love?” If Caroline wanted to sit this one out he wouldn’t object. If she couldn't bring herself to hurt humans even ones that had wronged her then he would do it for her. He would be her sword. Caroline thought of the council and how they only seemed to care about filling their pockets and nothing more. Vampires died because of them. She could have died. She raised her eyes to Klaus. “I'm with you.”

Eve led Elijah and Rebekah to where she was set up by the lake and was showing them a map of the surrounding bayou. “Surrounded by 20,000 acres of swamp, the ones born here who now know it like the backs of our hands, will be fine. But here,” Eve pointed at the map with her stake. “newcomers from out of state - not of Hayley's and my kin. But, word's spread about those babies of hers. A lot of werewolves wanna see this miracle pregnancy for themselves. Only now, the vampires are out looking for blood, and all these werewolves new at the bayou might not know where to hide.” “You say that like we're supposed to care,” Rebekah responded. Why would they care about wolves? “Believe me, you're gonna want them kept alive,” Eve said with certainty. “And why is that?” asked Elijah. “See for yourself,” said Eve. It would be better if they saw for themselves rather than just taking her for her word. At least this way they would have no reason not to believe her.

Davina walked into the Compound's garage. “I know you're in here, Josh. I can sense your fear.” Josh moved out from behind a car. “I heard you're moving in.” Davina smiled at the sight of her friend. “What are you doing in here?” “You might've known,” Josh said as he reached for her, wrapping his arms around her in a hug. One Davina returned instantly. “You know, incognito,” said Josh, releasing her. “Gotta run for the hills, but I'm stuck here until it gets dark.” “Are you okay?” asked Davina in concern. “Yeah, yeah…” Josh started to lie but then thought what was the point. Davina was his friend. “Not really. I mean, totally led Klaus into a trap that was the most epic fail of all time, so yeah, kinda crapping my pants right now, figuratively. So far.” “It's okay. You can trust Marcel.” Davina told him. “And if Klaus tries to hurt you - I'll hurt him.” Haley stepped into the garage, having picked up in their voices. “I'm sure if you could actually stop Klaus, you would've done it already.” “You're Hayley. Klaus's mistress,” said Davina. “Ew, no.” Hayley's face scrunched up in disgust. “Never. I'm the pregnant werewolf. That is more of a title suited to Caroline. And you must be all-powerful superwitch, Davina? And let's not forget Josh, newbie vampire way out of his element, voted "Most Likely to Die Next."” “Fantastic.” Josh nodded nervously. “Hey. I'm just another one of Klaus' prisoners,” said Hayley. “Of course, it would suck if he found out you're still lurking around. Maybe there's a world where we can all look out for each other?” Davina crossed her arms over her chest, moving to stand in front of Josh defensively. “That sounds like blackmail. You know, I met Caroline today. I think I like her better than you.” “You don't even know me,” Hayley protested defensively. “And after speaking with you I don’t want to know you.” Davina retorted and Hayley clenched her jaw.

Cami rushed to the door when she heard a knock cut through the air. When she pulled her front door open it reveal her uncle. “I called you hours ago!” "I came as fast as I could. What's going on?” asked Kieran walking into her apartment. “Your voicemail sounded…” “What!? Paranoid?” Cami interrupted him abruptly. “Unhinged?” Father Kieran hesitated. “Upset.” “That picture I found. The one that was.. I don't know, a hundred years old. You said it was just a coincidence. But…” She grabbed her phone and pressed play and suddenly Camille’s own voice and Klaus's came over the line. “'My sanity is not a joke.'” “No, love, I don't believe it is.” Cami's eyes fill with tears. “...that's my voice! But I don't remember it. I think it's... I think it's some kind of mind-control, he's erasing my memory!” Father Kieran's phone rang suddenly and he quickly answered it. “Yes? They what?” a look of concern came over him and he quickly hung up, looking at Cami. “We will talk about this later.” He walked past Cami, leaving her apartment in a hurry.

“Why wasn't I consulted on this?” Father Kieran demanded upon arriving at the city council meeting where it was being held at Rosseau's. “You've been gone for over eight months, Kieran.” The Mayor reminded. “We got used to doing things on our own.” “This Klaus Mikaelson, I don't care who he is or what the rumors say. He needed to be taught a lesson.” said the Sheriff, believing what they had done was the right choice. “You are gonna start a war!” Kieran exclaimed, not understanding how they could be so stupid. “I'd like to see them try.” The Sheriff replied. “Oh, and Kieran, this is the last time you call a meeting. Next time you wanna criticize our leadership, send a damn email.” Father Kieran forehead creased in a look of confusion. “I thought you called this meeting...?” “The hell we did.” The Sheriff bit out. “Actually, I called it.” Klaus entered the room, Caroline and Marcel on either side of him. “It appears I made a grave error during our earlier conference. My friend Marcel offered me wise counsel, and I failed to heed it.” “I'm glad to hear you've learned your lesson.” The Sheriff replied, smugly feeling superior that a vampire with Klaus reputation was backing down to him. “Oh, I won't be making that mistake again.” Klaus turned his head to Caroline. “Love, take your pick. Who should be the first to go?” “What?” The Mayor’s gaze snapped to Caroline. Caroline looked from the Sheriff to The Mayor. The Sheriff was clearly a smug entitled asshole but it was the Mayor who was meant to do what was in the city's best interest but the only interest he was concerned with was his own. She flashed behind the mayor, her hands gripping his head and twisted it violently, the bones breaking. She shoved him forward his body hitting table, slumping forward. Klaus smirked, his eyes never leaving her as he said. “Marcel.” Marcel vamp sped to the Sheriff, stabbing him through the neck, coating his hands in blood. Marcel grinned, content with what he just did, watching the Sheriff bleed out as screams filled the air. Caroline looked around her. She didn't relish causing fear and panic but if she was honest with the darkest part of herself. It had felt good taking the life of The Mayor and knowing the kind of man he was made it easier. Klaus approached Caroline, smiling. He hadn't been sure if she would be able to kill any of the council members but when she did he couldn't explain it he felt proud. It was like watching her starting to embrace the vampire she was. “There are still many more corrupt humans to exact revenge on.” He held his hand out to her. “Shall we...?” Caroline looked down at his hand and then raised her eyes back to his. She kept her eyes locked with his as she placed her hand in his. “Lead the way.” Klaus smirked and looked to Marcel expectantly. Marcel waved his arm out. “After you!”

Caroline threw her head back, the blood coursing down her throat. Warm, sweet and delicious. It was rare when she allowed herself to actually drink from the vein but it was so much better than bagging it. She took comfort from knowing that the person she was feeding on was not a good person and lessen her guilt from indulging in some of her darker vampire urges. Klaus withdrew his fangs from the neck of a woman he had drained, allowing her body to drop as he watched Caroline, enjoying the sight of her, eyes blackened and red, veins on the apple of her cheeks, blood coating the corner of her lip. Klaus could hear Marcel feeding off a body not too far away and he heard approaching footsteps but he pushed it all away only having eyes for Caroline at that moment. Overwhelmed with the urge to be closer to her, touch her. seeing her embrace being a vampire had his blood running hot. A surge of want for her alone coursing through him. He stepped over a dead body, approaching her. Caroline felt his eyes on her and looked up as he drew closer. She pushed the man she had been feeding on away and looked directly at Klaus, seeing the way his blue eyes had darkened with want had her skin prickling with awareness. She waited as he moved directly in front of her. His body so close to her own that all she would have to do is take one tiny step and she would be pressed against him. Klaus focused on the blood, coating her lips. He placed his hand against her cheek and Caroline closed her eyes, feeling her skin heat up at the simple touch. The feel of his thumb swiping across her bottom lip had her eyes opening slowly darken with lust, watching as he sucked his thumb into his mouth cleaning off the blood. “Klaus.” He stepped forward his hands reaching out to frame her face, his body surging forward as he crushed his lips to hers, his tongue slipping into her mouth tasting the blood on her tongue. Caroline moaned as he plundered her mouth, his hands twisting in her hair, she slid her hand up to the back of his neck, fisting it his hair, arching her back and pressing her chest against his, wanting every inch of her body pressed against his. Klaus groaned and Caroline relished in the sound, knowing it was because of her. The sound of a chair scraping against the floor had Caroline pulling away from Klaus and she saw Kieran looking around at all the dead bodies littering the floor. Klaus turned slowly releasing Caroline, pushing his current lust away and turned to the Father. ��There he is. Our lone survivor. Such a sad day for our city.” Klaus approached Kieran patting the man on the shoulder. “Some of its best and brightest killed in a tragic boating accident on the Mississippi. Rather nasty explosion, I heard.” He looked Kieran directly in the eyes. “What am I going to do with you?” “Okay, hold up.” Marcel stood up and held his hand out for Klaus to not doing anything rash. “I've know Kieran for a long time. He's smart and he's fair. I think he can do us more good alive than dead.” Caroline stepped forward, placing her hand on Klaus’s arm, she didn’t want Klaus killing the priest any more than Marcel did. He at least seemed to care about the people of this city, unlike his now dead associates. “Not to mention he's Cami's uncle,” Marcel added. “And I'm supposed to care about that why?” Klaus glared. “Why should he get off scot-free after what the council pulled?” “Because he had no hand in hurting, Caroline,” Marcel responded, earning a look from Klaus. “You’ve made it pretty clear that’s not a line to be crossed. plus, I don't see you caring about much. It’s impossible not to nice how much you do care about her.” “It’s not like I was killed in their attack.” Caroline interrupted. Klaus's eyes shot to her. “Don’t talk like that.” He couldn’t even think about the possibility of her death. “All I really meant was that Father Kieran did not play a part in the attack and should not be punished for something that he had no hand in.” Caroline insisted, leveling Klaus with one of her looks. Klaus nodded, turning his eyes back to the Father, “Very well. Use this reprieve to remake your human faction.” “And how do you expect me to remake the Mayor?” Father Kieran demanded. “Well, surely there's a deputy Mayor,” Klaus suggested. “Choose new leaders. Then we'll re-open negotiations.” he held his hand to Caroline and the moment she placed her hand in his, he linked his fingers with hers and led her out.

Rebekah looked around the werewolf encampments. “All these wolves really travel in style, don't they?” Elijah ignored her snide remark and opened the door to a trailer. “Empty.” “Piled on the pavement, perhaps,” Rebekah suggested. “So, proceed then,” Elijah told her, they needed to find Hayley’s wolves. He told her he would. He gave her his word. “Let's not, and tell Hayley that we did,” Rebekah told him. “Then, you get to impress the girl, and I can go home. You know how hovels depress me. “ Elijah smiled slightly. “I'm not trying to impress the girl.” “I should bloody hope you are, why else are we out here?” Rebekah demanded however Elijah remained silent. “Come on, Elijah! You've fallen for her, admit it. May do wonders for the stick that's lodged up your enduringly stoic arse if you did.” Elijah smiled. It’s true that he felt something for Hayley but he wouldn’t say it was love not when Katerina was never far from his thoughts. “If I admit to you that it's complicated, would that suffice? Or, are you determined to torment me throughout this endeavor?” Rebekah was about to respond but a noise nearby caught their attention, turning to find that the hunting party had returned. Diego the one leading the charge of vampires had his fangs sunk into the neck of a werewolf. Elijah vamp-sped over to Diego and pulled his head backward by his hair. “Darling, we need to stop meeting like this. This is how rumors begin!” He released Diego, placing himself between Diego and the werewolf. “You can go now.” Diego glared at him, not moving. The Originals and their superior attitude grating on his nerves. “Perhaps I'm not making myself clear here.” Elijah’s voice hardened when Diego did not make a move to do as he ordered. “This is a threat. In precisely three minutes' time, your little hunting party will become the prey. Now, based on your recent failure to subdue my baby brother Niklaus, this, despite a better than a 100-to-1 advantage. I recommend you heed my warning.” Diego with a look of frustration and embarrassment turned to his guys, motioning for them to follow him as he leaves with them in tow. “Impressive.” Rebekah complimented, smirking at Elijah. “Well, I thought the situation demanded something a little dramatic,” Elijah responded, good-naturedly. The werewolf, Diego had been feeding on groaned in pain on the ground. He slowly pushed to his feet. “Who are you people?” Elijah's eyes focused on a ring on a necklace around the wolfs neck with keened interest. “I would say the better question is: Who are you?”

Klaus produced a flask, taking a drink, looking at Marcel he said. “To our united front! This act of yours, the imitation of friendship. Don't get me wrong, you played the part well enough, I should know, having played it myself. There was a time when the affinity between us was quite real.” Caroline looked between the two men, the tension between them a mix between hostile and civil. “Sure. And then you got it in your head to take what I created.” Marcel said pointedly. “When I picked up that coin I swore loyalty, Klaus, not friendship. I'm holding up my end, the other one has to be earned.” “This is probably none of my business, then again I have a habit of butting into other people’s business with the intention to help,” Caroline interjected. “How do you expect him to earn your friendship if you won’t even give him the chance to do so? Besides, it’s not like you know the whole story." Marcel’s forehead creased in obvious confusion. “What’s she talking about?” “My decision was not entirely my own.” Klaus elaborated. “If I didn't agree to usurp your power, the witches swore to kill my unborn children and Caroline. To be honest, the threat on Caroline’s life was the deciding factor.” Klaus looked at Caroline with a small smile. “I would do anything to ensure her safety.” he turned his eyes back to Marcel. “The promise of offspring meant little to me however I recalled my father; how he held me in contempt from the moment I was born. As yours did with you. I will not do to my children what was done to me. To us.” He drank deeply from the glass. “All this - the spying, the manipulation - that's just something you were forced into. Is that it?” Marcel asked. “And what now? You feel kinda bad... "Hey buddy, it's nothing personal." Is that it?” “I admit. I was jealous.” Klaus confessed. “I saw the empire you had created on your own, without me. I saw it - and I wanted it.” “You're wrong, you know. I didn't do it on my own.” Marcel told him. “I stood in the shadow of my father my entire human life, and I never would've gotten out from under it, if not for you. You're the one who taught me that a man can't be defined by anyone but himself.” he paused, it was hard to admit he owed Klaus anything, still he continued. “So, what now?” “This community that you've built - you have their respect. Their love.” Klaus said. “I could rule them but I cannot win them, not without you. So rule with me. Side by side as equals. Friends. Brothers.” Klaus raised the bottle in an offering. Marcel looked at him, consider his offer and after a tense moment he accepted, taking a drink from it.” Klaus smiled cheerfully in response, seeing it as Marcel accepting his offer.

Hayley walked into the living room, her eyes glaring at the man seated on the couch reading a book. “Those werewolves you ordered killed, that's my family.” “Not for long, love. I mean, this so-called family of yours, they haven't done you much good, have they?” Klaus looked up from his book but she avoided his gaze. “You said it yourself: they abandoned you and left you on your own. Now it's simply your turn to do the same.” “Maybe they had their reasons.” Hayley defended, wanting to believe that the family she wanted to reunite with so bad wanted her just as much. Klaus tossed his book away angrily, standing up abruptly. “Yes, while I have reasons, too, little wolf. If the werewolves are dead, then the vampires have less desire to kill you. I am trying to keep my children safe. Not that you appreciate the effort when that includes you.” “And as soon as I have these babies, what happens to me then?” Hayley demanded. God, she hoped before than with Sophie’s help she would get out of here. Disappear, never to be found by Klaus. She should have gotten tips from Katherine on how to evade him for the rest of her life. Klaus stared at her, his silence answer enough for Hayley. He would no longer have a use for her and she would be lucky if all he did was send her away. “Right…” Hayley said after a long moment. “Well, lucky for me I have a little while before I find out,” she smirked bitterly. “And in the meantime, I will find a way to pay you back for this. As long as I'm in the family, as long as I carry your children inside me you can't do a damn thing about it.” she turned on her heel, storming back out of the room. Klaus glared at her retreating back, cursing the fact that he had to knock her up of all people. A thousand years of Karma was coming back to bite him in the ass in epic fashion.

Hayley walked into Davina’s new bedroom, she didn’t bother knocking and saw the young girl searching through a cardboard box. “What are you looking for?” “My violin,” Davina answered. “It must be left in the attic.” “So, just go get it,” Hayley told her. “I can't. It's not safe for me out there,” said Davina, as long as the elders were out there she would always be in danger. “Funny, I was under the impression everyone was afraid of you.” Hayley mused. “The witches are after me,” replied Davina, defensively. “You mean that crazy witch, Agnes?” asked Hayley. “Yeah, she tried to kill me too. The thing is, she's dead. Klaus killed her.” Davina looked at her in disbelief. “But.. Agnes was the last living Elder. If she's dead, then I'm safe. Marcel would've told me.” “Maybe he didn't wanna lose his secret weapon against the witches?” Hayley suggested. “You're lying.” Davina accused. She wasn’t just a weapon to Marcel. He cared about her. He wanted her happy. “Why would I lie to you?” Hayley asked her. “Because you want something from me.” Davina glared. “Everyone does.” “Do I want something from you...?” asked Hayley rhetorically. “Yeah, Davina, actually I do. Thanks to your friend Marcel, most of my family is cursed. They're stuck in their wolf form, except on a full moon. Now, I'm smart enough to know that every curse has a loophole. And, well, you're the strongest witch I've ever heard of. But I wouldn't lie to you to get what I want. I'd ask you. I guess that's the difference between Marcel and me.” Hayley turned away, walking out of the room, hoping her words had an effect on Davina. She needed all the allies she could get. Davina watched her leave unsure of what to think anymore. “Looking for something?” Josh asked walking into the room and Davina smiled when she saw he brought Tim's violin with him. “I figured with you vacating, the attic would be a safe zone. Found this there.” “It was dangerous for you to come back, Josh,” Davina told him in concern. “Yeah, well... What are friends for? Or whatever.” Josh replied and Davina laughed gently. “Hey, what did Hayley want?” “Do you trust her?” Davina asked him. “I don't know,” Josh answered. “Why?” “She told me about a witch being killed,” said Davina. “An Elder, but I don't know if she…” “Yeah, crazy Agnes?” Josh interrupted. “I heard about that, that Klaus went all berserker on her crew. I guess it was super gross, just like heads and guts... bleh!” Davina looked at him in concern. “What?” asked Josh. “You hate the witches.” “Hayley was right.” Davina realized with a look of hurt. “Marcel is just using me. Josh, I can't stay here. I'm not gonna be their puppet, you have to get me out of here!” “Okay. But where else are you gonna go?” Josh questioned.

Caroline ran a hand through her damp hair, after being covered in blood, she had definitely needed to wash it away. She had expected to feel guilty for the actions she took today but she didn’t instead she felt guilty for not having guilt. Her phone buzzed on her dresser and she reached for it. Rebekah’s name flashed across the screen. She swiped her finger over the ignore button, sending the call straight to voicemail. It wasn’t the first time Rebekah called her today. She had ignored those calls too. She didn’t want to talk to Rebekah. Looking at the time, she realized her mother was still waiting on her call, she quickly opened her contacts and pressed on the one for her mother’s. It ranged four times before her mother’s voice filtered over the line. “Hello?” “Hey, mom.” “Caroline! It’s good to hear from you though I was expecting your call a few hours earlier.” “Yeah, I know, I’m sorry, something came up.” Caroline apologized, moving to sit on the edge of her bed. “Is everything alright?” Liz asked in concern. “No, everything’s fine,” she assured her mother. “It’s just been quite the day. How are things there?” “It’s Mystic Falls. There’s always some kind of trouble brewing. There’s nothing you can do from there for everyone back here just know I have everything under control.” Caroline thought that was her mother’s way of not telling her something but she was right and she had her hands full with the constant drama in New Orleans and it wasn’t like her friends were too concerned about her. The only one who even called her every once in a while was Stefan. “Yeah, I’m sure you’re right.” “Enough about Mystic Falls? What about you? Is Klaus treating you well? Have you taken the time to see the city?” Liz asked. “I..honestly I’m really good,” Caroline admitted. “I mean, of course, I miss Mystic Falls but New Orleans is great and being able to experience the food, the music, it’s been great.” “And Klaus?” Liz asked uncertain if she even wanted to know. Her daughter's connection with the monster that terrorized their town was worrisome at best especially with his infatuation with her daughter. She honestly worried about his obsession becoming a danger to Caroline. “Klaus is.. You have nothing to worry about Klaus. I know you’re probably worried about him when it comes to me but you don’t have to. He’s being very good to me,” she gave a small laugh. “It might be his default setting where I’m concerned. He won’t intentionally let anything happen to me.” “Well, that’s good to know,” Liz responded. “At least I can comfort myself that your safe even if you’re not here with me.” she paused. “You have no idea how much I miss you, sweetheart. I can’t wait till all this is over and you come back home.” Caroline faltered. It was always nice to hear her mother missed her but the prospect of going home to Mystic Falls didn’t appeal to her as it once did. “Yeah, back home.” she murmured. “Look, sweetie, I have some paperwork I need to finish but I’ll talk to you soon,” Liz told her. “Yeah, sure, bye mom.” Caroline ended the call and tossed it aside. “You don’t sound like you want to go home.” Caroline looked up to see Hayley standing in her doorway. “It’s rude to eavesdrop.” “I couldn’t help it besides I wanted to ask you for a favor.” Hayley stepped further into the room. “A favor? What favor could you possibly want from me?” Caroline wondered, standing from her bed. “I want you to ask Klaus to call off his attack on the wolves.” “Why don’t you ask him yourself?” Caroline questioned. “Don’t you think I tried that? He won’t listen to me.” Hayley let out a huff of frustration. “And what makes you think he’ll listen to me?” Caroline asked. The wolves weren’t any of her business. “Because he's in love with you. He listens to you. He seeks your approval.” Hayley looked at her with the best pleading look she could muster. “You can get anything you want from him. You can convince him to look after the wolves.” “Let me get this straight, you want me to use Klaus’s feelings for me against him to get what you want?” Caroline asked Rhetorically. “Yeah, I’m not doing that anymore. I’m done being Klaus bait. I’m done using his feelings like a weapon to manipulate him to do what other’s want.” “Caroline, that’s my family out there!” Hayley placed her hand over her growing stomach. “It’s the twin’s family, can’t you do this for them.” Caroline jaw clenched. She hated that Hayley was trying to use the fact that she cared about Klaus’s unborn children against her to get her to do what she wanted. “I won’t manipulate him. I won’t take advantage of how he feels about me.” Hayley jaw snapped shot, glaring. “Thanks for nothing.” she snapped in frustration, spinning on her heel and storming from the room. Caroline sighed, flopping back onto her bed, wondering when Hayley’s problems started becoming hers.

Klaus was in the parlor alone, playing the piano when Rebekah walked into the room, he, however, refused to acknowledge her presence. “I stink of the bog!” Rebekah complained in disgust glaring. “Serves you right, for your pathetic attempt to undermine my rule.” Klaus groused. Elijah joined them when he heard the sound of his brother’s voice. “Nik, listen.” Rebekah began. “When I order werewolves to be hunted to extinction, I expect you to stand aside and let the blood flow.” Klaus cut her off not wanting to hear what she had to say. “How delightfully democratic of you.” Elijah threw a ring at Klaus and he snatched it out of the air examining it. “Do you recognize it?” Elijah asked. “Perhaps you don't, it has been a thousand years since you last saw it grace the hand of our mother. The ring was in possession of one of the very wolves whose extinction you just ordered. So naturally, I questioned him. He spoke of a legend. A legend wherein long ago, a chief of theirs had fathered a child to a very powerful witch. Their mythology further states that this child, a son, was later transformed into something this clan had never before seen. Something werewolf and vampire.” Klaus' eyes flickered with emotion. “Nik, we're trying to make amends,” Rebekah told him. “We found remnants of your family. The bloodline of your true father. And we saved them from being slaughtered at the hands of the vampires you command.” “Niklaus, your ambitions have come before this family for far too long,” said Elijah, taking a step toward his brother. “Niklaus, I beseech you please, come home.” “What home?” Klaus responded the emotion in his eyes from just a moment ago gone. “This pathetic substitute? You see, despite all your doubts, all your attempts to thwart me, I've reclaimed our true home. I took back the entire city.” “You have the audacity to boast of your victory when the mother of your children remains your prisoner?” Elijah challenged. “It all comes down to the pretty little wolf for you, doesn't it, brother?” Klaus smirked derisively. “Stop it, both of you!” Rebekah exclaimed. Klaus stood up behind the piano. “Even if this is what you say it is, I have had enough of family to last me a lifetime. Why would I possibly want any more?” he pushed past them, leaving them alone in the house. Rebekah sighed and Elijah looked away with an expression of defeat.

Father Kieran stood before the altar in his church, lighting candles. “Ah, good. You're awake.” Klaus walked down the aisle of pews, interrupting father Kieran’s solitude. “I have a favor to ask.” “I am saying prayers for the dead,” Kieran informed him. “I request a moratorium on favors for the king.” “Well, you'll like this one,” Klaus responded. “It involves helping people who need protection.” “And whom, may I ask, do they need protection from?” asked Father Kieran doing his best to remain civil. “Me. You see, I recently ordered the slaughter of a group of vagabonds out in the bayou. Turns out, I may have been too hasty. Thing is, if the vampires find out I'm protecting them, it won't sit well.” Klaus said, explaining his current predicament. Father Kieran sighed and after a moment of hesitation, he said. “I think I can arrange something, on one condition. - For her own good, I believe it is time for my niece to leave town.” “If that’s what you want in exchange for your help, fine.” Klaus turned walking back out of the church.

Klaus stared in at Cami, watching as she listened to recordings of their conversation, proof she had of vampires. “You're tenacious,” Klaus announced his presence. “It’s quite admirable if not a little annoying at times.” “Klaus,” Cami shouted. “you can't keep--” “You're looking for truths you don't want to find.” he interrupted her, he just wanted to get this over with and be gone from here. “Monsters are better left as fiction. It's time for you to leave this place, Cami." “You have kept me here for weeks just so someone, anyone, would see who you really are, and now that I have you want me to leave,” Cami responded angrily. “None of this was ever about you and don’t delusion yourself. You don’t know who I am.” Klaus told her. “Then show me.” Cami challenged, grabbing his arm. “Let me see you the way you let Caroline see you.” “No.” It came out harsh and she flinched back, retracting her hand as if he burned her. “I don’t wish for anyone to know me the way Caroline does let alone you.” he locked eyes with her. “You’re going to leave New Orleans.” he compelled. “Forget everything you learned today. Forget me. Forget your reasons for staying because you no longer have a reason to.” “I no longer have a reason to stay,” Cami repeated. Klaus nodded to himself and turned and left, leaving Cami standing there, confused as to what just happened.

Caroline glanced around at the merchants on the street, after her talk with Hayley she just really felt like she needed to take a walk and clear her head. Walking amongst the residence of New Orleans was pleasant. It was so different from Mystic Falls and it was eye-opening. There was so much more of the world out there and one day she wanted to see all of it. She turned down a street and was surprised to see Klaus walking toward her. “Hey,” she smiled when they reached each other. “I thought you went back to the compound for a shower?” Klaus looked her over in her green blouse, blue jean jacket, and a black mini skirt. “I’m assuming the change of clothes meant that you did but why are you not there now?” “I felt the need to go out for a walk, we spent all day handling vampire business, I thought I see what else the city had to offer.” Caroline shrugged. “What do you say about going for a drink then, Love?” Klaus' lips pulled into an enticing grin. “That sounds really good. Do you know of a good place around here?” Caroline asked. “I do,” he fell into step with her placing a hand on her lower back to lead the way. Caroline barely even noticed the way she leaned into his touch but Klaus did and he relished in it. Twenty minutes later Caroline and Klaus ended up in a small jazz bar. It was in a rundown area part of the city but the place itself was nicer than Caroline had been expecting. There were leather brown booths, tables, dim lighting, a piano off to the side and a small stage where a jazz band was playing. Klaus led her to the bar a hand on her lower back. “Two shots of your finest bourbon.” Klaus slapped a hundred onto the bar top. “Keep the change.” The bartender accepted his money and quickly poured the drinks. “Quite the day,” Caroline commented as she took a seat at the bar just as their drinks were set in front of them. “You could say that.” Klaus turned his body to her. “Seeing you embrace who you are as a vampire is an experience I won’t be forgetting.” Caroline gave a barely-there smile. “You want to know something I never told anyone before?” Klaus straightened, she had his full focus. “What?” “I sometimes like the feeling I get from being just a little bad. Killing if I’m being honest comes easy to me but I choose not to because I’m a good person and I don’t want to be a monster.” “You could never be a monster,” Klaus replied instantly. “Thank you for saying it but I don’t actually need to be told that,” Caroline ran the pad of finger around the rim of her shot glass. “My point is I try really hard to be good all the time and it’s not always easy to do the right thing.” Klaus was quiet for a moment. “I think you know by now that I very much like the person you are. You don't have to try to be good. I just want you to be exactly who you are.” “I always believed if you tried to change someone to be something you wanted them to be then you didn’t truly like them for who they are.” “Is that why you never tried to change me?” Klaus had to ask. Even his family had tried to change him, wanting him to be the brother they wanted. “Yes, if someone is going to change. It should be for their self and no one else.” Caroline responded. Klaus nodded and lifted his glass to his lips. “Earlier you spoke up against my choice to have the wolves hunted by the vampires? After today do you still feel the same?” “Yes, I don’t believe every wolf out there should have to die," Caroline answered. "You know Hayley came to me asking me to get you to call off the vampires?” “And is this you trying to convince me?” Klaus questioned, if it was she was being pretty straight-forward about it. “This is me telling you I don’t believe every wolf out in the bayou deserves to die,” Caroline repeated, taking a drink from her shot glass. “You’re right, they don’t. But if the vampires believe I’m for the wolves, that I would create a hybrid army with the blood of my children. They are always going to be in danger.” "You’re protecting them the only way you know you can without endangering them.” Caroline realized. “Except now Elijah and Rebekah have brought it to my attention that it’s not just Hayley’s pack out there but mine.” Emotion flickered in his eyes. “Your pack? As in your family?” Caroline questioned in surprise. “My father’s pack. Apparently, they heard the story of a wolf of their line who became a hybrid and set out to find me?” “But now their being hunted by the vampires like Hayley’s pack,” Caroline concluded. “I went to father Kieran, made a deal for him to shelter them,” Klaus admitted. “It’s all I can do. I can’t have the vampires turning against me.” “Looking at it from all perspectives, I can see where you’re coming from with the wolf hunt and wanting to protect the twins. I can even see where you’re coming from about protecting your wolves and keeping the vampires from turning against you.” Caroline admitted with a conflicted look. “But?” Klaus could sense a but coming. “I don’t like it. Any of it.” Caroline told him point blank. “It’s great that you’re at least trying to protect your wolves after sending a vampire hunting party out to the bayou and I know you did it to protect the twins. I guess, it just all really sucks. Almost everything about today sucked.” Klaus stood downing his drink and then he downed hers. “Hey! That was mine.” Caroline protested. “Come on,” Klaus held his hand out to her. Caroline looked at his hand then placed hers in his and walked them out onto the dance floor. “Oh,” Caroline slid her hand up to his shoulders as he slid an arm around her waist, pulling her impossibly close. “Is dancing supposed to make this day suck less?” “No,” Klaus stared back at her. “I just wanted to dance with you.” “Is that why you chose this place?” Caroline wondered. Klaus smirked. “Yes, in part,” “And the other part?” Caroline asked. “I wanted to take you somewhere I have never taken anyone else to. This has been here longer than most people realize and it has always been one of my favorite places when I want to leave everyone else behind.” “Yet you brought me here?” Caroline murmured, wrapping an arm around his neck. “I would never leave you behind,” Klaus swore. Caroline smiled, tightening her arm around his neck, she tugged him down until his mouth met hers. Klaus slid his mouth over hers slowly at first his hand sliding up her back to tangle in her hair while the other gripped her hip. Caroline moaned from the back of her throat as his tongue slid into the wet caverns of her mouth, his tongue sliding against her own slowly, enticingly. She arched closer, pressing her chest against his, her hands grasping at his neck, giving herself over completely. Her right leg lifted curling around his calf, trying to draw him closer, desire surging through her. Klaus groaned his hand traveling from her hip, lower to the curve of her ass, pushing her tightly against him and his rapidly hardening erection. It didn’t matter to him that they were in a bar filled with people. He groaned in complaint when Caroline suddenly drew back from their kiss. She cupped his face in her hands, her blue eyes filled with want, had turned a dark sapphire blue. “Klaus.” Heat surged through Klaus. The last time he heard her say his name in that tone was the one and only night they slept together. It was filled with want and longing and just the sound of it shot right down to his dick, feeling it twitch in the tight confines of his pants. Caroline knew what she was asking him without saying the words and God, she hoped he got it because she wasn’t sure she was capable of explaining what she wanted from him at this exact moment when her body was thrumming with desire. Klaus’s hand in her hair slid back down her back, and wrapped around her waist completely, his hand curling around her rib. Caroline felt the air shift mere seconds before her back was being pressed against a brick wall, the sounds of the bustling streets nearby, she barely had time to take in the fact that they were suddenly in the back alley behind the jazz bar before he was kissing her again, his mouth devouring hers. Heat washed over, she glided her hands up his back, over his shoulders, and into his hair, fingers scratching at the base of his neck. Klaus' hands were everywhere, running over her arms across her collar bone, gliding down her torso, circling her hips and further down, past the edge of her skirt only stopping once he reached the hem of her black mini skirt, fingers grazing her bare skin, slipping beneath the fabric. Caroline felt every nerve in her body come alive with his touch and arched her back, her hips pressing against his, feeling his hardness pressing against her through the fabric of his jeans. She ran one hand down his back, slipping it in his back pocket, and pressed him tighter against her, grinding against him. Klaus ripped his mouth from her, his lips kissing down the underside of her jaw down to the juncture of her neck, sucking the flesh into his mouth. His hand slid up higher beneath her skirt, curling around her thigh, hiking it higher up his leg. Caroline tilted head back against the brick wall as his tongue trace a path across her collarbone, noting that the spot they were in was secluded enough that no one would see them. It was all about a matter of not being loud. And, yes, she was considering having sex in an alley. That was how much she needed Klaus at that moment. Klaus slid his hand from her thigh further up and cupped her clothed sex, feeling how damp her laced panties were, the smell of her arousal reaching his nose. Her scent, the feel of her, the sounds she was making was all like a sirens call to a man lost adrift at sea. He wanted to bury himself inside her but he didn’t want to push. He wanted it to be her decision. He let out a breath he didn’t even realize he was holding when he felt her hands tugging at his belt buckle. “Are you sure about this?” Caroline’s eyes shot to him. “I’m sure I want you. Here, right now.” She unfastened his belt and with nimble fingers undid his pants, pulling the zipper down and slipping her hand inside, fingers curling around him. Klaus groaned, watching her grip him. “Tell me you're not going to regret this.” “I won’t.” The hand in his hair slid down his neck, placing it over his heart. “I want this. With you. The last time we did this. We argued. It was the heat of the moment. This, right now, while yes, it’s the heat of the moment, it’s not just that. It’s about giving into what I want.” “And what do you want, love?” Klaus murmured, cupping her cheek. “You. Now.” Her fingers tightened around him. Klaus was hoping she would say that. He curled both hands around her thighs and lifted her bracing her against the wall and his body, he reached beneath her skirt and tugged sharply at her panties, the fabric tearing effortlessly, he pulled it from her body. Caroline gasped, not expecting for him to literally rip her underwear. And why was that so hot? A fresh wave of lust hit her and she tightened her hand around him, pushing his jeans and briefs down just enough to free him. Caroline wrapped one arm around his neck and reached between them with the other aligning him up with her entrance. “Caroline.” Klaus groaned as he pushed the just head of his cock forward. Caroline let out a breath releasing her grip on his hard shaft and looped her arm around his neck with her other one, locking her eyes with his she used his shoulders for leverage, and rose up just enough and then sunk down on him, until he bottomed out inside of her, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist, her heels digging into his ass. Klaus' eyes widened, the feel of her wrapped around him, so perfect. Caroline’s lips parted on a silent moan, clenching around him. “Fuck.” Klaus groaned at the sensation of her gripping his cock buried deep inside of her. “That’s the idea.” Caroline breathed, eyes clouded over with lust as she rocked against him, using his shoulders for leverage to ride him. Klaus tightened his hands on her thighs, pulling his hips back before thrusting upwards as she came back down. A cry of pleasure tore from her mouth as Klaus started to honestly drive up into her, his hands digging into the sensitive flesh of her thighs She moaned rather loudly circling her hips, feeling the pleasure coursing through her taking her closer and closer to the edge of bliss that only the gratification of great sex could bring. The sounds of her moans were intoxicating and Klaus reveled in hearing her cry out in pleasure because of him, but with every thrust, every deep plunge inside her welcoming heat, she grew louder and louder. The last thing he wanted was for someone to interrupt them because they followed the sound of it. His mouth covered hers swallowing those beautiful sounds as he felt her tighten, clenching down as she came around him. He savored it, even as he felt a tingle at the base of his spine, his hips losing rhythm, wanting to commit this moment to his memory, every vivid detail. How tight she was, the way she clenched around him, the soft velvet feel of her, her hot breath washing over him, the feel of her lips against his, the warm cavern of her mouth, the feel of her body completely wrapped around him, the rapid rise and fall of her chest. He thrust up sharply, one hand moving to grasp her ass as he buried himself in her as deep as he could, pleasure washing over him as he came hard. He ripped his mouth from hers and buried his face in her neck, groaning deeply from his chest. Caroline slid her hands into his hair, holding him to her as she breathed heavily. They could've been like that for minutes, hours for all they knew. It was like time had just stopped for them and they just stayed wrapped up in each other another until Klaus eventually slid out of her and gently set her back onto her feet, though he didn’t step away from her as he tucked himself back into his jeans. Caroline brushed a hand down her skirt and ran a hand through her hair. “God, that was…” Klaus looked at her, holding his breath. “That was really great, amazing even.” Caroline finished, smiling widely, her eyes shining with satisfaction. A surprise huff of laughter escaped Klaus and he surged forward, pressing a hard kiss to her lips. God, he loved her more than he thought it was possible for a man like him to love. Before Caroline came along he didn't think himself capable of loving someone the way he did her. LINEBREAK “Look, things are good with your brother right now.” Marcel had met Rebekah in The Garden cellar like they had planned however today hadn’t gone like the way he expected it to. “He wants to run things with me - as partners. But if we keep meeting like this behind his back... You said it yourself, whatever it takes to stay alive.” “Oh, this is about survival, is it?” Rebekah challenged angrily sitting down. “If you were this pathetic a liar with my brother, I'm surprised he hasn't killed you already.” “Come on, Rebekah…” Marcel pleaded. “The only reward anyone ever gets for loving Niklaus is suffering and death. You're choosing him over me, aren't you?” she glared, fighting back the hurt rising in her chest. “Again.” “Rebekah, I got people to look out for,” he sat down beside Rebekah. “and Klaus is offering me a chance to do that. With Davina working her magic against the witches, and an Original by my side, that's not something I can just turn my back on. Not even for you.” “When you were reliving history with my brother, did you happen to revisit what came next in 1919? Or have you forgotten our little secret?” Rebekah asked, a threat laced beneath the words. “I know the words that will make him hate you forever. Remember that when you're embracing your new "family".”

Hayley stood on the balcony, taking a moment to herself, feeling like she failed her wolves. She turned at the sound of approaching footsteps, relaxing at the sight of Elijah. “Are they..?” she trailed off. “They're safe. All of them.” He smiled at her. Hayley breathed a sigh of relief and threw her arms around him and Elijah returned it. “Thank you.” she pulled back. “What you did, Elijah, it means a lot.” Elijah noticed Hayley's bare shoulder and her crescent moon birthmark. “You should keep this covered up.” “I will,” Hayley replied, knowing now the target it painted on her back. “If any of the others saw this…” Elijah cautioned. “I promise,” Hayley swore to him, keeping her eyes on his. “I should go,” Elijah said, feeling a pull to her that he knew he should ignore. Hayley's eyes fell to Elijah's lips, she wanted to kiss him. Elijah struggled to step away from her, his attraction to her at the surface, it didn’t help with the way she was looking at him but by some miracle, he didn’t give in. “Right.” Hayley murmured, watching as he walked away from her.

Klaus glanced down, his fingers laced with Caroline as they walked into the courtyard of the abattoir heading toward the flight of stairs however his steps slowed when he noticed Elijah. “Haven't you had your fill of telling me all the ways I've disappointed you, Elijah?” Klaus groused his good mood evaporating. Elijah found his gaze drawn to Caroline and Klaus’s hands, clasped firmly together. When was the last time he ever seen Niklaus do something so simple, so mundane as holding the hand of a pretty girl? “Well, there is something important we neglected to discuss,” he said, raising his eyes back to his brother and then settling them on Caroline. “I owe you an apology Miss Forbes my brother brought it to my attention that I have treated you unfairly and I cannot say that he is wrong. I haven’t been the most welcoming to you.” Caroline was honestly surprised by his sudden apology. She glanced at Klaus quickly, finding him watching his brother with an expression that told him one wrong word and he would regret it. Slowly she turned her gaze back to Elijah. “Since meeting you I’ve only seen you as a girl my brother has chosen to pass the time with. It didn’t occur to me that you meant more to him and I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have belittled your importance as someone he cares about or an individual the way that I did.” Elijah said sincerely.

Elijah hadn’t thought much of her until he saw them walking hand in hand and the look on his brother's face was completely unguarded. It was as if Niklaus felt he didn’t need to put up walls and protect himself for once and that..that was a revelation to see, to acknowledge. “Thank you for apologizing,” Caroline said, she still didn’t really like him but maybe in time she would warm up to him. “I also want to apologize for when we were first formally introduced when I invaded your mind. I know how much it bothered you. I’ll be honest I overheard your talk with Niklaus about what Damon put you through and can’t imagine having someone invade your privacy against your will help matters.” Caroline tense at the mention of Damon and she pulled her hand from Klaus’s wrapping her arms around herself like a shield and Klaus stepped closer to her, instinctively, wanting, needing to surround her with the protection, the assurance his presence could provide. “I’m truly sorry for that,” Elijah said remorsefully. Caroline nodded. “I appreciate that but I don’t ever want to talk about it.” Not with him. Not with anyone. It had been hard enough for her when she had opened up to Klaus about it. She just wanted to put it behind her. Caroline turned, unfolding her arms, she placed her hand on his shoulder. “I’m going to give you guys a moment.” She stepped forward, placing a kiss to the corner of his mouth, her hand sliding down his cloth chest as she took a step toward the stairs. Klaus watched her walk up the flight of stairs before turning back to Elijah, his expression guarded. “Niklaus, I owe you an apology as well.” Elijah took a step toward her brother. “I accused you of having ulterior motives regarding the twins. I was wrong. I'm sorry.” “I imagine that must have been hard for you to say,” Klaus responded. “You don't make it easy to love you, brother,” Elijah informed him with a frown. “And yet, you're obstinate in your desire to do so,” said Klaus, sometimes he didn’t understand his brother. Elijah claimed what a chore it was to love him yet he continuously fought for him to be a better man. “When you're ready, should you be so inclined, both you and Rebekah are welcome to join me and Caroline, here. It is, after all, our family home.” Klaus turned, walking up the stairs. “Though, I’m afraid Rebekah has some fences to mend if she does return.” Elijah said nothing watching as Klaus disappeared up the stairs. The offer to return to their family home tempting.

Cami had her bags packed and was all set and ready to leave New Orleans and moved on with her life when a knock sounded on her front door. Cami moved toward it, swinging it open to reveal and upset looking Davina. “Cami, I need your help.” Davina rushed out. “Marcel has been lying to me, and I can't trust him anymore.” Cami looked at her surprised. “I'm sorry. Do I know you?” “Oh, you've been compelled.” Davina realized and let herself into Cami’s apartment, closing the door behind Cami. “Ok, what are you doing?” Cami asked utterly confused. It wasn’t every day a complete stranger came barging into her apartment. “It's ok. I can fix you.” Davina focused on Cami intently. “I'm really sorry, but this is gonna hurt.” Davina held out her hand toward Cami, focusing her magic. She was able to removed from Josh. She was determined to do the same for Cami. Cami collapsed to the floor crying out in pain, grabbing at her skull with her hands, fingers digging into her scalp from the agony.

Klaus made the familiar path to his room, he paused however when he saw Caroline leaning against her bedroom doorway which was next to his own room. “I’m starting to think every talk between you and your siblings are intense.” Klaus gave a small chuckle, stopping in front of her. “Oh, that was nothing. No one got their necks snapped. No one got daggered.” “Your family is so dysfunctional,” Caroline responded, reaching for his hand and playing with his fingers. “Speaking of my family, are you okay with them taking me up on my offer to stay here?” Klaus wondered. “Would it matter if I was opposed to it?” Caroline questioned. “I mean, it's their home, it’s your home.” Klaus lifted his hand to her cheek, fingers sliding into her hair. “It’s your home too, now, Caroline.” Caroline's lips pulled into a smile. “I’m fine with it though I can’t say I’ll be very welcoming to either Rebekah or Elijah and speaking of your brother, did you tell him to apologize to me?” “I might have had a word with him," Klaus confessed. "No one is going to disrespect you. Not even my family.” “I can stand up for myself but I do appreciate it.” she lifted her arms, wrapping them around his neck. “Perhaps I could show you my appreciation,” she said suggestively, her lips skimming across his stubble jaw. “If you're interested.” Klaus wrapped one arm around her back and the other curled around her thigh, lifting her up as he stepped into her bedroom. “Interested?” Klaus repeated. “That shouldn’t even be a question.” he matched her wide smile with his own. Caroline’s bedroom door shut, closing on her laugh and the sound of Klaus murmuring her name like a prayer.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed the chapter!!

Now, I’m gonna focused getting over this stupid flu.

Tags: @zinebaklaro @eloiselili @caritobear @paulinhaals @gracehowelove @wonderfullycarriedaway @queencocoakimmie @bellarkehotchniss @thehoundandthehare @denielapple @blueberrygold @eils-blog

If you liked to be tagged for future chapters just let me know.

Thanks for reading! reblogs and comments are appreciated.

#klaus and caroline #Klaroline #klaroline fic #klaus mikaelson #caroline forbes #the originals #the vampire diaries #tvd #fic: good to you

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thememoriesofaqueen · 2 years ago

Text

In Another Life - Part 11

Masterlist (x)

A/N: [Chapter uploaded in April 2023] Hello :) I know that a lot of time has passed since the last update, but somehow I struggled with this chapter. I changed the last part over and over again, followed new ideas and made adjustments. Now I can present you with the end result. As always I want to thank you for your continuous support and feedback. It means a lot to me ♥ hope you enjoy it and please make sure to leave feedback ♥ English is not my first language → I do not own anything of the TVD - Universe and I’m not affiliated or associated with the writers etc. This is only a headcanon/fanfiction.

Pairing: Kalijah ( Katherine / Elijah )

TW: drunkness, blood

Word Count: 7k

Please read also: AO3 and FFnet

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"Elijah! Thank god you finally managed to answer your phone!"

"Good Morning to you too, sister," Elijah answered calmly while keeping a close eye on the campus. This one administration building with the large windows upstairs gave a good overview over the grounds that came into question when it comes to Katerina. What happened last night seemed so unreal hours later that he feared it truly had been some kind of fever dream. He had to see her again but without appearing like some kind of stalker. Here, several meters above the ground, he could observe people unrecognized.

"May I ask what's on your mind, sister?" Because he is aware that she doesn't call without a reason.

"Perhaps, brother, even if it apparently seems to surprise you, I missed you?" she retorted, almost sounding offended which caused a little smile to play along Elijah's lips.

"I miss you too, Rebekah. So I assume everything is alright?" Just because he's currently away, doesn't mean he ceases to care about his family home in New Orleans. He regretted missing the first months of his niece's life but he had more pressing matters to attend to.

"Yes – Perhaps. It's difficult"

That reply caused a frown on Elijah's features while still keeping his gaze on the many students who made their way to their lecture halls.

"Please do elaborate."

"Well, we think there's something up with the witches. They've been remarkably quiet lately and are rarely seen. We suspect they plot something. When will you return back home?"

Elijah sighed, his grip tightening slightly around the phone. A new threat against his family is what he had feared, also because he cannot divide himself. He cannot search for Katerina and protect his family.

"What does Niklaus think?" he asked instead, not capable of giving an answer to her question of when he's coming back home.

"Our brother is not very happy with you right now. On the one hand, he wants you to come back, on the other hand, he doesn't want to see you. But he too feels like the witches are plotting something. It would be safer for Hope if you were with us. We are stronger together."

Elijah inhaled, his eyes closing for a second before they snapped open again.

"I love my family, Rebekah. If there is any concrete evidence of a threat, I will return as soon as possible, no matter the current differences with Niklaus. I assure you that I won't let any harm come to my niece if I can avoid it. However,–" he paused, his eyes focusing on a female with a familiar wavy ponytail, "– I can't and won't come because of a mere hypothesis. I cannot leave where I'm currently at."

His eyes followed the female, certain that it was either Maisie or Katerina. Even if he was watching her from a distance, he noticed the differences in her looks. Last night ... last night she looked like how he remembered her. This morning, however, she looked like the person he had seen on the terrace. The clothes she wore were too light for Katerina's current dress style. The ponytail also was something he had never seen on Katerina. And again he questioned if this really was only one person or two. Can she really pretend like that? He didn't doubt her skills but he supposed that it should be much harder now that she was human. His train of thought was interrupted by Rebekah's voice in his ear.

"Please tell me you're on a simple holiday and aren't still busy catching that bothersome doppelgänger."

"I'm busy with ... business," he retorted, his tone a bit too distanced to not notice the difference from his previous tone.

"Brother!", Rebekah hissed quietly on the phone, apparently choosing her words carefully. "If Katherine Pierce is still alive - which I don't believe if I'm honest - the worst you can do is play her shadow. Just think about it, Katherine Pierce is usually not shy to demand things if she wants them. She hasn't asked for your protection and heaven forbids that she will ask for your help. That woman is cunning and will use you. Haven't we had this topic before?"

Elijah was silent because of course his sister was right on some points. He could imagine Katerina trying to take advantage of him in her current situation. However, he would not refuse to help her if she needed it, regardless of their current relationship with each other. In addition, she had the chance to ask for his help although she was admittedly not in a clear state of mind. If she wanted to use him, she would have already tried. But that hadn't happened. Instead, she wanted (or rather expected) him to vanish.

"Elijah, please, I beg you to reconsider your current 'business'." He heard her exhaling on the other end of the line. "Look, I really loath that woman and the fact that she apparently got the cure, but even I know that it's awfully stupid to be anywhere close to her if you want her to stay alive."

"Not long ago, you yearned to be a human, sister. If you had taken the cure, wouldn't you have wanted your family to be around?"

"Of course, I would have wanted that. But there's a difference between her and me. I would have been prepared, I would have wanted to be human. I would have been prepared to say goodbye to you and Nik in order to live a peaceful human life. I would have known about the costs. In addition, you guys would have never left me without protection although I hope you wouldn't keep watching me like a hawk. Gosh, Nik probably wouldn't have let me out of his sight after he calmed down because of my choice. But with her it's different. There are many people who want her dead and you impossibly can keep an eye on her the entire time. If Nik finds out that Katherine Pierce is alive and human, and the reason you ignore us, she's more than dead. Elijah! If that woman is indeed alive, stay away from her!"

His sister's words weren't what he wanted to hear and the tension in his muscles grew. The last he wanted to be is a threat, although he is aware of the risks. Part of why he's so eager on keeping Klaus away.

"I'll keep it in mind, sister. If the situation in New Orleans gets worse, let me know. Until then, take good care of you and our family." With these words, Elijah ended the phone call just as the doppelgänger entered a building and therefore was out of sight.

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Even if he didn't want to admit it, the phone call with Rebekah kept him occupied all day. Of course, he had considered that he would not make the whole story better if he just showed up and drew attention to her changed way of life. One of the reasons why he didn't just show up and talk to Maisie/Katerina.

His approach should be well considered and although he wanted to talk to the doppelganger, he now had doubts about whether it was a good decision in general. What if he really messed up her life too much? Apart from the fact that he didn't know if Katerina wanted to see him at all - her reaction last night was very ambiguous - he could not estimate whether it would be for her good.

For these reasons, he decided to show restraint until he was clear about how to proceed. In addition, contrary to his previous plans, he stayed in the administration building until the reading was finished and the students poured out of the building where Maisie/Katerina had gone into. That way he would at least keep a safe distance.

He had not been idle during that time, of course. He had asked George to arrange for Maisie to get the desired health insurance. He owed that to Eleanor Williams. Without her, he wouldn't be here – no matter the outcome.

In the crowd, which unfortunately went out of the building almost simultaneously, it was difficult to find an individual. Especially if you only had a view from above in a few decameters distance. Nevertheless, he stayed patiently at the window and let his attentive gaze wander over the various heads - for as long as he actually found her.

The initial smile disappeared from his lips when he spotted the young man at her side from the day before. Although he did not want to, he felt a hint of jealousy. He knew it was nonsensical, that he had no basis for it, but he was very unhappy with the idea that his Katerina had found interest in an ordinary person.

Of course, he knew he should be happy for her. A relationship with a person showed that she was not at odds with her fate. And didn't he want every vampire to have access to their humanity? That they didn't forget or betray human principles? Shouldn't he be glad that Katerina (or Maisie) seemed to live out what he wanted for others?

Strangely, this was difficult for him when it came to people who were close to him. He remembered the phone call with his sister and the phase (which probably still existed) in which she desperately wanted the cure. Although he would have welcomed any other vampire to have the opportunity to abandon vampirism, he could not deny that he found it difficult to feel the same when it came to his own sister.

It was selfish, he was well aware of that, but he didn't want to lose Rebekah to natural death at some point. He didn't want to imagine what it would be like if her natural lifespan was coming to an end. In the end, however, he would have accepted it, just because it was what would have made his sister happy - as long as she was really sure it was what she wanted. He still doubted that being human could solve all of her problems and desires.

He could challenge his sister's decision, but he had to accept Katerina's decision.

His eyes followed the couple, the man unknown to him had his arm around her waist. The two meandered skillfully through the crowd until they were welcomed by two other women. They seemed to converse briefly before the four of them set themselves in motion and finally disappeared behind a building - and thus out of his field of vision.

▬xxx▬

Hours had passed since he last saw the doppelganger. The more time he had, the more time he had to think about everything, and the longer he thought, the more he doubted his own mind.

Logically and rationally, there can only be one doppelganger, and Maisie's existence has been proven in many ways. She had a family, especially a grandmother who had even set up a room for her at home. She had documents proving that Maisie Williams was officially enrolled at this university. She seemed to fit into the social structure without any problems. Nothing, really nothing, indicated that Maisie Williams was not real.

"But what was that than last night?" asked his heart, which should actually have no opinion.

Could it really be that he had become so lost?

The sun had long since disappeared behind the horizon and Elijah knew he should go back to his hotel. He also knew it would be more efficient if he got his things and found a hotel in Columbia. Closer to the university, closer to her, or rather closer to the reflection of her.

He had already come into the dubious pleasure of meeting several doppelgangers, all were similar to each other, of course. But while they are similar, they are also different from each other. It started with the color of their eyes, which all seemed to have a different shade of brown. It continued with their hair, which all had an almost identical shade, but had a different hair structure. It ended with the sometimes very different personalities and self-perception, none of which were identical to the other. No one is an exact copy. They are different. Their own person. Linked to each other but still individual beings.

Maisie Williams was completely different from Katerina (or even Elena). Maybe it was only the hairstyle that Maisie seemed to prefer, maybe it was the light, almost pastel-colored clothes, which are so different from the usual dark and strong colors of Katerina's clothes.

So why, despite all of his experience, was he so sure that Maisie is a role Katerina had taken?

Could it be that he did not want to acknowledge the truth?

Was he so determined in his attempts to find someone who perhaps did not want to be found that he wasn't able to admit defeat?

Shouldn't someone like him already have come to a successful completion? After all, he had been looking for months for a person who was human for the first time in half a millennium and could no longer resort to her supernatural powers. Even if Katerina was an impressive and very clever personality, she should not be able to hide in the long run. Especially not after he learned about her condition at the hospital.

Or should he, perhaps, see it quite differently?

Shouldn't he be content with the knowledge that Katerina apparently - fortunately - was still alive? After all, the hospital and later Caroline Forbes had confirmed to him that it was Katerina with whom they had contact.

Should he perhaps consider his sister's words that Katerina would find a way to contact him if she really needed his help? Although he no longer trusted that she would. To be honest, he had already disappointed her too often, albeit partly unknowingly.

As he crossed the paths of the campus, he tried to order his mind.

What should he do? What was the right decision?

His once clear goal seemed incredibly blurry and vague.

Even if Maisie - despite all the odds - was actually Katerina, should he actually try to interact with her? Should Maisie really be a very clever and incredibly amazing fake, should he interfere? Maisie seemed content and happy, after all.

Moreover, even if he did not want to accept it, he had to be careful that his motivation was not driven by guilt or regret. He also had to be careful that his complex feelings for this woman did not prevail in his decisions. Only Katerina's well-being should come first.

Subconsciously, his feet had carried him to the fountain where he had met Katerina the evening before. At least he thought he had. Like the night before, this place was moderate to barely visited and Elijah decided to remain at this place for a while.

His eyes rested on the water surface of the fountain as he increasingly doubted his mind. He couldn't have been imagining what had happened last night, could he? And yet he remembered the episodes in the hotel and hospital where he had imagined himself smelling her blood. Having it stuck to his hands. The realization that his mind was actually able to play such bad tricks on him frightened him.

Elijah took a deep breath and shook his head over himself.

He in particular should know how dangerous it was when feelings came into play. That those kinds of strong feelings are able to make his head spin and are able to stop his rational thinking.

And yet he simply could not act otherwise.

He decided - although he feared it was a bad idea - to sit on one of the benches by the fountain.

Maybe he hoped that she would show up again, that he had a chance to offer his help. If she didn't want it, he would accept it, but she would at least know that the option existed.

Besides, and he only now remembered it again, he had to give her something back that belonged to her. Something she may have already missed: Her daylight necklace.

At the moment, he didn't have it with him, but in case of need, he could also send her a messenger or find another solution to give her the necklace back without actually having to show himself if he comes to the conclusion that it would be better not to meet her. Although for that to happen, he'd first need to locate Katerina (and not Maisie).

Why did the whole situation have to be so ambiguous?

Elijah leaned back on the bench and ignored the cold of the wood underneath him. If only the whole situation were clearer...

Even though he didn't know why, actually considered it pointless, Elijah took his mobile phone out of the inside pocket of his jacket. His instinct before his conscious thinking knew what - or rather who - he was looking for in his phone. He slightly frowned when he saw the contact 'Kaitlyn Sawyer'.

He knew it was pointless to call her, but he just wanted to hear her voice again. Making sure she was actually still out there somewhere, even though he knew she didn't seem to be using that number anymore. Otherwise, she would have reacted to his message in her mailbox, right?

He stared at his display for some time before actually calling 'Kaitlyn Sawyer'.

It took some time until it connected and started ringing before he was led to the mailbox, just as he expected – perhaps even hoped for. If the telephone company were to shut down her number, he would be deprived of the only way to hear her voice.

"Hello. I'm currently not available and my time's precious, so whoever this is, make it short."

It beeped - the sign that he could now take his message - and yet he was surprised for a moment. What did he want to tell her? What should he tell her?

"Katerina...it's me, Elijah. You probably lost access to this number or perhaps you simply don't wish to talk to me. I- I hope that you are okay. I miss you, Katerina. I want to do right by you. If- If there is any way for you to ... to send me a sign that I'm on the right way, I'd be thankful to detect it."

He is no one who usually believed in signs, but in this case, he hoped there would be a sign.

▬ xxx ▬

Elijah doesn't know how much time has passed. He knew, however, that it was time to leave - firstly because it was already very late and secondly, because it became noticeably colder. The seasons passed into the first harbingers of spring, yet the breath still left small white clouds. Nevertheless, he enjoyed the cool air that made him realize that all this was real, that he was not trapped in a dream. That he didn't chase any illusion - at least depending on how you took it.

One of the tower bells of the campus - probably one of the main buildings - just struck midnight. It was a dull yet dignified tone that quietly echoed through the almost perfect silence. Of course, his sensitive hearing could note that the chime was not the only sound. There were still some people roaming through the paths of the campus; laughing and chattering but they were not in this corner of the park and therefore ignorable.

Elijah closed his eyes and focused on the sound of the bell. Not on the often annoying people, but on a sound that had consistency.

Bells – no matter if found in a church or town hall or even on the deck of a ship - are timeless classics. They exist in one form or another in almost every century, giving them something ancient. Their purpose was manifold.

They called people to pray or warned of danger, proclaimed peace, or celebrated solemn events. Sometimes it was as simple as showing that another hour had passed.

The last reverberation of the bell was fading away, a steadily quieter hum. And before you knew it, the sound was gone, as if it had never existed, how small some fascinations could be-

"Elijah?"

This so familiar voice seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, and Elijah opened his eyes abruptly.

As if the sound of midnight had conjured up a spell, he now found a well-known woman a few meters away from him. He admittedly had to blink once to make sure that he had actually snapped back to reality after his previous brooding over bells.

Even if she looked different than he actually knew her - she was wearing a half-opened parka whose hood she had pulled over her head - it was definitely her. A few curls spilled out from the hood which seemed to be partly still moist and she carried a few bags of several kinds of foods in her arms. Chips and cookies as far as he could identify. An unusual choice, as he could not remember that Katerina had ever shown interest in such things.

As if it were an automatism, Elijah stood up from the bench and smoothed his coat, his eyes fixed on her all the time.

"Do you need help carrying?", he offered; a reflex of his helpfulness and possibly the best he could say without making a mistake. Especially when you look at the complicated situation. And yet...

She had known him by name, it had to be Katerina.

As if to reinforce his train of thought, his most ardent presumption, she gazed at him with a puzzled but yet questioning look.

"No ... yes ... perhaps. Are you really here?" She questioned and knitted her eyebrows together as if she didn't trust her own eyes. "If this is some kind of first sign for starting ... delusions, I definitely am going to quit. I didn't even drink today" She shook her head as if she wanted to underline her words.

Despite Katerina's obvious suspicions of this current situation, Elijah was almost overjoyed by this turn of events. She could remember him and she seemed to remember their interaction the previous night. Surely that only means one thing: This truly is Katerina!

Although he knew better, he could not resist the unconscious attraction she had to him. He walked towards her and carefully reached out a hand, an offer that he actually wanted to help her carry the various foods she currently had stacked in her arms.

"I assure you I'm not a product of your imagination, Katerina. It seems like I wasn't capable of 'poofing' in the morning as you had wondered about last night." He offered her a careful smile because, on the one hand, he wanted to calm her, on the other hand, he wanted to help her understand that she had not imagined him. "And I can help you with your purchases if you want to. Before the top half slides to the ground."

The brunette raised an eyebrow before she allowed him to help her. As always, he was careful not to cross any boundaries hence why he asked if she even wanted his help.

"How- how are you here?", she questioned and made it obvious that she truly seemed to be surprised by his presence.

"The short yet truthful version? I was looking for you." And now that he could finally talk to her and had the certainty that she really could only be Katerina, he felt incredible happiness. A feeling that warmed him from the inside and put him in a state of excitement.

"Why?" It was the suspicion in her voice that dimmed his excitement. As if she couldn't believe that he would indeed do such a thing. As if she deemed it entirely impossible. It only showed how much he had hurt her. What his not entirely thought-through decision had caused.

"Because the biggest mistake was to leave you with the apparent belief that you mean nothing to me. Something that has never been true and something that I deeply regret. It had never been my intention to look like I didn't care about you. In addition, you tried to reach me, but I was not able to answer." All the while Elijah spoke, the impression in his eyes grow softer. He had never thought he would make such a declaration shortly after midnight with a bag of chips in his hands. But he needed her to know that she means a lot to him; that he could never treat her like she didn't matter to him anymore.

Katerina tilted her head before turning her gaze away. "These times are long gone. What happened then is over. You didn't have to come here."

Of course, Elijah didn't expect everything to be all right if he just formally apologized to her for his mistakes. Nevertheless, her obvious rejection hurt him and made him feel like she stabbed him with her words alone. Perhaps he had hoped and had counted too much on the fact that she would be capable of recalling their conversation the previous night. About how he didn't want to hurt her, about how much he still likes her. About his admission that he had been a coward for leaving the way he did. But apparently, the saying about drunk people speaking the truth is indeed true. Last night, she had acted devasted about his past choice to leave and she had voiced her doubts about his return openly. If that's what she felt yesterday, then it's what she still feels now.

"I know that I can't make up to it with my appearance alone, and I know I'm, unfortunately, quite too late. But I do mean what I say. If you need me, I'll be there. Even if it's just for something as little as helping you carry your food."

Katerina raised her vision and looked at him again, apparently considering his words. He could tell that she was still suspicious and mistrustful. While she did so, he remained silent and still, wanting her to give her the space of making a decision. Although he wasn't fond of the possibility, Elijah had told himself that he would leave if that was what she desired.

A little sigh escaped her lips, for a moment leaving a tiny white cloud in the air. "If I ask you to try these chips you hold in your hand just to check if they're still edible, would you do it?"

This question seriously caught Elijah by surprise because out of all possible requests or things she could voice, she asked him to try the chips? Apparently, Katerina could see the confusion on his face because she raised an eyebrow and added: "They're out of a vending machine. I don't know how long they've been in there and I don't want to get a stomach ache, nausea, or worse."

"I admit I have never tried chips before ... am I supposed to detect a difference?" He looked at the inconspicuous bags in his hand and is almost certain that they have an expiration date one could check. Actually, it was almost incomprehensible why he had never tried something as simple as chips in his life. It had not occurred to him to even consider it.

"They will be soft or taste rancid. I'd also be careful if they have an unnatural color," she pointed out, appearing to have made her experience with expired food which gave him a feeling of unease for what she presumably had to endure in the past couple of months.

"If that is what you want me to do, I will try them for you."

This answer seemed to make her genuinely happy which left him wondering why she was so keen to have these chips. When did she develop a liking for such food? Though he wouldn't even call it food. It was a gap filler, something in between proper meals.

"Great. So... are you going to try them? It's getting cold out here and I'm really hungry."

As if her body wanted to confirm her words, he could hear her stomach growling and see her shifting from one foot to the other.

"Are you sure that's the right option if you want to go to sleep without getting a stomach ache?" Elijah asked but did as she told and placed the bags on top of the wall of the fountain before he took one of them and tore it effortlessly open. "As far as I can recall, vegetables which are rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and complex carbohydrates are good to eat before one goes to sleep. Or alternatively, unsalted nuts, yogurt, curd, cottage cheese, crispbread, warm broth, or even dark chocolate can help overcome hunger." Things that would ease the hungry feeling and help her fall asleep. He isn't sure if chips can achieve that or if it will result in something like acid reflux.

Nonetheless, Elijah reached into the bag and took out one of the slightly greasy chips. He cannot say that he liked the texture it leaves on his skin. It made him want to wash or at least clean his hands. He did, however, led to his lips and tried it. It was ... crispy and noticeably salty. Probably exactly what good chips should taste like.

While he tried the chip, Elijah could note that Katerina was watching him closely. Either to catch every of his reaction or to see if he indeed had eaten that thing.

Knowing that she was expecting his final findings, he finally told her that the chips were still edible. Katerina took this as an opportunity to put the bags she was carrying next to the ones she had already handed over to him on the fountain wall and to take the opened chip pack from his hand. She reached into the package and fished out a few chips before eating them with relish.

After she had swallowed, she immediately took the next swing out of the bag, but before she ate it, he was again part of her attention.

"Should I be surprised why you know what's good for a midnight snack?" She raised an eyebrow before continuing to eat while still waiting for an answer.

"I was inevitably occupied with this topic the last few months." After all, at least one had to pay attention that the pregnant person was well cared for in her household. This included providing the necessary food. In addition, he had of course dealt with it again intensively after he had learned that Katerina had become human. He wanted to be helpful, after all.

"Well, there's something like comfort food, a guilty pleasure, it doesn't have to be healthy, it has to serve its purpose – and of course, don't ruin me with food poisoning. In addition, I just happen to have no access to the things you have recommended. It's the middle of the night, and now only bars are open." She looked at him as if she had just stated the most obvious things.

Maybe he's indeed a little out of touch. Elijah had to admit that he hasn't occupied himself with restaurants that are potentially open during this time of the day - or rather night. Especially in reach within a campus.

And yet, although he could not estimate how she would react, an idea matured in his mind. One way he could spend more time with her, while at the same time could prove that he was serious about his words.

"If you want, I could try to find an open restaurant where you get a real meal. I'm here by car, so it wouldn't be a problem to drive you anywhere, just tell me what you want."

"And leave my laboriously collected booty here?" Her tone did not sound enthusiastic.

"No, of course not, I can help you get them safely to a place of your choice." He suspected that even if they seemed to consist only of chips and cookies, she would want to bring her achievements into her premises. He already knew that she lived very close to this park.

"You seem to be really serious about this," she finally realized in surprise and rolled up the opening of the chip bag so that no air could go into the package, therefore, making sure they'll stay crispy.

"Why shouldn't I be serious, I'd do anything for you, Katerina." And he hoped she would believe him at some point.

The brunette pursed her lips and seemed to consider his offer while appearing as if she'd weigh the pros and cons.

"If I, theoretically, agree do you promise that this will not be a kidnapping and you will bring me back here?" Although her words were most likely not serious, he felt fundamentally hurt by her allegation. "And I assume that's an invitation, right? So I'm assuming you'll cover all the costs? Not that you expect a share in the fuel costs at the end."

"I assure you that this is no kidnapping attempt of any sort and I'll bring you back whenever you wish to be brought back. I also do not expect you to share any costs. This will be, of course, an invitation at my expense." He is a gentleman after all, and certainly wouldn't expect her to pay after he had invited her even if she weren't in the position of most likely not really having money at hand.

"I consider it." This reply of her caused Elijah to frown slightly because her previous interested tone suddenly switched to an indifferent one and he wasn't entirely sure what caused that change. Had he said something wrong? Did he accidentally insult her by inviting her to dinner? "Are you going to help to carry now?"

A quick nod followed her request before he got the many bags of snacks she had purchased. He considered this a good option and was glad that she accepted his previous request because the light in this place was sparse and he didn't want her to trip because she didn't see where she was stepping because of the bags of chips. "Tell me where I should bring them?"

Katerina eyed him for a moment before she said "In my room, of course. They're only useful there. Come."

As if it were a matter of course, Katherine walked past him and hinted at following her. In one hand she held the already opened bag of chips, with the other she began to rummage around in the pocket of her parka after some time. He watched her silently, but still interested, as he followed her. She seemed to have no concern that she had him in her back and therefore could not see him. He grasped this in such a way that he hopefully did not pose a threat to her. Something which should be a positive sign, right?

At some point, she had found what she seemed to be searching for in her pocket, and he could hear the clanging of a keychain. After a short time, they had reached the four-story, neo-classical building in which she probably lived – at least it was the same place she had vanished into last night. He didn't really know if he should follow her in or is even able to, but he decided to take the chance. She chose the left of the two symmetrical staircases that led up to the entrance of the building, and he followed her quietly until they reached the entrance gate.

Before he could even think about what would come, whether he could even be prevented from stepping in by a potential protective spell, Katerina had already turned around and extended her arms after she had unlocked the gate.

"You can give me the bags now." And after the handover happened, she let him know: "Wait here, I'll be right back."

And then she was gone - without even waiting for an answer on his part. He stepped away from the entrance gate to the parapet to let his eyes wander over the grounds, of course, he would wait.

At the same time, however, in her absence, he remembered the conversation with his sister. Doubts overcame him about whether it would be a good idea to be seen with Katerina in public and to go to a restaurant with her. He didn't want to draw attention to her, but she seemed to be really hungry. He could not leave her to such an unhealthy and for her atypical snack like chips. She needed a proper meal even if it were only a good soup to still her hunger and let her sleep peacefully afterward.

His thoughts were interrupted by two guys coming out of the building and lighting a cigarette outside. However, nothing of Katerina could be seen yet. He changed his current position so that the terrible smoke of the cigarettes did not capture him, but remained in direct view.

Now was definitely not the time to worry, especially after she had already announced that she'll be right back. He would just have to be very careful.

While he was waiting, he was already looking for restaurants on his phone that were not too far away and were still open. He also instructed George to control the area, just to be sure.

After another 20 minutes had passed, he slowly began to wonder if she would bail on him. Meanwhile, it was just before one o'clock and the two guys with their cigarettes were already back in the warm. Nevertheless, he would of course continue to wait and not move from his spot, although he considered whether it would make sense to get the car so that she would only have to get in. This would mean, however, that he had to leave this place which he definitely cannot do. Not if she could be back at any moment.

He waited and waited; not moving away from the spot where she had left him. Every now and then, even if it happened very rarely, other residents came by and either left or entered the building. When the first option was the case, he always automatically straightened and couldn't help that hopeful look on his features.

But when the clock hit 2 am, he had to face the truth that Katerina had decided against having a meal in a restaurant. A fact that was very disillusioning for him. He had been a fool for believing she would want to have a very late dinner with him. He should have known that that that was too much to ask.

Elijah wiped his hand over his face before he pinched the bridge of his nose.

Stupid. So incredibly stupid. He had been too intrusive and really believed he would have chances for a proper talk. To show that he cares. That he was terribly sorry for how things had turned out. Stupid.

In addition, her rejection hurt to a certain point. Not that he was in a position to complain but he really had believed - hoped - that he was on the right path. How else is he supposed to take the right steps?

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In the following days - weeks - Elijah had withdrawn. He still drove to campus every day but kept his distance from any possibility of crossing Katerina's path. Rather, he had decided to be a silent observer while sorting his thoughts.

He investigated the last evening they had met, over and over again, just to get the same result every time: In the end, Katerina didn't want any further contact.

'These times are long gone. What happened then is over. You didn't have to come here,' were her words.

Of course, there was a small, overly optimistic voice in him that told him that there could be other reasons for her not showing up. Even a very simple one: Maybe she just fell asleep.

And even if this was within the realm of possibility, he felt like a stupid idiot to hope for it.

Didn't he say he would accept any of her decisions? Even if it meant she didn't want any more contact with him?

Why couldn't he do that now?

It was surprisingly difficult to decide what to do now.

Be happy that she seemed to be well? Accept the rejection? Should he be content with having tried? Or should he not give up yet? Show her that his apology was indeed serious (although he had no idea what else to do without questioning her decision)? What if he gave up too soon? If this were another mistake on his part? But what if she felt pressured by his presence? If she really didn't want him around anymore?

No matter how many times he asked himself these questions, he didn't know the answer.

Sometimes he couldn't help but quietly observe her whenever he saw her on campus. He saw her with - what he assumed - her friends, with the young man who for Elijah's taste kept too little distance from her. Sometimes he also saw her with a blond woman who did not seem to belong to the other group, but with whom she seemed to get along well.

Once, unexpectedly (and unintentionally), their paths had almost crossed and he is sure that she must have noticed him. But there was no realization from her reaction, but it was as if he were air for her, one of many.

Of course, he took this as an opportunity to have doubts again about the whole Katerina / Maisie situation. However, he was sure that Maisie was actually Katerina - even if he still did not know how she had done it. What good is it to question everything again?

He knew only one thing with absolute certainty: he loved this woman and he wanted her to be happy, no matter what that meant for him.

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A/N: And that’s it, I hope you enjoyed it. I personally found the idea of a 'test of courage' for Elijah, which is something common for every normal person, very amusing.

What do you think, will Elijah try again to contact Katherine directly? Or will he keep his distance and withdraw?

Please consider leaving feedback (even if it's just a <3) as it keeps my muse for writing alive. Thank you ♥

#In Another Life #In Another Life 11 #IAL 11 #kalijah

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